News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. New look at Chinese wines Updated: 2016-08-12 07:56 By Pauline D Loh(China Daily Europe) Editor's note: To understand China, sit down to eat. Food is the indestructible bond that holds the whole social fabric together and it is also one of the last strong visages of community and culture. Variety of country's alcoholic beverages goes beyond baijiu, encompassing an extensive range of regional drinks Wine and distilled spirits are produced in almost every region in China, ranging from the sophisticated distillation of the world-famous Maotai to the moonshine grain liquor of remote rural hamlets. Cocktails China rose and Wintersweet plum highlight Chinese spirits. As with almost every culinary tradition in China, those who imbibe can be roughly divided into two major categories - north and south of the Yangtze River. The colder north mostly prefers its liquor fiery and potent, with the alcohol content going as high as 60 to 70 proof, mainly to warm the blood quickly in frigid climes. Its lightly colored cereal spirits are double distilled and frequently perfumed by the grains they are made of, like sorghum, millet, buckwheat, corn and potatoes. The generic term is baijiu, or white spirits. In the warmer south, the beverage of choice is more wine-like, drawn from fermented lees, or sediment, mostly of rice. These are known as huangjiu, or yellow wines, and are sweeter and milder, with a much lower alcohol content. They are meant to be slowly sipped to savor the nuances. In between, there are regional fermented and distilled spirits of every kind, and in the days before the central government banned the giving of luxurious festive tributes, a themed regional gift hamper would inevitably include an ornately packaged bottle of local liquor in gaudy colors. Official banquets hosted by branches of government, too, now actively discourage hard liquor during the meal. As a result, the prices of baijiu have fallen from their previous astronomical heights. Perhaps as a southerner and malt drinker, I find it hard to appreciate baijiu, but my ethnic Manchurian-Han husband tells me it is all an acquired addictive taste. He regularly quaffs little chalices of Niulanshan erguotou, a 65 proof white spirit produced in Beijing. It is so strong it can be lit with a match. Baijiu may make your dining neighbors sneeze at a whiff, but the aficionado seems totally undeterred. Often, it is accompanied by little platters of xiajiucai, drink chasers from a buffet of toasted peanuts, boiled soybeans, pieces of five-spice-flavored hard bean curd, chilled slices of braised beef shin, stewed chicken feet, smoked duck necks, and so on. The yellow wine, huangjiu, is much more mellow, and usually drunk at room temperature in the hotter seasons and warmed in a hot water bath in winter. It is also frequently paired with food, including the famous Chinese mitten crabs of autumn. Yellow wines are mainly produced in provinces on the eastern seaboard, such as Jiangsu and the Shanghai hinterland. The most famous is in Shaoxing, whose name has actually become synonymous with the best. In that part of China, it is customary for parents of newborns to stash an urn of wine in the cellar or under the bed. That vat of wine will be broken open only upon the child's coming of age. For the daughter, that wine is called nyu'erhong, or virgin red, and will be shared with family and friends at her wedding banquet. The son will be celebrated with his urn of zhuangyuanhong, or scholar red, on his college graduation. In Chinese homes, baijiu often acts as a steeping agent for herbs such as ginseng, Chinese jujubes, haw fruit, arbutus or wolfberries. Fruits such as green plums and apricots are also used to flavor the spirit. Huangjiu, however, is used more often in cooking. Almost every Chinese cook will have his cooking wine ready to add to stir-fries. The yellow wine has also given rise to a whole new cooking style - drunken chicken, and drunken crabs, fish and prawns. In Shanghai, a favorite appetizer is tiny wine-pickled river snails with transparent shells they call huangniluo. While these foods are mainly flavored with huangjiu, often a slug of baijiu is added to "sterilize" the food. It used to be that local Chinese spirits could be ordered only at restaurants, together with food, and only at neighborhood outlets. There were few attempts to mix them in cocktails. In Taiwan, I once experienced a lethal concoction of huangjiu and baijiu flavored with a couple of crushed pickled plums and served on ice. It went down so very easily we were ordering jugs and jugs. I never forgot the hangover. These days, however, better quality spirits and a fresh crop of local mixologists are beginning to make a difference, catering to the young set and adventurous foreign visitors to China. There are now new exciting stories to tell. paulined@chinadaily.com.cn Taking the essence of Chinese spirits abroad Paul Zhang decided as a teenager he wanted to stand out behind the bar counter. This Tianjin native persuaded his parents to let him go to the big city. He started bar-hopping in Beijing and in Tianjin, gaping at the spirited acrobatics of talented mixologists, constantly asking questions and sometimes surreptitiously peeking down the counter. At 19, he got his first job as a bartender and started stints at the best international hotels in Tianjin, and later Macao. More importantly, in 2013, he started creating cocktails with all the classic Chinese elements, fusing local spirits with traditional mixers. He was soon creating winning recipes - wowing successive international judging panels at cocktail competitions worldwide. One of his favorite ingredients is meiguilu, essence of rose, a white spirit made in Tianjin. He combines it with deep red roses, the city's official flower, to create a cocktail that best symbolizes his home city. His other experiments include making his own brewed bitters using Chinese herbs, and combining rum, vodka and whiskey with haw fruit, osmanthus flowers, and even prickly ash berries, otherwise known as the Sichuan peppercorn. "My inspiration comes from the Chinese classics, either in art or poetry. One of my award-winners is a series based on the four gentlemen of nature - plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum." Zhang continues his innovation now in Beijing, working as bar manager and head mixologist at the iconic Peninsula Hotel just next to the Forbidden City. His creations continue to fuse Chinese spirits into Western cocktails, and his attention to detail is seamless, often setting up the perfect backdrop to his drinks with the right calligraphy, painting and even appropriate music. Paul Zhang's cocktails with Chinese elements: Chrysanthemum stage: Infusion of chrysanthemum in gin, Chinese jujube liquor, meiguilu, lemon juice, grenadine syrup. Wintersweet plum: Vodka, Chinese green plum wine, Campari, sweet vermouth, Dom Benedictine. Bamboo green: Vintage rum, sweet vermouth, bamboo green baijiu, wild cherry wine. Dragon dance: Haw fruit-infused bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, Pimm's. China rose: Lychee wine, meiguilu, raspberries, lemon juice, Champagne. Paul's negroni: Campari infused with nutmeg and star anise, gin, sweet vermouth, freshly grated nutmeg. Paul Zhang fuses Chinese spirits into Western cocktails. Photos Provided to China Daily (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page19) T he East Coast mainline has been hit with severe after a train struck a vehicle on a level crossing in Cambridgeshire. A man in his 40s was rushed to hospital by air ambulance with serious head injuries following the incident. The Abellio Greater Anglia train smashed into the car at Nairns level crossing between Cambridge and Ely just after 2.30pm today. All train services on the line have been cancelled while emegency services deal with the incident. National Rail said major delays were expected on the East Coast main line until at least 7pm. It said in a statement: "A train has hit an obstruction on the line near Waterbeach and this is causing disruption to journeys between Ely and Cambridge. Loading.... "Trains between these stations may be cancelled, amended or delayed by up to 60 minutes. Disruption is expected to continue until 7pm." An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: "A train has hit a vehicle on the line between Cambridge and Ely, with a man in his forties being treated for a severe head injury." British Transport Police said in a statement: "We are currently on the railway line between Cambridge and Ely after a train has struck a vehicle on a level crossing. Police were alerted just after 2.30pm. "A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries. There are no other reported injuries at this time." This page is being updated. T rain workers are set to stage three 24-hour strikes in a row over jobs, working conditions and safety. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on Virgin Trains East Coast will stage three separate one day-strikes in August, including on a bank holiday. It is the latest outbreak of industrial action on the railways after RMT members on Eurostar launched a four-day walkout on Friday following strikes earlier in the week at Southern Railway. The RMT said almost 200 jobs are threatened at Virgin Trains East Coast. A statement said: "The ongoing dispute came to a head as the company chose to ignore the agreed negotiating machinery and subjected staff to a barrage of direct propaganda justifying their attempts to bulldoze through a package of cash-led measures that would decimate jobs, working conditions and threaten the safety regime that currently ensures a guard on every train." RMT members will walk out from 3am on August 19, 26 and 29, and will ban overtime for 48 hours from August 27. Virgin Trains East Coast operates services out of King's Cross and Edinburgh. The union's general secretary, Mick Cash, said: "RMT will not sit back while nearly 200 members' jobs are under threat and while conditions and safety are put at risk by a franchise which is clearly in financial trouble. RMT Gen. Secretary Mick Cash says the industrial action will be suspended if talks with GTR begin "We will also not tolerate the cavalier attitude to safety that is now on show as the company mobilises its scab army of managers. "Our members are being subject to outrageous intimidation and bullying as their trains are commandeered as part of the scabbing process. Mike Cash speaks about the RMT 5 day walk out on Southern trains The union has also been locked in a bitter battle with Southern Rail over working conditions. The RMT said the dispute involves around 1,800 of its members, including guards, station staff and some drivers. Depot maintenance workers will not be taking strike action. Y orkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe will be moved out of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital and thrown back in jail after a mental health tribunal ruled him sane, according to sources. The serial killer, 70, has spent 32 years inside the high-security institution in Berkshire after murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven more between 1976 and 1981. He has been there since 1984 after he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after being jailed for life in 1981. Sutcliffe, a former lorry driver from Bradford, now calls himself Peter Coonan. Paranoid schizophrenia: Sutcliffe has been housed in Broadmoor since 1984 / Rex Features Most of his victims were prostitutes who were mutilated and beaten to death. The decision of the tribunal has been referred to the Ministry of Justice, which still needs to confirm the move. Sutcliffe was given 20 life terms for the murders and was caught when police found him with a prostitute in his car. They became suspicious and found he had a fake licence plate and weapons including a screwdriver and hammer in the boot. Coonan: Sutcliffe now calls himself Peter Coonan Before he was moved to Broadmoor, the killer spent three years at Parkhurst prison on the Isle of Wight. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Peter Coonan will remain locked up and will never be released for his evil crimes. "Decisions over whether prisoners are to be sent back to prison from secure hospitals are based on clinical assessments made by independent medical staff. "The High Court ordered in 2010 that Peter Coonan should never be released. This was upheld by the Court of Appeal. "Our thoughts are with Coonan's victims and their families. T he glamorous French seaside resort of Cannes has caused outrage by banning Muslim women from wearing so called 'burkinis' at the beach. David Lisnard, the town Mayor, claims the all-over swimsuits threatened to provoke people because of the number of terrorist attacks being carried out by Islamic State. But opponents said there was no link whatsoever between the garments favoured by Muslim mothers and political violence. Instead they said Mr Lisnard, a member of the right wing Republican Party, was just trying to stir up Islamophobia. His new official ruling reads that 'access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have bathing apparel that respects good customs and secularism. 'Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order (crowds, scuffles etc) which it is necessary to prevent.' Thierry Migoule, head of municipal services in Cannes, stirred up the debate by saying the town wanted to ban 'ostentatious clothing that shows an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us.' In fact the swimwear, which is sold in Britain by stores including Marks & Spencer, has nothing to do with with terrorist groups. Feiza Ben Mohamed, secretary general of the Federation of Muslims of the South of France, said the ban showed Cannes council 'was not worried about the climate of Islamophobia' in the country. She said rich Saudi Arabian princesses would not be sanctioned, and instead police would humiliate 'a veiled mother who simply wants to take her children to cool off at the beach.' Ms Ben Mohamed also asked why 'religious symbols' including the Jewish Kippa and the headdresses of Christian nuns were not being banned. A uthorities grappling with an air rage epidemic in China revealed plans to tighten rules and raise fines to up to 5,000 to curb bad behaviour among passengers. A draft amendment to the country's civil aviation law published this week has a new chapter listing 14 types of illegal behaviour that endanger flight safety and disturb order, The Times reported. In June, five travellers were escorted off a Beijing flight after brawling during a long delay ahead of take-off. And a check-in clerk was left lying in a pool of blood after being attacked by a passenger with a metal black in south Shenzhen. In a separate incident in northern Shanxi two travellers took over seats in business class, assaulted a cabin crew member and another passenger before attempting to get into the cockpit. Open for public comment until early September, the new regulations would punish such bad behaviour but also asks airlines to try harder to inform passengers when flights are disrupted. Most of the rules, including smoking bans and forcibly occupying seats, have been met with little opposition but some passengers are annoyed at a ban on using mobile phones. One poster writing on a micro-blogging site: You really think mobile signals affect flights? Don't be dumb, OK?" T he leader of a branch of Isis in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been killed in a US drone strike, according to reports. Hafiz Saeed Khan is said to have been killed during a joint US-Afghan strike on an eastern Afghan province on July 26. A US defence official tonight told the BBC that the extremeist leader had been killed in the attack last month. He died in the Kot district of Nangarhar, the official said. The drone strike was carried out three days after Isis carried out a devastating attack in Afghanistan, killing 80 people and injuring 230 at a rally of Shia Muslims from the Hazara minority in Kabul. According to Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune, Afghan Ambassador to Islamabad Dr Omar Zakhilwal confirmed the death earlier today. The newspaper also reported that at least 23 Isis commanders died during the operation. Khan, a former member of the Pakistani branch of the Taliban, was rumoured to have been killed in a strike last year but the death was never confirmed. A British father has been killed and his toddler son badly injured in a jet ski accident during a family holiday on the French Riviera. The man, 41, was driving the machine with his three-year-old son as a passenger when he crashed. The boy is now fighting for his life at a hospital in the south of France. The family were staying with friends near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat when the tragedy happened. According to reports the father, a Briton of Russian origin who was living in Northern Ireland, drove into a small cove and lost control. It is believed that he was travelling at full speed when he hit a wall protecting the cove just before 11am yesterday. About 20 members of the rescue services, including firefighters, ambulance crew and the coastguard rescue team rushed to the scene. The man could not be revived and his son, named in reports as Michael, was taken by ambulance to Nices specialist Lenval Childrens Hospital, which treated about 50 youngsters injured in the Bastille Day attack that killed 85 people. He is in intensive care. Police officers are believed to be investigating whether excessive speed was involved. The investigation, which is led by the gendarmerie of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, will also examine the jet ski for possible malfunctions. The father and son are believed to have borrowed the machine from the family with whom they were staying. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a forested peninsula between Nice and Monaco, has some of the costliest homes in the world and continues to attract elite buyers. Residents are said to include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. T he London-based aunt of an injured Syrian girl is pleading for authorities to allow the 10-year-old to leave her besieged home town to find safety. Ghina Ahmad Wadi was shot in the leg by a sniper at the Abdel Majed checkpoint when she was on her way to buy medicine for her mother on August 2. She was shot in her left thigh, causing a complex bone fracture and severing a nerve. Her eight-year-old sister who was with her was also injured, Amnesty International said. Her aunt Fadah Jassan, who lives in London, and Amnesty International are calling for Russia, the US and the United Nations to arrange the humanitarian evacuation as her home town of Madaya has been besieged by Syrian government forces since July 2015. Ms Jassan, who last visited Syria seven years ago and used to travel there every summer before the conflict, said "it's breaking my heart to think of little Ghina suffering like this." In a statement, she added: "Children should have no part in this terrible war and I just want powerful countries and the UN to encourage the Syrian government to allow Ghina out of Madaya and into a properly-equipped hospital. "If the UK government can help my niece, then I'd beg them to do so. I know Ghina's just one among many thousands of children in Syria who're going through things they shouldn't have to, but she can be helped relatively easily and we need to do all we can to make that happen." Calls by Ghina's family for her to be evacuated to a hospital in Damascus or in Lebanon have been rejected. Kristyan Benedict, of Amnesty International, said: "With Ghina's desperately worried aunt here in the UK, we'd like the UK Government to step in to offer its immediate assistance. "We need to get Ghina out of Madaya and into a well-provided hospital - the UK can and should explore every option to see that this happens." A first-time father anxiously waiting for the birth of his child outside a hospital ward in China was taken by doctors for a haemorrhoid operation by mistake. The 29-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Wang, was waiting outside a surgical ward at a hospital in Shenyang, northeast China on Monday. After waiting less than an hour, the expectant father was beckoned inside but did not hear clearly what the doctor said and thought he was being taken to a room to assist with his wifes birth. Inside the theatre, he wondered why he was being asked to drop his trousers and lie on the operating able but did as instructed. "Maybe I just know too little, and I'm afraid of being laughed at for ignorance if I ask more questions," he said to the Chinese Business Morning View. The doctors applied anaesthetic to Mr Wang, who was unaware he had haemorrhoids, and proceeded to remove them. His wife gave birth to a healthy baby by caesarean section but the new father was frustrated that he was unable to help with their newborn as he was on the operating table. The hospital explained that Mr Wang had been mistaken by doctors for another man and has offered him 500 compensation, but his family have consulted lawyers and may sue. A Brazilian policeman at the Rio Olympics has died after being shot in the head near a favela. Helio Viera, 37, was traveling in a truck with two other officers when they took a wrong turn and ended up being sprayed with bullets, shattering the windows. They had been following a GPS device down unfamiliar streets near Rios international airport on Wednesday afternoon. The other officers only suffered minor injuries. Justice Minister Alexandre de moraes announced the death on his official Facebook page. He said: I want to express my sympathies for the family of Helio Vieira , who suffered a cowardly attack, and unfortunately died today as a result of injuries. Soldier Vieira is a true hero of our country. Our President, Michel Temer, decrees official mourning for the death of our hero. Honour and dignity to our policemen. Troops swooped the slum in order to catch his killers, but an innocent 19-year-old resident Vila do Joao died during the operation. Entrances to the favela were closed for ten hours as security forces trapped gang members and the entire 12,000-strong community inside. No arrests were made during the operation however, and a reward is now being offered for the killerswhereabouts. Witness to history Updated: 2016-08-12 07:56 By Liu Xiangrui(China Daily Europe) Isabel Crook celebrates her 100th birthday with former students in Beijing. Chen Gang / For China Daily Canadian Isabel Crook has spent in China most of her century-long lifetime Isabel Crook, now 101 years old, was among China's first foreign educators. During her many years in the country, first as a child of Canadian missionaries in Sichuan province and then as a teacher, she has witnessed many events: the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45), the civil war, the founding of New China, the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) and China's reform since the late 1970s. "I'm glad that I kept records (of major events)," Crook says, while taking a stroll in a park near her apartment in the compound of Beijing Foreign Studies University, where she once taught. Crook, who was born in China, began anthropological research in Sichuan in 1939 after receiving university degrees in Canada. As part of a social survey in a village there, she got to know many local people. She and her Chinese research partner attended many celebrations and studied the community behavior in teahouses. "The result ... was a human factor, which you can miss if you just do mechanical investigations," she says. After her retirement as an English teacher, Crook wrote Prosperity's Predicament: Identity, Reform and Resistance in Rural Wartime China. Translation for a Chinese version of the book has now started, she says. In the early 1940s, Crook became interested in Communism after meeting her husband, David, an active Communist. "He had just come back from fighting in Spain to support the Spanish republic. He had also done some interesting things in China. That made a big impression on me," she says. They married in London in 1942. Inspired by US journalist Edgar Snow's Red Star Over China, the couple returned to China a few years later to write a book about life in Communist-controlled areas. Before 1949, parts of China were ruled by the Kuomintang and local warlords. During their stay in Hebei province, the couple learned about land reforms being carried out by the farmers and decided to write about it. Among the books they authored are Ten Mile Inn: Revolution in a Chinese Village (1959) and Ten Mile Inn: Mass Movement in a Chinese Village (1979). They were among few foreign scholars allowed to conduct grassroots research on the mainland between the 1950s and the '70s. Their books became important sources for the outside world to learn about China at the time. Ahead of New China's founding in 1949, Crook and her husband were approached by officials of the Communist Party of China and asked if they could stay and teach English, as the country was in desperate need of English speakers who could help build foreign relations. "We were thrilled that we could do something significant to support the Chinese revolution," she recalls. The couple taught English at Beijing Foreign Studies University until they retired in the 1980s. Their early students, who became the first generation of foreign-language speakers in modern China, either served in the foreign services or in organizations that had relations with foreign countries. Many of them became English teachers, too. Excited to join the ranks rather than being observers, Crook and her husband actively participated in mass movements like planting trees in suburban Beijing in the 1950s. The teachers and students stayed for weeks in the homes of villagers and sang together during breaks. "The important thing is you learn from both successes and failures. That's what the Communists were doing. They were not afraid of mistakes," she says of the mass movements initiated by the CPC. In 2000, David died at 90 after spending his last five decades in China. In later years, she made speeches and wrote letters to top Chinese leaders on issues such as rural education and development. Some of her letters to Wen Jiabao, along with his replies, were included in a book published by the former premier in 2013. After her retirement, Crook revisited the villages where she did her research. Many people still recognized her and some have even visited her in Beijing. She says she is impressed by the vast improvements in rural China, especially the enhanced standard of living and the improving literacy rate. Few rural residents were literate before the 1950s. Now, it's compulsory for students to finish junior middle school, and there are few illiterate people among the younger generation. Although urbanization has been a good thing, attention must also be paid to how to develop China's countryside, she warns. "If you only concentrate on urbanization, you don't have balanced development." liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page20) F our people have been killed and dozens wounded after a wave of bombings hit some of Thailands most popular tourist resorts. At least ten explosions occurred in nine separate attacks at five locations in a coordinated assault seemingly aimed at the countrys tourist industry. Some of the bombs were hidden in plant pots on a street filled with restaurants and bars. Mobile phones were used to detonate some of the devices. At least one Briton was reported to be among the injured as thousands of other tourists were warned to stay indoors because of the risk of further bombings. Eyewitnesses described scences of panic as the bombs went off with the injured people scattered on the ground. It was not clear who was behind the attacks, but police ruled out links to international terrorism or to a low-level insurgency which has been affecting the countrys Islamic south for many years. Instead, the timing and scope of the attacks are thought to point to the bombs being set off by opponents of the Southeast Asian nations ruling junta, which last weekend organised a successful referendum on a constitution that critics say will bolster the militarys power for years to come. Thailands prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, responded by calling for calm and ordered security to be increased across towns and cities and in areas popular with tourists. Security was also stepped up at transport hubs. The international airport at Phuket, one of the islands hit by the attacks, was closed, as were some railway stations and roads. Two of the people who died were in Hua Hin, a seaside resort popular with the Thai royal family and foreign travellers. The other fatalities were in Surat Thani and Trang. Shock: Foreign tourists react to the bomb blast / EPA Their identities and nationalities were not immediately being disclosed. But ten tourists were among the 35 people known so far to be injured. The injured foreigners range in age from 16 to 48 and include two Dutch women and a Dutch man. Germanys foreign ministry said three of its citizens were also injured. The Foreign Office said it was urgently seeking information about possible British casualties and was ready to provide assistance. Thailand is a popular for British tourists and young backpackers attrracted by its beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Among those caught up in the blasts was tourist Shane Brett. He told the ABC in Australia that he was in Hua Hin when the first explosion was heard. I was at a bar in the main bar district in Hua Hin right outside the Hilton hotel and at first I heard kind of a bang ... and everyone kind of panicked, he said. He looked outside the bar and said saw people running. Half an hour later, he made it back to his hotel. On the way, he said he saw a good few people injured and the whole area just panicking ... the whole area was just shut down with police cars, ambulances. General Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, the superintendent of police in Hua Hin, said the bombs were hidden inside potted plants and were set off by remote control, half an hour apart. He said a Samsung cell phone had been recovered that they believe was used to detonate at least one the bombs. Debris and ball bearings could be seen strewn across the road as police investigated the scene. The blast damaged a pair of phone booths and shattered the window of a nearby Starbucks. Shops in the city centre closed afterwards and normally bustling streets were empty, before Hua Hin was hit again by another bomb that exploded near a clock tower, killing one person and wounding four more. Separate blasts were reported elsewhere in the south. One exploded on Phuket citys popular Patong beach, injuring one person. Two more detonated in front of two police stations half an hour apart in Surat Thani in southern Thailand, killing one and wounding three. A further two bombs exploded outside a market in Phang Na, damaging two vehicles but causing no casualties. Another bomb blew up in the southern province of Trang - full of beautiful beaches and tourist island - killing one person and injuring six. Trang is on the fringes of Thailands deep south, where a low-level Muslim separatist insurgency had killed more than 5,000 people since 2004. Almost all the violence has been in the three southernmost provinces. Thailands economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup. But tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with more than 14 million people visiting in 2016 so far - up from 12.5 million the year before. Foreign governments, including the United States, issued warnings urging travellers to avoid affected areas. Germanys Foreign Ministry said that three German citizens were among the injured. It gave no further details, and it was unclear which blast was responsible. B ollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his frustration at being "detained" by US authorities at Los Angeles International Airport. Khan, 50, said he respects security protocol but claimed he gets stopped by officials every damn time. He tweeted: I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Known as the "King of Bollywood," the Indian TV favourite managed to make light of the situation and joked that he took the opportunity to play Pokemon Go. He tweeted: The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Khan received apologies from Nisha Biswal, the US State Department's assistant secretary on south and central Asian affairs, and Rich Verma the US ambassador to India. Biswal tried to reassure the actor that he wasnt being singled out and that American diplomats are often questioned. She tweeted: Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Verma posted: Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Khan was stopped by immigration officials at Newark Liberty International airport in New Jersey in 2009. In 2012 he was detained at New York's White Plains Airport for two hours after arriving from India. Speaking at the time, Indian politician SM Krishna said the "policy of detention and apology by the US cannot continue". US customs and border protection authorities later expressed "profound" apologies. Follow @StandardEnts for more entertainment news. Review at a glance A lready an American chart topper, Major Key confirms the unlikely rise of the tubby, Miami-based 40-year-old from New Orleans, formerly known as Khaled Mohamed Khaled. DJ Khaled - Major Key More label executive, Snapchat sensation and producer than actual artist, hes built so many bridges that his ninth album features contributions from Jay-Z on the dramatic I Got The Keys and a mellifluous Drake on For Free; Nas, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and, less predictably, a feisty Meghan Trainor on the peculiar, unsettling Forgive Me Father. Although Khaled does little beyond binding the contributors together and shouting occasional slogans, Major Key doesnt sink under the weight of its stellar guest list and J Coles rueful, state-of-the-nation turn on Jermaines Interlude is as spine-tingling as hip hop gets. (Epic) Who watches the watchers? Updated: 2016-08-12 07:56 By Carlos Ottery(China Daily Europe) A curious look at the cult of the China watcher This peculiar creature has many names: the Pekingologist, the (Old) China Hand, the Sinologist, and, that most modern incarnation, the China watcher. Though each of these types has a distinct definition, they all have an obsession and, occasionally, a professional duty to not only decipher and understand the complex puzzle that is China, but also a desire to communicate their workings, learning, and insight to the world, be it through the memoir, column, epistolary novel, Twitter, or whatever the faddish medium of the day happens to be. If you fancy your hand at becoming a China watcher, don't worry, there's endless room. Of course, every region in the world has its experts, armchair or otherwise, who attempt to understand its culture, history and language, but none of them, with the possible exception of the Middle East, has so many voraciously, assiduously, and often hilariously attempting to understand a place. Almost anybody that has any passing attachment to China at all (even if it is simple as ordering a Chinese meal) has a go at a bit of China watching at some point. People can't so much as look at a map of China (which, incidentally, is chicken-shaped) without offering a pearl of wisdom as to what it all means. The reasons behind the sheer scale of all this febrile musing are unclear, but a lot of it comes down to the nation being a "special case". Just a few undisputed facts that make the nation interesting, specifically that make it interesting to read (and write) books about, include: It has a really long history; learning the language is damn hard; it has a unique political system; it's vast; it's hugely populous; it's historically isolationist, so not many people know too much about it; it is mysterious; and, most importantly, it is a nation of contradictions. This joyous (and unique) soup all make China a fertile nation for people to find their inner voyeur and do a bit of "watching", and this watching has spawned an industry in itself: China watching. These China experts have long fascinated me, and I have become that most rare of things: a China watcher watcher. Now, the hierarchy isn't necessarily informed by anything as simple as "knowledge and understanding of China" (though it certainly helps), but instead where you fall in a series of criteria. One quite critical factor in this hierarchy is the "ability to speak Chinese". At the minimum you ought to speak Chinese fluently to be a good China watcher, ideally read it, too. The really good ones can write Chinese characters, which as even the Chinese will tell you, is very tricky indeed. There are plenty of good China watchers who can't speak a jot, of course, but, well, it doesn't look good. What job you do will affect your ranking, too. The most popular careers seem to be academics, journalists (domestic and foreign, though the latter is hierarchically higher), business executives, diplomats, think tankers, policy wonkers, translators, military brass and historians (keep it quiet, but these guys are generally the best). For a good ranking your career needs gravitas: Put simply, if you are an English teacher with your own China blog, you are going to be a lot lower on the scale than if you work for a think tank that specializes in China foreign policy and have written 20 serious-sounding books. Actually living in China is also important in the criteria. At the lower end you will have people who have never visited China ever, then you have people who visit often (traveling scholars score higher than those who just holiday there); living in China full time is best, the longer the better. If you live in China for more than 10 years, you have a good chance of getting into Old China Hand territory, that's what the young kids call "beast-mode". However, it doesn't necessarily matter too much. Take Arthur Waley, for instance. He was one of the most prominent Sinologists of the early 20th century, translating (in abridged form) the classic novel Journey to the West, as well as the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Taoist document, and all manner of then-obscure classic works of Chinese literature. Incredibly prolific, in 1952 he received a CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a high honor. Historian Jonathan Spence wrote of Waley: "There are many Westerners whose knowledge of Chinese or Japanese is greater than his, and there are perhaps a few who can handle both languages as well. But they are not poets. Those who are better poets than Waley do know Chinese or Japanese." Impressive stuff, remarkable when considering that not once did Waley actually visit China and he couldn't actually speak Mandarin. There is hope for all of us. It's a truth universally acknowledged, that any China watcher worth his salt wants to or has written a book - lots and lots of books is preferable, but just one is a good start. It doesn't particularly matter what genre the book is. But vanity published ones are usually frowned upon. It is important for China watchers to have a handle on a whole range of areas. The more learned will be able to give you fascinating information on all sorts of intriguing events including anything from how much of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) is actually a myth, right through to the extraordinary bloodshed of the Taiping Rebellion - there's enough material for everyone. However, the more amateur among them prefer to drone on about a very small selection of 20th century events and ideas that the Chinese, by and large, either don't care much about or don't know much about. In the end, it's all quite simple: Develop some half-considered opinions on the "cultural revolution" (1976-76); get a vaguely decent job (ideally one that lets you write occasionally); passably learn the language (or at least a few interesting phrases); mindlessly post a few thought-pieces on Twitter and/or Facebook; live in China for 10 years or more (or a few weeks); bore a few Chinese people, who don't know what you are on about, to tears; and, hey presto, you are well on your way to being a China watcher! Courtesy of The World of Chinese, www.theworldofchinese.com The World of Chinese (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page23) Developers still keen on UK projects Updated: 2016-08-12 07:57 By Cecily Liu(China Daily Europe) Chinese companies say their experience and resources work in their favor in the post-Brexit environment Chinese property developers are still upbeat on the British market despite the uncertain effect of Brexit on the economy, finding that their access to funding and their cost-cutting experience are key advantages. This is especially so as China's domestic property boom is slowing. Sichuan Guodong Construction Group announced in July its commitment to invest 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion; 1.2 billion euros) in Sheffield's property market over the next 60 years. It is the largest Chinese investment in the UK outside London. An artist's sketch of One Nine Elms, a new development in London being built by Dalian Wanda. Provided to China Daily Other notable investments include Dalian Wanda's 900 million pound development of the London residential block One Nine Elms, and ABP's 1.7 billion pound development of a business complex next to London's City Airport. Such investments generally bring in handsome profits. Dominic Grace, director of Savills' London residential development team, estimates Chinese developers could derive an internal rate of return of about 15 to 20 percent, calculated as profits on costs. Industry analysts say Chinese developers' UK expansion is set to continue, as the UK's residential and commercial property markets grow along with the country's population, and the weak sterling provides good bargains for Chinese developers to invest post-Brexit. "Brexit notwithstanding, the UK is historically, economically, politically, legally and socially stable and safe. Of immediate relevance, the weakening of sterling obviously confers a foreign exchange advantage," says John Burns, a real estate partner at the law firm Gowling WLG. The UK's housing market has demonstrated relative stability post Brexit, as the Halifax house price index demonstrated an 8.4 percent year-on-year growth in July, despite a drop of 1 percent compared with June. Lu Junwei, a senior associate at law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner, says English-speaking countries like the US, the UK and Australia are top choices for Chinese developers. Investments in mainland Europe are beginning, but show a lesser trend. One key advantage for Chinese developers is their access to financing, especially from Chinese banks familiar with their track record. Dalian Wanda's development is financed by Ping An bank and ABP's by CITIC Bank. "While Chinese property developers' ability to secure financing for the large-scale projects is hard to ignore, their management expertise and their reputation of being able to deliver under tight deadlines are the very reasons for their ability to secure such financing," Lu says. Beijing Construction Engineering Group is investing in the 800 million pound Manchester Airport City project, a new urban quarter consisting mainly of commercial buildings next to Manchester Airport. Furthermore BCEG is investing in two mixed commercial-residential developments, known as Middlewood Locks and St. Michael's, in Manchester. Yu Dongwen, BCEG's UK operations director, says BCEG operates with an uncommon model in the UK, being both the investor and contractor for projects, whereas in China and most other emerging markets the company would typically only be the contractor. "By being involved in the preconstruction stage, we are then able to join discussions about the project's overall design, and in places where the original design cannot be efficiently constructed we will give our advice on how to alter the design so that construction at a later stage can be implemented more efficiently," Yu says. Another key advantage is their ability to reduce costs in the construction process through techniques like modular construction, says Richard Laudy, head of infrastructure at law firm Pinsent Masons. "As modular construction techniques take manufacturing offsite into a controlled environment, meaning cost can be controlled easier, and cost reduction comes with scale, it can really make a difference to the UK construction market," Laudy says. Modular construction techniques are used by CIMC MBS, the UK subsidiary of Shenzhen-based China International Marine Containers. Using modular techniques to build standard hotel rooms at its China factory, and then shipping them to construction sites, CIMC MBS has already helped build more than 10 UK hotels for brands like InterContinental Hotels Group, Rezidor Hotel Group, Accor and Hilton. Michael Crane, design manager of CIMC MBS, says modular construction provides about 25 to 30 percent in cost savings over conventional construction savings. There have been some failures. In 2013, Shanghai-based developer Zhongrong Group announced a 500 million pound project to recreate London's Crystal Palace, the Victorian building that housed the Great Exhibition of 1851, and add commercial and residential elements to the property complex. The project received strong support from the local council of Bromley, because it would have created 2,000 jobs, but it was scrapped in 2015. Zhongrong was quoted in the Financial Times as saying it could not reach agreement with the local government on size and leasehold arrangements. Laudy stresses the importance for Chinese developers to understand the legal framework of the UK's property market, especially regarding bidding, managing supply chains and corporate social responsibility. "For example, in putting in bids to compete for a deal, Chinese developers need to understand the UK's planning requirements, including its standards for health and safety, impact on the environment, impact on local employment and the corporate social responsibility requirements that go with a project," Laudy says. cecily.liu@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page29) London-Shanghai stock connect pushed Updated: 2016-08-12 07:57 By Cecily Liu in London(China Daily Europe) The proposed Shanghai-London stock connect should go ahead, according to financial experts in Britain, who have dismissed concern that Brexit will make listings on the London exchange less attractive to Chinese investors. Those within the finance community argue that the London Stock Exchange's tough listing rules, compared with the European Union, will prevent it from losing its luster. The London bourse is continuing a feasibility study into the proposed connection, although media reports suggest the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be cooling on the idea. Chinese stock investors watch the market in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Long Wei / For China Daily Ahead of the EU referendum on June 23, the South China Morning Post quoted Que Bo, deputy general manager of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, as saying that Brexit would create a "complicated issue". However, analysts in Britain believe the London exchange will continue to be an important investment platform. Charles Bond, a partner at law firm Gowling WLG in London, expects most major multinationals to continue to list both in London and New York, and that "European stocks will still be listed here, thereby ensuring that London remains relevant and viable". The tough listing rules in London could even help attract more European companies after Brexit, adds Andrew Monk, CEO of VSA Capital, a boutique investment bank. The main board of the London bourse is split into premium and standard listings, which Monk says is to reflect the difference between listings that meet its requirements and those that satisfy only EU regulations. Robin Stevens, a corporate finance partner at accountancy firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, also says London is the world's largest and most active international capital market in terms of the number of international companies listed and number of financial analysts covering their shares. The EU referendum came at the beginning of a two-month summer period that is traditionally quiet for initial public offerings in London, he says, adding that he expects a return to normal in the autumn. The Shanghai-London connect, initially discussed by British and Chinese officials last year, fits with China's efforts to gradually open up its capital account and comes after similar connections established by Hong Kong with Shanghai and Shenzhen. However, among the concerns raised after the Brexit vote was that Britain may lose its "passport" rights to access EU financial markets. Miranda Carr, senior analyst at Haitong Securities, says such an event may force fund managers to leave London and could deter companies from launching IPOs in London. Britain could also lose its ability to clear euro transactions, adds Liu Chang, the China economist at Capital Economics. "This, along with regulatory uncertainty in Britain's financial services sector, could lead to a gradual shift in activity away from the city and to continental Europe," he says. In other words, Britain's loss could be a gain for Europe's other financial centers. "This is probably an opportunity for a mainland European stock market to establish the same type of connect, unless the merger between (London Stock Exchange) and Deutsche Boerse allows the combined markets to benefit from the best of both worlds," says Andre Loesekrug-Pietri, founder and managing partner of ACapital, a private equity firm in Brussels. Christian Cornett, a corporate partner at law firm King & Wood Mallesons, agrees. He says there are rumors in the market that some IPO candidates for London, as well as firms listed there, are seeking secondary listings within the EU, to ensure they will be able to "passport" their prospectus throughout the EU post-Brexit. Frankfurt's China Europe International Exchange is already proving attractive to international investors, and the uncertainty in London caused by Brexit could make it an important bridge between capital markets in China and Europe. Launched last year, Ceinex is a joint venture between Shanghai Stock Exchange, Deutsche Boerse and the China Financial Futures Exchange that lists more than a dozen exchange-traded funds and more than 100 bonds, most of which relate to Chinese onshore investment opportunities. cecily.liu@ mail.chinadailyuk.com ( China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page27) Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Friday, 12 August 2016 22:31:54 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo Brazil ferroalloys producer Ferbasa posted a BRL 21.3 million net loss in Q2, the company said, while releasing its quarterly results. Ferbasa posted a BRL 12.6 million net profit in Q1 and a BRL 79.4 million net profit in Q2 2015. Net revenues in Q2 2016 totaled BRL 266.8 million, 12.6 percent down, quarter-on-quarter, at the same time cost of products sold rose 13.3 percent in the same period, quarter-on-quarter, to BRL 263.3 million in Q2. Gross profit in Q2 declined to 1.3 percent, as opposed to a 23.9 percent gross profit seen in the previous quarter. 1 USD = BRL 3.18 (August 12) In July this year, China produced 57.81 million mt of pig iron, 66.81 million mt of crude steel and 95.94 million mt of finished steel, indicating respective increases of 1.7 percent, 2.6 percent and 4.9 percent year on year, as announced by China 's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on August 12. In the January-July period of the current year, China produced 403.25 million mt of pig iron, 466.52 million mt of crude steel and 657.05 million mt of finished steel, down 1.4 percent, decreasing by 0.5 percent and increasing by 1.9 year on year, respectively. Friday, 12 August 2016 13:39:31 (GMT+3) | Istanbul The European Commission (EC) has announced that it has reopened its antidumping (AD) duty investigation regarding stainless cold rolled (CR) flat steel product imports from Taiwan following a complaint filed by the European Steel Association (EUROFER). The commission will investigate whether the antidumping measures imposed on imports of the mentioned products have had an effect on export prices, resale prices or subsequent selling prices in the European Union According to the commission, EUROFER submitted sufficient evidence showing that, after the original investigation period and prior to and following the imposition of the antidumping duties on imports of the product under investigation, export prices have decreased. This has impeded the intended remedial effects of the measures in force. The evidence contained in the request indicates that the decrease in prices cannot be explained by changes in raw material prices, energy costs, labor costs or exchange rates. In addition, EUROFER also stated that imports of the product under investigation have continued to enter the EU in significant volumes. The original antidumping duty investigation was launched in June 2014 upon the application by EUROFER. In August last year, the commission decided to impose definitive antidumping duty of 6.8 percent for Taiwan The products in question currently fall within CN codes 7219 31 00, 7219 32 10, 7219 32 90, 7219 33 10, 7219 33 90, 7219 34 10, 7219 34 90, 7219 35 10, 7219 35 90, 7220 20 21, 7220 20 29, 7220 20 41, 7220 20 49, 7220 20 81 and 7220 20 89. Shanxi Province-based Chinese stainless producer Taigang Stainless Steel Co. (Taigang Stainless Steel), a listed subsidiary of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co. (TISCO), has announced that its duplex stainless steel has successfully obtained the NORSOK M-650 standard. The NORSOK M-650 standard verifies the material properties of duplex steel, super austenitic stainless steel and nickel alloy castings, which is generally accepted around the world as a certification for special steel manufacturers. Friday, 12 August 2016 14:39:52 (GMT+3) | Istanbul According to the data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), in June this year Turkey 's monthly industrial turnover index increased by 0.6 percent compared to the previous month, while the calendar adjusted index was up 5.7 percent compared to June last year. In June of the current year, the industrial turnover index for the manufacture of basic metals in Turkey increased by 1.3 percent month on month and was up 2.1 percent year on year. Rompetrol Rafinare, company member of KMG International, reported a consolidated net profit* amounting to USD 22 million during the first half of 2016, an increase by 23% compared to the same period of 2015. The consolidated operating income (EBITDA)* also showed an increase by 60% during the first 6 months of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, amounting to USD 90 million. The positive trend of company's KPIs was supported by the quantities of raw materials processed during the first half of 2016 by Petromidia si Vega refineries (+4%), after the processes optimization programs. The fuel sales also increased, mainly on the domestic market (+10% in 1st half of 2016 compared to similar period of 2015). The consistent performances of Rompetrol Rafinare were achieved following investments supported by KMG International and its sole shareholder, KazMunayGas, the Kazakhstan national oil and gas company, to increase processing capacities of Petromidia refinery - in excess of 5 million tons per year and its flexibility, as well as to upgrade the industrial plants. Given its refining capacity availability, and also its logistics developed into the Black Sea for transfer of processed crude and export and trading activities, KMG International is a stable energy root, considering the safety of provision of raw materials, and also considering the balance of national fuel consumption, stated Yedil Utekov, general manager of Rompetrol Rafinare. The Petromidia refinery reached a new production record for the first half of 2016. The quantity of raw materials processed exceeded 17 thousand tons per day in June, the largest daily capacity since commissioning (1979). Petromidia reached a new record for reduction of power consumption, EII (Energy Intensity Index) reaching the lowest level in the history of this production facility 90.8 points. Also, Vega refinery processed 35.8 thousand tons of bitumen, more than initially estimated, supported by a regional increase of demand. Rompetrol Rafinare exported a total of over 1,3 million tons of products in the first half of 2016, a similar level to the similar period of 2015. The company is Romanias largest exporter of oil products and the second national exporter. In developing its activities, Rompetrol Rafinare remained an important tax payer to Romanias national budget, paying in excess of USD 343 million in the second quarter of 2016 and in excess of USD 608 million during the first quarter of 2016. KMG International had paid, since 2007, in excess of USD 13 billion to Romania's state budget. The majority shareholder of the company Rompetrol Rafinare is the group KMG International, the Romanian state having 44,69% of the shares. Rompetrol Rafinare shareholders holdings are reflected automatically on the companies that Rompetrol Rafinare has directly and indirectly control. Rompetrol Rafinare operates the Petromidia refinery, Vega refinery and the petrochemical division, Rompetrol Downstream operates the gas station network of the Group and Rom Oil the warehouse network. Accounting over 40% of Romania's refining capacity and over 30% of the regional fuel consumption, Petromidia is the most state-of-the-art refinery in this country, and total investments made by KMG International and KazMunayGas for this platform exceed USD 1.4 billion. Refining segment Note: The refining and petrochemistry segment includes the results of Rompetrol Rafinare SA (who operates Petromidia and Vega refineries) together with petrochemical activities and results of Rompetrol Petrochemicals SRL. For the refining segment, the operating income (EBITDA) showed a significant increase, by 59% during the first half of 2016 compared to the same period of previous year, supported by an improvement of operational KPIs, as well as by the positive impact of net refining margins during the first half of 2016 (+35%). Financial indicators, and also the net result and the turnover, who showed a descending trend during the first half of 2016, were influenced by a decline of international quotations for oil products. This refinery processed 2.79 million tons during the first quarter of 2016, exceeding by 4,3% the same period of 2015. The degree of use of refining capacity amounted to 87.98% during the first half of 2016, increasing by 1.9% compared to same period of 2015. As for the Vega refinery, the total quantity of processed raw materials amounted to 171.5 thousand tons during the first half of 2016, increasing by 9.4% compared to same period of previous year. The level of use of the refining capacity amounted to 104% during the first half, increasing by 9% compared to same period of 2015. Despite the difficult market conditions, Rompetrol Rafinare reached the positive operational and financial results due to the management efforts for the implementation of the optimization programs that fulfilled their scope a higher grade of efficiency in regard the production processes. The programs led to significant reduction of operating costs and to the increase of the output for the main products, added the general manager Yedil Utekov. Petrochemical segment Starting on January 1st 2014, the petrochemical activity was provided by Rompetrol Rafinare SA., being completely integrated in the propylene flow, utilities and logistics. The petrochemical segment is the only polyethylene and polypropylene manufacturer in Romania, consistently increasing its market share also for ancillary products. The company processed 65 thousand tons of propylene in the first half of 2016, a 4% increase compared to the same period of 2015. Also, the quantity of ethylene processed was higher in the first half of 2016 by 7% (31 thousand tons). Supported by the increase of production for these two raw materials, the sales in petrochemistry increased by 6% in the first half of 2016 compared to the first half of 2015, and by 11% in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015. The dynamic development strategy provides to this company a competitive position on the internal market, but also on the regional marketing, in Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea area, and in Central and Eastern Europe. Distribution segment Note: The distribution segment includes the results of Rom Oil, Rompetrol Downstream, Rompetrol Quality Control, Rompetrol Logistics and Rompetrol Gas subsidiaries. On the distribution segment, the operating income EBITDA amounted to USD 26.5 million USD in the first half of 2016, increasing by 3% compared to the same period of 2015. During the first 6 months of 2016, the gross turnover for the distribution segment, exceeding USD 1 billion, showed a decrease by 7% compared to the first 6 months of 2015, based on the descending trend of international quotations for oil products. During the second quarter of 2016, compared to the similar period of 2015, Platts quotations (FOB Med Italy), expressed in USD currency of reference, were - in average - lower by 26% for gasoline and by 29% for diesel. Also, the app. 1% depreciation of RON to USD determined an actual decline - in domestic currency - of the two quotation of app. 27% for gasoline and 29% for diesel. Excises remained unchanged both for gasoline and diesel, compared to 2015. Therefore, based on the descending trend of international quotations for crude and oil products, Rompetrol prices in its own stations during the entire first half of 2016 were 12% lower for gasoline and 16% lower for diesel, compared to the same period of 2015. The fuel showed a significant increase, mainly on the wholesale market (+19% in 1st half of 2016 compared to similar period of 2015). Also, the sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased by 5% during the first semester of 2016, compared to similar period of 2015. KMG International, through Rompetrol Downstream, opened two new gas stations in the first half of 2016, and continued to upgrade the existing stations, these investments currently exceeding USD 7 million. Until the end of 2016, the company intends to extend its Romanian network by nine new gas stations and to continue upgrading existing stations, and also to continue the optimization and improvement plan for financial and operational performances. At the end of June 2016, Rompetrol Downstream's distribution segment included 716 outlets, of which 137 own network stations (97 of which were operated by dealers), 118 partner stations and 461 mobile stations operated by clients and dealers. Retail activities of KMG International are developed in more than 1,000 fuel distribution stations held and operated in countries like Romania, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Moldova. * Consolidated financial statements of Rompetrol Rafinare include the financial results of Rompetrol Rafinare S.A., including petrochemistry activities and activities of subsidiaries of Rompetrol Quality Control S.R.L. Rom Oil S.A. Rompetrol Downstream S.R.L. Rompetrol Logistics S.R.L. and Rompetrol Gas S.R.L. ** Results shown herein are unaudited and consolidated, and reporting was performed as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The IESI MO Champ Landfill near Maryland Heights has agreed to corrective measures to reduce odors and air emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday. Champ and the EPA reached a settlement after the regulatory agency found the landfill was out of compliance with aspects of the Clean Air Act. An EPA inspection conducted on May 18 found "deficiencies related to Champ's surface emission monitoring and surface integrity monitoring, required by the Clean Air Acts New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)," the EPA said in a statement released Thursday. This agreement shows how constructive negotiations between a company and EPA can produce positive results leading to air quality improvements that benefit communities, EPA Region 7 Administrator Mark Hague said in a statement. Landfills like Champ, located in the village of Champ, collect gases from the decomposition of solid waste through a series of pipes and other infrastructure for electricity generation. Under the terms of this settlement, Champ has agreed to have a third party audit its gas collection system and to implement all of the auditors recommended improvements in less than one year, according to the statement from the EPA. Champ will install 21 additional landfill gas extraction wells, which is expected to improve the collection of gases. It's expected that Champ will spend about $1.6 million for the gas extraction wells and other improvements, the EPA said. Plus, Champ has also agreed to purchase new trash collection trucks, worth $1.3 million, that will help reduce particle emissions. Tesla Motors is planning on opening a facility in Chesterfield. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based electric automaker has requested a change in zoning to open at 16955 Chesterfield Airport Rd., according to city officials. The property formerly was occupied by the Kemp Auto Museum, which closed earlier this year. Tesla, which sells vehicles from company-owned stores and over the internet, plans to keep the existing structure that formerly housed the museum. Tesla opened a service center in University City in 2013. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the new Chesterfield location. In 2015, the Missouri Auto Dealers Association sued the Missouri Department of Revenue and its director for allowing electric-car maker Tesla to sell vehicles directly to consumers. The lawsuit remains pending. Seth Carlin, a prize-winning pianist who performed in notable classical ensembles and taught at Washington University for 37 years, died July 28, 2016, in Mont-de-Marsan, France, after a swimming accident. He was 71. Mr. Carlin earned praise for his mastery of both the modern piano and its 18th-century predecessor, the fortepiano. His career at Washington University began in 1979 when he became director of the piano program. In a statement, Todd Decker, chairman of music in Arts & Sciences at Washington University, said that Mr. Carlin was for many years the public face of the music department. Decker noted that Mr. Carlins versatility as a keyboardist his equal comfort playing historical and modern pianos made Washington University a special place for piano and chamber music. The joy he found in making music and collaborating with others, whether other professionals or his own accomplished students, was evident in every performance, Decker said. Mr. Carlin was a founding member of the universitys Eliot Trio, which most recently also featured violinist David Halen and cellist Bjorn Ranheim. With his wife, Maryse, a harpsichordist, Mr. Carlin performed as part of the Kingsbury Ensemble, one of the foremost early-music groups in the Midwest. Mr. Carlin was also a soloist with orchestras including the St. Louis Symphony and the Boston Pops; a prize winner in the International Busoni Competition; and one of only two fully funded National Endowment for the Arts recitalist grant winners in the United States in 1989. A native of East Orange, N.J., Mr. Carlin started playing piano at age 6. He earned a bachelors degree in music from Harvard University in 1969 and a masters degree in piano from the Juilliard School in 1970. The pianist met his future wife while studying music in Paris on leave from Harvard. Through the years, the Post-Dispatch and other publications often took note of Mr. Carlins artistry. In a 1997 review of a duo concert by Mr. Carlin and violinist Christine Busch at Washington Universitys Steinberg Auditorium, then-classical music critic Philip Kennicott praised a solo performance by Mr. Carlin as mesmerizing, the accompaniment figure crystal clear, very quickly and lightly rendered, and the melodic line singing out. In a review of a concert at New Yorks Lincoln Center in 1992, the New York Times observed that the pianist gave a sparklingly transparent account of the Variations on Salieris Mio caro Adone (K. 180). As a teacher and colleague, Seth was unfailingly kind and generous to others, Decker said. His musicianship and friendship will be deeply missed. Mr. Carlin retired in May, assuming the title of professor emeritus, piano and fortepiano. A memorial service is to be held at a later date. Among the survivors, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Tova; a son, Daniel; a brother, Elliot; his stepmother, Mariann; two stepsisters, Sue Oliker and Andrea Szentirmai; and a large extended family. About 200 music fans lined the sidewalk and street outside Vintage Vinyl on Friday afternoon to see country star Dierks Bentley. 92 degrees. Occasionally bright sunshine. Sweat-inducing humidity. But mostly good spirits from the crowd waiting to hear a mini-concert and get Bentley to sign newly purchased vinyl copies of his album, "Black." For a time, Katie Nicholson and Amber Elliott, both of Farmington, were the last fans in line. Both women have seen Bentley in concert multiple times, but they planned to attend Friday night's show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, too. "I just love his music," Nicholson said, adding that she's been a fan for about 10 years. Inside the record store, Bentley met with some local reporters and answered the really hard questions. Paper or plastic? Neither. Wife Cassidy hates plastic bags, so when they hit the store they usually wind up carrying everything out in their hands. "I'm dropping stuff all over," Bentley said. Has he ever used his celebrity status to get out trouble? No, but he has gotten good parking at Nashville Predator playoff games by being Dierks Bentley. Has he ever Googled himself? Yeah, but not lately. Did he see this week's Go! Magazine with a preview story on his concert? He flipped through a copy. The U.S. government has declared a public health emergency in Puerto Rico because of the Zika virus, which has infected at least 10,690 residents including 1,035 pregnant women. The mosquito-borne virus can cause severe birth defects. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said the emergency status will allow for additional support to the Puerto Rican government, although details were slim. Puerto Rico can apply for federal funding to hire workers to help with mosquito control and public health education and reassign staff from other areas of public health to the Zika response. "This administration is committed to meeting the Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico with the necessary urgency," Burwell said in a statement. As the first virus that can be transmitted by mosquitoes known to cause severe birth defects, we are working closely with Puerto Rican officials to pursue solutions to fight the virus in Puerto Rico with a focus on protecting pregnant women and continuing our efforts with jurisdictions throughout the United States to address this public health threat." Congress has failed to approve President Obama's request for $1.9 billion in funding for the fight against Zika, including research into a vaccine. The move to support Puerto Rico comes as the number of cases contracted in the continental U.S. has grown to more than two dozen in Florida, all thought to have contracted the virus from mosquitoes in the same north Miami neighborhood. The virus has been circulating in South America, Central America and the Caribbean for the past year. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/zika. The gunman was identified as Orlando Harris, 19, a recent graduate of the school. One survivor heard him say he was 'tired of everybody' in the school and that his gun jammed at one point. JEFFERSON CITY Affton School Board member Doug Beck will be on the ballot this November to replace incumbent Rep. Genise Montecillo, a Marlborough Democrat who announced in June that she would drop out of the race. Representing the Affton area in St. Louis County, Montecillo served three terms in the Missouri legislature before announcing she wouldnt continue running after the Aug. 2 primary. She attempted suicide last year, and has said she will return to teaching. Democrats from the 92nd district held a special meeting Thursday to select a new candidate to run, calling anyone interested in the seat to speak. Beck was the only prospective candidate who attended, according to a statement. Beck is a former president of the Affton School Board, where he has served for seven years and where his work helped build a new early childhood center. He cited his work ethic and experience in public education as reasons hed make a strong choice. I believe in giving back to the community in which I live, he said in a statement. JEFFERSON CITY Like most candidates running for political office, Republican Paul Berry raised and spent money during his unsuccessful bid for Congress this year. The bail bondsman from Bridgeton said it wasnt a lot of cash for someone hoping to capture the seat currently held by incumbent U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay, a Democrat from St. Louis. But, as of Friday, after more than a year on the campaign trail, it remained unclear exactly how much money he raised or how any of it was spent because Berry has not filed federally required campaign reports. A check of a separate state-level campaign finance record database compiled by the Missouri Ethics Commission shows Berry received a total of at least $750 from three fellow Republicans, including Rep. Shamed Dogan of Ballwin and Sens. Doug Libla of Poplar Bluff and Eric Schmitt of Glendale. Libla was not aware Berry had not reported the check he gave him last year. I wouldnt condone something like that. You need to be transparent with things. Thats important, Libla said. Berrys run for office came amid some tough financial times for the former Democrat. In April, he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Records show the case was terminated on May 27 after he failed to submit certain forms to the court. He also faced legal action in May for not paying rent on his Bridgeton home. Records show he owed his landlord at least $10,500 at the time. Berry went on to lose the Aug. 2 primary to Republican Steven Bailey, who will face incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay of St. Louis in November. After being contacted by the Post-Dispatch, Berry said her expects to file his fundraising report any day now. Weve done what were supposed to do, Berry said. Under federal law, candidates for Congress must register with the FEC once they receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of $5,000. Records show Berry did file the required statements of candidacy for three accounts. After registration, a candidate's campaign committees must file quarterly reports to disclose all of their receipts and expenses. Additional reports are required shortly before the candidate's primary election and before and after the general election. Barry's campaign failed to file any of those reports. Berry said he didnt spend much on the election. He bought no television advertising, but he said he did spend money on some banners. After inquiries about his fundraising by the Post-Dispatch, Berry moved to terminate two of the accounts on Thursday. His main congressional account, however, still showed no reports on Friday afternoon. The primary wasnt Berrys first run at political office. In 2012, he ran as a Democrat for state representative. He switched parties in 2014, but lost again in a bid for Rep. Mary Nichols 72nd House District post. In addition to scrutiny over his political fundraising, Berry also has faced complaints about his bail bond business. In 2015, two women stepped forward saying they hired Berry to get their sons out of jail but he kept the money and didnt get their sons out of jail. KMOV TV News 4 reported that one paid Berry $2,600, while the other paid him $4,800. Kevin McDermott Kevin McDermott is a member of the Post-Dispatch Editorial Board. Follow Kevin McDermott Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today CHESTERFIELD Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jason Kander on Friday slammed incumbent Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., for his continuing endorsement of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying that endorsement puts party ahead of country. But at the same time, Kander predicted that some of Trump's supporters in Missouri might split their tickets on Nov. 8 and vote for Kander for the Senate, because many of them are driven by a desire to see new blood in Washington. "Donald Trump's entire message is that folks like Sen. Blunt are the problem," Kander said during a campaign event in Chesterfield. There are going to be people who are going to vote for Donald Trump because they want a change, and a lot of those people are also going to vote for me, because they recognize that when Washington is broken, you don't put somebody in there who has been there for 20 years. Kander's argument that Trump's anti-establishment voters in Missouri might support the real estate mogul for president while voting for a Democrat like Kander for the Senate is a novel theory even in such a strange election year. Many experts do believe that Trump could hurt down-ballot Republicans, but not because of ticket-spitting, which is a rare practice in today's highly polarized partisan environment. Instead, they say, Trump's controversial comments could prompt some Republicans to just stay home rather than face a choice between him and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, which would hurt Republican congressional candidates. Kander's staff later argued that Missourians might be more apt to split tickets than the national norm, given that they voted heavily for GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012, while simultaneously electing a slew of Democrats, including Kander, to statewide seats. One of Trump's more controversial comments came this week, during a rally, when he said what sounded to a lot of people like a joking suggestion that gun-rights advocates might want to assassinate Clinton if she wins the election, so she won't be able to appoint gun-control advocates to the Supreme Court. Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment, Trump said during the North Carolina rally on Tuesday. By the way, if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know. Trump later claimed he was merely encouraging gun-rights advocates to vote against Clinton. But, as many critics pointed out, that explanation makes no sense in the context of the comment, which was premised on Clinton already being elected and poised to nominate Supreme Court justices. Nonetheless, Blunt, when asked this week about the incident, repeated Trump's explanation, saying: I assume he meant by voting. Kander responded Friday: "I don't think anybody really thinks that, and frankly, I don't think Sen. Blunt thinks that. . . . He frankly lacks the courage the stand up to the nominee of his party and say that it is not okay to joke about the assassination of your political opponent." Kander, currently Missouri's secretary of state, made his comments during a tour of a union job-training facility in Chesterfield. Blunt's campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. This post has been updated. PIERSON STATION, Ill. Farm auctions in tiny towns like this one in Illinois often mark the end of a family legacy. Land cultivated for generations is placed on the auction block. Sometimes the acreage is split up and sold to multiple buyers. Often, though, nearby farmers and investors secure another section of what some call the most fertile terrain in the country. On Thursday, folks from far and wide gathered at the farm of Dale Fulton to bid on large machinery that even at age 95 he has relied on to harvest corn and soybeans. But Fulton said he will not sell a single acre of the flat land his family has owned since nearly the Civil War. He feels a bond and doesnt want the estate broken up, even after hes gone. That will be one last obstacle for him to figure out and overcome. At 80, I didnt have a single problem, physically, he said. I am losing ground now. Indeed, weekly blood tests signal thats hes winding down. Hes been a little out of breath the past couple weeks hitching up things and preparing for the auction. But he still has ambitious plans for his familys 633 acres, even though hes all the family thats left. Fulton, a lifelong bachelor worth millions, has outlived his kin and contemporaries by a long shot. So it will fall to a younger business partner and a small local bank to see his plan for the farm forward. Fulton is a profile in intrigue, independence and health a man who still drives a pickup to the cafe for lunch, and shows up for work six days a week. What I am trying to figure out, how can a man live out in the world like that and live that long, said Jacob Helmuth, 78, an Amish farmhand who worked at the Fulton farm for decades. Helmuth, who has Parkinsons disease, was talking more about religion and worldly temptations than the limits of human longevity. Fulton said his mother, Rosa, was a strict Baptist who wouldnt let him drink root beer. As an adult, he still doesnt drink much but leans heavily toward reason. Even so, he sees signs of the divine in the world around him. If you consider biology and science, it couldnt have happened by accident, he said. Taking flight Born and reared here during the Depression, Fulton is grounded to the family farm. That wasnt always the case. When he was 17, his parents bought him his first airplane. And with it, Fulton flew the coop toward a full career as an international pilot for TWA. Fulton said hes still baffled why his parents paid $1,000 for the used 50-horsepower Taylor Craft bought in Indianapolis. It must have been wild for them to look up and see their teenage son buzzing overhead, landing in pastures as he learned to fly. Especially for his father, William B. Fulton, who was born in 1868. He was 52 when Dale, the youngest of three children, was born in 1921. Dales brother died at 7, his sister at 21. And there Dale was, pushing the limit, initially on a motorcycle. Stories still linger about how the young daredevil rode standing on the seat. Id never let a child of mine have a motorcycle, he said. We were always getting skinned up. After getting his first ride with a barnstormer who was showing off an airplane in the area, Fulton started riding to the airport in Decatur, 30 miles away. An instructor there encouraged the adventurous boy. Once he got his own plane, he further honed his landing, heading and recovery skills. He said his first major trip was in 1940. He flew to an air show in Miami. Hed watch the metal wire gas gauge on the 12-gallon tank sink as he flew each leg of the trip, usually about 175 miles, depending on the headwind. He recalled landing at the airport in Atlanta during the voyage without a radio. You try to do that today and youd be in Leavenworth 100 years, he said. It was a job advertisement that soon took him out of the row crops for a long time. Pilots were needed in England to ferry airplanes from factories to fighter fields. His credentials were thin. They didnt care too much, as long as you could fly, he said, adding of his talent for figuring things out: If you have a job to do, your mind orients to it and thats what you have to do. Over two years, he learned how to fly all sorts of aircraft. In 1942, as the United States dipped more heavily into World War II, Fulton signed on with Transcontinental and Western Air, which later became TWA. The company had a government contract to fly transport planes and they needed pilots. You know, if it hadnt been for the war, I dont know what I would have done, said Fulton, who never went to college. Probably nothing. He was the commander of various types of cargo planes that flew across the ocean dozens of times. One common route was from Natal, Brazil, to Dakar, in West Africa, then over to Khartoum, Sudan, and up the Nile Valley to Cairo. He became a seasoned long-range pilot but still liked pushing the performance of smaller planes. Around 1946, he bought a used P-51 Mustang from the War Department for $3,500. While on vacation that year, he won notoriety with a first-place trophy at the National Air Races in Cleveland. His average speed was 352 mph. Fly or farm? He stayed on with TWA, flying passengers all over the world, for decades to come. He lived in Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco. After his mother died in 1969, he spent a lot of his downtime in Illinois, running the farm with the help of farmhands and others from the community. Roger Harris, an electrician in nearby Atwood, said Fulton once left him a message about fixing a fan in a grain bin. No need to call back, he was in the French Riviera. Hed tell you to do something, whether he was here or not, said Harris, 79. You did it and he was happy. Fulton had a big decision to make when he retired from TWA in 1981 at the age of 60: Move to Singapore to fly for a different company and continue to wear tailor-made white shirts, or take on rural Illinois full time, where the family farm was worth a considerable amount. He said the fertile land could have more recently sold for $14,000 an acre. I had to do something, he said. I couldnt have been happy with my feet up. He dug into the farm, poured countless hours into work. Sometimes during harvest season, he wouldnt get to bed until midnight, then hed be up before sunrise. Years passed. His reputation solidified as a man who wanted the best. Hes been a frequent customer at the nearby Case International Harvester dealership, where a combine fetches $500,000. He is meticulous about machinery, wants the new stuff delivered straight from the factory. He demands that it be washed, even waxed sometimes, before leaving it in the shed for the next season. Hes not as particular about his own accommodations. He lives in his parents old home. Parking is easy compared to where he used to live, he says with a smile. Looking back, he said, maybe he should have put more effort into getting married. The women I knew wouldnt have cared for farm life, he said. They wanted a few more bright lights. Securing a legacy Fulton has avoided retirement homes. Not able to fly anymore, growing soybeans and corn on land that his parents cultivated helped keep him alive, some said. In recent years, he had a dog named Rambo that hed buy hamburgers for at the cafe. Other than that, it has just been him and some farmhands. Among the help is Rob Flavin, 53, who farms Fultons land and looks out for him. You need to eat more, he told Fulton the other day. Fulton weighs 116 pounds, down from 140 four years ago. His hemoglobin count needs to be monitored. My future is not very far from here, he said. But there are still plans to set in order, including the auction. Fulton said hes happy to sell off the equipment he cared so much about. He was losing too much to depreciation. But selling the land, he said, would come with an enormous tax bill, and the government would just piss it away. To keep the land intact after he dies, it will be left in trust. Flavin will farm the land, largely using his own equipment though a few tools and tractors are being spared from the auction. A new farm office was just built and siding is being replaced on a large shed and shop. If all goes well it will be a profitable enterprise for years to come. Profits from Fultons side of the operation will be donated to nearby Friendship Hill Retirement Center, sometimes referred to as Pill Hill. The center was set up by a homeopathic doctor from Hammond, the next little town over. The doctor, who didnt have children either, left it as her dying legacy. It operates out of her former summer home and is supported by an endowment that includes net income from 2,000 acres of farmland. Fulton said he liked that approach and wanted to add income from his own land to the cause. Hopefully, it will help keep the rates down, he said. After a Baltimore woman reported her rape to police, the prosecutor on the case shared his thoughts with an officer. I am not excited about charging it, the unnamed official wrote in an email. This victim seems like a conniving little whore. Lmao! the officer wrote back. I feel the same. The Justice Department detailed the exchange in a sprawling report Wednesday on the Baltimore Police Department that found rampant discrimination against blacks, a tendency to use excessive force and a rash of illegal arrests. Toward the end of the 167 pages was another bombshell: Officers frequently dismissed or mishandled sexual assault complaints. They often neglected to interview suspects or send DNA evidence to laboratories. Between 2010 and 2014, authorities tested rape kits in just 15 percent of adult-victim sexual assault cases, even after a 2010 Baltimore Sun investigation that found that the citys police led the nation in discarded rape complaints. The Justice Department concluded that gender bias had infected investigations. In their interviews with women reporting sexual assault, investigators wrote, BPD officers ask women questions such as, Why are you messing up that guys life? Just 17 percent of sexual assault reports in 2015 ended with an arrest. In the years after the Baltimore Sun found the police were labeling massive number of rape complaints as unfounded, more than half of the reports made to the department languished as open cases. This data suggests that BPD is keeping the majority of its rape cases in an open status, thus drastically reducing the rate of its rape cases closed as unfounded, the authors wrote, and creating the illusion of having made meaningful reforms to its procedures for identifying and classifying sexual assault. Baltimore is one of several cities where newspaper investigations found problems with rape investigations. In 2005, a Post-Dispatch investigation found the St. Louis police had for years used informal memos to record sexual assault complaints. The cases werent counted in crime statistics, and the records were shredded after two years. For example, the department counted just 81 rapes in 2003. But an analysis for the Post-Dispatch found there were likely twice as many more that were reported to police, but never counted. The newspaper found some victims were given forms to sign that released police from investigating and counting the complaints as crimes, even when officers seemed to have little reason to believe the women were lying. Officers often made judgments on the spot about women reporting rapes, improperly rejecting many complaints that crime experts told the newspaper should have been counted as crimes and investigated. The department ended the use of memos, and quietly reopened several cases highlighted by the newspaper. The number of active rape cases increased dramatically. In Baltimore, the U.S. Department of Justice investigation offers an extraordinary glimpse into a city police forces inner workings. Investigators launched the inquiry after the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, 25, a black man who suffered fatal injuries in the back of a police van. Spiral of ineffectiveness But Baltimores isnt the only force with race and gender problems. Last year, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced that she had heard about similar behavior from officers and prosecutors nationwide. Authorities sometimes make snap judgments about women who report sexual assaults, she said at a White House event, where the Department of Justice released updated guidelines on how police should investigate rape. Now, officers judge complainants for getting drunk or wearing short skirts. And they arent familiar with traumas impact on the brain, which can make victims seem strangely calm or unable to remember attacks in detail. These assumptions, Lynch said at the time, can send the case into a spiral of ineffectiveness, and the victim back into a spiral of despair and pain. Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States has reported a rape or sexual assault, according to the latest Justice statistics. The Associated Press reported last year that assailants also operate from within police departments: One thousand officers lost their badges from 2009 to 2014 for sexual assault and misconduct, according to the report. (Nine states declined to release data.) Carol Tracy, executive director of the Womens Law Project, said last year that race is an important part of the sexual assault conversation. This gender bias is exacerbated when racial bias is added to it, Tracy said at the Justice event. Where bias is explicit, and it is explicit throughout this country, it has to be rooted out. ... Rape victims are profiled as liars, from campus to Cosby. Shanlon Wu, a former sex crimes prosecutor and partner at Wu, Grohovsky and Whipple in Washington, said all police departments should work to quash their acceptance of stereotypes. One baby step, he said: Officers should actively get to know people who dont look like them. (Many police forces in the United States are overwhelmingly white and male.) Police officers are just like the rest of us, Wu said. They can change biases through education and exposure. Jeremy Kohler of the Post-Dispatch, the Washington Post and Associated Press contributed to this report. MIAMI Donald Trump repeatedly accused President Barack Obama of founding the Islamic State group on Thursday, refusing to take back a patently false allegation even when questioned about the logic of his position. A day after lobbing the attack against the president during a rowdy rally, Trump pressed ahead during a round of interviews. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitts attempt to reframe Trumps observation as one that said Obamas foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed Islamic State to thrive. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do, Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. Hewitt asked Trump if he would acknowledge that Obama hates Islamic State, noting that the president is trying to kill them. Over the past two years Obama has organized a broad coalition of countries and launched more than 10,000 U.S. airstrikes to defeat Islamic State. I dont care, the billionaire businessman replied. He was the founder. The way he got out of Iraq that was the founding of ISIS, OK? In a later speech to homebuilders in Miami on Thursday, Trump said his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, would be given the most valuable player award by Islamic State. Her only competition is Barack Obama, he said. He later added of Clinton, Oh boy, is ISIS hoping for her. Clintons campaign accused Trump of trash-talking the U.S. while failing to present any serious counterterrorism plans of his own. Jake Sullivan, Clintons top policy aide, called Trumps accusation a false claim and drew a connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Once again, hes echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests, Sullivan said. In the interview with Hewitt, Trump did acknowledge the root of his argument was that if Obama had done things properly, you wouldnt have had ISIS. But he then added, Therefore, he was the founder if ISIS. Trump had previously said Clinton founded the militant group, but shifted the blame to Obama on Wednesday during a rally in Florida. He also pointedly referred to the president by his full legal name: Barack Hussein Obama. The accusation and his use of the presidents middle name echoed previous instances where hes questioned Obamas religious faith and loyalties to the country. In June, when a shooter who claimed allegiance to IS killed 49 people in an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, Trump seemed to suggest Obama was sympathetic to the group when he said Obama doesnt get it, or he gets it better than anybody understands. In the past, Trump has also falsely suggested Obama is a Muslim or was born in Kenya, where Obamas father was from. The president, a Christian, was born in Hawaii. Trump has long blamed Obama and his former secretary of state Clinton for their Mideast policy. Republicans believe that the U.S. decision to leave Iraq in 2011 created a power vacuum that allowed al-Qaida in Iraq, a subsidiary of the larger terror group al-Qaida, to morph into the 30,000-strong Islamic State group that in 2014 seized a third of Syria and Iraq. The U.S. has led a coalition of a dozen Western and Arab countries in a sustained airstrike campaign backed by Iraqi ground forces that have cut the group in half and cost it 45 percent of its territory. Yet, the group still inspires or backs terror attacks around the world. The White House declined to comment on Trumps accusation. The Islamic State group began as Iraqs local affiliate of al-Qaida, the group that attacked the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. But the group carried out massive attacks against Iraqs Shiite Muslim majority, fueling tensions with al-Qaidas central leadership, which blames its grievances on the West. The local groups then-leader, Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was killed in 2006 in a U.S. airstrike but is still seen as the Islamic State groups founder. When it comes to energy generation, business as usual is hurting Missouri. Antiquated state laws are holding back investments in cheaper, cleaner electricity from renewable sources. The states biggest job creators have voiced concerns that they would like to build and buy renewable energy through stable, long-term contracts, as is possible in other states. Thousands of jobs for the construction and operation of locally sourced renewable power are left on the sidelines. Thats why Cargill, General Mills, Unilever and Wal-Mart are asking for new state laws that will let them purchase more cheap and clean renewable power, such as wind and solar. These businesses and others are required under current law to purchase power from the states utilities, preventing them from pursuing cleaner or lower-cost options available from renewable-energy providers. In what industry besides energy is every business required to buy a product from a single provider, even when there are better, more affordable options available? More than that, business as usual is hurting Missourians where it counts most: their childrens health. All but one Missouri county for which there is information gets a grade of F for smog from the American Lung Association. St. Louis ranks as the 18th-most-polluted metropolitan area in the country. This puts the 156,000 Missouri children with asthma at greater risk for missing school and being hospitalized, and jeopardizes the health of 2 million Missourians with serious health conditions. Our faith makes it imperative to defend our children and deliver them a healthier, more sustainable future. Missouri can be a leader in clean energy. Our groups believe conservatives have the genuine interest and tools to lead the charge and make that future clearer and more achievable. Whether its our evangelical faith or a faith in the power of markets, we agree that, with the right changes, Missouri can create a cleaner, more competitive future. In late July, the Evangelical Environmental Network delivered to Gov. Jay Nixon and legislative leaders the names of more than 19,000 Christians in Missouri who support a significant increase in renewable power in the state. They see that new technologies can clean up our environment, improve our childrens health and build a more sustainable future if we allow the market to flourish. Theres a clear way forward, and it starts with simple changes. The states utilities can only provide the types of power that legislators and regulators permit. But individual citizens and companies demand more access to clean power. Lets empower Missouri businesses to choose alternative sources and build a market for renewable energy. To deliver better, cleaner options to Missouris companies, the state should support a new legislative push to allow businesses to buy power from renewable-energy providers. Introduced by state Rep. Bill Kidd, R-Independence, this bill would remove restrictions on Power Purchase Agreements. Such arrangements allow new, in-state investments in clean, low-cost renewable power, bring in high-skilled job opportunities, and give businesses access to a reliable, long-term source of electricity. Its clean energy driven by cost-competitiveness and commitment to sustainability, not government mandates. We can do better by households, too. Current policy supports net metering, which allows individual customers to offset their own power usage with wind or solar at home and sell it back to the utility. But two limits the size of at-home units and the low price customers can fetch for excess power keep the program out of reach for all but the most motivated customers. A 2015 study from the Missouri Energy Initiative found that net-metering programs provide a benefit to all utility customers, suggesting the whole state stands to gain from a healthier program. Whether its a commitment to free markets or a deeply held interest in making investments that will make our air cleaner and our communities healthier, its clear that Missouri stands to gain from these changes. These kinds of new solutions challenge the traditional model of state-regulated power utilities and create opportunities for more competition, freer markets and a better future for Missouri. Rev. Mitch Hescox is the president and CEO of Evangelical Environmental Network. Catrina Rorke is director of energy policy and a senior fellow at the R Street Institute. Can we be assured that the plant will not pollute our land or water supply so that we are not discovering something decades later like so many areas in Missouri? bering land bridge national park Remember back in high school when you learned all those human-history basics, like the fact that we share a common ancestor with the African ape or that the first Americans reached the continent by way of a grassy strip of terrain called the Bering land bridge that emerged as the ice retreated between Russia and Alaska? Turns out that last bit might be wrong. According to a new study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the first people to reach the Americas most likely never even saw this route. Instead, they took an alternative, more westward path along the Pacific coastline across lands that are now underwater. "It definitely challenges what most people learned in high school," Mikkel Winther Pedersen, the paper's lead author and an anthropologist at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, told Business Insider. For centuries, people have considered the Bering land bridge to be the main highway that the earliest human travelers used to get to the Americas. Back in the 16th century, Spanish explorer Jose de Acosta posited that those early hikers made their way south while tracking massive herds of animals like deer and elk, whose meaty flesh would sustain them on their treacherous journey. Here's a GIF showing how the area called Beringia emerged and disappeared over thousands of years: The gist of this theory has remained pretty widely accepted among archaeologists, though certain parts of it like what types of animals and plants lived in the region at the time are still hotly debated. One recent study, for example, suggested that while the first Americans did indeed travel throughout and even settle in Beringia, they certainly weren't eating any large game, since the landscape would have supported only small animals and perhaps elk. Still, Beringians would have had all the resources they needed to survive there, the authors of that paper argued two years ago in a post for The Conversation. Story continues The new study challenges that assumption, finding instead that the area simply didn't have the resources to support thousands of hungry humans at least not until thousands of years later. willerslev_first_americans_paper_3 skitched (1) But there's strong evidence that humans were present in the Americas long before then. In May, a team of archaeologists uncovered a set of 14,550-year-old stone tools and butchered mastodon bones at the bottom of a Florida river firmly placing the first Americans in those lands 1,000 earlier than scientists once thought. So the question for the new study's researchers was this: How did these mastodon-hunting Americans get there? Did they somehow manage to eke out a route along the barren terrain of the Bering land bridge? Or did they use another route perhaps the other ice-free pathway along what's now part of the submerged Pacific coastline? To find out, the researchers dug ancient ice cores out of lakes in the region where ice once retreated and filled in with water, essentially forming frozen time capsules. It's a new and developing field of research called environmental DNA, or eDNA for short, that involves carefully inspecting all the genetic material hidden inside a sample of soil, sediment, or water. "It was kind of like time travel," Pedersen said. Trapped deep inside each ice core, the researchers found layers of sediment, each of which represented a distinct era in ecological time. They used the cores to get a glimpse of what the area looked like from roughly 15,000 years ago when the ice retreated and the lakes began to fill with liquid water up until about 12,600 years ago, when animals and plants began to establish themselves there. "Putting this together we could suddenly see that, well, humans couldn't have used this corridor until 12,600," Pedersen said, "because they couldn't have walked along a thousand-kilometer stretch of land without having something to sustain them." The finding could change history, Florida State University archaeologist Jessi Halligan, and one of the authors of the study that uncovered the butchered mastodon bones in Florida but who was not involved with this paper, told Business Insider. "This is a really big and important study," said Halligan. "It shows these first Americans couldnt have taken this corridor it simply wasn't viable at the time." NOW WATCH: One of the most groundbreaking archaeological discoveries of the year was almost turned into a necklace More From Business Insider LONDON MARKET CLOSE: FTSE makes weekly gain but banks weigh on Friday Friday, October 28, 2022 - 17:08 The FTSE 100 managed a weekly gain, despite underperforming peers on Friday, while strong results from oil majors lifted the mood in New York, shaking off poor numbers from Amazon. Central banks move into focus again next week. The Federal Reserve announces its rate decision on Wednesday, with the Bank of England following on Thursday. The FTSE 100 index closed down 26.02 points, or 0.4% at 7,047.67 on Friday, but finished the week 1.1% higher. The FTSE 250 ended down 165.25 points, or 0.9%, at 17,916.67 - closing the week up 4.1%. The AIM All-Share closed down 4.09 points, or 0.5%, at 805.37, finishing 2.7% higher over the past five days The Cboe UK 100 ended down 0.5% at 703.81, the Cboe UK 250 closed down 1.0% at 15,378.84, and the Cboe Small Companies ended down 0.5% at 12,320.39. The pound was quoted at $1.1595 at the London equities close Friday, up slightly from $1.1573 at the close on Thursday. Though sterling's marked rise tempered slightly on Friday, the currency has gained 3.2% over the past week. Markets have so far taken confidence from the new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In the FTSE 100, Centrica added 5.2% after it announced the reopening of the Rough natural gas storage facility off the east coast of England. Centrica, which owns British Gas, said the facility is operational for winter. The facility increases the UK's storage capacity by 50% despite it operating at just 20% of its previous capacity. GSK closed up 2.3% after it said its majority owned ViiV Healthcare venture has received the European Medicines Agency's validation for its marketing authorisation application for HIV prevention, and said its MAA for respiratory syncytial virus adult vaccine has also been accepted. NatWest was the worst performer. It plunged 8.3% as it reported strong income growth in the third quarter, boosted by both increased lending and higher interest rates, but the bank warned it is keeping a close on eye on any change in behaviour from its customers. In the three months to September 30, operating profit before tax rose to 1.09 billion from 976 million a year before. Putting a cap on the bank's profit, NatWest set aside 247 million in the quarter to cover an expected increase in bad loans, which is reversed from a 221 million gain the year prior. Lloyds fell 3.3% in negative read across. Glencore fell 1.0% as it trimmed annual guidance for some of its commodities after a disappointing third-quarter performance dominated by supply chain disruptions in Kazakhstan, extreme weather in Australia, and strikes in Canada and Norway. In the FTSE 250, ASOS tumbled 11%. The stock was rocked by a Telegraph report which stated some hedge funds have shorted the stock, just days after retailer Frasers bought a stake. Elsewhere in London, China-focused investment trusts fell. JPMorgan China Growth & Income fell 2.9% and abrdn China Investment dropped 3.5%. Investor sentiment turned sour as Chinese cities doubled down on Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Stocks in New York were firmly in the green at the London equities close, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 2.0%, the S&P 500 index up 1.7% and the Nasdaq Composite up 1.8%. After disappointment from tech stocks, oil majors put some shine on this week's US corporate earnings calendar. Exxon Mobil revenue in the third quarter of 2022 jumped 52% to $112.07 billion from $73.79 billion a year prior. Attributable net income soared to $19.66 billion from $6.75 billion. The oil major's bottom line rose 10% from $17.85 billion in the second quarter. Chevron posted pretax earnings of $14.80 billion, up from $8.06 billion the year before. Revenue increased to $66.64 billion from $44.71 billion the year before. Exxon shares rose 1.8%, while Chevron was up 0.3%. Amazon slid 10%, after its poor numbers overnight. Wall Street also shook off a higher inflation reading for the US on Friday. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Fed's preferred inflationary measure, the core personal consumption expenditures index, which excludes food and energy, shot up 5.1% year-on-year in September, quickening from a 4.9% hike in August. "The Fed's favoured measure of inflation is heading higher, rather than lower, while employment costs continue to rise at double the rate experienced over the past 15 years. The market is probably right to expect the Fed to slow the pace of rate hikes from December, but this is by no means guaranteed," analysts at ING commented. On Thursday, the European Central Bank on Thursday lifted its benchmark interest rates by 75 basis points, as expected. In European equities on Friday, the CAC 40 in Paris ended up 0.5%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended up 0.2%. The euro stood at $0.9943 at the European equities close Friday, lower against $0.9984 at the same time on Thursday. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JP147.54 late Friday, higher compared to JP145.90 late Thursday. Gold was quoted at $1,640.91 an ounce at the London equities close Friday, down sharply against $1,662.60 at the close on Thursday. The precious metal has an inverse relationship with the greenback, weakening as the dollar strengthens. Brent oil was quoted at $93.34 a barrel at the London equities close Friday, down from $94.75 late Thursday. In Monday's UK corporate calendar, there are full year results from self storage company Lok'n Store and kidney disease-focused diagnostics firm Renalytix. In the economic calendar, the EU will publish its latest GDP and CPI readings. Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Today Cigar Rights of America launches a four-day, five-city whirlwind Freedom Tour in Chicago. The event will be followed by tour stops in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and New York before a final gathering in Orlando on Friday. The list of cigar makers attending the events reads like your dream humidor: Torano, Ozgener, Rocky Patel, Padilla, Padron, Avo, Drew, Oliva, Fuenteyou get the idea. In late May we first got word of the formation of Cigar Rights of America (CRA), a new organization whose stated goals are to fight unjustified tax increases and halt smoking bans. The organizations logo (which looks like a silhouette of George Washington holding a cigar) and rhetoric hearken back to Americas founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The website announces: On a daily basis, your freedom to enjoy a cigar is being stripped away by an overzealous, anti-smoking movement. Their tactics are varied; be it through supporting onerous cigar taxes or lobbying government for restrictive smoking bans. The anti-smoking movement will stop at nothing short of the complete prohibition of tobacco. I recently spoke with Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of the three Corona Cigar Company locations, who described the details, goals, and challenges of the new organization, which aims to be the consumers voice against cigar taxes, bans, and other regulations. Legally the CRA is a 501(c)(4), which means it is a grassroots membership organization that can advocate for or against legislation but cannot accept tax-deductible donations. Examples of other 501(c)(4) organizations include The National Rifle Association, MoveOn.org, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Borysiewicz describes some friction from other industry groups, particularly the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Association, but he thinks they now see the value of a new organization that focuses exclusively on representing cigar smokers, as opposed to retailers or cigar manufacturers. He envisions the CRA, the IPCPR, and the CAA (Cigar Association of America) as an Army, Air Force, and Navy ready to defend the rights of cigar smokers against harmful taxes and regulations. While the CRA is currently dependent on industry sources for funding, the idea is for it to be completely self-sufficient within a few years. The aim of the Freedom Tour is to recruit 4,000 members. Within a year or two, Borysiewicz says the goal is a hundred thousand members or moreall fully activated and involved in fighting for their rights. For details on the CRA Freedom Tour visit CigarRights.org. Patrick S photo credit: CRA As we have since July 2006, each Friday well post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler. 1) The Food and Drug Administrations cigar regulations officially took effect on Monday. While the full impact of the rules will take years to see, several notable cigar makers voiced their perspectives this week, including Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac: We are, at this time, unable to determine exactly what the consequences of this regulation will be on our industry, on our businesses, and on our passion for premium cigars, he opined on Facebook. Most of what you read is worst-case scenario. The reality is likely more positive It is my personal observation that the misinformation and hyperbole has created an environment of fear and negativity that is counter-productive and detrimental to our business. Meanwhile, Rafael Nodal of Boutique Blends Cigars sent around an email to update his friends, retailers, and associates about his companys approach: As a company, we have spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars preparing for this, and since we have navigated the regulatory maze before [Nodal comes from the healthcare industry], we know it is not going to be easy, but we also know that with detailed preparation, detailed documentation, implementation of strict protocols, and continued updates of our policies and procedures, we can survive. Until now, the FDA preparation has been done by our core staff. We are now staffing regulatory personnel to coordinate compliance with our outside consultants, suppliers, as well as our attorneys. Finally, Fred Rewey of the Nomad Cigar Company had this to say: Although the immediate ramifications to the consumer seem light, the process has started behind the scenes, and it is an ugly battle I am proud of the reputation of both the brand and me personally. No B.S. Dont cut corners and try and make the best cigars you can. That said, all is not doom and gloom. I plan on staying. Whether I continue to go it alone, or partner with someone else, I am just not sure. I am open to the mechanics, but not open to sacrificing one thing that you have grown to expect out of Nomad. 2) Seemingly in an effort to capitalize on the Pokemon Go craze, Gurkha is organizing a cigar scavenger hunt in Miami on Saturday, September 10. Pre-registration is required but free. The event will start at Village Humidor and take participants to several cigar locales throughout the city, culminating in an award ceremony where the winner will receive one of box of cigars each month for one year. 3) Inside the Industry: While many cigar companies significantly increased their announcement of new cigars at this years IPCPR Trade Show in light of the FDA, General Cigars debuts, while numerous, were in line with the number of new releases the outfit had featured at previous shows. Among the highlights were CAO Consigliere, a return of the original CAO Sopranos blend at a slightly lower price point now that the licensing agreement with The Sopranos has ended. Another interesting debut was the Hoyo La Amistad, produced in partnership with A.J. Fernandez, who makes the cigar in Nicaragua with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and binder from his Nicaraguan farms. Also new from General Cigar are two La Gloria Maduro offerings: La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Maduro, which features a Broadleaf wrapper, and La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black Maduro, which is an internet and catalog exclusive. 4) From the Archives: Its hard to believe, but it has been over eight years since the launch of Cigar Rights of America. At the time, the organizations stated goals were to fight unjustified tax increases and halt smoking bans. As became necessary, however, on the federal level much of CRAs attention quickly turned to the FDA regulations that were authorized by Congress only weeks after the organizations establishment. 5) Deal of the Week: Every cigar smoker has good reason to join Cigar Rights of America, or renew/extend their current membership. If you want to smoke excellent, exclusive cigars while you do so, consider purchasing this Cigar Rights of America Limited Edition Sampler. Each sampler includes a CRA membership (you can also use it to renew your existing membership) with ten exclusive, high-end cigars. As a bonus, use the code Stogie10 to save $10 (knocking the price down to $90). The Stogie Guys photo credit: Stogie Guys BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Beverly Hills Group Inc. (BHGI), Announces the advancement of $1.4 million to Grupo Richard. Beverly Hills Group Inc. (BHGI) is pleased to announce the advancement of approximately $1.4 million dollars funded to date, from a third party to Grupo Richard-Operadora in preparation for the closing of the remaining acquisitions and assets. The acquisition agreement is funded by a combination of cash and fully restricted equity shares of BHGI. The company will receive real estate which has been appraised by "Jaramillo y Asociados," to have a value of approximately $47 million dollars, with equity of approximately $45 million dollars. The business operations and assets of the three remaining Grupo Richard companies identified in the first acquisition agreement are being acquired as well: (1) Grupo Internacional Richard (2) Grupo Richard y Lange (3) Asesores en Comercio ON de Mexico Our management views this is as just the beginning of our relationship with Grupo Richard. Our long-term vision is to expand the footprint of our newly-acquired companies within Mexico and Latin America under the BHGI umbrella. Grupo Richard continues to diligently maintain and create beneficial relationships within Mexico, which in turn creates opportunities for further growth of BHGI. (Values based on 2016 appraisals and may fluctuate with the daily exchange rate or other market variables). Sincerely yours, Jacob Thomas Chairman of the Board Beverly Hills Group, Inc. ABOUT BEVERLY HILLS GROUP Beverly Hills Group Inc. is a multi-faceted company with current diverse investments in Mexico, including retail convenience stores, wholesale distribution, construction, real estate development, banking and financial services. Its objective is to grow through strategic acquisitions, focusing first on the increasing consumer awareness and demand in the Mexican and Latin American markets. Once these strategic acquisitions are procured and integrated into the long term objectives of the company, Beverly Hills Group will provide investment capital, preeminent modern business practices and best-in-class management to cultivate and mature these companies to their greatest potential. Story continues FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This shareholder update may contain a number of forward-looking statements. Words and variations of words such as: "expect, "goals", "could", "plans", "believe", "continue", "may", "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: our expectation for growth, benefits from brand-building, cost savings and margins. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: continued volatility of, and sharp increase in: costs/pricing actions, increased competition, risks from operating internationally, consumer weakness, weakness in economic conditions and tax law changes. SOURCE: Beverly Hills Group Inc. HENRY, the young bald eagle who went missing a week ago from Warwick Castle, has come home. The teen bald eagle was taken part in a display at the castle when he took off for a summer holiday jaunt on Saturday. But today, Friday he landed back at the castle unharmed. A castle spokesman said: "We're delighted that our young eagle, Henry, returned to the castle this morning during our 11.30am birds of prey display. He's safe and sound, and has been reunited with his mum, Sydney and his expert handlers. It's not unusual for young birds of prey to stretch their wings and explore, but we're very happy to have Henry home. Our thanks go to all those who helped look for him and reported sightings to us, and we can't wait to see him in action again in this weekend's twice daily shows." A man stands close to the Cardon refinery, which belongs to the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSAn in Punto Fijo, Venezuela July 22, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices hit five-week highs on Monday, gaining 10 percent or more in a three-day rally as speculation intensified over potential producer action to support prices amid a crude glut. Data from market intelligence firm Genscape estimating a draw of more than 350,000 barrels at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery point for U.S. crude futures last week added to the bullish sentiment, said traders who saw the data. Separately, a Reuters poll indicated total U.S. crude inventories may have fallen too last week. Brent crude settled up $1.38, or 2.9 percent, at $48.35 a barrel. Minutes after the close, it extended gains, reaching $48.46, its highest since July 12. Brent has gained about 10 percent cumulatively in the past three sessions, its most in such a stretch since May. Since the start of August, it has risen nearly 14 percent. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.25, or 2.8 percent, to settle at $45.74 a barrel. It also rallied post-settlement to $45.87, its highest since July 21. WTI has gained 10 percent on the month. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak bolstered hopes on Monday that oil producing nations could take action to stabilize prices. The market started to rally on Thursday after Saudi energy minister said non-members and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are to meet on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum, which groups producers and consumers, in Algeria from Sept. 26-28. "While we see very little possibility of an actualization of curtailed OPEC output, there will likely be enough chatter during the next five to six weeks to deter selling in allowing WTI to gravitate at around the $45 area, at least through the second half of this month," said Jim Ritterbusch of Chicago-based oil markets consultancy Ritterbusch & Associates. Other analysts were skeptical that the rally would continue. "In our view, a renewed price correction cannot be ruled out if market participants start focusing on the supply side again, for the latest drilling activity figures in the U.S. cast doubts that the oversupply is really being eroded," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said in a note. There are also doubts that Saudi Arabia and other major OPEC members such as Iran will put aside a market share battle in order to prop up prices. New York-based crude cargo tracker Clipperdata said exports by OPEC's big six - Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq and UAE - total 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd), or nearly 22 percent, more from their 2015 start of 18.5 million bpd. "It seems prudent to point out the contrast betwixt actions versus words," said Clipperdata analyst Matt Smith said, referring to OPEC. On the demand side, the world's three biggest economies - the United States, China and Japan - all published downbeat economic data between Friday and Monday that could spell erosion in oil demand. (Additional reporting by Libby George inb LONDON and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by David Evans and Marguerita Choy) By Jibran Ahmad and Yeganeh Torbati PESHAWAR, Pakistan/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leader of Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed in a U.S. drone strike on July 26, a Pentagon spokesman said on Friday after the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan announced the news to Reuters. The death of Hafiz Saeed Khan is a blow to efforts by Islamic State - also known as ISIS or Daesh - to expand from its heartlands in Syria and Iraq into Afghanistan and Pakistan, already crowded with jihadist movements including the Taliban and al Qaeda. It is the second U.S. killing of a prominent militant in the region in months. In May, a U.S. drone killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a strike in Pakistan. Despite that, Afghanistan's 15-year-old war grinds on with no clear victory in sight. Taliban fighters have been threatening at least two provincial capitals this summer, in Helmand and Kunduz, and a U.S. government report said Afghan forces have lost 5 percent of territory this year. In terms of its own territory, Islamic State has been largely confined to a handful of districts in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, which borders Pakistan, where IS militants - mostly defectors from the Taliban - are blamed for raiding villages and government outposts. Still, worries that Islamic State might be expanding its operational reach heightened this week when the group took credit for an attack on a Pakistani hospital that killed at least 74 people in the southwestern city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility. A few weeks earlier, Islamic State claimed an attack on a rally in Kabul that killed more than 80 people. BITTER RIVALS Khan has been reported dead before. But a claim by Afghan intelligence agents last year that he had been killed was never confirmed. On Friday, however, Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal told Reuters he had seen confirmation from Afghan security forces. "I can confirm that ISIS Khurasan (Afghanistan and Pakistan) leader Hafiz Saeed Khan along with his senior commanders and fighters died in a U.S. drone strike on July 26 in Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangharhar province," he said. Pentagon spokesman Gordon Trowbridge confirmed Khan's death, and said in a statement that the air strike took place during joint operations by U.S. and Afghan special operations forces against IS in the southern part of Nangarhar province. Trowbridge said the airstrike was in Achin district, as opposed to Kot district. Khan - a longtime commander with the Pakistani Taliban - pledged allegiance in October 2014 to Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Taliban's various factions in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as their al Qaeda allies are bitter rivals of Islamic State's al-Baghdadi. The Taliban reject al-Baghdadi as leader of an envisioned worldwide caliphate. In Afghanistan, Taliban and Islamic State fighters have battled over territory in Nangarhar, though both have recently been more busy defending against U.S. and Afghan assaults. Between January and early August, American warplanes conducted nearly 140 air strikes against Islamic State targets in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military. Afghan forces, backed by the American military, killed an estimated 300 Islamic State fighters in an operation mounted two weeks ago, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan said on Wednesday, calling it a severe blow to the group. (Additional reporting by Josh Smith in Kabul and Phil Stewart in Washington; Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Leslie Adler) By Amanda Becker and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton on Friday released her 2015 tax returns, which showed the Democratic presidential nominee and her husband had $10.75 million in income that year and paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2 percent. In 2015, the Clintons made $1 million in charitable contributions, mostly to the Clinton Foundation; former President Bill Clinton brought in nearly $5.3 million in speaking fees; and the former secretary of state reported income of $3 million from publisher Simon & Schuster for her book on her tenure at the State Department. Clinton's running mate, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, along with his wife, Anne Holton, released 10 years of tax returns. They paid an effective federal tax rate of 20.3 percent in 2015. "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," Clinton campaign aide Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement. "In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns." It is customary for U.S. presidential candidates to make their tax returns public, although they are not required by law to do so. Clinton's tax returns have been made public, in some form, every year since 1977. Trump, a New York businessman, and his lawyers have cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service as a reason for his refusal to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one's business and that they reveal little. "Your move," Clinton campaign aide Ian Sams said on Twitter, linking to the Democratic nominee's returns. The Trump campaign dismissed Clinton's action, saying in a statement: "This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection" from controversy about her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. The IRS has said Trump can release his tax returns even while under audit. On Thursday, Trumps special counsel, Michael Cohen, told CNN he would not allow Trump to release them until the audits are complete. RETURNS SHOW BUSINESS TIES Trump's critics, including 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other fellow Republicans, have said his refusal raises questions about his net worth, his charitable contributions, his business dealings and various other ties, including with Russia. Clinton has pounced on the issue, releasing an online video on Friday highlighting high-profile Republicans urging Trump to release his taxes. On Thursday, she raised the issue during an economic speech in Michigan. "He refuses to do what every other presidential candidate in decades has done and release his tax returns," she told the crowd. Politico has reported that Trump paid zero to very little taxes for two years in the 1990s, and a New York Times business columnist on Friday quoted a number of tax lawyers and accountants saying that could still be the case. Federal tax rates have become an issue in the presidential election. Clinton has endorsed a rule named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett that would ensure those making more than $1 million a year pay a tax rate of at least 30 percent. President Barack Obama also backs the proposal. At a Clinton rally last week in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate is based there, challenged Trump to meet and exchange tax returns. Buffet said that he too was under IRS audit and Trump is "afraid" not of the tax-collection agency but of voters. Clinton's campaign has released tax returns going back to 2007. The Clintons, who now live in Chappaqua, New York, paid an average effective federal tax rate of about 32 percent from 2007 to 2014 and an effective combined tax rate of approximately 40.5 percent. The Clintons' 2015 return showed that, unlike most Americans, just $100 of their income came from wages. Their main investment was a low-cost index mutual fund, and the Clintons reported dividend and interest income of $109,000. (Additional reporting by Kevin Drawbaugh; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Astur Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: AST) (FRANKFURT: CDC) ("Astur" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated July 12, 2016, it has closed its non-brokered private placement generating aggregate gross proceeds of $514,129.60 through the issuance of 10,282,592 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit. As previously announced, each Unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.07 per share until August 12, 2018. If, during the warrant term, the closing price of Astur's common shares is at least $0.20 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, Astur may, at its option, accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by issuing a news release or giving written notice thereof all holders of warrants, and, in such case, the warrants will expire on the earlier of: (i) the 30th day after the date on which the news release or written notice is disseminated by Astur; and (ii) the original expiry date. Lionsbridge Pty Ltd. was paid a finder's fee representing 12.5% of the gross proceeds placed, payable through the issuance of 1,160,324 common shares of Astur at a deemed price of $0.05 per share. The proceeds of the private placement will be used for general working capital purposes. All of the securities issued in the private placement are subject to a four month hold period expiring on December 13, 2016. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Brian Wesson" President and Chief Executive Officer 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. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This document contains certain forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, delays and uncertainties not under the Company's control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the results, performance or expectation implied by these forward looking statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Douglas Turnbull #300-1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6E 2E9 Tel: 604-694-1600 [email protected] www.asturgold.com Source: Astur Gold Corporation BARRE, Vt., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Power Systems Corp. (TSX: NPS), (the "Company" or "Northern Power Systems"), a next generation renewable energy technology company, provides this further update to its news release dated March 28, 2016, which announced that the Company would be delayed in the filing of its annual report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (which report consists of audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and the annual information form) as well as the related officer certifications for the year ended December 31, 2015 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"). The Company completed the filing of its Annual Filings on July 25, 2016, including a restatement of financial results for fiscal 2013 and 2014, and the first three quarters of 2015, and is currently working with its auditors to complete its interim financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31, 2016 ('First Quarter Filings") and June 30, 2016 ("Second Quarter Filings" and, together "Quarterly Filings") (each consisting of quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis). As the Company had announced in a May 24, 2016 press release, the need to restate its financial results for these periods and the corresponding delay in filing its Annual and Quarterly Filings was at the recommendation of its Audit Committee, due to an error in the timing of recognizing revenue for certain overseas transactions. The restatement had no impact on the Company's cash position or cash flow from operations. In connection with the Company's delay in submitting its Annual Filings, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Company's principal regulator, issued a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") which restricts trading in the Company's securities by the Company's insiders, including the CEO and Senior VP for Operations and Finance. Since filing its tenth status update report on July 29, 2016, in accordance with National Policy 12-203, in addition to filing the Annual Filings, the Company and its auditors have continued to work diligently to complete the preparation of the Company's Quarterly Filings, which it believes it will be able to submit by the end of August. Pursuant to the requirements of section 4.4 of National Policy 12-203 Alternative Information Guidelines, the Company reports the following: (i) Except as disclosed in this and previous status reports including the Company's May 24, 2016 press release and its July 25, 2016 Earnings Release, there have been no material changes to the information contained in either the March 28, 2016 news release or the subsequent required bi-weekly updates. The Company continues to work with its auditors to fully remedy the default and complete and file its Quarterly Filings on or before August 31, 2016; (ii) As disclosed above, the Company was required to restate previously filed financial statements. As such, our estimated filing deadline for our Annual Filings was extended to June 30, 2016. The Company requested that the Ontario Securities Commission extend the deadline for our Annual Filings until July 22, 2016 and the Company completed this obligation on July 25, 2016; (iii) Subject to paragraph (iv) below, there has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any specified default subsequent to the default which is the subject of the Default Notice; and (iv) The Company announced on May 17, 2016, in its fourth default status report, that it would not be able to timely file its First Quarter Filings based on the delay in completing its Annual Filings, and on July 29, 2016 announced it would also be delayed in filing its Second Quarter Filings. The Company is working towards filing its First and Second Quarter Filings by the end of August. Other than this announcement, there is no other material information about the affairs of the Company that has not otherwise been generally disclosed. The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines so long as it remains in default of this filing requirement through the provision of bi-weekly, or more frequently if deemed necessary, updates by way of news releases. About Northern Power SystemsNorthern Power Systems designs, manufactures, and sells wind turbines and power technology products, and provides engineering development services for energy applications, into the global marketplace from its US headquarters and European offices. Northern Power Systems and its predecessors have over 40 years' experience in technologies and products generating renewable energy. Northern Power Systems currently manufactures the NPS 60 and NPS 100 turbines. With over 11 million run time hours across its global fleet, Northern Power wind turbines provide customers with clean, cost effective, reliable renewable energy. Patented next generation permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) technology uses fewer moving parts, delivers higher energy capture, and provides increased reliability due to reduced maintenance and downtime. Northern Power Systems' FlexPhase power converter platform uses patented converter architecture and advanced controls technology for advanced grid support and generation applications. Northern Power Systems offers comprehensive inhouse development services, including systems level engineering, advanced drivetrains, power electronics, PM machine design, and remote monitoring systems to the energy industry. To learn more about Northern Power Systems, please visit www.northernpower.com. Notice regarding forward-looking statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Northern Power Systems and its business, which may include, but is not limited to, product and financial performance, regulatory developments, supplier performance, anticipated opportunity and trends for growth in our customer base and our overall business, our market opportunity, expansion into new markets, execution of the company's growth strategy and timeline for filing the Annual Filings. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Northern Power Systems. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, including risks regarding the wind power industry; production, performance and acceptance of the company's products; our sales cycle; our ability to convert backlog into revenue; performance by the company's suppliers; our ability to maintain successful relationships with our partners and to enter into new partner relationships; our performance internationally; currency fluctuations; economic factors; competition; the equity markets generally; and the other risks detailed in Northern Power Systems' risk factors discussed in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to Northern Power Systems' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on July 25, 2016, as well as other documents that may be filed by Northern Power Systems from time to time with the SEC. Although Northern Power Systems has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Northern Power Systems undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ciel R. Caldwell,President and Chief Operating Officer+1-802-661-4673[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northern-power-systems-provides-update-regarding-filing-of-disclosure-documents-300313065.html SOURCE Northern Power Systems Corp. CHICAGO, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) announced jointly today that they have reached an agreement in principle for a joint contract covering the company's approximately 9,000 technicians and related employees. The parties will complete final language and put the resulting tentative agreement out to vote by the technicians and related employees. "This is a great day for the entire United family. Each day we rely on our incredibly dedicated and professional technicians to keep us flying safely. I commend the negotiating teams from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United and the National Mediation Board for all of their effort to get us here, as well as the leadership of Captain Bourne," said Oscar Munoz, president and CEO of United. "Upon ratification, this will be the first time in almost a decade that all United work groups will have labor contracts in place." "This is a monumental day for our United members," said Captain David Bourne, airline division director for the IBT. "I want to congratulate everyone involved for achieving this industry leading agreement in principle which will set a new standard upon ratification. This result would not have been possible without the dedication of Federal Mediator Gerry McGuckin, both negotiating committees and the involvement of CEO Oscar Munoz." About United United Airlines and United Express operate more than 4,500 flights a day to 339 airports across five continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 720 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-and-ibt-reach-agreement-in-principle-for-technicians-300313079.html SOURCE United Airlines PHOENIX, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants (VAPC) announced that it is addressing a security incident involving certain patient, provider and employee information. VAPC is providing notice to approximately 882,590 patients, and all current and former employees and providers, who may have been affected by the incident and offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those individuals whose social security numbers or Medicare numbers were included in the incident. On June 13, 2016, VAPC learned that a third party may have gained unauthorized access to VAPC computer systems on March 30, 2016. Upon learning of the situation, the group immediately began an investigation, including hiring a leading forensics firm to assist in the investigation and notifying law enforcement. The forensics firm found no evidence that the information on the computer systems was accessed, but was unable to definitively rule that out. The computer systems may contain patient information, such as patient names, their providers' names, dates of service, places of treatment, names of health insurers, insurance identification numbers, diagnosis and treatment codes, and in some instances, social security numbers. For providers, the computer systems included credentialing information, such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, professional license numbers, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) numbers, National Provider Identifiers (NPIs), as well as bank account information and potentially other financial information. For employees, the computer systems included names, dates of birth, addresses, social security numbers, bank account information and financial information, such as tax information. Currently, VAPC has no evidence that any of the information has been accessed or used inappropriately. However, the group is proactively reaching out to impacted individuals to provide guidance on how they can protect themselves. More information is available on VAPC's website: https://www.valley.md/securityupdate. Individuals with questions should call 1-888-839-9460, 6 a.m. 6 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday-Friday. VAPC recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy and security of personal information, and regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause. In addition to security safeguards already in place, VAPC is taking steps to enhance the security of its computer systems in order to prevent this type of incident from occurring again in the future. These steps include reviewing its security processes, strengthening its network firewalls, and continuing to incorporate best practices in IT security. About Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants is one of the nation's premier providers of anesthesia and pain management services; a group of 300 anesthesiology and interventional pain management providers nationally recognized for its commitment to the highest standards of patient care, serving patients and their physicians throughout the Greater Phoenix area, since 1983. Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants is a subsidiary of Sheridan Healthcorp, Inc., and part of the Physician Services division of AmSurg Corp. Contact:Jamie Singer[email protected]312-240-2657 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valley-anesthesiology-and-pain-consultants-identifies-and-addresses-information-security-incident-300312986.html SOURCE Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants DUBAI (Reuters) - A Yemeni expatriate killed a policeman in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday by running him over with his car and then stabbing him, the state news agency SPA reported. It was not immediately clear if the attack was related to a 16-month-old war in neighboring Yemen in a Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in support of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against Iran-allied Houthi forces that had deposed him. SPA, quoting a police spokesman in the Asir region of the southwestern province of Bisha, said police Corporal Muhthil al Salouli "was deliberately run over and stabbed" after emerging from dawn prayers at a mosque in Bisha town. Police arrested the assailant, identified as a Yemeni of around 20 years of age, and were questioning him, SPA said. Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis live and work in oil-rich Saudi Arabia to support families in their impoverished homeland. Saudi Arabia and an alliance of mostly Gulf Arab allies have launched thousands of air strikes against the Houthis and their allies in Yemen's army since they entered Yemen's civil war on behalf of the exiled government. (Reporting by Ali Abdellati; writing by Reem Shamseddine; editing by Sami Aboudi and Mark Heinrich) CAIRO (Reuters) - Saudi-led coalition jets bombed rebel positions in Yemen's capital Sanaa on Friday for a fourth consecutive day, residents said, in renewed fighting following the breakdown of peace talks. Air strikes hit a presidential compound and military base in Sanaa early on Friday and wounded six farmers on a road west of the capital, said the residents. U.N.-backed talks concluded last Saturday with no agreement on how to end a civil war that has killed more than 10,000 civilians and caused a humanitarian crisis in the Arab world's poorest country. Dozens of civilians have been killed in Saudi-led air strikes since Sunday, including three women working at a potato chip factory near a military base that was hit by an air strike on Tuesday, according to the United Nations. A Gulf Arab coalition backing Yemeni forces loyal to the exiled government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is trying to oust Iran-allied Houthi forces who control Sanaa. Hadi was forced to flee Yemen to Saudi Arabia as Houthi forces advanced on his headquarters in Aden in March 2015. Residents and Yemeni media reported air strikes on Friday in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida and other parts of Yemen. The war has left half the 27 million population with no access to healthcare and around 80 percent in need of some form of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. The spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani said in a news release more than 200 people had been killed in Yemen in four months. "Each side is responsible for the civilian casualties," Shamdasani said. "Before the end of July, the casualties were mostly attributable to the Houthis, whereas in the past week they have been mostly attributable to the coalitions air strikes." The Houthi movement has detained 30 members of Yemen's minority Baha'i faith, according to a member of the small Muslim sect, in a sign the war is deepening sectarian divisions. Armed officers from the National Security Bureau, an intelligence agency controlled by the Houthis, stormed a youth convention on Wednesday and arrested boys and girls of the minority sect, which is viewed by some Muslims as heretical, said the Baha'i member, who did not wish to be identified. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari and Stephanie Nebehay; Writing by Tom Finn; Editing by Andrew Roche) The office building of health insurer Anthem is seen in Los Angeles, California February 5, 2015. REUTERS/Gus Ruelas By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The judge overseeing the U.S. Justice Department's bid to stop health insurer Anthem (NYSE: ANTM) from merging with competitor Cigna (NYSE: CI) said on Friday her goal was to have a ruling by the end of January, later than the Dec. 30 date sought by Anthem. Anthem had sought a ruling by the end of the year on whether the government could stop the deal because the insurer said it needed time to wrap up merger reviews by state insurance commissioners by April 30, a deadline the companies set to complete the deal. Anthem has said failure to meet the deadline could prompt Cigna to pull out. In a brief order issued late on Friday, Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia set a trial date for Nov. 21, with a conclusion by Dec. 30. She gave the government 10 days to present its case and gave Anthem six days. The judge said in a pre-trial hearing on Friday morning that she expected a decision in January. "My current thinking is that I'm going to aim for a decision by the end of January," she said. Cigna is unlikely to agree to extend the April 30 deadline because of the two companies' contentious relationship, a lawyer for Anthem said last week. The Justice Department filed lawsuits on July 21 asking a federal court to stop two huge healthcare mergers: Anthem's planned $45 billion purchase of Cigna, as well as Aetna (NYSE: AET) Inc's $33 billion planned acquisition of Humana (NYSE: HUM). The trial on the Aetna deal is set for Dec. 5. Anthem's lawyer, Christopher Curran, indicated during the hearing that the company was most concerned about reviews on the merger in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia and New Hampshire. During the hearing, lawyers for the Justice Department and Anthem both said they were willing to discuss a settlement but neither indicated that talks were ongoing. "There is absolutely a willingness" to hold settlement discussions, said the Justice Department's Jon Jacobs, who added, however, that any proposed remedy would take time to evaluate. Anthem's Curran said the company "stands ready" to discuss a settlement. The Justice Department argues that the deals would reduce competition, raise prices for consumers and stifle innovation if the number of large, national insurers fell from five to three. If both mergers go through, No. 1 U.S. insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE: UNH) would rank second after Anthem. Aetna would be No. 3. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; editing by Will Dunham and Dan Grebler) 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person * KORNBERG FRED (Last) (First) (Middle) 68 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, SUITE 230 (Street) MELVILLE NY 11747 (City) (State) (Zip) 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP /DE/ [ CMTL ] The crew of a Punjab government helicopter which made an emergency landing in eastern Afghanistan has been recovered. They said that the crew five Pakistanis and a Russian technician has been shifted to Pakistan. Also Read:Pakistani helicopter crash-lands in Afghan territory The helicopter, en route to Russia for a routine overhaul, made the emergency landing in the restive Logar province in eastern Afghanistan on August 4. After the incident, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the government was using "formal and informal channels" to seek the return of seven passengers of the helicopter. "Formal and informal channels are being used to ensure safe recovery of the entire crew," Prime Minister said in a statement from his office. Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had also called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to request his country's help. Also Read:Army chief contacts General Nicholson after helicopter crash On the day of the incident, the army chief had also contacted top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson asking for his international military coalition's help in recovering the men. Also Read:Afghan Taliban claim to hold crashed helicopter's crew as hostage Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria had said the aircraft had permission to fly over Afghan airspace on its way to Uzbekistan further north for overhauling. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have held a phone conversation on issues of regional and international significance. During the phone call, which was made on Thursday, the two top diplomats exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said in a statement earlier in the day that Zarif and Lavrov held talks on efforts to end the deadly crisis plaguing Syria. Read more: Russia says Iran missile tests 'dont violate' UN resolution Topical issues on the bilateral and regional agenda, including the issue of external support for Syrian settlement, were discussed, the statement said. Zarif-Lavrov talks came days after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, sat down for talks on the sidelines of a trilateral summit in the Azeri capital, Baku. The two presidents stressed the importance of accelerating the development of bilateral relations in all fields. In another development on Thursday, Russian media reported that Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Bogdanov will pay a visit to the Tehran later this month to hold talks with high-ranking Iranian officials about bilateral ties and the situation in the region. Also read: Iran, Russia, Syria defense chiefs to meet in Tehran Bogdanovs visit is slated for August 15 with the situation in the Middle East, especially Syria, on the agenda, Russias RIA Novosti news agency reported. Meanwhile, Ryabkov is also slated to visit the Islamic Republic in late August to discuss the implementation process of last years nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On January 16, Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany started implementing the JCPOA that they had clinched on July 14, 2015. Under the agreement, all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the Security Council and the US were lifted. Iran has, in return, put some limitations on its nuclear activities. Director, Press Office at US Department of State, Elizabeth Trudeau, while briefing the newsmen in Washington on Thursday said that the United States is in contact with Pakistan on reports about Taliban and Daesh alliance in Afghanistan. Elizabeth Trudeau said that we have been very clear with the highest level of the Pakistani Government that Pakistan must target all groups and added that General Raheel Sharif actually spoke about this very recently. Read more: Quetta blast: US strongly condemned and offers assistance in investigation She further said that Pakistan and the broader regions stability requires that military threats be addressed in a comprehensive way. Also read: Pentagon not to pay Pakistan $300 million in military reimbursements Elizabeth Trudeau said that instability in Afghanistan is not in Pakistans interest and will undermine the significant progress that the Pakistan military has made in shutting down terrorist safe havens. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Donald Trump Hillary Clinton's campaign fired back at Donald Trump on Thursday for "trash-talking the United States" after the Republican nominee repeatedly labeled President Barack Obama as the "founder" of the terrorist group ISIS. "This is another example of Donald Trump trash-talking the United States," Clinton campaign senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. "It goes without saying that this is a false claim from a presidential candidate with an aversion to the truth and an unprecedented lack of knowledge." "What's remarkable about Trump's comments is that once again, he's echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests, while failing to offer any serious plans to confront terrorism or make this country more secure," he continued. During a Wednesday night rally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Trump repeatedly called Obama the "founder of ISIS," a claim he reiterated multiple times Thursday morning. "In many respects ... ISIS is honoring President Obama he is the founder of ISIS," Trump said of the international terrorist organization. He later called Clinton the "co-founder." Speaking with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, Trump doubled down on his comments as Hewitt took on the job of attempting to clarify. "Last night you said the president was the founder of ISIS," Hewitt said. "I know what you meant. You meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace." "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS," Trump replied. "I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton." NOW WATCH: Watch Hillary's brutal attack ad showing children watching Trump's controversial statements More From Business Insider Democratic Party phone computer The leak that exposed private email accounts from within the Democratic Party in July appears to be bigger than originally thought. The emails of more than 100 Democratic lawmakers and groups were reportedly compromised in the breach that US officials say was carried out by Russian hackers, according to a report by The New York Times on Wednesday. The Times says the FBI is expanding its investigation as a result, noting that the hacking primarily targeted Democratic Party insiders and Hillary Clinton's campaign officials. The Democratic Governors Association is among the groups that were reportedly targeted. It's unclear how the FBI's investigation will evolve amid the new findings. Early fallout from the cyberattack rocked the party ahead of the Democratic National Convention in July. It led to the resignation of Debbie Wasserman Schultz as the Democratic National Committee chair after hacked internal emails suggested that the party favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary. The party has been bracing for the possibility of another damaging leak before November, The Times said. NOW WATCH: New emails released from Hillary Clintons time as Secretary of State are raising questions about her nonprofit More From Business Insider AP_16225496900611 A match in the men's 100kg judo tournament at the Rio Olympics ended an ugly note when an Egyptian judoka, who reportedly had doubts about even competing in the match, refused to acknowledge the loss or shake hands with his Israeli opponent. The scene unfolded when Islam El Shehaby of Egypt (in blue) took an extended amount of time getting up at the end of the match, leaving both his opponent, Israel's Or Sasson, and the referee waiting. 2016 08 12_10 33 14 It is customary at the end of judo matches to bow to your opponent and shake hands. When Sasson was officially declared the winner, he tried multiple times to bow to El Shehaby, who refused each time. 2016 08 12_10 33 54 Sasson then approached El Shehaby. Instead of greeting each other in the middle, Sasson had to walk well past the middle of the mat. El Shehaby even started backing away as the crowd booed and jeered. Rio Olympics Judo The refusal appears to be politically motivated. Before the match, El Shehaby reportedly contemplated not participating in the match over pressure from fans. Israeli publication The Algemeiner wrote: "El Shehaby, who is known for his extreme anti-Israel views, told Egyptian media outlets that he would make his decision closer to the fight. 'The situation is very sensitive,' he said. 'And I dont want to discuss it.'" Sasson, looking flustered, eventually held his hand up as if to show that he was indeed offering his hand before turning and walking away. AP_16225496907730 NOW WATCH: Here's why the Olympic diving pool turned green More From Business Insider Cabinet has approved changes to the Kiwifruit Export Regulations that will allow for closer shareholding alignment with production, update the definition of Zespris core business and provide the regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ) with a broader skill set and more independence. The regulatory changes represent the first major review of the regulations since they were put in place 17 years ago, says Zespri chairman Peter McBride. These regulatory amendments help position the kiwifruit industry for growth, as we look to more than double sales revenue to $4.5 billion by 2025. The Kiwifruit Regulations have served the industry very well and extensive industry consultation showed more than 97 percent of growers support the industry structure, with minor changes identified to position the industry for the strong growth ahead. The announcement signals a significant milestone in a comprehensive industry review process spanning almost three years, including last years grower referendum which had the highest turnout in a horticultural referendum in recent history. These changes to the regulations will enable Zespri shareholders to vote on amendments to Zespris constitution to align shareholding more closely with production, says Peter. This ensures that New Zealand kiwifruit growers continue to own and control Zespri. Our roadmap towards closer alignment will be outlined at the Zespri Annual Meeting later this month. The Government has also updated the definition of Zespris core business. In making these changes, the Government has acknowledged that Zespris model has evolved, recognising that innovation, market development and marketing are essential in leading lead the world in delivering quality kiwifruit and providing strong returns to New Zealand growers. I would like to acknowledge Minister Nathan Guy for his continued support of the industry through this process, and I would also like to acknowledge the positive engagement shown by the Ministry for Primary Industries, says Peter. The regulatory changes are part of a broader package of initiatives agreed by the industry. Other changes either implemented or underway include the formation of a National Maori Growers Forum, a new proactive approach to collaborative marketing, and an improved share trading platform for Zespri shares. Eleven people have drowned and over 480 have had to be rescued from the sea so far this year, which is proving to be one of the worst in decades Bathers still enter the water despite the red flag flying. :: Salvador Salas IN FIGURES: 11 swimmers have drowned in Malaga this year 77% of cases of drowning occur where there is no lifeguard 480 people have had to be rescued from the sea this summer Rip currents caused by the wind and ignoring the red and yellow warning flags are the cause of most accidents on the beaches of Malaga So far this year, 11 people have drowned off the beaches of Malaga province and the emergency services are attributing their deaths to the strong levante wind, which is particularly prevalent this summer, and the recklessness of people who ignore the yellow and red warning flags. Over 480 people have had to be rescued from the sea by lifeguards on the Costa del Sol this summer, many of them during August when the waves have been high. The death of a 41-year-old man in La Carihuela earlier this month led the Spanish Lifesaving Federation to reiterate its warnings about the dangers of swimming when there is a levante wind, and early in the morning or late in the evening when no lifesaving services are in operation. The levante is expected to continue along much of the Malaga coast, so the red flags will be flying again in the forthcoming days, says meteorologist Jose Luis Escudero: There were a couple of calmer days this week, but then the wind started again and it will continue until the weekend. The flags which indicate the sea conditions are the responsibility of the lifeguards, and their service is run by the local councils. Sources at Medios Acuaticos, the company contracted to provide lifesaving services in Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella, say people are not aware enough of the dangers of going into the sea on days when the waves are high, even when the wind doesnt seem very strong. Being overconfident and ignoring the warning flags are the main reasons for accidents in the water. On Sunday 7 August, in Torremolinos alone, lifeguards had to rescue about 20 people from the sea even though the red flags were flying on the beaches. People are on holiday for a week or two, or three, and they want to enjoy themselves. They dont want the sea to spoil their plans, but the dangers are very real. When a red flag is flying nobody should go swimming, but we end up rescuing dozens of people, say sources at Medios Acuaticos. The man who died in La Carihuela went into the sea at about 10am, but the lifeguard service doesnt start until 11. Three surfers, with the help of two other people, brought his body to the shore and they tried to resuscitate him for more than ten minutes, until the ambulance arrived. We tried to act as quickly as possible but the waves were very strong. When we got him to the beach we discovered he had no pulse, says one of them. The medics even injected him twice with adrenaline, but it was impossible to revive him. It was awful. It wasnt the first time we have helped someone in the water, but luckily most of the time things turn out alright. People always think nothing will happen to them in the sea, and theyre wrong, says one of the surfers. On the same day, in Mijas, a 27-year-old man saved two swimmers off Calaburras beach. The following Monday, also with the red flag flying, a father and his two children had to be rescued by lifeguards in Torremolinos. The Spanish Lifesaving Federation points out that this type of recklessness also endangers the lifeguards and other people who often rush to help without knowing what theyre doing. The emergency services are calling for standard regulations to be applied in every municipality, and stress that swimming in the sea is only advisable if the green flag is flying. Although his mother hopes her lost son may be found, the death of his father has forced the family to make an unwanted legal move A photo of David Guerrero in the familys home in Malaga :: SUR Almost three decades have passed since thirteen-year-old David Guerrero disappeared on his way to his painting class. Since April 1987, the whereabouts of Malagas painter boy are unknown and his familys normal life has been on hold. While the enigma continues, Davids mother, Antonia Guevara, has always held out hope that the middle of her three children would turn up safe and well. We will keep fighting and hoping as long as the body is willing, says Antonia. Sadly, that is not the case for Davids father, who died last October always believing that his son would come back. Despite the family wanting to keep their hopes alive, David is a legal beneficiary of his fathers assets under Spanish inheritance law. In order to access those assets, the family will now have to take the step of having David declared officially dead. The police file on the case is still open and Davids mother hopes that, perhaps, making this unwanted move will cause fate to turn in their favour. The fair originated in 1765, after the king of Spain passed a decree allowing farmers to trade their stock at a market beside the River Perelias The traditional farmers fair showcased numerous varieties of locally raised livestock. :: TONY BRYANT Coin celebrated one of its oldest traditional fairs last weekend - La Feria de Ganado; an agricultural event where livestock are exhibited and judged on certain breed traits as specified by their respective breed standards. This years fair, which presented more varieties of animals than any previous edition, provided the local farmers with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and display their animals to potential buyers. The fair has its origins in an official order passed by King Carlos III in 1765, and over the last 250 years, it has continued to attract many of the areas top livestock breeders. This traditional gathering of the local agricultural sector retains a lot of its nostalgic charm, because business is conducted in much the same manner as it has been for centuries: a deal is secured by a gentlemans agreement and the agreement becomes binding on a simple handshake. The event, which was organized by the Coin town hall, local farmers and various animal associations, was held alongside the River Perelias on the outskirts of Coin, . The animals began to arrive on Friday morning and the 8,000 square metre enclosure was soon tenanted with more than three-hundred heads of cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, and fine Andalusian bulls. Hundreds of people attended this celebrated three-day event and the spectators enjoyed a daily equestrian show performed by dozens of regal-looking Andalusian stallions. The cattle fair serves as a showcase for the locally bred livestock, and breeders come to compete in a judged event in which the best animals from each category are decorated, but above all, it is a weekend of business and the hope of attracting potential buyers to their farms. The livestock fair is part of the programme of the Coin feria, and the people of the town had just a few days to prepare for the annual feria, in honour to the Virgen de la Fuensanta, which began on Thursday 11 and continues until Sunday 15 August. This traditional feria attracts thousands of locals, and visitors from afar, and one of the highlights is a competition in which farmers compete to see who has produced the tastiest huevo de toro (bulls testicle) style of tomatoes. Several small fires in the abandoned building in the last few months have heightened tensions, especially as there's a petrol station nearby The hotel has 122 rooms and has been illegally occupied several times since it closed in 2014. :: A. G. The latest squatters occupation in Hotel Los Alamos, alongside the busy N-340 at the entrance to Torremolinos, is making neighbours nervous that this old, landmark tourist accommodation will once again be the target of vandals. Its closeness to a petrol station and reports of small fires over the last few months have not helped the situation. Weve had to call the fire brigade several times, explained an employee at the petrol station. The building is the property of the Madrid governments social security department and has been abandoned since the Summa hotels chain, which had been leasing the property from the government, went into liquidation at the beginning of 2014. In November, the owners sealed the entrances after various police raids had ended in around twenty arrests, but these security measures havent stopped squatters repeatedly entering and stripping the building, including furniture, copper cables and even the front doors. Far from being peaceful occupations, the squatters have recently covered the facade in grafitti and rendered the interior of the building virtually uninhabitable. Despite the repeated thefts, the neighbours point out that there are still mattresses, curtains and other flammable materials inside and they are worried about another fire breaking out, similar to one well-reported one in April. The petrol station is a stones throw from us and there could be a disaster. Idont understand why they dont renovate the building and put it to some use, a local man complained. Previous welfare use Several associations and political parties have presented proposals, mostly revolving around putting the building back to its earlier social use such as a welfare or pensioners residence. The Costa del Sol Si Se Puede political party has asked for the building, with 122 rooms, to be transferred to Torremolinos council control and added to its social housing stock, however the town hall is powerless to do anything and the Madrid-based social security department hasnt made any move so far, despite their provincial office in Malaga sending several reports to head office so their property estate experts can take the appropriate action. The previous tenants, Summa Hoteles, went into liquidation at the start of 2014 after a supplier made a claim for non payment of 63,000 euros. In April it was claimed that the government owners wanted to auction the building. All hydrological information from the province will be processed in Malaga capital using the latest technology The control centre of Hidrosur in the Palacio de la Tinta, Malaga. :: Francis Silva The Junta de Andalucia is bringing the control of the various hydrological stations in the province under one roof using the sophisticated Sistema Automatico de Informacion Hidrologica (SAIH). It will be based in the Palacio de la Tinta in the city of Malaga where a team of professionals will monitor the lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the Andalusian basins. The project is being financed by FEDER (European Funds for Regional Development), with around four million euros set aside for the incorporation of the SAIH system. The Andalusian government decided to situate the control centre in Malaga, rather than in Seville, as the old Confederacion Hidrografico del Sur has the most advanced automated system of hydrological information. SAIH, also known as Hydrosur, has been created to obtain real-time data which will speed up decision making to help minimise flood damage on the one hand or optimise water usage in the case of drought on the other, explained the general manager of Infraestructuras y Explotacion del Agua, Inmaculada Cuenca. Network Hidrosur has a network of sensors distributed throughout the Mediterranean basins of Andalucia. In total there are 113 stations of various types which capture data such as rain and snow fall, temperature, atmospheric pressure, water levels in reservoirs and rivers, flow rate, position of flood gates and other controls. The electricity supply to the stations, batteries and communication links is also monitored. All this information is sent to the control room at the Palacio de la Tinta by radio antennae and processed. Inmaculada Cuenca said that at the moment, the station at Guadalete-Barbate in the province of Cadiz is being incorporated and there are another 14 stations to go, including Huelva, which will form the biggest part of the cost of the project. There is no set finish date for the project, nor will there be more jobs created although a small team will be employed in Huelva for maintenance, due to its distance from Malaga. Pressure continues to mount on Pedro Sanchez's Socialist party to abstain as an investiture debate edges closer Less of a divide between them? Rajoy and Rivera on Wednesday. :: EFE Their six demands: 1Public office. Immediately suspend all public officials who are being investigated for corruption until legal processes finish. 2Judicial privilege. Remove special protection for many politicians and public officials that means they can currently only be summoned to appear at the supreme court and not a normal court. 3Electoral law. Create new rules to increase proportional representation and other voting reforms. 4Pardons. Remove right of government to pardon those found guilty of political corruption. 5Terms of office. Limit term of Prime Minister to two terms of four years. 6Barcenas Case. Set up a parliamentary commission to investigate alleged corruption in the PP party, the so-called Barcenas and Gurtel cases. Albert Riveras Ciudadanos party (Cs) made an unexpected move on Tuesday to try to end the stalemate that has being consuming Spanish politics since no party won overall control in Junes general election. Prior to this week, the centrist Cs had promised to abstain in a parliamentary investiture debate for Mariano Rajoy, although they stopped short of supporting him. Rajoy, as leader of the Partido Popular (PP), the party with the largest number of seats, has been trying to get support from other MPs to enable him to be sworn in as Prime Minister. However failure to get the rival PSOEparty to support him or at least abstain, essential for the numbers to add up in his favour, has so far blocked progress. This week, Cs Rivera went one step further to try to unblock Spain. In return for the PPaccepting six anti-corruption measures (see side panel), he has promised to ask his partys MPs to vote in favour of Rajoy as PM. However he would not go as far as a long-term support deal for a PPgovernment, stating that there was a lot more negotiation to do afterwards. Rajoy will spend this weekend considering the measures before presenting them to his PP executive committee next Wednesday, (17 August). Some committee members have already said they will approve them. Even with a clear Cs Si to Rajoy, it would still not be enough votes for him to become PM without other MPs abstaining. Further pressure was mounting on Pedro Sanchezs PSOEthis weekend, even from within his partys own ranks, to abstain in a vote to allow Rajoy to form a government. Rivera has also demanded that Rajoy finally fix a date for the elusive investiture debate. One-piece swimwear is no longer for older ladies. Every fashion collection includes a swimsuit and celebrities love them: Kardashian, Beyonce, Paula Echevarria... Why? The design is sexier and there are tricks to make the body look slimmer The patriotic Stella Maxwell. :: INSTAGRAM The fact that the all-powerful Kim Kardashian wore a swimsuit to mark the start of summer gave us the first clue. Her choice, seen by nearly one and a half followers on Instagram, was not accidental. Nor was it a feminine strategy to hide her stomach or make her curvaceous figure look slimmer. The latest fashion on the beach or at the swimming pool is the swimsuit. Were waving goodbye to the long reign of the bikini, just after celebrating its 70 years of existence. It isnt only Kanye Wests wife who says so. The beautiful model Gigi Hadid has also joined the swimsuit clan. Even Kendall Jenner, Kardashians stepsister and girl of the moment, wears one with panache. No it girl would be without a swimsuit in her wardrobe. It has come back and is here to stay, after a long - and hard - absence from our beaches. Beyonce, Irina Shayk, Selena Gomez.... they have all been seen showing off the latest fashions in swimsuits. There was a time when it was almost frowned upon to wear a swimsuit. Everybody wore a bikini, no matter what type of body they had or how old they were, says Nuria Sarda, the creative director of the Andres Sarda firm. It would have been unthinkable for a young woman to be enveloped in a one-piece swimsuit, unless she was taking part in some type of water sport. They were only for older ladies, with bodies they preferred to hide. Teenage girls wouldnt be seen dead in them. Until now, that is, because in the world of fashion nothing can ever be ruled out. The ideas of the sector have changed: swimsuits are no longer aimed at covering up the body or making curves look slimmer. When they first made an appearance back in the 19th century, their design was very different to that of today: now they have become essential items for those who like to follow the latest fashions. The change has been swift, but certain. Nuria Sarda says that over five years ago, after a photo session with some of her designs, one of the models asked if she could keep one of the swimsuits because she had never owned one in her life! Now, that rarity is the latest trend and it is here to stay.... for a couple of years, at least. Nor is this just a local fashion, as figures from Spanish brands confirm. This season we have noticed a remarkable increase in sales, although it could be seen coming back in 2014, says Dolores Font Cortes, the second generation to head the Dolores Cortes firm which was founded in the 1950s. Before that, between 80 and 90 per cent of the swimwear we sold were bikinis. Those two-pieces havent disappeared, but they are no longer as popular. About 40 per cent of sales this year have been swimsuits, explains Dolores. The designs from the company she now manages reflect the evolution of swimwear in Spain. The latest ones have been designed exclusively for the Spanish synchronised swimming team. Lara Alvarez also packed swimsuits in her suitcase for the last series of Supervivientes. The celebrities always used to ask for bikinis, but now they want swimsuits too, says Dolores. And they show them off, extensively, on social media. Model Malena Costa chose one to reveal her amazing figure just two weeks after giving birth to Matilda. Even actress Paula Echevarria, who has always worn bikinis, was seen in a leopard print swimsuit on the beaches of Cadiz and Cantabria. There are even more examples of this fashion to be seen this summer. In the past, designer collections didnt include any swimsuits for young women, only bikinis of all types and styles. That has now changed, and all the collections include some one-pieces. They are designed with these girls in mind, because young women always want to wear things that make them feel good, explains Dolores Font Cortes. More room for creativity Even beyond the fashionable aspect, designers say one thing is clear: one-piece swimsuits make every woman look slimmer, and it should not be forgotten that because they cover more, they help to disguise certain imperfections. Sometimes, with a bit of help. We use a really fine lining but it has a great deal of lycra, which shapes you; it holds you in, without anyone realising it, says Nuria Sarda. One-piece swimsuits also mean that designers can be more creative, because they are working with more material. Another point in favour of swimsuits: they are more suitable than bikinis when eating lunch in a beach restaurant. Obviously, not everything about them is positive. There are some negative factors. Many women want an all-over tan and that is where a bikini beats a swimsuit: more skin exposed to the sun means fewer white marks. Also, the format of bikini top and bottoms became a symbol of womens liberation, back in the years when Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Ursula Andress launched them to stardom with their provocative poses. The swimsuits of the 21st century are also different because they are now designed to show off rather than cover up. From just a simple look in shop windows it is clear that the modern versions have plunging necklines and sexier styling. Sometimes, the part of the fabric that covers the hip is cut high and the piece below the arm is cut low, a bit like the red swimsuit that Pamela Anderson used to wear in Baywatch, but more modern, says Nuria Sarda. This style is popular with the most daring, especially if they have the body to go with it. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have already tried it, in patriotic stars and stripes versions. There are, however, styles to suit all tastes. From the sporty chic version with zips and mesh to patterns in this years top colours - greens, corals and sorbets - with V-shaped necklines, or strapless. Nor should we forget the classic sailor-style, inspired by vintage design but with a modern touch. Or the swimsuits with spectacular low-cut backs, transparent sides, strings, macrame, pleats, openings... These can all be found this season, but the designers are already working, and have been for several months, on next summer. The new swimwear collections will be on show at the Mercedes Fashion Week in Madrid next month, and one-piece swimsuits will be there in force. We will have numerous one-pieces - I dont want to call them swimsuits because these are very special designs and they will have a major impact, says Dolores Font Cortes about her show, which will take place on 17 September. Neither the Dolores Cortes or Andres Sarda firm, which is holding its show a day earlier, is prepared to give much away about their designs for 2017, but they do agree on one thing: Next year, we will be seeing even more one-piece swimsuits on the beaches, they say. CLAY, N.Y. -- Six years ago, Tobias A. Bowen fled the country in an attempt to escape charges accusing him of sexually abusing a child in Clay. Bowen, 49, who used to live at 4783 Norstar Blvd., Clay, was arrested in March 2010 and charged with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act. He's accused of having sex with a child who was younger than 17 for years old. Shortly after posting bail, Bowen left the country -- fleeing over 4,000 miles to Liberia, his native country, said Sgt. Jon Seeber, a spokesman for the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office. More than six years later, Bowen has been returned to Onondaga County, Seeber announced Friday. Bowen was arrested in April 2014 after stepping off an airplane in London, Seeber said. He was recently extradited back to the United States and will appear Friday before an Onondaga Count Court judge. During his years on the run, Bowen traveled thousands of miles and ran one of Liberia's biggest public hospitals. He was a doctor in Liberia. Bowen worked as the chief administrator of the Redemption Hospital in Liberia while he was a fugitive from justice, Seeber said in 2014. He was arrested in a London airport on April 19, 2014 after he flew to the United Kingdom to visit family. Bowen has been in custody and awaiting extradition since his arrest. His case made headlines in England for several years as it made it through the courts there. In January 2015, a judge in London stopped his extradition, ruling that Bowen would suffer a breach of his human rights if he was extradited. The judge said he made the ruling because there was a chance Bowen would face an indefinite prison sentence. The judge cited New York State's civil confinement law for high-risk sex offenders that allows the state to keep some sex offenders locked up indefinitely by moving them to a mental health institution after they have finished their prison sentence. In January 2016, another London court rules that Bowen should be extradited to the United States. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail. Opening doors for nonverbal communicators Barbara Huntress Tresness of Manlius, NY was introduced into a whole new world of experiences when she gave birth to her son Graham in 2000. Diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy, Graham's needs and responses were different from those of his two older brothers. Tresness is quick to point out that 2000 was still an era that predated most social media, something that many people have come to rely on for tips and tools within a wide range of communities, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, which meant navigating new territory without the kind of help we rely on today. While discovering the use of craniosacral therapy would provide an early help in providing comfort and support for Graham, the biggest turning point for Tresness and her family came in a 2004 trip to interact with dolphins in the Bahamas at the Upledger Institute's Dolphin Assisted Therapy Program. As a nonverbal communicator, Graham had an immediate reaction to the dolphin, and the dolphin to him in return. After discovering a wider world of nonverbal and limited-verbal communication, Tresness knew she needed to get this information out to more families with members who have cerebral palsy, and to the world at large in order to teach people to better understand more forms of communication than strictly speech. Tresness has published two books, "Beyond A Charmed Life: A Mother's Unconditional Love" which details her personal journey as a mother, caretaker, and advocate. She shares what it has been like to engage in the dolphin assisted therapy program and to become a Craniosacral Therapist herself. Her other book, "Everyone Communicates, Learn How to Talk to Me!: The guidebook to communicating and socializing with nonverbal and limited communicators" is an important tool for educators and all readers alike in order to be as inclusive as possible when thinking about how to communicate. The friendly tone of the book can also be useful in teaching children about how interact with children who may communicate in a different way than they do. You can learn more about Tresness and her advocacy, as well as purchase her books by visiting her website. The little red schoolhouse Retired elementary school teacher Joan McCadden has brought a new to life to a one room schoolhouse, the Brick Church Road Schoolhouse of Cato, through her book "Little Red" with illustrations by Barbara Brozich and calligraphy by Debra Harrigan. McCadden was initially inspired to tell the story of this rare remaining one room school house when she brought her second grade students to visit the historic building in 1983. * McCadden's story brings the schoolhouse, or "Little Red" to life, giving the building a voice that speaks to the children who have been schooled within its walls and those who come to visit. The schoolhouse is open for visitors in the summer thanks to Civic Heritage Historical Society. In addition to original items from the school from the 20s and 30s, visitors can see the original stories that the schoolhouse inspired in McCadden's class on display as well. "Little Red" is available through McCadden publishing and can be found for sale at many Cato and surrounding area craft shows. Book events * Syracuse native Gina Damico will be at the Saturday August 13 promoting her newest book, "Wax". "Wax" follows Poppy Paladino's strange experiences in her hometown of Paraffin, Vermont as she discovers a secret stash of eerily life-like wax figures, one of whom is able to talk with Poppy like a normal teenage boy. This is Damico's sixth book and a great read for young adult horror/fantasy fans. * Author Keith Burich, PhD. will be doing a presentation and signing for his book "Thomas Indian School and the "Irredeemable" Children of New York" at the Ska*nonh-Great Law of Peace Center on August 24 at 7:00 pm. The book examines the history of the Thomas Indian School, formally named "Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children" and the immediate and long term impact that the institution had on the Iroquois. The event is free and open to the public. Visit the Ska*nonh-Great Law of Peace Center website for more information. Have a book to share? Are you a local author or have you come across a book set in Central New York? Tell us about it. Send a brief description of the book and the author and we'll add it as a candidate for coverage. Write us at . 20908282-mmmain.jpg Janine and Abby Bohnert in a picture Abby posted to Instagram with the caption: I love my #mom. Abby died Monday of an unknown cause; her mother died Thursday morning, also of an unknown cause. Janine Bohnert's husband said she died of a broken heart. (provided photo) Earlville, N.Y. -- Late Wednesday night, Janine Bohnert climbed into her daughter's empty bed. The room still had the trappings of a little girl's imagination: Fairy lights twinkled from the windows. Favorite family photos covered the walls. That day had been one of unimaginable, unrelenting heartbreak at Chad and Janine Bohnert's home. They were making funeral plans for their 19-year-old daughter, Abigail. As head-strong as she was kind, Abby was the "liberal tree-hugger" in a conservative family. Her dream was to be a lawyer who advocated for children. But her heart mysteriously stopped while she was out to dinner Monday night. Abby Bohnert could not be revived. Instead of figuring out how to pay for law school, her parents were finding her a cemetery plot. After that long day, Janine Bohnert settled in to bed Wednesday night. Chad Bohnert said good night to his wife. Their son, Austin, reeling from his older sister's death, made his mother "pinky promise" she'd be there in the morning. That was Janine Bohnert's thing: if something was important with the kids, they'd link their pinky fingers to seal an unbreakable promise. But when Chad Bohnert went in at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, he found his wife, who was 42, dead. "The stress was unbelievable," he said. Janine Bohnert, who lived to take care of her children, died "of a broken heart," her husband said. Chad Bohnert said the family, who is still waiting to find out what killed their daughter, declined an autopsy for his wife. Janine Bohnert's health was fragile: She was recovering from intestinal surgery, which was part of the reason why she was sleeping in her daughter's bed. It was lower than her bed, and easier to get into. Abby had been staying at her grandparent's house before she died. But Janine Bohnert had been doing well, her husband said. The couple, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier this month, planned to go away for the first time without their kids when Janine was completely healed. Instead, Chad Bohnert is writing two obituaries, planning a double funeral, and trying to figure out how he and his 17-year-old son Austin will go on. And then there is the matter of the cats. "Both Janine and Abby were the patron saints of lost cats," Chad Bohnert said. Abby Bohnert teaching Fluffy the cat to drink a milk shake from a straw. Bohnert died Monday of unknown causes. She would be a sophomore at Le Moyne. Her mother died Wednesday of what her father says was a broken heart. Stray cats would make their way to the country doorstep. Then, with a few sad meows, they were in. It was a home where there was always a lap to sit in and a hand to scratch behind their ears. Sometimes, there were even milkshakes. Now the cats look lost, Chad Bohnert said. Janine Bohnert took care of everyone. Her husband joked that Abby, always a bit of a klutz, fell in heaven and needed her mom to come fix her up. "I guess she already fell down in heaven," Chad wrote of his daughter in his wife's obituary. The two married when Chad was 19 and Janine was 22. They met the year before, online in an internet chat room. He said he was a junior, and let Janine think he was a junior in college, but he was still in high school. She was a freshman at SUNY Cortland. That same day, he drove to Cortland to meet her. They began dating, and married the following year after his high school graduation. Abby was born the next year, and her brother, Austin, came two years later. The kids were Janine's world. Chad went to Utica College, and then began working in marketing and polling for Zogby in Utica. From the start, Abby had struggles with her health. She had severe eczema and allergies. She nearly died when she was 2, Chad said. She would have if it hadn't been for Janine's intuition. Janine was baking when Abby took a bite of a walnut. She started acting funny, and her lips began turning blue. Janine knew right away that it was an allergic reaction. They drove as fast as they could to the hospital, where Abby was quickly treated and recovered. The child's allergies were a struggle even recently. The family spent years taking her to get tests to try to figure out what was causing her severe eczema, a skin condition that burns and itches. When she was little, Janine would rub Abby's spots for hours to relieve the itching while keeping the child from scratching herself. When Abby went to kindergarten, Janine went back to college to finish the degree she put on hold years before. She majored in sociology and anthropology at Utica College. She began graduate school for her master's degree, but then Janine Bohnert started struggling with her own health issues. That didn't keep her from helping everyone else: A friend of Austin Bohnert's called after his mother died. He said she was the thing that got him through the math and science finals this year. The kids would come with to the house with their homework and Janine Bohnert would guide them through it. "She'd help anybody who needed it," Chad Bohnert said. Janine Bohnert with one of the seven cats she and daughter adopted. Both women died this week of unknown causes. When Janine Bohnert was studying anthropology, she did a project about veterans' cemeteries. She took little Abby with her as she took pictures and jotted notes. In recent years, Abby, a poet and artist, began returning to one of those cemeteries. Poolville Cemetery, a small, quiet spot, is three miles from the family's home. Abby would often walk there and sit by the Sangerfield River that runs through it while sketching and writing poetry. She did just a month ago, her father said. When the girl died, one of Chad Bohnert's aunts said she had two spots at that cemetery. Take them, she told Bohnert. Sure, he said. But he only needed one. Now, though, he will use both plots to bury mother and daughter side by side in a quiet place by the river where his daughter came to dream. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville, followed by burial in the Poolville Cemetery. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Abby Bohnert A poem by Abigail Bohnert: "How to Love yourself when no one taught you how" One. Get naked. Not just your body but your soul too. Strip away the layers until you reach the core. Find yourself in your passions and your beliefs. Two. Travel. It doesn't have to be across the world to be meaningful. Walk down a busy street and find a cafe. Order a drink and a tart and watch. You'll learn so much. Three. Fall in love. Fall for boys and girls and places that you have never known. But also fall in love with books and heroes. Fall for yourself. Fall for your self everyday. Four. Stop holding back. Smash a mirror, do it and collect the shards to make something new. Do this to yourself too. Know that shards aren't the end but only the beginning. You are allowed to be a little jagged and still be breathtaking. Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Contact her anytime: email | twitter | 315-470-2246. Matthew Anderson,Micah Christenson United States' Matthew Anderson, right, and Micah Christenson, left, celebrate during a men's preliminary volleyball match against Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Mouth agape, Matt Anderson yelled from every ounce of his being to celebrate big hit after pounding big hit. After two forgettable preliminary matches by the U.S. men's volleyball team and facing the real possibility of near-Olympic elimination, Anderson and the Americans stunned Brazil in four sets Thursday to deny the previously unbeaten host nation a quarterfinal berth. With Anderson, of Buffalo, New York, leading the charge for a roster packed with Olympic first-timers, the U.S. delivered its best and most inspired performance yet. Anderson brought it with his jump serve, his big hitting and reliable passing in a 25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20 victory that left the raucous, flag-waving pro-Brazil crowd at Maracanazinho arena in utter disbelief. The U.S. snapped a four-match losing streak to Brazil in international competition since winning the World League gold medal on July 20, 2014. When Brazil's kill attempt sailed long on match point, the Americans could truly jump up and down to cheer their first victory at the Rio de Janeiro Games - and one that will be remembered by a captivated U.S. crowd back home that weighed in on social media with shoutouts. The Americans had lost twice to Brazil this year, but beat the Brazilians in an exhibition USA Volleyball Cup series match last August. Anderson, who already had scored 20 points early in the fourth set, set the tone from the opening serve of the late-night match beginning at nearly 11 p.m. local time. The 6-foot-8 outside hitter pumped his tattooed arms and yelled out "Yeah!" Erik Shoji saved two balls with lunging, one-handed gets to keep a point alive and put the Americans ahead 6-2 in the fourth - the back-row specialist diving into the U.S. bench and also over the end line during the sequence, when Anderson made a great save of his own. During a back-and-forth first set, balls were coming across the net so hard that one kill slammed into Shoji's chest and sent the U.S. libero to the floor. Brazil had only dropped two sets over its first two matches. Earlier Thursday, Argentina and Poland played the longest set so far in the Olympic tournament, with the Poles outlasting the Argentines 37-35 in a back-and-forth third set on the way to a sweep. Poland (3-0) needed six match points to close it out and remain unbeaten in Pool B while handing Argentina (2-1) its first defeat with the 25-21, 25-19, 37-35 victory. Poland advanced to the quarterfinals. Poland's players leapt in the air to celebrate finally ending a match that had fans of both countries on their feet dancing in the stands and waving flags. Italy, playing without injured captain Emanuele Birarelli because of a sprained right ankle, topped Mexico in straight sets, 25-17, 25-13, 25-17. US Track Trials Athletics Molly Huddle wins the second heat in the women's 5000-meter run at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Thursday, July 7, 2016, in Eugene Ore. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Elmira native Molly Huddle has set an American record in the final of the women's 10,000-meter run at the Rio Olympics on Friday. Huddle finished with a time of 30:13.17, which placed her in sixth place, her top finish in the Olympics so far. Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia won gold while setting a world record with a time of 29:17.45 seconds. The top five finishers were all from Ethiopia and Kenya. Huddle, 31, broke Shalane Falnagan's American record that was set at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. That performance earned Flanagan a bronze medal. Huddle's hometown of Elmira honored the runner by naming Friday "Molly Huddle Day." On Thursday, Buffalo native Matt Anderson led the U.S. men's volleyball team to a shocking upset over host nation Brazil in four sets. One year after Bangkok's Erawan shrine bombing, Thailand is set to begin surveillance on foreigners in an effort to bolster national security, but it's unclear just how effective the program will be. Starting in 2017, foreign visitors to the country known as the Land of Smiles will be required to use custom SIM cards with location-tracking features, media widely reported this week. The plan was approved in principle by the country's telecoms regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), who said the SIM cards were aimed at helping officials crack down on crime. Foreigners with expired visas have long been a problem for Thailand, a country whose renowned hospitality, cuisine and cheap standard of living makes it a haven for backpackers. In March, police took fresh steps to combat the issue, banning those who unlawfully overstay from re-entering the country, and the NBTC's proposal was seen as an extension of those efforts. Following a number of high-profile crimes in which foreigners were found to be the key suspects, the new measure was also interpreted as a means to fight more deadly offenses. Two Uighur men from China's Xinjiang province are set to go on trial next year for the 2015 Erawan shrine bombing, and two Burmese migrant workers were sentenced to death for two grisly murders on the island of Koh Tao in 2014. In April, Thai intelligence officials warned of planned attacks by Uighur and Chechen militants. Meanwhile, Thursday and Friday saw a series of explosions hit three of the country's most popular tourist resorts, but it was not clear who the perpetrators were. However, location-tracking SIM cards may not be much help as an anti-crime tool. "I very much doubt anyone in the security architecture expects this to be a silver bullet solution to concerns about national and public security," Christian Lewis, Asia associate at Eurasia Group, told CNBC. "A southern insurgency, porous borders, complacent street-level police, and corruption would be much more impactful problems to solve if public security were indeed the chief priority." Story continues Indeed, the country's largest terror threat stems from Muslim Malay separatists in southern Thailand, all of whom are Thai citizens, pointed out Justin Hastings, a senior lecturer and terror specialist at the University of Sydney. The country already has strict rules for foreigners traveling, staying or permanently living in Thailand, so the new plan may not add much more value, Lewis added. "Operators of lodgings are legally required to declare their overseas guests. Foreigners with long-term visas must declare their address every 90 days, and owners of their residences are required to report the alien presence-even if the homeowner is reporting on their spouse," he noted. Moreover, it's not clear how the new SIM cards would differ from existing ones that already allow authorities to pinpoint a user's whereabouts. "Following the Erawan shrine bombing, Thai authorities required SIM card registration with location tracking capability, to combat terrorism and other crimes, such as organized crime and drug dealing," said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit. The new policy is not expected to drastically impact Thailand's booming tourism industry, which accounts for around 10 percent of gross domestic product, according to Reuters. And even if visitor arrivals do drop in the short-term, the government is widely expected to respond in favor of tourists. International travelers are increasingly aware of the global terror threat and the need for governments to strengthen their response, so foreign response to the new SIM cards may be subdued, said Biswas. "Anything that impedes on the ability of foreigners to move around the country freely, particularly given the parlous general political situation in Thailand, is not likely to encourage foreign direct investment or tourism. But my guess is that the government would have to begin harassing foreigners in a major way for there to be a noticeable effect, which has not happened yet," said Hastings. It's unclear whether the new SIM cards would be provided free of charge or whether tourists would have to pay for thema factor that could impact arrival statistics. "If the costs are born directly by tourists, it would have downside implications primarily on lower-income regional tourists, who are part of a fast-growing demographic with significant upside," Lewis explained. But from a privacy point of view, the increased surveillance definitely raised alarm bells. At a press briefing this week, the NBTC clarified that mobile phone operators would only begin surveillance when approached by authorities for criminal purposes but that may not help sentiment. "People around the world are increasingly becoming cyber-privacy conscious. Digital privacy is moving toward becoming more of a recognized human right. An 'electronic tracking' holiday just doesn't really fit well with that," warned Suelette Dreyfus, lecturer at the University of Melbourne. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. More From CNBC Mideast Iran Islamic Revolution Anniversary Iranians wave the national flag during a rally commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. The nationwide rallies commemorate Feb. 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Khomeini ousted U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. (Ebrahim Noroozi / AP) Allen S. Weiner, director of the international and comparative law program, at Stanford Law School, served as the U.S. agent to the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal from 1998 to 2001. Duncan Pickard is a student at Stanford Law School. By Allen S. Weiner and Duncan Pickard | Special to The Washington Post The latest victim in the presidential race's assault on truth -- to say nothing of nuance -- came last week in the flurry of accusations surrounding the United States' payment of $400 million to Iran. Donald Trump called it ransom, and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, accused the United States of acting like a "drug cartel." In reality, the payment represented continued adherence to a masterful feat of American diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of disputes under international law. Ronald Reagan understood how important it is for us to keep our promises -- which is why, as president, he upheld the agreement negotiated by the Carter administration that led to the recent payment. The payment was not a ransom but rather part of a settlement agreement that the United States reached with Iran for claims arising out of the 1979 Iranian revolution, which toppled the pro-American shah and brought the current Islamist government to power. Before the revolution, the United States had signed hundreds of contracts with Iran, then an ally, to sell it military equipment. When the hostile Islamist regime took power, the military sales relationship collapsed. That left hundreds of millions of dollars of outstanding claims between the two countries and their citizens: claims both by U.S. companies for breached contracts and expropriated properties, and Iranian demands for the delivery or return of equipment that Iran had already paid for but not received -- not to mention the issue of the 52 Americans that Iran then held hostage. The United States and Iran had severed diplomatic relations, leaving no forum in which to settle these disputes. The countries worked through Algerian intermediaries to negotiate the Algiers Accords, in which Iran agreed to release the hostages in exchange for the United States' unfreezing Iranian assets. The agreement also established a tribunal in The Hague to settle the outstanding disputes, including many claims for which American companies had already filed lawsuits in U.S. courts. Iran conditioned the release of the hostages on the transfer of the pending claims to the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague. Soon after taking office as president, Reagan issued an executive order to suspend those claims in U.S. courts, which the Supreme Court upheld in Dames & Moore v. Regan. In a testament to the urgency of the case, the court issued its decision a mere eight days after it heard oral arguments. Justice William Rehnquist described the need for the president to respond with flexibility to "international crises" -- as commander in chief and diplomat in chief. Reagan's executive order implementing the Algiers Accords was a remarkable endorsement of the power of international law to peacefully resolve a violent crisis abroad. He transferred claims under U.S. jurisdiction to an international court -- a striking departure from those today who question our fundamental commitment to international alliances such as NATO and who flatly reject widely adopted treaties such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Reagan saw international law as an important mechanism by which the United States could secure peace and security for its citizens. The Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal, which has equal numbers of American, Iranian and neutral judges, has settled more than $2.5 billion in claims, including many in favor of U.S. nationals. Nearly 35 years on, it continues to be a hallmark of peaceful dispute resolution and has contributed greatly to the development of international law. The $400 million itself was the balance in a "trust fund" account into which Iran, under the shah, had made advance payments on military contracts with the United States. In a claim before the tribunal, Iran had demanded return of these funds plus 35 years of accumulated interest. U.S. diplomats negotiated the interest amount down to $1.3 billion (much less than they feared the tribunal would award if the case proceeded to a final judgment) to generate a $1.7 billion total. The two sides announced the settlement on Jan. 17 -- one day after their groundbreaking nuclear agreement, and the same day that each released a few of the other's prisoners. President Barack Obama's administration has repeatedly made clear that the negotiations regarding the prisoners and the trust fund settlement were "completely separate." All of this information has been publicly available since January. All that is new is last week's disclosure that part of the payment was transferred in cash -- due to U.S. government restrictions on making wire transfers to Iran -- and renewed expressions of Trump's dangerous ignorance. The payment, then, reflects the United States' commitment to respect the rule of law, keep our promises, and pursue peace and accountability under international law. These are characteristics of our strength in the international community that we must steadfastly promise to uphold. Donald Trump Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Kissimmee, Fla. (Evan Vucci | AP) ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- After days of alleging repeatedly that President Barack Obama literally founded the Islamic State group, Donald Trump abruptly shifted tone on Friday and insisted his widely debunked claim had been sarcastic. Trump, in an early-morning post on Twitter, blamed CNN for reporting "so seriously" that he had called Obama and Democrat Hillary Clinton the extremist group's founder and most valuable player. He added, in all capital letters: "THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Only hours before, the billionaire businessman had restated the allegation with no mention of sarcasm, telling rally-goers in Kissimmee, Florida, that "I've been saying that Barack Obama is the founder." It's a claim that Trump repeated at least a dozen times in three cities since debuting the attack-line Wednesday during a rally outside Fort Lauderdale. In fact, Trump had refused to clarify that he was being rhetorical or sarcastic when asked about the remark during interviews. On Tuesday, when conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt tried to steer Trump toward explaining he really meant Obama's Mideast policies created conditions that IS exploited, Trump wanted none of it. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group. Told that Obama was trying to defeat the militants, Trump added, "I don't care. He was the founder." The controversy over the Islamic State has dogged the campaign in a week in which he has been trying to highlight his economic proposals. Trump is encountering worrying signs as his campaign moves into the November election. Clinton's lead over Trump in national polls has widened in recent days, while a growing number of fellow Republicans have declared they won't support their own party's nominee. Clinton is looking to take advantage by expanding into traditionally Republican states, seeking a sweeping victory in November. It wasn't immediately clear why Trump altered course Friday and said the whole notion was sarcastic. But the allegation had elicited fresh concerns about Trump's relationship with the truth and his preparedness to be commander in chief. Clinton's campaign has cried foul and accused Trump of mimicking Russian President Vladimir Putin's talking points, and the Democratic Party had asked for an apology. "I just do not think insults and bullying is how we are to get things done," Clinton said as she laid out her economic plan Thursday in Warren, Michigan. Yet even as he worked to quell one campaign controversy, Trump appeared to spark another late Wednesday when said he was "fine" with trying Americans suspected of terrorism in military tribunals at the Guantanamo Bay detention center. Asked specifically about U.S. citizens, Trump told the Miami Herald that he didn't like that Obama and others wanted to try them in traditional courts. "I would say they could be tried there," Trump said, referring to Guantanamo Bay. "That'll be fine." Federal law generally prohibits U.S. citizens from being prosecuted in military tribunals. Trump has blamed Obama's decision to pull U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011 for destabilizing the Middle East and creating a situation in which Islamic State militants could thrive. He'd added Clinton to the mix by noting her initial support for the Iraq War and her ties to Obama's policies as his first-term secretary of state. However, Trump previously had said he wanted U.S. troops out years earlier than Obama withdrew them. The founder of the Islamic State group was Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the head of al-Qaida in Iraq who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2006. The group began as Iraq's local affiliate of al-Qaida, the group that attacked the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. GOP concerns about Trump are compelling enough that dozens of worried Republicans were gathering signatures for a letter urging the party's chairman to stop helping Trump and focus on protecting vulnerable House and Senate candidates, according to a draft obtained by the Associated Press. Trump said he wasn't worried Republicans would cut him off -- and threatened to stop fundraising for the party if they do. Trump's campaign planned to sit down with RNC officials in Orlando on Friday. But both Republican Party officials and Trump's campaign said the meeting was focused on campaign strategy in battleground states like Florida, and not tensions between the campaign and the GOP. The officials weren't authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 Call it the comeback of cute: foxes have returned to California's Channel Islands. The announcement was made earlier this week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as it declared three island fox subspecies removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The announcement marks the fastest successful recovery for any Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed mammal in the nation. "The Island Fox recovery is an incredible success story about the power of partnerships and the ability of collaborative conservation to correct course for a species on the brink of extinction," said U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, in a press statement released by the U.S Fish & Wildlife Serve. The foxes had been placed on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 2004, after the fox populations had plummeted over 90 percent to catastrophic levels. At their lowest point, the fox numbers had dwindled from 1,780 to only 15 on Santa Rosa Island, from 450 to 15 on San Miguel Island, and from more than 1,400 to 55 on Santa Cruz Island, according to the statement. The decline was due largely to predators, which occurred due to an imbalanced ecosystem, and a canine distemper outbreak on Santa Catalina Island. The conservation effort was a partnership between National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, Santa Catalina Island Conservancy and Institute for Wildlife Studies. The recovery involved breeding programs and canine distemper vaccinations. "The decline of the island fox, one of America's rarest mammals, was rapid and severe," said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis in the press release. "Captive rearing, an unprecedented emergency action was critical to saving the species. Efforts to restore balance to the island ecosystem ensured their survival." PARIS (Reuters) - Messaging encryption, widely used by Islamist extremists to plan attacks, needs to be fought at international level, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Thursday, and he wants Germany to help him promote a global initiative. He meets his German counterpart, Thomas de Maiziere, on Aug. 23 in Paris and they will discuss a European initiative with a view to launching an international action plan, Cazeneuve said. French intelligence services are struggling to intercept messages from Islamist extremists who increasingly switch from mainstream social media to encrypted messaging services, with Islamic State being a big user of such apps, including Telegram. "Many messages relating to the execution of terror attacks are sent using encryption; it is a central issue in the fight against terrorism," Cazeneuve told reporters after a government meeting on security. "France will make proposals. I have sent a number of them to my Germany colleague," he said. Cazeneuve declined to say whether France would request decryption techniques from service operators. The man who slit the throat of an elderly French priest in the name of Islamic State last month frequently communicated with scores of followers on Telegram, which is widely used in the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Telegram promotes itself as ultra-secure because all data is encrypted from start to finish, known in the industry as end-to-end encryption. A number of other services, including Facebook Inc's WhatsApp, say they have similar capabilities. Germany's de Maiziere said on Thursday that Germany lay in the "crosshairs of terrorism" and laid out plans for the military to train more closely with police authorities to prepare for potential large-scale militant attacks. (Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey; Writing by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Louise Ireland) Sergio Flores | Bloomberg | Getty Images. On the eve of a key government report for crops, an adverse weather bet may prove to be wrong and give us bin-busting harvests and more price weakness. On the eve of a key government crop report, corn futures remain at depressed levels as generally favorable crop conditions and analysts' forecasts point to potentially bin-busting harvests by American farmers. Nonetheless, industry watchers have been trying to figure out if July's heat wave conditions may have hurt corn yields and therefore production since it happened when the crop was in pollination, a sensitive stage when the plant is susceptible to harsh summer weather. The U.S. Agriculture Department will release the report Friday at noon and it could provide some answers that will move financial markets and help determine corn and soybean prices. The August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, a monthly report known as WASDE, is USDA's first survey-based estimate of the U.S. corn and soybean yields for this season. "As long as USDA doesn't give us a shockingly bearish report i.e., they give us average yield that is well above what the trade is expecting I do think there's a good chance that we find a low in here very soon and start to bounce back for corn and soybeans," said Ted Seifried, an analyst at the Chicago brokerage Zaner Group. Some are betting the July weather opened the door to yield reductions in the corn crop, although at this point, it appears to be a modest hurt. "Corn and soybean prices are actually implying a farm economy that may be showing signs of a bottom after marked declines the past three years," Feltl & Co. analyst Brent Rystrom said in a report earlier this month. He added that "historical analysis would suggest that excessive heat in July modestly hurt yields, especially in states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska." At the same time, global demand also may help support ag commodity prices, particularly for the major cash crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. Indeed, recent export sales of U.S. soybeans to China and other locations helped provide some support for beans during August. The value of ag exports in June reached over $10 billion, and the WASDE report will provide more information on export expectations. Story continues "We expect a bullish demand-driven market for U.S. grains and oilseeds between September 2016 and March 2017, which should facilitate a recovery in prices," Societe Generale analyst Rajesh Singla said in a note Wednesday. "However, we do not expect a runaway rally in prices, as the exports/demand-driven market is usually less exciting than the supply-driven market." And yet, others counter there could be more downside in the market. "There's definitely room for these markets to go lower," said Joe Lardy, research manager for CHS Hedging. He explained that there's a bigger threat for soybeans than corn since beans pollinate more in the middle of August. The corn crop's pollination ran into July, and while there were excessive heat conditions, he still believes the crop is in good shape. USDA's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday showed soybean conditions were essentially unchanged week over week but corn conditions deteriorated slightly. The government estimated that 74 percent of the corn crop was "good" or "excellent," which was down from the 76 percent the prior week. At the same time, the report showed 7 percent of the corn crop was considered "poor" or "very poor," up from 6 percent in the prior week. "WASDE data will solidify the picture that the adverse weather bet was wrong, and North America will have large crops in corn, soybeans and wheat resulting in materially weaker commodity prices in 2017," Longbow Research analyst Eli Lustgarten said in a note Thursday. Low crop prices, which are pinching farm incomes, have already severely cut demand for major farm machinery companies such as Deere (DE) and AGCO (AGCO), both in the U.S. and abroad. "The outlook is deteriorating for Deere and other participants in the Farm Belt, suggesting an extremely tough operating environment over the next 12 to 18 months," Lustgarten said. Deere is scheduled to report fiscal third-quarter earnings Aug. 19, and analysts have been lowering their earnings estimates for the July quarter and full fiscal year over the past 90 days, according to Thomson Reuters. Based on consensus estimates for the quarter, Deere is expected to report an EPS decline of 38 percent from a year ago on a revenue drop of 11 percent. Disappointing farm incomes also are starting to show up in the broader economy and repayment rates on farm loans are softening, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's second-quarter survey of agricultural credit conditions released Thursday. "Weaker farm income has continued to have an adverse effect on the District's Main Street businesses," said the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which includes a seven-state region (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico). "For example, at the end of July 2016, corn and soybean prices were 47 percent and 24 percent less, respectively, than the same period in 2013. Cattle and hog prices also were lower than a year ago and remained lower than in 2013," the report said. On the Chicago Board of Trade, the benchmark corn for December was down fractionally at $3.32 a bushel on Thursday. The November soybean contract was up fractionally at $9.8625 a bushel. Corn has fallen about 23 percent in the past two months; soybeans are down 15 percent in the past two months but up 3 percent in the past week. In the last WASDE report released July 12, the USDA lowered its 2016/2017 season price range forecast for corn to $3.10 to $3.70 a bushel from its previous estimate issued in June of $3.20 to $3.80 a bushel. That is still well below mid-June levels when December corn was around $4.48 a bushel. "Our outlook is that prices for corn could get as low as $3 on the Chicago Board of Trade or even dip below $3 before harvest is completely done," said Sterling Liddell, a food and agribusiness analyst with Rabo AgriFinance in St. Louis. Friday's WASDE report will include any changes in the government's price forecast for major crops. However, analysts say the corn and soybean yield per acre and production estimates will be among the most watched parts of the report. "There are analysts that are estimating 175 bushels per acre (for corn)," said Liddell. "That could have a very negative effect on prices." USDA's last forecast was for a national corn yield of 168 bushels an acre and current consensus among analysts is for 170.6 bushels an acre. The all-time high of 171 bushels an acre was set in 2014/2015. Citi's commodity team said in a research note Thursday that "record yields could be in play," and the firm recently lifted its own yield estimates. Citi forecasts an average corn yield of 170 bushels an acre, and the firm "sees prices trading under $4 for the next few quarters with downside potential to $3.10 to $3.20/bushel." "We think a large harvest may extend the pressure seen in crop input industries into next year," Citi said. The most common "crop inputs" used are fertilizer, ag chemicals, seeds and equipment. That said, continued low crop prices could be good news for livestock producers looking to keep feed costs down. Feed costs can run from 60 percent to 80 percent of the cost of production for poultry and pork producers. On Monday, U.S. meat processor Tyson Foods (TSN) reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that exceeded estimates and indicated results were boosted by lower feed and livestock costs. Tyson produces beef, chicken and pork and indicated that domestic demand for protein has been strong and is expected to continue. "If we look next year at what the forward curve in the corn and soybean markets is giving us, it looks like the next year's going to be pretty much flat to this year, so we feel good about the way next year is structured," Tyson CEO Donnie Smith said during the company's earnings call. More From CNBC SHARE MARTIN COUNTY Stuart Auto Mall showcases U-Haul trucks STUART U-Haul Company of Florida announces Stuart Auto Mall, 943 N.W. 16th Place, signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Stuart community. Stuart Auto Mall, with partners Mike Santos and Steve Badgett, will offer U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pickup for boxes. Hours for U-Haul rentals are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday. After-hour drop-off is available. For reservations, call 772-781-7624 or go to Stuart Auto Mall. Sunset view of the Pelican Yacht Club in Fort Pierce. (FILE) One of my favorite parties of the year is next weekend. The Fort Pierce Main Street Annual Reverse Raffle is so much fun because you have the chance to see hundreds of community members, socialize with friends, meet new people, dance to the latest songs and bid on a wide array of auction items. This year's event marks the 22nd anniversary of the reverse raffle, and is themed "Passport to Morocco." As in years past, the party will be held at the Pelican Yacht Club on Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce, and begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 20. The Moroccan decor, as well as the belly dancers, cigars and tarot card readings, will make you feel like you're far from Fort Pierce. Dress to impress for the event and for the photo booth, which will be available to capture your memories. Don't forget your dancing shoes, as DJ Jeff Brown will entertain with today's dance music. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and always has an impressive array of items. Every year I find something fun to bring home and look forward to viewing all the items in person. At 8:30 p.m., the live auction will feature items including an Adam's Ranch tour and lunch, Reverse Raffle committee dinner, mosaic by Anita Prentice and an original painting by Collen Nash Becht, as well as another original work of art from Lisa Jill Allison. At 6:30 p.m. the reverse raffle drawing begins and continues through the evening. The Reverse Raffle begins with 250 numbers in a drum. The first number pulled wins a $100 and then every 25th number called after that wins $50. The last 10 numbers all win money, starting at $100 and ending with the grand prize of $2,000. We have been lucky enough to win $100 before, but I am always optimistic we will be the grand prize winner one year. A ticket to the event is $100 per couple and entitles the ticket holder to one number in the reverse raffle, light appetizers, the live and silent auctions, music and dancing. Buy your tickets before they sell out, as they have done previously. Get your ticket by calling Main Street Fort Pierce office at 772-466-3880. Another great perk of this party is knowing you are supporting our Main Street, as it works with volunteers and community partners to bring people to downtown Fort Pierce. Happy Friday! Jennifer M. Trefelner writes about things to do in St. Lucie County for #TCPalmSocial. Email jmtrefelner@gmail.com. SHARE Justin Gielow, 24, 9700 block of 78th Street, Vero Beach; warrant for violation of probation, grand theft, uttering a forged bill, check or draft. Alesia Sessions, 54, 1400 block of 5th Avenue, Vero Beach; warrant for petty theft. Jeffrey Skinner, 25, 1900 block of 46th Avenue, Vero Beach; warrant for violation of probation, grand theft. Marvin Naphier, 19, 4000 block of 57th Terrace, Vero Beach; warrant for violation of probation, felony offense. Sterling Sharpe, 18, 1000 block of 20th Avenue, Vero Beach; criminal mischief; grand theft auto. Franklin Stant, 32, 100 block of Mabry Street, Sebastian; driving while license suspended, habitual offender. Joshua Cotto, 21, 3300 block of Mundy Street, Port St. Lucie; warrant for violation of probation, burglary of a conveyance. Shalanda Spearman, 27, 200 block of 6th Avenue, Vero Beach; uttering a forged instrument. Antoinette Magee, 23, 700 block of West Ocracoke Square, Vero Beach; warrants for grand theft, false Medicaid claim. Gardy Blot, 57, 500 block 7th Place, Vero Beach; warrants for possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sale of heroin, sale of hydromorphone. Mark Hadden, 48, 1300 block of 23rd Place, Vero Beach; warrant for failure of sex offender to report change in information when re-registering with the sheriff's office. Arrested in St. Lucie County. Sandra Carey, 37, 2300 block of 10th Road, Vero Beach; re-admit, trafficking in oxycodone, unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Arrested in St. Lucie County. Double murder suspect Austin Harrouff to go on trial next month Judge denies request to have a new mental health expert asses Austin Harrouff to determine if he was legally insane in 2016 double murders in Tequesta. Felix A. Williams Elementary Principal Gail Olsen talks with fifth-grader Patrick Joy about upcoming testing. (FILE PHOTO) SHARE By Andrew Atterbury of TCPalm Students locally and statewide struggled to improve upon last year's standardized test scores under new criteria set by state education officials, according to data from the Florida Department of Education. Students in the past earned "learning gains" for maintaining scores from one year to the next, but the updated standards require students to show more improvement. Growth was especially stunted among lower-performing students. These gains factor into school and district grades, which took a hit in the second year of Florida Standards Assessment testing. Grades in 2015 weren't official, and were meant only to serve as a baseline for future testing. Learning gains at Treasure Coast schools were lower across the board in math and English under the new, more rigorous FSA standards compared to last Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test or FCAT. Although the tests have different standards, lower points awarded for learning gains factored into schools and districts dropping letter grades in 2016. Gains in English decreased by 18 percentage points among Indian River County students and 9 percentage points in math; St. Lucie saw a decrease of 13 percentage points in English and 18 in math; and Martin County students dropped 12 percentage points in English and 16 in math, according to the Department of Education. Learning gains were dramatically higher when students last took the FCAT, according to the Department of Education. When the FCAT was last administered in 2014, an average of 66 percent of students per district statewide demonstrated improvement in reading and 67 percent improved in math, according to the Department of Education, while an average of only 49 percent of students statewide improved in reading and just 50 percent improved in math on the FSA, according to the Department of Education. English tests have been especially challenging for schools with high populations of students learning English as a second language, said Caroline Barker, principal of B-rated Beachland Elementary in Indian River County. Treasure Coast schools are still adapting to the ambitious criteria of the FSA learning gains scale compared to the previous FCAT, and striving to improve through constant reflection, testing and data monitoring, local educators said. Local schools are on a mission to improve scores by focusing more on teaching kids the basics of the test format and subjects, said Tyson Villwock, who took over as principal at Martin County's Bessey Creek Elementary after serving at the A-rated Citrus Grove Elementary. "We're not looking for the one thing we should do this year to make all the kids achieve the highest," Villwock said. "We're always adding to the toolbox so that you've got as many skills and resources at your disposal to meet those kids' needs." Educators from schools that fared well on the FSA say strategies they've implemented to improve scores are working. Once schools in St. Lucie County receive grades from the state, administrators work with educators to break down the data for the entire class, said Kristi Pacocha, principal at the A-rated West Gate K-8 in St. Lucie County. They focus on individual students and areas of concern for each, she said. Teachers group students together who need to work on similar lessons, Pacocha said. Schools also collaborate and write assessments geared toward measuring how students are comprehending specific state testing standards. At Beachland Elementary, teachers focus on individual subject areas instead of teaching multiple areas as they have in the past, Barker said. This strategy similar to what is used in middle schools allows educators to become experts in the new testing standards, she said. "I tell my teachers if we teach the standards, then the kids are ready to take the test," Barker said. "I think more and more we have to look at how the kids are (approaching) the test because some of it is very tricky." The state also measures how students who perform lower on standardized tests have improved. An average of 65 percent of students who scored among the lowest 25 percent showed reading gains in 2013-14 and 63 percent improved in math on the FCAT, according to the Department of Education. Those numbers shrank to 38 percent in reading and 42 percent in math on the FSA last year. Reading and literacy are key for helping students among the lowest 25 percent improve on the FSA, said Tracey Miller, chief academic officer with the Martin County School District. Treasure Coast schools are focusing more on pre-K and kindergarten intervention to identify students who are struggling early, Miller said. Although catering to these students won't immediately benefit learning gains or school grades, the hope is these strategies will lead to success for students and districts later, she said. "If they leave us in elementary school as nonproficient readers, they're likely to struggle for the rest of their careers," Miller said. SHARE INDIAN RIVER County Sample ballots in the mail INDIAN RIVER COUNTY The county's official sample ballot should be arriving in the mail in the coming days. The official sample ballot contains all the candidates and ballot questions certified according to election law to be placed on the Aug. 30 Primary Election ballot. The sample ballot also contains important election information to help voters prepare to cast their vote. Only one sample ballot will be mailed per household. Voters may also visit the Supervisor of Elections website atvoteindianriver.com to download a sample ballot or they may request to have their voter-specific sample ballot sent by email. Voters are encouraged to review the sample ballot and come prepared to vote even bring along a copy with predetermined choices marked to speed up the voting process. Florida is a closed primary state, so you may only vote for party candidates of the party for which you are registered in partisan races. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote for universal primary contests, nonpartisan races and on ballot questions. SHARE By Lamaur Stancil of TCPalm VERO BEACH A man who was arrested and struck with a Taser stun gun by police several years ago has filed a federal lawsuit claiming officers used excessive force. Miguel Duran of Vero Beach was 53 years old when he was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence on Dec. 21, 2012. Four months later, a judge acquitted him of the charges. Vero Beach police said they went to The Grove in the 2100 block of 14th Avenue when the owner complained of an unruly customer he wanted removed from the establishment, according to the arrest affidavit. Former Vero Beach police officer Charlie Feldman, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, said he responded and saw Duran walk from the front of The Grove to the next-door Italian Kitchen. Duran ignored the officer when he arrived and shrugged him off when Feldman grabbed his jacket, according to the police report. Feldman announced Duran was under arrest and tried to handcuff him, the affidavit states. Duran fell and Feldman struck him with the stun gun when he continued resisting the officers, police said. Duran's attorney, Matthew Kohen of Miami, said the officer gave no notice to his client before his jacket was pulled over his head and the officer grabbed at him. The lawsuit states there was live music being played at The Grove at the time. The lawsuit also names Officer Sean Toole, who was the second officer at the scene; Police Chief David Currey; the police department; and the city. There was no internal affairs review of the incident because Duran did not file a complaint with the city, department spokeswoman Officer Anna Carden said. The lawsuit, filed July 18, is based on complaints of excessive use of force, deprivation of civil rights, negligence, direct and vicarious negligence and battery. The state sets a statuary cap of $300,000 on any judgment against the state or government agency. A jury can award more than that amount, but the plaintiffs have to submit a petition known as a claims bill to the Legislature within four years to seek an appropriation to pay the judgment. State Sen. Joe Negron speaks Tuesday during a public meeting regarding the toxic Lake Okeechobee discharges at the Flagler Center in Stuart. (HOBIE HILER/ SPECIAL TO TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) SHARE By Chad Gillis, Fort Myers-News Press, USA Today Network The South Florida Water Management District is unlikely to raise taxes to expedite water projects for the sixth consecutive year. The district is in "very good shape" in terms of revenue and expenditures, Executive Director Peter Antonacci told the board Thursday. "You're not going to hear anything from this podium about dire straits," he said. "You (told) the taxpayers of this district that they would not be asked to pay additional monies to get the job done next year. ... So we will live on the same amount of property tax income that we did this fiscal year. There is new growth, as everyone knows we're going through a boom time." Public speakers who attended the budget meeting in West Palm Beach wanted to talk about something else though: buying farmland south of Lake Okeechobee and building a reservoir to send water south and stop discharges east and west to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. Send it south "This week Sen. (Joe) Negron showed great leadership by announcing a proposal to buy 60,000 acres in the (Everglades Agricultural Area) and build a reservoir to send water south to Everglades National Park that would help relieve the struggling coastal estuaries," said Caroline McGlaughlin, with the National Parks Conservation Association. Negron proposes setting aside $2.4 billion to buy farm lands south of Okeechobee and turn some of the land into water storage reservoirs for Everglades restoration. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said it is willing to start the planning process for such as reservoir as soon as the water management district agrees to the project. State water managers, however, have refused to move forward on the project, which would relieve some coastal water quality conditions that have crippled the east and west coast of Florida for much of this year. Water district officials have said it's important to concentrate on projects already on the board, some of which have already been delayed. "We now have support of the corps and of leadership in the Florida Legislature," McGlaughlin said. "The missing piece is the support from the district and leadership of Gov. Scott. We again ask the district join the corps to initiate planning for storage, treatment and conveyance of water in (farm lands south of the lake) and to holistically look at storage options both north and south of the lake." Land deal The controversial land deal was struck by former Gov. Charlie Crist in 2008. The state purchased some farm lands but did not have the money to buy out all of U.S. Sugar, as was the original plan. The original deal was $1.8 billion for 194,000 acres of U.S. Sugar lands and assets. Instead, the state spent $197 million for 28,000 acres, although there is a purchase option for all of the company's assets that will come up in 2020. But the state and water management district have reversed course in recent years, saying the land is not needed to restore the Everglades. Others from the public supported the idea, although board members did not take any action on this project. "Our economy depends on it, both the St. Lucie and the Caloosahatchee are being decimated," said Laura Reynolds, representing the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. "So while what you're doing is wonderful, we need more. And the way to do that is to support Sen. Negron's proposal." Negron's plan Environmental advocate Drew Martin encouraged board members to listen to Negron's plan. "We absolutely have to move forward, and I think Sen. Negron shows that it's something we can come together on," Martin said. "Because as a leader in the party that currently controls the Legislature, I think he has the authority to help make things happen, which is what we've not had up until this point." Board members did not comment on Negron's proposal, although board member Mitch Hutchcraft, who represents Southwest Florida, said he will not participate in discussions or any vote on the buy because he is employed by King Ranch, which owns some of the targeted lands. The district will vote on its budget at its September meeting. Last year, people asked the district to raise taxes about $2-3 per household to expedite water projects. Instead, the district went with a lower tax rate and is expected to have a smaller budget for next year, falling from about $750 million to about $726 million. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (left) talks with James Nelson, of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, as they prepare to tour the algae-filled areas of the St. Lucie River by boat on Thursday in Stuart. An approaching storm canceled the boat tour, resulting in Nelson viewing an algae-filled marina at Central Marine Stuart, where he spoke with the media and other local officials about the issue. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) SHARE By News Release As the presidential candidates travel the country in preparation for the November election, the Martin County Commission has formally invited Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to visit Martin County and tour our deteriorating waterways. Commissioners have extended the invitation via letters sent to the candidates' campaign headquarters and through an online petition, which is gaining support and signatures daily. In the communication, commissioners explain why the next president of the United States must address this situation; the severity of the water crisis is immeasurable. Commissioners describe our environment as being under assault by rapidly declining water quality and increased freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee. The billions of gallons of polluted freshwater from the lake have harmed our delicate ecosystem and have directly contributed to the toxic algae blooms that spread throughout our water system, ultimately extending into the Atlantic Ocean and onto our beaches in June and July. In the letters, commissioners reviewed local actions taken to date in response to the crisis in our waterways. In July, Martin County declared a state of local emergency which was immediately followed by Gov. Rick Scott's executive order at the request of the commission. These actions were taken to protect the health and safety of the community and save our local economy and ecosystem. In addition, commissioners called on the governor to formally request that President Barack Obama declare a federal state of emergency to address the potential hazardous health, safety and welfare considerations. Commissioners also passed a resolution that clearly outlines the county's immediate needs and long term solutions to address water quality issues. The presidential candidates were also informed of Martin County's commitment to comprehensive Everglades restoration. Martin County is a proud partner with the federal government and the state of Florida on Everglades restoration projects that are jeopardized by sustained lake discharges. For the latest on water conditions in Martin County, visit www.martin.fl.us or www.facebook.com/speakupforthestlucie. Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, gives a speech with his wife, Rebecca, by his side at the Stuart Coffee Company on Nov. 4, 2014. (FILE PHOTO) By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm Congressional candidate Rebecca Negron has received thousands in campaign contributions from people connected to a dental company that lobbied for a law her husband sponsored. What prompted so much support? Friendship and her pro-Israel stances, not her husbands clout, she said. Negron's campaign cashed in $86,200 from executives at Fort Lauderdale-based MCNA Dental and their relatives, mostly on March 30. That was just six days after Gov. Rick Scott signed her husband's bill to change how Florida provides dental services for children under Medicaid. The new law could help MCNA score contracts to offer such services. The company also gave $135,000 to political committees controlled by Negron's husband, Florida Senate President-elect Joe Negron, and ranks among the top donors in his quarter-century career. Rebecca Negron is considered one of the front-runners among the six Republicans running in the Aug. 30 primary for U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy's District 18 seat. Her opponents have questioned why she received those donations all at once. Rick Kozell has called three news conferences to harp on the special interest cash she's received, even asking her to return donations. FRIENDS, ISRAEL Rebecca Negron and her campaign have given these explanations for her MCNA support: Company founder Jeffrey Feingold, the Florida chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and his "associates" gave to her campaign because she "will always support and defend the State of Israel," spokeswoman Sarah Bascom said. It's unclear whether the 14 other donors associated with MCNA and who aren't part of the Feingold family have any stake or interest in U.S.-Israel relations. Donors linked to MCNA have been friends of Rebecca Negron and some gave to her two successful Martin County School Board campaigns, she said at a June forum. Feingold was the only one among those donors who contributed to her board race in 2012, with a $250 check. With the exception of Feingold's family members, the other donors only contributed to her political career after her husband's bill became law. She was re-elected to the board without opposition in 2014. Rebecca Negron has known Feingold for many years. Her campaign didn't specify how they met, but Feingold has been a longtime donor to Joe Negron. Another tie: MCNA Vice President Carlos Lacasa, a Republican who also donated to Rebecca Negron's campaign, served in the Florida House with Joe Negron for two years starting in 2000. Feingold and Rebecca Negron, a pediatric nurse, share a background in health care. MORE SPECIAL INTERESTS Rebecca Negron has benefitted largely from donors who have business before the Legislature. If re-elected in November, her husband will lead the Senate in 2017-18 and will have a lot of influence over the state budget and major policy in the state. A Treasure Coast Newspapers investigation in May found she received more money from Tallahassee interests and lobbyists than from her potential constituents in District 18, spanning from northern Palm Beach to St. Lucie counties. MCNA donors were the top contributors among those Tallahassee interests. Another top donor: the country's second-largest private-prison company The GEO Group, which is funding a super PAC running mailers to support her. Company donors also gave more than $40,000 to her campaign and $177,500 to political committees Joe Negron controls. He supported efforts to privatize prisons and work camps in South Florida in 2011 and 2012, but legislation to do so failed. Treasure Coast International Airport and Business Park. (FILE PHOTO) By Keona Gardner of TCPalm Correction: This article has been modified from its original version. The winner will be sworn in Nov. 22. ST. LUCIE COUNTY More could be done to develop Treasure Coast International Airport and Business Park into an economic powerhouse, candidates for the St. Lucie County Commission District 5 race say but they differ on how the county should go about it. Candidates are incumbent Kim Johnson, 45, Cathy Townsend, 54, owner of Flat Land Moving Co., and Alexander Tommie, 34, general manager of Chupco Landing Seminole Reservation in Fort Pierce. A year ago, County Administrator Howard Tipton laid out plans to turn the 3,660-acre general aviation airport just north of Fort Pierce into an aviation-maintenance hub that would provide higher-paying jobs for residents in impoverished areas of St. Lucie County. Johnson said the county has made progress in redeveloping the airport as all available space has been leased. The county, however, needs to build more hangars to accommodate additional tenants. "Right now we are laying a foundation for success," Johnson said. This year the county was awarded $2.5 million from the state to pay half the cost of a 30,000-square-foot, $5 million hangar to be used for aviation maintenance. The county will pay the remaining amount. The hangar space could be divided based on tenant need. Also this year the county hired a business navigator whose job is to work with the Economic Development Council to retain existing business and attract new ones. "Yes, we could do more and we will do more," Johnson said. "But we are just starting. We have a plan and we should stick with what we are doing to see progress," Johnson said. But Townsend said the county should be doing more such as focusing on passenger airline service like Vero Beach. Elite Airways brought passenger service back to Vero Beach Regional Airport after 19 years. It launched flights to Newark, New Jersey, in December, and later added seasonal connection from Newark to Bar Harbor, Maine. "There is enough room at the airport to do both," Townsend said. "We shouldn't have to choose one or the other." Townsend said the county should reach out to existing businesses in the county and see if any would like to relocate to the airport. "There already are existing businesses (elsewhere) in the county that want to expand. They are invested in our community. They want to grow," Townsend said. "Let's take the same money we would use to attract new businesses and help the ones that are here." Tommie did not return phone calls seeking comment. The race is open to all county voters regardless of political party affiliation. The winner of the Aug. 30 primary takes office Nov. 22. The Port of Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce City Marina and downtown Fort Pierce. (FILE PHOTO) After decades of inactivity at the Port of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County officials are poised to make at least one small part of the property active again. A couple of weeks ago I spoke with St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton about the overall picture at the port. Since he arrived from Brevard County and its bustling Port Canaveral, Tipton has made it no secret he feels an idle port is a wasted economic development opportunity. "(The land) north of Fisherman's Wharf could be a real jobs creator for many uses," Tipton said. "There's an opportunity and a market there. This is a transition time at the port and that's exciting. (The port) has the potential to get bigger, and maybe with a shift in direction we could create a job center." MORE | Anthony Westbury: Champagne dreams of more megayachts dashed Deputy County Administrator Mark Satterlee, who is charged with coordinating economic development, explained that while much of the 90-plus acres of land at the port remains in private hands, the county does own 20 acres in the northeast corner of the site. Those 20 acres, called Harbor Pointe, are zoned for marine/commercial use as well as public open space. County staff has been looking for several months at developing Harbor Pointe and jump-starting port development on a larger scale. "It's a piece of property the county owns," Satterlee explained. "If other parts (of the port) are waiting (for development), we can reach out to the (marine) industry and see what interest there is in developing this site." Satterlee envisages establishing a public-private partnership to develop the land, since the county doesn't have the staff or financial resources to do that on its own. "The county has access to state resources grants and a private company could do the upland work," Satterlee said. That work could include adding a new bulkhead, particularly on the northern shore of the site, which borders Taylor Creek. "We've been talking with the Economic Development Council, boat manufacturers and repair/overhaul guys to explore what their needs are," Satterlee said. "I think there's enthusiasm; they're particularly interested in the ease of access via the inlet. There are no bridges, trains, no impediments to getting in or out. The only impediment is that we're not fully developed yet." County officials plan to issue a request for proposals for the Harbor Pointe land within the next few weeks, Satterlee said. Satterlee acknowledged the port's elephant in the room. "We were hoping for some movement on the Bell property (the major landowner on undeveloped port land). We know it's being marketed, but we don't know the asking price or much of anything else," he said. "We can't wait for them to take action and we're hoping this will jump-start things." The Bell family has always avoided commenting about their plans for the port. Satterlee indicated developing the Taylor Creek waterfront might be more suitable for smaller vessel repair/refit than the megayachts that visited Fort Pierce last season. We won't know if more megayachts will come until a new operator at Indian River Maritime (the working portion of the port) takes over after the middle of this month. Meanwhile, the county is pushing ahead with infrastructure improvements elsewhere on the port property. A $7.3 million project to rebuild and resurface North Second Street is about 40 percent complete, according to county project engineer Kyle Croce. Workers are installing underground utilities at the moment, Croce said, and he hopes the entire project will be completed by February. The improvements to Second Street, which should make access to the port easier for heavy truck traffic, are being funded in partnership with the city of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and with matching funds from the Florida Department of Transportation. Overall, this is the most action I've seen at the port in 30 years. It's interesting to see the public sector acting so proactively and laying the foundation for economic development. Developing a marine industry sector on port land should add well-paying, skilled jobs. That's something Fort Pierce desperately needs. Now we just need the Bell family the major landowners at the port to follow suit and make the Port of Fort Pierce the real success so many people have dreamed of for such a long time. Perhaps the port's time is finally coming. South sugar fields, south of Lake Okeechobee (top left), are seen in January 2015 near Clewiston. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) Eve Samples Columnist SHARE Senator Joe Negron speaks during a public meeting regarding the toxic Lake Okeechobee discharges, at the Flagler Center on Aug. 9 in Stuart. (HOBIE HILER/ SPECIAL TO TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) In this topsy-turvy election year, there are no sure bets. No incumbent is safe. No front-runner is ordained. The presidential primaries have proved that much. On the local front, where toxic algae has fouled our river, it's not far-fetched to think the slogan of choice will be: "Vote the bums out!" That, I believe, explains a lot about the big, bold proposal Sen. Joe Negron unveiled on Tuesday. The Republican from Stuart proposed buying 60,000 acres of sugar land south of Lake Okeechobee and using it to build a reservoir to hold 120 billion gallons of lake water providing a relief valve for what's discharged east to the St. Lucie River and west to the Caloosahatchee River. The total cost for land and construction: $2.4 billion, to be covered by proceeds from Amendment 1, which voters approved in 2014 for land conservation. MORE | Poll: What do you think of Sen. Joe Negron's $2.4 billion proposal "When this reservoir is built and functioning and operational, it will solve the problem of discharges in typical years," Negron told me Friday. Is this political strategy for Negron, who has an opponent on the November ballot? He denied it, but I believe it is. Everything this year is. That doesn't mean we should dismiss his plan. Here are four reasons it is viable: 1. Florida Crystals is at the table this time In 2008, when former Gov. Charlie Crist announced his deal to buy out U.S. Sugar Corp. for $1.75 billion in the name of Everglades restoration he excluded the state's other sugar giant from negotiations. That meant the deal had immediate opposition from one of the most politically powerful families in the country: the Fanjuls, who control Florida Crystals. They are perennial players in state and national politics. (Alfy Fanjul co-chaired Bill Clinton's Florida campaign in 1992; his brother Pepe was on Bob Dole's finance committee in 1996.) With opponents like that, is it any wonder Crist's deal fell apart? In a 2010 letter to the editor published in this newspaper, an executive with Florida Crystals claimed the company supported the idea of reconnecting Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades and had "offered the necessary land to the state." "The state never responded to our offers but doggedly pursued a transaction with U.S. Sugar," company Vice President Gaston Cantens wrote in the letter. Florida Crystals has no such excuses this time. Negron identified two 60,000-acre parcels as options and Florida Crystals owns a large chunk of both. "It was important to have multiple options," Negron said Friday. "I didn't want to just have one option because that doesn't put the state in a good position. And I'm open to having more than two." This time, Negron has dealt Florida Crystals a hand to play. 2. Negron is in line to be next Florida Senate president If he's re-elected, Negron will serve two years as president of the state Senate, giving him huge influence over the state budget. He wants to issue bonds to buy the land south of Lake Okeechobee, using Amendment 1 proceeds to pay them off. "Amendment 1 not only authorizes bonding, it anticipates it," Negron said. "That's part of our constitution, and we're bound to follow it. It was passed by over 75 percent of the voters." Negron can't do this alone. He will need support from power brokers, including Gov. Rick Scott and the designated House Speaker, Rep. Richard Corcoran, a Republican from Land O'Lakes. Negron said he was "encouraged" by initial responses from Scott and Corcoran, but declined to give details. I contacted Corcoran's office for a comment, but he wouldn't elaborate beyond this vague statement: "Any proposal by President-designate Negron will be reviewed by the House with seriousness and respect. I look forward to a constructive dialogue on this issue both within and between each chamber." 3. Green water hurts all of Florida The crisis in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon has existed for decades but rarely has it been as visible as this year, when toxic blue-green algae bloomed in the St. Lucie River. It made national and international news, hurting the state's image as a tourism destination. The stinky algae blooms happened in Negron's home district our backyards on the Treasure Coast but it hurt the image of the entire state. There are ecological implications for the whole state, too. The Everglades and Florida Bay need more water moved south from Lake Okeechobee, and Negron's proposal would help those ailing systems, too. "You're looking at issues that are affecting 20 million Floridians," said Eric Eikenberg, chief executive officer of the Everglades Foundation. He supports Negron's proposal. Negron did not pull his proposal out of a hat. What he's calling for resembles the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir prescribed in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which was authorized by Congress 16 years ago. 4. The public uprising is visible as ever On Wednesday, TCPalm columnist Gil Smart hand-delivered 3,600 copies of a letter to Gov. Scott that we printed on our front page July 2; previously, another 8,600 were signed digitally and emailed to Scott and lawmakers. The governor didn't bother to accept the print letters nor did he designate a high-level staffer to take them. If he's hiding from this issue, he won't be able to hide long. No longer can this problem be dismissed as an "environmental activist" issue. It's a public health issue. A small business issue. A tourism issue. A real estate and property values issue. That brings me back to my original point: Negron has an opponent on the November ballot. While Democrat Bruno Moore faces, in his own words, "a monumental battle" to unseat such a powerful incumbent, the odds of upset are greater in this election cycle. Voters paying only casual attention know these facts: The water in their river was green and toxic this summer; The river crisis has existed a long time; Negron has been in office a long time; We still don't have a solution. Considering the anti-establishment sentiment we've seen nationally this year, it's not out of the question to expect some voters to vote against the incumbents in every race no matter how strong or weak their opponent. It explains why Negron is going big. Is it politics? Of course. But an anything-can-happen election year may be just the thing to create real action. Gil Smart Columnist SHARE After exchanging emails with Gov. Scott's office for several weeks asking for a meeting, receptionist Erin Kraeft (right) was unable to allow Treasure Coast Newspapers columnist Gil Smart (left) to meet with the governor. Janice Johnson (not pictured), consumer service analyst, collected the letters in place of Gov. Scott. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) More than 12,000 signed copies of Treasure Coast Newspapers' letter to Gov. Scott and personal letters written by Florida residents and Florida Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, were delivered to Gov. Scott's office Wednesday in Tallahassee by Treasure Coast Newspapers columnist Gil Smart and visual journalist Leah Voss (not pictured.) (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) Related Photos TCPalm delivers more than 12,000 letters to Gov. Scott He was there. This week visual journalist Leah Voss and I lugged more than 3,600 of your letters on our algae crisis to Tallahassee. We wanted to deliver them to Gov. Rick Scott's office, maybe even hand them to Gov. Scott in person though I was pretty sure that wasn't going to happen. For weeks, I'd been asking Scott's communications staff for an interview and telling them that we planned to bring the letters even if we couldn't get one. My messages elicited one of two responses: either they were completely ignored, or Scott's staffers said, "We'll check the governor's availability and get back to you." Of course, no one ever did. So when we arrived Wednesday morning, I wasn't exactly expecting Scott to waltz out of his office and accept the print letters. Sure enough, said the secretary, Scott wasn't available. But he was there. Colleagues on Twitter pointed out that as we cooled our heels in the reception area, he was being interviewed on CNN, from Tallahassee. In his office? I don't know. But he was in Tallahassee; I suppose he simply had bigger fish to fry, better things to do than dealing with complaints from you, his constituents. Indeed, he was so disinterested his office couldn't even spare a senior functionary. Instead, Janice Johnson was dispatched to accept the letters on the Governor's behalf. She identified herself as "Consumer Service Analyst." She was very gracious, but she's not exactly high up the food chain. Your letters, your concerns your anguish didn't merit anything more. And that's a pretty clear indication of how seriously the governor takes those concerns, isn't it? Because look, this wasn't about me; I'm just some pesky scribe. Ever since we published our open letter to Gov. Scott on the front page of our newspapers on July 2, and launched a concurrent online petition drive, this has been about you us, our community. In addition to the 3,600 print letters, 8,595 of you signed the letter digitally. This has been about the algae that's choked our waters, endangered our health, hammered our businesses and imperiled our future. You clipped that open letter from the front page and added your voice to the chorus calling on Scott to use the power of his office to acquire land south of Lake Okeechobee. Many of you added long, heartfelt missives about how the crisis affected you and fouled this beautiful place that you love. Your concerns deserve to be taken seriously. But at this point, let's just say I'm not confident Scott will spend much time poring over your letters. "Were you really surprised?" asked the cynics. Or maybe they're just realists who have seen this movie before. After all, we're talking about a governor who declared a state of emergency for Martin and St. Lucie counties in late June, and never actually came to see that emergency for himself. At the height of this summer's algae crisis, as our green waters were making national and international news, U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio came to town. Scott stayed away he couldn't be bothered. He can talk a good game, though that usually involves him blaming the federal government for not spending more money to fix the dike around Lake Okeechobee. But when it comes to listening to what his actual constituents want, well, that's not on the agenda. Maybe he's not on board with the whole "Buy the land, send it south" business. But neither is Rubio. Say what you want about Marco (I have and I will); call his visits pure political theater. But at least he came to see it for himself. And that's worth something. Meanwhile, state Sen. Joe Negron of Stuart, the incoming Senate president, unveiled a plan to buy land south of Lake O this week. It might work, it might not; maybe this, too, is election-year theater, but at least it's responsive to the wishes of Negron's constituents. But Scott, the Governor Who Didn't Care? Pshaw. Our community, the Treasure Coast, is small in numbers, lacking in clout (Negron's position notwithstanding), and apparently unimportant in the grand scheme of things to a governor who looks to be angling for a place in the Trump administration. Yet at the same time, Negron's proposal, the ads taken out by the sugar industry to counter what it calls "misinformation," the discomfort of some other elected officials with the sustained, energetic activism all these things indicate a movement that's getting harder to ignore. So keep pushing. And one day perhaps even the Governor Who Didn't Care will be forced to do so. Just when you thought local political advertising couldn't get any more outrageous The worst Give Lange Sykes credit for at least attaching his name to the most outlandish message this election season: that a fellow candidate in the Florida House District 54 Republican Primary is associated with investor and liberal donor George Soros. A Sykes commercial aptly titled "Shark" accuses Erin Grall of volunteering for a Soros-funded organization that helps illegal immigrants. It comes on the heels of a mailing from the Conservative Leadership Fund, a political action committee, which falsely claims Grall's "secret past" was as vice president of the group Equal Justice Works. Like most bogus PAC-funded junk mail, there's a tiny shred of truth in its claim. As a law student in 2003, Grall was student representative on the national board of Equal Justice Works. The nonprofit's noble belief: "the poorest and most vulnerable among us deserve the same access to justice and quality legal representation as more fortunate citizens," according to its website. "My volunteer role was to help guide law students in their pursuit of helping protect our communities in conservative positions, such as with a state attorney's office," Grall told me, adding she had no knowledge of Soros' involvement. "This is just spin from my opponent another in a series of lies." Grall also faced attacks in 2010 when Big Business, Big Agriculture and their highly paid political henchmen went after her in a House campaign she lost by 280 votes to Tom Goodson. The attack dog then was a political arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce funded by the likes of U.S. Sugar, Disney, Blue Cross Blue Shield and local agriculture interests. Similar interests, including Disney which has contributed to Sykes funded political committees that donate to the Conservative Leadership Fund. One such committee, Floridians For Equitable Government, has paid Sykes' campaign consultants, Front Line Strategies, more than $100,000 since June. So much for Sykes' claim to me in April: "I'm running a positive campaign and talking about my individual merits." I knew the race would turn ugly after a campaign forum in which Sykes criticized trial lawyers for hurting business. Grall, who is pro-life, is no liberal. She's also a fiscal conservative. Over a decade of reviewing agency applications to United Way, I never saw a peer as thorough at demanding agency accountability than Grall. "Do you think the NRA gives endorsements to liberals who are friends of George Soros?" Grall asked. I don't. Big Business, though, wants more advocates in Tallahassee to help them keep their costs low. That's OK, unless they do it on the backs of Americans. In January, Disney and two outsourcing companies were sued for allegedly "conspiring to replace workers with less costly foreign ones using H-1B visas," the Orlando Sentinel reported. Grall's alleged ties to Soros are nothing like Sykes' ties to statewide unions, often considered liberal. Sykes has collected $3,000 from Florida fire-rescue political action committees and $250 from Indian River County's union chief. That doesn't mean he's beholden to them. The unfortunate While Grall hasn't gone negative, a Brevard-based political action committee, Truth in Politics, has. It has sent out fliers and made robocalls against Sykes. It has run a commercial showing Indian River County Commissioner Peter O'Bryan, during a hearing on the Oslo Boat Ramp, accuse Sykes of lying. It makes other allegations. Sykes could not be reached for comment. Jason Steele, Truth in Politics' head, became the first PAC chief ever to answer my questions. He said he's never met Grall (she said she heard about him after the ad campaign), but has heard good things about her. He said he wants to set the record straight on Sykes. Steele, a former state representative and division head, is on the boards of Enterprise Florida and Space Florida, which promote economic development. He would not comment on who is funding his committee's efforts. There are no traces of the committee's funding through Aug. 5, which seems unusual. Really unusual In the nastiest race, state Senate District 17, Ritch Workman released a commercial Wednesday in which his wife and ex-wife team up to defend him from accusations made by Debbie Mayfield and a political committee supporting her. The two House members and Mike Thomas are battling in the Republican primary. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. IntelCenter | AP. Contrary to the apparent conclusion of Donald Trump, the terror quasi-state known as ISIS was not founded by Barack Obama. Donald Trump 's assertion that President Barack Obama is the "founder" of ISIS runs counter to reality. "He was the founder of ISIS, absolutely," Trump told CNBC on Thursday , a day after he repeatedly made the claim. The terror quasi-state that is variously called Islamic State, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh was founded by a bloodthirsty religious zealot named Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004. The native Jordanian moved to Iraq, along with thousands of other insurgent volunteers, to fight the American and British forces that had invaded that country in 2003. At the time, Barack Obama was serving as a state senator for the 13th District of Illinois, spending most of his time shuttling between Chicago and Springfield. The United States smashed the Iraqi military in March 2003 and took over the country. On May 23, 2003, under the orders of the Bush administration's designated administrator for Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, the United States disbanded the Iraqi Army and fired thousands of other government workers. As a result, many thousands of Iraqis were put out of a job within a country with a wrecked infrastructure and an economy that had ground to a near-total halt. Al-Zarqawi entered Iraq either during the invasion or just after it, with funding from Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden , whom the United States had already tried kill in Afghanistan. Al-Zarqawi started funneling foreign fighters into the country through Syria. He also had little difficulty attracting fighters from disaffected Sunni tribes in Iraq, most of whom had little money or means of acquiring it, but many of whom had arms they had either stolen or bought from the collapsed national army. On June 6, 2003, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld mistakenly identified the fighters as "pockets of dead-enders" who were loyal to Saddam Hussein. A month later, President George W. Bush said, "Bring 'em on." The fighters turned out not to be Saddam loyalists, and they did keep coming on throughout 2003, in greater and greater numbers. The insurgency was on. Story continues By the spring of 2004, the United States finally admitted that it had a full-blown insurgency on its hands that was neither loyal to Saddam nor for the most part even composed of Iraqis. In October 2004, Al-Zarqawi declared himself the "emir" of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. His group used techniques that were unprecedented in the region for centuries, including terror tactics like the mass beheadings of noncombatant civilians. That same group the direct followers of al-Zarqawi, along with new fighters from both inside and outside Iraq and Syria broke from al-Qaeda and renamed itself the Islamic State of Iraq in late 2006, about four months after al-Zarqawi was killed by a targeted American airstrike. Islamic State grew steadily stronger over the next eight years, drawing Sunni Muslim fighters from across the Middle East and Europe who wanted to fight the Americans and to kill Shiite Muslims generally. ISIS has been fighting the West, Shiites and any religious and ethnic minority that happen to be in its way ever since. Obama assumed the office of the president of the United States in January 2009. On Thursday, Trump appeared to try to nuance the position he took the day before by saying Obama's withdrawal of troops from Iraq constituted "founding." "The way he removed our troops," Trump said, apparently referring to Obama's decision to draw down the U.S. troop level in Iraq. "I, you we shouldn't have gone in. I was against the war in Iraq." Later in the same interview with CNBC, Trump modified his position to call Obama the "co-founder" of ISIS, along with Hillary Clinton . CNBC's Ted Kemp is the co-author, with retired Marine Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea, of "The Ragged Edge: A Marine's Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion," coming in April 2017 from Chicago Review Press. More From CNBC Hackers using cheap wireless devices pose a threat to millions of cars equipped with Volkswagens keyless entry system, according to a study from the University of Birmingham. Scheduled for presentation Friday at the USENIX security conference in Austin, Texas, the study shows that thieves can use a simple wireless device to unlock the doors of millions of cars remotely, essentially by cloning the remote control that wirelessly secures a car door lock. A second hack involves recovering the cryptographic key by attacking the rolling code scheme, called Hitag2, and entering a few keystrokes on a laptop to access a car. The vulnerability could impact up to 100 million cars manufactured under the Volkswagen brand and others over the past 20 years. Keeping a Lid on It The initial research was considered so sensitive that the manufacturer for two years blocked publication of some of the results through a lawsuit, before both sides sat down to examine the findings and take action to mitigate the risk. Volkswagen takes the security of our customers and their vehicles very seriously, spokesperson Mark Gillies said. Volkswagens electronic and mechanical security measures are continuously being improved. The company was in contact with the academics mentioned, and a constructive exchange is taking place, he noted. Volkswagen agreed that the authors would publish their mathematical-scientific findings, said Gilles, but without the sensitive content that could be used by accomplished criminals to break into vehicles. The findings in the research will be used to improve the companys security-technology, he added, noting that while research on auto security is important, hacking into vehicles is a malicious, criminal act. Connected World As cars become more connected, more hacking vulnerabilities are coming to light, said Akshay Anand, an automotive analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Luckily, to this point, all the hacks have either been controlled or with good intentions, but that may not always be the case in the future, he told TechNewsWorld. Since hacking will never be stopped 100 percent, the industry needs to focus on mitigating it as much as possible, and recover as quickly as possible when a hack does happen. The risk uncovered in this University of Birmingham study is twofold, said Steve Grobman, CTO at Intel Security. The Volkswagen master key appears to be at risk of reverse engineering and there are cryptographic vulnerabilities in remote keyless entry systems that use the Hitag2 system. These two issues likely apply to a large number of vehicles, both from Volkswagen and other manufacturers, he told TechNewsWorld. However, they appear to affect only the car entry subsystem, not other subsystems. The underlying issues involved in this vulnerability, including weakness in the Hitag2 protocol, have worried security experts and carmakers for some time, Grobman said. Connected devices, including autonomous vehicles and home automation systems, should only adopt crypto algorithms and protocols that have been through an open and accepted selection process by industry standards organizations, he advised. This type of cyber risk became a concern years ago, as cars began to depend increasingly on wireless networks and remote access technologies, according to Clarence Ditlow, executive director of The Center for Auto Safety. Up until 10 to 12 years ago, he told TechNewsWorld, you had to have a mechanical key to start the engine. Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, recently reported that it found a cyberspying virus in the computer networks of more than 20 state authorities and defense contractors. The claim that malware has infected various government and defense companies, published last month by Russias official TASS news agency, came in the midst of a flurry of accusations that Russia has engaged in cyberattacks against U.S. targets in an effort to impact the presidential election. The Federal Security Service revealed virus software for cyberspying in computer networks of about 20 organizations in Russia. The attack was aimed at information resources of the state authorities, scientific and defense companies, the defense industry, and other infrastructure operations, the organization said. Targeted Attacks The malware was targeted a virus that was professionally planned, created and spread, TASS reported. Based on an analysis of the style of programming, file names, parameters of use and other factors, the virus was similar to the software used in a previous high-profile cyberspying incident discovered within the Russian Federation and around the globe, TASS reported. New sets of the malware are made individually for every target, taking into account the unique features of attacked machines, according to the TASS report. The virus is spread through electronic messages that contain a malicious attachment. After the software gets inside a computer system, the virus launches modules that allow it to intercept network traffic, listen to the traffic and create screen shots. It can turn on Web cameras and microphones inside a computer, copy audio and video files, and record keystrokes. The FSB is working with various ministries and authorities to finalize efforts to reveal all of the targets in the Russian Federation and to minimize the impact of the attack, according to the report. Kindly Shut Up Malware has infected various government and defense companies at a time when the U.S. and Russia are embroiled in a high-profile cyberdebate. Russian hackers linked to the countrys intelligence services in recent months have been implicated in cyberattacks on the computer systems of the Democratic National Committee, the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, and other political and government organizations. Russian officials vehemently denied any link to the attacks, and the FBI has not attributed them to any specific organizations. I do not have any additional information with regard to the reported recent cybersecurity breach in some organizations in Russia, said Russian Embassy spokesperson Yuri Melnik. I believe that all related comments, if any, will be issued by relevant authorities in Russia, he told TechNewsWorld. The investigation is ongoing, Melnik said, and requested that we kindly refrain from groundless allegations about the origins of the breach. Dancing Bears The FBI last month launched a probe into Wikileaks online publication of information stolen from the Democratic National Committee, some of which appeared damaging to the Democratic Party. CrowdStrike previously had linked the DNC attack to Russian-based hackers who operated under the names Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear. Cyberspying is considered standard practice among nations, noted Martin Libicki, adjunct senior management scientist at Rand. The primary objection to what the Russians did was not that they broke into the DNC it is that they released the information they took, presumably for the purpose of influencing the U.S. election, he told TechNewsWorld. The concern about the breach of related systems, including the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, was that the information obtained from those organizations would be used to exercise untoward influence, Libicki suggested. There is growing concern in the U.S. that Russia may use its capabilities to influence electronic voting systems, which would attack the integrity of the U.S. elections process, he added. Although cyberattacks may have targeted the Russian Federation, that would not necessarily mean the U.S. was behind them. Even if it were, that would not necessarily mean that the information obtained would be used for anything more than intelligence purposes. Microsoft has once again backtracked on its decision to end support early for Skylake-based devices running Windows 7 and 8.1. Microsoft controversially announced back in January that anyone still running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on a Skylake-based PC after July 17, 2017, would receive only "the most critical" security fixes - and these would only be released if they didn't "risk the reliability or compatibility" of Windows 7 and 8.1 on other (non-Skylake) systems." In March, Microsoft pushed this date back a year to July 17, 2018, which still meant support would end earlier than for systems powered by its older Broadwell processors. But today, the company is pushing the date back again to bring it in line with the support lifetime of Broadwell. January 14, 2020 is now the last day for Windows 7, and Windows 8.1 will be supported until January 14, 2023. This also applies to Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1 devices. "Enterprise customers are moving to Windows 10 faster than any version of Windows. At the same time, we recognize that, in some instances, customers have a few systems that require longer deployment timeframes. We listened to this feedback and today are sharing an update to our 6th Gen Intel Core (Skylake) support policy," wrote Microsoft director of Windows business planning, Shad Larsen, in a blog post. The post also mentions that future Intel chips Kaby Lake and Bristol Ridge will only be supported on Windows 10. Microsoft says the change is "to help our customers purchase modern hardware with confidence, while continuing to manage their migrations to Windows 10." After co-founding the company 11 years ago and growing it into the successful digital media site it is today, Arianna Huffington is about to step down as the editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post. The news of Huffington's departure from the site comes as shock not only to the internet, but also to some of the company's staff, with some senior managers learning of her exit on Wednesday night and the rest of the staff finding out in a meeting on Thursday. Huffington announced the reason she is stepping down is to launch a new lifestyle, health and wellness site called Thrive Global. She previously signed a contract back in June 2015 that stated she would remain the chairwoman, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post for another four years. However, the contract does allow her to start the new company while continuing some sort of role at HuffPost. "I fully expected to be able to continue leading HuffPost while also building Thrive Global," Huffington wrote in a memo. "But it became clear that this was an illusion as Thrive went from an idea to a reality, with investors, staff and offices. One of the Thrive principles is knowing when it's time for a new chapter to begin, and for me that time has arrived. And so I've decided to step down as HuffPost's editor-in-chief." I thought HuffPost would be my last act. But I've decided to step down as HuffPost's editor-in-chief to run my new venture, Thrive Global. Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) August 11, 2016 While it makes sense that the 66-year-old would be burnt out from trying to launch a new brand while keeping up with her workload at HuffPost, there could be another reason why now seemed like the best time for Huffington to step down. Last year, Verizon bought AOL, the Huffington Post's parent company for $4.4. billion. More recently, Verizon announced its plans to buy Yahoo for $4.8 billion. This matters because HuffPost has been a dominant property, and the Yahoo acquisition could shake things up as more people are added and shifts of power could change. No matter the real reason why, Huffington's departure doesn't necessarily mean an end for an era for the site just yet. "Arianna is a visionary who built the Huffington Post into a truly transformative news platform," Tim Armstrong, the chief executive of AOL, said in a statement. "Today, the Huffington Post is a firmly established and celebrated news source, and AOL and Verizon are committed to continuing its growth and the groundbreaking work Arianna pioneered." Huffington helped the site grow from just a blog to a Pulitzer Prize-winning media company that has expanded to 15 counters and has about 200 million monthly unique visitors around the world. Huffington will surely be missed, but we can all expect lots of success from her next venture. Source: Huffington Post Photo: Rappaport Center | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. "Democratic access" to information has been an idea long championed by Dick Costolo. The day before he stepped down as Twitter CEO, he made sure the idea resounded loud and clear with the public. Today, however, a report has surfaced, alleging he had ordered Twitter employees to filter hateful tweets against President Barack Obama during a Q&A session. Costolo's directive was to secretly deploy an algorithm that would block abusive replies to the president following the hashtag #AskPOTUS, BuzzFeed reports. The order was allegedly so secret that even certain senior officials of the company were kept in the dark. Costolo And Censorship BuzzFeed cites at least three anonymous sources, including a former senior employee of Twitter. The algorithm, which was developed in-house, vetted "thousands of examples of abuse and harassing tweets," but employees were also said to manually weed out hate speech. A similar censorship method, one source claims, was used during a Q&A with transgender woman Caitlyn Jenner. Costolo called the allegations "absurd." "Total nonsense and laughably false as anybody who would speak on the record would tell you," Costolo tweeted. Twitter reportedly staged these virtual town hall sessions out of its growing frustration over rival forums, such as Reddit, being able to hold Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) sessions with celebrities, thereby drawing the crowds. 'Civilized Conversations' The high-profile Q&A with President Obama obviously aimed to pull more active users into the Twitter platform, which has suffered quarter after quarter of slow growth. Little did the public know, the Q&A was engineered to convey a friendly conversation with the president by leaving out the negative replies. On the one hand, netizens could have those "civilized conversations without the hate even if you're a high-profile person," one source says. On the other, the censorship of hateful and abusive tweets against Obama creates a "double standard." "We'll protect our celebrities," the source notes, "while the average user is out there subject to all kinds of horrible things." Fighting Off Regulation While many have touted Twitter as the "free speech wing of the free speech party," the social media site has also become the favorite platform of trolls and bashers precisely because the site has fought off the regulation of free speech. And this was especially seen in instances when Twitter pushed back against the government. Pressure was mounting for technology and social media companies to hand over the profile info and activity logs of people linked to the WikiLeaks controversy in 2011. But with the likes of Alexander Macgillivray, then Twitter's general counsel, helping to steer the ship amid the turbulent waters of free expression and surveillance, Twitter at least had the semblance of a democratic medium where people could be critical of the state and not worry about being thrown under the bus during shady information requests from the government. 'Committed, Focused' Costolo himself recognizes the value of Article 19 of the United Nations' human rights declaration in ensuring information flows freely throughout the social web. "With billions now online, that right of access to information is a reality," Costolo claims in a 2015 interview with The Guardian a day before he stepped down. "Twitter allows that information from the source." The BuzzFeed report on censorship casts doubt on Twitter's commitment to free speech, but the company maintains it is "committed [and] focused." "We feel there are inaccuracies in the details and unfair portrayals," Twitter says, "but rather than go back and forth with BuzzFeed, we are going to continue our work on making Twitter a safer place." 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After an intense recovery program, three groups of California's rare island foxes have been removed from the United States' endangered species list on Thursday, Aug. 11. According to officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the population of Channel Island foxes once on the brink of extinction has now rebounded. Meanwhile, a fourth group of island fox was relegated to "threatened." Fastest Recovery Among Endangered Mammals About 12 years ago, wildlife scientists feared that the California island foxes would be completely wiped out. At that time, the population of these cat-like animals, which inhabit a group of islands located off the coast of Southern California, had been reduced by pesticides and non-native predators. The remaining animals had been placed under the endangered species protection. Now, these island foxes have marked the fastest recovery yet for an endangered mammal. Wildlife officials have removed three island fox subspecies on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and San Miguel islands from the endangered list. The fourth subspecies, the Santa Catalina Island fox, has been placed on the "threatened" list. Statistics from the USFWS show that the population of these four subspecies has increased from less than 200 animals in the 1990s to nearly 6,000 as of 2015. "We're ecstatic that we've reached this point so quickly," says Steve Henry, USFWS Ventura office field supervisor. Restoration Programs The population rebound of the island foxes was hastened by an aggressive recovery program that involved several measures: removal of feral pigs from the Channel Islands, captive breeding of the island foxes and decreasing an influx of golden eagles from the mainland, which have turned into an invasive predator. Furthermore, wildlife officials began injecting the island foxes with vaccine against canine distemper a contagious and severe viral illness that affects the animal's gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. This dangerous virus poses a great threat to animals on Santa Catalina Island, the only island in the archipelago with a significant civilian population. Meanwhile, officials say hunting will not be an issue for the Santa Catalina fox because it remains listed as threatened. The other three subspecies, which are no longer on the endangered list, inhabit three of the five other islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park, where hunting is illegal. The Channel Islands have been home to the tiny island fox for thousands of years but scientists are not certain how the animals arrived at the archipelago. As of 2015, the population of all four island fox groups has been restored to historic levels, officials said. Photo: Ken Bosma | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russia's national regulator has fined Google 438 million rubles, an amount equivalent to $6.8 million, in connection to an antitrust investigation concerning tablets and mobile phones. The investigation into Google started last year when Yandex, described as the Google of Russia, filed a complaint to the country's Federal Antimonopoly Service. In September 2015, the FAS said that the policies of Google on preinstalled Android applications on mobile devices had broken competition rules in Russia. Original equipment manufacturers have signed agreements with Google to access Google Play Services, with the trade-off that certain Google apps are required to be preinstalled on devices and set to default. Yandex took issue with the set-up, as it is also looking to be given prominent placement on Android mobile devices. Google was ordered to loosen its policies on its mobile operating system, which would allow local companies such as Yandex to also preinstall apps onto Android devices being sold in the country. It was reported that Google might receive a fine of up to 15 percent of its earnings in Russia from the pre-installed apps. The fine has now been determined to be in the amount of the aforementioned $6.8 million, based on 15 percent of the company's domestic sales from the online Google Play store from way back in 2014. The amount is nothing but a small scratch to Google, which reported annual revenues of $75 billion. However, the company said that it is currently evaluating the decision that was handed down by the FAS, and will be deciding on its next step. Google has the ability to simply pay the fine, but doing so would mean that the company is conceding the fact that its policies for Android are illegal. Google will surely not want to do that, especially without first lodging an appeal against the decision. As such, the investigations and legal challenges will likely not end with this decision by the FAS. Google does not have a major presence in Russia, but the company's antitrust issues in Europe have recently been piling up. Last month, the European Commission slapped Google with a third round of antitrust charges over the company's alleged abuse of its market dominance in the search engine market. Margrethe Vestager, the competition commissioner for the European Union, admitted that Google has put forward many innovations that have changed the lives of consumers. However, this does not give the company the right to deny other companies the opportunity to innovate and compete, Vestager added. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft stopped offering support for Windows XP since 2014, but some do not seem ready to renounce the outdated OS just yet. From medical facilities to London's Metropolitan Police, many institutions still rely on Windows XP to get through the day, and London's finest still has no less than 27,000 PC rigs running on it. The newest report coming from the Greater London Authority Conservatives points out that the Metropolitan Police is prone to losing important and substantial information about London residents should the department stick to the antiquated ecosystem. For the moment, the police is throwing important sums at Microsoft's custom software support, so it can have its Windows XP systems free of cyber risks. However, the report notes that the Brits are not the only ones who chose this strategy over upgrading. The Dutch government reportedly shelled out 1.4 million ($1.7 million) to Microsoft to keep its Windows XP licenses up to date in security. Andrew Boff, a London Assembly Member, expressed some concerns about the financial strategy of the Met, pointing out that the institution should have upgraded the Microsoft OS in 2014. "I would also like to know how much money the Met have wasted on bespoke security updates," Boff notes. On the bright side, there are signs that the Metropolitan Police plans to part ways with the outdated XP. In 2015, the department had 8,000 desktops revamped with newer OSs, and 6,000 more are scheduled to get the treatment in September. No details permeated about which Windows version will replace the XP, but it might be Windows 8.1. Boff questions this choice as well, as the OS variant is neither the newest, nor the most user-optimized of Microsoft's releases. He goes on to say that staff has a higher chance of adopting Windows 10, and the latest OS will also receive updates for a longer period of time. An overview of the existing Windows variants on the market shows that Windows 7 is still the king of the hill, with a 47.01 percent adoption rate, with Windows 10 falling next in line, with a 21.13 percent share. Windows XP trails third, at only 10.34 percent adoption rate. Before Windows 10 rolled out, Windows XP variants were breathing down the neck of Windows 7, mainly due to the sub-optimal appeal of Windows 8.1 and Windows 8. The two OSs still have some fans, amassing 7.8 and 2.09 percent adoption, respectively. When asked about its recommendations, Microsoft urges users to stop using Windows XP, as the system can no longer fight off security threats and new viruses. What is more, customers relying on the outdated OS usually stay faithful to the older version of Internet Explorer, which is unsecure and fails to work well with contemporary web-based technologies. These are strong reasons for all actors, public or private, to upgrade to the most secure Windows version, which also happens to be the most recent. Or if you are the London Metropolitan Police and you have a heap of gold to share with Microsoft, you can try to keep Windows XP alive for as long as possible. Would you recommend other users to upgrade to Windows 10? Let us know in the comments section below. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elecciones presidenciales El pais mas grande de la region elige este domingo a su proximo mandatario. Tras no lograr hacerse con la mayoria de los votos en los comicios del 2 de octubre, Luis Inacio "Lula" Da Silva y Jair Bolsonaro se disputan la Presidencia en una balotaje que enfrenta tendencias y valores contrapuestas. Con equipos en el terreno, Telam presenta una cobertura exclusiva con noticias, analisis, opinion, fotos y mas. O Globo will broadcast the last presidential debate on Friday night. Voting intention surveys show that Lula da Silva is the favorite to win the ballot. | Read More The bad debts ratio of the Vietnamese banking sector declined to 2.58 percent as of the end of June, according to new official figures. It represented a decrease of two percentage points from a month earlier, the central bank's website reported Thursday, quoting Doan Van Thang, deputy director of the Vietnam Asset Management Company. It was also nearly equal to the five-year low of 2.55 percent banks reported at the end of last year. Meanwhile, loans outstanding rose by 8.54 percent year-on-year at the end of July, Nguyen Tien Dong, chief of the State Bank of Vietnams credit department, was quoted as saying. The central bank projected the sector's credit growth at 18-20 percent this year, compared to 18 percent last year. A Greenland shark is seen on the research vessel Pamiut in southwest Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters The Greenland shark, a big and slow-moving deep-ocean predator that prowls the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, can claim the distinction of being the planet's longest-living vertebrate, with a lifespan perhaps reaching about 400 years. Its extremely sluggish growth rate, about four-tenths of a inch (1 cm) per year, had already tipped off scientists that it lived a very long time, and research published on Thursday calculated the Greenland shark's lifespan for the first time. Danish marine biologist Julius Nielsen said radiocarbon dating that analyzed the shark's eye lens found that the oldest of 28 sharks studied was likely about 392 years old, with 95 percent certainty of an age range between 272 and 512 years. A two-meter-long Greenland shark female is seen in the waters off southwestern Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters. Females astoundingly did not reach sexual maturation until they were at least 134 years old, Nielsen said. The Greenland shark, up to about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long, is among the largest carnivorous sharks. Nielsen, a University of Copenhagen doctoral student who led the study published in the journal Science, said the findings should bring this shark much-deserved respect. "This species is completely overlooked, and only a few scientists in the world are working with this species," Nielsen said. "Our findings show that even though the uncertainty is great that they should be considered the oldest vertebrate animal in the world," Nielsen added. Nielsen said the vertebrate with the longest-known lifespan until now was the bowhead whale, topping 200 years. Greenland sharks have a plump elongated body, round nose, relatively small dorsal fin, sandpaper-like skin and gray or blackish-brown coloration. They are slow swimmers and are nearly blind, but are capable hunters, eating fish, marine mammals and carrion. A Greenland shark swims near the surface after its release from the research vessel Sanna in northern Greenland, in this undated handout picture from Julius Nielsen. Julius Nielsen/Handout via Reuters. They are known to be relatively abundant throughout the North Atlantic and Arctic, particularly from eastern Canada to western Russia. They occasionally are spotted by deep-sea robotic submarines at latitudes further south, such as in the Gulf of Mexico. They have been observed in depths down to 1.4 miles (2.2 km). "They may widely inhabit the deep sea, potentially living anywhere water temperatures are below about 5 Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit)," said Australian Institute of Marine Science marine biologist Aaron MacNeil, who was not involved in the study. MacNeil said the study did an admirable job of tackling a difficult matter but questioned an element of the dating analysis and said the estimate of a roughly 392-year-old shark "seems high to me." Ethnic Hmong women selling vegetables at the mountainous Bac Ha weekly Sunday market in the northern Vietnamese province of Lao Cai on November 2, 2014. Photo credit: AFP The Australian government has announced a new three-year A$2.5 million (US$1.9 million) project to support womens economic empowerment in two Vietnamese provinces. The Womens Economic Empowerment through Agriculture Value Chain Enhancement (WEAVE) project, scheduled to run until 2019, will support more than 1,800 women and men in the northern provinces of Lao Cai and Bac Kan to improve their livelihoods. It will also place particular emphasis on supporting women smallholder farmers and cooperatives to strengthen their skills in marketing, financial literacy, business planning, negotiation and legal matters. Natasha Stott Despoja, Australias Ambassador for Women and Girls, said in a statement that the project, which she launched in Hanoi on Friday, is the latest initiative in Australias ongoing efforts to promote womens economic empowerment in Vietnam. Stott Despoja is on her three-day visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Australian government will provide the amount to implement the WEAVE project for a consortium of three international NGOs -- SNV, Oxfam and CARE International. Police in the central province of Phu Yen arrested two men for hitting two traffic police officers with crash helmets and injuring them after being stopped for a check. Nguyen Kim Truc, 25, and Nguyen Van Vu, 33, are being detained pending investigation. They face charges of battery and resisting officers on public duty. On Wednesday afternoon, Truc drove a motorbike with Vu riding pillion on a road in Phu Hoa District. A group of traffic police officers signaled him to stop as the motorbike did not have rear view mirrors and the duo looked drunk. The officer then asked to measure their blood-alcohol content. The duo refused and hit the officers with their helmets and punched them. Nguyen Khac Tai and Pham Trieu Long were hit in the face. Other officers then arrested Truc and Vu. Tai and Long were rushed to hospital. Tai had his nose broken. The same day, a man in Hanoi was arrested after he punched a traffic police officer in the face. Dang Minh Kien, 34, was driving a motorbike with a foreigner riding pillion at the intersection of Nguyen Chi Thanh and Huynh Thuc Khang on Wednesday evening. Kien was not wearing a helmet and speeding, according to police. A group of police officers stopped him. Kien was asked to pull the bike over but he resisted and punched Lieutenant Duong Quang Tuan. He also yelled at the officers and knocked his head right into Tuans face, although the foreigner accompanying him tried to stop him. He was then arrested and taken to a police station. Kien told police he worked for an embassy in Hanoi. Police said Kien had blood-alcohol content higher than allowed at the time of the incident. Four arrestees at the police station. Photo credit: CAND Hanoi police said Friday they have detained four men accused of forcing a 26-year-old woman into prostitution since 2013. They are identified as Nguyen Van Ha, Bui Van Cong, Pham Quang Minh and Nguyen Van Thao. Another suspect, Doan Thi Kim Ngan, was also arrested but later let out because she has a newborn baby. According to an initial investigation report, the victim, Nguyen Thi Hai, migrated from Ha Giang Province to Hanoi to find a job in 2013. In Hanoi, she met Ha, Cong, Minh and Ngan who offered her for a job at a karaoke parlor where she was beaten and forced to work as sex worker. They also forced her to pay protection money. Hai managed to escape from them and went back to her hometown in 2015. The gang, however, asked Thao, whom the victim had not met, to make friends with her on social network. Thao managed to invite Hai to Hanoi on August 4 where the gang abducted her once again. This time they forced Hai to sign a debt note and work at the karaoke parlor to pay the debt. On August 5, she managed to run to a police station. Police are investigating the case. By Liz Lee and Bernardo Vizcaino KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Islamic finance market is set for a much-needed boost when the country's largest pension fund launches a 100 billion ringgit ($24.9 billion) Islamic fund in January, offering a potential boon for asset managers. The Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) sharia-compliant pension plan opened to acclaim this week with Malaysians lining outside its offices to invest. The allocation represents about 15 percent of the EPF's total investments of 681.7 billion ringgit as of March. Having a standalone pension fund of that size is a rarity in Islamic finance, even for majority-Muslim Malaysia, and it is expected to draw interest from foreign asset management firms with homegrown players also upbeat about the prospects. "The benefits are multifold, to us and to the industry," said Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid, CIMB Islamic senior managing director and deputy chief executive officer. "As EPF allocates more into the sharia fund, surely they would want to progressively deploy more of their funds into sharia-compliant investments." This would include the market for Islamic bonds, or sukuk, with demand gradually increasing as the EPF hires external firms to manage its bespoke funds, Safri said. Ancillary businesses such as Islamic securities services would also benefit, as well as Islamic money markets, he said. The EPF plans to allocate an additional 20 billion to 30 billion ringgit in 2018 to its Islamic fund, depending on the availability of sharia-compliant investments. The new fund would attract foreign competitors into Malaysia but also widen the opportunities for incumbents, said Mohammad Hasif Murad, investment manager at Aberdeen Islamic Asset Management Sdn Bhd. "This announcement might be a good value proposition for foreign players to jump on the bandwagon. We expect EPF to continually assess the response from the market and gradually increase the allocation for Islamic in the medium term." Story continues Islamic fund managers screen their portfolios according to religious guidelines such as bans on alcohol and gambling, similar to socially responsible funds in Western countries. Close to a fifth of total assets under management in Malaysia are now managed this way. As of December, fund management companies in Malaysia held 132.4 billion ringgit worth of Islamic assets, up 19.7 percent from a year earlier, according to Securities Commission data. While the benefits of a standalone Islamic retirement fund trickle down to fund managers, the outlook for Malaysia's sukuk market is also improving. A healthy supply of sukuk is expected for the rest of 2016, on track to exceed the $34.5 billion of sukuk issued in Malaysia last year, CIMB's Safri said. "We expect an active second half, in terms of total size of the corporate sukuk market, which will grow to $40 billion at the minimum," he said. Growth in the fixed income market would outpace equities, as investors seek more stable returns, he added. "Investors are more conservative now as preservation of capital is key. I expect to see this trend happening in the near to medium term." ($1 = 4.0105 ringgit) (Editing by Praveen Menon and Eric Meijer) The Da Nang police have recommended a ban on the sale of beer and liquor after 10 p.m. exactly at the same time the Hanoi administration is set to lift a midnight curfew on partying to promote tourism. Colonel Le Ngoc, the Da Nang traffic police chief, said the police department would submit the proposal to the Peoples Committee soon. If accepted, restaurants and eateries will be prohibited from selling alcohol after 10 p.m. The police would also recommend penalties for violators, Tuoi Tre quoted Ngoc as saying. However, he did not elaborate. In a move to reduce traffic accidents, in February Da Nang began to teach road etiquette to people applying for a motorbike driving license. Ngoc said: [They] will be shown images of traffic accidents. We hope they will become responsible drivers. Da Nang recorded 59 accidents in the first half of this year in which 43 people were killed and 38 injured, a slight decrease year-on-year. Elsewhere, Do Dinh Hong, director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said lifting the midnight ban on restaurants, bars and nightclubs would be an effective and practical move since tourists would stay longer and spend more. A roadside beer place in Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Thang A late night liquor ban has been proposed several times in Ho Chi Minh City since 2013-2014 but has never been implemented due to controversies. However, traffic police have announced plans to set up more checkpoints near restaurants and nightclubs in the city as well as in Hanoi, Da Nang and Can Tho to handle drunk drivers. The campaign will last for a month from August 16 in a move that also aims to maintain security during Revolution Day (August 19) and Independence Day (September 2). Nguyen Bao Vu, 24, is convicted of murder and kidnapping. A court in central Vietnam on Thursday sentenced a man to death for the killing of a 11-year-old boy four months ago. The People's Court of Binh Thuan Province convicted Nguyen Bao Vu, 24, of murder and kidnapping. Vu was arrested on Apr. 6, two days after the boy was reported missing. Based on his statement, the police were able to find the boy's body, which was buried in a sand hill about 10 km from his home in Binh Thuan. At the trial, Vu said he had planned to kidnap the boy, whose brother was his friend, for ransom. On Apr. 4, he lured the boy to the sand hill in the afternoon and abducted him. Later, as the boy kept crying, Vu strangled him to death and buried him. He then made phone calls to the victim's family to demand ransom. A still photo taken from a video which shows police officer Vo Chi Cong and his "assistant" Pham Minh Tri during a quarrel between them and a woman on September 4, 2015. Police in Dong Nai Province on Sunday said in their report that Pham Minh Tri, a local milk salesman, was brought in to help them carry out some tasks at a checkpoint, including writing down plate numbers of speeding vehicles. They admitted that Tri attacked Do Vu Hoang Anh and hit her face while she was arguing with a police officer. While no officer was held directly responsible for the attack, officer Vo Chi Cong was rebuked for asking a civilian to conduct official tasks, the report said. Anh, the victim, told Thanh Nien the police report made up key details about what had actually happened before the attack. She said the report tried to implicate her in a bribery allegation. I have told the investigators that Cong asked me Do you have money?, and I said that I only got VND200,000, Anh said. Then I showed him the VND200,000 note to prove that it was all I had. In a report they sent to me on Sunday, they didn't mention this. But in the official report sent out to local media, they lied and said I offered Cong a bribe of VND200,000, and that I left the note on my bike." She showed Thanh Nien the difference in the reports. They distorted facts. I know that I'm just a normal citizen, and I can't do anything but I will speak out loudly. I feel so angry. Video evidence Anh, 22, on September 5 posted on her Facebook page a short video that showed the quarrel between her and an officer at the Nga Ba Thai Lan checkpoint. Anh said she and her boyfriend were driving a motorbike on Highway 51 towards Ho Chi Minh City when three officers at the checkpoint stopped them at around 3 p.m. on September 4. I know that I'm just a normal citizen, and I can't do anything but I will speak out loudly" -- Do Vu Hoang Anh The officers told the couple they would be fined for speeding. Anh said the officers told them to pay VND500,000 (US$22) to avoid a VND750,000 fine. Her boyfriend agreed to pay, but she did not and started arguing. A man in plain clothes, standing near the officers, suddenly pushed her and hit her face. The man was later identified as Pham Minh Tri, who had to pay a fine of VND2.5 million for the attack and compensate the victim VND2 million. In the latest report, Dong Nai police rejected the bribe solicitation accusation. The viral video is short and cannot support either of the allegations from the two sides. But a witness, who was at the checkpoint at the time, told Thanh Nien that the officers demanded VND500,000 from Anh and her boyfriend. The witness asked to remain anonymous. Foreign tourists celebrate the new year of 2015 with a local beer in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach Beer drinking fans have one more reason to celebrate tonight. Ho Chi Minh City has been ranked among six cities worldwide with the lowest beer prices, according to the 2015 Beer Price Index Here, one can easily get a cold beer for US$0.97 at the supermarket or $2.58 at bars, which translates to an average beer price of $1.78 for a 33cl beer, according to the survey of 75 cities around the world conducted by the travel search engine GoEuro. A BMI report released last month found that rising incomes and young populations are boosting beer sales in much of developing Asia, while the market in much of the developed world including the US and Western Europe have lost their froth in recent years. With low beer prices, drinking has been on the rise in Vietnam and being attributed to the high number of traffic accidents with about 24 deaths daily, prompting the Ministry of Health to propose a late night booze ban in April. According to the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, alcohol consumption worldwide has remained unchanged at 6.2 liters per person per year for the last 15 years. However, annual alcohol consumption in Vietnam has increased by more than 150 percent, from nearly 4 liters per person in 2003-2005 to 6.6 liters now, above the global average. In the GoEuro survey, Ho Chi Minh City is the cheapest place in Southeast Asia and the second cheapest across Asia for a cold beer. The cheapest cities for beer are Krakow (Poland), Kiev (Ukraine) and Bratislava (Slovakia), where a 33cl beer costs between $1.66 and $1.69. In Vietnam, with $10, one is able to buy six cold beers but can not afford two in Geneva, the most expensive place for beer in the survey where beer prices are around $6.32. The city is followed by Hong Kong and Tel Aviv with almost similar high prices. The beer price survey combines data from 75 cities around the world, including the five most commonly imported beers as well as the main local beer. Japan and the Philippines have begun talks for the transfer of two large coast guard ships to Manila, to help patrol the disputed South China Sea, a Japanese foreign ministry official said on Friday, as part of a deal on defense equipment. The two brand-new 90-metre (295-ft) multi-role response vessels will be in addition to ten 44-metre (144-ft) mid-sized coast guard ships, worth 8.8 billion pesos ($188.52 million), that Japan is set to start delivering next week. "Both governments are looking into the possibility of getting two more vessels, this time the bigger ones," Masato Ohtaka, deputy spokesman of Japan's foreign ministry, told journalists in Manila. "We're in the middle of dialogue between the two sides, they are still discussing details and we need a little more time." The ship delivery figured in an 80-minute meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday in southern Davao City. "We talked about how Japan can help the Philippines in capacity building, particularly with regards to maritime security," Ohtaka added. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. China says it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognize the court ruling handed down last month in a case brought by the Philippines. Japan urged China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "We are very concerned," Ohtaka said, adding that developments in the East China Sea could parallel those in the South China Sea, where Beijing has stepped up the constant presence of its coast guard ships. Japan last week reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into waters Tokyo sees as its own near the disputed East China Sea islands it controls. China is reported to have put up radar and surveillance facilities in the area. "It's not getting better in the East China Sea," Ohtaka added. Its known as the historic reversal, and it appears irreversible: Places where the old outnumber kids. What began in 1995 in a single country, Italy, will spread to 56 nations, economies as diverse as New Zealand and Georgia, by 2030. These are the findings of Joseph Chamie, who spent a quarter of a century studying population patterns at the United Nations in New York and now is an independent researcher. The former UN head demographer compared population projections of kids under the age of 15 to that of people aged 65 and over. Its not just industrialized nations like Japan and Germany succumbing to the age curse. The turning point will take place in 2020 in the Cuba and South Korea, followed five years later in Thailand and the U.S. By 2075, the global population is forecast to pass the demographic milestone. Chamie refers to this as the jump from a Toys R Us society to an Olds R Us one. While the prospect of longer lives is a good thing, problems arise when a shrinking work force cannot foot the pension bill. Several decades ago, you could have had about 10 workers per retiree, but that could shrink to the point where in Italy, for example, you had three workers per retiree. While the political choices are unsavory increase taxes or cut benefits governments are running out of time to act. You can't repeal the law of demographics, Chamie said. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay called on China on Thursday to respect maritime law and security as well as the rule of law, to resolve disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Yasay met his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, in the Philippines to discuss regional security and cooperation on maritime security, with Japan reaffirming its help which includes vessels and aircraft. "We ... urge China to make sure that maritime law and security must be completely and uncompromisingly respected," Yasay told a news conference, adding the Philippines and Japan shared experiences in the South China Sea and East China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. In the South China Sea, Chinese land reclamation and construction on contested reefs over the past year has raised alarm in the region and beyond. The United States, its Southeast Asian allies and Japan have questioned China's activity, particularly since an international court last month rejected China's historic claims to most of the South China Sea. China claims it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognise the court ruling on a case brought by the Philippines. Japan called on China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "This is not the kind of action that is mandated by international law," Yasay told the news conference, referring to what he said the Philippines and Japan saw as Chinese intimidation and provocation in connection with their disputes. "Everyone must respect our maritime order and security in this area in the South China Sea and East China Sea and we urge them to respect the rule of law." Japan last weekend reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into what Japan sees as its waters near the disputed East China Sea islands that it controls. Kishida said Japan would maintain its support to the Philippines with the delivery next week of the first of 10 coastguard vessels. Japan is also leasing the Philippines four TD-90 surveillance aircraft. Ukrainian servicemen watch Sukhoi Su-24 front-line bombers fly during military aviation drills as Russia accuses Ukraine in incursion into annexed Crimea, in Rivne region, Ukraine, August 10, 2016. Picture taken August 10, 2016. Vladimir Putin summoned his security council and the Russian Navy announced war games in the Black Sea a day after the Russian president accused Ukraine of trying to provoke a conflict over Crimea, which Moscow seized and annexed in 2014. The belligerent posture heightened worries in Ukraine that Russia may plan to ramp up fighting in a war between Kiev and pro-Russian eastern separatists that had been de-escalated by a shaky peace process. Using some of his most aggressive rhetoric against Kiev since the height of the war two years ago, Putin has pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine, which he accused of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. Ukraine has called the accusations false and says they look like a pretext for Russia to escalate hostilities. Such an escalation could be used by Putin to demand better terms in the Ukraine peace process, or to inflame nationalist passions at home ahead of Russian parliamentary elections next month. The Russian leader met his top military and intelligence service brass on Thursday and reviewed "scenarios for counter-terrorism security measures along the land border, offshore and in Crimean air space," the Kremlin said. Ukrainian servicemen are seen at their positions on the front line near Avdeyevka, Ukraine, August 10, 2016. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he had ordered all Ukrainian units near Crimea and in eastern Ukraine onto the highest state of combat readiness. He was seeking to urgently speak to Putin, the leaders of France and Germany, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and European Council President Donald Tusk. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States was extremely concerned and called on both sides to reduce tension and rhetoric. In New York, the U.N. Security Council held a closed-door meeting at Ukraine's request to discuss the growing tensions. Ukrainian U.N. Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko warned that Russia had amassed more than 40,000 troops in the region and said the build-up could reflect "very bad intentions." Oleh Slobodyan, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border guards, said he had observed an uptick in Russian military activity in northern Crimea in recent days after heavier fighting in eastern Ukraine. "These troops are coming with more modern equipment and there are air assault units," he told a news briefing in Kiev. The Russian Defence Ministry said its navy - whose Black Sea Fleet is based in Crimea - would start to hold exercises in the area to practice repelling underwater attacks by saboteurs. A series of blasts hit three of the most popular tourist resorts in Thailand on Thursday and Friday, killing two people and wounding dozens, just days after the country voted to accept a military-backed constitution in a referendum. Twin blasts hit the upscale resort of Hua Hin, about 200 km (125 miles) south of Bangkok, on Friday morning just hours after two bombs killed one person and wounded 21 late on Thursday. Hua Hin is home to the Klai Kangwon royal palace, which translates as "Far from Worries Palace", where King Bhumibol Adulayadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife, Queen Sirikit, have often stayed in recent years. Friday was a public holiday in Thailand to mark the queen's birthday, which is celebrated as Mother's Day. One person died and three people were wounded in one of the Friday morning blasts near a central clock tower in Hua Hin, deputy police spokesman Police Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen told reporters in Bangkok. Two small bombs exploded in the tourist beach town of Patong on Phuket island, and two more in Phang Nga, another tourist region in the south, on Friday, police said. One Thai man was lightly wounded in Patong, police said. Police believe the blasts were acts of "local sabotage" and not linked to international militants, Krisana told reporters. "It's too soon to jump to any conclusion," he said "But what we know for sure is that the incidents are not linked directly to any kinds of terrorism, in fact it's local sabotage and we are trying to identify those responsible behind the scenes. "There are no conflicts in the country that may lead to terrorists being in the country. That's why we can say that these incidents are not terrorist attacks," he said. Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) official inspects the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. Police also said they have not found any evidence that the blasts were coordinated or whether they were related to an insurgency in Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. Travel advisory The attacks are bad news for Thailand's tourist sector, which has been one of the few bright spots in a sluggish economy. Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of gross domestic product and Thailand is expecting a record 32 million visitors this year. Australia issued a travel advisory saying Australians should "exercise a high degree of caution" and warned: "Further explosions in any part of Thailand are possible." The Friday morning blasts in Hua Hin came after a bomb exploded near a bar in the town late on Thursday that killed one Thai woman and wounded 21 people, Krisana said. Nine of those injured in Thursday night's twin blasts in Hua Hin were foreigners, the town's deputy police chief, Same Yousamran, said. The two explosions were detonated by a mobile device, police said. The first took place 20 minutes earlier and about 50 metres from the second, but injured nobody. Such twin blasts are common in the three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Thailand, where a long-running insurgency intensified in 2004, with more than 6,500 people killed since then. The three provinces near the border with Muslim-majority Malaysia soundly rejected the referendum on the new military-backed constitution which passed convincingly in most of the rest of the country in Sunday's vote. Violence has occasionally spilled over to areas outside the three provinces, which were part of a Malay sultanate until it was annexed by Buddhist-majority Thailand a century ago. Hua Hin, Phuket and Phang Nga are far from the usual conflict zone, where attacks are typically aimed at the security forces and government representatives, not tourists. In a separate incident on Friday, media reported two bombs had exploded in the southern province of Surat Thani, killing one person and wounding five. That came after a blast in Trang, also in the south, on Thursday, in which one person died and seven were wounded. Authorities defused two explosive devices in Phuket on Wednesday, police said. A damaged public telephone booth is seen at the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV. The head of Interpol in Thailand, Police Major General Apichat Suriboonya, told Reuters he needed more information before deciding "whether it is terrorism or not". "But the thing is, if you observe the bombs, they are not targeted to kill people but to send a message to some groups. It could be a domestic issue." Political turmoil Small bombs have been used frequently for attacks during periods of unrest over the past decade of political turmoil in Thailand. However, such attacks have been rare since the military seized power in a 2014 coup. The latest bombings came almost a year after an attack on a Hindu shrine thronged with tourists in central Bangkok killed 20 people and wounded more than 120. Police have accused two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China for the Aug. 17, 2015, attack. Police also ruled out the possibility international militants may have been responsible for that attack, and said the perpetrators were members of a network that trafficked Uighurs and launched the attack in anger at a crackdown. Analysts, diplomats and even some officials suspected the attack was linked to sympathisers of China's Uighur minority angered by the Thai junta's deportation of more than 100 Uighurs to China the previous month. King Bhumibol and the queen are both in hospital in Bangkok and have not stayed recently at their palace in Hua Hin. Check points have been established and security beefed up around Hua Hin and the palace there. The king has received treatment for an infection over the past month in hospital, the Royal Household Bureau said on Aug. 1. Concern about the health of the king and nervousness over the succession have played into the country's political tensions. The skyline of lower Manhattan is seen as people lay on the grass in Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., May 27, 2016. Big Wall Street banks are asking the U.S. Federal Reserve to grant them an additional five-year grace period to comply with a financial reform regulation known as the Volcker rule, people familiar with the matter said. If the Fed agrees, the extension would give banks more time to exit fund investments that are difficult to sell, but no longer allowed by the law. The added grace period, which follows three one-year extensions, would start next year and run through 2022. The law on Volcker rule implementation says banks can ask for an extra five-year extension for "illiquid" funds, where banks had contractual commitments to invest. In deciding whether to grant Wall Street more leeway, the Fed has asked banks to provide details on their specific investments to prove that they fall under the statutory definition of "illiquid," said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss non-public regulatory discussions. Those seeking the extension include Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co and some other banks, the sources said. They are making their push in part through Wall Street lobbying group the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). "SIFMA is working with our members to ensure that regulators have the data they need to adequately appraise the situation," the association said in a statement to Reuters. Congress intended to provide "an appropriate transition period" so that banks could exit illiquid funds without disrupting markets, SIFMA added. The banks and the Federal Reserve declined to comment. The Volcker rule, named after former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, is part of the sweeping 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law. It aims to reduce risk-taking by preventing banks from using their own capital to make speculative bets. Critics say its many loopholes with exemptions for activities like merchant banking and foreign exchange trading have made it less effective than it was intended to be. "It's laughable that the biggest, most sophisticated financial firms in the world claim they can't sell the stakes year after year," said Dennis Kelleher, CEO of non-profit Better Markets. "Everyone else in America has to comply with the law and Wall Street should also." Tough call The Fed has already granted three one-year extensions for compliance with a broader provision of the Volcker rule regarding stakes in hedge funds and private equity funds the maximum number of extensions it could provide in that context. The new requests, which were widely expected, concern only "illiquid" fund investments. The Fed risks criticism for giving Wall Street more wiggle room, but also risks blame for fire-sale losses or for banks and their investor clients getting tied up in court if they are forced to exit certain contractual agreements quickly. Before the crisis, big banks had proprietary trading desks that made bets on market direction, as well as in-house hedge funds, investments in external hedge funds and co-investments alongside clients in internal private-equity funds. Underlying assets could range from investments in private companies to real estate and long-dated derivatives. While the regulated banks have spun off much of that activity, bankers say there are still some investments that do not contractually expire for years or lack a liquid market for an immediate sale. But disclosures are few and far between, making it difficult to independently discern how truly illiquid the investments are. Banks are now asking the Fed for more time to exit stakes in funds they deem to be illiquid, sources said. In response, the Fed is demanding more details about why the funds, or their underlying assets, are considered illiquid, how much time it would take to exit the investments and what efforts have been made to exit investments sooner, sources said. In granting banks its final one-year extension last month, the Fed said it would soon provide details on how it will address illiquid funds. Banks have been selling down non-compliant investments over the last several years, with Goldman having reduced its exposure by more than half since mid-2013. Yet in regulatory filings, banks have said they may face difficulty in getting rid of those investments by upcoming deadlines. As of June 30, Goldman Sachs held $7 billion worth of private equity investments, real estate holdings and hedge funds affected by the Volcker rule. In March, Goldman said it expected to sell the majority of those stakes before the July 2017 deadline, but it removed that language in its most recent quarterly filing. Morgan Stanley, which has about $3.2 billion in real estate and private equity funds, recently said it expected to be able to divest much of those investments. But the bank said in a second-quarter filing that it expected to ask for further extensions "for certain illiquid funds." JPMorgan has around $1 billion in hedge funds, private equity and real estate investments. The Acadiana region experienced widespread flooding Friday, swamping homes and streets, but officials had their eyes on continued rain expected over the weekend that is pushing waterways to flood stages. The heavy rain began falling Thursday night and continued throughout the next day. Some areas saw almost a foot of precipitation by early Friday afternoon. Another four to eight inches, and possibly more in certain... Update: Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10:35 a.m. Nearly non-stop rains over the past 24 hours have swollen to Vermilion River in Lafayette to levels not seen in more than half a century. As of 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, the river at Surrey Street was at 16.6 feet, the third highest level on records dating back to 1940, according to the National Weather Service. The river at Surrey Street is forecast to crest Saturday evening at 18.5 feet, a level not seen since 1947 and about one inch above what is considered the 100-year flood level, according to NWS. Original story The Acadiana region experienced widespread flooding Friday, swamping homes and streets, but officials had their eyes on continued rain expected over the weekend that is pushing waterways to flood stages. The heavy rain began falling Thursday night and continued throughout the next day. Some areas saw almost a foot of precipitation by early Friday afternoon. Another four to eight inches, and possibly more in certain locations, could fall through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles. +16 Thousands flooded, with more rain to come for Acadiana Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter found himself in the back of a dump truck with two council memb The inundation in a short period of time led to quickly rising waters on Bayou Vermilion near Carencro and Lafayette hitting minor and moderate flood stages. We do have a couple river points going to flood, said Jonathan Brazzell, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles. There are some other rivers that could potentially go to flood. Trouble viewing the video? Click here One of those could be Bayou Des Cannes near Eunice forecast to be on the rise in the next couple days, although not quite to flood level yet. However, with all the additional rain expected in southwest Louisiana, these forecasts could change. At the same time, the Lafayette area experienced widespread street flooding, especially south of Lafayette like in areas of Youngsville and Broussard, he said. Although the rain was starting to let up a bit Friday afternoon, that respite wasnt expected to last long. Evacuations underway in Youngsville; torrential downpours flooded homes Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter said the neighborhood of Highland Ridge was underwater Friday a Overnight (Friday) we expect a repeat of what we had last night, but maybe shifted a little more to the west, he said. This is acting like a tropical system. A flash flood watch was put into effect until 7 p.m. Saturday for most of southwest Louisiana and numerous flash flood warnings, indicating flooding was imminent, were put in place during the day Friday. Brazzell said its important that people refrain from driving or playing in the water, noting the photos and stories circulating Friday of people being stranded in stalled cars. Theres lots of examples of people going where they shouldnt and ending up with cars in a ditch, he said. Although Thursday river forecasts showed just minor river flooding, those forecasts changed dramatically Friday morning after heavy rain pelted south Louisiana overnight. By Friday, numerous rivers were expected to get to major flooding levels. With the rainfall, and unfortunately four to eight inches more rain, its pretty significant, said Jeff Grashel, National Weather Service hydrologist. There have been other rain events that have put as much water into the rivers, such as Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, but even in that event the rain fell over a more extended period of time. For many people, the storm of 1983 is the benchmark for how bad flooding could get on various rivers. That April storm saw a 50-hour downpour, flooding homes in Livingston, Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes. The current flooding event follows just months after a March downpour earlier this year that also resulted in record-breaking river levels, damaged homes and closed road. The Amite River in Denham Springs had a March crest of 36.09 feet and a record crest of 41.5 feet from 1983, but is expected to shatter that record at more than 44 feet Sunday evening. However, forecasters caution that as the rain continues to fall, and heavy rainbands sit over particular areas, these river levels could change for the worse. Theres a potential it could increase. Its just a question of where that rain falls, Grashel said. Its important for people to monitor the current situation and forecasts for rainfall and watch the levels of their local river, he said. Everybody just needs to pay very close attention, Grashel said. A police car , right, tries to navigate through gridlock caused by high water on I-110 south near Capitol Access Road, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 during flooding after heavy rains Thursday night and Friday morning. The covers used to stop hydrocarbons from leaking into the parish drainage system near the fire-damaged part of Motiva's Convent refinery are reportedly stuck and high water surrounds the shut-down unit. Reuters reported that high water surrounds the H-Oil unit, or heavy oil hydrocracker, at the refinery, although none of the other units at the facility are in danger of flooding. Motiva spokeswoman Angela Goodwin said Friday the water is challenging in that whole area, but there is no flooding inside the refinery. "The storm water is leaving the refinery normally, and the refinery is operating normally other than the affected H-Oil unit. We are taking all measures to make sure there is no environmental impact to the community," Goodwin said. Goodwin did not address whether the rubber storm drain covers were in fact stuck. The fire started a little before 11 a.m. Thursday. Firefighters spent more than four hours battling the blaze, whose flames stretched dozens of feet high. No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is being investigated. On Friday, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it is not investigating the incident. St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin said there was a concern during the fire that crude might spill, especially near the damaged unit, and that storm water would wash it into the ditches and canals. But Motiva assured parish officials the company was taking precautions to prevent that. St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel said early on during Thursday's fire, parish officials checked with Motiva on the company's plan to stop contaminants from getting into the parish's nearby drainage canal. "So yesterday afternoon once they got the fires out, they boomed the canal. Our guys was out with them again the canal, and they double-boomed the canal this morning," Roussel said. Containment booms are floating barriers used to prevent the spread of oil. Roussel said the parish's Emergency Preparedness staff has been on site all day, and so far there hasn't been a sheen that would indicate oil is escaping. "So no problems yet," he said. Roussell said he hasn't heard of reports of flooding at the refinery, but anything is a possibility with the kind of heavy rain that was happening Friday. Advocate staff writer David Mitchell contributed to this report. Gov. John Bel Edwards is returning to Louisiana this afternoon as the state continues to be battered by heavy rain and flooding. Edwards had traveled to Aspen, Colorado on Thursday to attend a Democratic Governors Convention summit. He was initially scheduled to return to Baton Rouge on Sunday, but his staff confirmed that he is now due back Friday afternoon. Earlier Friday, Edwards issued a state of emergency for the entire state of Louisiana because of severe weather conditions. The declaration will be in effect through Sept. 10. We are in constant contact with local officials and first responders, and assistance is already on the move to affected parishes, Edwards said in a statement. The most important thing to remember is to obey road signs and to constantly monitor the news for updates to ensure everyones safety. Every available resource will be used to assist citizens as this situation continues to unfold." The declaration authorizes state agencies and the director of the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to respond as needed to emergency conditions. A flash flood watch is in effect for all of southeastern Louisiana until at least Saturday morning, with seven to 10 inches of rainfall expected or possibly more. Edwards' order notes that the state anticipates assistance will be needed for parishes to respond. Read the declaration here. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will spend the weekend in Aspen, Colorado at the Democratic Governors Association's annual Summer Policy Conference. The governor's office announced the planned trip on Thursday. He's scheduled to return to Baton Rouge on Sunday. Attending the DGA meeting means Edwards, who took office in January and is the state's ranking elected Democratic official, will not be attending the Louisiana Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on Saturday. The J-J Dinner is held annually in New Orleans and is typically the largest gathering of Democrats from across the state. The DGA is a voluntary collective of the nation's Democratic governors. Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is this year's chairman of the group. Its main goal is electing Democratic governors and candidates. The group sent staffers to Louisiana and placed campaign ads during Edwards' run for governor. The DGA didn't immediately respond to The Advocate's request for a copy of this weekend's agenda, and it has not been posted publicly to the group's website or social media pages. Former Gov. Bobby Jindal was active in the Republican Governors Association during his eight years in office, eventually serving as chairman of the RGA in 2013. Edwards recently traveled to Iowa to attend the National Governors Association meeting. He also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. According to the speakers list for this weekend's J-J Dinner, Edwards' Chief of Staff Ben Nevers, a former state senator, will address the group and there will be a "special message" from Edwards. Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro is set to headline this year's J-J Dinner. Other speakers include state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who chairs the state party; and the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate. So far, the Democratic Party has opted not to endorse anyone in the 24-person race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. David Vitter, a Republican who Edwards beat in the governor's race last fall. While I dont respond to every political attack, I will respond to the attorney generals latest accusations. First, people deserve second chances. We all make mistakes and should have the opportunity to learn from them. End of story. That should have been Landrys response regarding his hiring decisions. The story would be over. Second, I could not be happier to work alongside Jay Dardenne to lead Louisiana out of the largest budget deficit in the history of our state. He is, by far, the most qualified public servant to help stabilize our state after years of mismanagement. The fact that Dardenne chose to support me and put Louisiana first in the last election is a testament to his desire to make this state a better place and his willingness to set aside partisanship. We fight every day to put the people of this state first. With his remarks, the attorney general is trying to revive the bitter partisan, politics-as-usual mentality that voters rejected last November. Even more troubling is the attorney generals repeated, disingenuous effort to politicize legislation from the session regarding sanctuary cities. He is misrepresenting both my views and the facts, while also ignoring local officials from across Louisiana who found real problems in the details of his legislation. I have said repeatedly that I support the concept of that bill, but there were serious issues, legal and otherwise, in the bill that needed to be addressed. These were issues that he should have been aware of in the first place, and I said so publicly at the time. More troubling than that, however, was the fact that his crusade in support of this bill appears to have been nothing more than a charade. I believe that true commitment means that you take a stand and see the fight through. Yet, after weeks of grandstanding, on the final day of the bills hearings, he was absent from the state raising questions about his commitment to the issue. As a state, we continue to deal with the disastrous consequences of politicians spending their time and resources focusing on a job they want, rather than the one they were elected to do. Its time for the attorney general to refocus his attention on his post, and less on politically-motivated attacks. I continue to be willing to work with him on any and all issues, but I will not sit idly by and let his politics get the best of this great state. Louisiana has had enough of that. Its time we all work together to rebuild and grow. Gov. John Bel Edwards governor Baton Rouge When John Bel Edwards and John N. Kennedy find themselves on the same page these days, the cause they both espouse must be pretty compelling. State Sen. Troy Brown, accused in two different incidents of domestic violence against two different women, his wife and his girlfriend, should take a joint call for his resignation from the Democratic governor and Republican state treasurer as a strong hint. Brown's attempts to hang on to his career have made life complicated for his fellow politicians and his 2nd District constituents in the river parishes. As a representative of the public, Brown's both distracted by his personal travails and badly damaged as a figure of authority, particularly on the many issues affecting domestic violence victims on which the Legislature has jurisdiction. Plus, Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, has suspended his committee assignments the most he has authority to do and that alone puts the people he represents at a disadvantage. Yet Brown has not been convicted of a crime, and has every right to the presumption of innocence in the eyes of the law. That makes calls that he step aside tricky, and probably explains the delayed and in some instances, pretty restrained reaction from some of his peers. State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson of New Orleans, who chairs the state Democratic Party, issued a lengthy statement arguing that Brown should go, but it amounted to more of a strong suggestion than a demand. The Legislative Black Caucus, of which Brown is a member, reportedly has not taken a position. Two New Orleans lawmakers who focus on domestic violence issues, state Sen. J.P. Morrell and state Rep. Helena Moreno, did call for his resignation, but not until the governor spoke out. And that itself didn't come until several weeks after Republicans started calling out Brown's fellow Democrats for their silence. They do have good reason to be image-conscious. Last spring, GOP Rep. Kenny Havard's dumb joke about a bill to mandate a minimum age for strippers drew widespread condemnation, in part because he was making light of legislation aimed at reducing human trafficking among a vulnerable population, and in part because it offered a peek into an off-putting boys-will-be-boys legislative environment. Forcing domestic violence victims and their advocates to petition a man twice accused is a lot worse. A politician who understood that, one who actually prioritizes the people he represents and the institution he serves, would take the hint and go. That Brown has shown no sign of doing so is yet one more strike against him. pena nieto and wife Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's family has again come under scrutiny for its property dealings, this time for the first lady's use of a luxury property in Florida owned by a company reportedly vying for government contracts in Mexico. According to a report by The Guardian, Angelica Rivera, the president's wife, has been using two units in Ocean Tower One, a gated community in Key Biscayne. One of the units was purchased by Rivera in 2005, but the other is owned by Grupo Pierdant, a Mexican firm. Pierdant has let Rivera use its unit in the building, "in effect allowing them to be managed as a single unit," The Guardian notes, adding that the apartments share the same phone number and that a woman who answered the phone said packages could be sent to either address. "It's the same," the woman said. In early 2014, Pierdant paid the property tax for its unit as well as for the unit owned by Rivera, which accrued a tax bill of $29,703, according to The Guardian. The possible connection between Rivera and Grupo Pierdant is significant because the firm is a possible bidder for government contracts to manage the country's ports. Ocean Tower One Miami Florida Ricardo Pierdant, the company's founder who has numerous business dealings in the US and Mexico, quickly hung up when The Guardian called him about the property, but he told Univision that he had lent the apartment to Rivera "several times" and that it was "totally false" that he had paid property taxes for the apartment that she owned. Pena Nieto's spokesman called The Guardian's report false and said that the suggestion Grupo Pierdant could bid on government contracts was "speculation" This is not the first appearance of impropriety in the first family's property dealings or in its relationships with current or potential government contractors. Story continues This particular case has reminded many of the "Casa Blanca" scandal of late 2014, which emerged after it was revealed that Rivera was buying a seven-bedroom mansion in an upscale Mexico City neighborhood from Grupo Higa, another large government contractor. Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto Casa Blanca The first lady returned the property, and an investigation cleared the president of wrongdoing though many Mexicans scoffed at that finding, as the investigation was led by a friend of the president and the Mexican finance minister. The links between Pena Nieto and Grupo Higa, which is led by a longtime friend of the president, are extensive. A New York Times report in August last year found that the firm had gotten more than 80 government contracts and received $2.8 billion in state money. A Reuters investigation last year also suggested that Pena Nieto had misrepresented how he had acquired several properties on tax documents. "Our elites (political, religious, business, intellectual) simply refuse to understand the concept of conflict of interest," Rodolfo Soriano, a sociologist in Mexico City, tweeted after Pena Nieto was cleared of wrongdoing in August last year. New lows The scandals that have developed around Pena Nieto's business and property dealings have undercut his efforts to position himself as a reformer and likely reminds many of the deep networks of corruption and influence-peddling that existed when his party, the PRI, ran Mexico as a de facto one-party state for most of the 20th century. Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto sits during a meeting with lawyers in Mexico City November 21, 2014. REUTERS/Tomas Bravo The controversies, along with anemic economic growth and growing violence, have damaged Pena Nieto's standing with the public. His approval ratings have steadily declined for much of the last two years, hitting a record low of 23% in a poll released by Mexican newspaper Reforma this week, down 7 points since April. It is the lowest approval rating for a Mexican president since the latter half of the 1990s, and 60% of respondents said security in Mexico had worsened, while about 70% said poverty and violence had gone up over the last year. Reforma's poll also found that 55% of those surveyed thought corruption in the federal government had gotten worse up from 40% who said the same in April. NOW WATCH: There's a terrifying reason people are warned to stay inside at 5:45 p.m. in parts of Mexico More From Business Insider Asbestos tests are being done on three Canberra buildings, including federal public service offices, after the discovery this week that building materials were supplied by a company linked with asbestos finds in Perth and Brisbane. Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said his inspectors had spoken at length on Friday to Yuanda, the company reported to have supplied Chinese-sourced asbestos-containing roof panels to the Perth children's hospital and in metal skirting in a government building in Brisbane. The Sirius building in Woden: Being tested to confirm building materials don't contain asbestos. Yuanda has supplied three buildings in Canberra the Sirius building occupied by federal health department staff in Woden, the City West Offices occupied by federal education department staff in the city, and a building at section 54 in Kingston. The alert was raised by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Engineering Union, whose ACT secretary Dean Hall said asbestos imports from China were another Fluffy disaster in the making. The Liberal party is refusing to say whether it will continue to use comments from former emergency department clinical director Michael Hall on its election campaign material after a complaint from Labor backbencher Joy Burch. It is also unclear whether the complaint will be referred to standards commissioner and retired judge Ken Crispin for investigation, with Liberal Speaker Vicki Dunne refusing to discuss the issue publicly. Former clinical director of emergency at Canberra Hospital, Michael Hall, whose comments and image have been used on a Liberal election flyer. Credit:Jamila Toderas Liberal campaign director Daniel Clode would not answer questions directly about whether Dr Hall's image would be removed from the pamphlet, which promotes the Liberals' promise for a new $395 million hospital building. He said only, "Following the very positive response from the announcement, we're adding more quotes [to the flyer], including the AMA and the nurses' union." The issue flared last week when Ms Burch said Dr Hall's image and his comments about the need to start over with a new emergency department had been reproduced in the Liberal campaign flyer without his knowledge or permission. "We are reliant on food rescued from seven supermarkets around Belconnen to provide us with fresh food and vegetables and bread," she says. "Our volunteers go around every morning and afternoon to collect from the supermarkets." The church store asks for only a gold coin donation for the locally rescued fruit and vegetables. Last year it had 200 families registered for food assistance. "Our food pantry is not limited to pensioners sometimes people on good incomes hit a rough patch through unexpected events such as the loss of a job or a sudden serious illness or the breakdown of a relationship," Bate says. "If they didn't have access to places like this, they can get caught. "Our belief is this service is here for those people who are going through a difficult time and they can use it for as long or as little amount of time as they need to help them get through that rough patch. "Some people find it hard to ask for help when they've been used to being independent. "Some people only use it for a season. Other people who have been living on a lower income for a longer time like on a pension of some sort, would shop here regularly and would have been customers here for years because it helps their dollar go further." Another shop for those doing it tough is the Helping Hand Food Pantry at St Pauls Ginninderra Anglican Church. Reverend Doug Newman says it began eight years ago when the parish was looking to see how it could help the local community. "We decided we'd run it for a couple of months to see if anybody was interested, but by the time we were three weeks in we realised there was a much bigger need than we had any idea of," he says. The Helping Hand is run by volunteers and opens on Thursdays and Fridays and also benefits from the ACT government-sponsored delivery from Foodbank in Sydney. "There are now about 20 pantries across Canberra but rather than everyone trying to do it themselves, which would not be economic, there's a single contract to bring that to Canberra every week," he says. Since the food is not free to the pantry, it is run on a cost recovery basis. "Each pantry does it slightly differently but we run it at a set price of $1.75 a kilo," he says. "A kilo box of Weet-Bix that would cost you seven or eight dollars in a supermarket would cost you $1.75 if you came to us. "Some things cost us more than $1.75 a kilo and some cost less but we've worked out if we charge that, we'll actually pretty much come out even. "We're trying to be not for profit but also with our nose just in front of the line rather than behind it." About 50 to 60 people shop at the Helping Hand each week and Newman says he is not surprised at the demand. "I'm not happy with it but what I am happy with is that we're not seeing the same families that we saw eight years ago," he says. "One of the great stories I love is the young mum who had a two year old and other kids at school and shopped here for several years. "Once the youngest daughter went to school, we helped her get a job and she is still working for that company and has been promoted several times. "What she needed was a hand to get over being a single mum with a child at home. "Some families are recent immigrants, they tend to come for a year or more after they arrive and then they'll get their jobs and get established and drop off our radar. "Then we meet them in the community, see them around, and they're doing okay." The hardest people to help are those on fixed incomes, such as retired people in private rental accommodation. "If they're on the pension and trying to rent, they will be struggling." The key to the territory-wide supply of rescued food is the weekly shipment from Sydney. And the person who keeps that running is Max Kimber from the Rotary Club of Canberra. He manages the transport and delivery of the goods, and the grants from the ACT government for this service. For this work he was awarded the 2012 ACT Volunteer of the Year in the category of community care and social support, and was made Rotarian of the Year by his club. (In 2007 he had been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the natural gas pipeline industry.) "The ACT government provides us a grant of around $90,000 a year which covers the cost of transport from Sydney," he says. The following day, smaller delivery trucks take the food to the charity-run shops. "So it's a door to door service that is provided for all those pantries," Kimber says. "We deliver something like 450,000 kilos into the ACT each year which is equivalent to 600,000 meals per year." What a time to be an iron ore miner. Not a substance, perhaps, that gets the pulse racing, but as the key ingredient in steel, and therefore a primary material for building, it's one that can tell us much about the health of the global economy and of the miners that supply it. Iron ore futures hit a two-year high on Monday on the back of a rally in steel prices, amid reports that Chinese ports hold less of the material than previously thought. In the last eight months, the metal has turned from a six-year low of $US38 a tonne to around $US60. It was trading at $US61.56 this morning. While it's not quite party time for the iron ore majors - five years ago, the metal was changing hands for $US180 a tonne - it's a far better situation than any of them expected last December. Miners just keep digging. They can't help themselves. Credit:Bloomberg The biggest iron ore producers - Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Anglo American - have all benefited from higher prices this year, using the cash earned to pay off some of their colossal debts. Yet even as the rally persists, the industry is sowing the seeds of its next downturn. Here are four clouds on the horizon. Miners just keep digging Alcoa and the other shareholders in the smelter, which include China's CITIC and Japan's Marubeni Corp, are seeking to negotiate new contracts in a bid to ensure the smelter remains competitive. Power company AGL, the owner of the giant Loy Yang A power station, said on Friday the owners of the smelter have begun to issue notices to terminate a long term electricity supply contract which was due to commence later in the year. The future of the Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria and the jobs of hundreds of workers is up in the air as the owners seek to renegotiate power supply contracts in a bid to keep the plant afloat. The cost of electricity is the main factor influencing the viability of aluminium smelters. The plans for new contracts come as the price of electricity is rising following sustained declines in recent years which may complicate hopes of keeping the plant open. Additionally, the long term electricity supply agreements with the Victorian government which sheltered the smelter's owners during periods of low prices of aluminium, expire in November. The contracts reduced the cost of electricity when the metal's price was low but when the aluminium price rose, so did the price charged for the electricity. Ben Davis, the State Secretary for the AWU in Victoria said that for the electricity supply contract to be renegotiated, they had to scrap the current ones. "AGL's announcement is an inevitable part of the process of renegotiating the power contracts between Alcoa and AGL, and, as such, is not a cause for alarm. The situation at the smelter hasn't changed in the past six months. "They have some challenges to work through, they need a new power contract, a new transmission contract, and probable assistance from the state and/or federal governments that's been known for sometime, and today's announcement is merely the latest step. "I am concerned for the future of the smelter, of course, but I am confident that with some common sense and goodwill that Alcoa will continue into the future in Portland." The Australian Taxation Office has more than doubled the number of multinational companies being targeted for tax avoidance, vowing to hit offending corporations with big tax bills and hefty fines. The Tax Office told Fairfax Media that they had identified 175 companies that potentially fall within scope of the federal government's Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law which aims to address the problem of multinational companies using loopholes to minimise tax paid in Australia. Last year tax commissioner Chris Jordan told Senate estimates that the ATO had written to 60 companies stating that they should consider whether the new laws applied to their circumstances. Mr Jordan vowed that the ATO was prepared to take more companies "all the way to court if necessary". Scott Morrison might be happy about the census shemozzle. It means his Ausgrid "national security" call, doesn't look like the government's dodgiest performance this week but give it time. The Federal Treasurer's move to block China's State Grid and Hong Kong's Li Ka-Shing-controlled Cheung Kong Infrastructure from bidding for the NSW government's electricity transmission provider on the basis of some untold threat to national security opens up the question of whether the two companies' substantial existing Australian assets will have to be divested for the same reason. It's a question South Australian Treasurer, Tom Koutsantonis will be putting to Morrison given that Cheung Kong is the majority owner of SA Power Networks and Australian Gas Networks. On Twitter, Koutsantonis said his Liberal predecessor as state treasurer and current shadow treasurer, Rob Lucas "has questions to answer on his sale of essential utilities that are in the hands of companies ruled unfit by Scott Morrison". These companies are aggressive and have the best lawyers at their disposal. Credit:AP It's this question that has kept tax authorities around the world, including Australia, struggling to claw back revenue from multinationals. When Facebook and Airbnb send profits to Ireland, Uber sends profits to Netherlands, or BHP Billiton sends them to Singapore, all claim it is legitimately being done on an arm's length basis. Illustration: Matt Golding. These companies are aggressive and have the best lawyers at their disposal. Up until now tax authorities, including the Australian Taxation Office, were prepared to sit down and do deals. But a combination of tougher domestic and global laws, and growing consumer discontent about the lack of taxes multinational giants pay, has made revenue agencies more willing to head to the courts. Some [multinationals] are sailing too close to the wind with these manufactured arrangements. ATO Deputy Commissioner internationals Mark Konza This week the ATO issued a series of alerts, cautioning large companies and multinationals that they could face penalties if they use "contrived arrangements" to avoid paying tax. Without naming companies, the ATO has gone into detail about some of the arrangements high on its watch list. The ATO is feeling confident after recent court wins with companies including Chevron (under appeal) and Orica, and with the introduction in January of the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law, which allows the ATO to hit companies with hefty penalties and interest charges if they don't comply. Many companies are restructuring to avoid being hit by the new laws. But others will be willing to battle it out in the courts. "The ATO will try to test the limits of the new rules through the courts," Clayton Utz tax partner Niv Tadmore says. "You will see more and more disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities, but you will also see more disputes between revenue authorities [in different countries] as the limits of laws are tested." The first area of concern for the Tax Office is multinational groups using offshore "permanent establishments". This, like the Facebook case, relates to where the intangible goods and services such as IP are located. "Through these arrangements groups may be understating their true Australian income and claiming deductions incorrectly," says ATO Deputy Commissioner public groups and international, Jeremy Hirschhorn. "Taxpayers need to ensure the taxable income returned properly reflects the economic substance and significance of operations carried on." Another area the ATO is looking into is structures developed by companies which are designed to reduce the amount of GST payable. Deputy Commissioner internationals Mark Konza says companies found to have done so will have to pay back liabilities and may face penalties of up to 75 per cent of tax owed. "We're also looking closely at intermediaries who encouraged these arrangements and may consider them promoters of tax exploitation schemes," Mr Konza says. A third area of concern is companies trying to claim higher debt deductions than they are entitled to under "thin capitalisation rules" which limit the amount of debt companies can claim. Mr Konza says "some [multinationals] are sailing too close to the wind with these manufactured arrangements". The ATO also this week issued a consultation paper, which multinationals have until October to respond to, on the use of offshore marketing and service hubs. Senate hearings last year focused on multinationals such as Google, Apple and Microsoft, as well as mining giants such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, using marketing or services hubs located in low-tax nations such as Singapore to lower their Australian tax bills. The ATO now lists the factors it will use to place taxpayers into risk categories, ranging from a "low-risk green zone" to a "very high-risk red zone" and the consequences of such placement. The ATO spokesman said about a third of the 30 largest miners and energy companies with marketing hubs fall green and blue ratings, which required minimal reporting and involved less than $5 million in potential tax. These companies were likely to face lighter penalties for complying. But "the rest are likely to be in the yellow, orange and red zones", meaning they are non-compliant and could face tougher penalties. ATO warns multinationals on "contrived arrangements" Areas under watch: Offshore hubs: Senate hearings last year focused on large multinationals using marketing hubs in low-tax nations such as Singapore and Ireland that are used to lower their Australian tax bills. 'Permanent establishments': In the old days determining a company's PE, or permanent establishment, was easy. They usually had a physical location. In the digital age, that is harder to determine, and companies often claim their PE is offshore, so Australia has no taxing rights. The ATO is disputing this. There are two powerful arguments about the plight of the refugees dying a slow death in the offshore processing centres Australia has established and which it maintains on Nauru and Manus Island. The supporters of the present policy argue that we cannot bring these refugees to Australia because to do so would act as a signal to people smugglers, allowing their trade to begin again. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Those who hold this view point to the experience following the Rudd government's abandonment of the policies of offshore processing and naval turn-backs. They argue that it was as a result of these policy shifts that 50,000 asylum seekers arrived on Australian territory between 2009 and 2013 and about 1200 drowned before arriving. They argue further that if Australia now abandoned offshore processing and naval turn-backs, the results would be much the same as they were after 2008, or perhaps even worse. They believe that, on balance, it is better to allow those on Nauru and Manus Island to remain where they are, and to rot in desperation, than it is to take the risk of a resumption of the people smuggling trade by bringing these people to Australia. The last chimpanzees in the US still in federal custody should be moved to a sanctuary in Louisiana by autumn 2026, America's National Institutes of Health says. The moves could be completed in 2023 if Chimp Haven can expand fast enough, according to a retirement plan for about 360 chimps announced on Thursday. A chimpanzee named Puddin' at Chimp Haven, seen in a file picture. Credit:AP "I do think we can get it done," said Cathy Willis Spraetz, president and chief executive of the sanctuary located in north-west Louisiana. Larry Marshall, the embattled chief executive of the CSIRO, is clearly hoping for anger within his agency over his handling of the hundreds of job cuts will subside. In the past few weeks, he has visited sites from Canberra to Hobart, hobnobbing at morning and afternoon teas with small groups of staff, apparently avoiding the large Q&A sessions that sparked staff booing, a complaint of bullying and at least one walkout earlier this year. "Thanks to everyone in Team CSIRO who has worked tirelessly across the organisation to navigate us through this storm, to calmer waters ahead," Dr Marshall said in an email on Monday. The prompt for the email, though, is one reason those calmer times may remain out of reach of the former Silicon Valley venture capitalist charged with running Australia's premier research agency, which marks its centenary in 2016. The Turnbull government's struggle to explain exactly went wrong in the Australian census intensified on Friday, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull forced to counter a senior minister's assertion that the alleged cyber attacks originated in Australia. Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne on Friday morning contradicted previous government suggestions that the census website was attacked from overseas, instead stating the interference came from "elements here in Australia". "Obviously it was disrupted on Tuesday night by elements here in Australia but that doesn't mean that anybody's privacy has been breached," Mr Pyne told his breakfast television audience on the Nine Network. Mr Pyne's office clarified to Fairfax Media that the investigation was ongoing and that the minister was speculating on existing commentary. The Coalition and Labor will back a plan to divide up six and three-year Senate terms that benefits them but threatens to antagonise key crossbenchers, whose time in Parliament may be cut short as a result. Senators are usually elected for six-year terms with half up for election every three years. Following a double dissolution election, which clears all seats, the Senate is empowered to decide how six and three-year terms are assigned. The "order of election" method being backed by the government and opposition sees the first six senators elected in each state serve the longer term while the bottom six are relegated and forced to seek re-election in 2019. "12 senators are elected in every state. Under the methodology used on every occasion so far, the first six senators elected would get six years, whoever they are and whichever party they represent," Finance Minister and deputy government leader in the Senate Mathias Cormann said on Friday. Tony Abbott says his government should have pursued less ambitious reform of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, in comments that will re-open debate in the conservative wing of the Liberal Party about changing the Act and potentially create a new headache for Malcolm Turnbull. In a speech to the Samuel Griffith Society in Adelaide on Friday, Mr Abbott also lamented Australia's "hyper-partisan" politics and surprisingly suggested that while opposition leader in 2011, he should have allowed Julia Gillard's government to implement its so-called Malaysian solution and send up to 800 asylum seekers to that country, to deter the flow of asylum seeker boats. The former prime minister is also strongly critical of Liberal state premiers, including NSW leader Mike Baird and former Victorian Liberal leader Denis Napthine, who opposed the harsh cuts to schools and hospitals in the 2014 federal budget. Crossbench senators David Leyonhjelm and Bob Day have both flagged they will introduce legislation to, respectively, abolish section 18C of the RDA, which makes it illegal to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" a person, or in Senator Day's case to remove the words "offend" and "insult" from the controversial clause. Church on the CSIRO research voyage in May. The instruments behind him collect water samples and other information. "CSIRO has just sacked its Bradman of sea-level science," said Andy Pitman, a climate program leader at the University of NSW. "It will be a huge setback for global programs. I am stunned," NASA's Joshua Willis told The New York Times. "Australia has a huge coastline ... Few countries could benefit more from an accurate understanding of sea-level rise." Credit:Geography Photos California's Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor Dean Roemmich called the ditching of such an eminent scientist "absolutely inconceivable". "This is madness," posted Professor Stefan Rahmstorf, from Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), on Facebook. Rahmstorf has had his run-ins with Church in the momentous argy-bargy of ocean physics. "In my view, his projections of future sea-level rise have been cautious to the point of understating the risks," said Rahmstorf. "But I have a huge respect for his work and scholarship. Australia has a huge coastline ... few countries could benefit more from an accurate understanding of sea-level rise. Professor Stefan Rahmstorf, oceanographer "Most countries who value science would be proud and happy to have a world-class scientist like him. And Australia has a huge coastline and a population concentrated along the coast. Few countries could benefit more from an accurate understanding of sea-level rise. Australia is shooting itself in the knee with this!" Three months and a hair's breadth of an election win later, new Science Minister Greg Hunt last week ordered CSIRO to restore climate-change science as a "bedrock function" of its mission, tossing in some money ($37 million over 10 years) and 15 new jobs. But it was too late for John Church and dozens of his colleagues and, according to the experts, far too little to maintain critical ocean and land measurements and the international relationships that support them. I meet John Church at a cafe on Hobart's Salamanca Place, the picturesque waterfront boulevard frequented by tourist hordes, the ghosts of Van Diemen's Land, and some of the world's most cited climate scientists. We take our coffees a short walk up to the home on Battery Point where Church and his wife, Majnun Zain, a Malaysian-born GP, have recently downsized. They met as students at the University of Queensland. On the wall are sketches of the rambling Old Hobart pile where they raised their two sons, one now also a doctor, the other a public servant in Canberra. (Church describes them both, with obvious pride, as "environmentally sensitive".) When the CSIRO moved his division to Hobart from Sydney in 1981, Church was horrified. Along with the lack of an Opera House, the weather in Tasmania had zero appeal for Church, who was born and raised in Gympie, north of Brisbane. But it turned out to be a fine place for family life, and precisely the right location for someone investigating how oceans influence climate. Church's living room looks over the Derwent River dock, which is the gateway of Australia's Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific enterprise. The red ice-breaker Aurora Australis waits out the winter there, nuzzled up with the French research vessel L'Astrolabe. Come summer, the ships transport scientists and expeditioners to the ice, 2500 kilometres away. Church has sailed the infamously wild latitudes south of here several times a triumph of will over an unfortunate disposition to seasickness. The ships and the acronyms clustered around them CSIRO, IMAS (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies), ACE CRC (Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Co-operative Research Centre), AAD (Australian Antarctic Division) are the latest in a proud Australian legacy of expeditions going back to Douglas Mawson, and the result of decades of investment in the infrastructure, institutions and logistics required to support high-cost, high-latitudes research. A halcyon era through the 1980s and '90s helped Hobart capitalise on its geography to become an internationally recognised scientific hub. Its small-town dynamic was a bonus, allowing easy collaboration in an era of exploding interest in the pure, natural archive of polar wilderness, and what it could teach us about the changing climate. Hobart became a magnet for established scientists and young post-docs wanting to work on some of the most urgent questions around warming, and hoping to be mentored by the likes of John Church. When we meet, Church is still recovering his land-legs after his stint on the Investigator, and still appears overcome by the howls of protest from science's global A-list over his treatment. Scientists continue to lobby CSIRO leadership and Canberra to reconsider the cuts to his climate research group. He's been invited to make a case to try to save his job. He won't. "I was not going to win," he says. "There's going to be a lot of pain in doing that." As a journalist writing regularly on climate science, I've interviewed Church half a dozen times over several years. He could be mistaken for the boffin from central casting introverted, authoritative, meticulous except that description infers distance from the "real" world, and Church is quietly passionate about the importance of public interest research. The scenarios he explores in his papers weigh on him. "I think society is in deep strife, actually," he says. "What happened on the Great Barrier Reef this year is pretty dramatic. If that is a window to the future, society is going to have to deal with some major changes." As CSIRO budgets have eroded, with some 1300 jobs shed in the past two years, Church has been a trenchant defender of funding for climate research. It's been targeted, he says, as a result of the political climate, and leaders who fail to recognise its importance. He's become an outspoken opponent of the vision for CSIRO being pursued by his boss, Dr Larry Marshall, the physicist-turned-venture-capitalist appointed CEO in 2014. Earlier this year, Marshall initiated the restructure that, when it was announced, aimed to cut Church's and 274 other jobs, while amping up the organisation's focus on money-spinning science. Marshall's rationale for targeting the climate group was that the highly valued models it created and maintained had served their purpose in helping "prove global climate change". Now it was time to move on to questions of how to live with and minimise the consequences. The ensuing argument in the CSIRO's ranks spurred a gobsmacked front-page report in The New York Times ("Scientists Fear Australian Cuts Imperil World Climate Studies") in February and an international petition of protest signed by 3100 scientists. It also propelled Church, on April 3, to write a blistering open letter to Marshall describing his logic as "incorrect, naive and misleading". The cuts would undermine the very programs that would inform adaptation to change, and amounted to "wanton vandalism". They also, he argued, undermined the commitments Canberra had made to tackle climate change at the UN Paris Agreement last December. Was he thrown overboard because he shouted too loud? "I don't know the answer to that," Church says. "I've tried to keep my arguments very much about the science, and not personal. The reasons given to me for being made redundant are that we [CSIRO] are not going to focus on global sea-level rise, we are going to focus on the regional impacts." The best Church can figure, that means CSIRO stops contributing to efforts to understand the global picture, and relies on the work of other agencies to anticipate the effects of warming on the Australian coastline. CSIRO declined to speak to Good Weekend on either the cuts or the Church redundancy. A spokesman said the organisation did not comment on individuals. But when I share with scientific leaders the explanation Church tells me he was given for his redundancy, the response is explosive. "That is unbelievably ignorant, or perhaps a cruel joke," says PIK's Rahmstorf. "A two-minute search of the standard scientific publication database immediately turns up 20 papers that he has published on regional sea-level change." Professor Matthew England, a climate researcher at the University of NSW, says "John's work is all around securing Australia's future. His work could lead to saving billions of dollars of poor investment in infrastructure around the coast, billions of dollars securing coastlines." If the cuts to Australian climate research were crafted on the basis that we can leave the heavy lifting to other nations and then piggyback on their findings as many experts suspect we've got another think coming, England says. "Why do we keep harping on about southern-hemisphere capacity? Because a North American climate team is not going to be looking at those corners of the model nearly so much as they do the regional US climate. The US Government is funding them to do the best possible research for their region." The whole way the CSIRO is framing science costs and pursuing profits is out of whack, England argues. "The benefits of John Church's work will far outlive his lifetime." Over the past 15 years, satellites, ice-penetrating radar and ocean observations have delivered an avalanche of insights into the stability and vulnerability of the ice caps. The implications are always furiously argued. But there's nothing particularly comforting in these disputes. The question is not "if", but "when". "I think the whole [expert] community believes that with unmitigated emissions we will be in for metres of sea-level rise in the longer term. That is not in dispute in my view," says Church. "The only issue is how quickly we get there." Today the picture "is getting clearer", says Penn State University professor Michael Mann, "but unfortunately, not in a good way. We are learning that the West Antarctic ice sheet collapse is more likely, and could occur considerably sooner than we thought even at the time of the most recent IPCC report [in 2013]. "John Church has been a key player in this debate and discussion, and we need to continue to hear his voice as the science continues to advance and the policy implications of the science become ever more great." The stakes couldn't be higher: 150 million people live within one metre of sea level. "And sea level is going to rise by up to a metre during the 21st century, and will keep rising beyond that even with major emission reductions," Church says. "We are approaching thresholds for melting of the Greenland ice sheets, and we could well cross those this century." Church's role wrangling consensus out of this complexity was imperative to advising world leaders when they met in Paris late last year. One false move and the machinery of orchestrated denial would have clobbered them. But their science stood on its merits and the projections of rising seas particularly in the Pacific played a defining part in the Paris Agreement for global climate action. He's proud of his contribution, but not satisfied. "It is one of my disappointments that we couldn't define the Greenland threshold better," Church says, referring to the temperature trigger that would commit the Greenland ice sheet to complete melting. The 2013 statement put it somewhere between 1C and 4C above pre-industrial levels, most likely below 3C. "We're already at 1C. So are we at that threshold now? We don't really know. This is a real concern that will need to be addressed in the next report." Whether he will be part of that effort, he's not sure. Church will pack up his desk at CSIRO Hobart next week. Canberra's reinvestment of interest in CSIRO, while "a welcome initiative, is too late for me decisions have already been made", he says. There's no shortage of offers from stellar institutions internationally. He's hoping that the strapped research group he leaves behind might now survive. But he concedes this is wishful thinking as many scientists, especially younger ones who once aspired to climate research, assess the political and budgetary landscapes and make other plans. "I suspect most people would think, 'Gee, if John Church isn't secure in his job, then who is?' " says Professor Anthony Worby, head of the federally funded ACE CRC in Hobart. The mechanisms for funding public-interest research have pretty much dried up, Worby says. His centre was set up in 1991 to do largely that in collaboration with CSIRO and others, but a recent review means that in future such enterprises must be commercially focused and industry-led. "What needs to happen is a national conversation with government, with the public, to ask, 'What value do you put on this, and what are the appropriate structures for funding it, and who should be doing it?' " says Worby. (The ACE CRC's funding runs out in 2019.) The argument by Larry Marshall and others that the university sector can pick up the slack also won't wash without an overhaul of national science funding, he says. Most uni research is financed in three-year cycles. There's not the wherewithal to commit to years of observations or to acquire and run big, expensive bits of kit, so university researchers rely on CSIRO to supply them with the raw materials of models and data. Commercial photographer and member of The Pool Collective, Sean Izzard says "Learn as much as you can about different forms of photography. A good cross-section of knowledge is the best grounding you can have. You don't need to rush out, there's a lot to learn." "If you don't have that fire in your belly about what you're doing, no one else is going to," said Sally Brownbill, founder of creative community website, The Brownbill Effect. According to photojournalist and Oculi member, David Maurice Smith, it is important not to make decisions that are solely based on the business side of things. "The quickest way to do what you want is to do what you want," he says. "Don't wait for people to invest in you. Go hammer and tongs and figure out a way to make it work. Most of the work that I show began with me putting time and money into something I was passionate about." 3. Learn the business of photography. The award, established in 2013, recognises journalists who have "deepened and enriched the discussion of global issues in Australia". Topsfield, Fairfax Media's Indonesia correspondent since 2015, won this year's award for her reporting on Indonesia and the bilateral relationship with Australia following the execution of several Australians in Indonesia and the cash-for-turnbacks case . Fairfax Media's Indonesia correspondent Jewel Topsfield accepts the 2016 Lowy Institute Media Award in Sydney on Thursday night. From left to right: Michael Fullilove, Jane Anderson, Jewel Topsfield, Michelle Guthrie and Steven Lowy. Credit:Peter Morris/SydneyHeads.com Topsfield said she was "overwhelmed and honoured" to win the award, and was quick to pay tribute to her Indonesian colleagues for contributing to the award. "I could not have won without my extraordinarily talented colleagues in Indonesia, Amilia Rosa and Karuni Rompies," she said. "Amilia and Runi are the unsung heroes of Fairfax's Indonesia bureau. They are feisty, forensic, funny, incredibly hardworking and never complain - even when stuck in the middle of a gothic thunderstorm at 4am," Topsfield said. "I also want to thank my editors at Fairfax for their unwavering support, particularly foreign editor Maher Mughrabi. Receiving panicked phone calls at 11 o'clock at night was presumably not in Maher's job description, but I will always be grateful for his wise counsel and kindness." Within days of being acquitted of sexually assaulting a teenager, Mitchell Cameron Peggie led a young woman into a Brisbane churchyard and repeatedly raped her. The violation was made even more distressing and humiliating by being in public, Judge Deborah Richards told the 26-year-old as she sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on Friday. There were tears in the public gallery as the jury returned its verdict. "You just decided to have sex with her and pursue your desires regardless of her protests and her lack of interest," she said. Peggie waved to his teary mother as he was led into custody, where he will remain until at least January 2020. US journalist-entrepreneur Kara Swisher, the scourge of Silicon Valley, is short, sharp, and if you're a tech entrepreneur messing up, very, very scary. She knows them all. She met Mark Zuckerberg when he took Facebook to California, Jeff Bezos when Amazon was a fledgling online bookstore, Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen when the company was just going public. She was there at the start of the tech revolution in the early 1990s, first on the business beat at the Washington Post and later at the Wall Street Journal. It's made her immune to the puffery that surrounds many tech titans. If you know someone before they're really rich and famous, "they can't really trick you with hype", she says. "I don't get easily fooled by their PR people." "It is a constant joke in the Valley when people write memos for them to say, 'I hope Kara never sees this'," Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg told New York magazine. One day early last week, Daniel Gangur decided not to spend the night at home. He drove 90 minutes, parked at the beach and waited for the sky to dance. It didn't happen, but he slept restless in the car until the next morning, just in case. He had more luck the following night. He used an app on his phone to check the solar wind speed and the direction of the sun's interplanetary magnetic field. The indicators were right, so he grabbed his camera gear and headed to Longford, south of his east Gippsland home, and set up. About 8pm the sky lit up a white glow on the horizon looking south over Bass Strait. "You generally can't see the strong colours you see in the photo," Mr Gangur says of the image above. "If you think about it as a dull black and white image, that's what most aurora looks like from Victoria. The camera picks up the colours." A man has admitted murdering Zoe Buttigieg, the 11-year-old girl found dead in her Wangaratta home. In the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Friday, Bowe Maddigan, 30, pleaded guilty to one charge of murder and one of committing an indecent act with a child under 16. Zoe was found dead in her bed by her mother in her Inchbold Street home on the morning of October 25 last year, in the hours after a party at the house had finished. Maddigan had attended the party and smoked bongs with Zoe's mother, Janelle Saunders, in the hours before the girl's death, a previous court heard. A student accused of setting up a porn ring at St Michael's Grammar has left the school as police continue their investigation into the scandal. The 16-year-old male student is alleged to have created a folder on a file hosting service which contained naked photos of several girls from the St Kilda school. St Michael's Grammar School principal Simon Gipson said government funding enabled schools to keep fees under control. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones It was accessed by some of his classmates, and eventually reported to the school by a student. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the claims were being investigated by detectives who received a report of "inappropriate images being distributed by students". Ottawa: Aaron Driver first came to the attention of Canadian officials in late 2014 after he voiced support for Islamic State on social media. In 2015, he was arrested for communicating with militants involved with attack plots in Texas and Australia, including Melbourne Anzac Day parade plotter Sevdet Besim. Early this year, he agreed to a court order known as a "peace bond" that restricted his online and mobile phone activity. Video footage showing Aaron Driver is seen behind Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana, left, and Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Strachan in Ottawa on Thursday. Credit:The Canadian Press via AP Yet it took a tip from the FBI to alert Canadian intelligence officials to what police say was an imminent attack Driver was planning on a major Canadian city. Driver, 24, died on Wednesday after he detonated an explosive device in the back seat of a taxi as police closed in and opened fire, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in Ottawa. A police post at Patong, on Phuket Island, after the explosions. The second bomb caused most of the injuries to people who rushed to the scene of the first explosion. Two men had been detailed for questioning over the Hua Hin attacks, said Police Superintendent Sarawut Tankul. The aftermath of an explosion on Phuket. The men were detained because CCTV footage showed them in the area "before, during and after the bombings", he said, declining to give more details. No Australians were among the victims who included tourists from Britain, Italy, Holland and Austria. "It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated. "I was just surprised that it happened here now I'm thinking if it is worth staying," he told the AFP news agency. A food cart operator was severely injured in the first blast outside a beer bar at 10.20pm on Thursday (1.10pm Melbourne time) and died later in hospital. "I heard people shouting 'bomb, bomb', but I didn't hear any blast," said Briton Mark Gainsford. "I ran out to see if I could help. I saw eight to 10 people injured on the floor. The police arrived very quickly," he said. Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation, which has a centre near Hua Hin, tweeted from the local San Paolo hospital that seven foreigners were injured, one seriously. Mr Wiek tweeted that police stopped him filming the bomb site "as I might tarnish Hua Hin's reputation". He described seeing " a lot of blood, towels, tissues; I mean all kinds of stuff that people use to stop the bleeding of the wounded people." "I saw that on two different sides, about 100 metres away from each other where tourists are going to have drinks and walk around, two bombs went off that were planted in pot plants," he told the ABC. "One [was] at an intersection, another one in front of a bar, next to a temple." Hua Hin is the traditional summer retreat for Thailand's King and Queen, who are both unwell in Bangkok hospitals. The town's shopping centre was rocked by two more blasts on Friday morning. Multiple fires were lit in market areas of several cities in southern Thailand early on Friday. Two more blasts then struck Patong Beach on Phuket, while two others hit the southern towns of Trang, killing one person and Surat Thani, killing another. The Surat Thani blast occurred moments after the morning ritual of playing the Thai national anthem at a police station. Another bombed exploded nearby soon after. An Australian Navy ship was due to dock in Phuket on Saturday, with 250 sailors due for leave on the holiday island. Thai police were quick to say the attacks were not linked to Islamist terrorism, although they admitted they did not know who was responsible. A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: "At this stage we are unaware of any Australians affected. "If you are unable to contact [family or friends in Thailand], contact the department's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 within Australia or +61 6261 3305 from overseas." Mr Prawit told reporters he believes one group of people are responsible and insisted they were not linked to Thailand's long-running Muslim insurgency in the country's southern provinces. The bombs exploded ahead of a public holiday on Friday to mark the birthday of Queen Sirikit, which is Thailand's Mother's Day. The attack came a day after Thailand's military government warned of threats to the country, which has been wracked by years of political upheaval. Mr Prayuth, a former army chief, said there are "people who remain dissatisfied with this state of peacefulness, who persist on damaging the country and even our highest institution [the monarchy], all for their own personal gain, through the use of online media and information sent from abroad". Thais voted in a referendum on August 7 on a new constitution giving supremacy to Thailand's military - which seized power in a 2014 coup - as well as to the country's traditional elite in Bangkok. The vote was a severe blow to the Red Shirts, supporters of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Only hours before the blasts, Mr Prayuth urged Thais to accept the results of the referendum, promising to hold elections in 2017. "Let us set aside our differences for now and move forward together to confront the complex challenges that lie ahead of us, in making progress, reforming our country, doing away with our conflicts, and reconciling with each other under a new set of rules and regulations," he said. But the military ignored calls to release politicians and activists jailed for criticising the referendum. Thai authorities have already ordered a tightening of security at the country's tourist venues following the Hua Hin blast. These co-ordinated bombings have badly rattled nerves in Thailand, prompting the deployment of soldiers and police to public areas across the country. For the first time since the military seized power in a 2014 coup, undeclared forces have launched a violent challenge to the junta. Reaction to the attacks is sure to be brutal. Targeting bars in Hua Hin, an upscale resort south of Bangkok, ahead of the 84th birthday of Queen Sirikit particularly shocked many Thais. The occasion is celebrated as Thailand's Mother's Day. Washington: Amidst reports that Donald Trump probably pays no tax, Hillary Clinton piled pressure on the beleaguered Republican presidential nominee on Friday releasing her 2015 tax return, which reveals a total tax payout in excess of 35 per cent. Over the years Trump has noisily demanded that President Barack Obama release practically everything save for the size of his underwear. In segueing from New York property mogul to national political figure, Trump campaigned at different times for Obama to release his birth certificate; college applications, transcripts and other documents; and passport records. But through the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump has stubbornly refused to release his own tax returns, fueling speculation that his affairs are structured to take advantage of generous real estate deductions by which he pays little or no tax; that his claimed donations to charity are bogus; that perhaps he's worth only a fraction of what he claims; that some of his business deals, associates or practices are too dodgy to share with voters; and/or that he has funds stashed in foreign bank accounts. Or as Mitt Romney, the GOP's 2012 presidential candidate and a searing Trump critic, charges, Trump is bent on hiding a "bombshell of unusual size." To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the list below. The time now is 2022/10/28 16:21 You last visited: 2022/10/28 16:21:31 Total Topics: 133 | Total Posts: 151 Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... Oil prices sprung up on August 11 as the OPEC bid-wig Saudis oil minister indicated taking any possible action to steady prices. Along with Saudi, the International Energy Agency (IEA) helped oil to resume a recently-lost rally by predicting that crude markets would tighten in the second half of 2016. Prior to this, oil entered a bear territory early this month at the $40 level on supply glut concerns. Higher OPEC production and a rise in the number of rigs operating in U.S. oil fields for five successive weeks caused this massacre. Also, with output in Canada resuming after the wildfire issues, raw crude inventory in the U.S. saw a surge. Oil started 2016 on an extremely low note, plunging to as low as a below-$30 level in February but finally sprung to $50 in June, on easing abundance (read: Best Oil Rally in 7 Years; 3 Energy ETF Winners). However, on August 11, U.S. crude oil breached the $43.70 level, spreading cheer in the stock market. Inside The Bull Story United States Oil USO which looks to track the daily changes of the spot price of U.S. crude added about 4.5% on August 11 and advanced about 0.8% after hours. On the other hand, United States Brent Oil BNO which looks to track the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of Brent crude oil tacked on about 4.8% gains on that day (read: These Country ETFs Benefit from Oil Rebound). The steep increase came as Saudi oil ministers comments once again infused hopes of an output freeze talks ina meeting among OPEC members and nonmembers, scheduled on September 2628 in Algeria. This comment instigated fund buying and some short covering, lending strong price support to oil, as per Reuters. Plus, IEA indicated that though oil price decline once again flared up fears of the glut lately manifested by the usage of more oil rigs by domestic oil drillers, the market has not yet not faced any oversupply concern in 2H of 2016. Story continues The Reuters report also indicated that brokerage firm Bernstein expects, high inventories, especially of refined fuel, to spur further refinery run cuts in the next few months. Even there are analysts who are eyeing a revival next year. As per the median of at least 20 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg a few days ago, global oil prices will likely average $57 a barrel in 2017. Threats Remain There are downside risks to the recent optimism in the oil patch too. As per a Wall Street Journal report, the IEA lowered its forecast for global demand growth by 100,000 barrels a day to 1.2 million barrels for next year, thanks mainly to the knock-on effects of Brexit on the global economy. Plus, the U.S. Energy Department's weekly inventory release showed that crude stockpiles recorded a surprise increase in the week ended August 5.Crude inventories increased by 1.06 million to 523.6 million barrels. With this, current crude supplies are up 15% from the year-ago period. There was also record July production from Saudi Arabia. Things are also not going too well in the U.S., China and the Euro zone manufacturing sectors raising questions over the demand picture. Meanwhile, Q2 GDP data for the U.S. economy came in weaker than expected and growth worries in other developed nations remain. Investors should also note that speculation over production cut pushed up oil in April in vain after Iran excused itself from the meeting of the 18 oil-producing nations (read: How to Profit from the Failed Doha Meeting via ETFs). ETFs in Focus So, it is advisable for investors to tread cautiously while playing oil. As of now, investors can play the jump with products like iPath S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index ETN OIL which added about 4.8% and about 1.3% after hours. Also, PowerShares DB Oil Fund DBO advanced over 3.7% on August 11 and added over 6.2% after hours. United States 12 Month Oil USL rose about 3.7% on August 11. But if things turn negative for inverse ETFs likeUnited States Short Oil Fund DNO, funds like ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF SCO and ProShares Short Oil & Gas ETF DDG will come into investors rescue (read: Oil in Bear Territory: Short Oil & Energy ETFs). Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report US-OIL FUND LP (USO): ETF Research Reports PWRSH-DB OIL FD (DBO): ETF Research Reports IPATH-GS CRUDE (OIL): ETF Research Reports US-12 MONTH OIL (USL): ETF Research Reports US BRENT OIL FD (BNO): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULS BB CRUD (SCO): ETF Research Reports PRO-SH OIL&GAS (DDG): ETF Research Reports US-SHRT OIL FD (DNO): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Hospital offers safe option to dispose of meds, narcotics Los Robles Health System is working to crush the opioid drug crisis by raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. Crush the Crisis will take place... Alzheimers Foundation to host free conference The Alzheimers Foundation of America will host a free virtual educational conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues., Nov. 15. The event is part of the foundations 2022 national Educating America Tour. The conference, which is free and open... Authorities warn about rainbow fentanyl Victims often arent aware theyre taking it The Ventura County Office of Education and state health officials have issued a warning to schools and families about rainbow fentanyl, a form of the potentially fatal synthetic opioid that comes in bright colors. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in... Cancer support community to host remembrance event Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara invites family members and friends of those who have died from cancer to attend the second annual Evening of Remembrance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3 at Cancer Support Communitys Garden of Hope,... Hillary Clinton One of Hillary Clinton's top senior policy advisers said that the Democratic presidential nominee would reschedule marijuana if she gets elected in November. Marijuana is currently a Schedule I drug on the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that there are no accepted medical uses for the plant, and it has a high potential for abuse. "We applaud the steps taken today by the Obama Administration to remove research barriers that have significantly limited the scientific study of marijuana," Maya Harris, a senior policy adviser to Clintons campaign, said in a statement obtained by The Cannabist. Harris continued (emphasis ours): "Marijuana is already being used for medical purposes in states across the country, and it has the potential for even further medical use. As Hillary Clinton has said throughout this campaign, we should make it easier to study marijuana so that we can better understand its potential benefits, as well as its side effects." "As president, Hillary will build on the important steps announced today by rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance. She will also ensure Colorado, and other states that have enacted marijuana laws, can continue to serve as laboratories of democracy." The comments came as a reaction to Thursday's announcement that the Drug Enforcement Administration would not reschedule marijuana as many had expected. Moving marijuana to Schedule II would allow medical practitioners to prescribe it to patients across the US. However, there are still doubts in the marijuana industry about whether moving the plant to Schedule II would actually be a positive development. "Moving cannabis to Schedule II doesn't address the social harms of prohibition," Patrick Moen, a managing director at Privateer Holdings (a cannabis-focused private equity company), and a former DEA agent himself, told Business Insider. "It also doesn't create a proper mechanism for patients who need access today." Story continues Seibo Shen, the CEO of VapeXhale, a vaporizer company, told Business Insider in an email that rescheduling marijuana is a "double-edged sword," because it would "put the industry completely in the hands of big pharma companies." Some lawmakers, like Earl Blumenauer, a democratic congressman from Oregon, say that moving marijuana to Schedule II doesn't go far enough. "Americans have spoken, with a majority supporting full legalization," Blumenauer said in a statement. "Its not enough to remove some barriers to medical research. Marijuana shouldnt be listed as Schedule I; it shouldnt be listed at all." NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump More From Business Insider Hillary Clintons big economics speech in Warren, Michigan, today was a pretty standard address that veered between the campy cliches and intricate policy details that are hallmarks of your average Democratic platform. The only thing missing? Obama. Despite giving the fact that her address touched on some of his signature proposals, Clinton made zero mention of the president whos been in charge of the economy for the last seven years and change. Instead of making her typical promise to build on President Obamas legacy, she ran through a list of possible new federal spending programs she believes would spur economic growth. That included a pitch to dramatically boost infrastructure spendingan idea Trump also backsas well as support for getting every American home broadband internet within four years and tax credits for companies that offer paid apprenticeships. Those apprenticeships, she added, could be a good alternative to a four-year college education. I think weve got to reverse what has become a kind of commonplace view, which is everybody needs to go to college, she said. And she made a quiet, Olympics-pegged case for globalization. In criticizing Trump, Clinton suggested her Republican opponents calls for restricted immigration and foreign trade come from a lack of confidence. His approach is based on fear, not strengthfear that we cant compete with the rest of the world even when the rules are fair, she said. If Team USA was as fearful as Trump, Michael Phelps and Simone Biles would be cowering in the locker room afraid to come out to compete, she added. The implication? That global trade deals and higher levels of legal immigration arent wrecking America, and that the country is nowhere near the Third World hellhole that Trump thinks he sees from the window of his jet. But Clintons defense of globalization was less than full-throated. Despite her ardent efforts to gin up support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal as Secretary of Stateshe even called it the gold standard in trade agreementsClinton said today that she is super-duper against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and always will be. I will stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, she stated. I oppose it now, Ill oppose it after the election, and Ill oppose it as president. Its a sharp repudiation of President Obamas stance on the deal; hes worked hard to build support for it, and sees it as a key part of his pivot-to-Asia foreign policy legacy. So Clinton dropped one of her favorite stump-speech lines today, with no mention of growing Obamas legacy, and instead talked about the perks of togetherness. If you step back, youll see were all in this together, she said. If we can grow together, we can all rise together. Because, you know what I like to say: We are stronger together. I just dont think insults and bullying is how were going to get things done, she added. Other things shes looking to get done? Expanding Social Security, passing comprehensive immigration reform, and strengthening unions (no mention in the speech of how). Clinton also talked up her hopes of making it possible for students to get four-year college degrees without accruing debt. And she praised Macomb County Community College for playing a great role in helping companies do skills training. Clinton isnt the first prominent Dem to name-check the school; last September, Obama traveled to Macomb County Community College to pitch his own plan to make community college free for high schoolers with high GPAs. That plan went nowhere. But its another reminderas this whole speech wasthat Clinton is comfortable with Obamas technocratic, globalist-friendly style of governance. Even if she wont name him. Now that Bernie Sanders can no longer become the Democratic presidential nominee, his campaign has shifted focus to his new project Our Revolution. The pretensions to the presidency are gone, but instead of going quietly into the night or vociferously campaigning for Hillary Clinton, he has doubled down on his revolution, which increasingly resembles a political insurgency. Phase one of Sanderss new Our Revolution appears to be rehashing a drama from his unsuccessful presidential bid and stoking divisions within Americas political left. This is not a welcome development. In a fundraising email sent out to supporters, Sanders stressed the need to support progressive candidate Tim Canova and defeat former Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Democratic primary for Floridas 23rd congressional district held on Aug. 30. Sanders is not content with her resignation as the chair of the DNC, and now he wants to use his national fundraising network of supporters to help remove her from Congress as a statement of his new found political clout. The rhetoric Sanders uses to describe Canovas campaign runs parallel to his own. Both men are supposed to be the true progressives in the race, started out as blips on the political radar, and now thanks to small donations and passionate supporters they can topple the political establishment that seeks to supposedly suppress their voices. Sanders famously requested $27 to support his campaign; for Canova hes asking only $3. And of course, Sanders is using the leaked DNC emails to present Wasserman Schultz as untrustworthy. Likewise, Canova has followed suit by filing an FEC complaint against her saying that she has used her position with the DNC and the resources of the DNC to improperly benefit her congressional campaign. Since Canova is backed by Sanders and this election is being positioned as a pivotal moment in the future of the Democratic Party, Wasserman Schultz has brought out her big guns too, and on Tuesday Clinton detoured her campaign to Floridas 23rd to endorse Wasserman Schultz. Wasserman Schultz is certainly an embattled politician, and Sanders can definitely smell blood as he attempts to put another progressive flag on the map. But this is more than just a vendetta against Wasserman Schultz. Sanders is attempting to remake the Democratic Party in his own image, and over the next 18 days, he intends to challenge Wasserman Schultz, Clinton, and the DNC for political supremacy. But this may be a battle that he cannot win. According to a poll commissioned by Canova following the Democratic convention, he trails Wasserman Schultz by 8 points. Clinton also won both Broward and Palm Beach County, which make up the district, with over 70 percent of the vote. It is unlikely that Canova will win this election, just like it was unlikely that Sanders would win the Democratic nomination. If Sanders and Canova miraculously defeat Wasserman Schultz in the primary, the Democratic Party will have to take greater notice of his movement. But is that a political development anyone actually needs during this election cycle? Considering the stakes of this electiona Trump presidency, and congressional elections where the Democrats could reclaim the Senate and close in on the Republican majority in the Housesquabbling over Floridas 23rd is an unnecessary distraction that encourages political division and polarization. When I first heard of Sanderss Our Revolution, I hoped that it intended to coalesce his supporters around a new, viable third party that could make a coalition with and aim to push the Democratic Party further to the left. Sanders has spent decades in government caucusing and collaborating with Democrats, so I hoped his new revolution embodied this Sanders, and not this latter-day version, who appears increasingly combative. This revolution would be thinking long term and beyond 2016. It could see that a liberal administration that is open to his progressive ideals combined with his network of supporters from across the nation would give him the opportunity to build the third political party that many Americans, including his supporters, are yearning for. However, thus far, his intentions are far too reminiscent of the myopic, shortsighted Tea Party movement that intended to remake the Republican Party from the inside out. This revolution was also an insurgency, and its willingness to shun compromise in an attempt to hopefully find a truer form of conservatism has only created chaos, instability and a fractured GOP. Donald Trump has been the beneficiary of this conservative disarray, and in his ascendency he has only stoked the fear and division that has consumed the GOP since the Tea Partys revolution. Most liberals understand how imperative defeating Trump in November remains, but Sanders instead has opted for ousting Wasserman Schultz. I get it, Sanders wants to take down the big bad Wasserman Schultz, and if Canova wins other Democrats will know that they should not mess with Sanders and his movement. But who are these other Democrats that are supposedly hell bent on suppressing progressive change? Sure, Sanders and other Democrats disagree on some policiesTPP is one of the biggestbut the Democratic convention was a veritable Sanders love fest, and the DNC compromised with Sanders and made progressive changes to the party platform. Sanders might not have gotten everything he wanted, but he got more than most expected. Removing Wasserman Schultz from Congress wont help Democrats and progressives defeat Trump or reclaim the Senate or House. And if Sanders/Canova lose on Aug. 30 Our Revolution will lose momentum before it even got started. A true revolution should not hinge on something this minuscule. You may want to grab a barstool before you hear this: Craft beer has some very serious issues. While things certainly seem bubbly on the surface for the categoryyears of double-digit sales growth have led to a large increase in brands and an overwhelming selection of IPAs, stouts, saisons, and just about every other conceivable type of beer on store shelvesgrowth is slowing, putting pressure on the industry. What makes matters worse is that breweries are still opening at a rapid pace around the country and unfortunately, many of those bottles on the shelves are old or have gone bad. And there is also the fact that fruit beers are flooding the market, which is truly a sign of the apocalypse. (Mango IPA, anyone?) This will not end well. You might be tempted to dismiss these warning signs and order yourself another pint of your favorite cask-conditioned session brew. Dont. This is not a prediction, its a replay. These events, commonly referred to by people in the business as The Shakeout, happened before, in 1996. Some of the bigger brewers went out of business, others were bought by competitors, and sales of craft beerthe term that was then just beginning to replace the word microbrewwent flat for five years. There is increasing speculation (and worry) that the bubble will burst again. The main concern is that despite the hype around craft beer, its rapid growth may have peaked. Thanks to an explosive decade, where the category went from representing under 4 percent of total beer volume in the U.S. to more than 12 percent in 2015, sales during the first half of 2016 were considerably slower. At the same time, expansion continues unchecked: Roughly three new breweries a week opened in 2015 alone. The Brewers Association, the categorys official organization, has called for increased quality control, with director Paul Gatza citing beers that were not good. And then there are all those fruit beers. The signs you point out are humorous, but also serious, admits Bill Covaleski, co-founder of Victory Brewing in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, which he opened in early 1996 as things started shaking the first time. He remains bullish as long as everyone spends their money wisely, on quality control and assurance. But will everyone spend money wisely? Will young brewers, who may have been in grade school in 1996, learn the lessons of the last correction? I hope so. Fortunately, the industry has always had a strong tradition of cooperative competition, sharing information and experience among brands. Plus, the Brewers Association has invested in setting up quality assurance standards. If [new brewers] arent paying attention to them, theyre foolish, says Covaleski. New brewers may actually have an advantage, the same one their predecessors had over the mainstream brewers: fresh ideas paired with a quick decision cycle. And as consumers become increasingly interested in locally-made products, there has been a rise in beer bought in brewery tasting rooms, which is much more profitable for a brand considering it cuts out several middlemen from the transaction. So much beer is purchased there, in fact, that some people think category sales are significantly under-reported by retail sales-tracking services like IRI or Nielsen, which rely on register data from large store chains. Industry consultant David Bump Williams, who once ran IRIs beer data division, thinks the amount is significant. He estimates that 20 percent or more of total craft beer sales go unreported. (He also points out that for some small breweries, meaning those that produce less than 20,000 barrels a year, direct sales are the only way their brews are available.) Its a rapidly growing phenomenon, and one that could very well account for a percentage of the disappearing growth rate. But even if one figures in direct brewery sales, the recent meteoric rise of craft beers cant go on forever. If sales of the category continued at 2015s rate of 12.8 percent, the entire U.S. beer market would be, well, completely craft in 17 years. Thats simply not going to happen. At some point, things must slow down. When that will happen is anybodys guess, but it will probably be between six months and three years from now. The magnitude of the downturn, however, is harder to predict. Some of the businesses are in good shape, but too many are undercapitalized or overextended. There is a lot of money flowing into the industry, but not all of it is backed with due diligence. I feel that its not going to be widespread, but theres going to be some bloodletting, says Covaleski. It was personal back [in 1996], because there were so few of us. We knew each other. This time around, there will be more people affected. But, as it was 20 years ago, the change will be a correction, and the surviving brewers will have the opportunity to grow into large national brands. Unfortunately, we could lose as many as 500 breweries in the process, though eventually the industry will emerge even healthierjust like it did the first time around. How can you tell if your local or favorite brewer is in trouble? It wont be easy. Some of those that fell the hardest in the Shakeout were riding high. Some crashed because of bad management, some because of bad business models and some simply failed to respond to changes in taste, like a sudden shift away from sweet raspberry-flavored beers. Brewers that will survive will have some common traits. The winners will be deeply enmeshed in their local markets and locked in with their communities. Equally important, their bottled or canned beers will still taste great at least three months after packaging. They wont discount. When they come out with new beers, they will be leaders, not followers, with innovative, original ideas. And just maybe there will be less fruit beer, but that remains to be seen. David Baazov, president and chief executive officer of gaming company Amaya Inc, looks on prior to their annual general meeting in Montreal, June 22, 2015. Reuters/Christinne Muschi (Reuters) - Amaya Inc (AYA.TO) (AYA.O), owner of gambling websites PokerStars and Full Tilt, said Chief Executive David Baazov, who was charged with insider trading by Quebec's securities regulator, stepped down on Thursday. Amaya, which reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit as it added more customers, said it was continuing to review its strategic options. The company said it was in talks with "a number of parties" and some of these talks have progressed. Amaya said it had cut expenses in its London, Sydney and Dublin offices, and expects some job cuts this year. The company said on Friday interim CEO Rafi Ashkenazi replaces Baazov. Montreal-based Amaya said in March, soon after Baazov was charged, that he was taking an indefinite paid leave of absence. The regulator brought charges against Baazov about two months after Amaya said it had received a non-binding proposal from him to take the company private. A special committee of directors at Amaya will continue to "work with respect to the investigation of allegations" made by the regulator, the company said. The charges followed an investigation into Baazov and other executives in 2014 for trading in Amaya's stock ahead of the company's $4.9 billion takeover of PokerStars-owner Rational Group. Ashkenazi has been the CEO of Rational Group since November. Baazov, who chaired Amaya's board until he went on leave, will not stand for re-election to the board, Amaya said on Friday. Divyesh Gadhia, who was named interim chairman in March, has been made permanent, the company said. Amaya's net earnings from continuing operations rose to $22.49 million, or 12 cents per share, in the second quarter ended June 30, from $6.38 million, or 3 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding items, Amaya earned 46 cents per share, beating analysts' average estimate of 35 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Amaya's total revenue increased by 10.2 percent to $285.9 million, as it added nearly 2 million customers in the quarter. Revenue also beat analysts' average estimate of $272.9 million. Story continues Customer registrations increased to about 103.5 million at the end of the quarter. Amaya's Toronto-listed shares have risen about 41 percent since Baazov offered to take the company private. (Reporting by Vishaka George and Amrutha Gayathri in Bengaluru; Editing by Martina D'Couto) If Donald Trump were actively trying to elect Hillary Clinton, would he be conducting himself any differently? On Wednesday, the Republican nominee took a break from suggesting Clinton should be assassinated and calling her the devil to focus his attention on the current president, who he believes is the mastermind of a terrorist cell. This particular line of thinking is incidentally also favored by American conspiracy theorists as well as the Russian government and Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On stage at a rally in Sunrise, Florida, Trump said, In many respects, you know, they honor President ObamaISIS is honoring President Obama. He is the founder of ISIS, hes the founder of ISIS, hes the founder! He founded ISIS, and I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Co-founder, crooked Hillary Clinton! Given the opportunity to clarify his remarks on Thursday, in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump instead confirmed that he believes Obama is, literally, the founder of the terrorist organization. I know what you meant, Hewitt said, sympathetically, you meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace. No, Trump replied, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. Informed by Hewitt that Obama has been bombing ISIS, or bombing the shit out of them in Trump-speak, he said, I dont care. He was the founder. His, the way he got out of Iraq was that, that was the founding of ISIS, OK? Trump is seldom transparent about where he gets his information and ideas, often claiming to have heard them someplace or that many people are saying it, but he has access to a web of anti-Clinton and -Obama conspiracy texts written by his confidants and advisers that he seems to have tapped into over the last several months as hes pivoted to the general election. Hes also developed a cordial relationship with Alex Jones, the radio host and founder of Infowars, a website for cranks and paranoids that, among other things, sells products to help its fans prepare for the end of days. On Thursday, Jones, who did not respond to a text message seeking comment, told his listeners, It is surreal to talk about issues here on air and then word-for-word hear Trump say it two days later. It is amazing. And it just shows how dialed-in this guy is and thats why theyre so scared of him. Infowars then published a story titled, Trump Is Right: Heres Proof Hillary and Obama Founded ISIS. A spokesperson for Trump did not respond when asked where Trump got the idea that Obama is the founder of ISIS, but its worth noting thataside from the homegrown fantasists Trump counts among his friendsthe idea is also popular among the Russian government Trump has tried to distance himself from. Russia Today, a propaganda news outlet funded by the Russian government, has published multiple stories attributing ISISs rise to U.S. calculations. In August 2015, RT ran a story quoting Trump supporter Michael Flynn, formerly of the Defense Intelligence Agency, saying the government purposely ignored his agencys analysis to allow the rise of ISIS. I think it was a decision, Flynn said. I think it was a willful decision. In December 2015, RT quoted Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei as saying that America created ISIS because it hates Muslims. And in February of this year, RT turned a single protester yelling at John Kerry into headline news. You Created ISIS! Press conference scandal mars Kerrys visit to Italy, RT claimed after a woman told Kerry, Its you who created Daesh! RT then added, The protester in Italy is not the first to accuse Washington of aiding the rise of ISIS. One former U.S. Marine has blamed the self-proclaimed caliphate on the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Although Trumps has claimed ignorance on the subject, his campaign did succeed in altering the Republican Partys platform to feature less harsh language about Russia. Trump himself has praised Vladimir Putin, who has described him in flattering terms, and both claimed to know him well and claimed that hes never met him at all. Michael McFaul, a professor at Stanford University and fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Affairs, tweeted on Wednesday that Trumps line that Obama founded ISIS echoes exactly a myth propagated by Russian state-controlled media and bloggers. McFaul told The Daily Beast, For years, I have seen posts nearly every day from Russian bloggers suggesting that President Obama founded and continues to fund ISIS. It seems to be one of their standard talking points Last night, after I posted and refuted what Trump said in Russian, dozens of Russians jumped in to say that Trump was right, and I was wrong. Sure enough, Maria Katasonova, a Russian nationalist and candidate for the State Duma election, responded to McFaul, in Russian, ISIS is the outcome of not only Obama policy, but of #CrookedHillary. with additional reporting by Martha Mercer In an announcement that took employees and business associates alike by surprise, digital media entrepreneur and sleep guru Arianna Stassinopoulos Huffington abruptly resigned Thursday morning as editor in chief of The Huffington Post, her eponymous, left-leaning news and aggregation site that she launched as a blog in 2005. I have a confession. I did not get a full nights sleep last night, the Athens-born Huffington, in her lilting Greek accent, quipped to a stunned crowd in her newsroom at the Manhattan headquarters of AOL, the formerly stand-alone online company which has owned HuffPost since 2011, and was itself acquired last year by the telecommunications giant Verizon. Hours earlier, the 66-year-old best-selling author of The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time had tweeted: I thought HuffPost would be my last act. But Ive decided to step down as HuffPosts editor-in-chief to run my new venture, Thrive Global, a health and lifestyle consulting business which calls itself a corporate and consumer well-being and productivity platform. Huffington didnt respond by deadline to requests for comment from The Daily Beast. Her decision to leave is especially startling because during Verizons $4.4 billion acquisition of AOL last year, she signed a contract to remain as HuffPosts president and editor in chief until 2019. This past Juneas Verizon was closing in on a $4.8 billion deal to acquire AOL competitor Yahooshe vowed to stay on as HuffPosts editorial leader even though she was in the process of raising money for her new Thrive Global venture. She told HuffPost staffers at the time, a mere two months ago, that her primary focus will remain on The Huffington Post, with no change to my current role. But on Thursday, Huffingtonwho turned the surname of her ex-husband, former Republican congressman Michael Huffington of California, into a worldwide brandleft no doubt that shes making a clean break from AOL, which in 2011 paid $315 million for HuffPost, $65 million more than Amazons Jeff Bezos paid for The Washington Post. Huffingtons remarkable announcement Thursdayin which she acknowledged that no successor is waiting in the wings, and that HuffPosts newsroom will be operated by a leadership committee until a new top editor is foundset off a round of industry speculation about her reasons for quitting. One informed observer suggested that Huffington is starting Thrive Globalnamed for her 2014 handbook Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder as a way of orchestrating a graceful exit from a corporate environment that was becoming increasingly uncongenial. With Verizons deal to buy Yahoo, which includes Yahoo News, and corporate plans to somehow merge their operations with AOL and HuffPost, Huffingtons job would only have become trickier, more bureaucratic, and fraught with the sort of clashes that have impeded HuffPosts integration over the past four years into the corporate culture of AOL. (HuffPost staffers, for instance, have kept their old business cards and email addresses, and seldom attend company-wide meetings, creating a sense among some AOL veterans that Huffingtons operation is separate and aparta feeling, says a former colleague, that she did little to discourage.) In addition, staff attrition has hampered some of HuffPosts verticles, as more than 20 staffers have left in the past six months, says a company source. And while HuffPost has operations in 15 countries in Europe and Asia, and plans to start a 16th outlet for Mexico next month, and has claimed up to 200 million in global unique visitors, its readership in the United States, according to comScore measures, has shown a steady decline since January 2015with the traffic this past January down 16 percent year-to-year. May and June, meanwhile, were HuffPosts lowest months of traffic since November 2013. Meanwhile, at Thursdays all-hands meeting, HuffPosts latest chief executive officer, Jared Grusd, who was hired a year ago from Spotify to run the business side of Huffingtons site, gave an answer to a question about Yahoo Newss role which probably wont enhance any prospects for cooperation. Asked how HuffPost and Yahoo News would combine their resources, Grusd said it was an open question, and added: Something to note about Yahoo News in particular is that Yahoo News is really predicated on aggregating content. They are not content creators. Its not what happens in their DNAThey dont have a specific voice and mission. They get tremendous scale. We have voice, we have vision, we have mission, and we will absolutely take advantage of the scale that Yahoo brings to the table. That is the sort of remark that is likely to raise hackles at Yahoo News, which has invested heavily in original content, hiring such prominent journalists as Katie Couric, Matt Bai, Daniel Klaidman, David Pogue, Michael Isikoff, and Megan Liberman, a New York Times veteran who is Yahoo Newss editor in chief. Liberman didnt respond to requests for comment, but a Yahoo News staffer, asking not to be named because this person is not authorized to speak for the news outlet, responded to Grusd this way: Who is this guy? Im not aware of any content hes created. What he said is off-the-charts crazy. He obviously knows nothing about what Yahoo does. Aside from the fact that its totally impolitic, its not even close to the truth. Arianna must have been half-asleep when she handed off the reins to this clown. Huffington is also departing at a time when her long-standing, under-the-radar tensions with AOLs chief executive, Tim Armstrong, have run their course. It was love at first sight when they met more than five years and began their ardent courtship, but after the purchase of HuffPost, say sources, Armstrong became increasingly frustrated that the irrepressible Huffington couldnt be managed. Huffingtons brief tenure as head of all AOL content, including such sites as MapQuest and TechCrunch, showed that she had little taste for being a down-in-the-weeds operational executive and was better at promoting the HuffPost brand, traveling the world as an ambassador, and forming outside business connections. Despite their public admiration for each other, Armstrongs team quietly blamed Huffington for planting the occasional news stories suggesting that she was attempting to find a buyer for HuffPost to take it away from AOLan accusation she vigorously denied (while telling this reporter that, of course, there was always a great deal of interest in the property). She successfully resisted Armstrongs efforts to hire an executive to help him impose his rule on her fiefdom, says a source with knowledge of the situation. I think Tim and Arianna came to a detente, says a former AOL executive. Once he realized he couldnt get rid of her, and once she realized she couldnt sell Huffington Post, that was the moment for separate bedrooms. They stayed together for the sake of the kids. Perhaps significantly, despite releasing a memo praising Huffington Thursday as an undisputed new media pioneer, Armstrong didnt speak at Thursdays all-hands meeting. An AOL communications exec didnt respond to messages. At the all-hands meeting, where Huffington invited her 25-year-old painter-daughter Isabella to stand with her, she was by turns wistful and witty. The first call I got was from Sheryl Sandberg, Huffington told her soon-to-be ex-employees, referring to Facebooks famous chief operating officer and Lean-In sage. She said, You are jumping. You are not hedging. Youre going all in. And thats exactly how it feelsalmost like taking a deep breath and jumping. Huffington added: It would have been easier to say Im going to stayin some capacity as chairman or adviser or editor emerita. The truth is the new leadership needs feel that they are all in, they are building HuffPost today and that I am not kind of there, hoveringAlso, I need to feel that this is it. In a burst subversive nostalgia, Huffington noted that when she started HuffPost way back in 2005, George W. Bush had just been inaugurated, and Hillary Clinton was attending Donald Trumps wedding. From Spicolis burner cool to every buff, bronzed, board bro character trope, Californias surf culture is as burned into pop culture as blond highlights are in sun and salt bleached hair. While wave riding itself has been happening for thousands of years, the modern American incarnation was born in the late 50s with the popularity of Gidget and other beach culture B movies. It wasnt until 1961, however, with the success of the Beach Boys first single, Surfin, and subsequent 1962 album Surfin Safari (paralleling the simultaneous success of instrumental surf music by Dick Dale and others) that the sunny, sandy Southern California lifestyle became etched into the imaginations of even landlocked American teens with songs about girls and hot rods and road trips. While the movies gave a 90-minute glimpse into a magical, bikini-clad world and never-ending beach daze, now people had a soundtrack to play over and over again as they dreamed of wood-trimmed cars and endless white sand. Composed of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine, the band blended breathtaking harmonies, Chuck Berry-style rhythm, and lyrics extolling the sun-kissed Southern California life. The singles that resulted from this mash-up kicked off a musical revolution that would go on to be called the California Myth, and later the California Sound. The Beach Boys, in one incarnation or another, still tour, but their most culturally influential era ran until about 1966 with the release of Pet Sounds, which has been hailed by Rolling Stone as second on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Ultimately the band moved away from the pure surf pop that sent them to the top of the music charts, but their early anthems to fun in the sun and surfing still account for their broadest cultural impact. Every time you buy a pair of board shorts from TJ Maxx or see an accountant in a Hawaiian shirt throw a shaka as he quaffs a drink with an umbrella in it, its because of the now $13 billion surf industry that slipped into wide-eyed American teens DNA on those sweet, energetic Beach Boys tunes. Sure, it can be easy cynically scoff at the idea of a person whos never been anywhere near the ocean copping surfer style, but lets be honest: Its summer, its sunny, and why the hell shouldnt we all embrace some laid-back vibes and fun in the sun? Anyone whos hating on it is just jealous, anyway. (And remember, only one of the Beach Boys was a surfer.) The modern incarnation of surf gear is, like any cutting edge sport, pretty high tech. But for the layman, i.e., most of us, the key is to embrace the OG style instead. Here are a few of our favorite, timeless items so you can make the maximum impact when you roll up to the local Tiki bar. Hawaiian Shirt While the early Beach Boys favored striped shirts much like a barbershop quartet would wear, we recommend going with the Hawaiian, or Aloha, shirt instead. These brightly colored floral button downs are an obvious place to startless Magnum PI and more Elvis in Blue Hawaii. A good tip is to avoid the really wild designs and weird fabrics (no Rayon) and instead go for something subtler in lightweight cotton, silk, or linen. Patagonias Aloha shirt is so iconic it has its own book documenting the designs history. Similarly, Honolulu-based clothing company Tori Richards has been making their version for nearly 60 years, with as much as 100 hours of design going into one pattern. Reyn Spooner is another Hawaiian heritage brand, a partnership between clothier Reyn McCullough and native Waikiki seamstress Ruth Spooner which has been producing Aloha designs for half a century. Board Shorts It can seem like there are more versions, makers, and designs of board shorts out there than there are people to wear them. That said, it takes more than a couple of polyester leg tubes and lace up waist to make a great pair. Avoid the urge to go below the knee or get a pair thats crazy baggy, and when paired with a patterned shirt definitely go solid color. Back in 1952 a guy named Jack ONeill founded the worlds first surf shop in a San Francisco garage, where he pioneered wetsuit design. They soon also made board shorts, and now offer dozens of water-tested, casually appropriate designs. Another historic brand is Birdwell Beach Britches, founded in 1961 when Carrie Birdwell started making and selling beach wear in her Southern California home. Birdwells 303 Mid is a solid, all-around short, and as truly heritage as you can get. Flip Flops Nothing says beach vibes like bare feet. But since you cant just roam the earth without any foot protection, flip flops will have to do. Technically described as thong sandals, they get their slang name from the sound they make as they slap against your feet when you walk in them. Simplicity being key, this is one of the rare style situations where the $5 item from your local drug store will serve you almost as well aesthetically as something from a top designer. But your feet deserve the best, right? Right. A damn solid choice is Reefs J-Bay III, which classes it up ever so slightly with full grain leather, recycled materials, and a suede-lined EVA padded footbed. Those seeking deeper roots and a more soulful vibe will gravitate toward Rainbow Sandals Classic. Another garage startup story, Rainbow was born in 1972 when Jay Longely began making ultra-small runs of these comfortable, famously super-durable flip flops to sell to his friends at Hobie Surfboards. Expecting temps to drop? OK, well in that case its hard to go wrong with the modern-classic look of a pair of Vans. The Surf Shirt Back in the 50s and 60s, before surfers wore specially designed wetsuits, surfers would cover their bodies in petroleum jelly and wear wool Pendleton shirts over it to stay warm. In fact, the Pendleton shirt was so ingrained into the culture at the time that the Beach Boys were originally called the Pendletones. Pendleton still makes that same design, called the Board Shirt, and if youre going to get it, definitely go with the original blue surf plaid. And yes, you can still look authentic without covering yourself in Vaseline. Unless thats what youre into, in which case maybe keep it to yourself and good luck getting the stains out of the wool. For weeks, Democratic politicians have been bracing for the release of more embarrassing emails that U.S. officials believe were stolen by Russian hackers and then handed over to WikiLeaks. But Republicans have reason to worry, too. Computer security researchers are linking one of the Russian groups that stole emails from the Democratic National Committee to a campaign that hacked the staff of at least three GOP lawmakers, as well as state-level party officials across the country. Back in June, a little-noticed website called DCLeaks published the emails of various political and military figures. Most public attention focused on emails written by retired Gen. Philip Breedlove, formerly the supreme allied commander of NATO. But the DCLeaks cache also included emails from hundreds of Republican politicos, including of campaign staff for Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who ran for president this year, as well as Republican Michele Bachmann, a former member of Congress who ran for president in 2012. The lawmakers had served on sensitive committees including Armed Services and Intelligence. DCLeaks also published messages from party officials in Wyoming, Illinois, Connecticut, and Texas. The Daily Beast contacted multiple offices of those implicated in the hack, including McCain and Graham, but received no response. The published emails are mostly innocuous and mundane. But the hackers also gave no indication of whether they had more information or had compromised the accounts of people whom they didnt publicly expose. Speaking privately, an individual close to the investigation of the Democratic Party hacks said there is a growing presumption that candidates, officials, and operators in both parties are being targeted. Everyone is sweating this right now, the person said. This isnt just limited to Democrats. Some U.S. officials suspect that the DNC hack, and a subsequent penetration of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is part of a Russian active measures campaign to influence the presidential election, perhaps in favor of Donald Trump, who has been praised by Russian President Vladimir Putin and has had business dealings in Russia. But the targeting of GOP officials suggests that the campaign could more broadly be aimed at collecting potentially incriminating information about candidates in both parties. In that sense, the campaign tends to fit more with the standard modus operandi of a foreign intelligence organization, which is to spy on anyone in a position of power, regardless of party. Researchers at computer security company ThreatConnect, which has been analyzing the Democratic hacks, called DCLeaks a Russian-backed influence outlet. In a blog post Friday afternoon, the researchers noted that the site had exposed the emails of a former regional field director for the DNC whose email account was breached in the same manner as a known FANCY BEAR attack method. Fancy Bear is one of the monikers used for a Russian hacker group that U.S. officials say was one of two groups that infiltrated the DNC. DCLeaks registration and hosting information aligns with other FANCY BEAR activities and known tactics, techniques, and procedures, ThreatConnects researchers found. Whats more, the researchers have also linked a hacker that goes by the name Guccifer 2.0, and is suspected of working for Russia, with DCLeaks. Guccifer 2.0 claims to be the source of the DNC emails to WikiLeaks, which published them just prior to the Democratic convention in Philadelphia last month. The emails showed that DNC staffers discussed how to undermine the campaign of Bernie Sanders. DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned in the wake of the disclosures. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has hinted that there are more emails coming. And earlier this week, Trump adviser Roger Stone seemed to confirm that when he said at a public appearance that he had been in touch with Assange and learned that the next tranche of his documents pertain to the Clinton Foundation Emails that were disclosed this week as part of a lawsuit into Hillary Clintons private email server raised questions about whether her staff were doing political favors on behalf of big-dollar donors to the foundation. The Clinton campaign has consistently denied that charge, but questions of conflict of interest have dogged the candidate. The new evidence of links between DCLeaks and the Russian hackers also undercuts another conspiracy theory that Assange has helped to fuel: That a murdered 27-year-old DNC staffer may have been the source of emails to WikiLeaks. In an interview with a Dutch television journalist this week, Assange implied that Setch Rich was the source and that he may have been murdered on a Washington, D.C., street in July for divulging information. That seems highly unlikely. For starters, hackers who have access to the purloined emails have been communicating with journalists since Rich was killed. But researchers, at ThreatConnect and elsewhere, also now believe that Guccifer 2.0 was WikiLeaks source and that the group is acting as a front for the Russian government. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a U.S. official told The Daily Beast this week that there is no evidence in the investigation of the DNC and other hacks that Rich played any role. On Wednesday, pro-Trump website Breitbart published Dr. Jane Orients unfounded speculation that Hillary Clinton could be medically unfit to serve, referring to Dr. Orient as the executive director of a physicians organization. Dr. Orient is indeed the executive director of a medical organization but not a large one like the 200,000-member American Medical Association (AMA). Rather, she belongs to a small, Tuscon-based conservative nonprofit organization called the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) which, at last estimate, had only 5,000 membersa number that Orient told The Daily Beast was about right. AAPS is a small nonprofit organization with Tea Party ties that prioritizes individual liberty, personal responsibility, [and] limited government. Their journal, as Mother Jones reported, has published articles suggesting that abortion causes breast cancer, that vaccines cause autism, and that AIDS is not caused by HIV. (Breitbart, naturally, has published articles lending credence to at least two of these disproven theories.) The AAPS also has a long history with the Clintons as well. The organizations About page prominently features its opposition to the 1993 Clinton health care plan. In fact, the organization spent the better part of the 90s embroiled in litigation against the former first lady, first suing her in 1993 to gain access to the records of the Task Force on National Health Care Reform. Eventually, in 1999, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Clinton administration. Even without that background, it should have been clear from Orients blog post that she is not exactly a detached observer of the 2016 election. Surely [Trumps] style can be abrasive and blunt, she wrote. But a huge number of ordinary Americans cheer him, probably because he said what they were thinking. Her praise for Trump supporters continues: They are sick of being pushed around and disrespected by the politically correct crowd who are hypersensitive about almost everythingbut constantly spew profane, obscene, and vulgar language that demeans American and Christian culture and blames it for all the worlds evil. That certainly sounds like the introduction to an objective, evidence-based evaluation of Hillary Clintons health! When The Daily Beast asked Dr. Orient if she supported Donald Trump, she replied, Whether you support Trump or not, you ought to be willing to consider the fitness, or lack thereof, of his opponent. In her blog post, Orient repeats the usual conspiracy theories about the former Secretary of States physical condition. First, she comments on the photograph of Clinton supposedly having difficulty with a set of stairs, which was actually taken after an accidental slip. Did she simply trip? Orient asks. And then, breathlessly: Or was it a seizure or a stroke? In addition to that bit of grossly unethical speculation, Orient uses circuitous, Trump-esque phrasing to paint a picture of an ailing Clinton. Instead of using the signature Trump phrase many people are saying, for example, Orient says that it is widely stated that [Clinton] experienced a fall that caused a concussion (emphasis added). She opines that certain videos of the Democratic nominee, if authentic, are very concerning. And she packs a mouthful of qualifiers into her claim that an object in a Secret Service agents hand purportedly might have been an autoinjector of Valium (emphasis added). When asked about this phrasing, Orient told The Daily Beast, If there is a sign of serious illness, it is irresponsible not to follow up even if evidence is equivocal. In other words, theres no proof for anything Orient saysand often, theres evidence to the contradictorybut that didnt stop Breitbart from lapping her words up and slapping it with the headline Physician: Mainstream Media Strangely Silent About Hillary Clintons Health. The reason for the silence is a complete lack of proof. As The Daily Beasts Ben Collins reported, this most recent wave of misinformation about Clintons health was started by the National Enquirer, which endorsed Trump in March, and by InfoWars writer Paul Joseph Watson, who works for professional conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. From there, Collins noted, Fox News Trump fan-in-chief Sean Hannity and CNNs Jeffrey Lord voided the rumors on national television. Donald Trump is willing to point out other things people have been pointing out for years, said Lord. The irony of Orient adding fuel to that fire is that she herself is critical in the blog post of people who are tossing out psychiatric diagnoses such as narcissistic personality disorder to criticize Trump. The American Psychiatric Association agrees with her. The so-called Goldwater Rule states: [I]t is unethical for a psychiatrist to offer a professional opinion unless he or she has conducted an examination and has been granted proper authorization for such a statement. It follows that any physician should refrain from diagnosingor floating potential diagnosesfor a presidential candidate unless they have personally examined them. But even when asked why she would critique lay diagnoses of Trump if she engages in speculation about Clinton, Orient insisted that her choice was not unethical or hypocritical. Asking questions based on observable events is not engaging in unfounded speculation, she told The Daily Beast. I feel it would be irresponsible to choose not to raise important questions. When it comes to Hillary Clintons health, questions are all she has. Richard Lee Whitley needed a lawyer. The Northern Virginia handyman had confessed to murdering a neighbor and then sexually assaulting her with umbrellas, and the volunteer lawyer handling his case had just moved out of state. It was 1983, the Supreme Courts suspension of the death penalty had just ended, and Whitley faced death row. Enter Tim Kaine. The attorney had only been out of law school for a few months, and had just moved to Richmond. A devout Catholic, hed already developed a reputation as a committed opponent of the death penalty, so when Whitleys representation problems made his execution more likely, Kaines name came up as someone who might help. And after hesitating, he took the client. Over the course of his career, Kaine didnt just oppose the death penalty; he worked to prevent executions by representing men facing death because they committed murders. His dogged opposition to the death penalty presents a stark contrast with Donald Trumps stance on the issue, but it also differentiates him from his own running mate, Hillary Clinton. The death penalty is not a top political issue this cycle. At all. Americans are much more concerned about, well, just about anything elseespecially the economy and terrorism. But in Philadelphia last month, Democratic National Convention delegates voted to officially back its abolition in their platform. It was not only historicbut it was also more in line with their nominees running mate than Clinton herself. The former secretary of state has long refused to completely rule out its use, and as recently as March cited the 9/11 attacks as potentially justifying it. So for Clinton, its complicated. But for Kaine, its not. Since his first days as a lawyer, Kaine has put in hundreds of hours, for free, to get murderers off death row. His first, formative case was Whitleys, who confessed to slashing the throat of a 63-year-old woman living in his Fairfax County neighborhood and then using two umbrellas to sexually assault her. Whitleys lawyer quit during the sentencing process, Kaine had only been practicing law for six months. But he was plugged in to Richmonds anti-death penalty circles, and the Virginia Coalition of Jails and Prisonswhich shared office space with the states chapter of the American Civil Liberties Unionrecommended he represent Whitley, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. At first, Kaine said no. But then it kind of worked on me that I had said no because my feeling is, well, I say Im against the death penalty, Kaine told the Virginian-Pilot for a 2005 profile. If I say thats my belief but I say, Nah, Im not going to do it, then Im a hypocrite. He ended up putting in about 1,000 hours of work for Whitley, according to the Times-Dispatch , most of it for free. He couldnt stop the execution. On the day of Whitley was scheduled to die, Kaine addressed news cameras while holding a Bible. Murder is wrong in the gulag, in Afghanistan, in Soweto, in the mountains of Guatemala, in Fairfax County... and even the Spring Street Penitentiary, he said, according to The Washington Post . And he cited his faith. I think its outrageous that there is the death penalty, he said, according to the Times-Dispatch. Its not the biggest outrage in the world, but its one of a number of outrageous [things] where people dont appropriately value the sanctity of human life. I think its a religious perspective, he added. I spent a year in Central America working in a Jesuit mission and saw an awful lot of hunger and infant deaths caused by malnutrition. The essence of human life is probably suffering and pain... The thing that redeems that is the presence of God in every person. That day, Kaine sat outside Whitleys cell for several hours with one of Whitleys friends and a priest. In a speech earlier this year , Kaine recalled that they shared his last meal and talked. If nothing else, I wanted my client to know that I did all I could and never gave up on him, Kaine said. He hadnt experienced that very much from the people in his life. The Times-Dispatch characterized Kaines work for Whitley as a substantial part of his career. Kaine told the Virginian-Pilot that Whitley became a Christian while he was representing him. Later, Kaine defended Lem Tuggle, who sodomized, raped, and murdered a 52-year-old woman shortly after getting out on parole (he had previously murdered a 17-year-old girl). While driven by his Catholic beliefs, Kaines actions for the violent and condemned have been used by political opponents to try to take him down. In his 2005 gubernatorial race, Republicans ran two TV ads, in particular, targeted him. In one , the wife of a murdered police officer said, When Tim Kaine calls the death penalty murder, I find it offensive. Another ad got more attention. In it, the father of a murdered man spoke over soft piano music and criticized Kaines efforts to keep convicted murderers from being executed. Tim Kaine says that Adolf Hitler doesnt qualify for the death penalty, the narrator said. It was an overreach. Kaine aired a rebuttal ad that would define his political career. In it, he spoke directly to the camera about his stance on the death penalty and promised to enforce it if elected. As governor, Ill carry out death sentences handed down by Virginia juries because thats the law, he said. According to a memo from his pollster , Kaines campaign team anticipated that his stance would be a liability for him, and they had Kaine pre-tape the ad months before Republicans hit him. And they showed the ad to focus groups to make sure it would work. When Kilgores ad went up, they were ready. Some Virginia Republicans say that if Kilgores team had pushed their first adthe one that didnt mention Hitlerinstead of the Hitler one, Kaine still might have lost. Instead, he went on to win two statewide races in the Old Dominion. BANGKOK Four people have been killed and more than two dozen injured in a wave of lethal bombings across Thailand that appeared to target the countrys crucial tourism industry at the start of a long holiday weekend. Officials tightened security in tourist spots and at airports in affected areas following the incidents. Authorities said it was unclear who was behind the explosions, which occurred as Thais marked the 84th birthday of the nations beloved Queen Sirikit, on Aug. 12, which also is Mothers Day. Some analysts speculated that a long-running insurgency in the countrys deep south may be spreading farther north. Others suggested the bombers may oppose the military regime and were spurred to action by a recent referendum that codifies political domination by the generals, who overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra two years ago. In the incidents: Two people died in two separate bombings in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin, site of the royal familys summer palace. Two explosions 30 minutes apart hit a market area in the town Thursday night, killing one person and injuring 19. Another person died when two more explosions occurred Friday morning. One person died when two explosions rocked Surat Thani in southern Thailand on Friday morning. Three other people were injured. One bomb exploded in front of the marine police office, the other in front of the police station in Muang district. On Thursday, one man was killed and five others wounded when a bomb exploded in the southern province of Trang. The blast shook the Muang district in a spot not far from the house of the provincial police chief, city hall, and several government offices. One person was injured in one of two blasts in Phuket, one of the countrys most popular tourist destinations, also located in the south. One device exploded at a police booth in the Patong Beach area and the second at Loma Beach. Authorities disabled a third bomb. Two bombs exploded in two different places in the Takua Pa district of Phang Nga, a province known for its beaches, scuba diving, and national parks. No injuries were reported. None of the bombs were suicide bombs. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who heads the junta that staged the military coup detat in May 2014, called for calm. He said he did not know who was behind the attacks, but declared that The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion. Authorities have ordered that all police units stay alert and have boosted security in large public-gathering areas throughout the country, said Kritsana Pattanacharoen, a Royal Thai Police spokesman. Please stay calm and cooperate with authorities, he said at a press conference. He also appealed for citizens to notify police if they have any information that could help in the bombings investigation. Thailand has been quiet since the military took power two years ago. That is due mostly to a crackdown by the army and police, which have moved to end a cycle of sometimes fatal confrontation between rival groups that have occurred on and off since Thaksin Shinawatra, Yinglucks older brother, was ousted as prime minister in a previous coup in September 2006. The clampdown has ended dueling demonstrations, some of them violent, by Thaksin supporters, referred to as red shirts and yellow shirts, who back the military, big businesspeople, and ultraroyalists who constitute the status quo. The government also has placed harsh restrictions on the media. In a referendum last Sunday, Thai voters strongly supported a new military-drafted constitution that allows the military to appoint the entire senatewhich would then have the power to dissolve a future elected government in times of crisis. Critics have dismissed the referendum as undemocratic, noting that the vote no side was not allowed to campaign and was denied access to radio and television. At the same time, successive Thai governments have battled a decades-long, low-grade insurgency in the countrys three southern-most provinces where some Muslim militants have been fighting for autonomy, if not independence. The insurgents, mostly ethnic Malays, have resisted integration with ethnic Thais. An estimated 6,000 people have died in the insurgency. Some Thai authorities are now saying the bombs used Thursday and Friday are similar to those used in the southern insurgency, which suggests the militants there are pushing their campaign northward. But some analysts dont buy that suggestion. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, an associate professor at Chulalongkorn University, agreed that the attacks were coordinated, but suggested they were pegged to the countrys ongoing political crisis. I think this has to do with domestic politics, he told Al Jazeera. It has something to do with anti-regime sentimentsanti-regime people who want to send a message that they dont like the outcome of the referendum. SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - August 11, 2016) - Rackspace (RAX) today announced from Rackspace::Solve that Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure is now available in early access. This means that companies using Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Rackspace Dedicated Hosting and Rackspace Managed VMware Cloud can now benefit from the additional security protections provided by Rackspace Managed Security to detect and respond to security threats across leading cloud platforms. With Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure, Rackspace customers leveraging the Aviator service level of Fanatical Support for Azure can layer additional active security on their Microsoft Azure cloud platform to identify and respond to advanced cyber threats. Whereas most managed security service providers only notify customers about a breach, leaving it to the customer to respond, Rackspace Managed Security utilizes pre-approved actions to promptly remediate many security issues. This level of security strengthens customers' environments beyond the operational network and infrastructure security provided by most cloud providers. Rackspace Managed Security also complements the strategic planning, architectural guidance and 24x7x365 operational support available through Rackspace Fanatical Support for Azure. "In today's cybersecurity landscape, organizations are no longer asking if they should have a security solution in place, but rather whether they should do it themselves or partner with a trusted managed security service provider," said Brannon Lacey, general manager of Rackspace Managed Security. "We are proud to extend this security solution to Azure, as it represents the continued growth of our Managed Security capabilities and aligns with the overall Rackspace mission to provide the best expertise and service across the world's leading clouds." Rackspace launched Rackspace Managed Security in September 2015 to help provide greater business resiliency by helping protect customer data and respond to cyber attacks before they are able to impact customers' businesses. This approach lessens customer burden on budget and in-house expertise. Rackspace Managed Security provides host and network security, 24x7x365 monitoring and response from Rackspace experts in the Customer Security Operations Center (CSOC) as well as compliance assistance guidance to ease the burden of achieving and maintaining compliance. According to a cloud security survey from ESG, 32 percent of enterprise cybersecurity and IT professionals said "their organization finds it challenging to monitor cloud-based network traffic patterns to detect anomalous/suspicious behavior. This could be related to monitoring weaknesses and/or skills deficiencies, but either way it makes organizations more vulnerable to cyber-attacks."1 Furthermore, 33 percent of enterprise cybersecurity and IT professionals said "their organization finds it challenging to maintain regulatory compliance while using cloud infrastructure. This certainly restricts organizations' ability to maximize cloud computing business benefits."2 "With Rackspace Managed Security, Rackspace addresses and solves for security needs in organizations that use multiple cloud providers. This is particularly a challenge for organizations facing a cybersecurity skills shortage," said Dan Conde, analyst from ESG Research. "Top challenges for cloud security includes the ability to provision security controls, assessing the security status, monitoring workloads and maintaining regulatory compliance across clouds. As Rackspace expands its security capabilities across multiple cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, they address the security needs and improves the velocity for on-boarding to a multi-cloud world." Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure is currently in early access in all regions supported by Fanatical Support for Azure including the US, UK and Australia. To learn more about Rackspace Managed Security for Azure, visit https://www.rackspace.com/en-us/security or read the post on the Rackspace Blog. To learn more about Fanatical Support for Azure, visit https://www.rackspace.com/en-us/microsoft/managed-azure-cloud. 1 Source: ESG Blog, Cloud security challenges, April 2016 2 Source: ESG Blog, Cloud security challenges, April 2016 About Rackspace Rackspace (RAX), the #1 managed cloud company, helps businesses tap the power of cloud computing without the complexity and cost of managing it on their own. Rackspace engineers deliver specialized expertise, easy-to-use tools, and Fanatical Support for leading technologies developed by AWS, Google, Microsoft, OpenStack, VMware and others. The company serves customers in 120 countries, including more than half of the FORTUNE 100. Rackspace was named a leader in the 2015 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud-Enabled Managed Hosting, and has been honored by Fortune, Forbes, and others as one of the best companies to work for. Learn more at www.rackspace.com. Forward Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Rackspace Hosting could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements concerning expected development, performance or market acceptance associated with Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure; anticipated operational and financial benefits from Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions including the possibility that expected benefits from Rackspace Managed Security for Microsoft Azure may not materialize because this product is not generally accepted in the marketplace, which could occur due to certain factors including (i) a failure to market the product cost effectively, differentiate the product from competitive products or communicate differentiations effectively, (ii) the reliability, quality or compatibility associated with the product, (iii) changes in technology which adversely effect the product's benefit, (iv) slowdowns in the general economy or technology industry that impact consumer spending habits, (v) internal strategy decisions that impact the product, and (vi) other risks that are described in Rackspace Hosting's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 2016 filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016. Except as required by law, Rackspace Hosting assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/8/10/11G110124/Images/dark-logo-fe25203dbe258a94b5751b6c8acd4d7a.jpg I was all set up to write a diverting little post about what Donald Trump would say in response to interview questions about various fictional crises, imagining Trump bluffing his way through a conversation on the Sokovia Accords or the crisis in Corto Maltese. Unfortunately, this is not the week to write that post, not after Trump's Second Amendment "joke." The Trump campaign is trying to spin this every which way they can. Claims that his remark about Democratic rival Hillary Clinton was just a "joke" don't really hold water in the sense that jokes still mean something, particularly in presidential campaigns. Furthermore, the statement was serious enough for the Secret Service to have a conversation with the campaign about this kind of rhetoric. The fact that Trump won't apologize for a joke gone bad is indicative of the many other dangerous statements that he never walks back. Politico's Michael Crowley notes the obvious concerns: "Of particular concern to experts who track hate speech is the rise of violent rhetoric among anti-government militias and white supremacist groups with which Trump does not directly associate, but that generally root for him. "Trump's comment about the 'Second Amendment people' could resonate with militia groups that often speak of armed resistance to the government. In April, the popular anti-government group Oath Keepers published an essay on its website warning of 'outright civil war' in the event that Clinton is elected. 'The level of hatred among conservatives for that woman is so stratospheric I cannot see any other outcome,' wrote the author, Brandon Smith, a regular contributor to the site." The problem is that Trump doesn't really care about the truth value of his rhetoric. Rather, he uses such language at his rallies to whip up his supporters and generally promote the greater glory of Donald Trump. As Tom Friedman wrote Wednesday in the New York Times, this is the kind of loose talk that leads to violence: "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin got assassinated. . .. "Trump knows what he is doing, and it is so dangerous in today's world. In the last year we have seen a spate of lone-wolf acts of terrorism in America and Europe by men and women living on the fringes of society, some with petty criminal records, often with psychological problems, often described as "loners," and almost always deeply immersed in fringe jihadist social networks that heat them up. They hear the signal in the noise. They hear the inspiration and the permission to do God's work. They are not cooled by unfinished sentences. "After all, an informal Trump adviser on veteran affairs, Al Baldasaro, a Republican state representative from New Hampshire, already declared that Clinton should be 'shot for treason' for her handling of the Benghazi terrorist attack." Unfortunately, the link between Trump's past rhetoric and violence is hardly limited to this example. A year ago two men attacked a Hispanic immigrant in Boston; one of the attackers said that "Donald Trump was right; all these illegals need to be deported." Trump's first response was to explain that his supporters were simply "passionate." On Wednesday, NBC's Katy Tur published an essay in Marie Claire magazine explaining what it's been like to cover Trump's campaign for the past year. It's a diverting read, except for the sobering part about what happened after Trump called Tur out by name in a speech in Mount Pleasant, S.C.: "It's unlikely, however, that any of Trump's future attacks [on me] will be as scary as what happened in Mount Pleasant, where the crowd, feeding off Trump, seemed to turn on me like a large animal, angry and unchained. "It wasn't until hours later, when Secret Service took the extraordinary step of walking me to my car, that the incident sank in. "The wave of insults, harassment, and threats, via various social-media feeds, hasn't stopped since. Many of the attacks are unprintable. " 'MAYBE A FEW JOURNALISTS DO NEED TO BE WHACKED,' tweeted someone with the handle GuyScott33, two weeks after Trump lashed out. "MAYBE THEN THEYD STOP BEI[N]G BIASED HACKS. KILL EM ALL STARTING W/ KATY TUR.' " Trump supporters might argue that he can't be held personally responsible for the actions of his "passionate" followers. But the whole point of aspiring to political leadership is displaying the ability to channel people's hopes, fears and concerns into productive action. When Sen. John McCain, R, encountered supporters of his 2008 presidential campaign going off the deep end, for example, he exercised actual leadership and put a stop to it. "I can't trust Obama," one woman says at a campaign rally in Lakeville, Minnesota. "He's an Arab." McCain responded, "No ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen, that I just have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is all about. He's not [an Arab]." In contrast, at his Florida rally Wednesday night, Trump said Obama "is the founder of ISIS," with Clinton as the co-founder, and that "the system is rigged. And the biggest rigger of the system is the media." CNN producer Noah Gray tweeted that the crowd "changed their 'lock her up' chants to 'lock them up,' referring to the press." The odds are excellent that, between now and November, Trump will say more inflammatory things that could inspire some nutcase to do something violent. And the odds are getting better that this campaign will get out of control and we'll all be lucky to live through it. Let's get one thing straight. The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a disaster. It is essentially a 50 billion welfare system for the landed gentry and other big landowners across Europe. While people who genuinely need public funds find their benefits cut to the bone, these people get huge amounts of public money for doing absolutely nothing. It amounts to one of the most glaring transfers of money from poor to rich in the UK. The CAP has also been disastrous for people in the global south. For decades, Europe dumped excess agricultural produce into markets in the global south, ruining the livelihoods of local farmers who could not compete with the artificially cheap imports. But cleverly, through the WTO, rich countries have ensured that poor countries cannot raise equivalent subsidy programmes of their own. For example, India has been castigated for its food security policy that gives cheap food to the poor, while relatively rich EU farmers gets huge sums for doing not very much at all. So given all of this, you would think that leaving the EU could actually be a positive thing for agriculture. Free from the shackles of the CAP, we might finally get a fairer system. Right? Huge welfare handouts for the wealthy few Wrong. Theoretically of course it is possible that Andrea Leadsom, the new secretary of state at DEFRA, the government department in charge of agriculture and the environment, could spearhead a radical progressive programme of subsidy reform. But all the political indications suggest this is highly unlikely. For a start, there will be a huge lobbying effort from bodies like the National Farmers Union and others who represent big agricultural and landowning interests to keep the free cash flowing to them. They will undoubtedly be helped by the fact that some people in government personally benefit from subsidies. It was revealed this week that the environment minister, Lord Gardiner, has interests in a farm that receives 49,000 a year in agricultural subsidies. Leadsom herself has also accepted money from someone who gets over 450,000 a year from the scheme. Iain Duncan Smith's wife's family got 159,000 and the Queen claimed 686,000 in 2014. Even within the EU, the UK refused to implement more progressive parts of the CAP. For example, the UK no longer gives subsidies to small farmers with under 5 hectares of land and has not implemented a cap on payments to large farms. Outside the CAP, the UK is free to further stack subsidies in favour of the rich. This is especially the case considering the fact that as the economy enters post-Brexit blues, there is likely to be less money to go round. If the government doesn't cut subsidies for its rich friends and donors, then the alternative is to cut the subsidies linked to environmental protection, which would be a disaster. As of 1 July 2016, 11 utilities had applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) for safety assessments of a total of 26 reactors, including seven reactors that have completed the assessment process. Apart from whatever hurdles the NRA might put in their way, there are other obstacles: citizen-led lawsuits; local political and public opposition; economic factors, in particular the questionable economics of large investments to upgrade and restart aging reactors; and the impact of electricity deregulation and intensified market competition. It's anyone's guess how many reactors might restart, but the process will continue to be drawn out - the only strong candidate for restart this year is the Ikata 3 reactor in Ehime Prefecture. The government's current energy policy calls for a 22-24% nuclear share of electricity generation by 2030. That is less than half of the pre-Fukushima plans for future nuclear growth (the 50% target), and considerably lower than the 29% nuclear share in 2010. Currently, nuclear power - the two Sendai reactors - account for less than 1%. To reach the 20-22% target would require the operation of around 35 reactors by 2030, which seems highly improbable. Cheap renewables picking up high-level support The use of both fossil fuels and renewables has increased since the Fukushima disaster, while energy efficiency has made the task considerably easier - national power consumption in 2015 was 12% below the 2010 level. The World Nuclear Industry Status Report comments on energy politics in Japan: "Japanese utilities are insisting on, and the government has granted and reinforced, the right to refuse cheaper renewable power, supposedly due to concerns about grid stability - hardly plausible in view of their far smaller renewable fractions than in several European countries - but apparently to suppress competition. "The utilities also continue strenuous efforts to ensure that the imminent liberalization of the monopoly-based, vertically integrated Japanese power system should not actually expose utilities' legacy plants to real competition. "The ability of existing Japanese nuclear plants, if restarted, to operate competitively against modern renewables (as many in the U.S. and Europe can no longer do) is unclear because nuclear operating costs are not transparent. However, the utilities' almost complete suppression of Japanese wind power suggests they are concerned on this score. "And as renewables continue to become cheaper and more ubiquitous, customers will be increasingly tempted by Japan's extremely high electricity prices to make and store their own electricity and to drop off the grid altogether, as is already happening, for example, in Hawaii and Australia." The Japan Association of Corporate Executives, with a membership of about 1,400 executives from around 950 companies, recently issued a statement urging Tokyo to remove hurdles holding back the expansion of renewable power - which supplied 14.3 percent of power in Japan in the year to March 2016. The statement also notes that the outlook for nuclear is "uncertain" and that the 2022% target could not be met without an improbably high number of restarts of idled reactors along with numerous reactor lifespan extensions beyond 40 years. Andrew DeWit, a professor at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, said the push signalled "a profound change in thinking among blue-chip business executives." DeWit added: "Many business leaders have clearly thrown in the towel on nuclear and are instead openly lobbying for Japan to vault to global leadership in renewables, efficiency and smart infrastructure." Safety concerns - the case of Takahama The restart of the Takahama 3 and 4 reactors in Fukui Prefecture is indicative of the nuclear industry's broader problems. Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) first applied to the NRA for permission to restart the reactors in July 2013. In February 2015, the NRA gave its permission for KEPCO to make the required safety upgrades. The restart process was delayed by an injunction imposed by the Fukui District Court in April 2015, but the ruling was overturned in December 2015. Takahama 3 was restarted in late January 2016, and TEPCO was in the process of resolving technical glitches affecting the start-up of Takahama 4, when the Otsu District Court in neighbouring Shiga Prefecture ruled on 9 March 2016 that the reactors must be shut down in response to a petition by 29 citizens. The court found that investigations of active fault lines and other safety issues were not thorough enough, it expressed doubts regarding the plant's ability to withstand a tsunami, and it questioned emergency response and evacuation plans. Citizens and NGOs also questioned the use of arbitrary figures in KEPCO's safety analysis, and fire protection. Nuclear Engineering International reported on 2 February 2016: "While there are plans on paper to evacuate some Fukui residents to Hyogo, Kyoto, and Tokushima prefectures, many municipalities there have no detailed plans for receiving evacuees. Kyoto Governor Keiji Yamada said he did not feel adequate local consent had been obtained, citing concerns about evacuation issues. Shiga Governor Taizo Mikazuki said there was a lack of sufficient disaster planning." On July 12, the Otsu District Court rejected KEPCO's appeal and upheld the injunction preventing the operation of Takahama 3 and 4. KEPCO plans to appeal the decision to the Osaka High Court. Meanwhile, KEPCO is considering whether it is worth investing in upgrades required for the restart of the Takahama 1 and 2 reactors. The NRA controversially approved 20-year lifespan extensions for the two reactors (grid connected in 1974 and 1975), but citizens have initiated a lawsuit to keep them shut down. Japan's 'lax' and' inadequate' regulatory regime While safety and regulatory standards have improved in the aftermath of Fukushima, there are still serious problems. Citizens and NGOs have raised countless concerns, but criticisms have also come from other quarters. When the NRA recently approved lifespan extensions for two Takahama reactors, a former NRA commissioner broke his silence and said "a sense of crisis" over safety prompted him to go public and urge more attention to earthquake risks. Kunihiko Shimazaki, a commissioner from 2012 to 2014, said: "I cannot stand by without doing anything. We may have another tragedy ..." Professor Yoshioka Hitoshi, a Kyushu University academic who served on the government's 2011-12 Investigation Committee on the Accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Stations, said in October 2015: "Unfortunately, the new regulatory regime is ... inadequate to ensure the safety of Japan's nuclear power facilities. The first problem is that the new safety standards on which the screening and inspection of facilities are to be based are simply too lax. While it is true that the new rules are based on international standards, the international standards themselves are predicated on the status quo. "They have been set so as to be attainable by most of the reactors already in operation. In essence, the NRA made sure that all Japan's existing reactors would be able to meet the new standards with the help of affordable piecemeal modifications - back-fitting, in other words." Even the IAEA has slammed the feeble NRA An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review in early 2016 made the following recommendations (among others) regarding the NRA: To attract competent and experienced staff, and develop competencies relevant to nuclear and radiation safety. To amend relevant legislation with the aim of allowing NRA to improve the effectiveness of its inspections. The NRA inspection programme "needs significant improvement in certain areas. NRA inspectors should be legally allowed to have free access to any site at any time. The decision process for initiating reactive inspections should be shortened." To strengthen the promotion of safety culture including a questioning attitude. To give greater priority to the oversight of the implementation of radiation protection measures. To develop requirements and guidance for emergency preparedness and response in relation to radiation sources. The IAEA further noted that the NRA's enforcement provisions are inadequate: "There is no clear written enforcement policy in place at the NRA. There is no documented process in place at NRA for determining the level of sanctions. NRA inspectors have no power to enforce corrective actions if there is an imminent likelihood of safety significant event. They are required to defer to NRA headquarters. ... NRA processes for enforcement are fragmented and some processes are not documented. "NRA needs to establish a formal Enforcement Policy that sets forth processes clearly addressing items such as evaluation of the severity level of non-conformances, sanctions for different levels of non-conformances, processes for issuance of Orders, and expected actions of NRA inspectors if significant safety issues develop." As the industry declines, expect new safety cutbacks The narrative from government and industry is that safety and regulatory standards in Japan are now adequate - or they soon will be once teething problems with the new regime are sorted out. NRA Chair Shunichi Tanaka claims that Japanese regulatory standards are "the strictest in the world." But Japan's safety and regulatory standards aren't strict. Improvements are ongoing - such as NRA actions in response to the IAEA report, and reports that legislation will be revised to allow unscheduled inspections of nuclear sites. But improvements are slow, partial and piecemeal and there are forces pushing in the other direction. An Associated Press report states that nuclear laws will be revised in 2017 but not enacted until 2020. Reactor lifespan extensions beyond 40 years were meant to be "limited only to exceptional cases" according to then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, speaking in 2012. Extensions were considered an emergency measure against a possible energy crunch. But lifespan extensions have been approved in the absence of an energy crunch, and more will likely follow. If Japan's nuclear history is any guide, already flawed safety and regulatory standards will be weakened over time. Signification elements of Japan's corrupt 'nuclear village' are back in control just a few years after the Fukushima disaster. Add to that aging reactors, and utilities facing serious economic stress and intense competition, and there's every reason to be concerned about nuclear safety in Japan. Tomas Kaberger, Professor of Industrial Energy Policy at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, noted in the foreword to the latest edition of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report: "A nuclear industry under economic stress may become an even more dangerous industry. Owners do what they can to reduce operating costs to avoid making economic loss. Reduce staff, reduce maintenance, and reduce any monitoring and inspection that may be avoided. "While a stated ambition of 'safety first' and demands of safety authorities will be heard, the conflict is always there and reduced margins of safety may prove to be mistakes." Dr Jim Green is the national nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia and editor of the Nuclear Monitor newsletter, where this article was originally published. Nuclear Monitor, published 20 times a year, has been publishing deeply researched, often critical articles on all aspects of the nuclear cycle since 1978. A must-read for all those who work on this issue! Fresh evidence of links between the government and EDF Energy has led to concerns over the firm possibly receiving "preferential treatment" for its flagship nuclear project planned for Hinkley Point in Somerset. Ten advisers and civil servants who worked at the now defunct Department for Energy Climate Change (DECC) in the last five years had ties to EDF, according to an analysis of online professional networking accounts by Energydesk. This follows new Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to hit the brakes on Hinkley, calling for a review of the project mere hours after the EDF board finally voted to approve it. Under David Cameron's premiership, however, Hinkley was a top priority for the government, with then Chancellor George Osborne determinedly putting together a deal involving both French and Chinese government investors. Dearly departed DECC Among the 10 EDF-linked government employees is a regulatory and licensing officer currently working for the French company - recently employed by DECC and previously an operating reactors programme manager at the Office for Nuclear Regulation. There also features an EDF strategy manager, who has been working for the company since 2014 following a 13-month secondment to DECC's commercial team (from October 2011) while at previous employer KPMG. DECC's commercial team played a crucial role in deciding to press ahead with the Hinkley project and NNB Generation Company Limited, an EDF subsidiary, submitted a proposal to the National Planning Inspectorate for a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley on October 31st 2011. Centrica's Sarwjit Sambhi told MPs on the Energy and Climate Change committee in June 2012: "On nuclear what is important is making progress on what's termed the investment instrument or FID-enabling instruments and clearly the DECC commercial team is very much focused on arriving at an instrument that is investable." A communications worker currently employed at EDF was previously Senior Ministerial Visits Manager at DECC from the summer of 2013 until early this year. Energydesk also identified a policy adviser and analyst working at DECC who had recently held similar positions at EDF. As of August 2015, the French energy giant had one member of staff seconded at the department. None of the other big six energy companies had staff seconded at the same time. Ive been asked if I would say something about the second convention, since I wrote my thoughts on the first convention in this space several weeks ago. So I guess I shall cast my thoughts on the second half of the grand and glorious dog and pony show that aired for our viewing pleasure a couple of weeks ago. The first convention I have dubbed Thelma and Louise, since they pronounced that my country is rushing, head first, into the abyss. I couldnt watch it all; I finally had to surrender and watch something more upliftinglike Brain Dead, a new show this year on CBS about aliens eating the brains of congressmen and their staffers. Now, in my humble opinion, the second convention painted a less dreary picture, not so much gloom and doom, but time spent ping ponging aspersions tossed their way. No gloom and doom at all would be unrealistic, considering the world in which we live today; however, I dont happen to believe we are about to drive our collective T-Bird off the cliff of desperation. This part reminded me more of The Bridesmaid, a movie in which, at one point, the main characters comprehension is questioned, but in true style of the millennium, she comes through with flying colors, with, I might add, a very, colorful sidekick watching her back. This pretty much sums up my opinion of the two conventions. Undeniably, one was bleak and dark, and the other was not. I have my preference, and I know many folks have another. That is wonderful, that is what democracy is all about. At this time, I can espouse my hopes, dreams and partisan opinions for all to read, thats the way it is in a democracy. Everyones opinion counts, but only if one exercises that right by going to the polls on Election Day. Dont vote, and ya gets what ya gets. Onward and upward. Im wondering where our innovation and creativity is leading us. Even sitting here, I may be blasted any moment with messages from my texting buds or the unpleasant dings notifying me that I have another gazillion emails from people I never heard of wanting me to donate $3 to one fund or another. Worst of all is the distinctive wonk of a weather alert. I just love knowing lightning is in my neighborhoodwhich it is so frequently, as of late, that some folks are beginning to hoist lightning rods atop their abodes. The computer age has been with us since ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer), the first electronic general-purpose computer, was built between 1943 and 1945 at Columbia University. A giganticous collection of adding machines that was not even capable of storing data; however, that is how it began. Where is it today? I dont think anyone knows. Machines teaching machines to be smarter than man. Next theyll probably invent one thats smarter than woman. Who knows? Where I was heading, before I ran off the proverbial rails, was questioning just how advanced we are with all of the computers and powerful machines we have at our disposal today. George and I watched three programs on TLC (The Learning Channel) the other night. They were fascinating in that they took us step by step into the building of three of the most imposing structures of all time. The first was about the building of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, where they are in the midst of historical renovation and reconstruction of the ruins. A for instance: it took the crew redoing the columns three months to figure out how they got the drums (individual pieces stacked atop one another to make the columns) to match exactly, and how to fit the top one in place. Epiphany! The drums were all stacked, with three-piece wooden dowels (still in perfect condition) in between, to allow them to move without collapsing during earthquakes; the rough surface of the unfinished, marble drums allowed them to be wrapped and hoisted into place using wooden cranes. The fluting on the sides was added by artisans after the columns were in place. No power tools, no steel cranes and no computers for aiding in the construction, the Parthenon was built with such exact precision, two and one half thousand years ago, the reconstruction crews are having difficulty matching it. We all know the Pyramids at Giza were build with the blood, sweat and tears of manpower alone. There is, however, controversy as to whether or not the laborers were slaves or freemen. No computer was handy on which the architect could peck out the proposed dimensions. It was all done with papyrus, stylus and brainpower four and one half thousand years agowith such precision that it boggles the minds of todays architects and builders. The third program was about the construction of the Cathedral in Bonn, Germany. The city was virtually leveled by allied bombs during World War II, but the Cathedral still stands. The magnificent edifice was build 700 years ago, during what we now call the Medieval Ages (middle ages). Using laser equipment, architectural historians know exactly how and why it was constructed as it was. The design was a copy of the oldest and largest cathedral in France built eight hundred years ago; Cathedral of Notre Dame of Amiens, where the pointed arch, complete with keystone was first used to build the skyscrapers of the day, replacing the rounded, Roman arch that would not bear the enormous weight of a building of such magnitude. The Cathedral at Bonn or Saint Martin Cathedral at Bonn, where construction was begun in 1166 (a mere 100 years after the Norman King, William the Conquer, invaded England and won the throne) and completed in 1224, replacing a smaller cathedral that was unable to accommodate the crowds of pilgrims that came to view the golden casket that is claimed to contain the bones of the Magi; hence, the razing of the old, and the rising of the new. Anyone who has read Pillars of the Earth, or who saw the mini-series on STARZ Channel several years ago, has a bit of insight into that which, up until it was done, had been deemed impossible. I have a good friend in Nashville, who I love dearly, but, bless his heart, he is a conspiracy theorist of the first degree. He tells me that no man in the ages that I have just describedand many otherscould possibly have constructed the buildings hundreds, even thousands of years ago. They had to have been aided by aliens from other worlds. I have told him, and I will tell you: Mankind has always been more creative and innovative than he, and his fellow conspiracy theorists, can imagine, even as they sit before their PCs, being brainwashed about imminent alien invasions, Planet X and neo-concentration camps. A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery The Franklin County Sheriffs Offices latest effort to foster relationships between deputies and children also taught the kids about Virginias laws. A collaboration between the Virginia Attorney Generals Office and law enforcement agencies, Virginia Rules Camp is a chance for kids enjoy the great outdoors while learning lessons about the law, as well as problem solving and team building skills. Capt. Justin Sigmon with the sheriffs office applied for a grant to host the outdoor adventure camp last week at the Skelton 4-H Camp at Smith Mountain Lake. The camp gave us (law enforcement) an opportunity to interact with kids, to let them get to know us personally, Sigmon said. Opportunities like this teach kids that they can trust law enforcement, regardless of what they see on television. Its never too early to foster good relationships between police officers and kids, he added. The camp targets children ages 11 to 14 to help them develop skills to make good, sound decisions, Sigmon said. During the week, the children participated in horseback riding, archery, canoeing and boating, wilderness survival and rock climbing, Sigmon said. Each day of camp started with lessons on laws in Virginia that protect children and families, along with how to appropriately deal with social media with lessons on "sexting" and cyber bullying. Guest speakers included Juvenile Judge Tim Allen, Franklin County Commonwealths Attorney A.J. Dudley, and Internet Crimes Against Children Officer Eric Ingram. During the weeklong camp, 25 campers were divided into four platoons --Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Each platoon was assigned a deputy and two members of CHILL (Communities Helping Improve Local Lives), high schoolers who serve as role models to younger kids. On Friday, each platoon chose a member to participate in a sharpshooting contest, using .22-caliber rifles, which all campers learned how to safely handle during camp. Delta platoons Wesley Knight, 12, won the sharpshooter contest. The camp ended Friday with a pool party and a cookout, Sigmon said. During the awards ceremony, Sheriff Bill Overton reminded the children that America is a country with laws and rules that are meant for the protection of all citizens, including kids. We are so thankful that we could show these kids a fun time, while helping them gain a better understanding of laws that are in place for their safety and to protect their rights as members of our society, Overton said. SCRUGGS Just off the beach at Bernard's Landing on Saturday, 1,257 floaters held hands in a show of solidarity and in an attempt to break a 2014 Guinness World Record for the most people floating in a line. The event was part of the lake's 50th anniversary celebration and an effort to break the record, set June 28, 2014 at Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, Taiwan, by the Harley Owners Group Taiwan Chapter (Chinese Taipei). According to the Guinness World Record website, 634 people participated in that float. By all accounts, the Franklin County Family YMCA topped that; however, the YMCA won't know for another two months if the record was in fact broken, according to Lauren Acker, branch director of the Smith Mountain Lake location. "It takes a long time to get it approved," she said. After signing a waiver, each participant was given a numbered bib and video-recorded entering the beach area through an official gateway. Once in the water, participants were asked to float atop the tubes or rafts they brought along, and hold hands with those floating next to them. Participants were asked to hold their position for several minutes to ensure that the event was recorded. A helicopter with a videographer and photographer captured the scene from the sky, while three independent witnesses, a requirement by Guinness, were on the ground to validate it. It took two separate attempts for participants to hold hands in a continuous chain. On the second attempt, participants held their position for 90 seconds, cheering after time was up. Once it's known that the record was, in fact, broken, Acker said the Franklin County YMCA will host a party to celebrate. "We'll have a follow-up event," she said. "It'll be like a reveal party and we'll invite the participants to come." Court weighs future of Iowa's 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban Lawyers argued in court on Friday over whether Iowa should reinstate a 2018 law banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. We keep trying to tell you: Hugh Jackman can do anything. He can sing. He can dance. He can play Wolverine. A Massachusetts Probate and Family Court trial to determine whether Sumner Redstone is competent to manage his media empire will begin on September 19 and might include a deposition of the 93-year-old mogul. Redstones lawyers told the court in a hearing today that he would be willing to sit for a brief session where he would be questioned under oath. Thats still an open item; if it happens, then terms and timing likely will be decided at an August 26 hearing. Redstones lawyers stayed firm in their opposition to an independent medical examination. The trial date in Massachusetts is a shift from the original plan to begin on October 3. That date coincides with the start of the Jewish New Year. Separately, Redstone asked California Superior Court Judge David Cowan to stay proceedings in a case he raised seeking to have an official endorsement of his ability to manage his affairs. Redstones filing says an October 18 hearing in California should be taken off the calendar in the interest of judicial economy because issues in a Massachusetts court dispute substantially overlap. The stay in California should last until the end of the Massachusetts trial court proceedings, the filing says. The Massachusetts case revolves around Viacom CEO Philippe Daumans objection to an effort to oust him and director George Abrams from Redstones family trust and the board of National Amusements which owns 80% of Viacoms voting shares. The execs say that Redstone is no longer able to make his own decisions and is being manipulated by his daughter, Shari, whos Viacoms Vice Chair. The Redstones reject the charges, and say that Sumner is still calling his own shots. Related stories Delaware Court To Begin Viacom V. Redstone Trial On Halloween CBS Entertainment Chief Dodges Question About Fate Of Gasbag Stephen Colbert Character, While Touting Network's Late Night Slate Massachusetts Judge Sets Dates For Dauman Vs. Redstone Trial NORWALK A meet and greet with Lynn Toper, the new chief of specialized learning and student services for Norwalk Public Schools, will serve multiple purposes after a summer filled with an anxiety for Norwalk parents of special education students. Jeffry Spahr, Norwalk SPED Partners chairman, said there was always going to be a meeting to introduce Toper to the community, but after parents brought up the idea of a second meeting to voice concerns, Spahr thought it would be best to combine the meetings since everyone will already be present. There was always going to be a meet and greet and since were having a meeting with her anyhow, we thought, you know what lets just have everybody there, Spahr said. The meeting, co-hosted by SPED Partners and Norwalk Public Schools, will take place from 6-8 p.m., Monday at Norwalk City Hall, Third Floor, Room A300. Toper, who joined Norwalk Public Schools in July, will be accompanied by Superintendent Steven Adamowski, Peg McDonald, one of the authors of the 2015 Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Report on Special Education in Norwalk, and attorney Terri DeFrancis, who served as a mediator with the Connecticut Department of Education. Spanish translation will be available, and the meeting will be posted online for families unable to attend. Brenda Wilcox-Williams, spokeswoman for Norwalk Public Schools, said the event is a continuation of a series of meetings held over the past year in conjunction with Norwalk SPED Partners. She said the district felt it was important to have the meeting prior to the start of the school year in order to address concerns and start the year with a better expectation of communication. More Information What: Meet Chief of Specialized Learning and Student Services, Lynn Toper When: Monday, 6-8 p.m. Where: Norwalk City Hall, Third Floor, Room A300 See More Collapse This is an opportunity for parents to meet (Toper) and for her to hear from them in terms of their concerns or questions about special education and related services in Norwalk, Wilcox-Williams said. It is important because we are working hard to improve our program for special needs students in the district ... and communication with parents is a part of that that were committed to improving. Among the issues that concerned parents over the summer were changes to the Extended School Year program, which has historically provided individualized attention to special needs students who attend school in the summer in order to prevent regression. There were some concerns about the design and implementation of the current years ESY program, Spahr said. One of the concerns was you had the ESY program, as implemented this year, was significantly different than in years past. My understanding from the district is they wanted to have something a little more standardized in a broad sense, but we know that for each child there has to be an individualized program ... there were a lot of issues, and I think everyone would agree it would have gone smoother with more communication. Parents had a lot of questions, so that kind of built up some of the anxiety or friction between the parents and the district. Issues with transportation for students between the ESY program and other summer programs, a lack of paraprofessionals and speech therapists and what many parents considered an inadequate mix of typical and a-typical children in various programs all raised concerns for special education families. A lot of questions were raised and there could have been some better communication, Spahr said. This year was kind of a learning curve for both sides, but from the parents perspective, we cant afford a learning curve ... You could be the most objectively reasonable parent in the world, but you cant afford not to be child centric in his case. All I know is that however reasonable the explantation might be, we feel these children didnt benefit as much as they could have. Given that, we felt it would be best to have those concerns addressed directly and to allow the free flow exchange of questions and answers. Spahr said he anticipates Adamowski will acknowledge the concerns raised throughout the summer. Hes going to acknowledge that things didnt go as well as they could have, Spahr said. No one is saying anything was done intentionally wrong, but I think we can agree that not everything went right. KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTPORT Police added a new member to the force this week to help combat rising drug abuse and a recent increase in heroin overdoses in the area: 19-month-old German shepherd Atlas. The new police dog took an unusual path to service. While most dogs join a department at 1 or 2 years old, Atlas handler, Officer David Scinto, has owned him since he was 8 weeks old, giving the pair more than a year already to bond. Me and him kind of have a closer bond than [most officers and their dogs do initially] because Ive been raising him since he was a little puppy, Scinto said. When Westport police issued a dog to another officer, bring the departments total up to two, Scinto did not think the department would be getting another and decided to get a personal dog instead. He chose a German shepherd because he grew up around the dogs. He believed, however, he would be getting a different dog until the day he picked Atlas up at Shelton-based Grasso Shepherds and found out there was a black dog available. Me and him hit it off immediately, Scinto said. Hes from a police line of very high drive. Theyre a lot different than normal, typical shepherds always have to do things, always looking around trying to find something to do. Atlas is from a family of police dogs, with brothers working as police dogs in Milford and Bridgeport, as well as a brother in the K9 academy in Seymour, Scinto said. Although Scinto got Atlas as a pet, it turned out the Westport Police Department was not finished expanding their canine helpers. When the department put out a memo for officers to apply to be a K9 handler, Scinto applied, interviewed and then offered to bring Atlas on board to the unit. Were in a testing phase that hes doing phenomenal in, Scinto said. Much better than we could have ever hoped for. Partners Scinto became an officer in Orange in 2011 and transferred to Westport about three and a half years ago. He has since worked in the patrol division and as part of the Southeast regional Emergency Response Team. But Scinto, who grew up with family that were police K9 handlers, had long hoped to join the unit. Its kind of like the dream when youre a little kid, he said. You want to be a cop and have a dog. So its been something I wanted to do since I was a little kid. Growing up around K9 officers, Scinto saw the jobs challenges, but also that training a successful police dog can be an asset to not only a cops department, but the entire region. Police dogs are often shared by area departments if a town or city needs, but does not have a dog, or one on duty. Anybody can be given a dog, not everybody can have a good dog, he said. It requires a lot of work and dedication to it and its something that shows. Living with Atlas, for Scinto, has required essentially childproofing his house and a lot of attention. He called the experience similar to having a little kid around. If he leaves Atlas alone, with the high drive he is being trained to maintain, the Shepherd will go through the garbage or search through the house. In the academy Atlas with Scinto at his side is in the K9 police academy. He began on July 29 in the program, which will be two days a week until Aug. 22. At the end of August, Atlas will begin attending full-time until he is set to graduate with certifications in patrol and narcotics detection on Oct. 7. Even while the academy is part-time, Scinto has been training Atlas every day. The obedience work, tracking practice and imprinting learning to sniff out towels soaked in narcotics that Atlas is learning now will help lay down a solid foundation for him to learn, Scinto added. He called round-the-clock training with Atlas a bit like going back to college. As a patrol dog, Atlas will learn to protect Scinto, apprehend criminals through biting and track a missing person or suspect. To help combat drug crime, Atlas will learn to sniff out heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, Scinto said. In the case of a vehicle stop where police suspect drug possession, Atlas could be called in to sniff around the car, which would not require a search warrant but could give police probable cause. The way their noses work is that if you put a Big Mac on the table, we smell a Big Mac, a hamburger, Scinto said. They can smell the bun, the sesame seeds, the lettuce. They can break everything down. Atlas has drive and constant energy, key factors Scinto identified for a successful police dog. Atlas has no quit and will run after a ball again and again. Scinto will aim to harness that play drive into work drive. Fighting an epidemic Scinto identified the need for another dog in the K9 Unit as a result of the heroin epidemic now facing the state and most of the United States. Westport, he said, has not been able to escape it. Weve seen an explosion of heroin or any kind of opioids, Scinto said. Adding Atlas, he believes, will be another deterrent to people driving through Westport with drugs and dealing in town. This is a good way, not just to get people in jail, but its when you stop the guy whos going to go deal to the 16-year-old kid who could possibly overdose down the road, Scinto said. This is a great way to prevent that. Atlas will join police dogs Koda and Chase as the towns third K9. Westports K9 Unit is funded through donations, according to a department press release. Police launched a Go Fund Me page on July 29, hoping for $15,000 to train, equip and care for Atlas. WILTON Meredith Morello is just one of many residents who credits the Wilton Library for putting her in a position to succeed in life. I owe so much to you. My passions, my personality, my being is due to you, Morello wrote in a letter to the library. Morello recounted how librarians at the library had introduced her to Roald Dahls Matilda, a book she referred to as the most influential book she ever read. I was in awe of her [Matilda]. A small girl whose mind was her greatest asset, Morello said. If it hadnt been for the librarys recommendation of Matilda, Morello said she might never have become the voracious reader that she eventually became. And, without that underpinning, who knows where the recent Wilton High graduate would be perhaps not getting ready to attend the University of Utah as she is now. The books that play such a pivotal role in stories like Morellos may come without charge, but they dont arrive on the librarys bookshelves without cost. And, as more and more deep-pocketed donors continue to move away, the library is feeling the weight of their obligations to people like Morello. Were not a public library in the true sense of what people tend to think of a municipal library, Elaine Tai-Lauria, the librarys executive director, said. People often mistake Wilton Library for a public library, Tai-Lauria said, which fools people into thinking that it isnt in need of donations when, in reality, it is. While the library does receive grant money from the town and the state, she admits that it relies heavily on donations from the public for its services. In fact, about 25 percent of the librarys budget comes from donations. The library relies on these funds for a number of its basic services from buying every book, DVD and CD on its shelves to providing every resource that a patron will use and every program or event that they will participate in. However, in recent years, what was once a large pool of donors who supported the library has slowly been drying up. In the past year or so, Tai-Lauria estimates that about 4 or 5 of the librarys 10 largest donors who account for nearly 2 percent of the librarys donated money have either moved out of town or passed away. As a result, the library has fallen short of its fundraising goal of $227,000 by about $21,000 during its latest annual fundraiser. Last year, the library raised $224,000 at its annual Friends of the Library Appeal. This money is especially missed seeing as the library recently ran a deficit just south of $28,000 in the last fiscal year. While the librarys financial manager attributes this deficit to the nearly $60,000 dollars the library spent on a new telephone system, the troubling trend of dwindling donations is still a cause for concern. Every penny counts for us. Whether they are small or large donations, every bit counts, and it goes right back into the library, Tai-Lauria said. The library is the best investment out there, because it continues to pay priceless dividends. A library trustee and donor of nearly 15 years, Nick Davatzes echoed Tai-Lauria on the importance of investing in local libraries. Davatzes recalled how the Chelsea library on 23rd Street had been a refuge for him while he was growing up in a troubled area of New York City. It was like West Side Story without all the music, and the library was a place that opened my eyes to the larger world and showed me my potential, said Davatzes. When Davatzes eventually moved to Wilton, it didnt take him very long to find a new place to fill that library-sized void in his life. This library has become the cultural and intellectual center of the town. After the school system, its probably the most important institution in town in terms of quality of life, serving everyone from ages 2 to about 102, Davatzes said. Davatzes further pointed out that, with the town and state both predicting constrained resources for the next fiscal year, it is especially imperative for residents to come out in force to fund this important town resource. I see a greater need going forward given the nature of fiscal capabilities of the town and the state. Were going to need more donors and more Wiltonians who will be willing to give significantly to the library for todays needs and the future needs for the town as it grows, he said. For more information on how to become a donor at the Wilton Library, visit wiltonlibrary.org or contact Tai-Lauria at 203-762-6322. ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1046; @Tomlinson_PE Catholic Health Initiatives foray into health insurance appears to be fizzling. The national hospital chain, parent company to CHI Health in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, withdrew its application this year to offer commercial health insurance in Nebraska. Further, the national chain has said it may get out of the insurance business altogether, having lost considerable money on it over the past year. The developments exemplify the volatility of the health insurance market in the era of the Affordable Care Act. A local expert in health insurance says newcomers to the market face a harsh reality. With the regulations that now exist in the health insurance market, you just cant make money, said Scott Stevens, a health insurance consultant in Omaha. Stevens envisions a marketplace that will be dominated by giant companies such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna/Coventry, Cigna and Blue Cross affiliates across the nation. Stevens said provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as the ban on declining policies to those with pre-existing conditions, the requirement that most plans have essential benefits, and other elements, have made profit margins razor thin. Etti Baranoff, an associate professor of risk, insurance and finance at Virginia Commonwealth University, agreed that the health insurance industry isnt for rookies. There is a lot of money lost for the newcomers, she said. Its not for the faint of heart, the business of health insurance. You need a lot of experience. CHI entered the insurance business in 2012. Commercial insurance, such as that provided by Blue Cross, United and Aetna, is private insurance that generally isnt paid with government money. CHI wrote in its quarterly report in late June that it was exploring options to sell the health insurance business, called QualChoice Health. The CHI insurance program suffered a $96.9 million operating loss in the nine months ending on March 31, the report said. Another portion of the report says CHI in May decided to exit the health insurance business. CHI Health operates Bergan Mercy, Creighton, Immanuel, Lakeside, Midlands (Papillion) and Mercy (Council Bluffs) Hospitals in the metropolitan area, and other hospitals across Nebraska and southwest Iowa. A Catholic Health Initiatives spokesman in Englewood, Colorado, said HeartlandPlains Health, a Medicare Advantage insurance program offered by CHI in eastern Nebraska, laid off five people and has closed its Omaha office. But the spokesman, Michael Romano, said Heartland still functions, serving Douglas and Lancaster Counties. He said CHI continues to explore all strategic options for its insurance business. CHI has such businesses in Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Washington and Tennessee, he said. It began by acquiring a Medicare Advantage plan in Washington four years ago and broadened its effort from there. It purchased an Arkansas-based commercial health plan, QualChoice, two years ago, with the hope of expanding it. HeartlandPlains Health in eastern Nebraska launched in 2015. Iowa also has a CHI Medicare Advantage plan, called HarvestPlains Health. Medicare Advantage plans generally replace for their members standard Medicare plans. The Medicare Advantage plans continue to do business in Nebraska, Iowa and other states, he said. Cynthia Cox, associate director of health reform and private insurance with the Kaiser Family Foundation, said insurance companies are generally doing well except on the health insurance exchanges (the Affordable Care Act marketplaces) and other individual plans. Individual plans generally appear to be priced too low, Cox said. Their participants tend to be sicker than expected, and too few young, healthy people are enrolling, she said. The employer insurance market, both large and small, is doing OK or much better than OK, she said. Dr. A. Mark Fendrick, director of the University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design, said CHIs insurance struggle is somewhat similar to the problems that consumer-owned and operated health insurance plans (co-ops) have had. The low number of successful new health insurance entrants demonstrates the high financial requirements, complexity and unpredictability of a rapidly changing marketplace, he said in an email. Kaiser Health News reported last month that only seven co-ops will remain this fall. Co-ops were set up as nonprofits with federal loans under the Affordable Care Act. Conceived as alternatives to commercial insurance, there were 23 in 2014, Kaiser reported, but failures are piling up. CoOportunity Health of Iowa is among the failures, having gone out of business in 2015. CoOportunity also served some Nebraskans. Dr. Cliff Robertson, CEO of Omaha-based CHI Health, said hes aware that Catholic Health Initiatives has been reviewing its strategy. He said CHI Health desires a system in which care and reimbursement link to provide excellent service. We are confident that patients and employers will be better served when the providers and insurers are on the same side of the table, working together to lower costs and improve the quality of care, Robertson said in an email. Thats the overall goal for both CHI Health and Catholic Health Initiatives. The youngsters sat back in their chairs in their orange uniforms, arms folded, with apathetic looks on their faces. They faced a German shepherd, a pit bull, two labs and a golden retriever. Within 20 minutes, the mood had changed in the room, as detainees at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center began getting to know their visitors. Heather Chapman, along with four other volunteers with the Got Your Six Support Dog organization, visited the detention center as part of a new curriculum being introduced by the Glen Carbon Centennial Library and Purina. The curriculum, Mutt-i-grees, is designed to boost emotional and social learning among children. Gina Breadon, community affairs coordinator with Purina, said the curriculum is designed for all children K through 12. Weve been educating youth for over 40 years and decided to expand that program into humane education, she said. In order to do that we chose the Mutt-i-grees program. The program was designed at Yale University with the North Shore Animal League. The curriculum covers emotional and social development and we are the first corporation to launch humane education in the greater St. Louis area. Breadon contacted the Glen Carbon Centennial Library about implementing the program and Youth Services Director Maggie Henderson jumped on the chance to use it as an outreach tool. Henderson said the Purina program fits in well with a program the library currently has at the detention center. We have our Great Story Program at the center already and I thought bringing in the dogs for the students to interact with would be a good way to get them relaxed and help them open up and discuss the books we read, she said. The Great Stories program is a thematic reading and discussion program developed to engage at-risk teens and other underserved audiences through literature-based outreach programs. Henderson said the Glen Carbon Library has been working with teachers at the detention center for the past several years. We have the students read a book and then we have discussions about the books. This years theme is change." Henderson said while the students at the detention center actively participate in discussions of the books, she hopes the Mutt-i-gree program will make the students more at ease to discuss the books and the theme of change. Chapman, a volunteer with Got Your Six Support Dogs, said dogs have an amazing way of calming people and providing comfort. We bring the dogs into these types of situations and you can see that it automatically relaxes people who interact with our dogs, she said. And the relaxation was evident as the dogs began to work the room. The children at the detention center were visibly more relaxed, smiles came over faces and they opened up about their own pets and family. This is just the reaction Breadon said the program is designed to elicit. They just relax, she said. They become more empathetic and the interaction makes them more at ease to open up, she said. Scott Elliff, program coordinator at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center, said the dogs do provide a calming effect. The calming effect and the pro-social behavior that the dogs provide is good for our kids, he said. Just the demonstration of the discipline the dogs have and the hard work that goes into training the dogs is a good lesson. This is the first time the detention center has had a formal program that will use the dogs as a way to help with the rehabilitation of the detainees. Henderson said support dogs will be brought in at all of the Great Stories discussion programs that will take place through the fall semester at the detention center. Chapman said the mission of support dogs and organizations like Got Your Six is to help people regain their lives through the healing power of dogs. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Madjedi Hasan (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 One of the new ministers appointed in the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced on July 27 is Arcandra Tahar, 45, who replaced Sudirman Said as energy and mineral resources minister. Looking at their educational backgrounds, the previous and current ministers would have different views on improving the management of Indonesias oil and gas activities. This is certainly not surprising, as the previous minister is an accountant while his successor is a professional petroleum engineer and definitely has more knowledge on petroleum operations (onshore and offshore), etc. Arcandra lived in the US for the last 20-years and his connection with Indonesia was mostly as a technical consultant. The energy minister portfolio on the other hand is a political position and how he will handle the political side of his job remains to be seen. Unlike his predecessor, who emphasized better management of the oil and gas sector, Arcandra underlines the importance of technology in the search for oil and gas to increase production and reserves. He looks up to the US, which nearly doubled its oil and gas reserves within seven years. He also emphasizes the improvement of business procedures, which should be efficient and transparent. For oil companies operating in Indonesia such a new ministers statement is not new. In fact, advanced technology has consistently been applied in Indonesias onshore and offshore operations in every area from exploration, drilling and completing wells to remedial operations, artificial lift, corrosion control and environmental protection. In exploration, highly sophisticated seismic methods both in the recording of data in the field and data interpretation offices such as 3-D seismic have extensively been used and helped oil and gas companies in Indonesia to find reserves. Also, by better understanding the subsurface before drilling, the industry can reduce the number of dry holes that make risks more measurable and limit environmental impacts. Furthermore, 4-D seismic technology has also been used in Indonesia since 1992 to monitor the movement in steam in the steamflood project in the Duri Field. The target is to increase recoverable oil and energy conservation. In drilling, which involves the controlled deviation of a hole, advance technology has also been used both onshore and offshore. The total depth of a well can range from a few to several thousand feet from the surface location of the drilling rig. Drilling can therefore occur beneath environmentally sensitive areas using surface locations far removed from that area. Directional drilling helps target formations that may lie under land or water that are not readily accessible by conventional means. One step beyond directional drilling, the innovation allows for drilling horizontally (instead of the more common vertical drilling) from a kick-off point below the surface out to a predetermined target that may be more than 1,000 feet away. Horizontal drilling also enhances oil and gas recovery over traditional methods. In some cases, one horizontal well can replace several vertical wells, minimizing surface activity. In oil production, only a fraction of the original oil and gas in place often less than a quarter can be removed using traditional methods. New technologies for getting more oil and gas production from existing wells, such as injection technology, have also been used. Enhanced oil recovery technology, or essentially pushing oil or gas through the formation with water, steam or carbon dioxide, can also increase recovery by making oil or gas easier to move out of the formation and into the well. Although these techniques are very costly in their initial stages, they ensure maximum production from existing wells. The successful application of these advanced technologies has been supported by the government, which provided reasonable access to the necessary technology, including permission to import equipment and export data by appropriate analysts and technological service centers outside of Indonesia. The government has also provided oil and operators to obtain qualified technical expertise as required to both analyze the data and to train Indonesian personnel. Nonetheless, despite the advanced technology, the national petroleum industry has not been growing in leaps and bounds. Technically, this is due to volume and variety of sediments in tertiary basins across the archipelago. While commercially, this is due to legal uncertainty, such as the issuance of new regulations in which some provisions contradict contact terms. One of the first actions expected by the industry is resolving the issue of cost recovery, or revocation of Government Regulation No. 79/2010 on the recoverable operational costs and treatment of a contractors income tax. The purpose of the regulation is to increase state revenue by maintaining tight control of reimbursable operational costs, as cost recovery is now included as a separate item in the state budget. Under the regulation, some operational costs are not recoverable. These include costs associated with community development during the exploitation phase and training of expatriate personnel. The regulation also authorizes the finance minister to set the maximum salary for an expatriate. From the governments perspective, cost recovery represents the reimbursement by the government to a company for costs incurred during exploration, development and production under the production sharing contract (PSC) scheme. However, this perception is entirely wrong when we look at the governments view that the reimbursement of a contractors expenditures is considered an income, which is taxable at 44 percent. Scrapping or replacing the regulation may not be easy, as its proponents would include the involvement of the new finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati. Indonesias oil and gas production can only be increased by aggressive exploration and application of advanced production technology to increase oil recovery at each field. This would require a large risk in capital, which is scarce and mobile and it will always be looking at the best place that offers a high return and improvement of the work environment for the oil and gas prpoducers. All the PSCs complaints as conveyed by the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) should be addressed seriously and attempts should be made to resolve the issues at the earliest opportunity. A new oil and gas law should be Archandras priority. Such a new law should address the work environment for PSCs in order to provide legal certainty for oil and gas investors for years to come. In economic terms, tax consolidation should be seriously considered as an exploration incentive. It works well in the UK and there is no reason why it could not work in Indonesia to promote exploration to increase recoverable oil and gas reserves. Finally, the governments involvement in PSC affairs should be restricted to approval of work program and budget and plan of development. This was the practice in early days of production sharing and this arrangement needs to be restored. Present oil and gas production can only be increased by aggressive exploration and application of enhanced oil recovery technology to increase oil recovery at each field. *** The writer is a director of an energy consulting company in Jakarta. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Fri, August 12, 2016 The cooperation agreement the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) signed with the countrys largest bank, Bank Mandiri, on Tuesday is a rather strategic move given the strong synergy between the two institutions in promoting investment. As Indonesias largest bank, Bank Mandiri has several big advantages in helping the BKPM promote investment throughout the country, including an extensive branch network and strong economic research and business departments, which monitor and analyze business opportunities in the various industries. The economic research department analyzes the prospects and challenges in various industries as part of the banks risk management, while the business development department studies investment opportunities to support its lending operations. Hence, Bank Mandiri is able to help investors explore business opportunities in various sectors in the provinces. As all investment ventures also need loan financing, the investment promotion program also helps Bank Mandiri expand its lending operations. Therefore, Bank Mandiris vast corporate customer base and the BKPMs corporate data bank complement each other, both in guiding investors to promising business opportunities and in matchmaking domestic and foreign investors in joint ventures. But the cooperation with Bank Mandiri will be more effective if the BKPM continues to educate regional leaders on the vital importance of investment to create jobs, which will in turn generate wages and purchasing power to buy goods and services to stimulate the economy. Regional leaders should be convinced that economic growth is the best freeway to get elected and reelected, but growth cannot occur without investment. Only such awareness will prompt regional leaders to enact business-friendly bylaws, policies and programs and expedite business licensing. Effective bylaws create structures of expectations that guide businesspeople to make reasonably accurate predictions within an acceptable range and to manage the contingencies and risks of complexity within a market economy. Especially now as provincial governors, regents and mayors have to compete in direct elections, economic performance that directly benefits the people is surely the most effective means of gaining voter support. This means that job creation will be the most important yardstick in measuring the performance of a regional chief executive. Further down the line, business-friendly local administrations will contribute greatly to national economic growth because most of the countrys abundant natural resources such as forests, agriculture, fisheries, mining and tourist attractions are located mostly in the provinces and regencies. Past is the time when most local administrations, euphoric about their newly gained power after the launch of local autonomy in 2001, simply flexed their muscles to grab a bigger share of the wealth from their natural resources and resorted to the easy, unsustainable ways of raising revenues by squeezing companies with additional levies. We look forward to seeing regional administrations compete with each other to attract domestic and foreign investment as they are fully aware that it is private investment that creates jobs and in turn generates wages and purchasing power for the people to power the wheels of the economy. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Cyril Bennouna (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Policymakers from over a dozen ministries, several UN bodies and civil society met from Aug. 9-10 in Bogor to discuss a strategic plan for strengthening Indonesias ability to deliver valuable legal identity documents and unique identification numbers (NIK) to all of its citizens. This may seem routine, but sadly its not. Although almost half of Indonesian children still lack a birth certificate, and death registration is almost nonexistent, there has never been a national strategy to address this issue that coordinates all the ministries concerned. The politics of civil registration can be surprisingly divisive. What might appear to be a mundane bureaucratic matter turns out to be charged with many of our most pressing challenges. A national plan to improve the governments ability to record and certify vital events, like births, marriages, and deaths, would not only contribute to the delicate balance between decentralized governance and equitable development. It could also affect the security of migrant workers across the country and abroad, and contribute to disaster preparedness. Lets take a closer look : Making the government work for you A government is only as good as its understanding of its citizens. Policy makers and planning authorities require reasonably accurate and timely statistics to set realistic targets, develop budgets, coordinate human resources and build supply chains. Civil society and journalists need these data to hold the government accountable to its targets. With so many parents finding it too expensive or confusing to register their children, it can be difficult to gauge how many vaccines to order, or how many students to expect in next years class. Worse, according to research by the Center on Child Protection (PUSKAPA), where I work, marginalized segments of the population are the least likely to be registered, putting them in the governments blind spot for planning social protection and expanding social health insurance. The governments recourse is to rely almost exclusively on periodic surveys, such as the decennial census. However,these active surveillance efforts are expensive, time-intensive and often unable to produce robust subnational data. Thus, important indicators, such as the major causes of death, are based partially on outdated data. Several ministries collect their own programmatic data, which are rarely shared externally, and confusion is widespread about which data to use for planning and reporting. These complications will be increasingly difficult to sort out the more that planning is decentralized. In a recent PUSKAPA study, we found that various national policy reforms and technological innovations targeting civil registration had not reached, or been properly implemented in, remote areas, undermining the governments objective of increasing birth registration for children to 85 percent by 2019. Averting disaster, building back better If the government has trouble keeping track of its vulnerable populations in stable times, how prepared is it for mass displacements resulting from natural disasters, epidemics or conflict when population monitoring becomes especially critical? In West Aceh, my colleagues and I spoke with parents who had lost all their identifying documents in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Many regencies in Aceh continue to enforce an erroneous interpretation of birth registration law by mandating that parents provide a valid marriage certificate that predates their childs birth in order to register that child. Because certificates were not digitized in 2004 (and many continue not to be), couples frequently could not substantiate their claims of having been married before their children were born. As a result of this catch-22, many Acehnese children continue to go unregistered, though efforts were made in some parts of the province to ease this policy temporarily to benefit tsunami survivors. Acehs example provides a valuable cautionary tale while deliberating the national civil registration and vital statistics strategy. After all, Indonesia is already one of the five countries most frequently hit by the worlds natural disasters, with over 1,000 natural disasters in the first six months of 2016 alone. This rate is likely to only increase as sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more severe. Well aware of these risks, Indonesia joined the Regional Steering Committee for Asia and the Pacific aiming to achieve universal civil registration in the region by 2024 partially on the grounds that such an achievement would play a critical role in offering information for humanitarian planning, disaster risk reduction and management, and aiding the response to disasters. Safe, dignified migration Migration is a common outcome of crisis. When individuals cross international borders without identifying documents, not only can they be detained, but they may also be hard-pressed to establish their national identity or those of their newborns when attempting to return home, leaving them effectively stateless. This issue also concerns Indonesian migrants moving to cities for better economic opportunities and transnational laborers. Tens of thousands of Indonesians migrate to Jakarta after Ramadhan each year. These transmigrants must apply for migration letters before they move, and update their residential status on their IDs and family cards after they move, to benefit from social protection and social health insurance. Many only learn of these rules when they are denied services. Transnational laborers must have passports and other documents to work abroad legitimately, but their recruiters and employers regularly confiscate these documents to control their movement. The documents are also frequently falsified to obscure certain information, such as the laborers age. When the Indonesian immigration directorate rolled out its new information management system, allowing passport information to be cross-referenced against national registry entries for the first time, it exposed widespread information discrepancies in Hong Kong, resulting in scores of legal cases. Of course, the implications of strengthening civil registration and vital statistics stretch beyond these three issues. Expanding ownership of legal identity documents can impact a number of government functions, but it can also present important ethical challenges related to government surveillance and privacy. The discussions in Bogor at least herald a greater commitment to solving national problems through inter-sectoral collaboration and civil society engagement. *** The writer is the technical lead for Research at the Center on Child Protection (PUSKAPA), Universitas Indonesia. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mohamad Abdun Nasir Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Fri, August 12, 2016 The Quran acknowledges religious pluralism and calls for religious tolerance as illustrated in several verses that confirm the existence of varied religions and the Almightys command to maintain peaceful interfaith coexistence. In a pluralistic society, these principles are paramount and must be preserved and realized. In our country, one way to implement them is through public engagement in the annual national and local Quran Recitation Competitions (Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran/MTQ). This is one of the biggest Islamic events in our country, whose benefits should be not only be enjoyed by Muslims but also by all citizens. Although the MTQ is theoretically exclusive to Muslims, it could be open for participation from other religious followers albeit in different ways. The most recent MTQ held in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (July 27 Aug. 7), is an extremely important example of how people with varied ethnic and religious backgrounds engage publicly in an Islamic event. This event makes two important points. First, it has successfully offered an arena where Muslims vie in mastering the holy scripture through their eloquent recitation, beautiful writing of its script, precise translation and interpretation that in turn increase piety and religious observance, as observed by the American scholar Anna Gade. Second, the MTQ in Lombok has also successfully become a medium of participation for various people. Muslims have cooperated with Hindus, Christians and other minority religious adherents to make the event successful. It has spurred social proximity and convergence and diminished divergence and segregation. The public engagement has been realized through myriad ways. For example, Muslim students and their Hindu and Christian colleagues collaborated beautifully to sing the MTQ anthem and dance together during the opening ceremony. The dance symbolizes the coming of Islam from Java to Lomboks northern coastal village of Bayan by one of the nine saints from Gresik, East Java. Furthermore, the presence and contribution of the Chinese community could be seen from the use of lanterns lighting the main streets surrounding the arena. Pecalang (civil guards) of Hindu-Balinese communities were involved in safeguarding the citys main streets where competition participants from throughout the country paraded prior to the opening of the event. Such participation is a good example of how the spirit of pluralism and tolerance highlighted in the Quran is practiced, having profound impacts on social integration. This is a concrete example of the living Quran the ways in which the Quranic tenets and fundamental principles are employed in Muslims daily routines and in their peaceful interactions with others. The contribution of people from various ethnic-religious backgrounds in the event reflects the actual condition of West Nusa Tenggara, a highly pluralistic society. However, this should also work well for the other regions and provinces, since there is no place in this country with a single religion. West Nusa Tenggara lies between the Hindu-majority island of Bali in the west and Christian, mainly Catholic-majority province of East Nusa Tenggara in the east. Not surprisingly, though West Nusa Tenggara is predominantly Muslim, and Lombok is well-known as the island of a thousand mosques, it is also a home to a significant number of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and other religious minorities. They supported the event as reflected in their welcoming flyers and participation, showing what we might call an expression of Islam Nusantara (Islam of the archipelago). Although Islam originates from the Middle East, it can, and should, adapt to local cultures to create a localized and universal religion. The provincial government wants to preserve the areas pluralism and religious tolerance, says Governor Zainul Madji, a graduate from the well-known Al-Azhar University in Cairo, and himself a memorizer of Quran verses. He attempted to present a quite impressive Islamic event where Quranic recitation, local wisdom and public engagement were all presented. As the event was attended by representatives from a number of Muslim countries and by the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsen Al Turki, the message of peace and tolerance was spread worldwide. This effort should be preserved and continued for the next event. And more importantly, any religious public event should engage the wider public, in ways that do lead people from other ethnic and religious backgrounds to experience spiritual or ritual confusion. Public engagement is one of the best ways to transform religious values and principles into reality. Excellent principles alone are insufficient. They must be realized through mechanisms and strategies that yield maximum results. All religions have their own wisdom and teachings, such as love, peace, tranquility and perseverance. However, such fundamental tenets may not be well-articulated if hardly implemented at public occasions. Although interreligious dialogue is pivotal and must continue to find conceptually applicable interfaith relations, physical engagement and cooperation are no less important. Because interreligious conflicts and intolerance still occasionally occur, with the latest example in Tanjungbalai, North Sumatra, such public engagement in religious events is mandatory. As the majority, Indonesian Muslims must be at the forefront of preserving pluralism and fostering tolerance, and the next MTQ and other relevant public Islamic events should adopt and realize these principles. ______________________________________ The author is a lecturer at Mataram State Islamic Institute (IAIN Mataram) and a researcher for Contending Modernities, Indonesia Working Groups, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Homegrown creators have gathered for Popcon Asia 2016, the fourth installment of the largest pop culture festival in the region, which opened on Friday. The event is to run until Sunday at the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan, Central Jakarta, bringing together eminent talents in comics, toys and games, animation and films from home and abroad. Stars of the creative industry attending the event include illustrator Ross Tran and cinematographer Russel Carpenter from the US, webtoon artist Park Taejoon of South Korea, Singaporean illustrator Stanely Lau and Dutch comic artist Peter van Dongen. Indonesia's own creators set to dazzle the convention include comic artist Sweta Kartika, Emte, Faza Meonk and Alti Firmansyah, as well as the founder of Layaria Network, Dennis Adhiswara. Popcon Asia founder Grace Kusnadi said the festival played an important role in developing the industry. "We underline the need for the creators to realize their intellectual property rights at this year's Popcon," she said at the preview on Thursday evening attended by South Korean and French diplomats and Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) head Triawan Munaf. Bekraf took part in the festival to facilitate the talents with capacity -building measures aiming to add value to the products. This year's Popcon is aiming to attract 40,000 visitors to 225 stands available. Last year, the festival attracted 37,000 visitors and recorded over Rp 25 billion in transactions. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta, Central Java Fri, August 12, 2016 Indonesian dance maestro and former rector of the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ), Sardono W. Kusumo, will perform at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2016. The sub-event titled Sardono Retrospective 2016 will be presented in three sessions that include Expanded Cinema, Solo Live Painting and a dance performance titled Black Sun. Ive always video-documented all exploration processes in my work, ever since I was only 25. The documentations will be presented at the SIFA, Sardono said Tuesday. (Read also: Three genres of Balinese traditional dance recognized by UNESCO) Sardono has traveled to a number of islands and remote areas in Indonesia since he was 25 years old. During his travels, he encountered various tribes such as Nias, Papua, Dayak and many more, and the tribes contribute to enriching his dance arts. I documented each journey with my video camera and now I know that what I recorded becomes very important today, he added. Indonesian dance maestro and former Rector of Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ), Sardono W Kusumo will perform in the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2016.(JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi) Aside from dancing, Sardono also loves to paint and has produced hundreds of painting and sketches. In the Solo Live Painting, Sardono will combine painting and dancing at the same time, to finally produce an expressionist-style painting. Another work of Sardonos that will be presented in the SIFA 2016 is the expanded cinema (long-duration movie). Sardono collaborated with Faozan Rizal to produce a 40 hour-long movie that will be the grand decor of his two-week show in Singapore. (Read also: Sasikirana dance camp 2016 to hold 'Dance City, Density!' performance) Sardono will also present his newest dance titled Black Sun in the event. The performance will involve dancers from Surakarta and Papua. This dance is about my concern for human tragedy, mainly the millions of people who have become refugees as a result of war, he explained. Black Sun will be performed on Aug. 26 and 27 at The Malay Heritage Centre, Singapore. Singapore International Festival of Arts has been held annually since 1977. Although it went on hiatus in 2012, the festival returned in 2014 under the leadership of festival director Ong Keng Sen. The 2016 Singapore International Festival of Arts will be held for seven weeks, from Aug. 11 to Sep. 17. (asw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, August 11 2016 Thirty-three-year-old Kristine Nartates, a Filipina who grew up and continues to live in Indonesia, relished the prospect of less paperwork when she first heard about an agreement to allow for the free movement of people, goods and services within ASEAN. The agreement would allow Kristine to continue working in Indonesia and still be an airplane ride away from her homeland. It would be great if we could just move around, no need to go so far to the US or Australia [...] That way we can still come back to where we came from and yet still experience [being abroad], Nartates told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Budiari and Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, August 11 2016 In October 2005, the country saw its first ever female governor when Ratu Atut Chosiyah was sworn in as Banten acting governor after then governor Djoko Munandar was removed from office for corruption. Atut subsequently constructed a political dynasty, with one after another of her relatives brother, step-mother, sister-in-law and others taking strategic political positions in the province. The governor fell from grace, however, in 2013, when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested her for her roles in multiple corruption cases; the Jakarta Corruption Court sentenced her to seven years imprisonment. The reins of the province were taken by Atuts deputy Rano Karno, who is seeking re-election in 2017. His victory is far from assured, however, as Andika Hazrumy, Atuts oldest son, is set to join the race. On Monday, the Democratic Party officially endorsed former Tangerang mayor Wahidin Halim to run for governor with Golkar Party politician Andika as his running mate. Hopefully, with our good intentions and noble dreams, God will pave the way for us to win the Banten gubernatorial election, 31-year-old Andika said during the announcement. His bid for the political throne in the first gubernatorial election to be held since Atuts downfall is indicative of the familys unrelenting grip on Bantens political scene. Even though she is now behind bars, Atut still wields power in the province, noted Hamdi Muluk, a political analyst from the University of Indonesia, adding that her sons running in next years election showed the familys reluctance to relinquish its local might. The race between Wahidin and Andika on one side and the incumbent governor, who has yet to choose a running mate, on the other, will be very tight, he added. On the one hand, Rano is the incumbent, but dont forget Andikas family has a very strong connection to Banten. The graft scandals that have dogged Atuts dynasty do not seem to have shaken the familys political grip on the province, which stemmed from the charisma of Atuts late father Haji Tubagus Chasan, a well-known Banten businessman and political leader. Even before Andikas nomination, the dynasty dominated the 2016 mayoral and regency elections, with Atuts sister-in-law, Airin Rachmi Diany, and sister, Ratu Tatu Chasanah, re-elected as, respectively, mayor of South Tangerang and regent of Serang. Meanwhile, Atuts son-in-law Tanto Warsono Arban won the Pandeglang regency election, replacing Heryani Atuts stepmother. The clans tentacles spread also into Serang municipality, where Atuts stepbrother Tubagus Haerul Jaman serves as deputy mayor. In Banten, kinship factors are still influential. That is why Atuts relatives remained able to triumph in recent elections even in the wake of the corruption scandals, said Arya Fernandes, a political analyst from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). We can expect to see similar results in upcoming elections. Given his family ties, in addition to his current position in the House of Representatives, Andika is likely to bring in many votes for Wahidin, who also has a strong supporter base in Tangerang both the city and the regency and South Tangerang, Arya said. This makes them the main contenders, he argued. It is likely that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) will pair Rano with an incumbent mayor or regent in a bid to garner support. In a further sign of Atuts familys dominance, another of her relatives, Jaman, has announced his willingness to run in the election as Ranos running mate. Were his intention to materialize, he would be competing against his own nephew, Andika. Given this composition, Bantens election will be as exciting as Jakartas, Arya said. ___________________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stephanie Chao (The China Post) Fri, August 12, 2016 Civil servants, who claim that they are being blamed for the Taiwanese governments growing financial problems, will march in Taipei next month, with activists predicting that at least 100,000 people will take to the streets. The protest is set for Aug. 3 - Armed Forces Day in Taiwan - and is being organised by the pension reform oversight alliance, a group set up in response to the formation of a National Pension Reform Committee. The committee is tasked with slashing government pension spending and much of its focus has landed on the civil service. Public servants have responded by claiming that the action represents unfair treatment. Alliance representative Huang Yao-nan proposed that the national pension reform committee broadens its remit from focusing solely on the civil servant pension system to include private sector pensions as well as removing restrictions on labour-insured salary, and increasing wages, which is tied to the amount of insurance a labourer can receive. Representatives said that pension reforms go hand in hand with the countrys fiscal discipline. Deputy head of the military academy alumni association Wu Shih-huai, a representative of the alliance, said that civil servant pension funds were not included in the governments potential monetary liabilities. The countrys possible bankruptcy could be caused by incompetent management of the pension funds, Wu said, refuting claims that the bankruptcy was caused by civil servants receiving the pension. But, its something that the government is not willing to admit. National Civil Servant Association Director Lee Lai-hsi, an outspoken member of the National Pension Reform Committee, supported Wu and laid the on the government. After eight committee meetings, the claim that the public sector was the main reason for the governments debt problems has become a mainstream belief, Lee said. He added that the claim was a source of pressure for civil servants, according to Lee. Representatives of public school workers said that efforts to rally teachers were still underway and that momentum would likely pick up after the summer vacation. Labor workers are also expected to join in the protests as well. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar, South Sulawesi Fri, August 12, 2016 Five members of the South Sulawesi Police have been named suspects for their alleged involvement in an attack on the Makassar mayors office, which led to a mass brawl between police officers and Makassar Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnel on early Sunday. The five police officers, identified by their initials DR, MH, AC, LB and HI, are charged with violating Article 170 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on assault and criminal damage. South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Anton Charliyan said on Friday that the five police officers had been detained at the polices headquarters in Makassar since Tuesday. Anyone committing violations will be legally processed, regardless of their being police officers. The five personnel have been named suspects, alongside two members of the Satpol PP, said Anton. He said the legal process was continuing even as law enforcement authorities focused their attention on keeping the situation calm in Makassar. Separately, Makassar Police chief Sr. Comr. Rusdi Hartono said two Satpol PP personnel, identified by their intials J, 24, and S, 28, had been named suspects in two separate cases under separate articles of the KUHP. Rusdi said J had been named a suspect of stabbing to death Second Brig. Michael Abraham Rieuwpassa, 22, a member of the provincial police force. J, he said, was accused of violating Article 338 of the KUHP on murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and has been detained at the Makassar Police headquarters since Thursday. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corry Elyda and Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 The bidding process for the much-awaited electronic road pricing (ERP) system has finally kicked off after four years being left in limbo, with 68 companies now competing to win the rights to procure infrastructure for the project. The companies have followed the pre-qualification process for the ERP procurement, Jakarta Transportation Agency head Andri Yansyah said on Thursday. The current bidding looks profitable for vendors as we have received many offers, Andri said, adding that the companies that previously conducted trials of the ERP system in Jakarta Sweden-based road telematics company Kapsch TrafficCom and Norway-based company Q-Free also joined in. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Politicians might employ propaganda maligning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to gain support from intolerant groups in the upcoming regional election campaigns. With regional elections scheduled to be held in February next year, mayors and governor candidates may take intolerant positions toward LGBT people in order to gain popularity, Yuli Rustinawati, the chairwoman of LGBT group Arus Pelangi, said on Thursday. Anti-LGBT sentiment will likely be most prominent in regions that have a poor record acknowledging the rights of minority groups. "This is what we are afraid of. The candidates will use LGBT issues to secure votes in the upcoming election," Yuli said. Kyle Knight, a Human Rights Watch researcher on LGBT issues, said that in election years politicians aiming to gain popularity often went after LGBT people because they were an easy target. Kyle's statement is supported by a 2015 report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on discrimination and violence against LGBT people. In Indonesia, where a massive wave of harassment and violence directed against LGBT people appeared after some government officials publicly denigrated the minority earlier this year, feeding hatred against LGBT people in political campaigns is an attractive thing to do, he added. "It is easy [for candidates] to say, 'oh yes, LGBT people are ruining the country, so come to my side on this issue','" Knight said. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are in for another wave of hateful rhetoric aimed at them in the public sphere, with the country set to hold its second round of concurrent elections early next year, says the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). Not only in Indonesia, but also in other countries, we usually see that politicians use [LGBT issues] to their advantage. It is a very easy and attractive thing to do. Unfortunately, no one stands up and says stop to the discrimination. Even the President remains silent, HRW researcher, Kyle Knight, said. In its report, released in Jakarta on Thursday, the HRW declared 2016 to be the gloomiest year ever for Indonesian LGBT people, who had to endure sporadic hateful rhetoric and violent attacks. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Indonesia Fri, August 12 2016 The government has played down recent reports of the disappearance of Palestinian territories on the widely used US-based Google Maps and Google World services, claiming the maps are unofficial versions of the world map. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said Thursday that an alleged move by Google to remove portions of Palestines West Bank regions and a few other contested territories from its popular map applications was irrelevant, as it was merely a reflection of private commercial interests. Google Maps is not the official map of the world, it carries the same status as the map used by [search engine company] Bing or Apple, he said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rod McGuirk (Associated Press) Canberra Fri, August 12, 2016 Australia's treasurer on Friday rejected accusations that the true reason his government plans to ban Chinese bidders from leasing a Sydney electricity grid is to appease influential lawmakers with xenophobic views. Treasurer Scott Morrison announced Thursday that he intends to block Chinese state-owned State Grid Corp. and Hong Kong-registered Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group from bidding for a 99-year lease over a 50.4 percent stake in Ausgrid because of classified national security reasons. Critics including Bob Carr, director of the Sydney-based Australia-China Relations Institute and a former foreign minister, said the decision reflected the wishes of anti-establishment lawmakers who gained balance-of-power roles in the Parliament in elections in early July. "The treasurer's decision ... is a huge concession the first major policy sacrifice to the Witches' Sabbath of xenophobia and economic nationalism stirred up in the recent federal election," Carr said in a statement. "The treasurer is conceding to economic populism in the Senate." Morrison dismissed the views of Carr, who was a minister until 2013 in a Labor Party government which is now in opposition, as "complete nonsense." "I don't trade on national security," Morrison told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The decision has been welcomed by Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party that has four senators opposed to Asian and Muslim immigration as well as trade liberalization. They and other lawmakers not aligned with either the conservative government or Labor oppose Australia's free-trade deal with its biggest trading partner, China, and want tighter foreign investment rules. The deal for the New South Wales state-owned electricity network would have earned more than 10 billion Australian dollars (US$7.6 billion). Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull later declined to explain why a banned bidder, State Grid, was allowed last year to bid for another New South Wales South Wales-owned power network, TransGrid. But State Grid was out-bid in November by an Australian-led consortium. "The advice we received was absolutely unequivocal. This was not a political decision," Turnbull told reporters. China's state-run Xinhua News Agency criticized the Australian decision and a recent move by Britain to delay a decision on a new nuclear power plant backed by Chinese investment. It said that although China's "dramatic development, huge population and unique culture" may cause concern for some countries, it could also result in "China-phobia." Chinese foreign investment, particularly from state-owned companies, has become increasingly contentious in Australia as China takes a more aggressive stance in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno has appointed the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to serve as a holding company for four state-owned enterprises (SOEs) operating in the food commodity sector. The four firms are Sang Huang Sri, Pertani, Bhanda Graha Reksa (BGR) and Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI). Rini said her ministry was currently preparing the establishment of six holding companies comprising SOEs in several sectors, namely oil and gas, mining, property, infrastructure, banking industry and food commodities. "The process is still ongoing, she said after a limited Cabinet meeting at the State Palace on Friday. The minister further said that in the meeting, she had discussed with her colleagues the operations of the holding companies and communicated with other state institutions. Rini explained that state oil and gas company Pertamina would act as a holding company for SOEs in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, state-owned aluminium producer Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) will be the holding company for three SOEs in the mining sector, namely Antam, Bukit Asam and PT Timah. "There will be a holding company for SOEs in the property sector because we want to push property development, particularly cheap houses. Perumnas will be the holding company for PP and Adhi Karya," Rini explained. She added that Danareksa would act as a holding company for the banking industry. A holding company will also be established in the infrastructure sector, focusing on efforts to speed up the development of infrastructure projects, especially toll roads. "We need to emphasize that state shares in all of those SOEs should not be less than 51 percent in order to maintain state control," she went on. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Fri, August 12 2016 The consumer goods sector will remain the jewel of the Indonesian economys crown, thanks to the countrys large population and rising disposable income. On the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), the consumer goods sector has fared better than other sectors. Its index has risen the highest at 2,418.11 of all indices and has been moving upward since 2008, data from the IDX show. Firms that operate in the sector many of them food producers have also enjoyed the fastest recovery after the economy began to slow last year, with rising sales and profits. The positive performance was acknowledged by New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) head of global capital markets Garvis Toler during his visit to the IDX on Thursday. I think were seeing consumers having more disposable income, so I think that bodes well for consumer sectors, he said. Publicly listed giant food producer Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur (ICBP), for instance, posted a 12.6 percent increase year-on-year (yoy) in its sales to Rp 8.9 trillion (US$676.4 million) in the first quarter. The growth rate was higher than the 8.2 percent that it booked in the first quarter of 2015. Unilever Indonesia (UNVR), the local arm of Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever, managed to boost sales 10 percent on an annual basis to Rp 20.7 trillion in the January-to-June period. The achievement was better than the sales growth of 7.4 percent in the same period last year. Economist Hendri Saparini, founder of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE), shared the same view as Toler regarding the robust growth of the consumer goods industry. She said that consumer goods played a key role in overall household spending, which is the largest component of the countrys GDP. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), household spending surged 5 percent yoy in the second quarter from 4.9 percent yoy in the previous quarter. The growth then drove the economy higher to end at 5.2 percent in the second quarter. However, Hendri said that much still needed to be done to develop the consumer goods sector, citing the countrys shallow financial market. Bank loans are still the most common financing source in Indonesia, whereas financing options vary greatly in other countries as companies also rely on the stock market. As most Indonesian banks obtain their funds from short-term sources such as three-month time deposits, financing of the real sector with longer time periods has been limited. Compared to other Asian countries, market capitalization in Indonesia is relatively low, accounting for 48 percent of GDP. The index of capital market utility only reached 11 percent in 2013, as opposed to banking at 57.3 percent. We need to have firm, focused and comprehensive policies for the real sectors, which ones to prioritize and the kind of support needed to boost them, Hendri said, adding that the support should also include other instruments that companies could rely on. JP/ Stefani Ribka ----------------- to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 The population of Sumatran elephants has plummeted in the past nine years mainly due to the conversion of forest areas into plantations and settlements, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia has announced. According to WWF data, the population of the critically endangered species drastically shrunk to around 1,700 currently from about 2,700 elephants in 2007. Sunarto from WWF Indonesia said the Sumatran landscape changed quickly. The areas that were initially declared as conservation areas were in fact converted into plantations, forcing the largest land mammals to enter villages and the farmland, he explained. Even the Balai Raja wildlife reserve [in Riau] is planted with palm oil. The size of the conservation area is now only around 150 hectares, from the total area of 18,000 hectares, he said in Jakarta on Thursday. Sunarto added that many of the elephants entering villages were poisoned because they were considered parasites that destroyed farmland. To make matters worse, the elephants were often threatened by poaching. He, therefore, called on all elements of society to intensify efforts to protect the elephants and their habitats. Their existing habitats need to be preserved, Sunarto said. (vny/ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suzan Fraser (Associated Press) Ankara Fri, August 12, 2016 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged a group of businessmen on Wednesday to inform authorities about companies or business people they suspect of supporting a US-based Muslim cleric accused of orchestrating Turkey's failed July 15 coup, saying they deserved "no pity." The statement was likely to fan concerns over Turkey's large-scale crackdown on followers of the cleric, Fethullah Gulen, and raise questions over whether the government would start a witch-hunt based on an army of informants. "You may have friends from the community," Erdogan told a group of Turkish exporters. "I say you have to expose them. You have to inform them to prosecutors and the police. Why? This is our patriotic duty." "In the same way that we are removing the [Gulen organization] from the armed forces, the judiciary, the police, we have to remove them from the business world," Erdogan said. "We have no right to show pity toward those who showed no mercy to their country or people." The government launched a sweeping crackdown after the coup, targeting followers of Gulen, whom it accuses of orchestrating the attempted putsch that left more than 270 dead. Some 16,000 people have been formally arrested in connection to the coup, while thousands more have been detained for questioning. Tens of thousands of people with suspected links to Gulen have also been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the judiciary, media, education, health care, military and local government. Turkey has designated Gulen's movement a terror organization and wants him extradited from the United States to face trial. Gulen, who runs a network of charities and schools worldwide, has repeatedly denied involvement in the coup. Later on Wednesday, Erdogan addressed hundreds of people who gathered on the grounds of his presidential palace in Ankara and reiterated Turkey's demand that Gulen be extradited. "Sooner or later the United States will make a choice: either Turkey or [Gulen]; either the coup-plotter terrorist [Gulen] or Turkey, the country of democracy, it has to make a choice," Erdogan said. "The United States can no longer harbor this oppressor, this charlatan and will send him back." He was addressing crowds that had gathered for the final of the daily rallies that have been staged across the country to denounce the attempted overthrow. His speech was broadcast live at a similar rally in Istanbul, attended by some 3,000 people. Responding to chants from the crowd demanding the death penalty for the coup-plotters, Erdogan again said he would approve any parliamentary decision to reinstate capital punishment. The scope of the crackdown on the movement has raised alarm in European countries and among human rights groups, which have urged restraint. Erdogan has lashed out at the criticism and has complained of a lack of solidarity and support from allies for the elected government. Speaking to the exporters, Erdogan urged the businessmen to inform "prosecutors and police" on Gulen supporters they know, and to inform business contacts abroad that the Gulen movement was "not only a threat to our country but to the whole world." Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Erdogan's call was directed at businesses that had provided financial support to the group. "Members of the [Gulen movement] are present in all sectors of society. They were organized within the business world as well. The most important resource that fed this organization were businesses. They engaged in extortion. Some gave money willingly," Kalin said. Kalin said Erdogan's call was intended to ensure that the business world "was put on alert" against Gulen's movement. He said the West had failed to understand the "violence and the gravity of the coup." "There is an illegal organization and authorities are taking measures within the business world, the military, the police and the judiciary so that [coup attempt] cannot happen again," Kalin said. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug 11, 2016) - Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TV.TO)(TV.TO)(TREVF)(4TI.F) has released financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2016. Second quarter ("Q2") EBITDA(1) rose from the preceding quarter to $8.2 million and a net loss of $335,000 ($0.00 per share) was posted for the quarter. Santander Zinc Mine operations income for Q2 increased from the prior quarter to $5.2 million on strong concentrate sales revenue of $28.9 million. Q2 Santander site cash costs(2) were US$0.32 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq")(3) produced or US$35.64/tonne milled. This release should be read in conjunction with Trevali's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2016, which is available on Trevali's website and on SEDAR. All financial figures are in Canadian dollar unless otherwise stated. Q2-2016 Results Highlights: Santander concentrate sales revenue of $28.9 million, up 7% from First Quarter 2016 ("Q1") EBITDA (1) of $8.2 million Income from Santander mine operations was $5.2 million, up 25% from Q1 Net loss of $335,000 or ($0.00) per share Total cash position of $14.5 million Q2 Santander site cash costs (2) US$0.32 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") (3) produced or US$35.64/tonne milled, in line with recently revised 2016 cost guidance of US$35-38 per tonne milled Record Santander mill throughput of 219,086 tonnes resulting in quarterly production of 15.2 million payable pounds of zinc, 5.6 million payable pounds of lead and 222,121 payable ounces of silver Provisional realized commodity selling prices for Santander Q2-2016 production was US$0.89 per pound zinc, US$0.78 per pound lead and US$17.09 per ounce silver at International Benchmark terms under the Company's offtake agreement with Glencore Santander mill recoveries remain higher than design at 89% for Zn, 87% for Pb and 73% for Ag "Santander delivered yet another strong quarter with record mill throughput and site cash costs remaining in line with the recent recently reduced 2016 cost guidance. Santander remains one of the lowest-cost, most efficient operating mines in the Central Mineral Belt of Peru. Additionally, stronger zinc prices in Q2, versus Q1, benefitted the Company's operations and we're also seeing a significantly stronger metal price environment so far in Q3 with zinc prices touching 15-month highs," stated Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO. "Trevali also recently announced Commercial Production at its Caribou Zinc Mine in New Brunswick where similar optimization initiatives are being applied to boost the efficiencies at the operation. As zinc fundamentals continue to look increasingly bullish, Trevali remains well positioned as the only primary zinc producer on the TSX and one of only a few globally." Q2-2016 Financial Results Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Pacific Time) on Friday, August 12, 2016 to review the Q2 financial results. Participants are advised to dial in 5-minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call. Conference call dial-in details: Toll-free (North America): 1-877-291-4570 Toronto and International: 1-647-788-4919 Audio Webcast: http://www.gowebcasting.com/7782 Summary Financial Results ($ millions, except per-share amounts) Q2-2016 Q2-2015 Revenues $28.9 $30.5 Income from Santander mining operations $5.2 $5.4 Net income (loss) ($0.3 ) $0.2 Basic Income per share ($0.00 ) $0.00 Santander Production Statistics Q2-2016 Q2-2015 Tonnes Mined 177,415 191,259 Tonnes Milled 219,086 190,498 Average Head Grades % Zinc 4.16 % 4.27 % Lead 1.39 % 2.47 % Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 1.32 1.85 Average Recoveries % Zinc 89 % 90 % Lead 87 % 88 % Silver 73 % 78 % Concentrate Produced DMT (dry metric tonne): Zinc 16,601 14,708 Lead 4,865 7,081 Concentrate Grades % Zinc 49 % 50 % Lead 55 % 59 % Ag - Oz/ton 43.7 39.5 Payable Production: Zinc lbs (pounds) 15,157,944 13,684,987 Lead lbs (pounds) 5,575,792 8,706,534 Silver Oz 222,121 291,177 Santander Sales Summary: Q2-2016 Q2-2015 Zinc Concentrate (DMT) 17,112 14,511 Lead Concentrate (DMT) 4,964 7,048 Payable Zinc lbs 15,229,650 13,229,078 Payable Lead lbs 5,711,542 8,681,007 Payable Silver Oz 222,166 290,879 Revenues (USD$)(5) 22,395,044 24,824,966 Average Realized Metal Price: Zinc $ 0.89 $ 0.95 Lead $ 0.78 $ 0.82 Silver $ 17.09 $ 16.33 Zinc Equivalent lbs Sold(4) 24,433,262 25,685,704 Zinc Equivalent lbs Payable Produced(3) 24,244,311 26,171,782 Site Cash Cost(2) per Equivalent Payable Zinc lb Produced (USD$)(3) $ 0.32 $ 0.33 Cash Cost(2) per Tonne Milled (USD$) $ 35.64 $ 44.95 (1) EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is calculated by considering Company's earnings before interest payments, tax, depreciation, and amortization are subtracted for any final accounting of its income and expenses. The EBITDA of a business gives an indication of its current operational profitability and is a NON-IFRS measure. (2) Refer to Non-IFRS Measures in the June 30, 2016 Management Discussion and Analysis. (3) ZnEq Payable Pounds Produced = ((Zn Payable lbs Produced x Zn Price)+(Pb Payable lbs Produced x Pb Price)+(Cu Payable lbs Produced x Cu Price)+(Au oz Payable Produced x Au Price)+(Ag oz Payable Produced x Ag Price))/Zn Price. (4) ZnEq Payable Pounds Sold = ((Zn Payable lbs Sold x Zn Price)+(Pb Payable lbs Sold x Pb Price)+(Cu Payable lbs Sold x Cu Price)+(Au oz Payable Sold x Au Price)+(Ag oz Payable Sold x Ag Price))/Zn Price. (All metal prices are the average realized metal price for the period). (5) Revenues include prior period adjustment. Santander Zinc Mine, Peru Production: Santander operations delivered another excellent quarter with production of 15.2 million payable pounds of zinc, 5.6 million payable pounds of lead and 222,121 payable ounces of silver. Approximately 219,086 tonnes of mineralized material was processed through the mill with underground mine production of approximately 177,415 tonnes. Metal production remains in line with the recently increased 2016 annual guidance of 57-60 million pounds of payable zinc in concentrate grading approximately 50% Zn, 22-25 million pounds of payable lead in concentrate grading approximately 56-58% Pb and 800,000-1,000,000 ounces of payable silver. The mill also continues to perform at above design recoveries with Q2-2016 recoveries averaging 89% for zinc, 87% for lead and 73% for silver. Average head grades were 4.16% Zn, 1.39% Pb and 1.32 oz/ton Ag with production of 16,601 tonnes of zinc concentrate averaging 49% Zn and 4,865 tonnes of lead-silver concentrate averaging 55% Pb and 43.7 oz/ton Ag. During the quarter, the Company sold approximately 15.2 million pounds of zinc, 5.7 million pounds lead and 222,166 ounces of silver. Revenues for the first quarter were approximately US$22.4 million with the average realized metal prices in USD for the quarter of $0.89 per pound of zinc, $0.78 per pound of lead, and $17.09 per ounce of silver. Q2 cash costs were approximately US$35.64 per tonne, on track with the recently reduced 2016 preliminary annual cost guidance of US$35-$38 per tonne milled (down from the previous guidance of US$40-$43 per tonne milled). The cost savings are primarily attributed to the increased production and implementation of site-wide business initiatives, thus a larger impact on fixed costs as well as the efficiencies and cost cutting measures achieved to date. (Please refer to Non-IFRS Measures in the June 30, 2016 Management Discussion and Analysis). The Company also received the additional geochemical assay results from its 2016 resource conversion and exploration program which is testing the deeper levels below the currently defined resources of the Magistral North and Central deposits. As previously noted the majority of drill holes continue to return thick intervals of multiple stacked massive sulphide replacement mineralization whose zinc, lead and silver grades are materially higher (typically ranging from approximately 25% to +100%) than those currently being actively mined and processed. All zones including the newly discovered, emergent Oyon zone remain open for expansion and the Company believes that there is very significant resource potential remaining in all three zones where limited down-dip drilling has occurred. During the third quarter diamond drilling will test the depth extents of the Magistral Central and Fatima zones. Please see the Company's news releases dated April 7, 2016 (TV-NR-16-09) and June 2, 2016 (TV-NR-16-12) for additional details. Outlook: Santander operations continue in steady state 2,000 tonne-per-day nameplate production with daily production commonly exceeding this by approximately 15-to-25%. The Company continues to work with partner Glencore's local subsidiary, Empresa Minera Los Quenuales S.A., to maximize and further improve operational efficiencies. An approximate 3,000-metre underground drill program is in progress in order to convert inferred tonnes to a higher confidence category and to follow-up on 2015 exploration successes that tested the deeper levels below the currently defined resources of the Magistral zones. Contingent on results, additional drilling may occur. The program will continue to define and potentially expand the newly discovered Rosa, Fatima and emergent Oyon lead-silver-zinc zones in addition to the Magistral zones that all remain open for expansion at depth. Caribou Zinc Mine, Canada The Company continued to successfully advance Caribou commissioning activities during Q2 culminating with the declaration of entering Commercial Production as of July 1, 2016. Focus continues to reach design mill throughput including associated recoveries and concentrate quality. Scheduled mill optimization initiatives during the third quarter include: completion of the SAG mill modifications - primarily installation of the newly designed lifters and shell liners; mineralogical and size-by-size analysis to track progress; ongoing mill water chemistry trials; Zn and Pb cleaner density trials; completion of recommended pumping infrastructure upgrades and implementation / upgrading of site-wide preventative maintenance program. Mine optimization initiatives include but are not limited to the ongoing 10,000-metre definition drilling and resource conversion program, modification of drill-blast designs, targeted fleet efficiency, roadway upgrades and enhanced fleet maintenance. Caribou Zinc Mine - key commissioning & preliminary production statistics (figures rounded) Q1-2016 Q2-2016 Tonnes Mined 191,005 188,353 Tonnes Milled 200,670 186,246 Average Head Grades % Zinc 6.0 % 5.9 % Lead 2.6 % 2.7 % Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 2.0 oz/t 2.5 oz/t Average Recoveries % Zinc 71 % 77 % Lead 58 % 57 % Silver (in Lead concentrate) 38 % 31 % Concentrate Produced DMT (dry metric tonnes): Zinc 17,732 18,155 Lead 7,586 7,048 Concentrate Grades % Zinc 47.8 % 46.8 % Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 4.0 oz/t 5.0 oz/t Lead 39.3 % 40.9 % Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 20.3 oz/t 20.3 oz/t Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance EurGeol Dr. Mark D. Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO, and 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 two commercially producing operations. The Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander mine in Peru and its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. Trevali also owns the Halfmile and Stratmat base metal deposits, located in New Brunswick, that are currently undergoing a Preliminary Economic Assessment reviewing their potential development. The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of TREVALI MINING CORPORATION Mark D. Cruise, President This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the intended use of proceeds in connection with the Offering, the accuracy of estimated mineral resources, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices, expectations that environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Peruvian sol versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company's business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; and increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Trevali's production plan at the Caribou Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Trevali's production plan at the Santander Mine is based only on indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is therefore no certainty that the conclusions of the production plans and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be realized. Additionally, where Trevali discusses exploration/expansion potential, any potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. We advise US investors that while the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 The Indonesian government has not responded to an urgent call to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, Kyle Knight, a researcher at rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW), has said. After a series of anti-LGBT remarks and discriminatory actions from high-ranking officials beginning in mid-January, which were then followed by a rise in harassment and discrimination against the minority group, HRW contacted the government to get an official response on the issue, Knight said. The group contacted President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara through an open letter and Health Minister Nila Moeloek and Asrorun Niam Sholeh of the National Child Protection Commission through private letters. "But we haven't heard back from any of them. It's really disappointing. They are the people who should be protecting everyone," Knight told thejakartapost.com on Thursday in Jakarta. Following a report on government bias against LGBT people in Indonesia, HRW requested a meeting with Nila to discuss the report's findings. HRW was particularly keen to discuss the decision by the Indonesian Psychiatrists Association to label LGBT people as mentally disordered. There has been no response. Knight asserted that the rights group would continue to advocate for LGBT people while keeping an eye on an ongoing trial at the Constitutional Court that involves a group of academics attempting to criminalize same-sex activities. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 A Malaysian citizen identified only as WCY has been arrested by the Jakarta Police on Jl. Agus Salim in Central Jakarta for credit card fraud. The suspect counterfeited the credit cards by stealing the data of customers to buy air tickets at Emerald Tour and Travel, Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said on Thursday. Awi said that WCY bought 13 tickets for various destinations from Jakarta, like Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, that cost a total of Rp 111 million (US$8,470). After allegedly buying the tickets, he reportedly sent them through We Chat, a mobile messaging service app, to a person in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 The Jakarta Police will file a complaint to the developer of the augmented-reality game Pokemon Go, Niantic Inc., because there are many PokeStops in the police headquarters on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta. Jakarta Police spokesman Awi Setiyono said the headquarters was not a space that the public could freely access because of the many confidential things in the area. Of course this is wrong. We will send a complaint letter to the Information and Communications Ministry first and the ministry will deliver it to the developer, he said as quoted by kompas.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has claimed he never meant to make insulting remarks about Surabaya following a protest from Surabaya Mayor Tri "Risma" Rismaharini, who criticized Ahok for apparently denigrating the city in the latest public spat between two possible competitors in next year's Jakarta gubernatorial election. Ahok said his statement comparing Surabaya to South Jakarta was never intended to belittle the capital city of East Java. "I am confused. Risma got sensitive and angry as if I was pitted against her," he told journalists at City Hall on Friday, adding that the media had misinterpreted his statements. Ahok said he did not mean to compare Jakarta's size with Surabaya's. What he meant by comparing Surabaya and South Jakarta was that the two are both local administrations. Therefore, in Ahok's view, it would not be appropriate to compare Jakarta, as a province with five municipalities and one regency, with Surabaya, as a single municipality, in terms of city development. Ahok stressed he had never insulted Risma's hard work and that he had learned a lot from her, particularly in how to develop sidewalks, arrange city budgets through electronic systems and introduce information technology into license application services. The outspoken governor said on Thursday he had praised Risma for successfully constructing proper public facilities in Surabaya such as sidewalks, something that Jakarta was still struggling to do. However, in his statement, Ahok said Surabaya's success might have come from the more manageable size of Surabaya, which is roughly equal to that of South Jakarta. Risma took the statement poorly and she accused Ahok of looking down on the progress of her city and hurting the dignity of Surabaya. "What did Surabaya ever do to Ahok? We work here only for the welfare [of the people], not to show off," she said at a press conference on Thursday evening in response to Ahok's remarks as quoted by kompas.com. Tensions between the two city leaders are rising. Ahok and Risma might face off against one another in next year's gubernatorial election in Jakarta. Risma has repeatedly stated that she does not want to run for governor, but she has received mounting support from political parties of late, and she may yet change her mind. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Finance Ministrys taxation director general Ken Dwijugiasteadi expresses hope that corporate income tax can reach as low as 10 percent, from the current 25 percent, in the anticipated revision of the Income Tax Law. The government, he said, would bring the proposal to the House of Representatives should the latter give the nod for the revision of the law. We also look at the countrys tax base. If its already high, it [the corporate income tax rate] can be lowered to up to 10 percent like value-added tax rate, let alone 17 percent, Ken said on the sidelines of a tax amnesty dissemination event in South Jakarta. To support the implementation of the newly passed Tax Amnesty Law, the government plans to revise laws concerning general taxation, income tax and value-added tax. The government has proposed to the House the revised draft of the General Taxation Law. Previously, President Joko Jokowi Widodo told crowds at a dissemination event in Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday that it would be possible for the countrys corporate income tax to initially go from 25 percent to 20 percent, before finally reaching the 17 percent rate. Singapore, which is widely known as among wealthy Indonesians safe haven countries, applies a 17 percent corporate income tax rate. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati told journalists on Wednesday that the government would carry out further assessment on the proposed tax rate cut. The spirit [of the policy] is to make Indonesia a competitive country, she said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Palu Fri, August 12 2016 The Operation Tinombala task force has been reinforced with 741 new Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel, who have been arriving in Poso, Central Sulawesi, since Aug. 8. They consist of personnel from the East Kalimantan, East Java, South Sumatra and North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi Brimob units. They have now joined forces with Tinombala troops from the Indonesian Military [TNI] and National Police at a number of posts in Poso, Operation Tinombala task force head Brig. Gen. Sufahriadi Rudy told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Rudy, who is also Central Sulawesi Police chief, said that the 741 Brimob troops were not additional but were rotating troops to bring new spirit to the operation. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama says he plans to rid the Jakarta administration of corrupt employees who are involved in illegal practices in land acquisition, in cooperation with the National Agrarian Agency (BPN). I want to discuss the issue of land acquisition and the relevant regulations. We hope that the acquisition process for land for public facilities will not be burdened with excessive taxes and legal costs, Ahok said at City Hall on Friday. The governor previously slammed his naughty subordinates who offered the administrations uncertified land and assets to private individuals, as happened recently in West Cengkareng, West Jakarta. A plot of land worth Rp 668 billion (US$50.98 million) that actually belonged to the Jakarta Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security Agency was sold to the Jakarta Housing and Buildings Agency by Toety Noezlar Soekarno, a resident of Bandung, West Java. Toety has even sued the administration because of a payment shortfall. The situation arose because of maladministration at the BPN. Ahok suspects that corruption among his subordinates and officials in the BPN lay at the root of the case. Meanwhile, he also accused his subordinates of paying too much to notaries, who recorded the acquisition of land purchased for the administrations projects in the expectation that they would get kickbacks from the notaries. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mari Yamaguchi (Associated Press) Tokyo Fri, August 12, 2016 Japan searched Friday for eight Chinese crewmembers missing after their fishing boat collided with a cargo ship off disputed islands in the East China Sea, government officials said. The Japan Coast Guard's search came one day after six other crewmembers were rescued. Their boat apparently sank after colliding with a Greek-flagged ship Thursday off the Japan-controlled Senkaku islands, which China also claims. The collision occurred as hundreds of Chinese fishing boats have been swarming around the islands since early August with the start of the mackerel season. Up to 15 Chinese coast guard vessels four times the usual number were also in the area. The increase prompted Japan to lodge a protest several times a day for a week. Officials said some of the Chinese ships left following the accident, and the Chinese side thanked Japan for its rescue efforts. Relations between Japan and China have long been strained also over how to develop undersea gas deposits in the area, as well as by their wartime history, a sensitive topic during the summer because of end-of-the-war anniversaries. Japanese media reports say the recent escalation in China's activity around the disputed islands may be seen as a warning against planned visits by members of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among the war dead, for the Aug. 15 anniversary to mark the end of World War II. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has urged the National Police to investigate the testimony made by the now executed drug lord Freddy Budiman about bribes he allegedly gave to law enforcers. The President instructed National Police chief Tito Karnavian to establish a team to investigate the testimony Freddy gave to the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) before his execution. "It's been established in the National Police [] Trace, expose and process if the fact is in line with what he has conveyed," Jokowi said in an official statement on Thursday in Jakarta, adding that he invited anyone who was capable of uncovering such cases to join the team. In his testimony to Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar, Freddy claimed that officials from the National Police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) were involved in his international drug network. He claimed that he operated his drug network with the support of top officials of the three institutions and he paid large sums of money to them. He did not reveal any names, however. Haris, who is now facing legal action because of it, released the testimony through social media one day before the drug lord was executed on the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on July 29. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has demanded relevant parties in his government act to anticipate forest fires as soon as possible, with the predicted peak of the dry season approaching. During a limited Cabinet meeting at the State Palace on Friday, Jokowi explained that the number of hot spots had decreased by 74 percent from the same period last year. Nevertheless, there remain 217 hot spots that need serious attention, Jokowi added. "I want measures in the prevention of forest fires to be more integrated and effective. It would be great if the measures could be enacted soon," Jokowi said, adding that currently the hot spots were spread across Riau, North Sumatra and South Sumatra. "The critical point is in August, September and October. I have asked the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the Environment and Forestry Ministry, the National Police chief and the Indonesian Military commander to resolve this as early as possible before the hot spots spread more widely," he noted. The President also stressed the importance of educating landowners and the community on forest fires, citing the example of provinces that had already involved the local community in joint forest-fire patrols. "I think [such patrols] are very good. Also, in the last few weeks I have seen ground action and water bombing," Jokowi said, adding that weather modification technology could also be used to forestall fires. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 A brief video showing a father and his son engaging in an arm-wrestling duel went viral on YouTube a month ago. Such videos featuring the warm relations of a father and son are common. But this arm-wrestling video was unusual because the main actors were President Joko Jokowi Widodo and his second son Kaesang Pangarep. The video was posted by Kaesang, who like any other person of his young generation is growing up with social media. The short video attracted about 1.9 million viewers and many comments, if not jokes, like [...] and tomorrow the President will go to the gym and Jokowi is a President, but he still has good ties with his son. Whether Jokowi is a populist president is up for debate, but there is no doubt the man is the most likeable president on social media with the President and his social-media savvy son becoming a recent internet sensation with their antics on YouTube. Kaesang and his jokes have several times gained popularity on social media, including when he posted on Instagram a picture of himself lying on the floor near his mother, First Lady Iriana, who is sitting in a chair. Trying to crack a joke, Kaesang tagged the picture with a comment that he had been about to give Iriana a hug but he was too tired. Kaesang also often plays it cool when it comes to harsh criticisms launched at him on social media. Early this month, in a move some might see as his effort to keep up with Kaesangs sense of humor, Jokowi posted on Twitter a picture showing him trying to paint what others commonly perceived as art, but failing. The President called it an abstract painting. The attempt, which he made on the sidelines of an opening ceremony of an exhibition of historical paintings kept in several state palaces, attracted various comments on social media, with some applauding Jokowi for having a good sense of humor. As president, Jokowi has used Twitter for more than a year and now he has about 5.57 million followers on his account @jokowi, while his son has managed to attract 210,000 followers to @kaesangp since joining Twitter in 2010. In this country, a message delivered in a modest way could attract more people than complicated lines such as in a state address or some speeches during the New Order regime, said social media strategist Shafiq Pontoh. And he is a president who uses simple ways to reach the people, the ways ordinary people can relate to, so that his message can be delivered to them, Shafiq added. A recent study by Burson-Marsteller called Twiplomacy Study 2016 put Jokowi, who received an average of 1,224 retweets for every tweet he posted on his account, in the ninth rank in the category of 50 most influential world leaders. The official @POTUS account topped the list with an average of 12,350 retweets, followed by Pope Francis @Pontifex with 9,905 retweets. Jokowi was in 11th place with 5 million followers, while US President Barack Obamas Twitter account @BarackObama remains an uncontested leader of the digital world with 75 million followers, followed by Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 21 million followers. Yet, Jokowi was not in the list of 50 most connected world leaders, unlike the other leaders that top the two other categories. The President follows only 59 accounts, mostly Cabinet members and official ministry accounts, but, ironically, none of his family members not even Kaesang although the latter, as one of Jokowis followers, has several times mentioned his father. Having posted 424 messages, Jokowi, however, was not among the 10 most conversational world leaders in the Twiplomacy study. Although Twitter allows citizen to have direct access to their leaders, Jokowi has almost never replied to his followers posts. Just on Tuesday, Jokowi invited 13 famous YouTube account holders and bloggers, like Fathia Izzati and Arief Muhammad, to the State Palace. Jokowi allowed them to record short videos that have him commenting on simple but inspirational issues, like who the President considered his role model. Jokowi told them that, for him, role models could be common people like sellers in the market and fishermen who worked hard. However, the meeting was held behind closed doors and under the traditional medias radar. About eight months after he took office, Jokowi used his 54th birthday on June 21, 2015, to mark his return to Twitter, which he used as a campaign tool during the 2014 presidential election, under the account @jokowi_do2. TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua Fri, August 12 2016 Indonesia is vowing to uphold its citizens constitutional rights while also committing to nurture lawful behavior within the country. On Thursday, President Joko Jokowi Widodo opened the third congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) in Nusa Dua, Bali, and emphasized the need for every country to provide legal guarantees of their citizens constitutional rights. This is an important agenda for Indonesia and the world because every country has the responsibility to uphold and guarantee their citizens constitutional rights. Indonesia will continue to work hard so that we can improve on this and make it a reality, he said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 It is only a matter of time before the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) announces Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama as its gubernatorial candidate because the party has been unable to find other qualified candidates who are ready to be nominated, a political analyst says. Sabastian Salang of the Indonesian Legislative Watch said on Friday that the PDI-P may nominate Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, but it would be a big risk because she could lose in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election. PDI-P qualifications are high. It actually has some excellent people in its ranks, but they are currently heads of regions. Does the PDI-P want to nominate a member who probably couldnt beat Ahok? The member, on the other hand, would lose their position if they lost, Sabastian said. He added that the PDI-P would want to convince Ahok to accept PDI-P member Djarot Saiful Hidayat as his running mate. If Ahok accepts PDI-Ps deputy gubernatorial candidate, the party will support Ahok," Sabastian told journalists. The PDI-P, which has 28 seats on the City Council, is the only party that has a Jakarta gubernatorial ticket. Other parties do not meet the electoral threshold of 22 seats to nominate a candidate and would therefore have to form coalitions. (vny/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 Andro Supriyanto, 21, a street performer, recalled the night he spent with his friend in the custody of the Jakarta Police. He was beaten, kicked, stripped naked and subjected to electric shocks as the polices interrogators forced him to confess to a murder he did not commit. A damaged left shoulder and protruding breastbones serve as a reminder of the night he will never forget. Our eyes were covered with duct tape so we could barely tell what was in store for us, Andro said as he jumped out of a Metro Mini with a guitar in his left hand and a handful of coins in his right, in Cipulir, South Jakarta. We were beaten like animals by a lot of cops. Andros story began on June 30, 2013 when he and five street-performer friends, one adult and four children, were sitting under a bridge in Cipulir and spotted a man lying on the ground waving his hand at them, signaling for help. The man, despite being in critical condition with several stab wounds on his neck and head, refused help from the street performers, who offered to carry him to the nearest police station or hospital. They gave him water and sensed that he did not have much time left. Shortly after, like flies swarming around rotten food, a crowd of police officers arrived at the scene and asked if someone could go to police station to testify. The street performers raised their hands, saying they were ready to be witnesses. It was the worst decision they ever made as the police soon afterward declared them suspects in the case. An officer at the Jakarta Police then hit Andro on the head and told him to confess to the murder. Of course we denied the accusation, but it only made the cops angrier and continue to beat and kick us, he said. Under duress, the street performers confessed to the murder. Andro said the officers looked satisfied with their confession, which is an important piece of evidence in the nations judicial system. On Oct. 1, 2013, the South Jakarta District Court declared the teenagers identified only as FP, BF, F and APS guilty in the murder, and handed down three-to-four-year prison sentences, while Andro and another adult defendant, Nurdin Priyanto, got seven years imprisonment in a separate trial. In an unexpected turn of events, a former legal aid lawyer that led Andros defense team, Johannes Gea, presented a man who confessed to the police that he and two others killed the victim to steal his motorcycle. But the police refused to follow up on the confession, saying that the case was closed and asked the man to go home. The street performers appealed their conviction and were exonerated by the Jakarta High Court and Supreme Court. They later sued the police at the South Jakarta District Court, which ruled in their favor on Tuesday and ordered the police and the Finance Ministry to pay Andro and Nurdin Rp 36 million (US$2,756) in compensation each for their wrongful arrests. Wrongful arrest is pervasive in Jakarta, Arif Maulana from The Jakarta Legal Aid (LBH Jakarta) said. With the police and prosecutors still lacking professionalism, there are many other cases like Andro and Dedi out there, Arif said. Torture has long been a habit among police officers, who do not seem to recognize suspects right to a lawyer, he said, adding that wrongful arrest cases continued to land on LBH Jakartas desk. Arif said Andro and Nurdins successful claim for material compensation was a landmark court decision, as similar attempts in the past had been rejected by the courts. The police said they would conduct an evaluation to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) rejects responsibility for what happened to the street performers, as they relied on the polices investigation. Andro and Nurdin said the Rp 36 million would not make up for the torture, nightmares and 11 months they spent behind bars. They said they would continue performing on the streets, from one Metro Mini to another, but vowed to never return to the scene where they found the dying man. I dont want to find a random corpse and get arrested again, street performers like us are easy targets for cops, after all, he said. ____________________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura Fri, August 12, 2016 Having been accused of frequent abuses of human rights in Papua, the Indonesian government took a couple of senior Australian officials on a tour of the easternmost region on Thursday to see the peaceful state of the region. Australias Attorney General George Brandis and Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson joined Indonesias Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto and Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan on a trip to observe the construction of the Skouw-Wutung border post on the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) and other developments. The entourage left together from Nusa Dua, Bali, where they participated in a counterterrorism seminar. Wiranto said he had invited the high-ranking Australian officials to Papua to see conditions in Papua firsthand, to counter what he called misleading information about the regions security situation. They will personally see the condition of the region and people of Papua. A lot of information from outside does not match reality. They can also see firsthand that Indonesia is serious about paying special attention to Papua, he added. Indonesia has been accused of neglecting development and security in the resource-rich region, leaving it mired in conflict and human rights abuses. A separatist group, the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has a degree of popular support and is occasionally involved in armed exchanges with members of the security forces. Protests demanding freedom for the region have also occurred in other parts of the country. The latest was a demonstration in Yogyakarta by students who staged a rally to show support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papuas (ULMWP) bid for membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) last month. The police detained seven students and raided the Papuan students dormitory. There has also been a number of human rights violations recorded in the region over the decades. Human Rights Watch (HRW) recorded that among the cases is the Biak massacre in 1998 during which civilians were tortured and killed in West Papua. The Indonesian government has previously said it is examining 22 human rights violations in Papua, of which it hopes to complete three by the end of this year. Thursdays trip also saw the officials visiting local administration offices and meeting local bureaucrats and community leaders. Brandis said it was the first time he had visited Papua. I see pride in the people in their country Indonesia. The government is also focusing on infrastructure development in Papua, especially at the Indonesian-Papua New Guinean border, he said. While talking to Papuan residents, Wiranto called on the people of Papua and local administrations to create a peaceful situation in the province because no development would ever bear fruit if people lived in conflict. President [Joko Jokowi Widodo] really wants to build Papua in order for it to catch up with other regions. The President wishes to have heart-to-heart dialogue, listen to complaints and seek solutions, so with these good intentions it is expected that the Papuan people will build peace in Papua. How can we progress if there is no peace and live in constant conflict and disharmony with each other? said Wiranto, who, as a former military commander, has also been accused of human rights abuses during the conflict leading to the independence of Timor Leste. Jayapuras Cenderawasih University Students Executive Body chairman Goni Gobay said development, sought by the Indonesian government in Papua, would not be achieved if it failed to resolve the many cases of human rights violations. How can we accept development while there are still wounds that have not healed? Papuans will not open their hearts to development if cases of human rights violations have not been resolved, he said. Goni agreed that peace was important in building Papua, so the government should also invite the brothers in the forests and strive to build Papua together. Papuan religious leader Rev. Herman Saud acknowledged that the central government was open to Papua and had carried out many progressive development projects in Papua. President Jokowi has paid very close attention to advancing Papua. This is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of by local authorities to carry out large-scale development to boost the prosperity of the people, he said. __________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Pekanbaru Fri, August 12, 2016 The Riau Police say they are committed to enforcing the laws against land burners and since the beginning of January have arrested 79 suspects. The suspects have been handled in 10 police precincts, Adj. Sr. Comr. Hariwiyawan of the Riau Polices general crime investigation directorate told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. He said land burned by the suspects totaled 380,485 hectares. Most of the suspects were arrested red-handed clearing land using slash and burn methods. It was suspected they intentionally burned the land to open new plantations, said Hariwiyawan. Land and forest fires have continued to expand and Riau still has the highest number of hot spots in Sumatra. Local administrations reportedly have been overwhelmed by the rapidly growing hot spots. On Thursday, 54 hot spots reportedly sprang up in Sumatra. Riau became the biggest contributor with 29. Nine hot spots were identified in South Sumatra, followed by North Sumatra [with eight], West Sumatra [five], Jambi [two] and the Riau Islands with one hot spot, said Sugarin, the head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Pekanbaru. In Riau, hot spots have spread in eight out of 12 regencies and cities in the province. Pelalawan recorded eight hot spots, followed by Dumai and Bengkalis, which identified five hot spots each. Kampar detected four hot spots while Siak saw three hot spots. Meanwhile, Meranti Islands reported two hot spots, followed by Rokan Hulu and Indragiri Hulu, which recorded one hot spot each. Of the total, 13 hot spots are indicated as fire spots with a trust level of more than 70 percent, said Sugarin. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jim Suhr & Maria Sudekum (Associated Press) Kansas City, Kansas Fri, August 12, 2016 The 10-year-old boy killed during a ride on the world's tallest waterslide was decapitated in the accident, a person familiar with the investigation said. Authorities have yet to explain how it happened. The person was not authorized to speak publicly about Caleb Schwab's death and spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity. Caleb died Sunday on the Verruckt raft ride at the Schlitterbahn WaterPark in Kansas City, Kansas. Two women who are not family members were also in the raft at the time and were treated for facial injuries. Caleb's parents Republican state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife, Michele have not spoken publicly since the death. His funeral is scheduled for Friday. Verruckt which in German means "insane" features multi-person rafts that make a 168-foot drop at speeds of up to 70 mph, followed by a surge up a hump and a 50-foot descent to a finishing pool. Since the accident, investigators have removed netting that was held in place by supports above the 50-foot section from the hump to the finishing pool. Riders, who must be at least 54 inches tall, are harnessed with two nylon seatbelt-like straps one that crosses the rider's lap, the other stretching diagonally like a car shoulder seatbelt. Each strap is held in place by long straps that close with fabric fasteners, not buckles. Riders hold ropes inside the raft. The park reopened Wednesday, except for a large section that includes the waterslide. Although its towering profile greets visitors as they drive through the entrance, access to Verruckt is blocked by a 7-foot-high wooden fence. On a hot, midweek day, business at the park was steady although there were no lines for other rides. Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio told The Associated Press outside the park's entrance Wednesday that the company was not discussing Sunday's tragedy out of respect for the family. She said she could not offer immediate perspective about how Wednesday's turnout compared with typical attendance. "We didn't know if we'd get five people, 15 people. But this is affirming," she said. Pulling a cooler behind her, 42-year-old Sara Craig said she was a bit uneasy bringing her 14-year-old son, Cale, and one of his 13-year-old friends to the park Wednesday. "I feel guilty having fun when a family is hurting so badly," she said. She said the family rode Verruckt twice in one day a couple of weeks ago. She remembered a short video they were required to watch, though she didn't recall that it included any caveats about peril. Craig said that during her first trip down the ride with her son and one of his friends, her shoulder restraint came off, something she opted not to report to park workers. "I didn't think much about it," she said. "You don't think you're gonna die." So they rode it again, only to see the restraint on her son's friend also come loose by the time it was over. She said the ride's operators sent them down the slide even though their combined weight was 393 pounds shy of the 400 weight minimum the park advertises as a requirement. Craig described the ride as "very, very rough," so much so that "when I got off, my head hurt." The water park passed a private inspection in June that included Verruckt, according to a document released by a Kansas state agency. The Kansas Department of Labor on Wednesday provided to The Associated Press a copy of an insurance company inspector's June 7 letter saying inspections had been completed. The letter said all rides met guidelines for being insured with "no disqualifying conditions noted." But it added: "this survey reflects the conditions observed or found at the time of the inspection only, and does not certify safety or integrity of the rides and attractions, physical operations or management practices at any time in the future." The inspector declined to comment on the incident at Schlitterbahn. Kansas law requires rides to be inspected annually by the parks, and the state randomly audits the records. The last records audit for Schlitterbahn was June 2012. Ken Martin, a Richmond, Virginia-based amusement park safety consultant, questioned whether the straps were appropriate, suggesting that a more solid restraint system that fits over the body similar to those used in roller coasters may have been better. In early tests, rafts carrying sandbags flew off the slide, prompting engineers to tear down half the ride and reconfigure some angles. A promotional video about building the slide includes footage of two men riding a raft down a half-size test model and going slightly airborne as it crests the top of the first big hill. Jon Rust, a professor of textile engineering at North Carolina State University, said the material used on the straps, commonly called hook and loop, isn't designed to keep a person in the seat. It also can degrade with use. Associated Press writers Bill Draper and Margaret Stafford in Kansas City, Missouri and John Hanna in Topeka contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar, South Sulawesi Fri, August 12, 2016 MAS, 15, a second grader at state vocational school SMKN 2 Makassar in South Sulawesi, and his father Adnan Achmad, 43, have been named suspects after reportedly beating up Dasrul, 52, a teacher at the school. The police detained them at the Tamalate Makassar Police station on Thursday. Tamalate Makassar Police chief Comr.Azis Yunus said the two suspects were being charged with violating Article 170 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on attacking or beating up other people. The son and father could face seven years in prison. Although MAS is also charged with violating Article 170 of the KUHP, we are still investigating his case because he is still categorized a minor, said Azis. Meanwhile, Dasrul is still undergoing medical treatment at Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar. MAS and his father, Adnan, reportedly attacked Dasrul on Wednesday after the latter scolded the student for failing to bring his drawing kit to class. Dasrul then slapped MAS in the face. On Thursday, hundreds of SMKN 2 students and teachers staged a rally in front of the Tamalate Makassar Police station and the South Sulawesi Legislative Council (DPRD) to show their support for Dasrul. They called on authorities to punish MAS and his father. They also pushed SMKN 2 management to expel MAS from the school. Wasir Thalib, the chairman of the South Sulawesi chapter of the Teachers Association, condemned the incident. Were really disappointed to see the attack against Pak Dasrul, who is a teacher. We want this case can be investigated thoroughly, he said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 A joint team of 18 members, comprising police investigators and public representatives, are working to look for evidence in their investigation into the testimony of executed drug convict Freddy Budiman regarding the alleged involvement of top-ranking security officials in his drug business. We will go to Nusakambangan [prison island] next Tuesday and interview a number of people, including clerics and prison officials, to reveal the truth of his statement, Effendi Ghazali, a political communications expert who is also a member of the joint team, told The Jakarta Post on Friday. He further said that it was expected that through the interviews, the team could get confirmation about the meeting between Freddy and Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator Haris Azhar in 2014. In his testimony to Haris, Freddy claimed that high-ranking officials within the National Police, Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Narcotics Agency (BNN) were involved in his drug business. Haris published the testimony on social media one day before the drug lord was executed on July 29. The three state institutions reported Haris to the polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) for defamation on Aug.3; however, on Wednesday, the police announced they had decided to temporarily suspend their investigation into Haris defamation case and would instead let the independent team investigate Freddys testimony. Effendi said all members of society could participate in the teams investigation by giving information related to the testimony via hotline number 08818811986, which connects directly connected to the teams secretary, Sr. Comr. Baharudin Djafar. (wnd/ebf) Uber protest Costa Rica Latin America Thousands of tax drivers took to the streets around Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, on Tuesday to protest the continued operation of Uber in the country, where the ride-hailing app is working without government authorization, according to AFP. Taxi drivers' efforts to block and obstruct vehicles on highways and major roadways snarled traffic and led to clashes with police. By noon, 78 taxi drivers had been arrested and 33 cars were seized, according to Public Security Minister Gustavo Mata. Anti-riot police stepped in to prevent protesting drivers from blocking access to the country's main airport, which is northwest of the capital city. Many of the arrests took place east of the capital, where one confrontation led to the arrest of four drivers and left a police officer bloodied, according to TV reports. Juan Jose Andrade, the country's national police director, said that tax drivers who resisted arrest in a neighborhood east of the city caused injuries to three police officers, one of whom went to a hospital after losing three teeth. On other roads around the city, taxi drivers attempted to slow or disrupt traffic. In some places, drivers employed a tactic called "tortuguismo," meaning a slowdown, in which hundreds of taxis drove at very slow speeds, while in other areas protesters left just one driving lane open, causing severe congestion. Andrade, the national police director, said in the tweet below that officers found nails strewn across the road in one place, "affecting civilian, emergency, and police vehicles." The initial hours of the demonstration would likely cost some $145,000 for resources and damages to police vehicles, Andrade said. Ubicamos gran cantidad de clavos en Coris de Cartago, para afectar a vehiculos de civiles, emergencia y policiales pic.twitter.com/UVjbemW5Zv Juan Jose Andrade M (@j_j_andrade) August 9, 2016 Members of the taxi drivers' guild were protesting to demand the government stop Uber's operations in the country. The taxi guild said Uber presents unfair competition, as it doesn't pay insurance and taxes that are required of taxi drivers and offers low rates without any regulation from the state. Story continues According to the guild, 40,000 families rely on the taxi industry and have seen their incomes affected. One taxi driver taking part in the protest said drivers have seen their income fall 50%. Uber said on Tuesday that all rides would cost "un rojo," a commonly used term meaning 1,000 Costa Rican colones, or a little less than $2. "Because we believe in the healthy coexistence with different forms of transport, because we are committed to ensuring the free movement of citizens and, above all, because Uber is all good with the rojos, today all rides will cost one rojo!" the ride-hailing service posted on its website. Uber protests Costa Rica Latin America "Uber is all about keeping cities on the move, connecting people to safe, reliable and affordable transportation at the tap of a button," Uber told Business Insider in an emailed statement. "That is why yesterday, during a protest that was making mobility difficult for San Jose, we offered rides with a significant discount in order help citizens arrive to their destinations." Around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Gilberth Urena, the leader of the National Taxi Drivers Forum, said the protest ended after taxi drivers reached an agreement with Roberto Jimenez, the head of the country's Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep), according to The Tico Times. Urena said the drivers would meet with Jimenez on August 16 to hear the government's response to the taxi drivers' petition to block the app's services in the country. A little before noon on Tuesday, Ruben Vargas, a leader of the protesting taxi drivers, also announced the meeting with Aresep but cautioned that should the meeting not result in a solution, "the government must abide by the consequences." "We have explained that the taxi driver is hungry," Vargas said. "And a hungry taxi driver is dangerous." Uber Costa Rica protest Latin America Vargas also asked that if the government legalizes Uber's operations in Costa Rica, each taxi driver be paid an indemnization of 70 million colones, or little under $130,000. Amid the protests, Jose Maria Figueres, a former president and precandidate for presidential elections in 2018, said he did not support the strike but offered a compromise that would allow Uber to continue operating in Costa Rica but require it to submit to many of the same taxes and regulations as taxi drivers. Growing pains Costa Rica is the latest Latin American country where Uber has encountered pushback from regulators or from drivers. Earlier this year, an anti-Uber protest in Guadalajara, Mexico, devolved into a riot. In Argentina, a court ordered authorities to shut down the service's activity in Buenos Aires just a day after it started operating. And in Colombia, where some authorities have deemed Uber "an illegal transportation service," the government has levied fines against the company and seized cars, though Uber told Business Insider that there "is no administrative or legal act that has declared our operation illegal, nor are there any rules in [Colombia] that prohibit or punish citizens who share their private vehicles." Uber protest in Mexico City Despite this hostile response to Uber's expansion in Latin America, the ride-hailing app saw the number journeys ordered through the service triple in the region during the first four months of this year, which made it the company's fastest-growing region. Were still only at the tip of the iceberg, Rodrigo Arevalo, Uber's general manager for Latin America, told Bloomberg in May. Theres still lots to do in terms of access, so that we become available to the whole population and become part of the solution to road congestion. NOW WATCH: Uber China is merging with an Apple-backed competitor More From Business Insider Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 The US-Indonesia Council on Religion and Pluralism will tackle intolerant movements within Indonesia, the councils co-chair has said. Yenny Wahid said it was hoped the council could develop new initiatives to boost relations between the two countries and help create a culture of tolerance. "We will involve members of intolerant groups in all activities initiated by this council," said Yenny in Yogyakarta on Thursday. The executive director of the Wahid Foundation was speaking during the council's two-day conference, which ended on Thursday. Yenny and Jihad Turk from the US were appointed as co-chairs of the council. Turk said the US and Indonesia were similar because they both acknowledged pluralism and tolerance. The difference is that in Indonesia, Muslims constitute a majority and Protestant Christians are a minority. By contrast, in the US, Muslims are a minority while Protestant Christians represent a majority, he went on to say. "We can share our experiences in enhancing pluralism," said Turk, who is also president of the Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate School. He further said the tolerant form of Islam in Indonesia, which was different from the Islam in the Middle East, needed to be known by people across the globe. "The tolerant form of Islam in Indonesia should be adopted as a good model for the rest of the world," said Turk. Muhamad Ali, a lecturer in religious studies at the University of California Riverside, said Indonesian people ought to know that religion flourished in the US, even though the country has a secular constitution. There are 7 million Muslims in the US, or around 2 percent of the countrys total population. "Islam has grown rapidly in the US," he said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 The US-Indonesia Society (USINDO) has formed a council that will continue to offer advice on tolerance and pluralism to the governments of the two countries, even after President Barack Obama and Joko Jokowi Widodo have both left office. "We intend this council to be sustained for a long time," USINDO president David Merrill told journalists after the closing ceremony of a two-day conference in Yogyakarta on Thursday. The conference was the councils first after it was established by Jokowi and President Obama in October 2015. During Jokowis visit to the US that year, both presidents agreed that there should be a council established to expand US-Indonesia relations into a strategic partnership. "This civil society council is independent and has no government official," Merrill said. He further said the two presidents were the initiators of the establishment of the council. They believed that in order to expand their relations into a strategic partnership, Indonesia and the US needed civil society support outside of government alone. The conference yielded three agreements. Both countries agreed to increase religious understanding, mutual respect and collaboration, to identify and foster positive civic and religious models that promote analytical thinking and respect and to empower civil society groups to deter violent extremism. The conference also appointed Yenny Wahid from Indonesia and Jihad Turk from the US as co-chairs of the council. Twelve members of a senior advisory board, six from Indonesia and six from the US, were also selected in the meeting. The council set up an executive board of 20 people, comprising 10 experts from the US and 10 from Indonesia, including Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Endy Bayuni. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, August 12 2016 Concrete maker Waskita Precast, the subsidiary of state-run major builder Waskita Karya, aims to raise up to Rp 5.27 trillion (US$400.5 million) from an initial public offering (IPO) to increase production capacity and working capital. Waskita Precast will offer 10.54 billion shares, representing 40 percent of its enlarged capital, at between Rp 400 and Rp 500. Total funds raised from the IPO will reach between Rp 4.2 trillion and Rp 5.27 trillion, the biggest since February 2011, when national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia pocketed Rp 4.75 trillion in an IPO. The share prices are determined based on the firms 2017 projected price-to-earning (PE) ratio, which is used to calculate companies share value. Waskita Precasts 2017 forecast PE ratio stands at 15 to 18.5 times, much less expensive than peer Wijaya Karya Betons 50 times current PE ratio. State-owned securities firms Bahana Securities, Danareksa Sekuritas and Mandiri Sekuritas, which have been appointed to underwrite the share offering, will target foreign investors in a road show from Aug. 18 to 25 to promote Waskita Precasts shares. The public offering is scheduled for Sep. 9 to 14. The road show will be done in Singapore first, then Hong Kong and finally Malaysia, Waskita Precast president director Jarot Subana told reporters after a due diligence meeting with potential investors in Jakarta on Wednesday. Waskita Betons IPO is launched amid bullish local market sentiment toward infrastructure-related stocks, which have gained 21 percent so far this year in line with the broader market, as President Joko Jokowi Widodos lays out ambitious goals to give boost to the sector. Proceeds from the IPO will be 54 percent used for day-to-day working capital and the remaining 46 percent for capital expenditure (capex). Waskita Precast allocates Rp 1.1 trillion total capex this year to build concrete plants in Palembang and Klaten, Central Java, with combined capacity of producing 350,000 tons per year. The two plants scheduled to complete this semester will bring total production capacity of the firm to 2.65 million tons per year. The existing eight plants are mostly located in West Java, Central Java and East Java and South Sumatra. As of July, Waskita Precast has pocketed new contracts worth Rp 6.6 trillion out of the full-year target of Rp 8 trillion. One of its biggest projects this year include light rapid transit (LRT) in Palembang, South Sumatra, scheduled for completion in 2018 to welcome the Asian Games. For 2017, the company will be working on the trans-Java and trans-Sumatra highways. Waskita Precast supplies concrete to projects executed by parent company Waskita Karya, which saw new contracts soar almost five times to Rp 45.6 trillion as of June from the same period a year ago. Toll roads and other state projects dominate the portfolio. Most state construction firms saw double-digit growth last semester thanks to the governments infrastructure push. President Jokowis administration aims to build 8,200 kilometers in new roads, 3,258 km new railroads, 172 new seaports, 15 new airports, 35,000 megawatt-worth of new power plants, 90,000 new household gas networks and 28 dams by 2019. As of April, Waskita Precast has booked Rp 1.04 trillion in revenue and Rp 150.9 billion in profit. It targets to reap Rp 4.9 trillion revenue and Rp 620 billion net profit this year, respectively almost doubling the Rp 2.6 trillion and Rp 334 billion booked last year. ----------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arlina Arshad (The Straits Times/ANN) Jakarta Fri, August 12, 2016 The Batam terror cell whose leader was plotting to fire a rocket into Singapore's Marina Bay avoided suspicion by training openly with replica guns in a field near a housing estate. Its five members, including leader Gigih Rahmat Dewa, 31, would gather in a field in Nongsa district to practise handling weapons, Batam district police chief Helmy Santika told The Straits Times by phone Thursday. The little-known cell is called Katibah GR, or "Cell GR". "Unlike other terror groups which train in the forests, they exercised and practised handling airsoft guns [a type of replica gun] in a field near a housing estate," he said. "In that way, people were not suspicious of them." The new details emerged after police confirmed that the five suspects had been flown to Jakarta on Tuesday, four days after their arrest, for further investigations. Commissioner Helmy said all evidence, such as weapons seized in raids, had also been sent to Jakarta. "They [the five men] were tightly guarded by police in Riau as well as from Densus 88, all of them fully armed," he said, referring to the country's elite counter- terrorism police unit. Separately, national police spokesman Agus Rianto told The Straits Times that the men will be questioned by Densus 88 investigators for involvement in terror. Police are continuing to track down other members of Gigih's cell on the island as well as in other parts of Indonesia, he added. The five Batam men, aged 20 to 46, are accused of sheltering two suspected Uighur militants. Gigih also allegedly received and channeled funds for radical activities and aided Indonesians to go to Syria to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terrorist group. Helmy also revealed Thursday that one of the Uighurs, identified only as Doni, had entered Batam from Singapore by sea around last March or April. He was deported to China after his arrest. "We are not sure how he got to Singapore, whether he had used a fake passport or through illegal means," he said. He also said Batam police have met the Singapore authorities to work out "more intensive cooperation and exchange of information". "We want to make sure people here feel secure, not only Batam residents, but also the many Singaporeans here," he said. Police have so far seized bomb- making materials and weapons from the homes of the suspects. These included a bow-and-arrow set, two airsoft guns, one of which had been modified to resemble an AK-47 assault rifle, and an air rifle. Police said previously that the cell members had received online training via Facebook chats from Syria-based Indonesian militant Bahrun Naim to "assemble firearms, make explosives and build that rocket". They also said the men had received training in handling firearms and set up a command structure, with Gigih appointed the group's "amir", or commander Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yuji Vincent Gonzales (Associated Press) Fri, August 12, 2016 Days before the commemoration of the end of the Second World War in Asia, an advocacy group of Filipino comfort women on Friday condemned Japans rising militarism and supposed attempts to silence victims of sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers. Japan is again making its presence felt in matters of security in the Asia Pacific. Its government is again taking the militarist path after convincing the Japanese people and its victim-nations to erase in their collective memory Japans World War 2 atrocities like wartime sexual slavery through the comfort women system, said Rechilda Extremadura, executive director of Lila Pilipina, in a statement. Lila Pilipina has about 70 alive elderly members from the original 174. About 1,000 Filipino women were forced into sexual slavery in Japanese-run comfort stations throughout the country, where they were abused by the Japanese military. The groups remarks came on the last day of Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishidas visit to the country, who met with President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. over the Philippines victory against China in the arbitral tribunal. Extremadura expressed alarm that talks between the Duterte administration and the Japanese government may lead to a Japanese version of the Visiting Forces Agreement, in the guise of helping with the security of the West Philippine Sea. She also slammed Japans allocation of 1 billion yen (US$9.7 million) for comfort womens fund in South Korea, saying it was done to give up their fight and in exchange of their silence, as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abes calls to revise the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. Extremadura urged the Korean government to pursue justice and historical recognition for comfort women amid alleged attempts by US and Japan to silence them for the sake of strengthening regional unity in the face of Chinas threat. They must not compromise justice in exchange for compensation. The comfort womens dignity, destroyed by the Japanese in World War 2 cannot be bought by 1 billion yen. It can only be rebuilt by justice, she added. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Hong Kong Fri, August 12, 2016 Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos said Friday that China has welcomed him to visit Beijing for discussions in the wake of last month's international arbitration panel's ruling in favor of the Philippines over China's South China Sea maritime claims. Ramos said in a statement that he met in Hong Kong with the Chinese legislature's foreign affairs chief Fu Ying and a leading government-backed scholar on the dispute, and agreed on the need to reduce tensions through talks. Ramos "expressed the Philippine government's desire to hold formal discussions with the Chinese government on issues of mutual concern and interest at the appropriate time to explore pathways to peace and cooperation," the statement said. However, Ramos told reporters at a brief news conference that the ruling had not been directly discussed and gave no indication of when the Beijing talks might be held and suggested another negotiator might take his place. The July 12 ruling by the panel in the Hague, Netherlands, ruled China's maritime claims had no basis in international law. Ramos said there would be ample opportunities for talks between the two governments at a series of upcoming international gatherings. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adrian Lim (The Straits Times/ANN) Fri, August 12, 2016 An unexploded aerial bomb found on a barge carrying a consignment of sand from Vietnam is likely to be disposed of by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in the week ahead, sources said Thursday. The war relic, estimated to be 2-meter long, was discovered on July 18 on the KNB 1, a Singapore vessel involved in land-reclamation work for a new port terminal in Tuas. Over the last three weeks, sand around the bomb - which got stuck on the barge's conveyor belt - had to be carefully removed so that experts could access the bomb. Those involved had earlier suggested hiring a private contractor, as the bomb was found to be safe to be moved on Monday. However, further checks by The Straits Times found that, given the size of the bomb and its classification as "sensitive ordnance", the task of removing it fell to the SAF's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) Defence Group. Sources said the CBRE team is now waiting for ideal tidal conditions at Pulau Senang, which is an offshore island used by the SAF for live-firing exercises and the disposal of unexploded ordnance. The bomb will be taken to the island and detonated. The KNB 1 barge is currently anchored off Pulau Sudong, at the Sudong Explosive Anchorage, a designated site for the loading or discharging of dangerous goods. It was moved from the Tuas reclamation site after SAF experts decided that it was safe to do so. The sand was loaded onto the KNB 1 from another vessel in the area and was to be unloaded onto the reclamation site when the crew discovered the bomb. An industry expert, who did not want to be named, said there are generally two ways of detonating an unexploded bomb. One is a "low order" controlled blast, where the shell of the bomb is cut open and the explosives are burnt. The other way is a "high order" method, where explosives are attached to the bomb to blow it up. The expert said he did not believe that the bomb had been launched from an airplane before. If it had, it would be it armed and highly explosive. He said: "The bomb was transported all the way from Vietnam to Singapore, and likely never used. It was probably kept in storage and disposed of into the sea, where it was later dredged up, along with the sand." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Bangkok Fri, August 12, 2016 Thai police have confirmed that two more bombs have gone off in another city, killing one person, in the latest in a string of blasts to hit the country, including two in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin that killed one and wounded nearly 20 more people half of them foreigners. It was not clear who was behind the attacks. But the timing suggested it could have been carried out by opponents of the nation's ruling junta, whose leadership last weekend organized a successful referendum on new constitution that critics say will bolster the military's power for years to come. Police Gen. Apichart Boonsriroj said the bombs exploded in front of two police stations half an hour apart in Surat Thani in southern Thailand. Four people were also wounded in the Friday morning blasts that came as police were searching for clues to who set off the two small bombs in Hua Hin. The Hua Hin bombs were set off late Thursday by remote control, half an hour apart, according to Pol. Gen. Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, the superintendent of police in Hua Hin, and his deputy, Lt. Gen. Samer Yousamran. Sithichai said both devices were hidden inside plants on a busy street filled with restaurants, bars and food vendors that is popular with tourists and local residents. Sithichai said one Samsung cell phone had been recovered that they believe was used to detonate at least one the bombs. The fatality was described in Thai media as a female street food vendor. Several of the injured were in serious condition, the reports said. Pol. Lt Chaiyot Tisawong, an officer in Hua Hin, said 10 of the injured were foreigners. Their nationalities were not immediately known. The incident took place on the eve of the birthday of Queen Sirikit in a town where she and King Bhumibol Adulyadej maintain a summer palace. The ruling junta has declared that defending the monarchy is its priority, especially as there is concern about the process to succeed the ailing 88-year-old king, who is the world's longest reigning monarch. Another bombing took place earlier Thursday in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six, according to Thai press reports. It was unclear if it was related to the Hua Hin blasts. Trang is on the fringes of Thailand's deep south, where a low-level Muslim separatist insurgency had killed more than 5,000 people since 2004. Almost all the violence has been in the three southernmost provinces. Thailand has been plagued by political violence, including several bombings, since the populist billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a 2006 military coup after demonstrations accused him of corruption, abuse of power and insulting King Bhumibol. Thaksin's ouster set off sometimes bloody battles for power between his supporters and opponents, who include the military. The government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011, was ousted in the country's last coup in 2014. On Sunday, Thai voters approved a referendum on a new constitution that is supposed to lead to an election next year. Critics say it is undemocratic and is fashioned to keep the military in control for at least five more years even if a free election is held. In a speech Wednesday night, junta chief and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday night took credit for bringing stability back to Thailand after an extended period of unrest. This Saturday, NYCs Department of Transportation launches its first Shared Streets community initiative in Lower Manhattan. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., cyclists, pedestrians and motorists will share the streets in the Seaport and Financial district (motorists are encouraged to drive 5 mph) and will have the opportunity to explore Lower Manhattans history, architecture and arts. Theres an outlined map of activities planned throughout the day and a Creative Insiders Guide to Lower Manhattan from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Among the activities are drill and period performances by The Fife & Drums of the Old Barracks, a NYC History Trivia Quiz Game, a pop-up drawing studio courtesy of Uni DRAW and self-guided activities by the Skyscraper museum, tandem bike riding, sailing and so much more. Special offers from local area museums and businesses are also available. For more info on Shared Streets and a full list of events that day, click here. Rivington House co-owner, Slate Property Group, is facing new scrutiny this week. Mayor de Blasio yesterday said his administration is taking another look at a big real estate deal in Brooklyn involving Slate. There are major unanswered questions about the firms role in the acquisition of the former Lower East Side nursing home after the city lifted deed restrictions on the property. In December of last year, Slate and BFC Partners were awarded a contract to redevelop the 500,000-square-foot Bedford-Union Armory, a city-owned property. Several groups in Crown Heights are now arguing that the deal should not go through, in light of Slates involvement in the Rivington House scandal. There was a protest at the Brooklyn development site yesterday. According to a recent report by the Department of Investigation (DOI): Prospective purchaser Slate sent an email to its staff (on May 14, 2015) saying do not discuss this dealthe seller (The Allure Group) is very concerned that the city and union will find out that [the seller] is in contract to sell at the price that we are buying it which will directly impact his ability to have the deed restriction removed. Once he has it removed we can do whatever we want. Mayor de Blasio was asked about Slates armory deal during a media event yesterday. Heres what he had to say: Were going to take a very hard look at that situation. That contract has not been finalized. And I think what they did was inappropriate. The DOI report makes it quite clear. And I think anyone who seeks to do business with the City of New York and misleads us needs to know that there will be consequences. So well take a hard look at that situation. So what do we know about the Slate Property Group? Heres a thumbnail sketch of the relatively new but prolific real estate development firm, including details of its track record on the Lower East Side. Martin Nussbaum and David Schwartz (pictured) founded the company in 2012. In an interview with the New York Times last year, Nussbaum said Slate is focused on building new projects in Brooklyn and in the repositioning of existing properties in Manhattan. Previously, Nussbaum and Schwartz founded Silverstone Properties. At the time of that December 2015 interview, Nussbaum said the firm had, 12 to 13 projects under development and repositioning at various stages. There are only a couple of Lower East Side properties listed on Slates website. One is 157-159 Suffolk St., which Silverstone purchased for $8 million in 2011. In a press release at the time, the firm said it would be renovating the building to create a high-end boutique residential rental property. As EV Grieve noted back then, the renovations were highly disruptive and some tenants took buyouts. The firm sold the building in 2012 for $18 million. Silverstone also tangled with elderly tenants earlier this year in a building at 211 Madison St. (According to Nussbaums Linkedin profile, hes still an owner at Silverstone, although reports suggest hes not actively involved in the firm). New York Communities for Change, an advocacy group, has published a report on Slates activities in Brooklyn. Heres part of their August 5 posting on the blog, The Real Gentrifiers: Little attention has been paid to the condo developer who, working with The Allure Group, is at the center of the (Rivington House) scandal: Slate Property Group. Slates attempts to withhold its intentions to build housing on the site has been reported, but its broader portfolio and additional deals with the City have been less thoroughly scrutinized despite the fact they often misled the public, used public benefits to drive gentrification across Brooklyn, and have partnered with Private Equity groups to harass tenants and maximize profits. The armory project has yet to go through the citys land use process. A spokesperson for the Economic Development Corp. told Crains: The Bedford Courts development team was selected through an open and competitive process because they offered the highest quality proposal, and the one that best met the needs and priorities outlined by community leaders EDC was not aware of any details of the Rivington sale prior to our selection. We look forward to bringing much needed affordable housing, community space, and good jobs to Crown Heights. According to DNA Info, Slates David Schwartz defended the armory project yesterday, saying it would create much-needed recreational facilities, affordable housing and affordable office space for the Crown Heights community. He added, These attacks are meritless and do not serve the interests of local residents. A stop work order remains in effect at Rivington House, preventing Slate and its partners (China Vanke and Adam America Real Estate) from beginning its condo conversion on the Lower East Side. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL August 10, 2016 Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Railroads, Part 1, including Kansas City Southern (KSU), Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC), Canadian National Railways Corp ( CNI) and Canadian Pacific (CP). Industry: Railroads, Part 1 Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/88167/railroad-industry-stock-outlook---aug-2016 Earnings Dull, New Regulations Concerning The railroad industry has not been seeing the best of times for a while. As had been expected, second-quarter earnings also failed to reinstate hopes of an improvement for most companies. Although most railroad companies like Kansas City Southern (KSU), Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC), Canadian National Railways Corp (CNI) and Canadian Pacific ( CP) beat their Zacks Consensus Estimates, a majority of the companies saw a decline in earnings from year-earlier levels. Overall, the top line was hurt by the economic slowdown which resulted in low coal demand and a decline in freight volumes across majority of transported goods. However, companies are still hopeful of an uptick in performance in the second half of 2016 as economic growth might pick up. Some companies have also planned new investments which is a major positive. While railroad companies are figuring ways to deal with declining volumes, new regulations have been proposed which might not favor the industry. Reciprocal Switching Proposal A recent proposal by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) of the U.S. has irked railroad companies and groups. Per this proposal, the STB plans to implement a new rule which will allow shipping companies, without access to other modes of transport, to switch their freight to competing rail lines. This reciprocal switching regulation is applicable only to captive shippers which are shipping companies with access to only one rail line. The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL), which represents such shipping companies, had proposed this change to the STB in Jul 2011. As expected, the railroad industry is opposing this proposed change vehemently. Thus, there are three different perspectives of the shipping companies, railroad operators and the STB that need to be considered to evaluate this proposal. Story continues Shippers believe that reciprocal switching will help them save millions as it will open up additional options, make operations easier and reduce freight movement costs. Shippers claim that due to existing regulations, rail freight rates have climbed up steadily over the years. Implementation of the reciprocal switching regulation is likely to intensify competition which in turn is expected to reduce prices. The shipping industry has been going through a rough phase owing to low demand for industrial and consumer goods. Thus it is comprehensible why shippers actively support the new proposal, which is sure to boost their earnings. Meanwhile, the STB is trying to ensure that it passes a fair judgment, keeping the welfare of both the parties in mind. In addition to making operations easier for shippers, the regulatory body intends to make certain that the law doesnt hurt railroads much. According to a Logistics Management article, if approved, shippers will be required to prove that the arrangement is practicable and in the public interest or necessary to provide competitive rail service. Whats Bothering the Railroads? Railroad companies and groups do not see any positive outcome from this proposal. As per the Association of American Railroads (AAR), forcing railroads to open their lines to competitors will be a major contradiction to the deregulation stance adopted years ago. Railroads expect revenue losses to run into billions of dollars and investments are also likely to take a beating. Moreover, it may also increase costs for railroads although the companies will be allowed to charge a switching fee. Companies fear that the regulations would lead to a decline in operational efficiency. In 2014, CSX Corporation (CSX) had stated that such a proposal would make it tough for companies to take decision related to allocation of resources like locomotives and train crews in addition to causing congestion of interchanges between railroads. Also, the company believes that this switch may affect the reliability and cost effectiveness of rail freight services. Railroad stocks, including the big players, are currently in no position to take on any revenue cut and declining revenues can hurt future investments. We believe that any move which threatens to hurt the top line and operational efficiency could counteractive actions from railroad companies. Moreover, it is to be noted that investments by railroad companies are essential for the maintenance and continued improvement of the countrys rail network. Proposal to Increase Crew Size Besides reciprocal switching, the railroad industry has received another new proposal by the Freight Railroad Administration (FRA) requires at least two crew members for freight railroads instead of one in order to ensure railroad safety. The FRA, however, has no data to prove that the number of crew members is directly related to safety. Railroad companies are clearly against this proposal as well. Notably, changes in railroad industry regulations require intense deliberation as the industrys operational efficiency is essential for the economy. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Click here for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com/performance Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report KANSAS CITY SOU (KSU): Free Stock Analysis Report CDN NATL RY CO (CNI): Free Stock Analysis Report NORFOLK SOUTHRN (NSC): Free Stock Analysis Report CDN PAC RLWY (CP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. 2000 - 2022 24 .- . focus-news.net, () . 24 . 24 . . 24 . As an actor, tackling both stage and screen can be deemed an almost impossible task being able to break one is hard in itself. The West End is brimming with fresh new talent, but some stars of the screen have made the transition to the stage, making it appear seamless and effortless. It can sometimes seem unfair that the latest rejected X Factor contestant gets a lead role when Drama School graduates have endured ruthless training just to be placed in the ensemble. It's hard work. Some famous faces, however, are tackling the West End and showcasing their talents in abundance. Billie Piper What: Yerma When: Now 24 September Where: The Young Vic You may remember her from: Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl or strutting down a street singing 'Because we Want to' in the late 90s. Billie is an actress we all know and probably don't dislike, but she's never really had the 'wow factor'. She's good, but she's no Judi Dench. Billie is now appearing in Yerma; a story about an infertile woman driven to do the unthinkable by her desperation to have a child. The play has opened to excellent reviews, most of which focus on Piper's brilliant performance. The Evening Standard said she was "on raw, ferocious, spellbinding form" and The Times said she "steals the show". Not only does the play sound powerful, emotional and evocative, it sounds like Piper's performance is not one to be missed. Rebel Wilson What: Guys and Dolls When: Now 21 August Where: The Phoenix Theatre We all know this blonde bombshell from the smash hits Pitch Perfect and How to be Single. She's currently starring in the well-loved musical Guys and Dolls as Miss Adelaide. The musical promises show stopping songs including Luck Be a Lady and My Time of Day, paired with excellent choreography and with a dash of Hollywood star in there. This show is definitely a recipe for success leaving you with a stinging aftertaste of 'feel good factor'. The production is only running until 21st August, so act fast. Sheridan Smith What: Funny Girl When: Now 8th October Where: The Savoy Theatre From Gavin and Stacy, The C Word and Cilla, Sheridan Smith has always been an actress with perfect comic timing and dramatic abilities beyond her years. She is a fabulous actress who chooses her roles well. Any performance from this wonder is surely not to be missed. She's currently starring in Funny Girl, a musical about Fanny Brice; a girl rising from a Brooklyn music hall all the way to the bright lights of Broadway. British Theatre said: ''Smith may be small in stature but her presence on stage is enormous'' and gave the production a solid five stars. Smiths run looked like it was falling short when she took over a month off due to exhaustion; thankfully her understudy, Natasha Barnes, also received rave reviews. Smith stars Tuesday through Saturday, with Barnes playing Fanny Brice on Monday evenings. John Boyega What: Woyzeck When: 6th May 2017 24th Jun 2017 Where: The Old Vic John Boyega made his leading screen debut in 2011 in sci-fi comedy Attack the Block and more recently he has received acclaim for his performance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He is now strutting into The Old Vic to star in Woyzeck. Written by Georg Buchner, Woyzeck, unfinished on his death in 1837 and first published in 1879, is widely regarded as the first modern drama. Jack Thorne (the guy who wrote Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) has adapted the play which is based on the true story of a military barber who murdered his mistress in a fit of jealousy and was sentenced to death in 1821. It's got a very short run but tickets can be bought now for its 2017 opening. In his biggest stage role to date, BAFTA winner Boyega is one screen star to check out on stage. Jesse Eisenberg What: The Spoils When: 27th May - 13th August Where: Trafalgar Studio One Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenburg is known for The Social Network and Now You See Me. He has appeared in a few plays along the way but recently he's written a new comedy called The Spoils in which he takes the lead. The play follows unloved and unliked bully Ben, who sets out to destroy his school crushs new relationship and win her back. Seems like an oh-so-simple storyline, but The Upcoming described the play as a work of utter genius and said it has a whole new level of intelligence in the writing perhaps the funniest thing ever to have happened on stage. It definitely sounds like it's something worth checking out, and it's wrapping up in the next few days! With 51.9% of voters opting to leave the European Union in the recent referendum, Britain now faces a future of change and uncertainty. For many business leaders in Britain, Brexit will lead to a period of change and potential turbulence as the nation adapts to the forthcoming alterations in politics and the economy. Following news of Brexit, the British economy took an immediate impact; stock markets were panic-stricken and the pound drastically depreciated. The economy may have since begun to stabilise, but its future remains largely unknown, posing significant challenges to businesses based in Britain. Thomas Cridland is the chief executive of his eponymous sustainable fashion business called Tom Cridland. His company is a world-leading sustainable fashion brand with customers in six continents. Half-British and half-Portuguese, Cridland was disappointed with the decision for Britain to leave the EU, as someone with a Portuguese mother and manufacturing team. However, Cridland is now determined to move forward with optimism and continue to expand his business. When first starting the business at the age of 23, Cridland wanted to create a direct to consumer e-commerce fashion brand offering luxury clothing at an accessible price point. The Tom Cridland brand began specialising solely in making the perfect pair of trousers. When first starting the business at the age of 23, Cridland wanted to create a direct to consumer e-commerce fashion brand offering luxury clothing at an accessible price point. The Tom Cridland brand began specialising solely in making the perfect pair of trousers. The Tom Cridland brand was able to materialise from initial concept to reality when Cridland received a 6,000 start-up loan from the government two years ago. Cridland was overwhelmed when he found out that his application for the loan had been successful, saying: Its amazing that I could receive start-up support to start Tom Cridland with no fashion or business experience of any kind and aged 23. Since the loan, the business has rapidly grown, having a current turnover of 600,000. Tom Cridland has a long list of high-profile customers including Daniel Craig, Sir Rod Stewart, Ben Stiller, Hugh Grant and Leonardo DiCaprio. Tom Cridland has a long list of high-profile customers including Daniel Craig, Sir Rod Stewart, Ben Stiller, Hugh Grant and Leonardo DiCaprio. The business has become largely focused on quality, sustainability and honest pricing. Tom Cridland campaigns to encourage more people to consider items of clothing as long-term investments rather than as disposable pieces of fast-fashion. Now, perhaps best known for The 30 Year Collection, which is a range of clothing with 30 year guarantees, Tom Cridland is working hard to change the throwaway culture of the contemporary fashion industry. Although it is impossible to know what the economy and politics of Britain will be like post-Brexit, Cridland is committed to continuing his campaign for long-lasting clothing. We will always produce our 30 Year Collection and guarantee it for three decades, he informed me. Its a true labour of love for us and nothing will stop us. Cridland reflected that Brexit has, thus far, made the cost of our manufacturing team being in Portugal more expensive. To any other young people hoping to follow a similar entrepreneurial path through businessin post-Brexit Britain, he advises: Look for a British manufacturer! Nonetheless, Cridland tells me we have rallied with our Portuguese manufacturing team and, no matter what happens, well always work with them. With the depreciation of the pound causing economic implications, the referendum result has made our stock orders more costly and this does have an effect on our business model, as we make our clothing expensively to a very high standard and then sell it at a value price point direct to our customers. There is of course further concern over the ambiguous state of the future British economy and trade agreements: As renegotiation of our trade terms with Europe begins, were wary of increased regulation, tariffs and duty. Cridland sees the success of Tom Cridland to have been made possible by the support of his parents, brother, and his girlfriend and business partner, Debs. As the business prepares for the challenges ahead, he is fortunate to have a lot of support from loved ones to help the Tom Cridland brand continue to thrive.Family has always been greatly important to me but is now more so than ever, he said. Both of my parents have only ever been incredibly kind and supportive. The changes that Brexit will bring may not necessarily be favourable to Cridlands business, but he does consider there to be potentially positive outcomes from the result. He hopes to see a renaissance in British manufacturing and see us less reliant on our financial services. Cridlands positive attitude despite the initial disappointment sets an important example to business leaders in Britain. Though we voted to leave, there is no point in negativity, Cridland reflected. Were going to be pushing on to grow Tom Cridland into the worlds number one sustainable fashion brand. Britain is celebrating a historic gold medal win, as Chris Mears and Jack Laugher took home the medal in the synchronised springboard diving something that has never been done before by Team GB. (Wong Maye-E/AP) But people on social media found some of the media coverage of the momentous occasion left a LOT to be desired by focusing on the hug the divers shared when they found out theyd won. Steady on chaps! Britain's synchronised divers hug for joy after winning gold https://t.co/g6IULeQW6d #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/PZoBEGSNPA Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) August 11, 2016 They took to Twitter to vent their frustrations about the language used such as telling the young world champs to steady on and comparing them to the Chinese bronze medalists who went for a manly pat on the back. They also thought the pair deserved to celebrate however they pleased. @TophHooperton @DailyMailUK @MailOnline God... Talk about raining on their parade. Is that all they can focus on. Awful. Barry Grant (@Bazgrant1) August 11, 2016 Apparently hugging is not very 'manly'. This backward view of gender behaviour and casual homophobia has to stop. pic.twitter.com/nuJl1RCMxd WayneDavid (@WayneDavid81) August 11, 2016 And as for this garbage? I say @JackLaugher and @ChrisMears93 celebrate as much as they wish. They did @TeamGB proud pic.twitter.com/cPA3EJSQ3s Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) August 11, 2016 Anti-homophobia charity Diversity Role Models has condemned the perpetuating of the gender stereotypes in reporting. We're frustrated to see gender stereotypes perpetuated instead of celebrating @JackLaugher & @ChrisMears93's gold. https://t.co/BsgY3Kk50a Diversity RoleModels (@DiversityRM) August 11, 2016 And it does seem as though the angle of the coverage has since changed. (Screengrab/DailyMailOnline) This isnt actually the first time the papers have landed themselves in hot water (excuse the pun) over their coverage of the diving, when Tom Daleys partner Daniel Goodfellow was absent from many of the front pages following the pairs bronze success on Monday. A spokeswoman for the University of Sussex said: The University had been following the court case closely and our thoughts are with our former student. A senior member of the Universitys management team has been in regular contact with her throughout and they continue to support her." The University does not tolerate violence of any kind and it is important that such matters are dealt with by the police and the courts, which takes precedence over employment procedures. The University has established disciplinary procedures and we are responding to the court's findings, however we are unable to comment on individual employment matters." Ms Smith took to Twitter to speak briefly about the University's failure to act sooner. To share personal feelings about my experience of domestic violence was not something I felt comfortable to do. Especially so soon after it Allison Smith (@_AllySmith) August 12, 2016 ..but how the university treated me in the 10 months of waiting for a court verdict is something I wont let happen to another student. Allison Smith (@_AllySmith) August 12, 2016 Domestic violence must be taken seriously. Sussex university has failed in its duty of care to me & women students. https://t.co/6XqF7IfxqG Allison Smith (@_AllySmith) August 12, 2016 Dr Salter pleaded not guilty at court, but received a 22-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months. He has also been ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and issued with a restraining order not to contact his victim. He has since lodged an appeal against the conviction. Fellow student and news editor for The Badger, Daniel Green has since started a petition for Dr Salter to be removed with immediate effect. Speaking with The National Student, he said: "I find it disgraceful that the University I've studied at for three years and prides itself on its tolerance has allowed a man convicted of assault of a student to continue teaching. The complete disregard for the victim and for student's safety led me to start a petition to call for the tutor to be removed with immediate effect, which has attracted over 500 signatures in a matter of hours from across the world. "The reaction of other Sussex students, both current and alumni, has been pretty similar to mine; shock, disbelief and anger at the University for allowing this to happen. In reaction to the University's statement that it has opened disciplinary proceedings, he concluded: "I hope that this will mean Dr Slater will be removed from his position at the University before the start of the new academic year. This despicable man has no place teaching students." Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe is set to move out of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital and back into jail after a mental health tribunal ruled him sane enough to do so, sources said. The serial killer, 70, has spent 32 years inside the high-security institution in Berkshire after murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven more between 1976 and 1981. Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe IS sane enough for prison, says mental health tribunal. pic.twitter.com/MjLqM7cOjW Paul Smith (@Journo_Paul) August 12, 2016 He has been in Broadmoor since 1984, after he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was jailed for life in 1981. Sutcliffe, a former lorry driver from Bradford, now calls himself Peter Coonan. Most of his victims were prostitutes who were mutilated and beaten to death. The decision of the tribunal has been referred to the Ministry of Justice, which still needs to confirm the move. Sutcliffe was given 20 life terms for the murders and was caught when police found him with a prostitute in his car. Before he was moved to Broadmoor, the killer spent three years at Parkhurst prison on the Isle of Wight. (AP) A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: Peter Coonan will remain locked up and will never be released for his evil crimes. Decisions over whether prisoners are to be sent back to prison from secure hospitals are based on clinical assessments made by independent medical staff. The High Court ordered in 2010 that Peter Coonan should never be released. This was upheld by the Court of Appeal. Our thoughts are with Coonans victims and their families. 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When we arrived there were sparks coming from the engine bay, but we managed to extinguish them and prevent any fire from breaking out, the rescue worker said. Emergency workers are now working on safely recovering the bus from its position high on the hill. Day of Bombs: Phi Phi safe, Khao Lak rattled, as Phuket Mothers Day festivities proceed in Patong PHUKET: Police have boosted security on Phi Phi Island and in the Ao Nang area on mainland Krabi following the spate of bomb blasts throughout Southern Thailand last night and today (Aug 12), leaving four people dead and dozens injured. patongviolencemilitarypolicedeathdisasters By The Phuket News Friday 12 August 2016, 05:26PM Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup leads the Mother's Day festivities at Loma Park this afternpoon, hours after a bomb detonated in the park. Video image: Patong Municipality Security has been boosted on Phi Phi Island and ni Ao Nang, Krabi. Photo: Tourist Police Security has been boosted on Phi Phi Island, though no bombs have been reported on the key tourism island. Photo: Tourist Police Officers have been stationed in keys tourist areas in the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and patrols throughout the area have been ramped up. The bombings began in Trang yesterday, where a bomb in a market left one person dead and six injured. Hours later, Hua Hin was struck by two bombs in quick succession which together killed one person and injured 21 others. Two more bombs in Hua Hin this morning claimed another life and left at least three others injured. (See story here.) In Surat Thani, the gateway town to Koh Samui in the gulf of Thailand, two bombs this morning left one person dead at least three more injured. The two bombs in Patong, Phuket, caused no fatalities, with only one motorcycle taxi driver reported suffering minor injuries from a blast. Mothers Day celebrations at Loma Park in Patong proceeded this afternoon, despite the bombings. All Mothers Day activities are proceeding accordingly. Everything is the same, but we have boosted security throughout Patong with more patrols and higher security checks in key areas, Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiyawong told The Phuket News today. Patong Muncipality broadcast the event live on Facebook (see here). In Phang Nga, north of Phuket, two bombs went off at two locations at Ban Bang Niang in Khuek Khak, a beach area neighbouring Khao Lak. One vehicle was damaged and no casualties were reported. The blasts followed a fire that gutted a weekend market at the same area before dawn today. The cause of that fire is under investigation, and could have been a bomb. The fire occurred at about 2:15am at the market, a popular shopping venue among tourists in Khao Lak. Two fire trucks and firemen were deployed to the fire-gutted market. Firefighters took more than one hour to douse the flames, which damaged 80 stalls. Damage was estimated at about B8 million. The investigation of the cause of the fire was continuing. Police said it could have been an electrical short circuit or arson by a bomb. In Krabi, a fire ravaged a shopping venue in front of Ao Nang beach early this morning, damaging five shops. Damage was estimated at about B10 million. Pol Lt Col Athiwat Chaisrisut, deputy suppression chief of Ao Nang Police Station, Krabi Vice Governor Sirichai Sriniang and senior officials rushed to the scene after being reported at around 3:15am. Firemen took almost three hours to control the flames, which destroyed five shops. No people were injured. Additional reporting by the Bangkok Post. (See story here.) Numerous bombs in the South after Hua Hin blasts BANGKOK: A string of explosions rocked southern provinces as the nation celebrated Her Majesty the Queens birthday today (Aug 12). violence By Bangkok Post Friday 12 August 2016, 11:50AM An EOD officer searches for remains of an explosive device that daetonated in Patong this morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Fridays blasts came just hours after one person was killed and nearly 20 injured, including foreign tourists, by two explosions in Hua Hin on Thursday night (Aug 11). All of the bombs were reportedly detonated by mobile phone signals. Explosive Ordinance Detachments and forensic teams were investigating the types of bombs and trying to determine motive. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha claimed to know the latter. The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion, he told reporters. Why have the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism - and who did it? You have to find out, the premier said. Finger-pointing usually implicates followers of self-exiled ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. But Fridays blasts were in anti-Thaksin regions, and all occurred in provinces where voters approved Gen Prayuts proposed new constitution last Sunday by huge majorities. Two bombs went off in front of Surat Thani police stations. Two more hit Phuket. A bomb was suspected to have started a major fire at a Nakhon Si Thammarat supermarket. In Surat Thani, a bomb exploded in front of the marine police office, and another in front of the main police station in the town. The first of the two blasts, exactly 30 minutes and 400 metres apart, killed one man and wounded three other bystanders. In Phuket, a bomb went off in front of a police booth at the end of Walking Street Road in Thaweewong Road in Patong . A motorcycle taxi driver was slightly injured. A second device exploded at Loma Beach on the same road, but caused no injuries. Late Friday morning, the US embassy issued a security message for US citizens on the bombings. Thai officials have identified no US citizens among the injured victims, it said. US travellers to the area should avoid the affected areas, review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Read original story here. Phuket on high alert after Patong bombs PHUKET: Security at Phuket International Airport is on high alert after two bombs detonated in Patong this morning (Aug 12). violencemilitarypolice By Tanyaluk Sakoot Friday 12 August 2016, 01:52PM Security at Phuket Airport has been ramped up following the two bombs in Patong this morning (Aug 12). Photo: Royal Thai Navy Security at Phuket Airport has been ramped up following the two bombs in Patong this morning (Aug 12). Photo: Royal Thai Navy Security at Phuket Airport has been ramped up following the two bombs in Patong this morning (Aug 12). Photo: Royal Thai Navy Security at Phuket Airport has been ramped up following the two bombs in Patong this morning (Aug 12). Photo: Royal Thai Navy One bomb detonated at Loma Park on the Patong beachfront at 7:35am and a second bomb detonated at the Police Box at the beach end of the tourist-busy Bangla Rd at 8:45am. Loma Park was to be the venue for celebrations for HM Queen Sirikits 84th birthday today. Those festivities have now been cancelled. A third device reported in front of the Ban Thai resort on the Patong beach road was later confirmed by police as a false report. (See story here.) At Phuket Airport, Airport Director Monrudee Gettuphan confirmed to The Phuket News, We are conducting thorough checks on baggage passing through the airport and we have the EOD (bomb-disposal) team on standby. We have more patrols throughout the terminal and outside on airport grounds, and security checks on vehicles, she said. We have many security agencies on alert, including security guards, Tourist Police and personnel from the Royal Thai Navy and even local police from Sakoo Police Station. More officers have been assigned to patrol the entrance and exit to the airport, and officers are conducting checks on vehicles entering the car park building, Ms Monrudee added. No flights have been delayed or cancelled so far as a result of the Patong bombings, Ms Monrudee confirmed. Capt Pongjak Uraiman, Commanding officer of the Royal Thai Navy Air Squadron 3, which is stationed at the airport, told The Phuket News, We have increased our security at the airport to the highest level. In addition to our regular patrols inside the airport, we have assigned more personnel to bolster patrols outside the terminal, he said. Phuket police begin hunt for Patong bombers PHUKET: Police are scrambling for clues in the hunt for the suspects who planted two bombs that detonated in Patong this morning (Aug 12). violencecrimemilitarypolice By The Phuket News Friday 12 August 2016, 03:16PM EOD officers scoured the scenes of the two bombings for clues. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub EOD officers scoured the scenes of the two bombings for clues. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Police have yet to confirm whether CCTV images of two people named as 'suspects' in Patong 'Phuket Webboard' are wanted in connection with todays bombings or the devices found on Wednesday. Image: Phuket Webboard Police have yet to confirm whether CCTV images of two people named as 'suspects' in Patong 'Phuket Webboard' are wanted in connection with todays bombings or the devices found on Wednesday. Image: Phuket Webboard Police have yet to confirm whether CCTV images of two people named as 'suspects' in Patong 'Phuket Webboard' are wanted in connection with todays bombings or the devices found on Wednesday. Image: Phuket Webboard EOD officers scoured the two bomb sites at Loma Park and near the Bangla Rd Police Box with detectors and sealed off sensitive areas for safety, while scores of tourists enjoyed the internationally-renowned beach seemingly oblivious to todays events. (See earlier report here.) Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada this morning called an emergency meeting of all mayors and local administration heads to order them to boost security measures and to ensure CCTV cameras in their areas are operational. I urge all local executive officers to ensure CCTV cameras and lighting in public areas are fully functional, and to co-ordinate with other agencies to boost security with checkpoints and patrols, he said. Gov Chamroen ordered officials to pay particular attention to tourism-attraction areas as well as shopping malls, transportation hubs and public markets. Security at all provincial government offices has been bolstered and patrolled 24 hours, he added. Maj Gen Teerapol Thipjaroen, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, added, If you find any suspicious items, inform the local police directly. Lets work on this together. Neither Gov Chamroen or Gen Teerapol linked todays bombings in Phuket to a bomb scare in Patong on Wednesday, when two devices were found but later claimed to be not explosives. (See story here.) Police have yet to confirm whether CCTV images of two people named as suspects in Patong in posts shared on a public social media group called Phuket Webboard are wanted in connection with todays bombings or the devices found on Wednesday. Two bomb explosions in Patong PHUKET: Two bombs exploded in Patong this morning (Aug 12), the first close to the police box on Bangla Rd while the second at Loma park. crimepatongpoliceviolence By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 12 August 2016, 10:27AM Police and an EOD team are currently at the scene and the area is sealed off from the public. It has been reported that one person was injured in the explosions, which happened at 8:45am. Chief of the Phuket Provincial Police Maj Gen Teerapol Thipjaroen said, If anyone sees anything suspicious please inform police immediately. (Call 191) People are advised to keep away from the area. Bombs have also rocked the southern provinces of Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Trang. According to reports at least three people have been killed. More details to follow. (See updated story here.) 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe 11AAA semis will be awesome and more from HS football quarterfinals The Class 11AAA high school football playoffs should be awesome, and 11B and nine-man teams also offer plenty of excitement. In this Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, photo, rescue workers help an unidentified woman after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police are investigating a series of bomb blasts in Hua Hin and other cities in Thailand. (Daily News via AP) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close TrueNorth is an HRConsultancy company which seeks to recruit for its valuable client, a leadingprovider of sustainable productivity solutions. They would like to recruit fora valuable client. Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat In a first of its kind initiative, the Union government on Friday convened a national conference of investigating agencies to discuss an array of issuesfrom tackling threats emanating from the social media use by global terrorist outfits to the atrocities against dalits. The two-day conference, being organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), will also discuss how to improve coordination and quality of investigations being done by various agencies. Addressing the meet attended by chiefs and officials of the NIA, state police forces and investigating agencies like enforcement directorate, Home minister Rajnath Singh said the "government is committed to punishing terrorists. We are working to strengthen the UA(P) Act and the NIA Act. We are considering legal protection for undercover operation, use of intelligence collected as evidence and entire gamut of issues relevant to combating terrorism." Touching on the burning issue of dalit atrocities in states, Singh said the "government is committed for the empowerment and development of our dalit brothers". "We have to create an atmosphere where our dalit brothers can approach police without hesitation when they are victimised. Our government has strengthened Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by amending it in 2014. By this amendment, new category of offences has been added. Duties of public servant have been specified and punishments prescribed for negligence of duty. A chapter on rights of victims and witnesses has also been added. The implementation of this Act is the responsibility of state governments and local police." Government officials said the use of Financial Intelligence Unit to counter money laundering and drug trafficking would be discussed in the closed-door meet. Effective co-ordination with the enforcement directorate over steps to be taken against money laundering is another important issue which will be addressed by the investigative agencies. Singh said that as per the National Crime Records Bureau, the conviction rate of the crimes was very low. So, the quality of investigation was crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and punishment for the offender, he added. The home minister said that our thrust should be on improving investigation at police station level. Apart from the quality of investigation at police station level, we also had to ensure proper courtesy to the victims and witnesses, he emphasized. Singh said that convenience of victims and witnesses must be taken into account when calling them for investigation. He also said that the victims should be kept informed about the progress of investigation from time to time. Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's visa application was rejected by the UK High Commission on Friday. The 70-year-old artist, who was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall next month, said he is "shocked and appalled" at the rejection of his visa application. Asked about the reason for the rejection of visa application, a UK High Commission Spokesperson merely said that the mission does not comment on individual cases. Tagging Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in his tweet, Khan wrote, "My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj." "Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_London @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia," he further wrote. "Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj," he added. Expressing disappointment over the UK denial, Amjad's son Amaan Ali said, "This has never happened before. In our country this is not cool. "It is very sad that it has happened to him. He is someone who has worked all his life for the country and peace. The government should take interest why they (UK) are doing this." Further to the initiative of the Tourism Ministry and with the support of the Population Authority, the Finance Ministry approved the cancellation of fees for tourist groups from China. Multiple entry visas for up to ten years will be issued for Chinese visitors visiting Israel and for Israelis visiting China. Until now, the visa was issued for just three months. These procedures are intended to remove significant obstacles that affect the growth of incoming tourism from China. Extending the visa validity: This mutual agreement signed between the Chinese and Israeli governments on March 29, 2016, allows Chinese and Israeli citizens to receive a multiple-entry, ten-year tourist visa with individual visits of up to 90 days. Other steps taken include reducing the amount of time that the Israeli tourist has to wait for a visa to no longer than three days and the ability to add the names of tourists to a Chinese tourist group during the day prior to their departure for Israel. Cancellation of group visa fees An investigation conducted with tour operators in China revealed that the payment of the NIS 35 visa fee per person traveling in an organized group to Israel, in addition to the handling fee that agents would sometimes have to pay to private operators representing them in Israel, was a significant bureaucratic and financial obstacle in organizing tourist groups from China to Israel. The cancellation of this fee will lead to an increase in the public coffers, given the expected increase in the numbers of tourists visiting Israel from China as a result. The Annual Inbound Tourism Survey from the Tourism Ministry shows that the average spend per tourist is the highest among the Chinese tourist during his stay in Israel ($1,947 per visit, as opposed to the average of $1,600). Tourism Minister Yariv Levin has placed China as a central target for Tourism Ministry activities and is taking action to increase the numbers of incoming tourists from China. Among others, the minister increased the marketing budget and worked with Hainan Airlines, the largest private airline in China, in opening their direct scheduled route from Beijing to Ben-Gurion airport which began operating in April 2016. At the initiative of the Tourism Ministry, the hotel industry is adapting its product to meet the needs of the Chinese tourist. This included the recent hosting of Chinese chefs who gave culinary workshops to their counterparts in the Israeli hotel and restaurant industries. The ministry also initiated a course for tour guides in Chinese, and hosts Chinese opinion-formers in Israel. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri noted that China is a significant target country and granting concessions should help strengthen bi-lateral relations in many different spheres. Removing bureaucratic obstacles from the path of the Chinese tourist represents a green light to increasing the numbers of tourists. Recently, restrictions were eased on Chinese diplomatic passport holders and now the tourist is the focus. Background and statistics The number of outbound tourists from China increases year on year. In 2014, this figure rose to 117 million tourists and rose to about 120 million in 2015. As a result of the continued growth in the income and status of the Chinese middle classes, the UNWTO expects the number of Chinese tourists to grow to about 200 million by 2020. Most Chinese tourists travel close to home (2-4 hour flight distance) or to long distance destinations such as USA, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Chinese tourists typically travel in organized groups and not as individual travelers (FITs.) Nonetheless there has been an increase in the number of young, well-educated and financially secure Chinese tourists traveling on their own. The trend for incoming tourism to Israel from China is very encouraging, with a massive 43% increase in visitors in 2015 on 2014 (over 47,000) and 86% on 2013. This trend continued in the first half of 2016, with visitor entries from China rising 45% on 2015 and 82% on 2014. In June 2016 alone, the increase on the same month last year was 93%. The Tourism Ministry target for incoming tourism from China stands at 100,000 by 2018. Tourism Minister Yariv Levin: The approval of the ten-year multiple entry visa and the cancellation of fees for Chinese tourist groups are important steps that join other marketing steps to break into the Chinese market, spearheaded by the Tourism Ministry. I thank the Interior Minister Aryeh Deri for his contribution in leading this process and the Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for approving these changes. The Tourism Ministrys range of activities will lead to an increase in the number of tourists arriving in Israel from China and will contribute to realizing the tourism potential from this region. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri: China is a most important country and we are working on a new track with the Chinese government. It is very important that as many tourists as possible visit Israel from China. These are procedures that will greatly assist both Israeli and Chinese tourism and will significantly contribute to bi-lateral relations and the economy of both countries. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The cancellation of more than 2,000 Southwest Airlines flights due to a computer outage last month will cost the carrier an estimated $54 million. The Dallas Morning News reported the lost revenue and increased cost estimates based on a Southwest investor advisory released Wednesday. Dallas-based Southwest blamed a router failure for the July 20 outage and subsequent days of delays. While Southwest didnt provide a specific cost of the outage, the company said it would lead to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unit revenues during the third quarter and that it expects its cost per seat mile to rise by up to 2 percent. The newspaper based its estimate on those projections. An unrelated computer outage this week has resulted in the cancellation of more than 2,100 Delta Air Lines flights. (AP) New British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said Britain remains firmy committed to combating anti-Semitism in the country and across the world, working with international partners. The former Mayor of London, who was appointed last month by Prime Minister Theresa May, was responding to a letter of congratulations sent to him by Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the European Jewish Association (EJA), an umbrella group of Jewish organisations active on European level. We value the active and expert role played by civil society organisations such as the European Jewish Association in this and we look forward to work actively with you and your colleagues, Johnson wrote in the letter. (Source: EJP) In a letter sent to President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott, seniors from Yishuv Ofra about to enter the IDF relate to the case of veteran Yehuda HaYisraeli. HaYisraeli was seriously injured in Operation Protective Edge and is now permitted to return home after a long painful rehabilitation progress, ready to face his new life with its challenges as a disabled veteran with physical limitations. When the Defense Ministry was asked to pay for the modification of the family home as is the norm, the family was told the homes in Ofra are illegal and therefore, the government cannot participate in funding the renovations to make the home accessible for the disabled veteran. This compelled the family to make an appeal to raise the funds on their own, an appeal that was met with unprecedented generosity by Israelis. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu then instructed Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to do what he can, obviously embarrassed over the events. The soon-to-be soldiers used their letter to document the injustice and their fears of what might occur in the future if they face a similar plight. They question if one of them is killed in the line of duty if the IDF will permit them to be buried in their home community of Ofra. The graduates decided to take the initiative and join the fight for their homes and the homeland, stating, We ask you in to please permit one to live normally in the community in which one grew up and educated to love the Torah, People and the land, and to permit one to receive treatment if necessary, including a fitting place of burial of required chas vsholom. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) 233 North Americans will arrive in Israel on an El Al Boeing 777 chartered by Nefesh BNefesh and officially make Aliyah next Wednesday, 13 Menachem Av. The flight is being facilitated in cooperation with Israels Ministry of Aliyah & Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL), JNF-USA and Tzofim-Garin Tzabar. The passengers include 75 young men and women who will become Israeli citizens and volunteer in the IDF. They are moving to Israel as Lone Soldiers, youngsters who left their families in the US and Canada to move to Israel and volunteer for the Israeli Army. They will join the over 900 Lone Soldiers from the US, and the 3,000 Lone Soldiers from around the world who are currently serving in the IDF. The flights other passengers include a diverse mix of people from 22 US states and one Canadian province, including 24 families, 78 children and 10 medical professionals. Ages of immigrants range from 3.5 weeks to 85-years-old. With this flight, NBN will celebrate its 50,000th immigrant brought to Israel with the organization, which was founded in 2002. A special welcome ceremony will be held at Ben-Gurion Airport upon the flights arrival and will include: President Reuven Rivlin; Minister Tzachi Hanegbi; Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver; Director of the Aliyah, Absorption and Special Operations Unit of the Jewish Agency for Israel Yehuda Sharf; Chairman of Garin Tzabar Eli Ben Yosef; and Co-Founders of Nefesh BNefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass & Tony Gelbart. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) In his capacity as Interior Minister, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri prevented senior PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) official Abed Khalil al-Latif Jatt from leaving Israel via Ben-Gurion International Airport. His passport was flagged in the computer and he was prevented from passing through border control. The eastern Jerusalem resident was heading to an undisclosed Arab country. The Interior Ministry decision surrounds fears that he was leaving the country to advance connections with terrorists in other countries. One of the attacks attributed to the PFLP is the 2001 assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Zeevi HYD, who was shot dead a point-blank range in a Jerusalem hotel. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon does not appear interested in funding communities in Yehuda and Shomron. The senior minister on Thursday, 7 Menachem Av broke off funding talks with Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, with the latter being an avid advocate of assisting yishuvim in addition to being a resident of one. Talks are ongoing for the 2017-2018 biennial budget and each ministry is required to make its pitch for a piece of the budgetary pie. If Kahlon gets his way, NIS 12.7 million for security for yishuvim would be removed from the budget, which would leave yishuvim increasingly vulnerable to attacks. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Bnei Brak firefighters are the first to inaugurate this unique piece of firefighting apparatus joining the Israel Fire Service. The system permits elevating firefighters to a height of 30 meters and the unit has its own computerized water pump system incorporated into the bucket lift. While many stations have ladder trucks and cherry picket bucket type lifts, this German-built vehicle is reportedly unique in that it is computerized and the lift has a computerized water pump incorporated into it. It is pointed out that the city has changed over recent years and buildings are taller and as a result, people are living closer to one another than was the case years ago. Fire officers in Bnei Brak explain the new unit is essential in providing a necessary response as the vehicle can lift personnel to a required height as well as extinguish a blaze with its pumping abilities. One of the reasons Bnei Brak was selected for the new vehicle is because it is so densely populated. During the past week, members of the Bnei Brak fire service team have been training on the new vehicle as representatives of the company that built it traveled to Israel from Germany to work with fire service personnel. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Gush Dan Fire Service spokesman unit) On the afternoon of Wednesday, 6 Menachem Av, Ashkelon Magistrate Court Judge Adi Eisdorfer rejected a demand by the police for a 24-hour remand extension and ordered the release of all of the protesters who were detained the previous day at a demonstration opposite the Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon at which a hunger-striking terrorist is being treated. The detainees were released under varying restrictive conditions. During the deliberation at the Ashkelon Magistrate Court it became known that one of the detainees was badly beaten by policemen during the course of his detention. Due to his injuries, during the night following the detention the detainee was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with several fractures in his arm. At the deliberation a police representative stated that the matter was being investigated by the Police Investigation Unit. Honenu Attorney Avichai Hajbi, who represented three of the detainees, stated after the deliberation that, The conduct of the police was no less than brutal. In the coming days we will file a complaint with the Police Investigation Unit against the policemen who beat the protesters without cause and in violation of the law. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) A Mississippi woman who once sought to disguise a planned journey to join the Islamic State group as her honeymoon has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on a terrorism charge. Vicksburg native Jaelyn Young was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock. Young pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization. Young had faced up to 20 years in prison. Her parents pleaded for leniency Thursday, and Young broke down in heavy sobs at sentencing, saying she was ashamed of her actions. Her fiance, Muhammad Dakhlalla, pleaded guilty March 11 to a similar charge and is set to be sentenced Aug. 24. Prosecutors have said Young, who converted to Islam while studying at Mississippi State University, had prodded Dakhlalla into the plan. The two were arrested in 2015 before boarding a flight from Columbus, Mississippi. (AP) By: L. Halevi Klal Yisroel has weathered many storms over the millennia, and throughout it all our dedication to Hashem, His Torah and to each other is what kept us together. www.TorahForSholom.com is helping to keep that unity in place. What is TorahForSholom? Read on! The Bais Hamikdash was destroyed due to a lack of Achdus in Klal Yisroel, and indeed, it will be rebuilt, hopefully soon, when we enhance our unity and our respect for one another. The more we do together, the more we accentuate and celebrate our similarities instead of focusing on our differences, the better off we will all be and the sooner we will merit to witness the magical day of Mashiachs arrival. The arrest and unjustly long incarceration of Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin is an ongoing saga that has captured the attention of Am Yisroel. His steadfast Emunah and Bitachon have inspired thousands and his acceptance of his fate has pushed those who love him to fight with superhuman strength to reverse it. His fight is being fought on many fronts, by family, legislators and attorneys, but the ultimate power to fight for justice lies with us, Klal Yisroel, as we are able to beseech Hashem, the all- powerful Judge for a miraculous reversal of the injustice. How can we help? TorahForSholom.com, thats how! A new initiative has been undertaken, whereby a Sefer Torah is being written as a Zechus for Sholom Mordechais release. Every member of Klal Yisroel can and indeed is being urged to- participate and undersign this campaign. It is not a costly campaign or a fundraiser, as a contribution of $1 or even less is all it takes to add your name to the growing list of those who are adding the element of Kedusha- spirituality- to the fight for justice. Every Jew is holy. Every Jew has unimaginable power. Every Jew can make a difference. Sholom Mordechai is suffering and every Jew feels his pain. Sholom Mordechai is a spiritually elevated individual, and every Jew can add their own spirituality to his and effect unimaginable Kedusha in the world. All it takes is a visit to www.TorahForSholom.com and 60 seconds of your time and you can add your name, as well as the names of your family and loved ones to partake in this historic initiative to elevate the collective spirituality of Am Yisroel and merit seeing redemption for Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin. What better time than now, during this somber period when we crave the ultimate redemption, for you to do your part to show that you care for your fellow Jew, you are in solidarity with your fellow Jew, you love your fellow Jew! Every little bit of holy light can go a long way in extinguishing the spiritual darkness that shines so menacingly in the world we currently live in. Every name added to this Sefer Torah campaign is another beacon of light to combat the spiritual darkness. The time for Ahavas Chinam is now! The time for TorahForSholom is now! May it bring true Sholom to the world with the rebuilding of Sukas Sholom, the glorious Bais Hamikdash Hashlishi Bmeheira BYameinu Amen. #TorahForSholom Belgian police launched several raids overnight in parts of Brussels as part of an anti-terror probe and have taken three people into custody. The federal prosecutors office said Friday that eight searches were carried out in the Belgian capital. No weapons or explosives were found. Three people were taken in for questioning. They were identified as Wassime A., Asma A. and Malika B. A judge was due to decide later Friday whether to keep them in custody. Federal prosecutors declined to provide further details and did not say which anti-terror probe was concerned. Authorities continue to investigate the March 22 transport attacks in Brussels and Belgian links to the massacres in Paris on Nov. 13, as well as other plots. (AP) The number of students attending Kindergarten-12th grade Jewish day schools and yeshivas in New York City exceeds 100,000 students for the first time, according to new data released by the New York State Department of Education. The total number of K-12 students enrolled in Jewish day schools and yeshivas is 101,120. Another 137,283 students are enrolled in other parochial and independent schools. Together, the number of non-public school students comprises 18 percent of New York Citys total school enrollment. And across New York State, there are more than 412,000 non-public school children 13 percent of the states overall school population yet they receive only 1 percent of local and state resources. Maury Litwack, director of state political affairs for Teach NYS, a project of the Orthodox Union and New Yorks leading voice for Jewish day schools, welcomed the new data about the Jewish day school population in New York City and the five boroughs. It shows, he said, the importance of continuing to push for a more equitable distribution of local and state funds for non-public schools. This demonstrates our communitys need to stay focused on one of the top priorities for our families: making non-public school education more affordable, Litwack said. We will continue to work with our partners in New York City and Albany to ensure that the city and state invest in our children in a fair and meaningful manner. Among its achievements on behalf of all non-public school children, Teach NYS successfully advocated for New York City to allocate $20 million to provide a safety officer at every non-public school in the city so that the schools can increase security. Teach NYS also helped increase by tens of millions of dollars the amount of funding non-public schools receive from state funding programs such as the Comprehensive Attendance Policy, Mandated Services Reimbursement and security funding. The chart below compares the populations of New York City Jewish day schools and yeshivas, public schools, charter schools and all other parochial and independent schools. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The LRRC (Lakewood Resource and Referral Center) 212 Second Street, Suite 204, Lakewood, took a stand to fight against the crime of not getting immunized at Lakewoods Night Out Against Crime, recently held in Pine Park, an event attended by at least 4,000 children and adults. As part of its annual Immunization Awareness campaign sponsored by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), LRRC representatives gave attendees more than 1,200 band-aid dispensers with an educational message, 500 custom designed immunization stickers, and 75 copies in English and another 75 copies in Spanish of the book The Germ Patrol by Dr. Neil Shulman and Dr. Todd Stolp. Adults who visited the LRRC booth filled out 490 raffle tickets, trying to win a $150.00 Bank of America gift card. Mrs. Dassi Stavsky, Lakewood, was the winner! In addition, 59 adults requested that the LRRC, a federally designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, contact them for further immunization support. Attendees also received vaccination and immunization literature that included general literature, CDC approved immunization schedules for adults and children, and a letter in support of immunization based on CDC recommendations from Lakewood Healthcare Providers. Mayer Hoberman, executive director of social services, said, In a sense, it is a crime not to protect ones family against getting many preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough, and the complications from them are avoidable. Our goal is to make everyone aware about the importance of immunizations. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The UK continues to be by far the biggest foreign investor in the US, according to the Confederation of British Industry, overshadowing Japan, Canada and China. The CBI said the UK invested $449billion (346billion) in the US at the end of 2014, a 15 per cent chunk of all direct foreign investment in the country, which in total is worth $2.9trillion. That figure is $76billion more than Japan, the second largest foreign investor in America, and $200billion more than Canada. China and India whose combined investments reach just under 1 per cent of the total. US jobs: New York is one of the states with the most jobs supported by British companies As Britain's Government negotiates the UKs exit from the European Union, the CBI said its figures showed a special relation with the US and that a clear strategy was needed to boost trade with partners, old and new, across the globe. The UK has been the single biggest foreign investor for most of US history. The CBI said British companies in the US supported more than one million jobs, with nearly a quarter in the manufacturing industry. Texas was the state with the most jobs supported by British companies, hitting more than 100,000, followed by California and New York. Meanwhile, services exports from the US to the UK rose 6 per cent to $66.9billion last year, while US imports from British services also climbed 6 per cent to $53billion. The UK is the fourth largest importer of US goods and services and the biggest in Europe, ahead of Germany and the Netherlands. CBI international director Ben Digby said: Markets should be carefully prioritised, in consultation with business, to lay the foundations for deep and comprehensive future trade and investment relationships, and the USA must be at the top of that list. Controversial: People in Germany demonstrate against the TTIP trade deal with the US He also said the UK was going to be 10billion a year better off if the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is implemented between the USA and the EU, adding that the UK should join as a third party. The TTIP is a major new deal being negotiated behind closed doors between the EU and the US and is aimed at reducing the barriers to trade for big businesses and corporations. Critics say that the deal, instead of creating more wealth, will cost Europe hundreds of thousands of jobs. It is also feared that the TTIP will allow big corporations to sue governments if those governments policies cause them a loss of profits and lower standards on food safety and environment. Do stock markets look too good to be true at the moment? Many financial advisers think so - and are locking in clients' gains now before a feared market correction. In spite of the political and economic turmoil created by Britain's unexpected decision to leave the EU, the FTSE 100 has surged by almost 9 per cent since the result and is now at a one-year high. One in three advisers are planning to contact clients in the next three months about taking risk off the table by locking in the gains they have made since Brexit, according to new research by MetLife. Make hay while the sun shines? Pension investors are being urged to lock in gains now And the closer investors are to retirement, the more pressing advisers think this could be - as 60 per cent of advisers are concerned there will be a 'significant correction' in stock markets this year As a result, 44 per cent are recommending clients planning to retire within five years should lock-in gains now. A third of those asked said they were recommending a more cautious investment strategy, while two-thirds had urged clients to diversify their portfolios and spread risk. And pensions savers themselves are also becoming concerned. Advisers have already seen a surge in inquiries about retirement planning since Brexit, with 17 per cent saying they have been contacted by clients asking for retirement planning reviews while 15 per cent have been asked about guaranteeing funds. One reason the FTSE 100 has climbed higher is the 'sugar rush' provided by last week's base rate cut from the Bank of England, and its 170billion stimulus package. But this is likely to prove unsustainable as markets grow used to this monetary easing. The market had already been given a leg-up due to the Footsie's international giants earnings being flattered by the fall in the pound and their shares becoming cheaper for overseas investors. Downhill from here? Markets have reacted positively to BoE governor Mark Carney's efforts Tilney Bestinvest's Jason Hollands says that it is 'getting difficult to see the upside' in financial markets. 'Global growth is weak, worries persist about the amount of debt that has piled up in China, politics has become more factious and unpredictable from the US to Europe. 'At the same time, both share and bond prices are expensive, distorted by the sugar rush of relentless stimulus programmes from central banks, including the latest round from the Bank of England. He adds: 'Market corrections are notoriously difficult to predict and are usually triggered by unforeseen events. 'The market could remain buoyant for sometime yet supported by the wall of money being injected into the system by central banks. 'But if you are expecting to retire in the near future and are sitting on healthy profits, there's a good case for locking some of that in by taking some risk off the table. ' A market slump in the second half of the year would be the latest in a string of bad news for pension savers, after a reduction in the Bank of England's base rate led to annuity rates being slashed and rate cuts for savings accounts, while the triple-lock pension guarantee could be under threat. The research found that four out of 10 advisers are planning to ask clients to re-complete a capacity for loss questionnaire in the next three months. Simon Massey, wealth management director at MetLife UK, which conducted the research, says clients are adjusting their risk appetite. 'The predictions of doom and disaster after the Referendum vote have so far been proved wrong with the initial shock turning to a market surge, a so-called 'Brexit bounce. 'Clearly there is real nervousness out there with advisers concerned about potential downturns and braced for market volatility ahead with most expecting a significant correction this year as the picture becomes clearer 'Clients still want and need to invest but many are re-adjusting their attitude to risk. They are focused on guaranteeing and capturing gains while they can, while accepting that uncertainty is here to stay for the foreseeable future.' Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Prem Calvin Prashad This weekend, two family-friendly community events will engage Jackson Heights and Flushing with food, culture and crafts. Hosted by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, Flushing Night Out: Unwind this Friday on the grounds of Flushing High School invites guests to unwind with live music and a DIY Village for arts and crafts. The event, which lasts from 6 p.m. 11 p.m. at 35-01 Union St. will consist of a picnic on school grounds and live music from acoustic musicians Aesthetic Discernment, Heidi Seo, Jazmin and Tristan, and Nerd Herd. There will be giveaways as well as food vendors selling coffee, snacks, fried ice cream and exotic treats. Admission to the crafts area is $1 and allows the participant to make unlimited crafts, including print making and personalized bracelets. This is the third such event of this summer and a continuation of an events series that started last summer. This years Flushing Night Out events coincide with the 140th anniversary of Flushing High School and is an invitation to the community to become familiar with the campus. The chamber hopes to tie the success of the event to a call for more community space in Flushing. The strong turnout and enthusiastic response from our community indicates a huge need for more creative and social spaces in Flushing, said John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. The chamber estimates that Flushing Night Out has drawn up to 5,000 visitors at the two previous events. The next and final Flushing Night Out will be held Aug. 26, 2016 on the grounds of Flushing High School. The August 26th event, themed Love, will include underground artists and a pyrotechnics display from the event production crew House of Samu. For more information, visit https://flushingchamber.nyc/. In Jackson Heights, the community-based organization Chhaya CDC is hosting its annual Chatpati Mela (festival) Saturday from 1 p.m. 7pm. Chhaya CDC is a community development organization that helps the South Asian community in organizing, financial empowerment and home ownership. Queens South Asian community consists not only of people originating from India, but also Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and Bangladesh. The sixth such iteration of this South Asian street festival and community event will take place on Play Street/78th Street, a pedestrian plaza adjacent to Travers Park, in Jackson Heights. The event highlights South Asian and Indo-Caribbean culture, including food, fashion, henna tattooing and cultural performances. The event, which regularly draws up to 2,000 attendees, will feature performances from Priyadarshini Roy and other community artists. The Queens Museum of Arts and the office of City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) are also supporters of the event. For more information, visit https://www.faceb ook.com/ event s/ 10467 58978 74789 7/ . Chatpati Mela is a yearly event that takes place every summer. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Just days after a woman jogger from Howard Beach was found strangled to death in a Queens marsh near her home, a new report found violent crime has risen in the citys parks. Against a backdrop of falling major crime in the five boroughs, murders, rapes and robberies have climbed by 23 percent in the green spaces frequented by New Yorkers, based on a study released this week by a park advocacy group. The citys most dangerous park is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which had 49 serious crimes within its borders from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, according to NYC Park Advocates. Central Park has its own police precinct and was not included in the report, drawn from NYPD stats For all city parks violent crime rose to 417 incidents for the nine-month period from 340 in the year-earlier span, the group found. But overall crime in the parks crept up by just under 3 percent. Flushing Meadows was the only Queens park on the top-10 crime list. Forest Park and Kissena Corridor Park each recorded one murder in the nine-month period, the same number as the other six parks around the city where homicides occurred. Rufus King Park in Jamaica led the city with three rapes and Flushing Meadows was the site of two attacks. For felony assault, Flushing Meadows was in second place with eight incidents, but Queens parks were not among the worst spots for robbery. Flushing Meadows again took the No. 1 place for burglary, the No. 2 ranking for grand larceny and the top billing for motor vehicle theft. Geoffrey Croft, founder of NYC Park Advocates, blames the sharp increase in park crime to the lack of adequate police patrols. Parks in Queens and across the city are patrolled by small bands of unarmed Parks Dept. officers who work with the NYPD. However disturbing the crime statistics about city parks, they do not apply to the area where Karina Vetrano was killed Aug. 2. She went for a run through Spring Creek Park, a marshland that is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, in broad daylight and was found dead about two hours later. The area, known as the weeds in the tightly knit Howard Beach neighborhood, is on federal land and policed by federal park agents. Frightened residents have called for more surveillance cameras and patrols by park agents on weekends. The NYPD has offered to send out officers for weekend duty. Parks are the boroughs most precious natural resource and the people who visit them deserve better protection. Both the city and the federal government have more work to do to keep Queens residents safe Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez The city Department of Buildings has found multiple massage parlors in Murray Hill have been operating illegally after a lawmaker asked the agency to investigate their status. The four massage parlors along 162nd Street between 46th Avenue and Northern Boulevard were all under investigation after residents raised concerns to state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) They informed Avella that suspected illegal activities were taking place. In response, Avella contacted DOB, NYPD and the Queens district attorneys office in December. The DA informed Avella that the section chief of the Human Trafficking Unit would be asking NYPDs Vice Enforcement Division to help look into the parlors, according to Avella. The DOB investigated the houses where the massage parlors are located and found that two locations in the Murray Hill area were operating illegal adult/physical cultural establishments, which the city defines as health clubs or gyms, without a permit. Two others violated the certificate of occupancy, the DOB said. Massage parlors located at 45-53 162nd St., 45-74 162nd St., 162-13 46th Ave. and 45-60 162nd St. were inspected in June and a vacate order was issued on three of the four except for the 45-74 162nd St. location. Two of the businesses removed the signs, Avella said. Its unbelievable just how many of these massage parlors exist in our communities, operating under false pretenses in an effort to conceal illegal acts, Avella said, The lawmaker also expressed the fear that women employed at these massage parlors may be victims of human trafficking. Shady massage parlors have been a big concern for residents and leaders in Flushing for years. In March the Queens North vice unit made 31 arrests after inspections were made at 18 massage parlors in the greater Flushing area. The charges included unauthorized practice of profession, practicing a profession without a license and prostitution-related charges, police said. Avella has notified the DA and the NYPD of the DOBs findings and hopes that criminal charges will be brought against the operators and that the criminal charges will deter other businesses from engaging in similar practices, We must do everything we can to eradicate these shameful business practices, he said. These illegal businesses, and ones similar, must be removed from our communities once and for all. While the DOB did not investigate the massage parlors specifically for human trafficking and prostitution, the community is worried that these crimes may be taking place, according to Avellas office. The state senator is waiting for an official response from NYPD and the Queens DAs office on further charges. Earlier this year the NYPDs Vice Enforcement Division arrested several people who were running massage parlors in Ridgewood, Glendale and Maspeth as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal activity in Queens. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) met with nail salon owners and Asian business leaders this week to discuss the hardships caused by new, strict state regulations. Laws meant to protect workers have cracked down on nail salon owners, who have told Kim that the regulations are punitive and impossible to abide by. The controversy began with a February 2015 New York Times article that exposed the poor working conditions in nail salons across New York City, including Flushing. The article claimed nail salon workers faced racism, abuse, were paid well below the minimum wage and sometimes were forced to work for no pay. The response to the article was widespread outrage and in May 2015 Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced legislation to protect the rights of nail salon workers. Measures included paying workers back wages, requiring all manicurists to wear gloves and publicly posting signs that inform workers of their rights in multiple languages. Im determined to work closely with our small business owners on finding long-term solutions that truly improve conditions for nail salons in New York, Kim said. I continue to oppose punitive measures and unreachable mandates that will inevitably bankrupt hardworking small businesses throughout the state. Last month Cuomo announced that by October all new nail salons will need to have ventilation systems. Existing nail salons will have five years to install the ventilation systems. This is intended to protect workers and customers from inhaling harmful fumes, but the economic impact of the mandate will be severe according to Kims office. New ventilation machines will cost thousands of dollars, and if existing nail salons are in older buildings that cant handle refurbishing they will be run out of business, a spokesman for Kim said. Any new owners looking to start up a nail salon will face requirements that they had not planned on and that may be so pricey, that opening a salon will become impossible, he added. Nail salon owners say they feel targeted and singled out. Peter Yu, of the Chinese Nail Salon Association of East America, told Kim that he thinks the regulations put too much pressure on owners. We work hard almost every day to put food on the table, and our members have always done everything they can to comply with the law, Yu said. In the last year alone, the states harsh regulations and rising costs have already forced many of us to close our shops. Now is not the time to further penalize immigrant small business owners, but instead a moment for everyone to come together and develop policies that help all New Yorkers, including employees, owners and customers. Kim has been outspoken in his support for nail salon owners and has worked with them to ensure regulations do not drive them out of business. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie Three years after the shooting death of a teenager sitting on an idling bus in south Jamaica, a portion of the street near where she died will be named in her memory and honor. The portion of Sutphin Boulevard between 125th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard that runs along the southwestern end of Baisley Park will soon be named DAja Naquai Robinson Way, according to City Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). We have a responsibility to remind the public about the indiscriminate nature of gun violence, and the destruction it causes, Wills said about the street renaming. On May 18, 2013, Robinson boarded a Q6 bus shortly after attending a friends Sweet 16 birthday party on Rockaway Boulevard. At about 8:30 p.m., someone began firing into the bus. Robinson was struck in the head by a bullet and died later at Jamaica Hospital, according to police. Investigators discovered nine .40-caliber shells at the scene. Authorities arrested Kevin McClinton, 22, a week and a half later in South Carolina, and Shamel Capers, 16, surrendered to police at the end of July, both in connection with the shooting. McClinton was tried and convicted earlier this year of Robinsons murder. According to officials, the two were aiming at another passenger on the bus. Capers is awaiting trial, with his next court date scheduled for Sept. 16. Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill authorizing the street renaming on Aug. 2. Wills said Robinsons death led to new initiatives that eased gun violence in the city, including the creation of the Gun Violence Crisis Management System in August 2014. The new system utilized the cure violence model that applied public health and community-based solutions to gun violence, including preventative services like job training, mental health and legal assistance that might decrease violence in the long term. He also noted the success of Erica Fords LIFE Camp organization in South Jamaica. The area the organization oversees has gone more than 500 days without a shooting. Wills applauded the success of the new programs while also acknowledging that heartbreaking incident that helped bring them to fruition. That achievement is rooted in the sorrow of DAjas family, and it is my sincere hope that through this co-naming they will be able to take a measure of solace in knowing that fewer young men and women have lost their lives to gun violence since, Wills said. Ambridge music museum to close & go up for sale; items to be relocated We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. There's sometimes a difference between what policies are actually helping small-town America, and the ones lawmakers in Washington, D.C., believe to be making an impact. U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, said he has spent time in the 13th Congressional District during this recess meeting with civic and business leaders in some of his smaller communities to find out what's working for them, what's not working, and to roll out Speaker of the House Paul Ryan's plan to focus on positive goals. Thornberry said that's a reverse of the previous 7 1/2 years of telling constituents what's wrong with the federal government and the country. He spoke to the Times Record News exclusively Thursday morning in his Wichita Falls office. 'I think the national campaign is not really addressing the issues that affect people's daily life,' he said. 'One of the things that we talk about is the agenda that House Republicans have put out the Better Way agenda that has specific proposals for regulations and health care and tax reform because those things do affect people's daily lives, and they certainly affect the way people earn their living in our neck of the woods.' The Better Way plan, Thornberry explained, focuses on six areas he said Ryan believes House Republicans can make a difference. Those categories include poverty, national security, the economy, the U.S. Constitution, health care and tax reform. Thornberry said the folks in the district were asked to look at the proposed focus of the party and provide feedback about what will work and help them. More information about the plan can be seen at abetterway.speaker.gov. Thornberry said he and a couple other representatives spent a little more than a week visiting troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan after Congress went into recess on July 15. He said it wasn't just to visit the capitals of those two countries, but to hear from commanders in the field about how operations are going. He said the nation's military men and women have had to work with antiquated equipment, not enough supplies or simply no replacement parts for quite some time. He said he also wanted to see if President Barack Obama's increase in personnel in the region and a loosening of some restrictions placed on U.S. forces was having a positive result. The review was mixed. 'In Afghanistan, for example, I had one commander tell me that he's been able to do more good in the last 30 days than in the whole previous six months that he had been there because of these loosened restrictions the circumstances under which we can drop ordnance in support of the Afghan army,' he said. 'The overall sense that I got is the Afghans are significantly better this year than last year and with our help, they are doing much, much better pushing back against the Taliban ... 'In Iraq, we are reducing the territory that ISIS controls, but I'm not sure the Iraqis are any closer to getting their political act together, which is what it's going to take to get and keep Mosul.' He said Syria is much more complicated, specifically citing the presence of the Russians in the region making operations difficult. Thornberry said he will spend this election cycle traveling to support and contributing funds to House Republicans up for re-election. He has not publicly endorsed any presidential candidates, including Republican nominee Donald Trump. The representative chided Trump after the candidate's response when Gold Star parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan took the stage at the Democratic National Convention. The representative said former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson's and conservative policy adviser and former CIA operative Evan McMullin's decision to jump into the presidential foray will give voter options other than the polarizing billionaire and untrustworthy Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. 'The fact that these other candidates are getting more attention than the third- (or) fourth-party candidates normally get is reflective of the fact that we have two major party candidates who are very unpopular, and they both are,' he said. 'People are speculating if some of them can make a difference in a state or two. We've seen that before with Ross Perot and George Wallace and so forth where it does have some effect. 'But I think it's hard to see, at this point, any of them winning a state.' Thornberry said despite presidential politics most likely dominating the headlines for the remainder of the year, Congress still has work to do on defense authorization and other appropriation bills. He said the House passed legislation to provide $1 trillion in Zika funding, but the Senate has yet to approve anything. He said Congress also has to prepare for a potential lame duck session by Obama, which typically begins after the election and ends when the new president takes residence in the White House. Helen Ruth Babinski born April 27, 1928, died August 6, 2016. Helen Ruth Sessions, age 88, was born on April 27, 1928, in Jay, Florida. She was the only child of Ercie Estelle Craft (the most Christian woman we ever knew) and Wilburn Duncan Sessions. She was raised on the family farm where she milked cows, raised hogs and chickens, grew and preserved vegetables and fruits, churned butter, cut wood, made lye soap and where Sunday dinner came compliments of the slowest chicken in the flock. Mom was a tenth generation American whose ancestors came from England and settled Jamestown. She was a direct descendant of Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and was also a descendant of Robert E. Lee, Elizabeth II of England, and George Washington. She came from a long line of Christian ministers and farmers. She loved the oral history of her family and delighted in talking about her happy upbringing in the country. On her 18th birthday Mom married our dad, Walter Charles Babinski of Brooklyn, New York, and they raised us three children in Pensacola, Florida, where he worked and retired after 30 years as a civilian metalsmith fabricating airplane parts for the Navy. In World War II he served in the Army as an aircraft tail gunner. The first time our dad saw our mother, he told her uncle that he was going to marry her, and he did. They were wed for 44 years until his passing in 1990. In 1999 Mom moved to Wichita Falls to live next door to her daughter and son-in-law. Our mom was a stay-at-home mother and always there for us. She loved her kids and grandkids more than anything else in life. She never met a stranger and was well known for her hospitality and generosity. She loved to create intricate needle work and especially to crochet, which her mom and grandmother taught her when she was a child. Some of her masterpieces include an oversized crocheted Lord's Prayer and personalized window curtains in Kathy's Deli. Even at 88 years old, she delighted in making afghans and baby blankets that she donated to local fire departments for victims, the ladies at Faith Refuge, and for anyone who admired her work. Our mother loved watching her son-in-law, Eddie Hill, drag race, and she was proud of being his mother-in-law. She loved all animals (especially dachshunds and birds), fishing, cooking, music, collecting dolls and dishware, playing dominoes with her six-year-old friend Mary Dale, and growing roses. Her home was always colorful and filled with blooming flowers. More than anything else, Mom loved our Lord. We know that she is so happy right now, safe in heaven with her mother and grandparents. She was a longtime member of the Cowboy Church of Henrietta. We thank you, Lord, for her life and for giving us a mom who cared so much about us. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son Christopher Layne Babinski. She is survived by daughter Ercie Helen Hill and husband Eddie of Wichita Falls; son Stanley Walter Babinski, Sr. of Pompano Beach, Florida; and four grandchildren Crystal Dawn Martinez of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Stanley Walter Babinski, Jr. of Pensacola; Ashley Nicole Babinski, R.N. of Derry, Pennsylvania; and Attorney Christie Lynn Babinski of Washington, D.C. Mom had four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews in New York City, cousins in Pensacola, as well as her lifelong friend in Pensacola, Doris Moore, and close friends Jo Kosanke and Josie Sigala. Our family extends thanks to the staff of Hospice of Wichita Falls, Senior Care, and United Regional Hospital for their sweet care of Mom. Services are scheduled to be held at The Cowboy Church of Henrietta, Texas at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2016. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sammy O'Dell, Clay Skelton, Bill Buckner, Booger Walsh, Rod Waldrop, and Sean Chenault. For those wishing, memorials may be made to The Cowboy Church of Henrietta, Post Office Box 181, Henrietta, Texas 76365. Get the hook. Donald Trump has just gone where no respectable presidential nominee has ever dared. And every Republican leader knows, deep down, there is now just one course of action that must be taken. They must dump Trump. House Speaker Paul Ryan now knows this, deep down. So does Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. Ever since Trump addressed a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, Tuesday, these party leaders have had to feel the stab of moral reality deep down in the souls they still have but have so far been too politically fearful to heed. Clearly and crudely, Trump carefully suggested without flat-out saying it that maybe it would be a good thing if someone shoots his Democratic presidential opponent, Hillary Clinton. Trump set out to demonize, falsely claiming she wants to abolish the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Here's what Trump actually told his rally audience including a last portion that has been cut and omitted from the sound bite snippets you have seen on your favorite news screens ever since. I'm adding it because I believe it makes Trump's context and intent disgustingly clear: 'Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment. By the way, and if she gets to pick, (AUDIENCE BEGINS BOOING) if she gets to pick her judges (TRUMP PAUSES, SHRUGS) nothing you can do, folks. (PAUSES AGAIN) Although the Second Amendment people (PAUSE), maybe there is. I don't know.'Most news accounts stopped their quotation here, but Trump went on to add this: 'But but I'll tell you what. That will be a horrible day if, if Hillary gets to put her judges in.' Trump, forever a master of the art of oratorical imprecision, knows well the potential (see also: diabolical) impact of what he carefully suggested without quite saying. He may well have succeeded in planting the seed of a suggestion with a nutcase who has access to a gun and has a mind that is easily bent, as to how he could help his favorite firearms cause. The ugliness of Trump's suggestion is a reminder of how close we can be to revisiting a hellish era I have covered far too many times. I was in school when President John F. Kennedy was killed. But I have covered the events following the assassinations of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the two assassination attempts on President Gerald Ford, the assassination attempts that crippled presidential candidate George Wallace, severely wounded President Ronald Reagan, crippled of my friend and Reagan's press secretary, James Brady, and severely wounded the heroic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Trump and his campaign spokespinners say Trump was only referring to the great political clout of the National Rifle Association. I think that's a damnable lie. As former CIA Director Michael Hayden so accurately noted, 'If someone else had said that outside the hall, he'd be in the back of a police wagon now, with the Secret Service questioning him.' Hayden added that at the CIA, he used to tell his top officials: 'You're not just responsible for what you say; you're responsible for what people hear.' Among the conservative Republicans who reacted and converted quickly was Joe Scarborough, who was elected to the U.S. House in 1994 to a North Florida panhandle district that was considered one of the most conservative in the nation. For years he was considered a bold and uncompromising conservative ally in then-Speaker Newt Gingrich's revolution. Scarborough has since moved on to host MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' and Tuesday night Scarborough blogged for The Washington Post that the GOP must 'dump Trump.' 'Trump and his supporters have been scrambling wildly all day to explain away the inexplicable, but they can stop wasting their time,' Scarborough wrote. 'The GOP nominee was clearly suggesting that some of the 'Second Amendment people' among his supporters could kill his Democratic opponent were she to be elected.' Scarborough added: 'Paul Ryan and every Republican leader should revoke their endorsement of Donald Trump. A bloody line has been crossed that cannot be ignored. ' Trump's reckless ways have proved his unfitness to govern. But oddly, the very transparency of his contemptible excesses have also given the best of this once-Grand Old Party one last chance to get it right. Martin Schram, an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service, is a veteran Washington journalist, author and TV documentary executive. Readers may send him email at martin.schram@gmail.com. Whenever Bing Crosby used to croon: 'If you ever go across the sea to Ireland ' I had to take his word for it. Sadly, I had never been, this despite my dear old Australian-born mother being of Irish stock. Dad was every ounce an Englishman, although of the colonial variety as his family had also left their ancestral home, so my parents had something of a mixed marriage. Perhaps because she was heir to the trick of driving the English crazy, my mother used to give voice to a strange if harmless prejudice. She believed all Englishwomen had big feet. If Dad happened to mention an Englishwoman, Mum would say: 'Probably has big feet, they all have big feet, those Englishwomen.' Dad never failed to rise to this absurd bait. 'No, they don't.' 'Yes, they do.' And so it went on. I believe she did it just for the fun of relieving the tedium. When I grew up, I went to live in England for a few years and failed to confirm my mother's view, but in truth I didn't study Englishwomen's feet closely. As a young man about London, their feet were not my focus. I knew quite a lot about Dad and his family but was only vaguely aware of my mother's family history and, to my shame, didn't care much. With the self-absorption of the young, we grow up thinking that we were born as self-contained individuals. Oh, we might recognize that we have Dad's nose and our mother's eyes, but as youngsters most of us do not understand that we are the sum of many parts stretching back generations. With age, however, comes curiosity about the family history that made us who we are. Indeed, I have come to the view that the ghosts of relatives past watch our life from a celestial bleachers in the stadium of the hereafter. They shout encouragement at our good decisions and moan when we screw up. 'You'll be sorry if you date that person.' 'Way to go for staying in school.' 'Watch out for her. She has big feet.' (Ignore that comment, it's my mother ) Of course, these comments are ignored as we cannot hear them here in the land of the living. Too bad, because it might help to hear from those who are part of us and so know us best. But who were they? That is the question and the internet age provides many resources for the personal seeker or the family historian. So with sufficient years to make me more inquisitive about the past, I asked my wife, Priscilla, to forgo the usual sweater and socks at Christmas and send away online for a DNA testing kit. The gift cost her about $99, not cheap, being a hot dinner where I come from, but cheap enough for the answering of ancient questions. I was overjoyed to receive it but promptly forgot about it, as I usually do with sweaters and socks. Weeks went by before I stirred to take the test, which was simple and foolproof, requiring only saliva in a tube. As it turned out, not foolproof enough, as I apparently messed up the sample. The company sent me a new one and again I spit into the wind of history. More weeks went by. In the meantime, my wife and I decided to fly to Ireland and Scotland to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The initial plan was to visit England, but that was too expensive. As an afterthought, I contacted a cousin in Australia to find out where my mother's family the Piggotts had come from. It was Gort, a town in Galway. Perhaps we might visit if we had time. The DNA results came back the week before we left and they were astonishing. Ireland accounted for an estimated 55 percent of my DNA, Great Britain 14 percent and Scandinavia 10 percent. Well, so much for being British Ireland rules. Englishwomen may have big feet, but the footprints of Celtic DNA were bigger. Gort was now a definite destination. It was marvelous. The Piggotts were still thriving there more than a century later. The old Irish story unfolded: Distant foreign relative arrives, locals are charming. I found Paula, who pointed out that her eyes and my eyes my mother's eyes were the same. She said I reminded her of an uncle recently deceased. Was he a handsome sort of fellah? I asked hopefully. Bing Crosby was right: That dear land across the Irish Sea. Reg Henry is a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist. Readers may email him at rhenry@post-gazette.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Moscow Ukraine put its troops on combat alert Thursday along the country's de-facto borders with Crimea and separatist rebels in the east amid an escalating war of words with Russia over Crimea. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued the order after Moscow accused his country of sending several groups of "saboteurs" to carry out attacks in Crimea and said that two Russians died while fending off their incursions. Ukraine has denied the claim. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. The conflict in the east has killed more than 9,500 people and is still raging. Russia's domestic security agency known by its Russian acronym FSB said in Wednesday's statement that one of its officers was killed in a gun battle with a group of "saboteurs" from Ukraine over the weekend. It said the intruders carried an arsenal of bombs, ammunition and mines. The agency also said that two more groups tried to force their way into Crimea early Monday, supported by Ukrainian artillery and armor. One Russian army soldier died in that clash, the FSB said. Russian media reports say at least five members of a sabotage group were captured. One of the captured suspects, identified as Yevgeny Panov, told FSB investigators in remarks released by Russia's REN TV television that he was part of a group preparing to conduct acts of sabotage at a ferry crossing, an oil depot and a chemical factory and to blow up Russian military equipment. He said the group was directed by Ukrainian military intelligence and included some of its officers. Poroshenko rejected the Russian claims as "fantasy" and "a provocation." Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced what he described as Ukraine's "stupid and criminal" action and called a session of his Security Council on Thursday to discuss boosting security in Crimea. He also said Wednesday that it makes no sense to discuss the implementation of the Minsk peace deal for eastern Ukraine with leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany at the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting in China next month as had been planned earlier. The Russian Foreign Ministry followed up Thursday by warning that if Poroshenko had been involved in "criminal decisions to stage armed provocations" in Crimea, "he could claim the role of the grave digger of the Minsk process." "And if he had been unaware of these decisions, it's even worse," it said. Poroshenko, in his turn, ordered Ukrainian troops to go on combat alert not only on the de-facto border with Crimea but also along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, where the warring sides have continued to routinely exchange fire despite a 2015 truce. He also ordered Ukrainian diplomats to organize his conversations with the U.S. and European leaders and Putin. The strong language used by Putin and other Russian officials, particularly Putin's refusal to discuss the implementation of the peace accord with Poroshenko, has raised fears of a possible escalation of hostilities. The Watervliet Arsenal announced it will handle two contracts from the U.S. Army totaling nearly $4 million to produce more than 50 barrels for the Abrams tank system. Half the order will support the U.S. military, the rest is expected to be sold to overseas military customers. The barrels are to be delivered between March and August 2018. Staff report Napoleon may have been the greatest military leader in history, but he also displayed considerable political skills. During his rule of Europe, he delivered efficient government and implemented liberal policies that underpin the way western democracies function today. Something else from the Napoleonic era has been passed down to today's politicians: a frustration with journalists. Here is what Napoleon said about my vocational forbears: "A journalist is a grumbler, a censurer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns, a tutor of nations." About right, oui? Then the mighty general added this: "Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets." Alors! Napoleon, sir, were you alive today, I would remind you that the task of those who assume the role of truth-tellers about public affairs need not always evoke hostility among those who pursue power. More Information Rex Smith is editor of the Times Union. Share your thoughts at http://blog.timesunion.com/editors. See More Collapse Consider, for example, two men who worked in the newsroom that is now my professional home, and who found their own ways to make a difference in this community. As the Saratoga Performing Arts Center celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer, I have been reminded of the crucial role in the Capital Region's artistic life played by Duane LaFleche, an editor at The Knickerbocker News, the afternoon newspaper that was the Times Union's sister publication until it closed in 1988. In February of 1961, LaFleche wrote an editorial noting unhappily that the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet were weighing building a summer concert venue in Vermont. "Wouldn't the state reservation at Saratoga Springs make an ideal location for a summer home for both?" the editorial asked. From that modest suggestion, a citizen group formed and soon began to raise funds to build an open-air amphitheater that could accommodate an audience of thousands. Since its opening in 1966, SPAC has drawn millions of people to the annual seasons of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the City Ballet, and to hundreds of other performances spanning musical and theatrical tastes. LaFleche surely hadn't imagined that single sentence having such power, yet he was playing one of the most valuable roles of a local newspaper: a spur to citizen action on behalf of their community. Another editor acted even more directly a few years later. The number of people is dwindling who personally recall the corruption of the Democratic machine that long ruled Albany County. William Kennedy, who wrote for this newspaper in the 1960s and later won a Pulitzer Prize and international acclaim for his Albany cycle of novels, has noted that "newspapers had been cowed or bought off by the machine for half a century." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. But in 1960, Kennedy wrote, the Times Union's then-publisher, Gene Robb, hired Dan Button to change that. "(T)hrough the political coverage that he ordained, and the editorials he wrote, Dan became a major public enemy of the machine and the most progressive and powerful editor of his era." In May of 1966, Button quit as editor and announced that he would run for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Leo O'Brien who before his 14-year congressional tenure had also been a journalist, though of a different stripe: While reporting for the Times Union, O'Brien had also been Albany's port commissioner, a loyal soldier of the machine. Button, who wasn't enrolled in a party, associated with a political breed now nearly vanished: liberal Republicans. He was a staunch opponent of racial injustice and of the Vietnam War. But mostly he was known for his stance against the inbred corruption of the political class. He walked through the district daily, covering 150 miles (and injuring his feet). On Election Day a half-century ago, Dan Button became the first non-machine congressman from the district in 46 years. Button served two terms before redistricting forced him to run an unwinnable race against Democrat Sam Stratton. But his legacy as a principled reformer, both in journalism and then in government outlasted his time in office. The Albany machine was never quite as powerful. (Button died in 2009.) These days it would be hard to imagine a journalist turning candidate, in part because journalism's ethical code now so clearly bars partisan activity. But you also aren't likely to see someone whose professional standards demand reverence for facts and nuance engage in the sort of distortion and simplistic reductionism that characterize today's political arguments. Although maybe it's not new. Napoleon saw it in the 19th century. "In politics," he said, "an absurdity is not a handicap." [August 11, 2016] Packaged Water Treatment System Market Worth 21.83 Billion USD by 2021 PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Packaged Water Treatment System Market by Technology Type (Extended Aeration, MBR, MBBR, SBR, Reverse Osmosis), Application (Municipal Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater, and Drinking Water) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The global market was valued at USD 12.07 Billion in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 21.83 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2016 and 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 87 market data Tables and 45 Figures spread through 158 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Packaged Water Treatment System Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/packaged-water-treatment-system-market-153441438.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. This growth can be mainly attributed to the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization. The stringent regulatory and sustainability mandates concerning the environment also play a major role in growth of the global packaged water treatment system market. Extended aeration segment led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 Among technology types, the extended aeration is expected to account for the largest share in the packaged water treatment system market. It is also projected to be the fastest-growing type of packaged water treatment system market between 2016 and 2021. In comparison to other treatment systems, the initial investments and costs involved are less in extended aeration, thus driving the demand for this technology. Municipal wastewater treatment is the fastest-growing application segment during the forecast period The municipal wastewater treatment application segment accounts for the largest share of the global Packaged Water Treatment System Market, and is also the fastest-growing segment of this market. Due to its compact size, packaged water treatment system systems can fit easily and be used in residential and urbanized areas. Municipal wastewater treatment, hence, remains the largest applcation area for packaged water treatment system market. Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=153441438 Middle East & Africa is the largest and the fastest-growing regional segment of the global packaged water treatment system Middle East & Africa led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 and accounted for the largest share, followed by Europe and North America. The market in this region is experiencing increased packaged water treatment system services in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, as these regions have little or no fresh water sources. Saudi Arabia is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Some of the major market players in this market include Veolia Water Technologies (France), GE Water & Process Technologies (U.S.), RWL Water (U.S.), WPL International (U.K.), Smith & Loveless INC. (U.S.), and others. Browse Related Reports: North America Water Storage Systems Market by Material Type (Concrete, Steel) Application (Hydraulic Fracture Storage & Collection, Onsite Water & Wastewater Collection), End-Use Industry (Municipal, Industrial) and Country - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/north-america-water-storage-systems-market-1184.html Water Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Coagulants & Flocculants, Biocides & Disinfectants), by Application (Municipal Water Treatment, Power Generation, Chemical, Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/water-treatment-342.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 12, 2016] Belltown Power Acquires 24 MW Wind Farm Project in Wales LONDON, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Belltown Power is pleased to announce that it has acquired Awel Newydd Cyf, the developer of Tirgwynt wind farm in mid-Wales, from RDC Partners. Construction of the wind farm is now underway and it is due to be fully commissioned by the end of 2016. The wind farm will have 12 turbines with a total installed capacity of 24.6 MW, generating enough renewable electricity for the equivalent of over 13,000 typical homes. The wind farm will also provide a community benefit fund of 49,000 a year for the lifetime of the project. The Tirgwynt farmers who own the land where the wnd farm stands have been integral in the development of the project. They have jointly funded its development with Awel Newydd Cyf and continue to be involved in its construction from both a commercial and implementation perspective. Mike Kaplan, CEO, Belltown Power, said: "We are delighted with this latest wind project which has been developed jointly with a number of local farmers and will help sustain farming in mid-Wales. We are continuing to grow our renewable energy portfolio across three diverse technologies - wind, solar and hydro - and this latest acquisition brings the total number of Belltown sites to 20; with over 140 MW generating enough green power for more than 60,000 homes and helping to make a difference to climate change." About Belltown Power: Belltown Power is a leading manager of renewable energy investment platforms. Belltown was established in 2013 and has acquired, built and now operates a large portfolio of renewable energy assets across the UK. Visit http://www.belltownpower.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 12, 2016] Traveloka Ranked First in "One to Watch" Category at BrandZ(TM) Top 50 Most Valuable Indonesian Brands in 2016 JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Traveloka, Indonesia's leading on the go lifestyle booking platform, received BrandZ 1st place award in the 'One to Watch' category, released by WPP and Millward Brown. Traveloka won the award for its highest Brand Potential score among private online and tech brands in Indonesia with 33% potential future growth. On the second place, marketplace ecommerce Tokopedia accounts for 22% followed by Bukalapak in third place with 15%. Millward Brown's research methodology use Brand Contribution score as an assessment technique on how effectively a brand differentiates itself from its competitors, generates desire and cultivates loyalty. There are three factors that go into the measuring of Brand Contribution: Meaningful, Different, and Salient. Based on Millward Brown's recent research, there has been an explosion in the number of digital commerce brands in the past two years, and many are causing severe disruption in their categories. Traveloka emerged the brand that dominates its sector with more than 60% Brand Contribution score. Traveloka is considered to have already nurtured the bond and connections to its consumers successfully, as the brand was featured as one of the Top 20 Most Meaningful Brands in Indonesia with the score o 168 (the average score of all brands globally is 100). It means that most of the consumers have an affinity with Traveloka and also think Traveloka meets their needs. Dannis Muhammad, Head of Marketing Traveloka said, "Enabling a reliable and complete online booking service for high mobility lifestyle has become the key of success for our brand to thrive in a fastchanging industry. To deliver that, we focus on providing the best end-to-end customers experience." About Traveloka Traveloka is Indonesia's leading on the go lifestyle booking platform. The Jakarta-based company was founded by several Indonesian technology information practitioners with years working experiences at tech companies in the United States of America. Traveloka is the first national company in Asia that receives a Series A funding from Global Founders Capital and East Ventures. Traveloka can be accessed through desktop, mobile web, and mobile application (Android and iOS) anytime and anywhere. Currently, Traveloka has established partnerships with more than 50 domestic and international airlines, serving more than 100,000 different routes throughout Asia Pacific and Europe. Traveloka has listed more than 100,000 of hotels worldwide. A secure payment system, various payment methods, an easy user experience, a 24 hours call center service, also the everyday low and transparent price without booking fees are the key services that Traveloka offers to customers, enabling a mobility lifestyle. For more information about Traveloka, visit http://www.traveloka.com or follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Traveloka ) ,Instagram ( https://instagram.com/traveloka ), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/traveloka ) . Traveloka mobile app is available on Play Store and iTunes App Store . Media contact: Busyra Oryza Communications Executive [email protected] / [email protected] / +62-21-2977-5800 Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160812/8521605146 Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160531/8521603511LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 12, 2016] Software-Defined Storage Market Worth 22.56 Billion USD by 2021 PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Software-Defined Storage Market by Component [Platforms/Solutions (Software-Defined Server, Data Security & Compliance, Controller, Data Management, and Hypervisor), Services], Usage, Organization Size, Application Area - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, is expected to grow from USD 4.72 Billion in 2016 to USD 22.56 Billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 36.7%. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 101 market data Tables and 58 Figures spread through 167 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Software-Defined Storage Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/software-defined-storage-sds-networking-sdsn-market-1067.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. Exponentially growing data volume across enterprises, rise in "software defined" concept, and the need for cost optimization in data management are some of the major driving factors for the SDS market. Furthermore, avoiding downtime of storage infrastructure and competitive market environment due to its being an innovative technology are expected to provide opportunities for the growth of the SDS market. Data security and compliance software is expected to be the largest contributor in the global SDS market during the forecast period Organizations have to mandatory follow the compliance policies and guidelines for storing and sharing data while securing business-critical information. Also, there is a need to take actions for storing and sharing data while securing the business-critical information. The requirement of security and compliance function in the existing SDS solution while storing the data has increased the demand for this software and is expected to contribute the highest in the overall revenue generation for the Software-Defined Storage Market during the forecast period. The support and maintenance segment is expected to show significant growth rate during the forecast period The demand for services is significantly increasing along with the growth of the SDS market.Software and maintenance services help organizations to get the maximum benefits from their SDS software investment. The customers can get better assistance and maintenance for their SDS solution with various levels of support programs. The market for support and maintenance will keep growing owing to the need for consistent support required for deploying and utilizing the SDS solution. Request Sample Pages - http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=1067 With increasing number of IT industries and growth of Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in the countries of Asia-Pacific (APAC), the region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period Many countries in APAC are witnessing increase in the number of IT companies and expansion of small and medium businesses. This will boost the data storage market, thus providing a bigger market for SDS solutions. With the popularity of SDS solution benefits, the SMBs will be adopting the SDS technology at a faster pace. The solution helps these organizations in reducing their storage cost and achieving better business function. Dell (Texas, U.S.), EMC Corporation (Massachusetts, U.S.), Fujitsu (Tokyo, Japan), HPE (California, U.S.), IBM (New York, U.S.), Citrix (Florida, U.S.), NetApp (California, U.S.), Scality (California, U.S.), VMware (California, U.S.), and Western Digital Corporation (California, U.S.) are identified as leaders in the SDS market. Browse Related Report Cloud Storage Market by Solutions (Primary Storage Solution, Backup Storage Solution, Cloud Storage Gateway Solution, and Data Movement and Access Solution) - Global Forecast and Analysis to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cloud-storage-market-902.html Video Surveillance Storage Market by Storage Technology (SAN, DAS, NAS), Storage Media (HDDS, SDDS), Deployment Model (On-Premise & On Cloud), Service, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/video-surveillance-storage-market-11432874.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] JD England reflects on time as Mayor of Mitchell before stepping down JD England reflects on his time on the Mitchell police force, his first term election by just four votes and his accomplishments in office. Robot vacuum buying guide: What you need to know Not sure where to start your search for a robot vacuum? It doesn't matter how little or how much you want to spend, there's a cleaning robot out there for everyone. Samsung debuted its new Z-NAND at the Flash Memory Summit this week in an obvious ploy to undercut IMTF 3D XPoint before it comes to market, but the company also has another initiative to attack in the memory space. On the surface the new 1 TB Z-SSD, which is built with Samsung's new Z-NAND, is very similar to other existing PCIe SSDs. Samsung claims that this new specialized version of NAND provides a radical performance increase compared to existing NAND-based SSDs. Samsung Attacks 3D XPoint Storage Applications Samsung presented slides that listed the Z-SSD's performance specifications, but a note in the bottom right-hand corner of the slides indicates that it derived the benchmarks from an emulator. This may indicate that the company doesn't actually have physical products yet and is relying on simulations to derive performance specifications. The company compared the SSD to both NAND-based and PRAM-based SSDs. Phase-Change RAM (PRAM) is a glass-type of non-volatile chalcogenide memory that many speculate Intel/Micron uses with 3D XPoint. It appears that Samsung is implying that it can offer similar performance and latency to 3D XPoint. In either case, the slides indicate much higher throughput than a normal SSD (1.6x better than a Samsung PM963 NVMe SSD) and radically reduced latency that is on par with the PRAM-based SSD. The fact that Samsung has a PRAM-based SSD for comparison, however, is telling. The company, like many other fabs, constantly has new technologies under development, and it's possible that we may see a PRAM-based SSD in the future. Samsung representatives informed us that the new NAND would have SLC-like endurance specifications, which implies that the new Z-NAND is simply using the entire capacity of an MLC NAND product programmed as SLC. The company also notified us that it based the new technology upon its existing 3D NAND technology, so it is likely using a 64-layer architecture. One of the key differentiators, beyond performance, is that the Z-SSD promises incredible scaling and maximum IOPS under low QD workloads. This is similar to the 3D XPoint performance profile, and like its competitor, this is likely due to an increased number of planes. Normal NAND-based SSDs require an excessively heavy workload--rare in normal use--to extract the maximum performance. This is because the NAND die need to respond en masse to incoming requests. NAND vendors boost the performance of individual die by splitting the die into separate regions that can respond to commands separately (increase parallelism). The majority of current generation NAND are dual-plane designs, but Micron 3D NAND employs a quad-plane design to increase performance. 3D XPoint doesn't have the traditional plane architecture, but the company disclosed that there are 64 regions that can respond independently, which is similar to a 64-plane architecture. Samsung may have boosted the number of planes per Z-NAND die to achieve a similar level of performance and parallelism. Coupling the extra die with SLC, which is much faster and endurant than MLC and TLC NAND, would provide tremendous performance benefits. Samsung provided results, again generated with an emulator, that show higher performance (up to 1.2X in a big data analytics workload) and much lower power consumption than the PRAM-based SSD. The NAND-based SSD trails far behind the PRAM and Z-NAND solutions, but Samsung did not provide a direct power comparison between NAND and Z-NAND. The company also did not provide any random performance specifications during the announcement, but did note that the new SSD will use the NVMe protocol and will be faster than existing NVMe SSDs. Most NVMe SSDs top out in the range of 750,000 IOPS with a x4 connection and 1 million IOPS with a x8 connection. Samsung also divulged to us that the Z-SSD would offer up to a 7x improvement in 99.99th percentile latency (worst-case) over existing NAND-based SSDs. Samsung representatives noted that because it based Z-NAND on existing NAND technology it will be much cheaper to produce, while its 3D XPoint competitors are investing billions in new fabs and tooling. The impact of the increased investments have already shown up in Intel's financial reports, and the extra cost will push the price of 3D XPoint up beyond NAND-based SSDs. Samsung Attacks 3D XPoint as Memory Samsung is also squeezing 3D XPoint, which can be used as either storage or memory, on the RAM axis. Samsung's partner Netlist also announced its new HybriDIMM products, which use HyperVault technology. Samsung invested a total of $23 million in Netlist last year to develop the HyperVault technology. The result of the investment is the new HybriDIMM products, which connect into a DDR4 LRDIMM slot and allow the system to address large repositories of NAND (up to 512 GB with the first-gen product and 1 TB with the second-gen product) as either storage or memory. The DIMMs work without a BIOS change, which will be unlikely with 3D XPoint DIMMs, and use PreSight predictive algorithms to pre-fetch and stage data from NAND into a small amount of DRAM (8-16 GB) on board the DIMM, thus alleviating performance limitations. These new DIMMs will allow users to place terabytes of RAM into a single server in a much more cost-effective manner than current DRAM and 3D XPoint. We have deeper coverage of the technology here. HybriDIMMs use Samsung NAND, but it would be logical to assume that we might also see Z-NAND on them in the future. Shots Fired Samsung's line of attack with the Z-SSD might help price 3D XPoint out of the market for storage applications. Combining the storage assault with lower-cost HybriDIMM memory alternatives will also provide additional pressure. The kicker is that Samsung based all of the new products on proven and mature technologies, which is important for the lucrative data center market that Intel and Micron are chasing. Samsung's strategy capitalizes on the simple fact that in most cases good-enough and cheap will win, but we will have to wait until products hit the market to see if it pans out. Australian musical wizard Darren Hart, aka Harts, is about to make his 2016 even bigger than it already was with the announcement of his brand new album, Smoke Fire Hope Desire, and a new string of national tour dates. This year has already seen Harts release two powerhouse singles Peculiar and Power as well as embarking on several local and international tours, hitting up venues around the UK and Europe, as well as Splendour In The Grass. Smoke Fire Hope Desire, which was recorded in Hartss home studio in Melbourne, is set to drop 16th September. As always, Harts recorded the entire thing one-man-band style, playing all the instruments and producing the album himself. To celebrate the release of the new album, Harts will be hitting up some of his favourite venues around the country, playing club shows in Newcastle, Sydney, Geelong, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. Harts National Tour Dates Friday, 16th September 2016 The Cambrdige Hotel, Newcastle Saturday, 17th September 2016 Oxford Art Factory, Sydney Friday, 23rd September 2016 The Workers Club, Geelong Thursday, 29th September 2016 Solbar, Sunshine Coast Friday, 30th September 2016 The Zoo, Brisbane Sunday, 2nd October 2016 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Friday, 7th October 2016 Uni Bar, Adelaide Saturday, 8th October 2016 Karova Lounge, Ballarat It is an insanely exciting time to be a member of Twelve Foot Ninja. Sophomore album Outlier is ready to drop on August 26, new single Invincible is taking to airwaves worldwide, and there is a spate of shows scheduled across Australia and the USA through to November. Its all happening confirms Stevic Mackay, chief guitarchitect and producer of the bands highly technical genre-mashing sound. After a lengthy writing and recording process, the band are looking forward to getting back into a routine. I guess there is a lot behind the scenes that goes on in the lead up to release, so it feels like things are evening out more now that the mad rush is subsiding somewhat. Outlier comes almost four years after debut Silent Machine, a fact that Stevic finds it hard to come to terms with. When you say four years, I feel sick laughs Mackay. I guess its about the detail, its what weve always been about and what our supporters appreciate. This stuff is not shit you can just pump out. And if there are people pumping it out, Id have to kill them. Itd be too depressing! A hallmark of Twelve Foot Ninjas music is the way it transcends genres and takes the listener on a journey with each individual track. In the past, the band have fused their rhythmic metal sound with a range of reggae and latin undertones to create some of the most unique and refreshing music in the heavy music world. With this in mind, fans are eagerly awaiting to see what has changed with Outlier. Genre-wise, I think we backed off from the reggae vibe a bit more on this album and added a bit more latin-inspired stuff and a bit more jazzy sort of stuff. In terms of technicality, somewhat paradoxically, Outlier is both simpler and more technical than Silent Machine laughs Mackay. We really tried to focus on writing songs. I know that sounds kind of obvious, but when youre playing music that has any level of technicality, it can become easy to fall into the trap of focussing on a crazy rhythmic part that might not actually be adding value to the song. Weve made a distinction between good riffs and good songs. Stripping back the songs to their most basic form on acoustic guitar proved a helpful method of validation for the band. We wrote about 60 tracks between the end of Silent Machine and Outlier being completed. We killed a lot of them before they reached any level of maturity because wed be playing this crazy shit, that when zoomed out and played on acoustic guitar was pretty shit music. We basically applied an acoustic guitar test does the song translate to an acoustic guitar, and is it good? Does it make sense melodically and harmonically and what are we talking about lyrically? All that kind of stuff. The musical logic that binds most bands to playing in a specific style doesnt apply to Twelve Foot Ninja. But having such a broad stylistic palette to draw from doesnt make the creative process any easier. It makes it more challenging to be honest. I kinda feel like we have a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle and you just chuck it on the floor and have to put it back together. Thats what it feels like with a lot of the songs we write says Mackay. There have been times that I have regretted not just being in a ukulele band, it would have made life easier. Im definitely envious of more straightforward genres where its just four chords and a fuckin tambourine. There has rarely been a track that weve released that hasnt had 15 versions of it. Its not the sort of music that you can write by getting a bunch of people in a room jamming. Its more like youre an architect, building a house. You reach ideas that youve got creatively, and then you hit roadblocks that you have to cognitively overcome. How do we get from this genre to that genre? Do we want a smooth transition or do we want to jolt people in a juxtaposed sort of way? All of these questions come up and we work through solutions, then might decide after everything that we want to turf the song anyway. A five-piece, Twelve Foot Ninjas sound is influenced by the broad tastes of all its members. However, for a musical element to make it onto an album, it needs to get a unanimous vote. I produce all the music, so I often get the opportunity to add some pretty divergent stuff to what it might start out as. We definitely all have different tastes, but the general rule is it is not a democracy with Twelve Foot Ninja, it has to be unanimous. Everybody has to love it, or we just keep trying explains Mackay. The band have released the first two singles from the album, One Hand Killing and Invincible. The band are really looking forward to supporters hearing the rest of the album, including a few of Stevics personal favourites. Theres a couple of tracks that Im really looking forward to people hearing. Theres one thats called Collateral that I really like. It just came out really heavy. Its a pretty ball-tearing track. Another one, Dig For Bones, was one of the first songs written after Silent Machine that sort of morphed over time. It started with Russ, our drummer, just sort of singing this weird guitar riff on the tour bus, and I sort of figured it out on guitar and started building a song around it. It actually features my dog on there. Shes got this weird thing where shell hear Kin singing and shell start howling. She either feels like shes part of the pack or she just really hates his voice and it grates on her laughs Mackay. Invincible has been enjoying regular rotation on triple j since the station premiered it on July 19. In a recent interview, Luke Boerdam of Violent Soho credited triple j in opening up the playing field for alternative bands after vastly increasing support for heavier genres. After discussing this, Stevic weighed in on the argument; It would be hard to disagree with that. Its pretty remarkable for us that they have put one of our tracks in rotation. Youve got bands like The Amity Affliction and Hellions and other hardcore bands that hit home with a lot of younger fans, and then theres bands like Northlane that have taken that vibe and added their own thing to it. Its all becoming a lot more accepted on triple j, and I think that any kind of heavy music is a segue into other heavy music. Theres still obviously not heaps on there, but the station is definitely stepping in a positive direction for fans of heavy music Radio play also impacts the viability of larger scale touring. After a brief Australian touring stint this month, Twelve Foot Ninja will be gearing up for their fourth tour of the United States. Stevic asserts that the band have actually been enjoying more success stateside due to a combination of regular airplay and a larger market. We get put on high rotation on SiriusXM which has 23 million subscribers. Its basically the population of Australia listening to one radio station. We get played on the metal and hard rock channels which is perfect. Because of the size of the US population, the niche market that we play in there is bigger than a mainstream market in Australia. Its just a totally different metric. In Australia, triple js support could mean more love for regional fans. I think it will make a difference to our ability to tour regionally explains Mackay. In general we tend to bypass a lot of regional touring because it just isnt as feasible for us as opposed to cities. I think crowd sizes in the regions are quite heavily influenced by triple j play. In November, the band will return to Australia as national support for mammoth metal outfit Disturbed. This will be Twelve Foot Ninjas first time playing arena shows, and the band arent short on excitement. Really looking forward to it. Weve played some big festivals, I think around 15,000 was the largest crowd, but the arena thing is whole new ballgame. Theres a bit more production with the arena shows and its a great opportunity for us says Mackay. Whether alongside Disturbed or on their fast-approaching headline tour, there are ample opportunities coming up for Aussies to get their Twelve Foot Ninja fix as the band take Outlier to the stage. Outlier is out August 26 on Volkanic Music. Preorders are available at the Twelve Foot Ninja website. TWELVE FOOT NINJA NATIONAL TOUR DATES Thursday, 25th August Fowlers Live, Adelaide Friday, 26th August The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Friday, 2nd September Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Saturday, 3rd September Bald Faced Stag, Sydney Community radio stations are a hugely important part of the foundations that the local music industry and, of course, community are built on. Perths beloved RTRFM are about to kick off Radiothon, their annual 10-day fundraising drive which includes a bunch of gigs across Northbridge to bring in some vital contributions from listeners and the music community to keep the station whirring along. To drum up a bit of support, weve asked some local musos who also host programs on the station to let us know how listening to and working in community radio has impacted their musical trajectories, and their lives overall. RTRFMs Radiothon Party takes place across four venues in Northbridge on Saturday August 13, and you can come to the party and subscribe to RTRFM during Radiothon from August 12 to 21, by visiting rtrfm.com.au or calling (08) 9260 9210. ADAM TRAINER PRESENTS POSTED / PLAYS IN ORIGINAL PAST LIFE & RADARMAKER How did you first come to RTRFM? The first time I set foot inside the Sanders Building at UWA was as a musician who was there to be interviewed about my band. A couple of years later a slot came up on the Posted program, then the odd fill in on Drivetime or Out To Lunch, and then in 2010 I was fortunate enough to become the music director, a position that I relished for almost four years. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? There are lots of ways that are all fairly straightforward, like the airplay and interviews and mentions of gigs and even playing RTR fundraisers, but I think the most fundamental way is through facilitating and celebrating local music culture more broadly, because that means a culture in this city where people actually get along to gigs, they dig your music and theyre actually invested in what youre doing. Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? I was in the fortunate position of actually receiving all of the music that was sent to RTR for years, and there were so many! I would like to take credit for booking Methyl Ethel to play their first ever gig though, which was a Radiothon Party a few years back. That one makes me look like a tastemaker, right?! ;) Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? Every program on the grid is vital, because it taps into a particular aesthetic or scene that would be otherwise under or even unrepresented on local airwaves otherwise, so people should subscribe to their personal favourite. If you cant pick, then subscribe to the show that you think is best connected to the musical community that it represents passionate people who are invested in their scene always make great radio. MARK NEAL PRESENTS OUT TO LUNCH TUESDAYS/ PLAYS IN ODLAW & THE DISAPPOINTED How did you first come to RTRFM? I grew up in a little country town. After I left high school I started studying music down there. Part of the music course took us to Perth to introduce us to the Perth scene and the RTRFM studio was one of the stops. I was really young, and not easily impressed, but I was amazed by the atmosphere and energy that RTRFM had. We walked into this office so full of life. It was a hub of people, all chatting music, full of ideas and it seemed like the coolest place in the world. It still is. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? Ive always been the member of the band who answers emails and gets us gigs, before I was involved in the station as a younger member of the local scene I would stumble around Perth trying to figure out how to get a gig, or get someone to listen to our music. Someone at RTRFM played our music without me even asking. This presenter had somehow got our CD and played it on the radio. They probably came to a gig and paid money for it, thats the kind of station RTR is. Its full of people actively going to shows, always seeking out music, and supporting local bands. After that I hassled the station at every opportunity. They would always answer my emails, gave us interviews, and a few opportunities to play their events. RTR events are amazing! Diverse, interesting and always on point with what is happening in the local music scene. Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? There are too many to list. I remember hearing Oxymoron by The Love Junkies on RTRFM when I was presenting Homegrown a few year ago. That band has continued to write amazing albums and kickass at live shows. Last week on Breakfast I heard a song by John Carpenter from Lost Themes II. I love horror films, this blew my mind! Now every day I get to drive around a pretend Im in a horror film scored by John Carpenter. I had terrible taste in music when I was younger, so RTR has kinda been like the older brother I never had, always introducing me to new music. Now that I get to host Out To Lunch, the new music program, Im always hunting for new sounds, I love finding music that challenges me, that I hope will challenge and surprise my listeners. Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? All of them! I think Ill be subscribing to Drastic in Plastic, the women in music show. Its on every Saturday and the team behind that show are brilliant. Some of the best radio presenters you will ever hear, with impeccable taste in music. Support the local music show Homegrown, also on Saturdays. This is the show that celebrates WA music and gives everyone in WA a go. Dont be afraid to subscribe more than once, or subscribe on behalf of your pets. XANTHEA OCONNOR PRESENTS UP LATE & SNOOZE BUTTON/ PLAYS AS XANTHEA How did you first come to RTRFM? I started off bugging former Music Director Adam Christou and Breakfast Presenter Caitlin Nienaber to interview artists I manage and they didnt tell me to go away! Then I volunteered a lot last year and took the presenters course earlier this year. RTRFM is the kind of place that feels like its always moving with purpose and enthusiasm and I got attached pretty quickly to its inner workings. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? RTRFM is one of the most well-informed organisations on Perth local music in my mind so being asked to play this years Radiothon is really validating. Working inside the beast that is the music industry and managing other bands takes most of my time and while I love it, its sometimes a struggle to maintain perspective of where I fit in artistically. Its definitely pushed me to get it together and finally finish my EP Ive been working on for so long its getting embarrassing. Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? RTRFM has played a large roll in shaping my music taste in the last 5 years. I religiously head to the RTRFM Sound Selection every week and see whats new and noteworthy, especially now I work as a presenter at the station. Locally, I heard Rabbit Island for the first time on Breakfast with Barr who is one of my favourite acts now. I heard Terrible Truths for the first time when their album was featured last year. I could go on but Id be here all day. Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? Breakfast with Caitlin. 100%. She starts broadcasting at 6am every weekday, always with a solid morning playlist and diverse, intriguing interviews with musicians from everywhere. I have no idea how she does it but Im glad she does. ARN ONE PRESENTS ALL CITY & LOONEY CHOONS / PLAYS AS ARN ONE How did you first come to RTRFM? I first got involved with RTR when I was asked to come in as a guest on Snooze Button and Powerjam in 2002 when the station used to live at the University of Western Australia. Since then, Ive presented Artificial Intelligence, Black & Blue, Rhythm Trippin, Looney Choons and All City. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? As a beat maker, some of my beats have been played exclusively only on RTRFM by some of the other presenters on other shows. As a DJ, all those nights trainwrecking on Looney Choons has helped me develop into one of the towns most versatile DJs. Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? The best musical discovery Ive made through RTRFM would have to be learning that all modern electronic music has roots in hip-hop, house and techno. Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? People should subscribe to Black & Blue because hip-hop, house and techno wouldnt exist if it wasnt for jazz, funk and soul. JAMIE SEARLE PRESENTS GLOBAL RHYTHM POT/ PLAYS IN SOUKOUSS INTERNATIONALE, GRACE BARBE AFRO-KREOL & CRUCIAL ROCKERS How did you first come to RTRFM? General Justice invited me onto Jamdown Vershun back in 2001 not long after I first arrived in Perth. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? Airplay and their fantastic events, I have played at so many them over the years and this year I fulfilled a long held ambition by finally getting to play at In the Pines with Grace Barbe! Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? Modern dancehall via Jamdown Vershun, lots of interesting stuff on shows like Full Frequency and Underground Solution, vintage rock and RnB via Rock, Rattle and Roll the list goes on! Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? All of the shows are worth supporting , but among my favourites are Rock, Rattle & Roll, Jamdown Vershun, Underground Solution, Black & Blue, Soulsides, Woodstock Rock and El Ritmo. I am always really touched by the passion and dedication of the Homegrown presenters for and to local music. CLAIRE HODGSON PRESENTS BURN THE AIRWAVES/ PLAYS THE SHAKEYS How did you first come to RTRFM? I was a listener and fan of the station for many moons and when veteran RTRFM presenter and all-round Perth music legend, Ross Chisholm, mentioned there was a presenter spot up for grabs on Burn The Airwaves. It seemed like one of my punk teen dreams could come true, so I jumped at the chance! I busily went about getting all of the on-air training and experience I could to put me in the running. I was offered the spot and Ive been presenting on Burn The Airwaves once a month for just over three and a half years now. Its been wonderful from a personal perspective as a musician and also professionally, with my industry development work at West Australian Music (WAM) by giving me a much deeper understanding of whats happening musically here in WA. How has RTRFM helped you as a musician in Perth? RTRFM has always strongly supported any new music Ive released through airplay, giving my work exposure and also offering the important radio nod of approval which many in the industry use as an indication of artists worthy of further opportunities. Presenting on RTRFM has also provided me with a wonderful excuse to find and curate some of the best offerings in the punk-o-sphere from artists at home and across the globe, always without limitation. And playing this music on air and following listeners reactions has tuned my ear to have a much better sense of what resonates with music fans. So as a musician, reaching the same level of sonic greatness with my own work is a constant ambition, with the influence of the music that I uncover and the mythology that surrounds it also being an endless source of inspiration and motivation. Whats the best musical discovery youve made via RTRFM? There are so many great discoveries happening all the time, I couldnt pick just one! I like featuring incredible tracks from bands nobodys heard of and to showcase these alongside some great local tunes to demonstrate how WA music really stands tall with the best stuff happening overseas. Developing the flow of this within each show and the constant uncovering of obscure music, both old and new, is the part of presenting that I enjoy the most. Other than your own program, what show should people subscribe to and why? If not Burn The Airwaves, then most definitely Drastic On Plastic. Not only do the presenters play fantastic music, its RTRFMs show thats dedicated to showcasing a selection of the stations excellent female presenters. As with most areas in the music industry women are underrepresented in radio, so supporting the wonderful work of the Drastic On Plastic ladies is a must in my opinion. From the presenters to the bands, to local promoters, RTRFM provides a space to showcase what we as a music community find important and this helps tie us together. Thats why supporting the incredible work the RTRFM peeps do across the station by subscribing at Radiothon time is an absolute must for every local artist, industry worker or music fan every year! Recovery, the ABCs beloved 90s Saturday morning staple that defined an entire generation of Australian music fans, has been in the news a lot lately as the hosts celebrate its 20th anniversary. A stage version of Recovery is presently in the works, as hosts Dylan Lewis and Jane Gazzo prepare to hit the ABC studios again this weekend for a huge Recovery special on Rage. Theres also a Recovery DVD and CD box set on the cards for November. The DVD will feature live performance footage, a booklet of photos, and plenty of other goodies. But all we want to know about is when it will be back on our tubes? Well, that may actually happen sooner than we think. As we know, Lewis and Gazzo have been pushing hard for a Recovery reboot. But according to a report from FasterLouder, sources say the show may be back on TV as soon as next year. Gazzo told FL she and Lewis have been approached about the much hoped-for return. Weve been approached, she said. Weve got meetings on a potential TV return. Nothing has been locked in just yet, but Lewis said the stage show could help the hosts and any producers out there test the waters. For now, you can enjoy this weekends Rage special, which will feature live performances from the show, which Gazzo and Lewis curated together. Its taken VISIONS just two years to become Sydneys favourite party. Hosting over 30,000 punters in that time, theyve seen sets from the likes of The Preatures, Kirin J Calinan, Deep Sea Arcade, Montaigne, and more. Theyve just announced their absolutely stacked lineup for their very own stage at Newtowns King Street Crawl this year, which will feature Peter Bibby, Shining Bird, Polish Club, The Ruminaters, Fascinator, and more. The King Street Crawl is an annual event that celebrates the diversity of our local music scene and the diversity of Newtowns King Street, linking all of the iconic streets varying businesses in one long musical crawl. The VISIONS team are also set to celebrate their expansion to Melbourne next month. Theyll be kicking the whole thing off with a huge event at Yah Yahs, with appearances from Nick Allbrook, Fascinator, Crepes, and more. King St Crawl Visions Stage Peter Bibby Shining Bird Polish Club The Ruminaters Fascinator Wild Honey Betty & Oswald Pretty City Jody Sunday, 4th September 2016 Waywards, Sydney FREE ENTRY Visions Melbourne Nicholas Allbrook Fascinator Crepes Way Dynamic Plotz Deep Sea Arcade DJs Friday, 2nd September 2016 Yah Yahs, Melbourne Tickets: Eventbrite Captain Meltons sister-in-law, Lynn Melton, was the first member of her family to speak publicly since he was shot and killed last month attempting to stop a shooting suspect. The support from the police, firefighters and community has just been unbelievable, she said at the commission meeting. But the thank yous ended there. With Captain Melton's brother, her husband, at her side she then told Mayor Mark Holland she had a question. How could he say what he said? Less than 24 hours after Captain Meltons death to a grieving family of both blood and blue and to the entire community and I quote, 'In the two months between our officers deaths our nation has seen the loss of innocent lives at the hands of police.' Melton read. DID MAYOR HOLLAND JUST RUIN HIS FLEDGLING POLITICAL CAREER IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS WITH AN INAPPROPRIATE AND INSENSITIVE REMARK GIVEN THE TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES??? In the aftermath of a tragic murder targeting a beloved lawman . . . Here's a scathing question from relatives . . .Deets . . .Accordingly . . .Somewhere in Kansas City, Kansas . . .is buying a new pantsuit and preparing for the future.You decide . . . IN THE AFTERMATH OF DECAPITATION TESTIMONY OUR TKC BLOG COMMUNITY MUST DECIDE WHO DESERVES THE BLAME IN THE AFTERMATH OF DECAPITATION TRAGEDY REPORTS!!! Should Schlitterbahn Designers Take The Blame For The Deadly Tragedy??? Will Broke-Ass Water Park Workers Take The Heat For This Tragedy??? Progressives Claim Gov. Brownback Is To Blame For Water Park Beheading Reports Today a child is laid to rest after he was tragically killed at a local water park . Sadly, there are mixed messages about the services that call not only for respect but also feature a livestream on the Internets.In all of this confusion, the only thing Kansas City can do is play the blame game once again.To wit . . .Like it or not this is the only place where the public can have this important discussion which hopes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.Now, pick the winners/losers . . .Turns out the world's tallest water slide wasn't so much an engineering marvel as a deadly accident waiting to happen for an unlucky youngster . . . There was always a debate about the height of this slide and now "victory" is written in blood.This one is unfair but the rhetoric castigating lowly employees is circulating . . . Reality Check . . . The low wage worker in charge of making "you must be this tall to ride" estimations shouldn't be saddled with life and death decisions.Remember, it's election season an almost anything goes . . .To his credit and far too late to do much good,Still, we're focused on the future and this safety check will prevent just a bit of tragedy in the coming days of a Hillary Clinton presidency.Check the links to provide more context . . .And so, despite today's mourning and memorial we realize that politics and the endless cycle of public slap fighting goes on after the funeral.Developing . . . Outbound tourism is recorded at an increase of 5% this year, with Cypriots going mainly abroad for their summer vacations, particularly in Greece, but also other European countries Outbound tourism is recorded at an increase of 5% this year, with Cypriots going mainly abroad for their summer vacations, particularly in Greece, but also other European countries. According to the Travel Agents Association (ACTA), the vast majority of Cypriots travel to Greece, Britain, Italy, and Austria. There are many charter flights to places like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete, ACTA chairman Dinos Kakkouras told CNA today, adding that there are also many charter and new scheduled flights to other areas of Greece like Rhodes, Skiathos, Mykonos, Santorini, Preveza, Kavala, Corfu, Zakynthos. With respect to inbound tourism, Mr. Kakkouras said that the inflow of tourists being seen is quite important as hotels on Cyprus are all full. This, he noted, is expected to continue over the coming weeks and the hope is that the remaining winter months will operate equally well with a significant increase in tourism on Cyprus. Source: CNA Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Tax Free Shopping trends in July saw an improvement versus June, as transactions returned to positive territory with growth of 5%, versus the 4% decline in June Tax Free Shopping trends in July saw an improvement versus June, as transactions returned to positive territory with growth of 5%, versus the 4% decline in June, according to Premier Tax Free Vision report. Tax free sales fell by 6% in July, which was also an improvement on the 12% fall in June. The decline in sales was attributable to continued reductions in average transaction values, mainly due to a decline in spending levels by Chinese tourists and a subdued market in France. Arrivals of Chinese tourists to the major European destinations declined by 7% in the month, but tax free transactions only saw a 3% decline. However average transaction values for these tourists fell by 15%. Therefore, whilst there is currently a lower quantum of Chinese tourists that are choosing to travel to European destinations, the type of tourist has changed. See page 7 for more detail. Tourism receipts sees resurgence in transaction growth; ATV declines Of the top 5 major European destinations, the UK, Italy and Spain experienced double-digit gains in transactions with growth of 16%, 19% and 23%, respectively. Although each of these countries also saw positive returns in the form of sales growth, Italy and Spain also experienced a decline in Average Transaction Values of 10% and 11%, respectively. The UK was the outlier as one of the few countries across the region to see an increase in Average Transaction Values, a result of the depreciation of Sterling post the outcome of the Brexit referendum, and consequent increase in tourist purchasing power. (See page 6 for more detail). The timing of the end of Ramadan also contributed to the total gains in transactions, with transactions to Emirati, Saudi, Kuwaiti and Qatari tourists seeing gains of 48%, 23%, 35% and 41%, respectively. Israeli & Indian tourists continue march to prominence The predicted rise of Indian tourists this summer came to fruition in July, where transaction growth of 14% elevated these tourists from 7th position in July last year to 4th position this year. This growth in transactions was all the more impressive given that this was accretive to the 19% growth reported in July 2015, and follows the 18% growth seen last month. Transactions in Italy, Spain and Germany saw growth of 72%, 59% and 42%, respectively. This non-traditional cyclical ranking position for these tourists suggests that these tourists will continue to gain prominence. India is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) set to increase by 34% by 2020. Transactions to Israeli tourists also saw strong gains in July with growth of 31% and sales growth of 21%. On a transaction basis, this propelled these tourists from 17th position in July 2015, to 13th position in July 2016. Transaction growth for these tourists has now seen double-digit gains for the last 23 months in a row. American tourist transactions return to double-digit growth Following single-digit increases in the last 2 months, transactions to American tourists returned to a double-digit growth rate of 19% in July, and with sales growth of 20%, this consolidated their position as the 2nd most important nationality for tourism spend. Sales to these tourists have now grown consecutively, for the last 24 months. The diversity of the source of this growth in July, is demonstrated by the fact that 3 out of 4 destination markets saw growth from these tourists, and more than half saw double-digit gains, with the UK, Italy and Germany seeing growth in sales of 43%, 42% and 35%, respectively. In addition, Austria, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden and Hungary, all experienced growth of 40%+. Travel data specialist ADARA has reported a 25% increase in flight bookings to the UK in the wake of Brexit, with American customers taking advantage of Sterlings fall, with the average daily room rate of hotel rooms declining by 8%. Saudi Arabia will work with Opec and non-Opec members to help stabilise oil markets, it said on Thursday a month ahead of an informal meeting of major producing countries in Algeria. Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will meet on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum (IEF), which groups producers and consumers, in Algeria from September 26 to 28, Qatar's energy ministry said on Monday. "We are going to have a ministerial meeting of IEF in Algeria next month, and there is an opportunity for Opec and major exporting non-Opec ministers to meet and discuss the market situation, including any possible action that may be required to stabilize the market," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said in a statement. The statement, sent by the Saudi Energy Ministry, came in the form of a question-and-answer session with the state news agency SPA. Oil prices extended earlier gains after the remarks. Brent crude was up more than 3 percent at $45.50 a barrel. Saudi Arabia, Opec's largest oil producer, pledged during the last Opec meeting in June that the kingdom would not flood the market with oil. The statement also said a July spike in Saudi oil output to a record 10.67 million barrels per day was due to summer demand and requests from customers. The statement indicates Riyadh is worried that oil prices could be heading back towards $40 per barrel or lower due to fears of oversupply. Prices in recent days were supported by renewed calls by some Opec members to freeze production, a demand that non-Opec oil-producing giant Russia was quick to dismiss. Some Opec officials had said a revival of talks on a global oil production freeze could be discussed informally among Opec and non-Opec countries in Algeria if oil prices weakened. Opec member Iran has been the main opponent of a freeze as it looks to raise its output to levels seen before the imposition of now-ended Western sanctions. Al-Falih said in the statement the market is on the right track towards rebalancing but "the process of clearing crude and products inventories will take time". "But the large short positioning in the market has caused the oil price to undershoot. However, this is unsustainable. To reverse the declines in investment and output, oil prices have to go up from the current levels," he added. - Reuters In "American Flowers," photographer Ken Bowers tackles the troubling presence of contaminated trash left behind after America packed up its airfield in 1947. A recent report has warned that melting ice in Greenland may soon spit up hazardous Cold War radioactive waste at the abandoned US base, Camp Century. Unfortunately, its not the only American legacy that was left behind. Wikimapia/CC BY 2.0In southeastern Greenland's pristine landscape lies the remains one of the most remote United States Air Force bases from World War II. Called Bluie East 2 (pictured above), it was built in 1942 as an auxiliary airfield meant to serve as a plane refueling depot and a strategic spot to keep German U-boats out of shipping lanes. It was abandoned in 1947 and much like the eerie remnants of a ghost town, everything was left behind. The once spotless icy tundra and moody mountains remain littered with the detritus of war; the skeletons of military vehicles, dilapidated structures, and over 10,000 aviation fuel barrels. The Inuits who live in the region call these sad rusted souvenirs American Flowers. Over the past five years photographer Ken Bower has been traveling alone to shoot remote arctic and subarctic regions for the past two summers he spent time camping in the Bluie East 2 region in order to shine a light on this otherwise-forgotten travesty of trash. The result, a poignant series of photos called American Flowers. Ken Bower Ken Bower Many of the barrels still hold leaded fuel; asbestos streaks the remains of the buildings. Other contaminates are said to linger as well. The U.S. has stated that it will not be back to clean up the mess, calling environmental remediation a shared burden with our host nation for our contribution for defense of the free world. Read: Not our problem. Ken Bower Ken Bower While some of the other former U.S. military bases in Greenland may have more urgent waste to contend with, the mess from Bluie East 2 is a visually striking story of litter on a very grand scale; of disregard for the landscape and the people who call this place home. And one done by the government, no less. Its really quite outrageous. Bower's photos are a testimony of these unwelcome gifts left behind, American Flowers that will endure for ages in an otherwise untouched landscape. Ken Bower Ken Bower Ken Bower To see more of the images, visit Bower's website. To sign a petition urging the government to clean up their mess, visit change.org. Elon Musk recently talked about a new product that might be coming out of SolarCitys Buffalo factory soon: Its a solar roof as opposed to a module on a roof. I think, this is really a fundamental part of achieving a differentiated product strategy its not a beautiful roof that it is a solar roof, its not a thing on a roof, it is the roof. Thats ... quite a difficult engineering challenge, and not something that is available really anywhere else that is at all good. I think this will be something thats quite a standout. So one of the things Im really very excited about the future. It is a difficult challenge, but the solar roof exists now, and notwithstanding Musks claim, it looks pretty good. Its from SunTegra, and comes in two varieties: one that integrates with asphalt roof shingles, and one with tile roofs. SunTegra systems allow for direct-to-roof installation with no racking, offering customers a more aesthetically-pleasing, high performance solar option that protects your home, produces clean energy, and provides roof and energy bill savings. TreeHugger has covered solar shingles before, notably the now-defunct Dow Powerhouse system, and frankly, thought they were a dumb idea. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest building material around, and have a relatively short lifespan. Does it make sense to integrate them with expensive solar panels? But after talking with Oliver Koehler, CEO of Integrated Solar Technology, the maker of the Suntegra roof, I was convinced that in fact it is a better roof than asphalt, and a better solar shingle than Dows was. Suntegra -Its larger than a conventional shingle, at roughly 52 x 23. That means a lot fewer connections to break down. Suntegra venting -It has a built-in ventilation system, channels behind the solar cells, that will keep them cooler (better for efficiency and longevity) but also keep the whole roof cooler than conventional shingles might. -It is a lot lighter than a conventional racked system. This should make approvals a lot easier, and according to the company, has 50% fewer parts than a conventional rack-mounted solar system and installs in half the time. Lloyd alter/ squirrel removal in Toronto/CC BY 2.0 -Squirrels. Where I live, I recently saw a solar installation that had to be lifted up and the roof replaced because squirrels moved in and chewed up the roof underneath. This can get expensive. The SunTegra system is more expensive than the standard rack installation (about 15%) but you do save a bit on the roof, so supposedly if you need a new roof or it is a new house, the cost is competitive. It conforms to standard roofing practices and none have leaked yet. Suntegra SunTegra also makes a version to replace tile roofs, as in the USA the market has settled on a relatively standard 12 x 17 tile. We have shown many solar tiles over the years, (see related links below) mostly from Europe, and mostly no longer made because there is such variety of sizes and styles there. Perhaps in the USA it will be different. It is a quandary. We have always promoted the idea of open building- different components age at different rates, and one should design so that they can be separated and replaced at different times. Do we really want to integrate asphalt shingles and solar panels? Aren't they best kept separate? SunTegra On the other hand, we love the idea of every surface of a building becoming a solar power generator. And this is a better roof that is not going to be curling up in ten years, that actually ventilates as well as generates. The way it is installed and flashed, you can replace the shingles around it. It kind of is separate; it's a different roof. Pitching his own still vapourware product, Elon Musk notes that there are 5 million new roofs a year just in the U.S. And so, why not have a solar roof thats better in many others ways as well. He has a point, and you dont have to wait for it. SunTegras version looks pretty interesting and is available now. SunTegra Just like our food systems, clothing production can be extraordinarily wasteful. It's a disturbing and upsetting fact that at least as much energy, labor and raw materials that go into a meal we eat or a pair of jeans we buy is wasted on one that's trashed. Yes, we throw almost 50 percent of our food away, and it turns out that statistic is probably true for fashion, too. Surprised? Remember that story about how Burberry burned millions of dollars worth of clothes? That's not uncommon in the fashion world and that Burberry story doesn't even cover all the waste: "In the factories I have visited, I would guess that the wastage is more like 50 percent all told on CMT (Cut make and trim) alone," Rachel Faller, the designer of zero-waste fashion line, Tonle, told me. "I'm not sure how much wastage there is before the fabric gets to CMT, in milling, spinning, and dying, but I am guessing there's a great deal of waste there, too. Unfortunately, we don't even have good statistics yet for the amount being wasted, but from what I've seen, it's far higher than what most people have even estimated, and that is scary," said Faller. A Business Model Based on Waste A look from Tonle's Autumn/Winter 2018 collection. (Photo: Courtesy Tonle) But there is another way. Faller's design process focuses around using the waste that other designers throw away, and she's built a successful fashion line based on that idea. Her business is based in Cambodia, where her team combs through mountains of textile waste to find great quality off-cuts and remnants; large volumes of fabric are used in Tonle's basics line, while smaller scraps are hand-knit and woven into next textiles. Not only are textiles removed from the waste stream, there's zero-waste with the waste not a single scrap goes into the garbage can and even the small leftover pieces are made into hangtags or paper. All this has meant that Tonle kept 14,000 pounds of fabric waste out of landfills with just the latest collection. If you think about it, waste is a human concept. In nature, there is no waste, just materials to use to make something else. When a tree falls in the forest, it's not garbage; it serves as a home for animals and insects, plants and fungi. Over time it degrades, enriching the soil with nutrients to support other trees' growth. Another look from Tonle's Autumn/Winter 2018 collection. (Photo: Courtesy Tonle) Part of our "waste" problem is seeing stuff as garbage when in reality, it's inherently useful. It's just bad design for a fashion company to create so much waste that another fashion company can create an entire line with it. I talked with Faller in more detail about how that works Creating the Tonle Concept MNN: Textile waste is becoming an ever-more-talked about issue in the fashion industry, and one that has gotten headlines in the past year in mainstream publications but you've been utilizing it for years. How did you first learn about this problem? Rachel Faller: I started the first iteration of my business in 2008. At that time, I was most focused on creating sustainable livelihoods for women in Cambodia, where I was living. But in a place like Cambodia, environmental issues and social justice issues are so intertwined that you can't tackle one while ignoring the other. Case in point is the fact that many of the fabrics that are wasted in factories end up polluting Cambodia's waterways, which are the backbone of fisheries and livelihoods for rural communities, or being burned and contributing to worsening air quality that directly impacts people's lives. And climate change has a very real and documented effect on social issues as well. So initially, I started designing around second-hand materials, as there was a lot of second-hand clothing flooding into the markets in Cambodia. But while searching the markets for these materials, I began to come across bundles of scrap fabric that were being sold which were clearly off-cuts from garment factories. Sometimes they were half-finished garments with the tags still in them. After doing a little more digging and speaking to many people in the markets, I was able to trace these scraps back to large remnant dealers and the factories that the scraps came from in the first place. It was around 2010 that we really switched our efforts toward working with these scrap fabrics, and 2014 that we were able to achieve a zero-waste production model with the scraps from other companies. This may not look like scraps and that's the point. (Photo: courtesy Tonle) Can you detail how you use waste fabric within your design process? We start with larger pieces of waste (often we get larger pieces of fabric that either were overstock fabrics or at the end of the roll) and we cut our dresses and T-shirts out of them. Small scraps get cut intro strips and sewn into panels of fabric, much like traditional patchwork with a modernist twist. Smaller pieces left over after that get cut into fabric "yarn" and woven into new textiles, which are made into ponchos, jackets, and tops tend to be our most unique editorial pieces. And lastly, we take the smallest pieces left from all that and make it into paper. Sourcing Old vs. New Materials Has anything changed over the years as you have worked with the textiles? Has it become harder/easier to source fabrics? I think the amount being wasted is only increasing, so we haven't faced a shortage of fabrics, but we have gotten better at getting closer to the source and buying larger quantities at a time, which both allows us to recycle more and be a bit more strategic. We've talked to a few factory owners about working with them directly to source scraps, although there are some challenges with this. Ideally we could get to a point where we could work directly with a brand to design around their waste before it is even made (especially in the cutting process) and we are in talks with a few people about such collaborations, so that's an exciting next step! A look from the editorial shoot for Tonle, demonstrating textile waste. (Photo: courtesy Tonle) Do you think being a pioneer in creative textile waste utilization has been more or less challenging than designing with new materials? That's an interesting question, because I can see it both ways. On one hand, there are a ton of limitations around designing this way. But at the same time, as an artist and creator, I do think that sometimes limitations force you to be more creative, and that's how I choose to see it. When you start with a blank slate, sometimes you don't have to think outside the box, and much of your solutions, or designs, might be a bit more standard, let's say. But when you have limited resources and materials, you are forced to come up with new solutions that perhaps no one has done before, and that's actually really exciting. So all in all, I would say that it has probably improved my designs more than it has detracted from them and it's certainly more enjoyable to design things that you believe in 100 percent and you know are going to make everyone feel good along the way, from designer, to maker, to wearer! I'm glad that these discussions are finally coming to the forefront, because all of the issues with the garment industry are interconnected to waste. If we were able to produce 50 percent less fabric and still sell the same amount of clothing, at least that would reduce some of the human rights abuses and the garment industries' contributions to climate change as well. So tackling waste seems like an obvious place to start. To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Aug. 12 (CNA) A Taiwanese man was sentenced to four months in prison on charges of breach of public security, after he claimed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State (IS) and threatened to attack the Presidential Office, according to a ruling by the Chiayi court. Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 12 As the war between the telecom operators intensified even before the entry of Reliance Jio, the government today gave an assurance that it would take decisions and work without any bias or discrimination. Even as the cellular operators represented by their umbrella body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) accused that the sector regulator TRAIs decision were loaded in favour of Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Jio, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today said the government will continue to "work without any bias or discrimination" against anyone. The reaction came after the COAI delegation had met him this afternoon expressing concern over some of the latest decision taken by TRAI. Allegations have been on rise during the past few days with the speculation up that Reliance Jio could launch its services on August 15. S Nihal Singh ELECTORAL politics is the helm again, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi belatedly speaking on the Dalit atrocities on two successive days to the disapproval of some members of the Sangh Parivar, with the RSS objecting to his quantifying fake cow protection vigilantes at 70 to 80 per cent, leading to his immediately correcting his estimate to merely a handful. And thereby hangs a tale. The ruling BJPs predicament is that if the Prime Minister listens to the pleadings of his strategists to rescue his party from the consequences of the macabre lynching of Dalits at Una in Gujarat, his mentor, the RSS, which has the whip hand, calls him to account. Mr Modi does not have a free hand in altering the atmosphere in which members of the Sangh Parivar ostentatiously defy the authorities to beat or on occasion kill Dalits on unverified charges of killing cows or even transporting beef or charging them a fee for allowing the transport of cows. After his first emotion-charged attack on Dalits, the Punjab Government dared to book some alleged culprits to book even as Dalits were beaten and worse in Andhra and Uttar Pradesh continues to hound Dalits. How does Mr Modi then square the circle? His prolonged silences on Parivar self-goals, on atrocities on Dalits or on the volatile situation in Kashmir merit his pronouncements as the countrys leader. Although his apologists might describe his inexplicable silences as strategic, they are self-defeating because a democratic leader must interact in public on major issues that trouble the country. Mr Modi was forced to react to two major problems atrocities on Dalits and the Kashmir situation for different reasons. Important state Assembly elections are in the offing and Dalits animosities towards the BJP could deprive the BJP of victory in one or more states. In Kashmir, the dangerous turn in the situation does not brook delay. True, the suppression of Dalits is an old problem and cannot be resolved overnight. Although all parties, particularly the Congress, must share the blame, it is a particularly hard nut for the BJP to crack in view of its chief constituencies among caste-observing Hindus. It must be said to the credit of the RSS that it has in principle opposed caste equations but seems to have given up on them in view of the impossibility of the task. The BJPs problem is that Una marks a new stage in the Dalits resolve in seeking redress. In other words, old remedies and token gestures will not suffice. The last major reshuffle of the Union Cabinet gave a special weightage to Dalits and backward castes with an eye on polls and stray dissidents from Ms Mayawatis party still straggle into the BJP tent. But even Dalit members of Mr Modis Cabinet were forced to decry anti-Dalit acts and it remains to be seen how long they can enjoy Cabinet perks while scandalous acts against fellow Dalits proliferate. Gujarat, the home state of Mr Modi which he ruled for a dozen years, is particularly prone to Dalit-baiting and Una has given the media new reasons to probe deeper into the levels of anti-Dalit prejudices and practices. They are, of course, not allowed into most temples, a practice shared by many temples in other states. Unlike the Congress, which professes a secular philosophy even while many of its members practise oppression against Dalits, the BJP is a party propagating Hindutva and is preponderantly tilted towards a particular view of history and the sanctity of epics in dealing with India and its problems of the 21st century. Its ability to look beyond its vision, in which myth-making plays a large part, is therefore limited. The Prime Minister believes in these myths, as has been amply demonstrated. But he showed pragmatism in governing Gujarat although social indices were poor, given the level of economic development he promoted. If he cannot don his pragmatic cap as the countrys leader, it is because the stakes for the RSS are higher. Todays political atmosphere for Dalits and other oppressed people is particularly intimidating. If MF Hussains paintings can be destroyed with impunity, women can be chased out of beer bars and the sanctity of the cow maintained even at the cost of human lives, what does a leader propped up by a formidable army of disciplined army of RSS volunteers do? Mr Modi can make small concessions such as reducing the number of fake cow protection vigilantes overnight from 80 per cent to a handful, but how much further can he go? No one was impressed by his rhetorical flourish asking vigilantes to hit him instead of his brother Dalits. He will have to take action on the ground to ameliorate the condition of Dalits and tribals. Deeply held prejudices cannot be wiped out overnight but some constructive steps such as the allotment of land and civic amenities to Dalits can be extended to them. Mr Modi can start with Gujarat, the state he knows best, but certain guidelines and priorities must be laid down and followed throughout the country. Given the Prime Ministers dilemma, opposition parties have jumped into the fray to seek political advantage. Ms Mayawati was particularly taunting in noting Mr Modis new-found concern for Dalits, with even the Congress preening itself for its largely rhetorical support for the Dalit cause. Political point scoring will not take Dalits far. The time has come for the awakened Dalits to be given tangible benefits to redress their lot. Mr Modis appropriation of the Dalits leader and the architect of the Indian constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar, rings hollow, given the Sangh Parivars spawning of a culture in which human lives can be sacrificed for the alleged protection of cows. Perhaps Dalits will collectively decide on teaching the BJP a lesson in the Assembly polls. There is nothing more telling than administering defeat on a complacent society that proclaims equality in theory and goes about practising the vilest forms of oppression. C.P. Bhambri It is for the first time in the history of post-Independence India that Mohan Bhagwat, supremo of the Hindu Rashtriya Svayam Sevak Sangh and an RSS pracharak (organiser), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have jointly used, in a determined manner, every instrument of the apparatus of the Indian State and its millions of functionaries to establish a Hindu State and lay down social and cultural foundations of the Hindu rashtra. At Kanpur on July 16, Bhagwat repeated his earlier pronouncements about how Narendra Modi should be fully supported as the chief political executive of the Union government, and along with him the RSS workers (who are ministers), could be trusted to implement the agenda of creating a Hindu rashtra. Bhagwat has publically announced the agenda that the Modi government and the BJP-controlled state governments should implement. He has repeatedly emphasised that the re-writing of textbooks is a must and the Hindu-led government should promote all holy Hindu symbols such as banning cow slaughter, cleaning of the Ganga river and connecting places of Hindu pilgrimage. The question which needs to be raised is: How far have the Hindu rashtravadis been able to implement their core agenda of Hinduisation with the power of the Indian State? Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat have assured their ideologically committed RSS swayamsevaks that under the protective umbrella of the present Indian state appropriate conditions exists to push forward the agenda of the Hinduisation of society. However, faced with the complex and contradictory reality of diverse and plural Indian society, the RSS project supported by the Modi government is facing serious roadblocks. The RSS-Modi Hinduisation project is faced with serious challenges and opposition from diverse groups which constitute a highly differentiated kind of Hindu religion. Because of the logic of the democracy based on one vote, one individual, the project of Hindu consolidation is being found inadequate in being able to negotiate with diverse social consequences and coalitions which are successfully resisting the homogenising agenda of Hindu rashtravadis. The rasthravadis are facing stubborn resistance in implementing their Hindu agenda in spite of the fact that RSS and Modi are occupying the summit of power. This can be substantiated by the unstoppable, ongoing resistance (even revolt) of the Dalit subaltern Hindu castes. This situation has arisen because of the anti-cow slaughter campaign and the agenda of the Sangh parivar. It need to be emphasised that the anti-cow slaughter project of the Sangh parivar, an integral part of the cultural ideology of the high-caste, twice-born Brahmin-Thakur-Rajput-Baniya castes, the key supporters of the RSS, has led to violence in the whole of North and north-western India. This is so because Hindu organisations of the RSS like the Gau Raksha Samitis or the Bajrang Dal and other vigilante groups are hyperactive in imposing the anti-cow slaughter agenda. Their desire to impose such an agenda has led to the death of innocents and acts of cruelty have been committed in the name of protection of the holy cow against helpless Muslims and Dalits. The flogging of poor Dalits, who were performing their traditional job (as assigned to them by high-caste Hindus), of skinning the dead cow on July 11, at Una in Gujarat, attracted national and international attention. The government and the RSS, instead of realising the serious limitations of their understanding of Hinduism and its inner diversity, decided to make it only a law and order issue. It must be clearly stated that high-caste Hindus, sadhus and even ordinary Brahmins managing temples, who are all patronised by the tallest leaders of the Sangh parivar and Modi as Prime Minister, have not made any public statement that the cow-protection agenda cannot be against Dalits, who still believe in the Hindu religion. The worst is the statement of Social Justice and Empowerment Minister. On July 27, while responding to attacks on Dalits by gau rakshaks, he observed that they are like any other organisations that are formed for a cause and for public consumption, also said the law should not be taken into one's hands. The larger issue which emerges from the narrative around violence against the Dalits by the gau rakshaks is that the Sangh parivar and the government are faced with resistance and opposition from larger sections of society. This is so because the caste-based agenda is being imposed on the so-called homogenised Hindu society, which is an imaginary construct of the Sangh parivar. Primer Minister Narendra Modi, for tactical reasons, appropriated B.R. Ambedkar, an icon of the Dalits, and celebrated his 125th birthday. The mask was ripped apart when on July 18, the BJP vice-president of Uttar Pradesh, a high-caste Thakur Dayashankar Singh publically made a derogatory statement against BSP leader Mayawati. The storm in Parliament made BJP eat humble pie and retreat by offering an apology to Dalit leaders. The ideology of communalism in modern India precedes the birth of the democratic, secular, plural Republic in 1947. The newness in the consolidation of Hindu communalism is the organisation of the RSS swayam sevaks who are hyperactively trying to make India an all-in-Hindu unity State. The state patronage enjoyed by the messengers of the Brahmanical or priestly class-based Hindu rashtravadis has created a new situation in which the RSS is actively engaged in making Hindu communalism a mass movement. In this enterprise, the RSS is not at all worried if violence takes place because of the imposition of Hindu ideology on those sections of society which do not agree with their perspective and interpretations of Indian history and culture. It is not for the first time in contemporary India that fanatics have leashed violence against those who differ with their belief system and India is experiencing this reality where any resistance to Hindu ideology is crushed and punished. In 1933, Arthur Rosenberg, a German social theorist, in a different context, alerted that the strategy of fanatic ideologies is to manufacture, the rage of the patriotic masses and the Hindu Sangh parivar is precisely following this agenda. Indian democracy with all its limitations has always shown great capabilities to resist, restrain and reject extremist, fanatical, theocratic ideologies and protect the essential pluralism and diversity of India. Hindutva is a failed project because socially aware democratic forces, including Dalits, are actively opposing and resisting impositions from above. Defenders of the Brahmanical order are witnessing their Waterloo because Dalits have revolted against the RSS ideology. The writer is Professor Emeritus, Centre for Political Studies, JNU. A proposal to make the giving of bribe by a private person to a government official a crime under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act has found favour with all parties. Thus far such persons could only be prosecuted under abetment laws. The new proposal should be a step towards building a wider framework to check corruption, a phenomenon that has a way of getting past all checks. The select parliamentary committee that examined the amendment to the PC Act has also recommended that private organisations, NGOs, or companies that an indicted person represents should also be held responsible under the same law. This immediately brings the pressure on such organisations to not only stay clean but also build internal mechanisms that proactively ensure even their employees don't seek business in corrupt ways. The victimhood of the bribe-giver can no longer be an excuse, as often it is a case of inducement rather than helplessness. There are mechanisms and agencies in place, including courts, to seek remedy if a particular organisation believes it is being unfairly denied equal opportunity. A level that we are still not aiming at is what was demonstrated by Italy in the AgustaWestland case, sentencing two of its top executives to four years in prison. They allegedly paid bribe in India not harming any Italian interest and would have, in fact, got business for an Italian company, and yet were prosecuted. It is a matter of principle no bribe shall be paid. The US and the UK also have similar laws in place. The amendment to the PC Act will be a major shift in how we define corruption, i.e., any individual can be held to be corrupt and not just a government official. Yet, a major source of purchasable influence continues to elude scrutiny the funding of political parties, which is not in the public domain. All political parties are dependent upon corporate donations unaccounted, unaudited. This nexus is firmly entrenched and remains beyond reproach and reform. Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 12 In spite of opposition from political parties and farmer organisations, around 6 lakh farmers in Haryana were provided insurance cover under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) up to August 5. The number of eligible loanee farmers was around 7.38 lakh for the current kharif season. The cut-off date to pay the premium was July 31. It was extended to August 2 and further to August 10. The government had awarded contracts to Reliance General Insurance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and ICICI Lombard to provide insurance cover to farmers this kharif season. The state government has notified four crops cotton, paddy, bajra and maize. Bankers were short on time to collect premium. Nevertheless, about 6 lakh farmers were provided with insurance cover up to August 5, said Chief Secretary DS Dhesi while addressing bankers during a meeting of the State-Level Bankers Committee here today. He appealed to bankers to take stock of the difficulties and initiate corrective measures to build confidence among farmers. On the reason behind opposition from political parties and farmer organisations, a senior bank official said: According to a notification, the government was supposed to set up a help desk in every district headquarter to clear the doubts of farmers and create awareness. A representative of an insurance company or an official from the Agriculture Department was supposed to be present at the help desk. Noting of the sort happened, leading to unrest among farmers. As per the scheme, the sum assured for paddy has been fixed at Rs62,500 per hectare and, for cotton, its Rs60,000. As for bajra and maize, the sum assured is Rs27,500 and Rs25,000, respectively. The sum assured per hectare is more under the PMFBY than the earlier Modified National Agriculture Insurance Scheme. And as for the premium rate, it is less and uniform under the new scheme than the earlier one. Under the PMFBY, the premium paid by farmers would be reduced to 2 per cent of the insured value for rain-dependent kharif crop and 1.5 per cent for rabi crops compared with 3.5 to 8 per cent under the previous schemes. In Hisar, the count is around 68,000 Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service Hisar, August 12 Around 68,000 farmers in the district were covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana till August 10, the last day to pay the premium. The data available with the districts lead bank Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Agriculture Department showed 2.53 lakh acre out of 8 lakh acre under kharif crops had been insured this means around 32 per cent of the cropped area was insured. Cotton has been sown over 3.2 lakh acre and paddy over1 lakh acre. Other crops such as barja, jowar, maize, guar, moong, arhar and sugarcane make up rest of the area. The scheme covers only cotton, paddy, bajra and maize. Of 4 lakh farmers in the district, 2 lakh are under debt out of which 75,000 are defaulters. Sources said insurance firms collected a premium of Rs 12.46 crore from farmers. Lead bank manager BL Dhingra said the final data of the crop insurance scheme was being compiled and the area under insurance cover was likely to rise slightly. The scheme has stirred a controversy, as farmers have complained banks are deducting premium from their accounts without their approval. Satyawans case is an example. Premium was deducted from his account for crops not notified under the scheme. After he complained to the district administration, the bank reversed the money. Satyawan is an alert farmer. But scores of illiterate farmers have been duped in the name of crop insurance, said Harpal Singh, president of the Haryana Kisan Sabha. Vishal Joshi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, August 12 Indiscipline will not be tolerated, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, said on Friday as he warned new entrants into Haryanas unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against rebellion. While inaugurating the three-day convention of the party volunteers from different districts at Jat Dharamshala, Sisodia said discipline and transparency in the public life were most important to the party, warning volunteers against "dissenting with" its top functionary, Naveen Jaihind. This was the partys first major organisation-strengthening programme after most of the officer bearers of Haryana unit resigned last year to protest AAPs national convener and the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals high-handedness in the party. Sisodia, the national executive member of AAP, said Kejriwal would have the final word on any issue pertaining to the leadership of Haryana. Naveen Jaihind has been appointed president of AAP in Haryana and the party will not tolerate any voice against him. If an activist or office-bearer has any grouse against him, he must approach Kejriwal to resolve the issue. Indiscipline will not be tolerated, he said. Sisodia said those joining the party to get an election ticket should reconsider their decision and urged the party activists to raise their voice against use of religion in the politics and poor governance by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Haryana and the Centre. He criticised the Hindu right-wing for favouring cow vigilante groups. In the name of gau raksha these people are spreading terror on the marginlised sections of the society. It is unfortunate that the vigilante groups are being protected by the BJP governments, he said. To a question on ongoing tussle with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Sisodia said the AAP government was committed to work in the interest of the general public. Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 12 Chief Ministers Good Governance Associate (CMGGA) for Hisar Manisha Bhatoria exceeded her mandate when she accompanied a team of DHBVN officials to Niyana village of Hisar on Wednesday night for a raid to check power theft, where the team was attacked by villagers. Manisha and the officials managed to flee the village without any major injuries, though their vehicles were badly damaged. We do not encourage the CMGGAs to meddle in law and order issues. She should not have gone with the raiding party. It was not her mandate. Perhaps, she went there out of curiosity. We have advised her not to go to the place where law and order situation can arise, said Rakesh Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary (APS) to CM Manohar Lal Khattar who looks after the project. The incident, however, has once again brought to the fore the issue of appointment of the CMGGAs in Haryana. The Opposition parties have already criticised their appointment and termed them extra-constitutional office-bearers appointed by the government to influence the authorities in the districts. Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has already described that their appointment is against all canons of rules and the Constitution. Hisar incident has proved his fears correct. This shows that that the government has lost faith in its own officers and a parallel system is being developed, alleged Ran Singh Mann, a spokesperson for the Congress. He said the CMGGAs were not public servants and they were answerable to none for their deeds. We had expressed fear that these associates will interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the administration, but they will not be answerable to anyone. Now, our fears are proving correct, he said. Raj Kumar Siwach, a professor in Public Administration Department of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, however, said that the idea of the CMGGA was good, but going with the raiding party was transgression of authority. Gupta, however, clarified that the CMCGAs do not draw their salaries from the state exchequer, but they are being paid by Ashoka University, Sonepat, from the corporate social responsibility funds. The government, he said, had only provided them offices at the district headquarters. Vishal Joshi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, August 12 Delhis Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today exhorted the Aam Aadmi Party volunteers to exercise discipline and transparency in public life. Addressing a three-day convention of party workers here Sisodia cautioned new entrants to the Haryana unit against showing dissent towards Naveen Jaihind. He said, Naveen Jaihind has been appointed president of the AAP in Haryana and the party will not tolerate any voice against him. If an activist or an office bearer has any complaint against him, he must approach Arvind Kejriwal to resolve the issue. Indiscipline will not be tolerated. Sisodia, the national executive member of the AAP, said issues pertaining to party leadership in Haryana would be decided by Arvind Kejriwal. He said those who join the party with an eye to get a ticket should reconsider their decision. He lamented that saffron organisations raised their voice in favour of cow vigilante groups. In the name of gau raksha these people are spreading terror in the marginalised sections of the society. It is unfortunate that the vigilante groups are being protected by the BJP government, he said. This is partys first major programme to strengthen itself after most of the office bearers of the state unit resigned last year against the alleged one-upmanship of the AAPs national convener and the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Suggested box- Sisodia told reporters the party would soon clear its stand on the former BJP Rajya Sabha member Navjot Singh Sidhu from an appropriate platform. To another question on ongoing tussle with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Sisodia said the AAP government was committed to work in the interest of the general public. Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, August 12 Tillu, another village near Dharamsala, has fallen victim to landslides. A village located about 8 km from Dharamsala inhabited by Gaddi tribals, is yet to be connected by road. About eight out of 25 houses in the village are facing the threat of landslides. The residents of these houses have been evacuated from the area by the district administration as it fears that the entire hillside on which they were located might come down. This is the third village in the vicinity of Dharamsala where the residents had to be shifted due to landslides in the last few years. Earlier almost the entire population of Terra Line village had to be shifted due to massive landslide on the Dharamsala McLeodganj road. Thereafter, people had to be shifted from Chola village above Indrunag area in Dharamsala due to landslides. Geologists are of the view that since many areas around Dharamsala were prone to landslides proper drainage system should be created to prevent such accidents. AK Mahajan, Professor from the Environmental Sciences Department of Central University, Himachal Pradesh, and former expert from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, said that loose soil compromises the upper strata of earth in many hills around Dharamsala. In case there was no proper drainage of water it tends seep into the upper strata of hills. This creates conditions for landslides. The loose earth in upper strata gets heavier with seepage of water and it and tends to fall, he said. According to experts, the landslide in Terra Lines village was caused as most of the water from the army cantonment area was being drained down the hill in an unscientific manner. Environment scientists have also maintaining that the leaking pipes of the IPH Department and the septic tanks in McLeodganj hill can pose serious threat to the habitations there. Already there have been reports that the entire hillside on which Forsythganj has located has started sliding. The houses in Forsythganj are developing cracks due to sliding hill. The geological experts are also critical of the way the state PWD was dealing with the landslides along roads and near habitations. They said that in most of the cases the PWD resorts to construction of retaining walls in the areas where landslides have happened. However, the retaining wall despite being expensive cannot stop the landslides. The landslides in Dharamsala cannot be stopped until the water seepage into the hills was not checked, said the experts. R Sedhuraman New Delhi, August 12 The Centre today told the Supreme Court that it was ready to pay Rs 450 crore as reimbursement to Himachal Pradesh for the land acquired for the Rs 5,242 crore Renuka Dam. Appearing before a 3-member Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, however, sought four-week time for the purpose. Granting time, the Bench asked the Centre to work out the amount involved in getting the second stage forest clearance for the project and posted the matter for further hearing after six weeks. At the last hearing on August 5, the Bench had directed the Centre to pay the land acquisition cost within a week. Arguing for the state government, senior advocate JS Attri and Additional Advocate General Surayanarayana Singh said some of the work relating to the second stage clearance was already over and as such the amount required for the purpose was less than Rs 1,090 crore as stated earlier. The Bench had asked the Centre to waive this amount. The Bench had noted that the Centre was supposed to pay 90 per cent of the construction cost as it had declared the proposed dam as a national project. The dam is primarily meant for providing drinking to Delhi, but the pipeline could also be utilised for areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh falling in the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Faridabad and Noida. The project will come up across the Giri river, a tributary of the Yamuna, in Sirmaur district. HP also has a stake in the project as it will get 40 mw of electricity from the project free of cost. HP has come to the SC as it is not in a position to pay further compensation to comply with an order passed by the state high court on November 20, 2014. Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 12 Over 200 people, most of them civilians, were injured in clashes between protesters and Police and CRPF personnel as people took to streets defying curfew after Friday prayers across the Kashmir valley today. The police reported nearly 40 incidents of stone-throwing across Kashmir post-Friday prayers. This is the first Friday following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani on July 8 that no civilian killing was reported from any part of the valley. The incidents of stone-throwing were reported from Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts of south Kashmir and Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipore districts in the north Kashmir, the police said. Curfew was imposed in Srinagar district and other major towns of Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal and Budgam, but people at several places defied curfew and restrictions after Friday prayers, taking out protest marches. A police spokesman said protesters tried to disrupt traffic movement at different places after the Friday prayers and indulged in stone-throwing on the moving vehicles, police and security forces deployments. At least 35 civilians were injured in the clashes at Tral, Pulwama, Kulgam and at different places in Anantnag district. One person received a bullet injury in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, while at least four others were also injured in the police action. At Uttruso, Anantnag, at least four persons were injured, the police said. The police lobbed teargas shells at Chaudharydund village of Shopian district to quell the demonstrators in which several civilians got injured. The reports of youth getting injured poured in from Ganderbal, Budgam, Sopore and Baramulla. Over 20 civilians were injured when security forces tried to stop a protest march at Arhama village in Ganderbal district. Separatist organisations had also called for a shutdown on the 35th day of the ongoing unrest. The separatists have called for peaceful protests after every Namaz (prayers) today as part of the joint protest programme issued last week. It has also issued its protest calendar from tomorrow to August 18, with protests and continued shutdowns for all the days. The authorities suspended all private mobile phone services from last night in the backdrop of the ongoing trouble, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. The vociferous Independent MLA from Langate, Engineer Rasheed, was detained by the police after he began a 72-hour-long protest sit-in near Press Colony in Lal Chowk here this morning, against the civilian killings and use of pellet guns in Kashmir. Constable, civilian killed in militant attack Anantnag/Srinagar: Two persons, including a policeman, were killed and two others were injured when suspected militants opened fire in a Kulgam village in south Kashmir region. The shootout took place at about 8 pm in Czeansur village in Kulgam district. Kulgam SSP Muhammad Irshad confirmed the incident. According to a source, Constable Manzoor Ahmad was purchasing some groceries at a village shop when the militants, riding a bike, fired at him. TNS Amir Karim Tantray Tribune News Service Jammu, August 12 After the police received inputs of suspicious movement in the Kunjwani area of Jammu city, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police launched a massive search operation in the area with the help of the Army. The search operation continued till late on Friday afternoon but nothing was found. Jammu is already on a high alert on the eve of Independence Day, especially after getting a letter warning of serial blasts in the winter capital. The security forces had received the inputs of movement of suspicious elements in Kunjwani where the SOG launched the search operation and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of the Army remained on an alert, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta. The Kunjwani area is close to the Jammu-Pathankot national highway which has remained on the radar of militants from time to time. The area has presence of the Army, schools, business establishments and other important installations. As the information spread, rumours of suspicious movements being observed inside schools and different localities further aggravated the situation which kept security forces on the tenterhooks. Parents were seen heading to schools to bring their wards back safely. Schools were closed ahead of the scheduled time and to avert any incident, traffic was stopped in the area. Security was increased in the winter capital and around all important security establishments. Already the police are taking precautionary measures after it received the letter threatening of carrying out serial blasts in the winter capital on August 15. The threat letter had warned of blasts in various areas, including schools. The police have taken this threat letter seriously and have increased security around the bus stand, railway stations, airport, religious places, schools and other public places. Check-posts have been put up at various places to search vehicles and frisk people. Friday being the last working day for many schools in Jammu before Independence Day celebrations, presence of students was thin as parents preferred to keep children in their homes. As there were reports of letter warning of blasts in schools in the winter capital, we didnt send our children to school, said Anita, a resident of Shastrinagar area of Jammu. Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 12 On the fifth consecutive Friday and Day 35 of the ongoing unrest, the Kashmir region presented scenes that have become the new norm: deserted streets, curfew, shutdown and protests as nothing seems to be working in favour of the state government to help it ease the situation. The day began on a tense note in Srinagar, the states summer capital, following the death of a woman on the city outskirts last night. The death of the woman, who suffered a heart attack when a CRPF man allegedly pointed his gun at her, has further fuelled the anger. In Bemina locality on the citys outskirt, roads were littered with stones on Friday morning as protests over the womans death had continued till late in the night. Early morning, police and paramilitary personnel arrived and imposed restrictions on civilian movement in the locality, one of the largest residential neighbourhoods in the city. At Srinagars Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital, where a majority of the civilians wounded by bullets and pellets have been treated, volunteers and medics were preparing for the Friday influx, while some distance away young demonstrators clashed with the security forces. Nothing can be said about the situation. Last Thursday, rush of patients had subsided but on Friday (last week), a number of injured arrived, said Shabir Ahmad, a volunteer at the hospital. Friday, the day when hundreds of Muslims gather in congregations to offer midday prayers, has been a weekly flashpoint between demonstrators and security forces. On the eve of the fifth Friday, the state government imposed a fresh communication blockade, suspending all mobile phone services except the state-owned BSNL. The blockade on Friday eve was a repeat of a similar communication blockade ordered on the day of inception of the ongoing unrest, suggesting that very little has changed on the ground for the government in past five weeks. The state government has mostly remained invisible and away from the streets as anger mounted in the region following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani on July 8 evening and subsequent killing of more than 50 civilians in police, paramilitary and Army firing. There is no plan about what to do. The government is simply watching and waiting, an official in the Chief Ministers Office said. The state government, the official said, had been exploring multiple options to deal with the Kashmir situation, none of which involves an immediate political outreach. The governments appeal, made initially through its spokesman and later by the Chief Minister herself, has so far made little impact in easing the situation as Kashmir continues to remain on the edge. Govt simply waiting... There is no plan about what to do. The government is simply watching and waiting. The state government has been exploring multiple options to deal with the situation, none of which involves an immediate political outreach. An official in the Chief Ministers Office Stars in his eyes, stars on his mind and stars on his clothes Never mind the small town background, fashion design student Jatin Kanwar grew up all fascinated with the universe. An inspiration that he finally converted to a collection, all set to be showcased at London Fashion Week coming September. I will be showcasing at the Fashion Scout category of the London Fashion Week on September 17, beams the INIFD Chandigarh pass-out before explaining how the collection came about. The winning collection Titled Pie in the Sky, his collection draws from his childhood imagination of the universeconstellation, stars, planets. I used to look at the sky and imagine shapes, something that probably all children do. Converting thoughts into a collection took some time and a couple of techniques. I used two techniques, first being beads and thread and second, discharge printing. The galaxy effect has been given by experimental way of discharge printing which is later enhanced with surface embroidery. As for the colour palette, it is in expected hues of midnight blue, black, grey, dusty peach. There are seven garments and five outfits that will be showcased. They are all feminine garments and amalgamation of different colours and fabrics. Each piece of mine can be layered and worn in at least three different ways. For instance, one cape can be worn with gown, jeans, shorts or skirts. Expect a lot of capes, gowns, shorts, skirts and garments with inherent versatility. Eventually you can make multiples of outfits, adds the designer who admires Manish Arora and Rahul Mishra for the way they approach their craft. And Alexander McQueen. He doesnt make clothes, he makes art. Rules of layering A proponent of layering, Jatin feels garments can be layered in all seasons be it summer or winter. However, there are a few rules that need be followed. You have to be very careful about the kind of fabrics you are layering. Layering essentially means practical and comfortable clothing. So, while layering, keep comfort in mind. He adds, Cotton and velvet or silk and velvet can be easily layered during the winter while chiffon and georgette during the summer. While at it, he throws a couple of notes on upcoming trends. Statement sleeves and statement collars are going to be in vogue.TNS Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service guwahati, August 12 Two persons were killed and eight others injured on Friday night when suspected militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) opened indiscriminate fire at the residences of Rajen Shah and Mohendra Shah at Bamungaon under Philobari police station in Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. A police source said a group of five militants, who came on foot, opened fire at the two households at Bamungaon, killing two persons on the spot and injuring eight others. The slain persons were identified as Kishori Shah and Rajen Shah. The injured were first rushed to Tinsukia district civil hospital and then referred to Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh. Four of the injured were identified as Jitendra Chouhan, Babon Gour, Ranjit Shah and Abdesh Shah. DIG (Eastern Assam) BP Rabha and Tinsukia Superintendent of Police M Mahanta rushed to the incident site that is located near the inter-state boundary with Arunachal Pradesh. The police and the Army have launched a search operation in the area. The ULFA (I) is among the militant groups in the Northeast who have called for boycott of celebration of Independence Day. Guwahati, August 12 Assam on Friday became the first state to ratify the Constitution amendment bill related to the Goods and Services Tax, following its passage by both houses of Parliament this month. A historic resolution was passed in the Assam Assembly as Assam became the first state to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted son after it was ratified. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth and better revenue collection, said the 53-year-old chief minister, who is a senior leader of the BJP. At least 50 per cent of the states have to pass what is technically the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, for the next steps of legislative action to follow, to ultimately introduce a pan-India Goods and Services Tax regime. The new regime seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market. IANS New Delhi, August 12 Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) trains around 360 militants annually to wage jihad against India and Afghanistan, according to investigators who grilled captured LeT operative Bahadur Ali. Ali alias Saifullah, a 21-year-old resident of Zia Bagga village of Raiwind in Lahore, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he saw 30-50 people being trained in LeT camps any time every month since 2013 when he was provided a 15-day basic training at Mansehra in Pakistan. Ali underwent three training courses organised by the LeT in 2013, 2014 and 2016 before being pushed into India on June 11-12 along with two other LeT cadres, Saad and Darda. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) There are 30-50 trainees at any time in each course which runs throughout the year, an NIA official quoted Ali as saying. According to Ali, new operatives were provided 15-day Daura-e-Tulba, the basic training. Later, the recruits graduate to an arms and ammunition course called Daura-e-Aam. Ali got this training at the Aksa camp near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-held Kashmir in September-October 2014, he told NIA. In the final course, Daura-e-Khas, the guerrillas get to handle sophisticated arms and learn field crafts. Ali went through this also near Muzaffarabad in the summer of 2016. If we calculate on the basis of 30 people trained in every batch, as many as 360 people are trained every year by the LeT, an NIA officer told IANS. The LeT, which is known to enjoy the backing of Pakistani intelligence, was blamed for the audacious 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai that left 166 Indians and foreigners dead. The group has been outlawed by India, the US and the UN but its leaders are known to operate with impunity in Pakistan. Son of a police constable in Pakistans Punjab, Ali, arrested on July 25 from Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, is the eighth among nine siblings. He worked as Jihads fund collector for Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) in his initial days and switched to the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation--a front NGO of Lashkar-e-Taiba--in Lahore in 2013-14 before finally taking up LeT training. All recruits like Ali are radicalised and motivated to undertake jihad against India and Afghanistan. Pakistans intelligence and military set-up views New Delhi and Kabul as impeccable enemies of Islamabad. Ali revealed to the NIA that Pushto-speaking trainers focused on those headed for Afghanistan. The NIA officer said the terrorists from Pakistan waging jihad against India might not be well educated but were highly trained in using hi-tech gadgets, suggesting the support of Pakistani military experts. Once Ali sneaked into India, he communicated with his handlers in Pakistan using Japan-made ICOM wireless sets. These can be used only if one has sound technical knowledge. Ali revealed that all recruits were shown videos purported to be about the atrocities committed on Muslims in India. This is done to motivate them to wage war against India. Working with Hafiz Saeeds JuD since 2008, when he was just 13, Ali said he used to listen to taqreers (sermons) of Maulvis and watch videos too.--IANS Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 12 Search for the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport plane now hinges on the ability of two specialised vessels that can locate objects in deep sea even as the government today admitted in Parliament that it was unlikely for anyone to have survived. Separately, the IAF has now ordered underwater emergency locators beacons to be fitted on to its entire fleet of planes and copters. Sources confirmed that a case has been moved to get a locating beacon which can beep even when submerged. The IAFs AN-32 that went down some 280 km east off Chennai in the Bay of Bengal on July 22 did not have such a device fitted on to it. A total of 29 persons, including the crew were on board. In Lok Sabha today, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Ramrao Bhamre said he doubted anyone would have survived the An-32 incident. As far as survival is concerned, it is unlikely after so many days the minister said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was present in the House. Officers of the forces are personally meeting the families and telling them about the ongoing search. The search teams have been joined in by two specialised vessels, which carry special equipment to scan depths up to 12 km. The IAF plane is missing over sea where the depth is some 3.5 km. Once the ships locate the plane, a remotely monitored deep submergence vessel can go down and takes pictures to establish if its the same plane. Oceanographic research vessel Samundra Ratnakar of the Geological Survey of India and research vessel Sagar Nidhi of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) have been doing seabed profiling for the past four days. The Sagar Nidhi, which was in Mauritius, was specifically called in for the purpose and it joined the search on Monday. Warships and planes of the Navy and the Coast Guard, besides the planes of the IAF and a submarine, have been scanning the 900 miles distance between the last location of the IAF plane the Port Blair on the Andaman Nicobar Island. More than 220 sorties have been made and this translates into 1,000 hours of flying. More than 30 ships have been rotated during the search so far. Some 24 radio signals were picked up and examined none was from anything on board the IAF plane. These could be from Tsunami warning buoys, weather buoys, etc., said sources. Another 30 objects have been picked by scanners of planes and warships. These all are unrelated to the IAF plane. The ill-fated AN-32 was on a routine weekly courier flight to Port Blair from Chennai on July 22. Mumbai, August 12 A local court refused to grant anticipatory bail to two doctors suspected of being involved a kidney trafficking racket in one of Mumbais leading hospitals as investigators look to widen investigations. The court refused to grant Veena Swelikar and Suvin Shetty doctors at Mumbais LH Hiranandani hospital bail after police said they now look to find other possible recipients and investigate if other hospital authorities were involved. Swelikar, a general surgeon, and Shetty, a consulting pathologist, were among five doctors who had been arrested in the scam. The organ-harvesting ring was busted by police in July following a tip-off that poor villagers were being paid to sell their kidneys to recipients via a network of agents. Police uncovered the racket after a worker informed them of suspicious documentation for a scheduled operation for which a woman was donating a kidney to her husband. They raided the hospital during the operation on July 14, and found the couple were not married and the donor was in fact an impoverished rural woman from the neighbouring Gujarat state. Traffickers allegedly lured poor people from Gujarat into selling their kidneys for about 200,000 rupees ($3,000) and then re-sold their organs on the black market at a huge profit. Fourteen people have been arrested so far, including a donor, a recipient and middlemen. Agencies Beijing, August 12 The door for India's admission into the NSG is "not tightly" closed and New Delhi should "fully comprehend" Beijing's concerns over the disputed South China Sea, China's state-run media said on Friday as Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India. Dubbing India and China partners not rivals, a commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said "As Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check", but asked New Delhi should "fully comprehend" Beijing's concerns over the disputed South China Sea. "What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," it said. "So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party," it said in apparent reference to China's persistent demand that signing the NPT was pre-requisite for countries seeking to enter the 48-member body that controls global nuclear commerce. "However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed," it said in a first such reference by China in recent months since the two counties differed on the issue. "But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake." However the commentary did not mention whether Wang, who begins a three-day visit to India on Friday, will be carrying any new proposals to assuage India's disappointment over its failed bid to get NSG membership despite having majority support in the grouping. The commentary also wanted India to understand China's concerns over the South China Sea, as it referred to the joint statement issued at the recent meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China (RIC) in Moscow saying: "India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned". "Given that the South China Sea correlates with China's vital national interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijing's concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims. A ruling by the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague last month, stridently rejected by Beijing, found no legal basis to China's sweeping historic claims. Philippines, the US, Australia and Japan have told China to abide by the ruling. Yi begins his visit to India on Friday. Agencies Islamabad, August 12 Pakistan has in a veiled statement indicated that Indias intelligence agency RAW may have collaborated with the local militant groups in carrying out Mondays terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed over 70 people. Involvement of foreign elements working in cahoots with their local contacts in the condemnable terrorist attack in Quetta, which took a huge toll on the lives of innocent people, cannot be ruled out, the Express Tribune quoted Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria as saying at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. Zakaria, who was responding to a question regarding the statement by Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri that RAW was behind the Quetta bombing, said the Indian intelligence agencies remained involved in subversive and terrorist activities in the country, particularly in Balochistan and Karachi. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The confessional statement by a serving [Indian] naval officer, who was apprehended by our law enforcement agencies, has indeed vindicated Pakistans claim. The confession has led to significant success in rounding up elements of the network, he added. Zakarias statements come as relations between the neighbours have soured in wake of the unrest in Kashmir. He also dismissed Indias claims of cross-LoC infiltration. Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone, he said. In wake of the Kashmir issue following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, Zakaria said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz had written a letter to the Arab League secretary-general seeking his attention on the Kashmir issue. ANI R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent New Delhi, August 12 The Supreme Court on Friday warned the Centre that it would not allow the continuance of the logjam over the appointment of 75 judges for various high courts as this would bring judicial work to a grinding halt. A three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to find out the reasons for the long delay on the part of the Centre in clearing the recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium for their appointment. Dont force us to pass orders to remove this logjam. Dont force us to ask where the files are. Dont force us to judicially intervene to prevent the institution from coming to a grinding halt. That is not the right thing to do, the Bench told the Attorney General. Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud were the other members of the Bench which was hearing a PIL by Lt Col Anil Kabotra for implementation of the Law Commission recommendations for appointment of higher judiciary judges. Rohatgi assured the Bench that he would take up the issue at the highest level and come back with necessary information, upon which the Bench posted the case for next hearing after four weeks. The Bench clarified that the ongoing preparation of a fresh memorandum of procedure (MoP) by the government in the light of the judgment by a five-member Constitution Bench should not come in the way of clearing the pending appointments. The Constitution Bench, headed by Justice JS Khehar, had made it clear that the appointments should not be halted, pending notification of the new MoP, the CJI Bench noted. In the October 16, 2015, the apex court had revived the Collegium system of appointments by striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. The CJI Bench told the Attorney General that the government should get back to the Collegium of five senior-most Supreme Court judges headed by him if it had any problem with the recommendations. We will look into it. This kind of a logjam is making the situation very difficult, it remarked. The Bench clarified that the recommendations for 75 appointments included the transfer of some Chief Justices, including CJ KM Joseph of the Uttarakhand HC as CJ to Hyderabad High Court. The number of judges in most of the high courts was just 40 per cent of their sanctioned strength, it noted. Accused were languishing in jails for 12-13 years due to shortage of judges. Will you wait till the accused complete the life sentence, it asked. In Allahabad High Court alone, 10 lakh cases were pending. While hearing another PIL, the Bench slapped a cost of Rs 25,000 on the Centre for not filing its response to a plea for issue of guidelines for transporting iron rods and other protruding objects to minimise casualties in road accidents. The court had directed the government to file its affidavit more than three years ago, it noted. The government had no right to blame the judiciary for delays in disposal of cases in this situation, the apex court said. New Delhi, August 12 The UK has agreed to position a Strategic Programme Management Unit as part of the technical assistance programme for the Smart Cities Mission at Central level and also agreed to provide a financial assistance of 4.5 million pounds over a period of 4 years. This was announced after a meeting of Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu with a delegation led by Secretary of State, Department for International Development (DFID), Government of UK, Priti here today. The two took stock of the steps taken as a follow up to the India-UK joint statement issued during the Prime Minister of Indias visit to UK in November, 2015. The India-UK joint statement mentioned that DFID would collaborate in three India City partnerships with Indore, Pune and Amravati, to support Indias ambitious urban development goals through technical assistance, expertise sharing and business engagement. This is a first financial assistance after a joint statement of both Prime Ministers for city partnerships. TNS New Delhi, August 12 Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khans visa application was on Friday rejected by the UK High Commission. The 70-year-old artist, who was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall next month, said he is shocked and appalled at the rejection of his visa application. Asked about the reason for the rejection of visa application, a UK High Commission Spokesperson merely said that the mission does not comment on individual cases. Tagging Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in his tweet, Khan wrote, My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj. Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_London @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia, he further wrote. Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj, he added. Expressing disappointment over the UK denial, Amjads son Amaan Ali said, This has never happened before. In our country this is not cool. It is very sad that it has happened to him. He is someone who has worked all his life for the country and peace. The government should take interest why they (UK) are doing this. PTI Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 12 Seeking a quick redress against shortcomings of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the three armed services The Army, IAF and the Navy have collectively written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not issued the notification in regard to enhanced pay like other Central Government employees, who will get higher wages from September 1. The notification has been held up as issues raised by the three services are being considered. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The three forces have recently sent a collective letter through the office of the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) the CoSC being the senior most among the Chiefs of the three services. Air Chief Marshall Arup Raha, the IAF Chief, is the present CoSC. A letter from the services to Modi and Parrikar seeking better wages is not unprecedented. After the Sixth Pay Commission, the services had faced a similar lowering of status. The then CoSC, Admiral Sureesh Mehta (now retired) had shot off a letter to the UPA-I regime. A high-powered committee was set up in 2008 under Pranab Mukerjee (then a minister in Manmohan Singhs Cabinet) to study the matter. The services, in their letter, have pointed out four key issues that need to be addressed and lift the morale of the forces. The first is how the salaries of the service officers have been artificially suppressed. The formula applied for basic pay fixation is different than the one applied to other Central Government employees. As a result, in each rank the service officers have ended up being lower in pay scales. In the government, facilities like car, housing, or sanctions for air travel depend upon the basic pay. The second is the non-acceptance of the demand for non-functional upgrade (NFU). After the last pay commission (the sixth), the government allowed non-functional scale upgradation and allowed Group-A officers to get the same scale as a Joint Secretary, but after 24 years of service. Strangely, the armed forces are neither classified as group A services nor are they termed as Central services like the IAS or the IPS and did not get NFU. Now, with others getting NFU the gap gets widened. The third issue is higher military service pay (MSP) for junior commissioned officers (JCOs). They rise from the lower ranks (jawans). The 7th CPC has clubbed the MSP of JCOs and jawans at Rs 5,200. The demand is to have it at Rs 10,000 for the JCOs. The MSP for officers between Lieutenant-rank and Brigadier-rank is common at Rs 15,500. The fourth main issue is lowering of disability pension. As per the new formula, okayed by the 7th CPC, soldiers/officers with 100 per cent disability will see their pensions reduced from the current levels. However, in case of the disabled of other services their perks will rise. In March this year, the MoD had conveyed to an empowered committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary that the status, pay and allowances of the armed forces be kept above all other fighting arms of the government. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had also taken up the case that issues of status, pay and allowances for the forces have to be paramount. Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 12 BJP MP from Punjab Shwait Malik today raised the issue of inadequate security at the crucial Indo-Pak border post at Attari in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour. He said that it has allowed weapons and other unwanted items to be brought to India. He said the sniffer dogs being used at present are inadequate and scanners would soon be placed at the border for better screening. International trade between India and Central Asian countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan flows through the Indo-Pak roadway at the Amritsar ICP, said Malik adding that of the 231 CCTV cameras at the high volume trading post, only 13 were functional. Pak agency warns of Taliban attacks at border Lahore: Pakistans top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around Independence Day. Tehreek-i-Talibans Fazalullah group is planning to target the parade at the Wagah border in Lahore and the Ganda Singh border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15, the alert by the National Counter-Terrorism Authority said. PTI Rajmeet Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 12 With barely three days left to apply for the Congress ticket, prospective candidates were seen carrying bundles of papers at the PPCC office here today. For the first time, the state Congress has made it mandatory for every applicant to furnish the details of two voters from each booth in their respective constituency, along with copies of voter ID cards. The new format has led to resentment among a section of the MLAs. While PPCC president Capt Amarinder Singh has said that all those desirous of contesting the elections, including the MLAs, should fill the forms and get these attested from a notary, the legislators say that there should have been clarity on the ticket allotment by now. Some of the aspiring candidates said it was a tedious and expensive process to collect the documents. The scrutiny of the applications will begin after the August 15 deadline expires. Capt said the last date would not be extended. Application fee charged Contrary to Amarinder's announcement on waiving the application fee of Rs 10,000 (general category candidates) and Rs 5,000 (reserved), the staff in the PPCC office was on Friday seen taking the fee. Some of the applicants alleged that no receipts were issued. A PPCC spokesman clarified that the money would be refunded to the aspirants who would not get the ticket. Capt applies for Patiala (city) ticket Patiala: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amarinder Singh on Friday officially applied for the Patiala (city) seat as a probable Congress candidate for the forthcoming Assembly elections. The Congress has asked ticket aspirants to send information in a specified form. Before becoming an MP from Amritsar, Amarinder was an MLA from Patiala (city). At present, his wife Preneet Kaur is an MLA from the same seat after she won the bypoll. Amarinders staff submitted his form at the PCC office in Chandigarh today. Amarinder said he had applied for the Patiala (city) ticket as per the procedure set by the party. He said he would stick to his stand of one party, one ticket. This was a clear indication that his wife Preneet Kaur would not contest the forthcoming elections. She will contest the parliamentary elections later, subject to the party approval, he said. Patiala is my home turf and there was no doubt in my mind while applying for the seat, he added. Cong promises settlement of farmers loans Jalandhar: Amarinder Singh on Friday promised one-time settlement of farmers loans after the Congress forms the government in the state. Addressing the Halke Vich Captain programme at Nawanshahr, he said the Congress government would bring in a law to ensure that the properties of debt-ridden farmers were not auctioned. Capt Amarinder took a dig at Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for blaming others for their own failures. Like Kejriwal blames Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all his failures, Sukhbir has put blame on the ISI for the breakdown of law and order in Punjab, he said. On the partys manifesto, he said the partys manifesto would be elaborate and comprehensive concerning all issues related to Punjab. Capt Amarinder said during his previous regime his government had waived loans of all farmers which they had taken from cooperative banks. He also visited the Bishops House in Jalandhar. Rachna Khaira Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 11 The Sikh community in Union City of California today protested the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib by a miscreant. The incident took place yesterday when pages of the holy book were torn and thrown away. Sikh bodies have decided to take up the matter with the American Sikh Congressional Caucus tomorrow. The caucus, formed around six years ago, comprises 50 members of the US Congress. It deals with issues pertaining to the Sikh community. Pritpal Singh, president of the American Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (ASGPC), said it was the first such incident in the US and needed to be investigated. Unlike other holy books, we consider Guru Granth Sahib to be a live embodiment of our Gurus. It is important to make the US authorities understand this fact. We will take up the matter with the American Sikh Congressional caucus tomorrow, he said while talking to The Tribune over the phone from California. He said the accused would be caught as he was seen by the people present in the park. He said the police were checking the CCTV footage to identify the culprit. Around 7 pm (local time), a man in his late 30s arrived in the park holding a bag. He went to the area where some people from the Sikh community were sitting and took out some pages from his bag and tossed them in the air, he said. Initially, people did not pay attention, but when they realised these were the pages from the holy book, they objected to his act. The man said he would pick up the pages, but he began to run towards a car parked nearby. A boy almost caught hold of him, but the accused managed to escape, he said. City mayor Carol Dutra and senior police officials visited the area today and met key witnesses of the incident. Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director, North American Punjabi Association, said the incident seemed to have been planned to disturb harmony in the area. Union City has a large Sikh population. It seems the accused intentionally chose the park where members of the Sikh community came for a walk daily, Chahal said. He has urged the US authorities to take preventive measures. Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal also condemned the incident and asked Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up the issue with the US. He expressed concern over the alleged attempts to disturb communal harmony through sacrilege incidents in India and abroad. He appealed to the Sikhs across the globe to maintain peace and harmony. SGPC chief Avtar Singh urged Sushma to take up the case with her counterpart in the US. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 12 In a major embarrassment for Punjabs SAD-BJP government, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday set aside the appointments of 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries. The ruling by the Division Bench of Justice SS Saron and Justice Ramendra Jain came on two petitions filed by advocates Jagmohan Singh Bhatti and HC Arora. In his petition filed more than four years ago, Bhatti had sought directions for declaring illegal and unconstitutional the holding of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries posts by MLAs in Punjab. Bhatti was also seeking directions for restraining the Finance Department from bearing the expenses of illegal appointments, which were in violation of the 91st Amendment 2004 of the Constitution of India. Directions were also sought for the withdrawal of all the facilities extended to the respondent MLAs in the interest of the State, its people and its State Exchequer. Bhatti had subsequently sought directions for the Central government to dismiss the incumbent government on the count of poor governance and violating the mandate of the Constitution while exceeding backdoor entries to their loyalists and burdening the empty government exchequers. Bhatti had claimed the appointment of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries in Himachal Pradesh had been quashed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The SLP against the order was withdrawn. He added the appointment of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries was previously also challenged by the BJP before the High Court. But the BJP-SAD government later appointed the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries in Punjab. The high court, during the course of hearing, had directed Punjab and Haryana to furnish the rules under which CPSs were appointed. The high court had asked the states to submit a detailed report on the job charter of the CPSs, their salaries and perks. Another petition filed more than a decade ago challenging appointments of the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries in Punjab previously failed to come to a logical end after the appointees term ended before the petition could come up for final disposal. The petition challenging the appointment of 11 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries was filed in 2004 against the Union of India and other respondents by the Lawyers for Social Action and another petitioner. As it came up for hearing before the Bench observed none for the petitioners were present to argue the matter. In its brief judgment, the Bench asserted: Since, their term is over, the present writ petition has become infructuous. Dismissed as infructuous. The appointments that will be affected now: Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 12 The Supreme Court of Canada yesterday agreed to hear a review appeal on extraditing Jassi Sidhus mother Malkit Sidhu and uncle Surjeet Badesha to India in the 2000 honour killing case, even as the Punjab Police have sent a proposal to the state Home Department for conducting their trial though video-conferencing from a Canadian jail. In February, the British Columbia Supreme Court had in a split ruling denied extradition on the grounds that the accused persons may not face a fair trial in India. The judgment said the duo may face police torture or have to stay in inhuman conditions in jails in Punjab. News reports from Canada said the countrys Attorney General appeared on behalf of the Indian courts for a review of the British Columbia order. The Attorney General said the Canadian Government had given an undertaking accepting Indias plea for extradition. We told Canada earlier that the contention of inhuman conditions was wrong. There are several persons who were extradited from foreign countries and faced trial while lodged in Punjabs jails. Nevertheless, we have proposed that the duo can remain in a Canadian jail and face trial via video-conferencing, said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Inderpreet Singh Sahota, who is the Director, Bureau of Investigation, which deals with extradition cases. Honour killing On June 8, 2000, Jaswinder Kaur Sidhu alias Jassi, a resident of Maple Bridge, Canada, was murdered in Sangrur district by contract killers allegedly hired by her mother and uncle. Jassi had married Sukhwinder Singh alias Mithu, a resident of Kaonke Kalan village (Jagraon), against the wishes of her family. Mithu belonged to a poor family, while Jassis kin were well-off. Mithu survived the attack by the killers. Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Batala, August 12 Gurdaspur district administration has promised to recompense the family of a former spy after they refused to cremate his body on Friday. Karamat Rahi (73) who had earned the sobriquet master spy for the way he would confuse his Pakistani counterparts died in poverty at a hospital in Amritsar on Thursday evening. His family refused to cremate his body until the state government paid him compensation and promised a job for his son. Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal constituted a two-member committee of ADC (general) JS Grewal and Batala SDM Saurabh Arora to negotiate with the angry family. When they refused to budge, the district administration made them a written promise. A forgotten spy A native of Khera Kalan village, Rahi lived in a poor belt of Gurdaspur district until Indian intelligence agencies spotted and recruited him to spy on Pakistan. He crossed the border in 1986. Two years later, he was arrested for espionage and sentenced to 14 years in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail while his family struggled to make ends meet. Karamats wife Surinder Kaur said that she would to get a monthly allowance of Rs 300 after her husband was arrested. But that too stopped after ten months, she said. Rahi remained in prison until 2005, when Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh, then chief minister of Punjab, had him released while he was on a goodwill tour to the country. A neglected Karamat approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking pension and a job for his son, but court turned him down, instead imposing a fine on him for wasting its time. When he appealed the order in the Supreme Court, he was asked for proof of his espionage activities. When the agencies recruit spies, they are sold dreams of getting prosperous. They promise money and security all of which are forgotten when a spy is arrested, his son Ranjeet Singh said. New York, August 12 A 36-year-old Sikh man was shot dead by a masked gunman during an armed robbery at a convenience store in the US. Amanjeet Singh Toor was killed early on Monday at the store in Arizona, where he worked. The assailant then chased the other employees out of the store before returning to grab a bag, the police said. The police, along with Toors family, are seeking the publics help to find the attacker. The shooter has been described as wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, face mask and red gloves. Toor had emigrated from India six years ago. His wife, Kamaldeep Kaur, recently joined him in Phoenix, said a report in AZCentral, an Arizona news site. He was a role model for most of us, Toors cousin Micky Gill said yesterday at the Phoenix police headquarters. Rana Singh Sodhi, a Sikh activist, spoke on behalf of Toors family, urging the community to come together to find the perpetrator. He handed over the money, but was still shot. It begs the question (of racism), Sodhi said. Sodhis brother was killed in a hate crime at Mesa just four days after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. PTI Vinod Behl As the Indian real estate market gets on way to becoming a well-regulated and transparent with ease of doing business, following far reaching reforms like Real estate Regulation Act (RERA), REITs, FDI and GST, undertaken by the government, foreign developers and investors have regained their confidence and revived their interest in the India story to invest in residential and commercial property. Tama Home, a leading developer of Japan, in partnership with Singapore-headquartered Developer Group, has forayed into India, with a recently launched gated residential project Westwind in Chennai. The project will come up over 6.84 acre in Poonamalla, in the western periphery of Chennai. The Group has made public, its plans to invest Rs 6,000 crore to develop over a dozen projects in five years . Tama Home President and Chief Executive, Yasuhiro Tamaki is bullish about India, especially with the stable and reform-oriented government and wants to repeat the Suzuki story in the Indian real estate by bringing in best of design and construction technology. According to Tamaki, besides building around 10,000 homes in the affordable and mid segment, the group has plans to take up smart city and hospitality projects. Its not just Japanese & Singopore groups, even Chinese developers are showing keen interest to invest in the Indian real estate. A leading Chinese developer, Dalian Wanda Group has committed to invest $10billion in an industrial park in Sonepat (Haryana) in the high potential NCR. The company had signed an agreement with Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) for the township that will cover 13 sq km in the first phase. US major, Trump Corporation is also very bullish about its India plans, post reforms over the last two years. According to Donald Trump Junior, the group is chalking out ambitious plans to expand its footprint in India through branded residential and commercial office projects. The company that already has two projects in India- one in Mumbai in tie up with Lodha Group and another in Pune in tie up with Panchsheel Group, has recently announced its first commercial project in Gurgaon and more announcements about newer projects are in the offing. A boost for commercial projects Its not just residential real estate, the foreign developers and investors are showing interest in commercial office and retail realty as well. Says Vineet Relia, MD, South Asia Real Estate, a fund-turned-developer, As economic and political uncertainties continue to prevail in the emerged economies, the emerging economies in general and India in particular(with 7.6 per cent GDP growth), has emerged as safer heaven for long- term investments. And global investors of all hues are making selective investments in Indias real estate market, either directly or through joint ventures. Indias commercial office market has turned attractive for foreign investors, especially after the recent relaxations in REIT law, to allow investments in under- construction assets. As REITs are expected to take off next year, REIT market in India, according to JLL study, is likely to overtake other established Asia- Pacific markets, with 116 msf of A grade office space, valued at $ 18 billion to be listed by 2019. It is in this backdrop that even companies like Singapore-based Ascendas- Singbridge Group is now enthused by the pace of reforms and is actively working on expansion plans. The group that has existing office portfolio of 10 msf , plans to develop 11 msf of commercial office space across different cities over next few years. According to Sanjay Dutt, the groups strategy is to expand by way of acquiring non-risky ready and nearing completion assets, in addition to forging joint development partnerships. In view of the immense opportunities thrown up by GST in the warehousing and logistics, the group is also eyeing this space, in addition to industrial parks and townships. Besides Singapore- based Ascendas, GIC, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore government, has also stepped up its investments. It has acquired Mumbai- based BSE- listed company, Nirlon that owned IT park. It also bought 50 per cent stake in Mumbai-based Sheth Developer's Mall. Earlier this year, Blackstone Group had invested in Bengaluru-based Salarpuria Sattva Group's office park project in Hyderabad. Giving retail a fund high Post FDI relaxations, retail real estate is also looking up and global players are investing in this space. Dubai-based Lulu Group has made public its plans to invest Rs 7,000 crore in setting up malls and hotels in India. The first mall-cum- convention centre will come up in Lucknow, followed by retail and hospitality projects in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. According to Yusuff Ali, head of Lulu Group, following FDI reforms in key sectors including retail, India has emerged as an attractive investment destination that may well attract investment of $150 billion from Gulf countries into retail, tourism, manufacturing sectors in the next few years. The $2 billion Japanese retailer Muji is betting big on India with plans to open retail stores across the country. Muji had some time back entered into a tie- up with Reliance Brands and has recently opened its first store in Mumbai, to be followed by a store in Bengaluru later this year. According to Shobhit Agarwal, MD, Capital Markets & International Director, JLL India, liberalisation of FDI policy in the backdrop of economic and political stability, is working out in favour of retail real estate, especially with quality mall space with pre- commitments. He says that in the first five months of 2016, PE investments into Indian retail stood at $10 billion and is estimated to surpass previous high of 2008. Amidst slowdown, valuable stressed assets have attracted the attention of global investors. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has made significant investments in real estate out of its investment portfolio of $3 billion. It had formed a strategic alliance with Piramal Enterprises to set up a $ 500 million real estate finance company in India to offer debt financing to residential projects. China Fortune Land Development (CFLD) has inked a jv agreement with HSIIDC to develop 1500 acre industrial township spread across Sohna and Manesar. The township is to be developed at a cost of Rs 33,595 crore and the Chinese company will develop residential, commercial projects along with industrial units and related infrastructure facilities. GIC which has emerged as one of the largest investors in India, has formed a jv with DLF Home Developers to invest $ 300 million to develop two residential projects in Delhi. GIC is also in race to buy the entire 40 per cent stake of DLF promoters in the office rental arm DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (DCCDL) Earlier, the company had entered into a jv contract with Delhi's Vatika Group to develop residential projects in Gurgaon and Bengaluru's Brigade Group to invest in qa residential project. GIC's sister company, Temasek Holdings that bought stakes in Oberoi Realty, is evaluating its plans to invest in real estate assets in India. Then there is Germany's Steigenberger Group that has tied up with NCR- based MBD group to develop 20 luxurious hotels across key cities . In a latest development, Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets (MIRA) is set to finalise its jv partnership with Tata Housing. PE funding increases In this exciting backdrop, global PE funds are showing more muscle to invest in Indian real estate. According to Venture Intelligence, PE-owned real estate funds invested $5 billion in India in 2015, the highest since 2008 financial crisis. The increasing interest of foreign PE players in Indian realty, can be gauged from the fact that during H1, 2016, PE funds have invested about $954 million in real estate projects. More recently, there was a $150 million commercial property deal with Sheth Developers and $275 million residential property deal of APG Asset Management with Godrej Properties. Keeping in view the long- term viability of Indian real estate amidst ongoing reforms, aimed at healthy and sustainable growth of real estate, global PE players, enthused by India's long-term consumption story, are expected to invest more aggressively in coming years. As Vineet Relia of SARE sums up, With major realty reforms being implemented and the landmark GST Amendment Bill cleared by the Parliament, foreign developers and investors are getting confident about the increasing ease of doing business and securing robust returns on investment in the long run in India. Aman Sood The past decade has been one of the worst phases for realty market in the royal city of Patiala, which has also suffered because of being the home town of former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who still is the prime rival of the ruling SAD-BJP government. Neglected, short of funds, poor infrastructure development and road condition over the years have had a detrimental effect on the property market here as the prices have remained stagnant for a long time. Though one of the major cities of the state and an important educational centre, Patiala had never been an investors favourite destination as the realty market here has always been end user driven. Political alignments have had a major bearing on the real estate fortunes of the city. A Congress regime in the state has been the favourable time for property market here in the past. For example during the previous Congress government from 2002 to 2007, prices of property had sky rocketed and it was a time when virtually every property dealer here had made money. Now with the move of the State Bank of India to merge State Bank of Patiala and no new industry coming to the city, the royal city faces a stiff challenge in terms of property escalation. A majority of the property dealers are expecting the return of the Congress regime and thus hoping for a boom. Before the last elections even though the prices were high still we had invested hoping that the Congress will come back to power in the state and there will be a revival in the real estate sector, especially in Patiala. However, the Congress lost and now we have ample property but no buyers at all, says Gurdeep Bedi, of Bedi Financial Advisors. Property is available in all parts of the city but the money flow is not there and only genuine buyers are coming. No new projects More than a dozen private colonies in and around Patiala are yet to see buyers, despite the property dealers investing crores in these when the property prices were high. But there are virtually no buyers for any of these and instead of becoming inhabited bubbling areas these are just ghost towns doomed by a slowdown. We had bought land, got clearances, raised infrastructure, constructed roads and put up streetlights and it is so painful to see that not even a single plot has been sold in the past nine years, claims Charanjit Singh of Singh properties in Sanaur. As per rough estimates each plot cost me around Rs 2,000 per square yard in 2007 and till date I have no buyers though I am willing to sell the plot even at Rs 2,500 now after over eight years, he added. Meanwhile on the outskirts of Patiala all residential schemes are yet to see any ray of hope. Private colonies near Bahadurgarh, Bhadson Road, Nabha Road and the farmhouse concept have no buyers. As a result investments worth crores are dumped in these schemes with no one even bothering to find out the prices at the moment. The upcoming Rajpura Colony, raised by residential scheme looks good but with poor roads and no development work carried out in Patiala in the recent past has attracted very few buyers to it. The recent announcement by the government that the play ground in Rajpura Colony will be excluded from the scheme and the opposition faced by the scheme from residents and Congress has not helped matter, said an insider in the Improvement Trust. Improvement Trust Chairman, Vishnu Sharma says that the Improvement Trust plans to come with some new schemes, including middle and high income groups. We are identifying the schemes and land owned by us and would soon announce some new projects, he said. I agree that in the past some of our projects had failed to attract investments as the rates were a little high, given the market sentiment we will keep that in mind the next time we come up with project, Sharma said. OSLO, August 12 The Earth is so hot this year that a limit for global warming agreed by world leaders at a climate summit in Paris just a few months ago is in danger of being breached. In December, almost 200 nations agreed a radical shift away from fossil fuels with a goal of limiting a rise in average global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times while "pursuing efforts" for 1.5C (2.7F). But 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, also buoyed by a natural El Nino event warming the Pacific, according to the UNs World Meteorological Organization. The first six months were a sweltering 1.3C above pre-industrial times. "It opens a Pandora's box," said Oliver Geden, of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "The future debate about temperature targets will be about overshoot." Many climate scientists say the Paris targets are likely to be breached in the coming decades, shifting debate onto whether it will be possible to turn down the global thermostat. Climate scientists will meet in Geneva from Aug 15-18 to plan a UN report about the 1.5C goal, requested by world leaders in the Paris Agreement for publication in 2018. Overshoot is among the issues in preparatory documents. Developing nations see overshoot as a betrayal of commitments by the rich and a recipe to worsen heatwaves such as in the Middle East this year or a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet that could swamp island states by raising global sea levels. "There is a risk that 'overshoot' is a slippery slope towards lower ambition," said Emmanuel de Guzman, secretary of the Climate Commission of the Philippines, which chairs a group of 43 emerging nations in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). Olympics campaign Backing that view at the Rio Olympics, some athletes have signs saying: "1.5 - the record we must not break" in a campaign partly run by the CVF, whose members includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Guatemala. Developing nations say overshoot lets world leaders pay lip service to 1.5C while failing to act on pledges made in Paris for a trillion-dollar shift from coal and other fossil fuels towards renewable energies. US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump doubts climate change is caused by human activities and has said he will pull out of the Paris Agreement if elected. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton strongly backs Paris. The 1.5C threshold could be in jeopardy within five years on current trends of world greenhouse gas emissions, led by China and the United States, and 2C within about 25 years, according to UN calculations of the amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere. Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug, who will lead the Geneva meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said a "wholesale transformation" of economies and society would be required to achieve the Paris targets. The IPCC report will look at both the damage to nature from a 1.5C rise and ways to rein in rising temperatures. Many IPCC scenarios in recent years discuss ways to extract heat-trapping carbon dioxide from nature. If applied at a wide enough scale, such "negative emissions" could reduce temperatures after an overshoot. But there are many pitfalls. The simplest natural aid planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the air to grow would probably require too much farmland to be feasible. Industrial technologies for extracting carbon from the air are costly and in their infancy. Draft documents for the 2018 report by the IPCC also mention more radical solutions, such as spraying chemicals into the upper atmosphere to dim sunlight through "geo-engineering". "It's hard to avoid overshoot. It's more a question of the size," said Glen Peters, a scientist at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. The Paris text is vague about the temperature ceilings and does not say whether 1.5C or 2C refers to temperatures in one year, over a decade or longer. Reuters Rakesh Gupta Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) popularly known as e-cigarettes are highly addicting and potentially lethal product. It is mostly being used by children and youth, glamourised as these are by the tobacco industry. Though not generally available in stores, these are widely promoted through social media, email marketing etc. with discount offers. Sales are increasing sharply all over the world. Currently, these are not regulated by any national authority in India. Punjab became the first state to declare ENDS as illegal in 2013 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act which allows nicotine (2mg and 4 mg) only as gums and lozenges to be manufactured and sold. With technical guidance from Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala have also declared these products as illegal. Many other states are in the process to do the same. According to Punjab Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2014 framed under The Poisons Act, 1919, nicotine is a poison and it is mandatory to possess a license to sell it. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious cognizance of the matter of nicotine in liquid form. These are marketed as A healthy substitute to cigarettes and are promoted as an alternative to control or even stop smoking. It is also argued that e-cigarettes are as safe as other nicotine replacement products such as patches. There have been many misconceptions about their potential benefits which are not true. Worries about possible health risks have led to some countries talking of restricting its use, as in the UK. In 2009 Canada and Australia banned e-cigarettes. The US also stopped e-cigarettes from being imported. Thus, e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved. The most important ingredient of e-cigarettes is nicotine that is one of the most addicting agents. The US Surgeon General has concluded nicotine to be as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Studies have shown the nicotine dependence may be transmitted maternally and genetically. Other than being addictive, nicotine has numerous health risks. Its use can lead to cancer. Being a vasoconstrictor its usage can lead to brain stroke, angina, heart attack, severe pain in the legs and even gangrene. Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can harm brain development. It also adversely affects the reproductive system, lungs, kidney etc. E-cigarettes do not emit a harmless water vapour, but an aerosol that contains at least 10 chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. It is a proven fact that that e-cigarettes can be even more harmful than normal cigarettes. There is no scientific evidence available that these are more helpful as cessation devices that other proven pharmacological agents. The writer, a doctor, is State Programme Officer, Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab Tribune News Service Dehradun, August 12 Senior BJP leader Ravindra Jugran today accused the state government of promoting corruption. The governments campaign themed Congress Against Corruption was mere an eyewash, he added. Jugran, while addressing mediapersons here, said several departments of the government were dens of corruption and the Congress was promoting such malpractices. Rampant corruption prevails in Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited and the Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited. It has been revealed time and again but the state government, instead of taking action against corrupt officials, is busy in patronising them, he said. Ravindra Jugran said he would soon meet state Congress president Kishore Upadhyay to apprise him of the corrupt practices taking place in Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited and Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited. We will also submit documents related to practices in these two power corporations, he added. Manila, August 12 Officials say 10 inmates, including two alleged Chinese drug criminals, died in a suspected grenade blast that rocked a Philippine jail. Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, said on Friday initial investigation showed the inmates had sought to talk with the warden of Paranaque City jail in metropolitan Manila upon learning they would be transferred to another facility. The warden was seriously injured in last nights explosion. Solda says eight of the inmates killed in the blast were facing drug cases, including two Chinese nationals. Two others were facing cases of robbery with homicide. Solda says investigators are looking at whether the blast was part of an escape attempt. But he says they are waiting to get details from the warden. AP Oslo, August 12 The Earth is so hot this year that a limit for global warming agreed by world leaders at a climate summit in Paris just a few months ago is in danger of being breached. In December, almost 200 nations agreed a radical shift away from fossil fuels with a goal of limiting a rise in average global temperatures to well below 2C above pre-industrial times while "pursuing efforts" for 1.5C . But 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, also buoyed by a natural El Nino event warming the Pacific, according to the UN's World Meteorological Organisation. The first six months were a sweltering 1.3C above pre-industrial times. "It opens a Pandora's box," said Oliver Geden, of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "The future debate about temperature targets will be about overshoot." Many climate scientists say the Paris targets are likely to be breached in the coming decades, shifting debate onto whether it will be possible to turn down the global thermostat. Climate scientists will meet in Geneva from August 15-18 to plan a UN report about the 1.5C goal, requested by world leaders in the Paris Agreement for publication in 2018. Overshoot is among the issues in preparatory documents. Developing nations see overshoot as a betrayal of commitments by the rich and a recipe to worsen heatwaves such as in the Middle East this year or a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet that could swamp island states by raising global sea levels. "There is a risk that 'overshoot' is a slippery slope towards lower ambition," said Emmanuel de Guzman, secretary of the Climate Commission of the Philippines, which chairs a group of 43 emerging nations in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). Backing that view at the Rio Olympics, some athletes have signs saying: "1.5 -- the record we must not break" in a campaign partly run by the CVF, whose members include Bangladesh, the Maldives and Guatemala. Developing nations say overshoot lets world leaders pay lip service to 1.5C while failing to act on pledges made in Paris for a trillion-dollar shift from coal and other fossil fuels towards renewable energies. The 1.5C threshold could be in jeopardy within five years on current trends of world greenhouse gas emissions, led by China and the United States, and 2C within about 25 years, according to UN calculations of the amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere. Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug, who will lead the Geneva meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said a "wholesale transformation" of economies and society will be required to achieve the Paris targets. The IPCC report will look at both the damage to nature from a 1.5C rise and ways to rein in rising temperatures. Many IPCC scenarios in recent years discuss ways to extract heat-trapping carbon dioxide from nature. If applied at a wide enough scale, such "negative emissions" could reduce temperatures after an overshoot. But there are many pitfalls. The simplest natural aid, planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the air to grow, would probably require too much farmland to be feasible. Industrial technologies for extracting carbon from the air are costly and in their infancy. Draft documents for the 2018 report by the IPCC also mention more radical solutions, such as spraying chemicals into the upper atmosphere to dim sunlight through "geo-engineering". "It's hard to avoid overshoot. It's more a question of the size," said Glen Peters, a scientist at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. The Paris text is vague about the temperature ceilings and does not say whether 1.5C or 2C refers to temperatures in one year, over a decade or longer. Reuters Canberra, August 12 An Australian government agency in charge of the ongoing search for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 has reportedly retracted a published theory that the aircraft crashed into the sea after a death dive. Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely that the planes captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said the engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden death dive into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood told the Australian daily that the agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the US National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said the analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the consensus claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agreed with the death dive consensus. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed, he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. IANS Glasgow, August 12 A Muslim taxi driver has been jailed for at least 27 years for murdering a shopkeeper who, he believed. had disrespected Islam. According to the London-based daily, The Nation, 32-year old Tanveer Ahmed travelled from Bradford, Yorkshire, to Glasgow to confront Asad Shah at his newsagents shop before stabbing the 40-year-old to death with a knife. Ahmed, who was not acquainted with Shah, said he had been offended by clips the shopkeeper had uploaded online which, he claimed, disrespected the Prophet Mohammed. The father of three from Yorkshire was handed a life sentence at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting to the murder in Glasgows Shawlands area on March 24. Ahmed watched one of Shahs clips on his phone as he travelled to Glasgow on the day of the murder. He was heard in a phone message saying: Listen to this guy, something needs to be done, it needs to be nipped in the bud. Ahmed said he warned the shopkeeper that he would kill him and asked him to stop claiming to be a prophet upon arriving at the shop. Shahs brother and a shop assistant attempted to stop Ahmed as he began to attack him. The Shah family, who moved from Pakistan to Scotland in the 1990s to escape persecution, belong to the Ahmadi sect of Islam whose beliefs differ from the majority of Muslims. In a statement released through his lawyer after the killing, Ahmed said: If I had not done this others would have and there would be more killings and violence in the world. Judge Lady Rae told Ahmed that he must serve a minimum of 27 years in jail before being considered for release. Jailing him for life at the same court, judge Lady Rae told Ahmed: This was a barbaric, premeditated and wholly unjustified killing of a much-loved man who was a pillar of the local community. He was described as a peaceful and peace-loving man and family man who went out of his way to show respect for those of any faith. The judge branded the attack as an appalling display of merciless violence. Lady Rae added: No one in any civilised country, including Scotland, has the right to take the life of another whatever offence that individual perceives that he or she has suffered. ANI The Vancouver-based restaurant chain came under fire when it announced it would start sourcing its beef from an American ranch accredited by the non-profit group Humane Farm Animal Care. After sales plunged by 30 per cent at some locations, Earls said sorry and put Canadian beef back on the menu. They express regret.still reeks of snackbarA villain of the Canadian beef industry a few months ago, Earls president Mo Jessa was blunt as he took the stage in front of hundreds of ranchers Wednesday morning."We need to talk about what is likely on everybody's mind why did I even show up?" he said to laughter.The Vancouver-based restaurant chain came under fire when it announced it would start sourcing its beef from an American ranch accredited by the non-profit group Humane Farm Animal Care. After sales plunged by 30 per cent at some locations, Earls said sorry and put Canadian beef back on the menu In hindsight, Jessa simply called it a "dumb decision" to not even consult with the farmers in Canada."I am asking for your forgiveness and allow me the chance to work with the industry," he said at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary.By Kate on August 11, 2016 9:52 AM | 22 Comments Nice. So CBC and owner Mohammad Jessa make the issue out to be Canadian beef vs American and humane butchering instead of the issue being about Halal.So Mohammad is getting his Earl's restaurants a Canadian Halal supplier.I don't see that as a win. Clintons e-mail scandals are pure fiction Im fairly sure that when William Shakespeare penned the phrase full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, he did not have in mind the constant cycle of scandals that envelop Bill and Hillary Clinton. But the phrase easily applies.When it comes to the Clintons, the most mundane actions can be raised to the specter of national outrage, because of the appearance, but not actual incident, of impropriety.Take, for example, the imbroglio over newly released e-mails regarding interactions between the Clinton Foundation and the State Department when Clinton was secretary of state. These exchanges, primarily between Clintons assistant Huma Abedin and Clinton Foundation top honcho Doug Band, have become Exhibit A in efforts to brand Clinton as a corrupt figure and the Foundation as a pay-for-play operation. The evidence, however, speaks to a different reality.In 2009, Band reached out to Abedin and asked if she could help put a Nigerian businessman of Lebanese descent named Gilbert Chagoury who had donated to the Clinton Foundation in touch with the substance person re: Lebanon. Chagoury apparently wanted to pass along information about upcoming elections in Lebanon. Considering that State Department diplomats glean information and intelligence from civil society leaders, activists, and business people on a regular basis theres nothing particularly untoward about the ask. But because Chagoury is a Clinton donor, theres a scent of scandal.So what happened? Abedin told Band shed reach out to Jeffrey Feltman, the acting assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs at the time. Yet, according to a Washington Post article, Feltman says he never met or spoke to Chagoury, and No one ever told me he was seeking me out.A Politico story this week accused Band ofreaching out to Abedin in 2009 to get Crown Prince Salman of Bahraina meeting with Clinton. Now, Bahrain is a close US ally, and home to the Navys Sixth Fleet, so theres nothing unusual about this ask, either, but its the kind of thing that should go through official channels which it did. Abedin responded by tellingBand the crown prince had asked to see Clinton through normal channels but that she hadnt yet committed until she knows how she will feel. Two days later, Abeden e-mails Band back to say the meeting is now on.With or without Bands assistance, Clinton almost certainly would have agreed to meet with a top official of a US ally, especially in a region critical to national security interests, and at a time when Iran, a neighbor of Bahrain, was in the throes of pro-democracy demonstrations. Theres no evidence that Bands e-mail tipped the balance.Okay, so these examples disappoint, but what about this tantalizing lede from The Washington PostTuesday:A sports executive who was a major donor to the Clinton Foundation . . . wanted help getting a visa for a British soccer player with a criminal past. And then this: U2 rocker and philanthropist Bono, also a regular at foundation events, wanted high-level help broadcasting a live link to the International Space Station during concerts. Deeper in the story we find out, neither was helped by Abedin, who responded no clue when asked about Bonos odd request.Finally, there is this: Democratic donor and activist Joyce Aboussie of St. Louis wrote to Abedin requesting a meeting between Clinton and a top executive of St. Louis-based Peabody Energy. According to the Post, It is not clear whether the meeting took place.The scandal here seems to be that people who gave money to the Clinton Foundation had e-mails sent to the Clinton State Department requesting favors that were repeatedly denied. Still, evidence has never been the key ingredient of a Clinton scandal. Optics and the appearance of scandal are always where the action has been.The recent e-mail revelations illustrate the way the Clintons international network of friends and donors was able to get access to Hillary Clinton and her inner circle says the Post. All this adds to the controversy about major donors to the foundation getting access to other power players, says Politico. Or, as shown by the evidence, not getting access.Finally, there was this from a New York Times story about how the Foundation bedevils Clintons campaign. In reference to a uranium deal with a Russian company, which has previously been raised as an example of possible wrongdoing, There was no evidence that Mrs. Clinton had exerted influence over the deal, but the timing of the transaction and the donations raised questions about whether the donors had received favorable handling.That those questions were raised and answered in a way that exonerated Mrs. Clinton is seemingly secondary to the fact that questions had been raised. Even when cleared of wrongdoing, the Clintons cannot escape the ever-creeping shadow of the dark insinuations of their political enemies.The Clintons are, of course, not above scrutiny. There are more than a few legitimate areas of investigation in Hillary Clintons past her support for the Iraq War, the US intervention in Libya, and her general history of foreign policy hawkishness. Her tenure as secretary of state and New York senator are ripe for focus, as are the promises she made and failed to deliver on when she first ran for that office. She doesnt merit any less investigation because of the odiousness of her Republican rival.Moreover, the suggestion made last week by the Globes editorial board that the Clintons should wind down the Clinton Foundation if she prevails in November is correct. There is too much risk of the appearance of conflict of interest between the Clintons charitable work and the responsibilities that come with being president. But such a decision shouldnt mask the fact that the foundation has done extraordinary work as a philanthropic organization, from renegotiating the cost of HIV drugs to reducing childhood obesity to mitigating the impact of climate change. Thats the real story of the Clinton Foundation, not spurious and evidence-free allegations that donations to the foundation gave donors special access to State Department officials or preferential treatment.Clinton is running for president and thus merits the scrutiny she is receiving. But the American people deserve an investigation into her record that separates fact from fiction and relies on evidence, not innuendo. So far, thats not happening. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched Our Roads, Our Responsibility, a safety-focused campaign to raise public awareness about how to operate safely around large commercial vehicles. The campaign will explain how to operate around large trucks and buses, which have significant size and weight differences, blind spots, long stopping distances and limited maneuverability. With nearly 12 million commercial vehicles registered in the U.S. driving more around 300 billion miles, FMCSA aims to educate passenger vehicle drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A website, ShareTheRoadSafely.gov, offers visitors access to public service announcements, infographics, tips and fact sheets, a PDF with suggested social media content, and more. Under the Our Roads, Our Responsibility campaign, FMCSA suggests the following tips while sharing the road with CMVs: Stay out of the no zones or blind spots around the front, back and sides of the vehicle Pass safely and make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing Dont cut it close while merging in front of a CMV Anticipate wide turns and consider larger vehicles may require extra turning room Stay focused on the road around you and avoid distraction Be patient driving around large trucks and buses Our Roads, Our Responsibility supports our agencys core mission of reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles on our roadways, said Scott Darling, FMCSA administrator. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility, and this initiative encourages everyone who uses our roads to be champions for safety. We look forward to working with all our partners to raise awareness around this issue. It might be fitting that the idea for music videos about food producers picked up steam in an eatery. Greg Peterson, a young Kansas farmer, was in a restaurant when he heard the song, Im Sexy and I Know It. Already wondering how he might help urban people better understand agriculture, Peterson changed some of the lyrics to make his friends laugh. But something else happened. Thats where the idea for a parody music video was born, said the eldest of the Peterson Farm Bros. Since then, the siblings have made nine videos about agriculture with titles such as Im Farming and I Grow It. The YouTube videos, which feature the brothers singing, dancing and doing farm chores, have garnered millions of views from around the world and helped spread a message about the importance of agriculture. On Thursday afternoon, the three brothers talked about their life-changing journey and encouraged other farmers to share their stories when Hoegemeyer Hybrids celebrated its 80th anniversary in the seed business. An estimated 800 people attended the Hooper-area event which included displays, tours and food. Tom Hoegemeyer of Lincoln provided a historical perspective of the seed industry. Hoegemeyer said Native Americans were the first corn breeders and that there are 300 known types of corn. The United States predominately uses only three. Theres a whole lot more genetic variability out there and a lot of the potential is pretty much untapped, said Hoegemeyer, who told how science and genetics have impacted corn breeding. Besides hearing from speakers, attendees were treated to barbecued beef and pork sandwiches cole slaw, potato salad and chips. Many toted plastic sacks with commemorative signs. Dalvin Scheer of Arlington said he attended to see the different varieties of seed that will be coming in the future. Mitch Munderloh, who farms south of Hooper, does the spraying on seed corn acres for Hoegemeyer Hybrids and harvesting for the company. Munderloh said farmers could visit with salesmen and learn about new technology at the event. They also could enjoy the fellowship. You can talk to your neighbor or the guy who lives six hours away, he said. People from a host of locales filled a large room to hear the Peterson Farm Bros Greg, Nathan and Kendal talk about their popular music parody videos. Nathan Peterson, 22, said he and his brothers enjoyed growing up on a farm, but discovered how little some people know about agriculture. Even though we went to kind of a rural high school, we had a lot of friends who still had no idea of what happens on farms, Nathan said. The seed of a music video idea may have been planted while Greg Peterson, now 25, was majoring in ag communications at Kansas State University. While in class, he and other students talked about how they might better communicate whats done in agriculture with people in urban areas. In todays society, some people dont even recognize where their food comes from, Greg said. People dont realize that there are farmers all over this country working so hard to raise food. Greg and other students watched ag advocacy videos from different organizations. I remember watching those videos and thinking, These are really well done, but I dont know if I can see my city friends wanting to watch something like this, Greg said. Surely, theres a more entertaining way to get people from the city to watch a video about farming. Greg, a music minor, began thinking about mixing farming with tunes. Music can help people pay attention to something they wouldnt otherwise pay attention to especially when you can take a popular song that people from the city know and change it into something about farming, Greg said. Although not a fan of the song, Im Sexy and I Know It, Greg heard it in a restaurant one night. He changed the lyrics then worked to convince his brothers to help him make a video. They werent exactly quite as enthused as I was, Greg said. We kind of thought he was crazy, said Kendal, now 20. The brothers grew to like the idea. We didnt know what our friends would think, but in the end, we just thought it would be fun, Nathan said. They began filming in the evening after work, or even while they were working. The young men thought theyd do well if they posted the video on YouTube and after a few years got 50,000 views. So they posted it. Their friends shared it. Other people began sharing it. It passed the 50,000 views mark in the first couple of days. Local media picked up on the YouTube video and a couple days later the young men had TV station people in their yard. Then Fox News wanted to fly the young men to New York City to be on a morning program. They saw it as a good opportunity to be ag advocates. So one morning they were in Kansas and by 11 that night they were in Times Square. We werent in Kansas anymore, Greg said. The young men appeared on the show. It was pretty overwhelming, but it definitely changed our lives, Kendal said, adding, Mom wouldnt let us wear the dirty jeans and the cut-off shirts that we wear in the videos. By the end of the week, the video had 5 million views on YouTube. People from all over the world began sending them messages. Life settled down, then a song called Gangnam Style became popular. The siblings figured it would be an easy song to parody and made the Farmer Style video, the most-viewed of their videos with more than 16 million views. After our Farmer Style video we really saw the power of the Internet just the fact that three Kansas farm kids could make a video in the middle of Kansas that could reach all around the world, because of how popular the original song was and by all the people who shared it, Nathan said. They got unusual questions from urban dwellers like: Since when does Kansas have Internet? and I live in Los Angeles. What is a farm? Or Why are you guys spending so much time growing your own food when you could just go to the grocery store and buy it? The brothers werent always sure how seriously to take some of these comments, but realized they were reaching people who never really thought of where food came from before. They eventually gave farm tours and speaking presentations. They learned how similar farmers are even though they raise different crops and livestock. The brothers urged area farmers to share their own stories and tell others what they do and why they do it. They said farmers cant blame other people for not understanding about agriculture if they dont explain it to them. Kendal later said that one of the biggest challenges farmers face is communicating that agriculture is working for the consumer. Were trying to make it better for them and we want their trust, he said. Kendal said the farm takes priority, and hes still in college, but the brothers still make presentations at ag and community events. He noted something else: Were glad to be in Nebraska and have the opportunity to do all this stuff. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, for the Anderson School Special Election. Osage County Election Board Secretary Andrea Conner offered voters tips on how to make their votes count. Conner said that a valid ballot marking a filled-in box (in either blue or black ballpoint ink) is important. If voters make mistakes marking their ballots, they should not try to correct those errors. Instead, a voter should return the spoiled ballot to precinct officials, who will destroy it and issue a new ballot to the voter. Conner also urged voters to take their voter identification cards with them to the polls. Your voter ID card (issued by the County Election Board) can help precinct officials find your name in the Precinct Registry, and it may help them resolve the problem if you are not listed in the Registry for some reason. Alternatively, voters can bring an unexpired photo ID card issued by the U.S. government, the state of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government. Voters without ID, or whose names are not found in the Precinct Registry, or voters who disagree with the information shown in the Registry, may always cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is sealed in a special envelope and counted after election day if the voters information can be verified by the County Election Board. Conner said that voters who want to get through the line quickly should vote at mid-morning or mid-afternoon, because those usually are the two slowest periods. Anyone who is eligible and in line at the polling place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday will be entitled to vote, the Osage County Election Board Secretary added. Following is a list of the precinct polling places in the August 23 election: Anderson School: Precinct 308 Keystone Hills Baptist Church, 161 New Prue Rd, Sand Springs Precinct 309 Rock Fire Dept. Station #1, 7716 Zink Rd, Skiatook Precinct 312 Community Assembly Church, 2247 N State Hwy 97, Sand Springs Conner also advised voters, candidates, campaign officials, and volunteers to be very aware of and careful to not violate state election laws next Tuesday. Conner said that all known election law violations will be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities, usually the County Sheriff and District Attorney. Precinct officials will be watching very closely on election day for illegal electioneering by candidates, zealous campaign staff, and their volunteers. Its unlawful in Osage County and across the State of Oklahoma to electioneer within 300 feet of a ballot box. To electioneer means to work for or against election of a particular candidate, political party, or issue. This includes the illegal placement of any campaign signs inside the 300 feet boundary limit away from the ballot box, reminded Conner. Election law violations sometimes committed accidentally by voters include disclosing how one voted while within the election enclosure or removing a ballot from the polling place. Other violations by voters include taking a ballot into or out of the polling place or taking intoxicating liquors within half a mile of a polling location. It is unlawful for any person to disclose how he or she voted to any other person while inside the election enclosure. Conner said it also is against the law for anyone other than voters waiting in line to vote and for precinct or other election officials to be within 50 feet of a ballot box during the election. Citizens can find these and other state election laws in Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes. For more about this topic and other Oklahoma election-related information, please visit www.elections.ok.gov. Registered voters in Osage County who become physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, wont have to miss the August 23 Anderson School Election County Election Board Secretary Andrea Conner said today. Conner explained that state law permits registered voters who will be unable to go to the polls because they became incapacitated after 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, to vote on an emergency basis. Physical incapacitation includes a variety of conditions injury, illness, childbirth that prevent a person from voting in person at the polls on election day. Aside from unplanned emergencies, state law also allows a registered voter who is physically incapacitated on an ongoing basis or a person who is charged with the care of a physically incapacitated person who cannot be left unattended to submit an application for absentee ballot by an agent. The agent may be any person of the voters choosing who is at least 16 years of age and who is not employed by or related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot. Also, a person may serve as an agent for only one person at any election, Conner explained. If you think that you or someone you know fits into this category, please contact the Osage County Election Board office as soon as possible for more information. Registered voters in Osage County who want to vote by mail absentee ballot in next Tuesdays Anderson School Special Election have until this Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to request one, Conner said today. If absentee voters miss Wednesdays deadline, they arent out of luck, however, Conner said. Voters who want to cast absentee ballots still can do so in person at the County Election Board office on Thursday, August 18 or Friday, August 19. A two-member, bipartisan Absentee Voting Board will be on duty each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday to assist absentee voters. In-person absentee voters fill out an application form when they get to the office. They are not required to give any reason for voting absentee, Conner said. They are required to swear that they have not voted a regular mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their polling place on election day. Voters who have requested an absentee ballot can track their ballot using the Oklahoma State Election Boards Online Voter Tool available at www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Online_Voter_Tool/. According to Conner, the Absentee Voting Board verifies a voters registration information. Then, the Board issues all the appropriate ballots to the voter. The voter marks the ballots in a voting booth and then casts them in the voting device. It is very much like voting at a precinct polling place. For more information, contact the Osage County Election Board, located at 630 Kihekah Ave., Pawhuska, phone number is (918) 287-3036. OKLAHOMA CITY Supporters of efforts to legalize medical marijuana say they do not know if they have enough signatures to get it on the ballot. Supporters on Thursday carried boxes of signed petitions into the Oklahoma Secretary of States office at the Capitol in hopes they hit the 65,987 signature count required to get it on the Nov. 8 ballot. We are close, said Jerri Stephens of Sapulpa. We are real close. Stephens helped deliver the signatures. She said she had two parents die of cancer and is a chronic pain patient. I am willing to do whatever it takes to help people with epilepsy, chronic illness and pain, said A.J. Birk, of Bristow, who worked on the project. It is time to stop losing reefer refugees. He was referring to residents who leave the state to legally purchase medical marijuana in other states. Chip Paul, a spokesman for Oklahomans for Health, said the group expects to know next week whether it attained the required signatures. Paul said that if enough signatures have been obtained, he expects some form of challenge to the measure. This is the third attempt at gathering signatures to get legalization of medical marijuana on the ballot, the second attempt for Oklahomans for Health. Green the Vote also made a failed attempt. Joe Dorman, a former House member from Rush Springs who ran for governor in 2014, serves on the board of Oklahomans for Health. A few days ago, the group believed it had attained 50,000 signatures and they kept coming in, Dorman said. Paul said the group is within 5,000 signatures either way. Momentum for the project picked up as Thursdays deadline approached, Paul said. Dorman said if they do not have enough signatures, they will again attempt to get the measure on the ballot. Some people have been intimidated and afraid to sign the petition, Dorman said. During the Energy Chamber's Post AGM Event at the Hyatt Regency hotel Wednesday evening, the Finance Minister Colm Imbert offered an insight into how going to the supermarket has been for him since he announced the increase in the prices of gasoline and diesel in the 2023 Budget. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). The number of armed Russian soldiers has increased significantly at the checkpoints on the administrative border with Crimea in last week. Spokesperson for the Border Guard Service of Ukraine Oleh Slobodian said this at the briefing at Ukrinform news agency. "The number of the armed Russian soldiers has increased significantly at the checkpoints of the occupying state. The positions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have been strengthened with new equipment and personnel. The usage of military aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons and sea boats has increased drastically," Slobodian said. ol Russian-backed militants launched 42 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Donbas over the past day. This is reported by the ATO Headquarters press center. "Russian occupation troops again violated the Minsk agreements over the past day. The enemy launched 42 attacks on Ukrainian troops, including using weapons of prohibited caliber," the report reads. In Mariupol area, militants used 120mm and 82mm mortars, heavy machine guns and grenade launchers of various systems to shell Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), Taramchuk (30km south-west of Donetsk), Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk), Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol). In Donetsk area, grenade launchers, machine guns and mortars were used by terrorists to fire at Avdiyivka (18km north of Donetsk), Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk). Ukrainian servicemen in Verkhniotoretske (22km north-east of Donetsk) and Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk) came under small-arm fire. ol One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, four soldiers were wounded in ATO area in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the ATO Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, four soldiers were wounded as a result of armed hostilities in ATO area in eastern Ukraine over the past day, he said. He added that one militant had been killed and seven militants had been wounded over the past day. ol The Russian Federation continues to supply weapons and military equipment to the territory of Ukraine. Representative of the Main Intelligence Department of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine Vadym Skibitsky said this at the briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Russia continues to supply weapons and military equipment to the territory of Ukraine, including directly to the line of collision," he said. "It should be noted that the Russian military commanders are making efforts to develop the advanced bases for repair and restoration of arms and military equipment on the territory of the occupied regions of Ukraine," the Foreign Intelligence representative said. ish Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Security Council Volodymyr Yelchenko has stated that Russia has not provided any evidence of "Kyivs provocations" in the annexed Crimea. Yelchenko said this on August 11, after the UN Security Council had discussed the escalation of the situation between Ukraine and Russia. "I asked the Russian counterpart about the evidence that would confirm the Ukrainian involvement in the events in Crimea. They do not exist. There are only unsupported allegations... My biggest hope is that this discussion [at the UN Security Council] will help Russia understand that they cannot continue these actions," the diplomat said. ol The United States has expressed "deep concern" about deterioration of the situation between Ukraine and Russia and called on both sides to reduce tensions. Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Elizabeth Trudeau said at the press briefing, Radio Liberty reports. We are extremely concerned about the increased tension near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine. Our position, as I said yesterday, is well known. Crimea is part of Ukraine and is recognized by such as such by the international community, she said. She urged to avoid any actions, including rhetoric, which would lead to increased escalation of the situation. ol The UN Security Council members have reaffirmed their position regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea. Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Volodymyr Yelchenko said this at the briefing. According to him, this position was not supported only by the representatives of the Russian Federation. Yelchenko also stated that he had asked his Russian counterpart Vitaly Churkin to provide the organization with evidence regarding Russia's accusations voiced against Ukraine. Yelchenko said he could hear only words. ish The UK supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Mr. Boris Johnson, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, said this to Mr. Pavlo Klimkin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during their phone conversation on 11th August 2016. This has been reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry. Minister Klimkin informed the British colleague about provocative actions of Russia in the occupied Crimea and escalation of the situation in Donbas. Mr. Boris Johnson said that the UK would continue to make pressure on Russia in order to prompt Moscow to implement Minsk agreements and to return in the international legal framework. The ministers agreed to meet soon during one of the international events. Secretary of State also accepted the invitation of the Minister Klimkin to visit Ukraine in the short term. ish Dutch Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert urges to prevent escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in connection with recent events in Crimea, noting that Russia often adds oil to the flame by its accusations. She said this in an interview with Dutch journalists, NOS media outlet reports. "This situation is difficult to be verified. What we see is that Russia often adds oil to the flame by its accusations. Now it is important to keep calm and avoid further escalation," Hennis-Plasschaert said. According to her, the international community should make every effort to do this. ol PLATTSMOUTH Two people were arrested in Plattsmouth Thursday afternoon after leading authorities on a car chase that exceeded 100 miles per hour. Law enforcement personnel from both Nebraska and Kansas took part in a pursuit that began just before 2:30 p.m. The Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to pull over a sport-utility vehicle on Highway 75 in northeastern Kansas. The vehicle did not stop for authorities and continued north on Highway 75 into Richardson County in Nebraska. The Kansas Highway Patrol alerted the Nebraska State Patrol about the situation. A pursuit ensued after the vehicle did not stop for state troopers in Richardson County. The car chase lasted approximately nine minutes before troopers called it off for public safety reasons south of Auburn. The chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph on that stretch of Highway 75. The vehicle continued north on Highway 75 past Nebraska City and through much of Cass County. Aircraft from both the Nebraska State Patrol and Kansas Highway Patrol monitored the car as it moved towards Plattsmouth. Local law enforcement diverted traffic and installed a series of spike strips on the highway south of Plattsmouth. The spike strips flattened the vehicles tires near the Plattsmouth city limits. The car came to a stop at the intersection of Highway 75 and Osage Ranch Boulevard near the Woodhouse Ford South car dealership. A male driver and a female passenger both fled the vehicle on foot after the car was disabled. The male attempted to break into several vehicles on the Woodhouse lot before authorities arrested him inside the dealership building. The female ran into a nearby farm field in an attempt to escape. Authorities were able to arrest her soon after she fled the car. The Nebraska State Patrol has not released the names of the two people involved in the chase. Both people were taken to Cass County Jail soon after being arrested. They will likely be arraigned on multiple charges within the next week. Thirteen-year-old Ensaf presses the phone to her ear, perched on her bunk bed in a refugee shelter on the Greek island of Leros. "I miss you, mama," she whispers. More than 2,000 kilometres away, in a flat in the quiet town of Thalheim, in eastern Germany, her mother, Layali Radwan, chokes back the tears at the sound of her daughter's voice. They have not seen each other in more than eight months, ever since Layali, 36, and Ensaf's 15-year-old brother, Riyad, fled to Europe after their home in Syria was bombed late last year. The plan was for Ensaf and her father, Bashar, to follow them to Germany once Bashar had recovered from a head injury he suffered in the bombing. By the time father and daughter arrived in Greece by rubber dinghy from Turkey in the spring, they found a very different situation. Greece calling Germany: A Syrian family long to reunite Borders were closed, effectively cutting off the Balkans route to western and northern Europe. And with a new European Union (EU) deal to return more migrants and refugees from Greece to Turkey, many more people remained in the refugee shelters and processing centres on the Greek islands, often in difficult conditions. Ensaf and Bashar landed in Greece on March 20, the day the EU began to implement this deal. Nearly five months later, the family remains split in two: one parent and one child each in Germany and Greece. Their smartphones give them a virtual window into their parallel lives through a steady stream of photos, voice recordings and spotty video-calls. They are among the tens of thousands of refugee families in Europe separated, trying to navigate the legal labyrinth and practical challenges of reuniting with their families. It doesnt have to be this way. In Europe, separated refugee and asylum-seeking families are in fact entitled to legal reunion under the EUs Dublin Regulation. This law also determines which country is responsible for processing an asylum claim. So once a family member arrives in a country covered by Dublin, in theory they can apply for other immediate family members to join them. Ensaf and her father, Bashar, take a selfie to send to her mother and brother in Germany. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Bashar places a call to his son, Riyad, who is in Germany with his mother, while Ensaf listens in. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Ensaf and Bashar make bracelets together to pass the time. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Bashar and Ensaf share a light moment by the sea, while waiting for their claim to reunite with family members to be processed in Greece. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis But in Greece, and in the reality of an overstretched asylum system, the processing of often-complex Dublin cases has been slow and not prioritized. Even when claims to reunite are approved, it can take many months to a year or even longer before families are back together again. To 13-year-old Ensaf, the waiting feels like an eternity. And for a family who have suffered so much, its hard to go without one anothers support. "War tore my family apart," Ensaf says. "Overnight I found myself in a crisis bombs, petrol bombs and my family was taken from me Thank God we are okay, but I would feel better if I was with my mother. I am afraid now that I will never see my mother and brother again." "I am afraid now that I will never see my mother and brother again. In Syria, Bashar, a professor, taught dentistry at the University of Aleppo. Layali looked after their home and children. Last year, fighting engulfed their home town in Aleppo governorate, in northern Syria. Armed groups set up checkpoints around the area. Ensaf and Riyad still attended school, and Bashar kept teaching, even when the shelling increased. Tight finances and a desire to keep their family together kept them in Syria. Neighbours fled in droves. Then, in November, a bomb crashed through the living-room ceiling as the family sat together. Bashar was hit by debris, and Riyad fainted from shock. They were taken to hospital, where doctors stitched Bashar's forehead. Bashar was still in the hospital when he and Layali decided that she and Riyad would leave for Europe. Like many families fleeing war and conflict, they could not all leave together and faced a devastating dilemma: Who will go first, and who will stay behind? Within days they raised more than 3,000 from relatives and friends to pay smugglers. "I told my mother, 'God willing, we will reach you safely'," Ensaf says of their last day together at home, before her mother and brother left. "And that I love her." Germany calling Greece: A Syrian family long to reunite Layali and Riyad passed numerous checkpoints to get out of Syria and across the Turkish border, to board a dinghy to Greece. Then, tragedy struck. Layali and Riyad's boat sank off the Greek island of Kos as they crossed the Aegean Sea. "We fled from the war and fear and death to face death again," Layali says. "It was a hard journey, but it was still better than staying in my country." The Greek coastguard rescued them. After recovering, they continued on their difficult journey through the Balkans, often on foot as well as by train. Layali and Riyad arrived in Germany in mid-December. In March, once Bashar had regained his health, he and Ensaf set off from Syria, despite the known dangers, hoping to join Layali and Riyad. The family may now live on the same continent, but their daily lives are worlds apart. Layali Radwan is comforted by her landlord, Anna Polonko, in her small apartment in the German town of Thalheim. UNHCR/Daniel Morgan Layali and her son, Riyad, arrived in Germany in mid-December. They now live in this small apartment in the German town of Thalheim. UNHCR/Daniel Morgan Layali, now safe in Germany, sorely misses her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Ensaf. UNHCR/Daniel Morgan In Thalheim, home to about 6,600 people, Layali and Riyad live in a small flat. The owners, a German family who receive financial support from the government to host refugees, live upstairs. Household items are labelled with their German names, to help Layali and Riyad build their vocabulary. They attend German language courses and often practice talking with their host family. Sometimes, on Facebook, Layali posts photos of her children side-by-side. "God bring us together again," she wrote recently. Meanwhile on Leros, where some 700 refugees and migrants are currently sheltering, Ensaf and Bashar live with about 100 others in Pikpa, a former hospital near the port of Lakki. Volunteers with the Leros Solidarity Network run Pikpa, with support from Greek authorities and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Ensaf and Bashar sleep in bunk beds in a room shared with three other families. Grey thermal blankets hang between the beds for privacy. Three days a week, Ensaf attends free English-language lessons. She dreams of becoming a paediatrician one day "so I can help people," she says. Ensaf attends English classes three times per week along with other refugee children on Greek island of Leros. UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis Pikpa is filled with members of separated families, mostly women and children who are trying to reach husbands and fathers elsewhere in Europe. Bashar and Ensaf are the only father-daughter pair. There is also a 22-year-old woman whose husband had to flee Syria a month before the birth of their daughter. The smiling baby girl only knows her father through WhatsApp. Although Ensaf and Bashar are inside the EU, administrative delays in processing Dublin cases could mean months will pass before Ensaf and Bashar are reunited with Layali and Riyad. Family reunion keeps loved ones together, ensuring the right to family life. Its the much-needed chance for father, daughter, mother and son to see each other once more, after devastating events. But it can and must work so much better and faster, says Daphne Kapetanaki, a UNHCR protection associate based in Athens. Family reunion cases need to be prioritized, with more officials processing them, she added. The best way for people to start their new lives is not apart, but together, as a family. The best way for people to start their new lives is not apart, but together, as a family. Faced with long delays and practical barriers, some refugees in Greece who are trying to reach family members already in Europe risk turning once more to smugglers and clandestine and possibly dangerous journeys. UNHCR has long advocated for speedy and smooth family reunion procedures to prevent further hardship for families who have already experienced many difficulties before, in and en route to Europe. This means the need to dedicate additional resources, including additional staff, and prioritization by the authorities of family reunion cases. Moreover, further legal pathways to Europe are needed so people dont have to undertake risky journeys at the hands of ruthless smugglers. In addition, European States can address numerous practical challenges faced by families outside Europe, which make the family reunification process very long, cumbersome and in some cases almost impossible. "I hope that I will be with my mother and my brother and my father, Ensaf says, that we will have a house in Germany, God willing, and that we will return to Syria one day if the situation gets better. She ends each day with a prayer: "God, let me see my mother again soon." Additional reporting by Daniel Morgan My curiosity of the world has taken me to 57 countries and six continents. The breadth of that statement is even hard for me to comprehend at times. For sure, some experiences have gone the way of forgotten moments, but the overall arch and theme still burns within me. The theme would be a desire to deepen my appreciation of the world and celebrate the gift of life that has been bestowed upon me. I was not created to just pay bills and pass away. I dared to dream and now often use this perspective to challenge others, in particular school children, to do the same. It is with this foundation of curiosity and passion that I set out to explore Nebraska. This is a project I am calling: Explore with Dean Your Nebraska. There are so many distractions and worthless time-grabbing noises in our culture; I sense we have forgotten how to appreciate or celebrate what we have right in our backyards. I dont see this as just a summer project but a lifelong project to capture and experience the magic of Nebraska. I see this as a way to deepen my appreciation of: where we came from, who we are and what we aim to be. Nebraska is not a random place; the weather cycle here does not allow one to casually go through the motions and land here. Countless people have passed through Nebraska over wagon trails, dirt roads and rails, most determined to find something better. A few stayed. These columns will be dedicated to those who stayed those who came before and found a home. It is also for those who have followed, whether by birth or choice. There are more comfortable places to live in the United States, warmer places in the winter or cooler in the summer. I know. I have lived in some of those places. But there is something special here that is hard at times to explain. I have felt we have nothing to prove here in Nebraska, and I dont feel compelled to try and convince otherwise to anyone attempting to make the joke that Nebraska is a drive-across or fly-over state. People are free to think what they wish. But I have time for those who understand the value of honesty, who are willing to look me in the eye when talking or who genuinely wish me a good day. My lifestyle still has me traveling abroad to seek new experiences, new sights and new friendships. But I always find my way back home to Nebraska. A good friend in South America once shared with me that she has met numerous people from the United States and many were apologetic about where they came from. You are different, she said. You always proudly declare you are from Nebraska not from a place of arrogance but from a place of gratitude. UNICEF/UN017648/Ueslei Marcelino NEW YORK, 12 August 2016 - More than nine out of 10 young people believe bullying is a pervasive problem in their communities, and two-thirds say they have experienced bullying first hand - a new poll conducted by UNICEF and their partners shows. The poll was conducted through U-Report, a rapidly growing youth engagement tool that provides a platform for over 2 million young U-Reporters from more than 20 countries. Through the poll young people were asked via SMS, Facebook and Twitter, a series of questions relating to the impact of bullying in their community, their own personal experiences of bullying and what they think can be done to end this type of violence. More than 100,000 U-Reporters, recruited by partners such as the Scouts and Girl Guides, with an estimated age of 13-30, participated in the poll including young people from Senegal, Mexico, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mozambique, Ukraine, Chile, Malaysia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Pakistan, Ireland, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Indonesia, Zambia and through the Global U-Report channel. Bullying, including online bullying, remains a largely misunderstood risk to the wellbeing of children and young people, said UNICEFs Senior Adviser on Child Protection, Theresa Kilbane. To end this type of violence, we must improve public awareness of the harmful impact of bullying, equip teachers, parents and peers with the skills to identify risks and report incidents, and provide care and protection for victims. Other findings from the U-Report poll include: One-third of respondents thought being bullied was normal so they did not tell anyone. The majority of respondents who reported being victims of bullying said they were bullied because of their physical appearance. Bullying was also attributed to gender or sexual orientation and ethnicity. One quarter of victims said they did not know who to tell. Over eight in 10 respondents believe that raising awareness including through teacher training around helping children to feel comfortable reporting bullying is one way to address the issue in schools. UNICEF works to engage children and adolescents on the impact of bullying as part of its global End Violence Against Children initiative including through the U-Report platform and through global social media campaigns (#ENDViolence.) UNICEF, together with its partners, also works to strengthen education systems in schools and establish strong referral systems for child welfare. ### Notes to the editor: U-Report U-Report is a social messaging tool available in 24 countries with a subscriber base of over two million young people. The platform allows users to respond to polls and report on issues with the results being used to help advocate for social and political change. U-Reporters also receive the results and are sent information and advice from UNICEF, our partners and U-Reporters themselves. For more information on U-Report: https://ureport.in/ International Youth Day In 1985, the UN celebrated the first International Year of Youth launched on August 12- International Youth Day. Today, International Youth Day draws attention to a range of cultural and legal challenges related to young people. It provides a forum to discuss how to strengthen national capacity in youth focused areas and to increase opportunities available to young people for full, effective and constructive participation in society. Walking out of his new Bell Field Elementary office, Chris Raasch is virtually in his own back yard. Well, not his current one, but the one from his childhood. Raasch, new principal of Bell Field and 1999 graduate of Fremont High School, comes to the district after spending 10 years in the Lincoln Public School District. While many instructors feel a little uneasy moving to a new area, Raasch is the exception. Why? He knows the area like the back of his hand. I can literally walk out of the front doors and be to my parents house in two minutes, he said during a Thursday interview with the Tribune. Ive spent my entire life until I moved to college within sight of the Bell Field Campus. Even more strange, when Raasch was completing an educational leadership class with LPS, he was told he needed to shadow a principal outside of the LPS District. I needed to shadow one (principal) outside of my current district and I didnt have any principal contacts in Fremont, but I had asked around with some people I knew in town and they recommended that I come check out Bell Field, Raasch said. So I job shadowed here five years ago and spent the day with the former principal (Allison Kelberlau) and got to see how the school operates. Now he isnt watching the operations take place, hes overseeing them. Prior to taking his most recent job, Raasch spent three years teaching fourth grade at Meadow Lane Elementary, followed by another three-year stint at Kooser Elementary and finally four years at Kahoa Elementary School as Student Services Coordinator/ assistant principal. During his time at Kahoa, he became passionate about the administrative side of education. I loved it, Raasch said. It provided me the opportunity to serve students on a bigger scale As a classroom teacher you get to know your students very well you spend all day with one set of students in the elementary world. Moving into administration, I found that I had the opportunity to get to know students in Lincoln kindergarten through fifth grade. I was able to widen my sphere of influence so that I would not only positively impact the kids in my classroom, but also positively impact kids across an entire building. Raasch, who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006, said it took him awhile to figure out what degree he wanted to pursue, however, he finally landed on teaching and was hooked. Theres been absolutely no looking back, he said. Its been a fast and furious 10 years. Prior to Thursday evenings district-wide Back-to-School Nights, Raasch said he was getting eager to meet his new students. I cant wait to get the kids in the building, he said. Everything up to this point is planning, preparation and theoretical Im excited to actually meet the kids. And the kids will come. Walking down the same streets he did as a child. Im right back to where I started, he said. And thats a pretty awesome feeling. After finishing high school, trade school or a four year college, every young adult wants to land a job that he or she will love; not simply just tolerate. Most dont. Not to say many people dont land jobs that they dont mind crawling out of bed for, they just arent passionate about their occupation. But for Greg Borland, third-year Linden Elementary School Principal, this simply isnt the case. Thursday evening, all elementary schools in the district excluding Washington and Grant Elementary hosted Back-to-School Nights as a way to re-acclimate children to the school environment while also having a fun, social evening. While the children were having a good time moving through the hallways of Linden talking to their friends and soon-to-be teachers, arguably nobody looked more excited than Borland. Showing nearly child-like exuberance himself, Borland didnt miss an opportunity to give a hug or high five to nearly every child he passed. Reading people can be a tricky endeavor at times, however, the principals face was as easy to read as a childrens picture book. He was happy simple as that. I am ready for kiddos, Borland said. Teachers have been back the past few days and Im having a blast working with them. At this point right now with open house, its just fantastic to see all the familiar faces and all the new faces that will be here this year. This is probably one of the most exciting times for teachers in my opinion because this is when everything gets going. Borland said that hes held an administrative position for eight years five years as Grant Elementary principal and soon-to-be third year at Linden. Prior to that, he served as a physical education instructor throughout the district. This year, Borland will oversee approximately 340 students kindergarten through fourth grade, which is about 20 students fewer than last year. He attributes this to a smaller kindergarten class than normal. For the first time in seven years, Borland didnt make any staff changes during the summer months, however, two new paras joined the Leopard team. While not all paras are certified teachers, they make all the difference in the world in the classroom. A para-professional works with all ranges of students helping them with academics, behavioral issues and they also supervise the classroom, Borland said. They are the universal person of a school, theres pretty much nothing that they dont do. They are critical people for the school to function efficiently and effectively. They really are the un-sung heroes. Borland said he looks forward to getting back into the swing of things on Monday when the school years starts for obvious reasons. School isnt fun when the kids arent around. And while its still enjoyable being around students, Borland will continue doing what he loves. When that day comes where kids are not at the forefront of why I love this job, well, thats when I guess its time for me to move on, he said. The hugs I got tonight just solidified that this is the best profession in the world. Prior to each new school year, the Fremont Public School District honors a person or a family that exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in effort to better local schools. The recipient of the 2016 Friend of Education award was the Sid Dillon Family. Sid Dillon, who started his successful car business in Fremont 40 years ago, was honored with several members of his family Friday morning inside of the Nell McPherson Theater in front of a sizable crowd comprised of teachers and community members. Superintendent Mark Shepard told the spectators present that throughout the years, hes worked closely with several members of the Dillon Family. Whether through the Fremont Family YMCA Board, the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Board or through the Fremont Public School Foundation Board, Shepard said that hes seen how vital an impact the Dillons have made. Members of the Dillon family have been great supporters of our various booster clubs and our volunteer organizations here at Fremont High School, he said. I am continually impressed with the commitment to our community that is constantly on display, and truly part of their DNA. To demonstrate his point, Shepard talked about Wednesday evenings Back-to-School bash when parents and students packed the school getting ready for the first day on Monday. One of the people present at the bash was John Sajevic, general manager of Sid Dillon Buick GMC Cadillac Mazda. He was there promoting the Aug. 19 Buick test drive event being held at high school, where Sid Dillons tries to raise $10,000 that funnels directly back into the school. I ran into John Sajevic, Sid and Hazels son-in-law, who is married to their daughter Lori, Shepard said. John was there handing out invitations for people to come drive a Buick next Friday to generate funds for our activities program. John could have easily sent someone from the dealership or just left it up to the school, but instead he personally greeted people at our back-to-school open house and encouraged them to come out and drive a vehicle to raise funds for our programs. When asked why he and his family have always been such advocates from a strong educational system in Fremont, Sid Dillon said that strong schools make great communities. This investment (in the district) is what builds the community, Dillon said. Thats what its all about education. And we have one of the very best systems going right here in Fremont, Nebraska. We love appreciating it, and giving to it because its just the best. Three of Dillons children, Lori (Sajevic) Blake Dillon and Sid Dillon Jr. all received their educations through FHS, and all of his grandchildren have gone through the FPS system three still are in it. Im just so proud and privileged to have them here, Dillon said. Its great terrific. Hank Huckaby, University System of Georgia chancellor announced on Wednesday morning about his plan for retirement to be effective the end of the year. Huckaby's retirement will end his more than five years of meaningful service to the administration. The chancellor expressed his gratitude to be given a chance to work with the team of faculty and staff that brings life to the University System which he refers to as one of the greatest strengths of Georgia. He also believes that the University System is holding a bright future for the next generation. Taking Huckaby's place as system chancellor beginning January 1, 2017, is Steve Wrigley, the administration executive vice chancellor. Hank Huckaby stepped in the office on 2011. Since the beginning of his service, he has brought in some significant improvements in the system which is composed of 29 public colleges. Some these colleges are Gordon State College in University, Fort Valley State University, Middle Georgia State University and Georgia College, The Macon News reported. Believing that public higher education is like a fabric holding people together and that it provides lifetime dividends, Huckaby's focused on the consolidation of campuses and reducing the number of system schools. He also did it believing that consolidation plays a big part in lowering the operating cost. His plan eventually succeeded trimming down the number of system schools to 29 from 35. The system's enrollment rate also grew from 298,510 students when Huckaby started to 318,164 students this year. People who had and are still having experiences to work with him cannot help but express how thankful they are to the chancellor and wishes him well on his "well-earned retirement. Kessel Stelling, Board of Regents Chairman refers to him as State of Georgia's life-long public servant. Bonita Jacobs, University of North Georgia said that Huckaby's support and leadership will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of students, the university and the system as well, Gainsville Times reported. Know more about the retiring chancellor through this video. Low-income students are the ones most affected by the college debt crisis. Moreover, a new report has revealed that wealthy universities may be making it more difficult for this demographic to pursue higher education. According to The Washington Post, the top 4 percent of colleges and universities have a third of all endowment wealth in higher education. Majority of those 138 schools, though, expect low-income families to shell out more than 60 percent of their income to cover the cost of attendance. The data is from a report by the Education Trust which was released on Thursday. These wealthy educational institutions held at least half-a-billion dollars in endowment assets last 2013. Deemed as the "$500 million club," these colleges benefit so much from their endowments because there is no required spending threshold and the funds are exempted from tax. With this, the Education Trust noted that these wealthy universities should enroll more low-income students and make education more affordable. For their part, these universities argued that their endowments are unlike savings accounts from which funds can easily be drawn down. The institutions also said that they are raising money to cover the financial need of low-income students. "We know that a lot of these institutions are doing great things for low-income kids, reducing the price that they pay," Andrew Nichols, a co-author of the report and the director of higher education research at Education Trust, said. "We're just asking them to do more because they have the capacity to do more. To whom much is given, much is required." Nichols, along with co-author Jose Luis Santos, examined the spending rates of universities with a minimum of $500 million in endowment funds. They concluded that many of these schools could help low-income students by providing more scholarships with their funds. "Every dollar spent today means there will be fewer dollars to spend in the future," University of Pennsylvania spokesperson Stephen J. MacCarthy added. "We are charged with finding an appropriate balance. Saying that spending today has no impact on the future is simply not true." A school board from South Texas has denied a request from a mother who wants her transgender daughter to use the girl's restroom. Kai Shappley is going to be in kindergarten soon. She was born as male, with the name Joseph, five years ago. Chron reported that the mother, Kim Shappley, said that she immediately knew that Kai did not identify as a "boy." The Pearland Independent School District board met with Shappley to listen to her petition. However, the South Texas school board did not alter its policy. The district said that children should use the bathroom that matches with the gender on their birth certificates. Transgender children in kindergarten can use the gender-neutral bathrooms in their classrooms. There are also private bathrooms such as in the nurse's station that they can use. Shappley's daughter has lived as a girl for two years. She has not yet picked an elementary school for her daughter. According to KPRC Houston, Shappley was told at the end of the last school year by Pearland Independent School District leaders that her child would need to use the boys' restroom. She claims that she is pushing her request to fight for her daughter's future. "Please understand I'm not fighting about bathrooms, I'm fighting about her life, I'm fighting about her well-being, I'm fighting for her happiness, I'm fighting for her future," she said. "Every person that has a degree who has studied this says that it is wrong to tell my child for anyone to tell my child that she cannot use the facility that aligns with the gender she identifies with." The mother and daughter pair received a lot of support from the audience during the meeting with the South Texas school board. However, there were some, like fellow parent Rick Torrison, who disagrees with Shappley's stance. "I'm for Kai," he said. "I'm for her, but I'm also for our district and I'm for what's put in place." August 12 2016 A 3.25m streetscape improvement initiative is set to go ahead after Sustrans, The Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council agreed to bankroll the project.The South City Way is the product of a design competition eliciting ideas for prioritising pedestrians and cyclists and will stretch from Victoria Road in the South Side all the way to Stockwell Street in the Merchant City.This will entail creation of 3km of segregated cycle paths as well as associated public realm improvements on affected roads.Humza Yousaf, minister for transport and the islands, said: Glasgow City Council has shown real ambition and vision towards improving conditions for people who choose to walk or cycle along a major commuter belt, while also connecting a densely populated area with the city centre.Work on the project, drawn up by the sustainable transport project team within Land and Environmental Services at Glasgow City Council, will commence shortly for delivery by summer 2018. August 12 2016 Edinburgh City Council has lent its backing to Richard Murphy Architects vision for the former Royal High School on Calton Hill after throwing out a bid by Hoskins Architects to turn the landmark into a hotel Instead the building will serve as a new home for St Marys Music School after planners voted to endorse for a more discreet intervention within the sensitive location.This will see the former teaching space transformed into a public performance and concert venue alongside premises for an expanded music school, each of which will be reached by its own entrance.As part of this work Thomas Hamiltons masterpiece will be repurposed as a performance space together with offices, a dining hall and limited number of classrooms.Separately, a new low-level ground hugging building will be situated on a an existing plinth and extending to the boundary of Hamiltons retaining wall - necessitating the demolition of several later additions to the High School.Despite approval construction could be delayed until 2022 when an agreement between the council and developer Duddingston House (which is currently appealing against its planning rejection) expires. Oct. 26, 2022 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12 CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Warrant officers are highly specialized officers. They are self-aware and adaptive combat leaders, trainers, staff officers and advisors. Warrant officers are competent and confident warriors, innovative integrators of emerging technologies, dynamic teachers, and developers of specialized teams of Soldiers ... Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-3. July 26, 2016 - Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Thomas E. Perry III, mobility officer with the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), assists Army Sgt. 1st Class Jade V. Morman, sustainment cell noncommissioned officer with the 1st TSC, with her warrant officer packet. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Naurys Marte) During the 98th birthday of the Warrant Officer Cohort, the Soldiers of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) joined the celebration. To bring awareness of the benefits of becoming an Army warrant officer, several activities were organized, including a 5k run, a cake cutting ceremony at the dining facility, and a recruiting briefing. At the recruiting briefing, some of the benefits outlined focused on differences of pay, promotions, and education between being a warrant officer and an enlisted Soldier in the Army. Some of the reasons to go warrant officer are the increased leadership and technical training, more responsibility, increase in pay, faster promotions than the enlisted, and paid civilian and military certifications, said Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard D. Brumfield, recruiter with U.S. Army Recruiting Command. The pay difference may alone be an incentive for many noncommissioned officers to make the switch. However, retirement pay was a driving factor for some. The retirement pay seems beneficial, especially because I am approaching the 20-year mark. said Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Hayner, country container authority with the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command. Besides an increase in pay, there are also many opportunities for warrant officers when it comes to furthering their careers in and outside the Army. The cohort offers paid training and technical certifications. Yet, tangible incentives are not the main reasons why most noncommissioned officers chose to become warrant officers, said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Francisco Villarreal, logistics automation with the 1st TSC. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jade V. Morman, sustainment cell noncommissioned officer with the 1st TSC, has an intangible reason to become a warrant officer, but she has experienced how competitive becoming a warrant officer can be. Morman has applied twice with no success. I have my packet ready. This is my third time applying to be a warrant. The first time it was very competitive; I had college credits, but I didn't have a degree. The second time I applied, it was still competitive and, I had not finished my civilian education. So, I had to wait to reapply. I waited longer than required until I completed my degree. Now I have an associate's degree in general studies, a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, and I'm currently working on my Master of Business Administration with supply chain management concentration at Ashford University, San Diego, said Morman. Nevertheless, what has driven Morman to continue to pursue the warrant officer rank is not the pay, education, or promotion incentives; but her observation of the work ethics of a warrant officer when she was a junior enlisted Soldier. When I was a specialist at Fort Hood, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jubaba Kemp taught me how to properly do my job; he is now a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was the property warrant officer. I told him I would someday do his job; I've been chasing that dream ever since, said Morman. Becoming a warrant officer is very competitive, confirmed Brumfield as he proceeded to specify that there are only 43 MOSs available in the cohort and some have higher requirements. NCOs interested must meet the minimum basic requirements mandated by the cohort. Some of the basic requirements to become a warrant include U.S. citizenship, an armed services vocational aptitude battery general technical score of 110 or higher, a high school diploma or GED, final secret security clearance, the ability to pass the Army physical fitness test and meet the high/weight requirements. Also, a letter of recommendation is required from at least a Warrant Officer 3 and the recommendation must be from a warrant officer who also has the same military occupational specialty for which the Soldiers are applying, said Brumfield. Some MOSs require a recommendation from a Chief Warrant Officer 4 or 5. Those interested in aviation, must also pass the flight physical for aviators. Warrant officers are bridge builders; we find ways to repair, foster teams, and figure out how to do things better, said Villarreal. We leverage personnel with business and apply them to support the warfighter. Brumfield recommended, to those interested in becoming a warrant to read over the Warrant Officer 2025 which outlines the future of the cohort. By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Naurys Marte Provided through DVIDS Copyright 2016 Comment on this article Jackson Forum to Address Sovereign Wealth Fund Issues Challenges and obligations facing governments in managing sovereign wealth funds will be explored by international leaders during the Stroock Public Forum on Sovereign Wealth Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 6-8 p.m. in Jackson. Presented by the Stroock Forum, the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources and the Wyoming State Treasurers Office, the event will feature international experts and sovereign wealth fund managers from around the globe. Attendance is free and open to the public. The forum, at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, will precede the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas Citys annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. Sovereign wealth funds are government-owned funds invested in assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate and precious metals, or in alternative investments such as private equity funds or hedge funds. The Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund is an example of such a fund. Wyoming State Treasurer Mark Gordon says nations and states sovereign wealth funds are derived from a variety of sources and created for a variety of purposes. Those funded by revenues from fossil fuel production, such as Wyomings, have come under pressure in the past year as a result of declining prices and regulation. We are excited to have a conversation among peers about how people are contending with these new circumstances, and the strategies theyre using to preserve purchasing power for future generations, Gordon says. Other topics to be addressed include how large a sovereign wealth fund should be relative to the size of the population; the fundamentals of the economy and the role of the fund; and how the evolving global economy affects the rationale and expectations for sovereign wealth funds. Confirmed panelists include Adrian Orr, chair of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and CEO of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund; Alexa Lam, professor at the University of Hong Kong; Malan Rietveld, from the Center for International Development at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government; Angela Rodell, CEO of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.; and Samuel Wills, ESRC Future Research Leaders Fellow in Oxford Universitys Department of Economics. The forum moderator is Kathleen Hays of Bloomberg TV and Radio. UW participants include Jason Shogren, the Stroock Professor of Natural Resource Conservation and Management, and Edward Barbier, the John S. Bugas Professor of Economics and Finance, both from the Department of Economics and Finance in the College of Business; Mark Northam, executive director of the School of Energy Resources; and Anne MacKinnon, adjunct professor in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. Tom Stroock, who died in 2009, was a longtime oil and gas industry executive, community leader, Wyoming legislator and U.S. ambassador to Guatemala. For more about the Stroock Forum on Sovereign Wealth, go online to www.uwyo.edu/ser/conferences/upcoming-events/swf-public-forum.html. Wyoming Business Tips for Aug. 21-27 A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. By Sarah Hamlin, Fremont County WSBDC business adviser How can I improve my websites visibility? Angie, Riverton With almost 5 billion pages in the World Wide Web, 40,000 internet searches conducted a second and 150 different ways Google evaluates a website, it seems almost impossible for a small business website to get noticed. The good news: It doesnt take a web developer to get your website noticed by search engines; it takes a basic knowledge of how search engines work and good, old-fashioned marketing skills to get your website ranked higher. Lets start from the beginning. Search engines move through the internet by moving from one page to another through links. Pages are sorted by content into the index. When you, the user, type in a query, an algorithm is used to look for clues to better understand your search. It is the 150 variables that Google uses to evaluate a website that ultimately give you relevant search results. With an understanding of how searches work, it is easier to create a checklist to improve your ranking. Though there are countless ways to approach search engine optimization, start here: -- Be mobile-friendly. A little more than a year ago, Google announced that searches on mobile devices more than doubled, surpassing the number of desktop searches. A mobile-friendly website is one that is easily viewed on any device -- desktop, tablet or phone. Most website builders now offer responsive or adaptive templates that are already coded to automatically make formatting changes based on device. Google provides a great free service to see if your website fits the mobile-friendly criteria. -- Have good, quality links (from other websites) back to your website. For example, Google considers the Chamber of Commerce an objective party when evaluating a business. A link from your local chamber to your website in the chambers business directory is considered a good, quality link. -- Publish local contact information (phone, address). This is one of the ways that Google decides if your business is truly a local business. -- Update your website frequently. Google reports that websites that are updated weekly perform 80 percent better than those that are not. Have a plan to add new content and pages to your website on a regular basis. -- Write compelling content. If you remember only one thing, remember this: Googles algorithm is really asking: What is this website about? Google is concerned with providing the best result to its user. Writing content is hard; dont be discouraged. Start with how you and your customers describe your business. (These may be different, so pay attention.) These descriptions provide a start for more in-depth keyword research, using tools such as Google AdWords. As you write, use these keywords and phrases to describe your business. It is estimated that it takes Google between 400-600 words to get a real sense about what a page is about. So, keep it concise and conversational. Google reads at about a sixth-grade level. Your website is a dynamic marketing tool that needs to be tweaked and updated, and you might not see immediate changes in your websites ranking. Be patient. A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyen.biz/blog1/. The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922. When Dana Brooke first debuted on the main roster, her impact was less than stellar and disaster first struck when her original partner Emma was struck down with an injury. Now a number of months in, her in-ring work is yet to improve and the pairing between her and Charlotte is not helping either of the stars. It seems her career is going from bad to worse as from a questionable debut; her ability to perform is also being brought into question. Vince McMahon not a fan Mr McMahon saw Brooke - Banks and was not impressed with the recent NXT call up (image: whatculture.com) The Boss has for the past two weeks been absent from WWE for the past weeks has not let his lack of presence keep him from making tabs on his performers. Brooke is one superstar who Vince McMahon reportedly is 'not sold' on and is not in favor of her performing in the ring on television after viewing one of her most recent bouts. Triple H's decision making was brought into question by the head of the wrestling promotion, as he was the one who gave the go ahead to call her up. Following her recent match with Sasha Banks on Monday Night Raw, Mr. McMahon reviewed the match and feels she is not ready to compete on television. McMahon's absence and SmackDown ratings The SmackDown main event drew less this week than the previous week (image: skysports.com) As noted above the 70-year-old wrestling tycoon has been absent from WWE television for the past two weeks with the reason still unclear. While this is no cause for concern, the veteran is still present in production meetings and communicated with backstage via television. Meanwhile despite Brooke's ability causing concern, this weeks SmackDown Live drew a smaller audience than the previous week. For the August 9 show the blue brand accumulated 2.455 million viewers in the main event featuring Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler versus The Wyatt Family while last weeks figures were set at 2.681 million for the finale of the show. photos by JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, asks questions while leading a field hearing on telemedicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system at the Camarillo Public Library. At right is Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati. SHARE Dr. Scotte Hartronft, chief of staff of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, addresses the congressional representatives. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Congressional representatives Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village (left) and Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati, introduced each other to a about 80 people and a panel from the Department of Veterans Affairs field during a field hearing Tuesday at the Camarillo Public Library. Zachary Walker, a veteran, talks about his experiences with the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, and Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati, held a field hearing on telemedicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. By Tamara Koehler, Special to The Star Zachary Walker had his doubts about seeing a Department of Veterans Affairs doctor in Sepulveda through a two-way camera and television screen. The Navy veteran from Ventura wondered how she would check him over or listen to his heart. But his concerns about telemedicine were trumped by the frustrating alternative: It would take two months to schedule a face-to-face appointment through the backlogged VA Greater Los Angeles System. A telemedicine exam could be scheduled within a week at the VA clinic in Oxnard. "I had a great experience with telemedicine," Walker said Tuesday at a congressional hearing in Camarillo on the use of telemedicine within the VA health care system. "My appointment started on time rather than the normal one-hour lobby wait time. ... The doctor was well-prepared. She even made a referral for a new medical condition she noted and called me the next week with my test results." The oversight hearing was held by Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati, a podiatrist. Brownley said the purpose of the hearing was to gather input from VA health care providers and veterans about the use and impact of telemedicine, particularly on wait times and access. The VA came under fire in 2014 for an inefficient system that left thousands of ailing veterans facing long waits for care. Reforms have included a push for enhanced telemedicine services, particularly in mental health care. In 2015, VA providers delivered 2.1 million telehealth consultations to more than 677,000 veterans via video conferencing and other technologies. About 400,000 consultations were for mental health. VA in 2017 expects to deliver telehealth-based services to nearly 762,000 veterans, an increase of 12.5 percent compared to 2015. Dr. Scotte Hartronft, chief of staff for the Greater Los Angeles VA system, said telemedicine is critical to improving access for local veterans who have experienced average wait times of two months. Oxnard's outpatient clinic for veterans has significant backlogs with appointments for primary care. VA officials noted in April that the Oxnard clinic was one of the worst in the nation for wait times over 30 days. The wait times have been largely blamed on staffing issues that emerged after the clinic expanded and moved in December to a site off Rose Avenue. The move was designed to make it easier for patients to receive care. Brownley said the waiting reflects problems in recruiting and retaining doctors and nurse practitioners a shortage that is felt throughout the VA system. Dr. Kevin Galpin, acting executive director for the VA's telehealth program, said telemedicine can help alleviate the impact of short-staffing. For example, Veterans Affairs has created specialty hubs such as intensive care, radiology and mental health that connect providers to experts, labs and on-call services. VA telemedicine programs have also been created that foster home health care monitoring for veterans with diabetes and other chronic conditions. Veterans can use their computers and mobile devices to access information and medical records. The VA also has an app store with 32 apps. Galpin said VA telemedicine has reduced hospital stays by 56 percent and psychiatric admissions by 35 percent. The idea is taking hold among veterans, with satisfaction scores from surveys coming in at 89 percent. Brownley said she hopes to "get the word out" to more veterans locally about the benefits of telemedicine, such as reducing travel to Sepulveda and Los Angeles for primary care visits. "We want vets to understand we're not talking about substituting telemedicine for 'live' medicine," she said. "Telemedicine is an augmentation." photos by TROY HARVEY/SPECIAL TO THE STAR A group of friends enjoy an afternoon ice cream Tuesday at Little Calf Creamery and Cafe located in Thousand Oaks. Rita Moran Columnist SHARE TROY HARVEY/SPECIAL TO THE STAR A traditional banana split sits on a counter at Little Calf Creamery and Cafe located in Thousand Oaks Tuesday afternoon. Little Calf Creamery's turkey Brie melt, served here with sweet potato fries, includes cranberry mostarda, arugula and Brie cheese on toasted French bread.. TROY HARVEY/SPECIAL TO THE STAR A double scoop of Chocolate Chip and Milk and Cookies ice cream sits in a waffle cone at the Little Calf Creamery and Cafe located in Thousand Oaks Tuesday afternoon. TROY HARVEY/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Carley Hormell and Zach Schwinderman leave the Little Calf Creamery and Cafe located in Thousand Oaks after grabbing an afternoon snack Tuesday. Homemade ice cream in intriguing flavors would be enough to celebrate at Little Calf Creamery & Cafe in Thousand Oaks. But owners Scott and Jen Levin bolster their offerings with burgers and sandwiches that are inviting in themselves. Fresh and flavorful salads are a bonus, as are the house-made "LC" chips. Once you get within waving distance of the Janss Road creamery-eatery, you can't miss it because an amusing and "contented" calf stands at the window, complete with pink- and navy-blue-striped socks. And you certainly don't want to miss it if you're in the neighborhood. Frankly, the cafe's portobello mushroom sandwich ($8.75) knocked our socks off. The marinated and grilled mushroom is combined with sweet onion vinaigrette, Gruyere cheese, mixed greens and pickled cherry peppers, all piled comfortably on ciabatta. Like all of the burgers and sandwiches, it comes with a choice of the "LC" chips or a side green salad. We chose the freshly made, curly chips and loved them, too. Our bleu onion burger ($8.75), another juicy combo, brought the cheese, onion jam, arugula and creamy garlic aioli together on a brioche bun. Our third sandwich, the turkey Brie melt (also $8.75), included cranberry mostarda, arugula and Brie cheese. The flavors and the toasted French bread proved a good team. Even though we chose the chips in all three cases, we didn't really skip the salad as we ordered a goat cheese and spinach version ($7.55) to share as a starter, and were impressed that it arrived in a beautiful bowl, with two other large and attractive bowls to assist with the sharing. The salad with mixed baby greens, baby spinach, a generous sprinkling of goat cheese, plus candied walnuts and dried cranberries, was lapped with the house sweet onion dressing. The freshness of it all reinforced our positive experience with Little Calf's menu. Naturally we couldn't skip ice cream at the creamery, so we ordered The No. 25 Sundae ($7.95) and a scoop of mango sorbet ($3.95). The really big sundae looked like a dream from the past, with its traditional ship-shaped bowl overflowed with three scoops of ice cream, three toppings, whipped cream, nuts and sprinkles. Our choices of Lavender Blueberry, Moorpark Road (aka Rocky Road) and a scoop with flecks of seasoning in it whose creative name escapes me, was very satisfying, but there are lots of other options. The toppings included strawberry and marshmallow, and walnuts were our choice of nuts. I could go on, but you get the picture: It was a bountiful sundae and we somehow managed to eat the whole thing. And yes, the mango sorbet was a treat as well. Little Calf's ice creams are made on-site, and the processing machinery is visible behind the counter to the right as you enter the premises. Ice cream or sorbet can be purchased by the scoop, or in one- or two-scoop sundaes, or on a homemade waffle cone. There are also Grace's Brownie Sundae and a banana split among the ice cream options, and the LC Cookie Sandwich with a choice of two cookies and the ice cream flavor of your choice. If your inclination goes toward ice cream drinks, there are floats, shakes, malts, ice cream sodas and even affogato, espresso over ice cream. If you can resist the ice cream options and focus only on the sandwiches and such, the burgers include a West Coaster with Gruyere and avocado, and a mushroom Swiss, and the sandwiches include a grilled chicken or a grilled cheese with three different cheeses. Among salad selections are Farm Stand Greens and a California Chop. It seems almost impossible not to find something to suit most tastes at Little Calf. The good food and ice cream is bolstered by the friendly counter order-takers, the attractive serving dishes and the general casual and friendly atmosphere. On the tables are little containers of conversation-starter questions that could enliven the dining experience, adding to the all-around congenial atmosphere. . LITTLE CALF CREAMERY & CAFE Location: 652 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Impressions: Comfortable, contemporary space with inviting calf standing in the window; order at the counter, served at table, efficient and pleasant; small but good menu of burgers, sandwiches and very fresh salads, plus of course multiple house-made ice cream options Whats hot: Goat cheese and spinach salad, portobello mushroom sandwich, The No. 25 Sundae 2 for lunch Salad: Goat cheese and spinach salad ($7.55) Sandwiches: Bleu Onion burger ($8.75) + turkey Brie melt ($8.75) + Portobello mushroom sandwich ($8.75) Desserts: The No. 25 Sundae ($7.95) + scoop of mango sorbet ($3.95) Tab for two: $16-$20 SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO One way to bring people of various beliefs closer together, which I believe is the object of interfaith work, is to seek out others' misunderstandings of our belief and explain them. For instance it is often said that Islam is not one of the Abrahamic religions and worships a different God. So let us look at this claim. Lo the angels said: "O Mary! Behold, God sends thee the glad tiding, through a word from Him, of a son who shall become known as the Christ Jesus, son of Mary, of great honor in this world and in the life to come, and shall be of those who are drawn near to God," says the Quran 3:45. The Quran goes on to declare that Jesus "shall speak unto men in his cradle, and as a grown man, and shall be of the righteous." Not only does the Quran acknowledge Jesus as the son of the Virgin Mary but also mentions a miracle where Jesus defends his mother by speaking out while he's still an infant to the people who were assuming Mary had unlawful relations. In addition, there are two chapters in the Quran, titled "Family of Imran" and "Maryam," which are devoted to Mary the Mother of Jesus and her family. The Quran makes it clear that there is only one God worshipped by Christians and Muslims. The many references to Moses in the Quran also make it clear that Jews worship the same one God. In fact, Muslims are told to treat Jews and Christians as "People of the Book." All three received books from God: the Torah, the Bible and the Quran. All three books guide the people to worship one God. Muslims believe that each Holy Book served a stage of developmental guidance for the human race with the Quran being the final stage. One day the Prophet Muhammad was sitting with some of his companions and then stood up out of respect when a funeral was passing. The prophet's companions said to him, "Did you not know it was a Jewish funeral?" He replied, "Did you not know it was a soul?" Also the Quran says, "Invite (others) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and reason with them in ways that are best. Your Lord knows best who is straying from his path and who is being guided (toward it)." Respect of others' religions is clear in Islamic history. The second Caliph Omar traveled to Jerusalem to accept the keys to the city when it came under Muslim control. He was invited to pray in a Christian church but declined saying that later Muslims might convert it to a mosque if he prayed there. He prayed instead in the open where a mosque in his name now stand. Omar did also invite some nearby Jewish families to return to Jerusalem. Years later, after Saladin took control of Jerusalem he also invited Jewish families to return. As Muslims, we are reminded in the Quran that there is no compulsion in religion and that we are created in different tribes so we could learn to understand each other and compete in belief and worship of the one God who will resolve our differences on the day of resurrection. During his last pilgrimage the Muhammed said, "There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, nor is there a difference between a black or a white person except in piety. __________ Yahya Merchant is a member of the Conejo Valley Interfaith Association, which meets monthly and welcomes clergy and representatives of all religious faiths. He can be contacted at yahya_altagir@hotmail.com. SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star Oxnard police said a male was arrested in connection with a warrant Thursday after he ran from officers. The incident started about 6:55 p.m. when officers were called to investigate a report of someone hitting signs at Beck Park, 6000 West Kamala Street, police said. Some people at the park started running away from the officers and onto nearby streets, officials said. One of those people, a male, was taken into custody and arrested in connection with a warrant, authorities said. On Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas launched its newest themed room, The Hangover Experience, complete with the notorious hotel room and a wedding chapel (Pictured: New Wax Figure of Zach Galifianakis as Alan Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com) Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Also making its debut was Madame Tussauds brand new figure of Alan (played by Zach Galifianakis in The Hangover films) who joins the figure of Phil (played by Bradley Cooper in the films). The 1,100-square-foot room, based on Warner Bros. Pictures The Hangover, pays homage to the popular comedy trilogy, whose original movie turns five this year. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. The newest wax figure to join the Wolf Pack, Zach Galifianakis as Alan, is appropriately styled in his iconic Human Tree T-shirt, white jeans, sneakers and, of course, his famous satchel. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Created in conjunction with Warner Bros., Madame Tussauds began creating The Hangover Experience in July 2014. As for the creation of the Alan figure, a team of 20 Madame Tussauds studio artists began creating in March 2014. They were inspired by his comic demeanor in the film including his ensemble, as well as his look and mannerisms. Photo credit: Bryan Steffy / WireImage / www.BryanSteffyPhoto.com. Murray Celebrity Magician is a huge supporter of the USO and when asked recently by Katie Slawski of the USO to perform for the troops out at Nellis Air Force Base he didnt hesitate (Pictured: Lenny Windsor, Ben Young, Douglas Lefty Leferorvich, Murray SawChuck and Daniel Coryell). Murray SawChuck along with sidekick Lefty, Guest Magician Ben Young, and Benny Hill writer/comedian Lenny Windsor, along with Murrays personal stage technician Daniel Coryell, arrived this morning, Friday, April 10, 2015 to perform a 45-minute show for Freedom Friday in the famed Thunderbird Hanger at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Murray said, Its always such an honor to perform for the men and women that fight for our freedom and you can never forget that! The Nellis AFB mission of advanced combat training for composite strike forces is commonly conducted in conjunction with air and grounds units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and allied forces. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during his campaign event at the Aug 10, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP) Addressing supporters at a rally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the real estate tycoon said the militant group is "honouring President Obama." "He is the founder of ISIS," Trump said, using a term for IS. "He's the founder of ISIS, okay?" he added. "He's the founder! He founded ISIS." "And I would say, the co-founder would be 'Crooked Hillary Clinton'," Trump shouted, over cheers and applause from the crowd. GROWING LIST OF DISQUIETING STATEMENTS It was the latest disquieting utterance from the bombastic billionaire, who just one day earlier made comments interpreted by many as inviting gun violence against Clinton, the Democrats' presidential nominee. Trump appeared to suggest on Tuesday, possibly in jest, that Clinton or her Supreme Court nominees could be shot, as a way of preventing her from making judicial appointments if she wins the November presidential election. The former secretary of State on Wednesday sternly rebuked Republican presidential rival's "casual inciting" of violence, saying he had "crossed the line." "Yesterday we witnessed the latest in a long line of casual comments by Donald Trump that crossed the line," Clinton told a rally in Des Moines, Iowa. "Words matter, my friends. And if you are running to be president, or you are president of the United States, words can have tremendous consequences." Trump and his campaign had quickly sought to douse these flames, insisting the Republican flag bearer was merely urging gun rights supporters to reject her candidacy at the ballot box. Clinton also warned of the dangers of reckless language during a presidential race. She slammed Trump's "casual cruelty to a Gold Star family," referring to the billionaire's clash with the parents of a Muslim American soldier who was killed in action. "His casual suggestion that more countries should have nuclear weapons, and now his casual inciting of violence," she added. "Every single one of these incidents shows us that Donald Trump simply does not have the temperament to be president and commander in chief of the United States." With Team Trump seeking to dig the candidate out of a deepening hole, former New York mayor and Trump backer Rudy Giuliani insisted the uproar was triggered by "the Clinton spin machine." 'UNDER SIEGE' In an unnerving example of campaign security tensions, an animal rights activist appeared to rush the stage as Clinton spoke Wednesday, but was tackled and removed by security. Another attention-seeker dominated cable news Wednesday afternoon when he used suction cups to scale Manhattan's Trump Tower, the Republican nominee's home and campaign headquarters, before police captured him through an open window. The 20-year-old Virginia resident and apparent Trump supporter wanted to meet the real estate tycoon, police said. Clinton meanwhile launched an open appeal Wednesday to independents and Republicans repulsed by Trump over his string of controversial statements. The campaign unveiled a new website, togetherforamerica.com, that lists dozens of Republicans and independents who back Clinton, including former director of national intelligence John Negroponte and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Regardless of party, voters are increasingly concerned that Trump's tendency to bully, demean and degrade others sends the wrong message to our children," Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta said. Trump has suffered what critics insist is a long string of missteps that have marred his campaign since he officially won the nomination last month. He has clearly roiled the party with his unorthodox remarks, with some Republicans frustrated at his apparent inability to stay on message. A Reuters/IPSOS poll Wednesday found that 19 percent of Republican voters want Trump to drop out of the race, while 70 percent think he should stay and 10 percent say they don't know. The RealClearPolitics national poll average shows Clinton leading Trump by 48 percent to 40 percent. Fifty prominent Republican national security experts announced in an open letter this week they would not vote for Trump, saying he "lacks the character, values and experience" to be president. Six GOP senators and a number of House Republicans have disowned him too. CLINTON: EMAILS, AGAIN Meanwhile, Clinton was enduring a fresh round of criticism over her emails from her time as secretary of state, which have been a thorn in her side and hurt her trustworthiness among voters. Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch released a batch of emails that raise questions about the State Department's relationship with the Clinton Foundation. The Trump campaign seized on the latest emails to blast Clinton as "corrupt," with critics saying the messages showed the foundation sought improper preferential treatment from the department. A Syrian civil defence volunteer carries a wounded child following an air strike on a rebel-held neighbourhood of Aleppo on Jul 23, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Thaer Mohammed) Staffan de Mistura said Moscow had not consulted with the United Nations before announcing its decision to hold its fire around Syria's war-ravaged second city for three hours each day to allow humanitarian aid in. "Any pause obviously should always be seen and looked at with great interest, because a pause means no fighting, but three hours is not enough," the UN Syria envoy told reporters in Geneva. The UN has called for urgent aid access to Aleppo and 48-hour weekly pauses for aid deliveries, warning that civilians are at grave risk from water shortages and disease as fighting has intensified. An estimated 1.5 million people still live in the battered city, including about 250,000 in rebel-held eastern districts. De Mistura said the issue had been discussed extensively at the weekly meeting of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, and that Russia has voiced its willingness to expand the pause. "The Russian reaction here at the taskforce was 'we heard you, (and) we need to talk in order to see how we can improve our original proposal'," he said. De Mistura's deputy and the head of a UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland also voiced hope that fighting could stop for long enough to make a difference. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS "(The Russians) say they would like to sit down with us... and discuss how a UN proposal could be implemented, and we are hopeful that that will lead to something," he told reporters. He explained that a lot of time would be needed because so many people were in need, requiring large convoys to travel the extremely dangerous Castello road, the last route into rebel-held parts of the city. "The road is so destroyed, it is mined, there are so many dangers, the logistics are so enormous, that we do need time each week, and we need 48 hours," he said. Russia, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has vowed that it will halt its air strikes and artillery strikes between 0700 GMT and 1000 GMT for an unspecified period, starting Thursday. But an AFP correspondent in the eastern districts said trucks carrying food and other products were unable to enter the city Thursday because of intense bombardment. Fighting between government forces and rebels in Aleppo has intensified in the past month. De Mistura has been struggling to get a new round of peace talks started for the war ravaged country. "We need a target timing, and the target timing is still towards the end of August," he added. US authorities reject a 20,000 kg shipment of imported catfish from Viet Nam as of banned chemicals. - Photo vov.vn According to a news release from Food and Water Watch on August 9, the fish had traces of malachite green, a veterinary drug used to treat sick fish. The inspection of catfish became part of USDA's jurisdiction on April 15. Before that, the Food and Drug Administration handled catfish. In May, FSIS blocked catfish shipments from Vietnam and China. In June, an importer recalled Vietnamese catfish products because the shipment had not gone through the inspection process. In early July, the Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Quality Center (NAFIQAD) requested all local catfish exporters to the US to have certificates attesting to the fish being free, before being exported on July 15, from salmonella, malachite Green/Leuco Malachite Green, Enrofloxacine/Ciprofloxacine and Crystal Violet. While NAFIQAD has not commented about the case, test results in July in 18 southern provinces, which are the hub for raising catfish in Viet Nam, said all trafish were free from banned chemicals. Our national parks, and the mile-long line to see them VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. Susan Hanson first heard her sons heartbeat during an ultrasound in 1981. She heard it again Monday, nearly one year after his death, sustaining the life of another man. It happened at the offices of LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach, which spent months coordinating a meeting between Hanson, of Newport News, Va., and Jerry Hayes, of Louisburg, N.C. Hayes, 56, received the heart of Jordan Gill, who died last August from injuries suffered after the crash of his all-terrain vehicle. He was 33 years old. Although his life was cut short, he wasnt done giving life to others. And that has helped Hanson deal with the loss of her son. In a tearful meeting, Hanson and Hayes embraced while family members and friends looked on. Hows your heart holding up? she finally asked. This is great. Yes, Hayes said. It is. Moments later, Hanson put on a special stethoscope she would be deaf if not for two Cochlear implants and snapped her fingers to the beat of Gills heart. Very strong, she said with a smile. Like her son. Tragic death, gifts to others No one saw Gill crash his small ATV last August in the Denbigh neighborhood he called home. The details are murky. But there was no mistaking the damage from the devastating head injury he suffered. One doctor told us later that evening, the man you knew is no longer there, Hanson recalled. Anything that defines his personality, his decision-making, those portions of the brain are no longer functioning. Gone was Gill the artisan who owned Gill Custom Tile and Marble and delighted clients with his creativity. (He once made a kitchen backsplash out of pennies.) Gone was Gill the loving son, who built a stair elevator to help his disabled father and who, at the time of his death, was helping his mother through a major kitchen renovation. Gone was Gill the junk pile junkie, the collector of artifacts, the kid who was sure absolutely sure he saw the face of Jesus in a reflection when he was a kid. Gone was Gill, the father of two boys. But Hanson does not believe her son is gone, not really. Monday proved as much. The sense of anticipation was palpable as Hanson and her daughter, Hannah, waited in the conference room for Hayes to arrive. When he did bearing a dozen roses he and Hanson embraced and cried, as did several others in the room. They had communicated via phone and Facebook, but this was their first face-to-face meeting. Hanson joked that he looked a lot younger than his photo. It must be that young heart you have, she said. Later, Hayes said he felt like he had gained a new family. Having suffered from heart failure, hes now living comfortably. It was very, very exciting, he said. It was just joyful. However, Gills legacy does not end with Hayes in North Carolina. His lungs have given life to a man from Kentucky who suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, and who now enjoys caring for his two grandchildren. Gills liver went to a Virginia resident who was given three months to live, survived into the fourth month and got the transplant. Gills two kidneys went to two other individuals: a 60-year-old woman who had been on dialysis for 13 years and a man who was set free from a dialysis machine and can now sleep next to his wife. A cornea went to a woman in Kentucky. Three bone grafts have been used in Chicago, Washington state and the country of Chile. Hanson has found these people and uncovered this information as part of a healing journey that continues to this day. Putting her talent in photography and sewing to good use, she has created pictorial storyboards that chart Gills life and the people helped. She has made blankets and pillows from his clothes. She speaks without hesitation of his devastating accident and credits her steadfast faith in God for being able to see that her son was part of a larger plan. Gill was declared brain dead on Sept. 1, but the real goodbye happened a bit later, when he was about to be rolled into an operating room for the organ donation process to begin. I knew, once they went through those doors, that he was going to meet Jesus, she said. And yet despite her efforts and rock-solid faith, Hanson had to overcome one more hurdle to continue her healing journey and experience her sons heartbeat again. She can only hear with the help of two cochlear implants. She received the first in 2005 and the second in 2006. Because of that, she cant use a conventional stethoscope. In stepped a company called Cardionics, which makes a specially designed stethoscope for those who have hearing devices. The company donated the stethoscope to LifeNet Health. LifeNet Health is a nonprofit organization that, for more than 30 years, has provided transplant solutions from organ procurement to newer innovations in bio-implant technologies and cellular therapies. President and CEO Rony Thomas said it isnt always possible for donor families and recipients to meet. When it does, arranging the meeting takes anywhere from six to eight months. It is even more rare for a heart transplant recipient to share a heartbeat with a donors family. It is not very common, he said. This would be my second in my 12 years here. Nothing really prepares us for that. It is raw emotion. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Thailand's valuable tourism industry is reeling after a series of bombs and arson attacks Friday killed four people and injured at least 30 people, many of them foreign visitors. The 12 attacks across southern Thailand's beach resorts came as the country marked the 84th birthday of Queen Sirikit, a national holiday. Some of the attacks were at the seaside town of Hua Hin, where the royal family has a residence. A nationwide investigation is under way and police say they have arrested two men. They call the bombings "acts of sabotage," and not foreign terrorism. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks. The police also say the attacks do not appear to be linked to a low-level insurgency in Thailands southern border provinces with Malaysia, that has gone on since 2004. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security advisor to the Thai government, said the attackers had a clear motive. They want to destabilize the situation which is more and more stable as we move toward the third stage of the (political) roadmap. Certain suspects have been detained. I think the authorities will move very quickly to expand the search and investigation. The focus of the attacks were major popular tourist destinations in Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani provinces. Security tightened In Hua Hin, streets were deserted Friday after the overnight and early morning coordinated attacks, with tourists warned to remain indoors at their hotels. A spokeswoman for the Centara Grand Beach Resort Villas, who did not wish to give her name, said the resort had tightened security, amid a climate of unease along the southern tourist provinces. Normally, Hua Hin is a safe place and this is the first time for a bomb like this. At this moment, not only Hua Hin, I think in the southern part of like Phuket and the province that was bombed, I watched the news, its quite serious now in the southern part of Thailand. And of course it will have an effect for tourism, for sure, she said. Tourism is a key driver of the Thai economy, which has slowed down to about three percent annual growth. With around 30 million visitors a year, tourism contributes almost seven percent to national output and employs some 5.5 million people. The attacks also come less than a week after voters backed a military-supported constitution that opens the way to fresh elections, a key step in the militarys political plan since taking power in May 2014. Under the new charter, the military will appoint a 250-member Senate. Along with the 500 members of the House of Representatives, the Senate will elect a new prime minister. Political analysts say this could lead to the appointment of a non-elected leader, possibly from the military. Diminished political parties Both major political groups the Pheu Thai party overthrown in a coup in May 2014 led by current prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and the Democrat Party, will face diminished roles in the new government. Kraisak Choonhavan, a member of the Democrat Party, said the attacks appeared to be political and symbolic because of the Queen's birthday holiday. This has to be the other opposition (Pheu Thai), which stands to lose for five years because the constitution states quite clearly that the selection of the prime minister will come from both the upper and lower houses of Parliament, Kraisak said. But Sunai Pasuk, the Thailand representative for Human Rights Watch, while condemning the attacks, said no conclusions should be drawn over who was responsible until the investigation is complete. The situation remains fluid, so there needs to be close collaboration between the public and the authorities and people should exercise extreme caution in southern Thailand, Sunai said. The embassies of the United States, Britain, Australia and Japan all issued fresh warnings to their nationals to exercise caution when visiting tourist areas. A senior Interior Ministry official has announced that the trial into the daylight murder of political analyst and government critic Kem Ley will be open to public scrutiny. No specific date was set for the trial to begin, but General Khieu Sopheak added that the CCTV footage from the gas station where Ley was murdered would be aired during the proceedings. Gen. Khieu Sopheak, an Interior Ministry spokesman, said it is for the court to determine a date, but now it is investigating and collecting evidence and it will hold a trial. Kem Ley, a prominent researcher and political analyst, was gunned down on July 10 at a coffee shop in central Phnom Penh, just days after he spoke out publicly about alleged corruption by Prime Minister Hun Sens family highlighted in a recent report by NGO Global Witness, which showed the family controls companies worth at least $200 million. Ly Sophanna, Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman, said the court was pushing the investigation in this case, but added that it was not guaranteed that the public would be allowed access to the proceedings. We will check the real situation, he said. The alleged gunman, Ang Oeuth, was arrested shortly after the incident, but has told police his name is Choub Samlab, which in the local Khmer language means Meet Kill. He was charged with premeditated murder and possessing an illegal weapon. Am Sam Ath, technical coordinator for local human rights group Licadho, cast doubt on the authorities ability to find justice in the case. It depends on the [political] will and what was behind the murder of Mr Ley, and whether the government and the authorities dare to reveal the truth behind the mysterious shooting, he said. Meas Ny, a political and social analyst, warned that if those behind the murder were not seen to be brought to justice, it could cause public anger and also danger It could lead to violence. The government has complained of difficulties in carrying out the investigation into the killing, blaming the stubbornness of the key suspect, despite there reportedly being at least two videos of the incident captured of close-circuit television cameras. More than 100 villagers from Kampong Speu province on Friday submitted a petition to the Ministry of Land Management calling on the government to resolve their long-running land dispute with Cambodian Peoples Party Senator and businessman Ly Yong Phat. The protesters marched through Phnom Penhs streets carrying banners, alleging that companies Phnom Penh Sugar and Kampong Speu Sugar have not provided them with proper compensation since moving onto the land. Pok Son, 51, a protester from Oral districts Chor commune, said her large family couldnt even find enough food to eat despite members of the family being given jobs by Yong Phats company. Working for Ly Yong Phat is not stable. Some days they dismiss us and some days they allow us to work, she said. Some residents of Sons village had agreed to accept compensation, but many others felt the cost would be too high. Many have since fallen into debt to pay medical bills and other expenses. According to villagers, the company did not provide information to them before they moved in, only learning of the status of their land after the bulldozers had already moved in. Chan Sokhoeun, a representative of villagers from Thpong districts Omlaing commune, said the disputed Phnom Penh Sugar land was about 2,000 hectares in size and more than 560 families were affected, while a representative of villagers affected by the Kampong Speu Sugar company estimated about 700 villagers were affected. Ly Yong Phat and company representatives could not be reached for comment. Seng Lot, a land management ministry spokesman, said a cadastral committee was responsible for negotiations between the companies and villagers. Ukrainian troops are on high alert as tensions rise with Russia. Kyiv has accused Moscow of increasing its troop presence on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia two years ago. Moscow is accusing Kyiv of an incursion into Crimea. Some experts say the timing is ripe for a conflict because the world's attention is elsewhere. VOA's Carolyn Presutti explains. This week, long-simmering political tensions between Afghanistan's top leaders spilled into the open as Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani, and his governing partner, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, sharply criticized each other, raising questions about the survival of the fragile so-called national unity government. The political dispute erupted at a time of an intensified Taliban insurgency threatening to overrun the capital of the largest province of Helmand in the south and parts of northern Afghan provinces. Abdullah, the country's chief executive, on Thursday gave a speech in which he said Ghani was unfit to govern the country because he had failed to work collaboratively and implement pledges of introducing electoral reforms. You dont have time to see your chief executive one-on-one for even an hour or two over a period of three months, Abdullah lamented. He also complained that he had been left out of key decisions and tried to paint Ghani as arrogant and a president out of touch with the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. On Friday, President Ghani hit back at Abdullah through his spokesman who did not use the title of chief executive for him in the official statement. "Unfortunately, statements made by his excellency Dr. Abdullah Abdullah yesterday were in contradiction to the spirit and morale of the governance," the spokesman said. Ghani asserted that governance is based on principles and legal procedures, and that actions are taken in line with that. The "national unity government will move ahead as a collection, serious discussions will be held on his [Abdullahs] remarks in the near future," he said in a statement without elaborating further. Ghani and Abdullah were rivals in the 2014 presidential election and both claimed to be winners after polls that many observers declared marred by fraud and irregularities. U.S. intervention The protracted tensions had brought Afghanistan to the verge of a damaging political rift when U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry intervened and brokered a deal between Ghani and Abdullah to end the deadlock. Under the agreement, Ghani was installed as the president and a new post of the chief executive was created for Abdullah to equally share power in their national unity government. It was also agreed that a electoral reforms will be introduced to prevent a repeat of the controversy-marred presidential polls and a constitutional jirga or grand assembly would be held within two years to give legal to cover to Abdullahs office, a deadline due to expire next month. But it is not possible to convene the jirga meeting because delay in electoral reforms have prevented authorities to hold parliamentary as well as regional elections that together form the constitutional jirga. Rivalry between the Ghani and Abdullah camps was publicly known from the outset. But until now, both leaders brushed aside those concerns as media speculations. In his speech the previous day, Abdullah vowed to remain part of the unity government and said he was scheduled to meet Ghani on Saturday to discuss their differences. Afghan civil society activists, politicians and commentators in Kabul have expressed concerns over the political conformation, warning Abdullah and Ghani their dispute could push Afghanistan to a new crisis amid deteriorating nationwide security. Taliban gains Taliban insurgents have in recent weeks made significant gains in Helmand, the poppy producing province on the border with Pakistan. Struggling Afghan security forces have held ground in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah and a couple of neighboring districts only with the support of American airstrikes. International charity, MSF Medicine Sans Frontiers said Friday sick and injured people are struggling to reach to a 300-bed hospital facility in Lashkar Gah it is runs in partnership with the Afghan ministry of health. The intensification and proximity of fighting is clearly limiting access to the hospital. Patients report that roads are blocked and checkpoints are delaying reaching the hospital," said Gullhem Molinie, the country representative for MSF in Afghanistan. The charity said it has shared the coordinates and information related to all its facilities in Lashkar Gah with all parties to the conflict. A U.S. air raid last year destroyed the only MSF hospital in Kunduz killing and wounding dozens of its staff and patients. A top Angolan security official is blaming opposition-allied protesters for sparking clashes in the capital last week that led soldiers to shoot dead a teenage boy and demolition crews to kill a toddler. The opposition UNITA party swiftly condemned the statement, calling it a blatant lie. The August 6 protest in the Zango neighborhood of the capital, Luanda, is part of a rising wave of opposition to the long-ruling MPLA party, which has ruled the Southern African nation since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has been accused, among other things, of enriching itself while the rest of the nation wallows in poverty. Residents were holding a peaceful protest against plans to demolish their homes to make way for a new development, witnesses told rights groups. The authorities say homes were built in an area designated for a new airport. Col. Silvano Ndongua told VOA's Portuguese service that UNITA militants had gone to the area twice ahead of the protest, inciting hate among the population that attacked machinery with sticks, gasoline bombs and stones." In an interview Wednesday, he said protesters fired on police before they fired back, and that three soldiers had been wounded. Residents said a one-year-old boy was killed when his home was demolished. UNITA vice president Raul Danda dismissed Ndonguas claim that the opposition prompted the violent response. Maybe they will start saying that it was UNITA that ordered the demolitions, he told VOA. Rights groups have repeatedly accused Angolas government of being repressive and intolerant of dissent. In recent months, Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have raised the alarm over numerous cases in which they say security forces have killed or wounded protesters without justification. The international rights group called for a thorough and impartial investigation. Angolan soldiers fired live ammunition during a peaceful protest and the unsurprising result is the death of a teenage boy, said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. The authorities need to promptly investigate why the soldiers opened fire, prosecute those responsible for any wrongdoing, and take steps to avoid such bloodshed in the future. In a statement, the Angolan army said it started an investigation and has found two guns in the area. The teenagers name was Rufino Antonio. He was 14. His uncle told Human Rights Watch that he was playing with other children when the soldiers arrived. He joined the protest. When soldiers opened fire, another protester urged Rufino to take cover behind a mango tree. It was there that he was hit in the neck by a bullet. By the time his parents arrived, he was already dead. Rufinos uncle said army officials then came and took his body away without explanation. The family only found his body the next day in a hospital morgue. A United nations peacekeeper was killed and four others wounded Sunday in northeastern Mali, when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb. A U.N. statement said the blast occurred in the Kidal region and that all of the victims were from Chad. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a statement, stressed that attacks targeting U.N. peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He also said that attacks on regional peacekeepers "will not weaken the determination of the mission to fully implement its mandate" to monitor a peace deal reached after Islamists sought to seize control of northern Mali in 2012. A French military intervention later quelled the crisis, clearing the way for U.N. peacekeepers who deployed in July 2013. The mission has since been regularly targeted by Islamists, with a death toll compiled by the French news agency showing 28 people killed so far this year. The U.N. Security Council earlier this year boosted its peacekeeping force to 15,200 troops and police in the country. The U.N. Committee against Torture is expressing "grave concern" about reports that four Burundi lawyers are facing disbarment as retribution for giving information to the group. A statement by the committee Monday urged the Burundian government to provide "urgent reassurances" that no lawyers or activists would face reprisals for cooperating with the committee. It said the four lawyers Armel Niyongere, Lambert Nigarura, Dieudonne Bashirahishize and Vital Nshimirimana contributed to a report by Burundian nongovernmental organizations for the U.N. committee about alleged torture. Following the lawyers' participation, a Burundi prosecutor asked the president of the Bujumbura Bar Council to disbar them, alleging numerous offenses, including being involved in an attempted coup. On the same day, the U.N. committee said Burundi's government announced it would not participate in future dialogue with committee members. The committee will publish its findings Friday. Burundi has been in turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans in April 2015 to run for what many viewed as an unconstitutional third term, which he won. Since then, more than 450 people have been killed and 270,000 have fled to neighboring countries. Last month, the U.N. Security Council authorized a 228-member international police force to deploy to Burundi to prevent human rights violations and provide stability for an intra-Burundian dialogue. Peter Mansoor is a self-described "lifelong Republican" and a "foreign policy hawk." The retired U.S. Army colonel boasts an unswervingly conservative voting record. "I've voted for every Republican presidential candidate from Reagan to Romney," said Mansoor, who was the right-hand man to then-General David Petraeus during the Iraq War. But this year, with Donald Trump as his party's nominee, he just can't bring himself to pull the trigger. "Trump is fully unsuited to the office," Mansoor told VOA. "His temperament, his ego, his inability to control his words, all these things could get a president into deep trouble." Mansoor is one of a growing number of Republicans, especially within the national security establishment, who oppose Trump. Many, like Mansoor, are not only denouncing the GOP nominee they're also taking the extraordinary step of endorsing his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. "I disagree with Hillary Clinton on a number of policies," he said. "But she, as a person, has the qualifications to be president. She's smart. She's measured in her speech. She has the ability to accept advice from advisers. She has the experience." The comments from Mansoor and other foreign policy hawks suggest they share a common worldview with Clinton, who during her time as a U.S. senator and secretary of state supported and oversaw interventionist policies in countries ranging from Iraq to Libya to Ukraine. WATCH related video: Foreign policy Clinton's foreign policy views often stand in sharp contrast to those of Trump, though his record is at times wildly inconsistent (ranging from explicit calls to invade and occupy Middle Eastern countries and "take the oil" to proposals for the U.S. to show greater military restraint in the world). At this point, it isn't clear whether the bulk of the U.S. foreign policy establishment is voting for Trump or Clinton. But if "hawks" do turn to Clinton in significant numbers, it would represent a significant shift for a group that has for decades found a home in the Republican Party. The list of hawkish foreign policy leaders who support Clinton is getting longer by the week. It now includes several prominent figures, including ex-Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte, and ex-CIA chief Michael Morrell, an independent, who recently wrote a New York Times editorial saying Trump "may well pose a threat to our national security." Others aren't explicitly endorsing Clinton, but appear to be leaning that direction. Former CIA Director Michael Hayden, who regularly criticizes Trump, said Clinton is the "best prepared" candidate, though he has stopped short of saying he will vote for her. Earlier this week, a group of 50 prominent foreign policy experts, including Hayden and many from George W. Bush's administration, signed a strongly worded letter saying Trump "would be the most reckless president in American history." Signees of the letter included two Homeland Security secretaries under Bush, Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff, as well as Robert Zoellick, a former deputy secretary of state and World Bank president. Clinton embraces GOP support Clinton has embraced the support of Republicans. Many of her campaign ads feature prominent Republicans slamming Trump. This week, her campaign launched a new effort to highlight and reach out to Republicans and independents, rolling out a "Together for America" website that includes the names of leaders who have crossed the aisle to support her. At a rally Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa, Clinton said she was "humbled and moved by the Republicans who are willing to stand up and say that Donald Trump doesn't represent their values, not only as Republicans but as Americans." "We may not agree on everything, but this is not a normal election," she said. "And I will work hard for the next three months to earn the support of anyone willing to put our country first." Why Clinton appeals to hawks There are plenty of reasons why a candidate such as Clinton could appeal to foreign policy hawks. From her time as first lady during the presidency of her husband, Bill Clinton, to her time as a New York senator, to her four years as secretary of state under President Barack Obama, Clinton has regularly pushed for or overseen interventionist policies. She voted in favor of the U.S. invading Iraq in 2002. She supported the U.S. war in Afghanistan, favored a large troop surge there in 2009, and supports keeping a large presence there through the end of Obama's presidency and perhaps beyond that. She also played a major role in the NATO-backed intervention that removed the late-ruler Moammar Gadhafi from power. More recently, Clinton has called for the Obama administration to take a tougher approach to the civil war in Syria, favoring arming rebels fighting against President Bashar al-Assad. She has also said she wanted the U.S. to do more to respond to Russia's annexation of Crimea and other destabilizing moves in Ukraine. Clinton's record is an attractive package for many foreign policy hawks. "She is not the two-dimensional cartoon figure that the Republican Party has made her out to be," Mansoor said. "Especially in the foreign policy and national security realm. She's a lot further to the right than Barack Obama." Asked whether Clinton sees the international arena roughly the way he does, Mansoor replied: "Yes, I do. She believes in a liberal international order that the United States has helped create in the wake of World War Two, from which the United States has benefited greatly." Trump's record Trump's views on foreign policy are largely a mystery. The lack of clarity stems in part from the fact that the billionaire businessman has no record of making national security decisions, having never served in elected office. Trump's statements on foreign policy are also erratic. On the campaign trail, he often refers to the Iraq War as "stupid" and uses it as an example of U.S. overreach. He also claims he was against the invasion, though several reports have indicated Trump in 2002 actually supported the U.S.-led war. Trump also regularly slams Clinton's role in the ouster of Gadhafi, which has helped lead to an unstable, largely lawless Libya that has become a safe haven for militants. However, Trump leaves out the fact that he is on record supporting that military effort, as well. The contradictions in Trump's statements create difficulties for trying to determine what a Trump foreign policy would look like, said James Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Iraq and Turkey. "We do not know anything about what he would do. We don't know who he would listen to. And we don't know how he'd respond to recommendations. That's part of the problem," said Jeffrey, who signed the anti-Trump letter. "There's no indication that he even follows foreign policy," Jeffrey told VOA. Asked to sum up Trump's foreign policy views, he answered: "Two words: thread-bare and incoherent." Trump's response One traditional way to determine a presidential candidate's foreign policy views is to examine the records of those who are advising him or her. But in Trump's case, that reveals little. Trump has only released the names of a handful of people advising him on foreign affairs, and the advisors were not well-known. VOA reached out to Trump's foreign policy advisors, but none responded. Last year, when asked from whom he gets military advice, Trump answered, "I watch the [television] shows." He also raised eyebrows in March when he answered the same question by saying: "I'm speaking with myself, number one, because I have a very good brain, and I've said a lot of things." While those comments and others have led to ridicule by many in the foreign policy community, Trump doesn't seem to mind. He's dismissed the criticism as a politically motivated publicity stunt by establishment figures who endangered national security with reckless foreign entanglements. "These were the people that had been there, long-time Washington establishment people that have been there for a long time. Look at the terrible job they've done," Trump told the Fox Business Network this week. "I hadn't planned on using any of these people." Donald Trumps claim that President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State may be just the latest controversy in a volatile election season, but those comments could have far-reaching consequences on perceptions of the U.S. internationally and on the continual media dilemma over how to cover remarks by the unconventional candidate. In a campaign rally Thursday, Trump called Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton the MVPs of ISIS, reiterating claims from a day earlier when he told a crowd of supporters at a campaign stop in Florida that Obama is the founder of ISIS. He's the founder of ISIS. He's the founder. He founded ISIS. ISIS is an acronym for the militant group. Trump then said the co-founder of Islamic State was "crooked Hillary Clinton." The Republican presidential nominee has already claimed the former secretary of states policies while in office encouraged the growth of the terror group, but his comments Wednesday and doubling-down of those statements escalated his claims regarding the Obama administrations role in the region and the growth of IS. The White House declined to comment on Trump's claim, while Clinton's campaign called the remarks "false." What is IS? Islamic State is a group of hard-line jihadists that once dominated large areas of Iraq and Syria and is infamous for its sheer brutality, including beheadings, drownings, burning people alive, rape and the promotion of slavery. Initially a largely Sunni Arab group, IS grew out of the terrorist organization known as al-Qaida in Iraq (AQ-I) led by Jordanian Abu Musab al Zarqawi in 2004. AQ-I fed off the deep sense of Sunni disenfranchisement after the United States decided to disband the Iraqi army and Saddam Hussein's powerful Ba'ath party. Its inflammatory, but its more than that, said David Rothkopf, CEO and editor of the Foreign Policy Group, of Trumps latest statements. Its encouraging tropes that Obama is a Muslim, that Obama isnt American, that Obama doesnt have the same goals and values." Some Republicans have criticized Obama and Clinton for not being aggressive enough in attacking the Islamic State group as it was seizing territory in Iraq and Syria two years ago. But no top Republican has gone so far as to accuse the president of founding the group. Rothkopf said criticism of Obamas foreign policy is entirely fair game this presidential campaign season. Policy question Is Barack Obamas foreign policy above reproach? Absolutely not. Has Barack Obama made some serious errors in his handling of the issues in the Middle East? If youre a credible candidate and youre running against Barack Obama, by all means take him to task for inaction in Syria, take him to task for his actions in Libya," he said. But, Rothkopf added, the claim that Obama created the Islamic State was outrageous, insupportable, and inflammatory, creating a troubling moment not only in the campaign but also for worldwide perceptions of democracy in the United States. In addition, Trumps claims about the Obama administration and Islamic State may give new life to conspiracy theories in the U.S. among members of the far-right and about its origins floating around the Middle East and South Asia, he said. It doesnt just stir up Trump supporters, it makes America look terrible in the world. The reality is that every time these days that Donald Trump opens his mouth, America is diminished in the eyes of the world," Rothkopf said. Challenge for news media Trumps comments leave journalists in the difficult position of covering him without appearing to attack him. Its challenging because do you say 'Donald Trump says Barack Obama is the founder of ISIS' and then say, in fact, hes not. Do you call the Obama White House and ask him to deny hes the founder of ISIS, asked Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief at USA Today. Of course it is true that theres a larger context and argument that Trump could make that says actions by the Obama administration did open the door and lead to the rise of ISIS, but thats not what Donald Trump said," Page said. She said journalists have to stick to the basic tenets of their profession by providing information, context and fact-checking to inform voters about the accuracy of what hes saying. But providing evidence and context may be more difficult when it comes to Trumps unique approach to politics, said Lara Brown at the Graduate School for Political Management at The George Washington University. 'The way most salesmen sound' No part of Donald Trump focuses on subtleties he sounds the way most salesmen sound when they are trying to sell you a product that has dubious benefits, Brown said, adding that while Trumps statements are anything but subtle, his words do have a long-range impact. She said Trump is well aware of the signals he is sending by using Obama's middle name of Hussein, implying a possible Muslim conspiracy and leaving the door open to renew his arguments if additional terror attacks occur. He is attaching a label to them and making sure that Americans dont ever hear the word ISIS without hearing founder and co-founder so he is speaking as salesmen speak. He is branding, he is vague, and he is declarative and confident, Brown said. It may not be a winning strategy. Trump's controversial statements and blunt attacks on his political opponents have divided the Republican Party, with some leading party members denouncing his candidacy and calling him unfit to lead. Opinion polls have shown his campaign is in danger, with Trump trailing Clinton in several key states and Trump's support eroding in some traditional Republican strongholds. He really seems to have a lack of understanding about who is winning the day and why you should try to win the day, Brown said. Donald Trump stated Friday that he was only being "sarcastic" when he said that President Obama founded the terror group Islamic State, and the Republican presidential nominee blamed the news media for misrepresenting him by taking his statement seriously. His absurd accusation brought him under fire from not only the media, but members of his own party. WATCH: Trump on Obama, Clinton and Islamic State Republican VIPs decline support And for the second time this week, a group of prominent Republicans released a statement saying they will not support Donald Trump for president. More than 70 party members, including former congressmen and senior members of the Reagan administration and both President Bush administrations, sent a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus arguing that the party committee should focus on helping its House and Senate candidates, instead of Trump. They say they want the RNC to stop using Republican money, time, staff and advertising to support Trump, a candidate whose chances of winning in November are "evaporating by the day." Among other reasons, they cite his verbal duel with the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq, hints that gun rights backers should shoot Hillary Clinton, and "lying about scores of issues, large and small." Republican communications operative Andrew Weinstein tells VOA "if the RNC doesn't immediately shift its focus, the Trump train wreck in November could destroy our congressional majorities as well. We can't afford to wait any longer to focus our resources on the races we can win, rather than burning more money on an unelectable presidential candidate." There has been no response so far from the Trump campaign to the latest criticisms from his fellow party members. Islamic State's 'MVP' Last Monday, 50 former Republican national security advisors, intelligence chiefs and trade representatives signed their own letter saying, "None of us will vote for Donald Trump." They said not only is Trump unqualified to be president, but that he would be a dangerous commander-in-chief and "the most reckless president in American history." Earlier Thursday, Trump called President Barack Obama "the founder" of Islamic State and Hillary Clinton its "most valuable player." The candidate refused to back down or moderate his comment when he was given a chance during an interview with U.S. radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt, who is a Trump supporter. Hewitt asked Trump if he meant that Obama lost the peace and "created a vacuum" in Iraq and Libya that let Islamic State emerge. "No, I meant he is the founder of ISIS. I do...I give him the most valuable player award. I give her too, by the way, Hillary Clinton." Trump said "I don't care" when Hewitt reminded him that Obama hates Islamic State and is trying to kill it. "If he would have done things properly, you wouldn't have had ISIS. Therefore, he is the founder of ISIS." The Democratic National Committee called Trump's ISIS comments "outrageous, unhinged". "This is yet another out of control statement by a candidate who is unraveling before our very eyes," a DNC statement said. Clinton focusing on jobs plan Hillary Clinton was in Warren, Michigan, where she formally unveiled her economic plans -- most of which already were revealed during various campaign speeches all week. They include creating 10 million jobs rebuilding crumbling roads, bridges and ports; taking away the tax breaks for U.S. companies that move jobs overseas, and making college and child care more affordable. WATCH: Clinton on her economic plan In a rare agreement with Trump, Clinton said she opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and will name a special prosecutor to hold countries accountable for breaking global trade rules. Clinton said the Trump package of tax cuts for the rich and for corporations will push the country back into recession and do nothing to help most Americans. Eritrea allowed use of one of its ports for a food aid shipment to South Sudan, marking the first time the World Food Program has used food assistance operations in Eritrea since 2006. A relatively small pilot shipment of 1,100 metric tons of sorghum was offloaded in the port at Massawa, Eritrea, in early June, and delivered to Kosti, Sudan. Challiss McDonough, senior regional spokeswoman at the World Food Program (WFP) in South Sudan, said the sorghum was added to other food aid and then moved to South Sudan. Last year, WFP distributed in South Sudan 190,000 metric tons of food from different countries in the region. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is dire, with more than 40 percent of the population facing severe food insecurity, McDonough said. More than two years of conflict and an economic crisis, combined with a lack of rainfall caused by the climatic event El Nino, mean that harvests and food availability are at historic lows. Fighting has killed tens of thousands of South Sudanese and forced more than 2 million to flee their homes, and much of the country is not accessible by any network of roads. 'Humanitarian crisis' Its a very complicated situation with a serious humanitarian crisis and logistically difficult place to reach people, McDonough told VOA. The ability to provide humanitarian assistance right now is absolutely vital. It is life-saving, but, in the long term, you cant end this crisis with humanitarian assistance. "It takes the guns falling silent and it takes the parties to the conflict reconciling and allowing people to get back to their lives," she added. The WFP said humanitarian responses require regional collaboration. The agency ships food to South Sudan through ports in Djibouti, and Mombasa, Kenya. It also uses planes based in Ethiopia to air drop food to remote locations. McDonough said the food aid delivery using Massawa was successful and would add an alternative route in one of the most challenging operational environments in the world. Additionally, it using Massawa would ease the pressure on other corridors, she said, noting that the Djibouti port can be very congested." However, the shipment through Eritrea has proved slower and more expensive when compared with the other corridors, she said. But maybe theres a way of bringing the costs down. And if it were a corridor we would use more often, maybe there are ways of speeding it up," she added. Since gaining its independence in 1991, Eritrea has had tense relations with humanitarian agencies. In July 2005, it asked the United States Agency for International Development to terminate its operations and leave the country. It continued expelling other international organizations from working within the country in 2006. More engaging Diplomats said they believe allowing the use of the Massawa port is evidence that Eritrea is opening up and willing to engage more with the world. Louis Mazel, charge daffaires at the United State Embassy in Asmara, Eritrea, said, This is a win-win-win for the country, due to its potential to create jobs at the port and in the trucking industry, as well as promote regional integration. Writing on the embassys official Facebook page, Mazel said food aid would reach South Sudan more quickly as Eritrea tries to become part of the solution in helping facilitate humanitarian relief. McDonough said a trial run at Massawa was necessary due to the length of time the port has been out of use for such efforts. "We needed to test out the port facilities, housing and the transport infrastructure," she said. Weve seen this resurgence of fighting in the capital and there are reports of fighting in other parts of the country," McDonough said. "I think South Sudan is on a precipice." She said the WFP has mounted an "enormous" humanitarian response, possibly "averting a catastrophe, but it can't be maintained forever." Eritrean authorities said the food aid shipment may be the beginning of a more collaborative relationship between the two countries. The Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel hinted that there are other regional collaborations in the works. On June 24, Eritrea and South Sudan signed a civil aviation agreement to enhance weekly flights between the two countries, he tweeted. Lead levels in the water are dropping in Flint, Michigan, marking "the beginning of the end of the public health disaster," according to the Virginia Tech University researchers who exposed the lead problem in that troubled northern U.S. city a year ago. But residents still should continue to drink only filtered tap water or bottled water while the system heals itself, lead researcher Marc Edwards told a news conference Thursday. In the most recent round of testing in July, 45 percent of homes did not have detectable levels of lead, compared to only 9 percent of homes in August 2015. "Flint water now looks like it's entering a range that is considered normal for U.S. cities," Edwards said. "Things are dramatically better now.'' U.S. federal health officials found that young children in Flint had significantly higher levels of dangerous lead in their blood after the city switched its water supply from the Detroit water system to the Flint River as a cost-cutting measure. The city switched its water supply in 2014 without ensuring that water from the Flint River had been treated with anti-corrosive agents, as required by law. It corroded the city's old water mains, turning drinking water brown due to iron contamination, and also leached lead from smaller pipes that carried water into homes. In all, nearly 100,000 people were affected by the contaminated water. Lead in water supplies can cause profound and permanent health problems, particularly in children whose brains and nervous systems are still developing. A South Sudanese diplomat in the United States says his government canceled the passports of five former officials of the Juba government because they were campaigning for the country to be taken over as a U.N. protectorate. The former officials had expressed support for a proposed regional protection force to be deployed to South Sudan to quell violence in the country. Ambassador Gordon Buay, who runs diaspora affairs at the South Sudan Embassy in the United States, said a call by any South Sudanese person for a U.N. takeover was an act of treason. Any South Sudanese citizens holding passports and joining a rally calling on South Sudan to be taken over by the U.N., that person will lose his passport, Buay said. When South Sudan in Focus noted that members of the South Sudanese diaspora were simply expressing their opinions, which does not violate the South Sudan constitution or any laws, Buay responded that such expression was a crime according to the South Sudan criminal court. There is freedom of speech, but there is no freedom for you to call for toppling the government of South Sudan and to take it over so that South Sudan will be ruled by the U.N., he said. March near U.N. Members of the South Sudanese diaspora on Thursday marched near U.N. headquarters in New York City to urge the Security Council to unanimously support the deployment of a third-party force in South Sudan, with a strong mandate to protect its citizens. Diaspora leaders say South Sudanese residents have paid a heavy price during the 2-year conflict, and most recently during the fighting that erupted in Juba in July, and believe an outside force will save lives and foster a sense of security in the capital. South Sudanese native Peter Kuel flew from Seattle to New York to attend the protest. Kuel, who said this was his eighth protest in four years, said it felt different because time is running out. People are feeling a very urgent call," he said. "There is an urgent call among people here. Kuel said there was no excuse for further inaction on the part of the Security Council, because a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in South Sudan. He and other protesters demanded that the council approve an arms embargo, targeted sanctions and the deployment of an outside force to protect Juba residents. And he dismissed claims by the Salva Kiir administration that the troops would undermine South Sudanese sovereignty. Peace not a certainty Ambassador Joseph Moum Malok, deputy permanent representative of South Sudan to the U.N., cautioned protesters to proceed with caution, saying countries where the U.N. has intervened "are not in peace today." "Maybe [outside forces] managed to remove the regime in those countries, but they did not bring peace," he said. "Lets see what is happening in Libya. That was intervention of the United Nations, or the so-called intervention force. What happened in Afghanistan is there peace? Or Iraq? There is nothing like that. Angelo Kiassiano said he knew why he was protesting. Kiassano, a representative of the Western Bahr el Ghazal community in the United States, said he took part in the protest because of the years of fighting, the thousands of civilian deaths, and insecurity that has triggered widespread food insecurity across South Sudan. He said South Sudanese soldiers have no interest in protecting civilians. So we need a mediator, someone who can come in and help, help the civilians first that is our first objective," Kiassiano said. "We are not politicians, we are human beings. We feel the pain of our own people. The U.N. has been there for us during the civil war and it is still there for us right now, so we need the continuation of that support and we need to save lives. Kassiano said that a third-party force was desperately needed to protect citizens and that any suggestion that the U.N. would try to take over South Sudan was unfounded. The protesters delivered a letter to the Security Council urging its support for the regional protection force, targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on South Sudan. Like the temperature, tensions are rising in southern France over the burkini, the skin-covering bathing suit favored by some conservative Muslim women. Rights groups say they are taking legal action against the city of Cannes, which recently banned the garment on public beaches. It is only the latest example of a broader clash on Islamic symbols in France, home to western Europes largest Muslim community. Cannes - a Riviera city better known for its glitzy yearly film festival than its religious positions - quietly passed the ban late last month. In the towns ordinance, Mayor David Lisner cited the recent terror attack in nearby Nice, along with Frances secular laws. He says beachwear showing religious affiliation in an ostentatious way could disturb public order. Mayor Lisner told French media he considered the swimwear a symbol of Islamic extremism - but that other symbols, including the Jewish kippah and the veil - will be allowed. Another town near Cannes has reportedly passed a similar ban. The edict comes after a water park near Marseille canceled a so-called burkini day planned for September. Interviewed on BFMTV, parliament member Valerie Boyer, of the surrounding Bouches du Rhone region, backed that decision. Boyer says inciting women to cover up goes against human dignity. She says the veil is not something innocent. Muslims fight back Muslim rights activists disagree. The French Human Rights League and the Collective Against Islamophobia say they will challenge the Cannes ban in court. Feiza Ben Mohamed, secretary-general of Frances Federation of Muslims of the South, says the ban unfairly targets Muslims and is no answer to fighting terrorism. When youre talking about Muslims, everything is a problem, everything: the food, the clothes, the swimming pools and now the beach. This is not the first time that burkinis -- along with other Muslim symbols -- have gotten into hot water, so to speak. Authorities have also banned the face-covering niqab, and girls from wearing veils at school. Issues like halal food in cafeterias have also sparked tensions. Some say they contradict the countrys fiercely secular creed; opponents argue the crackdowns violate free expression. Forces aligned with Libyas Government of National Accord are making solid progress in their effort to push the Islamic State terror group out of a key stronghold. A few hundred Islamic State fighters remained holed up in parts of Sirte, but U.S. defense officials said Friday the terror groups hold on the city is slipping. The progress that GNA-aligned forces have made in the past week, we think, is a very hopeful sign, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge said. GNA-aligned forces have reduced territory in the city under ISIL control by about one-third. Backed by U.S. airstrikes, Libyan scored major victories in Sirte earlier this week when they captured the Ouagadougou convention center and several other key buildings, described by Pentagon officials as some of the most recognizable symbols of IS control. The U.S. has carried out 42 airstrikes since August 1 as part of what has been called Operation Odyssey Lightning. Defense officials said U.S. troops have been advising the Libyan forces from operation centers well behind the front lines to coordinate the strikes, which were requested by the GNA. The U.S., Britain, France and Italy all have forces on the ground in Libya but say they have limited their help to meet only the specific requests of Libyas United Nations backed government. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge told reporters the U.S. would certainly listen to any requests from the GNA in an expanded fight against IS fighters in Libya. Such a request has not yet been made. The U.S. estimates the number of IS fighters still in Libya could be in the low thousands. The foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran agreed Friday to boost trade relations and pledged greater cooperation on resolving the Syria crisis despite their differences on the issue. At a joint news conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his country's support to Turkey over last month's failed coup attempt by military officers that left more than 270 people dead. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quick to heap praise and thanks on his Iranian counterpart. Cavusolgu stressed how important Zarifs support was during the July 15 takeover attempt. "During the coup night, I did not sleep until morning nor did my friend Javad Zarif. He was the foreign minister I talked to most, calling me five times during the night," Cavusoglu said. Lack of Western solidarity Turkey has complained of a lack of solidarity from Western allies who have raised concerns over Turkey's massive crackdown on alleged supporters of a movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Ankara accuses Gulen of orchestrating the plot to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ankara, complaining of a slow Western response, also is infuriated by growing criticism in Washington and Europe over its ongoing crackdown against alleged coup plotters. More than 35,000 people have been detained, of which nearly 18,000 have been arrested. Tehrans support of Ankara is predicted to have positive consequences. "It's very important for us," declared Ayse Sozen Usluer, Erdogan's chief international adviser. "Whoever gave support to democracy in Turkey and democratic regime in Turkey is very important for us and we will always remember that." During his Ankara visit, Zarif also met with Erdogan. Deepening a divide? Political columnist Semih Idiz of Turkeys Cumhuriyet newspaper predicts that Tehrans support during the failed coup will facilitate ongoing efforts to improve relations as well as drive Turkey away from its allies. "Yet even before the coup, we saw a move to these improved relations," he said. "And of course Iran was one the first countries to come and condemn the coup. Of course, it tried to change the situation to its own advantage by saying Saudi Arabia and Qatar were not so keen in condemning the coup against Erdogan." Turkey's friends, Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both rivals of Iran, have in the last few years become among Ankaras strongest regional allies. Their relationships are strengthened by a shared support of rebel forces fighting the Syrian regime, which is strongly backed by Tehran. But Usluer played down differences over Syria with Tehran. "We don't have serious problems between Iran and Turkey," he said. "We have various cooperative areas in the region. We only have different foreign policy approaches in the region. That's why from time to time we stand on different sides. But these are not serious problems [that] will affect Turkish Iranian relations in the region." During Zarifs Friday visit to Ankara, the two countries committed to deepening economic cooperation, particularly in the field of energy. Ankara is striving to become a bridge for Iranian gas to European markets. "There will be a deepening of relations with Iran, no matter what, in economic ties," predicted International relations expert Soli Ozel of Istanbuls Kadir Has University. But he warned age-old rivalries would remain. "Irans hegemonic aspirations, no matter who runs Turkey, are going to be a thorn in the side of the Turkish government. So as usual we will both compete and cooperate," Ozel said. Zarifs visit follows Erdogans visit this week to Moscow, in which both sides agreed to work together more closely in resolving the Syrian civil war and fighting Islamic State militants. The U.S. Department of Defense says an airstrike has killed prominent Islamic State leader Hafiz Sayed Khan in Afghanistan. The Pentagon announced Friday that the strike was made July 26 in Achin district of Nangarhar province and resulted in Kahn's death. In a statement, Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge said, "Khan was known to directly participate in attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorized Afghans, especially in Nangarhar."The Pentagon says Islamic State uses Nangarhar province to train, equip, disseminate and control fighter pipelines, providing the militants with a continuous supply of fighters. Trowbridge said Khan's death will disrupt Islamic State operations in Afghanistan and the region. Afghanistan's intelligence agency mistakenly reported in July 2015 that Khan had been killed in a drone strike. Afghan sources said 30 other members of the group also died in the drone strike. Reports of Khan's death at that time turned out to be untrue. The July 11, 2015, attack came just months after another strike in Afghanistan killed a man believed to be the No. 2 Islamic State official in Afghanistan at that time. An accused terrorist arrested last year in New York state has admitted plotting to kill Americans last New Year's Eve with knives and machetes, in an attack coordinated with the Islamic State group. Emanuel Lutchman pleaded guilty Thursday in a federal court in Rochester, New York, and admitted his involvement in the IS plot, which never was carried out, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Lutchman thought he had recruited three fellow admirers of Islamic State's extremist policies to join him in the attack, and bought weapons and other supplies. However, all three of his accomplices were cooperating with the FBI, and their information led to the 26-year-old man's arrest December 30 just hours before he planned to attack a club or bar, seize hostages and kill them. Lutchman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to the outlawed terrorist group, a charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison followed by lifetime supervision by U.S. authorities and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for a later date. As part of his guilty plea, Lutchman admitted he conspired with a now-dead member of Islamic State in Syria, Abu Issa Al-Amriki, in planning the attack. U.S. officials described the plot to kill civilians as a step toward Lutchman's declared ambition of joining IS in Syria. Lutchman posted messages of support for Islamic State on social media, including images, videos and documents related to violent jihad. Court documents also showed he downloaded and viewed videos related to Islamic State and terrorism. The defendant admitted he contacted Al-Amriki in December to discuss potential targets. Lutchman said the IS member told him to find the most populated area and kill as many people as possible, and said he would then help the American become part of Islamic State. One of the FBI informants and Lutchman went shopping in Rochester on December 29 and purchased supplies for their intended attack, including black ski masks, knives, a machete, duct tape and latex gloves. Lutchman made a video pledging allegiance to IS the next day, apparently intended to be issued after carrying out his attack. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's terrorism task force in Rochester then raided Lutchman's home, arrested him and seized his supplies. Previously published accounts describe Lutchman as "a self-professed Muslim convert with a criminal history," including a prison sentence for robbery. He also had been detained several times for mental-health issues. The U.S. attorney for western New York state, William Hochul, said Thursday, "Residents of this community can now sleep better knowing that a person who wanted to kill in the name of an infamous terrorist group right on the streets of our city will no longer be a threat." Health officials in Nigeria are preparing for a massive polio vaccination campaign after two new cases emerged, a major health setback for the country which had been on track to eliminate the virus. Nigerian health officials say they plan to vaccinate nearly 5 million children beginning this month in the country's northwestern state of Borno where the latest cases emerged. The Associated Press news agency quoted Borno state health commissioner Ibrahim Miringa as saying that military helicopters have already begun transporting polio vaccines to the volatile state, where Boko Haram Islamist insurgents operate. The World Health Organization said Friday polio has circulated undetected for years in Borno state. "This is an area which is not easily accessible and this is probably why the virus has been able to circulate without being detected and it's causing these cases," said WHO Director of Polio Eradication Michel Zaffran. Boko Haram militants based in Borno state have publicly denounced vaccination campaigns and prevented health workers from operating in the area. The new polio cases two children who were paralyzed with the virus -- came Thursday on what would have been Nigeria's two-year anniversary of being polio free. The country was on track to be certified free of the virus next year. Nigeria's health minister, Isaac Adewole, issued a statement Thursday saying that the cases were only detected because of a military offensive against Boko Haram. "I can assure the nation that we will do everything possible to be on top of the situation," he said. Polio is a viral disease that usually affects children and can cause permanent paralysis. It is spread by poor sanitation and contaminated water. Last month, Doctors Without Borders issued a statement calling the health situation in Borno State "critical" with at least 500,000 people in urgent need of drinking water, food, medical care and shelter. The group called for a "massive relief operation" as the Nigerian army retook control of the main towns and villages, some of which had been under Boko Haram's sway for two years. Officials in Zambia say the country's electoral commission has begun certifying results from Thursday's general election and referendum. Voting continued past midnight Thursday in some areas of the country, due to the late arrival of ballots. But electoral commission officials in Lusaka confirmed all voting was complete Friday and vote-counting was underway. They declined to estimate when certified vote results would be available. The incumbent president, Edgar Lungu of the ruling Patriotic Front party (PF), faced his main challenge from Hakainde Hichilema of the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND). News reports late Friday quoted Hichilema as accusing the electoral commission and the ruling party of an attempt to rig the vote; government and party officials denied the allegations. CCMG, a coalition of four faith-based organizations, has been conducting an independent tabulation of the presidential vote in parallel with the government's electoral commission. The monitoring group has been observing the electoral process in all of Zambia's districts for the past 12 months. Ifoma Mulewa, the CCMG's project director, said 1,404 observers were deployed nationwide for the vote. She credited the electoral commission with establishing a sense of transparency about the election. A lot of the stakeholders complained about some of the issues - especially related to the gagging of the media, unbalanced coverage. I think those are some of the outcries that we had - [about] impartiality by the police, [in] that they were not very professional in some of the things that they did," Mulewa said. Overall, she added, Zambians turned out in large numbers, and the complaints the CCMG heard "did not take anything away" from Thursday's results. A Zambian police spokesperson, Rae Hamonga, told VOA voting overall was peaceful, despite a few isolated cases of violence, including an incident in southern Zambia where one person died following a clash between supporters of the ruling party and the opposition. We had a few challenges," Mulewa said. "We said 90 percent of the polling stations were able to open not later than 6:30 [a.m.], which is a very good thing for us." "We only had 10 percent where there were a few shortcomings," the CCMG official added, such as a few polling stations that did not open until 4 p.m., "which is a very big challenge because it meant people were voting overnight. We had very few cases where monitors ... from civil-society organizations were hindered" in performing their work, she added. The church group also gathered information about "critical incidents," she added. Monitors collected information about 131 serious incidents, but were able to confirm what happened in 52 cases. "The most tragic situation," Mulewa said, was in the southern region of Zambia, where "cadres from the ruling party stormed a polling station and agitated people that were in a queue [waiting to vote]. Apparently some of [the voters] were from UPND and they started fighting." One of the people injured in the fighting died on the way to a hospital, she added. Mulewas comments came after the ruling party released a statement saying that criminals hired by an opposition party are going around in PF party regalia, beating people in the capital, Lusaka. The PF did not name the opposition party allegedly involved in hiring thugs. We have just established that the scheme is meant to create the impression that our cadres are beating people up and creating chaos at polling stations where our peaceful people are patiently awaiting the declaration of the results. This development has forced us to kindly alert our members in Lusaka and the general public to look out for such criminals, said Frank Bwalya, deputy PF spokesperson. The head of a Pakistan-based militant group fighting Indian rule in Kashmir has warned that his followers will storm the cease-fire line that divides the region unless New Delhi ends its current wave of violence against Kashmiris. Syed Salahuddin, commander of the separatist Hizbul Mujahideen, or HuM, issued the warning Thursday while addressing an anti-India rally in Muzaffarabad, the capital of the Pakistan-ruled part of the disputed Himalayan region. He reiterated his call for Islamabad to cut all ties to New Delhi. We will now have to announce and God willing practically cross the bloody line [the disputed Kashmir border] together with the entire population of Azaad Kashmir [Pakistani Kashmir] and mujahideen [holy warriors] as well as refugees [who have come from the Indian side] without fearing any restrictions, Salauhddin said. He did not announce a date. Tens of thousands of residents of Indian Kashmir have for weeks defied a strict curfew and security crackdown to attend street protests over the killing of a 22-year-old HuM commander, Burhan Wani, by Indian government forces on July 8. Since his death, clashes between stone-throwing Kashmiri youth and Indian security forces firing live ammunition, shotgun pellets and tear gas have left more than 55 civilians and two police officers dead. Thousands of civilians have been injured and hospitals in Kashmir are overwhelmed while scores are threatened with blindness by pellets lodged in their eyes; but, the violence continues to paralyze life in Kashmir. Regarded as terrorist India regards Salahuddin, who also heads an alliance of 15 Kashmiri rebel groups called the United Jihad Council, or UJC, and his group as terrorists and blames Pakistan for fueling the recent unrest. Islamabad denies the charges and maintains it provides moral and political support to Kashmiris. It has condemned the killing of Wani as an "extrajudicial murder" and consistently denounced the use of force against protesters as a "blatant violation of basic human rights." Pakistans High Commissioner Abdul Basi in New Delhi was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday amid allegations that Pakistanis have been trained and instructed to carry out attacks in India and Kashmir. Basi was also told that a Pakistani recently arrested in Kashmir confessed to Indian interrogators that he was trained by the Pakistan-based banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group before being sent to India for subversive activities. Speaking at the weekly news conference in Islamabad Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria responded to the summoning of the Pakistani envoy in India and the confession by an alleged Pakistani national. We have rejected the [Indian] allegations or claim of any infiltration across LoC. We have a very firm policy in this regard that we would not allow our soil to be used for any terrorist activity against anyone, Zakaria said. Bilateral tensions A military cease-fire line called the Line of Control, or LoC, divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan and both claim the region in its entirety. The dispute has sparked two of the three wars between the two countries and remains at the center of bilateral tensions. A major cause of the uprising is the resentment among Kashmiri youths who have come of age under an Indian security apparatus that acts against civilians with impunity, noted The New York Times in a July 21 editorial. Kashmir is subject to Indias Armed Forces Special Powers Act, or Afspa, which grants the military wide powers to arrest, shoot to kill, occupy or destroy property. The result is a culture of brutal disdain for the local population, it said. The newspaper emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the use of force by Indian security forces, saying that a failure to take such steps will only push more young Kashmiris into militancy, and make impossible a political solution that alone can end the desperation gripping the region. Pakistan is calling on Afghanistan to help create a formal intelligence-sharing deal so that the countries can better address allegations that their spy agencies are involved with anti-state violence on both sides of their shared border. Pakistani prime ministers foreign policy advisor, Sartaj Aziz, renewed the call amid allegations the Afghan intelligence agency, National Directorate of Security (NDS) had links to Mondays deadly suicide hospital bombing in the southwestern city of Quetta. The attack killed more than 70 people and wounded scores of others, with most of the victims belonging to the lawyer community. A splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, known as Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, or JuA, claimed responsibility for the bloodshed. The United States last month designated it as a global terrorist organization. It has already been known that this group (JuA) is somewhat indirectly being supported by the NDS, Aziz asserted, while addressing a news conference in Islamabad. He added the militants operate out of Afghanistan. Gathering evidence Aziz went on to defend official assertions that rival Indias intelligence agency might also have exploited its collaboration with Afghan counterparts to plot the attack and previous terrorist raids in Pakistan. We do not want to indulge in finger pointing at this stage without gathering complete evidence as to who was involved in this attack. But we fear and are concerned that this possibility exists and as the investigation progresses it would become evident, Aziz said. The advisor noted that in official discussions with their Afghan counterparts, Pakistani interlocutors are trying to promote close links and interaction between the Pakistani spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, and NDS to enable the two countries identify incidents of their involvement and to prevent terrorists from using their respective soils against each other. This commitment can only be monitored when interaction exists between the two intelligence agencies at various levels, including at the border level and higher level. This is our objective and God willing we will make progress towards it, vowed Aziz. It may not completely deter terrorism, he said, but asserted cooperation between ISI and NDS in terms of timely sharing of intelligence about possible terrorist or other illegal movements across the border will help minimize mutual "misperceptions and misunderstandings." The Afghan government condemned the Quetta suicide bombing as a terrorist attack and has strongly rejected charges that its intelligence agency was involved. Kabul's accusations For its part, Kabul has long accused the Pakistani ISI of covertly providing sanctuaries to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network of terrorists for staging attacks against local and foreign forces in Afghanistan. Islamabad acknowledges Taliban insurgents are among millions of Afghan refugees Pakistan has been hosting for more than three decades but denies giving any support to the Afghan insurgency. Aziz acknowledged that there is mistrust in bilateral relations because of historical reasons but said that if established, the proposed intelligence cooperation forum will be to the benefit of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. An American who was banned in Pakistan will be deported after recently being found inside that country, the interior minister said Friday. Chaudry Nisar Ali Khan said that American citizen Matthew Barrett submitted incorrect information on his visa application. Barrett, an Alabama native, was expelled from Pakistan in 2011 after being found near a sensitive military installation. Though Pakistani state media reports he was expelled for espionage, Khan said Friday that he was not considered a spy, but was involved in "wrong doings" and did not elaborate. The 33-year-old Barret had lived in Islamabad for four years, where he had a wife and two children. He was arrested last week at a guest house in the capital after recently re-entering the country. Khan has since suspended airport immigration staff that allegedly let Barret in, and state media reports that action would also be taken against Pakistani workers in Houston who issued Barrett's visa. The minister has launched an investigation of the incident. An unprecedented number of refugees from South Sudan have been streaming into Uganda since fighting broke out in Juba last month. In some border towns, refugees now outnumber local residents. Humanitarian agencies working at the border say more assistance is urgently needed. In the past month, about 70,000 South Sudanese have sought refuge in Uganda. Many arrive malnourished and in desperate need of medical care. Aid agencies have swung into emergency mode trying to provide clean water, food, sanitation and shelter at overcrowded refugee intake centers. Catherine Ntabadde with the U.N. Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said they've had to expand quickly to keep possible disease outbreaks at bay. She said having 4,000 people or even just 1,000 in one place can be challenging in terms of hygiene and water. "We've been able to construct temporary bathing shelters for people to use, temporary latrines these are at 10," she said. 'We've also installed a water treatment system to help ease on the access of safe water... the critical thing that we are enforcing is to sensitize this population about good hygiene. Budget shortfalls, however, could hinder this work. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council NRC aid agencies have only received 20 percent of the funds they need to adequately handle the current flow of refugees. And with tensions still high in Juba, many refugees have no imminent plans to return home. 40,000 refugees in holding centers Jesse Kamstra, who works with the Lutheran World Federation, said there are currently about 40,000 refugees in holding centers waiting to be moved. "And those had to be constructed on an ad-hoc basis," said Kamstra. "In all my career, I've never had a situation where we were receiving over 8,000 refugees a day and international media had not picked up on it, and that's something that's surprised us all. ... So no international attention, no additional funds and that's what happens. Uganda hosts just over a half million refugees, mostly from the DRC and South Sudan. Although aid agencies praise the Ugandan government's welcoming approach, in some areas like Adjumani district, South Sudanese now outnumber Ugandan citizens. This has caused a rise in community tension. Stephen Obitre, a Ugandan living in Arua told VOA Ugandans must welcome refugees and learn to coexist with them. However, he said the influx hasn't been easy. This influx," he added, "has caused massive environmental degradation, in Arua, Yumbe and Adjumani because a lot of vegetation is just being cleared to settle these refugees. People are being displaced, like cattle grazers, without their consent." The government has opened a new settlement camp that can house 100,000 refugees in a bid to ease the burden in Adjumani. Yet without adequate funds, the new camp does not have the infrastructure it needs and clean water access. Aid agencies say emergency operations are far from over. The NRC says 80,000 more refugees from South Sudan are expected to arrive by years end. U.S. House of Representative Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says Russia is clearly behind cyberattacks on her party. She made the comment Thursday, and said the widespread damage to the Democratic Party is being investigated. Last year, officials within the U.S. intelligence community informed several high-ranking members of Congress that Russian hackers were attempting to breach the Democratic National Committees computers. According to a report from Reuters, those members of Congress who were informed of the hacking couldnt reveal the plans to the DNC because the information was too sensitive. Instead, U.S. intelligence agencies continued to monitor the hackers to gain insight into their tactics. The Obama administration has not publicly announced that Russia was behind the attack, but investigators say Russian spy agencies are responsible. Russia has denied any involvement. Knowledge of the hack didnt become public knowledge until last month when WikiLeaks published emails obtained from the DNC online, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced it was investigating the incident. Revelations from the hack eventually led to the resignation of DNC chief Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and several other high-ranking officials after emails appeared to show the organization working to unfairly support Hillary Clinton over her former rival Bernie Sanders during the Democrat primary process. Pelosi on Thursday called the cyber-attacks an electric Watergate a reference to the 1972 break-in at the Democrat headquarters located in the Watergate office building in Washington that eventually led to the resignation of president Richard Nixon. This is a break-in and I think that we have to recognize what is happening here, Pelosi told reporters at a news conference. Now who are the Russians broke in? Who did they give the information to? I don't know. Who dumped it? I don't know. But I do know that this is a Watergate-like electronic break-in and anyone who would exploit for the purpose of embarrassment or something like that is an accomplice to that." After gaining access to the DNC servers, the hackers were later able to penetrate further into other party organizations, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and others. DNC officials first learned of the attack last year when an FBI cybersecurity team asked about the organizations cybersecurity protocols. According to a memo obtained by Reuters, the DNC has created a new cybersecurity advisory board to try and prevent any further damage. Russia's prime minister said Friday that the country could dissolve all diplomatic ties with neighboring Ukraine in light of recent security concerns. "If there is no other way to change the situation, the president could take this step," state media quoted Dmitry Medvedev as saying. The move wasn't previously proposed after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, or when Moscow supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Russia has deployed an advanced air defense missile system to Crimea, the military said in a statement Friday. The French news agency reports the anti-aircraft S-400 system is capable of tracking some 300 targets and shooting down nearly three dozen simultaneously. Ukrainian troops are on high alert as tensions with Russia rise. Ukraine accuses the neighboring country of increasing its troop presence on the Crimean peninsula. Russia accuses Ukraine of plotting to wage attacks in the disputed peninsula with what the Russians call "terrorist attacks," but Ukraine denies these clashes took place. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump unleashed a political firestorm with baffling comments he made Tuesday about gun rights advocates and what they could do to prevent his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, from nominating Supreme Court justices if she won the election. Some elected officials and former national security leaders said the comments could be interpreted as a veiled threat or incitement to violence. Late Wednesday, actress and author Patti Davis, daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, posted a message to Trump on Facebook, reminding him that her father was shot in an assassination attempt in 1981, which he survived. She said Trumps glib and horrifying comment was heard around the world, and could be heard by someone with dark fantasies looking for ideas. 'Words matter' Davis ended her post with: Yes, Mr. Trump, words matter. But then you know that, which makes this all even more horrifying. The Second Amendment protects people's right to keep and bear firearms. Trump and his campaign staff say the candidate simply wanted to rally gun rights supporters to unite and use their political power to defeat Clinton. Trump accused the media of trying to twist the comments into a threat, saying there was no way they could be interpreted that way. But Clintons campaign called the comments dangerous. And Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California called on the Secret Service to investigate Trump, saying people should be taken at their word. The Secret Service is charged with protecting presidential candidates. A Secret Service official told VOA there had not been a formal meeting of the agency with members of the Trump campaign about the comments. The official, who did not want to be named, said Secret Service agents have been with Trump for months, protecting him on the campaign trail, and there may have been informal conversations. The Secret Service official emphasized that the service is an apolitical government agency that does not want to be drawn into the political battles of an election campaign. Obligated to investigate But former Secret Service agent Marisa Randazzo told VOA that any time there is a threat to someone the agency is protecting a direct threat, a conditional threat or a veiled threat the Secret Service is obligated to investigate. Randazzo is a national expert on threat assessments, now with Sigma Threat Management Associates in northern Virginia. She worked for the Secret Service as chief research psychologist. She spoke only in general terms, but said Secret Service professionals who get word someone might be a potential threat gather more information about that person, what the person is saying and doing, and whether the person might be on a pathway to violence. Randazzo said there are threats to candidates in every presidential campaign, and that Secret Service agents always have to balance peoples right to freedom of speech with keeping candidates and their family members safe from harm. WATCH: Trump suggests 'Second Amendment people' act against Clinton On Tuesday, Trump said to a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina: "Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish the Second Amendment. If she gets to pick her [Supreme Court] judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people maybe there is, I dont know. But ... Ill tell you what. That will be a horrible day." Michael Hayden, former CIA director and National Security Agency director, told CNN that if someone else outside the hall had said that, he would soon have been sitting in the back of a police car with the Secret Service questioning him. Hayden added: "That was more than a speed bump. That is actually a very arresting comment. It suggests either a very bad taste with reference to political assassination and an attempt at humor or an incredible insensitivity maybe the latter an incredible insensitivity to the prevalence of political assassination inside of American history." Republicans pull support Hayden was one of 50 high-profile foreign policy and security experts from Republican administrations who signed an open letter Monday calling Trump unfit for the presidency because he would "put at risk our countrys national security and well-being. For the second time this week, more than 70 party members, including former congressmen and senior members of the Reagan administration and both President George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, drafted a letter Thursday to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, saying they would not support Trump for president. They said they wanted the RNC to stop using Republican money, time, staff and advertising to support Trump, and instead use those resources for House and Senate candidates. They said Trump's chances of winning in November were "evaporating by the day." U.S. defense officials are telling Russia to tone down its tough talk on Ukraine, warning Moscow could inflame an already tense and fragile situation. We are extremely concerned, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge said Friday, emphasizing that Russia should do more to prevent further escalation. Russia is continuing this pattern of provocative rhetoric which has obviously created an impression in a lot of minds that there is something significant going on there, he added. Trowbridge also said the U.S. has not seen any evidence to support Russian claims that Ukraine has been trying to carry out terror attacks, citing what he called Moscows record of frequently levying false accusations at Ukraine." Earlier Friday in Moscow, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Russia could break off diplomatic ties with Ukraine in light of the recent security concerns. "If there is no other way to change the situation, the president [Vladimir Putin] could take this step," state media quoted Medvedev as saying. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Kyiv remained intact after Russia annexed Crimea, former Ukrainian territory whose residents voted to secede, in 2014, or when Russia subsequently gave extensive material support to separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine who have declared themselves independent from Kyiv. Russia has deployed an advanced air-defense missile system in Crimea, the military said in a statement Friday. The French news agency reports the anti-aircraft S-400 system is capable of tracking up to 300 targets and shooting down nearly three dozen simultaneously. U.S. defense officials said they are monitoring the situation. "We don't necessarily see any evidence of troop movements that are so large that we're concerned about those on their own," Trowbridge said. Ukrainian troops were placed on high alert this week as tensions with Russia increased, both along the Crimean border and in eastern Ukraine. Esha Sarai, Carolyn Presutti contributed to this report. The United Nations Security Council has authorized the deployment of an additional 4,000 troops to South Sudan, despite reservations to the move by the government. The council Friday adopted the U.S.-drafted resolution that also threatens an arms embargo on South Sudan's government if it does not cooperate with the deployment. The vote was 11 in favor with four abstentions -- China, Russia, Egypt and Venezuela. The troops will be deployed to South Sudan's capital, Juba, and are authorized to "use all necessary means, including undertaking robust action where necessary" to enforce their mandate. Peter Wilson, British ambassador to the U.N., said he was disappointed that the resolution did not include an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan, but he said Britain accepted the text in the spirit of compromise. The authorization follows heavy fighting last month in Juba that left hundreds of people dead, including two Chinese peacekeepers, raising fears of a return to civil war. The U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan was criticized for failing to protect civilians at U.N. sites. South Sudan's government has said it would accept the new troops but has voiced opposition to the troops being under U.N. command. The new force, to be made up of African troops, will bring the total number of U.N. peacekeeping troops in the country to about 17,000. Peacekeepers have been in South Sudan since the country gained independent from Sudan in 2011. Fighting broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 when government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir battled rebels led by his former deputy, Riek Machar. The two sides signed a peace deal in August 2015, but implementation has been slow. The U.N. Committee Against Torture warns acts of violence and incitement to hatred against the ethnic Tutsi minority in Burundi could develop into genocide. The committee has just issued its concluding observations on its examination of Burundis implementation of the Convention Against Torture. During its three-week session, the UN Committee Against Torture examined three regular reports submitted by Kuwait, Honduras, and Mongolia. The committee also addressed a special report from Burundi. Reports of torture Chair of the Committee, Jens Modvig, says it had requested Burundi submit a special report due to a number of worrying developments in the country. He tells VOA the committee has received information that reports of violence and torture are politically and ethnically motivated. I would like to mention also that the secretary-generals special advisor on the prevention of genocide has expressed preoccupation that we are in an early stage of something that could develop towards genocideBut, you could consider that systematic torture directed towards certain political and ethnic groups could be an early warning sign of a process that could deteriorate into genocide. Deadly protests broke out in the capital, Bujumbura, in April 2015, following President Pierre Nkurunzizas bid for a third term in office. Since then, the U.N. refugee agency reports some 275,000 people have fled to neighboring countries in search of refuge. Committee member Sebastien Touze says the government of Burundi has committed serious violations of people's fundamental rights. He says members are particularly concerned by the many extrajudicial killings, including those of political opponents. Touze cites many cases of enforced disappearances, widespread torture, and numerous allegations of sexual violence against women. He says the Imbonerakure, a youth militia allied with the government, reportedly commits acts of murder, torture and other violence with total impunity. He says no investigations of cases of abuse have taken place. The Burundian government sent a high-level delegation to present the report. But, the committee notes the delegation failed to show up on the second day to reply to a series of pressing questions. It says this is the first time that has ever happened in the history of the committee. As part of a major training exercise to hone the NATO forces ability to work together, the United States and British air forces have been flying joint missions over Estonia this week. The U.S. is joining British, Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian forces in the Operation Atlantic Resolve Training exercise, which began July 25 and ends August 8, according to the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force says the training also "demonstrates our continued commitment to both our allies and European security and stability." In one flight, a U.S. KC135 refueling tanker jet and two A-10 Warthog fighters, flanked by a pair of British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 jets, cruised over Tallinn, Estonia's capital. The exercise comes after several incidents this year in which Russian aircraft and naval vessels have come very close to planes and ships belonging to the U.S. and several European nations. The U.S. has complained to Russian authorities about the incidents. With the Islamic State (IS) routed from one of its key strongholds in northern Syria, U.S.-backed forces are setting their sights on ridding IS from border crossing towns that have been key supply points for the militants. This will obviously make a significant shift on the battleground [in Syria], said Jonathan Spyer, director of Rubin Center for Research and International Affairs. "As [anti-IS] forces take control of more border regions in Syria, ISIS [IS] will be forced to withdraw further," he added. Groups affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, reported Friday that they have taken control of Manbij an Arab-majority town in Syrias Aleppo province. WATCH related video: Human shields The Manbij offensive began in June, when anti-IS forces advanced toward the city from several fronts with the help of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes. The coalition has conducted more than 500 airstrikes in Manbij, paving the way for local fighters to make. The city is now entirely under the control of our forces, said Shervan Derwish, a spokesperson for the SDF. He told VOA that his forces were able take over the remaining areas under the control of IS, despite attempts by the terror group to delay it. They [IS] had set the local market on fire and created a lot of smoke to prevent the coalition warplanes from hitting them, said Qandil Kobani, a fighter with the SDF. Watch related video report: As more territories were lost to the U.S.-led forces, IS grew so desperate that they were using civilians as human shields. Militants held thousands of civilians and threatened to kill them if SDF fighters and their international backers inched closer to their positions, local reports said. Daesh [IS] had implanted mines around the last two neighborhoods it held to prevent civilians from leaving, local reporter Ekrem Salih told VOA by phone. Some of those who chose to escape were killed by stepping on mines set up by IS. We received 25 wounded people only today, said Yassir Bali, a physician who is based in the nearby town of Kobani. He told VOA on Friday that his hospital received at least 10 injured civilians daily who fled Manbij. Fleeing residents spoke of horror as they attempted to seek refuge. We were besieged for weeks, said Fatima Beri, a resident of Manbij who is in a hospital in Kobani. As we were running Daesh [IS], my husband got shot in his stomach. The shot was so strong that it sliced up his stomach. He was laying down on the ground for a long time before the Kurds came to our rescue, she said as she was sitting beside her wounded husband. There are reports that as IS fled this week they took more than 2,000 civilians hostage to use as future human shields as U.S.-backed forces further advance toward other IS pockets in northern Syria. Resupply routes Held by IS since 2014, Manbij had served as a major supply route for the terror group, connecting Raqqa its de facto capital with Turkey. IS smuggled supplies to keep its effort going throughout northern Syria. Now IS will struggle to resupply, analysts said. Losing Manbij would weaken the IS war effort, said Nicholas A. Heras, a Middle East researcher at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank. [It would make it] more difficult for IS to move reinforcements and supplies from Raqqa to the Aleppo area frontlines. The U.S.-led coalition believes that the liberation of Manbij will help in their impending battle against IS in Raqqa. Manbij will inform us as to how we are going to fight in Raqqa, as Ramadi has informed how we'll fight up in Mosul, said U.S. Gen. Sean MacFarland Wednesday during a briefing from Baghdad. U.S.-backed forces launched a major offensive in May that liberated large areas in northern Raqqa. Their objective is to liberate the top IS stronghold in Syria, military leaders said. The fall of Manbij would provide the SDF, and the U.S.-led Coalition, the opportunity to demonstrate that it can hold, provide security for, and govern newly-won territory from ISIS, analyst Heras said, using another acronym for IS. U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released tax records showing she paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent last year, while Republican candidate Donald Trump is undergoing increasing pressure to make his own financial disclosure. Clinton and her running mate, vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, released their tax returns Friday. Kaine paid a federal tax rate of 20.3 percent in 2015. Campaign aide Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement that Clinton and Kaine "continue to set the standard for financial transparency," and called on Trump to release his own tax records, as every major presidential candidate has done for the past four decades. Trump has said repeatedly his finances are being audited and has refused to release them until the audit is complete. But for months, financial experts have pointed out that nothing prevents a person from releasing his or her personal tax records during an audit. Those experts also point out that real estate developers enjoy a number of tax breaks that could result in Trump paying a much lower rate in taxes than the average citizen or, conceivably, he could be paying no taxes at all. Steven Rosenthal of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center told The Associated Press, "I would expect he's paying little or not tax. Real estate is notorious for throwing off huge deductions." Daniel Shaviro, professor of New York University Law School, told National Public Radio that Trump's lawyer may have advised him not to release the returns until the audit is over. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday in Saudi Arabia that he would talk with Riyadh's leaders about a proposed humanitarian pause in the fighting by the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen. "We have urged all sides, anybody involved, to comply with humanitarian law and to take every precaution to keep civilians out of the line of fire, out of harm's way, as well as to provide the opportunity for humanitarian assistance to be able to be delivered," he said. Kerry will meet with Saudi leaders and Yemeni President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, who has fled to Saudi Arabia for his own safety. The Saudis have said they are considering a pause in airstikes and other action against the Houthis. Humanitarian aid workers have complained about how hard it has become to deliver food and other aid to Yemeni civilians. Kerry said that for a pause to be effective, it would have to be respected. I think this would be welcomed news for the world if it were able to be effected in a way that does not see people try to take advantage of it and either secure more territory or attack people participating in a legitimate pause," he said. A senior State Department official said that in addition to discussing Yemens crisis, Kerry and Saudi leaders would also talk about Syrias unrest, Islamic State militants and the Iran nuclear negotiations. Earlier in the day, Kerry met in Djibouti with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and other officials. Kerry said Somalia and Yemens unrest were among the issues they discussed. Djibouti has played a key role in hosting Americans and other foreigners fleeing from violence in Yemen. Kerry said there were signs that parties involved in Yemens conflict were ready to consider a humanitarian pause. In my conversation yesterday with another foreign minister from another country, there was an indication that others, the Houthi, might be willing to engage in a pause, he said. Kerry made his remarks during a joint appearance with Djiboutis Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. US aid to Yemen During the appearance, Kerry also announced the U.S. would provide another $68 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen. The money will be used to provide food, water, shelter, medical care and other aid. Millions of vulnerable people urgently need help, the secretary said. The State Department said the money would help humanitarian organizations, which have been hampered by fuel shortages in the country, meet the needs of nearly 16 million people in Yemen affected by the countrys crisis, including about 300,000 who have been internally displaced. Ahead of Kerrys arrival in Djibouti, a senior State Department official said more than 500 American citizens evacuated from Yemen had come through Djibouti, along with an equal number of family members. The official said the number of foreigners leaving Yemen has been steady. Youssouf noted that Djibouti had been dealing with the refugee influx by itself. "So far, we have evacuated 12,000 refugees from Yemen," he said, and "most of them were not Yemenis. They were Americans, Chinese, Indians and many other nationalities. Kerry thanked Guelleh and Youssouf for their assistance to Americans who sought refuge from the violence in Yemen. An army for Somalia In an interview with VOA's Somali service, Guelleh said the discussions with Kerry "went very well" and focused on bilateral cooperation as well as regional issues that included terrorism and piracy. He commended U.S. support to governments in the region. Guelleh also asked Kerry to put increased effort into establishing a national army from all regions of Somalia with good training that would be ready when African Union troops leave Somalia. Otherwise, he said, "our efforts and your efforts will be incomplete. In addition to meeting with Djibouti officials, Kerry visited a mosque, where he talked to young people, including some who participated in the U.S.-organized Young African Leadership Initiative fellowship program. He also met with U.S. service members at Camp Lemonnier. The U.S. base with about 4,500 personnel serves as a hub for U.S. military efforts in the Horn of Africa. Kerry traveled to Djibouti from Kenya, where he met with the countrys political leaders and civil society members. He made a side trip to Somalia on Tuesday, becoming the first sitting U.S. secretary of state to visit the country. After Kerry wraps up his visit to Saudi Arabia, he will travel to Paris to meet with Gulf Cooperation Council members to discuss security and regional cooperation. Zimbabweans praise swimming sensation Kirsty Coventry for reaching the finals of the 200 meter backstroke swimming competition at the Rio Olympics hoping that she will win one of the three medal up for grabs. They also have high hopes that rower Micheen Thorncroft will fight to the bitter end in the sculls competition today. Civic society leaders in Zimbabwe have expressed dismay over the heavy presence of state security agents in their meetings, workshops and related activities following nationwide protests, saying this is stifling freedom of association and freedom of speech as some activists are now scared of speaking out their minds. Some people are even scared of attending the meetings. Political and civic engagement by African youth is declining and is particularly weak among young women, according to new Afrobarometer survey findings. The findings point to a significant gap between empowerment aspirations of the African Youth Decade and the reality of youth engagement. Preparations are in top gear for the MDC-T march this weekend in Zimbabwes Midlands capital, Gweru. Conservationists appeal for the protection of elephants as some nations commemorate World Elephant Day. And this evening we will be featuring musician Diana Samkange, affectionately known as MaNgwenya, who has shifted from urban grooves to the mbira beat. Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. This evening on Livetalk our hosts Ntungamili Nkomo and Tatenda Gumbo will be talking about International Youth Day. What do you think about issues affecting youth in Zimbabwe and other nations? Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. Please note that we are livestreaming on all Studio 7 Facebook pages. Stay tuned!!!!!! Elephant numbers in the Zambezi Valley declined by 40 percent between 2001 and 2014 and in areas south of Lake Kariba, according to findings of the Great Lake Census, the jumbos population went down by 76 percent. According to the elephant population survey that was carried out in 2008, there were about 70,000 elephants in Zimbabwe. As a result of the depletion of the elephant population, director Richard Maasdorp of the non-governmental organization, Zambezi Society, is in the USA to meet with conservation organizations and potential funders who may help in anti-poaching in the Zambezi Valley. The organization released a statement Monday saying Maasdorp will be talking to influential conservation leaders and individuals interested in the work being done by the Society and other organizations to protect Africas elephants and their environs. This happens when the world was commemorating International Elephant Day, a day set side to review the conservation of elephants and their habitat. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Bulawayo man, Steve Coetzee, was trampled to death by an elephant in the Hwange National Park on Monday. A professional hunter, Raphael Ndlovu, who was called to track and kill the elephant by the National Parks and Wildlife Management, said the attack was devastating. "Apparently the family was coming from Sinamatela and on the way they saw some elephants and one of them got out of the car and the elephants came from a blind spot," he said. Zimbabwean swimming queen Kirsty Coventry has qualified for the 200 meter backstroke finals in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Coventry came sixth in the semi-finals last night clocking a time of 2.08.83 in a competitive race. Lorna Margaret Riley of the Zimbabwe Swimming Team told Studio 7 soon after Coventry qualified that the Zimbabwean is set to compete in the finals Friday. This is a dream come true for both Kirsty and the Zimbabwe team as whole A real celebration of a career that is envied by swimmers all over the world. To finish her career in an Olympic final is all she wished for, said Riley. In a WhatsApp chat, Zimbabwe Olympics press officer, Merit Munzwembiri, was happy that Coventry has qualified for the finals saying everyone is excited about what she has done. Coventry is one of Africas shinning stars after collecting several medals in the Olympics Games and other competitions in the past. She has not yet won any medal in this year in Brazil. We shouldve known. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images In the great mystery that is Frank Oceans whereabouts, weve all been seriously overlooking the one woman with all the answers: his mom! Call off the search parties, the stunning Katonya Breaux would like us all to know her sons been hiding in plain sight this whole time. At a restaurant in New York City, actually, as she revealed on Instagram. With a hoodie over his head and hands shielding his face, how could you miss him? Lest you think hes only been avoiding the entire world, Katonyas wine-drunk shenanigans will assure you that even she gets stiffed by her own son. Tsk tsk. For more rare Frank sightings, creep through her Insta archive because there are some real gems. Jimmy Smits as Papa Fuerte. Photo: Netflix A story about the Bronx, a pop-culture pastiche, a lesson on hip-hop history Baz Luhrmanns big, expensive Netflix series The Get Down is about 15 things at once, tied together with a crane shots and music cues. The show takes place in 1977, when New York was nearly bankrupt and in the midst of a pivotal mayoral race, and with The Get Downs many plot threads, its pretty easy to lose track of its political setting especially when it introduces those details through rhyme. So to better understand what exactly is going on in Papa Fuertes offices, we dug up a little background on a fraught year in New York. The debt In 1975, the banks and bondholders that the city relied on to fund its programs decided to come calling for their checks. To pay them, Mayor Abraham Beame asked the federal government to help bail out the citys debts. President Gerald R. Ford refused, prompting the infamous New York Daily News headline: Ford to City: Drop Dead. The city skirted full-on bankruptcy, and eventually did receive some help from the federal government, but only after massive spending cuts. Funding for programs across New York dried up and government workers were cut from their jobs. The Get Down imagines more than a little corruption flowing in the backrooms where deals were cut, such as Francisco Papa Fuerte Cruz (Jimmy Smits), a councilman from the Bronx, initially promising to deliver votes for Beame in the election in exchange for funding Cruzs building projects in the borough. The crime The budget cuts did nothing to help New York Citys crime problem, which had come to define the city for many, especially tourists. The subway, a repeated motif in The Get Down, was considered especially dangerous, and the Bronx itself was pockmarked by abandoned buildings photos of President Carter visiting the blighted borough in 1977 famously shocked readers of the New York Times. The July 1977 blackout and accompanying looting, depicted in The Get Down, solidified the image of New York as a den of crime and became a turning point in city politics heading into the mayoral race though it wasnt until the 1990s that crime rates started to fall significantly. The mayoral race Ed Koch, who campaigned on a platform of law and order, handily defeated Beame in the Democratic primary in September 1977, and then ran against Mario Cuomo, who reentered on the Liberal Partys ticket in the fall. Koch was a Jewish Greenwich Village representative, and over the course of his tenure as mayor from 1978 to 1989, Citizen Koch became a New York emblem. Koch was also plagued by accusations that he was secretly gay, which came up in Vote for Cuomo, not the homo placards in the 1977 elections and intensified during the early 1980s AIDS crisis. From the perspective of his supporters, Koch was the face of the New York cleanup, but his politics alienated many, including black New Yorkers, as New York Magazine noted at the time. So from the perspective of many characters on The Get Down, Kochs calls for law and order were infringing on a way of life. Can it be that the shortest episode of The Get Down is also its best? Director Michael Dinner and writer Seth Zvi Rosenfeld pull the shows clashing elements together into a cohesive whole that purrs like a well-oiled machine. Since weve already gone through myth, dreams, hustle, and redemption, The Get Down now presents us with the topic of success, not just as a destination but also as a definition. How do you achieve success? What does success mean to you? How can you keep it? And most important, how can you pursue it without sacrificing your identity or your soul? When we last left Jackie, he was furiously banging on a piano in Papa Fuertes social club. Giving up on his cacophonous nightmare of a melody, Jackie decides to face the music. I got nothing, he says. Im sorry, Mylene. Papa Fuerte is done with the excuses. You got nothin, huh? he says angrily. I gave you $40,000 and youve got nothin? Just as hes about to wring the failed producers neck, Jackies salvation enters the club. Its Reverend Buggin Out, making good on his promise to return his brothers money in person. The pastor remembers Jackie from Mylenes church audition. Were you responsible for the dress? he asks. When Mylene intervenes, he tells his daughter to shut up. Franciscos defense of Mylene is met with another pious speech. Unfortunately for the good reverend, this is the episode where several people, as the slang term goes, are about to get read. If I werent a man of God, begins the pastor, but Francisco shuts him down mid-sentence with a sarcastic giggle. Man of God? he asks incredulously. You forget that you became a man of God in prison? What did he say?! Yolanda asks. He said shits about to get real! Regina responds. Papa Fuerte unleashes a litany of offenses perpetrated by his holier-than-thou brother. In one of his prior arguments with his wife, Mylenes dad alluded to a shady past by saying, I do not want my daughter to go where I have been. But when we find out where hes been, all we can say is DAAAAAMN! Reverend Buggin Out needs Jesus the way a fish needs water! Preach to me all you want, Franciscos scorching speech begins, but youre still going to be that little pendejo who got two girls pregnant back in P.R. You ever wonder what happened to those kids you abandoned so you could come here to party in the land of milk and honey and cocaina? And then you get here and you almost kill a man and his little kid with your car! But you forgot that! You blacked out. Who are you to judge ANYONE? Its a delicious takedown, one that leaves the pastor rambling in shock about his sins. But it gives Jackie just enough time to go into hustle-protection mode. As a stalling mechanism, he immediately cops to being a sinner. Then he lies to Mylenes parents about how he wanted her to sing the gospel for disco audiences all along. Disco lovers go to the club seeking redemption, he argues, and we have to reach the sinners where they are. To do that, hes writing a Latin Pentecostal communal Puerto Rican disco hymn record for Mylene to sing. Sitting at the piano, Jackie sings a few bars of an existing church hymn. Then he adds some disco elements to make it his own. The social clubs band kicks in with some Latin funk, and Regina and Yolanda play along, singing backup. Sing to me, Mylene! he commands, and as she bellows out the lyrics, Jackie pulls an entire recording plan out of his ass. Theyll record at Reverend Buggin Outs church, with a full choir and that skinny boy on the piano accompanying his girlfriend. The screen comes alive with Jackies vision, which is intercut with the resolution to Shao and Books dilemma. In that other plotline, Kool Herc defuses the situation by addressing Boo-Boo first. Do mustard and onions mean anything to you? he asks, before Hercs mother offers Boo-Boo a hot dog. Pedro, the king of cassettes who specializes in bootlegging DJ concerts, accuses Shao and the Get Down Brothers of recording Hercs show. Pedro pulls out the same recording equipment he planted beforehand, attributing it to Ra-Ra and Shao. Thats not our equipment! Ra-Ra yells. But its his word against Pedros, and Pedro is like family to Kool Herc. Books, ever the wordsmith, uses his verbal skills to rap about why his crew was in Herc territory. With Shao pounding out the beat on his chest, Books tells a story whose rhythm matches neatly with Mylenes song. In a nod to both cliffhangers religious elements, Books calls Pedro a Judas while Shao pulls off Pedros jacket. A bunch of bootleg tapes fall to the floor. The Herculoids violently dethrone the King of Cassettes. When I came up, there was a time, when we rumbled with knuckles instead of rhymes, Kool Herc raps. He then challenges Shao to settle their differences with an upcoming DJ battle between the Get Down Brothers and Hercs crew, the Notorious 3. Shao gets Grandmaster Flashs blessing to battle, and has his DJing ban temporarily lifted by the sensei, but not before he too gets read. What do you want? the Grandmaster asks. Shaos shaky answer is met with a demand for passion: Theres no fakin that fire, it beats your heart for you! The Notorious 3 them Herc boys they got fans, they got experience, they got speakers so fucking loud they break concrete! Flash explains. What you got? Shaos got his wings, that is, his crew members. As Universal DJ Rule No. 17 states, In order to fly, a DJ must trust his wings. Shao has to dig deep to find that trust, especially when Ra-Ra suggests the crew each take turns rapping rhymes written by Books over the beat. He has to dig even deeper and swallow a bit of pride when he realizes that the break in Mylenes just-released record is the perfect secret weapon to defeat the Notorious 3. The sequences of the Get Down Brothers formulating their plan of attack are among the shows most enjoyable this season. Until now, weve been talking about success as a destination. Jackies last-minute save results in his life being spared, giving Mylene and her girls a chance to make a record for him to promote. Jackies plan also helps Mylene get back in her familys good graces and under their roof. Dizzees graffiti is getting noticed on the regular, and he finds mutual admiration in a fellow tagger named Thor. The Get Down Brothers even have a good shot of unseating the South Bronx champions in a DJ battle. These are all examples of the destination of success. But in the most powerful instance of a character getting read, The Get Down explores the definition of success. When Books arrives late for his internship, and is summarily (and unfairly) dismissed, his teacher goes off on him. When he says that he feels pressured into working with Papa Fuerte, and would rather rap, the teacher reminds him that he made those internship decisions on his own. She also says he needs to take responsibility for missing his appointment. Books continued protests are shut down. So, fucking decide, Ezekiel! the teacher yells. Her use of the F-word is effective because its so unexpected. Its up to you, make the choice! So many of your classmates have a slave mentality, she continues. The idea that, if youre smart and educated, you aint down and cool. Or God forbid, you aint black. But if you run in the street, and be ignorant, youre real. The boyfriend points out that, while theres nothing wrong with him being a handyman, he might not have become one had his mother taught him piano like Books, or made him read a book a week. Right now, you got a comfort zone, he says. But your mama didnt raise you for comfort. She raised you to be a man. To blaze your own trail without anybody with you. This scene choked me up because it highlighted a particular struggle that many poor kids from disadvantaged neighborhoods often experienced, myself included. It wasnt written as some respectability politics nonsense. Books isnt told to pull up his pants. Both the teacher and the boyfriend warn that opportunities shouldnt be ignored simply to keep up appearances. Inspired, Books uses perseverance and his skills as a wordsmith to force Mr. Gunns to reconsider him. He knows success can be represented both by rapping and by gaming the mainstream system to help his people in the South Bronx. For now, though, Books has a DJ battle to win. And his DJ has a date with Annies henchmen. Hell be bringing the Les Inferno shooter Napoleon with him. Pharoah and Killam. Photo: Getty Images That was fast! In less than a week, Saturday Night Live veteran cast members Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam went from being unceremoniously unemployed to scoring their own comedy pilots for Showtime, the network announced during its session at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday. Pharoah will play the lead in a half-hour comedy executive produced by Jamie Foxx and Californications Tom Kapinos. Based on Foxxs experiences as a rising comedian, the pilot will focus on an African-American comic who struggles to maintain his integrity and credibility as he becomes widely accepted by a mainstream white audience. Foxx will have a recurring role as well. Killam, meanwhile, will star in Mating, from executive producers Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) and Stu Zicherman (The Affair, The Americans). Killam will play a recently divorced guy forced to confront the modern hookup scene. If picked up to series, Mating (a working title) will be the networks first comedy anthology program, with each season focusing on a different protagonists journey through the world of dating and relationships. Pharoah and Killam were featured players on Saturday Night Live for six years, until NBC announced this week that neither actors contract would be renewed, which was a surprise to them. It was also a surprise to Showtime executives, said Showtime Networks President and CEO David Nevins at the networks TCA press conference. According to Nevins, the network had been in talks with each actor individually for a few months. We were prepared to work around their SNL schedules, Nevins said, adding they were aware each actor had only one year left on their contracts. But our schedule got easier when they got released from the show. Joel Kinnaman Photo: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images Joel Kinnamans having a busy week. The gravel-voiced, Swedish-born 36-year-old is on movie screens across the world, playing Colonel Rick Flag in the commercial smashslashcritical horror show that is Suicide Squad. But he hasnt had much of a chance to dwell on that much-discussed blockbuster because hes out promoting his lead role in the terrifying indie thriller Edge of Winter, which hits theaters today. In it, he plays a divorced dad who gets stranded in the middle of a snowy forest with his two sons, then goes more than a little nuts. We caught up with Kinnaman to talk about Squads awkward rollout, functioning as a makeshift assistant director, and the proper handling of guns. Youve been out promoting Edge of Winter. Have you paid much attention to the reception of Suicide Squad? No. It opened, and that was great, but Ive just been in Edge of Winter world. There were so many more actors in that film, so they didnt need me to talk about it in any way. I think the catering department on Suicide Squad had a bigger budget than we had on Edge of Winter. [Laughs.] Have you read any reviews of Suicide Squad? I read a couple, but I didnt enjoy reading them, so I stopped. They were not kind. Howd they make you feel? You always hope to get good reviews. Its always nicer when people say nice things about you. But on a film like Suicide Squad, it really only has an ambition to entertain. Theres no big political aspirations about the film; it doesnt take itself that seriously. The only way it takes itself seriously is portraying these characters in an honest way. I really think we did that, and Im proud of my work and everyone elses work in that film, too. So, on a film like this, that has those kinds of ambitions; it becomes even more important what the fans think. We made this film for the fans. I cant remember ever seeing a bigger disparity between reviewers and fans response to a film. It really was night and day. Weve just been showered with love and appreciation for this, so its been pretty phenomenal. Sure, the film is not perfect. But the kind of vitriol that it got? [Laughs.] It sure as hell didnt deserve that. I think it actually mightve been good for the film. Now people dont have too-high expectations for it. It reset that a little bit, and people went into the theaters and just got entertained by what they saw. So I was really happy with how that whole thing turned out. You were happy with how it turned out? Yeah, with how the fans responded to the film after what the critics said. You play a pretty horrifying character in Edge of Winter. What made the role attractive to you? I felt like there was an opportunity, with this character, to portray a man that most people would find completely irredeemable. I mean, hes a man who becomes a threat to the lives of his own children. It doesnt sink much lower than that. I felt that we need more understanding, in general in life and our society. Even though we cast the sharpest judgment, the more we understand, the more we can learn from our mistakes and help prevent horrible things from happening. Thats the way I generally look upon people who have these kinds of mental problems. So I felt like this film was a chance to do a character who was very complicated, very challenging, and to give some kind of understanding to where he was coming from and how he could end up in a situation where he basically feels that the only way out is to kill himself and his children. What was your most challenging day on set? Theres not one day. We had 19 days to do this film, which is the shortest amount of time Ive ever had to make a film. Every day was just packed with emotionally heavy scenes. Thats challenging for a veteran, and even more so for a rookie especially with the cast being one kid and one young man. Channeling that kind of energy, it takes something out of you. You go back to difficult times in your life. Part of the job is not letting wounds heal. You go back to them and you sorta live through it again. Youre constantly in this emotional state that is not your happy place. Im back in the worst episodes of my life every day. Especially on a shoot like this, which is so short, youre in there all the time. How did shooting in the cold affect your performance? The elements were so demanding on this film. The majority of the scenes we did were in nighttime, and the average temperature was below negative 30 degrees. So youre constantly freezing, and youre constantly feeling the oppression of the elements. It seeps into the film, into the harrowing emotion of the film. Nobodys ever comfortable. Youre constantly uncomfortable and a little bit unhappy. Theres a rifle that forms a central part of the story. As an actor, how do you bring gravity to the act of carrying a prop and making it feel like a real gun? Oh, well, it is a real gun. Oh? Yeah, yeah, of course. Its a real gun. And the first rule that anyone teaches you about guns is, Treat every gun like its loaded. Dont point it at anything youre not prepared to kill, including yourself. Im sure I was a real bad role model for these kids, because sometimes, when Ive been holding the gun for a long time, Ill be leaning on it, pointing it to my own head. Id be giving everybody lessons about how important it is to be careful with these guns, and then, at a tired moment when Im not concentrating, Im leaning it against my own head and pointing it under my own chin. The gun persons just looking at me from behind the camera and wishing he was some other place. This interview has been edited and condensed. Dassey. Photo: Herald Times Reporter/Eric Young via AP, Pool Making a Murderer subject Brendan Dasseys murder conviction has been overturned, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. On Friday, a Milwaukee federal judge threw out the 26-year-olds 2007 conviction for the murder of Teresa Halbach; the controversial trial was at the center of Netflixs Emmy-nominated docuseries. According to the ruling, Dasseys confession was rendered involuntary as a result of false promises from interrogators, as well as Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult. The judge also called Dasseys original lawyer Len Kachinskys behavior inexcusable both tactically and ethically and an affront to the principles of justice. Dassey, who was 16 at the time of the murder, could be released from prison in 90 days, unless the state of Wisconsin files legal papers to retry him. Dasseys uncle, Steven Avery, was also convicted for Halbachs murder in a separate trial, and has been locked in a legal battle for his exoneration. Netflix recently renewed Making a Murderer for a new batch of episodes that will follow updates in both the Avery and Dassey cases. Update, August 13: Making a Murderer showrunners Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos have issued a statement regarding yesterdays ruling on Dasseys conviction. Today there was a major development for the subjects in our story and this recent news shows the criminal justice system at work, they said. As we have done for the past ten years, we will continue to document the story as it unfolds, and follow it wherever it may lead. The duo are currently working on season two of the Emmy-nominated show. Parker. Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images In an effort to preempt controversy ahead of his upcoming Oscar campaign, The Birth of a Nations Nate Parker has addressed the 1999 rape charges that have followed him throughout his career. During his sophomore year at Penn State University, Parker and his roommate, Jean Celestin, were accused of raping a female student while she was allegedly unconscious. Parker was ultimately acquitted of the charges in 2001, while Celestins conviction was overturned and there was no retrial. The case, which sparked racial tension on campus, led to a lawsuit filed by the Womens Law Project on behalf of the woman against PSU over its treatment of sexual assault that was later settled. Nearly two decades later, Parker spoke with Deadline to reaffirm his innocence: I was sure it would come up. It is there, on my Wikipedia page, the Virginia Pilot I stand here, a 36-year-old man, 17 years removed from one of the most painful [he wells up at the memory] moments in my life. And I can imagine it was painful, for everyone. I was cleared of everything, of all charges. Ive done a lot of living, and raised a lot of children. Ive got five daughters and a lovely wife. My mom lives here with me, I brought her here. Ive got four younger sisters. Women have been such an important part of my life. I try, every day, to be a better father to my daughters, and a better husband. Parker also attempted to put to rest allegations of homophobia (he reportedly once said he would not play a gay character in order to preserve the black man, or any role that emasculates him), saying he is an ally to all and has no plans to speak on this controversy again for the duration of his films Oscar buzz: I will not relive that period of my life, every time I go under the microscope, he said. What do I do? When you have a certain level of success, when things start to work, things go under the microscope and become bigger and bigger things. I cant control people; I cant control the way people feel. What I can do, is be the most honorable man I can be. Live my life with the most integrity that I can, stand against injustice everywhere I see it, lead charges against injustice, against people of color, against the LGBT community. Thats me. The black community is my community, the LGBT community too, and the female community. That is my community. Thats me, its who I am. In an email to Deadline, Celestin (who has co-story credit on The Birth of a Nation) wrote, This was something that I experienced as a college student 17 years ago and was fully exonerated of. I have since moved on and been focusing on my family and writing career. As Fox Searchlight (which bought Parkers film at Sundance for a record sum) readies an Oscar bid, Parker says he didnt keep the studio in the dark about his past, though its unclear when execs learned of the rape case. Anytime anyone has asked me about this, Ive been open. Its tough reliving it, 17 years after the fact, but I never hid it from Fox, he says. The last 48 hours, it was something we discussed and Ive always said, I live in truth. I dont know how these things work, who to talk to and what to say, but I have been very clear with everyone. Anyone who wants to talk to me, I will talk to them. Fox, for its part, says Parker and the film have their full support. Searchlight is aware of the incident that occurred while Nate Parker was at Penn State, the studio said in a statement to Deadline. We also know that he was found innocent and cleared of all charges. We stand behind Nate and are proud to help bring this important and powerful story to the screen. the national interest This Is Not the Political Violence That Should Scare Us This Is Not the Political Violence That Should Scare Us If you drink enough, itll be like youre there with them. The fittest show on British television is touching down in the U.S. via Hulu this Saturday. The Wine Show stars Downton Abbeys Matthew Goode and The Americans Matthew Rhys as two novice wine drinkers learning about wine at a villa in the Italian countryside. Their wine maestro, Joe Fattorini, then goes around the world as a correspondent to fetch them nice bottles of wine to sample. As with any show, there are some conventions that get established fairly quickly. So with the show upon us, weve put together a handy little drinking game with which you can get properly soused while watching this alone in your bedroom (kidding!). You should probably get one of giant bottles of wine thats like the size of a small dog though, because youre gonna get druuuuunk. The sun dapples the Matthews as they enjoy a glass of wine: Take a sip, because were in for a long night. Theres a shot of slow-motion wine swirling: Give your glass a swirl and take a sip. Theres a shot of slow-motion wine smelling: Stick your nose in your glass as demonstrated and take a sip. There are fast-motion clouds: Sip. Theres a sunset or a sunrise: Take the smallest of sips. Theres a mention of the color of the wine: Drink. Someone refers to Matthew Rhys as Rhys-y: Giggle, then take a sip. Someone makes a literary reference: Take two small sips. Someone makes a British reference you dont understand: Take deep sip, because nothing cures embarrassment like alcohol. Every time Matthew Rhys does something you might describe as impish: Cheers the screen and take a drink. Every time the bald guy (okay, Joe Fattorini) chastises Matthew Rhys: Drink. You forgot the bald guys name: Joe Fattorini! Drink! Matthew and Matthew roughhouse: Drink. If you think Matthew Goode looks sort of goofy in his porkpie hat: Take a gulp. It gets better. If you think that Matthew Rhys should trim his beard just a little bit: Take a drink. If you think that Matthew Rhys should absolutely not trim his beard: Take a drink. If you just sort of want to nuzzle Matthew Rhyss beard: Oh boy, I dont know, just finish your glass. Whenever Matthew Goode speaks Italian: Drink. Whenever Matthew Rhys says that he hates sweet wine: Crack open a bottle of muscat and go to town. Every time theres a vague sidestepping of British colonialism: This is uncomfortable! You should finish the bottle and open a new one. If you spy some of Matthew Rhyss chest hair: Take a sip for every strand you see. Ask Geotripper Is there something about geology that you are curious about? Do you have questions about the scientific aspects of political controversies? I can try to provide a scientist's perspective. Your questions and possible answers could be a springboard to a blog discussion, or they can be private. Anonymity is always assumed. Contact Geotripper at hayesg (at) mjc.edu. The flashlights can be used on structure fires and also when responding to vehicle accidents. They will free up personnel who would otherwise have to be holding flashlights to light up a small area, Bailey said. These new flashlights are very powerful, and when they are placed in the front and back of a wreck the whole area will light up like it is daylight, and then we have all hands free to do what we need to do. Three McLennan County residents have exhibited signs of West Nile virus in the past month, said Kelly Craine, spokeswoman for the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. Four county residents have been hit by the virus this summer, and all four have recovered, Craine said. The first case, in a 23-year-old man, was reported publicly July 13, after the man had recovered. A 58-year-old and two 56-year-olds have been diagnosed and recovered in the past month, said David Litke, who oversees the health districts environmental health division. Two of the three most recent cases were in men. West Nile is always potentially something that somebody can get, Craine said. We always have mosquitoes around, but just during mosquito season it becomes particularly more prevalent because there are more mosquitoes. Its not something that has just come to us. It has been here since they first arrived in the United States. West Nile virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 5 people infected will develop symptoms. The July case of West Nile was the first in the county since 2014, when the county saw one case. In 2012, 43 people in the county were infected, resulting in two deaths. It is impossible to predict cases of such diseases, said Dr. E. Farley Verner, an infectious disease specialist in Waco. All you can do with knowledge of four cases is to be able to say there is West Nile virus activity in the area, Verner said. Those things we try to do to limit the number of cases, those things are limited to one: Try to have less bites, and two: Try to have less mosquitoes. People should check their property for areas of standing water, which attract mosquitoes, he said. Though Zika has garnered more attention, there has not been a case reported in McLennan County, Craine said. Zika is very much on her radar, though, and Verner said the Zika concern is in returning travelers. The only place in United States thats had Zika cases from mosquitoes in the United States is a little area in Miami, Verner said. If you have been to one of those areas and come back, you need to use your mosquito repellent so you dont get bit, because you could be silently harboring the Zika virus. The other transmission mode is sexual transmission. If your partner or spouse comes back from one of those areas, you have to be careful in regard to potential sexual transmission. The public health district is monitoring the type of mosquitoes that carry Zika and the type that carry West Nile, Craine said. They type of mosquitoes that carry West Nile typically bite close to dusk or dawn, but the mosquitoes that carry Zika bite all the time and are more aggressive, she said. Theyre also described as the domesticated house mosquito because they really like people. . . . Theyre very aggressive and like to get inside houses. Any time they get an opportunity to bite a human, they will, Craine said. People should use mosquito repellent containing DEET early and often throughout the day, she said. To the surprise of some, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, despite the attacks Trump launched on Bushs father, Jeb, and uncle, George W. Bush, and their refusal to endorse Trump. A sampling of reactions from the commissioners Facebook page: Kris Shoemake: Thank you so much for doing the right thing and supporting the Republican nominee! I have supported your family 100 percent through the years and have been so disappointed in them lately. Thank you for doing what is best for the country! Jules Johnston: Endorsing a narcissist who is a national security threat is not best for this country. George, youre not very politically savvy. I can just see your future opponents political ad: If George P. Bush stabs his own familys back, then how can you ever trust him? Jay Hunter: So, you endorsed the guy who humiliated your father, insulted your mothers heritage and accused your uncle of murdering over 200,000? So Trump was correct? Dianna Marie: I like you, George P. Bush. Thank you for standing behind the American Republican voters! Ellen Dillard Peacock: Thank you for standing up in support of the Republican candidate for president. Now you got to work on those old farts in your family. Best of luck on that. Its up to you to make them see that your family also deserves a future where all will still have freedom from oppression and corruption. The future starts with you. Mark Romero: George, you are a traitor to your own family. The entire Bush family refuses to endorse Trump, yet you wholeheartedly endorse him. What is wrong with you? Your family realizes how toxic Trump is but apparently you dont. You are endorsing Trump for your own political gain instead of doing the right thing for America. Trump is beyond unfit to serve as president. If it were up to him, your own mother would have never made it out of Mexico. You shame America, your Mexican heritage and the Bush family. Lisa Koen: A Bush who has common sense? Wow. I know Trump is not everything the establishment wants and he is not a politician, but we need to swallow our pride and support Trump! I supported your uncle even though I did not agree with a lot of things [he supported]. Ken Cosentino: Now we know who has the courage and brains in the family. Respect! Ronald E. Bobel: Bush is a traitor and supports someone who made fun of his dad. I would never want a son like him. Robert Moorhead: As a man who comes from a political family, including two presidents, you should know better than to endorse Trump. Do you agree with his incitement to violence against his rival? Terry N Barb Miller: There is right and wrong. It is just wrong to withhold endorsement of the Republican candidate. Thank you for your support. LINCOLN Dawoud Isied of rural Raymond was only interested in buying some of the baking equipment that the Grain Bin Bakery had offered up for sale since they were closing. He walked out of the building owning the business. That was last December and after weeks of remodeling and hiring help, he re-opened the Grain Bin Bakery, located at 5591 S. 48th Street in Lincoln. Isied recently joined the Ashland Farmer's Market as a vendor. The farmer's market is held Saturday mornings at 15th and Silver in downtown Ashland from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Owning a bakery is not the unusual for Isied. I owned a restaurant in Jordan for years, he said. He came to the United States to continue his education, majoring in environment management, and ended up in Nebraska where he met Doug and Krista Dittman. I started making cheese for Branched Oak Farms, he said. But, he said, he always wanted to get back into the restaurant business. I am a believer that bread brings a family together, he said. He kept the name Grain Bin Bakery, but added Share Bread, Share Love to those words. Isied said that he uses all natural ingredients and no preservatives in his baking, purchasing as much as he can locally. He said he would like to see that grow as he always keeps the farmer in mind. I am a big supporter of the farm to table program, he said. Isied describes his bread as healthy bread selling at affordable prices. And he is all for trying different varieties saying he was open to all creative ideas. Its all not just white and whole wheat, he said. The shelves are filled with Orange Bread, Green Olive Bread, Apple Almond Bread, Blueberry Bread, and Sunflower Bread. Im all for trying different kinds and we usually work on it until its just perfect. Our loaves are similar to the home-baked bread from your grandmothers oven. Besides owning the bakery which is open to the public six days a week, Isied can be seen loading up a van with bread and heading out to weekend markets. I the three Farmers Markets here in Lincoln, and one in Ashland and Seward, he said. His bread can also be seen on the shelves at all HyVee and Open Harvest stores. Isied said that they were just beginning to make cinnamon rolls to sell individually. We make them with honey, no sugar, he said. Hes hoping that that people will come into the shop and sit to enjoy those cinnamon rolls. In fact, he has made up a corner shelf, stocked it with books, and welcomes people to borrow them. He said he has a take one, bring one policy concerning the books. I love to learn so there are a lot of books on the shelves right now. It is a good way to learn and Im always learning. During his time in Nebraska, he met Angie Kubalek of Raymond and has joined in a partnership with her in raising hogs at Branched Oak Farm. We raise animals with sustainable, certified-organic methods to produce healthy and wholesome pastured pork products free of hormones and antibiotics, he said. He then sells whole, half or quarter hogs and individual cuts. The hogs are raised on pasture where they can happily feed, root in the mud and play, he said calling them Happy Hogs. And they enjoy eating any bread we dont sell. Isied, who majored in environment management, says both businesses were doing well. We all grew up enjoying food and bread has a lot of meaning to it. Sharing bread shows the love we have for each other. WILBUR After a busy weekend at Wilburs Czech Days, tears were shed and smiles flashed as Michaela Steager was named Miss Czech-Slovak United States. It was so surreal. Not just months of preparation, but years and years of family preparation finally paid off, said Steager, daughter of Steve and Debbie Steager of Fremont. The Bishop Neumann graduate said after hearing she had won the oratory, kroje and talent award categories, she knew her crowning was just moments away. I just kept smiling and smiling and fighting back the tears. I let the tears flow once they announced me, the 21-year-old said. Steager said eight rows of family members jumped out of their seats to support her accomplishment. The former Miss Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen competed against eight other contestants from across the Midwest, including, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Steager said her first unofficial order of business is to get a good nights rest. Steager plans to attend festivals across the Midwest as they arise, with her first official appearance Labor Day Weekend at Westfest in West, Texas. The international studies major returns to Doane University Aug. 24 for her junior year. CEDAR RAPIDS | Thirteen weeks before Election Day, a Suffolk University poll shows the race in Iowa -- often considered a must-win state for both candidates -- is a statistical dead heat with GOP nominee Donald Trump leading Democrat Hillary Clinton by 1 percentage point. The Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 live telephone interviews of 500 likely voters found him leading 41 percent to 40 percent with a 4.4 percent margin of error. Another 17 percent were undecided. When third-party candidates were added to the mix, Trump led Clinton 37 percent to 36, with Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party Jill Stein getting 6 and 3 percent, respectively. The Suffolk poll, conducted between Iowa visits by Trump and Clinton, comes a day after a NBC/Marist poll showed Clinton ahead of Trump 41 percent to 37 percent among registered voters with a 3.1 percent margin of error. Noting that Suffolk found 62 percent of those polled said Clinton isnt honest and trustworthy and 9 percent werent sure, Trumps Iowa Director Eric Branstad said theres a good reason for that. Shes been dishonest and untrustworthy and will lead our country down the wrong path, he said. After facing countless investigations, Hillary Clinton has proven time and time again she will skirt rules and the law for her own personal gain. Todays polling is just another indication that Iowans want a leader who will fight for them, not someone who thinks they are above the law. The Clinton campaign declined to comment. In the Iowa U.S. Senate race, Suffolk found the same result as that NBC/Marist poll: Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley leading Democratic challenger Patty Judge 52 percent to 42 percent with 6 percent undecided. Irrespective of their choice for president, by a 53 percent to 31 percent margin Iowans said Clinton will win. In Iowa, there is a marked difference between what voters will do at the polls and what voters think others will do at the polls, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. The tight race reflects current party registration in Iowa 33 percent Republican, 32 percent Democratic and 35 percent no party, he said With party registration evenly split, so are the opinions of voters from the Hawkeye state, Paleologos said. Suffolk found Clinton continues to struggle with trust issues. Among likely voters, 62 percent said she isnt honest and trustworthy and 9 percent werent sure. Trump was viewed as honest and trustworthy by 34 percent of respondents while 55 percent said he was not, with over 10 percent not sure. Although the margin did not change in the four-way ballot test, Paleologos said the results suggest that Stein and Johnson could have an impact in Iowa. In conservative southwest Iowa, an area where Trump likely will need to carry by a wide margin, Johnson polls higher than he does statewide. In those counties, Suffolk found Johnson polling at 11 percent. On the flip side, Steins numbers were higher with younger voters, a demographic that has shown less enthusiasm for Clinton than older voters. Among the 18-34 age group, Stein gets 9 percent -- triple her statewide standing. The most important issues to voters were jobs and the economy, 25 percent, and terrorism and national security, 21 percent. Choosing Supreme Court nominees, reducing the federal debt, health care and illegal immigration tallied 9, 7, 6 and 5 percent, respectively. When voters were asked if they feel more or less safe living in America than they did 5-10 years ago, 56 percent said less safe, 10 percent indicated safer, and 28 percent indicated no change. Although the Zika threat remains low in, nearly two-thirds of voters are concerned about its spread. One-third said they were not very or not at all concerned. The story of the Greenland Expedition Society resulted in the discovery and recovery of a World War II P-38 fighter that had been buried 265 feet below the Greenland ice cap for 50 years. Three Georgia adventurers and aviators will be guest speakers at the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing on Aug. 20 to discuss their remarkable feat over 11 years, beginning in 1981. Georgia aviation legend Pat Epps set forth in 1981 on his first adventure to the Greenland ice cap in search of the Lost Squadron two WWII Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and six Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. The squadron, running low on fuel, had been forced to land on the Greenland ice cap July 15, 1942, after hours of flying in bad weather. Spurred on by a friend who wanted a P-38, Epps knew about the six P-38 Lightnings in Greenland. He joined forces with a friend and two airline pilots who already had search and salvage rights from the Danish government. The first attempt to locate these WWII aircraft was unsuccessful but Epps was determined to succeed. He was an active member of, and eventually led, the Greenland Expedition Society (GES) team on six trips to the ice cap over the next 11 years. The summer of 1992 marked the monumental recovery of the vintage Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Glacier Girl. The two-hour program begins at 11 a.m. at Dixie Wing Headquarters, Atlanta Regional Airport Falcon Field in Peachtree City, with special guests Pat Epps, Richard Taylor, Neil Estes and Don Brooks. All were original crew members of the Greenland Expedition Society. The fee to attend this Dixie Wing event is $10 for the public; admission is free to active and retired military personnel. The Dixie Wing headquarters and museum are at 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, adjoining Atlanta Regional Airport (Falcon Field). The Wing headquarters and museum will open at 9 a.m. For more information, or to schedule rides on Wing aircraft, visit www.dixiewing.org. CEDAR FALLS After two years of collaboration between the University of Northern Iowa faculty union and the UNI administration, a major agreement has been reached to rectify faculty salary inequities. The agreement will result in an increase of $155,064 in salaries to 51 faculty members of the unions bargaining unit. Out of 51 faculty salary adjustments, 36 (70 percent) are for women. Among the 15 men, four are racial/ethnic minorities. A total of 78 percent of the adjustments correct inequities in the salaries of women or minority faculty. An additional $13,428 was recommended for distribution across the annual salaries of four faculty department heads. Outside of contract negotiations, this is the most important labor-management agreement in the history of UNI, said Joe Gorton, president of United Faculty, the bargaining agent for UNI professors. United Faculty and UNI administrators convened a salary equity committee in the fall of 2014 to assess possible salary inequities. Gorton said the need for the committee arose from concerns brought to their attention. When we heard of the issues, we were concerned the disparities could be gender-based, Gorton said. As in there could be legal claims, vis-a-vis a lawsuit. According to a statement, the committee conducted a regression analysis to identify faculty who may not be paid equitably based upon such factors as years of service, rank, years at rank, discipline, gender, and service as department head. Carissa Froyum, professor of sociology, and associate provost Nancy Cobb spearheaded the analysis. Froyum said the analysis initially flagged 86 professors. Based on statistical methods, the committee was able to determine that 51 faculty were not being paid like the majority of their counterparts in similar positions with similar qualifications. Froyum said the salary inequities most likely began in starting salary negotiations between new faculty hires and department heads offering the position. Gorton said subsequent percentage-based raises would have exacerbated the problem. If people arent familiar with markets and how salaries are comparing currently they can act inconsistently with offering initial salaries, Froyum said. She said individuals using their discretion perhaps seeing qualifications on two similar resumes differently, or a lack of departmental knowledge on what was offered to candidates in the past is the likely root of the inequities. Froyum said UNIs merit system the ability of departments to award salary increases based on perceived performance could also be a root of inequities. Asked why the inequities affected women and minorities most, Froyum wouldnt call it deliberate discrimination. People bring assumptions about groups of people to the table, certainly, Froyum said. And their perspectives are shaped by what they see. She said everyone has internalized biases, and the by-product in this case disproportionally affected women and minority faculty members. Gorton said the agreement is a result of years of trust-building between faculty and the administration since the closing of Price Lab school. He added that the settlement cost would have been far greater if the two parties had needed to go to court. Asked whether the payout could be tied to 3.7 percent tuition increase for UNI students this fall, Gorton said he couldnt say, but that the settlement wasnt part of regular salary negotiations. In its July meeting, the Board of Regents said a tuition increase, generating an additional $5.6 million for UNI, would assist the universities in meeting mandated salary, and directing these revenues to support teaching and student needs. In a separate press release, Interim UNI President Wohlpart stated, Faculty care deeply for our students and for the university and local community and are at the heart of our institution. We are deeply appreciative of the collaboration with United Faculty to investigate and resolve an important issue. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. 1 hour ago Elon Musk takes over Twitter but where will he go from here? Elon Musk has taken control of Twitter after a protracted legal battle and months of uncertainty. The question now is what the billionaire Tesla CEO will actually do with the social media platform. Musk gave one indication of where he's headed in a tweet Friday, saying no decisions on content or reinstating of accounts will be made until a content moderation council is put in place. Read Article Equifax Inc. provides information solutions and human resources business process automation outsourcing services for businesses, governments, and consumers. The company operates through three segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International. The Workforce Solutions segment offers employment, income, criminal history, and social security number verification services, as well as payroll-based transaction, employment tax management, and identity theft protection products. The USIS segment provides consumer and commercial information services, such as credit information and credit scoring, credit modeling and portfolio analytics, locate, fraud detection and prevention, identity verification, and other consulting; mortgage services; financial marketing services; identity management services; credit monitoring products; and online information, decisioning technology solutions, as well as portfolio management, mortgage reporting, and consumer credit information services. The International segment offers information service products, which include consumer and commercial services, such as credit and financial information, and credit scoring and modeling; and credit and other marketing products and services, as well as offers information, technology, and other services to support debt collections and recovery management. The company serves customers in financial services, mortgage, employers, consumer, commercial, telecommunication, retail, automotive, utility, brokerage, healthcare, and insurance industries, as well as state, federal, and local governments. It operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, the Republic of Ireland, Russia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. The company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Travis Cloke's future at Collingwood is set to come into focus yet again after the Magpies spearhead was axed for the third time this AFL season. Cloke had 11 touches in the Pies' loss to Richmond last week and has kicked just two goals in his last three games. He was sent back to the VFL for six weeks earlier this season. And although he managed four goals in a match-winning display against Greater Western Sydney in round 16, his form has been poor otherwise. MASON CITY The 2016 Family Caregivers Conference, Tag, Youre It: Family Dynamics in Caregiving, is set for Sept. 8. Sessions will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. or from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Doors open 30 minutes before each session. The goal of the conference is to help clarify for caregivers the family dynamics that may change during caregiving, assist caregivers coping with stress that may result from family interactions, and to clarify skills caregivers need to negotiate challenges resulting from family conflict and dysfunction. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, an associate professor of gerontology and family studies. She does education on dementia for communities, families, and facilities. She often meets with families to provide support after a dementia diagnosis and writes a blog called Welcome to Dementialand. The cost of the event is $10. Family caregivers can register by calling 641-424-0678. Professionals need to register by Aug. 25 by e-mailing agingservicescoalition.com/register.shtml. Pre-registration is required to receive certificate of attendance or CEUs. Sponsors are ABCM Corporation, Caregivers Support Group, Elderbridge Agency on Aging, First Citizens Bank, Hospice of North Iowa, IOOF Home & Community Therapy Center, Mercy Home Care, Phillips Lifeline, Salvation Army Adult Day Health Center, Trinity Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Inc. Small businesses fear they could be the next target of bad financial advice and predatory lending under a proposed low-regulation scheme for start-ups. The scheme, being considered by the corporate watchdog, would allow financial services start-ups to operate unlicensed for six months in the name of supporting innovation. Peter Strong, chief executive of the Council of Small Business Australia, is concerned small businesses could fall victim to financial scandals. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen / Fairfax Small business say they are already exposed to predatory lending because they are not covered by Australia's consumer credit laws. This is despite the fact a majority of businesses in Australia are sole traders, or self-employed workers. The future of the Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria - and the jobs of hundreds of workers - is in doubt with the power company which supplies the plant disclosing one of the plant's owners is to terminate a supply contract, with all supply contracts expected to be axed. The move comes ahead of an expected decision by the Victoria government not to extend subsidies provided to keep the plant in operation. A 20-year fixed subsidy expires in November. Up to 2000 jobs may be at risk at Alcoa's Portland plant. Credit:Joe Armao As many as 2000 jobs - direct and indirect - could be at risk with any closure. And there could be additional knock-on effects since the smelter consumes around 10 per cent of Victoria's entire electricity output. In 2014, Alcoa closed the Point Henry smelter which led to the closure last year of the Anglesea power plant. The benefits to consumers are sometimes harder to see. There are obvious risks, of course, in posting your location and activities online, particularly if they are seen by people who don't like you very much. But there are benefits too. Your personal information feeds into a better informed market for exchanges. You might pay full price for this breakfast, but perhaps you'll benefit from a future discount targeted at consumers like you. Perhaps more restaurants will open up in your area to target consumers like you. It's easy to focus on the potential downsides of revealing more of your information online, but the digital era has opened up a world of new possibilities for mutually agreeable exchanges. And privacy is the currency of this new economy. When you leave a review on Trip Advisor, Amazon, or Airbnb, it leaves you vulnerable to retaliation from that service provider. But you also contribute valuable information to the market which helps others to consume better. You benefit, in turn, when others do the same. The digital economy and fast global transportation has opened up previously undreamed of possibilities for consumption. A Persian rug? Delivered to your door. Those shoes in your exact size? Coming right up. Deeper markets increase possibilities for consumption, while deeper information about participants in that market particularly bad sellers and bad buyers helps increase the quality of that consumption. Information helps you avoid doing dud deals. Employers want to know they are hiring someone who lives up to their talk. Consumers want to know they are buying from a reputable dealer. The possibility for bad reviews encourages both buyers and sellers to act more scrupulously, lifting standards and trust across the market. This only encourages more exchanges of mutual benefit. There are obvious downsides, of course, to giving up some of your privacy particularly for those with something to hide, like a criminal record or childhood convictions. There are public interest arguments as to why we might want to protect some individuals by keeping some information out of the market place. And there is a wider downside to companies knowing too much about your preferences. When companies know a lot about what you have paid for things in the past, or what people like you have paid, they have a better ability to price discriminate against you. Price discrimination is charging different customers a different price for the same good. Sellers want to be able to charge the maximum each customer is willing to pay. Apple, for instance, cottoned on early that Australians are willing to pay quite a lot for online purchases of music and movies. We're still paying the price for that. Generally, in bargaining scenarios, it's better if your bargaining partner doesn't know what you would be willing to pay, otherwise known as your "reservation price". You want them to believe it is much lower, so that you can get the same enjoyment for a lower price. In this new era of big data, companies have a better idea of what consumers' reservation prices are, helping them to maximise profits. Of course, in open market, sellers who charge too much will soon face new competition. Although the ability of some companies to sustain monopolies or duopolies in the online space has confounded many economists' expectations, mostly due to winner-takes-all network effects everyone wants to be on the biggest network. But before we go donning that tin foil hat and retreating from the online space, it's important to remember the benefits of freer exchange of information. That school friend you've reconnected with on Facebook. That awesome little place you stayed at in south Melbourne through Airbnb. That Uber driver who charged half the price of a taxi. Negotiating this new online landscape will require care and diligence from policy makers to protect the vulnerable. It will require strong competition laws to ensure new players don't just start erecting barriers to entry like the old. And UN indictments and documents named the man ultimately responsible: General Wiranto, then commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces. Under the international law doctrine of superior responsibility, commanders are obliged to take all reasonable measures to prevent crimes from occurring and/or to punish those who perpetrate such crimes. Commanders who fail to take such measures are criminally responsible for those crimes. But Wiranto has never been brought to account. Indonesian president Joko Widodo last month appointed him to the powerful position of Co-ordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. This week, Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Attorney-General George Brandis caught up with him at a conference in Bali, as if none of the atrocities had occurred and there is no such thing as the UN indictment. Mr Keenan said he was not going to run a commentary on his ministerial colleagues in other countries. "I don't think that's particularly helpful," he said. The fledgling government that was formed in East Timor after the Indonesians left the territory never forwarded Wiranto's indictment to Interpol, meaning he was never put at risk of arrest while travelling abroad. East Timor's leaders, Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta, apparently took the realistic view that they couldn't risk antagonising their giant neighbour, where anger has simmered for years over losing the UN-sponsored independence vote. Indonesia sent six warships uninvited to the waters off Dili when East Timor celebrated its independence on May 20, 2002, highlighting the potential fragility of the hard-won freedom of what was then the world's newest nation. Successive governments in Canberra have largely remained silent on the atrocities committed just over an hour's flight from Australia's shores, despite a large volume of evidence against the Indonesian military and its proxy militia forces. But if Australia wants to have a reasonably health relationship with Indonesia, unpleasant matters need to be dealt with. In 2001, a UN report by former Australian diplomat James Dunn said a campaign of destruction, deportations and killings were planned by a group of Indonesian military officers two months before the independence vote. The report said it was inconceivable that Wiranto was unaware of the campaign, which saw more than 250,000 East Timorese transported to West Timor within a fortnight of the vote, a move that required vast military resources. Indonesia's Truth and Friendship Commission concluded after a two-year investigation that the Indonesian military, police and government must all share the blame for gross human rights violations carried out by militias and targeting East Timorese independence supporters. In 2008, former foreign minister Alexander Downer admitted knowing the Indonesian army was behind outbreaks of violence in East Timor but said he and former prime minister John Howard tried their hardest to prevent it. Wiranto has challenged his accusers to prove the allegations against him. "I'm hoping that the issues regarding my involvement in cases of human rights violations can be proven in detail," he said in an Antara report. "I will then offer my explanation to each accusation." However if Wiranto was to travel to East Timor he would find people in every village and town who suffered because of the brutality of Indonesian forces under his command during those tumultuous months of 1999. I would like to ask the co-ordinating minister about the Indonesian soldiers who murdered my Dutch colleague, Sander Thoenes, and cut off his ear as some sort of bizarre souvenir. Human rights groups have made the case for the child abuse royal commission to investigate Australia's immigration detention centre in Nauru, following new reports of endemic sexual violence, abuse and self-harm at the facility. The Australian Council for International Development, Human Rights Law Centre and Australian Council of Social Services have released legal advice asserting that the royal commission has the power to examine the Nauru detention centre, challenging commissioner Peter McClellan's previous insistence that it did not. The advice and accompanying documents were first sent to the royal commission in July last year, following the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission's Forgotten Children report into minors in immigration detention. After 12 months, the commission has not acted on that advice, the advocates said. "It has been a year and we haven't seen any change in the commission's approach," HRLC director Hugh de Kretser told Fairfax Media. The attempted kidnapping, bashing and stabbing of an international tobacco company manager outside his family home in Sydney suggests crime syndicates are hitting back at efforts to combat the booming illicit tobacco trade. A criminal syndicate is suspected of ordering the botched kidnapping in June of a former decorated NSW policeman turned manager of British American Tobacco. The BAT manager was stabbed and bashed by at least three men, after he refused their order that he get into a car. The kidnappers arrived at the man's Sydney home at around 10pm on Saturday June 4. A source said the manager was forced to "fight for his life" to ward off the kidnappers, who have not been identified. He was rushed to hospital after the attack. Paris: The mayor of the French resort city of Cannes has barred women in full-body, head-covering swimsuits from bathing on public beaches there, essentially demanding that they either wear swimsuits that reveal more skin or stop going to the beach. The ban has elicited protests by French Muslims who say it is discriminatory. That the debate is occurring on the Riviera, a vacation destination on the Mediterranean but also an anxious region after the terrorist attack on a Bastille Day celebration in the nearby seaside city of Nice, has only added to the controversy. The mayor's ordinance, which runs until August 31, bars people in attire that is not "respectful of good morals and secularism" and that does not respect "rules of hygiene and security" from gaining access to the city's public beaches and from swimming there. Offenders risk a fine of 38 euros, or about $46. "Beach attire that ostentatiously displays a religious affiliation, while France and places of worship are the target of terrorist acts, is likely to create risks to public order," the ordinance says. The daughter of the late US president Ronald Reagan has a message for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump: "Words matter." Patti Davis responded to Trump's suggestion on Tuesday that "Second Amendment people" could maybe find a way to stop Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton from rolling back gun rights if she is elected. Davis says on Facebook that, while Trump's comments were heard by "sane and decent people", they were also heard by someone "locked in his own dark fantasies", who "sees unbridled violence as a way to make his mark in the world". Davis notes that her father, a Republican, "was shot by someone who got his inspiration from a movie". TRUMP: No, I meant that he's the founder of ISIS, I do. He was the most valuable player. I gave him the most valuable player award. I give her too, by the way. HEWITT: Last night you said that the President was the founder of ISIS. I know what you meant, you meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace. TRUMP: He was the found, his - the way he got out of Iraq was the founding of ISIS. Trump doesn't get that in moving into a general election campaign in which he is pitted one-on-one with Clinton, that the contest has changed dramatically; that it's no longer about competing with other Republicans for a share of the vote from the party's base. It doesn't seem to have occurred to him that the vast majority of those who turn out for his rallies are the base - and that a persistent pitch to their prejudices is not likely to win undecided or conservative Democrats in the numbers that he needs to win. Interviewed on CNBC on Thursday, he refused to concede that he was making errors - claiming as proof that he had won the GOP primaries contests. Challenged on his free-falling polls, Trump, whom fact checkers judge to be one of the greatest political liars to offer themselves to the American people, parried: "Whatever happens, happens. I'm giving it straight. I don't know that it'll work because I'm a non-political person and I'm proud of that. But I'm giving it straight." Asked about defections in demographics he must hold to win, Trump insisted: "We'll see what happens. I have a whole group of people out there that people don't even know about. At the rally last night I had 10,000 people. If Hillary had that rally, she would have had 200 people if she was lucky. I don't know that translates to votes. In theory, it should. But I don't know it translates into votes." And pressed on falling support in critical swing states, Trump went all Forrest Gump: 'I don't know. Whatever it is it is. Look, all I do is tell the truth. I'm a truth teller. All I do is tell the truth. If at the end of 90 days I fall in short because I'm somewhat politically correct even though I'm supposed to be the smart one and even though I'm supposed to have a lot of good ideas, it's OK. BELMOND With a $240 million Prestage plant proposed for Wright County, Greg Fisher said he wants to build an inclusive environment at Belmond-Klemme. Fisher, 55, became interim high school principal last week. He also serves as activities director. He said he was attracted to Belmond by the opportunity to work in a smaller-sized school with some diversity where he could get to know students and parents. Fisher comes to Belmond after working as an assistant high school principal and activities director in Centerville. Previously he also worked as a high school principal in Charles City. He began his career teaching science and physical education in Aplington-Parkersburg. Fisher said he was attracted to the job in part because of Superintendent Abe Maskes embrace of diversity at his prior district in Postville. You look at the schools that I have been at. Maybe Charles City had some diversity, but not at what we have here, he said. I have figured out in my life that we are going to become a different society, Fisher said. I need to educate myself and (embrace it). If Belmond does see some enrollment increase once the plant begins hiring, Fisher said the school needs to encourage them to become a permanent part of the school community. I think the challenge is trying to make sure that the people that come from that plant are willing to stay and develop connections to that community, he said. Fisher and his wife, Phyllis, have two children. His wife has worked for 18 years as a laboratory director at Iowa States veterinary hospital. His son is a teacher in Tipton. His daughter is a graphic designer based in Des Moines. Fisher replaces Eric Dockstader, who resigned to become a middle school and high school principal in Winthrop. CLEAR LAKE Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and gay rights advocate Zach Wahls spoke Friday night at the Iowa Wing Ding, the Democrats annual fundraiser at the Surf Ballroom. Griimes, 37, is the youngest female secretary of state in the nation. She recently spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Wahls, 25, of Iowa City, is author of My Two Moms, which is about his experience growing up with lesbian parents. He became nationally known after testifying in support of marriage equality before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in 2011. A video of his testimony went viral and got millions of views. Other speakers at the Wing Ding included former Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, seeking to unseat U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley; and Kim Weaver, who is running against U.S. Rep. Steve King. President Barack Obama is the recipient of Wing Dings annual Beacon Award for outstanding service but was not on hand to accept it. Home Real Weddings Cute & Classic Chapel Wedding In Iowa Cute & Classic Chapel Wedding In Iowa Guuuuuurrrl, we are in love with these blue American Rag shoes! They were the perfect little pop of color for this cute and classic chapel wedding in Iowa. Plus they matched the flowers beautifully and with a sweet little wedge heal they made it possible for this lovely bride to dance the night away with her loving groom! Oh, don't run away just yet, we have even more of this simple and sweet day for you to see in the full gallery. Every last image is brought to you by the talents of Chelsea Dawn Weddings and Beth Hektoen. A Year In The Making From Chelsea Dawn Weddings: Though they still live in Michigan, they planned their Iowa wedding for nearly a year, so they could celebrate close to home with friends and family. They were married at 4pm in their church - First Church UCC, by Pastor Chuck, in Mason City. Their first look took place in an intimate chapel within the church, aglow with beautiful stained glass windows. Burning Up The Dance Floor After their ceremony, the wedding party boarded a classic trolley and drove to a beautiful white barn at Diamond Oak Events in Clear Lake. The barn sits on hundreds of acres, and is home to some of the most beautifully gnarled, and twisty Oak trees in the state. It was a scorching 96 degrees, but the humidity and heat index couldn't keep this happy bunch off the dance floor. With ample ice cream breaks, Scott and Stephanie's guests had a ball celebrating a wonderful day full of the best kind of love. Every Step You Take... Every Move You Make... From the Bride: Be sure to enjoy every minute possible...from the moment you awake in the morning to lying down that night. There is a ton of excitement during the day, but absorb all of the precious memories happening -- realize the great amount of support that is present, all in celebration of your marriage. - FDA Vaccines for Children: Information for Parents and Caregivers20 -- Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) Brand Names: Daptacel and Infanrix What it's for: Prevents the bacterial infections diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This combination vaccine is given as a series in infants and children 6 weeks through 6 years of age, prior to their 7th birthday. Diphtheria can infect the throat, causing a thick covering that can lead to problems with breathing, paralysis, or heart failure. Tetanus can cause painful tightening (spasms) of the muscles, seizures, paralysis, and death. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has the initial symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough, which may seem like a typical cold. Usually, the cough slowly becomes more severe. Eventually the patient may experience bouts of rapid coughing followed by the whooping sound that gives the disease its common name as they try to inhale. While the coughing fit is occurring, the patient may vomit or turn blue from lack of air. Patients gradually recover over weeks to months. -- Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed (Tdap) Brand Names: Adacel and Boostrix What it's for: Booster shot for kids at 10 or 11 years of age to prevent the bacterial infections diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). In addition, Boostrix is approved for all individuals 10 years of age and older, (including the elderly). Adacel is approved for use in people ages 10 through 64 years. B Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Hib) Brand Names: ActHIB, Hiberix, PedvaxHIB What it's for: Prevents Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) invasive disease. Before the availability of Hib vaccines, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years of age in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to lasting brain damage and deafness. Hib disease can also cause pneumonia, severe swelling in the throat, infections of the blood, joints, bones, and tissue covering of the heart, as well as death. Both ActHIB and PedvaxHIB are approved for routine administration for infants and children beginning at 2 months and through 18 months and 71 months of age respectively; Hiberix is approved as a booster shot in children 15 months through the age of before their 5th birthday. Hepatitis A Vaccine Brand Names: Havrix and Vaqta What it's for: Prevents disease caused by hepatitis A virus. People infected with hepatitis A may not have any symptoms; and if they do have symptoms, they may feel like that they have a mild "flu-like" illness; or they may have jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), tiredness, stomachache, nausea and diarrhea. Young children may not have any symptoms, so when a childs caregiver becomes sick, that is when it is recognized that the child is infected. Hepatitis A is most often spread by an object contaminated with the feces of a person with hepatitis A, such as when a parent or caregiver does not properly wash his or her hands after changing diapers or cleaning up the stool of an infected person. Both vaccines are approved for use in people 12 months of age and older. Hepatitis B Vaccine Brand Names: Engerix-B and Recombivax HB What it's for: Prevents infection caused by hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is spread when body fluid infected with hepatitis B enters the body of a person who is not infected. Hepatitis B can lead to chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), liver cancer, and death. The vaccines are approved for individuals of all ages, including newborns. It is particularly important for those at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus such as a baby born to mom who is infected with the virus. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Brand Names: Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 What it's for: Gardasil prevents anal cancer and associated precancerous lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in people ages 9 through 26 years. In this same age group for females, it is also approved for prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer and the associated precancerous lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil 9 is for use in females ages 9 through 26 and males ages 9 through 15. Gardasil 9 covers five more HPV types than Gardasil, preventing cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers caused by any of the following HPV Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Overall, Gardasil 9 has the potential to prevent approximately 90% of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are also approved for the prevention of genital warts caused by types 6 and 11 in both males and females. Cervarix prevents cervical and associated precancerous lesions caused by HPV types 16 and 18 in females ages 9 through 25 years of age. Influenza Vaccine (administered with a needle) Brand Names (for children): Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent What it's for: Different vaccines are approved for different age groups to prevent influenza disease, caused by the strains of influenza virus that are included in the vaccine. Influenza, commonly called flu, is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness. The elderly, young children and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) are at high risk for serious influenza-related complications. Complications may include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of certain medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. The strains of influenza virus that cause disease in people frequently change, so yearly vaccination is needed to provide protection against the influenza viruses likely to cause illness each winter. Influenza Vaccine, Intranasal (nasal spray) Brand Names (for children): FluMist Quadrivalent What it's for: Protects against four different strains of influenza virus included in the vaccine; for children and adults ages 2 through 49 years of age. -- Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine Brand Name: M-M-R II What it's for: Prevents measles, mumps, and rubella in those 12 months of age and older. Measles is a respiratory disease that causes a skin rash all over the body, and fever, cough and runny nose. Measles can be severe, causing ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, and swelling of the brain. Mumps causes fever, headache, loss of appetite and the well-known sign of swollen cheeks and jaw which is from the swelling of the salivary glands. Rare complications include deafness, meningitis (infection of the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), and painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries. Rubella, also called German Measles, causes fever, a rash, and--mainly in women--can also cause arthritis. Rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Meningococcal Vaccine Brand Names: Bexsero, Menactra, Menveo and Trumenba What it's for: Prevents certain types of meningococcal disease, a life-threatening illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis that infects the bloodstream and the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of meningitis in young children. Even with appropriate antibiotics and intensive care, between 10 and 15 percent of people who develop meningococcal disease die from the infection. Another 10 to 20 percent suffer complications such as brain damage or loss of limb or hearing. Bexsero is approved for use in those 10 through 25 years of age to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroup B. Menactra is approved for use in infants and children beginning at 9 months of age, as well as for adults through 55 years of age. Menveo is approved for use in those 2 months through 55 years of age. Both Menactra and Menveo prevent meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W. Trumenba is approved for use in those 10 through 25 years of age to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroup B. Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine Brand Name: Prevnar 13 What it's for: Prevents invasive disease caused by 13 different types of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants, children and adolescents ages 6 weeks through 17 years. In infants and children 6 weeks through 5 years of age, it is also approved for the prevention of otitis media (ear infection) caused by 7 different types of the bacterium. Streptococcus pneumonie can cause infections of the blood, middle ear, and the covering of the brain and spinal cord, as well as pneumonia. Prevnar 13 is also approved for adults 50 years of age and older. Poliovirus Vaccine Brand Name: Ipol What it's for: Prevents polio in infants as young as 6 weeks of age. Polio is a disease that can cause paralysis or death. Rotavirus Vaccine Brand Names: Rotarix and RotaTeq What it's for: Prevents gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus infection in infants as young as 6 weeks of age. Rotavirus disease is the leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants worldwide. In the United States, the disease occurs more often during the winter. Before rotavirus vaccines were available, most children in the United States were infected with rotavirus before the age of two. In addition, rotavirus resulted in about 55,000-70,000 hospitalizations and 20-60 infant deaths in the United States each year. Varicella Virus Vaccine Brand Name: Varivax What it's for: Prevents varicella (chickenpox) in children 12 months of age and older. Chickenpox usually causes a blister-like itchy rash, tiredness, headache and fever. It can be serious, particularly in babies, adolescents, adults and people with weak immune systems, causing less common, but more serious complications such as skin infection, scarring, pneumonia, brain swelling, Reye's syndrome, (which affects the liver and brain), and death. FDA Brand Name: Kinrix What its for: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio in children 4 through 6 years of age (prior to 7th birthday). Brand Name: Menhibrix What its for: Prevents certain types of meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis and prevents Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) invasive disease in infants and children ages 6 weeks through 18 months. Brand Name: Pediarix What its for: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and polio in children 6 weeks of age through 6 years of age (prior to the 7th birthday). Brand Name: Pentacel What its for: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and invasive Hib disease in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to 5th birthday). Brand Name: ProQuad What its for: Prevents measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chicken pox) in children 12 months through 12 years of age. Brand Name: Quadracel What its for: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio in children 4 through 6 years of age. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/ResourcesforYou/Consumers/ucm345587.htm#routinely Cerro Gordo County supervisors will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. Tuesday on a proposed hog confinement facility north of Ventura. Matt Roenfanz, representing River Edge Farms LLC, said the facility would house 4,992 head of finishing hogs. The site would be on 300th Street, about one-half mile east of Balsam Avenue. The proposed construction will include two 100-foot by 193-foot confinement buildings with 8-foot deep below ground, covered, formed-concrete manure storage. According to a report prepared by John Robbins, assistant administrative officer for the county, the nearest occupied dwelling, owned by Angela and Elliott Calloway, is 2,415 feet east of the site. A house owned by Henry and Irma Bokelman is about 1,750 feet west of the proposed site but has been vacant since 2006. All other nearby dwellings are more than 4,000 feet away, according to Robbins, who said, in all, there are seven houses within one mile of the site. Several wildlife areas are within two miles of it. Supervisors said they have received many phone calls and emails from people concerned about the proposal and they expect a large turnout at the public hearing. But they also pointed out that the state, not the county, provides guidelines through a matrix system that the county is required to follow. In May 2002, Cerro Gordo supervisors approved an ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium on the building of confinement facilities, with exceptions for expansions of up to 15 percent on existing facilities and exemptions for open feed lots. The intention was to aid family farm operations while curtailing construction of large commercial operations such as a Sparboe chicken confinement plant that had been proposed for Ventura a few months earlier. Worth County had a similar ordinance that was challenged in court and was ultimately ruled unconstitutional by the Iowa Supreme Court in June 2002. Cerro Gordo supervisors then voted to repeal its county ordinance since it did not comply with state law. Supervisors Jay Urdahl and Phil Dougherty, who will take part in Tuesdays public hearing, were in office when the moratorium was in place and then repealed. Both supported the moratorium. VERNON PARISH -- The Vernon Parish Police Jury will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15. Here's the agenda: AGENDA REGULAR MEETING VERNON PARISH POLICE JURY PARISH GOVERNMENT COMPLEX BUILDING 300 S. 3RD STREET, 2ND FLOOR LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016 10 a.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Roll Call 5. Visitors 6. Public Comment 7. Motion to accept the minutes of the June 20, 2016 regular meeting and the July 11, 2016 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes. 8. Committee Reports: 1. Capital Properties 2. Econ. Development & Planning 3. Equipment 4. Finance 5. Fire Protection and Solid Waste 6. Permit & Claims 7. Personnel 8. Road Maintenance & Construction 9. Veterans Affairs 10. Ways & Means 11. Wildlife & Lakes 9. Motion to hold a public hearing on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. to hear public input on a proposed ordinance to amend section 13:31 of the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances to reduce the speed limit on Froeming Road, District 7 Ward 7 to 25 MPH. 10. Motion to hold a public hearing on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. to hear public input on a proposed ordinance to amend section 13:31 of the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances to reduce the speed limit on McCain Road, District 7 Ward 7 to 25 MPH. 11. Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the jury to submit a Proposal Application to the Louisiana Housing Corporation Emergency Solutions Grant Program on behalf of the Vernon Community Action Council for fiscal year 2016-2018 for the amount of $30,000.00 to support shelter operations in the parish and to authorize the President and/or Administrator/Treasurer to sign the proposal application and any other documents or contracts related to this grant. 12. Motion to enter into public hearing to hear public input on a proposed ordinance granting to CLECO POWER, LLC, its subsidiaries, successors and assigns, a non-exclusive franchise right and privilege for a 25 year period, from the date of this ordinance, to erect, construct, maintain and operate lines, poles, wires, structures and other equipment and appurtenances and use the public streets, alleys, ways and other public servitudes within the unincorporated area of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, for the purpose of the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. 13. Motion to return to regular agenda. 14. Motion to adopt an ordinance granting to CLECO POWER, LLC, its subsidiaries, successors and assigns, a non-exclusive franchise right and privilege for a 25 year period, from the date of this ordinance, to erect, construct, maintain and operate lines, poles, wires, structures and other equipment and appurtenances and use the public streets, alleys, ways and other public servitudes within the unincorporated area of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, for the purpose of the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy. (ROLL CALL) 15. Motion to adopt a resolution to enter into Interagency Agreement with the Sabine River Authority establishing the terms and conditions relative to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for FEMA Disaster Declaration 4263 for a potential voluntary acquisition project for properties located in the Sabine River Basin. 16. Motion to adopt a resolution to authorize the parish to solicit request for proposals for grant application and project management for a potential Hazard Mitigation Grant for voluntary acquisition of properties in flood prone areas in the Sabine River Basin, and to authorize the jury to accept the most qualified RFP, and to authorize the President and/or Administrator/Treasurer to accept and sign the contracts and any other documents necessary to procure the grant application writer and project manager. 17. Motion to authorize payment of all invoices as authorized by the Finance Committee and authorize payment of all expenditures above the budgeted amount from Ward Maintenance and/or Construction accounts. 18. Motion to adjourn. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Belinda S. Diehl, Parish Secretary, at 337-238-0324, describing the assistance necessary. Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today A steady rain this evening. Showers with perhaps a rumble of thunder developing overnight. Low 59F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers with perhaps a rumble of thunder developing overnight. Low 59F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 12, 2016 | METROPOLIS, IL By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 12, 2016 | 01:06 PM | METROPOLIS, IL A Metropolis man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for methamphetamine offenses. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois says 29-year-old Brandon Watson was sentenced Wednesday to 151 months behind bars, four years of supervised release and a $200 fine for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute meth. Watson had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of meth. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Watson was involved with co-defendant Gary Skinner and others in distributing meth. Skinner, who lived in St. Louis, was reportedly delivering meth to Watson to be sold in the Metropolis area. At sentencing, the district court determined that Watson was responsible for the distribution of more than 907 grams of meth. Police stopped Skinners vehicle last October on I-57 in Williamson County for a traffic violation. During a vehicle search, officers found more than 200 grams of meth. Skinner has pleaded guilty to his role in the methamphetamine conspiracy, and is currently being held without bond pending an August 24 sentencing hearing. Search of Mayfield home snares alleged meth trafficker and two others A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. Father Gary Mayer will officiate. A celebration of Trents life will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at Hauser Funeral Home. Family and friends are also welcome to gather an hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Built On Land Lost During Last Pole Shift? Pyramid Discovery Challenges Current Archaelogical Theory First Discovered In 1968 Properties Of Crystal Pyramids Pyramids And The 'Cavity Structural Effect' Another Deadly Phenomenon Pyramids May Create: An Energy Vortex With the use of sonar, oceanographer Dr. Meyer Verlag discovered giant crystal pyramids at a depth of two-thousand meters. The use of other devices have allowed scientists to determine that these glass giants are both made of a crystal-like substance, and are nearly 3 times bigger than the pyramid of Cheops in Egypt.Dr. Verlag believes that further investigation into the secrets in the the crystal pyramids center could reveal more information regarding the cases of mysterious disappearances associated with the Bermuda Triangle. In a press conference held in the Bahamas, the scientist presented a report with the exact coordinates of the crystal pyramids, and made note that the technology at use is unknown to modern science. A more detailed study may bring results that are difficult for us to imagine. Who knows what will be discovered about these underwater architectural anomalies perhaps something of shocking significance.There are several Western scholars who argue that the pyramid on the seabed may have been initially made on the mainland, after which a devastating earthquake struck and changed the landscape completely. Other scientists argue that a few hundred years ago the waters of the Bermuda Triangle area may have as one of the cornerstone activities of the people of Atlantis, and Pyramids on the sea floor may be a supply warehouse for them.A more detailed study over time will give results that are difficult to imagine. Scientists have processed all of the data and concluded that the surface is perfectly smooth for it to look like glass or ice. The size of the crystal pyramids are nearly three times the size of the pyramids of Cheops. This news was sensational, and was discussed at a conference in Florida and even reported to local Florida newspapers. The journalists present in it, have a lot of pictures and high resolution computerized data, which show three-dimensional pyramids perfectly smooth, without being covered with a surface free of debris or algae or cracks.A gigantic structure, initially identified by a doctor in the 1960s, has recently been independently verified by diving teams from France and the U.S.The discovery has rocked scientists around the world. Will they rush to investigate it? No, they're more likely to studiously ignore it. If pressed, they'll officially position themselves as highly skepticalespecially in light of the potential ramifications.The pyramid could confirm some engineers' contentions that these crystal pyramids were originally created as massive power sources, support the claim that the ancient city-state of Atlantis did exist, or even provide answers to the mysterious goings-on that have been recorded since the 19th Century in the region of the Atlantic dubbed the Bermuda Triangle.According to the history, the pyramid was accidentally discovered during 1968 by a doctor of naturopathy, Ray Brown of Mesa, Arizona.Brown was in the Caribbean on vacation and making dives with friends in a region off the Bahamas known as the Tongue of the Ocean. The area acquired that name because a tongue-shaped portion of the seabed extends out from the island before sharply dropping off into much greater depths.When relating his discovery, the doctor explained he became separated from his diving friends underwater. While attempting to rejoin them he came upon a massive structure rising from the ocean floor: a black, hulking object silhouetted against the lighter sun-filtered water. The object was shaped like a pyramid.Because he was low on air, he didn't spend much time investigating the pyramid, but did find a strange crystal sphere.He brought it to the surface with him and later when the ancient crystal was studied researchers were astonished by its properties.Some theories of Atlantis propose the island citys power pyramids were made of crystal, or their tops were capped with a crystalline substance.Could such a thing actually generate, store, and distribute energy on demand? Yes.Experimenters discovered decades ago that crystal pyramids do tend to act in some ways like a natural electrical capacitor gathering and storing energy around them. The larger the pyramid, the greater the capacity of gathering and storing energy. A pyramid's composition is important too. Having one made of crystal, or an apex made of crystal, could vastly increase its power.Crystal has long been known to have energy applications and exhibits natural piezoelectrical properties.Early radio used germanium crystals to capture the radiowaves and convert them into electrical signals that could be processed and broadcast through headphones into soundwaves duplicating the human voice, music, and other sounds.Pyramid power, say investigators, is intrinsic to the pyramid shape. It's an architecture that's proven to function as an energy accumulator and amplifier of energetic force.As if to prove the investigators' assertions true, recently some of the worlds pyramids began discharging beams of raw energy into space.The bottom line? Pyramids are intrinsically natural generators of power.Barry Carter calls attention to another property that pyramids exhibit called the Cavity Structural Effect (CSE) by its discoverer, Dr. Viktor S. Grebennikov. The scientist employed the CSE to construct a rudimentary anti-gravitic platform.Carter explains that Grebennikov also claimed that he could feel energies emitting from the apex of a pyramid: You will soon pick up an active zone, a clot, where the Egyptians had their tombs. Another active zone (a flame) above the top of the pyramid is also well-perceived by the indicator if you drag its end over the top. The clot and the flame are well-felt by the finger inserted into the pyramid, or your palm moved above it after some practice. The pyramid effect, which generated many scary and mysterious stories over the centuries, is one of the CSE manifestations.Besides the time and spatial anomalies reported in the Triangle, some survivors of terrifing incidents there have reported huge, swirling vortices suddenly appearing and disappearing .Evidence exists that some missing ships may have gone missing because of this phenomenon.Observations of some of the submerged pyramids reveals they sporadically generate intense vortices in the ocean water flowing around them. Those vortices may be caused by a discharge of internal energy.If those submerged pyramids also discharge massive enegy through their apexes, that could account for the formation of deadly vortices on the surface of the sea that swallows up whole ships along with their doomed crews.Future expeditions to these mysterious pyramids may finally uncover the truth and reveal amazing ancient technology.Unfortunately, deep sea archaeology is very expensive and not well-funded. Most dives are to ancient wrecks that promise riches to risk-taking treasure hunters.And, of course, the world's universities are not especially eager to explore the idea that very ancient ruins containing high technology may exist that challenges virtually all of the foundations of their pet theories. Gretchen S. Yeninas, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story and advice for early detection. As a breast cancer survivor, what advice do you have for others in monitoring their own health? I was 41 and just had my second mammogram when my cancer was found. And despite it being Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The company that owns the Winnipeg Free Press, Brandon Sun and several regional Manitoba newspapers has reported a double-digit decline in revenues for the second quarter of 2016. FP Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership (FPLP) said revenues for the three-month period that ended June 30 were down 11.5 per cent from the same period in 2015, falling to $20.8 million from $23.5 million. The revenue decline was broadly based, and included a 16.1 per cent decrease in print advertising revenues and a 29.4 per cent drop in digital revenues. Circulation revenues were essentially unchanged. As it did in the second quarter of last year, the company said that as a result of the continued revenue declines due to economic factors, it recorded an impairment charge of $12.7 million to its goodwill, which is the value of a company as an operating business to another company or individual. That was slightly more than half the $23.2 million impairment charge it recorded in the second quarter of last year. As was the case a year earlier, the recording of the impairment charge resulted in FPLP posting a net loss for the quarter $11.2 million compared to $20.4 million in Q2 2015. The lower than expected operating results for FPLP, in turn, prompted the publicly traded entity that receives 49 per cent of its distributable cash FP Newspapers Inc. (FPI) to also record a write-down of $6.2 million in the value of its investment in FPLP. As a result of that decision, FPI posted a net loss for the quarter of $5.7 million, or 82 cents per share. Without the write-down, it would have recorded a net profit of $500,000, or 7.5 cents per share. staff Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/08/2016 (2269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. wfpyoutube:https://youtu.be/nnaULhs_weA:wfpyoutube OTTAWA An early-morning tip from FBI investigators triggered a race against time as police scrambled to identify and locate a balaclava-wearing would-be suicide bomber they feared was on the verge of killing innocent Canadians. Within three hours, they believed they had found their man: Aaron Driver, 24, a known terrorist sympathizer who was living in the southwestern Ontario town of Strathroy, under court-imposed conditions. It was a race against time, RCMP deputy commissioner Mike Cabana told a news conference Thursday in Ottawa as he described in chilling detail the deadly events of the previous day. RCMP / THE CANADIAN PRESS The aftermath of an explosion inside of a taxi that Aaron Driver entered after leaving a house in Strathroy, Ontario is seen in this handout photo. RCMP confronted the Driver as he fled the house into the back seat of a waiting taxi, where an improvised explosive device suddenly detonated, injuring the cab driver. How quickly this was all established is actually testament to the level of collaboration that exists between law enforcement agencies and security agencies in Canada and the United States. Without that the outcome would have been quite different. The tip included a screen shot of a martyrdom video of Driver, and a warning that he was planning to detonate a homemade explosive device in an urban centre during morning or afternoon rush hour, Cabana said. Based on the information, the attack was supposed to take place within the next 72 hours. The warning was Canada-wide and made no mention of a specific city, said RCMP assistant commissioner Jennifer Strachan, who praised investigators for identifying Driver quickly enough to prevent him from carrying out the attack. Several hours later, with police amassing outside Drivers house and the afternoon rush hour ramping up, a taxi unexpectedly arrived. Officers moved in when Driver, carrying a backpack, left the house and jumped into the back seat. Scene containment was done, and the taxi we had no knowledge it was coming and it got in there very quickly, Strachan said. As the officers confronted the suspect, an improvised explosive device suddenly detonated, injuring the cabbie. Driver was killed in the ensuing fracas, either by the explosion or police gunfire, Strachan said. Police photos of the inside of the cab show how the blast ripped apart the upholstery, shattered windows and scorched the interior. If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there, she said, the scenario would have ended a lot differently. In the video, aired during the news conference, a masked Driver addresses the camera directly, speaking Arabic before an English tirade against western enemies of Islam, including Canada and allies in Europe and the United States. You still have Muslim blood on your hands, and for this we are thirsty for your blood, he says. Police gather evidence outside of a house in Strathroy Ontario, Thursday, August 11, 2016. Terrorism suspect Aaron Driver was killed in a confrontation with police in the southern Ontario town of Strathroy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Dave Chidley Theres a fire burning in the chest of every Muslim, and this fire can be cooled only by the spilling of your blood. Your war on Islam is not the kind of crime we allow ourselves to dismiss, to forgive or to forget, inshaAllah. Cabana also said Thursday that the ongoing investigation has led police to a secondary location in the city of London, Ont., not far from where Driver had been living with his sister in the town of Strathroy. Driver had been under a court order not to associate with any terrorist organizations, among other restrictions. But he was not under continuous surveillance, said Cabana. In February, Drivers lawyer and the Crown agreed to a peace bond stating there are reasonable grounds to fear that he may participate, contribute directly or indirectly in the activity of a terrorist group. The RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and other police and security agencies were also involved in Wednesdays operation. The federal Liberal government has committed upwards of $500 million towards various police, security and border control measures, as well as a counter-radicalization program ramping up this summer, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. Canada, obviously, is very anxious to maintain the open, inclusive and generous nature of our country, Goodale told a news conference in Regina. In order to do that, we have to be among the best in the world at identifying those who are vulnerable to the insidious messages of radicalization; we have to find the means to reach out to those who would be vulnerable, and to find the ways effectively to intervene with the right people at the right time with the right messages, to try to head off these tragedies before they occur. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his gratitude via Twitter: On behalf of Canadians, we thank the @rcmpgrcpolice for their work in Strathroy yesterday, Trudeau wrote. Your service ensures our safety each and every day. In Strathroy, a neighbour of Drivers said he couldnt recall ever seeing the man around town. But he said Wednesdays incident and the discovery that a terror suspect lived only a stones throw away hit a little too close to home. For me, having two kids and my wife and a possible terrorist sympathizer down the street, its kind of its a little crazy. Video footage showing Aaron Driver is seen behind RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana (left) and Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Strachan during a press conference for what the RCMP are calling a terrorism incident, in Strathroy, Ontario yesterday, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Last year, federal authorities were so suspicious Driver might have ties to a terrorist group that he bounced in and out of jails and courtrooms for months, all without any actual charges ever being laid and he had no criminal record at the time. In June 2015, Driver was first picked up in Winnipeg. Published reports at the time suggested Driver posted messages on social media that praised terrorist activities, including the attack on Parliament Hill in October 2014 by Michael Zehaf Bibeau. Amarnath Amarasingam, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University who studies radicalization and terrorism, maintained in 2015 that Driver posted for several months on social media about disliking Canada and about a desire to move overseas. Mounties applied for a peace bond that could impose limits on Drivers activities, alleging in provincial court documents that investigators believed he might help with terrorist group activities. When Driver was released later that month, he was ordered to comply with 18 different conditions, including wearing a GPS tracking device. With files from Paola Loriggio in Strathroy, Ont. Follow @tpedwell on Twitter Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/08/2016 (2269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It was just six months ago that Aaron Driver walked out of a downtown Winnipeg courthouse, claiming to be a victim of religious persecution and vowing he posed no threat to anyone. Today, the death of the 24-year-old Driver is making headlines around the world as the terrorist sympathizer whose plans to kill scores of innocent Canadians were thwarted just in time by a dramatic police takedown. RCMP say a tip from FBI investigators Wednesday morning triggered a desperate search to stop a would-be suicide bomber they feared was about to strike in a major Canadian centre. The mystery man was identified as Driver, who had recently moved from Winnipeg to the town of Strathroy in southwestern Ontario. It was a race against time, RCMP deputy commissioner Mike Cabana said Thursday during a news conference in Ottawa. How quickly this was all established is actually testament to the level of collaboration that exists between law enforcement agencies and security agencies in Canada and the United States. Without that the outcome would have been quite different. Police say the FBI information was based on a chilling martyrdom video of Driver, along with a warning that he was planning to detonate a bomb in an urban centre during morning or afternoon rush hour within a 72-hour period. RCMP assistant commissioner Jennifer Strachan told reporters no specific city was mentioned as the target for the planned attack. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Aaron Driver, leaving Winnipeg Law Courts in February 2016. But after identifying Driver as their suspect, police gathered outside his Strathroy home Wednesday afternoon and were setting up what they described as scene containment when a taxi pulled up. Driver suddenly bolted from his home and got into the backseat. He was carrying a backpack. DAVE CHIDLEY / THE CANADIAN PRESS Police maintain a watch outside of a house in Strathroy, Ontario, Thursday, August 11, 2016. Terrorism suspect Aaron Driver was killed in a confrontation with police in the southern Ontario town of Strathroy. Strachan said that caught everyone by surprise. They had to move in. The taxi, we had no knowledge it was coming and it got in there very quickly, Strachan said. As police rushed in to try and stop Driver before he got away, an improvised explosive device suddenly went off. Driver was killed either by the blast or police gunfire. The cab driver was injured but survived. Police displayed photos Thursday which show a scorched interior of the cab, with the upholstery ripped apart. If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there, the scenario would have ended a lot differently, Strachan said. Driver first came on to police radar in Winnipeg in June 2015 when he was arrested at a Charleswood home despite not being accused of any specific criminal activity. RCMP alleged that Driver, who has also gone by the alias Harun Abdourahman, was in communication with Islamic State and might aid a terrorist group or terrorist activity. Police say Driver had posted messages on social media that praised terrorist activities, including the attack on Parliament Hill in October 2014 by Michael Zehaf Bibeau. Federal justice officials applied for a peace bond under section 810 of the Criminal Code, but Driver said he would fight it in court. After a few days in custody, Driver was let out on bail. As part of his release, he agreed to wear a GPS tracking device on his ankle. The matter was set for a week-long trial this past February but Crown and defence lawyers worked out a last minute resolution just as it was set to begin. In a 10-minute hearing, Driver agreed to the peace bond. There were 12 conditions imposed on him, including not having a computer or cellular phone, not being in possession of a firearm or explosives until the end of the year, and not being on social media sites or having contact with any member of ISIS, ISIL, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and Al Qaida in Iraq or any affiliated groups. He was also ordered to live at the home in Strathroy where Wednesdays deadly events went down. RCMP / THE CANADIAN PRESS The aftermath of an explosion inside of a taxi that Aaron Driver entered after leaving a house in Strathroy, Ontario is seen in this undated handout photo. RCMP confronted the Driver as he fled the house into the back seat of a waiting taxi, where an improvised explosive device suddenly detonated, injuring the cab driver. On Thursday, RCMP showed media a copy of Drivers martyrdom video that had put authorities on high alert. In the video, a masked Driver speaks directly to the camera, first in Arabic and then English. He rails against western enemies of Islam, including Canada and allies in Europe and the United States. You still have Muslim blood on your hands, and for this we are thirsty for your blood, he said. Theres a fire burning in the chest of every Muslim, and this fire can be cooled only by the spilling of your blood. Your war on Islam is not the kind of crime we allow ourselves to dismiss, to forgive or to forget, inshaAllah. RCMP said despite the peace bond conditions, Driver had not been under constant surveillance. However, his Winnipeg-based peace bond conditions did require him to meet with an RCMP officer in London, Ont. every second week. The bi-level house in the quiet west Charleswood neighbourhood where Driver lived as a tenant in the basement until earlier this year had curtains pulled over all the windows on Thursday. No one answered the door when a Free Press reporter rang the door bell. Most area residents declined speaking to reporters. But one said she was glad it happened down there and not here. Learning from tragedy The death on Wednesday of the terrorist sympathizer prompted many people to look for lessons that can be learned from the tragedy. Wayne Driver, father of Aaron Driver The elder Driver spoke with an Ottawa radio station on Thursday about his sons death. At first, it was disbelief and shock and then the more you listen, you realize its your son and you wonder, My god, what brought him this far? What could we have done differently to help him? You know, thoughts like that go through your head, he told 580 CFRA. Wayne Driver, a former military officer now training to be a pastor, described breaking down in tears after seeing the video his son had made. He said his son was angry at the world following the death of his mother when he was just seven years old. My god, what brought him this far? What could we have done differently to help him? Wayne Driver, father He was mad at me, mad at God, mad at the world for taking away his best friend, he said. The angry boy grew up to be a rebellious teenager, skipping school, smoking pot and enduring a fractured family life. Counselling and therapy had little success. Driver eventually converted to Islam, which his father said was initially seen as a good thing. But that changed as the young man immersed himself online in websites and podcasts devoted to terrorist beliefs. In his interview Thursday, Drivers father questioned why his son wasnt under more scrutiny following his initial contact with police in Manitoba. Why did (the courts) let him off with that peace bond? Im just wondering if there may be some other things that could have been done, realizing they can only do so much, and I applaud them for finding out what they did find out. Sometimes you just wonder if it could have been prevented, he said. James Bezan, federal Conservative defence critic Bezan, who is MP for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, told the Free Press on Thursday he believes Drivers case should have been handled differently from the start and that a firmer hand last year could have saved Drivers life. He believes Driver should have originally been charged with promoting terrorism. JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS Video footage showing Aaron Driver is seen behind RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana (left) and Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Strachan during a press conference for what the RCMP are calling a terrorism incident, in Strathroy, Ontario yesterday, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 in Ottawa. Ultimately, I think that if he had been (charged), hed be alive today, we would have had a chance to evaluate him, and essentially de-radicalize him, Bezan said. But because of the judicial system that we have, he was released on a peace bond, which didnt prevent him from pursuing the crazy idea he had. Asked about concerns that such a move would have constituted a human rights violation, Bezan said the bottom line was that it could have saved lives. If he was successful in carrying out his murderous rampage in the name of ISIS, that to me would have been much more difficult to explain to Canadians than having someone arrested and properly evaluated for their continued support for ISIS and propagating terrorism right here in Canada, Bezan said. If you look at other countries of similar power and similar human rights values that we have here in Canada and respect for the rule of law, they are arresting youth and adults in places like Germany, France and England for similar offences, Bezan said. We need to follow suit here. We cant give free license to potential terrorists who are clearly documenting their desire to harm Canadians. Bezan said this event shows Canada is not immune to terrorism, and called on the federal Liberals to maintain Bill C-51, the former Conservative governments anti-terrorism bill that was passed into law last summer. Before and since, the bill has been criticized as vague and over-broad, and gave rise to concerns over privacy and freedom of expression. Shahina Siddiqui, Winnipeg Islamic spokesperson Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Social Services Association, had reached out to Drivers father last year in an attempt to help and support the family. She had done the same for other young people in the past who have been influenced by violent ideologies, a phrase she prefers over the more common radicalized. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Manitoba MP James Bezan (Selkirk-Interlake) has sponsored a petition calling for Ukrainians to be allowed to visit Canada without a visa. I just had one conversation to pass on the message that if his son wanted to talk to us, and (ask) if they needed someone to talk to, she recalled. His father definitely, of course, wanted to help his son, and was afraid for him. But Driver never did reach out to ISSA. I was sad, Siddiqui said of hearing the news of his death. I thought things were going okay, hoping that he was getting the help that he needed, and that he was with family. But obviously not enough was done to help him. Going forward, shed like to see more investment from all levels of government to ensure that help can be delivered before people like Driver follow in his footsteps. Instead, she sees a pattern of sensational headlines and reactionary response followed by inaction. Its a societal issue. Its a Canadian issue, she said. When something bad happens, everybody is up in arms, and then nothing. Thats not the way to do planning and work for a societal harmony by just responding to headlines and crisis. We need to prevent crisis from happening in the first place. Transcript of Drivers martyrdom video SUPPLIED PHOTO Shahina Siddiqui Oh Canada, you received many warnings. You were told many times what will become of those who fight against the Islamic State. You watched as your allies in Europe and America had their bullets and bombs returned back to them. You saw bodies of the filthy French laying in their own streets. You saw explosions in Paris and Brussels, similar to the explosions they were dropping on citizens of the Islamic State. You saw brave men and women respond to the call of jihad. You saw that each member of the coalition of crusaders was being punished for their aggression against the Muslims. Then, perhaps, you found yourself safe from retaliation because you ran away from the battlefield. No, no by Allah you still have much to pay for. You still have a heavy debt which has to be paid. You still have Muslim blood on your hands, and for this we are thirsty for your blood. Theres a fire burning in the chest of every Muslim, and this fire can be cooled only by the spilling of your blood. Your war on Islam is not the kind of crime we allow ourselves to dismiss, to forgive or to forget, inshaAllah. You will pay for everything you ever brought against us. Whether you drop a bomb or fire a single bullet, we will hold you accountable for this, inshaAllah. Whether you spend millions in the war against Islam or you spend a single cent, we will hold you accountable, inshaAllah. When you creep an inch towards the lands of Islam or you set foot over its boundaries, we will hold you accountable, inshaAllah. You call yourselves peacekeepers on this Earth, but (Allah) has already warned us against you. Youre nothing but mischief-makers, and all you do is spread oppression and corruption. So today is the day you experience what its like to be targeted for your belief, inshaAllah. I give my pledge of allegiance to (ISIL leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi whos called for jihad in the lands of crusaders, and I respond to this call. Justin Tang / The Canadian Press Aaron Driver switches off his video camera in a screen capture of a recording seen during a press conference for what the RCMP are calling a terrorism incident, in Strathroy, Ontario yesterday, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 in Ottawa. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/08/2016 (2269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Aaron Driver in a video warning western enemies of Islam that the only solution would be the spilling of your blood looks eerily like the Aaron Driver I was running beside, and trying to photograph, after his appearance in court earlier this year. He may even have been wearing the same balaclava. The video, released by RCMP Thursday, shows a balaclava-clad Driver staring straight into a camera. Its the same gaze I saw a few months ago. In February, I was at Drivers quick court matter at Winnipegs Law Courts where a possible days-long hearing became a 10-minute rubber stamp by a provincial court judge of a peace-bond agreement between Driver and the federal Crown prosecutor. Twelve conditions were agreed to, including not being in possession of explosives, living at an address in Strathroy, Ont., not being on social media and not contacting the Islamic State or any other terrorist groups. Most of the conditions Driver agreed to were to expire Dec. 1, but another, not to be able to have a computer or cellphone, was to run out Aug. 31, because thats when a new school year would begin and Driver was expected to enrol in some type of post-secondary course in nearby London, Ont. The Crown and police wanted the peace bond because, as they put in the document, they believed Driver may participate in or contribute to, directly or indirectly, the activity of a terrorist group for the purpose of enhancing the ability of a terrorist group to facilitate or carry out a terrorist activity. We dont know whether Driver had been in contact with IS or any other terrorist group, but we do know because of a video released by RCMP during a news conference in Ottawa Thursday he obviously now had access to a computer and had used one to send out the video message. Even more terrifying, we also know he had violated another condition: he had explosives. Once I and other reporters spoke to the Crown, we tried to speak to Driver who was sitting on a bench on the main floor waiting to sign his peace bond. He declined the requests, but after about an hour for the paperwork to be processed, he started wandering through the Law Courts building. It appeared Driver decided not to venture outside right away because of the throng of media ready to inundate him with questions. After waiting, I finally went over to him, again trying to ask him a few questions, which he again declined. But then I told him it was up to him how long he wanted to stay inside the courthouse. But I said because media were camped outside both exits, they were going to get his photograph at some point. Thats when he buttoned up his coat, put on a black balaclava and tuque, looked straight at me and then pushed through the doors to swiftly walk past the assembled media without a word. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Aaron Driver, seen outside a Winnipeg courtroom in February, agreed to a peace bond preventing him from communicating with terrorists. Thats when I ran alongside Driver, snapping a photo with my iPhone with Free Press photographer Mike Deal in the background, while Deal took a similar picture of Driver and myself behind. Only the area around Drivers eyes could be seen because of his balaclava the same eyes caught in the video six months later. I remember asking Deal, after we let Driver walk off, why anyone who is not a terrorist would make himself look like one as he walks away. We now know the answer. Driver never did give up his terrorist tendencies, he just relocated them to an Ontario town. We will likely never know what Driver was planning. Who knows how many lives were saved because RCMP and other law authorities were able to get to him before he could carry out whatever action he had planned. What we do know is the blood Driver vowed to spill turned out to be his own. And that the guy I was running beside down a Winnipeg street will no longer be able to hurt anybody. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In has been nearly three weeks since Omnitrax Canada decided to close its Churchill grain terminal and cut rail freight service. And during that time, the Denver-based company refused to offer any explanation about why it took these actions. However, after taking its lumps for the better part of a month, including a sound thrashing at the hands of Premier Brian Pallister, Omnitrax has finally decided to speak. In an exclusive interview with the Free Press at the companys office in downtown Winnipeg, Omnitrax CEO Kevin Shuba said he believes the federal and provincial governments are in essence trying to drive the company out of Manitoba without having to pay anything for the port and railway. Shuba said the province is reneging on an agreement to provide financial assistance to the port, and the federal Liberal government is stalling a proposal to sell the port and railway to a consortium of first nations. All efforts by the company to talk to the two levels of government about these issues have been met with a deafening silence. For two years we have been talking (to the federal and provincial governments) with no response, Shuba said. Ill tell you why they dont want to talk to us. Once they reach out and talk to us, they have to become accountable, and they have to be part of the solution. They also have to acknowledge the truth and the facts. And last, once they reach out and engage us, guess what, they have to make some decisions. Shuba said he was particularly concerned about comments by Pallister, who accused Omnitrax of holding northern Manitoba hostage to wring more taxpayer subsidies out of the province. Its very easy to stand up in a press conference and say that were holding somebody hostage without having all of the facts, Shuba said of the premiers attack. Without engaging with me. Although it was informative to have Omnitrax finally give its side of the story, there are still many points that dont quite make sense. For example, Shuba was unable to provide a salient explanation for the decision to remain silent for three weeks after shutting down grain operations, or to do so without any warning to government. He suggested that as a private company, Omnitrax had no obligation to tell anyone including government about its plans. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES From left: Kevin Shuba, CEO of Omnitrax Canada, with the companys president, Merv Tweed, president of Omnitrax, with CEO, left, and Omnitrax USA COO Darcy Brede in 2013. At the same time, however, Shuba complained long and loud about the people who criticized Omnitrax, seemingly unaware that the most effective antidote for that problem would have been a rapid response from the company. Surprising government, and then running and hiding from the media, made Omnitrax look very much like the ruthless, unaccountable company described by Pallister in his news conference. Shuba could also not offer a reasonable explanation for why it has done very little to advance the cause of the Mathias Colomb consortium that is seeking to buy the railway and port. Shuba said a full proposal for federal funding to help the consortium buy Omnitrax assets has been stalled in Ottawa. However, Shuba said he had not actually seen a copy of the final proposal, and had made no effort to help move things along. Those comments do not make Omnitrax look like a company that is motivated to sell its assets. Of even greater concern is the fact that Mathias Colomb Chief Arlen Dumas does not entirely support the claims made by Omnitrax. Dumas said in an interview that while information has been provided to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, the consortium is still in the early stages of putting together its final proposal. There are still things to shore up, Dumas said. But we have let the feds know our intentions and have provided them with information. Now its just a matter of them developing what the next steps will be. In fact, there is only one area where sympathy is even remotely appropriate when it comes to Omnitrax, and that is the way its being treated by the provincial government. In 2015, Omnitrax signed an agreement with the former NDP government for funding to make repairs to the port, subsidize elevation fees and cover off operating losses for the summer shipping season. In total, this would have paid Omnitrax about $2.5 million. Shuba said the NDP, before it was defeated in the April election, pledged to extend the same agreement for this season. However, Shuba said the Pallister government has refused to pay all the money owing from the 2015 agreement. Right now, Omnitrax has received about $800,000 for capital repairs and elevation subsidies. However, Shuba said the government has been non-committal about whether it would pay the remaining $1.7 million for operating losses. In an email statement provided Thursday, Growth Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen said the province has a number of questions about Omnitraxs claims from the 2015 season and will make no further payment until a more thorough audit is completed. As for extending the agreement for this or future seasons, Cullen said Manitoba is not interested in continuing to subsidize the operations of Omnitrax with money taken from Manitoba taxpayers. Pallister is certainly under the gun to constrain expenditures, and its not hard to sympathize with his frustration at Omnitraxs blitzkrieg strategy on the layoffs. However, the comments from Cullen reveal that the Tory government does not have any solution to the crisis in northern Manitoba. The railway in particular is more of a public amenity than a private business, and the province is going to have to provide some sort of leadership if it remains operational. After hearing directly from Omnitrax, one thing is abundantly clear: all parties involved the company and both levels of government have been incredibly immature about addressing a very real problem in northern Manitoba. Omnitrax may not have made many friends in Manitoba, but it did not bring the economic problems that afflict the railway and port on itself. Various federal policies, including most notably a decision to eliminate the Canadian Wheat Board, moved the goal posts on Omnitrax. Government owes Omnitrax a fair hearing to find a more lasting solution. However, Omnitrax decision to lay off port workers and curtail rail service all done without advance warning to government was a rash and needlessly provocative strategy. Omnitrax clearly wants to sell the assets to first nations, and then remain in Manitoba as a contractor to manage those assets for the long term. However, its hardball tactics have only served to anger government to the point where it appears the province and Ottawa may let Omnitrax die a slow death just to be rid of the company. The railway and port are essential infrastructure for the people of the north. And right now, those people deserve better than theyre getting from government and the company. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Winnipeg Free Press files Port of Churchill Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The fate of the Port of Churchill isnt the Pallister governments only battle with Omnitrax Canada theres also a nagging lawsuit. A lawsuit was filed a few days before the April 19 election by the Denver-based railroad, accusing then-premier Greg Selinger, then-infrastructure minister Steve Ashton, and the province of Manitoba of breaching a non-disclosure agreement with a consortium of First Nations led by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Brian Pallister and the Progressive Conservatives may have been victorious on election night, but that doesnt mean the lawsuit goes away for his new government. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Merv Tweed, president of Omnitrax Canada. The status of lawsuits is not affected by electoral outcomes. There are numerous court cases where government is a party, and it would be unworkable if every one of those case was deemed invalid because of a change of government, said a provincial spokeswoman in a statement. Omnitrax Canada president Merv Tweed said the company has a solid circumstantial case that the former NDP government, and Selinger in particular, leaked confidential financial information to a northern Manitoba first nation. Omnitrax had been working with the consortium of First Nations to sell the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill. The consortium signed a non-disclosure agreement last year and was provided with detailed financial information on both the port and railway to be used to formulate a proposal for financial assistance to the federal government. However, Tweed said earlier this year, Omnitrax learned that Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The Pas had sent a competing proposal to Ottawa for the purchase of the port and railway. This caught the company off guard because, Tweed said, OCN had never signed a non-disclosure agreement to get access to detailed financial information that would be essential for any purchase proposal. Although Omnitrax has not seen the OCN proposal, the company strongly suspects the former NDP government shared the information it had contrary to a confidentiality agreement, Tweed said. How do you make a business proposal without business information? Tweed said Thursday. How can you do that without talking to us? Meanwhile, Pallister said Thursday there has been no progress in talks with the Omnitrax and future of the Port of Churchill. The company issued layoff notices last month for the entire unionized workforce at the port, effectively shutting down the countrys only deep sea Arctic port and ceasing all grain shipments through the port. A statement of defence has not been filed by the government, Ashton or Selinger and it could be over a year before one is filed, explained Karen Busby, a law professor at the University of Manitoba. What you are doing is you are negotiating, you are talking, you are trying not to run up legal bills it is a complicated action, so the provincial government really has to think through what its defence will be, Busby said. You dont start by filing a statement of defence immediately, you start by talking and seeing what you can work out and what is the nature of what is going on. The statement of claim says the parties entered into a non-disclosure agreement in March 2015 after the defendants (Selinger, Ashton, government of Manitoba) were provided with confidential information pertaining to the companys business plan. The lawsuit alleges the defendants disclosed confidential information in December to an accounting firm and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, a First Nation about 630 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. It could be years before the lawsuit is ever settled and it will likely never go to court, Busby said. There will be a negotiated settlement to this case in one way or another, in all likelihood. It wont go to trial and if it were to go to trial it would six or seven years from now, she said. Officials from the Pallister government and NDP caucus would not comment on an ongoing legal matter. Our new government is not able to comment on matters currently before the courts, including legal matters inherited from the NDP, said Cliff Cullen, the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, in a prepared statement. kristin.annable@freepress.mb.ca dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Not many Court of Queens Bench justices chambers in Manitoba sat empty as Canadas top judge raised the alarm over a lack of federally appointed judges across the country. But lawyers say court backlogs are getting bigger, and delays are getting longer in Manitoba, where even one judicial vacancy can hurt access to justice. At a legal conference for the Canadian Bar Association in Ottawa Thursday, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin expressed concern about 44 vacancies in Federal Courts across Canada the government still needs to fill. Only three of those are in Manitoba two in the Court of Queens Bench trials division and one in the family division. That puts Manitoba slightly ahead of provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, which have larger superior court vacancies to fill but also have more federally appointed judges in total. Manitobas current judicial-position vacancy rate is at six per cent, while Albertas, for example, is about eight per cent. Its a better situation here than in other provinces. That being said Anytime you have a vacancy, you can obviously have some delays, because thats a judge who is not sitting and hearing motions or sitting in a trial or any number of things, said Brad Regehr, president of the Manitoba Bar Association. So of course, it would be our preference that the vacancies get filled, In some parts of the province, theres a year-long delay for trial dates. Criminal defence lawyers in Winnipeg routinely wait six months for hearings, while in the Brandon area the delay is more like eight to 12 months and in northern Manitoba its common to wait a year for a Court of Queens Bench trial date, said lawyers in each area. Outside Winnipeg, there are only three Court of Queens Bench justices: two in Brandon and one in Dauphin. This is apart from Manitobas provincial court, which currently has no vacancies. Lawyer Scott Newman, a spokesman for Manitobas Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, said the vacancies have a ripple effect, and the total number of judicial positions in the province should be increased. Judicial vacancies anywhere in the province affect cases in the entirety of the province, not only in the locally affected areas because the chief judge or justice in the respective courts have to move resources around to fill holes in other parts of the province, he wrote in an email to the Free Press. Advocates have been pushing for a Court of Queens Bench justice to be appointed in Thompson, where a three-courtroom judicial centre serves residents from 15 smaller communities in Manitoba. There, justices either appear via video or travel from Winnipeg, and normal court processes take much longer. Bail-review hearings that typically take place twice a week in Winnipeg, for example, happen only once a month in Thompson, except in July and August, when there are no Queens Bench sittings at all. The classic phrase justice delayed is justice denied the lack of resources really means theres a lot of justice being denied up north, said Thompson-based defence lawyer Serena Puranen. Last month, the Supreme Court of Canada set new trial deadlines to guard against unreasonable delays, ruling provincial court cases must be completed within 18 months and superior court cases such as those in Manitobas Court of Queens Bench must be completed within 30 months. Defence lawyers are expected to challenge any unreasonable delay, Newman said. Insofar as court scheduling is an issue with unfilled judicial positions and understaffed court systems, if the government wants to avoid a torrent of cases being thrown out, they will need to step up and ensure there are sufficient resources in place for the system to work, he wrote. One of Brandons two long-serving Queens Bench justices, Justice John Menzies, is eligible to retire in January, and the area cant afford a vacancy, said Brandon civil litigation lawyer David Swayze, Manitoba council member for the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. So it is important that the current government, if theyre going to make changes to the appointment process, that they make those changes quickly and get back to work on appointments because not having judges to sit in courtrooms is the biggest single contributor to delays, he said. In her speech to the Canadian Bar Association, Chief Justice McLachlin criticized the federal governments judicial hiring process as lacking foresight. The perpetual crisis of judicial vacancies in Canada is an avoidable problem that needs to be tackled and solved. Without a full complement of judges, and an efficient system for anticipating and filling vacancies, delay will continue to be a feature of our justice system, she said. with files from The Canadian Press katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Winnipeg-made sniper rifles that ended up in the hands of Yemeni rebels had the proper permits for export when the Winnipeg company sold them to Saudi Arabia five years ago, the Free Press has confirmed. Last February, photos surfaced that appeared to show LRT-3 and Timberwolf sniper rifles made by Winnipegs PGW Defence Technology Inc., in the possession of Houthi fighters in Yemens civil war. The Houthi rebels have been under a United Nations arms embargo since April, 2015. At least 6,500 people, half of them civilians, have been killed in the war in the last two years. International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland ordered an investigation last winter. Consultations with the company and the Canadian embassy in Riyadh showed the guns in question were exported to Saudi Arabia for use by the Saudi military in 2011 on an export permit issued to PGW in 2010, Freelands spokeswoman told the Free Press. TWITTER Houthi forces in Yemen pose with guns, including high-precision arms made by Winnipeg-based PGW Defence Technology Inc. The embassy reported the guns, along with other military equipment, had fallen into the hands of the Yemeni rebels during fighting with Saudi border patrols along the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border. Canadian trade data online shows Manitoba exported $4.2 million worth of rifles and shotguns to Saudi Arabia in 2011. Since 2006, including the first six months of this year, nearly $20 million worth of rifles and shotguns have been exported from Manitoba to Saudi Arabia. It accounts for almost half the total number of the guns exported from Canada to any other nation in the last decade. The trade data report does not specify which company exported the guns. The government also did not provide the Free Press with any more information about the weapons, including how many were sold and how many were stolen. PGW president Ross Spagrud declined a request for comment. However a source close to the company said losing weapons in the midst of war is not unusual and has happened to the Canadian military, as well. He said anyone using these rifles requires intense training. They are essentially paperweights in the hands of someone who hasnt been trained to use them, the source said. Freelands spokeswoman told the Free Press in an emailed statement the government takes seriously any reports of misuse or diversion of arms exported from Canada. The export of weapons is strictly regulated and sales are allowed only with permission and to pre-approved countries. Saudia Arabia is one of the approved countries, despite a questionable human-rights record that has many critics opposed to its inclusion on the list. In June, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion announced Canadas plans to sign on to the global Arms Trade Treaty by June 2017, and a process of consultation to beef up Canadas policies and legislation to meet the treatys requirements. The legislation is expected this fall. Canada is the only G7 nation not to have signed the treaty yet. (The federal government) takes seriously any reports of misuse or diversion spokeswoman for International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland The treaty requires member states to have proper systems in place to review and control the export of arms, including transparency, to help combat the illicit trade in weapons. Conservative defence critic James Bezan said incidents such as the loss of the Winnipeg-made guns are, unfortunately, the spoils of war. He said while there is a need to push for better human rights in Saudi Arabia, they are a solid ally for us in the Middle East. However, NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere said the Liberals havent made good on promises to be more transparent about arms exports and, in fact, recent reports suggested the government had watered down arms export policy, rather than tighten it. Laverdiere said all Canadians would be concerned about Canadian-made weapons being used improperly. She recently tried to get the government to agree to create a special parliamentary committee to monitor arms exports, but her idea was defeated. mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA In January 2015, when then-prime minister Stephen Harper was introducing new, controversial anti-terrorism measures, he noted freedom and security are not mutually exclusive things. Canadians expect us to do both, we are doing both, and we do not buy the argument that every time you protect Canadians, you take away their liberties, Harper said. The problem, then and now, is there is a delicate balance between the two and it is almost impossible to agree on where to draw the line. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Aaron Driver was killed Wednesday in Strathroy, Ont. He was arrested in Winnipeg in February and accused of being involved in terrorist activity. Many times, this debate is theoretical in nature, but with the case of Aaron Driver, it was real life. In June 2015, Driver was arrested and detained in Winnipeg and authorities claimed they had real concerns he would participate in or contribute to a terrorist attack. He had broken no laws and was not charged with any particular crime, but Drivers activities had authorities concerned enough they felt limits needed to be imposed on his activities. He was not allowed to use computers, he was told to undergo religious counselling, and his whereabouts were monitored with an ankle bracelet. The debate was rigourous and often heated. Was it justified to detain and restrict someone who hadnt actually broken a law? Was it necessary to restrict his freedoms to protect other Canadians from potential harm? The debate is now laden with more weight, given Driver was shot and killed Wednesday by police in Strathroy, Ont., after the RCMP stepped in with intelligence that suggested he was within 72 hours of carrying out a terrorist attack in a Canadian city. Although Canadians now know a lot more about Driver and what led the RCMP to arrest him 14 months ago in Winnipeg, we still do not know exactly where to draw the line between individual freedom and collective safety. In a press conference Thursday in Ottawa, RCMP deputy commissioner Mike Cabana listed some of the intelligence authorities had on Driver ahead of his initial arrest, including his computer contact with known members of the Islamic State and contact with British and American citizens who were later arrested for planning or carrying out terrorist attacks. For more than six months, Driver and his lawyer worked to fight the conditions imposed on him. In February 2016, he agreed to a peace bond, imposed in Winnipeg, that included lifting the ankle-monitor condition but continuing the requirement he stay off the Internet. He was allowed to live with his sister in Strathroy, in the same house where authorities surrounded him Wednesday. In recent months, Cabana said, Driver remained on the watch list but not under constant surveillance. At the end of August, the peace bond condition preventing him from using computers was to expire. Clearly, Driver had been violating that one, given he used a computer to make a video explaining why Canadians deserved to be attacked; the video ended up online and made its way into the hands of the FBI, which led them to tip off the RCMP and, ultimately, led police to Drivers doorstep. In the wake of his death, some believe the restrictions imposed by Driver were justified. Since he proved to be a real threat, it must have been worth it. But do we really know restricting his freedoms ended up preventing anything, particularly since police said he was still able to plan an attack? Maybe it helped, but maybe it didnt. Canadian authorities are to be commended: they figured out within a few hours of the FBI tip who the man in the online video was. Police perhaps sounded dramatic, but they are not wrong if the assertion that if Driver had gotten out of that house before police got there, the outcome Wednesday could have been very different. But it still doesnt answer when it is warranted to restrict individual freedoms in order to protect the freedoms of the collective whole. And that is as it should be. This debate is too important and too serious to be concluded on the basis of a single case. Or even a dozen cases. If we do decide we know where that line should be drawn, if we stop debating the balancing of our freedoms, chances are we have gone too far on one side or the other. Mia Rabson is the Winnipeg Free Press parliamentary bureau chief. mia.rabson@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @mrabson Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The panel discussions for Energy East, which stop in Winnipeg in October, are likely to feature heated debate as many environmental groups and indigenous communities have expressed opposition to the project. Earlier this month, the National Energy Board (NEB), the federal regulator for pipelines and energy development in Canada, opened these discussions as part of its review of TransCanadas proposed Energy East pipeline project. The pipeline would carry oil from Alberta and Saskatchewan to the East Coast, running through Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick in the process. In Manitoba, the primary issue has been the pipelines proximity to the aqueduct which provides drinking water to the City of Winnipeg. The recent leak of a Husky Energy oil pipeline into the North Saskatchewan River that forced Prince Albert, Sask., to close its water treatment plant intake all but ensures the fear of drinking-water contamination will be top-of-mind during the Winnipeg sessions. Disputes and conflict during NEB proceedings should come as no surprise; pipelines have become a controversial public issue. Enbridges Northern Gateway pipeline and Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, both of which would travel from Alberta to the West Coast, were dogged by protests and significant public opposition in British Columbia. The federal governments approval of Northern Gateway was recently overturned by the Federal Court of Appeal, as consultation with indigenous groups was deemed inadequate. Although it was just approved in May, warnings of similar court challenges for Trans Mountain have already been issued. The NEBs process to review Energy East has been expanded by the Liberal government in an attempt to address the new reality of pipeline decision-making in Canada. Alongside the panel discussions and hearings, a sub-set of the board members will engage in additional public consultations along the pipeline route to hear from those who do not have official intervenor or commenter status. Indigenous groups will have an opportunity to provide oral traditional evidence to better incorporate their knowledge and perspectives into decisions. Finally, in making its decision, the federal government will consider the upstream greenhouse gas emissions, those created from oil extraction, as well as those that directly result from the pipeline. The new process is distinct from what has existed in the past. The NEB was created in 1959 to review pipeline- and energy-related decisions which were national in scope. Historically, the review of pipelines in Canada has been more of a technical exercise; the process and decisions were based mostly on scientific data and other forms of evidence provided by a small group of experts. Many have decried the demands placed on the NEB to engage the broader public and widen its scope to consider the impact on climate change. They assert Canada needs to return to an objective, evidence-based process to avoid the politicization that has beset pipeline decisions. The question is: whose evidence counts? Proponents assert, based on the evidence, pipelines are in the national interest and are the safest way to move oil products across the country. In opposing the pipeline, environmental groups invoke the scientific evidence that proves consumption of fossil fuels is contributing to climate change. This is a question about what Canadians value and requires more than a technocratic process to be resolved. Of late, evidence-based policy has become a buzzword for many involved in policy-making. Decisions based on politics are seen as compromised or inferior in some way. However, in a democratic country, politics is a necessary component of public decision-making because it allows for the contestation and, hopefully, the reconciliation of competing interests and values. Evidence and science have a role to play in informing and raising the level of public debate, but they cannot be the only criteria on which crucial public decisions are made. The focus should be on finding the right balance between values and evidence in any decision, rather than eliminating politics completely. Instead of evidence-based policy, it is more appropriate to talk about evidence-informed policy. Taking politics out of pipeline decisions and returning the NEB process to its former state will not resolve the controversy that has emerged on this issue. If anything, opposing sides will become more entrenched if there is not a proper venue to address them. It may be valuable to have a discussion about how and where the political aspects of pipeline reviews are addressed. But in a healthy democracy, it is neither possible nor desirable to remove politics from the equation completely. Brendan Boyd is a postdoctoral scholar at the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary. MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. Authorities near Detroit searched Friday for a 30-year-old Winona man reported missing in Lake St. Clair. The Macomb County sheriff's department said Craig Michael Moir was on a boat with three others near the mouth of the Clinton River around midnight Thursday when he and another person went swimming. The department said the boat drifted away and the other swimmer made it back, but Moir didn't. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified about 12:15 a.m. Friday and started searching. They were joined by the sheriff's marine division. Local news outlets reported late Friday afternoon that the search had turned into a recovery effort. The sheriff's department said it told the occupants of the boat to stay on the scene, but the boat operator started heading to a marina. Deputies arrested the 32-year-old St. Clair Shores man on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. If, as the saying goes, a true compromise leaves no one happy, that may have proved to be the result of Thursdays Winona County Planning Commission. The commission, having grappled over several meetings with the both the gritty specifics and philosophical implications of a proposed ban on frac sand, came to a conclusion late Thursday: Revise, but dont ban. The commissions decision is just a recommendation, and now heads to the Winona County Board of Commissioners at its Aug. 23 meeting. It would add limits to the size and number of potential industrial mineral mines, but would not ban them outright. It also wouldnt address processing or transporting operations, with the commission concluding those operations would be better off guided under existing sets of processes and regulations. The commissions final meeting on the issue, scheduled for Monday, was canceled. The proposal, introduced by commission member and board commissioner Steve Jacob, would limit the total size of mines to an area of 40 acres, and operators couldnt exceed that without reclamation of previously mined areas. Jacobs proposal would also limit the number of Winona County mining sites to six, and no permit could be issued for a new one until another one was officially inactive and not permitted. Jacob said he had heard from just as many people wanting the commission and board to make a decision and move on as he had heard arguments for or against a ban. It offers a chance for both sides of this issue to find common ground as a compromise, Jacob said. It doesnt give anybody everything they want. The recommendation was approved 5-3, with commission members Robert Redig, Cherie Hales and Chris Meyer dissenting. Joy Fabian-Ewing was not present. No one got everything they wanted. Several of the nights speakers, continuations of the long list of testifiers for or against frac sand mining from Monday and previous meetings, were asked by Jacob whether they would support a compromise. Dennis Egan, a representative of the Minnesota Industrial Sands Council, said while he didnt necessarily love the 40-acre restriction, he said his group would work with you on identifying that kind of compromise, absolutely. Egan had spoken earlier against the ban, arguing that existing permitting and regulation were already effective tools. Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for the Land Stewardship Project, said she didnt think the people against frac sand mining wanted a compromise, and that the regulation wouldnt address the environmental and health concerns that brought the debate to the county. We will not support this, Rupprecht said. The commission members were equally adamant on their positions. Commission members Gene Hansen and Don Evanson unequivocally referred to a ban as the worst kind of government and poor government, respectively. Those dissenting maintained that the ban was supported broadly by county residents, and just reducing the number of mines wouldnt change what they were trying to prevent by banning any amount of new mining. I really dont see how this goes far enough, Meyer said. This reduces the amount of mining, but it doesnt really address the affects of mining. The testimonies leading up to the decision continued the back-and-forth exchanges continued from Mondays hearing, where rosters of people with credentials ranging from doctors to lawyers, not all of whom have expertise in environmental law or health or technical issues related to mining, took turns contradicting each other. Thursdays meeting was mostly a repeat throughout the four speakers, who were split two and two for and against. First was Mike Flynn, a representative of the Winona County Township Association, presenting the resolution against the ban, saying that the group was of the belief that it was contrary to the countys comprehensive plan, which he was involved in creating. Its intent was to regulate and not ban, Flynn said. We knew that was a tool that could be used effectively and most likely wouldnt be challenged down the road. Following Flynn, Rupprecht spoke of the documents Land Stewardship had submitted, which included legal precedents they felt supported the ban, and geological studies that showed the potential of adverse effects to water and air quality, including one by the state of Minnesotas Environmental Quality Board in their guide to planning for and regulating silica sand projects. She said that fit in with the larger goals of the comprehensive plan by protecting its citizens, geography and resources. She received rebukes from both Jacob and Evanson in their questions. Jacob asked Rupprecht, since she had cited both legal and geological data, if she was a lawyer or a geologist. None involved in the questioning or answering were either, though Rupprecht was presenting material created by experts in both fields on their behalf. Evanson, in response to the ban proponents claim that the ban had broad support, said: You imply that the majority of the county is in support of a ban, Evanson said. Are you able to understand that majoritarianism, even if you have the majority, can be a form of tyranny? The proposed language recommended in the end was formed by removing a portion of the original proposed ordinance, and replacing it with language from Florence Township in Goodhue Countys ordinance on frac sand. It offers a chance for both sides of this issue to find common ground as a compromise. Steve Jacob, county board commissioner Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Every couple of years or so, I feel the need to whine about the plight of newspapers. It's August. I'm Trumped out. So today's the day. Except that HBO's John Oliver beat me to it with the best defense of newspapers ever. His recent "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" monologue about the suffering newspaper industry has gone viral in journalism circles, but he deserves a broader audience. Besides, it's funny. Leavening his important message with enough levity to keep the dopamine flowing, Oliver points out that most news outlets, faux, Fox and otherwise, essentially rely on newspapers for their material. This includes, he says, pulsing with self-awareness, Oliver himself. He's sort of part of the problem, in other words, but at least he knows it, which makes it OK, sort of. The problem: People want news but they don't want to pay for it. Consequently, newspapers are failing while consumers get their information from comedy shows, talk shows and websites that essentially lift material for their own purposes. But somewhere, somebody is actually sitting through a boring meeting, poring over data or interviewing someone who isn't nearly as important as he thinks he is in order to produce a story that will become news. As Oliver points out, news is a food chain, yet with rare exceptions, the most important members of the chain are at the bottom, turning off the lights in newsrooms where gladiators, scholars and characters once roamed. Some still do, though most are becoming rather long-ish in the tooth. (You can actually get that fixed, you know.) That any newspapers are surviving, if not for much longer in any recognizable form, can be attributed at least in some part to the dedication of people who really believe in the mission of a free press and are willing to work harder for less tweeting, blogging, filming and whatnot in addition to trying to write worthy copy. Most of the poor slobs who fell in love with the printed word go unnoticed by any but their peers. An exception is Marty Baron, the unassuming executive editor of The Washington Post, recently featured in the film, "Spotlight" about the Boston Globe's stories under Baron's leadership about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. It's a good movie, not just because of great casting and acting but because it's a great tale about a massive investigative effort that led to church reform and the beginning of healing for victims. (Not to worry, my pay comes as a percentage of the money I make for the company. This won't make a dime of difference.) My point shared by Oliver is that only newspapers are the brick-and-mortar of the Fourth Estate's edifice. Only they have the wherewithal to do the kind of reporting that leads to stories such as "Spotlight." What happens to the "news" when there are no newspapers left? We seem doomed to find out as people increasingly give up their newspaper subscriptions and seek information from free-content sources. And though newspapers have an online presence, it's hard to get readers to pay for content. As Oliver says, now is a very good time to be a corrupt politician. Between buyouts, layoffs and news-hole reductions, there's hardly anyone paying attention. Except, perhaps, to kitties. In a hilarious spinoff of "Spotlight" called "Stoplight," Oliver shows a short film of a news meeting where the old-school reporter is pitching a story about city hall corruption. The rest of the staff, cheerful human topiaries to the reporter's kudzu-draped mangrove are more interested in a cat that looks like a raccoon. And then there's Sam Zell, erstwhile owner of the Tribune Company, who summed up the sad trajectory of the nation's interests and, perhaps, our future while speaking to Orlando Sentinel staffers in 2008. When he said he wanted to increase revenues by giving readers what they want, a female voice objected, What readers want are puppy dogs. Zell exploded, calling her comment the sort of journalistic arrogance of deciding that puppies dont count. Hopefully we get to the point where our revenue is so significant that we can do puppies and Iraq, OK? [Expletive] you. Yes, he said that. Moral of the story: If you don't subscribe to a newspaper, you don't get to complain about the sorry state of journalism and puppies you shall have. The following editorial appeared in Tuesdays The Washington Post. Muslim passengers are escorted off U.S.-based airlines with alarming frequency these days, and while the circumstances of each incident vary, there is also a sameness to them. More often than not, someone on the plane a seatmate, a passenger a few rows away, a flight attendant feels uncomfortable. The trigger for that discomfort is a passenger who looks or seems to be from a Muslim-majority country. And the outcome, as far as is generally known, is a bland statement from the airline setting forth its policy of nondiscrimination. In fact, public acts of discrimination, especially against Muslims, have spiked along with Donald Trumps venomous campaign rhetoric in this election season. That, coupled with travelers anxiety about the threat of terrorist attacks, has yielded repeated episodes of baseless suspicion on airplanes in other words, profiling. Prodded to say something, passengers and airline personnel are quick to see something, but too often what theyve really seen is a person whose skin color or attire or language is a trigger for unfounded accusation. The airlines have to do better. That means you, Delta Air Lines, for having removed a Pakistani American couple who were returning home to Ohio from a romantic 10th-anniversary trip to Europe on July 26. In Paris, a member of the flight crew said she felt uneasy at the gate because the woman, Nazia Ali, wearing a headscarf, was using her phone and her husband, Faisal, was sweating. It means you, American Airlines, for having been involved in repeated instances of apparent ethnic and religious profiling. Those include an Italian economist from the University of Pennsylvania who was escorted off a plane in Philadelphia in May after his seatmate, convinced that his intent scribbling was Arabic, reported him to the flight crew. In fact, what she saw was math a differential equation. It means you, Southwest Airlines, for having evicted a University of California at Berkeley student from an airplane in Los Angeles in April after another passenger heard him speaking Arabic on the phone. The student, an Iraqi refugee named Khairuldeen Makhzoomi, said a Southwest employee demanded to know why he had been speaking Arabic on the plane. That small sampling of recent senselessness raises the question of whether airline employees are getting the message from management that discrimination based on race, religion or national origin is unacceptable and illegal. If any airline employees have been disciplined for having mishandled passengers either by indulging the prejudices of some or training groundless suspicions at others the airlines arent saying. To the contrary, its fair to ask, as advocacy groups representing American Muslims have done, if the airlines, with a wink and a nod, are tolerating the occasional ugly and unjustified conduct of some employees and passengers. The unfortunate truth is that, in the absence of no-nonsense enforcement policies by the airlines, deplorable acts of profiling are likely to proliferate. Its up to the airlines to ensure that blameless passengers can travel freely, without fear of harassment, removal or reckless accusations. Baraboo property owners looking to rent out their homes for less than a month will need a permit. The city doesnt currently regulate short-term rentals. In an effort to guard against party houses, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to require permits. This will allow us to better monitor that, said Baraboo City Attorney Alene Bolin. The measure came to the council from the Plan Commission, which in January supported requiring permits for short-term rentals. Baraboo is one of many Wisconsin municipalities looking to regulate the rental of single-family homes in residential neighborhoods for periods shorter than one month. Their challenge is to protect neighbors interests without discouraging tourism. City leaders have said renting a house for a week is a popular option for travelers, but they dont want neighbors to endure excessive noise or traffic. The city hasnt encountered issues with short-term rentals. Two property owners currently advertise the availability of their homes for short-term rentals. They would be grandfathered in and exempted from the permit requirement. The Plan Commission discussed rental rules for months before forwarding a recommendation to the City Council. It suggested that the zoning code require a minimum 30-day occupancy of single-family homes. But landlords expressed concern, prompting the council to return the matter to the Plan Commission for further consideration. Rather than requiring minimum periods of occupancy or demanding that property owners live on-site, city leaders decided requiring permits for short-term rentals would give the city oversight without being too restrictive. Neighbors will be notified, and a public hearing held, when a permit application is filed. Such permits can be revoked if problems arise. Applicants will pay a $250 one-time fee and will appear before the Plan Commission, which has the final say on permits. Property owners must pay lodging taxes. They wont be required to continue offering short-term rentals after receiving a permit. If they want to stop using it as a short-term rental, they can at any time, Bolin said. The experts quoted in the Sunday Wisconsin State Journal article High Profile pay raises by firms can trigger job malaise didnt mention the simple secrets for providing job satisfaction. Instead, the article describes efforts by well-known companies like Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase to attract employees by raising wages and offering attractive benefits. It speculated that workers at less generous companies were inclined to jump ship and head toward higher-paying jobs with better benefits. But it concluded that many of those workers returned to their old jobs after becoming disillusioned with their new ones. The point of the article was that many of those who leave their jobs for what they think are greener pastures find out they arent any happier. Why? Because a little more money, free massages or other perks have nothing to do with job satisfaction. Theres a whole lot more involved and the reasons are really quite simple. After working at various companies, I learned that decent pay and benefits are important, but dont determine happiness or increased productivity. What does make a difference is how employees are respected and valued. After I moved to New York state in the mid-90s, I applied for a customer service position at a plastics injection molding company because I had experience in customer service at a plastics manufacturing firm here in Wisconsin. Much to my surprise, at the end of the interview, I was offered a job as human resources manager. We really need help, the Vice President of Operations told me. He said their employee retention rate was under 10 percent and the rate of rejected product was 85 percent. He also said the absentee rate was off the charts. I figured there was nowhere to go but up, so I accepted. It took less than two days of walking around the production floor, asking questions and listening to the employees to find out why things were so bad. I learned that most of the workers were temps and had no stake in the success of the company. They said theyd received only a few days of training on the machines and how to package products. Their feet hurt and they were wet all the time. Theyd had almost no guidance on how to inspect products as they came off the machines or when to reject a product. Also, each shift supervisor had different rules and that caused resentment and anger. It was a mess. Fortunately, Id had the advantage of working for an excellent manufacturer here in Baraboo and had observed its stringent and capable quality assurance program. I knew the president of that company spent time on the production floor every day, and Id seen how hed listened to employees and knew every one of them by name. I also knew how well the production workers were trained in all aspects of their jobs. So at my new job, the first thing I did was ask the quality department and shift supervisors to set up intensive training programs. I asked that workers have product samples available at the end of each line to show them what was acceptable and what was not. I ordered rubber floor mats for comfort and waterproof aprons to keep the production workers dry. I permanently hired the best temps, released the unsatisfactory ones and recruited new employees from area technical schools. I set up a suggestion box so employees could make suggestions anonymously. I met with the supervisors and asked them to decide on rules and disciplinary measures that were consistent for all employees, no matter what shift they worked. I created certificates of achievement for employees who worked three months without an absence. Many employees told me how proud they were to have those simple expressions of gratitude. One woman, who had come from South America, told me she took the certificates with her to show her parents when she went back to visit. Floor supervisors and quality department managers worked together to set up training programs. Within a few months, attendance and employee retention were at an all-time high, the rate of rejected products was less than 10 percent and people told me how much they loved their jobs. Im not bragging; anyone could have done what I did if theyd have taken the time to ask questions, listen to the employees and observe what was happening. Its really that simple. A living wage and decent benefits are important, but nothing is more important to an employee than being respected and treated with dignity. In that kind of atmosphere, the company and the workers all benefit. It doesnt get much better than that. JUNEAU A 23-year-old former Wayland Academy music teacher pleaded no contest Friday to five felony counts related to sexual assault of a male student on multiple occasions. Adam Hechimovich, Mayville, pleaded no contest to two counts of child enticement with sexual contact and three counts of sex assault of a student by school staff. Ten other counts were dismissed, but were read into the court record. Judge Brian Pfitzinger found him guilty of all five counts and requested a pre-sentence investigation. Each count of child enticement carries a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and 25 years in prison. Each count of sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 in fines and six years in prison. Pfitzinger said that this fits the definition of a serious child sex offense. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10. Attorney Patrick Madden said he has reservations about Hechimovichs pleas for the two counts of child enticement with sexual contact. However, Hechimovich decided to proceed. As part of Hechimovichs plea acceptance, he is to have no contact with children other than incidental contact in the course of his employment. It was noted that Hechimovich is a cook at a restaurant. According to the head of Wayland Academy, Joseph Lennertz, Hechimovichs employment with Wayland was terminated in December. On Dec. 5, the juvenile victim, his mother and father and Wayland Academy assistant dean Paul Keller contacted police regarding a teacher who had sexually assaulted a minor at Wayland Academy. The teacher was identified as Hechimovich. According to the criminal complaint, Keller told officers that Hechimovich was employed with Wayland Academy since August 2015 as a music teacher. Keller said he had heard rumors about the student and Hechimovich texting one another. He questioned the student about the situation and Hechimovich was placed on administrative leave. The student later told officers that Hechimovich had sexual contact with him on multiple occasions. The criminal complaint states, the student told officers he liked Hechimovich as a teacher and did not understand why he was doing this. He told officers Hechimovich threatened to get him kicked out of school. The student said the incidents occurred in October and November 2015. Hechimovich was interviewed by officers Jan. 27. He said he had developed a friendship with the student, but denied ever having a sexual relationship with him. The complaint continues saying that he later admitted to sexual contact with the student, but said it was consensual. Issues related to communication, recruitment and Copper Lake/Lincoln Hills schools are three goals Department of Corrections Secretary Jon Litscher said he is pursuing this year while speaking at a public meeting Thursday night. We are not the department of disciplines, Litscher said. We are the Department of Corrections. More than 30 people attended the meeting in Beaver Dam to voice concerns and praise to Litscher. He told those in attendance that he would like to host similar meetings throughout Wisconsin in the future. Litscher addressed recruitment and staff retention as a critical concern for him. He said he wants to fill vacant positions as quick as possible to remove the stress on the current staff. Another benefit to lowering vacancies in corrections is that it will also lower overtime costs. Part of bringing in new recruits, he said, is to build a solid base for future recruits in corrections. He said that there are about 800 people who could retire tomorrow. Part of building a strong base is by placing value in seniority, according to Litscher. Retaining that talent to train new recruits is a goal moving forward. As of June 26, all correctional officers, sergeants and youth counselors received 80 cents more an hour. The raises are expected to cost about $10 million annually and will be covered by existing funds. Litscher said this is one way he is tackling staff shortages. Whether or not Litscher sees Wisconsins prison system to be at over capacity was another question asked during the meeting. He said that is a hard question to answer and that the prison system is at capacity, but corrections is managing it well. We are in every county of the state, he said. Litscher said steps have been taken to address problems with Copper Lake School for Girls and Lincoln Hills School for Boys. He said body cameras on officers and an increase in cameras in both facilities will better monitor and take record of an incident. The process to review and address incidents when they occur has also seen an overhaul with a different review process and management. The process makes the record of the incident and the confidentiality easier to manage. New positions have been created such as a health services supervisor and mental health director. The educational department has been more aggressive in order to provide youth in the each facility with strong skills once they leave. Litscher ended by saying that he has also opened the door for advocacy groups to come into the juvenile prisons. In April, inmates at Fox Lake Correctional Institution and Waupun Correctional Institution, said that water was unsafe due to lead and copper contamination. Litscher said the water is being constantly monitored and the Department of Natural Resources says the water is fine. Inmates in Portage and Waupun began a hunger strike in June to protest conditions of the long-term solitary confinement. Safety and an obligation to protect and inmates well being is important, Litscher said, adding that corrections will continue to monitor the inmates health. He said he cant let them die. Looking into the future, Litscher said that he absolutely sees his role as secretary to be a long-term position. Gov. Scott Walker appointed Litscher as DOC secretary in February, replacing Ed Wall, who resigned. In attendance was Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Representative Mark Born, Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger, District Attorney Kurt Klomburg and Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission Chairperson Jeff Kohman. Many of the questions came from people working for the Department of Corrections. Most media coverage of racial injustice has understandably focused on our countrys unfair policing and criminal justice system. But to fully understand the current reality of racial inequality in America, we also need to take an honest look at our nations shocking wealth disparities. Wealth the total assets a family owns after the bills are paid is the safety net we all need to help us get through the tough times and invest in our futures. And its polarization along racial lines is striking. The average wealth for white households is $656,000. For Latinos its $98,000, and for black households its just $85,000. The average wealth of black and Latinos combined still doesnt come close to half of white wealth. And while white wealth continues to grow substantially, any gains in black and Latino wealth pale in comparison. Current estimates show that if nothing changes, the racial wealth divide will grow to $1 million by 2043. In fact, itll take the average black family 228 years to accrue the same amount of wealth that white families have today. Thats just 17 years shorter than the centuries-long institution of slavery in the U.S. For Latinos, itll take 84 years to reach average white wealth today. Generations of racial discrimination in programs like housing and government benefits are now reflected in dismal bank statements and paltry retirement funds for blacks and Latinos. In particular, racial bias in mortgage lending known as redlining has consistently barred communities of color from the wealth-building train, resulting in low homeownership rates. After World War II, for example, predominately white families received government-subsidized mortgages that allowed them to purchase homes while black families didnt. The result has played out over generations: Today, more than 70 percent of whites own homes compared with only 41 percent of blacks and 45 percent of Latinos. For many blacks and Latinos, a lack of assets has contributed to economic insecurity and sometimes-heartbreaking reversals of fortune. This explains the dizzying disparities in retirement savings: The average white household in the U.S. today has $130,000 in retirement funds, while average black and Latino households have $19,000 and $12,300, respectively. The younger generation isnt doing any better. College debt is rising for all races, and nearly half the workforce earns less than $15 an hour barely enough to pay the bills. The structures in place driving these inequalities, like tax cuts for the wealthy and global trade deals that drive down wages, amplify existing racial wealth divisions. They pit low-wage workers of all races against each other, leaving us vulnerable to the politics of blame and deflection. The good news is we can reverse these trends through public policies that both reduce overall inequality and close the racial wealth divide. First, we should fix the upside-down system of tax incentives that currently flows almost exclusively to wealthy households. We should redirect the $650 billion a year Congress allocates in tax subsidies to support first-time homebuyers and first-generation college students. Additionally, taxing multi-million dollar inheritances and investing in tuition-free higher education are approaches that can expand wealth and opportunity for everyone. We can reverse the racial wealth divide if we understand our history of racial discrimination and press lawmakers to stand on the side of opportunity, not inequality. Gov. Scott Walker sat down with the Star-Times on Thursday for an interview after holding a public listening session in Necedah. Walker touched on a range of issues concerning roads, education and water. Transportation Road construction funding has been a huge issue in Wisconsin, with the governor vowing to not raise any taxes to fund more road construction even with fellow Republicans in the Legislature considering a gas tax increase to create more funding. I said (no gas tax increase) when I ran for re-election, so its not just being philosophical, its a campaign promise, Walker said. I said to the voters I wouldnt raise the gas tax without a corresponding decrease elsewhere. He said most people he meets are concerned about local roads and bridges. Walker said the upcoming state budget will have increases in funding for fixing local roads. He also said the state highway maintenance funding will be increased. He claims the money will be available by not spending as much on mega projects in Milwaukee and the Milwaukee area. The Star-Times asked if Walker would veto any raise in the gas tax, even if it came from legislation put forth by his own party. Sure, Walker said. Because of my promise, I didnt have my fingers crossed behind my back. I hear people say all the time, Oh now you can raise the gas tax. I say, No, I made a promise. To me, I believe if you make promises to voters and its not a little thing I should fulfill that commitment. The governor asserted safety and maintenance of roads could be maintained without raising any taxes. He was steadfast in his belief only large projects in the Milwaukee area will be put off, and blamed former Gov. Jim Doyle for setting up the bloated projects. Education Walker said he will continue with a University of Wisconsin System tuition freeze for as long as he can. Ive done it for four years in a row which is unprecedented, never been done in state history before, Walker said. I would like to continue it in the next budget. He said he continues to hear concerns from people around the state about the high price of college. The Star-Times asked what benchmarks he would like to see from the UW system. It would be things like weve done, some performance funding for the technical college system, Walker said. We would look at things like not only how many graduates each institution has, but are the graduates getting employed? Are they getting employed in the areas they actually trained in? I think people want to know, both as a student and the families who support them, is it paying off? He said the system has concentrated too much on how many people are enrolled and not enough about if people graduate, if they graduate in a reasonable amount of time and if they obtain a job afterwards. Walker was asked if sometimes people are too obsessed with sending children to college to get a four-year degree, when there are many options available for those with technical degrees. Absolutely, Walker said. I think theres no doubt about it Why I in no way want to discourage those who want a four-year or graduate degree, one of the things Im proud of is that we put state funding behind career plans to help students as young as sixth grade start thinking about choices theyre making. He said the career planning will go up through middle school and high school, so students are on a path to the career theyd like. Ideally we also put money behind dual enrollment programs, Walker said. Where we help high schools program courses students can not only take for graduation, but for an associate degree at a technical college to get them a head start. He said when students have the option to take those courses, the state has found they more likely to follow in that career path. He believes many of the technical course options are where the most job opportunities are available. He said, he has had the state look at European models, especially in Germany, and is promoting an increase in apprenticeship programs in the state. Environment With many health concerns over the growing of blue-green algae and cuts to the DNR, Walker was asked if the DNR is still a priority for Wisconsin. Sure, Walker said. Blue-green algae has been an issue a lot longer than Ive been governor For us its a priority. Clean water and clean land are all important things to us as far as quality of life, tourism and industry, absolutely they are. The question is how effectively to do that. He said most of the changes with the DNR have been concerning whether it need a full-fledged science department when the University of Wisconsin System also has scientists. He claims the state still bases its environmental decisions on science, just not strictly from the DNR. There has to be a balance, Walker said. You want good standards so you have clean water, clean air and clean land, but you also want to make sure people have jobs I dont think its an either or choice, meaning a good economy and a good environment. Upcoming goals When asked what his focus will be for the final two years of his current term, Walker mentioned two main things. He said the first issue was addressing work force issues. With more baby boomers continuing to retire, there will be many employment openings that will present a challenge for the state. If we get it right, if we get people the right training and education there should be no excuse. We should be able to get every person in this state who wants a job a job, Walker said. His second focus will be continuing to push harder to reform public assistance. We want to make sure anyone who is physically and mentally capable of working were able to transition into the workplace, Walker said. The public discourse of our American society is crashing fast. From prominent political figures to a local physician, reasonable conversation about American politics has officially taken the low road. We all know about Donald Trump and the rhetoric he spews on a routine basis. He has spent his entire campaign calling everyone names as if the presidential campaign was a sandbox brawl during kindergarten recess. Even more discouraging is that a record 13 million people handed him the mantle of the Republican Party. Trump alone doesnt lay claim to boorish behavior. During the chaos of Gov. Scott Walkers introduction of Act 10 in 2011, a Baraboo hotel operator used a sexual pejorative on a highway sign to describe his dislike for the governor and the Koch Brothers. The sign was tasteless and crude and reflected poorly in the overall discussion of whether or not Act 10 would be good public practice. Last week, a prominent Sauk Prairie surgeon and his family made the news in Madison for dropping the F-bomb in a family photo that described their dislike for Trump. In a moment of failed judgement, the photo also included his grandchildren, and his daughter and her husband, among others. Maybe not your typical big deal until you recognize the daughter is a respected physicians assistant and the son-in-law is a Sauk Prairie High School administrator. This story was reported in a television broadcast. The son-in-law claims he did not know about the derogatory sign, but as the tallest person in the photo, its a challenge to see that as an accurate account. Its also a serious matter, but nothing that rises to criminality or the loss of a good career in education. At best, it was just plain old poor judgement. Ultimately, the Sauk Prairie School District investigated the issue and rightfully chose to take no action. And for the record, I am not holding myself above this bar. Thanks to good editors at the Baraboo News Republic, I was gently nudged to amend a story that carried the rhetoric a tad too far in March. In my column entitled Its time to disband terrorist groups that appeared the week of March 20, 2016, my passionate feelings regarding the attacks on Belgium overtook reason when writing my column. That conversation gave me the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of this column which is not only to discuss conservative positions on stories that affect us each week, but to also stir a public conversation on the issues of the day. It is intended to be the sort of conversation thats meant to lead to good bar room conversations rather than bar room brawls. How did we get to this? Once upon a time you could argue about politics, maybe even scream and holler, but walk away friends. Too often, we see political sides intentionally segregating themselves with others who have the same like-minded thoughts. Its too easy to block that political blowhard on Facebook. In this day and age, we can bravely sit behind a computer screen and a keyboard while typing out instant thoughts. Our Internet thoughts, which generally are not always well constructed or researched, are passionately delivered behind the meme of the day. The Internet also allows us anonymity. Unlike my column that has a tagline showing I am the author exclusively responsible for the written thoughts in this 750-word column, Internet users have the opportunity to hide behind handles. Internet users also tend to speak more like Trump, speaking in terms meant to belittle rather than have an honest debate about the issues. The Internet has spawned a bastion for political thought that tends to be very brutal and somewhat inaccurate. Are we going to let this become the arena that governs our political ideas? When did politics become so important we would disown family and disenfranchise our friends? Despite the really hard issues, Congress and President Barack Obama have signed hundreds of bills into law in a bipartisan fashion. On the other hand, there is a gulf on the larger issues that fuels the discourse. It is, believe it or not, the kind of government our founders envisioned. They did not set up a system that would allow the ruling class to rule easily. They certainly intended for the public debate, but they could not have envisioned just how disrespectful the whole process would become. You may disagree with that crazy uncle at the family reunion, but it is no excuse to fling expletives at him. He loves America, too. Take the high road the next time you see him and thank him for caring. More than a dozen local groups recognized outside Portage City Hall on Thursday for dementia-friendly training brought Columbia Countys running total to 37 an impressive figure that, according to Janet Wiegel, influences people even a thousand miles from home. Portage holds 35 of those 37 groups that have completed the training in Columbia County, training that started only two years ago. Wiegel, outreach specialist for Alzheimers and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, said Portage has proved to be the shining example across Wisconsin and in far-off places. Portage just ran with it; Ive never seen a community move this quickly, Wiegel said. People know us for this even in Colorado. One lady found our sticker when she was visiting her mom here, she called me, and now theyve started the movement in Colorado. Its spreading quickly, and its phenomenal. Groups recognized Thursday included Portage city staff, police support staff and police volunteers, Columbia County Aging and Disability Resource Center transportation drivers, county nutrition site managers, Portage Lions Club and several others. The best thing I ever did was hire Janet (Wiegel), ADAW Executive Director Paul Rusk told the crowd. Im very proud that Portage is a trend-setter in this area. The main reason (its important) is there are a lot of people who come in here with dementia, said Mayor Rick Dodd of the city staffs training, so its vital the city employees know how to handle these people when they come in. The training, Wiegel said, is possible because of a task force of 28 members who made the commitment to ensure Portage and surrounding areas are equipped to handle a disease that strikes one in eight people ages 65 to 85 and half of people older than 85. Task force volunteers help facilitate and organize training, she explained. Weve had the fire chief, the mayor (Bill Tierney), realtors, caregivers, social organizations; weve had church groups, professionals from local facilities a huge volume, Wiegel said of the task force. Its a huge commitment in time and energy. Momentum has taken local task force members to a recent Aging Empowerment conference in Wisconsin Dells where they provided presentations, and in the fall, Wiegel added, Baraboo is set to become dementia friendly. Work thats spreading statewide means Portage training will slow down a bit but that doesnt mean the work here is done. About a dozen Portage groups have yet to be trained, Wiegel estimated, with four of them scheduled for training, including the entire Portage Fire Department. Other areas of Wisconsin need more attention, Wiegel said, but I dont know if anything will move as easily as Portage did. ADAW originally told task force volunteers they would be needed only for a year to a year and a half to go through the whole process, but the volunteers, today, want to keep going. They know weve come a long way and we want to keep momentum, Wiegel said. The willingness of the city in talking to others, to other communities, whoever it is that wants information thats been huge. Theyre amazing, absolutely incredible. They literally walk around with the information in their pockets, and we couldnt have done this without them or the community. The training In training, Wiegel said, people learn what a person with dementia might look like which you can never really tell, she added; whats going on inside their brain; the things they might say or do; and how to help. To become certified all of a groups leaders and 50 percent of its staff needs to be trained. Dave Eulberg of The Mercantile one of the businesses honored Thursday said as the population gets older, the information in the training becomes even more valuable. They get forgetful, and if we can recognize them and help them do what they want to do when they come into our business, I think its fabulous. Nothing took me by surprise (in training) only because I didnt know much about it. But in the steps you can take to help (them), I think this is a wonderful program. Whats Portages vision statement? A group of community leaders wrestled with that big, open-ended question Wednesday evening in the Portage Municipal Building basement. Where do we want this city to be in five to 10 years? What do we want to aspire to? What do we want to become? the group of city, business, school and civic leaders were asked. Their answers: Portage is a vibrant, dynamic community that honors its history and attracts people to live and visit. They flock to Portage because the schools, businesses, and entire community work and play together delivering a high quality of life. Committed to creating opportunities for growth, fulfilling lifestyles, with development for our citizens. To be a safe, caring, and progressive community for all to work and play and have a good quality of life. Improve today to make a better tomorrow. The city of Portage looks to build on our past and envisions a future for its citizens to live in a family-friendly community with opportunities to become our future. Those preliminary ideas, pulled from small group activities, will be the basis of an upcoming gathering where a consolidated community vision statement will be drafted. The gathering was organized by Mayor Rick Dodds administration and facilitated by learning and leadership consultant Carol Pulsfus. We are looking at what it is that we as a community aspire to and what we want to achieve, Pulsfus told the group of about 20 people Wednesday. One participant, Charles Poches, Portage Community School Districts administrator, said he hoped the vision can lead to more families locating Portage. My hope and dream is that Portage becomes a place where people want to relocate on a permanent basis, Poches told the group. After the group reaches consensus on a vision statement, it will develop a corresponding mission statement. Typically, a vision statement describes where an organization wants to go in the future, while a mission statement describes what the organization wants to do to get there. The idea of the event, Dodd said in an interview earlier this year, is to get everybody on the same page working to better Portage. We could sit down as a (Common) Council and do this, and then wed have to go out and explain it, sell it, and get people to buy in. The hope is that by getting all these people together, we dont have to do that, he said. Since his election in April, Dodd has been scanning the community for agenda-setting ideas. In addition to Wednesdays gathering of community leaders, Dodd held a more general listening session this summer at the Portage Public Library. Dodd said he hopes to hold the listening sessions on a quarterly basis. The frustration of road construction season in Wisconsin may soon be eclipsed by that of road funding, if it hasnt been surpassed already. Thats because the states system for funding road construction and maintenance is broken. The state has projects that are put on hold and repairs that arent being scheduled because of a shrinking pot of money to draw upon and fewer sources of revenue. Just this past week, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported that the city of Green Bay is considering a wheel tax and Brown County is looking at changing its formula for how roads are funded. How to build and maintain our transportation infrastructure is reaching a critical juncture. Joint Finance Co-Chairman John Nygren, R-Marinette, broke ranks with Republican Gov. Scott Walker by sending out a news release late last month about the states unsustainable transportation budget. He cited a report from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau that showed the state would need $939 million in the 2017-19 budget to maintain projects approved in the 2015-17 budget. Thats slightly less than the $1.3 billion Walker had requested borrowing for road projects in the current two-year budget. The Legislature approved $850 million in borrowing. Its imperative to look for reform and program savings as we continue discussing revenue options for the benefit of our state, Nygren wrote. Those revenue options could include an increase in the gas tax or an increase in vehicle registration. However, Walker reiterated his opposition to increasing any taxes or fees, unless theyre offset by cuts. We believe some sort of user fee makes sense, whether thats a gas tax increase, vehicle registration fee hike or a wheel tax, or a combination. The reasons are simple: Roads are the lifeline for many Wisconsin communities. They get us to and from work, they get tourists into our communities, they allow goods and commerce to reach our cities and counties. Bad roads lead to costly repairs, delays and even deaths. We need to have good roads and those who use them should help fund their construction and repair. Its not like Wisconsinites are getting gouged. State drivers pay about $274 a year in registration fees and gas tax, according to Wisconsin Transportation estimates. Thats less than our neighbors in Michigan ($335), Illinois ($470), Iowa ($488) and Minnesota ($501), according to the state Department of Transportation. With the gas tax, visitors to our state help pay for roadwork, and with the registration fees, those who have vehicles are taxed. Seems fair. Whatever the solution, the state needs to get its roads budget in order. Demand that of legislators in this falls elections. In October 2014, Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant, then-president of the business group Civic Progress, told us: Ferguson is the fracture point that fundamentally changes St. Louis, or else everything crystallizes and nothing changes. In our lifetime, you might not ever have another chance to swing at the fences. He made his remarks as Gov. Jay Nixon was announcing formation of the Ferguson Commission. So having taken its best swing, how well is St. Louis doing? Tuesday marked two years since the police shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown touched off months of civil unrest as well as a kind of civic examination of conscience about race relations in St. Louis. The Ferguson Commission did valuable work examining the conditions behind the tension that played out in the streets. It issued 189 calls for action, many of which will take years and a political consensus that does not yet exist. The commissions successor organization, Forward Through Ferguson, is working with civic and business groups to make sure the road map isnt ignored. Their financial and political commitment is admirable and must be sustained. Racial and economic injustice are not unique to St. Louis. We have a sad history here of public policy decisions that made bad problems worse, but something like Ferguson could happen in just about any American city. At a macro level, Ferguson will be fixed as America is fixed. Or not. It is at the micro level, in Ferguson itself, where change is most apparent. The 21,000 residents of that North County suburb are paying a heavy price for what happened two years ago. They face higher taxes to maintain services. Theres been huge turnover at city hall and within the police department. Fergusons police and court practices were troubling but were no different from those in dozens of other municipalities where city officials, police and a municipal court cabal hassled residents and motorists for revenue. Ferguson, though, wound up with the full weight of the U.S. Department of Justice on its back. The most significant post-Ferguson reform has been the new state law that puts a 20 percent limit on how much of a St. Louis County municipalitys budget can be raised by municipal court fines. That has stressed some city budgets, and some municipalities are challenging the limit in court. The Missouri Supreme Court should help by consolidating the countys 80 municipal courts. As a city and a state, we cant keep doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. This is fundamental: While we work on the big problems of racial equity, dont let people prosper from divisions, black and white, rich and poor. If were going to swing for the fences, we cant keep popping that one up. The Reedsburg Plan Commission decided to table an ordinance regulating short-term rentals and allow for more community comments. The committee listened to feedback and discussed the proposal to give the City authority to regulate and tax short-term rentals. The measure came about due to the rising popularity of such websites as Airbnb, VRBO and Roomorama. Reedsburg already has zoning rules for hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. A handful of residents showed up to share their views during the meeting on Aug. 9. Greg Georgeson said hed like to see some restrictions on short-term rentals. He said he has lived on Main Street for 40 years and recently a neighboring property has started doing short-term rentals. He feels there are too many people and too much traffic; Georgeson said he has counted as few as 15 guests and as many as 26. He said the driveway cant accommodate all the vehicles. He said hes had issues with noise and garbage but worries more about security. With so many transients he now keeps all his doors locked. He said its not a horrendous situation but one that still deserves attention. Georgeson said he doesnt have a problem with people who rent rooms to tourists but said 20-plus people is too many, especially in a residential neighborhood. He requested help from the committee on behalf of people who all of a sudden have a motel that has cropped up alongside them. Lorraine Longan, who purchased Parkview Bed & Breakfast with her husband in May, also spoke to imposing regulations. She said she and her spouse looked at the property near Georgeson when they were shopping for rental property. She said parking was a problem. Sharon Drake, who lives on Sarah Rose Lane, vouched for short-term rentals. She said she has rented rooms to travelers and its a way to bring in a little extra income. She said she does all she can to ensure that her rentals dont encroach on her neighbors; she said she communicated with those around her before she decided to rent rooms. She noted that she has strict house rules and enforces them. Anyone who causes problems is thrown out. Drake also agreed with Georgeson, saying that 20 people is too many for short-term rentals. I think you need to be a responsible homeowner to do this, she said. She said shes not against a registry with the City but feels an ordinance is too overreaching. As a taxpayer she feels she should be able to do what she wants with her home without City influence. Tax issue Officials also considered room taxes and inspections, or lack thereof, when it comes to short-term rentals. Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in Reedsburg all pay room taxes to support local tourism efforts. They also undergo inspections. Short-term rentals do not pay these taxes and are not required to have any sort of inspection. Georgeson and Longan agreed that taxes should apply to short-term rental revenue. Longan said its only fair to other businesses and the community, especially since those dollars go toward bringing money into the local economy. She said short-term rentals have the opportunity to cheat hundreds, if not thousands, from the tax rolls. Leveling the playing field is a really good thing, she said. Longan also believed that short-term rentals should need to undergo some kind of inspection to ensure safety. Drake disagreed that room taxes should apply to short-term rentals. She said its not a full-time business and visitors are sporadic. All she offers is a bedroom, not the accommodations found at hotels, motels and B&Bs. She said short-term rentals are more about sharing her home and less about having a business on the side. Drake added that shes only renting rooms to offset medical bills. Her rentals are not a long-term plan; they are just a way to help her family deal with their current financial situation. Officials take City officials also had plenty to say about short-term rentals. Public Works Director Steve Zibell said he has used Airbnb while traveling. There are some suspicious ones but there are also good ones. He said he wont rent from a location if the owner isnt easy to reach or on the property. Committee member Dave Knudsen said it doesnt seem fair that these types of rentals dont pay room tax. Every other room in town has to pay 6 percent, he said. Knudsen added that hes not keen to regulate how people can use their homes but agreed that there are enough concerns to address the issue. He believed there should be a tracking system. The proposed ordinance also came about to prevent abuse of zoning rules, said Brian Duvalle, building inspector, planner and zoning administrator for the City of Reedsburg. He said he doesnt want to see a buyer purchase a bunch of cheap houses and turn them all into short-term rentals. He noted that the City already has rules regarding proximity between business-related rentals. Zibell added that garbage pickup could become a problem. The City collects only from single-family homes and duplexes; all other properties need to contract out for trash pickup. A room rental wouldnt create a challenge for the City but its a different story if a property owner runs their home like a hotel. The committee decided that it would bring the proposal back in September after giving the public more time to submit opinions. To share views contact Duvalle at 608-524-6404 or bduvalle@ci.reedsburg.wi.us. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy In the wake of an unexpected federal appeals court decision, a Texas federal judge on Wednesday eased the restrictions of the states onerous voter identification law for this years election. But despite Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos acceptance of the compromise 2016 plan worked out by the state, the Justice Department and minority rights groups the battle against Republican efforts to tighten voting laws is hardly over. In Texas, the 2016 plan will allow someone without a photo ID to vote by signing an affidavit that he or she is a U.S. citizen and presenting proof of residence, such as a paycheck, bank statement or utility bill. But it wont keep state officials from pressing to preserve the 2011 law requiring photo ID, including appealing the 5th Circuits ruling against it to the Supreme Court. And dont underestimate the resilience of groups backing tighter voting curbs in the name of preventing largely non-existent voter fraud. Also, Republican nominee Donald Trump added a potentially explosive new issue in one of his typically inflammatory-but-uniformed statements, raising the prospect of an election rigged by widespread voter fraud. In what many saw as a possible excuse if he loses in November, Trump told The Washington Post, If the election is rigged, I would not be surprised. He cited the voter ID situation, adding, We may have people vote 10 times. And on Tuesday, he praised the North Carolina voter ID law that courts have rejected. This counter-attack comes as federal courts are showing increasing resistance to the post-2008 GOP-led effort to curb voting in the name of preventing fraud, despite the slim evidence that fraud is a serious problem. In recent weeks, separate rulings by two appeals courts the 5th Circuit dominated by conservative judges and the 4th Circuit controlled by liberals rejected the strict voter ID laws passed by Texas and North Carolina, confounding expectations of contrary verdicts requiring a Supreme Court resolution. That may yet happen, though the death of Justice Antonin Scalia has left the court split 4-4 on many issues and unable to provide much legal guidance. But the Supreme Court split may change next year, presuming the next president wins Senate confirmation of a justice to fill the courts vacant ninth seat. In the North Carolina case, a 4th Circuit panel ruled out both the states voter ID law and other restrictions that reduced early voting days and limited the kinds of documents voters could use to identify themselves. And it rejected an appeal by the state that would have prevented the decision from taking effect this year. On Monday, a GOP-controlled Board of Elections in Greensboro shelved a plan that would have made voting harder for college students and black residents. Meanwhile, in Ohio, where a federal judge blocked the Republican secretary of states efforts to shorten early voting time, Judicial Watch went to court to challenge the assertion that the limit would disproportionately burden African-Americans. Elsewhere, federal judges have eased restrictions in voter ID laws in Wisconsin and North Dakota. The Wisconsin judge said he would have thrown out the states law entirely except for the 2008 Supreme Court decision. It will take some time for these various cases to be resolved, both legislatively and in the courts. 2016 GeoJozi Developer Challenge Partnering with Wits University, the City of Joburg launches a developer challenge to address issues. With R300 000 in prizes to be won, the 2016 GeoJozi Developer Challenge is calling on developers with an interest in apps, maps, data, urban development, cities or technology to enter. Developers, aged 30 or under, can help the City of Johannesburg to improve its systems of identifying streets, buildings, stands and dwellings across the 1,645 km2 municipality. It is being run for the first time this year by the City in partnership with Wits Universitys Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) and mapping software company, Esri. Developers need to register on www.geojozi.joburg by 31 August 2016. Real-time data helps to manage cities better Across the world, street addresses and location are used as fundamental tools for managing cities. But with rapid urbanisation, local governments face increasingly complex and fast-changing urban landscapes that need to be effectively managed and to serve their residents. Marcelle Hattingh, Director of Corporate Geo-Informatics for the City of Johannesburg explains: Street addresses specify points of service delivery. They are essential for electricity, water, refuse, sewage, emergency services, land ownership, parcel deliveries, safety and security, being able to vote and countless other critical services and functions. Prof Barry Dwolatzky, Director of JCSE at Wits University says: As the world becomes more digitised, more real-time data about cities is becoming available. This data can help to manage cities better and make them smarter. A street address informs us of location, and that is where Geographic Information System (GIS) comes in. Its all about a specific position or the coordinates on earth. Dwolatzky says that this creates exciting opportunities for creating smart cities, modern urban development and 21st century city management. The GeoJozi Challenge will be hosted in Wits Universitys Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, the Citys newest high-tech address. We are calling on young Johannesburg-based software developers to work with the City to help improve the accuracy and visibility of street names and numbers of all properties, stands and informal dwellings throughout the City. The winning solution will earn its creator R150 000. Second and third places are worth R100 000 and R50 000 respectively. The winning ideas may also be implemented by the City of Johannesburg. Addresses and location are essential for the efficiency of a high functioning city. The City is calling for innovative solutions that will help the citizens realise the vital importance of street addresses and optimise the power of location, says Hattingh. Patrick McKivergan, managing director of Esri South Africa, says: This initiative will encourage young developers to develop their skills in location technology. As the technology partner of the GeoJozi Challenge, Esri will be providing the location platform on which the GeoJozi contestants will develop their solutions. It will consist of toolkits for the development and data on which the contestants can base their solutions for the street addresses and location issues. We are right behind the Citys efforts to create location awareness. Entrants will also receive free training and great learning opportunities. Last year, the United Nations estimated that 71.3% of South Africas population will live in urban areas by 2030, nearly 80% by 2050. This puts the need for innovative street address and location solutions into the spotlight, says Hattingh. Message to white South African voters: Keep calm and shut up! We the South African voters have spoken in the local government election, and we said many different things. Lets give votes and cities (in part or whole) to the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA). Lets give some votes and the municipality where President Jacob Zumas homestead of Nkandla is situated to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Also, lets give some votes but no cities to the militant Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and small parcels of votes to many, many others. We as voters have embraced pluralism and competition. It seems to have come as something of a shock to the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC), for some reason. Perhaps the hefty R1 billion the ANC used for campaigning would be better spent on some decent polling. We also said, as an electorate, lets take votes and cities away from the ANC. Whether the various parties of the opposition attracted our votes, or the ANC leadership repelled us and our votes through their arrogance and brazen corruption, remains a key research question facing academics and politicians. For local governments in the countrys wealthiest province of Gauteng, in particular, where delivery has been way above the national average, this is a gloomy question. Where did all that hard work go? Was it simply insufficient for a 21st-century world-class set of cities? Why did national credit downgrading matter so much to everyone, but city upgrading by the same agencies of Johannesburg to AA1 status mattered not a jot? Bluntly, did the rot from the centre suppurate through to voters who may otherwise have rated the metropole of Johannesburg, its mayor Parks Tau and members of the mayoral committee (MMCs) as working well for us? Did we throw out the Tau with the bathwater, in anger and frustration at his ANC overlords? This question of blame, simply put is likely to be at the heart of post-election ANC manoeuvring. Whether the interests of voters will be taken into account is an open question. Free and fair and (too) fast To add hubris to the mess, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was brazen enough to host an end-of-election event, declaring the entire endeavour free and fair. This, even while the vote for the economic and provincial capital, Johannesburg, remained incomplete and subject to dispute in multiple wards. Really? The audacity of the IEC was breathtaking. It would be rather like the Brexit vote being declared while still counting the London votes. Twitterati breathlessly told us that the IEC emerged from the election well, with its reputation regained after its own tango with corruption and maladministration. Apparently our appetite for a clean institution is so large and urgent that we are willing to allow such incidents to occur, relieved that at least most of the vote had been free and fair, and the IEC seemed to smell of roses. Then the young women of the EFF stood in mute protest as Zuma spoke at the IEC election centre after the polls in Pretoria. They reminded us of the rape charge and trial of the president a decade ago (he was acquitted), asking profound questions about the moral basis of leadership and did so just metres away from Zuma, while he bumbled through the usual pleasantries of a captain watching his ship sinking while trying to keep the passengers calm. Zumas security detail presumably gobsmacked that these young women completely outmanoeuvred their assumed tactical astuteness and training and little plastic ear wires and big guns were rather less presidential in their handling of the young women. Strong men shoving around young women the tableaux acted out exactly what the women were protesting. The women are university students, doing what students do best cocking a snoop at authority in pursuit of their beliefs. Setting a rather presidential example, it may be noted. Since then, the social media landscape has been alight with awkward camera angles, muffled sound and snippets of gossip did female ANC cabinet ministers really round on one of their own for the lapse in security? Was Zuma heard shouting his anger? Who were the women? Why were they screaming when led away? Did the rest of the EFF contingent know of the protest, as they hastily made for the door, apparently refusing to listen to Zuma? Snide, rude and arrogant But perhaps the worst thing to happen is that someone told DA former party leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille she could stop hiding and start tweeting again. Life is tough enough for whiteys without her assuming to insert snide, often rude and arrogant tweets into whatever debate she feels needs her special attention. Universities have been literally aflame for almost a year, but this did not stop Zille from tweeting to a #feesmustfall group that: If this woke bunch hate being UCT students so much, pls help them out of their misery and withdraw their funding. Political writer Richard Poplak has already eviscerated the tweet and the twit who wrote it. Just what we need stupid, snide, entirely lacking in compassion, suggesting a flatlined learning curve. And unassailably white on the scale of snottiness and lack of empathy. Not that anyone asked, but if they did Id say to fellow white voters, Stay Calm but (not just you Helen Zille) please shut up! The massive change we have witnessed; the new narrative that has welcomed pluralism and jettisoned the much-peddled factoid of 2014s national election, that we were all heading to doom, death and decay or, worse, Zimbabwean basket-case status; these things have not been done by white people, though we may have been part of the change. Elections are not a racial census We do not bear the white mans [sic] burden of being the gatekeeper of liberal democracy, even though various commentators over the last 22 years have told us that black people vote blindly for ANC governments that elections are a racial census. These supposed political scientists argued for years that the black vote that key item lying at the heart of the struggle for democracy was actually the biggest threat to democracy, because the natives kept electing ANC governments. If anyone wanted a better example of why the academy needs a dramatic post-colonial overhaul, read 22 years of election analysis, and weep quietly. But now these have been debunked by us voters. The academics trotting out these tropes have been shown to write utter tosh; and one can only hope that we all accept and all will accept us as part of a massive social revolution that began in 1990 and is still taking shape, unravelling from the violence and racism and psychological scarring of the past and moving restlessly into an unknown future. It cannot do so where whites or blacks silence one another but it also cannot thrive where black or white claim credit for the victories of democracy. We all of us, in our resplendent variety as voters we did this. Whites did it. Blacks did it. Coloureds did it. Indians did it. Gay and straight, LGBTIAQ+ and staunchly religious conservatives and atheists, surfers and tiddly-winks players, we all did it. So lets own it as a collective victory against those who sit in power and disregard us as voting fodder. The only winner in the local elections of 2016 is the only winner that matters you and I, the South African voter. David Everatt, Head of Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. We're sorry, you encountered a page that doesn't exist. monirjewel wrote: Many of the students at the International School speak French or German or both. Among the students who speak French, four times as many speak German as don't. In addition, 1/6 of the students who don't speak German do speak French. What fraction of the students speak German? (1) Exactly 60 students speak French and German. (2) Exactly 75 students speak neither French nor German. monirjewel Among the students who speak French, four times as many speak German as don't B = 4*F 1/6 of the students who don't speak German do speak French N = 5*F Statement #1 Exactly 60 students speak French and German. insufficient Statement #2 Exactly 75 students speak neither French nor German. insufficient Combined insufficient (E) Magoosh Test Prep Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. William Butler Yeats (1865 1939) Mike McGarryEducation is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. William Butler Yeats (1865 1939) Signature Read More DearI'm happy to help with this.First of all, here's an article about DS questions:Let's sayF = French only speakersG = German only speakersB = speak bothN = speaker neitherFour unknowns.F + G + B + N = the total population of students.-->students who don't speak German = F + N1/6 of those are F, soWe have two equations from the prompt that we can use with either statement.B = 60Therefore, F = 15Therefore, N = 75We have no way of calculating the value of G, so this statement, alone and by itself, isN = 75.Therefore, F = 15Therefore, B = 60Again, no way of calculating G. This statement, alone and by itself, isEven when we combine this information, we will have no way to calculate G, so no way to answer the question. Everything together is stillAnswer =Does all this make sense?Mike_________________ OCE-funded interns spend summer serving local community Power of Produce: Nick Adjami '17 (left) talks with children about healthy food choices at the Williamsburg Farmers Market this summer. Courtesy photo Photo - of - Hide Caption Kids were playing with their food, and Nick Adjami 17 couldnt be happier. It was, after all, part of the William & Mary students job this summer to get kids interested in vegetables, and on a recent morning at the Williamsburg Farmers Market that meant giving them the chance to race derby cars made from squashes and carrots. Not only was this one of the kids favorite activities, it also got them excited to go home and eat squash, something they might not otherwise do, he said. Adjamis internship was one of three that were funded for the first time this summer through the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) at William & Mary. In addition to Adjamis internship with the Power of Produce Club at the Williamsburg Farmers Market, Ashleigh Arrington 17 worked with Literacy for Life and Jen Hartley 17 with the Arc of Greater Williamsburg. Although the Office of Community Engagement has awarded summer service grants to students for several years, the office wanted to go one step further this summer. In the past year, we've been talking to local partners about their need not only for direct service but also for projects which increase their capacity, like program management, volunteer recruitment and outreach, said Elizabeth Miller, assistant director of the Office of Community Engagement. We know students have the skills to make a difference in this area given the time to learn about and connect with those projects, she added. Applying our community engagement grants to these local community internships allowed us to support a community-identified need while also providing an opportunity for students to deepen their active citizenship and sharpen their professional skills. The Arc of Greater Williamsburg Hartley, a public policy major, has been involved with The Arc since her freshman year at William & Mary through her participation in Greek life at the university. The Arc provides activities and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. By the time this opportunity to intern at The Arc came up, I already knew how much I loved being a part of The Arc family, so I jumped at the chance to spend my summer with them, she said. Beginning June 6, she worked as a development intern with the organization, helping with fundraising, grants, programming and planning for events, such as the upcoming 7th Annual 5k Benefit Run. In the spring, Hartley took an American studies class titled Disability in America, which has been very relevant to her work with The Arc, she said. This fantastic class provided me with an understanding of the history of disability rights movements in the U.S., and led me to appreciate the importance of self-advocacy for people with disabilities, she said. Given that one of the primary goals of The Arc is to help empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves, Disability in America has informed the way that I view The Arcs mission and the ways that I try to work towards achieving it. Her internship has been similarly enlightening, she added, saying that shes learned how unique and important The Arcs services are. The Arc of Greater Williamsburg picks up where our public school systems leave off in terms of providing recreational and educational opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she said. The Arcs variety of evening programs, and starting this year, their Day Support Program, promote clients' physical and social well-being. Especially considering that Virginia lags behind much of the country in facilitating services for people with disabilities, The Arc works to provide clients and their families with opportunities that may not otherwise be accessible to them. Pam McGregor, executive director of the organization, worked closely with Hartley throughout the summer and said that she demonstrated maturity, insight, and initiative. Her skill-set and can do spirit helped us accomplish many projects this summer, said McGregor. A successful benefit concert, an improved website, updated formats for spreadsheets and data entry, as well as the creation of marketing materials for our upcoming 5k, made her an invaluable part of our team this summer. We will miss her very much but wish her nothing but success in her senior year." As the internship draws to a close this week, Hartley knows that she will leave the position with a greater appreciation for all involved in the operation of a non-profit. I have always been amazed with how much The Arc has been able to do on a day-to-day basis, and the organization's accomplishments seem even more incredible when considering how much time the staff must spend on securing the future, she said. Literacy for Life Arrington, a double major in sociology and gender, sexuality and womens studies, began her internship with Literacy for Life, which teaches literacy skills to adults, on June 6. I think it's easy to take for granted how integral and powerful literacy skills are in daily life, and so having a helping hand in this organization seemed like a little thing to help a lot of people, she said. Not to mention the staff at Literacy for Life were so welcoming, excited, and engaged that I was immediately drawn to helping them and their mission. Arrington has spent much of the internship working on creating a training video for potential tutors so they may be able to watch it on their own time instead of attending all three of the organizations mandatory, three-hour orientation sessions for volunteers. Ashleigh was able to tackle a project that was very much needed, but that our staff did not have the expertise or time to do, said Fiona Van Gheem, program operations manager for Literacy for Life. She listened carefully to what we were looking for and then worked independently while providing timely updates. She used her initiative and was able to develop new skills which will help her in the future. We are extremely pleased with the multimedia training that Ashleigh was able to produce and thank her for her hard work. We already have potential tutors ready to make use of this online training. We greatly appreciate the support of the Office of Community Engagement for funding this summer internship position. Literacy for Life, Ashleigh, our new tutors and ultimately our learners have all benefited from this experience. Arrington said that the internship has taught her just how much of a difference education and literacy can make in a persons life. As a sociology major we talk a lot about the importance of education, but usually in very abstract ways like, more education usually means you make more money, she said. But to see statistics and the successes reported to Literacy for Life of people making their lives better through literacy really creates a tangible image for a lot of the theoretical knowledge I've learned. It's cool to see studies, but even better to see education in action. Arrington has also discovered that the Williamsburg community is broader and more connected than she had previously thought, noting the areas high demand for English as a Second Language and English language instruction. Every year hundreds of people are using the services at Literacy for Life to get better jobs, to learn English, to get driver's licenses and pass the GED, she said. I feel like Williamsburg is discussed as retirees and college students only, but there is a broader community, there is a demand for education and opportunity, and it's inspiring that a group like Literacy for Life is constantly growing and changing in order to fulfill those needs. Williamsburg Farmers Market Adjami, a sociology major, will finish up his internship as the Power of Produce Club coordinator on Sept. 3. The club, launched in Oregon in 2011, is a national initiative that strives to empower children to make healthy food choices. Adjami, a former arts camp counselor, said that the opportunity to combat a social issue by educating and inspiring children is what drew him to the internship. As a counselor, my goal was to encourage that creativity and open-mindedness. With the POP club, my goal is similar, with an added social purpose, he said. Many children do not have adequate access to healthy produce and food education. At the POP club, we provide both of these things. Every week, we have a health-related activity and a sample of a fruit or vegetable. We also give each child who participates three dollars to spend at the market. In this way, we hope to increase accessibility, and empower children to make healthy food choices. Since this was the clubs first year in Williamsburg, Adjami, whose internship involved both office work and hands-on activities with the program on Saturdays, didnt have any previous plans to follow. While this is somewhat stressful, it is also very liberating, he said I am free to think outside the box, as no box has been established yet. Each week is a new adventure, with a new never-before-seen activity to try. This also adds a crucial element of excitement. For these activities to be successful, they must get kids excited about fruits and vegetables. Although that task can be difficult, Tracy Herner, market manager, said that Adjami has done an outstanding job. While most market customers and families see only the fun, one-hour program, Nick also worked hard behind the scenes to capture data, plan weekly activities, select childrens books, secure volunteers, order supplies and write a newsletter, Herner said. With every piece of the program coming together, Nick also gained insight into community partnerships, sponsors, suppliers and more. Another important piece of his work on the POP Club this summer, was to document our first year of this program so that we could present our highlights to the board of directors and community partners (SHIP) at the conclusion (Sept. 3). With this important piece complete, we hope to secure funds for year two. An environmental sociology class that Adjami took during his sophomore year introduced him to the issue of food justice (and inspired him to become a sociology major), he said. The internship showed him how that issue affects the Williamsburg community. It is very easy to get trapped in the campus bubble at William & Mary, and not explore the surrounding city, he said. More than anything, my internship has opened my eyes to the need for food justice right here in Williamsburg. The farmers market here and especially the POP Club are important tools that can be used to increase food education and access. Europes Brexit Hangover . NEW YORK The market reaction to the Brexit shock has been mild compared to two other recent episodes of global financial volatility: the summer of 2015 (following fears of a Chinese hard landing) and the first two months of this year (following renewed worries about China, along with other global tail risks). The shock was regional rather than global, with the market impact concentrated in the United Kingdom and Europe; and the volatility lasted only about a week, compared to the previous two severe risk-off episodes, which lasted about two months and led to a sharp correction in US and global equity prices. Why such a mild, temporary shock? For starters, the UK accounts for just 3% of global GDP. By contrast, China (the worlds second-largest economy) accounts for 15% of world output and more than half of global growth. Moreover, the European Unions post-Brexit show of unity, together with the result of the Spanish election, calmed fears that the EU or the eurozone would fall apart in short order. And the rapid government changeover in the UK has boosted hopes that the divorce negotiations with the EU, however bumpy, will lead to a settlement that maintains most trade links by combining substantial access to the single market with modest limits on migration. Most important, markets quickly priced in the conclusion that the Brexit shock would lead to greater dovishness among the worlds major central banks. Indeed, as in the two previous risk-off episodes, central-bank liquidity backstopped markets and economies. But the risk of European and global volatility may have been only briefly postponed. Leaving aside other global risks (including a slowdown in already-mediocre US growth, more fear of a Chinese hard landing, weakness in oil and commodity prices, and fragilities in key emerging markets), there is plenty of reason to worry about Europe and the eurozone. First, if the UK-EU divorce proceedings become protracted and acrimonious, growth and markets will suffer. And an ugly divorce may also lead Scotland and Northern Ireland to leave the UK. In that scenario, Catalonia may also push for independence from Spain. And without the UK, Denmark and Sweden, which arent planning to join the eurozone, may fear that they will become second-class members of the EU, thus leading them to consider leaving as well. Second, upcoming elections promise to be a political minefield. Austria will repeat its presidential election in September, the previous one having ended in a virtual tie, giving another chance to the far-right Freedom Partys Norbert Hofer. The following month, Hungary will hold a referendum, initiated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on overturning EU-mandated quotas on the resettlement of migrants. And, most important, Italy will hold a referendum on constitutional changes that, if rejected, could effectively jeopardize the countrys membership in the eurozone. Italy currently is the eurozones weakest link. Prime Minister Matteo Renzis government has become politically shakier, economic growth is anemic, the banks are in need of capital, and EU fiscal targets will be hard to achieve without triggering another recession. If Renzi fails as is increasingly possible the anti-euro Five Star Movement (which recently did well in municipal elections) could come to power as early as next year. Should that happen, the Grexit fears of 2015 would pale in comparison. Italy, the eurozones third-largest member, is too big to fail. But, with a public debt ten times larger than Greeces, it is also too big to be saved. No EU program can backstop Italys 2 trillion ($2.2 trillion) of public debt (135% of GDP). Moreover, elections in France, Germany, and the Netherlands in 2017 create additional uncertainties as weak growth and high unemployment in most of Europe boost support for anti-euro, anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and anti-globalization populist parties of the right (in the eurozone core) and of the left (on the eurozone periphery). At the same time, Europes neighborhood is bad and getting worse. A revisionist Russia has become more assertive not just in Ukraine, but also in the Baltics and the Balkans. And the consequences of the continuing turmoil in the Middle East are at least twofold: renewed episodes of terrorism in France, Belgium, and Germany, which may over time dent business and consumer confidence; and a migration crisis that requires closer cooperation with Turkey, which itself has become unstable since the botched military coup. Until the coming round of elections is over, the EU is unlikely to take any steps to complete its unfinished monetary union by introducing more risk-sharing and accelerating structural reforms to encourage faster economic convergence. Given the current slow pace of reforms (and population aging), potential growth remains low, while actual growth is on a very moderate cyclical recovery that is now threatened by post-Brexit risks and uncertainties. At the same time, high deficits and debts, together with eurozone rules, constrain the use of fiscal policy to boost growth, while the European Central Bank may be reaching the limits of what even unconventional monetary policy can do to sustain the recovery. The eurozone and the EU are unlikely to disintegrate suddenly. Many of the risks they face are on a slow fuse. And disintegration can of course be avoided by a political vision that balances the need for greater integration with the desire for some degree of national autonomy and sovereignty over a range of issues. But finding ways to integrate that are democratic and politically acceptable is imperative. Muddling through has resulted in an unstable equilibrium that will make disintegration of the EU and the eurozone inevitable. Given the many risks Europe faces, a new vision is needed now. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page The federal Drug Enforcement Administration announced on Thursday that it would keep marijuana in the same legal category as heroin, preserving a major obstacle to its legal medical use. DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg rejected a petition, filed in 2011 by the governors of Rhode Island and Washington along with medical-marijuana patient Bryan Krumm, to move marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule II, the category used for dangerous drugs that can be prescribed legally, such as cocaine and oxycodone. The petition argued that cannabis has accepted medical use in the United States, is safe for use under medical supervision, and, when used for medical purposes, has a relatively low potential for abuse, especially in comparison with other Schedule II drugs. The DEA said no. Marijuana will remain in Schedule I, Rosenberg wrote, until it is found to be safe and effective using established scientific standards consistent with the Food and Drug Administrations drug-approval process and based on the FDAs scientific and medical evaluation. Reiterating the Controlled Substances Acts language, he added, It does not have a currently accepted medical use in the United States, there is a lack of accepted safety for its use under medical supervision, and it has a high potential for abuse. In response, Michael Collins, deputy director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, said the decision flies in the face of science, and is a slap in the face for patients using marijuana to treat or relieve ailments such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The logic of saying marijuana has no recognized medical use is bizarrely circular, medical-cannabis proponents say. Its a vicious cycle, Collins said. The government argues that the drug has no medicinal value because theres no FDA-approved research, he explained, but one reason theres not much research is because marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug. Even researching components of the plant carries a stigma, he added. Another obstacle is that doing the three stages of studies required under the FDAs drug-approval process is expensive and time-consuming. In practice, pharmaceutical companies only pay for studies on drugs they are able to patent and maintain the exclusive right to sell for their first few years on the market. They are extremely unlikely to do that for a plant they cant patent. They are also unlikely to develop cannabis-based drugssuch as ones containing cannabidiol (CBD), a compound widely believed to have high potential as a painkilleras long as the plants derivatives are also deemed illegal. I cant speak to the drug-approval process," a DEA spokesman said when asked about these concerns. "We're just cops." The DEA did agree to expand access to marijuana for research. It will allow private institutions to apply for permission to grow the plant. Currently, researchers can only get marijuana from the National Institute on Drug Abuses Mississippi farm. While the DEA says it has never refused a researchers request for cannabis, Collins calls that semantics. In practice, he said, when researchers request a specific strain, such as a high-THC variety to study its effects on PTSD, they usually find that its not available and would take years to be bred. The poor quality of the Mississippi farms basic variety, which the federal government still provides to a handful of patients thanks to a 1970s lawsuit, is the stuff of legend. DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg (DEA) In his rejection, Rosenberg conceded that marijuana is less dangerous than some drugs in Schedule II, but wrote that drug scheduling is not like the Saffir-Simpson scale for hurricanes or the Richter scale for earthquakes. The criteria for inclusion in Schedule I is not relative danger, he declared. The DEA rejected a previous attempt to move marijuana out of Schedule I in 1992, four years after Francis L. Young, the agency's administrative-law judge examining the issue, declared it to be one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man and that continuing to deny medical use of it would be unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious. The Department of Health and Human Services told the DEA that marijuana qualified as having a high abuse potential under three of four criteria. There is evidence that people are using it in amounts sufficient to create a hazard to their health or to the safety of others, HHS said, because marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug and accounted for 18 percent of admissions to drug-rehab programs in 2011 (the agency did acknowledge that more than half of those admissions were through criminal-justice referrals). There is evidence that people are taking it on their own initiative without medical advice, according to HHS, because there is a large number of users and no FDA-approved cannabis product. And marijuana is similar to drugs already categorized as having a substantial potential for abuse, because all its derivatives except for two are in Schedule I, HHS said. The medical-marijuana group Americans for Safe Access evaluated more than 500 studies for its response, stating that cannabis has no known fatal dose and no significant effects on the brain when users arent actually high. The most commonly reported adverse effects in studies, the group said, were dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness. Compared to other widely used drugs, the response says, the relatively low dependence liability of cannabis is widely recognized, meaning a smaller percentage of users become dependent, and their dependency is less severe. Our report shows that the DEA failed to take into account over 9,000 patient/years of data with medical cannabis products used in gold-standard clinical studies, ASA senior scientist Dr. Jahan Marcu said in a statement. Instead the DEA focused on outdated information from last century, animal research, [and] surveys, and disregarded dozens of clinical trials that didnt fit into their political agenda for regulating medicine. Inside the Columba Care dispensary on East 14th Street, New York City's first medical marijuana dispensary. (Miranda Katz / Gothamist) The DEAs decision probably will not do much to affect New York state's highly restrictive medical-marijuana program, but the program will remain illegal under federal law. The state does not allow patients to use marijuana itself, but the programs dispensary chains grow cannabis plants in order to produce extract-based drugsand growing 100 or more plants is a felony with a five-year mandatory-minimum sentence Anyone in violation of federal drug law runs the risk of arrest and prosecution, the DEA spokesman told us. In practice, though, he said the agency is concentrating its resources on the opioid epidemic. Federal enforcement of marijuana laws currently relies on an August 2013 memo from Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, which said that in states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, the federal government should make stopping it a priority only when there are exacerbating circumstances, such as distribution to minors, control by criminal syndicates, or diversion to other states. The memo is merely advisory and doesnt mean the Justice Department has decided to look the other way, the DEA spokesman said. In October 2015, federal Judge Charles Breyer ruled that a 2014 amendment to a federal spending bill prohibited prosecuting medical-marijuana providers who are in compliance with state law, but that ruling is not binding outside Northern California. In May, the DEA participated in raids on three dispensaries in Lansing, Michigan. Steven Wishnia is a New York-based journalist and musician, and the editor of Tenant/Inquilino. He is also the author of "When the Drumming Stops," "Exit 25 Utopia," and "The Cannabis Companion." Exelon reaffirms long-term commitment 12 August 2016 Share Exelon will continue to advocate for public policy that recognises the clean energy attributes of nuclear plants but has warned it will have no choice but to close plants that remain unprofitable. CEO Chris Crane outlines plans to grow Exelon's business (Image: Exelon) In a presentation to analysts on Wednesday, CEO Chris Crane and senior Exelon leaders outlined plans to invest $25 billion in critical infrastructure, smart grid technology and other reliability and customer service improvements at its utilities over the next five years. Cash flow from the company's generation activities will be used to fund the investments. Crane described 2016 as a "pivotal year" for nuclear power plants which have faced financial challenges driven by cheap gas prices and the "unintended consequences" of government mandates which had tended to prefer renewables over other low-carbon or carbon-free alternatives and failed to compensate properly for carbon-free generation. He praised the recent approval by the New York Public Service Commission of a Clean Energy Standard (CES) explicitly recognising the zero-carbon contribution of nuclear power plants via credits based solely on the social cost of carbon. Approval of the CES has helped to assure the continued operation of Exelon's Nine Mile Point and RE Ginna nuclear power plants in upstate New York, and furthermore enabled Exelon to move to acquire the Fitzpatrick plant from Entergy, which otherwise would have faced closure in early 2017. The failure of Illinois to enact legislation that would have preserved the Clinton and Quad Cities plants, however, meant that the company had "no choice" but to proceed with preparations for the closure of the units. Exelon announced in June that Clinton would close in 2017 and Quad Cities the following year following seven years of losses despite being two of the utility's best-performing plants. "We will continue to work for solutions in our states to preserve these generation fleets, but we do need the states to step up and recognise the value of these assets and what they contribute to communities and the environment," Crane said. He warned that nuclear plants must still perform economically. "Where we can't see a path to sustained profitability, we have no choice but to shut down plants," he said. In answer to questions, Exelon Generation CEO Ken Cornew confirmed that the "drop dead" date after which the company would be unable to reverse its decision on Quad Cities and Clinton plants would be December 2016. Further decisions on the Illinois legislation could be made in state meetings scheduled for late November and early December, but Cornew cautioned that there was "no certainty" of the outcome of those meetings. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics China China, the most heavily populated country in the world, is also the biggest receiver of personal remittances. In 2015, residents received $44,445,297,190 in transfers from nonresident households and individuals. The majority of Chinese migrants, 64%, have gone to other Asian countries which are reflected in the origin of remittances. Around 62% of personal remittances are received from other Asian nations. Philippines The Philippines are next on the list with $29,973,640,596 in personal remittances received in 2015. Remittances in this country make up over 8% of the gross domestic product. Half of all migrants from the Philippines go to North America for work, and 66% of remittances come from that region. Mexico Remittances to Mexico have increased over time although the country saw a drop during the economic crisis between 2009 and 2010. Surprisingly, remittances have now surpassed oil revenues. Of all the emigrants from Mexico, 92% stay in North America going to the US and Canada. Nearly all, 99%, of remittances come from these two countries. Pakistan Pakistan comes in 4th place for remittances received with a total of $19,306,000,000. Remittances to this country increased slightly during the early 90s and declined in the latter part of that decade. The amount increased by nearly nine times in the years between 2001 and 2010. Today, remittances account for slightly more than 7% of the GDP. Bangladesh In Bangladesh, the $15,387,889,721 received in 2015 makes up 7.9% of the GDP. Here, the correlation between where emigrants go to work and where remittances originate is not quite as strong as in previous countries. Approximately 92% of Bangladeshi migrants stay within Asia, but only 70% of remittances come from there. Interestingly, only 5% of migrants go to Europe, but 18% of remittances originate there. Germany While Germany is the fifth largest remittance sender, it is also the sixth largest receiver. In 2015, the country received $15,362,079,258 which is a small portion of the GDP. From 2009 to 2013, remittances between Turkey and Germany changed direction. Money from Turkey to Germany significantly increased during that time. The majority of remittances here, regardless of origin, are generated by border, seasonal, and short-term work and represent 13% of all European personal inflows. Belgium In Belgium, personal remittances account for 2.2% of the GDP and totaled $9,933,945,716 in 2015. This total represents 9% of all inbound remittances in Europe and originated from border and seasonal work in neighboring countries. Incomes from other countries allowed Belgium to eliminate its account deficits and even provided a surplus of 470 million euros. Italy In 2015, Italy received $9,517,018,087 in personal remittances. This makes up the same percentage of the GDP as in Germany, only .5%. Around 80% of inflow in Italy is received from outside the European Union. Remittances began to increase in 2012 during the global economic crisis. During this time, residents began leaving the country in search of employment elsewhere. During this time, expats and migrants living in Italy began receiving reverse remittances from their home countries. Lebanon Lebanon has seen significant changes in its remittance receiving pattern over the last two decades. Personal remittances increased in the early 90s, decreased in the later half of the decade and from 1999 through 2004, slowly increased. They dropped off again in 2004 and then drastically increased from 2007 forward. As of 2015, total personal remittances received equaled $7,480,817,046. United States Once a major remittance sender, the US has recently made its way onto the top 10 list of remittance receivers. In 2015, residents in the country received $7,088,000,000. This fact occurred largely as a result of reverse remittances during the economic crisis. Many immigrants living in the country were no longer able to send money abroad as employment opportunities were scarce. Instead, they relied on remittances from their home countries. Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks was drowned out by hundreds of angry Queens residents on Thursday night, as he attempted to make a case for a new homeless shelter for adult families in place of the Holiday Inn Express at 59-40 55th Road in Maspeth. Video from the event captures part of Banks's remarks: "...yelling at me in the front row saying, 'They [the proposed shelter residents] should go back to East New York,' I just want to emphasize again that there are 243 of your neighbors in shelter." He was then drowned out by boos. Maspeth residents are vehemently opposed to the new 110-bed shelter, which they say will impact their quality of life by bringing homeless people into their community. The Department of Homeless Services has countered that there are 243 homeless New Yorkers whose last listed address was in Maspeth, evidence of a need for shelter services there. "Nobody here is fooled," said one angry local on Thursday. "You bus people into Maspeth from god knows where, give them a zip code here, and then say Maspeth has a problem." Community Board 5 Chair Vincent Arcuri told Gothamist Friday that his community, a mix of working class "old-time multi-generational people" and recent immigrants, is rallying against what they deem an intrusion of outsiders. He cited the opening of a family shelter in the former Pan American Hotel in nearby Elmhurst, which locals vehemently protested last year, as proof of point. "It's a dangerous situation when you have unknown-background people congregating in one place," he said. "We have 190,000 people in CB5. No one knows anyone that's in a shelter," he added. "They know people in dire need, they know people getting help from churches, but they don't know anyone in a shelter." Thursday's charged meeting overflowed the stuffy Maspeth auditorium, with dozens of locals congregating outside and even marching over to the Holiday Inn in protest, some shouting "Maspeth lives matter!" Many described homeless people as dangerous and degenerate. "We have a homeless guy who lives a few blocks away. I've been trying to get him help for over a year now. He exposes himself to the girls in the laundromat," said CB5 member Jerry Drake at the podium, adding, "This shelter is opening over my dead body." "The [city] may not know or disclose what other felons, drug addicts, and mental cases are in these shelters," said another resident, who later called for "sporadic, unannounced protests" against the shelter. An online petition opposing the shelter has 386 signatures as of this writing. Jose Rodriguez, 53, is a member of the advocacy group Picture The Homeless and currently lives in a city shelter. He lived in Ridgewood, Queens before entering the system, and worked as a substance abuse counselor before health issues compelled him to stop working. He said he found some of the comments from Maspeth residents "unfair." "Most of the people in the shelter I'm in, they get up every day and go to work," he said. "Because they are homeless doesn't mean they never contributed for the sake of the city." Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley also voiced her opposition to the shelter on Thursday. "Here in Maspeth we have a strong, hard-working, middle class community," she said. "We support each other... and the mayor is trying to solve the city's homelessness problem on our backs. On the backs of Maspeth's residents." "The administration is already well aware that there are three shelters literally within walking distance of this site, greatly impacting Maspeth," she added. At one point during her remarks, Crowley was interrupted with chants of "Build it in Park Slope!" The city countered that within the confines of Community Board 5, there are currently no homeless shelters. The nearest shelter is 1.4 miles from the Holiday Inn. Locals have also accused the city of presenting the new shelter proposal, which could be implemented in October, without enough notice (the proposal was confirmed at a community board meeting on August 3rd). In the case of the Pan American shelter, locals were informed the night before the move inwhat the city deemed an emergency decision. In the case of the Holiday Inn Express, the city says it's given at least 60 days notice. "New York City is legally obligated to provide shelter to any New Yorker who would otherwise be turned out onto the streets," said DHS spokesman David Neustadt on Friday. "We have met with community leaders and participated in an open community forum to continue to build a constructive dialogue around this issue." Mayoral spokeswoman Aja Worthy-Davis stressed Friday that the shelter location has not been finalized, and that the city will review alternative Maspeth locations proposed by the community. Last fall, following the triple stabbing murder of a mother and two of her three small children in a Staten Island motel serving homeless families, Mayor de Blasio pledged to phase out the practice of renting out hotel rooms as temporary shelter for the homeless "as quickly as possible." There were 41 NYC hotels housing homeless New Yorkers as of May. The city says that creating a new shelter in place of a hotelrather than renting out some of the rooms on a short-term basis, helps meet this goal. "This administration has committed to housing homeless New Yorkers and diminishing reliance on hotels and cluster spaces," Worthy-Davis said. The average homeless New Yorker costs the city, state and federal government $58,000 per year, according to the Supportive Housing Network of New York. Advocates have long argued that the city should channel the money it is spending on the shelter systemwhich currently serves more than 60,000 New Yorkersinto permanent housing. [UPDATE 8/13:] This piece has been amended to include only the portion of Commissioner Banks's statements regarding East New York that were captured in video embedded in this post. Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Real Estate Listings Showcase Speaking before the National Association of Home Builders Board of Directors at their Midyear Meeting in Miami this week, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that overregulation is costing the economy $2 trillion per year. Trump also vowed to cut regulations that are hurting the housing and economic recovery."No one other than the energy industry is regulated more than the home building industry," said Trump. "Twenty-five percent of the cost of a home is due to regulation. I think we should get that down to about 2 percent."Laying out his plan to create more jobs, lower taxes and reduce burdensome regulations, Trump said, "We will impose a temporary moratorium order on new agency regulations. We'll cancel all illegal and overreaching executive orders signed by President Obama. We will eliminate all regulations that kill jobs. We will remove the bureaucrats that only know how to kill jobs and replace them with experts who know how to create jobs without regulations."As part of his program to spur job and economic growth, Trump promised a major tax simplification plan to reduce the tax code to three brackets and ensure that all small businesses will be taxed at no more than 15 percent."Everyone's taxes will go down under my plan," said Trump.Additionally, Trump said he will end corporate inversions and repeal the estate tax, commonly referred to as the death tax."I know so many families that have been destroyed by the death tax," he said. "They end up losing their business or have to sell their business. Farmers are hit hard, housing companies are hit hard."Noting that his father was a home builder, Trump expressed a deep affinity for the industry. "A home builder taught me everything I know," he said. "There is no greater thing you can do. If you can build a home, you can build anything."Trump's speech to the NAHB board comes one day after Gene Sperling, a top economic advisor to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, addressed the same group."We are very honored to have these national leaders address our members," said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady, a home builder and developer from Bloomington, Ill. "Their presence at our board meeting conveys the important role that the nation's housing industry will play in the upcoming elections and reaffirms that housing must remain a national priority." Timothy and Timea Batts By: Wayne Morin (Scroll down for video) A father was arrested on a charge of homicide after allegedly shooting his daughter because she yelled while he was asleep, according to police in Tennessee. Hendersonville police said that they have arrested 29-year-old Timothy Batts, after being accused of killing his 11-year-old daughter Timea Batts. Timothy was charged with reckless homicide, tampering with evidence, unlawful possession of a weapon and tampering with evidence. He was booked into the Sumner County Jail, and his bail was set at $1 million. According to the criminal complaint, Timothy told police that he was sleeping when Timea came home from school. Timothy woke up after hearing a sound and grabbed a gun from under a dresser. When his daughter screamed and scared him, he fired a shot and hit his daughter. Timea died of a single gunshot wound. When police first questioned Timothy, he said that Timea had come home from school and told him that she had been shot while getting off her school bus. The Lower Manhattan skyline has gone through some large-scale change in the past 15 years. The Twin Towers are gone, 1WTC is here, and there are plenty of new mega-condos like 8 Spruce Street and 35XV. A detailed glimpse of the skyline and its changes can be seen in these two images shot by photographer Peter Walker. Walker took the first photo in 2001, using a medium format Hasselblad film camera from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. The photo is perfectly exposed and full of rich detail, and features the Twin Towers prominently. He returned to the observation deck in May to attempt the same shot with his high-resolution Leica digital camera, and the second photo is the result (sadly, not cropped similarly to the first). In a post published on Petapixel, Walker explained that his goal was to compare the image quality of two top of the line camera systemsone analog, and one digital. In doing so, he also made a high megapixel document of change in New York. Walker ultimately deemed his digital photo superior over the more grainy 2001 film shot, but his piece on the experiment kicked off some (occasionally heated) debate on photography websites about the relative merits of the two technologies. "I stayed out of that debate. But, when it quietened down, I did add the comment that 'digital vs film' didnt seem like an issue worth getting angry about," Walker told Gothamist in an email. "The most obvious difference between the 2001 image and the 2016 image was the missing Twin Towers. I proposed that if anything was worth getting emotional about, it was the story of those missing Towers and the change, not only to skyline, but to the lives of all New Yorkers." See more of Walker's work on his website. Wrexham Glyndwr University Increases Student Satisfaction to 85% This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 12th, 2016 Student satisfaction at Wrexham Glyndwr University has increased by 5% in the last year. The latest National Student Survey results revealed an overall score of 85%, with the University ranking top in Wales for assessment and feedback, timetabling, building confidence and personal development. Wrexham Glyndwr University was also second in the country for advice on choices and study support, and saw a rise in satisfaction in communication and personal development. Among the top-performing areas were Subjects allied to Medicine (100%) ranked joint first in the UK and Nursing (96%), which was number one in Wales and joint fourth in the UK. Academic Studies in Education (98%), Marketing (92%) and Anthropology (85%) were best in Wales, and Mechanical, Production and Manufacturing Engineering (87%) and Design Studies (85%) were second in Wales. The news comes at an important time for the university, with thousands of pupils across the region preparing for their A level results. Vice Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, said the positive NSS scores show the institution is moving in the right direction under its five-year strategy. To see a 5% points increase in overall satisfaction is very positive news and shows how hard staff are working to further improve the student experience here in north east Wales, said Professor Hinfelaar. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we will continue to strive for better. For now, we look forward to welcoming new students in the coming weeks and those who are returning to us after the summer break. She added: This is an incredibly busy time of year for us, as school and college pupils across the country prepare for their A-level results. Our admissions team is on hand with help and advice for anyone concerned with their grades or in need of support please dont hesitate to get in touch or visit our open day on August 20. Across the UK, the response rate to the 2016 survey was 72%, slightly higher than the previous two years, with 312,000 taking part. The survey was undertaken by final year students from 155 HEIs, 190 FECs and 13 alternative providers of higher education. Dr David Blaney, Chief Executive of HEFCW, said: After remaining steady at a high level, we are pleased to see that overall satisfaction has edged even higher in Wales. We know there is some excellent work going on at universities to make university teaching even better and to improve the experience students have of higher education. Students should continue to have confidence in the ability of Welsh HE providers to deliver quality education in line with student expectations. Universities Wales spokesperson Olivia added: The NSS results are testament to the hard work Wales universities continue to put in to delivering the best possible student learning experience. These results reflect the positive interaction between staff and students that focuses on the key issues that are important to them, such as academic support and learning resources, that have increased significantly this year. We will continue to work with our students in making the coming years even more positive, and continue to build towards becoming the country with the highest satisfaction rates in the UK. (via Improv Everywhere) I can't think of anything worse than standing on a subway platform on this scorching sweatbath of a weekend. But sometimes you MUST leave the confines of your apartment to experience the world outside of a Crazy Ex-Girlfriend binge, or so I hear, so if you do attempt to traverse the city via public transportation this weekend, note that there are a few changes. Not many, though, so bless you, MTA. Bless you. Here's what's on tap: 5 trains will not run in either direction betweenEastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St from 11:45 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains will run express from 3 Av-138 St to Parkchester from 11:45 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Jamaica Center-bound E trains will make express stops from Roosevelt Av to 71 Av from 12:15 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday, and again from 12:15 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday. On the World Trade Center-bound track, trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza from 12:15 a.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and again from 12:15 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday. Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains will reroute along the E line from Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St, with that change in effect from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Manhattan-bound J trains run express from Myrtle Av to Marcy Av from 3:45 a.m. Saturday to 10 p.m. Sunday. L trains will not run in either direction between Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy and Broadway Junction, with that change in effect from 5:45 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday. M trains will run every 20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. During this period, Manhattan-bound trains will run express from Myrtle Av to Marcy Av. N trains will reroute along the Q line from Canal St to DeKalb Av in both directions, with that change in effect from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, and again from 11:45 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday. R trains will reroute along the Q line from Canal St to DeKalb Av, with that change in effect from 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. On the 71 Av-bound track, trains run express from Roosevelt Av to 71 Av from 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, trains on the Manhattan-bound track will run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza. The Brazilian Senates vote Wednesday to move ahead with an impeachment trial of ousted Workers Party (PT) President Dilma Rousseff has been accompanied by a concerted drive by the interim administration of Michel Temer to ram through sweeping austerity policies. The purpose of these measures is to impose the full burden of the crisis gripping Latin Americas largest economythe worst in a centuryonto the backs of the working class. Wednesdays vote, which followed a 15-hour, all-night session, was 59 to 21 in support of the trial, exceeding not only the simple majority needed to launch the trial, but five more votes than the two-thirds super majority required to end it by permanently removing Rousseff from office. The Senates action appeared to have sealed not only Rousseffs fate, but that of the PT, which has ruled Brazil for the past 13 years, including two terms under her predecessor, former metalworkers union leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The formal grounds for the impeachment are trumped up charges of fiscal improprieties by Rousseff, alleged loans secured from banks and budgetary allocations made behind the back of congress in an attempt to conceal the depth of the crisis in the run-up to her re-election in 2014. The PT president and her supporters have insisted that the same methods have been employed by virtually every administration that preceded her own. The driving force for the removal of Brazils elected government, however, is the demand by both Brazilian and international finance capital for a radical change in regime in order to carry through draconian attacks on social spending and working class living standards designed to restore economic growth by lowering labor costs and ensuring higher profits and unfettered operations by big business. Those supporting impeachment and Temer, previously Rousseffs vice president and political ally, have been able to carry through this undemocratic conspiracy because of the overwhelming popular hostility toward the PT, which not only failed to introduce policies to protect Brazilian workers from the impact of the economic crisis, including an official unemployment rate that has topped 11 percent, but rather sought to initiate the same austerity policies now pursued by the interim government. On top of that was the partys deep involvement in the Petrobras bribes for contracts scandal, which saw billions of dollars siphoned out of the state-run energy giant to finance politicians election campaigns and line their pockets. In addition to the impeachment of Rousseff, a trial of her predecessor, Lula, is also in the works. He was officially charged last month with obstruction of justice for allegedly masterminding a scheme to buy the silence of former Petrobras director Nestor Cervero over the Petrobras kickbacks. Meanwhile, Temer himself, a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) along with his interim foreign minister, Jose Serra, former presidential candidate of (Brazilian Social Democracy Party) PSDB, are implicated in illegal campaign contributions from the construction conglomerate, Odebrecht, whose billionaire director, Marcelo Odebrecht, has been jailed since July of last year in connection with the Petrobras scandal. He has apparently named both, along with PT leaders, in a plea bargain arrangement. Supporters of Rousseff have charged that Temer and his allies in the Senate are seeking to rush through the impeachment, which is now expected to conclude by the end of this month, in order to grant him status as a sitting president, which would grant him impunity under the Brazilian constitution in relation to investigations into offenses occurring before he took office. Meanwhile, the government is pushing through a series of reforms, including a proposal to impose a spending ceiling that could last for 20 years, bankrupting the countrys health care and education system, as well as labor law revisions attacking workers rights and a pension reform that would raise the minimum retirement age to 70. While PT members of Congress have denounced the measures, those who support them point out that Rousseff had proposed similar legislation. Then, however, they had blocked the measures as part of the attempt to bring about her downfall. Recent polls have shown that two-thirds of the Brazilian population support the removal of Rousseff, but an equal number also oppose Temers presidency. Rousseff has responded to the actions by preparing an open letter to the Brazilian people and to the Senate, pledging that if she were to survive the impeachment, she would seek a popular referendum to call early elections. Reportedly, she is dropping her previous references to her removal from office as a coup in order to curry favor from the political right. While a recent poll has shown 62 percent of the population supporting early elections, there is little if any possibility that this maneuver will succeed, however. It would require not only a vote by a super-majority in Congress to amend the constitution, but also the approval of the judiciary, and, in all likelihood, would take over a year to implement, bringing her close to the end of her term. Hostility to Temer has been expressed in scattered protests, including at the Olympic games, where demonstrators holding up signs opposing the interim president have been hustled out of the stands by militarized police in scenes reminiscent of the military dictatorship that took power in 1964 and ruled the country for 21 years. But the attempt by the pseudo-left in Brazil to subordinate these protests to the PT and its affiliated union federation, the CUT, have served to block any mass popular appeal. The pseudo-left groups themselves have been thrown into intense crisis by the removal of the PT government. The Morenoite PSTU (Unified Socialist Workers Party) suffered a split which saw half the membership leave the party. While neither those who left nor the PSTU leadership itself have provided any clarification of the grounds for the spliteach side declaring their respect for the other as revolutionariesthe reality is that it rose entirely from national tactical issues; specifically, the demand raised by PSTU of fora todos throw them all out, during the impeachment drive. The demand constituted a reactionary adaptation to the right-wing impeachment drive and its impact upon popular consciousness, failing to distinguish between bringing down the PT government from the right and bringing it down from the left. Those who split found it increasingly uncomfortable to defend this position within the broader left milieu dominated by more open supporters of Rousseff and the PT. Meanwhile, the Pabloite layers embedded in the PSOL (Socialism and Liberty Party), a parliamentary split-off from the PT, have latched onto the demand for new elections, seeking to channel popular anger back into bourgeois politics and hoping to score more positions in municipal elections set for October. Despite the efforts of these elements, the austerity measures being prepared will inevitably bring the Brazilian working class into a new wave of class struggle against an unstable and corrupt government, whether it is headed by Rousseff or, far more likely, Temer. Against the backdrop of last months Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, a group of pseudo-left organizations gathered at a four-day conference titled Socialist Convergence. The avowed aim of the meeting was to carry forward Sanders so-called political revolution following Sanders groveling endorsement of Hillary Clinton, who is running the most right-wing Democratic presidential campaign in modern US history. The conference, held in downtown Philadelphia a few subway stops from the Democratic convention, ran Monday, July 25, through Thursday, July 28. The main organizers of the event were the Green Party of the United States, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the International Socialist Organization (ISO), Socialist Alternative, Solidarity, Philly Socialists, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (a split-off from the Workers World Party). During the day, participants attended Sanders and Green Party protests outside the Democratic convention. Workshops were held on the nuts-and-bolts of how to build socialist organizations in your home town. In the evening, speakers participated in panel discussions. Speakers at the event included Jill Stein, presidential candidate of the Green Party; Bhaskar Sunkara, founding editor of Jacobin Magazine and a vice-chair of the DSA; Kshama Sawant, Socialist Alternatives representative on the Seattle City Council; Chris Hedges, journalist and author; Amy Muldoon, a Verizon worker, shop steward in the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and ISO member; and Todd Chrieten, a leading member of the ISO. Socialist Convergence was an attempt, in the aftermath of the exposure of Sanders political revolution as a reactionary effort to channel growing anti-capitalist sentiment into the blind alley of the Democratic Party, to devise new means for keeping radicalized youth and workers within the confines of bourgeois politics. For the most part, this meant support for the campaign of the Green Party and its presidential candidate, Jill Stein. Sanders self-described socialist campaign against the billionaire class won support from millions of people who feel nothing but contempt for the political establishment. The growing interest in and support for socialism was not produced by Sanders, a long-time ally of the Democratic Party, but by the breakdown of the capitalist economic and political system, with its pervasive social inequality, repression and war. All of the organizations gathered at the Convergence in Philadelphia had supported Sanders bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Some, such as Socialist Alternative, sought to totally integrate themselves into the Democratic candidates campaign. It went so far as to set up a front group, Movement4Bernie, to hustle votes for Sanders in the primary elections. Others, like the ISO, maintained a tactical separation, promoting Sanders but urging him to run on the Green Party ticket. That Sanders political revolution has concluded in all-out support for Hillary Clinton, the very personification of Wall Street and the military/intelligence apparatus, has not given these inveterate opportunists a moments pause. One thing their conference in Philadelphia was not interested in was providing any accounting for their own role in the Sanders fraud. The right-wing character of the assemblage was sharply revealed when Chris Hedges told the audience Wednesday night that Bernie Sanders final capitulation, symbolized by his pathetic motion to suspend the roll call, giving Hillary Clinton the Democratic nomination by acclamation, is an abject betrayal of millions of his supporters and his call for a political revolution. This observation evoked such a chorus of boos and catcalls from the audience that the moderator was obliged to step in and call for order. Steve Williams, founder of LeftRoots, summed up the right-wing opportunism of the proceedings when he replied that any inclination to denounce Sanders as a sell-out right now seems ridiculous. As the audience cheered, he continued, We need to all take up a deep commitment to win; were going to have to do some things we dont want to do. Even open support for Hillary Clinton was tolerated as compatible with Convergences so-called socialism. It could be accommodated within the ample tent of the so-called independent left alternative on offer from the various participating organizations. Before the conference, the ISO stated on its web site Socialist Worker, Convergence organizers want to welcome participation from any activists, whether they support Stein or believe that voting against Trump and therefore for Hillary Clinton is a necessary evil at this stage. Two speakers, Lev Hirschorn, the regional field director of the Sanders campaign in Philadelphia, and Joe Schwartz, national committee member of the DSA, advocated a vote for Clinton. As Hirschorn stated, We can have a left faction to take control of the Democrats. The fake-socialist gatherings embrace of Democratic Party politicians Sanders and Clinton is not an accident or the product of political naivety. There is nothing socialist or even left about these organizations, despite their occasional use of socialist phrases. Their spectrum of orientation begins with Clinton and ends with Steinthat is, from bourgeois politicians to bourgeois politicians around the Democratic Party. In many ways, what transpired at Socialist Convergence paralleled the proceedings nearby at the Democratic convention. The Democratic convention presented the ugly spectacle of racial and gender politics being employed to consolidate support among the partys broader upper-middle class base for a policy of intensified militarism and war. As one black, Hispanic, gay or woman speaker after another was brought onto the platform to portray all of the evils of American society as rooted in pervasive and ineradicable racism and gender bias, the party leadership was carrying out a neo-McCarthyite attack on the fascistic Republican candidate, Donald Trump, from the right portraying him as a agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was demonized in much the manner of previous leaders targeted for military attack and eventual murder such as Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi. To chants from the delegates of USA! USA! retired generals denounced Trump as an unreliable candidate for commander in chief and praised Clinton for her readiness to wage war, and billionaire Michael Bloomberg vouched for Clintons credentials as a defender of the wealth of the financial elite. This did not provoke any significant discussion or opposition in the evening panel discussions at Socialist Convergence. No wonder, since virtually all of the organizations represented have lined up to support Obamas neo-colonial wars in the Middle East and his administrations aggressive actions against Russia and China. They all, moreover, promoted Sanders, who repeatedly in the course of the Democratic primaries declared his support for Obamas war policies, including his program of drone missile assassinations. At the Wednesday night session, Jill Stein was questioned by an audience member as to why the Green Party platform called for cutting the military budget by only a half, and why it declared support for humanitarian military interventions. Stein replied by citing the platforms caveat that US military operations conform to international law. There is a third piece, she said, which is international law, which is exactly what we violate by selling weapons to human rights violators like Saudi Arabia. By international law, Stein means the imprimatur of the United Nations Security Council. So long as this organizationthe imperialist-dominated modern version of the League of Nations, characterized by Lenin as a thieves kitchengives its blessing, as with the bloodbath in Libya, the Greens are onboard. In reality, as the record of their sister party in Germany demonstrates, they are prepared to support any and all so-called humanitarian wars of plunder and conquest mounted by the American ruling class. When speakers at Socialist Convergence discussed the social and economic crisis within the United States, they echoed the ferocious promotion of racial and gender politics at the Democratic convention. Ismael Jimenez, a member of the Caucus of Working Educators within the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, told the audience that racism permeates our whole society. Similarly, DSA National Committee member Joe Schwartz said that modern American society was an Apartheid state divided between blacks and whites. Sundrop Carter of the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition said, Anti-black racism is one of the most defining characteristics of our country. Amy Muldoon, a Verizon worker, steward in Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1106 and ISO member, argued that the supposed success of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) strike of 2012a miserable sellout by the unionwas the result of its use of a different political narrative, which told the workers that this is about racism. Muldoon also told the audience that she was elated to say we [the Verizon strikers] won in the strike of this year. The audience of some 80 people broke into loud applause. A World Socialist Web Site reporter challenged Muldoon, noting Verizon Chief Administrative Officer Marc Reeds statement that the company was pleased with the contract settlement and that all of the companys objectives were met through increased worker flexibility and reduced health care and retirement costs. This comment was met with loud boos from the audience. Muldoon responded, to another round of applause, I dont think the primary purpose of this gathering is to attack the strategy of the CWA. One audience member criticized the fact that all of the gathered groups supported pro-capitalist parties, including the Green Party. This comment was met with jeers and boos. Jimenez responded angrily to the criticism, saying, Who cares? The average person doesnt give a f--- about these questions. On Thursday night, Kshama Sawant of Socialist Alternative conveyed her experience of fighting for the $15 an hour minimum wage bill in Seattle. She emphasized how she was able to get the City Council, consisting of Democrats who disagreed with her when she entered office, to vote for the bill. The conclusion was that Democratic Party politicians could be pushed to the left. She left out the fact that the bill, which takes effect gradually over a number of years, in no way lifts low-wage workers out of poverty. Moreover, it excludes union members from the $15 wage guarantee, a provision pushed by Sawants allies in the trade union bureaucracy. They see the new law as a means of providing a material incentive, in the form of super-low wages, for employers to utilize their services in suppressing opposition from the workers. In return, the bureaucrats get a bigger income flow from an enlarged pool of union dues, deducted automatically from the workers already abysmally low paychecks. The mass opposition to the political establishment and growing hatred for the capitalist system, which found initial expression in support for Sanders, is not going away. On the contrary, it will continue to deepen. Transforming a revived struggle by workers and youth into a conscious socialist movement of the working class requires an uncompromising struggle against the Green Party and all the other pseudo-left organizations that promote illusions in bourgeois politics. The Socialist Equality Party is building a genuinely revolutionary leadership to unite the working class internationally on a socialist basis. In the United States, the SEP is running Jerry White and Niles Niemuth for president and vice president of the United States on this basis. We urge all who agree with our program and perspective to contact us today. On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in London heard the Labour Party National Executive Committees (NECs) appeal against a High Court ruling that new members were entitled to a vote in the upcoming leadership contest. A ruling in the case will be handed down today. The NEC ruled last month that only members who joined the party before January 12 would be allowed to participate in Septembers election. This was part of blatantly anti-democratic moves by the right wing, aimed at rigging the contest so as to oust nominally left leader Jeremy Corbyn from power. Up to 150,000 membersmostly believed to be Corbyn supporterswould have been excluded by the decision. Five party members challenged the NEC decision. In his ruling Monday, Justice Hickinbottom upheld the fives claim that the NEC was not within its rights to arbitrarily impose such a restriction, which represented an unlawful breach of contract. The five members had paid their dues and had a right to vote. The appeal against Hickinbottoms ruling was demanded by a handful of people on the NECs procedures committee and forced through by Tom Watson, deputy leader of the party. Watson has played a critical role in the ongoing putsch aimed at removing Corbyn. He asked the Labour leader, elected just 10 months before with a massive majority, to resign in the coups initial stages as right-wing Labourites were deserting the shadow cabinet in droves in an attempt to prevent him running a functioning opposition to the Conservative government. The day after forcing through the appeal, at an estimated cost of nearly 250,000, Watson utilised the Guardianthe propagandists in chief of the coup against Corbynto launch a McCarthyite red-baiting operation in order to justify a bar on Labour members voting and to deepen the ongoing purge being mounted by the plotters. Watson said of Corbyns supporters that there are some old hands twisting young arms in this process, and Im under no illusions about whats going on. They are caucusing and factionalising and putting pressure where they can, and thats how Trotsky entryists operate. He added, There are Trots that have come back to the party, and they certainly dont have the best interests of the Labour party at heart. They see the Labour party as a vehicle for revolutionary socialism, and theyre not remotely interested in winning elections, and thats a problem. Along with the attempt to deny up to 150,000 members the right to vote altogether, some 40,000 of the 183,000 applicants who joined in a two-day window in July, after being forced to pay 25 to do so, have already been barred from voting. They are accused of committing crimesdefined as previous support for a rival political party candidate, absence from the electoral register or because their payments supposedly bounced. Another 10,000 cases are currently before the NECs Oversights Panel, where they will be assessed as to whether they are in compliance with the partys aims and values. Another central factor in the decision to appeal the High Court ruling was Tuesdays announcement that Corbyns supporters won every position up for grabs in the latest elections to the 33-member NEC. Pro-Corbyn candidates, backed by Momentum, the Labour leaders network of supporters, won all six places for representatives from the Constituency Labour Party. Prior to this, Corbyn already had a narrow majority on the NEC. The election again demonstrates the wide support Corbyn has among Labours membership. In sharp contrast, the Blairite group Progress and Labour First (another right-wing grouping to which Watson is allied) won no seats in the constituency section. The NEC result will not apply until October, however, after the leadership contest. The NEC claimed its appeal of the High Courts decision was in furtherance of democracy and to defend the NECs right, as Labours governing body, to uphold the rule book, including the use of freeze dates. But as the submission of the NECs barrister, Clive Sheldon QC, demonstrated, nothing could be further from the truth. The crux of his argument was that members who have joined the Labour Party in their thousands to vote for Corbyn are against what the NEC defined as its democratic process. Much was made of the undoubted dangers of court interference into the operation of political parties. But in this instance, the greatest danger to democratic rights comes from the NEC itself. The court case revealed the fear felt by the Blairite clique who run Labours Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) of the left-wing sentiment of the thousands who have signed up to support Corbyn. Sheldon cited Appendix 2 of the partys constitution, which states, The recruitment of large numbers of paper members, who have no wish to participate except at the behest of others in an attempt to manipulate party processes, undermines our democracy and is unacceptable to the party as a whole. The claim of manipulation is especially farcical, as the new one-member, one-vote rules and the role of registered supporters governing leadership elections were introduced by previous leader Ed Miliband. They were specifically designed to dilute the block vote of the trade unions, whose policies occasionally conflicted with the partys right-wing. This spectacularly backfired, as more than 300,000 people have signed up since May 2015 with the vast majority joining in support of Corbyns stated opposition to austerity, militarism and war. Thousands have attended rallies at which he has spoken in major cities nationwide. Sheldon told the court that the party feared the new rules allowed people to join under false pretences and the NEC was concerned about people joining the party just to vote for the leadership election. Sheldon stated several times that the NEC was the guardian of the constitution and had extremely wide powers in presenting a justification for its decision to retroactively disenfranchise thousands of party members. When the rulebook no longer suits the right-wing guardians, its provisions can be summarily discarded, with Sheldon submitting that the NEC is the ultimate arbiter as to the meaning of the rules. He added, What we have done is consistent with the rules framework, but even if it were not, the NEC still has the power to go against the rules framework. Regarding the imposition of the retroactive freeze date, Sheldon said, That is entirely an operational matter which must be left to the NEC to determine because it knows the state of the party. A quarter of the membership have joined in two weeks and there could have been manipulation of the democratic process and It cannot be unreasonable to try and avoid that, said Sheldon. Ever since his election, Corbyn and his allies in the party leadership have facilitated every move against him in the name of ensuring party unity with the right wing. This culminated in the PLP coup, which began immediately after the June 23 referendum vote for the UK to leave the European Union. The refusal of the Corbyn leadership to fight the right, who in contrast will stop at nothing to remove him from office, was never clearer than in the courtroom yesterday. David Goldstone QC, the barrister representing the five members, while contending that if the NECs decision stood, it would be dangerous and allow scope for abuse, denied the case was about politics. There was only the possibility that manipulation of the eligible electorate might take place by those with the power to determine the relevant procedures in the future. Goldstone said in his summing-up argument, There are obvious dangers with powers that allow for retrospective exclusion of existing members from the franchise. He assured the court, and Labours right wing, Were not suggesting anything of the sort here. The author also recommends: What the coup against Jeremy Corbyn reveals about the Labour Party [18 July 2016] While the German government is actively involved in the escalation of tensions and wars in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, driving more and more people to take flight, it is simultaneously determined to deal brutally with those refugees that arrive in Germany. In this, it is supported by the opposition Left Party and the Greens. In the first six months of 2016, the pace of deportations has massively increased nationwide. Up to the end of June this year, 13,743 people were deported, most of them to the Western Balkans. This is considerably more than last year. In the whole of 2015, some 20 thousand deportations took placetwice as many as 2014. This was revealed by the government in response to a question tabled in the Bundestag (parliament) by the Left Party. In parallel with the deportations, more than 14,000 people have been refused entry into Germany in the first half of 2016. They were turned away either at the border or an airport because they were unable to provide valid papers or because they were unable to apply for asylum. This means 50 percent more people have been already been turned away this year compared to the whole of 2015. Refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria and Iraq are often denied entry. In addition, from January to June 2016, over 30,000 asylum seekers left the country voluntarily, a third of them to Albania and several thousand to Iraq and Afghanistan. Such voluntary departures are usually the result of strong pressure from the authorities. For example, just last Monday a group of Roma families with small children and a six-month old baby were expelled from the rectory in Regensburg, where they had found a few weeks protection. They are being forced leave for Kosovo, Serbia or Macedonia. The refugee agency had wanted to deport them at the beginning of the year. Recently, the diocese of Regensburg had refused to grant them sanctuary, and had even blocked their food supply. Despite such coercion, their exit is likely to be considered voluntary. In total, almost 50,000 refugees have been expelled from Germany in the first six months of this yearmore than 400 people every day. Nevertheless, the government is not satisfied with this pace of deportations and wants to massively accelerate it. Half a million asylum applications are to be processed by the end of the year, which corresponds almost exactly to the number of people that were registered as refugees over the last period. They have all provided their identity papers and fingerprints, photos and personal data in the central computer system and are now waiting in one of the many refugee shelters for a date for their asylum applications to be examined by the Federal Office for Refugees (BAMF). The operational director of BAMF, Katja Wilken-Klein intends to decide upon the asylum applications of all these people by the end of the year. When asked on the Morgenmagazin news programme on August 2, Why is this suddenly happening so quickly? Mrs. Wilken-Klein responded, We have set priorities. The newly-established BAMF assessment centres could rapidly decide on up to fifty percent of the cases very quickly, she said. The refugee organization Pro Asyl correctly fears that the right to asylum is being effectively undermined in this way. Its spokesman Bernd Mesovic, in a guest contribution in the Frankfurter Rundschau wrote, the pace has been unceremoniously speeded up to enable a large number of decisions to be sent out, regardless of quality. In dry, boilerplate terms, the authorities spell out why an asylum application is manifestly unfounded. Not infrequently, duplicate decisions are sent to one and the same asylum seekerone saying this, the other that, one granting protection status, the other a rejection. According to Mesovic, BAMF wants to work through the delaysat almost any price. In this way, a majority of the new arrivals from the Western Balkan countries have had their applications rejected, and many of them have been deported. In the first half of 2016, three-quarters of deportations were people from the Balkans. Last autumn, the German government coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats declared the last Western Balkans states Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro to be safe countries of origin. And since the Maghreb countries, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria have also been defined as safe countries at the beginning of the year, more and more people are being deported to North Africa. Refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan are also affected. The German government wants to establish safe areas of origin as quickly as possible in Afghanistan, although fighting there continues to flare up. As if this was not enough, the government is also working towards declaring sub-regions even in Syria as safe. This is a clear violation of the Geneva Convention. For 65 years, the 1951 Convention has formed the basis of international rights for refugees and asylum. It prohibits the refoulement or deportation of people who are exposed to the risk of injury or death in their home states, and explicitly states that no one who seeks protection and asylum should be sanctioned for illegal border transgressions. The virtual abolition of refugee protection is being supported and driven through, not only by the government, but also by the two opposition parties. The Green Party-run state executive in Baden-Wurttemberg ranks number three nationally for deportations since the start of the year. Party representatives repeatedly call for a tightening up of deportation practice. For example, the Green Party mayor of Tubingen, Boris Palmer, recently demanded that offenders be deported, even to countries where there was a war taking place. Because Syrians can no longer be sent back to their countries of arrival, there is only one waysend them back to the country of origin, he said. One must check whether there are safe areas there, he said. The Left Party is also actively pushing forward deportation policy in the states it leads. In Thuringia, where Bodo Ramelow heads a Left Party administration, particularly brutal deportations take place. The budget for such deportations was increased sixfold in the state in 2015, from 750,000 euros to 4.9 million euros in 2016. This has already led to a significant increase in deportations. According to the State Administration Office in Weimar, 339 asylum seekers were deported from January to mid-Julyalmost as many as in the entire previous year. In addition, there were 1,411 voluntary departures, which have increased even more sharply. Ramelow is fuelling the machinery of deportation and has urged the federal government to decide about the fate of incoming refugees more quickly than ever. The Left Partys parliamentary leader Sahra Wagenknecht has attacked Chancellor Merkel from the right, declaring, The reception and integration of large numbers of refugees and immigrants is a significant challenge and is more difficult than Merkels frivolous, we can do it, as she tried to tell us last autumn. Even as tensions are rising with Russia in Eastern Europe and China in Asia, the United States has launched a new war in Libya and is preparing a major military escalation in the Middle East, nominally directed against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In an interview yesterday with USA Today, Air Force Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigan confirmed that the US-led coalition is planning coordinated offensives against two ISIS-held citiesMosul in northern Iraq and Raqqa in Syria. If we are able to do simultaneous operations and synchronise the Mosul piece and the Raqqa piece, think about the problem that generates for [ISIS], he said. Harrigan, who recently took over command of air operations in the Middle East, said coalition war planes had been striking targets in both cities in recent months. The team is focussed on force generation to try and make that simultaneous operation occur, because we see huge benefits from it, he said, referring to the build-up of anti-ISIS ground forces in Iraq and Syria. USA Today reported US troops are already operating extensively inside Syria, stating: US Special Operations Forces are helping to identify and organise Syrian rebel groups into a force that can take on the Islamic State [ISIS]. The force now numbers about 30,000 and had generated some surprisingly early successes, particularly around the northern city of Manbij. Within Iraq, US-led preparations have been underway for months to retake Mosul, the countrys second largest city, which still has a population of up to one million despite a mass exodus. Iraqi government forces last month seized the Qayyarah air base, 60 kilometres south of Mosul, which is being transformed into a major hub of operations for the upcoming offensive. The US has funnelled in around 400 troops to carry out repairs, as well as to provide military advice, logistics, communications and intelligence to Iraqi ground troops, which have already begun seizing villages and towns to the south of Mosul. The air bases runways are being upgraded and extended to allow large military transports to land, along with US and Iraqi fighters and helicopter gunships. The anti-ISIS forces preparing for the Mosul offensive consist of an unstable coalition of Kurdish peshmerga militia, regular Iraqi army troops and Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilisation Forces, which are notorious for their atrocities against Sunni civilians during the battle for Fallujah. Already concerns are being raised about the potential for sectarian fighting and human rights abuses once Mosul is recaptured. Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, the top US commander in Syria and Iraq, declared this week: We are going to try to get Mosul back as fast as we can. Its one million people living under an oppressive rule under terrible conditions... The Iraqi security forces around Qayyarah are in a position now to begin that process and well try to hurry that along as fast as we possibly can but putting an exact time on it, Id rather not. MacFarland, who is due to be replaced, declared the US was winning the war against ISIS, reducing their territory in Iraq by more than half. Although its not a measure of success and its difficult to confirm, we estimate that over the past 11 months weve killed about 25,000 enemy figures. He provided no estimate of the number of civilians killed in the fighting or in US air raids. The general also downplayed the role of US military forces, declaring they were only playing an advise and assist role at a distance and in specific locations. It is clear, however, that US troops are increasingly involved closer to the frontlines. In an article late last month, the Washington Post reported: While US Special Operations forces have already been advising elite counterterrorism troops and Kurdish peshmerga forces at their lower levels, the Qayyarah mission marks the first time since 2014 that US forces have advised Iraqi army battalions in the field. A small team of American combat engineers accompanied Iraqi forces on July 20 to advise on the task of constructing a temporary bridge over the Tigris River to the southeast of the town of Qayyarah. According to the Post, the US troops spent a few hours in the field in what was a narrowly targeted mission, with limited battlefield exposurea model for the restricted role that American commanders are planning for US ground forces in the Mosul operation. US generals are clearly concerned that American battlefield deaths will fuel anti-war sentiment at home, but have not ruled out putting US troops on the frontline. In private, other senior officers are even more blunt, making reference to troops they lost in earlier Iraq deployments. This time, they will place Americans in the thick of fighting only if the overall mission is at risk, the newspaper stated. The timing of offensives in Iraq and Syria is also being driven by political considerations. Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party are increasingly attacking Republican nominee Donald Trump as being unfit to be commander-in-chief of US forces. A substantial military victory in the Middle East, no matter what the cost in Syrian and Iraqi lives, has the potential to boost Clinton. The issue is clearly being discussed in Washington circles. An article on the Politico website on August 1, entitled Get ready for Obamas October Surprise in Iraq, suggested that the American public could be treated to a major US-led military victory in Iraq this fall, just as voters are deciding who will be the nations next president. The article cited unnamed senior US officers who insisted the Mosul offensives timing was not bound up with politics, but it did not rule out the possibility. If Mosul is retaken, it would both mark a political triumph for Barack Obama and likely benefit his partys nominee at the polls, Hillary Clinton, undercutting Republican claims that the Obama administration has failed to take the gloves off against Islamic State, it noted. The report by the Obama administrations Department of Justice (DOJ) released this week detailing rampant abuses by the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is aimed at whitewashing police brutality and killings under the guise of reform. The practices described by the report are both horrific and far-reaching: routine and unjustified stop and frisk searches, including strip searches in public; arrests without cause; racial profiling; physical abuse and unnecessary force; and retaliation against actions protected by free speech. According to the DOJ, the Baltimore police engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution as well as federal anti-discrimination laws. That the Baltimore police engage in illegal and unconstitutional actions is hardly surprising. It is a part of the daily harassment and abuse meted out by police forces throughout the United States. The investigation is the latest in a number of reports on other cities (including Cleveland, Ohio; Ferguson, Missouri; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Albuquerque, New Mexico) with similar findings. As with these earlier reports, the latest investigation does not propose any charges for the violation of core democratic rights. Instead, it announces that the federal government and the City of Baltimore had reached an agreement in principle to create a federal court-enforceable consent decree addressing the deficiencies. In other words, nothing will be done. In fact, what were uncovered were not deficiencies, but crimes, crimes for which the Obama administration is implicated no less than the government and police officials in Baltimore. The White House has overseen the militarization of local police forces throughout the country, which kill more than 1,000 people every year, and has systematically obstructed any efforts to hold anyone accountable. The consent agreement is signed by officials from the Obama DOJ and Baltimores Democratic Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake and Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis. The toothless proposals for sensitivity training and the like will do nothing to change the character of the police, whose purpose is not to guarantee the safety of one or another community, but to defend the privileges and wealth of the ruling class. The wanton abuse and killing of workers will continue unabated. It is no coincidence that the release of the DOJ report comes on the heels the announcement last month that state prosecutors had decided to drop of all charges against the six Baltimore police officers involved in the Freddie Gray killing after failing to convict three of them. Indeed, the investigation was requested by city officials for the purpose of tamping down the social unrest sparked by the police killing of Gray in April 2015. The report on the Baltimore police also comes two years after protests erupted in Ferguson, Missouri over the killing of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. Workers and young people must draw definite political conclusions from the experience of the last two years. Despite protests across the country, police killings continue unabated. According to figures compiled by killedbypolice.net there have been 2,359 police killings in the United States, more than three every day, since the killing of Michael Brown. Last week, videos were released showing the murder of 18-year-old Paul ONeal in July by Chicago police. Police officers can be seen shooting wildly into a residential neighborhood as they chase down the young man, who was eventually caught and shot twice in the back. Just this week, at least 11 people were gunned down by the police, including 20-year-old Earl Pinckney in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 14-year-old Jesse Romero in Los Angeles, and 44-year-old Jeffery Allen Morris in Piedmont, South Carolina. In seeking to derail opposition, the central strategy of the ruling class, the political establishment and the media is to present police killings as primarily a matter of racism, of White America against Black America, rather than of the state against the working class and oppressed. Indeed, the latest report on Baltimore presents police brutality as fundamentally a problem of racism that can be overcome with stricter oversight by members of the citys African-American residents. Yet the Baltimore police are highly racially integrated, and the city is largely run by African-American Democrats. In fact, people of every race, ethnicity and gender in every state have been the victims of police brutality, with the common factor being that they are overwhelmingly poor. One site, fatalencounters.org, has sought to account for every police killing since 2000, documenting a staggering 14,222 cases. The majority of those killed were white, and nearly every victim of police violence has either been poor or working class. The overwhelming majority of police killings were in areas where the median annual household income is less than $100,000. Those affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement have worked to frame the wave of police killings in purely racial terms, pointing to the fact that blacks are killed by police at a disproportionate rate, to argue that American society is riven by racial hostility, obscuring the fundamental class issues. Protests against police violence have been channeled behind the Democratic Party, the party which has overseen the suppression of many of the anti-police violence protests. The outcome of the policies of those who promote identity politics as a solution the problem of police violence was on full display last month when Baltimore Mayor Rawlings-Blake, an African-American woman who called in the National Guard against protests following the death of Freddie Gray, gaveled in the Democratic National Convention. The DNC was a spectacle of militarism and a celebration of the police wedded to identity politics of every stripe. At the same time, the Democrats took the opportunity to cynically parade the mothers of young black men killed by police in order to present Hillary Clinton as an opponent of police violence. Clinton is now running the most right-wing campaign in the history of the Democratic Party, aimed at winning over the military-intelligence apparatus and sections of the Republican Party on a program of war abroad and the defense of the interests of the ruling class at home. Whether Clinton or Trump is elected, the measures being planned will inevitably be accompanied by an ever greater buildup of the police forces as part of the total army directed at the suppression of social opposition within the United States. The unparalleled level of police violence in the United States is rooted in the immense and growing level of social inequality and an economic system, capitalism, that has produced it. Under both Democrats and Republicans, the police have been built up and armed to the teeth in order to defend this economic system, which benefits a tiny minority that sits at the top. No number of DOJ investigations and community oversight boards will put an end to the brutality of the police and the capitalist system which they defend. Police violence can be confronted only in a struggle by the working class, united across all racial, ethnic and national divisions, against the capitalist system. Three days into the planned five-day Southern GTR conductors strike, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) national executive called off the action after management agreed to negotiations. The shutdown of the strike without the slightest retreat by management comes after the RMT offered a three-month no-strike arrangement to enable negotiations without preconditions. Just days before, the RMT called off conductor strikes at the ScotRail company in Scotland. The closing down of these struggles underscores once again that the RMT is doing everything to block a serious fight against the ongoing assault on workers jobs, wages and conditions. Southern GTR said it intended to remove train door control from conductors by August 21 and impose Driver Only Operations (DOO). As part of an eight-point plan, GTR is insisting that trains run without a conductor (or On-Board Supervisor as they would be redefined). This is in preparation for the elimination of the conductors job altogether. The strike was widely supported, leading to thousands of trains being cancelled. Workers fighting to protect their jobs and passenger safety faced a wave of condemnation from Conservative government ministers, and throughout the media, from the right-wing Daily Mail to the supposedly liberal Guardian. The most vicious attack came from John McTernan, a former political adviser to ex-Labour Party Prime Minister Tony Blair. Writing in the Conservative-supporting Daily Telegraph he called on the government to crush the rail unions once and for all. Complaining that the government was insufficiently vigorous against the strike, he thundered, Where are the core Tory values? Where is the support for management's right to manage? This is not even a complicated dispute. It is a simple case of right and wrong. The rail company is right and the union is wrong. McTernan frothed the Southern Rail management are taking the fight to the unions. Govia Thameslink have no intention of backing off. Why should they? They are in the right. But they are being betrayed by this pathetic Tory government...Who do they support in a struggle between the mindless militants of the RMT and the voters of commuter land?...They urgently need to back the rail companies in any ways that they can. In fact, the conductors strike could have been far more powerful had it been joined by Southern GTR and Gatwick Express drivers who also voted massively for strike action against any expansion of DOO. Despite drivers abiding by the draconian anti-strike laws passed into law in May, GTR again turned to the High Court to suppress their right to strike. The RMT then instructed drivers not to pursue strike action. By calling off the ScotRail and Southern GTR strikes, the RMT has again proved its worth to the government and the rail companies. Ahead of the Southern GTR strike, according to RMT General Secretary Mick Cash, union-company negotiations had come to within an inch of agreeing a similar package used by the RMT to call off the Abellio/ScotRail strikes. This is significant as 50 percent of ScotRail services are already DOO. The four-point plan involved opening negotiations on a new door operation procedure that the RMT intended to roll out across the country. But according to reports, Southern GTR was opposed to a clause that the train could not depart without a conductor on board. The agreement at ScotRail has still to be fleshed out, but already it exposes the RMTs claim to oppose DOO encroachments. A train crew newsletter published by the union included a resolution from the Traincrew and Shunting Grades conference in 2015 calling for resistance to DOO in all its forms and a fight to restore conductors to the 30 percent of UK rail services operating DOO. A joint statement published in spring this year by the RMT and ASLEF, agreed four months earlier, reiterated opposition to the DOO. The RMTs desperate effort to achieve no preconditions negotiations with GTR is directed against the growing militancy amongst rail and transport workers. It comes as Southern GTR drivers ballot for strikes over GTR imposing an emergency timetable and 1,000 GTR station staff ballot for strikes over the closure of 49 ticket offices and limited opening of the remainder. Liverpool Metro workers voted to strike over the attack on the safety role of conductors. Virgin East Coast rail workers have voted to walk out in a dispute over job cuts, working conditions and safety. Eurostar rail workers are to take seven days of strike action this month in a dispute over exhausting workloads, beginning with a three-day stoppage on August 12. Cash complained that the government was weaponising the Southern dispute for political purposes and called on it to stop treating passengers and staff as collateral damage in a war that Peter Wilkinson has unilaterally declared on the rail unions. In March, Wilkinson (Department for Transport, DfT, Managing Director of passenger services) said the DfT were planning the introduction of DOO at Southern GTR in the summer. Earlier Wilkinson had spoken at a Conservative public meeting that heard threats against rail workers. Cashs complaints disarm workers politically in the face of a concerted national assault by the government and rail companies. Directed immediately at 6,500 conductors jobs, its broader aim is the further undermining of public transport. The Conservative government has already adopted recommendations of Lord McNulty (hired by the last Labour Party government) from 2011 that called for DOO to be the default position for all passenger services in the UK. The RMT reported in the spring that the DfTs invitation for tenders to take over the Northern [England] Rail franchise had to commit to imposing 50 percent of all passenger services as DOO by 2020. GTR is an indictment of the privatisation of UK rail services that began in 1996-97. It is the worst performing franchise in the country. Last month, GTR secured government support for an emergency timetable that cuts an additional 350 services from its schedule. But the RMTs call for GTR to be stripped of its franchise and run as a government-controlled Directly Operated Railway would do nothing to halt the attack on workers jobs and conditions, nor protect passenger safety. The last major experience of Directly Operated Railways was in 2009. It involved the private franchise National Express, which ran the East Coast mainline services (from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross). Just two years into its 10-year contract, worth 1.4 billion, National Express defaulted on the agreement and was allowed to leave with a small fine. The costs were borne by workers and the taxpayers with the service again put out to private tender. In 2015, the service was taken over by VTEC (Virgin Trains East Coast) who proceeded to smash up jobs and working conditions. VTEC workers have just voted by a massive majority to strike in opposition. Labour Party London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also called on the new Conservative Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to take control of Southern, offering to put my senior TfL [Transport for London] team in charge of the Southern franchise until we get a permanent resolution. This comes in the immediate aftermath of TfLs closure of all 265 London Underground ticket offices, in which the RMT collaborated. Khan is following the same strategy as former Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson. Under his direction, former Silverlink Metro services in London were brought under London Overground control. London Overground is a TfL franchise run by Hong Kong Metro (MTR) and Deutsche Bahn. Its first act was to remove 130 conductors from all their trains, again with the support of the RMT. Workers must reject the different pro-capitalist proposals by Labour and the trade unions, which involve the constant assault on jobs, working conditions and the democratic right to strike. They must fight to elect rank-and-file committees to take the conduct of the struggle and negotiations out of the hands of the RMT officials. Only the nationalisation of the railways under workers control, as part of the fight for a workers government, committed to socialist policies, can reverse these attacks. This is what the Socialist Equality Party is fighting for. The Western-backed regime in Ukraine announced Thursday that it was placing its military forces on the highest state of combat alert amid the ratcheting up of tensions with Russia in the wake of a reported terrorist provocation in Russian-ruled Crimea. For its part, Moscow announced the staging of maneuvers in the Black Sea, with the Russian navy rehearsing tactics for the repulsion of a attack on Crimea. The Ukrainian government, which on Thursday sent its ambassador to the United Nations to speak before the Security Council on the matter, charged that Russia has massed more than 40,000 troops in Crimea and on the Ukrainian border. As Crimea is the historic base of Russias Black Sea fleet, it has always had a large deployment of the countrys military. Russias ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, dismissed the charge, declaring, Instead of counting our military, they should be bringing an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where the Kiev governments forces have continued to attack a separatist Russian-speaking minority, claiming some 10,000 lives since April 2014. Moscow has charged the Ukrainian government with organizing a terrorist attack aimed at striking vital infrastructure inside Crimea, a territory that Russia annexed following a plebiscite in which the peninsulas population voted for unification with Russia. The move followed the February 2014 coup, orchestrated by Washington and Germany and spearheaded by ultra-nationalist and fascist forces, which overthrew the elected, pro-Russian government of Viktor Yanukovych and installed a rabidly anti-Russian regime. The United States backed the putsch in a bid to escalate the US-led drive to encircle and militarily subjugate Russia. A NATO official told the AFP news agency that the US-led military alliance was carefully following the rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, declaring that Russias recent military activity in Crimea is not helpful for easing tensions. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau called the situation very dangerous and reiterated Washingtons position that Crimea is part of Ukraine. Both dismissed Russias account of terrorist actions against Crimean territory by a Ukrainian-organized special operations squad. Russias state security agency, the FSB, issued a detailed statement Wednesday, saying that the attacks were carried out on the night of August 6-7 under the direction of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Further attempts at infiltration were repeated on August 8. The statement said that one FSB agent was killed in the attempt to detain the Ukrainian operatives, whose object was described as the targeting of critical infrastructure and life support facilities in Crimea. A Russian soldier also was reportedly killed by fire from Ukrainian military units, including armored vehicles, in support of the operation. The FSB claimed to have recovered 20 improvised explosive devices with a total explosive power of 40 kg [of] TNT, along with land mines, grenades and special assault weapons. The agency also presented evidence it said was given by a Ukrainian described as an operative of Ukrainian military intelligence and a leader of the special operations units, identified as Yevgeniy Aleksandrovich Panov. Sergei Aksyonov, Crimeas prime minister, charged that the real source of the terrorist operations was Washington. Ukrainian officials wouldn't have had the courage for such actions ... These are not their own actions and messages, he said, adding, the US State Department is looming behind them. There is every reason to suspect that this is the case. The provocation in Crimea comes in the midst of a drumbeat of escalating US rhetoric and actions taken against Russia. The US has stepped up its arming and funding of Al Qaeda-linked militias in Syria in an attempt to reverse the victories of Syrian government forces, which have been closely supported by Russian air power. On August 1, the US-backed jihadists shot down a Russian helicopter on a relief mission, killing all five aboard. In the media, former top officials and columnists with close government connections have called for US air strikes against the Russian-backed forces and the imposition of a no-fly zone that would inevitably spell a confrontation with Russias air force. In Ukraine itself, Washington has worked to build up the military of the crisis-ridden, right-wing regime in Kiev headed by the oligarch Petro Poroshenko. A 500-strong US unit is presently on the ground in western Ukraine training Ukrainian forces, including members of fascist-led militias, while hundreds, if not thousands, of other US military personnel and contractors are regularly rotating in and out of the country. Last month, the US Navy joined with Ukrainian warships in the Sea Breeze exercises aimed at challenging Russia in the Black Sea. In July, US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Ukraine for talks with Poroshenko, where he reiterated Washingtons support for the Kiev regimes claims on Crimea. The dangerous war tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been unleashed in the midst of an election campaign that has seen the presidential front-runner, Democratic candidate and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, attack the fascistic Republican candidate Donald Trump from the right, particularly over the question of Russia. The Democrats have staged a neo-McCarthyite campaign against Trump, accusing him of being a puppet of Vladimir Putin, while also chargingwith no evidencethat the Russian president was behind the WikiLeaks release of Democratic National Committee emails exposing attempts to rig the primaries against Clintons challenger, Senator Bernie Sanders. Among the charges leveled against Trumpagain without substanceis the assertion that his campaign watered down the Republican platforms language on Ukraine. The language, in fact, denounces the Obama administration for abetting a resurgent Russia, backs sanctions against Moscow, and calls for appropriate assistance to the armed forces of the Ukraine. The complaint was that it left out a reference to supplying them with lethal weapons, something the Obama administration itself claims it is not doing. That Clinton attacks such policies from the right, with growing support from key figures in the US military and intelligence apparatus along with growing numbers of Republican policy makers, constitutes a clear warning. Preparations are being made for a direct military confrontation with Russia in eastern Europe, with provocations like those staged in Crimea serving as the likely trigger. Whether such a dangerous escalation of conflict, involving the worlds two major nuclear powers, will be postponed until after November is itself an open question. WikiLeaks head Julian Assange has offered $20,000 for information leading to a conviction of the killer of a young staffer for the Democratic National Committee. The staffer, a 27-year-old named Seth Rich, was shot twice on his way home in Washington, D.C. around 4 a.m. on July 10. He died later in the hospital. The circumstances of the murder remain murky. According to D.C. police, the murder was the result of a botched armed robbery. Strangely, Rich still had his wallet, cell phone and watch on his person when his body was found. Because Rich was in charge of DNC voter expansion data and had access to a wide range of information about the inner workings of the Democratic party, some believe that his murder may have been politically motivated. Though the details of his death are still very unclear, the fact that Assange himself has weighed in so heavily on the case is significant. In a recent interview with Dutch television station Nieuwsurr with Assange via Skype, he openly questioned the official narrative regarding Rich's death: Assange: Whistleblowers go to significant efforts to get us material and often significant risks. There was a 27-year old that works for the DNC who was shot in the back murdered ... for unknown reasons as he was walking down the street in Washington. Host: That was just a robbery wasnt it? Assange: No. Theres no finding. Host: What are you suggesting? Assange: I am suggesting that our sources take risks and they become concerned to see things occurring like that. Host: But was he one of your sources, then? Assange: We dont comment on who our sources are. Host: But why make the suggestion? Assange: Because we have to understand how high the stakes are in the United States and that our sources face serious risks thats why they come to us so we can protect their anonymity. The announcement by Wikileaks comes after the Washington, D.C. Police Department issued a $25,000 reward for information that could solve the case. A police spokesperson said there is no evidence at this time that linked Rich's murder to any other ongoing case. The same spokesperson went on to say, We are very pleased if anyone is going to assist us with the giving of reward money. It is now suspected that Rich may have been behind the leak of 20,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee server that established widespread corruption and anti-democratic practices within the party. In particular, the leak revealed that the DNC had specifically targeted the Sanders campaign and undermined it in order to assist Hillary Clintons rise to the nomination. It also showed the corrupt funding practices within the Democratic Party. One scheme was the Hillary Victory Fund (HVF), which appealed for hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions for Clinton. The fund could accept checks as large as $356,100, with individuals limited to $10,000 per state party, $33,400 for the DNC and $2,700 for Clintons campaign. Most of the funds, however, were channeled into the Clinton campaign and the DNC. A new revelation concerning emails from her personal server has shown that Clinton has consistently done the bidding of her Wall Street donors, while her office gave out high-level positions for those connected to the Clinton Foundation. In particular, one email directly connects her financial backer Morgan Stanley to her diplomatic maneuvers in China. What is equally significant is the tone of the response from the major corporate news outlets to Assange's intervention. The headlines hardly contain impartiality, calling his statements a conspiracy theory deserving of a tin foil hat. Others describe Assange as attempting to politicize Rich's death, with the Daily Mail referring to it as an outrage. Several papers even allege that the story has gained interest due to the machinations of Clinton's Republican opponents in an attempt to smear anyone questioning the official narrative. Clearly, the press is working overtime to discredit Assange's remarks. The political fallout from the DNC and personal server leaks has deeply worried the Democratic Party. In an effort to distance Clinton from the party machinations, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz stepped down on the eve of the convention in Philadelphia. The political officialdom is now making every effort to downplay the significance of the revelations, while officially implicating Moscow and moving to crush whistleblowers. The corporate media immediately set about painting the DNC email leak as the result of Russian intelligence, as part of a broader campaign aimed at whipping up pro-war sentiment. The statement in which hacker Guccifer 2.0 claimed sole responsibility for accessing the DNC servers has since disproved such claims. One might also note that investigative journalist Michael Hastings died in a fiery car crash in June of 2013 while working on a story concerning CIA director John Brennan. An email obtained by WikiLeaks alleged Brennan is behind the witch-hunts of investigative journalists who reveal government secrets. The correspondence was from an internal communication within Stratfor, a global intelligence company with connections to the US state, with a subject line stating that the message was for internal use only and should not be forwarded. Assange himself has been the target of a six-year-long politically motivated witch-hunt over an alleged sexual assault in Sweden. Originally consisting of four allegations, three have since been dropped due to lack of evidence and a five-year statute of limitations. The case has been spearheaded by the United States, likely in the hopes a conviction against him would allow for his transfer to the American judicial system. Assange has been forced to seek political asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, unable to leave due to fear of arrest. Two weeks after the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) announced that 14 mosquito-contracted Zika cases had been found in southern Florida, the count has increased to 22, including a pregnant woman in her early 20s. This woman and two of the other new cases have no clear connection to the warning zone in Wynwood, Florida, where all of the initial cases were found. While the pregnant woman and one of the other two cases did come from Miami-Dade County, where Wynwood is located, the other case is a man from neighboring Broward County. Both of the men work in businesses in Wynwood, but not within the one-square-mile warning area. One of the men purportedly has co-workers who travel to Brazil frequently, where the Zika epidemic has been centered since last year. Eighteen of the positive cases have come from within the warning area, including four new cases on Tuesday and a fifth on Wednesday. Most of these have reportedly been connected to a small area where several businesses are located, including those connected to the two men described above. On Monday, a new case was reported in Palm Beach County, expanding the outbreak to three Florida counties. The FDOH has begun conducting a door-to-door investigation in that county, similar to what they did in Wynwood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that single isolated cases were expected. Overall, 1,825 confirmed cases of Zika exist on the US mainland, but most of these are related to travel to Zika-infected areas. These areas are notable for their extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure that could protect people from such an outbreak. That the virus has spread to the continental US says something about the social conditions there. The young pregnant woman, for example, who recently contracted the virus, was unemployed and living with her boyfriend in a rooming house with no air-conditioning or window screens. The high temperatures and humidity levels in southern Florida during the summer months mean that many people who cannot afford central air-conditioning, or the high electric bills that come with air-conditioning units, are forced to open their windows and use fans. This puts them more at risk for mosquito bites. The woman in question was 23 weeks pregnant and went to the emergency room on July 7 after feeling ill for three days. Medical staff determined that she had symptoms of Zika. This case is particularly troubling because Zika is more dangerous for pregnant women because it can damage the development of the brain of a fetus. One child has already been born in New Jersey with microcephaly, a brain disorder related to Zika. Out of 403 positive cases in Miami-Dade County, 57 infections involve pregnant women. Within the continental US, 479 pregnant women have been infected, and a further 901 pregnant women have also been infected in Puerto Rico. Officials have continued collecting urine samples in the affected areas as well as distributing leaflets on how to prevent an infection. According to the leaflet, a mosquito can bite an infected person, perhaps someone who traveled to a location where the Zika virus has been circulating, and then bite another person, spreading the virus in a new area. Residents have been instructed to eliminate standing water, use insect repellent, and put screens on open windows and doors. The CDC claims that the disease will not be as easily transmitted within the United States because many Americans live in air-conditioned, mosquito-free homes. However, in the current worsening economic crisis, those who cannot afford such amenities are more likely to contract the Zika virus, making it a disease of the impoverished. After stating last week that Florida is still open for business, Governor Rick Scott is now saying that no one should take this lightly. He says that his office has an outstanding request for 10,000 Zika-prevention kits for pregnant women and is planning on working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the future. The Obama administration stated Thursday that it will transfer $81 million to maintain Zika vaccine research that would otherwise run out of funding at the end of August. The ongoing project still needs an additional $500 million to fully fund its research through 2017. LEON COUNTY, FL. (WTXL) - For the first time ever, the FBI will track animal abuse the same way it tracks crimes such as homicide, arson, and assault. At the local level several organizations combine efforts to keep animals safe and prosecute those who harm them. Hundreds of thousands of animals of all types both domestic and rural are abused every year. SPCA Florida provides care and hope to more than 6,000 homeless cats and dogs each year. In 2014 the FBI made animal cruelty a Class A Felony, adding it to a list that includes homicides and arson. The new designation gives local agencies more power, increasing what officials can charge people with. Dog fighting catches most of the headlines, the sights are often shocking and difficult to view. According to the Tallahassee Animal Center, animal cruelty cases deal more with neglect and abuse. Animal rights vary from state to state, and include animals such as livestock and some wild creatures. 85% of animal abuse cases seen in Florida deal with dogs and cats. Investigator David Alford with the Tallahahssee Police Department says, "Cruelty is covered under Florida Statute 828 which is a very broad statute which covers a range of things from lack of providing food and water to proper nutrition and it also covers physical violence towards animals." Investigator Alford, is typically not the first responder when there's a report of animal abuse, that title falls to Jeff Doyle with Tallahassee Animal Control. He and his staff deal with several cases daily from concerned citizens calling in about animal related issues. Doyle says, "When we respond we assess the situation. Sometimes things are relatively minor and we can work with them and educate them and be a resource with them and sometimes things are a little more worse." It's during that assessment that Animal Control determines if the abuse has reached a criminal level. Penalties range from a civil citation and fine to a criminal citation and jail time. According to Doyle, "If it's a situation where an animals need to be removed for their own safety Animal Control will confiscated animals and bring them to the animal center." The Animal Center has veterinarians on staff to perform a Law Enforcement Exam. The exam determines the status of the animal, what's wrong with animal, body condition and a check for parasites. In some cases the animals confiscated are deceased and a necropsy is needed to determine cause of death and degree of penalties for the owners. Doyle says, "These are animals that can't speak for themselves and we need our citizens to be our eyes and our ears. The real take away from this is I hope our citizens are paying attention and if they are seeing things that concern them they need to call us." But there is a happy ending for many abused animals. Thanks to places like the Tallahassee Animal Center and the Leon County Humane Society animals are put up for adoption in hopes of finding loving homes. Dog Foster Coordinator Amy Raddar with the Leon County Humane Society says, "Probably about 95% of them given time and the right situation the could completely overcome. That's the amazing thing about animals is that they are so resilient and that they want to be that pet for you." Raddar says, "We tend to take a lot of the dogs that this is their last chance and last place to go a lot of the times." Those in the animal welfare and adoption business say, to be proactive and speak up. Raddar says, if you see an animal being abused say something, "Don't ride by, don't keep going past that animal every day when you know something is not right. Call!" The first type of protection for animals dates back to the 1600's, since then much has been done to protect their safety and welfare. According to advocates with the SPCA Florida, much more is needed. There are close to 200,000 animals rescued in the U.S. each year. If you have a story idea for the INSIDERS email us at abc27news@wtxl.tv. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Police say that two people where shot at the Governor's Square Apartments Thursday night. Police say that someone called to report that they thought they heard gunshots. Responding officers arrived at the complex and found two victims suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds. After providing the victims with immediate medical care, they were transported to a local hospital for treatment, said police. Governor's Square Apartments is located at 2959 Apalachee Parkway. Police said the victims were found near building B. TPD Violent Crimes Unit and the Forensic Unit are processing evidence and interviewing all known witnesses. TPD is asking anyone with information about this incident to please contact them at (850) 891-4200 or via CrimeStoppers at (850) 574-TIPS. BUTTE -- Actress Candice OBrien takes her part in the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" to the extreme. She had her head shaved to play the male role of Caiaphas what she calls a dream role in the production playing at the Cutler Brothers Theater in Deer Lodge. It also allowed her to donate her hair to a charity that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss due to any diagnosis. When I explained to them the reasoning behind cutting my hair so short, the charity looked a little flabbergasted, said OBrien. Still, she relinquished her lovely long locks for double the cause. I truly thought I had no shot at the role of Caiaphas, she said. I mean, this role is supposed to be played by a man, a powerful man with a deep, deep bass voice who is the most evil character in the entire opera. Im really glad that Kelly (Cutler) takes chances like these. Cutler is the shows director. He often casts women in mens roles, and vice versa. Although OBriens enthusiasm is undaunted, people have asked if shaving ones head is going too far for artistic expression. OBrien couldnt disagree more. Its artsy. Its fun," she said. Its what Kelly wanted for this role, and I happen to agree." She said in the role of Caiaphas the actor needs to look weird, big and evil" and needs to make the audience tilt their heads a little bit to one side." Cutler admitted that a prerequisite for OBrien taking the role was she had to shave her head. OBrien jumped on board immediately, she said. When OBrien played the wicked Miss Andrew in last theater seasons Mary Poppins," her hair measured below her backside. The hair chopping was done in multiple stages. First OBrien hacked off the majority of her curls two weeks prior to Superstars opening night. Then, two days before opening, director Culter put his hair-styling skills to work clipping and shaving OBriens head to give her the Caiaphas look. The production is in its last weekend in the Cutler Bros. stage in Deer Lodge. I cant believe how fast this show has gone, said OBrien. And I cant believe that I still have to shave my head two times a week. Although the role of Caiaphas is an evil role, Im so glad that some good came out of the donation of my hair. Thomas Craig Pfeifle, 19, of Rapid City, S.D., was still in critical condition Wednesday after falling at least 20 feet on Granite Peak earlier this week. Pfeifle was rescued by helicopter Monday afternoon after falling near the summit of the 12,808-foot peak. He was taken to a hospital in Billings before being transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg said Pfeifle remains in the intensive care unit. Granite Peak is the highest point in Montana. George Crain, 57, from Highland, Utah, was climbing Granite Peak on Monday with his son-in-law when they came across Pfeifle a few minutes after it happened. "Thomas' jaw was badly dislocated, and the side of his face was badly gashed," Crain said. One of the people in the group Pfeifle was with told Crain the teenager had been descending the mountain in a section dubbed the "Ramp" by the peak's climbers. "It's a really steep section on the face of the mountain, stretching probably 600 to 700 feet, with a decent amount of obstacles," Crain said. "We were told that he fell probably 20 feet and then tumbled down the rocks until he came to a rest." Crain said he offered his cellphone to the group of climbers, but that one of Pfeifle's friends was already speaking with emergency services from his cellphone. A man from Colorado also offered his satellite phone to the group. By the time rescue crews arrived, Pfeifle's breathing was "raspy" and had a gurgle to it, Crain said. He watched a helicopter lower a paramedic onto a safe spot on the peak and scramble over to Pfeifle. Pfeifle was strapped onto a special board before he and the paramedic were hooked up to the helicopter and lifted up in a "spiderweb of straps," Crain said. Emergency Call A call came through Sweet Grass County at about 11 a.m. Monday from one of Pfeifle's climbing partners requesting rescue, Park County Undersheriff Clay Herbst said Tuesday. Pfeifle was climbing with at least four others, and one of them was able to get cellphone service for the first emergency call, Herbst said. The climbers borrowed a satellite phone from another climbing group to stay in contact with authorities throughout the rescue, Herbst said. Rocky Mountain Rotors Co-owner Mark Taylor said his company, based out of Belgrade, was involved in the rescue of Pfeifle on Monday afternoon. He was rescued by a Gallatin County high-angle rescue team and flown by helicopter to a separate landing zone near Sky Top Lakes. A medical helicopter from Bozeman then landed to provide medical treatment before he was flown to Billings. Pfeifle is the son of South Dakota Seventh Circuit Court judges Craig Pfeifle and Jane Wipf Pfeifle. Teachers, parents in Yakima Valley laud testing changes that put No Child Left Behind in the past You are the owner of this article. For the better part of a century the Nelson Dam on the Naches River has hampered salmon trying to migrate upstream, while preventing countless If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. A Lewis and Clark County jury on Thursday found an Oregon man guilty of having sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl at their home near Craig. Michael Lee Clemans, 41, was arrested in Oregon last year on charges that in 2012, he had sexual contact with the girl on three separate occasions during a four-night span. The accusations came to light in July 2014 during a forensic interview in which the victim told authorities that Clemans, who during an eight-year period dated and then was married to the victim's mother, came into the girl's bed and committed the crimes. The age of consent in Montana is 16, meaning the victim could not legally consent due to her age. Clemans was charged with three counts of sexual intercourse without consent. In Helena Thursday, the jury returned verdicts of not guilty, undecided and guilty following a four-day trial in which both Clemans and the victim testified. Attorneys sparred during closing arguments that morning. Prosecutors contended that the victim's behavior and knowledge of Clemans' genital piercing proved his guilt. Deputy County Attorney Melissa Broch extensively referenced expert testimony in describing the response of children to sexual abuse. The victim, she said, first told a friend after two years before confiding in her mother and then authorities. Defense attorneys argued that changes to the victim's story, particularly testimony this week in which she testified to not remembering specific sexual acts described in previous interviews, prevented conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. Clemans had issues with alcohol abuse, lead defense attorney Brent Flowers told the jury, but his responses were consistent with an innocent man. He asked how the alleged assault could take place given that the family lived in a small shack with her brother and mother sleeping close by and never witnessing anything concerning. Clemans told law enforcement and testified that he slept in the victims bed on multiple occasions but denied any sexual contact occurred. A conviction for sexual intercourse without consent -- if the victim was younger than 16 years old and the offender was four or more years older than the victim -- carries a punishment of life imprisonment or imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than 4 years or more than 100 years and a fine of not more than $50,000. The office of the IDF Chief of Staff, in an unprecedented step, has cancelled the treason charges of five Irgun members over their involvement in the Altalena Affair Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The charges were included in an affidavit given to the High Court of Justice and were overturned after research carried out by the IDF History Department. The Altalena Affair occurred 68 years ago when in June 1948, during the first internationally brokered ceasefire during the War of Independence, a ship loaded with weapons and Irgun fighters approached the shores of Tel Aviv. The Irgun, which was originally founded as an underground militia fighting the British, was by that time partially incorporated into the IDF. The Altalena beached off the coast of Tel Aviv (Photo: Teddy Brauner) Other pre-IDF military groups, such as the Hagana and the Palmach, joined Ben-Gurion and kept the weapons in their possession. As part of the negotiation process for the Irgun to join the IDF, the group requested that it be allowed to keep its weapons, something which the IDF refused. At Kfar Vitkin, the Irgun unloaded the majority of its weapons, and the most of the Irgun members aboard the Altalena went on to be drafted into the IDF. However, Irgun leader Menachim Begin refused to hand over the remaining weapons on the ship, claiming they were for the Irgun units which had yet to incorporate into the IDF. Ben-Gurion's government then issued a statement saying that if Begin refused to hand over the weapons, the prime minister would use the IDF to forcibly take over the weapons and the ship. There was then a firefight between the Irgun members and the IDF forces, with the IDF losing two men, and the Irgun losing six. The ship meanwhile set sail for Tel Aviv, a city with many more Irgun supporters. The affair was brought to a close off the coast of Tel Aviv, when the Israeli Navy shot and disabled the Altalena. In all, 16 Irgun members died along with three IDF soldiers. The Altalena burns off the Tel Aviv coast as Irgun and IDF soldiers fight (Photo: Hans Chaim Pinn) Ben-Gurion ordered the operation come to a swift end. Once the ship was beached at Bograshov beach , Palmach commandosled by Yitzhak Rabinwere ordered to board the ship and arrest Menachem Begin. Heavy fighting erupted between Irgun members and the IDF, enabling Begin to slip away in the middle of the night to a clandestine Irgun radio station in Tel Aviv. From there, Begin made an announcement to his Irgun soldiers, telling them to stop fighting the IDF to prevent a Jewish civil war from starting. The IDF initiated a massive wave of arrests of Irgun members who refused to comply. Most of them were later released, but five Irgun commanders were not; Ya'akov Meridor, Begin's deputy; Eliyahu Lincoln, commander of the Altalena; Hillel Kook, head of the Irgun lobby in the US who purchased the ship; Betzalel Amitzor, a member of the Irgun Chief of Staff and in charge of negotiations for Irgun incorporation into the IDF; and Moshe Hasson, head of Irgun units in the Shomron region. The five were secretly arrested and sent to a detention facility in Beit She'an. Their military lawyersMax Zligman and Maks Krichmanfiled a suit to the High Court of Justice to convene a legal panel to argue their case. The IDF chief of staff at the time, Ya'akov David, who was too sick to leave his bed, was instead represented by Deputy IDF Chief of Staff General Ayalon. The general said that "the IDF Chief of Staff is of the opinion that the case should be moved to a criminal court with the charge of treason." The Altalena burning off the Tel Aviv coast (Photo: National Archives) Yet the indictment didn't happen since, according to the statements by the actual IDF Chief of Staff, he decided to "keep the men in custody until conditions are suitable for their release." As they were sitting in jail, two of the Irgun prisoners were visited by Isser Harel, an advisor to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion. He told them that if "you join the IDF, you will receive high-ranking positions which fit your status and qualifications." Harel explained that he had express permission from Ben-Gurion to tell them this, and a short while later, the five were released. Following inquiries from journalists to ascertain whether or not the five had been officially exonerated, it was discovered that their records still showed that the five were charged with treason. The journalists went to IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and requested that their records be cleared. Maj. Gen. Eisenkot agreed, and 68 years later, the men were finally exonerated. A judge has refused to ease parole conditions for freed Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard so he can begin work as a financial analyst. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The US Parole Commission did not abuse its discretion when it required the 61-year-old former US Navy intelligence research specialist to submit to a curfew and monitoring of work computers and his whereabouts, US District Judge Katherine Forrest said Thursday. Jonathan Pollard arrives to court in Nw York X Pollard's lawyers had argued that the restrictions blocked him from accepting an offer to work as a financial analyst after his release from prison last November. In June 1986, Pollard pleaded guilty to conspiring to deliver national defense information to a foreign government, giving secrets to Israel. He served 30 years in prison and was released in November 2015. Prosecutors said he gave secrets to Israeli agents from June 1984 through November 1985. At a recent hearing, Assistant US Attorney Rebecca Sol Tinio said restrictions were necessary because national security could be affected if Pollard shares knowledge from classified documents. Pollard's lawyer Eliot Lauer however, argued that any information he had 30 years ago was "ridiculously stale" and couldn't be remembered anyway. Jonathan Pollard arrives for court hearing in New York (Photo: Reuters) The judge said a 12-hour curfew imposed on Pollard most days was not "irrational, arbitrary or otherwise an abuse of discretion." She said computer and travel monitoring conditions were not unconstitutional adding that the computer restriction was "reasonably related to the characteristics of Pollard and his crime." She noted that Pollard remains in the custody of the US attorney general for the rest of his life sentence and any effort to leave the country would violate his parole. "It would also, if successful, all but erase the United States' ability to ensure that Pollard complied with the terms of his plea agreement and committed no further crimes," the judge said. A government spokesman declined to comment Thursday. A lawyer for Pollard did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Aaron Driver, the 24 year old killed in a police raid in Ontario , planned to carry out a terror attack by detonating a homemade bomb in a major urban center, Canadian Police revealed. ISIS officially took responsibility for Driver's actons and announced that he planned to commit the attack on behalf of the organization. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to police, Driver, whom they had attempted to arrest in the small town of Strathroy, about 225 kilometers south-west of Toronto, had already managed to film a martyrdom video to be shown after carrying out his suicide attack. Police raided his home after being tipped off about his plan and receiving word about the video from US authorities. Terrorist killed during raid in Canada X According to police, Driver died after detonating an explosive device in the backseat of a taxi when police approached him. They could not confirm whether he was killed by the explosion or the exchange of gunfire with them. Photo: AP The video, which was shown by police during a press conference, shows a man in a facemask reading verses from the Quran, talking about crimes against Muslims and promising to carry out an imminent attack on a city in Canada. Ahron Driver "O Canada! You received so many warnings, we told you what would happen to those who fight against Daesh," Driver is heard saying in the video. The video also indicates that he planned to carry out the attack in the early hours of Friday morning as commuters made their way to work. Driver as shown in his martydom video (Photo: AP) Ahron Driver in video promising imminent attack (Photo: Reuters) Driver, who had converted to Islam and changed his name to Harun Abd al-Rahman, is believed to have acted alone. He was arrested last year after openly expressing support for ISIS on social media, but was never indicted. In February of last year, courts restricted his movements and access to computers and social media. Despite this however, he was not placed under constant surveillance. The incident proved to be Prime Minister Trudeau's first security test since being elected Prime Minister in October 2015. In February of this year, he implemented his campaign promise to cease the Canadian Armed Forcess participation in combat operations against ISIS. However, he has increased the training efforts of local fighters to combat ISIS in northern Iraq. The Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears to be straying from his usual tone as he campaigns in the battleground state of Florida, even telling a gathering of evangelical ministers Thursday he's "having a tremendous problem in Utah." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The same day, he acknowledged that his lack of political correctness could cost him the election if Americans reject his blunt approach. "We're having a problem," Trump told the ministers, adding that the next president could get to nominate up to five high-court justices. "It could cost us the Supreme Court." Trump in Florida (Photo: MCT) Trump is encountering difficulties as his campaign moves into the general election. Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead over Trump in national polls has widened in recent days, while a growing number of fellow Republicans have declared they won't support their own party's nominee. Trump cited a poll that showed him a few points behind Clinton but argued that the race between them was close. Asked how he planned to reverse Clinton's advantage, Trump said he simply planned to do "the same thing I'm doing right now." "At the end, it's either going to work, or I'm going to, you know, I'm going to have a very, very nice, long vacation," Trump told CNBC. Even while working to restore confidence in his campaign, Trump appeared to court controversy anew when he said late Thursday that he was open to trying Americans suspected of terrorism at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba. Asked specifically about US citizens, Trump said he didn't like that President Barack Obama and others wanted to try them in traditional courts rather than military commissions at Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo Bay (Photo: AFP) "I would say they could be tried there," Trump said. "That'll be fine." In traditionally GOP-leaning states, such as Arizona, Utah and Georgia, Republicans are concerned Trump's unpopularity could give Democrats an improbable victory. Those concerns are compelling enough that dozens of worried Republicans gathered signatures Thursday for a letter urging the GOP chairman to stop helping Trump and focus on protecting vulnerable House and Senate candidates. Trump's campaign planned to sit down with RNC officials in Orlando on Friday. But both Republican Party officials and Trump's campaign said the meeting was focused on Florida campaign operations and not tensions between the campaign and the GOP. The officials weren't authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. Trump's candid reflections about his electoral prospects come as he is attempting to keep the focus on his opponent Clinton and avoid distractions. Trump supporters (Photo: MCT) Earlier this week he caused a major stir with comments about the Second Amendment that were perceived as advocating violence against Clinton, and then faced questions yet again after declaring Wednesday that President Barack Obama was the "founder" of the Islamic State group. It is comments such as these that Clinton has seized to try to contrast her "serious, steady leadership" with the more "volatile approach" which she says Trump would take in running the country. "I just do not think insults and bullying is how we are to get things done," Clinton said as she laid out her economic plan Thursday in Warren, Michigan. Security camera footage recorded in a store in Bnei Brak three weeks ago shows an ultra-Orthodox man sexually assaulting a 7 year-old girl. The video clip shows an ultra-Orthodox man following the child the moment she entered the store and as she passed between aisles. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter After several minutes in the store, as the girl was putting markers in her basket, the man appeared behind her and pressed himself closely against her. Immediately following the assault, the girl left the store in a panic and informed her family of the incident. The family duly filed a criminal complaint with police in the Dan District. The police immediately began investigating the case. Security footage of suspect X Security camera footage of the incident. Since the incident, which occurred three weeks ago, police have been attempting to locate the suspect, who was eventually identified by acquaintances who recognized him from the security footage and reported him to the police. Police then arrested the suspect Friday morning. During his interrogation, the 23 year-old man admitted to the charges against him. A hearing was held this morning at the in Tel Aviv Magistrate Court where police requested the judge extend the suspect's remand by an additional 5 days. Judge Ronit Poznanski-Katz decided to release the suspect to house arrest under restricted conditions. Image of the suspect from security footage. A segment of the security footage of the incident was published on the Facebook page of Lo Lishtok (Don't Be Silent), a group that deals with sexual harassment and assault in the ultra-Orthodox sector, in an attempt to locate and identify the suspect within the community. "There has been significant progress against sexual abuse in the (ultra-Orthodox) sector, but there is still fear of reporting and turning in offenders," said Rachel Roshgold, a social activist and director of the organization. "There is fear stemming from blasphemy and defamation against people, but it is important to understand that reporting something like this is a sacred duty," she added. "Criminals like these don't just harm once, and therefore there is an obligation to uphold the verse 'purge the evil from your midst,' just like we would turn in a terrorist who was running through the street with a knife, without thinking twice," Roshgold added. In a small office situated in the heart of Jerusalem a telephone center has been established which allows people in Israel to call and report Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions movement (BDS) activities inside the country designed to harm its international standing. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In recent years, the influential watchdog center against the BDS movement, Lev BOlam (Heart of the World), has taken on itself the struggle against the pernicious phenomenon by relying on civilians to bring it to their attention Photo: EPA When a caller alerts the organization, a representative completes a complaint form and asks a series of questions to gather as much information as possible such as how many BDS activists are involved in a given incident, what they are doing, whether they are using cameras etc. As much pedigree information is compiled about the individuals in question including their names, their places of residence and whether the activists belong to any specific organization. The accumulated information is then added to a special file and transferred to the Ministry of Interior and Internal Security. The initiative, which has already been around for some three years, was intensified following the Israeli deportation of Rita Faye, a BDS activists known to the IDF for her activities at checkpoints and harassment of Israeli soldiers. Faye, from Switzerland, had visited Israel several times in pursuit of her efforts to document alleged Israeli wrongdoing. However, she was deported in accordance with a deportation order from Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Shas) at the end of July after being taken in for questioning upon arrival in Ben Gurion Airport. In addition to Fayes deportation, Deri and Minister of Internal Security Gilad Erdan established a team dedicated to deporting, or preventing the entry of, activists bent on promoting boycotts against the State of Israel. Lev B'Olam call center (Photo: Ofer Meir) According to Nati Rom, the general manager of Lev BOlam, The watchdog is the answer to the calls by Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan. This is a civilian initiative whose aim is to locate the activists arriving in Israel under the guise of a tourist and trying to sabotage the Zionist enterprise in Israel. We are here in order to receive as much information about them as possible. Lev BOlam has already been operating for three years and has been undertaking efforts to combat BDS activities designed to delegitimize Israel. As part of its efforts, the organization engages in PR activities by sending its representatives to European capitals and to BDS hotspots. The center operates from Sunday to Thursday between the hours of 9am and 4pm and has both Hebrew and English speakers. Callers are also able to send relevant footage, photographs and documents via email. The Lev BOlam watchdog center can be contacted on: 074-7290757 The leader of Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been killed in a US drone strike, the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan said on Friday, though the American military said it could not confirm that. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter If true, the death of Hafiz Saeed Khan would strike a blow to efforts by Middle East-based Islamic State - also known as ISIS and Daesh - to expand its control over territory and its jihadist brand into Afghanistan and Pakistan. It would also mark the second US killing of a prominent militant in the region within months. In May, a US drone killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a strike in Pakistan. Islamic State this week took credit for an attack on a hospital that killed at least 74 people in the Pakistani city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility. ISIS execution in Afghanistan. (Archive photo) Khan has been reported dead before. Last year, Afghan intelligence agents claimed he had been killed, but the report was never confirmed. On Friday, Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal told Reuters he had seen confirmation from Afghan security forces on Khan's death. "I can confirm that ISIS Khurasan (Afghanistan and Pakistan) leader Hafiz Saeed Khan along with his senior commanders and fighters died in a US drone strike on July 26 in Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangharhar province," he said. US military spokesman Colonel Michael Lawhorn said American forces in Afghanistan "are aware of those reports and we are looking into it" but have not yet confirmed Khan's death. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for an attack on a rally in Kabul in July, which killed more than 80 people. Afghan forces, backed by the American military, killed an estimated 300 Islamic State fighters in an operation mounted two weeks ago, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan said on Wednesday, calling it a severe blow to the group. Two climbing friends took on the impossible recently and summited Mount Rainer as part of the U.S. Air Force 50 Summits Challenge. Air Force retired Chief Master Terry Oshiem and Master Sgt. Kim Brewer summited the mountain July 23, with a team of eight other service members and Veterans from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. Standing at 14,411 feet tall, Mount Rainer is the tallest mountain in Washington and one of the 50 summits that was yet to be summited under the 50 Summits Challenge until now. We seek to have Airmen coordinate groups to hike the highest area for any state they are stationed in, said Maj. Rob Marshall, 97th Airlift Squadron pilot with the 446th Airlift 'Rainier' Wing and 50 Summits Challenge coordinator. My vision is to proactively help Airmen and Veterans become stronger mentally, socially, physically and spiritually before bad things happen. Through mountaineering, they have something to fall back on and a community to go to. The team arrived at Mount Rainer on July 22 and hiked 4,900 feet in elevation to Camp Muir where they setup base camp. Part of the 50 Summits Challenge is the resiliency aspect behind it, said Brewer. A lot of people are benefiting from this. People are getting outdoors and reaching their goals. After only a few hours of sleep the team left base camp and began their journey to the summit in the dark of night. Split into two teams, team members climbed the mountain roped together. You just get up, its still dark out, your climbing and you just try to focus were your feet are at, said Oshiem. We had to move in sync. I couldnt let too much slack build up in the rope and couldnt let the rope get too tight. Climbing for more than eight hours to reach the summit the team had to cross two crevices more than 10 feet across. I think this is important to give back to fellow Airmen, said Brewer. In twenty years in the service, Airmen helped me achieve my goals and I want to help Airmen and Veterans to achieve theirs. The team reached the top close to 9 a.m. July 23. With clear skies and the sun shining they took in the view and enjoyed the moment. It took a minute but once we made it to the summit it sunk in, said Oshiem. Summiting Rainer has been on my bucket list for years. Having the opportunity to summit Mount Rainer with a team of Veterans like we did was a proud moment. Atop the mountain the group unfurled the U.S. and Air Force Flag for a photo. I think us doing our part to plant the Air Force flag on Mount Rainer was an accomplishment, said Brewer. This is one of the most challenging and technical of the peaks for the lower 48s. Longtime friends with Brewer, Oshiem credits much of his success mountaineering to training with Brewer. Together they have summited Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. Brewer asked me if I wanted in and I said I want in, but I dont know if Im ready, said Oshiem. I didnt want to be that guy on the rope team to have to turn around because I couldnt make the climb. Im more comfortable climbing with someone who knows what they are doing. Growing up Oshiem said he used to hike as a kid and would spend most of his summers camping and hiking. Following his passion for hiking and mountaineering, Brewer recommends others to do the same. For me its a chance to clear my brain, because its one foot over the next, said Oshiem. You can think, contemplate and come back energized. Tying yourself into a Veterans group gives you that support network. In addition to the many hiking opportunities, Oshiem is also thankful for the support hes received from the local Veteran and military community and the climbers who supported the climb. I think this is hugely important to get a group of Veterans and active duty together and share that common bond of profession of arms to motivate and help each other achieve a common goal, said Oshiem. That persistence and resiliency is important. I used to look at Mount Rainer and say one of these days. Now I look at it and say Ive done that, Ive been right there. A 31-year-old woman was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana and lied to authorities about her identity, according to documents filed in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court. Dusty Louise Mattern faces a felony charge of possession of dangerous drugs in relation to the methamphetamine, and misdemeanor counts of possession of dangerous drugs, marijuana, and obstructing a peace officer. Mattern is under supervision of Adult Probation and Parole with the state of Montana and subject to searches, according to an affidavit by the arresting deputy. When checked by the state, court documents allege that she provided a false name and admitted to doing so to avoid arrest. A search of her vehicle turned up a glass pipe smelling of marijuana, a zip top bag containing white residue testing positive for methamphetamine and a marijuana cigarette. Matterns bond was set at $25,000. Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Tobler, a geospatial intelligence analyst assigned to the 50th Intelligence Squadron here, was one of 12 Airmen selected for the Outstanding Airman of the Year award for the Air Force. Its truly a unique honor, said Tobler. Its an extraordinarily humbling experience. The award recognizes top enlisted Airmen for their unique individual achievements in leadership, job performance, significant self-improvement and community involvement. Tobler has demonstrated exemplary accomplishments in each of these areas. As a traditional reservist, Tobler works with the Air Force part-time. When not in uniform, he is a manager at the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Although his positions are not directly related, he has found ways to use his civilian job to better his position with the Air Force and improve his leadership skills. Being a manager has made me a better sergeant, said Tobler. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of self-improvement trainings and courses through CDSS. Along with leadership, Tobler has shown greatness in his job performance. He strives for excellence and does everything he can to ensure the job gets done well. I approach every product I do as something that could potentially go very far, said Tobler. I put every effort into each product to make it as accurate as possible. Whether Tobler is wearing the uniform or not, he puts extra effort in helping his squadron accomplish the mission. He is incredibly responsive with emails and anything he is asked to do during the month, said Tech. Sgt. Andrea Wiyrick, 50th IS intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flight chief and Toblers supervisor. Tobler doesnt do this for the recognition. Instead, he puts the extra time and effort to assist his fellow Airmen and the Air Force as a whole. If its my way of helping them do their jobs more easily, than its worth it, said Tobler. Staying involved throughout the month not only benefits his fellow Airmen when he is here, but also when he isnt here. He is always ready for the mission, Wiyrick said. Because of that, he can assist other traditional reservists on the weekends. Helping is a common theme in Toblers life. After working his full-time job and keeping up to date with the mission here, he spent multiple hours per week volunteering in his community for Rocklin Residents Unite for Fido as an active member and served on their Board of Directors. Tobler also volunteers with Friendship Place in Washington, where he offers strategic fundraising support and is a regular blood donor. On a more personal level, Tobler enjoys helping fellow Airmen better themselves. I really enjoy mentoring and talking to younger people, and giving them advice about educational goals, said Tobler. After winning this prestigious award, he is looking forward to more opportunities to give back to his fellow Airmen, further educational opportunities with his jobs, and growing within the Air Force Reserve. Im excited to see what opportunities may arise down the line, said Tobler. Tobler will formally accept this award on September 19 in Washington. This Account has been suspended. The Montana Human Rights Network and the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana are calling upon Lewis and Clark County Coroner M.E. Mickey Nelson to resign. Documents recently released by county officials detail allegations against the coroner that prompted Eric Bryson, the countys chief administrative officer, to reassign a member of Nelsons staff in July 2015. County officials received similar allegations regarding Nelson's behavior this year, which prompted Bryson to move the coroners two-person staff from the office and Nelsons supervision. None of the coroners staff have done anything wrong, Bryson noted previously. Nelson could not be reached for comment in time for this story. Messages were left with the coroners office answering service, the deputy coroner, county officials and with a member of Nelsons family. According to an Aug. 9 letter that was sent to Nelson and Bryson, Kim Abbott with the Human Rights Network and Caitlin Borgmann with the ACLU wrote they were deeply concerned about what has been presented regarding his service to Lewis and Clark County. Specifically, your disturbing comments about women, people of color, low income people, and those who hold sincere religious beliefs leave us with absolutely no confidence that you can perform your duties impartially and without bias, the letter stated. Your use of racial epithets in reference to the president, your disparaging comments about Native Americans, other racial minorities, religion, and poor people in your county office and in front of your employees is a clear indication that your personal bias has pervaded your professional life, the letter continued. In calling for his resignation, the letter concluded, Once a public servant can no longer be trusted to execute his or her official responsibilities with the fairness the law requires, the time has come for that person to move on from public life. Nelson doesnt seem to deny the remarks attributed to him, nor does he seem to understand the significance of them, Borgmann said. While Nelsons alleged behavior is a concern for staff, she added, its also a concern for the public. He cannot be engaging in that kind of conduct, Borgmann said. My hope is that he steps down, Abbott said and explained the allegations lead her to believe the publics trust in the office is broken. Nelson, 71, has been the coroner for 42 years. Former and current members of the coroners office staff allege Nelson engaged in frequent offensive language during tirades in his office regarding African Americans, Native Americans and other ethnicities, as well as people who are poor and those receiving public assistance, among others. In addition to the staff person who was moved to a different county department in July 2015 and the two others who were relocated to a different office this year, the duties of county registrar were removed from Nelson in July by the state in response to a request from the county commission. Further indication of unrest in the coroners office is contained in the resignation letter of a deputy coroner who stepped down in April after four months on the job. The deputy coroner complained of Nelsons administration of the office and his behavior toward grieving families. In addition, Nelson and the county faced the threat of district court action earlier this year to compel Nelson to finish 51 death certificates dating from 2011 to 2015 that listed the cause of death as pending. Nelson met the 45-day deadline given by the Office of Vital Records with the state Department of Public Health and Human Services to complete the work. In an Aug. 2 news release, Nelson defended his actions and wrote that being the coroner has been his lifes work. I have never abused or taken the publics trust for granted as I perform the duties of my elected office. I strive to earn the trust and respect of the public I serve every day. Staff members have never complained directly to him of the unwelcome or offensive nature of his remarks, he wrote in his news release. While he acknowledged the offensive nature of some of the remarks attributed to him, he wrote that some were taken out of context. However, I am not racist or sexist or anti-religion. I have never engaged in discriminatory acts as county coroner against fellow staff members or while performing the duties of my office. I bear no ill-will towards any faith, minority, ethnicity or income class, his news release stated. A July 21, 2016, memorandum from Bryson to the county commission and County Attorney Leo Gallagher, stated that after a member of Nelsons staff was moved at her request to another county occupation, K. Paul Stahl, a civil deputy county attorney, and Commissioner Susan Good Geise met with Nelson to discuss allegations made by that member of the coroners office. During that July 14, 2015, meeting they also informed him that the behavior was not acceptable, and required him to seek and find a training course on sexual harassment/discrimination, according to Brysons memo. Geise represented all three commissioners at that meeting, Commissioner Andy Hunthausen said on Thursday. (Nelson) did not follow through on the demand that he obtain the training, Hunthausen said. In response to the letter calling for Nelsons resignation, all three commissioners said they were unanimous in their concern regarding the comments made about Nelson. I wasnt surprised to see that occurred, commissioner Susan Good Geise said of the letter from the ACLU and Montana Human Rights Network. I hope that he would take that under consideration, she continued. She too said she believed the time had come for Nelson to resign. I have told Coroner Nelson on several occasions that I thought that it was time. And the reason that I feel strongly about that is because we have a duty to our taxpayers and our citizens to apply the law equally: everybody is equal under the law, Geise said. She said that during her July 2015 meeting with Nelson, he was told comments attributed to him could result in a lawsuit against the county. If there were a complaint that came from an employee, like a hostile work environment, it isnt the coroner who would have been sued. It is the county, Geise said. And if those allegations were proven to have been true, we would have not been able to defend ourselves. And thats why it became important to move that particular employee out of that office as quickly as we could. The issue isnt, and I think is an important distinction to make, it isnt about whether or not the coroner does or does not hold certain beliefs. That is his prerogative, Geise said. He may certainly do that. He can say things in his home but when you come to a county office you cant talk like that in a county office and you cant expose employees or the public (to it), she continued. And thats where it becomes a legal question, and thats where we have a liability as a county. I soundly reject the comments attributed to Mr. Nelson, Hunthausen said. I reject them and Im disappointed in those comments, that's coming from a county office. Our employees deserve to work in an environment that is safe and without discrimination and that is not a hostile work environment. They deserve that. I dont disagree with anything thats in this letter, he added of the call for Nelsons resignation. The actions attributed to him were very inappropriate, Hunthausen said. Commission Chairman Mike Murray said he didnt disagree with Geise or Hunthausen and reaffirmed that employees deserve a safe working place. Nelson needs to respond to the letter, Murray said, adding that Nelson should be given that opportunity. Nelson is considered the dean of criminal investigations regarding death, statewide, Murray said in praise of Nelsons skills and knowledge, but added his behaviors unacceptable. Nelson was elected by voters, as were the commissioners, Hunthausen said to explain the limits of what they can do regarding Nelson. The only people that can remove him from office are the voters, or Mickey himself, or if there were an act, a criminal act that rose to that level that meets the law. But us as county commissioners, were not necessarily his boss, Hunthausen said. While the commission oversees the operation of county government and has fiscal responsibilities, it is also responsible for providing a safe workplace, Hunthausen continued and explained, thats why we removed the employees from his office. Were following the advice we received from our legal counsel, that we have no authority to fire Mickey Nelson, Murray said. Its important that the public understand that our hands are tied in this matter. What action we may take with a county employee is different than the action the law allows us with an elected official, Murray added. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Monday, Michael K. Judy, 62, of Smoke Signal, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 24 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Judy had previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. According to the plea agreement, on or between April 18, 2001, and April 17, 2003, Judy, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the female victim, who was eight or nine years old at the time. In 2014, the victim, now an adult, along with five others, also members of the Navajo Nation, reported multiple instances of sexual abuse on the Navajo Reservation by Judy during their childhoods. In total, the reported abuse spanned nearly three decades. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Monday, Rodney Begay, of Tuba City, Arizona, a member of the Navajo Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 235 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Begay had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact of a minor. The case involved the sexual abuse of 3 different girls, from 2005 to 2012, two also members of the Navajo Indian Nation-one non-native, occurring on the Navajo Reservation. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement. The prosecution was handled by Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix. Latest News Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my best wishes to the people of Chad as you celebrate your national day today. "On April 10, the Chadian people turned out in historic numbers to make your voices heard in the democratic process, and the United States commends all who participated. Our shared commitment to democracy is one of many ties that bind our nations together. We are also united in the fight against violent extremism. The United States condemns the repeated terrorist attacks that have targeted the Chadian people and security forces over the past year, and we are grateful for Chads leadership in the regional efforts to defeat Boko Haram and return peace and stability to the people of the region. We value Chads partnership in strengthening regional security, as well as in protecting refugees, advancing human rights and the rule of law, and promoting environmental and wildlife conservation. "On the occasion of the 56th anniversary of Chads independence, I wish the people of Chad peace and prosperity in the coming year." Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - This morning at 7:19 a.m. officers were dispatched to an open door at Ideal Jewelry located at 2241 S. Avenue A space 29. The investigation revealed unknown subject(s) entered the business by force and took an undisclosed amount of items. This case is under investigation and there are no suspect descriptions at this time. Estimated damage to the business is still being determined. The Yuma Police Department encourages anybody with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or 78-Crime (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. WEST GLACIER The male bear that fatally mauled a mountain biker who collided with him here in June was a 20-year-old grizzly with no known conflicts with humans prior to the incident, officials said Thursday. Brad Treat, a 38-year-old law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service, was killed after the June 29 collision, which occurred just outside Glacier National Park, about three miles from the West Entrance, on the Green Gate/Half Moon trail system off U.S. Highway 2. John Fraley, a spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the collision occurred on a section of the trail with limited sight distances, which gave Treat little time to react to the sudden sight of the bear. Wardens and biologists with the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team, who completed the investigation, called it a surprise encounter. Attempts to trap the bear were unsuccessful. However, the grizzly turned out to be one that had been captured and released a decade ago during a research project in Glacier Park. Fraley said DNA collected at the scene confirmed that the bear was the same as the one that entered a trap in 2006. At the time, researchers determined the grizzly was approximately 8 to 10 years old. Due to the parameters of the research project, Fraley said, the bear was not fitted with a radio collar at the time. The only other times prior to this year that the grizzly was on anyones radar came in 2009 and 2011, when it was identified through DNA from hair samples collected from trees the bear had rubbed against. Treat was riding with a companion, who continued on to seek help after the collision. First responders found the victim dead at the scene. The last lethal bear attack inside Glaciers borders happened in 1998, when three bears killed and partially ate a park concessionaire employee while he was hiking. Hyderabad/Vijayawada: Krishna Pushkaralu, the once in 12 years river festival of Krishna, began in two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Friday with fanfare and religious fervour. Thousands took holy dip in the Krishna in the two states and offered prayers in temples located along the banks of the river. `Pushkar ghats,` constructed by the authorities along the river course, were teeming with thousands of devotees since the early hours of the day. Both the states have made elaborate arrangements and provided amenities to the devotees for the 12-day long festival. More than six crore people are expected to take dip in the river in the two states. The governments in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are organising cultural shows and religious events at different places near the ghats. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, his wife Shoba Rao, Endowments Minister Indrakaran Reddy and other public representatives took the holy dip at Gondimalla ghat in Alampur mandal of Mahabubnagar district. Authorities in Telangana have built 90 bathing ghats for the convenience of devotees in Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts. Over 13,000 policemen have been deployed in the two districts and as part of the elaborate security arrangements 555 CCTV cameras have been installed around bathing ghats. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is plying 1,365 special buses from various parts of the state to the bathing ghats for transporting pilgrims. The South Central Railway is operating 655 special trains for the convenience of the devotees in the two states. The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the river festival at a cost of Rs 852 crore. A 12-day holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in the two districts of Telangana as the staff has been assigned for Pushkaram duties. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his cabinet colleagues took a holy bath at Durga Ghat in Vijayawada. Naidu along with his wife Bhuvaneshwari performed puja. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival in Kurnool, Krishna and Guntur districts by building 178 bathing ghats. The festivities began on Thursday night with `Nava Harathi` at Pavitra Sangamam, the confluence of Godavari and Krishna rivers, in Krishna district. Priests performed the rituals at 9.28 p.m., which was presumed to be the time of entry of Pushkar into Krishna river. However, as no holy dip can be taken after sunset as per `shastras`, the devotees started taking the dip on Friday. In Andhra Pradesh, about 30,000 policemen have been deployed as part of the massive security arrangements for the festival. The authorities are taking extra security measures to prevent any untoward incident. A stampede at a ghat in Rajahmundry during Godavari Pushkaralu last year had claimed 29 lives. Canberra: An Australian government agency in charge of the ongoing search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has reportedly retracted a published theory that the aircraft crashed into the sea after a "death dive". Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely that the plane`s captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian daily that the agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the US National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. Chennai: Security has been beefed up at the airport here ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with police taking various measures, including installation of CCTV cameras at the main entrances. In addition to the measures announced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), such as a five-layer security and ban on visitor's entry, police today said powerful focus lights would be installed at the main entrances on the outer periphery of the airport. Eight CCTV cameras have been set up in and around the entrances to monitor movement of people and vehicles. Also 50 police personnel in plain clothes would keep vigil on the national highway outside the airport and the main entrances, they said. The AAI has announced that armed CISF personnel would be on round-the-lock patrol in the airport complex. Visitors' entry has been banned at the international terminal till August 20. New Delhi: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday requested Lt Governor Najeeb Jung not to transfer senior officers of health and education departments. "We had promised a lot of things when we contested the elections. We are working on those promises with whatever powers we have." "Delhi government is appreciated for its work in the field of health and education. Therefore, we request the L-G to not transfer those officers who are working in these departments. They are doing good work," Sisodia said. He urged the Lt Governor to not transfer Public Works Department and health secretaries. "PWD secretary is a senior engineer while the health secretary is an experienced doctor. Both of them are professionals in their field and have administrative experience as well," he said. He said the development work on new schools and `mohalla clinics` is progressing at a good pace under the Aam Aadmi Party leadership. Sisodia made the request after an order by the Lt Governor said that all service matters including transfer/posting of IAS and DANICS officers will be placed through Chief Secretary of Delhi and directly before the Lt Governor for his consideration and orders. "This means the ministers in Delhi do not have powers to even appoint a peon," he added. The order came after Delhi High Court gave primacy to the Lt Governor in administrative affairs of Delhi. Walbrzych: Treasure hunters on Friday relaunched their search for a lost Nazi gold train allegedly loaded with loot and buried in southwestern Poland, despite there being no scientific evidence it exists. "The train isn`t a needle in a haystack, if it`s there, we`ll find it," project spokesman Andrzej Gaik told AFP. The story sparked a global media frenzy last August when two men claimed to have discovered an armoured Nazi-era train using ground-penetrating radar near the city of Walbrzych. At the time, Piotr Koper, a Pole, and German national Andreas Richter said they had discovered several train carriages measuring a total of 98 metres (320 feet) which were buried some eight to nine metres (26 to 28 foot) underground. They said they believed the contents were mostly weapon prototypes, though local legend spoke of artwork, jewels and gold stolen by the Nazis. The Nazis made prisoners of war dig a network of tunnels in the area, and some locals have claimed the Germans tried to spirit the gold away as Russia`s Red Army closed in. But so far there has been little to back up the claims, with geologists from Krakow`s prestigious AGH University of Science and Technology finding no evidence for the train`s existence during tests run in December. Professor Janusz Madej said at the time he was "100 percent sure there is no train... maybe a tunnel" based on magnetic, gravimetric and geo-radar studies. It has done little to dampen the treasure hunters` enthusiasm. "Even if we find a tunnel, that`ll also be a success. The train could be hidden in it," Gaik said on Friday. As the search began, Koper said he hoped to have answers within a week. "It should all be clear by Thursday" next week, he told Poland`s TVP public news channel as his team began clearing the area of vegetation. He said they would sweep the area with geo-radar on Monday before diggers move in on Tuesday. "We`ll dig down six metres in three areas along a 100-metre stretch of the old railway tracks," Gaik said. News about the alleged discovery of the gold train made headlines around the globe last year, triggering an influx of treasure hunters to the site. The intrigue has been further fuelled by the site`s proximity to a massive network of secret underground tunnels built by the Nazis, some of which are around the massive Ksiaz Castle where legend has it the Third Reich stashed looted valuables. London: One of three schoolgirls who left London in February 2015 to join the Islamic State militant group has died, her family lawyer told Reuters on Thursday. Attorney Tasnime Akunjee said the family of Kadiza Sultana learned of her death in Raqqa, Syria, a few weeks ago. She was believed to have been killed by a Russian air strike in Raqqa, ITV News reported earlier on Thursday. Sultana was making plans to return to Britain and her family was communicating with her to discuss her possible escape from Raqqa, according to an interview published by ITV with Sultana`s sister, which includes recordings of purported phone calls between the sisters. Sultana, 16, along with two other friends, flew from London`s Gatwick Airport to Turkey on February 17, 2015. The British Home Office and British Interior Ministry could not be reached immediately for a comment. Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told the state assembly on Friday that a non-police official will conduct an impartial inquiry into bribery allegations against Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg. "An independent and impartial inquiry by a non-police official will be conducted into the serious corruption charges made against IGP Garg," Parsekar said. A local businessman on Thursday accused Garg of demanding and accepting Rs 5.5 lakh in bribe for registering a First Information Report in a cheating case. Munnalal Halwai, who runs a business establishment in the port town of Vasco, 35 km from the state capital, said he paid the bribe to Garg in two instalments in 2015, including once in the senior police official`s cabin at the police headquarters in Panaji. "Garg first demanded 10 per cent of Rs 1.15 crore, the amount I was cheated of, for registration of the FIR. After bargaining he agreed to have the FIR registered at the Ponda police station for around Rs 5 lakh," Halwai told reporters at a press conference in Panaji. He also played out an audio clip which purportedly contained the recording of a conversation between Garg and himself at the police headquarters in September 2015. The Inspector General has denied the allegations. Garg said: "I flatly deny the allegations." He, however, did not deny meeting Halwai, and asserted that he had not done anything wrong. In a statement issued here, Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar also demanded the immediate suspension of Garg. Panaji,: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today arrived in Goa to discuss about preparations for the BRICS summit scheduled for October, and said the event will put the coastal state on a higher pedestal. Yi, after landing in Goa, met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the state secretariat where both the leaders discussed about preparations for the forthcoming summit. The meeting lasted for over an hour. "I have come here because BRICS summit is being held in Goa. I have seen friendly sentiments from the people of Goa," Yi told reporters in the presence of Parsekar. "Goa has a beautiful landscape, beaches and people. Goa is one of the best in the world. I am sure BRICS summit will put Goa at a higher pedestal," he said. He said, "India and China are good friends and good partners." The Goa Chief Minister said he had a discussion with Yi over breakfast. He said Goa and China have long standing relations, with iron ore from the coastal state being exported to the neighbouring country. "We can also tie up with China in the field of education and technology. We can attract investment from China in the Information Technology," Parsekar said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed faith on Goa by offering us to host BRICS summit," the CM said. During his day-long tour, Yi is expected to meet state Governor Mridula Sinha and visit Aguada plateau, about 10 km from Panaji. BILLINGS -- Additional crew members arrived Thursday to join the 125 people fighting a growing fire in northwest Wyoming. The Hunter Peak fire was mapped at 1,347 acres, located 30 miles northwest of Cody and south of Cooke City. While an estimated 95 structures were threatened by the fire, crews planned to assess the danger. The areas along County Road XUX at Squaw Creek were evacuated, according to information from the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team. Crews also started working on constructing lines around the developed areas. Additional personnel were assigned to start containing the fire. There was zero percent containment on Thursday. Trails in that area of the Shoshone National Forest were closed, as well as parts of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The waterway was previously closed for another fire closer to Cody. The speed limit for roads along the reservoir was limited to 45 mph. Whit fire Crews are working to secure the area and begin closing the line around the Whit fire, which was 84 percent contained Thursday. The fire has burned 12,387 acres just 12 miles west of Cody but no evacuations remain in place. The Green Creek, Twin Creek and Sheep Mountain Trails were still closed Thursday. Aircraft use of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir caused its closure west of the line between Eagle Point and Spring Creek. On Thursday, crews expected to clean and patrol the hand lines from Whit Creek south toward Cow Camp, as well as residential areas in the Slack Creek Drainage, Bear Creek Drainage and South Fork. They also kept watch on structures from Timber Creek to Cow Camp. Yellowstone National Park Officials were watching two lightning-caused fires in the park on Thursday. The Fawn Fire has burned 930 acres south of Gardiner. It has caused the closure of backcountry trails and campsites in the area. The Maple fire was estimated at 10 acres and is located a mile east of the Gneiss Creek Trail, just inside the park's western boundary. It started on Monday and has not caused trail or campsite closures. The Fawn and Maple fires don't pose risks to visitors, and all roads remain open, park officials said. Three smokejumpers were called in on Wednesday to battle a new, smaller fire that started between Pocket and Shoshone Lakes. Dubbed the Pocket fire, it sparked about five miles southeast of Old Faithful. A helicopter assisted the smokejumpers with water drops for a full-suppression effort, according to park officials. On Thursday, three more smokejumpers were summoned to assist. The fire is less than an acre. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday sharply criticized the Modi government for sitting on the recommendation of its collegium on the appointment and transfer of judges in High Courts, almost bringing judiciary to the state of collapse. Asking if by sitting on the recommendations of the collegium, the government was trying to bring the judicial institutions to a "grinding halt", Chief Justice T.S. Thakur told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi that it would be forced to intervene judicially and call for every file sent to the government for clearance by the collegium. "Don`t force us to ask where the files are. Don`t force us to judicially intervene. Don`t try to bring this institution to a grinding halt. That`s not the right thing to do," Chief Justice Thakur told the Attorney General. Pointing to a chart before him, Chief Justice Thakur said: "We have a chart here detailing the list of collegium recommendations for appointments and transfers. We can give it to you. There are 75 names of High Court judges recommended by the collegium. These include names for appointments and transfers of HC judges, including Chief Justices. There is nothing on them from your side so far." Seated with Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice Thakur appeared unrelenting even as the Attorney General made repeated assurances that the concerns expressed by the court would be taken up at the highest level in the government. Pointing out that there was some kind of "logjam" in the appointment of judges to higher judiciary, Chief Justice Thakur told the Attorney General: "If you have a problem with a name suggested by us, send the file back to us. We will look into it." One such instance where the recommendation of the top court collegium has not been acted upon so far by the government is of the transfer of the Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court Justice K.M. Joseph as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Despite top court collegium recommending his transfer in early May, the government is yet to issue his transfer orders. The top court bench headed by Chief Justice Thakur gave vent to its anguish over the dilly dally approach of the government in clearing the names for appointment of judges to the high courts on a PIL by a 1971 war veteran who has expressed concern over ever rising vacancies in high courts. Things went cold between the top judiciary and the government after its constitution bench on October 16, 2015 struck down as unconstitutional the Constitution`s 99th Aamendment that put in place the NJAC and the NJACA Act, 2014. Pointing out that with four million cases and High Courts functioning at 44.30% of the sanctioned strength of judges, Chief Justice Thakur asked Attorney General Rohatgi to immediately address the issue as "whole situation is getting very difficult." With high courts functioning with less than 50% of their sanctioned strength, consequently affecting the hearing of appeals, Chief Justice Thakur said people were languishing in jails waiting for the hearing of their appeals. "Should we deal with the issue judicially? Should we fix accountability?" he asked, pointing out that the process for the framing of memorandum of procedure can go on, but the appointment of judges can`t wait. The Attorney General urged the court not to issue notice on the PIL by Lt. Col. Anil Kabotra, assuring that he would soon revert to the bench. The tussle between the top judiciary and the Modi government came out in open on April 24 during the conference of Chief Justice of the High Courts and the Chief Ministers when Chief Justice Thakur made an impassioned appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clear the names recommended by the top court`s collegium for the appointment of judges. New Delhi: With terrorists widely using social media for their propaganda and new threats emerging, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the NDA government is working on strengthening the anti-terror laws and providing legal protection for undercover operations. Addressing the 'national conference on investigating agencies', the Home Minister said the government is committed to punishing terrorists and is working to strengthen the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. "We are considering legal protection for an undercover operation, use of intelligence collected as evidence and an entire gamut of issues relevant to combating terrorism," he said. Singh said due to the widespread use of social media by terrorists, new threats have been emerging in the country. "To face these challenges, the present capabilities of specialised organisations like Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) need to be strengthened," he said. The Home Minister said that the government is also examining enactment of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to provide legal sanction for evidence obtained through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties and remove doubts about the admissibility of such evidence. Singh said the central government is committed to empowerment and development of Dalits and has created an atmosphere where the community can approach police without hesitation if they are victimised. The NDA government has strengthened Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by amending it in 2014 and adding a new category of offences, he said. The Home Minister said the government has taken various steps to improve the quality of investigation and has revamped the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) project for complete computerization of the working of police and extended it to court, jail, prosecution and forensic laboratories. On the issue of women safety, he said the government is concerned about crimes against women. To investigate the crime against women, dedicated Investigative Units on Crime against Women (IUCAW) are being established in 564 districts of India. He said that in these units, one-third of investigators will be women and funds will be made available by central and state governments on 50-50 partnership basis. The Home Minister said the central government will spend Rs 324 crore in next two years on these units. Singh said investigation agencies are facing many challenges and hoped that the conference would be an opportunity to discuss ways to overcome them. The Home Minister noted that as per the National Crime Records Bureau, the conviction rate is very low and that is why the quality of investigation is crucial in ensuring justice for the victims. He said the thrust should be on improving investigation at police station level. "Apart from the quality of investigation at police station level, we also have to ensure proper courtesy to the victims and witnesses," he said. Singh said the convenience of victims and witnesses must be taken into account when calling them for investigation. He also said that the victims should be kept informed about the progress of investigation from time to time. New Delhi: In a rare moment, India's first three women fighter pilots today met country's senior most air warrior Arjan Singh, who regaled them with his anecdotes as he felicitated them at his house. While the three women fighter pilots are aged around 22-23, Singh, the Marshal of the Air Force is 97 year-old. The age difference between them is about 75 years. Singh, who was the Chief of the Air Staff during the 1965 conflict with Pakistan, is a living legend and is also the senior most fighter pilot of the IAF. He has been a constant source of inspiration to generations of air-warriors. "An interaction and encouragement from the 'Marshal of The Air Force' will be a matter of great honour for the budding young women fighter pilots and will motivate them to excel in their profession," the IAF said in a statement. IAF has been inducting women pilots in the flying branch since 1994. Till date, more than 180 women officers have been inducted as pilots in the transport and helicopter streams. Over the years, the women pilots have proved their mettle and have performed at par with their male colleagues, the statement said. The IAF has recently taken a decision to induct women pilots in the fighter stream which is far more strenuous and demanding in nature. On June 18, three women pilots, on successful completion of initial flying training, were commissioned as pilots in the fighter stream of the IAF. These women pilots competed alongside their male counterparts to be part of the elite fighting force and were selected solely on their capability. They are pioneers in the field and will be role models for the generations to follow, the IAF said. Kashmir: As Kashmir continues to remain tense, over the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired an all-party meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in the Valley. The meet is being attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and other senior leaders of various political parties The Rajya Sabha on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a return to normalcy in Kashmir. Opposition leaders have voiced their concern over a month-long curfew in the Valley, and demanded doing away with pellet guns. Wani was killed by the security forces on July 08 by a joint team of the special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and 19 Rashtriya Rifles at Bumdoora village in Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Since then tensions have been simmering across Kashmir. Adding fuel to the fire, the separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani have been giving call for shutdown, ever since the Hizbul poster boy was killed. Meanwhile, authorities today imposed curfew and restrictions across Kashmir to prevent protests called by the separatists. Separatists have called for a complete shutdown till August 18. All senior separatist leaders continue to remain under preventive detention in Srinagar for the last 35 days. The National Investigating Agency on Wednesday revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres have been successful in fuelling large scale agitation in Kashmir after EID subsequent to the death of Wani in Kashmir. The security agency confirmed this based on the confession of captured LeT terrorist Bahadur Ali. New Delhi: Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) trains around 360 militants annually to wage jihad against India and Afghanistan, according to investigators who grilled captured LeT operative Bahadur Ali. Ali alias Saifullah, a 21-year-old resident of Zia Bagga village of Raiwind in Lahore, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he saw 30-50 people being trained in LeT camps any time every month since 2013 when he was provided a 15-day basic training at Mansehra in Pakistan. Ali underwent three training courses organised by the LeT in 2013, 2014 and 2016 before being pushed into India on June 11-12 along with two other LeT cadres known by their nom de guerre Saad and Darda. "There are 30-50 trainees at any time in each course which runs throughout the year," an NIA official quoted Ali as saying. According to Ali, new operatives were provided 15-day `Daura-e-Tulba` -- the basic training. He underwent this at Mansehra in 2013. Later, the recruits graduate to an arms and ammunition course called `Daura-e-Aam`. Ali got this training at the Aksa camp near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-held Kashmir in September-October 2014, he told NIA. In the final course, `Daura-e-Khas`, the guerrillas get to handle sophisticated arms and learn field crafts. Ali went through this also near Muzaffarabad in the summer of 2016. "If we calculate on the basis of 30 people trained in every batch, as many as 360 people are trained every year by the LeT," an NIA officer told IANS. The LeT, which is known to enjoy the backing of Pakistani intelligence, was blamed for the audacious 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai that left 166 Indians and foreigners dead. The group has been outlawed by India, the US and the UN but its leaders are known to operate with impunity in Pakistan. Son of a police constable in Pakistan`s Punjab, Ali, arrested on July 25 from Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, is the eighth among nine siblings. He worked as a `Jihad`s fund collector` for Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) in his initial days and switched to the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation -- a front NGO of Lashkar-e-Taiba -- in Lahore in 2013-14 before finally taking up LeT training. All recruits like Ali are radicalised and motivated to undertake jihad against India and Afghanistan. Pakistan`s intelligence and military set-up views New Delhi and Kabul as impeccable enemies of Islamabad. Ali revealed to the NIA that Pushto-speaking trainers focussed on those headed to Afghanistan. The NIA officer said the terrorists from Pakistan waging jihad against India might not be well educated but were highly trained in using hi-tech gadgets, suggesting the support of Pakistani military experts. Once Ali sneaked into India, he communicated with his handlers in Pakistan using Japan-made ICOM wireless sets. These can be used only if one has sound technical knowledge. Ali revealed that all recruits were shown videos purported to be about the "atrocities" committed on Muslims in India. This is done to motivate them to wage war against India. Working with Hafiz Saeed`s JuD since 2008, when he was just 13 or 14 years old, Ali said he used to listen to "taqreers" (sermons) of Maulvis and watch videos too. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired an all party meeting to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir which had witnessed violent protests following the killing of militant Burhan Wani in which scores of people were killed and injured. Like every Indian, I'm also deeply pained by the recent incidents that have taken place in Jammu & Kashmir, PM Modi said at the all party meeting. He said every Kashmiri wants peace and has faith in democracy but at the same time the government must ensure there is no compromise on national security. This is why, despite warnings from some separatists elements, people of J&K showed their faith in democratic principles during polls, he said. It is responsibility of every Govt to maintain law and order. There cannot be any compromise on national security, he added. PM Modi favoured a dialogue with the people of the state in order to "win over their confidence". He said that his government is committed to a stable and peaceful solution to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. In a stern message to Islamabad, PM Modi said the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world on atrocities against the people in Balochistan and PoK. He said that PoK is part of Jammu and Kashmir. During the discussion, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, When we were in power we tried to find solution to the Kashmir issue but we did not fully succeed. Sitaram Yechury of CPI said, Start the dialogue process with all stakeholders. We've done it in the past and we've to do it again. We have suggested that the Govt must start dialogue process with all stakeholders, D Raja of CPI said, adding, PM Modi also said that there will be no compromise on our national security. Govt has to take confidence building measures,announce stoppage of pellet guns use,announce AFSPA to be withdrawn from the civilian areas, he said. Addressing the media after the meeting, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that PM has said the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world on atrocities against the people in Balochistan and PoK. New Delhi: Emphasising that investigation plays an important role in ensuring justice to the victim, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that police stations must be modernised as the initial investigation takes place there. "We have to modernise police stations to ensure an effective investigation," the Home Minister said after inaugurating a two-day national conference of investigators here. He also asked police forces across the country to treat victim and witnesses "well" as they come seeking justice. "The victim and the witness should be treated well by police," he said, adding that the central government has taken various steps to ensure speedy justice to victims. The conference, aimed to discuss the investigation in economic, cyber and organised crimes, is being attended by officials from the central government and the states. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha members on Friday once again raised the demand for increasing their salaries and questioned the government`s silence on the suggestions of a committee that has recommended salary hike for the members of Parliament. On several occasions, the MPs have said that their salary should be more than that of the Cabinet Secretary. "MPs` salary is lowest of all. Our salary is lesser than MLAs of Delhi government, half of what a Maharashtra MLA gets, and a third of that of Telangana MLAs," Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav said. "We are asked to reduce expenditure. Should we turn people away? We are spending from our own pockets. I fail to understand... we were directly or indirectly told there will be some announcement by the last day of the session," he said. "Increase our salary and make it more than Cabinet Secretary`s," Yadav added. Congress leader Anand Sharma supported the Samajwadi Party leader. "The government is quiet on the recommendations. Either we accept that we are not people`s representatives, we need to be capitalist, feudal lords, or businessmen. If we are people`s representatives, there should not be this hypocrisy that the salary of MPs is not raised but other people get hike," he said. Several other members also supported the demand. The salary of the Cabinet Secretary is Rs 2,50,000 a month as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission. A joint committee of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has prepared a report recommending MPs` salary to be hiked from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, constituency allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000 and secretarial assistance plus office allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000. The recommendations have not been made public. The panel, headed by BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, also recommended around 75 per cent raise in pensions and an automatic mechanism for salary hike for MPs. A delegation of MPs had met Prime Minister Narenda Modi on Monday to request a pay hike and an increase in the MP`s allowance to develop their constituencies. BILLINGS -- More than 2,000 miles from his adopted Bronx home, Ecuadorean native William Quizhpi found a connection to his native roots during a visit to a Montana Indian reservation last month. It was an eye-opening experience, he said in a telephone interview. The people there made me feel in touch with the heritage I have. Quizhpi visited the American Prairie Reserve south of Malta for 10 days in July as part of an SEO Scholars trip. SEO, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, is an academic program that helps low-income high school students attend college. American Prairie Reserve first partnered with SEO last year to give the city students an immersive introduction to rural life, the Montana prairie, bison, dinosaurs, prairie dogs, a rodeo, county fair and American Indians. Its directly in line with our goal for public access and enjoyment of that biosphere, said Hilary Parker, communications and outreach manager for American Prairie Reserve. Founded in 2004, the nonprofit American Prairie Reserve is working to create the largest nature reserve in the United States by purchasing ranches in central Montana. As part of that goal the group is also working to restore native species, such as bison, to the prairie. Its a place that appealed to Quizhpi, despite its removal from anything he has ever known or experienced. I miss it very much, he said. I had never been to the Mountain West, and I just imagined it was going to be in the middle of nowhere. There was some of that, but it was also really beautiful. I loved the prairie, hiking and the wildlife. Around here in New York we dont have such beautiful landscapes. Quizhpi moved to the United States from Ecuador when he was 8 to join his parents, who had immigrated north in search of the American dream, he said. Because of his native heritage, Quizhpi was especially intrigued by the SEO groups trip to the Fort Belknap Indian Community. During that portion of the visit, Quizhpi said the group helped a tribal medicine woman collect medicinal plants such as sweetgrass and yarrow. The lesson he took away from the experience was that the plants had given up their lives for him, so he should give thanks to the plants. The visit for the high school senior was so transformative that hes now considering taking the risk to attend college at the University of Montana and expanding his studies to include field biology after his contact with a variety of scientists during the APR trip. It felt welcoming, he said. The people there were really friendly and open. Siri Eliasen, who helped guide the students through their Montana trip along with instructors from the Montana Outdoor Science School and other APR staff, said she hopes the teens take a sense of wonder, concern for the environment and a zest for adventure back to their urban lives. Its a place that has already made a strong impression on Eliasen. A native of the Seattle area, she said the vastness of the prairie, how it goes on forever, was the most startling thing for her when she first visited the area about six years ago. That sense of wonder and vastness struck the group on two occasions when large lightning storms roared across the expansive prairie. We stood there in awe, said Yacine Fall. We were literally blown away by the wind. We saw lighting from 20 miles away and I was like, whoa. Fall, a 17 year old Harlem student, has visited strange lands before. She traveled to Senegal, her parents homeland, years ago. But shed never been to a place quite like the Montana prairie, which she found more diverse ideologically as well as ecologically. I thought it would be very conservative, she said. But Montana is more diverse than I expected it to be. It was also her first exposure to an array of wildlife, such as the bison herd that roams the American Prairie Reserve. I learned the importance of wildlife, she said. Id never been a wildlife person who advocated for animals. But now I understand that they are beings that should be advocated for. New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Friday adjourned sine die in the pre-noon session without taking up major business listed for the day, including the Appropriation Bill, even as a discussion on the draft National Education Policy remained unfinished. As per today's business list, the Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Employee's Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2016, were listed for consideration and passing but could not be taken up. The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2016 and the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016 were to be taken up for consideration and return to the Lok Sabha, as per today's agenda. The House, however, took up a motion for reference of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to a Joint Committee and nominated ten members to the panel. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House during the Zero Hour at around 11.50 am. Naresh Agrawal (SP) had raised the issue of Appropriation Bill, saying it seems the government does not want a discussion on it. He said the government was setting a "new precedent" by not allowing debate on the Bill. However, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Agrawal could have said so had the bill not been listed in the business. He said it was being listed for the last several days and "we had said, sit till late and discuss the bill". The House was also scheduled to take up further discussion on the draft National Education Policy - 2016, with several opposition members making vociferous demands for it to be taken up and the minister replying to the debate. Before adjourning the House, Ansari read out the valedictory remarks in which he detailed the work done in the House during the 240th Session which began on July 18. The Upper House approved 14 legislations, including the much awaited GST Bill, passed a unanimous resolution on the prevailing situation in Kashmir and debated other major issues during the "highly productive" monsoon session. "The Session commenced with high expectation. I am glad that the Session was highly productive. There were debates of national concern and discussion on many subjects," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present as the national song was rendered and the Chairman announced that "the House stands adjourned sine die". The 240th Session of Rajya Sabha, which commenced on July 18, had 20 sittings during which it deliberated for more than 112 hours. While 59 elected, re-elected and nominated members joined the House, BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned. In his statement, Ansari said "the incidents of violence in Kashmir Valley engaged the undivided attention of the House. The debate took ten hours of the House on two days." A unanimous resolution adopted after the debate appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony, with the House resolving to restore confidence among the people in general and the youth in particular, he said. The House also held an "animated debate" before passing the Constitution 122nd (Amendment) Bill, 2014 to enable introduction of a new indirect tax regime, Goods and Service Tax (GST), the Chairman said. In all, 14 government bills pertaining to different ministries, including finance, labour and employment, agriculture and farmers welfare, health and family welfare, and HRD were passed. Rajya Sabha also took up short duration discussions on issues regarding atrocities on dalits, price rise, status of implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, role of Governors in the light of developments that took place in Uttrakhand and Arunachal Pradesh and Draft National Education Policy. While 300 starred questions were raised, 333 supplementaries were also taken up. "It is very heartening to note that almost all parties got opportunities to raise supplementaries and participate in Question Hour," he said. Members raised 123 urgent public issues during Zero Hour, of which 21 were instantly responded to by the ministers. Members also expressed their concern on matters of public interest through 91 special mentions. They also got a chance to seek clarifications on four calling attentions on important matters as also on statements made by ministers regarding missing IAF AN-32 plane and Home Minister's visit to Pakistant to attend SAARC meeting. Fourteen private member bills were introduced. Further consideration of one private member's bill 'The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2015' was deferred. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Armed Force Tribunal (AFT) to constitute a special bench to hear and decide the plea of army doctors seeking raising of their age of superannuation, from 58 years to 65 in view of the public announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit directed the tribunal to expeditiously decide all the matters pending before it on the issue within three months. "Since there are various similar matters pending before the Armed Force Tribunal (AFT), the chairman of AFT is directed to constitute a bench to decide these matters expeditiously within three months," it said. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, appearing for the Centre, said that several similar matters are pending before the tribunal which has jurisdiction to decide the issue at hand. The bench granted liberty to the counsel Indrasen Singh and Sarvesh Singh, appearing for the army doctors, to withdraw the pleas and approach the tribunal. The apex court had earlier issued notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas but refused to grant any interim stay on the superannuation of the army doctors. The doctors, all of Colonel rank, including Amitabh Thapliyal, A K Hota, Yogesh Verma, have sought a direction to ministries of Defence, Health, Chief of Army Staff and Director General Armed Forces Medical Services that the notification of May 13 be followed to enhance their age of superannuation to 65 years. Their plea said that the notification, issued after the announcement made by the Prime Minister, is being followed in paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG and Assam Rifles. "Executive instructions have been issued by the Railway Ministry and other ministries/departments of the central government, thereby enhancing the age of superannuation of all medical doctors serving under the respective ministries/ departments to 65 years. "However, no such executive instructions have so far been issued in respect of the medical officers serving under the Ministry of Defence, including the medical officers belonging to the Army Medical Corps/Army Dental Corps (AMC/ADC) of Indian Army," the plea said. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on the Centre and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on it for not replying to a plea seeking framing of guidelines for vehicles carrying protruding objects like iron rods and stationary ones which cause thousands of fatal mishaps across the country. "Innocents are dying from haphazardly parked vehicles, protruding rods from trucks and for three years you did not change law or respond. "Due to your indifference, thousands of people are losing their lives. How can you ask for more time? You have not filed counter affidavit for more than a year," a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said observed while hearing a PIL filed by NGO Save Life Foundation. Initially, the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and reacted sharply when the lawyer sought a lenient approach and more time. "Is this a panchayat going on here? If you ask one more time then the cost would be Rs one lakh," it responded, forcing Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to intervene to save the day for the lawyer representing the Centre in the case. "Please grant one more opportunity," Rohatgi pleaded. The court then scaled down the fine to Rs 25,000 and granted four weeks time to the Centre to file the response. "Despite final opportunity granted for the purpose in terms of our order dated October 30, 2015, the counsel appearing for Union of India has not chosen to file any counter affidavit. The Attorney General who appears today seeks one more opportunity to do the needful finally. "Four weeks' time is granted to the respondent - Union of India -- for filing counter affidavit subject to the condition of payment of Rs 25,000 as costs to be deposited in the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Welfare Trust. Rejoinder affidavit, if any, be filed within one week thereafter," it said. At the outset, the Centre said that it has changed the law with regard to vehicles carrying protruding objects as they can only carry such objects protruding one metre more than the size of the vehicles. "You are the biggest litigant on the planet and this is your conduct. You have not filed the reply for so many years," the bench said, adding that the government, which does not respond, blames judiciary for the delay. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on the Centre for not filing it's response in a matter pertaining to road accidents. The Transport Ministry was fined by the apex court for not filing reply on accidents even after three years since PIL was filed. The case was being heard by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur. The CJI slammed the Narendra Modi-led NDA central government saying, Government is the biggest litigant, but it blames courts for not doing their work well. While strongly criticising Chief Justice Thakur had some strong words for the Centre. He said: You (Centre) have not filed counter affidavit for more than a year, is this a Panchayat going on here? The court imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the Transport Ministry After receiving flak from the top court, the Attorney General assured the bench that the government will file its response within three weeks. Islamabad: In an unprecedented move, Pakistan has shared intelligence reports with India about a possible terror attack on the Wagah border, a report said on Friday. The report said that the Pakistani administration has told the Indian authorities that two suicide bombers of terrorist outfits are planning to target the Wagah border. Reports further suggest that Tehreek-e-Taliban is planning to attack the Wagah Border between August 13-15. This comes at a time when New Delhi has been repeatedly asking Islamabad to stop cross-border terrorism and fuelling tensions in Kashmir. Pakistan continues to harbour terror outfits Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawaah. Recently, India gave enough evidence on Pak-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad's involvement in the Pathankot air base terror attack. But as expected the hostile neighbouring country rejected all. Moreover, terrorist Bahadur Ali, captured alive by the security forces, has confessed of being trained on the Pakistani soil by Lashkar. The National Investigating Agency on Wednesday revealed that LeT cadres have been successful in fuelling large scale agitation in Kashmir after EID subsequent to the death of Hizbul Mujahideen poster boy Burhan Wani in Kashmir. Panaji (Goa): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said that it is up to India to decide what its position will be on the South China Sea dispute.When asked whether he would like to make any statement on China seeking support from India on the South China Sea dispute, Yi said, "It is up to India to decide what position to take."Yi will be meeting his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj today and tomorrow. Both are expected to hold talks on various issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming multilateral meetings viz., G-20 Summit being held in China and BRICS Summit being held in India.Foreign Minister Wang last visited India in June 2014. Both Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Sushma Swaraj have been meeting regularly on the margins of multilateral meetings. Most recently, they had met in Moscow during the Russia-India-China trilateral meeting in April 2016. However, according to a report in China`s state-owned Global Times, Foreign Minister Yi may also use his visit to New Delhi to acquire a perspective and an assessment of Prime Minister`s Modi`s prior visits to Vietnam and Laos before landing in Hangzhou for participation in the G-20, ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, which could provide a greater insight into India`s "Look East-Act East" policy, as also New Delhi`s stand on the ongoing South China Sea (SCS) territorial dispute following the July 12, 2016 verdict of the international tribunal in favour of The Philippines. According to the report, Beijing is viewing Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Vietnam rather closely, given that Hanoi is also a party in the SCS dispute and has also staked a maritime and rich energy resource claim to use of its waters.Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Vietnam on September 2 and 3 to hold bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese leadership, including President Quang and Premier Nguy'n Xuan Phucon, will be centered on boosting bilateral trade, energy cooperation, oil exploration, defence ties, as also discussions on regional issues of mutual interest to both nations, which could focus on concerns over reported Chinese aggression in the SCS, Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Japan in 2015 and his interaction with Premier Nguy?n Xuan Phucon in Delhi. Last year`s joint vision statement issued by India and the United States with regard to developments in the Asia-Pacific region could also figure in the talks in Hanoi. As far as the territorial dispute related to the SCS is concerned, New Delhi has been a firm advocate of the "Right to Freedom of Navigation for all six countries located in its vicinity i.e. Brunei, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines and Vietnam.India could use this visit to Vietnam to state that China must consider not militarizing or blocking navigation on and through the South China Sea (SCS). Interacting with media in New Delhi recently, Vietnam`s Ambassador to India Sin Thanh appreciated India`s position on the South China Sea dispute, and said, "We do not welcome any militarisation in the region but welcome constructive engagement by other countries to make situation peaceful."There are reports in the media that India could take the talks related to offering Vietnam Indo-Russian manufactured Brahmos cruise missiles and other military hardware such as T-54/55 tanks and Mi7/8 helicopters during Prime Minister Modi`s visit forward.Government run Chinese media has said that India should not get entangled in the SCS dispute. New Delhi: Former Supreme Court Judge Markandey Katju is all praises for Keralites, whom he described as "the real Indians". The former Press Council of India chairman on Thursday wrote a Facebook post in which he mentioned that Keralites have in them the quintessential qualities of Indians. Writing further, Katju says Keralites live united and in harmony, and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians, and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. According to Katju, Keralites are found in every nook and corner of the world. "When I was a University student and lawyer in Allahabad I would often go to the Coffee House. I found that most of the waiters there were Keralites, and I became friends with many of them. In many hospitals in India and abroad the nurses are Keralites. I believe there is no illiteracy in Kerala," he wrote in the post. Here is the full post: Srinagar: The separatists have been fuelling tensions in Kashmir, ever since Hizbul Mujahideen poster boy Burhan Wani was gunned down by the security forces. The separatists, who have given a call for shutdown till August 18, have warned Kashmiri children to stay away from India's 70th Independence Day celebrations. They have also asked the children to organise a march on August 12 and 13 at Lal Chowk. The Hurriyat leaders leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Farooq have been put under preventive detention in Srinagar for the last 35 days. The Kashmir unrest, which started on July 9, has so far claimed 56 lives, including 54 civilians and two policemen. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a all-party meet to discuss the Kashmir situation. Curfew and restrictions have been imposed across Valley to prevent protests called by the separatists. The National Investigating Agency on Wednesday revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres have been successful in fuelling large scale agitation in Kashmir after EID subsequent to the death of Wani in Kashmir. Srinagar: Authorities on Friday imposed curfew and restrictions across Kashmir to prevent protests called by the separatists. Police said restrictions and curfew will remain in force in all the 10 district headquarters of the Valley in addition to Handwara, Kupwara, Sopore, Trehgam and Qaimoh. "These precautionary measures have been taken to maintain law and order in the Valley", a senior police officer said here. Separatists again issued a protest calendar on Thursday extending the protest shutdown till August 18. Separatists have called for a complete shutdown till August 18, but asked people to resume normal activities from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for some specified days. All senior separatist leaders continue to remain under preventive detention in Srinagar for the last 35 days. Authorities have also suspended calling faculties on all mobile phones except post paid mobile phones provided by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Internet facilities on all mobile phones have remained suspended. So far, 56 people including 54 civilians and two policemen have been killed in the ongoing unrest that started on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed. Jammu: With only six days left for the conclusion of this year's Amarnath Yatra, a fresh batch of 121 pilgrims today left for the twin base camps of Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas amidst tight security. The batch comprising 74 men, 10 women and 37 sadhus left in four vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir this morning, a police officer said. Yesterday 197 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine. Till date, 2,19,294 people have visited the shrine since the annual pilgrimage started from Jammu on July 1. The Yatra will conclude on August 18. To all concerned citizens of Southwestern Montana, Your government is trying to do away with an Air Ambulance Service that is currently based out of Helena and Bozeman About five years ago, the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital medical director approached St Vincents Hospital in Billings, asking them to place a hospital-based air ambulance in the Bozeman area. St Vincents determined that the Gallatin Valley residents didnt warrant their own air ambulance. Summit Air Ambulance answered the call, and at a cost to them of approximately $1 million, Summit Air Ambulance based an air ambulance at the Bozeman airport and then later another one in Helena along with a fixed-wing aircraft in Helena. Together, these three aircraft serve the residents and tourists of the greater Helena and Gallatin valleys. Imagine that you are severely wounded and will not survive transport by ground ambulance to the nearest hospital. One of these air ambulances can have you at a trauma center in Billings in approximately 20-30 mins. Or the Fixed wing aircraft can fly you to Seattle or Salt Lake in approximately 90 minutes. A little over one year ago, Reach Air Medical Services of California acquired Summit Air Ambulance. Reach Air Medical Services is a nationwide company with air bases in 32 states. All the pilots, flight medics and flight nurses are among the very best in the business and highly trained and skilled in their profession. I have had the pleasure of working with these folks on numerous ambulance calls where the injuries to the patient required them to be flown to a trauma center. The issues before the state subcommittee is that the three hospital-based air ambulance services (Billings, Helena and Great Falls) say that we of the greater Gallatin Valley do not warrant our own air ambulance service. They feel that you can wait for a helicopter out of Helena or Great Falls, if theyre not busy, to come to your aid in your greatest time of need. A number of state representatives and the state auditor say the same thing. They all want you to wait 60-90 minutes for an air ambulance to reach you and then fly you to proper advanced medical care. The state of Montana has mandated protocols when a patient is to be flown, but if we do not have a local air ambulance service, no, you wait Medical services are expensive, and yes, air ambulance services are very expensive, but, they are an extremely important and necessary link in the chain of survival, your survival. The true issue is that the insurance companies lack of proper payment. Ever wonder why in the hospital an aspirin costs $5? Thats because the insurance companies will only pay $0.05 for that aspirin, so it forces the medical providers to charge like that to have the insurance companies pay a sustainable amount. Reach Air Medical Services has a membership plan that helps ensure the cost of a medevac flight is covered. This plan is good in all 32 states where Reach Air Medical has air bases, none of the other hospital-based air ambulance services can say that. So please, flood your state and local representative with requests, even demand that Reach Air Medical Services stay operating in the greater Helena and Gallatin aalley regions of this great state. Pete Stock Captain of Three Forks Area Ambulance Willow Creek Rural Fire Department Srinagar: A magistrate, an SSP and three other police officers were among 47 people injured on Friday as stone-pelting incidents spilled over from Kashmir to Jammu region where violence took place in Doda district. Meanwhile, the authorities extended curfew to many areas of Kashmir and snapped mobile telephony as part of a bid to foil a march called by separatists. In the valley, more than three dozen incidents of stone pelting were reported from different districts including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara and Bandipora, a police spokesman said. 35 people were injured in these incidents and the ensuing clashes after Friday prayers. The violence spread from Kashmir to Jammu region with a mob turning violent after Friday prayers in Doda where some Muslim groups had called for a bandh and a protest march in "solidarity" with the people of Kashmir. "After Friday prayers, a mob turned violent and attacked the police party that was deployed in the town to maintain law and order and started pelting stones on them," Deputy Inspector General of Police (Doda Range) Nisar Ahmed said, adding 12 people were injured in these. "A duty magistrate who was there on the duty with the police was hit on head with the stones," he added. In the stone-pelting, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Zahid Naeem, SHO Uday Wazir, Sub-Inspector Kulbushan and two other police personnel were also injured. To disperse the mobs, police used cane charge and lobbed teargas shells, leaving six protesters injured. In Kashmir, one protester was hit by tear gas shell in the head during clashes in Tangmarg area of Baramulla district. He was admitted to a hospital in Srinagar and his condition is stated to be critical, a police official said. At least 12 people were taken to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura for treatment after they were allegedly thrashed by security forces during clashes in Ganderbal area of central Kashmir, the official said, adding all the injured were discharged after first aid. Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday slammed the administrative authorities and political class of Karnataka for trying to raze a portion of the house of martyred NSG commando Niranjan Kumar and dubbed the whole episode as an act of injustice. BJP leader Shaina NC told ANI that Kumar died for the nation and that it was time the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led government leave behind the hypocrisy and double standards. "Niranjan Kumar was not just a martyr but somebody who died for the country and you have the municipal corporation of Bangalore going and trying to demolish his house and saying that the Chief Minister will give an alternate plot and then accommodate him at a later stage. I want to say it`s time we give up this hypocrisy and double standards," said NC. "Clearly there is collusion between the bureaucracy, the administration and the political class in this particular case. And it`s a shame that we have done injustice to a martyr who died for the country," she added. However, Kumar`s family yesterday said that Niranjan was a national hero and sought more time from the government. "This is a national hero`s house and he has sacrificed for the nation. He has sacrificed dying for the country during a terror attack. He was one of the top NSGs. He was a leader of bomb squad. He disposed nearly 3000 cases of bombs. He has been trained in FPI. He was a one respectful man and one brave soldier. So we can take him as just another person in the public. He is a martyr and the nation should think about this and support us," Niranjan`s brother Shashank told ANI. The ongoing demolition drive by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for encroachment on storm water drains in the city also marked Niranjan`s house under its demolition list. BBMP has also marked many other buildings for demolition in Vidyaranyapura.It had identified and marked properties at Yelahanka, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura and Yeshwantpur. The residents of these areas have strongly criticised the BBMP officials for asking them to make alternative arrangements. Karnataka`s Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said if the house built by the family of Pathankot terror attack hero Niranjan Kumar is illegal, it has to be demolished.He further said that the family of the late NSG Commando can be provided with alternate accommodation, or the government can help them construct a new house. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier ordered action against 20 government officials for their involvement in encroachment of storm water drains in the city. New Delhi: Kerala Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Friday said MLAs from Kerala spent on an average 70 per cent of their total allowed expenditure in the assembly polls which concluded in June. The report released on Friday, after analysing expenditure statements as submitted by MLAs to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), found that across parties on an average about Rs 19.64 lakh of the prescribed 28 lakh was spent by the former on expenditures. The expenses documents procured by the two bodies show in detail the money spent on public meeting and processions, campaigning through electronic and print media, expense on campaign workers, expense on vehicles used and expense on campaign materials. According to Section 78 of Representation of People Act, 1951, every contesting candidate is supposed to submit a copy of his election expenses within 30 days of the announcement of the results. The data was made available through the report for 137 candidates out of 140 who contested elections. The expense details of the remaining three could not be published due to their unavailability on the CEOs website. New Delhi: Two teenagers from India are among the 16 global finalists for the sixth annual "Google Science Fair 2016" and they will now compete for the $50,000 scholarship, as announced by the US tech giant Google on Friday. Shriyank, 16, from National Public School, Bengaluru, has submitted his project titled KeepTab: A novel way to aid memory with deep learning algorithms! KeepTab is a wearable device-based solution which uses a cloud-based deep learning framework to aid human memory recall the location of day-to-day objects. Mansha Fatima,15, a junior at Sadhu Vaswani International School, Hyderabad, has focussed on creating an Automated Water Management and Monitoring System in Paddy Fields. The project aims to help farmers monitor water levels in rice paddy fields as well as automate water levels for the best possible crop yields. All the 16 finalists will travel with their families to Mountain View city located in Santa Clara County, California, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on September 27, 2016. From a breathalyzer test that could predict lung cancer to a carbon filter that may significantly decrease styrofoam waste, these top 16 projects from nine countries around the world represent the brightest ideas to make things better through science and engineering, said Andrea Cohan, Programme Lead, Google Science Fair, in a statement. (With IANS inputs) Ghaziabad: In a spine-chilling incident, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brijpal Teotia and five others were attacked by AK-47-wielding assailants here on Thursday. Meanwhile, three people, including a woman constable, have been detained for questioning by the UP Police. According to Meerut zone IG Surjeep Pandey, at around 7.20 pm, unidentified assailants came in a Toyota Fortuner SUV and opened fire at the Scorpio SUV in which Teotia and others were travelling. At least 100 rounds were shot using AK-47 rifles on Raoli Road off NH-58, say reports. Police put the number of attackers at four and said they also used 9 mm pistols. The BJP leader and five others were seriously injured in the incident, Pandey said, adding that even though the police launched a chase, the culprits managed to flee. The injured were initially admitted at Sarvodaya Hospital in Ghaziabad from where Teotia was referred to Fortis Hospital in Noida, the IG said. Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd) VK Singh today visited the Fortis hospital to meet the injured Bharatiya Janata Party leader. "The incident is unfortunate and the police are investigating the cause behind the attack. He is fine now and is being operated. His condition is much better now," Singh told the media after visit the BJP leader. As per information, the BJP leader was accompanied by 20 private gunners, in spite of that the assailants attacked his convoy. Tevatia is said to be a confidante of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has purportedly inquired about the incident from officials of the UP Police. Minister of State Mahesh Sharma had also met the injured leader last night. Meanwhile, The Times of India quoted ADG (Law & Order) Daljit Singh Chawdhary as saying: "We have seized one AK-47, two 9 mm pistols and another rifle from the spot apart from a huge cache of used and live cartridges. Preliminary investigations suggest some old enmity. We are investigating all angles. We have also roped in the Special Task Force to nab the attackers. As per the updates we received, Teotia's vital parameters were returning to normalcy." Teotia had contested the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election from Muradnagar constituency. Noida: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brijpal Teotia, who was attacked by armed assailants in Ghaziabad on Thursday, is currently on life support. Teotia is presently being treated at the Fortis Hospital in Noida. According to Gagan Sehgal, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, the BJP leader was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot injuries. Three surgeons have operated on him, added Sehgal. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said it is the responsibility of the Uttar Pradesh government to deal with the issues of law and order. Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Daljit Singh Chaudhary told media: "We`ve got many clues. We are also going through the matters of personal enmity. We will reach on to the conclusion soon and the culprits will be brought to book." "As far as the progress of this case is concerned, the police are working on different lines. Till now, we have seized an AK-47, a magazine, cartridge, two pistols and a carbine. We have also seized the Fortuner car, which was used during the attack," he added. The senior BJP leader sustained severe injuries after unidentified assailants opened fire on his SUV on Rawli Road while he was travelling from Murad Nagar to Ghaziabad. Teotia sustained five gunshot wounds during the attack which occurred at around 8 pm on Thursday. He was travelling with five other people, including his bodyguards. All of them were injured. (With Agency inputs) Lucknow: Police today recovered the vehicle used in attack on senior BJP leader Brijpal Teotia along with automatic weapons from "close to the place of occurrence". "The vehicle and the weapons, including an automatic rifle and a pistol, used in the incident have been recovered," said UP DGP Javeed Ahmad. "The focus now is on arresting the criminals," he added. Ahmed said police was investigating the crime from different angles and a team of forensic experts have been sent to collect evidences. "As far as background of the incident is concerned, we are working on two-three theories. There was an encounter two-three years back which revolves around rivalry. There is another angle related to a family, where triple murder case took place," said Ahmad. Unidentified armed assailants attacked Teotia yesterday in Ghaziabad around 7:20 PM. Five others were also injured in the attack. The attackers, who were chased by police, however, managed to escape from the spot. Police said that at least 100 rounds were fired from AK-47 rifles.Teotia contested the 2012 state Assembly elections from Muradnagar seat but lost and was preparing for 2017 polls. Lucknow: In a disturbing incident, a mother of two girls was burnt alive in front of her daughters by her in-laws at Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh on June 14, 2016. The victim's two daughters - 15-year-old Latika Bansal and 14-year-old Tanya - were at home when the family members burnt her. To the daughters' apathy, their father is also complicit in their mother's murder. After failing to get justice from the police, Latika wrote a letter in blood to UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav seeking justice for her mother. Speaking to `The Times of India', Latika said she cannot forget the fateful day. Recounting her mother's ordeal, the 15-year-old daughter said that her mother was tortured by her-in-laws for 15 years as she was unable to give birth to a male child. When her sister Tanya was born, she, along with her mother and younger sister, was thrown out of the house and had to stay on rent. The situation turned uglier on June 14 when Latika's grandmother, along with her relatives, visited their place and threatened that she would get her son marry with some other woman soon. This led to an altercation and the mother of two was set on fire. Latika said while her family members fled, she tried to call police helpline but no one attended it. Confirming the incident, Tarun Jindal, the victim's brother, said his niece had called him after the incident. Tarun said when he reached their place, he was horrified to see her burnt sister. He at once rushed her to hospital, but couldn't save her as she suffered 95 percent burn injuries. He told police that his sister's brother-in-law Rajesh Bansal and Latika's grandmother were the real culprits. They are still at large. The Bulandshahr Police stated that a case was filed by the deceaseds mother against eight people. The husband was arrested by police and currently is in jail. The police said the seven other accused named in the complaint had no role in the crime and maintained that the mother of two had committed suicide. Orlando: Republican Donald Trump tried to brush off the latest furor to envelop his struggling White House campaign on Friday, saying he was just being sarcastic when he called President Barack Obama and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton the founders of Islamic State. Trump used the unfounded description on Wednesday night and all day on Thursday during campaign appearances in Florida. In an interview on Thursday with radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said he meant what he said. "I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player," Trump said, using an acronym for the militant Islamist group, adding Clinton also deserved the award. But in a tweet on Friday, he called the comments sarcasm. It was the same tactic he used to try to quell the controversy after he invited Russia in late July to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton`s time as U.S. secretary of state. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) `the founder` of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON`T GET SARCASM?" he tweeted. Trump`s accusation against Obama and Clinton went well beyond a charge made in the past by him and other Republicans: that the president and former secretary of state helped create the conditions for the rise of Islamic State by withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. Trump scheduled a speech in Warren, Ohio, on Monday that will focus on how he would handle the threat posed by Islamic State. Trump has said he would "knock the hell out of ISIS," without offering details, and would persuade Gulf states to bankroll safe zones for Syrian refugees so they would not have to be brought to the United States. Trump, a New York businessman who has never held elected office, has been mired in repeated controversies in recent days. He drew heavy criticism earlier this week after he suggested gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was aimed at rallying votes against her. He trails Clinton in opinion polls ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Many establishment Republicans, alarmed by a steady flow of controversial remarks that have distracted from the campaign battle against Clinton, have distanced themselves from Trump in recent weeks. Nearly one-fifth of registered Republicans now want Trump to drop out of the race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday. On Monday 50 prominent Republican national security officials, including a former CIA director, called Trump unqualified to lead the country and said he would be "the most reckless president in American history." Trump has blamed the U.S. news media for taking many of his comments out of context, and on Thursday night, some of his supporters heckled and cursed reporters who covered the rally in a large arena in Kissimmee. Trump campaign officials were scheduled to meet with Republican National Committee officials in Orlando for what was described as a routine meeting to discuss operations in Florida, a battleground state that Trump needs to win. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus had privately expressed frustrations at Trump`s delay endorsing House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan in his primary contest for re-election. Trump was scheduled to hold rallies in Erie and Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Friday. Republicans frequently trace the birth of Islamic State to the Obama administrations decision to withdraw the last U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. But many analysts argue its roots lie in the decision of George W. Bushs Republican administration to invade Iraq in 2003 without a plan to fill the vacuum created by Saddam Husseins ouster. It was Bushs administration, not Obamas, that negotiated the 2009 agreement that called for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011. It started with a simple gesture. Find a few strangers, sit down at a common table and talk about some of the most uncomfortable topics that have divided us for decades. Race, power, politics. Most of us dont talk about these things with our own family let alone with people we dont know. But thats whats missing in these volatile times. We talk at each other. We talk past each other. But rarely do we talk to each other. The Beer Summit was established to make that happen. Back in the summer of 2009, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates was arrested by Boston police for being mistaken as an intruder breaking into his own house. To keep things from exploding, President Obama (who was a friend of Gates) invited the professor and the arresting officer to join him and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House for an afternoon chat over beers. Following that, Global Citizen established Philadelphias first beer summit. It invited folks from throughout the region to gather at a local watering hole, share a few suds and talk about those issues like racism that continue to keep communities apart. I had the privilege of being at the first beer summit and have been at every one since. Ive even served as a moderator at a session or two. Now, several years later, these settings are more meaningful than theyve ever been. With the growing list of victims from police shootings, attacks on police, and arguments over which lives matter, our conversations are confrontations. We start at the shouting stage and escalate beyond yelling. Regardless of which side of the argument, reasonable and calm dialogue cant make it above the din. But, to be honest, were really not talking at all. Instead, we find ourselves defensive and on edge making snap judgments in our interactions that too often result in violence. At the most recent beer summit, held last week, about 100 people from throughout the area gathered to work at the fine art of conversation. To hone that skill, the summit featured an exercise in which two individuals stood face to face with one another. For each difference between them, they were instructed to take a step back from each other. One was white. The other black. Step back. One was male, the other female. Step back. By the end of the exercise, there were enough differences on the surface alone to put a rooms length of distance between the two. But then, the dialogue began. It turns out that both grew up in the same neighborhood. They had connections in the same schools. Their children shared common experiences. And for each thing they found in common, they were instructed to take a step toward each other. The more they talked, the closer they became in proximity and in relationship. In the comfortable confines of the summit, these facilitated encounters are easy to make happen. The hard work comes when we step outside. Out there, were full of un-likeminded people. Having been fed a lifetime of stereotypes that reinforce our differences and keep our divisiveness intact, were full of distrust. But no one ever said finding common ground was going to be easy. Thats why we have to hone our skills in looking deeper than what we see on the surface. Sometimes it can take something as basic as a bottle of beer to bring people who might not otherwise have the occasion to sit down with one another to do so in the spirit of understanding and fellowship. At the end, its simply an invitation extended that begins and ends with a willingness to take the first step. From there, bridges can be built that can last a lifetime. David W. Brown is the visiting assistant professor of instruction in the School of Media and Communication at Temple University. He wrote this for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Brussels: Belgian authorities on Friday released three people who had been detained for questioning following anti-terror raids overnight in the capital Brussels, prosecutors said. The raids occurred as Belgium remained on high alert following deadly jihadist bombings in March and a machete attack against police officers a week ago. "All three were released," Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor`s office, told AFP. A judge decided there was not enough evidence to keep them in custody. The three, identified as Wassime A., Asma A. and Malika B., were detained following eight raids Wednesday night that were ordered by a judge investigating terrorism cases. The prosecutor`s office said no weapons or explosives were found in the six searches in the Brussels neighbourhood of Laeken, or in the raids in Evere and Anderlecht. Van Der Sypt also said the raids were not linked to an investigation into another "possible threat" the prosecutor`s office mentioned after it declared that bomb alerts on two Scandinavian airlines SAS planes from Oslo and Stockholm were false. The two planes landed safely in Brussels on Wednesday and searches of the aircraft turned up nothing. Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers struck Brussels airport and a metro station near the European Union headquarters on March 22, killing 32 people. Those attacks were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, which controls large areas of territory in Iraq and Syria and has claimed numerous terror strikes in Europe over the last year. A Belgian policewoman last Saturday shot and killed a machete-wielding Algerian man who wounded two female colleagues in the city of Charleroi, authorities said. IS, also called Daesh, ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility for the attack by the man who officials said had been living illegally in Belgium. Sofia: Bulgaria`s premier called Friday on the EU to stick by Turkey despite tensions since July`s coup, worrying his country will be swamped by migrants if a deal with Ankara breaks down. "It is important for me to safeguard our relations (with Turkey) so that we don`t see a wave of refugees. This is of vital importance," Boyko Borisov told Nova television. "I trust that my European colleagues are conscious that Bulgaria and Greece risk being confronted by an enormous problem," he said, referring to Turkey`s neighbours. The EU needs to stay on good terms with Turkey to keep intact an accord from March under which Turkey has stemmed the flow of migrants towards Europe. But Turkey-EU relations have soured since the July 15 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with European countries concerned by Ankara`s subsequent crackdown. Turkey has angrily rejected EU criticism that the purges might violate rights norms Ankara must meet under the agreement in return for visa-free travel and accelerated negotiations for bloc membership. If the refugees agreement falls apart, then "the migrants will remain in Greece and Bulgaria (because western European countries)... have all closed their borders," Borisov said. "We are very vulnerable. Europe has shut its borders. It`s Bulgaria that will be inundated," he said. Washington: Hillary Clinton on Friday released her 2015 tax returns, which showed the Democratic presidential nominee and her husband had $10.75 million in income that year and paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2 percent. In 2015, the Clintons made $1 million in charitable contributions, mostly to the Clinton Foundation; former President Bill Clinton brought in nearly $5.3 million in speaking fees; and the former secretary of state reported income of $3 million from publisher Simon & Schuster for her book on her tenure at the State Department. Clinton`s running mate, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, along with his wife, Anne Holton, released 10 years of tax returns. They paid an effective federal tax rate of 20.3 percent in 2015. "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," Clinton campaign aide Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement. "In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns." It is customary for U.S. presidential candidates to make their tax returns public, although they are not required by law to do so. Clinton`s tax returns have been made public, in some form, every year since 1977. Trump, a New York businessman, and his lawyers have cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service as a reason for his refusal to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one`s business and that they reveal little. "Your move," Clinton campaign aide Ian Sams said on Twitter, linking to the Democratic nominee`s returns. The Trump campaign dismissed Clinton`s action, saying in a statement: "This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection" from controversy about her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. The IRS has said Trump can release his tax returns even while under audit. On Thursday, Trumps special counsel, Michael Cohen, told CNN he would not allow Trump to release them until the audits are complete. Trump`s critics, including 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other fellow Republicans, have said his refusal raises questions about his net worth, his charitable contributions, his business dealings and various other ties, including with Russia. Clinton has pounced on the issue, releasing an online video on Friday highlighting high-profile Republicans urging Trump to release his taxes. On Thursday, she raised the issue during an economic speech in Michigan. "He refuses to do what every other presidential candidate in decades has done and release his tax returns," she told the crowd. Politico has reported that Trump paid zero to very little taxes for two years in the 1990s, and a New York Times business columnist on Friday quoted a number of tax lawyers and accountants saying that could still be the case. Federal tax rates have become an issue in the presidential election. Clinton has endorsed a rule named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett that would ensure those making more than $1 million a year pay a tax rate of at least 30 percent. President Barack Obama also backs the proposal. At a Clinton rally last week in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate is based there, challenged Trump to meet and exchange tax returns. Buffet said that he too was under IRS audit and Trump is "afraid" not of the tax-collection agency but of voters. Clinton`s campaign has released tax returns going back to 2007. The Clintons, who now live in Chappaqua, New York, paid an average effective federal tax rate of about 32 percent from 2007 to 2014 and an effective combined tax rate of approximately 40.5 percent. The Clintons` 2015 return showed that, unlike most Americans, just $100 of their income came from wages. Their main investment was a low-cost index mutual fund, and the Clintons reported dividend and interest income of $109,000. Hong Kong: Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos said today he had met with a senior Chinese official during a trip to Hong Kong aimed at improving ties between Manila and Beijing, with both sides working towards formal discussions. Relations have cooled since a UN-backed tribunal ruled last month that China's claims over most of the South China Sea were invalid, in a sweeping victory for the Philippines which brought the case. Ramos -- a longtime advocate of closer Philippine-Chinese ties -- was sent as a conciliatory envoy by current Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. In a two-day meeting in Hong Kong, Ramos said he had discussions with Madam Fu Ying, chair of the foreign affairs committee of the National People's Congress -- China's communist-controlled legislature. Fu Ying is a former ambassador to Manila. He also met with Wu Shichun, president of China's National Institute of South China Seas Studies. In a statement signed by Ramos, Fu Ying and Wu, the meeting was described as between "old friends" and had taken place "in a friendly atmosphere". It listed seven topics that had been covered, including marine preservation and co-operation on crime-fighting and smuggling. Ramos told reporters they had not discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but had talked about fishing rights there. "They discussed, in their private capacity, the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation between the two countries," the joint statement said. It added that all parties "looked forward" to the start of formal talks which it said would be continued in Beijing and Manila. Ramos said there would be a second round of discussions soon. "As to where this will take place we don't know yet. We have to go back to Manila to find out the latest developments on the official side," he said. Ramos took his characteristic informal approach to the press conference, asking reporters to stand beside him to ask questions and pose for the cameras, and telling one journalist to hold his stomach in while he spoke. Philippine-Chinese ties have frayed in recent years due to tensions over Beijing's claims to almost all the South China Sea. Beirut: Islamic State group fighters on Friday seized around 2,000 civilians as they fled the former jihadist stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, US-backed forces and a monitoring group said. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most IS fighters from the town last week, but a small number remained. "While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians," the SDF said. Manila: Japan and the Philippines have begun talks for the transfer of two large coast guard ships to Manila, to help patrol the disputed South China Sea, a Japanese foreign ministry official said on Friday, as part of a deal on defence equipment. The two brand-new 90-metre (295-ft) multi-role response vessels will be in addition to ten 44-metre (144-ft) mid-sized coast guard ships, worth 8.8 billion pesos ($188.52 million), that Japan is set to start delivering next week. "Both governments are looking into the possibility of getting two more vessels, this time the bigger ones," Masato Ohtaka, deputy spokesman of Japan`s foreign ministry, told journalists in Manila. "We`re in the middle of dialogue between the two sides, they are still discussing details and we need a little more time." The ship delivery figured in an 80-minute meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday in southern Davao City. "We talked about how Japan can help the Philippines in capacity building, particularly with regards to maritime security," Ohtaka added. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. China says it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognise the court ruling handed down last month in a case brought by the Philippines. Japan urged China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "We are very concerned," Ohtaka said, adding that developments in the East China Sea could parallel those in the South China Sea, where Beijing has stepped up the constant presence of its coast guard ships. Japan last week reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into waters Tokyo sees as its own near the disputed East China Sea islands it controls. China is reported to have put up radar and surveillance facilities in the area. "It`s not getting better in the East China Sea," Ohtaka added. Washington: More than 70 influential Republicans have signed a letter urging the party to stop spending money on Donald Trump`s presidential campaign and direct it instead to November`s congressional races, a news report said on Friday. "We believe that Donald Trump`s divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide," read a draft text of the letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, which was obtained by the Politico newspaper. It called for an "immediate shift" of party funding Senate and House races, to aid down-ballot Republicans whose own election prospects have been harmed by Trump`s unpopularity. "This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trump`s chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day," the letter said. The letter cited various actions by Trump that the signers said have "alienated millions of voters of all parties." "Those recent outrages have built on his campaign of anger and exclusion, during which he has mocked and offended millions of voters, including the disabled, women, Muslims, immigrants, and minorities," the letter said, according to Politico. "He also has shown dangerous authoritarian tendencies, including threats to ban an entire religion from entering the country, order the military to break the law by torturing prisoners, kill the families of suspected terrorists, track law-abiding Muslim citizens in databases, and use executive orders to implement other illegal and unconstitutional measures." So far, the letter has been signed by a number of key former party staff members and officials. Politico reported that it began circulating this week and is expected to be sent to Priebus next week. Colombo: Sri Lanka Friday signed a new deal to replace a controversial agreement with a Chinese company building a new city within Colombo to remove its freehold rights over reclaimed land after India voiced concerns over the agreement. The Sri Lankan government said the Chinese investor would be granted new land on a 99-year lease instead of the freehold in the original deal entered into when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Colombo in 2014. "The tripartite agreement has many features that are beneficial to Sri Lanka that was lacking in the 2014 agreement that is now being replaced," the government said in a statement. For its part, the state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) said it was cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government and confirmed entering fresh agreements over the USD 1.4 billion investment. The Sri Lankan government had put the project on hold pending a review of all the big-ticket agreements signed under the previous administration of Mahinda Rajapakse. The entire project has also been renamed "Colombo International Financial City" instead of the original title of "Port City" given to the reclamation of 269 hectares of land just next to the main Colombo harbour. CCCC said it expected the project to create 83,000 new jobs and help Sri Lanka attract another USD 13 billion in direct foreign investment to develop infrastructure within the reclaimed land. Last week, Sri Lanka formally said it was withdrawing permission for CCCC to buy the freehold to 20 hectares of land being reclaimed after neighbouring India objected and said there must be a new agreement signed. "India had a big concern about giving freehold land to China near the Colombo harbour," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told reporters at the time. "We have amended the agreement. There will be no freehold land but it will be on a 99-year lease." Former president Rajapakse relied heavily on Chinese investment to rebuild the country's infrastructure after the end of the island's decades-long ethnic war in May 2009, a move which some say alienated India. The Chinese-funded port was also controversial among environmentalists. Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a "string of pearls" strategy to counter the rise of rival India and secure its own economic interests. China, the largest single lender to Sri Lanka, secured contracts to build roads, railways and ports under Rajapakse, who is under investigation over allegations of corruption during his decade in power. Hua Hin: A string of bomb attacks targeting Thailand`s crucial tourism industry have killed four people, authorities said on Friday, sending authorities scrambling to identify a motive and find the perpetrators. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha called for calm and said he did not know who was behind the attacks, while analysts tentatively pointed the finger at Muslim insurgent groups in the south who have for years been fighting the Thai state. Twin bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including nine foreign tourists, and were followed by two more on Friday morning that killed another person. AFP journalists saw injured and bleeding people lying on the pavements shortly after the latest explosions, as emergency workers rushed to the scene and took them away in ambulances. A further two blasts struck Friday at Patong Beach on the popular tourist island of Phuket, while two more bombs were reported in the southern towns of Trang and Surat Thani, in each of which one person was killed. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," Prayut told reporters. "We should not make people panic more." "Why have the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism -- and who did it? You have to find out," he added. The two bombs that went off in Hua Hin on Thursday were hidden in potted plants and went off within 30 minutes of each other in the bar district of the popular beach town. While small bombings are common in the kingdom during periods of heightened political tension, there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists to be targeted. Britain and Australia reacted by advising their nationals to avoid public places. Hua Hin is home to the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) summer palace of Thailand`s revered royal family, and the firsts blasts came on the eve of Queen Sirikit`s 84th birthday and just ahead of the first anniversary of a Bangkok shrine bombing that killed 20. Hua Hin`s district chief, Sutthipong Klai-udom, told AFP that the first bombs were detonated by mobile phone. Staff at local hospitals said German, Italian, Dutch and Austrian nationals were among the wounded. "It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated. "I was just surprised that it happened here... now I`m thinking if it`s worth staying," he told AFP.Hua Hin is an upscale resort town about 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Bangkok, popular with both local and foreign tourists. The palace there has for years been favoured by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world`s longest reigning monarch. The 88-year-old is currently hospitalised in Bangkok for a number of health issues, a source of anxiety for many Thais and a key factor in the kingdom`s past decade of political turmoil. Paul Chambers, an expert on the Thai military, said rebels from the south were prime suspects in the blasts. "The culprits are most likely Malay-Muslim insurgent groups fighting the Thai state in the deep south," he said. "The attack on Hua Hin seems like a direct affront at the Kingdom of Thailand. Hua Hin is home to a royal palace... also, the bombing comes on the queen`s birthday." Zachary Abuza, an expert on Southeast Asian militant groups, said that although the southern insurgents had not carried out coordinated attacks for years, "it`s not that they haven`t or couldn`t, it`s just been a while". "Whoever has perpetrated these wants to do serious damage to the Thai economy. That is where the junta is the most vulnerable." Thailand`s military rulers, who seized power in 2014 after a decade of at times violent political unrest, have touted an increase in stability in the kingdom as a major accomplishment of its rule. The junta on Sunday saw its new version of the constitution approved in a referendum, although the three insurgency-hit provinces rejected the controversial statute.Thailand`s reputation as the "Land of Smiles" has suffered in recent years from political unrest and a number of high-profile crimes against foreigners. But tourists continue to flock to its white, sandy beaches and Buddhist temples. The kingdom is expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016, with the tourism industry a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre economy. The latest blasts came just days before the first anniversary of the last major attack on tourists in Thailand -- an August 17 bomb that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists. That blast ripped through a crowded Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok and stunned the kingdom as the deadliest assault in recent history. Two Uighur men from western China have been accused of the attack and are due to go on trial later this month. Both have denied any involvement. London: A UK government review of the country's voting system released today has found evidence of fraud among Britain's Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. In a report presented to Prime Minister Theresa May, former UK communities minister Eric Pickles has called for reforms to the voting system including piloting some form of identification at polling stations and warned that political correctness was resulting in fraud going unchecked in these South Asian communities. "Evidence was presented of pressure being put on vulnerable members of some ethnic minority communities, particularly women and young people, to vote according to the will of the elders, especially in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi background," the report says. "There were concerns that influence and intimidation within households may not be reported, and that state institutions had turned a blind eye to such behaviour because of 'politically correct' over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion," it adds. The review was commissioned after last year's court case over postal voting fraud, which resulted in the disqualification of Lutfur Rahman as Tower Hamlet borough's elected mayor in east London. "Last year's court ruling in Tower Hamlets was a wake-up call that state bodies need to do far more to stamp out corruption and restore public confidence. It was local residents who lost out from the crooked politicians who bullied them and wasted their money. The law must be applied equally and fairly to everyone," said Pickles as he launched his findings and 50 recommendations. "The worrying and covert spread of electoral fraud and state of denial by some bodies threatens our nation's proud heritage as the 'mother of Parliaments'. It is time to take action to take on the electoral crooks and defend Britain?s free and fair elections," he said. His review was set to examine what steps are necessary to stop voter registration fraud and error, postal voting fraud, impersonation, intimidation, bribery, treating and undue influence and recommending to government what practical changes are needed to legislation, guidance and practice. "This report will be an important contribution to our fight against all types of fraud in the UK. We will look closely at the recommendations," said Chris Skidmore, UK minister for the Constitution. As a native Montanan who went to school in Bozeman, I know Montana students receive a high quality education. After moving out of state for work and experiencing schools outside of Montana, my wife and I decided to move back to Montana to raise our family. Montanans value public education, and that is why Melissa Romano, a public school teacher from Helena, is the right choice for our next superintendent of public instruction. No matter where they live in Montana, regardless of their background, every child of this state deserves a high-quality education that will prepare them to succeed in life beyond the classroom. In order for that to happen, Montana needs an advocate for education and high quality teaching as our superintendent of public instruction. Thats what makes Melissa Romano perfect for the job. Melissa Romano is an award-winning teacher, recognized locally and nationally as an outstanding educator and leader. Melissa develops rigorous lessons that challenge students to succeed, lessons that are used by fellow educators across the country. We need that leadership and understanding of how to challenge our youth at the helm of our public schools. We need someone like Melissa who understands what quality instruction looks like, and understands how to motivate students to achieve beyond what even they think is possible. We need someone like Melissa who will stand up for public schools, teachers and students. Thats why Im voting for Melissa Romano for superintendent of public instruction, and I hope you will too. Danny Waldo Bozeman Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday unexpectedly dismissed his close ally and powerful chief of staff Sergei Ivanov, in the highest-level change inside the Kremlin in several years. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin had "decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties" and handed him a job as a special representative for conservation, environmental and transportation issues. Ivanov -- who served together with Putin in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency -- was replaced by his deputy Anton Vaino. Russian state-media quickly aired footage of Putin thanking a smiling Ivanov for his work and presenting the move as a mutual decision. "I remember well our agreement about the fact you had asked not to be in this area of work as the head of the presidential administration for more than four years," Putin said. "This is why I am sympathetic to your desire to move on to another field." Ivanov, a reputed hawk who served as defence minister from 2001 to 2007, was appointed Kremlin chief of staff in late 2011, months ahead of Putin`s 2012 re-election. Ivanov pledged to work "actively, dynamically and effectively" in his new position. He will remain a member of Russia`s powerful security council. His replacement Vaino, a 44-year-old ex-diplomat, has served as his deputy since 2012. Many observers had considered Ivanov a leading candidate to take over from Putin as president when his second term ended in 2008. But the Kremlin strongman handed over the top job to current Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev before reclaiming it in 2012. Ivanov`s dismissal comes as Russia gears for parliamentary elections next month against a backdrop of economic crisis caused by Western sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine and falling oil prices. Putin recently reshuffled a string of top regional officials in a move experts say is aimed at helping the Kremlin shore up the vote across the country. Russia is set to hold its next presidential election in 2018. Putin is widely expected to run again for a new term. MISSOULA -- A locomotive burst into flame earlier this week near the spot of the disastrous Alberton chlorine spill in 1996, but this time there were no hazardous materials on board the train. No one was injured in the latest in a string of mishaps since April on the Montana Rail Link, which runs from Idaho to east of Billings. Frenchtown Rural Fire spokesman Mel Holtz said the Burlington Northern Santa Fe engine was the middle of three pulling a general merchandise stack container train eastward toward Missoula. The fire was reported by the MRL crew at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Holtz said the fire department responded to the scene a few miles west of Alberton at the end of Plateau Road. Heavy smoke and then flames were showing and were easily visible from Interstate 90 when firefighters arrived. Two crew members separated the locomotives from the rest of the train, Holtz said, "but with the diesel electric it was a little tricky making sure everything was shut down. It was roughly 40 minutes before the diesel pumps could be turned off and the fire dissipated enough to get water on it. After that it was extinguished within 10 minutes. Montana Rail Link spokesman Jim Lewis said rail traffic in both directions was held up for roughly four hours, delaying four trains. The line reopened shortly before 10 p.m. MRL did the initial investigation into the fire's cause. Lewis said the locomotive was to be shipped to a BNSF shop to complete the investigation. In early April an MRL employee, 57-year-old Richard Schmitz, died in a collision between a train and the small utility vehicle Schmitz was driving in the Missoula yard beneath the Scott Street Bridge. The crash was ruled accidental by a Missoula County coroner. The body of Alan Jay Willis, 65, of Minneapolis was found by MRL employees near the east end of the Mullan Tunnel northwest of Helena on July 29. A Lewis and Clark County deputy coroner said Willis died of multiple blunt-force traumas caused by a freight train. A backpack and water bottle belonging to Willis were found on a train in Drummond later in the day. On Saturday a man escaped with minor injuries Saturday when a train clipped the rear end of his van at a fishing access site near Springdale, between Big Timber and Livingston. According to news reports, Montana Highway Patrol said the train was traveling an estimated 30 mph when it hit the vehicle, which had paused on the tracks as its driver watched a couple of motorcyclists near Interstate 90. The van was spun around and thrown into the air. It landed on its side 20 feet down the road. Holtz said the Alberton incident was the first response to a train locomotive emergency since he started with the Frenchtown department in 2004. In April 1996 a 19-car derailment released some 60 tons of poisonous chlorine gas, killing one person, hospitalizing at least 11, and forcing the evacuation of 500 people and the closure of I-90. Montana Rail Link actually came out five or six months ago just to put on a class on locomotive emergencies, and fire was part of it, Holtz said. That helped a lot. YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. A meeting was held between Chairman of the Government of Adjara Zurab Pataradze and Armenias Consul General to Batumi Yeghishe Sargsyan, Armenpress was informed from the Armenian Consulate General in Batumi. At the meeting the sides discussed the need to establish direct flights between Yerevan and Batumi in order to develop tourism. The sides discussed issues related to the trade-economic cooperation and the development of tourism. The Consul General expressed readiness to organize joint cultural events. A cooperation is being held between Armenia and Adjara for years in numerous directions. The region is in partnership with brother-cities which must be more intensified in the future, Pataradze said. In recent years the number of Armenians visiting Adjara has been significantly increased. Armenia ranks the 3rd in terms of the number of international visitors to Georgia from the very start of the year. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Prime ministers of EEU member states held an informal lunch prior to the 12th inter-governmental session. The global economic situation, EEU member states economic situation, issues of improving integration cooperation and the upcoming sessions agenda were discussed during the meeting, Russian PM Dmitry Medvedevs spokesperson Natalya Timakova said. DILIJAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Dilijan city hosted the 5th International Leonid Yengibaryan Pantomime Festival. Unique performances were held in the resort towns outdoor amphitheater by artists from Armenia, Russia, South Africa, Georgia, and Ukraine. The audience reacted with excitement and applause to each performance. I think this festival has a significant place in the background of Armenias cultural life. Pantomime is the universal language of theatrical life. There are no language barriers for understanding it, the connection of the audience and artist is direct. Each of us can interpret Pantomime in a unique way. It is a universal and democratic art. I am proud Armenpress is contributing its share for the festival to become one of the most important events in the global agenda of Pantomime art, Aram Ananyan, Director-General of ARMENPRESS News Agency said. The 5th International Leonid Yengibaryan Pantomime Festival was launched on August 10 in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia. The festival debuted in 2008. The festival formed the culture of live sculpture in Armenia. Pantomime genre is very diverse, and I want to present a large palette to the audience. People like different performances. It is necessary to provide people will the opportunity of choice. Classical, modern and other genres are performed, Zhirayr Dadasyan, Artistic Director of Yerevan State Pantomime Theater said. The festival will last until August 15. STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Overnight August 11-12 Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime over 40 times in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. Azerbaijan fired more than 370 shots from various caliber small arms at Armenian positions. The Defense Ministry of NKR told ARMENPRESS the Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation and continue confidently carrying out their service. YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. The UN is investigating evidence of a toxic gas attack on a rebel-held area of the Syrian city of Aleppo, BBC reported. Rebels said the attack - which reportedly left four people dead and many injured - was carried out by government forces using chlorine gas. The UN special envoy for Syria said a chlorine attack, if confirmed, would amount to a "war crime". Footage obtained by the BBC shows people with breathing difficulties receiving treatment at a hospital. Men, women and children are shown being fitted with oxygen masks by medical staff. The gas is thought to have been chlorine dropped in a barrel bomb, said the Syrian Civil Defence - volunteer emergency response workers who operate in opposition-held areas. UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura confirmed the global body's experts were investigating reports of a gas, believed to be chlorine, being dropped on Aleppo. "There is a lot of evidence that it actually did take place," he told reporters. "If it did take place, it is a war crime and as such it would require everyone... to address it immediately." A man receiving treatment in hospital said he had been in the Zebdieh area of the city, where he lives, when two missiles landed near him and a group of friends. "And a few minutes later, the smell of gas started spreading... and I felt my eyes burning and difficulties in breathing," he said. "The smell was very strong - beyond any description." A medic at the hospital said they had received a lot of casualties, who were "all ages" including children and elderly people. "When we examined these casualties, we realised it was due to chlorine," he added. Chlorine is a common industrial chemical, but its use in weapons is banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. A series of blasts across Thailand has targeted tourist towns, killing four people and injuring dozens, BBC reported. In the resort town of Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, four bombs exploded over the last 24 hours. Several blasts also hit the island of Phuket, one Thailand's main tourist destinations, on Friday. No group has said it carried out the attacks, but suspicion is likely to fall on separatist insurgents. The timing is sensitive, as Friday is a holiday marking the queen's birthday. The attackers appear to be focusing on tourist hotspots. So far there have been: Four blasts over 24 hours in Hua Hin where two people have died Two blasts in Surat Thani where one person has died Two blasts in the tourist beach town of Patong on Phuket island One blast in Trang where one person has died Blasts in the beach province of Phang Nga Hua Hin is about 200km (125 miles) from Bangkok while the province of Phuket is in the far south. Both places, as well as Phang Nga are known for their scenic beaches. Surat Thani saw two explosions in front of police stations within the space of half an hour. Police on Friday said they had detained some suspects but ruled out international terrorism and said that any links to the southern insurgency were unclear. A spokesman said "fire bombs" had caused some of the explosions. The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that if southern rebels are behind these attacks, it would mark a significant change of tactics. The 12-year conflict in the south has killed more than 6,000 people, but has never targeted tourists. Security has been tightened in the tourist areas and at airports in southern Thailand. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. IOM reports that 264,513 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2016 through 11 August, arriving mostly in Greece and Italy. IOMs Missing Migrants Project reports migrant and refugee fatalities in the Mediterranean have already surpassed the total for the first eight months of 2015. The project recorded the deaths of 3,151 migrants and refugees through Thursday (11 August), a decrease from Tuesdays count, because a data re-check put at 20 the number of bodies recovered off Libya last week. Earlier, IOM reported 50 victims of various nationalities were washed ashore in Al Mayah. IOM Libya reported that in its latest update from Libyan authorities one body washed ashore on 8 August at Al Zawiyah. The victim of unknown nationality is believed to have been from a boat that sunk 3-4 days prior, which witnesses estimate was carrying 182 passengers. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The narrow format meeting of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council Prime Ministers has launched in Sochi. This is the 6th meeting since the EEU was launched back in January of 2015. The agenda of the session includes the proceedings in the EEU Customs Code draft. The new document aims at facilitating product turnover. In addition the PMs of Armenia, Belarus, Kirgizstan, Kazakhstan and Russia will discuss issues of a single-market of pharmaceuticals. The Eurasian Intergovernmental council is defined as one of EEUs entities. Sessions of the council are held upon necessity, but at least twice a year. The agenda is formed by the Eurasian Economic Commission, based on proposals of member states. The council is chaired by Kazakhstan. The previous session was held in Yerevan on May 20, 2016. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Special Investigations Service is taking immediate investigative measures to identify and apprehend all individuals responsible for excessive force against citizens and obstruction of press freedom. As of August 12, six criminal cases are under investigation at the SIS, regarding the July 17-31 cases of misconduct, obstruction of press freedom, obstruction of attorneys service and excessive force by police officers in Khorenatsi Street, Freedom Square and nearby areas, Sari Tagh, Gyumri city square and Ashtarak Police department. According to reports police officers have injured various individuals in the abovementioned period, have subjected people to violence after detaining, caused physical injuries and detained people for a period longer than defined by law. In addition, police officers have allegedly obstructed reporters from their activities, and the attorneys from legally assisting the detained. All necessary investigative measures are taken to reveal the guilty perpetrators. Investigation continues. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. According to political analyst Richard Giragosian, it is unlikely for the Russian-Turkish relations to be some kind of a threat for the West. In terms of the crisis in Turkish-Russian relations, despite Turkish frustration with the West and a fresh clash with the United States, the West should fear many things from both Russia and Turkey, but fear over a Russia-Turkey convergence would be neither prudent nor prescient. In fact, the West should actually embrace and encourage the de-escalation of the crisis between the Russia and Turkey, Giragosian told ARMENPRESS. In his words, the improvement of Russian-Turkish ties cannot replace or be an alternative for the Turkey-West relations. And despite the current crisis in Turkish relations with the West, the Turkish leadership is smart enough to remain aligned with the West. Turkey realizes that beyond the bluff and bluster, Russia is still operating from a position of fundamental weakness and insecurity, he said. According to Giragosian, it will take much more than a one-time presidential summit to overcome the inherent rivalry between Russia and Turkey, and there is much more that divides the two countries than unites them. And in the wake of Turkeys failed coup, an emboldened Turkish president will only seek to enhance his own position. From this perspective, it is the West, much more than Russia that matters most to Turkey, especially as Turkey recognizes that its own strategic significance is still crucial for Western interests, Giragosian said. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said he does not rule out that diplomatic relations with Ukraine could be severed, if there is no other option, TASS reported. I would not like this to end this way. However, if there is no other option to influence the situation, the president can probably make such a decision," Medvedev said when asked whether severance of diplomatic relations was possible in the wake of Kievs attempt to carry out terrorist attacks in Crimea. "The final decision is made by the president who oversees the countrys foreign policy." The prime minister said he considered the subversion act in Crimea a crime against the Russian state and its people. "To my mind, this is undoubtedly a crime committed against the Russian state and the people of Russia living on one of its territories - Crimea," Medvedev said. Medvedev also said he regretted the sabotage attempt in Crimea adding that it was likely sanctioned by "a country close to" Ukraine. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on August 12 the USD exchange rate was 476.20 AMD which is a decrease of 0.05 drams compared to the previous day. Armenpress reports that the Euro increased by 0.09 drams forming 530.87 drams. British pound droped by 0.87 drams forming 616.87 drams, Russian ruble remained unchanged 7.36 drams on August 12. The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 309.42 AMD, gold-20,745.3 AMD, and platinum-17,836.36 AMD. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Constitution of Armenia guarantees freedom of religion and stipulates the separation of religious organizations and the state, but also recognizes the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) as the national church and preserver of national identity, Armenpress reports, the US Department of State has published International Religious Freedom Report for 2015. The report on Armenias part estimates the total population at 3.1 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2011 census, approximately 92 percent of the Armenian population identifies with the AAC. Other religious groups include Roman Catholics, Armenian Uniate (Mekhitarist) Catholics, Orthodox Christians, evangelical Christians, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, charismatic Christians, Jehovahs Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of The East, Pagans, Molokan Christians, Yezidis, Jews, Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims. The Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes the freedom to change ones religion or beliefs and the freedom to manifest religion or belief in rituals of worship, such as preaching or church ceremonies, either alone or in community with others, in public or in private. The constitution establishes separation of religious organizations and state. At the same time, it recognizes the exclusive mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church as a national church in the spiritual life, development of the national culture, and preservation of the national identity of the people of Armenia. The constitution prohibits the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms for the purpose of inciting religious hatred. It allows conscientious objectors to military service to perform alternative civilian service, the report said. A December 6 referendum approved major amendments to the constitution which became effective on December 22, 2015. The changes included allowing restrictions on the expression and practice of freedom of religion in order to protect state security. The amended constitution incorporated a preexisting legal provision allowing alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors in lieu of military service, stated in the report. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. On August 12 President of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakyan held a meeting with representatives of the parties functioning in the Republic during which issues related to the constitutional reforms' doctrine were discussed, press service of the NKR Presidential administration informed Armenpress. The NKR President highlighted the role of the political parties in constitutional reforms, welcomed their readiness to participate in this process underlining that constructive discussions would only raise the efficiency of the carried out activities. NKR National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghoulyan and other officials took part in the meeting. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The International Youth Day event, which was held in the UN Office in Armenia on August 12, aimed to find solutions to issues of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development together with the youth, reports Armenpress. UN Resident Coordinator Bradley Busetto said the Armenian youth is very active and can have their input on the solution to global issues. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moons video message has been shown during the event where he attached importance to youths role to solve the future issues. When we invest in youth, they can contribute to new markets, decent jobs, fair trade, sustainable housing, sustainable transport and tourism, and more opportunities that benefit the planet and people. Let us empower young people with the resources, backing and space they need to create lasting change in our world, Ban Ki-moon said. The Sustainable Development Goals seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what these did not achieve. They seek to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. The Goals will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. The Goals determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Islamic State terrorist groups have abducted nearly 2000 civilians in northern Syria, The Daily Star reported. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most of the ISIS fighters from Manbij last week, but dozens continued to put up a tough resistance. While withdrawing from the city the ISIS fighters have abducted around 2000 civilians. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Ombudsmans representatives have visited Yerevan Kentron and Nubarashen penitentiaries of the Ministry of Justice, the Ombudsmans Office informed Armenpress. During the visit the Ombudsmans representatives held separate private meetings with a number of imprisoned people. Within the framework of unannounced visits, they examined the imprisoned people's conditions, the provision of their rights, as well as the relevant documents. Based on the meeting and examination results respective letters will be sent to the Ministry of Justice and the criminal prosecution bodies. Such kind of unannounced visits to penitentiaries will be continuous. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. On August 12 at 16:13 an emergency called was received that non-functioning production facility was burning in No 23 house yard at Central Street of Argavand village, Armenia. 4 fire brigades, operative groups of Crisis Management Center left for the scene, "Armenpress" was informed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The fire was localized at 16:26 and extinguished at 17:22. The wood production facility was completely burned. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Prime Ministers of the EAEU member states have reached principled agreements on the new option of the EAEU Customs Code during the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session, press service of the EEC Board informed Armenpress. According to the document, the customs formalities in the external borders will be consolidated, and the conditions on carriage of goods will be significantly simplified. During the session other documents were approved which are necessary for forming single market of medicines in the EAEU member states. It will enable to create a single market of medicines with a single procedure of medicines registration. The Prime Ministers of the EAEU member states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Tigran Sargsyan participated in the session. Tigran Sargsyan said the Customs Code is the document for which the business has been waiting for. He added that the document has been developed in partnership with the business circles of the EAEU member states and it took into account all the comments. It is obvious this document will contribute to deepening the integration processes within the Eurasian Economic area, Tigran Sargsyan said. The Eurasian Intergovernmental Councils session was held on August 12 in Sochi. A planned four-day strike by British staff on the Eurostar rail service between Britain and mainland Europe will be suspended overnight A planned four-day strike by British staff on the Eurostar rail service between Britain and mainland Europe, which began Friday, will be suspended overnight to allow further talks, strike organisers said. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union (RMT) called the strike over shift patterns, saying its members should have "a fair crack when it comes to anti-social hours". Following talks, it later said the strike would be halted at midnight Friday to allow "further, detailed negotiations after some progress in talks", but said that the dispute remained "live". A Eurostar spokesman said it was "pleased to hear" that organisers had agreed not to strike over the weekend. On Friday, only two trains one from London to Brussels and another from Brussels to London were cancelled. The strike would have hit Monday's public holiday in France and Belgium and threatened the busy summer holiday season across Europe. Another strike was due to be held for three days over the weekend of August 27, which includes a public holiday in Britain, but is now on hold. "Our Eurostar train manager members are solid, determined and united this morning as they kick off the first phase of strike action in a fight for a decent work/life balance," RMT general secretary Mick Cash said earlier. By Catherine Bennett MADRID (Reuters) - Authorities in Barcelona have stepped up a crackdown on homes illegally rented out to tourists via homesharing websites such as Airbnb, ordering hundreds to be removed from listings and hitting firms with a fine, while threatening more in the future. Barcelona is not the only European city to take a swipe at Airbnb, which has rapidly expanded across the globe and often come into conflict with local rules. This year, Paris conducted raids on illegally sub-letted apartments and Berlin imposed a ban on owners renting out entire properties. Barcelona's town hall said on Wednesday it would fine both Airbnb and fellow online rental firm, Homeaway, 60,000 euros ($66,918) each. If the companies continue to refuse to regulate their own users, the fine would jump to 600,000 euros each, a source from the town hall said. Airbnb said in a statement it would appeal any fine issued. Barcelona's leftist mayor Ada Colau, who took over last June and froze the granting of new tourist licenses for homes and hotels, has launched a plan to stop people from letting out their homes without a license via homesharing websites. On Wednesday, her town hall ordered 256 apartments to be taken down from such platforms and said it was investigating over 400 other potential offenders. She has blamed the sharp rise in Airbnb's popularity for greater tension among residents who fear an increase in 'binge tourism' and have protested against rowdy visitors. The number of people using Airbnb in Barcelona has tripled to 900,000 in the three years prior to 2015, its own data shows. The new plan will see the creation of a multi-lingual website that invites people to identify and denounce unlicensed tourist accommodation, and a free-to-call telephone number allowing locals to expose neighbors that break the rules. In the last month, 375 complaints had been made on the website, the town hall source said. Owners that wish to rent out property to tourists must apply for a license and display it on any online advertisement. A team of 20 inspectors set up by the town hall is tasked with rooting out those who fail to jump through the legal hoops. The measures come during a record year for tourism in both the Catalan capital and Spain as a whole, with the number of passengers coming through Barcelona's El Prat airport up 13 percent in June against last year, according to Spanish airport operator AENA. The European Commission published guidance on the sharing economy for member states in June, saying that new business models can boost jobs and growth in the European Union, if encouraged and developed responsibly. ($1 = 0.8966 euros) (Reporting by Catherine Bennett; Editing by Angus Berwick and David Evans) The Better Business Bureau is gearing up for back to school by warning students to keep an eye out for scams leading up to the fall semester. Evan Kelly with BBB says post-secondary school students are highly susceptible to scams, especially at this time of the year. "They're affected with what's called an optimism bias, which makes them feel very vulnerable and basically ignore any safety precautions," he said. Look out for these scams Kelly says there are several common scams to watch out for. Examples include: - Roommate/rental scams. Beware of "fake roommates" who are out of the country, but can provide the rent up front in the form of a money order. Fraudsters send a sum higher than the amount requested and then ask to cash it and wire back the rest. - Employment. Beware of ads that pop up near campus offering jobs with "no experience necessary." Often, these "opportunities" are bogus. They could be another cheque-cashing scheme. If you are interviewed at all or in a hotel lobby and have to pay for everything, including training, travel, lodging, food, etc., associated with the job, forget it! - Online shopping deals. This scheme involves a scammer posting a much-wanted item for a steep discount online. The catch? The site asks you to wire payment to them instead of using a credit card, which should ring alarm bells. Once the money is sent, the item is never received. Kelly suggests meeting in person to avoid falling victim to most of these scams. "You don't want to respond to anyone who claims to be out of the country and going to be there soon," said Kelly. "That's just a big red flag, you don't want to send any money to anyone you've never met." He also recommends calling the BBB or local authorities if you do end up being scammed. By Allison Lampert and Matt Scuffham MONTREAL/TORONTO (Reuters) - The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec on Thursday said it would take control of a major cement project in Quebec hit by massive cost overruns, and agreed to a new C$250 million ($192.56 million) round of financing to complete it. Caisse, already an investor in the project, said it would invest an additional C$125 million with funds managed by BlackRock Alternative Investors which is also investing C$125 million. Quebec's public pension fund said the new funds would be sufficient to complete the project. A spokesman for the Caisse said the McInnis Cement project faced between C$400 and $450 million in cost overruns and that it had insisted on a "change of control and a change in management" for the C$1.1 billion cement project in Quebec's Gaspe peninsula. The change will give the Caisse a controlling stake in Beaudier Ciment, the controlling shareholder of McInnis, the spokesman said. Beaudier, the private investment arm of the founding family of Canadian plane and trainmaker Bombardier Inc , will now hold a minority stake in Beaudier Ciment. Laurent Beaudoin, a former Chief Executive of Bombardier Inc and family member, will remain chairman of the McInnis board. The Caisse, however, now controls seven out of the 11 seats. Caisse re-affirmed the potential profitability of the project and repeated a change to the executive team that was announced last week. Last week, McInnis announced in a statement that Chief Executive Christian Gagnon had left the company and it had started an international search for his replacement. The project was launched in 2014 with the target of producing up to 2.5 million tonnes of cement a year. It was backed by the Quebec government which contributed C$350 million in investment and loans. Beaudier contributed C$150 million to the project, local media reported at the time. (Refiles to correct in paragraph 7 to show that changes to executive team were announced last week, not that the changes were announced on Thursday.) (Reporting by Allison Lampert and Matt Scuffham; Editing by Diane Craft) By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A judge on Thursday rejected Citigroup Inc's bid for a preliminary injunction to stop AT&T Inc from using the phrase "AT&T thanks" on a customer loyalty program, which the bank called too similar to its trademarked "thankyou." U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest in Manhattan said Citigroup has not shown that customers would likely be confused, or that it would suffer irreparable harm, if AT&T kept saying "AT&T thanks" while the bank's lawsuit continued. She also said AT&T provided solid evidence that forcing it to start saying something other than "AT&T thanks" would cause an "expensive and significant disruption." Citigroup had no immediate comment. AT&T said in a statement it was pleased with the decision, and maintained that "the law does not allow one company to own the word 'thanks.'" The fourth-largest U.S. bank by assets sued AT&T on June 9, one week after the Dallas-based phone company launched "AT&T thanks" in a dispute that threatened to damage a co-branding relationship dating to 1998. Citigroup said AT&T went too far, having known it would object after the New York-based bank had since 2004 extensively used "thankyou" on its own customer loyalty and reward programs. According to court papers, Citigroup's "thankyou" programs have about 15 million members in the United States, and 1.7 million customers there have AT&T co-branded credit cards. But in her 30-page decision, Forrest said the companies are targeting different markets, finance and telecommunications, and use different logos, typefaces and colors in their marketing. She said this counteracts the slogans' "obvious similarities, at least when considered in the abstract: 'AT&T THANKS' and 'THANK YOU' share five central letters, are partially pronounced similarly, and both convey a message of gratitude." Forrest also found no evidence of consumer confusion, and said Citigroup's evidence of what it called "many negative comments" about the "AT&T thanks" program show that consumers in fact could distinguish it from the bank's program. The judge has not ruled on whether AT&T actually infringed Citigroup's trademark. The case is Citigroup Inc v. AT&T Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-04333. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool) Houses of district Rudow are pictured in Berlin, Germany, May 29, 2016. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/Files BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Economic stagnation in France and Italy contributed to a slowdown in growth in the euro zone from April to June after a strong performance in the first three months of the year, estimates showed on Friday. Gross domestic product in the 19-country currency bloc expanded 0.3 percent in the second quarter from the first and was up 1.6 percent compared with the same quarter last year, statistics agency Eurostat said, confirming market expectations and its own initial data issued in late July. The quarterly rate of growth halved from January-March's 0.6 percent expansion, while the annual rate of growth was only marginally slower than the first quarter's 1.7 percent. The slowdown was mainly due to France and Italy reporting no growth in the quarter, offsetting relatively robust readings for Spain and the Netherlands of 0.7 percent and 0.6 percent respectively. Italy's standstill was below the expected 0.2 percent growth and adds to the woes of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who in autumn faces a constitutional referendum on which he has staked his job. Growth in Germany, the bloc's biggest economy, slowed to 0.4 percent in the second quarter from 0.7 percent in the first, but that was better than the 0.2 percent consensus forecast of economists polled by Reuters. "Today's German and Dutch flash GDP estimates surprised to the upside, more than offsetting a flat GDP print in Italy," Marco Protopapa, economist at JPMorgan, said in a note. The stronger-than-expected German data helped the bloc as a whole avoid a downward revision from Eurostat's preliminary estimates for the quarter, as some economists had feared. "The fact that Q2's growth rate was not revised down from the 'preliminary flash' estimate of +0.3 percent was something of a relief after the additional national data released earlier this morning," said Jonathan Loynes of Capital Economics. The euro zone's smaller economies fared well. Belgium's GDP grew 0.5 percent on the quarter, faster than the 0.2 percent rise in the first three months of the year. Story continues Greece emerged from a mild recession in the first quarter, posting 0.3 percent growth in the April-June period. The European Union economy grew slightly faster than that of the euro zone, expanding 0.4 percent on the quarter and 1.8 percent compared with the same period last year. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Foo Yun Chee and Hugh Lawson) The skyline of lower Manhattan is seen as people lay on the grass in Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., May 27, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (Reuters) By Olivia Oran (Reuters) - Big Wall Street banks are asking the U.S. Federal Reserve to grant them an additional five-year grace period to comply with a financial reform regulation known as the Volcker rule, people familiar with the matter said. If the Fed agrees, the extension would give banks more time to exit fund investments that are difficult to sell, but no longer allowed by the law. The added grace period, which follows three one-year extensions, would start next year and run through 2022. The law on Volcker rule implementation says banks can ask for an extra five-year extension for "illiquid" funds, where banks had contractual commitments to invest. In deciding whether to grant Wall Street more leeway, the Fed has asked banks to provide details on their specific investments to prove that they fall under the statutory definition of "illiquid," said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss non-public regulatory discussions. Those seeking the extension include Goldman Sachs Group Inc , Morgan Stanley , JPMorgan Chase & Co and some other banks, the sources said. They are making their push in part through Wall Street lobbying group the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). "SIFMA is working with our members to ensure that regulators have the data they need to adequately appraise the situation," the association said in a statement to Reuters. Congress intended to provide "an appropriate transition period" so that banks could exit illiquid funds without disrupting markets, SIFMA added. The banks and the Federal Reserve declined to comment. The Volcker rule, named after former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, is part of the sweeping 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law. It aims to reduce risk-taking by preventing banks from using their own capital to make speculative bets. Critics say its many loopholes with exemptions for activities like merchant banking and foreign exchange trading have made it less effective than it was intended to be. Story continues "It's laughable that the biggest, most sophisticated financial firms in the world claim they can't sell the stakes year after year," said Dennis Kelleher, CEO of non-profit Better Markets. "Everyone else in America has to comply with the law and Wall Street should also." TOUGH CALL The Fed has already granted three one-year extensions for compliance with a broader provision of the Volcker rule regarding stakes in hedge funds and private equity funds the maximum number of extensions it could provide in that context. The new requests, which were widely expected, concern only "illiquid" fund investments. The Fed risks criticism for giving Wall Street more wiggle room, but also risks blame for fire-sale losses or for banks and their investor clients getting tied up in court if they are forced to exit certain contractual agreements quickly. Before the crisis, big banks had proprietary trading desks that made bets on market direction, as well as in-house hedge funds, investments in external hedge funds and co-investments alongside clients in internal private-equity funds. Underlying assets could range from investments in private companies to real estate and long-dated derivatives. While the regulated banks have spun off much of that activity, bankers say there are still some investments that do not contractually expire for years or lack a liquid market for an immediate sale. But disclosures are few and far between, making it difficult to independently discern how truly illiquid the investments are. Banks are now asking the Fed for more time to exit stakes in funds they deem to be illiquid, sources said. In response, the Fed is demanding more details about why the funds, or their underlying assets, are considered illiquid, how much time it would take to exit the investments and what efforts have been made to exit investments sooner, sources said. In granting banks its final one-year extension last month, the Fed said it would soon provide details on how it will address illiquid funds. Banks have been selling down non-compliant investments over the last several years, with Goldman having reduced its exposure by more than half since mid-2013. Yet in regulatory filings, banks have said they may face difficulty in getting rid of those investments by upcoming deadlines. As of June 30, Goldman Sachs held $7 billion worth of private equity investments, real estate holdings and hedge funds affected by the Volcker rule. In March, Goldman said it expected to sell the majority of those stakes before the July 2017 deadline, but it removed that language in its most recent quarterly filing. Morgan Stanley, which has about $3.2 billion in real estate and private equity funds, recently said it expected to be able to divest much of those investments. But the bank said in a second-quarter filing that it expected to ask for further extensions "for certain illiquid funds." JPMorgan has around $1 billion in hedge funds, private equity and real estate investments. (Reporting by Olivia Oran in New York; additional reporting by Patrick Rucker in Washington D.C.; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Tomasz Janowski) By Jessica Dye (Reuters) - Lawyers for Volkswagen AG vehicle owners will seek up to $332.5 million in fees and costs for their work in a $10 billion settlement over claims the automaker used software to cheat on emissions testing, according to a court filing. The filing late Wednesday in a federal court in California said Volkswagen and the plaintiffs' lawyers have not yet agreed on how much the attorneys will be paid. Volkswagen has agreed to pay reasonable costs and fees in connection with the settlement announced in June, which covers vehicles with 2.0-liter engines. In the filing, the lawyers said they will request no more than $324 million in fees and up to $8.5 million to cover other costs for a total of $332.5 million. Lead lawyer Elizabeth Cabraser said the amount was far less than the "judicially established benchmark" for class actions of approximately 25 percent of the settlement amount. "But this is not an ordinary case, this is not an ordinary settlement, and this will not be an ordinary fee request," the filing said. She said that various reports had speculated that lawyers' fees could be as high as $3.5 billion. A final request will require approval from the judge overseeing the litigation. Fees will be paid separately by Volkswagen, and not deducted from the settlement fund, according to court filings. Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan said the automaker will pay attorneys' fees that "reasonably reflect" the work of the lead plaintiffs' lawyers in connection with the settlement, adding the decision ultimately rests with the judge. Those lawyers said affected owners and lessees have given "overwhelmingly positive feedback" about the deal. A hearing on final approval of the settlement is set for Oct. 18. The settlement stems from litigation against the German automaker after it admitted last year it intentionally misled regulators by installing secret software that allowed U.S. vehicles to emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution. Under the deal, which received preliminary approval last month, owners of up to 475,000 vehicles will be eligible for buybacks, lease termination and other compensation. Volkswagen will also will pay $4.7 billion for environmental remediation and promoting emission-free vehicle technology. The deal does not cover similar unresolved claims over approximately 85,000 vehicles with 3.0-liter engines. Volkswagen $14.7 billion settlement cleared another legal hurdle last month after a federal judge gave the automaker preliminary approval to buy back up to 475,000 vehicles. (Reporting by Jessica Dye in New York; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington, D.C.; Editing by David Gregorio and Jeffrey Benkoe) SELLER: Mike Medavoy LOCATION: Beverly Hills, CA PRICE: $11.95 million SIZE: 8,829 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms YOUR MAMAS NOTES: Although more likely a simple case of overly optimistic original pricing rather than incontrovertible evidence of the much-yammered about slump in the high-end real estate market, Mike Medavoy has slashed the asking price of his Beverly Hills home by a whopping $1 million dollars in one fell swoop from $12.95 million to $11.95 million. The radically reduced price still profitably well above the $8.2 million the veteran super-producer paid for the gambrel-roofed mansion in June 2013 but a far cry from the in-hindsight woefully rose-tinted $14.995 million price tag the property was saddled with when it first came up for sale more than 1.5 years ago. The 8,829-square-foot residence, described in listing details as a Hamptons Traditional, sits at the precipitous edge of a deep ravine on 1.86 acres along a gated and celebrity lined street where a few of the other homes are owned by Demi Moore, Jon Voight, Frank Mancuso, Jr., and Channing Tatum. The two-story entry, with classically elegant black and white marble checkerboard floor, opens to a navy blue walled media room, sunny library with fireplace, and formal dining room with bay window and another fireplace. The step-down formal living room, with hardwood floors and another fireplace, adjoins the family room that has yet another fireplace plus a wet bar and is open to the spacious and expensively outfitted marble-countered kitchen. There are four en suite guest/family bedrooms, one staff bedroom, and a master retreat with French door flanked fireplace, private balcony with open views, and sky-lit bathroom with twin vanities, jetted tub, and two-person shower. A detached, two-story structure positioned across the circular drive from the front of the main house provides garaging for three cars another garage attached to the house will hold two more vehicles along with additional living space upstairs suitable for a home office, gym or guesthouse. The living room, family room and window-lined breakfast nook all open through French doors to the private, tree and shrubbery surrounded backyard that features flagstone terraces, built-in grilling station and bar, swimming pool with inset spa, and a small bit of well-watered lawn that gives way to panoramic canyon, mountain and sky views over the neighboring mansion that belongs to West Hollywood restaurateur and reality television star Lisa Vanderpump of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Story continues Mister Medavoy, who has half of a dozen projects in various stages of production, and his globe-trotting wife, Irena, are property gossip column regulars who, over the last six or seven years, have bought and sold a handful of multi-million dollar homes in some of Los Angeless most expensive zip codes. In the fall of 2009, after they first attempted to sell it with a wildly sanguine $23.5 million asking price, they unloaded a 10,729-square-foot mansion in the illustrious Beverly Park enclave for $12.5 million to Mexican magnate Isaac Oberfeld. The couple followed up that sale with the $5.85 million purchase of an approximately 6,200-square-foot spread in the Trousdale Estates area of Beverly Hills they flipped less than a year later, in June 2010, for $7.5 million. They next paid, in September 2010, $6 million a 9,020-square-foot mock-Med mansion in the guard-gated Mulholland Estates community that they sold just six months later for $6,999,999 million to Charlie Sheen who, in turn, unloaded the house at a significant loss in late 2015 for $6.6 million. And, finally, in the spring of 2011 the peripatetic pair paid $6 million for 5,437-square-foot house on a sloping lot overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club that this property gossip then described as a faux-Tuscan Renaissance Revival style villa due to a lack of more discernible or specific vernacular and that was sold for $7.8 million in 2013, just before they bought they house they now have for sale. Listing photos: Hilton & Hyland Related stories NatGeo Adapting 'The Long Road Home' With Mike Medavoy & Mikko Alanne AFM Taps Mike Medavoy, China Film's Miao Xiaotian as Speakers Japanese Deep Sea Manga '6000' Being Adapted as Movie By Matt Scuffham TORONTO (Reuters) - Caisse de depot et Placement du Quebec, Canada's second-biggest public pension fund, warned of weak global growth in the years ahead after market volatility led to a sharp fall in its investment return in the first half. The Caisse, which manages pension plans in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec, said on Friday its average return fell to 2 percent from 5.9 percent in the same period the year before. The pension fund said the performance was ahead of a 1.3 percent return from the benchmark portfolio against which it measures itself. Net assets grew to C$255 billion ($197 billion) at the end of June, up from C$248 billion at the end of 2015. The market environment changed significantly over the past year and global economic uncertainty led to more volatility in stock and currency markets, Chief Executive Michael Sabia said in a statement. "Greater political instability in several parts of the world has added to the fundamental issues - economic rebalancing in China, lower corporate profits in the United States, insufficient reforms in Europe - and points to weak global growth for the years ahead," he said. On a conference call, he expressed concern about the impact Britain's vote to leave the European Union will have on the rest of Europe, but said the vote's fallout could present opportunities if valuations fall. "We'll continue to look at this situation as presenting at least as many opportunities as it does challenges. We're going to keep a close eye on investment opportunities both in the UK and potentially in Europe," Sabia said. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board warned on Thursday of ongoing uncertainty from the UK vote, which curbed gains in its investments during the last quarter. Since Sabia was appointed in 2009, the Caisse has sought higher returns by investing a larger percentage of its funds in assets such as infrastructure and real estate as an alternative to equities and low-yielding government bonds. The fund is one of the world's ten biggest investors in infrastructure and real estate, but equities and bonds still make up the majority of its investments. Fixed-income investments produced a 3.8 percent return during the period, with investments in assets like real estate and infrastructure producing a 2.5 percent return. The fund made a 1.4 percent return from its equity investments. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Bernard Orr and Jeffrey Hodgson) By Angela Moon NEW YORK (Reuters) - Twitter Inc denied on Thursday rumors that the social media messaging service will be shutting down in 2017, denouncing the claim as groundless. "There is absolutely no truth to the claims whatsoever," a spokesman for Twitter said in an emailed response to a Reuters request for comment. Social media started buzzing with the hashtag #SaveTwitter early on Thursday, with more than 100,000 tweets mentioning the hashtag by early afternoon. It was unclear how the rumor started although some tweets said it originated from a Twitter user who complained about online bullying and Twitter's poor handling of such abuses. Twitter has been criticized for not doing enough to police abusive behavior on the messaging service, and has struggled to find the right balance between free expression and blocking violent or hateful speech. Last month, Twitter permanently suspended a number of user accounts for harassment, including that of Breitbart tech editor Milo Yiannopoulos, vowing to redouble efforts to thwart abusive behavior and block repeat offenders from the social media site. Twitter shares rose 3.6 percent to $19.73 at mid-afternoon. (Reporting by Angela Moon; Additional reporting by Melissa Fares; Editing by Richard Chang) Assessment California Colleges Gain Access to Online Diagnostic Assessment Tool California Community Colleges will now have access to a new tool for offering online diagnostic assessments. The result of a partnership between the California Community Colleges Online Education Initiative (OEI) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the new agreement will make the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator, from SmarterServices, available to colleges through the foundation's purchasing program. The program, CollegeBuys, offers discounts on education technologies for California community colleges. Previously, the Learning Readiness Indicator was only available to OEI pilot colleges. The online diagnostic assessment is designed to measure factors such as learning style, life circumstances, personal attributes, technical competency and knowledge, rate and recall of on-screen reading and speed and accuracy of typing. "Online student readiness is one of the most important factors that will impact whether or not a student will succeed in a course," said Pat James, OEI's executive director, in a news release. "Making SmarterMeasure available to all California Community Colleges allows these students to be fully informed about their individual challenges with online learning." Books Kentucky State U Offers Free E-Textbooks for All Students Beginning this fall, Kentucky State University (KSU) will provide all of its students with free e-textbooks for their courses in an effort to boost student success rates by providing equitable access to course materials. According to Aaron Thompson, interim president of the university, some students can't afford to buy traditional textbooks that can cost between $100 and $300 each. "We want our students to be successful, and numerous studies have shown that if students do not have their books during the first few days of school, their success rate is seriously diminished," he said in a prepared statement. The university partnered with Pearson to launch its Digital Direct Access initiative, which provides students with digital course materials, along with around-the-clock technical support and Smarthinking online tutoring services. The program also provides course instructors with data analysis of students' online learning activities. Pearson is offering the university e-textbooks for a flat fee that is up to 60 percent less than the cost of traditional textbooks. In turn, the university is offering scholarships to all of its students to cover the cost of the e-textbooks, making them essentially free for the students. "We want to ensure that all our students have equitable access to required course materials the very first day they walk into the classroom," said Candice Jackson, acting vice president for Academic Affairs of the university, in a prepared statement. For students who don't have a computer to access the digital learning materials, the university offers the option of renting a computer for a small fee or using one of the campus computers available in the dorms, computer labs and library. Kentucky State University is located in Frankfort, KY and serves approximately 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- People whose parents and grandparents suffered from depression are at much higher risk of developing the illness, a new study suggests. The research found that if a person's grandparent and parent each had depression, their own odds for the disorder tripled. "In this study, biological offspring with two previous generations affected with major depression were at highest risk for major depression," concluded a team led by Myrna Weissman of Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, in New York City. One expert in brain health stressed, however, that depression is never inevitable, even for members of families with a history of the disease. "While family history increases the risk factor for depression, it does not mean that someone will definitely become depressed," said Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, president of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation in New York City. He said the take-home message is that "people should be aware of their family history and immediately seek help if they are experiencing symptoms, since depression is very treatable." The study involved 251 young people averaging 18 years of age, plus their parents and grandparents. Compared to young people whose parents did not have depression, those whose parents had major depression were twice as likely to develop the same illness, and were also at higher risk for disruptive disorder, addiction, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and poorer functioning. Young people with both a depressed parent and depressed grandparent had a three-fold increased risk of major depression, the team found. Dr. Victor Fornari directs child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y. He said the new research is important because, "no prior study to date has demonstrated the impact of the family history of depression in both the parents and the grandparents with direct interviews of the three generations." Because intervening early may help prevent or treat depression, "obtaining the family history of depression in children and adolescents beyond two generations is now clearly important," Fornari believes. The findings were published online Aug. 10 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. More information The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more about depression. General Motors said in a statement it was working with the companies to ensure traceability throughout its natural rubber supply chain (AFP Photo/BILL PUGLIANO) (GETTY/AFP/File) Detroit (AFP) - Difficult negotiations between Detroit's Big Three automakers and employees in Canada have opened with the workers' union taking a hard line over warnings the country's auto industry is under serious threat. Canadian plants have steadily lost jobs to Mexico during the past 25 years, and unless the negotiations produce job guarantees and investment commitments, the auto industry will continue to contract, Jerry Dias, president of the union representing 23,000 workers for General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Canada -- said on Thursday. "We are at a crossroads," he told reporters during a news conference after negotiations with Fiat Chrysler and Ford opened in Toronto on Thursday. "There will be no deals with any of the companies without commitments from each of them for investments in Canada," said Dias, who heads the Unifor labor union. Negotiations with GM began on Wednesday. The union wants guarantees GM will build new products at the company's assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, a commitment from Ford to build a new engine at its motor plant in Windsor, Ontario and an investment by Fiat Chrysler at the automaker's plant in Brampton, Ontario. The factories in Windsor and Oshawa could close in two years without new investments, wiping out hundreds of jobs, Dias said. New investments by the three automakers -- all of which have heavily invested in new factories in Mexico during the last decade and refurbished plants in the United States -- would also create hundreds of spinoff jobs that would bolster the Canadian economy, which is overly dependent on the energy sector, he added. The union would not hesitate to use strikes to enforce the its demands, Dias warned. "We hope we don't have to go there, to be candid," he said, adding that a walkout in Canada would cross the border, forcing GM to close as many as nine US assembly plants. - 'Zero interest in concessions' - Story continues The union also expects workers at all three Detroit automakers to get raises in any new contracts. "We have zero interest in concessions," Dias said. "There is no reason for us to step backward." "The reality is they are making a heck of a lot of money," he added, saying it would be only fair for workers who have not seen a raise in a decade to share in the profits. Roughly 25 percent of the vehicles manufactured in North America were assembled in Canada before the industry's financial crisis in 2008. Now the country assembles only around 15 percent of the cars and trucks built on the continent, according to figures supplied by Unifor. The drop in production has had a knock-on effect for shrinking automotive suppliers in Ontario. Manufacturers are also concerned about the cost of utilities and logistics as well as the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar. But analysts have said the union faces a tough battle against automakers that have the upper hand. Representatives from General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler have said little publicly about the negotiations so far. - Need to remain competitive - GM said in a statement issued as the talks got under way that it looked forward to the negotiations with Unifor, which replaced the Canadian Auto Workers union in 2013 after it merged with other unions in the communications, energy and paper industries. "These negotiations are an important first hurdle in building a business case for future investments in Canada," GM said. "This business case will also include other partners, such as government, suppliers and our communities," it added. Fiat Chrysler cited its recent investment in the company's Windsor assembly plant. The company "has a longstanding history of working collaboratively with Unifor, which has helped strengthen our position in the Canadian market since 2009," it said in a statement. "As we head into these negotiations, we look forward to continuing that partnership while reaching a labor agreement that will sustain the companys competitiveness over the long term," it added. Ford also stressed its need to remain competitive. "We approach the process with a shared goal -- to pursue long-term viability for Canadian auto manufacturing," the company said in a statement emailed to reporters after negotiations opened. "The global landscape has significantly changed in four years, and through our discussions well need to find innovative ways to be competitive and support our employees quality of life." The autoworkers may strike if no agreements are reached by the time existing contracts expire in little more than a month. The high water mark in the Republicans ongoing attack on the Affordable Care Act was reached in early January. Thats when the Republican-controlled Congress finally approved a spending bill to dismantle the controversial national health insurance program and sent it to President Obama. Senate leaders had employed obscure budget rules to force the measure past the Democratic minority, and the House with its huge GOP majority, finally powered through the legislation and sent it to the White House. Related: Obamacare Insurers Are Looking for a Taxpayer Bailout Although Obama promptly vetoed the legislation that posed a threat to his signature health care program, Republicans declared that they had finally demonstrated after five years of effort that they could rescind Obamacare with a Republican president. We have now shown that there is a clear path to repealing Obamacare," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), said in a statement. So, next year, if were sending this bill to a Republican president, it will get signed into law." Republicans seemed to have the wind at their backs in their crusade to dismantle a government-sponsored insurance program that had weathered two major legal challenges that reached the Supreme Court and has come under repeated fire for incompetent management practices and excessive premium hikes and co-payments. The program enacted in 2010 has been beset by a rash of financial and economic problems that have forced nearly half of its non-profit co-ops to go out of business and prompted insurance giants United Healthcare Humana to pull out of some of the markets. Mark Bertolini, CEO of Aetna, said massive losses have forced his company to rethink their commitment to Obamacare in 2017. Related: Get Ready for Huge Obamacare Premium Hikes in 2017 Whit Ayres, a veteran Republican pollster and political adviser, said that Obamacare may be in good shape politically if Hillary Clinton is in the White House, but it certainly is not in great shape economically. Story continues You have numerous reports of major insurance companies basically pulling out of Obamacare, he said. You have other reports about how the people who are left tend to be sick people who desperately need insurance. And the reason is, that among others, the young people who are healthy are supposed to be the economic backbone of Obamacare. But the deductibles and premiums have gone up so much for healthy young people that theyre dropping out or not participating at all. You have a very unstable system, and the chickens are coming home to roost now, with the fundamental structure of Obamacare that was not built to sustain such a massive program, he added. So I dont buy the presumption at all that it is somehow in good shape. It has major problems that will have to be addressed by the next President and the next Congress. Related: Heres Proof that a Single Payer Health System Could Break the Bank Repeal and replace Obamacare became the mantra of a large field of Republican presidential candidates throughout the 2016 primary. Donald Trump and other GOP presidential aspirants scrambled to present credible plans to replace a program that now serves more than 20 million Americans, most of whom are on expanded Medicaid. But in the aftermath of Trumps astounding political meltdown since the mid-July Republican National Convention, the GOP is facing the prospect of a Democratic blowout in November that would permanently shatter any prospects for replacing Obamacare. Trump is falling like a stone in many national and statewide polls and is suffering unprecedented defections from many prominent Republican lawmakers and policy experts. Just this week, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine became the seventh GOP senator to dump Trump. Related: If Clinton Is Elected, Get Ready for Taxpayer Funded Nationalized Health Care Politico reported on Friday that a small handful of moderate House Republicans engaged in tight reelection races have abandoned their anti-Obamacare rhetoric in trying to appeal to voters. Rep. Bob Dold of Illinois, who is seeking reelection in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country, said that Unless there is a bipartisan solution to fix the law, I don't think we should be taking symbolic votes" to repeal it. Lara Brown, a presidential scholar, and director of the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, says that terrorist attacks in Europe and the U.S. and unrest throughout the Middle East have shocked the public and dictated a change in political discourse along the campaign trail. I think what has happened is that the presidential narrative has turned to focus more on foreign policy and less on domestic policy, she said. Related: Obamacare: Costs Go Up, Insurers Drop Out and Consumers Get Screwed Its becoming clear that the air has gone out of the anti-Obamacare movement, although 2017 premium shock hasnt quite hit yet. Clinton, the former secretary of state, is leading Trump by as much as 10 percentage points in the latest polls. She is also showing surprising strength in some traditionally red states, including Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, as well in more traditionally Democratic swing states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia. If she goes on to win big in November -- and helps carry the Democrats to a strong showing in the congressional races -- then it will be game over for Trump and the anti-Obamacare forces. Related: Heres Why Obamacare Is So Important to Hillary Clinton Clinton was a strong defender of Obamacare during the primaries, to the point of scolding challenger Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont for suggesting a single-payer, national health care program that she argued would undercut the presidents signature legislative achievement. Although she has often signaled a willingness to amend the program to address a number of problems, such as the inadequate risk pools to protect private insurers from major losses, her election would guarantee the perpetuation of Obamacare for at least another four years. Whats more, panic-stricken Republicans will be lucky to hang onto their narrow 54 to 46 seat majority in the Senate and prevent the Democrats from making huge inroads in their majority in the House. Regardless of how the congressional elections turn out, it is now inconceivable that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) could muster 60 votes to pass new repeal legislation. Even the Republicans use of the obscure budget reconciliation rules to push through anti-Obamacare legislation with a simple majority would appear highly unlikely with a rejuvenated Democratic party putting up roadblocks. Related: Clinton and Obama Launch Their Mutual Support Group Obamacare is only in trouble if Republicans win the White House and both houses of Congressand probably a large Senate majority, said Larry J. Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist. The chances of this for 2016 are now zero. So Obamacare has years to run before any major changes can be seriously attempted. Joseph Antos, a health care expert with the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, agrees that from a strictly political standpoint, Obamacare is moving into a safe harbor. Politically, I would say that the Affordable Care Act under Hillary Clinton is safe, without any question, he said in an interview today. I dont see any movement either in the courts or in Congress that would do anything that would fundamentally change what is there. But there is the possibility, with Clinton as president, that there would be some improvements in some problems that I think are pretty widely recognized. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Garfunkelux Holdco 2 S.A. / Key word(s): Mergers & Acquisitions/Acquisition 12.08.2016 09:00 Disclosure of an inside information according to Article 17 MAR, transmitted by EQS - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luxembourg, 12 August 2016 Ad Hoc Announcement On Behalf of Garfunkelux HoldCo 2 S.A. and Garfunkelux HoldCo 3 S.A. THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN INVITATION OR OFFER TO ACQUIRE, PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR SECURITIES. ANY OFFER OF SECURITIES MAY BE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED IN VARIOUS JURISDICTIONS INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA AND THE UK. GFKL acquires Tesch Inkasso Group GFKL Financial Services GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Garfunkelux Holdco 2 and 3 S.A. (GFKL Lowell Group), announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement with Avedon Capital Partners and the other existing shareholders to acquire DC Holding GmbH, the holding company of the Tesch Inkasso Group for an Enterprise Value of EUR150 million. The transaction is expected to deliver a range of synergies and strengthen the Group's position in a core market. Closing is subject to approvals. For more information visit http://investors.garfunkelux.com Page 1 of 1 12.08.2016 The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Garfunkelux Holdco 2 S.A. 488, route de Longwy L-1940 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Phone: Fax: E-mail: mar@garfunkelux.com Internet: www.investors.garfunkelux.com ISIN: XS1308316568, XS1308317889 WKN: A1Z872 Listed: Luxemburg End of Announcement EQS News-Service --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ DECATUR Food entrepreneurs can use help changing a small operation over to mass production. Meanwhile Archer Daniels Midland Co. and its new partner, National Foodworks Services, can use new customers. The first-ever Food Innovation Challenge brought the two groups back together this week, first on Tuesday with 10 semifinalist businesses from around the Midwest making their pitches to the judges, and finally on Thursday with three finalists giving it one last shot leading up to an awards banquet at the Decatur Club attended by 200 people. The winning idea, netting $50,000 in seed money from ADM and $50,000 in services from National Foodworks, was precut cookie dough produced by Soozie's Doozies LLC of Union, Mo., and Chicago. Dena Strehlow, technical director of customer innovation and strategy for ADM, said the judges were especially impressed by the company's patent-pending technology that keeps the refrigerated cookies from sticking together. They have the potential to be a disruptor to two major competitors who own that category, namely Nestle and General Mills, Strehlow said. They are also in 650 stores since launching one year ago. Owners Olivia Kelvin and Robert Stanton had special thanks for their mentors, whose input already led them to switch three of their flavors with a positive impact on sales: Oatmeal raisin became oatmeal blueberry, sugar cookies became sugar cinnamon snickerdoodles, and double chocolate became chocolate chip candie melt. They came up with a lot of different flavor ideas and have greatly, greatly helped us, Kelvin said. Mentors were partnered with semifinalists in June to help them fine-tune everything from product formulations and ingredients to target markets and business plans. Mentors for Soozie's Doozies were Jon Seighman, senior director, food applications, ADM's Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business unit; and John Wellehan, managing director, Good Food Business Accelerator. Runners-up in the competition, who will also receive prizes and services, were: Second place: Vidalia onion relish by Kathy's Kitchen of Virginia, Ill., owned by Kathy and Daryl Keylor. Mentors were Randy Bird, regional sales manager for Matsutani Ingredients; and Myung Kim of Decatur's SCORE Chapter. Third place: Gluten-free cupcakes by Sweet Freedom Gluten Free Bakery of New Hampton, Iowa, owned by Chantal and Al Papousek. Mentors were Mark Floerke, bakery applications research chef at ADM; and Doug Brauer, vice president of economic development at Richland Community College. Hope Danielson, director of health and wellness for County Market/Niemann Foods, said she was excited to be one of the judges. I was blown away by all the ideas here, she said. It was a very difficult decision. Other lead sponsors were Aripack, Dale's Southlake Pharmacy/Colee's Corner Drugs, Jones & Thomas, Merieux NutriSciences, Millikin University, Production Techniques Ltd. and Richland Community College. Keynote speaker Daryl Travis, CEO and founder of BrandTrust and author of Little Things Big Returns, said he was encouraged by the products he saw. I love the graphics, I love the names; you guys are off to a really good start, Travis said. But there is a secret ingredient beyond the product: It's the brand, and brands are about feelings, not facts. During an introduction of the finalists at Richland on Wednesday, Mark Matlock, senior vice president of ADM food research, said that much of the innovation in the food industry is coming from entrepreneurs like the more than 50 who entered the Food Innovation Challenge. The idea was to engage entrepreneurs directly to see where the cutting edge is going, Matlock said. This is exactly the kind of external innovation our larger customers are looking for. MATTOON -- General Electric Lighting announced on Thursday that it intends to close the Mattoon Lamp Plant by the end of August 2017, unless another alternative for the facility is offered by the employees and approved by GE. GE said in a news release that the planned closure has resulted from the lighting industry seeing a "major technology pivot" during the last decade, away from traditional lighting products, including incandescent, halogen and specialty linear fluorescent lamps. "Consumer demand for traditional lighting is at an all-time low, and that shift has been supported by the U.S. government phasing out incandescent bulbs. As a result, the Mattoon Lamp Plant is operating at 60 percent below capacity," GE reported. Local officials said this plant, 1501 S. 19th St., has 144 employees. The company reported that GE Lighting now plans to focus entirely on driving innovation and growth in LED technology. GE said half of the U.S. markets consumer light bulb sockets will be LED and more than 80 percent of all global lighting revenues will come from LED by 2020. "The proposed (Mattoon Lamp Plant) closure is subject to an idea generation period, if requested by employees to offer alternatives to the plan. If the decision is to proceed, operations will be phased out by the end of August 2017," GE Lighting noted. Angela Griffin, president of the Coles Together economic development organization, said her understanding is that it will be 60 days before local officials know for sure that the closure will occur and that there are opportunities for the decision to be reversed. If it is not reversed, she said the facility will remain open for a little more than a year. In the meantime, Griffin said Coles Together has been been communicating with GE corporate and with executives from GEs new energy company, Current, powered by GE, to determine if there are any traditional or nontraditional "out-of-the-box type" opportunities that might be developed at the Mattoon plant or in the community. "GE is moving forward in innovative ways, and we have conveyed an eagerness to move forward with them," Griffin said. GE announced plans in August 2013 to add 30 jobs at its Mattoon Lamp Plant to staff two new lines producing components of energy-efficient soft white light bulbs as part of a $10-million investment in this facility. However, GE later announced approximately 50 job cuts at the Mattoon Lamp Plant in November and about 15 in February. The company cited the decreasing demand for traditional lighting as the reasons for these cuts. Mayor Tim Gover said the Mattoon Lamp Plant employed more than 1,800 workers decades ago when it still manufactured flash cubes for cameras. "It's been here for nearly 70 years. A lot of people have been employed there, and it's been a major partner in the community," Gover said of the Mattoon Lamp Plant. "I am just thankful that GE was here all those years. I just wish it could be here longer." When production lines were being added in recent years, Lake Land College partnered with the Mattoon Lamp Plant to offer an industrial maintenance training certificate program for GE employees. Lake Land also has been serving recently cut GE employees through the college's work force development courses. Lake Land President Josh Bullock said the absence of the Mattoon Lamp Plant would be a tremendous loss for the community. He said the college stands ready to assist former GE employees with getting the training they need to work for other area manufacturers that are hiring. Coles Together President Griffin said many local manufacturing facilities have been trying to hire trained and experienced employees. She said when there were layoffs several months ago at the Mattoon Lamp Plant, at least seven manufacturing facilities in the county were eager to hire the displaced employees. Griff said GE provides skills training to most employees, including enrolling many in courses through Lake Land. She said that training is beneficial to other local manufacturers. "GE employees will be heavily recruited by many facilities with current openings," Griffin said. "Most major industrial employers in the county are strong, growing, increasing production, adding new product lines, and hiring. That strength will help offset the impact of this announcement should the decision not be reversed." DECATUR When teaching children about prayer, Wayne and Katy Benedict naturally shared their own experience asking for God's guidance before joining the Decatur Salvation Army. He directed us here because there was a need, Wayne said. If we lived by what we want and not by faith, we could have just stayed where we were. Katy added that God didn't give them everything they asked for before making the move, either. He blesses with even more, she said. The Benedicts are new interns with the Salvation Army, Wayne as corps program coordinator and Katy as children's ministry coordinator, replacing Lt. Shane and Jeanette Jensen, who left for positions with the Salvation Army in Moline. The internship comes before enrolling in the College for Officer Training in Chicago to become officers. The direction for their lives was set about a year ago, while Wayne was directing children's ministry for the Salvation Army in Davenport, Iowa, and Katy was helping him as a volunteer while a stay-at-home mom for their children, Zakotah Benedict, now 4, and Katiana Benedict, now 2. The Salvation Army loved me when I didn't love myself, Wayne said, referring to a seven-year period of struggle to overcome years of alcohol addiction, starting in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2008 and continuing after he moved to the Quad Cities in 2011. So there is no other place that I would want to be. The couple met while serving the Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center in Davenport, him in the warehouse and her in the thrift store. She got her position thanks to her uncle, who was a captain at the ARC, after she was unable to find work in Florida and then in Rhode Island after coming to the United States in 2010 from her native Puerto Rico. I grew up in the Catholic church, and when I turned 13 I decided I didn't want to go anymore, Katy said. The Salvation Army was the first church I voluntarily committed to. I met God while I was going to a Salvation Army church. It worked for me. The Salvation Army reaches out to people that other churches don't; the homeless, the broken, the poor, the needy, straight off the streets, Wayne added. And that was me. While in Decatur, the Benedicts will help with all Salvation Army programs in preparation for their training in Chicago. Wayne wants to lead an Adult Rehabilitation Center one day and bring others into a relationship with God. Katy, meanwhile, hopes to eventually provide services to a Hispanic community. We are hungry for learning and so happy here, she said. The congregation really made us feel welcome. Wayne also said Majors Wes and Susan Dalberg are awesome stewards of God and great teachers. I'm over at the (men's homeless) shelter packing boxes, distributing food, he said. Whatever God calls me to do; I'm not afraid to get dirty. On Aug. 1 at approximately 7 p.m. I was in a motorcycle accident going south on Martin Luther King Drive. I had just left the VFW post 99 after the meeting and was heading to the roadway. I turned left on Martin Luther King Drive, and once I had the motorcycle straight going south that is all I remember. The next thing I was aware of was there were two paramedics at the scene treating my injuries that I had sustained from my accident. I dont know any of the people that witnessed the incident or called 911. However, I want to thank all that were involved in getting me to the Emergency Room at Decatur Memorial Hospital. I also want to thank the fire department, ambulance and the Decatur Police Department. My injuries were a concussion, laceration to the head, contusion on my right hip, and today I had X-rays taken of my right rib cage and found out I have one fracture and possibly another to my rib cage. I was not wearing a helmet. I usually wear a helmet, but that day I was not. I feel very lucky that I did not become a motorcycle fatality statistic. I will continue to ride and ride safe and from now on. I will wear a helmet every time I do ride the motorcycle. To me, this is a lesson well learned the hard way. To Officer Yeager of the Decatur Police Department, thank you for your concern while you were interviewing me in the hospital. That goes to all involved helping me. Johnnie Siere, Decatur Having declared Donald Trump to be "unfit to serve as president," President Obama urged Republican leaders to disavow the GOP nominee last week. "The question they have to ask themselves is," quoth the president, "If you are repeatedly having to say in very strong terms that what he has said is unacceptable, why are you still endorsing him?" I just love it when Democrats make up rules that apply only to others, never themselves. Resplendent in his sanctimony, Obama was standing in a pulpit that only preaches rectitude to outside denominations. I am no fan of The Donald. I didn't vote for him in California's June primary when he was the only Republican left standing. I lean toward Libertarian Gary Johnson. I am open to Trump doing something that tells me he actually could be an able president, but it hasn't happened yet. Now Obama says it is not enough to criticize Trump when he's wrong, good Republicans must ignore the choice of primary voters. (Nothing partisan there.) Obama declared Trump untenable after the billionaire's thin-skinned reaction on Twitter to a speech made by Khizr Khan, the father of a slain Muslim U.S. Army captain. Yes, it is intemperate for any candidate to lash out at the parent of a fallen hero -- but it's silly to get huffy about Trump talking back when Khan, after all, challenged Trump at the Democratic National Convention. Both actors were playing politics. Cable news is breathless in anticipation that this flap will lead to Trump's collapse. I'm not taking the bait. Republicans who tend to fall for calls to denounce the GOP ticket for the good of the USA tend to be the usual swelled heads. In 2008, they walked away from Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, because he asked then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Her shortcomings overshadowed McCain's accomplishments to such precious Republicans as former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld (now the Libertarian running mate), conservative scion Christopher Buckley and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Like-minded nominal Republicans lamented that they no longer recognized their party. It was an agonizing decision, they professed in op-ed pieces. Democrats hailed their courage as the small stampede ran selflessly into the loving arms of Washington's ruling elite. This year is different. A rump of GOP stalwarts resisted Trump early and for good reason. (He has a history of donating to Democrats; he doesn't hold conservative positions.) But really, if a Republican was not with #NeverTrump before last week, why defect now? Over a tweet? Democrats show few scruples when it comes to their nominee. Hillary Clinton's decision to manage her State Department emails with a home-brew server put national security at risk. She has lied repeatedly about the State Department authorizing her use of a private server, about not sending classified material and about handing over all official emails to investigators. Her tact may be operational, but her judgment is impaired. When she crosses lines, she does so with action not tweets. Everyone knows that if Clinton is elected, she'll spend the next four years breaking the china, and then lying about it. We can all see the future, so why are Democrats still endorsing her? News Microsoft Denies Windows PC Secure Boot Compromise Anonymous security researchers are claiming that Microsoft has compromised the Windows "secure boot" protection scheme. The researchers, going by the names of "my123" and "slipstream," posted a technical explanation of the problem, claiming that a "test-signing" capability provides a mean for compromising secure boot because of a change Microsoft made with the latest Windows 10 release, code-named "Redstone." In essence, it created a "golden key" for bypassing secure boot, they claimed. The researchers said that Windows 10 "Redstone" has a supplemental boot-manager policy that gets merged with the older Windows 10 "Threshold 2" boot-manager policy. That's a problem because "an attacker can just replace a later bootmgr with an earlier one," the researchers claimed. Microsoft issued two patches, MS16-094 in July and MS16-100 in August, to address the issue, but the "blacklisting" performed by these patches won't work if the boot manager gets rolled back to the Threshold 2 policy, the researchers contended. It's an enduring issue because "it'd be impossible in practice for MS to revoke every bootmgr earlier than a certain point, as they'd break install media, recovery partitions, backups, etc.," the researchers stated. The researchers said that they had notified the Microsoft Security Response Center about the problem in March, but Microsoft initially wouldn't address the issue. In July, though, Microsoft awarded the researchers a bug bounty, the researchers claimed. That's hard to verify since Microsoft's security research credit page notably doesn't list credits for the MS16-094 and MS16-100 patches. Both patches are rated by Microsoft as "Important." Microsoft apparently doesn't agree with the anonymous security researchers' claims about secure boot being compromised. At least, Microsoft denies that x86-based PCs are compromised. "The jailbreak technique described in the researchers' report on August 10 does not apply to desktop or enterprise PC systems," a Microsoft spokesperson stated via e-mail. "It requires physical access and administrator rights to ARM and RT devices and does not compromise encryption protections." The secure boot protection scheme is designed to ensure that the software that's run during a computer bootup is trusted software. It uses a key in the computer's firmware to make such a check, warding off potential "bootkit"- or "rootkit"-style malware infections. Present-day antimalware software used with BIOS-based computer systems can't detect these rootkits. Secure boot is a capability for newer Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)-based machines rather than the older BIOS-based ones. Microsoft declared its support for secure boot for all new Windows machines in 2011. That backing elicited discussions among Linux developers, since it was thought that operating systems would be required to be signed to new hardware, which could be a stumbling block for Linux distro developers. Secure boot has some obvious security benefits. Microsoft seems to be denying it's been compromised for PCs, but they didn't deny potential issues for Windows RT devices. Software security firm Qualys hasn't tested the secure boot patches in its labs yet, but Amol Sarwate, director of Vulnerability Labs at Qualys, concurred that just Windows RT devices could be affected. "The impact is on Windows RT tablets and phones where disabling Secure Boot is not otherwise possible without the leaked policy (i.e. golden key) signed by Microsoft," Sarwate said, via e-mail. The attacker would have to have physical access to the device, he added. "My guess is that it is unlikely that enterprise PCs are locked down by Secure Boot, so I don't see it having a huge impact on that front," Sarwate said. "But organizations that use any Windows phone or RT devices should take note, as users could install the magic policy which will make the boot manager not verify that it is booting an official Windows operating system." At that point, it would be possible to install an operating system and "try to access data on the device," he added. Turkey on Friday said 32 Turkish diplomats were still missing despite being recalled by Ankara in the wake of last month's failed coup seeking to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Thirty-two of the 208 diplomats recalled to Turkey did not come back to Turkey," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters during a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Ankara. He said Ankara had information that some had fled to other countries using different means including air travel in the weeks after a rogue military faction tried to remove President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power on July 15. Cavusoglu said that two officials working in Bangladesh had fled to the United States after being recalled while another returned to the ministry in Turkey. Some officials asked to remain in the countries where they were working, the minister said, adding the ministry had given permission for some to stay. The minister also confirmed that a Turkish rear admiral had gone missing in the United States in July. Rear Admiral Mustafa Zeki Ugurlu working on a NATO base in Virginia had sought asylum in the US after he was dismissed from the armed forces for links to the putsch bid, according to state-run news agency Anadolu earlier this week. Here it is the full-length Get Lesta x Primitive Skate Get Primitive video. Six minutes of straight up banging skateboarding featuring the combined forces of Get Lesta and Primitive in the UK. Devine Calloway, Diego Najera and Trent McClung travelled to England and linked with Charlie Munro and the Get Lesta crew of Lucas Healey, Will Golding, James Bush and Mark Stern. Big up to all involved in this one. Read more about the background of this Get Lesta x Primitive collab joint here . Its been a long three and a half years since Mark landed himself his First Light, and during that time hes worked his way through... Hailing from the marble playground of Milton Keynes, Rob Selley is best known for the way too far ahead of his time ledge wizardry that... https://mpora.com/videos/AAei5pvjy9w9#hOxq1LZXJEU2qFM2.97 Rehash Episode 3 John Rattray After a slight delay Rehash is back with one of the greatest skaters to have ever come out of the... Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Part 2 is here Truck Wars a mini documentary about the history of trucks featuring John Lucero, Lance Mountain, Joey Tershay, Tony Hawk, Cab, Steve Olson, Sam Hitz, Rick Blackhart and others discussing how truck companies have shaped skateboarding from the beginning. Watch Truck Wars Part 2 now and learn some pivotal truths. Part 1 is here for those who missed it . The Gonz reveals who his least favorite skate video maker is, Peter Hewitt talks about his favourite skate video he's been a part of and... Larry Balma has just posted the full, unedited Neil Blender interview, the shorter version of which was printed in the Tracker trucks book. Click the classic... Episode 3 of Jeff Grosso's Love Notes series brings to light some cutting room floor moments from the epic Truck Wars - interviews with Allen... Alongside him describing the background behind his work this also includes footage from a legends bowl session with Lance, Pat Ngoho, Brad Bowman, Steve Alba... Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Its nearly mid-August and if you listen closely, youll hear the school bells off in the distance. Well, not really. But it is the end of summer. Everybody sigh in 3-2-1 Though it may be sad to see summer go, it could also be a great time for businesses that cater to Back-to-School shoppers. According to the National Retail Federations latest Back-to-School Spending Survey, Americans this year will spend a whopping $27.3 billion on back-to-school supplies. That amount is the most spent since 2012, when a record $30.3 billion was spent, according to the organizations data. Now, while a lot of back-to-school marketing campaigns started about a month ago thats probably when you first started seeing commercials or online ads and displays in stores most consumers dont start shopping for supplies or new clothes until right about NOW! When To Start Your Back to School Promotions The NRF data reveals that 73 percent of all back-to-school shoppers start actually buying the items between a week and a month prior to the start of school. More specifically, just more than half (50.9 percent) of all shoppers start right now, about three weeks to a month prior to the first class bell ringing. And about 5 percent (4.8 percent, specifically) wait until the week school starts or even after school starts to do their shopping. You probably thought you missed out on the back-to-school rush this year but actually, a majority of the customers who will be doing that shopping could be heading to your store at this very moment. The NRF survey revealed that only 22.2 percent of shoppers will look for back-to-school supplies at least two months before school starts. This data should be encouraging to any shop thats looking to cater to back-to-school shoppers. Of course, its not all good news. NRF also found that small businesses arent the most popular destination for back-to-school shoppers. Theyre actually number eigt on the list with just 16.4 percent of consumers planning to visit a small business for their back-to-school supplies. Of course, that shouldnt deter you from putting some time into marketing back-to-school. After all, even a small percentage of the staggering expenditure back-to-school shoppers will sink into a variety of products is worth the effort. So, how can you compete? Back to School Retail Tips Obviously, youll want to prominently display a back-to-school promotion at your store. Get all your products that cater to the back-to-school theme front-and-center so shoppers can see them easily. Dont forget to update your social media channels with back-to-school sales posts, too. And a post on your companys blog or a specific landing page that offers a back-to-school discount arent bad ideas either. Another way your business may be able to keep up with those bigger discount stores that tend to dominate the market this season is to offer free shipping or some other form of very fast delivery. The NRF survey also found that nearly all back-to-school shoppers 89.4 percent will look to take advantage of a free shipping deal on their supplies or other items they purchase. Starting up a new business can be incredibly difficult. After all, it takes a lot more than a great idea and a pocket full of dreams in order to disrupt markets and generate success. New entrepreneurs need access to capital, mentoring and structural resources in order to prosper. But sometimes those lifelines seem nearly impossible to track down which is why nine out of ten startups shrivel up and die within three years. Accelerators are designed to prevent those premature deaths. Over the course of the last decade, the number of accelerators operating across the globe has skyrocketed. According to AngelList, a digital platform that helps to pair promising young startups with investors, there was only one American accelerator in operation in 2005. Today, there are 578, writes Scott Shane, professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western Reserve University and a regular contributor at Small Business Trends. Its not hard to see why demand for accelerators has risen so sharply, either. What is a Business Accelerator? Accelerators are organizations that offer a range of support services and funding opportunities for startups. They tend to work by enrolling startups in months-long programs that offer mentorship, office space and supply chain resources. More importantly, business accelerator programs offer access to capital and investment in return for startup equity. Startups essentially graduate from their accelerator program after three or four months which means that development projects are time-sensitive and very intensive. The primary reason accelerators have exploded in popularity is because they are designed to provide the best of both worlds for both startups as well as investors. Because accelerators stringently vet participating businesses, investors dont need to waste loads of time sifting through duds in order to track down and evaluate fantastic new startups. Instead, angels can simply invest in accelerators that take on shares in startups themselves. Accelerators also structure these investments as real options which means that early stage investors have the right to make future investments if they choose to. That being said, its not an obligation to invest more. On the flip side, accelerators are a proverbial treasure-trove of resources for startup owners. Bearing in mind that these organizations are run by experts who make a living out of helping fledgling businesses to overcome basic hurdles, theres no better way to guarantee entrepreneurial success than to cohabit space with those experts. Startup owners also benefit from mingling with business peers and generate friendly competition in order to bolster development. The only potential drawback of joining a business accelerator is that startup owners are generally handing over equity in their companies. How do Accelerators Differ from Incubators? At first glance, accelerators sound incredibly similar to incubators and they are. But there are a couple of key differences. An incubator is essentially an organization that provides startups with a shared operation space. Incubators also provide young businesses with networking opportunities, mentoring resources and access to shared equipment. This concept of a creative haven for startups has been around for a pretty long time, but rose to prominence in the 1980s after a large number of colleges and universities began to launch school-affiliated incubators in order to bolster entrepreneurship and employability. Because of that academic affiliation, a large number of startup incubators are run as nonprofits. They generally wont ask for equity in a company in return for access to funding or resources in the way that accelerators do. As a result, startups generally receive far less access to capital by joining an incubator than they could expect to receive from an accelerator. Incubators are also better than accelerators at fostering slow growth, because incubators do not generally put a time stamp on their support programs. Where accelerators sponsor intensive, boot camp style programs that last only a few months, startups can spend years working from within an incubator to establish growth. At the end of the day, no two businesses are alike. As a result, different startups are going to need different types of support in order to prosper. Thats why theres no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether a company should choose a business accelerator over an incubator. Its just a matter of sitting down and developing a wish list of what you think your company needs in order to succeed, and then doing some research. More importantly, dont be afraid to shop around. Whether youre a compulsive snacker, a lunch at your desker, or an Ive not even got the time to eater, we all need to start taking more lunch breaks. In the UK alone, only 29 percent of employees get a full hour lunch break. Two thirds say they cant even take 20 minutes. So why do people not take lunch? Partly, its more difficult now our days revolve around technology, and particularly when so much of what we do is taken up with emails. It means our working day tends to be less blocked out, and finding time when you could always be going through your emails is more difficult. Whats more, it can be indicative of a damaging culture, where people are rewarded for appearing to work hard over and above actual productivity, or are inherently overloaded with work to the point where there is not enough hours in the day to complete their tasks. Whether youre a culprit yourself, or a manager who doesnt see this as a problem, its important to understand why this practice is damaging your productivity and your business. Its time to start shunning lunch at your desk, get out of the office and actually take a break. Youre Much More Likely to, Well, Actually Eat People powering through the mid-afternoon without so much as a morsel crossing their lips because they are too busy are kidding themselves. When our blood glucose levels run low as a result of not eating, our brain doesnt get the energy it needs to stay alert and remain concentrated and alert. Of course, what you eat matters too, as slow releasing energy foods and generally healthier options have proven to benefit productivity. If we eat foods that release energy to our body and brain slowly throughout the rest of the day, we avoid the peaks and troughs that come with certain carbohydrates and fatty foods. However, the key is that by making a conscious decision to take lunch, we tend to plan it early. This prevents us from making split-second and usually unhealthy decisions at the height of our hunger. Top tip for managers: Encourage healthy snacking or grazing in the workplace. Set up a healthy tuck shop so people can make a selection and have the bag on their desk. Grazing like this prevents our glucose levels from bottoming out to begin with, and having the food in our line of sight makes being healthy the easy option. Benefits of Taking a Lunch Break Youll Prevent Fatigue The figures are pretty clear on this one. The most productive people take regular breaks. Our concentration is improved even by stopping for just 20 minutes. People who take better breaks, by breaking earlier and completing activities they liked, were found to have a decrease in headaches, eyestrain and lower back pain throughout the day. The idea that the amount of hours you put in equates to the work that you get out is finally starting to die out. Were realizing that working smart, and not hard, is the answer to a productive workforce. Dont get left behind! Top tip for managers: Dont ask your employees to take business lunches, and try to avoid enforcing any sort of strict rules on what people do during their lunch time. Not only has it been proven that employees who choose what to do are more productive, but allowing people to get a proper break from everything work-related is crucial to them resting and coming back to their desks more refreshed. Getting on with Your Co-Workers is More Important than Ever Theres no doubt that business is changing. There are new ways to communicate with people coming into force every day, both outwardly and internally. No company is truly under one roof anymore and the process of delivering a product with a unified strategy has become increasingly complex. What does all this mean? It means that our ability to collaborate is more important than ever, as we face new challenges about how we pull together a more disparate workforce in a world where its increasingly important to have a unified message across everything you do. And lunch? Well, true collaboration comes from developing personal relationships, and, as well as a time to unwind, lunch is a brilliant way for people to connect outside of the usual structures of work. If you actively encourage cross-hierarchical eating, you better understand the people you work with at all levels. After all, whether personal or professional, understanding sits at the heart of getting the most out of any relationship. Top tip for managers: Throw away your tiny tables! Populate your break space with large, round tables to encourage open discussion and facilitate conversation between people that wouldnt communicate otherwise. It Contributes to Other Productive Techniques With increased connectivity, and more and more collaborative working, our productivity isnt as good as it can be. One reason why its far more difficult to lay out your day and plan appropriate timings is due to us having to work increasingly reactively. By taking lunch, youre actually giving a definitive break to your day, and something to work your tasks around. You can target completing certain tasks before and after lunch for example. If youve got nothing to work towards, its going to be much more difficult to break your day into these sort of productive, manageable chunks. Top tip for managers: Enforcing change should start with you. Cultures of not taking breaks often come from being concerned that youre being judged against the people who manage you. Take a lunch break yourself, it can be a great way to get to know your employees on a more personal level. A Change of Scenery Does Wonders for Your Work Habits Regardless of whether your job requires you to make quick decisions, be highly creative or be completely focused at all times, moving into a new space is hugely beneficial to how well you do that when you return. Repetition can keep us in a rut, and stop us from seeing things objectively. In fact, its actually the process of being away and then coming back to our desks that facilitates a new outlook when we do return. If you can, find a park or a natural spot, as studies suggest that being around nature can seriously boost productivity, due to links between natural environments and memory retention. Top tip for managers: Encourage people to take time out of the office on their breaks, and make sure that you take the time to explain to staff why. Its often as much about explaining the reasons behind your ideas as forcibly facilitating that culture. Its Not All About Eating The great thing about working somewhere that respects your need for a lunch break is that it also creates time for other things that can vastly increase your ability to be productive. For starters, any exercise that you do during the day has been proven to increase your mood and confidence, while reducing stress. Even if youre just squeezing in a yoga session or taking a brisk walk, it turns out the afternoon is the best time for your body to exercise anyway. Youll come back feeling refreshed and will have been able to get a real break from your work day as your mind is on other things. Feeling a bit sleepy? A lunchtime nap might not only help solve your fatigue but send your productivity through the roof. Top tip for managers: Consider starting employee wellness programs, or free gym memberships, to encourage healthy living in the office. This isnt just about the benefits you reap from having an engaged, well-looked after workforce youll get a more productive staff as a result. Republished by permission. Original here. Mind-controlled robots? They might sound like something out of a science fiction movie. But, for research and test patients in Brazil and the U.S., they have also helped make what was once thought to be fantasy into reality. The goal of the research has been to use robots that work with the brain so that paralyzed people may be able to move and walk again just by thinking. But along with initial success in meeting that goal, the research also yielded another unexpected outcome. Some of the patients actually began to regain some natural control over their own bodies by working with the robots. A few even had their statuses changed from full to partial paralysis. Improving those body and muscle functions was never part of the researchers original plan. In fact, they didnt even consider it to be a possibility. But since they were open to seeing whatever outcomes came from their research, theyve now realized an added benefit. And in their next round of research, they plan on testing out how mind-controlled robots can be used as treatment on purpose this time. Why You Need to Stay Open to Opportunities Your business might not have anything to do with treating patients or working with mind-controlled robots. But theres still something to be said for the importance of remaining open to possibilities whatever business you may be in. Once youve put in the time and effort to develop a new product or service, remember to stay open to opportunities that emerge, however unexpected they may be. The result might be a market you could never have imagined but that takes your business to new levels of success. Building a team with great people has always been the key to a successful business. To achieve this, some companies recruit superstars from their competitors or similar industries where their skills are transferable. Unfortunately, like in sports, there are many examples where these business superstars who are successful at one company are not at their new one. For example, Ron Johnson, Apples Vice President of Retail, who revolutionized the industry with Apple stores, lasted less than two years when he was drafted by JCPennys to turn around their retail efforts. Marissa Mayer, Vice President at Google was not able to successfully guide Yahoo! as its President and CEO. Many big time corporate executives are not successful when they lead a small business. In fact, my nine years at IBM did nothing to prepare me running my own company. When Harvard Business School professor Boris Groysberg looked at the talent portability of superstar financial analysts, he found that 50 percent did poorly the year after they switched to a different company. Whats even more startling, is that Groysberg says that many were never successful again. Star Employees are Often a Product of Time and Place This happens because success at any particular company is so much more complex than just the individual person. Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University says that a persons performance is not just a function of their ability, but of the systems that surround them. Superstar success is about a particular project, with the companys processes, surrounded by a culture, at a particular time in the market place. A person can be a superstar in a specific setting and it may not be transferable to a new one. What Should a Company Do? Go attract the best team possible, but dont depend on one superstar to make the difference in the companys overall performance. Stop focusing on recruiting and then paying a lot of money for one superstar. Build an environment where internal talent can grow to improve their performance. This is done by actively training and supporting the current team. Strong processes will make every employee even more effective. Studies also show that retaining toxic employees can cost more than the return from the additional productivity of a superstar. The expense is not just in their poor performance, but how it can spread to the team around them. What have been your superstar successes and failures? Republished by permission. Original here. If you visit the slums along the Red River in Vietnam, you might see an interesting sight. One community uses a makeshift wind turbine, which is built from plastic buckets, old printer motors and motorcycle batteries to provide electricity to the residents. It works much like other wind turbines. But since it uses recycled materials, it only cost about $44 to produce. And its environmentally friendly to boot. This is currently the only system of its kind. And the creator had to visit the community many times to convince residents that it could save them money and not bring them any harm. But with such a low cost and high potential for benefits, it seems likely that systems like this might start popping up in other communities as well. Sustainable Business Practices CanLower Costs and Drive Innovation Even if you arent in the business of creating wind turbines out of recycled materials, you can likely appreciate the innovation behind this project. In your business too you need to think creatively to make the most efficient use of resources. That could be either in the way you produce your products and services, the way you reduce your costs or most likely both. The end result is likely to be a benefit to your business and to the community at large. Whether your diverting products from a landfill or just keeping an eye on your energy consumption, making the most of existing resources is something all entrepreneurs must consider. The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out VR and Special Education Iowa Rehabilitation Services Implements VR for Teens and Adults with Special Needs Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is incorporating virtual reality technology into its curriculum to spark the interest of special needs students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and support their acquiring new, 21st century work skills. Using zSpace, an interactive VR technology, students are learning STEM subjects using 3D, virtual-holographic images that they can move and manipulate. Supporters of the technology say they believe zSpace could transform the way students with disabilities are taught. The level of participation and enthusiasm that students demonstrate when using zSpace is the reason Kenda Jochimsen, bureau chief of Iowa Rehabilitation Services, cited for expanding the use of virtual reality at IVRS. I knew students loved anything technology and did not doubt the value of the medium by which students would be presented information, Jochimsen said in a prepared statement. But when I observed students in high school who have disabilities, who are in special education, use zSpaces virtual reality computer, I was convinced that this could be a potential game changer for students with disabilities. Students using zSpace can dissect virtual biological specimens and perform troubleshooting exercises on an electricity unit. According to Jochimsen, the most exciting development is that students demonstrate the exact skills the instructors at IVRS are trying to instill in all their students, namely: civil discourse and disagreement collaborative communication problem solving and deductive reasoning teamwork and troubleshooting IVRS is going to incorporate zSpace into two districts to determine the impact on measurable skill gains and students interest in STEM, according to a news release. HOUSTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Production at BP Plc's 413,500 barrel per day (bpd) Whiting, Indiana, refinery remains cut by about 25 percent due to the slow return of a wastewater treatment plant, sources familiar with plant operations said on Thursday. A BP spokesman declined on Thursday to discuss operations at the Whiting refinery. BP is carefully restoring the wastewater treatment plant's production in order to avoid a malfunction like one last week, which led to greater than permitted releases of sediments into Lake Michigan, the sources said. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Sandra Maler) arm wrestling Reuters The UK has to force its way into a huge trade deal between the US and European Union in order to keep its position as the biggest investor in the American economy, according to a report by the Confederation of British Industry. British businesses are the biggest investors in the US economy, pumping in $449 billion (342 billion) and supporting more than 1 million jobs. The UK invested $76 billion more than Japan the next largest investor and nearly $200 billion more than Canada, which shares a border with the US. The CBI is pushing for the UK to join the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which is a huge free trade deal between the US and European Union. The group is concerned that the UK's vote to leave the EU could result in Britain's economy missing out on the TTIP deal and free trade benefits with the US. The UK represented 15% of the $2.9 trillion of foreign direct investment in America last year, the CBI said, while Indian and Chinese investment combined did not make 1%, according to the CBI figures. Here is the breakdown in a handy chart from the CBI: CBI1 Reuters The UK is struggling to find its economic place in the world following the Brexit vote because the EU is the biggest consumer of UK services exports. On Thursday, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said losing membership of the European Union's Single Market could cost the UK 4% of economic output. The fallout could weaken the government's finances, requiring a budget tightening of as much as 39 billion ($50.8 billion) in a worst-case scenario, the IFS said, adding two years onto policies of austerity. Ben Digby, the CBI's international director, said: "As the Government negotiates our exit from the EU, a clear strategy will be needed to boost trade with partners, old and new, across the globe. Markets should be carefully prioritised, in consultation with business, to lay the foundations for deep and comprehensive future trade and investment relationships, and the USA must be at the top of that list." Story continues The UK stood to be up to 10 billion a year better off upon implementation of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the USA and the European Union, so the Government should also explore the possibility of joining the final deal, as a third party," Digby said. NOW WATCH: Theres a glaring security problem with those new credit card chips See Also: SEE ALSO: Brexit could end up being a 39 billion screw-up for the UK File photo of a woman holding her smart phone which displays the Google home page, in this picture illustration A woman holds her smart phone, which displays the Google home page, in this picture illustration taken February 24, 2016. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/Illustration/File Photo SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's antitrust regulator said on Friday it is looking into whether Google has violated the country's anticompetition laws, acknowledging formal scrutiny of the global internet search company for the first time. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) disclosed the investigation in a brief statement, without commenting on the nature of the probe nor any potential antitrust violations. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters last month the KFTC inspected Google's Seoul headquarters in July. The antitrust body's statement came after a local media report said the KFTC had decided to clear Google of anticompetition charges involving the pre-loading of the company's apps on smartphones running on the Android operating system. Google, whose corporate parent is Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), declined to comment. While it wasn't clear whether the probe would lead to any formal charges, the investigation opens another regulatory front for Google. The firm was fined $6.8 million in Russia on Thursday and faces multiple European Union antitrust charges. The KFTC has investigated Google before. In 2013, the regulator cleared Google of wrongdoing following a probe into whether the company hurt competition by forcing smartphone makers using Android to pre-load its search engine on the handsets. (Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. The Balasanyan family rises early every morning in the Achadjour village in Armenias Tavoush Province. Their business demands it. They make a line of carbonated fruit beverages marketed under the brand-name The Sweet Drop. Six years ago, 36-year-old Aharon Balasanyan had a dream: to start making limonad for the Armenian market. And the idea has caught on; kind of. Mr. Balasanyan refused to leave his native village and move to Russia in search of seasonal work. We were professional migrants. When we used to go to Russia, with my father, I thought about getting 150,000 AMD together and starting a business and working in Armenia, says Mr. Balasanyan. He says that while the money was good in Russia, his heart wasnt into traveling back and forth. 2010 was a fateful year for him. He had back surgery and decided to stay in Armenia. Night and day, I would think about starting a business, so that I wouldnt have to leave my home and my children. They operated on me in January and by June the lemonade plant was up and running, says Mr. Balasanyan. His parents were against the idea. But Mr. Balasanyan persevered. He put down 300,000 AMD as collateral and got a bank loan for an equal amount. It was trial and error at first. He had to come up with the rate ratio of syrup to carbonation. We entered the market. Everything was difficult at first. We had no experience and didnt know the tastes of the consumers. The product didnt sell. It took months to get a grasp of what the consumer wanted, says Mr. Balasanyan. His mother, Emma, says those troubling times were very disappointing. I would go to bed thinking what will happen to all that money we invested if the business fails. I wanted to go back to calmer times. But every morning wed get to work energized. If one has a desire and willpower, the business will succeed, she says. Sweet Drop lemonade captured the market gradually. We won over the stores and then the restaurants. Then, we took orders for weddings. The product has maintained its reputation. People know that if its limonad from Achadjour, its a quality beverage, says Mr. Balasanyan. The plant will be churning out 10,000 bottles of the beverage this summer. Thats down from 30,000 last year. The drop, according to Mr. Balasanyan, is that peoples discretionary income has dropped. Store orders have drastically decreased. With assistance from Armenias Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center, the family has also launched a pastry plant called Enjoyment. Mr. Balasanyans wife Rouzanna has been awarded the Best Young Businesswoman prize for her efforts. The two plants sometimes hire local villagers to assist the Balasanyan family members who work from dawn to dust. Even Mr. Balasanyans 14-year-old son helps out. While Mr. Balasanyan says he can set-up the limonad business in Russia, he has no plans of leaving the village. Its tough work, but Im happy living on my native soil. It feels good having your own business and that the label on the beverage bottles represents who I am. No matter how tired I return home in the evening, I go home to my kids. It makes it all worthwhile, says the proud businessman. When asked if he plans to expand into making preserves, given that the area is rich in various berries, Mr. Balasanyan says he wont take the risk given the economic situation. If things change and people have a bit more to spend, I might expand. Whats needed is a market. Its more important than getting aid or tax breaks. Even if the government were to give me 2 million AMD, what good would it be if the product doesnt sell, he says. Mr. Balasanyan gives me a parting word of advice. When starting a small business, money is the last necessity on the list. One must first have a concept, an idea, and then follow it till the end. Photos: Gagik Aghbalyan A man in Armenias Tavoush Province finds himself in court for allegedly stealing eight chickens and one rooster. According to the indictment, the man (lets called him Karen), entered the unlocked chicken coopowned by Armineh Tamrazyan in Dilijan on the night of October 13, 2015 and stole poultry valued at 45,000 AMD (US$95). Karen has been charged with theft (Article 177 of Armenias Criminal Code) and faces a penalty of 500,000 1 million AMD, or 2-5years imprisonment. Karen hadnt appeared in court for the last three hearings for reasons not acceptable. The court then wrote to Dilijan police, instructing them to find Karen and force him to make it to court. The cops werent able to locate Karen. The defendant had been free on his own recognizance but the state prosecutor then demanded that Karen be kept in detention. Judge Zoya Zakinyan agreed with the prosecutor and issued a detention order for Karen. Two weeks later, the police found Karen and he was transferred to the Vanadzor Penitentiary. His trial continues. One can only wonder if the courts will ever display the same zeal when it comes to holding government officials and their cronies to account for embezzling and squandering funds reaching into the millions. The following is a public statement released on August 10 by a number of Swiss-Armenian organizations regarding the public protests in Armenia last month. We, the undersigned Armenian organizations in Switzerland, have closely followed with deep pain and sorrow the shocking events that started in Yerevan on July 17 and ended on July 31. We consider that many factors have led to this crisis: serious and systematic human rights violations carried out with total impunity, the lack of democratic processes and weak and ineffective democratic institutions, including serious flaws in ensuring democratic elections, massive corruption, the lack of transparency in negotiation processes and of a principled stance regarding the Artsakh issue, and the absence of serious and systemic reforms to improve economic and social conditions in the country. At the same time, we reckon that the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia should be respected, that solutions could not be achieved through illegal means and we deeply regret the loss of human lives (two policemen and one peaceful citizen). We were shocked to observe that the Armenian police used excessive and disproportionate force, violence, intimidation and other unlawful actions against peaceful demonstrators and journalists that have resulted in massive human rights violations between July 17 and 31, with a peak on July 29. That night, at least 12 journalists were injured. We condemn the attacks on freedom of expression and peaceful demonstrations. Overall, we are deeply concerned that the authorities of our homeland remained silent during two critical weeks, showing a lack of political will to handle this situation through democratic and peaceful means. In the total absence of involvement of the legislative and other executive bodies, the police appeared to be the only state institution responding to the crisis. While welcoming the decision of "SasnaTzrer" to end its armed resistance, we urge the authorities to ensure that an effective and impartial investigation is conducted into the dramatic events of July 17-31 to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice in line with the international human rights obligations of Armenia. Moreover, we call for an end to impunity for police violence against journalists and peaceful protestors in Armenia. We hope that the authorities will demonstrate political wisdom and refrain from witch-hunts, which could only exacerbate the situation. We also call upon the authorities to put an end to massive scale pressure and intimidation against political opposition, and unconditionally release all the peaceful demonstrators and opposition figures who were arbitrarily arrested in the context of the above-mentioned events. We take note of the speech of President Sargsyan on August 1st and hope that the authorities of our homeland share our view that the only way out of the ever deepening domestic crisis is to launch without delay fundamental and comprehensive reforms in all spheres of political and economic life in Armenia, including the areas mentioned above, to change the conditions that led to this crisis. Union Armenienne de Suisse (UAS;) Switzerland-Armenian Association (SAA;) Artzakank Echo; Centre ArmenienHagop D. Topalian de Geneve; Building an Alternative Future (BAF);ArmenischerSchul- und Familienverein;ArmenischerVerein Zurich;ComunitaArmena Ticino; SEVAK Association; Association Blood for Memory; ZIRAN Association Modified On Aug 16, 2016 02:36 PM By Alshaar Celebrating the most exported cars ahead of Independence Day Its that time of the year again, when patriotism levels are blasting through the roof and stories of national heroism and valour are being recollected and honoured. But there have been Indian heroes in the automobile sphere too: heroes that were made in the country but ensured that they made it proud across borders too. Yes, we are talking about Indias top exports! So, ahead of Indias 70th Independence Day, heres a look at the cars that were shipped out the most in the past financial year. Presenting the top 5! 5. Hyundai Grand i10 Hyundai has made its place in the hearts of Indian customers and it has thus climbed up the charts to establish itself as the second largest carmaker in India. In addition, Hyundai India has also become one of the countrys largest exporters, thanks to the likes of the Grand i10. More than 44,000 units of the hatchback were shipped out in FY16 and, despite a 30 per cent decline in export numbers over the previous year, it ended up in the top five. 4. Maruti Suzuki Alto Indias largest selling passenger vehicle, the Alto needs no introduction. After setting new records in India every now and then, the car has recently touched new milestones overseas too. The Indian carmaker stepped up the exports of its entry-level offering in FY16 and ended up shipping out 54,656 units. What is significant is the increase in these numbers, which stood at a mind-boggling 70 per cent. 3. Volkswagen Vento The German carmaker recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its exports from India. Having started with South Africa as its only export market, the Chakan-based carmaker has packed away close to 2 lakh units from the country. And a major chunk of this contribution has come from the Vento sedan. With 63,157 units exported in FY16, the Vento surged up by 13 per cent despite the emission scandal rocking VWs boat. 2. Nissan Micra Nissan might not have made it as big in Indias domestic markets as its French partner Renault. But its exports from the country have been selling like hotcakes. The Nissan Micra was shipped 75,456 times in FY16 and, last month, it became the most exported car from India. Made in Chennai, the vehicle is being exported to more than 100 countries. The made in India Micra had also helped Nissan achieve record sales in 2015, making it the top-selling Asian car brand in Europe. 1. Ford EcoSport And here is the winner! The most exported car from India in FY16 was one of the countrys most loved compact SUVs, the Ford EcoSport. After ranking fourth in the export charts for FY15, the car experienced a 51 per cent growth in its numbers. A total of 83,325 units of the made in India EcoSport were sold abroad. Interestingly, it dethroned the currently second-ranked Nissan Micra for the crown. Among other top exported cars in FY16 were the Hyundai Xcent and Creta, while General Motors also put up significant numbers with the Chevy Beat. Modified On Aug 12, 2016 02:59 PM By Alshaar Marking the breaking of a new dawn, a roll-on-roll-off inland vessel will set sail from Varanasis Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram Ghat on River Ganga to West Bengals Haldia river port on Friday. The vessel will carry dozens of units of the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Celerio, marking a monumental day in Indias efforts to tap the potential of its vast waterways network. Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stone of the inland waterway terminal at Varanasi and flag off the trial run of two cargo vessels from Varanasi to Haldia near Kolkata, a distance of around 1,275km. Cutting freight costs Countrys largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has first transported cars from its Gurgaon facility to Varanasi by road, to then be loaded on the ro-ro vessel en route Haldia. While the road freight transport took 1.5-2 days, the waterway cargo will take another seven days (including halts for celebrations). This is not only an environmental-friendly way to move goods and reduce the burden on road and rail, but is also a move to cut down costs. The cost of ferrying goods via waterways is as low as 30-50 paise per kilometre per tonne, way below the cost of hauling goods by road, Gadkari told NDTV. The waterways are the new frontier to bring down logistical cost in India. Big manufacturing and exporting nations like USA and China have achieved to lower logistical costs to 8-12 per cent. In India it's 18 per cent minimum on an average. For Indian products to get competitive the logistical cost has to be brought down, he added. Big plans for waterways The Nagpur MP will also flag off a multi-modal terminal (MMT), a hub that will handle rail road and waterway transport, at Varanasi. Along with setting up five big terminals between Varanasi and Haldia, the ministry has big plans for establishing the Ganges as one of the arterial waterways. A Rs 7,000 crore project has already been cleared to keep waterways operational throughout the year. In the next phase, the project will reach Kanpur on the Ganga. The potential of such infrastructure is being tested in Brahmaputra and other rivers too. Vast potential The length of waterways in India, comprising rivers, lakes, canals, creeks, backwaters etc., totals up to about 14,500km. Of this, 5,200km of the rivers and 4,000km of canals can be used by mechanised craft. Indicating a paradigm shift in terms of waterway transport, Indias lawmakers had recently passed a bill to convert more than a 100 rivers across the country into National Waterways. Read More on : Sail Consumers obviously like to give and receive gift cards. It allows the recipient to get what he or she wants and isn't nearly as tacky as cash. In fact, giving a gift card from a particular retailer allows the giver to personalize it a bit, choosing a retailer the recipient happens to like. But beyond personal preferences of retailers, which retailer does the best job with its gift card program? That's a question RSR Research asks each year in its annual study of best gift card practices. The survey ranks the digital gifting experiences of 100 of the nations top retailers, restaurants, and for the first time this year airlines. The retailers are judged on how well they utilize the mobile platform, and include omni-channel payments, bulk buying, and the ability to purchase cards with credit card loyalty program points. Sephora is number one Earning the top spot this year is Sephora, which racked up 55 out of a possible 66 points. Starbucks was second with 50.5 points, followed by The Home Depot (46.5 points), Dunkin' Donuts (44.5 points), and Amazon (43 points). Sephora is honored to be ranked top once again in the RSR Benchmark study, said Lisa Kueffel, vice president of client experience at Sephora. Gift cards are a key element of our digital strategy focused on delivering excellent omni-channel experiences to our clients. Working in partnership with CashStar has helped us to grow our program and achieve our goals. CashStar President and CEO Ben Kaplan says a number of its clients are represented in the upper ranks of the survey. We are pleased to see that merchants are investing more in digital gifting and striving to improve the experiences they provide to consumers, he said. The survey authors note that Sephora got high marks for scoring well in the top three criteria: discoverability, purchase experience, and recipient experience. Importance of digital gift cards This year, 81 of the 100 merchants in the judging offered digital gift cards. RSR said it updates its criteria each year to focus on capabilities that set retailers apart. These criteria evolve each year so it keeps retailers on their toes. Consumers are increasingly engaging with retailers through digital channels first, creating a demand for the retailer to be where the customer is, said Nikki Baird, managing partner at RSR Research. That, she says, requires retailers to be able to handle all the things a customer wants from them in the digital space, and that includes gift cards. Weve learned over the years just how complex digital gifting is on the desktop. This year leaders excelled at mobile, Baird said. However, too many of those evaluated are continuing to struggle with mobile optimization of their programs. Gift cards continue to be a bigger part of the holiday shopping season, as well as becoming the go-to gift for grandparents who have a hard time keeping up with grandchildren's evolving tastes. Gift cards now account for more than $100 billion in sales each year. About 93% of consumers either give or send one. I am a Canna What Flower Are You? table width="145">"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that." Every day, events happen that can turn lives upside down. Maybe its a wildfire in California, forcing people to quickly flee their homes. Maybe a medical emergency occurs when someone is out of town, away from his regular doctor. Or perhaps a water pipe breaks, damaging mortgage documents, photos or birth certificates. While no one can prevent every traumatic event, your credit union can make it easier for members to meet lifes challenges. You can help them prepare for emergencies by providing personal safe-deposit boxes. No, not physical boxes in the vault, like the olden days; instead, offer a digital solution, before disaster strikes. Whats a digital safe-deposit box? Individual, secure space With a quality online StrongBox, members can safeguard important papers, such as insurance information, medical records and treasured photographs, as well as titles, deeds and other vital records. Virtual StrongBox enables financial institutions to offer each accountholder digital, private storage space that is protected by patented encryption technology. In case of fire, flood or other disaster, members critical information is available right at their fingertips, anywhere they have an internet connection. And unlike typical commercial services, which commingle stored documents, Virtual StrongBoxes are private; only the member can access her files. For someone facing a significant loss, its a relief to quickly retrieve needed information so recovery efforts can begin. Secure file exchange Online safe-deposit boxes allow members to securely exchange documents with your credit union and other service providers, such as the insurance company or healthcare provider. A friend of mine was on vacation in Paris, when her elderly mother suffered a stroke. My friend didnt speak French, and had a harrowing tiPme trying to communicate with doctors about her mothers medical history and prescriptions. And although my friend had been designated the power of attorney, that document wasnt available. If a copy had been stored in my friends online safety box, she could have saved precious time, authorizing medical personnel to access needed records in seconds. Estate planning Encourage members to prepare, notarize and safely store important documents like wills, trust agreements, and medical instructions, such as DNRs, which can be stored in their online safe-deposit boxes. Too often, people know they need to prepare a will, write instructions for handling their memorial services or, more importantly, sign a DNR but they dont act on it. Loved ones die without these important papers in place causing confusion; sometimes, even family feuds. Offer members a checklist of important end-of-life matters to consider, including a will and letter to loved ones spelling out their wishes. Keeping everything together in one secure place makes stressful events a little easier to bear. Preparation is key Of course, the time to prepare for crises is before lightning strikes or a medical emergency occurs. Encourage members to store critical documents in a safe place before theyre needed or lost. To promote full usage of your digital safe-deposit service, make sure members understand the benefits not just for the convenience of easy retrieval, but also the protection offered by a quality online storage program. And offer suggestions about the types of information that should be stored, like marriage licenses, birth certificates, wills and car titles. Remember the old saying, forewarned is forearmed? The reason it has such staying power is that its true. Everyone knows life seldom goes as smoothly as planned. But your credit union can help lessen the frustration of members unexpected events by offering safe, secure storage for critical papers just like the physical safe-deposit boxes of old. From tornados and wildfires, to irritating hassles like finding the kids inoculation records, having the relevant information readily available can alleviate stress. Offering the means to be forearmed will delight members and set your credit union apart. The process behind both the hiring of its successor CEO and the transition currently under way at DuPont Community Credit Union reflects the organizations longstanding commitment to organic internal executive development, suggests President/CEO Gerald Hershey. Hershey will retire from the $1.1 billion Waynesboro, Va., credit union serving 80,000 members in March 2017, ending 17 years as its chief executive. The board announced in June that EVP/Chief Operations Officer Steve Elkins will succeed Hershey, and the intervening months have involved a steady transfer of leadership responsibilities. Hershey shared his intentions to retire with the boardwhich belongs to the Center for Credit Union Board Excellencein October 2015 and formally announced his retirement plans in March 2016. Working with a consultant from C Myers, Phoenix, the board developed a hiring process through which Elkins was identified as the best candidate for the job, without an external search. At the end of the day, the board structured a rigorous process, and the incumbent earned the position on his own merit and not simply as a recommendation from the outgoing CEO, Hershey says. If the board had seen the need for a change in direction, they would have gone outside to find a change agent. But theyve seen results from our internal, organic executive development. WASHINGTON, August 9th, 2016 Last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the release of genetically engineered (GE) mosquitoes in the Florida Keys without a thorough review of the risks associated with such a release. This first-ofits-kind release was approved by the FDA despite widespread public outcry and a weak environmental assessment. According to the Center for Food Safety, Food and Water Watch, Friends of the Earth and the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition, this release should warrant a full environmental impact statement. Biotech and pest control company Oxitec urged the FDA to speed approval of a trial involving widespread release of millions of GE mosquitoes in the Florida community of Key Haven. Oxitecs application to the FDA does not claim that the release of the GE mosquitoes would cause the reduction of diseases such as Dengue or Zika. More than 250,000 people submitted comments to criticize the FDAs review of Oxitecs planned release of the GE mosquitoes in Key Haven.The FDAs formal review of the companys application and environmental assessment fails to evaluate key issues surrounding the releases, including safety to human health, potential for the experimental mosquitos to move out of testing areas, and whether or not large numbers of the GE mosquitoes will actually reduce the spread of diseases like West Nile, Dengue or Zika. The FDA bypassed the normal process of responding to the comments submitted to its formal docket which closed May 13 of this year. The FDA also changed its policy in its guidance document on approval of GE animals/insects so that public hearings are no longer required. These actions suggest that politics, not science are guiding the agency.In Panama, Brazil and Malaysia, where the company has already released the GE mosquitoes, people could not avoid breathing in and swallowing mosquitoes due to the vast number of mosquitoes released.It is unacceptable that the FDA would approve the widespread release of potentially harmful genetically engineered insects without having the science to back up the decision. Public health could be put at risk, especially considering the likelihood of ingesting the GE mosquitos, and the likelihood of some mosquitoes not being effectively sterilized, said Jaydee Hanson, senior policy analyst at Center for Food Safety.FDAs assessment and testing was inadequate. How will GE mosquitoes thrive in the wild and what will the inevitable unintended consequences be? These questions have not been responsibly answered, said Dana Perls, senior food and technology campaigner with Friends of the Earth, U.S. We should be using the least toxic alternatives that dont have unintended consequences for our environment and health.Local community members in the Keys have voiced concerns for their own safety. In November there will be two votes for citizens of Key Haven and Monroe County to advise the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board on whether or not they think the releases should go through. With the FDAs approval, the decision will ultimately be left to the board.People in Florida do not want the GE mosquitos released on their properties. The upcoming votes on Nov. 8 allow people in the Keys to vote on whether they want the mosquitoes to be released, but the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board does not have to follow the results of the election. This is not what should be happening in a democracy. The U.S. Constitution forbids this kind of taking of our land and health by the government, said Barry Wray, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.The FDAs failure to do a thorough review of how these GMO mosquitoes will spread through the environment and possible impacts on local ecosystems is inexcusable, said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. The agency seems so eager to speed the process along that they are willing to ignore widespread concern from people who will have to be subject to this experiment.The Center for Food Safety is contemplating potential litigation aginst the FDA's approval without full environmental impact analysis, as the organization recommended in its May 13, 2016 comments to the agency. A full environment impact statement should compare all strategies to control the mosquitoes, including using Wolbachia bacteria to sterilize mosquitoes.Center for Food Safety The proposed MacArthur Transit Village is being worked through the approval process in Oakland. The structure, to be constructed adjacent to MacArthur BART, was the subject of an Oakland Design Review Committee meeting on August 10th. The transit village, which would become the tallest building in North Oakland, has drawn civic argument (both pro and con) regarding the height, environmental and aesthetic impacts, and the number of affordable housing units. While the building is the subject of debate, the developers face little public scrutiny. A 25 story residential tower, the proposed MacArthur Transit Village, is being worked through the approval process in Oakland, California. The structure, to be constructed adjacent to MacArthur BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), was the subject of an Oakland Design Review Committee meeting on August 10th. The transit village, which would become the tallest building in North Oakland, has drawn civic argument (both pro and con) regarding the height, environmental and aesthetic impacts, and the number of affordable housing units. While the building is the subject of debate, the developing company has faced little public scrutiny.The MacArthur Transit Village is being championed by YIMBY groups East Bay Forward and SFBARF (San Francisco Bay Area Renters Federation). These two groups routinely push a narrative that developers are struggling victims of regulation, impeded by bureaucratic red-tape and neighborhood preservationists. YIMBY organizers lobby for the fast-tracking of development. Generally speaking, the Bay Area does need more housing, as does any metropolitan area. Generally speaking, new housing by a transit hub like MacArthur, with BART and bus access, can help reduce a city's carbon footprint. However, the developers of the transit village are elite representatives of American capitalism, a system riddled with social inequality and environmental injustice.On July 5th of this year, Oakland city council voted their approval for MacArthur Transit Community Partners LLC to build the transit village. The developing partners are Boston Properties Inc and McGrath Properties. There is not much to be said about McGrath Properties. They are a real estate company that profits from large scale mixed-use projects, and currently owns over 1 million square feet of developed and undeveloped property. The other corporate entity in the partnership, Boston Properties, is of greater interest and should be examined further.Boston Properties is a major real estate corporation, having assets in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and other major cities, including Oakland. They are the 5th largest real estate investment trust in the New York area, and are the largest landlord in the city of San Francisco. In the latest reported numbers, Boston Properties drew 2.49 billion dollars in revenue, claimed 582.7 million dollars of profit, and holds 18.28 billion dollars worth of assets.The leadership of Boston Properties Inc is comprised of individuals with ties to big banks, politically influential think-tanks, the federal government, and various major corporations. Co-founder and current chair of Boston Properties, Mortimer Zuckerman, is a member of both the Trilateral Commission and the Council of Foreign Relations, as well as an advisor for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. In regards to US national politics, Zuckerman plays both sides of the aisle by contributing campaign donations the RNC and to Democrats. Zuckerman also owns the New York Daily News and is the editor-in-chief of US News & World Report. Zuckerman is a friend of the Koch brothers; in August of 2010, the Koch brothers declined an interview with the New Yorker (magazine), and Zuckerman spoke on their behalf. ( http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/08/30/covert-operations Zuckerman was named in a 2006 report `The Israel Lobby` (authors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt), for using media ventures to lobby for US foreign aid to Israel. In 2008, acting president George Bush appointed Zuckerman to the Honorary Delegation for the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel. Zuckerman spoke out against Barack Obama in the president's re-election campaign in 2012, after Obama expressed support for Israel returning land to Palestine to reinstate the 1967 borders. Zuckerman said prominent Jewish Americans are "are very upset and feel alienated" and warned that Obama would "get less political support, fewer activists for his campaign, and... [less] financial support as well". ( https://www.salon.com/2011/05/22/israel_48/ -article by Glenn Greenwald)Zuckerman has further ties to influencing national and foreign affairs as a donor to the Clinton Foundation. Zuckerman was added to Hillary Clinton's "call list" in 2009 ( https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/16551 ), met with Hillary ( https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/296 ), and stayed in contact with Hillary ( https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/26921 ).Boston Properties board member Joel Klein contributed to Hillary Clinton's senate campaign. Klein was a White House deputy counsel from 1993 to 1995, and an assistant attorney general from 1997 to 2001. Aside from being a board member of Boston Properties, Klein is also a board member of News Corp.Another ally of the Clintons, and contributor to Hillary's presidential campaign, is Boston Properties board member Alan Patricof. During the time Hillary Clinton was a senator, the Clintons vacationed at Patricof's house at the Hamptons. ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hillary-clinton-hedge-fund_us_564a7530e4b06037734a8f0d ) Patricof is the co-chair of the New York City DNC 2016 Host Committee, which has Jamie Dimon as a member.On the board of Boston Properties is Jacob Frenkel, the Chairman of JPMorgan Chase International. When Frenkel joined JPMorgan Chase, he and Jamie Dimon expressed reciprocal admiration. ( https://investor.shareholder.com/jpmorganchase/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=428797 ) Frenkel is also is also a member of the economic advisory council of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Frenkel is a former governor of the Bank of Israel, is a former Vice Chair of AIG, and a former Chair of Merrill Lynch International. Frenkel has also been a member of the International Advisory Board of the Council of Foreign Relations. ( http://www.alternet.org/economy/jp-morgan-chase-bank-4-trillion-global-powerhouse-meet-elites-charge Also on the board of Boston Properties is Ivan Seidenberg. In the past, Seidenberg had served various functions at Verizon Wireless, including former director, former chairman, and former CEO. During his tenure at Verizon, Seidenberg heavily critiqued President Obama as being anti-business ( https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/2133 ), despite the reality that Obama has been consistently corporate-friendly. Seidenberg has repeatedly been a donor to RNC campaigns.Boston Properties has deep ties in government, the financial sector, foreign affairs, news media, and varied corporations. They are using the Oakland housing shortage as an opportunity for more profit and influence. A housing project by the MacArthur transit hub is a valid concept. However, it is also valid to question the politics and backroom dealings behind the project. It is valid to question the level of influence the developers have over local, national and global affairs. It is worth exploring the ties between the developers and the institutions that caused the financial collapse and got bailed-out by the government. It is worth considering the power large real estate corporations like Boston Properties have, and questioning how continued corporate growth can influence rental prices and availability of low income housing. It is worth pondering how corporations contribute to environmental degradation. Research is essential when considering the pros and cons of any development project. Updike Interviews Collected in New Plath Book James Plath Aug. 12, 2016 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and literary critic John Updike once called interviews a half form, like maggots, and a form to be loathed, yet he gave more of them than any other American writer, according to Illinois Wesleyan Universitys James Plath. Plath, a renowned Updike scholar, has compiled a collection of Updike interviews into a new book, John Updikes Pennsylvania Interviews (Lehigh University Press, 2016), that illustrates and helps to explain the bond between one of Americas greatest literary talents and the setting of much of his early fiction. Updikes most famous work is the series chronicling the life of Harry Rabbitt Angstrom. Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest were both awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and along with two other Rabbitt novels, are set in Pennsylvania, where Updike was born and raised in Berks County. Updike was also a productive and important art and literary critic whose essays and reviews earned him the unofficial title of Americas man of letters, according to Plath, who noted Updike took that responsibility quite seriously. The press sought his opinions about the state of literature and the arts in America, and he obliged, without fail, said Plath, the R. Forrest Colwell Chair and professor of English. Updike saw the writer as someone who could be counted on to tell the truth about America and American culture, and felt it his duty to comment, not only in his creative works, but in the media as well. So even though he loathed interviews in one sense, Updike knew a writers legacy depended, in some measure, upon continued critical attention from university scholars. Plath noted Updike asked that his personal letters not be published, so the only way Updike scholars and fans can read more of the authors candid and insightful remarks is to revisit some of the interviews he granted. The new book includes a number of interviews with Terry Gross, host of the radio show Fresh Air distributed throughout the country by NPR, and articles published in the Sunday Bulletin, the Reading (Pa.) Eagle and Reading Times, Pittsburgh Press, Lancasters Intelligencer Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer and Berks County Living. Updike seemed more playful with Pennsylvania interviewers, and its clear he also gave them more information, said Plath. He was, for example, notoriously cagey when asked to pick his own favorites, but hes very forthcoming in the interviews contained in this book. I also think this collection illuminates the sometimes uneasy relationship Updike had with Berks County, Plath added. Locals wanted him to keep writing about Pennsylvania Dutch life, but Updike kept shocking them with novels like Couples. The 1968 novel about a circle of promiscuous couples in small-town Massachusetts, with its unusual-for-the-time explicit descriptions of sex, landed Updike on the cover of Time magazine. Plath is also the editor of Conversations with John Updike, a 1994 collection of Updike short interviews, magazine and newspaper profiles. Plath said work on the new book of interviews proved more daunting than he expected. Because of budget cuts, damage, or equipment obsolescence, small public libraries no longer offer access to newspaper archives, and many small newspapers have eliminated their newspaper morgues. My biggest challenge was to find materials that werent on anyones radar, he said, offering as examples two public question-and-answer sessions from Updikes appearances at colleges. Both of them came as a result of my poking around libraries and asking questionsand of course, because of the generosity of librarians. This type of research is a little like panning for goldyou keep at it, persistent, never knowing if there will be a pay-off. Plath said the project began more than five years ago when he realized the John Updike Literary Trust had no plans to publish Updikes letters, making access to interviews more important than ever. Interviews provide fertile ground for scholars, Plath said. They can corroborate a critical theory or spark new ideas for essays and books. As president of The John Updike Society, Plath said he felt an obligation to compile the book to provide more raw materials for scholars to use and, for readers, providing the equivalent of bonus features on a films DVD. Years into the project, though, after I began absorbing the interviews and felt their cumulative weight, it became clearer to me that Berks County may have had an even greater influence on Updike than anyone had previously thought, Plath said. Berks County really was his Yoknapatawpha, and I hope that these Pennsylvania interviews and articles, grouped into one volume, will help to illustrate and explain just how strong of a connection Updike felt with his little corner of southeastern Pennsylvania. And, of course, I hope that the book inspires people to read beyond the well-known Rabbit novels and experience the rest of Updikes impressive oeuvre. In addition to his scholarship on Updike, Plath is a recognized Ernest Hemingway scholar and the editor of books of criticism on topics ranging from Raymond Carver to the film Casablanca. His short stories and poems have been published in ACM (Another Chicago Magazine), The North American Review and many other literary magazines. He is also a film critic and Approved Tomatometer Critic at Rotten Tomatoes. He earned a doctoral degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mrs. Mary Jane Iyama (not real name) 36, got married in June 2015 at Asaba, the capital of Delta State. Getting married at 36 for a lady is not actually the best of time, although many factors are always at play. This is so because her years of child bearing are gradually tilting to the end at this particular age. Hence, the annoyance that followed when Mary Jane lost her baby at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, due to the negligence of the doctors on duty as at the time of her delivery. A woman's horrible experience in the labour room At times, some waiting mothers are aware of when the labour pain is set to occur following their knowledge having delivered babies for a period of time. For her, she was actually not aware being that was the first pregnancy she was having at the time in question. The time was midnight and the labour pain began. Thereafter, she was rushed to the hospital as it has always been the case. She told Legit.ng that, the nurses and doctors on duty at that night were good and nice to her, having battled throughout the night, in the morning, the nurses and doctors that came were not as friendly as the ones that handed over to them, but before they came in, there was another lady still in labour lying close to me. If you see hes, you will know she is like the wife of one of the politicians in town. Somehow, the doctors and nurses concentrated on the other lady and abandoned her to her fate. As it happened, she felt like pushing as the baby made way inside the womb. But. to avoid pushing against the wishes of the doctors, she tapped one of the doctors that concentrated on the other lady and she was shoved aside, I was feeling like pushing, I now tapped the doctor, and said I feel like pushing, he pushed my hand away. I was even in the pre-labour ward, not yet in the labour room. He said cant bear some pains? I told him that I know when I feel like pushing, he just insulted me and left me and continued attending to the other woman. The lady was later carried to the theatre, one nurse followed the doctors, another remained. The one that remained was just drinking tea. I now called her and said I feel like pushing, she did not even answer me. After drinking her tea, she walked away and left me in the room. So, nobody was with me again, Mrs. Iyama narrated. Death As the drama between her and the nurses was getting messier, she felt she must take action to save the life of her baby, lest the baby forces its way out and the unexpected could happen since no nurse nor doctor was with her in the labour room. Again, I felt like pushing, then I told myself if I sit down here waiting for these people, this baby might just come and fall down because the bed is high. Then I saw my husband just passed, I decided to go and call him to look for a nurse, while I did that, another pushing urge came again, but I resisted it. So, when I came down as I was walking from the bed, half way into the door, I started feeling like pushing again. The pushing urge was almost getting into my nerves, going beyond control. And due to the fact that I was now standing, it would be easy, you know if a child is coming. "It pushes on its own, not only the woman, at least its a living being. So, as I was trying to bear it, the baby just pushed itself out and hit its head on the bear floor gbim, the cord cut and I started bleeding. It was then one of the doctors that was passing then held the child back and opened the door, saw blood everywhere, that was when they started doing emergency work on me. According to her, she was later carried into the labour ward because the placenta went back and got itself attached. She said the doctor that threw away her hand at the beginning became the most serious doctor who wanted to carry out all activities to rescue her life and that of the baby. She said the doctors almost strangled life out of her so that she wont say what transpired in the labour room between her and the doctors and nurses. READ ALSO: Paul Pogbas journey to becoming the most expensive footballer in the world Six hours after that incidence, the child died. And you can see the scolding this doctor gave me in the labour room, the insult from the nurses and the cleaners, they said you want to put us in trouble. But I said I told you I was feeling like pushing, you did not listen to me. Look even as a doctor, he is supposed to know that a woman does not just push, it comes on its own, it will get to a point the woman cannot bear it, the child will push itself, its not a dead object, its a living being, but now they were blaming me that I did not wait for them and that I forcefully pushed the child out on my own. Mrs. Iyama was not the only woman who experienced this treatment from doctors of the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba. Many other women have also been subjected to greater level of inhuman treatment from those who are supposed to be caregivers and show love in the hospitals. Many women in the labour room, beside their children dying, have also died, while some die and their children survive. Another woman bled to death Mrs. Mary Akpobotu was one of the most unlucky women who went to the Federal Medical Center for delivery. Reports from other women revealed that she was actually referred from another hospital to the FMC. Somehow, she had complications which the previous hospital could not handle and was referred to the centre with the belief that the FMC has medical personnel and facilities to attend to her delivery and settle her complications. But the reverse was the case, rather than receive the needed attention from the medical doctors, she was ignored and died with the baby while the doctors watched till life went out of her, perhaps she had no money to deposit before she could be attended to. Legit.ngs investigation revealed that the said woman was referred from another hospital, but, because she was not the immediate patient of the FMC, the doctors ignored her and she passed on. Sources at the hospital told Legit.ng that the woman was heard shouting in pain but all of a sudden, the shouts died down and she remained lifeless on the bare floor. Federal medical centre, Asaba People started talking in low tones. I did not hear any noise again. I was in the labour room, I did not hear, it was when I came out that I heard the story. How the woman was in labour, they referred her to the FMC but they ignored her because she is not their immediate patient and may be has no money to deposit. May be the woman is not that rich. The woman started stretching with the labour pain and gave up. When the woman gave up, the husband started calling her, she did not answer, he now discovered that his wife had died. The man again shouted, he thereafter fainted, but his wife died with the pregnancy, hospital sources narrated to Legit.ng. Challenges Abel Ogine, whose wife delivered at the hospital, has similar tales to tell. For him the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba has nothing to write home about. He said if a woman must deliver her baby at the FMC, her husband must be well loaded with cash to attend to all their financial demands. He, however, faulted the treatment FMC metes out to their patients. He said FMCs treatment is not too fair. I remember vividly when my wife was pregnant, she told me when her body was showing signs. For FMC doctors to take her to the labour room, there was so much delay. We were directed to do a number of tests which I cannot remember. Look if a poor man goes to FMC, the hospital will not assist that person. If not that before my wifes labour pain came, God has blessed me with some money and I was having my ATM card by my side, I cant tell what would have happened, Mr. Ogine narrated. The doctors told me to pay N15,000 for blood, I told them my wife has enough blood and I will not pay N15,000. It was from 3am I started running from place to place in that hospital till the early hours of the day. With what I have seen and even the way the nurses were talking, they have no regard for anybody. The nurses were not friendly with me as a man. To go to FMC, you must pray for safe delivery and the kind of nurses you will meet at the hospital, he advised. READ ALSO: Unveiled: Happiness Ozoalor, a 23-year-old female welder in Delta state However, he said the greatest challenge in the FMC is not the doctors but the nurses. He said the doctors are ready to deliver at their own time when they are called to do so. But the nurses, he said, are the ones that will tell the doctor leave her alone, its not yet time while the woman is in pains. Nurses attitude His wife, Faith, who delivered at the hospital, described some of the nurses as people possessed with demons. To her, the nurses do not care for the women during delivery. When I was there, some of the women were falling from the bed, they said if she like let her die there. The luck I had was that at the time of my delivery, the bad ones changed over to the good ones, that was what saved me. Some were behaving like demons. FMC nurses know that whether they treat you or not, their salaries will be paid, so nothing concerns them of whatever happens to you. That is it. The story is the same in almost all hospitals. Abandonment is normal occurrence in FMCs nationwide. Public Relations Officer The Public Relations Officer of the FMC in Asaba, Nnamdi Ogbogo, said there are no such occurrences of abandonment that leads to maternal and child death in the hospital. He also said such reports are only lodged by relations or friends of people who are affected. His explanations may not be unconnected with the fact that the public relations office is part of management and being a management staff, he is certainly unaware of what obtains in the labour room as no doctor or nurse will reveal their unbecoming action to management to avoid the sledge hammer against them. Reports reveal that Nigeria records one of the worlds highest rates of maternal death in hospitals. One in every 13 Nigerian women dies at childbirth. Although many of these deaths are preventable, the coverage and quality of healthcare services in Nigeria continue to fail women and children, leading to unwarranted death of this vulnerable group of people in the country. The United Nations Funds for Population activities recently said that 110 Nigerian women die from pregnancy and childbirth related complications on a daily basis. It revealed that out of 2,443,000 pregnant women deaths recorded worldwide between 2003 and 2009, 90 percent of the cases occurred in developing countries including Nigeria. Source: Legit.ng - PDP governors are against Goodluck Jonathan's godson, George Turnah - The governors have vowed to frustrate his ambition of vying for the position of PDP national vice chairman, South-South at the August 17 national convention - The governors have already settled for Prince Uche Secondus as the partys deputy national chairman Few days to the embattled national convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there appears to be more cracks in the party. Some governors are against George Turnah, an ally of former president Goodluck Jonathan, vying for the position of PDP national vice chairman, South-South at the forthcoming national convention, Leadership reports. George Turnah Most of the PDP governors who are angry that Turnah was planning to run for the position when the zone had already settled for Prince Uche Secondus as the partys deputy national chairman, have vowed to stop his ambition. READ ALSO: PDP is not sponsoring Niger Delta Avengers Turnah Turnah, who is said to be Jonathans political godson, is allegedly propped up for the position by the former president. One of the south south governors who spoke in confidence said Turnah is too young to be made vice chairman of the zone. He wondered how Turnah who is in his thirties will manage the governors and leaders of the party. According to him, if the party is fighting impunity, someone like Turnah ought to take the back seat and learn. Apart from that, once Secondus becomes deputy, someone from Bayelsa cannot be vice chairman again because both Rivers and Bayelsa belong to one block. This time around, the vice chairmanship position will go to the Akwa-Ibom /Cross River axis. READ ALSO: Why PDP may not survive Dokpesi The last time, it was in the Edo Delta zone and that was why after Steve Oru was made minister, Cairo Ojuigboh took over. We cannot afford this because it will make the party look too juvenile. We have told the former president to advise the boy to withdraw from the race because it is a tall order for him and besides, we are conscious of how people will view our party, he said. Turnah wielded influence across the Niger Delta and the presidential villa as special assistant on youth matters to two former managing directors of the Niger-Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) during Jonathans administration. Report has it that Turnah was in Abuja at the instance of Jonathan to visit party leaders and intimate them of his intention. READ ALSO: PDP crisis: Sheriff lists conditions for peace He reportedly met with Chief Edwin Clark, a former Information Minister and Second Republic senator, at his Asokoro residence on Wednesday. The PDP national convention is scheduled to hold on August 17 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, but the ousted national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has asked members of the party to disregard the plans for the national convention. He wrote a letter to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the commission to completely ignore a letter by the Makarfi-led PDP caretaker committee notifying it of a proposed PDP convention. On the other hand, Makarfi, urged the INEC to disregard the protest letter submitted by Sheriff against the holding of the August 17 PDP national convention. He maintained that no court has stopped the scheduled August 17 convention. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the police, Department of State Security (DSS) and the INEC not to interfere with the party's national convention. Source: Legit.ng - A 55 year-old Briton, Gibson Mark Damien, was found dead at a Lagos hotel - He was certified dead by a doctor before his corpse was deposited at a morgue A British national identified as Gibson Mark Damien, was found dead inside a hotel located in Lekki, Lagos. The lifeless body of the 55-year-old man was discovered at about 12am at Churchill Lodge on Thursday, August 11, The Nation reports. READ ALSO: Mother poisons daughter to bring husband back in family Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, said the hotel manager, Ihuoma Ubani, reported that Damien, who was a guest in the hotel, was found motionless. A doctor from Ave Maria Specialist Hospital in Oniru was contacted to examine him and he was certified dead. The doctor certified the British man dead and his corpse was thereafter deposited at a morgue for autopsy, the police spokesperson added. The cause of his death is yet unknown. READ ALSO: Widow in Lagos caught luring schoolgirls into prostitution Until his death, the deceased worked with Port to Port Office in Victoria Island. Last month, a woman was found dead at a hotel on Prince Adeyemi Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The police launched a manhunt for a man suspected to have murdered her. Source: Legit.ng Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Dogs are no doubt man's best friends. But this service dog takes it a few levels up when he walks as the Best Man at Justin Lanford and Carol Balmes' wedding. What looked like an ordinary union became a very special one with the dog's participation. Surely, the furry four-legged companion of Justin stole the spotlight and the hearts of the guests when he walked down the aisle. Maybe a lot of you would be surprised to know that a dog, and not a human was the Best Man at a very memorable wedding. But once you learn the story behind it, for sure, you will give Gabe the service dog a two-thumbs up. Justin Lanford said in an interview, I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan in early 2012. We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely. I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg." Gabe, the Best Man at Justin's wedding, is a service dog who matched with him years ago through the Warrior Canine Connection. The whole process aims to help veterans deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder by connecting them with support animals. In the case of Justin, Gabe really is a good match. The less I use my wheelchair, the more I need his help in smaller tasks and the more he is there. It has been very comforting to know that. I have a prosthetic lubricant to slide my leg into place in the morning and he can retrieve that, Justin said. He helps me with one thing to the next. I can use him as a stable surface to lean on, as I get to and from the ground. If I fall, hell come up running next to me and I can use him to push off of to get up off the ground, Justin said. No wonder, Gabe was chosen as the Best Man because he truly is the one! With the help and support, he gave Justin, for sure the newlyweds are in for more beautiful memories with Gabe. What a very wonderful and inspiring story! Hats off to Gabe! Source: Legit.ng - Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra in the UK has denied any form of relationship with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) - His lawyers, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Amobi Nzelu held a press briefing in Abuja to brief journalists on the issue - Mr Ejiofor said the federal government does not need to sponsor their representatives to travel to Bayelsa state or the Niger delta region to reach Kanu Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB Following reports, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has vehemently denied having any ties with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). He disclosed this through his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor while briefing newsmen in Abuja. He said: "Nnamdi Kanu is not opposed to political solution in resolving his present politically orchestrated ordeal as he welcomes genuine political solution to this case. In the past few days, the media was awash with news on negotiation going on between the federal government and the members of MEND where our clients name, Nnamdi Kanu conspicuously featured. It is on the note that we need to inform the public that Nnamdi Kanu has no connection, contact, ties or any form of relationship with the members of the MEND. READ ALSO: Heavens Will Strike If Nnamdi Kanu Is Not Released - Prophet As such , MEND has no implied, direct or express authority of Nnamdi Kanu to represent him or independent people of Biafra (IPOB). In any purported negotiation, going on between MEND and the federal government. The general public is advised to ignore and disregard the falsehood being peddled by MEND. Nnamdi Kanu does not know them!". He added that the federal government does not need to sponsor their representatives to travel to Bayelsa state or the Niger delta region to reach Kanu. They know where they kept him which is easily accessible to them. Nnamdi Kanu has proven his integrity and impeccable character that will negotiate on his behalf based on demands, he said. The militant groups had asked the release of Kanu, as a condition among others for the return of peace in the Niger Delta region. However, a progress report on the dialogue between the MEND and agents of the federal government said an arrangement was being worked out for Kanus release from prison custody by the federal government if he renounced his Baifra agitation. READ ALSO:Nnamdi Kanu Apologises To President Buhari But Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu could not confirm MENDs claims. Shehu said the government had not received the report of the talks from those it authorised to discuss with MEND. Mr Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra in the UK, has been in Kuje prison in Abuja since 2015. Source: Legit.ng Wendy Turk, left, and Mary Jo Fesenmaier hold a banner decrying the force feeding of Wisconsin prisoners during a rally outside the state Department of Corrections headquarters in Madison on July 5, 2016. Hunger-striking prisoners and their advocates are seeking an end to long-term solitary confinement. - ASUU supports admission screening into Nigerian universities - Screening procedure satisfactory The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday, August 12, stated that it was okay with the ongoing admission screening process in some universities all over the nation. READ ALSO: Minister of Education announces cancellation of PTA fees The national president of the body, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. NAN had it that following the scrapping of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the government of the federation, the universities initiated new procedures to screen candidates for the 2016/2017 academic session The ASUU president who is likewise a lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, said: I want to say that so far, we are satisfied with the screening procedure. We cannot be in all the institutions at a time, but reports reaching us and from our observations, the universities are on the right track. You see, no dictation from outside the universities can stop the institutions from doing this screening. It is part of the procedures spelt out by the Senate of the various universities for admission of candidates. Government can only provide guidelines such as quota for the academically less-advantaged areas, but the issue of merit is strictly for the universities to determine. READ ALSO: Inferno razes Adamawa state university Ogunyemi advised the universities not to lose focus at making sure that only qualified candidates given admission into the respective programmes in the citadel of learning. According to him, the screening will also raise the quality of undergraduates which will transform to quality graduates. It was of recent that Malam Adamu Adamu, education minister announced the scrapping of post-UTME while declaring open a Combined Policy Meeting on admission into the universities. The education minister stated that it was important to make candidates write another set of examinations after the UTME that was conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). About two days ago, the National Universities Commission (NUC) released a list of some courses that have not been accredited. Source: Legit.ng - Vandal dies from electrocution - Incident occurs on Friday, August 12, 2016 - General Manager of TCN issues statement On Friday, August 12, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated that a suspected vandal was electrocuted on the Shiroro/Tegina/Kontagora 132 KV transmission line. The general manager in charge of public affairs, Seun Olagunju signed a statement explaining what actually happened. READ ALSO: Two arrested for stealing cables in Lagos Olagunju said the vandals had successfully cut the skywire at Tower 187 and then moved on to Tower 188 along the transmission line. Suspected vandal hanging upside down after death from electrocution The actual period the incident happened in the night of Monday, August 1 when the suspected vandal was carrying out the nefarious act on the transmission line. TCN had issued a warning to vandals not to come close to its transmission facilities all over Nigeria. READ ALSO: Man lost his life because of illegal connection in Akure The company stated that apart from being an act of sabotage, there is grave danger inherent in vandalism of power installations. The TCN said the police officers were thereafter invited to the scene of the incident and the body of the suspected vandal was taken away, with investigations being carried out. It was revealed that the cut skywire was removed and the transmission line restored at about 6:40pm on Tuesday, August 2 after the ugly incident. The statement said: TCN management, therefore, appeals to the public to be vigilant and report questionable and illegal activities around power installations and equipment to law enforcement agents. This will ensure effective power wheeling for national development, which the TCN is continually committed to. In a news report on Thursday, August 11, the power companies said they will turn off the countrys electricity if they are not paid the money they are being owed. Source: Legit.ng August 12, 2016 Glacier National ParkMedia Release August 12, 2016 Tim Rains 406-888-7895 MEDIA16-43 Public Invited To Celebrate the Centennial Of The National Park Service At Glacier National Park Park Entrance Fees Waived for August 25 August 28 WEST GLACIER, MONT On August 25we celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. The celebration is as much a reflection on the importance the national park system has played in our nation's heritage as it is an opportunity to look forward to the next 100 years. As we take that look,we must do everything we can to foster the next generation in becoming outstanding stewards and advocates for Glacier National Park and prepare them for the future challenges of protecting its natural resources, celebrating its cultural legacy, and providing for outstanding visitor experiences. At Glacier, we are in the forever business, always taking that long look forward to where we are headed. The next generation will be challenged by managing the parks in the face of climate change. For this park it could mean the loss of its remaining glaciers with significant impacts on the ecosystems and the waterways which originate from here. The next generation will also face an ongoing change in park demographics.This could mean a demand for new recreational experiences, adapting to increases in visitation, and adjusting to rapidly evolving technology. Our cultural heritage at Glacier National Park goes back far beyond the establishment of the park. It goes to the deep connectivity that the Kootenai, Blackfeet, Salish, and Pend D'Oreille have to this landscape. Thosenative traditions and practices are an important part of the deep rich texture of Glacier National Park. As the park and tribes move forward together in the next 100 years, the next generation has the opportunity to strengthen important programs, such as Native America Speaks, tourism development, and the Iinnii project, and develop new initiatives with our tribal partners. As we enter our second century, I invite you to celebrate with us the sense of wonder that these historic and wild landscapes have instilled in us all. Superintendent Jeff Mow The National Park Service Centennial Week Events Fee Free Days Entrance fees to the Park, as well as all other units of the National Park Service, will be waived for August 25 August 28. National Park Centennial Instameet Glacier National Park, partnering with the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Department of the Interior, and Visit Montana as well as special guest photographers are hosting an Instameet on August 25from 6 p.m. to sunset in the Apgar Village Green near the Apgar Village Inn. Visitors are encouraged to come together to connect, explore, and celebrate creativity with a camera, make new friends, exchange ideas, and celebrate the 100thbirthday of the National Park Service (NPS). All ages, levels of experience and types of cameras are welcome. Around 6:15 p.m. the host of the Instameet will say a few words in regards to the National Park Service centennial. The official Glacier National Park Service centennial visitor photograph will be taken around 7:00 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to sign the photo matte and be a part of NPS history. The photograph will be posted on our social media sites, printed and hung in the park, as well as copy presented to the director of the National Park Service. It is anticipated that attendance will be high;visitors are encouraged to park at the Apgar Visitor Center and take the bike path to the event. Happy Birthday NPS 100 Ranger Program Say "Happy Birthday NPS" and join a national park ranger for a special program at the St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium, Thursday, August 25, 8:00 p.m. Admission is by ticket only, with only 209 tickets available. Attendees can pick up a free ticket at the St. Mary Visitor Center beginning on the morning of August 24.The program will explore the history of the National Park Service, reflect on the last 100 years, and the role Glacier will play as we prepare for the next 100. Logan Pass Star Party Explore the dark skies of Glacier National Park and attend the Logan Pass Star Party. Admission is by ticket only. Attendees can pick up their free ticket (one per vehicle) at the Apgar or St. Mary Visitor Centers beginning Thursday August 25. The Logan Pass Star Party will be held at Logan Pass Parking Lot from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, August 26. Attendees will have opportunities to meet with rangers and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club while taking in the unusually dark skies. There will also be telescopes available to look into the depths of the universe. Give Back To Glacier Week The Glacier National Park Conservancy (GNPC) is hosting a "Give Back To Glacier Week," from August 19 28.GNPC volunteers will be at entrance locations throughout the park asking for involvement in the program. The GNPC is the official fundraising partner of Glacier National Park providing funding for vital projects and programs that preserve and protect the park. - NPS - With the newly released Clinton emails revealing that Mrs. Clinton appears to have never truly left the Clinton Foundation during her time as Secretary of State, every American should be asking themselves one simple question: Are you really surprised? As CNN reports: Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, released 296 pages of emails from the Democratic presidential nominee, including 44 that Judicial Watch says were not previously handed over to the State Department by Clinton. The emails, many of which are heavily redacted, raise questions about the Clinton Foundations influence on the State Department and its relations during her tenure. In one instance, top Clinton Foundation official Doug Band lobbied Clinton aides for a job for someone else in the State Department. In the email, Band tells Hillary Clintons former aides at the department Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin that it is important to take care of (redacted). Band is reassured by Abedin that Personnel has been sending him options. Rumors of impropriety regarding the foundation, have dogged Mrs. Clinton since she became Secretary of State in 2008, even though she pledged to give up her interests in the nonprofit. However, her husband, Mr. Clinton, maintained his. Bill Clinton had started the foundation in 1997, as a 5013 called the William J. Clinton Foundation. Later renamed the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, the nonprofit, for all its philanthropic ventures, was and is, a major source of personal revenue for the family. This situation was inherently problematic from the start because of the obvious conflict of interest for the top US diplomat. That said, there was little to suggest real wrongdoing, until an International Business Times investigation from May of 2015, found that donors to the foundation appeared to receive special treatment by Hillary Clintons State Department in the form of weapons deals. Under Clintons leadership, the State Department approved $165 billion worth of commercial arms sales to 20 nations whose governments have given money to the Clinton Foundation, according to an IBTimes analysis of State Department and foundation data. That figure derived from the three full fiscal years of Clintons term as Secretary of State (from October 2010 to September 2012) represented nearly double the value of American arms sales made to the those countries and approved by the State Department during the same period of President George W. Bushs second term. The Clinton-led State Department also authorized $151 billion of separate Pentagon-brokered deals for 16 of the countries that donated to the Clinton Foundation, resulting in a 143 percent increase in completed sales to those nations over the same time frame during the Bush administration. These extra sales were part of a broad increase in American military exports that accompanied Obamas arrival in the White House. The 143 percent increase in U.S. arms sales to Clinton Foundation donors compares to an 80 percent increase in such sales to all countries over the same time period. Then in June, ABC News broke a story that a Clinton Foundation donor, Rajiv K. Fernandoa man described as A prolific fundraiser for Democratic candidates and contributor to the Clinton Foundation, whotraveled with Bill Clinton on a trip to Africa and who had no experience in the fieldwas appointed to a top secret nuclear security board alongside nuclear scientists, former cabinet secretaries and members of Congress to advise Hillary Clinton on the use of tactical nuclear weapons and on other crucial arms control issues. As ABC reported, [t]he appointment qualified Fernando for one of the highest levels of top secret access, the emails show. Fernandos history of campaign giving dated back at least to 2003 and was prolific and almost exclusively to Democrats. He was an early supporter of Hillary Clintons 2008 bid for president, giving maximum contributions to her campaign, and to HillPAC, in 2007 and 2008. He also served as a fundraising bundler for Clinton, gathering more than $100,000 from others for her White House bid. After Barack Obama bested Clinton for the 2008 nomination, Fernando became a major fundraiser for the Obama campaign. Prior to his State Department appointment, Fernando had given between $100,000 and $250,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation, and another $30,000 to a political advocacy group, WomenCount, that indirectly helped Hillary Clinton retire her lingering 2008 campaign debts by renting her campaign email list. The latest findings from the State Departments newly released emails seem to fit neatly into the narrative that Mrs. Clinton is hopelessly corrupt, as well as brazenly arrogant. They only serve to confirm something that has been painfully obvious from the outset: Hillary Clinton had a stake in the Clinton Foundation as Secretary of State, and acted on it. The problem we now face as a nation, is figuring out exactly what to do with this information. Mrs. Clinton has acted improperlyperhaps even criminally. By all rights, these emails should bar her from becoming commander-in-chief because they provide a glimpse of how the former Secretary will run her administration. However, on the other hand, we have Donald J. Trump, a man who makes outlandish, controversial, bigoted statements, who may or may not be wholly unqualified for the office, and who operates outside of accepted, predictable norms. The 2016 election comes down to this: A choice between the devil we know, or the one we dontand either way we get a devil. (For what its worth, as of now, the State Department maintains there is no evidence of an improper relationship with then Clinton Foundation during Mrs. Clintons tenure. You can see the heat of Death Valley before you feel it. The world takes on a sandy tint upon entering this basin of natural extremities as the glare of the sun illuminates distant sandy hills into blinding, blurry mounds. Death Valleys 5,270 square miles straddle Eastern California and Nevada. This national park doesnt dress things up with abundant greenery or sparkling streams. It is rock and dust and desolation. It is home to the lowest and the hottest places in the country. Despite the physical challenges of facing these superlatives, this place begs to be explored by foot. Death Valleys temperatures soar well into the triple digits in the summer months, which makes hiking potentially dangerous in the heat of the afternoon. There is very little shade, and resources are sparse. But with ample precaution and proper timing, hiking Death Valley can fill you with awe for the intense contrasts and unforgiving elements brought together by Mother Nature. She shows her true colors here, without much consideration for your comfort. So pack extra water, the strongest sunscreen, a park map, and even more water. Hiking Death Valley will leave you loving this place, even if it doesnt love you back. 1. Mosaic Canyon Rushing water carved out this smooth canyon millions of years ago. Now the marble walls are polished and cool to the touch, providing rare moments of shade along a four-mile, round-trip hike. Mosaic Canyon is accessed via a gravel road about a quarter of a mile west of Stovepipe Wells. Its only a two-mile drive from the main road to the start of the hike, but the narrow lane of potholes makes it slow moving. Be kind to your tires and take it slow. The hike is leisurely and flat, encouraging you to appreciate the multitude of colorful stripes and mosaic patterns that run along both sides of the path. Certain sections open up so you can imagine a time when a wide, powerful river ran through. Other sections are just narrow enough for one person to press themselves against the gloriously chilly rock walls. A steep, dry waterfall marks the end of the hike for most. But if youre willing to pull yourself up the slippery rockslide, you can continue on for another one to two miles, scrambling across rock piles and squeezing through crevices. The long history of water erosion makes these scrambles extremely slick, so its not advisable to tackle alone. A twisted ankle could leave you stranded, and although the evidence of rushing water is everywhere, there is none to be found if you find yourself injured and trapped today. Know your limits, and watch your footing. 2. Telescope Peak This walk in the park is no walk in the park. Telescope Peak is the tallest point in Death Valley, and the hike is a challenging 14-miles round-trip. While the incline and elevation gain will punish your calves and strain your lungs, the cool temperatures youll discover as you climb toward the sky are welcomed relief from the desert floor. Patches of snow can be found toward the peak, even in the summer, which reaches 11,049 feet above the parks lowest point. While the thought of snow might make you ecstatic while youre melting in the heat of the parks ground level, be aware that a drastic shift in climate brings additional risks. You might find yourself sweating at the start of the hike, and becoming chilled toward the middle. That combination of moisture plus much cooler temperatures can be dangerous, so wear moisture wicking layers and pack extra dry options. You dont want to find yourself with a sweat soaked shirt when the temperatures drop. At the summit, youll be rewarded with a view of Death Valleys incredible diversity. The park might seem largely monochromatic when youre walking through it, unable to differentiate one greyish rock formation or sandy yellow field from the next, but from above, those colors and topographic details come to life. Mount Whitney pokes through the clouds in the distant Sierra Nevada range, bringing together views of both the lowest (Badwater Basin) and highest (Mount Whitney) points of the country, together in one frame. Since you wont spend much time at sea level on this hike, you dont have to complete it at the crack of dawn to avoid the heatalthough earlier is advisable, to get down before sunset. 3. Wildrose Peak The second highest peak in the park is perfect for those looking for a challenge but dont have time to commit a whole day to a 14-mile hike. Youll find similar views from the top of Wildrose, with the addition of being able to view both the lowest (Badwater Basin) and the highest (Telescope Peak) points in the park. The trail to summit Wildrose Peak begins at the Charcoal Kilns. You can walk into these massive, beehive shaped structures and still smell the charcoal that was once produced here. The trail entrance is just behind the first kiln. Wildrose lures you in with a gentle, flat walk at the start. You might question whether youre actually climbing a mountain, or simply circling the base of it. But not to worryabout two miles in, the trail gets real, with sharp switchbacks that keep you sweating even as the temperatures drop. Wildrose is shorter than Telescope, at 9,064 feet, but the condensed incline makes it comparable in difficulty. Similar precautions should be taken on this hike, with layers to protect against the change in temperature as your climb. Wildrose is an excellent option for escaping the summer heat of the park. 4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes The soft edges of rolling sand dunes are where the wind and earth play. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes stand out from a distance, the light island of silt surrounded by darker hills. The formation of dunes that have been pulled and pushed is a stunning visual representation of impermanence. Footprints that mark your path as you sink along a smooth ridge will disappear quickly when a sudden gust whistles across the sand, leaving only an echo of your momentary passing. The dunes are regularly dotted with groups of hikers. But its easy to find solitary moments with so many dips and rises to hide the crowds. There is no trailjust pick a direction, or a distant dune, and start walking. Distance is deceiving here, and hikers should be careful not wander too far. The energy needed to walk through sand can quickly suck you dry. Early mornings or evenings are best for this hike, as the scorching sand and sun are relentless throughout the afternoon. Bring plenty of water, no matter what time and how you plan to go. 5. Artists Drive OK, its more a drive more a hike. Artists Drive is a nine-mile, one-way road, about halfway between Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin. But the striking visuals of Artists Drive require close-up inspection. Being in the car offers respite from physical exhaustion, but there are opportunities to leave the vehicle to get up close and personal with the substance of this park. Bands of rust red, burnt orange, and soft yellows streak across the barren hills of Artists Drive. Its the oxidation of various metals that bring out the colors in this section of the Black Mountains, but lets give Mother Nature some credit here; she knows how to paint a perfect scene. The contrast between the stark earth and the endless blue sky makes it look like a painting you might be able to touch from the top of a distant hill. Since you wont want to wander far from your car, a short hike around the colorful hills is doable in the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest. However, the lighting is best for photographing this stunning palette in the late afternoon and early evening. Britany Robinson is a travel and culture writer. She resides in Portland, Oregon but her home is the world. One woman has died and 23 people have been injured after two bombs exploded in Thailand earlier today. The explosives are believed to have been hidden in pot plants not motorbikes, as earlier reports suggested in a Hua Hin resort, an upmarket coastal resort on the Gulf of Thailand thats popular with locals and foreigners alike. According to eyewitness Edwin Wiek, the woman who died sold street food nearby, and was killed when the first bomb went off. Lady who sells somtam/papaya salad just died according to Huahin hospital pic.twitter.com/zD719jLFZa Edwin Wiek (@EdwinWiek) August 11, 2016 At least nine tourists, including British, German, Dutch, Austrian and Italian citizens, are believed to be among the injured, although it is not believed any Australians were involved at this time. One foreign man with a wife and child badly injured had bones sticking out of legs according to local people, tweeted Wiek. He took several photos of the bomb site before local authorities told him to desist as it might tarnish [the] Hua Hin reputation. Bombs in #Huahin were in plant pots, not in motorbikes. pic.twitter.com/cJcfSLDoVw Edwin Wiek (@EdwinWiek) August 11, 2016 Huahin bomb site now pic.twitter.com/TkChwFC2l6 Edwin Wiek (@EdwinWiek) August 11, 2016 Weik told Reuters in an interview that the first bomb was next to a bar and a temple and the second bomb was right in the middle of a tourist area. I think they were trying to get as many people injured as possible. Well update this story as it develops. Photo: Facebook / Oraya Sirirueang. JLL summarizes H1 2016 on the industrial market in Poland and indicates the directions for the sectors development in the upcoming months. Tomasz Olszewski, Head of Industrial CEE at JLL, comments: The industrial market in Poland is maintaining its excellent momentum. In H1 2016, companies signed lease agreements for 1,312,000 [] The Nfon AG merges both its locations on the Leonrodstrae and Infanteriestrae in Munich and will henceforth operate from the combined company headquarters in Machtlfinger Strae 5-15. The Nfon AG has therefore rented 2,075m in the Machtlfinger Hofen in the Obersendling district. The office agency team of Cushman & Wakefield [] The blame game goes back and forth between civic bodies such as Bangalores city traffic police and BBMP, BDA, and NHAI. Potholes, craters and badly paved stretches of road across the city continue to take lives while dangerous or careless driving is being blamed. This was the case when Bangalore cops booked a young man for causing the death of his wife who was riding pillion on his bike. A case has been registered for death by negligence. Software engineer, Tripathi Pandey, 28, and his wife Stuti, 25, were out celebrating. The couple who have been married for over two years, were on their way home after having dinner at a friends place. They were on their Honda Activa (KA-05-JH-1913), when the rider (husband) tried to circumvent a pothole on the Devarabeesanahalli flyover. Image Facebook This caused the bike to skid while Stuti, riding pillion, was thrown off causing her severe head injuries. She died an hour later. Stuti was seated sideways and was wearing a sari and was not wearing a helmet while her husband was. She slammed her head to the ground and sustained serious head injuries while her husband received only minor bruises. Stuti was immediately shifted to Sakra World Hospital by passersby, but breathed her last about 10.27 pm. Please wear helmet while riding a two wheeler. Residents of Teachers Colony in Banashankari II stage and originally from Satna district in Madhya Pradesh, Tripathi worked as a software engineer at an IT company in Yemalur. Tripathi despite being the aggrieved party has to face charges of negligence despite the fact that the huge pothole on a public road was ignored by civic authorities. Update 24th July 2017 As strange as this is, is the husband really to be blamed for the death of his wife? Sadly, this is not the first time. There are many similar cases being reported. Recently, cops in Mumbai booked an experienced biker for causing her own death. Yes. This bikerni was out with her riding group, when due to a pothole, she fell on the road. Unfortunately, she was run over by a truck from behind. Local cops have filed a case of negligent riding against the bikern woman, who is no longer alive. Why are authorities charging road users for no mistake of theirs? Why the civic authorities have shown a laid back attitude when it comes to providing us with pothole free roads? BMW Motorrad India sold 1,024 units from January to March 2020 The Indian automotive has been going through some rough times due to COVID-19 and sales have hit an all-time low in recent history. With half of March going under the Indian governments lockdown protocol, no brands could register positive sales figures while April is destined to be worse. COVID-19 came at the same time when certain two-wheeler and four-wheeler brands were in the process of getting a good start in the decade. BMW Motorrad India has registered a growth of 71.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2020. Between January and March 2020, the German two-wheeler manufacturer sold 1,024 units. While the figure does not seem impressive in Indian market standards (especially compared to competitors such as Bajaj, KTM, Suzuki and even TVS), it has to be noted that BMW Motorrad Indias product portfolio mainly consists of middleweights and litre-class motorcycles. Still, a good portion of this sales figure was contributed by its entry-level single-cylinder products: G 310 R and G 310 GS. Speaking about the achievement, Mr Rudratej Singh, President and CEO of BMW Group India, commented that the company has built itself as an extremely strong brand among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. BMW Motorrad India has introduced most of its aspirational and desirable range from international markets, with the G 310 siblings are the entry point. Mr Singh further added that the company is actively in contact with its customer base through digital platforms. The current state of affairs is being monitored closely to determine how the brands future business operations would be affected. Despite being the brands bestsellers, the BMW G 310 siblings are yet to receive BS6 update. However, recent reports state that this will happen soon along with a massive price cut of Rs 75,000. This brings the ex-showroom prices to Rs 2.40 lakh and Rs 2.90 lakh for the G 310 R and G 310 GS, respectively. The TVS Apache RR 310, which shares the same platform, has already received the update alongside a host of improvements. BMW Motorrads entry-level products could employ the faired sportsbikes BS6 power plant in the exact same time. With a displacement of 312.2cc, the liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine churns out 33.5bhp @ 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm @ 7,700rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper-clutch. The BMW G 310 R naked sports motorcycle competes with KTM AGs 390 Duke. On the other hand, the higher G 310 GS dual-sport motorcycle locks horns with the all-new KTM 390 Adventure which is easily the best in its class. OEMs with cult following such as Royal Enfield face the big question regarding their acceptability in electric format In what comes as a massive relief to the makers of big engined diesel vehicles, Supreme Court has lifted Delhi diesel ban. After 8 odd months of prohibiting the sale of diesel cars with engine displacement of more than 2.0-litre in the NCR, the apex court has now settled for a green cess of 1% (of the ex-showroom price) for the models that were under the purview of this ban. This 1% green cess needs to be paid as a deposit before registration. This payment is termed as environment protection charge but there is not clarity on how the government plans on spending it. The Green Cess needs to be paid before registration and OEMs are expected to pass on the burden to the customers. The change in the rule comes shortly after Mercedes-Benz India announced that it was ready to pay the 1% cess in exchange for the removal of the ban. A lawyer representing SIAM stated that most other affected manufacturers are also willing to pay the 1% cess. The Delhi diesel ban has seriously hampered the prospects of OEMs like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra, Toyota, etc., which specialize in vehicles with high displacement diesel engines. Mahindra reacted quickly to the ban by launching 1.99L diesel variants of its Scorpio and XUV500. Automakers like Mercedes and Mahindra have welcomed SCs move to lift the diesel ban. Also read Toyota suffered loss of INR 1,700 due to diesel ban Mercedes-Benz India and Mahindra & Mahindra have already issued statements welcoming SCs move to lift the ban. Both automakers are also ready to usher in BS-VI emission standards quickly. Mercedes added that it is ready to upgrade its entire fleet to BS-VI by 2018 provided the fuel quality is improved accordingly. Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is providing relief material to persons affected by the flood situation in Chennai. The company has thus far distributed over 1,000 mats, 1,000 bedsheets and 500 tarpaulins besides food items consisting of 2,500 biscuit packets and 500 packets of bread. HMIF has also distributed 500 water tubs to people in Ettikuthimedu, Akkamapuram, Vellarai, KK Nagar and Kaduvancery villages most affected by the floods. These items were handed over to the flood affected persons in the presence of government officials and panchayat presidents in the area. Mr. Stephen Sudhakar J, Vice President-HR & GS looks on as Mr. YK Koo, Managing Director, HMIL hands over relief materials to the flood affected villagers in Nemily village in Sriperumbudur Block along with Mr. Vinayagam G, President, UUHE. 5,000 packets of food items that included 4 chapatis, a vegetable, 1 packet of milk biscuits and 2 bananas were handed over on December 4, 2015 while 6,000 packets of 2 jam buns and a box of rice and chips were offered on December 5th to relief team set up by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The packets were air dropped in the flood affected areas by Air Force personnel operating from Tambaram Air Base. HMIF team also visited affected areas in Vengadu and Nemily villages in Sriperumbudur distributing utensils to villagers besides blankets, water cans and provisions to 200 families. Once floods abate, HMIF also plans to undertake sanitation programs in these villages. The villages will be cleaned with the aid of tractors, fogging machines and bleaching powder thus containing the spread of diseases and allowing villagers to return to normalcy. In the meantime, Hyundai Chennai plant which has the capacity to produce 6.8 lakh units per annum has temporarily stalled manufacturing operations in the wake of the floods in the region. Hyundai has suspended three shifts last week and will take a call on resuming operations depending on situation in the coming days. Chennai Floods Photos Maruti Suzuki had showcased the Jimny at Auto Expo 2020 but theres a lot of uncertainty regarding its Indian debut Indian automotive enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny ever since the compact three-door off-roader made its global debut in 2018. A rightful successor to the iconic Maruti Gypsy, the Suzuki Jimny is a perfect fit for Indian demands and driving conditions. Despite being a 2+2 seater, it is best recommended for just two passengers as a secondary car for daily office commutes and occasional weekend escapes. On-road dynamics of the Jimny is just about as good as a brick on wheels but it plays in a different league once the tarmac ends. Maruti Suzuki is yet to comment on its Indian debut. Still, there are several rumours floating around the internet claiming that it would launch in India by the end of this year. The Indian automaker still remains uncertain about its success though it is evident that many are ready to put down a deposit if a launch is imminent. In fact, Maruti Suzuki had showcased the vehicle at Auto Expo 2020 in early-February to gauge public response. Unless Maruti Suzuki acts fast, it will definitely lose a large customer base to the 2020MY Mahindra Thar. Whilst the Indian market is looking forward to hearing any relevant piece of information concerning a possible Maruti Suzuki Jimny, waiting periods for the off-roader in Japan have touched almost 1.5 years. The 2018MY Suzuki Jimny is available in two formats in its home country and certain other markets: Sierra (displayed at Auto Expo 2020) and standard (stripped-down kei variant). Suzuki Motor Corporation launched the fourth-gen Jimny in Japan back in July 2018. Production was set at 15,000 Jimny units and 1,200 Jimny Sierra units. As of April 2020, waiting periods for the former have crossed a year and two months while some customers of the latter are left with almost 1.5 years. Unsurprisingly, the delay was caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the lockdown protocols it brought about. Various sources state that the India-spec Suzuki Jimny would be a five-door product to attract a wider mass. Powering the vehicle would be the familiar 1.5-litre K15B NA petrol four-cylinder engine. Across present-day Maruti Suzuki models, the BS6 power plant makes 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. This is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The Suzuki Jimny achieved such a level of popularity through its off-roading prowess, made possible by the brands Allgrip Pro four-wheel-drive system. If rumours are correct, the India-spec Jimny could even be a front-wheel-drive. CALEDONIA A man arrested after trying to mask the smell of marijuana using body spray during a traffic stop will be in court for an adjourned initial appearance next month. Eric Linz, 30, of Elk Grove Village, Ill., was stopped by the State Patrol after a rolling stop at a stop sign getting off of I-94 onto Highway K, according to the criminal complaint. When the officer reached the car, he smelled a strong odor of body spray. The officer saw the can of body spray in the front passenger seat, the complaint said. The officer also noticed an odor of marijuana. Linz initially denied having any marijuana. He then admitted to having marijuana in the car and a jar of marijuana was found in the back seat along with a weight scale and a smoking pipe, according to the complaint. The officer later discovered that Linz was coming from Summerfest in Milwaukee. Linz was working an errand job for the band The Fray that day. He said he had not smoked, though he did purchase it for $250. He also said the marijuana was not for the band because Linz stated that the band has its own people for that, the complaint said. Linz took responsibility for the items in the vehicle. The car was his mothers. Linz told the officer he was sure the items did not belong to his mother, according to the complaint. Linz said it was for a friend who got him the errand job for the band. The officer noted there was no indicator that Linz was impaired or had recently smoked marijuana, the complaint said. Linz faces two counts of possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. His next court appearance will be Sept. 15 for his adjourned initial appearance. Norwegian cities are expanding very rapidly and in the areas surrounding many of them, naturally-occurring aggregates for asphalt and concrete production are becoming scarce. The solution may lie in local rock outcrops. The local scarcity of key aggregates results in the increasingly expensive and environmentally harmful long distance transport of raw rock materials. SINTEF researchers believe it would be better if we found ways of exploiting local natural resources, and have developed an environmentally-friendly alternative involving the production of aggregates from mixtures of crushed quarried rock and natural gravels. These materials turn out to possess just the properties required in aggregates used for the production of concrete and asphalt. At Verrabotn near Trondheim, the production method is adapted to the resources on site, which consist of both natural gravels and bedrock. "There is nothing very special about the rocks at Verrabotn, so the approach used here will be applicable at other locations with similar geologies both in Norway and overseas," says SINTEF researcher Kari Aarstad. Major environmental benefit "I am very familiar with the situation in Trondheim and Bergen," says Aarstad. "Much of the aggregate currently used in Bergen is transported all the way from the coastal areas of mid-Norway, or from south of the city," she says. "As a rule, if you're looking for concrete aggregates other than crushed rock, you have to seek out areas some distance from the city. If you don't apply the correct crushing technology, the aggregates will consist of sharp and angular clasts which make the concrete more difficult to work with," says Aarstad. advertisement Transporting the material over short distances, and preferably by boat, will result in major reductions in environmentally harmful emissions. Ole Martin Woldseth is District Manager with asphalt producers Peab. He says that for every 100,000 tonnes of asphalt he supplies to Trondheim via boat from Verrabotn, the public roads are spared 7,500 heavy-duty haulage journeys. A boat can carry between 800 and 1,500 tonnes, while a lorry carries only 30 tonnes. Smooth around the edges The new method involves producing aggregates by crushing quarried rock to form clasts that are as well-rounded as possible, not long and splintery. This is then mixed with natural gravels from the same site to produce a mixture tailored to its intended application. It then needs no further processing. "This is not a revolutionary technology. It's all about the smart exploitation of available resources," says Aarstad. "The challenge is to find a way of producing the aggregate economically. Then we have to find a mixing formula that ensures that it can be used to make an effective, pourable and durable concrete," she says. Ten-fold production increase Peab owns the site at Verrabotn, which includes both a quarry and one of Norway's largest natural gravel deposits. The volume of rock materials on site is so large that even with production rates of 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes a year, the company will still be producing aggregates here for many decades to come. Peab's current production is between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of aggregate a year for use in asphalt production, but it reckons that it can increase this by ten-fold using the new method. Moreover, aggregates produced using the new technology will also meet the quality requirements for concrete, which are more stringent than those for asphalt. "If we succeed, year-round production will be more economic and practical," says Ole Martin Woldseth at Peab. "And increased production will probably mean between five and six new jobs at the Verrabotn site," he says. Plant species that have evolved to withstand elevated levels of carbon dioxide grow poorly when moved to a plant community with a different make up, according to a new study in Nature Communications. "In an effort to save certain species, there has been an interest in the movement of plants or animals to more climatically suitable habitats," said University of British Columbia ecologist Elizabeth Kleynhans, lead author of the study. "Our research indicates how one species adapts in one community may not transfer to other communities." The researchers tested the impact of community diversity on plant evolution by looking at Kentucky bluegrasses which were exposed to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in plots of low or high species diversity for 14 years, part of a long-term climate change experiment in Minnesota. Seeds of these grasses were then transported to Vancouver and their offspring were transplanted back into plots with either the same diversity of species they had experienced as they evolved to elevated CO 2 , or a different diversity of species. The response of the grasses to the carbon dioxide depended on whether the grasses were surrounded by the same plant species or by a variety of different plant species. "If plants evolved to elevated carbon dioxide in one neighbourhood, then experienced elevated carbon dioxide in a different neighbourhood, the benefits disappeared. This result was very surprising to us," said Mark Vellend, a biologist at the Universite de Sherbrooke also involved in the study. The researchers suggest further studies could focus on exposing plants of various species to other environmental changes, such as increases in temperature. "We might not be able to predict how plants are going to respond to climate change by looking at physical factors like carbon dioxide or temperature alone. We also need to account for who else a species is living with because interactions between species influence evolution as well, " Kleynhans concluded. The world should consider ways to limit data growth on the internet to prevent run-away energy consumption and help limit carbon emissions, say leading computer scientists. Researchers from Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications argue that the growth of remote digital sensors and devices that are connected to the internet -- commonly known as the Internet of Things -- has the potential to bring unprecedented and, in principle, almost unlimited rises in energy consumed by smart technologies. In their discussion paper 'Are there limits to growth in data traffic?: On time use, data generation and speed', the scientists point out that internet usage has increased significantly in recent years with people watching more video, streaming programmes on 4K smart TVs, regularly checking their Facebook and Twitter accounts, and even using online social media to track their runs and bike rides. According to Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator, home monthly broadband data volumes in the UK rocketed from 17GB in 2011 to 82GB in 2015. While data volumes for mobile devices are typically smaller they are growing rapidly -- more than doubling every few years according to Ericsson and Cisco. This increase in data use has brought with it an associated rise in energy use, despite improvements in energy efficiencies. Current estimates suggest the internet accounts for five per cent of global electricity use but is growing faster, at seven per cent a year, than total global energy consumption at three per cent. Some predictions claim information technologies could account for as much as 20 per cent of total energy use by 2030. The researchers argue that up to now there has always been a potential ceiling for increases in data on the internet. These include the finite, albeit growing, number of people on the planet and the limited number of hours in a day that people can interact with online technology. advertisement However, autonomous streaming of data by billions of sensors built into everything from street furniture, driverless vehicles, and smart home thermostats, to industrial production processes such as oil wells, removes the existing potential constraints to the growth in internet energy consumption. Dr Mike Hazas, Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications, said: "The internet is consuming an increasing portion of global electricity supply and this growing consumption is a significant concern in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. "The nature of internet use is changing and forms of growth, such as the Internet of Things, are more disconnected from human activity and time-use. Communication with these devices occurs without observation, interaction and potentially without limit." The researchers believe serious consideration should be given to how limits to data growth could be planned, before the forecast growth of the Internet of Things occurs. There are currently 6.4 billion connected Internet of Things devices and it is estimated this could reach 21 billion by 2020. "The Internet of Things is still in the making and it is important to consider existing ideas for a 'speed limit' to the system, especially in comparison to having to retrospectively reduce internet traffic in the future," said Dr Hazas. The idea for a speed limit to the growth of internet data was originally put forward by Kris de Decker of Low-Tech Magazine. The Lancaster authors point out that it is not clear how data limits could be imposed, but options could include volume quotas and different traffic pricing for the most data-intensive online services. The paper's authors are Dr Mike Hazas, Dr Janine Morley, Dr Oliver Bates and Professor Adrian Friday, who work within Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications and the DEMAND Centre -- which conducts research into end-use energy demand. It was written in response to work by visiting scholar at the DEMAND Centre and technology journalist, Kris de Decker. The full paper can be found online at: http://limits2016.org/papers/a14-hazas.pdf Detecting turbulence remains the Achilles' heel of modern-day aviation. The reports submitted by pilots, subjective and often very inaccurate, are the least expensive and the most frequently used method for trying to predict where it will occur. Scientists from the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, have demonstrated that turbulence can be detected in a much faster and more precise way, using data already routinely broadcast by the aircraft operated by commercial airlines. Anyone who has experienced turbulence on an airplane certainly knows that it's no fun ride. Despite advancements in technology, methods used to detect these dangerous atmospheric phenomena are still far from perfect. However, there is every indication that data allowing pilots to avoid turbulence and even to forecast such occurrences are already being routinely recorded. In fact, this has been done for many years! Jacek Kopec, a doctoral student at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, and a member of the staff of the University's Interdisciplinary Center for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (ICM), has managed to extract this valuable information from the flight parameters routinely broadcast by the transponders installed in most of the modern commercial aircraft. This new method for detecting turbulence is so original and potentially easy to implement on a large scale that the article describing it has been featured in the "highlight articles" section of the journal Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. "Today's commercial aircraft fly at altitudes of 10 to 15 km, where the temperatures fall to -60 C. Conditions for measuring atmospheric parameters are very difficult, which explains why such measurements are not taken systematically or extensively. A lack of sufficiently accurate and up-to-date information not only exposes aircraft and their passengers to danger, it also restricts the development of theories and tools for forecasting turbulence," Jacek Kopec says. At present, pilot reports (PIREPs), relayed by radio and provided to pilots of other aircraft by air traffic controllers, are a basic source of turbulence data. Since these reports are based on the subjective opinions of pilots, the data collected in this way are often marred by substantial inaccuracies as to both the area of turbulence and its intensity. More accurate readings are provided by aircrafts involved in the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) program. This method is nonetheless costly, so data collected at cruising altitudes are transmitted relatively rarely. In practice, this prevents such reports from being used to detect and forecast turbulence. Passenger aircraft are fitted with sensors that record a variety of flight parameters. Unfortunately, most of the data are not made publicly available. Publicly available reports include only the most basic parameters such as the position of the aircraft (ADS-B transmissions, which are also used by the popular website FlightRadar24) or its speed relative to the ground and the air (Mode-S data). Meanwhile, detecting turbulence requires knowledge of the vertical acceleration of aircraft. "Vertical accelerations are especially strongly felt both by the passengers and by the aircraft," Jacek Kopec explains. "Unfortunately, there is no access to materials regarding vertical accelerations. That was why we decided to check if we could extract such data from other flight parameters, accessible in Mode-S and ADS-B transmissions. The research aircraft in a project in which I participated was fitted with a suitable transponder, so we took advantage of that fact. By coincidence, our coauthor, Siebren de Haan from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, recorded the transmissions received from the transponder," he adds. Scientists from the Faculty of Physics tested three algorithms of turbulence detection. The first relied on information about the position of aircraft (ADS-B transmissions). However, preliminary tests and their comparison against the parameters registered in the same area by the research aircraft failed to produce satisfactory results. As for the remaining two algorithms, each of them used, though in somewhat different ways, the parameters received approximately every four seconds through Mode-S transmissions. In the second approach, the parameters were analyzed using the standard theory of turbulence. In the third approach, the scientists adapted a method for determining turbulence intensity previously used to measure turbulence on a very small scale in the understory of forests. It turned out that once wind velocity in the vicinity of the aircraft was determined and its changes were analyzed in successive readings, it was possible to use the latter two theoretical approaches to locate turbulence areas with an error of only 20 km. Passenger aircraft need around 100 seconds to travel this distance, so this level of accuracy would allow pilots to maneuver their aircraft to effectively avoid turbulence. By harnessing existing data, this system of turbulence detection developed at the Institute of Geophysics (Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw) therefore requires no significant investments in aviation infrastructure. In order to be operational, the system needs adequate software and a computer connected in a simple way to the devices that receive Mode-S transmissions from the transponders on board aircraft. Such devices are standard equipment in air traffic control institutions in Europe. In this system, passenger aircraft act as sensors by creating a dense network of measurement points above Europe. "In the coming months, we will be working to improve the software. Nevertheless, we have already achieved our most important goal: we have proved that the method for detecting turbulence we have proposed really works and can provide pilots with information enabling them to avoid dangerous areas in the atmosphere. Turbulence detection will also help improve aviation forecasting methods," stresses Prof. Szymon Malinowski from the Faculty of Physics, Jacek Kopec's doctoral dissertation advisor and one of the authors of the publication. The turbulence detection system has been developed under a grant from Poland's National Science Center (NCN). Data for the research was collected in a flight test campaign financed from the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union. The detonation of atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 resulted in horrific casualties and devastation. The long-term effects of radiation exposure also increased cancer rates in the survivors. But public perception of the rates of cancer and birth defects among survivors and their children is in fact greatly exaggerated when compared to the reality revealed by comprehensive follow-up studies. The reasons for this mismatch and its implications are discussed in a Perspectives review of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki survivor studies published in the August issue of the journal GENETICS, a publication of the Genetics Society of America. "Most people, including many scientists, are under the impression that the survivors faced debilitating health effects and very high rates of cancer, and that their children had high rates of genetic disease," says Bertrand Jordan, an author and a molecular biologist at UMR 7268 ADES, Aix-Marseille Universite/EFS/CNRS, in France. "There's an enormous gap between that belief and what has actually been found by researchers." Dr. Jordan's article contains no new data, but summarizes over 60 years of medical research on the Hiroshima/Nagasaki survivors and their children and discusses reasons for the persistent misconceptions. The studies have clearly demonstrated that radiation exposure increases cancer risk, but also show that the average lifespan of survivors was reduced by only a few months compared to those not exposed to radiation. No health effects of any sort have so far been detected in children of the survivors. Approximately 200,000 people died in the bombings and their immediate aftermath, mainly from the explosive blast, the firestorm it sparked, and from acute radiation poisoning. Around half of the those who survived subsequently took part in studies tracking their health over their entire lifespan. These studies began in 1947 and are now conducted by a dedicated agency, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), with funding from the Japanese and U.S. governments. The project has followed approximately 100,000 survivors, 77,000 of their children, plus 20,000 people who were not exposed to radiation. This massive data set has been uniquely useful for quantifying the risks of radiation because the bombs served as a single, well-defined exposure source, and because the relative exposure of each individual can be reliably estimated using the person's distance from the detonation site. The data has been particularly invaluable in setting acceptable radiation exposure limits for nuclear industry workers and the general public. Cancer rates among survivors was higher compared to rates in those who had been out of town at the time. The relative risk increased according to how close the person was to the detonation site, their age (younger people faced a greater lifetime risk), and their sex (greater risk for women than men). However, most survivors did not develop cancer. Incidence of solid cancers between 1958 and 1998 among the survivors were 10% higher, which corresponds to approximately 848 additional cases among 44,635 survivors in this part of the study. However, most of the survivors received a relatively modest dose of radiation. In contrast, those exposed to a higher radiation dose of 1 Gray (approximately 1000 times higher than current safety limits for the general public) bore a 44% greater risk of cancer over the same time span (1958-1998). Taking into consideration all causes of death, this relatively high dose reduced average lifespan by approximately 1.3 years. Although no differences in health or mutations rates have yet been detected among children of survivors, Jordan suggests that subtle effects might one day become evident, perhaps through more detailed sequencing analysis of their genomes. But it is now clear that even if the children of survivors do in fact face additional health risks, those risks must be very small. Jordan attributes the difference between the results of these studies and public perception of the long-term effects of the bombs to a variety of possible factors, including historical context. "People are always more afraid of new dangers than familiar ones," says Jordan. "For example, people tend to disregard the dangers of coal, both to people who mine it, and to the public exposed to atmospheric pollution. Radiation is also much easier to detect than many chemical hazards. With a hand-held geiger counter, you can sensitively detect tiny amounts of radiation that pose no health risk at all." Jordan cautions that the results should not be used to foster complacency about the effects of nuclear accidents or the threat of nuclear war. "I used to support nuclear power until Fukushima happened," he says. "Fukushima showed disasters can occur even in a country like Japan that has strict regulations. However, I think it's important that the debate be rational, and I would prefer that people look at the scientific data, rather than gross exaggerations of the danger." Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) infections occur when Salmonella bacteria, which normally cause diarrhea, enter the bloodstream and spread through the body. iNTS infections may cause illness and death in malaria-stricken children and HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the prevalence and severity of iNTS in Asia. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases suggests that iNTS disease, like in sub-Saharan Africa, is a severe infection with a high mortality rate in Vietnam. Stephen Baker, Corinne Thompson, and Nguyen Phu Huong Lan, working at The Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and colleagues found that HIV infection was a risk factor for both contracting and dying from iNTS and that iNTS infections were most commonly diagnosed in HIV-infected adult men. Some Salmonella subspecies can cause an aggressive systemic infection loosely resembling typhoid fever, in addition to the common diarrheal clinical syndrome NTS organisms cause in humans. While NTS is a common cause of diarrhea in Asia, especially among children, few if any data exist on the epidemiology of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella infections. To identify the clinical features of iNTS and risk factors associated with death from an iNTS infection, Baker and colleagues retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 102 patients testing positive for iNTS at a hospital in South Vietnam between 2008-2013. Laboratory data included standard hematology testing and biochemical testing results gleaned from the hospital records. Clinical data included sex, HIV status, axillary temperature, the presence of coinfection, and disease outcome. Outcomes were classified as follows: 1) recovery or improvement, 2) worsening status on discharge (taken home to die with family), 3) death, 4) transfer to a different hospital for a specific treatment. Outcomes 2 and 3 were counted as fatal. The collaborating researchers then determined the serogroup of the isolated Salmonella from the original blood culture and used molecular methods to identify the dominant serovars causing iNTS in this setting. Out of the 102 iNTS cases for which data were available, 8% were children and the median age of patients was 33 years. 71% were male and 33% of all cases reported a history of intravenous drug use. All patients diagnosed with iNTS infections underwent HIV testing, with 71% testing positive. Patients most commonly presented with fever and pallor while clinical features of HIV-infected patients also included oralpharyngeal lesions. 65% of patients improved or recovered prior to hospital discharge while 26% either died in the hospital or were discharged to die at home, contributing to a 28% mortality rate. 92% of patients who died were HIV-infection and 23% had a secondary infection. In addition to analyzing the clinical features and outcomes of iNTS, researchers identified 17 different serovars associated with iNTS disease in the population. They found that S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were the most common serovars causing disease in 43% and 30% of cases respectively, while S. Typhimurium was most frequently identified in HIV-infected patients. The researchers acknowledge that this study has limitations, "Our retrospective analysis for risk of death may be biased by misclassification as we coded patients who were taken home by family members as fatal, though we did not have a confirmed death report from these individuals." Secondly, most children with HIV are referred to a pediatric hospital and would not have been present at the hospital where the research was conducted, which means the study results may underestimate the burden of iNTS disease in children. However, this study is the first of its kind, laying the groundwork for future iNTS-related public health research and interventions in populations outside sub-Saharan Africa. According to the authors, the study, "provides the largest description to date of iNTS patients to date in Southeast Asia and highlights important similarities and differences between the African and Asian settings. We suggest that continued surveillance, including sequence typing/whole genome sequencing, should be performed to monitor for emergence or introduction of MDR strains or strains with any apparent enhanced virulence phenotype." Amateur and professional entomologists are experts at their own version of Pokemon Go. After all, part of their job is to search for and collect rare insect species that are stored in the archives of natural history museums. Even the director of UC Santa Barbara's Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration has gotten in on the "game." Katja Seltmann, an entomologist and parasitic wasp specialist, is co-author of a new paper that examines the North American distribution of some real-life Pokemon -- insect species in the Miridae family, also known as plant bugs. Seltmann and colleagues from UC Riverside, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the American and Florida museums of natural history analyzed thousands of digitized records of plant bug species. Drawing on data from a decade of work by plant bug specialists in North America -- including that of co-authors Michael Schwartz and Randall Schuh of the American Museum of Natural History -- the scientists determined that while insect distribution is closely related to that of the host plants on which they feed, its range is much smaller. The group's findings appear in the journal Cladistics. "These insects are amazing as they have piercing, sucking mouth parts," Seltmann explained. "It's like having an insect with a hypodermic needled attached to its head. The bug sticks its 'needle' into plants to suck out their juices. Because of this intimate way of feeding, many species in this family are host-specific, meaning that they feed only on specific plants that supply the food they need." The researchers examined data from 1,339 plant bugs to detect areas of endemism -- special places where unique animals and plants reside. Many of those unique areas are in California, a state with great biodiversity. Seltmann noted that insects generally have not been used in this kind of research, yet they may be a more appropriate choice. For one thing, data has become more available thanks to natural history museums making information accessible online and open to the public through databases like iDigBio. "It's a lot of work, but our paper demonstrates that this availability results in productive research," Seltmann said. "Natural history collections are really the only place this kind of information exists, as many of the species in collections are collected infrequently by insect specialists whose work it is to describe and capture new species." Second, the incredible diversity of insects makes them excellent subjects for study. Only about 6,000 mammal species exist, while insect species number 1 million or more. Working with myriad insect types not only provides a different scale, it also gives scientists access to organisms that play many different roles in an ecosystem. advertisement According to Seltmann, the main question when searching for existing areas of endemism -- as this new research did -- is what scale scientists should consider when looking for endemic areas. "If you're interested in categorizing an ecosystem, it may be important to look at smaller organisms, not just the larger ones, because the range, ability to disperse and habitat role of a large mammal is different than that of a small insect," she said. "If we're talking about the diversity of organisms in endemic areas, then we really need to look at the smaller species to give us the big picture." The distributions of host plants and insects also turned out to be an important factor. The investigators hypothesized that the area where the insects live would be smaller than that of the host plants -- which is exactly what they found. "If the plants have a range of 50 kilometers, then the insect's distribution is going to be nested within that plant range," Seltmann explained. "The boundaries are actually pretty wide between the edges of where the plant bug is and where its host lives because there is flux. In addition, die-offs as well as migration, movement and dispersal occur in one direction or another. You don't want to be an insect that feeds on a specific plant that's all of a sudden stuck in a place without a food source. That makes biological sense." A good example is the uncommon species Tuxedo drakei, a plant bug discovered in 2004 by Schuh. This insect feeds on Fremontodendron, a very common California native also known as flannel bush. Scientists don't know why there aren't more Tuxedos on the shrubs or why the bugs only cluster in certain areas, but Seltmann said the reasons could be myriad. "There could be environmental sensitivity that the plants themselves don't exhibit or distributions of competitors could be causing an issue," Seltmann said. "Something else is controlling the distribution besides just the availability of plant hosts. That is a really interesting concept because the insect microclimate is very much the plant. So what else could it possibly be? It's an open question; we just don't specifically know." As a next step, the research team will perform species distribution modeling. "Instead of looking at individual data points, we want to look at hypothesized range maps based on host plants and on the kinds of habitats in which the insect is known to already exist," Seltmann said. "That way, we can hypothesize an insect's range even though it was only collected in two places." While the more than 5 meter long Greenland shark is one of the world's largest sharks, it is also one of the least understood animals on our planet. The Greenland shark's general biology and way of life have been a mystery to biologists for many years. However, marine biologists at the University of Copenhagen have now deployed an epoch-making method to unveil one of the greatest of the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic shark -- and have come to an amazing revelation: with a life expectancy of at least 272 years, the Greenland shark has the longest life expectancy of all vertebrate animals known to science. More than 50 years ago, Danish fishery biologist Paul Marinus Hansen reported that Greenland sharks only grow a few centimeters over several years. Since then, researchers around the world could only speculate upon the lifespan of Greenland sharks. The question remained unanswered because the age of Greenland sharks cannot be determined using the traditional methods to determine the age of fish. Carbon-14 dating of shark eye lenses An international team of researchers, led by marine biologists at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology, has revealed one of the enigmatic shark's many secrets. Through carbon-14 dating, they have found a method to estimate the lifespan of Greenland sharks. Their dramatic results have now been published in the distinguished American scientific journal, Science. The sharks' eyes have hidden the main clue to their life expectancy all along. The article's main author is PhD student Julius Nielsen of the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology. He performed the study in close cooperation with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Arctic University of Norway and Aarhus University. "Our lifespan study is based on the carbon-14 dating of Greenland shark eye lenses. As with other vertebrates, the lenses consist of a unique type of metabolically inactive tissue. Because the center of the lens does not change from the time of a shark's birth, it allows the tissue's chemical composition to reveal a shark's age. We use well-established radiocarbon methods, but combine them in a new way. This approach, along with the extraordinary ages for these sharks makes this study highly unusual," according to Julius Nielsen. advertisement Archaeological methods used to produce revolutionary results The unique aspect of eye lenses has previously been used to discover the age of whales, but it is the first time that the carbon-14 dating of eye lenses has been used to estimate the life expectancy of fish. Carbon-14 dating is primarily heard about in relation to archaeological dating. However, due to the incredible life-expectancy of Greenland sharks, it can also be used with them as well. The study also marks an important milestone for the establishment of sustainable management plans for Greenland sharks. Julius Nielsen continues: "Greenland sharks are among the largest carnivorous sharks on the planet, and their role as an apex predator in the Arctic ecosystem is totally overlooked. By the thousands, they accidentally end up as by-catch across the North Atlantic and I hope that our studies can help to bring a greater focus on the Greenland shark in the future." Interdisciplinary collaboration Aarhus University researchers were responsible for the carbon-14 analyses, and the study is a good example of the synergistic effect that occurs when different research fields collaborate and make use of each other's competencies. The analyses based on these results are anchored in the complex interactions between atmospheric physics and fish biology. According to Jesper Olsen, of Aarhus University: "This study of the Greenland shark's lifespan has been made possible due to the close cooperation between University of Copenhagen and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources biologists, with their knowledge of sharks, and Aarhus University researchers, with their carbon-14 dating expertise. While measuring the carbon-14 was unproblematic, the model used to date the longest and oldest of the Greenland sharks was challenging." The Greenland shark lifespan study is part of a PhD project addressing the Greenland shark's general biology and runs for a period of 3 years. As such, the project also examined other aspects of Greenland shark's biology. The collection of Greenland shark specimens used in the study has been conducted over a number of years mainly from accidental by-catch during the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources annual fish survey but also from UiT Norway's Arctic University, DTU Aqua and University of Copenhagen research vessels. The international team of researchers behind the article in Science also includes researchers from National Aquarium Denmark/ Den Bla Planet, Oxford University (UK), Indiana University South Bend (US), and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (US). Page Content In light of recent employment-related lawsuits against gig economy giants like Uber and Lyft, Arizona has made it a little easier to prove that a worker is an independent contractor rather than an employee. The state recently enacted a law that allows employers to ask workers to sign a declaration stating that they are independent contractors. The declaration includes certain key information about their work relationship with the hiring company. "Under the old way, the hiring entity would have the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that an independent contractor relationship exists," said Jeffrey Bernick, an attorney with Jackson Lewis in Phoenix. The new law eases the burden on hiring entities, but Bernick cautioned that it's not "a magic pill that cures all." Businesses are struggling with the need for more certainty in this area, said Joseph Clees, an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Phoenix, in an interview with SHRM Online. This is part of a national trend and an effort by the Arizona legislature to provide more clarity about who is and who is not an independent contractor, at least under state law, he added. Signed Declarations Arizona House Bill 2114, which went into effect on Aug. 6, states that the existence of an independent contractor relationship may be proven by having the worker sign a "declaration of independent business status." "This law seems to be a reaction to what we've seen across the country with the struggles that hiring entities are having with classification issues," Bernick said. "The waters have become somewhat murky lately, and there's been a significant rise in misclassification claims." The new law provides sample language for the declaration, including that the worker understands he or she: Is an independent contractor, not an employee of the company, and therefore isn't entitled to unemployment or other benefits afforded to employees. Isn't covered under the company's workers' compensation insurance. Is permitted to accept work from other businesses. Is responsible for supplying his or her own tools and complying with licensing requirements. Is responsible for paying business-related expenses and income taxes. Is authorized to determine the days and time the work is performedbut the company may impose quality standards and performance deadlines. A declaration signed by the worker will serve as evidence that he or she is properly classified as an independent contractor, but the worker will have an opportunity to produce evidence to the contrary. Declarations Are Optional The new law doesn't force companies to have independent contractors sign a declaration.It's voluntary, Bernick said, so there's no presumption that an independent-contractor relationship doesn't exist if the company opts not to use the declaration."This format has been used in Arizona before," Clees said. In recent years, the state legislature has stepped in to provide a safe harbor for businesses in certain situations. The new law says businesses don't have to take this measure, but if they do, they will be provided with some added protection, at least under state law.Bernick said he doesn't see any meaningful downside to having independent contractors in the state sign a declaration.However, hiring entities "shouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security that if they do this, they are fine," he noted. "They have to walk the walk too."Businesses need to make sure that the work relationship is in line with the statements in the declaration. Limited Application Furthermore, the declaration only applies to Arizona law, Bernick added. It doesn't replace federal independent-contractor tests prescribed by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service or the National Labor Relations Board.The Arizona law will have little, if any, effect on the aggressive regulations and enforcement efforts at the federal level, Clees said.At the state level, however, employers probably have the greatest vulnerability to misclassification claims when former workers apply for unemployment benefits, he noted.Unlike employees, properly classified independent contractors generally are not eligible for unemployment benefits.Increasingly, state unemployment authorities are finding that discharged contractors were actually employees, and they are granting unemployment benefits, Clees said.Having a signed declaration could provide a little extra protection for businesses when it comes to these claims. Digital Platforms Another new Arizona law House Bill 2652 specifically addresses the type of work relationships that stem from the gig economy and the use of smartphone technology.Under this law, "qualified marketplace contractors" will be considered independent contractors if certain conditions are met.The law defines a qualified marketplace contractor as an individual or organization that uses another company's digital platform to connect with third parties that are seeking the contractor's services.There must be a written agreement, containing specific provisions outlined in the law, between the contractor and the company that supplies the digital platform.Furthermore, the agreement must state that it "may be terminated without cause by either party to the contract at any time on reasonable notice given to the other party." Update Agreements The best practice for businesses is to "dust off their current independent contractor agreementor create one if they don't have one," Clees said. They should carefully review the law and consider revising their contract to be consistent with the statute. The Knife Angel is Ready to Fly South Maidstone, in Kent, are preparing to host the Knife Angel in September, which will mark the second time the monument has been featured in the county since Rochester hosted it in September 2019. The Angel will be flying nearly 300 miles, from one end of England to the other, when it travels from Redcar to []

Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws

Bruno, a 6-year-old German shepherd, is a sweet dog who gets along well with other dogs and people. It's hard to believe that, just a few days ago, he was living in a packed car with 21 other dogs. Bruno the German shepherd | Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws Two weeks ago, Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws, a New York animal rescue, reached out to the woman who owned the car and dogs, after people reported seeing a person driving around the Bronx with many dogs packed into one vehicle. Adore-a-Bullie even offered free veterinary care and food for the animals, but the woman rejected the help. Kim Stein, cofounder of Adore-a-Bullie Paws, told The Dodo things changed last Saturday, when the owner of the 22 dogs finally contacted the rescue group - wanting help for a puppy who hadn't eaten in three days and had suffered a rectal prolapse. The puppy who suffered from a rectal prolapse | Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws After turning the sick puppy over, the woman kept inquiring about when she would get the dog back. The rescue decided to get the authorities involved once it realized how severe the situation was and since the woman was unwilling to part with any of the dogs, despite her inability to care for them properly. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers tracked down the Mercedes-Benz SUV parked in the Bronx. What officers discovered inside the vehicle was disturbing - nearly two dozen dogs, mostly puppies, trapped within the car's small confines on a particularly warm summer day. Not only were the pups subjected to the heat, but they lived in filth as well. Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times The dogs in the car they were found in | Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws "We thought they were 12 dogs, but then they turned out to be 22," Stein said. "She turned out to be a classic hoarder." Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws When officers finally rescued the remaining dogs on Monday, they realized they had come just in time. Several of the dogs faced a slew of various health conditions. Bruno, who lived in a crate in the back of the vehicle, was underweight. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws They were scared, and police said the awful smell that permeated from the filthy car suggested the dogs had been living inside of it for a long period of time. Stein said the woman got Bruno when he was about 2 years old - and that she believes most of the dogs have only known life inside the car. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws "If we hadn't stepped in, who knows how many more puppies would have been born within the next few months," Stein said. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws The owner of the dogs, a homeless 54-year-old veteran, was described as "emotionally disturbed" by officials and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws Thankfully, the dogs found with health issues are expected to recover fully. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws Bruno, also known as "Big Papa," has lived up to his nickname by being quite the fatherly figure to the younger and smaller dogs, who adore him. "He's the most incredible part about the story," Stein said. "He cried for every single puppy they took out of the car." Later, when the puppies were reunited with Bruno at the police station, they all ran up to greet him. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws "They're doing great," Stein said. "They were very fearful at first because they didn't have much socialization, but they've opened up quickly." Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws Do you live in the New York or Long Island areas and are interested in taking one of these dogs home? Click here and here to apply. Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws

Houston K911 Rescue

When someone found a dog on the side of the road, emaciated and unmoving, they assumed he was dead. The person approached the poor dog - and that's when he moved, letting the person know that he was alive, but in trouble. Houston K911 Rescue The person immediately called for help, and a local rescuer rushed to the scene to take him straight to the vet. The dog, named Watson, was so weak that he barely noticed the people there to help him. "He didn't even get up when I approached him," Samantha, one of Watson's rescuers, told The Dodo. "I gently woke him up and put a slip over his neck and escorted him to my car." Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Rescued Wild Horse Loves To Play With A Little Donkey Houston K911 Rescue After being examined by the vet, it was determined that 10-year-old Watson had a whole laundry list of medical issues. He had two different types of mange, missing teeth, heartworms and heart disease, and was severely emaciated. Due to his issues, it's assumed that Watson was probably kept chained up for most of his life. Despite how sick he was, as soon as Watson was safely at the vet's office and no longer all alone, he slowly began to show what an amazing dog he is. "At the emergency clinic he began feeling a little better," Samantha said. "He ate, drank and wagged his tail nonstop!" Houston K911 Rescue Watson was taken in by Houston K911 Rescue, which is determined to make sure Watson is happy and comfortable while he recovers from all of his ailments. "We aim to be the guardians that Watson should have had all along," Anna Barbosa of Houston K911 Rescue told The Dodo. "He did not have to live like this and he won't ever again! Only cushions and cuddles for our boy." Samantha, Watson's initial rescuer, stepped up to be his foster mom and care for him while he gets healthy enough to be adopted. When he first arrived at his new home, Watson was very unsure of what to do - as if he had never been inside a house before. Houston K911 Rescue "At first he wouldn't want to come inside as if he were unsure he was allowed," Samantha said. "He also wouldn't use a doggie bed the first day." It took a day or two, but Watson has now realized that he's welcome and loved in his foster home, and is enjoying all of the comforts he's never had before. Houston K911 Rescue Watson has likely never been pampered before in his life, and so to show him how loved he is now, all of his new friends threw him a party, complete with lots of treats. Houston K911 Rescue "He couldn't wait to eat every cookie and cake his friends made him," Samantha said. "He had a green icing mustache after that everyone couldn't stop laughing at." Houston K911 Rescue Watson won't be up for adoption until his condition is a little more stable, though a foster-to-adopt situation with a family who can handle his medical needs is possible. For now, he's just enjoying his new life. "He has shown the world that it's never too late to live your dream," Samantha said. Houston K911 Rescue "The first days in Rio went according to plan," Adelinde Cornelissen of the Netherlands wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. "A relaxed flight, stabling good, training good. Parzival feels happy and fit." Parzival is Cornelissen's horse. And, like all the Olympic competitors who traveled to Rio, Brazil, this summer, Cornelissen had been fighting for years to get to the Olympic games. She and Parzival were to compete in dressage, a kind of stylized riding. Dodo Shows Comeback Kids Family Stops At Nothing To Help Their Great Dane Run But after the smooth trip, things started to go awry. Parzival, who had competed in the 2012 Olympics in London and received a silver and bronze medal, was bitten by a poisonous insect on the head. His head swelled and he came down with a terrible fever. Veterinarians rushed in to give Parzival fluids to reduce his fever. And soon he started to seem better. His fever dropped and the swelling of his head went down. "I slept at the stables, checking up on Parzi every hour," Cornelissen wrote. "I was not going to leave him alone!" Cornelissen didn't want to let her team down, and since Parzival looked better, and the veterinarians said he'd be fine, she decided to go ahead and compete. She sat astride Parival and entered the arena. But he didn't feel very powerful. "When I entered, I already felt he was giving his utmost," she wrote. "Being the fighter he is, he never gives up." But it still didn't feel right, after all Parzival had gone through since arriving in Rio.

Nate Yuen

The arrival of a new baby can stir up all sorts of emotions for new parents - pride, pleasure, sometimes worry and fear. But for a Hawaiian monk seal named Ua Malie, motherhood appears to have brought her nothing but pure joy. Nate Yuen Ua Malie (which means "peaceful rain" in Hawaiian) gave birth to her second pup last month on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. Monk seal moms raise pups without the help of the father, so they usually have a strong relationship with their offspring. But amateur naturalist and photographer Nate Yuen, who's been documenting the pair, says that Ua Malie has a particularly special relationship with this new pup. "The bond between Ua Mallie and this pup seems to be stronger and more affectionate than usual," Yuen tells The Dodo. "The baby wants to keep kissing her mommy. Mommy keeps turning away, but the baby wants to keep kissing." Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog When Ua Malie isn't getting smooched by her baby, she spends a lot of her time feeding her newborn. (The pup's gender hasn't been determined yet, but Yuen suspects it's a female.) Ua Malie will lie on her side so the pup can cuddle up to her and nurse. "Pups live off their mother's milk," Yuen explains. "Seal milk is almost the consistency of yogurt and high in fat. It's packed with nutrients and enables pups to gain weight rapidly." Nate Yuen Monk seal moms don't eat the entire time they're nursing, but simply live off the fat stores in their bodies until their babies have grown up. In just six or seven weeks, monk seal moms lose hundreds of pounds. When photographing Ua Malie and her baby, Yuen stays about 100 feet away, which is the amount of distance recommended by the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP). HMSRP believes it's important for monk seals not to get accustomed to humans, and they even advise people not to make eye contact with them. While following these guidelines, Yuen still managed to capture photographs and videos of Ua Malie and her baby snoozing on the beach, and Ua Malie giving her pup swimming and foraging lessons in the ocean. Nate Yuen "I hope they stay as wild and unaffected by humans as possible, so I hope they don't know I'm there," Yuen says. "Once they looked directly at me as I photographed them - I was looking into the LCD panel of my camera so I didn't actually make eye contact. The mother had a smirk on her face - she looked happy. The baby had a look of surprise on its face." Besides being adorable, Hawaiian monk seals are a critically endangered species. In 2012, NOAA estimated that there were about 1,153 monk seals left in Hawaii. What's threatening the Hawaiian monk seal? According to NOAA, food limitation, shark predation, habitat loss and male aggression all play a part. But derelict fishing gear - abandoned nets and longline fishing hooks - are the greatest threat to the seals. "Three of Ua Malie's siblings died," Yuen says. "In 2015 Ola Loa (Ua Malie's younger sister) died after surgery complications to remove a large hook from her throat. In 2008 and 2006 respectively, Penelope and Hoku drowned after getting caught in fishing nets." X-Ray image of a fishing hook in monk seal's throat | NOAA But Ua Malie and her new baby fill Yuen with hope. "The bond between them is heartwarming and sweet," Yuen says. "It makes me hopeful that the Hawaiian monk seals can be brought back from the brink of extinction." Nate Yuen President Obama is currently working to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a 139,797-square-mile region of the Pacific Ocean in Northwest Hawaii, and where the majority of Hawaiian Monk Seals live. Not only will expansion create the largest sanctuary for Hawaiian monk seals on the planet, but it will help save them from extinction. To support this project, you can sign this petition. You can also check out more of Nate Yuen's photographs on his Facebook page. SANCCOB Stewart often rides his bike past the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), a seabird rescue center in Cape St. Francis, where the penguin found a forever home. (The bird's injuries and sweet demeanor make it impossible for him to return to the wild.) Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog SANCCOB "The bird was in a very tame state upon arrival here at the center," Nada Manengela, marketing and fundraising coordinator for SANCCOB, told The Dodo. No one knew why the penguin became paralyzed, Manengela said, but rescuers suspect that he sustained head trauma. Stewart sympathized with the penguin's plight because he knows how hard it is to come back from a head injury. Stewart had to learn how to walk again after a stroke a few years ago. SANCCOB "I got tears in my eyes when I saw the penguin for the first time and I wanted to do something to help," Stewart told News 24. Stewart decided that the penguin deserved a chance to walk again, so he built a tiny walker. SANCCOB After a month in the walker, as well as swimming lessons three times a day, the little penguin amazingly learned how to waddle on his own again. SANCCOB This unusual little Bornean pygmy elephant grew his tusks a bit different than the rest, but he's no less adorable because of it. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog The so-called "saber-toothed" elephant was discovered recently by rangers from the Wildlife Department of Sabah's Rescue Unit while helping to translocate a wild herd in Felda Umas, Malaysia. It's unclear why exactly the otherwise healthy-looking pachyderm developed tusks that swoop downward rather than upward, but we're glad it doesn't seem to be slowing him down. Whatever the reason may be, the unit's former director Sen Nathan isn't passing any judgements: "This is a rare find," he told the New Straights Times, "but all elephants are unique on its own." Now magazine could face a lockout or strike by the end of this month, says the union representing employees at the Toronto weekly. A no-board report was issued Wednesday at the request of company management, which puts the alternative magazine in a legal strike or lockout position after 17 days. Unifor 87-M, which represents 52 full- and part-time staff at Now, says it is concerned the company has escalated ongoing contract negotiations by requesting the report from the province, which starts the clock ticking on a possible company lockout or union strike by Saturday, Aug. 27. The two sides have been at the bargaining table since last December. In recent months, the company has tried to re-bargain items already settled and added new concessions, throwing talks into disarray, said Jonathan Goldsbie, a staff writer at Now and chair of its bargaining unit. I dont think they want a lockout, and I know we dont want a strike, he said. It also raises fears as to the future of the long-running magazine, he said, noting this also comes at a time when Now must vacate its headquarters, which have been sold, at Church St. near Shuter St. this fall. Its not clear what their long-term plan is, Goldsbie said. The union applied for provincial conciliation and voted 86.5-per-cent in favour of calling a strike if necessary. Shortly after July 19, the conciliator produced a recommended settlement, which the union accepted. However, Unifor says the company refused the settlement, along with the unions offer to go to binding arbitration. It is true that the no-board report has been issued, confirmed Nows co-founder and publisher Alice Klein in an email. In Nows view, however, much of what has been reported and quoted from union memos is inaccurate, she said. Klein declined an interview, but said we will continue to focus all our efforts on finding a resolution to this impasse that works for our staff, the company and the union. Goldsbie said the union also remains sincerely committed to reaching a deal. We firmly believe in the paper, its social justice mission, and its crucial role in the citys landscape, he added. The paper has a circulation of 100,000 print copies per week, but has been struggling amid declining ad revenues. Unifor Local 87-M represents about 2,400 media workers across southern Ontario, including the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Metroland community newspapers and 14 Postmedia daily newspapers. SHARE: A flash flood watch is in effect for south-central Wisconsin until 7 p.m. Friday, with periods of heavy rainfall likely that could feature rates of 2 or more inches per hour and result in flash flooding, according to forecasters. The thunderstorms will come as surface low pressure moves across northern Illinois later Friday into the evening, with a very moist airmass. Widespread rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, the National Weather Service said. The flash flood watch area includes the counties of Columbia, Dane, Green, Iowa and Lafayette. There is a marginal risk for severe storms south of a Racine to Lake Geneva area. In Madison on Friday, theres a 90 percent chance for showers and storms, with possible rain totals of three-quarters of an inch to an inch, a high near 78 and northeast winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour, the Weather Service said. The chance for showers and storms if 70 percent overnight, declining toward daybreak Saturday, with possible rain totals of a quarter- to half-inch, and a low around 67. Saturday should be partly sunny, with a high near 82 and northwest winds around 5 mph. After a low overnight Saturday into Sunday around 63, Sunday should be sunny, with a high near 82 and calm wind becoming northwest winds around 5 mph in the morning. The Weather Service said the chances for showers and storms return at 20 percent Tuesday night, 30 percent Wednesday, 20 percent Wednesday night, and 30 percent Thursday. Skies over Madison should be mostly sunny Monday through Thursday, with highs near 82, 82, 84 and 84, and lows Sunday night through Wednesday night around 63, 63, 65 and 65. Thursdays high in Madison was 84 at 5:58 p.m., 4 degrees above the normal high and 12 degrees below the record high of 96 for Aug. 11, set in 1941. Thursdays low in Madison was 74 at 5:45 a.m., 14 degrees above the normal low and 35 degrees above the record low of 39 for Aug. 11, set in 1967. Officially, 0.15 inches of precipitation was recorded at the Dane County Regional Airport on Thursday, boosting Madisons August total to 1.76 inches, 0.26 inches above normal. For meteorological summer (June through August), Madisons precipitation total rose to 12.34 inches, 2.12 inches below normal. The 2016 total rose to 22.13 inches, 0.08 inches above normal. Madisons record precipitation for Aug. 11 is 1.67 inches in 1990. Before his infamy as a self-proclaimed Islamic terrorist, Aaron Daniel Driver led a troubled life in which his mother died when he was young and he left home as a hard-partying teenager, a source told the Star. The 24-year-old was killed Wednesday afternoon just a week before his birthday in a confrontation with the RCMP on a quiet street in Strathroy, a small town in southwestern Ontario. According to police, Mounties received a warning Wednesday morning from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation that an attack on a major urban centre was planned for some time in the next three days. The tip led the RCMP, who were working with other police agencies, to Strathroy, where Driver was killed. He was already under surveillance by the Mounties and had been arrested and released on a peace bond restricting his movement in June 2015. However, Driver was under investigation for possible ties to Daesh, otherwise known as the Islamic State, ISIL or ISIS, since December 2014, the RCMP said Thursday. Police on Thursday played a video given to them by the FBI, which shows Driver in a balaclava as he threatened violence against Canada in the name of Islam. We thirst for your blood, he said. How did the young man, born to a military family, come to utter such a phrase to his fellow Canadians? He was born in Saskatchewan on Aug. 18, 1991. His parents were said to be Christians, and he had two older siblings. Hardship seems to have started early for Driver. The family house burned to the ground when he was 4, and his mom died of a brain tumour in 1999, according to a source close to Driver. Around that time, he started to close himself off from his family and friends and wouldnt accept professional counselling, the source said. By Grade 7 he was also said to have had drug paraphernalia to hand and he started frequently skipping school. Being from a military family, Driver also moved around a lot as a kid. From the time he was born to when he was 16, the family lived at more than 20 different residences, the source said, adding this made it hard for Driver to make friends because he was the perennial new kid. It was around that time that 16-year-old Driver moved out to live on his own. In his February 2015 interview with the Stars Allan Woods, in which he spoke under his pseudonym, Harun Abdurahman, Driver explained that he was tired of the lifestyle he was living and took full advantage of his new-found independence and partied a lot. He said he found Islam when he was about 17 and renounced the Christian faith of his childhood. Driver said he gave up drinking and eating forbidden food like pork he said he used to love bacon as he became interested in the framework of life that the religion could provide. The source said Driver soon started distancing himself even more. It was as it the lights suddenly went out and never came back on again. Speaking with the Star last year, Driver said his family lived in a different city when he made his religious conversation. He said he was motivated by what he saw as negative portrayals of Muslims and Islam in the media, as well as empty spaces in Christianity that didnt make clear how to live a good life devoted to the religion. He said his Islamic faith didnt jive with his familys way of life. I guess thats why my parents were hesitant or had their doubts that I was serious because of their lifestyle. It doesnt include Islam. Being members of the military theyre involved in fighting Muslims whether directly or indirectly. Its unclear how Driver radicalized. At the time of his interview with the Star, he said he had been contacted by a Canadian intelligence official, who asked him about his beliefs regarding his religion and the Islamic State. Driver believed he drew the governments interest after he tweeted a video of a Canadian fighting with the Islamic State, John Maguire, calling on others to follow the example of the attackers on Parliament Hill and in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., in the fall of 2014. The RCMP said Thursday their investigation into Driver started around that time. He was arrested in Winnipeg the following June, and placed under a peace bond designed to restrict the online activity and movements of terrorist suspects, and allow for more robust police surveillance. SHARE: Toronto transit agencies were warned of a security threat yesterday. The Star looked into how they react in such situations. Toronto Transit Commission According to a recent TTC report published online, the transit commission updated its security plan in 2015, in time for the Pan Am Games. Before that, it had updated the plan in 2013 and after the 9/11 attacks from an emergency plan developed in the 1990s, the document says, adding its two main plans are reviewed annually. The plan created after 9/11 identified critical infrastructure, tactical staffing plans and directed senior management on how to shut down the system, it says. After attacks in Paris and Brussels, the TTCs enforcement unit created a protocol that, among other things, consists mostly of high visibility deployments and time critical inspections and includes a checklist of actions to follow for each department head. Toronto Pearson Airport Toronto Pearson Airport said in a statement that it complies with aviation security legislation established by Transport Canada and that it partners with police, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, airlines and different transit agencies. Greyhound Greyhound spokesperson Lanesha Gipson couldnt confirm for security reasons whether police alerted the bus carriers London location of an attack threat. (The carriers location is near Citi Plaza, the mall Aaron Driver wanted to go to in a cab, according to the taxi company.) But Gipson said: In the event that were ever notified of a security threat, we work closely with law enforcement agencies, adding its security staff is constantly on the lookout for suspicious behaviour or carriage. We also have security personnel at many of our stations who conduct random baggage searches and hand wanding to ensure customers are not attempting to bring any prohibited items on board. Via Rail Via Rail spokesperson Mylene Belanger couldnt say whether Driver purchased a train ticket, but confirmed the company was alerted to a security threat by the RCMP. A security bulletin was issued to all Via Rail employees asking them to increase vigilance and to report any suspicious behaviours, Belanger said in an email. As part of (the) normal course of business, in light of the numerous threats that have been affecting several countries in the past year, Via Rail has increased its vigilance and reviewed its security measures to prevent any situation compromising the safety of our passengers and employees. SHARE: EDMONTONEvelyn Moore isnt the fastest kid on the racetrack, but shes by far the tiniest. At 13-months old, the paralyzed toddler skilfully wheels her homemade wheelchair around the simulated track at Treehouse, an indoor playground in northeast Edmonton that she often visits with her mom. Several school-age children whiz by on souped-up tricycles and she stops to stare and clap. She really gets around now, says Kim Moore, who first put her daughter in the makeshift chair basically a purple, foam Bumbo seat on wheels at seven months. Just like other children learn how to crawl, Evelyn slowly figured out how to wheel. She went backwards first and then she went forwards, and then she figured out how to turn, Moore says. And now we have a speed bump in the middle of our living room because she just goes that fast. Evelyn also called Eva by her family was diagnosed with cancer following her four-month check up. A nurse noticed too much movement with the childs hips, then a doctor recognized a lump protruding from her spine. The stage four neuroblastoma tumour couldnt be removed, so she underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy. Although the cancer is in remission, Evelyns family received more bad news: their first child is permanently paralyzed below her arms. It was heartbreaking, Moore says. But then you go home and you cry and you come back the next day and be the strongest mom and dad you can ever be. Moore says doctors told her that Evelyn would likely army crawl, pulling herself around with her arms, until she was about two. Wheelchairs would come after that. I guess that wasnt a good enough answer for me, Moore says. She wanted her daughter to have some independence like other children. While searching on the social networking website Pinterest, she found photos of a do-it-yourself baby wheelchair and asked her husband, Brad, to build it. He spent a night in his garage attaching a second-hand Bumbo chair to a kitchen cutting board, then put casters on the bottom and small wheels from a childrens bike on each side. It took a while for Evelyn to figure it out. Then one day Dad nudged her down the driveway and she was able to stop herself. She now waves her arms when she knows shes about to be put in her chair, and able to only speak a few words like dada and uh-oh tilts the chair back and forth, clicking the casters to show shes excited. The chair cost about $100 to make. As Evelyn gets bigger, shell move into other chairs that will cost thousands of dollars. Her mother says theyre preparing themselves for those bills. Dr. Bev Wilson, a pediatric oncologist, says she was amazed when Evelyn first came into her office in the chair, bumping into staff to get their attention. The doctor had never seen a child so young in a wheelchair. She looked like any adult or older child would in a wheelchair, Wilson recalls. She was turning around in circles, backing up. The chair gives Evelyn freedom, she says. Normally, she would be propped in a chair or a seat or a stroller somewhere. This has allowed her to explore her environment just like a crawling child would. Wilson adds that she would recommend a rigged up wheelchair like Evelyns to parents of other paralyzed youngsters. Brad Moore, away from home on a two-week work stretch at a diamond mine in the Northwest Territories, says over that phone that hes proud of his little girl. The willpower that she has, and how adaptable she is to her situation, is something I never really expected. And how quickly shes grasping it has really blown me away. He wants her to grow up knowing that she can do anything, he says. Nothing can stop her. Read more about: SHARE: An intense nationwide race against the clock after a tip from the FBI about a would-be terrorist led the RCMP to fatally confront Aaron Driver on a quiet street in Strathroy, Ont. When it was all over, the terror suspect had detonated an explosive device he was carrying, wounding a cab driver, before being shot by a police sharpshooter. Its not clear if the explosion or police bullets killed the 24-year-old, if he died instantly or later in the hospital. His target is still unknown. But the RCMP says its operation halted what was to be a dreadful terror operation certain to kill many others. Senior RCMP brass told the chilling tale Thursday at an Ottawa news conference of an assailant clearly in the final stages of an attack using a homemade explosive device. But so many questions remain. Was this a successful security operation hailed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that, as RCMP deputy commissioner Mike Cabana said, prevented the loss of many more lives? Or was it a failure of court orders that prosecutors had agreed to hoping to restrict Drivers terrorist ambitions and of Canadian security agencies who had to rely on the Americans for the intelligence that thwarted a plot? Three parallel investigations are now going on: an OPP-led probe into the police role in Drivers death; a national security investigation into Drivers actions the RCMP said theres no evidence of any accomplices, though investigators are looking at what ties Driver had to a London home as well and a separate RCMP investigation into the explosive materials Driver acquired and intended to use. One of the dominant questions: how did a man under a restrictive court order obtain bomb-making materials and communicate to someone, somewhere a threatening video. What is clear is that the RCMP moved fast and decisively. The Leos Taxi driver in Strathroy, who hasnt been named, survived with minor back injuries. The backpack-wearing terror suspect was shot about eight hours after the first tip came in. The FBI came into possession of a two-minute 10-second video by a black-hooded, masked, unknown assailant, said Cabana. The Americans transmitted the video and a photo to the Canadians around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Details were scant, but the FBI and the Mounties deemed the threat credible and imminent: an unspecified target with the aim of producing mass casualties, likely in an urban centre somewhere in Canada, would be hit in the next 72 hours. Its not clear how they reached that conclusion. The rushed, angry threat on the video, screened at the news conference at RCMP headquarters, uttered a Muslim prayer in Arabic, then warned of immediate retaliation for Canadas participation in the war on Islam. Oh Canada, you received many warnings, said the balaclava-clad figure. You were told many times what will become of those who fight against the Islamic State. You watched as your allies in Europe and America had their bullets and bombs returned back to them. You saw bodies of the filthy French laying in their own streets. Today is the day you experience what its like to be targeted for your belief, inshaAllah. It was already rush hour Wednesday morning; Canadian commuters clogged urban streets everywhere. Mr. Driver was looking for a location that was highly populated, said assistant commissioner Jennifer Strachan. The RCMP mobilized police agencies and national security teams across the country, sent out warnings to transit partners and government agencies. The RCMPs tactical analysts and CSIS scanned massive amounts of data against the grim video and photo likely using software that can scan facial and voice patterns and the whereabouts of terror sympathizers on Canadian watch lists. By 11 a.m. the RCMP-led integrated security team thought it had a match: Aaron Daniel Driver. He went by Harun Danyal on Twitter when he was profiled last year by the Stars Allan Woods. He used another online alias too Harun Abdurahman. Driver was already under a judge-ordered peace bond with strict conditions meant to limit his movements, travel, internet communications and cell use. He was first arrested in June 2015 after he glorified Islamist terrorist activity, brutal beheadings and the October 2014 attack on Parliament Hill. By then, security agencies linked his social media communications with known terrorist plotters in the U.K., Australia and a Texas shooter who attacked the Curtis Culwell Center during a Texas cartoon contest featuring images of the Prophet Muhammad. Certain conditions of Drivers release had been relaxed an electronic bracelet to monitor his movements removed, while others were soon set to expire. His family was worried. The RCMP and CSIS knew where he lived. Hed moved from Winnipeg to his sisters home Strathroy, about 20 minutes west of London. Amarnath Amarasingam, a prominent researcher on Islamic extremists in Canada, who tracked Drivers activity online and through interviews and email exchanges, said Driver was living there with his sister, after recently moving from London, where hed lived with his brother. Driver was doing manual labour at a factory for work. Amarasingam prepared a court report after Drivers arrest last year, concluding that although definitely radicalized, he appeared to have a nuanced view of whether violence against civilians could be justified. Amarasingam said he never believed Driver would become an actual threat to the public. I was definitely worried about him, but he struck me as someone who was sort of engaged intellectually (with radical Islam), he said. Driver moved around relentlessly with his military family, and felt unmoored, Amarasingam said. Drivers mother died when he was young and he was estranged from his father and stepmother. When he was a teenager, Drivers girlfriend got pregnant and their son died during childbirth, he said. He was kind of drifting and he found something in Islam. Amarasingam speculated that its possible the peace bond, in cutting him off from his new-found online community of like-minded extremists, actually served to further alienate and destabilize him. Its possible that him being plugged in was actually a tempering force, he said. On Thursday, Cabana refused to speculate on Drivers mental health, but he did talk about peace bonds a legal tool RCMP use when they havent enough evidence that is admissible in a court to charge and convict. As its clearly being demonstrated by this case here, when individuals have these kinds of intentions, the intentions such as Mr. Driver had, there are no conditions that can be put in place that will prevent them from taking action. We considered him to be a threat. Did we have any indication in the days, weeks, months prior to yesterday that he was planning something? No we did not, Cabana said. Drivers anguished father, Wayne Driver, a Canadian Armed Forces officer stationed at Cold Lake, Alta., told the CBC that after Driver became radicalized, he and his wife feared for their own safety. Driver had written poems threatening their lives, and his father took to locking the couples bedroom door at night. He said even after Driver cut ties with them, the father kept reaching out hoping there was still some light at the end of that tunnel ... and yesterday the light went out, completely, forever. I knew he was lost but I didnt know how far gone he was, said the man who condemned the inability of the court-ordered peace bond to contain his son. I dont think it was very effective at all I mean look at the outcome. The wounded cabbie was said by his company dispatcher to be OK except for some back pain. Dispatcher Brandon Carreiro confirmed Driver called yesterday around 4:30 p.m., asking to be driven to Citi Plaza, a London mall. The cabbie declined to comment when approached by the Star, saying police told him not to talk for a week until the investigation was done. Driver was in touch with the Stars national security reporter Michelle Shephard through texts at the end of last year. After the Paris attacks in November 2015 he wrote, Wow. Paris. Later asking, So where did you get the idea to want to speak to me, and how do you think it could benefit myself or Muslims like me? He joked about the timing of their interview, asking if it was urgent because, its not like Im going anywhere and asked if she had her heart set on a face-to-face interview? As you know I cant travel outside of London, so we could perhaps meet at a library here or something. In December, he messaged from a different number and said the Feds took my phone last week, and gave her an email address. Soon after he stopped responding to texts or emails. With files from Bruce Campion-Smith, Peter Edwards, Jessica Botelho-Urbanski, Oliver Sachgau, Verity Stevenson, Allan Woods, Michelle Shephard More on thestar.com: Aaron Driver lost mother at early age, moved frequently I first spoke to Aaron Driver in February 2015 SHARE: VICTORIAA Vancouver-area man used a rock to battle a cougar during a recent wild animal attack on a remote logging road on Vancouver Island. The attack has prompted British Columbias Conservation Officer Service to remind residents to report wild cat encounters to the provinces 24-hour hotline to help them keep track of cougars as they enter populated areas. The man, who was not named, was treated for bite and claw wounds and released from hospital in Port Hardy, on northeastern Vancouver Island. He was staying with friends in a cabin in a remote area when the attack occurred on the long weekend earlier this month, said Acting Insp. Ben York of the Conservation Officer Service. He was just out for a jog in the morning along the logging road and encountered a cougar that followed him for a short period of time and then attacked him, said York. It was a smaller animal, around 100 pounds, and hes a big guy and he was able to fight it off with his hands and a rock he picked up. But the man didnt report the attack to conservation services for at least a day and by the time officers and a tracking dog arrived in the area, it had rained and the cougars scent was gone, he said. York said it appeared the cougar was a younger animal, judging by its reported size and behaviour. He said during the summer months when more people are outdoors cougar sightings increase. There are estimates of as many as 800 cougars on Vancouver Island. York said there appears to be an increase of Vancouver Island cougar sightings being posted on social media. The 24-hour cougar hotline, 1-877-952-7277, allows officers to monitor and track cougar activities. A call to the hotline does not immediately mean conservation service officers will descend on the area with the intent to shoot the animal, York said. It really does depend on behaviour, he said. Were not going to take out every cat that shows up and thats seen by a human being. Last October, a full-grown cougar that ran wild through Victorias James Bay neighbourhood near the B.C. legislature was tranquilized and tagged after an epic chase that had dogs howling and neighbours peering from their windows. A tagged cougar was recently spotted in the Sooke area west of Victoria, but its too early to determine if it was the same animal that was caught last fall near the legislature, York said. Read more about: SHARE: So Canada is not immune to terrorist threat. Did anyone still think we arent immune? Already there have been deaths Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, run down in a parking lot in 2014 in St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que; Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, shot at his post in Ottawa two days later. It is folly to assume there will never be more. Aaron Driver, who was shot to death by police in the back seat of a taxi cab in the driveway of his sisters Strathroy home on Wednesday, is at least this much like the perpetrators of those earlier murders: he came to Islam late in his short life and he does not seem to have been a diligent student. He showed up late at the mosque, left early, took no conspicuous interest in his community. But he found in Islam, and increasingly in Daesh itself, some kind of awful inspiration. The video that tipped the FBI to his plan and condemned him to a bloody death was a formal bayah, or pledge of allegiance, to Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Its what you are supposed to do before you kill people where you live, as Daesh has been urging its faithful to do, a kind of murderous branding exercise. The smallest action you do in their heartland is better and more enduring to us than what you would do if you were with us, an audio clip from Daesh spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani said in May. Mayhem in Orlando and Istanbul and Nice ensued. Driver was just slow getting his act together. His father is an RCAF pilot who trained CF-18 pilots at Cold Lake, Alta. Some of them spent 2014 and 2015 bombing Daesh targets in Iraq and Syria. Youthful rebellion is seldom so complete. And while its never wise to take a dead terrorists word on much, we should take Driver as an authority on this at least: Justin Trudeaus decision to stop the CF-18 mission will not dissuade other Daesh-besotted loners any more than it dissuaded him. Whether you drop a bomb or fire a single bullet, we will hold you accountable for this, Driver said in his last video. Take that to the bank. Drivers family ties to the Canadian military make him an unusually clear expression of what the French scholar Olivier Roy has called the Islamisation of radicalism Islam as pretext, as shiny object transfixing the worlds murderous losers. Earlier generations might have killed for heavy metal, or for Charlie Manson. Perhaps their grandparents would have taken up arms for anarchy or the workers struggle. Those earlier generations would not have been nearly so numerous. Daesh is an unusually potent recruiter, efficient in transforming allegiance into slaughter, as anyone who travelled warily through Europe this summer well knows. But we help Daesh when we fail to note that a very large number of its practitioners are misfits, not scholars of the Quran. Driver was followed by police for two years, gave several media interviews, posted his bayah in plenty of time for the FBI to tip off the RCMP, detonated a bomb in the back of a cab that did not badly injure the cabbie two feet away. He was no elusive mastermind. Some guy was on TV on Wednesday saying we lack the tools to stop this sort of thing. In a sense this argument is self-rebutting. Driver was stopped. I guess we have the tools. But the comment was not devoid of meaning. We lack the tools because sometimes there are no tools. Orlando didnt happen because the police screwed up. Nice didnt happen because the police screwed up. They happened because these things happen now, and they happen anywhere. They could happen here, for real next time. There will now be arguments in Ottawa about whether the Trudeau governments policies against terrorism are too hot, too cold, or just right. Unfortunately, the Liberal government campaigned on a promise to strip the police of essential investigative and enforcement tools, Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose wrote Wednesday. She did not list which tools have been taken, because none have: The Liberals have introduced no bill to match their vague campaign hand-wringing over the Conservatives Bill C-51. One suspects they will not be in more of a hurry now. Aaron Driver converted to Islam and started telling reporters of his fondness for jihad while a Conservative was prime minister. A Liberals decision to end bombing runs did not dissuade him. These guys are not keener students of politics than of anything else. They do what they do. Usually the police catch them. They wont always. A dose of fatalism is handy. More on thestar.com: RCMP, FBI combine to stop terror attack in Ontario Aaron Driver lost mother at early age, moved frequently I first spoke to Aaron Driver in February 2015 Read more about: SHARE: Anita Vandenbeld used to travel around the world to practise democracy. These days, as a new member of Parliament, shes doing that work at a Tim Hortons in her Ottawa-area riding. Most Friday evenings, the 44-year-old human rights expert can be found sitting with anywhere from a dozen to nearly 50 people at a coffee shop on Carling Ave., about 20 minutes drive from Parliament Hill. In the past year, the Tim Hortons sessions have seen passionate discussions on everything from assisted dying to whether Muslim women should wear the hijab. It becomes almost a mini-town hall, because youve got people who are having a dialogue with one another, not just with me, says Vandenbeld. For me, it almost becomes a focus group and I can tell you that there have been times when listening to that dialogue has influenced me. Vandenbeld was elected last fall in Ottawa WestNepean, territory that was dominated for more than a decade by the well-known former foreign affairs minister John Baird. She actually ran against Baird in 2011 unsuccessfully but her future political prospects improved when the popular cabinet minister first announced he was running in a newly created riding next door, and then, unexpectedly, announced he was quitting politics altogether in early 2015. Has it been tough for a rookie MP to walk in the shadow of such a well-known figure from the Conservative years? Honestly, he was present on the national stage but not so much in the riding, she says, Oddly enough, Vandenbeld said she tended to hear more about Baird when she was abroad in her pre-elected life, travelling to countries where people would ask about what was happening to Canadas foreign policy under the old Conservative government. Id say: OK, I am the one Canadian you cannot blame for anything our foreign minister says, Vandenbeld says, laughing. I personally ran against him. Vandenbeld came to the MP job well steeped in politics in theory and in practice. Shes worked abroad extensively for the United Nations, specializing in democracy and human rights, in places such as Bali, Vietnam and Congo. But shes also been a staffer in past Liberal governments; she was one of the key people working behind the scenes on former prime minister Paul Martins democratic reform ideas in the early 2000s. So Vandenbeld already knew her way around Parliament Hill when she arrived as one of the nearly 200 rookies elected last year. Still, some of her new job has surprised her. Time is how she describes it a not-unfamiliar theme Ive been hearing in a series of interviews with new Ontario MPs this summer. Unlike when she was a staffer in government, Vandenbeld now finds she is working even when shes not officially working going to the grocery store, doing errands. Theres always someone who wants to talk or ask questions. Fortunately, shes married to a deeply political person, too. Her husband, Don Dransfield, has run municipally and provincially, and enjoys the community events as much as she does. If were going to the Kiwanis dinner were staying and dancing. This is our social life. This is our Saturday night date, she says. Vandenbeld is chair of the Liberal womens caucus, a duty that gives her a three-minute, one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau each week (other caucus chairs get the same). Shes also in the midst of pulling together an all-party womens caucus. One of their inaugural events took place in June, when women from all parties took part in whats known as a blanket ceremony aimed at aboriginal reconciliation. Vandenbeld calls it one of her most important moments so far as an MP. The other one came early when she stood in the Commons in December and voted in favour of Canada accepting 25,000 Syrian refugees over the next year. For someone who has worked so much abroad in refugee-producing regions, Vandenbeld was deeply moved. (It) just makes you realize that in a decision-making body, it doesnt matter how much work you do in the field, it doesnt matter how much work you do in other countries, she says. You cannot have the same impact as you can when you are the decision-maker. That vote, she says, changed peoples lives 25,000 of them. Low points on the job have been few and far between. Like many MPs, she says she isnt crazy about the hyper-partisan aspects of political life the heckling, for instance. With that part, I have had a really hard time. In any other environment, it would be bullying. Vandenbeld has an easier time naming her two favourite items on the weekly calendar: the Wednesday caucus meetings and, of course, her Friday evenings at Tim Hortons. It reminds me why Im here, she says. House-trained is a summer series on new Ontario MPs. sdelacourt@bell.net Read more about: SHARE: As Russia announced daily three-hour halts to military action for delivery of aid to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, there was little relief in sight for its besieged civilians. Fighting between rebels and Russian-backed Syrian forces reportedly continued in parts of the city, and Amnesty International protested a suspected chlorine attack it said had killed at least four people and left some 60 others seeking medical care. Meanwhile, the UN, as well as aid workers and people on the ground, said the proposed pauses in attacks would do little or nothing to help civilians survive one of the worst continuous assaults of the war. UN humanitarian co-ordinator Stephen OBrien told reporters that the Russian plan fell far short of what was needed to restore water networks, food, fuel and medical aid. Urgently needed items could be delivered within 24-48 hours if we have safe access, he said, adding that there must be a fully fledged ceasefire or, at minimum, 48-hour humanitarian pauses. The Russian announcement appears more strategic than humanitarian, said Mark Katz, a Russia expert at George Mason University in Washington. There are civilians who just want to get out, he said. But it could be used to split and weaken the opposition, so they will leave. Anyone who does leave would be under surveillance and the regime of Russias ally Bashar Assad will want to find out everything they know about those who are still there. Theyll be attacked whether they stay or go, Katz said. In July, Syrian forces backed by Russian warplanes, cut off eastern Aleppo, which was held by rebel militias for four years. At least 250,000 people lost access to basic supplies, and air attacks devastated homes and medical facilities. Although Syrian forces are accused of causing most of the 470,000 casualties of the war, Russias intervention turned the tide in Assads favour, and escalated attacks on civilians as well as rebels. Russia has created this humanitarian catastrophe not only in Aleppo but across Syria, says Reza Afshar, a policy director for the advisory group Independent Diplomat, and adviser to the Syrian opposition coalition. The humanitarian corridors they suggested are, in the view of many Syrians, a cynical way (to) get rid of some people from Aleppo and justify the wholesale annihilation of anyone left, because if they stay theyre a terrorist. Afshar, the former head of Britains Foreign Office team on Syria, said that Russia is in a strategic power play. Its all about snubbing the West. Russia is also demonstrating that the U.S. and other Western countries need to co-operate with Moscow to end the war, says Katz. You have European and western governments who see the continuation of the conflict resulting in more refugees who are heading for them. For the people trapped in Aleppo, a city of about two million under split rebel and government control, every day brings more suffering and bigger challenges. The east of the city has been completely cut off, so very few supplies are able to get in, says Middle East media manager Alun McDonald of Save the Children. Food and water supplies are running dangerously low. Most people now have no access to running water and many of the markets are empty. Fuel, which is needed to keep water pumps and hospital generators operating, is also increasingly scarce. Temperatures in the Middle East are soaring to record highs, and people are sick and dying from heat, lack of clean water and electricity, and disease. Those in Aleppo are under the added danger of daily bombing. Local doctors are doing incredibly brave work to keep going, often having to do operations in basements to try to avoid bombing, McDonald said in an email. Sometimes they run out of tables and have to operate on people on the floor. Washington could use its political will to end the misery, says Afshar. Peace efforts fell through when Assad, backed by Russia and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militia helped him retake territory. The first principle should be to reduce civilian deaths, Afshar said. That doesnt mean putting planes in the sky and confronting Russian jets. The U.S. knows where Syrian military targets are, he added, and could hit them by firing from warships in the Mediterranean without risking a wider war. The Russians would have to ask Do we really want to risk the Syrian government being wiped out, or get to the negotiating table? Washington has been reluctant to take that option, in the waning days of the Obama administration. With little chance of relief from Russias announced ceasefires, Aleppos outlook is grim. We do not need tears or sympathy or even prayers, wrote 15 doctors in eastern Aleppo in a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama, published in the Guardian. We desperately need a zone free from bombing over eastern Aleppo to stop the attacks and international action to ensure Aleppo is never besieged again. Read more about: SHARE: For decades, there were hints that Greenland sharks may be exceptionally long-lived. But the sharks, which inhabit the coldest, deepest waters of the North Atlantic, are a cryptic animal. Little is known about their breeding, their feeding, their population size. And efforts to accurately calculate the Greenland sharks lifespan were flummoxed: none of the usual methods for determining the age of vertebrate animals could be used. Then marine biologists tried an unusual dating method involving the sharks eye lenses. The results, published Friday in the journal Science, stunned them. Of the 28 Greenland sharks the scientists examined, the likeliest age of the largest was 392 years old. The majority were in their 100s and 200s, with only three, the tiniest, younger than 60. The dating methods involve a lot of uncertainty, so the oldest shark could be as young as 272 or as old as 512. But even if the lowest age is accurate, Greenland sharks would be the longest-lived known vertebrate. Im not sure how exact it is, but I think, in general and I think the paper was fair about being honest about that I do think theyve provided solid evidence that these sharks are very old, centuries old, said Aaron Fisk, a professor at the University of Windsor and Canada Research Chair in trophic ecology, who studies Greenland sharks. Its amazing to think a vertebrate can live that long. Julius Nielsen, first author on the Science paper, was a student aboard a Greenland Institute of Natural Resources research vessel when he first laid eyes on one of the sharks, caught accidentally as bycatch during a scientific survey. Adult females grow to between four and five metres and this shark turned out to be one of the largest ever reported. For everyone, it was an amazing experience to see this big animal, said Nielsen, now a doctoral student in marine biology at the University of Copenhagen. And when he examined the literature, it was really surprising to realize there were so many mysteries associated with the fundamental biology of this animal. Decades-old research indicated that Greenland sharks grow extremely slowly: when researchers caught one shark twice more than a decade apart, they found it had grown less than a centimetre per year. Again, adults can grow to 500 centimetres. You do the math. In bony fish, researchers can count layers in bones known as otoliths, or ear stones, to help age the animals. Aging any shark is difficult because their skeletons are made of cartilage, but can be achieved in some species by analyzing growth rings in vertebrae. None of that works for Greenland sharks. This was just like wow, its amazing they could potentially be extremely old, said Nielsen. But because normal determination methods do not apply on the Greenland shark, it has just remained a mystery for so many years. Several months after his experience aboard the research vessel, Nielsen was sitting in on a lecture when another researcher raised the idea of dating the sharks eye lenses, a method that had worked with bowhead whales another very long-lived species. The centre of the eye lens develops before birth, with successive layers laid down over time. After peeling back the layers like a microscopic onion, the nucleus, made of unique crystalline proteins, can be radiocarbon dated. Nielsen realized that the scientific surveys in Greenland, where the sharks were already being collected as bycatch, provided specimens to test this hypothesis. With left eye lenses from 28 sharks collected over three years, Nielsen and his colleagues first analyzed the nuclei for a bomb pulse: distinctive carbon isotope signatures produced by thermonuclear weapon tests in the 1950s and absorbed in marine species by the early 1960s. The bomb pulse only affected the small sharks that was a big surprise to me, said Nielsen. Just three of the sharks were affected. We realized immediately, Jesus Christ, all of our sharks are extremely old theyre much older than we expected. For the pre-bomb sharks, the researchers applied typical radiocarbon dating techniques to reveal a range of potential ages for each animal, with the likeliest age at the midpoint. The two largest, at 483 and 502 centimetres, were estimated to be 335 and 392 years old. Researchers that study human longevity are interested in studying the genomes of exceptionally long-lived species, including the bowhead whale. But the main conclusion of the Science study relates to the sharks themselves. The new research suggests that Greenland sharks only reach sexual maturity at about 150 years old. They appear to be plentiful now. But this incredibly late reproductive age could leave the species vulnerable to human impacts. We are looking more and more to the Arctic to fish, and there are some very large, very valuable fish stocks up there, said Fisk. This kind of information showing that these animals are so long-lived really needs to be considered as we figure out how were going to manage these arctic ecosystems. SHARE: MANILAThe head of the Thai junta urged his countrymen on Friday to have patience while investigators determine who was behind a wave of deadly bombings in Thailand this week. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the junta chief and prime minister, hinted that the perpetrators were bad people opposed to a new constitution that was approved by voters Sunday in a nationwide referendum. There are still bad people and they have been acting since before the referendum, he said in an address to the nation. The bombings in five provinces on Thursday and Friday, including in Phuket and Hua Hin, areas popular with tourists, killed four people and injured dozens. The authorities said arson attacks elsewhere in the country appeared to be related. Analysts said the bombings did not appear to be aimed at killing many people, but rather at damaging the tourism industry, one of the few bright spots in Thailands economy. At least nine foreign visitors were injured in Hua Hin. Whatever the motives are, the explosions and arson attacks undermine the juntas claim that the post-referendum situation would be stable, said Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. These attacks create effects that discredit the authorities, terrorize the public and harm the tourism-based economy. The police said they did not believe that the bombings were tied to international terrorism or to a long-running Islamic insurgency in southern Thailand. They have portrayed the attacks as local sabotage, not terrorism. The timing and location of the attacks carried strong political symbolism. The bombings occurred as people prepared to celebrate the birthday of Queen Sirikit on Friday, which is considered Mothers Day in Thailand. Four bombs struck the royal residential town of Hua Hin, about 125 miles from Bangkok, where most injuries occurred. The military-drafted constitution will diminish the influence of political parties and give greater power to the military even after it returns the government to civilian control. The junta helped ensure it passed by preventing opponents from campaigning against it. Murray Hiebert, an expert on Southeast Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, noted the militarys suspicion that the attacks were carried out by people disgruntled over the vote. The bombings were clearly co-ordinated but obviously intended to create fear and anxiety rather than massive damage and deaths and injuries, he said. Last year, a bombing at the popular Erawan shrine in Bangkok killed 20 people, most of them tourists from China. Thai officials attributed the bombing to Uighur militants angry over the return of more than 100 Uighurs to China. Prayuth, who has led the junta since a 2014 coup ousted a civilian government, said this weeks bombings hurt the hearts of Thai people. Why now, when the country is getting better, the economy is getting better and tourism is getting better? he said. We have to ask why, and who did it. Read more about: SHARE: Some states fare better than others when new trade agreements are established. The proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) aims to lower tariffs between participating nations. The TPP has been signed by the U.S., Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Wisconsin has preferential market access to Canada and Mexico, our two largest export partners among TPP nations. However, our state lacks preferential market access to Japan, our third largest trade partner among these nations. As a result many of Wisconsins agricultural export products face steep tariffs, as high as 35 percent for some dairy products and 39 percent for beef. What was the value of all goods exported from Wisconsin to Japan in 2015? a. $988 million b. $814 million c. $127 million d. $660 million What was the value of all goods imported from Japan to Wisconsin in 2015? a. $988 million b. $814 million c. $127 million d. $660 million Answers: B and D. Wisconsin exported goods and commodities valued at $814 million to Japan in 2015, and imported $660 million of goods and services from Japan. Unlike the U.S. as a whole, Wisconsin has a trade surplus with Japan, exporting about 23 percent more than it imports. In most respects, the roommate-wanted notice seemed routine. Three students at the Claremont colleges in Southern California were looking for a fourth this summer to join them in an off-campus house. They added a caveat in parentheses: POC only, they said, using a common abbreviation for people of colour. When a classmate challenged that condition, the Pitzer College student who posted the notice on Facebook pushed back. Its exclusive [because] I dont want to live with any white folks, wrote Kare Urena, who is black. The online comments touched off a debate this week over race at Pitzer and neighbouring colleges, one that flared into national headlines after the Claremont Independent student magazine wrote about it. To some, Urenas request was completely understandable following a racially charged year when many students of colour had demanded more support from the administration. To others, it was simple racism to exclude potential roommates based on skin colour. The thread fit into the heated discussions about race, identity, culture, freedom of speech and campus safe spaces that have played out at colleges across the country, from Yale to Missouri and beyond. Pitzer President Melvin Oliver a sociologist who is an expert on racial inequality sent a message to the campus community Wednesday about the housing ad and the debate it sparked. It read, in part: While Pitzer is a community of individuals passionately engaged in establishing intracultural safe spaces for marginalized groups, the Facebook post and several subsequent comments are inconsistent with our Mission and values. This is but another example to us that social media is not an effective platform to engage in complex dialogue on seemingly intractable critical issues that have varied histories and contested understandings. They create more heat than light and invite extreme viewpoints that intentionally obfuscate the nuanced context that surrounds these issues. Pitzer offers its new 2-course Intercultural Understanding requirement and dedicates new curricular and extra curricular programming to address difficult issues of racism, diversity, community discourse and national and international political conflict. The five Claremont colleges Pitzer, Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd and Scripps are a community of highly regarded schools east of Los Angeles. As of last fall, 48 per cent of the 1,067 undergraduates at Pitzer were identified as white. Fifteen per cent were Hispanic, 9 per cent Asian American, 9 per cent multiracial and 5 per cent African American. The rest were either foreign students or of unknown race or ethnicity. The demographic profiles of the other Claremont colleges are fairly similar. Claremont McKenna was swept up last fall in the national debate over the racial climate on college campuses. Student protesters pushed for several measures focused on diversity in student affairs and academics. Amid the protests, Claremont McKennas dean of students stepped down in November after writing a much-criticized email to a student about how the college could better serve those who dont fit our CMC mould. But some on campus defended the dean and denounced the protests as uncivil and excessive. Now a roommate solicitation from three black students has become another flashpoint. Urena, 20, a junior at Pitzer, and one of her roommates, Sajo Jefferson, 19, a sophomore at Pomona, defended their query in a statement to The Washington Post. Urena describes herself as Afro-Caribbean and Jefferson identifies as a multiracial black person. Minority communities on campus, they said, constantly must deal with issues that arise when they are surrounded by classmates who dont understand where they are coming from and have little interest in finding out. When and if you understand this context, it becomes clear that students of colour seeking a living space that is all-POC is not only reasonable, but can be necessary, they wrote to The Post. We live in a world where the living circumstances of POC are grounded in racist social structures that we cannot opt out of. These conditions threaten the minds, bodies and souls of people of colour both within and without the realms of higher education. We are fighting to exist. Asked if the debate that unfolded was a reflection of national events and a glimpse of what the mood on many campuses may be like this coming year, they responded: Our people are being killed. Every which way, through every which angle. Our people are being killed. Our housing arrangements are not racist. They are not exclusive. We are simply fighting to exist and we are fighting to exist in whatever way we can. Urena said Thursday she removed the query from the Pitzer College Class of 2018 Facebook page after the three students found a fourth roommate. But several students who saw the original post described the conversation that unfolded there and shared screen shots of it; the discussion appeared civil and thoughtful, though it elicited strong emotions on both sides. One person questioned the POC only condition, and wrote housing segregation is illegal. A student who said she is supportive of Urenas preference to live with other people of colour questioned the wording, wondering if it sounded restrictive to exclude other groups. Another responded: People of colour are allowed to create safe POC only spaces. It is not reverse racism or discriminatory. That student wrote that it comes down to self-preservation. Later in the thread, a post read: I think that a POC-only housing policy is about as clear-cut an example of prejudice as one could find. I completely understand the desire not to live with people who could be racist, but excluding all white people is an extremely blunt instrument to achieve that end and a harmful overgeneralization. Another wrote: White people have cause[d] so much trauma on these campuses ... why in the world would I want to bring that into my home? A place that is supposed to be safe for me? Dalia Zada, a Pitzer junior who is Kurdish Syrian, questioned an account of the debate that was published Tuesday by the Claremont Independent, calling just a report of a Facebook thread, without the context. If we really wanted to create something about racism and call it an article, we could just copy and paste the comments on the Claremont Independents Facebook page of this article, Zada said. Theyre horrific. Zada said she also was offended by the Independents choice of a photograph to accompany the article. It depicted a black man drinking from a fountain labelled, FOR COLOURED ONLY. Their audacity to use that picture as a photo for their article is disgusting in itself. Elliot Dordick, who wrote the article for the Independent, stands by it. There was absolutely no spin put into this piece, he said. It was made up almost entirely of my classmates quotes. I cant find a single word of the piece that was my own personal opinion. He said several people questioned how he, as a white person, could write objectively about racial issues. In a phone interview with The Post and subsequent email followup, he said that there were several resident assistants who said outright that theyre not interested in open dialogue about racial issues. The fact that RAs, who are selected as student leaders, admitted that they are not interested in discussion, that they want instead to simply spew their own opinions without facing any disagreement, is a disgrace to Pitzer College, Dordick said. Dordick said he wasnt surprised at the debate because racial tensions have been heightened during the past year. He described last years protests on Claremont McKenna College: Hundreds of students stormed through the centre of Claremont McKenna College chanting Black Lives Matter slogans. The president of the college came out to a central area of campus and was verbally attacked by many students of colour whose emotions were out of control. They shrieked about their experiences on campus and demanded racially segregated safe spaces. Two girls even went on a hunger strike. ... The Claremont Colleges are radically liberal and ideologically monolithic. Paloma Aleman, who graduated this year and describes herself as Mexican-American, saw the online debate and said that with some distance from campus she can see that the community at Pitzer is a bit sheltered. She said last year there was lengthy debate about safe spaces on campus, with some saying they were necessary and some calling them exclusionary. We have a great community in terms of creating safe spaces, she said, noting that it caught her off-guard that the housing request this week sparked such intense reaction. I was surprised that people thought it was an extreme request, given certain incidents that happened on campus last year. The fatal shooting of a black man by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo., happened while Aleman was studying abroad in Italy. When she returned to campus she noticed a huge cleavage between students of colour and students who arent of colour a dramatic change. Once I was back in the U.S., I definitely felt there was a huge shift in the racial climate, she said. I felt that racial tensions had definitely increased. Students of colour were definitely feeling unsafe. Josue Pasillas, a senior and president of the Pitzer College Student Senate, said he was aware of the debate before the student magazine story ran and that it wasnt shocking. A student of colors preference to live with students of colour only is not racist, and to call this housing segregation is wrong, he said. Over time, people of colour have been segregated by people with privilege, not vice versa. Students of colour face systemic discrimination daily and have a right to live in solidarity with other students of colour in spaces where they do not have to experience judgment and racism from others. He continued, in an email to The Post: This is no different than having student organizations, such as the Latinx Student Union, the Black Student Union, the Asian Pacific American Coalition, Mixed Identities Exchange and other ethnic support groups on campus. This is not racism. Dordick, the articles author, responded that it was entirely appropriate for him to cite Facebook posts that were visible to the school community: Much in the same way that Donald Trump does not need to give consent to have his public Tweets quoted, I do not need to ask for students consent before quoting their public statements on social media. Chance Kawar, a senior and the acting secretary of the student senate, said that the college encourages students to live with people with whom they feel comfortable and safe. For some students, this may mean seeking housing arrangements with those who share a similar racial or gender identity, Kawar said. Coming to live and learn at a college is a challenging proposition for many individuals, so we should be doing everything we can to make them feel empowered as students, Kawar said. This is especially true for students of colour, who continue to face overwhelming and discriminatory obstacles within institutions of higher education. Urena said she has no regrets about the Facebook posting. She and Jefferson said they take issue with people who focus on white people and their exclusion in this housing ad. They said they want to reframe the conversation. This is not about white people, they wrote. It never has been. The insistence that it should be only reaffirms [our] understanding of how deeply we are submerged in a white-centric world. Recentering this question so it is about the well being of POC is therefore an act of resistance. SHARE: PARIS A French court has rejected a bid to close the 72 eateries and shops in the makeshift migrant camp in the northern port city of Calais, but the prefecture says it will continue inspections and legal action against what it calls a dangerous underground economy. The Lille court turned down on Friday the demand of the Prefecture of the Pas de Calais region, the state representative, to close the operations which humanitarian organizations contend are a lifeline for the migrants, estimated at over 7,000 in the camp. A statement by the prefecture said the installations dont respect sanitation rules, risk fires and are a source of public disorder. The state provides free meals, but aid groups say not enough. Read more about: SHARE: ORLANDO, FLA.After days of alleging repeatedly that U.S. President Barack Obama literally founded Daesh, Donald Trump abruptly shifted tone on Friday and insisted his widely debunked claim had been sarcastic. Trump, in an early-morning post on Twitter, blamed CNN for reporting so seriously that he had called Obama and Democrat Hillary Clinton the extremist groups founder and most valuable player. He added, in all capital letters: THEY DONT GET SARCASM? Only hours before, the billionaire businessman had restated the allegation with no mention of sarcasm, telling rally-goers in Kissimmee, Fla., that Ive been saying that Barack Obama is the founder. Its a claim that Trump repeated at least a dozen times in three cities since debuting the attack-line Wednesday during a rally outside Fort Lauderdale. In fact, Trump had refused to clarify that he was being rhetorical or sarcastic when asked about the remark during interviews. On Thursday, when conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt tried to steer Trump toward explaining he really meant Obamas Mideast policies created conditions that Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, exploited, Trump wanted none of it. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS (Daesh). I do, Trump said. Told that Obama was trying to defeat the militants, Trump added, I dont care. He was the founder. The controversy over Daesh has dogged the campaign in a week in which he has been trying to highlight his economic proposals. Trump is encountering worrying signs as his campaign moves into the November election. Clintons lead over Trump in national polls has widened in recent days, while a growing number of fellow Republicans have declared they wont support their own partys nominee. Clinton is looking to take advantage by expanding into traditionally Republican states, seeking a sweeping victory in November. It wasnt immediately clear why Trump altered course Friday and said the whole notion was sarcastic. But the allegation had elicited fresh concerns about Trumps relationship with the truth and his preparedness to be commander in chief. Clintons campaign has cried foul and accused Trump of mimicking Russian President Vladimir Putins talking points, and the Democratic Party had asked for an apology. I just do not think insults and bullying is how we are to get things done, Clinton said as she laid out her economic plan Thursday in Warren, Mich. Yet even as he worked to quell one campaign controversy, Trump appeared to spark another late Wednesday when said he was fine with trying Americans suspected of terrorism in military tribunals at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. Asked specifically about U.S. citizens, Trump told the Miami Herald that he didnt like that Obama and others wanted to try them in traditional courts. I would say they could be tried there, Trump said, referring to Guantanamo Bay. Thatll be fine. Federal law generally prohibits U.S. citizens from being prosecuted in military tribunals. Trump has blamed Obamas decision to pull U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011 for destabilizing the Middle East and creating a situation in which Daesh militants could thrive. Hed added Clinton to the mix by noting her initial support for the Iraq War and her ties to Obamas policies as his first-term secretary of state. However, Trump previously had said he wanted U.S. troops out years earlier than Obama withdrew them. The founder of Daesh was Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the head of Al Qaeda in Iraq who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2006. The group began as Iraqs local affiliate of Al Qaeda, the group that attacked the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. Republican concerns about Trump are compelling enough that dozens of worried senior party members were gathering signatures for a letter urging the partys chairman to stop helping Trump and focus on protecting vulnerable House and Senate candidates, according to a draft obtained by The Associated Press. Trump said he wasnt worried Republicans would cut him off and threatened to stop fundraising for the party if they do. Trumps campaign planned to sit down with RNC officials in Orlando on Friday. But both Republican Party officials and Trumps campaign said the meeting was focused on campaign strategy in battleground states like Florida, and not tensions between the campaign and the GOP. The officials werent authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. Read more about: SHARE: LONDON One of three London schoolgirls who travelled to an area controlled by Daesh (also known as ISIS) in Syria to become jihadi brides is believed to have been killed in an airstrike, a lawyer for her family says. Tasnime Akunjee told the BBC that Kadiza Sultanas family had been told that she died in the Daesh stronghold of Raqqa several weeks ago. He said the family was devastated. He said the death has not been confirmed. Akunjee did not immediately respond Friday to messages from The Associated Press. Sultana was 16 when she and classmates Shamima Begum and Amira Abase both 15 travelled to Syria in February 2015 without telling their families. Their distraught relatives made emotional public appeals for them to come back. ITV News, which first reported Sultanas death on Thursday, broadcast phone calls between Sultana and her sister in Britain, in which Sultana said she felt wanted to return to Britain but could see no way of escape. I dont have a good feeling. I feel scared, Sultana said in one call. You know the borders are closed right now, so how am I going to get out? Her sister, Hamila Khanom, told ITV: We were expecting this in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place. Akunjee told ITV the only good that could come of Sultanas death would be as a testimony for others of the risks of actually going to a war zone, to dissuade people from ever making that choice. U.K. police estimate at least 800 Britons have travelled to join or support Daesh in Syria and Iraq, and dozens of them have been killed. Read more about: SHARE: Ive been reading about the great public debate on the theory of relativity. It happened 100 years ago, mostly in Europe, but its refreshing to look back at it in view of how todays major science issue, climate change, has been treated when its been treated during the U.S. election. For instance, by 1922, when the key confrontation occurred in Paris, between Einstein and French philosopher Henri Bergson, the basic position relativity was accepted by both scientists and the broad public. The debate was about significant details and implications, including policy matters. By contrast, in the U.S. election, theyre still stuck in whats essentially an up-or-down vote. Bernie Sanders, in his characteristic way, says, The debate is ovuh. Donald Trump, the Bernie inversion, calls it a hoax invented by China. Back then, Einstein was already a global celebrity. Bergson, whose star has since faded, was roughly his equal. I happened to encounter his books in my first university year. My philosophy prof was a Bergsonian. He admired Bergsons critique of Darwin in the name of creative evolution and the elan vital, or vital force, that powers lifes flow. Bergsons argument on that hasnt aged well but it was exhilarating to an undergrad. During grad studies in New York, my department of phenomenologists revered Bergson as their precursor. Both men had the ability to fill halls and even arenas. People battled for tickets. Einsteins decision to attend that Paris debate was complex, given fraught French-German relations after World War One. As a German Jewish pacifist, hed opposed the war but in the aftermath, felt Germany was being screwed by the victorious French. Theyd just taken over the Ruhr industrial region. Bergson headed the League of Nations Committee for Intellectual Cooperation, to which he desperately wanted to recruit Einstein. Einstein though, sensed anti-Semitism or anti-Germanism in much of the opposition to his views, theoretical or political. He dithered awhile about the committee, then opted out. On the practical level, there was an urgent need to standardize times and measures for the sake of technical efficiency and political harmony and Einsteins thing was definitely time-space. So concrete policies were at stake. What did their basic conflict hinge on? The nature of reality, and the place of science. Einstein felt his representation of the world reflected it objectively: everything was already laid out imperturbably, in the time-space continuum. Bergson invoked a creative, unpredictable element. Reality was still unfolding; it didnt pre-exist, it emerged. This was times arrow; Einstein called that illusory. It sounds like a scientist-humanist dualism: Einsteinian clock time versus Bergsonian lived time. But there where wheels within wheels. Einstein, the relativist, was simultaneously seen as a monist, who conceptualized reality as an unchanging block yet he was also an antiwar activist and Zionist. Bergson, passionate advocate of creativity and freedom, was allied, among others, with existentialist Martin Heidegger, who became a Nazi in the 1930s. There was a murky underside to his voluntarist sheen. Each position had implications for action, but nothing was utterly clear. So the debates and analyses raged. The conflicts, implications and personal agendas persisted for decades. Jimena Canales, author of The Physicist and the Philosopher, sets them out. The key issue then was the nature of time, apprehended through physics. The crucial nexus now is the environment and climate science. Im resisting one to one parallels, but its hard not to be impressed by their discussion then. By contrast I keep thinking about TV ads during this U.S. election that seem vaguely, furtively related to climate change, with people saying, Im an energy voter. What is that? If its about climate, why not come out with it? Those energy voters look suburban, irritating and smug. If I was an American I might register as a low energy voter, or a clean energy voter, just to irk them. But wheres the debate? Where are the issues? And why dont we see scientists and philosophers more prominently on the public stage? I came of age, philosophically, in the existentialism era. Rationalism and science seemed dull, musty and inert, compared to dramatic existential leaps into the maelstroms, like politics. But the current U.S. parody of discussion has rehabbed, at least for me, the enlightenment ideal of rational discussion among people of good will and open minds. The Age of Reason never looked so good. Read more about: SHARE: On the wards in St. Michaels Hospital, you will find some of Torontos most underprivileged inner-city patients. Mr. Levy is one of them. He is a middle-aged homeless man with a failing heart and end-stage kidney disease, who requires hemodialysis three times per week to sustain his basic bodily functions. A survivor of severe PTSD, he self-medicates with heroin and fentanyl purchased illegally off the street. Unlike many patients, Mr. Levy cannot return home at the end of his dialysis sessions. The only place he can go is the street. Here he is free to pursue his drug habits: inject heroin and fentanyl with recycled needles and sniff gas fumes for a cheap high. Mr. Levy is often found by paramedics in a half-conscious stupor, curled up on a street corner, a city park bench, or a backside alley. The paramedics then dust him off and bring him by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. If Mr. Levy misses dialysis he will need an urgent hospital admission to save his life. Over the past year alone, Mr. Levy has required close to two dozen urgent hospital admissions for missed dialysis sessions. The nurses in the Emergency Room all recognize him. They do not need permission from the doctors to implement the Levy protocol, which involves looking for signs of physical injury, checking his pupils for opioid intoxication, performing a neurologic exam, and sending off a drug screen. On each visit he will be admitted to the Nephrology ward and kept for a day or two before being discharged. No one knows when he will return, but it will happen. Its just a matter of time. As an internal medicine resident, I have already cared for Mr. Levy twice in my two-week placement on the Nephrology service. Like others before me, I have been puzzled by his repeated admissions. I have also expressed frustration with the inefficient, resource-intensive, and symptom-targeted approach to his care. Mr. Levys vulnerable, inner-city status predisposes him to receive fragmented medical care, but that doesnt mean efforts to help him have been scarce or half-hearted. His hospital records show he has been seen by social workers, rehabilitation experts, outreach supervisors, community care nurses, and discharge planners. Everyone has tried and failed to find him a suitable long-term home. Bed shortages, wait lists, and exclusion criteria have prevented his acceptance into any one of the citys handful of homeless shelters. After so many unsuccessful attempts, no one is optimistic about his chances anymore. With every admission to St. Michaels Hospital, Mr. Levy costs the health-care system thousands of dollars. He is what we call in medicine the social admission: a patient whose care and discharge are complicated not by medical factors, but by factors such as difficult living situation or financial condition. Although each admission saves Mr. Levys life, it does not bring him any closer to a meaningful recovery. Nor does it offer any solution to his homelessness the true root of his problems. The best solution is also the simplest one: find Mr. Levy a home and end his cycle of hospital admissions. One way to accomplish this is simply to build more homeless shelters. There has been much talk about expanding the network of homeless shelters in Toronto, but no concrete actions have been taken. This must change soon. Toronto has a large inner-city population, and patients such as Mr. Levy account for a large proportion of health-care spending with their recurrent admissions and high-care needs. Homeless shelters will effectively remove these patients from the street. They may also provide a more predictable daily routine. For a patient like Mr. Levy, this may mean more regular dialysis, fewer drug overdoses and related complications, and better social support. For the health care system, this may translate into less superfluous spending on avoidable admissions. In our relatively well-to-do city, patients like Mr. Levy are treated as outliers. They are shuffled back and forth in an unsustainable limbo between the street and the hospital. This cannot continue. If we cannot adequately care for our citys most vulnerable members, then we must accept responsibility for their enormous care costs. Otherwise, we can choose to invest in more homeless shelters, tackling the issue at its core. Our collective response may save Mr. Levy from another senseless hospital admission or two, or three, or maybe even a dozen. Shaurya Taran is an internal medicine resident at the University of Toronto. The name of the patient and certain details have been changed to preserve anonymity. SHARE: Two years ago this month, Daesh, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), viciously attacked and displaced entire Yazidi communities in northern Iraq, where it is believed most members of this religious minority live. Thousands were killed. Captured women and children were kept and sold as slaves. More than 3,000 remain under Daesh control. The Yazidis profess a faith that brings together Christian, Zoroastrian and Islamic teachings. Because of this, Daesh is attempting to extinguish the group as a whole. United Nations investigators said as much in June when they declared an ongoing genocide against the Yazidi people in Syria and Iraq. Canada has recognized the genocide as well. That our country ought to help the Yazidi people is not in doubt. The real question is determining the best way for us to act. MPs Michelle Rempel, a Conservative, and Jenny Kwan of the NDP have put forward specific recommendations to the federal government. These would, however, be shaped by their most crucial point of advice: that Ottawa proceed immediately to accelerate the relocation of Yazidis to Canada. The problem with this idea which is certainly well-intentioned is that a rushed approach is fraught with danger. Yazidi activists have called for the most vulnerable to be prioritized for resettlement by Canada, with a request to accept between 5,000 and 10,000 people. These figures are supported by the Conservatives and NDP. Many Yazidis have fled to Turkey or Europe but thousands are still living in northern Iraq in displacement camps. Because they live closest to ISIS controlled territory, it is these Yazidis who are in an especially perilous position. In order to process asylum claims on the level that is being called for, one presumes that a very large team of civil servants would have to be dispatched to the province of Dohuk, where seven of the nine displacement camps holding Yazidis are located. Dohuk, however, is an hours drive from Mosul, which is under Daesh control and its members operate freely in the surrounding territory It is not difficult to see the threat this poses if Daesh decides to launch an attack on or near those camps. And with fighting in Mosul between Daesh and Iraqi forces appearing imminent, the possibility of conflict spilling over to that area is also quite real. None of these circumstances confronted Canadian authorities in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon who assisted in reviewing the files of prospective Syrian refugees. It is a unique situation with its own complexities. In light of all this, some argue that the task of identifying the most vulnerable Yazidis should be left to the Yazidi people themselves because they know their situation best. Organizations have indeed formed and, in one case, a data base has been created by a group to track information about individuals who may be eligible for resettlement. I do not doubt the good will of those behind such efforts. However, there are concerns here too. Yazidi society is based on a caste structure. A hierarchical order privileges religious leaders and local elders, known as shaikhs and pirs, above the morid, or laypersons. The latter comprise the majority and do not hold any special status. Although this tradition has been questioned in recent years, it remains firmly in place. The result is that members of the morid class could be overlooked, even though their predicament may be far worse than that felt by shaikh and pir elites and their families. This is not a certainty, but it is a possibility and should give us pause. It is clear that the Yazidi people are victims of genocide. Resettlement is an important part of addressing their plight, but it needs to be pursued carefully because there are no easy answers. Thinking things through in order to determine the best way forward is prudent, compassionate and what Canadians rightly expect from a responsible government. Peter Fragiskatos, a Liberal, is MP for London North Centre and a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Read more about: SHARE: Rarely, if ever, has the danger of partisan loyalty in American politics been on such gruesome display as in the case of Donald J. Trump. When Trump seemingly called on his supporters to assassinate Hillary Clinton this week, he defied the odds by finding yet another line to cross. Yet, as in the aftermath of so many previous line-crossings, too many senior Republicans continue to endorse him. Those party leaders who believe their standard bearers racism, misogyny, bullying, divisiveness and nihilistic narcissism do not disqualify him from the job he seeks evidently feel neither do his apparent incitements to violence. Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment, Trump said at a rally on Tuesday, mischaracterizing his Democratic rivals support of sensible gun controls as opposition to Americans constitutional right to bear arms. By the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I dont know. But I tell you what, that will be a horrible day. Trumps camp says the comment, which on its face is a call to the zealous and well-armed to harm Clinton or her future Supreme Court nominees, has been misinterpreted. Republican leaders have since tied themselves in knots trying to argue the same. Whether or not he meant what he seems to have meant, the remark is clearly part of a pattern of recklessness. Just days earlier one of Trumps advisers said in a radio interview that Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason. Trump did not condemn the comment. At his rallies, chants of take that bitch down and lock her up have been heard. He does not discourage them. Perhaps Trump doesnt understand the risks of such language. Perhaps he doesnt care. But a presidential candidate must; what leaders say has consequences. During the first speech of his presidential campaign, Trump characterized Mexicans as rapists and said that to make America great again he would build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to keep them out. A month later, two brothers in Boston brutally beat a homeless Latino man with a lead pipe before urinating on him. When asked why they did it, one said, Trump is right. The candidate later responded that he doesnt condone violence, but: I will say, the people that are following me are very passionate. They love this country, they want this country to be great again. Rather than disown his coded call to violence, Trump issued another. Of course a man who would say such things is grossly unfit to occupy the White House. But we already knew that. So why do so many Republican leaders refuse to say so? Why does former GOP presidential nominee John McCain, whom Trump has criticized for being a prisoner of war, repeatedly rebuke Trump without withdrawing his support? Why does House Speaker Paul Ryan, whom Trump only reluctantly endorsed, not refuse to endorse Trump? What about Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell or George P. Bush, son of favourite Trump punching bag Jeb? Perhaps theyre jockeying for jobs. Or perhaps, like Mike Huckabee, they are merely fatuously partisan. Youre either on the team, or youre not on the team, the former Arkansas governor said. After all, its just that sort of rabid Republican loyalty, putting party before principle, that has so often paralyzed American government in recent years. The costs of that partisanship have never been greater. By normalizing the threat Trump presents, they compound it. The latest polls do provide some solace. Since the end of the Democratic convention in Cleveland last month, Trumps popular support has plummeted. He now trails Clinton by around 10 percentage points. But Republicans shouldnt wait for the polls to bottom out. McCain, McConnell, et al. should look to the example of 50 prominent Republican national security officials who wrote a letter in the New York Times this week. Despite their party affiliation, they warned that Trump has neither the skills nor the temperament to be Commander-In-Chief of the U.S. military. He would be the most reckless president in American history, they wrote. Trumps factually baseless, bellicose comments on foreign policy and reports that he has repeatedly asked about the nuclear option at security briefings leave little doubt that a vote for Trump is a vote for a dystopian near-future. But as his recent comments confirm, Trump doesnt need access to a nuclear arsenal to put American lives in danger. He merely needs to open his mouth and speak. Nice to learn that a looming cataclysm is enough to prompt a crisis of party faith in some. Now what on earth will it take for the rest? Read more about: SHARE: Since the late 1990s, the high-speed broadband economy has established itself as a bastion of private investment and innovation across the world. The U.S. is no exception to this unparalleled growth, and the industry's future as a whole looks promising. Like any industry, however, its output is a function of one of the most traditional market forces: competition. According to a USTelecom white paper, broadband economies across the world have been highly competitive since their inception. Aided by initial light-touch regulatory policies, markets were flush with large and small providers vying within national and local markets. The industry ballooned and the U.S. soon established itself as the world's third-largest country for telecom capital investment per capita, only trailing countries a fraction of the size. Moreover, as any Econ 101 student should be able to explain, competition among providers incentivized pricing and service options, enriching the industry for the consumer. This fact is heightened further in rural markets. Bringing cutting-edge technologies to rural areas, an ever-elusive step for technology companies, has also benefitted from an influx of service providers. As providers look for new customer bases, capital investments flow into rural markets and grow rural economies. According to a Hudson Institute report, rural broadband supported more than $100 billion in e-commerce last year and propped up more than 60,000 jobs. Moreover, many support the opinion that everyone, urban and rural, inherently deserves broadband services to remain adequately connected to our society and economy. But competition is key to accomplishing this. Take a look at the case of Alaska, for instance. If it were its own country, Alaska's more than 660,000 square miles would make it the 19th-largest country in the world. Most of the state consists of areas officially classified as rural. Alaska's largest telecom company, GCI, has come under fire recently following an FCC report that details the company's inability to provide 81% of rural Alaskans with adequate broadband services. But GCI receives the lion's share of money that the federal Universal Service Fund sends to Alaska each year. The funds are obviously rewarded proportionally by market share, but the critique lies in GCI's organizational inabilities rather than the fund system's allocation. By its own admission, GCI has at times represented more than three out of every four Alaskans in some services -- a dominant market share in the telecom world. After reviewing the evidence, a natural question remains: Does Alaska deserve more telecom companies? If GCI's performance was noteworthy, then this question would be moot and Alaska would be an anomaly, but it isn't. GCI's inability to bring broadband to more than 80% of the state and reports of inconsistent 911 services may indicate that the telecom giant simply can't meet Alaskans' needs. As we've seen, the Internet economy has the capacity to grow exponentially and enrich everything it touches under the right conditions. However in the case of GCI, are Alaskans missing out on the benefits of a competitive market? GCI obviously cannot be forced to give up what some may describe as a stranglehold on Alaskan telecom, but it clearly can't be incentivized to meet the needs of the state either. This article is commentary by John Burnett. He does not own stock in any of the companies mentioned in this publication. John is a financial services executive with over 25 years of experience at some of the world's top financial services and business information companies. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Flint Hills Resources of Kansas announced plans for a $20 million expansion of its Waupun fuel terminal. The company, which operates a fuel terminal in McFarland, said the project will help meet growing demand for transportation fuels in central and northeastern Wisconsin. The company also is nearing completion of a $7 million expansion to its Junction City fuel terminal. Flint Hills Resources supplies about one third of the gasoline and diesel fuel used in Wisconsin. Its Wisconsin expansion projects should provide an additional 1.1 million gallons of fuel per day to markets it serves when completed. The company said its Junction City project, which includes the addition of a fifth loading bay, should be finished this fall. The Waupun project, which adds three loading bays to the two now operating, will be completed by fall 2017. An employee sorts bread at a bakery in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv said the countrys food exports to the European Union have increased by 68 percent since the beginning of the year. (Roman Pilipey/EPA) LABOR Fourth death in a year at Va. Goodyear plant A worker died at a Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Danville, Va., on Friday, the fourth fatality in a year at the site, state officials said. Goodyear said it reported the death to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the employee during this very difficult time, the company said. The employees identity and the circumstances of the death at the plant were not announced. It was the fourth death to occur at the plant since August 2015, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry said. A team has been sent to the site, she said. Investigations into the previous three deaths have not been concluded, said Ron Graham, health director of the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program. Reuters RETAIL Americans spending stays flat in July report U.S. retail sales were unchanged in July from the previous month, a sign that consumers were cautious after three months of solid gains. Americans spent less at clothing shops, sporting goods stores, and electronics and appliance outlets, the Commerce Department said Friday. Spending at grocery stores fell by the most in more than five years. Those declines were offset by big increases in auto sales and online and catalogue sales. Much of the overall weakness also reflected a steep fall in gas station sales, which largely reflects lower prices rather than lower demand. Excluding gasoline, retail sales rose 0.2 percent. Julys flat reading on retail sales followed an increase of 0.8 percent in June. Associated Press Also in Business From news services For a budding screenwriter, Taylor Sheridan has certainly hit the ground running. The square-jawed former actor, best known for playing a straight-arrow lawman on the FX series Sons of Anarchy, made a splash with his first screenplay for the 2015 drug-war thriller Sicario. His next film, Hell or High Water, which opened this weekend, is the story of soon-to-retire Texas ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) in pursuit of two bank-robbing brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster). Critics have praised the film, which is set against a backdrop of home foreclosures, for its grit and social consciousness. Ben Foster (left) and Chris Pine in Hell or High Water. (Lorey Sebastian/CBS Films) The 47-year-olds directorial debut, Wind River, is due out next year, and his Sicario sequel, Soldado, begins shooting this fall. Sheridan spoke recently about the social relevance of his film and his successful move from screen to page. Q: How did you make the leap from actor to screenwriter? A: I made a very conscious decision to quit acting. I was on a series and we were in the process of renegotiating. They had an idea of what they thought I was worth, and I had an idea that was quite different. My wife was pregnant. I wasnt a movie star. People have a misconception of what a journeyman actor makes not a lot of money. You can maybe make 150-grand a year before taxes on a show like that. You cant get rich. Q: Some would say that screenwriting isnt exactly a road to riches either. A: Look, if you want to get rich, sell Learjets. There are a lot easier ways to make money. It really came down to telling stories, and I wanted to tell my own. My situation made it easy for me to go, Well, maybe that is what Im worth, as an actor. At least Im not telling someone elses story. Q: There are some heavy political themes gun rights, racism, the home mortgage crisis baked into the plot of Hell or High Water. Why are you interested in such hot-button issues? A: I wanted to do things that I thought were socially reflective and that made people ask questions about issues. Theres such a divisive society now. Its like there are two Americas. I just wanted to explore the world I know, because Im from Texas. My family had a ranch an hour west of Waco that we lost in 1993, as the casualty of a divorce. Im acutely familiar with what that feels like. I witnessed my mother suffer by drinking the Kool-Aid with some of these loans. But I wouldnt call them political issues. Id call them social issues. Im just trying to hold up a mirror to the world. Q: Youve said, If anyone can understand my politics, Ive failed. What did you mean? A: Im in a business that seems to think it knows best, and we have a pretty alarming amount of power to speak without being interrupted. I try hard to only ask questions and to do it in an entertaining way. Q: But Sicario and Hell seem designed to rattle viewers, as well as entertain. A: Shouldnt movies rattle you? I have a hero in Marcus, whose affection for his friend [Alberto, a Native American Texas ranger played by Gil Birmingham] can only be expressed through insulting him and choosing the most superficial and harmful insults to do it. Does that make him an evil man? He seems like a pretty good guy, but he says some pretty rotten stuff, which I think is pretty representative of man as a whole. Q: Sicario was noted for its unconventional five-act structure and shifting protagonists. Arent screenwriting rules there for a reason? A: I see them more as guidelines than rules. As a television actor, I was held to a tight, rigid structure. A lot of it was childish rebellion. I sat down to write a script, and I thought, Im going to break all these rules Ive been held to for so long. When I was working on Sicario, I realized how rule-breaking alters the expectations of the audience, how it changes the journey. It makes it feel like you dont know whats going to happen next. Q: What did you bring to screenwriting from your acting career? A: You only have to look at my resume to know that I wasnt doing groundbreaking work as an actor. I paid the bills. I worked on largely procedural network shows, and then I did some really small, really bad movies, and auditioned for thousands more. I dont know how many scripts Ive read in my life. When I sat down to write Sicario, I had to be humble and honest and say, You have no idea how to do this, but you certainly know how not to. Q: How does the idea of the West inform your work? A: All of my films are explorations of the modern American frontier. As a boy, I was fascinated with the West and cowboys and trappers. I became fascinated with Native Americans who were there, who we took it from those battles and that assimilation and the consequences of that. Its been romanticized and vilified and glossed over. Looking at the consequences of American expansion is really fascinating to me. How much has the frontier changed in 150 years? How much has it not changed? Q: Theres a great line inHell where an old codger remarks that the good old days of robbing banks and living long enough to enjoy the money are long gone. Where does that nostalgia for lawlessness come from? A: Theres a real sense of freedom in the West. Some of the resistance to dealing with contemporary social change is because of a sense that real freedom is being taken away. Q: Is it possible that this sense of freedom is an illusion? A: There was a time in the late 1800s when you were pretty free to do whatever you wanted. You were free to die of starvation. You were free to be attacked. It was total freedom. But I think its more a notion, a sense that you can effect change. When the old-timer says that, he says it as if weve reached a place where you cant really effect change anymore. Its ironic that its applied to a moment of theft. Its a romantic not intellectual, not logical parallel that hes drawing. Q: The director of the new film, David Mackenzie, is Scottish. Denis Villeneuve, who directed Sicario, is French Canadian. Were you concerned about non-Americans directing quintessentially American stories? A: I think because they are not Americans, they see things that we dont see because we are so used to seeing them that we dont notice anymore. Theyre also not tethered to an opinion on our politics. Theyre not personally invested. Q: The character of Marcus, whos being forced to retire, was inspired by your uncle Parnell McNamara, a former U.S. marshal and old-school lawman. What about him interested you? A: He was a federal marshal for 30 years and very capable. One day he is knocking down a door arresting some drug dealer, and the next day hes got a letter saying, Turn in your badge and your gun. I thought that the notion of suddenly having your purpose in life taken away from you was really fascinating. Q: Both of your screenplays are extremely violent. Yet youve called Sicario a meditation on the rule of law, and you describe Hell as a love poem to Texas. Where is that love poem, beneath all the bloodshed? A: You see that love poem in the ancillary characters, in the sort of Greek chorus of people that you meet as Marcus and Alberto move through west Texas. The film is really a meditation on failure. Its a study of morality as well, of the shifts that take place in you as you change your mind about the things that you think are okay or not okay. I explore that, in an extreme way. Hell or High Water (R, 102 minutes). At area theaters. Basiado. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) Those who witnessed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics a dizzying array of costumed performers in a spectacle thats part art, part gymnastics, part propaganda saw Rios pageant strikingly depict the encounter between colonists and indigenous people, slavers and slaves, immigrants and immigrants who happened to get there earlier. That patchwork of national identity both prides and shames is represented in cachaca, the Brazilian sugar cane spirit thats probably hitting peak sales in the United States as people toast the Games with Brazils most famous cocktail, the caipirinha. [Make the recipe: Basaido] Cachaca has been around since the 1500s and is inseparable from Brazils brutal history in the slave trade. The word cachaca originally referred to the foam that formed when cane was boiled to make sugar; slaves fermented the foams from later boilings to make a beverage, which they drank and traded. Over centuries, the spirit has achieved a ubiquity in Brazil that has made it the third-most-consumed spirit in the world (although over 95 percent is still consumed in Brazil itself). [Is Havana Club the best rum for your daiquiri?] Many cachaca makers saw Brazils hosting of the World Cup in 2014 and now the Olympics as opportunities to introduce the spirit to a wider audience. But its still an uphill battle, made a little easier after the United States recognized cachaca as a distinctive product of Brazil in 2013 and allowed it to be sold under that name. Until then, cachaca sold here was labeled Brazilian rum. I was puzzled at first about why the change would be preferable. Because many Americans at least know what rum is, was the recategorization really doing sales any favors here? Cherry and the Cane. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) [Make the recipe: Cherry and the Cane] Steve Luttmann, founder of premium cachaca Leblon, says the problem was consumer expectations: Someone who bought cachaca expecting the flavors of rum was likely to be unhappy. Although some industrial versions taste like harsh rum, premium cachaca is more vegetal, reedier, delicate closer to the sugar cane its distilled from than it is to many rums, which often are distilled from molasses and hint at its sweet vanilla notes. Cachaca is closer to rhum agricole, which is similarly distilled from pure cane juice. In a way, cachaca has gone from one problem to another: No longer misled by a Brazilian rum label, most American drinkers still dont know what cachaca is. Even those who know, and know how to pronounce it (kuh-shah-suh), dont always know how to use it in drinks. [Trumps Towering Inferno and other cocktails inspired by the presidential candidates] Any spirit seeking a foothold will find it helpful to have a popular, easy-to-make cocktail to carry it to the mouths of drinkers. The caipirinha muddled lime, sugar and cachaca is everywhere in Brazil and has made it north, but its not exactly the new margarita in terms of its popularity. Two others the batida (spirit, fruit juice, and sugar) and the rabo-de-galo (basically a cachaca Manhattan; literally translated, it means cock tail, the chicken appendage) are well known in Brazil but not stateside. Stripes and Plaids. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) [Make the recipe: Stripes and Plaids] In Brazil, if you go into a bar and ask for a caipirinha, the first thing theyll tell you is what fruits they have today, whats fresh, says Luttmann. Though the lime and sugar are constants, they often meet other tropical fruits. The accompanying cachaca cocktail recipes from Adam Bernbach of 2 Birds 1 Stone and Gina Chersevani of Buffalo & Bergen use summer fruit in a way that allows the spirit to speak: Bernbachs employs the coolness of watermelon, Chersevanis the brightness of cherries. Both drinks highlight a common characteristic of good silver cachaca its fresh, grassy element. In the Basiado, a riff on the caipirinha by Tobin Ellis of BarMagic consulting in Las Vegas, the cucumber and herbs take the spirit toward its vegetal roots. Cachaca consumption has followed economic and cultural trends of Brazil in fascinating ways. According to Joao Azevedo Fernandes chapter on cachaca in Alcohol in Latin America, before the 20th century, the spirits association with slaves and indigenous people often caused wealthy elites (who wished to be more European) to scorn it. Theres a thread of prejudice mixed into the story of cachaca, not only in its origins but in who drank it, who didnt and why; the early disdain by the elites was not because the spirit was connected with the repugnant slave trade but because it was associated with the slaves themselves, and later with agrarian workers and the poor. In more recent times, Luttmann says, higher-income people started drinking more caipirinhas with vodka [called] caipiroskas because there was this trend of everything in Brazil is bad and everything from outside of Brazil is good. . . . In the past five years, thats changed dramatically. You have a new generation coming in, local pride, this resurgence of craft cachacas. . . . You have a new generation saying, Why would you ever put imported vodka in our national drink? Artisanal cachacas such as these, along with brands such as Leblon and Novo Fogo, represent the Brazilian spirit at its most delicate and sippable. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) Still, the notion of cachaca as poor mans milk remains common, says Thiago Camargo, a co-founder of spiritmaker Yaguara. Even many Brazilians have to be reintroduced to the spirit after unpleasant early encounters with more-industrial versions; the lime and sugar in the ubiquitous caipirinha often conceal a headache-inducing, rocket-fuel quality in lesser iterations. There is good stuff being made now, though; some of it is terrific, and the aged variations produced by craft distillers are especially worth exploring. For centuries, oak has been the standard wood used to age spirits, and the majority of cachaca that undergoes wood aging still goes into oak. But some brands are now aging distillates in native woods or a combination of oak and native-wood barrels. Oak aging was the preference of Europeans who once ruled Brazil, says Erwin Weimann, master blender at Yaguara and author of Cachaca: A Bebida Brasileira (The Brazilian Drink). But as Brazil has come into its own, he explains in an email, we really began to branch out further and discover our own native flavours. . . . It is now common practice to see cachacas in all types of woods, and distillers around the country continue to experiment further. Some of those native woods impart flavors similar to oak; others bring something new. Camargo notes that where oak is known for imparting vanilla, amburana wood can bring cinnamon, and cabreuva brings anise. (The Yaguara Ouro is a blend representing all three woods.) You can sample other native-wood-kissed cachacas in (among others) those produced by Novo Fogo (its Tanager spends time in zebrawood, its Graciosa in Brazil nut); Cuca Frescas Ouro, which is aged in jequitiba; and Avuas Amburana, which suggested flavors Im not sure I can name: thyme, wintry spice, rye bread? The Olympics are an opportunity to explore the complex flavors in good-quality versions of this spirit, on your own or at local watering holes. Its a cliche by now to refer to history in a glass, but seldom has the phrase been more true than it is with cachaca. Its a drink that reflects Brazils multicultural society and its history, good and bad. Like the limes and sugar in a caipirinha, its muddled. Allan is a Hyattsville, Md., writer and editor. Follow her on Twitter: @Carrie_the_Red. A sample argument hangs on the wall at the Matthew H.Ornstein Washington Summer Debate Institute, a summer program teaching area students the skills of competitive policy debating. (Christian K. Lee/The Washington Post) Like all good enrichment experiences, this one ends with a game. After roughly 30 minutes of learning the basics of cross-examination a crucial skill for competitive policy debate the attention spans of the roughly 20 campers have faded. Then a ball appears, and the students, who are in grades six to 12, perk up. Joe Karam, the assistant leading the workshop, explains the rules of the game theyre about to play, which is all about asking questions on the spot. The first person throws the ball to someone else in the room and asks them a question, any question. The person catching the ball is not to answer the question, but simply toss the ball to another person and ask them something else. If you answer a question or make a statement instead of asking a question, youre out. It doesnt take long for the questions to take on an adolescent tenor. Do you like tacos? asks one student. Karam instructs the group to focus their questions on what theyve been learning about: China and East Asia. Are all Japanese people scared of Godzilla? is one students revised query. In the hallway, David Trigaux, the director of the Washington Urban Debate League and the affiliated Matthew H. Ornstein Washington Summer Debate Institute, acknowledges that this group, one of four labs, is the camps most energetic. So the lab leader and assistants have developed an informal system: In between sessions, the campers get short recesses, during which they sprint out of the room (and often the building) to burn off some excess juice. After all, says Trigaux, what can you expect from a bunch of adolescents whove sacrificed one of the last weeks of their summer vacation to learn the fine art of debating? Now in its second year, the week-long camp has nearly doubled in size, with roughly 70 participants split into three novice labs, including the restless ball-gamers, and one varsity lab for more experienced students. The free program gathers kids, most of whom have no experience at all with debating, from the areas publicly funded schools (including magnet and charter schools) to train in both skill and substance. To assist with the latter, the camp had associates from the Asia Group lead sessions on U.S.-China relations, this years policy debate topic. On the programs final day, the institute holds a scrimmage, in which campers debate one another in friendly fashion. John Litchtefeld educates the students on U.S.-Asian relations. (Christian K. Lee/The Washington Post) The camp is named in honor of Matthew Ornstein, son of political scientist Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute and his wife, Judy Harris, who fund the WUDL and the summer institute. Matthew was a champion debater at Georgetown Day School and went on to graduate from Princeton. Crippled by mental illness in adulthood, he died at 34 from carbon monoxide poisoning. Although his death was deemed accidental, his parents recognize that mental illness was a critical factor in his life and have advocated on behalf of mental health issues. Matthew would have hated that, because he did not believe he was ill. But this, says Norman Ornstein, referring to the camp, he would have loved. To his son, being on the debate team was akin to playing a varsity sport. Plus, it armed him with an enormous amount of substantive knowledge, which often made his conversations with his debate friends more intelligent and better informed than those of college or graduate students, Ornstein says. The many benefits of debating public-speaking skills, confidence, teamwork, community and the spirit of friendly competition are why the Ornsteins continue to fund the camp. While Trigaux also recognizes those benefits, he likes to focus on the concrete, data-based effects of debating in his efforts to spread the gospel at urban, underprivileged schools. He cites research showing that student debaters typically have higher rates of graduation, literacy and school attendance than their peers. Parents find this so appealing, he says, that the camp received more than 130 applications this year. (Admission is mostly on a first-come, first-served basis.) Mekhi Love, 13, stops his partner after being rushed with questions during a cross examination exercise. (Christian K. Lee/The Washington Post) Lab leader Jonathan Gonzalez, center, with students Zara Escobar (left) and Teresa Huang. (Christian K. Lee/The Washington Post) At 9 a.m., the varsity lab has a session on the North Korea Dilemma in U.S.-China relations. Terms like deterrence strategy and existential concerns are being thrown around, and the campers are frantically taking notes in their marbled notebooks. The campers probably understand about a third of what theyre being taught, says varsity lab leader Richard Day, but its important in debate to know how to counter your opponent without fully comprehending what theyre saying. In a corner of the room, Keoni Scott-Reid, 17, listens intently, occasionally asking a question. In many ways, Scott-Reid exemplifies the summer institutes mission last year, he was given the camps inaugural Matthew H. Ornstein Outstanding Debater award, which, Trigaux and Norman Ornstein agree, has as much to do with character as with accomplishment. Just a year ago, Scott-Reid says, his grade point average at Largo High School was 0.75. I wasnt doing too well, he says. I didnt have a way to legitimize my ideas. Over his objections, his mother sent him to last years summer institute. In that one short week, he discovered a new passion. Now, he says, his favorite topics of study and debate are structural oppression and communism. And, to his mothers credit, his GPA for the past year came in at 3.75. The merger of Pepco and Exelon, creating the nations largest utility, is continuing to draw opposition even after it was approved by regulators. The Districts chief advocate for utility ratepayers is challenging the $6.8 billion merger between Pepco Holdings and Exelon, which critics say will increase electricity bills in the nations capital. The Office of the Peoples Counsel announced Friday that it was seeking a court review of the Public Service Commissions June order creating the nations largest publicly held utility. The challenge filed with the D.C. Court of Appeals focuses on the process for approving the merger and whether it was fair. [Regulators greenlight Pepco-Exelon merger] The agency, which is tasked with advocating for utility customers, is also challenging Pepcos proposed $85.5 million rate increase, the first since late 2013. Pepco has said the typical residential customer would pay $4.36 more a month if the increase is approved. In a statement, Pepco said it was confident that the Court of Appeals would recognize that the process for approving the merger was sound. The ratepayer advocates challenge to the merger is the latest twist in the more than two-year saga that pitted the Districts business community against environmental and consumer advocates. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and Peoples Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye initially supported the proposed merger. But they both withdrew support after regulators rejected a plan to cushion residential customers from rate increases. [Councilors blame chief ratepayer advocate in Pepco-Exelon controversy] The citys Public Service Commission approved the merger on March 23 on a 2-1 vote, and the companies officially merged hours later. Pepco has since sought the rate increases, noting it didnt request earlier increases while the merger was in the works. The District was the final hurdle for the merger, which had been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Justice Department and the states of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. Nearly half of the 2 million affected customers are in the District and in Prince Georges and Montgomery counties. Mattavous-Frye asked the commission in April to reconsider the merger. Now, her agency is asking the appeals court to review the deal. The court could decline to take action, or it could modify or reject the merger. The U.S. government can seize millions of dollars from Internet mogul Kim Dotcom, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. Dotcom, who founded the file-sharing website Megaupload, has since 2012 been fighting extradition from New Zealand to the United States on piracy charges. Prosecutors say that Megaupload produced at least $175 million in illegal assets from fees and ads for its owners and executives from its creation in 2005 to its demise in 2012. Whats left, they say, is the $75 million being kept in Hong Kong and New Zealand. [New Zealand judge rules Kim Dotcom can be extradited to U.S.] While both countries put restraining orders on funds held there, both have allowed Dotcom and his associates to withdraw millions for legal and living expenses. Additionally, the New Zealand restraining order could only last three years. So in 2014 the U.S. moved to seize Dotcoms assets, along with those of his associates, in both countries. They won a default judgment in Virginia federal court last year. But Dotcom and his co-defendants argued that they were unconstitutionally deprived of the right to defend themselves in that civil forfeiture case. A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals was unpersuaded, ruling that by refusing to face trial in the U.S. on criminal charges, Dotcom and the rest of the Megaupload team gave up their right to contest any civil proceedings. Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory wrote that the defendants stated reasons for staying outside the U.S. were utterly unpersuasive, because the claimants argument that they have legitimate reason to remain where they are, such as jobs, businesses, and families does not disprove that avoiding prosecution is the reason they refuse to come to the United States, he wrote. One of the three judges dissented. Judge Henry F. Floyd argued that the court could not control what foreign governments do and thus any ruling would only be advisory. The majority held that, based on the cooperation of Hong Kong and New Zealand so far, that wasnt an issue. Dotcom can now ask for a ruling from the entire Fourth Circuit. If that fails, he can appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the highest court in New Zealand is set to hear Dotcoms extradition case this month. At its peak, officials say, Megaupload was the 13th most popular site on the Internet. Dotcom's lawyers have argued that the site was essentially no different from other online storage providers and couldn't be held liable for users uploading pirated material. In jazz, it pays to be a good improviser. That's why the organizers of Jazz at Five, a free series of outdoor performances held Downtown over the next four Wednesdays, can change it up should bad weather strike. If it ever rains, the headline act packs up and does a show instead at The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave. Fortunately, skies were perfectly clear and temperatures in the 80s this past Wednesday, when Jazz at Five opened its 23rd season in the usual spot it calls home: The top of State Street. The evening's three performers included Skai Academy, Major Vistas and Ladies Must Swing. Listeners came to sit at pre-reserved tables near the foot of the stage, or relaxed in folding chairs or camp chairs toted from home. In what is a first for Jazz at Five this year, jazz fans also were invited to sprawl on the Capitol lawn with a picnic, a la Concerts on the Square. There's no view of the band from there, but the sound resonates. The low-set Jazz at Five stage remains at 100 State Street, where chairs take over the sidewalks and the street becomes an open-air concert hall. On Wednesday, food carts and food stands on the block offered pizza, ice cream, kettle corn and Latin soul food. Those who reserved tables could have a catered pizza dinner. Jazz at Five also sells beer and wine the money-makers that keep the series sustainable and passes the hat for donations between acts. Typical attendance is 2,000 to 3,000 people, although Jazz at Five would like to see that number rise to about 5,000, said producer and board member Charlie Giese. The biggest factor in the size of a Jazz at Five crowd is not the lineup, but the weather, he said. "Two years ago we had our best season ever. Last year we had our worst season ever and it was in the 60s a lot," he said. "When it's cooler out, people don't want to sit outside and drink beer. We keep data on all of our years, and the difference from 75 degrees to 80 degrees makes a difference in our attendance and our sales." Goals of the nonprofit Jazz at Five are "first and foremost, to provide a cultural event for Downtown Madison," Giese said, "because we want to make that a vibrant place for business and different cultural events. "Beyond that, it's expanding the art form of jazz into the community," he said. "We try and provide a lot of our local community as a highlight, as well as bring in some national acts or regional acts to broaden the scope." Two of the biggest local names in jazz trombonist Darren Sterud and pianist and UW-Madison director of jazz studies Johannes Wallmann are on the bill this year. So is jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer, an Eau Claire native and Grammy nominee who has recorded with jazz greats Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves, toured with saxophonist David Sanborn and trumpet player Chris Botti, and collaborated with sax legend Wayne Shorter and pop star Sting, among others. Time magazine praised Keezer's "virtuosity and sheer musical wit and intelligence." Jazz at Five kicks off each Wednesday afternoon with a youth act spotlighting the next generation of jazz musicians at 4 p.m., followed by featured acts at 5 and 6:30 p.m. Coming up at this year's Jazz at Five: Aug. 17: James Madison Memorial Jazz band takes the stage at 4 p.m. Next at 5 p.m. is the Ben Ferris Quartet, featuring Madison bassist Ben Ferris. Edi Ray y Su Salsera performs the sounds of salsa, merengue, mambo and cha-cha starting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24: The evening kicks off with the Goodman Center Youth Group at 4 p.m., followed by the New Orleans jazz and R&B of trombonist Darren Sterud and the New Orleans Tribute at 5 p.m. Grammy- nominated jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer and guest vocalist Gillian Margot perform at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31: The Music Foundry shares its area talent at 4 p.m., with the UW Madison Jazz Ensemble performing "The Night of UW Jazz" at 5 p.m. The Johannes Wallmann Quartet with John Fedchock headlines the night starting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7: West End Conservancy begins the evening at 4 p.m., followed by the Kal Bergendahl Project, a six-piece instrumental jazz-funk band, at 5 p.m. and eclectic Chicago band Diana and the Dishes at 6:30 p.m. Police have identified a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in Northwest Washington this week. D.C. police said Herman Lee Cook Jr., 45, is wanted on a second-degree murder charge in the slaying of Donald Stephen Johnson Jr., 45. Johnson was found behind a recreation center suffering from gunshot wounds at about 7:10 p.m. Monday in the 5700 block of Georgia Avenue, police said. Johnson was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police described Cook as armed and dangerous. Authorities are asking anyone with information about this case to call 202-727-9099 or text an anonymous tip to 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information that leads to an indictment and arrest. The search continues for a seventh missing person at the scene of the explosion of an apartment building in Silver Spring, Md. Aug. 16, 2016 The search continues for a seventh missing person at the scene of the explosion of an apartment building in Silver Spring, Md. Bill OLeary/The Washington Post At least 6 were killed after a blast destroyed an apartment complex in Silver Spring. At least 6 were killed after a blast destroyed an apartment complex in Silver Spring. At least 6 were killed after a blast destroyed an apartment complex in Silver Spring. The scene after a massive explosion and fire nearly leveled an apartment complex in Silver Spring. The scene after a massive explosion and fire nearly leveled an apartment complex in Silver Spring. The body of a third victim was found Friday at a Silver Spring apartment complex that was severely damaged in an explosion Wednesday night, Montgomery County police said. Authorities had said earlier Friday that more bodies were probably buried in the rubble at the complex, where the first two victims were found. They said recovery efforts and the investigation were hindered by the structures instability and an intense heat wave. Officials from local and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said they did not know as of Friday how many people were still missing. Nor could they identify the first two victims whose bodies were recovered, both of which apparently were burned beyond recognition. Although Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) has said natural gas was probably involved in the blast, ATF officials said the agencys top fire and explosives experts were assisting local authorities to try to determine the cause. Its been a very challenging incident for us not only in terms of the hot weather, but the building still presents as a collapse hazard, said David Steckel, the countys acting fire chief, whose firefighters slowly and carefully searched the rubble with cadaver dogs. People displaced from a fire that killed two people and injured dozens at an apartment complex in Silver Spring find shelter and assistance from their neighbors. (Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post) In addition to the three known deaths, 34 people were injured in the explosion, which was so powerful that it blew doors and debris hundreds of feet into the air and nearly leveled the building. Dozens of families in the working-class and primarily Spanish-speaking complex lost everything. [Still want to help victims of the Silver Spring apartment explosion? Heres how] Representatives from local nonprofit groups, faith groups and county agencies began coordinating a response Friday, aided by government officials from Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. This is going to take awhile, said Gracie Rivera-Oven of the Latino Health Initiative, who described arriving at the scene and watching people walk around shoeless and dazed. Many residents fled their homes with nothing, leaving behind wallets, car keys and other possessions everything they had built in this country, as one official put it this week. About 50 people spent Thursday night at a nearby recreation center, county officials said. Early Friday morning, one woman with a bruised and bandaged arm slipped into a restroom, and other people picked up toothbrushes and other toiletries from a pile of donations on a table nearby. Andre Guzman, 45, a native of Guatemala, had been working in construction to support his family back home. Now he had nothing but the quarter in his pocket. I need an apartment, he said. I need work. But before he can work, he needs new boots. He lost his in the fire. [Family describes escape: I thought it was an earthquake] Twenty-four units were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, according to the county. But many of those units housed more than one family, so there are up to 60 households in need of shelter. Mary Anderson, spokeswoman for Montgomerys Department of Health and Human Services, said officials are identifying the size of each household so they can match it with an appropriate apartment. Nonprofit and for-profit developers have come forward offering units, she said. We want to move people from the shelter into permanent housing rather than asking them to hopscotch from one temporary home to another, she said. Ideally, that would be in the next few days. Realistically, it might take a little longer. Uma Ahluwalia, the agencys director, urged sympathizers to send cash donations or gift cards, saying officials had already received more in-kind gifts than they can handle. We do not need any goods, she said. No food, no water, no diapers at this time. We will need them later. The explosion has raised questions about living conditions in the 60-year-old apartment complex, which like other apartment buildings in the county is inspected every three years. The most recent inspection, in 2013, turned up more than 500 violations, according to county records. Some were trivial ceiling fans without pull strings but others signaled hazardous conditions, including overcrowding and inoperative smoke detectors. Records indicate that the violations were fixed by August 2013. Code enforcement officials did not respond to calls or emails Friday. [Photo gallery: Explosion levels apartment complex in Silver Spring] Kay Apartment Communities, which manages the complex, Flower Branch Apartments, did not respond to questions about living conditions. The company said in an email that those who could respond were busy helping those left homeless by the explosion. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford (R) will visit the scene of the fire Saturday morning and meet with Leggett, said a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan (R). Hogan offered condolences to the families displaced by the fire. We will continue to work with local officials and County Executive Leggett, and provide the needed resources to keep residents safe and help to ensure no further damage or loss of life, Hogan said in a Facebook post Thursday evening. The psychological wounds will prove more difficult. Marys Center, a clinic one block from the destroyed apartments, has seen a stream of displaced people seeking mental-health counseling since the explosion. Isabel Sosa showed up there Friday worried about her 10-year-old daughter, Mercy Vega. Their family lives behind the destroyed building and knows some of the affected families. The explosion jolted them awake, Sosa said. Stepping outside, they stared in shock at the destruction. Since then, Mercy hasnt slept much, her mother said. Im really worried about her, Sosa said in Spanish. People say that she should cry, or get angry or talk, but she hasnt done any of that. The little girl sat in the lobby waiting to see a counselor. Im afraid this will happen again, but in my building, she said, staring down at her hands. Bill Turque, Luz Lazo, Lynh Bui, Fenit Nirappil and Martin Weil contributed to this report. A gunman in a car opened fire on three men walking along Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle early Friday, wounding two of them, according to D.C. police. One of the wounded men was arrested when police said he tried to hide .45 caliber handgun under a trash bin in an alley. Police said the person who shot at the group escaped. The Dupont Circle area is one of the Districts busiest areas, filled with restaurants and bars and crowded throughout the day and night with tourists and residents. The incident occurred about 2 a.m. in the 1700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW, three blocks north of the circle at S Street, a strip lined with stores that include a gelato shop, a Thai restaurant and several bistros. Police said the gunman was in a white Chevrolet Malibu and that the shots were fired as the group walked north on Connecticut. One man was struck in the foot, the other in the right leg. The man wounded in the leg was found by police in an alley near Connecticut and S streets lying on his stomach and trying to slide the firearm under a trash bin, according to the police report. Police said they recovered the gun and arrested the injured man, who was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Charges were pending Friday morning. OHIO Planned Parenthood defunding law blocked U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett blocked a state law aimed at diverting public money from Planned Parenthood, saying in a ruling Friday that the group stood to suffer irreparable injury. The Ohio law targets the more than $1.4 million in funding that Planned Parenthood gets through the state Health Department. That money, mostly from the federal government, supports certain education and prevention programs. The law would bar such funds from going to entities that perform or promote abortions. The restrictions, which had been slated to take effect in May, were signed into law by Gov. John Kasich (R) during his failed presidential bid. The state attorney general, a Republican, will appeal the ruling, his spokesman said. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region had sued the state, saying the law violated their constitutional rights by denying them the funds in retaliation for providing abortions. Associated Press GULF COAST Heavy rains pound parts of La. and Miss. Torrential downpours in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi caused flooding on Friday that killed at least one man, left two people injured and forced residents to evacuate homes across the region, officials said. Pounding rain over the past two days led Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) to declare a state of emergency and forced the closure of schools, government offices and roads. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch into the weekend for parts of southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans. Reuters Turbulance leaves 24 injured: People were thrown around like little rag dolls when turbulence rocked a JetBlue flight from Massachusetts to California, a passenger said Friday, in an incident that left 24 people injured and forced an unscheduled landing in South Dakota. Two crew members and 22 passengers were taken to a Rapid City hospital. All had been released by Friday morning. Worst smog in years: Southern California sunshine means sparkling beach weather, but this summer its contributing to a return of a traditional nemesis: smog. The enormous region that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Mojave Desert is having its worst summer air quality since 2009, regulators said Thursday. New park oversight possible: Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) said Friday that the states restricted role in overseeing amusement park safety could change in the wake of a 10-year-old boys death Sunday while riding the Verruckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City. State law assigns some oversight of such rides to the Kansas Labor Department. But that agency largely requires ride operators to hire inspectors and keep their reports on file. The Verruckt, for instance, opened in 2014 but had never been inspected by state officials. From news services In what is quickly turning into the hottest debate to hit the Marquette neighborhood since the Willy Street Co-op pushed to install a driveway onto Jenifer Street five years ago, residents and business owners are sharply divided over whether to permanently shift city bus routes from Jenifer to Williamson streets. With much of Jenifer Street impassable this summer due to road construction, five Metro Transit bus lines have been temporarily rerouted to Williamson Street. The change, which began in May and runs through November, affected bus lines 3, 4, 7, 10 and 38, which now make three stops on each side of Williamson Street between Blount and Baldwin streets. Metro Transit and city officials are now weighing whether to make the change permanent. Some Jenifer Street residents like the idea of getting the buses and their noise off their street. But Williamson Street businesses are alarmed at the potential loss of street parking that permanent bus stops would bring. Others fear the move would add to the congestion on what has become a major East Side thoroughfare. This is making it almost impossible for customers traveling by car to stop and shop, said Hatch Art House owner Tammy Schreiter, who has started a campaign with other businesses on Williamson Street to oppose the change. If we dont get our parking back, our businesses are going to fail. Discussion about permanently moving the bus routes is still in the very early stages, said Chuck Kamp, Metro Transit general manager. The bus company and 6th District Ald. Marsha Rummel are forming focus groups to explore what effect the change might have on traffic and other aspects of life on the densely populated commercial and residential area. Metro staff and members of the TPC (Traffic and Parking Commission) are very aware that there are a lot of opinions and stakeholders involved with this subject, said Mick Rusch, Metro Transit marketing and customer services manager. And we would like to stress that this is not a study or process that will happen overnight. Jeane Ross said her business, Willy Street Treasure Shop, 1370 Williamson St., hasnt been directly affected by the change, as buses ran along that stretch of Williamson Street even before the construction on Jenifer Street. But she said she feared making the change permanent would ultimately hurt businesses on the street. Even when Im going down the block to drop something off, theres nowhere to park, Ross said. Rummel said that she understands business owners concerns but noted that parking spaces would open up one block away on Jenifer Street if the buses are rerouted. Sarah Hangebrauck said she and her family come from Sun Prairie often to eat at restaurants on Williamson Street. She said she hasnt noticed any problems since the bus lines were rerouted, noting that her family usually parks on side streets anyway. Public transit first streetcars, later buses has run on Jenifer Street since at least the 1920s, according to Wisconsin State Journal archives. People knew what they were getting when they moved to Jeny, Ross said about the buses. People knew what they were getting when they opened a business on Willy. Now thats going to change? Since the bus lines were moved, Rummel requested a city study of potential new bus routes in the area, including the impact on businesses and route speed. With the construction of new housing north of Williamson Street, many residents may benefit from the bus route remaining closer to them, she said. It occurred to me that things have changed in the neighborhood, and maybe we should take a look, Rummel said. Just as in 2011, when the Willy Street Co-op won a battle with Jenifer Street residents to put in a driveway to its parking lot on the street, much of the discussion has centered around the impact on traffic on Williamson Street. Opponents say the street is already congested, and adding buses and their frequent stops to the mix would only make matters worse. I dont think Willy Street needs more traffic, said Cory Fey, a Jenifer Street resident. Its already packed. While some Jenifer Street residents said they werent bothered by the noise the buses made, the massive repairs on the street have been a constant headache this summer. Several blocks of Jenifer Street and portions of Paterson, Brearly and Few streets have been torn up as crews replace storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, curbs, gutters, pavement and sidewalks. Thi Le lives on Jenifer Street and said she wants the bus route to go back to her street when construction is done. Theres less traffic and it runs smoother, Le said while waiting for a bus at a temporary stop at Williamson and Baldwin streets. And it stops right in front of my house. At Mother Fools cafe on Williamson Street, business has gone down noticeably in the months since the bus was rerouted, employee Chris Joutras said. But Joutras wasnt sure if that was because of the bus stop taking up parking spaces or the construction on Jenifer Street. From a business standpoint, I can see why they would want (the bus routes) on Jeny Street, Joutras said. If I didnt work here, it would make more sense on Willy Street. Its more well-known. State Journal reporter Logan Wroge contributed to this report. Cinque Henderson was a writer for HBOs The Newsroom. His book on race and public schools is due out in 2017. There is a line in Teju Coles remarkable debut novel, Open City, that still stumps me. The protagonist, a medical doctor, has come to visit a beloved college professor who sits dying of cancer in his art-lined study. Asked about his unfinished reading, the protagonist says, No sooner do I buy a new book than it reproaches me for leaving it unread. The professor responds more simply, saying he doesnt read much anymore, either. I couldnt tell: Was Cole making fun of the protagonist, having him speak in such an elaborate way about reading while his professor, who is literally at home among the art of the world, answers so casually? It was a riddle. His new collection of essays, Known and Strange Things, doesnt quite solve the riddle, but it does come close, revealing fascinating aspects of Coles searching and unusual mind. Though the bulk of the pieces are on photography (hes the photography critic for the New York Times Magazine), he wanders far afield, omnivorously exploring everything from Virginia Woolf to his now-famous essay on the White Savior Industrial Complex. Coles takes on everything are seen through the alternating long and short lenses of a modern writer steeped in history. His short essays are the best, simple and elegant, and they sent me to Google to learn more about a wide range of people, including artist John Berger and composer Peter Sculthorpe. The essay on his doppelganger, Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski, is so remarkably done, its content and structure so finely balanced, that I shook my head in admiration at Coles skillful hand. The longer pieces can be less satisfying. Cole, for example, spends some 4,000 words retracing the steps of James Baldwin, who, in 1953, visited a tiny, all-white Swiss village that had apparently never seen a black man in the flesh. Cole concludes, as he wanders through the tiny town, that, unlike Baldwin, who felt alienated by the Europe he encountered, he believes the artifacts of European culture belong to him, too. This isnt much of a revelation and, more, it could strike one as a bit uncharitable for Cole to accuse Baldwin, born into a very different world than Cole, of being small-minded because Baldwin felt like a cultural outsider in 1950s Europe. There does not seem a world or language or culture that Cole feels alien in. Yet even the poet Rita Dove, in Germany on a Fulbright scholarship some 20 years after Baldwin, has written about feeling like a stranger in a town where white children openly stared at her and wanted to touch her hair. She would also write the miraculous poem Medusa out of that experience. Alienation can be a source of beauty, too. And no one can argue with Coles appreciation of, or capacity for, beauty, especially of the visual variety. His essay on three great African photographers, all but one unknown to me, is a minor gem and made me angry that we in the West remain largely ignorant of the art and culture of so much of the rest of the world. Coles photographic obsessions can help explain his literary ones, too. It makes sense that the mind that notices the series of crosses in photographer Henri Cartier-Bressons work might also love the visually arresting poetry of Seamus Heaney, whose poem Lightenings is organized around a series of crossed parallel and perpendicular lines. No poet writing in English in the past 50 years captured the visual world with more precision than Heaney, and Coles title (and one of his chapter headings, Seeing Things) is borrowed from the work of the great Irish writer. "Known and Strange Things" by Teju Cole (Random House) But anyone who knew Heaney (he taught me in college) knew that he also possessed a preternatural ease inside his difference, a permanent and justified sense of himself as an outsider, a feeling that Cole seems to quarrel with in Baldwin. It is perhaps this extravagant cosmopolitan-ness, this porous ease in so wide an array of cultures and art forms, that I find somewhat unconvincing in Cole. No young writer has taken the idea of the generalist more to heart than he has. He was born in the United States but moved to Nigeria with his parents as an infant, and he writes voluminously about both cultures; he has described himself as feeling connected to the culture of his Indian-born wife, and in the bio of Open City he describes himself as a professional historian of early Netherlandish art. Cole, it seems, is inviting us to trust in him a wisdom on the art and culture of four different civilizations. It is an ambitious ask. One of the results of that ambition is that a certain extravagance can sometimes inject itself into his otherwise judicious prose. Of a beloved poet: Tomas Transt romer has for years now been one of my ports of refuge. . . . I turn to him when I wish to come as close as possible to what cannot be said. The new century has been full of dark years. . . . [Reading him], there you are, alone with Truth. The I turn to, the dark years, the capital T in truth: This is fancy talk, and Cole lapses into it more than a great writer should. Describing insomnia: For years now, when I cannot sleep, I rise from my bed and watch Jacques Derrida talk. When he does a sound check before a public event, he tells a complex joke from Lucian Freud. Why not testing 1, 2, 3? About Virgina Woolf: I went to sleep in the glare of her words. When trying out a new pen in a shop, I write out the first lines of Beowulf as translated by Seamus Heaney. Im guessing these pens are Mont Blanc caliber. The pageantry that seeps into Coles writing seems to say, This is how an intellectual lives, writes and behaves and where it occurs, it grates. And the more pageantry involved, unsurprisingly, the less substantive seem to be his comments. His thoughts on Transtromers work are not especially insightful: Dont all great poets leave you alone with the Truth? All of which is in contrast to his hero Heaney, who at a fancy cocktail party was as likely to be tucked in the corner having a pint with the undergrads as he was to be seated at the grown-up table talking Derrida. Cole tells a fascinating story at the end of this book about going suddenly blind while at a writers retreat in Upstate New York, two months after Open City was published. Once he left the doctors office, he stumbled his way to a diner, and after struggling to read the menu, I handed the menu back to the waitress, explaining to her that my pupils were dilated [and] I was ambushed by a sudden shame: that she would think me illiterate and a liar. This is a startling admission for one so deeply learned (whod just had a novel published to great fanfare) and suggests that some of this elaborate display of erudition might conceal an anxiety over not being seen as erudite, even by someone quite likely less educated than he. In our still heavily racially and economically stratified world (this was Upstate New York; would Cole have felt this shame around a black waitress?), this is a burden black people and poor people, no doubt, still carry, but an anxiety that Heaney, born further from the halls of literary prestige than Cole (Heaney was the son of a farmer; Cole the son of an MBA), eventually overcame and never allowed to crease his prose. Like Heaney and Dove and Baldwin, Id wish for Cole more comfort with his cultural and intellectual limitations (we all have them), which might, ironically, in these crucial, anxious moments, provide, like the mentor in Open City, a more convincing ease among the art of the world. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL nominee Hillary Clinton traveled to Michigan on Thursday, using the quintessential Rust Belt state as a setting to talk economics, just as Republican nominee Donald Trump had done a few days earlier. There was much to agree with in Ms. Clintons riposte to Mr. Trump, particularly her emphasis on the progress the U.S. economy has made since the Great Recession, a fact that election-year rhetoric generally glosses over, especially in Mr. Trumps alarmist portrayal of the Obama administrations economic record. The Democrat was correct when she noted that the Republicans tax plans overwhelmingly favor upper-income households. Exploring relatively unconventional ground, she called for greater support of vocational training, contrary to the commonplace view, which is everybody needs to go to college. More than half of jobs projected to come open in 2020 do not require a degree, she said. For the most part, however, Ms. Clinton did not venture beyond the usual Democratic talking points: higher taxes for millionaires, equal pay for women, expanded Social Security and so on down the familiar list. Absent from her speech was any discussion of the persistent sluggish trend in U.S. productivity, which has fallen for the past three quarters after growing at a historically subpar rate of 1.3 percent from 2007 through 2015. Increasingly, economists name this as the greatest long-term threat to growth, and it would be nice to know, specifically, what Ms. Clinton proposes to do about it beyond investments in infrastructure and education. One thing she was definitive about was trade, specifically the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which she touted as secretary of state but denounced Thursday: I oppose it now. Ill oppose it after the election, and Ill oppose it as president. This leaves supporters of the 12-nation tariff-slashing deal clutching to the thin hope that she does not really mean what she says; but her distinction between after the election and as president implied that she would not even countenance approval of the TPP by a lame-duck Congress if she wins on Nov. 8. In short, theres a disconnect between Ms. Clintons protestation that, unlike Mr. Trump, she does not fear global competition and wont rant and rave or cut ourselves off from the other side of the world and her actual policy proposals. She may not rant and rave, but she does want to create a new trade prosecutor to deal with nations that purportedly cheat the United States, as well as exact financial penalties from U.S. firms that move production abroad. Would Mr. Trump disagree? Among the many discouraging consequences of this extraordinary political year, none is more ominous than the rise of protectionist sentiment in both parties, as encouraged by Mr. Trump and by Ms. Clintons former Democratic rival Bernie Sanders. With but 5 percent of the worlds population, the United States needs robust engagement in markets abroad. That will be impossible under political leaders who regard such engagement as a zero-sum proposition or who understand the reality but decline to make the case for it to the American people. Mark Holden is general counsel and senior vice president at Koch Industries. Ronal Serpas is a former superintendent of the New Orleans and Nashville police departments and the chairman of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration. There has been a surge of assertions about rising crime recently. At the Republican convention in July, GOP nominee Donald Trump said, Decades of progress made in bringing down crime are now being reversed by this administrations rollback of criminal enforcement. The Manhattan Institutes Heather Mac Donald echoed these concerns, noting that homicides increased by nearly 17 percent in the 56 largest U.S. cities last year and citing sharp rises in Baltimore, Chicago and the District. In an op-ed in last Sundays Post, Sean Kennedy and Parker Abt made the same case. As two strong conservatives, let us set the record straight. These statements on rising murders are highly misleading. The truth is that Americans are still experiencing hard-won historic lows in crime. When examining statistics on crime, researchers evaluate several factors: overall crime, violent crime, homicide and property crime. By 2014, violent crime had fallen by half from its 1991 peak. Property crime was down 49 percent. Crime overall was 66 percent lower in major cities. No one disputes this decades-long trend. Moving on to 2015, crime data collected directly from police departments in the 30 largest cities show that crime overall was the about same as in 2014 (in fact, it was down 0.1 percent). Violent crime was up by 3 percent, and murder by 13 percent. This is reasonably consistent with the FBIs June 2015 midyear report, which showed violence up 1.7 percent and murder up 6 percent nationally, and the oft-cited Justice Department study by criminologist Richard Rosenfeld that found murder to be up 17 percent in major cities in 2015. These numbers put the 2015 murder rate near 2012 levels still very near to all-time lows. This rise in homicide is alarming on its face. But half of 2015s murder increase occurred in Baltimore, Chicago and the District the very cities that those pushing the crime panic repeatedly use as examples. While we must work to address the issues driving this unacceptable localized violence, it is not the norm. These cities are outliers. As for violent crime overall, half of 2015s increase came from a spike in aggravated assaults in Los Angeles. Turning to 2016, data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association show homicides rising 15 percent at midyear. But, again, Chicago caused nearly one-third of that increase. Additionally, the MCCA study relies on self-reporting and therefore does not include cities such as New York, where homicide decreased. And its focus on cities, where murder rates are usually higher, likewise must be taken into account. The report shows a partial slice of the picture, making it difficult to draw conclusions about 2016. Donald Trump addressed the GOP convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 21. The Republican presidential candidate spoke for more than one hour, we broke it down to less than five minutes. (Deirdra O'Regan/The Washington Post) Two more cautionary notes. First, some yearly variation is normal. For example, 2005, 2006 and 2012 all saw rises in violent crime. Each time, crime rates flattened or dropped soon thereafter, and the downward trend continued. The same may be happening now. In 2015, New Yorks murder rate rose, but it decreased in 2016, reversing the 2015 increase. Even in Baltimore, where murders rose sharply last year, homicide has fallen by 9 percent this year. Second, with the murder rate at such historic lows, increases measured in percentages may be misleading. Context is important. Portland, Ore., for example, experienced a 19 percent increase in murders in 2015 as a result of just five additional killings. Politicized voices often omit these important caveats. The bottom line: Some cities are seeing a rise in homicides. But the country is not experiencing a national murder wave or a reversal in the long trend of decreasing crime. We all want our families, children and police to be safe. And we all want to live in safe neighborhoods. But stoking false fear about crime will not bring or preserve law and order. Thats why the nations most prominent police and prosecutor groups, representing 30,000 law enforcement officials, wrote to Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on the eve of the conventions to urge them to take a data-driven, modern approach to crime one that targets violent crime while reducing the unnecessary incarceration of low-level offenders. States that have employed these practices have seen crime and incarceration fall together, which preserves resources for law enforcement. Law enforcement isnt the only entity thats changed its stance on crime policy after decades of seeing what has and hasnt worked. Many conservative leaders, including House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) , New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and Newt Gingrich, agree. The Republican Party platform has also adopted a similar approach. To be sure, as Kennedy and Abt note in their op-ed, Americans do believe that crime is rising. An April 2016 Gallup poll found that 53 percent of Americans worry a great deal about crime. Its important that our countrys leaders keep the publics concerns in mind. But stoking fear with twisted data and dangerous rhetoric doesnt help, nor is it the best way to support our police. If we care about law and order and changing the dire conditions in cities where violent crime is a perpetuating cycle, we need to rely on facts, not fear. THEY SAY history repeats itself, and nowhere does that seem truer than in present-day Nicaragua, where President Daniel Ortega, seeking a third consecutive five-year term in November, has just announced that his wife, Rosario Murillo, is his vice-presidential running mate. This is a replay of the nepotistic arrangement pioneered by Argentinas former strongman, Juan Peron, and his third wife, Isabel, in 1973. (She succeeded to the presidency upon his death in 1974.) The most relevant precedent, though, is local: the Somoza family dynasty that reigned over the Central American country so corruptly and violently between 1936 and 1979 that it drove an entire generation of young people into opposition Mr. Ortega, an early recruit to what was then a revolutionary Sandinista movement, very much included. Mr. Ortega first ruled Nicaragua for 11 years after the 1979 revolution, until his ouster in the countrys first genuinely democratic election. Having regained the presidency in 2006 through a series of corrupt political maneuvers, Mr. Ortega promptly engaged in more chicanery to ensure he would never have to leave office again: a bogus repeal of constitutional term limits, electoral fraud, intimidation of the opposition and control of major media. Mr. Ortega has committed the country to a massive, environmentally threatening and financially non-transparent $40 billion transoceanic canal, purportedly to be built across Nicaragua by a Chinese billionaire. Mr. Ortegas oldest son handles the negotiations on behalf of his father. Even by those standards, the Ortega regimes conduct this year has been astonishingly contemptuous of democratic norms. In June, the pro-Ortega Supreme Court ousted the oppositions likely presidential candidate, Eduardo Montealegre, from his own party in favor of a pro-Ortega opponent who had sued for control. Mr. Montealegre promptly pulled out of the presidential race. Next, Mr. Ortegas allies in the National Assembly expelled 16 lawmakers (and 12 alternates) from Mr. Montealegres party who refused to accept the court-imposed new party leader. A coup on the legislature, the now-former lawmakers called it. The Catholic Church also condemned the events. The Carter Center in Atlanta is protesting for a different reason: the Ortega regimes refusal to permit international observers to witness the balloting in November. What has been the reaction of the United States, which spent so much money and political capital to promote democracy in Nicaragua during the 1980s? Nicaraguas backsliding, after a brief period of relatively transparent politics in the 1990s, has proceeded with nothing but mild verbal opposition from Washington. In June, Mr. Ortega expelled an American academic researcher for looking into the canal project and two U.S. customs agents who were in Nicaragua for what they thought would be cooperative trade-enhancing technical work. That prompted a talking-to from the Obama administration; the State Department has also pronounced itself gravely concerned by the crushing of the political opposition. It will take a lot more attention and resistance Nicaraguan and international to prevent the further consolidation of the Ortega dynasty. Allen S. Weiner, director of the international and comparative law program, at Stanford Law School, served as the U.S. agent to the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal from 1998 to 2001. Duncan Pickard is a student at Stanford Law School. The latest victim in the presidential races assault on truth to say nothing of nuance came last week in the flurry of accusations surrounding the United States payment of $400 million to Iran. Donald Trump called it ransom, and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) accused the United States of acting like a drug cartel. Republicans say the Obama administration paid a ransom for four American prisoners held in Iran. Here's what really happened. (Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post) In reality, the payment represented continued adherence to a masterful feat of American diplomacy and to the peaceful resolution of disputes under international law. Ronald Reagan understood how important it is for us to keep our promises which is why, as president, he upheld the agreement negotiated by the Carter administration that led to the recent payment. The payment was not a ransom but rather part of a settlement agreement that the United States reached with Iran for claims arising out of the 1979 Iranian revolution, which toppled the pro-American shah and brought the current Islamist government to power. Before the revolution, the United States had signed hundreds of contracts with Iran, then an ally, to sell it military equipment. When the hostile Islamist regime took power, the military sales relationship collapsed. That left hundreds of millions of dollars of outstanding claims between the two countries and their citizens: claims both by U.S. companies for breached contracts and expropriated properties, and Iranian demands for the delivery or return of equipment that Iran had already paid for but not received not to mention the issue of the 52 Americans that Iran then held hostage. The United States and Iran had severed diplomatic relations, leaving no forum in which to settle these disputes. The countries worked through Algerian intermediaries to negotiate the Algiers Accords, in which Iran agreed to release the hostages in exchange for the United States unfreezing Iranian assets. The agreement also established a tribunal in The Hague to settle the outstanding disputes, including many claims for which American companies had already filed lawsuits in U.S. courts. Iran conditioned the release of the hostages on the transfer of the pending claims to the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague. Soon after taking office as president, Reagan issued an executive order to suspend those claims in U.S. courts, which the Supreme Court upheld in Dames & Moore v. Regan. In a testament to the urgency of the case, the court issued its decision a mere eight days after it heard oral arguments. Justice William Rehnquist described the need for the president to respond with flexibility to international crises as commander in chief and diplomat in chief. Reagans executive order implementing the Algiers Accords was a remarkable endorsement of the power of international law to peacefully resolve a violent crisis abroad. He transferred claims under U.S. jurisdiction to an international court a striking departure from those today who question our fundamental commitment to international alliances such as NATO and who flatly reject widely adopted treaties such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Reagan saw international law as an important mechanism by which the United States could secure peace and security for its citizens. The Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal, which has equal numbers of American, Iranian and neutral judges, has settled more than $2.5 billion in claims, including many in favor of U.S. nationals. Nearly 35 years on, it continues to be a hallmark of peaceful dispute resolution and has contributed greatly to the development of international law. The $400 million itself was the balance in a trust fund account into which Iran, under the shah, had made advance payments on military contracts with the United States. In a claim before the tribunal, Iran had demanded return of these funds plus 35 years of accumulated interest. U.S. diplomats negotiated the interest amount down to $1.3 billion (much less than they feared the tribunal would award if the case proceeded to a final judgment) to generate a $1.7 billion total. The two sides announced the settlement on Jan. 17 one day after their groundbreaking nuclear agreement, and the same day that each released a few of the others prisoners. The Obama administration has repeatedly made clear that the negotiations regarding the prisoners and the trust fund settlement were completely separate. All of this information has been publicly available since January. All that is new is last weeks disclosure that part of the payment was transferred in cash due to U.S. government restrictions on making wire transfers to Iran and renewed expressions of Trumps dangerous ignorance. The payment, then, reflects the United States commitment to respect the rule of law, keep our promises, and pursue peace and accountability under international law. These are characteristics of our strength in the international community that we must steadfastly promise to uphold. Burning green leaves can make lots of smoke to keep mosquitoes away, but lots of smoke can also attract firefighters, especially when such a fire is not allowed in the city of Madison. Engine Company 8 was dispatched to the 500 block of Oak Street at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, to investigate an outdoor burning complaint. Firefighters discovered a man burning a pile of green leaves to keep the blood suckers away, but open burning of leaves, brush, debris, etc. is not allowed under city ordinance. "He promptly put out the fire," said MFD spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster. The Madison Fire Department has a little quiz online about outdoor burning rules, so anyone who wants to brush up on what you can or cannot burn legally, have a go at it. PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN of Russia is again playing with fire. This time, it may be a summer bluff, or it may be a pretext to escalation of war with Ukraine. Either way, it reflects Mr. Putins determination to deceive and subvert whenever it suits his goals, at home and abroad, taking advantage of a distracted United States and Europe. The Russian Federal Security Service, or FSB, claimed Wednesday that one of its officers was killed over the weekend near the de facto border between Crimea and Ukraine. Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in early 2014, then backed a violent uprising in Ukraines eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk. The latter continue to simmer with deadly force, but the line between Crimea and Ukraine had been relatively calm. According to the FSB, the infiltrators were armed with bombs and ammunition, intending to destroy infrastructure in Crimea, and a second attempt occurred Monday with support from Ukrainian artillery, killing a Russian army soldier. Ukraine responded that it was all fantasy, a provocation from Russia. There is precious little evidence of what really happened, and this conflict has given new meaning to the old adage that in war, truth is the first casualty. But the FSB announcement sounds suspiciously like a gambit by Mr. Putin, who swiftly vowed revenge. On Thursday, Ukraines president, Petro Poroshenko, put his troops on combat alert. Weve seen this movie before. Mr. Putins troops stealthily took over predominantly Russian-speaking Crimea with their little green men, soldiers without insignia; he has never confessed to Russias true role in instigating and executing the Donbass insurrection nor the shoot-down of a Malaysian civilian jetliner. His military campaign in Syria has been carried out with similar disinformation and insouciance. Mr. Putin plays by his own rules, even at the 2014 Winter Olympics, his showpiece in Sochi, which the FSB and the Russian state subverted by systematically dispensing performance-enhancing drugs to Russian athletes and then covering it up. Why spark a new battle, now? The seizure of Crimea was hugely popular at home, and Mr. Putin may be hoping for a lift before the Sept. 18 parliamentary elections, perhaps distracting Russians from the economic troubles brought on in part by Western sanctions. Mr. Putin may also calculate that with the United States distracted by a presidential campaign, Europe preoccupied with Brexit and the migration crisis, and the world watching the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio this might be a window of opportunity to act without fear of a serious response. After all, Russia repeatedly spurns U.S. requests to cooperate in Syria, and the Obama administration simply responds with more requests. The Donbass region is still riven with violence 1,200 people have been killed in the past eight months and the Minsk II cease-fire agreement, never fully implemented, is daily tattered by violations, yet it has all slipped from the headlines. In 2014, President Obama and Secretary of State John F. Kerry urged Mr. Putin to take an off ramp from a deeper war in Ukraine. But Mr. Putin pays no heed to traffic directions. The United States and Europe can ill afford complacency and illusions about Russia. Lisa Zeidners most recent novel is Love Bomb. She teaches in the MFA Program at Rutgers University-Camden. In 1986, when Tama Janowitz read at Rutgers University, she had an audience of almost 500. You can count on little more than one hand the collections of short fiction that have become splashy bestsellers. But the author of Slaves of New York, with her trademark huge hair and deadpan, self-mocking sensibility, was a big deal. She was on Letterman repeatedly, lunched a couple of times a week with Andy Warhol, wrote the screenplay for her own movie adaptation, and shilled amaretto and Apple computers in magazine ads always bizarrely attired, like some pop-star cousin of the Madwoman of Chaillot. Today, most aspiring young writers have not heard of her. But they werent even born in the late 1980s, so thats not terribly surprising. They dont know how, before social media, Janowitz, now 59, pretty much patented a literary marketing technique that involved being game for anything, even if it risked making her seem somewhat ridiculous. She is the kind of writer who, when commissioned to write an article on a mob hit man in the federal witness protection program in Alabama and finding his phone busy for days, contacts him the only way she can think of pre-email and cellphone: via singing telegram. The man in the gorilla suit delivering her message almost got shot. Janowitzs giddily wacky memoir, Scream, gets us current on where she has been for the past couple of decades, which is mostly in Upstate New York, with her adopted daughter and eight poodles, taking care of a mother with dementia. She also relates highlights from her childhood and coming of age, most of which fall under the category of stranger-than-fiction even for her fiction. Her parents divorced when she was young. Because her father, a pathologically cheap, usually stoned psychiatrist who seduced many of his patients, paid woefully inadequate child support when he paid at all, Janowitz and her brother grew up poor, moving often with their panicked but plucky mother to Israel for a brief, disastrous stay, then to a series of inadequately heated, sparsely furnished rentals. "Scream: A Memoir of Glamour and Dysfunction" by Tama Janowitz (Dey Street) Janowitzs account of all this is not self-pitying but quite funny, in the David Sedaris tradition. When her father began an affair with his secretary, the secretary moved in with the entire family and their pet a $20 mail-order monkey that was kept chained under a bathroom sink, where he occupied his time by stuffing food into the heating vent in the wall. Eventually, the monkey was sent to the zoo, where he joined a group of hundreds of other squirrel monkeys who had been ordered from comic books, back when you could still do so. Janowitz continued the peripatetic life as a young adult, spending a junior year in London at the beginning of the punk movement. She met the Sex Pistols at one of their earliest performances. They struck her as poor, uneducated, grubby. . . . I was hoping to move up on the social scale, or at least out of poverty, and there was no way these guys were ever going to play again, in my opinion, after tonight. She traveled to Paris to meet the novelist Lawrence Durrell, to whom shed written a fan letter pleading for a face-to-face. But . . . Durrell was out of town. How was she to know that? She returned later for a brief liaison. He was 63, she 19. THAT IS A HUGE AGE GAP! Janowitz notes. Its creepy and scary if you can imagine being with someone old enough to be your grandfather. Though, come to think of it, I am close to the same age now that Larry was then. Janowitz continued to be cash-poor even in her heyday, the earnings from her bestseller providing a down payment only on a tiny basement studio apartment in Manhattans Meatpacking District. At the time the area was home not to fancy shops and hotels but the raunchiest of gay clubs, and even after the streets were cleaned there were still bits of skin and gristle and fat remaining from the neighborhoods butchers. I didnt realize how unique or special the times were that I was living in now, the eighties, she sighs, as she adjusts to life in Schuyler County, N.Y., near where her mother had been a poetry professor at Cornell University. Schuyler County does not have a health food store. Schuyler County has a Cheez Doodle supply center Walmart. Schuyler County is where, if you have an old bathtub you do not want, you throw it in the woods. If youre looking for profound insight about growing up with difficult parents, about the vagaries of literary life or about the hardships of elder care, this memoir wont do it for you. Janowitz doesnt interpret or analyze much. I still cant make sense out of what I am doing with my life, let alone what happened, Janowitz admits. Shes also quite circumspect about certain aspects of her personal history. During the period under discussion, she and her husband appear to have separated, but she says almost nothing about him or about the events precipitating the fissure. Nor does she reveal much about her relationship with her daughter, a silence for which Im sure the daughter is profoundly grateful. Aside from the gossipy dropped names, from Nancy Reagan to Keith Haring, and the nostalgic paeans to the bygone 80s, the pleasure of Scream rests almost entirely in Janowitzs voice and her shy bewilderment at her own disappointing fate. In this sense, its very much like her best fiction, which has always drawn from autobiographical material about hapless, disaster-prone women. When I read a book I just want a bunch of interesting stuff to happen, adventure-wise . . . without too much musing and thinking and philosophizing, she reports. So when I stop reading, I can feel good, even if Im in a cramped economy seat on an overnight flight, or in a filthy kitchen where I should be doing dishes. Thats a pretty apt ars poetica for this wry, unpretentious memoir. A U.N. Peacekeeper stands guard at an outpost outside the United Nations Mission in South Sudan compound in Malakal, South Sudan, on July 13. (Jane Hahn/For The Washington Post) The Aug. 7 front-page article Where will we run this time? described the desperate conditions of 160,000 South Sudanese fleeing ethnic conflict and living in U.N. peacekeeping camps. Perhaps inadvertently, the article also described a serious U.S. national security issue: 125,000 U.N. peacekeepers, the largest military deployment in the world, attempt to keep the peace and protect civilians in 16 conflict areas on four continents, many of them failed or failing states and therefore breeding grounds for nonstate terrorism. Unless Americans are willing to send U.S. troops to Somalia, Mali, South Sudan, Lebanon and other hot spots, we must depend on U.N. peacekeepers to defend against conditions in which terrorism may take root. At one-eighth the cost of U.S. boots on the ground, peacekeepers are a bargain. For underfunded, undertrained and underequipped peacekeepers to be up to the job, amid charges of child and sexual abuse and neglect of duty, U.S. and NATO support is required. At a September 2015 U.N. summit, President Obama committed to doubling the number of U.S. military advisers and, in conjunction with NATO, providing engineering, medical, intelligence and explosive-detection support. Some 50 nations from China to Colombia agreed to provide 40,000 new troops and police. Stronger, more effective and responsible U.N. peacekeeping operations are an essential and cost-effective tool in preventing the conditions that give rise to nonstate terrorism. Donald T. Bliss, Bethesda The writer is president of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area. The July 27 editorial Virginias voting-rights debacle continues noted that the Virginia Supreme Court justified its decision by arguing that no governor in the commonwealths history had decided to unilaterally restore voting rights to released felons. Isnt that the case in every landmark court decision? Brown v. Board of Education, Loving v. Virginia, Obergefell v. Hodges. Civil rights cases by their very nature upend history and precedence. While this is strictly a state issue for the moment, the question of felon disenfranchisement is likely to be something that we ultimately will have to address as a nation. Its unfortunate that the Virginia Supreme Court put local politics before progress and empathy. Marc Broklawski, Fredericksburg The writer is chair of the Virginia 1st Congressional District Democratic Committee. Job insecurity is a central theme of the 2016 campaign, fueling popular anger about trade deals and immigration. But economists warn that much bigger job losses are ahead in the United States driven not by foreign competition but by advancing technology. A look at the numbers suggests that the country is having the wrong economic debate this year. Employment security wont come from renegotiating trade deals, as Donald Trump said in a speech Monday in Detroit, or rebuilding infrastructure, as Hillary Clinton argued in Warren, Mich., on Thursday. These are palliatives. The deeper problem facing the United States is how to provide meaningful work and good wages for the tens of millions of truck drivers, accountants, factory workers and office clerks whose jobs will disappear in coming years because of robots, driverless vehicles and machine learning systems. The political debate needs to engage the taboo topic of guaranteeing economic security to families through a universal basic income, or a greatly expanded earned-income tax credit, or a 1930s-style plan for public-works employment. Ranting about bad trade deals wont begin to address the problem. The automation bomb could destroy 45 percent of the work activities currently performed in the United States, representing about $2 trillion in annual wages, according to a study last year by the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Weve seen only the beginning of this change, they warned. Currently, only 5 percent of occupations can be entirely automated, but 60 percent of occupations could soon see machines doing 30 percent or more of the work. The McKinsey analysts sharpened their argument in a paper released last month. Their estimates, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering more than 800 occupations, draw a shocking picture of the future. In manufacturing, 59 percent of activities could be automated, and that includes 90 percent of what welders, cutters, solderers and brazers do. In food service and accommodations, 73 percent of the work could be performed by machines. In retailing, 53 percent of current jobs could be lost. White-collar workers may imagine that theyre safe, but thats wishful thinking. If computers can be programmed to understand speech as well as humans do, 66 percent of jobs in finance and insurance could be replaced, the most recent report says. Robots are replacing workers around the world. The density of robots per 10,000 workers is actually higher in Japan and Germany than in the United States, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. In the Economic Report of the President, released in February, they cited research noting that middle-skill employees, such as bookkeepers, clerks and assembly-line workers, have been replaced first, but that big data and machine learning will make it possible to automate many tasks that were difficult to automate in the past. Workers are already reeling from the job implosion weve seen so far. A study released last week by Bruce Stokes of the Pew Research Center found that 89 percent of Americans surveyed thought that the loss of U.S. jobs to China was a serious issue. That anxiety translates into growing skepticism about free trade. As of March, 51 percent of Americans still thought free trade deals were a good thing, but that was down from 59 percent two years ago. Pew data show that the people most likely to oppose trade deals are older white men, the people whose former job security has probably been most affected by the modern, global economy. Free trade agreements are supported by 54 percent of women; 55 percent of blacks; 67 percent of young adults between 18 and 29; and 72 percent of Hispanics. Young, diverse Americans seem to accept the disruptions that are part of the global, high-tech economy. This campaign has distilled the populist rage at elites who are seen to have benefited from globalization while some blue-collar workers have suffered. This anti-elitism is only likely to grow as vast new sectors of the economy are transformed by the Silicon Valley technologies that have created a new class of American billionaires. People shouldnt hate the future, or the technologists who are building it, but this anger could become a polarizing fixture of the national mood. Politicians need to begin thinking boldly, now, about a world in which driverless vehicles replace most truck drivers jobs, and where factories are populated by robots, not human beings. The best way to cushion this future is to start planning for how Americans will be able to take care of their families and find meaningful work in a world where most traditional jobs have vanished. Speaking in Warren, Mich., on Aug. 11, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton outlined her vision for the U.S. economy. (The Washington Post) Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The photograph of Civil War reenactor Joseph Lunsford was haunting [The color wars at this Va. camp: Blue vs. gray, Style, Aug. 6]. In black and white, it could be the face of an actual combatant from a Matthew Brady portrait. Lunsford, 16, is a reminder that many in the war were that young. Barry Crickmer, Winchester, Va. As a Yankee recently retired to North Carolina, I cant quite come to grips with the article describing Civil War Adventure Camp in Petersburg, Va. Is the camp simply a means for kids to have fun? Or does it border on sacrilege? Whatever purpose the camp serves, it certainly isnt to educate or, for that matter, to reenact. More plausibly, the camp is just a way to get some exercise and fresh air and look at old guns. Running around yelling Ready, aim, bang! wouldnt, for me, capture the essence of the war. Author Tony Horwitz is quoted as saying that slavery makes it a little harder for those who want to celebrate and honor the war without poking too deep into the issues that caused the war, making the war a more fraught subject and not a heroic struggle. Allow me to counter that there is nothing to be found from the War Between the States to be honored and celebrated except, perhaps, by the winners. Indeed, it is the notion that the war defines Southern heritage and pride that continues the division between North and South: a division still symbolized by the Confederate battle flag. The Civil War was not a fun camp: It was a tragedy of epic proportions. To infer, as apparently Civil War Adventure Camp does, that it was a heroic struggle is arrogant and untrue. Anyone wanting to base his or her heritage on it should find a better cause. Craig M. Miller, Leland, N.C. Celeste Ward Gventer is a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Based in Vilseck, Germany, she is a consultant on international security and defense organization in Europe and the Middle East. The laser-guided Hellfire missile is highly accurate. When one is fired from a Predator drone at an alleged enemy of the United States, whether in the deserts of Yemen, the mountains of Pakistan or elsewhere, it rarely misses. The remarkable innovation of pairing an unmanned aerial vehicle with a precise missile emerged soon after Sept. 11, 2001. The United States has reportedly used this tool extensively against thousands of potential terrorist targets around the world in the subsequent 15 years. Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown University law professor, former adviser at the Defense Department and influential voice in U.S. policy circles, is one of the many critics of Americas direct action program using these drones. In her new book, How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything, she argues that drone strikes rely on problematic legal justifications and that their effectiveness and legitimacy cannot be independently evaluated because of the programs secrecy. These strikes, along with government opacity about them, she believes, will ultimately undermine the international rule of law, further weaken Americas moral standing and set the stage for others to follow our law-bending lead. For Brooks, drone strikes are but one illustration of the challenges we face in this new era of conflict. She contends that the distinction between war and peace has blurred and that the consequences for international law are enormous and underappreciated. Her core argument is that international law, as well as U.S. government organizations, has not kept pace with this smudging of the line. Her book is a cri de coeur that unless we build legal foundations that stand some chance of containing war and legitimating our actions, and restructure our agencies to accommodate new realities, we risk inviting further chaos, eroding the values upon which America was built and failing future generations. While ambitious and astute, the book is also diffuse and in some important ways misses its targets. The author offers an insightful history of the progressive efforts to formally circumscribe the domain of war and curb its most horrifying excesses, a push that began in the 19th century. The law of armed conflict as it exists today, she explains, was developed by people emerging from the catastrophe of World War II, in which there was little ambiguity about what war looked like. Thus, as Brooks tells us, these laws were based on distinguishable scenarios: what is legal in peace, and what is legal when the shooting starts. Today we grapple to define which laws apply in a world where cyberattacks are routine, extremist-inspired individuals kill average citizens on the street or in cafes and clubs, and the United States and its allies conduct daily strikes against a pseudo-state and nonstate actors across the greater Middle East. Brooks is at her best and most persuasive when she holds this question up to her intellectual searchlight. Her contemplation of the role and meaning of international law, told through the experience of a hapless Croatian who was ultimately convicted of war crimes, is moving and illuminating. Her history of law in the context of war brings new insights to that story and its implications for today. She is surely right that the consequences for the United States of failing to adapt to todays ambiguous world could be calamitous. Brooks seeks to engage multiple audiences with the book. She explains that it is not a memoir. Its part journalism, part policy, part history, part anthropology, and part law, leavened with occasional stories. Only a few of the stories are my own. In that sense, it is less a Hellfire than a cluster munition, which releases multiple, independent bomblets across a large area. To work across so many genres is challenging, and perhaps only a writer of Brookss caliber and experience should attempt it (she is also a former Los Angeles Times columnist and is a featured contributor to Foreign Policy). But the risk of this approach is that one may engage a few of the intended target audiences but fail to reach others. The first hundred or so pages serve as a cursory overview of international happenings and U.S. policy responses in the 1990s and the post-Sept. 11 era. In this section, the majority of the stories are her own, and it seems intended more for a lay audience and those interested in the personal dimension of the book. But those already well-schooled in the issues may object to many of her interpretations (which read as a familiar, left-leaning establishment narrative) and want more analysis than description. The strongest parts of the book, and the most pathbreaking ideas, come when Brooks takes on the big legal questions surrounding gray zone conflict a concept much debated among experts. Still, there are some substantive matters that experts may question, a few of which merit mention here. First, while her essential argument is fairly clear, there are times when Brooks still seems to be debating where she comes down. She contends in multiple sections that many societies have sought to separate the realms of war and peace; that if war is as old as humanity itself, so too is the human effort to define and control it. She cites rituals performed by the Blackfoot Indians before raids, pre-battle dances by the Jibaro Indians of Ecuador and Peru, and the practice of quarantining warriors before and after battle by the Mekeo of Papua New Guinea, among many other examples. But this leaves one wondering what she means by war: Is a raid to steal another tribes horses a war? While she admits that defining the term is nettlesome citing Justice Potter Stewarts famous I know it when I see it quip since the heart of her argument is about differentiating war and peace, this is important. Toward the end of the book, she suggests that perhaps the problem . . . is not that categories that have long been clear have suddenly become hazy; perhaps the problem is that we briefly convinced ourselves of . . . permanence and clarity. Which is it? Have the realms of war and peace traditionally been kept distinct (from the Jibaro to the Mekeo to the Romans) and now they are murky, or have they always been nebulous and we briefly thought they were clear in the post-World War II period? Second, if that is the How Everything Became War part of the book, there is a main line of argument that concerns the structure of U.S. government organizations and their inability to deal with the threats and challenges we face. Brooks believes that civilian agencies have been chronically underfunded and are incapable of conducting much of what we might consider non-military functions on a large scale digging wells, improving governance, even developing the rule of law in struggling nations. Since Sept. 11, and arguably well before, the military has stepped into the gap. This is How the Military Became Everything. But this argument has been worked over for a decade and a half and has become a bit threadbare. It was conventional wisdom in 2007-2008, when the military was in virtually every business in Iraq and Afghanistan. But as those large-scale conflicts have faded and more traditional military threats have emerged Russian aggression in Ukraine, Chinese development of increasingly sophisticated technologies and even nonstate actors like the Islamic State organizing conventional-esque military forces alongside their terrorist outfits it is clear that we are in a post-Iraq/Afghanistan world, and, judging by recent exercises, the U.S. military is largely turning its attention back to deterrence and training to fight. Third, Brooks offers a number of ambitious and controversial prescriptions, such as surrendering many functions to the military services and totally restructuring them, and introducing a mandatory universal service requirement for all young people (with a choice of civilian or military service). What is missing is an in-depth discussion of how all this might be done, the costs and benefits, and the potential unintended consequences. This omission is noteworthy, since these arguments have been made for decades and volumes of research exist on how workable or desirable such prescriptions might or might not be. Finally, one wonders whether Brooks thinks that our current state of perpetual war is an unfortunate development in the world, a product of technological, socioeconomic and cultural trends, or whether it might be a problem of Americas own making, as analysts like Andrew Bacevich have argued. Is what used to be called the Long War simply a product of global events, or the outcome of choices the United States has made and could change? In her discussion of drone strikes, Brooks details the lengthy process by which the Obama administration studies potential targets and uncovers details about their lives. She explains that some officials may know their targets quite well, from a distance, by the time they point an armed Predator in their direction. While non-precision munition that strikes a more diffuse area might stand a chance of reaching more targets, there is something to be said for the assiduous pre-strike planning, the decisiveness and the focus of a laser-guided Hellfire. J. Charles Fox and Jeff Corbin served as senior advisers at the Environmental Protection Agency, where they advised the EPA administrator on Chesapeake Bay issues. Previously, they held senior positions in the Maryland and Virginia governments and worked for nonprofit organizations on the Chesapeake for more than 40 years combined. In the spring, scientists announced that the Chesapeake Bay was improving, with most health indicators trending in the right direction. Pollution was decreasing, fish and wildlife populations were increasing and underwater grasses were thriving in places. And it may come as a surprise that the secret to the bays recent improvement was not a technical or scientific silver bullet but leadership from a former Virginia governor. Its not yet time to celebrate, of course. Chesapeake Bay challenges remain monumental, particularly because of agriculture pollution in Pennsylvania and on Marylands Eastern Shore and contaminated stormwater runoff throughout our highly developed, 64,000-square-mile watershed. But its time to reflect on our progress and what got us here. The bays improving health is not a supernatural miracle; it is a product of decades of difficult political decisions by the regions elected officials. And make no mistake, the Chesapeake is being viewed as a litmus test for other great waters around the nation that are in dire need of restoration. Having served in many different roles on Chesapeake restoration efforts, weve both seen policies that work, as well as ones that never lived up to their promises. The most important lesson weve learned? Leadership matters. Particularly from the federal government. Indeed, the policies that flow from this falls elections will seal the fate of the Chesapeake for years to come. With past commitments left unfulfilled, and a widely supported 2025 restoration deadline looming, will its health continue to improve as we meet our cleanup goals on schedule? Or will the bay be bogged down by bureaucracy or mired in conflict? The modern Chesapeake cleanup effort was born in 1983, a product of a federal-state collaboration, with leadership from a U.S. senator, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the governor of Maryland. With the support of the regions governors, state legislators and the D.C. mayor, the effort evolved over the years into a true partnership. Yet the federal government is a partner without equals. It represents the broader interests of the region, not those of a particular jurisdiction. It has a core responsibility of implementing federal environmental laws, upon which many state and local laws are built. It is the glue that binds the bay cleanup program together. There have been a handful of truly major changes in policy over the past 35 years. The 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement, for example, took the unprecedented step of establishing and adopting numeric goals and deadlines to reduce pollution and restore the bay ecosystem. Another significant policy change occurred about seven years ago. Few elected officials understood how to leverage the power of the federal government in the same manner as Tim Kaine, then Virginias governor and now the Democratic nominee for vice president. Just months after taking office, President Obama issued a first-ever executive order for the Chesapeake, outlining his expectations for accelerating action. Kaine was instrumental in making that happen, demonstrating that there is real value in a federal-state partnership. The inclusion of accountability, including short-term objectives, was the result of Kaines leadership during his term as chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council the top body that oversees the Chesapeake restoration efforts. Did this new pollution control regime save the bay? Of course not. Full restoration of the Chesapeake is a long-term struggle that must be embraced by our future leaders. Federal intervention in delivering clean water and healthy ecosystems is sometimes misunderstood or, in some cases, viewed with hostility by state and local governments. Intergovernmental relationships are delicate and need to be managed respectfully. However, the citizens of Flint, Mich., because of the water crisis there, understand why we need federal leadership. Those of us who know and care about the Chesapeake do as well. Given the significant economic and social value of a healthy Chesapeake Bay, it is paramount that issues defining the Chesapeakes future receive attention from candidates running for federal office. Lessons from leaders such as Kaine have demonstrated how governments can work together to make progress. This years elections, and the new leaders who will emerge, will be profoundly important to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the communities in this region. In dueling speeches this week in Michigan, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton laid out opposing visions for the U.S. economy. Neither candidate, however, has grappled with what may be the most challenging economic crisis of our times: what to do with older workers whose jobs have disappeared and are never coming back and who are injecting so much frustration (and rage) into this election cycle. These are the workers who got a raw deal, who saw their livelihoods ripped from beneath them, who feel left behind by an increasingly globalized and automated 21st-century economy. They are predominantly white, non-degree-holding men, many of whom lost stable middle-class jobs in shrinking sectors such as manufacturing and coal. To be fair, theres a good reason neither presidential candidate has proposed a comprehensive, credible plan for how to help these workers. Its really, really hard to come up with one. We basically have a playbook for how to help younger people secure stable jobs and boost their long-term earning potential. That includes encouraging them to invest in their human capital, by subsidizing their educations or even just helping them navigate the training (or retraining) they need to get better opportunities. Policies that make it easier for workers to stay attached to the labor force, or in school, such as subsidized child care or family leave, are also useful. Clintons economic package, as laid out in her Thursday speech, is rich in these kinds of programs; Trumps nods at some of them, such as child care. Unfortunately, such proposals would do little to help displaced, mid-skilled 50-somethings get back on their feet. Older workers, after all, are less likely to benefit from work-support programs targeted at parents of small children. Likewise, subsidizing their retraining offers limited benefits, at least from a fiscal perspective. Its certainly not impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, so to speak, but retraining a worker whos a decade from retirement may not be the best use of public funds (or that workers time) especially because rampant ageism makes it harder for older workers to find jobs in new fields even when they do get training. Trumps solution, instead, involves a promise to bring back these workers jobs in coal mining and manufacturing through energy deregulation and tough trade talk, respectively. This is a cruel promise to make. Coal miners jobs are long gone. These positions vanished not primarily because of regulatory burdens but because of technological advances that make it easier to extract more coal with fewer workers and also to produce natural gas coals most important competitor at much lower costs. Trumps promised tariffs and ripped-up trade deals, on the other hand, have been forecast to start a trade war, as well as a major recession. But even if you didnt believe those forecasts, a bump in manufacturing which Clinton now promises as well seems unlikely to help already-laid-off manufacturing workers much. Thats because the kinds of jobs that the manufacturing industry has been adding, and will likely continue to add, look pretty different from the kinds that have been lost. Innovation has turned U.S. manufacturing into increasingly highly educated, white-collar work; about a third of manufacturing occupations in 2010 were high-skilled, compared with less than a fifth in 1980, according to economists Lawrence F. Katz and Robert A. Margo. So what options are left for helping the bereft boomer worker? One is to increase direct transfers that is, cash payments to these unlucky job-losers. We already basically have a backdoor version of this policy; the Social Security Disability Insurance program, whose rolls have swelled in the past decade, has served as a sort of last-resort unemployment insurance for many Americans whose occupations or skills have become largely obsolete. Given that many Americans base their identity on the dignity of their work, though, paying more people to give up on employment wont fully resolve their anxiety and frustration. Expanding the earned-income tax credit, which supplements the wages of low- and moderate-income workers, is one possible way to improve these workers lives, if theyre willing to take a job paying less than the one they lost. Wage insurance, as the Obama administration has proposed, could have a similar effect. Another option is increasing their access to other insurance programs that could improve their quality of life by, for example, allowing Americans as young as 55 to buy into Medicare (as Clinton has indeed proposed). Trump has played pied piper to millions of Americans displaced by tectonic global shifts, who not coincidentally remember America as being great when they themselves had greater economic security. But neither he nor Clinton has offered a true antidote to their suffering. Theres an opportunity here for someone to offer a thoughtful solution. A BALTIMORE judge threatened to hold a Maryland man in civil contempt last week which would not be news if that man had not been the states top health official. When Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary Van T. Mitchell was asked to explain why he did not request money to relieve a statewide bed shortage for court-ordered mental-health patients, he said he had made a mistake. Hes right. But there is more to Marylands problem than just a shortage of beds. Marylands state-run hospitals can accommodate only a third as many psychiatric patients as they could 30 years ago. That means defendants ruled incompetent to stand trial end up wasting away in jail instead of receiving treatment. As of May in Maryland, 84 languished behind bars. Judges arent the only ones upset: On Monday, mental-health advocates staged a protest to demand the state health agency begin filling its 500 staff vacancies and reopen old facilities to shore up the bed supply. The demonstrators have a point, and Mr. Mitchell, who commissioned a working group in April to address the issue, seems to see that. Beds in state-run facilities could prove particularly critical for high-risk patients who cannot reenter society before their trials without posing a threat to themselves or others. But adding bed upon bed Mr. Mitchell has even proposed constructing a new facility devoted to mental illness may not be the most efficient or effective way for Maryland to fix things. The state could start with improved outpatient treatment. Caring for people in crisis without committing them to mental-health centers could keep the mentally ill from getting to the point where they need hospitalization. That would be better for patients and cheaper for Maryland perhaps cheaper still under a mental-health reform bill recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives that would help states pay for court-ordered outpatient programs. When it does come to beds, Maryland may not have to make room for as many patients as it seems to be planning for. A partnership between public and private hospitals, which Mr. Mitchell has also suggested, could send patients to facilities outside of state control and then channel them into outpatient care. That would require ensuring those patients could use Medicaid for the costs they incurred another issue the House bill would address. It would also require the cooperation of judges who currently order patients to stay cooped up before trial, regardless of how much time in treatment medical professionals think they need. Judges and advocates are right that the community care Mr. Mitchell has used to address Marylands mental-health emergency has been inadequate. But increased hospitalization shouldnt be the only response. A judge on Friday overturned the conviction of a Wisconsin man found guilty of helping his uncle kill a woman in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer, ruling that investigators coerced a confession using deceptive tactics. U.S. Magistrate William Duffin in Milwaukee ordered Brendan Dassey freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. The state Department of Justice, which handled the case, declined to comment Friday. The state could also appeal Duffins ruling. Dasseys case burst into the publics consciousness with the popularity of the Making a Murderer series that debuted in December. The filmmakers cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Dassey and his uncle Steven Avery in the death of Teresa Halbach, and their work sparked national interest and conjecture. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. Dassey confessed to helping Avery carry out the rape and killing of Halbach, but his attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey didnt testify at his uncles trial and his confession wasnt presented as evidence there. Both men are serving life sentences. Duffin said in his ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him he had nothing to worry about. These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (of the U.S. Constitution), Duffin wrote. Dassey, who is now 26, was 16 when Halbach, a photographer, was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to take pictures of some vehicles. Court papers describe Dassey as a slow learner with poor grades, with difficulty understanding some aspects of language and expressing himself verbally. He was also described as extremely introverted and poor at picking up on communications such as body language and tone. Dassey was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse in Halbachs killing. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Avery made headlines in 2003 when he was released from prison after spending 18 years behind bars for a rape he didnt commit. After being freed, he had a $36 million lawsuit pending against public officials when Halbach disappeared on Halloween 2005. Fridays ruling came after Dasseys appeal was rejected by state courts. The judge said that Dasseys confession to police in 2006 was so clearly involuntary that a state appeals court ruling to the contrary was an unreasonable application of established federal law. The court does not reach this conclusion lightly, Duffin wrote. The investigators did not have any ill motive, the judge wrote, but rather an intentional and concerted effort to trick Dassey into confessing. The error was not harmless because Dasseys confession was the entirety of the case against him, the judge said. Laura Nirider, one of Dasseys attorneys, said he thought that if he told investigators what they wanted to hear, hed get to go back to school. This is justice for that 16-year-old kid ... who we all saw being bullied into giving a statement that was completely untrue, she said. Dassey, who has been incarcerated for 10 years, is in shock and wants to go home, she said. If prosecutors decide to bring a new trial, the confession would not be usable, she said. A brother who has acted as a Halbach family spokesman did not immediately respond to phone messages and an email. Kathleen Zellner, an attorney for Avery, said in a statement that Avery was thrilled for his nephew. Avery is pursuing his own appeal. We know when an unbiased court reviews all of the new evidence we have, Steven will have his conviction overturned as well, Zellner said. Joe Friedberg, a defense attorney in Minnesota who was not involved in the case but is familiar with it and participated in a forum on it with Averys first defense attorney, said he doesnt believe the decision will have any bearing on Averys case. The kids confession was not entered into evidence against Avery, and I dont think it impacted Averys trial at all, Friedberg said. Netflix last month announced new episodes were in production to follow appeals by both Avery and Dassey. Apparently weve reached the part where Donald Trump, not satisfied with having demolished the Republican Party, tries to bring down the rest of the political system as well. No one should be surprised. The garbage that comes out of his mouth gets more vile and putrid by the day. On Tuesday, he suggested that fervent defenders of the right to keep and bear arms could take things into their own hands if Hillary Clinton were elected. It was a shocking incitement to political violence. If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks, Trump told a rally in North Carolina. Although the Second Amendment people maybe there is, I dont know. We all understood exactly what he was saying. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) suggested that perhaps he was trying to be funny. Since Trump knows nothing, perhaps Ryan will explain to him that five of our 44 presidents have been shot while in office. A day later, Trump was equally unhinged at a Florida rally when he went on a bizarre rant about the terrorist Islamic State, also known as ISIS. In many respects, you know, they honor President Obama. ISIS is honoring President Obama. He is the founder of ISIS, okay? Hes the founder. He founded ISIS. And I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump made a controversial comment about rival Hillary Clinton during a rally in Wilmington, N.C., August 9. Trump told the audience, If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, adding: Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I dont know. (The Washington Post) Be honest, all you Republicans who support Trump despite knowing better. If you were walking down the sidewalk and someone coming toward you was screaming those words verbatim, youd cross the street. This is the man you want to entrust with the nuclear codes? Seriously? Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt tried gamely to help Trump clean up the mess. I know what you meant, he told the candidate Thursday, you meant that [Obama] created the vacuum, he lost the peace. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do, Trump said. He was the most valuable player. Hewitt suggested this line of attack was a mistake. Trumps reply: No, its no mistake. Everyones liking it. I think theyre liking it. So much for the idea that Trump, at some point, will undergo a metamorphosis and turn into a normal candidate, the kind who doesnt go around encouraging political assassination or accusing the president of founding a terrorist group. If the cheering crowds at his hate-filled rallies are happy, Trump is happy. Speaker Ryan and all you other reluctant Trump supporters, you know as well as I do that hes not going to change. Not ever. You will recall that this was supposed to be the week when Trump turned to the economy. He even gave a teleprompter-aided speech Monday that was generally praised by conservatives, who clearly are willing to grade their candidate on an absurdly generous curve. But within a day, Trump was back to setting new lows in the history of modern presidential campaigning. If there is a trophy for Most Dishonest and Destructive, Trump is determined to retire it. He is also determined, apparently, to rationalize his likely defeat by claiming the election was stolen from him. The other trope he keeps returning to these days is that the election is somehow being rigged. He claims that the striking down of discriminatory voter ID laws in North Carolina, Wisconsin and elsewhere would make this possible. He fails to explain why Republican officials who administer the voting process in most states would want to steal the election from their own party. The point isnt logic, of course. Its emotion. Trump strikes a chord with Republicans who cannot bring themselves to admit they were beaten fair and square by Barack Obama, not once but twice. Trump has long sought to delegitimize Obama by refusing to disown all the birther nonsense and insinuating that the president has some sympathy for jihadists. Now Trump seeks to delegitimize the likely next president as well by claiming the election will be rigged. In 2000, after the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that the Florida recount must cease, Al Gore graciously conceded to George W. Bush. Gore said he was doing so for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy. Can anyone imagine Trump ever giving such a speech? Trump wants to stoke anger, resentment and victimhood. He abases our democracy and Republican elected officials abase themselves by supporting him. History will have no mercy for Trumps enablers. Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A. On Aug. 12, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released her and husband Bill's 2015 tax returns. Here's what you need to know about them. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) On Aug. 12, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released her and husband Bill's 2015 tax returns. Here's what you need to know about them. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, earned $10.7 million last year according to their 2015 tax return, which her campaign released Friday along with a trove of other documents intended to apply pressure to Republican Donald Trump to do the same. Clinton has called on Trump repeatedly to release his tax returns, trying to sow doubt about the businessmans honesty and civic participation. With the release of her return as well as an accounting of nearly $23 million in speaking fees earned in 2013, the Clinton campaign noted that nearly 40 years worth of tax returns for the couple are now in the public domain. Among other benefits, the tax issue allows Clinton to cast herself as forthcoming and honest, two attributes that many voters say they find lacking in her. But Clintons disclosure brings her some unwanted attention too, notably to her and her husbands extraordinary income, derived primarily through speaking fees from Wall Street companies and other businesses. Although the speaking fees were previously reported in tax returns filed for 2013 and 2014 and released more than a year ago, the campaign made a point Friday of compiling them into online lists broken out by the name of the company or organization she addressed. Donald Trump's stance on presidential candidates has changed significantly over the years. Here's how. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) The disclosures are sure to irk liberal voters for whom Clintons ties to powerful corporate and banking interests are cause for suspicion and they will bring fresh attention to the fact that Clintons wealth dwarfs that of the working families whose interests she is promising to champion, as recently as in a speech in the Detroit area on Thursday, when she accused Trump of being interested in helping only millionaires like himself. At the same time, the lists also give Clinton a peg for her argument that, unlike Trump, she has nothing to hide. The Clinton campaign also released 10 years worth of returns for her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, and his wife, Anne Holton. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency as she releases her 2015 personal tax return, campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri said Friday. In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns. He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide? Trump has said he cannot release his returns because of an ongoing audit. A Washington Post-ABC poll in May found that 64 percent of Americans said Trump should release his taxes, including 54 percent who felt strongly that he should do so. 1 of 57 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail View Photos The Democratic presidential nominee hits the road after her partys national convention. Caption Hillary Clinton loses to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Nov. 9, 2016 Hillary Clinton speaks in New York while her husband, former president Bill Clinton, applauds. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. More than four in 10 Republicans said Trump should do so, as did nearly six in 10 independents. [In video, Clinton campaign tweaks Trump over tax returns ] Both Clintons listed their occupation as speaking and writing. Hillary Clinton launched her presidential campaign in April of 2015, but while elected officials list their occupation as such, there is no separate category for political candidates. The Clintons reported total income of $10.7 million last year, and adjusted gross income of $10.5 million. They paid $3.6 million in federal income taxes. One reality of the Clintons extraordinary wealth illustrated in the new disclosures is the fact that they would qualify for as much as $1.5 million in tax savings under the Trump Loophole that Clinton derided this week part of Trumps tax proposal that Clinton said was designed to benefit only the very wealthy, including Trump. Trumps proposal would tax so-called pass-through entities, such as limited liability companies, at a flat rate of 15 percent. Currently, profits from those entities are taxed as individual income for the owners of those companies, up to a top rate of 39.6 percent. This matters for Trump, because some 200 of the companies in his business empire are pass-throughs, which led to Clintons criticism of the plan. But the plan would also greatly benefit Bill and Hillary Clinton, because they earned almost all of their money through pass-throughs in 2015, their returns show. The Clintons earn their speech, book-writing and consulting fees entirely through pass-throughs. They reported $10,168,272 in income from pass-throughs, compared to only $100 in wages and $577,000 from other sources. Taxed at 39.6 percent, and after factoring out deductions, the Clintons appear to have paid more than $3 million in federal income tax on their pass-through income in 2015. If Trumps plan had been in effect, and that income had been taxed at 15 percent (with no deductions), the Clintons tax bill would have fallen to $1.5 million. The Clintons return showed that they overpaid their federal taxes by slightly over $1 million last year, because they had overestimated how much they should pay in quarterly installments throughout the year. That method of payment is often required for wealthy people. The Clintons opted to apply the overage to their estimated taxes for 2016. [Should Donald Trump release his tax returns?] [View the Clintons tax returns here] [View the Clintons speaking income, and who paid them, here] The Clintons paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2 percent in 2015, according to the campaign. They paid an effective state and local income tax rate of 9 percent, meaning their combined effective rate was more than 40 percent. In addition, the Clintons donated 9.8 percent of their adjusted gross income to charity, the campaign reported. Fridays release adds to a prior disclosure of tax returns spanning the years 1992 to 2014, released during the years when Bill Clinton was president and when Hillary Clinton ran for president the first time, in 2008. And it Clintons campaign also released a list of speeches that she delivered in 2013, which showed that she gave 41 addresses for fees ranging from $225,000 to $400,000. All told, she earned roughly $9.7 million that year in speaking fees, according to the campaign. Bill Clinton, meanwhile, earned roughly $13.2 million in speaking fees that same year. He delivered 43 speeches, for which he was paid fees ranging from $100,000 to $750,000. In May, financial disclosure forms revealed that the Clintons earned more than $25 million for delivering 104 speeches since the beginning of 2014, a huge infusion to their net worth as she was readying for a presidential bid. During the decade or so that Clinton served as a U.S. senator and then secretary of state, Clinton reported that her husband made $105 million for delivering more than 540 speeches. Bill Clintons fees rose over time. In 2012, her last year at the State Department, he earned more than $16.3 million for 72 speeches. According to the May disclosure, Hillary Clinton delivered 51 speeches in 2014 and the first three months of 2015, earning more than $11 million. Her fees varied, but she earned as much as $315,000 for speaking to eBay in San Jose on March 11; she also collected $325,000 for speaking to the technology company Cisco in Las Vegas in August. Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton released 10 years of returns, showing they had an effective federal tax rate ranging between 13.4 percent and 24 percent over that span. In 2015, Kaine and Holton reported $313,441 in total income, the vast majority of that coming from their respective salaries, Kaine as a U.S. senator and Holton as Virginias secretary of education. Over the 10-year span, the two reported total annual income ranging between $156,967 and $314,398. During each of the 10 years, they gave a minimum of $11,209 to charity, with the amount exceeding $20,000 in four of those years. Donald Trumps unflinching antagonism toward illegal immigration has galvanized activists who have grown to mistrust politicians on the issue, even those who have claimed to be as committed to the cause as they are. And yet, for some, there is one nagging question that the candidate seems content to let linger whether Trumps Slovenian-born wife followed the law when she moved to the United States. Let them go wild, let it simmer, and then lets have a little news conference, Trump said at a rally this week, describing his strategy for handling those asking about his wife. Mark Krikorian, a leading activist against illegal immigration, does not want to let it simmer. He wants an answer. Immigration is a big issue, and she is going to be first lady, Krikorian said. It matters. At a rally in Fayetteville, N.C., Aug. 9, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said his wife immigrated to the United States legally and added that she will soon hold a news conference about it. (The Washington Post) Years before he ran for the White House, Trump built his political brand by accusing President Obama of concealing his past. Trump called on Obama to release his college applications, transcripts and other records, asking how such a terrible student got into Ivy League schools. The business executive also demanded that Obama release his passport records and, most famously, his birth certificate, declaring in a video released before the 2012 election: We know very little about our president. But Trump has ensured that Americans know relatively little about him. [Eight documents Trump has turned down requests to release] He has refused to release many of the same documents that he demanded from Obama, including college transcripts and passport records. He has shirked the decades-old tradition of major nominees releasing their tax returns and other documentation to prove their readiness and fitness for office. And he has yet to release records showing why he received a medical deferment during the Vietnam War and whether he has actually donated the millions of dollars he claims to have given to charity. While Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has hit Trump on his tax returns, saying this week that he refuses to do what every other presidential candidate in decades has done, Trump allies feel that Clinton has her own vulnerabilities when it comes to secrecy. Republicans have alleged that Clinton deleted thousands of emails from her private server to conceal favors done by her State Department for donors to her familys charitable foundation a charge Clinton has denied. And conservatives have called on Clinton, 68, to release her full medical records, citing a 2012 fainting episode in which she suffered a concussion. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon and former GOP candidate, told Fox News this week that the information is critical for voters. But Trump, in building a wall around his records, is setting a new standard for secrecy for modern-day candidates. All other major presidential nominees from both parties since 1976 have released their tax returns. Last summer, Clinton released returns from 2007 to 2014, and her campaign on Friday shared her 2015 return, as well as 10 years of returns from her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. 1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail View Photos The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November. Caption The GOP presidential nominee is pressing his case ahead of Election Day. Nov. 7, 2016 Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at SNHU Arena in Manchester, N.H. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Trumps lack of disclosure has left Americans to take his word for it when he brags about his wealth and charitable donations. In May, Trump filed a lengthy financial disclosure with federal regulators that claimed business had been booming at many of his properties. He issued a news release claiming to be worth $10 billion. But Trump provided no documentation to back up the claims. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for all of the documents mentioned in this story, nor did it respond to questions about why it was not releasing the records. Trumps approach reflects a calculation that weathering the criticism for withholding documents is more politically palatable than the scrutiny that would come from giving the information to Trumps opponents and what his campaign sees as an unfair media. You give the New York Times 20,000 pages of tax returns, they will give you 20,000 pages of defamation of character, said former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who has advised Trump and was on his running mate shortlist. Trump and his campaign have said there is nothing for voters to learn from these sorts of documents and that calls for their release were manufactured by the media. The only people who want the tax returns are the people who want to defeat him, Trumps campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, said in May. [Trump once revealed his income tax returns. They showed he didnt pay a cent.] Trumps tax filings would provide details such as how much money Trump makes, how much he gives to charity and the extent to which he has benefited from special exemptions and credits to minimize his tax rate. The tax returns would also show what Trump declares as business expenses and whether he keeps foreign accounts. Some details have trickled out, revealing that Trump has a history of shrinking his tax burden. According to filings, legal documents and other public records, he paid no federal income taxes for at least five years 1978, 1979, 1984, 1991 and 1993. Tax analysts say it is possible that Trump has continued to pay little to no income taxes thanks to generous tax deductions, including real estate depreciation. In May, Trump said he fights very hard to pay as little tax as possible. Before he was a candidate, Trump presented himself as a champion of disclosure, particularly when it came to tax returns. In 2011, he said he would release his filings if Obama released his long-form birth certificate. Ahead of the 2012 election, Trump criticized Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney for delaying the release of his tax returns, saying, Its a great thing when you can show that youve been successful and that youve made a lot of money. Romney ended up releasing two years of tax returns, leading to criticism of his relatively low tax rate a result that Trump recently cited in explaining his own reasons for not releasing. Romney has called Trumps refusal to release his tax returns disqualifying for a modern-day presidential nominee and has speculated that Trump must be hiding a bombshell of unusual size. In 2014, Trump said he would absolutely release the returns if I decide to run for office. In 2015, he said his disclosure was contingent on finding out the true story on Hillarys emails. In January, Trump said he was almost ready to disclose his very big . . . very beautiful returns. But a month later, Trump reversed course, citing ongoing Internal Revenue Service audits of several years of his taxes. An IRS spokesman said that nothing, including an audit, prevents individuals from sharing their own tax information. And President Richard Nixon released his tax records while under audit. Trumps tax attorneys said in a letter that his tax returns since 2009 are being audited. His attorneys also said that returns from 2002 to 2008 were no longer being audited, yet Trump said he will not release them because theyre all linked. I would give absolutely nothing until the audit is over, Trumps special counsel, Michael Cohen, said on CNN on Thursday. Thats my advice to Mr. Trump. Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, has yet to release his tax returns. Trumps campaign and aides to Pence did not respond to requests for the returns. Trump has also declined to release his educational records from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelors degree and took undergraduate classes at the famed Wharton School, which was then called the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. Trump has claimed that he was a top student at the Ivy League institution, although his name does not appear on lists of academic honors from the time. While in college, Trump received four student deferments from the Vietnam War draft, and Trump has said that he received a fifth one for medical reasons because he had bone spurs that he says cleared up on their own. Trump has not produced the letter that he says he received from his doctor at the time documenting the problem. Trump, 70, has also not released his medical records. Instead, in December, Trump released a four-paragraph letter from his doctor stating that a recent medical examination showed only positive results but not providing documentation such as lab results. The letter ends with the guarantee: If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency. In July 2015, Clinton released a two-page letter from her doctor listing the results of several lab tests, including an electrocardiogram, cholesterol levels and cancer screening results. In the past, a number of nominees have released their medical health records to prove that they are healthy and fit for the job. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who was 72 when he was the GOPs 2008 nominee and had suffered years of health problems since his time as a Vietnam War prisoner of war, released more than a thousand pages of medical records. The questions about Melania Trumps immigration status have emerged in the wake of newly published nude photographs of the former model. Melania Trump has said she came to the country in 1996 on a visa that allowed her to work, but the photos were taken in New York in 1995. She met Donald Trump in 1998, and they were married in 2005. She has said she got a green card in 2001 and became a citizen in 2006. [Many questions and few answers about how Melania Trump immigrated to the U.S.] I follow a law the way its supposed to be, she told MSNBC earlier this year. I never thought to stay here without papers. I had visa. Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born business executive based in New York who once owned modeling agencies, told The Washington Post last week that his agency, Metropolitan Models, sponsored Melania Trump, then Melania Knauss, for an H-1B work visa in 1996 after he spotted her while scouting models in Milan and Paris. Working models are eligible for an H-1B if they can show distinguished merit or ability in their field. Zampolli said Knauss qualified based on her past work as a model in Europe. The campaign has not responded to requests for documentation to back up the account, or to explain the process through which Trump received her green card. And it is not clear when, or if, the campaign will schedule the news conference that Donald Trump mentioned this week. Let me set the record straight, Melania Trump tweeted last week. I have at all times been in full compliance with the immigration laws of this country. Period. Drew Harwell, Mary Jordan, Abby Phillip and Karen Tumulty contributed to this report. The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November. The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November. What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail Donald Trump said Thursday he might push for Americans accused of terrorism to be tried in military tribunals at the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Under current federal law, its illegal to try U.S. citizens in military courts. But in a brief but wide-ranging interview with the Miami Herald Trump said that I would say they could be tried there, that would be fine. He criticized President Obama for allowing people to get out that are terrible people. Trump told the Herald he would prefer using military commissions rather than the civilian judicial system to consider terrorist cases, including those involving U.S. citizens. Well, I know that they want to try them in our regular court systems, and I dont like that at all. I dont like that at all, he said. I would say they could be tried there (Guantanamo), that would be fine. The Obama administration initially considered trying five alleged conspirators in the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in federal court in New York City, rather than in Guantanamo where they are being held. But the proposal ran into a firestorm of opposition leading the administration to opt for prosecution by military tribunal. During Thursdays meeting with The Herald, Trump also expressed continued skepticism about climate change. Im not a big believer in man-made climate change, Trump said during the interview in Miami Beach, which has spent millions of dollars to deal with rising sea levels. There could be some impact, but I dont believe its a devastating impact. The greater concern, he said, is that U.S. climate policy puts constraints on the economy. The problem we have is our businesses are suffering. Our businesses are unable to compete in this country because other countries arent being forced to do what our businesses are being forced to do, and it makes us uncompetitive. A U.N. peacekeeper stands guard as women walk into a civilian shelter at the U.N. compound in Malakal, South Sudan, on July 13, 2016. (Jane Hahn/For The Washington Post) The U.N. Security Council voted Friday to strengthen its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, where an outbreak of violence has sparked concerns about a resumption of civil war. An additional 4,000 peacekeepers will be dispatched, making the total deployment 17,000 troops, and U.N. forces will be asked to take more proactive measures to protect civilians. The vote came as the United Nations is facing criticism over its failure to protect South Sudanese civilians and to use appropriate force when its installations come under fire, as they did in the capital city, Juba, last month. [South Sudanese civilians fear the U.N. cant protect them from a massacre] The U.N. mission was established in South Sudan in 2011 after it voted to secede from Sudan. At the time, the missions primary goals were state building and economic development, according to its original charter. South Sudan on Wednesday rejected a U.S. proposal for the U.N. Security Council to send 4,000 additional troops to the East African country to restore calm. (Jason Patinkin/AP) But in late 2013, when the country descended into civil war, prompted by a split between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, the U.N. missions responsibilities changed dramatically. Almost overnight, tens of thousands of civilians rushed to U.N. compounds, and peacekeepers found themselves trying to keep them safe in makeshift displacement camps across the country. U.N. officials initially considered the turmoil a temporary problem. It was not. Two and a half years later, 180,000 people live in U.N. shelters. A peace deal signed last year was supposed to stop the fighting, but it fell apart last month when fighting flared in the capital between Kiirs and Machars forces, leaving hundreds dead. During that violence, two U.N. compounds in Juba came under fire. Two Chinese peacekeepers and 11 civilians were killed, and 139 people were wounded in and around the U.N. base. Dozens of women reportedly were raped by members of South Sudans security forces. It was proof, some observers said, that the United Nations needed a more robust force and mandate that would give it the power to intervene with lethal force to restore peace in the country. That is what the Security Council approved Friday. The 4,000 additional troops come from a regional African protection force belonging to the eight-country Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Peacekeepers are not traditionally used in offensive operations, and it remains unclear what their new mandate means in practice and how it will differ from the current mission. The South Sudanese government has expressed opposition to the expansion to the U.N. expanded mission. During and after the most recent clashes, government forces have restricted the movement of humanitarian workers, even looting a World Food Program warehouse holding rations that would have fed 220,000 people for a month. It is rare for government forces themselves to be among the hostile actors that peacekeepers are sent to pacify. The council did not vote on whether to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, as the head of U.N. peacekeeping forces, Herve Ladsous, has urged. Last week, the United Nations released a report on an investigation into an attack by South Sudanese soldiers and their allies in February on a U.N. camp for displaced civilians in Malakal in South Sudan. Dozens of civilians in the camp were killed. Peacekeepers there failed because of a combination of inaction, abandonment of post and refusal to engage, the inquiry found. Read more: In South Sudan, bodies are being counted as peace accord appears to unravel South Sudan thought it solved its child soldier problem. It hasnt. In South Sudan, mothers are so hungry many can no longer breast-feed Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world A simmering crisis over the survival of Afghanistans two-man National Unity Government has burst into the open, revealing a deep split between President Ashraf Ghani and chief executive Abdullah Abdullah as a political deadline for their tenuous power-sharing agreement looms with the governments two-year anniversary next month. Abdullah, who was Ghanis top electoral rival, was named chief executive under an emergency deal brokered by U.S. officials after the fraud-plagued 2014 election, and the partnership has often been tense. On Thursday, Abdullah complained that the president barely has an hour or two to meet him alone for months at a time. Referring to Ghani sarcastically as your excellency, he suggested that someone with so little patience for discussion is not fit for the presidency. The unexpectedly harsh comments flooded social media after Abdullah made them at a televised meeting. His outburst came amid weeks of mounting pressure for political change from a variety of opponents, including former president Hamid Karzai, as well as widening public concern about the legitimacy and responsiveness of the troubled administration. Although the presidents term of office is five years, the agreement between Ghani and Abdullah called for political steps to be taken by the governments two-year anniversary on Sept. 29, culminating in a national conference that would decide whether to amend the constitution and elevate Abdullahs position to executive prime minister. None of those steps has been taken, due to a combination of delays in government appointments, disputes over electoral reforms and official preoccupation with two higher priorities: battling an aggressive Taliban insurgency and salvaging the economy after the shutdown of a 15-year wartime boom in foreign aid and construction. As the deadline approaches, an assortment of powerful opponents have intensified their attacks, some demanding favors and others calling for a new governing arrangement. Karzai, who left office reluctantly after 14 years and remains an influential figure, wants to convene a traditional meeting of elders and leave the nations future up to them, possibly under his guidance. Foreign diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador P. Michael McKinley, have been meeting with numerous critics and urging them not to destabilize the government, however imperfect, stressing that the country cannot afford a new phase of upheaval and that there is no realistic alternative to the current government. The United States has an especially important stake in defusing the crisis, with billions of dollars in U.S. aid spent and 2,300 American lives lost in a 15-year effort to defeat the Taliban and build democracy here. A government collapse in Kabul could also damage Democratic prospects in the November presidential election. Officials from both the Ghani and Abdullah camps have tried to tamp down the criticism, insisting that their uneasy partnership has improved and that they are moving ahead with an ambitious agenda of reforms and development, including establishing a new anti-corruption agency and creating hundreds of miles of utility corridors. In an interview Tuesday with The Washington Post, Abdullah played down his differences with Ghani, calling it an unfortunate perception that we fight every day. He said the public has legitimate concerns about our future stability but that other critics have been using the coming deadline as an opportunity to apply pressure for their own interests. We will pass through September head-on, and there will be a legitimate process within the mandate of the people, but we have to be realistic, he said, adding that electoral reforms and elections would come in time. If the worst case should arise, he said, meaning a government collapse, everyone will lose except the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Ghanis office issued a statement Friday night saying that Abdullahs comments have not been in conformity with the principles and spirit of governance and declaring that the unity government will continue as a collective. Nader Nadery, a senior aide to Ghani, said in a recent interview that the public was more concerned about security and economic recovery than political deadlines. We have been fighting a war for survival, and it has used up huge amounts of time and energy, he said. But Afghans are already impatient with the government, which promised reforms that are just beginning to take hold and projects that have yet to bring jobs and money, while the two leaders have wrangled endlessly over job appointments that left ministries leaderless and allowed election reforms to bog down in ethnic disputes. There have been too many delays with too few results. These two years will haunt the government for the next three, said Haroun Mir, an analyst in Kabul. People dont expect them to fix the economy and security overnight, but they cant tolerate the corruption and the unfulfilled promises. People are tired, they are leaving and they are losing heart. Of the two partners in the government, Abdullah is more vulnerable to outside pressure. Unlike the president, his position is temporary and its status will probably remain unclear after September. He is also beholden to regional groups that backed his campaign and are frustrated that he has not wrested more influence for them with the government. Attah Mohammed Noor, the longtime governor of Balkh province and a leader of the Jamiat party, complained last week that Ghani had snubbed Jamiat and monopolized decisions. We want to avoid a crisis. If the government fulfills its promises, we will cooperate. If not, after September we may withdraw our support, Noor said. We must be given our rights. Noor, who controls thousands of former fighters, threatened to cause mayhem in Kabul unless Abdullah was named the election winner in 2014. On Friday, another Jamiat leader, former national intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh, said his party strongly supported Abdullah and his comments Thursday and warned that if Ghani does not meet his demands, it would lead to complete paralysis. Other critics have not asked for favors but say the growing sense of crisis has to be assuaged. Most agree that Karzais idea of an elder gathering would undermine democratic progress. Some suggest that local and parliamentary elections be announced for next year; others have urged expanding the cabinet to add political diversity. This whole catastrophe can be avoided if they allow more people to participate, said Anwar al-Ahady, a former cabinet minister. The government has failed miserably, but nobody wants chaos. We want to see an orderly change, either from the inside or through elections. If people get mobilized to demonstrate, the government could collapse. We have to find a way to solve this, and there is very little time. Read more: The bomb that killed 80 Hazaras in Kabul also upended their nonviolent reform effort The residents of Miragram village, bottom left, in Pakistans Chitral Valley can see from their homes a receding glacier on Miragram Mountain in the distance, as well as severely diminished summer snowpack on the peaks above it. (Insiya Syed /For The Washington Post) With its neat stone walls and paths, bountiful tomato and wheat fields and miniature sheep that graze right up to doorsteps, this picturesque village has an air of timelessness. But the 110 families who live here only have to glance out their doors to see that their irrigated idyll may not last forever. For generations, the glacier clinging to Miragram Mountain, a peak that towers above the village, has served as a reservoir for locals and powered myriad streams throughout Pakistans scenic Chitral Valley. Now, though, the villagers say that their glacier and their way of life is in retreat. We worry it may even vanish and there will be no drinking water, said Abdul Nasir, 60, pointing up at the 19,000-foot mountaintop streaked with thin, patchy snow. Every year, its melting. With 7,253 known glaciers, including 543 in the Chitral Valley, there is more glacial ice in Pakistan than anywhere on Earth outside the polar regions, according to various studies. Those glaciers feed rivers that account for about 75 percent of the stored-water supply in the country of at least 180 million. But as in many other parts of the world, researchers say, Pakistans glaciers are receding, especially those at lower elevations, including here in the Hindu Kush mountain range in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among the causes cited by scientists: diminished snowfall, higher temperatures, heavier summer rainstorms and rampant deforestation. [Energy shortages force Pakistanis to scavenge for wood, threatening tree canopy] To many, the 1,000-square-mile Chitral Valley has become a case study of what could await the rest of the world if climate change accelerates, turning life-supporting mountains into new markers of human misery. Its already happening here, and my thinking is, in the coming years it will just go from bad to worse, said Bashir Ahmed Wani, a Pakistani forestry specialist with the Asian Development Bank. A view of Tirich Mir, at 25,289 feet the highest peak of the Hindu Kush range in Pakistans upper Chitral Valley. Most of the mountains in the region are 22,000 feet or less, and the glaciers at those elevations are under increasing stress amid changes in the climate, researchers say. (Insiya Syed /For The Washington Post) Over the past six years, the Chitral Valley has also experienced three major floods that many Pakistani scientists attribute to climate change. The floodwaters killed more than 50 people and stranded hundreds of thousands while undercutting a once-vibrant tourist industry still struggling to rebound after Sept. 11, 2001. While climate change is a factor in the regions calamities, the valley has also come to symbolize the way a poorly educated populace can make the situation worse, creating a cycle of hardship. Its glaciers offer a stark example. The valleys population has soared from 106,000 in 1950 to 600,000 today and most residents get just two to four hours of electricity a day. Without reliable refrigeration, residents turn to vendors hawking chunks of the valleys shrinking snowpack. Every day, they say, scores of these entrepreneurs drive five to seven hours to the mountain peaks, where they hack into the glaciers or scoop up the pre-glacial snow and load the haul into their jeeps and trucks. Back in the valley, they shovel the snow and ice into shopping bags and sell it for 50 cents a bag. There are no fans, no refrigerators working, so I will store this for cooler water and then use it for drinking, said Ubaid Ureh, 46, as he held two dripping bags. Mohammad Idrees,11, eats ice that has been hacked from the mountain peaks by vendors and offered for sale along a road in the Chitral Valley last month. (Insiya Syed /For The Washington Post) Hameed Ahmed Mir, a local biodiversity expert who has worked for the United Nations, said that one cubic yard of ice weighs almost a ton enough to supply four to seven families with drinking water for several days and one vehicle can carry three to four tons of snow or ice. Then multiply that by 200 vehicles per day. Khalil Ahmed, a former project manager for the U.N.-supported Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Project, said Pakistani law does not make it clear whether the government or the public owns the countrys vast glacial reservoirs. We are trying to initiate a dialogue with the local people, but these are poor people, he said, noting that glaciers in the neighboring territory of Gilgit-Baltistan are also being sold off. Other scientists play down the threat, saying there are so many glaciers in Pakistan that its like taking water from an ocean. But even they admit that the sight of desperate families waiting to buy snow underscores the challenges facing this valley. Ghulam Rasul, head of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, said the countrys weather patterns have shifted dramatically over the past two decades. When 30-year temperature averages from 1961 to 1990 are compared with those from 1981 to 2010, temperatures in the northern third of Pakistan, where the glaciers are located, increased by 1.2 degrees Celsius, Rasul said. Summer snow lines on Pakistans mountains have also crept up an average of 3,395 feet since 1981, he added. And the number of glacial lakes which form when melting ice gets locked up in or around a glacier has jumped from 2,420 a decade ago to 3,044 today, according to a recent study. [Life in a Pakistani village so remote, kings once banished prisoners to it] Equally alarming, Rasul said, the annual South Asia monsoon is growing more dynamic as temperatures spike over land and clash with cooler ocean waters. Now, instead of the late summer monsoon affecting mainly southern and eastern Pakistan, it has also been pumping deluges over the mountains. I believe this is an impact of global warming, Rasul said. If this continues, the glaciers will be melting at a fast rate, producing glacial lakes and the lakes will burst, triggering disasters. The weather changes have not seriously threatened the ice packs in Pakistans northernmost regions, where five of the worlds 14 highest peaks all topping 26,000 feet are located. Nizam Uddim, about 52, points to the site of the house that he lost, along with his 4-year-old daughter, during flash floods in the Chitral Valley village of Reshun last year. (Insiya Syed /For The Washington Post) Some researchers think that the glaciers in the Karakorum and Himalayan mountains in Gilgit-Baltistan may even expand as weather patterns shift and more precipitation falls over the highest peaks as snow. Many of Pakistans glaciers are also covered in silt and debris, which helps insulate them. But farther south in the Chitral Valley, where most mountains are no higher than 22,000 feet, there is little doubt that the glaciers are under stress, researchers say. In the village of Reshun last July, a 20-foot wall of water crashed over 126 houses and killed a 4-year-old girl on a very hot day, said Azmat, 19, who uses only one name. We resided here for at least the last 200 years, and we never faced any kind of flood like this, said the girls father, Nizam Uddim, who estimates that he is 52. Siraj ul-Mulk, the 71-year-old owner of the Hindu Kush Heights Hotel in Chitral, has been trekking in a different part of northern Chitral since he was a young man. It used to take me a whole day to cross the glacier, he said. Now, it will take me two hours. But just as in the broader global debate over climate change, some Pakistani researchers remain skeptical that warmer weather is causing Chitrals glaciers to melt. Arshad Abbasi, a water and energy expert, said Pakistanis alone are responsible for their plight. He noted that tree roots stabilize the ground that the glaciers bind to and that Pakistan has retained just 2 to 5 percent of its tree cover. Even worse, he said, goat herders, tourists and even the countrys army are allowed to trek over them. People say global warming, but in fact, its human activity that most threatens the glaciers, said Abbasi, who has studied the effect of Pakistani and Indian military encampments on the shrinking Siachen Glacier in the Himalayan range near the disputed Kashmir region. Local activists agree that lax environmental standards are magnifying the danger. Inayatullah Faizi, an expert on local culture, noted that much of Chitrals garbage and sewage is dumped directly into streams and the Chitral River another reason residents buy snow from the glacier. Aisha Khan, head of the Islamabad-based Mountain and Glacier Protection Organization, said a huge conservation campaign is needed to combat public ignorance. She noted that many mountain-area families still try to make glaciers grow by fertilizing them, cutting ice from a dark, debris-clogged glacier (male) and setting it next to a clear one (female). Still, there are signs that younger Pakistanis, even in remote places, are realizing what is at stake. Beekeepers collect honey last month from hives they have set up by a roadside in the Chitral Valley. (Insiya Syed /For The Washington Post) In Sonoghur, a small village north of Miragram that was devastated by a glacial lake flood in 2007, a middle-aged man began telling a reporter that India and Israel are responsible for glaciers melting because they dont want overwhelmingly Muslim Pakistan to grow and prosper. But Amir Shahzaib, 17, spoke up. We dont believe that, and our new generation wants to take care of the earth, he said, adding that he and his friends were trying to get older residents to stop throwing plastic bottles in waterways. They cant do it all, he added. We are just partly responsible for climate change, Shahzaib said of his village. Mostly, the city people are responsible. Aamir Iqbal in Peshawar contributed to this report. Read more: High up on a Pakistani mountain, a success story for moderate Islam Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world Madison police are looking for a young man who was exposing himself to users of the Southwest Commuter Path on Wednesday. The incident happened at about 7:15 p.m. near Lovell Lane, police said. Police found out about the flasher when a concerned 47-year-old Madison man kept female bicyclists from peddling into an area he just came from, after seeing the flasher. "The caller said the young man was smiling and exposing himself, and was facing the bike path so anyone on it could see him," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. Officers went to the scene but couldn't find the suspect. The suspect is a black male in his late teens, 5 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 140 pounds, lighter complexion, medium-sized Afro style hair, wearing a red sleeveless shirt and black sweatpants. Kurdish gunmen hold their rifles in front of a burning house of a Shiite militia member during clashes in Tuz Khurmatu, Iraq, on April 24. (Goran Tomasevic /REUTERS) The front line south of this bleak and dusty town looks much as it did two years ago, when the Islamic State was the enemy and controlled a village less than a mile away. Now, however, the Kurdish peshmerga fighters holed up behind sandbags and barbed wire are peering across the line at Shiite militias, ostensibly their allies in the fight against the Islamic State. Whether their alliance will outlast the Islamic State is in question. The militants defenses have been crumbling fast across Iraq. An offensive for the city of Mosul, the Islamic States last major stronghold in Iraq, is likely by the end of the year, U.S. commanders and Iraqi officials say. If the battle goes well, the defeat of the Islamic States self- proclaimed caliphate in Iraq, at least in terms of the territory it controls, is on the horizon. And so, too, are new problems and potentially new conflicts. For the past two years, Kurdish peshmerga, Iraqi army forces, and Shiite militias and some Sunni ones have largely overlooked long-standing differences to confront the menace facing them. But their feuds and grievances over vital issues such as the distribution of power, land, money and oil have not been resolved. [Inside ISIS: Quietly preparing for the loss of the caliphate] The manner in which the war has been fought by an assortment of locally armed groups, often with competing agendas has compounded the existing problems with new and potentially more intractable disputes. Among them are the questions of who will govern the areas vacated by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and how. The moment there is what you might call victory against ISIS, then you are up against all the problems that caused this crisis in the first place, said Yezid Sayigh of the Carnegie Middle East Center . In the process of rolling back the Islamic State, Kurdish peshmerga forces have conquered areas that were under Iraqi government control, expanding the zone ruled by the semiautonomous Kurdistan Regional Government by about 50 percent. Shiite fighters under the umbrella of the Hashd al-Shaabi which includes powerful militias backed by Iran alongside groups of ordinary volunteers have pushed far north into areas that were wholly Sunni. Syrian Kurdish forces with the Peoples Protection Units have crossed the border from Syria to help out in the fight and have occupied positions adjoining those of Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga, their fierce rivals in an even more complex, intra-Kurdish feud. The Sunni grievances that helped fuel the militants rise have not been addressed, which means the cycle of Sunni disenfranchisement, alienation and insurgency could begin again, Sayigh said. It is a complicated and messy battlefield that could easily unleash new conflicts as the victors of the war turn on one another in a scramble to control the territories left behind. Filling a vacuum The ethnically and religiously mixed town of Tuz Khurmatu is one place where the tensions have erupted in armed conflict. Late last year and again in April, at least 12 people died in clashes between Kurdish and Shiite fighters. The town, made up mostly of Turkmen Shiites, has a sizable Kurdish and Sunni Arab population. Since Kurds and Shiite militias drove the Islamic State out of nearby villages nearly two years ago, Tuz Khurmatu has been administered by the Kurds. But Shiite militias maintain offices in the town and control most of the surrounding villages. Front lines crisscross the area, and it is not considered safe to traverse them. In recent months, several suicide bombings blamed on the Islamic State have helped keep tensions high. [Ignoring Turkey, U.S. backs Kurds in drive against ISIS in Syria] But the militants are not considered the most serious threat any longer, said Maj. Mahmoud Fares Mahmoud, who commands the Kurdish post on the outskirts of Tuz Khurmatu that was involved in some of the shootouts with the militias. To be honest, the biggest threat now is the Hashd al- Shaabi, he said, referring to the Shiite militias, whose flags are visible about a mile away. Its very hard to deal with them. They are savage, barbaric people. They dont recognize any alliances or treaties, so you cant trust them. We regret that we invited them here and made an alliance with them, he added. The Iraqi government and its allies in the Shiite Hashd al- Shaabi are just as mistrustful of the Kurds, whose president, Masoud Barzani, has publicly stated that the borders of a new Kurdistan are being redrawn in blood and that he will not relinquish any territory taken by the peshmerga in the fight against the Islamic State. This is totally nonsense, said Kareem Nouri, a spokesman for the Badr Organization, one of the Shiite groups around Tuz Khurmatu. No one has any intention of allowing anyone to redraw the borders. The central government hopes to reassert its authority over the areas controlled by Kurds after the Islamic State is defeated, according to government spokesman Saad Hadithi. Any change brought about by any one person taking advantage of the circumstances is a temporary thing, he said. It is against the constitution, and we will not accept it. [Top Islamic State official suggests the militants are feeling the heat] The battle for Mosul may, however, only make things more complicated. For the first time since the war against the Islamic State was launched two years ago, the entire spectrum of forces ranged against it will be joining together, including Kurdish peshmerga, the Hashd al-Shaabi Shiite militias, a selection of small Sunni tribal forces, a couple of Christian forces and U.S. troops, who have begun deploying southeast of Mosul to serve as advisers to the mission. Although the city of Mosul is mostly Sunni Arab, the surrounding towns and villages in the province of Nineveh are populated by the full range of Iraqi ethnicities, including Sunni and Shiite Turkmen, Kurds, Christians, Arabs, Yazidis and a small group called Shabaks whose religion is similar to that of the Shiites. All have conflicting visions of how the province should be run after it is fully liberated, and there are multiple proposals for ways to divide it into smaller provinces. Iraqis are hoping to avoid future conflicts, said Assad al- Asaadi, the spokesman for the Hashd al-Shaabi movement. We will have a lot of work to do after Daesh, it is true, and it wont be easier than fighting Daesh, he said, using an Arabic name for the Islamic State. But for the coming problems, war will be our last option, because we are sick of war. The different factions are barely communicating, raising fears of a dash to assert control over the liberated areas, according to a senior Kurdish official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive subjects. Nobody is talking to one another, he said. All anyone cares about is to be the first one to hoist their flag in the center of the city. Its going to be a huge mess. U.S. officials acknowledge the concerns and say they are aware of the potential for conflict after Mosul is recaptured. The fall of Mosul is not if, but when, and when that happens, we want the planning in place to fill the political vacuum and get the people back into the city, said Col. Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman. That planning needs to happen. Read more: Pentagon will send hundreds more troops to Iraq following seizure of key airfield The war against the Islamic State hits hurdles just as the U.S. military gears up U.S. jets abandoned Syrian rebels in the desert. Then they lost a battle to ISIS. Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world THAILAND 4 dead as bombings hit tourist areas Attackers struck several tourist resort towns across southern Thailand with homemade explosives and firebombs in some of the worst violence to hit the country since a military coup two years ago. At least four people were killed and dozens wounded, including 11 foreigners. It was not clear who was behind the attacks Thursday and Friday, which followed a successful referendum last weekend on a new constitution that critics say will bolster the militarys power for years to come. But the violence appeared aimed at undermining the countrys tourism industry, which provides vital income to the government. One small bomb exploded on a beach in Patong, on the island of Phuket, and four others rattled the seaside resort city of Hua Hin. Police said firebombs also triggered blazes at markets and shops in six places, including Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Phang Nga and a souvenir shop in the tourist town of Ao Nang in Krabi province, a seaside region known for stunning limestone cliffs. Thailands economy has sagged since the military seized power in the 2014 coup. But tourism has remained one of the few bright spots. Foreign governments, including the United States, issued travel warnings for the country. Police inspect a near-empty parking lot where the popular and busy night market should have been held in the upscale resort town of Hua Hin Friday. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images) Associated Press RUSSIA Ties with Ukraine at risk, premier says Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday that Russia could break diplomatic ties with Ukraine over reported security incidents in Crimea, something it didnt do even after annexing Crimea and throwing its support behind separatist rebels in the east. State news agencies quoted Medvedev as saying that he wouldnt like the ties to be severed, but if there is no other way to change the situation, the president could take this step. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. More than 9,500 people have since been killed as a result of the fighting. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin earlier this week also spoke of the possibility of severing ties but said Kiev wouldnt want that because it would mean abandoning 4 million Ukrainians who live and work in Russia. Ukraine put its troops on combat alert Thursday along the countrys de facto borders with Crimea, amid an escalating war of words with Russia over the region. Associated Press Putin fires chief of staff: President Vladimir Putin abruptly replaced his longtime chief of staff with a low-profile younger aide, the latest move by the Russian leader to rid himself of members of his old guard. Analysts described the dismissal of 63-year-old Sergei Ivanov as a reflection of Putins increasing weariness with close lieutenants who have known him since before his ascent to the presidency, and his inclination to promote younger members of the Kremlin administration who fully owe their careers to him. Anton Vayno, 44, one of Ivanovs former deputies, will take over as chief of staff. Pope meets with freed sex slaves: Pope Francis met 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. The Vatican described the meeting, at a Rome safe house where the women live, as a call to combat human trafficking. The women, whose average age was about 30, were from Romania, Albania, Nigeria, Tunisia, Italy and Ukraine. Strikes near Aleppo kill at least 18: Airstrikes in opposition areas of Syrias northern Aleppo province hit a market, a hospital and a village, killing at least 18 people, including children and two hospital staffers, activists and rescue workers said. The predawn raids hit the hospital for women and children in the town of Kafr Hamra, near the northern front line in the divided city of Aleppo, where government troops have sealed the main route into opposition areas, effectively trapping nearly 300,000 residents. From news services MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer. The U.S. District Court in Milwaukee overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Justice, which was handling the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Magistrate Judge William Duffin said in Friday's ruling that investigators madepromises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." "These repeatedpromises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments," Duffin wrote. The ruling comes after Dassey's appeal was rejected by state courts. Read more: 'Making a Murderer': Steven Avery Attorney Seeks More Evidence Testing Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Both Avery and Dassey are serving separate life sentences. Dassey's case burst into the public's consciousness with the popularity of the Making a Murderer documentary that debuted in December. Steven Avery's defense attorney Dean Strang sent a statement to THR in response to the Dassey conviction being overturned: "Jerry [Buting] and I are relieved and gratified that a federal judge, in a thoughtful, 91-page opinion, has found Brendan Dassey's statements to law enforcement on March 1, 2006, involuntary." Story continues "Brendan's statements were involuntary - by the standards of common sense and decency that most Americans apply in their own lives, as well as under binding law that the Wisconsin courts repeatedly failed to apply," Strang continued. "His statements were also wholly unreliable and flatly wrong on essential details, which is one of the obvious risks of coercing a statement from someone in custody. Our federal courts are often the last protectors of our liberties and justice. We are thankful and proud that a federal court fulfilled its fundamental role for Brendan Dassey today. In doing so, this federal court served all Americans." Attorneys for Dassey, as well as his mother, Barbara, did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The filmmakers behind Making a Murderer cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Avery and Dassey, and their work has sparked national interest and conjecture. Armchair investigators have flooded Twitter and message boards, and key players in the case have appeared on national news and talk shows. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. Directors/executive producers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos issued a statement in response to the ruling Friday. "Today there was a major development for the subjects in our story and this recent news shows the criminal justice system at work," the statement reads. "As we have done for the past 10 years, we will continue to document the story as it unfolds, and follow it wherever it may lead." 3:30 p.m. PT: Updated to include statement from Dean Strang. 5:26 p.m. PT: Updated to include statement from directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos. NextShark Jahrah, who only has a first name as customary in Indonesia, went out to collect rubber on Sunday morning in the forest in Jambi Province on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The search parties only found success a day later, on Monday, when they discovered a 22-foot-long (6.7-meters-long) python with a bulging stomach resting in the woods. Her family then reported her missing to the local authorities, and a search has been carried out since then, Anto, the local villages chief, said. Ping pong Here is what you need to know. The stock market has done something it hadn't done since December 31, 1999. On Thursday, all three of the major averages closed at record highs on the same day for the first time since the last millennium, according to Bespoke Investment Group. While history doesn't always repeat itself, it's worth mentioning that all three topped out within a couple of months and a massive economic recession developed soon thereafter. Euro-area GDP was in line. The euro area grew 0.3% in the second quarter, according to Eurostat's flash estimate, matching predictions. The region saw a slowdown from the first quarter, which experienced growth of 0.6%. Germany's economy posted growth of 0.4%, while Italy's came in flat. The euro is up 0.2% at 1.1155. Chinese data was awful. July retail sales rose 10.2%, below the 10.5% that was expected and well short of June's reading of 10.6%. Industrial production came in at up 6.0%, versus expectations of a 6.1% print. Completing the trio of disappointing figures was fixed-asset investment, which grew 8.1% compared with the 8.8% that economists had forecast. A bank in Germany is charging negatives rates for retail depositors. Raiffeisenbank Gmund is charging depositors a custody charge of 0.4% on deposit accounts over 100,000 euros, or $111,500, according to Reuters. "We have written to all large depositors and recommended that they think things over," Josef Paul, a board member, said. "If you don't create an incentive to change things, then things don't change." The robots are coming for your jobs. A Morgan Stanley note says 47% of US jobs could be automated over the next two decades. According to the data, loan officers (98%) have the highest probability of seeing their job automated, while elementary school teachers and physicians and doctors (0.4%) have the lowest probability. Story continues Nordstrom posts a big earnings beat. The retailer earned $0.67 a share, well ahead of the $0.57 that Wall Street was expecting. Sales slid 1.2%, but that was better than the 2.6% drop that analysts were looking for. "Over the past several quarters, our team has been actively addressing our inventory, expense, and capital and in the second quarter made substantial progress by bringing down inventory in line with sales," Blake Nordstrom, the company president, said on the earnings call. San Jose is the first US city where the median home costs over $1 million. Data released by the National Association of Realtors on Wednesday showed that the median home in San Jose was worth $1.085 million. Nationwide, the average price of a single-family home is up 4.9% versus last year to $240,700. Stock markets around the world are mixed. China's Shanghai Composite (+1.6%) led in Asia, and Germany's DAX (-0.2%) lags in Europe. S&P 500 futures are up 1.75 points at 2,183.50. Earnings reports trickle out. J.C. Penney reports ahead of the opening bell. US economic data flows. Retail sales will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET, and University of Michigan consumer sentiment will cross the wires at 10 a.m. Data concludes for the week with the Baker Hughes rig count at 1 p.m. ET. The US 10-year yield is down 2 basis points at 1.54%. More From Business Insider On August 12, 1898, the United States and Spain reached a cease-fire agreement in its brief conflict over Cuba and the Philippines. The war marked Americas entrance onto the global stage as a military power. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt The Spanish-American War is just one of five conflicts where Congress approved an official declaration of war using its constitutional powers. In total, war declarations have been declared by Congress in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The dispute between the two nations over Cuba had been simmering for decades. Earlier in the 19th Century, American forces landed on Cuban soil on several occasions to pursue pirates, and then the United States government tried to buy Cuba from Spain. Prior to the war declaration by Congress on April 25, 1898, tensions were high as United States business interests eyed the sugar-producing industry in Cuba. The island had been ravaged by three years of civil war, which had been highly dramatized in some American newspapers. And after the sinking of the battleship Maine in Havanas harbor on February 15, war seemed inevitable. The Maine had been sent to Cuba by President William McKinley to safeguard American interests. On March 9, 1898 Congress passed a law to build up the United States military strength. On March 28, 1898 an investigation found that a mine blew up the Maine. On April 21 President McKinley orders a blockade of Cuba, leading to Spain breaking off diplomatic relations, and four days later the U.S. Congress declared war on Spain, two days after Spain issued its own war declaration. The actual fighting in the declared war lasted for a 10-week period. On May 1, in Manila Bay, Commodore George Deweys Asiatic Squadron defeated the Spanish naval force located in the Philippines, another Spanish possession. In June, American troops captured Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and attacked the harbor city of Santiago. After defeating the Spanish army on the ground in Cuba, the U.S. used its Navy to destroy the Spanish Caribbean squadron in July. Story continues By late July, France intervened for Spain to start peace negotiations, and a cease-fire was signed on August 12. The final peace between U.S. and Spanish governments came with the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. The costs to Spain were heavy. It had to guarantee the independence of Cuba, give Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States, and agree to sell the Philippines to the United States for the sum of $20 million. For the United States, the monetary cast was $250 million for the war. About 3,000 troops died in the conflict, with an estimated 90 percent dying from diseases. But there was one final constitutional step in the process: the U.S. Senate had to ratify the treaty in February 1899, and that was far from guaranteed. A two-thirds majority of the Senate is needed to approve a treaty, and a powerful anti-Imperialist group opposed expanding the United States into a global power. The lobby included former Presidents Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland, and industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on February 6, 1899, by a margin of just one vote, after William Jennings Bryan decided to support a treaty backed by his arch rival, President McKinley. Also, during the conflict, the United States annexed Hawaii. A joint resolution of Congress made Hawaii a U.S. territory on August 12, 1898, as concerns grew about its strategic importance in protecting the prospective new American interests in the Pacific. The United States also purchased a perpetual lease on Guantanamo Bay in Cuba in the wars aftermath. More Constitution Daily History Stories 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life 10 birthday facts about President Herbert Hoover 10 essential facts about Alexander Hamilton The anguish of faraway parents and their desire to forgive led to probation Thursday for a former UW-Madison student whose friend plunged from an apartment building last year under the influence of LSD. Drew M. Wadel, 22, of Appleton, pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor possession of LSD, the hallucinogenic drug that he gave to his friend, Kenneth L. Luangpoomyut, on June 3, 2015, before Luangpoomyut jumped or fell from a third-floor balcony of a Downtown apartment building. Wadel was originally charged with one felony count of delivering LSD. After reading a written statement by Luangpoomyuts mother, who lives in Thailand, Dane County Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds said that a proposed agreement for sentencing Wadel made sense. I must say, this is probably the most unparalleled act of forgiveness I have ever seen in a victim impact statement, Reynolds said. As a condition of probation, Wadel will spend 30 days in jail. Wadels lawyer, Chris Van Wagner, quoting former Circuit Judge James Martin, said that the time in jail would be a memory lesson for Wadel, incentive to stay out of trouble in the future. And if he finishes probation without getting into any other trouble, Wadel can ask that the case be expunged. Wadel apologized to Luangpoomyuts family for their loss, and promised that out of this tragedy, he would make the most of his life. Luangpoomyut was found outside the Equinox apartment building, 409 W. Gorham St., and died from his injuries on June 23, 2015. A criminal complaint states that Wadel told police that Luangpoomyut and his roommate had asked him to get LSD for them, which they all took. Wadel told police that Luangpoomyut wanted LSD so that they could trip. Wadel left the apartment later, and when he returned, there were police and ambulances outside the building. As medical personnel attended to Luangpoomyut, he told them he lived on the buildings third floor and had jumped from there, the complaint states. In a written statement, Luangpoomyuts mother, Wan-ling Luangpoomyut, asked the court not to be hard on Wadel. We do understand that kids at this age have the tendency to try something new for fun, she wrote. If the kid does not have bad intention, we believe that he must already (feel) very bad that he caused Kenneths death. He will have to live with that for the rest of his life. Putting him in jail for a long time, she wrote, is not going to help. It may make him worse since he has to encounter many bad people in the jail. We forgive him and hope he learned his lesson, she wrote. Van Wagner said that Wadel did six weeks of one-on-one grief counseling after his friends death. He said Wadel plans to move to Chicago and essentially start his life over. Benjamin Kickz This teenager is making bank. Benjamin Kapelushnik who goes by Benjamin "Kickz" is the wildly successful 16-year-old from Florida whose Instagram boasts a life of luxury. He's the young entrepreneur behind the rare sneaker reselling website, Sneakerdon.com, Lauren Schwartzberg writes in a recent profile in New York Magazine. He told New York Magazine that he's on track to make $1 million in sales this year. New York Magazine notes that he carefully researched both the sneaker and reselling businesses, and sold a pair of shoes that he bought a pair of LeBron X MVPs for $400...for $4,000. He was in the eighth grade. He then moved to buying shoes in bulk, and he soon got the attention of the rich and famous. When he met DJ Khaled and started appearing in his Snapchat videos, his career really took off. Further, he's not just any sneaker reseller: he's a sneaker dealer to the stars, like Rick Ross who performed at his bar mitzvah, New York Magazine notes. Schwartzberg calls him their "sneaker broker." He's frequently seen hanging out with famous rappers. You know what it issssss A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on May 8, 2016 at 8:16am PDT on May 8, 2016 at 8:16am PDT If your seeing this We Made it W/ 6 GD @champagnepapi Currently in the 6 @thesneakerdon #wethebestgang #wethebest #ovogang A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Feb 14, 2016 at 9:58pm PST on Feb 14, 2016 at 9:58pm PST For a while, some people wondered who he was, because he frequently appeared in DJ Khaled's Snapchat story. He'd tell Khaled that business was "booming." "That was just the thing that came to my head. Its, like, a word, you know? Its like, Boomin'. Its just a boomin' word. Its just boomin'," he said to New York Magazine. Happy to say I spent my New Years with the real ones only my brotha : @djkhaled A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Jan 1, 2016 at 1:32am PST on Jan 1, 2016 at 1:32am PST But they run a mile for me A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Jun 1, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT on Jun 1, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT Shoutout my brother @djkhaled #dontplayyourself #wethebest #businessisbooming #BOOMIN #sneakerdon A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Jan 15, 2016 at 8:13pm PST on Jan 15, 2016 at 8:13pm PST And it is. On Sneakerdon.com, these covetable sneakers go for very high prices. He told New York Magazine that he makes more money from his sales than from any deals he procures with famous folks. Story continues "What I make in one day on the website I cant make in a month with the rappers," he said to the magazine. Sneakerdon screenshot He likes to network heavily to make connections. "Go with a girl to the movies, go with your brother to the movies thats cool, but I have no interest in going out to parties and not networking with anyone. Not only does it get boring, youre not getting ahead," he said to New York Magazine. He's also very cautious with how he forms relationships with celebrities. "I dont look at rappers like, 'Wow, thats a rapper," he said to New York. "If every time youre like, Oh my God, can I get a picture?' youll never form a relationship Hello Kanye, Can I get ... Another one ! - @djkhaled voice #yoursneakerplugaintshit A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Aug 21, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT on Aug 21, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT No I'm not related to Kanye A photo posted by Business Is Boomin (@benjaminkickz) on Dec 24, 2015 at 1:48pm PST on Dec 24, 2015 at 1:48pm PST As for what's next for his business? New York notes that he has a reality show potentially in the works, and that the goal to open up brick and mortar stores. In December, he told Complex that he had bigger aspirations. "Im not going to be 26, 27 years old selling sneakers on Instagram. Im doing this as a 'kid thing' right now; its going to be a lot wider scale," he said to Complex. For the full New York Magazine story, click here. NOW WATCH: Teens reveal their favorite apps and the winner is clear More From Business Insider Fu Yuanhui Usually, in medal races, swimmers know where they placed almost immedaitely. If it wasn't clear when they touched as in the cases of Katie Ledecky or Michael Phelps swimmers pop out of the water, look at the big board, see their times, and know where they finished. However, on Monday, in the women's 100-meter backstroke final, 20-year-old Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui must have misread the scoreboard. After finishing with a bronze medal, she was completely unaware of where she finished during an interview with a Chinese news station. After joking about her arms being too short to win silver and expending all of her energy in prior days, she began to say "What I want to share is that even though I didn't win a medal..." before the interviewer cut her off to inform her of her success. The exchange was priceless: chinese swimmer 1 chinese swimmer 2 When the interviewer clarified that Fu won bronze, Fu had a fantastic reaction. chinese swimmer 3 chinese swimmer 4 As the New York Times' Austin Ramzy explained, this is typical Fu, who is becoming a Chinese sensation. In a country known for buttoned-up, straight-faced athletes who value first place above all else, Fu is an exception. As can be seen here, she was delighted by any medal. She will swim Saturday in the 4x100m medley relay, and we can only hope she medals to see more reactions like this. NOW WATCH: We just figured out how to get super-toned calves without weights or implants More From Business Insider Aug 12 (Reuters) - Twenty-four people, including two crew members, were injured when their JetBlue Airways flight from Boston to Sacramento, California, experienced heavy turbulence, CNN reported on Friday. Flight 0429 landed safely on Thursday night in Rapid City, South Dakota, where the 22 passengers and two crew members were taken to the hospital, the news network reported.(http://cnn.it/2bkESR2) "Flight attendant was in galley during incident. Hit her head on ceiling and completely dislodged the panel. Cuts, neck injury, and concussion," passenger Derek Lindahl wrote on his Twitter account after the incident. The airline has sent a replacement aircraft to take the other passengers to Sacramento, CNN said. JetBlue was not immediately available for comment. The passengers were treated for minor injuries and were released by early Friday, NBC News said, citing the Rapid City Regional Hospital. In May, eight passengers were injured when a JetBlue flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Orlando experienced turbulence. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee) When the children are away, parents will save. That's long been the belief of financial advisors and economists that study saving habits. That's not what one of Stephen Brubaker's clients planned to do after their children flew the coop. Brubaker, an advisor at Exit & Retirement Strategies near Denver, discussed with his clients their options after they had succeeded in doing what so many parents want to achieve: paying for their children's education. Once the children were done with school, though, the two parents wanted to buy a $30,000 truck to celebrate. Why not, right? [See: 10 Tips for Couples and Young Families to Build Wealth.] Brubaker's sees this initial desire to spend often in empty nesters. His clients aren't unique in that sense. According to a recent study by the Boston College Center for Retirement Research, empty nesters aren't saving at nearly the rate that experts and advisors expect. When children expenses drop out of the equation, the increase in parents' savings rates are "extremely small," according to the study. In fact, based on previous studies, a two-parent household making $100,000 income, contributing 6 percent of the salary to a 401(k), would be expected to increase that savings by 12 percentage points once the children leave. But the Boston College study found that, at most, the increase is a 0.7 percent boost in savings. "Households' financial response to the kids leaving may seem like a matter of personal preference, but it has important implications for retirement preparedness," write the authors of the report. "If households stand pat and maintain their total consumption when the kids leave, they will aim to keep that consumption level in retirement and will have less savings with which to do it." One reason for this gap is due to an empty nester's desire to spend the freed up money on home improvements, cars, vacations or other long-delayed dreams. Here's how to avoid this mistake and increase savings instead of creating financial trouble. Story continues Sit down with the spouse and set goals. Now that the hours spent planning for a child's future has finished, this is the time for parents to focus on their own goals and needs. The parents must understand why they're saving, Brubaker says. "The couple needs to find a vision for the future," to create reachable goals. Whether the goals are to retire at 60, or buy a vacation home, or go on the European vacation, once the goals are defined, then planning for them becomes much more concrete. That's how the budget is created, determining what's available to go toward savings and what's needed for everyday living. In order to ensure all funds are accounted for, use online tools, like Mint.com, to determine what's automatically getting deducted from the credit or checking accounts each month, Brubaker says. After years of expenses built up from child-related care, there are a number of costs that come off the books. These hidden costs, since they're often automatic deductions, can eat away at the ability to save. [See: 10 Ways You Can Throw Retail Stocks in Your Cart.] Stash away the money that used to go toward the children. When the clients of Brubaker no longer had to pay for their children, it freed up $20,000 to $30,000 a year. In their mid-50s, they wanted to use that money to buy the truck, since their current vehicle had about 80,000 miles on it and it needed some repairs. Instead, Brubaker convinced them to pay $1,800 to repair the vehicle and save the rest. It allowed them to adjust where the money went without ever seeing it hit their checking account, ensuring they don't miss the funds. By taking this tactic, the couple is on track to retire at 61 instead of their mid-60s, even after factoring in a planned remodel of their house. This time period between freeing up from responsibilities to children and retirement is important because someone older than 50 can increase their rate of savings. Instead of the maximum contribution of $18,000 on a 401(k), the savings rate can be increased to $24,000. This also potentially increases the employer match. It's the time to look at health care savings options or long-term care safety nets as well. Sheila Padden, an advisor at Padden Financial Planning in Chicago, suggests that couples with two paychecks try to live on just one while putting the other in savings. While that may not be for everyone, it's a tactic to keep the savings structured, even after the kids are gone. Financially break away from the kids, if possible. One issue Padden sees often from her own clients is how difficult it is for parents to truly break away from their kids financially. Even when the children have high-paying jobs, she'll see clients continue to pay for the child's cell phones or auto insurance. "It's really difficult to not support your children," she says. "It's really better for them to let them live under their own salary." These small payments can also add up, preventing parents from saving as much as they can. And it's worth doing so, since, in a few years, those children could boomerang themselves back into mom and dad's home. [See: 10 Long-Term Investing Strategies That Work.] If that happens, then focusing on what matters when the kids first leave, will make the financial impact of their return a little less difficult, Brubaker says. More From US News & World Report Donald Trump spent several years in front of reality television cameras as the face of NBC's Apprentice franchise, but many have argued his current presidential run is his most outrageous show yet. In search of a fitting title, The Hollywood Reporter reached out to seven Emmy-nominated reality producers and hosts for their best - or at least their most entertaining - pitches. Project Weref#ckedlight - Jane Lipsitz, executive producer, HBO's Project Greenlight Pompadour & Circumstance - Arthur Smith, executive producer, NBC's American Ninja Warrior The Amazing Racist or Extreme Combover: Home Edition - Rob Wade, executive producer, ABC's Dancing With the Stars The Mouth That Roared - Clay Newbill, executive producer, ABC's Shark Tank The Yuuuuugest Loser, The Flavor of Hate or Keeping Up With the Klan-dashians - W. Kamau Bell, host, CNN's United Shades of America "Orange Is the New Whack, Who Wants to Be a Canadian? or, when Hillary wins, we'll just go with The Biggest Loser." - Casey Patterson, executive producer, Spike's Lip Sync Battle "Orange Is the New White. Trumpageddon would be a ratings grabber, too." - R. Decker Watson Jr., executive producer, Discovery's Deadliest Catch Read more: Emmys: 'Lip Sync Battle,' 'Amazing Race' Producers Reveal Harrowing and Heartwarming Off-Camera Moments A version of this story first appeared in the Aug. 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Kang Ha Neul plays eighth prince Wang Wook in Scarlet Heart. (Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia) Kang Ha Neul, one of the male leads for the Korean drama remake of the 2011 Chinese hit serial Scarlet Heart, will be in Singapore to promote the drama with a special meet-and-greet session. On Saturday (27 Aug), he will be meeting fans at the Waterway Points Village Square at level one. The 26-year-old star will be signing autographs, taking group photos, and playing games on stage with fans during the open-to-public fan-meeting. This will be the second time that Kang has visited Singapore for a promotional event. He visited last year to promote the coming-of-age comedy Twenty as part of the Korea Film Festival (KFF). In the Korean version of Scarlet Heart, Kang plays the eighth prince, Wang Wook, the role originally played by Hong Kong actor Kevin Cheng in the Chinese version. The drama will premiere in Korea and Singapore on 29 August, and will air on SONY Channel ONE in Singapore every Monday and Tuesday at 9pm. By Svea Herbst-Bayliss and Tim McLaughlin BOSTON (Reuters) - One of Herbalife Ltd's largest investors sold more of the company's stock, just weeks after the U.S. government told the protein shake maker to reorganize its business, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In an SEC filing on Wednesday, Fidelity Investments, the second largest investor in Herbalife (HLF.N), said it had cut its stake in the firm to 7.4 million shares, a 14 percent reduction from the 8.6 million shares it reported owning at the end of June. "The fact that Fidelity is selling is a good sign," said Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager who bet $1 billion that Herbalife's stock would collapse. Fidelity declined to comment. The mutual fund's portfolio managers, including Steve Wymer of Fidelity Growth Company Fund, have been cooling on Herbalife in recent months. Boston-based Fidelity funds cut their stake in Herbalife by 26 percent in the second quarter, disclosures show. Sales after the Federal Trade Commission fined Herbalife $200 million on July 15 could suggest sentiment may be souring more quickly on the $6 billion market cap nutrition and weight loss company. The FTC ordered Herbalife to hire a monitor to track product sales and said the company had been deceiving hundreds of thousands of hopeful people. Ackman, who has lobbied the government to shut Herbalife down, has called the company a pyramid scheme. "There is no longer a bull case to be made for this stock," Ackman said on Thursday evening. With the stock price up 22 percent this year, he is sitting on several hundred million dollars of paper losses. Ackman made his remarks after a screening of "Betting on Zero," a film that details his four-year battle with Herbalife. Herbalife declined to comment, but the company's stock has rallied about 10 percent since the FTC fine was announced. Other large investors, including Credit Suisse, Blue Mountain Capital Management and TIAA Cref Investment Management have also cut their stakes in the second quarter, according to new regulatory filings. Story continues Some investors have loaded up on Herbalife, however, including William Blair Investment Management, which bought 1.5 million shares during the second quarter, SEC filings show. Billionaire Carl Icahn, Herbalife's largest investor, has five representatives on the board. He owned 17 million shares on March 31 and has not yet released second-quarter holdings. (Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Tom Brown) A federal judge in Madison on Thursday night granted a partial stay to his ruling from late last month that narrowed some state voting laws, pulling back his requirement that the state reform a system for assisting voters who lack credentials to get ID before the November election. U.S. District Judge James Peterson let stand all other aspects of his July 29 ruling, which scaled back limits on in-person absentee voting that he said are unfair largely to minority voters. In that ruling, Peterson issued several orders that pertained to Wisconsins 2011 voter ID law and Republican-authored voting-related laws that followed it. Both the state Attorney Generals Office and the groups that brought the lawsuit, One Wisconsin Institute and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, have appealed Petersons ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in Chicago. We will let the courts decision speak for itself when it wrote, Defendants have not made a strong showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their appeal: the court is not persuaded that any aspect of its decision was wrong, said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Institutes executive director. In his order issued Thursday night, Peterson wrote that his ruling required modest, but meaningful, adjustments to a few election procedures and requirements but leaves the states voter ID framework in place. The states contention that the ruling would require a vast overhaul of state election procedures, Peterson said, is, to put it mildly, an exaggeration. Peterson said, however, that he will stay his requirement that, before the next election, the state fundamentally reform the process for obtaining a free photo ID for voting for those who lack credentials such as a birth certificate. He said that the states emergency measures already in place will allow anyone who has begun the process to get a receipt that will serve as a valid ID to vote in the Nov. 8 general election. This is not a permanent solution because the long-term status of the receipts is uncertain, Peterson wrote. But the required reform can wait until the parties complete their appeal. Still, Attorney General Brad Schimel hailed Petersons order Thursday night as a victory. On Wednesday, a panel of the 7th Circuit stayed a judges ruling in a separate voter ID lawsuit being heard in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee that would have allowed those unable to obtain identification to vote by signing affidavits. For the second time in three days a court has granted our motion for stay in a case challenging Wisconsins voter ID laws and we are very pleased with this courts decision to allow this law to be in effect for the November 2016 election, Schimel said. Afghanistan's chief executive has castigated his ally Ashraf Ghani as "unfit for the presidency", in a public outburst highlighting bitter internal divisions that threaten their US-brokered power sharing agreement. Abdullah Abdullah's comments come ahead of a September deadline for the government to honour the fragile agreement signed after the fraud-tainted presidential election in 2014, which both leaders claimed to have won. By then the government is expected to enact sweeping election reforms and amend the constitution to create the position of prime minister for Abdullah. Observers say that deadline is unlikely to be met, effectively tipping Afghanistan into a political crisis. "Electoral reforms were one of the promises made when the National Unity Government was formed. Why weren't these reforms brought?" Abdullah told a small gathering in Kabul on Thursday. "Mr President, over a period of three months you do not have time to see your chief executive face-to-face for even an hour or two? What do you spend your time on? "There are arguments in every government but if someone does not have patience for discussion, then he is unfit for the presidency." The acrimony comes as Taliban insurgents are threatening to overrun Lashkar Gah, capital of the strategic poppy-growing southern province of Helmand. Abdullah, a former anti-Soviet fighter, also accused Ghani of monopolising power and not consulting him over key government appointments. The presidential palace offered a measured response on Friday, saying Abdullah's remarks "were not in accordance with the spirit of governance", while at the same time extending him an olive branch. "The National Unity Government will work collectively, and very soon serious and effective discussions will take place (regarding Abdullah's comments)," the palace said, without offering details. Abdullah said he would meet Ghani on Saturday to try to iron out some of their differences. Story continues - 'Deal in danger' - Their power-sharing deal, brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry, was hailed after the troubled 2014 election as a breakthrough as it averted potential military and political confrontations. But it was only meant to be a stopgap arrangement before a more permanent solution was fleshed out by a loya jirga (grand assembly of elders) and a constitutional amendment to formalise Abdullah's position as prime minister. Divisions between the two leaders are an open secret in Kabul but Abdullah's public outburst is a prelude to what analysts are calling "political fireworks" if their agreement is not honoured. Aside from election reforms, under the deal the government is also expected to hold parliamentary elections by the end of September. Political opposition groups, including former president Hamid Karzai, are mounting pressure to hold the loya jirga to decide the government's constitutional legitimacy. "The National Unity Government deal is in danger," Jawed Kohistani, a Kabul-based political analyst, told AFP. "Electoral reforms, parliamentary elections, loya jirga will almost definitely not happen anytime soon. This could plunge the government into crisis." The potential crisis could destabilise the government at a time when it is struggling to rein in an emboldened Taliban insurgency. Fighting has been raging in Helmand as Afghanistan rushed military reinforcements to beat back Taliban insurgents advancing on the besieged capital of the province. The US and Afghan officials insist they will not allow the city to fall, but the fighting has sent thousands of people fleeing to Lashkar Gah, sparking a humanitarian crisis as officials report food and water shortages. Hamidullah Farooqi, a senior Ghani advisor, said Abdullah's outburst had left him "very disappointed". "Lashing out publicly at the president at such a sensitive time will damage the public perception about the government," he told AFP. Shares of Akers Biosciences Inc. AKER increased almost 3% to close at $3.17 on Aug 11, after the company reported second-quarter 2016 results. We note that the company posted a loss of 19 cents per share in the quarter, narrower than the loss of 41 cents reported in the year-ago quarter, primarily buoyed by higher product revenues. Quarter Details Product revenues surged 28.4%, thanks to massive China and U.S. sales for the PIFA Heparin test segment. The company sold about $880,000 PIFA Heparin tests, up 57% from the year-ago quarter. However, as the company had no contribution from License fees, total revenues dropped 1%. Notably, Akers Biosciences won an order worth $2.5 million from Novotek in China for PIFA Heparin test in the previous quarter, of which $0.5 million has been shipped in the reported quarter. Meanwhile in the U.S., sale of PIFA Heparin is being exclusively strategized to gain market share, by utilizing the Integrated Delivery Networks (the regional healthcare providers). AKERS BIOSCIENC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise AKERS BIOSCIENC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AKERS BIOSCIENC Quote Sales in the MPC product section decreased 73% from the prior-year quarter. However, the year-ago quarter figure included a significant order in Great Britain worth $146,000 for the BreathScan Alcohol Breathalyzer. Taking this into consideration, the net MPC Sales surged a notable 100%. In the reported quarter, Akers Biosciences fortified its market position, courtesy Akers Wellness Platform. The company also signed a deal with Aero-Med to distribute BreathScan OxiChek, an exclusive product from this platform. Notably, the initial orders from the deal have been shipped. Strong focus on product development was another key positive in the reported quarter, as the company has made promising advances in the development of the Chlamydia test. Here we note that the company has formulated a highly exclusive, rapid, finger stick blood test for Chlamydia, the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the world. Margin Details Gross margin expanded a massive 630 basis points (bps) to approximately 71% of revenues. Consistent focus on core business, successful execution of sales price increases and stringent control on cost of production resulted in the margin improvement. Operating expenses for the company declined 38.2% on a year-over-year basis, thanks to 360 bps and 550 bps reduction in sales and marketing and research and development costs, respectively. Our Take We are impressed with Akers Biosciences innovative product pipeline that includes hassle-free rapid test solutions. The companys efforts to ramp up PIFA Heparin sales in the U.S. and overseas through new distribution partnerships are also encouraging. We are also positive on sales in China (Novotek), meaningful contributions from the wellness platform and stringent cost control in all key areas of business. However, the modest second-quarter results are likely to keep investors on the sidelines for the moment. Stocks to Consider Stocks that warrant a look in the medical sector are NuVasive Inc NUVA, Baxter International Inc. BAX and Quidel Corp. QDEL. All the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BAXTER INTL (BAX): Free Stock Analysis Report NUVASIVE INC (NUVA): Free Stock Analysis Report QUIDEL CORP (QDEL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research When Alan Ladd Jr. was president of 20th Century Fox Pictures in the 1970s, he greenlit Star Wars and Alien. That alone ensures him a place in Hollywood history. But his career also includes a third sci-fi classic Blade Runner as well as The Omen, Young Frankenstein, Braveheart, Chariots of Fire, and other cinema biggies through 2007s Gone Baby Gone. The executive is now the subject of a documentary, Its Always About the Story: Conversations With Alan Ladd Jr., which screens Aug. 13 at the Marina del Rey Festival before it continues on the festival circuit. The doc is one of four films (so far) in the Film History Preservation Project. Its the brainchild of director-producer Stanley Isaacs, who is planning more such docs, to bring wider recognition to Hollywoods unsung heroes: film producers. Film buffs know stars and directors, but rarely know producers or executives like Ladd, aka Laddie. He grew up in the industry as the son of movie star Alan Ladd and started his career as an agent, before becoming a producer for a few years, and joining Fox in 1973, first as creative affairs VP. He moved up to president in August 1976. The doc rattles off titles made during his Fox tenure, including All That Jazz, Mel Brooks Silent Movie, Breaking Away, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and a slew of women-centric tales: Julia, Norma Rae, The Turning Point, and An Unmarried Woman. Michael Gruskoff, who produced several films for Fox during Ladds regime, observes that many of the key executives then were women, including Lucy Fisher and Paula Weinstein. Despite these successes as an exec and his lengthy career as a producer, Laddie is known primarily for one decision made when he was an executive: He was the person who gambled on Lucas dream, as Variety stated on June 1, 1977, a week after the film opened. In the mid-1970s, science-fiction and fantasy seemed like tired genres, thanks to a glut of cheapo outer-space movies in the 1950s and 60s. In the documentary, Ladd says simply that he trusted Georges vision for Star Wars. He was told that the visual-effects element would be important, but shrugs, I didnt understand it, but George did. Story continues The original plan was to open the film with about a dozen playdates, but word of mouth was so good that the film debuted on 34 screens on May 25, 1977. By July 27, it had grown to a then-impressive 843 screens. It paid off for everyone. In June 1979, according to the Variety Archives: Ladd, 41, made showbiz history this year, becoming perhaps the highest paid exec in Hollywood ever, when he earned $1,944,385 in 1978, most of which was an incentive plan bonus on top of his $278,120 annual salary. In modern dollars, the payday converts to an annual salary of $1.05 million, and a bonus of $7.4 million. Thats peanuts compared to some of todays executives, but it was big stuff back then. Ladd left the exec suites after just a few years, for a longer career as a producer. He joined with Jay Kanter and Gareth Wigan in 1979 to create the Ladd Co., the production company behind Blade Runner, Chariots of Fire, Body Heat, The Right Stuff, the first two Police Academy movies, and the American release of Sergio Leones Once Upon a Time in America (in a severely edited version). In the documentary, Ladd doesnt expound much about his reputation for fostering new talent; as an example, he says simply that he OKd the casting of the little-known Michael Keaton as star of the 1982 Night Shift because he trusted director Ron Howard. Brooks says in the doc, Laddie is the center of movie knowledge. That alone makes him a perfect subject for the Film History Preservation series. Producer-director Isaacs says film fans might know that Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese have produced films, but often cant name anyone else. They dont realize that with some of their favorite movies, the producer has championed that project for years. There are so many producers who have great stories to tell that need to be preserved. The preservation project began when Isaacs interviewed Al Ruddy (The Godfather, Million Dollar Baby). Since the Ladd film, two other documentaries are in the can: Mace Neufeld (The Hunt for Red October, Denzel Washingtons The Equalizer) and Mark Canton (300, Cake). When audiences have seen the Ruddy or Ladd films, Isaacs says a common reaction is Why didnt they teach us this in film school? He adds that many film-school grads or industry workers know the movies, but they dont know the people. So many of these people have great stories to tell, and they all need to be preserved. Related stories Stanley Kubrick & '2001': Over Budget and Behind Schedule -- but a Radical Classic Olivia de Havilland Turns 100: How 'Gone With the Wind's' True Rebel Fought the Studio System and Won Hattie McDaniel: Hollywood's Beloved, Controversial Trailblazer (Getty Images) Suspended Tennessee defensive tackle Alexis Johnsons attorney says his client has been cleared by the schools judicial panel of conduct violations. According to the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Johnson is still currently suspended from the football team. He was suspended in February after an arrest on charges of assault and false imprisonment. Gregory P. Isaacs confirmed the ruling to the News Sentinel on Thursday, adding that he was pleased with the results, but declined to comment further. Johnson was allegedly involved in an incident with an ex. The two were play fighting and the actions then allegedly became more than that when he put his hands on her throat. Johnson agreed to a deal with the district attorneys office earlier this spring on a reduced charge of domestic assault regarding the incident. [Check out Dr. Saturday on Tumblr for entertaining things you wont see on the blog] The domestic assault charge was set to be dismissed after six months without terms if Johnson did not get into any further trouble. The agreement was announced April 21, so the charge would be dismissed around the same time in October. The junior college transfer hasnt played a down or practiced with Tennessee. He signed with the school after transferring from Fort Scott Community College. Johnson was a four-star recruit in the class of 2016. [Visit Dr. Saturday on Facebook for stories you might have missed and chat with the writers] Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! By Rishika Sadam and Paul Carsten BENGALURU/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Alibaba Group Holding Ltd posted its best revenue growth since before the e-commerce titan's listing in late 2014, lifting its shares to their highest level in a year. But Alibaba was silent on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into its accounting practices, which have long been the subject of criticism. In the three months to June 30, Alibaba also made more money from mobile shopping than from PCs for the first time, helping to send its shares up by more than 5 percent to $92.10 in New York, its highest level in more than a year. "We never had any doubt that we would be able to deliver increasing monetisation of our users," Executive Vice Chairman Joe Tsai told a post-earnings conference call. "This is a decoupling of revenue from GMV (gross merchandise volume)," he said, referring to a measure of the total value of goods transacted on Alibaba's online shopping platforms. Despite GMV growth remaining low compared to previous years, rising 24 percent to 837 billion yuan, Alibaba is squeezing more money out of its e-commerce business, chiefly from advertising. That translated to quarterly revenues of 32.15 billion yuan ($4.84 billion), a 59 percent leap from the previous year and the highest growth rate since late 2013. Analysts had on average had expected revenue of 30.17 billion yuan, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Chief Financial Officer Maggie Wu said the ratio of money Alibaba made from e-commerce transactions was higher for mobile users than non-mobile users for the first time, something investors had expressed scepticism about before its IPO. Net income attributable to shareholders fell to 7.14 billion yuan, or 2.94 yuan per share, from 30.82 billion yuan, or 11.92 yuan per share, in the year-earlier quarter, when Alibaba deconsolidated its film business. However, China's flagging economic growth could threaten Alibaba, said Wedbush Securities' Gil Luria. Story continues "If there is a slowdown in the Chinese economy. ... I don't believe Alibaba is going to escape that," Luria said. BRANCHING OUT While China e-commerce was strong for Alibaba in its first quarter, the company is also investing in other businesses including cloud computing arm Aliyun, driverless vehicles and online shopping in Southeast Asia. It hopes these can become an eventual source of growth as Alibaba faces the prospect of a saturated online retail market in China. Although some are showing promise - Aliyun sales rose 156 percent, though only contributed 4 percent of total revenue - most are still loss-making. Tsai also took aim at those who had criticised Alibaba for its opaque accounting practices, noting that the company had started to report its revenues by business segments and provide more detail about its earnings. "We have worked hard to make it easy to understand Alibaba," he said. "We have provided you with more detailed info about our company so that you can better analyse our business." However, Alibaba said in June it would in the future only release GMV figures, a measure it had previously strongly emphasized, on an annual basis. This followed the disclosure that the SEC was probing Alibaba's accounting practices, related party transactions and data from its annual Singles' Day shopping festival, which produces figures the firm touts as a yardstick for its scale and success. Asked about the investigation on Bloomberg Television, Tsai said there were no updates. (Editing by Ted Kerr and Alexander Smith) Police have not released any further information on the "persons of interest" but have said they are not suspects in the Wednesday killing of a 30-year-old man. The stream of high-profile exits continues for Alphabet Inc. GOOGL as Bill Maris, founder and CEO of its venture capital arm GV has decided to step down. Created in 2009 and currently funded entirely by Alphabet, GV has grown to be the most active U.S. corporate venture arm. The company has invested in a number of startups that include big names such as Uber Technologies Inc., Jet.com Inc., Slack Technologies Inc. and Nest (before it was acquired by Alphabet). Currently, GV has 14 partners and 70 employees. It manages more than $2.4 billion. Formerly known as Google Ventures, the unit was rebranded to GV after the formation of Alphabet last year. Maris will be replaced by David Krane, a 17-year Google veteran and currently a managing partner at GV. Krane joined Google in 2000 as director of global communications and public affairs and became managing partner of Google Ventures in 2014. According to Maris, GV is in great hands and Im looking forward to a little time off and seeing what the future holds. ALPHABET INC-A Price ALPHABET INC-A Price | ALPHABET INC-A Quote Series of High Profile Departures Google has lost a number of high level executives in recent months. Chris Urmson, chief technical officer of the companys self-driving car project, resigned last week. Anthony Levandowski, product manager for the program, had stepped down earlier this year. Tony Fadell, CEO of its home-automation unit Nest, quit in June. Zacks Rank Currently, Google has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the broader technology space are PetMed Express, Inc. PETS, Netgear Inc. NTGR and Amkor Technology, Inc. AMKR, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NETGEAR INC (NTGR): Free Stock Analysis Report PETMED EXPRESS (PETS): Free Stock Analysis Report AMKOR TECH INC (AMKR): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research From Cosmopolitan At the London 2012 Games, Aly Raisman famously got shafted from a bronze medal in the women's individual all-around final after a silly tie-breaker rule gave the lead to Russian Aliya Mustafina instead. This time around in Rio, Aly won silver - just two days after she and the rest of Team USA won gold for the team all-around finals. Photo credit: Getty Raisman was bumped to fourth place early on in the competition when Mustafina knocked Simone Biles and fellow Russian Seda Tutkhalian down after her uneven bars routine. Raisman recovered ground on the vault (where Mustafina lost some) and required a mere 14.001 to climb back up to second place leading into the final floor round. Raisman will need 14.001 to pass current leader Aliya Mustafina of Russia. - USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 11, 2016 She more than did that and knew it the second she finished her routine. Aly knows she's got the silver and she can't believe it. Tears as she walks off the podium, hand on her heart. Amazing. - USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 11, 2016 Both she and Biles celebrated their victories immediately after the floor, before their medals were even confirmed. Her and Biles placing second and first respectively is historical - it's only the second time in history Team USA has taken the top two gymnastic slots in the individual finals. Photo credit: Getty Unreal. Follow Tess on Twitter. The legal battle continues between Amber Heard and her estranged husband, Johnny Depp. The 30-year-old actress was to give her deposition on Friday, but got her date moved to Saturday, the Los Angeles Superior Court confirms to ET. Heard is filming Justice League in London, England, and had the deposition pushed back so she could return to the U.S. in time for the meeting. EXCLUSIVE: Amber Heard's Texts From 2014 Detail Alleged Assault by Johnny Depp -- 'He's Done This Many Times' "To no fault of her own, Amber was unable to arrange for a flight to travel from London to Los Angeles which would arrive in Los Angeles by 10 a.m. on Friday August 12, 2016, so that she could appear for deposition on that date and time," reads the recent court filing obtained by ET. Depp's deposition has also been scheduled for Saturday, but Heard's legal team finds it "highly unlikely that Johnny will appear and cooperate." WATCH: Johnny Depp's Ex Vanessa Paradis Added to Witness List in Domestic Violence Restraining Order Case The actress' original deposition date was Aug. 6, and while she did show up to the offices of Depp's lawyers, she was not deposed. The 52-year-old actor's attorney, Laura Wasser, claimed in documents obtained by ET that Heard refused to leave a room adjacent to where the deposition was to take place. Wasser claims she could "quite clearly" see "Amber hysterically crying and pacing in her separate conference room, or screaming and yelling at times and laughing at others." WATCH: Why Amber Heard Might Face an Uphill Battle in Obtaining Permanent Restraining Order Against Johnny Depp In the latest court filing, Heard's lawyers call these allegations "categorically false." "At all times, Amber has been ready to go forward with her deposition and is prepared to do so," her lawyers insisted. Meanwhile, a hearing to determine if Heard is issued a permanent domestic violence restraining order against Depp is still scheduled for Aug. 17. Story continues Heard was granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband on May 27, after alleging that Depp was both emotionally and physically abusive towards her throughout their relationship. Wasser has responded to Heard's allegations, claiming the actress is "attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse." Earlier this week, Depp's ex, Vanessa Paradis, was added to the witness list for the Aug. 17 court hearing. The actor's lawyers will call upon Paradis, along with 23 other witnesses, to support Depp's claim that he did not physically abuse Heard during their time together. WATCH: Johnny Depp's Attorney Claims Amber Heard Appeared 'Manic' and 'Irrational' Before Deposition Related Articles A 3,000-year-old skeleton has been discovered at an altar dedicated to Zeus at Mount Lykaion in Greece, and archaeologists say the new finding may be the remains of a human sacrifice offered to the Greek god. The discovery was announced Wednesday (Aug. 10) in a statement from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs. Archaeologists from the Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project excavated the skeleton, which appears to be that of a male teenager, this summer. Mount Lykaion is known to be the site of a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the ancient Greek god of sky and thunder. [The 7 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth] Since 2007, these researchers have been excavating a massive "ash altar" containing the remains of drinking cups, animal and human figurines, vases, coins, and a vast quantity of burnt animal offerings, most of which come from sheep and goats. "Several ancient literary sources mention rumors that human sacrifice took place at the altar, but up until a few weeks ago, there has been no trace whatsoever of human bones discovered at the site," excavation leader David Gilman Romano, a professor of Greek archaeology at the University of Arizona, told the Associated Press. The ancient writer Pausanias (A.D. 110-180) told of a legend he heard of a king named Lycaon who was turned into a wolf while sacrificing a child. "Lycaon brought a human baby to the altar of (Zeus) and sacrificed it, pouring out its blood upon the altar, and according to the legend, immediately after the sacrifice, he was changed from a man to a wolf," Pausanias wrote in a book on the geography of Greece (translation from a "Description of Greece with an English Translation" by W.H.S. Jones, Litt.D., and H.A. Ormerod, Harvard University Press, 1918). Archaeologists told the Associated Press that they don't know whether the teenager they found was sacrificed and that much of the altar has yet to be excavated. Story continues "Whether it's a sacrifice or not, this is a sacrificial altar ... so it's not a place where you would bury an individual. It's not a cemetery," Romano told the news agency, adding that the upper part of the teenager's skull is missing. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. layout You're a gazelle. You're a gazelle who's about to have a very bad day. That's because as you and your herd are going along your business on the Ustyart Plateau of northern Uzbekistan, you come across a ridge in the ground. You keep running alongside it, then it disappears. So you think nothing of it. Then you find another ridge in your path. You don't like having things in your way, so you veer a little to follow it, figuring it will disappear soon too. Then you find yourself and the rest of your herd at the bottom of a ditch. That's how scientists think real structures called desert kites worked. They were built over a huge span of time, from 8,000 to 2,500 years ago across a swath of land from the Middle East to Central Asia. They're basically gigantic traps. We heard about them in a National Geographic story, but they were first noticed during World War I. Desert kites are hard to see from the ground they just seem like random ditches and ridges. But from the air, the patterns they make begin to pop out. They look a bit like a grade-schooler's drawing of a tulip with the middle petal missing. In this satellite image, the outer edges of two desert kites are highlighted. two traps People have speculated they were used for everything from religious ceremonies to camel fences. But the current theory is that they were elaborate funnels for trapping herds of wild gazelle and similar animals as many as a hundred at a time. For the last few years, scientists from a range of fields have begun to study them in earnest. They've worked on mapping them, figuring out how they may have been used, and even estimating the impact the technique may have had on the animals it caught. You can see how desert kites worked in this video beginning at 4:35. Desert kites are pretty widespread: more than 5,000 have been spotted. But scientists have been able to identify some local differences in precisely how they're designed. The desert kites were still used by locals as recently as early in the 20th century, but they aren't much of a risk to wildlife now. That's because there aren't huge herds roaming the plateaus these days. Story continues For example, saigas, a type of lumpy-nosed antelope, died at incredibly high rates last year due to a mysterious disease. Even over the past three decades, residents have noticed sharp declines in the animals around them. saiga But at the peak of their use, scientists say, the desert kites could have helped push some species to extinction. The problem with slaughtering huge portions of the population en masse isn't just the number of animals you lose. It also changes what the population looks like. Instead of picking off the oldest or the slowest or the sickest or the injured the ones who can't outrun an arrow or a bullet this type of hunting kills off more adults and young adults. That means there are fewer animals reproducing and makes the population more fragile. When scientists looked at the skeletons of animals buried near desert kites, they found exactly this pattern: lots of healthy animals, some just a few months old. They believe the kites contributed to the extinction of the Persian gazelle, which hunters may have been targeting. But we use now a surprisingly similar technique to harvest the oceans. A purse seine is a giant net as much as a mile long that can catch a whole school of fish in one go. It's great for efficiency, but helps contribute to a global problem of overfishing. Global fish populations have been declining since 1988. No matter what happens to the oceans' fish, archaeologists will never study purse seines the way they've been able to study desert kites. But there's still more to learn from these giant arrows pointing to nowhere and perhaps how to live within the planet's resources is one of those lessons. NOW WATCH: Archaeologists just unearthed a massive 1800-year-old mural More From Business Insider The Sundance Institute gave Nate Parker its Vanguard leadership award at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday night, marking another milestone for Parker and his upcoming social justice-themed film, The Birth Of A Nation. In accepting the prizewhich in prior years went to filmmakers Benh Zeitlin, Ryan Coogler, Damien Chazelle and Marielle HellerParker announced that he and the cast and producing team behind The Birth Of A Nation would fund a fellowship for 18-to-24-year-old filmmakers participating in the Sundance Ignite program. The Birth Of A Nation, purchased by Fox Searchlight Pictures at the 2016 Sundance festival for a record $17.5 million, had been made with support from a Sundance program. Through a private foundation, Parker in July announced plans to support a film program for students at Wiley College, a black liberal arts college in Marshall, TX. The Birth of A Nation is set for release by Fox Searchlight on October 7. It re-tells the story of the Nat Turner slave rebellion of 1831, with an eye on contemporary racial tensions. Related stories Fox Searchlight, Nate Parker Confront Old Sex Case That Could Tarnish 'The Birth Of A Nation' From the Academy Morgue: Fox's Half-Century Struggle To 'Birth' Movie About Nat Turner 'Birth Of A Nation' Helmer Nate Parker Sets New Film With Legendary CHICAGO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Three more people in Florida have tested positive for Zika caused by local mosquitoes, including another person who does not live in the one-square-mile (2.6-square-km) area believed to be the hub of local transmission, state officials said on Friday. Florida now has 28 cases of non-travel-related Zika, a virus that spread rapidly across Latin America and the Caribbean. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning for pregnant women to avoid this area of Miami. Zika has been shown to cause birth defects, including microcephaly, which causes severe developmental problems. As of Friday, two individuals in Miami-Dade County have been infected with Zika through local transmission who live outside the transmission area. A third person in Palm Beach County has also tested positive for Zika. The health department said it still believes local transmission is only occurring in the one-square-mile (2.6-square-km) area located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. The state said is has just begun investigating the second Miami case outside of the Wynwood neighborhood and has begun mosquito control efforts. It did not disclose the location of the new case and stressed that one case does not mean active transmission. In addition to cases caused by local transmission, Florida reported 10 new travel-related cases of Zika, bringing the total to 413. The continuing Zika outbreak was first detected last year in Brazil, where it has been linked to more than 1,700 cases of the microcephaly, and has since spread rapidly through the Americas. Its arrival in the continental United States had been widely anticipated. (Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) From Cosmopolitan A revamped women's health program in Texas that ousted Planned Parenthood is giving a $1.6 million state contract to the nonprofit of an anti-abortion activist, who state officials said Wednesday submitted a "robust" proposal for helping low-income women in rural areas. The Heidi Group's Carol Everett has been a visible abortion opponent at the Texas Legislature. She supported two major anti-abortion restrictions the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in June, and last year, Republican lawmakers incensed by undercover video taken of Planned Parenthood operations and staffers invited her to discuss abortion clinics. Planned Parenthood criticized the selection of Everett and accused Texas health officials of bypassing proven providers to funnel "hard-earned tax dollars in support of their anti-abortion agenda," said Sarah Wheat, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. The contract is the second-largest state health officials have given so far under its new Healthy Texas Women program; $1.7 million was given to Houston's Harris County. Everett said her state contract - a first for the Heidi Group - begins in September and is about filling gaps, not about ideology. She said her services will connect women in more than 40 rural counties with providers. "I did not see quality health care offered to women in rural areas," Everett said. The Healthy Texas Women program, unveiled last month, absorbs an old program that ousted Planned Parenthood in 2011 at the behest of lawmakers. Texas began paying for its own women's health initiatives after the federal government said excluding Planned Parenthood - an approved provider - was against the law and halted federal funding for women's care statewide. The push to defund Planned Parenthood was part of a larger, yearslong anti-abortion effort by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Texas Health and Human Services spokesman Bryan Black said the proposal by the Heidi Group "was one of the most robust of any of those who applied for the grants." Everett's biography on the Heidi Group website says her nonprofit, which is based near Austin, had offered "practical and scriptural solutions" for unplanned pregnancies. State health officials have said the new program will have roughly three times as many providers as five years ago. It offers contraception, pregnancy testing, and counseling, immunizations, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Those under 18 will need a parent's permission to qualify. On a Sunday morning in late July, in a small town in southwest Alabama, Barbara Moore Knight gave her fellow church members news that brought spontaneous applause and murmurs of Amen! She told them her son, James LaRon Knight, was among the drug felons whose sentences had been commuted by President Barack Obama the week before. In 2004, Knight was convicted of conspiracy to sell cocaine. Though the crime was nonviolent, he was sentenced to more than 24 years in a federal prison. The sentence was a travesty, an unduly harsh punishment for a family man never accused of running a substantial criminal enterprise. Knight, 48, is among countless black Americans ruined by the long, costly and punitive effort to stamp out recreational use of illegal drugs. The owner of a barbershop in suburban Atlanta, he was convicted on the testimony of acquaintances who found themselves caught in the spiderweb of the criminal justice system and offered him up as a way to appease authorities. No direct evidence showed Knight possessed or sold banned substances. Recognizing the havoc wreaked by the so-called war on drugs, especially in black America, Obama has worked to ameliorate its effects. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the Clemency Project, which aims to reduce the disproportionately long federal sentences handed out to hundreds of thousands of nonviolent drug offenders over the past decade or so. The president has reduced or ended the prison sentences of more than 560 federal prisoners so far, most of them convicted of nonviolent drug-related crimes. Obama also helped persuade Congress to reduce the inequities in federal drug-sentencing policies, which had punished those convicted of handling crack cocaine more harshly than those sentenced for powdered cocaine. (Many states retain similar inequitable statutes.) The old law gave a person convicted of possessing 5 grams of crack, which was more prevalent in poor black neighborhoods, a mandatory five-year prison sentence. But those who possessed powdered cocaine, used mostly by more affluent whites, had to have 100 times as much to draw the same sentence. The new federal law substantially narrows the disparity. Given increasing awareness of the costs of the war on drugs and of the inequities that still haunt the criminal justice system, youd think that the Clemency Project would have been greeted with universal support. The burden of mass incarceration falls heavily on the shoulders of black Americans, who are less likely than whites to use illegal drugs, according to research, but more likely to go to prison for drug crimes anyway. Still, there are many prosecutors and conservative politicians who have denounced Obamas push against mass incarceration. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, an early supporter of Donald Trumps presidential bid, rushed to condemn Obamas most recent commutations, claiming the president continues to abuse executive power in an unprecedented, reckless manner. So the prejudices the preconceived notions, the stereotypes, the outright racism continue. The tragic heroin epidemic has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and calls for a less punitive approach to illegal drugs, but heroin users are overwhelmingly white. That compassion has not been extended to black Americans, who are still regarded as more drug-addled, more violent, more dangerous and more deserving of lengthy prison terms. (Tellingly, those prejudices extend beyond the criminal justice system and into the medical establishment. According to research, doctors are less likely to prescribe heavy-duty painkillers, such as oxycodone, to black patients, even when their pain is severe. Our data pretty clearly say its a race issue, Raymond Tait, a pain researcher at Saint Louis University in Missouri, told The New York Times.) Barbara Moore Knight describes herself as still on cloud nine after the news of her sons early release. I really do thank God for working through President Obama, she said. Her obvious joy notwithstanding, her family has paid dearly for Americas obsession with treating nonviolent drug crimes as existential threats to the republic. Her sons marriage fell apart after his incarceration. He missed crucial years with his sons, who are now 27 and 14. Obamas clemency cannot restore those pieces of a mans life. New York (AFP) - European and Wall Street stocks were under pressure Friday as soft data from the US, China and the eurozone prompted mild profit-taking. Frankfurt and Paris both dipped, though the French index remained above the key 4,500 level by a whisker. London's FTSE index was essentially flat. Trade in the US was also muted, with both the Dow and S&P 500 retreating from records struck Thursday. However, the tech-rich Nasdaq edged higher, scoring a second straight record. "The stock market may be at record highs, yet it doesn't look as if too many money managers really love this stock market," said Briefing.com Patrick O'Hare. O'Hare described the reticence as an acknowledgement that high equity valuations are the result of aggressive stimulus measures by central banks due to weak growth. More evidence of that weakness was apparent Friday. Retail sales in China rose 10.2 percent year-on-year in July, a sharp slowdown from the 10.6 percent increase in June and below the median forecast of a 10.5 percent rise in a Bloomberg News poll of economists. That lackluster result was accompanied by reports on Chinese industrial output and fixed asset investment that also missed expectations. The Chinese figures represent an "across-the-board slowdown," said Zhao Yang of Nomura. "Overall, we think growth momentum continued to lose steam," he added. - Sluggish growth - Growth in the 19-nation eurozone came in at 0.3 percent, slowing from 0.6 percent in the three months to January but unchanged from the initial estimate given last month. The data "highlight concerns about France and Italy," analysts at Capital Economics said, and "showed a strong contrast between the eurozone's best and worst performers. But the big picture was that growth across the region is slowing." An exception was Germany, which expanded by 0.4 percent in adjusted terms between April and June, twice as much as forecast by analysts surveyed by Factset. Story continues In the US, July retail sales cames in at $457.7 billion, the same as the previous month, suggesting a key driver of the world's largest economy had plateaued by mid-summer. US producer prices for the same month fell 0.4 percent, another indication of sluggish activity. Analysts said the anemic figures could quash talk of a Federal Reserve hike of interest rates. "The consumer paused in July and, with price pressures soft, the Fed members will probably gain a few more gray hairs," said Joel Naroff of Naroff Economic Advisors. An exception to Friday's anemic performance in equity markets was Japan's Nikkei, which gained 1.1 percent, largely due to positive momentum from Thursday's records set in the US. However, analysts were girding for weak data from Japan, which is scheduled to report second-quarter growth figures on Monday. Tokyo this month promised a 28-trillion yen ($246 billion) economic stimulus package, marking its latest attempt to stimulate lackluster growth. - Key figures at around 2100 GMT - New York - DOW: DOWN 0.2 percent at 18,576.47 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 0.1 percent at 2,184.05 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.1 percent at 5,232.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP less than 0.1 percent at 6,916.02 points (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.3 percent at 10,713.43 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 4,500.19 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,044.94 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.1 percent at 16,919.92 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.6 percent at 3,050.67 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.8 percent at 22,766.91 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1165 from $1.1138 Thursday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2918 from $1.2955 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 101.14 yen from 101.95 yen By Madeline Kennedy (Reuters Health) - A growing number of surgeries performed with only local anesthesia create new challenges for surgeons, according to interviews with U.S. doctors. Surgeries using new local anesthestics that numb an area of the body but leave patients awake, tend to have a shorter recovery time, but can also cause distress and anxiety for patients, researchers write in the American Journal of Surgery. These awake surgeries also raise new issues for surgeons, who must balance the needs of operating room staff and patients, the authors found. The surgeons that we interviewed told us that having an awake patient changed the way they communicated with their team, senior author Dr. Alexander Langerman told Reuters Health by email. These changes, including using code words and limiting trainees' involvement with awake patients, were strategies surgeons developed on their own. None had formal training in surgeon-patient communication during awake procedures, said Langerman, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Langerman's team interviewed 23 surgeons in various specialties about their experiences operating on awake patients. The surgeons talked about many surgical procedures, ranging from biopsies to abortions to cataract surgery. They said that awake surgeries tended to be more efficient and satisfying overall and that patients were able to help with certain check-ins during procedures. The doctors also noted some disadvantages, including the difficulty of addressing patients pain during surgery and the possibility of patients making risky movements during the procedure. Surgeons also found it harder to teach surgical trainees because patients were uncomfortable with the idea of a student operating on them. Many doctors found themselves less likely to let trainees participate in procedures, a change that could have a negative long-term effect on trainees learning, they said. The most common type of communication between surgeon and patient that the doctors mentioned was to manage patients expectations, including warning patients about any upcoming changes in what they might feel. Doctors noted that they needed to choose their words more carefully and have code words for mistakes rather than saying oops. Surgeons were aware of the fact that operating rooms can be uncomfortable for patients. Some tried to change this by playing music or limiting the number of people moving in and out of the room. Some doctors offered patients the option of taking sedative medications, which would not keep them unconscious like general anesthesia, but might help them relax or go to sleep. Most surgeons had never learned how to communicate with awake patients and many felt insecure about their techniques and were interested in learning new strategies. Dr. Lashmi Venkatraghavan, a professor at the University of Toronto who studies communication during surgery, noted the importance of reducing patients anxiety. All the negative events will be remembered forever by the patients and it does have a long lasting psychological effect, she told Reuters Health by email. Venkatraghavan, who was not involved in the study, recommends that surgeons give patients full explanations of what to expect during the surgery. Surgeons should also tell patients about their options for how to manage pain or discomfort during surgery, such as how to get additional pain medicine or local anesthesia, she said. I think all patients, no matter (if theyre) awake or asleep, should discuss with their surgeons the plans for the operation and how trainees will be involved in their care, Langerman said, adding that patients should specify how many details they want to hear about what is happening during the surgery. You should ask for what you want and be prepared to negotiate with your surgeon as to what will help him or her perform at their best and keep you comfortable and satisfied during surgery, Langerman said. SOURCE: bit.ly/2bgOTlt American Journal of Surgery, online July 29, 2016. Many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for momentum investors in the near term. This method discovered several great candidates for momentum-oriented investors, but today lets focus in on Banco Bradesco S.A. BBD as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous ways in which this company could be a great choice, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for BBDs status as a solid momentum stock below: Longer Term Price Change for Banco Bradesco While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. That is why looking at longer term price metricssuch as performance over the past three months or year-- and comparing these to an industry at large can be very useful. And in the case of BBD, the results are quite impressive. The company has beaten out the industry at large over the past 12 weeks by a margin of 27.09% to 6.32% while it has also outperformed when looking at the past year, putting up a gain of 37.88%. Clearly, BBD is riding a bit of a hot streak and is worth a closer look by investors. BANCO BRADESCO Price BANCO BRADESCO Price | BANCO BRADESCO Quote Fiscal Year EPS Estimate Changefor BBD In addition to price performance, it is also important to take a look at earnings estimate changes for the full year. This can show if BBD is poised to make a run based on fundamentals, or if the company is simply moving on speculation. Over the past week/month, the full year earnings estimate for BBD has risen by 7.47%. On its own this is impressive, but consider that it also beats the industry average of 0.00% too. The trend is undeniably in Banco Bradescos favor right now, and it suggests that the momentum might be long lasting for this stock. Story continues BBD Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction While the great momentum factors outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, we should also take into account broad earnings estimate revision trends. A nice path here can really help to show us a promising stock, and we have actually been seeing that with BBD as of late too. Over the past two months, 1earning estimate have gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that 1 estimates have moved upwards with no downward revisions for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as two months ago BBD was expected to post earnings of 80 cents/share for the full year, though today it looks to have an EPS of 86 cents for the full year now, representing a solid increase which is something that should definitely be welcomed news to would-be investors. Bottom Line Given these factors, investors shouldnt be surprised to note that we have BBD as a security with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Momentum Score of A.So if you are looking for a fresh pick that has potential to move in the right direction, definitely keep BBD on your short list as this looks be a stock that is very well-positioned to soar in the near term. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BANCO BRADESCO (BBD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Exclusive: A Beautiful Now follows a beautiful, tempestuous dancer who, on her birthday, has locked herself inside her bathroom with a bottle of champagne and a loaded gun and threatens to kill herself. Her formerly close-knit friends are forced to reunite for the evening, holding an all night vigil as they try to figure out how she reached rock bottom. Framed by a narrative balancing reality and fantasy, flashbacks reveal the betrayal, animosity, promiscuity, neurosis, addictions, compromised dreams, and sincere friendship shared by the group. Or as the tagline puts it, if your life flashed before your eyes, would you like what you see? Ahead of the films September/October North American release, get a sense of how that plays out in this exclusive trailer. A Beautiful Now has been making a big splash over the last year on the festival circuit, racking up awards and critical acclaim with particular praise for writer-director Daniela Amavia and star Abigail Spencer. Distributed by Monterey Media, A Beautiful Now is set to hit theaters in early fall right as Spencers new gig on NBCs science fiction thriller series Timeless has its premiere. Along with Spencer, the film stars Cheyenne Jackson, Collette Wolfe, and Sonja Kinski. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kr2OE__4_o&w=970&h=546] Related stories 'Timeless' Creators Won't Be "Sugarcoating" History In NBC Time-Travel Series - TCA Nicholas Hamilton In Stephen King's 'It'; Monterey Media Acquires 'The Last Film Festival' 'The Sweet Life' Clip: Chris Messina & Abigail Spencer Check Out In L.A. Film Festival Pic Chinese authorities turned last weeks show trials of four legal activists into a multimedia sensation, with forced confessions airing nightly on prime-time news and propaganda videos online. Beyond vilifying the four men, who advocated for dissidents and religious minorities, the trials had a broader purpose: to paint the United States as Chinas enemy. The courtroom drama was highly choreographed, with four trials over four days, each lasting a few hours. The accused, who couldnt use their own lawyers or have family in the courtroom, were arrested during last years sweep of nearly 300 lawyers and legal activists. When they surfaced in a courtroom in the port city of Tianjin after more than 12 months incommunicado, they denounced themselves, praised their jailers and condemned overseas influences for leading them astray. We must see clearly the ugly faces of those hostile foreign forces, and those within the country with ulterior motives, declared defendant Zhai Yanmin. Zhai was affiliated with the Fengrui law firm, which represented artist Ai Weiwei, members of the Falun Gong religious sect and parents of children poisoned by tainted baby formula. Dont be hoodwinked by the rhetoric they parade about democracy, human rights and the public good, Zhai warned the public, echoing official talking points. He was convicted of subversion and given a suspended three-year sentence. I never grasped that Western peaceful evolution of China was so serious, said fellow defendant Zhou Shifeng, founder of the Fengrui law firm. Xi Jinpings rule of law has made China ever stronger. His sentence is seven years. Hu Shigen, a longtime democracy and religious-freedom advocate sentenced to 7 years, confessed to being influenced by bourgeois liberalism and working with foreign anti-China forces for sending fellow defendant Gou Hongguo to an interfaith conference in Taiwan. The conference was hosted by Initiatives for China, a U.S.-based group that promotes a peaceful transition to democratic governance in China and is supported by the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy. The NED is an increasingly frequent target of Chinese condemnation. When authorities detained a Beijing-based Swedish legal activist for 23 days early this year, his interrogators cited internal NED documents.... For decades Beijing handled dissident trials delicately, with few if any cameras in the courtroom and brief mentions in official media. Today state agencies compete to amplify saturation news coverage. The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League last week posted a video on social media accusing U.S. and other diplomats of orchestrating protests by defendants wives outside the Tianjin courthouse. Truly, these were well-trained performers, the video says as two wives are seen screaming and crying. It also slams former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman for political meddling, citing his walk past a protest in Beijing in 2011. ... The office of Chinas chief prosecutor also circulated a video accusing the U.S. of trying to turn China into another Syria by fomenting unrest in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. The central government under the leadership of the party is crystal clear about the dangers of color revolution, it said. We are extremely confident that China will not become the next Soviet Union. Anti-Western agitation is on the rise within the Communist Party. In 2013 a secret Party directive known as Document No. 9 exhorted cadres to battle false ideological trends including Western constitutional democracy; the belief that freedom, democracy and human rights are universal and eternal values; the Wests idea of journalism; and rejecting the accepted conclusions on events such as the 1989 Tiananmen massacre. Targets to combat included Western embassies, consulates, media operations and nongovernmental organizations. Chinas Communists may no longer be Marxists, but under Xi Jinping they take their Leninism seriously. This is a tragedy for the victims of state abuse, growing numbers of whom languish in prison for speaking up as do lawyers who dare to defend them. Its also dangerous. As in Russia and Iran today, official propaganda that paints America as a villain can incite nationalist passions that erupt in unpredictable ways and not always peacefully in the rest of the world. EXCLUSIVE: Keith Clarke, who scripted the upcoming epic Ben-Hur for MGM and Paramount (with John Ridley), will next be directing A Mystery Guest in Paris based on the memoir by author Gregoire Bouillier. The contemporary dramedy, taken from the book The Mystery Guest, follows a man named Greg who falls in love with a woman whom he considers his soulmate. She suddenly ends the relationship, leaving behind Virginia Woolfs novel Mrs. Dalloway as his only clue as to why she left. After pining away for her almost obsessively, he gets a call ten years later asking him to be a mystery guest at a birthday party for someone he doesnt know. Clarke and his wife/producing partner Joni Levin (a producer on Ben-Hur), have already secured financing for the film that offers a plum role for an actor. Its a story about heartbreak and the internal dialogue that a man has afterwards, Clarke told Deadline. It reads like a buddy movie between the two parts of himself, the optimist and the pessimistic, the romantic and the logical side. There is Greg one and then Greg two. Its a tour de force for an actor because he really has to play two sides of himself. The duo are out to actors now and are traveling to Montreal to research locations later this month. The film will be shot there and in Paris. Clarke and Levin are both producing Mystery Guest in Paris through their Point Blank Production banner. They are targeting a spring start. Nadine De Barros and Rob Ogden Barnum are handling the financing on behalf of Fortitude International and will be executive producers. Lisa Wolofsky is doing the same on behalf of the National Bank of Canada and will also exec produce. Ben-Hur, based on the book by Lew Wallace, will be released on August 19. Besides Levin, those who produced the film were Mark Burnett, Sean Daniel and Duncan Henderson. (Clarke and Roma Downey are two of the executive producers). Story continues Clarke, who was also the filmmaker behind Peter Weirs The Way Back, is repped (along with Levin) by The Gotham Group and attorney Eric Thompson. Related stories Tribeca Film Festival Sets 2017 Dates ESPN Scores 2020 European Soccer Championships Universal Pictures Picks Up 'Bodyguards' Pitch For Bluegrass Films Think you have a contentious relationship with your boss? On the upcoming season of Discoverys Bering Sea Gold, Shawn Pomrenke makes his competition an off-season offer they cant refuse though three of them may live to regret actually accepting employment. Vernon Adkison, Zeke Tenhoff and Emily Riedel plan to break through the thick ice and mine on Mr. Golds 160-acre claim of virgin sea floor. Its all on the up-and-up, as Pomrenke will get 20 percent of his guests gold, as well as their valuable GPS coordinates for hot spots. He personally thinks theres $14 million of the pricey yellow stuff down there. Meanwhile, Shawn himself is mostly prepping for the summer season, constructing a mega-dredge that will dwarf his Christine Rose. Also Read: Shark Week: Half of 2017 Event's Programming Is Already Locked Up, Rich Ross Says Bering Sea Gold is produced for Discovery Channel by Original Productions, a Fremantle Media company. For Original Productions, executive producers are Thom Beers, Philip D. Segal, Sarah Whalen, and Jeff Meredith. For Discovery Channel, the executive producer is Kyle Wheeler. The new run of Bering Sea Gold premieres Friday, August 26, at 9 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel. Watch the teaser above. 10 Best and Worst Shark Week Specials, From 'Air Jaws' to 'Megalodon' (Videos) Story continues Previous Slide Next Slide 1 of 11 Which specials are staying true to Discoverys original mission and which are a load of dumb chum? When Discovery Channel started Shark Week back in 1988, it was designed to take the craze started 13 years prior by "Jaws" and use it to dispel movie myths and encourage people to understand sharks. But in recent years, the channel came under fire from scientists for using junk science to increase ratings. In response, Discovery has steadily moved back to fact-based docs, but some skepticism remains. View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap: Discovery Tracks Down Big Profit in Q2 JonBenet Ramsey Murder Tapped for Investigation Discovery Cold Case Series Disney, Fox, Discovery Stocks Rebound Post Brexit Discovery Communications Plans Layoffs to Cut Costs Alex Wong/Getty Images After galvanizing voters for months on the presidential primary trail, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is pursuing a little R&R by buying a $575,000 vacation home on the Champlain Islands in Vermont. Of course, the Internet reacted in predictable fashion. Cries arose about the socialist politicianthe champion of the little guy, the share-the-wealth candidatepurchasing a third house in North Hero, VT. (Sanders also owns homes in Washington, DC, and Burlington, VT.) One Reddit poster said, No one should be able to afford 3 homes, especially at that price, as a politician. Another wrote, What a dirty capitalist! Cut Sanders some slack, trolls! The senators modest summer digs on Lake Champlain measure only about 1,800 square feet and features four bedrooms, according to Seven Days, the Vermont newspaper that broke the story. Weve traveled up to the islands many times over the yearsalmost always on day trips, Sanders wife, Jane OMeara Sanders, told the paper in a written statement. Jane told the paper that she recently sold a Maine property that had been in her family since 1900, which enabled us to buy a place in the islandssomething Ive always hoped for. After the recent closing, Bernie posed for a photo at Heros Welcome General Store near his new vacation home. The store even serves a sliced turkey and provolone sandwich, appropriately dubbed Feel the Bun. The post Bernie Sanders Buys $575,000 Lakefront Vacation Home in Vermont appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com. Related Articles If you're one of the nearly 50% of Americans who struggles with dandruff, you're probably familiar with its telltale symptoms: itchiness, a dry scalp, white flakes appearing on your dark sweaters. The chronic skin condition can be caused by dry skin, a sensitivity to certain hair products, or a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. And while there are over-the-counter shampoos that can help combat flakes, you may already have a potential solution sitting in your pantry. Experts say at-home remedies such as coconut oil and crushed aspirin can go a long way towards easing the itch and fighting dandruff-causing yeast. Here, five at-home treatments that dermatologists recommend to their patients. RELATED: The Best Hair Products of 2016, According to Beauty Experts Coconut oil One of the most popular natural dandruff remedies, coconut oil can help reduce some of the yeast that contributes to flakes, explains Geeta Shah, MD, a Maryland-based dermatologist. She recommends massaging a small amount into your scalp and leaving it there for at least 15-20 minutes. "The longer the better," she says. "Some people even leave it on overnight with a towel or shower cap so it penetrates a little deeper." One caveat: It may take a few washes to fully rinse out of strands, so maybe don't try this right before date night. Apple cider vinegar Thanks to its high pH, apple cider vinegar can also help inhibit the growth of flake-causing yeast, says Dr. Shah. But unlike coconut oil, you shouldn't put it directly on your hair: "You want to dilute it," she says. "I recommend a half and half solution of half vinegar, half water." Apply the mixture to your scalp and let it soak in for at least 15 minutes. There will be a lingering vinegar smell even after you shampoo, she says, "but it fades pretty quickly and [vinegar] is easier to get out of the scalp and hair [than coconut oil]." Aspirin Like many over-the-counter dandruff remedies, aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can help reduce flaking, says Dr. Shah. To use, crush a few aspirin and mix with water to create a paste that you can apply to your scalp. Another option: Add the crushed aspirin to your shampoo to give it an instant dandruff-fighting boost. Story continues RELATED: 11 Products for Perfect Air-Dried Hair Aloe vera Unlike other natural remedies, aloe vera won't necessarily help get rid of dandruff, since it doesn't attack the yeast that's often at the root (see what we did there?) cause of white flakes. However, it can offer other benefits: "Some people have a lot of inflammation from dandruff, and aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, so it helps the itching," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Rub a small amount on your scalp for fast, cooling relief. Tea tree oil Another great natural anti-inflammatory: tea treat oil. Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale, suggests adding a few drops to your regular shampoo to calm your scalp. Vanished Without a Trace: Our take on some of historys enduring mysteries. The two men clung to an overturned catamaran 10 miles off the south coast of New Guinea in November 1961. Bespectacled Michael Rockefeller, a 23-year-old aspiring anthropologist, turned to his companion, fellow explorer Rene Wassing. I think I can make it, he said. Thats not how it worked out, though. Wassing was rescued a day later. But the son of New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and the great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, once the richest man on Earth was never seen again, at least not by anyone who reported it reliably to authorities. He might not have even made it ashore; the earliest theory was that Rockefeller drowned while trying to swim for the mainland, but other, far less tasteful theories emerged later. Several years after Rockefeller went missing, investigative journalists began to suggest that the blue-blooded American had been killed and eaten. I believe Michaels life and wonderful legacy are much bigger and more important than the ongoing mystery of his death. Mary Rockefeller Morgan Rockefeller sported a scruffy beard and had a young mans fascination with a world completely different from anything hed ever known. His resume was impeccable Phillips Exeter, Harvard (cum laude) and his name could open any door. But New Guinea afforded him the chance to be just another white guy bartering for the elaborate native wood carvings known as bisj poles as he tried to crack open the mysteries of the primitive Asmat tribe. A tribe reputed to occasionally hunt heads and eat its enemies. Gettyimages 52239570 Michael Rockefeller Source: Getty The Rockefeller family immediately launched an investigation into their sons disappearance, but they never managed to get any definitive answers about his fate. The cannibalism theories started when journalist Milt Machlin received a visit from a mysterious stranger who claimed that hed seen Rockefeller alive, and recently. Machlin went to New Guinea in 1969 to investigate; in the book he later wrote, he floated the theory, based on his interviews with Asmat tribespeople, that Rockefeller had been eaten as revenge for murders committed by some Dutch people. Several other documentarians and journalists have tried their luck at solving the mystery, and many have come away with similar stories. Theres just one problem: If you just go sit down in that village and ask questions about Michael Rockefeller, you get nothing, says Carl Hoffman, whose book Savage Harvest details his own investigation into Rockefellers disappearance. Story continues Many have pondered the young mans fate, some with hands-on investigations, others with metaphorical calls into the void. An off-Broadway play, The Man Who Ate Michael Rockefeller, portrayed Rockefeller as the oddity, focusing on the Asmat tribes reaction to a newcomer rather than his fascination with them. Filmmaker Fraser Heston discovered previously unseen footage of Machlins expedition and used it in the Netflix documentary The Search for Michael Rockefeller. The Rockefeller story grips folks like only a good mystery can, but for those closer to the family, it was a stark reminder of how such disappearances throw human understanding about life and death into chaos. Grieving usually entails knowing that someone is dead, but a disappearance leaves desperate hope alive, making closure impossible. These things have staying power, and they always will, for primal psychological reasons, Hoffman says. That staying power has even had positive effects, in unexpected ways. Michaels twin sister, Mary Rockefeller Morgan, became a therapist specializing in twin bereavement and wrote a book about recovering from the loss of her brother, When Grief Calls Forth the Healing. I believe Michaels life and wonderful legacy are much bigger and more important than the ongoing mystery of his death, she says. For her, the mysterys endurance is exploitative, not just of her brother but also of the Asmat people, whom she visited with her father when they went looking for Michael shortly after he vanished. Well probably never know what actually happened. In many ways, cannibalism seems absurd the Asmat tribe were never known to have killed a white person, and yet almost everyone who has looked into Rockefellers disappearance has come away with the same conclusion: Michael Rockefeller was murdered and eaten after reaching shore in New Guinea. A Rockefeller-focused episode of In Search of that aired in 1978 includes an interview with an Asmat chief claiming that enemies accused his village of killing the Westerner in an attempt to get them into trouble. But even the show seems to lean toward the cannibalism theory, perhaps because from a storytelling perspective the parable is unsettling yet irresistible. Michael Rockefeller was too young to have made much impact as an anthropologist. But his story endures because of those primal forces, says Hoffman. He was a representative of absolute wealth and power who, if the theories are true, was made abjectly powerless in an almost unimaginable way by tribesmen who live in mud. Related Articles (Adds details on value of contract, company comment, background) WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Boeing Co's KC-46A refueling plane has been approved for production, with work underway for the first two low-rate initial production lots to be awarded in the next 30 days, the U.S. Air Force said on Friday. "The KC-46 program has made significant strides in moving the Air Force toward the modernization needed in our strategic tanker fleet," Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a statement announcing the approval. The Air Force added it would soon award Boeing contracts for the first two batches, 19 aircraft in total, with a pre-negotiated combined value of $2.8 billion. Last month the KC-46 refueled an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in flight, passing the final test needed to begin initial low-rate production. The Air Force said in June that it was seeking compensation from Boeing for delays in the program. Boeing already has taken $1.3 billion in pretax charges for cost overruns. Boeing expects to deliver a first batch of 18 tankers in January 2018 instead of August 2017. "Production approval is an important, positive step for the program, and the Boeing/Air Force team has worked extremely hard to get to this point," Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Chris Reese and Leslie Adler) * Bollore clashes with Berlusconis over Italy's Mediaset * French tycoon has history of taking control of firms * He has built a global conglomerate over three decades By Mathieu Rosemain PARIS, Aug 12 (Reuters) - When French tycoon Vincent Bollore backed out of a deal to buy the pay-TV business of Italian broadcaster Mediaset, and instead proposed to take a large slice of the parent company itself, investors feared he was plotting another stealth raid. The family of former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, which controls Mediaset, suspected Bollore would seek to loosen their grip on the company - concerns based on his history as a skilled and aggressive corporate tactician. Through shrewd investments and creeping control methods, over three decades he has turned his Bollore group from a family-owned maker of thin papers into a global conglomerate that spans transportation and logistics, energy storage, communications and media assets including Vivendi. Bollore's Vivendi had agreed in April to acquire all of Mediaset's pay-TV unit, Premium, as part of a deal that would also see the two media groups take a 3.5 percent stake in each other. But late last month it proposed new terms: it would buy just 20 percent of the unit, and also take bonds that could be converted to give it a total 15 percent stake in parent Mediaset. It said its change of plan was a result of differences with Mediaset in the analysis of Premium's financial forecasts. The Berlusconis saw the situation very differently. Their holding company Fininvest said Vivendi's real reason for the U-turn was to covertly build up a big stake in Mediaset, denouncing the "total impropriety" of its conduct. Vivendi declined to comment for his article. Its CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine told Italian daily Corriere della Sera on July 30 that it had no plans to take over Mediaset. Bollore has not spoken publicly about Mediaset, and could not be reached for comment. Mediaset, which has repeatedly rejected Vivendi's alternative proposal, did not respond to requests for comment. Fininvest, which owns about 35 percent of Mediaset, did not provide fresh comment but has previously made clear it is opposed to Vivendi's proposed new terms. Story continues STRICTLY BUSINESS Bollore is a long-time friend of fellow billionaire Silvio Berlusconi. But for the 64-year-old Frenchman, dealmaking is never personal, it's strictly business. "His reputation precedes him and, indeed, it frightened them (the Berlusconis)," said a source close to the negotiations. "They fretted that this 15 percent stake could make Fininvest lose its blocking minority in Mediaset following a capital increase." Bollore's corporate career is strewn with examples of the tycoon wresting control of companies via minority stakes. Vivendi itself is a case in point. Bollore initially received a 4.4 percent stake in the media group in exchange for the sale of the two TV channels he had created to Vivendi's pay-TV arm Canal Plus. He has since built that stake up to over 15 percent. He is Vivendi's biggest shareholder and its chairman. With his wealth of business success and political contacts, he is the undisputed kingpin. Corporate raids might be resented by those who lose power, but they are a perfectly legitimate part of business, said Colette Neuville, who is the head of a French association that champions the interests of small shareholders and has known Bollore for over a decade. "Bollore has shown his capacity to turn businesses around and he's playing by the rules," she told Reuters in an interview. "If you want no risk of being taken over, don't list your shares on a financial market." Bollore has hired and fired top management and imposed his vision of turning Vivendi into a European media powerhouse - a reversal of its previous course of focusing on core assets - and taken key strategic decisions, including the company's big bet on Telecom Italia. Vivendi initially acquired just 1.9 percent of the Italian telecoms firm in June last year. In under a year it had increased that to almost 25 percent, making it the biggest investor and giving it effective control. It pushed for the resignation of Telecom Italia's former CEO Marco Patuano, who stepped down in March. "As soon as he buys shares of a company, he tends to think that it's badly managed," said a senior French banker who has knowledge of Bollore's business dealings in Italy. "He was absolutely convinced that Telecom Italia was a lame duck and that everything needed to be changed." COUNTDOWN The dispute with the Berlusconis is not the first time Bollore's business methods have tested personal relationships. When his family conglomerate bought almost 9 percent of the Bouygues construction group in 1997, he assured company boss Martin Bouygues - his former school classmate - by phone that it would be a friendly move and that he would support Bouygues and not interfere with strategy. A year later, he had about 13 percent and opposed a strategic decision taken by Bouygues to diversify the activities of the group into telecoms. "Bollore took me for an idiot," Bouygues told a French magazine in 2013. "He fooled, deceived and humiliated me. I'll never forget it." In a rare reversal, Bollore backed off from the confrontation and sold all his Bouygues shares in 1998 following a big backlash by supporters of his rival industrialist both inside and outside the Bouygues group. He defended his dispute with the Bouygues boss by saying he had no choice but to speak out against the telecoms strategy because he believed it would damage the company's finances. Two decades on, and several deals later - including raids on the likes of advertising firm Havas and shipowner Delmas-Vieljeux - Bollore's appetite appears undiminished. As well as the proposed Mediaset deal, he has set its sights on the video games market - in a tussle that might be closely watched by the Berlusconis. Vivendi took over mobile games maker Gameloft in June and has built up a 22 percent stake in its bigger sister company Ubisoft. Both companies were founded by the Guillemot family, which considers the move on Ubisoft to be hostile and has refused to allow Vivendi board representation. Vivendi has said it does not intend to launch a takeover bid for Ubisoft, saying it wants to collaborate with the existing management so that synergies can be found with Gameloft. "I don't believe the synergy argument," said Vikram Kumar, a hedge fund manager at London-based TT International, which owns more than 1 percent of Ubisoft shares. "If Vivendi wants to get the hands on the company, it has to be a purely financially based outcome." Ubisoft declined to comment for this story. Even though he has assembled an empire that stretches from Dakar to Dunkirk, and amassed an estimated net worth of more than $5 billion, Bollore is unlikely to disappear into retirement any time soon. His publicly stated plan the idea is to hand over the Bollore group to his four children in six years' time. He has even set a countdown on his smartphone for Feb. 17, 2022, the date that will mark the bicentenary of the family group and supposedly end his career as pater familias for the company. But not even his family is convinced. "I don't believe one second in this countdown," his son Yannick told French newspaper L'Opinion last month. "The more the deadline approaches, the less he looks at it." ($1 = 0.8981 euros) (Additional reporting by Giulia Segreti in Milan; Editing by Richard Lough and Pravin Char) By Mathieu Rosemain PARIS (Reuters) - When French tycoon Vincent Bollore backed out of a deal to buy the pay-TV business of Italian broadcaster Mediaset (MS.MI), and instead proposed to take a large slice of the parent company itself, investors feared he was plotting another stealth raid. The family of former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, which controls Mediaset, suspected Bollore would seek to loosen their grip on the company - concerns based on his history as a skilled and aggressive corporate tactician. Through shrewd investments and creeping control methods, over three decades he has turned his Bollore group from a family-owned maker of thin papers into a global conglomerate that spans transportation and logistics, energy storage, communications and media assets including Vivendi (VIV.PA). Bollore's Vivendi had agreed in April to acquire all of Mediaset's pay-TV unit, Premium, as part of a deal that would also see the two media groups take a 3.5 percent stake in each other. But late last month it proposed new terms: it would buy just 20 percent of the unit, and also take bonds that could be converted to give it a total 15 percent stake in parent Mediaset. It said its change of plan was a result of differences with Mediaset in the analysis of Premium's financial forecasts. The Berlusconis saw the situation very differently. Their holding company Fininvest said Vivendi's (VIV.PA) real reason for the U-turn was to covertly build up a big stake in Mediaset, denouncing the "total impropriety" of its conduct. Vivendi declined to comment for this article. Its CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine told Italian daily Corriere della Sera on July 30 that it had no plans to take over Mediaset. The Italian broadcaster lost 27.8 million euros (24 million pounds) in the first six months of this year, including its pay-TV arm. Bollore has not spoken publicly about Mediaset, and could not be reached for comment. Mediaset, which has repeatedly rejected Vivendi's alternative proposal, did not respond to requests for comment. Fininvest, which owns about 35 percent of Mediaset, did not provide fresh comment but has previously made clear it is opposed to Vivendi's proposed new terms. Story continues STRICTLY BUSINESS Bollore is a long-time friend of fellow billionaire Silvio Berlusconi. But for the 64-year-old Frenchman, dealmaking is never personal, it's strictly business. "His reputation precedes him and, indeed, it frightened them (the Berlusconis)," said a source close to the negotiations. "They fretted that this 15 percent stake could make Fininvest lose its blocking minority in Mediaset following a capital increase." Bollore's corporate career is strewn with examples of the tycoon wresting control of companies via minority stakes. Vivendi itself is a case in point. Bollore initially received a 4.4 percent stake in the media group in exchange for the sale of the two TV channels he had created to Vivendi's pay-TV arm Canal Plus. He has since built that stake up to over 15 percent. He is Vivendi's biggest shareholder and its chairman. With his wealth of business success and political contacts, he is the undisputed kingpin. Corporate raids might be resented by those who lose power, but they are a perfectly legitimate part of business, said Colette Neuville, who is the head of a French association that champions the interests of small shareholders and has known Bollore for over a decade. "Bollore has shown his capacity to turn businesses around and he's playing by the rules," she told Reuters in an interview. "If you want no risk of being taken over, don't list your shares on a financial market." Bollore has hired and fired top management and imposed his vision of turning Vivendi into a European media powerhouse - a reversal of its previous course of focusing on core assets - and taken key strategic decisions, including the company's big bet on Telecom Italia (TLIT.IT). Vivendi initially acquired just 1.9 percent of the Italian telecoms firm in June last year. In under a year it had increased that to almost 25 percent, making it the biggest investor and giving it effective control. It pushed for the resignation of Telecom Italia's former CEO Marco Patuano, who stepped down in March. "As soon as he buys shares of a company, he tends to think that it's badly managed," said a senior French banker who has knowledge of Bollore's business dealings in Italy. "He was absolutely convinced that Telecom Italia was a lame duck and that everything needed to be changed." COUNTDOWN The dispute with the Berlusconis is not the first time Bollore's business methods have tested personal relationships. When his family conglomerate bought almost 9 percent of the Bouygues (BOUY.PA) construction group in 1997, he assured company boss Martin Bouygues - his former school classmate - by phone that it would be a friendly move and that he would support Bouygues and not interfere with strategy. A year later, he had about 13 percent and opposed a strategic decision taken by Bouygues to diversify the activities of the group into telecoms. "Bollore took me for an idiot," Bouygues told a French magazine in 2013. "He fooled, deceived and humiliated me. I'll never forget it." In a rare reversal, Bollore backed off from the confrontation and sold all his Bouygues shares in 1998 following a big backlash by supporters of his rival industrialist both inside and outside the Bouygues group. He defended his dispute with the Bouygues boss by saying he had no choice but to speak out against the telecoms strategy because he believed it would damage the company's finances. Two decades on, and several deals later - including raids on the likes of advertising firm Havas (HAVA.PA) and shipowner Delmas-Vieljeux - Bollore's appetite appears undiminished. As well as the proposed Mediaset deal, he has set its sights on the video games market - in a tussle that might be closely watched by the Berlusconis. Vivendi took over mobile games maker Gameloft in June and has built up a 22 percent stake in its bigger sister company Ubisoft (UBIP.PA). Both companies were founded by the Guillemot family, which considers the move on Ubisoft to be hostile and has refused to allow Vivendi board representation. Vivendi has said it does not intend to launch a takeover bid for Ubisoft, saying it wants to collaborate with the existing management so that synergies can be found with Gameloft. "I don't believe the synergy argument," said Vikram Kumar, a hedge fund manager at London-based TT International, which owns more than 1 percent of Ubisoft shares. "If Vivendi wants to get the hands on the company, it has to be a purely financially based outcome." Ubisoft declined to comment for this story. Even though he has assembled an empire that stretches from Dakar to Dunkirk, and amassed an estimated net worth of more than $5 billion, Bollore is unlikely to disappear into retirement any time soon. His publicly stated plan the idea is to hand over the Bollore group to his four children in six years' time. He has even set a countdown on his smartphone for Feb. 17, 2022, the date that will mark the bicentenary of the family group and supposedly end his career as pater familias for the company. But not even his family is convinced. "I don't believe one second in this countdown," his son Yannick told French newspaper L'Opinion last month. "The more the deadline approaches, the less he looks at it." ($1 = 0.8981 euros) (Additional reporting by Giulia Segreti in Milan; Editing by Richard Lough and Pravin Char) Years ago, Oscar Mayer employees gave as much as $1 million annually to the United Way of Dane County. Thats been steadily falling, along with the companys workforce, to $773,000 in 2012 and to $300,000 last year. Now those generous donations will soon disappear. The giant meat-processing plant is closing, creating a void on Madisons East Side and a hole in the United Ways fundraising efforts. More companies and their employees especially in the growing technology sector need to help offset that loss and expand the United Ways vital mission. Oscar Mayer was a traditional and community-minded employer in Madison for nearly a century, with longtime employees who steered donations to the United Way through regular payroll deductions. Thankfully, lots of similar companies and workers continue to give as they have in the past. But a changing economy and morphing workforce loaded with millennial talent is challenging the United Way to expand its pool of donors and reach younger workers who change jobs more often than past generations. We somehow have to reach these entrepreneurs and educate them about the United Way, says Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences. It hasnt been easy in the past. But Conroy, who is leading this years United Way fundraising campaign, is the perfect ambassador. He heads a growing technology firm that makes cancer screening tests. About 85 percent of his employees give to the United Way. Thats a phenomenal rate. Conroy is optimistic many younger companies and workers will participate in this years campaign if asked and given more information about the nonprofits important work. This includes tutoring children, finding stable housing for poor families, reviewing medications for the elderly, and helping ex-offenders find jobs. The United Way doesnt just spend money. It tracks and measures its programs, with a heavy focus on outcomes. It researches problems and best practices. It partners with other organizations and companies to get the most bang for the collective buck. Our community benefits immensely from all of the United Ways good deeds, knowledge and hard work. This years United Way fundraising goal is $18.6 million, the same amount it collected last year from its campaign. Oscar Mayer used to sponsor a lunch to kick off the organizations fundraiser. In Oscar Mayers absence, the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and Madison Mallards have stepped to the plate as sponsors. Please give to the United Way if you can. Text a donation. Volunteer. Ask your employer to participate. Be a bigger part of making your community better. * Bollore clashes with Berlusconis over Italy's Mediaset * French tycoon has history of taking control of firms * He has built a global conglomerate over three decades (Adds context on Mediaset's losses, paragraph 7) By Mathieu Rosemain PARIS, Aug 12 (Reuters) - When French tycoon Vincent Bollore backed out of a deal to buy the pay-TV business of Italian broadcaster Mediaset, and instead proposed to take a large slice of the parent company itself, investors feared he was plotting another stealth raid. The family of former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, which controls Mediaset, suspected Bollore would seek to loosen their grip on the company - concerns based on his history as a skilled and aggressive corporate tactician. Through shrewd investments and creeping control methods, over three decades he has turned his Bollore group from a family-owned maker of thin papers into a global conglomerate that spans transportation and logistics, energy storage, communications and media assets including Vivendi. Bollore's Vivendi had agreed in April to acquire all of Mediaset's pay-TV unit, Premium, as part of a deal that would also see the two media groups take a 3.5 percent stake in each other. But late last month it proposed new terms: it would buy just 20 percent of the unit, and also take bonds that could be converted to give it a total 15 percent stake in parent Mediaset. It said its change of plan was a result of differences with Mediaset in the analysis of Premium's financial forecasts. The Berlusconis saw the situation very differently. Their holding company Fininvest said Vivendi's real reason for the U-turn was to covertly build up a big stake in Mediaset, denouncing the "total impropriety" of its conduct. Vivendi declined to comment for this article. Its CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine told Italian daily Corriere della Sera on July 30 that it had no plans to take over Mediaset. The Italian broadcaster lost 27.8 million euros ($31 million) in the first six months of this year, including its pay-TV arm. Story continues Bollore has not spoken publicly about Mediaset, and could not be reached for comment. Mediaset, which has repeatedly rejected Vivendi's alternative proposal, did not respond to requests for comment. Fininvest, which owns about 35 percent of Mediaset, did not provide fresh comment but has previously made clear it is opposed to Vivendi's proposed new terms. STRICTLY BUSINESS Bollore is a long-time friend of fellow billionaire Silvio Berlusconi. But for the 64-year-old Frenchman, dealmaking is never personal, it's strictly business. "His reputation precedes him and, indeed, it frightened them (the Berlusconis)," said a source close to the negotiations. "They fretted that this 15 percent stake could make Fininvest lose its blocking minority in Mediaset following a capital increase." Bollore's corporate career is strewn with examples of the tycoon wresting control of companies via minority stakes. Vivendi itself is a case in point. Bollore initially received a 4.4 percent stake in the media group in exchange for the sale of the two TV channels he had created to Vivendi's pay-TV arm Canal Plus. He has since built that stake up to over 15 percent. He is Vivendi's biggest shareholder and its chairman. With his wealth of business success and political contacts, he is the undisputed kingpin. Corporate raids might be resented by those who lose power, but they are a perfectly legitimate part of business, said Colette Neuville, who is the head of a French association that champions the interests of small shareholders and has known Bollore for over a decade. "Bollore has shown his capacity to turn businesses around and he's playing by the rules," she told Reuters in an interview. "If you want no risk of being taken over, don't list your shares on a financial market." Bollore has hired and fired top management and imposed his vision of turning Vivendi into a European media powerhouse - a reversal of its previous course of focusing on core assets - and taken key strategic decisions, including the company's big bet on Telecom Italia. Vivendi initially acquired just 1.9 percent of the Italian telecoms firm in June last year. In under a year it had increased that to almost 25 percent, making it the biggest investor and giving it effective control. It pushed for the resignation of Telecom Italia's former CEO Marco Patuano, who stepped down in March. "As soon as he buys shares of a company, he tends to think that it's badly managed," said a senior French banker who has knowledge of Bollore's business dealings in Italy. "He was absolutely convinced that Telecom Italia was a lame duck and that everything needed to be changed." COUNTDOWN The dispute with the Berlusconis is not the first time Bollore's business methods have tested personal relationships. When his family conglomerate bought almost 9 percent of the Bouygues construction group in 1997, he assured company boss Martin Bouygues - his former school classmate - by phone that it would be a friendly move and that he would support Bouygues and not interfere with strategy. A year later, he had about 13 percent and opposed a strategic decision taken by Bouygues to diversify the activities of the group into telecoms. "Bollore took me for an idiot," Bouygues told a French magazine in 2013. "He fooled, deceived and humiliated me. I'll never forget it." In a rare reversal, Bollore backed off from the confrontation and sold all his Bouygues shares in 1998 following a big backlash by supporters of his rival industrialist both inside and outside the Bouygues group. He defended his dispute with the Bouygues boss by saying he had no choice but to speak out against the telecoms strategy because he believed it would damage the company's finances. Two decades on, and several deals later - including raids on the likes of advertising firm Havas and shipowner Delmas-Vieljeux - Bollore's appetite appears undiminished. As well as the proposed Mediaset deal, he has set its sights on the video games market - in a tussle that might be closely watched by the Berlusconis. Vivendi took over mobile games maker Gameloft in June and has built up a 22 percent stake in its bigger sister company Ubisoft. Both companies were founded by the Guillemot family, which considers the move on Ubisoft to be hostile and has refused to allow Vivendi board representation. Vivendi has said it does not intend to launch a takeover bid for Ubisoft, saying it wants to collaborate with the existing management so that synergies can be found with Gameloft. "I don't believe the synergy argument," said Vikram Kumar, a hedge fund manager at London-based TT International, which owns more than 1 percent of Ubisoft shares. "If Vivendi wants to get the hands on the company, it has to be a purely financially based outcome." Ubisoft declined to comment for this story. Even though he has assembled an empire that stretches from Dakar to Dunkirk, and amassed an estimated net worth of more than $5 billion, Bollore is unlikely to disappear into retirement any time soon. His publicly stated plan the idea is to hand over the Bollore group to his four children in six years' time. He has even set a countdown on his smartphone for Feb. 17, 2022, the date that will mark the bicentenary of the family group and supposedly end his career as pater familias for the company. But not even his family is convinced. "I don't believe one second in this countdown," his son Yannick told French newspaper L'Opinion last month. "The more the deadline approaches, the less he looks at it." ($1 = 0.8981 euros) (Additional reporting by Giulia Segreti in Milan; Editing by Richard Lough and Pravin Char) Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was again "detained" for unknown reasons on arrival at L.A. International Airport Friday, the third such incident in recent years. It was not immediately clear why the actor was detained and for how long but the incident hit the headlines in India and sparked a social media firestorm after Khan expressed his disappointment in a tweet stating, "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks." While there has been no official statement yet from immigration authorities, in a response to Khan's tweet, U.S. Department of State assistant secretary for south and central Asia, Nisha Biswal tweeted, "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Apologizing for the incident, the U.S. ambassador to India Rich Verma posted a tweet stating, "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US." Replying to Verma's tweet, Khan posted, "No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. It's just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern." Read more: Shah Rukh Khan Detained Again on Arrival in New York The latest incident has caused uproar given Khan has faced similar incidents in the past when traveling to the U.S. In 2009, he was detained at Newark Airport and questioned for over two hours before being allowed entry. Similarly, in 2012, Khan - who had been invited by Yale University to deliver a lecture - was held and questioned for over an hour by immigration officials before being allowed entry. Following the incident, which was heavily criticized, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department sent a letter of apology to the Indian Consulate in Washington expressing regret over Khan's detention. Though he was "upset" at the incident, Khan still took a humorous view, stating at the Yale press conference, "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom." Story continues Following the L.A. incident, Khan again showed his humorous side in another tweet by referring to the ongoing Pokemon Go craze, "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons." As one of India's biggest stars, Khan's two-decade-plus career has delivered some of Bollywood's biggest hits, such as his 1994 breakthrough Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Khan's next film Raees, is set for release next year. Read more: Bollywood Star Shah Rukh Khan: 'It's Good to See Hollywood Producing Indian Films' New Delhi (AFP) - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter Friday to express his annoyance at being detained by US airport immigration authorities for the third time, saying the experience "really, really sucks". The last time Khan, 50, was detained by immigration officials in New York in 2012, it sparked uproar among his Indian fans who accused the US of racial profiling, and led Washington to apologise. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Khan tweeted after he was pulled aside at Los Angeles airport. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons". As news of Khan's detention broke on Indian television channels, US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal quickly expressed regret. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Biswal tweeted. Washington had previously denied allegations that Khan was singled out because his name denotes him as a Muslim. Someone with the same name is reportedly on a US no-fly list of 80,000. After the 2012 incident, Khan joked in a speech to Yale University that he was accustomed to such hassles. "Yes, it always happens... Whenever I start feeling arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America," he told students. "The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom." Khan was also detained for more than two hours in 2009 at Newark airport outside New York, prompting a similar Indian outcry and a US apology. In February, a Sikh Indian-American actor and designer, Waris Ahluwalia, was barred from boarding an Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to New York because he refused to remove his turban. Boosted by contribution from its leasing business. Boustead Projects' (BP Group) total profit soared 25% to $6.1m in the first quarter of FY17. According to the company's media release, the steep spike is thanks to raised gross profit from its leasing business. BP Group also reported cash and cash equivalents of $100.4m, and total equit of $199.6m. Net value per share climbed 62.4 cents at the end of Q1, from 60.6 cents at end-FY16. "Although the industrial real estate industry in Singapore remains challenging, the BP Groups current order book backlog stands at approximately S$182 million, with two design-and-build contracts secured from a repeat client since the start of FY2017," stated the release. Meanwhile, the BP Group's revenue for Q1 leaped 8% YoY to $60.9m thanks to improved revenue contributions from both its design-and-build and leasing businesses. More From Singapore Business Review Brad Pitt already found love amid murder and mayhem in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the 2005 movie about husband and wife assassins, costarring future wife Angelina Jolie. Hell again be struck by cupids bow during conflict, this time opposite Marion Cotillard, in Allied. The film has released its glamorous first teaser above. Reportedly based on a true story, Allied tells the story of Max Vatan (Pitt), a killer spy who, while on a mission to eliminate a German official in Casablanca during World War II, meets and soon swoons over Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard), a French agent assigned to complete the same assignment. Their romance leads to marriage, and then to kids, but from the looks of this first sneak peek, all is not happily-ever-after for these two spies. Given that its directed by Robert Zemeckis, whose filmmography includes the Back to the Future trilogy, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away, Allied should, if nothing else, be an aesthetically accomplished work and one that, thankfully, is devoid of the gimmicky, in-your-face CGI that has become the filmmakers recent stock-and-trade (The Polar Express, Beowulf, A Christmas Carol, and last years The Walk). His latest film hits theaters on Nov. 23, and you can get your first taste of its wartime action and amour via the teaser above. SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Brazil's state development bank BNDES, the nation's biggest source of long-term corporate funding, posted a net loss of 2.174 billion reais ($689 million) in the first six months of the year, reversing profit of 3.515 billion reais a year earlier. In a statement, the Rio de Janeiro-based lender said the build-up of loan- and investment-loss provisions on the bank's loan book and investment holding unit was responsible for the shortfall in the January-to-June period. BNDES set aside about 9.588 billion reais worth of combined loan-loss and investment-loss provisions in the period, almost six times bigger than in the year-earlier period. The bank did not disclose quarterly numbers. ($1 = 3.1562 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) A federal judge has overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction for the 2006 murder of Teresa Halbach, meaning Steven Avery's nephew will be released from prison within the next three months. Court officials confirmed Friday's decision to exonerate Dassey, who, along with Avery, served as the subjects of the hit Netflix true crime documentary series, Making a Murderer. PEOPLE obtained a copy of Judge William Duffin's decision, in which he characterized the "misconduct" of Dassey's first attorney, Len Kachinsky, as "indefensible." The judge's order claims the detectives who were investigating Halbach's murder promised Dassey prosecutorial leniency in exchange for his cooperation during his March 1, 2006, interrogation. "The investigators repeatedly claimed to already know what happened on October 31 and assured Dassey that he had nothing to worry about," the decision reads. "These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments." In March 2006, Dassey, then 16, told investigators he had helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and murder photographer Teresa Halbach on Oct. 31, 2005. But he later recanted, claiming the confession had been coerced. Dassey's confession to law enforcement is perhaps the most debated aspect of the Netflix series. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. On the day of the confession, lead investigators Tom Fassbender and Mark Wiegert pulled Dassey out of school and questioned him alone for hours. During that questioning, Dassey told investigators he had helped Avery kill Halbach, saying that they shot her in the head and burned her body at a bonfire on the Avery property later that evening. Calumet County Prosecutor Ken Kratz called a press conference shortly after investigators secured the confession, saying that Dassey described in detail Halbach's brutal assault and slaying. However, after seeing portions of the confession on Netflix, many came to believe he was led by Fassbender and Wiegert, who repeatedly question him until the teen gives them a confession. In a recorded exchange with his mother, Barb Janda, following the confession, Dassey says, "They got in my head." The teen later denied that he ever saw Halbach and said he had nothing to do with her murder. A second season of the Netflix show is in production but the streaming service has provided no information on when the new season will debut. Nairobi (AFP) - A British aristocrat's son facing charges of trafficking $5.8 million worth of cocaine was bailed on Friday after a Kenyan judge rejected prosecutors' attempts to keep him in custody. Jack Marrian, 31, was arrested after police in the eastern port city of Mombasa on July 29 seized a 100-kilo (220 pound) stash of cocaine in a sugar consignment ordered by his employer Mshale Commodities. Nairobi's High Court upheld a lower court's decision to free Marrian on condition of posting a bond of 70 million shillings ($690,600) with two Kenyan sureties, and surrendering his passport. The judge said he was not convinced by arguments from Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, who protested the decision to bail Marrian given the severity of the alleged offence. Also freed on bond was Kenyan co-accused Roy Francis Mwanthi, who faces similar charges. Marrian was charged with drug trafficking on August 4 after an Interpol tipoff about the consignment and interrogation by a special team of US anti-narcotics agents and their Kenyan counterparts. His case has caused a sensation in his native Britain, where the aristocratic background of his mother Lady Emma Clare Campbell of Cawdor and his attendance at top private schools, including the alma mater of Prince William's wife Catherine, have caught the eye of the press. His artist father David Marrian has said he has "no doubt" his son will be exonerated, adding he has the full support of his employers. Mombasa on Africa's east coast has long been used as a hub for drugs bound for Asia and Europe. Marrian's trial is due to open on October 3. If convicted he could face a life sentence. By Manon Jacob BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of begonias and dahlias will emblazon the Grand Place in Brussels this weekend for its 20th "Flower Carpet" display, which this year has a Japanese theme. A Japanese crane, a bird that symbolizes good fortune and longevity in Asian culture, flies across a wild landscape and Koi carp seem to swim among the blossoms delicately laid out on the picturesque 15th-century square. "The patterns and symbols of the flower carpet express happiness and peace," said Fujie Suzuki, one of the lead designers. Some 600,000 flowers have been assembled in the 75 meter-long and 24 meter-wide display, and will remain in place until Monday. Around 100 workers and volunteers contributed to creating the flower carpet, a biennial event. Some picked blooms from fields in the north of Belgium as fast as 600 an hour each. Others gathered at the Grand Place in the early hours of Friday to lay out the blossoms according to a template. "It takes us two years to create and assemble a carpet like this," explained Johan Aelterman, whose family's flower-growing business has been involved in making the carpet since the first such event in 1971. After the display was completed on Friday morning, tourists from all over the world arrived to marvel at the display. "We are from Hiroshima which is famous for its peace park but is very different. We do not have such colorful flowers there, so I am really surprised," said Japanese tourist Misa Kitatani, visiting Brussels with her family. (Reporting by Manon Jacob; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek and Andrew Roche) This week has been a bumpy one for airliners. On Thursday night, JetBlue Airways JBLU flight 429 was en route from Boston to Sacramento when the airplane experienced some brutal turbulence. Passenger Derek Lindhal told CNN that a woman who was sitting in front of him rose two feet into the air in the cabin at one point because she wasn't wearing a seat belt. I literally grabbed her out of the air to hold her to the seat, said Lindahl. The flight was forced to divert to Rapid City, South Dakota. 24 passengers and crew members were then taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital. Flight 429 began its trip from Boston Logan International Airport at 5:45 PM EST on Thursday, and a replacement flight JetBlue sent to Rapid City eventually landed in Sacramento International Airport at 4:19 AM local time. Another passenger, Rhonda Renee, told CNN that he turbulence was like a bad dream. People were flying out of their seat belts and hitting their head on the ceiling; it was very scary," Renee said. Earlier in the week, Delta Air Lines DAL experienced a power outage on Monday, affecting computer systems as well as the companys global operations. 1,000 flights were cancelled on Monday, 775 on Tuesday, and 255 more on Wednesday. JBLU stock has seen little movement in Friday trading, and is only down 0.21% so far. Interested in the other top stories of the week? Listen to Zacks Friday Finish Line to catch up on the weeks financial and investment news. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JETBLUE AIRWAYS (JBLU): Free Stock Analysis Report DELTA AIR LINES (DAL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgaria wants private investors to help it restart the Belene nuclear power project after a court ruled Sofia must pay hefty compensation to Russia over equipment ordered for it, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said on Friday. The Balkan country had canceled the 2,000 megawatt project on the Danube River in 2012 due to financial constraints and after pressure from Brussels and Washington, who said it would only increase Bulgaria's dependence on Russian energy imports. An international arbitration court ruled in June that Sofia should pay more than 550 million euros ($623 million) in compensation to Russian nuclear giant Rosatom over the two nuclear reactors ordered. "We have a very changed situation," Borisov told local media. "We are obliged to pay for these two reactors." Borisov, however, said that the Black Sea state still does not have enough financial resources to build the nuclear plant. "Let us make it a private project through the privatization agency with various options for the state's share. This is the solution," he said. Bulgaria had been hoping to sell the equipment or the whole project to Iran and Borisov visited Tehran in July to test the ground for a possible deal, for which the consent of Rosatom was also needed. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova and Angel Krasimirov) Betsy Davis invited her close friends and loved ones to a two-day gathering at a beautiful private home in Ojai, California, in July. These circumstances are unlike any party you have ever attended before, requiring emotional stamina, centeredness and openness, her email invitation read, according to the Associated Press. The reason for the get-together: Davis, who was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrigs disease) in July 2013, wanted to say goodbye. At the end of the weekend, she ended her life with the help of Californias recently passed right-to-die law. PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2016: Stars Weve Lost Davis didnt want anyone focusing on her illness at her farewell, which is why there were cocktails, pizza, tamales (her favorite food!), live music and a screening of one of her favorite movies, The Dance of Reality. She wanted everyone to take a Betsy souvenir and that included her clothes, Davis sister, journalist Kelly Davis, tells Us Weekly. People were really hesitant at first, and then they started trying them on and going down to her for approval. Some of the guys started modeling dresses just to make her laugh, and it turned into this fun fashion show. Kelly continues: There was never any sitting around and feeling sad. It was just kind of constant everyone having a good time. Davis, 41 at the time of her death, referred to the party which took place on July 23 and 24 as a rebirth. Youre all very brave for sending me off on my journey, the California-based artist and graphic designer wrote in her invitation. There are no rules. Wear what you want, speak your mind, dance, hop, chant, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me. OK, one rule. PHOTOS: Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of All Time Davis tells Us she broke the rule. I was the one who would tear up when I saw Betsy talking to her friends, Kelly says. But other people were really good with that. They prepared themselves and they all had such good attitudes. Story continues In a column for Voice of San Diego, Kelly described ALS as an incurable and cruel disease that slowly robs a person of the ability to move, speak, eat and eventually, breathe. On Sunday, July 24, Betsy was ready for her rebirth. At around 6:30 p.m. all three of her truly incredible caregivers helped her change into a kimono shed bought in Japan, Kelly wrote in her piece for Voice of San Diego. A family friend drove her in his new Tesla up a hillside next to the house, where wed placed a white canopy and a makeshift bed. She wanted to fall asleep as the sun was setting. Celebrity Health Scares Then, surrounded by Kelly, her father and a physician, Betsy drank a combination of morphine, pentobarbital and chloral hydrate. She took the medication at around 6:45 p.m. and within a few minutes, slipped into a coma, Kelly wrote. Four hours later, she peacefully departed for her next adventure. Californias right-to-die law went into effect on June 9. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A Southern California man was sentenced on Friday to life in prison for fatally stabbing an engineering student from Saudia Arabia who the killer met after the victim posted an online ad to sell his car two years ago, prosecutors said. The remains of the victim, Abdullah Abdullatif Alkadi, 23, were found alongside a freeway in the desert town of Indio, about 125 miles (200 km) east of Los Angeles, in October 2014, about a month after he went missing. Alkadi, an international student at California State University, Northridge, had been last seen at his residence in the Los Angeles suburb of Reseda on Sept. 17. Authorities said the killer, Agustin Rosendo Fernandez, 30, stabbed Alkadi to death that day, when he showed up at the victim's home to pick up an Audi A5 convertible that Alkadi had agreed to sell him for $35,000 in an earlier meeting between the two men. Fernandez, who had found Alkadi's car-for-sale ad on Craigslist, kept the cash and then made off with the vehicle, disposing of Alkadi's body along the way. Prosecutors said the stolen car was later found parked at the killer's apartment in Long Beach. Fernandez in June was tried and found guilty of first-degree murder in Alkadi's death. The jury also found in favor of special circumstances of murdering during a robbery and murder during a carjacking, as well as personal use of a deadly weapon. Under the sentence handed down on Friday, Fernandez will serve a life term in state prison without the possibility of parole, according to a statement issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles, editing by G Crosse) By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Three groups of California's rare island fox were removed from the U.S. endangered species list on Thursday, and a fourth was downgraded to threatened, marking the fastest recovery yet for an American mammal once deemed to be on the brink of extinction. The population of the four subspecies in question on California's Channel Islands, which had plunged to fewer than 200 animals during the late 1990s, has bounced back to nearly 6,000 as of 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported. The agency said the island fox rebound was hastened by an intense recovery program that included captive breeding of the animals, removal of feral pigs from the islands and reducing an influx of golden eagles from the mainland that had become an invasive predator. Wildlife officials also began vaccinating the foxes against canine distemper, which remains a particular threat on Santa Catalina Island, the only island in the archipelago with a significant year-round civilian population. Hunting will not be an issue because the Catalina Island fox remains listed as threatened, and the de-listed subspecies inhabit the three largest of five other islands that comprise the Channel Islands National Park, where hunting is prohibited. At the time they were formally listed as endangered in 2004, the fox populations on Santa Catalina, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Cruz islands had plunged by 90 percent from historic levels, and the four subspecies were given a 50 percent chance of going extinct within a decade. As of last year, the population of all four groups had been restored to, or exceeded, historic levels, the Fish and Wildlife Service said. The island fox, one of America's rarest mammals, are diminutive cousins to the mainland gray fox. Roughly the size of a house cat, they weigh 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kg) and stand about a foot (30.5 cm) tall. They exist nowhere on Earth but on the six largest of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. The subspecies on two of those islands, San Clemente and San Nicolas, were never listed. The two smallest islands, Santa Barbara and Anacapa, have no foxes. The de-listing of the island fox, 12 years after it was classified as endangered, now ranks as the quickest recovery for any mammal so protected. The next fastest was the Stellar sea lion, de-listed after 23 years in 2013, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. More than 99 percent of all plant and animal species listed under the Endangered Species Act have been prevented from going extinct since the law was enacted in 1973, the agency said. (Reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Sandra Maler) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f17464%2f06dccdd44a7449c9b78e8cbe83446aad Team USA swimmer Michael Phelps is hands-down the greatest swimmer of all time. With more than two dozen Olympic medals under his belt, it's no surprise that other swimmers would view Phelps as a swim god, too. As Phelps walked out from the lockers to the deck on Wednesday, Great Britain swimmer Dan Wallace bowed down and praised Phelps as his back was turned. Of course, Wallace could have been mocking Phelps' fame; the Scottish swimmer was arrested and booted from the University of Florida after he peed on a police car. Either way, Phelps deserves all the praise, even if it's sarcastic. Watch the long-awaited Star Wars 'Rogue One' trailer Hillary Clinton ad parody addresses fellow kids with dank memes Empowering jazz cover of 'I Will Survive' is your cure for heartbreak The differences between 'The Warrior' book and film you may not know By Andrea Hopkins OTTAWA (Reuters) - Aaron Driver first came to the attention of Canadian officials in late 2014 after he voiced support for Islamic State on social media. In 2015, the Muslim convert was arrested for communicating with militants involved with attack plots in Texas and Australia. Early this year, he agreed to a court order known as a peace bond that restricted his online and cell phone use. Yet it took a tip from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation to alert Canadian intelligence officials to what police say was an imminent attack Driver was planning on a major Canadian city. Driver, 24, died after he detonated an explosive device in the backseat of a taxi as police closed in and opened fire, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in Ottawa. The RCMP said Driver, one of only two Canadians currently subject to a peace bond, was not under constant surveillance before the tip from the FBI came on Wednesday morning. Driver's father, Wayne Driver, was among those left with questions about why authorities did not intervene more decisively earlier. He said he wished his son had been forced into a de-radicalization program. "I don't think [the peace bond] was very effective at all. I mean, look at the outcome," Driver's father told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "Why wasn't he on some kind of parole where he had to report a couple times a month instead of never?" RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana said law enforcement has difficulties both in Canada and abroad in collecting admissible evidence in anti-terrorism investigations. Even when, as in Driver's case, there is enough evidence for a court-ordered terror-related peace bond, he said the tool can not really prevent an attack. "Our ability to monitor people 24 hours a day and 7 days a week simply does not exist. We can't do that," Cabana told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa. With Driver's death, one Canadian resident remains under a terror-related federal peace bond, according to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Eight more such orders are pending, nine have already expired, and three applications for peace bonds have been withdrawn, PPSC spokeswoman Elizabeth Armitage told Reuters. The peace bond, a type of restraining order issued by a provincial judge, can have many conditions and lasts 12 months. Driver's order required him, among other things, to get permission before purchasing a cell phone, stay off social media websites and refrain from communications with members of Islamic State and other radical groups. In the wake of Driver's foiled attack, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale acknowledged that peace bonds have limits. "Those issues will obviously need to be very carefully scrutinized," he said in an interview with CBC. Current and former intelligence officials have said it can take dozens of people to properly track one suspect, and one said it was not surprising that the ultimate tip came from the FBI, given their vastly superior monitoring abilities. While some 600 RCMP officers and staff were transferred from organized crime, drug and financial integrity files to the counter-terrorism beat in recent years, critics of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new Liberal government have argued that not enough money is being spent to fight terrorism. The 2016 budget provided C$35-million over five years to combat radicalization, but little in the way of new funding for the RCMP or the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS). Trudeau was elected in October 2015 pledging to end Canada's combat role against Islamic State and roll back some of the security powers his Conservative Party predecessor had implemented. Ray Boisvert, a former assistant director of intelligence at CSIS, said Driver was likely on an increasingly long list of so-called "B-listers" - people known to law enforcement, but considered lower risk than others and not followed regularly. "The problem today, of course is that a target can go from mildly radicalized to highly 'weaponized' in a matter of weeks - or sooner," Boisvert, who left CSIS in 2012 and is now a security consultant to private firms, said in an email. Mubin Shaikh, a former undercover operative with CSIS, told Reuters he considered Driver a threat back in 2015, in part because he was a Muslim convert. "That's a red flag," he said on Thursday. In October 2014, a Canadian Muslim convert shot and killed a soldier at Ottawa's national war memorial before launching an attack on the Canadian Parliament. The same week, another convert ran down two soldiers in Quebec, killing one. Shaikh, now a Canadian counter-terrorism and national security consultant, said law enforcement officers walk a fine line in determining which Islamic State sympathizers are just talkers, and which represent an actual threat to Canada. "You don't know who is going to be the one guy who is not just talking but may take action," he said. "It's better to assume that they are going to be a threat." (Public Prosecution Service of Canada corrects the number of terror-related peace bonds that are pending to eight from nine, in paragraph 10) (Additional reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Leah Schnurr in Ottawa; Editing by Sue Horton and Diane Craft) By Alastair Sharp TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian telecom companies are rushing to secure cheap money to fund acquisitions and big infrastructure projects as their reliance on customer appetite for internet services grows. Take Canada's BCE Inc, better known to its millions of internet and telephone customers as Bell, which this week raised C$1.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in debt, in part to pay down more expensive loans and fund its takeover of a data center business. But the window to borrow so cheaply may close if the U.S. Federal Reserve raises rates further this year, which would broadly increase corporate borrowing costs. Bell and the country's other big operators produce relatively strong earnings growth and free cash flow, and are seen as less volatile than similarly-rated corporate debt issuers such as oil and gas companies. This and their ability to turn bigger profits than more heavily regulated utilities make them attractive to investors facing otherwise dismal returns on government debt or stocks. "If you lose your job, the last thing you're going to give up is your cell phone," said Adrienne Young, portfolio manager and director of credit at Franklin Bissett Investment Management. Historically low borrowing costs are boosting cash flow at Bell, Telus Corp and Rogers Communications Inc by about C$500 million a year, Desjardins analyst Maher Yaghi wrote on Thursday. He upgraded Telus to a "buy" recommendation and increased target prices across the industry. Bell got its best-ever rate on this week's debt, which pushed its annual pre-tax financing costs down to 4.56 percent with an average maturity of more than nine years. If the Fed starts hiking, that could be as good as it gets. "This might be the bottom," said Barry Schwartz, a portfolio manager at Baskin Financial. "If you're a CFO of a publicly traded company, you've got to be running the numbers right now to finalize acquisitions and raise debt." Bell raised the debt partially to buy out its partners in Q9 Networks Inc. It also wants to buy regional telecom operator Manitoba Telecom Services and spend billions to upgrade its networks to deal with growth in mobile video and other internet-heavy uses. Investors will find telecom debt worthwhile, but not forever, Schwartz said. "At some point, people are going to rebel against it because the yields are just God-awful," he said. "But in the meantime there is insatiable demand for the internet and insatiable demand for fixed income." (Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Rod Nickel and Ethan Lou WINNIPEG/TORONTO (Reuters) - Aaron Driver, the man killed during a Canadian police raid at his home on Wednesday as he was allegedly planning an attack, converted to Islam in his teens some time before his support for Islamic State attracted the attention of authorities. Driver, who would have turned 25 next week, was living under a so-called peace bond that barred him from using social media and required him to undergo religious counseling when he was shot during a police raid in a small Ontario town. He first came to the attention of police in December 2014 and was arrested in 2015 for supporting the militant group Islamic State on social media. He had openly spoken to Canadian media about his belief that Canada and its allies should expect retribution for their war against Islamic State. "If a country goes to war with another country or another people or another community, I think that they have to be prepared for things like that to happen. And when it does happen, they shouldn't act surprised, they had it coming to them, they deserved it," Driver calmly told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) last year. His former lawyer, Leonard Tailleur, said on Thursday that he was surprised by police reports that Driver had planned an imminent rush-hour attack on a major Canadian city, noting that Driver was a devout Muslim but also a "passive individual." FAMILY SCHISM At the age of 7, Driver's mother died and he started growing apart from his father, who was then a soldier, Tailleur told Reuters. "He blames his father for the death," Tailleur said. "Ever since that time, there was a serious relationship issue." He said that was part of what made Driver eventually abandon Christianity for Islam. "A bitterness that he had with his father - these are probably some of the undercurrents," Tailleur said. "A lot of his problems, internal problems, I think, stem from that." Driver attended Friday prayers off and on in 2014 at Winnipeg Central Mosque, arriving late and leaving early, executive director Idris Knapp told Reuters. "He wasn't very connected with anyone. Just a person in his own bubble. Most of the time people come to connect with community, he never seemed like he was making an effort," Knapp said. According to Knapp some Winnipeg Muslims took umbrage with Driver's online postings, especially those aggrandizing Islamic State or other militant groups. It was in Winnipeg that he was placed under a peace bond, required to stay off social media, have no contact with militant groups, observe a curfew and wear an electronic monitoring device, which Canadian police said he was later permitted to remove. Earlier this year Driver moved to Strathroy to live with his sister, still alienated from his father. Driver's father, Wayne Driver, told news outlets that he was saddened by his son's death but not surprised. He said his son had seemed beyond reason in his support for Islamic State. He had hoped his son, who he sometimes feared, could be forced into a de-radicalization program. "We lost him long ago, but I wasn't going to give up on him," Wayne Driver told CBC. "...And then yesterday, the light went out completely, forever. I knew he was lost, but I didn't know how far gone he was." Amarnath Amarasingam, a researcher in religious studies, tweeted that Driver, who he knew, had changed since last emailing him in April. At that time, Driver was radicalized, but "nuanced" in his views about violence, until attacks increased around the world, Amarasingam said. Driver was in contact on social media with Elton Simpson, one of the shooters involved in a Texas attack in May 2015, Canadian police said. A few hours before that attack, Simpson sent a message to Driver and others, police said. "People (that police) watch all the time never act," Amarasingam tweeted. "And people they deem safe can be pushed to act based on changing circumstances around the world." (Reporting by Rod Nickel and Ethan Lou; Writing by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Alan Crosby) This year marks the 75th year of Marvel hero Captain America. To commemorate this milestone, a 13-foot bronze statue of this iconic member of the Avengers was created. As Yahoo Movies reported back in July, it was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, but now its residing in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Why Brooklyn, you ask? Well, Cap is just a kid from Brooklyn, according to the Marvel movies, not the Lower East Side, as he was depicted in the comics. A ceremony was held to celebrate his appearance in New York, which included appearances from the Joint Service Color Guard of New York City and borough president Eric Adams. According to Reuters, a lot of the revelers were happy to have Steve Rogers in their park. Captain America fan Samwell Winkelman had a particularly interesting reason for cheering the statues presence in New York. Captain America means a lot to me because Im trans, and I think that Captain America is trans because hes like this weak little sickly kid and he gets like this shot that turns him into a Superman, Winkelman told Reuters. He just wants to be taken seriously, and that means the world to me. Of course, there are those who arent happy about the statues location. The New York Post reported that some people are upset about what they see as commercialization of a green space. The spirit of that perspective was perhaps best put by one mother who explained, You want to maintain the serenity, calmness and beauty of the park. The statue doesnt move, but it wont stay in one place. Though its in Prospect Park for now, it will be visiting other parts of the borough. In September, Cap will reside outside the Barclays Center, home of the Nets, and then in October hell head off to Sunset Park. Russians Are Upset Over Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter. Jenna Dewan-Tatum is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Step Up in the cutest way with an adorable snapshot of her and Channing Tatum! The romantic dance movie turned a decade old on Thursday, and Jenna shared a sweet throwback pic of her and her now-husband on the 2006 set. WATCH: How Channing Tatum Explains His Magic Mike XXL Moves to His Daughter #tbt to on set of Step Up I cannot believe its the 10 year anniversary of the release today!! the 35-year-old actress and dancer, who portrayed contemporary dance student Nora Clark in the movie, gushed. Ahhhh where does the time go?? Love you all and thanks for all the love all these years. Earlier in the day, Channing and Jenna (who first locked eyes and shared their first kiss while filming the movie!) paid tribute to the film over Snapchat. While playing around with the apps popular filters, Jenna videotaped her and Channing (hip -hop heartthrob Tyler Gage) dancing around in the car. Snapchat NEWS: 'Step Up Series Is Coming to YouTube With Channing Tatum Snapchat But thats not all the two also busted out some of their most iconic dance moves from the film, including the same lifts featured in their beautiful rooftop dance sequence, which was originally filmed at sunset in Baltimore, Maryland. WATCH: 'Step Up Turns 10! Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Reflect on Finding Love on Set As fans of the movie know, Channing and Jenna took their onscreen romance off-screen shortly after filming wrapped. The two said I do in July 2009 and are now parents to a 3-year-old daughter, Everly. From their first public appearances as a couple to their most romantic dance scenes, ETs rounded up Channing and Jennas cutest moments from 2006 to commemorate Step Ups 10th anniversary. Watch the video below to hear more! Related Articles A child was airlifted to hospital on Thursday after falling out of a roller coaster at a Pennsylvania amusement park, officials said. According to local reports, a 3-year-old boy tumbled from the Rollo Coaster at Idlewild and SoakZone in Westmoreland County. Read: Son of Kansas Politician, 10, Dies In Mishap On World's Tallest Water Slide The toddler was taken to Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh and on Friday, he remained in critical condition, KDKA reported. Park spokesman Jeff Croushore told InsideEdition.com that the boy was conscious and talking after he fell from the middle part of the wooden track. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family," he said. "A full investigation has begun to determine the cause of the incident." Because the review is ongoing, "I can't comment too much further than our statement," he said. The ride opened in 1938 and is an older-style attraction made of wood that carries riders up and down along a wooded hillside, then makes a swooping curve before returning to the station, according to the parks website. No information was released about the child or his injuries. Riders on the Rollo Coaster must be at least 36 inches tall. Children under 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult, according to park rules. Sources said the boy suffered head and chest wounds, the station reported. The roller coaster has been closed pending an inspection and investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, along with local agencies. Read: 3 Girls Injured In Fall From County Fair Ferris Wheel The incident comes just three days after a Ferris wheel basket overturned at a Tennessee county fair, leaving a 6-year-old girl with a traumatic brain injury. Her 10-year-old sister is in stable condition with a broken arm and a 16-year-old girl was also injured. The three fell about 35 to 40 feet after a mechanical failure caused the car to flip over, authorities said. Story continues A 10-year-old Kansas boy was killed Sunday during a ride on the worlds tallest waterslide at Schlitterbahn Park. Caleb Schwab was decapitated in the accident, but authorities have not explained how it happened, The Associated Press reported. Watch: Man Reveals His Harness Broke On Verruckt Water Slide That Killed 10-Year-Old Related Articles: A child fell off a roller coaster at Idlewild Park & SoakZone in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Westmoreland County officials said. The child, whose name and gender have not been released, was flown to Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh with unknown injuries, a Westmoreland Public Safety spokeswoman told TIME. The incident took place at 12:18 p.m. and the childs immediate family was there at the park. Before he was airlifted to the hospital, the boy was conscious and treated on site, Idlewild Park said in a statement on Thursday. The park also said the boy fell from the Rollo Coaster, a ride that opened in 1938 and requires riders to be at least 36 inches tall. Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family. A full investigation has begun to determine the cause of the incident, the statement said. The Rollo Coaster will be closed pending the results of the investigation. We are fully cooperating with area agencies in this investigation. Idlewild Park is located about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh and has been open since 1878. This incident comes after other accidents at fairs and amusement parks this summer. In one, three girls were injured in Tennessee after their Ferris wheel basket flipped over, and in another, a 10-year-old boy in Kansas was decapitated while riding a water slide in Kansas City. judo Chinas banking sector has been making unexpected progress towards dealing with its credit problem. UBS conducted an analysis of 765 banks in China, and found that contrary to market perception, bank capitalisation and bailouts have begun. Put simply, China has started bailing out its banks. UBS estimates that between 2013 and 2015, Chinas banking sector disposed of somewhere between 1.65 and 1.8 trillion yuan ($248 to $270 billion) of bad loans and raised 620 billion yuan in capital what UBSs Jason Bedford refers to as underappreciated progress. But it still needs to dispose of a further 4.5 trillion yuan worth of bad loans, and raise another 2 trillion in capital. So theres still a long way to go for Chinas banks. And moreover, theres a disparity in how well banks in different geographical regions are able to raise capital and write off bad loans, which could be concerning. We also note that progress across the country was asymmetrical, Bedford wrote, with provinces with the weakest economic fundamentals recording the least progress in resolving issues. So, the economically weakest areas are the ones that could have the hardest time dealing with the problem. The map below shows the disparity. Red regions are those making the slowest progress places like Inner Mongolia, which has only recapitalized 7 out of 18 banks, and Heilongjiang, which has only recapped 2 of 10, are some of the worst: graph 1 Bedford writes that credit cycles are unforgiving and the progress of cleaning up the fallout is not easy. But, he adds, its a process, and at least the process has started in China. Another note from UBS released today references Bedfords research, and remarks on how positive it is that the credit problem in China is increasingly being recognized and dealt with. The bank bailouts also signal some hope for reform in the country, the note says other countries in the region, like Indonesia and India, with its likely passage of the goods and services tax have been implementing reforms. Story continues However, the note says, this isnt enough to turn bullish on China just yet. The problem is that credit is still growing aggressively versus the economy, and until that changes, its important to be wary. Bedford also mentions this in his research, saying that the problem could be growing faster than the solution. If credit keeps growing at a two or three times multiple of GDP growth, then the positive steps being taken could be outpaced by the growth of non-performing loans (NPLs). According to research from BMI that was released on August 10, China reports that its NPL ratio is approximately 1.8%. But BMI researchers estimate that the true ratio is closer to 20% and could even to as high as 30%. Given how dangerous that situation is, the report says, the likelihood of a government bailout of the banking sector is increasingly likely. NOW WATCH: Couples improved their sex lives in a week with this one simple tip More From Business Insider RIO DE JANEIRO/BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Olympic swimmer Chen Xinyi was a no-show at the women's 50 meter freestyle heats on Friday after Chinese state media said she had failed a dope test at the Rio Games. The Xinhua news agency, citing the country's swimming association (CSA), said Chen had tested positive for a banned substance on Aug. 7 in the latest doping scandal to mar competition at the Games. Chen was listed on the official start sheets on Friday as the heats got under way and then recorded on the results as DNS (did not start). Controversies over doping overshadowed the build-up to Rio and, far from dying down as events got under way, have flared anew as U.S. and Australian competitors have branded their Russian and Chinese rivals drug cheats. Chen, 18, failed a test for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide and had applied to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a hearing to look into the matter, Xinhua said. It added that the CSA had required Chen to cooperate with the investigation. "If the assertion is true, the CSA will earnestly implement anti-doping regulations and safeguard legal interests according to law," Xinhua cited an unnamed CSA official as saying in a statement. "The Chinese Swimming Association resolutely opposes the use of banned substances, will actively cooperate with the investigation by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and respect its final ruling," the official said. Hydrochlorothiazide, known as a masking agent, is a banned substance because it can be used to spur weight loss and cover up the presence of other illegal drugs by diluting urine collected in doping tests. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in March that it would investigate allegations that Chinese swimming covered up positive tests ahead of Olympic trials. Chinawhich topped the medals table at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and came in second at the 2012 London Games behind the United States, has said it has a zero-tolerance approach to doping and had taken "all necessary measures" to ensure that its athletes were clean. Chen finished fourth in the women's 100m butterfly final on Sunday. "It wasn't quite perfect but there are no regrets after trying one's hardest," Chen wrote on her official microblog on Monday in her only post this year. "Go team China!" she said. Doping allegations have plagued this year's swimming competitions after Australian Mack Horton called his rival and fellow Olympic swimming gold medalist Sun Yang a "drug cheat", and U.S. gold medalist Lily King criticized Russia's twice-banned swimmer Yulia Efimova. Sun was revealed two years ago to have secretly served a three-month suspension for using a banned stimulant. He said at the time the stimulant was medication to treat a heart issue and did not enhance his performance. Efimova was allowed to compete at the Games only after winning an appeal against a ban for a previous doping offence. (Reporting by Michael Martina/Alan Baldwin; Editing by Greg Stutchbury and Clare Fallon) At first, when executive producers Mark McKinnon and Mark Halperin were developing the idea for their real-time docu-series The Circus: Inside The Greatest Political Show On Earth, they thought the title might a little over the top. We didnt want the title to be demeaning, McKinnon said. But, he added, We had no idea the election would turn out the way it did. Donald trumps mouth is more of a 24/7 phenomenon, Halperin said. In the last 24 hours hes said seven things that make for pretty interesting stories. There isnt a week or a day or even an hour that goes by in this election where something fascinating isnt happening, McKinnon added. The two political journalists discussed their Showtime show, returning in the fall, at the Television Critics Associations summer press tour. They were joined by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, the team behind the documentary Weiner, about disgraced former congressman and onetime New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner, husband of close Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin. (The critically acclaimed documentary, which had a limited theatrical release, will premiere on Showtime on October.) Steinberg and Kriegman described how they attained so much intimate access with their subjects, Weiner and Abedin. Partly, they said, it was because both husband and wife wanted their storys full complexity to be laid bare. He wanted to be seen as more than just a punchine, Steinberg said. Hes so much more of a person than people thought he was, Kreigman said. Hes got his flaws and his talents amidst all of the insanity and circus of Weiners campaign, you do see something somewhat noble or admirable [in him], a genuine intent to keep on going. Steinberg added, Anthony and [Donald] Trump are very different, but they both understood that in order to get attention in this media age, you have to put on a show. Halperin pointed out that Weiner and GOP nominee Donald Trump shared four words in common: Sometimes wrong, never boring. Story continues In response to a question that asked if Weiners combined blinkered delusion and clear-eyed observation were endemic to politics, McKinnon opined that it was very common. Its just the nature of our politics, unfortunately in many ways it has discouraged good people from going in and good people to get out, and attracts the sort of people who need the mirror of politics to see their own reflection, he added. Halperin and McKinnon also teased a bit of what will be happening on The Circus starting in the fall. Abedin, a fixture of the Clinton campaign, may feature in The Circus. They are also looking for disgruntled Republicans at bars and churches in the Washington area. There is also some discussion of airing something after the election, with footage that didnt make it into the series originally, though the producers promise that nothing like a secret Trump peyote scene has been embargoed for after Americans cast their vote. Related stories Showtime Chiefs Talk 'Twin Peaks,' 'Penny Dreadful,' Daniel Craig Drama and Digital Growth Stephen Colbert Being Eyed to Host Live Election Night Special on Showtime 'SNL' Alums Jay Pharaoh and Taran Killam Land Leads in Showtime Series Woman in a burkini on the beach. The mayor of the French Riviera resort of Cannes has banned women from wearing burkinis on the beach. The order signed by mayor David Lisnard states that access to beaches and swimming are banned for those who wear improper clothes that are not respectful of good morals and secularism. It goes on to say: Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order. Anyone caught wearing the full-body swimsuit will be asked to change into different swimwear, leave the beach altogether, or face a fine of 38 ($42), the BBC reports. I simply forbid a uniform that is the symbol of Islamic extremism, Lisnard said, noting that the ruling does not ban the veil, Jewish kippah, or the cross. Thierry Migoule, Cannes head of municipal services, said: We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach But ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us. Earlier this week, a water park in Marseille cancelled a pre-planned burkini-only day at the venue, saying that public order was being compromised by extreme ideological positions. The secular nation is home to one of the EUs largest Muslim populations, and has had a controversial history of clamping down on religious clothing, becoming the first country in Europe to ban the burqa and the niqab veils in 2011. In 2015, a Muslim student was banned from school for wearing a long black skirt that, according to the school principal, conspicuously showed religious affiliation. In 2004, France also passed a law preventing students in state-run schools from displaying any form of religious symbols, including veils, Jewish kippahs, and crosses. In July, the country extended its state of emergency by a further six months, following a truck attack in Nice in which 84 people were killed and hundreds injured. It was Frances third large-scale terror attack in 18 months. The original state of emergency has been in place since November 2015, when terrorist attacks in Paris killed 130 people. Story continues Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: Carlos Gutierrez, commerce secretary for President George W. Bush, is supporting Hillary Clinton. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Donald Trump has accused the Mexican government of sending rapists over the border, questioned a federal judges fitness for office based on his Mexican heritage and reached out to Latino voters by tweeting a photo of himself eating a taco bowl with the tagline, I love Hispanics! But despite these blunders and scoring the highest unfavorable rating from Latino voters of any presidential candidate in two decades, many lifelong Republican Latino politicians and voters have been reluctant to cross party lines and back Trumps rival, Hillary Clinton. The Clinton campaign has a plan to change that, and her team is hoping it will boost her chances in Florida, the largest swing state. Earlier this week, dozens of Republicans including three former Cabinet secretaries and six current or former members of Congress endorsed Clinton, ditching their party this election in order to prevent Trump from gaining the White House. The group of Republicans and independents backing Clinton is called Together for America, and according to a Clinton aide some of them will appear at Clinton events, vouch for her in the media and directly contact conservative voters to try to persuade them to back Clinton, too. Among the group are five Latinos, including Carlos Gutierrez, the U.S. secretary of commerce under President George W. Bush and one of the highest-ranking Latino office holders ever. I support Hillary Clinton because she has the steady temperament and the experience to serve as president, Gutierrez said in a statement. She has shown her commitment to strengthening U.S.-Cuba relations, immigration reform, and Americas role in todays competitive global economy. Endorsements like Gutierrezs could help in Florida, where Cuban-Americans were once a reliably Republican voting bloc that could sway razor-thin presidential margins in the crucial swing state. Younger Cuban-Americans are now trending Democratic, and the Clinton campaign is working to woo them, along with the more solidly Democratic Latino groups like Puerto Ricans. Story continues Clintons endorsements from GOP and independent leaders may also make other conservatives feel comfortable enough to back her as well, one Clinton campaign staffer said. I think these endorsements matter for that older generation of Republican Latinos who say, I cant support Trump, but I cant be a Democrat, the person said. The campaign hopes the endorsements will show conservatives they can break the habit of voting Republican, and give them permission to do so. In Florida, the conservative billionaire businessman and Gov. Jeb Bush backer Mike Fernandez came out as a Clinton supporter last winter. Cindy Guerra, the former chair of Broward Countys Republican Executive Committee, also signed on to back Clinton. It was a two-way street, Reggie Cardozo, the Clinton campaigns Florida deputy state director, said of how Fernandez was recruited. He was attracted to us and we were attracted to him. Cardozo added that he believes there will be more endorsements in the weeks to come, and that the campaign will highlight the conservatives support for Clinton in the state. Though several prominent Republican Latinos have either refused to endorse Trump or vowed not to vote for him, fewer have taken the plunge of outright supporting Clinton. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the most senior member of Floridas congressional delegation, told the Miami Herald in May that she wont support either Trump or Clinton, and instead will write in former Gov. Jeb Bushs name on her ballot. Rep. Carlos Curbelo has taken a similar position. Other Hispanic Republicans in Florida are unenthusiastically voting Trump. Sen. Marco Rubio, Trumps former primary rival, said he would keep his pledge to back Trump but still has deep concerns about the Manhattan developers candidacy. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart also said he will vote for the real estate tycoon. Some of us feel enough discomfort with Trump now to be reconciled with the notion that we wont vote for the GOP nominee, in my case for the first time in my life, Ana Navarro, a GOP strategist and CNN contributor, told Yahoo News. But we just dont feel enough comfort with Hillary to vote for her. Navarro said she and fellow Republicans are going through their own excruciating internal process to decide what to do. Just picture a bunch of us sitting on a fence plucking petals from a daisy, she said. But even if these conservatives never fully back Clinton, their ambivalence about Trump boosts Clintons chances in the state, where prominent statewide officials like Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi are fully on the Trump train. I think that it is noticeable and sends a strong message to voters that these individuals are not endorsing Trump, Cardozo said of Ros-Lehtinen and others. Floridas Latino community feels a collective disrespect by Donald Trumps rhetoric, and its reflected through the vocal opposition of the states prominent Republicans. By Jonathan Allen WARREN, Mich. (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Thursday said rival Donald Trump had no real plans to help middle-class families, arguing that his agenda of tax cuts and tough trade talk would throw the economy into recession. "He's offered no credible plans to address what working families are up against today," Clinton said in Warren, Michigan, shortly after touring Futuramic, a hangar-like, high-tech factory that makes parts for the aerospace industry. Clinton said Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, would scrap regulations meant to hold corporations accountable, cut taxes on "millionaires and Wall Street money managers," and eliminate the estate tax, an inheritance tax that generally hits the wealthy. Clinton offered no new proposals of her own but sought to cast doubt on the image Trump promotes of himself as the voice for working people. The New York businessman is counting on his appeal to blue-collar voters with concerns about global trade to boost his chances in key states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. Clinton on Thursday ran through many of the policies she has outlined over the last year to contrast herself with Trump, who has given far fewer details about his plans, as the presidential campaign heads toward the Nov. 8 election. Speaking to Fox News later on Thursday, Trump said he would cut business taxes to bring jobs back to the United States, while Clinton would have to double taxes to meet the increased spending on social programs in her plan. Trump delivered an economic speech in Detroit on Monday. He publicly named his economic advisers last week, which Clinton mocked as "six guys named Steve." On Thursday, he released a list of nine additions to the council, eight of whom were women. New members included roofing billionaire Diane Hendricks, investor Carla Sands and hedge funder Anthony Scaramucci. Workers' anxiety over trade deals has become a central theme in the 2016 election, and Clinton rejected the portrait Trump has painted that she only pretends not to favor the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal she praised when she was secretary of state from 2009-2013 but has more recently opposed. Clinton also says she would renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was signed by former President Bill Clinton, her husband. Trump routinely disparages the agreement as bad for American jobs. "It's true that too often past trade deals have been sold to the American people with rosy scenarios that didn't pan out, Clinton told the crowd of factory workers. "The answer is not to rant and rave, or cut ourselves off from the world. "The answer is to finally make trade work for us, not against us," she said. "So my message to every worker in Michigan and across America is this: I will stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership." (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson and Amanda Becker in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Amanda Becker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If you havent heard a lot about what Hillary Clinton thinks of a string of controversial comments by Donald Trump that have generated round-the-clock coverage on cable news broadcasts, there is a reason its by design. Since becoming the Democratic nominee last month, Clinton has been touring toy manufacturers, visiting tie makers and dropping in on public health clinics, where if she mentions Trump at all, it is usually to contrast their policies. Her swift condemnation at a Wednesday campaign rally of Trumps remark that gun rights activists could stop her from nominating liberal U.S. Supreme Court justices was a rare instance where she has directly engaged her Republican rival in the 2016 race for the White House. Aides say Clintons strategy is simple: let Trump be Trump. Trump has suffered a series of missteps over the past two weeks that go beyond his remarks on gun rights activists, which he later accused the media of deliberately misinterpreting. He has tangled with party leaders, clashed with the parents of a fallen Muslim American Army captain and this week accused Clinton, a former secretary of state, and President Barack Obama of founding the Islamic State militant group. On Friday, he said he was just being sarcastic when he made that remark. There is an adage in politics: Dont get in the way of a train wreck, said Democratic strategist Bob Shrum, a top campaign aide to presidential candidates Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. Clintons advisers say they see little benefit in her going toe-to-toe with Trump over every personal accusation, generating sound bites that would dominate cable news broadcasts. Rather, they are happy for him to be embroiled in controversy while Clinton focuses on policy. Trumps campaign declined to comment for this story, but the New York real estate developer has accused the national media of bias toward Clinton. He re-posted a supporters Tweet on Friday that said the corrupt media was deliberately exaggerating his remarks to favor his Democratic opponent. Trump has slipped in opinion polls, and worried Republican Party leaders have urged him to stop making off-the-cuff inflammatory statements that generate blanket, often negative, media coverage and distract from efforts to highlight what they see as Clintons many shortcomings. SUCKING OUT THE OXYGEN Hes sucking all the oxygen out of the room to his own detriment, said Republican strategist and Trump supporter Ford OConnell. Its not enough to dominate media coverage, he needs to win it, O'Connell said. Trump has boasted that the news coverage he generates means he does not have to spend as much on campaign ads, but political veterans say he is squandering the attention and missing opportunities to win over undecided voters. For example, Trump gave an economic speech on Monday that was meant to help his campaign regain momentum, but it was quickly eclipsed by the fallout over his remarks on gun rights activists. Clinton, meanwhile, has been busy courting local media in must-win states. Her national press pool, which seldom gets to question the candidate, often waits as she conducts interviews with local news outlets. She has granted few recent interviews to national outlets and rarely holds press conferences, a strategy her critics say is calculated to avoid questions about her use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state, and the relationship between her familys global charity, the Clinton Foundation, and the State Department. Clinton, who has said she is one of the most transparent presidential candidates in history, has acknowledged her use of the private email server was a mistake but said she properly handled all classified information. She has denied any improper links between the foundation and the State Department. In interviews with local outlets, Clinton is more likely to face questions about job creation, public health and raising wages - all parts of her platform that she is keen to discuss. In Florida, a crucial battleground state, Republican lobbyist Gus Corbella says the contrast between the local coverage of Clintons campaign stops there and Trumps events has been stark. Clintons campaign seems to have the more disciplined approach, Corbella said. The rollout that day is on a specific event shes attending, a message shes trying to deliver. Whereas on the Trump side, its what crazy thing did he say today and the response to that. After Clintons visit last week to a tie maker in Colorado, the lead story on the front page of the Denver Post was Clinton pledges millions of jobs. Trump also featured on the front page, but in a smaller story about damage control in his troubled campaign. (Reporting by Amanda Becker; Additional reporting by Michelle Conlin in New York and James Oliphant in Washington, editing by Ross Colvin) Hillary and Bill Clinton released their 2015 tax returns on Friday, showing they paid $3.6 million in taxes on adjusted gross income of $10.6 million. The release appeared to be aimed at drawing renewed attention to Donald Trump's refusal to release his own tax records. The Clintons deducted $2.24 million last year, and paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2 percent and an effective combined tax rate of 43.2 percent. They gave 9.8 percent of their adjusted gross income to charity, according to a campaign release. Of the the $1,042,000 the Clintons gave to charity as listed on their return, $1 million of that went to the Clinton Family Foundation. The other $42,000 went to Desert Classic Charities. Hillary Clinton also listed $1.475 million in gross income from speaking, and Bill reported $5.25 million in gross income from speaking. No details were provided on those speaking engagements. The Clintons made $10.7 million in total income, but reported an adjusted gross income of $10.6 million due to a self-employment tax deduction. Other significant sources of income included $3 million in book proceeds for Hillary, and $1.6 million for Bill's consulting with GEMS Education, an international education company, and Laureate Education, Inc., a for-profit education chain. In 2014, the Clintons reported $28.3 million in total income, deducted $5.1 million, and paid $9.9 million in total taxes, according to a tax return posted on the campaign's website. They paid an effective combined tax rate of 45.8 percent in 2014, according to the site. The Clintons have paid more than $43 million in federal taxes and more than $14 million in charitable contributions since 2007, according to the campaign's website. Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and wife Anne Holton, also released 10 years of their own tax returns. They paid an effective combined tax rate of 25.6 percent in 2015, according to the release. Clinton's previous returns from 2007 through 2014 were already posted on her website. The campaign noted that the couple have now released all their tax returns dating to 1977. Story continues The campaign also posted a video highlighting Republican leaders who have previously called on Trump to release his tax returns or questioned what the lack of disclosure may mean. Those in the video include Mitt Romney, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. The Trump campaign responded to the release late Friday afternoon, calling for the disclosure of documents related to the Clinton Foundation and Benghazi it said would be more revealing. "This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection by an individual who created and then purged an illegal private email server," Trump senior communications adviser Jason Miller said in a statement. If Trump continues to withhold his tax returns, it would break with decades of precedent for major party presidential nominees. Trump previously told conservative radio show host Hugh Hewitt in February 2015 that he would release returns, before pivoting to say he was waiting until the outcome of an IRS audit of his taxes. However, several people including billionaire Warren Buffett have pushed back on that assertion. Buffett went so far as to tell Trump he was under audit as well, and wanted to make the GOP nominee an offer. "I'm under audit, too, and I would be delighted to meet him anyplace, anytime, between now and election," Buffett said at a Clinton rally. "I'll bring my tax return, he can bring his tax return, nobody is going to arrest us, there are no rules against showing your tax returns, and just let people ask us questions about the items that are on there." UPDATED: This story was updated to include comments from Donald Trump senior communications adviser Jason Miller. More From CNBC As tweets and headlines skip from crisis to crisis, the largest youth population in human history is coming of age in a steady, unstoppable wave. While countries across Europe and East Asia are grappling with declining birthrates and aging populations, societies across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are experiencing youth booms of staggering proportions: More than half of Egypts labor force is younger than age 30. Half of Nigerias population of 167 million is between the ages of 15 and 34. In Afghanistan, Angola, Chad, East Timor, Niger, Somalia, and Uganda, more than two-thirds of the population is under the age of 25. How well these young people transition to adulthood and how well their governments integrate them economically, politically, and socially will influence whether their countries thrive or implode. Surging populations of young people will have the power to drive political and social norms, influence what modes of governance will be adopted and the role women will play in society, and embrace or discredit extremist ideologies. They are the fulcrum on which future social attitudes rest. These young people could transform entire regions, making them more prosperous, more just, and more secure. Or they could also unleash a flood of instability and violence. Or both. And if their countries are not able to accommodate their needs and aspirations, they could generate waves of migration for decades. In the face of this deluge of young people, world leaders should be strategizing and taking steps daily that steer us all toward the former and away from the latter. But as serial acts of global terrorism, large-scale humanitarian disasters, perplexing political trends in Europe like Brexit and persistent economic fragility demand urgent attention, the question emerges: Is anyone even paying attention? Consider India. More than 300 million Indians are under the age of 15, making India home to more children than any country, at any time, in all of human history. To put the size of this generations numbers into perspective consider this: If these children formed a country, that country would be the fourth-largest in the world, still smaller than the United States but larger than Indonesia, Brazil, and Pakistan. Story continues Every month until 2030, one million Indians will turn 18 years old, observes Somini Sengupta, the reporter and author of a compelling new book, The End of Karma: Hope and Fury Among Indias Young. These young people will need both education and jobs lots of them in a global economy that is most certainly going to feature more automation and fewer of the semi-skilled manufacturing jobs that absorbed earlier youth surges elsewhere in Asia. If India succeeds in this respect, its coming demographic bonanza holds the potential to create an unprecedented surge in the countrys economic health. If not, its youth boom could rock the worlds largest democracy and second-largest population with sustained instability. In the coming years, India can thrive because of its young. Or it can implode. Or both. Theres little time left, writes Sengupta. And India is far from being the only country grappling with a booming youth population. Africas current population of 200 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24 is set to double by 2045. In the Middle East, a region of some 400 million people, nearly 65 percent of the population is younger than age 30 the highest proportion of youth to adults in the regions history. Booming youth populations are the demographic equivalent of wild cards for those trying to predict the trajectory of large, strategically important, and politically volatile countries like Pakistan and Iran. In Pakistan, two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30. Many of these young people will only know Pakistan after its latest transition to democracy from 2008 to 2010 and after Pakistan ended its most recent war with India in 1999. They will also know political corruption, extremist violence, and dire shortages of energy and water. In Iran, two-thirds of the population is currently under the age of 35. These young people are educated, tech savvy, and full of potential. Whereas the revolution will be something they learned about in school, many will remember seeing Iranians pour into the streets during the Green Movement or to celebrate the nuclear deal with the United States. And they will be watching to see whether engagement with the West benefits them or not. Will young Iranians and Pakistanis uplift or splinter the politics, economies, cultures, and security of their respective countries or both? Will they engage the world productively and peacefully, turn inward, or pick fights with neighbors? Given the size, strategic position, and military capabilities of these two geopolitically critical countries, the answers will determine whether these two critical countries will export vitality or violence. Unfortunately, the countries that have most of the worlds young people are also the ones that are the most ill-equipped to grapple with their needs, ambitions, expectations, and inevitable frustrations let alone capitalize on their potential. According to the United Nations, developing countries are home to 89 percent of the worlds 10- to 24-year-olds; by 2020, they will be home to nine out of every 10 people globally. Like too many developing countries, countries like Chad and Niger rank high on lists of the worlds most fragile states. They also have populations in which half of their citizens are under the age of 16. With this information, it is all too easy to conjure a dystopic future, the Hollywood caricature of a lawless developing country dominated by gangs of rough-talking young men brandishing firearms (Think, Im the captain now.) But what if we made a different choice? What if the world invested in the potential of these young people? It is feasible to believe these countries could pull themselves out of poverty and instability within a generation the way China did, the way India might. But if the international community fails to act now, we will all suffer the consequences As we ponder our path forward, we should consider that the developing worlds youth boom coincides with four interrelated global trends: an information revolution, the largest movement of refugees and displaced people in recorded history, growing urbanization that will concentrate youth in cities, and a rise in terrorism and extremist ideologies. Together these trends will spread not just people but, more importantly, their ideas at an unprecedented rate. They will raise and dash expectations pushing and pulling young people toward and away from their hometowns and homelands, toward and away from their desired futures. They will make young people around the globe aware of how others are living, the divisions within their societies, and how those they identify with are treated by governments, security forces, and other groups. This knowledge can inspire or anger. It can commit people to elevating their families and communities or make them lash out against them. Coming to terms with the global youth surge is about so much more than managing the logistical and governmental challenges of providing enough healthcare and education and jobs. It is about how the expectations and grievances and aspirations of these young people will shape the cultural norms and societal ideals of their societies. It is about the character and mores of a still-forming generation and how they will affect us all. But, again, we must ask the question: Is the world even paying attention? Aspiration is like water, writes Sengupta. It needs a place to go, or else it drowns everything in its path. In other words, if the raised expectations of masses of young people are left unmet, frustrations may fester, grievances will grow, and those people may choose to seek out their opportunities elsewhere. Already, an exodus of people fleeing violence, poverty, or simply a lack of opportunity is underway; rising youth populations are only likely to feed it. The young, not the old, are more likely to vote with their feet. Roughly 25 percent of all Afghans want to leave their country, according to a recent Gallup poll, and more than 100,000 Afghans are expected to head for Europe this year. The same poll, compiled from more than 450,000 interviews in 151 countries from 2009 to 2011, found that 40 percent of Nigerians (a country of more than 180 million) would emigrate to the West if they could. Approximately two million Iraqis have already left their homeland. And they are willing to pay high prices and accept great risks to do so. As a young Kurdish doctor fleeing Iraq in a dangerous voyage via a rubber dinghy told New York Times correspondent Rod Norland, Better to die quickly there than slowly in Iraq. Developed countries in Europe are not the only destination. Migrants from more than a dozen African nations have already landed in North Africa and an estimated 100,000 African migrants now live in Morocco alone. Syrian refugees registered by the United Nations now number 2.1 million in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon; there are 2.7 million in Turkey and more than 29,000 in North Africa. Half of all Syrian refugees in the world are children under the age of 18, many of whom missed important years of schooling and whose future paths are now in question. Youth booms historically paid dividends in the form of economic growth. South Korea, for instance, translated its youth boom into twelvefold GDP per capita growth between 1970 and today, keeping unemployment for its large youth population around 10 percent. If this history repeats in large population centers like India and Pakistan, Nigeria and Ethiopia, Egypt and Iran all of which currently have unusually large youth populations economic booms will transform whole regions. But the ability of developing countries to create enough jobs in todays technologically advanced and ruthlessly efficient global economy is far from assured. Even wealthy and well-educated countries like Germany and the United States are struggling to employ elements of their workforces and sustain a prosperous middle class. A lack of economic opportunity concerns young people worldwide as the pace of technological advancements decreases the demand for manufacturing labor even when economies are growing. In Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, for example, youth unemployment rates already exceed 30 percent, and youth populations there are expected to grow by another 20 percent or more over the coming 15 years, according to the U.N. There is also the risk that the unmet expectations of youth could fuel widespread violence. While there is no empirically concrete link between joblessness and terrorism, unemployment can contribute to a broader sense of marginalization and grievance that can drive young people to commit acts of violence, whether they live in Nairobi, Baghdad, or the Brussels neighborhood of Molenbeek. According to recent survey by ASDAA Burson-Marsteller, Arab youth across the Middle East view a lack of jobs and opportunity as factors that aid the recruitment efforts of extremist groups in that region. As a 2015 Mercy Corps report and many other studies makes clear, grievances due to experiences of injustice, discrimination, corruption, and abuse by security forces are more important drivers of political violence than poverty. Thus, merely finding jobs for youth does not reduce the incidence of young people committing acts of terrorism or political violence. Addressing their grievances through effective institutions of governance and justice is an important, though admittedly long-term, response. Yet another, perhaps more easily attainable objective in the short term, is giving young people a sense of self-worth and the ability to contribute to and shape the future of their communities as well as their own individual futures. Economic needs are important but are only one of many dimensions of a persons life. To change the trajectory of youth living in challenging circumstances around the world, young people need economic opportunities, civic engagement, and justice as well as opportunities to positively change their communities. They need to develop their identities as individuals who have something to contribute, and as citizens. They need to come together to shape more positive futures for themselves and for others. And they are not just going to wait. Tapping the potential of massive youth populations worldwide could be the opportunity of the century. Or, it will unleash even more disorder, division, and violence. Or both. To echo Sengupta again, the world is now home to a tipping-point generation that will bend the arc of history. Theres little time left. Photo credit: NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Conjoined twin baby boys in Syria were being evacuated across lines from a rebel stronghold to Damascus Children's Hospital on Friday, the first of at least 20 patients who need urgent transfers to be saved, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Moaz and Nawras were born conjoined on July 23 in Zahra hospital in eastern Ghouta, a rebel bastion and rural suburb of the capital. Syrian doctors abroad sought help from the WHO, the United Nations health agency. "The hospital is under-supplied and unable to provide the twins with the surgery they need to survive," said a letter by the Syrian American Medical Society. "The twins, the mother and the aunt are now being evacuated to the Children's Hospital (in Damascus)," Elizabeth Hoff, WHO's representative in Syria, who has been based in Damascus throughout most of the country's five-year civil war, told Reuters on Friday: An ambulance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) was transporting them, she said. "We have been negotiating for medical evacuation for some days now," Hoff said by telephone. The WHO also wants to get seriously ill and wounded patients out of the divided city of Aleppo, where up to two million people are trapped. The eastern, rebel-held part of the city has been besieged by Syrian government forces with Russian support for months, but earlier last week rebel forces broke the siege and opened a corridor into the city [nL8N1AR5O9]. The United Nations said on Thursday it was talking to Russia about a "workable humanitarian pause" in fighting in Aleppo and that the three hours a day proposed by Moscow was "not enough". [nL8N1AS4CM] "WHO is calling for a pause for medical evacuations which are critical to make sure seriously wounded have the right to obtain health care and also people with chronic diseases needing regular care," Hoff said. In addition, WHO has received a list of 16 critical medical cases in the government-besieged town of Madaya who need evacuation and two adults in the opposition-besieged Foua and Kefraya area, in Idlib province, she said. "We haven't obtained permission yet to evacuate," she said, noting that Hezbollah fighters were part of the mix in the Foua area. Staffan de Mistura, U.N. special envoy for Syria, read out the names of the patients in Madaya and Foua, most of them young children, on Thursday to reporters in Geneva. "The UN is ready to evacuate them. They are in a desperate urgent medical emergency. Why on earth should this not be possible? "This should not be waiting for the Aleppo ceasefire or overall ceasefire, this should and can be done before it's too late," he said. In Foua, the Islamist rebel group Ahrar al Sham "can just by a decision of a minute allow the U.N. to evacuate them and bring them to a medical facility where they could be saved", he said. "These are not numbers, these are people who are waiting for a medical evacuation in what has become a medieval approach to a conflict," de Mistura said. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay, editing by Larry King) NEW YORK (Reuters) - A couple in their 30s were struck and killed by lightning while "hanging out" at a historic cemetery in western New York state, according to a media report on Friday. Richard Garlock, 34, and Jenea Macleod, 32, were in the graveyard in Batavia, a town some 40 miles east of Buffalo, at about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a thunderous storm passed through the area, CBS reported, citing Batavia police. A groundskeeper discovered the bodies about 12 hours later. "There were some injuries and some damage to a sneaker that gives you some indication there may have been a lightning strike in the area," Sergeant Todd Crossett told CBS. A medical examination of the bodies later revealed injuries consistent with those inflicted by lightning strikes, Crossett said. Garlock and Macleod were apparently spending leisurely time at the cemetery, he said. "It seems they had just gone to a back part of the cemetery and we're just hanging out there," Crossett told CBS. Officials with the City of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County coroner's officer were not immediately reachable for comment. So far this year, 25 people have been struck and killed by lightning in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Batavia Cemetery is nearly 200 years old. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The cemetery was vandalized in May, when about 70 headstones, some dating to the early 19th century, were broken or pushed over, the Historic Batavia Cemetery Association said in a statement. (Reporting by Linda So; Writing by Laila Kearney; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Igor Ilic ZAGREB (Reuters) - The top two contenders in Croatia's general election battled on Friday over who would be best placed to cut taxes and boost growth, in a televised debate that put the economy at the forefront of a ballot that might not end a political deadlock. Croatians vote on Sept. 11 for the second time in less than a year. Zagreb needs decisive reforms to fix its fragile public finances, improve the investment climate and spur growth and reduce public debt standing at 86 percent of GDP. "There will be no new taxes. A reduced tax burden will be compensated by stronger growth while being careful not to threaten financial stability," said Zoran Milanovic, leader of Croatia's biggest opposition party the Social Democrats (SDP). The conservative HDZ party's income tax cut promises were going too far and would take much-needed money away from municipal authorities, he said, adding: "Those who plan such a high non-taxable level on salaries simply don't know how the budget is structured and planned." HDZ new leader Andrej Plenkovic retorted that his party planned a much-needed overhaul of the tax system. "We aim for a thorough and balanced tax reform that would enable citizens to spend more and would ease the burden on businesses," he said. The election comes as Croatia, one of the weakest European Union economies, is still hauling itself out of six years of recession between 2009 to 2014. Next year is particularly challenging financially, as Croatia will need almost 30 billion kuna ($4.47 billion) just for refinancing bonds and interest payments. Milanovic, who was prime minister from 2011 until elections last year and Plenkovic, whose party won in November and then ruled a fragile coalition for only five months, both promised to lower the tax burden for citizens and businesses. Milanovic said his party wanted talks with Hungary's energy group MOL on regaining control over Croatia's energy firm INA. MOL and Zagreb share ownership over INA, but have been at odds for years over management rights and investment policy. According to an opinion poll, conducted earlier this month, an SDP-led coalition with three smaller parties is ahead with the support of 34.4 percent of voters, while the HDZ was backed by 26.4 percent of voters. A large number of undecided voters will be key, however, analysts said. If Croatia gets another hung parliament, as many expect, opinion polls say the likely kingmaker would once again be the reformist Most party, or Bridge, which now has the support of about 10 percent of voters. Most, which plays on dissatisfaction with the top parties, was part of a center-right coalition with the HDZ that collapsed in June due to a row between key coalition leaders. ($1 = 6.7088 kuna) (Editing by Ingrid Melander and Tom Brown) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f176089%2fpenny LONDON A Deliveroo delivery person making their way through the bustling Trafalgar Square traffic is hardly an unusual sight in London Town. A Deliveroo delivery person casually perched atop a penny-farthing making their way through Trafalgar Square now that's a different story. SEE ALSO: Why row when you can ride a bike across water? And yet, here it is, in all its late 19th century glory. Twitter citizen Andrew Potter snapped a photo of the quirky sight, and speculates that the cyclist was en route to Buckingham Palace. And the more we think about it, the more sense it makes the Queen's take-away could really only be brought to her via penny-farthing. Enjoy your chicken tikka masala, your Majesty. If you set aside all the Trumping and cupping, the big story this week concerned Delta Airlines, which stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers worldwide after an internal electrical outage caused a computer malfunction that crashed the companys entire system. It was bad enough when the outage grounded 1,000 flights on Monday, but the problems continued with over 1,000 additional cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday, and even another 25 on Thursday, as the airline and passengers untangled their schedules. So one outage roiled the nations second-largest airline for an entire week. Fortunately, nobody travels in the summer. Related: Americas Best and Worst Airlines of 2016 This should actually sound familiar, because its the third major computer malfunction of a U.S. airline in the past year. In July, Southwest Airlines had to cancel 2,300 flights over four days because of a similar IT snafu, caused by a single router failure. United Airlines had a computer issue that grounded 4,900 flights for more than an hour, which rippled through its system and caused missed connections and delays. And if you go back to 2013, American Airlines had its own system-wide crash, affecting hundreds of flights. Considering that we have four major airlines in America controlling 85 percent of all domestic capacity, thats pretty much a clean sweep. Why does this continue to happen? First of all, airline IT systems appear to run on the equivalent of an Apple IIc instead of a MacBook Pro. Despite a spate of mergers in the industry Delta/Northwest, American/US Airways, United/Continental, Southwest/AirTran none of the back-end was upgraded. These mergers were actually sold on the basis of creating efficiencies, specifically from integrating computer systems. But the efficiencies never work out, and the integration costs always end up higher than the initial estimate. Related: Americas Favorite Airlines, Ranked Not only that, but what typically happens with IT is that one old legacy system gets patched to interface with another old legacy system, inevitably creating unforeseen problems. As Diana Moss of the American Antitrust Institute has shown, computer meltdowns become more prevalent after mergers, as a larger system of reservations and flight departures and crew schedules gets piled onto creaky computer networks dating back to the 1990s. Even Delta CEO Ed Bastian admitted this week that their IT investments may not have been in the right place. Story continues The nature of airline travel means that any outage, even affecting a limited number of flights, can cascade across the country. Lack of takeoffs mean that planes dont reach hub airports, gates with dormant airplanes become unavailable for arriving flights, connections get missed or delayed and crews cant reach departing flights. So it would take days to reconcile the schedule under the best conditions. However, in Americas airline oligopoly, these problems get magnified, for the simple reason that individual airlines service more flights. In many cities theres little or no alternative to flying the dominant carrier. By getting bigger, the airlines become less resilient, less able to handle malfunctions without them impacting large swaths of the travel system. Related: How Monopolies Are Crushing U.S. Workers and Consumers Take the United glitch last year. On the same day last July, the New York Stock Exchange had a major computer malfunction, shutting down trading. But because there are so many exchange competitors, trade volumes did not drop as a result, as investors had options. When United went down, passengers did not have the same luxury. So they sat and waited. Furthermore, because airlines have thinned out their schedules to ensure full flights all the time, theres no way to place passengers on another flight to the same destination, even if there was one. That cost-cutting, profit-maximizing measure makes the system far less flexible. In addition, U.S. airlines often refuse to cooperate with one another to rebook passengers on their competitors airlines, as they used to do. Southwest in particular doesnt offer other airlines a discount for rebooking, so the competitors resist accommodating passengers. Delta broke its rebooking agreement with American last year, after demanding higher rates. The biggest reason these kinds of catastrophes proliferate is that the consumer has no real alternative to express her frustration. Yes, between offering free re-ticketing and hotel stays and $200 travel vouchers (which is less than many passengers are entitled to), Delta stands to lose millions of dollars from this weeks incident, just as Southwest did last month. But what would really cost Delta is if consumers voted with their feet and boycotted the airline. And with our virtual airline monopoly, the consumer simply cannot do that. Related: 6 Ways to Get Free Flights Using Your Airline Rewards Card This affects spending priorities, with airlines eager to upgrade their fleet and their lounges but neglecting the back end that makes everything work. Theres no incentive to provide high-quality services if youre the only game in town. So you deliver a little glitz to bring in the business class folks and relentlessly cut costs everywhere else. The situation at the airlines is only a symptom of a larger crisis of market concentration across practically every sector of the economy. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance just released a report showing the sharp decline in startups and independent businesses in recent years, squeezed out by large corporations using their market power. This causes price increases, quality deterioration and wealth inequality as the biggest corporations hoard all the cash, and a breakdown of democracy as those businesses use their power to influence the political system. We actually have a choice here, rooted in antitrust laws a century old designed to preserve competition and break up monopolies. Those laws have too rarely been exercised in the past few decades, leading to the extreme concentration we have today. The next administration needs to get much tougher on antitrust policy. Otherwise, youll probably find yourself sometime in the future sitting on the floor of your local airport terminal, wondering if youll ever reach your final destination. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: There is one big gaping hole in the Democratic Partys attempt to establish itself as the party of national security. At last months convention, one problem was never mentioned, one crisis that was studiously avoided. Syria represents one of the thorniest problems that the next president will face and not just the so-called Islamic State, but the larger conflict that has destroyed a country and produced an epic humanitarian tragedy, which is causing ripple effects deep into Europe. Yet aside from a few fleeting references to refugees, the war there was not mentioned once at the Democratic convention. Admittedly, Syria is not an issue on the mind of many voters. There was little to gain from bringing up such a complex subject, where even the mention of the war against the Islamic State brought chants of No more war from Sen. Bernie Sanderss delegates. But as with the Democratic Partys crack-up on the Israeli-Palestinian debate, which I wrote about previously, the clash between the foreign-policy instincts of Clinton and Sanderss supporters is precisely why it is important to pay close attention to the debate about the Syria conflict on the left. During the drafting sessions of the Democratic platform, Bernie Sanders instructed his representatives on the committee to include an amendment that rejected any military intervention against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including the imposition of safe zones or no-fly zones. In the end, Sanderss representatives, including Arab American Institute President James Zogby and Professor Cornel West, did not ask for the amendment to be included. They came to the conclusion during the drafting session that since the platform language did not specifically call for any U.S. military action, it did not require an explicit rejection of intervention. The platform language that eventually passed deplored the humanitarian tragedy and urged more U.S. leadership of the international community to provide assistance to civilians, and said Democrats would root out ISIS and bring together the Syrian opposition, international community, and our regional allies to reach a negotiated political transition that ends Assads rule. Story continues Platforms are not binding policy positions, and this one wont bind Hillary Clinton if she makes it to the White House. But the episode reveals the gap within the Democratic Party on what role, military or moral, the United States has in ending the Syrian war, and whether the focus should be solely on the Islamic State or also on removing Assad from power. That debate rages within the Clinton camp itself. By choosing Sen. Tim Kaine as her vice president, Clinton gave a boost to the wing that views inaction as too costly. Kaine has supported a humanitarian zone in Syria to protect civilians, saying that the failure to establish one is going to go down as one of the big mistakes that weve made, equivalent to the decision not to engage in humanitarian activity in Rwanda in the 1990s. Even if Clintons instincts may push her toward greater intervention in Syria, she could face substantial opposition from her own party. Sanders may not be the Democratic Partys nominee, but his supporters made clear during the convention that theyre not going anywhere. And those supporters are even more skeptical of military force than their preferred nominee. Sanders could be described as the politicians version of Noam Chomsky, deeply uncomfortable with the use of American military might, but with a pragmatic streak though he voted against the Iraq War, he did vote in favor of the interventions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. (His humanism on Palestinian issues, including his breaking of a taboo in presidential politics by forcefully expressing his support for Palestinian rights, was driven partly by his calculation that it was an issue his base was passionate about, and one that he could use to draw a further contrast with Clinton and the Democratic Party.) But his lack of interest and passion in addressing the unspeakable suffering in Syria has been noteworthy, and it has worried activists on the Syrian issue, who see this as part of a larger trend on the left. Syria cannot be made to fit a clear pattern of injustice, with an occupier and an occupied, like with Israel and the Palestinians, or an oppressed and an oppressor, like with South Africas apartheid. Any meaningful U.S. action in Syria would require more military force, a no-no for the left. And rather inconveniently, Assad belongs to the so-called axis of resistance against Israel that includes Hezbollah and for which the American left has a tendency to voice support with little questioning, because it has the luxury of geographical distance from the consequences of life under its rule. American political scientist and Israel critic Norman Finkelstein exemplified that attitude when he visited Lebanon in 2008 to show his support for Hezbollah, which he lauded for its courage and discipline in its 2006 war with Israel. A local interviewer pointed out that the widespread support Hezbollah enjoyed among Lebanese after it forced Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000 had dissipated in the wake of the costly 2006 war that had wrecked much of the countrys infrastructure a war which many Lebanese blamed on Hezbollah. I am not telling you what to do with your lives, and if youd rather live crawling on your feet, I could respect that, Finkelstein replied, evoking Spanish Civil War heroine Dolores Ibarruri, who said It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. When the interviewer pressed that support for Hezbollah should be a choice left to the Lebanese who have to live with the consequences of the groups actions, Finkelsteins answer was again that it was always better to resist and die with honor, adding dismissively that he doesnt live in Lebanon, so the internal political divisions were irrelevant to him. Such thinking is prevalent on the left when it comes to Syria, and its adherents are unwilling to vocalize any criticism of Assads use of force, lest it indicate support for removing him from power. Mouaz Moustafa, the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, which supports the opposition, told me Assads positions on the Palestinian cause means that a large segment of the left has completely ignored Syria, and turned a blind eye to what is going on, or even subscribed to conspiracy theories that the war was manufactured by the West to weaken Assad. They believe that U.S. power and military can never be used for good, and somehow they believe Russia provides a balance in the world, but they dont realize that the Russians are much more brutal, he said, a pertinent point as President Vladimir Putins influence or interference in this election cycle has become a point of debate. Mustafa said he believed that Sanderss silence reflected a lack of understanding of both Syrias geopolitical complexities and the horror of a war where the overwhelming majority of civilian victims have been killed by government forces. He should go to the Syrian border in Turkey. He should see for himself what is happening and then see if that shifts his position in the right direction, Mustafa said. This is our never again moment. He needs to clarify his stance, not just keep repeating: We cant depose dictators, we cant use force, we cant have no-fly zones. But if the left opposes military action, what about humanitarian action? Even if the United States does not impose a no-fly zone, it could still ramp up funding for overwhelmed and underfunded U.N. agencies and refugee organizations. This is where Kaines views are closer to Clintons than even some of her own advisors, and those of President Barack Obama himself. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on the Middle East, he traveled to the region often, speaking passionately about the refugee crisis including in March 2014, when he said that he refused to accept that theres nothing more we can do to end the suffering. He spearheaded an effort to pass a Senate resolution to press the administration to beef up its humanitarian assistance. There are two key components to Kaines thinking on Syria: First, he believes that the United States should push for a humanitarian zone to deliver aid. In November, he said the zone would be principally a tool for delivering humanitarian aid pursuant to the U.N. Security Council resolution that even Russia voted for. I think, done correctly, it could also accelerate a path to a negotiated end to the Syrian Civil War. In other words, this creates space to push back against Assad. Secondly, Kaine believes the challenge of the Islamic State and the issue of Assad are connected, and Washingtons single-minded focus on the jihadi group means its Syria strategy is nonexistent or a mess. These are two problems that are connected, and you cant have a strategy thats just about one, he told NPR in October. This dovetails neatly with Clintons own views. The former secretary of state has called for safe zones to protect civilians, and the Syria policy section of her website goes even further by stating that combined with no fly zones, this creates leverage and momentum for a diplomatic solution that removes Assad and brings Syrias communities together to fight ISIS. This belief is also what drives the thinking behind the dissent memo drafted by 51 State Department diplomats criticizing the Obama administrations Syria policy. The memo called for limited strikes on Assads forces, to compel the Syrian regime to negotiate a political solution in good faith. The dissent memo spurred a very public debate between Clintons advisors. Former Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy, who is widely assumed to be a favorite to become secretary of defense in a Clinton administration, described Obamas Syria policy, which relegates Assad to a secondary issue, as an outright mistake. Meanwhile, Philip Gordon, another Clinton advisor, has advised that the United States drop its demand for a departure of Assad. Derek Chollet, who served in the State Department and the National Security Council in the current administration and is closer to Obama in his views on the U.S. role in the Middle East, has dismissed the idea that anything could have been done to produce a better outcome in the region. I know from conversations with Clinton aides that many disagree and as I wrote in a previous article, they point to Libya, despite the ongoing violence there, as an example of a less worse outcome than Syria. From my own conversations with Clinton while she was secretary of state, I also know she feels strongly about preventing the growth of political vacuums that can be filled by Americas adversaries. Clinton served the president loyally as secretary of state, but as early as February 2012, she told me she worried about Russia, Hezbollah and Irans extensive support to Assad. That raised the implicit the question: Where is the United States in all this? In her book Hard Choices, Clinton describes Syria as a wicked problem. Its also a problem that is only getting harder and by January 2017 if shes elected president, her choices may have been reduced further by developments on the ground. Putins military involvement in Syria, for instance, could lead to a further strengthening of Assad, thereby making her policy proposal for a safe zone moot. Clinton will likely want to raise the cost of Russia and Irans actions in the region. But whatever she decides to do, she will also need to assess Americas willingness and readiness to stay the course and assist Syria in the postwar period. For that, she will need the public on board a public that includes anti-war Sanders supporters. The combination of advisors and aides around Clinton, some of whom espouse her worldview and some whom are closer to Obamas thinking, are a reflection of Clintons preference for surrounding herself with a diversity of opinions. This presages a vigorous debate on Syria, which could bubble to the surface in a rapid review of U.S. policy starting as early as the transition period if Clinton is elected on Nov. 8. Its still unclear who will come out on top. Knowing Clinton, shell prefer it not be Putin. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Men and Women Can Build their Own Signature Fragrance Based on their Preferences, Mood and More LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Shaghayegh Farsijani, founder of Desert35, is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative and customizable line of fragrances. In addition to the new unisex fragrance that people can tailor to their liking, Farsijani is also creating a private collection perfume called Unrestricted, which she said bridges the gap between American and Iranian culture. To learn more about Desert35 and the new lines of perfume and fragrance, please visit https://goo.gl/BtsyJk. As a spokesperson for Desert35 notes, the new fragrance service is already creating a serious buzz in the style and development industries. "This new project by Desert35 took a simple idea and ran with it, by allowing customers to design their very own fragrances which are then created in their lab and then sent directly to customers' houses. The resulting service promises to revolutionize fragrance culture," noted the spokesperson, adding that the reason why Desert35's new idea is virtually guaranteed to be such a success is that scent is one of the most personal and important aspects of how a person presents himself or herself to others. "But even though our fragrances are such a significant part of our impressions, customers normally have to pick from pre-designed scents that may not suit their personality at all. Well now customers can fully realize their unique and individual style with a customized fragrance that reflects their personality and energy." Farsijani is honoring her Iranian culture with the new customizable fragrance; as she explained, many women in Iran use perfume as a way to express themselves. The new perfume gives people the chance to select specific scents that bring a sense of peace, joy, sensuality and fun into their world. To help pay for the production costs associated with creating the new perfumes, the founder of Desert35 recently launched a fundraiser on Indiegogo. She hopes to raise $45,000 through crowdfunding, which will help pay for marketing, oils and bottling costs. Story continues About Desert35: Established in New York City with inspiration from around the world - Paris, Florence, Tehran, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Dubai, Beirut and Morocco, Desert35 is a platform that lets people create a feeling and a lifestyle based upon emotions that they are gravitating towards, while bringing the fragrance laboratory to their home. It is also a private unisex perfume born from the mind of an Iranian woman who was a former reporter and anchor in Iran. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/BtsyJk. Contact: Lawrence Young admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: Desert35 Vanessa Marcotte fought hard for her life. During a press conference held Thursday evening, investigators said the 27-year-old Google employee, who was killed Sunday night while jogging in Princeton, Massachusetts, put up a desperate struggle, likely leaving her killer bruised and scratched. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. once again appealed to the public during Thursday's news conference, asking anyone who may have any information about Marcotte's homicide come forward. Early told reporters detectives are certain Marcotte's attacker was a man, and that he probably walked away from the slaying battered and cut up. Anyone who has seen a male with fresh abrasions, bruises or scrapes in the Princeton area is urged to call the Massachusetts State Police. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Marcotte, who lived in New York City but was visiting her mother over the weekend, was found dead Sunday night, several hours after she went for a run. Her body was recovered from a wooded area about a half mile from her mother's home. Marcotte's body was found unclothed with burn marks, according to investigators. Police have received hundreds of tips about the killing, but say they've yet to identify any possible suspects. Investigators also can not say with certainty whether she was targeted or the victim of a random attack. Early said investigators are also interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen any vehicles driving or parked near where Marcotte's body was found. Anyone with information is asked to call the Massachusetts State Police tipline at (508) 453-7589. Marcotte visited Princeton often to see her family. She grew up in nearby Leominster, and attended the Bancroft School in Worcester before graduating from Boston University in 2011. Marcotte's death bears eery similarities to the killing of a New York City woman, who was strangled and sexually assaulted while on a run through a Queens park last week. Like Marcotte, 30-year-old Karina Vetrano was killed while running alone in a secluded area. There is no indication yet that the deaths are connected, according to police. DUESSELDORF, Germany, Aug 12 (Reuters) - German postal and logistics group Deutsche Post DHL is planning to start selling electric delivery vans on the open market in 2017, a spokesman for the group said on Friday. Deutsche Post initially developed the Streetscooter, a four-wheeled electric van with a range of up to 120 kilometres, for its own use for delivering mail and parcels. But the group plans to start mass production of the vehicles shortly, aiming for up to 10,000 vehicles per year and production shift, German magazine Spiegel reported on Friday. "We want to start sales to third parties from next year," a spokesman told Reuters. The market for electric cars has been shaken up by California start-up Tesla Motors, which proved the barriers to entry into the auto industry had been lowered. Currently, the delivery van segment is dominated by traditional volume car makers such as Ford. (Reporting by Matthias Inverardi; Writing by Victoria Bryan; Editing by Maria Sheahan) Kim Kardashian West flaunts her high-maintenance physique. (Photo: Getty) She isnt shy about the fact that she gets cosmetic surgery, and Kim Kardashian West broadcast her latest procedure for the world to see. In a Snapchat video Wednesday at the office of Dr. Simon Ourian who treats practically every member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan Kim chronicled her skin-tightening procedure, thanking Dr. Ourian and cheekily hashtagging the Snap #HateHimNowLoveHimLater. The plastic surgeon responded to Kim with a post on Instagram, thanking her and using the hashtags #skintightening #nonsurgical #tummytuck. Thank you, #kimkardashianwest, for posting this video on Snapchat earlier today. #Skintightening #nonsurgical #tummytuck A video posted by Dr. Simon Ourian Epione (@simonourianmd1) on Aug 10, 2016 at 10:47pm PDT Yahoo Beauty spoke with Consultant Plastic Surgeon and BAAPS member Mark Soldin, who has not treated Kim, about the procedure. A non-surgical tummy tuck is a marketing phrase, Mr. Soldin said. This encompasses a variety of treatments: freezing fat, fat dissolving injections, ultrasound massage techniques and so forth. 10 Tips for Keeping Textured Hair Frizz-Free A surgical tummy tuck which removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a significant improvement that is easy to see much tighter skin, much less fat, flatter tummy, according to Mr. Soldin. But he notes that the improvements from non-surgical tummy tucks, which Kim might have had, can be so subtle, they might be difficult to notice, but may provide the patient with peace of mind. I know of no high quality evidence showing a significant physical improvement using these techniques, Mr. Soldin, who opts not to perform the procedure, says. However if the patient is happy, then all is well. The mind has been cared for. Pre photo shoot fittings A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jul 7, 2016 at 1:17pm PDT Mr. Soldin says that many doctors who do perform non-surgical tummy tucks are aware that the treatment is more satisfying from a psychological perspective versus a physical one, so they make sure to provide other things that will make the patient feel comfortable, too things like beautiful surroundings, caring and gentle staff, and efficient service. He acknowledges that there are always risks with any kind of surgery, but with this kind, the risks are low. Story continues Iggy Azalea Shuts Down Man Who Asks If Shes Had Butt Impants Kim has been publicly documenting her mission to lose the baby weight she gained while pregnant with baby son Saint. She hopes to get down to her goal weight of 120 pounds, and pampering treatments like these may help her get into the right frame of mind to maintain a healthy lifestyle and body shes happy with. Having a positive self-image has always been important to me because it affects so many aspects of my life: my work, my relationship with my husband and my life as a mom, Kim has said, according to the Daily Mail. Dr. Ourian, who treated Kim, has also worked on stars like Lady Gaga, Iggy Azalea, and Cara Delavigne, according to the Daily Mail. But the publicity he gets from Kims 155 million followers not to mention the fanbase of sisters Kylie and Khloe, who always frequent the surgeons office is sure to give him peace of mind as well. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Over the weekend, Hollywood visual effects director Todd Vaziri (you've undoubtedly seen his work in films like Avatar, The Avengers and Star Wars: The Force Awakens) made a casual and rather interesting observation about Donald Trump's tweeting habits. After looking at two months worth of Trump tweets, Vaziri noticed that most of Trumps more abrasive and hyperbolic tweets were sent from Android devices. On the flip side, Trumps more benign postings tended to come exclusively from iPhone devices. DON'T MISS: This brand new Pokemon Go map tracker actually works The tweet, which exploded on Twitter, reads: https://twitter.com/tvaziri/status/762005541388378112 With that theory as a jumping off point, data scientist David Robinson of Stack Overflow decided to perform a fascinating statistical analysis of Trump's tweets and see firsthand what the cold hard data revealed. Looking back at Trump's last 1390 tweets, Robinson found that the distribution of tweets between Android devices and the iPhone wasn't that far off, with 628 tweets coming from the iPhone and 762 tweets coming from Android. Upon analyzing which words were more likely to come from either smartphone, Robinson's research yielded the following chart. donald trump tweet android iphone "A lot of emotionally charged words, like badly, crazy, weak, and dumb, were overwhelmingly more common on Android," Robinson writes. "This supports the original hypothesis that this is the angrier or more hyperbolic account." Diving deeper, Robinson next utilized the NRC Emotion Lexicon to more closely evaluate the word usage across each mobile device and associate it with a particular emotion. Ultimately, Robinson found that "Trumps Android account uses about 40-80% more words related to disgust, sadness, fear, anger, and other negative sentiments than the iPhone account does." Of course, the take away here isn't that Trump magically transforms into a benign tweeter once he picks up an iPhone. On the contrary, it's pretty clear that there are two people who have access to Trump's Twitter account: Trump, of course, who tweets from his own personal Android device and a Trump staffer who tweets from an iPhone. Story continues What makes Robinson's work so fascinating is that he wrote his own code to analyze all aspects of Trump's tweets across each mobile platform and then utilized some ole' fashioned statistical analysis to draw his conclusions. Make sure to hit the source link below for more information about Trump's tweeting habits along with a deeper dive into the statistical methods Robinson used in order to churn out this fascinating piece of work. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Donald Trump had a stinging remark for a protester who disrupted his event in Pennsylvania on Friday. "Here's another one," the Republican presidential nominee said when the demonstrator started making some noise. The billionaire added: "Go home to mom! And your mother is voting for Trump! She's voting for Trump! It's true, it's true." Earlier at the event, other protesters held up signs with "TAX FORMS" emblazoned on them. The group was loudly booed by Trump supporters as they were escorted out of the event: Protestors holding signs that say "Tax Forms" interrupt Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania https://t.co/YJwpzEwZUW CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) August 12, 2016 The demonstrators were protesting Trump's refusal to release his tax returns. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, did so on Friday, but Trump has insisted an ongoing audit makes it unwise to release his returns. More From Business Insider (ERIE, Pa.) Its the medias fault. Thats out of context. Never said it in the first place. Donald Trumps claim Friday that he was merely being sarcastic in accusing President Barack Obama of establishing a terrorist group was his latest attempt to blame others for the uproar over what he says. Its an instinct that Trumps opponents say a president cant possess. Some Republicans seem to have the same concern. This time, it followed two days of critical headlines and Democratic outrage over Trumps claim that Obama was the founder of ISIS. As Trump repeated the claim more than a dozen times, interviewers sought to ensure Trump wasnt being misconstrued. Surely, they offered, he meant Obamas policies had enabled the extremist groups rise. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do, Trump said, using one acronym for the group. (His remark comes at 15:26 of the interview .) Then an about-face Friday. THEY DONT GET SARCASM? he tweeted. Or was he being sarcastic about the sarcasm? Hours later, he told a rally in Pennsylvania he was obviously being sarcastic but not that sarcastic, to be honest with you. That it took Trump two days to walk back his widely debunked remark and then walk back the walk-back was worrying for Republicans who see such missteps as playing to Democrat Hillary Clintons advantage. Equally worrying for some was the fact that he again would not take responsibility for his words. Ryan Williams, a Republican strategist who advised Mitt Romneys 2012 campaign, said theres a common-sense playbook for dealing with political slip-ups: Stop the bleeding and put it behind you by apologizing. Thats what normal candidates do, he went on. However, normal candidates dont careen from one self-inflicted wound to another on an hourly basis. Story continues It was only two days earlier that Trump blamed the media for making much ado about nothing after he suggested during a rally that gun rights enthusiasts might find a way to stop Clinton if elected. Clinton, whose lead over Trump has widened in recent polls of the most competitive states, has seized on those and other eyebrow-raising comments to portray the reality TV star as lacking the temperament to run the nation Trump has his own argument for why shes unfit to do so. Shes hammered him for avoiding accountability for his actions. To that end, Clintons campaign on Friday intensified pressure on Trump to release his tax returns, while disclosing her 2015 filings and a decade of returns from her running mate. The filing shows that the Clintons earned $10.6 million and paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent last year. Trump has refused to make his filings public, saying theyre under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and hell release them only once that review is complete. All major U.S. presidential candidates in modern history have released their returns. Minutes after releasing her returns, Clinton tweeted that its possible Trump paid no tax at all. Trump worked to profit on the fuss over his ISIS remark. In an email to supporters asking them to donate, Trump accused the liberal media of telling outrageous lies about me. Its no surprise that the media are Trumps go-to scapegoat. Just 6 percent of Americans said they have a great deal of confidence in the media in a Media Insight Project poll earlier this year. Almost never does Trump admit error. One exception came this month when he acknowledged a video he said showed a plane carrying U.S. cash to Iran was actually a plane carrying U.S. hostages who were being released. Most of the time, Trump casts blame elsewhere: ___ STAR OF DAVID: In July, Trumps campaign tweeted an anti-Clinton message that seemed to show the Star of David atop a pile of cash, raising questions about anti-Semitism. When Clintons campaign cried foul, Trump blamed her for trying to divert attention from the dishonest behavior of herself and her husband. Also, the media. ___ PAGING MOSCOW: Last month Trump caused a stir in a news conference by saying Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails missing from Clinton. Even some Republicans questioned whether he was encouraging a foreign government to interfere in the election. Trumps response later? Of course, Im being sarcastic. ___ CRIMEA RIVER: Heads spun in the foreign policy world when Trump said this month that Russia wouldnt enter Ukraine, seemingly unaware it already had. When an interviewer pointed out Russia had annexed Crimea, Trump said he meant Russia wouldnt dare go farther if he were president. He insisted hed said nothing incorrect. ___ ABOUT SADDAM: In July, Trump said former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was so good at killing terrorists. He also suggested the Mideast would be more stable were Saddam still in power. He took offence that his comments were interpreted as praise for Saddam. If you only read one thing: After repeatedly suggesting Thursday that President Barack Obama was the literal founder of ISIS, the terrorist group the U.S. is currently waging war against, Donald Trump called it sarcasm in a tweet Friday morning. The bizarre turn followed Trumps assertion to a conservative radio host in an interview Thursday morning that he did not mean that Obamas policies created the space for ISIS to flourish, rather that he was its actual founder. In subsequent interviews he noted that the attack on Obama had been drawing applause from his supporters. But critics called it an accusation of treason toward the president, and the bombastic GOP nominees latest effort to delegitimize Obama. The entire incident follows a pattern set by Trump, where he makes wild accusations, sticks by them for a few days to rile up his most fervent supporters, and then tries to laugh them off as jokes to the general public days later. On the campaign trail Thursday, Trump seemed humbled by a spate of polls showing him behind nationally and in key states. But that didnt cut back on his braggadocio. Meanwhile, Republican National Committee veterans called on the national party to cut off its support of Trump to save the Senate and vulnerable House seats. Multiple requests for investigation into the Clinton Foundation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation were rejected by the Obama Justice Department, CNN reported Thursday, providing the latest unseemly datapoint in the relationship between the group and the Clinton-led State Department. Congress new of Democratic hack long before it was public. Mike Pence is running his own race. And a programmer who thinks he can tell which tweets Donald Trump authors himself. Here are your must reads: Must Reads Mike Pence Campaigns With an Eye on His Own Future A tale of the ticket [New York Times] Donald Trumps Business Past at Odds With Rhetoric on Trade Story continues TIMEs Sam Frizell on Trumps overseas business interests Inside the debate over probing the Clinton Foundation Three FBI field offices wanted investigation, but Justice Department overruled [CNN] Reefer Sadness: Feds Keep Restrictions on Marijuana But government will allow more research into its possible medical uses, TIMEs Mark Thompson reports Donald Trump Laments Sliding Polls While Maintaining His Provocative Approach Acknowledges troubles in key states [New York Times] Clinton tries to undermine central premise of Trumps campaign That he would help struggling Americans [Washington Post] Sound Off Were having a tremendous problem in Utah, Donald Trump acknowledging problems in the deep-red state this week. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. Trump to Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, when asked if he was suggesting Obama had created the space for ISIS to form, rather than its actual founder. Bits and Bites Trump Says Calling Obama Founder of ISIS Just Sarcasm [TIME] As Trump Struggles, Clinton Goes on Offense to Win Over GOP [Associated Press] Top Clinton State Department aide helped Clinton Foundation [CNN] This Programmer Thinks He Can Tell Which Tweets Donald Trump Wrote Himself [TIME] Congressional leaders were briefed a year ago on hacking of Democrats [Reuters] Trump: Americans could be tried in Guantanamo [Miami Herald] Donald Trumps campaign and top GOP officials are about to have a come to Jesus meeting in Orlando, Florida, on Friday to discuss the Trumps flailing campaign, people with knowledge of the planned sit-down told Politico. Jason Miller, Trumps senior communications adviser, downplayed the meeting, telling TheWrap in a statement Thursday, typical operations meeting for Florida. No big deal. Failing blog Politico gets it wrong again. No wonder everyone has left there. But a person familiar with the powwow described it as an emergency meeting, adding that Trump is not slated to take part as hes scheduled to travel to Pennsylvania on Friday. Karen Giorno, a Trump senior advisor will attend instead. Also Read: Donald Trump Is 'Fine' With US Citizens Being Tried in Guantanamo Bay Military Courts (Video) The gathering comes as tensions between the campaign and the Republican National Committee seem to have reached a boiling point. Trump has threatened to stop fundraising for the Republican Party after TIME reported that party brass is looking to ditch the GOP nominee, focusing on down-ballot candidates instead. I mean, if it is true, thats OK too because all I have to do is stop funding the Republican Party, Trump told Fox Newss The OReilly Factor. Im the one raising the money for them, he continued. If they want to do that they can save me a lot of time and a lot of energy. Also Read: 'Suicide Squad' Executive Producer Tells Us About His Side Job: Donald Trump's Lead Fundraiser Trump acknowledged that he spoke with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus about the TIME article. Yes, I have, Trump said. He just put out a press release. He just put out a tweet saying its untrue, But Sean Spicer, RNC chief strategist, dismissed reports that Priebus threatened to reallocate resources, saying on Twitter Thursday the story is not true. story about @reince telling @realDonaldTrump reallocating resources not true Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) August 11, 2016 According to the TIME article, Priebus warned Trump last week that his campaign seemed to be headed toward failure and that changes were needed to get back on track, adding that Priebus urged Trump for months to professionalize his operations and campaign or else. Story continues But the magazine later corrected its report saying it mischaracterized the phone conversation between Priebus, noting that he had only expressed concerns with the direction of Trumps campaign. The Republican National Committee has acknowledged the possibility of redirecting its resources, but a spokesperson says Priebus did not explicitly convey that possibility to Trump in that phone conversation, the TIME update said. Also Read: Dennis Michael Lynch Fired by NewsmaxTV in Flap Over Fox News, Donald Trump Trump has been struggling to bounce back from a string of controversies that have engulfed his campaign in recent weeks as Hillary Clinton enjoys a double-digit lead in many national polls and key swing states. On Thursday, more than 70 top GOP officials signed an open letter urging the RNC to stop funding Trumps bid for the White House. We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck, the letter, which was first published by Politico, read. Vulgar, Mean and Sexist: 6 Ways 'Suicide Squad' Is the Donald Trump of Superhero Movies suicide squad donald trump Warner Bros./Getty Suicide Squad Donald Trump Warner Bros./Getty suicide squad trump Warner Bros./Getty Suicide Squad Donald Trump Warner Bros./Getty enchantress suicide squad Trump Warner Bros./Getty Suicide Squad Donald Trump Warner Bros./Getty Getty/Warner Bros. Previous Slide Next Slide 1 of 7 Presidential candidate and comic book film share dubious traits Much like Donald Trump's inexplicable rise to the top of the Republican presidential ticket, "Suicide Squad" is doing bang-up business in spite of plenty of criticism. At this stage, both Trump and "Squad" have been called every name in the book. Indeed, the two share a litany of dubious traits that we've collected here. Beware, spoilers ensue: View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap: Donald Trump Campaign Sued by Former Staffer Over Alleged Gun-Pulling Incident No Seriously, Donald Trump Actually Believes President Obama Founded ISIS Donald Trump Says President Obama Is 'Absolutely' the Founder of ISIS Donald Trump on Friday morning said he was being sarcastic when earlier in the week he told a rally full of supporters, then a radio talk show, that President Obama was the founder of ISIS. The GOP presidential nominee faced immediate backlash for the comments in an already tumultuous week in which he seemed to encourage violence against his rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?," Trump tweeted. A couple of hours later, he followed up with, "ISIS gained tremendous strength during Hillary Clinton's term as Secretary of State. When will the dishonest media report the facts!" Read more: Rob Reiner Calls Out GOP Over Trump's 'Second Amendment' Comments: "Enough's Enough" Trump claimed Wednesday that Obama was the "founder of ISIS" during a rally, then doubled down on Thursday when asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt to clarify that statement. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump told Hewitt, according to the show's transcript. "He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton." Hewitt responded: "But he's not sympathetic to them. He hates them. He's trying to kill them." To which Trump replied, "I don't care. He was the founder. His, the way he got out of Iraq was that that was the founding of ISIS, OK?" Also on Friday, Trump said he enjoys watching members of the media - whom he calls dishonest and incompetent daily - try to "figure him out." Read more: Michael Moore Writes Open Letter to Ivanka Trump to Stage "Intervention" on Her Father "I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't!," Trump tweeted. Story continues Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 ISIS gained tremendous strength during Hillary Clinton's term as Secretary of State. When will the dishonest media report the facts! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 From Town & Country The elevator hurtles upward at a speed of 600 meters per minute, or faster than Usain Bolt on his best-ever day at the Olympics. Soon, very soon, the doors slide open on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where towering hostesses greet you with smiles and usher you toward the windows. Dubai shimmers below brighter than any desert mirage, with miles of beach, skyscraper-lined boulevards, man-made islands in the shape of palm trees, indoor ski slopes, skydiving centers, and a mall with a shark-filled aquarium. It's all very impressive-and a bit much. But step away from the yacht-filled Marina and the Michelin-starred restaurants of Jumeirah Beach and you'll find walkable neighborhoods near the old port, cultured enclaves packed with art galleries and coffeehouses, and, beyond the city limits, restaurants serving local specialties and an evening of respite in the desert. Whenever you're ready, Dubai beyond the bling awaits. EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY Photo credit: Dubai Tourism In the Deira district, on the banks of Dubai Creek (which seems like an understatement; it's as wide as the Seine), narrow streets that smell of clove and cardamom lead to the Al-Ahmadiya School, established in 1920 by Iraqi scholars to teach the Koran to the emirate's most promising sons, and the adjoining Heritage House, once home to a pearl fisher's family, with a distinctive wind tower used to trap cool air during the days before electricity. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism Nearby, the Pearl Museum of the National Bank of Dubai displays treasures from the city's previous glory days, before the discovery of oil in 1968. After a spin through the gaudy, bustling Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks, hop aboard a wood-hulled abra for a blast of fresh air and a one dirham (27 cent) ride across the Creek to Al Fabidi Historic District, a labyrinth of 22 museums, galleries, hotels, and restaurants next to the Emir's fantastical Ruler's Court palace. Story continues Photo credit: Dubai Tourism Here, the welcoming Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding hosts popular events where visitors mix with Emiratis-a real achievement in a city that's 85 percent expat-and the courtyard cafe of the XVA Art Hotel, established by American Mona Hauser, a powerhouse of the Mideast arts scene, serves a locally-famous crushed-ice mint lemonade. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism For T-shirts, cardboard pop-up Burj Khalifas and other made-in-the Emirates souvenirs, check out the Make Art gift shop at the Alserkal Cultural Foundation. ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE Photo credit: Dubai Tourism Just a short ride away on the ultra-modern subway is the Dubai International Financial Centre (uniformly called DIFC), where name-brand fashion boutiques have recently given way to fine art galleries like Ayyam, which on a recent visit showed the dazzling calligraphy of Iranian painter Mohammed Bozorgri, and Cuadro Fine Art, where Nadine Kanso's photo collages focused shrewdly on Dubai's rapid urban development. The galleries close on Friday, but that's the day to join in the giddy expat ritual of weekend brunch, with an open bar until 3 p.m., at local sushi favorite Zuma. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism Many more galleries, and Arabian-style coffee roasted on site at Raw and gluten-free pastries the Lime Tree Cafe, are scattered among the car dealerships of the industrial Al Quoz district, which is home to artsy Alserkal Avenue, a dense complex of galleries, design studios, and housewares stores, pop-up restaurants and the Salsali Private Museum, one of the world's great collections of contemporary Middle Eastern art. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism For architecture fans, a Rem Koolhaas-designed expansion of Aserkal Avenue is under construction, as is Zaha Hadid's downtown Opus project, an eye-popping black cube with a jagged void cut through the middle. Additionally, Sir Norman Foster's sleek Dubai Design District (or D3), with design spaces, restaurants (including a planned outpost of Manhattan's Masa), and retail, just opened at the city's southern edge. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism OFF THE GRID There's something magical about spotting a pack oryx, the elegant two-horned creature that is the unicorn's reputed real-life inspiration, silhouetted against the pristine dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, about an hour's drive from the beach. Photo credit: Dubai Tourism An organized "desert safari" is easiest way to visit, and though the belly dancing and camel rides are plenty touristy, nothing could be more relaxing than stargazing after a meal cooked over an open fire where the loudest noise you're likely to hear is the mumbling of a shisha water pipe. (Platinum Heritage offers a variety of itineraries, with add-ons like Bedouin storytelling.) If time doesn't allow you to get out of the Dubai, head to one of its beautiful parks, which swell with life in the cool mornings and evenings. Zabeel Park hosts the popular Ripe Food and Craft Market on Saturday mornings, with food stalls and yoga demonstrations. Runners and cyclists gravitate to Safa Park, a former camel racing track that's now home to 200 varieties of bird. (You can rent bikes at Wolfi's on Sheikh Zayed Road.) Photo credit: Dubai Tourism For the less ambitious gulp of the Gulf breeze, stroll the Jumeirah Beach foot path after dark, with a mandatory stop at the outdoor (yet air-conditioned) Salt, one of many joints in this burger-mad city that give Shake Shack, in the Mall of the Emirates, a run for its money. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Security measures in and around Amsterdam's Schiphol airport have been extended again, probably to last throughout the holiday season, and will include soldiers helping border police check cars and trains. Extra security around Schiphol started on July 30, although the Netherlands' Coordinator for Security and Counter terrorism has kept the nation's threat level at "substantial", one notch below the highest level of alertness for possible attacks. Officials declined to elaborate on the nature of the threat, which they have described as a "signal" or "indication." "We still cannot elaborate on the nature of the information that we have," Adam Elzakalai, the mayor of Haarlemmermeer, the municipality which oversees Schiphol, said. He said he understood public frustration over the secrecy but it was "necessary to protect our sources and preserve our informational advantage". Travelers to the airport are advised to expect delays of about half an hour. After attacks by Islamist militants in France, Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is considered a potential target, because it supports U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Louise Ireland) By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - The Earth is so hot this year that a limit for global warming agreed by world leaders at a climate summit in Paris just a few months ago is in danger of being breached. In December, almost 200 nations agreed a radical shift away from fossil fuels with a goal of limiting a rise in average global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times while "pursuing efforts" for 1.5C (2.7F). But 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, also buoyed by a natural El Nino event warming the Pacific, according to the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization. The first six months were a sweltering 1.3C above pre-industrial times. "It opens a Pandora's box," said Oliver Geden, of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "The future debate about temperature targets will be about overshoot." Many climate scientists say the Paris targets are likely to be breached in the coming decades, shifting debate onto whether it will be possible to turn down the global thermostat. Climate scientists will meet in Geneva from Aug 15-18 to plan a U.N. report about the 1.5C goal, requested by world leaders in the Paris Agreement for publication in 2018. Overshoot is among the issues in preparatory documents. Developing nations see overshoot as a betrayal of commitments by the rich and a recipe to worsen heatwaves such as in the Middle East this year or a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet that could swamp island states by raising global sea levels. "There is a risk that 'overshoot' is a slippery slope towards lower ambition," said Emmanuel de Guzman, secretary of the Climate Commission of the Philippines, which chairs a group of 43 emerging nations in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). OLYMPICS CAMPAIGN Backing that view at the Rio Olympics, some athletes have signs saying: "1.5 - the record we must not break" in a campaign partly run by the CVF, whose members includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Guatemala. Developing nations say overshoot lets world leaders pay lip service to 1.5C while failing to act on pledges made in Paris for a trillion-dollar shift from coal and other fossil fuels towards renewable energies. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump doubts climate change is caused by human activities and has said he will pull out of the Paris Agreement if elected. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton strongly backs Paris. The 1.5C threshold could be in jeopardy within five years on current trends of world greenhouse gas emissions, led by China and the United States, and 2C within about 25 years, according to U.N. calculations of the amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere. Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug, who will lead the Geneva meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said a "wholesale transformation" of economies and society will be required to achieve the Paris targets. The IPCC report will look at both the damage to nature from a 1.5C rise and ways to rein in rising temperatures. Many IPCC scenarios in recent years discuss ways to extract heat-trapping carbon dioxide from nature. If applied at a wide enough scale, such "negative emissions" could reduce temperatures after an overshoot. But there are many pitfalls. The simplest natural aid - planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the air to grow - would probably require too much farmland to be feasible. Industrial technologies for extracting carbon from the air are costly and in their infancy. Draft documents for the 2018 report by the IPCC also mention more radical solutions, such as spraying chemicals into the upper atmosphere to dim sunlight through "geo-engineering". "It's hard to avoid overshoot. It's more a question of the size," said Glen Peters, a scientist at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. The Paris text is vague about the temperature ceilings and does not say whether 1.5C or 2C refers to temperatures in one year, over a decade or longer. (Reporting By Alister Doyle; Editing by Janet Lawrence) LONDON (AP) Ecuador said Thursday that it is ready to set a date for Swedish prosecutors to question Julian Assange inside its London embassy a potential breakthrough in the years-long international impasse over the WikiLeaks founder. Assange is wanted for questioning by Swedish police over a rape allegation stemming from his visit to the country in 2010. He has not been charged and denies the rape claim and other allegations made against him by two women. In June 2012, he sought shelter in Ecuadors embassy in the British capital and has been holed up there ever since. Ecuador announced last year that it had agreed to a Swedish proposal to interview Assange at the embassy, but no interview has taken place. Ecuadors Foreign Ministry said in a statement that a date for the questioning in the embassy would be set in the coming weeks. Swedish Prosecution Authority spokeswoman Karin Rosander said Sweden handed over a formal request to interview Assange in January, and a reminder in June, and received Ecuadors reply on Tuesday. It means that a questioning can make the case go forward, Rosander told The Associated Press. This is decisive to be able to take a decision whether to formally charge him or not. Rosander said the Swedish prosecutor is on vacation and no date has been set for the trip to London. In a statement late Thursday, the office of Ecuadors chief prosecutor said Ecuadorean officials would handle the questioning under an accord signed with Sweden in December. The statement said chief prosecutor Galo Chiriboga would in the coming days designate a team to receive the testimony from Assange at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London. Assanges defense team said in a statement that it welcomed the steps to take the WikiLeaks founders statement, which it said comes after six years of complete inaction on the part of the Swedish prosecutor. Story continues Sweden wants to question Assange about a rape claim, one of several allegations made against him by two women he met in 2010. Last year Swedish prosecutors dropped investigations into claims of sexual molestation and unlawful coercion because their five-year statues of limitations were expiring. Assange, 45, fears that if he is extradited to Sweden he will be sent to the United States to be prosecuted for WikiLeaks publication of secret documents, including reams of U.S. diplomatic cables. Chelsea Manning, an American soldier who passed secret military and State Department documents to WikiLeaks, is serving a 35-year sentence in a military prison. Assange faces arrest by British police if he leaves the building and, with the exception of occasional trips to the embassy balcony, has not been outside for years. In February, a United Nations panel said Assanges stay at the embassy constituted arbitrary detention and he should be freed. The British and Swedish governments have rejected the non-binding findings of the U.Ns Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In its statement, Ecuador said it stands by its 2012 commitment to grant Assange asylum due to fears of political persecution. ___ Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark; Frank Jordans in Berlin and Gonzalo Solano in Quito contributed to this story. Edinburgh (AFP) - Nearly two months after Britain shocked the world by voting to leave the European Union, the Edinburgh Festival is celebrating the European roots which have enriched its arts calendar for nearly 70 years. With its medieval streets animated by late-night revellers, billboards and noisy hawkers promoting the latest shows, the festival bears a striking resemblance to one of its most well-known continental peers -- the annual arts festival held in Avignon in southern France. But while dance and theatre dominate the Avignon Festival -- founded in 1947 by French actor Jean Vilar -- its northern cousin hosts artists from across the cultural spectrum, including circus, art-house theatre, musical comedy and cabaret. In the Scottish capital, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe, which is dominated by stand-up comedy, run alongside one another until August 29. When the International Festival was created, "the idea of a multi-genre arts festival that we are now very familiar with was completely unknown," festival director Fergus Linehan said. "Rather than being the focus of celebrating an area or an art form, it was celebrating internationalism. And to be honest Europeanism in particular," he said. With a line-up including Italian opera "Norma", which honours Cecilia Bartoli, "Richard III" by German director Thomas Ostermeier, and "Shake", a French adaptation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", this year's festival reflects the European culture that has nourished its repertoire since it began shortly after World War II. The International Festival plays host to 75 shows in a dozen venues, while the Fringe hosts over 3,000 shows in 300 venues. The latter sold nearly 2.3 million tickets in 2015, while overall attendance at the International Festival was estimated at more than 435,000 last year. - 'Proud to be European' - "The Fringe started off as a kind of more anarchic, kind of response to the established thing," says Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society. Story continues Artists at Fringe have been given full license to express their creativity ever since it was set up in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival. While the more recognised event boasts meticulous programming and strict form, all an artist needs to take part in Fringe is an idea and a willing venue. McCarthy said she hoped Brexit would not be a barrier to international participation in the Fringe, which, like the International Festival, does not receive any direct EU funding. Five shows selected by the French Institute of Scotland include Gogol's "Diary of a Madman", performed in English by French actor Antoine Robinet. The Institute will also host a Turkish-language production of Boris Vian's "The Empire Builders", by Theatre Hayal Perdesi. And if any doubt remains about the political leanings of the Scottish capital -- where 75 percent of voters opted to remain in the EU -- a sign in the window of the famous Patisserie Maxime lays it out clearly: "Proud to be European." Linehan said much of the anti-European rhetoric heard around the bitterly-fought referendum ran directly against the values of the festival. "We are joined (to Europe) culturally, we can't untangle us," he said. Anthony Hemingway, who directed half the episodes of FXs The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, recalls being on set with Cuba Gooding Jr., who played Simpson. They were filming a scene during episode four that showed O.J. behind bars, mentally unraveling. I literally just said, Cry. And he, like a baby, started, Hemingway says. After we cut he started to curse me out: Mother fr. Only you can make me do this st. An unusually close bond between actor and director is a bit of a throughline among those nominated for Emmys this year for lead performance in a limited series or TV movie. Idris Elba, nominated for Luther, has worked with director Sam Miller on eight previous episodes as well as the feature No Good Deed. Susanne Bier directed Tom Hiddleston in all six episodes of AMCs The Night Manager, and could see a lot more of the actor soon. Shes on the shortlist to the direct the next Bond movie, and hes rumored to take over the titular role. Before director Jay Roach worked with Bryan Cranston on HBOs All the Way, they collaborated on another biopic, Trumbo. (Breaking the trend: director Douglas Mackinnon was a newcomer to both Sherlock and nominee Benedict Cumberbatch when he helmed the Brit series standalone installment The Abominable Bride.) Hemingway and Gooding first worked together on the 2012 film Red Tails, about the Tuskegee airmen. Hemingway says he understands Goodings process, which was one key to the actors acclaimed performance. Not many people can get to and connect with Cuba like I can and I know hes shared Ryan [Murphy] can do the same thing, Hemingway says. We know the right buttons and the right things to push to find the right emotions. Everyone had their note in this wonderful symphony and the directors were the conductors. Courtney B. Vance Hemingways relationship with Courtney B. Vance, also nominated in the category for playing lawyer Johnnie Cochran, extends back to the 1998 TV movie Ambushed. The directors mother, Eleanor, was a longtime production coordinator who worked with Vance on the film. Later, Hemingway worked with Vance as an assistant director on several episodes of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Hemingway had a good sense for how Vance approaches his work as an intellectual. He remembers preparing for a scene in episode four where Cochran, meets with Simpson in prison. Story continues I told him, Courtney, this scene were shooting first thing Monday morning and I need you to be on it, Hemingway says. Knowing his process and knowing how to work with him, I gave him the heads up and he came in on Monday morning slaying. Vance attributes the FX shows success to hiring a competent crew that worked tirelessly through what he calls a grueling production process. Everyone had their note in this wonderful symphony, and the directors were the conductors, he says. Bier says both Night Manager actors, Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, were very collaborative. They came to set every single day with, at times, radical suggestions for how to deal with the scenes, how to change the dialogue or how to do things. At times less radical, but always with suggestions, she notes. That was very, very thrilling. Roach, who directed Cranston in the LBJ biopic All the Way calls the star a writer, a thinker, and a creative partner. Roach agreed to direct All the Way before he and Cranston had started working on Trumbo. He remembers thinking, I hope I know what Im doing because if Trumbo doesnt go well, this is going to be really awkward. But their collaborative chemistry, which included sharing letters that the real life Dalton Trumbo wrote and recordings of President Lyndon Johnsons phone messages, proved fertile ground for creativity. Still, Roach says he and Cranston had creative differences, even some as preliminary as how theatrical to make Trumbos character. I wondered if sometimes people overheard us and thought Are those guys fighting? the director laughs. But the truth was in the next take. It would be just electric, he says. Were making films about cantankerous, combative, feisty people so you dont want to close the door to that kind energy on set. I never discouraged it. As almost certainly applies to many of the relationships between directors and actors present in the lineup of Emmy-nominated leading actors, Roach says he and Cranston were able to drop pretenses and focus on getting the best possible result. Where you really test the relationship is when you disagree, Roach says. But there was never a time when a debate didnt end where each of us learned something and the approach to the storytelling got richer as a result. Related stories Emmy-Nominated Lead Actors Balance Humor and Tragedy Facebook Live Q&A with Tom Hiddleston - Watch Now! Could 'Florence Foster Jenkins' Land Hugh Grant His First Oscar Nomination? London (AFP) - A planned four-day strike by British staff on the Eurostar rail service between Britain and mainland Europe, which began Friday, will be suspended overnight to allow further talks, strike organisers said. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union (RMT) called the strike over shift patterns, saying its members should have "a fair crack when it comes to anti-social hours". Following talks, it later said the strike would be halted at midnight Friday to allow "further, detailed negotiations after some progress in talks", but said that the dispute remained "live". A Eurostar spokesman said it was "pleased to hear" that organisers had agreed not to strike over the weekend. On Friday, only two trains one from London to Brussels and another from Brussels to London were cancelled. The strike would have hit Monday's public holiday in France and Belgium and threatened the busy summer holiday season across Europe. Another strike was due to be held for three days over the weekend of August 27, which includes a public holiday in Britain, but is now on hold. "Our Eurostar train manager members are solid, determined and united this morning as they kick off the first phase of strike action in a fight for a decent work/life balance," RMT general secretary Mick Cash said earlier. Independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin told Yahoo News on Friday that Donald Trump has tapped into a very real frustration and desire for change among everyday Americans. But he said Trump needlessly poisons that impulse with the publics fear and prejudice. McMullin, a former CIA case officer, launched his long-shot campaign for the White House this week to give disaffected conservatives an alternative to the Republican Partys nominee on Election Day. The CIA veteran spoke to Yahoo News Guest Anchor Stephanie Sy about why Americans are ready for a third-party candidate, how Trump poses a threat to national security and what can be gleaned from the billionaires rise to the top of the GOP. There are a lot of Americans out there who are really, really struggling. Theyre struggling under wage stagnation, a lack of other economic opportunities, and at the same time they dont feel as if the government is hearing them, he said. Thats real. Donald Trump has tapped into that in a way that other candidates did not. What he did, though, is he took it a step further and combined that frustration with peoples darkest prejudices and deepest fears. The lesson to be learned from Trumps surprise success in the Republican primaries, McMullin continued, is that the U.S. needs a government thats more accountable and recognizes that the struggles of Americans are real. From both sides of the aisle, Trump has been accused of racism, sexism and xenophobia many times throughout his campaign. Trump has provoked some of that criticism with his public feud with the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in battle, his call for a U.S. judge to recuse himself from a Trump University case because of the jurists Mexican heritage and his proposal to bar Muslims from entering the U.S. This is a guy who does not care about Americans the way you need to care about Americans in order to lead them, in order to be their president, McMullin said. The president of the United States should care about the struggles of Americans. He or she should care about their aspirations. This is what leadership is. Story continues Evan McMullin, whos making an independent presidential bid, talks with the Deseret News and KSL editorial board in Salt Lake City on Aug. 10. (Photo: Weston Kenney/The Deseret News via AP) When asked if Trump is turning the GOP into a party of bigots, McMullin said, I sure hope not. I believe in the best in people. I believe that leaders and my candidacy will certainly do this, we need to appeal to peoples better selves and I believe that will win the day, I really do. McMullin, 40, who has never held elective office, was most recently the chief policy director of the House Republican Conference. He has previously worked as a senior adviser for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and as an investment banking associate for Goldman Sachs. He was also an undercover operations officer with the National Clandestine Service at the CIA from 1999 until 2010. He served in conflict zones throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia. McMullin says Trump has damaged the goodwill that people across the world feel for the United States and its ideals hindering the countrys ability to respond to threats posed by ISIS and other terrorist groups. He took issue with Trumps call to reinstate enhanced interrogation techniques, which are considered torture under international law. I certainly oppose that position. I think its a terrible position to take, McMullin said. He also says that he is going to kill the family members of terrorists who are not involved in terrorism themselves. I mean, where to begin? Let me say this: Donald Trump may know a lot about making fancy hotels and we can give him credit for that, but he knows nothing about protecting America. By Keith Coffman DENVER (Reuters) - A former University of Colorado student has been spared a prison sentence for his sexual assault conviction, drawing angry comparisons from victim advocates to the lenient punishment a Stanford University swimmer received in a similar case. Austin James Wilkerson, 22, was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in Boulder County jail, making him eligible for a work-release program where he can go to a regular job or attend school during the day but spend his nights in the county lockup. Following completion of the two-year jail term, Wilkerson will remain on probation for at least 20 years. Wilkerson was convicted in May of sexual assault on a helpless victim and unlawful sexual contact, both felonies, stemming from a 2014 attack on an intoxicated woman. Under Colorado law, Wilkerson faced a possible state prison sentence ranging from eight years to life. But Boulder County District Court judge Patrick Butler apparently was swayed by county probation officials who recommended against sending him to a state penitentiary. The probation department's pre-sentencing report cited Wilkersons lack of a criminal history and what it characterized as his acceptance of responsibility. Prosecutors, however, said Wilkerson deserved prison time, noting the defendant's betrayal of his assurances to the victim's friends that he would take care of her after she had too much to drink. (T)his defendant raped a helpless young woman ... tried to cover up his crime, and then repeatedly lied about what he did including under oath at trial, prosecutors wrote. Brie Franklin, executive director of the Colorado Coalition against Sexual Assault, denounced the decision on Thursday. She likened it to the six-month jail sentence a California judge imposed in June on former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner following his conviction for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, which sparked widespread condemnation. Story continues We have seen over and over the failure of the criminal justice system to consider the trauma and life-long effects experienced by victims," Franklin said in a statement. One of Wilkerson's prosecutors, Caryn Datz, told Reuters there were parallels between the two cases, and that Butler was within his discretion to impose the lesser punishment, as was the California judge in the Turner sentencing. We were disappointed in the outcome but not necessarily surprised, Datz said, adding that the judge made it clear to Wilkerson that any violations of the terms of his confinement or probation could result in prison time. (Editing by Steve Gorman and Tom Brown) Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos said Friday he had met with a senior Chinese official during a trip to Hong Kong aimed at improving ties between Manila and Beijing, with both sides working towards formal discussions. Relations have cooled since a UN-backed tribunal ruled last month that China's claims over most of the South China Sea were invalid, in a sweeping victory for the Philippines which brought the case. Ramos -- a longtime advocate of closer Philippine-Chinese ties -- was sent as a conciliatory envoy by current Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. In a two-day meeting in Hong Kong, Ramos said he had discussions with Madam Fu Ying, chair of the foreign affairs committee of the National People's Congress -- China's communist-controlled legislature. Fu Ying is a former ambassador to Manila. He also met with Wu Shichun, president of China's National Institute of South China Seas Studies. In a statement signed by Ramos, Fu Ying and Wu, the meeting was described as between "old friends" and had taken place "in a friendly atmosphere". It listed seven topics that had been covered, including marine preservation and co-operation on crime-fighting and smuggling. Ramos told reporters they had not discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but had talked about fishing rights there. "They discussed, in their private capacity, the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation between the two countries," the joint statement said. It added that all parties "looked forward" to the start of formal talks which it said would be continued in Beijing and Manila. Ramos said there would be a second round of discussions soon. "As to where this will take place we don't know yet. We have to go back to Manila to find out the latest developments on the official side," he said. Ramos took his characteristic informal approach to the press conference, asking reporters to stand beside him to ask questions and pose for the cameras, and telling one journalist to hold his stomach in while he spoke. Story continues Philippine-Chinese ties have frayed in recent years due to tensions over Beijing's claims to almost all the South China Sea. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing partial claims and are perturbed by China's aggressive moves to assert its sovereignty such as by reclaiming islands and building airstrips. China has angrily refused to recognise last month's tribunal decision. By John Tilak and Barbara Lewis TORONTO/LONDON (Reuters) - Glencore has shelved plans to sell a copper mine in Chile that was expected to fetch about $500 million, after failing to achieve a high enough price, according to people familiar with the situation. Along with other big mining companies, Glencore has been seeking to offload a range of assets to reduce debt following a commodities price crash, but a rally on raw materials markets and in the value of share prices of mining companies this year has taken away the need for urgent sales at any price. Glencore began a process to sell its Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile late last year, when anxiety about the health of some mining firms balance sheets was high. A deal could not be reached partly because Glencore did not get the price it was looking for, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Further, Glencore feels it is in a stronger footing and is not compelled to make a sale at any cost, the sources said. While it is always still possible that Glencore changes its mind or a potential buyer makes a much better offer, the company has decided to keep the asset for now, the sources said. The Swiss-based mining and trading firm, which reports results later this month, declined to comment. Glencore's official position has not changed since a presentation in Miami in May when it said it expected to complete asset sales in the second quarter. It said they would include a mixture of Lomas Bayas and Cobar copper assets, additional monetization of precious metals and G Rail infrastructure in Australia. Glencore has also said it would only sell assets at the right price. "Glencore definitely has some pressure off them. That gives them more time and more negotiation power," said David Neuhauser, managing director at U.S. hedge fund Livermore Partners, a Glencore shareholder. "We just want the capital structure to come in line so it's sustainable and it can withstand any shocks to the system," he said. Story continues Situated in the Atacama desert, Lomas Bayas is an open pit copper mine in Chile that produces about 75,000 tonnes of copper cathode a year. Some analysts have valued the mine at about $500 million. Interest in the Lomas Bayas mine came from Magris Resources Inc, a private equity firm run by former Barrick Gold Corp CEO Aaron Regent, as well as other PE firms and mining companies, the sources said. Glencore conducted a process that involved three rounds of bids, receiving multiple offers for each round, one of the sources said. The price of copper has been largely stagnant since the start of the year and analysts are largely bearish because of a supply overhang. On Thursday, Glencore revised up its guidance for full-year copper production following strong performance across several assets. Glencore shares have more than doubled since the start of the year, echoing strong gains across the mining sector. (Reporting by John Tilak in Toronto, Barbara Lewis in London and Sonali Paul in Melbourne; Editing by Bernard Orr) Global health officials are racing to better understand the Zika virus behind a major outbreak that began in Brazil last year and has spread to many countries in the Americas. The following are some questions and answers about the virus and current outbreak: How do people become infected? Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same type that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Aedes mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, and the virus will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found. How do you treat Zika? There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika infection. Companies and scientists are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Zika, but the World Health Organization (WHO) had said early in 2016 that it would take at least 18 months to start large-scale clinical trials of potential preventative shots. A vaccine is not expected to be ready for widespread use for at least two or three years. U.S. government researchers said they started their first clinical trial of a Zika vaccine. How dangerous is it? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. The CDC said now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years. According to the World Health Organization, there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly in babies, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. In addition, the agency said it could cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis. Conclusive proof of the damage caused by Zika may take months or years. Story continues Brazil reports the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly at more than 1,700 as doctors and Brazilian health officials find that some suspected cases of microcephaly are not the disorder. Suspected ones under investigation had declined to 3,257. Brazil registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus from February until April 2. Current research in Brazil indicates the greatest microcephaly risk is associated with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, but health officials have warned an impact could be seen in later weeks. Recent studies have shown evidence of Zika in amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal brain tissue. What are the symptoms of Zika infection? People infected with Zika may have a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and fatigue that can last for two to seven days. But as many as 80 percent of people infected never develop symptoms. The symptoms are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same type of mosquito. How can Zika be contained? Efforts to control the spread of the virus focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions against mosquito bites such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets. U.S. and international health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries where they may be exposed to Zika. How widespread is the outbreak? Active Zika outbreaks have been reported in at least 55 countries or territories, most of them in the Americas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Brazil has been the country most affected. (http://1.usa.gov/1ovAJyh) Africa (1): Cape Verde Americas (46): Anguilla, Antigua, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saba, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelmy, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Eustatius, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Cacos, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela. Oceania/Pacific Islands (8): American Samoa, Fiji, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. What is the history of the Zika virus? The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations. Outbreaks of Zika have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and the Western Pacific. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first identified in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, according to the WHO. Can Zika be transmitted through sexual contact? The World Health Organization (WHO) said sexual transmission is "relatively common" and has advised pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks of Zika virus. It also advised women living in areas where the virus is being transmitted to delay getting pregnant. The U.S. CDC is investigating about a dozen cases of possible sexual transmission. Those cases involved possible transmission of the virus from men to their sex partners. But the CDC issued updated recommendations for preventing and testing for Zika infection on July 25, warning that the virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected female partner. A reported case of female-to-male sexual transmission in New York City, and limited human and non-human primate data indicating that Zika virus RNA can be detected in vaginal secretions, led to the new warning, the agency said. CDC's expanded warnings on sexual exposure to Zika now caution against sex without a condom or other barrier method of protection with any person, male or female, who has traveled to or lives in an area with Zika, including female to female transmission with a pregnant partner. British health officials reported Zika was found in a man's semen two months after he was infected, suggesting the virus may linger in semen long after infection symptoms fade. The PAHO said Zika can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent transmission mechanism. There is no evidence Zika can be transmitted to babies through breast milk. The WHO has identified Zika cases in Argentina, Chile, France, Italy and New Zealand as likely caused by sexual transmission. What other complications are associated with Zika? Zika has also been associated with other neurological disorders, including serious brain and spinal cord infections. The long-term health consequences of Zika infection are unclear. Other uncertainties surround the incubation period of the virus and how Zika interacts with other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue. (Compiled by the Americas Desk) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Fewer than 1,000 companies are believed to be involved in financing the network of the U.S.-based cleric Turkey accuses of orchestrating a failed coup last month, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Friday. "I understand that some people, especially companies, are worried. But we believe that at the core there are fewer than 1,000 companies financing terror," Simsek said in a speech in Istanbul, referring to Gulen's network of supporters. His comments were broadcast live on Bloomberg HT television. Ankara blames Gulen's network of supporters for the abortive putsch. The cleric, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, has denied the charge and condemned the coup. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Writing by David Dolan; editing by Ralph Boulton) Kubo and the Two Strings (Focus Features) In Kubo and the Two Strings, a brave, one-eyed Japanese boy is faced with divergent paths to immortality: Either he can surrender his remaining eye to his supernatural grandfather, the greedy Moon King, in exchange for eternal life, or he can stand up to the magical old-timer in a manner so courageous that his story will become the stuff of legend, never to be forgotten. Kubo, who hides his eye patch behind long black bangs, chooses the latter option, of course, which makes perfect sense for the hero of the latest stop-motion marvel from Laika, the formula-averse animation studio responsible for such breathtakingly detailed movies as Coraline and ParaNorman. Expanding upon the charms of those director-driven projects, Kubo offers another ominous mission for a lucky young misfit, this one a dark, yet thrilling adventure quest that stands as the crowning achievement in Laikas already impressive oeuvre though its Asian setting, handicapped hero, and relaxed pace will make it an even tougher sell than the studios previous modest-grossing toons. Related: Matthew McConaughey Ponders Life in Trailer for Gus Van Sants Divisive Sea of Trees As it happens, audiences get two epics for the price of one in Kubo. The first, shot in exquisite stereoscopic 3D, is a meticulously constructed heros journey that blends the lessons of Western mythology, a la Joseph Campbell, with the Eastern tradition of great samurai tales. Its as if screenwriters Marc Haimes and Chris Butler studied Star Wars and decided to trace certain aspects of that pop space opera back to their Akira Kurosawa-inspired roots. The second takes place entirely behind the scenes, a decade-plus effort by which stop-motion enthusiast Travis Knight helped resuscitate the labor-intensive art form, taking over what remained of Will Vinton Studios (the outfit responsible for the California Raisins), and working his way up to this film as a feature directing debut. Its the power of what we see on screen that makes both of these sagas great and it stands to reason that Kubo, like Knight, ultimately finds himself fighting for the right to tell great stories. Story continues Watch a Yahoo Movies exclusive clip from Kubo and the Two Strings: Armed with a long, square-bodied lute-like instrument called a shamisen and a stack of origami paper, Kubo (Art Parkinson, whose voice sounds ready for adventure) spends his days spinning elaborate tales in a remote village. The son of the legendary samurai Hanzo (modeled after Kurosawa muse Toshiro Mifune), the boy rocks the shamisen as if it were a surf guitar, which in turn causes the colored origami sheets to swirl around, magically folding themselves in sync with his stories the animated pages helping to illustrate embellished versions of the tales his over-protective if absent-minded mother tells him before bedtime back in the cave they call home. No stranger to magic and quite powerful in her own right, Kubos mom has raised him alone since he was an infant, hiding him from his grandfather, the Moon King. While the boys vaguely Harry Potter-like backstory isnt immediately clear (for manga fans, this could be Lone Wolf and Cub told from the lone kids p.o.v.), the mystery is effectively the point in a film whose pleasure is in discovering Kubos gifts as well as a great raft of family secrets and surprises as he sets out to gather the three artifacts his long-gone father sought to try to defeat the Moon King: the Sword Unbreakable, the Armor Impenetrable, and the Helmet Invulnerable. Related: Why Everybodys a Winner at the TCA Awards Kubo is aided in his quest by two of Laikas most memorable characters to date: the surly, ultra-serious Monkey (Charlize Theron, whose deadpan delivery garners laughs) and a goofy insect-human hybrid known as Beetle (Matthew McConaughey, whose throwaway quips dont). In addition to boasting memorable voices and well-written personalities, both are wonders of design, the former a snow monkey whose fur convincingly appears to ripple as she contorts her bulbous, pitaya-pink face, the latter a giant, six-limbed stag beetle whose oversized mandibles suggest the horned helmets worn by ancient samurai warriors. When this colorful duo arent quarreling, they dutifully serve as surrogate parents for our now-orphaned hero, since his birth mother spent her last bit of magic defending Kubo from her two sisters (Rooney Mara). Those persistently sinister aunties resurface soon enough as a pair of levitating spirits wearing creepy smiling Japanese Noh masks and wielding a chained blade reminiscent of Chinas infamous flying guillotine. Although its rare to see an American movie that borrows so heavily from Asian storytelling traditions, Kubo and the Two Strings incorporates its many exotic influences in a way that feels deceptively familiar, even logical, driven by Dario Marianellis score, richly elaborated from Kubos plucky shamisen theme. If you must blink, do it now, Kubo advises his rapt audience at the outset, though the film relies on clever trickery throughout, using much-desired revelations especially pertaining to Kubos parents to distract the viewer from the troubling consequences of certain twists the dream-like narrative presents along the way. Its not every childrens movie that has the courage to kill off so many of its principal characters. Indeed, no one would accuse Knight and his Laika cohorts of talking down to viewers. Watch a Kubo and the Two Strings clip featuring Charlize Theron as Monkey: Laikas distinctive animation style involves a complex mix of cutting-edge technology and painstaking human labor so fine that its easily and often mistaken for pure computer-generated images (whereas 3D printers produce the facial expressions, the component parts of which animators manually replace as they reposition the puppets frame-by-frame). While each of the studios films boasts a creative look entirely its own, certain common elements have clearly emerged by this fourth feature from the eccentric look of certain characters (with their asymmetrical faces) to the scary, supernatural dimension favored in each of the movies. Related: Fleetwood Mac, Matthew McConaughey, Arsenio Hall Honor Vin Scully at Blue Diamond Gala Endings have always been the weak point in Laikas previous narratives, which inevitably build to unwieldy confrontations between a young outsider and some giant phosphorescent menace. Knight and his screenwriting team not only acknowledge this problem (in town, Kubos audience complains that people like an ending), they even come up with a powerful emotional solution albeit one that follows an absurd and unnecessary showdown between Kubo and a giant glow-worm known as the Moon Beast (Ralph Fiennes, sounding his most Voldemortian). Its the fifth big fight scene in a movie that remarkably finds a way to make these limited-range puppets jump and kick as dynamically as their CG cartoon competition. While Kung Fu Panda has spoiled us in that regard, one shouldnt take for granted the skill required to create exciting action sequences in a stop-motion film. Yet, the finale really is the least of things here, in a project thats otherwise so consistently spectacular, and ultimately saved by the sincerity of its denouement. With such awe-inspiring artistry, designed so as to never distract from the material it serves, Kubo and the Two Strings stands as the sort of film that feels richer with each successive viewing, from the paper-folded Laika logo at the beginning (an early taste of the stunning origami sequences to follow) to the emotional resonance of its final shot. In his first project at the helm, Knight has delivered a tale that touches on immortality. Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter Kubo and the Two Strings: Watch the trailer: As a documentary filmmaker, Robert Greenwald doesnt have the high media profile of Michael Moore, Errol Morris, or Alex Gibney (or, God help us, Dinesh DSouza). But ever since 2004, when he made Outfoxed: Rupert Murdochs War on Journalism, Greenwald has become a vital and dogged investigator whose no-nonsense, just-the-facts-maam approach, with its accent on digging up the profit motive, is reflected in the no-frills thrust of his titles: Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers, Koch Brothers Exposed, and the eye-opening and influential Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, one of the first exposes to anatomize how the low-cost benefits of big-box stores add up to an insidious illusion, since they depress wages. The title of Greenwalds new film, Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and the NRA, promises a movie out of the same hardheaded liberal-activist wheelhouse: a look at how money is the secret motivator behind American gun culture. Thats a crucially underreported story at least, if you compare it to the medias focus on the gun-control debate, or to the drumbeat of nightly news tragedy that can be linked to the American obsession with firearms. Making a Killing, however, turns out to be a bit of a bait and switch. The film offers some basic facts about how profitable the gun industry is very! and how much money it uses to influence policy. In 2013, a company like Beretta had $638 million in sales, and it gave $2.2 million to the National Rifle Association. Overall, gun companies from Smith & Wesson to Glock have given $20 million to the NRA, essentially funding the organization, which is why the NRA, before its anything else, is a corporate lobbying group. According to Making a Killing, the NRAs public motivation is to protect the rights of gun owners; its private agenda is to maximize gun sales. Yet once the film has trumpeted this convincing if fairly abstract dynamic, it doesnt investigate or illustrate it very much. To give one telling example: The expansion of right to carry laws was a boon to gun sales, but its barely explored or even mentioned in the movie. Making a Killing keeps hitting the profit point (it reports the fact that gun-industry executives live in multi-million-dollar homes as if that were a scandal). Yet it takes how influence-peddling operates as a given which is not what a first-rate documentary would do. Instead, the film mixes its rather generalized approach to the way that greed in the gun industry works with a handful of hard-hitting tales of gun violence: an estranged husband who tried to murder his wife; a 13-year-old who was playing with an unlocked gun and died in an accidental shooting; a look at the epidemic of gun violence in Chicago; a man who committed suicide with a gun he bought on impulse; and the 2012 movie-theater mass shooting in Aurora, Colo. Each of these stories, in its way, is devastating, and each illustrates a different aspect of why gun control can save lives. The abusive husband, for instance, had his arsenal taken away after being slapped with a restraining order but then he purchased a handgun at a gun show, no questions asked. (Message #1: Background checks truly are an impediment to gun violence. Message #2: The gun-show loophole is no loophole its a wide-open door.) The story of the accidental shooting allows Greenwald to flash a potent statistic: More than 40% of gun-owning households with children keep their guns unlocked. The story of the suicide, committed by a man with a degenerative disease shortly before his wedding, offers a comparable lesson about the importance of mandatory waiting periods: States with waiting periods had 50% fewer gun suicides. And when Greenwald reaches the Aurora shooting, he re-stages it like a video game, literally ticking off the number of rounds the shooter used all to hit home the message that the immense cache of guns and ammunition he had amassed, much of it bought online, represents the easy and limitless access that almost anyone in the U.S. can have to brutal weapons of death. The trouble with Making a Killing is that you can watch all of this and tick off, one by one, the valid points that Greenwald is making, and you can still feel that hes dancing around his real (dark) subject: the culture of violence in America, and the nearly fetishistic obsession with guns. Its been 14 years since Michael Moore directed Bowling for Columbine, and that brilliant movie, in addition to making most of the same points that Greenwald does about gun shows, background checks, waiting periods, etc., marshaled a profound argument about why, exactly, Americans seem to be so much more fixated on guns than are the citizens of almost any other country. The recent documentary Under the Gun, for all the controversy it has inspired, offered more revelation: It, too, details tragedies of gun violence, but it also sits down with members of the NRA and burrows into their hearts and minds, unraveling the complexity of their cult-like allegiance and the fear beneath it to the notion that gun ownership should have no legal limitation whatsoever. That movie, in its undeniably liberal way, humanizes the NRA. In doing so, it shows liberals what theyre really up against and why. Greenwald does present one startling fact about the NRA: that 75% of its members are in favor of universal background checks. This suggests that the NRA leadership, in collusion with gun manufacturers, is actually betraying the will of its members for the sake of profit. Thats a powerful piece of ammunition in the debate, and if Making a Killing had stuck to its title, uncovering how the capitalistic partnership of the gun industry and the NRA actually works (and, of course, how it all meshes with Congress), the movie might have contributed a vital component to the national dialogue on guns. But this is one case where Greenwald, disappointingly, preaches at the viewer more than he investigates. He provides no shortage of statistics, and by the time youve been pelted with a dozen screen messages that say something like Between 2008-2012, nearly half of Chicagos homicide victims were under 25 years old, you may numb out a bit. The trouble isnt that Greenwald is preaching to the choir; a good documentary can increase the passion of the choir. Its that he isnt adding in any meaningful way to the choirs knowledge. He does a scrupulous job of humanizing an issue that the news itself the deadly mass shootings, the tales of domestic violence has already rendered all too human. Whats needed is a way to change the system. Related stories Time Warner Cable Taking Bigger Hit Than CBS in PR War Over Blackout: Survey Sylvester Stallone Calls Bruce Willis 'Greedy and Lazy' on Twitter Christian Bale: My Batman Days Are Over Lisbon (AFP) - Firefighters were making progress in quenching forest fires that have ravaged parts of Portugal and France, officials said Friday, as Spain faced a rash of possibly deliberate blazes. The situation had calmed down on the frontline of fires in northern Portugal and on the island of Madeira where three people perished this week in the flames. "Weather conditions improved overnight, the wind is a bit calmer and we have been able to make progress," Carlos Guerra, an official with the national civil protection authority, told Lusa news agency. The mercury on Thursday topped 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), the hottest temperature on Madeira since 1976, with winds gusting to 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour. On Friday nearly 1,400 firefighters continued to battle some six major fires in northern Portugal, but they have succeeded in halving the number of blazes, officials said. Portugal has been aided by water bombers sent by Italy, Spain and Morocco, and on Friday it announced two more planes were coming from Russia. In southern France, firefighters said Friday that they had managed to extinguish the blazes that swept through more than 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) north of Marseille for the past two days as the Mistral wind that had fanned the flames dropped sharply. Three houses, a restaurant and a car repair garage were gutted by fire and another 17 houses were damaged. - Suspicious fires - Prosecutors are investigating the cause of a fire in Vitrolles, north of Marseille, after a man was arrested near the outbreak when local residents saw him acting suspiciously. French President Francois Hollande said Thursday the authorities believe some of the fires were started deliberately. He vowed the perpetrators would be tracked down. Likewise in Spain, officials said Friday that over the past few days in Galicia on the Atlantic coast, the number of fires have increased in a way that raises suspicions they were deliberately set. Story continues "We cannot confirm it until police establish the cause (of the fires), but we know that in the last few days, different incendiary devices have been discovered on site," a source in the regional government told AFP. In all, firefighters in Spain are battling some 15 blazes which have ravaged more than 5,800 hectares in five days. Five of the fires were still advancing Friday including three that threatened homes. A 56-year-old woman has been arrested suspected of lighting around 15 fires that were quickly extinguished near her home in a village in Galicia since July 18, the civil guard said. She is suspected of having placed decorative candles in the woods to start blazes, a civil guard member said. The fires sweeping through Galicia's forested mountains are damaging to the region's logging industry. Its federation issued a statement Thursday calling for "zero tolerance" and severe punishment for anyone found responsible for igniting the flames. Separately, a fire that has destroyed more than 4,800 hectares of pine woods on La Palma, the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands, was brought under control after eight days. The blaze claimed the life of a park ranger. A German man who allegedly sparked the fire by burning toilet paper has been remanded in custody. And in France's Pyrenees region near the Spanish border, a fire that erupted Thursday forced the evacuation of 60 people as the flames edged dangerously close to a village, police said. "The smoke was so thick that we couldn't see the village, which is just a kilometre from here," said local tourist official Nathalie Dephino. The town's deputy mayor Patricia Vignon said Friday the fires had been put out and air tankers had dumped water on the scorched areas to ensure the fires do not re-ignite. By Melissa Fares WINTHROP, Wash. (Reuters) - On a 100-degree day in early June, Matt Mueller did sit-ups in a semicircle with seven other experienced firefighters training to parachute into a wildfire. Better known as "rookie candidates," they were determined to make it through the five-week program at North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop, Washington, where the first experimental jumps occurred in 1939. "It's sort of the spiritual home of smokejumping," said David Ryder, who photographed the latest group of rookies for Reuters. "These guys are the elite of the elite." The 32-year-old freelance photographer said covering the record-setting wildfires in his home state of Washington over the past two years made him want to learn more about the people behind the acts of courage he had captured. These rookie candidates were required to have basic firefighting skills; two seasons of forestry experience, one being a main fire position; be 5 feet to 6 feet 5 inches (1.52 to 1.96 meters) tall; and weigh between 120 and 200 pounds (54.4 to 90.7 kg), according to the base. "It can be dangerous work," said Inaki Baraibar, North Cascades' training supervisor. "It's dirty work; you're away from your family a lot." Mueller and his fellow trainees, who were almost completely covered in dirt and sweat, packed their parachutes, always anticipating two loud blasts of an air horn alerting them to a fire. After the horn sounds, jumpers have two minutes to suit up in their protective gear. Mueller, 31, was identified as having smokejumper potential from a pool of roughly 150 applicants. He described the five weeks of training as "intense but doable" alongside his "rookie bros." "It's the kind of thing you really don't get through without bonding with the people around you," said Mueller, who has been fighting fires for more than six years. "That's just because it's so tough." After successfully completing the program in late June, he was ready to work. Two weeks ago, Mueller was eating his lunch when the air horn sounded. "I dropped everything and ran to get suited up in under two minutes," he recalled. Mueller, who got married last October, said one of the hardest parts of his job is managing to see his wife and their daughter. He has not returned home to New Mexico since he arrived at the base in May. "My wife has been incredibly supportive, but she's also very worried sometimes," he said. "She let me chase my dream, which unfortunately takes me away from home a lot." (Wider Images story here: http://reut.rs/2aMKHVi) "JUST DUCK" Ryder, who has been a photographer for 13 years, did not get into the plane with the smokejumpers; he photographed the drill from below. With a laugh, he recalled a training officer saying that if he thought a smokejumper would land on him, "not to run, just duck." Ryder rented two GoPro cameras, attaching one to a wing on the plane and another to the helmet of a smokejumper. The camera clicked every two seconds, leaving him with thousands of shots. "There's always weird, surprising stuff that happens, but you never know what it's going to be," he said. Ryder captured one of those spontaneous moments when one of the rookies took his first jump straight into a pile of cow manure. When Ryder returned later in June, all eight rookies had recently attained full smokejumper status, which has never happened before, according to Michael Noe, the base's operations manager. "I'd go out on a limb and say that they are an exceptional group," said Noe, who has been working there for 18 years. "We've also always had a couple rookies drop out during the training, but not this year." But that does not mean the rookies do not slip up from time to time. Ryder also took an impromptu shot of a rookie recruit who had dropped his helmet from the top of a jump tower. His punishment was to do squats while carrying a giant boulder. "It's called the prayer rock," said Baraibar, the base's training supervisor. "It offers jumpers a moment of reflection and reinforces the idea that there was something they could have done better." While Baraibar can "show teeth" when he needs to, he said his style is to encourage jumpers to play into their strengths. Baraibar described Mueller as a "mellow dude." "That's optimal, in my opinion," he said. "You want someone who's not too hyped, not too relaxed, but stable." Ryder said covering a memorial service in Washington State for three firefighters killed while battling a wildfire in August 2015 was eye-opening. "That really put everything into perspective for me," he said. Still, he reflected on the rewards of such responsibility. "Some of the firefighters talk about getting bit by the 'firebug,' being up that close, seeing the power of nature, seeing this incredible release of energy," Ryder said. "It's definitely captured me, too." (Reporting by Melissa Fares and David Ryder; Writing by Melissa Fares; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) Disney and Lucasfilm have unleashed the first full trailer for the upcoming "Star Wars" spin-off film "Rogue One", revealing a highly-anticipated glimpse at the franchise's ultimate villain, Darth Vader. The two-minute, 15-second clip sets the scene for the "Star Wars" story which takes place just before 1977's "A New Hope", with the Death Star still in construction and Vader in his prime as the Emperor's galactic enforcer. Mercenary rebel Jyn Erso (played by Felicity Jones) and her resistance fighter sidekick Captain Cassian Andor (Diego luna) take the limelight in this first full teaser, but fans also get a closer look at other characters which make up the rag-tag rebel team, including Forest Whitaker playing Saw Gerrera, a new droid character, and familiar AT-ATs -- as well as a brief glance at Darth Vader. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" -- the first in Disney's "Anthology Series" of spin-off films that will also include the currently untitled Han Solo prequel movie due in 2018 -- is due out in theatres on December 16 (via NME). Watch the first full trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" here: https://youtu.be/frdj1zb9sMY Miami (AFP) - Florida is investigating three cases of Zika infection that do not appear linked to travel or to the known zone of active mosquito transmission near downtown Miami, health officials said Friday. The southern US state now has a total of 28 cases of Zika infection that are all believed to have been spread by local mosquitoes carrying the virus, which can cause serious birth defects. There have also been 441 cases of Zika that were brought to Florida by people who were infected while traveling outside the United States. State health authorities say they still believe transmission is only occurring inside a one-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) area of the Wynwood neighborhood, north of downtown Miami. But the health department said an "investigation is beginning" in another area of Miami-Dade County, which it did not identify. Officials are probing three non-travel related cases, one in Palm Beach County to the north of Miami, and two in Miami-Dade. "The department has not yet determined where the individual in Palm Beach County or the two individuals outside the one-square mile in Miami-Dade County likely contracted Zika and will share more details as the investigations progress," the Florida Department of Health said a statement. "If the department finds evidence that active transmission is occurring in an area, we will notify the media and the public." Florida is so far the only US state to report cases of local Zika transmission since the outbreak began sweeping Latin America last year. Kids today, is a phrase often said with a degree of disdain, but todays kids are tomorrows leaders. Today is International Youth Day, started in 1999 by the UN to raise awareness of the issues young people around the world face. To celebrate, we wanted to highlight a few members of the fashion and beauty community who have set the pace and made their mark on the industry at a young age. Above, click through to see 10 young fashion and beauty luminaries who enjoyed success early on and whose careers we are excited to follow as they continue to create and innovate through the years. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Olivier Rousteing Olivier Rousteing has gone from aspiring designer and club dancer to one of the most influential French designers in fashion and one of the most-followed on Instagram. In 2011, Rousteing took the reins at the house of Balmain when he was just 24 years old, but he had been moving and shaking in the fashion industry long before then. When he was just 18, he was already working at Roberto Cavalli, where he spent five years. Thanks to his design aesthetic, use of social media, and troop of beautiful women in his Balmain Army, Rousteing has been able to bring the Balmain brand to a level of mainstream visibility it didnt enjoy before. (Photo: Instagram/olivier_rousteing) Tavi Gevinson The now 20-year-old Tavi Gevinson burst onto the fashion scene at the age of 11, when she launched her blog The Style Rookie. Her mature voice and quirky style sensibilities turned her into a bona fide blogger star. At 15, she turned her early success into Rookie, an online magazine for teen girls. Gevinson hasnt stopped achieving since, delving into the world of acting and securing parts in Broadway plays, like 2014s remake of This Is Our Youth, and most recently as Mary Warren in The Crucible, which just wrapped its Broadway run. Shes also appeared on Scream Queens, Parenthood, and has even lent her voice to The Simpsons. Story continues (Photo: Instagram/tavitulle) Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Before they became fashion moguls, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were Hollywood tabloid darlings. In the early aughts, their boho-chic swag set the pace for style and inspired many imitators. In 2006, at 20, the pair started The Row, their fashion brand for which they received the CFDA award for Womenswear designer of the year in 2012. In 2012, they opened a second label, Elizabeth and James. Ashley Olsen currently sits on the board for the CFDA. (Photo: Instagram/sephora) Zac Posen Zac Posen started his career as an intern at Nicole Miller when he was just a teenager. By the time he was 21, he had launched his own label. By 2002, he held his first runway show. In 2004, his exceptional work won him Swarovskis Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear at the CFDA Awards. Posens aesthetic of decidedly feminine, retro glamour has gained him fans in celebrities like Rihanna, Lena Dunham, Dita Von Teese, Naomi Campbell, Christina Hendricks, and more. (Photo: Instagram/zacposen) Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez met as students at Parsons School of Design in New York City, and their partnership has endured long past graduation. The pair worked on their senior project together under the name Proenza Schouler (the maiden names of their mothers), and their work was so brilliant, Barneys bought the entire range. A year later, McCollough and Hernandez were accepting the Swarovski Award for Ready-to-Wear at the CFDA awards. In 2004, they nabbed the first CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize. Several years and awards later, Proenza Schouler remains a force in the fashion industry. (Photo: Instagram/proenzaschouler) Michelle Phan Michelle Phans transformative makeup tutorials launched her from struggling student to bona fide beauty mogul. She uploaded her first tutorial on YouTube as a 20-year-old, and gained popularity for her unique beauty looks and approach to makeup who could forget that Lady Gaga makeup tutorial, which helped catapult her into internet stardom? By 2011, Phan was on to her next project, ipsy, a monthly beauty bag service and passionate online beauty community. To give back to the YouTube world responsible for her success, Phan started the ipsy Open Studios, giving burgeoning YouTube beauty stars a space to create content. In 2013, Phan launched cosmetics brand Em Michelle Phan with LOreal, though Em was sold back to ipsy in 2015. But even with a small snag in the road, the now 29-year-old is still thriving and building up her empire. (Photo: Instagram/michellephan) Leandra Medine We all know there are plenty of trends women adore and men cant stand, but Leandra Medine was able to take this simple fact of life and turn it into The Man Repeller, the fashion blog she started in 2010, which catapulted her from just another well-to-do NYC girl to a platinum card-carrying member of the fashion elite. As Medine told Techcrunch last year, Man Repeller was supposed to be a call to action for women to celebrate what we want to wear. Medines rejection of dressing for the male gaze and doing her own thing is a big part of the allure of her brand, and has enticed designers like Dannijo and Michael Kors into collaborating with Medine. (Photo: Instagram/leandramedine) Emily Weiss The now 31-year-old Emily Weiss turned a beauty blog into a beauty brand thats become a favorite of every girl who wants dewy skin and a no-fuss beauty routine. Weiss, who had stints at W and Vogue, started Into the Gloss in 2010. The blog gave readers the beauty fix they needed, and a look inside influential womens vanities and beauty cabinets. ITG has peered into the beauty bags of Jourdan Dunn, Kim Kardashian, Kat Von D, Grace Coddington and more. In 2014, Weiss launched Glossier, a beauty brand that now boasts a moisturizer, face masks, a face wash, lipsticks, and concealers not to mention a very dedicated social media following. (Photo: Instagram/emilywweiss) Investing in stocks with high profits and solid earnings surprises appears trendy in this final stretch of the current reporting cycle. But looking beyond profits and evaluating a companys cash position is far more rewarding. Because even though profit is a companys goal, cash is its lifeblood and measure of resiliency. In fact, even a profit-making company can have a dearth of cash flow and face bankruptcy while meeting its obligations. But a healthy cash position indicates that profits are efficiently channeled to the companys reserves, which not only shield it from market mayhem but also offer flexibility to make decisions, chase potential investments and run its growth engine. And to find out this efficiency, one needs to consider a companys net cash flow. While cash moves in and out of any business, it is net cash flow that indicates how much money a company is actually generating. Experiencing a positive cash flow denotes an increase in the companys liquid assets. This provides the means to meet debt obligations, shell out for expenses, reinvest in business, endure downturns and finally return wealth to shareholders. On the other hand, incurring negative cash flow indicates a decline in the companys liquidity, which in turn lowers its flexibility to support these moves. Yet, positive cash flow alone is not sufficient to predict a companys future growth. A company can consistently grow only when this positive cash flow is rising. Because, increasing cash flow indicates managements efficiency in regulating its cash movements, less dependency on outside financing for running its business and finally its improving fundamentals. Therefore, while picking stocks, look beyond profits and select companies with dependable and increasing cash flows. Screening Parameters: To find out stocks that have seen increasing cash flow over time, we ran the screen for those whose cash flow in the latest reported quarter was at least equal to or greater than the 5-year average cash flow per common share. This implies a positive trend and increasing cash over a period of time. In addition to this, we chose: Zacks Rank 1: No matter whether market conditions are good or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) have a proven history of outperformance. Average Broker Rating 1: This indicates that brokers are also highly hopeful about the companys future performance. Current Price greater than or equal to $5: This screens out the low-priced stocks. VGM Score of B or better: This score is also of great assistance in selecting stocks. Importantly, this scoring system helps in picking winning stocks in their individual industry categories. Here are five of seven stocks that made it through the screen: Hallador Energy Company HNRG, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunrise Coal, LLC, is engaged in the production of coal in the Illinois Basin for the electric power generation industry. The company is headquartered in Denver, CO and has a VGM score of A. TDK Corporation TTDKY is a Tokyo-based manufacturer and seller of electronic components. The company has a VGM score of A. KT Corp. KT, headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, provides telecommunication services. Its services include mobile telecommunications services, telephone services, fixed-line and VoIP telephone services. The company also provides interconnection services to other telecommunications companies, broadband Internet access services and other Internet-related services. It also offers information technology and network services, including consulting, designing, building, and maintaining of systems and communication networks. The company has a VGM score of A. Gibraltar Industries, Inc. ROCK, with a VGM score of B, is a leading manufacturer, processor and distributor of metals and other engineered materials for building products, vehicular and other industrial markets. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. With a decent earnings surprise history, the company remains a solid pick. It exceeded estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 74.53%. Tokyo Electron Limited TOELY, with a VGM score of B, together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the development, manufacturing and selling of semiconductor and flat panel display production equipment. Get the rest of the stocks on the list and start putting this and other ideas to the test. It can all be done with the Research Wizard stock picking and backtesting software. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today. Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance. Zacks Restaurant Recommendations: In addition to dining at these special places, you can feast on their stock shares. A Zacks Special Report spotlights 5 recent IPOs to watch plus 2 stocks that offer immediate promise in a booming sector. Download it free Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report KT CORP (KT): Free Stock Analysis Report HALLADOR ENERGY (HNRG): Free Stock Analysis Report TDK CORP-ADS (TTDKY): Free Stock Analysis Report GIBRALTAR INDUS (ROCK): Free Stock Analysis Report TOKYO ELECTRON (TOELY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A former Mississippi honors student was sentenced Thursday to serve 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal terrorism charges related to her desire to join ISIS, PEOPLE confirms. Vicksburg native Jaelyn Young, 20 at the time, pleaded guilty in March to one count of providing material support or resources to terrorists, after authorities say she and her fiance tried to board a plane to Syria in August 2015 with the intention of joining ISIS. Her fiance, Muhammad Dakhlalla, pleaded guilty to a similar charge and is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 24, reports the Associated Press. Young, the daughter of a school administrator and a police officer who is also a Navy veteran, had faced up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, according to the AP. She broke down in tears during her sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock, and said that she was ashamed for her actions. The sentence handed down in federal court includes an additional 15 years of supervised release after her prison term, reports The Dispatch of Columbus. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Authorities earlier said Young, a former student at Mississippi State University who was an honor student and cheerleader in high school, announced her conversion to Islam in March 2015 and urged Dakhlalla to join ISIS with her, according to court documents cited by the AP. Federal prosecutors wrote that Young complained about the treatment of Muslims in the United States and United Kingdom, viewed ISIS fighters as liberators, distanced herself from family and friends after her conversion and wrote a farewell letter to her family telling them not to alert authorities. At one point Young had tried to disguise a journey with her fiance to join the terrorist group as a honeymoon, authorities said. At her sentencing, an attorney for Young, Dennis Sweet, argued for leniency and cited "mental instability" at the time of her attempted defection, as well as Young's desire to become a medic for ISIS rather than a combat fighter, according to The Dispatch. After the sentencing, Sweet could not immediately be reached by PEOPLE for comment. gurbaksh chahal A judge has sentenced Gravity4 founder Gurbaksh Chahal to 12 months in a county jail. The judge granted a stay to the sentence, pending an appeal from his attorney, according to Bloomberg's Ellen Huet. Judge Tracie Brown found the tech CEO guilty in June of violating his probation and he was forced to turn over his passports. He also transferred ownership of what remains of his ad tech company to his sister. In October 2014, the tech entrepreneur was taken into custody for allegedly kicking a woman multiple times, as first reported by the San Francisco Business Times. Chahal was already on probation after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors of battery and domestic violence in April 2014. A video of that attack, where he allegedly hit his then-girlfriend 117 times, was not allowed as evidence during the first case, but was factored into the sentencing hearing. Chahal had gained fame in the tech community after he sold his first ad-tech company, ClickAgents, for $40 million. In 2007, Yahoo bought his next ad company, BlueLithium, for $300 million. He went on to found RadiumOne, another ad-tech company, before he and the company parted ways. Since then, Chahal has been building Gravity4, yet another ad-tech company that made a business out of buying other ad tech startups. The judge set bail for Chahal at $250,000. In a statement, Chahal's attorney reiterated Chahal is not in custody. "Mr. Chahal's sentencing was stayed today. He is not going into custody. The court is allowing the higher appellate court plenty of time and opportunity to 'get it right' to honor Mr. Chahal's full constitutional rights." Gravity'4 general counsel, Patricia Glaser, posted her own notice statement on Gravity4's site: "Gravity4 has grown into a global advertising platform that is used by numerous Fortune 500 brands. The company has over 300+ dedicated employees, fulfilling our global vision across 19 countries. We have an accomplished CEO, who is a woman and a workforce composed of over 57% female, among 42% comprise the leadership positions. Todays proceedings will have no impact on Gravity4s operations across the globe, as we continue to produce outstanding results for our clients, and how the company is run in the foreseeable future. More From Business Insider From Cosmopolitan Austin James Wilkerson, a former University of Colorado student who admitted to and was convicted of raping a drunk woman he was supposed to be caring for after she became separated from her group of friends, was spared any prison time for his Class 3 felony (punishable by four to 12 years in prison) by a judge in Boulder, Colorado. Instead, 22-year-old Wilkerson was sentenced to 20 years to life on probation, as well as two years in Boulder County Jail, in a program that will allow him to leave the jail during the day to go to school or work. According to the Boulder Daily Camera, the incredibly light sentence has sparked outrage in the Boulder and University of Colorado communities, and some people are wondering if Wilkerson is "Boulder's Brock Turner," in a comparison that draws attention to the fact that neither convicted rapist/former white, male college students received a prison sentence for their crimes. The Daily Camera reported that District Judge Patrick Butler didn't arrive at the sentence easily. "I've struggled, to be quite frank, with the idea of, Do I put him in prison," Butler said. "I don't know that there is any great result for anybody. Mr. Wilkerson deserves to be punished, but I think we all need to find out whether he truly can or cannot be rehabilitated." Prosecutors in Wilkerson's case had been asking for prison time, despite recommendations from the probation department. "This defendant raped a helpless young woman after duping the people around her into believing he was going to care for her, tried to cover up his crime, and then repeatedly lied about what he did - including under oath at trial," prosecutors wrote. But according to a sentencing memo filed by the prosecution, a pre-sentencing report recommended probation over prison time because, as the report claimed, Wilkerson "had taken responsibility for his actions." The prosecution, however, disagreed. Story continues "Through his testimony, the defendant essentially called the victim a liar," the prosecution memo read. "The defendant sat and listened as the people he hired to act on his behalf argued to malign the victim by claiming that the victim accused the defendant of raping her in a petty attempt to avoid anger from her parents about her grades in school." The young woman who's survivor in the sexual assault case said she's been at the receiving end of victim blaming ever since the night of the rape. In her statements to Butler, she said she's faced victim blaming from friends, a juror, and her own mother. "Worst of all is the victim blaming," she said. "If I hadn't been drunk, this wouldn't have happened. If I hadn't gotten separated, this wouldn't have happened. Yet it was excusable for him to rape me because he was drunk?" In her plea for Wilkerson to receive a prison sentence, the survivor told Butler to "have as much mercy for the rapist as he did for me that night," according to the Guardian. Earlier in the trial, Wilkerson did admit to "digitally and orally" penetrating the survivor, and also admitted that he "wasn't getting much of a response from her" at the time. Wilkerson's conviction and lack of prison sentence comes just a few months after a survey found that 28 percent of undergrad women at the University of Colorado at Boulder say there were sexually assaulted during their time at school. That percentage is slightly higher than the national average of one in four women who are supposed to be sexually assaulted in college. Wilkerson recognized his role in perpetuating and worsening that statistic during his trial. Like in Turner's case, friends and supporters of Wilkerson wrote letters to the court, asking that he be spared prison time. "I think he is a young man that will go far in this world if not defined by this one incident," read one letter, according to the Daily Camera. Another said that "he most traumatic incident that Austin has faced is this sexual assault case." The survivor in the case was present for the sentencing, but she left the court room before the defense was able to address the court. Follow Hannah on Twitter. Some French elected officials are really not even being discreet about their views on this anymore: If youre a Muslim woman whos too pious to wear a revealing bathing suit, you probably just shouldnt try to swim this summer. And now Cannes Mayor David Lisnard has announced that anyone who chooses to wear a so-called burqini a full-body swimsuit that includes a hood to cover hair will not be welcome on beaches in his popular tourist city. His reasoning? Its a symbol of Islamic extremism and thus a security concern. Access to beaches and for swimming is banned to any person wearing improper clothes that are not respectful of good morals and secularism, the ruling said . Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order. Its already illegal for women in France to wear the burqa or the niqab full and partial face coverings, respectively. But the burqini does not cover the face, and has been touted by fashion designers and feminists as an empowering outfit that any women not just Muslims could enjoy wearing to swim. Lisnard confirmed Friday that men wearing skullcaps or women wearing the hijab, a Muslim hair covering, will not banned from swimming. The new ruling is specifically targeting the burqini. I simply forbid a uniform that is the symbol of Islamic extremism, he said. We live in a common public space, there are rules to follow. France has been on high alert since an Islamic State attack killed more than 80 people in the city of Nice on July 14 and since a pair of militants slit the throat of an elderly Catholic priest inside his own church late last month. And according to Lisnard, full-body swimwear doesnt promote good morals and secularism. Photo credit: Matt King/Getty Images The mayor of the French city of Cannes has banned the wearing of burkinis full-body swimsuits worn by some Muslim women on its beaches. Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance forbidding beachwear that doesnt respect good morals and secularism, noting that swimwear manifesting religious affiliation in an ostentatious way could impact public order while France is the target of terrorist attacks, the BBC reported. A spokeswoman confirmed to NBC that the ordinance applies to burkinis but the mayor told local media that other religious symbols, including the kippah (Jewish skullcap) and the cross, would still be permitted. The new ruling will be in effect throughout August and violators face a fine. France has been the target of three major terrorist attacks over the past year and a half. In July, 84 people were killed and dozens more injured when a truck driver slammed into the throngs of revelers out on the street for Bastille Day in Nice, which is less than an hours drive from Cannes. Earlier this week a burkini-themed pool party for Muslim women in Pennes-Mirabeau, near Marseilles, was cancelled after the organizers received death threats. Shortly after it was announced, the local mayor, Michel Amiel, announced he intended to take up a city bylaw to prohibit the event on the grounds it is likely to cause public disorder, reported the U.K.s Independent. [BBC] Paris (AFP) - A French court on Friday charged and remanded in custody a 21-year-old man arrested in connection with the jihadist murder of a priest in a Normandy church last month, a judicial source said. The man, the second to be held in connection with the killing of 85-year-old Jacques Hamel, was charged with "criminal association in connection with terrorism", after his arrest on Monday in the Toulouse area, the source said. Just before the July 26 attack, the man had travelled to the Rouen region in northern France where he met Hamel's killers Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean, both 19 years old, according to a source close to the investigation. The suspect, who is unemployed, claimed he was radicalised quickly and investigators believe he was mentally unstable, according to the source. The attack on the church in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray was claimed by the Islamic State group. The two assailants were killed by police after slitting the priest's throat, injuring another person and taking five people hostage. The grisly attack -- the first committed in the name of IS against a church in the West -- came less than two weeks after a Tunisian ploughed a 19-tonne truck into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the Riviera city of Nice, killing 85 people and wounding more than 300. Previously unknown to French authorities, the suspect charged on Friday first contacted the priest's killers via the encrypted messaging app Telegram. According to the source close to the investigation, the killers' numbers were both found on his phone. The man told anti-terror police he had travelled on July 24 to Sainte-Etienne-du-Rouvray for what he described as a "course in religion" along with several other people, including the two killers, the source said. The suspect told investigators he left the next day, claiming he had no indication of a plot to attack a church hours later. However, they suspect he may have seen Kermiche's messages on Telegram, in which he described the modus operandi of the attack. A cousin of Petitjean named as Farid K. was also remanded in custody on July 31 in connection with the attack. This year, New York's Full Moon Festival makes its return to Governor's Island for its sixth spin (Aug. 20-21), produced by creative production agency MATTE Projects. Inspired by Thailand's all-night full moon beach parties, the event has earned its reputation as an artistically-inspired and highly curated festival, featuring buzzy rising talent alongside well known indie acts, all paired with ultra hip local culinary offerings. And in past years, attendees have included music, fashion, and art tastemakers like Alexander Wang, Dev Hynes, Mr. Brainwash, and Charli XCX. But this year, for the first time, the fest expands to two days, with 10,000 attendees expected and its most stacked line-up yet, featuring acts including Santigold, Pusha T, SBTRKT, Allah-Las, Escort, Kali Uchis, and more! Billboard caught up with festival founders -- MATTE Projects' Brett Kincaid, Max Pollack, and Matt Rowan -- about this years' expansion, the return to Governor's Island, and how they've been able to grow the event while retaining its curated reputation. Full Moon Fest has earned a reputation as a curated and artistically-inspired festival. Looking back at year one, how do you think it's evolved? Max Pollack: Full Moon year one was really just a party. It was meant for this downtown NY world looking for something outside the normal club or city venue to capture a sort of escapist aspiration while still being in New York City. I think these tenets are still really core to Full Moon Fest, but it's evolved as we have evolved as people and as a company. It's music taste is more sophisticated and diverse. It's aesthetic and production is more refined while still feeling natural, light, and fun. Brett Kincaid: The festival has evolved along with our tastes. Everything we do has become a direct reflection of MATTE as a brand and I think that all of the things that we're involved with have cultural relevance to the growth and identity of the festival. Story continues With the festival boom in recent years, most event companies seem to choose maximizing growth over quality - how have you balanced that desire with also wanting to control and guard its image? MP: Quality has always been more important than growth. There's something really unique about a small festival; as we grow we want to give the experience of a large event in terms of production and line up, but in a location that's not overwhelming and has a cohesive vibe. Full Moon is a long term property. We have and want to continue to create a stronger brand identity, more than just names on the bill. We don't have a need to oversaturate and sell out the brand. In the crowded festival market, what niche do you think Full Moon fills? MP: Some big festivals promote themselves as New York's festival for the world. We position ourselves as an international festival for New York and we spend a lot of energy and time crafting that aesthetic. Our crowd is typically a little older, a little more within New York's music, art, fashion, cultural world. I hope it feels authentic to the reality of our city. MR: There's a nice threshold to sit below the larger festivals. When you start going into 25,000 + people it becomes much harder to curate the individual experience to the level we do. BK: I think that some heads are turning with the increased line up, but I wouldn't put us in the same conversation as Panorama or Gov Ball. We're a boutique hotel to the giant resort of music festivals. How and why did you expand to two days this year? MP: We always saw Full Moon's ultimate destiny as a two-day festival spanning day and night. Two days would allow us to do more interesting production, art installations, and hospitality, as well as a more diverse lineup. By going back to Governors Island, a space we've been before, we actually lowered the capacity per day, but grew it by expanding to the second day. It was a good time to experiment, but not take such a drastic leap. You took inspiration from Thailand's all-night full moon parties - why did they inspire you initially and what about that spirit has continued to stimulate the event as its developed? MP: I think we've always looked to the energy of the full moon - people are down to just get a little weirder on a full moon. The bacchanalia and freedom of the Thai Full Moon parties was inspiring, as was the idea of doing a festival on a beach. To do that in New York City, and to infuse it with its aesthetic, fashion, and curation how cool would that be. That party spirit is really important to Full Moon still and that vibe is contagious. At this point, we're much more inspired by international parties and festivals in general - from Calvi on the Rocks to the beach parties in Bahia and the Mediterranean. What was your goal for the level of talent this year and were there challenges in attracting and booking such big names? MP: This year we wanted to push it further, we only had one stage and throughout the day we tried to curate a flow that moved between genres but still move people's feet, building them up to all out jumping, bumping wildness. Artists and their agents and managers are starting to see the value we've been pitching for the last five. You always aim for NY's hippest culinary trends and offerings - what can we expect this year? MP: Clean Shaved Ice has been a great partner, offering a chic twist on the classic New York shaved iced cart. Mile End has always been our guys. Pokito is one of my favorite new spots in Williamsburg and given that Iced Matcha is the hit of Summer '16 - it's great to have the originators, our friends at Matcha Bar. Looking to the future, where do you see Full Moon Fest going and any plans to branch off for a West Coast or European spin of the event? BK: There have been countless conversations about where we're going to take the brand. Ultimately what's most important is that we're at our strongest here in New York. What makes Full Moon special is the people, to be successful in other markets we'd would want to align with partners who have similar cultural sensibilities to what we have here in New York City. MP: Internationally would be of interest -- also something more seamlessly located in nature. Catch this year's Full Moon Fest on August 20-21, on Governor's Island in New York City. Libreville (AFP) - President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon wrote off Friday his political opponents' chances in an upcoming presidential election, saying they were "afraid" because they had "no chance of winning". In exclusive comments to AFP, Bongo also dismissed allegations he was not Gabonese, but Nigerian -- which would make him ineligible to stand for reelection later this month. "I'm in the situation of being an outgoing president with a track record and they prefer to come and get me on ridiculous things," he said, referring to opposition claims he has falsified his birth certificate. Speaking on the eve of campaigning officially getting underway for the August 27 elections, Bongo said: "That shows (that they) are afraid of going to the polls." "They fear the candidate Ali Bongo because he, after all, has a satisfactory track record... and they have no chance of winning," he said, speaking to reporters at the presidential palace. Bongo has faced allegations that he is not Gabonese, but Nigerian, and that he was adopted by his father Omar, who was president from 1967 until his death in 2009. Bongo called the allegation "ridiculous" and brushed aside the supposed existence of several birth certificates as "fantasies". Speaking about his father, who ruled the oil-rich country for 41 years, Bongo stressed he had not inherited power, but added that his father was "constantly" with him and "an inspiration". "I won my place, it didn't come to me just like that. On the contrary, my name was a handicap." Rival Leon Paul Ngoulakia, one of 13 people challenging the president in the election, has said Bongo should take a DNA test to prove his parentage and eligibility to run. On July 25, the constitutional court rejected an appeal against the eligibility of Bongo, who came to power in a disputed election following his father's death. Story continues Bongo, 57, who is running for a second seven-year term, is due Saturday to hold an electoral meeting in Akanda, a town adjoining the capital Libreville. Earlier this month, Bongo warned of possible unrest during the election which he said was the "strategy" of the opposition. The representative of the EU election observation mission also called on politicians to "do everything" to "avoid any violence or any form of provocation". In the lead-up to the elections, the security forces have had a greater presence in the capital, with road checkpoints at night. Libreville saw two incidents last month when police dispersed small gatherings of opponents. - Newfound oil wealth - Two of his main rivals, Jean Ping and Guy Nzouba Ndama, are also due to rally supporters. Ping, 74, a former head of the Commission of the African Union and ex-brother-in-law of Ali Bongo, previously worked as a diplomat and has pledged to stay in power for only one term if he wins. Nzouba Ndama, 70, spent around two decades as head of the national assembly and has support of several local dignitaries who are disenchanted with the policies of the governing party. A third credible candidate is former prime minister Casimir Oye Mba, who has faced criticism for his 2009 last-minute withdrawal from the race to support Bongo. Bongo, who defends a record based on the diversification of the economy beyond oil, said he was confident about the outcome of the vote. With "12,000 jobs a year" created during his seven years in power, he said he wants to pursue policies where the youth are the priority. "Change, that's me, it's not them (his opponents)," he said. Bongo was elected for a first term in a disputed 2009 vote following the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had steered Gabon from 1967 and was described by critics as a corrupt despot. This rule saw the country tap its newfound oil wealth that led to a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations. However most of it has not trickled down to ordinary people. Critics accuse the Bongo family of usurping the country's riches and stifling democracy. TriStar has signed Michelle MacLaren to helm the feature film adaptation of Kristin Hannahs bestselling novel The Nightingale. Elizabeth Cantillon is producing. The current adaptation of the novel is written by Ann Peacock with MacLaren and John Sayles on board to do a polish to the draft. One of Michelles many gifts as a director is her ability to tell stories that are both intimate and epic, Cantillon said. She was the perfect director to come on to this unique war story. The pic tells the story of two sisters coming of age in France on the eve of World War II, and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation of France. It was inspired by the story of a Belgian woman, Andree de Jongh, who helped downed Allied pilots to escape Nazi territory. The book has sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. and is a New York Times Bestseller, spending 73 weeks and counting on the list. Its being published in 39 languages, and topped several best of lists at publications including Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal and Goodreads. The project is being overseen at TriStar by Hannah Minghella and Nicole Brown; Laura Quicksilver is overseeing for the Cantillon Company. Michelle has directed some of the most groundbreaking and cinematic television of recent years, Minghella said. Im looking forward to her bringing that same vision to The Nightingale. Her passion for these characters, their complex relationships and the tension of their journeys will no doubt translate into a cinematic experience that will delight the fans of the book and beyond. MacLaren is best known for her work in TV, beginning with AMCs Breaking Bad, which earned her Emmy wins for best series. Her other big TV credits include Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead and, most recently, The Deuce for David Simon. MacLaren was previously signed on to direct Warner Bros. Wonder Woman, but parted ways with the project over creative differences, with Patty Jenkins taking over. Story continues She is repped by ICM Partners. Related stories 'Breaking Bad' Boss Lists House for $3.1 Million (EXCLUSIVE) TriStar Lands Cartel Book 'Wolf Boys'; Antoine Fuqua Attached to Direct (EXCLUSIVE) 'Trainspotting 2' Lands at TriStar With Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle Returning (Photo: ThinkStock) A witness in a gang rape trial has admitted that he gave false evidence in his initial police statement in January 2014 so as to protect his friends. However, Military Expert 1 Mohamad Elmi Ching Aman later decided not jeopardise his army career and came clean about the report 18 months later. The 23-year-old, a witness in a case involving five men who are on trial for committing rape and other sexual offences on a then 18-year-old girl, was testifying in the High Court on Friday (12 August) over the incident that took place on 26 January 2014 in a room at The Duxton Hotel. The identity of the victim cannot be revealed due to a gag order. Elmi, who appeared before Justice Woo Bih Li, said the statement that he made on 29 January 2014 was falsified as he had wanted to protect his friends Muhammad Faris Ramlee, Ridhaudin Ridhwan Bakri, Asep Ardiansyah, Muhammad Fadly Abdull Wahab and Muhammad Hazly Mohamad Halimi who were involved in the crime. Elmi said that he was subsequently called up by the police a few more times and decided to tell the truth when he made his conditional statement in August 2015. In his original statement, Elmi said that he had seen the victim coming out of the hotel rooms bathroom looking sober but changed his stance in his second statement to say that the victim appeared drunk and unsteady. When asked by Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Tan Soo Tet why he decided to come clean, Elmi said he had to think of his career. I am an army regular and I dont want to get myself into trouble. I wanted to be honest, he said. Another witness also took the stand on Friday. Dr Shakina Rauff, an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist who examined the victim, testified that the girl appeared calm, composed and collected when tests were conducted on her on 28 January 2014 at the National University Hospital (NUH). She was thinking clearly and had no obvious external injuries. She did mention that she was unable to quantify the amount of alcohol, either in unit, glasses or bottle that she had consumed that night, said Rauff. Story continues Fadly, 20, and Hazly, 23, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of rape each and were sentenced in July. Fadly was jailed 13 years and given eight strokes of the cane, while Hazly was jailed 11 years and given six strokes of the cane. Faris, Ridhaudin and Asep, all 22, have not pleaded guilty and are claiming trial. The trial will continue on Tuesday (16 August). george soros George Soros' chief investment officer Ted Burdick is stepping down just eight months after being promoted to the role, according to Bloomberg News. Burdick will remain at Soros Fund Management, running a credit portfolio, Katherine Burton and Katia Porzecanski reported. The fund is searching for Burdick's replacement and will most likely hire from an external firm, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke with Business Insider. Burdick's move marks the seventh time since 2000 that Soros has had to find a new CIO. Soros, a billionaire philanthropist, turns 86 today. Michael Vachon, a spokesman for Soros Fund Management, confirmed the details. Burdick's predecessor Scott Bessent left last fall after four years in the role. He has since launched one of the biggest hedge funds of recent memory. Bessent replaced Keith Anderson. Two ex-Soros portfolio managers who left after disagreeing with Burdick are also launching a new hedge fund, which will be backed by legendary investor Stan Druckenmiller, as Business Insider previously reported. To read the full Bloomberg report, click here. NOW WATCH: MALCOLM GLADWELL: Anyone who gives a single dollar to Princeton has completely lost their mind' More From Business Insider Berlin (AFP) - A German woman detained in Turkey as part of Ankara's crackdown in the wake of last month's failed coup has been freed, Berlin confirmed Friday. "The Foreign Ministry confirms a report in the Spiegel magazine, that the German citizen, who was a arrested in Turkey a few days ago, has been released," the ministry said in a statement. Authorities did not identify the woman nor give any further details about the circumstances surrounding her detention. But the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported last week that she was detained after books were found at her home suggesting she had links with the Fethullah Gulen movement. Ankara accuses Gulen, a preacher living in exile in the United States, of having ordered the July 15 putsch attempt. But the 75-year-old cleric has denied any involvement. Tensions have been growing between Germany and Turkey over the German parliament's decision to brand as genocide the World War I-era massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces and also Ankara's threat to back out of a crucial deal with the EU on migrants. Berlin has criticised the Turkish government's post-coup crackdown, in which more than 35,000 people have been arrested. By Andrea Shalal UEDEM, Germany (Reuters) - The German air force worked closely with a Berlin theater on its production of "Terror", a play about a pilot prosecuted for shooting down a hijacked airliner to prevent it from hitting a crowded stadium. "The play is serious. It could happen tomorrow," said Air Force Colonel Hermann Hornung at an air operations center in Uedem near the Dutch border which monitors the 10,000 flights that pass over Germany daily. Written by best-selling author Ferdinand von Schirach, the innovative play asks audiences to deliver their verdicts on the guilt of the fighter pilot at the end of each show. Nearly 60 percent of the 130,000 people who have seen different stagings worldwide have found the airman "not guilty". Millions of German viewers will have the chance to vote in October when the ARD network airs a TV version of the play, which Swiss and Austrian television networks will air at the same time. Berlin's Deutsches Theater will host a discussion with Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble after a performance on Sept. 25 - at a time when Germany is rethinking its security laws after two attacks linked to the Islamic State militant group. The play premieres in Japan this weekend, and has been staged in Israel, Venezuela and throughout Europe. Hornung said the air force had wanted to make sure the play was realistic. "We accompanied the production process to make sure that they didn't portray the situation inaccurately," he told reporters during a visit to the center by Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen. The center was set up after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 in the United States. It often dispatches fighter jets to check on aircraft that have lost contact with air traffic controllers, and has had to intervene in several cases of suspected "renegade" planes, officials said. Germany's constitutional court in 2006 overturned a law passed in 2003 that authorized the shooting down of hijacked civilian airliners, but the decision has since been revised to allow it. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Erik Kirschbaum and Andrew Roche) When you're searching high and low for your lost keys, sometimes the places where you don't see them can help you narrow down where they might be. In science, the search for new physics often takes a similar path. In December 2015, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) the world's largest particle accelerator thought they may have seen a hint of a brand-new particle, and with it, a window into physics beyond what scientists know now. But the findings turned out to be ghosts, a statistical fluke. Yet despite the negative result, the fact that there is nothing there shows that reigning theories of particle physics are working remarkably well, experts said. But that result only deepens the mysteries physicists are trying to solve, and pushes them to find out just where new particles or forces could be hiding. [The 9 Biggest Unsolved Mysteries in Physics] "The bad news is [the measurements] don't show anything," said theoretical physicist Matt Strassler. "The good news is that it did a really good job of not showing anything." Strassler himself recently gave a talk at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which runs the LHC, on what can be learned from such results, or lack thereof. "It's like if you squint trying to see something sometimes you'll see something, and sometimes it will be an illusion," Strassler told Live Science. High-energy collisions The LHC uses about 9,600 massive magnets to circulate streams of protons within a 17-mile-long (27 kilometers) ring. These protons are accelerated to near the speed of light and then smashed together. The resulting collisions unleash cascades of subatomic particles and radiation that can provide clues about the building blocks of matter. After a two-year hiatus for upgrades, the LHC was fired up again last year, this time running at higher energies. What scientists found in December was that two detection systems, one called ATLAS and the other called CMS, found a curious bump in the plots of energy versus "events." (Events are essentially detections of photons or particles.) Story continues The bump was large enough that it looked interesting to scientists. If real, it could have been evidence of a particle nobody has seen before at energies of 750 billion electron volts (GeV). During the LHC's current run, it can reach energies of almost 13 trillion electron volts (TeV). Data from the debris When smashed together, the energy the protons carry will turn into particles, each with a characteristic energy. Most of these particles are short-lived, though, and decay into other particles and photons. For this reason, particle detections are often indirect. This is what happened in 2012, when scientists discovered the Higgs boson, the elementary particle that is thought to explain how other particles get their mass. And this is why the most recent bump was so intriguing. But now, new data from CMS, collected since December, shows that the 750 GeV bump was likely an illusion a statistical artifact of the kind that sometimes crops up in experiments like this, said Michael Peskin, a theoretical physicist at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. [Beyond Higgs: 5 Elusive Particles That May Lurk in the Universe] Even back in December, some physicists Peskin among them had doubts. He noted the teams working on the LHC issued a statement that said, effectively, they weren't issuing one. "The statement said the statistical significance was too low to report an observation," Peskin said. But that doesn't mean it's a useless result, Strassler said. Nor does it mean the spate of papers theorizing about what the observation could be are just wrong and not worthy of consideration, he added. Such work can often yield important insights down the road. "This process of being sure nothing has been missed is going to take longer than discovering something," he said. "Sometimes things at 750 GeV might be relevant for a particle 10 times smaller that hasn't been discovered yet." On the bright side Negative results like this are also important because they show just where the conceptual problems with current theories might lie. In this case, the theory is the Standard Model, the reigning theory in physics that describes the bevy of subatomic particles that make up the universe. [Wacky Physics: The Coolest Little Particles in Nature] But phenomena such as dark matter, the invisible stuff that is thought to make up 85 percent of the matter in the universe, suggest that the Standard Model isn't complete. And physicists and cosmologists have a difficult time explaining why the universe is dominated by matter rather than antimatter, or why the Higgs field that gives things mass is the strength that it is. "For the Higgs boson, we end up having to say, 'That's the way it is,'" Peskin said. "And I don't like having to say that." There has to be a reason, he added, that the Higgs field looks the way it does, and the Standard Model by itself doesn't really provide the answer. This is where negative results can be useful. For example, there are many extensions to the Standard Model that propose something called supersymmetry, or SUSY. These theories say that every particle has a yet-to-be-discovered partner particle. The existence of such partners would help physicists understand why the Higgs boson has the value it does (and it predicts that there is a supersymmetric partner to the Higgs, as well). Over the years, negative results have helped narrow down the SUSY models that work, Peskin said. "Basically every SUSY model on the table in the mid-2000s is now excluded," he said. This doesn't mean SUSY is wrong, but it helps researchers focus the theoretical work. Lessons from history The history of science records a number of negative results that led to greater insights. In 1887, Albert Michelson and Edward Morley conducted an experiment to find the aether, a proposed medium that was thought to carry light waves. If the aether existed, the speed of light should have changed depending on the direction of the beam. It didn't, and years later, Albert Einstein used that negative result as part of the formulation of his theory of relativity, which says it is space-time itself that changes in order to keep the speed of light the same in all reference frames. [8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life] The issue was the way people conceived of light waves. "Maybe [light] waves were different from other waves we knew about," Strassler said, in that they didn't need a medium to travel through. Strassler noted that nobody has made this kind of fundamental leap yet. In the case of Michelson-Morley, for instance, it was realizing that light waves don't need a medium. For particle physicists, it's not even clear what the insight has to be. It's possible the problem is technical and scientists just need better accelerators and detectors to find new particles. Or it could be conceptual, as it was for Michelson and Morley, Strassler said. Some physicists say the negative result likely won't have any significance beyond just being a statistical ghost. "We know that the Standard Model is not a complete theory, and that it has to be extended at some energy scale. But, theoretically, there are millions of possible extensions, and we need a clue from experiment which is the correct one," said Adam Falkowski, a theoretical particle physicist at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Paris, and co-author of a paper describing the implications of the 750 GeV bump being a real effect. Still, the result could help in some ways, said Nhan Tran, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois."It contributes to our knowledge of what's not there," he said. "Helping us focus on where we should be looking." For his part, Peskin said he thinks the comparison between current experiments at the LHC and early work to find the proposed aether is a bit overstated. "Michelson [and] Morely blew away the previous theory," he said. The Standard Model is on firmer ground, he said. However, he added that results like this one make him less confident about ideas like SUSY. "On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, I believe in it," he said. "On other days, I think it could be anything." At the same time, the LHC is a powerful new tool, Peskin said. "Our ability to detect SUSY particles is a lot more powerful," he said. "If you believe they are there, it might turn up in the next year." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. By Rosalba O'Brien SANTIAGO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Swiss-based mining and trading firm Glencore said it would begin arbitration proceedings against Bolivia over the nationalization of some of its assets by the Evo Morales government. "Glencore's objective has always been to settle the dispute with the government of Bolivia amicably," the company said in an emailed statement on Friday. "However, after almost nine years of negotiations without receiving any compensation for the nationalization of three of its operations, Glencore had no other option but to initiate arbitration proceedings to enforce its rights under international law." Leftist Morales, an ex-coca grower who took power in the impoverished Andean country in 2006, has made nationalizing Bolivia's resources industries a key plank of his policies. The government says it welcomes investors but retains sovereign control of projects. The Glencore case relates to the 2007 and 2010 nationalizations of two smelters, as well as a small tin and zinc mine, which the government took back into its own hands in 2012 after a violent dispute between employees and independent miners. Bolivian state attorneys defended the actions of the Morales' administration, saying in a statement that the original privatization by a previous government had not been handled properly and that nationalization had been "in the public interest and for social benefit". The attorney general said it would defend the state and was due to present a reply to the notice of arbitration by Aug. 18. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Sandra Maler) With its roster of hipster-gonzo correspondents parachuting into perilous spots around the globe, Vice often can feel like a dudes-only affair. Woman, with Gloria Steinem, seeks to correct that. The half-hour Viceland series, hosted by the legendary feminist activist, features female journalists spotlighting women in equally dire situations. This is not light stuff: The first season tackled the use of rape as a weapon in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the forcible marrying of teen girls in Zambia; and, in a stark reminder that these issues exist in our own backyards, the startlingly high murder and disappearance rates among Canada's aboriginal females (1,200 killed or missing between 1980 and 2012). The show has been nominated for an Emmy for outstanding documentary or nonfiction series for an episode on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a guerrilla movement of roughly 60,000 soldiers, many of whom are women. Speaking from the Sicilian resort where Google hosts an annual summit of corporate and intellectual elites, Steinem talked about the importance of a show like Woman and - in this, the Year of Trump - the state of female empowerment in 2016. What was the inspiration for Woman? It came from a book called Sex and World Peace, which disclosed two things: One said violence against females is actually the more reliable indicator of all other violence - more than absence of natural resources or more than religion. Violence against females tends to be what we see first and normalizes the idea of [other forms of] violence, including military violence. It also pointed out, as the United Nations has, that now for the first time violence is so severe that there are fewer females on Earth than males. Read more: Inside Vice's New 75K-Square-Foot Headquarters in Brooklyn (Photos) How did it end up at Viceland? When I was here the year before last at this same Google camp and Shane Smith was here, I was speaking about that. He was very struck by it, and that was the origin of this series. It was always clear that we were going to focus on violence against females, and we wanted to show that it was not just a problem of one part of the world but also in the U.S. and Canada as well as in the Congo and other places that might have been more publicized. Story continues What does Vice bring to the project that a more conventional media outlet might not? Since Vice has a unique ability to put viewers on the ground, it's the closest I've seen to being there yourself, with the women correspondents asking questions in a good journalistic way that don't presume the answer. But also they are responding as human beings, not pretending to be emotionless. Has 2016 been a good year or a bad year in terms of women's rights? It's hard to know when we're in the middle of it. It does seem that we've had, in the States, two big waves of movements: One was the abolitionist and the suffragist era, and that took a century for women of all races and black men to gain an identity as human beings rather than cattle. The laws about slavery were adapted from the laws about wives, for instance. That took a hundred years to get a legal identity. Now we're trying to get legal and social equality. That probably will take a least a hundred years. We're maybe halfway into it. It's hard to know, but at least now it is clearly a majority movement. In the beginning, it wasn't a majority in public opinion polls, and now it is. Read more: TV Titans Roundtable: 5 Chiefs Spar Over the Future (and Netflix's Role as Arch-Frenemy) So the general population has had a shift of perception? Yeah, and that's good news. But the bad news is that if you have a "frontlash," you get a backlash. We see it in Trumpism and the ultra-right wing and their control of state legislatures, for instance, and their response against reproductive freedom. Nowhere is it written that the backlash might not win, even though we have the majority. It's still going to be a long process. Ivanka Trump has defended her dad against claims of sexism. Her brother Eric recently said she was too "strong and powerful" to endure workplace harassment. What's your take on this family's views on women? I don't know her. I've never met her. I don't know what she's going through. As Jack Kennedy famously said, "Everybody has a father." I can't put myself in her shoes. But clearly, to say that someone would never put themselves in the position of being abused is blaming the person, not the abuser. It makes no sense. Sometimes people blame the individual black men or women who have been wrongly victimized by the cops, that these people put themselves in the position of being victimized. That's ridiculous. The people who have the power are the people who have the responsibility. "It's not about identity politics. Had it been Sarah Palin, I would not have been happy," said Steinem, on the prospect of Hillary Clinton becoming the first female president. What did you make of the Hillary Clinton bashing at the Republican National Convention? It is very uncivil discourse at a minimum. It's quite dismaying and alarming. I don't think I've ever seen such extremism as part of even the Republican National Convention before, but it is a familiar tactic. Remember swiftboating with John Kerry? That was the first time that I'm aware of that the Republican establishment invented the tactic of attacking somebody for their strength, not their weakness. They attacked the fact that he was a war hero. With Hillary - who clearly is, as all the objective, fact-checking services point out, more accurate and more truthful than any other candidate - they're attacking her trustworthiness. It's swiftboating. Are Hillary's disapproval ratings connected to her being a woman? Yeah, I think so. It's hard to know because nothing is a single factor. Part of it is that she is not a new face. The fact that she and Bill Clinton have been in public life for a very long time means that they are not as likely to benefit from unrealistic expectations. But I think there are other deep reasons. For instance, as children, most of us are raised by women, so we may tend to associate female authority with childhood. We see it as emotional, overwhelming, perhaps inappropriate to public life, not rational enough. You can see that in some of the media coverage from otherwise mature, grown-up men, who are saying things like, "I cross my legs whenever I see her. She reminds me of my first wife asking for alimony." They are responding to the last time they saw a powerful woman. They feel unmanned. I don't think it's conscious, but I think it's present. It's not going to be easy. It's a very big change. Did you watch the Democratic National Convention? I watched all the major speeches at the Democratic convention. The remarkable thing about it was that they wisely focused on her as a human being. She's been stereotyped and demonized. My friend Robin Morgan, she's a wonderful novelist and poet, says, "Hate generalizes, love specifies." Hatred directed at Hillary generalized her; people who know her made her into a particular, unique human being, which is what she is. Read more: Jerry Seinfeld Reveals the Joke He Wrote for Obama, Plans to Bring 'Comedians in Cars' to TV Did the historic implications for women have any kind of emotional effect on you? I just want to make clear that it's not identity politics. In other words, had it been Sarah Palin, I would not have been happy. Had it been Margaret Thatcher, I would not have been happy. What you want is somebody who represents your majority interest and experience, not someone who's selling you out. Sometimes the media takes it as identity politics, which it isn't. Do you regret saying on Real Time with Bill Maher that female Bernie Sanders supporters are looking for boyfriends? Well, I would if I said that. I was interrupted mid-sentence. I wasn't talking about dates. I was talking about power. I had just talked about the massive college debt and that women will get a million dollars less over their lifetime to pay it back. So I was on my way to saying when you're young you think that power is where the men are. It wasn't about dates, but he stopped me in the middle and I confessed that it was so far away from what I meant that I just didn't get it. Has that incident altered the way you express yourself in the media? Well, I thought perhaps we should call for all Twitter posts to have three dots at the end to remind ourselves that there's context. It's very hard to understand that people think you mean what you never meant. I'm sure it's happened to lots of people, where half of your sentence becomes a tweet and it would have been different had it been the whole sentence. What are your feelings on the verdict in the Stanford rape case? It is a circumstance in which there were actual witnesses, which is rare. Still, the judge seemed to take into consideration more the professional future of the criminal than the experience of the victim. I think the anger at the judge was understandable. Has the culture surrounding sexual assaults on campus changed over the years? I think the bad news is that it's happening; the good news is that we are reporting it now. I'm not sure that it's increased - I don't have a way of knowing for sure. I think that it's different now, the people are coming forward about it. Read more: 'Killing Reagan' Sets Tim Matheson and Cynthia Nixon as Presidential Couple Is it getting better? Yeah, but remember that through the '60s, rape, as it was then referred to rather than sexual assault, was the only crime that you had to have someone standing there witnessing and willing to testify because the testimony of the raped person was not believed. You had to have a third party, which ironically in the Stanford case you did have. And it incidentally happens to men, too. Not to the same degree, but men on campus also have been sexually assaulted. What were these young women advised to do in the 1950s and 1960s? It was clearly the shame and fault of the victim, as was domestic violence. There wasn't even a phrase "domestic violence." If the police were called, their idea of success was getting the victim and the criminal back together again. At least now we're seeing the scope of the problem and beginning to deal with it. In the beginning, say in the 1970s, when I was on campus, there was really no way of reporting it. Women were going out at night and putting big black Xs on the sidewalk with a sign that said, "A women was raped here." There was no process. You made your mark going undercover for a 1963 expose on the Playboy Club, "A Bunny's Tale." Have you ever crossed paths with Hugh Hefner since? Yeah, I did, I interviewed him. If I had written a novel and created him people would be furious. He's a parody of himself. At one point didn't he surround himself with intellectual people? No, it was always, at least among the writers I knew, they were there because they needed the money, they had to pay their alimony. Nobody was proud of this. It was always something of a joke. He had laid out rules: There could never be fiction or an article in which women won. He actually commissioned an article about the women's movement early on in a memo that a woman who worked at Playboy leaked, which started out, "These chicks are our natural enemy." What did you discuss in your interview with Hugh Hefner? For instance, I had reported that what the Bunnies were told while I was working there was that it was a requirement of New York State law that women have an internal exam in order to serve food, which is a lie of course. I reported this and they stopped doing it. His way of dealing with it was saying, "Well, we could see this might be misunderstood." It's hard to take any of it seriously. He's gifted at self-parody. This story first appeared in the Aug. 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Read more: All-Female 'Ocean's Eleven' Spinoff Looking to Avoid 'Ghostbusters'-Type Backlash Google and antitrust complaints have gotten pretty familiar. The search giant has been accused numerous times of shutting out competition on Android by requiring phone makers to preinstall Google-made apps. It currently faces charges from the EU for it, and it might see the same in the US down the road. Russia, however, has already taken action. The countrys Federation Anti-monopoly Service has ruled that Google indeed violated its competition rules, and fined the firm $6.8 million earlier this week. As this chart from Statista shows, though, thats a drop in the bucket for the Mountain View company. Given that Googles parent company Alphabet earned $21.5 billion in revenue last quarter, itd only take 41 minutes for Google to earn that fine back. That said, Russias ruling is symbolic, and any penalties from the EU would likely be more severe. Nevertheless, if worse comes to worst, Google has plenty of cash to fall back on. google antitrust fine chart NOW WATCH: How to find Pokemon in 'Pokemon Go' More From Business Insider New York (AFP) - Green Day is taking aim at the US culture around mass shootings as the punk rockers return with their first album in four years. The group, who rode a rebirth of punk in the early 1990s, announced Thursday that its 12th studio album, "Revolution Radio," would come out on October 7. Green Day released the first single, "Bang Bang," which is marked by the blistering guitar chords of the band's best-known work set to lyrics that accuse US society of turning killers into celebrities. "Bang, bang, give me fame / Shoot me up to entertain," frontman Billie Joe Armstrong sings. "I am a semi-automatic lonely boy / You're dead, I'm well-fed," he sings. Armstrong told Rolling Stone magazine that the song was "about the culture of mass shooting that happens in America mixed with narcissistic social media." "There's this sort of rage happening, but it's also now being filmed and we all have ourselves under surveillance. To me, that is so twisted," he said. The United States has been shaken by a series of mass shootings including at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012 and more recently at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Green Day is no stranger to politics. The 2004 rock opera "American Idiot" paints a bleak picture of the country under George W. Bush's administration amid its invasion of Iraq. Hailing from the San Francisco area, Green Day broke into the mainstream with its 1994 album "Dookie," which took up issues from depression to masturbation set to energetic rock inspired by classic punk. The band was inducted last year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first year of eligibility. Green Day last put out recordings in 2012 with a trilogy of albums -- "Uno!", "Dos!" and "Tre!" -- that came out within months of one another. Armstrong since then has sought treatment for addiction to prescription medicine and has played the part of a punk rocker in the film "Geezer," his first leading role. Greenland sharks are slow. They swim through the cold waters of the Arctic and the North Atlantic at a sluggish pace that has earned them the nickname "sleeper sharks." Seal parts have been found in their bellies, but the sharks move so slowly that experts have suggested that the seals must have been asleep or already dead when the sharks ate them. They're also not too swift when it comes to growing, eking out a mere 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) per year, studies have found. Researchers suspected that Greenland sharks' exceptionally slow growth meant that they lived a long time, but they had no idea just how long that might be. That is, until now. A new study provides the first estimates for Greenland shark longevity, and shows that these slowpokes of the sea stick around a very long time at least 272 years, and perhaps as long as 390 years on average, making them longer-lived than any other vertebrate in the world. [In Photos: Seeing Sharks Up Close] Finding the age of any type of shark isn't easy, and the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is especially challenging, according to study co-author Julius Nielsen, a marine biologist and doctoral candidate at the University of Copenhagen. Nielsen told Live Science that scientists use bony structures in sharks to track their age and there aren't many. Some species of sharks have calcified vertebrae or fin spines, and these contain stripes that can be used to calculate how old a shark is, similar to counting growth rings in trees. Greenland sharks, on the other hand, are "very soft sharks," Nielsen said, and they don't have any bony structures at all. "Something new had to be taken into consideration to solve this mystery," he said. The eyes have it The solution involved a technique that had been used to find the age of some whale species: peering into the lenses of the sharks' eyes. Nielsen told Live Science that the transparent tissue in the eye lens is metabolically inactive and that new layers are added throughout the shark's lifetime. Story continues "If you remove all layers, in the end, you come to the layer from when the shark was a baby. Then, you analyze that tissue," Nielsen explained. The researchers investigated eye lenses belonging to 28 female sharks measuring between 2.7 and 16.5 feet (0.8 to 5 meters) long. The sharks were captured in the North Atlantic as bycatch. Although it wasn't possible for the scientists to count the individual layers that built up over time in the eye lens, they were able to estimate the shark's ages by using radiocarbon dating measuring the amounts of a particular carbon isotope absorbed by living tissue in the innermost (and oldest) part of the lens. Age estimates for the two biggest sharks which measured 16.2 feet and 16.5 feet (4.9 and 5 meters) placed them at about 335 and 392 years old. Female sharks were already known to be sexually mature if they measured at least 13.1 feet (4 meters) in length, and based on the new data, the researchers were able to estimate that Greenland sharks reach sexual maturity when they are at least 156 years old. [8 Weird Facts About Sharks] An analysis of lens tissue from all of the sharks suggested a life-span range between 272 and 512 years, with 390 years as the most likely average life span, according to Nielsen. "It's important to keep in mind there's some uncertainty with this estimate," Nielsen said. "But even the lowest part of the age range at least 272 years still makes Greenland sharks the longest-living vertebrate known to science." A ripe old age Other long-lived vertebrates have been known to make it past their first century, but those animals still fall far short of the Greenland shark's length of life. For example, the Galapagos tortoise has an average life span of 150 years, box turtles live an average of 120 years and swans can live to be 100 years old. But when it comes to longevity, all of these long-lived animals with backbones yes, even the Greenland shark can't hold a candle to colonies of corals, some of which are estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. Greenland sharks' life span has been one of the biggest biological puzzles for scientists to unravel, Nielsen told Live Science. However, he added that he still has a long, slow road to travel before he runs out of new things to learn about these sharks and their slow-motion lives. "Almost everything about their biology is a mystery. Big animals that live in deep waters are difficult to study," Nielsen said. "If you see a Greenland shark in the wild, you're seeing it for about 10 seconds it's such a small glimpse. We've hardly seen anything. There's plenty for me to do in the future." The findings were published online today (Aug. 11) in the journal Science. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Donald Trump 's assertion that President Barack Obama is the "founder" of ISIS runs counter to reality. "He was the founder of ISIS, absolutely," Trump told CNBC on Thursday , a day after he repeatedly made the claim. The terror quasi-state that is variously called Islamic State, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh was founded by a bloodthirsty religious zealot named Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004. The native Jordanian moved to Iraq, along with thousands of other insurgent volunteers, to fight the American and British forces that had invaded that country in 2003. At the time, Barack Obama was serving as a state senator for the 13th District of Illinois, spending most of his time shuttling between Chicago and Springfield. The United States smashed the Iraqi military in March 2003 and took over the country. On May 23, 2003, under the orders of the Bush administration's designated administrator for Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, the United States disbanded the Iraqi Army and fired thousands of other government workers. As a result, many thousands of Iraqis were put out of a job within a country with a wrecked infrastructure and an economy that had ground to a near-total halt. Al-Zarqawi entered Iraq either during the invasion or just after it, with funding from Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden , whom the United States had already tried kill in Afghanistan. Al-Zarqawi started funneling foreign fighters into the country through Syria. He also had little difficulty attracting fighters from disaffected Sunni tribes in Iraq, most of whom had little money or means of acquiring it, but many of whom had arms they had either stolen or bought from the collapsed national army. On June 6, 2003, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld mistakenly identified the fighters as "pockets of dead-enders" who were loyal to Saddam Hussein. A month later, President George W. Bush said, "Bring 'em on." The fighters turned out not to be Saddam loyalists, and they did keep coming on throughout 2003, in greater and greater numbers. The insurgency was on. Story continues By the spring of 2004, the United States finally admitted that it had a full-blown insurgency on its hands that was neither loyal to Saddam nor for the most part even composed of Iraqis. In October 2004, Al-Zarqawi declared himself the "emir" of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. His group used techniques that were unprecedented in the region for centuries, including terror tactics like the mass beheadings of noncombatant civilians. That same group the direct followers of al-Zarqawi, along with new fighters from both inside and outside Iraq and Syria broke from al-Qaeda and renamed itself the Islamic State of Iraq in late 2006, about four months after al-Zarqawi was killed by a targeted American airstrike. Islamic State grew steadily stronger over the next eight years, drawing Sunni Muslim fighters from across the Middle East and Europe who wanted to fight the Americans and to kill Shiite Muslims generally. ISIS has been fighting the West, Shiites and any religious and ethnic minority that happen to be in its way ever since. Obama assumed the office of the president of the United States in January 2009. On Thursday, Trump appeared to try to nuance the position he took the day before by saying Obama's withdrawal of troops from Iraq constituted "founding." "The way he removed our troops," Trump said, apparently referring to Obama's decision to draw down the U.S. troop level in Iraq. "I, you we shouldn't have gone in. I was against the war in Iraq." Later in the same interview with CNBC, Trump modified his position to call Obama the "co-founder" of ISIS, along with Hillary Clinton . CNBC's Ted Kemp is the co-author, with retired Marine Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea, of "The Ragged Edge: A Marine's Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion," coming in April 2017 from Chicago Review Press. More From CNBC When Secretary of State Michele Reagan put her stamp of approval on petitions bearing 177,000 signatures in Phoenix Thursday, Arizona became the fifth state to schedule a ballot measure for November on legalizing recreational marijuana joining California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts. Each of the measures calls for making it legal for people over age 21 to possess small amounts of pot, taxing the drug and allowing regulated stores to sell it. Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota will vote this fall on legalizing medical marijuana. And Oklahoma may yet join the fray. The activity is a sign of just how much momentum the movement has picked up in only a few years. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to pass ballot measures making the sale and use of pot legal. Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia followed in 2014. Twenty-five states and D.C. have medical marijuana laws, and others have decriminalized small amounts of the drug. As the movement has grown, the politics behind marijuana is also undergoing a subtle shift. Though traditional pro-pot activists have given the bulk of the money supporting the five recreational pot ballot measure campaigns roughly $7 million of the $11.6 million raised so far more and more of the backers are coming from the new but growing marijuana industry. Two-thirds of the big donors those giving at least $5,000 to the campaigns for this falls measures have direct financial stakes in the weed business, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of state records. A new group of players Indeed, as legalized pot grows in state after state, so has the industrial complex around it. This year, though, marks the first time this new legal pot industry has significantly contributed to making itself bigger. Now the movements campaigns are starting to resemble most other big-money ballot measure fights, with business-minded donors looking to protect or enhance their profits. Story continues It has gone from an activist influence and is in transition to an industry influence, said Joe Brezny, who is directing Nevadas legalization campaign and also co-founded the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association. The industry is required to step up more now. This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series. Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. In Nevada, for example, at least 39 out of 47 major donors who gave at least $5,000 each to the campaign supporting legal weed have financial interests in expanding the legal marijuana market. They contributed $625,000 of the more than $1 million that the pro-pot political committee has raised so far. Among them: more than a dozen existing medical marijuana dispensaries and five beer distributors, which would have the first shot at being the states recreational pot dispensaries and distributors, respectively. Similarly, in Arizona, where a pending court case could complicate marijuana advocates path to the ballot, at least 26 of the 35 top donors potentially stand to make a profit if recreational marijuana is legalized there. The campaign so far has raised $2.2 million. In Massachusetts, 11 out of 18 major donors came from the marijuana industry, though they accounted for only $80,000 of the nearly $500,000 supporters raised. In contrast, only two of the 17 major donors to the measure that legalized weed in Colorado in 2012 had ties to the marijuana industry. They raised just $42,000 of the $3.3 million total raised by supporters. Likewise in Washington that year, the list of donors who raised $6.2 million was dominated by activist groups and philanthropists, such as Phil Harvey, the multi-millionaire who made his fortune on sex toys, and Rick Steves, of travel book fame. The George Soros-backed Drug Policy Alliance and billionaire Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance also gave to legalize marijuana there, as they did in Colorado and in other states. (The Center for Public Integrity receives funding from the Open Society Foundations, which Soros funds. A complete list of Center for Public Integrity funders is found here.) In other states voting this year, the funding is more of a mixed bag. In California, where campaign supporters have raised more than $7.1 million, Napster and Facebook investor Sean Parker has bankrolled the campaign to the tune of $1.5 million. But Weedmaps, a company that helps customers locate pot shops, contributed $1 million. The Werc Shop, a laboratory that tests marijuana for potency and pesticides, pitched in $5,000, as did several other weed-related businesses. Jeffrey Raber, a California chemist who founded the Werc Shop acknowledged his company would benefit from the measures passage, since it requires legal marijuana to be tested at facilities like his. But he and his clients mostly want the state to regulate their business so they can be recognized as responsible citizens who are legitimate actors, he said. In Maine, only one of the major pro-marijuana contributors is closely related to the pot industry. The initiative there is in part led by a group representing small marijuana farms, which has donated $10,000 of the $692,000 raised by the committees supporting the measure. New realities Those interested in legalizing marijuana are trying to adjust to the new funding dynamics. Marijuana legalization in the past has depended on a few kind of eccentric old white guys who had money, and some of them are literally dying off, said Ellen Komp, deputy director of the California chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Were starting to see the industry get to a level of maturity where theyre getting involved in the political sphere, as they have the right to. Related story: Political profiteers push Ohio's pot vote Twenty-six states allow residents to put measures on the ballot. The efforts are notoriously expensive, often requiring generous donors to pay workers to gather enough signatures to allow the measures to go before voters and then promote them with pricey ads. So major ballot measure fights are often dominated by corporations spending to support or block measures that would affect their bottom lines. The contributions are flowing in even though marijuana remains illegal under federal law, forcing pot companies to operate outside the banking system and run all-cash operations. The Marijuana Policy Project, a nonprofit known for its major influence in making marijuana legal in Colorado and Alaska, acknowledges that the industry is more involved in bankrolling the political movement now and sees potential for even more funding. This is really the first major election cycle where theres actually a business community already up and running in the states that are considering these broader reforms, said Mason Tvert, MPPs spokesman. Wed still like the industry to step in and contribute a little more The vast majority of marijuana businesses are not getting involved or contributing. Others are dismayed at the legalization movements new corporate friends. Dan Riffle quit his job as a lobbyist at the Marijuana Policy Project because he said he was uncomfortable with how closely tied the advocacy group had become to industry. Drug policy is all about reducing demand, and a company that has a profit motive is only going to increase demand, Riffle said. Having a big commercial marijuana industry runs counter to public health goals. Some long-time marijuana activists breathed a sigh of relief when an investor-backed marijuana measure in Ohio failed last year. The measure would have given the right to farm pot for profit exclusively to the investors who paid for the campaign. Some, like the Drug Policy Alliances executive director Ethan Nadelmann, worry that the same kind of entrepreneurial mindset will drive the future of legalization. We dont want to be creating mini-Ohios here, said Nadelmann. Our ability to shape the future of marijuana legalization is going to diminish over time simply because our ability to raise the funds for this work from people who are driven by social justice values... is diminishing. But some industry donors say theyre not solely motivated by dollar signs. Steve White, whose company owns marijuana dispensaries in Arizona and other states, said he gave more than $54,000 to the Arizona measure because he believes it will help medical users of marijuana avoid unfair prosecution, among other reasons. Like any place youre going to have some people that are more concerned about whats in their cash register at the end of the day, he said. But in Arizona there are a lot of individuals in the industry who really, really care about the social justice issues." This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series. Related stories Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C. By Amanda Becker and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton on Friday released her 2015 tax returns, which showed the Democratic presidential nominee and her husband had $10.75 million in income that year and paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2 percent. In 2015, the Clintons made $1 million in charitable contributions, mostly to the Clinton Foundation; former President Bill Clinton brought in nearly $5.3 million in speaking fees; and the former secretary of state reported income of $3 million from publisher Simon & Schuster for her book on her tenure at the State Department. Clinton's running mate, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, along with his wife, Anne Holton, released 10 years of tax returns. They paid an effective federal tax rate of 20.3 percent in 2015. "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," Clinton campaign aide Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement. "In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns." It is customary for U.S. presidential candidates to make their tax returns public, although they are not required by law to do so. Clinton's tax returns have been made public, in some form, every year since 1977. Trump, a New York businessman, and his lawyers have cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service as a reason for his refusal to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one's business and that they reveal little. "Your move," Clinton campaign aide Ian Sams said on Twitter, linking to the Democratic nominee's returns. The Trump campaign dismissed Clinton's action, saying in a statement: "This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection" from controversy about her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. The IRS has said Trump can release his tax returns even while under audit. On Thursday, Trumps special counsel, Michael Cohen, told CNN he would not allow Trump to release them until the audits are complete. RETURNS SHOW BUSINESS TIES Trump's critics, including 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other fellow Republicans, have said his refusal raises questions about his net worth, his charitable contributions, his business dealings and various other ties, including with Russia. Clinton has pounced on the issue, releasing an online video on Friday highlighting high-profile Republicans urging Trump to release his taxes. On Thursday, she raised the issue during an economic speech in Michigan. "He refuses to do what every other presidential candidate in decades has done and release his tax returns," she told the crowd. Politico has reported that Trump paid zero to very little taxes for two years in the 1990s, and a New York Times business columnist on Friday quoted a number of tax lawyers and accountants saying that could still be the case. Federal tax rates have become an issue in the presidential election. Clinton has endorsed a rule named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett that would ensure those making more than $1 million a year pay a tax rate of at least 30 percent. President Barack Obama also backs the proposal. At a Clinton rally last week in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate is based there, challenged Trump to meet and exchange tax returns. Buffet said that he too was under IRS audit and Trump is "afraid" not of the tax-collection agency but of voters. Clinton's campaign has released tax returns going back to 2007. The Clintons, who now live in Chappaqua, New York, paid an average effective federal tax rate of about 32 percent from 2007 to 2014 and an effective combined tax rate of approximately 40.5 percent. The Clintons' 2015 return showed that, unlike most Americans, just $100 of their income came from wages. Their main investment was a low-cost index mutual fund, and the Clintons reported dividend and interest income of $109,000. (Additional reporting by Kevin Drawbaugh; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Hillary Clinton released her 2015 tax returns on Friday, in an effort to pressure Republican rival Donald Trump to do the same. Clinton's campaign said in a statement that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, paid an effective federal tax rate of 34 percent and an effective state and local tax rate of 9 percent in 2015, and donated nearly 10 percent of their gross income to charity. Last year, Clinton released her tax returns from 2007 to 2014. Also on Friday, Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, released 10 years of his tax returns, which showed that he and his wife, Anne Holton, paid an effective tax rate of 20 percent last year. GOP nominee Trump has repeatedly refused to release his tax returns, claiming that he is currently being audited. Hillary Clinton on Donald Trump: 'We Were Not Friends' He told the Associated Press in May that he would release his returns once the audit was complete, and before the election in November. Here's why Donald Trump might be refusing to release his tax returns: https://t.co/M4MSBonNyo a Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 12, 2016 A Clinton campaign ad released Friday featured Republicans who have also called on Trump to release his returns. Here's a pretty incredible fact: There is a non-zero chance that Donald Trump isn't paying *any* taxes. pic.twitter.com/Aefxj6CKCd a Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 12, 2016 Clinton also tweeted that Trump may not be paying taxes at all. Love Remains, the debut album from Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, bows at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart (dated Aug. 20), selling 28,000 copies in its first week (ending Aug. 4), according to Nielsen Music. The set, produced by Ricky Skaggs, arrives at No. 2 on Top Country Albums and No. 7 on the Billboard 200 (31,000 equivalent albums). The album's lead single, "Thy Will," co-written by Scott, tops Hot Christian Songs for a third week and Christian Digital Songs for a ninth week, up 45 percent to 13,000 downloads sold. It has sold 113,000 to date. "Thy Will" lifts 7-6 on Christian Streaming Songs (867,000 U.S. streams, up 25 percent) and 9-7 on Christian Airplay (8 million in audience, up 10 percent). As Scott scores with her first album apart from trio Lady Antebellum, she joins an elite crop of country artists to crown Top Christian Albums with faith-based sets in the last 20 years. The others: Joey & Rory's Hymns, which dominated for 17 weeks beginning March 5; Alan Jackson's Precious Memories (22 weeks, 2006-07) and Precious Memories: Volume ll (eight, 2013); Alabama's Songs of Inspiration (two, 2006) and Songs of Inspiration II (2007, one week);LeAnn Rimes' You Light Up My Life-Inspirational Songs (35, 1997-98); and Kenny Rogers' holiday set The Gift (four, 1996). Hillary Scott on Finding 'Beauty From the Ashes of Sadness' With Her Faith-Based Album and Lady Antebellum's Future Top Christian Albums welcomes two additional debuts in the top three, including Vertical Church Band's Frontiers (No. 2, 10,000 sold). It's the worship collective's fourth top 10 (of four chart visits). 2015's Church Songs is its lone No. 1, debuting atop the chart dated Feb. 7, 2015, with 15,000 sold, the act's strongest sales week. 2013's That Rock Won't Move arrived at its No. 2 peak (6,000) and 2012 launch set Live Worship From Vertical Church peaked at No. 10. Entering Top Christian Albums at No. 3 is husband-and-wife team Bryan & Katie Torwalt's third full-length, Champion (7,000 sold). The couple's 2013 LP, Kingdom Come, also started at No. 3, selling 8,000 in its first week, the pair's best sales frame. Here on Earth, the Torwalts' 2011 debut, peaked at No. 24. Finally, MercyMe rolls up its 22nd Hot Christian Songs top 10, as "Dear Younger Me," the fourth single from the group's album Welcome to the New, bumps 11-9. MercyMe moves into a tie with Casting Crowns for the most top 10s among groups, dating to the chart's June 2003 inception. Among all acts, only Chris Tomlin has earned more (24). Quinn is alive, Saul is more dedicated to the CIA than ever before and Carrie is getting back in the intelligence game in the sixth season of Homeland, but on her own terms. Those were the big hintsHomeland exec producer Alex Gansa dropped on Thursday during the Television Critics Association panel session to tease the Showtime dramas upcoming season, which begins shooting next week in New York. The Homeland team of Gansa and stars Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin had the tough assignment of closing out the 16-day slog of the summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton. But the sizable crowd that stuck around in the ballroom through the TCAs last gasp was eager for scoop on Homeland, which was recently renewed through its eight season. Gansa elaborated on the plans for season six, to bow Jan. 15, which will focus on the transfer of presidential power in the U.S. and the 70-day period between Election Day and the inauguration. In what could well be a case of art imitating life, Homeland will revolve around the experiences of the nations first female president-elect as shes brought up to speed by the intelligence community on the nations most pressing security threats. Here are 10 things we learned about season six of Homeland: Rupert Friends Peter Quinn is most definitely alive, despite his apparent demise at the end of season five. Quinn is alive, but we want to be careful, Gansa said. He suffered a major stroke and his very existence was in question. Youre going to see a very altered Quinn this season. Danes and Gansa gave strong hints that Danes Carrie Mathison will be in a better place mentally in season six. Shell be working in the U.S. as an advocate for Muslims who have been mistreated at the hands of domestic law enforcement. Its a natural outgrowth of her disillusionment with the CIA and the tactics employed in the war on terror. Shes advocating on behalf of Muslims who have been unjustly accused and unfairly treated, but I think she has a bigger agenda that shes not admitting to fully, Danes said. Counterterrorism policies in the U.S. will be the big focus of season six. As will the practical application of Obama administrations nuclear agreement with Iran the pact that has faced so much criticism during Donald Trumps real-life presidential campaign. Those themes are a direct result of Homeland producers annual field trip to Washington, D.C. to take the pulse of intelligence officials. We talked about the Iran nuclear deal, so thats a fairly big part of the show, and also about how law enforcement in this country is treating the Muslim community right now, and how theyve been treating the Muslim community since 9/11, Gansa said. There are strong feelings on both sides. Danes suggested that Carrie is coming to grips with her identity after years of fighting competing impulses complicated by her bipolar condition. Maybe she does have this calling, which is big and demanding, Danes said. Shes a rogue spirit, shes a really good spy, I dont think shell ever not want to be a spy in some capacity (but) itll manifest itself differently this time around. Shes in the game again in a way she wasnt last season. Shes rewriting the rules in her head. Elizabeth Keane, the president-elect character played by Elizabeth Marvel, is a junior senator from New York. But that doesnt mean shes a Hillary Clinton clone. Shes a little bit Hillary, a little bit Donald Trump, a little bit Bernie Sanders, Gansa said. Danes and Patinkin couldnt be happier about filming season six in New York, where they both live. The storyline, as always, could not be more timely. Theres something very heartening and lovely about getting to produce it from our home turf, and New York is very fertile territory for our stories, Danes said. As usual, Homeland is charging towards the most compelling event in our culture, which happens to be whats happening in politics right now. Saul Berenson and F. Murray Abrahams Dar Adal will be in charge of briefing the president-elect on the realpolitik of national security crises. Gansa described Dar as the ultimate example of the permanent government that rules the country no matter who lives in the White House. Dars the ultimate barnacle on the side of the intelligence ship, and probably the most threatened by Elizabeth Keane, Gansa said. Hes a firm believer that the ends justify the means. Saul and Carrie will still be at odds, but they also still have an unbreakable bond. Carrie is not likely to take up Sauls offer to rejoin the CIA. There has been a split that theyve been working on repairing over the course of the past couple of seasons, Danes said. I think that Saul has committed himself even more fully to the agency, and Carrie rejects some fundamental principles of it. They are so profoundly bonded, thats not anything that they will be able to rid themselves of, nor would they want to. Shes matured into a very different place from where he has matured to. As much as Homeland fans love Saul Berenson, Mandy Patinkin loves him more. I like Saul better than I like Mandy, Patinkin said, emphasizing that he tries to learn from the characters struggles ever year. More important, the profile hes gained from Homeland has allowed Patinkin to use his celebrity to further his personal goals. He has been Hollywoods most vocal advocates calling on Americans to embrace refugees from Syrias devastating civil war. To be able to be the voice for so many people who have no voice thats just some of the gifts hes received from playing Saul, Patinkin said. Patinkin grabbed the attention of the room by adding that he sees his job on Homeland as to demonstrate to viewers that the intelligence community needs to be supported to the highest degree imaginable and also to remind people to keep their humanity up to an equally high degree or there will be nothing left to defend. Terrified is how Homeland exec producer Alex Gansa described his feelings about the possibility that Season 6 might be counter factual or irrelevant by the time it debuts in January, given that it explores the period of time between Election Day and the swearing in of the new American president. Homelands newly elected POTUS will be female and a junior senator from New York, where Season 6 is set. But, Gansa hastened to add, Although shes a woman, shes a little Hillary, a little Donald and a little Bernie Sanders. He continued: If you listen to Donald Trump, he says theres people that run the government from administration to administration and they have completely screwed the world up and the new Homeland POTUS will reflect that, as well as Sanders progressive agenda. But she also will have Hillarys pragmatism and looking at this world as she sees it from the inside. As to the fate of Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend), who seemed to be offed, then offed again, last season, Gansa acknowledged he is alive at the start of Season 6. But I want to be careful about revealing his condition. He suffered a major stroke last season, and his very existence is in question. Hes a very changed and altered Quinn this year, Gansa promised/warned. Showtime said earlier Thursday that Homeland has been renewed for two more seasons and that Season 6 will premiere January 15. Related stories 'The Circus' "Holding Donald Trump Peyote Scene Until After Election," Mark Halperin Jokes - TCA Showtime Bosses Give 'Twin Peaks' Update, Talk 'Roadies' & 'Dice's Future - TCA Showtime's Streaming Service Has 1M+ Subs But Won't Lead To Cord-Cutting - TCA Don't expect Hugh Grant to tie the knot anytime soon. The actor, 55, was candid about his thoughts on monogamy while appearing on Howard Stern's SiriusXM radio show on Thursday, saying marriage can be "unromantic." "If you ask me the question, 'Do I think human beings are meant to be in 40-year-long monogamous, faithful relationships?' No, no," he said. "Whoever said they were?" In fact, the actor hinted that having affairs could actually help couples have a more successful relationship. "I always admire the French and the Italians who are very devoted to their marriages," Grant said. "They take them extremely seriously, but it is understood that there might be other visitors at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. You just never boast about." He added: "They never say anything, but that's what keeps marriages together." And while he might not personally believe in monogamy, he admits that the idea of marriage sounds appealing in theory. "I can see the lovely aspect if you marry exactly the right person your best friend and it's cozy and it's lovely," he continued. "But, people make so many mistakes." Ultimately, the actor said people are doing themselves a disservice by tying the knot. "I think there's something unromantic about marriage," he said. "You're closing yourself off." RELATED VIDEO: Here's Why You Might Catch Hugh Grant Dancing at a Starbucks Though Grant has never married, he has been involved in several high-profile relationships. He dated actress Elizabeth Hurley for 13 years they split in 2000, and has four children two with Tinlang Hong and two with Anna Eberstein. In the interview, Grant also admitted that he's been shamed by the media for developing a bit of a dad bod. "I was fat-shamed the other day on a British newspaper," he revealed, explaining how photographs were taken of him in Southern Spain during a trip with his children. "The headline was 'Four Bellies and a Turkey Neck.' " "They weren't wrong," he added. "I looked shocking. It was awful." Walbrzych (Poland) (AFP) - Treasure hunters on Friday relaunched their search for a lost Nazi gold train allegedly loaded with loot and buried in southwestern Poland, despite there being no scientific evidence it exists. "The train isn't a needle in a haystack, if it's there, we'll find it," project spokesman Andrzej Gaik told AFP. The story sparked a global media frenzy last August when two men claimed to have discovered an armoured Nazi-era train using ground-penetrating radar near the city of Walbrzych. At the time, Piotr Koper, a Pole, and German national Andreas Richter said they had discovered several train carriages measuring a total of 98 metres (320 feet) which were buried some eight to nine metres (26 to 28 foot) underground. They said they believed the contents were mostly weapon prototypes, though local legend spoke of artwork, jewels and gold stolen by the Nazis. The Nazis made prisoners of war dig a network of tunnels in the area, and some locals have claimed the Germans tried to spirit the gold away as Russia's Red Army closed in. But so far there has been little to back up the claims, with geologists from Krakow's prestigious AGH University of Science and Technology finding no evidence of the train's existence during tests run in December. Professor Janusz Madej said at the time he was "100 percent sure there is no train... maybe a tunnel" based on magnetic, gravimetric and geo-radar studies. - Digging starts Tuesday - It has done little to dampen the treasure hunters' enthusiasm. "Even if we find a tunnel, that'll also be a success. The train could be hidden in it," Gaik said on Friday. As the search began, Koper said he hoped to have answers within a week. "It should all be clear by Thursday" next week, he told Poland's TVP public news channel as his team began clearing the area of vegetation. He said they would sweep the area with geo-radar on Monday before diggers move in on Tuesday. Story continues "We'll dig down six metres in three areas along a 100-metre stretch of the old railway tracks," Gaik said. News about the alleged discovery of the gold train made headlines around the globe last year, triggering an influx of treasure hunters to the site. The intrigue has been further fuelled by the site's proximity to a massive network of secret underground tunnels built by the Nazis, some of which are around the massive Ksiaz Castle where legend has it the Third Reich stashed looted valuables. From Country Living The Orient Express is one of the few true relics we have of Old World splendor. Though it was created in 1883, it's best remembered as the luxury travel line that carried wealthy aristocrats from Paris to Constantinople in the Roaring Twenties. Photo credit: Stephane Peres/Flickr Creative Commons Made infamous by Agatha Christie's 1934 novel Murder On The Orient Express, the name itself still evokes imagines of wispy woman draped in fur, smoking long cigarettes while lounging in the luminescent glow of the dining car. While The Orient Express does still run today, its truncated route and exorbitant pricing has turned it into more of a tourist attraction for people willing to pay a high price to relive a bygone era. Photo credit: Getty Images But Dutch photographer Brian Romeijn managed to come acrossand take stunning photos ofan actual Orient Express train from the 1930s that was abandoned in the woods. Photo credit: Brian Romeijn/PreciousDecay.com Romeijn lives in Rotterdam and works as a sales executive for an international transport company. But on weekends, he's on the hunt for abandoned gems, and posts the photos on his website and Facebook Page. Photo credit: Brian Romeijn/PreciousDecay.com Recently, Romeijn did some internet sleuthing and discovered there was an Orient Express train lying abandoned near an active railroad in Belgium. He researched the history of it a bit and found the train had been abandoned there in 2009, when it was, as Romeijn put it, " her time to go on a pension." Photo credit: Brian Romeijn/PreciousDecay.com "Sorry to see that nobody wants to restore it to it's original state, because it is a beautiful train!" Romeijn told CountryLiving.com. "The smell of cigarettes is still there. I can imagine businessmen inside sitting next to ladies with beautiful long dresses." Photo credit: Brian Romeijn/PreciousDecay.com "It's like stepping into a time machine," he added. BEIJING, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Friday said China needed to slow its unsustainable credit growth and stop financing weak firms. "China's corporate debt is still manageable, but at approximately 145 percent of GDP, it is high by any measure," said James Daniel, IMF Mission Chief for China, in the fund's annual review of the country. The IMF has urged China to tackle the root causes of its credit growth risk by easing back on unsustainably high growth targets and lax budget constraints, particularly on local governments and state-owned enterprises. "This in turn requires a comprehensive strategy and decisive measures to address the corporate debt problem," the IMF's Daniel said. China's non-financial state-owned enterprises accounted for half of bank credit but only a fifth of industrial output, the report said, suggesting non-viable SOEs be liquidated and viable ones restructured. Defaults and downgrades have increased and around 14 percent of debt was held by firms with profit levels below their interest payments, the report said, with credit growth growing twice as fast as nominal GDP. The report reflected views provided by Chinese policymakers who agreed with the IMF that corporate debt had increased "excessively". However, they argued China's large pool of domestic savings, banking system buffers, and continued equity market development would ensure a smooth adjustment, the report said. The speed of deleveraging would need to be gradual to prevent the kind of negative flow-on effects between the financial sector and the real economy seen in Europe after the financial crisis, Chinese officials told the IMF. The Chinese government "saw a need for more market involvement - rather than government directives - in the process, with creditors discriminating more carefully among borrowers and thereby hardening budget constraints," the report said. China's banking regulator "disagreed" with the IMF's assessment of the country's corporate debt-at-risk, citing significantly lower estimates based on their own calculations, according to the report. Story continues The regulator said unlisted companies were healthier than the IMF's assessment and classification of non performing loans needed to go past payments overdue beyond 90 days and should also include borrowers' long-term viability and whether they faced cyclical or structural cash flow problems, according to the report. Household debt as a percentage of GDP was forecast at 41.8 percent in 2016 and is predicted to increase to 57.5 percent by 2021. (Reporting by Sue-Lin Wong; Editing by Sam Holmes) China must take "urgent" action to reform its economy or risk "permanently lower growth", the International Monetary Fund said in a report Friday, citing mounting corporate debt as a major concern. While near-term growth prospects remain good, Beijing's failure to move on long-promised reforms is raising the chances of a medium-term hard landing in the world's second-largest economy, it said. China is seeking to restructure its economy to make the spending power of its nearly 1.4 billion people a key driver for growth, instead of massive government investment and cheap exports. But the transition has caused growth to sputter. The Asian giant's economy expanded at 6.7 percent in the April-June period, the same as the first three months of the year and slowing from 6.9 percent in 2015 -- its weakest annual rate in a quarter of a century. "China's economic transition will continue to be complex, challenging and potentially bumpy, against the backdrop of heightened downside risks and eroding buffers," the IMF report said. "Vulnerabilities are still rising on a dangerous trajectory and fiscal and foreign exchange buffers, while still adequate, are eroding," it said. Resource misallocation, corporate debt, excess capacity and financial opacity were major problems that needed to be addressed, it specified. "While the challenges are still manageable, urgent action is needed to ensure they remain so," it added. While Beijing has made verbal pledges to tackle such issues, it has not followed through in practice, the report noted, saying that "government policy and pronouncements seem to alternate between prioritising reform and growth". The report cited growing corporate debt as a particular concern. Excluding the financial sector, it stood at around 120 percent of GDP in 2015, estimates in the IMF document said, projecting it could grow by more than 20 points by 2021. Story continues A June report by the China Academy of Social Sciences put the figure even higher, saying it could have already reached 156 percent back in 2014. The IMF said that in the mid-term, failure to move would "add to vulnerabilities, worsen resource misallocation, and lead to permanently lower growth". Beijing has no time to lose, the Washington-based institution said, recommending that "progress should be kick-started in the next few months." The report painted a rosier picture for China's short-term prospects, saying that stimulus measures had created a "benign" outlook. In July, the IMF upped its forecast for Chinese growth this year by 0.1 percentage points, to 6.6 percent. Wall Street is catching its breath after all three major averages (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) hit new record highs Thursday for the first time since 1999. Stocks started the day slightly lower Friday after disappointing data on retail sales. Consumers reigned in their spending last month after three straight months of gains. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales were unchanged in July, while sales were revised up 0.8% the previous month and rose 2.3% from a year ago. Separately, inflation on the producer level fell in July. The producer price index declined 0.4%. Retail results J.C. Penney (JCP) reported a narrower-than-expected loss for the second quarter, while revenue came in roughly in line with forecasts. Revenue rose a little more than 1% from a year ago as demand for home goods, footwear and Sephora beauty products helped lure customers back to its stores. Nordstrom (JWN) shares soared in early trading after the high-end department store chain delivered a beat on earnings in second quarter, and while revenue was a tad shy of analysts estimates, the company was upbeat about earnings for the rest of the year. Investors are not impressed with Dillards (DDS) quarterly results, even though the retailer posted earnings and revenue that topped expectations. Profit fell by more than 50% from a year ago, and sales fell by nearly 4% as fewer shoppers visited its stores. Nvidia soars on strong sales In the world of tech, Nvidia (NVDA) surged to a new 52-week high in early trading. The chipmaker raised it revenue outlook for the year after the second-quarter results blasted past estimates; sales surged 24% from a year ago driven by strong demand for the companys processors used in video games and in data centers. Banks want more time Wall Street is asking the Federal Reserve for a favor. Banks want an additional five years to comply with the Volcker Rule, according to Reuters. If allowed, the grace period will begin next year and run through the year 2022. Some of the banks asking for an extension include Goldman Sachs (GS), Morgan Stanley (MS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM). McDonalds under pressure to go global with healthier options Theres a global campaign to make McDonalds (MCD) healthier. A charity is trying to convince McDonalds to stop using antibiotics in its food. The group, ShareAction, is asking consumers to email McDonalds chief executive directly on the matter. Last week, the fast food chain stopped using poultry treated with antibiotics in its US restaurants. New Delhi (AFP) - India's top court Friday lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold SUVs. Car manufacturers would however have to pay a one percent green tax to compensate for polluting the city's air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars. "Deposit of one percent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers/dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi," a bench headed by Chief Justice T. S. Thakur ruled. The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital's toxic air. More than 23 percent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank. Friday's verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely. Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India ended the day higher following the latest ruling. India's prime minister accused Pakistan Friday of fomenting trouble in the Kashmir valley, claiming there was enough evidence to prove it was fuelling unrest in the region. Narendra Modi also promised to look into the grievances of those living there in a statement issued after meeting with national political parties to find ways of ending the ongoing violence in the troubled state. "The root cause of unrest in Kashmir is cross-border terrorism which is being encouraged by our neighbouring country," the right-wing Hindu nationalist premier said. "Since the time terrorism has started in Kashmir... so many sophisticated weapons have been seized by our security forces and so many foreign terrorists gunned down... Pakistan can speak a million lies but the world will not accept these." Indian-administered Kashmir has been under a curfew since protests broke out over the death last month of a popular young rebel leader -- Burhan Wani -- in a gunfight with security forces. More than 50 civilians have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, and thousands more injured in the worst violence to hit the Himalayan region since 2010. Many of the young men who came out onto the streets in the wake of Wani's death threw stones at security forces, an increasingly common form of protest in India's only Muslim-majority state. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, which is part of an uneasy coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, has come under fire for failing to curb the deadly protests. Earlier this week, Modi appealed to people in the state to abandon violence while promising jobs to thousands of unemployed youths. The Kashmir region is divided between India and Pakistan but both claim the territory in full. It is the epicentre of a separatist insurgency, with several rebel groups fighting Indian troops and police. They seek either independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered an official investigation into allegations top police and military officers were involved in trafficking illegal drugs. Claims that senior police and military brass took kickbacks from a drug kingpin have stoked huge controversy in Indonesia, where the government is waging a war on narcotics and last month executed four convicted traffickers. Freddy Budiman -- who was among the four shot by firing squad -- allegedly told a prominent human rights activist in 2014 that he paid police, military and specialist narcotics agents to protect his lucrative business. The allegations have infuriated Indonesia's powerful police and military institutions. Haris Azhar, the activist at the Commission for Missing Persons who claims he spoke with Budiman, has been threatened with defamation charges since posting the alleged testimony online. Widodo criticised Azhar for revealing the allegations years after they were made, but has since instructed the national police chief to investigate. "Trace, expose and process it (the allegations), if it's really true as has been said," he said in a statement Thursday. Azhar urged the government to shift its focus away from him towards those senior officials accused of conspiring to peddle drugs. "The president must take responsibility. We want an independent team (to investigate the case)," Azhar told AFP. Widodo declared a war on drugs when he took office in October 2014 and vowed no clemency for those sentenced to death for trafficking. Eighteen convicted drug smugglers -- including 15 foreigners -- have been executed in Indonesia under his administration. Kendall Jenner on the cover of Vogue wearing a Gucci outfit. (Photo: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott for Vogue) Vogue announced Kendall Jenner as its September cover star, and of course, people on the Internet have some feelings about it. Granted, it should come as little surprise that the reality TV star turned model would get her own cover, considering that Instagirls like Kendall and Gigi Hadid, who graced Vogues August issue, are in high demand. Additionally, the 20-year-old was on the cover of a supplemental issue all about her (and paid for by Estee Lauder, the cosmetics company she fronts) for the magazines April edition. Still, lots of people objected to the fact that Kendall was given such a prestigious honor. The September issue is arguably the most anticipated of the year (Beyonce and Jennifer Lawrence were past recipients of the honor), so naturally, people did not hold back their outrage. In short, the hate is real. and kendall jenner gets the vogue cover for her hard work instead of the model whos a computer coder or hell literally ANY other model peach pigeon (@peachpigeon420) August 12, 2016 these few pictures of zendaya are better than kendall jenners entire vogue shoot https://t.co/6VnyMj0at2 lina (@sidetosideliam) August 12, 2016 Kendall Jenner is on the September cover of vogue? *deep sigh* Smutty Santos (@WavesOfBodhi) August 12, 2016 Kendall Jenner is honestly the last person who deserves to be on the cover of Vogue kyle, queen of hell (@kyleminati) August 12, 2016 They wasted the SEPTEMBER VOGUE issue on KENDALL JENNER??? trina (@trinaruzol) August 12, 2016 okay I need vogue not to be completely up Kendall Jenners ass and get some better people on the cover https://t.co/S0aVvbaHxT aleeya (@aleeyaatarrantt) August 12, 2016 Did Kendall Jenner actually get the front cover of Vogues September issue? Im bored BLACKPINK (@kaimmunicate) August 12, 2016 @voguemagazine @KendallJenner sooo disappointed. Of all the models you chose her? I miss the old Vogue Bye ???????????????? Urska Cmok (@ursacmok) August 12, 2016 But there were still some people happy to see Jenner reach this milestone in her career. Story continues Why cant people accept Kendall Jenner as the serious model shes worked hard to be, shes earnt her vogue cover and wouldnt have it otherwise lottie (@lottie_kemp) August 12, 2016 @KendallJenner congratulations on your vogue cover!!!! So Proud Natasha Hernandez (@BruhItsNatasha) August 12, 2016 Kendall Jenner on the cover of Vogues Septembers issue is pretty freaking huge Juanita Cash Hawkins (@ClassActKelz) August 12, 2016 Landing the cover of Vogue is such a HUGE accomplishment and I am so proud of @KendallJenner Sreegi (@Sreegi09) August 12, 2016 Whatever you think of Jenners cover, the fact remains that were talking about it, which is exactly the point. Love them or hate them, the world is fascinated by the allure of the Kardashian-Jenners, and with all the press and social media reactions surrounding the cover, its clear that the Vogue team knew exactly what they were doing. If outrage has worked for Kim and Kanye, the same strategy has succeeded with Kendall. Vogue FTW! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. ZHEJIANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (SORL) will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the results of the second quarter 2016, to be held Monday, August 15, 2016 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in this event, dial 877-407-0778 domestically, or 201-689-8565 internationally, approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call. Additionally, you can listen to the event online at www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=175201 as well as via the SORL Auto Parts website (http://www.sorl.cn). If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the event archive will be available at www.investorcalendar.com or http://www.sorl.cn. You may access the teleconference replay by dialing 877-660-6853 domestically or 201-612-7415 internationally, referencing conference ID # 13642159. The replay will be available beginning approximately 2 hours after the completion of the live event, ending at midnight Eastern on September 15, 2016. About SORL Auto Parts, Inc. As a global tier one supplier of brake and control systems to the commercial vehicle industry, SORL Auto Parts, Inc. is the market leader for commercial vehicles brake systems, such as trucks and buses in China. The Company distributes products both within China and internationally under the SORL trademark. SORL is listed among the top 100 auto component suppliers in China, with a product range that includes 65 categories with over 2000 specifications in brake systems and others. The Company has four authorized international sales centers in UAE, India, the United States and Europe. SORL is working to establish a broader global sales network. For more information, please visit http://www.sorl.cn. SOURCE: Investor Calendar IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that a class action lawsuit was filed against K12, Inc. ("K12" or the "Company") (LRN). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between November 7, 2013 and October 27, 2015 (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the September 19, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline. If you purchased K12 shares during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member. According to the complaint, K12 issued false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company published misleading advertisements about students' academic progress, parent satisfaction, graduates' eligibility for admission into the University of California and California State University, class sizes, the individualized and flexible nature of K12's instruction, hidden costs, and the quality of the materials provided to students; that the Company submitted inflated student attendance numbers to the California Department of Education in order to receive additional funding; that K12 was open to potential civil and criminal liability due to these practices; that K12 would likely be forced to end these practices, which would have a negative impact on its operations and prospects; and as a result of the above, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When this news was announced, shares of K12 decreased in value, causing investors harm. If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com. Story continues This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Contacts Joon M. Khang, Esq. Telephone: 949-419-3834 Facsimile: 949-225-4474 joon@khanglaw.com SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP An Iowa mother was arrested on Monday, August 8, after her toddler was found alone in a backyard sucking on a frozen chicken breast. According to a police report obtained by The Des Moines Register, a small terrier was observed jumping on the 2-year-old to get the food. Hallie Elizabeth Amick was charged with suspicion of child endangerment and drug possession, per the paper. PHOTOS: Celebrity Mugshots Police said they learned about the situation when Amicks boyfriend was pulled over for speeding and explained he was rushing home because a child had been left alone, according to the Register. When authorities arrived, they discovered the boy behind the house wearing only a T-shirt and a diaper. His diaper was almost down to his knees, neighbor Deborah Snyder, whose balcony overlooks the yard, told the paper. Snyder claimed the neglect was not an isolated incident. PHOTOS: Stars at Court This is the first time he got out of the house, but ever since they moved in they [have left] him alone, she said. When Amick, 30, returned nearly two hours after police were called, she claimed it was the first time shed left her son unattended, the Register reported. But later she admitted that she has left him alone on occasion. According to the police report, authorities searched the home and found a marijuana pipe, blunts and marijuana stems in plain sight, KCCI Des Moines reported. KCCI reported she was released from the Polk County jail on August 9, just one day after her arrest. After weeks of speculation on the cause of an unprecedented string of fires and explosions in major Iranian oil and gas facilities, Irans Supreme National Cyberspace Council has said that it is looking into cyber-attacks as a possible cause. Special teams will be sent to the afflicted sites to study the possibility of cyber systems having a role in the recent fires, said Abolhasan Firoozabadi, secretary of the council according to local media on Wednesday. The first of the fires, which started on July 6, in the Bouali petrochemical plant on the Persian Gulf coast, took three days to put out and threatened to send toxic clouds of smoke into the nearby city of Mahshahr, with a population of 300,000. There were no fatalities but damages are estimated to be tens of millions of dollars and insurers say it could be the biggest compensation claim in Irans history. Less than 48 hours after the Bouali fire was put out a worker was killed in the Marun Oil and Gas Production Company when a liquefied gas pipeline exploded. This was followed by a fire in the Bisotoon petrochemical plant in the western Iranian city of Kermanshah on July 29, which took two days to put out. The Iranian Petroleum Ministry, in charge of all of the affected sites denied the plants were sabotaged and the Iranian oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said the fires and explosions were due to technical faults and human error. However when an explosion in a gas pipeline near Gonaveh, which killed a worker, and another fire in the Imam Khomeini petrochemical plant, occurred within hours of each other on Aug. 6, the ministry refused to comment until after investigations. If the cyberspace council does rule that cyber-attacks were behind these fires and explosions it wouldnt be the first time that Irans petroleum industry was the victim of such an attack; in April 2012 a virus forced the ministry to disconnect its main oil terminals and facilities from the Internet to protect them from damage. Officials later claimed that they had traced the service providers used by the attackers back to the U.S. In 2010 Irans nuclear sites were the victim of the Stuxnet worm. Officials said the worm was designed and used by the U.S. and the Israel to hinder Irans nuclear program. Iran has never quantified the damage done by Stuxnet but nuclear experts believe the damage was extensive. After the Stuxnet attack, Iran decided to create a nation-wide intranet to prevent further attacks on sensitive infrastructures but the National Internet, has yet to be launched. Syria Democratic Force (SDF) A report verified on Friday by US-backed forces and a separate human rights organization claimed that Islamic State militants in the city of Manbij, Syria had kidnapped around 2,000 civilians to use as human shields. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described that during ISIS retreat from Manbij to Jarabulus, a city on the Turkish border, the militants took ahold of their hostages in hopes to slow the SDFs advances on what was once a major ISIS-held city. In order to accomplish taking such a large number of hostages, a report by the AFP suggests that ISIS took the residents cars and forced civilians into them as they made their retreat preventing the SDF from targeting them. After SDF forces began their offensive on May 31, theyve so far liberated about 90% of Manbij and even rescued 2,500 captive civilians; however, dozens of ISIS fighters still remain and have put up a noticeable resistance. This wouldnt be the first time that ISIS has taken hostages during a retreat. More than 400 civilians, including women and children, were taken from eastern Syria in January. Although 270 of them were eventually released, the jihadists had also used hostages for booby-trapped cars and suicide bombings. Manbij has been a critical Syrian city for ISIS supply routes to their main stronghold in Raqqa. After being assaulted not only by the SDF but US-led coalition forces, the militants here have been making numerous blunders during their operations including having 83 oil tankers out in the open for an easy airstrike. However, liberating the city has taken a heavy toll as well. The UN has claimed that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since the assault began; and the Observatory suggested that at least 437 civilians, 105 of them children, were killed. Story continues NOW WATCH: The US Army is sending Apache attack helicopters to fight ISIS in Iraq More From Business Insider (WASHINGTON) A top ISIS leader in Afghanistan was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month, the Pentagon confirmed Friday, saying his death will affect the groups recruiting and operations in the region. Gordon Trowbridge, deputy press secretary, said Hafiz Saeed Khan died in southern Nangarhar Province on July 26. The State Department last year designated Khan a global terrorist, saying he is the leader of ISIS in Khorasan, which includes former members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Khan had previously been a Tehrik-e Taliban commander, but last year pledged loyalty to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. U.S. and Afghan leaders have been concerned about the growth of IS in Afghanistan. The militants are mainly in the countrys eastern region. They were targeted by a U.S.-backed Afghan military offensive last month that included American and Afghan special operations forces. Five U.S. commandos were injured in combat with ISIS fighters during the offensive, in what officials thought was the first instance of Americans being wounded in fighting against the IS in Afghanistan. Trowbridge said Khan was known to directly participate in attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, and said his ISIS group used Nangarhar and the region to train and equip militants and provide a continuous supply of enemy fighters. By Jibran Ahmad and Yeganeh Torbati PESHAWAR, Pakistan/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The leader of Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed in a U.S. drone strike on July 26, a Pentagon spokesman said on Friday after the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan announced the news to Reuters. The death of Hafiz Saeed Khan is a blow to efforts by Islamic State - also known as ISIS or Daesh - to expand from its heartlands in Syria and Iraq into Afghanistan and Pakistan, already crowded with jihadist movements including the Taliban and al Qaeda. It is the second U.S. killing of a prominent militant in the region in months. In May, a U.S. drone killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a strike in Pakistan. Despite that, Afghanistan's 15-year-old war grinds on with no clear victory in sight. Taliban fighters have been threatening at least two provincial capitals this summer, in Helmand and Kunduz, and a U.S. government report said Afghan forces have lost 5 percent of territory this year. In terms of its own territory, Islamic State has been largely confined to a handful of districts in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, which borders Pakistan, where IS militants - mostly defectors from the Taliban - are blamed for raiding villages and government outposts. Still, worries that Islamic State might be expanding its operational reach heightened this week when the group took credit for an attack on a Pakistani hospital that killed at least 74 people in the southwestern city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility. A few weeks earlier, Islamic State claimed an attack on a rally in Kabul that killed more than 80 people. BITTER RIVALS Khan has been reported dead before. But a claim by Afghan intelligence agents last year that he had been killed was never confirmed. On Friday, however, Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal told Reuters he had seen confirmation from Afghan security forces. "I can confirm that ISIS Khurasan (Afghanistan and Pakistan) leader Hafiz Saeed Khan along with his senior commanders and fighters died in a U.S. drone strike on July 26 in Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangharhar province," he said. Pentagon spokesman Gordon Trowbridge confirmed Khan's death, and said in a statement that the air strike took place during joint operations by U.S. and Afghan special operations forces against IS in the southern part of Nangarhar province. Trowbridge said the airstrike was in Achin district, as opposed to Kot district. Khan - a longtime commander with the Pakistani Taliban - pledged allegiance in October 2014 to Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Taliban's various factions in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as their al Qaeda allies are bitter rivals of Islamic State's al-Baghdadi. The Taliban reject al-Baghdadi as leader of an envisioned worldwide caliphate. In Afghanistan, Taliban and Islamic State fighters have battled over territory in Nangarhar, though both have recently been more busy defending against U.S. and Afghan assaults. Between January and early August, American warplanes conducted nearly 140 air strikes against Islamic State targets in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military. Afghan forces, backed by the American military, killed an estimated 300 Islamic State fighters in an operation mounted two weeks ago, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan said on Wednesday, calling it a severe blow to the group. (Additional reporting by Josh Smith in Kabul and Phil Stewart in Washington; Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Leslie Adler) Rome (AFP) - An Italian man carried Zika in his sperm for six months after showing the first symptoms of the virus, twice as long as in any previously reported case, according to a new study. Doctors at the Spallanzani Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome said their monitoring of the now-recovered patient pointed to the possibility of the little-understood virus reproducing itself in the male genital tract. As a result, the potential for sexual transmission of a virus linked to babies being born with shrunken brains and skulls may be greater than previously thought. The 30-year-old man began presenting symptoms including fever, fatigue and a skin rash during a visit to Haiti in January. On his return to Italy, tests showed the Zika Virus RNA was still present in his urine, saliva and sperm 91 days after the onset of symptoms. After 134 days it was only detectable in his sperm which remained positive after 188 days, the medics said in a report published this week in epidemiology review Eurosurveillance. That was over twice as long as the 93 days after symptoms onset registered by a 27-year-old Frenchman whose case was highlighted in British medical journal The Lancet last month. Prior to that the record for Zika showing up in sperm was 62 days after onset of symptoms. "The results of this study confirm that the virus could replicate specifically in the male genital tract and may persist in semen," the Italian team said. In light of their findings, all infected patients should be advised to use condoms or abstain from sex for at least six months after the onset of symptoms, they said. The Italian man involved in the study continued to have sex with his wife, using condoms. She has tested negative for the virus. By Manuel Mogato MANILA (Reuters) - Japan and the Philippines have begun talks for the transfer of two large coast guard ships to Manila, to help patrol the disputed South China Sea, a Japanese foreign ministry official said on Friday, as part of a deal on defense equipment. The two brand-new 90-metre (295-ft) multi-role response vessels will be in addition to ten 44-metre (144-ft) mid-sized coast guard ships, worth 8.8 billion pesos ($188.52 million), that Japan is set to start delivering next week. "Both governments are looking into the possibility of getting two more vessels, this time the bigger ones," Masato Ohtaka, deputy spokesman of Japan's foreign ministry, told journalists in Manila. "We're in the middle of dialogue between the two sides, they are still discussing details and we need a little more time." The ship delivery figured in an 80-minute meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday in southern Davao City. "We talked about how Japan can help the Philippines in capacity building, particularly with regards to maritime security," Ohtaka added. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. China says it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognize the court ruling handed down last month in a case brought by the Philippines. Japan urged China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "We are very concerned," Ohtaka said, adding that developments in the East China Sea could parallel those in the South China Sea, where Beijing has stepped up the constant presence of its coast guard ships. Japan last week reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into waters Tokyo sees as its own near the disputed East China Sea islands it controls. China is reported to have put up radar and surveillance facilities in the area. "It's not getting better in the East China Sea," Ohtaka added. ($1=46.6800 Philippine pesos) (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Jason Newsted is certainly busy these days launching his new, acoustic-oriented Chophouse Band and the adjunct duo Would & Steal. But you can bet the former Metallica bassist is as attuned to this week's 25th anniversary of the group's Metallica, aka The Black Album, as anyone else in the world. "Yeah, in my garage I have a bunch of old Metallica posters and stuff, banners kids made and different things like that," Newsted tells Billboard. "We just came home the other day and I look over and there's a poster for the album sitting in the back that says 8/12/91. I'm like, 'Holy crap...' I said to my wife, 'Y'know, that's 25 years,' and she's like 'Oh my gosh...' But it could've been about three weeks ago -- that's how I feel about the music." Metallica was Newsted's second album with the band after joining in 1986 to replace the late Cliff Burton, and it was, of course, the group's worldwide breakthrough, selling more than 16 million copies in the U.S. alone. Newsted's main memory of making the album, meanwhile, was of a band taking on new creative challenges in the studio with an album that was considerably more direct and focused than its more long-winded, virtuosic predecessor ...And Justice for All. "Everybody had built themselves up through hard knocks and scars and so forth to be ready for what was coming, to create this thing that was bigger than all of us and greater than any of us," Newsted recalls. "That includes all the people that worked with us, like the label and QPrime [management] and [producer Bob Rock]. [Rock] came in and he whipped us into shape about tonality of things and power of things and actual sound quality. We were ready for him, he was ready for us, the world was ready for the sound. We didn't sit down and say, 'It's gonna be like this,' no, but I think we pulled in somebody who could control us for a second, harness us for a second, and everybody put their nose to the stone and worked hard, like Metallica always did, and the floodgates just opened and we got the fruits from it. I'm really proud of what we did." Metallica's 'Black Album': Happy 25th Birthday, Here's What You Have in Common With Shania Twain Newsted's favorite song on Metallica is "Sad But True" -- "Just because of the weight, the six-string bass and that big, big bottom," he says -- but he also has a particular pride in "My Friend Misery." "It was the bass, by itself, introducing that song, which was not the easiest thing to do at that time within that band," he explains. "That was a moment where those guys kind of bowed and said, 'Here you go, man, put your song on there,' being the guy who came up with that; as opposed to being part of the team, I got to be myself for a minute there, which was a real accomplishment." Newsted's other great memory of the Metallica album cycle was the worldwide territories it opened for the band. "That's the biggest deal about that. We worked so hard on the record for so long, and to take that music around the world like we did was really, hugely powerful," he says. "'Nothing Else Matters' was, like, No. 1 in 35 countries the same week or some sh--, and all of a sudden there's countries calling that never would've entertained the thought of an American metal band playing in front of their kids, and they're calling us up 'cause they know they can make a bunch of money because it's so freakin' popular at the moment. So we got to do a bunch of pioneering and be the first heavy band to go to a bunch of those places. That's what I remember the most." Amid the Metallica bonhomie, meanwhile, Newsted is putting the pedal down on his new acoustic projects, including five West Coast dates booked for September with plans for more around the country. He's using a corps of musicians from his four Chophouse studios -- at home in Northern California, in his native Michigan, in Montana and in Florida -- with a repertoire of folk and country material as well as more contemporary material rearranged for an acoustic setting. The acoustic direction was inspired by private shows Newsted played with fellow musicians at his California Chophouse, as well as some documentaries about American roots music and musicians and songs he played for his ailing mother back in Battle Creek, Mich., who passed away earlier this year. Jason Newsted's Upcoming Album Will Be 'All Metal All the Time' "It's stuff I've been playing for 20, 25 years," Newsted says. "I've been collecting these songs and now I'm kind of taking them out in a more public way than I have before. It's important to come down from that heavy music for a second and getting to take a breath again and really do something with these wonderful, wonderful songs. Fun is the key -- fun, fun, fun. No more grind. I don't want to put that on myself anymore." Newsted has no recording plans for the Chophouse Band or Would & Steal just yet, though he's written some originals for the groups as well. For now, he's happy to let the music be spread by word of mouth -- or even social media -- and he may adapt some Metallica material for the performances too. "I have been messing with it, like 'As the Crow Flies' or something like that," Newsted says. "It's not as easy as I thought it was going to be. You can't just slow down the tempo. It's got to be a real change of flavor to do it appropriately. I want it to be equally cool if we do something like that." Newsted reveals he also had an offer to write a memoir but has put the brakes on it for right now, though he's not ruling it out for the future. Nor does he feel Newsted, the heavy band he operated from 2012-14 -- including an EP and album and some live shows -- is permanently finished. "I was trying to take on too much stuff at once. You can only do so much and make it work right," Newsted says. "I won't call it over 'cause I did write a whole 'nother record, but it just hasn't been put together. It hasn't been recorded all the way. It's not ready for the people. That's something that's just on the back burner right now." Newsted's upcoming tour dates: 9/2 - Crystal Bay, Nevada @ Crystal Bay Ballroom 9/7 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe's Alley 9/8 - Mill Valley, CA @ Sweetwater Music Hall 9/10 - Napa, CA @ Silo's 9/17 - Sebastopol, CA @ HopMonk Tavern Jerry Seinfeld was just as surprised as everybody else to hear that his Crackle series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, was nominated for an Emmy alongside Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live! "I feel like Lewis and Clark here paddling down the river to find the new world, and I can't believe I've found it," he says of the Sony-produced show in which he interviews comedy heavyweights including Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin and the late Garry Shandling over a car ride and coffee. The show's nomination in the variety talk category - Comedians has been nominated twice before, but both times in shortform categories - comes eight seasons into its run and has snagged a spot that might otherwise have gone to Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert or The Daily Show's Trevor Noah. Adds Seinfeld, "To be still in a world of trying to innovate at this stage of my career is thrilling." With that astonishment evident in his voice, the 62-year-old comic opened up about his episode with President Obama, potential plans to bring the web show to TV and why he's no longer so sad about the late-night landscape. You're in the eighth season of Comedians. How has your process evolved over time? I used to worry: Is this really a show? Is anyone going to like this? Will anyone even watch this? So the process hasn't changed, I'm just more comfortable and confident now that I know this is something that people like. I didn't know that about Seinfeld in the early 1990s, either. I thought, "I like this show. I wonder if anyone else will." And it took years before people reacted to that. Read more: Emmys: Netflix Leads Streaming Nominations as Crackle Breaks Through With Jerry Seinfeld Coup You recently had President Obama on the show. How did it come together? My producer called someone on the White House staff, and they said they'd been wanting to get in touch with us because they were interested in him doing the show. I really didn't believe it was going to happen. My favorite moment was when I said to him, "When I call you, you answer the phone, 'White House,' I'll say, 'I'd like to speak with the president, please,' and then you say, 'Speaking.' " He thought that was a great joke, so we started with that. Story continues What's on the cutting-room floor of that episode that we didn't see? We're actually talking with some other platforms now about releasing the show in other forms with different material. That's one of the fun things about this world I've fallen into: I can remake these shows into other things for other places. So some of the stuff on the cutting-room floor from all of the episodes could come out in the future. What does that mean exactly? We're talking to television and cable and streaming [outlets], and so there are a variety of forms that this show might take. Nothing is set yet. It's just conversations now, but there's been a lot of interest. As you drove away from the White House, what was the thing that made you go, "Damn, I wish I had asked him that"? He was telling me about how the thermostat worked and the fact that you have to call somebody [to operate it]. I really wished I had asked him more about that call and how annoying it is to have to call someone to change the thermostat if you're cold or hot. Yes, that's the kind of stuff I'm interested in. (Laughs.) Read more: 7 Most Revealing Moments From Jerry Seinfeld's 'Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee' You've said you decided Obama made sense for the show because he's a "comedian president." We now have a presidential candidate in Donald Trump who some would argue is unintentionally funny. Would you consider doing an episode with him? I think it's funny that he likes to end sentences with, "Believe me," which is really asking a lot when you say something crazy. But I only would have a guest on if they can make me feel funny, too, and I'm not sure if he makes me feel funny or just ... weird. Looking at this season of Comedians, what was the highlight? Garry Shandling hugging me and saying "I love you" was probably the best moment of my year. I didn't know that would be the last time I'd ever see him. And then being in the White House and having the president trust me to come in with cameras and make a silly show in the Oval Office and eat the fruit off the coffee table and then ask if it was washed. Who's left on your guest wish list? I think I'm going to start bringing some people back. Charles Nelson Reilly would come on The Tonight Show all the time, and I was always happy to see him. I'd like my show to be like that. I'd love to see Alec Baldwin again. Larry David, Bob Einstein, Sarah Silverman. Three years ago, you told me that the late-night shows were leaving you with "a sad feeling." Is that still the case? I'm feeling less sad now. Sometimes actors and actresses make me sad when they come out and tell you how great their show is and what a great time they had working with so-and-so. I just can't hear that anymore. First of all, you're working, so we don't care if you like them or if you're having a good time. And all we care about is the show anyway, so there must be a better question. But the political season has made late-night TV much more uplifting because you get to hear things reflected off of these people. I want to hear Bill Maher and John Oliver react - that has more substance than the general promotional tour that everybody else is on. So it's a good time for late-night comedians. I watch all of them, but I'm a really big fan of John Oliver. You've said you don't watch a lot of TV. What's made you stop and pay attention? We started watching [ESPN's] O.J.: Made in America last night, and that's just a hell of a piece of work. Read more: Michelle Obama's Carpool Karaoke to Romney's Mean Tweets: 6 of Late Night's Best Political Plays Your pal Larry David is finally getting back to Curb Your Enthusiasm. Would you be up for making another cameo? Anything with Larry, I'm in. I talked to him last week, and he says it's going great. Can you think of another popular show that went away and then came back five years later with the same cast? If you wanted to pick up with Seinfeld tomorrow, you'd have a slew of options, too. But I'm guessing that won't happen? No. But we did have an offer - I won't say who from - to do a new, live episode of Seinfeld on TV. Did any piece of you consider it? No! (Laughs.) What happens when you land on a rerun of Seinfeld? Do you stop and watch for a few minutes? I don't. I really should. I don't know why it makes me so uncomfortable. Whenever I see a clip of it, I think, "This is a very funny show." A version of this story first appeared in the Aug. 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. (Changes source to company) Aug 12 (Reuters) - JetBlue Airways Corp said 22 passengers and two crew members were injured when its flight from Boston to Sacramento, California ran into heavy turbulence on Thursday. Flight 0429 landed safely on Thursday night in Rapid City, South Dakota, where the injured were taken to the hospital, the U.S. budget carrier said in a statement on Friday. "Flight attendant was in galley during incident," passenger Derek Lindahl tweeted. "Hit her head on ceiling and completely dislodged the panel. Cuts, neck injury, and concussion." The airline said it had sent a team to assist the injured and a replacement flight had been sent to Rapid City to fly passengers to Sacramento. In May, eight passengers were injured when a JetBlue flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Orlando experienced turbulence. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Kirti Pandey) Joshua Jackson made his first public appearance less than a month following his split with Diane Kruger after 10 years together, and handled it all with humor and grace. The Affair star was presenting the third season of his Showtime drama at the summer Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday. Jackson, sporting a scruffy beard, looked dapper in a dark brown blazer, white button-up shirt, navy slacks and gray Oxfords. RELATED: Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger Split After 10 Years Getty Images There was one moment during the afternoon session that may have hit a little close to home, when Jackson was asked by a reporter what makes a relationship fall apart -- on TV. "I don't know, truthfully," Jackson, 38, told reporters. "I think each one of the situations is individual. The relationship between [The Affair's] Helen and Noah presented its own issues. The relationship between Cole and Alison presented its own issues, and I'm not sure that there is an answer. " RELATED: Diane Kruger Shares Cryptic Message: 'If a Man Loves You, He Will Do Anything to Keep You Around' Later, Jackson praised The Affair ensemble, which includes Maura Tierney, Dominic West and Ruth Wilson, for being "the most congenial cast, all the way through, that I've ever worked with." The former Dawson's Creek star also played to the room, referencing Netflix's breakout hit Stranger Things, and engaging with a reporter at the end of the session with a light-hearted conversation about milk preferences in lattes. "Whole milk is the way to go," Jackson deadpanned. "Why would you f**k up a latte with 2 percent?" Sage words! The Affair returns later this year on Showtime. RELATED: Diane Kruger Reflects on First Meeting Joshua Jackson and His 'Different' Perspective on Life Related Articles brendan dassey interrogation making a murderer netflix A federal judge has overturned the homicide conviction of Brendan Dassey, one of the primary subjects of Netflix's hit true-crime docuseries "Making a Murderer," which tracks the death of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Specifically, the judge referenced the "powerful effect" that leading interviews, conducted under "indefensible" circumstances without the presence of a parent, had on the learning-disabled teen, according to TMZ. It's a classic example of what law enforcement calls "interview contamination" letting details (whether true or false) about an offense slip to witnesses or the suspect and leading them to believe and repeat these facts. Their statements are often later used as false confessions or testimony. Of the US prisoners thus far exonerated by DNA evidence, 27% involved false confessions or admissions, according to the Innocence Project. Whether intentional or not, this type of police misconduct has led to sometimes-irreparable damage. 'Why didn't you tell us that?' During "Making A Murderer," case investigators Tom Fassbender and Mark Wiegert question Dassey, a learning-disabled 16-year-old, about the violence he and his uncle, Steven Avery, allegedly inflicted upon Halbach. The officers say they know Dassey and Avery did "something with the head" of Halbach and that they "have the evidence." After Dassey admits that Avery cut off her hair, punched her in the head, and made him cut her throat, the investigators still pressure him for more information. Finally, one of the investigators loses his cool. "All right, I'm just going to come out and ask you. Who shot her in the head?" Brendan responds: "He did," referring to Avery. Investigators: "Why didn't you tell us that?" Brendan: "'Cause I couldn't think of it." Regardless of whether viewers believe Dassey or think investigators violated any protocol, Dassey later tells his mother they "got into his head." Story continues Brendan Dassey Granted, officers did tape that interview, which appears (edited) in the documentary series. In the US, however, police aren't required to tape interviews. In fact, only about half of states have implemented some sort of recording statutes for police. And as it turns out, the details officers use to shape witness statements could have an effect on the witness' memories themselves, according to research from Elizabeth Loftus, a psychology professor at the University of California-Irvine. 'The same thing' Decades ago, the UK encountered a similar roadblock to fair policing. A national law, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 [PACE], however, subsequently required officers to videotape their interviews, among other provisions. It nearly solved the problem. "In the 70s, the same thing that the US is going through now, the UK was experiencing," Andy Griffiths, a 30-year-veteran of the Sussex Police, told Business Insider in an interview. He says the problem was easier to spot because most of the UK's cases came through a lone supreme court. "With PACE, that all changed," Griffiths added. Aside from documenting interview contamination, videotaping interviews could also highlight other questionable tactics police use to gain confessions: minimization saying a violent assault was a "bit of a fight," for example and even more simply, lying. It's lawful for US police to lie to suspects to pry information out of them, which highlights another major difference between US and UK policing officers across the pond cannot lie. "Videotaping interrogations is a fantastic idea," Shawn Armburst, a professor at Georgetown Law and the director of the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, said at the New Yorker Festival in October. "The interrogations are better, and when police officers testify, they've got the tape to back it up." UK Policeman England PACE implemented other important provisions, as well. It gave psychologists access to police interview recordings, which "showed that police officers were unskilled interviewers, they were bullies, they coerced people, they just didnt have any idea what they were doing," Griffiths said. PACE also instituted a one-week training program, which specifically designated 140,000 police officers as "interview officers." Under this new program, UK officers who wanted to interview suspects had to apply, pass an assessment, and become accredited. "If you ask any officer in the UK now, 'Whats the purpose of an interview?' theyll say 'to get information,'" Griffiths said. "They dont even say, 'to prove the guilt or innocence.' Weve changed the mindset." No national law requires such training in the US. "When [PACE] came down, UK police felt it would stop them from doing their jobs. I've heard the same thing from US officers. But now, no one would go back," Griffiths said. NOW WATCH: A law professor tricked his students into lying, which shows why you should never talk to police More From Business Insider (Reuters) - A judge on Friday prevented Ohio from cutting federal taxpayer funding from 28 Planned Parenthood clinics, setting back the governor's hopes of stopping the women's health services group from providing abortions. U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett said the law was unconstitutional and would cause "irreparable injury" to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Southwest Ohio and their patients. The Ohio law signed in February by Republican Governor and former presidential hopeful John Kasich stripped $1.3 million from any healthcare organization that includes abortions among its services. The law was scheduled to go into effect in May before Judge Barrett temporarily halted it on May 23. Ohio already has a law barring the use of state funding for abortions. Planned Parenthood, which sued the state to stop the law from coming into effect, said it would have stripped federal funds from all their health services, such as pap smears and cancer screenings, because a few clinics provided abortions. The organization has said that attempts to cut funding are illegal. The Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that abortion was legal in the United States but anti-abortion activists have fought for years to alter state laws. Judge Barrett said in his ruling that the law violated the organizations first amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. "Based on this evidence in the record, the Court finds the irreparable injury is continuing and there is a lack of an adequate remedy at law because monetary damages could not compensate Plaintiffs for this injury," Barrett wrote. Dan Tierney, a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, said in a statement that the state would appeal the ruling. Iris Harvey, President of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, welcomed the ruling. She said the law "would have been especially burdensome to communities of color and people with low income who already often have the least access to care." Story continues "Politicians have no business blocking patients from the care they need and today the court stopped them in their tracks," she said. The lawsuit was one of a number of legal actions filed by Planned Parenthood since mid-2015. It went to court after two anti-abortion activists released videos purported to show employees of the group negotiating prices for aborted fetal tissue. In January, the activists were indicted by a Texas grand jury on charges of tampering with a government record and Planned Parenthood was cleared of wrongdoing. Then on July 26, prosecutors dropped charges against the activists. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; editing by Grant McCool) From Cosmopolitan Kylie Jenner turned 19 on Wednesday and in her honor, a slew of cool kids including sister Kendall, Hailey Baldwin, and Bella Hadid flew to Turks and Caicos to have a little party. Among Kylie's birthday gifts this year: boxes from designer Alexander Wang, a cute puppy, and a $200,000 Maybach from boyfriend Tyga. If you're a true Kylie fan, you know that she's not a one-present kind of celebrity. Here's a look back at some of the choice birthday gifts she's received in the last few years. 15th Birthday 1. Family dinner at Nobu in Malibu. As the Daily Mail noted that year, Kylie exited the restaurant with a handful of presents. Kourtney and Scott brought along their children Mason and Penelope, who was just a few weeks old when Kylie turned 15. 2. This beautiful floral cake. Seriously, look how beautiful! Photo credit: Instagram 3. A Seventeen cover with sister Kendall. It wasn't a birthday present per se, but it was revealed eight days before Kylie's birthday. Photo credit: Getty 16th Birthday 1. A giant party at the AT&T Center in Los Angeles. They don't call it sweet for nothing. 2. A surprise performance from Drake. A source told E! at the time that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West arranged for Drizzy to show up. Big Sean also showed up. 3. Another beautiful cake. At least four cell phones were also spotted while Kylie blew out her candles. 17th Birthday 1. Dinner at Nobu Malibu. Again! Kylie sure loves this place. 2. Two custom cakes from Tyga. He also offered her a shot of tequila but the whereabouts of that shot remain a mystery. 3. A "Happy Birthday" serenade from Justin Bieber. Aka something the rest of us can only dream of. 4. These custom Kylie hats. According to Us Weekly, it was the Biebs who arranged for these hats to be made. Well done, Justin. Well done. 18th Birthday 1. Dinner at Nice Guy. Because it's where everyone goes when they turn 18, right? 2. A Birkin bag from mama Kris. Sadly, a personal Birkin closet was not included. Story continues 3. A white Ferrari 482 Italia from Tyga. Worth an estimated $320,000. He also wished her a HBD on Instagram. 4. These birthday cakes. Seriously, who makes Kylie's birthday cakes and are they at least affordable to the non-famous? 8. A trip to Mexico with her BFFs. Because going to the mall or the movies when you turn 18 isn't that much fun when you have access to a private jet. 19th Birthday 1. The cutest puppy from her friend Jordyn Woods. Seriously, how adorable is this lil nugget? Meet Penny. 2. This bouncy castle. Always here for some bouncy castle fun. 3. Flowers. So many flowers. Heather gave Kylie 136 peonies/roses while Mike brightened up her day with sunflowers. 4. Another new car! This time, Tyga gifted his lady love with a $200,000 Maybach. 5. A new outfit from Alexander Wang. Wear it in your next selfie, Kylie! 6. An SV Autobiography edition Land Rover. This still counts as a gift, even though Kylie paid for it herself. 7. This customized birthday filter from Snapchat. Makes sense. Photo credit: Snapchat 8. A trip to Turks and Caicos. Treat yourself. 9. Surprise fireworks from Kendall. Because nothing says happy birthday like bright lights and a dozen phones trying to capture said lights. Follow Peggy on Twitter. Washington (AFP) - The Islamic State group's leader in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed, was killed last month in an airstrike in Nangarhar province, the Pentagon said Friday. Saeed was named head of IS's "Khorasan province," which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of neighboring countries, early last year when a group of Pakistani Taliban switched allegiance to the jihadist group. Pentagon deputy press secretary Gordon Trowbridge said the strike came while US and Afghan special operations forces carried out counter-IS operations in southern Nangarhar province throughout July. "During this time, US forces conducted an airstrike targeting Hafiz Saeed Khan, the Islamic State in the Levant-Khorasan emir, in Achin district, Nangarhar province July 26, resulting in his death," Trowbridge said. Saeed "was known to directly participate in attacks against US and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorized Afghans, especially in Nangarhar," he added. Details of the strike were not immediately available, but a US official told the BBC that Saeed was killed by drone. The death of Saeed represents a major setback for the IS group as it tries to establish itself as a serious force in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghan authorities erroneously believed Saeed had been killed in another strike in July 2015, when a US drone targeted dozens of IS-linked cadres in restive Nangarhar province, close to the Pakistani border. That attack came less than six months after another strike in Afghanistan killed Abdul Rauf Khadim, who was thought to be the IS number two in the country. Some Afghan Taliban members have defected to the jihadist group, with insurgents apparently adopting the black IS flag to rebrand themselves as a more lethal force. Most NATO combat troops who had been fighting the Taliban and other insurgent groups have now left Afghanistan, with responsibility for the country's security switching to local forces. Story continues The Afghan troops, however, still rely on US air support and training and have struggled to stem frequent Taliban offensives. The former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike inside Pakistan in May. Both the Pakistani Taliban and IS jihadists have claimed responsibility for a horrific suicide bombing on Monday at a hospital in Pakistan which killed 73 people. The IS group has also claimed responsibility for a July 23 attack in Kabul that killed dozens of people and left hundreds maimed. IS has been trying to expand its presence beyond its so-called "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria, where tens of thousands of jihadists have been killed in air strikes and offensives, but has made only limited progress. Days after the release of the Department of Justice report on the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland's African-American lawmakers are not only seeking reforms, they also want to know the names of the officers involved in incidents of misconduct cited in the report. The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the Baltimore branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are calling for reform, rebuilding community trust, police accountability and an apology. Leonardo DiCaprio may be one of Hollywoods most sought after actors now, but there was a time when the Oscar-winning The Revenant star had to prove himself before landing a role. Vanity Fair reports that when a young Leo first auditioned for Baz Luhrmanns 1996 adaptation of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, the director didnt even know who he was. When I saw Leonardo I thought, god, thats how he should look but can he act? he said during a recent appearance on iHeart Radio. Then I found out he was the preeminent young actor. However, Luhrmann became convinced DiCaprio was right for the part when the actor flew to Australia to prove himself. He came down to Australia and he brought all these friends and we made a whole video of the show with other actors, Luhrmann said. I wont say who, it will never be seen, I realised that I couldnt make it without him. LIMA Peruvian helmer-scribe Enrica Perez, whose lauded feature debut Climas won her the Best Peruvian Film award at the 2014 Lima Film Festival among a string of international prizes, is developing her next pic Sobre el Acantilado. (On Top of the Cliff). Just as Climas explored the world of three women albeit in different parts of Peru the Amazon, Lima and the Andes mountains Acantilado tracks the inner lives of female teens in 1940s Lima while living in a boarding school run by nuns. But Perez hasnt always dealt with femme issues. Her first short, Taxista, was a 2007 adaptation of a short story based on Robert de Niros character in Taxi Driver. Its quite a masculine story; a thriller, she noted. The short won her quick recognition in Peru and New York, including the Adrienne Shelly Award for best female director and the Someone to Watch award from CineWomen, NY. After securing a Masters degree in film directing from Columbia U, she was later accepted at the prestigious La Femis film school in Paris where she made her next short, De Mon Cote (By My Side), which revolves around an incarcerated woman whose visiting daughter tells her not to contact her once she finishes her 10-year sentence. It was only while making Climas that I truly grew more interested in exploring the world of women who are so much more complex, she said. Meanwhile Climas was released on DVD this year in Peru, where it will likely be most available at the renowned DVD stalls of Limas sprawling Polvos Azules black market, where film-savvy bootleggers have legitimized their biz for Peruvian pics, at least, by offering filmmakers as much as $5,000 for local DVD sales rights. Such is the symbiotic relationship between local filmmakers and the vendors that many directors visit the stands to autograph DVD copies of their pics. Just as with Climas, which took some seven years from script to screen, it might be a long wait before Cliff hits theaters. It will take me some time to research, secure the financing and co-producers, Perez said, although she hopes to start shooting by 2018. Most importantly, her most meaningful project, her first baby with Romanian director-husband Florin Serban, is due in December. Story continues Related stories Lima Festival: FiGa Films Nabs Lukas Valenta's Nudist Drama 'A Decent Woman' (EXCLUSIVE) Dardenne Brothers to Make Terrorism-Themed Drama (EXCLUSIVE) 'Oscuro Animal' ('Dark Beast') Hitting More Big Screens (EXCLUSIVE) (Reuters) - One of three schoolgirls who left London in February 2015 to join the Islamic State militant group has died, her family lawyer told Reuters on Thursday. Attorney Tasnime Akunjee said the family of Kadiza Sultana learned of her death in Raqqa, Syria, a few weeks ago. She was believed to have been killed by a Russian air strike in Raqqa, ITV News reported earlier on Thursday. Sultana was making plans to return to Britain and her family was communicating with her to discuss her possible escape from Raqqa, according to an interview published by ITV with Sultana's sister, which includes recordings of purported phone calls between the sisters. Sultana, 16, along with two other friends, flew from London's Gatwick Airport to Turkey on Feb. 17, 2015. The British Home Office and British Interior Ministry could not be reached immediately for a comment. (Reporting by Rama Venkat Raman in Bengaluru; Editing by Dan Grebler and Paul Tait) From House Beautiful Before former President Bill Clinton bought a brick home in Arkansas to convince Hillary Clinton to marry him and before he spent eight years living in the most famous white house in the world, he called this green-trimmed place in Hope, Arkansas home. Clinton's mother moved into the home after his father was tragically killed in an auto accident just three months before Bill was born. The 1917 house was owned by his maternal grandparents, Eldridge and Edith Grisham Cassidy. He spent the majority of his childhood here, until it was sold when he was 10 years old after Clinton's grandfather died. Today, the home serves as a museum for guests looking to learn more about the former president. The interior has been restored to what it looked like during the 1940s and 1950s when Clinton lived there, and was furnished with family photos and memories. Visitors can stroll through the living spaces where he learned to walk and talk, and even take a peek at his bedroom. Take a look: Photo credit: Getty Photo credit: Getty Photo credit: Getty Photo credit: Getty As for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she spent the majority of her childhood in this two-story Park Ridge, Illinois home located in an upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood. However, her parents sold the home in 1987 to move to Arkansas so they could be closer to Hillary, Bill and baby Chelsea. Photo credit: Getty Follow House Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram. amanda fixed train The search for a lost Nazi gold train is back on. Last August, two amateur treasure hunters said they had "irrefutable proof" of the existence of a World War II-era Nazi train, rumored to be filled with stolen gold. Peter Koper and Andreas Richter nazi train Andreas Richter and Piotr Koper claimed they used ground-penetrating radar to locate the train, which is somewhere alongside a railway between the towns of Wroclaw and Walbrzych in southwestern Poland. "The train isn't a needle in a haystack," Andrzej Gaik, a retired teacher and spokesman for the renewed effort to search for the train, told Agence France-Presse. "If it's there, we'll find it," Gaik said. 'There may be a tunnel. There is no train.' nazi train In December, after analyzing mining data, Polish experts said there was no evidence of the buried train. Janusz Madej, from Krakow's Academy of Mining, said the geological survey of the site showed that there was no evidence of a train after using magnetic and gravitation methods. "There may be a tunnel. There is no train," Madej said at a news conference in Walbrzych, according to the BBC. Koper insists that "there is a tunnel and there is a train," and that the results are skewed because of different technology used, The Telegraph reports. Local folklore According to a local myth, the train is believed to have vanished in 1945 with stolen gold, gems, and weapons when the Nazis retreated from the Russia. nazi train During the war, the Germans were building headquarters for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in Walbrzych's medieval Ksiaz Castle, then called the Furstenstein Castle. Below the castle, the Germans built a system of secret tunnels and bunkers, called "Project Riese." The train is in one of these hidden passages, says Tadeusz Slowikowski, the main living source of the train legend. Slowikowski, a retired miner who searched for the train in 2001, believes the Nazis blew up the entrance to the train's tunnel. Story continues "I have lived with this mystery for 40 years, but each time I went to the authorities they always silenced it," Slowikowski told The Associated Press. "For so many years. Unbelievable!" Slowikowski believes it is near the 65th kilometer of railway tracks from Wroclaw to Walbrzych. NOW WATCH: A mysterious lost Nazi train supposedly filled with gold may have been found More From Business Insider SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Ride hailing company Lyft rebuffed acquisition interest from General Motors Co and will raise a new funding round instead, technology website The Information reported on Friday, citing two people familiar with the situation. GM and Lyft representatives did not immediately comment on the report. GM invested $500 million in Lyft in January and has since said it plans to expand its alliance with the ride services company. In a July interview with Reuters, GM President Dan Ammann declined to comment on whether GM would invest more in Lyft. John Zimmer, Lyft's president, said in the same interview that his company had several advisers, including investment bank Qatalyst Partners, but declined to comment on funding plans. Speculation about Lyft's funding plans comes as its larger rival, Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] , has merged its money-losing Chinese operations with those of Chinese rival Did Chuxing in a deal announced earlier this month. Didi will invest $1 billion in Uber operations outside of China, giving Uber more money to use against Lyft and other rivals in the United States, Europe and other markets. Lyft solicited other potential strategic acquirers before opting for the new funding round, said The Information. (Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown) (Adds no comment from GM, Lyft; background on Lyft, Uber Technologies rivalry) SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Ride hailing company Lyft rebuffed acquisition interest from General Motors Co and will raise a new funding round instead, technology website The Information reported on Friday, citing two people familiar with the situation. GM and Lyft representatives did not immediately comment on the report. GM invested $500 million in Lyft in January and has since said it plans to expand its alliance with the ride services company. In a July interview with Reuters, GM President Dan Ammann declined to comment on whether GM would invest more in Lyft. John Zimmer, Lyft's president, said in the same interview that his company had several advisers, including investment bank Qatalyst Partners, but declined to comment on funding plans. Speculation about Lyft's funding plans comes as its larger rival, Uber Technologies Inc, has merged its money-losing Chinese operations with those of Chinese rival Did Chuxing in a deal announced earlier this month. Didi will invest $1 billion in Uber operations outside of China, giving Uber more money to use against Lyft and other rivals in the United States, Europe and other markets. Lyft solicited other potential strategic acquirers before opting for the new funding round, said The Information. (Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown) From Good Housekeeping Your local mall might look a little different starting next year. CNNMoney reports that Macy's is closing 100 of its department stores to help combat disappointing sales. In a press release, Macy's announced it was closing approximately 100 of its 728 stores; most will shutter in early 2017, and the rest will close their doors as leases expire. The company did not announce which stores will close, but said they will inform customers and workers after they make final decisions. They also promised to add more merchandise to stores that are near locations that close. Macy's is going to start focusing more on online sales and adding new vendors to physical stores. "We decided to close a larger number of stores proactively so we can invest in a winning customer experience in our most productive and highest-potential locations, as well as invest in growth sooner and more aggressively in digital and mobile," Macy's president Jeff Gennette said in the press release. Employees at shuttered stores may be offered jobs elsewhere, and others will be offered severance packages. Business Insider reports that Macy's had already closed 41 of its stores in 2015, but its stock went up immediately after its announcement Thursday. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the future of Macy's might be in its made-over store in Easton, Ohio, which has a hair salon, a smoothie bar, health and fitness "ambassadors," and mini-shops from brands like Men's Wearhouse, Lenscrafters, and Bluemercury. Now that's a Macy's we can get behind. UPDATED with statement from Making A Murderer filmmakers: A federal judge in Milwaukee has overturned the conviction of Brendan Dassey, one of two men whose murder convictions were chronicled in the hit Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin ordered that Dassey be released from custody unless, within 90 days of the date of this decision, the State initiates proceedings to retry him. Dassey was convicted in connection with the 2005 death of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach. Dasseys uncle Steven Avery was found guilty of her murder. The 10-episode Making a Murderer chronicled and questioned the murder convictions of Avery and his nephew. After its premiere on December 18, the series garnered huge attention from the public and press. Making a Murderer directors/executive producers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos issued the statement below following the ruling: Today there was a major development for the subjects in our story and this recent news shows the criminal justice system at work. As we have done for the past 10 years, we will continue to document the story as it unfolds, and follow it wherever it may lead. In todays 91-page ruling (read it here), the court found Dasseys confession was involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, according to court documents. Dassey was 17 in 2007 when he was sentenced to 41 years in prison for first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilation of a corpse.But the court ruled today that Dasseys confession was involuntary, and said Dasseys attorney Len Kachinskys misconduct was indefensible. Duffin also wrote that Dasseys learning disabilities made him vulnerable to coercion. Avery, who was convicted in a separate trial, is serving a life sentence and had appealed his conviction. Duffin wrote that Kachinskys misconduct was indefensible, and that investigators repeatedly claimed to already know what happened on [the day of the murder] and assured Dassey that he had nothing to worry about. These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. Story continues RelatedMaking A Murderer Documentary Series Gets New Episodes On Netflix Related stories 'Last Chance U' Renewed For Second Season By Netflix 'The Get Down' Review: Baz Luhrmann's Sprawling Netflix Series Scores Scope Of Hip Hop's Best Netflix Acquires 'VOR;' Russian Mob Novel By Rimma Rose Making a Murderers Brendan Dasseys case is getting overturned, and were happy-crying! Making a Murderers Brendan Dasseys case is getting overturned, and were happy-crying! Weve got some BIG NEWS out of Manitowoc County today. Are you sitting down, because this is MAJOR, friends. Brendan Dasseys case has been overturned, and he is set to be released from jail within 90 days. Theres a small catch, but well get to that in a sec because hold, on, we have to FREAK OUT ABOUT THIS!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG. Earlier today, a judge in Milwaukeee, Wisconsin overturned his case, which youre probably very familiar with since you binge-watched Netflixs Making A Murderer. Dassey, along with his uncle, Steven Avery, were convicted of killing 25-year old Teresa Halbach back in 2005, and have since been serving life sentences for the crime. As Making A Murderer pointed out, there were so many holes, gaps, and cases of false reporting with their conviction and trial, enough to warrant a real deep dive into whether or not Dassey and Avery really killed Teresa. In 2014, Northwestern Universitys Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth brought a petition to the federal court, asking Dasseys case to be reexamined to determine if Dassey had been imprisoned illegally. A lot of our appeal has to do with the actions that Brendans original attorney Len Kachinsky took, which demonstrated his disloyalty to Brendan and his willingness to work with the prosecution to try to get Brendan to plead guilty and testify against Steven Avery, Steven Drizin, one of the attorneys now representing Dassey, explained in a statement . To me, this case is a classic example of how not to interrogate juvenile suspects and the tactics that were used during Brendans interrogation are a recipe for false confessions. Dasseys confession was not coerced, and the state courts decision on Dasseys voluntariness claim did not involve an unreasonable application of clearly established Federal law. As of today, this petition brought before the court has passed, and the judge has ordered Dassey released. There is one small catch, though. The state of Wisconsin could re-try Dassey again, and bring up new charges against him. Its very possible that will happen, but now the click is ticking in less than 90 days, Dassey could be a free man!! The post Making a Murderers Brendan Dasseys case is getting overturned, and were happy-crying! appeared first on HelloGiggles. brendan dassey Brendan Dassey, the "Making a Murderer" subject who was just 17 years old when he was convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach, has had his convictions overturned. Dassey was convicted in 2007 to 41 years in prison on first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse. John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel is reporting that Dassey will go free in 90 days if state prosecutors do not refile charges. According to TMZ, a federal judge in Milwaukee ruled that Dassey's constitutional rights were violated when authorities questioned him without an adult present. Additionally, the judge said that Dassey's learning disabilities made him more susceptible to coercion by interrogators. Further, the judge disapproved of the interrogators' use of bluffing during Dassey's questioning. They told the teen at least 21 times that they knew exactly what happened to Halbach. The judge felt that would have had larger than usual effect on Dassey. Dassey is one of the primary subjects of Netflix's hit true-crime docuseries "Making a Murderer," which tracks the trials of both Dassey and his uncle Steven Avery, who were both convicted for the 2005 murder of Halbach on their family property in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Many who watched "Making a Murderer" were particularly aghast at the treatment of Dassey, who is learning-disabled and whose interrogation with police may have been marred by "interview contamination" in which police let details slip to potential witnesses or suspects, leading them to believe and repeat certain facts. Dassey goes free in 90 days if state does not refile #makingofamurderer John Diedrich (@john_diedrich) August 12, 2016 NOW WATCH: The attorneys from Making a Murderer talk about whether an impartial jury is even possible More From Business Insider Less than a month away from kicking off their Latino Power Tour, Mana has added two additional dates to their Fall trek in the U.S. With multiple dates already sold out in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix, the Mexican rock band is adding a second show in Chicago (Oct. 22) and a brand new Nov. 11 gig in Oakland. Tickets for the new dates will go on sale Aug. 19. The Latino Power Tour kicks off Sept. 9 in San Diego and is being billed as call to vote for Latinos nationwide. "We have baptized our new tour 'Latino Power,' because with the strength of their collective vote this year, U.S. Latinos can further empower our community -- demanding more respect and effecting real change in the living conditions and opportunities for our people," Mana's frontman, Fher Olvera, said earlier this year. Mana & Nicky Jam Team Up for New Version of 'De Pies A Cabeza' The chart-topping Latin band recently debuted the new version of their 1990s hit "De pies a cabeza" featuring reggaetonero Nicky Jam. The reggae-infused new track is the first collab between the two Latin superstars. "We had been wanting to do something and Nicky Jam is a very talented man, and yes it is a different genre but all the genres can mix," explained Olvera in a statement. Check out the "De pies a cabeza" ft. Nicky Jam lyric video below: Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Belgian winger Adnan Januzaj has joined Sunderland on a season-long loan from Manchester United, his new club announced on Friday. The move will reunite Januzaj, 21, with Sunderland manager David Moyes, who gave him his United debut in August 2013. Januzaj made a strong impression in the 2013-14 season, but failed to hold down a first-team place at United and spent the first half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund. "Adnan will give us a different variation," Moyes told a press conference. "I have to get him back to the level he played at two years ago. "He will get every opportunity to do the business. I'm hoping the Sunderland fans will see the real Adnan Januzaj." Sunderland have not revealed if the deal contains an option to buy. Januzaj is the third United player to have joined Sunderland this week, after fellow 21-year-olds Paddy McNair and Donald Love signed on permanent deals on Thursday. Sunderland have also signed Senegalese centre-back Papy Djilobodji. Sunderland open their Premier League campaign at Manchester City on Saturday, when all four new signings could make their debuts. A new era for Manchester United begins. After missing out on the top four last season, Manchester United will not participate in the Champions League for the second time in three years. This led Manchester United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, with no choice but to sack Louis Van Gaal and hire Jose Mourinho. Most supporters will feel its best to forget about the two seasons under Van Gaal, its time to look ahead and pray the word boring or dull wont be used again to sum up the sides performances this campaign. Despite the FA Cup success, the Dutchmans overall work in the Champions League was embarrassing alongside the away form in the Premier League. The new additions When it comes to Jose Mourinho and his activities in the transfer window, they happen fast - very fast. With Manchester United suffering for three years, it meant there was no excuse this summer, the money had to be spent in order to restore their pride and challenge for the title once again. The Reds have bought Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba. One or two more additions could be possible with still another couple of weeks until the transfer window is closed. But the new signings have improved the squad massively, from potentially challenging for the top four to finishing in the top two. [MANCHESTER UNITED 2016-17 PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES] On Ibrahimovic, its a tough one, but his goal-scoring record and leadership is something that the club has been missing. Quite a few United defenders have failed to reach their potential and to keep fit, whilst Bailly has been impressive during pre-season and could compete for a regular start at the heart of defence. The lack of creativity was mentioned on numerous occasions last year, the arrival of Mkhitaryan is the perfect solution. In midfield, the side was missing a world-class central midfielder or an individual with the potential to become such. Paul Pogba is a player with that potential - the Frenchman has to make a big statement this season to show why he was worth every penny. Story continues Key player The club have lacked a lot of pace and creativity over the years, alongside his versatility, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the individual that will be part of every Manchester United attack. Whether its creating a chance or converting it, the Armenian is set to be the key man for Jose Mourinhos tactical plans. The playmaker hasnt received enough praise ahead of the new season. Mkhitaryan had a fantastic campaign at Dortmund, arguably his best, completing 11 goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga. The 27-year-old produced 67 chances, 19 more than Juan Mata as well completing the same amount of take-ons as Anthony Martial. [THE HIGHEST-PAID FOOTBALLERS IN THE WORLD] Do-or-die for the captain Wayne Rooney has gotten away with many poor performances since being announced as Manchester Uniteds captain, this could hamper the chances of winning the league title in the first year of a new era. Jose Mourinho dealt with a similar problem like this at Chelsea, when he left the captain, John Terry, on the bench for a couple of games. Its already been confirmed by the manager that Rooney would only be used as an attacker either as a striker or central attacking midfielder. He only has one record to break as a Manchester United player, which the clubs all-time goal-scoring record and is only six goals away from breaking it. Having won nearly each competition he has played in besides the Europa League, it would seem that Rooney only has his legendary status to play for. Strengths The quality within the club was a problem for quite some time, last year the Red Devils only had enough to challenge for a top four finish, but now they will be able to challenge for the league title without a doubt. Manchester United will also have more fire power this season. The club was laughed at during the times of David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal and would have fallen further behind if a born winner had not been appointed. Big signings arriving on top of the change in management means Manchester United are well on their way to regaining the crucial fear factor that all of Europes elite posses. Weaknesses After the signing of Pogba, Mourinho has a new concern which is none other than the clubs defence. The squad perhaps needs another centre-back and a right-back. Chris Smalling will most likely be a first choice defender once his suspension is over, which will leave either Daley Blind or Eric Bailly as his partner at the heart of defence. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are still available as back-up options, but its been reported that Mourinho has little faith in them. Alongside this, Bailly will leave at the start of 2017 to represent his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, which will mean the club will have very limited options for quite a few key fixtures. As for the full-back options, the Red Devils are short on choices too. With Rojo behind Blind as the understudy for Luke Shaw for the left-back role, meaning the Argentine will be up for sale with the remaining weeks of the transfer window. This would lead to Blind being used at centre-back when needed, leaving Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as the last back-up option, who has already proved to be a reliable player last season if Mourinho needs the youngster to replace Shaw due to injury or suspension. Ander Herrera believes Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is one of the best players in the world in his position At right-back, it seems like a lot work is needed. Both Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia complete a good shift when needed, but havent done enough to show they can be the long-term solution for the club in that position. Recent reports in Brazil have revealed information on Mourinho being interested in AS Monacos Fabinho, it would not be a total surprise if a deal is in place before the window closes. Who should be sold? Jose Mourinho prefers to work with a small squad and has told the players who will be part of his plans ahead of the new season and which individuals will have to look for a new club with the remaining time left. With the Europa League fixture on Thursday nights, it might be important for Mourinho to keep the squad a bit bigger than what he normally expects. If it came down to a few players being sold due to an offer that cant be refused or to take them off the wage bill, it would be either of these trio Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini or Marcos Rojo. Manchester Uniteds best XI With the current squad members, here is the personal take of Uniteds best XI for this season. De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Shaw Carrick, Schneiderlin, Pogba; Martial, Mkhitaryan; Ibrahimovic. League prediction A top three finish for Jose Mourinhos first season at the club would be a minimum, an aim the club should be able to achieve with ease. Not to forget, Mourinhos growing concern of the defence will surely lead him to buying a defensive addition, which will lead the Red Devils to the league title for the 21st time. Premier League 1st place Beirut (AFP) - The jihadist Islamic State group, which on Friday seized around 2,000 civilians in northern Syria, has already carried out several mass abductions in the country: - February 23-26, 2015: IS kidnaps more than 220 Assyrian Christians as it seizes territory around Tal Tamr in Hasakeh province. The fighting and kidnappings prompt around 5,000 people to flee, with many seeking refuge in the city of Qamishli which is controlled by Kurdish and regime forces and Hasakeh city, the provincial capital. The IS reportedly releases some of the Christians after negotiations. - In early August, 2015, IS abducts 270 Christians in a central Syrian town known as a symbol of religious coexistence, Al-Qaryatain. They are kept in an underground dungeon some 90 kilometres (56 miles) away. Most are freed 25 days later and the area is retaken by regime forces in April, 2016. - January 16, 2016: 400 civilians abducted following an IS assault on the city of Deir Ezzor and taken to regions the jihadists control in the west of the province as well as to the neighbouring province of Raqa, an IS stronghold. On January 20, 270 of the 400 are freed after being interrogated by the IS on their links with the regime. - April 4, 2016: IS abducts more than 300 workers at a cement factory outside the town of Dmeir, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of Damascus. Four days later the group agrees to free most of the workers, and the IS-linked Amaq agency says around 300 are freed, but 20 accused of belonging to a pro-government militia are not. It says four were executed because they were Druze, an offshoot of Islam considered heretical by IS. - August 12, 2016: IS seizes around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields" as they flee their former stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces Arab-Kurdish alliance expelled most of the IS fighters from Manbij the previous week, but dozens continued to resist. They withdrew from northern Manbij and headed for the IS-held town of Jarabulus along the border with Turkey, taking their captives with them. robin williams matt damon In a new interview, Matt Damon gave a moving recollection of a famous scene from "Good Will Hunting" that he acted in with Robin Williams, who died two years ago on August 11, 2014. Speaking with JOE.ie, Damon recalled Williams' performance in the emotional park-bench scene. "I had probably one or two lines in that. It was Robin's scene," Damon said. "And when he was just crushing it on the first take, I just went, 'This is gonna be really good.'" Damon went on to describe how he recently took his family to Boston Commons to visit the same bench where the scene was filmed. "I walked over there with my family and we sat on the bench," he said. "The kids didn't know, they've never seen the movie, they're too young. But it was nice to go back and think about him back there." "Good Will Hunting" received nine Academy Award nominations in 1998. Damon and Ben Affleck won for best original screenplay, and Williams won for best supporting actor, his first and only Oscar. Watch the interview and a clip from the scene below: NOW WATCH: We took a ride around NYC in the new Ghostbusters car which is actually a 1984 Cadillac hearse More From Business Insider Decades before Donald Trump would rise to the Republican presidential nomination, a political activist from New Hampshire saw in him the makings of a commander-in-chief and planted a seed. Mike Dunbar, now 69, launched a Draft Trump campaign in 1987, based largely on what he had read about Trumps career in the Wall Street Journal. At the time, though Trump said he was not planning to run for office, he was making headlines for speaking out with his views about world events (and his then-forthcoming book, The Art of the Deal). Dunbar ventured to Trump Tower, sat opposite the real-estate mogul at a large stone desk the biggest piece of stone I think Ive ever seenand arranged for Trump to speak to the Rotary Club in Portsmouth, N.H., on Oct. 22, 1987. Nearly 30 years later, Trump is still the candidate Dunbar wants to elect president. I think the surprising thing about him is he hasnt changed a lot. What I saw in him then was a brashness and a determination of purpose that was lacking in everyone else, Dunbar told TIME in an interview. Hes still the guy I met in 1987. The two kept up correspondence briefly after Trumps visit to Portsmouth, as Trump wrote to convey his gratitude and his interest in discussing Dunbars campaign ideas. I really appreciate your friendship You have created a very exciting part of my life On to the future, Trump inscribed in a hardcover copy of The Art of the Deal for Dunbar in December 1987. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter I just wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten your support or friendship and that shortly after the general election (or sooner if you think appropriate) which George Bush may unfortunately end up losing, I would like to meet with you to discuss some of your ideas, he wrote in a typed letter on Trump stationary dated May 17, 1988, before noting that his book had set all sorts of records. Story continues George H.W. Bush did not end up losing the 1988 election, but Trump continued to stay in touch with Dunbar, donating to his 1989 campaign for the Portsmouth City Council and writing to congratulate him when he won. In the intervening years, Dunbar left politics to raise his son and left the Republican Party to become an undeclared voter, concluding that the GOP was dominated by elite politicians who were so out of touch with ordinary people. Trump has made that sentiment a talking point throughout his presidential bid, campaigning as the anti-establishment candidate running against a rigged system. Dunbar hasnt attended any of Trumps New Hampshire rallies this year, but he voted for him in the states primary and plans to do so again in November. Ill probably put a Trump sign out on my lawn, he said, adding that he will donate to Trumps campaign. Beyond that, I try not to interfere. Considering all the campaign has now become, Dunbar expressed some awe that Trumps presidential ambitions can, in a way, be traced directly back to him. Sometimes I think, how did I do this? I planted a seed that has taken root and is now growing into a tree, he said. I dont know what to make of it. Is it fate? Why me? Dunbar cites Trumps negotiating abilities, his understanding of the countrys problems and his refusal to be politically correct as reasons he still supports him. My faith is strengthened by the fact that he hasnt changed, Dunbar said. If he is elected, and he does the things he says hes going to do, itll be really good for the country, and Ill be glad I did it. BERLIN (Reuters) - Approval ratings for German Chancellor Angela Merkel fell sharply last month, a poll showed on Friday, in the second sign of a voter backlash to her refugee policy since Islamist militant attacks in Germany last month. With just over a year before a federal election, the poll for public broadcaster ZDF gave conservative Merkel an approval rating of 1.0, down from 1.4 in July on a scale of 5.0 to -5.0. She came fourth in a ranking of politicians behind the Green state premier of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, Social Democrat Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and conservative Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. The next electoral test for her conservatives comes in state elections next month in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that are expected to see a strong showing from the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merkel's open-door migrant policy is under intense scrutiny after two attacks claimed by the jihadist militant group Islamic State last month. The poll showed only 44 percent of Germans think her migrant policy is good and 52 percent view it as bad. Although Germany has been spared Islamist attacks on the scale of those in France and Belgium, attacks on a train near Wuerzburg and at a music festival in Ansbach have shaken Germans and prompted the government to propose a range of new security measures. The poll also showed 54 percent of Germans think the EU's disputed migrant deal with Turkey will fail. Some 35 percent believe the European Union's talks with Ankara over Turkish membership in the bloc should be stopped due to the political situation in Turkey. Germans are worried about the integration of more than a million migrants who arrived last year alone, many fleeing war in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Only two weeks ago, Merkel repeated her mantra that Germany could manage the influx of refugees and said she would not change course. Under the refugee deal, Turkey has agreed to help stem the flow of migrants to Europe in exchange for financial aid and the promise of visa-free travel to much of the EU. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Metro Scenes from an urban stage Line A near La Paz, Mexico City, 2011. (Photograph by Stan Raucher) During the past eight years, Stan Raucher has spent countless hours riding and taking photographs on metro systems around the world. His candid photos capture ordinary people, from elderly couples and mothers with children to young lovers, friends and workers, going about their daily lives as they pass through the crush of this subterranean realm traveling to and from work and other destinations. Metro, Rauchers new monograph, provides an intimate glimpse into the variety of human emotions and interactions that occur on this most democratic of urban stages. Raucher took the photographs in Metro between 2007 and 2014 during numerous trips he made to 15 cities on four continents, capturing the metro systems of New York City, Mexico City, San Francisco, Paris, Budapest, Naples, London, Warsaw, Rome, Prague, Vienna, Sao Paulo, Lima, Delhi and Shanghai. Each scene in "Metro" invites the viewer to contemplate the situation and generate a personal narrative that reflects the universal thread that connects all humanity, as well as characteristics that are unique to each culture and location. On making Metro, Raucher comments: As individuals interact with one another in these tightly packed public spaces, occasionally extraordinary situations that are unexpected, mysterious, humorous or poignant unfold. A strange or wonderful juxtaposition, a spontaneous gesture, a concealed mood or a hidden emotion may materialize and then vanish in a split-second " Raucher is an award-winning photographer who has been documenting aspects of the human condition around the world for over a decade. His photographs have been featured in 20 solo exhibitions and included in over 60 juried group shows. His work has been published in Slate, LensWork, Black & White magazine, the Daily Mail, the Independent, Lenscratch, F-Stop Magazine, Shots Magazine and the Havana Times. He was a 2012, 2013 and 2015 Critical Mass finalist, a 2012 CDS/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography finalist and a 2015 PX3 Bronze Award winner, and he received a 2015 Artist Trust GAP Award. His prints are held by museums, institutions and private collectors. Metro: Scenes From an Urban Stage, which was published by Daylight Books, includes a foreword by Ed Kashi and an essay by Marlaine Glicksman. See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. During the In-Depth Interview, Asimos Answered a Variety of Interesting Questions about How He Got Started in the Wine Industry, and what Keeps Him Motivated LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Michael Asimos, a wine importer and exporter from Portland, Oregon who loves jazz and travel as much as a good bottle of wine, is pleased to announce that he was recently featured in an interview on RookstoolInterviews.com. The website features in-depth interviews with executives from around the country. To read the interview in its entirety, people may visit http://rookstoolinterviews.com/michael-asimos/ at any time. Asimos answered a number of thought-provoking questions during the interview. For example, when asked how he got into the wine industry, he recalled how working at an Italian restaurant during college taught him about wines and how certain varieties pair better with certain foods. "From there I just went down the rabbit hole learning all I could about wines and where they come from," he said, adding that while some people are obsessed with hobbies like birding, he is fascinated with wines. "There's so much to learn, even now. The industry continues to expand and surprise me every day." Having a good understanding of wine and knowing what his customers really enjoy helps Asimos in his day-to-day work as an importer and exporter, he said. "My time in the service industry during college really prepared me for exceeding my clients' demands by offering something new and interesting that I think they will like," he said. "You have to get to know each client very well and deepen the relationships with them. I would not be where I am today without learning how to service customers in a restaurant years ago." As for how he keeps himself motivated, for Asimos, the answer is simple. "I enjoy what I do so it's easy for me to stay motivated," he said. To further inspire his love of wine, Asimos said he loves visiting wineries around the world to learn about other people's interests and passions for wine. His favorite wineries to visit include Bodegas Ysios in Spain and the Chateau Pichon-Lalande in France which he described as his personal "Holy Grail of wine." Story continues While he is hesitant to brag about his success in the wine industry, Asimos said he is pleasantly surprised by how well his wine company is doing. "It still remains a small operation servicing lifelong friends and customers around the world," he said. About Michael Asimos: Michael Asimos is a wine enthusiast, jazz lover, and seasoned traveler from Portland, Oregon. To learn more about Mr. Asimos, please follow him on Twitter. https://twitter.com/mike_asimos. Contact: Esther Owens admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: Michael Asimos Michael Moore has written an open letter to Ivanka Trump beseeching her to intervene and put an end to her father Donald Trump's controversy-mired presidential campaign. The filmmaker posted the letter on his personal site, saying that he wrote it to Ivanka as her "dad is not well," citing his recent "call for gun owners to commit acts of violence against" Hillary Clinton in particular as the basis for "an intervention." Moore, who describes Ivanka as "a very smart and together woman," implores her to convince Trump to quit the race but suggests it won't be easy and offers advice on how to go about it from a former counselor and social worker friend of his. The director ends by saying that he has "faith" that Ivanka can do this and that "the entire nation - in fact, the entire world - needs you to step forward and do the courageous thing history will praise you for." Read more: Ivanka Trump Introduces Father Donald Trump in Full 2016 Republican National Convention Speech The full text of the letter is below: Dear Ivanka: I'm writing to you because your dad is not well. Every day he continues his spiral downward - and after his call for gun owners to commit acts of violence against Mrs. Clinton, it is clear he needs help, serious help. His comments and behavior have become more and more bizarre and detached from reality. He is in need of an intervention. And I believe only you can conduct it. He trusts you. He believes in you. Although I don't know you personally, you seem to be a very smart and together woman. I think he will listen to you. He must because he is now not simply a danger to himself, he has put the next president of the United States in harms way. He has encouraged and given permission to the unhinged and the deranged to essentially assassinate Hillary Clinton. Her life is now in worse danger than it already was - and should anything happen, that will not only be on his head but also on those closest to him if they stand by and do nothing. I say this with the utmost kindness, care and concern for you, and I know you will do the right thing. Bring him in, off the road, away from the crowds. Now. Tonight. Story continues And when you do, here is what a good friend of mine, a former counselor and social worker, Jeff Gibbs, suggests that you say to him: "Dad, we need to have a chat. Are you feeling okay? Do you have a minute? Please sit down. Because this isn't going to be easy. No, I am not pregnant. No, what is going on is is I am really, really worried about my father. About you. Dad, I owe everything to you. You've built an empire, a brand and a business for the ages. You have taken care of me, inspired me and, through your example, have made me who I am: a self-confident, honest-to-a-flaw, woman. But Dad, I am deeply worried. You haven't been yourself lately. The father I know is not a hater, not someone who encourages violence. Dad, you used to be A LIBERAL. You raised me as a liberal! The Clintons were your friends - Chelsea is one of my best friends! And now you're joking that Hillary should be assassinated? Really? Dad, I hate to say this, but you're making me scared, you're making my friends scared, and you're scaring the whole country. Dad Dad, sit down! They'll wait. I am not finished. Don't get angry. Try to listen. Yes, I know they love it, the crowd goes wild. But not for YOU. They don't love YOU. They love the show that you put on. But people that hunger for red meat will turn on you in a minute. No, they don't love you. I love you. I will always love you. And I see you hurting yourself - and you're hurting ME, Dad. Don't get upset! You're still the handsomest billionaire I know. I will always love you. Melania will always love you. Vladimir will always love you OK, maybe that wasn't funny. But you get my point. This running for President thing is destroying the dad I have known and loved. And honestly, you and I both know you didn't really want this job to begin with! You just wanted to make a point. Ok, well, POINT MADE! You did it! Now, let's stop and get some help. Read more: Ivanka Trump on Her Father Donald Trump: "I Could Never Support Someone Who Was Sexist or Racist" I am asking you, right now, to give it up. To leave the race. Let that nice man from Indiana run things. Your place in history is secure. You need to withdraw. Move on, for your sake, for the country's sake, for my sake. The man who raised me was the man who, for no charge, built a huge ice rink in Central Park for all the people to use! You struck deals with some of the biggest assholes on the planet in finance and politics and yet remained friends, mostly. You built a family that loves you. I want that dad back! And I worry that, if you don't stop now, neither you nor the country will ever recover. There, there, Dad, it's okay, let it out. Let it out because I know beneath that gruff, tough, handsome exterior is a little boy who just never got enough love. And that little boy needs some time to find himself again. Let's you and I walk out there now right now. The cameras are all set up and waiting. You can make up whatever excuse you want. You can blame whomever you want. You're good at that! I just know this can't go on, and you know it, too. Take my hand, let's end this. And by tomorrow you and I will be sipping Martinis on our yacht in the Hamptons with Chelsea and the friends we still have left. I love you, Dad. Let's do this. That's right, take my hand, here we go" Ivanka, I have faith in you that you can do this. I know I've called your dad "crazy" before, but I was speaking politically, not clinically. This has gone beyond "crazy". The entire nation - in fact, the entire world - needs you to step forward and do the courageous thing history will praise you for: the loving act of a brilliant daughter who also loved her beleaguered country enough to say her father wasn't well and needed help. Thank you, Ivanka. Yours, Michael Moore Read more: Melania Trump at GOP Convention: "It Would Not Be a Trump Contest Without Excitement and Drama" Pointe-a-Pitre (AFP) - Two Singapore-born manatees which were flown halfway around the world this week under a programme to restore Caribbean populations of the endangered sea cows are settling in well in Guadeloupe, their carers said. The giant, slow-moving, whiskered herbivores became extinct in the French overseas territory in the early 20th century. Kai, seven, and Junior, six, were both born and bred at Singapore Zoo. On Monday, the two were flown 19,600 kilometres (12,200 miles) to their new tropical home, where the gentle sloth-like male mammals received a rapturous welcome. Guadeloupe National Park said Thursday the pair, who were regularly sprayed with water during their 34-hour journey in open-top crates, were "doing well" after their voyage. "The first signs are positive," one of their minders said. "They are starting to interact with their carers and to feed and keep hydrated," he told reporters. The new arrivals, who weigh between 500 kilogrammes and 700 kg (1,100 and 1,540 pounds), were released into Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, a 15,000-hectare (37,000-acre) protected bay, where they are expecting company shortly. Over the next five years they will be joined by 13 other manatees supplied by zoos around the world, 10 of which will be female. Any offspring from the group will be released into the wild. Kai and Junior's arrival is the culmination of a decade-long effort to reintroduce the aquatic giants behind mermaid myths -- perhaps because they rise out of the water and can turn their heads -- that hit several snags along the way. The first specimens had been expected to arrive from Brazil in 2014 but Brazil backed out of the agreement in 2015, leaving Guadeloupe high and dry. Known locally as "maman d'lo" or mother of the sea, West Indian manatees were an important part of the French territory's ecology before being hunted to extinction in the early 1900s. A mammal that can grow to up to 4.5 metres (15 feet) in length, the species inhabits warm coastal waters, mangrove swamps and estuaries where it grazes on plants. Story continues The manatee is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Discussion of the repopulation programme started in 2007 and included educating the Guadeloupe public about the animals, US-based project consultant Ray Ball told AFP. "You can't reintroduce an animal species to a country if the people don't want it," he said. - Casting net wide - Kai and Junior, whose ancestors came from across the Caribbean in Guyana, were donated by Singapore Zoo. "We never thought we'd have to go that far for them," Herve Magnin, head of the heritage department at Guadeloupe National Park said. Relief over their arrival was palpable in Guadeloupe, which had feared any further delays to starting the programme would jeopardise 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) in funding from the European Union, the project's main backer. Magnin said the delays in getting the manatees to Guadeloupe had also made it a battle to keep people involved in project "Life Sirenia" motivated. "We needed animals," he said Guadeloupe is now in discussions with Mexico, Guyana and Colombia on receiving other manatees in the coming months. The national park's director, Maurice Anselme, said the aim was to have a broad selection of specimens "to avoid inbreeding and have a healthy herd." By Jeffrey Dastin and Jim Finkle (Reuters) - Airlines will likely suffer more disruptions like the one that grounded about 2,000 Delta (DAL.N) flights this week because major carriers have not invested enough to overhaul reservations systems based on technology dating to the 1960s, airline industry and technology experts told Reuters. Airlines have spent heavily to introduce new features such as automated check-in kiosks, real-time luggage tracking and slick mobile apps. But they have avoided the steep cost of rebuilding their reservations systems from the ground up, former airline executives said. Scott Nason, former chief information officer at American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O), said long-term investments in computer technology were a tough sell when he worked there. "Most airlines were on the verge of going out of business for many years, so investment of any kind had to have short pay-back periods," said Nason, who left American in 2009 and is now an independent consultant. The reservations systems of the biggest carriers mostly run on a specialized IBM (IBM.N) operating system known as Transaction Processing Facility, or TPF. It was designed in the 1960s to process large numbers of transactions quickly and is still updated by IBM, which did a major rewrite of the operating system about a decade ago. A host of special features, ranging from mobile check-ins to seat selection and cabin upgrades, are built on top of the TPF core, or connected to it. "They have surrounded that old industry infrastructure with modern technology," said Bob Edwards, United Continental Holdings Inc's (UAL.N) former chief information officer until 2014. "Those systems have to always reach back into the old core technologies to retrieve a reservation or to figure out who flies between Dallas and New York City." When a power outage shuts off that reservations system - as happened on Monday to Delta Air Lines Inc's "Deltamatic" system - TPF falls out of sync with the newer technologies that passenger service agents use to assist travelers, Edwards said. Story continues Airlines are then forced to cancel flights as demands from stranded customers flood their employees - who meanwhile are handling bookings on an older platform without their familiar, modern tools, he said. Several years ago, it took United six hours to recover from a test shutdown, thanks to complications with the many add-ons built atop TPF, Edwards said. Other recent disruptions include one in July that prompted Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) to cancel over 2,000 flights and two outages last summer at United Continental. PRESSURE FOR PROFITS Delta spokeswoman Kate Modolo said in a statement that a small fire on Monday resulted in a "massive failure" at the airline's technology center. Delta was forced to cancel flights because critical systems did not switch over to backup power as intended, she said. Reuters sent Delta and other major carriers detailed questions on TPF infrastructure and their technology investments. Modolo did not answer whether Delta relies on TPF, but said "the functionality of the IT programs we use" was not an issue. She had no comment on whether Delta had decreased or increased its spending on back-end technology over the past decade. "We have a new CIO who has a go-forward plan to ensure Delta is on the cutting edge of customer service technology while strengthening our IT infrastructure so that it is reliable, redundant and nimble," she said in a statement. Most big airlines, including the four largest in the United States - American, Delta, United and Southwest - rely on TPF in some form, industry experts said. In response to questions from Reuters, those airlines did not answer whether their aging systems put them at risk of future disruptions, but all stressed that they are upgrading their technology and are focused on reliability. Southwest, for example, said it is in the process of replacing its reservations system. Earlier this week, in a video statement, Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said: "Over the last three years, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars on technology infrastructure upgrades and systems including backup systems to prevent what happened yesterday from occurring. I'm sorry that it happened." U.S. and Canadian airlines are projected to spend an average of 3 percent of their revenue on information technology this year - compared to 8 percent by commercial banks and 4 percent by healthcare firms, according to Computer Economics, a firm that tracks IT spending. Nason cautioned that comparing technology spending by airlines to some other industries, including banking, can be tricky. Banks have lower capital costs and they rely more heavily on information technology for their core business. Still, technology experts say that level of spending by the major airlines is not sufficient, pointing to the recent failures as evidence. Part of the challenge is that U.S. airlines are under pressure from investors to top recent record profits and boost stock prices, even as economic troubles overseas have reduced travel demand. Delta, for example, is looking to boost its operating profit margin to between 17 percent and 19 percent by 2018. That's up from last year's margin target of 14 percent to 16 percent. FEAR OF FAILURE Airlines have also held off on making major network upgrades out of fear that systems could fail during the transition, making them feel that they cannot afford to take them down to add equipment, install patches and perform other maintenance, said Gartner analyst Mark Jaggers. Some consumer groups have called on airlines to do a better job at planning for disruptions like the one this week at Delta, which affected hundreds of thousands of passengers over four days. "It is unfair to the traveling public that the cost of under-investment in needed equipment be shifted and placed on the back of air travelers," said travel consumer advocates Paul Hudson and Charlie Leocha in a letter to the heads of the U.S. Transportation Department and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday. Henry Harteveldt, founder of the travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group, said some airlines are choosing to risk outages that might cost them $20 million to $40 million rather than invest, for example, $100 million on technology upgrades. He believes investors and the general public will apply increasing pressure on airlines to avoid outages at any cost. "We cannot afford, as a nation, for any of our airlines to be rendered useless by a technology failure," Harteveldt said. Yet it can be hard to convince airline management that the cost-benefit analysis justifies the major investments to make their computer systems truly fail-safe, said Edwards, the former United chief information officer. "When fuel prices are low and there's extra cash on hand, they want to spend it on the cool shiny things like planes and mobile apps," he said. "Nobody gets excited about the data center." (Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Brian Thevenot) By David Francis and Adam Rawnsley Spin cycle: A new report from a House task force, formed by Republicans to investigate allegations that the U.S. Central Command had manipulated Islamic State-related intelligence in 2014 and 2015, determined that military officials presented an overly positive spin on the progress of the U.S. fight against the Islamic State. As FPs Molly OToole reports, the findings fell short of explicitly charging the Obama administration with lying about progress against the terror group, but it gives Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump a new line of attack against his Democratic counterpart. OToole: The new evidence that the U.S. war against the Islamic State may not be going as well as the administration has claimed makes it easier for Trump to accuse Obama of intentionally misrepresenting the facts on the ground or to argue that the president was so incompetent that that he didnt even realize that he was being misled by his commanders. Tell me lies: Meanwhile, Trump continues to insist that President Obama and Hillary Clinton somehow founded the Islamic State, a notion that has been debunked many times before. The GOP presidential candidate was given an opportunity to change his story by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday. Heres their exchange. You meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace, Hewitt said. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do, Trump responded. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. Hewitts response: But hes not sympathetic to them, referring to Obama. He hates them. Hes trying to kill them. I dont care, Trump said. He was the founder. His, the way he got out of Iraq was that, that was the founding of ISIS, OK? In case youre wondering who actually founded the Islamic State, experts agree its Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and earlier, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Trump now claims he was being sarcastic. Story continues Weighing in: The United States Holocaust Museum, a federally-funded organization that typically avoids policy positions, is taking an activist stand on the Syrian civil war and the growing death toll in eastern Aleppo. As FPs John Hudson reports, the museum is airing a video showing distressed Syrians and a Syrian-American aid worker calling for the creation of a no-fly zone or humanitarian corridor. Both proposals have been rejected by Obama for years. Hudson: The video titled #SaveSyria documents recent atrocities faced by Syrians in Aleppo, which is under intense bombardment by Damascus after a surprise advance by rebels last weekend. Read his report here. Halt and stop fire: Republican Sen. Rand Paul, citing concerns over Saudi Arabias human rights record in Yemen, is now exploring ways to stop a $1.15 billion weapons deal with Riyadh that would include the sale of 130 Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored vehicles, and other military equipment. Hudson: Pauls pledge comes as Saudi Arabia resumed its bombardment of the Yemeni capital of Sanaa following the collapse of peace talks in Kuwait between representatives of the government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. According to the U.N., at least 6,400 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict while more than 2.8 million have been displaced from their homes. Paul faces an uphill battle. The main beneficiary of the deal is General Dynamics Land Systems, a massive defense contractor that wields significant clout on Capitol Hill. The State Department is also defending the proposed deal. Breaking overnight: Five provinces in Thailand have been hit by 11 bombings in less than a day. Authorities say at least four people are dead and more than 30 are injured. Its still not clear if the bombings are connected to each other, and no one has claimed responsibility for them. Welcome to SitRep, where Im filling in for Paul, whos on a short but well-earned holiday. Hell be back at the helm Monday. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley. 2016 Were learning a little more about the bizarre cyber-espionage subplot of the 2016 presidential campaign from two new stories. First, Bloomberg reports that a mysterious website, which popped up this summer, is offering documents from the George Soros-funded Open Society Foundations and emails from the private account of Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former NATO supreme allied commander. The site may be tied to the same group of Russian hackers who broke into the Democratic National Committee. Officials from Open Society say they reported a breach of their networks to the FBI back in June. The Intercept, which first reported on DC Leaks websites offerings, confirmed that some of the published emails were, in fact, sent by Breedlove. The Democratic party may have known about the Russian hack of its own networks for at least a year, according to Reuters. The wire service reports that intelligence officials briefed the Congressional Gang of Eight, which includes the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate as well as the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees, in the summer of 2015, telling them that Russian government hackers were targeting the Democratic party. The briefing, however, may not have done much good. The Islamic State A 17-year-old British girl who fled to Syria to join the Islamic State has been killed by a Russian airstrike against the self-styled caliphates capital in Raqqa. ITV News spoke to Kadiza Sultanas family and unidentified sources in Raqqa, who say she was killed when a Russian bomb hit a building where she was staying back in May. Sultana fled to Syria at the age of 15 along with two other London schoolgirls. Family members, however, say she had grown weary of life under the Islamic States rule and was contemplating a return home at the time of her death. Libya Libyan forces aligned with the countrys internationally recognized government have made progress assaulting the Islamic States stronghold in the city of Sirte, but theres still more work to be done, the New York Times reports. This week, American special operations troops on the ground and warplanes in the sky helped Libyan forces kick the jihadist group out of a convention center it was using as a headquarters. Nonetheless, Libyan military commanders say Islamic State fighters still hold three other neighborhoods in the city. Fighters from the group downed a Libyan Air Force jet on Wednesday, highlighting the threat they still pose despite being besieged. Bees The worlds most advanced fighter jet was briefly grounded by a swarm of irritable bees earlier this summer. Honey bees from a hive on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, in Virginia, took up residence in the exhaust nozzle of an F-22 Raptor in June. Troops from the 192nd Maintenance Squadron quickly got a handle on the situation, though, calling in a local beekeeper to relocate the swarm and putting the bees to work making honey for a local beer brewer. Technology The Naval Research Lab is using squid teeth to make a self-healing fabric that could one day save American troops from weapons of mass destruction. Researchers at Penn State, Drexel University and the Naval Research Lab have been using chemicals found in teeth on squid tentacles to make a polyelectrolyte film that can repair itself from rips and tears. When used in special uniforms, the film could protect troops against exposure to chemical and biological weapons. Photo credit: Getty Images Only a handful of states are going above and beyond to make life easier for new and expecting parents, according to a new report. Slideshow: The 10 Most Family-Friendly States Ten states and the District of Columbia received a grade of B or better for their family-friendly policies that go beyond federal rights and protections, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families. A dozen states flunked the family-friendly test outright, with no additional laws beyond what the federal government requires. The federal laws dont go far enough, the organization says, because they dont meet the needs of todays working families. Women make up half the U.S. workforce and more than two-thirds of children live in households with two working parents. A womans income loss during pregnancy or parental leave can have significant and even devastating consequences for her family, the report states. The nations public policies fail to address these realities. Related: The Best Cities for Middle-Class Families The organization looked at legal rights for both private-sector and public employees. It awarded points to states that have the following family-friendly policies: Parental leave: This guarantees job protection or pay beyond the Federal and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for employees who take leave to care for a new child. Family leave: This guarantees job protection or pay beyond FMLA for employees who leave to care for a spouse or partner disabled from pregnancy or childbirth. Maternity or medical leave: This guarantees job protection or pay beyond FMLA for birth mothers who take time off before or after childbirth. Paid sick days: This allows workers to earn paid sick time that can be used for pregnancy or childbirth. Flexible use of sick time: This requires employer-provided sick, vacation or personal leave to be available for caring for a new child or ill spouse/partner. Pregnancy accommodations: This guarantees pregnant women receive reasonable accommodations at work. Nursing mothers workplace rights: Those laws that exceed federal standards that enable new mothers to pump breast milk after they return to work. Story continues Eleven states and Washington, D.C., improved their grades compared to 2014 after enacting new laws. New York passed a pregnancy accommodation law and became the fourth state with a paid family leave program. Washington, D.C., also passed a pregnancy accommodation law and now provides paid family leave for its government employees. California, Massachusetts, Oregon and Vermont enacted paid sick days laws, while Colorado, Delaware, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Utah passed pregnancy accommodation laws. The laws in Delaware, Nebraska and Utah also include nursing mothers workplace rights. Related: The 5 Best Cities to Raise a Family On the flip side, the states awarded no points and given a failing grade by the organization were Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming. The remaining 25 states landed somewhere in the middle, having passed some family-friendly policies but not enough for the National Partnership for Women & Families to rank them B or higher. Click here to see the 10 states with the most comprehensive family-friendly policies. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Michael Phelps waggled four fingers, recognizing another historic achievement. Now, he's the first swimmer ever to win the same event at four straight Olympics. Ryan Lochte was left in his wake every time. In what was billed as the final showdown between two of America's greatest swimmers, Phelps blew away Lochte - and everyone else - to win his fourth gold medal of the Rio Olympics and 22nd overall with a victory in the 200-meter individual medley Thursday night. Phelps finished a full body-length ahead of the field after dominating the breaststroke and freestyle legs, finishing in 1 minute, 54.66 seconds. He's got 13 individual golds and 26 medals overall. ''I don't know how to wrap my head around that,'' Phelps said. ''It's been a hell of a career.'' That's an understatement. A 12-time Olympic medalist, Lochte had settled for two silvers and a bronze behind Phelps at the last three Olympics in this event. This time, he didn't even make the podium. Leading at the midway point, Lochte faded to fifth - nearly 3 seconds behind the winner. ''We bring out the best in each other,'' he said. ''I was a little bummed about my performance, but I was happy for him to get a gold and get one for Team USA.'' Japan's Kosuke Hagino took the silver, while China's Wang Shun claimed the bronze. But Phelps was in a league of his own. As usual. He's got one more individual event at what he insists will really be his final Olympics - remember, he already retired once - and will be looking to add a fourth straight gold in the 100 butterfly to his staggering resume. Then, he'll close out these Olympics in the 4x100 medley relay. There seems little doubt he'll go six-for-six. ''I've been able to kind of finish how I wanted to,'' Phelps said. It was quite a night for the powerful American team, which picked up two more golds. Ryan Murphy completed a sweep of the men's backstroke events in the 200, but the most socially significant triumph was Simone Manuel tying 16-year-old Canadian Penny Oleksiak for the top spot in the 100 freestyle. Story continues With the shared win, Manuel became the first African-American woman to capture gold in swimming. Her fingernails painted red, white and blue, Manuel broke down in tears after her landmark victory in a sport that still struggles to attract people of color. ''I think that this win helps bring hope and change to some of the issues that are going on in the world,'' Manuel said. ''But, I mean, I went out there and swam as fast as I could and my color just comes with the territory.'' Manuel and Oleksiak - the first athlete born in this century to win a gold medal in any Olympic sport - stunned world-record holder Cate Campbell. Campbell and her younger sister, Bronte, were hoping to battle for gold after teaming up to lead Australia to a victory in the 4x100 free relay. Neither one made the podium by themselves. Cate was under her own world-record pace at the turn, but had nothing coming back and fell all the way to sixth. Bronte was second at the flip and slid to fourth at the finish. ''When you're in form coming into an event, it's hard not to think about outcomes,'' Cate Campbell said. ''I just let my imagination run away with me a little bit.'' Murphy extended American dominance of the backstroke events, which goes back to 1992. The Barcelona Games were the last time the United States lost a men's final in those events. Three days after winning the 100 back, Murphy touched first again in 1:53.62. Murphy became the third American man in the last five Olympics to take both races. Aaron Peirsol pulled off the sweep at Athens in 2004, while Lenny Krayzelburg claimed both golds at the 2000 Sydney Games. ''My goal was to win one gold,'' Murphy said. ''That was a real breakthrough for me to be able to win that one. The 100 back was an event that comes a little bit more natural. The 200 back is an event I really have to dig deep for, so this one means a little bit more to me.'' Australia's Mitch Larkin grabbed the silver in 1:53.96, just ahead of Russia's Evgeny Rylov with the bronze in 1:53.97. The Olympics came to an end for another U.S. backstroke champion. Missy Franklin finished 14th in the semifinals of the women's 200 back - beating out only two other swimmers. It was a far cry from the London Games, where ''Missy The Missile'' became only the second American woman to take four gold medals in a single Olympics. This time, she was limited to a single gold, which came for swimming the preliminaries of the 4x200 freestyle relay. Franklin failed to even make it to the final of her two individual events. In the only non-American victory of the night, Rie Kaneto of Japan pulled away from Yulia Efimova to take gold in the women's 200 breaststroke. Kaneto grabbed the lead on the third of four laps and powered to the finish comfortably in front. The winning time was 2:20.30. Efimova was 1.67 seconds behind, leaving the Russian with another silver medal. She also finished second to American Lilly King in the 100 breaststroke after initially being banned from the Rio Games for her links to the Russian doping scandal. China's Shi Jinglin took the bronze in 2:28.28. ''Of course I wanted gold like any other athlete, especially at the Olympics, and it was so close,'' Efimova said. ''But I was really pleased with today's medal and the one that came before it because looking back at what happened to me over that time, it's a big step. I'm happy with myself.'' Phelps hustled off after his victory, knowing he had to come back about 40 minutes later for the semifinals of the 100 butterfly, another event he'll be trying to win for the fourth straight time. As usual, Phelps pulled off the grueling double, advancing to Friday night's final with the fifth-fastest time. The end is near. What a finish it's been. ''Things started to hit me this morning,'' he said. ''I only get to put a racing suit on two more times after tonight.'' --- Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry . By Fiona Ortiz CHICAGO (Reuters) - A Muslim woman has sued six Chicago police officers alleging abuse and harassment after she was arrested as she entered a train station on July 4, 2015, stripped of her head garment and jailed overnight, a Muslim civil rights group said on Friday. In the federal civil rights lawsuit, Itemid Al-Matar, 32, a student from Saudi Arabia, claims she was targeted unreasonably by the police because she was wearing a hijab head scarf and niqab face veil, which police ripped off her after they threw her to the ground. Her lawsuit alleges use of excessive force, false arrest, unlawful search, malicious prosecution and violation of her right to freedom of religious expression. Al-Matar, who also goes by the name Angel, was charged with reckless conduct and counts of obstructing justice after the arrest outside a busy station in Chicago's downtown elevated train system. Some of the charges were dismissed and a judge found her not guilty on other charges, said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of Chicago's Council on American Islamic Relations, which is representing Al-Matar. "We believe that she was charged falsely as a cover-up for the police actions," Rehab said by telephone. "Policing should be concerned with illegal activity and violations of laws, not peoples clothing." A spokesman for the city law department said his office would not comment on the lawsuit. In an arrest report on the incident, police said they were on high alert for "terrorist activity" due to the July 4 holiday and thought Al-Matar might be a suicide bomber because she was clutching her backpack, according to the Chicago Tribune. Reuters was not immediately able to obtain a copy of the police report. Rehab said police found nothing dangerous in Al-Matar's backpack and that she was not doing anything illegal. "While the Chicago Police Department does not comment on pending or proposed litigation, our officers work hard each day to investigate suspicious activity and fight crime. We strive to treat all individuals with the highest levels of dignity and respect," the police department said in a statement. Story continues The Chicago Police Department is under a federal investigation on complaints of use of lethal force, especially against African-American men. Rehab said Al-Matar was seeking disciplinary measures against the police officers, as well as sensitivity training for the police force and compensation for humiliation and psychological suffering. (Reporting by Fiona Ortiz; Editing by Dan Grebler) From Popular Mechanics NASA and Lockheed Martin are designing an experimental X-plane called the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) demonstrator aircraft that they hope to fly for the first time in 2019. The program is intended to solve one of the biggest problems with commercial supersonic flight: noise, and specifically the noise a plane makes when it breaks the sound barrier. Even if a company developed a reliable supersonic passenger aircraft, regulations would allow that plane to break the sound barrier only over the ocean, preventing the JFK to LAX flight of your dreams. Lockheed's design of the QueSST, the LM1044, is intended to prevent the air pressure waves that build up on the airframe from coalescing into one large shockwave. Such a design has the potential to break the sound barrier with a low rumble of small sonic booms rather than the dramatic clap of a large one. But the sonic boom isn't the only noise problem on a supersonic jet. The engines themselves are incredibly loud-too loud for a commercial airport, especially as traditional airliners get quieter and the industry lowers noise limits. The Concorde itself was much louder than the subsonic jets of the late 1970s, and the aviation industry isn't willing to accept that kind of racket anymore. Photo credit: NASA So NASA is conducting ground tests at its Glenn Research Center on an engine nozzle that would reduce the exhaust noise level to below industry limits, according to Aviation Week. Noise limits for aircraft differ depending on maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), but generally speaking the cutoff is somewhere between 250 and 300 EPNdB, or Effective Perceived Noise decibels. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plans to reduce those limits even further in 2017, though the noise levels that NASA is shooting for would still be quiet enough. James Bridges, technical lead for acoustics within NASA's Commercial Supersonics Technology project, told Aviation Week: Story continues Our technical challenge is to demonstrate the ability to design a commercial aircraft for supersonic cruise flight and make it meet the same noise standards as everything that is currently flying and will fly for some time. That is a big challenge because traditionally airport noise has been one of the main stumbling blocks for supersonic commercial aircraft. The ideal engine for the QueSST is a variable-cycle engine, or three-stream turbofan. Variable-cycle engines divert air entering the engine into three pathways rather than two: the core and the bypass duct that you find on traditional turbofans plus an additional outer flowpath. The advantage to the three-stream design is that you can manipulate when the airstreams combine with the exhaust. For example, a high bypass ratio can be used during takeoff to reduce noise, but the pilot could change the ratio once in flight for maximum cruise efficiency. The engine nozzle being tested at Glenn is an inverted velocity profile (IVP) nozzle developed by GE. The design mixes the two primary airflows from the core and main fan internally before releasing them as exhaust. The third airflow from the tip fan, traveling at a lower velocity, is released within the primary exhaust jet rather than outside it, as is the case with conventional engine nozzles. With ground testing underway for the engine nozzle to reduce airport noise, and wind-tunnel testing with a model of the aircraft planned for the end of the year, we might just see the QueSST's first flight before the decade is out. Source: NASA via Aviation Week You Might Also Like By Maurice Tamman NEW YORK (Reuters) - Democrat Hillary Clinton led Republican Donald Trump by more than 5 percentage points in the Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll released on Friday, little changed in weeks as the U.S. presidential campaign wobbles into the heart of summer. Since July 28, Clinton's daily support among likely voters in the poll has hovered between a low of 41 and a high of 44 percentage points. She was at 41 percentage points on Thursday, down slightly this week. Trumps support has moved slightly more, ranging from a low of 33 percentage points to a high of 39 points. He was at 36 points on Thursday, up slightly this week. Among registered voters, Clinton was ahead by 9 points on Thursday, 42 to 33. At this point in the 2012 election, both President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney had solidified their support, and Romney held a 45 percent to 41 percent lead, with only 14 percent of likely voters not picking one of the two candidates. Trump, a New York businessman seeking his first elected office, has been mired in controversies in recent days, and many establishment Republicans have begun to distance themselves from his campaign. He drew heavy criticism for suggesting gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was meant to rally votes against her. On Thursday he repeatedly accused Clinton and Obama of being co-founders of the Islamic State militant group. On Friday he said the remarks were meant to be sarcasm. On Thursday, the number of likely voters who were not picking either Clinton or Trump in the Nov. 8 presidential election was 22 percent. That number has remained stubbornly in the 20- to 25-point range for weeks. Despite that, neither of the alternative candidates is gaining traction. In a four-way race, Libertarian Gary Johnson saw his support dip slightly to 7 percentage points on Thursday, down from a high of nearly 9 points earlier this week. Green Party nominee Jill Stein was at about 3 points on Thursday, largely unchanged. The results on Thursday were taken from a sample of 1,446 registered voters and 1,116 likely voters surveyed between Aug. 7 and Aug. 11. The results have a credibility interval of plus or minus 3 percentage points. (Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Howard Goller) With distinct tubular eyes and a natural glow, two species of bioluminescent deep-sea fish nicknamed "barreleyes" have been identified. The newly described species are part of the family Opisthoproctidae. Barreleye fish are not well-described, due to the rareness and fragility of specimens, the researchers said. These fish are "one of the most peculiar and unknown fish groups in the deep-sea pelagic realm, with only 19 morphologically disparate species," the scientists wrote in their new study. [Bioluminescent: A Glow in the Dark Gallery] However, the scientists were able to determine the two newfound species through comparisons of pigment patterns on the fish's "sole." This organ, found along the belly of some bioluminescent species, controls the light emitted from a different, internal organ. These two organs give the fish their glowing properties. "The entire external surface of the sole is covered with large, thin scales showing gradually increasing pigmentation toward the distal parts, thereby functioning as a light screen when the reflector is contracted (no light emission) or expanded (light passes through the thin, transparent parts of the scales)," the researchers wrote in the study. The fish scales' pigment patterns show variation among species. The researchers took four specimens of a sole-bearing barreleye caught during recent research cruises near American Samoa and New Zealand and compared them to long-preserved specimens caught near the mid-Atlantic ridge and Australia. In doing so, the scientists found three different pigment patterns, suggesting three distinct species. Differences in mitochondrial DNA, the genetic material of the structure within cells that generates energy, supported this conclusion. This revealed that two of the specimen were, in fact, two previously unknown species in the resurrected genus Monacoa a formerly removed genus name because only two sole-bearing fish were known, rendering the distinction trivial. The newfound species, M. niger and M. griseus, are found only in the Pacific, whereas the previously known species can be found only in the Atlantic, according to the study. Story continues The researchers suggested that the light emitted via the sole may be used as a communication system, as well as for camouflage when the fish are in waters where sunlight penetrates. "This new study on the deep sea has shown unknown biodiversity in a group of fishes previously considered teratological [abnormal] variations of other species," Jan Poulsen, lead author of the study, said in a statement. "The different species of mirrorbelly-tube eyes can only be distinguished on pigmentation patterns that also constitute a newly discovered communication system in deep-sea fishes." The new findings were published Aug. 10 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Nigeria has announced an emergency mass polio vaccination campaign after two children have been paralysed by the disease in Borno state, the BBC reports. Polio is a highly infectious disease mainly affecting children under the age of five and can cause fevers, vomiting, headaches, back pain and paralysis. It was once widespread in the continent, but there has not been a case in Africa for more than two years. The government is now planning on immunizing one million children in Borno a state in north-eastern Nigeria that is regularly raided by militant group Boko Haram and a further four million in neighboring states. World Health Organization (WHO) Director for Polio Eradication Michel Zaffran told the BBC that the mass vaccination could start as soon as next week. This is a huge step back for Nigeria, where health officials celebrated the first ever full year without a single case of polio in 2015. Only one more polio-free year needed to pass before the country would have been declared officially done with the disease. [BBC] Lagos (AFP) - Nigeria is planning to roll out emergency polio vaccinations starting late August after reporting two new cases of the disease, UNICEF said Friday. The new cases represent a major health setback for Nigeria, which was on track to be certified free of the virus next year, and highlights the difficulty of providing basic health services to people in the impoverished northeast region ravaged by Boko Haram insurgents. The Nigerian government has "moved into emergency outbreak response mode", UNICEF spokesperson Priyanka Khanna said in a statement. "Planning for a large scale campaign is in place," Khanna said, "The first campaign will start on 27 August, targeting 1.3 million children. Subsequently two further rounds will be conducted, at two-to-three week intervals, reaching four-to-five million children." Vaccination campaigns are also being planned in neighbouring countries with a focus on the Lake Chad region and northern Cameroon, Khanna added. The campaign will start in Nigeria's northeast state of Borno, where the Nigerian government reported Thursday that two children had been paralysed by the disease. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects young children and can result in permanent paralysis, according to WHO. There is no cure and it can be only prevented through immunisation. Nearly a year and a half after UTA grabbed five senior CAA comedy agents in what the latter called an illegal snatching, the two uber-agencies battled it out again in a Santa Monica courtroom today but neither scored the desired TKO. Despite the best efforts on the part of lawyers for both sides, there was no ruling on whether the case will stay in open court or be shifted to arbitration as CAA wants. LA Superior Court Judge Nancy Newman said Friday that she wanted more time to consider the matter and requested UTA and CAA submit more material on their respective arguments. A hearing has been set for September 2. Also part of todays action, another amended complaint from UTA upped the stakes in the already very personal and high-wire action with firecrackers of wanting to grab more CAA agents if it can. UTA also wishes to compete for the services of other CAA agents who have executed documents that, alone or in combination, purport to bind them to employment with CAA for continuous periods in excess of seven years, says the August 1 cross complaint from UTA lawyers at Freedman + Taitelman, LLP (read it here). There is no basis for CAA to bind its employees to prolonged employment expressly barred under California law, the filing adds. The seven-year rule has been at the heart of UTAs contention that it did nothing wrong last spring. By that logic, CAA agents like Jason Heyman, Martin Lesak and Nick Nuciforo were totally within their rights to make the move they made. UTA also has said that documents will show the agents in question clearly fell under that famed Hollywood rule. CAA says the matter should be adjudicated under the arbitration clauses in the three said agents employment contracts. In what resulted in a total of 10 comedy agents leaving CAA for UTA in March 2015 and the subsequent follow of a number of their big clients, their former agency instigated the legal action on April 2 last year. That multi-claim complaint was followed by a first amended complaint in September. A second amended complaint filed on May 20 this year by CAA, which slammed UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer as well as UTA General Counsel and COO Andrew Thau and UTA Associate General Counsel Michael Sinclair as being directly involved in procuring the likes of Greg Cavic, Greg McKnight and others. Story continues UTA hit back on May 31 with a response that pulled in CAAs Richard Lovett as the very active and hotel-lurking architect behind the specific process through which that agency has been poaching executive talent from others itself for decades. Forget the days of Michael Ovitz and The Art of War, CAA has a new company handbook: The Art of Whining, the response said of CAAs umbrage at a process UTA alleges the once Ovitzs run agency essentially perfected. As this aspect of the battle between the two agencies has been playing out somewhat in public, the matter also is being dealt with in arbitration where elbows have been very sharp, I hear.After a tentative ruling not in UTAs favor, Judge Newman today denied the agency its move to seek a new arbitrator in the form of a former judge. As all this goes on, a possible trial start date of December 12 is still penciled in on the calendar, if it really gets to that. CAA is repped by Tony Oncidi of L.A. firm Proskauer Rose LLP. Bryan Freedman, Sean Hardy and Brian Turnauer of Freedman + Taitelman, LLP are representing UTA as are Miles Feldman and Rich Frey from Venable LLP (Full disclosure: Freeman + Taitlman LLP have represented Deadlines parent company PMC in various legal matters.) Related stories Ovitz, Meyer & CAA Treat Themselves To Churchill-Style Selective History Lesson In 'Powerhouse' 'Empire' Almost Dropped Terrence Howard, His Ex-Manager's Lawsuit Claims Feng Xiaogang, Popular Chinese Filmmaker & Actor, Signs With CAA London (AFP) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists now is not the time to worry about the long-term futures of star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez on the eve of the new Premier League season. The Gunners kick off their campaign at home to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but on Friday Wenger was forced to play down concerns over the situation of both Ozil and Sanchez at the club. The German playmaker and Chilean forward both have under two years to run on their respective contracts but Wenger said now was not the time to focus on their futures. "We make progress always, but it is not always a quick process. They still have two years' contract and there is no urgency as well," Wenger told a press conference. "They (Arsenal fans) have no reason to be concerned. At the moment we have priorities, and most of the time contract extensions are done outside the win because it gives you a bit more time and focus on that." Arsenal head into the start of the new season with bigger concerns in defence. Last season's Premier League runners-up will be without Per Mertesacker and Gabriel for the visit of Liverpool, while Laurent Koscielny has not played in pre-season after reaching the final of Euro 2016 with France. The club have been strongly linked with Mertesacker's fellow German stopper Shkodran Mustafi, with reports emerging from Germany on Thursday that a deal had been agreed with the player's current club Valencia. But, asked about the potential signing of defender Mustafi, Wenger simply said: "I cannot tell you." The Frenchman admitted after Mertesacker's injury that he needed to go back into the market for a new defender, despite adding Rob Holding from Bolton. Mertesacker was ruled out for four months before Gabriel suffered an ankle injury late on in Sunday's 3-2 friendly win over Manchester City in Sweden. "I believe Per Mertesacker is out for four months and Gabriel for six to eight weeks," said Wenger. Story continues "That's a bit better than expected because he doesn't need surgery. He ruptured his ankle ligament. At the start we thought it could be four months but he should be all right." Arsenal have so far signed Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka for a fee in the region of 30million but fans have become increasingly agitated in recent weeks as the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City splash the cash. Striker Olivier Giroud is also likely to be missing against Liverpool while Danny Welbeck and Carl Jenkinson, who both have knee injuries, are also sidelined. Nordstrom Rack 2 Facebook Nordstrom is moving even further into the discount space. Nordstrom's off-price Rack is thriving. But its full-line stores still may have a way to go. In its second quarter, total comparable sales fell 1.2%, beating expectations and sending the stock soaring. But it's important to look at the breakdown: Comparable sales for its full-line business dropped 2.3%, but its off-price Rack store saw comparable sales increase by 5.3%. The company said the full-line stores' decrease in sales was largely because of the shift in timing of its anniversary sale. In other words: The most successful part of its brand is its off-price brand, not the part with premiere positioning. Nordstrom Rack stores have been proliferating. In fact, they currently outnumber the company's full-line stores. There are 118 full-line stores in the US and three in Canada and there are 200 Rack stores. Nordstrom also plans to have 300 Rack stores by 2020. Consumers can even return full-line apparel at Rack stores, and vice versa. However, as of last quarter, sales for Nordstrom's full-line store comprised 72% of the business, which represented the majority of sales though that number was less than it had been. The company acknowledged that Rack has been "more consistent" than its full-line counterpart. "We don't look at it as the Rack's doing something that the full-line store's missing, that those are different businesses," Blake Nordstrom, the company's copresident, said on a recent earnings call with analysts. "There's some similarities. But we're making terrific progress within the full-line stores. And that trend improved greatly in that second quarter. So the Rack's had a more consistent business the last couple of years than the full-line stores, but we've got a team on the full-price business, the Nordstrom brand." Nordstrom Rack It's not the only department store to zero in on the off-price business. Story continues Macy's has also been opening off-price stores called Backstage some even within its Macy's stores, which has also been threatening its positioning. (Macy's, though, has some other problems, like neglected stores.) Fortunately for Nordstrom, its off-price stores are viewed in a better light than Macy's are. "As we have noted before, this spin-off is one of the more successful off-price ventures from department stores and it is helping Nordstrom to both clear inventory and expand its reach to customers that many not traditionally venture into its mainstream stores," Carter Harrison, an analyst at consulting firm Conlumino, wrote in a note to clients. Still, it sends a message about a worrying trend among consumers: They are increasingly frugal, and they do not want to pay full price if they don't have to. As more retailers resort to promotions to clear inventory and to bring in consumers as sales fall, consumers become conditioned to not paying a premium. Fast fashion hasn't helped the cause, as it gives consumers the opportunity to pay less for stylish, runway-esque apparel. Accessible luxury handbag brands appear to want to steer away from department stores. Recently, Coach announced that it will remove itself from 25% of its wholesale locations. Michael Kors has announced that it will no longer participate in department-store couponing and friends and family discounts. Both announced these actions following declines in wholesale net sales and as a means to keep their brand positioning alive and well, as department stores can tend to promote heavily. Nordstrom is confident that it, unlike other retailers, will be the department store that vendors will be confident about. It appears that it wants to be the retailer that gets consumers to pay full price. "What we're trying to do is put ourselves in a real favorable position with vendors to be the retailer of choice for them, and what that means for most of the vendors we deal with is our desire, strong desire, to sell at full price," copresident Peter Nordstrom said on an earnings call. NOW WATCH: 2 simple shopping tricks the wealthy use to save money More From Business Insider Yahoo Finance is tracking the stocks youre following, based on your Yahoo Finance ticker searches. Nordstrom (JWN) The department store topped Wall Street estimates in the second quarter, reporting earnings of 67 cents a share on revenue of $3.65 billion. Nordstrom also reported that its same-store sales dropped 1.2%, topping analysts forecast of 3.1%. Blackberry (BBRY) Raymond James upgraded Blackberry to outperform from market perform with a $10.50 price target. The firm thinks Blackberrys software business will be able to drive solid growth. Twitter (TWTR) The company is denying rumors that it will shut down next year. #SaveTwitter was the worlds top trending hashtag Friday morning. A company spokesman for Twitter told Reuters that theres absolutely no truth to the claims whatsoever. J.C. Penney (JCP) The department store giants same-store sales increased 2.2% as it reported a small fiscal second-quarter loss. J.C. Penney posted a loss of 5 cents a share on revenue of $2.92 billion. Delta Air Lines (DAL) Contract talks between the airline and its pilots have been delayed three weeks due to lack of progress in discussions. The National Mediation Board is set to meet with Delta and union negotiators August 26 to determine if both sides are ready to resume talks. AT&T (T) The company is adding family-plan options to its pay-ahead service. Customers who buy its $45 per month or $60 per month plans will now be offered discounts. Gogo (GOGO) The company has added two new people to its board, appointing Michael Coleman Mayes and Hugh Jones. Mayer is VP, general counsel and secretary for the New York Public Library, while Jones is president of Sabre Airline Solutions with nearly 30 years of experience in the travel industry. Gap (GPS) The retailer has declared a 23 cent per share quarterly dividend, in line with its previous offering. The dividend will be payable October 26 for shareholders of record October 5. BELFAST (Reuters) - A Northern Ireland human rights activist has launched a legal challenge against any British attempt to leave the European Union, saying it would be in breach of the 1998 peace deal that brought peace to the British province. Raymond McCord's move is one of several attempts being made to use the courts to stave off a British exit from the EU. Northern Ireland voted on June 23 to stay in the EU, with 56 percent voting 'Remain', putting it at odds with the United Kingdom's overall 52-48 percent result in favour of leaving. Senior Northern Ireland politicians have warned that a British exit could undermine the province's 1998 Good Friday Agreement peace deal by reinstating a hard border with the Republic of Ireland and by undermining the legal basis for the deal, which contains references to the EU. Lawyers representing McCord, whose son was shot dead by pro-British militants in Belfast in 1997, said they had lodged papers in the High Court in Belfast on Thursday and were hoping for an initial hearing next week. McCord is arguing that the British government would be in breach of its domestic and international treaty obligations under the Good Friday Agreement if it leaves the EU and that it would be illegal to leave without a parliamentary vote in the British House of Commons. The 1998 agreement ended three decades of tit-for-tat killings between Catholic Irish nationalists, who want the province to unite with Ireland and Protestant unionists, who want to remain part of the United Kingdom, that left 3,600 dead. McCord also expressed concerns that funding from the European Union paid to victims of that era would likely be stopped following Britain's exit. "As a victim of the most recent conflict in Northern Ireland, Mr McCord is very concerned about the profoundly damaging effect a unilateral withdrawal of the UK from the EU will have upon the ongoing relative stability in Northern Ireland," lawyer Ciaran O'Hare said. He said McCord was concerned his fundamental rights could be affected by Brexit. The province's First Minister Arlene Foster and her Democratic Unionist Party are in favour of Britain's leaving, while the Sinn Fein party of Irish nationalist Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is against. Other judicial challenges being brought by groups and individuals against Brexit also say the government has no legal power to trigger a formal divorce from the European Union by invoking Article 50 of the EU Lisbon Treaty, without parliament's approval. Cabinet minister Oliver Letwin, who leads the government's Brexit unit to prepare for negotiations, has said its legal advice was that Article 50 can be invoked under the royal prerogative, which does not require parliamentary approval. (Reporting by Ian Graham; Editing by Conor Humphries and Stephen Addison) Cuban President Raul Castro and President Obama at the conclusion of their joint news conference at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, March 2016. (Photo: Ramon Espinosa/AP) Ever since the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, presidents have been judged on the successes they notch during their first 100 days. Now, as Barack Obama prepares to end his star turn on the political stage, Yahoo News is launching The Last 100 Days, a look at what Obama achieved during his consequential presidency, how he navigates the struggles of his final months in office and what lies ahead for him after eight years filled with firsts. And we will look at how country bids farewell to its first African-American president. It wont all be about policy. As Obama himself is fond of noting, he also spent his two terms as father to daughters Malia and Sasha and husband to first lady Michelle Obama. And even without much input from the White House, the cultural landscape shifted dramatically over his two terms on issues such as gay rights. And then theres the way the president sees the presidency not just his own tumultuous years at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but also the institution and its relationships (for better or worse) with other branches of government and the news media. This is the second installment, looking at Obamas historic outreach to Cuba, 160 days before he leaves office. _____ President Obama will make a fresh push in his final months in office to invigorate his historic opening to Cuba, using executive power to promote commercial and cultural exchanges; pushing Congress to act on easing travel restrictions; prodding the Castro regime to make good on pledges of reforms; and probably taking the potentially risky step of nominating an ambassador to Havana, senior officials say. Obama will encourage private sector investment in U.S.-Cuban relations, as well as interest from American nonprofits in projects on the island one example being efforts by Catholic groups in the States to preserve symbols of Cubas Catholic heritage. And he will encourage developments already in the works, such as the inauguration of direct flights from U.S. airports to Cuba, expected to begin in late August or early September. Story continues The goal is to make the process of eliminating the last vestiges of the Cold War in the Western Hemisphere irreversible, aides say. The president will renew his call for Congress to lift the decades-old U.S. embargo on Cuba, though he does not expect lawmakers to act before he leaves office in late January. Obama announced a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations on Dec. 17, 2014. On Aug. 14, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry reopened the U.S. Embassy in Havana, more than five decades after Washington broke off relations in the aftermath of the revolution that swept Fidel Castro to power. Secretary of State John Kerry and other dignitaries watch as U.S. Marines raise the U.S. flag over the newly reopened U.S. Embassy in Havana, Aug. 14, 2015. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool/AP) But one year after Kerry watched the Stars and Stripes rise over the outpost in the Cuban capital, the president has yet to nominate an ambassador, an important symbolic step. For months, aides have privately debated whether the downsides of doing so outweigh the upsides: Congressional opponents of Obamas policy would seize the opportunity to use confirmation hearings as a stage from which to denounce any thaw with Havana, and then block the nominee. The career diplomat currently in charge at the embassy, Charge dAffaires Jeffrey DeLaurentis, has done a stellar job, administration officials say. Passing him over would be a poor reward, but so would exposing him to what is sure to be partisan vitriol with feeble prospects for confirmation. Obama aides were bearish on a nomination because its one of the easiest things for just one senator a Ted Cruz or a Marco Rubio, for example to block. But now, a top administration official told Yahoo News, Obama is leaning toward making a nomination. I think its likely that well have an ambassador to announce, a senior administration official told Yahoo News on Thursday, before adding, I dont think wed be optimistic about the confirmation process. Its not clear who Obama would pick if he chooses this course. Names floating around Washington have included DeLaurentis or even Carlos Gutierrez, who served as commerce secretary under President George W. Bush and has converted from anti-Castro hard-liner to supporter of the current presidents policy. While confirmation is thought to be a lost cause this year, administration officials note that Obamas policy is broadly popular, and say that a Republican refusal to confirm a respected career diplomat like DeLaurentis, or one of their own like Gutierrez, would only hurt the GOP. An ambassadorial nomination would likely be the highest-profile development on Cuba policy between now and Jan. 20, when Obama leaves office. The White House isnt seriously looking at inviting Cuban President Raul Castro, according to one senior administration official. We have not had discussions about that. Nor have they raised it with us, the official said. But aides are looking at smaller but still significant victories that they hope will edge the policy forward. Some of the new steps would be in the form of executive actions. I think we have one more round of regulatory changes in the pipeline, likely coming in the fall, the official said. Like a previous round of changes, they would probably involve interpreting existing statutes to make it easier for Americans to visit Cuba despite a formal U.S. ban on tourism, and to pave the way for greater commercial ties. We are looking at what is permissible under the law, the official said. A Cuban fan of President Obama sits near the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Aug. 14, 2015. (Photo: Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters) The administration will also try to publicize changes already made, such as loosening limits on some dollar-denominated transactions in Cuba. Officials believe that more U.S. banks could take advantage of these rules, for example, to make it easier to use credit cards on the island. People just dont understand some of the new policies, the official said. Government agencies have sometimes hindered more than helped. After significant badgering by the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, which favors closer ties, the Transportation Security Administration finally confirmed to the group on Aug. 9 that U.S. air marshals would be on board some flights to and from Cuba. But the agency did not post the news on its website or its Twitter account. And repeated efforts by Yahoo News to obtain the statement from the TSA public affairs staff were unsuccessful. On the legislative front, administration officials say they will keep pushing Congress to lift the ban on Americans traveling to Cuba as tourists, and to enhance credits that permit Havana to buy U.S. agricultural goods. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved measures reflecting both priorities, but its unclear whether the House will follow suit. We plan to test how far we can get on these legislative efforts, the senior official said. Obama has no plans for a return trip to Cuba, but senior officials like Kerry will travel there to press the case for Havana to make more progress on embracing free-market reforms and respecting human rights. When it comes to advancing the policy and pushing for change in Cuba, the official said, we have to finish strong. _____ By Chijioke Ohuocha ABUJA (Reuters) - Anglo-South African financial services firm Old Mutual and Nigeria's sovereign wealth fund on Friday signed agreements to set up two funds to invest in real estate and agriculture in Africa's most populous nation. Old Mutual and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) said they would jointly raise a $500 million fund to invest in real estate and another $200 million to spend on agriculture projects in Nigeria. The West African nation is in the middle of its worst crisis in decades as a slump in oil revenues hammers public finances and the naira. Gross domestic product shrank in the first quarter and the central bank governor has said a recession is likely. Chief executive of NSIA, Uche Orji, said both parties will each commit $100 million as initial commitment for the real estate fund and $50 million for the agriculture fund. "We are looking at office towers, commercial real estate," Orji said. "We are investing equity in agriculture. We are looking at farming with emphasis on export." Poor infrastructure and access to capital is a major bottleneck to growth in Nigeria, which has made diversifying its revenue base and reducing a huge import bill its top priority. "The most important thing is infrastructure. The problem is that its cheaper to move goods from China to Lagos, than move it from Kano to Lagos and that's because we don't have the infrastructure," Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun said. Nigeria established the Sovereign Investment Authority (SIA) in 2011 with $1 billion of seed capital in an effort to manage oil export revenues. The new funds, which will stay invested for up to 12-years, will target returns of around 20 percent, Hywel George, chief investment officer at Old Mutual said. A successful real estate investment in Nigeria can earn an returns as high as 30-35 percent, while rental income yields in cities such as Lagos and Abuja can easily reach 10 percent, developers and estate agents say. However, navigating through opaque land laws, corruption, a lack of development expertise and financing, a dearth of mortgages and high building costs will take courage and influential local partners. (Editing by Ulf Laessing and William Hardy) (Adding further links, no change to copy) By Jeb Blount RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - New Zealand's Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie shrugged off a Wednesday disqualification to reclaim dominance of the women's 470 class on Thursday as Olympic sailing moved from fluky Guanabara Bay into the gruelling open ocean. In strong 25-knot winds with waves "as big as houses" generating a tricky chop, the defending gold medallists finished fourth and first in their two "Niteroi" course races to take the overall lead. "I think that is one of the craziest days we've been out in the 470," helmswoman Aleh said. "The waves were epic." The New Zealanders, who are also world champions, stand in first place with six points, after benefiting from a slice of good fortune. Britain's Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark, winners of the first test, had battled into second on the last leg of the second race before they capsized, and the New Zealand duo passed them to win. "It was really windy with really big waves, a slight second of looking at someone else and mistiming the wave was enough to tip us in," British skipper Mills, soaked by Southern Hemisphere winter waters, said as she shivered while talking to reporters. With four of 10 preliminary races now complete, the discard rule let New Zealanders toss aside their disqualification from the previous day, equal to a last plus one, or 21st place. Aleh and Powrie were penalised in Wednesday's race one for failing to take a penalty turn after interfering with Austria's right-of-way. Japan's Ai Kondo Yoshida and Miho Yoshioka are in second with eight points while Mills and Clark, who recovered for sixth after their in-sight-of-the-finish-line dunking, slipped to third overall after four races. In other racing, the big guns used experience and brawn in tough seas to recover from mistakes in the often mystifying puffs of early races in Guanabara Bay. Top-ranked Giles Scott of Britain, with 18 points, is first in the Finn class after finishing 11th and first on Thursday, 11 ahead of No. 2 Vasilij Zbogar of Slovenia. In the RS:X sailboard class, 2012 Olympic champion Dorian van Rijsselberghe leads the men while No. 5 Flavia Tartaglini of Italy heads the women. Some favorites suffered. In the Nacra mixed-sex catamaran, top-ranked French duo Billy Besson and Marie Riou stand 15th after being hampered by Besson's back problems. Australia's Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin, ranked No. 3, lead. The men's and women's Laser classes had a day off, which could help Belgium's defending Laser Radial bronze medalist Evi van Acker recover from the effects of a gastrointestinal infection her doctors suspect was picked up on Guanabara Bay's polluted waters. (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes) (Adds quotes, details) By Mary Milliken RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Henri Junghaenel secured Germany's second gold medal in rifle shooting in as many days by winning the men's 50 metre rifle prone event on Friday in his Olympic debut. Having scraped into the finals in the last of eight positions, the 28-year-old who trained at the University of Kentucky established an early lead with several successive 10.8 shots, just shy of the perfect 10.9. Kim Jonghyun, 31, of South Korea, won his second Olympic silver with a perfect 10.9 shoot-off with Kirill Grigoryan, a 24-year-old who took the bronze, Russia's first medal in this event. After prevailing over Kim, Junghaenel raised himself off the ground, under the weight of the stability clothing used in the event, and raised his rifle into the air to celebrate. Junghaenel finished with a 209.5 in 20 shots, 1.3 points over Kim, but shy of his 2013 world record finals score of 211.2. After four years of training for the Olympics, Junghaenel said he entered the finals angry about his last "stupid" shot in the qualifying round and had to tell himself to pull it together. "In the beginning, I was really nervous and was happy I could make the shots still work really well," he said. He also said that compatriot Barbara Engleder's gold medal on Thursday in the women's 50 metre rifle three positions "took a little bit of pressure off" him. Junghaenel credits his time at university, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering, for much of his success. "Training conditions are perfect in the United States and I also think it is very helpful to have something besides shooting for your mind," he said. "The combination between college and shooting, that's just awesome." Germany's success and places in the finals have helped make the Olympic shooting events some of the most watched on television back home. "Swimming is at night and we are during the day, so it's a good TV time," said Junghaenel. (Reporting by Mary Milliken; Editing by Alison Williams) Melun (France) (AFP) - A French court on Friday refused to release a woman pardoned for killing her abusive husband, prompting an outcry over a case that has become a cause celebre. Jacqueline Sauvage received a pardon from President Francois Hollande in January for the 2012 killing of her husband Norbert Marot, a violent alcoholic who she said raped her and her daughters. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2014 for the murder of her husband who she shot three times in the back a day after their son hanged himself. More than 400,000 people signed a petition demanding the release of Sauvage, 68, who has become a symbol of the suffering of domestic abuse victims in France. On Friday, Sauvage's lawyers Nathalie Tomasini and Janine Bonaggiunta declared themselves "in shock" after a court in Melun, south of Paris, refused to grant her conditional bail. At a news conference, they accused magistrates of refusing to release Sauvage because "the presidential pardon was highly resented by the whole profession". The prosecution service, which backed her release, will appeal the court's decision, Melun prosecutor Beatrice Angelelli told AFP. Sauvage's lawyers told AFP that the court in its decision had expressed concern that her return to her old neighbourhood might encourage people to see her as a victim rather than a convict "given the support around her and the media coverage". The court's decision not to release her prompted an outpouring of criticism, with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo describing it "incomprehensible". Several feminist groups also expressed outrage, denouncing the ruling as "patriarchal" and a rebuke for women living with domestic violence. Victoria Sinclair Owns Over the Rainbow Transformations, which is Located in Portland, Oregon PORTLAND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Victoria Sinclair, the owner and operator of Over the Rainbow - A Transgender Salon and Retail store located in Portland, Oregon, is pleased to announce the addition of new inventory and service providers to her unique business. To read more about the supportive and encouraging business, as well as how it has helped numerous people throughout the Portland region for over 16 years, please visit https://goo.gl/rI5oHv. As Sinclair noted, Over the Rainbow is a deeply personal project for her. Over the years, she has interacted with a community of crossdressing and transgender women in Portland who have dealt with extreme hardship, driving those without support to depression and even suicide. But as Sinclair noted, these same women found new strength when provided with a space that tailored to their specific needs and made them feel welcome and beautiful. "Crossdressing and transgender women need a place where they can feel supported, at home, and have access to the resources they need to express themselves," Sinclair said, adding that her salon has received a lot of positive support from the transformation and beauty industries, as well as the Portland community. "This all started with my helping some friends refine their looks. It then became a part time career and eventually worked its way into my heart so deeply that I had to do it full time. I am dedicated to continuing to make this place the very best," she said. Sinclair started Over the Rainbow in a spare bedroom. Over the past 16 years her business has expanded to the point where it has taken over an entire house. Sinclair has remodeled the garage and living areas over time to accommodate the growth of her business, and she is proud that the salon and retail shop are so successful, they are ready to expand again. To help bring in new inventory and service providers and grow her business to meet the increasing number of clients, Sinclair recently launched a fundraiser on Indiegogo. She hopes to raise $250,000 through crowdfunding to bring in more products, and also eventually create a rescue/refuge for transgendered people who need a safe place to be while they are in transition. Story continues About Over the Rainbow Transformations: Over the Rainbow Transformations provides transformation experiences to crossdressers and transgender women. The salon and retail store in Portland, Oregon started in a spare bedroom of the founder's home and has since grown to fill an entire house. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/rI5oHv. Contact: Tyrone Holloway admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: Over the Rainbow Transformations The parents of the Trump Tower climber returned from vacation to learn their son was front page news. Read: Pictured: Virginia Teen Who Traveled to New York to Scale Trump Tower The Ryan family returned home to Virginia after a trip to Italy to see that their son, Michael Joseph, had scaled the side of the billionaire's New York skyscraper. The 19-year-old, who changed his name to Stephen Rogata, is a high school drop-out. His father is apparently a captain in the U.S. Navy and the family lives 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Neighbor Tom Garofalo told Inside Edition that the son "cuts the grass whenever mom and dad want him to. He does whatever they ask. Ryan reportedly once ran away from home after his parents took away his internet privileges because he was spending vast amounts of time on a political blog. According to a 2014 police report, the parents of the teen filed a missing persons report. "His entire life focus is on that blog," his mother, Gina Ryan, told police, according to the report. Just a day after filing the report, Michael Joseph was found and returned home. This week, he arrived in New York the night before his stunt, staying at the Bowery Grand Hotel for $300-a-night. Armed with suction cups, he scaled the side of the building. The $200 cups he used have a pump on the handle that pushes air out of the suction cup to give it more grip. They can hold between 150 and 175 pounds. However, they do not work in water. If it began raining on Wednesday afternoon as the man climbed the building, he could have lost grip and fallen. Read: Who is the Man Who Climbed Trump's Fifth Avenue Tower? Former NYPD Detective Sergeant Wally Zeins says cops must have feared the ascent was more sinister than just a wacky stunt. He had a backpack on and they were very concerned that there may have been weapons or explosives. They did have the bomb squad there, he told Inside Edition. Story continues The climber was taken to Bellevue Hospital and faces charges of reckless endangerment and trespassing. Watch: Man Who Gasped at Trump's Second Amendment Comments Denies He Was Upset: 'It Was a Joke' Related Articles: From Cosmopolitan Conrad Hilton, the 22-year-old brother of Paris and one of the heirs to the hotel empire, was released from prison Aug. 1 following two months in jail, People reports. Conrad was sentenced in June after admitting that he had used drugs - including marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, and cocaine - during his probation period. He was arrested in March 2015 for his mistreatment of crew and passengers on a flight from London to Los Angeles. At the time, TMZ reported that statements from those on board included accounts of Conrad saying choice things like, "fuck off," and that he would "fucking rip through you," "fucking own you," and "fucking kill you." He was given a three-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to a charge of "simple assault," along with a $5,000 fine and 750 hours of community service. Conrad, who is the youngest of the four Hilton kids (after Nicky, Paris, and Barron), was also arrested in June 2015 when he broke into an ex-girlfriend's house. Conrad's release might mean that his Instagram feed, which is mostly made up of cute dogs and junk food, will soon be up and running again. Here are some select moments he shared prior to his trip to jail. Follow Peggy on Twitter. MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. (PKK.V) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Peak" or the "Company"), today announced that its Chinese subsidiary, Asia Synergy Technologies Ltd. ("AST"), has processed the first order related to its recently announced purchase order agreements worth an approximate CAD$575M over an 18-month period. The order in question came from Hangzhou Hanggu Trading Ltd. ("HHT") as part of AST's agreement with Guangda Industrial Company Ltd. and was for 270 tons of electrolytic copper, for which HHT will pay AST RMB10M (approximately CAD$1.96M). "And with that transaction, we're officially in business!" declared Liang Qiu, CEO of AST. The announced transaction was conducted offline while AST waits to obtain its Internet Content Provider (ICP) license to get its Gold River platform up and running to start processing transactions online. "Needless to say we'd like to get to processing these orders online as soon as possible, but this nonetheless marks a significant step in the right direction for our group", commented Johnson Joseph, President and CEO of Peak. "We're very proud of all of the work that was put in that led to this very important milestone. Our team here in Montreal, the AST team in Shanghai, our legal counsels and other professionals in Montreal, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as our partners at the Zhonghai Wanyue Group all made significant contributions to the cause. It took a lot of coordination and cooperation from everyone involved to get the corporate structure in place and meet all of the requirements to be able to conduct our first official transaction in China", concluded Mr. Joseph. About Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.: Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. is an IT portfolio management company whose mission is to assemble, finance and manage a portfolio of high-growth-potential companies and assets in some of the fastest growing tech sectors in China, including Fintech, e-commerce and cloud-computing. Peak provides its shareholders with exceptional growth potential by giving them access to the fastest growing sectors of the world's fastest growing economy. For more information: http://www.peakpositioning.com. Contact information: Cathy Hume CEO CHF Investor Relations Phone: 416-868-1079 ext.: 231 Email: cathy@chfir.com Or Carl Desjardins Managing Partner Paradox Public Relations Inc. Phone: 514-341-0408 Email: carldesjardins@paradox-pr.ca Or Johnson Joseph President and CEO Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. Phone: 514-340-7775 ext.: 501 Email: investors@peakpositioning.com SOURCE: Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. The Perseid meteor shower peaked last night (Aug. 11-12), dazzling the Northern Hemisphere with shooting stars across the sky and Space.com readers caught some amazing photos of the spectacle. A bright moon made this year's Perseids more challenging to capture, but once the moon set late-night stargazers took full advantage of the peak like Jason Miller, who caught the above photo of a Perseid meteor streaking over Mount Laguna, California in the wee hours of the morning. You can see more awesome photos of the 2016 Perseids here, which were sent in by Space.com readers. If you missed the peak of the Perseids last night, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host another Ustream live webcast overnight tonight (Aug. 12-13), starting at 10 p.m. ET (0200 GMT). You will also be able to watch the NASA Perseids webcast on Space.com, courtesy of the Marshall center. [Perseid Meteor Shower 2016: How and When to See It] The Perseids come around every year when Earth passes through the streams of dust and debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which whips past Earth in its orbit around the sun every 133 years. This year, the peak was forecast to be particularly spectacular the Perseids were in a rare outburst, according to NASA scientists. Alex Paul took this vivid image of the Perseid meteor shower just after midnight this morning in northern Indiana. NASA calls the Perseids the "fireball champion" meteor shower because it tends to have bright meteors that can be seen even in less than favorable conditions. "A bright flash of a meteor as the light of the moon began to dim," Barbara Matthews told Space.com in an email along with her photo, above. "Taken in Nevada County, California, the normally clear dark skies tinged with smoke from ongoing forest fires in the state." Meteor showers last a long time, and there are spectacular views even befor the peak and viewers have been spotting Perseids in the sky all week (as have NASA's All-Sky Fireball Network cameras for weeks, as shown in this space agency video of the celestial fireworks). Story continues Kenny Kagle, for instance, caught this striking view Aug. 10 at Lake Ouachita, Arizona, near Mount Ida. "Skies were clear and I was away from city lights, but I only saw about 25 meteors in the 3 hours I was out," he wrote. "I didn't even realize I caught this image until I got home." John Entwistle grabbed this shot in the early morning over the beach at Corolla, Outer Banks, NC, using a 25-second-long exposure. And several other skywatchers captured amazing views of the Perseids in the days before the shower's peak. One photographer, Sergio Garcia Rill, snapped a gorgeous view of a Perseid meteor streaking over the Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas, an International Dark-Sky Association site, on Aug. 7. Even though the peak has passed, the meteor shower continues: Rates are still high tonight, and Earth will keep passing through the streams of debris for quite some time. So if you missed last night or want to try again and catch the perfect photo, get out there! Space.com can't wait to see what you find. Editor's note: If you catch an awesome photo of the Perseid meteor shower that you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. When a movie titled Sausage Party is counted on to resuscitate a genre, its a sign of trouble. But this has been a problematic year for the R-rated comedy business, and theres nothing like an animated wiener orgy at the supermarket to reverse a trend. Seth Rogen and James Franco set back the cause of R-rated movies in 2014 with The Interview. Their new scatological epic may do to foodies this weekend what The Interview did to North Korea. Theres something to offend everyone in Sausage Party, from evangelicals to black activists. Were able to get away with stuff that would be pornographic in a live-action movie, but its about food and its not anatomically correct, Rogen reiterates in interviews. Mandatory Credit: Photo by GEORGE KONIG/REX/Shutterstock (5438a) LENNY BRUCE 1964 LENNY BRUCE - 1964 The opening of Rogens newest iconoclastic foray happens to coincide this week with the 50th anniversary of Lenny Bruces death and the re-publication of his brilliantly bizarre autobiography, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People. A generation ago Bruce was a folk hero on the battle front of political incorrectness, a self-described sick comic who served several jail sentences for demolishing taboos. Obscenity has only one meaning: to appeal to the prurient interest, Bruce once declared. Well, I want to know whats so damned wrong with prurient interest? In his introduction to the new edition of How to Talk Dirty, Lewis Black observes that stand-up comics today dont think about changing peoples minds. We think about getting laughs. Bruce, nonetheless, found himself transformed into the role of a crusader. His obscenity trial in 1964 is cited as a free speech landmark (he received a posthumous pardon). Bruce also was thrown out of the U.K. by the Home Secretary for using obscene language to assail the Church. In the process, of course, he helped open the gates for the likes of Mort Sahl, George Carlin and Richard Pryor, among others. Bruces successes and ordeals were immortalized in the 1974 movie Lenny, directed by Bob Fosse, with Dustin Hoffman superbly cast in the leading role. Story continues By todays standards, Bruces ideas, and his lexicon, seem uniquely unshocking. Indeed I think he would have enjoyed Sausage Party, and surely would have added some further fuel for outrage. Rogen, like Bruce, directed much of his humor at sex and religion. But while Rogens f-bombs impacted his film ratings, Bruces lexicon landed him in jail. Ironically, Bruce liked to attack Hollywood for undermining the taste of its audience. On several occasions, however, he signed on to film writing jobs, only to find himself banished over story arguments. Two studios, he wrote, invoked seldom-used morality clauses to kick him out. Even nightclub owners were afraid to book me, Bruce wrote. He claimed that Variety once declined to run an ad that simply said Im available. (I was unable to corroborate that). In his later years, Bruce became more a missionary for the cause rather than a stand-up. Bruce broke through the barrier of laughter to the horizon beyond, where the truth has its sanctuary, critic Kenneth Tynan wrote. Bruce was outraged by those who defended public morals, arguing, Theyre not even morals, theyre mores. Todays R-rated comedy titans, from Rogen to Judd Apatow, do not carry the same social or political baggage. Put in Lewis Black terms, they want the laughs but dont want to, or need to, carry the cause. Thats because Lenny Bruce fought and won most of their battles. Related stories 'Suicide Squad' Rounds Up $243M Overseas & $465M Global Cumes; 'Pets' Prancing To $600M WW - Intl Box Office 'Sausage Party' Raises B.O. Heat To $33.6M In 2nd, Burns 'Suicide Squad': Final Sunday Update 'Suicide Squad' Secures Record Monday Haul For August, Eyes $51M-$54M In 2nd Weekend - B.O. Preview From Town & Country Peter Brant, Jr., the 22-year-old son of businessman Peter Brant and model Stephanie Seymour, was sentenced to community service yesterday for drunkenly assaulting a police officer in March at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport. Brant took a plea deal that resulted in a 25-day community service sentence, the New York Post reports, for assaulting a Port Authority officer who stepped in after he threw a fit when he was prevented from boarding a flight to Palm Beach. After agreeing to "a downgraded misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest in Queens Criminal Court Wednesday ... Brant issued a short apology to law enforcement, sources said." Peter and his younger brother Harry, who was himself recently arrested for drug possession and larceny, launched their second makeup line with MAC Cosmetics a few months ago. The elder brother has a year to complete the community service, and if he doesn't comply with the terms of his agreement, he could be sentenced to up to a year in jail-where we don't think he'd be allowed to apply that makeup. (Adds Petrobras comment, additional results information) By Jeb Blount RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - State-led oil company Petrobras reported second-quarter profit that fell by nearly a third from a year earlier, missing analysts' expectations as oil prices fell and it took charges for layoffs and the impairment of a refinery. Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the company is formally known, said net income fell 30 percent to 370 million reais ($118 million) in the three months ended June 30 compared with a profit of 531 million reais a year earlier, the company said in a statement. Last year's profit was one of the most anemic quarterly results in the company's recent history. The second-quarter 2016 profit comes after a 1.25 billion reais loss in the first quarter of this year. The average profit estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Reuters was 1.81 billion reais. Estimates, though, ranged from a 5.56 billion real profit to a 1.25 billion real loss, as analysts struggled again with a lack of clear Petrobras guidance. Part of the problem for analysts trying to chart the company's progress is Petrobras' huge debt, Chief Financial Officer Ivan Monteiro told reporters on Thursday. This requires the company to make quick changes to preserve enough cash to pay its obligations. While total debt has eased 2 percent since the end of 2015, at $124 billion it is still the largest in the oil industry. "From our point of view the company is becoming more predictable," Monteiro said. "Clearly we're still facing difficulty because the company's debt level is still very high ... still at a level where we are required to maintain a very high level of liquidity." After a 26 percent decline in the average price of benchmark Brent crude oil compared with a year earlier, Petrobras net sales, or total sales minus sales taxes fell 11 percent from a year earlier to 71.3 billion reais, missing the average survey estimate of 73.8 billion reais. The 1.21 billion real cost of a voluntary dismissal program and 1.12 billion real impairment charges for the Comperj refinery, whose construction was halted last year after eating up $13.5 billion of investment, kept costs high even as revenue fell. Story continues As a result, operating profit fell 25 percent to 7.18 billion reais. If a scaled back Comperj opens as now planned in 2023, it will be more than a decade late and nearly triple its original $5.2 billion budget. Contract fixing, bribery and political kickbacks from the refinery are part of a giant corruption scandal that implicated, and resulted in jail terms for a number of its former senior executives and contractors. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, a measure of a company's ability to generate cash from operations, was little changed rising 2.8 percent to 20.3 billion reais, in line with analysts estimates. ($1 = 3.14 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Jeb Blount; Additional reporting by Marcelo Teixeira in Sao Paulo; Editing by Bernard Orr) Will those involved in Viacom chief Philippe Dauman's legal battle over his removal from the Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust really be ready by next month to go to trial? Well, a Massachusetts probate judge on Friday thinks so, setting an ambitious trial date of Sept. 19 to hear evidence on Dauman's allegations that Shari Redstone has manipulating her father and subverted the administration of the Trust, which exerts its influence over National Amusements, owning 80 percent of both Viacom and CBS' stock. That doesn't necessarily mean there will definitely be a trial. The possibility of settlement and any interim motions loom. But if a trial does happen without any further delay, the several dozen lawyers involved in the battle could be bringing to a public forum more revelations about the condition of 93-year-old Sumner Redstone, and possibly, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering over his media empire. It appears that Redstone will also be deposed in the coming weeks, though the scope of questions directed his way and the conditions on which he appears could be a subject of judicial review before the trial begins. The Massachusetts judge will hear that topic at a hearing on August 26. A judge in Delaware, presiding over Viacom's lead independent director Frederic Salerno's own lawsuit over the Redstones' decisions regarding the company, will similarly entertain discovery disputes and more in anticipation of a trial scheduled (hopefully in pencil) for October 31. At very least, the litigants involved won't have to worry about the third lawsuit that was filed by Redstone in California. Given the tight scheduling, and the East Coast judges' recent decisions moving the case forward, Redstone's attorneys have seen the wisdom of asking a court to pause those proceedings. The Philippines will pursue formal talks with China in an effort to bring peace and cooperation to the bilateral relationship, says Manilas special envoy to China, Fidel Ramos. Tensions between the two countries have grown in recent years over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, Reuters reports, Ramos meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying resulted in the issuing of a joint statement that said the two sides were aware of the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation. Since taking office in June, new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made conciliatory remarks on China and indicated a willingness for dialogue even though an international court recently ruled in Manilas favor in its maritime dispute with Beijing. Control over the South China Sea is seen as vital by an increasingly assertive Beijing, which has embarked on a aggressive program of island-building in the strategic waterway, through which more than $5 trillion in trade flows annually. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines military said on Friday it was taking seriously what it believed was a call by Islamic State (IS) militants for an attack on the Miss Universe contest being held in the country next year. The military said a recent bomb-making video posted on social media, apparently by Islamic State militants in the Middle East, carried a message in Arabic script reading: "create bomb for Miss Universe". The pageant is due to be held in the capital, Manila, in January. "We are taking the threat seriously," armed forces spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo told reporters, though adding that authorities had yet to establish the authenticity of the video or determine its source. The Philippines says there are no IS militants in the country although the group has accepted, in a video message, the allegiance of a notorious Philippine militant group known as Abu Sayyaf. "We reiterate that there is no ISIS in the Philippines," Arevalo said, referring to IS. "What we have are groups claiming affiliations with ISIS in their bid to draw funds. It is not farfetched for ISIS to claim to have cells in the Philippines to show global membership." The Ministry of Tourism, which helps organize the Miss Universe pageant, was not alarmed by the threat, said ministry spokeswoman Ina Zara-Loyola. "We consider this as serious as well as the traffic problem that affects our daily life," she said, adding that the authenticity of the video was impossible to verify. The government was confident the army and police were "more than capable in ensuring the public safety and security", she said. The Miss Universe beauty pageant, formerly owned by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, has been held in Manila twice before, in 1974 and 1994. The reigning Miss Universe is Filipina-German model Pia Wurtzbach, the third winner from the Philippines. On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the army to destroy the Abu Sayyaf group saying if not, the country risked being "contaminated" by Islamic State. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Robert Birsel) Detectives investigating nine recent drive-by shootings in Phoenix, all believed to be the work of a suspected serial killer, claim they've recovered bullet casings from at least three of the crime scenes, according to the Associated Press. Detectives are not revealing whether the casings led them to conclude the attacks are the work of the same killer, the AP reports. Investigators have also fielded descriptions of the suspect's car, hoping this information will help them as they work to identify the shooter. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. AP reports that witnesses who were standing outside the shooting scenes saw a man fire a handgun from his car before fleeing the area. Since mid-March, seven people have been killed and two others have been wounded in shootings in Arizona's capital. Police believe the shootings, which have occurred in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, were perpetrated by a lanky Hispanic man in his early 20s. AP claims police have yet to establish a motive for the killings. The crime spree began on March 17, with the non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy as he walked down the street. On April 19, a witness spotted a car stop near the area where a 55-year-old woman's body was found. On July 11, a gunman opened fire on a man, 21, and a 4-year-old boy as they sat in a car, the Phoenix Police Department announced in a statement. The man and boy were not injured in the shooting. The next day, two women and a 12-year-old girl were shot to death as they were sitting in a parked car, talking and listening to music, according to reports. Eight shots were fired during that deadly incident. Authorities have offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest more than double the $20,000 originally offered. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department Violent Crimes Bureau at 602-262-6141 or 800-343-TIPS. An injured woman being helped following the bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin on Thursday (11 August) night. (Photo: AFP) An injured woman being helped following the bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin on Thursday (11 August) night. (Photo: AFP) A string of bomb attacks hit several tourist resorts in Thailand, leaving four people dead and several injured, authorities said on Friday (12 August). Blood-spattered tourists were given first aid by rescue workers while Thai police scrambled to reassure visitors that the situation was under control. The authorities have ruled out terrorism, though there are suspicions that insurgents are responsible, a report by the AP said. Two bombs exploded in the resort town of Hua Hin late on Thursday (11 August), killing one person and injuring 20 others. Two more explosions followed on Friday, killing another person and wounding several others wounded. Another pair of explosions hit Patong Beach in Phuket, while three more blasts were reported in Surat Thani and Trang, leaving two more dead. The Pinewood Group, which includes the iconic Pinewood Studios in Englands South Buckinghamshire, as well as Shepperton Studios and several offshore hubs, has agreed to be bought by Aermont Capital, through its PW III private equity fund and Bidco, a newly-incorporated company indirectly owned by PW III. The 323.3M ($419M) sale was originally mooted in late July. The companies today announced that Bidco has satisfied its financing pre-condition and accordingly Bidco and Pinewood have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition. Pinewood, whose studios have been home to the James Bond franchise as well as the new Star Wars movies and many other titles under the Disney and Marvel banners, has been looking to go private to fund expansion. The UK has been in a space crunch for the past few years, especially as more Hollywood productions set up shop there and with the introduction of the high end UK TV Tax Credit which has created a boom time for stages. Flagship Pinewood Studios in South Bucks was granted planning permission to expand after a long process in 2014, and with the sale will be able to motor forward on those and other growth plans. The group also has operations in Toronto, Malaysia, the Dominican Republic and Atlanta. Commenting on todays news, Pinewood Chairman Lord Grade said, The Board believes that Bidco can provide Pinewood with the platform required for future growth. The Pinewood Group has been transformed in recent years but has been somewhat constrained in realizing its ambitions due to the lack of share liquidity. As a result of the Strategic Review instigated by the Board, Pinewood now has the prospect of a funding structure for the future. The Board is encouraged by the commitment Bidco has already shown to management, to Pinewoods strategy for growth, and to the future of the iconic Pinewood Studios. The Board believes that this transaction provides our shareholders with an attractive offer. Moreover the Board believes that following the transaction, Pinewood and clients will benefit from greater opportunities in the years ahead and the Board intends to recommend the offer unanimously. Story continues Related stories Hollywood Pays Respects To 'Star War's Kenny Baker: "The Heart And Soul Of R2-D2" How Much Of The 'Rogue One' Trailer Will End Up Going Rogue? UK's Extraordinary Eyeing Major Dorset Studio Facility; Is 3rd Time The Charm? More often than not, the technology sector reports relatively above par earnings fueled by demand for technology and innovation. During the second quarter, big tech firms posted better-than-expected earnings due to their focus on cloud and mobile devices. Both Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN and Microsoft Corporation MSFT beat estimates courtesy of their moves to host other companies data on their computer services, also known as cloud. Mobile ad revenues were instrumental in driving Facebook, Inc.s FB convincing earnings beat for the second quarter. As companies bought more of its mobile ads and users increased their clicks on those ads, Alphabet Inc. GOOGL ended up posting a blockbuster second-quarter performance. Older tech companies like Cisco Systems, Inc. CSCO have also rallied this year, partly because investors favored dividend-paying stocks, a feature that they had deliberately avoided for quite some time. However, technology stocks are considered more volatile than other sector stocks in the short run. In order to minimize this short-term volatility, almost all tech funds adopt a growth management style with focus on strong fundamentals and a relatively broader investment horizon. Investors having an above par appetite for risk and a fairly longer investment horizon should park their savings in these funds. Below we share with you three buy-rated technology mutual funds. Each has earned a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to outperform its peers in the future. Investors can click here to see the complete list of technology funds, their Zacks Rank and past performance. Fidelity Advisor Electronics A FELAX seeks capital appreciation. FELAX invests a large portion of its assets in common stocks of companies whose primary operations are related to electronic components, equipment vendors, electronic component manufacturers, electronic component distributors, electronic instruments and electronic systems vendors. Investments are made in both domestic and foreign companies. FELAX uses a fundamental analysis to select companies for investment purposes. Fidelity Advisor Electronics A is a non-diversified fund and has a three-year annualized return of almost 22%. Story continues FELAX has an expense ratio of 1.27% as compared to the category average of 1.51%. MFS Technology B MTCBX invests a large chunk of its assets in securities of companies involved in operations related to products and services that are believed to benefit from advancement and improvement of technology. MTCBX invests in securities issued throughout the globe including those from emerging markets. MFS Technology B is a non-diversified fund and has a three-year annualized return of 13.9%. Matthew D. Sabel is the fund manager since 2011. Putnam Global Technology A PGTAX seeks growth of capital. PGTAX generally invests in common stocks of both mid and large sized companies across the world. The fund invests a major portion of its assets in securities of companies in the technology industries. Putnam Global Technology A is non-diversified and has a three-year annualized return of 17.1%. PGTAX has an expense ratio of 1.26% as compared to the category average of 1.51%. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all technology mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds. Want key mutual fund info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing mutual funds, each week. Get it free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report MICROSOFT CORP (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report FACEBOOK INC-A (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report Get Your Free (MTCBX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FELAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (PGTAX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A Namibian boxer who was accused of attempting to sexually assault a maid at the Olympic Village has been released and is free to compete, a spokesman for the Rio 2016 organizers said on Thursday. Jonas Junius, who is competing in the light welterweight division and was the flagbearer for his country at the opening ceremony, was detained after he grabbed the maid and tried to kiss her, police said on Monday. On Wednesday, a Brazilian judge also released a Moroccan boxer accused of sexually assaulting two maids, but said he cannot approach the Village or leave Rio without authorisation. "Both boxers have been released but that doesnt mean that the legal process is over," said Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada. "They have been released and... one of them is able to compete." (Reporting by Daniel Flynn; Editing by Bill Rigby) A shopper carries her purchases from a newly opened Walmart Neighborhood Market in Chicago. (Reuters/Jim Young) Previous elections have given us the silent majority, Reagan Democrats and NASCAR dads. But pundits and pollsters have identified a new group to watch, and it is one you might not expect: Walmart moms. Political strategists are increasingly thinking about these voters, who make up an estimated 14 to 17 percent of the electorate in the 2016 presidential race. Walmart moms are defined by pollsters as the sort of voters who have children under the age of 18 and a household income hovering around the nationwide average. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake told Yahoo News that these parents are less concerned with the back and forth of the presidential race than the hard details about how candidates could help them support their family, keep their children safe and keep the prices of household staples low. A Walmart mom is still struggling in the economy, she feels the political system failed her and believes the economic system caters to the well-off, Lake said. She is threatened by terrorism and [her] own economic insecurity. Even more so, they are worried they cant offer a better life to their children. To track the opinions of this burgeoning group, two polling firms, Republican-leaning Public Opinion Strategies and Democratic-leaning Momentum Analysis, conducted periodic focus groups with the mothers. The groups, which have been run since 2010, are commissioned by Walmart but have found a broader use in understanding the groups political orientation. The focus groups have found that the 2016 election has caused concern among these voters, with the women particularly apprehensive about both Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. A new focus group conducted this week provided further evidence of the dissatisfaction that these voters are feeling in their own lives and toward the political arena. The panel was conducted with two dozen Walmart moms in Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix, Ariz., and remotely observed by a group of journalists and pollsters, including Yahoo News. Story continues No matter which way you choose, were going to lose, Gidget, a customer service manager from Columbus, said in the group. You have to give up something. But no one is talking about the issues. I feel like [the candidates] are so far extreme on both sides, were going to have to give up something either way. Clinton is viewed as untrustworthy and lacking warmth, with one woman calling her a stone-cold b**** for her demeanor in the face of controversy. I think they are all liars, but I feel like she gets caught a lot, Julie, a Columbus office worker, said. The overwhelming majority pegged the scandals surrounding Clinton, especially her use of a private email server while secretary of state, as their biggest reservation about her candidacy. But despite this discontent, the women viewed a potential Trump presidency with even more scorn. While there is some appeal in the business moguls financial experience and outsider credentials, most are shocked by his big mouth and volcanic temperament. He acts like a 2-year-old, Deanna, a Phoenix mother of four, said. I have a 2-year-old. I see the similarities. Donald Trump applauds during a campaign rally in Wilmington, N.C. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) Lake said this sentiment fits with the womens roles as leaders in their households. Women want respect, they are the disciplinarians in their homes, she said. They hold things together in tough times. They dont let their families behave like Donald Trump, and they dont get to behave like Donald Trump. While some of the women said they would vote for Trump in the hope that he would tone down some of his rhetoric, others called him risky and dangerous. Other women, who made up a slight majority of focus group members, said they would reluctantly vote for Clinton or Libertarian Gary Johnson. Many voters described being fearful about the fate of the country, however, a sentiment that has existed since the primaries. In an April focus group of suburban mothers from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Walmart moms continually expressed a lack of enthusiasm for any of the candidates, according to the pollsters running the group. They were nervous about what the future had in store and put off by the circus atmosphere of the primary season. Using words like chaos, horrific, terrible and vulnerable, these women are overwhelmingly pessimistic about the direction of the country, the analysis of the April focus group read. This time, however, the Presidential campaigns tone is almost as worrying as the economy or their own financial situations. But how did this subgroup become such an important target for political campaigns? Lake said the group has become much more pliable in the past 20 years as the women have taken on a different societal role. Married women didnt used to be a swing [demographic], Lake said. They used to just vote like their husbands. But over time they have gotten more and more independent. Lake noted that the gap between how women and their spouses vote has been growing, and that we could see a record discrepancy in November. President Obama won Walmart moms in 2008 and 2012, according to polling conducted after the elections. Then, the key issues for these women revolved around the Great Recession, putting food on the table and national security, according to focus groups conducted at the time. Anger was widespread among these women about how Americas economic recovery did not reach their families. These women are frustrated, Neil Newhouse of Public Opinion Strategies said in 2011. They see Wall Street getting bailed out. Theres a resentment there that they see a government activism that doesnt impact them directly. They want their share. But despite frustration at the slow recovery from the Great Recession, the Walmart moms were not wholly pessimistic they trusted the candidates to lead them back. These voters dont seem like they have given up on Obama, Newhouse said after a focus group conducted shortly before the 2012 election. They are losing patience with Washington, but it seemed like Obama doesnt come out that bad. The women followed through, narrowly supporting Obama in his victory over Republican Mitt Romney. An election night poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Momentum Analysis showed Obama pulled 50 percent of the Walmart moms surveyed, compared with 48 percent for Romney. This narrow edge played a part in Obamas reelection. As we talked with Walmart moms around the country this year, we heard loud and clear from them that they were torn over their vote decision, Alex Bratty and Margie Omero wrote in an analysis of the 2012 poll. They didnt always blame Obama for the current economic crisis, but they felt very acutely that recovery was not reaching them quickly enough. And, while they thought Governor Romney might be better on the economy, they also had reservations about switching course. These election night results demonstrate how tight the race was and how women, and these Walmart moms, helped determine Obamas victory. How can Trump or Clinton better orient themselves to the group to copy Obamas success? Women were more positive when they felt they were getting a personal view of the candidates. Despite not placing much weight on either convention, focus group members cited speeches from both nominees children as moments that affected their views in a positive manner. Hillary Clinton speaks during a rally in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo: Chris Keane/Reuters) One thing that is important is that the personal is political for these women, Lake said. They know the candidates well but also dont. For Clinton, they may see her as a mother or grandmother but dont know much about her in those roles. Finding out more about that goes a long way toward making her more likable and trustworthy. Even though chaos has reigned during the unconventional 2016 election season, Walmart moms are still one of the most critical swing demographics, according to Lake and other pollsters. However, there was pessimism in the focus group as to whether the election would ultimately improve their lives. My biggest issue is what is going on in my city and my community, Dana, a food service worker from Columbus, said. I obviously would like a candidate who is qualified to take us in the right direction. But honestly, that isnt going to matter on the home front for me. Another participant put it more succinctly: My opinion doesnt matter. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f176815%2ffeeaadc4016e40fc9eceadfe1cb74672 A puppy pooping on your living room rug in the middle of the night sounds pretty nightmarish in itself. What's exponentially worse is when that poop gets spread all over your house while you're sleeping. Jesse Newton, a dad in Little Rock, Arkansas, shared the horrifying tale of when his Roomba did just that. SEE ALSO: Parents everywhere will get this mom's back-to-school photoshoot In a hilarious longform opus on Facebook, Newton shared his devastating story. Newton explained that his Roomba, an automatic vacuum cleaner, is set to go off every night at 1:30 a.m. When his 3-year-old son crawled into his bed at 3:00 a.m. smelling of poop, Newton knew something went terribly wrong. He went downstairs and discovered his whole house was covered in poop. After cleaning his son's feet, he attempted to salvage his house. His attempts at saving the Roomba were even less fruitful. Even though Newton couldn't save the Roomba, he was luckily under warranty and got a replacement. We recommend he keeps his new Roomba far, far away from his puppy. Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis surprised 20 former prostitutes on Friday by knocking on their door in Rome and popping in for a chat. The Argentine, who has repeatedly described the human trafficking behind much prostitution as "a crime against humanity", sat down with the group, including four women from Albania, seven from Nigeria and six from Romania. The other three hailed from Italy, Tunisia and the Ukraine, according to a Vatican statement. The women, all aged around 30, are being sheltered by a Catholic association in an apartment in the Italian capital after being rescued from their pimps. The 79-year old listened for over an hour to the stories of the former sex slaves, "all of whom suffered serious physical abuse and live under protection," the Vatican said. The visit fell under what have been termed Francis's "Fridays of Mercy", whereby he carries out one unscheduled act of mercy a month on a Friday -- mainly in or near Rome -- throughout the pope's Jubilee year, which started in December and runs to November. In January, he visited a care home for the elderly and people in a vegetative state, while in February he went to a community for drug addicts. In March he toured a refugee centre before visiting asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos in April. The pontiff then spent time with the seriously mentally ill in May before visiting old and ill priests in June and dedicating his July "Friday of Mercy" to sick children in Krakow after praying for the victims of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. Washington (AFP) - Following last month's abrupt departure of Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes, the network on Friday announced that senior executives Bill Shine and Jack Abernethy would serve as network co-presidents. Shine, a senior executive vice president and former Ailes deputy, and Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations, have assumed their new roles with immediate effect, the network said in a statement. The pair joined Fox News on the network's launch 20 years ago. Ailes stepped down as chairman of Fox News and the Fox Business Network on July 21 in a chain of events touched off when Gretchen Carlson, a former host, filed a lawsuit accusing Ailes of firing her because she resisted his sexual advances. Ailes denied the allegations but was reportedly forced to resign under pressure. According to media reports, other women then came forward with similar accusations. The law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is reportedly conducting an internal investigation. The developments rocked the network, the highly profitable preferred cable news provider of the American right, as its coverage of this year's raucous presidential elections kicked into high gear. In a statement, 21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch -- who became chairman and acting chief executive of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network after Ailes' exit -- said the network was experiencing a time of "great transition" and lauded Abernethy and Shine, crediting them with the network's longstanding popularity. The New York Times reported Wednesday that another former host, Andrea Tantaros, had accused Shine and other Ailes deputies of ignoring her claims that Ailes engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior. Shine told the paper that Tantaros's claims were untrue and Fox News representatives said she had in fact been removed for breach of contract. ralph lauren beach Ralph Lauren is struggling. Sales were down in its most recent quarter. Retail revenue dipped 3%, consolidated comparable sales declined 6% on a reported basis, and wholesale revenue declined 5% something that shouldn't be too surprising, considering how many department stores from Macy's to Nordstrom have reported negative comparable sales in recent quarters. And, as Bloomberg's Kim Bhasin has pointed out, it is losing its positioning with preppy shoppers. Here are three reasons Ralph Lauren is losing its status. 1. Macy's Macy's july 11 Macy's has become notorious for messy stores and discounted apparel, which doesn't help luxury brands who sell products there. "While Ralph Lauren has representation in stores like Macys the fact that its sales areas look like a flea-market do nothing to help the brand or its revenues. This is further exacerbated by the generally weak customer traffic at department stores across the past few months," Hakon Helgesen, retail analyst at consulting firm Conlumino, wrote in a note to clients. "In our view, decisive action is needed to put the brand on the right track. This includes withdrawing from department stores like Macys which, in our view, are now actively damaging the Ralph Lauren brand, and focusing only on more upscale department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus as sales channels," he wrote. Macy's is working to fix its problems; it is currently eliminating about 100 of its own stores 2. Preppy people have new brands to buy Vineyard Vines Spring 2016 Catalog Helgesen points to Vineyard Vines an example of a preppy brand that has captured consumers. The company uses real people in its catalogs, as opposed to models. Its strategy is paying off. In May, Reuters had reported that the company was looking to sell a stake to Goldman Sachs in May, which would make it worth $1 billion. When Business Insider spoke to the brand, they declined to comment on those financials. Story continues Bhasin points to Smathers & Branson and Southern Tide as two other up-and-coming preppy brands that have managed to capture consumers. 3. It isn't relevant to young consumers Birthday Party Dancing Teens Sweet 16 Sixteen Helgesen likens Ralph Lauren's woes to those of Tiffany & Co., another brand that has struggled to be relevant to young consumers who demand speed and newness. "Reconnecting with younger consumers is also a priority. Rather like Tiffany, Ralph Lauren is seen as an older, established brand that, while not actively disliked, is less relevant than it was a generation ago. Spin-offs like Club Monaco and RRL have helped to remedy this, but the company needs to put more energy and effort around extending and expanding their reach," he wrote. The company does have someone with experience with designing for the budget-conscious fast fashion crowd. This past fall, it tapped Stefan Larsson, who helped lead Old Navy through a revival (before it tumbled again though comparable sales were flat for the second quarter of fiscal 2016) and also worked at H&M, to be its CEO following Ralph Lauren himself stepping down. Larsson says the brand is working on fixing its problems. "So the core for us is what we have been known for which is classic, iconic style, and how you will see that refocus and evolving the core, the work that we're doing, how you will see that is that you will gradually see it in spring 2017 and then gradually season by season you will see the core being focused on in terms of, we will make sure that we have an updated classic, iconic style that has an effortless twist that makes it current today," Larsson said on a recent earnings call. In June, the brand announced that it would be closing 50-plus stores and laying off about 8% of its workers. NOW WATCH: A peek inside the transparent culture of the company Walmart is buying for $3 billion More From Business Insider Aug 12 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - Arania Huffington's abrupt announcement on Thursday that she is stepping down as editor in chief of The Huffington Post and leaving the company to focus on her new venture, a health and wellness start-up called Thrive Global, leaves the publication in an unfamiliar position. http://nyti.ms/2b2FGKJ - Macy's Inc, the country's largest department store, said on Thursday that it would close 100 stores, saying they were more valuable as real estate properties. http://nyti.ms/2b2FlaW - A judge on Thursday rejected Citigroup Inc's bid for a preliminary injunction to stop AT&T Inc from using the phrase "AT&T thanks" on a customer loyalty program, which the bank called too similar to its trademarked "thankyou". http://nyti.ms/2b2F7AJ - Bill Miller, the veteran stock picker whose market-beating wisdom defined an earlier era of mutual fund dominance, split ways on Thursday with Legg Mason Inc, his professional home for 35 years. http://nyti.ms/2b2FGdM - More leading universities - Duke, Johns Hopkins, the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt - have been sued on claims that their retirement plans charged employees excessive fees, following a series of similar suits filed earlier this week. http://nyti.ms/2b2FN93 (Compiled by Shalini Nagarajan in Bengaluru) In an ornate Kremlin meeting room, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed longtime aide Sergei Ivanov as his chief of staff and anointed Anton Vaino, Ivanovs former deputy, to take over the influential post, in what amounts to a major reshaping of the countrys elite leadership. In a televised meeting on Russian state television, Putin addressed Ivanov, who he has known since the 1970s, while the three men sat at a table, listening attentively. The Russian leader said he was making the move at Ivanovs request, and that the former high-ranking KGB officer would now be a special representative focusing on the environment. Im happy with how you handle tasks, Putin said. I remember well our agreement that you had asked me not to keep you as chief of the presidential administration for more than four years and that is why I understand your desire to choose another line of work. Ivanov thanked the president for his praise and confirmed that he would be stepping aside. Its true that in early 2012 I asked you, in a conversation, to entrust me with this very complicated post, even you could say troublesome post, for four years, said Ivanov with his hands clasped on the table in front of him. But beyond the tightly choreographed meeting, news that the 63-year-old Ivanov a man who Putin once said was among his most trusted advisors would request to leave one month before parliamentary elections and in the middle of fresh standoff with Ukraine has been met with great skepticism. The details behind the high-level shake-up within the Kremlin are not clear, but many analysts view the move as part of a wider trend within Putins inner circle: He has been replacing older members with a younger generation of officials to reorder the political elite to his benefit. Psychologically, its easier for Putin these days to be around the people who always thought of him as the great leader and cannot recall the times when Putin was not that great leader, Stanislav Belkovsky, a former Kremlin spin doctor and Putin critic, told Ekho Moskvy, a prominent Russian radio station, on Friday. Story continues In the past year, several senior officials with ties to Putins early days in municipal government in St. Petersburg have been dismissed from their posts, including Russian Railways chief Vladimir Yakunin, anti-drug chief Viktor Ivanov, and security service chief Yevgeny Murov. There has even been speculation among Russia watchers that Igor Sechin, another longtime Putin ally and the CEO of the state-run oil behemoth Rosneft, could be phased out. The reshuffling of the top posts in the Russian government continued in July, with Putin replacing four regional governors, the head of the countrys Customs Service, and Russias ambassador to Ukraine. In contrast to the cashiered officials, who are over 60 years old, many of their replacements are younger bureaucrats in their 30s and 40s who clawed their way up during Putins presidency. Despite being sidelined in a symbolic new post, Ivanov is not completely cut out of the power structures and will retain his seat on the Security Council, Russias top security body. But his dismissal may be a harbinger of a new dynamic within the Russian elite. As a leader, Putin has traditionally been first among equals, and governed by consensus within his inner circle. However, many analysts say this model changed to one centered on Putin himself after he returned to the presidency in 2012. The centralization was accelerated after the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in early 2014 and the subsequent imposition of Western economic sanctions and collapse of oil prices both of which have damaged the Russian economy. If until recently, the system acted in the interests of the bureaucracy, now, it does so ever more in the interests of the leader, Nikolai Petrov, head of the Center for Political-Geographic Research, a Russian think tank, wrote recently in the newspaper Vedomosti. Ivanov, who has known Putin since the 1970s and worked with the president in both the KGB and its successor agency, the FSB, has a storied career at the highest echelons of Russian power. In 1998, when Putin was appointed head of the FSB, Ivanov became his deputy at the security agency. In 2001, after Putin was elected to his first term as president, Ivanov became defense minister and was later appointed deputy prime minister in 2007, shortly before the end of Putins second term as president. Dmitry Medvedev and Ivanov became fierce rivals in the jostling to succeed Putin as president in 2008, when his terms limit expired and he had to don the title of prime minister. Both Medvedev and Ivanov unofficially campaigned to be Putins successor, making regular public appearances and discussing political issues on television. Medvedev was eventually tapped to become president reportedly because he was seen by Putin as more malleable than the strong-willed Ivanov who had known the president since his days as a lowly KGB officer and maintained influence among Russias security services. To replace Ivanov, Putin has selected Vaino, a 44-year-old career diplomat, who has worked his way up through Russias bureaucratic greasy pole. Vaino began his work in the Kremlin in 2003, handling ceremonial duties for Putin and has worked his way up the ranks, eventually being appointed Ivanovs deputy in 2012. He remains a little-known figure whose family descends from the old Soviet Communist Party elite and is not believed to be beholden to any interest or group within Russia except to Putin himself. Photo credit: DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/Getty Images While Americans are distracted by an increasingly chaotic presidential campaign, half a world away, Russian troops are massing along the border of Ukraine again suggesting the possibility of a new escalation of the violence that has raged there since Moscows invasion of Crimea in 2014. On Wednesday, the Kremlin announced that it had captured men it described as Ukrainian Special Forces soldiers on the Russian side of the disputed border between Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea. The men were said to be carrying weapons and explosives to be used in sabotage attacks against Russian forces in Crimea. Related: The Pentagons Costly One-Stop-Shopping Approach to Waging War The Ukrainian government in Kiev has denied that any such operation exists, and Russia has offered no proof of what it described as a massive attack by Ukrainian forces. However, that has not stopped Russian President Vladimir Putin from promising to retaliate, or from repositioning troops in a way suggestive of a full-on invasion of the troubled Donbas region, where Russia-backed separatists, supported by Russian troops, have been locked in a stalemate with Kievs forces for nearly two years. Preparations for conventional conflict between Russia and Ukraine are accelerating and the likelihood of open war is increasing rapidly, write Franklin Holcomb and Kathleen Weinberger of the Institute for the Study of War. Russia has not yet articulated any clear political objectives or demands, making it impossible to determine on what negotiated basis the looming conflict might be resolved, they add. Putin may be seeking to trigger a political crisis in Kiev designed to topple Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The situation for now, however, is moving clearly in the direction of open conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Donbas or elsewhere in Ukraine. Not all analysts are equally convinced that an expanded conflict is in the offing. Related: Trump Doubles Down on His Claim that Obama Was a Founder of ISIS Mark Galeotti, a professor at New York University who studies Russia, told The New York Times that he views an all-out conflict as unlikely, and believes Putin is simply trying to ratchet up the pressure in order to strengthen his hand at the negotiating table. Story continues Others suggest that a limited renewal of conflict would fit well into a recurrent pattern of Russian behavior. A strategic pattern has emerged whereby Russia, as a perpetrator of and party to a conflict, dictates the conditions of the cease-fire, and then actively pursues the violation of the same agreement for its own political, military, and territorial gain, writes Carl Hvenmark Nilsson, a visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This serves a dual function: it undermines the international legal norm of cease-fires and provides a diplomatic process whereby eventually the international community loses interest and focus in resolving the conflict, allowing the freeze to be controlled by the Kremlin. Related: WikiLeaks Assange Suggests the DNC Murdered One of Its OwnHuh? However, at a time when Russia is suspected of attempting to influence the results of the US presidential election through the release of emails and other information stolen by Kremlin-backed computer hackers, the possibility that Putins aims extend beyond the resolution of the conflict in Donbas. Increased Russian aggression against Ukraine, or just the continued threat of it, would add another element of uncertainty to the election. Republican nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Putin and a desire to strengthen relations between the US and Russia. Though he stumbled embarrassingly over a question about Ukraine in an interview two weeks ago, Trump managed to make it clear that he believes Putins aggression in Eastern Europe is a product of his lack of respect for the United States and for President Barack Obama in particular. While a renewed attack on Ukraine by Russian forces might make a warm relationship with Russia a hard sell on the campaign trail, it would play into Trumps not-so-veiled suggestion that it takes a strongman to confront a strongman. For now, though, the only certainty about the Russian troop buildup on Ukraines borders appears to be uncertainty about Putins real goal. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: * CEO sees opportunities in UK, Europe from Brexit fallout * Average return falls to 2 pct in H1 from 5.9 pct last year * Net assets C$255 bln, up from C$248 bln at end 2015 (Adds CEO comments on Brexit, comparison to benchmark) By Matt Scuffham TORONTO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Caisse de depot et Placement du Quebec, Canada's second-biggest public pension fund, warned of weak global growth in the years ahead after market volatility led to a sharp fall in its investment return in the first half. The Caisse, which manages pension plans in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec, said on Friday its average return fell to 2 percent from 5.9 percent in the same period the year before. The pension fund said the performance was ahead of a 1.3 percent return from the benchmark portfolio against which it measures itself. Net assets grew to C$255 billion ($197 billion) at the end of June, up from C$248 billion at the end of 2015. The market environment changed significantly over the past year and global economic uncertainty led to more volatility in stock and currency markets, Chief Executive Michael Sabia said in a statement. "Greater political instability in several parts of the world has added to the fundamental issues - economic rebalancing in China, lower corporate profits in the United States, insufficient reforms in Europe - and points to weak global growth for the years ahead," he said. On a conference call, he expressed concern about the impact Britain's vote to leave the European Union will have on the rest of Europe, but said the vote's fallout could present opportunities if valuations fall. "We'll continue to look at this situation as presenting at least as many opportunities as it does challenges. We're going to keep a close eye on investment opportunities both in the UK and potentially in Europe," Sabia said. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board warned on Thursday of ongoing uncertainty from the UK vote, which curbed gains in its investments during the last quarter. Story continues Since Sabia was appointed in 2009, the Caisse has sought higher returns by investing a larger percentage of its funds in assets such as infrastructure and real estate as an alternative to equities and low-yielding government bonds. The fund is one of the world's ten biggest investors in infrastructure and real estate, but equities and bonds still make up the majority of its investments. Fixed-income investments produced a 3.8 percent return during the period, with investments in assets like real estate and infrastructure producing a 2.5 percent return. The fund made a 1.4 percent return from its equity investments. ($1 = 1.2954 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Bernard Orr and Jeffrey Hodgson) By Matt Scuffham TORONTO (Reuters) - Caisse de depot et Placement du Quebec, Canada's second-biggest public pension fund, warned of weak global growth in the years ahead after market volatility led to a sharp fall in its investment return in the first half. The Caisse, which manages pension plans in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec, said on Friday its average return fell to 2 percent from 5.9 percent in the same period the year before. The pension fund said the performance was ahead of a 1.3 percent return from the benchmark portfolio against which it measures itself. Net assets grew to C$255 billion (152.46 billion pounds) at the end of June, up from C$248 billion at the end of 2015. The market environment changed significantly over the past year and global economic uncertainty led to more volatility in stock and currency markets, Chief Executive Michael Sabia said in a statement. "Greater political instability in several parts of the world has added to the fundamental issues - economic rebalancing in China, lower corporate profits in the United States, insufficient reforms in Europe - and points to weak global growth for the years ahead," he said. On a conference call, he expressed concern about the impact Britain's vote to leave the European Union will have on the rest of Europe, but said the vote's fallout could present opportunities if valuations fall. "We'll continue to look at this situation as presenting at least as many opportunities as it does challenges. We're going to keep a close eye on investment opportunities both in the UK and potentially in Europe," Sabia said. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board warned on Thursday of ongoing uncertainty from the UK vote, which curbed gains in its investments during the last quarter. Since Sabia was appointed in 2009, the Caisse has sought higher returns by investing a larger percentage of its funds in assets such as infrastructure and real estate as an alternative to equities and low-yielding government bonds. Story continues The fund is one of the world's ten biggest investors in infrastructure and real estate, but equities and bonds still make up the majority of its investments. Fixed-income investments produced a 3.8 percent return during the period, with investments in assets like real estate and infrastructure producing a 2.5 percent return. The fund made a 1.4 percent return from its equity investments. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham; Editing by Bernard Orr and Jeffrey Hodgson) From Esquire Joe Gebbia is co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Airbnb. In January 1818, a cargo ship pulled out of New York Harbor en route to Liverpool-a trip that had been taken thousands of times before. But this journey was different: Instead of setting off only once it was filled with goods, the ship announced its precise departure time months in advance, making it the first regularly scheduled cargo ship in the world. Many observers scoffed, saying that shippers and passengers would never put up with the higher costs associated with the service. However, by the 1820s, a strategy that was mocked and derided just years before was being copied by companies in port cities throughout the United States. Scheduled shipping is one of many inventions that has made New York a global capital of innovation and creativity-from Willis Carrier's invention of air conditioning in Buffalo and George Eastman's breakthrough film technology in Rochester to the rise of hip-hop in the South Bronx and the world's first cell phone call in Midtown Manhattan. And yet for as long as the creative and entrepreneurial class has been drawn to New York, they have struggled to make ends meet while making their new idea a reality. In New York, ingenuity goes hand-in-hand with the hustle to survive. At Airbnb, we are proud to offer a solution. By helping New Yorkers turn their greatest expense-their home-into an asset, Airbnb is a vehicle that artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators can use to earn extra money to pursue their passion. Central to the company's mission is the notion that our service is an economic lifesaver for people with big ideas. We started Airbnb because, like many across the U.S. and in New York, we were struggling to pay our rent and decided to open up our living room to fellow artists coming to town for a design conference. Sharing our apartment allowed us to stay in our home and start our company. By helping New Yorkers turn their greatest expense-their home-into an asset, Airbnb is a vehicle that artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators can use to earn extra money to pursue their passion. Story continues An anti-tenant, anti-home-sharing bill passed by the New York State Legislature in June threatens to undermine such entrepreneurial spirit. The bill sends a signal to the new economy that New York is more interested in propping up legacy industries than embracing transformative ideas. New York's Attorney General recently declared, "It is no longer acceptable for regulators and policymakers to cling to traditional rules just because they are familiar, or to protect the status quo because they are used to working with existing companies." Photo credit: Courtesy of Airbnb But that's exactly what Albany legislators have done. Instead of working with Airbnb and others to craft comprehensive regulations that crack down on bad actors and encourages responsible home sharing-something that over 70 percent of New Yorkers support-the Legislature has rubber-stamped a proposal designed to do one thing and one thing only: attempt to destroy the popular home-sharing economy to protect the interests of the hotel industry. The proponents of this ill-conceived legislation insist that they are only targeting illegal hotels. However, the bill-which would prohibit advertising one's home for rent for fewer than 30 days-does not distinguish between a commercial operator running an illegal hotel and a single mother who rents her home when away for the weekend to make ends meet. The misinformation doesn't end there. On the floor of the State Assembly, the bill sponsor declared that "nearly half of all hosts are commercial operators who have more than one unit." In fact, 96 percent of Airbnb hosts in New York who rent an entire home share only a single unit. Another legislator insisted that Airbnb "circumvents" taxes, when in fact Airbnb welcomes the opportunity to collect and remit lodging taxes. The company has generated $110 million in tax revenue worldwide and recently announced its first two tax agreements in New York State, in Tompkins and Sullivan Counties. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related Story" customtitles="Why Airbnb Is Being Banned in New York" customimages="" content="article.46006"] Worst of all, the sponsor declared that home sharing, "Cater[s] more to tourists...than to people who are the backbone of the City of New York." Tell that to the estimated 31,000 New Yorkers who rely on Airbnb to fend off eviction, foreclosure, or bankruptcy; to the artists who use their supplemental income to stay in their communities; to the seniors on fixed incomes who are increasingly using Airbnb to age in place in the neighborhoods they love. Governor Andrew Cuomo has been a great champion of the tech economy, spearheading critical economic development and infrastructure investments that have brought nanotechnology to the Capital Region, solar power development to Buffalo, and thousands of new technology jobs throughout New York City. By vetoing this bill, the Governor will not only support tourism across the state, but will also promote a vital source of income for middle-class New Yorkers and reassure entrepreneurs that New York is and will remain open for business. From ELLE Rebecca Taylor fans (and just about any fashionable Francophile!) rejoice: The designer who hangs her hat on feminine, boho styles is launching a new lower-priced collection sure to please a generation of dressers obsessed with easy, off-duty style and the je ne sais quoi cool of French women. Photo credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor Named La Vie, the range of denim and casual separates is inspired in part by Taylor's early fascination with Parisian cool. "When we were young my parents moved us to London for a couple of years, and on the weekend we would travel to Paris in a caravan," the designer told ELLE.com "On my first trip there, I remember having this feeling of overwhelming excitement-all of the history, art, museums, food, people, fashion, and culture. I fall in love again every time I return. " Photo credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor What does Taylor like the most about French women's style? "I love how [they] dress so simply, yet always look chic. They don't take fashion too seriously, and it's this sort of carefree attitude that adds a bit of mystery and interest to 'French-girl' style." Photo credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor Hitting shelves today at Rebecca Taylor stores and online, plus Nordstrom and Shopbop; the pieces start at $95 and extend to $395 for outerwear. Photo credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor Vivre your best life this fall in "a white, crisp cotton, ruffle Victorian blouse and my high-wasted denim in the patched wash," Taylor recommends. "I really love a high-wasted straight cropped fit at the moment." And with that, go forth, and feel French. Angry anti-trade rhetoric is flying from political podiums on the left and the right this year, but it's not at all clear that Americans broadly agree with their politicians. Consider some recent polls: 55 percent of voters say free trade is generally a good thing, versus 38 percent against (WSJ/NBC); 51 percent for, 39 percent against (Pew Research Center). The historical trajectory has generally been toward accepting competition from foreign goods and workers in the name of the stronger economic growth consistently promised by economists. But Americans of both political parties are inconsistent on trade. At any given time, as much as 10 to 30 percent of respondents have no opinion about open trade, regardless of their party affiliation, and those voters can swing one way or the other in response to politicians. In March, 52 percent of Republicans told Pew that they thought trade agreements were generally a good thing for the country, while 39 percent said they were bad. That's almost a complete reversal from the same poll in May 2015. Democrats, meanwhile, moved in the opposite direction over the same time period. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has backed away from free trade deals like NAFTA and President Barack Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership, but Republican nominee Donald Trump seems to have tapped into America's ambivalence on free trade by pushing two seemingly contradictory ideas. On the one hand, trade protectionism at least appears to be part of Trump's plans in the speech announcing his candidacy, he said he would protect American auto jobs by imposing a 35 percent tax on parts coming over the Mexican border. He repeated that idea in a CNBC interview on Thursday. "You can't just leave the United States and there's no consequence," he said. "Every time they ship in a unit, they're going to have to pay something." On the other hand, Trump has repeatedly said he is "all for free trade," a position that is in keeping with the traditional Republican platform. Story continues "I am not an isolationist," Trump told CNBC on Thursday. "I'm a free-trader. I want free-trade but it's got to be fair trade, it's got to be good deals for the United States." A Trump spokesperson declined to clarify how a policy could be both pro-tariff and pro-free-trade, which is by definition trade without tariffs or other barriers. But that incongruous position seems to have struck a chord with Trump supporters, many of whom have been on the losing side of trade globalization. A decade ago, not only did Republicans tend to support free trade, but they supported it more than Democrats, who often sided with trade unions against the deals. Both sides became more skeptical of trade deals between 2007 and 2011, but since that period the parties have switched sides on the issue, according to the Pew data. It's unlikely that the reversal between the two parties is a fluke in the Pew data a similar trend shows up in another long-time poll question posed by Gallup: "Do you see foreign trade more as an opportunity for economic growth through increased U.S. exports or a threat to the economy from foreign imports?" In Gallup's data, Republicans were fans of foreign trade during the first half of George W. Bush's presidency, but less so in the second half and under Obama. The two parties switched after 2011, but at least half of both sides have remained enthusiastic about trade. Part of the cross-over between the parties may simply be support for the party in power. The administration at any given time is responsible for negotiating individual trade deals, so it's natural for the other party to react in the opposite direction. Economists tend to be consistent on the issue, however, with the vast majority supporting free trade policies. But it's only recently that regular Americans have warmed up to the idea. One of the longest data sets available to track American attitudes about free trade is a survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. It asked people if they sympathize with cutting tariffs or think they are necessary (1978 to 1998) and whether they favor agreements to cut trade barriers (2004 to 2014). When the council asked whether Americans think "globalization" is a good or bad thing, it found a similar pattern to the Pew and Gallup surveys. The "tariffs" and "trade barrier" surveys, however, found that Democrats were consistently more enthusiastic about more open trade policies. Now is not the first time that U.S. leaders seem to be pushing a trade message that differs from public opinion. The survey data also show that in the '70s, '80s and '90s, while most Americans were pro-tariffs, leaders in both parties and across government agencies, think tanks and other organizations supported cutting tariffs, with Republicans leading the push. While Trump's free-trade comments may be the most idiosyncratic, he's not the only candidate to put the issue into the crosshairs. Former Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders said that there's never been a single trade deal the U.S. has negotiated that he's been comfortable with. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has backed away from NAFTA, which she publicly supported as first lady when it was signed by President Bill Clinton. She's also questioned Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership after once calling it the "gold standard" of trade deals. More From CNBC (Photo: Facebook page of Zhongguo Remittance) The staff of Zhongguo Remittance have foiled a scam attempt involving $8,500, the third such attempt that the company has thwarted. Police were alerted by staff member Miss Wang Meiqin on Thursday (11 August) about a suspected case of cheating, a statement from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said. The Central Division and Commercial Affairs Department officers who responded to the incident found that a 22-year-old victim was believed to have been scammed into remitting $8,500 to an overseas account. Investigations found that the victim had received a call at 9.50am on Thursday from someone claiming that a parcel containing prohibited items had been delivered under his name in Shanghai. The call was then handed over to someone claiming to be a Shanghai police officer, who told the victim that he was being investigated for money laundering offences in Shanghai and that he had to provide the office with his bank details. From there, the call was transferred to another person claiming to be the police officers supervisor, who instructed the victim on transferring the money. The victim then proceeded to Zhongguo Remittance to transfer the amount. Miss Li Chun Li, a Zhongguo Remittance company staff member, was the first person to attend to the victim and noticed something was amiss. She then highlighted the matter to her supervisor, Wang, who contacted the police. The full sum of money has been recovered thanks to the intervention of Chun and Wang, the SPF said, adding that the case highlights the strong police-community partnership in crime fighting. By Steve Holland ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's campaign team is to meet officials from the Republican National Committee on Friday in what both groups described as a routine session to discuss joint operations in Florida. Trump, who is lagging Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in opinion polls, was not expected to attend the Orlando gathering after staging a rally near there on Thursday. He is to hold separate events on Friday in Erie and Altoona, Pennsylvania. The New York businessman is struggling to get past a rough several days, when he suggested gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was aimed at rallying votes against her. In recent weeks, a steady stream of moderate Republicans, such as U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, have vowed not to support Trump, while 50 Republican national security experts signed a letter opposing him. Many Republicans not only worry about failing to win the White House, but also are alarmed that their majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives could be at risk. Trump has blamed the U.S. news media for taking many of his comments out of context, and on Thursday night, some of his supporters heckled and cursed reporters who covered the rally in a large arena in Kissimmee. On Friday, Trump passed off as sarcasm the assertion he made repeatedly this week that President Barack Obama and Clinton were "co-founders" of Islamic State and its Most Valuable Players. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) 'the founder' of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Trump said in a tweet. It was the second time in recent weeks that Trump has explained a controversial statement as sarcastic. In late July, he invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time as U.S. secretary of state, which raised concerns among intelligence experts that he was urging a foreign government to spy on Americans. He said later he was being sarcastic. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Richard Pullin and Lisa Von Ahn) Rider Destinations: 47 National Parks Road Trip Looking to take the ultimate road trip this summer? Dr. Randal Olson, data scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Parks Service by creating a map for the shortest possible road trip while stopping at all 47 national parks in the lower 48 states. The National Park Service celebrates its birthday on 25 August. The body oversees more than 400 areas (e.g. national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails) in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Olson has developed what he calls the optimal route for visiting the parks in sequence. In total, this road trip spans 14,498 miles (23,333 km) and will take roughly two months to fully enjoy, depending on your pace," he said. "Ive designed this road trip to form a circle around the U.S., so you can hop on at any point and proceed whatever direction you like. Just make sure to follow the agenda from that point on if you want to follow the optimal route. Here are all the stops in order. Just pick the one closest to you and start there. 1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 2. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona 3. Saguaro National Park, Arizona 4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas 5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico 6. Big Bend National Park, Texas 7. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 8. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky 9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee 10. Everglades National Park, Florida 11. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida 12. Biscayne National Park, Florida 13. Congaree National Park, South Carolina 14. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia 15. Acadia National Park, Maine 16. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio 17. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan 18. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota 19. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota 20. Badlands National Park, South Dakota 21. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota 22. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 23. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado 24. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado 25. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado 26. Canyonlands National Park, Utah 27. Arches National Park, Utah 28. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 29. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah 30. Zion National Park, Utah 31. Great Basin National Park, Nevada 32. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 33. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 34. Glacier National Park, Montana 35. North Cascades National Park, Washington 36. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 37. Olympic National Park, Washington 38. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 39. Redwood National and State Parks, California 40. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California 41. Yosemite National Park, California 42. Kings Canyon National Park, California 43. Sequoia National Park, California 44. Pinnacles National Park, California 45. Channel Islands National Park, California 46. Joshua Tree National Park, California 47. Death Valley National Park, California Click here for an interactive map. Washington (AFP) - Coalition-supported local forces fighting the Islamic State group in northern Syria have recaptured large areas around the city of Manbij and put the jihadists "on the ropes," a Pentagon official said Friday. Since the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began an operation to capture Manbij on May 21, they have wrested control of more than 1,000 square kilometers (385 square miles) of territory from IS. Manbij is a key town in the anti-IS struggle because the jihadists were using it as a waypoint between the Turkish border and Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. SDF forces, backed by US-led coalition air power, have now retaken much of Manbij, though pockets of resistance remain in the city's north. "Although fighting in Manbij continues, ISIL is clearly on the ropes. It has lost the center of Manbij, it has lost control of Manbij," Pentagon deputy press secretary Gordon Trowbridge said. IS fighters fleeing the city on Friday seized around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields," the SDF and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. Trowbridge said US officials were aware of the reports but unable to confirm them. IS "has consistently shown a willingness to put innocent lives at risk, in blatant violation not only of the laws of armed conflict but of common human decency," he said. Since fighting for Manbij began, US-led strikes have taken out more than 50 of IS's heavy weapons and destroyed more than 600 fortified fighting positions, Trowbridge said. But the job of clearing the city will be complicated after the jihadists left behind hundreds of mines and booby traps, he added. Brasilia (AFP) - The final judgement phase in the impeachment of suspended president Dilma Rousseff will start August 25, just four days after the Rio Olympics end, the Senate news service said Friday. "The judgement session for Dilma Rousseff will start on the 25th at 9:00 am. The notice has been delivered to Jose Eduardo Cardozo, the suspended president's lawyer," the official news outlet said. Rousseff is accused of breaking budget laws in taking unauthorized government loans to mask the depth of economic difficulties during her 2014 reelection. Rousseff, a former leftist guerrilla, says her impeachment is a coup in disguise. The Senate must vote by a two thirds majority at the end of the judgement session, which could take several days, in order to remove her from office. If that happens, the current interim president Michel Temer will stay on until scheduled elections in 2018. Globo news organization reports that the actual judgement vote will take place between March 30-31. The president of the Supreme Court, Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, will preside. The Russian hackers who breached the servers of the Democratic National Committee struck a far wider range of targets than thought, and researchers have now tied a mysterious website hosting leaked emails, including from the Republican Party, to the same Moscow operatives who stole Democratic Party correspondence. In a Friday blog post, researchers at ThreatConnect, an intelligence firm, identified a website known as DCLeaks.com as a Russian-backed influence outlet. That website hosts leaked emails and other documents from a variety of officials, including former NATO commander Gen. Philip Breedlove, philanthropist and investor George Soross Open Society Foundation, and Republican staffers. The targeting of foreign political parties by spies represents a standard technique of espionage, but it is the public release via WikiLeaks of material apparently stolen from DNC servers that has so alarmed U.S. officials. The use of DCLeaks to publish information may indicate that Russia is more willing than previously believed to carry out influence operations against the United States using information obtained through computer breaches. The identification of DCLeaks as a likely Russian outfit also has important implications for the timeline of events surrounding the hacking of the DNC. The site was first registered in April, around the time hackers believed to be working on behalf of Russian military intelligence first breached the DNC. This would indicate an intent to operationalize this material earlier than we thought, Toni Gidwani, director of research operations, said. DCLeaks posted emails stolen from Republicans including state-level officials from Illinois, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, campaign staff for Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham, and various consultants. A cursory review of the emails has not revealed much beyond standard intra-party correspondence about fundraisers and events, and the usual internet flotsam and jetsam chain emails and apocalyptic predictions about the coming era of socialist mind control. But the very fact of the intrusion given the high-profile political scalps claimed by the Russian hack of the DNC should be cause for concern for the GOP, experts say. Story continues If the RNC is not looking deeply into the same kind of adversary activity they are very naive, said Robert M. Lee, the CEO of Dragos, a cybersecurity company, and a former cyber warfare operations officer for the U.S. Air Force. A spokesperson for the Republican Party did not answer questions about the email archive. DCLeaks predated the publication of some 20,000 stolen Democratic emails, and was used by the hacker calling himself Guccifer 2.0 to share other purloined emails with journalists. The website was set up in April, and in June, Guccifer 2.0 used the site to share documents from the breached email account of Clinton campaign volunteer Sarah Hamilton with a journalist at The Smoking Gun, an internet news outlet. Most security experts think Guccifer 2.0 is a ruse created by Russian intelligence to deflect attention from Moscows involvement in the hackings; both U.S. intelligence and private cybersecurity firms have fingered Russian intelligence as the culprits. Late Friday, Guccifer 2.0 posted his latest trove of documents, uploading to his website documents he claimed were stolen from the servers of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. While it remains unclear exactly how the hacked DNC emails ended up in the hands of WikiLeaks, the Clinton campaign has accused Russia of attempting to tip the scales in favor of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Throughout his unorthodox campaign, Trump has repeatedly echoed Kremlin talking points, from denigrating NATO to blaming President Barack Obama for the creation of the Islamic State. But more than Democrats are apparently at risk: the emails on DCLeaks suggests that Russian hacking operations swing both red and blue. DCLeaks divides its email caches into portfolios for each of its victims, and the most newsworthy by far belong to Gen. Breedlove. In June, the site released correspondence from the former NATO commander in which he sought the advice of former officials including former Secretary of State Colin Powell about how to persuade the White House to adopt a more aggressive policy against Russia in Ukraine, where Moscow has annexed the Crimean Peninsula and fomented a rebellion in the eastern part of the country. I may be wrong, but I do not see this WH really engaged by working with Europe/NATO. Frankly I think we are a worry, ie a threat to get the nation drug into a conflict, Breedlove wrote to Powell. Breedlove later said the emails had been stolen by unidentified hackers working on behalf of a nation-state. The leaked emails provide an even more dramatic picture of the intense back-channel lobbying for the Obama administration to begin a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, the Intercept wrote about the emails last month. The site currently maintains a password protected site for emails belonging to Billy Rinehart Jr., a Clinton campaign staffer, whose Gmail account appears to have been hacked with techniques customarily used by hackers working for Moscow. According to the Smoking Gun, which has corresponded with Guccifer 2.0 about the site, the Rinehart emails are mostly mundane. The extent of campaign dirt, as it were, was limited to a March email with the subject line FYI-Oreos are now a political issue, the Smoking Gun writes. DCLeaks purports to be a part of genuine effort to shine a light on U.S. politics; it claims to be a watchdog over a government in the pocket of the lobbying interests of Wall Street fat cats, industrial barons and multinational corporations representatives who swallow up all resources and subjugate all markets, according to its website. Since WikiLeaks released a trove of emails on the eve of the Democratic convention that showed party officials attempting to undermine the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. officials have broadened the scope of their investigation. According to the New York Times, the email accounts of more than 100 Democratic officials have been breached by the hackers. According to Reuters, U.S. officials first briefed top congressional leaders on the DNC breach a year ago, but did not inform the party. DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP/Getty Images Kiev (AFP) - Ukraine on Friday accused Russia of plotting further unrest as the international community sought to ease tensions after the two sides ramped up security around the disputed Crimean peninsula. Moscow also said it has delivered its most advanced S-400 air defence system to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The system will become fully operational in December, the military said. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini reiterated the bloc's support for Ukraine, saying it did not recognise the "illegal annexation of Crimea", while urging both sides to avoid any actions which could further escalate tensions. Russia's FSB security service has said it thwarted "terrorist attacks" in Crimea last weekend by Ukrainian military intelligence and beat back armed assaults, claims Kiev has fiercely denied. Both sides have in response boosted security around the region as the simmering feud over Crimea has unexpectedly flared up again, prompting fears of a wider conflict. Ukrainian troops near Crimea and along the frontline with pro-Russian separatists in two other eastern regions have been placed on high alert, and Kiev's military intelligence said "the enemy is planning large-scale provocative actions". It also accused Russia of increasing its forces, replenishing munitions and building up military hardware in the war-scarred east of Ukraine. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev followed up angry accusations from President Vladimir Putin by branding Kiev's alleged raids in Crimea "a crime against the Russian state and the people of Russia". He warned that Putin could sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine if "there remains no other way to influence the situation", Russian news wires reported. Ukraine's security service has raised its terrorist threat level to the highest around Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, where pro-Russian rebels have been fighting government troops for more than two years. Story continues - TV 'confessions' - Kiev's alleged attempts at armed incursions into Crimea saw a Russian security service officer killed in clashes while arresting "terrorists" at the weekend, Moscow said. And a Russian soldier died in a firefight with "sabotage-terrorist" groups sent by the Ukrainian military on Monday. Ukraine's national security council chief Oleksandr Turchynov on Friday dismissed the claims, saying Moscow was trying to cover up deadly shootouts between Russian forces "who traditionally abuse alcohol". In a move likely to fuel the dispute, Russian state TV aired footage of the interrogations of several alleged infiltrators, who authorities say have confessed to working for Ukraine's military intelligence. Kiev had previously said one of the men being held in Russia had been abducted and was a "hostage". The international community has tried to tamp down the rising tensions over fears they could kill off a stalled peace process for eastern Ukraine signed in the Belarussian capital Minsk in February 2015. At a meeting of the UN Security Council on Thursday, Ukraine asked Russia to provide evidence to back its accusations, which President Petro Poroshenko had called "senseless and cynical". Putin has said a mooted meeting with Poroshenko and mediators German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande at next month's G20 summit in China would now be "senseless". A German government official told AFP on Thursday that Putin's rejection of such a meeting was a "sign that Russia is less and less counting on a political solution to the crisis". The French foreign ministry meanwhile said minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that France and Germany would continue efforts to implement the Minsk agreements, which include the four countries. The United States also called on both sides to show restraint, with State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau saying Thursday that Washington was "extremely concerned". MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday Moscow might be forced to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine if a crisis related to a purported incident involving Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea worsened. Medvedev raised the possibility of such a demarche after President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine earlier this week of trying to carry out terrorist attacks in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. Ukraine denies sending any saboteurs into Crimea. Medvedev said cutting diplomatic ties with Kiev was one option, but that no decision had yet been taken. "I would not want it to end this way, but if there is no other way to influence the situation, the president could probably take such a decision," said Medvedev, according to a transcript on the Russian government's web site. Ukraine earlier this month rejected Russia's proposed candidate for its next ambassador to Kiev after Moscow's man in Kiev stood down in July, a move that Russia interpreted as an attempt to downgrade diplomatic relations. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Michael Phelps swept to a jaw-dropping 22nd Olympic gold as China's Chen Xinyi failed a doping test to cast a shadow over the Rio swimming competition. While Phelps became one of only three athletes to have won titles in the same individual event at four straight Games, Chen tested positive for a diuretic, the Chinese Swimming Association told state media. There was a stunning upset in the women's competition as Australian world record-holder Cate Campbell inexplicably flopped in the 100m freestyle which ended in a dead heat for gold, but there was no escaping Phelps as he romped to his fourth gold of the Rio Olympics. The record-breaking American stormed to victory in the 200m individual medley to match his London tally four years ago. Competing in his fifth and final Olympics, Phelps joined Al Oerter in the discus (1956-68) and Carl Lewis in the long jump (1984-96) as the only members of the exclusive four-in-a-row club. Phelps utterly dominated a final which crackled with tension and brought the curtain down on his 12-year rivalry with fellow American Ryan Lochte. After a strong start from local favourite Thiago Pereira, Phelps took charge on the backstroke leg before powering away to win in one minute, 54.66 seconds -- almost two seconds clear of Japan's Kosuke Hagino in second. Hagino, who won the 400m medley last weekend, produced a quick finish to pinch silver in 1:56.61, with China's Wang Shun coming through for a surprise bronze in 1:57.05. Lochte, a six-time Olympic champion, could only finish fifth, while Pereira faded badly and he trailed home seventh. A little more than half-an-hour later, having collected his gold medal, Phelps returned to qualify fifth fastest for Friday's 100m butterfly final -- another event he won in Athens, Beijing and London. "It's been a hell of a career," said Phelps, who could still equal his Athens tally of six gold medals, two shy of his epic Beijing haul. Story continues - 'Just as sweet' - "It's crazy to think about but It's also really cool because I've been able to do everything that I ever wanted," he added. "It all started as just a kid who wasn't afraid. My body doesn't feel like an 18 year old now. It's more painful getting out of the pool. But it's just as sweet standing on the podium hearing your national anthem play. That's something I will miss." Campbell turned 0.12 inside her own world record before being caught by the two women on either side of her -- American Simone Manuel and Canadian schoolgirl Penny Oleksiak, who shared gold in a 52.70sec dead heat. Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom also crept by her to take bronze to complete her collection after winning gold in the 100m fly and silver in the 200m free. Campbell, incredibly, finished outside of the medals in fourth. Manuel became the first American woman to win the 100m free since the 1984 Los Angeles Games, which was also a tie -- between compatriots Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer. "When I hit the wall I was just trying to catch my breath," said 16-year-old Oleksiak after becoming the first Canadian to win four medals in a single Games. "I saw Simone's name and I thought I came second, then I saw 'Olympic record' by both names and I thought: 'That's crazy, no one ties at the Olympics.'" Japan's Rie Kaneto blazed to gold in the women's 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:20.30 to deny two-time doping offender Yulia Efimova. The Russian, whose participation has provoked open hostility from rival swimmers, was a distant second with China's Shi Jinglin third. American Ryan Murphy completed a Rio double after bullying world champion Mitchell Larkin in the men's 200m backstroke, winning in 1:53.62 to underline US dominance of the event. Australian Larkin, who failed to medal in the 100m, took silver and Russia's Evgeny Rylov the bronze. When it comes to going out to eat, more times than not, the quality of the grub doesn't match a restaurant's aesthetic. But while in San Diego, we discovered a most optimum balance of the two gastronomical criteria. Nestled in the thriving North Park neighborhood is One Door North. This newly opened American Bar and Eatery brings the outdoors inside, appealing to the adventurous spirit that dwells within all of us. The Sarajevo Film Festival, which runs Aug. 12-20, has become the top creative and industry catalyst for filmmakers and producers in the Balkans, Southeast Europe, and beyond, 22 years after its launch during the Bosnian civil war, as the city was under under siege. The winner of this years foreign-language Oscar, Hungarian Holocaust drama Son of Saul, was spawned by Sarajevos CineLink co-production market. During its upcoming edition, HBO will launch a call for projects to commission the first international TV series to come out of the Balkans. As a regional platform, its come a long way. Documentaries are a key component of the selection since the region has so many untold stories, so many secrets, says fest founder and director Mirsad Purivatra. Scream for Me Sarajevo, a doc by Tarik Hodzic about a concert held by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and his solo band in 1994, with the city still under siege, will open the documentary competition. The eight-title feature film competition is dedicated to the cream of the cinematic crop from the regions roughly 20 countries. The selection includes world premieres such as Montenegrin first-timer Ivan Marinovics The Black Pin, about a small seaside parish priest who clashes with his flock when he opposes a big property sale, and such regional bows as Album, the debut of Turkeys Mehmet Can Mertoglu about a couple in Antalya who fake a pregnancy to cover up an adoption. The accent is on first works, new visual language, good storytelling from young generations, says Purivatra. Presiding over the jury is Palestinian auteur Elia Suleiman. The CineLink co-production market will introduce roughly 15 handpicked regional film projects to some 70 select international industry pros, including reps from Germanys Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg film funding organization. Purivatra is also launching an initiative called Dealing With the Past, which he hopes will become an open source for stories that can help heal wounds of past conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Story continues We believe that in order to deal with many unresolved issues left by the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, the impact of which is still widely felt today, we need sincere, clear-eyed discussion around a painful past, says Purivatra. The project is set up in collaboration with several NGOs to collect those stories and offer them to directors, producers, and TV commissioning editors. Six will be pitched to industryites at a True Stories Market. The Sarajevo Talent Campus, a breeding ground for young actors, directors, cinematographers, producers, and screenwriters, will be looking to Mexican writer-director Amat Escalante as inspiration. Escalante took director honors in Cannes in 2013 with his third feature, Heli, a hyper-naturalistic look at Mexicos drug wars. Escalante will hold question-and-answer sessions after screenings of his films plus a broader onstage conversation. We always choose directors with a very specific film language and a social aspect, Purivatra says. Sarajevos Talent Campus program, founded a decade ago in tandem with the Berlinale, has grown into the regions main training hub. There are 71 participants this year with the 41 women outnumbering the 30 men. Stephen Frears, a longtime friend of the fest, will receive its Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award and bring his latest film, Florence Foster Jenkins. Starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, the pic will screen as part of the festivals open-air program. The CineLink Drama features up to six projects for promising TV series that will be pitched to prospective commissioning broadcasters including HBO Adria, which will launch its call for projects from the marts Regional Forum confab dedicated this year to the convergence of film and TV. For professionals, Sarajevo is an opportunity to discover not just films from the region, but also new projects and talent. Another advantage is that the fest is all held within a couple of streets, so everything is in walking distance, as are all the people you need to meet. Its much less formal than Cannes or Berlin. Nobody turns down a meeting, says Purivatra. That is something that we built very carefully. Related stories Robert De Niro to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Sarajevo Film Festival Sarajevo Fest CineLink Co-Prod Mart Announces New Selected Projects European Film Industry Focuses on Twin Threats: Netflix and Digital Single Market NBCs Saturday Night Live has promoted Sarah Schneider and Chris Kelly as co-head writers for season 42 of the sketch comedy show, TheWrap has learned. Schneider and Kelly have been responsible for some of the shows most recently popular sketches, such as Bern Your Enthusiasm, featuring Larry David as Bernie Sanders, Bar Talk with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, The Beygency, Back Home Ballers, and the Emmy-nominated (Do It On My) Twin Bed. NBC declined to comment on whether or not Rob Klein and Bryan Tucker, the co-head writers for season 41, have been ousted and if replacements for Schneider and Kelly on the writing staff have been hired. Also Read: 'SNL' Outcasts Jay Pharoah, Taran Killam Get New Showtime Series In addition to working on SNL, Kelly has been a writer for Comedy Centrals Broad City while Schneider has worked as a consulting producer for Aziz Ansaris Master of None. The latest staff change also comes shortly after the news that Saturday Night Live stars Jay Pharoah, Taran Killam, and John Rudnitsky will not be returning to the show. Both Pharoah and Killam, whose contracts with SNL were not renewed, have already been signed on to star in two Showtime projects. Season 42 of Saturday Night Live is set to premiere later this year. Tony Maglio contributed reporting. 11 Times 'Saturday Night Live' Scandals Were Louder Than Laughter (Photos) NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC NBC Story continues Previous Slide Next Slide 1 of 12 From Richard Pryor to Sinead OConnor to Donald Trump, TheWrap looks back at some of the most controversial moments throughout the NBC sketch shows 40-year history Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump hosting the show after making disparaging remarks about immigrants drew criticism and protests from over a dozen Hispanic and Latino groups. Also Read: Anti-Donald Trump Protesters to March on Saturday Night Live View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap: 'Saturday Night Live' Player Jon Rudnitsky to Exit Ahead of Season 42 Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah to Exit 'Saturday Night Live' 'Saturday Night Live' Recap: Brie Larson Hosts a Show More Sweet Than Salty DOHA (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Friday it had prevented three Saudi women and seven children from traveling through Lebanon to join the conflict in neighboring Syria, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported. The three sisters and their children were detained by Lebanese authorities in Beirut and flown back to Saudi Arabia on Thursday after the husband of one of the women told police they planned to join the war, SPA quoted an interior ministry spokesman as saying. Police said the husband, who was the father of three of the children, had tipped them off on Monday that his wife had left and was a "takfiri", a term Saudi authorities use for Islamist militants. The children were aged between one and 10 years old, the statement added. The Saudi public has grown increasingly angry at bloody images broadcast of Syria's violence and the government has sought to stop its citizens from joining what some of them see as a holy war against the Syrian government. Islamists in Saudi, who follow a puritanical version of Sunni Islam, denounce President Bashar al-Assad and his regime as infidels because of their roots in the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam. Riyadh has backed the rebels battling Assad while being mindful of the blowback it previously suffered after radicalized Saudi nationals returned home from foreign conflicts ready to wage war on their own government. Many of the foreign fighters flocking to Syria to join groups like the Islamic State are Arabs from the Middle East and Africa, although militants have attracted fighters from across different countries ranging from Norway to Uzbekistan. A former British spy chief said in December that Syria had become the pre-eminent global incubator for a new generation of militants after Islamist groups there more than doubled their recruitment of foreign fighters to as many as 31,000 over the past 18 months. (Reporting by Tom Finn; Editing by Tom Heneghan) DOHA, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's central bank governor Ahmed al-Kholifey reiterated on Friday that the kingdom was committed to keeping the riyal pegged to the U.S. dollar and that it had "sufficient tools" to support its fixed exchange rate policy. "The governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency said the organisation reiterates its ongoing commitment to the riyal's exchange rate policy, currently at 3.75 against the U.S. dollar," the central bank said in a statement on its website. "Speculation that occurs from time to time about the riyal in the forwards market is inaccurate. The organisation has stressed on various occasions its continued commitment to the current riyal policy and has sufficient tools to support the exchange rate of the riyal. "The fixed exchange rate policy has been followed for more than three decades and is an important policy supporting the kingdom's economy." (Reporting by Tom Finn; Editing by Andrew Torchia) women talking The average human brain is about three pounds. This makes it a much bigger proportion of our bodies than what is seen in other animals. Especially notable is our large cerebral cortex, which is responsible for memory, communication, and thinking. So how did we get these big brains? A team of researchers in the UK have proposed one possible answer: Over the past 2 million years, we worked our brains extra-hard in evaluating complex social situations and deciding who to cooperate with, they write in their paper, published August 12 in the journal Scientific Reports. Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist at Oxford who was a coauthor of the study, previously proposed something called the "social brain hypothesis," which is the idea that "the disproportionately large brain size in humans exists as a consequence of humans evolving in large and complex social groups." This is just an idea, of course, and it's difficult to prove. By using computer models, however, the researchers hoped to show how this might have played out in the distant past. The new study, Dunbar said in a press release, "reinforces this hypothesis and offers an insight into the way cooperation and reward may have been instrumental in driving brain evolution ... [This suggests] that the challenge of assessing others could have contributed to the large brain size in humans." Evolution works in favor of those who try to help people just as successful, or more successful, than themselves, the authors note. The catch here is that one is forced to do a lot of mental judging when trying to figure out exactly how successful another person really is. And that's a colossal, and pretty much never-ending, cognitive task. brain The scientists bolstered support for the hypothesis by running computer models that simulated how people make decisions when coming into contact with others. They were able to see how these model humans judged their counterparts, and this was used to determine which behaviors become stronger over time, as this process is carried out. Story continues These judging behaviors have been very strong in humans, as they are used (and were even more so in the past) to ensure survival. Over time, the brains of the human population have expanded, and the models suggest that this phenomenon could be part of the reason why. And this new information could be used to help us in the future, too. The researchers think what they learned could be applied to engineering intelligent, autonomous machines to act out appropriately when coming into contact with one another. For example, driverless cars of the future will need to manage themselves, but also know how to cooperate with other driverless cars. So, while this information provides some interesting theories about human evolution in the past, it could be even more influential as we figure out how technology will evolve in the future. NOW WATCH: Scientists just collected a mysterious 'purple orb' at the bottom of the ocean, but no one could anticipate what happened next More From Business Insider marijuana tobacco blunt joint weed Throwing a party? Want it to be wild? There's one group of people you should definitely include on your guest list: The geniuses. When the rest of your friends start nodding off around midnight and declining another glass of wine (how rude), your super intelligent invitees will just be getting started. According to a growing body of research, the smarter you are, the more likely you are to be a night owl and to use illegal drugs. One study, for example, followed nearly 7,000 people born in the United Kingdom in 1958, from childhood to adulthood. When participants were 11 years old, researchers measured their cognitive ability. When they were 42 years old, participants answered questions about recent illegal drug use (for example, cannabis, cocaine, and magic mushrooms). Results showed that the smarter participants were more likely to have used illegal drugs by middle age and this was especially true for women. Other research looked at the link between childhood IQ and sleep habits among thousands of adolescents. Sure enough, smarter teens said they stayed up later and woke up later on both weekdays and weekends. Another study, of about 400 US Air Force recruits, yielded similar findings. So what explains the link between intelligence, staying up late, and doing drugs? Scientists can't say for sure, but one evolutionary psychologist who coauthored the study on adolescents mentioned above suspects it has to do with the "savanna-IQ interaction hypothesis." working late The gist of the hypothesis is that smarter people are better able to deal with evolutionary novel activities like drugs and staying up late. (Some research also suggests smart people are more likely to consume alcohol.) In other words, our caveman ancestors didn't yet have access to modern drugs or alcohol, and they did most of their activity during the day. So drugs and late-night events are less intimidating for smart people, who aren't as fazed by unfamiliarity. Story continues That evolutionary psychologist, Satoshi Kanazawa, also helped develop the "savanna theory of happiness," which might explain why smart people are happier spending less time with friends. Again, our caveman ancestors were used to being part of a community but smart people today are better able to handle relative isolation. The savanna theories are but potential explanations for these findings they might not be true at all. It's also worth noting that you definitely shouldn't develop a drug habit or even stay up later than you normally would in order to make people think you're smart. That sounds like a terrible and very dangerous idea. NOW WATCH: 5 signs you're going to be extraordinarily successful More From Business Insider From Esquire There were a couple of things floating around les 'Toobz on Thursday that were not worth reading except for a laugh, but were worthy of notice nonetheless. The first comes from Mark Judge at National Review Online, the web presence of America's longest running journal of white supremacy. Judge has long been a favorite around this shebeen; we once took note of his nuanced analysis of why black ballplayers were lazy and why Bryce Harper was the next Rick Santorum. It was fun. Anyway, Judge has decided that liberals are creating a boring monochrome culture, not dissimilar to that which existed in Soviet Russia, and he has some real loon from Poland to back him up. It begins, as Judge's work always seems to begin, with some anonymous black person being mean to him. I was once called a "cracker" by a member of the Nation of Islam. It was in the mid-1980s and I was driving through Washington, D.C., in the kind of neighborhood that conservatives call dangerous and liberals call "transitioning." I saw a member of the Nation of Islam, bow tie and all, on the corner hawking copies of The Final Call, the NOI's newspaper. I rolled down the window and asked for a copy. That's when he hit me with it: "F*ck off, cracker." Jesus, B'wana, it's been almost 40 years. Get over it. I thought of this gentleman fondly when I was reading the new book, The Demon in Democracy: Totalitarian Temptations in Free Societies by Polish scholar Ryszard Legutko. Oh, the fck you did. And Legutko, it should be noted, is a prominent member of Poland's right-wing ruling party, which has spent several months undermining democracy there. He's rather the Polish Farage, with some nasty views about gay people tossed in for fun, as The Guardian reports. Legutko, 61, is the leader of Law and Justice MEPs, the second biggest party in the ECR after the Tories. He wrote last year that the notion of gay rights amounted to "a tyranny of the minority which has taken over the main institutions and main ideologies in the western world. Now they have entered European institutions and dictate their rules." Cameron sent Nick Herbert, his most senior gay member of the government, to the EuroPride rally in Warsaw last July-Europe's largest gay pride celebration-to encourage the Law and Justice party to moderate its views on sexuality. Legutko described the rally as "ridiculous". Story continues (An aside: considering all the abuse they heap on Europe in the regular course of things, conservatives certainly make ungainly dives for validation from any European crackpot that offers it.) [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related Story" customtitles="So, What's David Brooks Talking About?" customimages="" content="article.47290"] The rest of Judge's piece is an exhausted stumble through the usual pasture full of fitfully dozing straw men. And Judge's own unique view of how liberalism is keeping us from developing the next Duke Ellington. As liberals push us towards a monoculture where there is no dissent, no gender, and no conflict, the unique and the great will eventually cease to exist. No more offbeat weirdoes, eccentric crazies, or cults. No more Nation of Islam there to call me a cracker. No more of the self-made and inspired figures of the past: Duke Ellington, Hunter Thompson, Annie Leibowitz. I'm willing to make the Toby Ziegler bet that, if he tries hard enough, Mark Judge can find someone in DC who can call him a cracker. And then he'll have another three years worth of columns. Win-win! And then there's Ron Elving of NPR who, just when most of the political media is realizing that the candidacy of He, Trump pretty much has blown up Both Sides Do It as a template for political analysis, has decided that the rubble of that template is worth picking through to see if somebody left some loose change behind. The media have feasted on Trump's feud with a Gold Star family, his invitation to Russian hackers, his rocky relations with GOP leaders, his call to uncertain actions by "Second Amendment people" and other knotty spots in the past two weeks. We have also seen exhaustive coverage of the lead Hillary Clinton has opened in national polls in the past two weeks. But in the same period, controversies touching Clinton have emerged from various sources without prompting nearly the same media fascination. Anybody who thinks that Hillary Rodham Clinton's "controversies" have been ignored is not paying attention. But, OK, let's say for the sake of argument that the whole e-mail business has been covered less than, say, El Caudillo de Mar-A-Lago's penchant for being publicly bananas. That is still no excuse for saying any of this. Trump and some surrogates complained Wednesday that too little was made of Seddique Mateen popping up in the crowd behind Clinton at a rally in Orlando. Mateen is the father of the man who killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub in June. The Clinton campaign said the rally was an "open door event" that Mateen had attended on his own, without the campaign's knowledge. Any evidence out there to the contrary? No? OK, then let me say that having one presidential candidate of a major party suggest that, maybe, the solution to his losing would be for someone to ventilate the candidate of the other party is probably going to draw more conversation than someone sitting in the background of a political event. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related Story" customtitles="Oh, Look, More Benghazi" customimages="" content="article.47475"] Also, in case Mr. Elving hasn't noticed, most Trump surrogates howl at the moon louder than the candidate does. More significant was another batch of old emails showing contacts between staffers of the Clinton Foundation and State Department personnel while Clinton was secretary. The emails were released by Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group that has pursued the Clintons since the 1990s. The group got hold of the emails through a pending legal proceeding against Hillary Clinton. Some might find the 2009 correspondence less than shocking, at least by Washington standards. But the conversations about shared interests and agendas among people who had donated to the foundation underscore existing concerns about Clinton's ethics and transparency. Polls show doubts about the Democrat's honesty and trustworthiness remain her biggest political albatross. Polls also show that this particular albatross-"Albatross!"-isn't a particularly heavy one, but it takes a considerable stretch to say that it's a minor part of the political conversation. Liberal blogs and websites, such as Daily Kos, accused Trump of inviting mayhem not only against the Democratic nominee but against individual judges she might appoint. Federal judges have been subjected to violence far more often than most people suppose. In 2005, a federal district judge in Chicago returned home to find her husband and mother dead of gunshot wounds to the head, after she herself had earlier been targeted by a white supremacist defendant. It was hard to find anyone who had not seen the video of Trump's remarks by late Wednesday, and most folks seemed to have seen or heard them many times. Well, yeah. In the middle of that paragraph, Elving drives his argument over his own feet by demonstrating that loose talk about Second Amendment People can indeed get someone killed. (He might also have noted the remarks made by sitting members of Congress toward the members of the federal judiciary during the Terri Schiavo fiasco that was unfolding at roughly the same time the judge's family members were killed.) Then, alas, we get carried away by the Balance Fairy, never to be seen again. Also this week, Wikileaks, the self-styled watchdog of the internet, has offered a reward to anyone who can provide information about the murder of Seth Rich, a junior staffer for the Democratic National Committee who was shot outside his Capitol Hill home last month at 4 a.m. Police have called Rich's death a botched robbery, but the case remains unresolved All of these Clinton stories have had at least passing mention in the mainstream media, to one extent or another. But they cannot be said to have dominated the news, even on Fox News. Certainly they have been less prominent than Trump's so-called gaffes. Oh, come on. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related Story" customtitles=" Julian Assange's Latest Conspiracy Theory" customimages="" content="article.47526"] Donald Trump actually said the stuff he said. There is no goddamn evidence that Seth Rich's murder had anything to do with anything. Is Elving seriously arguing that a candidate's words and a ginned-up conspiratorial fantasy have to be given equal weight because America's young people don't yet know enough about how HRC murdered her lesbian lover, Vince Foster? Why, yes, he is. Talking about the potential for corruption in some of Clinton's practices is serious business, but it is dull compared to watching one's daily dose of the Donald. By contrast, the implications surrounding the Clinton emails exhumed by court order are a routine species of scandal stamp-collecting. And they are the fruit of conservative activists and advocates who have been generating anti-Clinton material since her husband was president. Do they have something to say? Yes. A case to make? Yes. And it should not matter that they have been at it for a generation-often repackaging and remarketing the same accusations with only a sprinkling of new material. It is not always a waste of time to replow old furrows. After all, tens of millions of young Americans who will vote this fall do not remember the scandals of the 1990s. They happened or were alleged when the millennials were in grade school. Welcome to the Mena Airport, kids. Show your IDs, please. It's Happy Hour. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. From Woman's Day Two years ago, twins Jenna and Jillian Thistlethwaite captured hearts across the country when a photo showing them holding hands right after being born 48 seconds apart went viral. While they were only just starting their lives, they were already forming the most special bond. It should come as no surprise that these sisters, who currently live in Orrville, Ohio, still can't stand the thought of being separated. In fact, they're still being photographed side-by-side! Perhaps one of the reasons Jenna and Jillian are so close is because they were rare "monoamniotic twins," meaning that they shared an amniotic sac instead of each baby having her own. Dr. Mancuso, who delivered the twins at Akron Children's Hospital, told PEOPLE that their mother Sarah Thistlethwaite had to spend 57 days on bed rest before having a C-section because this condition is usually associated with complications such as the fetuses becoming entangled in each other's umbilical cords. "All I wanted to do was hear them cry," Sarah told TODAY. "There was still a high percentage we could have a stillbirth so I remember thinking, 'Let them cry. Let them cry. Why isn't she crying?'" That's when Sarah, whose view was blocked by a curtain, realized that something amazing was happening. "I heard Dr. Wolfe say, 'Oh my gosh, they're holding hands,' and then Dr. Manacuso was like, 'Hold them up so mom can see them'" said Sarah. "I couldn't believe they were holding hands. That was amazing. It was beautiful." After their amazing birth, the girls have gone on to become rambunctious toddlers side-by-side. Sarah says that they look so much alike, but if there's one person who can tell them apart, it's their 3-year-old brother Jaxton. "All three are very, very close but the girls have just this unexplainable bond,"Sarah told TODAY. "Honestly, splitting them up, or doing anything with those two separately will make them cry. They don't want to be away from each other." By Linda Thrasybule (Reuters Health) - Seniors who get behind the wheel soon after starting to use narcotic pain relievers have twice the risk of getting into a serious car crash as their peers who use non-opioid painkillers, Swedish researchers say. Senior drivers whod been using opioid painkillers regularly for several months also had higher odds of getting into accidents, but not as high as the new users did, according to Joel Monarrez-Espino of Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and colleagues. Their study included 4,445 drivers between the ages of 50 and 80 who had been involved in a single car crash between 2005 and 2009 in which at least one person suffered an injury that required medical care, plus more than 17,000 similar drivers who had not been in crashes. As reported in the journal Age and Aging, study participants were considered new to opioid painkillers if they had been given a prescription within one month before the crash. Regular users were those given at least three prescriptions in the last six months, with at least one prescription within a month of the crash. New, but also frequent opioid analgesic use, resulted in an increased probability of single vehicle crashes, the research team wrote. Specifically, the risk was 100 percent higher for the new opioid users, and 60 to 70 percent higher for the regular users, compared to the risk in people of the same age taking one or two non-opioid painkillers. While more epidemiologic evidence is needed, patients could be advised to refrain from driving when using opioid analgesics, the authors wrote. They did not respond to a request for comment. Whether the regular users in this study had a lower risk because their bodies were accustomed to the opioids is hard to know, said Dr. Thomas Meuser, a specialist in aging at the University of Missouri who was not involved with the study. The study doesnt show if the participants took their medications consistently, Meuser told Reuters Health by phone. Another reason for the drop in risk (among regular users) could be that some stopped or reduced taking their medications due to side effects, even though they continued being prescribed, said Meuser. Paul Atchley, who studies the human brain, vision and attention to driving at the University of Kansas, told Reuters Health the findings should serve as a wake-up call for doctors to have better conversations with their patients about the true risks of taking these medications. Driving is the riskiest thing we do on a daily basis, said Atchley, who wasnt involved in the study. We need to understand whats at risk, so that we as drivers can make better choices, he said. Whats unique about this study isnt just painkiller use, but the pattern of use, Atchley pointed out. The risk of being injured or killed in a car crash increases with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Meuser noted that older adults generally have more diagnoses and take more medications than younger adults. Theres always a risk for side effects for someone taking five or more medications, he said. Side effects that affect the brain and nervous system are especially worrisome for older drivers. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2aJXtXs Age and Aging, online July 26, 2016. Phelps face is already a tattoo. After a camera in the ready room captured Michael Phelps intense stare while Chad le Clos did his little dance before Monday nights 200-meter butterfly race, the image became social medias meme of the moment, and now its permanently inked on a Phelps fans body. Tattoo artist Livia Tsang told TIME that she gave Ricky Fung, co-founder at Chronic Ink Tattoos in Toronto, the tattoo because hes first and foremost a big Phelps fan, but also because of his work ethic and perseverance, she explains. The tattoo is apparently no joke, Fung admires the groundbreaking Olympians concentration. When we chose the image, we had a bit of a laugh about it, but he told me that he wanted it because it showed his moment of focus before the race. Tsang had to work from a zoomed-in screen shot to create the tattoo, which was challenging. The most important thing was to really capture his eyes. Phelps won his 22nd gold medal Thursday, and will compete in the 100-meter butterfly race Friday night. This is the face of swimming that will always live on. See some of his faces greatest hits below. Ottawa (AFP) - A 24-year-old Canadian shot dead by federal police after setting off an explosion in the back seat of a cab had earlier pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Authorities said Aaron Driver was on his way to carry out an attack on a unspecified urban target. Here is the sequence of events, from the first hints of the suspect's radicalization to his death, according to police: - In December 2014, Aaron Driver expresses support in social media posts for an Islamic convert's killing of an unarmed ceremonial guard and attempted storming of parliament in Ottawa. - In April 2015, he reaches out to a British youth who is later arrested on terrorism charges related to a jihadist plot against an Anzac Day parade in Australia. - In May 2015, he receives a Twitter message from Elton Simpson, one of two American jihadists who would later die in an attack on a Texas exhibition of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed. - Police arrest Driver on June 4, 2015 in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he was living at the time, and accuse him of having had "knowledge of a terrorist attack." On his computer, they discover a recipe for a homemade explosive device. - Driver is released in July 2015 under strict bail conditions requiring him to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and with a ban on accessing the internet. He moves in with his sister in Strathroy, Ontario, about 225 kilometers (140 miles) southwest of Toronto. - On Wednesday, August 10, at 8:30 am local time (1230 GMT), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation warns Canadian federal police of an imminent attack "within 72 hours" and hands over an intercepted video of a man dressed in black wearing a balaclava. The person in the video says he aims to seek retribution for Ottawa's participation in the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, saying: "You have Muslim blood on your hands, and for this we will have your blood." - At around 11 am, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police identify Driver as the man in the video pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group. Story continues - The RCMP anti-terrorism squad rushes to Strathroy, Ontario to try to intercept the suspect, while issuing a nationwide alert of a "possible terrorist threat." - At 4:30 pm, police spot and approach Driver as he is getting into a waiting cab outside the home where he lives with his sister. - The suspect detonates a small explosive device in the back seat, lightly injuring the taxi driver, and is shot dead by police. Los Angeles (AFP) - Serena Williams has been given a special wildcard berth into the WTA/ATP Cincinnati tournament on Thursday, just two days after suffering an embarrassing loss in the Rio Olympics. The 34-year-old American and defending gold medallist was upset in straight sets by world number 20 Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3 in the third round on Tuesday. Williams and her sister, Venus, were earlier knocked out of the doubles draw, the first time the pair had lost together in Olympic competition. Serena complained of shoulder problems during her match with Svitolina but there was no mention of the injury in a news release on Thursday. "We are thrilled Serena is returning to defend her titles," organizers said of the two-time Cincinnati tournament champion. With the top players in the world competing in Rio, Williams should be well rested for Cincinnati which gets underway on Monday. "She is a fan favourite here in Cincinnati," the news release said. Wildcard spots are usually reserved for players who lack the standard qualifications to get in such as rising stars, local favourites or former champions who are no longer ranked with the top players. The announcement came 24 hours after 12-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic pulled out of Cincinnati due to a left wrist injury. Djokovic has been a runner-up in Cincinnati five times but has never won the event. On Sunday, the Serb lost his first round match at the Rio Olympics to 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro. With his and Williams' exits, the Rio tournament has lost both of its number one players. The Cincinnati hardcourt tournament is one of the main warmup events for the US Open, which begins August 29. A series of bombs in Thailand have killed at least four people and injured more than 20, including ten foreign nationals, in a suspected coordinated attack that Thai officials said was to bring chaos to the Southeast Asian nation. Multiple bombs were detonated in five cities, all south of the capital Bangkok and popular with foreign tourists on Thursday night and Friday morning. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks but Thai authorities said they are not linked to Islamic terrorism. Thai police Col. Krisana Patanacharoen said it was too soon to say who was behind the bombings but we are sure that it is not linked to terrorism, the Associated Press reports. A double explosion in the Southeast Asian nations resort town of Hua Hin on Thursday night local time killed one Thai woman and injured about 20 others, including ten foreign tourists Agence France-Presse reports. The two bombs, which went off 30 minutes apart, were hidden in potted plants on a busy street and were detonated from mobile phones, said the superintendent of police in Hua Hin, Sutthichai Srisopacharoenrat. The bombs hit a popular nightlife area full of bars and restaurants. According to the Guardian, the names of the ten foreign nationals injured in the Thursday night blasts in Hua Hin have been released. Among those wounded are two Dutch men, a Dutch woman, and seven others ranging in age from 16 to 48. Thai media reports that the woman killed was a street food vendor. Of the 19 [wounded], three are in serious condition and seven of the injured are foreigners four women and three men, Sutthichai told the Bangkok Post. On Friday morning Thai authorities confirmed that another person died in a two new blasts in Hua Hin, four people were injured, the Associated Press reports. Separately, one person was killed and two injured in another double bomb attack Thursday in the city of Surat Thani, the Nation reports. The first explosion occurred outside the marine police station and the second half an hour later in front of a police station, Surat Thanis police chief Apichart Boonsriroj said. The city is a busy transit point for tourists heading to the popular resort islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. Story continues There are also reports of multiple explosions on Friday morning in Phuket, a popular holiday destination for foreign tourists. At least one person has been injured in an explosion on Patong Beach, Channel News Asia reports. The bombs were meant to scare tourists and people who work on Bangla Road, says Joe Bonmeh, a Burmese national who works at a tattoo parlor in Patong, where the two explosions were detonated. General Deputy Police Commissioner of Patong, Manit Tanamanit told TIME that they have a picture of the suspects from CCTV and that authorities have arranged a meeting to talk to the owners of businesses soon. Earlier on Thursday a bombing took place in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six. About 200 km north in the Phang Nga province, local media has also reported that a market popular with tourists in Takuapa has been gutted by fire. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has urged its citizens in the country to maintain a high level of vigilance and should avoid the affected areas. Junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha has called for calm in the wake of the bombings. The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion, he told reporters. We should not make people panic more. The bombings coincide with the 84th birthday of Thailands Queen Sirikit and come almost exactly one year since a bomb ripped through Bangkoks Erawan Shrine on Aug. 17, 2015, killing 17 and injured over 100. With reporting from Andrew Scott in Phuket. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2016 / The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP: To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of RiT Technologies Ltd. ("RiT Technologies") (RITT) between March 3, 2015 and July 1, 2016. You are hereby notified that a securities class action lawsuit has been commenced in the USDC for the District of New Jersey. To get more information go to: http://www.zlk.com/pslra/rit-technologies-ltd or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@zlk.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) RiT CIS Ltd. was RiT Technologies' major distributor in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States region; (2) RiT CIS was vital to the viability of RiT Technologies; and (3) as a result, RiT Technologies' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On February 11, 2016, RiT revealed that RiT CIS was "its major distributor in Russia and the CIS region" and was delaying payments to the Company, thus adversely impacting RiT's current cash flow. Then on April 20, 2016, the Company announced that the collection progress for overdue debts was significantly lower than planned, and that the CFO of RiT Technologies had resigned effective immediately. Then on June 3, 2016, the Company announced the resignation of its President and CEO. If you suffered a loss in RiT Technologies you have until September 26, 2016 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Story continues CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP From Popular Mechanics Scientists just named the longest-living species of vertebrate animal. It's a creature that can live up to 400 years old, almost twice the lifespan of the oldest giant tortoises or bowhead whales, nature's next runners-up. These lords of longevity are the Greenland sharks, Somniosus microcephalus. "Every time you think science has figured something out, you find something like this." Although the Greenland sharks are not a newfound species, their absurdly long lifespan has only now been discovered. Julius Nielsen, a marine biologist at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and a team of fellow researchers have found that the mysterious sharks don't even reach maturity until 150 years. The slow-swimming sharks are endemic to the cold polar waters of the north Atlantic and Arctic oceans and can grow up to 17 feet in length. The scientists describe how they discovered the Greenland sharks' lifespan today in the journal Science. "We were blown away by the lifespan of these sharks," says Peter Bushnell, a biologist with the team at Indiana University, South Bend. "Frankly, we sort of looked at this at first and asked ourselves, OK, so where did we go wrong?" Photo credit: Julius Nielsen In Their Eyes While relatively little is known about the elusive Greenland shark, Nielsen demystified their long lifespans by performing a fascinating experiment with 28 dead sharks-each accidentally netted by Scandinavian fishermen as bycatch. Using radiocarbon dating, Nielsen's team peered into sharks' eyes to find their age. Radiocarbon dating is a clever way of finding the age of something by measuring the unique levels of elemental carbon in a material. You're probably heard about it in reference to dating old artifacts or bones. Here's how the process works: Certain isotopes of carbon over time will naturally and spontaneously decay. Because scientists know how frequently this decay happens, they can tell how old something is based on its ratio of carbon atoms. The older it is, the more heavy isotopes have transformed away. Story continues So why the lenses of the eyes? Unlike like cartilage, teeth, scales, or various other tissues, the center of the sharks' eye lens doesn't keep growing as the creature ages. That would give the scientists a false reading. For example, you may be in your 20s, 40s or 60s, but your fingernails and skin are mere weeks old, which wouldn't tell future scientists much about your age. These shark eye lenses are formed of an inert crystal-like protein, which is first formed while the shark is still in its egg. "One traditional way to age fish is to look at the cartilage and bone, which is grown in a regular pattern, and basically read the tissue like you're counting the rings on a tree trunk," Bushnell says. But that method just wouldn't work for these slow-growing, long-living fish because of peculiarities in how the sharks grow cartilage. But the eyes have it. "It's actually pathetic how little we know about these creatures." Of the 28 fish the team dated, the oldest is estimated to be around 400 years old-possibly even up to 500 years old. (The radiocarbon dating process isn't exact, but gives a fuzzy age range.) With the exception of the smallest two, all the sharks were older than 60. There's another, strange reason scientists can be so sure of this: Cold War-era nuclear testing radically increased the number of heavy carbon isotopes the world over thanks to radioactive fallout spreading throughout the atmosphere during that time, creating another scientific way to confirm dates. These shark's ultra-long lifespan makes sense, says Bushnell, when you consider how slowly the creatures grow and how big they can end up. "We understand that on average they grow about a half an inch each year, and we've found individuals that are over 17 feet," he says. Photo credit: Julius Nielsen Grow Cold, Grow Slow So how the heck are these fish living such biblical lifespans? "That's one question we really can't say we know the answer to," Bushnell says. Because the fish live their lives in the polar waters, never (or rarely) surfacing, little is known about them. "We don't know how big the babies are, where they're born, we've never seen pregnant females, so there's a lot of questions we have about that... I mean, it's actually pathetic how little we know about these creatures." But Bushnell and his colleagues have inklings as to what's driving the Greenland shark's astonishing longevity, and they all go back to the creature's chilly home and creeping metabolism. "There are two things I think are sort of working in the animal's favor. First they're living in water 37 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit," he says. "That temperature has a profound sluggish effect on the chemical reactions and metabolism of the sharks. And secondly, there's also a sort of scaling effect, where the larger an animal is, the lower the metabolic rate progresses. These sharks are getting up to 17 feet." "This type of discovery, it really makes you think," Bushnell says, "every time you think science has figured something out, you find something like this, and learn you've figured nothing out." You Might Also Like * Italy GDP unexpectedly stagnates in Q2 * Slowdown will make Renzi's reforms harder * Political uncertainty rises ahead of referendum (Adds Treasury comment) By Isla Binnie ROME, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The Italian economy is slowing again, and the timing could hardly be worse for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who is grappling with a banking crisis and divided public opinion ahead of a referendum on constitutional reform. The euro zone's third-largest economy stagnated in the second quarter, its lowest quarterly growth figure since emerging from a three-year recession at the beginning of last year. "Growth, growth, growth," Renzi, who has staked his credibility on reviving an economy that has barely grown for 15 years, told CNBC earlier this month. "This is my priority, my dream and my nightmare." Second quarter data look most like the latter, suggesting official forecasts for growth and cutting sky-high public debt are ever harder to reach, while Renzi's bouncy slogan "Italy is starting up again", is not filtering down to the common mood. Families had on average slightly less spending power in the first quarter of 2016 than they had in the same period of 1999, according to ISTAT data. "There never was a recovery," said Giancarlo Sacco, 61, who owns a bar in northern Rome. "Every month we make a little less than in previous years - it should be the other way round!" Sacco said small businesses are "hammered" by taxes - something Renzi has promised to address but will have less room to change without stronger finances. The government targets 1.2 percent growth this year, but Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan has warned that Britain's vote to leave the European Union could drag it down. "Today's figure is not a surprise," the Treasury said in a statement later on Friday, adding that "public finances are under control" and updated forecasts will be presented in September. The International Monetary Fund and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development expect growth of no more than 1 percent this year, following 2015's 0.8 percent. Story continues Standing on shaky economic foundations, Renzi's ambitious bid to call a referendum on sweeping constitutional change has landed Italy in the markets' crosshairs. Having originally pledged to resign if he lost the vote on a plan to slash the powers of the upper house Senate and the regions, Renzi said this week personalising it had been a mistake. He suggested putting 500 million euros in potential savings made by the reform into a fund for the poor, whose numbers are at their highest in Italy for a decade. It remains to be seen whether Renzi can rally voters to back the referendum, and credit ratings agency DBRS said it has serious concerns about the uncertainty of the outcome. Polls show voters split almost equally on the proposal, which Renzi says would stabilise a system which has seen no government serve a full term for 70 years. But critics say it would remove democratic checks and balances. In a sign of how hard it is to call, one poll published last week showed 46 percent undecided. Simone Pedemonte, a 39-year-old shop worker from Genoa in northern Italy, said it was not a clear-cut decision, pointing to the fact that Renzi was not elected as premier but toppled his predecessor in a party coup. "We didn't elect the leaders we have at the moment. They represent us, but only partially," Pedemonte said. Dissatisfaction with political classes has helped the rise of the anti-establishment Five-Star Movement, which now governs the capital Rome and which some polls have placed ahead of Renzi's Democratic Party. BANKS DBRS also has concerns about Italy's banks, which are saddled with 360 billion euros in bad loans. Investors have taken fright, sending banking stocks plunging 49 percent this year. Indebted banks are lending less to companies to help them grow. The government has helped arrange two funds to buy bad loans and fresh capital from stricken banks, unveiled state guarantees to help sell the bad debt and passed a law to speed up debt recovery. But such measures will not be enough in the current scenario, said Alberto Bagnai, economic policy professor at the University of Chieti-Pescara. "There is no way to solve the banking problem without economic growth," Bagnai said. "If the whole nation doesn't start earning more it can't pay back its debts - public or private." (Reporting by Isla Binnie; Editing by Gareth Jones) If you want to know what Leonardo DiCaprio's face sounds like, you can ask Neil Harbisson, composer of sound portraits made with the use of a surgically implanted antenna attached to his skull. "If we could hear the frequency of the color red, we would hear a note, and that's the note I am hearing," explains Harbisson, 34, co-founder of the Cyborg Foundation, an organization promoting cyborgism, cyborg rights and cyborg art like his avant-garde compositions as well as audio portraits of DiCaprio, Woody Allen, Macauley Culkin, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Judi Dench, James Cameron, Alfonso Cuaron, Gael Garcia-Bernal and Daniel Radcliffe, along with numerous artists and heads of state. "Each person has their own peculiar sound. Woody Allen sounds very unsaturated, very soft sounds," the Belfast-born, Spain-raised Harbisson explains by phone from New York. "Macauley Culkin sounds C-major, which is very unusual to find major chords in a face. Al Gore has different notes in his eyes cause he has different shades of turquoise. Each eye sounds slightly different. Leonardo DiCaprio, he sounds almost like a major chord as well. He sounds G, E, and the shade of the eyes are similar to the color combinations of Macauley Culkin." Read more: This Is What Happens When You Ask a 'Cyborg' for L.A. Earthquake Predictions Born colorblind, Harbisson had an antenna implanted (a rudimentary headphone setup over a decade ago that has been replaced with increasingly sophisticated technology) to allow him to feel and hear notes and vibrations based on color saturation in the objects and people around him. His transformation serves to advance the foundation's goal to extend human senses through the use of surgically implanted technology. Coming this fall is North Sense, a chip that will allow aspiring cyborgs to identify magnetic north, available for roughly $300. The foundation's first step is to extend human senses, and then create art from the reconfiguration. Cyborg Foundation co-founder Moon Ribas has an implant that wirelessly connects her to a worldwide network of seismographs, allowing her to feel earthquakes wherever they occur. Her dance piece, Waiting For Earthquakes, is based on movements she feels happening in real time. Story continues For his audio portraits, some are clients that approach him, others are people he meets at various science or music events, but Harbisson never works from photographs. It's essential to have the subject in front of him as he runs his antenna over their face, recording shades and tones. But if you're expecting the Sissy Spacek Symphony you might be a little disappointed. The audio portraits generally consist of only five notes - two eyes, skin, lips and hair. Read more: Cindy Sherman Storms L.A.'s Broad: Iconic Artist Explains Her Hollywood State of Mind "What really surprised me is that skin color sounds the same even if you're black or white. People who say they're black, they're not actually black. They're very, very dark orange. And people who say they're white, they're not actually white. They're very, very light orange, which is different shades of F sharp - reddish orange or yellowish orange but it's never ever black or white. So the skin is the only thing that actually sounds very, very similar to everyone of us." Subjects don't have to be famous to have their portrait done by Harbisson, who often performs what he calls "face concerts" where people line up for a quick sketch that is amplified for an audience. And if you're not as handsome as Leonardo, take heart. At least you might sound better. "The notes of beauty are by shape, not by color combinations," he explains. "Someone might look very beautiful but sound not as harmonious as they look and sometimes it's the opposite." JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's state-owned power utility Eskom said on Friday it had signed a wage deal with unions after lengthy overnight talks, and urged unionised staff who have been on strike since Monday to resume work. Eskom said in a statement it had signed a two-year wage deal with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Solidarity union, granting the lowest paid workers increases of 10 percent and other employees 8.5 percent. Eskom was previously offering pay increases of 7 to 9 percent while the NUM, whose members were on strike, had on Tuesday lowered its wage demand to between 8.5 to 10 percent from 12 to 13 percent. The utility also said the NUM was in the process of getting all its members to return to work and end the strike. Officials at the NUM could not confirm that they would call off the strike, but said they would first present the new wage offer by Eskom to members, who make up about a third of the workforce at the utility. The Solidarity union, whose members were not on strike, said its members had accepted Eskom's latest offer. The metalworkers union NUMSA, whose members had also not joined the strike, had yet to sign the deal, but accepted the offer in principle, Eskom spokesman Khulu Phasiwe said. "NUM is currently in the process of telling its members to come back to work. We are expecting everything to be back to normal by Monday," Phasiwe said. The company, the sole power provider in Africa's most industrialised country, has said that the strike had so far not affected electricity supplies. The NUM said its members would have to give a green light to the latest pay offer by Eskom. "There is a revised offer that is tabled by Eskom in the early hours of this morning, around 3 am. We can't reveal it because we need to take it back to our members," said NUM's spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu. The dispute is the latest problem to beset Eskom, which has struggled to meet power demand in South Africa due to its aging power plants and grid. However, it has managed a year without rolling blackouts that have hurt the economy in the past. (Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg and TJ Strydom; Editing by James Macharia) We issued an updated research report on leading energy utility firm, Southern Company SO,on Aug 11, 2016. The companys returns are among the highest in the industry. At the same time, it maintains its position as a low-cost provider of electricity with superior customer satisfaction levels. However, the challenging economic environment, higher finance costs and increased spending levels may hamper Southern Company's results in the next few quarters.. This is reflected in the companys Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which implies that the stock will perform in line with the broader U.S. equity market over the next one to three months. Southern Company is one of the largest electric utility holding companies in the U.S., and is a premier energy company in the Southeast. This region is considered to be an advantageous one owing to its higher-than-average natural population growth, strong and diverse regional economy, constructive regulation and comparatively tight power markets. These characteristics provide a solid base for Southern Companys regulated business, which is expected to make up roughly 90% of its consolidated earnings over the next few years. It is to be noted that Southern Company recently reported second-quarter 2016 earnings per share (excluding certain one-time items) of 74 cents, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents and higher than the year-ago adjusted profit of 71 cents. Moreover, the company has significantly bolstered its position in the rapidly growing distributed infrastructure solutions market with its recent acquisition of utility management technology firm, PowerSecure International. Also, the buyout of energy services holding company AGL Resources Inc. has helped it augment the supply of cheap natural gas supply to its power plants. The companys focus on natural gas might also help it to reduce its operating cost to a large extent. However, as is the case with other electric utilities, Southern Company has been experiencing flat-to-low electricity sales over the last few years due to the impact of fluctuating weather conditions on overall consumer demand. Additionally, given that approximately one-third of the companys total retail sale comes from industrial customers, a sluggish economy has been affecting the fortunes of Southern Company more than other utilities that are less dependent on the industrial component. Story continues Additionally, the companys borrowings to fund recent purchases like AGL resources and PowerSecure has increased its debt levels. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the requirement of significant cash flows for repayments. Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked players in the energy space include Sasol Ltd. SSL, Murphy USA Inc. MUSA and North Atlantic Drilling Limited NADL. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SOUTHERN CO (SO): Free Stock Analysis Report MURPHY USA INC (MUSA): Free Stock Analysis Report SASOL LTD -ADR (SSL): Free Stock Analysis Report NORTH ATL DRILG (NADL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Engen Tham and Carolyn Cohn SHANGHAI, China (Reuters) - As David Byrne ate breakfast at the Tongli Lakeview Hotel outside Shanghai one Sunday in April, an angry customer was waiting for him. Byrne, 52, is a British businessman who sells investment products. The previous day, he had introduced himself to a roomful of potential customers in the hotel as the new London head of a foreign currency trading platform whose website offered very high returns. But Tang Hongde, the man watching as Byrne lingered over his meal, wanted to talk about an earlier venture which the Briton had said he headed. That operation, called EuroFX, had also promised fat returns on foreign exchange. Chinese law enforcement authorities now say it was a pyramid scheme, which used cash from new investors to pay older ones. One Chinese official with direct knowledge of the matter says it could also have been part of a global fraud. So far, Chinese police records in nine provinces show, police have received at least 319 consumer complaints about EuroFX. In total, police have estimated losses of at least 455 million yuan ($70 million) and issued 23 arrest warrants for illegal fundraising by people in China. Police did not respond to requests for more information. Some investors say those complaints are just the tip of the iceberg. A group in Shanghai has collected the details of at least 3,700 victims in China, and others in nine countries from the United States to the Philippines say they were also ensnared by EuroFX. Collectively, they claim to have lost more than $1 billion. Reuters spoke to 35 of them, and their stories reveal a trail of pain. "Many people invested the money they use to buy food," said one 50-year-old Chinese woman who herself was arrested for encouraging others to invest. EuroFX was one of a rash of scams to emerge recently among Chinas millions of newly affluent. But it stands out because it played on Britishness. Of 10 suspected frauds in China that the Chinese official is handling, this is the first to involve a Western company and a Western figurehead. Byrne had presented himself as CEO of EuroFX. He was detained and questioned by police and freed on bail but is barred from leaving China. He told Reuters in May that he was not actually in charge. He said another Briton had "full authority" over him, which the Briton denied, saying he had no involvement in EuroFX but was helping some Asian customers for an Australian. Reuters was unable to locate the Australian for comment. The tale shows how, in a world where money flows easily between jurisdictions, thieves can hide in the gaps between local regulations. EuroFX marketed itself from addresses in London. But as long as it advertised to investors abroad, British authorities considered it beyond their jurisdiction. In China, police responded only in provinces where many victims complained. One alleged victim was Zhang Fusheng, who says he pumped millions of dollars into EuroFX. He has been sued by others for unpaid debts after investing on their behalf. He also drew in his sister, Zhang Guiling, a 59-year old grandmother in the village of Tangshan in the countrys north, who borrowed to invest. EuroFX blocked her account in 2013 and the money disappeared. Lenders came after her. "Her son blamed her, her daughter-in-law blamed her, her husband wont talk to her, her daughter hates her," he said in March. Last August, she took her own life. Reuters could not independently confirm if EuroFX played a role in her death. NIGHT-TIME VIGIL In a 2013 meeting filmed by investors, Byrne described himself as acting as CEO of EuroFX, which claimed to have special techniques to trade foreign exchange. He says now he was only a "consultant CEO" of the UK-registered company Euro Forex Investment Ltd, and that he had used the "EuroFX" name for short. The money trail is too blurred to see who profited. Bank statements seen by Reuters show that investors paid into companies and accounts at banks in Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013. The amounts they paid in would show up on their online EuroFX account, where the balance of funds would go up every day, supposedly reflecting profit from foreign exchange trading. To withdraw profit, investors including Zhang said, they opened accounts at banks nominated by EuroFX. Early investors were able to make withdrawals from these. But in July 2013, EuroFX told investors it was suspending foreign exchange trading. After that, investors could not access any money. The balance of funds on their EuroFX accounts "froze" so there appeared to be no trading. Each investor started to lodge complaints against those who had recommended they invest. In Zhangs case, the claims were civil suits; other former investors are among the 23 people whom police want to arrest. Many have fled the country. Two of the companies that investors paid into were dissolved in 2014; their Indian directors could not be reached. The banks declined to comment. Hong Kong police did not respond. It was only when Byrne was spotted in China in April that the Shanghai investors asked police to question him. A group of them spent all night coordinating. They called the police to try to get him arrested. Local police, who declined to comment, visited the hotel, then left again. The following morning, Tang was in the lobby, keeping watch. Another investor staked out the airport. "As David was putting his suitcase in the car, I reached out and held onto his suitcase," said Tang. "I said, 'David, you cant leave, youre suspected of fraud." Byrne said nothing, Tang said. He seemed calm. Eventually, police brought him in for questioning. They are now preparing evidence to submit to the prosecution, the Chinese official said. A spokesman for the British consulate in Shanghai said it was assisting a British national. COOK, ORCHARD AND BYRNE Chinese investors say they first heard of EuroFX in June 2012. It printed full-color Chinese brochures, seen by Reuters, which predicted fat returns. For an investment of $10,000, investors could expect a return of 6 percent a month. For $100,000, that climbed to 12 percent. A few months later, a separate EuroFX product offered up to 16 percent to anyone who invested $250,000. The brochures boasted that EuroFX had 13 years' experience in foreign exchange trading. In fact, there was no company called "EuroFX." Its brochure said EuroFX was a brand name for Euro Forex Investment Ltd. This was a dissolved company that an Australian businessman, Bryan Cook, had bought only the month before, according to Eurofinanzza, the company formation agent which arranged the transaction. Reuters was unable to locate Cook for comment. Byrne, a financial analyst who had run his own foreign exchange advisory business in Britain, told Reuters in July he joined the project in 2012 when a British lawyer, David Orchard, hired him to run the London arm. "All (recruitment) negotiations and paperwork were handled by Mr Orchard," said Byrne. Asked who was his boss at Euro Forex Investment Ltd, he said: "Orchard had full authority. Everything was through him as authority." Orchards lawyer denied this, and there is no evidence Orchard was knowingly part of a fraud. Orchard told Reuters in June that he knew Byrne from previous business dealings, and had bumped into him in the City of London in summer 2012 when Byrne was out of work. "We put his name forward as someone who had forex expertise who could help" by managing a London office, Orchard said, but could not remember whom he recommended Byrne to. Orchard, who said he also knew Cook, set up other companies with "Euro Forex" in their names to help Cooks Asian clients rent offices, he said. In the end, Orchard said, the companies were not used to pay rent on the buildings because Cooks Malaysian company could pay them itself. The landlords involved declined to comment. The corporate trail leads to a clutch of other "Euro Forex" companies in Britain and New Zealand, held in the names of company formation agents, nominee directors, or offshore shareholders. Their directors and addresses changed frequently; some were dormant or rapidly closed, and others have since changed their names. HERON TOWER In August 2012 Euro Forex Investment Ltd moved into Londons Heron Tower, the tallest building in the City. That September it changed its registered office to Bruton Street in the Mayfair district, home to hundreds of investment funds. Then EuroFX started to fly Chinese investors to London. In mid-November, visiting investors took photos of Byrne and Orchard in front of the EuroFX logo at the 21st-storey Heron Tower office. Orchard said he was only there to hand over the premises and did not realize the visitors were investors. Zhang says he enjoyed one of these trips at EuroFXs expense that December. He recalls dining at fancy Chinese restaurants. "They took us to shop at department stores. They took us to a 700-year-old castle, to look at Cambridge University." That month, Euro Forex Investment Ltd reported in company filings a 10 million pound ($13 million) capital injection. After the London visits, Byrne spoke at dinners in Asia where local celebrities performed, videos and photos given to Reuters by the Shanghai investors show. "In Thailand, in Korea, Singapore, David (Byrne) and these other (unnamed) foreigners were always holding conferences that you could attend, free," said Zhang. But while EuroFX was promising stellar returns, hedge funds in foreign currencies were booking annual losses of 1 percent to 2 percent on average, according to data tracker Hedge Fund Research. "I TRUST EUROPEANS" Tang, the clothing exporter who would later confront Byrne, was introduced to the scheme by a civil servant in Changzhou, a city in the eastern province of Jiangsu. He invested 800,000 yuan ($120,000), he said. He did not understand foreign exchange, but believed the scheme was regulated: "I trust Europeans not to lie to me." Other Chinese investors who put money into EuroFX also told Reuters they did so because Euro Forex Investment Limited was a company registered in Britain. They assumed it was regulated by Britains financial authorities. It was not. The company had registered at Companies House as being active in "business support," not finance. In any case, it would only have been regulated by what is now called the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if it sold to customers in Britain. The FCA does not regulate UK-registered firms that operate outside the European Union, a spokeswoman for the authority said. The UK regulator did warn in early 2013 that Euro Forex Investment may have been "providing financial services or products in the UK without our authorization." But that warning on its website was directed only at investors in the UK. The FCA declined to specify what prompted it. It said it would normally refer any such concerns to the police. A spokeswoman for the regulator declined to say whether it had referred EuroFX. The UK police said they later received complaints about EuroFX from ActionFraud, Britains national reporting center for fraud. They decided these were outside their jurisdiction. A London Metropolitan police spokeswoman said: "The decision was taken for this investigation to be conducted by the Chinese authorities as the large majority of victims in this case are resident within China." "YOUR MONEY IS SAFE" On July 20, 2013, EuroFX said on its website it was suspending trade in existing accounts "to comply with increasingly stringent international anti-money laundering regulations." From that day, investors could not access their funds. In Asia, the dinners and roadshows carried on. "There are a lot of regulatory requirements that we need to meet," Byrne told a dinner in Bangkok the following month, according to a video of the presentation since posted on YouTube. EuroFX, he said, had "over 40,000 clients from over 100 countries,", and he only slept "about four or five hours per night ... because I need to make sure that your money is safe." He encouraged existing investors to "top up" what he called a hedging account to access their funds. To do that, investors needed to pay in more. "Regulators from various jurisdictions have given us a thumbs up," he said, asking everyone in the room to join the gesture. Zhang, who had invested with his sister, was a guest at that dinner. "At the time my heart did ask itself, are they tricksters?" he said. Zhang borrowed over $1.5 million in cash to double his original investment of the same amount. He said he believed it was the only way he could get his original funds back. In total, he said, he invested over $3 million on his own account in EuroFX, and over $2 million for others who had asked him to put their money in. "UNFAVORABLE TRADING" In October 2013, Byrne stood down. He told Reuters in July he resigned because he was not given information he asked for about the projects true nature and his management suggestions were ignored. Investors accounts remained blocked. EuroFX announced on its website that it had merged with another firm, FXCAP, with "regional temporary offices" in six cities from Mumbai to Johannesburg. No FXCAP representative could be reached. The merged firm, FXCAP, promised debit cards for EuroFX investors to access their funds. A few weeks later, some investors received cards, but these were prepaid cards with balances of zero, the investors said. FXCAP/EuroFX said it would issue new cards within months, according to its website. This never happened, the investors say. In April 2014, seven Shanghai-based investors headed to London to investigate. They visited the offices of two companies EuroFX had claimed to work with, said the leader of that group, asking to remain anonymous. The firms said they had nothing to do with the venture. The Shanghai investors emailed Byrne. He wrote back that he had been hired for 11 months only, for which he was paid 75,000 pounds ($98,000), and that he might also be a victim of fraud. His emails were seen by Reuters. Byrne declined to comment on the record about them. In August 2015, the merged company posted a message on its website: "Due to unfavorable trading condition in the past few months, FXCAP is filing for bankruptcy," it said, according to a screenshot made available by the investor group. Client accounts were being "audited by external accounting firm." OVERDOSE In the village of Tangshan in August 2015, Zhangs sister, Zhang Guiling, was struggling to repay loans she had taken out to invest. She went from door to door, borrowing money wherever she could, her brother said. As the interest bills piled up, her creditors started showing up at her home and where her husband and son worked, threatening them. People who had known her for years started to avoid her. She called her older sister and said she was tired of living, her sister said. Alone in the house one day, she swallowed an overdose of medicines she had been prescribed for high blood pressure, her family said. Her husband found her body when he returned from work. While the family didnt ask for an inquest to determine the cause of her death, Zhang feels sure EuroFX is responsible. His problems continue. A judge dismissed one civil suit against him, ruling that Zhang was not responsible for the claimants losses from the scheme. In another suit, he was ordered to repay 650,000 yuan ($98,000) that he borrowed on the strength of promised returns from EuroFX. He says he does not know where hell find the cash. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Gould in Frankfurt, Charlotte Greenfield in Wellington, Byron Kaye in Sydney, Shrikesh Laxmidas in Lisbon, Praveen Menon in Kuala Lumpur, Sarah White in Madrid, Himanshu Ojha, Kirstin Ridley, Maiya Keidan and Simon Jessop in London, Adam Jourdan in Shanghai and Shanghai newsroom; Edited by Sara Ledwith) * New agreement replaces one signed with Xi Jinping in 2014 * No freehold land as agreed in original deal - Sri Lanka * Government plans to establish international financial city * Chinese firm gives up claim for $143 mln in compensation By Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez COLOMBO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's government on Friday agreed a new version of its $1.4 billion real estate agreement with China after changing the terms and blocking the outright sale of land - part of a project covering a square mile right next to the capital's port. Since coming to power in January 2015, President Maithripala Sirisena's administration has suspended most Chinese infrastructure projects that, it says, were badly priced and financed on onerous terms harmful to the national interest. The reclamation project, Sri Lanka's largest foreign direct investment (FDI) project, was suspended two months after Sirisena defeated China-friendly Mahinda Rajapaksa, saying the proper procedure had not been followed. It had been signed in front of China's President Xi Jinping when he visited the island nation in 2014. China Communication and Construction Co Ltd has dropped its claim against the government for $143 million in compensation for delaying the project by almost one year in return for extra land being added to the project. Under the new agreement, the government plans to develop an international financial and business district in Sri Lanka within the port city and call it "Colombo International Financial City". Chinese firm CHEC Port City Colombo, which is overseeing the 269-hectare project, said it will create about 83,000 jobs and attract more than $13 billion in FDI from outside investors including India, Singapore, Malaysia and China. "The tripartite agreement has many features that are beneficial to Sri Lanka that was lacking in the 2014 agreement," the Megapolis ministry said in a statement, referring to the three signatories: CHEC, Sri Lanka's Urban Development Authority and the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry. Story continues India uses Colombo's port for more than 70 percent of its shipping and had raised concerns about the proposal to sell a 20-hectare plot freehold to China's CHEC. The Chinese firm will now get 110 hectares of reclaimed land on a 99-year lease and the Sri Lanka's government will keep complete ownership of 159 hectares. Tang Qiaoliang, president of parent company China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd, said the project will be sought after as a base for corporate headquarters to take advantage of Sri Lanka's strategic location. (Writing by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Louise Ireland) 2017 Subaru Impreza Subaru may be rolling out an all-electric crossover by 2021. Subaru, which is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries, plans to launch the vehicle within the next five years and base the car on the Forester or the companys next Outback, according to the Japanese news site Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, which cited sources close to the matter. The car will be built on Subarus Global Platform, which the company announced in March, according to the report. The platform enables the company to easily build a wide variety of vehicles, including electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Subaru declined to comment for this story, but a company spokesperson told Automotive News that if the company did build an electric car, it would most likely be built on the new Global Platform. The company is one of many automakers aiming to venture into long range, all-electric cars during the next few years. General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo and others are all ramping up investment in the space. Tesla, though, has a leg up on most of the competition. The company already sells the Model S and Model X, and aims to begin delivering its first mass market electric car, the Model 3, by 2018. Volvo is aiming to launch its first electric vehicle in 2019. Volkswagen plans to roll out 20 new vehicles with either battery-powered or plug-in hybrid drivetrains by 2025, and Ford is also expected to launch a 200-mile range electric vehicle within five years. So far, General Motors is the only major automaker that will launch its long-range EV before Tesla. The car maker plans to launch its $37,000 Chevrolet Bolt, which has a range of more than 200 miles, next year. NOW WATCH: Heres the stunning electric car Porsche is making to take on Tesla More From Business Insider At a summer math camp in Seattle, girls learn not only about fractions by taking Barbies measurements and comparing them to the average woman but also about having a healthy body image. (Photo: Westend61 GmbH/Alamy) The Girls Rock Math summer camp in Seattle aims to boost young girls confidence in the subject by making math fun and engaging. One way camp counselors have been doing that is by teaching the elementary school-age campers about math in ways they can relate to, such as by taking Barbies measurements, including her waist-to-hip ratio, to learn about fractions and comparing them to the dimensions of the average American woman. Not surprisingly, that math-oriented exercise eventually led to conversations about body image that have been incorporated into the sessions. After comparing the measurements of Barbie and a real woman, the camp counselors hold a discussion about whether Barbie, if she were real, would be able to run a race, ski, or work at a job all day. Several girls realized that, with those dimensions, Barbie couldnt exercise or even hold her head up. As part of the session, campers also draw portraits using more realistic proportions and fractions. The first time I taught the camp we were really focused on the math aspects of it, camp director Jessica Christianson told Seattles WMAZ News. But what I would hear as the girls were working on their designs was that the girls they were drawing looked too fat, looked too short, looked too tall, too skinny, and that would sort of trickle into their conversations about themselves. The camp counselors also ask the girls to think about why the manufacturer would create a doll that doesnt look like a real woman and urge them to think critically about why they company is trying to sell this type of doll to them. The more information you have now, I think, the better prepared youll be, Christianson told WMAZ, referring to medias influence on girls body image. When your body does start changing or when you start to feel self-conscious, you can think Thats not real. Those are Photoshopped images and you have that information. One camper said shed prefer a doll that she could relate to. Every body is amazing, Maia, a fourth grader, told WMAZ. Barbie makes you think that your body has to be one size, or else no one is going to like me. I think that is one of the problems we have in America that were so focused on looks and how people look. Story continues Added third-grader Kaitlin: They should make something that looks more like a human than a skinny person because kids might think they should look like that, because [kids] dont know theyre just making [Barbie] for money. After 57 years, the makers of Barbie finally listened to the wishes of both parents and little girls and launched a new line of dolls as part of their Barbie Fashionistas line to offer girls choices that are more reflective of the world they see today. The new, diverse line of dolls has seven different skin tones and different body types, from curvy to tall to petite. We believe we have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty, Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president and global general manager of the Barbie brand, said in a statement. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Brace yourselves for a summer of Instajealousy -- the fashion world has officially gone on vacation. But as the stars kick back and enjoy the good life, their social media updates are gold for updating your summer beauty look. Today let's take a look at the Hungarian model Barbara Palvin, who doesn't mention where she is on vacation, but has posted a pic of herself in a glamorous rocker ensemble. The ultra-slim blonde with the porcelain complexion opted for an all-black look for her plane trip which sees her looking radiant in a rocker-chick outfit. This contrasts with her cherubic face, but suits her wonderfully. Palvin has slipped on a classic t-shirt and trousers, and topped them with a leather jacket, accessorized with aviator sunglasses. And what gives it the edge? Her side ponytail that accentuates the rock-and-roll vibe. Barbara Palvin has walked for Chanel, Jeremy Scott, and Topshop Unique, but brands such as Victoria's Secret, H&M, and Armani are most interested in her for their ad campaigns. Her perfect features and faultless skin have made her a go-to model in the beauty industry, winning her campaigns for Chanel Beauty, Calvin Klein, and Cartier perfumes, plus an ambassador contract with L'Oreal Paris. And fashion magazines around the globe, such as Elle Hungary, InStyle Korea, Allure Russia, and Elle Italia, have been keen to put her on their covers. By Ross Kerber CANTON, Mass., Aug 12 (Reuters) - An attorney for Sumner Redstone said the media mogul would be willing to be briefly interviewed under oath in a lawsuit over his mental competency that could influence the future of his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS. The issue arose as part of a lawsuit that is questioning whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Viacom Inc Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman and fellow Viacom board member George Abrams in May from a seven-person trust. The trust will control Redstone's majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp when he dies or is incapacitated. At a hearing on Friday in Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts, Redstone attorney Robert Klieger said his client would agree to a deposition, but that a further medical exam of Redstone is unnecessary. Dauman and Abrams filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts, where the trust was established, contesting their removal from the trust and the board of National Amusements Inc, Redstone's privately held movie theater company. Through National Amusements, Redstone owns 80 percent of the voting shares of CBS and Viacom. The outcome of the case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions. Abrams and Dauman claim Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression, and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari Redstone. In a June court filing, Sumner Redstone called it "offensive and untrue" to suggest that he was being unduly influenced. Redstone and National Amusements also moved to oust five Viacom directors in June, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware to rule that the changes were valid. Salerno fired back with his own lawsuit challenging the removal. Viacom is incorporated in Delaware. (Writing by Dan Levine; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) By Ross Kerber CANTON, Mass. (Reuters) - An attorney for Sumner Redstone said the media mogul would be willing to be interviewed briefly under oath in a lawsuit over his mental competency that could influence the future of his majority ownership of Viacom and CBS. The issue arose as part of a lawsuit that is questioning whether the 93-year-old Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Viacom Inc Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman and fellow Viacom board member George Abrams in May from a seven-person trust. The trust will control Redstone's majority ownership of Viacom and CBS Corp when he dies or is incapacitated. At a hearing on Friday in Norfolk County Probate and Family Court in Canton, Massachusetts, Judge George Phelan set a Sept. 19 trial date. Redstone attorney Robert Klieger said his client would agree to a "brief" deposition in the run up to trial, though attorneys for Dauman are also seeking a medical exam of Redstone. "We don't believe a further medical exam is necessary," Klieger said. Phelan set a hearing for Aug. 26 to discuss both the deposition and the medical exam. Dauman and Abrams filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts, where the trust was established, contesting their removal from the trust and the board of National Amusements Inc, Redstone's privately held movie theater company. Through National Amusements, Redstone owns 80 percent of the voting shares of CBS and Viacom. The outcome of the case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions. Abrams and Dauman claim Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression, and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari Redstone. In a June court filing, Sumner Redstone called it "offensive and untrue" to suggest that he was being unduly influenced. Redstone and National Amusements also moved to oust five Viacom directors in June, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware to rule that the changes were valid. Salerno fired back with his own lawsuit challenging the removal. Viacom is incorporated in Delaware. (Writing by Dan Levine; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and David Gregorio) Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Ailing Sun Yang's defence of his 1,500m freestyle Olympic gold foundered in the heats at Rio on Friday, where Michael Phelps remained the star attraction of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Phelps, who took his tally of Olympic gold to 22 on Thursday with his fourth straight victory in the 200m individual medley, had a chance to make it four in a row in another individual event, the 100m butterfly, on Friday night. In the last individual event of his spectacular Olympic career, Phelps will face a strong challenge from Singaporean Joseph Schooling, the top qualifier, as well as old rivals Laszlo Cseh of Hungary and Chad le Clos of South Africa. In other finals on the penultimate day of swimming competition, Katie Ledecky seeks a fourth gold of the week in the 800m freestyle, the race that launched her to stardom at the 2012 London Games. Hungary's Katinka Hosszu vies for a 200m backstroke title that with her 100m back and 200m and 400m medley victories would see her join Kristin Otto as the only women to win four individual swimming golds at one Games. France's World and Olympic champion Florent Manaudou leads the way into the 50m freestyle final. But Sun and the China team marked the preliminaries. The as he faded badly in the back half of the 1,500m to finish 16th overall in 15:01.97. "I got a cold, didn't feel very comfortable," said Sun, who set the world record of 14:31.02 at the London Games. "Today my muscles felt very sore after 800 meters. "People said I would pull out of the heats, but I stuck with it. The result is normal given my condition." China was also under the spotlight after Chen Xinyi was suspended over failed doping test after finishing fourth in the women's 100m butterfly final on Saturday. She has asked for a second test on her sample and a hearing on the case. Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri, who won the world title in Russia last year when Sun, complaining of chest pain, pulled out of the final at the last minute, was taken aback by Sun's performance. Story continues "It was a surprise," said Paltrinieri, who led the way into Saturday's final in 14:44.51. "Since last year when he missed the final we don't know what his condition is in the 1,500m. I feel sorry for him, but maybe his preparation was more for the 200 and the 400." - US set up Phelps relay finale - At the other end of the distance spectrum, Denmark's Pernille Blume clocked a personal best of 24.23sec to unexpectedly lead the way into the semi-finals of the women's 50m free. She was just three-hundredths of a second faster than the 24.26 produced by Great Britain's Fran Halsall in the previous heat. Aliaksandra Herasimenia of Belarus was third-quickest ahead of Australian Bronte Campbell. Campbell's elder sister Cate was seventh-fastest, both sisters out for redemption after disappointingly failing to medal in the 100m free. London gold medallist Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands tied for eighth-fastest while American Simone Manuel, who shared 100m free gold with Canadian Penny Oleksiak, advanced with the 11th-fastest time. In the men's 4x100m medley relay heats, the US quartet of David Plummer, Kevin Cordes, Tom Shields and Caeleb Dressell did their job, winning their heat in the second-fastest time overall behind Great Britain to insure that Phelps will have a shot at one last gold in the final on Saturday. "Got the job done, got the team through where they needed to be, got a good lane for tomorrow," said Plummer. "A DQ would have sucked." The US women led the way into the final of their 4x100m medley relay ahead of Canada, Denmark, Russia and Australia. ZURICH (Reuters) - Support for the U.N.-backed unity government in Libya is "crumbling" amid increased power outages and a weakening currency that is hitting crucial imports, the United Nations' envoy to the embattled north African country told a newspaper. The Government of National Accord (GNA) has been struggling to impose its authority on a country riven by political and armed rivalries, posing extra challenges as it tries to quash Islamic State jihadist militants. The U.N. point man for Libya, Martin Kobler, told Switzerland's Neue Zuercher Zeitung in an interview published on Friday there was no alternative to backing the GNA, but he acknowledged it had forfeited some of its initial popularity. Asked about an earlier comment he made that 95 percent of Libyans backed GNA Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, he said: "That was in April. There was a lot of good will then for the unity government. It has lost some support in the meantime. "At the time Tripoli had 20 hours of electricity a day, now it is 12 ... In April people had to pay 3.5 dinars for a dollar. Today it is 5 dinars. That is devastating for an import-oriented economy. Support is crumbling." Kobler, a German career diplomat, said U.S. air power could not win the fight against Islamic State in Libya, appealing for squabbling factions to support the GNA. "Strikes by the Americans alone cannot defeat IS. The fight has to be a Libyan one. It will be won with ground troops," he said. Forces aligned with the government, supported since Aug. 1 by U.S. air strikes, have clashed with IS militants in the city of Sirte and said this week they had taken Islamic State's "most important bastions" in its former stronghold. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Gareth Jones) This surprising factor has a lot to do with how much sleep youre getting This surprising factor has a lot to do with how much sleep youre getting Many aspects of our lives rely heavily on location, location, location. Largest population of beautiful people head to Los Angeles. Looking for the most loyal Dunkin Donuts customers around? Head to New England. And surprisingly, our sleep habits are location-based as well. giphy (10) The results. According to a recent study published in Science Advances, where you live can alter how much sleep you get on the reg. Researchers from the University of Michigan used data collected from smartphone app ENTRAIN, to analyze sleep habits of people of all ages around the world. The app was released for Android and iOS in 2014 and collected info from over 10,000 people in 20 countries on age, gender, location, time zone, wake up times, bed times, and typical lighting. Since this data collection began in 2014, the results have been interesting, and varied across the globe. Americans took the fourth place spot in earliest bed times, behind Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand. We also have the earliest wake time, because obviously we cant hustle when were sleeping, eh? Night owl champs are Spain, France, and Singapore, as the last to hit the hay. giphy (11) Culture is at play. Researcher Olivia Walch told Time that times of sunset and sunrise certainly play a role in the results, but thats not all. There are differences in latitudes [which determine hours of sunlight], but theyre always engulfed by artificial light and culture. said Walch. giphy (12) ENTRAIN developers hope to collect enough data on sleep patterns to eventually provide practical health tips based on those patterns. For example it could determine how to adjust sleep patterns based on jet lag or traveling into different time zones. Because sleep problems can lead to so many other health issues, this is clearly a tool we all need. So the moral of the story here is obvious: If youre a night owl living in America, it might time to take a trip to Paris. Right? The post This surprising factor has a lot to do with how much sleep youre getting appeared first on HelloGiggles. By Alan Baldwin RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - As an African-American swimmer, Simone Manuel has carried a weight on her shoulders every time she steps onto the starting blocks. The gold medal placed around her neck on Thursday could help to lift it. Making history as the first black woman swimmer to win an individual Olympic title for the United States, Manuel spoke of her desire to change attitudes and addressed some of the issues head-on. "This medal is not just for me, it's for some of the African-Americans that have come before me and have been inspirations and mentors to me," she said after a dead-heat in the 100 meters freestyle final resulted in two golds being awarded. The other went to 16-year-old Canadian Penny Oleksiak. "I think it means a lot, especially what's going on in the world today with some of the issues with police brutality," she added, without going into detail. "I think that this win kind of helps bring hope and change to some of the issues that are going on." A string of fatal shootings of black men and women by white police officers has triggered protests, some violent, across the United States in recent weeks. Manuel, 20, who comes from Houston and attends Stanford University, is one of two African-American women who qualified for the U.S. swim team -- the other being Lia Neal who won a 4x100 freestyle relay bronze in Rio. Thursday's final was only the third time two golds have been awarded as a result of a dead heat and it was fitting that the other recipient was another youngster breaking down the doors and redefining perceptions. Oleksiak, the first Olympic champion born in the 21st century, has now won four medals in Rio. Manuel said she hoped her first gold would bring change. "Just coming into this race tonight I kind of tried to take the weight of the black community off my shoulders, which is something I carry with me just being in this position," said Manuel. "I do hope that it kind of goes away. I'm super glad with the fact that I can be an inspiration to others and hopefully diversify the sport. "But at the same time I would like there to be a day where there are more of us and it's not 'Simone the black swimmer' because the title 'black swimmer' makes it seem like I'm not supposed to be able to win a gold medal, not supposed to be able to break records." "I work just as hard as anyone else and I love this sport and I want to win just like everyone else." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Patrick Johnston) Morogoro (Tanzania) (AFP) - They have proven their worth in detecting landmines but Africa's giant pouched rats have a lesser-known but equally critical vocation - saving lives by speeding up tuberculosis detection. It's all in the nose, says the Belgian non-governmental organisation APOPO. Its founders, in 1997, saw potential for these abundant rodents with a sense of smell as keen as a dog's but dismissed as pesty vermin -- or a potential meal. "The biggest obstacle has been the negative perception that people have of the rat," said APOPO director Christophe Cox, whose NGO has been based in Morogoro in Tanzania's eastern highlands since 2000. Yet 83,000 landmines have been neutralised in Africa and Asia thanks to the rodents, APOPO says, saving countless lives where explosives still maim and kill up to 20,000 people -- many of them children -- each year. Eyebrows were also raised when the group -- whose acronym stands for Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development -- branched out in 2007 to use rats for TB detection, under contracts with local authorities. - 'Quite efficient' - "When I first heard about this technique I was a bit shocked, but it proved to be quite efficient, in fact more efficient than the microscopy we use," said Daniel Magesa, a doctor at Pasada Upendano Clinic in the capital Dar es Salaam which now sends APOPO's Morogoro base some 200 human sputum samples every month. Africa accounts for most of the million-plus people who die of TB each year and untreated carriers can infect dozens of others, making speedy detection essential. "The problem is the concentration of the TB in the samples we have. It is sometimes not concentrated enough for us to see it through the type of microscopy we use, even though it is very modern," Dr. Magesa said. "With the lack of resources, qualifications and time, hospitals in the region only detect about 50 percent of TB cases," said APOPO director Cox, a figure confirmed by Dr. Magesa. Story continues Today, more than 29 hospitals in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro send the Morogoro lab sputum samples. Another dozen clinics in the Mozambique capital Maputo send samples to an APOPO center opened in that country in 2013. The NGO says it has detected 10,000 missed TB cases, identified by workers like Oprah and Violet, whiskers bristling as they move along a row of test tubes. "The big advantage is how quick the rats are. They can go through 100 samples in about 20 minutes, and this is what a lab technician will take four days to do," said Cox. During TB detection, rats are presented with a mix of negative and positive samples, the latter decontaminated for safety "but the smell remains", said training director Haruni Ramadhan. When a rat identifies a "true" positive, it is rewarded with a banana-peanut butter mixture. "We can only reward the rat if we are certain it is right," Ramadhan said. The negatives are not necessarily suspicious but become "suspect", and subjected to further testing, if the rat reacts. "Thanks to the rats, we have increased (TB case) detection rates by 40 percent" in the participating clinics, said Cox -- citing the same figure given by Dr. Magesa. APOPO now employs 222 rats -- 108 for demining and 42 TB detectors. - 'A lot faster' - The others are breeders or still in training, like Jon Stewart and Stephen Hawking -- year-old twins named for the US television star and the British scientist -- who are hard at work, poking their noses in soil studded with deactivated mines. "In these boxes we have buried land mines, so the rats have to pass and sniff and whenever they find the smell of TNT ... he has to scratch strongly," said chief trainer Jared Mkumba. If they get it right, the instructor snaps a clicker, a signal that the rat can claim its reward, a bit of the banana-peanut butter concoction. After six to nine months' training, the "HeroRATs", as APOPO calls them, are sent to Mozambique, Angola and more recently Cambodia to comb former battle zones -- but this is no suicide mission. At one to 1.5 kilogrammes (2.2 to 3.3 pounds), the rats are big enough to attach to a long, thin leash as they scan areas but light enough not to set off mines, which are cleared by human cohorts. Another plus is the African pouched rat's "long" lifespan, six to eight years, its affinity for repetitive tasks and its small size, which makes it easy to house, transport and feed. "This is a lot faster than traditional methods, because rats only detect mines while metal detectors will beep for every single piece of scrap," said Mkumba. But they will never entirely replace other methods, he said. "Rats are more efficient when on large minefields where mines are spread, but they are useless when there are lots of mines, for minebelts for example, because we know where they are." The World Health Organization has not, so far, endorsed this TB testing but APOPO, funded mainly by donations, won't stop there. Buoyed by its success, future ideas include trying out rats in detecting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. jacob sartorius musically I ask Jillian, 14, a soon-to-be high school freshman, what she thinks of that up-and-coming social media star star, uhh, what's his name? Jacob ... "Sartorius!" she finishes, with a groan. Yes, Jacob Sartorius. "Everybody either loves him or hates him." If you're not a part of the "everybody" that she refers to, it could be because you're not familiar with Musical.ly, the fast-rising video network that has captured over 90 million users, mostly teens. People upload 15-second videos of themselves mouthing the words to popular songs, dancing, or performing comedy skits. In the year since he's become famous, 13-year-old Sartorius has amassed an international following that includes millions of fans across Musical.ly, Instagram, and Vine; two pop singles; and an online merch store that includes sportswear with his name emblazoned. Sartorius claims 8.5 million fans on Musical.ly alone, but there are millions more who have a different opinion about the young star. That's because his talents are, well, limited though he does have two songs of his own, he's known for lip-syncing. Sartorius is not the only Musical.ly star who's been lambasted for "being famous for nothing." I'll be standing next to you... Always A video posted by Jacob Sartorius (@jacobsartorius) on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:15am PDT on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:15am PDT Most of Sartorius' videos show him serenading the selfie camera in his bathroom or bedroom. He draws hearts with his hands and makes other hand signals to go along with the song's lyrics. "I don't care that much for him," Jillian goes on. "I just think he's too conceited. He's one of those guys that's in your school that everybody just kind of knows is trouble and gets any girl." Another teen I spoke with, Rachel, 13, says she thinks it's cool Sartorius is her age and already a celebrity. Her class played his single, "Sweatshirt," which debuted in May, aloud in math class. High key love @jacobsartorius A video posted by musical.ly (@musical.ly) on May 19, 2016 at 5:23pm PDT on May 19, 2016 at 5:23pm PDT Business Insider wrote to the young star after his return from a family vacation, to learn more about his relationship with fans (and haters). He responded shortly and sweetly, with the email-etiquette one might expect from a 13-year-old media mogul. Story continues "I have always had an interest in music and acting that started around [age] 8, when I was doing musical theater," Sartorius explains. "When Vine and Musical.ly came along, it gave me another way to perform and express myself. I am just being me and having fun and am happy that so many people are enjoying it." For anyone who grew up subscribing to "Tiger Beat" or plastering their bedroom walls with N*Sync posters, the appeal is obvious. Sartorius meets all the criteria of a boy-band heartthrob: He's cute, with floppy hair and puppy dog eyes. He's often pictured biting his lip or tugging at the neckline of his T-shirt. He's sexually appealing to young girls, but not in a dangerous, XXX-rated way. Watching his videos, his massive following starts to makes sense. Goodnight guys :) I am so tired @jacobsartorius pic.twitter.com/1CWWgOGbQh Jessica Sartorius (@petrova29sv) August 10, 2016 @jacobsartorius if you'd hit me with your tour bus i'd thank god and ask you to do it again (@kinkyfuI) August 6, 2016 In July, some 300,000 teens and their reluctant parents descended on Anaheim, California, for an annual YouTube-sponsored convention called VidCon. Musical.ly set up a booth on the exhibition floor and rotated in star users every half hour to entertain fans. When Sartorius came on for his shift, teens mobbed the booth, according to Alex Hofmann, president of Musical.ly North America. Their screams blew through the permitted decibel levels in the auditorium. VidCon shut down the meet-and-greet and made room for him on the schedule to perform on the main stage later in the day. Casually watching Jacob sartorius performing at Vidcon pic.twitter.com/lm4sDJ92Zx Leah ? (@leahmazzz) June 24, 2016 "We walked Jacob out of the arena there was a glass door next to it and you saw all these teenagers running, hammering on the glass door, screaming Jacob's name," Hofmann tells Business Insider. "He's become a huge celebrity." Still, there are plenty of hold-outs who reject Sartorius' insta-fame. They argue lip-syncing is something anyone can do well in the car or after a few drinks. Every single local artist I know has more talent in a single nose hair than Jacob Sartorius will have in his whole life Gatch (@TylerGaccione) July 28, 2016 I cant believe jacob sartorius invented talent jasmine (@jasthomasx) July 5, 2016 Drinking game: take a shot every time Jacob Sartorius says "let's go" or runs his fingers through his hair in his snapchat story SHANE (@ShanexPastor) July 18, 2016 There's also some controversy around how the star treats his fans, as first reported by BuzzFeed. One young woman approached Sartorius for a hug at a meet-and-greet and tweeted that he looked "disgusted" at her size. Having watched a video of the interaction, I think she might be exaggerating, but, okay. Another fan allegedly asked Sartorius to give a shoutout to her three friends (because, teens), to which he said he couldn't possibly remember three names. The tweet has since been deleted. Sartorius tells Business Insider that meet-ups with his fans are his favorite part of the gig. "Every person I meet is so cool and special," Sartorius says. "I have done so many meet and greets and the fans that meet me in person know that I am down-to-earth and nice. I get so much happiness from their interactions which is why I continue to do this." Last spring, Sartorius forayed into the music industry with two singles, "Sweatshirt" and "Hit or Miss." They have yet to find mainstream success, though "Sweatshirt" cracked the top 10 chart on iTunes a feat most artists can only dream of. His voice lends a natural falsetto, thanks to impending puberty, but he's no John Legend. Growing up under the spotlight has its perks, but we're guessing that internet debates about your talent and likeability are not among them. Sartorius credits his family for supporting him as he manages his newfound fame and the public scrutiny that comes with it. "People can get famous for pretty much everything," a fan named Rachel tells me. "I like him. I'm not sure if everyone loves him." NOW WATCH: A plastic surgeon says that Kylie Jenner led to a boom in lip surgery among teens More From Business Insider Texas Instruments Inc. TXN has announced that its philanthropic arm is committing a sum of $5.4 million in 2016 toward the improvement of education from kindergarten to 12th grade science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Texas Instruments Foundation will be distributing the grants under its Power of STEM Education program to educators and nonprofit partners located in targeted communities throughout the U.S. where the company has a major manufacturing or design presence. The foundation gives special emphasis to those programs that are targeted toward female and minority students for careers in engineering. Beneficiaries Here are the details of the beneficiaries: Southern Methodist University: The foundation granted a total sum of $1.7 million to this University for providing training to up to 216 middle school science teachers in Dallas Independent School District (ISD). This four-year program will commence during the summer of 2017. Teach for America: A sum of $1.3 million has been allotted for the Teach for America cause. Under this program, 60 science and math teachers will be supported in Dallas ISD and Uplift Education schools. National Math and Science Initiative: An amount of $1.1 million has been allotted to this cause, which aims at training teachers for Advanced Placement courses and providing assistance to students through study sessions and monetary rewards. Apart from these, many other institutes who have an emphasis toward STEM will benefit as well. 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Zacks Investment Research By Jon Herskovitz FORT WORTH, Texas (Reuters) - Texas and a dozen other states asked a U.S. judge on Friday to block Obama administration guidance to public schools that transgender students must be allowed to use bathrooms of their choice, saying it usurps the authority of school districts nationwide. But at a hearing in Fort Worth in a lawsuit filed by the states against the U.S. government, Justice Department lawyer Benjamin Berwick urged U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor to dismiss the injunction request because the federal guidelines issued in May were non-binding with no legal consequences. Berwick also said the primarily Republican-governed states objecting had failed to show the guidelines would harm them. "These documents state explicitly that they do not have the force of law," Berwick told O'Connor. The guidance issued by the Justice Department and Education Department said public schools must allow transgender students to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity, as opposed to their birth gender, or face the loss of federal funds. Following milestone achievements in gay rights including same-sex marriage becoming legal nationwide in 2015, transgender rights have become an increasingly contentious issue in the United States. The use of public bathrooms has been a key element in the controversy. The administration's directive enraged conservatives who say federal civil rights protections encompass biological sex, not gender identity. Austin Nimocks, a lawyer who represented the Texas attorney general's office, said the federal recommendations already are being enforced, placing billions of dollars in federal funding for education at risk for states that do not comply. Nimocks called the guidelines rules that were foisted upon the states and said their reach "extends across the country, to every school district, without exception." Nimocks asked the judge for a ruling encompassing schools nationwide as soon as possible, saying students are returning to schools in a matter of days. O'Connor, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, peppered Berwick with questions about whether the guidelines were rules that could force states to overhaul their policies regarding bathrooms. The other states in the Texas-led suit are Alabama, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, Maine, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Georgia, Mississippi and Kentucky. Ten other states have also separately sued over the guidelines. The federal government in its May letter sent to school districts nationwide that while its guidance carried no legal weight, they must not discriminate against students, including based on their gender identity. The U.S. Supreme Court on Aug. 3 said a Virginia school board may temporarily block a student who was born a girl from using the boys' bathroom while a legal fight over transgender rights proceeds on appeal. A federal judge on Aug. 1 heard arguments over whether to stop North Carolina from enforcing its law barring transgender people from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity in government buildings and public schools. No decision has been issued. North Carolina also has sued the federal government to block the guidelines. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Will Dunham) Southern Thailand was hit by a wave of bombs and incendiary devices on Thursday and Friday, killing at least four people and wounding more than 20. Royal Thai Police Col. Krisana Patanacharoen told reporters it was too early to conclude who was behind the attacks. But he said the bombings followed a similar pattern used in the southern parts of the country a reference to a low-level insurgency in the countrys Islamic south that has ground on for more than a decade and killed more than 5,000 people. Heres what you need to know: Where have the blasts occurred and what are the casualty figures? On Thursday, a bomb exploded in a market in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six. One kilometer from the site, a fire broke out in a three story department store, injuring none but its estimated to have caused 100 million baht ($2.8 million) worth of damage, the Bangkok Post reports. Later, on Thursday night, two bombs exploded 20 minutes apart in the resort city of Hua Hin, killing one Thai woman and injuring at least 20, including ten foreign nationals. Police say they recovered a Samsung cell phone that they believe was used to remotely detonate at least one of bombs. Among those injured are two Dutch men, a Dutch woman, and seven others ranging in age from 16 to 48. Hours later, on Friday morning two more blasts killed another person and injured four more according to Thai authorities. Thai media reports that the woman killed was a street food vendor. Also on Friday morning, another two bombs exploded in Surat Thani outside police stations, killing one and injuring several others, according to local media. A fire also broke out around 3 a.m. local time at a shophouse, causing 10 million baht (around $280,000) worth of damage, says local media. Two bombs also exploded in Phuket around 8 a.m. local time in front of a hotel and a police booth in the tourist area of Patong, injuring one person, reports local media. Story continues About 200 kilometers north in Phang Nga province, two bombs went off in Khao Lak and another in Khuek Khak around 9 a.m. local time. Hours earlier, over 80 shops were gutted by a fire in the Takua Pa market frequented by tourists. Fires also broke out at shopping venues in Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat on Friday, reports the Bangkok Post. There are no reports of injuries and its not clear if the fires and the bombings are linked. Whats significant about these sites? While Thailand is no stranger to bomb attacks, these have mostly been confined to southern areas as part of a Muslim and ethnic insurgency. These explosions, however, have taken places in areas popular with foreigners. The bombs in Hua Hin, a popular resort town in southern Thailand, were hidden in plant pots on a busy street, with many bars. Hua Hin, about 125 miles from the capital Bangkok, is also home to a royal summer palace of Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Phuket is also a popular tourist destination, welcoming an estimated 5 million visitors a year. While Surat Thani is not a tourist destination in itself, it is a transit point for tourists heading to the resort islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. Who would want to carry out these bombings? No one has claimed responsibility for the bombings. The blasts coincide with the birthday of Thai Queen Sirikit on Aug. 12 (the holiday also marks Mothers Day in Thailand). They have also occurred near the first anniversary of the bomb attack on Bangkoks Erawan Shrine, a major tourist attraction. That attack, on Aug. 17, 2015, killed 17 and injured over 100. Since the military seized power in a coup in 2014, the country has been in political crisis. In a referendum last week, Thais voted in favor of a new constitution that could give the military greater powers. On Wednesday, junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha gave a speech taking credit for bringing stability back to the country. According to the Associated Press, the attacks may have been timed in such a way to embarrass the military government. Those who have agitated against the junta in the past have been the so-called Red Shirts supporters of ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (who was ousted in another military coup in 2006). Thaksins ouster saw bloody street battles in the nations capital between his supporters, opponents, and the military. Members of the Red Shirts include the rural poor but also left-wing activists and students. The southern province of Trang, where one person was killed and several injured, lies on the edge of the countrys Deep South, where Muslim separatists have been fighting for independence for generations. Since 2004, 5,000 people have died violently, mainly in Thailands three southernmost provinces. A timeline of recent bomb attacks in Thailand can be found here. By Michael Ausiello Thomas Gibsons two-episode suspension from Criminal Minds has become a full-fledged firing. In a statement, ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios which co-produce the CBS procedural said, Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the characters exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date. RELATED Report: Thomas Gibson Suspended From Criminal Minds In Wake of Physical Altercation With Producer The move comes in the wake of an on-set altercation in which Gibson allegedly kicked a producer. There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement, Gibson said earlier this week in a statement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possibleWe always have and always will. As reported by Deadline, this latest incident was the second of its kind for Gibson, who years ago reportedly shoved an assistant director and subsequently was made to attend anger manager classes. I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years, Gibson said in a statement to THR on Friday. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that wont be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have. Thomas character, BAU Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, will likely be sent away on special assignment. During TVLines Season 12 preview Q&A with Erica Messer, the showrunner made mention of a storyline that will take Hotch off the canvas. Setting up the return of Paget Brewster as BAU team member-turned-Interpol agent Emily Prentiss, Messer said, Prentiss is doing essentially temporary duty with us, while Hotch is on temporary duty doing something that the Director tapped him to do. RELATED Fall TV Preview: Whos In? Whos Out? Your Guide to 100+ Casting Moves Story continues Gibsons Hotch will thus be off-screen for a couple of episodes, Messer said at the time, and then well get to see what that assignment was about. Its a big thing that will play out. Or not. Criminal Minds Season 12 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 28. Launch Gallery: Fall TV Cast Changes: New, Leaving Actors for Returning Shows Related stories Report: Thomas Gibson Suspended From Criminal Minds In Wake of Physical Altercation With Producer Star Trek: Discovery: Prime Setting, Gay Character, Heavy Alien Presence and 11 More Spoilers About CBS Reboot Laverne Cox on Groundbreaking Doubt Role: Its Wonderful to Be a Black Transgender Woman on CBS Get more from TVLine: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter BAU Special Agent Aaron Hotchner will be going on special assignment, while Criminal Minds vet Thomas Gibson sits out his suspension in the wake of allegedly assaulting a producer. RELATEDReport: Thomas Gibson Suspended From Criminal Minds In Wake of Physical Altercation With Producer Gibson was suspended for at least one and likely two episodes after reportedly kicking a writer-producer on set. During TVLines Season 12 preview Q&A with Erica Messer, the showrunner made mention of a storyline that will temporarily take Hotch off the canvas. Setting up the return of Paget Brewster as BAU team member-turned-Interpol agent Emily Prentiss, Messer said, Prentiss is doing essentially temporary duty with us, while Hotch is on temporary duty doing something that the Director tapped him to do. Gibsons Hotch will thus be off-screen for a couple of episodes, Messer said, and then well get to see what that assignment was about. Its a big thing that will play out. RELATEDCriminal Minds: Aisha Tyler Promoted to Series Regular for Season 12 In the wake of the aforementioned on-set altercation, Gibson an original cast member issued a statement saying, There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will. In addition to Brewsters return as Prentiss, Criminal Minds this season has added CSI: Miami alum Adam Rodriguez as an FBI Fugitive Task Force agent, while Aisha Tyler (The Talk) has been promoted to series regular as Dr. Tara Lewis. Related stories Report: Thomas Gibson Suspended From Criminal Minds In Wake of Physical Altercation With Producer Star Trek: Discovery: 'Prime' Setting, Gay Character, Heavy Alien Presence and 11 More Spoilers About CBS Reboot Laverne Cox on Groundbreaking Doubt Role: 'It's Wonderful to Be a Black Transgender Woman on CBS' Brussels (AFP) - Belgian authorities on Friday released three people who had been detained for questioning following anti-terror raids overnight in the capital Brussels, prosecutors said. The raids occurred as Belgium remained on high alert following deadly jihadist bombings in March and a machete attack against police officers a week ago. "All three were released," Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, told AFP. A judge decided there was not enough evidence to keep them in custody. The three, identified as Wassime A., Asma A. and Malika B., were detained following eight raids Wednesday night that were ordered by a judge investigating terrorism cases. The prosecutor's office said no weapons or explosives were found in the six searches in the Brussels neighbourhood of Laeken, or in the raids in Evere and Anderlecht. Van Der Sypt also said the raids were not linked to an investigation into another "possible threat" the prosecutor's office mentioned after it declared that bomb alerts on two Scandinavian airlines SAS planes from Oslo and Stockholm were false. The two planes landed safely in Brussels on Wednesday and searches of the aircraft turned up nothing. Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers struck Brussels airport and a metro station near the European Union headquarters on March 22, killing 32 people. Those attacks were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, which controls large areas of territory in Iraq and Syria and has claimed numerous terror strikes in Europe over the last year. A Belgian policewoman last Saturday shot and killed a machete-wielding Algerian man who wounded two female colleagues in the city of Charleroi, authorities said. IS, also called Daesh, ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility for the attack by the man who officials said had been living illegally in Belgium. Bangkok (AFP) - Twin blasts in a seaside resort town in Thailand killed one and wounded 21 others, including foreigners, the latest explosions in the region's top tourist destination. Small bomb attacks are common in Thailand during times of heightened political tension, but there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists -- a key source of income for the kingdom -- to be targeted. Unrest is often attributed to disputes over business, local politics or criminal activities. Bangkok has been hit by several explosions in recent years, including a blast at a shrine in an area popular among tourists that left 20 people dead almost one year ago, the deadliest attack in Thailand. Thai officials said they are investigating the motives behind Thursday night's explosions, which took place near the bar district in Hua Hin, popular among foreign and local tourists. Here is a brief timeline of some blasts in Thailand in recent years. -- 2010 -- July: A suspected bomb rips through a bus stop in central Bangkok, leaving at least nine people injured and reigniting tensions two months after the end of opposition protests. October: A blast at a Bangkok apartment complex kills four, with the government blaming the incident on the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement, which denies any involvement. -- 2011 -- December: A makeshift explosive device is found and defused near the government lottery office in the capital with authorities saying the perpetrators wanted to "challenge the government". -- 2012 -- February: A string of botched blasts across Bangkok injure several people in an alleged plot by Iranian suspects to kill Israeli diplomats. Two Iranian men, including one whose legs were blown off, were sentenced to between 15 years and life in 2013 over the failed plot. -- 2013 -- May: A homemade bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area explodes, injuring seven people. Story continues -- 2014 -- January: Twin blasts by unknown attackers at an anti-government protest in central Bangkok leave 28 injured. February: A woman and a child are killed in a grenade attack during an anti-government rally in a Bangkok shopping district popular with tourists. That same month, a grenade explosion also in a bustling Bangkok shopping district kills three people, including two children. March: A string of grenade blasts rocks the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, popular with foreign tourists, leaving four people wounded. Police say the attacks could be linked to the kingdom's deadly political crisis. -- 2015 -- February: Two small bombs explode near a popular shopping mall in downtown Bangkok, injuring one man. April: A car bomb packed inside a pick-up truck on the Thai resort island of Samui wounds seven people, including an Italian girl. August: An explosion rips through the Erawan shrine in downtown Bangkok killing 20 people, mainly ethnic Chinese tourists, in the deadliest such attack in the country in recent years. -- 2016 -- February: A car bomb detonates outside a police station in southern Thailand, injuring at least seven people. August: Twin blasts in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin kill one Thai woman selling papaya and wound 21, including foreign tourists. The following timeline charts the origin and spread of the Zika virus from its discovery nearly 70 years ago: 1947: Scientists researching yellow fever in Uganda's Zika Forest identify the virus in a rhesus monkey 1948: Virus recovered from Aedes africanus mosquito in Zika Forest 1952: First human cases detected in Uganda and Tanzania 1954: Virus found in Nigeria 1960s-80s: Zika detected in mosquitoes and monkeys across equatorial Africa 196983: Zika found in equatorial Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan 2007: Zika spreads from Africa and Asia, first large outbreak on Pacific island of Yap 2012: Researchers identify two distinct lineages of the virus, African and Asian 201314: Zika outbreaks in French Polynesia, Easter Island, the Cook Islands and New Caledonia. Retrospective analysis shows possible link to birth defects and severe neurological complications in babies in French Polynesia March 2, 2015: Brazil reports illness characterized by skin rash in northeastern states July 17: Brazil reports detection of neurological disorders in newborns associated with history of infection Oct. 5: Cape Verde has cases of illness with skin rash Oct. 22: Colombia confirms cases of Zika Oct. 30: Brazil reports increase in microcephaly, abnormally small heads, among newborns Nov. 11: Brazil declares public health emergency November 2015-January 2016: Cases reported in Suriname, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Venezuela, French Guiana, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Ecuador, Barbados, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Curacao, Jamaica Feb. 1: World Health Organization (WHO) declares public health emergency of international concern Feb. 2: First case of Zika transmission in United States; local health officials say likely contracted through sex, not mosquito bite Feb. 5: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says virus being actively transmitted in 30 countries, mostly in the Americas Feb. 8: U.S. President Barack Obama requests $1.8 billion to fight Zika Story continues Feb. 12: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika infections and 4,314 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 462 confirmed as microcephaly and 41 determined to be linked to virus Feb. 17: Brazil investigating potential link between Zika and 4,443 suspected cases of microcephaly. Of those, 508 confirmed as microcephaly and most of those cases are linked to the virus. WHO seeks $56 million to fight Zika. Feb. 18: CDC adds Aruba and Bonaire to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 32. Feb. 23: CDC investigating 14 cases of possible sexual transmission of Zika. CDC also adds Trinidad and Tobago and Marshall Islands to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 34. Feb. 25: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases number more than 580 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,100 suspected cases of microcephaly. Feb. 27: France detects first sexually transmitted case of Zika. Feb. 29: CDC adds St. Maarten, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 36. March 1: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 641 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,222 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 8: WHO advises pregnant women to avoid areas with Zika outbreak and said sexual transmission of the virus is "relatively common." March 9: CDC adds New Caledonia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 37. March 15: Cuba reports first case of Zika contracted in the country. March 16: Cape Verde identifies first case of microcephaly. March 18: CDC says during Jan. 1, 2015 to Feb. 26, 2016, 116 residents of the United States had evidence of recent Zika virus infection based on laboratory testing. Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 863 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,268 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 19: CDC adds Cuba to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 38. March 21: South Korea confirms first case of Zika. March 22: CDC adds Dominica to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 39. Bangladesh confirms first case of Zika virus. Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 907 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,293 suspected cases of microcephaly. March 29: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 944 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil said the number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped slightly to 4,291. March 31: According to the World Health Organization, there is a strong scientific consensus that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis, though conclusive proof may take months or years. April 1: CDC adds Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 40. April 4: CDC adds Fiji to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 41. April 5: Vietnam reports first Zika infections. April 6: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,046 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 4,046. April 7: St. Lucia confirms first two cases of Zika, contracted locally. April 12: Brazil says confirmed microcephaly cases rose to 1,113 and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. The number of suspected cases of microcephaly dropped to 3,836. It was the second week in a row that the overall total figure fell. April 13: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies. The CDC said now that the causal relationship has been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years. CDC adds St. Lucia to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 42. April 14: Colombia confirms two microcephaly cases linked to Zinka. April 18: Peru reports first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus. CDC adds Belize to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 43. April 19: Chilean authorities find Zika mosquito for first time in decades. April 25: Canada confirms first sexually transmitted Zika case. April 26: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly climbed to 1,198 from 1,168 in the week through April 23, but suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,710 from 3,741 a week ago. Brazil registered 91,387 likely cases of the Zika virus from February until April 2, the health ministry said, in its first national report on the epidemic. April 29: Puerto Rico reports first death related to Zika, according to the CDC. The country also confirmed 683 Zika cases, including 65 pregnant women, and five suspected cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome from Zika, the CDC reported. May 4: Panama confirms four microcephaly cases tied to Zika. May 6: Spain gets first case of Zika-related brain defect in a fetus. May 9: CDC adds Papua New Guinea, Saint Barthelemy and Peru to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 46. Honduras suspects first case of microcephaly in Zika patient. May 11: Brazil says the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly dropped to 1,326 in the week through May 7 as doctors and Brazilian health officials find that some suspected cases of microcephaly are not the disorder. Suspected ones under investigation continued to decline to 3,433. May 12: CDC adds Grenada to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 47. May 13: Puerto Rico reports first case of Zika-related microcephaly. May 20: WHO says an outbreak of Zika virus on the African island chain of Cape Verde is of the same strain as the one blamed for birth abnormalities in Brazil. May 24: Brazil reports the number of confirmed cases of microcephaly at 1,434 for the latest week to May 21. Suspected ones under investigation declined to 3,257. May 26: CDC adds Argentina to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 48. June 9: WHO issues updated guidelines on prevention of sexual transmission of the Zika virus, including advising women living in areas where the virus is being transmitted to delay getting pregnant. June 14: El Salvador confirms first case of microcephaly linked to Zika. June 23: CDC reports seven babies in the United States with microcephaly or other Zika-related birth defects such as serious brain abnormalities, and five lost pregnancies from either miscarriage, stillbirth or termination. June 28: First baby with Zika-related birth defect microcephaly born in Florida. June 30: CDC adds Anguilla to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 49. Guinea-Bissau confirms three cases of Zika, government says. Spain records first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus, health authorities said. July 8: CDC confirmed that a Utah resident's death last month is the first Zika-related death in the continental United States. July 14: CDC adds Saint Eustatius to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 50. July 15: New York City's health department reports the first female-to-male transmission of the Zika virus. July 18: CDC reports that caregiver of Utah man who died of Zika tested positive for virus. July 19: Florida health officials are investigating a case of Zika virus infection that does not appear to have stemmed from travel to another region with an outbreak. July 21: CDC reports 400 pregnant women in U.S. with evidence of Zika infection, up from 346 a week ago. The health agency also reports three more babies born in U.S. with birth defects linked to the Zika virus, bringing total to 12. Florida Department of Health said it was investigating a non travel-related case of Zika in Broward County, marking the second such case in the U.S. July 22: New York City health officials reports first baby born with Zika-related birth defect. July 25: Spain reports first case in Europe of baby born with Zika-related defect. CDC issues updated recommendations for preventing and testing for Zika infection, warning that the virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected female partner. July 26: Honduras detects 8 cases of babies with Zika-related defect. CDC adds Saba to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 51. July 27: Paraguay reports first cases of microcephaly linked to Zika. July 29: Florida authorities report what is believed to be the first evidence of local Zika transmission in the continental United States. Aug. 1: Florida identifies 10 more cases of Zika virus caused by mosquitoes, bringing total to 14. CDC issues guidelines for pregnant women who live in and traveled to affected area in a Miami neighborhood. Aug. 2: Health authorities in Florida add one more case of locally transmitted Zika, bringing total to 15. CDC adds Antigua, Barbuda, and Turks and Cacos to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 54. Aug. 3: U.S. researchers said they launched Zika vaccine clinical trial. Aug. 4: Cuba reports two cases of locally transmitted Zika. Aug. 5: Florida health authorities report another locally transmitted case, bringing total to 16. Aug. 8: Florida said it was investigating new case of locally transmitted Zika in Palm Beach County. Aug. 9: Texas health officials said death of infant born with microcephaly is linked to Zika, the first casualty in the state associated with the virus. Cayman Islands reports two locally transmitted Zika cases. Florida announces four more cases of locally transmitted Zika, bringing total to 21. Aug. 11: Florida reports three additional cases of locally transmitted Zika, bringing total to 25. CDC adds Cayman Islands to countries and territories with active outbreaks, bringing total to 55. Aug. 12: Florida health officials said three more people test positive for locally-transmitted Zika, bringing total to 28. The department of Health and Human Services declares public health emergency in Puerto Rico over Zika with 10,690 laboratory-confirmed cases. SOURCES: World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Reuters (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by the Americas Desk) Turns out, Tom Hiddleston IS a big T. Stark fan, after all! The Avengers actor proved he can take a little teasing on Wednesday while addressing his co-star Robert Downey Jr. welcoming him to Instagram this week by poking fun at that 'I Heart T.S.' shirt he wore at the start of his his whirlwind romance with Taylor Swift. "Join me in welcoming the biggest T. Stark fan of them all to Instagram!," Downey Jr. wrote, referencing his Avengers character, Tony Stark aka Iron Man, who bares the same initials as Hiddleston's pop superstar bae. MORE: Robert Downey Jr. Welcomes Tom Hiddleston to Instagram With a Little Friendly Shade "We're very close," Hiddleston said during a Facebook Live Chat with the Los Angeles Times. "There's a lot of mutual affection." The 35-year-old actor shared that he and 51-year-old Downey Jr. bonded while working together on The Avengers, and have a lot of "mutual admiration" for one another. MORE: 13 Reasons Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston Are Absolutely Perfect for Each Other "It's great, he's very sweet," Hiddleston added with regard to the lighthearted dig. Meanwhile, Downey Jr. echoed this sentiment on Wednesday, when he followed up his initial Instagram with a pic of Tony Stark showing off his affection for Hiddleston's Marvel character with an "I Heart Loki" tank top. WATCH: Inside Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston's Latest Date Night -- Smiles, Stolen Kisses and Security Guards! There's just so much superhero BFFing going on right now! Watch the video below for more on Hiddleston's Instagram debut. Related Articles By Ronnie Cohen (Reuters Health) - The U.S. faces a critical shortage of doctors and other healthcare practitioners willing to make house calls to as many as 4 million frail, homebound Americans, a new study shows. The healthcare workforce has yet to adapt to the needs of older Americans who increasingly choose to age at home rather than in nursing facilities, the report finds. The Health Affairs study is one of the first to examine the use of home-based medical care in the U.S. This paper really shows us that access to home-based healthcare is extremely limited, highly concentrated and just not available to all who need it, said Katherine Ornstein, a professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, in a phone interview. Ornstein was not involved with the new study. In 2010, at least 53 percent of Americans lived more than 30 miles away from full-time providers of home-based medical care, the research shows. Some states, including many in the Midwest, had no healthcare professionals who made 500 or more home visits a year. Researchers used 2012 and 2013 Medicare payment data to identify healthcare professionals home-based medical visits and examined workforce and geographic variations. Only about 470 primary-care providers, or about 9 percent of them, appeared to devote their practices to visiting patients at home. They performed nearly half of 1.7 million home visits in 2012 and 2013, averaged about 1,600 house calls a year and were paid about $167,000 annually by Medicare, the study found. Although prior research has shown that more frail Americans live at home than in nursing homes, seven times more primary-care doctors visited nursing homes than made house calls, the study found. Internal medicine physicians made about 8 million nursing-facility visits, compared to about 500,000 home visits in 2012, the data showed. Medicare paid them $500 million for nursing facility visits, compared to $50 million for home visits. The pattern of care doesnt match the size of the population, Ornstein said. Not only doesnt it match its way off. Were in this exciting time of health-care reform, and we have to develop new service-delivery models, she said. Doctors visited patients at home for generations, Nengliang (Aaron) Yao, the studys lead author, told Reuters Health. Yao, a health-policy professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, added, This is not a new model. This is an old model. In the old days, the doctor went to visit patients homes on horseback. Doctors discover details about patients needs during home visits that they are unlikely to see in an office setting, Yao said. One geriatrician told him a home visit revealed that a patient required no medical intervention, just an air conditioner. Ive talked to many home-care medical providers, Yao said. Theyre happy because they really feel they help their patients. Yao envisions a new medical specialty: home-based elder care. The combination of longer life spans and aging baby boomers is expected to bring the number of older adults to an unprecedented 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2030, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2afmrjp Health Affairs, online August 1, 2016. By Cecile Mantovani GENEVA (Reuters) - Torture is on the rise against government critics detained in Burundi and security forces are using sexual violence against women during protests and searches, United Nations human rights experts said on Friday. The U.N. Committee against Torture voiced concern at the use of "genocidal rhetoric" by senior officials and at the ethnic nature of the year-long conflict in the central African country. "We have reports and information that indicates that the violence, the torture, is politically-motivated. And whether it also has an ethnic component, there are also indications for that," Jens Modvic, panel chairman, told a news briefing. "You could consider that systematic torture directed toward certain political and ethnic groups would be an early warning sign of a process that could deteriorate into genocide." More than 450 people have been killed since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term. Opponents said his move violated the constitution and a deal that ended a civil war in 2005. About a quarter of a million people have fled the violence, which has alarmed neighboring countries in a region where memories of Rwanda's 1994 genocide remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority. The panel, composed of 10 independent experts, called on Burundi to exert rigorous control of its police and security forces and to halt crimes including extrajudicial executions, torture and disappearances. Investigations should be carried out and perpetrators prosecuted. Most torture occurs in the national intelligence services near the Bujumbura cathedral, but also in secret detention centres, the experts said after examining Burundi's record. Justice Minister Aimee Laurentine Kanyana told the panel at the start of the two-day review torture was prohibited in Burundi and perpetrators were tried and punished. The government delegation boycotted the session on the second day, the U.N. said. The panel, in a statement on Monday, said four Burundian lawyers who provided information to them about alleged torture face disbarment as retribution for their testimony. (Writing by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Janet Lawrence) TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp on Friday said extensive restructuring helped the Japanese conglomerate swing to its first operating profit in six quarters, signalling recovery from a $1.3 billion accounting scandal that unmasked underperforming operations. Toshiba, whose output is as diverse as consumer electronics and nuclear power reactors, reported profit of 20.1 billion yen ($197 million) for April-June. That compared with a year-earlier loss of 6.5 billion yen, and missed the Starmine SmartEstimate of a 33.5 billion yen profit based on five analyst estimates. The conglomerate kept its outlook for the financial year through March at 120 billion yen in profit, a turnaround from the 708.74 billion yen loss in the previous year. Toshiba began an investigation in April last year uncovering seven years of accounting manipulation. To remedy, it cut its workforce by 14,000 people, shrunk its semiconductor business, and sold divisions making home appliances and medical devices. Toshiba emerged as a company focused on chips, nuclear energy and social infrastructure. But analysts said Toshiba's recovering balance sheet has come under a new threat from U.S. engineer Chicago Bridge & Iron Co NV (CB&I), which sold its nuclear construction business to Toshiba's U.S. subsidiary Westinghouse Electric Co. CB&I said last month it was suing Westinghouse to protect itself from a potential $2 billion claim from Westinghouse for additional payments related to the October sale. CB&I in its complaint said Westinghouse used a provision of the purchase agreement to justify its claim. Westinghouse said it has "fully met, and will continue to fully meet, all of its obligations under the purchase agreement." If CB&I's claim is upheld, Toshiba may need to book $2 billion in liabilities and consider strengthening its capital base such as by issuing new shares or listing its semiconductor business, analysts said. Toshiba shares were up 4.4 percent in afternoon trade, while the benchmark Nikkei index was up 1.1 percent. Earlier in the day, Toshiba said a report by the Nikkei business daily putting first-quarter profit at 20 billion yen was "close". ($1 = 102.0800 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Christopher Cushing) Toshiba said Friday it swung to a profit in the April-June quarter, thanks to cost cuts and the sale of its home appliance business. The vast conglomerate, which is trying to turn the page on an embarrassing accounting scandal, said it booked a net profit of 79.8 billion yen ($780 million) in the quarter, reversing a 12.3 billion yen net loss a year ago. Toshiba also kept its fiscal year to March forecasts unchanged, with the group expecting a 100 billion yen net profit on sales of 5.1 trillion yen. A once proud pillar of corporate Japan, Toshiba has been besieged by problems, most notably a profit-padding scandal in which bosses for years systematically pushed subordinates to cover up weak financial results. Japan's national pension fund is among the disgruntled investors suing Toshiba, which saw its stock lose 40 percent of its value in the wake of the scandal. The affair sparked the resignation of its president and a string of other top executives last year. Best known for televisions and electronics, Toshiba's vast business was dented by the 2008 global financial crisis, while the 2011 Fukushima disaster squashed demand for atomic power at home in a big blow to the firm's key nuclear division. Top executives complained of "shameful results" that could not be made public, and a company-hired panel in 2015 found they masterminded a years-long scheme to hide poor results. In an intensive makeover effort, Toshiba has been shedding businesses and announced the sale of its medical devices unit to camera and office equipment maker Canon. Separately, China's Midea Group has agreed to buy a little more than 80 percent of Toshiba's money-losing home appliances arm. Toshiba shares jumped nearly four percent to 273.9 yen in Tokyo on a report earlier Friday about its earnings. Screen Shot 2016 08 12 at 10.26.46 AM A Florida man calling himself an "American patriot" unleashed a verbal assault on the assembled press following Republican nominee Donald Trump's rally in Kissimmee, Florida, on Thursday night. "Up yours!" he exclaimed, waving his raised middle finger at the press pen at the back of the venue before shouting "traitor!" at an unspecified member of the press. As he was approached by CNN's Noah Gray, the man turned toward the reporter, shouting, "I am a patriot and you are a traitor!" Another reporter asked for his name, to which he replied, "Patriot. American patriot." "Your name is traitor!" he continued. Trump supporter swings by the press pen in Kissimmee, FL to let us know we're number one!! pic.twitter.com/WzUPBal7nW Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) August 12, 2016 Trump regularly lambastes the press both on Twitter and during his rallies, having eviscerated CNN, NBC, Fox News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico, among other outlets at various points in the campaign season. He has taken even more specific aim at the press in recent weeks as he has faced a slew of controversy on the campaign trail. Watch the incident below: "Go home! You are a traitor! I am an American Patriot!" Trump supporter screams at me and other journos in pen pic.twitter.com/Tg4oRoQ7UQ Noah Gray CNN (@NoahGrayCNN) August 12, 2016 NOW WATCH: This animated map shows the most probable path to a Trump victory More From Business Insider Trans model and actress Hari Nef live-tweeted her tracheal shave procedure and its so real Trans model and actress Hari Nef live-tweeted her tracheal shave procedure and its so real Hari Nef, transgender model and actress, live tweeted her tracheal shave on Thursday through a series of excited, hilarious, and contemplative posts. my surgeon really gagged me today when he said that all facial cosmetic surgery is facial feminization. or pretty much all of it. i screamed hari nef (@harinef) August 10, 2016 The 22-year-old revealed some of her complicated feelings towards wanting and getting the surgery. In one of the tweets, Nef reflected, im really happy i got my eves apple removed but it still makes me sad that i was never made to feel feminine-looking enough when i had it. In a recent must-read Teen Vogue interview with Orange is The New Black actress and activist, Laverne Cox, Nef expressed similar thoughts. Hari Nef: I feel like so much of mainstream feminism springs from the second wave, which was essentially a discourse spearheaded by white, cisgender, upper middle class women. I feelespecially as Im trying to negotiate this new female space with the feminism thats available to methere are a lot of places where Im disenfranchised. Theyre like, Oh, I dont get these trans girls, they all want to look like Barbie. They want to get all kinds of surgeries, they want to wear all this makeup. Laverne Cox: You said that the choice to be femme is a choice of survival. But, you know, cisgender women are also struggling to survive in patriarchy. Hari Nef: Absolutely. For me, as much as I want to topple the patriarchy, I still need to ride the subway. I still need to go to the grocery store. I still need to talk to people. I still need to go home to my family. blasting "celebrity skin" in the car on the way to my tracheal shave hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 see y'all in a sec pic.twitter.com/fKbUCf958Q hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 In a 2015 Vogue.com interview, Nef explained why she didnt want to hide her transition, I could have hid in Boston and lived at home for three years gone through my transition, taken voice lessons to make my voice more feminine, gotten gender reassignment surgery, and spent time to complete my transition before I made my debut in fashion or film, but I didnt want to wait! She continued, I wanted to be in the world. Im not trying to self-aggrandize, but its more than a job to me. It is political. Story continues wow. no more adam's apple. i wonder if i'll still wear the choker hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 i can't wait to wear cute metal chokers that were too painful to wear before hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 i'm over here like adam who? apple...quien. where's eve? she has the apple sis hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 Post-surgery, Nef got real. that apple was like the one thing i would always be about catching myself in the mirror or photos. trans is beautiful but also pointy hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 after a while i realized only certain kinds of people noticed my adam's apple 1. people trying to clock me 2. me (who am often #1) hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 i facetuned it out of most instagrams. sometimes i would bring it up to photographers on set asking them to retouch it. i'm glad that's done hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 i'm really happy i got my eve's apple removed but it still makes me sad that i was never made to feel feminine-looking enough when i had it hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 the gag is i will probably still get clocked. i still won't like my body every day or even very much at all. but this was a cool step lol hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 Thanks for sharing this moment with us, Hari. Hope you get some Hulu and chill and we cant wait to see all your cute new metal chokers. hulu has me bald with these criterion selections. i'm in bed for a week and about to go off hari nef (@harinef) August 11, 2016 The post Trans model and actress Hari Nef live-tweeted her tracheal shave procedure and its so real appeared first on HelloGiggles. The Hague (AFP) - Chelsea signed forward Bertrand Traore to a new three-year deal on Friday before sending the Burkina Faso international out on loan to Dutch giants Ajax for the upcoming season. Traore, 20, joins the four-time European champions ahead of the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at home to Rostov on Tuesday. "I'm very happy to be an Ajax player. So I'm excited to start playing for Ajax," Traore said Friday as he toured his new club. "I like the league here in Holland. I like this style of playing, so I'm very happy to be here," he said, adding the team had "fantastic players." Traore, who previously had an 18-month spell on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, will return to the Eredivisie for the 2016-17 campaign with Ajax after penning a contract that will keep him at Chelsea until 2019. (Corrects price change in 2nd paragraph to 23/32) Aug 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury yields extended their fall on Friday after weaker-than-expected readings on U.S. retail sales and producer prices. Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose 23/32 in price for a yield of 1.493 percent, down about 8 basis basis points from their late Thursday close. The 30-year Treasury bond rose 1-10/32 in price to yield 2.228 percent, nearly 7 basis points lower than its Thursday closing level. U.S. retail sales were flat for July, missing economists' expectations for a modest rise, and producer prices unexpectedly fell last month on declining costs for services and energy products. (Reporting by Dion Rabouin; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The judge overseeing the U.S. Justice Department's bid to stop health insurer Anthem (ANTM.N) from merging with competitor Cigna (CI.N) said on Friday her goal was to have a ruling by the end of January, later than the Dec. 30 date sought by Anthem. Anthem had sought a ruling by the end of the year on whether the government could stop the deal because the insurer said it needed time to wrap up merger reviews by state insurance commissioners by April 30, a deadline the companies set to complete the deal. Anthem has said failure to meet the deadline could prompt Cigna to pull out. In a brief order issued late on Friday, Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia set a trial date for Nov. 21, with a conclusion by Dec. 30. She gave the government 10 days to present its case and gave Anthem six days. The judge said in a pre-trial hearing on Friday morning that she expected a decision in January. "My current thinking is that I'm going to aim for a decision by the end of January," she said. Cigna is unlikely to agree to extend the April 30 deadline because of the two companies' contentious relationship, a lawyer for Anthem said last week. The Justice Department filed lawsuits on July 21 asking a federal court to stop two huge healthcare mergers: Anthem's planned $45 billion (34.8 billion) purchase of Cigna, as well as Aetna (AET.N) Inc's $33 billion planned acquisition of Humana (HUM.N). The trial on the Aetna deal is set for Dec. 5. Anthem's lawyer, Christopher Curran, indicated during the hearing that the company was most concerned about reviews on the merger in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia and New Hampshire. During the hearing, lawyers for the Justice Department and Anthem both said they were willing to discuss a settlement but neither indicated that talks were ongoing. "There is absolutely a willingness" to hold settlement discussions, said the Justice Department's Jon Jacobs, who added, however, that any proposed remedy would take time to evaluate. Story continues Anthem's Curran said the company "stands ready" to discuss a settlement. The Justice Department argues that the deals would reduce competition, raise prices for consumers and stifle innovation if the number of large, national insurers fell from five to three. If both mergers go through, No. 1 U.S. insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH.N) would rank second after Anthem. Aetna would be No. 3. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; editing by Will Dunham and Dan Grebler) By Steve Holland ALTOONA, Pa. (Reuters) - Republican Donald Trump on Friday backed away from comments calling President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton the founders of the militant group Islamic State, while the Republican Party sought to project unity behind their candidate. A new poll showed Trump, whose unfiltered speaking style has repeatedly landed him in hot water, losing ground in three crucial states ahead of the Nov. 8 general election against Clinton. In a surprise appearance, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who in private expressed fury over some of Trump's actions earlier this month, introduced the candidate at a campaign event in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the two hugged onstage. "Were so honored to be working with Donald Trump and the campaign," Priebus told thousands of Trump supporters. "And dont believe the garbage you read. Let me tell you something. Donald Trump, the Republican Party, all of you, were going to put him in the White House and save this country together." Republican sources earlier this month said Priebus was furious over Trump's failure to endorse House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and his feud with the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq. Trump did endorse Ryan a few days later. Trump brought Priebus on stage later at another rally, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to thank him for the work he has done as he insisted there is great unity in the party. "I have to say we have great unification," Trump said. Trump on Friday told the rallies in Altoona and Erie that his remarks earlier this week calling Obama and Clinton the founders of ISIS, as Islamic State is also known, had been sarcastic. "I have been saying because it's true, but somewhat sarcastically, that he's the founder of ISIS and she's a close second," Trump said in Altoona. Trump first made the unfounded claim on Wednesday and repeated it through the week. Trump claimed sarcasm in July as well after he was heavily criticized for inviting Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time as U.S. secretary of state. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News/Marist poll released on Friday suggested support for Trump is eroding among voters in three battleground states. Such states are hotly contested because their populations can swing either to Republicans or Democrats and thus play a decisive role in presidential elections, which are ultimately decided by the state-by-state tally of the Electoral College. The poll found Clinton widening her lead in Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, while holding her advantage in Florida. Clinton released her tax returns on Friday, painting the move as a sign of transparency that her campaign says Trump lacks. U.S. presidential candidates are not required to release their tax returns, but it has become a common custom. Trump has cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service in refusing to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one's business and that they reveal little. Trump scheduled a speech in Warren, Ohio, on Monday that will focus on how he would handle the threat posed by Islamic State. Trump has said he would "knock the hell out of ISIS," without offering details. Trump has been mired in repeated controversies in recent days. He drew heavy criticism after he suggested gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was aimed at rallying votes against her. Nearly one-fifth of registered Republicans now want Trump to drop out of the race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday. Republicans frequently trace the birth of Islamic State to the Obama administrations decision to withdraw the last U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. But many analysts argue its roots lie in the decision of George W. Bushs Republican administration to invade Iraq in 2003 without a plan to fill the vacuum created by Saddam Husseins ouster. It was Bushs administration that negotiated the 2009 agreement that called for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011. At his Erie event, Trump seemed to acknowledge he is facing a formidable opponent in Clinton as well as a difficult electoral path. "The Republicans have a tougher path not my fault, he said. He said Clinton's campaign is smart to keep her out of the spotlight. "She doesnt talk to reporters very often. ... She doesnt expose whats going on up here, which isnt good, he said, meaning her brain. Shes doesnt expose her mind to questions. What they want to do is try to fake it through. Trump also said in Altoona that the only way he could lose Pennsylvania to Clinton is if "cheating goes on." He said he wants authorities to monitor the voting closely. "I know what's happening here, folks. She can't beat what's happening here." (Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez in New York and Ginger Gibson and Amanda Becker in Washington; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler) After spending a day defending the literal truth of his claim that President Obama was the founder of ISIS, Donald Trump switched course on Friday, claiming it was an instance of misunderstood sarcasm. In an early-morning tweet Trump, the Republican nominee for president, said the media misreported his remarks and didnt get sarcasm. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) the founder of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DONT GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 Trump expanded on the tweet at a rally Friday afternoon, saying his audience knew he wasnt serious in how he labeled Obama. Of course they know that, Trump said at his event in Erie, Penn. Obviously Im being sarcastic but not that sarcastic, to be honest with you. Trump added that the media were intentionally twisting his words and called them the lowest forms of humanity. The business mogul first used the line at a rally on Wednesday, saying Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were co-founders of ISIS and that Obama deserved the most valuable player award for letting the terrorist group gain traction. Donald Trump attends a campaign rally at the Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pa. (Photo: Eric Thayer/Reuters) He doubled down on those comments the next morning in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. Hewitt asked if Trump meant that Obama created a political vacuum in the region, allowing ISIS to take hold. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS, Trump said. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. Hewitt pushed back on the claim, saying that while he disagreed with Obamas policies, the president hates them and hes trying to kill them. I dont care, Trump responded. He was the founder. The way he got out of Iraq, that was the founding of ISIS, OK? Story continues Pushback to Trumps remarks came quickly, with Clinton simply tweeting No, Barack Obama is not the founder of ISIS. Anyone willing to sink so low, so often should never be allowed to serve as our Commander-in-Chief. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 11, 2016 Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy responded to Trumps remarks with sarcasm of his own. What Im looking for is a president who has a good sense of humor about ISIS, assassinations, and Russian cyber warfare, Murphy tweeted. Donald Trump is backpedaling on his comments that President Obama and Hillary Clinton are the " founders of ISIS," tweeting on Friday that he was just being sarcastic. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) 'the founder' of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Trump said. Later on Wednesday, the GOP nominee taunted political pundits, tweeting: "I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't!" CNN on Thursday "fact-checked" Trump's initial statement, reporting Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the true founder of ISIS which prompted other outlets to fact-check CNN. ( The Hill reported that while ISIS is currently led by al-Baghdadi, it was first established in 2004 by Jordanian al-Qaeda operative Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.) In an interview with Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, Trump insisted that he was speaking literally when he called Obama the founder of ISIS. "Last night, you said the President was the founder of ISIS," Hewitt said. "I know what you meant. You meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace." "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS," Trump replied. "I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton." Trump first made the controversial comments at a rally in Florida Wednesday, where he said, "ISIS is honoring president Obama. He is the founder of ISIS. He founded ISIS. And, I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton." Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump tried to do away with the latest controversy dogging his campaign -- his repeated claim that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton founded ISIS -- with a tweet Friday morning claiming that he was just being sarcastic. Whatever Trump was being, it wasnt sarcastic, but the reaction to his initial statement and his refusal to back away from the founder claim in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt has angered the ever-shrinking band of people willing to go to bat for Donald Trump in the media. The latest outrage is how the rest of the press covered the issue. Some object, curiously, because Trump has said similar things in the past. Others claim is that the media knowingly and disingenuously suggested that Trump actually believed the words that came out of his mouth, adopting a hyperliteral reading of comments that were clearly not meant to be taken seriously. Related: Heres What Happens If Trump Decides to Quit Most offensive, apparently, were the outlets like ABC that ran stories explaining who actually did found ISIS. Nobody can be this stupid, not even our media, fumed Mollie Hemingway at The Federalist. Hemingways optimistic appraisal of the human race notwithstanding, shes wrong. The truth is that people really can be that stupid. And they are the ones Trump is talking to. Theyre the ones who cling with demented certainty to the idea that President Obama was born in Kenya -- a notion that Trump used as his entree into the world of partisan politics. Theyre the ones who insist that Obama is a secret Muslim at the same time that they flay him for spending years attending a Christian church with a pastor who offends them. People -- lots of them -- believe incredibly stupid things all the time, usually because someone in a position of perceived authority (like a major party presidential nominee, maybe?) keeps repeating them. Doubtless, anybody literate enough to read The Federalist gets that Trump doesnt literally believe that Obama sat in a cave with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and founded ISIS. But again, thats not who Trump is talking to. Story continues Hes talking to people like this guy, who appears to have accepted the idea that Trump supporters are true patriots facing down dangerous traitors in the media and elsewhere: Trump supporter swings by the press pen in Kissimmee, FL to let us know we're number one!! pic.twitter.com/WzUPBal7nW Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) August 12, 2016 Related: Conservative Steve King Just Tipped His Hat to Clinton: Will He Dump Trump? Thats why, when Trump was interviewed by Hewitt on Thursday, he repeatedly refused offers to explain what he meant -- even when Hewitt explicitly spelled it out for him. Hewitt: Last night, you said the president was the founder of ISIS. I know what you meant. You meant that he created the vacuum, that he lost the peace. Trump: No. I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. In the same conversation, Trump essentially echoed Hewitt, saying that it was the way Obama removed troops from Iraq that founded ISIS. He knows, or at least has a general sense, of how ISIS came to its current position of power. But it was obviously important to Trump to keep the idea that Obama founded the terrorist organization in play. Just as it was important when he discussed it with his supporters Thursday that he emphasize that the presidents middle name is the Arabic name Hussein. Related: What Would Trump Have to Say that Would Finally End His Run for President? Whether Trump is the most cynically manipulative politician of our lifetime or, more likely, a sort of savant who instinctively understands how to feed the worst instincts of his supporters, his words matter. Former CIA director Michael Hayden may have put it best earlier this week when discussing Trumps Second Amendment people controversy, which was supplanted by this one. You get to a certain point in this business, and youre not just responsible for what you say, he said in an appearance on CNN. Youre responsible for what people hear. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish prosecutors are seeking five-year jail sentences for head of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtas, and another pro-Kurdish lawmaker for spreading "terrorist group propaganda", Dogan news agency said on Friday. The prosecution, one of many looming against HDP lawmakers since their parliamentary immunity from prosecution was lifted in May, could fuel tensions in the mainly Kurdish southeast which has been hit by conflict for more than a year. The indictment accuses Demirtas and HDP deputy Sirri Sureyya Onder of praising the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan in speeches they made in 2013, when a peace process between Ankara and the PKK was underway. The 2-1/2 year ceasefire collapsed in July 2015 and since then violence in the southeast has returned to levels not seen since the height of the fighting in the 1990s. President Tayyip Erdogan, who accuses the HDP of being a political extension of the PKK, was the driving force behind parliament's move to lift the immunity of many HDP deputies, along with the immunity of MPs from other parties. The HDP denies direct links with the autonomy-seeking PKK and promotes a negotiated end to the insurgency that has killed 40,000 people, mostly Kurds. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan) Last November, Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet near the countrys border with Syria, provoking fears in Western capitals that Ankara and Moscow might stumble into conflict. Russia then imposed sanctions that badly damaged Turkeys economy, and a chastened President Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologized in June. In July, Erdogan faced down a coup attempt; his subsequent detention of tens of thousands of suspected enemies has drawn sharp criticism from his U.S. and European NATO allies. On Aug. 9, he made headlines by flying to Russia for his first meeting with Vladimir Putin since the plane fiasco, and the West now fears that Turkey and Russia are moving too close together. We live in fast-moving times. The two Presidents feel a common grievance toward the West. Putin has accused U.S. and European leaders of violating agreements by expanding NATO to Russias borders and fomenting unrest in nearby Georgia and Ukraine. Pro-government Turkish newspapers have accused the U.S. of orchestrating the coup, and Erdogan has angrily rejected European criticism of his response to it. Read More: Turkey May Look Beyond NATO to Defend Itself, Foreign Affairs Minister Says Putin expressed support for Erdogans government during the coups early hours and has remained silent as Erdogan jails those his government accuses of treachery. The West, by contrast, was slow to support Erdogan that night and has sharply criticized his crackdown. (Turkeys government has reportedly detained the Turkish pilots who shot down the Russian aircraft on suspicion of involvement in the coup attempt.) Following their meeting, both men will get some things they want. Putin will raise doubts within NATO about member state Turkeys reliability and gain a freer hand to extend Russias naval capabilities in the Black Sea. He might also get a softer Turkish attitude toward both Russias treatment of Crimean Tatars in Ukraine and toward Syrias Bashar Assad, a man Putin considers an ally and Erdogan has denounced as an enemy. Erdogan will get an easing of Putins sanctions, helping Turkey restore food exports to Russia and welcome more Russian tourists. The two leaders will move forward on stalled energy projects that can profit both sides. Story continues Read More: This Is Why Vladimir Putin Is Accusing Ukraine of Terrorism The U.S. and Europe will watch carefully to see just how far better relations might go. Will Turkey continue its push for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a China- and Russia-led alliance that NATO fears might one day become a military bloc? Erdogan has edged in that direction for years. Its hard to imagine a better way of thumbing his nose at the West. But theres a limit to how far this might go. Erdogan wont withdraw from NATO, and he isnt likely to cut ties with the U.S. But he will improve relations with Russia and China where he canif only to show he can make Western critics sweat. This appears in the August 22, 2016 issue of TIME. Ankara (AFP) - Turkey on Friday said 32 Turkish diplomats were still missing despite being recalled by Ankara in the wake of last month's failed coup seeking to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Thirty-two of the 208 diplomats recalled to Turkey did not come back to Turkey," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters during a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Ankara. He said Ankara had information that some had fled to other countries using different means including air travel in the weeks after a rogue military faction tried to remove President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power on July 15. Cavusoglu said that two officials working in Bangladesh had fled to the United States after being recalled while another returned to the ministry in Turkey. Some officials asked to remain in the countries where they were working, the minister said, adding the ministry had given permission for some to stay. The minister also confirmed that a Turkish rear admiral had gone missing in the United States in July. Rear Admiral Mustafa Zeki Ugurlu working on a NATO base in Virginia had sought asylum in the US after he was dismissed from the armed forces for links to the putsch bid, according to state-run news agency Anadolu earlier this week. Ankara (AFP) - Turkey said Friday it has received "positive signals" from the United States over its requests to extradite Pennsylvania-based preacher Fethullah Gulen whom Ankara accuses of ordering last month's attempted coup. "We have started to receive some positive signals on the calls we have made" for Gulen's extradition, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara, saying further documents relating to the case for his deportation were being drawn up to send to Washington. Gulen is accused of ordering the July 15 coup during which a group within the military tried to remove President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power. He strongly denies the claim. Since then, Turkey has sent several documents to the United States which Ankara claims proves that Gulen was involved. "Everyone in the world knows who is behind this coup attempt," Cavusoglu said. Last week, an arrest warrant was issued in Turkey for Gulen. The minister said Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice President Joe Biden expressed their intention to come to Turkey but would not confirm previous comments made by Ankara that Kerry would visit on August 24. For weeks, senior Turkish officials have issued ominous threats and stern warnings to the United States if it fails to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based preacher whom Ankara accuses of masterminding last months attempted coup. But on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu struck a noticeably upbeat tone. We have started to receive some positive signals on the calls we have made for Gulens extradition, Cavusoglu told journalists in Ankara during a press briefing. He noted that more documents building the case for Gulens deportation were being processed for delivery to Washington. Everyone in the world knows who is behind this coup attempt, he added. Washington has yet to accept Turkeys request for Gulen, saying it needs direct evidence of his involvement in the coup. U.S. officials are reportedly suspicious that statements by alleged coup-plotters blaming Gulen were made under duress and are concerned that the 75-year-old hermit would not receive a fair trial. When asked, a State Department official did not indicate that the U.S. position has changed regarding Gulens extradition. As we have said before, we have received materials and are reviewing them, State Department spokesman Elizabeth Trudeau told Foreign Policy. The Gulen case has become a major source of tension between the United States and Turkey, a NATO ally and a key part of the U.S. fight against the Islamic State. On Tuesday, Turkeys Justice minister, Bekir Bozdag, said failing to extradite Gulen would do lasting damage to U.S.-Turkish relations. If the US does not deliver [Gulen], they will sacrifice relations with Turkey for the sake of a terrorist, Bozdag said. More than 200 people died and thousands were wounded when a faction of the Turkish military took over helicopters, tanks and fighter jets in an effort to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In recent weeks, Turkish authorities have arrested or detained tens of thousands of academics, soldiers, judges and journalists, raising concerns among Western officials. Story continues Gulen publicly condemned the coup and denies any involvement in the uprising. On Friday, he penned an opinion column in the the French daily Le Monde, saying he would willingly hand himself over to Turkish authorities on the condition that an independent international investigative body found him guilty of orchestrating the coup. If a tenth of the accusations against me are established, I pledge to return to Turkey and serve the heaviest sentence, Gulen wrote. Getty Images Have the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. met their match in Parminder Nagra? The Blacklist and ER actress will recur in Season 4 of the ABC drama as a powerful political figure who is outspoken about her distrust of Inhumans and the threat they pose to society, Marvel.com reports. RELATEDAgent Carter: Marvel TV Boss Wants Revival Seeing as how Coulson & Co. continue to advocate for their Inhuman friends, Nagras character will face off with the team. Nagra joins previous cast additions Jason OMara (Life on Mars) as the new Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Gabriel Luna (Wicked City) as Robbie Reyes aka Ghost Rider and Lilli Birdsell (The Walking Dead: Webisodes) as Lucy, a beautiful woman with a very violent streak. Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 10/9c. Ready for more of todays newsy nuggets? Well * Sean Maguire (Once Upon a Time) will guest-star on NBCs time travel drama Timeless as James Bond author Ian Fleming, EW.com reports. The episode will showcase the future novelist during his time as an undercover British agent in Nazi Germany. * Tiya Sircar (The Crazy Ones) will recur in a pivotal role on NBCs fall comedy The Good Place, starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, our sister site Deadline reports. * CBS has given a big pilot production commitment to an untitled comedy from How I Met Your Mother creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas and comedian Chris Distefano, Deadline reports. The project is inspired by Distefanos life as an Italian American from Brooklyn and a new dad who married a Puerto Rican woman. Launch Gallery: TV Stars Back at Work: Fall 2016 Photos Related stories S.H.I.E.L.D.: Chloe Bennet Talks Daisy's Rogue Existence, Quake's True Agenda Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4: Is [Spoiler] No Longer to Be Trusted?! NBC's Timeless Adventure Won't 'Fall Down Serialized Rabbit Hole,' Says EP (Adds background and comment from expert, adds byline and NEW YORK dateline) By Anna Driver NEW YORK, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch on Friday named company veterans Jack Abernethy and Bill Shine as co-presidents to lead Fox News after Chief Executive Officer Roger Ailes resigned last month following sexual harassment allegations. Abernethy is CEO of Fox Television Stations and Shine is senior executive vice president at Fox, a unit of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. Both men worked at Fox when it launched in 1996. They will report to Murdoch, who has been running the day-to-day operations of the cable network on an interim basis. The appointments are effective immediately, Fox said. "While this has been a time of great transition, there has never been a greater opportunity for Fox News and Fox Business to better serve and expand their audiences," Murdoch, executive chairman of 21st Century Fox and Fox News, said in a statement. Ailes, who turned Fox into America's most lucrative and powerful cable news channel for conservatives, resigned in July following allegations of sexual harassment. Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Ailes last month, claiming sexual harassment. Ailes has denied the charges. Fox hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation. New York magazine followed up with reports of other women who said they had been harassed by Ailes. The magazine also said popular Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had told investigators hired by Fox that Ailes "made unwanted sexual advances toward her" about 10 years ago. Ailes has denied those charges as well. By choosing two men who worked under Ailes for years, Fox sent viewers and advertisers a message of continuity in an important election year, said Merrill Brown, who helped launch MSNBC and is now director of the school of communication at Montclair State University. But that strategy could carry risk if the independent probe reveals the harassment allegations were known to more people at Fox, he said. Story continues The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported that Twenty-First Century Fox anticipates having to settle with the women who said they were victims of harassment by Ailes. The number of women who have come forward in the internal probe are in the double digits, the paper said. A representative for Twenty-First Century Fox did not immediately return a call for comment. Abernethy, 60, will continue to run Fox Television Stations and will oversee all business components of Fox News Channel and Fox Business News, including finance and ad sales. Shine, 53, will run all programming and news functions of each network including production and talent management. He will also continue to oversee all strategic planning through the election season. Fox News also named Suzanne Scott as executive vice president of programming and development for Fox News Channel and said Chief Financial Officer Mark Kranz was retiring. When Twenty-First Century Fox reported earnings last week, it said Fox News was on track to record its highest-rated year ever. When Co-Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch was asked if Fox News would change its strategy, Murdoch said: "There is no desire or need to shift the position it has in the market." Shares of Twenty-First Century Fox ended down 14 cents, or less than 1 percent, at $26.02 on Friday. (Additional reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two people were killed and several remained missing after an explosion and fire tore through an apartment complex overnight in a Washington suburb, authorities said on Thursday. The blast and fire just before midnight at the four-story complex in Silver Spring, Maryland, injured 34 people, including three firefighters. All the firefighters were treated and released. Residents reported smelling gas just before the blast, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said at a news conference. The explosion was felt more than a mile away (1.6 km) and tossed debris as far as 300 feet (90 meters), fire officials said. While the exact number of missing people was not known, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said in a message that crews continued to search for five to seven occupants that remained unaccounted for. Two bodies were recovered in the building rubble, but the victims were not identified by police. "We still believe some people are still unaccounted for," Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Russ Hamill said. The cause of the blast was still being investigated. Washington Gas, a unit of WGL Holdings Inc , which provided service to the complex, said in a statement it was helping in the investigation. About 160 firefighters battled the blaze, which was brought under control after about two hours. Television footage showed flames and smoke pouring from the building as firefighters rescued a man from an upstairs apartment window. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were helping local fire investigators. ATF experts are routinely sent to help in investigations of major fires, an agency spokesman said. Clothing was seen strewn on sidewalk treetops in video footage provided by fire officials. Bricks were launched across a roadway, badly damaging a storefront and cars parked nearby. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Laila Kearney in New York, Ian Simpson in Washington, and Eric M. Johnsin in Seattle; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Richard Pullin) Tyga's latest legal trouble could be waved after the rapper reportedly reached a settlement with his ex-landlord. The West Coast MC (real name Michael Ray Stevenson) was issued an arrest warrant on Tuesday (Aug. 9) when he failed to appear before a Santa Monica court regarding a lawsuit filed by his former landlord. Tyga's No-Show in Court Lands Him Arrest Warrant Tyga was accused of owing Gholamreza Rezai a payment of $480,000 for his Malibu home, which the artist is said to have stopped paying rent on just three months after moving in. The rapper abandoned the property in 2012 and reportedly left Rezai with a sizeable damages bill. According to People, a settlement has been reached and Rezai's legal reps will ask a Los Angeles County judge on Friday to quash the bench warrant. "There has been a settlement reached to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, the terms of which are confidential," Danny Abir, attorney for Rezai, told the title. The hip-hop artist and his girlfriend Kylie Jenner are currently vacationing in Turks and Caicos in celebration of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star's birthday. UPDATE: Tyga's arrest warrant was officially recalled by the court on Friday at 8:30 am after reaching the settlement with his landlord, according to documents obtained by ET. ________________________________________________ Tyga beat the clock on what could have been a sour end to Kylie Jenner's dreamy birthday vacation. The 26-year-old rapper, who is currently in Turks and Caicos with Jenner, reached a settlement over his delinquent rent on Thursday, an attorney for Tyga's landlord confirmed. "Things are back to normal," lawyer Boris Treyzon tells ET. "Tomorrow we intend to ask the court to remove the bench warrant. Matters settled this afternoon between the landlord and Tyga." Although the landlord was granted a $480,000 judgement, Treyzon was unable to give details on the settlement amount due to a confidentiality agreement. READ: Kylie Jenner Posts 'Mr & Mrs' Photo With Tyga, Panics When She Finds a Grey Hair A bench warrant was issued for the rapper's arrest on Tuesday, after he failed to appear in court regarding the unpaid judgement. Tyga could've been arrested on his way back from the island vacation, but now that the legal beef is squashed, he and Jenner can get back to having fun in the sun. The teen Instagrammed a few vacay pics on Wednesday, including a solo shot of her Baywatch-inspired red bathing suit, and some candid snaps with sister Kendall Jenner. NEWS: Tyga's On The Move! Rapper Rents Home Blocks From Kylie Jenner's Family See more on Kylie's birthday vacay in the video below. (Originally published on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 6:46 pm PT) Related Articles (Adds Arizona to place marijuana legalization on November ballot) By Doina Chiacu and Bill Berkrot WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday denied requests to stop classifying marijuana as a dangerous drug with no medical use, leaving users and businesses in limbo after many states have legalized it for medical or recreational purposes. The DEA though did relax certain restrictions on growing marijuana for research purposes. For decades, marijuana has been listed as a "Schedule I" drug, placing it on par with heroin. The government has repeatedly rejected appeals for reclassification. "Marijuana shouldn't be listed as Schedule I," U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon, said in a statement. He said the decision left "patients and marijuana businesses trapped between state and federal laws." Thursday's DEA decision was a response to a 2011 petition by two former state governors who had urged federal agencies to re-classify marijuana as a drug with accepted medical uses. In a letter to the petitioners, the DEA said it had asked the Department of Health and Human Services for a scientific and medical evaluation. "HHS concluded that marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in the United States, and lacks an acceptable level of safety for use even under medical supervision," the letter said. That assessment comes amid statistics showing zero overdose deaths due to marijuana each year at a time of an alarming rise of heroin-related deaths in the United States as politicians debate remedies for exploding opioid abuse. Twenty-five states have sanctioned some forms of marijuana use for medical purposes. Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and the District of Columbia now allow recreational use for adults, while California and eight other states have recreational or medical marijuana proposals headed for their 2016 ballots. On Thursday, Arizona became the latest state to certify a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana for its November ballot. Story continues The position of the U.S. government on marijuana has impacts for states that have legalized its recreational or medical use. Doctors and businesses growing, selling or prescribing cannabis may be operating legally within a given state but still acting in opposition to federal law, risking arrest and sanctions. Legal marijuana businesses have difficulty finding banks that will work with them, also due to concerns about breaking federal law. Some experts have argued that medical marijuana could help cut opioid use. Taylor West, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association, said the DEA's decision would curtail research since marijuana would remain a criminal product. "Research institutions are going to be somewhat hesitant if they think they will potentially jeopardize other research funding," she said. "This decision by the DEA really flies in the face of objective science." Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an alliance of doctors, policy makers and treatment professionals who oppose legalization, took a different view. "I think it was a balanced decision and isn't surprising to the scientific community," said President Kevin Sabat. Meanwhile, the DEA will allow more growers to apply for certification by the agency to help supply researchers "with a more varied and robust supply of marijuana." Now the University of Mississippi is the lone such supplier. Britain's GW Pharmaceuticals, which is developing a promising cannabis-derived epilepsy treatment, has said it will take longer to reach the U.S. market even with Food and Drug Administration approval because it would then have to be separately rescheduled by the DEA. (Additional reporting by Natalie Grover in Bangaluru, Jilian Mincer in New York and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Diane Craft) By Sharon Bernstein FRESNO, Calif. (Reuters) - California's San Joaquin River flows out of the mountains above Yosemite, clear and bubbling until it abruptly stops just north of Fresno, its water diverted to irrigate farms. Environmentalists have cheered a plan to reconnect the river this fall. But it is over budget, overdue and vehemently opposed by local farmers and some Republican lawmakers. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, a 2016 Republican presidential hopeful, once joked about eating its protected fish with crackers. "For somebody who doesn't really understand about the issue it seems very simple - just reconnect the river and water will flow," said Cannon Michael, a sixth-generation farmer whose family settled in the San Joaquin Valley in the 1800s. "But the river was disconnected for a reason." Initially diverted to provide water for agriculture and encourage family farms, the San Joaquin River has become the latest battleground of California's century-old water wars. Its dams, hydro-electric plants and diverted flow illustrate the benefits as well as the costs of 20th century efforts to tame the state's natural resources. Damming the river in 1942 was an engineering feat that made the San Joaquin a keystone of a complex water system that ultimately allowed a semi-arid state to provide water for 40 million residents and grow more fruits and vegetables than any other U.S. state, on land watered almost entirely by irrigation. But construction of Friant Dam near Fresno also eliminated the Pacific Coast's southernmost runs of Chinook salmon. The river is dry most years along two stretches for a total of 60 miles. It was recently named the second-most endangered U.S. river by the group American Rivers. "Old-timers tell stories of the water being so thick with salmon that you could practically walk across it," said Doug Obegi, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). In 1988, that environmental group sued the federal government, saying diverting the river broke state law protecting fish. After 18 years of court battles, environmentalists, the federal government and water users finally agreed to restore the river to again support salmon. Since that 2006 settlement, efforts to restore the river have been slowed by engineering challenges, tense negotiations with farmers and other delays. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates Friant Dam, is now set to release enough water to reconnect the river this fall, said program manager Alicia Forsythe. But improvements targeted for completion by 2013, including levees to prevent flooding and screens to keep threatened fish out of irrigation canals, have yet to start. Environmentalists, government officials and farmers are still arguing over the path the river should take because agricultural land has encroached on its traditional route. And farmers who rely on water diverted at Friant Dam will get less under the plan. Their allocations will drop by about 18 percent as more water is allowed to flow downstream. Near Mendota, where levee construction is planned to begin next year, a road runs across the dry riverbed. Abandoned furniture sits in the dirt, and a target with bullet holes hangs from a tree. Costs have ballooned, rising from an estimated $250 million to $800 million in 2006 to $1.5 billion today, said Bureau of Reclamation spokesman Shane Hunt. The latest projected completion date is 2029. "It's a giant waste of time and money," said Greg Pearl, who farms 800 acres near the river. U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, a Republican who represents part of the area, said the cost of restoring the river is too high, and the benefits too few. He backs a plan to build a reservoir upstream of Friant Dam so farms and communities can have access to more water from the San Joaquin, not less. Republicans in the U.S. Congress have attached proposals to do that to numerous bills, some getting as far as the Senate before stalling there. A compromise brokered two years ago by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein also stalled. Among conservationists, however, excitement about re-connecting the river is palpable. Former NRDC scientist Monty Schmitt predicted dramatic results even from this fall's planned releases of modest amounts of water, designed not to flood riverbanks before levees are built. "In the span of five minutes you can go from a dry channel to a river that is 30 feet wide," he said. For video, click http://www.reuters.tv/v/DOW/2016/08/12/calif-river-becomes-latest-water-battleground (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein, Editing by Ben Klayman and David Gregorio) By Jessica Dye NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Friday threw a bone to a New York man whose lawsuit claims Nestle Purina Petcare Co [NESNP.UL] duped dog owners into thinking its Beggin treats are made mostly of real bacon. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas in the Southern District of New York largely denied Nestle Purinas bid to dismiss the proposed class action brought last year by Paul Kacocha of Dutchess County, New York. The lawsuit accuses the company of violating New York consumer-protection law with its marketing of the popular Beggin products. Kacocha, who owns a West Highland terrier named Sophie, said he and other New York consumers paid a premium for Beggin treats on the assumption that their primary ingredient was pork bacon, when in fact the meat is just a small part of the pet product. He pointed out that the treats are meant to look, smell and resemble actual bacon and that the name Beggin sounds like the word bacon despite being made primarily of ingredients like wheat, corn, water and soy. St. Louis-based Nestle Purina, a subsidiary of Nestle SA, asked Karas to toss the case, arguing that no reasonable consumer could be misled by the products advertising, marketing and packaging. But the judge said it was too early in the litigation to conclude that a reasonable consumer would know enough about what goes into Beggin treats to assume bacon would not be a main ingredient. For a product like dog food, the court is skeptical that the gradient between correctness and unreasonableness is so steep, Karas wrote. The ruling noted that different courts have reached varying conclusions in similar cases. Had Kacocha alleged he had viewed a Beggin strips ad featuring the tagline Dogs Dont Know Its Not Bacon, the judge said he might have reached a different conclusion. Karas did, however, dismiss allegations about a statement on the companys website stating the treats were made with bacon, noting that it was true. Story continues Kacocha's lawyer, Robert Berg of Denlea & Carton, said he was pleased with the court's nuanced and thoughtful analysis. Nestle Purina spokesman Bill Salzman said the company believed the court's ruling indicated that it would ultimately prevail. "The notion that anyone would actually think we're selling strips of bacon is nonsense," he said. The case is Kacocha v. Nestle Purina Petcare Co, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 15-5489 (Reporting by Jessica Dye; Editing by Anthony Lin and David Gregorio) By Robert Iafolla and Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Friday threw out a former Guantanamo Bay detainees lawsuit claiming he was tortured after he was taken into U.S. custody at age 15. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously ruled that a 2006 law that created military commissions bars Mohammed Jawad from suing for damages in U.S. courts. "By its clear terms, this provision strips federal courts of jurisdiction to hear most claims against the United States arising out of the detention of aliens like Jawad captured during the United States invasion of Afghanistan in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001," wrote Judge Thomas Griffith. A lower court had reached a similar conclusion. Over the course of his six years in detention at the U.S. naval station in Cuba, Jawad was interrogated more than 60 times, according to the ruling. It said the sessions occurred , even after the government decided he had no useful intelligence, and included excessive cold, loud noise, beatings, pepper-spray, and being shackled for prolonged periods. Jawad was captured in Afghanistan in 2002 following a grenade attack that seriously injured two U.S. soldiers and their Afghan interpreter. The United States transferred Jawad back to Afghanistan in 2009. The appeals court has rejected similar claims made by other detainees. The United States opened the Guantanamo detention facility in 2002 to hold what it described as foreign terrorism suspects. The treatment of detainees there has drawn international criticism. (Reporting by Robert Iafolla and Lawrence Hurley; Editing by David Gregorio) By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russia should allow observers, including Western journalists, to attend upcoming military drills that could again put Ukraine on edge just as Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharpened his rhetoric, the commander of the U.S. Army in Europe told Reuters. The comments by Lieutenant General Ben Hodges came as Ukraine accuses Russia of amassing more than 40,000 troops in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula seized by Moscow in 2014, and on the Ukrainian border. Ukraine's U.N. ambassador, Volodymyr Yelchenko, warned this week that the Russian forces could reflect "some very bad intentions." Hodges declined to offer estimates of Russian forces or speculate about Putin's intentions ahead of pre-announced, large-scale exercises in Russia's south that are expected to include Crimea. But he said Russia could help address concerns by following the example of military drills led by the United States and its allies in Europe, to which Russia was allowed to send observers. "The Russians could really help alleviate and provide some stability if they had invited observers," Hodges said. "That would do a lot, frankly, to lower anxiety." A U.S. intelligence official called the absence of observers at the Russian exercises "a worrisome development that we hope is just an oversight." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Army in Europe said Russia sent observers to the "Anakonda" exercises in Poland in June, which included some 31,000 forces from countries including Poland, the United States and other NATO allies and partners. The Russian Defense Ministry said in December that its main military exercise for 2016 would test its Southern Military District troops, which now includes Crimea and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. It said the drills - called Caucasus-2016 - would take place in September. Washington rejects Russias annexation of Crimea. The Russian Army's Red Star newspaper in January quoted Colonel-General Alexander Galkin as saying the exercise would check combat readiness and test how air, sea and land forces collaborated together. "There's nothing wrong with an exercise. It's ... the lack of transparency," Hodges said. RISING TENSIONS The September exercises appear poised to take place at a moment of rising tensions. Putin this week pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine after accusing it of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden urged Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday "to do his part" to avoid escalating tensions with Russia and told him in a phone call that the United States had asked Moscow to do the same. At the Pentagon, spokesman Gordon Trowbridge dismissed Russian accusations about Ukrainian saboteurs, saying the United States had no information to support them. But he appeared to downplay concerns about recent Russian troop movements, saying Washington was more focused on rhetoric from Moscow. "We dont necessarily see any evidence of troop movements that are so large that we are concerned about those on their own," Trowbridge said. U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said they saw no firm indications of any new Russian military activity pointing to fresh intervention in Ukraine. One U.S. official noted a recent rotation of several divisions of Russian forces into Crimea to relieve an equal number, which have since departed. Pro-Russian separatists are fighting the Kiev government's forces in the eastern Ukraine region despite a fragile ceasefire. Civilian casualties from shelling, mines and booby traps in eastern Ukraine are at their highest in a year, the United Nations' human rights chief has said. A peace plan for the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine, negotiated in Minsk between Ukraine and Russia by Germany and France some 18-months ago, has stalled for months. The Pentagon voiced alarm this week about escalating violence, noting that attacks by pro-Russian separatists killed 40 Ukrainians and wounded 170 in July alone. Hodges cautioned that Moscow had "no incentive" on its own to see things stabilize in Ukraine. "That's why ... the OSCE (the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and the rest of the West and the EU and all have got to maintain pressure," Hodges said, praising commitments by the United States and its allies during the NATO summit in Warsaw last month. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by John Walcott and Eric Beech in Washington and Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Editing by David Gregorio and Leslie Adler) As the criminal charges against him were being outlined at his arraignment on Thursday, a onetime Uber driver accused in the rape of a 16-year-old girl slumped over inside a Massachusetts courtroom before collapsing to the floor, where he started sobbing uncontrollably, PEOPLE confirms. A court official tells PEOPLE 34-year-old Darnell Booth's arraignment was delayed as his defense attorney tried consoling him. The lawyer eventually helped Booth get back on his feet for the remainder of Thursday's court proceedings, the court official confirms. Booth was detained on Wednesday by officers from the Everett Police Department. A statement from prosecutors alleges he raped the girl in a vacant parking lot early last month. Booth is being held without bail and his lawyer insists his client is innocent. According to the prosecution's statement, Booth was working for Uber when he first met the girl several days before the alleged assault. He'd given her a ride from Melrose to Everett. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. During that trip, investigators claim Booth asked the girl for her Snapchat handle. She provided it to him, and they began chatting. Prosecutors allege Booth messaged the girl on July 5, asking if she needed a ride to school after missing her bus. It was during that ride, prosecutors insist, that Booth pulled his car into a vacant parking lot, where he slapped the girl before raping her. According to prosecutors, Booth has an extensive criminal history. Officials refused to detail his previous arrests. Booth, who faces a single rape charge, is due back in court for a hearing on Monday. "The defendant in this case allegedly took advantage of a young woman who trusted him in his professional capacity as an Uber driver," said Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan in a statement. "Even with increased screening in place under the new law, it is critical that consumers continue to use caution when employing these services." Kampala (AFP) - Uganda announced Friday it would not contribute troops to a regional brigade designed to bolster the UN mission in South Sudan, hours before a Security Council vote authorising the deployment. A key ally of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Uganda's government said it did not want to be seen as interfering in another nation's affairs by joining the UN protection force due to be deployed in the capital, Juba. On Friday, a US-drafted resolution is expected to be passed which would create a new contingent of 4,000 African troops -- also possibly from Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia -- which would report to the UN mission commander with a more aggressive mandate to provide security and deter attacks on UN bases. "Not deploying in South Sudan was voluntary," Ugandan foreign minister Henry Okello told AFP Friday. "We choose for Uganda not to be part of the deployment so that (those) who accuse the UPDF (Ugandan army) of meddling in the internal affairs of South Sudan have no opportunity to accuse us," he added. The withdrawal of its pledge to send troops was aimed at bringing peace to South Sudan, Okello said, and Uganda would still provide logistical or communications support as required. Around 110,000 people have fled to Uganda from South Sudan this year, most of them escaping fighting that erupted anew last month, according to the UN. Juba was rocked by several days of clashes between Kiir's government forces and those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar, the latest flareup in two and a half years of war. After initially agreeing to the force during a summit of the East African bloc IGAD, South Sudan's government on Wednesday said it now had reservations. Diplomats said the UN Security Council vote was scheduled for 10:00 am (1400 GMT), but may be delayed to allow for more time for negotiations. During meetings this week, the draft text was amended to limit the mandate of the regional force to an initial period of four months and to specify that it will have a "clear exit strategy." The proposed resolution threatens to impose an arms embargo if the government blocks deployment of the regional force. The UN mission known as UNMISS has come under criticism for failing to protect civilians, with reports of women and girls allegedly being sexually assaulted near a UN compound in Juba. London (AFP) - Two Turkish drug traffickers caught with three tonnes of cocaine on a boat in the North Sea were on Friday jailed by a British judge for a combined total of 42 years. The seizure, the result of an international operation, is believed to be the biggest single cocaine haul ever recovered at sea in Europe. Mumin Sahin and Emin Ozmen were found guilty at Glasgow's High Court after the cocaine worth A500 million ($647 million, 580 million euros) was found on board the MV Hamal in April 2015, around 100 miles (60 kilometres) off the Scottish city of Aberdeen. Judge Alexander Wylie sentenced boat captain Sahin, 47, to 22 years in prison and second captain Ozmen, 51, to a 20-year term. "You were involved in a most serious operation of commercial scale involving the transportation of cocaine by ship, in an operation which crossed international and indeed intercontinental boundaries," said Wylie. He described the 3.2 tonnes of cocaine involved as "not only significant but massive". Sahin's lawyer, Jonathan Crowe, maintained his client was a "glorified mule". "In regard to the drugs hierarchy, Mr Sahin is certainly not at the top of the drugs tree but somewhere further down," he argued. The drugs were found in a secret hold after customs police drilled through a steel plate on board the Hamal, a 35-metre tugboat registered in Tanzania. "This was one of the most intricate concealments we've ever encountered but it was no match for our expert Border Force search teams," said Tony McMullin, regional director of Border Force, an agency of the interior ministry. French customs identified the ship after it left the Canary Islands for northern Europe in mid-April by an unusual route that skirted Britain, having started its journey in Istanbul. The boat's suspicious itinerary meant officials feared that cocaine from South America had been loaded in the Canary Islands, French customs said. Following information from French customs, the Royal Navy's HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter Valiant boarded the tug off easternScotland. London (AFP) - The British government pledged Saturday to match European Union funding for farmers, universities and infrastructure projects following Brexit, as it sought to allay fears over key sectors. The commitment, intended to address uncertainty arising from the June 23 vote to quit the bloc, could cost 4.5 billion ($5.8 billion, 5.2 billion euros) a year, finance minister Philip Hammond said. The vow applies to agricultural funds until 2020, structural and investment projects signed before the government's budget update this autumn, and university bids won under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. "The UK will continue to have all of the rights, obligations and benefits that membership brings, including receiving European funding, up until the point we leave the EU," Hammond said in a statement. "We recognise that many organisations across the UK which are in receipt of EU funding, or expect to start receiving funding, want reassurance about the flow of funding they will receive. "That is why I am confirming that structural and investment funds projects signed before the autumn statement and Horizon research funding granted before we leave the EU will be guaranteed by the Treasury after we leave. "The government will also match the current level of agricultural funding until 2020, providing certainty to our agricultural community, which play a vital role in our country." The cost will depend on the level of applications for funds, and on when Britain leaves the EU. "Around about 4.5 billion a year would be the level we would expect," Hammond added. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative government has indicated it will not trigger the two-year EU withdrawal process before the end of this year. Campaigners for Britain to stay in the EU in the June 23 referendum had highlighted the funding benefits of membership to key sectors such a farming and research. Story continues But the Brexit camp argued that any shortfall could be covered by ending Britain's contributions to the EU budget, which stood at about 12.9 billion in 2015, after the rebate. Projects covered by the government's guarantee include a new facility at the University of Manchester to develop research into graphene -- a material which scientists say could transform consumer electronics -- using 5 million from the European Regional Development Fund. The Royal Society, Britain's leading scientific institution, described the move as "very welcome news". However, president Sir Venki Ramakrishnan said some researchers and scientists had already missed out on collaborative projects because European colleagues were worried about funding. "I think that is why this measure is so welcome because we have been hearing anecdotal reports of people not being willing to collaborate with certain UK collaborators because they weren't sure that they would be able to stay for the full duration of the grant," Ramakrishnan told BBC Radio 4. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents more than 32,000 farmers, landowners and other businesses, hailed Saturday's announcement. "It will provide a significant degree of reassurance to farmers and other landowners across the country," said CLA president Ross Murray. "We have been clear, since the start of the EU referendum campaign, that this is the first decision ministers had to make to reassure rural businesses in the advent of a Brexit vote." Kiev (AFP) - Ukraine on Friday accused Russia of planning to stoke further unrest as the international community sought to ease tensions after the two sides ramped up security around the disputed Crimean peninsula. Russia's FSB security service said on Wednesday it had thwarted "terrorist attacks" in Crimea this week by Ukrainian military intelligence and beaten back armed assaults, claims Kiev has fiercely denied. Both sides have since stepped up security in the peninsula, whose annexation by Moscow in 2014 saw relations plunge to a post-Cold War nadir and served as the prelude to armed conflict between pro-Russian rebels and government troops in Ukraine's east. "The enemy is planning large-scale provocative actions through the contact line in Ukraine's east and then will accuse Ukraine of not complying with the Minsk agreements," Ukraine's military intelligence directorate said in a statement, referring to a peace deal signed in the Belarusian capital in February 2015. It also accused Russia of boosting its forces, replenishing its munitions and building up military hardware in the war-scarred east. Ukraine's security service on Friday raised the terrorist threat level to the highest in Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, where pro-Russian rebels have been fighting government troops for more than two years. Moscow said that Kiev's alleged attempts at armed incursions into Crimea saw a Russian security service officer killed in clashes while arresting "terrorists" overnight August 6-7. A Russian soldier also died in a firefight with "sabotage-terrorist" groups sent by the Ukrainian military on August 8, Moscow claimed. Ukraine's national security council chief Oleksandr Turchynov on Friday dismissed the claims, saying Moscow was trying to cover up deadly shootouts between Russian forces "who traditionally abuse alcohol." During a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council on Thursday, Ukraine asked Russia to provide evidence to back its accusations, which President Petro Poroshenko had called "senseless and cynical." Story continues Putin said a mooted meeting with Poroshenko and mediators German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande at next month's G20 summit in China was now "senseless". A German government official told AFP on Thursday that Putin's rejection of a four-way summit on Ukraine was a "sign that Russia is less and less counting on a political solution to the crisis." The French foreign ministry said Thursday that minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov France and Germany would "continue efforts aimed at implementing the Minsk agreements in the Normandy format," which includes the four countries. The United States also called on both sides to show restraint, with State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau saying Thursday that Washington was "extremely concerned". United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Friday authorized the deployment of a robust force of 4,000 troops to South Sudan after heavy fighting set back efforts to end the country's devastating war. The council adopted a US-drafted resolution that also threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the deployment. Eleven countries in the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. China, Russia, Egypt and Venezuela abstained from the vote, citing the failure to secure South Sudan's consent for the new mission. African leaders called for the regional force to secure Juba and help protect UN bases there after a flare-up of violence in the capital that left hundreds dead in early July. Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda are expected to contribute the bulk of the new troops who will be authorized to "use all necessary means, including undertaking robust action where necessary" to fulfill their mandate. The force will ensure security in Juba and at the airport and "promptly and effectively engage any actor that is credibly found to be preparing attacks or engages in attacks". Under the measure, the council will consider imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan if UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reports that there are "impediments" to the deployment. Ban will deliver a report to the council in 30 days and a vote on the arms embargo could take place in the following five days if he finds that the government in Juba is uncooperative. South Sudan's devastating war has raged for two and half years, fueled by growing stockpiles of weapons. Britain voiced disappointment that the arms embargo was not imposed immediately with Deputy Ambassador Peter Wilson telling the council: "We must and we will return to this issue." - Not a cure-all - The vote followed a week of tough negotiations, with China, Russia and Egypt voicing concerns over deploying UN peacekeepers without the government's full consent. Story continues South Sudan's ambassador said his government rejected the resolution, telling the council that the details of the deployment -- including timing and the weapons the troops will be allowed to carry -- must first be negotiated with Juba. "Consent of South Sudan... would have been important as it would have given the force all the necessary freedoms to carry out the outlined mandate tasks," said Akuei Bona Malwal. A key ally of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, Uganda said Friday it would not contribute troops to the regional force, even as the UN refugee agency reported that 82,000 South Sudanese had crossed the border into Uganda in the last five weeks. "No one thinks that this regional force will be a cure-all to the instability and the violence that exists there," US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman told reporters. But Pressman emphasized that African regional leaders had requested UN approval for a robust force to bolster security and open up space for diplomatic efforts. A year-old peace deal suffered a blow when ex-rebel leader Riek Machar fled Juba during the fighting. Months of diplomatic efforts had led to Machar's return to Juba in April to join a national unity government as vice president. The UN mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, has come under criticism for failing to protect civilians with its current 13,500 peacekeepers. About 200,000 South Sudanese have been sheltering in UN bases across the country since the war began in December 2013. Overall, more than 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes during war including 930,000 who have fled to neighboring countries, the UN's refugee agency said. The resolution extended the mandate of UNMISS until December 15. By Jeffrey Dastin (Reuters) - United Continental Holdings Inc said on Friday it has scored labor deals with its flight attendants and its mechanics, whose relations with the airline were strained in recent years as the parties struggled to conclude contract talks. Flight attendants at the airline voted to approve a contract that will hike their wages between 18 percent and 31 percent in September, their union said on Friday. Some 53 percent of those who voted backed the deal. Separately, negotiators from the airline and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reached a labor deal in the last round of U.S. mediated talks on schedule, the parties said in a joint statement on Friday. They said they must finalize the contract language before it becomes a so-called "tentative agreement" that the carrier's 9,000 mechanics can vote to ratify or reject. Both announcements mark major steps toward integrating United and Continental, which merged in 2010, and reducing flight cancellations. Maintenance technicians from United have yet to mix their operations with those from Continental. The same holds true for flight attendants. With their new contract, United and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said they now expect the flight attendant groups to combine within 12 to 18 months. That agreement was reached in June, also under the guidance of the U.S. National Mediation Board, following months of protests by the workers and years of talks. In addition to pay raises, the contract provides better healthcare and job protection for the company's 25,000 flight attendants, the union said. Both labor deals represented a victory for Chief Executive Oscar Munoz, who took over the helm in September and has sought harmony with workers for the No. 3 U.S. airline by passenger traffic. United shares edged down 0.3 percent to close at $47.10. "The contract provides immediate economic gains, sets a new industry standard and ensures flight attendants can achieve the benefits of a fully integrated airline," Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA's international president, said in a statement. Story continues More than 90 percent of eligible flight attendants voted, the union said. Flight crew protested furloughs by the airline after the merger. But starting in 2014, United offered voluntary buyouts that more than 2,500 employees have accepted. United and Continental crews had been staffing separate flights since the merger. When a flight on a pre-merger United plane was short-staffed, pre-merger Continental employees could not be brought in, and vice versa, sometimes leading to cancellations. United ranked lowest among U.S. and Canadian rivals in 2016 for customer satisfaction, according to a J.D. Power study. "What this means is hopefully a much more reliable United, a much more on-time United and hopefully also a more pleasant United for its customers to fly," said Henry Harteveldt, founder of the travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group. Munoz said in a statement he was helping "turn the page and write a new chapter in our approach to labor and management relations at United," alluding to deals he helped secure for pilots, gate agents and baggage handlers. In February, United's mechanics rejected a contract offer, and their union said it would seek approval from U.S. regulators to strike. (Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing Will Dunham and Richard Chang) Paris (AFP) - Anti-racism organisations and human rights groups vowed Friday to overturn a "deeply worrying" ban on the wearing of burqinis -- full-body swimsuits -- on the beaches of Cannes, the French Riviera resort famous for its annual film festival. Cannes' mayor David Lisnard signed off on the ruling that "access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have (bathing apparel) which respects good customs and secularism," which is a founding principle of the French republic. SOS Racisme attacked what it said was the mayor's "strategy of tension". An umbrella organisation of groups against Islamophobia, the CCIF, said it was "deeply worried" about the ban, which it viewed as "a new attack on the most basic principles of law". It said it was planning to oppose the ban in the courts. The ban also came under fire from the Socialist Party, who are in opposition to the centre-right Republicans who control Cannes. The local Socialist branch said the burkini ban was an attempt at grabbing headlines which would "play into the hands of religious fundamentalists". Thierry Migoule, head of municipal services in Cannes, sought to clarify the intent of the burqini ban, which is in place until August 31. "We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach... but ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us," he said. The issue comes at a highly sensitive time for relations with Muslims in France after two attacks last month linked to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. On July 14 the nearby Riviera city of Nice was the target of an attack claimed by IS which killed 85 people, when a truck ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day. On July 26, a priest was killed in his church in northwestern France by two attackers who had proclaimed their allegiance to Islamic State. Story continues Islamic dress is a hot-button issue in France, where the full-face veil is banned in public places. But there is no ban on wearing religious symbols or clothing. Earlier this week a waterpark in Marseille, another city on France's south coast, cancelled plans to host a private event for Muslim women wearing burqinis after they sparked outrage, including from politicians on both the right and left. The event in the suburb of Pennes-Mirabeau was the brainchild of Smile 13, a women's association catering for Arabs in Marseille, whose population of nearly two million includes around 220,000 Muslims, mainly of Algerian origin. Politicians on both the right and the left had slammed the plan as provocative, with left-wing senator Michel Amiel, who is also mayor of Pennes-Mirabeau, saying he would seek a ban. Russian airstrike oil convoy ISIS In one fell swoop, a series of aerial strafing and bombing runs destroyed 83 oil tankers belonging to ISIS forces in Syria. USA TODAY reports that after a pilot witnessed a gaggle of vehicles in the oil-rich, ISIS-held region of Deir ez-Zor province, US-led coalition forces sent a surveillance aircraft to provide intelligence on the area. After confirming the targets, A-10s and F-16s were scrambled to dispense more than 80 munitions against the vehicles. After the dust settled, an estimated $11 million worth of oil and trucks were destroyed in the largest single airstrike against ISIS forces in Syria this year. Youre going to have multiple effects from this one strike, said Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian. The vehicles, which were reported to have been out in the open, may be indicative of the declining state of ISIS leadership and control. After a series of devastating airstrikes from both coalition and Russian forces, ISIS militants have grown accustomed to evade aerial threats by avoiding traveling in large convoys; however, this latest lapse in judgment could be a sign of worse things to come for the militants. This is a very good indication that theyre having trouble commanding and controlling their forces, Harrigian explained to USA TODAY. The bombing campaign, otherwise known as Tidal Wave II, was enacted to wipe out ISIS oil market that was generating more than $1 million a day during its peak. At the beginning of this operation, coalition aircraft would drop leaflets on the oil tankers prior to their bombing runs to provide the option for drivers to escape. However, after new military rules were implemented, leaflets are no longer required to be dropped. Instead, pilots are now firing warning shots to indicate their arrival. NOW WATCH: Trump says he was being sarcastic when he called Obama the 'founder of ISIS' More From Business Insider Washington (AFP) - The United States on Thursday tentatively welcomed possible Turkish-Russian cooperation against jihadists in Syria, as Ankara has proposed to Moscow, even if those countries support opposing camps there. "We remain in close contact with our Turkish allies and our partners in the fight against Daesh," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said, using another name for the Islamic State group. Working against the jihadist group "is a priority for all of us," she said. "If this is truly a step in that direction, we would welcome that." Pressed by reporters to confirm the US reaction, Trudeau said, "We've been very clear that if Russia is interested in fighting against (the IS group)," then "we would welcome that." How that cooperation would work is unclear. Moscow is allied with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, while Ankara has supported rebel groups seeking his overthrow in a bloody civil war. But Russian-Turkish relations have warmed amid pique in Ankara that Washington and other Western capitals did not seem more supportive after the attempted military coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. Erdogan traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Thursday, Turkish officials representing the army, intelligence agencies and the foreign ministry were in Russia for talks on Syria, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Putin last month to discuss coordinating the two countries' air strikes against IS militants and their allies. Also Thursday, the United States expressed concern about mounting reports of alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, including during an attack in Aleppo a day earlier. Washington is "very concerned about the increasing number of allegations of chemical weapons use over the last few weeks," Trudeau said. The United States and Russia are responsible for overseeing a UN resolution from late 2013 to dismantle the Syrian government's chemical weapons arsenal. Confirmation that Assad's regime has used such weapons since then would constitute a "violation" of the resolution, Trudeau said. By Mark Weinraub WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. soybean and corn harvests will be the biggest ever this fall, according to a U.S. Agriculture Department monthly outlook that boosted yield and production forecasts for both crops above market expectations. The USDA on Friday pegged the corn crop at 15.153 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 175.1 bushels per acre. That topped analysts' forecasts that ranged from 14.580 billion to 15.146 billion for production and 168.6 to 175.0 for yield. The soybean harvest was seen at 4.060 billion bushels, with yields expected to average 48.9 bushels per acre. Analysts' soybean estimates ranged from 3.865 billion to 4.054 billion for production and 46.7 to 48.8 for yield. A month ago, the USDA had projected corn production at 14.540 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 168.0 bushels per acre, and soybean production at 3.880 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 46.7 bushels per acre. Good weather for crop development during July across broad swaths of the U.S. Midwest, the key growing area for corn and soybeans, allowed crops to mature with relatively little stress. The USDA forecast corn yields for Illinois, the second biggest state for production of the yellow grain, at 200 bushels per acre. If realized, that would be 25 bushels per acre higher than in 2015. In Iowa, the biggest corn producer, yields were forecast at 197 bushels per acre, up from 192 bushels per acre in 2015. The massive crops would outstrip the rising demand trend. The USDA boosted its supply outlook for the upcoming marketing year to reflect the expected bumper harvest. For soybeans, domestic ending stocks were seen at 330 million bushels, up 40 million bushels from the government's July estimate. Analysts, on average, were expecting 2016/17 soybean ending stocks of 316 million bushels, according to a Reuters poll. The USDA also boosted its 2016/17 soybean export forecast by 30 million bushels and its outlook for crushings by 15 million bushels. Story continues Rising export demand caused the government to cut its outlook for old-crop soybean ending stocks to a smaller-than-expected 255 million bushels from 350 million bushels. It raised its 2015/16 soy export forecast by 85 million bushels. Corn ending stocks for 2016/17 were raised to a bigger-than-expected 2.409 billion bushels from 2.081 billion despite a 125-million bushel increase in the export outlook and a 175-million bushel increase to feed and residual usage. Old-crop corn ending stocks were pegged at 1.706 billion bushels, up just 5 million bushels from July. (Reporting by Mark Weinraub; Editing by Paul Simao) Lingerie company Adore Me is doing something different. Its going to be launching a television ad that will feature a curvy model Aeries spokesmodel Iskra Lawrence in the same commercial as Daniela Lopez, who has posed for Victorias Secrets Pink brand. Its rare to see curvy models in the same commercials as straight-size models, let alone a model who is associated with Victorias Secret. Adore Me knows that. The two models are in the same ad which were really excited about because our goal is to promote inclusivity, Adore Me CEO Morgan Hermand-Waiche said in a statement to Business Insider. In the industry, these models would rarely be presented in one ad and were very proud to be including both. Plus-size models wearing nothing but lingerie arent entirely new to television, but they have often been met with controversy. In 2010, a Lane Bryant commercial was prohibited from airing ABC during Dancing with the Stars or on Fox during American Idol, CBS News reported. It was a controversy [and] everybody thought, Oh this is terrible, but honestly, I thought it was great because it was giving us a platform to be able to talk about body image and acceptance. And media isnt putting curvy women on newsstands and on television, curvy supermodel Ashley Graham told Business Insider last summer. That was the whole thing, she said. They were offended by my curves and lingerie. And this spring, major networks purportedly didnt want to run another Lane Bryant ad, though NBC told Business Insider at the time that as part of the normal advertising standards process, we reviewed a rough cut of the ad and asked for minor edits to comply with broadcast indecency guidelines. The ad was not rejected and we welcome the updated creative. Its unclear if Adore Me will receive any backlash from major networks once the ad airs. Adore Me has been vocal to its commitment to inclusivity. When people make those comments 'oh, you know its more expensive to make these [sizes] we need to forgo our margins I never really understand [that], she said, pointing to how companies then miss out on selling to a piece of the population, Adore Mes vice president of business and brand development, Sharon Klapka, told Business Insider earlier this month. Story continues That, in turn, translates to showing curvy models as well. Its not the only company to showcase a variety of body types. Aerie has also capitalized on featuring a bevy of body types (sans airbrushing) in its ad campaigns but has taken it a step further by showcasing women who are regular people, as opposed to models a crucial move, considering that the old standard of a supermodel has been shifting dramatically in recent years. Victorias Secret, on the other hand, frequently comes under fire for its unrealistic portrayal of women and its frequent Photoshopping gaffes. Still, Adore Me is a blip on Victorias Secret radar. In 2015, it pulled in $42.7 million, whereas Victorias Secret raked in nearly $7.7 billion in total sales. Adore Me also has been with met criticisms from consumers who have been unhappy with its subscription program and formal complaints from ad-watchdog firm Truth in Advertising. Adore Me confirmed that the ad will appear on cable channels beginning mid-September. NOW WATCH: A curvy Aerie model responded to body shamers in the best way possible More From Business Insider Looks like Vin Diesel wants to "tell us everything" about anything but his supposed feud with Fast 8 co-star Dwayne Johnson. A day after the action star vowed to tell his fans "everything" in a cryptic Instagram video, Diesel again took to social media to speak out -- on other topics. WATCH: Vin Diesel Speaks Out After Dwayne Johnson's 'Fast 8' Diss: 'I Will Tell You Everything' "So today is XXX Thursdays and I'm actually going to see the first cut of XXX," Diesel shared in an Instagram video on Thursday, captioned "All love." The 49-year-old star continued to talk about his excitement over the film, before making us squirm with this line: "I wanted to share something with you" However, after a long pause, it was a sweet story about Paul Walker that the actor shared. "My son earlier this morning, we were going over his birthday list, and he said, 'I want Paul to come. I really miss him,'" he explained. "Paul came to his second birthday in London when we were shooting Fast 6." RELATED: Dwayne Johnson Confirms 'Fast 8' Prison Break Scene in 'Amped' Instagram Video Diesel then opted for a Facebook Live session in which we were sure he would offer insight into his feud with Johnson. "A little anxious, excited and anxious" the Riddick star teased, before again discussing XXX. Diesel spoke at length about possible sequels, the film's hardworking crew, and his excitement over the screening before taking a long pause. "And I will tell you everything," he said, repeating his cryptic line from the day before. "Once I see the movie, I'll come back and tell you everything." While the father of three's Facebook Live session lasted for 7 minutes, it seems he just couldn't find time to discuss Johnson between talking about XXX, speaking French, and then talking more about XXX. WATCH: Vin Diesel Was Difficult on 'Fast 8' Set, Angered Dwayne Johnson, Source Says Story continues Though Diesel seems unconcerned about the reported Fast 8 feud, a source tells ET it was in fact the actor that Johnson had a problem with. "There were several times Vin was late to set and it really started pissing Dwayne and the other cast and crew off," the source says. "Dwayne was always on time for shooting. It was Vin who would often show up when he felt like showing up. Dwayne is the complete opposite." "At the end of production Dwayne was really over Vin's bulls**t," the source added, referring to Johnson's recent Instagram post which called out unnamed "chicken s**t" and "candy a**" co-stars for not acting like "true professionals." While Diesel seems to be ignoring the feud, Johnson took to Instagram on Wednesday to further clarify his beef, attributing his outburst to a "difference of opinion." RELATED: Dwayne Johnson Says 'Conflict Can Be a Good Thing' Following 'Fast 8' Instagram Rant "You guys reading this know how much I believe in the idea of a TEAM EFFORT," he wrote on Instagram. "That means respecting every person, their time and their value when they step onto my set or partner with our production company. And like with any team that's a family there's gonna be conflict." "Conflict can be a good thing, when it's followed by great resolution," he added. While many of Johnson and Diesel's Fast 8 co-stars have stayed silent, Tyrese Gibson has spoken out -- but it seems the actor can't decide who to support. Gibson first seemed to support Johnson, responding to his rant with an Instagram of his own in which he called the former wrestler his "brother." WATCH: Tyrese Gibson Responds to Dwayne Johnson's 'Fast 8' Instagram Rant: 'He's My Brother' "DJ happens to be one of the most humble, down to earth and professional people I've ever worked with," he said in the now-deleted post. Gibson appears to have since switched sides, adding several photos with Diesel to his account, and referring to the Guardians of the Galaxy star as his "brother for life." "Our brotherhood and every moment has inspired me to be a better man and father," he wrote on Thursday. "I'm so f**king proud to call you my family and my brother." "I've always said that if ONLY people knew how hard you work to protect this franchise and characters, minds would be blown," he continued. "You're my brother for life let's keep it positive and keep rockin this thing." WATCH: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Angrily Slams Male 'Fast 8' Co-Stars: 'Candy A**es' See more on the supposed feud in the video below. Related Articles We expect Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT to beat expectations when it reports fiscal second-quarter 2017 results before the opening bell on Aug 18. Last quarter, this retail giant posted a positive earnings surprise of 11.36%. We note that the company has posted positive earnings surprises in three of the last four quarters and a negative surprise in the remaining quarter, translating to an average positive surprise of 4.01%. Lets see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement. WAL-MART STORES Price and EPS Surprise WAL-MART STORES Price and EPS Surprise | WAL-MART STORES Quote Why a Likely Positive Surprise? Our proven model shows that Wal-Mart is likely to beat earnings this quarter because it has the right combination of two key ingredients. Positive Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, stands at +0.98%. This is meaningful and a leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise. Zacks Rank: Wal-Mart carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which when combined with a +0.98% ESP makes us confident about an earnings beat. Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 or #3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. The Sell-rated stocks (#4 and #5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement. What is Driving the Better-Than-Expected Earnings? Wal-Mart has been making efforts to understand the evolving needs of its customers to regain their confidence, and thus boost sales. It has delivered positive comps in the U.S. in the last seven quarters. Lower fuel prices aided sales as it eased consumers spending power. E-commerce has also contributed to the companys sales. The company expects the trend of positive comps at Wal-Mart U.S. to continue in the soon-to-be reported quarter. Wal-Mart expects U.S. comp sales growth of around 1% for the 13-week period ending Jul 29 compared with 1.5% comps growth last year. Sams Club comp sales, without the impact of fuel sales, are expected to be slightly positive compared with 1.3% growth last year. Story continues Wal-Mart is also making huge investments in e-commerce initiatives to compete with the biggest online retailer Amazon.com AMZN and to improve customer service. The company has recently sold its Chinese e-commerce business Yihaodian to local retailer JD.com to expand its reach in China. The Bentonville, AR-based company is also paying higher wages to its workers and training them to improve its stores performance. However, these initiatives have increased expenses for the company. This along with unfavorable currency will take a toll on earnings. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, earnings are expected in a range of 95 cents to $1.08 per share, compared with the prior-year quarters earnings of $1.08 per share. Other Stocks to Consider Some other stocks in the broader retail sector that have both a positive earnings ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank are: Lowe's Companies, Inc. LOW, with an Earnings ESP of +2.13% and a Zacks Rank #2 . The Children's Place, Inc. PLCE, with an Earnings ESP of +25.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.Click to get this free report >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report LOWES COS (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report CHILDRENS PLACE (PLCE): Free Stock Analysis Report WAL-MART STORES (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Smoke rises after an airstrike in the rebel held area of old Aleppo, Syria April 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail/File PhotoFOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES - RTX2AUEV On July 26, coalition military forces in support of Operation Inherent Resolve continued their hunt against ISIS militants with eight airstrikes near Manbij, Syria. A press release from US Central Command states that the airstrikes hit eight tactical units, destroyed 12 fighting positions, and eliminated two ISIS vehicles. Manbij, a city in northern Syria, is the last piece of ISIS territory that shares a border with Turkey. Currently, US-backed forces have almost completely retaken the city from ISIS in a major blow to the group's territory. In addition to the strikes in Manbij, coalition forces also struck other ISIS targets in Iraq destroying weapons caches, bunkers, and mortar positions. In total, 22 airstrikes using bombers, attack fighters, and remotely piloted aircraft were coordinated against ISIS, the militant group also known as the Islamic State, ISIL, or Daesh. Here's what the strike against fighting positions near Manbij, Syria, looked like: via GIPHY via GIPHY Watch the entire video from CJTF Operation Inherent Resolve: NOW WATCH: TRUMP: President Obama is 'the founder of ISIS' More From Business Insider From Esquire Word of advice, folks: Don't go strutting down the street in Bloomfield, New Jersey, while wearing your Trump shirt. You might just end up getting hit with a crowbar. Peter Yankowski learned that the hard way on August 3, according to The Washington Post. He was walking down West Passaic Avenue wearing his (kind of awesome) shirt with the Republican nominee's face superimposed on an American flag. Yankowski's shirt, featuring the campaign staples of "Trump for President" and "Make America Great Again," drew the ire of a passing motorist. The driver "directed profanities" at Yankowski, according to Bloomfield PD, then followed him into a Friendly's restaurant. That's where things escalated. Photo credit: WABC via Washington Post Yankowski told News 12 New Jersey that the motorist, who was black, called him "white trash," cursed him out, and gave him the finger. "I yelled back a few expletives," Yankowski said. According to a witness, that's not all he yelled: "The white man, of course, he shouted out, he goes, like, 'you're a n--, you're not even supposed to be here. This is like, white people's spot.'" When asked if he used a racial slur, Yankowski admitted he had. Eventually, the Post reports, the hostilities spilled out into the parking lot, where they escalated further. Things got physical, and Yankowski got smashed in "the forearm, hands and thighs" with, according to police spokesman Ralph Marotti, "what appeared to be a crowbar, some type of metal object." The suspect, who apparently carries a crowbar with him around Bloomfield, fled before police arrived. No arrests have been made. It's another bright, sunny day in Donald Trump's America. Popping an ADHD pill, such as Adderall, to enhance your studying and boost grades might sound tempting. But you could be risking rare and serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and possibly even death, for little, if any benefit. Recognizing that an increasing number of students without diagnosed ADHD turn to these drugs to gain an edge in the classroom, the American Medical Association recently announced that the drugs are risky, dont help improve grades, and should be avoided. The AMA's new policy also urged physicians not to prescribe stimulants and other so-called smart drugs to healthy people seeking to enhance studying. While prescription stimulants carry real risks, they do not make people smarter, the AMA said in a statement. The medical group's recommendations are based on an analysis by their Council on Science and Public Health that looked at available studies of Adderall and other ADHD medications and concluded that the drugs might provide small mental boost, at best, in people without ADHD. The AMA also said the drugs can pose other dangerous side effects, such as hallucinations and delusional thinking. Wim Riedel, a psychopharmacologist at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, says the small boost these medications might provide isnt worth the risks. Riedel co-authored a review of 59 studies of methylphenidate (Ritalin), published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, that found a small improvement in specific tasks, such as memorizing a set of items, in a controlled setting. But he said that the tiny improvement seen in the lab hasnt been shown to help in the real-world setting, such as studying for an exam. And a big problem is that a student would need to take the drug each time he studied, which could lead to dependency and possible withdrawal effectseven after a few doseswhen he stops taking it after the exam. So the net cost-benefit picture just doesnt look very good, Riedel says. Story continues ER Trips on the Rise The AMAs recommendation comes on the heels of a study that found a spike in the rate of young adults without ADHD taking Adderall and increase in the emergency room visits as a result. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in February, found Adderall use among adults who didnt have ADHDmost were 18 to 25 years oldjumped 67 percent in recent years. And emergency department visits related to these medications rose 156 percent from 2006 to 2011, largely driven by the spike in adults misusing the drugs. The top reasons for ER trips included suicide attempts, abuse, and the various side effects of the medications. Worse, people using these drugs as study aids often get them illegally, which can be dangerous. In the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry study, most of the adults misusing the drug did not have a prescription. Instead, they were getting the medications from a friend or relative. That could explain the rise in some of the ER visits, since they were using the medications without the supervision of a doctor. Better Study Strategies If you have persistent difficulty studying or concentrating, instead of using medications, see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, because those problems could stem from medical conditions including anemia, thyroid disorders, and infections, and not getting enough sleep. Certain medications can can also cloud thinking. These include certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro and generic); antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and various PM drugs); antivirals, like acyclovir (Zovirax); cough and congestion medications, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin and various products) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and generic); and tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline (Elavil and generic). William Graf, M.D., a pediatrician at the University of Connecticut, says young students who ask about ADHD medications should intstead boost their focus by trying safer options: Limiting distractions by switching off smartphones and staying off social media and improving sleep habits in order to get sufficient sleep, especially on the nights before exams. Other safer ways to improve studying: Stop multitasking. Doing several tasks at once can cause confusion and it can take longer to complete them than tackling them sequentially. Address your stress. Studies show that people under stress perform worse than their calmer counterparts. Good relaxation strategies include exercise, meditation, massage, and listening to music. Editor's Note: These materials were made possible by a grant from the state Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education Grant Program, which is funded by a multistate settlement of consumer fraud claims regarding the marketing of the prescription drug Neurontin (gabapentin). More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S. When WikiLeaks surged to global prominence six years ago, it was for its work posting hundreds of thousands of pages of secret government documents about the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, followed by a quarter million confidential cables by American diplomats. Working with major news organizations, including the New York Times, the Guardian and Der Spiegel, the site was associated both with accountability and a bold new version of radical transparency. That has changed. With the publication of emails expressly aimed at damaging Hillary Clintons presidential candidacy, WikiLeaks has shifted from a global platform for whistle-blowers to something less exalted and lately, a bit strange. Julian Assange, the sites founder, hinted darkly in a Dutch television interview on Tuesday that a young Democratic National Committee staffer who had been murdered in Washington, D.C., on July 10 had been killed because he had provided information to WikiLeaks, which posted a $20,000 reward for information on the July 10 death of Seth Rich. Whistle-blowers go to significant efforts to get us material and often very significant risks, Assange said. Theres a 27-year-old who works for the DNC who was shot in the back, murdered, just a few weeks ago, for unknown reasons as he was walking down the streets in Washington. Read More: No, WikiLeaks Isnt Trying to Hack Donald Trumps Tax Returns Assange offered no support for the incendiary suggestion We dont comment on who our sources are, he coyly replied, when the Dutch interviewer pressed for details on his guests insinuation. Nor was the suggestion welcomed by Richs family, which subsequently issued a statement praising the efforts of the D.C. police, who have said they are investigating the slaying as a mugging gone bad. Rich, who had worked at the DNC since 2014, was killed at 4 a.m. while walking home, and was on the phone with his girlfriend when the fatal encounter began. Some are attempting to politicize this horrible tragedy, and in their attempts to do so, are actually causing more harm that good and impeding on the ability for law enforcement to properly do their job, said the statement released by Brad Bauman, a Democratic communications consultant representing the family. For the sake of finding Seths killer, and for the sake of giving the family the space they need at this terrible time, they are asking for the public to refrain from pushing unproven and harmful theories about Seths murder. The episode coming on the heels of the DNC emails Assange held for release on the eve of the Democratic convention is seen by critics of WikiLeaks as a sign that once lauded enterprise no longer qualifies as an independent platform promoting openness. Its become something else, says John Wonderlich, executive director of the Sunlight Foundation, a Washington nonprofit that advocates for transparency. Its not striving for objectivity. Its more careless. When they publish information it appears to be in service of some specific goal, of retribution, at the expense of the individual. On the death of staffer, thats just to me so far over the line, Wonderlich adds. If they feel like they have a link to the staffers death, they should say it and be responsible about it. The insinuations, to me, are just disgusting. Read More: WikiLeaks Says It Will Publish More Hillary Clinton Emails One measure of the uneasiness that now surrounds WikiLeaks is the difficulty of finding people who will talk about it these days. TIME approached a half dozen groups and prominent individuals who work on the same issues. Only the Sunlight Foundation responded, having earlier posted a detailed critique of the DNC leak, titled On Weaponized Transparency. The article emphasized that, by failing to hold back private information like email addresses and credit-card information, WikiLeaks poses a similar threat to privacy if not a greater one as the government agencies it rails against. The Center for Responsive Politics was able to report that the DNC asked the White House to reward donors with slots on boards and commissions without exposing unnecessary personal information, the post noted. Im more afraid of WikiLeaks than I am of the NSA, says one American privacy advocate, who would speak only without being further identified, partly out of concern about retribution. When they first burst into our consciousness, they were acting like publishers and journalists. The idea that these rascals were turning the tables on the deep state had great emotional relevance to me. But they turned out not have any principles. Read More: The Future of Civilization Is a Battle Between Google and WikiLeaks Efforts to reach a WikiLeaks spokesperson, by phone, text and email, to comment produced no response. But both Assange and the site have been spirited to the point of anger in defending their enterprise. After a Turkish academic based in North Carolina took the site to task last month for a posting links that exposed the personal emails and phone numbers of some 20 million Turkish women, WikiLeaks pushed back hard, tweeting: A journalist that cannot take responsibility for their errors, in this case, a catastrophic error, will not work in journalism again. And when Edward Snowden tweeted that WikiLeaks hostility to even modest redaction of documents is a mistake, WikiLeaks accused the fugitive of trying to curry favor with the Democrat it has targeted: Opportunism wont win you a pardon with Clinton, the site tweeted in reply. Snowden has been living in Moscow since 2013, having accepted refuge from President Vladimir Putin with the help of a WikiLeaks lawyer after U.S. authorities issued an arrest warrant for his massive disclosure of National Security Agency operations. And Assange is on the run as well albeit while staying in the same place: since 2010, the Australian has holed up in Ecuadors embassy in London, where this week authorities finally made arrangements to set a date for an interview with Swedish authorities investigating a sexual-assault allegation that Assange calls punishment for his work. The two fugitives, both youthful and fair-haired and wanted for exposing government secrets, are frequently confused, as John Oliver found before traveling to Russia to sit down with Snowden. But they are quite different in their aims, says the privacy advocate who asked not to be named. Snowden is a reformer, the advocate notes. Assange really is an anarchist revolutionary who just wants to blow the whole thing up. In his view, whatever comes in its place will be better. A shocking road rage incident in Gainesville, Florida was caught on camera, capturing the moment the altercation escalated and a woman involved appeared to pull out a gun. Surveillance footage shows a black pickup truck and a silver sedan pulling into a gas station before the nasty confrontation earlier in the week. Read: Road Rage Caught on Camera: Driver Punches Biker, Reportedly Admits He Drank '3 or 4 Shots of Whiskey' One of the two women who got out of the truck wielded a gun before the male driver of the pickup appeared from off camera and wrestled the weapon out of her hand. Jacob Sylvester, identified by authorities as the pickup's driver, was charged with assault and battery. He's refused to identify his gun-toting lady friend. Police are still looking to identity the other people involved in the incident. It appears that as heat rises this summer, so does the rage. In Canada, one distraught driver approached another motorist and lost it on Saturday, footage shows. He used a baton and smashed car windows during the confrontation, which was caught on camera. He even threatened the driver, saying: "you're going to be in the f****** hospital if you don't get out of here! Damien Dallyn recorded the whole scary encounter, telling Inside Edition: I was in shock. Read: U.S. Marine Arrested in the 'Road Rage' Shooting Death of a 20-Year-Old College Student Unbelievably, after smashing the window, the attacker gladly identifies himself when Dallyn asked his name. Dennis Tissington, he said before driving off. Tissington, 67, was arrested and charged with mischief. He is due in court in October. Watch: Chauffeur Allegedly Attacks Motorist in Road Rage Video Related Articles: An ex-convict plead guilty Thursday in federal court to planning to attack on a Rochester, New York, restaurant with a machete on New Years Eve in an attempted terrorist plot. Emanuel Lutchman, 26, was convicted of a conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorism organization, according to the Associated Press, after hatching the plan in the name of the Islamic State. Authorities say Lutchman initiated contact with ISIS members online, including the now deceased Abu Issa Al-Amriki in Syria, who told him to plan an attack on New Years Eve to kill non-believers, or kuffar. Lutchman, prosecutors said, made a video on Dec. 30, 2015 pledging allegiance to ISIS, saying the blood that you spill of the Muslim overseas we gonna spill the blood of the Kuffar. He was arrested by agents immediately afterwards, according to the AP. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Lutchman will be sentenced Nov. 15 in U.S. District Court in Rochester. Lutchmans family said that he suffers from a long history of mental illness and was unable to find employment after serving a prison sentence for robbing a man when he was 16, the AP reports. New York (AFP) - A 43-year-old US man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday for sexually assaulting a woman while she slept on a flight from Dubai to New York. Nadeem Mehmood Quraishi, from Staten Island in New York, was handed the statutory maximum punishment for carrying out the assault while on board an Emirates flight on October 26, 2015. Quraishi was convicted by a jury in April following a US federal trial in Brooklyn. His victim fell asleep after taking prescription medication on the more than 12-hour flight from Dubai to John F. Kennedy International Airport. In the original complaint, the woman said that after she woke up, Quraishi -- who was sitting next to her in economy class -- asked if she had a good nap. She then discovered lotion had been spread on her arms, chest and up her legs. When going to the bathroom, she noticed that her underwear had been shifted and lotion smeared underneath. Confronted by flight attendants, Quraishi admitted applying the woman's own body lotion to her genital area, prosecutors said. US attorney Robert Capers called it "an outrageous affront to what should have been a safe and peaceful passage on an international flight." Diego Rodriguez, head of the FBI's office in New York, said the defendant took "full advantage" of his victim while she was at her most vulnerable. "It's unfair to ask passengers to keep their wits about them for more than half a day in the air, which is why we take crimes aboard aircraft so seriously," he said. We have a bad, bad story, begins Gloria Ibara, a refugee from Burundi and the mother of four. Sitting on a mattress in a simple Nairobi apartment, she tells me of her problem: They want to kill our family. Her story begins in Burundi, a small country in Central Africa. Gloria, whose bright smile accents her worn face, was born in rural Gitega province to a family of farmers. As her children grew, Gloria came to realize her son Eric was gay. (The names of the family members have been changed out of concern for their safety.) At first I told him to stop, that its not good, Gloria says. But over time she decided that thats the way he was, and he couldnt change it. So she went on loving and caring for him just the same. In many parts of East and Central Africa where homophobia is rife, parents react harshly on learning that a child is gay. Parents feel enormous pressure to either fix their gay kids or disown them. Ive met dozens of LGBT refugees who have fled their home countries and escaped to Kenya, and only onea woman, also from Burundiwasnt disowned by her family. Some say their family sent them to counseling, sent them to church, tried introducing them to peers of the opposite sexanything to make the gay go away. Others simply chased them out and told them never to return. In at least two cases, parents reported their children to the police, who arrested and imprisoned them. I met one who said a family member arranged for her to be gang-raped. So when Gloria learned that Eric was gay, it was extraordinary for her not to reject him. Gloria had spent her career working for international agencies, including as a counselor for UNAIDS, where she learned about homosexuality. I worked with different NGOs that treat HIV, so I used to treat even gays, she says. Stunned as she was when she later found out that her older son, Claude, then well into his teens, also was gay, she supported him too. What Mom always tells people, says Eric, is I love my children the way they are. They are my children. God gave them to me. Story continues In 2010, a land dispute the Ibara family was fighting in court turned violent. Gunmen Gloria believed a cousin had hired killed some relatives who were siding with her in the case. Fearing for their lives, she decided she and her childrenshe had a daughter and a disabled son in addition to the older boys, all school-ageneeded to escape Burundi. We couldnt go to a neighboring country because it was too close, Gloria tells me. She worried that gunmen might find her there. From her human rights work, she knew that Kenya was the destination of many fleeing violence in the region, and her cousin would have a hard time tracking Glorias family across two international borders. In Kenya she could apply at one of the refugee camps for asylum and resettlement to someplace where her family might have a better life. So she picked up her kids from school and hid out at a friends house. Within a week they left on a bus for Kenya. Gloria was able to buy a few things for the family, but they couldnt return home to collect any of their belongings. On May 19, 2010, they arrived at Kakuma refugee camp. There are 596,045 registered refugees living in Kenya as of February, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, of whom 41,288 are applying for asylum. In 2014, only 73,000 refugees in the entire world were granted asylum and resettled (the asylum designation itself doesnt get refugees out of a campa country still has to accept them). The Ibara brothers homosexuality isnt what forced the family to leave Burundi, which is among the worlds two or three poorest countries (depending on whos measuring). But at Kakuma, a camp of 187,000 refugees, many of whom escaped civil wars in Sudan, it would soon begin to haunt them. When we came to Kenya, my mom told me, We dont know how the community is, so keep a low profile, Eric says. Back in Burundi, the brothers were too young for their sexuality to be suspect. But in Kenya, as they progressed through their teenage years, other refugees in the camp began to notice that neither Eric nor Claude interacted much with girlsonly with boys. Several years ago, some Burundian and Ugandan LGBT refugees banded together to establish a compound of their own at Kakuma, according to an LGBT activist there who goes by Brian (he would not be named out of fear it would jeopardize his work). He has documented the deaths, including by suspected poisoning, of six LGBT refugees at Kakuma during the past two years. LGBT asylum seekers suffer the dual hazard of fleeing persecution and violence and, by virtue of their identity, finding further troubles in the nations they run to. A July 2015 report found that the U.N. in Kenya struggled to respond to the unexpected influx" of LGBT people escaping violence, "one that coincided with a government crackdown on refugees. The U.N. is stretched, says Gitahi Githuku, who has consulted on human rights for the American Jewish World Service in Kenya, which has funded programs aimed at assisting LGBT refugees there. If you have two orphans from southern Sudan whose parents died in that fighting, they are minors there in the camp. And you have this gay man from Uganda, and you have one slot for resettlement. Who would you take? Its a dilemma. After nearly five years lingering in the camp, Eric, 20 by then, couldnt hide any longer. At some point I said, This is not who I am. I need to be free to live my life. At least I can have a boyfriend. One day Eric brought his boyfriend to the shelter where the Ibara family was living. My mom wasnt around. We started kissing, Eric says. Soon they took off their clothes. We were about to have sex, says Eric, when, to his horror, his mom returnedaccompanied by none other than the pastor of the church she attended. The pastor wanted to beat us. You are cursed! You will not get into heavens gate! You deserve to die, Eric recalls him screaming. My mom couldnt say anything. She started crying. The couple threw on what clothes they could and escaped to another part of the camp. But word spread, and the backlash fell swiftly on Gloria. They stopped Mom from going to church. People said the family was cursed, Eric says. She couldnt fetch water. People would spit on her. Twice, Gloria says, the small restaurant she had opened at the camp was burned to the ground. The sister in the family, Aria, was harassed in school. They would say, What kind of family are you? Eric recalls Aria telling him. So she had to leave school. To disassociate his family from his sexuality, Eric decided to journey a few hours by bus to live in Lodwar, the town closest to Kakuma. After Eric left, the ostracization of the Ibaras escalated into violence: My small brother, he says, he was raped. The boy was 12 years old and mentally impaired, with symptoms resembling Down syndrome. He can tell you something, but he might get some of the words wrong, Eric says. The boy communicates mostly by shaking or nodding his head in response to questions. From what the family could gather, Eric tells me as his mother and younger brother listen, a group of teenage boys who had previously taunted Eric and Claude stopped the younger boy as he was walking alone one day and assaulted him. The point, his brothers believe, was to teach the family a lessonto show him what his brothers are doing to other men, says Eric. At this point in the telling of the story, Gloria closes her eyes and covers her face with her hands. The young boy, who is sitting near her on the mattress, glances around absently. He was hurt, Eric says. He was really traumatized. They feared nothing would come of it if they reported it to the policeat least, nothing good. Many Kenyan police hold homophobic attitudes, and officers sometimes extort gays and lesbians by demanding bribes in exchange for not jailing them. Acts of homosexuality can earn those in Kenya 14 years in prison by law. Brian has worked with the backing of an international NGO to sensitize police to the plight of gay refugees living at Kakuma. He says that once, when he went to meet with a group of officers, they said the best thing you can do to help is to help them stop being gay. But by informing the men of the hardships refugees faced in their home countries, Brian says, they began to understand. It is not the role of the police to know whether youre here for political reasons such as persecution for homosexuality, Brian says he tells them. You are not a judge, you are not a Godyou are there to protect them. But he says theres high turnover among the police at Kakuma; educating officers to the plight of gay refugees is perpetual. After four years living at Kakuma, with Brian's help Gloria and her family left the camp and traveled by bus to Nairobi. She hoped the cosmopolitan city would offer anonymity and a safer haven while they applied for resettlement abroad. It didnt. One hot afternoon in October, I meet Claude outside a public school near the familys home in a lower-middle-class neighborhood of Nairobi. A thin, muscular 22-year-old with dreadlocks, he leads me down winding dirt paths obstructed by potholes and puddles to the three-story concrete apartment building where he, his three siblings, and his mother share a single room. The door to their apartment is a heavy, blue metal gate. We leave our shoes outside. Gloria is sitting barefoot on the large mattress on the floor. As Claude walks in, he takes his mothers hand and kisses her on the cheek before squatting on the mattress next to her. Gloria spends most of her days sitting right there. She speaks only a little Swahili (the primary language of Kenya) and no English, which makes it difficult to find work. There are other Burundians living in the neighborhood with whom she could communicate if she wanted to, but shes afraid to approach themone might recognize her from back home and alert her cousin to their whereabouts. Although Eric and Claude dress no differently from young straight Kenyan menjeans, sneakers, and loose T-shirtsjust as in the camp, neighbors here took notice that they never seemed to flirt with women. Their homosexuality became an open secret, making them victims of pranks and abuse. Last month, a man came and put a diaper full of shit in our house, Eric tells me in English. They always say, How come the mother can accept gay people in their family? They are not human. They are bringing trouble to humanitythat is the reason God causes bad things on the earth. Eric says because not one but two of them are gay, that makes things exponentially worse. Its easy for them to discriminate because the whole family is cursed. How can you have two brothers in the same family who are gay? His 18-year-old sister, Aria, tried for months to enroll herself and her younger brother in school but each school denied their applications. She wasnt sure whether it was because they were refugees. There is no free food or water for refugees in Nairobi, unlike at Kakuma. An NGO that partners with the U.N. offered the family a monthly stipend of about $240. But it was soon reduced by halfless than a dollar a day each for a family of five. In June the stipend ended altogether. Eric has found only haphazard work, editing film for a media organization. Claude hasnt had any luck getting a job. What's really stressful is that I'm the firstborn of the family, and I cant do anything to help the situation, says Claude. Kenyas economy is such that jobs are hard to come by, and being a foreigner makes him stand out. I look for jobs, but they just deny. Sometimes we dont eat for a day because we cant afford it, says Eric. He says he feels guilty, because it was he who exposed his homosexuality when the pastor caught him with his boyfriend at Kakuma. Im the one who put my family in this position, he says. With no other way to earn money, Eric turned to sex work. He describes it in the least euphemistic terms: Fucking somebody who pays me. At some point you find yourself with no other choice. He says his mom doesnt know. Its been more than six years since the Ibara family came to Kenya. In that time, theyve seen refugees who arrived after they did get resettled. For a while, the United Nations expedited the cases of gay refugees from neighboring Uganda, where Evangelical Americans had helped drum up a wave of homophobia that made international headlines when Ugandan lawmakers debated a bill that would penalize acts of homosexuality with death. Eric says its unfair that the LGBT Ugandans who came long after his family were able to move to safe countries, while they wait in fear. But he and Claude are, after all, just two among hundreds of LGBT refugees in East Africa who left their home countries only to be further victimized in Kenyaa refugee-harboring nation where to be gay is a crime. Yet the brothers sexuality isnt the basis for the Ibaras asylum claim. It was the family land dispute that chased them out of Burundi. But the brothers might have faced a similar fate in Burundi had they stayed. The year before they fled, Burundi passed a law that criminalized acts of homosexuality with up to two years in prison. State-sponsored harassment of LGBT Burundians has caused at least one Burundian woman to go to Kenya. In March, the Ibara family receive a piece of good news: Their application for asylum has been accepted, and they are to be referred to the Swedish Embassy for a series of interviews and examinations to determine if they will be flown to safety in Sweden. Unless something goes awry, they will be among the small fraction of refugees in Kenya who get to be resettled. Theyre trying to raise money to buy warm clothes for their new lifeif and when they get the call. The following month, I pay the Ibaras a visit to find out how they are coping while they wait. Eric is out trying to earn money. Claude managed to find work at a barbershop, but after three months his boss chased him away; he isnt sure whether his sexuality had anything to do with it. We dont have many friends, he tells me. Most of the time were indoors. Aria, with her red-highlighted hair pleated in a single braid, tells me that she finally got her little brother enrolled in school. Aside from some bullying due to his mental condition, she says hes doing well there. Still, it has been so hard, she says. They have had the water to their apartment shut off because they couldnt pay the bill. Now they owe back payments. Their landlord is threatening to evict them because without the NGOs monthly stipend, they have been unable to meet the rent. It would be the fourth time theyve been forced out by landlords since arriving in Nairobi. Aria plans to study to be a lawyer if they make it to Sweden. She hopes nothing more goes wrong while they wait for the phone call that will announce their departure, and she is inspired by the injustice the family faced during the fight over the land in Burundi. I like rules, she says. They told us its a nice country, its a peaceful country. Recently, Claude tells me, some neighbors beat up Eric on his way home. They had been waiting for him around that corner, he says, gesturing down from the apartment to a dirt path outside the building. They beat him, and he went to the hospital. Its because he's gay, of course. They hope the phone call from the Swedish Embassy comes soon enough that Claude and Eric, now well into their 20s, might at last live in a place thats more tolerant, and where to be gay is not a crime. Send a Letter: Protect Runaway and Homeless Youths Related stories on TakePart: Look Whos Fighting Homophobia in Kenya Uganda Celebrates Gay Pride One Year After Antigay Law Was Overturned The Worlds Worst Places to Be Gay Original article from TakePart For Immediate Release Chicago, IL August 12, 2016 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), Chevron Corp. (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP), Phillips 66 ( PSX) and HollyFrontier Corp. (HFC). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Thursdays Analyst Blog: Oil Falls on Surprise Stock Build, Record Saudi Output The U.S. Energy Department's weekly inventory release showed that crude stockpiles recorded a surprise build. Worryingly, supplies at the Cushing, OK storage hub jumped, too. On a bullish note, the report revealed that refined product inventories gasoline and distillate both decreased from their previous week levels. While the unseasonal crude build report offset the big drop in fuel supplies, data showing record July production from Saudi Arabia weighed on markets. As a result, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures lost 2.5% (or $1.06) to settle at $41.71 per barrel Wednesday. Analysis of the EIA Data Crude Oil: The federal governments EIA report revealed that crude inventories increased by 1.06 million barrels for the week ending Aug 5, 2016, following a rise of 1.41 million barrels in the previous week. The analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts the leading independent commodities and energy data provider had expected crude stocks to go down some 1.75 million barrels. Lower refinery usage led to the surprise stockpile build with the world's biggest oil consumer even as imports and production fell. In particular, crude inventories at the Cushing terminal in Oklahoma the key delivery hub for U.S. crude futures traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange was up 1.16 million barrels from previous weeks level to 65.26 million barrels. Story continues Following the third straight week of inventory rise, at 523.60 million barrels, current crude supplies are up 15% from the year-ago period and are at the highest level during this time of the year. The crude supply cover at 31.3 days remained unchanged from the previous week. In the year-ago period, the supply cover was 26.8 days. Sector Price Index Gasoline: Supplies of gasoline were down for the second time in two weeks as demand strengthened. The 2.81 million barrels draw comfortably exceeding the analysts polled number of 1.6 million barrels decrease in supply level took gasoline stockpiles down to 235.38 million barrels. Despite last weeks decline, the existing stock of the most widely used petroleum product is 9% higher than the year-earlier level and is comfortably above the upper half of the average range. Distillate: Distillate fuel supplies (including diesel and heating oil) fell by 1.96 million barrels last week, as opposed to analysts expectations for an 400,000 barrels rise in inventory level. The decrease in distillate fuel stocks for the third time in four weeks could be attributed to lower production and strengthening demand. But at 151.20 million barrels, distillate supplies are still 2% higher than the year-ago level and are near the upper half of the average range for this time of the year. Refinery Rates: Refinery utilization was down by 1.1% from the prior week to 92.2%. About the Weekly Petroleum Status Report The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Petroleum Status Report, containing data of the previous week endingFriday, outlines information regarding the weekly change in petroleum inventories held and produced by the U.S., both locally and abroad. The report provides an overview of the level of reserves and their movements, thereby helping investors understand the demand/supply dynamics of petroleum products. It is an indicator of current oil prices and volatility that affect the businesses of the companies engaged in the oil and refining industry. The data from EIA generally acts as a catalyst for crude prices and affect producers, such as Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), Chevron Corp. (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) and refiners such as Phillips 66 (PSX) and HollyFrontier Corp. ( HFC). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. About Zacks Equity Research Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today. About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report CONOCOPHILLIPS (COP): Free Stock Analysis Report PHILLIPS 66 (PSX): Free Stock Analysis Report HOLLYFRONTIER (HFC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL August 12, 2016 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include JD.com (JD), SINA Corp. (SINA), Daqo New Energy Corp. (DQ), Sohu.com Inc. ( SOHU) and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd. (YGE). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Thursdays Analyst Blog: China Stock Roundup: JD, SINA, DQ Beat Earnings Estimates Markets rose to their highest level in two months before undergoing a correction over the two previous trading sessions this week. The benchmark index gained on Monday after coal stocks surged and property companies racked up gains following excitement over a major developer buying up a rivals shares. The Shanghai Composite Index increased on Tuesday, closing at its highest level since the end of Jul 26. The benchmark index declined on Wednesday primarily due to losses taken by property companies as investors indulged in profit taking after a six day stretch of gains. The Shanghai Composite moved lower on Thursday due to a significant correction and grievous losses incurred by small cap stocks which outweighed gains made by financial stocks. JD.com (JD) reported loss of 3 cents a share in the second quarter of 2016, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 7 cents per share. SINA Corp. ( SINA) reported second-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings of 6 cents per share, which was way better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 1 cent and loss of 19 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. Last Weeks Developments Last Friday, the Shanghai Composite lost 0.2% and closed the week nearly unchanged following concerns over the health of the economy and firm steps taken by regulators to reduce market risk. These developments reduced trading volumes as investors stayed away from the bourses. Additionally, the appetite for risk taking declined following signs of an economic revival and doubt about how much additional stimulus would be forthcoming. Story continues The CSI 300 gained 0.1% while the small cap heavy ChiNext declined by 1%. Meanwhile, the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index advanced 1.4%, boosting weekly gains to 1.9%. This was its highest point in three months. Investors in Hong Kong were encouraged by speculation that the central bank would undertake fresh stimulus measures. Markets and the Economy This Week The benchmark index gained 0.9% on Monday after coal stocks surged and property companies racked up gains following excitement over a major developer buying up a rivals shares. These positives negated the effect of disappointing trade data. Both exports and imports declined to a larger extent than expected last month, indicating weakness in global demand remained. Coal mining companies gained following reports that the borrowings made by some of them will be converted into medium and long term special loans. This is part of the efforts being made by the government to boost the embattled coal sector. The Hang Seng added 1.6%, rising to its highest level in seven months. Gains were led by real estate stocks and producers of building materials following impressive U.S. jobs data which indicated that the largest economy in the world showing improvement. The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.7% on Tuesday, closing at its highest level since the end of Jul 26. Stocks advanced to its highest level in two weeks, with consumer and industrial stocks leading gains, following signs that the U.S. economy may be attaining some degree of stability. The Hang Seng fell from the highest level that it had hit in eight months. Chinas PPI declined in July, falling 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. The metric declined by the lowest extent in nearly two years. Meanwhile, sales of passenger vehicles increased by the highest degree in nearly one and a half years. Consumer staples and industrial stocks were the highest gains on Chinas exchanges. Sub indexes for these stocks gained by a minimum of 11%. The benchmark index declined by 0.2% on Wednesday primarily due to losses taken by property companies as investors indulged in profit taking after a six day stretch of gains. However, financial stocks took losses after regulators began a country wide examination of the health of the banking sector, according to reports. These events negated the impact of gains from materials and natural resources stocks. The CSI 300 also declined, by 0.4%. Stocks in Hong Kong moved higher, with casinos based in Macau leading gains. The Hang Seng increased by only 0.1% after gaining as much as 0.7% at one point. However, the Bull Run seemed to be in no hurry of petering out. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index advanced 0.2%. The Shanghai Composite moved 0.5% lower on Thursday due to a significant correction and grievous losses incurred by small cap stocks which outweighed gains made by financial stocks. The CSI 300 declined 0.3%. Stocks had gained earlier in the day following investor enthusiasm over purchases of stocks in a major Chinese life insurance company. In contrast, the Hang Seng increased by nearly 0.9% following speculation that the commencement data for the trading link with the Shenzhen may soon be revealed. As a result, brokerage stocks gained significantly. However, investors from the mainland were unmoved by these speculations and the Shenzhen Composite Index losing 1.3% with small cap stocks losing heavily. Stocks in the News JD.com reported loss of 3 cents a share in the second quarter of 2016, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 7 cents per share. Revenues of $9,816 million also exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9,810 million. Additionally, revenues were 42% higher than the figure posted in the year-ago period. Revenues from services and others, registered a 67% year-over-year increase. Gross merchandise value (GMV) rose 47% to $24.1 billion from core GMV registered in the same period last year. Annual active customer accounts increased to 188.1 million for the 12 months ended on June 30, 2016, 65% higher than the year ago figure. SINA Corp. reported second-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings of 6 cents per share, which was way better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 1 cent and loss of 19 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. Net revenues of $244 million also topped the consensus mark of $230.4 million while growing 14.2% year over year. Following the strong results, shares were up nearly 4.9% in the after-hours trading session on Aug 8. SINA also upgraded its revenue outlook for the year. The company expects 2016 revenues to be in the range of $950 million to $1 billion as against the earlier projected range of $850 million to $950 million. Daqo New Energy Corp. (DQ) reported second-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings of $2.04 per share, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.26 per share. Net revenues of $71 million also topped the consensus mark of $63 million while growing 23.1% year over year. Production volume of polysilicon came in at 3,570 MT, increasing from the 3,405 MT produced in the last quarter. External sales volume of polysilicon came in at 2,931 MT rising from the 2,905 MT in the first quarter. Average total production cost of polysilicon was $9.43/kg for the quarter, falling from the $9.43/kg during the first quarter of 2016. Sohu.com Inc. (SOHU) reported adjusted loss of $1.64 a share in the second quarter of 2016, which compared unfavorably with the prior-year quarter loss of 70 cents per share. Even revenues in the quarter were down 15% to $420 million primarily due to lower revenues from online gaming. For the third quarter of 2016, Sohu expects revenues in a range of $400 million$430 million. Management estimates brand advertising revenues in a range of $110 million to $120 million, representing 21% to 27% year-over-year decline. The company expects to generate about $47 million to $50 million revenues from Sohu Media Portal and $32-$36 million from Sohu Video. Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd. (YGE) or Yingli Solar, expects to maintain a positive momentum into the second quarter, as revealed in its preliminary financial results. The company is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Aug 23, before the opening bell. In its preliminary financial results, Yingli Solar revealed that its shipments in the second quarter will surpass expectations. Photovoltaic (PV) module shipments are now expected in the range of 630 megawatts (MW) to 660 MW, higher than its earlier forecast of 580620 MW. The figure also indicates an increase from total PV module shipment of 508.1 MW in the first quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. About Zacks Equity Research Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today. About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros. 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It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JD.COM INC-ADR (JD): Free Stock Analysis Report SINA CORP (SINA): Free Stock Analysis Report DAQO NEW ENERGY (DQ): Free Stock Analysis Report SOHU.COM INC (SOHU): Free Stock Analysis Report YINGLI GREEN EN (YGE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of them -- a swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United States -- were connected to the 4G network (AFP Photo/Wang Zhao) Beijing (AFP) - Sometimes it seems that no one in China, from toddlers to octogenarians, ladies in swimming pools to delivery men mid-manoeuvre, is without a cellphone to hand -- and statistically it is more or less true. There are almost as many mobile accounts as people in the world's most populous country. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of them -- a swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United States -- were connected to the 4G network, according to its ministry of industry and information technology. The zoned-out zombie stare of the smartphone addict is a common sight everywhere on the increasingly mobile-addled planet, but it can seem all the more ubiquitous in China. People retreat behind their little blue screens at any time of day or night, in dark concert halls, taking a break from the kids on the playroom floor, or in the company of a crowd of uniformed coworkers doing exactly the same thing. Nearly everyone who accesses the internet -- a staggering 92.5 percent -- does so via their mobile, official Chinese bodies say. They are hedged in by the "Great Firewall", strict regulations that block politically sensitive content and foreign sites such as Facebook, Google and Twitter. As a result Chinese smartphone users spend much of their time on native apps that may have begun as knock-offs of censored foreign services but are now paving the way for the future of Western technology. These days, Chinese users can send their grandmother a virtual red envelope of money, order a box of live scorpions or summon a beautician to the door for an in-house manicure, all without even leaving the interface of a single app, such as the monstrously popular WeChat. The huge population of mobile users, which boomed as a result of a burgeoning middle class, represents one of the world's most important markets for companies such as Apple. The Californian giant's profits slumped last quarter due in large part to slowing sales in Greater China -- including Hong Kong and Taiwan -- where revenues dropped 33 percent in the face of increasing competition from homegrown brands such as Oppo, Huawei and Xiaomi. Story continues Businessman Chu Ling, 48, has come a long way since 1989, when he got his first mobile: a huge, boxy Motorola. He now communicates with colleagues and clients primarily via WeChat -- an app he barely used a year ago -- and gets a new handset every six months. His latest is a shiny Samsung acquired in March that, unlike an iPhone, is able to hold both his work and personal SIM cards. "Things change so much here, even within the space of a single year," he said. "The West went through desktop computers and laptops before they hit smartphones, and so people still find those convenient, but in China, we were willing to jump directly over to doing everything by mobile. It's like we skipped a few stages." "When we organise a meeting with all the stakeholders, we should also involve people from the PoK living in other countries or places because PoK is also a part of India," Modi, who chaired an all-party meeting on Kashmir today, said. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is also a part of Jammu and Kashmir, and his government will speak to all the stakeholders, including the people living in PoK, to find a solution to the 35-day unrest in the Valley. "When we organise a meeting with all the stakeholders, we should also involve people from the PoK living in other countries or places because PoK is also a part of India," Modi, who chaired an all-party meeting on Kashmir today, said. advertisement "There cannot be any compromise on national security but we have to win the confidence of the people in Jammu and Kashmir," the Prime Minister said. Modi further said the roots of tension in the Kashmir Valley lay in cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. Everything possible will be done to enhance the development journey of J&K and integrate Kashmirs youth with the economic mainstream. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 12, 2016 "Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour," Modi told in the meeting convened to find ways to defuse tension in the Valley. Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters that the Prime Minister urged the participants at the meeting to "expose Pakistan's atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan". STOP USING PELLET GUNS Assuring the government of their support in dealing with the Kashmir question, the opposition leaders, however, asked for an end to the use of pellet guns as part of confidence-building measures in the Valley. "The government has to take confidence building measures. It must announce the stoppage of pellet guns and the withdrawal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) from civilian areas," Left leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters after the meeting. Like all citizens, recent events in Kashmir saddened me. It is the poor who are the biggest sufferers when the situation is tense. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 12, 2016 Almost a hundred cases of protesters, and even children, going blind due to the use of pellet guns have been reported from the Valley in the last month. On a lighter note, Yechury also told Modi to "use his hotline with (Pakistan PM) Nawaz Sharif and ask him not to interfere in India's internal matter". CONGRESS HAPPY Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who attended the meeting with former PM Manmohan Singh, said he was happy that their demands of an all-party meet was accepted by the government. "Finally, we had an eight-hour long, all-party discussion on Kashmir in which Dr Manmohan Singh and myself spoke. Dr Singh said that the most important thing is to diffuse the present situation...It is now for the government to come up with a road map for Kashmir," he said. Like all citizens, recent events in Kashmir saddened me. It is the poor who are the biggest sufferers when the situation is tense. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 12, 2016 advertisement Azad said his parts the "healing touch" to be given to the people in Kashmir and demanded a "comprehensive dialogue" with all the stakeholders - "mainstream or non-mainstream". "It is the job of the government to identify them," he said. The opposition demand for an all-party delegation to visit Kashmir was, however, rejected by the government on security grounds. So far, 56 people including 54 civilians and two policemen, have been killed in the ongoing unrest that started on July 9 after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a four-hour all-party meeting to create cross-party consensus to tackle the crisis on Kashmir. Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury was a key participant and was clearly unhappy with the proceedings of the meeting. "The outcome of the all-party meeting was a 40-minute lecture by the prime minister looking straight into the camera. We were all sitting there. All that we had discussed in the earlier three hours did not reflect in what he said finally. The government has some game-plan, and this consultation did not serve as an input," said Yechury in an exclusive interview with India Today's Karan Thapar on the show To The Point. advertisement NO RESPONSE Yechury said that the Opposition made many suggestions in the all-party meeting but there was no response on lifting AFSPA or the use of pellet guns on protestors. "The only response was that the Home Minister telling us that the suggestions had been noted and will be taken into consideration," he said. The general secretary of CPI(M) said that the solution to the crisis in Kashmir is based in the objective, which is to win the confidence of Kashmir and that confidence can be won over only through the process of a political dialogue with all stakeholders in the Valley. TALK TO ALL OF THEM IN KASHMIR When the Rajya Sabha debated Kashmir on Wednesday, Yechury's was the most radical speeches. His analysis of the problem as well as the belief in what he thinks is the correct solution may not have been welcome to the main party ears, but by the same token it was most welcome to Kashmiri ears. "We have to identify people in Kashmir and bring them on board to talk. There is civil society and various other organisations who are working in Kashmir. We have to talk to all of them and take them on the board. Various political parties, ethnic groups who have organisations, Kashmiri Pandits and tribesmen," he said. HOW TO SOLVE KASHMIR CRISIS The Rajya Sabha MP said that holding the Kashmir meeting in Srinagar, and not in New Delhi, will surely lead to greater confidence building. "To begin with, as we need to send a delegation like we did in 2008-10, a delegation from the Parliament. Let the government take it to Srinagar. Meet everybody. Invite everybody and let them come and have their say," he said. "There's no clear answer on Kashmir. The answer will come through only through consultation. You can't go there with a pre-laid recipe. It is actually a process of consultation where the solution will emerge and that is the process of confidence building," said Yechury. PoK part of Jammu and Kashmir, Pak terrorism behind unrest: PM Modi at all-party meet Watch the full interview here: --- ENDS --- Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was denied visa to UK today. The Sarod maestro shared the news and his displeasure via Twitter. Amjad Ali Khan was to perform next month at the Royal festival Hall in London and had applied for a permit to visit the country. (Photo: Reuters) By India Today Web Desk: Renowned Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan's application for a British visa has been rejected, the musician tweeted today. Khan, 70, expressed his displeasure in a series of tweets and said he had been performing abroad almost every year since the early 1970s, and that the rejection of his British visa application had "upset" him. He was to perform next month at the Royal festival Hall in London and had applied for a permit to visit the country. My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 advertisement Tagging his message to the External Affairs Ministry and EAM minster Sushma Swaraj, the High Commission of India in London and the British High Commission in India, Khan said, "Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace?". The news came a day after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained for two hours at the Los Angeles airport. The US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, tweeted an apology to the star, who had said in exasperated tweets: "Every damn time!" --- ENDS --- Tollywood star Prabhas, who is currently shooting for Baahubali: The Conculsion, will have Amy Jackson playing the lead role in his upcoming yet-untitled Telugu film. Amy Jackson pairs up with actor Prabhas for his next By India Today Web Desk: Last year, the world witnessed SS Rajamouli's epic fantasy film Baahubali, whose visual experience made even some Hollywood films pale in comparison. Notably, actor Prabhas, who played the mighty Baahubali in the film, has spent his last three years of life for the historical film. With the makers vigorously shooting for Baahubali: The Conclusion, actor Prabhas is likely to act in a couple of commercial flicks after the sequel. advertisement ALSO READ: Baahubali 2- SS Rajamouli's film beats Rajinikanth's Kabali before release ALSO READ: Rana Daggubati- Baahubali 2 theatrical trailer will release in January 2017 Reports suggest that Prabhas is teaming up with director Sujeeth for a yet-untilted Telugu film, which is expected to go on floors in December this year. Now, the latest buzz is that the 2.0 star, Amy Jackson has been roped in to play the female lead in the film, which is tipped to be a romantic entertainer. Bankrolled by UV Creations, it seems that the makers are eyeing for August release next year. Meanwhile, the British beauty Amy Jackson has turned down the offer to feature in the Arjun Kapoor-starrer upcoming film Half Girlfriend, which is directed by Mohit Suri. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Actor Simbu's next film which is titled as Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangathavan aka AAA, is directed by Adhik Ravichandran, who made his directorial debut with Trisha Illana Nayanthara. While the shooting going at a rapid pace, it seems like the plot of the film is revealed. SEE PIC: Simbu's new look for AAA revealed ALSO READ: Anbaanavan Asaradhavan Adangathavan- Shriya Saran roped in for Simbu's film advertisement In AAA, Simbu is touted to be seen in never before avatars and will be playing triple roles in the film for the first time. According to Indiaglitz, Simbu will be donning an aged father makeover in the film, which will have his twin sons. The plot of the film is centered around these characters and will depict the tussles by these characters with each other. Interestingly, one of the twin brothers will feature as a gangster based out of Dubai. AAA is touted to be a romantic comedy, made on the lines of the director's earlier film Trisha Illana Nayanthara. Reports also suggest that the Manmathan actor has beefed up to 95 kilos for one of the roles. Actor Shriya Saran has already been roped in to play a pivotal role in the film. The film has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja and expected to hit the screens next year. Meanwhile, Simbu's Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada is slated to release on September 9. --- ENDS --- The apex court on Thursday denied Asaram bail on medical grounds. The court said a panel of three doctors would assess his condition and submit a report in 10 days. Asaram's lawyers said he needs to be taken to Kerala urgently to undergo a special treatment for loss of control over passing of urine and stool By Harish V Nair: In a setback to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who has been in jail for the last three years, the Supreme Court on Thursday denied him bail on medical grounds. Asaram claims to be suffering from chronic diseases, including loss of control over passing of urine and stool. The apex court, however, asked All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to set up a medical board to ascertain his health condition before taking up his regular bail plea. According to Asaram's doctors, he has to be urgently rushed to Kerala where he needs to undergo a special treatment - Panchakarma (Ayurvedic purification and detoxification treatment). advertisement With this request, his lawyers on Thursday had moved the Supreme Court seeking regular bail and an immediate interim relief. This was his eleventh attempt for bail in the past three years. DOCTORS WILL ASSESS HIS CONDITION A bench of justices M B Lokur and R K Agrawal, refusing to interfere with the Rajasthan High Court order rejecting his plea for bail, said that a three-member panel of doctors from AIIMS will assess the condition of 75-year -old Asaram and submit its report in 10 days. "We are not inclined to grant relief to petitioner.... We direct the director of AIIMS to constitute a panel of three doctors to examine the health condition of petitioner (Asaram) and submit report in ten days," the bench said. Asaram was arrested by Jodhpur Police on August 31, 2013 and has been in jail since then. Also read: Father of slain witness in case against Asaram accuses police --- ENDS --- Assam today became the first state to ratify the Constitution Amendment Bill related with the Goods and Services Tax. By Indo-Asian News Service: Assam on Friday became the first state to ratify the Constitution amendment bill related with the Goods and Services Tax, following its passage by both houses of parliament this month. "A historic resolution was passed in Assam Assembly as Assam became the 1st State to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST," Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted soon after it was ratified. A historic resolution was passed in Assam Assembly as Assam became the 1st State to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 12, 2016 advertisement "I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth and better revenue collection," said the 53-year-old chief minister, who is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth & better revenue collection @narendramodi @arunjaitley @PTI_News Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 12, 2016 PAN-INDIA GOODS AND SERVICES TAX REGIME At least 50 per cent of the states have to pass what is technically the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, for the next steps of legislative action to follow, to ultimately introduce a pan-India Goods and Services Tax regime. The new regime seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market. --- ENDS --- SC says it will decide later whether green cess can be levied on diesel vehicles of below 2000cc engine capacity. By Anusha Soni, India Today Web Desk: In a major relief to vehicle owners, the Supreme Court today lifted the ban on the registration of diesel vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 2000cc in Delhi and the National Capital Region. ALSO READ: Tata Motors seeks clarity on diesel ban; moves NGT The apex court instead imposed a one per cent green cess on the ex-showroom price of such cars, which to be paid either by the manufacturer, seller or buyer of such vehicles. advertisement The Supreme Court said it will decide later on whether the green cess can also be levied on diesel vehicles of below 2000cc engine capacity. ALSO READ: Diesel Ban impact: Mercedes-Benz to launch petrol variants for all cars in India The automobile industry had challenged the National Green Tribunal's blanket ban on new diesel vehicles, saying it was taking a toll on the industry. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, "We are very relieved with the decision of the Hon' Supreme Court today. Hope this decision will put all controversy surrounding diesel fuel behind us and we will be able to focus on the more important task of making our vehicles compliant with BS 6 norms by April 2020." The NGT had in December last year stopped the registration of new diesel heavy vehicles in the national capital. ALSO READ: Here's why the diesel ban and scrappage plan may be good for the auto industry In another order issued on July 20 this year, the NGT also said that the de-registration of 10-15 years old diesel vehicles in the NCR would be carried out in a phased manner as it barred the entry of such trucks with national permits. --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Anisur Rahman Dhaka, Aug 12 (PTI) Bangladesh plans to keep an Indian elephant which was rescued by its forest department team after more than six weeks of frantic efforts since the tusker was washed across the border by gushing flood waters to languish in swamps. "The elephant may be kept at Bangabandhu Safari Park (at Gazipur) as it has been separated from its herd in the hilly forests in Assam. Indian authorities have agreed to the arrangement," retired deputy chief forest conservator Tapan Kumar Dey told media at the scene at northern Jamalpur. advertisement Dey, who oversaw the rescue efforts over the past several weeks, said the elephant was unlikely to be accepted by the herd if returned to the forest which could be dangerous for it to survive there. He said the elephant still needed some more days to regain health at Koira village where it was rescued yesterday with the help of tranquiliser darts. Hundreds of villagers gathered to see the elephant prompting Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and policemen to deploy forces to maintain discipline. Forest department veterinary surgeon Syed Hossain shot the elephant with a tranquilising gun at 2 pm yesterday at Dhanata village of northern Jamalpur district. An official said the elephant initially appeared agitated after receiving the tranquiliser and moved indiscriminately for nearly an hour but later it fell unconscious. The elephant fell in a ditch at Koira village, one and half kilometers off the scene where it was shot. The forest officials joined by enthusiast villagers tied up the elephant with ropes after dragging the animal, weighing about four tonnes, off the ditch. According to Dey, Indian authorities conveyed Bangladeshi forest officials that they did not have any objection if it was kept in Bangladesh. He said the forest officials were planning to bring in two tamed elephants to train the wild elephant for several days before moving it to the safari park. "The two elephants will escort the rescued elephant up to the main road (leading to Gazipur) to be boarded on a truck...if required it will be tranquilised again at that time," Dey said. The elephant was washed across the border by gushing flood waters in Brahmaputra on June 27 to languish in swamps for 46 days. "For the past several weeks the elephant travelled over one thousand miles in a hostile situation since the flood waters drove it out from Indias Assam state...it now needs some rest and good food to regain the health," chief forest conservator Yunus Ali had said. advertisement An expert team from India led by a retired chief forest conservator of theirs on July 4 joined the Bangladeshi team in rescuing the elephant but left the scene three days later, leaving the task to their Bangladeshi counterparts. The elephant crossed the common Brahmaputra River on June 27 and soon grabbed media attention as it was followed by hundreds of people in boats every day requiring police deployment to keep it undisturbed. In the past 456 days, it roamed along the river shoals and swamps in three northern districts. PTI AR PMS --- ENDS --- As younger Chinese became more independent - and reluctant to have their parents decide their love lives for them - the markets began to fade. It's a hot summer Sunday morning, and Mrs Zhao is making herself comfortable on a hard wooden park bench. In a couple of hours, this quiet section of Zhongshan Park, a green oasis adjoining the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, will be noisier than a fish market. It is business that brings Mrs Zhao here, but it is a trade that is going to be far from straightforward. She lays out on the ground in front of her bench a carefully laminated A4 paper that has on it a few lines of text. "Born in 1989," it reads. "Works for a government company. I want a man who is 1.8 metres tall, and owns a house. Born 1982-86. No smoking, plays sports." advertisement Four crisp sentences to describe her ideal son-in-law. Mrs Zhao is only one of more than 3,000 Chinese parents who descend on this Beijing park every week. They are all here for one purpose: finding a spouse for their reluctant children. "If my daughter got her act together," she says with a sigh, "I wouldn't be here. It's getting harder and harder to get her married, so I have no choice but to come every Sunday." Marriage markets are a curiously Chinese phenomenon. They first sprouted across Chinese cities in the 1980s, after the end of the Cultural Revolution and the start of reforms-a time of churn when people began to move to cities and to have more freedom to choose their partners from beyond their villages. As younger Chinese became more independent-and reluctant to have their parents decide their love lives for them-the markets began to fade. But there are signs of a resurgence now, driven by several converging social trends: a worsening demographic imbalance, an out-of-control housing market in a country where, for some, home ownership is a prerequisite for marriage, and a new resurgent pressure on women to marry early, sparked by demographic fears. It was the inability to find a bride for her son that brought Mrs Wang, who is in her 60s (and declined to give her first name), to the park. "My son is 40. Until we can find someone for him, because he doesn't seem able to do this for himself, I will keep coming here," she said determinedly. Parents consider meeting face to face a better alternative to finding matches online where, they complain, imposters proliferate. Besides, they can also better gauge their potential in-laws. At Zhongshan Park, there are parents from not only all over Beijing, but some who have come in from nearby cities such as Tianjin. It is the biggest such market in the Chinese capital-there are smaller gatherings in other parks such as the Temple of Heaven-and even larger than China's most well-known marriage market in Shanghai's People Park. The thousands of marriage posters on display at Zhongshan present a snapshot of what young Chinese-or in many cases, their parents-want. The market even has separate sections depending on age and location: the general category is the largest, with smaller reserved sections for those based overseas, above the age of 40, and divorced. Mrs Wang, like many parents of boys, complains that girls' families "want too much these days". The biggest obstacle, she says, is the rising house prices in Beijing, where a 60 sq m. apartment cannot be acquired for less than 1-2 million yuan (roughly Rs 1-2 crore). For many, she says, no house means no deal. advertisement For girls, a boy with a house is the most common demand; for boys, it's the asset they advertise most prominently. One poster reads: "Boy, master's degree, works in real estate, 1.73 metres tall. I look young! I'm from a military family. I have one house, and have bought a second. (No mortgage on either!) I have a car. I want someone younger than 34. No other requirements." Marriage advertisements are certainly simpler in China than in India, unencumbered by caste and religious restrictions. Yet there are some similarities. It's not only about the money: surprisingly, astrology, a crucial aspect of matchmaking in China, persists as an important factor despite decades of government campaigns to rid the country of 'old habits'. Most important is your Chinese zodiac, determined by the year of birth, because some are seen as incompatible with others. One typical poster reads: "Beijing boy, Snake (born in 1989). Owns a house. Looking for a girl who is kind and optimistic, and has a stable job. Anyone born between 1989 and 1995, but no Horses or Sheep (born in 1990 or 1991)!" His mother explained, "Obviously, because Snakes and Horses can't match. But Snakes and Chicken are fine. And no six-year age gaps: that will doom any marriage! Five or seven, no problem." As in India, there is also a premium on fair skin. "Beijing beauty!" said one not-so-modest poster. "With both talent and good looks. White skin. Master's degree. School teacher. 1989. Wants a man with a house." advertisement If you are a guy with a house, finding a spouse becomes that much easier. Photo: Getty Images By 2020, there will be at least 24 million more men than women in China in the 20-45 age group. China has one of the world's most skewed sex ratios, a legacy of millions of abortions and strict family planning restrictions. The imbalance is especially acute in the countryside. Chinese media are full of reports of "bachelor villages", which have dozens of young men but not a single woman in their age group. Chinese newspapers frequently report surging "bride prices"-a "reverse dowry", where families in villages pay tens of thousands of yuan for brides. In some villages in Hebei province, this dowry exceeds 150,000 yuan (or Rs 15 lakh) on average, according to media reports. advertisement Women in China have fared far better than in India on almost every indicator, from health to education. One of the legacies of the Communist movement was ridding feudal and discriminatory social practices, encapsulated in Mao Zedong's oft-quoted proclamation that "women hold up half the sky". Whether female labour force participation or the number of women entrepreneurs, China leaves India far behind. But there are signs that new pressures are eroding those giant strides, forcing women to marry early and sacrifice their careers for family. "One new factor is the state and state media strongly pushing women to marry," says Leta Hong Fincher, sociologist and author of Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China. In the past few years, the term "leftover women", referring to women in their late 20s, has become commonplace in Chinese media, part of what the author describes as "a stigmatising state media campaign to make women and their parents believe they have to marry by their late 20s". It is this anxiety that is pushing many parents-most of whom are there with their children's approval-to go to parks every Sunday afternoon. "The idea is that a woman must marry by her late 20s, or she misses out on the opportunity to marry at all," says Fincher, who sees "a big clash going on between government priorities related to the population crisis and the increasing education of women." In her book, Fincher explores the curious connection between real estate and marriage in China, where she echoes the widespread belief that "a woman won't marry unless a man has a home". While this is largely true in the countryside, Fincher's research found it to be a myth in the cities-one reinforced ad nauseam by both state media and real estate companies, to such an extent that it has now become self-fulfilling. In fact, says Fincher, citing one large-scale survey, women actually contributed as much as 70 per cent to purchasing marital homes in the four biggest cities. But despite doing so, their names were included in deeds in only 30 per cent homes, leading to a "tremendous gender gap in property ownership". "I have interviewed many well-educated and successful women. They are not marrying not because a man does not own a home," she said. "These women are not stupid. They do not want to marry a random guy their parents have found. But at the same time some of them do give in to very intense pressure to marry." Rather than women having "too high expectations", as many parents complain, Fincher says, it is more a case that "their standards are too low because of the intense pressure to marry." The posters at Zhongshan Park have some highly qualified women, from a judge in a Beijing court to a cancer researcher in the United States, a top economist and a highly paid lawyer working in Japan. The parents of two of them said their daughters "neither approved nor disapproved" of them finding spouses in the marriage market, but both felt the pressure to get married "before it was too late". Among the throng of parents one recent Sunday afternoon, one person stood out: Jack Zhang, a shy, bespectacled 26-year-old, who was carrying his own poster in hand and standing quietly in a corner of the park. He came to Zhongshan after a number of failed dates arranged through the Internet. "The Internet was full of people who just want to cheat you and take your money," he complained. His poster was brief: "I earn 7,000 yuan (around Rs 70,000). I don't own a house. I have no demands in my spouse. I just want to find a good person." Intrigued by the sight of a prospective groom showing up at the market in person, a group of older parents waited in line to chat with Zhang. As the market wound up for the day, did he find many takers? "Not many," he sighed. Once he bought a house, some parents told him, they would be happy to get in touch. Follow the writer on Twitter @ananthkrishnan --- ENDS --- More than 25,000 DVDs/CDs of Bollywood movie Sultan, Tamil movie Kabali, Hollywood movie Angry Birds and several other blockbusters were seized. More than 25,000 DVDs/CDs of Bollywood movie Sultan, Tamil movie Kabali, Hollywood movie Angry Birds and several other blockbusters were seized. By Mail Today: In a major breakthrough, the Bengaluru police today busted a film piracy racket and seized more than 25,000 DVDs/CDs of Bollywood movie Sultan, Tamil movie Kabali, Hollywood movie Angry Birds and several other blockbusters. Habeeb (22), Chandrashekar (47), Murali (32), Gopinath (42) were arrested from different parts of Bengaluru in connection with the case. According to the police, the accused secretly recorded movies in theatres and produced them on DVDs. The pirated versions of the movies were then sold to black-marketers. advertisement Based on credible information, police simultaneously raided warehouses in Shivajinagara, Hennur and Bommanahalli and seized 25,579 DVDs/CDs. All four accused were caught recording a latest Tamil movie. Police have registered multiple cases against them under the Indian Copyright Act and different sections of the Indian Penal Code. They are now interrogating the four to identify youths, who were recruited to record the movie on their smartphones, inside theatres. --- ENDS --- As police investigate the attack on Brijpal Tevatia in Ghaziabad, details emerge about the attackers' plans and motives. By Parbina Purkayastha, Tanseem Haider: On Thursday evening, at around 7:20 pm, BJP leader Brijpal Tevatia was returning from a tehravi (memorial service) when a gang in two Toyota Fortuner SUVs surrounded them and opened fire. Armed with AK-47s and 9-mm pistols, the assailants fired more than a hundred rounds on his entourage. Tevatia's Scorpio absorbed most of the hail of bullets from the indiscriminate firing -- there were nearly 28 bullets lodged in the windshield and another half-a-dozen in the bonnet. The vehicle's windshield probably saved the BJP leader as the glass diverted some of the bullets, leading to Tevatia getting hit in the shoulder some four times. advertisement Flanked by his gunner Indrapal and four others, Tevatia, 54, lay grievously injured in the car, while the gunmen fired blindly and then took off. Read: BJP leader Brijpal Tevatia shot at with AK-47s, in critical condition; VK Singh reaches hospital SAVING TEVATIA As soon as the firing stopped, Tevatia's injured driver wasted no time and drove to the nearby Sarvodaya Hospital. The six men were admitted, but doctors soon realised that the extent of the BJP leader's injuries were beyond them. Officials then formed a green corridor and in 16 minutes took Tevatia to Noida's Fortis Hospital, where he is struggling for life on a ventilator. His third operation on Thursday lasted more than three hours because of excessive blood loss. The BJP leader is under observation and doctors believe the next few hours will be crucial. THE MOTIVE Teotia has been a member of BJP's Kisan Morcha for several years and is believed to be a close ally of Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He had fought an election from the Muradnagar seat in 2012 and was all set to contest again this year. He was headed there to meet his constituents. In fact, on Thursday afternoon, Tevatia was also seen attending a major BJP campaign. Officials believe the assailants knew exactly where he was headed from there and why. They also say the attack was well-planned and the gunmen had conducted a proper recce of the spot. THE CHASE Soon after the incident, police sealed off the area and began an extensive combing operation. The assailants meanwhile, dumped one Fortuner (registration number UK 08M66) in Modi Nagar. Investigators have now found that the car was stolen on June 8 and an FIR was registered in Gurgaoun. The SUV is registered in the name of a company based out of Gurgaon. Officials recovered an AK-47, two 9mm pistols and cartridges in huge quantities from the spot. After instructions from Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, senior officials are now heading to Ghaziabad to take part in the investigations. advertisement At the time of the attack, Tevatia was travelling on Rawli Road in Muradnagar - areas around which have now been sealed off. Officials say the accused have been located near SRM University and will be nabbed soon. Officials tried to nab two suspects - Manoj Kumar and Shekhar Chaudhary - at their homes, but both were missing. According to the Law and Order ADG Daljeet Chaudhary, who reached Ghaziabad overnight, prima facie it looks like a case of "personal enmity". Manoj is a native of Mehrauli village, just like Tevatia. Sources believe the two were embroiled in a tussle over a plot of land in Raj Nagar area. Tevatia has received threats to his life in the past too, following which he was assigned security cover. This was withdrawn just a few days prior to the attack, but Tevatia kept himself surrounded by 10 gunners regardless. "His security was removed by UP government days ago and now attacked with AK 47 rifle, you should investigate whats the issue?" said Vikas Teotia, Brijpals brother. Tevatia was attacked near Samajwadi Party president Ashu Malik's residence. It's noteworthy here that the residence is always surrounded by two-three PCRs, along with Malik's private convoy of security guards. WOMAN CONSTABLE INVOLVED advertisement A woman constable Sunita, stationed in Baghpat district, is among 15 suspects detained so far. She was married to noted criminal Rakesh Hasanpuria, who was gunned down in an encounter in November 2005. The encounter was conducted under Tevatia's supervision and earned him never ending enmity. Sunita claims she wasn't aware of of the entire plan, but just wanted revenge from Tevatia. She revealed they chose spot because it lacked CCTV cameras. She also explained how a plan was set to attack Tevatia in the past too, but dropped when the BJP leader changed plans at the last moment. --- ENDS --- The makeover of the BRT project has been stalled due to heavy rains. While the corridor was to be scrapped by February, only 5.8 km has been dismantled so far. By Shashank Shekhar: The controversial Bus-Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor project, which was to be scrapped by February, will get a makeover only by the end of this year as the repair work has been stalled due to the rains. The PWD department so far could only dismantle 5.8 kilometre of the BRT route but the resurfacing and redesigning of the road will be done post monsoon season. advertisement CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS MAR BRT REVAMP The progress of this project is also hit due to corruption allegations made by the BJP, following which the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of Delhi has started probe. But the AAP government rubbished the allegation claiming it to be political vendetta. According to a senior official, probe by ACB has also demoralised the bureaucrats working on the project. The corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate was a major project of the Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government for providing a separate lane to buses. The government had constructed the corridor though there was opposition from various sections of society. The BRT corridor was built in 2008 by the Sheila Dikshit dispensation at a cost of approximately `150 crore. PWD Minister Satyendra Jain told MAIL TODAY that the dismantling of the divider and kerbs on the middle of the road along the entire stretch has been removed. The first phase, which was to involve removal of obstructions, such as dividers and bus stops, has been completed. "Dividers along the middle of the road - which separated the bus lane for smooth running - have been removed. The space is now sufficient for a six-lane road, with three lanes on each carriageway. This has made traffic smooth, giving relief to residents living on that stretch," a senior PWD official said. PACE OF WORK LEAVES COMMUTERS ANGRY However the pace of work has left the commuters fuming. "We were waiting for the scrapping for BRT, but the quality and pace of work is not satisfactory," Pallavi Rathor, a resident of Malviya Nagar and regular commuter on BRT, said. However, the first tender by the PWD department itself is under scanned as the BJP has cried foul. Complainants have alleged that the PWD minister, officers and contractors had conspired to misappropriate the hard-earned public money. They claim it to be a scam of `15 crore. "Huge quantities of steel, iron and other stuff/metals costing crores were removed and taken by the contractor. The contractor was supposed to pay the PWD for getting these metals and other materials," the complaint said. Taking a dig at the complaint made against them, the Delhi government said the tender for the project was for `3.96 crore then how can there be a scam of `15 crore. They further clarified that tender was an open online tender and transparent mechanism was followed. advertisement Also Read: Dismantling of Delhi's BRT corridor to begin today, to cost around Rs 12 crore ACB raids PWD & Transport dept offices --- ENDS --- The Allahabad High Court has asked CBI to probe into Bulandshahr gangrape case where a minor girl and her mother were assaulted by highway robbers. By India Today Web Desk: The Allahabad High Court today ordered a CBI probe into the Bulandshahr gangrape case, in which a mother and daughter were raped by highway robbers when they were on way to Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh government had filed a status report on the investigation into the Bulandshahr gangrape case before the High Court after it took suo motu cognisance of the gangrape of the minor girl and her mother on the highway passing through Bulandshahr in western UP on July 29. advertisement Based in Noida, the girl and her mother were on their way to Shahjahanpur along with four other members of their family when their car was stopped by criminals who sexually assaulted them. Earlier this week, the 35-year-old woman and her minor daughter had identified the three persons arrested from Meerut for the crime. The three include Salim Bawaria, the kingpin of the gang and the prime accused. Read: Ruthless, organised and disgusting: All about the Bawariya gang behind Bulandshahr gangrape Bulandshahr: Robbers gangrape mother, daughter in front of family, two accused identified Bulandshahr gangrape: Cops missed vital evidence at crime scene --- ENDS --- The Delhi Commission of Women has issued notices to 54 police station for non-compliance. DCW issued the notices after the police stations failed to inform Crisis Intervention Centre and Rape Crisis Cell in cases of rape or sexual assault. By Pankaj Jain: The Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) has issued 82 notices to 54 police stations in last ten months for non-compliance with the RCC order, which mandates that any case relating to rape or sexual assault be immediately informed to the closest Crisis Intervention Centre (CIC)/Rape Crisis Cell (RCC) of DCW. The SHO's of the police stations were asked to provide a written explanation to the Commission as to why the CIC or RCC of Delhi Commission for Women was not informed about each incident. advertisement The specified procedure was not followed in 82 cases. The highest number of cases - 7 went unreported from Mehrauli police station, followed by 4 cases each from Safdarjung Enclave, Punjabi Bagh and Sarita Vihar police stations. Among these 82 unreported cases, the victims in 36 cases were minors, and even worse, of these 36 cases, victims in 15 cases were below the age of 13. CIC COUNSELORS NOT INFORMED IN MOST CASES In 24 cases out of 82, the CIC counselors were not informed about the case at all. In 11 cases, they were informed after the FIR had been registered, while in 45 cases the counselors were informed after an FIR was registered and the medical examination had been completed. In 2 cases, the counselors were informed before the FIR was registered but after the medical examination was conducted. Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court have passed several guidelines for the investigation of sexual assault cases. In the case W.P. (CRL) 696/ 2008 the High Court of Delhi passed comprehensive guidelines to be followed by the police, hospitals/doctors, child welfare committees, courts, prosecutors and other authorities. GUIDELINES INCLUDE SETTING UP CIC CENTRE The guidelines included setting up of Crisis Intervention Centers - an agency for responding to calls of sexual assault at the police station and to provide counseling and other support services to victims of rape. According to the guidelines, as soon as a complaint of rape is received, the duty officer receiving the complaint/information shall inform the nearest CIC or RCC recognized by the DCW. The CIC counselor then professionally handles the investigation of the case by providing support to the victim in registering FIR and medical examination. Also read: DCW notice to Urban Shelter Improvement Board over safety, --- ENDS --- A reality check by India Today in the national capital has not only exposed the duplicity of these 'gau rakshaks' but also the society's indifference towards them. By Anindya Banerjee: Cows have become the most talked about species in India right now, and there are a whole range of self-styled cow vigilantes who have mushroomed to 'protect' them. But a reality check by India Today in the national capital has not only exposed the duplicity of these 'gau rakshaks' but also the society's indifference towards them. Barely a week after India Today unraveled how hundreds of cows died in a government run cow shelter in Rajasthan, this time around the apathy exposed right here in the national capital. Our first stop was Najafgarh. This area is known for 'gau shalas'. So much so a road is named Gaushala Road. The manager at Pinjrapole Gaushala, that is one of the earliest in this profession complained, "A trust runs this shelter. But there are absolute fund crunch. Government doesn't give a single penny to us". advertisement GOVERNMENT AID So who does the government pay? Well the gau sadans like the one in Khera Dabar village in the outskirts of Delhi are recipient of government aid. Cramped shelters, injured calves and deficiency of medicines - the list goes on and on. The manager didn't shy away from listing the problems, "Ideally each cow needs at least Rs 200 to Rs 250 per day for proper care. But all we get is Rs 40. That burden is also shared between MCD and Delhi government. And a delayed disbursement which is generally the case makes it even more difficult for us". In presence of India Today, one calf fell ill. And guess what, treatment for that ailment wasn't available in the shelter in spite of it being one of the biggest cow shelters in Delhi. Dr Pandey who treats these cows tells us, "Now we have to take this calf outside". This shelter itself has a daily mortality rate above 2.6 which means atleast 2 cows die here par day. Dr Pandey stresses, "Most of the cows are detected with huge amount of plastics in their stomach. Sometimes we need to perform surgeries to save the cows". Sources tell India Today, the demand supply mismatch of such operation theatres force many cows to die an untimely death. COWS DEATH Back in the East Municipality in Gazipur area situation is simply shocking. Between January and October in east MCD alone, as much as 120 cows died out of 190 that were brought in by MCD. And just not that the situation is even more grim in private shelters. India Today spotted a dead cow that was hit by a speeding truck a couple of days back when it went out towards the road. The owner complains, "We don't like sending them to the road. Our shelters are full of muck and knee-deep in garbage. These cows catch infection staying there twenty four seven. Inspite of repeated requests MCD never turn up to clean the areas." And he is not entirely wrong when he says so. We spoted another calf that died this morning due to infection caused by the unhygienic condition around. A local showed us an ageing cow saying," don't know whether he will survive tomorrow. He is very ill." The owner of another shelter took us in to show around how cramped the shelters are. A small room accommodates as much as 16 cows. Dingy, damp and cage-like. All these as scores of abandoned cows are strolling the Gazipur Road and feasting on the garbage strewn around, mostly eating plastics in the process. After flogging of Dalits in Una that sparked a nation-wide outrage, PM Narendra Modi hit out at the cow vigilantes saying," "If they ensure that people stop littering plastic, which is consumed by cows, then this will be the biggest cow service? Social service is not to harass others. It requires affection, sacrifice and compassion," Seems even after intervention at the top level, Delhi hasn't learnt any lessons. advertisement No country for cows: Cattle rot, die in hordes in BJP-ruled Rajasthan --- ENDS --- oa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said an inquiry would be conducted into the bribery case against IGP Sunil Garg By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Amid demands for an independent probe into the allegation of bribery against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said an inquiry would be conducted into it, but not by the police department. "The allegations levelled against the IGP are of serious nature. The inquiry would be independent and impartial. It wont be by the police department," he told the Legislative Assembly on the last day of the Monsoon Session. advertisement Vasco-based businessman Munnalal Halwai yesterday accused IGP Sunil Garg of accepting bribe of Rs 5.5 lakh in instalments last year for registering an FIR in a cheating case. However, the IGP has denied the charge. Halwai, also filed a formal complaint against the IGP with the Chief Minister, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, besides moving a separate petition before a special court alleging that Garg accepted bribe from him in instalments. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral said the allegation is of "serious nature" and these need to be investigated on priority basis. "The allegations are against a top level official. We need to investigate it on priority basis with all seriousness," Cabral said. Leader of Opposition Pratapsinh Rane said the accusation should be thoroughly investigated and also an inquiry set up against the person who paid the bribe. Outside the Assembly, AAP demanded an inquiry into the matter, while Goa Forward Party sought Garags suspension. --- ENDS --- Hillary Clinton will appear on the show on August 22 when she will be on a fundraising swing on the West Coast. By Indo-Asian News Service: Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will make a guest appearance on popular talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Clinton will appear on the show on August 22 when she will be on a fundraising swing on the West Coast. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio will host the Democratic presidential nominee during the fundraiser, reports variety.com. The show, aired in India on Star World and Star World HD, will feature Clinton in her first late-night talk show appearance since accepting the Democratic nomination last month in Philadelphia. advertisement Also read: When Morgan Freeman turned narrator on Jimmy Kimmel Live! She last visited Kimmel's show in March 2016 and also made an appearance in November 2015. During her last appearance, she discussed her emails, about apples, as well as marijuana, Snoop Dogg, and UFOs. The former Secretary of State has also made visits to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert among other late-night shows. Her Republican rival, Donald Trump, has stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! on several occasions as well. --- ENDS --- By Akshaya Nath: After a lecture by Major General GD Bakshi at IIT-Madras, a student wrote a mail to the IIT Director briefing about the shocking lecture that was presented and the hatred and violence that it instigated. The student, Abhinav Surya, goes on to quote the Major General and his inhuman comments against neighbouring countries. In the letter he quotes the Major General saying "In our generation, we split Pakistan into 2. Your generation should split it into 4. Only then we can live in peace!". advertisement At a time when peace talks are being continuously initiated by different governments, these kind of lectures just make the future very difficult. The letter sent by Abhinav Surya is as follows: Dear Sir, I am writing this letter to you with a bleeding heart, worried about the recent EML lecture by Mr GD Bakshi on 11th Aug, 2016. I am still not able to digest the fact that the institute has given a platform to such a speech filled with hatred, instigating violence among the students. A lecture that was heavily loaded with brewing enmity, inhumanity and glorification of brutality. I hope that EML team would present to you the video recording of the lecture. I request you to kindly watch it so that it'll be clear that this is not an empty accusation. The speaker was constantly making direct and indirect comments that were instilling a sense utter disrespect for human life and a deep-rooted sense of hatred and enmity towards the people of our neighboring countries. Right from when he glorified the 'skull-smashing elephants' of ancient India to him saying, and I quote, "Fight Pakistan. That will strengthen the unity!", the lecture was designed to foster irrational jingoism. The level of hatred in his speech was going out of proportions when he said, and I quote, "In our generation, we split Pakistan into 2. Your generation should split it into 4. Only then we can live in peace!". And later he went on to glorify nuclear weaponry and justified the usage of it. (At this point, I am ignoring other horrendous comments made about justification of usage of metal pellets against civilians in Kashmir (which has been severely criticized by several human rights organisations including Amnesty International), misrepresentation of facts regarding the history, unscientific claims by quoting mythology as facts, glorification of lighting cities up on fire, expression of clear-cut affiliation to a particular political party, etc., which may be considered as politically debatable topics). The underlying implication behind his constant call to "give tit-for-tat" was for calling out students to take up violent aggressiveness as their strategy (This might even be the reason for the violent behavior of few students in the hall who were intimidating the students who were trying to question the speaker). The speaker made the utmost insulting comment when he said mocked our freedom movement and made fun of it. According to him, only Indians in Indian army got us freedom and whatever everyone else was doing in the name of 'Ahimsa' was nonsense! This is a complete insult to the lakhs and lakhs of masses who fought bravely against the British imperialism. I am unable to imagine the fact that we, IIT Madras, gave the speaker a platform to make such insulting comments about our freedom movement, especially in the name of "Special Independence Day Lecture". If this does not show shame IITM in a bad light, then I don't know what else does! advertisement At this point, I may be brushed aside as a person with certain political affiliations who cannot tolerate contesting views. But let me make it clear that I have not been so seriously concerned in the past about several other lectures with contents contesting my views. But this is not a mere speech with contesting views, but a dangerous hate speech! Anyone who loves humanity, anyone who loves people and not symbols, anyone who wants to eliminate hate and spread love would have cried at the level of hate mongering in the lecture! As much as I want freedom of expression to be upheld, I am seriously concerned, as a student of IIT Madras about the peace and harmony among various students of IIT Madras. I hope necessary actions will be taken. advertisement Also read: Pakistan denies India's claim of infiltration across LoC India summons Pakistan envoy, lodges protest against Islamabad for backing cross-border terror --- ENDS --- Union Textile Ministry has initiated an innovative idea of celebrating Independence day by asking you to write messages for our soldiers, but with a twist. The message board is a khadi cloth. By Mail Today: The Union Textile Ministry has come up with a novel idea of underlining the 70th Independence Day of the country in a way that also gives fillip to the indigenous clothes industry. It is celebrating the 'Azadi Ke Rang' campaign. Textile Minister Smriti Irani tweeted saying: "Celebrate #Aazadi70Saal through #AazadiKeRang by sending a message for the jawans expressing your gratitude to them." advertisement The ministry has identified 70 locations across the country, including all the state capitals and such others that have been associated with the history of the freedom movement of the country against the British Raj, where people have been invited to write a message to the soldiers of the three armed forces. MESSAGE BOARD IS A KHADI CLOTH The message board, according to officials of the ministry, would be an eight feet by seven feet khadi cloth flanked by a border of flex-making the measurement to 12 feet by nine feet. People have been invited to write messages for the country's soldiers manning the borders or leave an imprint of their palm in the three colours of the Tricolour. The board would be kept on public display till August 23. The Defence Ministry has also come up with a video of the 'Azadi Ke Rang' campaign that celebrates the courage of the armed forces in a high-adrenaline inspiring where Prime Minister Narendra Modi also figures. Irani would also be visiting the Indian soldiers at the Siachen Base camp on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on August 18. Several other ministers of the Modi government - Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, and Anupriya Patel - would be visiting soldiers across different locations. Also Read: Independence Day preparations: Now, trees to get police cover PM Modi wants a week-long Republic Day-like Independence Day Tricolour anthem for border warriors: Write messages for soldiers, get it delivered by government --- ENDS --- By Chirag Gothi: As the security forces gear up to tackle the heightened terror threat around Independence Day celebrations, a phone call received by a Noida resident has added to their concern. According to reports, the Noida cops have alerted their Delhi counterparts after receiving a threat call about blasts across the national capital region on August 15. THE THREAT CALL advertisement A Noida resident - Amit - received a call on Thursday (August 11). "Hello...there will be blasts in Delhi and Noida," the caller hung up without giving any more details. Amit first thought it to be some kind of a prank, however, he decided to approach the police. Traffic restrictions for Independence Day: How you should plan your travel The call has been traced to San Francisco, US. Agencies are not revealing much about the details of the incident due to the sensitivity of the matter. While there is a good probability of the call being a hoax but security agencies are taking no chance. UNPRECEDENTED SECURITY COVER The Delhi Police, meanwhile, has prepared a foolproof plan to deny terrorists any chance of creating trouble during Independence Day celebrations. Police Commissioner Alok Verma has cancelled leaves of all cops for August 15. Cops have been directed to keep sufficient bullet-proof jackets in every PCR van. Areas around Red Fort , which will host the main event on August 15, have been put under a massive security cover. Everything that moves, or does not - from trees and windows, to residents and beggars - will be under the radar of security agencies who will take no chance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag and deliver his speech. Taliban planning attack at borders with India, warns Pakistan agency For better security, police has also got over 3,000 trees pruned in and around the venue. These trees will be thoroughly checked and will be guarded by security personnel. PM MODI ON TARGET OF A TERROR OUTFIT According to a senior Delhi police officer, the Prime Minister is on the target of a terror outfit and they are always looking for new ways to attack him. Based on the inputs from other intelligence agencies we have mapped all the residents, trees and other vital set-up near the venue, he said. Officials said that the panaromic view that the PM will face has been kept in mind and all buildings facing the Red Fort are being checked. According to Delhi Police, close to 600 balconies and 100 windows open to a clear view of the monument. advertisement Also Read: Azadi ke Rang campaign: Write your message to jawans on 'khadi' board Delhi to not be part of 'Bharat Parv', AAP government says they weren't invited --- ENDS --- Hafiz Saeed Khan, Islamic State's chief for Afghanistan and Pakistan, was killed in a US drone strike on July 26, the Pentagon confirmed. Earlier, the Afghan ambassador had said that Khan had been killed. By India Today Web Desk: Top leader of Islamic State (IS) branch of Afghanistan and Pakistan has been reportedly killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan. The Pentagon confirmed saying that Hafiz Sayed Khan was killed in the southern Afghan province. Khan's death is seen as a major setback for the most feared terror group. Khan and his top commanders were killed in the drone strike on July 26. They were killed in an operation by the US and Afghan Special Operations Forces between July 1 and July 30 against ISIS in Nangarhar province. US FORCES CONDUCTED AIRSTRIKE "During this time, US forces conducted an airstrike targeting Hafiz Sayed Khan, the Islamic State in the Levant-Khorasan emir, in Achin district, Nangarhar province July 26, resulting in his death," said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge. advertisement Also read: Afghanistan intelligence confirms Taliban leader Mansour's death According to Trowbridge, Khan was noted for participation in direct attacks against US and its coalition forces. Actions of his network terrorized Afghans in Nangarhar. NANGARHAR HOTBED FOR ISIL-K ACTIVITIES Nangarhar has been the hub of ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K) activity since 2015. ISIL-K has been using the area to train, disseminate and control fighter pipelines. They provided their commanders with arms and enemy fighters from this province. "Khans death affects ISIL-K recruiting efforts and will disrupt ISIL-Ks operations in Afghanistan and the region," said Trowbridge. KHAN WAS REPORTED TO BE KILLED EARLIER Khan, a former member of the Pakistani branch of the Taliban who swore allegiance to Middle East-based Islamic State, had earlier reported killed last year but the death was never confirmed. His death is the latest in a series of high-profile targets killed by the coalition forces as the war on terror goes on. Also Read: Holy bomb: Swedish church group plans to bombard ISIS areas in Iraq with Bibles Barack Obama is founder of ISIS, says Donald Trump ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi killed in US-led air strike US backed forces advance inside ISIS held city ISIS preparing to attack India, reports US daily --- ENDS --- Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Markandey Katju wrote a Facebook post explaining why Keralites should be regarded as "the real Indians". By India Today Web Desk: Justice Markandey Katju, former Press Council of India chairman and former Supreme Court Judge, put up a post on Facebook yesterday in which he hailed Keralites as "the real Indians". Explaining his statement, Justice Katju writes that the Malayalis deserve this title as they have in them "the quintessential qualities of Indians", which is to "live united and in harmony" with one another. advertisement He writes that Kerala, where one can find people from different races, castes and lineage, has "openness to external influence", and that is something the rest of India must try "to emulate". While the lengthy post went on to say other such nice things about Kerala, people couldn't stop liking and sharing it on Facebook. The comment section, however, had lot of people worrying and debating over the lack of mention of North-east Indians in Katju's post. And of course, of the 21,000 likes and 14,400+ shares, most 'thumbs-ups' seem to be from our Malayali friends: Source: Markandey Katju/ Facebook You can read Justice Katju's entire post here: "Who are the real Indians? I am a Kashmiri, so I would like to call Kashmiris as the real Indians. My ancestors migrated from Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh about 200 years back, and were in the service of the Nawab of Jaora ( in Western Madhya Pradesh ) for several generations. So I would like to call Madhya Pradesh as the real India. My grandfather Dr. K.N. Katju shifted to U.P. as a lawyer, first to the District Court, Kanpur in 1908, and then to the Allahabad High Court in 1914. I was born in Lucknow in 1946, and grew up in Allahabad, which I regard as my home town. So I would like to call the people of U.P. as the real Indians., I have close connections with Bengal, Orissa ( where my grandfather was Governor ) and Tamilnadu ( where I was Chief Justice ).. So I would like to call the people there as the real Indians. But these are only my emotional opinions." Also read: Government made Kanhaiya a hero, says former Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju 'Keralites have the quintessential qualities of Indians' "Thinking rationally, I believe that the real Indians are the Keralites, because they have in them the quintessential qualities of Indians. As I have explained on my blog 'What is India?', ( see justicekatju.blogspot.in ), India is broadly a country of immigrants, like North America, and that explains the tremendous diversity here---so many religions, castes, languages, ethnic and regional groups, etc. The ancestors of perhaps 95% people living in India today came from abroad (the original inhabitants are the pre Dravidian tribals known as the Scheduled Tribes e.g. Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Todas, etc ).. So to live united and in harmony we must respect every group of people. In my opinion the Keralites do this the best, and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians, and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. advertisement I regard Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India. As I said, India is broadly a country of immigrants, the essential quality of Kerala is its openness to external influence--Dravidians, Aryans, Romans, Arabs, British, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Marxists, etc." Source: Giphy Also read: Justice Markandeya Katju is back on social media, slams Sharia law Describing the harmonious Kerala "The Christians of Kerala belong to the oldest Christian group outside Palestine. It is said that one of the disciples of Jesus, St Thomas, came to Kerala. Jews came here and settled down in Cochin when they were persecuted by the Romans after demolition of their temple in 72 AD. Islam came here through traders, and not through armies, as in the north. The Scheduled castes never suffered the discrimination that they suffered in the rest of India. One of their sages Sree Narayan Guru, who was an Ezhava, is venerated by all communities in Kerala. Adi Shankaracharya (whose home town Kaladi in Kerala I have visited) travelled throughout India and established the 4 well known centres of Hinduism, Sringeri in the South, whose first head was Mandan Mishra (renamed Sureshwaracharya) whom he defeated in a famous debate, Puri in the East, Dwarka in the West, and Jyotirmath in the North. advertisement In the Badrinath temple in the Himalayas the head priest is always a Namboodri Brahmin from Kerala, who is called the Rawal, and his deputy, the Naib Rawal, is also from the same community. The Rawal has a tenure of 5 years, after which the deputy Rawal becomes the Rawal. The Keralites had trade relations over 2000 years ago with Carthage, Rome (many Roman coins have been found in Kerala), Arabs, etc. Kerala has produced great artists, mathematicians (the great mathematician Aryabhatta is said to be from Kerala), martial arts, handicrafts. enlightened Kings, and sages, etc. Source: MakeAGif Also read: Justice Katju tells BCCI not to interact with Lodha panel advertisement Keralites are everywhere (probably even on the moon) Keralites are great travellers, and everywhere in the globe one will find Keralites. There is a joke that when the American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon on 1969 he found a Keralite there offering to sell him tea. There was never any tradition in Kerala against travelling abroad, nor of ritual defilement for crossing the 'kala pani ' as among many communities in North India. Keralites abound in the Middle East. I was invited to Qatar last year by some Keralite Muslims, and found that in Qatar, there are more Keralites than local Arabs. In Dubai too I found numerous Keralites. In Bahrain there are more Keralites than Bahrainis. When I was a University student and lawyer in Allahabad I would often go to the Coffee House. I found that most of the waiters there were Keralites, and I became friends with many of them. In many hospitals in India and abroad the nurses are Keralites. I believe there is no illiteracy in Kerala Keralites are hard working, modest, and intelligent. They are broad minded, liberal, cosmopolitan and secular in their views (though no doubt there are a few exceptions). All Indians must learn from them. Long live the Keralites!" Also read: 90 per cent Indians can relax, Markandey Katju exits social media Source: vadakkus.com And we pray all Indians, real or not, wherever they are and wherever they are from, live long and prosper. Source: Giphy --- ENDS --- An all-party meeting chaired by Modi is being held in New Delhi to find a solution to the prevailing Kashmir unrest. By India Today Web Desk: As unrest, clashes and curfew continue in the Kashmir Valley more than a month after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces, the government is making all efforts to restore normalcy in the state. An all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being held in New Delhi today to find a solution to the prevailing unrest in the Valley. advertisement HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES: Leaders from the Congress, the Left, the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Trinamool Congress, the Akali Dal and others are attending the meeting today. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha today adopted a resolution on the Kashmir situation, expressing serious concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives there. In its resolution, the Lok Sabha also said there is a firm view that there cannot be any compromise on India's unity, integrity and national security. Normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 35th consecutive day due to the curbs imposed by the authorities and the strike called by the separatists. Most parts of the Valley remain under curfew, which was extended today to many areas while severe restrictions were imposed to thwart a planned march by the separatists in Srinagar. Ganderbal town, Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Kunzer, Tangmarg and Pattan areas of the Valley are under curfew. In the rest of the Valley, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the people. Separatists issued a protest calendar on Thursday extending the shutdown in Kashmir till August 18. All senior separatist leaders continue to remain under preventive detention in Srinagar for the last 35 days. So far, 56 people including 54 civilians and two policemen have been killed in the ongoing unrest that started on July 9. ALSO READ | Kashmir unrest: 3 voices from Valley echo louder in Parliament --- ENDS --- The Supreme Court today ordered exhumation and autopsy of Kashmiri youth Shabbir Ahmad Mir who died during violent protests in the Valley following Burhan Wani's killing by security forces. By Ahmad Azeem: The Supreme Court today ordered exhumation and autopsy of Kashmiri youth Shabbir Ahmad Mir who died during violent protests in the Valley following Burhan Wani's killing by security forces. SC's order came in the wake of contrasting claims by the J&K police and Shabbir's father. While J&K police maintained that Shabbir died of injuries suffered due to pellet guns, Shabbir's father claimed that his son was shot dead by the police. SC has ordered a post-mortem on the body of Shabbir to establish cause of death. advertisement THE CASE SO FAR Earlier, on a plea filed by Shabbir's father, a magistrate court had ordered an FIR against the DSP who allegedly shot Shabbir. When the FIR was not registered, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court ordered initiation of contempt proceedings against the Srinagar Inspector General of Police (IG) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The Jammu & Kashmir government had then moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the HC order. SC stayed the order to register an FIR against the police officers as well as contempt proceedings, observing that humane values should be kept in mind in such cases. 'SEND TOUGH MESSAGE' Later, the counsel representing Shabbir's father urged the apex court to send a tough message to the state as only a post-mortem of Shabbir's body could establish whether he died by pellets or bullet. Now, the autopsy will be conducted under the supervision of the Principal Sessions Judge of Srinagar. SC also directed the constitution of a panel of doctors for conducting the autopsy. The court has set a three-week deadline for submission of the post-mortem report. During Friday's hearing, the Supreme Court added an emotional message, "Everything is possible with love and affection". Pellets or bullet? SC orders exhumation, autopsy of Kashmiri youth's body --- ENDS --- The world has given us an excuse to be our lazy selves, finally. Thank you, science. Lazy is good, or is it? Image for representational purposes only. Picture courtesy: YouTube By India Today Web Desk: When was the last time you wished you had a magic wand that could clean your room in a fraction of a second? Or the last time you actually considered buying one of those clap-switches to turn off/on the lights at home? Or the last time you came up with a totally legit excuse to skip your workout? advertisement If you're thinking "just yesterday", congratulations--the possibility of you being more intelligent than your super-active friends/relatives is much, much higher. Please note: this is not a way for the lazies of the world to redeem themselves; we're talking about research-based studies here. So, the very nice people at Florida Gulf Coast University conducted a classic test on a few students. The test, called the 'need for cognition' questionnaire, required the participants to rate how strongly they agree with statements such as "I really enjoy a task that involves coming up with new solutions to problems", and "I only think as hard as I have to". The researchers, led by Todd McElroy, then selected 30 'thinkers' and 30 'non-thinkers' from these candidates. Over the next one week, participants from both the groups wore a device on their wrist to track their movements and activity. Results showed that the thinking group was far less active during the week than the non-thinking group, reports Independent.co.UK. On the weekends, however, both the groups were as active or inactive, something that the researchers have not been able to explain. The findings were published in the Journal of Health Psychology. The research also suggested that non-thinkers get bored more easily, so need to fill their time with physical activity. The downside to being brainier (and lazier) is the side effects that come automatically with a sedentary lifestyle. Todd McElroy suggested that less active people, no matter how clever they are, should aim to raise their overall activity levels to improve their health. The British Psychological Society quoted the study, saying, "Ultimately, an important factor that may help more thoughtful individuals combat their lower average activity levels is awareness. Awareness of their tendency to be less active, coupled with an awareness of the cost associated with inactivity, more thoughtful people may then choose to become more active throughout the day." --- ENDS --- Labour started for Shivrani, 20, without warning. Night had fallen in Jirahua, a village tucked in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, its 323 households lit by a thousand stars, and a few kerosene lamps. Her labourer husband away on work in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Shivrani's father Mugul Kishore hired a tempo-much beyond the means of landless Kol tribals-to take her to the nearest primary health centre (PHC), 5 km away at Dabhaura. At 11 pm, Shivrani gave birth to a baby girl, her first child. But instead of crying, the newborn started gasping for air. With no emergency resuscitation in place at the PHC, a desperate Kishore hired another tempo to take mother and child to a paediatrician in Sirmaur, 39 km away. Halfway through the journey, the baby died. No explanations offered, nor any compensation. Just another little life lost before time, in the worst place to be born in India. It's a blot that refuses to go away. For the past 12 years, Madhya Pradesh has carried the dubious distinction of being the state with the highest infant mortality rate (IMR), worse than some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. And like scars one learns to live with, the MP government seems to have accepted and is doing little in this regard. IMR, an indicator of a community's health status, is also symptomatic of a state's overall socio-economic status. The poor IMR in MP thus belies the state's tall claims of over 10 per cent GDP growth and an agricultural growth rate of almost 21 per cent. advertisement The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2016-based on 2014-15 data-pegs IMR in MP at 52, the highest for any state in the country. Assam and Odisha follow at 49 and Uttar Pradesh at 48. In SRS 2015, MP and Assam both had the highest IMRs at 54 in the country. IMR in India in 2015, as per a World Bank report, stands at 38. To be fair, MP has shown consistent improvement in IMR figures over the years, but is it good enough? Apparently not. NUMBERS THAT MATTER The statistical breakdown tells its own story: that health amenities are yet to penetrate the depths of MP. The state health department, especially in rural areas where IMR is more acute (57 in rural areas, 35 in urban), also happens to be understaffed and grossly under-equipped. The state has 51 district hospitals, 66 sub-district hospitals, 334 community health centres (CHC), 1,171 PHCs and 9,192 sub-centres for its estimated population of 7.64 crore. Sanctioned rural infrastructure is woefully short. The average population that government-provided health infrastructure serves in Madhya Pradesh is far higher than in many states. In MP, a sub-centre serves 5,000-7,000, a PHC 40,000-100,000 and a CHC 1-3 lakh. Thirty states and union territories in India have PHCs serving an average population less than MP; 25 states and UTs have a better average for sub-centres and 24 states and UTs in CHCs. Clearly, MP is at the bottom of the heap. So while in Lakshadweep, a CHC serves 4,714 people on an average, in MP, a CHC serves an average population of 157,357. In Arunachal Pradesh, if a PHC serves an average population of 9,114, a PHC in MP serves 44,882. Even in bigger states like Rajasthan, a sub-centre serves 3,574, while in MP a sub-centre serves 5,718. The difference is drastic. Worse, the CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres in MP are understaffed. According to the statistics division of the Union ministry for health, a total of 3,436 posts of male health workers (HW) are lying vacant In rural MP, besides 207 posts for women at PHCs and sub-centres. Specialists such as obstetricians and gynaecologists or paediatricians-crucial for safe birth and neonatal care-are also short. Specialists such as obstetricians and gynaecologists or paediatricians-crucial for safe birth and neonatal care-are also short. Photo: Pankaj Tiwari Specialists such as obstetricians and gynaecologists or paediatricians-crucial for safe birth and neonatal care-are also short. Photo: Pankaj Tiwari The shortage of doctors is compounded by callousness in most hospitals. Two months back, two kids, aged a year-and a-half and five years old died at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the government run-Maharaja Yashwantrao (MY) Hospital in Indore after they were administered nitrous oxide instead of oxygen during medical procedures. "Both kids were from very poor families and came to MY Hospital because their families had no money to go elsewhere," says Shanno Khan, advocate for the kids' families. The hospital staff allegedly confused the supply lines. While their death will not contribute to IMR statistics, the callousness of the staff is telling of the larger state of affairs. advertisement BRIBE THE BABUS The state health department, which has primarily been tasked with the reduction of IMR, is a picture of rampant leakages and inefficiency, the corruption in its corridors legendary. Three former directors of the department-Dr Yogiraj Sharma, Dr Ashok Sharma and Dr A.N. Mittal-are facing probes. Even the income tax department, that usually steers clear of those in government, raided officials of the health department because they were found to be "high net worth" individuals. While I-T officials raided Dr Yogiraj and Dr Ashok in 2007 and 2008 respectively, the then health director Dr A.N. Mittal was covered in a search by the Lokayukta in May 2012, throwing up Rs 38 lakh in cash besides Rs 72 lakh worth of jewellery, land ownership documents and foreign currency. advertisement Purchases are an important source of bribes. Being flush with funds, bureaucrats consider the health department a prime posting while for ministers it is an in-demand portfolio. "Former health minister Ajay Vishnoi's brother who was an engineer with the state electricity board was brought in on deputation with a body that used to float tenders for procurement of medicines," alleges Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi. The budgetary allocation for the health department in 2016-17 stands at Rs 6,693.55 crore, a large part of which is for purchase of medicine and equipment. The National Family Health Survey 4 points out that, on an average, a resident of urban MP going to a government hospital for a delivery incurs Rs 1,746 and a rural resident Rs 1,259 as 'out of pocket expenditure'. This is just the amount given as bribes to ward boys and other staff. At the policy level, promotion of institutional deliveries was seen as the panacea for maternity and childbirth issues. However, while institutional deliveries have ensured a decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) from 498 per lakh deliveries in 2000 to 221 per lakh deliveries now, similar reduction is not for IMR. advertisement LONE RANGERS ALL Experts suggest that the absence of multi-sector convergence renders reduction in IMR a distant dream. It's not just the health department that's failed to curb the high IMR-though it does have a primary role in it-the woman and child development (WCD) department and the rural development department (RDD) are also to blame. WCD is supposed to monitor the health of girl infants while RDD is responsible for ensuring employment resulting in financial independence among women. Presently, each department has a lone ranger approach and coordination is missing. "What is required is the Life Cycle Approach, which focuses on the health of the girl child, because it is she who eventually becomes a mother," says nutrition expert and advisor to the Supreme Court appointed-Commissioner in the Right to Food Campaign, Sachin Jain. "Unless the mother is healthy, the chances of survival of children cannot be bright." There is also a lack of outreach programmes. "Women have been treated a certain way through centuries and this cannot change overnight or merely by pumping in money," he says. Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, women are entitled to maternity benefits but are not getting them. THE MEDICAL MACHINE Jain explains why Madhya Pradesh has been able to reduce IMR over the years but continues to have the worst index for the past 12 years. "Rapid intervention by the government through allocation of funds and schemes ensured that the low-hanging fruit was plucked. What remains now are the harder targets. It's an uphill climb from here," he says. "Madhya Pradesh also needs to focus on safe delivery, quality of maternal and newborn care-from hospital to home, feeding practices, immunisation, control of pneumonia and diarrhoea," says Dr Vandana Bhatia, health specialist at UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh. The state's health minister Rustam Singh agrees that there is a shortage of doctors, especially specialists, in MP. "We realise there is a problem and have been trying to find a solution," he says. A state government proposal for training graduate doctors from an institute in Maharashtra that would bring the doctors at par with specialists awaits cabinet approval. On corruption in the health department, the former IPS officer says that it was a problem but leakages have been controlled now. Officials put forward another set of reasons for the consistently high IMR. "MP's demographics are different from other states and are partly responsible for the high IMR statistics," says principal secretary, WCD, J.N. Kansotia. MP has about 1.5 crore tribals and 1.1 crore SCs, he points out, and both communities have low socio-economic indicators besides low overall health status, he explains. Areawise, MP is a vast state with swathes of forest cover beyond the scope of outreach programmes. Even areas traditionally under feudal control, mainly districts of Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand that border UP, are worse off than territories formerly under British rule. As per the Annual Health Survey 2012-13, the worst districts in MP in terms of IMR are Panna (85), Satna (83) and Guna (75). It's pertinent that these areas were under princely rule prior to independence. "Interventions such as the Sabla scheme that aims at improving the health status of adolescent girls and nutrition for pregnant women under ICDS are showing results," he says. Despite the awareness of the extent of the problem, there seems no solution on the anvil. Schemes and programmes aimed at improving rural health statistics have been around for a decade. The state government is still relying on the National Rural Health Mission and aanganwadi workers to improve its IMR numbers in the next SRS. Will Madhya Pradesh be 13th time lucky? --- ENDS --- By Anil Kumar: Human rights activists and Hindu groups in Pakistan have condemned the controversial former PPP National Assembly member, Pir Abdul Haq, for allegedly kidnapping a Hindu teenager and forcing her to embrace Islam. The protesters held demonstrations against Haq, also known as Mian Mitthu across several cities of Pakistan on Thursday, officially deemed as the National Minorities Day. The activists assembled at Lahore's Faisal Square, in Karachi and Islamabad to protest against Mian Mitthu. These protests have come in the wake of several reports of attacks on Hindus in Karachi over past weeks. In one case a Hindu boy was murdered and a doctor was shot on August 6. 'SYMBOL OF TERROR' advertisement The protesters alleged that Mian Mitthu is known for abducting Hindu girls for forcible conversion. Activist Kapil Dev, who used social media to generate support for the demonstrations, said, "He's a symbol of terror. He's a symbol of forced conversions. The Hindus from that area cannot even dare to utter a single word against him. Where should we go?" Talking to India Today, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a Member of National Assembly of Pakistan (PML-NAWAJ ) and the President of the Pakistani Hindu Council, said, "Forced conversion, particularly of Hindu girls to Islam, is one of the biggest problems and is one of the reasons for Hindus leaving Pakistan." WHO IS MILAN MITTHU? Pir Abdul Haq is a well connected politician and a Muslim cleric, who belongs to an influential family in Pakistan's Sindh province. This region is home to most Hindus, who live in Pakistan. A section of Pakistani Hindu community has long alleged that Haq provides protection to those who kidnap Hindu girls, particularly those below 18 years of age. They also claim that Haq compels kidnapped Hindu girls to convert and marry their kidnappers. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/pakistan-india-hindus-love-jihad-islam-mitthu-mian-forced-conversion/1/739540.html Also Read: Anger over kidnappings, forced conversions of Hindu girls in Pakistan --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) In his first official visit, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar will travel to Lebanon, Syria and Iraq from August 17-23 during which he will discuss with the West Asian leadership key security issues, including threat by the Islamic State and the 39 Indians who were taken hostage in war-hit Mosul. advertisement This was announced by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup, who said the visit to these three important countries in West Asia is a reaffirmation of Indias deep interest in promoting bilateral relations as also in the peace and security in the region in its extended neighbourhood. The Spokesperson also said that the ministers visit will also give India an opportunity to have first-hand assessment of evolving security situation in that region. Asked if the issue of Indians, who were taken hostage in war-hit Iraq by the Islamic State in 2014, will figure during ministers talk, Swarup said the issue has been always raised by India during its interaction with the leaders and other interlocutors. "It is but natural that it will be discussed during ministers visit," he added. Terming the Islamic State as that biggest "security threat", he said the minister will discuss it during his meetings. In Lebanon, Akbar is expected to meet the top leadership including President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) of Lebanon Tammam Salam and will have extensive discussions with the Lebanese leadership covering bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. In a continuing dialogue process with the leadership of Syria, the minister will pay a courtesy call on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Prime Minister Emad Mohammad Deeb Khamis. Among others, Akbar will also interact with the Grand Mufti of Syria Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun during this visit. "The discussions would focus on our bilateral cooperation and the unfolding security situation in the region," Swarup added. During his visit to Iraq, he would hold discussions with Foreign Minister of Iraq Ibrahim Al-Eshaiqer Al-Jafari on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. "Our time-tested, warm and friendly relations with Iraq are underpinned by historical and religious linkages, strong people-to-people contacts, our energy security quest and capacity-building cooperation. The visit is expected to add further impetus to our bilateral engagement. "It will also provide an opportunity to meet other senior leaders of Iraq, including religious leaders, and to convey Indias abiding commitment to the emergence of a stable, peaceful, united and democratic Iraq, which is in the interest of regional and global peace and security," the Spokesperson said. PTI PYK RT --- ENDS --- advertisement Two drunk persons posing as staff from Madurai court were caught on camera threatening policemen at Madurai's Koodal Pudur police station. By Pramod Madhav: Two drunk men posing as government staff from Madurai court threatened a police officer and warned him not to register a complaint of accident against them. Rajavishnupandi, who was staying at Madurai Police quarters, approached Koodal Pudur Police Station on August 7 to file complaint against two persons Ramu and Ajay who collided with his motorbike injuring him and his mother. advertisement SUB-INSPECTOR THREATENED Rajavishnupandi was surprised to see Ramu and Ajay already present at the police station. According to Rajavishnupandi, they were drunk and they dissuaded him from filing a complaint. When Rajavishnupandi did not heed, they started threatening the sub-inspector. Ramu threatened the sub-inspector saying that he was a court staff and he would file a complaint against the police and also against Rajavishnupandi on Prevention of Atrocities Act. The brawl went for nearly 20 minutes, following which the sub-inspector asked Rajavishnupandi to settle the issue amicably with Ramu and Ajay but he did not give a clear reason as to why he should do this. DRAMA CAPTURED ON PHONE The entire drama was recorded by Rajavishnupandi on his phone. He had allegedly said that though his father was a cop, Koodal Pudur Police refused to file a complaint as they did not want to have any trouble with so called unruly court staff. Watch the video here: --- ENDS --- Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was unlikely that the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. Search aircraft can be seen on low-level clouds as it flies over the southern Indian Ocean looking for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. Photo: Reuters By Indo-Asian News Service: An Australian government agency in charge of the ongoing search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has reportedly retracted a published theory that the aircraft crashed into the sea after a "death dive". WHAT THE AGENCY SAYS Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely that the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. advertisement ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian daily that the agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the US National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. ATSB WITHDRAWS THE CLAIM But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. Also read: Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 fell out of sky after engine failure --- ENDS --- While his wife was going through a cesarean, this man underwent a surgery too. Unintentionally, though. By India Today Web Desk: This 29-year-old man was patiently waiting outside the operation theater for the news of his wife's delivery. In northeast China's Shenyang city's Shenyang Hunnan Xinqu Hospital, a man was mistaken to be a hemorrhoid patient and ended up undergoing a hemorrhoid surgery. While his wife was going through a cesarean on August 8, he too went through a surgery. advertisement Unintentionally though! When a doctor called him inside the surgery room, he thought he was being called to witness the delivery or to help with something. When the doctors asked him to take his pants off he did because he thought it might be something he did not know reported Telegraph . The man did not realize he underwent a hemorrhoid surgery until it was done and the doctor called his mother-in-law to inform about it. "I heard the baby crying when I was lying there, and I wanted to see it, but my butt hurt so much that I couldn't move," he said. The man is now hospitalised and is seeking an explanation from the hospital for this bizarre goof up. However, the hospital has said that he had hemorrhoids and it was removed in the surgery. They also offered him 5000 yuan as compensation. --- ENDS --- The investigation into the death of slain gangester Nayeemuddin took a political turn after details of his link with several political leaders surfaced. By India Today Web Desk: After the killing of the Maoist-renegade-turned-gangster Mohammed Nayeemuddin, now the investigation too is taking a political turn. The sources with Telangana police confirms that few TRS MLAs and Minister had received ransom call from the slain gangster in the last few month and had complaint about this to CM K Chandrashekhar Rao. The documents diaries and electronic evidence has revealed that Nayeemuddin alias Nayeem, shot dead by in an encounter on Monday, was in touch with various political leaders across parties in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. advertisement Sources say that Nayeem who was a native of Bhongir of Nalgonda dist was in touch with Ex TDP MLA and former minister Uma Madhava Reddy. TDP LEADER LINKED TO NAYEEM It is learnt that the TDP leader had took the Ex Maoist commander's help to eliminate the Red rebels from their area and they had even killed her husband in a landmine blast. However, while speaking to India Today ex-legislator Uma Madhava Reddy denied the allegations. "I do not have any landline and never called Nayeem. All the charges are false and the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi is planting this entire story to divert the issue," she said. Meanwhile, the SIT constituted by Telangana DGP has started investigation and the team visited various places linked to Nayeem in Cyberabad and other parts of the city. Also read: Telangana DGP constitutes SIT to probe crimes, properties of slain gangster Nayeemuddin --- ENDS --- Inputs from various quarters point to a high degree of threat perception from the Islamic State this Independence Day, which may have direct bearing on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and VVIPs. By Atir Khan: Intelligence agencies have warned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a high degree of security threat from the Islamic State and Kashmir-based terror operatives this Independence Day. On the radar of intelligence agencies is an LeT commander called Abu Dujana, who is believed to have been spotted masked at a recent Pulwama rally. Inputs from various quarters point to a high degree of threat perception, which may have direct bearing on the Prime Minister and VVIPs. According to highly placed sources in central intelligence agencies, the latest inputs suggest that LeT is planning to send its Kashmir Valley-based operatives to Delhi for targeting the Prime Minister. Their Pak-based handlers have supposedly done the planning and discussed execution of attacks. advertisement TERROR CHATTER According to a top intelligence official, agencies have also picked up chatter, in which Valley-based LeT operative Ukasha was heard saying that he and Valley-based LeT Commander Dujana could be sent to Delhi for targeting PM. Dujana, who is also said to have been spotted masked in a protest rally in Kashmir's Pulwama district recently, is believed to be the mastermind behind a number of attacks, including one on a CRPF convoy recently. Ukasha further revealed in the chatter that one unnamed associate would be sent to North and South Kashmir. In more chatter, Ukasha informed Dujana that he would send Abu Bakr and Saifullah to Badami Bagh, a cantonment town on the outskirts of Srinagar. Ukasha reportedly told Dujana that Ehsan, Saifullah and Rehan would be commanders of Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam respectively. Ukasha further claimed in the chatter that another 10-15 associates would be sent to different locations, like Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag to 'execute pre-decided tasks'. LeT, IS JOIN HANDS? Earlier, LeT associate Noman and Valley-based LeT operative Tehla had discussed planning and executing attacks. Tehla claimed that Sohail was ready for the Delhi task, which would be carried out under a code name, 'Mohammad Side.' The Islamic State has carried out a series of coordinated terrorist attacks, mass shootings, suicide bombings and in some cases took people hostage in European cities including Paris and Munich. In November last year, terrorists killed more than 130 persons in Paris. The recent chatters picked up by Indian intelligence agencies point to a similar threat. The agencies have not ruled out the possibility of coordinated attacks by Pak-based terror groups and IS in India. OTHER TERROR GROUPS Other than Islamic Jehadis, threat from hostile elements, including pro-Khalistan, Left Wing Extremist, North-Eastern insurgent groups continues to be there. Besides, some inputs and intelligence alerts in the past have not been taken to their logical conclusion. For example, SIB Amritsar reported that a grey colour Maruti Swift Desire car bearing number JK-01-AB-2654, carrying three armed Pak terrorists, including one equipped with a suicide belt, started from Banihal towards Punjab/Delhi. But, the car or the suspected terrorists could not be traced by the security agencies since. Such inputs have also been a cause for worry. advertisement RED FORT TO BE GARRISONED A top security official has told India Today that on Independence Day, a radius of several kilometres around the Red Fort will have a very high degree security cover. Bulletproof arrangements have been made for the PM like any other year. Each and every tree in the area has been accounted for. All windows overlooking the Red Fort irrespective of residential or official buildings will be sealed during the ceremony. In the wake of fresh intelligence inputs, security agencies are paying special attention on misuse of uncontrolled/unidentified objects like para-gliders, remote-controlled flying objects, camera drones. Security officials are of the view that due to vitiated security environment and specific threats from various terrorists/militant outfits against PM/VIPs, security arrangements need to be meticulously planned and supervised, and personnel deployed on duty need to be extra vigilant and alert. --- ENDS --- By Devarsi Ghosh: Mohenjo Daro is Hrithik Roshan's second collaboration with his Jodhaa Akbar director Ashutosh Gowariker. Here's our review. Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi, Arunoday Singh Direction: Ashutosh Gowariker Ratings: (2/5) Ashutosh Gowariker cannot, overnight, become a bad filmmaker. This man has given two blockbusters in the last decade - Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar - both steeped in Indian history and containing Hindi cinema's most popular narrative devices. And both were such big hits, thanks to the way Gowariker handled them. So why did Mohenjo Daro get the bad pre-release rap? advertisement That's because it's 2016, where the online world of information is accessible to the Indian youth, more than ever before, and in a world where these people have the outlet to voice their opinion on the internet, where anything and everything can go viral, Gowariker's Mohenjo Daro doesn't quite cut it. Gowariker took huge liberties with the historical details of the period, understandably, in the service of a grand, commercial film that would appeal to one and all, but in the process, ended up making something that just cannot be taken seriously. ALSO READ: RUSTOM MOVIE REVIEW ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar's Rustom is on a better footing than Mohenjo Daro MOHENJO DARO MUSIC REVIEW: AR Rahman seems bored and uninspired Before going any further, Mohenjo Daro is the story of an indigo farmer Sarman (Hrithik Roshan) who travels to the fabled land of Mohenjo Daro for better business opportunities, only to fall in love with Chaani (Pooja Hegde). Chaani is set to marry the son of the city's despotic ruler Maham (Kabir Bedi). And the tale unfolds... Mohenjo Daro, a Sindhi word that literally means 'Mound of the Dead', was not a name that the-then inhabitants of the 5000-year old civilisation used to call the city. That the people in the film keep referring to the place as Mohenjo Daro is not the point; it is one of the many known factual fallacies of the film. The problem is the strange narrative - Mohenjo Daro, in the film, happens to be a city going through recession because agricultural produce is at an all-time low as a result of Maham's decision to build a dam across river Sindh to mine all the gold underneath because he is greedy, evil and adequately one-dimensional and stupid for a filmy villain. If anyone speaks against Maham, he is killed in public view, and then their bodies are not allowed to be cremated. All in all, the ruling class is hated in the city. Despite all of that, for some reason, people of the city gather for a celebration of their city as a tribute to, supposedly, Maham, which is the song Mohenjo Mohenjo. Here are people, who are shown to be distressed under a dictatorship, coming together to literally chant "Mound, mound". As such, it is impossible to cut this film any slack after a point. advertisement For exposition's sake, Mohenjo Daro's characters explain basic plot points with absurd dialogue. When Sarman and his friend walks into the royal township within the city because Sarman has to check out Chaani, the friend exclaims, "Lag raha hai ki hum dusre nagar mein hain." Well, duh. In another part, a few excited townsfolk are seen running towards 'something' and they stop and tell Sarman, "Lag raha hai phir se koi ghatana ghati hai." Gowariker's simplistic and heavy-handed treatment of the film, is frankly, a dumbing down of the filmmaking style we saw in his seminal film Lagaan. It's as if he is a bit scared and cautious after two back-to-back box office bombs (What's Your Rashee and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se) and he needed something saleable, but simple, to get his Mohenjo... err, Mojo back on. On top of that, Ashutosh weaving his literal interpretation of historical artifacts into the story is, well, forced. Sarman keeps seeing a unicorn (which looked like a one-horned calf, perhaps, that was the CGI team's best effort to get anything close to the unicorn of the square seal) in his dream. In the song Tu Hai, Chaani wearing her headdress immerses a figurine of the Mohenjo Daro's mother goddess (shown in close up), whose headdress is the obvious inspiration for Chaani's. advertisement Such forced "Did you spot it?" moments are not really Easter eggs, Mr Gowariker. But then, will the casual audience get into such nitpicking? Probably not, probably yes, who knows. Is the film engaging and entertaining at least? Mohenjo Daro is nothing you have not seen before. It is the same old hero-making tale where one man rises to become the leader by fighting the despot; the fight between Sarman and the giant men in the ring echoes Gladiator while the entire story echoes Gangs of New York or Baahubali's Return-Of-The-Chosen-One-To-Kingdom-For-Baap-Ka-Badla narrative. Gowariker simply adds the 'historic film' tadka to package and sell it because on paper, the idea is great. Also, because he probably thinks he has a way with historical films. What we could have had was a better film, but that would have required different cinematic sensibilities. Ashutosh Gowariker does not make historical films, let's get that clear. He is great at making spectacles using historical stories as a crutch. Sadly, this time, he picked the wrong story. advertisement ( The writer tweets as @devarsighosh ) --- ENDS --- A Dalit in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh was forced to cremate his wife within the compound of his house and was refused to perform last rites as the cremation ground has been allegedly encroached by the upper castes. By Mail Today: While Parliament was debating atrocities on Dalits in India, a lower caste man in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh was howling to cremate his wife's dead body and upper castes in the village allegedly forced him to cremate the body within the compound of his house. Allegedly, the cremation ground has been encroached by the upper castes in the village and he was refused to perform the last rites of his wife. Identified as Bablu Mahaur, the man claimed, advertisement "The cremation ground has been encroached upon by 'upper caste' people and I was refused to use the ground to cremate his wife. However, the local administration claimed that the land was illegally occupied by the Dalits. The incident took place in Garhi village of Morena's Ambah town on Tuesday. WHAT HAPPENED 28-year-old Sangeeta was living with her husband in Gujarat when she passed away on 9 August, 2016. Bablu decided to bring the body to his ancestral town, Parashar Ki Garhi, in Morena district, on Tuesday. When Bablu arrived at the cremation ground with his wife Pooja's body, he was told he cannot cremate the body as the land belongs to the socalled upper caste people, he claimed. "We have taken the problem in the local administration's knowledge but no relief has still been given to us," said a villager. Dalit villagers claimed they all face the similar set of circumstances as the 'upper castes' have started farming on the land meant for cremation. CREMATION GROUND ENCROACHED Sub-Divisional Magistrate (revenue) DC Sandhi on Thursday told news agencies that there was a cremation ground for Dalits in the village, but it was being illegally occupied by a few people of the same community. Sandhis also denied the allegation that Bablu was stopped from using the cremation ground. Sandhi said Bablu has been awarded financial assistance of `10,000, and the authorities have begun the process to remove the encroachment from the cremation land. Also Read: Strictest action against culprits of atrocities against Dalits: Rajnath Singh PM to cow vigilantes: Attack me if you dare, leave Dalits alone --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Rakhi Sawant likes attention. Even if you didn't know that, Rakhi will make sure she tells you as much herself. She is, however, vying for someone special's attention this time around. And it's none other than--*all rise*--our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What Ms Sawant did at the Pre-Independence Day party in Chicago (USA) recently is no secret. In fact, had it been a secret, the whole purpose of Rakhi making so much effort would've been defeated. In case you still don't know, Rakhi wore a garish black dress that was emblazoned with pictures of Narendra Modi. Besides tiny headshots of Mr Modi all over, the PM's figure was placed strategically enough for his hand to land right on Rakhi's bust. A photo posted by Rakhi sawant (@rakhisawant151) on Aug 8, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT advertisement That's attention enough for Rakhi, right? Wrong! Now, the self-proclaimed diva has gone on to say that Modi ji is her dream man. Ms Sawant told Firstpost, "I wore this dress so that I can impress BJP, especially Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah. I love them both. Rajnath [Singh] called me, he considers me as his daughter. I met him in Delhi and I will meet him again. I am already BJP's daughter. I made this dress so that I can impress Modi ji. Modi ji is my dream man. I am most happy that he is our PM and he will remain one for next 15 years. Wherever I go I will wear this dress, and I will also make one sari with his image on it." But wait, that's not all that Rakhi is trying to do with her dress; she's making sure her love for Mr Modi comes through with her creativity: "I have got this dress made from all my heart and love for our dear prime minister. He is the best PM and I am representing him in the US. I just want to tell people: 'Don't waste your time creating controversies over my dress, instead take care of your family. There are more serious issues in India that needs to be dealt with, like rape of little girls, farmers committing suicide...So live and let live and don't waste your time on my dress. Love you guys.' The dress has been designed by a new designer called Sayki." A look at Rakhi's custom-made number. Picture courtesy: Twitter/@ManShunNot Just when you thought you'd have enough for one day, we present to you the icing on the cake--Ms Sawant claims she'd gotten the dress approved from the Prime Minister. "I had first sent this costume for approval and if Modi ji says that he never approved my dress, then he can put me behind bars, only he has the right to do so. Nobody else. I'm accountable only to Modi ji. I got it approved from him and his team and only then wore the dress. I respect Modi ji, I respect Amit Shah and all the BJP members. In the future, I want to join BJP and do lot of work. If they want me in their party, I will be with them," she told Firstpost. Well then, the motto behind the dress--except satiating a mad outburst of creativity, of course--has been made crystal clear! --- ENDS --- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit comes amid new strains in ties in the wake of India's failed bid to enter the elite NSG at its Seoul plenary, where China emerged as the biggest obstacle. By Ananth Krishnan: China has indicated it would be ready to revisit the question of India's membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, declaring the door "is not tightly closed" just as Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits India. Wang, who begins his visit on Friday and will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, is in India as both countries lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's September 3 visit to China for the G20 summit. He will also discuss Chinese President Xi Jinping's October trip to India for the BRICS Summit. advertisement READ: US on India's NSG bid: We're not going to let that go. Okay? NEW STRAINS IN TIES The exchange of visits comes amid new strains in ties in the wake of India's failed bid to enter the elite NSG at its Seoul plenary, where China emerged as the biggest obstacle. In a rare commentary on Friday, the official Xinhua news agency said that "as Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check." "What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," it said. "So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party." READ: NSG entry: How China stonewalled India NGS DOOR NOT TIGHTLY CLOSED "However," it added, "New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed. But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake." Wang's trip would help "rasp off the rough edges of the relationship" and "build up consensus" ahead of the two key upcoming visits, the Xinhua commentary said. On the South China Sea issue, the commentary said Beijing "hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijing' s concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific." The commentary said that while "conventional wisdom tells us that no two countries can agree on everything" it "would be smart for India to join China in rising above their differences." "China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world," it concluded. Also Read: At meeting to discuss BRICS, consultative committee members raise questions on NSG diplomacy advertisement China slams US official for 'driving a wedge' after Delhi comments on NSG --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: As part of a very touching series Humans of New York took up last month--Paediatric Cancer series--we got to know of Sara, an average youngster who was diagnosed with cancer in her spine, lungs, nymph nodes and bone marrow. Diagnosed in January 2015, Sara was given three years to live by her doctors. When Humans of New York interviewed her, this is what she had to say: "I got diagnosed last January. A mass behind my spine, two masses in my lungs, spots all over my lymph nodes and bone marrow. The guy who gave me the CT scan threw up afterward. The doctor said they could guarantee three years. I was like: 'Three years. Holy shit.' My biggest worry is that I'm going to die and not do all the things I wanted to do. The funny thing is-I didn't even realize how many things I wanted to do until I got diagnosed. Simple things like meeting a guy, getting married, getting a job, having my own apartment, and even picking out my own furniture. Those never seemed too interesting to me. They just seemed like adult things that were guaranteed to happen. Now I want to do them so bad. Because I want to know what they feel like." Sara with her mother. Picture courtesy: humansofnewyork.com advertisement Her mother, after the diagnosis, was filled with guilt; she felt like god was punishing her for her own wrong-doings, despite being a good person all her life: "What did I do? It was certainly nothing she did. She's just a child. It feels like we're being punished for something I did. But I'm nice to people. I've never cheated on my husband. I'm nice to my parents. I feel so guilty. She was stage four when they discovered it. I should have known sooner. I should have listened to her complaints more. I should have said: 'Maybe it's not a pulled muscle. Let's go to the doctor right this moment.' Only eighty kids per year get this cancer. When she first got diagnosed it hurt me to look at her friends. They had their long hair, and they were driving their cars, and going to prom, and having boyfriends. They're great kids but I couldn't look at them without wondering: 'Why? Why do they get to have a future?' There's a 23% survival rate. I try not to fixate on that number because I get so sad and I don't want to go there. So I live as an actress. I'm playing the role of a happy person, but all I feel like is lying in bed and crying. The mom inside that hospital room helps her plan for her future. The mom inside that room believes her when she tells me that she's not going anywhere. But the mom out here doesn't know what to believe," Sara's mother told HONY. Sadly, Sara breathed her last on August 11, 2016. Her cancer returned aggressively. And we learnt of the news through HONY's Facebook post that said, "Many of you remember Sara from the Pediatric Cancer series last month. I'm very sorry to report that shortly after her story was published, Sara's cancer returned very aggressively. Yesterday morning she passed away. I'd like to honor her by reposting her story, and allowing Sara to be remembered by her own words..." We salute your spirit, Sara. Hope you rest in peace. --- ENDS --- By Anil Kumar: Pakistan today refuted India's allegations that Pakistan played an active role in cross-border terrorism. Addressing the media in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said, "Our statement was very clear on this issue. We strongly reject India's claim of any cross-LOC infiltration. Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone". advertisement He also said, "We are ourselves the victims of terrorism. I don't need to repeat the immense losses we have suffered in terms of losses to the innocent lives of our own citizens, infrastructure and economy. No nation has suffered more. Loss of human lives runs in tens of thousands, the loss in economy is over 100 billion dollars. We are committed to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan's soil." The official's remarks came hours after External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup accused Pakistan of indulging in cross-border terrorism. Referring to the arrest of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Bahadur Ali, Swarup said this was another proof of Pakistan's continued involvement in cross-border terrorism and infiltration into India. "The capture of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Bahadur Ali is yet another proof of Pakistan's continued involvement in cross-border terrorism and infiltration into India, despite several assurances that it will not allow its territory to be used for terrorism against any other country," the MEA spokesperson said on Thursday. "Bahadur Ali's confession has clearly revealed the kind of training provided to such young men in camps and the weapons that they are given. More importantly, the indoctrination that they undergo prior to infiltration into India," he added. On Tuesday, the government summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi and issued a demarche that gave details of the LeT terrorist caught by Indian security forces. INDIA BEHIND QUETTA BLAST Meanwhile, Balochistan chief minister blamed Indian intelligence agencies for the recent blasts in Quetta. "Investigations are under way. As you are aware that Indian Intelligence agencies have remained involved in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan, especially, in Balochistan and Karachi. The confession statement by a serving naval officer, who was apprehended by our law enforcement agencies has indeed vindicated Pakistan's claim. The confession has led to significant success in rounding up elements of the network. However, investigations are continuing. Involvement of foreign elements, working in cahoots with their local contacts in the condemnable terrorist attack in Quetta, which took a huge toll on the lives of innocent people, cannot be ruled out," Nafees Zakaria said. CONCERNED ABOUT AFGHANISTAN On President Ashraf Ghani's remarks that Afghanistan shared good relations with all countries but Pakistan, the spokesperson said, "It is very unfortunate and I have already said that these hostile statements are not helpful and serve those who do not want to see peace in Afghanistan. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we share the longest border with Afghanistan and we have been hosting Afghan refugees for the last 35 years. We have been trying our utmost to play our part in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan." advertisement "We are seriously concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and working seriously towards peace in Afghanistan because peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest and it also helps peace and stability in the region," he added. --- ENDS --- Sartaj Aziz wrote a letter to the Secretary General of Arab league highlighting the Indian brutalities in India Occupied Kashmir. By Anil Kumar: Pakistan's Foreign Affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz invited Arab League's countries attention towards Indian atrocities in India Occupied Kashmir (IOK). Despite several setbacks on the international platform, Pakistan has once again taken up the Kashmir agenda on Arab League Countries. According to Ministry of External affairs , Pakistan'S office press release "The Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs has written a letter to the Secretary General of Arab League highlighting horrific Indian brutalities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir". advertisement The foreign office said, "The Advisor underscored that India has unleashed a reign of terror against the innocent and defenseless civilians since the extrajudicial killing of a young Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani on 8 July, 2016". 'INDIA DENIES THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION TO KASMIRIS' The Adviser also emphasized that the current situation in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is the result of the continued denial by India of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir that was promised to them by the United Nations Security Council in the relevant resolutions" Sartaj Aziz also said, "It was emphasized that the current uprising is not an isolated incident but a manifestation of continued deep, widespread and long-held alienation of the oppressed people of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir from the Indian occupation." The Adviser said that the spontaneous and massive uprising is a manifestation that Kashmir struggle is totally indigenous which cannot be equated with terrorism. The Arab League countries were urged to call upon India to immediately stop the bloodshed and massacre in IOK and implement the pending UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan also wrote to the UN about the situation in Kashmir. The Sartaj Aziz letter is the latest attempt by Pakistan government to involve the international community in the Kashmir issues. Also Read: Nawaz Sharif provokes again, says Kashmir not India's internal matter Rajnath Singh: No power in the world can take Kashmir away from us Pakistan's new Kashmir-weapon is hi-tech devices, reveals LeT operative Bahadur Ali --- ENDS --- A journalist with a popular American website used a gay dating app to interact with homosexual athletes and then wrote about them with enough description to reveal their identities. By Vishakha Saxena: A reporter with popular American news website, The Daily Beast, is facing immense criticism for using a gay social-networking app to identify homosexual athletes at Rio Olympics, and unwittingly revealing their identities in a story. The hugely controversial story that potentially threatens lives of those featured in it has been taken down by the website after backlash. advertisement WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED Nico Hines, The Beast's London editor, cruised dating apps like Bumble, Grindr, Jack'd, and Tinder to write about Olympians and their dating and sex habits. "Perhaps the question most people have is: How do the rest of us get an invite? Can an Average Joe join the bacchanalia?" he wrote in the story originally titled "I Got Three Grindr Dates in an Hour in the Olympic Village". What followed was a questionable piece in which Hines was descriptive enough to reveal identities and sexual preferences of the athletes he interacted with. "The [height], [weight] athlete from [nationality], who sent his address, had a Rio 2016 duvet cover as his main picture. His profile read "I'm looking for sex" in both English and [language]," read a line from the story. Profiles of some athletes - including those of straight women - were also described. Hines acknowledged in the story that many athletes in the story belonged to countries which have serious anti-gay laws, but went on to describe them anyway, effectively jeopardising their safety and morale. At one point, seemingly to suggest he did nothing wrong, Hines wrote he "didn't lie to anyone or pretend to be someone I wasn't -- unless you count being on Grindr in the first place -- since I'm straight, with a wife and child." An excerpt from the article. The line is a clear oxymoron considering a straight man on a gay-app is, in fact, a lie and also counts for seriously unethical journalism. THE BACKLASH Anger against the story poured on social media, soon after it was published. Gay Twitter coming to collect Nico Hines pic.twitter.com/AiyJs8q18Tshook (@rjhours) August 11, 2016 The website and Hines were both called out for homophobic, irresponsible and unethical reporting. Many noted that the story was not only a gross invasion of players' privacy but also violated a safe-zone for gay individuals - Grindr. Others noted that the story humiliated and ridiculed gay sex. So @NicoHines basically just outed a bunch of athletes in his quest to write a shitty @thedailybeast article where he admitted to entrapmentGus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) August 11, 2016 What @NicoHines has done is potentially extremely dangerous for at least one person in his article. @Olympics should revoke his credentials.Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) August 11, 2016 Unless queer outing is now an Olympic sport, can we just all agree that @NicoHines piece is outright homophobia? Needs to be withdrawn.Joshua Dixon (@JoshDixonTweets) August 11, 2016 Theory: @NicoHines gets caught trying to hookup on Grindr, uses Daily Beast piece to trick wife into believing it's all for "journalism".Kyle Fox (@KyleMFox) August 11, 2016 advertisement Athletes from the LGBT community wrote angry tweets addressed to Nico, pointing how his behaviour could land those featured in the story in life-threatening situations. As an out gay athlete from a country that is still very homophobic, @thedailybeast ought to be ashamed #deplorable https://t.co/qzS9rDFJwxAmini Fonua (@AminiFonua) August 11, 2016 @NicoHines & @thedailybeast 1 of the guys you just outed is only 18 years old... I was 18 once & nowhere near ready to come out, fuck you.Amini Fonua (@AminiFonua) August 11, 2016 Imagine the one space you can feel safe, the one space you're able to be yourself, ruined by a straight person who thinks it's all a joke?Amini Fonua (@AminiFonua) August 11, 2016 advertisement Some others pointed that piece was essentially pointless. "Young athletes use dating apps to hook up with each other? People like sex? What brilliant and subversive reporting, someone get the Pulitzer ready!" read an article on Australian website SBS. In subsequent clarifications, Hines explained he did not specifically plan to write about gay athletes. His story, however, focused almost entirely on them. Further, the header image used originally had the Grindr logo blended with Olympic rings superimposed on pride colours - another hint that the story's focus was on the gay community. The original headline and header image of the story. In light of the anger, The Beast started quietly editing out problematic chunks from the piece. It even changed its headline and header image. The modified headline and header image of the story. But the move only increased anger - not only did people notice the changes, but further demanded that the piece be removed permanently. I wonder why @thedailybeast doesn't just delete this homophobic trash article entirely instead of stealth editing. pic.twitter.com/EEufEAV0NAMary Beth Williams (@embeedub) August 11, 2016 advertisement The Beast editor-in-chief John Avlon also penned an editor's note saying, "the concept for the piece was to see how dating and hook-up apps were being used in Rio by athletes. It just so happened that Nico had many more responses on Grindr than apps that cater mostly to straight people, and so he wrote about that. Had he received straight invitations, he would have written about those." But as criticism continued and grew stronger, The Beast eventually removed the story. In its final note, it apologised to athletes who had been compromised and said that "standing up to bullies and bigots, and specifically being a proudly, steadfastly supportive voice for LGBT people all over the world," was core to its commitment to journalism and its readers. --- ENDS --- Michael Phelps' medal haul has now risen to 26, including two silvers and two bronzes, with the 100 butterfly final still to come on Friday. By Reuters: Michael Phelps of the United States won the Olympic 200 metres individual medley on Thursday to capture the 22nd gold medal of his career and become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Games. (Rio Olympics : Full Coverage) Japan's 400 IM champion Kosuke Hagino won silver and Wang Shun of China took bronze, both moving dramatically through the field on the final length after turning in fifth and seventh place. (Rio 2016: It's just insane, says Michael Phelps) advertisement It was yet another extraordinary swim for Phelps, 31, who has now won two individual and two relay golds at his fifth Olympics, two years after coming out of retirement. His medal haul has now risen to 26, including two silvers and two bronzes, with the 100 butterfly final still to come on Friday. Thirteen of his golds have come in individual races, the rest in relays. "Right now I don't know how to wrap my head around that. I don't know what to say. It's been a hell of a career," Phelps told reporters, while acknowledging the strain on his 31-year-old body. "That hurt a lot ... my body is in pain, my legs are hurting, I'm tired." Despite winning four golds in London in 2012, Phelps has said he was dissatisfied with his preparation and results there and wants to bow out on his own terms. "The biggest thing for me through the meet so far is I've been able to kind of finish how I wanted to. I've been able to come back and I've been able to accomplish things that I just dreamt of," he said. "GREATEST EVER" He was lauded by the Rio crowd, with one banner proclaiming "Phelps Greatest Olympian Ever". At the medal ceremony he swayed slightly and breathed deeply, his eyes moist, as he listened to the U.S. anthem. Phelps then raised his arms to salute the crowd as fiancee Nicole cradled their baby son Boomer in the stands. There was little time to savour the moment, however, as he raced back off the pool deck to get ready for the semi-finals of the 100m butterfly, which he also has the chance to win for a fourth successive Games. He finished second in his semi-final to qualify fifth fastest for Friday's final. In the medley, Brazil's Thiago Pereira went off fastest, leading from Phelps after the butterfly leg, with Ryan Lochte of the United States and Hagino neck-and-neck just behind. With the Rio crowd's excitement mounting, the three turned almost together after the backstroke, with Lochte just 0.01 seconds ahead. Phelps led from Pereira and Lochte at the final turn and powered on as the other two faded, opening the way for Hagino and Wang to grab the two other medals. advertisement Phelps clocked one minute, 54.66 for a comfortable winning margin of 1.95 seconds. Japan's Hiromasa Fujimori was fourth and Lochte fifth in the last individual race of his long career, with a flagging Pereira seventh. Phelps' four consecutive golds in the same event are unique for a swimmer, and place him in the same Olympic pantheon as fellow-Americans Al Oerter in the discus and Carl Lewis in the long jump. --- ENDS --- By Suhani Singh: Rustom starring Akshay Kumar is based on the infamous KM Nanavati case of 1959. Here's our review. Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana DCruz, Esha Gupta, Arjan Bajwa, Pavan Malhotra, Sachin Khedekar, Kumud Mishra Direction: Tinu Suresh Desai Ratings: (1/5) ALSO READ: MOHENJODARO MOVIE REVIEW ALSO READ: AKSHAY KUMAR IS BACK AS THE POSTER BOY OF PATRIOTISM There comes a moment of rare honesty in Rustom when Sachin Khedekar's Sindhi lawyer, inspired by Ram Jethmalani no less, screams: "It's unintelligible." Two words also befitting this emotionally overblown drama. Such are the events in Neeraj Pandey's Rustom, which is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, that one doesn't know where to begin with its innumerable flaws. One of the most glaring is that its leading man and lady share zero chemistry and their initial romance falls flat. It makes it impossible to root for the jilted Parsi husband, Rustom Pavri (Akshay Kumar), and his wife Cynthia (Ileana D'Cruz) whose lives are turned upside down when Rustom murders Cynthia's wealthy Sindhi lover Vikram (Arjun Bajwa) aka "Kamdev ki chatthi aulaad" (Kamdev's sixth child). Cynthia's defence for her betrayal is "Main kamzor pad gayi thi" when her husband was away at sea. Quarter of a star to Rustom for showing that a woman has sexual needs too. But it's not too long before it turns Cynthia into a guilt-ridden wife who meekly watches her husband fight for his freedom. advertisement Taking copious inspiration from the real life naval commander KM Nanavati's case of 1959, screenwriter Vipul K Rawal focuses solely on the scandalous bits of the infamous case in which the jury found the navy man not guilty for murder of his wife Sylvia's Sindhi lover Prem Ahuja. Here, Rustom acts as the lawyer too because what else will Akshay Kumar do in a film which doesn't have any stunts, slapstick comedy or dancing? The titular character starts off as a husband who takes onus of the crime and then after quickly decides to defend himself. Rawal and Desai fail to build the marital drama in the first half that eventually and expectedly leads to a courtroom spectacle. Their aim is not to understand the case that shook the country's legal system but more to mock the legal proceedings and show the salacious headlines and reactions the case brought about. One of which if we are to believe had women in 1959 holding placards saying "Marry Me Rustom" and "I Want Your Babies". There are a few funny bits such as a vendor selling towels with great grip or Kumud Mishra's annoying tabloid editor of Truth getting thrown into jail for contempt of court. Rawal throws in a last-minute espionage thriller-patriot arc to furthermore lionize Rustom as the "man who did the right thing in the wrong way" but it's a half-baked attempt to spur the story. The tacky production values (the Parsis will especially cringe at the neon green walls of Rustom's house) and poor CGI make the period film an eyesore. Kumud Mishra's Parsi accent is as shaky as jell-o. Sympathies to Arjun Bajwa who is made to wear the most hideous clothes, one of them being a bathrobe which appears it has caught fire. Esha Gupta is Vikram's vengeful sister, who, when not dressed like she is headed for a ball in the courtroom, is dangerous because she smokes. Sachin Khedekar is the agitated lawyer whose job is to channel Amrish Puri's act in Damini ever so often. Pavan Malhotra as the inspector in charge of the investigation is uninterested, with a perpetual expression suggesting that he is looking for the nearest exit door. Finally, there is Akshay Kumar, with a thin moustache glued on, who doesn't pass off for a Parsi just as a Punjabi man can't pretend to like dhansak more than butter chicken. We don't know whether Rustom can save marriages and end divorces as Akshay Kumar said but what it definitely will do is lower your tolerance for vapid offerings. --- ENDS --- Top woman official of Air India has accused its Director of sexually harassing her. She alleged she was asked to go to VIPs alone with gifts. By Ankur Sharma: A senior Air India official has accused a director in the national carrier of sexual harassment with the complaint being sent to the ministry of civil aviation. The incident comes against the backdrop of several instances of women being sexually abused at work by their seniors that have sparked outrage in India. The woman says in the complaint that her boss asked her to go to rooms of VIPs alone with gifts and "blew his top" if she didn't comply. advertisement Being a single woman, she couldn't afford to "wine and dine" him and he never harassed those who did, she wrote. Last year, a 29-year-old woman who worked as a research analyst at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) - a non-profit- lodged a complaint against its then chairman RK Pachauri for alleged criminal intimidation and sexual harassment. He was forced to step down and is out on bail. HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE TO PROBE "A high-level committee will be probing the case as a very senior female official has levelled allegations against a director-level official, which is second highest post in Air India," a senior official with the airline told Mail Today. The woman complained to Air India's chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani on July 25 and he forwarded it to the ministry. "On 8th Sept 2012, when first Dreamliner aircraft came, he shouted at me, in public for his not being able to enter the secure airport area," she said in the complaint, arguing that his behaviour fits the definition of sexual harassment under law. "Often he would call up to ask me to facilitate travel of his niece and family to Singapore and ask me to also inform the Singapore office." Lohani declined to comment on the issue. Sources say he wrote to the official facing allegations on July 27, seeking a reply on the complaint. The four-page response that came on August 1 rejected the charges, calling them "frivolous". THE COMPLAINT AND DIRECTOR'S RESPONSE The complainant has claimed that in the Annual Performance Appraisal for 2013-14, she was downgraded by the officer in question, creating hurdles in her promotion, and that his behaviour towards her was "rude and aggressive". She has also said that the director didn't appreciate her work and termed her "populist". The woman has said the officer called her and harassed her in the presence of other male staff. The director in his reply to the department termed the allegations "distorted and malicious" with an attempt to malign his reputation. advertisement "She wrote in her complaint that I sexually harassed her but didn't mention even a single incident where I harassed her sexually," he told Mail Today, quoting his response. The director also made counter allegations, stating that the complainant once "managed" a sexual harassment report filed by a female employee against a senior Air India official. "Her responses to the issues were erratic, without proper study and application of mind and it is correct that I did indeed counsel her on several occasions to be professional in her approach and work without fear or favour and avoid populistic responses and keep the best interest of the organisation in mind," the director stated in his reply. "The counseling was always carried out without rudeness, in a manner of a senior guiding a junior which is an inherent part of an administrative and managerial function and it is unfortunate that this is being distorted as harassment." Also Read: Air India, Jet Airways pilots suspended for flying drunk, both repeat offenders 90 days paid leave for victims of sexual harassment Sex offender? Fox News president resigns after numerous accusations of sexual harassment advertisement --- ENDS --- By Indrajit Kundu: When the Badshah of Bollywood faces humiliation, can Didi remain silent? West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter in protest immediately after Shah Rukh Khan complained of being detained at an airport in US on Friday. Shah Rukh had tweeted, "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks." advertisement His tweet resulted in a flurry of reactions in India, with Twitterati outraged at the maltreatment meted out to India's super star. And on Raksha Bandhan week, Didi too was quick to jump to her superstar brother's support. "I am shocked to hear about the harassment caused to @iamsrk. Security is security but this is very unfortunate and embarrassing," Mamata wrote expressing her shock and anger. I am shocked to hear about the harassment caused to @iamsrk. Security is security but this is very unfortunate and embarrassing; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 12, 2016 However, Shah Rukh later tried playing down the fiasco tweeting, "Respect the protocol & not expecting to be above it. It's just a tad inconvenient." No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl; Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The Bollywood actor who owns the Indian premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders, is extremely close to the Bengal chief minister. He always made sure he visited the CM during his visit to Kolkata. Mamata too has made SRK a brand ambassador for the state. The actor has already shot an ad campaign titled 'Experience Bengal' to promote the state as a top tourism destination for free. Few years back, Mamata tied a rakhi to Shah Rukh when he performed at a glittering programme organised by the Kolkata Police. "Happy RAKHI to everyone. Mine already started with Mamata Didi tying me mine. Thank you Kolkata and the Police Deptt," he had tweeted then. From a lavish reception to his KKR team after their first IPL victory in 2012 to inviting him in every edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival, SRK has always had a special place in Didi's heart. In 2014, when Shah Rukh brought his film Happy New Year to Kolkata, he made it a point to meet Mamata at the State Secretariat. "In Kolkata I always get so enthused about life when I meet Mamata Di. Her energy and the fish I get to eat," he had tweeted. advertisement The actor also found the CM's support during the row over his comments of growing intolerance in India. Also read: Shah Rukh detained at Los Angeles airport; 'every damn time', he tweets; US administration apologises --- ENDS --- The Badshah of Bollywood took to Twitter to express his frustration after he was detained yet again in the US. By India Today Web Desk: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained today at the Los Angeles airport by the US immigration department. The actor had left for the US with his daughter Suhana last evening. The Badshah of Bollywood took to Twitter to express his frustration after he was detained yet again in the US. "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Shah Rukh said in a tweet posted on Friday morning (IST). advertisement On a positive note, he wrote: "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons." I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons.&; Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 US says 'sorry' The US administration, however, was quick to apologise. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department of State, Nisha Biswal, has tweeted: "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Hours after the incident, US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, also apologised to Shahrukh Khan. Verma said that they will be working to ensure that it does not happen in the future. Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 The superstar responded to the ambassador's tweet saying that he respected that protocol and that he did not expected to be above it. Khan further added that it was inconvenient and even thanked Verma for expressing concern. No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Not the first time This is not the first time that the Bollywood actor was detained at a US airport. In 2012, he was detained at a New York airport for two hours when he had arrived to visit Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. In 2009 as well, the 50-year-old actor was stopped and detained by the US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, leading to a huge controversy close to the release of his film, 'My Name Is Khan'. "I was really hassled at the American airport because of my name being Khan. It was absolutely uncalled for. I felt angry and humiliated," said Shah Rukh, who was then heading towards Chicago to participate in an Independence Day celebration event. "It is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist," he had then said. advertisement Watch the video here Also read: Shah Rukh detained for 2 hours at New York airport --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: After a failed suicide attempt, Somya (Rubina Dilaik) will finally have some clarity. While Harman (Vivian Dsena) will play a doting husband to perfection, Somya will feel guilty about not revealing her true identity to him. In Sunday's Maha episode, Harman will decorate the room and hope to get closer to Somya. With other option left, Somya will break down and tell Harman that she cannot be his wife, as in order to be a wife, she has to be a woman. She goes on to share that she is a kinnar. advertisement Also read: Shakti producer Rashmi Sharma: It's time we accept the third gender as part of our society How will Harman react? Only the coming episode will tell us. Meanwhile, Somya's revelation, has catapulted the show to No. 2 position almost overnight. Touted as a bold move for Indian television, the introduction of a transgender character in Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki has been hailed by one and all. Also read: Revealed! Soumya aka Rubina Dilaik is a transgender in Shakti It is now to be seen if the society is ready to accept Somya or not? --- ENDS --- Coming down heavily on the Central government for delaying the judicial appointments, the Supreme Court today questioned the Attorney General as to why Centre has not responded to the suggestions made by the collegium. By Anusha Soni: Coming down heavily on the Central government for delaying the judicial appointments, the Supreme Court today questioned the Attorney General as to why Centre has not responded to the suggestions made by the collegium. Alleging that the government was bringing the crucial judicial appointments to a 'grinding halt', the apex court warned that it would be forced to judicially interfere in the matter. advertisement The apex court further asked the Attorney General to give details of compliance of decisions of Collegium with respect to appointment and transfer of High Court judges which include Chief Justices of High Courts. Centre has been given four weeks time to respond as to why appointment of judges have been stuck and with which authority. Despite AGs repeated assurances , the apex court retorted by saying that appointments and transfers have not been executed despite clearance by Collegium eight months ago. Citing the short staffed situation in High Courts, the apex court further questioned the Centre as to why should people continue to languish in jails and bear the brunt of bureaucracy. SC made observation during hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Lt Col. Anil Kabotra. Though SC hasn't issued a formal notice to the Centre yet. CJI TS Thakur breaks down in front of PM Modi, calls for increasing judge strength --- ENDS --- The apex court, while hearing a case, observed that though Union territories are administered by the Centre, they have their unique identity.This remark may be used by Arvind Kejriwal in his fight against Najeeb Jung. The judgment can be cited by the Kejriwal government in its tussle against the LG By Harish V Nair: In remarks that are sure to bring cheer to the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government, which is engaged in a power tussle with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, the Supreme Court on Thursday observed that though Union Territories are ruled by the Centre, they retain their identity. "The administration of Union Territories is by the Central Government but that does not mean that Union Territories become merged with the Central Government. They are centrally administered but retain their independent entity", a bench of Justices Anil R Dave and L Nageswara Rao ruled. advertisement The significant observations however have nothing to do with the Kejriwal Vs Centre power tussle matter that is still pending in the Supreme Court, or the recent High Court ruling that said that the LG was the administrative head of the capital and was not bound by the aid and advice of the Chief Minister or his council of ministers. THE OBSERVATION CAME IN A DIFFERENT CASE The apex court observation came in a judgment pronounced in a case filed by the MCD against the North Delhi Power Limited over the eligibility of the tax over the land of 8,080 Sq. Meter belonging to the power company. But the judgment can be cited by the Kejriwal government when it files its appeal against the Delhi High Court judgment on the power tussle. The Supreme Court also expressed doubt as to whether properties of Union Territories can be treated as that of the centre. "But, we refrain from adjudicating this issue as constitutional questions are not decided unless they directly arise for consideration," said the bench. The Delhi High Court has said that the contention of the Government of NCT of Delhi that the Lt. Governor of NCT of Delhi is bound to act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in relation to the matters of which the power to make laws has been conferred on the Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi under clause (3)(a) of Article 239AA of the Constitution (special powers for NCT of Delhi being the country's capital) is without substance and cannot be accepted. In the case heard on Thursday, the High Court had earlier remanded back to the Deputy Assessor and Collector of the Respondent-Municipal Corporation of Delhi for determination as to whether North Delhi Power Limited or Delhi Power Company Ltd. is liable to pay property tax. On the appeal filed by the MCD, the Supreme Court confirmed the order of remand passed by the High Court with a direction to the Deputy Assessor and Collector of Municipal Corporation of Delhi to consider the provisions of Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, Delhi Electricity Reforms Act, Transfer Scheme Rules and the Distribution licence issued under Section 20 of the Delhi Electricity Reforms Act for deciding the matter of tax. advertisement Also Read: Jung with Jung: 4 reasons why Kejriwal will move Supreme Court over tussle with L-G Arvind Kejriwal loses 'Jung' with BJP in Delhi High Court: L-G administrative head --- ENDS --- Betsy Davis suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease held a final gathering her closest friends and relatives before becoming one of the first Californians to take a lethal dose of drugs under the state's new doctor-assisted suicide law for the terminally ill. By India Today Web Desk: In early July, Betsy Davis emailed her closest friends and relatives to invite them to a two-day party, telling them: "These circumstances are unlike any party you have attended before, requiring emotional stamina, centeredness and openness." And just one rule: No crying in front of her. The 41-year-old artist with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, held the gathering to say goodbye before becoming one of the first Californians to take a lethal dose of drugs under the state's new doctor-assisted suicide law for the terminally ill. advertisement "For me and everyone who was invited, it was very challenging to consider, but there was no question that we would be there for her," said Niels Alpert, a cinematographer from New York City. Photo: AP "The idea to go and spend a beautiful weekend that culminates in their suicide - that is not a normal thing, not a normal, everyday occurrence. In the background of the lovely fun, smiles and laughter that we had that weekend was the knowledge of what was coming." Davis worked out a detailed schedule for the gathering on the weekend of July 23-24, including the precise hour she planned to slip into a coma, and shared her plans with her guests in the invitation. More than 30 people came to the party at a home with a wraparound porch in the picturesque Southern California mountain town of Ojai, flying in from New York, Chicago and across California. One woman brought a cello. A man played a harmonica. There were cocktails, pizza from her favorite local joint, and a screening in her room of one of her favorite movies, "The Dance of Reality," based on the life of a Chilean film director. Photo: AP As the weekend drew to a close, her friends kissed her goodbye, gathered for a photo and left, and Davis was wheeled out to a canopy bed on a hillside, where she took a combination of morphine, pentobarbital and chloral hydrate prescribed by her doctor. Kelly Davis said she loved her sister's idea for the gathering, which Betsy Davis referred to as a "rebirth." "Obviously it was hard for me. It's still hard for me," said Davis, who wrote about it for the online news outlet Voice of San Diego. "The worst was needing to leave the room every now and then, because I would get choked up. But people got it. They understood how much she was suffering and that she was fine with her decision. They respected that. They knew she wanted it to be a joyous occasion." Davis ended her life a little over a month after a California law giving the option to the terminally ill went into effect. Four other states allow doctor-assisted suicide, with Oregon the first in 1997. advertisement Opponents of the law in lobbying against it before state legislators argued that hastening death was morally wrong, that it puts terminally ill patients at risk for coerced death by loved ones and could become a way out for people who are uninsured or fearful of high medical bills. Marilyn Golden of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, said her heart goes out to anyone dealing with a terminal illness, but "there are still millions of people in California threatened by the danger of this law." Davis spent months planning her exit, feeling empowered after spending the last three years losing control of her body bit by bit. The painter and performance artist could no longer stand, brush her teeth or scratch an itch. Her caretakers had to translate her slurred speech for others. "Dear rebirth participants you're all very brave for sending me off on my journey," she wrote in her invitation. "There are no rules. Wear what you want, speak your mind, dance, hop, chant, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me. OK, one rule." advertisement During the party, old friends reconnected and Davis rolled in and out of the rooms in her electric wheelchair and onto the porch, talking with her guests. At one point, she invited friends to her room to try on the clothes she had picked out for them. They modeled the outfits to laughter. Guests were also invited to take a "Betsy souvenir" - a painting, beauty product or other memento. Her sister had placed sticky notes on the items, explaining each one's significance. Wearing a Japanese kimono she bought on a bucket-list trip she took after being diagnosed in 2013, she looked out at her last sunset and took the drugs at 6:45 p.m. with her caretaker, her doctor, her massage therapist and her sister by her side. Four hours later, she died. Friends said it was the final performance for the artist, who once drew pictures on a stage with whipped cream. "What Betsy did gave her the most beautiful death that any person could ever wish for," Alpert said. "By taking charge, she turned her departure into a work of art." Her guests agreed to meet again on her birthday in June to scatter her ashes. --- ENDS --- advertisement By India Today Web Desk: We have agreed upon it time and again--India is an incredible country to travel to. Not only because of its natural vastness, but also because it is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and experiences it offers to travellers. And when the best of all that if offered to a traveller at a single source, the experience is heightened to a different level altogether. advertisement This can be best done by hotels and resorts, which act as homes away from homes for someone who has travelled long distances to explore our country right unto its roots. The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts group has been awarded as the World's Best Hotel Brand for the second time in a row by Travel+Leisure USA. Every year, Travel+Leisure gives out the World's Best Awards, which are based on an annual survey done by the publication, wherein readers, on the basis of their own travel experiences, share their opinions and ratings on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts' feat has been credited beautifully by Stephanie Wu of Travel+Leisure as she writes, "In 1922, 24-year-old Mohan Singh Oberoi landed a job as a hotel clerk at the Cecil in Simla, India. From that position, an empire grew. "Oberoi rose to manager of the hotel's sister property, then persuaded the British owner to sell it to him, mortgaging his wife's jewelry to finance the deal. In 1934, his company became known as Oberoi Hotel & Resorts. Still family-run, it now encompasses 30 luxury hotels--and for the second year in a row, has been named the best hotel brand in the world by Travel + Leisure voters." The Oberoi group has 30 hotels across India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Dubai and has built a reputation for itself by providing unparalleled service and experience to its guests. If you think the Oberoi group is the only who has made a mark in the World's Best list, here's a pleasant surprise for you. The Leela Palace, Hotels and Resorts has been earned the fifth position in the list of 15. This just goes to show how capable this country is to charm a traveller. And the hotels simply carry out their full responsibility. Earlier this year, Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace was named the best hotel in the world by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 2016. Also read: 5 things that make Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace the Best Hotel in the World Given below is the entire list of the World's Best Hotel Brands as announced by Travel+Leisure USA: #1 Oberoi Hotel & Resorts #2 Oetker Collection #3 Aman #4 One&Only Resorts #5 The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts #6 The Peninsula Hotels #7 Capella Hotels & Resorts #8 Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts #9 Commune Hotels & Resorts #10 Dorchester Collection #11 Belmond #12 Langham Hotels & Resorts advertisement #13 Auberge Resorts Collection #14 St. Regis #15 Rosewood Hotels & Resorts --- ENDS --- Although present-day Venus is a hellish place, NASA scientists speculate that ancient Venus may have had Earth-like atmosphere capable of sustaining life for two billion years. By India Today Web Desk: Scientists with NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia University have revealed a mind blowing fact about the Earth's toxic planetary neighbor, Venus. Present-day Venus is a hellish place with sweltering surface temperature touching 460 degree Celsius and surface pressure is about 90 times that of Earth, but NASA scientists suggest that billions of years ago the picture may have been entirely different. advertisement According to NASA's climate model which is similar to the one used to study climatic change on Earth, the atmosphere of Venus may have been more akin to Earth. More than four billion years ago, the planets formed at the same time. The two planets were also composed of the same material, but the major difference was their proximity to the sun and thus Venus embarked on a different evolutionary path. Venus also has a high ratio of deuterium to hydrogen atoms, a sign that it once housed a substantial amount of water, that evaporated over time because of close proximity to the sun. But a few billion years ago the sun might not have been very harsh, allowing for a relatively cool Venus, which could possibly sustain life. NASA's 198 pioneer mission, first revealed that Venus may have had ocean waters. This graphic compares surface temperatures and gravity on Earth and Venus. The two planets are similar sizes and have similar gravity - but Venus is bone dry, and its average surface temperature in Fahrenheit is more than 10 times higher than Earth's COURTESY: NASA.gov This graphic compares surface temperatures and gravity on Earth and Venus. The two planets are similar sizes and have similar gravity - but Venus is bone dry, and its average surface temperature in Fahrenheit is more than 10 times higher than Earth's COURTESY: NASA.gov With the available information, scientist based their research on the theory on the speed of the planet's rotation on its axis.Venus has a notably slow rotation rate. A day on Venus is equivalent to 117 days on Earth. "At its current rotation period, Venus's climate could have remained habitable until at least 715 million years ago. These results demonstrate the role rotation and topography play in understanding the climatic history of Venus-like exoplanets discovered in the present epoch," the researchers wrote in the abstract of Geophysical Research Letters. Was Venus Habitable While Earth Was A Snowball 715 Million Years Ago? https://t.co/adnGQikAg2 pic.twitter.com/E5lx3cH2x8 Fraser Cain (@fcain) August 8, 2016 Venus in nicknamed the Earth's evil twin for a reason, almost every aspect of it's atmospheric condition stands exactly opposite to Earth, this mystery about Venus different evolutionary path had baffled scientist for years. To strengthen their research, "the team suggests a future mission to Venus should look out for signs of water-related erosion near the equator," reports the New Scientist. NASA is currently weighing up two potential Venus projects but neither has been confirmed. advertisement Scientists are not ruling out the fact that Venus could have once supported life. But , the mere thought is enough to give one the jitters. via GIPHY --- ENDS --- Till around 5 pm on August 6, when Vijay Rupani was declared the 16th chief minister of Gujarat, all indications were that the chosen one was Nitin Patel. Even Rupani, who had celebrated his 60th birthday just four days previously, appeared convinced that Patel would be the party's choice. Indeed, when the latter arrived at Kamalam, the BJP state headquarters, he was received by workers as the CM-designate. So certain did Patel's elevation seem, local television channels were already interviewing his wife for her reaction. Patel was outgoing CM Anandiben Patel's choice to be her successor. But it took Prime Minister Narendra Modi till the last minute to make up his mind. He told Amit Shah, the party president, that Rupani was the man for the job. Shah is widely acknowledged to have been in Rupani's corner, for he admires the soft-spoken but efficient manner in which the minister for transport and labour in Anandiben's government gets things done. advertisement It seems there were some tough political calculations behind Modi and Shah's surprise choice. Though a Patel, Anandiben had proved unable to contain the community's agitation for reservations. She had also failed to consolidate the non-Patel voters, most of whom were repelled by the violence of their methods. What went in favour of Rupani (also the current Gujarat BJP president), is that he's a skilled negotiator, with an impressive track of winning elections for the party. More importantly, he has no political baggage weighing him down; there's no animosity against him, either among the Patels or the OBCs. It's part of Rupani's appeal for both Modi and Shah, especially in the run-up to the crucial assembly elections next year. This has arguably been the most testing period for the state BJP in the past 25 years, marked by the disenchantment of the Patels and the Dalits, who together comprise about 23 per cent of the population of Gujarat. Two examples help demonstrate why so much faith has been placed in Rupani's understanding of electoral and party matters. During the 2007 assembly polls, Rupani was in charge of both Saurashtra and Kutch. The media speculation was that the Patels of Saurashtra had turned against Modi and that the BJP was set to lose one of its assured bastions. On the eve of the polls, Rupani told a journalist that the BJP would win 42 of the 57 seats. In the event, the party won 43. Five years later, when former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel resigned from the BJP and launched his own Gujarat Parivartan Party, Rupani urged Modi to take no notice of the hype, assuring him that the BJP would win at least 35 seats from the region. The party did exactly that. Rupani, a long-time party loyalist, has had a relatively meteoric rise in electoral politics. He won his first elections as recently as 2014, nominated by the BJP to contest the Rajkot West seat vacated by Vajubhai Vala, who had been appointed Karnataka governor. In November the same year, he was appointed to the cabinet. And by the following February, he was the BJP state president. Rupani might have become an MLA in 2014 but otherwise he is among the senior-most leaders of the Gujarat BJP. He was a student ABVP activist, going to jail as a 19-year-old for protesting against the Emergency. He was an RSS worker and has been associated with the BJP since its inception. Rupani has served on various committees in Gujarat, been the general secretary of the BJP's state unit on a number of occasions, and is also an ex-chairman of the Gujarat Tourism Board. He was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012. advertisement Rupani is also Gujarat's first Jain chief minister. The community forms but one per cent of the state's population, so the decision to pick him is also being interpreted by many as a nod to the Centre's decision in January 2014 to recognise Jainism as a minority religion and confer upon Jains a legally distinct status. Rupani ticks all the right boxes, or at least enough of them to smooth over any objections over his lack of administrative experience (that said, good governance is Modi's key mantra, and many sceptics feel it will weigh on the new CM). His first significant test will come in January with the 'Vibrant Gujarat' global investment summit, the event which catapulted Modi to national prominence. A BJP observer says all eyes will be on Rupani then because "a good party and election strategist doesn't necessarily mean a good administrator. Modi was a great exception". advertisement For all his lack of experience, though, Rupani began his innings on a confident note, inducting eight new, young faces in his 25-member ministry. Nine members from Anandiben's administration have been dropped, including senior ones, necessary shock treatment, insiders say, to break up vying power centres and send out a message of a unified command. While Nitin Patel has been appointed deputy CM and given important portfolios, among those axed is finance and power minister Saurabh Patel. This is a major surprise, as he has long been considered one of Gujarat's most efficient ministers, a mainstay of the cabinet and a force behind its exemplary power reforms. Saurabh Patel's exit has raised eyebrows in an otherwise 'balanced' ministry, in terms of age, caste and regional representation. Already there is speculation that not having Saurabh Patel on his side could end up hurting Rupani. Patel has the confidence of captains of industry, some of whom have privately expressed dismay. Who, many are asking, will oversee the Vibrant Gujarat summit, in which he has earlier played such a key role? Patel, reportedly, was dispensed with as a sop to Anandiben, who attributed many of her troubles to his alleged non-cooperation. He was also seen as a cold technocrat who could not connect with party workers. But few deny his abilities and there is some speculation that Modi might make use of him in Delhi. advertisement For all the cachet of the Vibrant Gujarat summit, though, Rupani's biggest challenge will be bringing the Patels back into the BJP fold. It will be the severest examination of his vaunted negotiation skills. Nitin Patel, despite his disappointment in not being made CM, will be an important ally in this task. The Patels in rural Gujarat, who account for about two-thirds of the community votebank, have practically revolted against the BJP over the reservation agitation. The heavy-handed treatment of protesters during the August 2015 stir, the sedition charges against its leader Hardik Patel and his nine-month stint in prison, have all played a part in this. The BJP's shocking reversals in the November 2015 district and taluka panchayat elections were clear evidence of the Patels' disenchantment. Despite a court order to stay out of Gujarat for six months, Hardik, living in Udaipur now, is still a considerable presence. When Rupani was made CM, Hardik was quick to comment that the BJP "had insulted the Patels by projecting Nitinbhai as CM and then dropping him like a hot potato". He demanded that "Nitinbhai resign in protest". These are not the rants of a frivolous youth but the comments of a caste leader who drew a frighteningly big crowd in Surat when he got bail in the sedition case against him last month. A threat to the BJP and Rupani, he cannot be underestimated. The other big problem for Rupani is the rising Dalit anger. Even as the decision about Anandiben's replacement was being made, a Dalit padyatra from Ahmedabad to Una, site of the flogging last month of community youth by gau rakshaks, was announced to "awaken people to the atrocities against Dalits in the BJP's model state". There has been so much pressure on the party since footage of the flogging was aired that Modi himself has had to make a sternly-worded statement disavowing the vigilantes. While Modi's intention was to assuage the feelings of Dalits, part of the outcome has been the alienation of sections of the Sangh Parivar. The VHP Gujarat unit is unrepentant. "The prime minister himself," the organisation stated, "eulogised the gau rakshaks when he was CM in Gujarat." The RSS, however, came out in support of Modi's statement. The 'PD problem', as the Patel-Dalit issue is referred to in party circles, will be a tricky one to handle for Rupani. Political analyst Vidyut Thakar says the selection of a non-Patel CM will end badly for the party. "The BJP national leadership," he says, "is courting electoral death by selecting a non-Patel CM. The Patel vote will shift en masse to the Congress." Japan Pathak, another analyst, disagrees. "Rupani," he counters, "is an excellent negotiator and he knows how to call elections. He can't be written off. Nor can you write off the Gujarati sentiment for Modi. They cannot let down a man they believe to be one of the state's four jewels, alongside Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai." But by selecting Rupani, is the BJP gambling on winning the election without the Patel vote? A substantial section of the OBC and even high-caste voters in rural areas are disenchanted with the Patels. They believe their demand for reservations is frivolous, given their economic status. If the Patels refuse to come on board, Rupani might be able to capitalise on the anti-Patel sentiment. He is well-connected in the OBC communities of Saurashtra and has ensured they are well represented in the ministry. Rupani, though, will not be drawn out on either the Dalits or the Patels. He maintains that the "main task is to intensify the healing process and focus on a development-oriented polity by taking forward the prime minister's message. 'Sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas' is our model." If Rupani is a careful public figure, his personal life offers evidence of a more relaxed, fun-loving side. He fell in love and married Anjali Bakshi after they met as young ABVP workers (her parents were also closely connected with the RSS). He's also an avid traveller. Rajkot-based media baron Kirit Ganatra says Rupani "enjoys leading an exciting life. He has a zest for life, the energy needed to succeed". He will have to call on all that and more to succeed in his new role. Bureaucratic corruption in Gujarat has increased since Modi's departure. Part of Rupani's challenge will be to clean up the state again. The rival Congress party is confident that changing CMs at this late stage will make little difference. Party spokesman Manish Doshi describes it as a "game of musical chairs. It will not save the BJP. The writing is on the wall, the BJP's 2017 defeat is certain". Nothing, of course, in politics is certain, as both Rupani and Nitin Patel will attest. Follow the writer on Twitter @UdayMahurkar --- ENDS --- The Indian Army permits deployment of a soldier in Siachen for a maximum period of three months. In high-risk areas of the glacier such as Bana Post this limit is of 30 days. The army unit deployed in the region is rotated after every six months. By Manjeet Negi: Since 1984, over 1013 soldiers have lost their lives. From 1971 to 2007, 13 Indian Air Force pilots have attained martyrdom while performing their duty in Siachen, world's highest battlefield. The Siachen glacier is the highest battleground on the earth. The minimum temperature in the region can dip to -50 Degree Celsius or -140 Degree Fahrenheit in winters. Both India and Pakistan have maintained their military presence in the region since 1984. Both countries have lost hundreds of their military men. Ironically, most of the soldiers have died due to extreme weather conditions in the region. advertisement The Indian Army permits deployment of a soldier in Siachen for a maximum period of three months. In high-risk areas of the glacier such as Bana Post this limit is of 30 days. The army unit deployed in the region is rotated after every six months. THE TREACHEROUS FLIGHT TO SIACHEN We were told that it would be a treacherous ride to Siachen. We decided to experience the difficulties our soldiers encounter frequently while guarding country's forward most military post. It took us about an hour to reach Siachen from Leh airbase in MI-17, one of the most advanced choppers in the Indian Air Force. The IAF uses the newly inducted Cheetal choppers, a more advanced and powerful version of the Cheetah, to take jawans to forward bases, some of them located as high as 22,000 feet, spread across the region from the Siachen base camp. These choppers are lifeline for our jawans posted in the tough terrains of Siachen and flying them are some of IAF's most experienced pilots. "We can not wait here for long as the weather is getting bad," our pilot Squadron leader Mayank Paliwal told us as he dropped the supplies meant for jawans posted at one of the bases in Siachen. The helicopter took off again for the base camp soon after. LESSONS LEARNT FROM TRAGEDY After the February avalanche tragedy in which 10 soldiers were buried alive under huge enormous walls of ice, the Indian Army has made substantial changes in the training manuals of the jawans who are supposed to be posted at Siachen. "We have learnt some lessons after losing our 10 brave men in that tragedy. Changes have been in training procedures also we have acquired some latest gadgets and radars which will enable to trace and locate our men in case they are buried under snow," said Lieutenant Colonel S Sengupta, CO, Siachen Battle School. WATCH VIDEO HERE --- ENDS --- The AG held the view that such law is not really compatible with EU law because it envisages a mechanism that, contrary to Articles 2 and 3 of the InfoSoc Directive, gives approved collecting societies - rather than authors - the right to authorise the reproduction and the representation in digital form of out-of-print books. In my comment to the Opinion, I highlighted how the law on out-of-print books might not be the only case of potential incompatibility with EU law. In particular, in early July France introduced Loi No 2016-925 on la liberte de la creation, l'architecture et patrimoine (freedom of creation, architecture and cultural heritage), which introduces new provisions into the French Intellectual Property Code (IPC) to regulate the publication of a plastic, graphic or photographic work by an online communication service. In particular, new Article 136-2(1) IPC provides that t he publication of a plastic artwork, graphic or photographic work by an online communication service is subject to the consent, not of authors, but rather ... one or more collective management organisations (CMOs) appointed to this end by the French Ministry of Culture. But what are the exact principles and provisions governing the arrangement envisaged by new Article 136-2 CPI? Is there really a risk of incompatibility with EU law? Olivia Klimis Katfriend(senior counsel at De Gaulle Fleurance & Associes, ), with the help of Nicolas Lescot (also at De Gaulle Fleurance & Associes), provides a thorough and thoughtful analysis. working between Brussels and Paris and specialising in IP and EU law The great ride of [French] posterity (B Roubaud) Here's what Olivia writes: "As readers of this blog already know [ here and here , on 7 July last the French Parliament passed the Bill no 2016-925 on freedom of creation, architecture and cultural heritage . Article 10 quater introduces Articles L 136-1 to L 136-4 into the IPC which provide for the compulsory collective management of copyright on images displayed by search engines. The exact meaning of Article L. 136 of the IPC Article L.136-2 of the IPC can be translated as follows: The publication of a plastic artwork, graphic or photographic work from an online communication service shall entail the right of reproduction and the right of representation [i.e. communication to the public] of this work by automated images referencing services to be managed by one or several [collective management organizations] approved to this end by the Ministry of Culture. In the absence of designation [of a CMO] by the author or his successors in title at the work publication date, one of the CMOs is deemed to be in charge of the management of those rights. I.[i.e. communication to the public] II. The approved [CMOs] are solely entitled to conclude any agreement with automated images referencing services operators to authorize the reproduction and representation of plastic artworks, graphic or photographic works by these services and perceive the corresponding fees according to article L. 136-4 . The agreements concluded with the operators shall also specify how the operators will comply with their obligations to provide the CMOs with the works exploitation records and any information necessary to the distribution of the fees to the authors or their successors in title. [Article L. 136-4 provides that the remuneration scheme and terms of payment will be set in agreements between CMOS and referencing services operators or, in the absence of such agreements, by a commission composed equally of representatives from CMOs and referencing service operators]. This means that the referencing and display by search engines of all plastic artworks, graphic or photographic works made available online [by whom? The author? The law does not say] is subject to the consent, not of authors, but of one approved CMO [whether it was appointed by the author as his or her representative of not] . The CMO will set the remuneration scheme in agreement with the search engine operator, calculate the fees based on the records that will be sent by those operators regarding all copyright protected uses and distribute the fees collected to the authors. This provision is another example of the French cultural exception . Whether it actually protects French culture, by depriving authors of the possibility to decide how they want to manage their rights and making their content more difficult to find, remains to be seen. Can the French Senate crow louder than the EU legislator? The corridors of power How the French Senate passed article 10 quater When Article 10 quater was submitted to the Parliament, it was the subject of tremendous debates, rejected several times by the National Assembly at the request of government and restored each time by the Senate [see in particular here and here The French government opposed to that provision on the ground that it was contrary to EU law, in particular Svensson and the limitations of liability provided by the E-Commerce Directive . In their view, that question should be discussed in the context of the European copyright package. The senators rebelled against the state of EU law regarding search engines and the slowness of the European Commission to address boldly the Google issue across Europe. In their view, it was urgent to protect artists and in particular photographers against misappropriation of theirs works by search engines. Article 10 quater was finally passed following a trade-off between the National Assembly and the Senate on several provisions of the Bill Contrariety to EU law As a matter of fact, Article L. 136 IPC appears to be incompatible with both the InfoSoc Directive and the E-Commerce Directive . First of all , the compulsory collective management system provided violates the requirement set by Article 2(a) and Article 3(1) of the InfoSoc Directive of a prior express consent by the author for any reproduction and communication to the public of his work. As highlighted by AG Wathelet s Opinion in Marc Soulier , that consent is an essential prerogative of authors and, in the absence of EU derogating legislation, a tacit consent cannot be presumed. This harmonized rule applies not only to the assignment of rights stricto sensu but also to the collective management thereof (see previous post here ). HOW to record copyright-protected uses by search engines?!? Secondly , by automatically empowering the CMOs to collect fees on behalf of the authors, Article L. 136 IPC is incompatible with Article 3 (1) of InfoSoc Directive whether in its current interpretation by the CJEU in Svensson and BestWater here and and here or in its potential future interpretation following AG Wathelets Opinion in GS Media publicly (and lawfully according to Svensson) available online, the referencing of the work by the search engine is not an act of communication to the public and thus may not be subject to the payment of a fee ; Either the work is(andaccording toavailable online, the referencing of the work by the search engine isan act of communication to the public and thus access to the work online is subject to restrictions which are circumvented by the search engine (or is unlawfully made available according to Svensson), the referencing is an act of communication to the public and thus requires the authors prior express consent . Oraccess tothe work online iswhich are circumvented by the search engine (or isaccording to), the referencingan act of communication to the public and thus Moreover, since search engines usually display the results as thumbnails , this implies a resizing of the pictures, ie an adaptation which might also require the author prior express consent under the right of reproduction (Article 2 (a) of the InfoSoc Directive ). As observed during the debates at the Parliament, this question has not yet been clarified by the CJEU, so that the hyperlinking saga is far from over. Last but not least , having search engines pay for all natural results displayed by their automated referencing services appears to be incompatible with the safe harbour set by Article 14 of E-Commerce Directive , as interpreted by CJEU in Google France Aufeminin case. Here, the resizing of images was held to be an automated technical act required by the functionnality of the search engine. The qualification of Google Images as a hosting service was acknowledged by the Paris Court of Appeal and French Supreme Court in thecase. Here, the resizing of images was held to be an automated technical act required by the functionnality of the search engine. A Google Images Kat worried of being tracked by a French CMO Aufeminin case. And how to record copyright protected uses in practice? Not even the CJEU is quite sure about what is lawful or not. In the absence of notifications by right holders, the recording obligation may place an excessive burden on search engines and therefore be contrary to Article 15 of the E-Commerce Directive , as interpreted in the SABAM/Netlog case. This is supported by the Supreme Court judgment in thecase. Do we have to worry? Whatever the CJEU decides with regard to hyperlinking in the future, it seems that the French legislator will not find a way to justify Article L. 136 IPC under EU law. The only escape is through the creation of a new provision in the copyright package, which could be inspired from the private copying levy system ( Article 5.2 (b) of the InfoSoc Directive ). In the absence of EU derogation, the implementation of Article L. 136 IPC, which requires agreements to be found between CMOs and referencing services operators, will likely face practical difficulties. In particular, it can be expected that search engines operators will not agree to pay a levy which is contrary to EU law. In fact, similar initiatives regarding press content in Spain and Germany even led Google to de-reference national newspapers or even deactivate its Google news service." Ultimately, the Iranians aspire to achieve 50 billion dollars annually in foreign investment. At the same time, they have complained that the potential for the countrys large-scale economic recovery has been constrained by ongoing economic aggression on the part of the United States, which continued to enforce terrorism and human rights-related sanctions, even though nuclear-related sanctions were lifted in January under the Iran nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The Iranian criticisms have alleged that the US is violating the spirit of the agreement. Furthermore, Tehran insists that the US should be doing more to encourage European investment in the Islamic Republic. However, many Western officials and analysts, especially those who opposed the nuclear agreement, believe that the White House has done more than is required of it under the JCPOA, and that it is incumbent upon Tehran to institute reforms that will make foreign investment easier. The new oil investment contracts may be a step in this direction, as some Western firms were reportedly waiting for the Iranians to reveal their terms before they seriously explored the benefits of doing business with Iranian entities. But even in the wake of those contracts, some Western firms still face reputational consequences for possibly doing business with Iran, which is widely regarded as the leading state sponsor of terrorism, as well as having a notoriously poor human rights record. Various human rights organizations feel that the US and its allies have been prone to neglecting these issues in the interest of preserving the nuclear agreement or gaining access to Iranian markets. And this argument is particularly salient among Western lawmakers and experts who opposed the nuclear agreement in the first place. On Wednesday, the Huffington Post published an article that explored the changing relationship between the US and Iran in the wake of the JCPOA. The article gave voice to the criticisms without specifically endorsing them, and then made the case that, for better or worse, the nuclear agreement is a political reality, and perhaps one that will last for some time to come. Although some critics of the deal have advocated for its cancellation, the Huffington Post article takes the position that Western policymakers should use the new relationship between Iran and the US as an opportunity to employ new methods for holding Iran accountable for its illicit activities. Those illicit activities, and certainly those of them that are related to human rights, have been in sharp focus in recent days. There have been numerous reports of mass executions, as well as extensive discussion of the execution of a nuclear scientist who was the focus of dubious accusations of spying for the US. The National Council of Resistance of Iran was keen to point out that these executions have been taking place at the same time of year in which an estimated 30,000 political prisoners were executed by the Iranian regime in 1988. The NCRI reported on Wednesday that audio recordings from that time period had recently surfaced featuring Hossein-Ali Montazeri, who had been the heir apparent to Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, but who lost his status and was essentially ousted from the regime when he criticized the 1988 massacre. The audio recordings provide new details about Montazeris comments to the members of the death commission that was tasked with sentencing political prisoners to hang. The greatest crime committed during the reign of the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us, has been committed by you, Montazeri said. Your [names] will in the future be etched in the annals of history as criminals. He added that the arbitrary nature of the executions meant that the entire legal system of the Islamic Republic was at fault. The recordings also revealed that the massacre, which was focused upon the dissident group the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, had been planned for some time by hardline factions including the Ministry of Intelligence. That same ministry remains a driving force behind much of the regimes suppressive activities to this day. And recent stories of that repression suggest that, notwithstanding certain changes in the relationship between Iran and the US, little has changed about Irans actual behavior since the early days of the Islamic Republic. Reports still emerge on a fairly regular basis describing the execution of Iranian political prisoners. Apparently one of the latest such incidents was the execution of Mohammad Abdollahi, a Sunni Kurd who was accused of being a member of armed, anti-government groups. Although he was previously acquitted of those charges, Abdollahis case was later reopened by the revolutionary court, in violation of Iranian law. He was executed on Tuesday alongside four persons convicted of drug offenses. Now, according to the Kurdish news source Rudaw, Abdollahis family is being denied the right to reclaim his body, in keeping with the harshly punitive actions sometimes taken against the families and associates of political prisoners. On Wednesday, the NCRI website posted a video of the 11 year-old daughter of another prisoner, Bahman Rahimi, explaining that she was deprived of a final visit to her father, and was instead taken without warning to view his corpse after he had been hanged. Similarly, the mother of the executed nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri told reporters that she had had no advance knowledge of her sons death sentence, and was taken to visit him the day before he was hanged, only to be told by Shahram himself that it was their last meeting. In the 1988 recordings, Montazeri is heard to complain that some of the individuals executed in the summer massacre were apparently innocent of any crime and were condemned merely on the basis of their relationship with other persons who had been sentenced to death. The recent attacks on the families of political prisoners further buttress the claim that little has changed in the ensuing 28 years. Khastar, who resides in Mashhad in northwestern Iran, was imprisoned three times for his political and civil activities. In an interview with Al-Arabiya he said that human rights conditions have deteriorated drastically, and called on the civil society for support in stopping executions, massacres, and daily violations against activists as well as people from different social categories. He also condemned Tehrans interference in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the regions other countries, and said Arabs and Muslims must know that the Iranian people want to live with them in peace. He said, The government in our country does not care about human rights at all. For example, the regime does not allow free elections at the teachers union or at non-governmental organizations here in Khorasan and other provinces, although these organizations were established 13 years ago when president Mohammed Khatami was in power. There arent even the simplest forms of freedom in Iran and the government does not grant citizens any of their basic rights. You may get arrested and imprisoned for organizing a simple cultural activity. If you see me free now, its because they dont want to create an uproar like what happened previously when I was detained by the intelligence apparatus. Theyve reached the conclusion that they should release me because keeping me in prison would cause them trouble in the international arena and on the media front. But if they do decide to imprison me again, nothing can stop them from doing so. He talked about the recent mass executions of 25 Sunni Kurdish activists, which coincided with the anniversary of the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in 1988. All dictatorships across the world resort to murder and assassination as a means to spread terror and fear so that people do not take to the streets demanding their rights. These governments practice terrorism to silence their citizens and our country is not an exception. The elimination of political prisoners in 1988 was an unprecedented crime in the last 200 years of Irans history. It was a horrific massacre that made people wonder and ask what is this hardship that has plagued our country? I condemn these mass executions which happened against our brothers from the Sunni sect and everyone condemns these executions that happened in mock courts that resemble dark rooms. When asked for his thoughts about whether or not the accusations against the Sunni activists was fabricated, he responded, I have said several times that the authorities in our country do not respect basic human rights and that Iranian ethnic groups, particularly Kurds, have been greatly persecuted. If certain activities happen in Shiite areas in the country, judicial rulings against the perpetrators are lenient while in Sunni areas, such as Kurdish ones, the rulings are strict and can range from many years in prison and can go as far as execution. He added, I was imprisoned with 12 Sunni preachers in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and I witnessed how they were tried and sentenced to between two years and 10 years in prison on flimsy charges. When I got to know them and learnt about their cases, I found out that they havent committed any crime to be punished. When speaking about his own, as well as other activists work, exposing prisoner violations, he said, Primarily, I think we must work as per our moral duties. We are not asking our friends or the Iranian people to risk their lives but I have several times said that if it hadnt been for these activities which exposed these violations, the regime would have skinned us and displayed our bodies in schools to set us as an example to others. The work done by human rights activists and political activists makes the government pay a high price for its suppression and so we are trying not to be an easy target for the government. He also said that he has done everything I can to defend those who fight for the sake of freedom, democracy and promotion of human rights in Iran so that the government does not easily crush them. When an activist is detained, we spread this news in media outlets so that the government cannot do whatever it wants against them, like what happened with the Sunni preachers. Silence and not spreading the news about their cases allowed security forces to persecute them, away from the public eye. Looking toward the future, he was optimistic, saying, Civil activity among Iranians has become very strong. They do not harbor ill will towards others and want to be friends with the people in the region. We condemn our rulers interferences in Syria and their support of the Assad regime and we condemn their interferences in Yemen and Iraq. The civil society in Iran has become strong and it will strengthen democracy. We want to build our country and also want to have ties of brotherhood and friendliness with neighboring countries. In reference to condemnation by International Community, he said that its not enough. Theres no doubt that condemning these executions is a very good thing but its not enough. The world must help the Iranian people. We dont want to tell the outside world what to do but at the same time, we want the international community to choose the path which does not harm the people of Iran. The Iranian people have reached a high degree of political awareness and they know the path they should take. They no longer buy the ruling regimes tricks. They reject all these executions and detentions. For example, people held a massive reception for the families of the two teachers imprisoned on political charges but we did not spread any news about this out of fear the security forces will harass them. However, this courageous move by the people was greatly welcomed inside and outside Iran. The Iranian people will choose paths that lead them to democracy and freedom at the lowest costs. We call on the world to support the demands of the people and to support them via the means they deem appropriate without any harm befalling the people. This will certainly be in the interest of stability in the region and the world. he concluded. Any call for appeasement, in regards to Iran, should be dismissed by Congress, according to Kia, and continued sanctions should be held against the leaders behind these human rights violations. President-elect, Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) condemned the August 2 mass execution of Sunni prisoners as an appalling crime against humanity. She declared, The mullahs anti-human regime carried out the mass execution of our Sunni brothers on the anniversary of the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. They are trying in vain to contain the volatile social atmosphere and popular protests by terrorizing the public. Iranian communities all over the world are marking the 28th anniversary of the 1988 massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners in Iran over one summer. Theyve pledged to raise awareness about Irans shocking human rights record. Last weeks mass execution was one of the worst in recent times, when at least 20 Sunni Kurds, were hanged at Gohardasht (Rajaie Shahr) Prison in Karaj, west of Tehran. The victims maintained their innocence through solitary confinement and torture. Kia says, Iran is known for its skyrocketing number of executions and obtaining coerced confessions through torture and other banned methods. The mullahs have also proved their sickening enthusiasm of sending juveniles to the gallows, all in violation of international laws and respecting no bounds in this regard, according to Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Program Director of Amnesty International. International law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Iran is a state party, absolutely prohibits the use of death penalty for crimes committed when the defendant was below 18 years of age. Yet apparently this is a pretext Iran refuses to respect. Among those executed, Shahram Ahmadi had spent nearly three years in solitary confinement, and was sentenced to death after a five-minute trial, and without access to a lawyer. In a statement from United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein, he condemned the mass execution as a grave injustice, and expressed his doubts that these individuals received a fair trial. A series of global condemnations from a number of international organizations followed this terrible act. President Rouhinis regime stands accused of launching these executions with sectarian objectives. Demands for a halt to human rights violations have been issued. The International Federation of Human Rights Societies and Center of Human Rights Advocate made separate statements condemning the execution of Sunni prisoners in Iran. According to Amnesty International executed 977 in 2015, 44 of them were convicted drug traffickers, who were hung in the span of just two days in 2009. This was one of the countrys largest mass executions to date. International law limits the application of the death penalty to the most serious crimes, like intentional killing. In Iran, human rights advocates are imprisoned for protesting against the death penalty. This, since the moderate Rouhani came to power. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, said in his statement to the UN Human Rights Council Session 31- on March 14, 2016, At least 966 persons the highest rate in over two decades were executed in 2015. At least 73 juvenile offenders were reportedly executed between 2005 and 2015. In the past two years alone, 16 juvenile offenders were executed. In their practice of executing juveniles the mullahs have illustrated yet again their callous disregard for human rights. 160 individuals remain in torment on death row in prisons spanning across Iran for crimes allegedly committed during their juvenile years. says Kia. Its ironic that these executions occurred just as the European Union is reported to be suggesting human rights negotiations with Iran. Kia says, Any reasonable party figures Iran would at least consider halting executions prior to such talks. However, this proves once again that Iran takes serious only a brazen and decisive language. This should also serve as a lesson on how Iran disregards and in fact abuses any interceding measures and has refused to budge on any of its old tactics after the much boasted historic nuclear agreement. These killings last week bring to mind the massacre of 28 years ago when 30,000 political prisoners were killed in August 1988. The perpetrators have not yet been brought to justice. Azimfar says, The prisoners were killed arbitrarily without a trial while some had already ended their prison terms. On the anniversary of the 1988 massacre, Iranians affiliated with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) planned 3-day hunger strikes in several European countries including UK, Germany, Holland, Sweden and Norway to call for an end to executions in Iran. The human rights situation in Iran is deteriorating. According to Azimfar , The regime has decided to brutally silence any voice of opposition to safeguard its grip on power. Mullahs know very well that they are facing an extremely discontented and explosive society and for them execution is a means of terrorizing people to keep their mouths shut. Of course they hide their crimes under the banner of Islam but today it is very clear that their brutality has nothing to do with Islam. There seems to be no remorse. Mohammad-JavadLarijani, Secretary of Irans Human Rights Staff, who represents Iran in Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, wrote to the High Commissioner for Human Rights on August 7, criticizing him for his condemnation of recent executions in Iran. The letter read, Death Penalty is not a human rights issue. Rather, it is an issue related to the judicial and penal system and it is a tool for prevention of very serious crimes. He further added: This is the right of every state to choose its own judiciary, penal, legal, economic, political and social systems without other states interfering with it. As reported by Tasnim News Agency on August 3, his brother, Sadeq Larijani, Head of Irans Judiciary, declared that the Iranian foreign ministry may start a mutual negotiations on human rights issues with European states if and only if they accept criticisms of the Iranian regime on issues like arrest. Azimfar says, Surely, this regime is nowhere near the point it can be negotiated with on human rights issues. To negotiate on human rights subject with a regime which over the past 37 years has halted death penalty under no circumstances, has had over 120,000 political executions and only under its so-called moderate president has executed more than 2500 people, would definitely send a weak signal to Tehran that it can go on with the killings with no objection from Europe. It is appropriate to note that hangings went on in Iran even on the days when the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited Iran in April 2016. In the face of human rights and democracy issues, Europe should take the opportunity, in the coming Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2016, to denounce the executions in Iran and to pre-condition any negotiations or relations with Iran to an immediate end to executions. It would also be a good time for the UN Security Council to investigate the 1988 massacre, which has gone unpunished crime for too long. [August 11, 2016] Fitch Affirms College Station ISD, TX ULT's at 'AA+'; Outlook Stable Fitch Ratings has affirmed College Station Independent School District, Texas (the district) unlimited tax (ULT) debt at 'AA+' as follows: --$273 million outstanding ULT bonds, series 2007, series 2009, series 2010, series 2011, series 2014 and series 2016. In addition, Fitch has affirmed the district's Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'AA+'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY The bonds are payable from an unlimited ad valorem tax levied against all taxable property within the district. The series 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016 bonds are further backed by the PSF bond guaranty program, rated 'AAA' by Fitch. (For more information on the Texas Permanent School Fund, see 'Fitch Affirms Texas PSF Rating at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable', dated Aug. 5, 2015). KEY RATING DRIVERS The 'AA+' IDR reflects the district's strong operating profile, supported by solid expenditure flexibility, expectations for robust revenue growth, and exceptionally strong gap-closing capacity. Fitch expects the long-term liability burden to climb given plans for additional debt issuance, but remain within the moderate range in the medium term. Economic Resource Base The district is located in east-central Texas approximately 90 miles equidistant from Houston and Austin, serving a 2014 population of approximately 109,000. District enrollment of approximately 12,970 in fiscal 2016 has steadily increased over the past four years, with growth rates ranging from approximately 4% to 7%. The primarily residential tax base has reflected similarly steady growth, increasing 6% and 7% in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. The district serves the city of College Station, which is home to Texas A&M University, the flagship campus of the Texas A&M University System (system revenue bonds rated 'AAA', Stable Outlook). Revenue Framework: 'a' factor assessment Fitch expects the district to realize strong revenue growth going forward, consistent with trends of the past five years. The district's legal ability to raise revenues is limited. Expenditure Framework: 'aa' factor assessment The natural pace of spending growth is expected to exceed revenue gains over the immediate term given the district's current mode of fast growth. Solid expenditure flexibility incorporates management's control over headcount and salaries within the annual budget cycle, as well as moderate carrying costs. Long-Term Liability Burden: 'aa' factor assessment Currently 16% of personal income, Fitch expects the district's long-term liability burden to increase slightly based on future debt issuance plans to accommodate enrollment growth and related capital needs. Operating Performance: 'aaa' factor assessment Fitch expects the district's financial profile to remain strong through an economic downturn based on sizeable reserves and sound expenditure flexibility. RATING SENSITIVITIES Maintenance of Financial Flexibility: The rating is sensitive to material changes in the district's solid expenditure flexibility and ample reserve levels, which Fitch expects it to maintain through a typical economic cycle. Long-Term Liabilities: A material increase in the long-term liability burden could pressure the rating. CREDIT PROFILE The area economy benefits significantly from the presence of Texas A&M University, whose fall 2015 enrollment surpassed 58,900. The university's growth continues to drive area economic expansion and housing development. The district's tax base has exhibited strong growth over the past four years, increasing by approximately 23% from fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2016 to reach $7.8 billion. Management has indicated that preliminary values for fiscal 2017 continue this positive trajectory and projections for annual enrollment growth over the next four years average a solid 3.7%. Revenue Framework Funding for public schools in Texas is provided by a combination of local (property tax), state and federal resources. The state budgets the majority of instructional activity through the Foundation School Program (FSP), which uses a statutory formula to allocate school aid taking into account each district's property taxes, projected enrollment, and amounts appropriated by the legislature in the biennial budget proces. The vast majority of districts are funded using a target revenue approach, whereby the combination of local and state funding for operations meets a predetermined per pupil amount (which varies from district to district). Approximately 82% of district revenues come from property taxes, with the remainder made up of state aid. The small level of state support is a function of the district's high property wealth levels. District revenues have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 4% over the last decade, performing just above U.S. GDP growth. Fitch expects the natural pace of district revenue growth in future years to be similar to historical performance, given current enrollment trends and expectations for continued enrollment growth in future years. The district's independent legal ability to raise revenues is limited, as the current maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate of $1.04 per $100 taxable assessed value (TAV) would need voter authorization to be increased to the statutory limit of $1.17. Management reports no current plans to do so. The district levies a separate, unlimited debt service tax rate of $0.3229 per $100 TAV, well below the statutory cap of $0.50 per $100 TAV that cannot be exceeded for new debt issuances. Expenditure Framework Similar to other school districts, instructional costs are the district's largest spending responsibility. Fitch expects the natural pace of spending growth will likely exceed revenue gains over the near to medium term, as the district brings on new facilities and personnel to meet projected student growth. The district's workforce costs are quite manageable given the lack of group/collective bargaining and short employment contracts. Additionally, carrying costs for debt service, pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) are a moderate 17% of fiscal 2015 governmental spending. Carrying costs benefit from state support for the vast majority of school district pension and OPEB costs. Fitch expects carrying costs to increase slightly with anticipated new debt issuance in the coming years. Long-Term Liability Burden The district's long-term liability burden is moderate at 16% of personal income, with about 56% comprised of the district's outstanding debt load. Capital needs to accommodate future student growth indicate that debt levels will likely climb in future years; the pace of amortization is average at 42% in 10 years. The district participates in the Texas Teachers Retirement System (TRS), a cost-sharing multiple employer pension system. Under GASB 67 and 68, TRS' assets covered 83.3% of liabilities (using an 8% return assumption) as of fiscal 2015, a ratio that falls to 75% using a more conservative 7% return assumption. The state assumes the majority of TRS' employer contributions and net pension liability on behalf of school districts, except for small amounts which state statute requires districts to assume. Like all Texas school district's, the district is vulnerable to future policy changes that shift more of the contributions and liabilities onto districts as evidenced by a relatively modest 1.5% salary contribution requirement, effective in fiscal year 2015. The proportionate share of the system's net pension liability paid by the district is minimal. Operating Performance Fitch expects the district to retain a high level of financial flexibility during an economic downturn given its sound expenditure flexibility and healthy reserves. The district's fiscal cushion has remained very strong over a period of several years of somewhat uneven operating performance. Unrestricted general fund reserves oscillated between 33% and 50% of spending from fiscal years 2009 to 2015. During this period, budgets were pressured by increased operating costs associated with the opening of new schools, as well as state funding cuts. Management anticipates a modest general fund operating loss for fiscal 2016 (about $1 million or 1% of spending) reflecting start-up costs for new schools, including additional staff, and a 2% pay increase. Fitch expects the district's reserves will remain well above its 20% minimum fund balance policy. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. In addition to the sources of information identified in the applicable criteria specified below, this action was informed by information from Lumesis and InvestorTools. Applicable Criteria U.S. Tax-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 18 Apr 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=879478 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1010276 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1010276 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160811006074/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 11, 2016] Fitch Affirms San Angelo ISD, TX's ULT Bonds at 'AA' Underlying; Outlook Stable Fitch Ratings has affirmed the ratings on San Angelo Independent School District, TX (the district) bonds as follows: --Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'AA'; --$107 million outstanding unlimited tax general obligation (ULT) bonds at 'AA'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY The bonds are payable from an unlimited property tax levied against all taxable property within the district and are further backed by the Texas Permanent School Fund bond guaranty program, rated 'AAA' by Fitch. (For more information on the Texas PSF bond guaranty program see 'Fitch Affirms Texas PSF Rating at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable', dated Aug. 5, 2015.) KEY RATING DRIVERS The 'AA' IDR reflects the district's stable and diverse economic resource base and sound overall financial profile. The district's strong operating profile is supported by considerable expenditure flexibility, expectations for solid revenue growth, and strong gap-closing capacity. Stable enrollment performance is expected to require limited capital spending beyond projects currently underway. As a result, the district's very low long-term liability burden is expected to remain favorable. Economic Resource Base The district encompasses approximately 200 square miles in Tom Green County, serving a 2015 population of approximately 100,000 residents. Enrollment of approximately 14,500 students has grown modestly in recent years. Taxable assessed value (TAV) has exhibited moderate growth that is likely to continue, given the stable and fairly diverse regional economy. Revenue Framework: 'a' factor assessment A combination of local property taxes and state aid supports district operations. Revenue growth is expected to continue, given historical performance and modest enrollment growth forecasts. The district's legal ability to raise revenues is limited. Expenditure Framework: 'aa' factor assessment The natural pace of spending growth is expected to remain in line with or modestly above that of revenues, given manageable near-term capital needs and current enrollment trends. The district's low carrying costs reflect state support for debt service and retiree benefits, bolstering spending flexibility. Long-Term Liability Burden: 'aaa' factor assessment The combined burden of long-term debt and pension liabilities absorbs a very small share of local personal income. Fitch expects debt levels to remain affordable, given the district's use of current resources to fund capital needs. Retiree benefit obligations do not represent a significant burden on the district. Operating Performance: 'aaa' factor assessment The 'aaa' operating performance assessment reflects the district's strong reserve funding levels relative to Fitch's expectations of revenue sensitivity, and a significant level of spending flexibility in the event of revenue declines. RATING SENSITIVITIES Maintenance of Financial Flexibility: The rating is sensitive to material changes in the district's currently strong expenditure flexibility and sound reserve levels, which Fitch expects it to maintain through a typical economic cycle. Draws on reserves beyond those currently expected could result in downward rating pressure. CREDIT PROFILE Revenue Framework Funding for public schools in Texas is provided by a combination of local (property tax), state and federal resources. The state budgets the majority of instructional activity through the Foundation School Program (FSP), which uses a statutory formula to allocate school aid taking into account each district's property taxes, projected enrollment, and amounts appropriated by the legislature in the biennial budget process. The vast majority of districts are funded using a target revenue approach, whereby the combination of local and state funding for operations meets a predetermined per pupil amount (which varies from district to district). Approximately 57% of district operating revenues come from state aid, with the remainder generated by local property tax revenues. The substantiallevel of state support is a function of the district's modest property wealth levels. Enrollment, which is a key component of state funding, has registered some volatility over the last decade, but has remained stable in recent years. Expectations for future revenue growth will hinge largely on enrollment trends, as the district's tax rate for operations cannot be increased without voter approval. District revenues have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 2.4% over the last decade, performing modestly above national CPI and below GDP growth. Fitch expects the natural pace of district revenue growth in future years to mirror historical performance, given the expectations for future enrollment performance. The district's independent legal ability to raise revenues is limited, as the current maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate of $1.04 per $100 TAV would need voter authorization to be increased to the statutory limit of $1.17. Management reports no current plans to do so. The district levies a separate, unlimited debt service tax rate of $0.20 per $100 TAV, less than one-half the statutory cap of $0.50 per $100 TAV that cannot be exceeded for new debt issuances. Expenditure Framework The district spends most of its operating budget on instruction, while also funding some annual capital outlay from general fund resources for maintenance and repairs on facilities. Fitch expects the natural pace of spending growth to remain commensurate with revenues absent policy action, given generally stable enrollment and manageable capital needs. The district's significant expenditure flexibility reflects substantial control over workforce costs, and very low carrying costs for debt service, pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) of 6.7% of fiscal 2015 governmental spending. Carrying costs benefit from state support for both debt service and the vast majority of school district pension and OPEB costs. Long-Term Liability Burden The district's long-term liability burden is very modest at 4.5% of total personal income, and is made up almost entirely by the district's slow-amortizing outstanding debt load. The district's limited capital needs indicate that debt levels will likely remain low for the foreseeable future. The district participates in the Texas Teachers Retirement System (TRS), a cost-sharing multiple employer pension system. Under GASB 67 and 68, TRS' assets covered 83.3% of liabilities as of fiscal 2015, a ratio that falls to 75% using a more conservative 7% return assumption. The state assumes the majority of TRS' employer contributions and net pension liability on behalf of school districts, except for small amounts which state statute requires districts to assume. Like all Texas school districts, the district is vulnerable to future policy changes that shift more of the contributions and liabilities onto districts--as evidenced by a relatively modest 1.5% of salary contribution requirement effective in fiscal year 2015. The proportionate share of the system's net pension liability paid by the district is minimal. Operating Performance The district has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining financial flexibility. Budgeting is conservative, and management has been proactive in maintaining operational balance throughout economic cycles. The district is using general fund resources to fund capital projects and anticipates reducing fund balance to approximately $30 million, or a still strong 28% of fiscal 2015 spending, in the next few fiscal years. Fitch expects that reserves at planned levels would still provide the district with a solid financial cushion to weather future revenue declines. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. In addition to the sources of information identified in the applicable criteria specified below, this action was informed by information from Lumesis and InvestorTools. Applicable Criteria U.S. Tax-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 18 Apr 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=879478 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1010282 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1010282 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160811006138/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 11, 2016] Large Format Printer Market by Ink Type, Printing Technology, Print Width, Application and Geography - Global Trends & Forecast to 2022 LONDON, Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Large format printer market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% between 2016 and 2022" The global large format printer market is expected to reach USD 8.42 billion which includes both hardware and after-sales services, and the market is expected to witness a shipment of 398.3 thousand units by 2022, at a CAGR of 3.0% and 4.4%, respectively, between 2016 and 2022. The growing demand for wide page width printing in textile, advertising is the major driver for the growth of the market. "Signage application to remain the leading segment in terms of value of the large format printer market during the forecast period" Signage applications such as indoor signs, shop branding, indicators, and large corporate emblems are the major adopters of large format printing as large format printing provides very high visibility. Although digital signage is expected to penetrate into the print market, a large portion of the market is still likely to rely on print-based wide format printing; hence, the signage is expected to remain the leading application in terms of value during the forecast period. "Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period" The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest rate in the overall market by 2022. The combination of multiple factors make Asia-Pacific the most dynamic region in the large format printer market. Asia-Pacific has some of the fastest-growing emerging economies, namely, India and China; it also has technologically and economically advanced economies such as Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, there are many countries within Asia-Pacific which are witessing rapid urbanization and high growth in organized retail and advertising; hence, the overall growth and demand for large format printing is higher in APAC compared to Europe and North America. One of the major factors in favor of the Asia-Pacific region is that many developing economies are yet to take to digital signage and other forms of digital outdoor advertising in place of print-based signage and advertising. In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments of the large format printer market gathered through the secondary research, extensive primary interviews have been conducted with key people. The breakup of the profiles of primary participants is shown below: - By Company Type: Tier 1 20%, Tier 2 45%, and Tier 3 35% - By Designation: C-Level Executives 35%, Directors 25%, and Others 40% - By Region: Americas 45%, Europe 20%, APAC 30%, and RoW 5% The geographic segmentation in the report covers the four major regions of the world, namely, Americas, Europe , APAC, and RoW. The report also profiles major players in the large format printer market. Some of the major players in this market are HP Inc. (U.S.), Canon Inc. ( Japan ), Epson ( Japan ), Ricoh ( Japan ), Mimaki ( Japan ), Roland DG Corp. ( Japan ), Xerox (U.S.), Konica Minolta ( Japan ), Agfa-Gevaert ( Belgium ), and EFI Inc. (U.S.) Reasons to Buy the Report: This report caters to the needs of leading companies, industries, component manufacturers, and other related stakeholders in this market. Other parties that could benefit from the report include government bodies, environmental agencies, consulting firms, business development executives, C-level employees, and VPs. Our report would help analyze new opportunities and potential revenue sources and enhance the decision-making process for new business strategies. The quantitative and qualitative information in the report, along with our comprehensive analysis, would help a player to gain a competitive edge in the market. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4046913/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/large-format-printer-market-by-ink-type-printing-technology-print-width-application-and-geography---global-trends--forecast-to-2022-300312739.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 12, 2016] Manipal Global Organizes Product Management Round Table With Industry Stalwarts BANGALORE, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Round Table by Manipal Global Academy of Information Technology (MGAIT) - Attended by Over 20 thought leaders from both large multinational companies (such as Adobe, Bosch, CISCO, Intel, Philips, and Samsung) and successful start-ups (such as EdgeVerve, Myntra, Nudgespot, and more) - Thought leadership on developing an industry-relevant product management program, proposed by MGAIT - Product managers hailed as 'CEOs of Products' and the 'Proxy Customers' - Product management education identified as 'need of the hour' - The '5I Framework' of product management introduced by MGAIT In a first-of-its-kind initiative, senior leaders from prominent companies across industries assembled at the Product Management Round Table organized by Manipal Global Academy of Information Technology (MGAIT) to build thought leadership on product management training in the Indian IT ecosystem. The round table brought together the best minds from the industry to synergize ideas over the Product Management Program, proposed by MGAIT. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397677 ) The round table aimed to understand the future of the product management roles and to develop a program that ensures both an industry-relevant curriculum and experiential learning. Over 20 senior leaders from organizations such as Adobe, Bosch, CISCO, eBay, Intel, Myntra, Philips, Samsung, and more, shared their rich experiences in product management, and then engaged in an hour-long brainstorming session. During the session, the participants tackled key questions around product management: its scope in the IT industry, the competencies essential for upcoming product managers, and its growth in the Indian context. The participants then mapped their requirements of the product managers' competencies with the proposed program curriculum and pedagogy, at the end of which MGAIT took back valuable inputs on developing a program that is truly industry-relevant. Akshay Bharadwaj, Senior Product Manager at Adobe Systems, sai, "India has the opportunity to build products for a worldwide audience. So the opportunity is definitely there and the aspirations are high." Jobs in India for product management have grown radically over the past few years. LinkedIn had listed more than 20,000 product management jobs in the last year, with Google alone posting close to 1,000 positions. Sharing his insights on the growing product management space, A. P. Ramabhadran, Sr. Vice President, Manipal Global Education Services, said, "Traditionally, manufacturing, sales or marketing heads move up the ladder to hold leadership positions in organizations. However, in the past decade, we have seen consumer-oriented technology managers attain key roles in an organization's senior management. Such is the scope in product management that we shall soon witness a wave of product managers becoming CEOs, and our endeavor at MGAIT is to provide excellent product management education to the leaders of our future." All the participants shared their enthusiasm towards MGAIT's effort to build a pioneering program in product management, a field that is yet to receive formal education. They also appreciated MGAIT's approach in collaborating with industry practitioners in developing the program, and said that this initiative is unique and in the right direction towards creating a skilled pool of product managers. Ruchi Tandon, Deputy General Manager, Samsung R&D Institute, shared her happiness towards the initiative, saying, "It is great to see an academic leader such as MGAIT taking the necessary steps towards up-skilling the new age product managers. An engagement like this will boost the efforts to serve the cause of product management, which is a need of the hour." Vivaswan Shastri, Sr. Manager - Advanced Services, CISCO, added, "It was a fruitful meet with thought leaders from diverse industries adding fresh perspectives to the product management field. It is good to see MGAIT looking into this area, which hasn't got enough attention so far." The event commenced with Dr. Yogesh Kumar Bhatt, Vice President and Director of MGAIT, briefing about the endeavors of Manipal Global Education in the areas of enterprise learning - Manipal Academy of Banking, GlobalNxt University, Manipal ProLearn, and Manipal Global Academy of Data Science to name a few, and the transformational programs that MGAIT offers for IT professionals, both at entry level, and for middle to senior level roles. Arvind Thothadri (Vice President - Digital Solutions), Bhaskaran Srinivasan (Director of Academics), Dr. Ravindra M. P. (Advisor) and R. N. Prasad (Consultant) were among the other hosts from MGAIT at the event. About Manipal Global Academy of Information Technology Manipal Global Academy of IT (MGAIT) offers cutting-edge learning solutions for the rapidly evolving Information Technology industry. Backed by Manipal Global Education Services, a pioneer in higher education and allied services, MGAIT faculty comprises veteran academic and IT industry professionals and practitioners who are constantly upgrading their own skills. They are supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, the latest technology and a well- equipped, 77,000 square feet academic campus, with hostel facilities. MGAIT offers customized programs across various levels of the IT spectrum. Entry level offerings include pre-joining programs and intensive boot camps for several streams, including Java, Android, .NET, Mainframes and Testing. Role-based training programs such as Architect Readiness Program, Architect Leadership Program, Product Management Program, Project Management Program and Leadership Development programs, as well as Work Integrated Learning programs have been designed for middle to senior level professionals in the IT industry. This initiative is backed by the Manipal Global mantra of empowering talent and transforming lives. Media Contact: Priyanka Bali [email protected] +91-9620562361 PR Consultant Integrated Brand-Comm Pvt Ltd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 12, 2016] Africa Set to Become One of the Leading Outsourcing Destinations for IT services, Says Technavio According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the IT outsourcing market in Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 7% during the forecast period. This research report titled 'IT Outsourcing Market in Africa 2016-2020' provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This market research report also includes an up to date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions. Africa continues to remain one of the prominent destinations for outsourcing of IT services. Africa's distinctive business environment encourages organizations to outsource their IT function to the IT service providers in African countries. Government organizations and BFSI organizations are the early adopters of IT outsourcing services in Africa. Request sample report: http://goo.gl/9aDIHG The report categorizes the IT outsourcing market in Africa into four major end-user segments. They are: Government BFSI Telecommunications Healthcare Government Government spending on technology is increasing to attract investors from numerous countries across the globe. Public sector IT outsourcing contracts are grabbed by many players in the market to provide IT services for government offices. Investors from numerous countries are looking for investment opportunities in Africa to explore the emerging and untapped market. "Ease of doing business in Africa will improve owing to government support and IT investments that will provide a suitable business environment. Consequently, the number of IT outsourcing deals will also increase. The government's effort to enhance urbanization and increased demand from various industry verticals are acting as a catalyst to boost the growth of IT outsourcing market," says Amit Sharma, a lead analyst at Technavio for ITO and BPO research. BFSI The banking and financial services sector are the early adopters of IT outsourcing services in African countries. IT outsourcing services are implemented in the banking services to enhance the bank database management systems. The banking sector struggles with financial turmoil and non-performing assets. Implementation of IT in the banking sector is helpin banking organizations to cut their IT cost and increase cash reserves. Banking services are also facing challenges to manage the enormous amount of customer data, financial data, and other bank-related data. Outsourcing of IT function to the third-party service provider helps to reduce the complexities of database management system and thus is an increasing practice in the BFSI sector. Ghana's Fidelity Bank, one of the largest banks in Ghana, has partnered with IBM (News - Alert) to manage its technology infrastructure and services. This five-year deal will help the bank to deliver advanced customer services and secure its reputation in West Africa. Similarly, Ingenico, the payment solutions provider, bagged a contract with local value added reseller African Resonance and Standard Bank, a major Pan-African banking group and one of the four major acquiring banks in South Africa. This partnership will help in implementing an innovative outsourcing business model for the group. Ingenico and African Resonance together will provide an end-to-end secure management of services to Standard Bank. With this contract Standard Bank will optimize the management of their payment services like hardware, software, installation, remote management, device swap, warranty, and repairs. Telecommunications The increasing ICT spending in the region for the revamping of communication systems will extensively increase the IT outsourcing activities. The growth in the telecom industry in the African market is in a transitional phase and set to increase IT spending in the upcoming years. The telecom operators in the region are targeting to increase their subscriber base with the adoption of innovative telecom systems and enhanced support services. This will lead to more IT outsourcing contracts to the service providers for the implementation of technologies such as WiMAX (News - Alert) at a reasonable price, so as to control the cost. Healthcare The healthcare sector in Africa requires technology support for the advanced patient care system and accordingly technology spending in the healthcare sector will increase. IT services such as data center services, healthcare information systems, and supply chain and logistics will attract more investment and outsourcing deals. Hospitals and super-specialty clinics usually outsource their IT function to services providers to reduce the cost of the in-house IT department. "Recently, some major hospitals in Africa have adopted advanced healthcare IT systems such as electronic health record and radiology information system," says Amit. The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's ICT research analysts in this report are: Accenture (News - Alert) CSC HP IBM Browse Related Reports: Global General and Administrative Outsourcing Market 2016-2020 Global Healthcare Business Process Outsourcing Market 2016-2020 Global Business Process-as-a-service Market 2016-2020 Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact [email protected] with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005149/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] MATTOON Mike Hurm has joined First Mid Insurance Group as a senior solutions representative. In his new role, Hurm will work with Medicare eligible customers, providing tailored insurance programs to fulfill their medical health insurance, long-term care and asset protection needs. With more than 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Hurm most recently owned and operated MKH Insurance Services in Decatur. He increased Medicare product portfolios with the corporate sales department at Dansig, Inc., and served as a sales agent with Illiana Insurance Agency, which was acquired by First Mid Insurance Group in 2015. Im extremely pleased to have Mike assume an integral role on our team, stated Clay Dean, CEO, of First Mid Insurance Group. He has invaluable experience and a track record of pursuing growth and providing high level customer service to his customers. His expertise and commitment enables him to make significant contributions to the future success of First Mid Insurance Group. Hurm earned an associates of science degree from Olney Central College and is an associate member of the Central Illinois Estate Planning Council. CHARLESTON -- A man was sentenced Thursday to serve 30 months of probation after being found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in a collision that critically injured a woman. William L. Beck, 21, of Effingham also was sentenced to comply with several other penalties, including paying $34,406 in restitution to the injured woman and serving additional time in the Coles County jail. The Oct. 25, 2014, collision on Illinois Route 16 east of Charleston injured Alyssa Camp of Kansas, who was 17 at the time. The sentencing hearing on Thursday included the reading of a victim impact statement by Camp's mother, Kim Downs. She talked about how her daughter has undergone a long series of surgeries and physical therapy sessions because of her injuries, and has been dealing with memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder. Downs said her daughter, once active and outgoing, is currently unable to go to college or work at a full-time job. "You changed my daughter forever," Downs said as she directly addressed Beck in the courtroom. "Your family will get you back, all of you." Downs said she wants to forgive Beck, but has been angered because she feels he has never indicated that he is remorseful about the accident. She said she also believes that Beck will drive while intoxicated again. "I hope that God has mercy on anyone whose path that you cross. I truly believe you are a ticking time bomb," Downs said. She also said she is frustrated by the agreement reached between the prosecution and defense to recommend that Beck get probation, but not a prison sentence. Evidence presented at a stipulated bench trial in June indicated that Beck was intoxicated, speeding and driving without his car's headlights on when his car crossed the center line and collided head-on with the one driven by Camp. Instead of a jury trial, Beck opted for a stipulated bench trial. At that type of trial, prosecuting and defense attorneys agree to and outline the evidence with no testimony taking place, and a judge then decides on a verdict. Coles County Associate Judge Mark Bovard said during the sentencing hearing that he understands the anger felt by Camp's family and their desire for Beck to be severely punished. He spoke directly to Beck and told him to take the words in Downs' victim impact statement to heart. The judge, himself, described Beck's actions on the night of the accident as "immature," "idiotic," and "selfish," adding that his conduct was "criminal." However, Bovard said he must rule on a sentence based on the facts of the case and guidance of the law when dealing with this type of DUI accident case, including considering the chances for Beck to be rehabilitated and become a productive citizen. Bovard said Beck did not have a significant previous criminal record, has been meeting his requirements for alcohol counseling, has passed more than 30 random alcohol tests, and has expressed remorse about the accident while speaking with probation officers. He added Beck will have a felony conviction permanently on his record. Assistant State's Attorney Jesse Danley and defense attorney Lou Viverto agreed to recommend that Beck serve 180 days in jail, with credit for 50 days already served and the other 130 days stayed. Bovard modified this penalty by requiring that Beck report to the Coles County jail for four 48-hour weekend incarcerations this fall to keep him away from possible temptations to use alcohol during his first semester at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. Beck will be required to fulfill his probation requirements during his studies. After the hearing, Danley said the agreement for a stipulated bench trial resulted from the need to pursue justice for Camp while considering the mitigating facts of the case for Beck, as cited by the judge during the sentencing hearing. "This was not an easy decision for anybody," Danley said. MATTOON -- The school board approved a resolution pushing forward a proposed 1-percent county school facility sales tax referendum to be placed on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election at their meeting Tuesday. According to a Mattoon school district press release, an estimated $2.5 million annually for Mattoon schools would be generated from the tax if it were to pass. The board approved the measure 6-0. Board member Colleen Garner was absent, according to the press release. These funds would be used exclusively for maintaining and improving facilities along with paying off current school district facility debt, Mattoon Superintendent Larry Lilly said, as required by state law. The resolution states that the funds would be used to pay off the remaining facility debt on Riddle and Williams Elementary schools; pay off facility debt on the middle school and high school roofs; and begin improvements to district facilities as identified in life-safety and building needs plans. This would include work on security and safety improvements, flooring replacement, roof repair and replacement, electrical upgrades, HVAC system updates, outdoor lighting, facility upgrades, window replacement, disabled access, plumbing infrastructure, ceiling tile and lighting replacement and parking lot repair. Cars, trucks, ATVs, boats, RVs, mobile homes, most groceries, medicine, farm equipment and parts and farm inputs would be exempt from the tax. As previously reported, Lilly said the district has lost approximately $1 million dollars in state funds per year during the last six years, for a total of $5.8 million. To offset these reductions in general state aid, officials have had to cut numerous staff positions and have had to defer needed maintenance to the school facilities. Those facilities include Mattoon High School, Mattoon Middle School, Riddle, Williams, Hawthorne School, Franklin School, Humboldt School, Grant Park School, the Adult Education Building, the Administration Building and the Operational Services Center. Many of these buildings, aside from the Riddle and Williams schools, which were constructed 13 years ago, were constructed in the 1950s. In a press release, Kent Metzger, facilities engineer for Mattoon schools, said in one particular example, the electrical and plumbing at MHS, MMS, Franklin, Humboldt and Grant Park dates back to the 1950s. Galvanized plumbing, once considered modern, needs to be replaced, the release states, and because the buildings were built around the same time, issues arising in one building often eventually arise in others. Lilly said these repairs and maintenance of the schools are often big ticket items and the school district cannot count on what revenue from the state they get and when they get it. He said whatever the state promises is not always what the district gets. The referendum still needs to be certified by the regional superintendent, Bobbi Mattingly, to Coles County Clerk Sue Rennels. Lilly said a 2014 proposal for a countywide school facility sales tax for the Mattoon, Charleston and Oakland districts failed to win voter approval, but this referendum was placed on the ballot during a primary election. He said the general election will have a much larger turnout to potentially vote on the referendum. Nearly 40 counties in Illinois have adopted similar sales taxes for school funding, including local counties like Douglas, Shelby, Champaign and Macon counties, Lilly has said. Also Tuesday, the board approved a tentative balanced budget and scheduled a budget hearing for the Sept. 13 school board meeting, according to the release. Currently, the tentative 2017 budget has revenues exceeding expenses at $283,327 with a total revenue of $35.6 million. The numbers will probably change closer to the approval of the actual budget in September, the release states. SHELBYVILLE -- The Illinois legislatures decision to fully fund the states Department of Transportation has more than $3 million in long-delayed road and bridge projects in Shelby County getting underway. Weve just been waiting, said County Engineer Alan Spesard. Whats happening now is really unprecedented for Shelby County. We have $3.4 million in projects under construction right now. The road projects include a $1.6 million upgrade of the Oconee Road in western Shelby County and three bridges, including a $1 million bridge inside the city limits of Shelbyville. Spesard said the Shelbyville bridge over a railroad line, which has been closed, probably wont be operational until next spring. The bridge will be built still this year, he said. But it will be spring before the roadwork is completed and the bridge can be opened again. Spesard said a working IDOT budget also meant more opportunities for local road departments to receive grant funding. There are two grant projects opened that we are participating in, he said. One involves upgrades to roads with access to federal land, which we have because of Lake Shelbyville. Hopefully, well be able to do some of those improvements. County board member Dick Clark asked if anything could be done about the rough railroad crossing on Illinois Route 16 on Shelbyvilles east side. Spesard said the Illinois Commerce Commission had notified the Union Pacific Railroad that the crossing was subpar and must be repaired. I would expect to see that work happening very soon, he said. 1. Comments must not be racist, misogynistic, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted. 2. Comments must not involve little more than name-calling and insulting remarks. 3. Comments must not be made by "anonymous" or "unknown". 4. Comments must not try to sneak in some free advertising for themselves (like spam). I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published. Friday, August 12, 2016 The Perplexing Politics Of ART; Mayor Alienates Core Supporters While Eyeing His Political Future Mayor Berry This column is also running in the current edition of the Why would a Republican mayor alienate so many business-owning Republicans along Central Avenue, even as he floats the idea of running for the 2018 GOP gubernatorial nomination? After all, restaurant owners like Larry and Dorothy Rainosek, owners of the iconic Frontier, are major contributors to Republican causes and candidates. Ditto for Tom Tinnin, owner of a stretch of property near Highland High School and, like the Rainoseks, ardently opposed to No reliable polling has been done on how Berry's core GOP constituency feels about ART but it's not a stretch to say the overwhelming majority are opposed to the $119 million rapid bus project. Remember how they cheered in 2009 when then mayoral candidate Berry blasted Mayor Marty Chavez for proposing a "street car" down the very same stretch of Central where Berry wants to run ART buses? That anti-transit position was key to Berry going on to defeat Chavez. Berry's zealousness in completing ART over the strenuous objections of his own political base prompted this newspaper to editorialize that Berry was pushing through an ill-advised project because some of the millions of dollars earned by ART contractors will end up in Berry's future gubernatorial campaign kitty. Or maybe it will be a different kitty? Berry has so alienated his GOP base that the likely governor run of Lt. Governor John Sanchez and the possible candidacy of southern GOP Congressman Steve Pearce loom even larger for him. For Berry there are three choices: retire from politics, run for governor or seek a third term as mayor. Retirement does not seem to be in the cards as he is known to have widely talked of his political future. Running for governor is still on the table, but if Berry is serious he may be the only one in the room who sees a clear path to the GOP nomination in the aftermath of ART and the disastrous management of APD. Then there's mayor, a job he has said he would not seek again but that could be his most likely route, opines former ABQ city councilor and 2013 mayoral hopeful Pete Dinelli. He and other veteran politics watchers say the Democrats, the city council and the media have pretty much given Berry a free ride, enabling him to keep his approval rating above 50 percent. A run for governor could be ill-fated from the start as Berry would be subjected to vigorous attacks from the dominant conservative statewide wing of the GOP but not nearly as much if he sought a third mayoral term. Berry would no longer get a free ride from the Dems if he reversed course and sought four more years at City Hall, but Democrats are more likely than the R's to split the vote among themselves (as they did in 2009) giving Berry a head start in making a run-off election or securing the 50 percent of the vote necessary to avoid one. Then there's the matter of money. As he did in 2013, Berry would likely opt to privately finance his campaign, raising north of $1 million for next October's election. Some Democrats would try the same, but it's more difficult for them and a better bet is coming into their sights. The city council recently approved a measure that, if approved by voters, would nearly double the amount a publicly financed candidate could receive for a mayoral run from $362,000 to $630,000. That's a a fairly large sum that would enable a candidate to compete with Berry's seven figure treasury. The wrinkle is whether the Bernalillo county commission will place the measure on the November ballot. They meet to decide the issue later this month. If they decide they can't find space for it, getting it approved in time for next year's election gets complicated. There is yet another wrinkle in the politics of ART. If the project survives court challenges and construction begins in September, a year from now both the construction and the mayoral campaign will be fully underway. We'll know whether it caused the predicted traffic chaos and business failures. That outcome could have a large say in determining Berry's political future. This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2016 This column is also running in the current edition of the ABQ Free Press Why would a Republican mayor alienate so many business-owning Republicans along Central Avenue, even as he floats the idea of running for the 2018 GOP gubernatorial nomination? After all, restaurant owners like Larry and Dorothy Rainosek, owners of the iconic Frontier, are major contributors to Republican causes and candidates. Ditto for Tom Tinnin, owner of a stretch of property near Highland High School and, like the Rainoseks, ardently opposed to ART No reliable polling has been done on how Berry's core GOP constituency feels about ART but it's not a stretch to say the overwhelming majority are opposed to the $119 million rapid bus project. Remember how they cheered in 2009 when then mayoral candidate Berry blasted Mayor Marty Chavez for proposing a "street car" down the very same stretch of Central where Berry wants to run ART buses? That anti-transit position was key to Berry going on to defeat Chavez.Berry's zealousness in completing ART over the strenuous objections of his own political base prompted this newspaper to editorialize that Berry was pushing through an ill-advised project because some of the millions of dollars earned by ART contractors will end up in Berry's future gubernatorial campaign kitty. Or maybe it will be a different kitty?Berry has so alienated his GOP base that the likely governor run of Lt. Governor John Sanchez and the possible candidacy of southern GOP Congressman Steve Pearce loom even larger for him. For Berry there are three choices: retire from politics, run for governor or seek a third term as mayor.Retirement does not seem to be in the cards as he is known to have widely talked of his political future. Running for governor is still on the table, but if Berry is serious he may be the only one in the room who sees a clear path to the GOP nomination in the aftermath of ART and the disastrous management of APD. Then there's mayor, a job he has said he would not seek again but that could be his most likely route, opines former ABQ city councilor and 2013 mayoral hopeful Pete Dinelli.He and other veteran politics watchers say the Democrats, the city council and the media have pretty much given Berry a free ride, enabling him to keep his approval rating above 50 percent. A run for governor could be ill-fated from the start as Berry would be subjected to vigorous attacks from the dominant conservative statewide wing of the GOP but not nearly as much if he sought a third mayoral term.Berry would no longer get a free ride from the Dems if he reversed course and sought four more years at City Hall, but Democrats are more likely than the R's to split the vote among themselves (as they did in 2009) giving Berry a head start in making a run-off election or securing the 50 percent of the vote necessary to avoid one.Then there's the matter of money. As he did in 2013, Berry would likely opt to privately finance his campaign, raising north of $1 million for next October's election. Some Democrats would try the same, but it's more difficult for them and a better bet is coming into their sights.The city council recently approved a measure that, if approved by voters, would nearly double the amount a publicly financed candidate could receive for a mayoral run from $362,000 to $630,000. That's a a fairly large sum that would enable a candidate to compete with Berry's seven figure treasury. The wrinkle is whether the Bernalillo county commission will place the measure on the November ballot. They meet to decide the issue later this month. If they decide they can't find space for it, getting it approved in time for next year's election gets complicated.There is yet another wrinkle in the politics of ART. If the project survives court challenges and construction begins in September, a year from now both the construction and the mayoral campaign will be fully underway. We'll know whether it caused the predicted traffic chaos and business failures. That outcome could have a large say in determining Berry's political future.This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Links HOME E-MAIL ME About Joe Google News Real Clear Politics Huffington Post Drudge Report The Politico New Mexico newspapers NM TV stations Gov. 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Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ... The first time Yolonda Ross appears in The Get Down, her hair is straight and pulled back, shes wearing a printed blouse, large dangling earrings and big tortoise shell-rimmed glasses, the epitome of a 70s high school teacher. Well, maybe a shade more fashionable than the typical 70s teacher. Ms. Green (Yolonda Ross), Ezekiels teacher, who -- with her printed blouses, emerald green eye shadow and oversize glasses -- really does look like shed be at home on a Gucci runway, writes Fashionista.com. Thats getting noticed in a supporting part -- which is what the Omaha native plays in the Netflix series that debuted its first six episodes Friday. Ross, who studied fashion merchandising and worked in the fashion industry in New York before beginning her acting career, loved wearing the 70s era costumes in the series that takes West Side Story and flips it to recount the story of the birth of hip-hop. The series costume designer is Jeriana San Juan. I love that stuff, Ross said. Its (the 70s) my favorite time for everything, film, TVs, fashion. I have so much stuff of my own from that period. I used to shop at the second-hand stores all the time. I love the style from that time. Overall, everything was more artistic. People had more individuality. Landing a part in the series -- she appears in five of the first six episodes -- is another step forward for Ross, who played a small role in Antwone Fisher back in 2002, worked in TV and short films, then broke through with Go For Sisters, the 2013 John Sayles movie, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Last year, she played Whitney Houstons lover in the Lifetime TV movie Whitney and a detective in Kiss Me, Kill Me. But none of those pictures have had the visibility and hype of The Get Down. I can truthfully say I havent been more excited to be a part of a project, Ross said. Id say Stranger Inside my first one and this one. Its the time period. The movie, its like 70s TV. You get the feeling of watching TV from then. Its not a show from the 2000s set in the 70s. It feels like Archie Bunker should come on after it. And it is working with Baz. Hes all about the details. You do your work. He allows you to do your work as an artist and hes enhancing it. You know youre going to be taken care of. So youre able to do what you do. Seeing these young kids who are the main characters, theyre unstifled, which is wonderful to see. Its natural, its raw, its real. Baz would be Baz Luhrmann, the Australian director of Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, who created The Get Down and directed the 90-minute first episode. As anyone whos seen a Luhrmann production can instantly see, he doesnt deal with raw realism. Instead, Luhrmann pumps up the musical form, this time by incorporating footage from the 70s into the story that swirls around young wordsmith, Ezekiel (Justice Smith), the preachers daughter and aspiring disco diva he loves Mylene (Herizen F. Guardiola), wannabe DJ Shaolin Fantastic (Shameik Moore) and graffiti artist Dizzie (Jaden Smith). Theres a gang terrorizing the borough, a dance club run by a woman drug pusher, church choirs and underground hip-hop shows from Grandmaster Flash (Mamoudou Athie), whos a Yoda-like figure for Shaolin and Ezekiel. The real Grandmaster Flash, aka Joseph Saddler, is a The Get Down associate producer who opened up his crates to provide much of the music that permeates. Add in a corrupt but seemingly caring neighborhood politician, played by Jimmy Smits, and his brother, Mylenes abusively strict preacher father, played by Giancarlo Esposito, spin in a couple more subplots and the disco/hip-hop soundtrack and youve got a sprawling, kaleidoscopic picture that takes most of the first episode to come together and becomes more narrative in succeeding installments. To me, its taking reality and making it hyper reality in some ways, Ross said of the series, which she had not seen in its entirety at the time of the interview. In my shorts (films shes directed), when you are a young person you take the moment in, everything is heightened for you. Thats what this feels like. Ross, however, isnt playing young people anymore. Shes now a serious grown-up as Ms. Green, a role unlike any shes played before. Its a totally different role for me, Ross said. I really appreciate him putting me in the role because I represent the single woman during that time, which was a very important time for women with feminism getting going. Everyone else, all the other women, seem to be coupled off. The Get Down was shot in the Bronx and in a Brooklyn studio last year and earlier this year. Ross is hoping that Netflix will greenlight another season of what is reportedly the most expensive television series ever made at an estimated $180 million. But shes not sitting around waiting for that call. Shes working on getting funding for a film shes written and will direct that, she says, will have an A-list cast. Hopefully, by the end of the year, well be shooting it, she said. Im ready to go now. Ross has already been seen on lots of TV channels this summer. Shes the driver in Lost & Found a Cadillac commercial -- Id never done one before. Its a great product. For such a short time, one weekend, it was fun. I enjoyed the experience. Shes also continuing to make paintings like those she exhibited at a New Orleans gallery earlier this spring. Im creative, thats all it is, Ross said. Thats how I function. I paint. I write. I do a lot of thing. I sing. We had to sing to get on the show. Im not singing this season. But it could end up with me singing next season. That would be great. On Thursday, Conor Oberst will start his fall tour by stopping in Grand Island to play a free show. That's right, free. Oberst, who will release a new album, Ruminations, on Oct. 14, will be on his way to Lyons, Colorado, where hes going to be the Saturday night headliner at the 26th annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. The tour opener originally was set to be a one-off show, happening a month before the main tour started in California. Then the possibility of a show in Grand Island, Kearney or Hastings came up. Its a pretty cool thing, said Hear Nebraska Executive Director Andrew Norman. Conor reached out to us. He was looking for a show prior to the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. He wanted to kick off the tour in Nebraska. He wanted a Nebraska show and have it west of Lincoln. He wanted to see what greater Nebraska would think. So Hear Nebraska reached out to Knife & Fork Productions, the Grand Island production company it has worked with on the Good Living Tour and the ongoing Hear Grand Island weekly concert series. They jumped at it, Norman said. They were very excited about bringing him to Grand Island. It fits very well with what theyre doing to revitalize downtown Grand Island. They want to bring major cultural events there. That includes Conor Oberst. For Brent Lindner, who runs Knife & Fork with Sharena Anson, an Oberst show was an offer he couldnt refuse. I just about wet myself, Lindner said. I went, Yeah.' I think thats the proper response, isnt it? Then they said 'It may be a ticketed show, but what are your thoughts on a free show?' Of course, I said, Yes, well figure it out. "Weve had such good community and business support for Hear Grand Island, we thought we could do it. So we hit the streets. That was about six weeks ago. This week, Lindner was making the final arrangements for the show that will be at Prairie Pride Brewing Co. at 309 N. Pine St. in downtown Grand Island. Thats where Hear Grand Island has presented six shows this summer. According to his website, Oberst will perform songs from the album at a handful of special solo shows this fall at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Ryman Auditorium. So that's New York City, Nashville and now, Grand Island. Obert wrote and recorded Ruminations earlier this year in Omaha, where he spent the winter after living for most of the past decade in New York. I wasnt expecting to write a record, he says on the website. Winter in Omaha can have a paralyzing effect on a person but in this case it worked in my favor. I was just staying up late every night playing piano and watching the snow pile up outside the window. Next thing I knew I had burned through all the firewood in the garage and had enough songs for a record. I recorded them quick to get them down but then it just felt right to leave them alone. Doors for the all-ages Grand Island show will open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert set to start at 7:30 p.m. Those planning to attend the show can RSVP at Eventbrite.com. Hopefully, itll be well attended, Lindner said. Its hard to gauge. You look at his tour and its going to Austin City Limits, Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore, and some of those shows are already sold out. And hes starting it off in Grand Island, which I find pretty amusing. Sorry about that Lincoln and Omaha. Were really excited to have it here. The Jets and Sharks took over the stage Thursday evening as the Nebraska Wesleyan Theatre Department opened its new season with West Side Story at McDonald Theatre. James Hamrick and Liz Fichthorn played Tony and Maria, star-crossed lovers whose story is cut short by racial violence. Both Hamrick and Fichthorn delivered strong vocal performances and the highlight of the evening was their rendition of One Hand, One Heart. Other notable moments were delivered by Julia Wilkinson as Rosalia who sang, Somewhere, and was part of the America dance number. America and Dance at the Gym showed off the creative choreography by guest artist Hollie Howard. Unfortunately, much of the evening lacked the emotion and intensity audiences expect from the popular musical. Wesleyan has a reputation for delivering exceptional musical productions, and while the vocals and dancing did not disappoint, the acting fell flat. Some actors overplayed their parts and others seemed two-dimensional. Many had inconsistent, almost comical, accents. Director Jack Parkhurst wrote in his program notes that he chose to set West Side Story in the present, and described the setting as any neighborhood between mid-1950s and the present. It didnt work. It takes more than wardrobe and switching the gender of a few roles to change the setting of story. The lines and lyrics, originally penned in 1957, felt off-key when removed from that context. This was a rare miss for the Wesleyan Theatre Department. A federal appeals court on Thursday overturned one of the convictions of a former Lincoln man sent to prison in a synthetic drug dealing conspiracy. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict John Ways Jr. of being a felon in possession of ammunition but upheld his other convictions. A federal jury found him guilty of conspiracy to sell drug paraphernalia, distribute controlled substances and commit money laundering, plus the ammunition charge, in 2014. U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg said evidence showed that Ways operated "head shops" in Nebraska and Iowa called Exotica, including one in Lincoln, from about February 2010 to December 2012. The stores sold, among other things, drug paraphernalia and certain controlled substances including bath salts, herbal incense, K2 and aromatherapy. Ways, a previously convicted felon, also had 800 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition at one of his two residences, the evidence showed. A judge sentenced him to 15 years in federal prison in March 2015. Ways appealed. In the Thursday order, the appellate judges said the ammunition in question was found in a storage area of a Lincoln home where Ways' daughter and girlfriend lived. He stayed at the house, but it wasn't his primary address, the court said. "Though the evidence does establish that Ways had a connection to the residence and was present there, 'mere presence [in a house where contraband is located] is not sufficient to support a conviction for possession,'" the judges ruled. The ruling is unlikely to shorten the prison term Ways is serving at the federal prison in Pekin, Illinois. The trial judge gave him 10 years on the ammunitions charge but it was being served at the same time as a 15-year sentence which was upheld in Thursday's ruling. An Arizona man who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for taking sexually explicit photos and videos of underage boys in China said he did the same in Lincoln. Kelly James Morrow, 49, pleaded guilty in California to having more than 60,000 images of child pornography on his computer, according to court documents. Authorities found pornographic videos he had produced in a search of his belongings when he flew to Los Angeles from Singapore on May 26, 2015. Court documents dont say why Morrow was in China or why he returned. In his plea, Morrow also admitted to taking photos of a child younger than 12 on Dec. 14, 2014, in Lincoln. Documents dont say why Morrow was in Lincoln, and the incident was never reported to Lincoln police, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office or the Nebraska State Patrol, officials said. There are no criminal arrests or convictions for Morrow anywhere in the state. Morrow was sentenced in California Monday by U.S. District Judge S. James Otero. This defendant is a sexual predator who not only abused young boys he also documented his physical and mental abuse by taking thousands of pictures of his victims," said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Deck. "Just as Morrows photographs continued to victimize boys that he molested, his massive collection of child pornography victimized every one of the hundreds of child abuse victims depicted in those images. State troopers arrested a man and woman Thursday afternoon after a high-speed chase from Kansas spilled over into Southeast Nebraska, the Nebraska State Patrol said. Kansas Highway Patrol alerted Nebraska that a Hyundai SUV they were chasing about 2:30 p.m. was headed into Nebraska on U.S. 75, Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins said in a news release. A Nebraska trooper tried to stop the SUV in Richardson County, then gave chase when it didn't stop, she said. Troopers ended the chase just south of Auburn as speeds hit more than 100 mph, she said. The SUV continued north, with the Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter and the Nebraska State Patrol's plane following it, she said. Spike strips flattened the SUV's tires just south of Plattsmouth and it came to a stop near the intersection of Osage Ranch Boulevard and U.S 34/75 junction. The driver, Donnell Johnson, 30, Sunrise, Florida, and his passenger, Brijeth Garcia, 22, Orlando, Florida, got out and ran, Collins said. Johnson tried to get into several vehicles on a nearby car lot before being taken into custody inside the Woodhouse Ford dealership. Garcia was caught after she ran into a field near where the vehicle stopped, Collins said. The Nebraska State Patrol continues to investigate the incident in conjunction with Kansas authorities. Johnson and Garcia were taken to the Cass County jail in Plattsmouth, Collins said. He was booked on suspicion of felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving without a license, attempted theft by unlawful taking and possession of a financial transaction device. She was booked on suspicion of accessory to a felony, and possession of a financial transaction device, Collins said. Reacting to Donald Trump's speech Monday to the Detroit Economic Club, Hillary Clinton said her Republican opponent tried to "make his old, tired ideas sound new." As opposed to her old, tired ideas of higher taxes on the wealthy with government as redistributor. Let's consider some important quotes from the economic club speech. "... the most direct and significant kind of federal action aiding economic growth is to make possible an increase in private consumption and investment demand -- to cut the fetters which hold back private spending." Increasing federal spending, as Clinton has proposed, would, said the economic club speaker, "soon demoralize both the government and our economy. If government is to retain the confidence of the people, it must not spend more than can be justified on grounds of national need ..." The federal government, he said, "siphons out of the private economy too large a share of personal and business purchasing power; (and) reduces the financial incentives for personal effort, investment and risk-taking. In short, to increase demand and lift the economy, the federal government's most useful role is not to rush into a program of excessive increases in public expenditures, but to expand the incentives and opportunities for private expenditures." There are more of these "old, tired ideas": "Corporate tax rates must also be cut to increase incentives and the availability of investment capital. ... For all these reasons, next year's tax bill should reduce personal as well as corporate income taxes for those in the lower brackets, who are certain to spend their additional take-home pay, and for those in the middle and upper brackets, who can thereby be encouraged to undertake additional efforts and enabled to invest more capital." If you haven't yet guessed, the quotes you have just read are from a speech President John F. Kennedy delivered to the New York Economic Club on December 14, 1962. In attacking Donald Trump for wanting to cut personal and corporate taxes, and reduce federal spending and federal control over our lives, Hillary Clinton is effectively attacking the martyred JFK. Kennedy's proposals were followed by Ronald Reagan's major tax cuts and a reduction in tax rates, which had reached 70 percent on regular income for the highest earners under Jimmy Carter. Under Reagan, the government took in more tax revenue because lower tax rates gave people and businesses the incentive to work harder and earn more. In his Detroit speech, Trump noted how liberal economic policies have failed that once-prosperous city. That's because Democrats have controlled the political machine there for more than five decades. "Detroit is the living, breathing example of my opponent's failed economic agenda," Trump said. "Every policy that has failed this city, and so many others, is a policy supported by Hillary Clinton. She supports the high taxes and radical regulation that forced jobs out of your community and the crime policies that have made you less safe. And the immigration policies that have strained local budgets and the trade deals like NAFTA, signed by her husband, that have shipped your jobs to Mexico and other countries. And she supports the education policies that deny your students choice, freedom and opportunity. She is the candidate of the past. Ours is the campaign of the future." This is the way to go after Clinton. If Trump sticks to policies and not his personality, he could close the gap in opinion polls. Liberal policies have failed. Economic growth is the answer, but you never hear Clinton talk about it. She promotes class envy instead of prosperity and opportunity for all. Mrs. Clinton is the anti-JFK candidate. Hers are the failed policies not only of the past, but the present. If she is elected president, they will continue to fail into the future. 97 percent of climate scientists are convinced, based on scientific evidence, that climate change is happening and is caused by greenhouse gas emissions. An August 3 Journal star article, Scientists on planet: Earths fever rises, states that 2015 was the hottest on record and that record heat was absorbed by oceans and groundwater storage levels were at their lowest globally. The patient, our planet, is sick. We see multiple symptoms of climate change or global warming. While Nebraskans have been relatively lucky in recent years, our neighbors to the west have been suffering from long-term drought and wild fire season in some places lasts all year. Our neighbors in the southeast have suffered once-in-a-thousand-year flooding in multiple places. Some day soon, it will be our turn. To fix the problem, Congress must work to quickly enact some form of carbon pricing to lower carbon emissions. The carbon fee and dividend proposal works well because money raised by putting a steadily rising fee on carbon at the well or mine is rebated to households to help defray energy costs. Studies show that with the rebates, carbon fee and dividend protects low- and moderate-income households from rising costs. Since the approach is market-based, it also adds jobs and grows the economy. As citizens we can help create the political will for a livable planet. We can urge our elected officials to take action, to pass carbon pricing legislation. Moni Usasz, Lincoln A campaign to legalize casino gambling at Nebraska horse tracks has hit a race-ending stumble on the straightaway. Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale announced Thursday the petition to expand games of chance in the state failed to get enough verified signatures to put the issue before voters. The Keep the Money in Nebraska campaign spent $1.35 million and worked for 10 months gathering signatures on three petitions: one to amend the state Constitution to allow games of chance at licensed racetracks and the other two to lay out where casinos can be, how they're regulated and taxed, and how the tax revenue would be distributed. Campaign spokesman Scott Lautenbaugh, an Omaha attorney and former state senator, said the group plans to review the signature verification process before deciding on its next steps. They have made a public information request to the Secretary of States Office seeking to get more information about the standards used to verify signatures. We knew the number was going to be close, but we had a much higher invalid rate than we planned on and anticipated from our own efforts. That is what were trying to get our heads around and figure out where things went awry, Lautenbaugh said. Petition organizers needed 117,188 signatures for the constitutional amendment, 10 percent of registered voters. County election officials accepted 77,956 signatures and rejected 41,710 signatures, Gale said in a press release. The counties certified they received 119,666 signatures for verification. The average rate of valid signatures among all counties was just over 65 percent, but some, including Banner, Kimball and Sheridan, rejected as many signatures as they accepted. The county with the highest rate of valid signatures was Grant County with nearly 91 percent accepted. Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively said his staff threw out more than 33 percent of signatures turned in here, while 38 percent of those being examined in Douglas County were rejected. Of the 21,000 signatures for the constitutional amendment petition attributed to Lancaster County residents, 7,000 didnt count. In Douglas County, more than 20,000 of nearly 53,000 signatures were rejected. Gale said the most prominent reason for rejection was due to signers not being registered to vote in Nebraska or the county listed on the petition sheet. That accounted for more than 24,000 signature rejections. Nearly 4,600 signatures were rejected for being duplicates, and more than 3,000 signatures were rejected because the signers were not currently registered and were removed from the states voter registration system, he said. A petition to create the Marijuana Party of Nebraska also failed to get enough signatures for placement on the November general election ballot, Gale announced Thursday. Pat Loontjer, who leads the anti-casino group Gambling with the Good Life, said the news came as a welcome surprise. We thought they were going to get their numbers. So we were praying for a miracle, and it looks like we got it, she said Thursday. God has spared Nebraska the effects of organized gambling for 21 years, and he did it again. These petitions would have allowed unlimited Indian casinos, unlimited slot parlors in the state. It would have been a horrible burden on our economy on our families. Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, admitted its statistically unlikely that an appeal of the signature review would be successful but added this isnt the end of efforts to bring casinos to Nebraska. "Even though Im disappointed in the short term, Im encouraged by the overall public reaction of people who support expanded gambling in Nebraska to keep the money in Nebraska, he said. Gaming will eventually happen in Nebraska. Every state that surrounds Nebraska has it. So when it does happen, we will be there and we will continue to push for it to happen. Ho-Chunks donated the vast majority of the funds raised by Keep the Money in Nebraska, according to campaign statement filings. Ho-Chunk is building a race course at the former Atokad Downs in South Sioux City and would have built a casino to go with it if the move to expand gambling succeeded. The move would be an attempt to win back market share lost when the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened in Sioux City in 2014. Morgan said Ho-Chunk remains committed to building a track with simulcast facility and restaurant similar to the Lincoln Race Course. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska already owns and operates Iron Horse Bar & Casino in Emerson, Native Star Casino in Winnebago and WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa. The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska owns Lucky 77 Casino in Walthill. The petition signatures were submitted on July 7 and then mailed out to the counties, which had 40 days to get them verified, although they can ask for a 10-day extension. Verification of the signatures on the other two petitions have not yet be finalized. Michaela Emmons, fundraising coordinator for the NCRC, said the live auction will include a six-day, five-night vacation with airfare to Dublin, Ireland; a cruise to either the Bahamas, the Caribbean or Bermuda (destination to be determined by the winning bidder); and a 14-karat necklace with smoky quartz and diamond pendant, valued at $800. Proceeds from the evening of fundraising will help the NCRC offset expenses connected to its clinical trials. More than 2,000 other patients have participated in clinical trials through NCRC since 1984. NCRC partners with both Lincoln oncology clinics as well as both hospital systems to provide patients access to cutting edge cancer treatments in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This allows patients to receive many of the same treatments available at renowned cancer treatment centers here at home, surrounded by their support system. Changes in funding from the NCI three years ago have resulted in more reliance on local funding in order for NCRC to continue its mission, according to Kelly Madcharo, Director of NCRC. Open Friday ANTHROPOID. This World War II film about a pair of Czech operatives who attempt to assassinate a Nazi officer was not screened in time for Ground Zero deadlines. R. (Grand) EAT THAT QUESTION. This transfixing documentary is made up of interviews and performance clips of Frank Zappa from the early '60s to the end of his life in the early '90s, revealing an acerbically funny, articulate and highly intelligent musician. R. (Ross) Grade: A FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS. Director Stephen Frears and star Meryl Streep tell the story of a wealthy older woman who launched an amateur singing career in the 1940s in bizarre fashion, asking the audience to laugh at her horrid singing and then scolding those who laugh. PG-13. (Grand, SouthPointe). Grade: D PETE'S DRAGON. As part of Disney's continuing effort to remake its animated classics in live-action, "Pete's Dragon" has been confidently reborn as an earnest tale of green-winged wonder. PG. Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe in 3-D and 2-D) Grade: B PHANTOM BOY. This animated film from France, dubbed into English, is a classic film noir with the addition of a boy's phantom that flies around New York City as he tries to help a hospitalized cop save the city from a disfigured villain. PG. (Ross) Grade: A SAUSAGE PARTY. This animated smack in the face of good manners set in a supermarket starring a hotdog and bun is surprising and strange, often delightfully so. R. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood) Grade: C+ Now Showing BAD MOMS. The problem with Bad Moms isnt the concept, or the message about the struggle to raise good people in the world its the execution. From the micro level to the macro, the film is a hasty, shoddy mess. R (Grand, East Park, SouthPointe) Grade: C GHOSTBUSTERS. The reboot makes some winks to the pre-release uproar about the gender-swapping film, but mostly steers straight-ahead, too busy being funny to worry about detractors. PG-13. (Grand) Grade: B THE HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison are a gruff farmer and a foster kid on the run from child welfare and the cops in this funny, heartwarming New Zealand adventure that's the best family movie of 2016 so far. PG-13. (Ross) Grade: A JASON BOURNE. Star Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass return to the action franchise for an intense ripped-from-the-headlines story of escaping from government surveillance. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe) Grade: B LIGHTS OUT. A family has to fight off a demon that appears only at night in this scary, low-budget horror movie that's as good as the genre gets. PG-13.(Grand) Grade: B NERVE. This romantic teen cyber thriller pulses with life in the digital world as gamers expose themselves to online surveillance while playing a dangerous game on their phones. PG-13. (Edgewood). Grade: B- NINE LIVES. Kevin Spacey plays a billionaire who becomes trapped in the body of a tomcat in this witless talking cat movie that's one of the worst pictures of the year. PG. (Grand). Grade: D- THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS. It's fun to imagine what pets get into when no one is home, and the animated "Pets" does a great job of taking that idea to an extreme. PG. (Grand, Edgewood, East Park, SouthPointe) Grade: B STAR TREK BEYOND. This episode-like installment in the rebooted "Star Trek" series adds some humor and character tweaks to its story of The Enterprise trapped during a rescue mission by an alien villain and his mechanical drones. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe in 3-D and 2-D). Grade: C+ SUICIDE SQUAD. The characters are the ultimate in squad goals, but theyre far more fun than the actual story itself. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe in 3-D and 2-D). Grade: C+ NOTE: Theaters are for Friday only and are subject to change the other days of the week. MOUNT PLEASANT A teen who was dating a man who was shot in February was in court Thursday facing drug charges of her own. Tequalla Flinn, 18, of the 5500 block of Palisades Court, was warned of potential future charges at her home March 1 during the execution of a search warrant, according to the criminal complaint. The search warrant came after Flinns boyfriend was shot in the chest Feb. 22. The boyfriend, who was not named, was treated at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital, the complaint said. The man who was shot allegedly had attempted to purchase an ounce of marijuana. After he reportedly turned over the money but did not receive the marijuana, he sought revenge and shot at the house of the person who did not give him the marijuana, according to the complaint. The complaint, however, does not indicate how the man himself was later shot. When Flinns house was later searched, officers discovered 45.3 grams of marijuana in a Chicago Blackhawks backpack and in a nightstand. Officers also found 4.1 grams of cocaine. More than $700 in cash was also confiscated, the complaint said. Flinn told police that all of the items belonged to her boyfriend except for the money, which she said she earned at her job as a waitress at IHOP, according to the complaint. Flinn was also in possession of two cell phones. After reviewing the phones, it was determined through text messages that Flinn was reportedly dealing the drugs that were in her home, the complaint said. Jail phone call recordings were also listened to by police who noticed a call on March 1, the day the house was searched, in which Flinn was crying and telling her boyfriend that her house was raided, according to the complaint. At one point she said, You need to take this for me Junior, please. Flinn faces four felony charges as party to a crime for manufacturing/delivering cocaine, manufacturing/delivering THC, maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession of drug paraphernalia. She will be in court Sept. 1 for an adjourned initial appearance at 1:30 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center. CALEDONIA A man arrested after trying to mask the smell of marijuana using body spray during a traffic stop will be in court for an adjourned initial appearance next month. Eric Linz, 30, of Elk Grove Village, Ill., was stopped by the State Patrol after a rolling stop at a stop sign getting off of I-94 onto Highway K, according to the criminal complaint. When the officer reached the car, he smelled a strong odor of body spray. The officer saw the can of body spray in the front passenger seat, the complaint said. The officer also noticed an odor of marijuana. Linz initially denied having any marijuana. He then admitted to having marijuana in the car and a jar of marijuana was found in the back seat along with a weight scale and a smoking pipe, according to the complaint. The officer later discovered that Linz was coming from Summerfest in Milwaukee. Linz was working an errand job for the band The Fray that day. He said he had not smoked, though he did purchase it for $250. He also said the marijuana was not for the band because Linz stated that the band has its own people for that, the complaint said. Linz took responsibility for the items in the vehicle. The car was his mothers. Linz told the officer he was sure the items did not belong to his mother, according to the complaint. Linz said it was for a friend who got him the errand job for the band. The officer noted there was no indicator that Linz was impaired or had recently smoked marijuana, the complaint said. Linz faces two counts of possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. His next court appearance will be Sept. 15 for his adjourned initial appearance. Texas attorney general says professors face discipline if they ban guns Published August 10th, 2016 FoxNews.com College professors in Texas could face disciplinary measures if they prohibit handguns to be brought into their classrooms, state Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday. Paxton filed a motion this week to dismiss a federal lawsuit brought last month by three professors at the University of Texas at Austin seeking to block the campus carry law, which took effect Aug.1. Texas has allowed licensed concealed handguns in public since 1995 but had previously made college buildings off limits. "Faculty members are aware that state law provides that guns can be carried on campus, and that the president has not made a rule excluding them from classrooms," attorneys representing the university and Paxton wrote in the legal brief. "As a result, any individual professor who attempts to establish such prohibition is subject to discipline."..... A classic contraversy! It's a pity there is so much fuss about guns in college as these days gun-free-zones have ever more significance and yet there are many (leftist?) students and professors who seem to feel that their safety is more assured by a gun-free environment. Even a handful of students carrying could well avert a major attack. "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." 2016 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA Americas most aggressive civil rights organization We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. 10 customs offices to go online this year Ten customs offices across the country will implement the Automated System for Customs Data (Asycuda World) by this year, the Department of Customs has said. 51 cholera cases reported in Valley in one month At least 51 cases of cholera have been reported in Kathmandu and Lalitpur in the last one month, according to the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL). Border mgmt, terrorism pose challenges For a huge potential for a stronger intra-regional connectivity that the BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal) region holds, effective border management and growing terrorism remain big challenges facing the effective implementation, according to a new report on the sub-regional grouping. Budhi Sagar appointed tourism envoy for New Zealand Budhi Sagar Ghimire, a local youth from Besisahar of Lamjung, has been appointed the tourism envoy to New Zealand. Caan invites proposals to conduct eco study The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (Caan) has asked shortlisted firms to submit requests for proposal to carry out an environmental and social impact assessment of the planned second international airport (SIA) in Nijgadh, Bara. DPMs to visit Delhi, Beijing The government is sending Deputy Prime Ministers Bimalendra Nidhi and Krishna Bahadur Mahara as special envoys to India and China. Everest Big Cardamom brand to be registered The Trade and Export Promotion Centre has begun work to register a trademark Everest Big Cardamom in India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates to identify quality Nepali cardamom. From New York with love The highly-awaited The Kathmandu Post Presents Couture Fashion Nepal is just around the bend. In what is slated to be a giant leap for the Nepali fashion industry, the elite New York-based fashion house, Couture Fashion Week New York, will heat up the runways on August 13. Ganga Maya resumes fast Ganga Maya Adhikari on Thursday announced another round of fast-unto-death demanding arrest of the murderer of her teenage son Krishna Prasad Adhikari, allegedly abducted and killed by then-rebel Maoists in 2004. Sangam Prasain is Business Editor at The Kathmandu Post, covering tourism, agriculture, mountaineering, aviation, infrastructure and other economic affairs. He joined The Kathmandu Post in October 2009. Nepal-China Korala border point reopens Korala entry point at Nepal-China border has been reopened for 15 days for trade purpose. Media fraternity divided The preparation of the Press Council Nepal to introduce mandatory eligibility test for journalists has stoked a debate in the media fraternity. NC to handle 12 ministries The Nepali Congress (NC) is all set to have 12 ministries in the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government, including the much-talked about Ministry of Foreign Affairs. School shut after mysterious illness attacks girls in Darchula A school based in Latinath VDC of Darchula district has been closed after the school girls began falling victim to a mysterious illness. Second Nepal Higher Edu Fair kicks off today Focusing on this niche student demographic, the Education.com, with the support of Islington College, is staging Nepal Higher Education Fair, the first-of-its-kind expo for students wishing to go to schools and colleges in the country that offer education of interational standard. Simone Manuel and Penny Oleksiak take joint gold American Simone Manuel and Canada's Penny Oleksiak claimed joint gold in a remarkable finish to the women's 100m freestyle final at the 2016 Olympics. Students dont have to leave the country for foreign degrees The second iteration of Higher Secondary Education Fair 2016 is being held at Hotel Annapurna in the Capital. Talk programme on todays education held in Kathmandu Minervaa Nepal Education, in association with Private and Boarding Schools Organisation Nepal (PABSON)-Kathmandu, on Friday organised a talk programme titled Education Today: Widen your horizon and go global. Thailand blasts: More explosions strike Thai tourist towns A series of blasts across Thailand targeted the tourist towns of Hua Hin, Phuket and other locations, leaving at least three dead and many injured. Thailand blasts target Phuket and Hua Hin tourist spots A series of blasts across Thailand has targeted tourist towns, killing four people and injuring dozens. Two killed in bus plunge Two persons were killed and nine others injured when a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell some 100 meters along Sahajpur road of the Dhangadhi-Dadeldhura Highway at around 1 am on Friday. Yes, its hard to to tell when one enters the city limits Yes, they will make the city more inviting Maybe ... does it really matter? No, the signs in place are fine No, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars Vote View Results Welcome! You have come to the right place. Khmerization is a home to the Cambodian daily news, which is updated twice daily. Please take a tour and enjoy yourself. Thank you. To contact Khmerization please send an email to: Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, have reportedly stolen more U.S. weapons in Afghanistan, according to new images on social media. Germany-based WorldOnAlert on Friday tweeted several images of the equipment that purport to show a cache of American-made equipment taken by ISIS from the Afghan Army in the Achin District of Nangarhar Province in the eastern part of the country. The latest photographs show small arms, mortars, ammunition, helmets, packs and vests, cell phones and identification cards. %embed1% The imagery comes less than a week after the SITE Intelligence Group circulated other photographs published by the Islamic State's Amaq news agency depicting another American weapons cache obtained by ISIS. That trove appeared to include an M72 rocket launcher and barrel for an M240 machine gun, 40mm grenades, smoke grenades, and 5.56mm and 7.76mm rifle rounds, among other items -- even ID cards of U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Jay Larson. While the Pentagon reported that Larson was alive and well with his unit, the back-to-back reports of weaponry being lost to ISIS raise questions about what exactly is happening on the ground there. Five U.S. troops were wounded a few weeks ago by small-arms fire and shrapnel while fighting alongside Afghan forces to expel ISIS from strongholds in eastern Nangarhar province, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. John Nicholson, told reporters on July 26. One was wounded on July 24 and the other four were wounded in a separate engagement on July 25, the statement said. "I characterize it as a clearing operation," Nicholson said of the effort in Nangarhar called Operation Shafak (Dawn). They're believed to be the first U.S. casualties in Afghanistan in fighting against a recently rebranded offshoot of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria called Islamic State-Khorasan Province, or IS-K. Nicholson said the militant force has been reduced from an estimated 3,000 fighters to about 1,500. -- Richard Sisk contributed to this report. By Andrew Hammond Washington and Seoul are making final preparations for their annual joint military drills in South Korea later this month. The forthcoming events, which have been widely condemned by the North Korean regime, come at a time of escalating tension in the region following Pyongyang's decision last week to test fire a missile into Japanese-controlled waters for the first time. The stand-off, in which North Korea has threatened a "vicious" showdown if the military drills proceed, is only the latest example of international political strain in 2016. In the last month alone there has been a failed military coup in Turkey; US missile strikes against so-called Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya; and a spate of significant terrorist attacks in Europe. What this, collectively, underscores are the warnings that geopolitical risks are currently at their highest level since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. For instance, a recent research report from Citi asserts that the world is facing the "most fluid global political environment in decades", while John Drzik, president of Marsh Global Risk and Specialities, has asserted that "events such as Europe's refugee crisis and terrorist attacks have raised global political instability to its highest level since the Cold War". The multiple challenges confronting the US-led international order include not just the nuclear diplomacy on the Korean peninsula, and the threat from international terrorism, including IS. Other geopolitical fault lines include the continuing instability in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan; Russia's annexation of Crimea, and the fact that Washington's relations with Moscow are perhaps now more strained than at any time since the collapse of Soviet Communism; and the fact that the Israeli-Palestinian peace process appears moribund, despite recent Egyptian efforts to rejuvenate it. This landscape underlines that many of the most optimistic hopes and expectations of how the post-Cold War world might look have also been dashed. For instance, the vision of a universal order of liberal, capitalist, democratic states living in peace and contentment -- as painted by Francis Fukuyama and others -- has been replaced by a reality in which authoritarian states such as Russia appear to many to be in the ascendancy, so-called Islamic terrorism remains a significant international concern a decade and a half after 9/11, and several unstable countries, including North Korea have acquired nuclear weaponry. Some critics of the Obama administration, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, see this international picture as being the result of weak leadership in Washington over the last seven and a half years. However, the expectations sometimes placed upon the Obama team from its most trenchant critics are often unrealistically high. To be sure, just as at the end of the Cold War, the United States remains the most powerful country in the world -- certainly in a military sense. It can still project and deploy overwhelming force relative to any probable enemy. However, Washington is not, to use a term of art in international relations, an all-powerful hegemonic power. And this core fact has been demonstrated repeatedly throughout the post-Cold War period, from Somalia in 1993, Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, and also most recently in Ukraine and Syria. Trump and other unalloyed critics of the Obama administration also often fail to acknowledge that, while 2016 may be a year of high political uncertainty, the current international landscape also contains multiple areas of opportunity for greater stability. One example is last year's nuclear deal with Iran and six world powers -- the United States, China, Russia, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The deal opens up the possibility of a wider warming in ties between Tehran and the West, and also enhancing global nuclear security. A lasting nuclear settlement with Iran will constitute an important win for long-standing efforts to combat nuclear non-proliferation. And this at a crucial time when, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the club' of 30 states with nuclear energy. Another positive is the global climate change deal agreed in Paris last year. While the agreement is by no means perfect, it represents a welcome shot in the arm for attempts to tackle global warming and, crucially, a new post-Kyoto framework has been put in place. Moreover, the once-every-five-years review framework means that countries can toughen their response to climate change in the future, especially if the political and public will to tackle the problem increases with time. So, Paris is a potentially very important stepping stone and what is now needed are well informed lawmakers from across the political spectrum to help ensure effective implementation and hold governments to account so that it truly delivers. Meanwhile, the rise of China, which has now surpassed the United States as the world's largest economy on purchasing parity terms, is one of the biggest game changers in global affairs since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This development has potential to be either a growing source of tension with Washington or develop into a fruitful partnership. Growing bilateral cooperation is possible if the two powers can increasingly cooperate on soft issues like climate change, and find effective ways of resolving harder power disagreements between them, including over territorial claims in the South China Sea. By contrast, bilateral rivalry is possible if Beijing's military power continues to grow rapidly and the country embraces a more assertive foreign policy stance toward its neighbours in Asia. Taken overall, while 2016 has so far been a year of heightened political strains, there are also opportunities for greater stability too. Going forward, the success of Washington in helping manage the complexity of global affairs will increasingly depend upon cooperation of others, both competitors and allies. A key uncertainty here is the direction of bilateral relations with China which could be a force for greater global tension, or deeper strategic partnership. Andrew Hammond is an associate at LSE IDEAS (the Centre for International Affairs, Diplomacy and Strategy) at the London School of Economics. ANGOLA Industrial maintenance positions are in hot demand and local grants are available to help with training in that and other vocational areas. That was the message of members of the Freedom Academy, Northeast Indiana Works, WorkOne and an Angola councilman Thursday. Members shared information on available financial assistance offered to employers and employees. The meeting was held at the Angola Training Center, operated by the Freedom Academy, Kendallville. Freedom Academy works hand in hand with Northeast Indiana Works and WorkOne on the training grants. Everywhere I go the need is for industrial maintenance. In this region, one in four works in manufacturing, said Gary Gatman, Northeast Indiana Works. The grant works by an 80-20 ratio, meaning the grant pays 80 percent and the employer or recipient pays the remaining 20 percent. Ron Wolfe, Freedom Academy instructor, said maintenance training covers many different areas. We believe in a hands-on curriculum, he said. Part of it is teaching logic. The 180-hour certified maintenance class and exam covers electricity, electric motor controls, hydraulics, programmable logic controllers, industrial mechanics and troubleshooting. Maintenance classes start at the center Sept. 20 and run through March 23. Classes are twice a week, 8 a.m. to noon or 5-9 p.m. Freedom Academy also offers workforce skills development in several other areas. For an application or more details, call the academy at 800-200-6499 or visit freedomacademy. net. In a separate form of training financing, Angola Common Councilman Dave Olson explained the Angola Vocational Scholarship. The scholarship was established three years ago by the city from distribution of county economic development income tax funding. The scholarship is intended to help those wanting to learn a new skill and is awarded up to a $3,500 maximum. Olson said since the scholarship is funded through the city, applicants must be Steuben County residents. They must also have two years of work experience and want national certification in their course of training. Copies of the application and more information is available at the Steuben County Community Foundation, 1701 N. Wayne St., during business hours. For details, call the Foundation at 665-6656. COLUMBIA CITY A Whitley County man who would have served the rest of his life in a federal prison will be released early after President Barack Obama shortened his sentence. Last week, the White House released a list of 214 federal prisoners that included Asher Adkins, who was sentenced to 52 years for drug-related charges filed in 1993. According to a White House blog, Obama selected prisoners who were sentenced under harsh and outdated sentencing guidelines. However, local officials disagree. I strongly disagree with the presidents decision, said D.J. Sigler, chief deputy prosecutor in Whitley County. Further, I believe unequivocally that the defendant should serve his full sentence. Adkins, 79, and another man were charged after traveling to California to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Adkins made up to 40 trips between 1989 and 1993. When he was set for a jury trial, he fled the country. After years of looking for him, U.S. marshals found him in South Carolina. He was brought back to Indiana, where he was sentenced to 52 years in federal prison, which he has been serving in a medium-security facility in Terre Haute. Adkins will be released in December. While the Constitution allows Obama to issue pardons, and every U.S. president has exercised that power, Sigler said Adkins should stay incarcerated. It is my belief the federal court that sentenced Mr. Adkins pronounced a just and fair sentence, especially given the terrible nature of the drug involved, Sigler said. As a career prosecutor, I see every day the deadly effects of meth and the way it ravages our citizens. If you traffic in meth, if you make it available to our friends and children, then you deserve the harshest of sentences. Justice demands it. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit Melinda Palacio Toni Kirkpatrick You may have met Toni Margarita Plummer at the National Latino Writers Conference in New Mexico and wondered what happened to that nice New York editor? Her last name may be different and she may have a different title, but she is still ready to assist you with your books. Since moving on from a position as an acquisitions editor at St. Martin's Press, Toni Kirkpatrick is still focused on helping writers with their book projects, but in a slightly different form. She has gone into business for herself as a freelance editor. Toni took time out of her busy schedule to answer five questions for La Bloga. 1. How is your new editing role different from what you were doing at St. Martin's Press? I worked at Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press for over ten years, considering submissions, acquiring fiction and nonfiction, and editing my authors' manuscripts line by line to prepare them for publication. My job involved much more than just editing though. Now I am working for the writer and am focused solely on helping him or her to make their manuscript as strong as it can be. I am not an editor checking for commas and the like. My background is in reading for characters, plot, style, and setting. I still read and edit with the mind of an acquiring editor; I ask if this is something an editor would want to acquire, and something a reader would want to read. And if I see any issues there, I think about how those can be resolved. 2. Who are your clients? They are writers of many different genres. Some are looking for agents and publishers, some plan to self-publish. Some are referred to me by agents who are interested in their work but don't have the time to help them revise. All my clients have written something they feel strongly about and want to put their best work out into the world by having a professional editor critique and edit it. 3. Who is your ideal client? My ideal client is a talented writer who has worked very hard on a manuscript and is committed to making it better. They are open to my comments and expertise, and I in turn enjoy what they've written and am engaged by it. Hopefully something I say or question sparks their imagination and gives them a new way of looking at a character or a scene. I would love to get more Latino clients--I've a special interest in these stories and I want to see more Latino authors publish their work and find large audiences for it. 4. In addition to being an editor you are also an author. How does one role affect the other? As an author I understand a writers' attachment to their work and their hopes and dreams for it. On the other hand being an editor has definitely helped me to see my own writing more objectively and I am very grateful for that. 5. What is your take on the current publishing landscape for Latino writers? Getting published (and staying published) is a challenge for anyone. But whats being discussed a lot now is the lack of Latinos working in publishing and how this affects the number of books by Latinos that are being bought and effectively promoted. I'm part of a fairly new group called Latinos in Publishing, which meets in Manhattan every month and whose goal, among others, is to increase the number of Latinos working in the industry. It's a group of extremely talented and passionate folks--keep an eye out for more from them soon. Sisters in Crime also just put out their Publishing Report about diversity in crime fiction which you can read here: http://www.sistersincrime.org/ page/ReportforChange. So there is increasing awareness about this and lots of authors and publishing professionals working to get more books by Latinos published. Keep writing. Do your homework. There are so many venues and opportunities to publish, even now, and I am very excited to be working with writers at this earlier stage in the process. The Bolero of Andi Rowe, a story collection set in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles, under her maiden name Toni Margarita Plummer. She graduated from the Master of Professional Writing Program at USC and is a member of Macondo, the group of socially-engaged writers founded by Sandra Cisneros. Toni lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and son. Check out her website More about Toni: Toni Kirkpatrick was an Editor at Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press for over ten years. She acquired mostly crime, historical, multicultural, and women's fiction. Some of her authors included Michael Jaime-Becerra, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa, M. Padilla, Irete Lazo, A.E. Roman, and Caridad Ferrer. A native Californian, she published, a story collection set in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles, under her maiden name Toni Margarita Plummer. She graduated from the Master of Professional Writing Program at USC and is a member of Macondo, the group of socially-engaged writers founded by Sandra Cisneros. Toni lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and son. Check out her website www.ToniKirkpatrick.com for more information on her background and editorial services. Whats the old joke? A tourist asks a New York musician how to get to Carnegie Hall. The musician responds, Practice, practice, practice. Note that the punch line of the joke isnt Talent, talent, talent. That was certainly not necessary for Florence Foster Jenkins to perform a sold-out show in the storied Manhattan concert hall in 1944. She had passion, drive, good taste, generosity everything except a lick of singing ability, and was cheerfully oblivious to her own limitations. Jenkins was something of a sensation of her time, later the subject of a book, a play, and even a fictionalized French movie version of her story (Marguerite). Now comes a proper biopic from director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) and writer Nicholas Martin, Florence Foster Jenkins. Whereas its subject was perpetually off-key, Jenkins hits all the right notes, a well-crafted crowd pleaser that harmonizes comedy and poignancy. Meryl Streep plays Jenkins, a New York hostess and philanthropist whose devotion to the arts earned her a protective layer of benefactors and sycophants. At the center of her bubble was St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), her platonic husband of 25 years. We see St. Clair dote on his wifes every word, protect her from critical outside forces, coddle her dreams to sing professionally. Then, when she falls asleep, he dashes off to the apartment he shares with another woman (Rebecca Ferguson of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.) As with her singing, we wonder how much Florence knows. Jenkins is such a nice lady, and such a nice rich lady, that nobody around her has the heart or the will to tell her she stinks. St. Clair arranges private concerts of her music club, where audience members are paid to show their appreciation, and titterers and gigglers are unceremoniously bounced. When a talented young pianist (Simon Kinberg of Big Bang Theory, who can really play the piano) is hired on, his pained winces and disbelieving stare in the face of Florences cacophonous squawks provide some of the films biggest laughs. But he soon gets with the program Florences joie del arte is just too powerful to resist and soon finds himself helping her ready for her first real professional gig at Carnegie Hall, before a real audience. Its here that FFJ takes some dramatic license. While the bulk of the audience in the film doesnt know the nature of Florences gifts, in real life the audience knew exactly what they were in for and laughed uproariously. But I suppose that would suck the tension of the film, which centers around the basic question: Did Florence realize, deep down, that she couldnt sing? Streeps engaging performance doesnt answer the question, not directly. But there are layers in what seems initially like a broad, hooting comic performance. We get glimpses of the real Florence, who seems too smart with her money not to be able to read the people who ask her for it. A more settled question is the complicated nature of her marriage despite its chaste nature and St. Clairs secret life, there seems to be real love and affection between the two. Its one of Grants best roles in a long time, allowing him to both play the dashing cad and show real tenderness and vulnerability. (He also gets a dilly of a dance sequence, just for kicks.) The villain of the piece is, of course, an imperious critic (Christian McKay) who sneers at Florences attempts to perform. The films message about the value of talent vs. passion in the arts is rather sketchy. When St. Clair points to the ovations that Florence gets as evidence of her worth, I cant help but think of every online commenter who charged critics were wrong about Batman vs. Superman because it made so much money. Luckily, Florence Foster Jenkins doesnt have to worry about a lack of talent. I will confess that I initially thought Anthropoid was a movie about a giant robot spider. In fact, British director and co-writer Sean Ellis film is a grim and gripping fact-based World War II thriller about characters caught in a very different kind of web. In 1938 at Munich, the opening title cards tell us, the Allies handed over parts of Czechoslovakia to Hitler in the hopes of appeasing him. That betrayal sets the mood for the story of Operation Anthropoid. Its 1942, and the country is in the grip of Hitlers No. 3 man, Reinhard Heydrich, nicknamed the Butcher of Prague for his brutal methods. The film opens with two Czech soldiers from its army-in-exile parachuting into a remote forest. They are Jozef Gabcik (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubis (Jamie Dornan), and as they make their way to Prague and join up with the tattered threads of the resistance there, their mission becomes clear: assassinate Heydrich. Its a mission that makes sense on a geopolitical scale; not only does it strike a visible blow against the Nazis, but the Czech government wants to show the Allies that theyre ready to be equal partners in the fight. But, on the ground and under siege, some of the resistance fighters worry that killing Heydrich will accomplish nothing, other than release a wave of revenge killings of innocent Czech citizens. That uncertainty about the value of the mission gives Anthropoid an uneasy moral texture; nobody argued in The Guns of Navarone that destroying the guns would make things worse. Ellis keeps much of Anthropoid on a low boil, as Gabcik and Kubis track Heydrichs movements and plot their attack. Using shaky, newsreel footage-style cinematography and a minimalist soundtrack that sounds like an old boiler room hissing and groaning, Ellis effectively creates the terrifying feeling of living under Nazi rule, fearful that a chance encounter with a drunken soldier or greedy collaborator will lead to instant death. The boyish Jozef is the more pragmatic of the two, convinced that hes been sent on a mission that hes not expected to come back from. Dornan, who usually plays bad boys in 50 Shades of Grey and Netflixs The Fall, is unexpectedly good as the more hopeful, nervous Jan. He to maintain some semblance of a normal life, even falling for a local girl. Jozef says its dangerous to pretend that anything is normal anymore. When the assassination attempt comes, its scary and chaotically real, not the smoothly choreographed action of traditional thrillers. By the end of the film, a bloody protracted siege inside a church, Anthropoid has slipped into a more conventionally satisfying action-thriller mode. But by that point it is has laid a foundation of moral weight as well as dramatic excitement. Ellis has decided that the best way to honor the exploits of these heroes is to not sugarcoat them or the evil they faced, and Anthropoid is a darker and more interesting film for it. Some poor souls go a lifetime without finding love. But one lonely sap had it even worse: He spent 10 days in an airport. Last month, a 41-year-old Dutchman headed to a Chinese airport to meet a 26-year-old woman he had met online. What started with high hopes ended in heartbreak as the lovesick Alexander Cirk never met his girlfriend and had to be treated for exhaustion. Its not unusual to find courtship exhausting, but if youre getting carted around in an airport in a wheelchair with an IV drip, youre doing it wrong. CCTV reports that Cirk arrived at Changshas airport hoping to meet a woman named Zhang. He had encountered her online two months earlier, and they hit it off. After sending her a copy of his travel papers, Cirk camped out in the arrivals terminal and waited. Subsisting on instant noodles and soda, he lasted 10 days before being hospitalized. Its not unusual for a gal to keep a guy waiting. Sometimes women like to be fashionably late. Its a fellas duty to wait patiently, smile understandingly and pretend not to be enraged. After all, romance cant bloom without a sprinkle of duplicity. But when you find yourself doubled over with a case of noodle-induced gut rot, its time to move on. Before he was confined to a wheelchair, Cirk was noticed by Chinese media. They learned his story, found Zhang and attempted to play Cupid. Zhang told Hunan ETV by phone that she had not expected Cirk to come to Changsha. This development represented a good news, bad news situation for Cirk: On the down side, she wasnt coming. But on a positive note, she may be an actual female and not an undercover government agent investigating international sex trade. Zhang claimed she was unable to meet Cirk because recent cosmetic surgery had made it inconvenient for her to step outside. She added that while the couple seemed bound for marriage early on, he became a bit indifferent towards me. Lets review: He traveled thousands of miles and was willing to live on ramen noodles and Sprite to meet her. She and I have very different definitions for indifferent. Despite being tired and wheelchair-bound, Cirk remained interested in Zhang. He told Hunan ETV he was still determined to have a good talk with the woman I love, (and bring her) back to my hometown. He learned an important lesson about women. They may say they value spontaneity, but they get weirded out when you unexpectedly fly to their country and camp out in the airport. In time, Cirk may also learn a tough lesson about online dating. Things are not always what they seem. Profiles are easy to falsify. The fawning beauty giving you come hither looks may be the avatar of some old guy in boxers trying to get your credit card number. Hence the old I cant be seen in public because my face is bursting with Botox excuse. Either way, this couple found out how easy it can be to miscommunicate. Zhang said she hadnt heard from Cirk after his arrival. But he had left her messages online, which went unseen when the surgery prompted Zhang to turn her phone off. So what, it was cosmetic ear surgery? Despite all of these difficulties, there is hope for these lovebirds. Zhang said she wants to continue the romance and will meet the Dutchman when she recovers from her operation. Its reassuring when hopeful people demonstrate their belief in love. But this particular romance should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone looking to see an online relationship take flight. Lonely hearts, remember: Heartbreak can be terminal. At Thursdays campaign rally for vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, western Wisconsin Republicans urged voters not to stay home in November, a tacit acknowledgment that the party has not united behind presidential nominee Donald Trump. Hes our man, said state Senate candidate Dan Kapanke, who has not formally endorsed the real estate mogul. There is no alternative. Kapanke, a Republican running against state Sen. Jennifer Shilling for the 32nd Senate District seat he lost in a 2011 recall election, said he believes Trump will bring in new voters and help down-ballot candidates like him. Trump came in second to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the Wisconsin presidential primary, though he did well in western Wisconsin, winning the 3rd Congressional District, including La Crosse and surrounding counties. Kapanke urged voters not to sit out the election. We have to lock arms. We have to get in the hunt, he said. If we do, well have a President Trump. Julian Bradley, the vice chairman of the 3rd Congressional District GOP and a candidate for state Assembly, urged the cameras to zoom in, zoom in as he took the stage before Pences speech, suggesting no one would believe he was at a Trump campaign event. Bradley, who said he has not endorsed any candidate other than himself, said it was important to represent the party and urged the crowd to get out and vote. Have you ever voted for somebody you agree with 100 percent? he asked. U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, who introduced Pence, provided the strongest endorsement for Trump, brushing off liberal pundits who yap, yap, yap about his inflammatory statements. Lets talk about Hillary Clinton, the 7th District Republican said, noting the former secretary of states private email server and allegations of trading favors for donations to her husbands foundation. This is pay for play. This is corruption at its worst. Duffy addressed Trumps latest controversy, a claim that President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton founded the terrorist group ISIS. Maybe not literally, he said. (But) they set the policy up that ISIS could rise. Duffy also urged those unsure about Trump to consider the Supreme Court appointments the next president is expected to make. Theres only one clear choice, he said. Donald Trump. Some of the approximately 250 people in attendance were less enthusiastic. Im not a Hillary supporter, said Jack Zahn, a 68-year-old retired EMT and firefighter from Barre Mills who considers himself an independent. I dont see anyone else to vote for. Zahn, a veteran, said he agrees with Trump on border security and support for the military, though he conceded the campaign has not been smooth. Occasionally he puts his foot in his mouth, he said. And sometimes he changes feet. Richard Lowe, who runs an equipment manufacturing company in Viola, Wis., said he has become a Trump supporter after initially favoring Cruz and fellow Sen. Marco Rubio. Though he favors free trade, Lowe said hes interested in how Trump who has pilloried free trade agreements would negotiate better terms for the United States. Whats good for society is good for me, he said. Dan Eumurian, who supported Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the primary, said he is staying tuned. I cant stand Hillary, he said. Im repulsed by a lot of the things Trump says. A piano tuner who considers himself a social conservative, Eumurian brought a list of suggestions for the candidate. The only person who can defeat Donald Trump is Donald Trump, it read. Run it thru your head twice and run it by the Lord before you say it or Tweet it. Six dogs made their way across the United States last week in hopes of a second chance at life. The pack traveled over 1,200 miles to escape the high euthanasia rates of the South and take refuge at the Coulee Region Humane Society. Though the Onalaska shelter has been nearing capacity this August, the staff was more than willing to take on the extra pups. The transfer from the Bandera County Humane Society in Texas was one of three out-of-state dog transfers since January 2016, all of which were arranged and financed by donors. The shelter also accepted seven dogs from North Carolina and two coon hounds from Kentucky, with the agreement that the shelters will take them back if necessary. Local people use their own funds and resources to bring the dogs up, said Heather Hankins, executive director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. A lady in Minnesota facilitates with high-kill shelters, and they run transfers twice monthly to multiple shelters. A La Crosse woman arranged for the coon hounds. We have a really soft spot when people say these dogs will be euthanized. We want to save them all. The dogs come ready to adopt, with their heart-worm tests, vaccinations and certificates of veterinary inspection completed, and most are already spayed or neutered, saving the shelter hundreds of dollars per dog. They come in more medically sound than some other dogs might, said Amber Grosch, kennel operations manager. All we have to do is a behavior evaluation and get them on the adoption floor. The CRHS has taken in 89 transfers so far this year, frequently partnering with the Crawford County Humane Society and occasionally trading animals, finding that a change of scenery might help them get adopted. However, the shelters open admission policy was changed in January 2015, and now CRHS will only take in strays once the mandatory state of Wisconsin stray hold is up and the shelter becomes the legal owner of the animal. A fee is charged for out-of-county surrenders. We want to focus on La Crosse County thats the community were supposed to be serving, Hankins said. Places were saying, Call Coulee Region, theyll take anything. Weve had a bit of push-back, because every shelter tries to do their best, but we cant take up the slack for everyone. The changes were made to force other counties to address their animal overpopulation issues, but Hankins is sympathetic to the limitations of other shelters and says they will take in a transfer if there is even a minuscule amount of space. Were all in this together. Networking is part of running a shelter, Grosch added. It can be hectic at times, but if someone asks us for help were going to do our best. The shelter hasnt had to euthanize a dog due to of lack of space in over five years, and the average stay is about a week. Grosch and Hankins credit the amazing community, staff and volunteers as well as their growing foster system, which has housed more than 200 dogs, cats, and small animals in three months. If it comes to the point of over capacity, one of our staff or foster homes would take the animal in, Hankins said. Weve come to this point (of not having to euthanize to make room) and we dont want that to change. While the Texas dogs have adjusted well to their new location and half have already received applications, the shelter is having trouble placing coon hound Hank, 8, who arrived in late July from Hancock County Animal Shelter in Kentucky. Hes sweet, loves other dogs, respects cats, but isnt eating well, Grosch said. Were looking for someone to adopt or foster him. Hes the man we need help with. For more about Hank or the CRHS foster program, visit www.couleehumane.com. WINONA, Minn. If, as the saying goes, a true compromise leaves no one happy, that may have proved to be the result of Thursdays Winona County Planning Commission. The commission, having grappled over several meetings with the both the gritty specifics and philosophical implications of a proposed ban on frac sand, came to a conclusion late Thursday: Revise, but dont ban. The commissions decision is just a recommendation, and now heads to the Winona County Board of Commissioners at its Aug. 23 meeting. It would add limits to the size and number of potential industrial mineral mines, but would not ban them outright. It also wouldnt address processing or transporting operations, with the commission concluding those operations would be better off guided under existing sets of processes and regulations. The commissions final meeting on the issue, scheduled for Monday, was canceled. The proposal, introduced by commission member and board commissioner Steve Jacob, would limit the total size of mines to an area of 40 acres, and operators couldnt exceed that without reclamation of previously mined areas. Jacobs proposal would also limit the number of Winona County mining sites to six, and no permit could be issued for a new one until another one was officially inactive and not permitted. Jacob said he had heard from just as many people wanting the commission and board to make a decision and move on as he had heard arguments for or against a ban. It offers a chance for both sides of this issue to find common ground as a compromise, Jacob said. It doesnt give anybody everything they want. The recommendation was approved 5-3, with commission members Robert Redig, Cherie Hales and Chris Meyer dissenting. Joy Fabian-Ewing was not present. No one got everything they wanted. Several of the nights speakers, continuations of the long list of testifiers for or against frac sand mining from Monday and previous meetings, were asked by Jacob whether they would support a compromise. Dennis Egan, a representative of the Minnesota Industrial Sands Council, said while he didnt necessarily love the 40-acre restriction, he said his group would work with you on identifying that kind of compromise, absolutely. Egan had spoken earlier against the ban, arguing that existing permitting and regulation were already effective tools. Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for the Land Stewardship Project, said she didnt think the people against frac sand mining wanted a compromise, and that the regulation wouldnt address the environmental and health concerns that brought the debate to the county. We will not support this, Rupprecht said. The commission members were equally adamant on their positions. Commission members Gene Hansen and Don Evanson unequivocally referred to a ban as the worst kind of government and poor government, respectively. Those dissenting maintained that the ban was supported broadly by county residents, and just reducing the number of mines wouldnt change what they were trying to prevent by banning any amount of new mining. I really dont see how this goes far enough, Meyer said. This reduces the amount of mining, but it doesnt really address the affects of mining. The testimonies leading up to the decision continued the back-and-forth exchanges continued from Mondays hearing, where rosters of people with credentials ranging from doctors to lawyers, not all of whom have expertise in environmental law or health or technical issues related to mining, took turns contradicting each other. Thursdays meeting was mostly a repeat throughout the four speakers, who were split two and two for and against. First was Mike Flynn, a representative of the Winona County Township Association, presenting the resolution against the ban, saying that the group was of the belief that it was contrary to the countys comprehensive plan, which he was involved in creating. Its intent was to regulate and not ban, Flynn said. We knew that was a tool that could be used effectively and most likely wouldnt be challenged down the road. Following Flynn, Rupprecht spoke of the documents Land Stewardship had submitted, which included legal precedents they felt supported the ban, and geological studies that showed the potential of adverse effects to water and air quality, including one by the state of Minnesotas Environmental Quality Board in their guide to planning for and regulating silica sand projects. She said that fit in with the larger goals of the comprehensive plan by protecting its citizens, geography and resources. She received rebukes from both Jacob and Evanson in their questions. Jacob asked Rupprecht, since she had cited both legal and geological data, if she was a lawyer or a geologist. None involved in the questioning or answering were either, though Rupprecht was presenting material created by experts in both fields on their behalf. Evanson, in response to the ban proponents claim that the ban had broad support, said: You imply that the majority of the county is in support of a ban, Evanson said. Are you able to understand that majoritarianism, even if you have the majority, can be a form of tyranny? The proposed language recommended in the end was formed by removing a portion of the original proposed ordinance, and replacing it with language from Florence Township in Goodhue Countys ordinance on frac sand. It started with a simple gesture. Find a few strangers, sit down at a common table and talk about some of the most uncomfortable topics that have divided us for decades. Race, power, politics. Most of us dont talk about these things with our own family let alone with people we dont know. But thats whats missing in these volatile times. We talk at each other. We talk past each other. But rarely do we talk to each other. The Beer Summit was established to make that happen. Back in the summer of 2009, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates was arrested by Boston police for being mistaken as an intruder breaking into his own house. To keep things from exploding, President Barack Obama (who was a friend of Gates) invited the professor and the arresting officer to join him and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House for an afternoon chat over beers. Following that, Global Citizen established the first beer summit in Philadelphia. It invited folks from throughout the region to gather at a local watering hole, share a few suds and talk about those issues like racism that continue to keep communities apart. I had the privilege of being at the first beer summit and have been at every one since. Ive even served as a moderator at a session or two. Now, several years later, these settings are more meaningful than theyve ever been. With the growing list of victims from police shootings, attacks on police, and arguments over which lives matter, our conversations are confrontations. We start at the shouting stage and escalate beyond yelling. Regardless of which side of the argument, reasonable and calm dialogue cant make it above the din. But, to be honest, were really not talking at all. Instead, we find ourselves defensive and on edge making snap judgments in our interactions that too often result in violence. At the most recent beer summit, held last week, about 100 people from throughout the area gathered to work at the fine art of conversation. To hone that skill, the summit featured an exercise in which two individuals stood face to face with one another. For each difference between them, they were instructed to take a step back from each other. One was white. The other black. Step back. One was male, the other female. Step back. By the end of the exercise, there were enough differences on the surface alone to put a rooms length of distance between the two. But then, the dialogue began. It turns out that both grew up in the same neighborhood. They had connections in the same schools. Their children shared common experiences. And for each thing they found in common, they were instructed to take a step toward each other. The more they talked, the closer they became in proximity and in relationship. In the comfortable confines of the summit, these facilitated encounters are easy to make happen. The hard work comes when we step outside. Out there, were full of un-likeminded people. Having been fed a lifetime of stereotypes that reinforce our differences and keep our divisiveness intact, were full of distrust. But no one ever said finding common ground was going to be easy. Thats why we have to hone our skills in looking deeper than what we see on the surface. Sometimes it can take something as basic as a bottle of beer to bring people who might not otherwise have the occasion to sit down with one another to do so in the spirit of understanding and fellowship. At the end, its simply an invitation extended that begins and ends with a willingness to take the first step. From there, bridges can be built that can last a lifetime. A Dane County Republican who said after attending his party's national convention that he would support the GOP ticket is now back in the anti-Trump camp. Longtime conservative blogger and columnist David Blaska, a convention alternate from the 2nd Congressional District, sent an email this week to Republican National Committeeman Steve King, asking him to join a small, but still active group of national Republicans trying to knock Donald Trump off the top of the ticket. The group failed to block Trump's nomination at the convention, but cite party rules that allow the RNC to fill vacancies due to "death, declination or otherwise," which includes disqualification or removal. "I am not a sore loser," Blaska wrote in an email titled "My conscience is bothering me." "I am only sorry that I did not speak up at that first Mondays breakfast caucus at the Hilton (in Cleveland) to urge that we avert this looming disaster. I know I would have spoken for many delegates." In an interview, King said he does not support the attempt to dethrone Trump, who won the primary with a record 14 million votes. He said it's too late to do anything at this point. King, an ally of RNC chairman Reince Priebus, was instrumental in blocking the anti-Trump effort at the convention. "The people are going to get what they're going to get," King said. "They can't point their finger at the establishment. The process worked. It is what it is." Blaska said after the convention he could vote for vice presidential nominee Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, which would effectively count as a vote for Trump. But in an interview this week he said he is considering voting for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. He will not vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Blaska said the turning point for him was when Trump refused for several days to support House Speaker Paul Ryan against his primary challenger Paul Nehlen, whom Ryan defeated soundly in Tuesday's election. Trump endorsed Ryan during a campaign rally in Green Bay. Blaska also said as a member of the National Rifle Association he interpreted Trump's comment this week about 2nd Amendment people being able to do something to stop Clinton as a "threat." Trump's campaign said it was a statement about gun-rights supporters being unified in their opposition to Clinton. "He's an unexploded string of firecrackers," Blaska said. For the second year in a row, the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival will light up the not-so-sleepy Chippewa Valley this weekend for a two-day event featuring over 60 artists, art installations and earnest celebrations of Wisconsin. Bon Ivers Justin Vernon and The Nationals Aaron Dessner co-curated the lineup, which includes performances from James Blake, Vince Staples, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers and yMusic with The Staves among others on Friday. Lisa Hannigan and Aaron Dessner will debut their new album "At Swim," which is out Aug. 19. Perhaps most notably, Bon Iver will be performing new music Friday night, reversing course on Vernons announcement in 2012 that he planned to walk away from the band. The self-titled 2011 debut received the Best New Artist Grammy award in 2012. Last month, the group published a 22-second clip titled #22days exactly 22 days before this Friday, leading to rumblings that Bon Iver will perform a new album in its entirety. Saturdays performances include Erykah Badu, Jenny Lewis, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Beach House, Har Mar Superstar and Mavis Staples, in addition to a rare performance by Dessner's Grateful Dead tribute band Day of the Dead. While the Chippewa Valley is no stranger to large music events, Eaux Claires, the plural French words for "clear waters," has put the area on the map, Visit Eau Claire Executive Director Linda John said. Last years inaugural festival saw more than 25,000 attendees, bringing in about $6.8 million from visitors over two days, John said. Thats more than the new Blue Ox bluegrass music festival in the area, which brought in about $1.5 million. The long-standing three-day Country Jam event brings in about $10 million per year and two other multi-day music events bring in about $7 to $9 million, John estimates. (Eaux Claires is) taking it to a different level, she said. Eau Claire was no longer going to be a secret. Nick Meyer, founder of Volume One magazine and a co-owner of the soon-to-be-open Oxbow Hotel, said attention has exploded on Eau Claire, citing the citys recent cultural and economic boom. People outside of the region are awakening to it for the very first time, Meyer said. Eau Claire is in a phase of development and reinvention, similar to where Madison was a few years ago, Meyer said, calling it a mini-Madison. About 365 hotel rooms have been added to the market this year, according to John, which is about a 16 percent inventory increase. Meyer's Oxbow Hotel project, in collaboration with Zach Halmstad, Vernon and Eaux Claires' creative director Michael Brown, is replacing an undesirable downtown motel and will bring in a farm-to-table restaurant and a live-music lounge. Halmstad's project, The Lismore, is a boutique hotel already on the market. While the University of Eau Claire and other major businesses have driven the post-industrial city's economy, music has been a driving force. Eau Claires new $80 million Confluence Center, a major performance venue and collaboration between city and university, is underway, not to mention two music festivals added in 2015. National outlets have noticed the valleys cultural assertion too. In July, Time Magazine highlighted Eau Claire as part of its Reasons to Celebrate America series, and gives credit to music as a key turning point in the citys changes. Therein lies the new paradigm for towns in turnaround mode, author Steve Koepp wrote. "Instead of chasing smokestacks, why not build a place where young people want to live and work? Meyer, who grew up in the Eau Claire area, said he has seen more young people choosing to make their life back in the Chippewa Valley. He described a generation of young people who have grown up in a very different city than the one in which he spent his childhood years. Their (cultural) needs are starting to be met, Meyer said. With any type of major change, there can be pushback. A major concern with the increase in festivals, John said, is where does it end? When you live right there, clearly theres going to be an impact from your day-to-day life, John said, giving changing traffic patterns and neighbors access to their own properties as examples. Theres a give and take, she continued. And thats what our area is so good at, describing Eau Claires personality as humble with a dash of shyness but also unpretentious, hard working and willing to collaborate. Meyer said to preserve the areas identity requires a balancing act. Not only are the music scenesters tuned to the musical goings-on but now the more mainstream community, business and local government stakeholders are taking notice. But he doesnt think the character of the area will be infringed upon anytime soon. I think we have a ways to go before youre remotely in a danger zone, Meyer said. The Town of Delavan Police Department has obtained several subpoenas as part of a review of Republican House candidate Paul Nehlens tweeting of a photo of his ballot during Tuesdays primary election. Police Chief Raymond Clark said the department is still gathering information, but stopped short of saying his department has opened an investigation. He said the Wisconsin Elections Commission has advised that showing others a ballot is illegal under Wisconsin law and that its up to his department and the Walworth County District Attorney to decide whether to file criminal charges. Clark said the case was brought to his departments attention by the media covering the incident on election day. Were not singling out Mr. Nehlen anymore than anyone else, Clark said. Justice is blind. We should be looking at what the facts are. Walworth County District Attorney Dan Necci didnt respond to a request for comment. Madisons WKOW first reported on the review after it received a subpoena for footage it aired. Clark declined to say how many subpoenas were obtained from a judge, but said there were several. According to the state Elections Commission, Wisconsin banned photographing ballots long ago to prevent the practice of voters being paid to vote a certain way and then using a photograph of the ballot as evidence. Other states also prohibit so-called ballot selfies, though recently courts have struck down such laws in Indiana and New Hampshire on First Amendment grounds. Nehlens campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Nehlen lost his primary challenge to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, by an 84-16 percentage margin. Wisconsin is serious about supporting crime victims, said Mike Thurston, an assistant district attorney in Waukesha County. Theres even a state victim bill of rights, known as Chapter 950. The first right it lists is for every victim is to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect for his or her privacy. But theres a court motion that Thurston and others see as strangely at odds with this right, and out of place in an otherwise progressive state. Its a paradox that we hold up victims rights to such a high degree, but we have this whole line of case law that allows the defense to explore in great depth victims therapy records and mental health records, Thurston said. That case law is known as Shiffra/Green, and it most often complicates sexual assault cases. Its a motion by the defense to access the mental health records of a victim, and it pits victim privacy against the rights of the defendant. Some Wisconsin prosecutors believe that the threshold to access these records is too low, harming victims and complicating successful prosecution. The motion is filed by the defense, and is an attempt to access a victims psychiatric or counseling records. The defense needs to make a preliminary showing that the information in the records is necessary to fairly determine guilt or innocence. The judge then decides whether this threshold has been met, and if so, views them in camera, or in private, to see if he or she believes that there is anything that would be material to the defense. If so, the judge turns over some or all of the records to the defense. Before and after the in camera review, the victim has the opportunity to withhold consent to surrender their records. But if the victim refuses to give consent, they are barred from testifying at trial. The victim is often the main witness in sexual assault cases, and if he or she can not testify, the state often cannot go forward with the case, said Jill Karofsky, director of the office of victim crime services at the Wisconsin Department of Justice. We've made it really hard for some victims in these cases, because they have to choose between testifying in court and holding their abuser accountable, or turning over their records to the person who abused them," Karofsky said. "They can't win." No one can get your records, but if youre raped, your rapist can get them, said Shelly Rusch, a former assistant district attorney in Kenosha and Dane Counties, and current assistant attorney general. Over the years, the bar as to what qualifies as a preliminary showing, proving that the defense is entitled to the information in the records, has been lowered, Karofsky said. Originally meant for delusional victims The law was first established in the case State v. Shaun A. Shiffra in 1993. In that case, the victim was delusional and unable to discern fact from fiction, Karofsky said. The motion was intended to explore the backgrounds of victims with conditions like psychotic disorders or severe PTSD with flashbacks that would impair their ability to relate or perceive events. The standard for accessing records was refined by State v. Johnny L. Green in 2002. The defendant must present facts specifically showing reasonable likelihood that the records contain relevant information that is necessary for a determination of guilt or innocence. The ruling states that the mere contention that the victim had been involved in counseling is insufficient, in an attempt to stop speculation or, colloquially, fishing expeditions through a victims records. In the tension between victim privacy and defendant rights, victims often lose, Rusch said. According to State v. Green, if the case is a close call, the court should provide an in camera review. Judges tend to err on the side of defendants rights against patients records privacy, Rusch said. They dont see the in camera inspection as invasive, but to the victim, it is. Mike Tobin, deputy state public defender, believes judges maintain a high threshold to grant Shiffra/Green motions. Judges are not going to lightly require a witness to turn over medical records that are protected by HIPPA and state law unless theyre satisfied that there really is a necessity to protect the fair trial rights, Tobin said. The state trains attorneys with this in mind, he said. The legal standard makes it clear that it is not a fishing expedition, and the way we would train our attorneys is that if they are going to be successful they are going to have to be as specific as they can, Tobin said. Some prosecutors disagree. In her current position, Rusch answers questions from prosecutors statewide and finds judges dont always properly scrutinize Shiffra/Green requests. In Thurstons experience, the standard varies from judge to judge. Theres a great variety, a great disparity in the way that judges view Shiffra/Green and the way that they interpret these records to be material to a particular defense, Thurston said. 'Defendants are all over this' The motion is commonly used in sexual assault cases, and is a common problem, said Rusch. Defendants are all over this, Rusch said. Rusch, who has 29 years of experience as an assistant district attorney in Dane and Kenosha Counties, estimates that this motion was filed in at least 15 percent of the sexual assault cases she litigated. Other prosecutors across the state have seen it frequently filed. We saw it when I was a prosecutor in Milwaukee, I saw it very frequently in the sensitive crimes courtroom, and the way it was being litigated was a deep concern to me, Thurston said. In my opinion this topic is a deeply troubling one ... I see this being resorted to by the defense very often. Rusch believes these motions are being filed more often. Case law was better for us in terms of privacy rights in the late 90s and early 2000s than it is now, said Rusch. I think weve embarked down a dangerous road and a more slippery slope for sexual assault victims' privileged records. Karofsky agreed that Wisconsin has strayed from the original intentions of Shiffra, and the threshold to access records has been effectively lowered. "The law is dynamic, it's ever-changing and sometimes we need to correct the course, and I think that's where we are right now, Karofsky said. Sometimes a simple PTSD accusation can lead to an in camera review, said Karofsky, which is especially troubling because PTSD is relatively common in victims of sexual assault. What we see is cases where someone is suffering from PTSD and courts say, Oh this victim has PTSD and she must not be able to tell the difference between fact and fiction, Karofsky said. Defense attorneys will also try to retrieve records -- especially of children -- to show the absence of a disclosure of abuse. What many of these motions will say is, This victim was in therapy in five years she either never disclosed or didnt disclose until year five, therefore shes not telling the truth, said Karofsky. The problem with this logic, Karofsky said, is that children rarely disclose abuse right away. The defense often knows these records exist, because in over 90 percent of sexual assaults, the offender knows the victim, and would be more likely to know if the victim had utilized therapy or counseling. This is especially true in domestic violence cases, cases with children and cases where offenders select and groom their victims, said Rusch. Additionally, offenders tend to prey on those who are more fragile and less likely to be believed, and these victims are often utilizing mental health services before an assault, Thurston said. Effects at every stage of prosecution The motion has detrimental effects not just for the success of a prosecution, but for other steps of the trial and the effectiveness of therapy itself, critics say. This idea that the defense can poke around in victim's mental health records and therapy records has an impact or potential impact at about every phase of criminal prosecution, Thurston said. Thurston explained that victims can write a victim impact statement to be read in court, describing how the crime has personally affected them. If a victim reads this too early in the process, the letter, which may reference the fact that the victim had to utilize therapy, could alert the defense to the existence of records they may then try to obtain. Shiffra/Green also has negative implications for mental health treatment, Karofsky said. When we pierce that confidentiality between a mental health provider and a victim because they have been a criminal victim, we really, really throw a wrench into the healing process, Karofsky said. Thats why we have the rules of confidentiality we have ... mental health providers can't do their job unless they're able to keep the information between them and the victim confidential. Its a damaging process, Thurston said. From my perspective, its a considerable concern, and Ive seen first hand how much of an impact its had on very fragile victims and their families, Thurston said. In essence, they've been revictimized as these very sensitive, very personal records have been exposed. Wisconsin is in the minority of states with such a low standard to obtain personal records, Karofsky said. Karofskys office conducted a survey of all 50 states, and found Wisconsin to be an outlier in this respect. The bar is a low bar and has allowed the defense to explore all these different types of records where they wouldnt otherwise be able to, Thurston said. Thurston has also worked as a prosecutor in Illinois and Georgia. He rarely had to deal with litigation involving patient records, due, he thinks, to the higher legal standard in those states. The Dane County district attorneys office doesnt see these motions as a common problem for prosecuting cases. I don't think in either the adult or child victim role, Shiffra-Green is a very big bar to us pursuing anything, said deputy district attorney Matt Moeser. Mark Kerman, who works with victim witness unit in the Dane County DAs office, said in many cases, there are no counseling records that apply, and when there are, the judges in Dane County have been good about defending against fishing expeditions. We dont see them (the judges) allowing the sort of fishing expeditions that may occur in other countries, said Moeser. Shiffra/Green has been appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and been upheld, most recently in July. It was upheld in 2013 in State v. Samuel Curtis Johnson, III, with four of the five judges agreeing it should not be overruled. In July of this year, the ruling was again upheld in State v. Patrick L. Lynch. Five out of seven justices would reverse the ruling in whole or part, but because no more than three justices agreed on the same rationale or result for overturning it, Shiffra/Green remains intact. The Wisconsin State Public Defender website predicted that Shiffra/Green will be challenged again. Justice David Prosser, who voted to maintain Shiffra/Green, recently retired. Karofsky thinks it might be necessary to pass legislation to clarify the threshold the defense must meet to obtain records. I would like to see is something that really clearly lays out for defense attorneys, prosecutors and victims this tension between victims privacy and a defense right to a fair trial, Karofsky said. Karofsky also thinks it would be helpful to educate more people in the court system about PTSD and trauma and how that affects an individuals ability to perceive and articulate the truth. There is also debate over whether barring the victim from testimony is the best remedy, said Tobin. Until Wisconsin can define a higher standard for the defense to meet to access records, Thurston thinks victims will be harmed. Its probably one of the most concerning areas of our law here in Wisconsin, Thurston said, As prosecutors we have an obligation to pursue these potential violations of victims rights. A judge Friday sentenced an Onalaska sex offender convicted of photographing a nude child to serve five years on probation. Bryon Olsen, 28, has the mental capacity of a child and has complied with bond requirements for more than two years, La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine said in supporting his decision for community supervision. The judge also imposed an eight-year prison term. If you violate any of the rules, youll be going to prison, Levine said. Onalaska police began investigating Olsen in early 2014 after a 7-year-old boy said Olsen took photographs of his genitals, although he claimed the child photographed himself, according to the complaint. Police recovered two sexually graphic photographs of the boy on Olsens cellphone taken on Dec. 28, 2013. Olsen was convicted of a sex offense as a juvenile and told police he doesnt really understand sex offender rules but doesnt think he has done anyone wrong, the complaint stated. He pleaded guilty to two counts of being a registered sex offender photographing a minor without consent and entered an Alford plea to causing mental harm to a child. The Alford plea means he admitted no wrongdoing but conceded a jury likely would convict him. Multiple other charges filed against Olsen were dismissed, but considered by the judge at sentencing. Prosecutors dismissed a case that accused Olsen of molesting a 6-year-old girl in late 2013 or early 2014. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend Olsen serve no more than five years in prison. Olsen, who already served prison time for sex offenses, is impulsive and refuses to accept responsibility for his conduct, assistant district attorney Noel Lawrence said. The defendant has blamed everyone for what he does but himself, she said. Public defender Tom Locante asked for probation, arguing Olsens compliance with bond demonstrates he can be safely supervised in the community. Olsen suffers from a low intelligence level and acts out as a cry for help, Locante said. I think sending a person like this to prison would be unduly harsh, he said. Olsen told the judge he plans to obtain a high school diploma and work as a mechanic while on probation. Levine also ordered him to comply with sex offender treatment and serve six months on electronic monitoring. Thursdays rally at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was GOP vice presidential candidate Mike Pences first campaign stop in western Wisconsin and his third in the state since accepting the party's nomination. He was scheduled to speak Thursday night in Milwaukee. Presidential nominee Donald Trump campaigned last week in Green Bay, an event marked by the absence of the states top Republicans, some of whom have clashed with the real estate mogul in recent weeks. The fact that Trump and Pence are spending time in Wisconsin suggests they think the state, which has not gone for a Republican presidential candidate since 1984, could be in play, said University of Wisconsin-La Crosse political scientist Joe Heim. An appearance in La Crosse also allows candidates to reach voters in Minnesota and Iowa. Despite a Marquette Law School poll this week showing Democrat Hillary Clinton with a 15-point lead, Heim expects things will look different by November. The Republicans have not really begun to attack Hillary, he said. Once that starts I believe the race will tighten up. Mason Haliburton came a long way to ask a simple question. The 7-year-old Trump supporter from Omaha, Neb., was the last person called on during Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pences Thursday town hall event in La Crosse. How big is that wall? Haliburton asked, in reference to the wall Donald Trump has promised to build along the nations border with Mexico. Haliburton attended a Pence rally earlier this week in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he got to pose for a picture with the candidate. But when his father went to post it to Facebook, he realized it wasnt on his phone. I gotta make this right, David Haliburton said. I didnt click the picture. So the stay-at-home dad and his son drove seven hours Thursday to make the one-hour rally. They planned to return Thursday night. Mason not only got to pose for another picture; he also got the Indiana governors autograph on the bill of his red Make America Great Again hat. And he got an answer to his question. As big as it needs to be, Pence replied. Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier Those who habitually put items in their recycling bins that don't belong there are the target of the ordinance amendment, not those who make an occasional, accidental mistake, said Public Works Director Jeff Demers. Researchers say the Earth had much more oxygen nearly a billion years ago than scientific experts thought. That claim could change theories about how life developed on our planet. The claim came from researchers at Brock University in Canada. They wanted to measure the levels of oxygen in the Earths atmosphere nearly a billion years ago. To do this, the researchers developed a way to study small air bubbles trapped in ancient salt crystals. There was a lot of debate as to what the oxygen content was 800 million or more years ago, said Nigel Blamey of Brock Universitys Department of Earth Sciences. He said the trapped gasses showed that the oxygen level was about half of what it is today. In fact, many experts believed that the oxygen level was only about two percent of the atmosphere so long ago. But the new study found that it was almost 11 percent. Currently, oxygen is about 21 percent of the atmosphere. The Canadian researchers used a method to study air bubbles trapped in halite, the natural form of table salt. The researchers say their findings have major effects for theories about how and when life developed. Professor of Earth Sciences Uwe Brand said that higher oxygen levels in the past may turn back the clock when complex life developed. Now paleobiologists will have reason to go looking for rocks with evidence of these first evolutionary steps, he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Im Anne Ball. VOANews.com reported on this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow 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 bubble n. a small ball of air in a solid substance crystals n. small pieces of a substance that has many sides and are formed when the substance turns into a solid clock - n. an instrument for telling time Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton blasted opponent Donald Trumps tax and trade proposals as she laid out her own economic plan Thursday. Clinton spoke at an automotive and defense industry factory near the Midwestern city of Detroit, Michigan. Trump had outlined his economic policies earlier on Monday during a speech in Detroit. He also criticized Clintons economic plan. Trump said Clinton would raise taxes and continue heavy government regulation on businesses. In her speech, Clinton said Trump only spoke of failure, poverty and crime when he brought up economic conditions in the state. She also condemned his remarks that America is becoming a third world country. But clearly he doesnt know the people of Michigan. He doesnt see the businesses and the labor unions, the local governments, the clergy - coming together every single day to make things better. She said Trump has offered no credible plans to address the problems faced by American working families. He wants America to work for him and his friends at the expense of everyone else. She said Trump has ignored many issues that have been a focus of her campaign. These include proposals to help students refinance debt, reduce prescription drug costs, promote clean energy, and fight poverty and racism in communities of color. Clinton blasts outlandish Trumpian ideas Clinton said Trump only offers a more extreme version of the failed theory of trickle-down economics - with his own addition of outlandish Trumpian ideas that even Republicans reject. The Democratic candidate addressed some of Trumps main campaign issues, including his opposition to international trade agreements. Clinton said she agrees that past administrations sometimes portrayed trade deals as being better than they turned out to be. Some led to factory closures and job losses, she said. It is also true that China and other countries have gamed the system for too long. She said cutting the U.S. off from the rest of the world, which she said Trump proposed, would not solve the problems. Clinton added, The answer is to finally make trade work for us, not against us. She pledged to stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Officials from 12 countries negotiated the TPP, which is favored by U.S. President Barack Obama. Those countries control 40 percent of the world economy. I oppose it now. Ill oppose it after the election, and Ill oppose it as president. Opposing tax cuts for the rich She said Trumps tax plan for individuals and corporations would only help the wealthiest Americans, including his own family. The tax cuts he doubled down on in his speech in Detroit on Monday offered trillions to the richest Americans and corporations. She said under Trumps proposed tax plan, the billionaire candidate would pay a lower rate than millions of middle class families. Clinton also said Trumps plan to get rid of the estate tax could make his family $4 billion dollars richer. Just think about what we could do with those $4 billion dollars. She suggested the money could buy 47,000 veterans a 4-year college degree. Or provide a years worth of health care to nearly 3 million children. She said it should no longer be the case that a four-year college degree should be the only career path for young Americans. She proposed stronger union training programs and new tax credits to provide paid apprenticeships to teach trade skills. The candidate repeated her pledge that if elected, she would work to complete the biggest investment in new, good paying jobs since World War II. Clinton campaign aides said Thursdays speech was not intended to introduce new economic policies. It was given to counter Trumps economic plan, which he had not yet discussed in detail. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, with additional information coming from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do 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 blast v. attack strongly with words regulation n. an official rule or law that says how something should be done credible adj. able to be conceived trickle-down n. relating to something happening gradually outlandish adj. very strange or unusual portray v. describe in a particular way apprenticeship n. a fixed period of time during which a person learns a job or skill by working for for someone who is very good at that job or skill In a previous Everyday Grammar story, we discussed two common sentence patterns using the word be. This week, we are going to give you more information about another common pattern in English: the linking verb pattern. To get you started with linking verb patterns, consider this passage from a story called The Diamond as Big as the Ritz, by the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald: "As he approached the end his sentences became broken, became short and uncertain, and his body seemed tense, seemed strained to catch the slightest pressure or whisper of life in the spaces around him." By the end of this story, you will be able to recognize one major linking verb pattern that Fitzgerald uses many times in this sentence. An important point about sentences and clauses Remember: a sentence has a subject and a predicate. A clause has a subject and a predicate, too. The predicate is the verb phrase. It has a main verb, such as a linking verb, and other words, such as a subject complement, that give more information about it. When you capitalize the first word of a clause and put a period at the end of it, a clause becomes a sentence. Keep this idea in mind, because it will help you understand sentences that use several clauses. What is a linking verb? In the book "Rhetorical Grammar," Martha Kolln says that the term linking verbs applies to verbs that are completed by a subject complement the adjective or noun phrase that describes the subject. Many grammar experts consider the verb BE to be a linking verb, but Kolln says BE verb patterns are sometimes different from other linking verb patterns. This is because adverbial information often follows BE verbs, such as in the following sentence: My sister is at the store. In this case, an adverbial structure, a prepositional phrase, tells about the location of the subject, my sister. This BE pattern is one we discussed in a previous Everyday Grammar story. In contrast, the usual linking verb structure is this: Examples of linking verbs 1: verbs of the senses Some of the most common linking verbs are verbs of the senses. They include taste, smell, feel, look, and sound. These verbs often link an adjective to a subject. For example, consider these memorable lines from Dirty Harry, a famous American film. Clint Eastwood, the actor who plays the character of Dirty Harry, says: You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk? In the sentence "Do I feel lucky?", the adjective lucky acts as the subject complement. It describes the subject, I. If you were to answer the question, you might say this: Examples of linking verbs 2: remain and become Verbs of the senses are not the only linking verbs. Two other common examples of linking verbs are remain and become. These verbs often link a noun or noun phrase to a subject. Consider the opening lines from Casablanca, another classic American film: "With the coming of the Second World War, many eyes in imprisoned Europe turned hopefully or desperately toward the freedom of the Americas. Lisbon became the great embarkation point." In the second sentence Lisbon became the great embarkation point you can see the basic linking verb pattern, even though the subject complement has several words. Lisbon is the subject of the sentence. The predicate has the linking verb became, as well as the noun phrase the great embarkation point. Examples of linking verbs 3: prove, seem and appear Aside from the verbs of the senses and become and remain, there are three other common linking verbs. They are prove, seem and appear. Like other linking verbs, these verbs link an adjective or noun phrase to the subject. All these verbs use the same basic pattern: Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement. What do linking verbs have to do with F. Scott Fitzgerald? Think back to this passage from "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz": "As he approached the end his sentences became broken, became short and uncertain, and his body seemed tense, seemed strained to catch the slightest pressure or whisper of life in the spaces around him. " Fitzgerald uses some phrases that do not fit into the linking verb pattern. But, if you look closely, you will see that he uses the Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement pattern in the sentence. Consider these clauses: Fitzgerald then repeats the linking verb pattern, but does not say the subject. The repeated subject is understood: This sentence contains other structures that are more complicated than the basic linking verb pattern. But you can still see that these basic patterns can serve as the starting point for very long, complicated sentences. What can you do? Learning how to use linking verb patterns will help you improve your writing. You can think about creative ways to use them, or you can learn to recognize when you use them too often. To start practicing this pattern, try finding the linking verb in the sentences at the end of this story. Identify the subject of the sentence, the linking verb, and the subject complement. Be careful, because one or more sentences may be tricky! We will give you the answers next week in the comments section and on our Facebook page. The lake became a clear pool, pale and quiet. "Winter Dreams" by F. Scott Fitzgerald Her slight unsteadiness seemed part of an enchanted dream. "The Jelly Bean" by F. Scott Fitzgerald John T. Unger was on the eve of departure. "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" by F. Scott Fitzgerald I'm Jonathan Evans. I'm John Russell. And I'm Jill Robbins. John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly J Kelly was the editor. Do you like learning about sentence patterns? Is there a pattern you'd like us to explain here? ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story strained adj. feeling or showing the effect of too much work, use, effort, etc. complement n. a word or group of words added to a sentence to make it complete adverbial adj. like or relating to an adverb. analyze v. to learn the nature and relationship of the parts of (something) by a close and careful examination phrase n. a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence adjective n. a word that describes a noun or a pronoun prepositional phrase n. a phrase that begins with a preposition and ends in a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase embarkation n. a place where a journey begins tricky adj. difficult to do or deal with The new constitution in Thailand will give the countrys military more time to control the government until planned elections next year. More than 61 percent of voters supported the constitution in a special referendum last Sunday After the vote, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief, promised to hold general elections in November of 2017. Thai voters also approved a proposal to let a military-appointed Senate choose a new prime minister after the elections next year. The Senate would have 250 members. They will include six military leaders and top defense officials for at least five years. Thailands 500-member House of Representatives will join with the Senate in choosing the prime minister. Legal experts say the voting last weekend gave Thailands military the right to keep overseeing the government for an extended period. Thitinan Pongsudhirak teaches political science at Chulalongkorn University. He said the referendum results should not be seen as an endorsement for the military government. They (Thai citizens) are used to voting for individuals, he said. So the overall result suggests that people want to have their say at the polls. Thailands last general election was held in 2011, when Pheu Thai Party leader Yingluck Shinawatra was elected prime minister. She and her government were ousted from power in 2014. Prayut led the military coup. The elected Senate was dismissed after the military overthrow, which followed massive anti-government protests. Leading up to the referendum, Yingluck and her party opposed the proposed constitution, as did Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Human rights groups also opposed the measure. Henning Glaser, from Thammasat University, said Thailands main political parties will be weaker under the new constitution. In terms of the election law, bigger parties will lose, Glaser said. We have a weak parliament consisting of weak politicians and political parties which are highly fragmented we will have a weak government too. The latest constitution is the second to be written since the military took power in May 2014. The first one was voted down by the National Legislative Assembly last September. Laws under the current interim constitution give the government of Prime Minister Prayut absolute power. The laws gives soldiers the power to make arrests and prevents political gatherings of more than five people. They also include restrictions on Thailands media. The new constitution gives the military continued powers while setting up a new government, including over national security. Many observers believe the voters were willing to give the military this extended role to help achieve a peaceful transition to civilian rule. Late in the week, attackers using firebombs and homemade explosives struck several cities across southern Thailand. The explosions killed at least four people and wounded more than 30 others, including foreigners. A police spokesman Friday said police believe the attacks were the result of local sabotage, not the work of Islamic terrorists. For years, militants in the south have been fighting for greater self-rule. Prime Minister Prayut called the bombings an attempt to create chaos and confusion. He said the attacks came at a time when the country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism. Who (did it)? Who doesnt want to see Thailand getting better? Which group? Go find out for me, he said. Im Bryan Lynn. Ron Corben reported this story for VOAnews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. George Grow 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 referendum n. public vote on specific issues endorsement n. public of official statement of support fragmented adj. split, broken apart interim n. period of time between events absolute adj. complete, unrestricted transition n. change from one state or condition to another sabotage v. the act of intentionally destroying or damaging something insurgency n. armed revolt or uprising attempting to take control of government The power outage at Delta Airlines this week took down computers and stranded thousands of travelers from New York to Tokyo. It was just the latest in a series of computer-related issues that have disrupted other U.S. airlines. Delta said it canceled about 900 flights Monday out of a total of 6,000 worldwide. Nearly 800 were canceled Tuesday and hundreds more were delayed. By Wednesday most flights had resumed, although Delta said it expected about 100 more cancellations. Delta is investigating the outage, which hit the airlines computer systems early Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. The company said after power was lost, some critical systems and network equipment didnt switch to backup as they were supposed to. In a video message posted online, Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized to passengers for the shutdown. "Im sorry that it happened and I dont have the final analysis (on) what caused the outage." Bastian noted that over the last three years, Delta had spent "hundreds of millions of dollars" on technology upgrades. He said the upgrades included backup system improvements intended to prevent what happened this week. Three weeks ago, Southwest Airlines experienced a similar outage and the company canceled 2,300 flights over four days. The airline said in that incident, a computer network router failed at its Dallas data center and backup systems did not switch on. JetBlue computers went out several times this year due to power and other issues. The outages caused widespread flight delays and forced employees to check in passengers without computers. The operations center that lost power monitors all of Deltas worldwide flights. It also keeps track of individual planes, crew and passengers, and operates sales and ticketing. Dr. Ahmed Abdelghany is an Associate Professor of Operations Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He said computer outages are significant because they affect all airline operations and require a complete reset of the system. "As an airline, you are required to rebuild as if you are rebuilding your schedule of the flights, the crew and the ground personnel. And you have to do that in no time." Abdelghany, who worked for several years as a senior technology analyst at United Airlines, said the fact that Deltas backup systems failed is a big concern. "Of course it is a big problem if your backup system also didnt work. This is like an unforgivable mistake. You cannot afford that you say I have a backup system and then when you need it, it doesnt work." Martin Libicki is a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy and an adjunct professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He specializes in information technology and security issues. He said one of the main reasons backup systems fail is because they are not regularly tested. "And the reason they dont work is because people think, well they're backups, theyll be there when I need it. And they dont test it, and when they need it, it doesnt come on. If you are going to have a reliable backup system, you have to go to it all the time, just to make sure that it runs all the time." Libicki said one possible cause of backup failures in both the Delta and Southwest outages could have been a malware infection. This is what investigators determined caused a huge power outage in the Northeastern United States in 2003. The malware infection in that case affected a power companys outage warning system. "That creates a possibility that there is a piece of malware out there - which somehow interferes with the transition from backup to main system - that prevented in both cases backup from coming to the rescue when the main system went down." Professor Abdelghany said Delta did a good job informing its customers about the outage and trying to accommodate their needs. But he thinks all the airlines should do more to explain what steps they are taking to avoid future outages. "We need to hear more about what they are doing to prevent those incidents from happening in the first place." Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Additional material came from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do 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 disrupt v. to interrupt by causing a disturbance switch v. router n. a device that forwards data to the proper parts of a computer network monitor v. to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time significant adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect schedule n. a list of the times when buses, trains, airplanes, etc., leave or arrive personnel n. the people who work for a particular company or organization analyst n. a person who studies something; an expert afford v. to be able to do (something) without having problems or being seriously harmed adjunct adj. added to a teaching staff for only a short time or in a lower position than other staff regularly adv. at the same time every day, week, month, etc. : on a regular basis reliable adj. able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed : able to be relied on malware n. software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems determine v. to officially decide (something) especially because of evidence or facts : to establish (something) exactly or with authority transition n. a change from one state or condition to another accommodate n. to provide what is needed or wanted for (someone or something) 25 causes of death that occur more frequently in Brazil LINCOLN A higher-than-normal error rate in collecting signatures sank the latest effort to let Nebraskans decide whether to legalize casino gambling. Secretary of State John Gale announced Thursday that a proposed constitutional amendment to allow casino games at the states Thoroughbred horse racing tracks came up well short of qualifying for the November ballot. The problem: too many invalidated signatures, including signers who either werent registered voters or had signed the petition in a county where they were not registered. It was quite stunning, Gale said. About 35 percent of the roughly 120,000 signatures submitted by the pro-gambling group Keep the Money in Nebraska were rejected, which is more than double the rate of past petition drives. The high rejection rate left the effort with only 77,956 valid signatures, well short of the number needed: 117,188, or 10 percent of the total number of registered voters as of July 7. County election officials tossed more than 41,000 signatures. Similar rejection rates could sink the two other initiative petitions submitted by the pro-gambling group, even though they need fewer signatures. Those petitions propose state laws that would regulate casinos at racetracks and spell out how tax revenues from the casinos would be divided. Without constitutional authorization, however, those laws could not be implemented, even if they made the ballot and were approved by voters. I wont say its highly likely, but it looks probable that there will be the same problem with them, Gale said. Scott Lautenbaugh, a former state senator from Omaha and a spokesman for the pro-gambling group, said he was disappointed but could not say why the rejection rate was so high until he got more information. Were going to review what they did and decide what to do next, he said. Lance Morgan, head of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, said he is seeking information from the company hired to collect signatures about the ridiculously high error rate. We dont plan to give up, he said. The people we talk to think its about time Nebraska allowed casino gambling. The most recent campaign finance report showed that all but $33,000 of the $1.3 million spent on the petition drive came from Ho-Chunk. Lautenbaugh said one of the reasons the effort was hampered was because of its complexity: Circulators had to carry three petitions instead of one. The Keep the Money in Nebraska drive was the first in several years to be allowed to pay petition circulators by the signature, and some have speculated that such circulators might be less attentive to the rules if they were paid that way. Lautenbaugh said he didnt know if that was the case. Pat Loontjer, executive director of Gambling with the Good Life, had another explanation. She said the petition drives failure shows yet again that Nebraskans do not want expanded gambling. If they couldnt do it with 10 months and $1 million, I dont know how they could do it, she said. Loontjer cheerfully admitted that she had been wrong in predicting that the petition drive would succeed. She said her group didnt even try to stop the petition drive and had been preparing instead to fight the anticipated ballot measures. Nebraskas been spared once again, she said. God gave us another miracle. Nate Grasz, a policy analyst for the Nebraska Family Alliance, called Thursdays announcement good news for Nebraska. He expressed confidence that voters would have defeated the measure if it had made the ballot. The last time that Nebraskans voted on expanded gambling was in 2006, when voters rejected a proposal to allow video keno devices. In 2004 voters defeated two measures that would have legalized casinos in the state, one proposed by the Legislature and one put on the ballot by petition. Morgan said pro-gambling forces have 10 days in which to contest the decision by Gales office. If it sticks, he said Ho-Chunk would likely downsize its $30 million to $40 million plan to renovate the former Atokad racetrack in South Sioux City, Nebraska, into a casino complex. We think that long-term gaming will happen at the tracks, Morgan said. Maybe my kids will live to see it. The total number of signatures fell short, but the petition drive did meet the requirement for collecting signatures from at least 5 percent of voters in at least 38 counties. Based on a preliminary analysis, Gale said the largest number of rejected signatures were from people who were not registered to vote in Nebraska or in the county indicated on the petition sheet. That accounted for more than 24,000 signature rejections, he said. Nearly 4,600 additional signatures were duplicates, and more than 3,000 signatures were rejected because the signers voter registration had been removed from the system for inactivity. In some counties, such as Banner, Kimball and Sheridan, the number of accepted signatures equaled the number of rejected. No counties had less than a 50 percent validity rate. The county with the highest validity rate was Grant County, with nearly 91 percent of signatures accepted. The average validity rate among all counties was just over 65 percent. Gale said he had requested that county election officials verify signatures for the constitutional amendment before checking signatures for the proposed state laws. The final decision on whether the two remaining gambling petitions qualify for the ballot is not expected for at least two weeks. Contact the writers: This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict. Mark Alexander We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens ! Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com Ronald Reagan The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. Albert Einstein If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. Winston Churchill It isnt so much that liberals are ignorant. Its just that they know so many things that arent so. With integrity nothing else counts; Without integrity nothing else counts. Winston Churchill Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office. H. L. Menken Referenda insure all have a voice in land use decisions. U.S. Supreme Court Listen carefully to first criticism of your work. Note just what it is about your work the critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping. Jean Cocteau Now in its third year, the Plascon Colour Design Awards promote creative thinking and making the world better using colour. This year's competition called for South African students of architecture and interior design to create a design that would uplift an existing school or educational institution building using Plascon's Inspired Colour range, under the theme #ColourCan. Shani Bijleveld Shani Bijleveld, a first year student from Design Time School of Interior Design in Cape Town was officially announced as the winner at 100% Design, held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg this week. Her design used Oranjekloof Moravian Primary School in Hout Bay, Cape Town, as a canvas and incorporated bold shades of orange and blue including Atlantic Beach, Plascons Colour of the Year for 2016. The vibrant complementary colours were used in patterns inspired by Xhosa beadwork, thereby acknowledging the cultural heritage of the majority of learners at the school. Second and third place went to Athena Strates and Janine De Bruin respectively, who are also students at Design Time. The Plascon Colour Design Awards are centred on creative thinking and making the world better through the use of colour, says Anne Roselt, Plascons global colour manager and the driving force behind the awards. We know that creative thinkers like our winners have the power to change the world for the better and were also big supporters of budding design and architectural talent. We asked the participants to reimagine a space using our range of colours. The main aim was to make the space inspiring and empowering for the learners or students. Two rounds of judging Bijlevelds winning design was chosen from among 120 entries received - over 40 more entries than the previous year. Due to the large number of entries, there were two rounds of judging with each judge explaining why they thought a particular entry should be shortlisted, adds Roselt. One thing was unanimous: the standard of entries this year was outstanding! The judging panel consisted of: Anne Roselt, global colour manager at Plascon Sumien Brink, editor in chief of VISI, Plascon Spaces magazines and New Media Books Leana Schoeman, editor of Sunday Times Home Magazine Jodi Robertson, director of International Trend Institute (ITI) Samantha van den Berg, organiser of the Plascon Colour Design Awards Laurence Brick, MD of Platform Creative Agency and creative director of 100% Design South Africa Up and coming interior designer, Donald Nxumalo Prizes, public exposure As her prize, Bijleveld wins a trip to London Design Week 2016, which runs from 17 to 25 September, valued at R40,000. Strates and De Bruin, the two runners-up, will each receive cash prizes of R5,000. In addition, the top three students also receive R5,000 each for their educational institution. Recognising the value of public and media exposure for students, who constitute South Africas next generation of industry professionals, the designs of the top 20 finalists were showcased in a dedicated display at 100% Design South. The top six entries will also be featured in the upcoming issue 21 of Plascon Spaces magazine. The Plascon Colour Design Awards grew out of the previous Plascon Prism Awards, which Plascon supported for several years. These awards demonstrate Plascons ongoing commitment to further the architectural and design industries. For more information, go to www.plasconspaces.co.za. A newly emerged armed group says it had made good on threats to Nigeria's vital oil industry by blowing up a major pipeline and warned that more attacks were to come. The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) says they had shown they were "men of (their) word" by destroying part of the Urhobo pipeline in Delta State. The group existence was announce scarcely two days earlier by its spokesman, self-proclaimed "General" Aldo Agbalaja, who warned that the NDGJM would strike at oil installations within 48 hours. A security source confirmed an attack using dynamite on the Uzere-Eriemu line in the Isoko South area of Delta State. Communities near the pipeline, which is owned by the state-run Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), are being affected by the pollution caused by leaking oil. "We started noticing crude oil on our land only to be told that it is as a result of a spill from a trunk line conveying crude from Isoko to the Eriemu manifold," says Victor Emuherie, leader of a youth movement in the affected village of Agbarha-Otor. The populous Niger Delta region on the Gulf of Guinea has for decades seen attacks by local militants on oil installations run by the NPDC and by foreign oil giants, causing successive governments to deploy troops. The NDGJM warned that their attack was only a foretaste of its activities to come and urged multinational companies "to evacuate their personnel". The government last week resumed payments of allowances to former fighters under an amnesty scheme, notably ex-rebels of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). MEND is a historic armed movement demanding reparations and a fair share of oil revenue for residents of the Niger Delta, which has seen spin-offs by radicals who want independence for the region and refuse to recognise Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, as president. Attacks by another group, the Niger Delta Avengers, have led to a sharp fall in oil production since the start of the year in a country already hit by tumbling prices for crude, which accounts for 70% of state revenue. In a globally connected world, media research provides critical insight into local consumers, and how best to reach them. It can guide a company in successfully reaching target audiences, and reveal strengths and weaknesses in various media platforms. Image by 123RF Social media research can go a step further, it can measure consumer sentiment and identify how a brand is perceived - where it is going wrong, and what it is doing right. Media research gives brand owners the insights into how to best serve communities and to create seamless continental brand messaging through regionally targeted marketing campaigns. As such, harmonising media research across Africa could be a step towards the stimulation of greater intra- African trade. The Pan African Media Research Organisation (PAMRO) is dedicated to furthering this project, believing that harmonising media research across Africa will build greater confidence in the research available. Having research that is consistent, accurate and reliable, and that can be understood across borders, makes it that bit easier - and therefore more attractive - for brands to invest in African countries. A recent report by Ornico, one of PAMROs founder members, provides some insight into the kind of information media research can provide with a specific focus on research conducted across social media. Ornicos social media tools and analysis methodology monitored social media relating to the banking industry in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa in order to gain a high level view of the social media performance of the fastest growing banks in these countries, and to establish what drives their growth. Service delivery Using metrics such as response times, sentiment, reach and engagement, and covering a wide array of content addressed by the banks and their audience, the report provides a summary of useful industry data as a benchmark for banks in these African countries, and highlights some of the issues occupying consumers. Across all three countries, service delivery and customer care comprised a key topic. Otherwise, the top issues concerning banks differed from country to country: in South Africa, high bank charges and incidences of card fraud took centre stage; while in Kenya, the main conversation drivers apart from service delivery circled around ATMs (whether they were out of service, or suggestions regarding the installation of new ATMs). Key topics in Nigeria concerned enquiries around provisions for small business, followed by complaints about service-related issues. Accounts also came up as a prevalent topic, with the number of conversations around this issue boosted by a series of mentions around the First Bank of Nigerias bank account differences. Based on positive sentiment, reach, volume, social profile followers (Facebook and Twitter only) and response time - with equal weighting given to each of these the research found the following banks to be the top banks in their respective countries: FNB (South Africa), GT Bank (Nigeria) and Kenya Commercial Bank. The top banks share several key trends. To begin with, they typically engage with communities across a wider spread of platforms, and possibly as a result have larger Facebook and Twitter communities, more community engagement, and more positive brand sentiment. Greater follower numbers and the frequency with which their communities share their content, mean greater reach. The top banks typically demonstrate quicker response times on Twitter and Facebook in comparison to industry peers: Kenya Commercial Bank has the quickest response times among the banks studied and the highest positive sentiment as well. The banks with some of the highest engagement interact with some of the top influencers in their communities. (This does not suggest that these brands are more selective about responding to followers and enquiries, but that they tend to have influencers with whom followers seem to have greater resonance than the average Twitter user.) This very brief summary of Ornicos banking report provides some indication of the types of information, and therefore the kind of role that media research can play in establishing and growing a successful brand. However, while there are a number of research bodies active across Africa, there is little consistency in the way that media is measured at present. This makes things difficult for those brands whose operations extend across several territories, or those looking to venture into new territory: West Africa operates quite differently to East Africa or Southern Africa; and even within those regions countries have their own ways of doing things. While a certain amount of regional variation might be necessary in response to each countrys individual environment, there needs to be enough common ground to enable communication and action across borders. This is an important challenge that we, as a continent, need to overcome. PAMRO conference For this reason, PAMRO is working to further the goal of a harmonised media research. Key to this endeavour is the PAMRO conference, which provides a platform and meeting place for people and institutions concerned with media research; a chance to share ideas, see what everybody is doing and find ways to make Africa a place where brands feel confident. It is an opportunity to network, but also to discover the definitive research methodologies being used in Africa and further afield. This year, the 17th PAMRO All Media Research Conference takes place 21-24 August 2016 at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The theme of this years conference is Media research in a globally connected world and there is a line-up of local and international speakers from across the media measurement landscape. *Follow PAMRO on social media to get all the updates from the annual conference this month: Click here to like PAMRO on Facebook; or follow on Twitter @pamro_org; the conference hashtag is #PAMRO2016. : 9 2013 . 9 . . Akshay Kumar's highly anticipated Rustom is out in theatres today. And while it has created a fair bit of excitement on social media in the run-up to its theatrical release, unfortunately, it seems as though the film itself has let down reviewers. Rustom's director Tinu Suresh Desai-directed film (he previously helmed 1920 London) has repeatedly claimed that his film is not inspired by the real life case of Commander KM Nanavati. Desai asserts that Rustom is a work of fiction, albeit with the Nanavati case as a reference point. However, the similarities are too many to discount, and one can easily pooh-pooh Desai's statement. The bare facts of the case are well known: Commander KM Nanavati was a highly decorated naval officer; he lived in Mumbai (then Bombay) with his English-born wife Sylvia. On home from shore leave, he discovered that his wife was having an affair with flamboyant playboy-about-town Prem Ahuja. Nanavati confronted Ahuja about the affair the latter was in his bathtub at the time according to most accounts of the case and when Ahuja refused to marry Sylvia, Nanavati shot him three times. Nanavati then surrendered himself to the police. The Nanavati case was fascinating for a variety of reasons: it led to the abolishing of the jury system in India, created friction between two communities (the Parsis, to which group Nanavati belonged; and the Sindhis Ahuja was one, as was his sister Mamie Ahuja, who was heavily involved in the court battles subsequent to Prems death), and the role the media (notably the tabloid Blitz run by Russi Karanjia) played in shaping public perception of the case and its principal parties. In fact, it is one of the headlines from the Blitz's coverage of the trial "Three shots that shocked the nation" that were used as the tagline for Rustom as well, when its trailer was unveiled. The overwhelming similarities between Rustom and the Nanavati case cannot be dismissed by Desai even if the film introduces another angle to the case apparently one involving a military conspiracy of some kind. Most reviewers have said it is these extraneous elements that are one of the major weak points of Rustom, with one piece calling it an attempt at "enforced patriotism" (side note: perhaps this was to capitalise on the release date's proximity to Independence Day?). In real life, Nanavati was released from prison after three years; his case was helped with a pardon signed by Mamie Ahuja (played by Esha Gupta in Rustom, overshadowed by her cigarette holder and frozen bouffant) and the efforts of a number of people working on his behalf. He went on to live in Canada with Sylvia and their three children, and passed away in 2003. Incidentally, the story of Sylvia Nanavati inspired the song Sylvia in Anurag Kashyaps Bombay Velvet. Apart from this, the Nanavati story has triggered a host of other re-tellings including the Hindi films Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke (1963) and Achanak (1973). Remember those films from the Sohrab Modi era and before, when flaring nostrils, eyeballs popping out and an actors torso stiffening up to express shock, were the norm? When celluloid crowds were packed with really, really lousy extras who would nod their heads in an exaggerated fashion as a reaction to whatever the central performers said or did? Rustom is not quite as bad, but there is enough poor quality, farcical acting going on here to remind viewers of an era gone by. Since when did making a period film involve harking back to the unevolved acting of an earlier time? I suppose it could be argued that this is a deliberate bid to remind audiences of the world of 1950s Mumbai in its entirety. Sorry, does not work. The strange performances surrounding the main actors dilute the films gravitas, thus giving our thoughts enough time to wander about and notice the glaring loopholes in the unfolding events. The execution of Tinu Suresh Desais Rustom is inexplicable. The director has a talented primary cast in place, the costume, make-up, hair and production design departments appear to have worked hard, and it is loosely based on a real-life drama that is truly fascinating. Yet Desai fritters away all these advantages. His weak direction coupled with a screenplay that urgently required more thought, results in a silly, tacky, confusing film. The pre-release promotions of Rustom have cleverly steered us to believe that the film is based on the infamous K.M. Nanavati case of 1959, but the text preceding the credits simply states that it is inspired by true incidents. While the producers stay in a safe zone on that front, it is clear from the film itself that the idea is to tease the viewers imagination with the Nanavati case, yet draw on that to build a brand-new fiction. That is okay, I guess, since Rustoms characters bear different names from those who peopled this well-chronicled episode in contemporary history. The facts of the original case: In April 1959, Naval Commander K.M. Nanavati confessed to shooting his wife Sylvias lover Prem Ahuja at point-blank range. He was initially acquitted in a jury trial and later convicted by the higher judiciary (for details, click here). News archives show that the story captured the imagination of both the public and press at the time, and was the last jury trial in the country. The media coverage of the case was a great example of abysmal tabloid journalism, and the support Nanavati received from his fellow Parsis is an unfortunate example of blatant parochialism by a tiny minority community that has given Mumbai and India so much else to be proud of. All this is rich fodder for any creative mind. Understandably, Nanavati has inspired several books and films, most memorably the Vinod Khanna-starrer Achanak. The fiction: Rustom draws on Nanavatis love triangle, but turns it into a saga of a patriot who deserved to be acquitted for a murder he did indeed commit because well he was a patriot. In the times that we live in, when the word nationalist is being worn as a badge of honour by dangerous, violence-prone elements in our society and polity, this is a very disturbing stance to take. The film is set in Mumbai when it was officially called Bombay, and the handsome Commander Rustom K. Pavri (Akshay Kumar) comes home after a long assignment away, to discover that his wife Cynthia (Ileana DCruz) is having an affair with their friend, the businessman Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa). Pavri coolly collects a gun from the naval stores, goes off in search of Vikram, shoots him with that gun and then turns himself in to the police. A powerful tabloid editor (a nod to Russi Karanjia of Blitz newspaper) openly supports Pavri because he is a fellow Parsi and the citys powerful Parsi community closes ranks to back him. But Rustom has his own plans. At the trial, he refuses a lawyer and pleads his own case. While women swoon outside, we discover from the courtroom proceedings and what remains unsaid there that he is, in fact, not a wronged husband but a conscientious Navyman who became a victim of circumstances. Rustoms messaging should perhaps not be surprising considering that it is produced by Neeraj Pandeys Plan C Studios. Pandey directed that populist Hindi film offering A Wednesday, which glorified the notion of common people taking up arms to kill off those they consider enemies of the state. However ideologically debatable that film might have been, it has to be said that it was a polished production. Rustom is not. Akshay Kumars performance is more trying-to-be-intense than intense, which is disappointing coming in the same year as his quietly dignified turn in Airlift. As it happens, he is about 14 years older than Nanavati reportedly was when the murder took place. It is becoming exhausting to point out the sexism intrinsic to the casting of Indian films in which actors especially male superstars routinely play the romantic interests of actresses 10-20 years their junior, so I will not repeat myself, but do read my earlier articles on this subject here, here and here. In this particular case, DCruz is 20 years younger than Kumar. The delicate-boned DCruz looks stunning in the film and does a decent job as the heartbroken, unfaithful wife, but her characterisation is troubling. She is painted as a helpless creature who cannot be blamed for cheating on her husband because, after all, what is a bechari innocent woman to do when preyed on by a sexy, amoral, non-middle-class hot bod like Vikram who has the audacity to not be committed to her? This is a curious new Hindi film version of the good middle-class Indian woman: she sleeps with another man but cannot be held accountable for her actions because she ultimately backs her husband in his wrongdoing. The film also juxtaposes her against Vikrams heavy-smoking, cleavage-baring, snobbish sister Preeti Makhija (Esha Gupta) to remind us of Bollywoods conventional notion of the evil woman. Never mind the subtle moralising for a moment: the fact is that there is zero chemistry between Cynthia-Rustom and Vikram-Cynthia. The lovely Pavan Raj Malhotra plays the cases investigating officer, Senior Inspector Vincent Lobo, who provides the films most suspenseful portion, but that twist is spoilt by a number of plot faux pas and a general lack of flair. For instance, the morning after having suffered a sprained ankle that required medical attention, Cynthia does not have even a hint of a hobble in her walk. A waiter who recalls an act of violence involving Vikram, tells the lawyer in court that no one but Rustom, Cynthia and Preeti would be able to vouch for his version of the truth, when in fact we are shown other people on screen in that flashback. Besides, it turns out that the club conducted a detailed inquiry into the scuffle. Are we to believe that the waiter was not aware of that inquiry? I am not even looking into whether the portrayal of the Navy or judicial processes in the 1950s is accurate or whether the look of the time is authentic. Just reacting as an ordinary member of the audience, it has to be said that the treatment of the film is lackadaisical. This is genuinely sad because if you sift out the frills, the faff and the chaff in Rustom, the pivotal plot is actually interesting and could have made for a solid thriller. The sensation-seeking public, the sensationalist media and the bizarre functioning of the Indian judiciary could certainly be a source of humour. It takes finely balanced writing and direction though to derive laughter from grim situations, and the team of Rustom lacks that finesse. This is an opportunity lost. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has apologised to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, after he tweeted that he was detained at the Los Angeles airport. Verma said that Shah Rukh is an inspiration for millions, even in the US. "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at the US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Shah Rukh said in a tweet posted on Friday morning. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Following this, Verma tweeted out his regret stating the US department will work to ensure this does not happen again in the future. Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 In response to the apology, Shah Rukh tweeted saying he does not expect special treatment but termed the experience "just a tad inconvenient." No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Earlier, another senior US diplomat of Indian origin had also tweeted out an apology, which the superstar duly accepted and acknowledged. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Biswal tweeted: "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!", to which Shah Rukh replied saying he appreciates her "graciousness." Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 No hassle mam.Respect the protocol,not expecting to b above it. Appreciate ur graciousness, its just inconvenient. https://t.co/7QFatghuuu Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 On a positive note, Shah Rukh Khan tweeted: "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons." The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 This is not the first time that Shah Rukh, one of Hindi film industry's most successful stars, was detained at a US airport. In 2012, he was detained at a New York airport for two hours when he had arrived to visit Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. In 2009, he was stopped at the Newark Airport, New Jersey, and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate in New York. "I was really hassled at the American airport because of my name being Khan. It was absolutely uncalled for. I felt angry and humiliated," Shah Rukh had said, who was then heading towards Chicago to participate in an Independence Day celebration event. "It is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist," he had then said. With inputs from agencies In an apparently earth-shattering move on Friday, US immigration officials (again) detained Shah Rukh Khan at a US airport for questioning. And outraged at the latest instance of ostensibly 'discriminatory' treatment, the Bollywood superstar tweeted his anguish, throwing an entire nation (or its media anyway) into the throes of collective outrage. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Shah Rukh's tweet refers to similar experiences of additional scrutiny, which he underwent while trying to cross America's borders. In August 2009, the actor was stopped at the Newark airport and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate. In 2012, he was again held up at New York airport for over two hours, prompting an angry response from India, which summoned a top American diplomat and also asked Nirupama Rao, its then ambassador in Washington, to take up the issue with the highest authorities. The matter then ended with US expressing 'profound apologies'. In this case, though the US State department has not released any information yet on why the actor was detained on Friday at Los Angeles airport, it has been reported earlier how Shah Rukh Khan's name matches that of another individual, who has been blacklisted by the US. During the 2012 controversy, US officials reportedly told NDTV that during immigration checks, what pops up is a name without any other detail to help draw a distinction. Be that as it may, here's the simple point Mr Khan. The US, a sovereign nation governed by a set of rules and regulations, is perfectly within its rights to choose its own procedure while letting in visitors. It is for the US to decide on whom to allow, question or block in the interest of its security. Khan would do well to remember that he always has the option of not flying to the country if he is uneasy or uncomfortable with security checks. And for those outraging against Shah Rukh Khan's detention, the issue wasn't that an Indian was subjected to additional checks without any seeming justification (that would have been still understandable) but that a Bollywood superstar, no less, was made to undergo such an ordeal. The point of outrage is not against the strict procedures adopted by the US, but the apparent 'humiliation' of an Indian VIP for whom the US should have rolled out the red carpet because Shah Rukh, by his act of flying into the US, was doing Washington a big favour. The Twitter storm and outrage generated by what should have been a non-issue is the greatest example of how we Indians actively encourage VIP culture and hammer into celebrities and netas a delusion of self-importance. This results ultimately in them suffering from a deep sense of entitlement which gets reflected in their actions. The outrage would have been legitimate had the Bollywood actor been holding a diplomatic passport as Meera Shankar did. The former Indian Ambassador to the US was in 2010 pulled from an airport security line and frisked by a security agent in Mississippi even after her diplomatic status had been revealed. Or if Shah Rukh was a former Indian President like APJ Abdul Kalam, who was frisked at the New York airport in 2011. These were serious protocol breaches and the US has had to express "deep regret" in each case. It is pertinent to remember that US is at the cross-hairs of global terrorism. Its homeland security rules were thoroughly revised after 9/11. Ironically, this was pointed out by Nirupama Rao, India's former foreign secretary who once had to deal with this very issue back in 2012. In a tweet on Friday following the controversy, the former Ambassador to the US and China said that the US, post-9/11, is a changed country. The U.S post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. https://t.co/MWt6Q4fFlX Nirupama Rao (@NMenonRao) August 12, 2016 In a series of tweets on the issue, Rao, who should know a thing or two, said no foreigner is exempted from heightened security and that we should refrain from questioning the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. I don't think we can question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. Live and learn. https://t.co/DC1qznAJRp Nirupama Rao (@NMenonRao) August 12, 2016 Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt. https://t.co/insgTuqBvw Nirupama Rao (@NMenonRao) August 12, 2016 What is amusing from the entire incident is that Khan, a product of our deep-rooted VIP culture who was banned for five years from entering Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium for allegedly misbehaving with a security personnel, apparently believes that his 'celebrity' status provides automatic immunity from secondary screening. His tweet may also be construed as a subtle attempt to portray himself as a victim of Islamophobia. It is admittedly difficult for Khan, coming from a country where VIPs grow on trees and they have grown to be so numerous that new categories of VVIPs have been instituted to differentiate among them. The US action should come as a periodic reality check. The US, it must be said, has gone out of the way in trying to assuage Khan's ego. US ambassador to India Richard Verma subsequently apologised "for the trouble". Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 To his credit, Khan's response was immediate and sensible. No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 But the final word in this needless controversy was best expressed by US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal, whose politeness was wrongly construed as an "apology" by Indian media. She said even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening. Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 That should put things in perspective. My name is Shah Rukh Khan. Whenever I go to the USA they take me aside for questioning. It sucks. My name is Bikram. The computers around the world are not programmed for brilliance so they go whirr whirr clackety clack and circle '-ikram' and I am requested to step aside. The same goes for 'Geetanjai' and 'Anjali' and that's the way computers work. Now, I am not famous like Shah Rukh Khan but most people who work at American airports are just average Joes who are so dramatically parochial they have no idea who he is or even where exactly India is. As much as it is very unlikely that the new age staff at an Indian airport will recognise Robert DeNiro or Al Pacino. Also, Indians watch Hollywood. Americans do not watch Bollywood. And unlike Heathrow, which has Indians by the hundreds, US airports do not. If there had been rubbernecking Indians transiting or on the flight desperate to see their hero it would cut no ice with Customs and Immigration who would have gone by the rules. The first time that Shah Rukh was held up, his name went into the maw of the big, bad wolf called a Cray computer which munches up everything and remembers everything and underscores everything and so it does not matter who you are; once your name is in the system you will be marked by the computer as a person of interest. The computer might be a whizz but it does not discern. Tunngggg, red light. I have several pages in my passport with Arabic stamps. A dozen Mid-East countries over the past 30 years. I attend an aviation conference in Seattle. I have pamphlets in my bag describe aircrafts because I have to study for the seminar. I am a guest of Boeing. I represent a publication from that region. Sierra! Their nice courteous way of saying, you aint going anywhere yet, bud. Finally figured out that two plus two makes 10 in the computer's mind. So now I know that I will be placed in the Sierra line which means a double check by security and a kind of walking the visual gauntlet. Take it in your stride, Shah Rukh, that's the way it is and that's the way it is going to be. If Donald ducks into the White House, you may not get away with only a few questions. So, if you wish to go to the States, face the fact that you are in that machine's memory. And the moment the manifest is fed of your flight, the computer will send out an alert. It can be daunting, very embarrassing and annoying but stardom or anonymity, all are identical and it is a lot easier to just go with the flow and waste that time. At Chicago, I was pulled out of line. Asked to go to a room where my suitcase sat like a coffin. Asked to open the locks and stand back, please. Curious, I asked why I had been chosen. The lady cop said I sort of fitted the profile of a person they were looking for. Over 60, shifty eyed, mean spirited, suspicious, short on hair, arrogant and displaying attitude. That's what I believe it does, that system, it profiles you and if certain markers are common with someone they seek, you are just it. So don't let it get you down Mr Khan, you should have gotten used to it by now. You can moan and groan and make as many petitions as you like your name will never leave the system. Point is, you may not be over 60 but are you shifty-eyed? Even his political enemies would concur that prime minister Narendra Modi has decisively broken the reforms jinx in the monsoon session that ends today (Friday). The passage of Goods and Services Tax (GST) amendment, kicking off the biggest tax reform post-Independence, has augmented investor faith in the government. When the BJPs backroom strategists sit back to take stock of the monsoon session, they will have a smiling face, for which they should thank the Congress party too for extending a helping hand on GST. For Modi personally, the GST is a major relief as the PM can now face his critics, who have pointed out the lack of progress on substantial reforms. Besides GST, a slew of other reforms, some of them incremental steps, such as bankruptcy code, coal, insurance, real estate and subsidy too show the NDA governments progress. But Modi has to work even hard on implementing what he has initiated so far and think of ways to push the remaining items on the reform-agenda -- mainly on land and labor reforms, experts said. Modi has to focus on relentlessly implementing what has been initiated so far, said D K Joshi, chief economist at Crisil, Indian subsidiary of global rating agency, Standard and Poors. Modi managed to build consensus on the GST Bill, pending for almost a decade due to political differences, by grouping powerful regional political parties including Mamta Banerjees Trinamool Congress and Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) and taking the state governments into confidence. This isolated the Congress party, the main opposition, and forced it to concur on the Bill in Rajya Sabha, where the NDA government lacked majority. The GST, which promises to subsume several state level tax levies into one, is still months away from the final rollout as the government has to pass two supporting legislations (central GST and integrated GST) and at least 16 of Indias 29 states have to pass state GST Bills. Also, the countrys tax assessors and companies need to migrate to the new IT infrastructure to comply with the new regime. The government so far doesnt have an agreement with the Congress party on the standard GST rate. The Congress wants to cap the rate at 18 percent, while the government is under pressure from states to settle for a higher rate. The differences can potentially offer sleepless nights to Modis finance minister Arun Jaitley ahead of the rollout the new tax regime, which has a deadline of April 2017. The government has to first ensure that GST is implemented within the time line, said Rajesh Mokashi, CEO of Care rating agency. But GST is only one side of the story. Modi has carried the baton from his predecessors on subsidy reforms continuing with the UPA governments Aadhaar Direct Benefit Transfer programme. Ever since the government initiated subsidy reforms, linking Aadhaar numbers of individuals and their bank accounts, it has saved Rs 21,000 crore in two years by directly transferring subsidy to user bank accounts in LPG. So far the government has linked 25.48 crore Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts and has issued 104.13 crore Aaddhar cards so far to a populations of 128 crore. The government has linked over 12.28 crore LPG connections, over 11.39 crore ration cards and over 5.90 cr NREGA cards linked with Aadhaar. But, continuing this exercise in food and fertiliser subsidies is crucial to cut down the governments overall subsidy burden. Total subsidy burden constituted 21.4 percent of governments revenue expenditure in 2015-16. Similarly, the passage of the bankruptcy code is seen as a major step to resolve the pain banks face in the recovery of corporate loans. For a banking system, neck-deep in bad loans (about 11.5 percent loans in the stressed category), the absence of a strong bankruptcy code has been a major issue. But, the government is still tasked with preparing the infrastructure ready for the new system. According to Nomura, India currently ranks 136 in the World Bank's resolving insolvency ranking and it takes 4.3 years to resolve insolvency and the recovery rate (at 25.7 cents to a dollar) is very low. Therefore, a consolidated legal framework for resolving bankruptcy will play a key role in improving the ease of doing business in India. Land, labour laws But, the real challenge Modi has to face is on the land and labor reforms since these are politically highly sensitive. Making land available to industries, especially foreigners who want to set up factories in India, is key to Modis Make in India. In August 2015, Modi let the crucial land Bill lapse on account of protests from trade union and farmer bodies. The Bill was intended to make it easier for companies. Modi has to get the Bill passed without losing its essence once the Rajya Sabha numbers improve for BJP in 2017-18 and take states on board once again. Unless there is clarity and consensus around land reforms, including land acquisition for implementing government's industrialization and infrastructure development projects, the vision of converting India into a global manufacturing hub will remain unrealized. It is essential to pursue efforts towards a comprehensive land reforms policy relentlessly to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion, said Abhik Ghosh, a former civil servant, who was with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in this article. Similarly, on labor reforms, the NDA government hasnt made much progress. Modi, who endorsed labour reforms in his earlier avatar as Gujarat chief minister, hasnt managed to overhaul the complex labor laws. Almost two third of Indian workers arent protected by any laws and are outside the organized structure. The Modi-government has to address the issue to deal with the emerging workforce and improve ease of doing business negotiating with countrys powerful trade unions, including the right wing unions. Labour laws in India are mostly archaic, said Anshul Prakash, associate partner at Khaitan & Co. On critical issues such as illegal strikes, trade union issues and employment rules, there have been no progress during the Modi-rule, Prakash said. As of now except Rajasthan, no state has progressed much on labour laws. One case in hand is the lack of progress on the Industrial Relations Bill that intended to allow companies employing up to 300 workers to fire or hire employees without seeking any government permission (as against the earlier limit of 100 workers). The change would have also made it difficult to form trade unions as at least one third of the workforce should agree for its formation. GST is only a part of the larger reforms agenda. With the NDA-government entering third year, Modi has less than two years to finish his reform work (the last year being an election year). At this stage, Modi has fresh troubles emerging from certain issues such as the politically sensitive problem of atrocities against Dalits (the recent incidents of cow vigilantism and Hinduvta politics) and re-emergence of right wing trade unions that have potential to jeopardise further progress on reforms. The PM has shown the courage to distance himself from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) Hindutva agenda and focus on governance. Modis task is to take this approach ahead and pass the bigger hurdles on the reforms path. GST is Modis 2016 prize; but with 2019 not too far, the celebrations cannot go long. How bad is the bad loan problem in the banking sector? The April-June numbers of State Bank of India (SBI), released on Friday, shows that despite a slight increase in the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) numbers (from 6.5 percent in the March-quarter to 6.94 percent in the June-quarter) SBI hasnt disappointed the market. But even then, SBIs earnings have been hit by sticky assets. Its net profit dropped by 31.7 per cent, year-on-year, hit by provisions worth Rs 6,340 crore on the bad loans, higher than Rs 3,360 crore in the previous year. Under norms, every bank needs to set aside money against bad loans. Depending on the classification of the asset, the provision amount can differ. SBI is an exception. When it comes to other state-run banks, the pain continues to be severe. For instance, Oriental Bank of Commerce, the bad loans have almost doubled to 11.45 percent of total loans as at end-June, as compared with 9.57 percent in the preceding quarter. Dena Bank too have posted earnings battered with sticky assets with its Gross NPAs rising to 11.88 per cent in the June quarter compared with 9.98 percent in the preceding quarter. The picture is worse with certain other lenders like Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) which is almost on the verge of a crisis with its gross bad loans touching over 20 percent. At the end of the June quarter, the total gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) of the lender have touched a record high of 20.48 percent of its total loan book (of Rs 1,65,556 crore). In other words, one out every five rupees lent by the bank has now gone bad. According to a Firstpost analysis, thats the highest level of bad loans of IOB in at least 14 years. Total losses of the bank, in the last one year (four quarters put together) stood at Rs 4,467 crore. The reason for the sharp jump in the NPA level of banks in recent months (since September last year to be specific) can be attributed to the ongoing bad loan clean-up exercise forced on banks by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under Raghuram Rajan in September last year. Rajan has given a deadline of March, 2017 for banks to clean up their balance sheets. The exercise has been welcomed by most experts since it has helped to dig out the existing bad loans on the balance sheets of banks for long. Rajan has only forced the banks to state the existing problem upfront instead of postponing it. In total, the gross NPAs of the banking sector is well above Rs 6 lakh crore as at end March. Over 90 percent of these bad loans are on the books of government banks. What is in store for these lenders? The immediate challenge for these banks is funds. They will have to turn to the government to find the capital required to service their balance sheets, meet the Basel-III requirements and expand credit. It also indicates that the governments current capital infusion programme is too inadequate considering the huge funding gap in the public sector banks. Under the Indradhanush revival plan for PSBs, the government plans to infuse Rs 70,000 crore in the four-year period between 2015-16 and 2018-19 in the state-run banks. In the latest round of capital infusion in July, the government infused Rs 22,915 crore in 13 PSBs. But, analysts and rating agencies have cautioned that this money is not sufficient considering the requirement of state-run banks. For instance, rating agency ICRA estimated that the equity capital required by PSBs would be in the range of Rs 40,000-50,000 crore, much higher than that announced by the government this year. Hence, the government will need to increase the fund infusion significantly for 2017-19, Icra said. Another rating agency, Fitch too has said the same. The mounting bad loan is a reminder to the government that its current capital infusion programme is too inadequate considering the huge funding gap in the public sector banks. Analysts expect the pace of growth in bad loans to come down in the approaching months. But that is still some time away. For now, capital remains a big problem. Data contribution by Kishor Kadam Allahabad: In a snub to the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a CBI inquiry into the Bulandshahr gangrape case observing that it was "not satisfied" with the police investigation so far. The high court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the 29 July incident, also said it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case". A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order a day after the state government submitted a status report on the investigation into the incident in a sealed cover. "We are not satisfied, neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record," the court said and directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims' medical reports and statements of witnesses by the next date of hearing on 17 August. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with details of the social background, criminal records and political affiliations - if any - which had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated 8 August, which was the first date of hearing on the matter. Significantly, the court had made it clear at the outset that it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case" and not dispose of the matter which is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation, titled "In the matter of rape of mother and daughter at NH 91". The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP. At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. Expressing its anguish over the incident, the court had also sought to know from the state government what steps it was taking to prevent such incidents in future while pointing out that the state was duty-bound to ensure safety and security of those who travel on highways in its territory after paying toll tax. New Delhi: The Defence Ministry's top acquisition council is likely to take up this month the final report submitted by a team negotiating the much-anticipated Rafale fighter jet deal with France. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, is likely to meet on 18 August. The Council had last month reviewed the multi-billion Euro Rafale deal and directed the Indian negotiating team to submit its report "expeditiously". "The negotiating team has submitted its report which is under examination," the Minister said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Friday. During his visit to France in April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India would purchase 36 Rafale jets in a government-to-government contract. Soon after the announcement, the Defence Ministry scrapped a separate process that was on to purchase 126 Rafale fighter planes, built by French defence giant Dassault Aviation. The new deal comes with the clause of delivering 50 percent offsets, creating business worth at least 3 billion Euros for smaller Indian companies and generating thousands of jobs in India through offsets. The commercial negotiations on the pricing of the planes, equipment and other issues began in mid-January this year. Retired Major Army General GD Bakshi courted controversy on Thursday because of his speech in IIT Madras which was strewn with "jingoism", alleged Abhinav Surya, an IITian in a letter to the institute director . According to The News Minute, Surya, who was present at the event where Bakshi was delivering his speech on the eve of 'Special Independence Day Lecture', equated it "hate mongering". In the letter, Surya wrote, "I am still not able to digest the fact the institute has given platform to such a speech filled with hatred, instigating violence among the students. A lecture that was heavily loaded with brewing enmity, inhumanity and glorification of brutality. According to The News Indian Express, which has access to the full letter, Surya quotes Bakshi's speech where the Major General urges the present generation to split Pakistan into four after their generation were successful in splitting Pakistan into two. Bakshi said, "In our generation, we split Pakistan into two. Your generation should split it into four. Only then we can live in peace! According to Surya, the lowest point of the speech was when Bakshi mocked the freedom movement of India while asserting the fact that it was actually the Indian Army who brought freedom and that Ahimsa is "nonsense". This 'hate speech' comes in the wake of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle controversy which had rocked the IIT Madras campus in 2015. Students of the institute had protested over an Indology conference, accusing the central government of trying to 'saffronise' the campus. Bakshi known for his fiery, aggressive speeches is a vocal supporter of the actions taken by the Army in Kashmir. He frequently appears on live news debate and in one of his frequent appearances he broke down during a debate over the Centre's mandate on hoisting the national flag in every central university. Imphal: After breaking her 16-year-old hunger strike against AFSPA, civil rights activist Irom Sharmila has been asked by doctors to continue staying in the hospital for a few more days. "Her health is fine now but there is no precedence in medical history of how someone's body would react if he or she starts eating after a break of 16 years. So she needs to be under medical supervision," doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru institute of Medical Sciences Hospital said. It was at this hospital where the 'Iron Lady' of Manipur was kept under police detention and forcibly nose-fed till she broke the world's longest-running fast on 9 August. Doctors said the 44-year-old, who broke the hunger strike with a dab of honey, is now gradually taking semi-solid food like oats besides boiled rice and milk shakes and juices. "Her body is responding well so far. But we have to be very slow because her digestive system, which was inactive so far for absorbing solid food, will not be able to immediately start accepting all kinds of food," they said. A team of doctors from different specialities like gastroenteritis and gynaecology are monitoring her health. Sharmila's brother Singhajit said she will stay at the hospital till her health condition improves in the next few days. Babloo Loitangbam, one of her associates, said the day Sharmila broke her fast some locals were very angry at her sudden decision. "There was a meeting on Friday with the women activists of Sharmila Kanba Lup where she explained that she has chosen to take a different path but her goal remains the same - repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). Things were then sorted out," he said. They have advised Sharmila to start a process of reintegration with the society as she has been living in isolation from the rest of the world for the last 16 years. "She needs a reality check. The world is not the same as it used to be when she began her fast. Now she needs to first start meeting people and see the present day Manipur," Loitangbam said. The Madras High Court on Friday ruled in favour of Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation, in the Habeas Corpus plea moved by Sathyajothi, stating that there was no truth in the allegations that her two daughters Maa Mathi and Maa Maayu were being brainwashed and "held captive" at the Isha Yoga Center. The division bench of Justices S Nagamuthu and V Bharathidasan dismissed the plea after examining the report of the Principal District Judge, who had visited the Isha Yoga Center on 10 August, to interview Maa Mathi and Maa Maayu, born Geetha (34) and Latha (31). The bench noted that the PDJ, has categorically mentioned in his report that there is no truth in the allegation and that the detainees are staying at the Foundation on their own will. Earlier, the Foundation had shared with the media a copy of a letter signed by the two women and addressed to the deputy superintendent of police, Perur sub-division, Coimbatore. In the letter, the women claimed that they are living at the centre voluntarily and when they tried to explain this to their father at the DSP's office, he began shouting at them and using abusive language instead of listening to them. They also sought help from the police to protect them against their father. Striking down the allegations made against the foundation, the bench said, Prima facie, we are satisfied that they are staying on their own wish. The Bench, after listening to the counsel of Isha Foundation, permitted the parents to continue visiting their daughters, as they have been doing in the past, with prior intimation. In a statement released on Friday, Isha Foundation said that it would like to "thank the Madras High Court for upholding the truth, and for having brought the issue to a close, as some miscreants were misleading society and the public with a campaign of lies against the foundation." Ahead of India's Independence Day celebrations, security will be stepped up at the Pakistan side of the Attari-Wagah border. The Border Security Force will also deploy more personnel during the evening retreat ceremony, reported Hindustan Times. A further cause for worry perhaps are the celebrations planned for 'Pakistan Day' in the Kashmir Valley, according to The Indian Express. The report gives detail on how platforms have been set up across rural areas of Kashmir for 'Pakistan Day flag ceremonies' that are likely to be led by local-level militant commanders and separatists. Areas such as Pulwama, Sopore and Anantnag and the Sopore-Doabgah-Rafiabad road are supposed to contain makeshift sites for flag-hoisting functions on 14 August. Following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing on 8 July, the state has seen violent protests and killings, curfew and shutdown, along with the suspension of mobile services. The widespread use of pellet guns in Kashmir, which were introduced into the Jammu and Kashmir Police in 2010 during the Omar Abdullah government, have been employed in more than 600 attacks after just two weeks of Wani's killing. Doctors in Kashmir staged a silent protest by bandaging their eyes to mimic hundreds of victims who have suffered pellet injures. A horrific example of its use was when a 23-year-old ATM guard's body was found containing more than 300 pellets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meet concerning the situation in Kashmir on Friday, 12 August. All party meeting on Kashmir issue begins in the Parliament. ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 On 11 August, police took Hurriyat Conference leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq into preventive custody as they tried to defy house arrest and march to Eidgah to pay homage to Sheikh Abdul Aziz on his eighth death anniversary. Meanwhile, the separatist camp in Kashmir has asked people not to send their children to participate in Independence Day events and gave a call for a two-day "referendum march" at Lal Chowk on 13 and 14 August to let the people of the state exercises their right to self-determination to decide on its future status. "Parents are directed not to send their wards for participation in these (Independence Day) celebrations," the separatists said in the joint protest programme held on Thursday and the protest will go on till 18 August. "From 7 am onwards (on 15 August), block all the roads towards and around the place of celebration of Indian Independence Day; district development commissioners are asked not to hoist the Indian Flag in any part of the Jammu and Kashmir," they added. Slain Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's father Muzaffar Wani, who has fast emerged a leader of Kashmir protests, led a procession in Pampore, Srinagar on 5 August, reported The Times of India. Wani reportedly told protesters that he was willing to offer his daughter for the fight against "Indian occupation", the report added. Wani later backtracked his statement and denied leading any rally saying that he had only been to the mosque on the other side of the road. Modi, who finally broke his silence on the Kashmir issue on 9 August, said, "Some people are causing Kashmir a lot of harm. Kashmir wants peace. Whatever Kashmiris want for betterment of their livelihood, the Centre will provide." Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif needled India on the Kashmir matter saying it is an obligation to become "the voice of Kashmiris" and that he "will leave no stone unturned to make the world understand the plight and the legitimate struggle of the people of Kashmir". Amid the situation in Kashmir, Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Kiren Rijiju have planned to lead the BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra' in Jammu and Kashmir, between 15-22 August. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week, Rajnath Singh blamed Pakistan for the unrest in Kashmir and said that the situation was not as dire as what was being described during the debate, and food and fuel is being provided to the people of Kashmir. "What is happening in Kashmir is sponsored by Pakistan," he said. The Lok Sabha on 12 August adopted a resolution on the Kashmir situation and expressed serious concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives there. With inputs from PTI Fearing widespread violence on Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir government arrested separatist leaders when they were attempting to lead a march towards the martyrs graveyard at Eidgah in Srinagar to pay tribute to those killed in the 2008 and 2010 unrest. On Thursday evening, the government suspended mobile services across Kashmir, barring the BSNL postpaid cellphones. Last week, three people were killed in firing by security forces after Friday prayer protests erupted. But the big test will be on Sunday when groups across the volatile north and south of Kashmir are planning to celebrate Pakistans Independence Day. In four districts of south Kashmir the epicentre of the ongoing unrest in the Valley different groups have erected makeshift wooden stages to celebrate Pakistans Independence Day across rural areas that have recently been vacated by forces following the violence after the death of Hizbul Mujahideens Burhan Wani on 8 July. More than a dozen makeshift platforms in Kulgam and Islamabad (Anantnag) areas to celebrate Pakistans Independence Day, stages have been erected at different places; it is a symbolic protest, a resident of Kulgam district, said on the phone. The interiors of all most all the districts in south Kashmir are filled with posters of Burhan Wani and Pakistani flags, he added. At least 57 people civilians and two policemen have been killed in the ongoing unrest and countless others have been injured during clashes. On Thursday evening a women, in capital Srinagar, died of shock when forces raided Bemina locality on the outskirts. Journalist Muneeb Ul Haq, who published a popular community newspaper Varmul Post in north Kashmir, said the Pakistani flag being hoisted is no news now, as it has become a common sight across the old towns of both Sopore and Baramulla. But celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day is interesting, and I think it will happen across these vulnerable spots that have been at the forefront of anti-India protests for more than a month now, Haq told Firstpost. The flags (Pakistani) erected at the inception of unrest are still at places were the police cant taken them down, include the old town of Baramulla. Youths have broken down the staircases of an abandoned building in the old town, so that the police cant reach the top floor, Haq added. Haq said in the Sopore town a Pakistani flag on top of a CCTV tower erected at Chankhan Bridge was hoisted weeks ago and is difficult for the authorities to bring it down. Similarly in south of Kashmir, said Ajaz Ahmad, a resident of KP Road in Anantnag town, there is a possibility that thousands of people could assemble on the streets on Sunday to celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan. I am sure, if not in the towns, then the villages as we have witnessed in the past month will witness massive demonstrations and celebrations across the region on that day, he said. The state government, sources said, have instructed police to avoid confronting massive demonstrates which could lead to casualties, something the state government would like to avoid at this crucial juncture. There was a huge fight in our village over who will guard the celebration material for the Pakistani Independence Day on Thursday evening, Tufail, a resident of Uzram Pathri village in Pulwama district, told Firstpost. Police officers in south Kashmir say there are large swathes of areas that are not in their control after they withdrew from these areas following the violence that erupted on 8 July, and attacks against government installations and police posts in which violent mobs tried to decamp with weapons. Separatists have called for special prayers for the stability of Pakistan on Sunday as Srinagars major hospitals prepared for Friday by keeping doctors and supplies intact in case of situation deteriorating further. Srinagar: Curfew on Friday was extended to many areas in Kashmir while severe restrictions were imposed in rest of the Valley to thwart a planned march by separatists to Eidgah in old city. "Curfew has been imposed in entire Srinagar district, Anantnag town, Shopian town, Baramulla town, Awantipora and Pampore towns of Pulwama district," a police official said. He said curfew was also imposed in Ganderbal town, Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Kunzer, Tangmarg and Pattan areas of the Valley as a precautionary measure. In rest of the Valley, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the people, the official said. Last Friday saw intense clashes between protesters and security forces at many places in the Valley after the congregational prayers. The clashes left three people dead and several hundred others injured. The separatists, who are holding protests in the Valley, had called on the people to assemble at Eidgah in old city for paying tributes to those killed in security forces action over the past 34 days during violent protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month. Normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 35th consecutive day due to the curbs imposed by the authorities and the separatist sponsored strike. As many as 55 persons, including two police personnel, were killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces. Schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off the roads. The attendance in government offices and banks was also thin, the official said. Mobile telephony services were snapped, except the postpaid services of state-run BSNL, at midnight as a precautionary measure to curb "rumour mongering". Mobile internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley. The separatist camp has extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till 18 August and called for a march at Lal Chowk on 13 and 14 August. The founder of Art of Living (AOL) Foundation Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday termed the expert committee of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as "blind and biased". Ravi Shankar, popularly known as 'Sri Sri' tweeted: "Expert Committee of the NGT is blind & biased. We will fight against this untruth. Satellite images & scientific data do not lie." He has hit back at the green tribunal, a day after an expert committee of the NGT found AOL Foundation guilty of damaging the Yamuna floodplains during its World Culture Festival. Expert Committee of the NGT is blind & biased. We will fight against this untruth. Satellite images & scientific data do not lie. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) August 11, 2016 The expert committee's report that was submitted with the NGT on 10 August has reportedly mentioned that the AOL Foundation's World Culture Festival has caused damage to the Yamuna floodplains. "After this a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the expert committee, headed by Shashi Shekhar, secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, to engage an agency to quantify the damage and furnish a tentative cost for restoration of the area within 45 days," a source privy to the development at NGT told Firstpost. Sri Sri's remark against the green tribunal is not a case in isolation. Time and again several other bodies have questioned NGT's role from that of a "policy regulator to policing". Recently, the NGT asked the Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave to file his reply over alleged violations of green norms during an RSS event 'Vaicharik Mahakumbh' held in Ujjain in May. Dave was the convener of the event. Is NGT throwing spanner in development? Taking a dig at NGT in Parliament, Dave had reportedly said that the problem arose when a policy regulator got into policing. Hinting that developmental works won't be held up on the pretext of environmental clearances, Dave had said during a question hour in the Rajya Sabha, "Good development and environmental work together can coexist and are not contrary to each other." A few experts have criticized NGT for its over enthusiastic role like the one related to banning all the diesel vehicle older than 10 years in a country like India, where many people would not be able to afford new cars. The Madras High Court, in an order issued in January 2014, restrained the tribunal to take suo motu cognisance of environmental matters and initiate proceedings. "According to the provisions of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the tribunal has no jurisdiction to act suo motu," the HC had noted in its order while hearing a PIL. In June, Kerala High Court stayed a National Green Tribunal Circuit Bench order banning light and heavy diesel vehicles, which were more than 10 years old, in six major cities of Kerala. The order followed after the Association of Automobile Workshops Kerala organised agitations against the National Green Tribunal's order stating that it would render hundreds of people engaged in workshops across the state jobless. Similar concerns on NGT's area of jurisdiction have been raised by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) as well. Earlier, the ministry on several occasions objected the exercise of such powers by the tribunal. An affidavit was also filed by the ministry before the Supreme Court on the matter. What's the role of NGT? Since its inception in 2010, NGT (established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010) has been functioning on its mandate as a fast-track court for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation in accordance with the principles of 'sustainable development', the 'polluter pays' principle and the 'precautionary principle'. Under the provisions of the NGT Act, there is no clear mention of the tribunal's mandate to take up matters on its own. It only says that the tribunal should act on grievances brought before it by others. The tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts. NGT's view point In 2014, the NGT in its 142-page judgment on judicial powers of tribunals and on the NGT Act itself, had said, "It will be travesty of justice if it was to be held that the tribunal does not have the power to examine the correctness or otherwise or constitutional validity of a notification issued under one of the Scheduled Acts to the NGT Act. In the absence of such power, there cannot be an effective and complete decision on the substantial environmental issues that may be raised before the Tribunal, in exercise of the jurisdiction vested in the tribunal under the provisions of the Act." "The scheme of the NGT Act clearly gives the Tribunal complete independence to discharge its judicial functions, have security of tenure and conditions of service and is possessed of complete capacity associated with Courts," it mentioned. On Thursday, senior BJP leader Brijpal Teotia, 54, and five others were seriously injured when over 100 rounds of fire were opened on their car near Ghaziabad. Teotia suffered at least five bullet injures and doctors said his condition is serious. BJP leader shot at in Ghaziabad: Three people including a woman constable detained for questioning by Police ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 12, 2016 On Thursday, at around 7.20 pm, Teotia was returning from a function in Muradnagar with five other associates and some bodyguards in two Scorpios. As they were on the Raoli road near the police station, some unidentified assailants opened over 100 rounds of fire on them with AK-47 rifles. The attackers were travelling in a Toyota Fortuner, which they abandoned as they fled the scene of the crime in an auto rickshaw. BJP leader shot at in Ghaziabad: Police recover ammunition including an AK-47 pic.twitter.com/c7Bblqm96t ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 12, 2016 According to a report by NDTV, the car was recovered by the police. The forensic team is on the scene of the crime, collecting more evidence. On Friday, the police confirmed that they were probing the motives behind the crime and suggested that the actions of the assailants could be stemmed out of animosity. Daljeet Chaudhary, ADG Law and Order said, "We are trying to arrest the culprits. Weapons used in the attack have been recovered." As of now this looks like a case of personal enmity: Daljit Chaudhary,ADG,L&O on BJP leader attacked in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/ZlXkujNyKz ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 12, 2016 According to Times Now, a few local goons and a local leader are the prime suspects in the case. The police have detained 25 suspects. According to police, on the day of the shooting, Teotia did not have any government-allotted security. A few reports also suggested that two months ago Teotia had lost the privilege of government-allotted security. Teotia has reportedly been involved in criminal activity in the past. Although his major income (as suggested in the candidate affidavit of UP Assembly Elections 2012) comes from farming and renting of agricultural land, he has come under review for a case under Section 30 Arms Act. The court has taken cognizance of the case but Teotia hasn't been convicted of any crime. Teotia's declared assets are worth Rs 4,63,72,585 crore. Currently Teotia is being treated at Fortis hospital in Noida and his injured associates are undergoing treatment in Sarvodaya Hospital in Ghaziabad. According to a report by The Times of India, the police has identified the injured private gunners as Rampal Singh, Ashok Singh, Mokam Singh Malik and Vipin Singh. The fifth injured person has been identified by police as Indrapal Singh. We are praying for his speedy recovery. Situation is critical: Pankaj Singh ( BJP UP Gen Secy) on Tewatia pic.twitter.com/URPPSe94nQ ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 11, 2016 Teotia is considered to be a close aide of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, whose son Pankaj Singh visited Teotia in the hospital along with Minister of State and senior BJP leader Mahesh Sharma. Teotia has contested the 2012 Uttar Pradesh elections on a BJP ticket from Muradnagar consituency in Ghaziabad district. He has also been a member of the Kisan Morcha of BJP for several years. The leader is a Class 12 passout and has one son. What a Monsoon Session in Parliament India witnessed this time! Exactly a year ago it was a complete wash out as the heightened ruckus had forced Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to take an unprecedented action of suspending 25 Congress MPs for five days. Last year extreme bitterness soured relationship between the Congress and the BJP and the session ended on 13 August with no work done even at the risk of important bills like the GST getting delayed. A year later, on 12 August, 2016, on the conclusion of the Monsoon Session things look completely opposite. The shrill war cries and placards from the main Opposition party Congress gave way to measured debates and healthy criticism -- a welcome change that epitomises the Indian parliamentary democracy. This short session of 20 working days will be remembered as one of the most productive sessions and will go down in history, as one of the most contentious GST (Goods and Services Bill, the 122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill), got passed. This Bill literally paved the way for the single biggest and most transformative -- One India One Tax reform. The Bill, which had gone through 13 long years of deliberations and had seen deep divide among major political parties, was ultimately passed with all present and voting in favour of the Bill, with no one voting against it. More so, the Session ended on a note of broad parliamentary camaraderie that was never seen before, at least in the last few decades -- the Prime Minister chairing an all-party meeting on Kashmir. The opposition leaders had demanded this meeting and it was promptly accepted by the government. The Session saw the passage of 15 bills, introduction of 14 new bills as against the initial plan of six bills and debate on a number of issues of national interests including on self-styled Gau Rakshaks, atrocities against dalits and Kashmir unrest. In fact, the turmoil in Kashmir was discussed four times including an over six-hour debate on Wednesday, something about which Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he had not seen in his two decade long parliamentary career. The question is who should get credit for smooth functioning of Parliament, for turning sharply conflicting positions to a broad consensus on critical issues. Besides, the GST and other legislative matters, there were at least two other occasions -- first, Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on his Pakistan visit where tough talk on terrorism against the host nation was blacked out; second debate on turmoil in Kashmir -- a broad national consensus was seen in Parliament. Should PM Modi claim credit? Or is it actually the Opposition, particularly the Congress which made it possible for Parliament to function smoothly? Has Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi mellowed and matured? Or is it the prominent regional parties whose pressure to discuss and debate issues finally helped? To find an answer one has to compare and see what has changed between previous year's Monsoon and Winter sessions and this year's monsoon Session. It's true that primarily it is the government's responsibility to convene Parliament as per the norm, list business and ensure its smooth functioning. But Parliament is as much of Opposition members as much it is of ruling treasury bench members. Thus the responsibility of smooth functioning is shared. If PM Modi and his government claims credit, the opposition parties too equally has a claim over it. The longer hours of sitting beyond scheduled hours or even otherwise, requires that members from all sides, at least to fill the quorum are present in the House. This can't be possible without cooperation from the Opposition. PM Modi deserves credit for re-focusing on Parliamentary functioning. A year ago, it almost seemed that he and his floor managers had resigned to the fate that they have to do for remainder of their tenure with a non-functional legislature. This would have also resulted in a situation where the executive would have been under tremendous pressure not allowing the Modi government to any gainful situation in terms of delivery of popular goods and services. He gave an indication to this effect when he expanded and reshuffled his Council of ministers weeks ahead of the opening of Monsoon session of Parliament. PM Modi sent out a message that he didn't want his ministers to be unnecessarily confrontationist. Thus came a change in the portfolios of Smriti Irani and M Venkaiah Naidu while VK Singh's responsibilities was lightened. The management of parliamentary affairs was given to a more affable and relatively quiet yet efficient Ananth Kumar. SS Ahluwalia a sharp mind on parliamentary norms and known for having friends across the party lines was brought in as his deputy. In his meetings with ministers, floor managers in Parliament and at close door parliamentary party meetings, Modi emphasised that they all had to exercise restrain while responding to a provocation from Opposition, particularly the Congress. The political battle would be aggressively fought on the streets but Parliament was a forum of debate, discussion and dissension, and had to remain so. The way BJP exercised restraint in responding to Rahul's Arhar Modi barb in Parliament was a case in point. The Congress had realised that its negative politics of obstruction had isolated it from rest of the opposition parties and even its members were feeling uncomfortable. If Rahul had to be in the reckoning, the party would have to be seen as a responsible Opposition, not turning Parliament into a pandemonium. Does it mean that Winter Session will be as smooth? That would be hazardous to predict given the fact that by the time next Session is convened, the heat of politically significant Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in all likelihood will become all pervasive. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha members on Friday once again raised the demand for increasing their salaries and questioned the government's silence on the suggestions of a committee that has recommended salary hike for the members of parliament. On several occasions, the MPs have said that their salary should be more than that of the Cabinet Secretary. "MPs' salary is lowest of all. Our salary is lesser than MLAs of Delhi government, half of what a Maharashtra MLA gets, and a third of that of Telangana MLAs," Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav said. "We are asked to reduce expenditure. Should we turn people away? We are spending from our own pockets. I fail to understand we were directly or indirectly told there will be some announcement by the last day of session," he said. "Increase our salary and make it more than Cabinet Secretary's," Yadav added. Congress leader Anand Sharma supported the Samajwadi Party leader. "The government is quiet on the recommendations. Either we accept that we are not people's representatives, we need to be capitalist, feudal lords, or businessmen. If we are people's representatives, there should not be this hypocrisy that the salary of MPs is not raised but other people get hike," he said. Several other members also supported the demand. The salary of the Cabinet Secretary is Rs 2,50,000 a month as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission. A joint committee of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has prepared a report recommending MPs' salary to be hiked from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, constituency allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000 and secretarial assistance plus office allowance from Rs 45,000 to Rs 90,000. The recommendations have not been made public. The panel, headed by BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, also recommended around 75 per cent raise in pensions and an automatic mechanism for salary hike for MPs. A delegation of MPs had met Prime Minister Narenda Modi on Monday to request a pay hike and an increase in the MP's allowance to develop their constituencies. Warren, Mich: Her political fortunes flourishing, Hillary Clinton attempted to undercut Donald Trump's claim to working-class voters Thursday, portraying her Republican rival as untrustworthy on economic issues and pushing policies that would only benefit the super-wealthy himself included. The Democratic presidential nominee sought to seize momentum as Republicans including Trump struck an almost defeatist note about their Election Day chances. As Republican leaders sounded alarms about Trump's unconventional approach, Clinton attacked what she dubbed "outlandish Trumpian ideas" that have been rejected by both parties. "Based on what we know from the Trump campaign, he wants America to work for him and his friends, at the expense of everyone else," she said after touring a Michigan manufacturing facility. Appearing in a county known for so-called Reagan Democrats working-class Democrats who voted Republican in the 1980s Clinton tried to win back some of the blue-collar voters who have formed the base of her rival's support, making the case that she offers a steadier roadmap for economic growth and prosperity. "I can provide serious, steady leadership that can find common ground and build on it based on hard but respectful bargaining," she said. "I just don't think insults and bullying is how we're going to get things done." Clinton, who frequently boasts about her numerous policy plans, didn't offer any new, major ideas to improve the country's economy in her afternoon address. She reiterated her strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, leaving herself little room for backtracking should she win the White House. "I oppose it now, I'll oppose it after the election, and I'll oppose it as President," she said, while also noting that the US should not cut itself off from the rest of the world. Clinton once called the TPP the "gold standard" of trade deals when she served as Obama's secretary of state, but she announced her opposition to the deal last year, saying it did not meet her standard for creating jobs, raising wages and protecting national security. Hoping to keep the pressure on Trump, Clinton is also planning to release her 2015 tax returns in the coming days. Trump has said he won't release his until an IRS audit is complete, breaking tradition with every presidential candidate in recent history. A source close to Clinton said she would soon release her return, supplementing the decades of filings she and her husband have already made public. Her running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, and his wife will also release the last 10 years of their taxes. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans in advance. Clinton's appearance followed Trump's own speech on the economy, which he delivered in Michigan on Monday. But his scripted remarks were quickly eclipsed by the latest in a series of blunders and controversial statements that appear to have handed Clinton's campaign a boost in the polls, particularly with Republican women and college-educated voters who make up a key piece of the GOP base. Just hours before her address, Trump unleashed another round of attacks on Democrats, calling Obama the "founder" of the Islamic State militant group and Clinton its co-founder. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitt's attempt to reframe Trump's observation as one that said Obama's foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed IS to thrive. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. The latest bit of controversy shook Republicans, already rattled by polling showing Trump losing support among women and other segments of their party's base. Dozens of frustrated Republicans gathered signatures Thursday for a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus that urges the party chief to stop helping Trump and instead focus GOP resources on protecting vulnerable Senate and House candidates. Speaking to reporters in Kentucky on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described Republicans' chances of keeping control of the Senate after the November elections as "very dicey." A draft of the letter, which operatives say has at least 70 signatories, warns that Trump's "divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide." Trump said he had no intention of changing his inflammatory approach to presidential politics, pledging in a CNBC interview to "just keep doing the same thing I'm doing right now." But he seemed to acknowledge the risk his campaign and party was taking. "At the end, it's either going to work or I'm going to, you know, I'm going to have a very, very nice long vacation," he said. Islamabad: Pakistan was ready for an agreement with India on bilateral moratorium on nuclear non-testing, the country's top diplomat said on Friday. "We have declared a unilateral moratorium on further testing. Pakistan is prepared to consider translating its unilateral moratorium into a bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India," the Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said. Briefing the media about the Envoys' Conference held last week, Aziz said the meeting noted that Pakistan consistently supported the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and voted for it when it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996. Noting that the conference held detailed talks on the Pakistans application for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and regional nuclear stability issue, Aziz said Pakistan is one of the applicants, along with India, for NSG membership. "While Pakistan's formal application for NSG membership was submitted on 19 May, 2016, we had been preparing for it for quite some time. Our efforts to upgrade our export controls, nuclear safety and security long pre-date our application," he said. He said Pakistan's candidacy is based on a desire to strengthen global non-proliferation regimes; the need for strategic stability and level playing field in South Asia; priority for socio-economic development and technological advancement of the country; and capability to supply items on NSG lists Part 1 and 2. "Our strong lobbying efforts have yielded positive results. Our arguments for criteria-based approach, and the impact of any India-specific exemption on the strategic stability in South Asia and on the future of non-proliferation regime, have been accepted by several NSG countries," he said. He said Pakistan is confident of the merits of its membership application as its export controls were harmonized with those of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Australia Group. "We have taken extensive measures to strengthen nuclear safety and security. More recently, Pakistan has taken three significant steps i.e. (i) public statement on nuclear test moratorium, (ii) ratification of the 2005 amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and (iii) declaring adherence to NSG Guidelines," Aziz said. Aziz said Pakistan is committed not to transfer nuclear weapons to other states or assist others to acquire nuclear weapons and consistently supported the goal of a nuclear weapons free world through the commencement of negotiations on nuclear disarmament at the Conference on Disarmament. He said the issue of NSG membership cannot be separated from the consideration of strategic stability in the region. "We will continue to project Pakistan's solid credentials based on its technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to non-proliferation, nuclear safety and security," he said. He added that Pakistan would formally invite NSG Troika to visit the country for a detailed briefing on its credentials. New York: In 64 AD, much of Rome was ablaze and Emperor Nero was accused by his angry subjects of fiddling while Rome burns". The Roman historian and senator Tacitus tells us how Nero wriggled out of the problem by targeting a group Romans loved to hate: Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace" Suffice to say, Nero set the standard for shifting blame. Which brings us to the reaction by much of the Pakistani military, politicians and media following the terrorist attack on Monday in Quetta where at least 72 people were killed and another 100 injured after a suicide bomb tore through a hospital in Quetta. Both Islamic State and Jamat-ul-Ahrar, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. But if you didnt know better, you might start wondering if Indias intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was behind it. Within two hours of the Quetta attack, Sanaullah Zehri, the chief minister of Balochistan, said India's RAW was behind it. Now Pakistan's politicians, generals of every stripe and media have jumped onto the same bandwagon. "Pakistan is pointing the finger in the wrong direction. It's playing the terrorism blame game, but this shows a resistance to alter its own policies which myopically support a host of terrorist groups on Pakistani soil," said counter-terrorism analyst Jeff Lawrence. This month, the Pentagon withheld $300 million in military assistance to Pakistan, in a sign of ongoing frustration with Islamabad for not acting against militants fueling violence in Afghanistan. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter decided against making a certification to Congress citing the continuing operations of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani militants on Pakistani soil. Earlier this year, lawmakers also blocked Pakistan from using another pool of US military aid to buy American F-16 jets. If you had to pinpoint how Pakistan's problems began, it would be the military decision in 1990 to ignore the recommendations of a task force that suggested that mujahideen returning from their successful war with the Soviets in Afghanistan be disarmed and prevented from transforming the Kashmir dispute into jihad. Despite diplomatic pressure building on Pakistan from the West to dismantle anti-India militant groups it has not acted decisively. Kashmir-focused militant groups based in Pakistan continue to bleed India through a thousand cuts. Pakistans military also supports the Taliban and its allies in Afghanistan as a counter to what it sees as Indian influence there. "Islamabads tendency to blame foreign countries misdirects attention from the inherent problems of its strategy of supporting certain jihadist groups while trying to crush others," reported The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. "Its attempts to use some groups to further its agenda and keep pressure on Afghanistan and India end up backfiring by creating space for other extremist groups it cant control," it added. Afrasiab Khattak, a former senator from the Opposition Awami National Party told The Wall Street Journal that our own policies are responsible for the rise of terrorism. We will not be able to get rid of this menace without a change in how Islamabad deals with all militant groups. "Unfortunately, once again Pakistan's terrorist activities have resulted in its own suffering," said political analyst Sahrif Hanifi. Islamabad's best way to defeat terrorism is to disassemble Pakistan's militant world one layer at a time, like a rotting onion. It has to stop double-dealing with militant groups to stanch the cycle of violence. "Senorita, bade, bade deshon mein...you know what I mean," said Barack Obama during his 2015 visit to India. Yes, of course, we know what the US president meant. The United States is in the grip of Islamophobia and it looks at every Khan with suspicion, even if he is not a terrorist. There is no other explanation for the farce that plays out every time Shah Rukh Khan lands in America. Somebody notices his surname, gets a bout of panic, detains the Indian actor, grills him for a few hours, rummages through his hand bag and then lets him go. As most of India, minus the usual Islamophobes, outrages, the US apologises to the actor and promises not to repeat the mistake. Ha! only till the next time. When he does, lights, camera, action, repeat the same script: Detain, outrage, apologise, for variety add Pokemon. Khan has been through this ordeal thrice in six years. In 2012, he was detained for 90 minutes at an airport near New York. He later joked about it saying, Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I take a trip to America. In 2009, Khan was stopped for two hours at the Newark airport. He was released only after India's embassy intervened. On both the occasions US authorities said this was the last time the actor was put through the griller. As Ian Fleming did not write: Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, third time is Islamophobia. Wonder what SRK and Karan Johar gained from 'My Name is Khan'? Perhaps the message was lost in translation. Shah Rukh Khan is not the only Indian to have suffered because of his surname. Actor Irrfan Khan went through a similar ordeal twice. Wary of harassment, Irrfan dropped Khan from his surname. Director Kabir Khan says he was grilled for 90 minutes soon after 9/11 when the FBI saw his surname. Dozens of people travelling to the US complain of harassment because somebody had the misfortune of having a flowing beard, wearing a skullcap, messaging in Arabic or simply having an Islamic surname. Getting spooked by anything remotely related to Islam or its symbolism has become part of the US psyche. Every country is entitled to frame laws for internal security, take measures to ward off terror attacks and unwanted guests. But, the US seems to be overdoing it. Several countries face a similar risk of terror attacks, but none of them jump around like the US when they see a beard or a Khan. Ever heard of a similar incident in India where a foreigner has been detained thrice? To argue that Khan should not complain about the detention is unfair. One, Khan is not seeking special exemptions from the normal screening process or throwing his weight around as a celebrity. He just wants to be treated as an ordinary Indian travelling to the US for work or an invitation. By all means, tap him down, put him through a scanner, check his invites and documents. But, pouncing on him every time he lands in the US indeed sucks. Also, how can the same mistake be made thrice? In this age of online records, information overload, why does the US find it so difficult to figure out Khan's identity, his travel history and the fact that his detention in the past had embarrassed the country's diplomats and officials? Instead of letting him practise Pokemon in detention, can't some US official go online and check their own immigration records? Here is a suggestion. Next time Shah Rukh Khan introduces himself as an Indian actor, the US immigration authorities can just google Obama's speech: Senorita, Bade, bade... Once they know he is the man even the most powerful man in the world quotes, they will stop making such chhoti, chhoti mistakes. Hua Hin: A string of bomb attacks targeting Thailand's crucial tourism industry have killed four people, officials said Friday, sending authorities scrambling to identify a motive and find the perpetrators. Twin bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including nine foreign tourists, and were followed by two more on Friday morning that killed another person. A further two blasts struck Friday in the popular tourist town of Phuket, while two more bombs were reported in the southern provinces of Trang and Surat Thani, in each of which one person was killed. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha called for calm and said he did not know who was behind the attacks. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," he told reporters. "We should not make people panic more." "Why the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism and who did it you have to find out for me," he added. The two bombs that went off in Hua Hin on Thursday evening were hidden in potted plants and went off within 30 minutes of each other in the bar district of the popular beach town. While small bombings are common in the kingdom during periods of heightened political tension, there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists to be targeted. Hua Hin is home to the summer palace of Thailand's revered royal family and the blast came on the eve of Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday and just ahead of the first anniversary of a Bangkok shrine bombing that killed 20. Authorities were searching for leads on the attackers and a motive behind the latest blasts. Hua Hin's district chief, Sutthipong Klai-udom, told AFP that the bombs on Thursday evening were detonated by mobile phone. According to staff at local hospitals, German, Italian, Dutch and Austrian nationals were among the wounded. "It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated. "I was just surprised that it happened here... now I'm thinking if it's worth staying," he told AFP. Record tourism Hua Hin is an upscale resort town about 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Bangkok, popular with both local and foreign tourists. It is also home to a palace for years favoured by Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. The 88-year-old is currently hospitalised in Bangkok for a myriad of health complications, a pressing source of anxiety for many Thais and a key factor in the kingdom's past decade of political turmoil. Thailand's reputation as the 'Land of Smiles' has suffered in recent years from crimes against foreigners and political unrest. But tourists continue to flock to its white, sandy beaches and Buddhist temples. The kingdom is expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016, with the tourism industry a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre economy. The latest blasts came just days before the first anniversary of the last major attack on tourists in Thailand a 17 August bomb that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists. The blast ripped through a crowded Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok and stunned the kingdom as the deadliest assault in recent history. Two Uighur men from western China have been accused of the attack and are due to go on trial later this month. Both deny any involvement in the bombing and mystery continues to swirl around the case, with authorities failing to catch a number of other suspects or offer a thorough explanation for a motive. Thailand's military junta, which seized power in 2014 after a decade of at times violent political unrest, has touted an increase in stability in the kingdom as a major accomplishment of its rule. Yet the generals have failed to quell a long-running Islamic insurgency in Thailand's three southernmost provinces a region far from Bangkok or Hua Hin. The conflict is largely contained to the far south but violence has occasionally spilled into other areas. Zachary Abuza, an expert on militants in Southeast Asia, said it would be "very unusual" for the insurgents to target Hua Hin. If southern rebels were behind the recent blasts, "it is almost definitely a small cell operating on their own initiative", he told AFP. Bangkok: One Thai woman was killed and 19 people including foreigners were injured in twin blasts tonight in the popular seaside resort town of Hua Hin, police said. "One Thai woman was killed and altogether from the two bombs 19 people were injured. Of those 19, three are in serious condition and seven of the injured are foreigners four women and three men," a local police officer from Hua Hin south of Bangkok told AFP. RIU Hotels & Resorts will celebrate its first inauguration on the Asian continent with a 5-star hotel in Sri Lanka. The Riu Sri Lanka will open its doors tomorrow, August 5th and is a perfect choice for both new and loyal Riu guests who want to discover this exotic destination. The hotel's location in Ahungalla, in the south-east of Sri Lanka, makes it the perfect location from which to explore the island or as a luxurious base, having been designed specifically to offer a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. The newly-constructed hotel offers a 24 hour all inclusive service and is located overlooking the beach and set against a stunning backdrop. The hotel has three large pools and a children's pool, sunbathing terraces, jacuzzi, gym and the Renova Spa wellness centre which includes a hairdresser and massage service. In addition, the rooms offer many home comforts including a balcony or terrace, 43" flat screen satellite TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe and a minibar. Guests will love the gastronomy on offer at Riu Sri Lanka. They will be able to savour Asian specialities at the "Kaori" restaurant, Italian delicacies at "La Forchetta", or if they want to enjoy a delicious barbecue al fresco by the beach they can elect to eat at the "Saute restaurant". The hotel also has two buffet restaurants, "Riti Panna" and "Ceylon", as well as a comprehensive drinks service at its four bars: "Nuwara", "The Purple Lounge", "After Hours" and "Flamingos", the last of which is a pool bar which also features a swim-up bar. The hotel facilities also include the Pacha nightclub where customers can party into the small hours. After a detailed study of the markets and opportunities, RIU saw this destination as the ideal location from which to launch its operations in Asia. Sri Lanka, known as "the tear drop of India" due to its shape and proximity to the country, is a tourist destination which attracts European guests, as well as customers from India, China and Australia. With the inauguration of this hotel the first stone will be laid in the company's project to expand throughout the Asian continent which includes the construction of up to three more hotels set to open between 2018 and 2019. The first will be in the Maldives, where two hotels will be inaugurated offering a combined total of 422 rooms, including suites constructed over the water. In addition, the chain plans to open its first hotel in the UAE in Dubai in 2019. The hotel will be located on the Deira Islands and will be unique to the area. With 750 rooms it will be the largest ever constructed and the first to offer a 24 hour all inclusive service. For further information please visit: www.riu.com About RIU Hotels & Resorts The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 75% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 100 hotels in 20 countries. In 2021, the chain welcomed 4,2 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 28,004 employees. RIU is currently the world's 32nd ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, the second largest in Spain in terms of revenue and the fourth largest in number of rooms. For further information please visit: www.riu.com. RIU Press Department +34 971 743 030 RIU GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology Smart devices that wake up with voice commands have gained popularity in recent years, and now researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have taken it one step farther: an always-on camera. Designed with a combination of low-power hardware and energy efficient image processing software, the always-on camera is capable of watching for specific types of movement without draining batteries or running up electricity bills. "Right now cameras are very hard to run on passive power just because they burn so much power themselves," said Justin Romberg, a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "This combination of efficient signal processing and a novel hardware design lowers the power requirement and means that some of these other options to power it might be open." The research, which was highlighted at the International Symposium on Low Power Electronics and Design Aug. 8-10, was sponsored by Intel Corp. and the National Science Foundation. While reducing the frame rate of a camera plays a role in lowering power demands, to achieve the power savings needed for this project, the researchers programmed the camera to track motion in a more generalized way that still preserved crucial details about what was being tracked. That requires much less power to process than tracking individual pixels throughout the entire field of view. "What this camera is actually looking at is not pixel values, but pixels added together in all different ways and a dramatically smaller number of measurements than if you had it in a standard mode," Romberg said. The always-on camera was primarily designed as a way to wake up devices. But its ability to recognize specific gestures expands the possibilities such as a camera that wakes up with a specific pattern or movement almost like a secret handshake. "We wanted to devise a camera that was capturing images all of the time, and then once you have a particular gesture like you write a Z in the air it's going to wake up," said Arijit Raychowdhury, an associate professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "To make that work without affecting the battery life, we wanted it to be so low power that you can power it with harvested ambient energy, such as with a photovoltaic cell." Programming a camera to recognize specific gestures and wake up only when needed is also a way of conserving total system energy, Raychowdhury said. "Simple motion detection is a well-studied area of research, and there are commercial products that support motion detection," he said. "But the problem is that a camera that can just detect motion and not specific patterns in motion or gestures is going to wake up more often, even when it doesn't need to." Such a low-power camera could be useful in a range of applications, especially for camera systems in remote locations where efficiency is crucial. "If you have a camera in the field, you want them to use as little energy as possible and only record events when necessary," Romberg said. Other applications include specialized surveillance, robotics and consumer electronics with hands-free operation, and the researchers are already working on adding wireless functionality to transmit images and data with an antenna. "Cameras are being added to more and more devices these days, but they don't have much interactivity," Raychowdury said. "What we are studying are smart cameras that can look at something specific in the environment at extreme energy-efficiencies and process the data for us." Explore further Engineering team invents a camera that powers itself More information: A. Anvesha, Shaojie Xu, Ningyuan Cao, Justin Romberg, Arijit Raychowdhury, A Light-powered, "Always-On", Smart Camera with Compressed Domain Gesture Detection Proceedings of the 2016 International Symposium on Low Power Electronics and Design - ISLPED '16 A. Anvesha, Shaojie Xu, Ningyuan Cao, Justin Romberg, Arijit Raychowdhury, A Light-powered, "Always-On", Smart Camera with Compressed Domain Gesture Detection Proceedings of the 2016 International Symposium on Low Power Electronics and Design - ISLPED '16 DOI: 10.1145/2934583.2934594 Hyster emulates the relaxed style and flexibility of his mentors by letting students follow their own interests he is hands-off, but always available to answer questions. Students in his group such as Princeton rising senior Norman Greenberg (left) work long hours in the lab and are eager to establish themselves as researchers. Hyster's confidence and excitement for the work has inspired them to set up reactions that they may not have tried otherwise. Credit: Princeton University In any given year, a synthetic chemist may set up several hundred chemical reactions. Many of these reactions will fail, so chemists temper their expectations. But not Todd Hyster, a Princeton University assistant professor who joined the Department of Chemistry last summer. "Todd gets really excited about these crazy ideas and he's always confident that it's going to work, even if we think it's a long shot," said Braddock Sandoval, a graduate researcher in Hyster's lab. Hyster focuses his research on novel reactions at the merger of two areas in which he has extensive experience: classic organic synthesis, which uses small molecules that perform an expansive range of reactions, and biocatalysis, which uses large biological systems such as enzymes to execute only specific reactions, but does so very efficiently. Researchers at the intersection of these fields propose to modify powerful enzymes so that they can be used in more organic reactions. The majority of the work in this area has come from biology labs that are well acquainted with wrangling complex biological systems, but the field hasn't seen the same level of engagement from chemists, especially in the United States. Essentially, chemists can have difficulty dealing with biological systems because they must learn how to grow cells and work with complicated enzymes. Yet, biologists may not know which of the thousands of possible reactions organic chemists would find most valuable and useful. Hyster, however, can do both. As one of the few synthetic chemists who also understands biological systems, he is uniquely equipped to identify the reactions that would be most impactful for organic synthesis and make them happen. "Todd has the ability to connect these enzymes to reaction mechanisms people aren't even thinking about," said David MacMillan, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton. "He's at the vanguard of something new in biocatalysis and I think it's going to be incredibly exciting." Building up to biocatalysis As a graduate student under the direction of Tomislav Rovis at Colorado State University, Hyster began research in transition-metal catalysis and, at the time, wanted nothing to do with biology. "I remember saying that I was 'repulsed' by biology," Hyster said with a laugh, "probably one of the most naive things I've ever said." It wasn't until his third year of graduate school that his attitude began to shift. He became intrigued by a conference presentation on using mutated proteins to catalyze a specific reaction and even chose the general topicdirected evolutionfor his departmental seminar. Then Rovis went on sabbatical in France and presented Hyster with the opportunity to collaborate with a research group working at the interface of biology and organometallic chemistry at the University of Basel in Switzerland, opening a new area of research for the Rovis lab in biocatalysis. Rovis recalled emailing Hyster late at night from Europe to pitch him the collaboration idea. The usual strategy to improve the reaction is to change the small molecule known as the ligand. Instead, Rovis suggested keeping the ligand constant and changing the reaction environment using a biological system developed by the group in Basel. Hyster replied the next morning that he loved the idea and was game to try it. "He's someone who had the vision to see the real impact and potential of the idea, and who certainly doesn't pay attention at all to how hard it might be. That's the kind of researcher he is," Rovis said. In order to make the collaboration work, Hyster spent four months in Basel in Professor of Chemistry Thomas Ward's laboratory learning how to work with proteins, ultimately bringing those skills back to the lab in Colorado. "His fearlessness is his best quality," Rovis said. "It's what allowed him to embrace this new field that he had no prior experience with and successfully tackle the problem." The resulting workpublished in the journal Science in 2012was the first example of a biological environment that could be engineered to promote the formation of new bonds. The reaction took advantage of the extremely strong binding affinity between the large protein streptavidin and the compound biotin, which is referred to as "molecular Velcro." By attaching the ligand-metal complex to biotin, the researchers could lock the metal catalyst into the highly controlled binding pocket of streptavidin. For his postdoctoral study, Hyster began to shift his focus onto biocatalysis. He joined the laboratory of one of the pioneers of biocatalysis, Frances Arnold, professor of chemical engineering, bioengineering and biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology. In a 2014 paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society during his time in the Arnold lab, Hyster developed variants of the enzyme P450one of the most well-known enzymes that break down organic molecules in the liverto catalyze a particularly unfavorable bond connection. In this type of reaction, known as an amination reaction, the catalyst typically breaks the weakest existing carbon-hydrogen bond to form the new bond. The specially designed P450 mutant, however, adopts a specific shape that favors the bond disconnection at the neighboring carbon, giving the researchers access to a reaction that would be difficult to accomplish by organic catalysis. Focusing on the puzzles At Princeton, Hyster is applying what he learned from his time in Rovis' and Arnold's labs in terms of both the science and mentorship. Their relaxed styles and flexibility in letting students follow their own interests were really effective, he said, and he hopes to emulate them. Hyster is hands-off, but always available to answer questions, Sandoval said. The whole group works long hours in the lab and is eager to establish themselves in the research community. Hyster is very driven, Sandoval said, and his confidence and excitement for the work has inspired them to set up reactions that they may not have tried otherwise. "If you pursue what you're most passionate about, I think that's when you can do your greatest possible amount of good," Hyster said. Pursuing his own passion is already starting to pay off. Since starting up less than a year ago, the Hyster lab is already preparing to publish research about an enzyme-mediated light-based reaction that hasn't been seen before. Though pleased about these initial successes, for Hyster, the real satisfaction comes from the research process. "I just like thinking about these problems. When I wake up, at home, all the time, it's what I enjoy thinking about and that's rewarding enough for me," Hyster said. "It's just an added bonus that these reactions might be valuable." Explore further Scientists replace iron in muscle protein with non-biological metal A Filipino association has once again held a summer painting workshop, in response to the need for summer activities for its members and compatriots children. The Quezonian Association of Macau previously held the summer workshop for youngsters, led by artist Didith Canasa, between the years 2003 and 2009. However, the workshop was halted from 2009 to 2014 and only resumed last year. According to the president of the association, Wabbet Cabungcal, the workshops aim was to unleash the artistic skills of Filipino youngsters in the region, particularly important in an era with easy and widespread access to technology and the internet amongst young people. To avoid using gadgets, stressed Cabungcal. Theyre using them everyday and this workshop will help them hone their skills, because some children are not aware they [are talented] because there are no workshops to express their talent, he explained. Since the workshop only resumed last year, Cabungcal hopes to hold more exhibitions of the young artists paintings in the future. This year the association, along with Canasa, organized an art exhibition in Rui Cunha Foundation, featuring nearly 80 paintings in acrylic, watercolor and charcoal. The exhibition will be showcased at the foundations headquarters until August 15. With the name The Bulilit [little] Artists of Macao featuring Michael Angelo L Cabungcal, the exhibition celebrates the comeback of the group of little artists. In the exhibition, some 40 artworks of Canasas mentee, Michael Angelo L Cabungcal, were featured, who has been an art student since the opening of the painting workshop more than a decade ago. He is also continuing his studies at the Academy of Arts of Macao Polytechnic University. Canasa said that they used to hold exhibitions in the region after each painting workshop, but since the activity was halted for five years, her students in the region have stopped painting. I think its a waste if we do not continue to hold [the] workshops because there are children who are really talented. We have to come back because if not, the bulilit [little] artists may not continue to paint, she explained to the Times. According to Canasa, back in 2003, they held the workshops in public places, including Ruins of St Paul and Guia Lighthouse, due to limited availability of indoor spaces. Before we started we went to the education bureau to ask for [a] permit [to hold workshops] we were everywhere, under the trees even, because there was no place to stay [before], she said. The artist hopes to reach out to Chinese youngsters as well, however she sees the language barrier as a problem, thus she instead focuses on a small group of English-speaking children. Currently, shes holding workshops on acrylic painting for 10 Filipino youngsters in a Filipino pastoral house and she aims for the finished paintings to be displayed in their next exhibition in 2018. Australia rejected bids for electricity network Ausgrid from Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka- shing and State Grid Corp. of China, amid growing opposition to selling infrastructure assets to overseas investors. Treasurer Scott Morrison said it would be contrary to national security to allow the offers to proceed in their current form and said the bidders, which he didnt name, have been given a week to respond. Ausgrids footprint includes critical power and communication services provided to businesses and government, Morrison told reporters in Brisbane yesterday. He said hell make a final decision after seeing any revised submissions. The move is the latest sign that protectionism is on the rise in Australia, where Morrison earlier this year blocked the sale of the nations largest cattle rancher to a Chinese-led group. If government-owned State Grids bid is ultimately blocked, Australia risks straining ties with its most important trading partner. Lis Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. and State Grid were the only two companies to make binding bids for 50.4 percent of Ausgrid last month, people familiar with the matter have said. The electricity distributor, which supplies 1.6 million homes in and around Sydney, is owned by the New South Wales state government and was expected to fetch more than AUD10 billion (USD7.7 billion). State Grid didnt respond to a request for comment yesterday. CKI said in a statement that Australia must have reasons beyond the obvious that led to todays decision. The prospects for Chinese suitors havent improved since the July 2 election saw a swag of protectionist independent or minor party lawmakers elected to the upper house Senate. The National Party, the junior partner in Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls coalition, which has been a vocal critic of investment by Chinese state-owned companies, also now has a bigger voice in the government. Theres a lot of politics mixed up with this decision, said Paul Williams, a political analyst at Griffith University. The government is struggling to engage with the electorate and its looking to re-establish some political capital. A bit of economic nationalism never goes astray. Morrisons announcement comes as Australia balances the need for foreign investment to drive economic growth against mounting public opposition to sales of farmland, real estate and strategic infrastructure, particularly to Chinese investors. Despite overseas capital being vital to Australias future expansion, the government is arguably making it harder for foreigners to invest. Last year, it tightened scrutiny of sales of farmland to Chinese, Japanese and Korean buyers. The government board that vets investments now includes a former spy chief. When the Obama administration last year raised concerns that a Chinese company had bought a port in the northern city of Darwin, where U.S. Marines are based, Morrison beefed up oversight of the sale of state assets. Hes also blocked the sale of the S. Kidman & Co. cattle station. Morrison stressed yesterday that the national security concerns posed by the Ausgrid sale were not country-specific and relate to the transaction structure and the nature of the assets. State Grid, which distributes electricity to 1.1 billion people, is bidding for energy assets globally as President Xi Jinping seeks to overhaul the countrys bloated state-owned businesses. Bloomberg A senior U.S. military official says an advanced U.S. missile defense system that is to be deployed in South Korea only targets North Korea, not China. Vice Adm. James D. Syring, director of the Missile Defense Agency, said the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system will never be used against China. Yonhap news agency quoted him as saying that We dont defend against China as a threat. China has grown increasingly angry over the plan to deploy the missile system, which critics say is capable of tracking missiles inside China. Chinese state media have published daily attacks against the U.S. and South Korea, and China has reportedly canceled events involving South Korean entertainers. Syring spoke in a group interview with South Korean media, including Yonhap. Japan, Philippines to Beijing: Respect law for Asian stability The top diplomats of Japan and the Philippines have called on China to avoid intimidation and follow the rule of law in disputed waters where Beijing is defying an arbitration ruling that invalidated its vast territorial claims. Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida made the call yesterday after meeting in Davao, where they discussed ways to enhance ties and their countries territorial disputes with China. Yasay urged China to make sure that maritime order and security and the rule of law are completely and uncompromisingly respected. Referring to China, he says Japan and the Philippines have had the same experience with respect to certain actions that use force [and] intimidation. Kishida says maritime order based on the rule of law is indispensable for regional stability. U.S. farmers just cant seem to grow enough soybeans to satisfy China. For the third year in a row, U.S. production is expected to set a record, the best such string since 1979. Yet, with output dropping elsewhere, a flurry of demand from China and other importers is eating away at stockpiles. The result: For the first time in three years, domestic inventories are poised to drop below the previous season, according to analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Soybeans are used to make everything from animal feed to cooking oil, soy sauce and tofu. Since 2005, Chinas imports of the commodity have more than tripled, and it now buys more than 60 percent of the worlds exports. The demand is primarily driven by its livestock sector as a growing middle class consumes more meat. As contrary weather hindered crops in Latin America, U.S. soybeans have secured seven weeks of record export sales since May. To maintain adequate supplies domestically, U.S. fields need to beat last years record yield of 48 bushels per acre, according to Daniel Basse, president of AgResource Co., a Chicago-based industry researcher. We can use everything we produce, Basse said by telephone. Its a big crop, but the big demand story is coming on now. The U.S. will be the main source for soybeans from now through Valentines Day because of crop problems in Brazil from hot, dry weather and flooding in Argentina. Brazil is forecast to be the worlds leading soybean exporter in the current season, shipping 57.2 million metric tons, ahead of the U.S.s 48.9 million, the USDA said last month. Argentina is the biggest shipper of soybean meal and oil. Planting progress for the U.S. crop in May was faster than the prior five-year average, allowing the plants to take advantage of Junes sunny weather. Rain in early July then boosted soil moisture, raising crop ratings to the highest since 2004. The forecast for more rain in August is key for the plants to reach full yield potential as plant pods fill up with beans, said Troy Deutmeyer, an agronomist with Dupont Co.s Pioneer seed unit in Dyersville, Iowa. In Illinois, the biggest grower after Iowa, the crop is very good, relatively disease-free and eye-appealing, according to Matthew Brandt, the regional agronomy lead for St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. Soybean plants are larger than normal, which can limit yield potential because plants used more energy to grow before making pods and filling them with beans, Brandt said in an interview. On Friday, the USDA will update its monthly crop forecasts in this years first corn and soybean estimates, based on farmer surveys and field measurements in 11 states from Arkansas to South Dakota. Domestic farmers in the U.S. are poised to collect 3.948 billion bushels of the oilseed this season, the most ever and higher than the governments July forecast, according to a Bloomberg survey of 33 analysts and firms. For 10 consecutive days ending on Aug. 9, U.S. exporters sold a total of 3.17 million tons (116 million bushels) to China and unknown buyers, mostly for delivery after Sept. 1, according to USDA data. Spot shipments have also been strong, with the USDA inspecting 972,001 tons in the week ended Aug. 4, a record for the time of year. With a few more strong weeks, U.S. shipments in the year that ends Aug. 31 may breach the July USDA forecast of 1.795 billion bushels, reaching as high as 1.88 billion bushels, according to AgResources Basse. Exporters were bidding USD1.02 a bushel above November futures for delivery of supplies in September to terminals near New Orleans on Aug.9, up from 79.5 cents on July 29, USDA data show. The gains come amid a slump in South American sales. Brazils exports peaked in April, earlier than usual, and dropped to a three-year low in July of 5.8 million tons, according to trade ministry data. The countrys government crop forecasting agency has lowered its production outlook to 95.4 million tons, down 0.8 percent from the prior year. Louis Dreyfus Co. this week said it will halt soybean crushing at two plants in Brazil because of current supply and demand conditions. The fallout from weaker crops in Latin America has been a 16 percent boost in U.S. cash soybean prices this year, while corn and wheat prices have dropped. A Bloomberg index tracking rolling most-active futures has gained 14 percent, heading for the best year since 2012. Even with burgeoning supply in the U.S., soybean futures may rise to $10.50 a bushel in the first quarter 8.2 percent above the March futures prices of $9.70 at 6:45 a.m. in Chicago yesterday as global production is set to only just cover demand, Commerzbank AG said in an Aug. 9 report. A measure of global soybean stockpiles relative to consumption is poised to fall to 20 percent in the 2016-17 season, the lowest in five years and a second straight decline, according to USDA estimates made in July. A boost to U.S. production forecasts in the upcoming USDA report may help to buffer the ratio. If Im reliant on importing soybeans then, while I might be happy or relatively contented with the size of the U.S. crop, my attention rightly switches to whats going to happen in South America for the next crop, said Fiona Boal, director of commodity research at Fulcrum Asset Management in London. Theres just no wiggle room with the global soybean balance sheet. Jeff Wilson & Megan Durisin, Bloomberg Sands Chinas newest resort, The Parisian Macao, set to open next month, will offer seven restaurants, including the finest in French dining, according to a statement from the gaming operator. In the seven restaurants on offer are two Chinese establishments, La Chine and Lotus Palace, as well as two French kitchens, Brasserie and Le Buffet, the latter of which will also offer Chinese and international cuisine. Also on offer will be a cafe blending Hong Kong and Western cuisine, a 24-hour noodle restaurant featuring Vietnamese cuisine and a Parisian Pool Cafe. We will be providing the finest food and service beyond customers expectations at The Parisian Macao, said Charles Newland, a senior executive at Sands China. We aim at delivering a brand new culinary experience to our customers. The restaurants will be led by executive chef Alex Gaspar, whose cooking philosophy revolves around the use of the best ingredients, according to Sands China. Students visit CTM for tour and talk A group of 20 students from Fai Chi Kei Integrated Service Center, under the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), visited Companhia de Telecomunicacoes de Macau (CTM) yesterday afternoon, to gain a better understanding of the telecom industry in the MSAR. Paula Yung, senior manager of human resources at CTM, provided a briefing on the company structure, business overview and employee development, in an effort to provide some general information about the company. A second presentation on fiber network access and development, was held for the visiting students by Cheong Tak Kam, senior manager of network service at CTM. The students were then led on a tour of CTMs fiber chamber. According to a statement from CTM, the students were attentive and enquired about the features of the telecom facilities. La Cosa Nostra may still have at least a toehold in Little Italy, NYC, but visitors to its main street would have a better chance of dropping USD400 on designer shoes than spotting a preening gangster. READ MORE * Movies: Sausage Party * Books: Textbook by Amy Krouse Rosenthal * Music: Boy king by Wild Beasts * Wine: The Andean Stripe * Food & Drink: UK food traditions to lose EU support DOWNLOAD PDF Extra 2620 Designer shoes over gangsters Welsh farmers like Rees Roberts, who has 1,000 acres with sheep, cattle and crops, can expect to earn a premium on their meats thanks to a certificate of regional authenticity. But that marker of distinction the same kind that ensures Champagne can only come from the French region of the same name is granted by the European Union and is now at risk after Britain voted to leave the 28-country bloc. The certificates, of which there are 73 across Britain for goods like Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies, not only help farmers earn more but also shape rural communities identities. Add to that the loss of USD3.97 billion in EU subsidies for U.K. farmers, potential new tariffs and fears that agriculture will not be prioritized in trade talks with the EU, and the decision to leave the 28-nation bloc promises to be painful. The voters werent thinking it through, said Roberts, 65, as he discussed the uncertainty with fellow farmers at a fair in the village of Builth Wells. For Welsh farmers, EU membership cushioned against tough times. Sheep flocks have fallen in size by 20 percent since a 1999 peak, while farmers real annual average incomes have tumbled nearly a third since 2003 to 22,500 pounds, or $29,250, according to government figures. The potential loss of preferential trade with Europe has left Wales rushing to export its lamb and beef to the United States, with the government submitting a 1,000-page proposal to the U.S. Agriculture Department last month ahead of upcoming trade talks in April. The move was driven in part by concerns that negotiations over the next two years on Britain departing the EU will prioritize London banking jobs, while downplaying the needs of those in the hinterlands without the posh salaries. There are many concerns of how influential agriculture will be in these negotiations, both in terms of trade and direct financial support when compared to the powerful sectors such as financial services, said Dai Davies, chairman of the Welsh meat promoter Hybu Cig Cymru. Davies was at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells among the largest agricultural fairs in Europe to listen to farmers concerns and answer their questions. A sense of seriousness and urgency dominated the mood, despite the sheep shearing contests, food stalls and a folk rendition of Beyonces Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It). Even though Wales is a net beneficiary of EU support, it voted to leave the EU by 53 percent to 47 percent, a fact that reflects the complexities of global trade. Many people in rural Britain, including Wales, are against the EU because the open borders required by membership challenges their sense of national identity. In some voters minds, globalization is synonymous with regulations, immigrants and the loss of jobs to low-cost countries in Eastern Europe or China. Those emotions come even though the union also has carved out markets for goods linked to Britains heritage. Listening to Davies was Roberts, who said he worries that the terms of foreign trade will change, causing him to lose some access to the EUs 508 million residents. He hopes that the U.K. will settle on a new trade agreement with the EU similar to Norways. That would give them access to the EUs single market but require the U.K. to keep receiving EU migrants, something many of those voting to leave are against. Some U.K. farmers do depend on migrant labor to pick their produce. Accepting the migrants wouldnt be a problem for me, said Roberts. Next to him was John Foulkes, who has a flock of 3,000 and estimates that the protected geographical indicator for Welsh meat adds a 2.6 percent premium to the 80-pound ($104) price he charges for a typical lamb. The protected status for West Country Beef and Lamb is a standard of quality and authenticity for example, sheep have to get at least 70 percent of their food by foraging the hills of this corner of Britain. Many such markers could no longer be valid internationally, depending on how Britain leaves the EU, since it is the bloc that has enshrined them in international trade deals. To regain them, Britain might need to introduce its own protections and likely has to renegotiate trade deals, not just with the remaining EU countries but also other nations that Britain had deals with through the EU. Most purveyors of products with EU protected status described the post-Brexit environment as hazy. Some have safety in trademarks that are internationally recognized regardless of EU membership, while others worry about the damage to Britains brand on the continent and the complex network of trade deals that extend from the EU to Asia and South America. Stilton cheese enjoys trademark protections dating back as far as 1966 that should ensure its gourmet status, said Billy Kevan, dairy manager at the cheese maker Colston Bassett. He expects cheesemakers to be fine, but said a major unknown is whether European public opinion turns against Stilton as a means of protesting the Brexit vote. Some British cheesemakers cannot easily sever ties with the continent. One of the leading exporters of the protected Stilton cheese is Tuxford & Tebbutt, which is owned by Arla Foods, a company based in Denmark. Stilton cheese can only hail from three counties in England, making it a vital industry in those communities. Tuxford & Tebbutt employs 100 people in Melton Mowbray, a town of 25,000 where the local pork pies also enjoy protected status. Stilton generates $78 million a year for the community, the pork pies another $78 million and an additional $91 million comes to the community through food tourism, said Matthew OCallaghan, chairman of the United Kingdom Protected Food Names Association. The Melton Mowbray pork pies could lose their EU protections, OCallaghan warned, which could expose many of the bakers to cheaper copy-cat competition. It means that anybody could make a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, for example in Poland not use the proper recipe, so make it in hoops, not using cured pork, use less than 30 percent pork, make a cheaper imitation, he said. Now thats going to cost us jobs. For Scotch distillers, the big risk is not so much in the trademark but losing trade deals with countries like Colombia, South Africa and South Korea that had been agreed on as part of the EU. David Frost, the president of the Scotch Whisky Association, is a former government official responsible for trade policy and EU issues. He says the British government lacks enough negotiators to swiftly set up new trade deals if Brexit leads to the end of trade agreements with these emerging economies. And that could hurt one of the few British industries that by its name cant possibly be outsourced overseas, says Frost. Were rooted in Scotland and we always will be. Josh Boak, AP, Builth Wells Germanys interior minister yesterday unveiled proposals to boost security after recent attacks, including making it easier to deport foreigners deemed dangerous and stripping dual nationals who fight for extremist groups of their German citizenship. Interior Minister Thomas de Maizieres plans also include creating several thousand jobs at federal security services over the coming years and making promoting terrorism a criminal offense. Four attacks last month included two carried out by asylum-seekers and claimed by the Islamic State group. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany wont be deflected from giving shelter to people who deserve asylum, but also pledged to do everything humanly possible to keep the country safe. A lot of people [] are worried about further attacks. That is understandable, de Maiziere told reporters. No one can guarantee absolute security, but we must do what is possible. He said Germany will consider joining other countries in screening the public social-media profiles of people being admitted to the country under formal resettlement programs and would start a pilot project to judge its effectiveness. De Maiziere also wants to strengthen German authorities ability to probe the darknet, an area of cyberspace invisible on the open internet. The minister proposed making it easier to take foreigners who have committed crimes or otherwise are deemed to be dangerous into pre-deportation custody, making endangering public security a ground for jailing them. Thats meant to make it easier to ensure people who are obliged to leave the country actually do so. He said its already possible to strip German citizenship from dual nationals who fight for foreign armies, so its reasonable to apply the same rule to those who fight for a terror militia abroad. De Maiziere also pointed to ongoing efforts to toughen German and particularly European Union weapons laws. Two of the attacks in a weeklong period starting July 18 an ax rampage near Wuerzburg that wounded five and a suicide bombing that injured 15 outside a bar in Ansbach were the first in Germany to be claimed by IS. Both attackers, asylum-seekers who arrived over the past two years, were killed. In two other attacks a shooting by a German-Iranian 18-year-old in Munich that claimed 10 lives, including the assailants, and the fatal stabbing of a woman by a Syrian asylum-seeker at a restaurant in Reutlingen the motive is still unclear but Islamic extremism is not suspected. The attackers in Ansbach and Munich had received psychiatric treatment in the past. In response, de Maiziere said the government will discuss with doctors ways to minimize dangers to citizens as far as possible but stressed that patient confidentiality rules will be upheld. In Germany, doctors can face a fine or up to a year in prison for breaching patient confidentiality, though existing rules already allow them to do so in order to safeguard a higher-ranking legally protected interest. De Maiziere said he was limiting himself to proposals that could be implemented quickly, and said he considered them politically reasonable for the center-left junior party in the conservative Merkels governing coalition. De Maiziere is a member of Merkels party, the Christian Democrats. He said he hopes that many of the measures can be introduced before a national election expected in September next year. Some Christian Democrats, keen to bolster the partys law-and-order credentials ahead of the national election, as well as two state elections next month and three next spring, have called for further measures such as a ban on all-body veils worn by some Muslim women. De Maiziere made clear, however, that such a ban is constitutionally problematic and isnt in the cards. You cant ban everything that you reject, he said. Geir Moulson, Berlin, AP The 2016 GuangdongHong KongMacau Film Production Investment and Trade Fair will be held at the Regency Hotel Macau, on August 16 and 17. Co-organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the Guangdong Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, this years fair will feature a seminar on film financing. Senior Hong Kong filmmakers Patrick Tong and Mathew Tang, as well as an independent investor from mainland China, Liu Xiaofeng, have been invited to discuss new trends in film financing in the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau regions. Patrick Tong has been the producer and executive producer of nearly 100 films, including Echoes of the Rainbow, The Grandmaster, and Port of Call, while Mathew Tang has been involved in the shooting of close to 40 films, including working as producer for ten films, most notably Cold War and Finding Mr. Right. Liu Xiaofeng has actively participated in film crowd-funding in recent years. According to ICM, there are 30 seats available for the seminar on a first come, first served basis. The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Mandarin, with Chinese-to-Portuguese translation provided. A scholar from the Department of Sociology, University of Macau (UM), has been selected to receive the prestigious Freda Adler Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Society of Criminology (ASC), for his contributions to the field of criminology. Liu Jianhong will receive the award at the annual conference of the ASC, which will be held in November this year. The awards committee consists of members of the ASC Division of International Criminology. The accolade is presented annually to an international scholar who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of criminology. Past recipients of the award include David Farrington from the University of Cambridge, who is the winner of the Stockholm Prize in Criminology and former president of both the ASC and the British Society of Criminology, and Hans Kerner from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tuebingen, Germany, who has served as the president of the International Society of Criminology and the European Society of Criminology. Liu is an internationally known criminologist and has served as the leader of many international criminology associations. He is currently the president of the Scientific Commission of the International Society for Criminology and the chairman of the General Assembly of the Asian Criminological Society. Liu is also the editor-in-chief of the Asian Journal of Criminology (Springer Publishing) and a member of the editorial board of 13 international academic journals, including the British Journal of Criminology. In a recent conversation with an undercover FBI agent wearing a wire, a reputed mobster from Connecticut named Eugene Rooster ONorfio proclaimed himself the new boss of the Mulberry Street Crew in Manhattans Little Italy. New Yorkers could be forgiven for responding: Rooster who? I didnt even know he existed, said Joseph Scelsa, who has run the Italian American Museum out of a storefront on Mulberry Street for the past eight years. The obscurity of ONorfio, the vagueness of the allegations against him contained in a new federal mob indictment and an absence of fear in Little Italy reflect how a tourist destination with its shrinking cluster of Italian restaurants and gift shops has changed since the days when it was the turf of marquee Mafia bosses like John Dapper Don Gotti and Vincent Chin Gigante. Though the indictment suggests organized crime still has at least a toehold in the neighborhood, visitors to Mulberry Street would have a far better chance of dropping USD400 on designer shoes than spotting a preening gangster. The colorful names remain the same. Some of the scams and the shakedowns remain. But the vice grip on businesses and others is not the same as it used to be, said Randy Mastro, an attorney who once served as a mob-busting point man under former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. In the 1990s, authorities used electronic surveillance at Gottis Little Italy headquarters, the Ravenite Social Club on Mulberry Street, to help bring down the mercurial boss of the Gambino crime family. They also removed the stranglehold Gigantes Genovese crime family had on the annual Feast of San Gennaro street festival, where it once ran gambling games, imposed a mob tax on vendors and raided donations at a neighborhood church. Both bosses died in federal prison. Yet, forces far more powerful than the FBI may have had a bigger impact. The Ravenite is now a boutique for handcrafted shoes in a gentrified part of Little Italy that was long ago rebranded as Nolita (North of Little Italy). Art galleries, brunch spots and upscale clothing stores are steadily encroaching on what remains of the old neighborhood. But the mob investigations have continued, resulting in an embezzlement conviction in 2000 of a former San Gennaro organizer, testimony at a 2004 trial that another feast leader was a made man, and a 2013 guilty plea by a Genovese capo in a case accusing him of trying to extort the festival. In the current case, court papers quote ONorfio recounting how the capo told him, I want you at the helm of the Mulberry Street Crew while he was in prison. The new indictment accuses the 74-year-old ONorfio, of East Haven, Connecticut, of loansharking, but it doesnt go into specifics. He has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges that also accuse him of being in charge of another crew in Springfield, Massachusetts. His lawyer, Thomas Nooter, declined to comment. News coverage of the recent cases has rankled Little Italy boosters. The nonprofit that runs San Gennaro each September complained in a 2012 letter to The New York Times that the coverage was overblown and rekindled old, derogatory stereotypes about Italian-Americans while ignoring the festivals charity work. The new charges really disgust me, said Scelsa, whose museum focuses on the accomplishments of Italian-Americans, evidenced by a copy of a platinum record for Billy Joels The Stranger perched in the front window. He believes the case represents an invisible vestige of a bygone era when the so-called Black Hand extortion racket terrorized the neighborhood. I wouldnt have opened up on Mulberry Street if I thought it was still there, he said. Still, todays organized crime networks need to be seen as a struggling business thats trying to survive by diversifying, said James Walden, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice, citing the credit card and health care fraud charges in the indictment. Mastro cautioned that even with the modern serenity of Mulberry Street, law enforcement must stay vigilant. Trying to eliminate La Cosa Nostra, he said, is like trying to kill a vampire. Tom Hays, New York, AP Antonio Caetano Faria is a Portuguese filmmaker, living and working in the territory for the past eight years. In his work, Faria often uses the territory not just as a backdrop in his stories but as a centerpiece and a connection across all of his films. Taking the opportunity to release a new series of works titled The Resistants a 10 episode series that explores the traditional professions currently at risk of extinction in the city the Times spoke to the filmmaker behind Locanda Films, an independent film production and distribution company based in Macau, to learn more about the series and his vision of the territory that serves as his inspiration. Macau Daily Times (MDT) How did this idea of creating a series of short documentaries about the professions at risk in Macau come about? Antonio Caetano Faria (ACF) The idea starts from the need to preserve the shops. The history and the identity of this city that can be translated through the old shops and the old people of the city. I always heard from older people living in Macau talking about the traditions that were being lost and even though Ive only lived here for the past eight years I could see that happening, shops closing, like traditional Chinese pharmacies and others. The need to film this comes from the need to create a memory for future generations and I thought this was an interesting method to do it, being short and able to at the same time give voice to these people. MDT Is that the last option available? Leaving a memory of what Macau used to be? ACF No, I dont think so, I dont think that it has to be the last option available. I think this has to do with the way I see my own work. My work is to capture moments for eternity and to create moments. So this meets my work goals. Each one of us has to contribute to society in some way. I see this as my own contribution and I will continue to do this. I dont want to enter too much into politics but if we live in a society we call it society because we live in it, together and all contribute for it. Policymakers have to understand that too. MDT Is there any particular story that you filmed that touched you emotionally? ACF There are. There are beautiful stories. For example the shoemaker has a very interesting story. The story of their profession [him and his wife] interweaves with their own love story. They met through their profession and the need to combine their skills. One was cutting and designing the shoes, and the other would stitch them. And from there a love story bloomed, as he tells briefly in the episode. I didnt want to go too deep on that topic, in the behind the scenes segment, you can find all these details and interviews with people that will lead you to many parallel stories that brings the viewer back to the main story, like in a circle. MDT Do these stories that you see as a filmmaker help you to know and understand Macau better? ACF Yes of course. They help to me understand Macau better and its identity, which helps one to realize that some of the traditional sectors in this place are frozen in time. Other aspects of society have undergone a severe mutation due to the needs of the city and the evolution of the human beings and of the technologies, and the needs of these human beings to want different objects that others 50 years ago didnt. For example, I filmed a shop that used to sell ropes as well as offer anchors and repairs for boats. This activity was changed to selling construction materials, a change which occurred as a result of the development of the city. They state that not even my son wants this! He doesnt want to bury his future, that shows what the future will be. MDT Is this project finished or we can expect to see more episodes? ACF My purpose is to portray these local people and their reality and I would like to continue this project. I hope I can continue it and I think this will happen as Im currently trying to gather support to continue the project. For the first 10 episodes, we had the support of Casa de Portugal Association, Macao Foundation and Cultural Affairs Bureau but it was not easy to get support, especially at the government level. MDT Do you think other services might take advantage of this work? ACF I think so. For example, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau should be alerted to the documentary genre as it is very important to portray societies and professions (like in this case). I think it would be interesting for new generations to understand what existed back in the past in order to look to the future [] so we that dont repeat the same mistakes. The shoemaker, for example, said that in the past, police officers used to go to his shop to make all their shoes, nowadays they all come from taobao or similar in China. MDT What can we expect from you in the near future? What other projects are you working on? ACF At the moment Im developing the company that I co-own with three partners and we are working on more productions and co-productions at an international level, namely in China and in Portugal. We are participating in this so-called platform between Macau and Europe on areas like cinema and television productions. Its a long process. The market is also growing locally. We need time to develop but I think we will have some happy things in the field soon in Macau. It is important to do things here, to film here. The more we talk about cinema here, the better it will be because this city has a lot to offer in this field. MDT Is Macau working well in that platform role or is something still missing? ACF An important thing that I noticed and that in fact I dont understand and I find weird is that DOCTV CPLP (a TV documentary contest among all Portuguese-speaking countries and territories) progressed to its second edition, but contrary to the first edition [back in 2010], this time Macau didnt participate. I dont understand why in times when Macau says it wants to reinforce the connection and relationship with the Portuguese-speaking countries, it seems to take a step back. I leave this question for anyone who might be able to help answer it. 6. Why property prices are in HK $ It is a common misconception that the reason property prices are HKD is to take advantage of the 3% difference in the currency exchange rate. The real reason that prices are in HKD instead of the Macau Pataca (MOP) is that the MOP is not freely exchangeable, and is only valid in Macau. As property transactions often involve overseas investment, it was vital to operate in an exchangeable currency so that money could be both remitted and sent overseas to facilitate transactions. 7. Who can decide on the rental amount The amount of rent paid on a property is a matter between the landlord and the tenant only; there are no restrictions from the government. Whilst there have been discussions on rent control, the government has resisted the temptation to get involved in setting increment limits or limiting rents because it makes sense to avoid interfering in the market. Furthermore, imposing artificial rent control measures could cause the opposite effect on the market and actually lead to an increase in rents if owners remove their property from the stock of available properties. Of course it is a good idea to do a price comparison with rents before entering into a contractual agreement. 8. You can repay your property loan early If you have a mortgage loan with the bank, you can repay the loan early in its entirety or just partially. This is an advantage if you want to reduce your monthly repayments to the bank and have an excess of cash through savings or a special bonus. Be aware that the bank usually charge an early repayment penalty if you repay the whole amount within the first 3 years of the loan, and you can usually negotiate this fee with the bank. 9. Paying rents late can be vary costly Rental payments that are overdue can quickly become a major issue in accordance with Macau Law. If a rental payment is 9 days or more overdue, the landlord has the right to charge the tenant a further 50% of the monthly rental amount. If a payment remains due after 30 days, the amount increases to 100% of the monthly rental. In other words, if your rent is $10,000 and you are 9 days late, the landlord may charge $15,000 instead. After 30 days that would be $20,000 and this amount is capped. This is especially important for tenants who are under the impression that they can use the last 2 months security deposit for rent. The security deposit may not be used as rent, and thus as soon as the first payment is missed and more than 30 days overdue, the security deposit is effectively wiped out. 10. The minimum rental contract term There has been a lot of social network discussions on the minimum contractual term, and a lot of confusion on the subject. According to the Macau Government Website on Tenancy, there is a MAXIMUM period of 30 years that a rental agreement can run, but there is NO minimum period. If there is no time frame stipulated on an agreement, the government deems the agreement to be valid for 1 year. However, under Section 1038 of Macau Civil Code, the landlord does not have right to terminate a tenancy agreement for residential purposes within 2 years from the starting date of the lease term unless it agreed by both parties. Simply put, it means that if you have an agreement that is 2 years or longer, the landlord cannot terminate the agreement prior to the end of the initial 2-year period. However if both parties agree to a shorter contract that will terminate after 1 year for example, this is a legally binding agreement. Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor. Having been established in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants. www.JMLProperty.com info@JMLProperty.com The new reclaimed areas being built and planned in Macau may be used to pay a land debt of almost 89,000 square meters overdue for many years, the president of the Legislative Assembly (AL)s Follow-up Committee on Land and Public Concession Affairs, Ho Ion Sang said. The comment was made during a press conference that followed yesterdays committee meeting held to discuss of the ongoing issue of the idle land plots. It was the first time that such a possibility is being considered as on several other occasions the Chief Executive (CE) has rejected the idea in the name of the public interest. According to the statement of the president of the committee, the CE hasnt decided yet on this matter. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario admitted during the meeting that the plan could be viable, although it should be used only as a last resort and always respecting the conditions imposed by the Central Government [on the authorization for landfill construction]. Ho confirmed that the agenda of the meeting was set on the six cases currently on hand and involving instances of land swaps. Two of them are related to land concessions concerning the expansion of the gaming industry. Another two are related to the construction of public housing and the final ones with the construction of other public facilities. The focus of the discussion was on four key land areas: developments of Wynn and MGM in the NAPE area; Galaxys Cotai resort; the land used to build the Ilha Verde Public Housing plots 1, 2 and 3; and the former Coloane quarry plots where the government recently finalized the Seac Pai Van public housing complex. The government issued on several occasions compensation commitments for other land plots withdrawn in similar conditions to the ones ceded. The land plots attributed to the concessionaires in the cases of the Wynn and MGM swaps are those on plots C and D of Nam Van Lake and those related to the exchange over the Seac Pai Van public housing are located at the Estrada do Altinho de Ka Ho, which were embroiled in recent turmoil over the concession term expiration. More complex seems to be the other cases related to the area where Lotus Square was constructed, as well as the expansion of the Solid Waste Incineration Plant in Taipa, for which there hasnt been any commitment of government compensation. According to Ho, there are only two possibilities under discussion; the first is to pay back the same land in question to the concessionaires. According to the analysis of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, this might be a slow to situation to resolve since from the about 40 notifications for the land concession expiration, only two intentions of reclaiming the plots were in fact submitted to the government, since all the others involve court processes that have stalled. This difficulty opens the window for the second option already mentioned. Questioned on the sidelines prior to the meeting of the AL, Secretary Raimundo do Rosario, preferred not to address this possibility saying simply that land can only be paid with other land. He therefore reaffirmed the governments intention of compensating the land in debt with the now idle lands soon to be reclaimed by the government as soon as and if the courts decide in our favor. Wa Keong building OKd to be partially reinhabited The Wa Keong building, located at 3 Rua da Entena, and recently damaged in an accident involving a tourism bus, now meets the conditions for it to be partially reinhabited, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario said yesterday on the sidelines of the AL committee meeting. According to Rosario, the evaluation of the buildings structure confirmed that it did not suffer major structural damage and so [the people living in] 16 of the 21 units were authorized to return to their homes and to their daily life, adding the same is the case for five out of the six shops. Only the shop that was directly affected by the accident and the five housing units that are in that same vertical line have not yet been authorized [as safe for the residents and owners] to return to [] but they can go there anytime they need, he said. Rosario also said that the complete return of the inhabitants to the units will be possible only after the repair works [are finished]. Although stating, this question has not yet been put [forward], the Secretary advanced that certainly we [the government] are available to help [with the repair works] and to solve the problem as fast as possible. Yesterday evening the Governments Spokesperson Office also issued a statement reading: After the general analysis of the several factors, the Inspection Commission considers that with the exception to a shop and five residential units, all other units [meet] conditions of livability. RM Thailands telecommunications regulator has approved in principle a plan to issue special SIM cards to foreign tourists so they can be tracked through their mobile phones. Officials at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission said the plan would apply to tourists only, backtracking on an earlier announcement that it would cover all foreigners, including resident aliens on long-term visas, the Bangkok Post and other media reported this week. The commission said the plan would be studied further after its endorsement Tuesday. Foreign and Thai users are already required to register when purchasing SIM cards. State surveillance of online activity is high under the military government installed after a 2014 coup, and there have been dozens of arrests of people for political material posted on Facebook and other sites. NBTC Secretary-General Thakorn Tanthasit suggested that the plan would not only help catch terrorists and criminals, but also help find travelers who have gotten in trouble or gone missing. We are not limiting any rights. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has no authority to check on the location of users, he was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post. But if tourists commit wrong, or there is a court warrant, we will then forward the warrant to a mobile phone operator and seek cooperation. AP Stretching 4,300km from north to south but merely 160km or 350km at the widest point from east to west, Chile has to be one of the instantly recognisable countries on the world map. Chile covers some 750,000 sqkm, indeed twice the size of Germany, and has a population of about 18 million, slightly more populous than the Netherlands. This unusually elongated ribbon of land is marked by the Pacific to the west, Andes to the east, Atacama Desert to the north and Antarctica to the south. Viticulture and winemaking were introduced to Chile by Spanish conquistadors and Catholic missionaries notably the Jesuits, nicknamed Gods Marines in the mid-16th century for the purpose of making sacramental wines. The earliest vines introduced were from Mexico, in turn brought from Spain thereto by Hernan Cortes, the ruthless conquistador that toppled the mighty Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Cereza, Criolla, Mision and Moscatel (de Alejandria) were amongst the first to reach Chile. Although admittedly not the finest of varieties, they are easy to handle and prolific in yield, and can be consumed as table grapes or made into pisco (brandy). Chile was known for its sweet wines during the 18th century, and French varieties were introduced to the country in mid-19th century by Don Silvestre Ochagavia Echazarreta, dubbed the father of modern Chilean winemaking. As viticulture in the Old World was obliterated by the phylloxera plague in the the late 19th century, Chile enjoyed its first golden age, being the only wine-producing country free of the bug. For Chilean wine, much of the 20th century was frustratingly stagnant due to political and economic problems, but as democracy was restored in the 90s, so came investment and technology. The number of wineries has increased from roughly a dozen in 1995 to nearly 100 at present, and Chile is now the 9th largest (by volume) wine-producing and 5th largest wine-exporting country in the world. Wine regions in Chile are mainly situated south of capital Santiago, stretching some 1,300km southward. The country is often described as a viticulture paradise, thanks to its long sunshine hours, huge diurnal temperature variation and high altitude. The relative lack of disease and pest is also good news for organic and biodynamic viticulture. On the downside, most of Chile is so dry that irrigation is a necessity, and since the climate is so reliably superb, its wines may exhibit less variation across vintages than its Old World counterparts, but that is a happy dilemma to have. Instituted in 1995, Chiles wine legislation is more American- than French-based. First, Chilean appellations largely follow the American region-subregion-district-locality specification model. Second, Chilean wine labelling requires majority but not totality: for domestic market, the stated variety, vintage, and region must respectively constitute min. 75%, 75% and 85% of the final product; for export market, the stated variety, vintage, and region must each constitute min. 85% of the final product. In terms of wine maturation, Especial, Reserva and Gran Vino denote at least 2, 4 and 6 years respectively, whereas other terms are not legally defined. Carmenere (a.k.a. Grand Vidure) is to Chile what Malbec is to Argentina and what Tannat is to Uruguay. With a host of French varieties plus notably Riesling and Gewurztraminer, Chile produces a full spectrum of wines, ranging from sparkling, white, rose, red and sweet, but is most adept at white and red. Vina Bisquertt La Joya Carmenere Reserva 2012 A single-varietal Carmenere from DO Valle de Colchagua. Dark garnet with carmine-purple rim, the intense nose offers blueberry, cassis, crushed leaf and charcoal. With fresh acidity and lively tannins, the potent palate delivers blackberry, black cherry, blackcurrant leaf and graphite. Medium-full bodied at 13.5%, the leafy entry continues through an energetic mid-palate, leading to a herbal finish. Vina Bisquertt La Joya Merlot Gran Reserva 2012 A single-varietal Merlot from DO Valle de Colchagua. Dark garnet with carmine-rosewood rim, the aromatic nose presents mulberry, plum, coffee, cigar box and oaky vanilla. With rich acidity and ripe tannins, the plump palate supplies black cherry, damson, allspice, game and hot iron. Full-bodied at 14%, the dense entry persists through a fleshy mid-palate, leading to a savoury finish. Vina Bisquertt wines are available at China Duty Free Group outlets in Macao; W: www.cdfg.com.cn; E: yangxiaobo@cdfg.com.cn; T: +853 2870 2732 Jacky I.F. Cheong is a legal professional by day and columnist by night. Having spent his formative years in Britain, France, and Germany, he regularly writes about wine, fine arts, classical music, and politics in several languages Ukraines president ordered the army to be on combat alert yesterday on the countrys de-facto border with Crimea and on the front line in eastern Ukraine following Moscows accusations that Ukraine sent in saboteurs to carry out attacks in Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin upped the ante when he directly accused the Ukrainian government of plotting the attacks and called a meeting of the countrys top brass yesterday to discuss boosting security in Crimea following reports of the foiled attacks. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on his official Twitter account also yesterday that the army will be put on combat alert not only on the de-factor border with Crimea but also the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, where both sides were supposed to have pulled Russias main domestic security agency said that one of its agents and an army soldier were killed while fending off what it described as a series of attempted terror attacks by Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea, a claim Ukrainian officials denied. Putin condemned what he described as a stupid criminal action by the Ukrainian authorities and vowed to take additional steps to ensure security of Crimea. Poroshenko rejected the Russian claims as fantasy and provocation, saying in a statement that his government would use only political and diplomatic means to restore its sovereignty over Crimea. TWIN FALLS The College of Southern Idahos Refugee Program resettles 300 immigrants from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo each year. And despite the political controversy surrounding immigration and refugee resettlement, donations of clothing, household items, furniture and toys have poured in from across the state. But the center now needs local people, its staff says. Since a recent call to action by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support refugee programs, donations have come in huge amounts, said Jenny Reese, volunteer coordinator for the center. Mormon women have put together hygiene kits, first-aid kits, little kids packs with coloring books and crayons, and backpacks full of notebooks and pencils so our kids are ready to go to school, Reese said. Bicycles in all shapes and sizes have rolled in from towns such as Oakley, Idaho Falls and Rexburg. What the center needs are volunteers to repair the bikes, Reese said Thursday. Perhaps a repair shop could come in teach the refugees to do the repairs. Reeses comments touched on the real need at the refugee center. After facing the horrors of war in her motherland, a refugee could really use a friend. Maisha Amisi, 35, escaped certain death in the Congo by immigrating to South Africa where she learned to speak English. She came to the U.S. less than six months ago, then to Twin Falls five weeks ago. Several of her family members made it to Twin Falls, but she has no idea what has happened to her mother. Rebels are still killing people in the Congo, said Zeze Rwasama, director of the refugee center. What we really could use is mentors, Rwasama said. Refugees come here ready to get a job so they can support themselves. When we ask them what they need, they say be my friend. They need a caring presence, he said. We provide transportation to doctors appointments, English classes and job interviews, but the life of a human being requires more. Refugees need mentors to show them the ropes, to guide them through complicated health care and confusing banking systems. Refugees need one-on-one support, Rwasama said. They need to learn from someone with experience. JEROME The Jerome School Districts early education program will hold screenings for 3 and 4-year-olds. Events are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 23 and 24 at Horizon Elementary School, 934 10th Ave. E. The free screenings will determine if further assessment is needed in the areas of speech, cognitive, personal/social or motor skills. If you are concerned about your childs development, call 208-324-4841 for an appointment. CAMAS COUNTY A health advisory was issued Friday for Mormon Reservoir by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the South Central Public Health District. The DEQ reports that a local veterinarian recently treated a dog that later died. Based on the symptoms, the veterinarian suspects that the dog might have died because of exposure to toxins produced by a harmful algal bloom. The animal recently had contact with algal blooms at Mormon Reservoir, though the cause of death is under investigation. Based on a visual inspection of Mormon Reservoir, DEQ was able to confirm the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae. There are several species of cyanobacteria, each producing toxins harmful to people and animals. Children and pets are particularly susceptible," said Josh Jensen, public health program manager with South Central Public Health District. "Exposure to the toxins produced by cyanobacterial HABs may result in life-threatening liver damage, neurological problems such as muscle spasms, decreased movement, labored breathing, convulsions and possible death. The public is advised to take the following precautions: Avoid exposure to water experiencing a harmful algal bloom. Take extra precautions to ensure children, pets and livestock are not exposed to the water. Do not consume water with a blue-green algae bloom. Neither boiling nor disinfecting removes blue-green algae toxins from water. If fish are known to have been exposed to a blue-green algae bloom, only consume the fillet portion (remove the fat, organs and skin). Wash your hands after handling it. The risk associated with consuming fish caught in waters with a blue-green algae bloom is unknown. Toxins produced by blue-green algae can accumulate in the organs of fish. HABs develop when specific types of photosynthetic bacteria form visible, dense, build ups in freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Warm, slow-moving water with high nutrient levels, particularly phosphorous, create conditions that allow algae to grow very quickly. Typically these conditions occur during the warmer months of late summer and early fall. HABs shrink dramatically as the water temperature drops in mid to late fall. DEQ will continue to monitor water quality until the bloom dissipates and will advise the public when the concern no longer exists. For updates, visit phd5.idaho.gov or call the Public Health Hotline at 866-450-3594. TWIN FALLS An economic opportunity to bring recreation to a scenic area was met with competing viewpoints Thursday night as disgruntled neighbors testified about past concerts along the canyon rim. The Twin Falls Planning and Zoning Commission had a public hearing for a request to rezone a property on U.S. 30 near Buhl with a recreational overlay district. About a dozen people, largely from outside the Buhl area, testified to the property owners good nature and the beautiful area. However, there was no convincing nearly 20 neighbors who voiced complaints of concerts taking place at Barrett McClures outdoor amphitheater the last two years. Despite testimony of noise that reportedly shook glasses and kept tranquilized dogs and hard-of-hearing neighbors awake for four nights this summer, commissioners tabled the item. All you could hear all night long was that confounded bass boom, boom, boom, one neighbor said. Apologetic, McClure admitted there were mistakes made in July when he allowed the Konnexion Music Festival to run all night long. We attempted to do our best, he said. Obviously we failed. The point is, you learn from your mistakes. Brandon Lee, whose company organized the festival, said he took all the blame for the noise concerns, and discussed how he wanted to handle it in the future. When asked whether any of the neighbors called police, most said they did not, not wishing to offend McClure but several promised they would in the future. The recreational rezone overlay would adjoin a similar overlay already in place at neighboring properties. To host concerts in the future, McClure would need to obtain a conditional use permit. There are many ways to control the noise, said Gerald Martens, who spoke in favor of the proposal. Shawn Barigar, Twin Falls mayor and Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and Jim Schouten of the Buhl Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the economic benefit and placemaking. Shaking their heads, the commission gave McClure and his legal representation 60 days to work with neighbors. I cant believe in my mind they can make a decision themselves, said Duane Turner, but neither could he make the decision for them just yet. Other commissioners agreed, though James Reed of Buhl said he would have been comfortable making a decision that night. Representatives from both groups must come before the commission again Oct. 11. This appeared in the Idaho Statesman: We dont question the no charge conclusion Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his team arrived at Friday, or even the time it took for them to conduct their investigation. But given the lack of definitive evidence, how can any of us know the truth in the Jack Yantis killing? Which is exactly the problem. The means are available. In fact, Adams County deputies already had been outfitted with body cameras that could have recorded what happened Nov. 1 and helped us avoid all of this uncertainty and anguish. Instead, a dash camera and body cameras were not deployed. The AGs probe faced a dead end because of conflicting witness accounts and missing information critical information that, perhaps, would have been available to sort things out had the two Adams County deputies cameras been on. We might have had video of what transpired during those tragic five minutes along U.S. 95 near Council last November, when Yantis was shot dead after showing up at the scene to deal with a bull the rancher owned that had been struck by a vehicle. Deputy Cody Rolands body camera was not activated. Deputy Brian Woods body camera was on standby but the memory card was full. Two body cameras neither operating. One of the vehicles had a dash camera; it wasnt on. The Adams County policy on that fateful night was to activate body cameras only for critical incidents a vague and, in this case, unfortunate circumstance. Since Wasden announced the results of the AG investigation, Adams County Sheriff Ryan Zollman said that he has altered the policy: If theyre assisting someone walking across the street, their cameras are on. If theyre having any kind of law enforcement/public contact, then the cameras are on. Its too little, too late. Like it or not, we live in an age of policing with body cameras and dash cameras. To not deploy them whether by neglect or choice should not be a county-by-county or agency-by-agency decision. And it should not be left to an officers discretion. Justice demands every available tool. Our Legislature should work with law enforcement agencies to establish some basic guidelines about when cameras must be turned on and how the data will be processed, preserved and made public. If cost is a factor in smaller jurisdictions, the Legislature should appropriate money to create a level playing field by subsidizing agencies when needed. Since all Idaho law enforcement officers must complete Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training, Idaho must include instruction in an open-range state such as ours about how to euthanize wounded livestock on or around our roadways, rather than summon the owner to do it. We saw the awful outcome when a rancher with a high-powered rifle showed up to a scene where deputies failed to put a bull out of its misery. Tragedy. Anything that could have gone wrong the evening of Nov. 1, 2015, did and we must do our best to make sure it never happens again. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday met with visiting Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe to discuss cooperation between the two countries. Togo is one of Israels strongest friends in western Africa, as evidenced last September when it joined Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi to support Israel at a key vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency. During the Wednesday meeting, Rivlin told his counterpart from Togo that his countrys ability in agriculture, together with technological capabilities will be shared with the West African nation. Rivlin thanked Gnassingbe for standing with Israel and reiterated Israels commitment to work with Africa on humanitarian issues and initiatives stating that Israel and other European countries recognize that Africa is the future. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Faure Gnassingbes visit comes at a very important time for Israels relations with Africa. I must say that I think the sky is the limit in all areas, I mean: water, agriculture, technology, health, education, tourism, security and every other field, the prime minister noted. He emphasized his countrys return to Africa, tasking Togo to play a role in a situation that he described as long overdue. Id like to talk to you about our mutual relations but also how Togo can further assist us in the great return to Africa. I think its long overdue. And its important for the countries of Africa and for Israel, he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently visited several east African nations and made of renewing Israeli-African relations and strengthening economic ties a priority. Leading opposition presidential candidate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC,) Moise Katumbi on Wednesday said the incumbent President Joseph Kabila is gradually leading the country to a state of totalitarianism. In a message posted on twitter, the TP Mazembe bankroller condemned the deportation of a staffer of Human Rights Watch (HRW) by the DRC government saying that the move is a new drift into totalitarianism. HRW through its executive director Kenneth Roth said in a statement that the Kabila government was trying to muzzle reporting on brutal repression of political opponents. This is about more than forcing Ida Sawyer out of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but is a brazen attempt to muzzle reporting on the governments brutal repression of those supporting presidential term limits. Locking up Congolese activists and forcing international rights monitors out of the country are the tactics of abusive governments, he said. The rights group noted that the government has since January 2015 used the security forces to carry out a crackdown on opposition activists and persons opposed to the stay of Kabila in power beyond his constitutionally mandated second term, which ends in December 2016. Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo urged supporters to reject the legitimacy of President Kabilas government if an election doesnt take place before December, adding to tensions in Africas biggest copper producer. Credit: University of California - Santa Barbara If you want your baby to love broccoli, you better love it, too, because that tiny human is watching you to learn which foods are good and bad. That's one of the takeaways in a new paper by a UC Santa Barbara researcher who investigated the way infants reason in socially smart ways about food. "A main finding from this research is that babies learning about food is fundamentally social. When they see someone eat a food, they can use the person's reaction to the food to learn about the food itself, such as whether it is edible, and also to learn about the people who are eating the food," said Zoe Liberman, an assistant professor in UC Santa Barbara's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Past studies, she noted, suggested that babies weren't especially smart thinkers when it came to food. As any parent will tell you, they'll put just about anything in their mouths, even if it's poisonous. But infants' thinking about food, Liberman said, is more much more sophisticated than we've given them credit for. In addition to learning about whether foods are generally good vs. bad, which is a skill humans share with other animals (including chimpanzees and rats), babies' expectations about food preferences, she explained, are fundamentally social. Babies understand that what someone eats can provide information about that person's social group. "Babies don't just learn that a food is good, they learn that a specific kind of people like that food. For example, we found that if infants see an English-speaker like a food, they expect other English-speakers to agree, but don't necessarily think somebody who speaks a different language, like Spanish, will agree." Liberman, who conducted her research at the University of Chicago, said these early food choices serve as a kind of introduction into cultural identity and social relationships. "Eating is a very social activity," she said. "There's a great quote attributed to Epicurus. He says, 'We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or wolf.' His point still rings clear today: It's not only about what you're eating, it's about who you're with, and how the people you eat with might influence your food choices." Infants seem to already understand that the foods a person chooses to eat can provide important information about that person's social identity. Expanding an infant's palette Liberman also found that social reasoning about food is flexible. Whereas infants growing up in monolingual environments refrained from generalizing food preferences across people who spoke different languages, infants who grew up in multilingual families continued to generalize food preferences even across people who spoke different languages. That suggests, she noted, "even though infants think about food as intimately connected to social relationships and social groups, the exact information that each baby uses to decide whether people are from the same social group may be different, based on their own social experiences. "For instance," she continued, "whereas monolingual babies might think people who speak different languages are fundamentally different types of people, who may then eat different foods, infants with multilingual exposure may regularly see social interactions between people who speak different languages, and therefore be more flexible in their expectations about who will share food preferences." The research might even provide some insight into why it's so difficult to introduce "adult" foods to American children. Many cultures don't have foods that are specifically made for kids. In these cultures, children eat what their parents eat. "Because eating is a culture experience, when everyone around a child eats the same food, and expects the child to join in, then the child is given the opportunity to learn how their culture prepare foods, and to learn rituals surrounding what people from their culture eat," Liberman said. "These types of social dining experiences can certainly influence children's own food preferences and willingness to try different foods." Liberman's paper, co-authored by Amanda L. Woodward, Kathleen R. Sullivan and Katherine D. Kinzler of the University of Chicago, appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Explore further Infants show ability to tell friends from foes More information: Zoe Liberman et al. Early emerging system for reasoning about the social nature of food, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2016). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Zoe Liberman et al. Early emerging system for reasoning about the social nature of food,(2016). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1605456113 Credit: Medical Research Council New research from the University of Dundee, and funded by Arthritis Research UK and the MRC, has shown that targeting a specific group of enzymes could be a viable strategy for treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, which affect millions of people. Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system, which defends the body against disease, is convinced that our healthy cells are foreign. As a result, the immune system then attacks the healthy cells. Researchers led by Dr Simon Arthur in the School of Life Sciences at Dundee examined the way that a drug called dimethylfumarate (DMF), which is licensed in the UK as Tecfidera, works. DMF is primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis but has also been shown to be an effective treatment for psoriasis, both of which are autoimmune diseases. The team found that DMF is effective because it blocks the action of a particular group of enzymes called E2s, some of which are active in inducing inflammation. "This is significant because previously the pharmaceutical industry has been sceptical lupus about the viability of targeting these enzymes as a means of treating diseases," said Dr Vicky McGuire, lead author on the study. "We have found that DMF is actually already targeting these enzymes with very positive results. This follows on from previous research from the University's School of Life Sciences that showed that another drug, BAY 11-7082 also works by inhibiting E2 enzymes. However, unlike BAY 11-7082, DMF is approved for clinical use." Dr Arthur added, "This suggests that more selective inhibitors of E2's may be well tolerated and validates these enzymes as targets for future drug development." Dr Stephen Simpson, director of research and programmes at the charity Arthritis Research UK, said he was excited by the results of the study they cofounded. "Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriatic arthritis can have a devastating impact on people's lives, causing extreme pain and fatigue that can make even everyday tasks incredibly difficult," he said. "We welcome this research in helping identify pathways in these types of conditions that may offer targets for new and effective treatment" The results of the research are published in Nature's Scientific Reports. Explore further Salt-inducible kinases may have therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases Incidence of most fatal type of stroke is decreasing rapidly in Finland -- thanks to a decrease in smoking? Credit: Miikka Korja / University of Helsinki A new study indicates that Finland's national tobacco policies seem to be radically reducing the incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage, the most fatal form of stroke. Previously it was thought that in Finland approximately a thousand people suffer subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) every year - most of them adults of working age. Up to half of those afflicted die within a year. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is typically caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, which leads to a sudden increase in the intracranial pressure. Smoking is a key risk factor for SAH. A Finnish study published in the journal Neurology looked at changes in the incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage over a period of 15 years (1998-2012), and these were contrasted with changes in the prevalence of smoking. The results indicated that the number of people afflicted with SAH was nearly half of the previously assumed figure and that the number was in rapid decline, a trend which was particularly apparent in younger generations. Within fifteen years, the prevalence of SAH had decreased by 45% among women, and 38% among men, under 50. During the same period, the prevalence of SAH decreased by 16% among women, and 26% among men, over 50. Smoking among Finns aged 15-64 decreased by 30% during the monitoring period. "It is extraordinary for the incidence of any cardiovascular disease to decrease so rapidly at the population level in such a short time," says Professor Jaakko Kaprio from the University of Helsinki, one of the primary authors of the study and director of the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland. "Even though we cannot demonstrate a direct causation in nation-wide studies, it is highly likely that the national tobacco policies in Finland have contributed to the decline in the incidence of this type of severe brain haemorrhage." Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showing bilateral intracranial aneurysms of middle cerebral artery bifurcations. Animated image series focus on the right-sided unruptured intracranial aneurysm (see Figure 1), which is 10 mm in its maximum diameter. Unruptured intracranial aneurysms cause very rarely any symptoms. Credit: Miikka Korja / University of Helsinki Cerebral aneurysms are fairly common - they are present in up to more than 10% of people over the age of 70 - but most of them never rupture. For decades, researchers have been searching for factors which could be used to identify persons at high risk of aneurysm ruptures and who should consequently be treated. "Previous studies have indicated that smoking is one of the most important susceptibility factors for rupturing aneurysms, so in that sense the now established connection between a decrease in smoking and a decrease in SAH is not surprising," says the other primary author of the new study, Miikka Korja, a neurosurgeon at Helsinki University Hospital. Unreliable incidence statistics for SAH Dr. Miikka Korja points out that in most countries the incidence of SAH is unknown, as patients who immediately die of a haemorrhage outside of hospital are often erroneously classified as having succumbed to heart failure. In Finland, autopsies are conducted in most cases where a death occurs outside of hospital, confirming the cause of death. "According to the research, approximately one fourth of people with subarachnoid haemorrhages have died outside of hospital or in the emergency room. All Nordic countries include deaths outside of hospitals in their incidence statistics for SAH, and have reached largely similar estimates. Nevertheless, assumptions of an extraordinarily high prevalence of SAH in Finland have been repeatedly stated, even in top medical journals, leading to Finnish SAH and aneurysm studies being disregarded in general surveys and recommendations. However, research does not back this assumption," Korja states. Explore further Hypertensive smoking women have an exceptionally high risk of a fatal brain bleeding More information: Korja M, Lehto H, Juvela S, Kaprio J. Incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is decreasing together with decreasing smoking rates. Neurology, 2016. Published online ahead of print 12 Aug, 2016 Journal information: Neurology Korja M, Lehto H, Juvela S, Kaprio J. Incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is decreasing together with decreasing smoking rates., 2016. Published online ahead of print 12 Aug, 2016 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003091 Deanna Gates, director of the Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Credit: Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography When asked about her chosen field, Deanna Gates, director of the Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan, always joked that she wanted to make Luke Skywalker's hand. Gates' lab belongs to the U-M Rehabilitation Robotics Group. The theme of the many research projects conducted in the lab is pretty simple: Help upper- and lower-limb amputees get around in the world more easily. One of the lab's main lines of research involves a motor-driven lower limb prosthesis called BiOM, something that would have been considered science fiction a decade ago. "This is a unique device with a ton of potential," says Gates, assistant professor of movement science at U-M's School of Kinesiology. "We're trying to determine who can benefit the most from this, and how we can help prostheses users maximize their performance benefits." The Department of Defense is interested in the issue and is helping fund the research. There were more than 1,700 service-related amputations in Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom, and most were young adults. Overall, an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States live with limb loss. Gates' lab looks like something from the pages of Ray Bradbury. A 20-camera motion capture system fills the back of the room, with tripods of different heights pointing toward the center of the space at various mock scenarios. Here, Gates, her research assistants and students record subjects performing specific motor tasks to glean various pieces of information from the limb movements. Gates, who also has an appointment in biomedical engineering, says that one of the theories behind the motor-driven BiOM device is that the extra power will lower the user's energy expenditure closer to that of a non-amputee. One of the drawbacks of traditional prosthetics is that they require 10-to-30 percent more energy to use. Consequently, many amputees don't get enough physical activity. To that end, one of the lab's studies compares physical activity and muscle fatigue of patients outfitted with GPS and activity trackers using their own prosthetics, versus the powered BiOM. Researchers want to see if activity increases and muscle fatigue decreases. The hope is that with the right amount of power, walking with the BiOM will be more efficient. A similar study in collaboration with mechanical engineering examines whether patients benefit from additional power in their prosthetic, and how much is optimal. Deanna Gates, director of the Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Michigan observes as participant Kali Almdale pours a glass of water. Theyre recording Almdales wrist movements using sensors. Credit: Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography "More is not always better," Gates says. "In some cases, a little power was worse than nothing." However, researchers believe that finding just the right amount could vastly improve the user's experience. Another project looks at whether patients benefit immediately after clinicians fit their BiOM prosthesis. While still too early to say for certain, preliminary work shows that amputees may need training to to help them take full advantage of the device features. The lab is also working on studies involving upper limbs, Gates says. One project led by engineers and surgeons from biomedical engineering and plastic surgery takes existing nerves formerly connected to muscles in the amputated limb and wraps a tiny piece of another muscle, akin to a 'muscle burrito,' around the end of the nerve. The nerve then grows into the muscle, and electrical signals from those little muscles are used to control a more dexterous prosthesis. Other projects look at which features are most important to upper limb prosthetic users and whether they're willing to have surgery to get these features, and quantify how people use different types of prosthetics. Current and future research bodes well for prosthetic users. "It is a great time for prosthetics research. There's a lot of current research on new ways to control prostheses using signals from the body, such as the brain, nerves or muscles," Gates says. "These can give users more direct control of their devices and allow for more different types of motion." Improvements in technology are being made to increase battery life, make batteries smaller and to construct comfortable, easy-to-wear devices that are connected to the body. "The good news is that these techniques are probably only a few years away from being implemented outside of the research lab," Gates says. Explore further Upper limb amputees have better outcomes with prosthetics when trained by fellow amputees Having a regular family physician may not be enough to reduce emergency department visits among patients with disabilities, according to a new study by Dr. Aisha Lofters, a family physician with the St. Michael's Hospital Academic Family Health Team in Toronto. Credit: St. Michael's Hospital Having a regular family physician may not be enough to reduce Emergency Department visits among patients with disabilities, a small study published online today in the journal Canadian Family Physician suggests. The study, conducted at a Family Health Team in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., compared 40 high-needs patients at the team's mobility clinic for people with disabilities with 80 people from the team's general patient population. Patients with disabilities were more likely to use emergency departments than patients without disabilities, even when they had access to primary health care, suggesting they still had unmet medical needs, said study author Dr. Aisha Lofters, a family physician with the St. Michael's Hospital Academic Family Health Team in Toronto. This runs counter to much previous research that attributed higher Emergency Department use among vulnerable populations to lack of access to primary care. Dr. Lofters said that while the sample size was small, some important findings were detected that merit further investigation. Dr. Lofters found: Half of clinic patients with disabilities had visited the emergency room at least once in the preceding year despite having access to primary care, compared to about 30 per cent of clinic patients without disabilities. Patients from the mobility clinic were twice as likely to report an annual household income of less than $40,000 and were more likely to report their health status as fair or poor. Patients with disabilities were also more than twice as likely to be on financial benefits or social assistance than patients from the general population. Surveyed mobility clinic visitors were mostly senior males, and often experienced additional health issues relating to their physical impairment. "As our general population ages, it's important to recognize that this large group of people may start experiencing socioeconomic disparities and physical ailments, and it's our responsibility to make sure they don't fall through the cracks of our current health care system," Dr. Lofters said. Dr. Lofters said the findings suggest people with disabilities face relatively challenging health-care needs that are difficult to address in a primary care setting alone. Increased access to mobility clinics with specialized support staff and equipment may be part of the solution. "The purpose of the mobility clinic is to try to begin to fill that gap of unmet needs for patients with mobility issues," said Dr. Lofters. The research team recognizes that the study sample was relatively small, and may not be representative of the population at large. As part of their future work, Dr. Lofters' team plans to investigate if broader mobility clinic access helps to deter patients with disabilities from frequently visiting the emergency department. Explore further New toolkit can improve primary healthcare for people with developmental disabilities We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Minister: Azerbaijan has taken important steps to improve tax administration Azerbaijans Taxes Ministry held a board meeting on Saturday dedicated to the challenges faced by the Ministry in connection with the execution of the assignments given at the disposal of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on August 4.The meeting approved the "direction of reform, which will be held in the tax field in 2016" and improvement of tax administration, the information-analytical agency department told Trend.Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov said that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev for the last 10 years, the tax authorities carried out a number of important measures aimed at supporting the development of business, the expansion of private sector activity, stimulation of investments, building relationships between tax authorities and taxpayers on the basis of mutual trust, the registration of business entities according to the principle of "single window", the increase in the number of e-services, the use of e-audit.Important steps have been made to improve the tax legislation and tax administration, he said.Referring to the order of the president on approval of "the direction of reform, which will be held in the tax field in 2016" and improvement of tax administration, tax minister said that the order provides the implementation of important measures in the field of tax administration. Message to Putin By Messenger Staff The Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Bryza, claims the lack of proper response from the United States (US) and its European allies over the Georgia-Russia war in 2008 directly led Russias President Vladimir Putin's military invasion of Ukraine.The transatlantic community sent a message to President Putin that he had been forgiven the invasion of Georgia and that Russia would not be charged with instigating it, the ex-official stated.The lack of proper response from the US and its European allies directly let to Putin's military invasion of Ukraine, he added.Bryza also told the Voice of America that the strengthening of Russia was triggered by Georgia's military response in August."The West was not sufficiently strong, which encouraged Russia's actions. But there was a strong response to the Russian military aggression from Georgia. Russian forces suffered serious losses, which pushed Putin to carry out in-depth military reforms and increase the combat effectiveness of his armed forces, said Bryza.There was nothing new in the statements made by Bryza as many have already stressed the lack of a proper response to Russias military invasion in Georgia gave Moscow a green light for its attack of Ukraine.It can also be said that the response to Russias actions in Ukraine was not also sufficient to make Russia step back and change its policies of occupation.Today is the eight anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war, and 20% of Georgia's land still remains occupied by its northern neighbour.Even the occupation is not stable, as on a daily basis Russia erects new barbed-wires and so-called border signs as a signal of creeping occupation of the territory of a sovereign country.The action is a sign Russia blatantly ignores all international regulations and behaves as it wishes.In case of the same policy to Russia, neither Georgia nor Ukraine would be the last, whereas Russia takes steps to broaden its zone of influence. The News in Brief Four tourists found dead on Ushba Mountain Four tourists have been found dead on Ushba Mountain. Transportation procedures are underway now. As IPN was told by MIAs Emergency Management Agency, rescuers found the four tourists bodies this morning. The tourists went missing on 5 August and rescue efforts have been underway since then. The tourists have not been identified yet, and their nationality remains unknown. (IPN) GDDG Names Majoritarian MP Candidates in Kakheti Region The Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) ruling party nominated its majoritarian MP candidates for the Kakheti regions six single-mandate constituencies on August 5. In a single-mandate district uniting Telavi and parts of the Lagodekhi and Kvareli municipalities, the ruling party named the chairman of the Defence and Security committee in the outgoing parliament, MP Irakli Sesiashvili, as its majoritarian MP candidate. The United National Movement (UMN) opposition party nominated a former deputy governor of Kakheti region, Giorgi Botkoveli, as its majoritarian candidate in the same district of Telavi; he was running for Telavi municipality head (gamgebeli) in the 2014 local elections, but lost the race to Georgian Dreams candidate. In the same district, the Free Democrats (FD) opposition party nominated its member of local council (Sakrebulo) in Telavi, Dimitri Zakaidze, as its majoritarian MP candidate. At least one independent candidate has so far also been nominated in the same single-mandate constituency. In Gurjaani, GDDG named Davit Songulashvili, a co-owner of Address, a firm which runs a retail clothing chain in Tbilisi. His competitor from the UNM opposition party is Giorgi Gviniashvili, who seeks re-election as a majoritarian MP from the Gurjaani single-mandate constituency. The Free Democrats opposition party named a member of the local council (Sakrebulo) in Gurjaani, Simon Kochorashvili, in the same district, while the Republican Party, GDDGs former partner in coalition government, has nominated the deputy chairman of local council in Gurjaani, Zviad Kviralashvili, as its majoritarian candidate in Gurjaani. In Sagarejo, the GDDG nominated as its majoritarian MP candidate Roman Muchiashvili, director and co-owner of Best Product, a firm distributing in Tbilisi chicken eggs produced in one of poultry farms in the Sagarejo municipality. The UNMs Zurab Tchiaberashvili, who was Georgias ambassador to Switzerland in 2010-2012 and then served as healthcare minister and governor of Kakheti region under ex-President Saakashvilis administration, runs as a majoritarian MP candidate in Sagarejo. In a single-mandate district uniting Lagodekhi and parts of the Kvareli municipality, the GDDG nominated as its majoritarian MP candidate Guram Macharashvili, who is now deputy governor of the Shida Kartli region; he worked as a lawyer at ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvilis Cartu Bank between 2001-2014. The UNM nominated in the same district head of its local branch in Lagodekhi Guram Kakalashvili as its candidate majoritarian MP candidate. The FDs Vakhtang Mchedlidze, who was a Tbilisi City Council member from the UNM party before quitting the party in early 2011 and who joined the FD party this year, runs in the same district uniting Lagodekhi and parts of Kvareli municipality. Governor of the Kakheti region, Irakli Shiolashvili, is GDDGs majoritarian MP candidate in a single-mandate district uniting Signagi and Dedoplistskaro municipalities. His competitor from the UNM party is MP Levan Bezhashvili, who narrowly lost the race in the same district to the Georgian Dreams candidate in 2012 elections; he, however, became an MP through UNMs party list in 2012 elections. An MP from the GDDG, Gela Samkharauli, will run as a majoritarian MP candidate in Akhmeta, where his competitor from FD opposition party will be Otar Kvirikashvili, who left the Georgian Dream party in 2014. Most of the other parties have yet to name their candidates in Akhmeta. Apart from Kakheti, the ruling party has so far nominated its majoritarian MP candidates in the Imereti, Samegrelo, Guria, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli regions. Georgia has a mixed electoral system in which 73 lawmakers are elected in 73 single-member constituencies, known in Georgia as majoritarian mandates (a candidate has to win over 50% of votes in order to be an outright winner otherwise a second round should be held), and rest 77 seats are allocated proportionally under the party-list contest among political parties, which clear a 5% threshold in nationwide popular vote. (Civil.ge) Former UNM members join New Rightists in bloc called New Choice Two political parties formed by ex-National Movement members together with an opposition party without representatives in Parliament on Friday launched a new election bloc for the upcoming parliamentary election. The name of the new bloc is New Choice Akhali Archevani and all three parties it encompasses were represented at the launch presentation at Lisi Lake near the center of Tbilisi: Girchi, headed by former UNM member Zurab Japaridze, and Akhali Sakartvelo, headed by former UNM member Giorgi Vashadze, and the New Rightists Party. Mamuka Katsitadze, leader of the New Rightists Party, said during the presentation that the three parties may have different opinions about the past, but they have the same opinion about the future. We have united because of our values, not due to any particular individual, Giorgi Vashadze said. Japaridze said that the goal of the bloc is to unite a divided society, to double Georgias economy and create a better future for the next generation. The bloc declares that it has a pro-Western orientation. (DF watch) Host in Georgia: Georgias Racha region to welcome new hotel in 2017 More people are discovering the beauty of Georgias highland Racha region, and new infrastructure is being built to cater for growing tourist numbers.In mid-2017, a small modern hotel is expected to open in the Racha region, which will increase the number of beds available for guests and contribute to the development of the local hospitality industry.About one million GEL (about $424,634 / 383,054*) will be invested in the new 20 room Shaori Hotel, which is currently being built on the shores of Shaori Lake. It is being built within the state programHost in Georgia where business owners get support from the Government to fulfil their dreams of opening hotels in Georgias regional areas.A local company, Geotechinvest, will be responsible for building the new Shaori Hotel in Racha.Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili visited the new hotels construction site. He said he hoped this new hotel would foster tourism development, create a better environment for tourists and boost economic progress in the region.Generally speaking, Shaori has large potential and we plan to pay particular attention to development of this tourist zone. This particular hotel is the first-mover in the sense of developing this tourist zone. About one million GEL will be invested here, said Kvirikashvili.The Georgian leader promised that the Government would help the Racha region to fully utilise its promising potential.The profits earned by local entrepreneurs running family-type hotels shall increase. This is crucial since Racha has experienced a major population decline and unless we put in place some purposeful projects, it will be difficult to convince local residents to stay there. We will definitely do this, Kvirikashvili stated.The Host in Georgia sub-component was part of the Produce in Georgia state program which was introduced in March 2016 to revive the countrys production industry and improve Georgias economic future.Within the Host in Georgia sub-program, the state will co-finance the business projects of entrepreneurs who want to build a new hotel in any region of Georgia except capital Tbilisi and Black Sea resort town Batumi. Russian companies profit from investments in Azerbaijani economy reaches $2B - minister Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are developing actively in all directions, said Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev.Mustafayev made the remarks on Aug. 8 during an expanded meeting of the Azerbaijan-Russia and Russia-Azerbaijan business councils in Baku.The minister said that currently, bilateral relations are developing actively both in the economic sphere and in the sphere of mutual investments.Russias investments in Azerbaijan are estimated in billions, noted Mustafayev. Russia invested $2.8 billion in the oil sector of Azerbaijans economy alone.Meanwhile, the profit of Russian companies from these investments have already reached $2 billion, he added. Question to ex-US official By Messenger Staff I ask Mister Matthew Bryza to remind his government of why Georgias pace to the West has slowed down, Parliament Speaker Davit Usupashvili said in response to Bryza's statement that Georgia's move toward the West has become slow.Davit Usupashvili said that Georgia has not slowed down its striving towards the West even for a second."Unfortunately, both Europe and the United States are busy with their own domestic and regional problems. We have to face this, but it does not mean that we must stop moving to the West, he said.Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza said a few days ago that Georgias aspirations to join NATO and the West have slowed down.Bryza noted that before the August 2008, no responsible Georgian politician would say Georgia had to think more about relations with Russia than with the West.Georgia has taken a range of steps to become closer to NATO and the European Union, and its progress has been recognized by both organisations.Both of them say Georgia is fulfilling all of its obligations, yet the county goes unrewarded.Georgia has met all the visa-liberalisation demands to gain visa free travel in the EU, but at the last minute, the process was postponed; with regards to NATO, Georgia is constantly praised for its contributions to international peace and security, but is still denied a Membership Action Plan from the alliance.If Georgia is fulfilling all of its obligations (and praised for doing so) then it is natural that Georgian people become confused and angered by the West's lack of recognition for their country's efforts. Should Georgia's Western path falter, it will only be due to the West's reluctance and failure to recognise the country's achievements. The News in Brief Majoritarian candidate of opposition arrested Bezhan Gunava, Samgori majoritarian candidate of the united opposition, and his son were arrested at a rally in front of the governmental administration building. The incident happened after Bezhan Gunava tried picketing the building entrance. Police called on Gunava to stand aside from the entrance, but he did not obey. The arrest was followed by a clash between demonstrators and law enforcers. Some protesters claim that police physically abused Bezhan Gunava. The protest continues in front of the governmental administration. According to the protesters, they will not go away until the Prime Minister listens to them. The protesters are socially vulnerable citizens and IDPs of the Samgori district and they demand that the Ministry of Economy transfer local buildings to their ownership. The same group held a protest event a few days ago, and Bezhan Gunava was also arrested then. (IPN) CEC: Number of Voters 3.45 Million The number of Georgias voters stands at 3,452,093, according to updated figures released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) on August 6. The CEC is responsible for compiling voter lists based on data provided four times a year by the relevant authorities, primarily the Justice Ministrys Public Service Development Agency. The election commission will have to release the updated figures on number of voters no later than October 3, five days before the parliamentary elections. Data released by the CEC also includes the number of voters in each of the 73 election districts. Election districts were redrawn earlier this year to narrow the huge discrepancy in size of single-mandate constituencies by merging some small districts and dividing larger ones. As a result, the boundaries of single-mandate constituencies no longer coincide with those of administrative borders of municipalities. The number of voters in each election district varies from 41,364 in the smallest one (Tbilisis single-mandate constituency covering mostly the capital citys Vake district) to 53,480 in the largest one (the Gurjaani single-mandate constituency in eastern Georgian region of Kakheti). Before the redistricting, the number of voters was ranging from over 150,000 in the largest to less than 6,000 in the smallest. Lawmakers from the UNM opposition party challenged the electoral redistricting in the Constitutional Court, claiming that the boundaries were redrawn to the detriment of opposition parties. The Constitutional Court rejected the complaint in a ruling on July 20. (Civil.ge) There is huge difference between the current and the 2012 pre-election processes - Giorgi Kvirikashvili Today there is no gap between the government and people, and this is the greatest achievement, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said in Akhaltsikhe, where he presented the Georgian Dreams majoritarian candidates. Giorgi Kvirikashvili recalled the 2012 pre-election period: There is huge difference between the current and the 2012 pre-election processes, but we are not satisfied with the achievement. We know how much hardship there is in the regions, we know how much difference there is between the levels of life of the capital and the countryside. Our main goal today is to take rapid steps in the next four years in order to ensure that each family feels well-being. We are a rich country; we are a diverse country; we have centuries-old traditions and culture of peaceful coexistence of different cultures, different nationalities. We have a great history and our future should be worthy of the continuation our ancestors legacy," Kvirikashvili told supporters. (IPN) Wrangling over the future of the historic Lincoln School in the Rattlesnake is in the past. A longtime Missoula building contractor and an even longer-time developer got the final go-ahead last week to gut the inside of the 1914 school and build four condominiums, each with two levels and each approaching 2,000 square feet of floor space. Its a complex project for a controversial building, a project that was approved by city zoning and historic preservation panels in the shadow of the Missoula Mercantile discussions. Many had held out hope it would become a community center of sorts. But new owners Jim Pelger and Jeremy Moran said theyve got a broad base of support behind them, including the neighbors in the Schoolhouse Addition subdivision who sued earlier this year to prevent a church group from buying the old school. When you look at the historical photographs, theres so little done to the outside in the approved plan, said Pelger, a Rattlesnake resident and the developer in a partnership thats known as Lincoln School Missoula, LLC. To us its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on a building like this. Pelger is a 20-year Missoula resident with remodels of the Elks Club and Missoula Textiles under his belt. Moran, whos been in Missoula since 1997, is serving as general contractor on the project after working for years on the renovation of the Wilma Theater. Their architect, Dave Gray of DBG Architects, attended Lincoln School in his youth before it was vacated by the school district in 1982. They got the thumbs-up from the Missoula Historic Preservation Commission last week after securing crucial zoning variances from the Board of Adjustment the week before. Those waivers allow them to build four units instead of keeping the school house single-residence as originally platted in the Schoolhouse Addition subdivision in 2007. Pelger said even a duplex didn't pencil out. They can also build a carriage house for parking on a residential lot behind and across a dead-end street from the building. Some interior walls already have been stripped and workers were busy this week removing sawdust and fiberglass insulation from the building that was most recently used as a Baptist church. It has sat vacant since 2008. Pelger and Moran bought the school house and five lots in the subdivision in mid-spring. In March the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Missoula backed out of an agreement with Missoula Federal Credit Union to buy it after neighbors filed a lawsuit to keep the building residential. From the outside, the school-turned-condo that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 will look very similar, Moran said. One big thing is switching out all the windows, so essentially therell be the same style of windows that are here now but theyll be insulated, efficient windows. We actually have to add some windows for egress just to meet current code, he said. The four side-by-side units will share the main floor space. The two inside condos will have a second level above in the current attic space; the outside ones will go down into the basement. Already the massive boiler that hogged much of a center room in the cellar has been dismantled and removed piece by piece, in a process that entailed the only asbestos abatement. It took two workers almost a week to do it, said Pelger, who pointed to a prize piece the boiler's shiny metal door that leaned against a doomed wall. Soon what might be the original wooden partition dividers in the two bathrooms downstairs will be gone, as will most of the interior walls upstairs and down. The boiler door, vintage cabinets and the partition dividers will be incorporated into the new design somehow, Pelger said. A major attraction to the development team and to the historic preservation commission was saving the arched entryway, stairways, windows and door; and the front steps upon which so many classes posed for so many class pictures through the Roaring '20s and the Great Depression, two world wars and most of one cold one. The down staircases that flank the main one also will remain. Were going to try to re-create the metal fence that went around the perimeter, then have a paver sidewalk that comes up the front and a couple of small paver patios in front of the building, Pelger said. Most of the masonry joints in the foundation that needed it have been repointed in black to match the original. Pelger and Moran said the roof of the old building is shot and will be replaced, but aside from new dormers that the Historic Preservation Commission requested, the top of new Lincoln School will look much like the old one. Moran and Pelger made two unsuccessful bids to buy the schoolhouse before the cards fell their way this spring. When we first got involved in this it was really unclear how the development was going to go, Pelger said. I mean, it was very adversarial. I really feel like in the last year the community up here has gotten to be a pretty tight-knit group, and I think its going to be a really great homeowners association and a great place to live. SUPERIOR A long summer of labor strife and negotiations came to an end Friday when 15 sheriffs deputies, dispatchers and detention officers ratified an agreement with Mineral County commissioners. Im glad its over, Sheriff Tom Bauer said with a sigh. Its been a stressful time, Im sure, for everybody involved. It was a good conclusion for all of us, said Patti Curtin, an emergency dispatcher and strike captain. I know we didnt get everything we wanted, and not even a portion of some of the stuff wanted, but at least about two of the six things we wanted were accomplished. Sixteen employees went on strike on Memorial Day over salary, overtime and longevity issues after working without a contract since July 1, 2015. The walkout lasted 10 days as Bauer, undersheriff and detention administrator Mike Boone, and retired, nonunion employees worked to exhaustion to plug the gaps of the 24/7 jobs. The regular employees returned to work when a state mediator was brought on board in June. What Im most proud of is the way the bargaining unit stood together through everything, said Shawn Fontaine of Teamsters Local Union No. 2. Votes were unanimous at the meetings and we had very good meetings where everybody got a chance to voice their concerns and everybody took those concerns to heart. The sides agreed on pay raises of 50 cents an hour for employees making $10 or more an hour, and 70 cents for those making under $10. Those were hikes the commissioners presented in their original offer. "We really weren't able to offer more money, so we were able to make some concessions in less financially impactful ways," county commission chairman Roman Zylawy said. Deputies will be paid overtime after 40 hours, rather than the 80 that have been in effect since 2000, and there were changes on how holiday pay is calculated. The raises will be made retroactive from July 1, 2015, while new contract language will be considered to have gone into effect on July 1 of this year. The two-year contract will run through June 30, 2017, so it's already more than half completed. Negotiations will resume next spring. Fontaine said the last sticking point had to do with vacation hours being included in the weekly calculation for overtime pay. Union workers voted to concede that issue in order to get the contract signed. Bill Smith of the Montana Department of Labors Board of Personal Appeals came to Superior to mediate negotiations twice in June and once on July 28. Fontaine said on the day after the third session he got together with Zylawy to hash out most of the final details. Neither side got everything they wanted, Fontaine said. We made good gains and were able to get what the county would consider concessions that they gave. Mineral County is one of the poorest in the state. The point was underscored in early July when the county commissioners voted to chop five full-time positions and a half-time deputy attorney in five departments to address a shortfall of more than $400,000 roughly one-fourth of the total county budget. Zylawy learned of the contract ratification Friday afternoon after a budget meeting in which he and fellow commissioners Laurie Johnston and Duane Simons were trying to find another $120,000 in cuts. They're due to adopt the final budget Sept. 1. "I'm really glad the union is happy with what we came to offer up to them, and any of the things that they were not satisfied with, I hope things will improve next year in Mineral County. Like I've said before, everybody deserves more. We're just trying to make the funds balance out." Curtin said one emergency dispatcher was laid off and another quit in July under the stress. The former will reassume his job next week, but the pool of six dispatchers has been staffed by just four people for the past three weeks. "It's really hard to run 24/7 on four people, so we're all getting lots of overtime," Curtin said. The University of Montana Foundation hit another fundraising record $53.67 million for the 2016 fiscal year inching past the previous record of $53.66 million in 2014. "People believe in UM and in its future you can see this by their continued support," said Shane Giese, president and CEO of the UM Foundation, in a statement in the Thursday announcement. "We hope this news will motivate and inspire continued giving to our great university." The UM Foundation has exceeded its fundraising goal set in 2013 by pulling in more than $50 million for three years in a row, the release said. It is putting more money toward scholarships to help students pay for higher education in times when it's harder for students and families to afford tuition. However, UM and Montana State University have each accepted substantial donations that have caused controversy over the past couple of years because the money is tied to naming a public asset. *** In 2013, the UM Foundation set a goal to raise $45 million for scholarships through the Investing in Student Success Initiative, according to the news release. It reached the goal a year early and then surpassed it. "Thanks to sustained support from committed donors, the organization has exceeded that fundraising goal by 37 percent, raising a total of $62 million," the news release said. Before the initiative, the foundation gave $3.16 million in scholarships to students, some 2,011 awards to 1,597 individuals in the 2012-2013 school year. By comparison, the foundation is giving out $5.2 million in scholarships and fellowships this school year, some 2,648 scholarships to 2,054 students. "Making a university education affordable is one of our top priorities," said Thomas Crady, UM vice president for enrollment and student affairs, in a statement. "Nothing is more important to ensure access." Donors understand that students are struggling to pay for school, even at an affordable university such as UM, said the foundation's Kate Stober. The donations can help keep in Montana topnotch students who might have large scholarship offers to go elsewhere. This year, the largest gift came from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for $1.5 million for a program at the College of Education and Human Sciences, Stober said. *** Some of the largest gifts to the flagship schools come with controversial naming rights. This May, the Montana Board of Regents approved an $8 million gift from Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte and his wife, Susan Gianforte, to rename the MSU computer science department in Bozeman the Gianforte School of Computing. In response, many students protested the Gianfortes' support for an organization identified as a hate group against people who are LGBTQ. Three Democratic legislators also said they would introduce a bill in 2017 to bar naming gifts after candidates. In May 2015, the regents approved renaming the UM School of Law after Alexander Blewett III for a $10 million gift from Alexander and Andrea Blewett. The donation is one of the largest gifts from individuals in UM's history. At the time, Regent Marthy Sheehy, a lawyer from Billings, praised the generosity but protested the lack of public participation in the process, citing Montana open government laws. "If we're going to sell the name over the door, the public has a right to be at the table," Sheehy said at the time. At the May meeting this year, Regent Bob Nystuen suggested revisiting naming policies, saying large gifts should be times for celebration, not controversy. The item did not appear on the regents' summer agenda, the only meeting since. Stober said Thursday the UM Foundation didn't have any gifts this year that named buildings or schools and colleges. A donor who has supported the renovation of the Liberal Arts building on campus has the right to name a couple of rooms in the building, but she said that level of renaming doesn't require approval by the regents. University of Montana President Royce Engstrom gets an update on enrollment at least once a week and his vice president for enrollment reviews the data "continually," according to a campus spokeswoman. Enrollment has been a critical issue at UM since the decline of some 20 percent on the main campus since 2010 and ensuing budget cuts an estimated $12 million last year. However, a little more than two weeks before school starts, UM is not releasing projected enrollment. It also is not providing other metrics that could shed light on the numbers of students planning to head to UM this fall, such as freshmen registration figures for orientation. "It is the policy of the university that enrollment data is shared after the 15th instructional day," said the spokeswoman, communications director Paula Short, in an email this week. "That is when the figures are truly representative of our enrollment numbers. "Until then, there are many variables that can significantly impact the enrollment count, making it necessary to wait and therefore ensure accuracy." Montana State University also isn't providing enrollment projections at this time. MSU spokesman Tracy Ellig said numbers will not be released until they are finalized sometime after the 15th day of classes. "Typically, it takes us several days to review the data and finalize it, so it wont be until around Sept. 23 that we are releasing final enrollment numbers for the fall of 2016," he said in an email. *** Around the region, it is not uncommon for universities to discuss early enrollment data or projections. Earlier this summer, the University of Washington shared an enrollment estimate to state regents as part of a broader report. In a phone call, director of admissions Paul Seegert said UW regularly provides preliminary numbers, albeit with caveats. "It's never totally precise," Seegert said. " ... We can't be sure until the census day." He also said UW closes its applications earlier in the school year, so it's easier to make projections than campuses that are still admitting students through the summer, such as UM. Idaho State University created a "snapshot" of enrollment this summer that showed a projected decline. A university admissions officer could not be reached for comment Thursday. However, Idaho State officials put the data in context for the Idaho State Journal and noted the specific numbers might not precisely reflect the final fall enrollment, which would be certified 10 days after the semester starts. In Montana, preliminary data has been shared in the past, at least at times. In 2013, Montana State University President Waded Cruzado referenced preliminary counts in her state of the university address. *** The Missoulian asked to be directed to UM's policy that precluded the release of early enrollment information and related data. In response, UM presented the Montana University System's "enrollment reporting procedures," which discuss the way campuses assess information for the university system, noting census dates, a timeline for analyzing and validating data, and the way to calculate FTEs, or full-time equivalent students. The procedures do not prohibit early reporting of preliminary data. They do note that enrollment counts "will be recorded at the end of the 15th day of instruction each semester" and give schools a couple of weeks to ensure precise data before the numbers are considered final. "It's been the practice of UM to release data in accordance with the procedures and reporting timeline established system-wide," Short said in an email. The UM budget is based on a specific enrollment estimate, and Short provided a finance document from May that notes the university is projecting flat enrollment 11,237 full-time equivalent students this fiscal year compared to its projection last fiscal year. UM typically announces its fall and spring enrollment figures with news releases, but in March 2016, it quietly posted on its website the census noting a 7.5 percent decline compared to last spring. Brooke Tanner said she's very troubled by three recent incidents in which she believes someone intentionally harmed birds in Missoula. Tanner, the executive director of Wild Skies Raptor Center, is one of the people Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks contacts when it hears about injured birds. With 10 years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation in Montana, Tanner has both state and federal permits that allow her to capture and care for injured migratory birds at the centers facility in Potomac. Her most recent spate of cases started on July 31, when Tanner received a call from a woman who had been walking by Bancroft Pond behind Pattee Creek Market and saw a duck with the bright orange end of a blowgun dart sticking out of its body. Tanner captured the bird, removed the 4 1/2-inch dart, and released it. I just really cant believe someone would think its OK to do something like this, she said. Two days after helping the duck, Tanner spoke with a second caller. She had been under the Maclay Bridge and picked up some baby swallows who had fallen on the ground. When I went there, it looked like someone had messed with their nest and the nestlings were just left for dead, Tanner said. The nests looked as though someone had thrown rocks at them. More birds peeked down at her from undamaged nests, she said. It looked very different than if the county or the city would have removed them, and they would have needed a permit anyway, Tanner said. The two young swallows were cared for at the Wild Skies Raptor Center for a week before being released Tuesday. On Aug. 4, word of a third incident reached Tanner. The call was for a magpie in the South Hills with a mousetrap on its leg. When I looked closer it also had a zip tie around the leg, Tanner said. The tie strapped the birds back talon against its leg, which Tanner said would hurt its ability to perch or walk, particularly important for magpies, which spend much of their time on the ground foraging for food. The magpie eventually had to be euthanized because its leg no longer worked. Tanner said she reported each of the incidents to a local field agent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I know there are people who dont really like them, but swallows and magpies, they eat bugs and they clean up road kill that is hit on the highway. They serve a purpose, Tanner said. Steve Segin, a public affairs officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said "those birds are protected and someone cant kill, harass or harm them unless you have a proper permit. Its the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and all of them are on the list. Punishment for violating the federal regulation includes a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail. Segin said his agency works closely with local and state agencies like Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to investigate violations, adding that state and local laws often apply to such behavior, too. He said the agency received notices about the three incidents, but doesnt have enough evidence to pursue the cases. He said anyone with information about the incidents should contact their local office of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Its been less than a year since I first announced a potential run for governor of the great state of Montana. Since that time, Ive driven over 46,000 miles across the state, meeting with Montanans in cafes from Ekalaka to Eureka and seeing my own bed only once or twice a week. One of the greatest joys has been staying with folks in their homes, rather than staying in hotels, because it has allowed me to really connect with families all across the state. During one visit, a young man in the Flathead told me his story. He was the first in his family to ever graduate from high school. He is married with two little girls. Then, with evident pride and determination, he told me he was learning to weld so that he could earn a living to put a roof over the heads of his young family. This is the kind of opportunity that needs to extend to every corner of our state and to every Montanan. He was able to pursue his education thanks to one of the Gianforte Manufacturing Scholarships that my wife Susan and I started several years ago. Thats why, last month, I announced that after Im elected governor I wont hold onto a salary from the state. Instead, Im going to dedicate it towards manufacturing scholarships just like this one. I want every Montanan to have the opportunity to thrive here and provide for their families. Plus, we need more focus on trades education. Susan and I first started the Gianforte Manufacturing Scholarships program via the Commissioner of Higher Educations office a number of years ago. Since that time, over 300 veterans and lower-income Montanans have benefited. The scholarships provide 50 percent tuition assistance for welding and machining certificates at Montanas public two-year campuses. You may be familiar with our story. Back in the 1990s, my wife Susan and I started a software business out of our home in Bozeman called RightNow Technologies. That small business grew to over 500 Montanans, with an average salary nearing $90,000 per year. Now, Montanas high-tech industry is almost 15 percent of our state economy and growing seven times faster than the rest of the economy, while creating jobs with wages double the state median. This is also why we are such strong supporters of education, and the great teachers all across Montana. Thanks in part to our efforts with CodeMontana, which offered computer science training to all Montana high school and middle school students, college enrollment in computer science is up over 50 percent at Montana State University and Tech, and over 25 percent at the University of Montana creating brighter futures. It is absolutely essential that we have an education system that is affordable and prepares students for the high wage jobs of the future. But, if we want to be able to pay for a great education, were going to need a strong economy. Unfortunately, due to a lack of leadership in Helena, our state revenues are declining rapidly, our states GDP has declined for the last two quarters, and we are seeing high wage job layoffs across the state. It is time to grow our economy again. Throughout my career starting and growing five different companies, I have learned that satisfaction comes from understanding and focusing on how our work serves others. The greatest satisfaction for me, being a business guy, has come from creating challenging and worthwhile jobs for others and seeing them prosper. I want to pair Montanas awesome way of life with a vibrant economy to build better outcomes for all Montanans. Its time we send leaders to Helena who have a proven track record of getting the job done. I humbly ask for your vote on Election Day. I am ready to go to work and serve Montana. Hell Creek is not closing, nor did the parks board vote to close it. It is a nice park 26 miles north of Jordan with 71 campsites and a very good access to Fort Peck Lake. The parks board wants to keep Hell Creek open and make it accessible for everyone to continue to enjoy. But as so often happens, no one wants to pay for it. The large increase in visitation has pushed the capability of the park to the limits. To continue, we need some $4.5 million almost half of our annual budget. And it is not even one of our most significant parks or our most significant needs. Visitation throughout all 55 parks has increased over the last five years by 32 percent, yet we have to provide the best services we can for the same budget we had five years ago. It is the smallest budget of any park system of the seven states in the Rocky Mountain West except North Dakota, and they only have 13 parks to our 55. We are able to provide only 68 percent of the staffing provided by our peer states in the Rocky Mountain West and we have more parks. Right now Hell Creek needs $1 million to put in a water system, $286,000 to put in a sewer system and over $1.2 million to upgrade the electrical system. The staff has identified $1.48 million of high-priority needs that must be met just to keep us going because of the health and safety concerns. We cant expand the 71 camping sites until we put in a new water and sewer system. User fees normally only pay for about 29 percent of the costs of upkeep and maintenance. So where do we get the money? Worse, if we had any money, it would have to go to Bannack ($1.5 million) to put in a better fire system we cant let the best ghost town in America burn up or to Lewis and Clark Caverns ($1.75 million) whose electrical system was installed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps boys and is in danger of causing harm if it is not updated, or to Makoshika, which needs $1.3 million to provide water to its only campground. The first two of these three projects were in the governors long-range building program, which was defeated in the last session of the legislature by one vote. Currently Hell Creek is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leased to the state to use as a park. The parks board did notify the Corps that when the existing lease comes up five years from now, in 2021, we may not be able to renew it unless we can find some more money to run it. We had hoped that our landlord, the Army Corps of Engineers, might help us out a little with some money for the infrastructure; doing so would greatly improve their land. So far, the answer has been no. We certainly hope we can find a solution. We have five years to do so. But if we cant get any help from the Legislature or the Army Corps of Engineers or the local community, we may not be able to renew the lease. The Army Corps then will undoubtedly do as they have done in other cases, either contract it out to a concessionaire or run it themselves. I doubt if it will ever close. With 30,000 to 35,000 visitors a year, it is too popular and too important for that. The one group that can help us the most is the Montana Legislature, which is now controlled by Republicans. If Sen. John Brenden (guest column, Aug. 4) would allow $4.5 million for the water, sewer, electrical and other upgrades at Hell Creek in his infrastructure bill, and if Brenden can persuade his Republican colleagues to support it, we will be just fine. Or, if Brenden can persuade his colleagues to support a larger budget for the Parks Division, that would be the best way to make sure the state has the money to keep Hell Creek as a state park when the lease terminates in 2021. NorthWestern Energy is a public utility. It has a protected energy monopoly (except in less populated areas served by co-ops). This monopoly is supposedly balanced by regulation, providing users with reasonable rates and owners a reasonable return. According to NorthWestern Energys 2015 annual report, $100 invested on Dec. 31, grew to $228.51 at the end of 2015. That is way better than the S&P utility index, where $100 grew to $168.77, and even better than S&P index as a whole, where the result was $180.75. For Montana ratepayers, the results are anything but balanced. In a 2014 article, the Missoulian reported that NorthWestern charged the second-highest rates in the region, at 10.34 cents per kWh while Flathead Electrical Co-op was charging 5.9 cents. Only one other utility was over 10 cents per kWh. These rates play a role in why they are so profitable but are not their greatest abuse of power. Their vision statement is enriching lives through a safe, sustainable energy future. Clearly, enriching applies only to their stockholders, as does sustainable. Science tells us a sustainable energy future means renewables yet NorthWestern Energy uses their monopoly-derived dollars to lobby against beneficial net metering laws, calling rooftop solar a cancer. Climate change is a threat to our existence and to our top industries, agriculture and tourism. We are already experiencing reduced snow packs and water supply and longer fire season. A sustainable energy future requires a utility that is working for the people of Montana. That will only happen if we own it. Missoula has shown the foresight to take ownership of its water supply. Montanans need to own their energy supply to stop use of our monopoly derived dollars to shout the people down in the legislature. John Woodland, Superior Im a bit confused with the guest column that U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke wrote and was published in the Aug. 5 Missoulian. He states that politics has no role in the military and wants both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to apologize to the families and service members they have offended. Most of us know what Trump did to offend military service members and their families, but what did Clinton do? He fails to explain her grievous sin and then goes on to mention his military service and that of his family members. For someone who feels politics has no role in the military, how about the reverse: Zinke mentions his commanding troops on the battlefield with his SEAL team every chance he gets. Now Im a retired Army guy, but its my understanding that there is a huge difference between being a commander (logistics support) in Navy SEALS and the commander of Navy SEALS. Its unclear to me what type of SEAL commander Zinke served as. One important job of a commander is to survey the battlefield and decide if its wise to commit oneself to a certain course of action. Given the current political climate surrounding the Republican presidential candidate, Im curious to know if "Commando Zinke" is having second thoughts about introducing Donald Trump earlier this year in Billings and volunteering to serve as his second in command. Jim Hamilton, Florence COLUMBIA FALLS Sixteen fewer people than initially feared will lose their jobs when Weyerhaeuser begins closing its lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls next week. Well over 200 employees are being affected by the closure of the two plants, but 146 of them will be transferred to either Weyerhaeusers stud mill or plywood plant in Kalispell, where extra shifts are being added, according to Tom Ray, Montana resources team leader for the company. Thats up from 130, the figure given in June when Weyerhaeuser announced the closures. After a thorough examination of the shifts being added in Kalispell, we were able to offer 146 people jobs, Ray said. The Columbia Falls operations employed 230 people at the time of the announcement. A dozen have voluntarily terminated their employment in the weeks since, according to Ray. With the resignations, and the increase in jobs available in Kalispell, it means 72 people will be out of work when the two Columbia Falls plants permanently close. Initially, the company said 100 jobs would be eliminated. *** Weyerhaeuser will continue to operate a medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls that employs approximately 200 people, but the toll on the community is still great. Up to 100 other administrative jobs in what was known as the cedar palace in Columbia Falls were already in the process of being eliminated or moved to Weyerhaeusers Seattle headquarters when the plant closures were announced. The main office in Columbia Falls will be permanently closed by the end of the year, according to the company. Weyerhaeuser purchased the former Plum Creek Timber Company, which had operated in Columbia Falls for seven decades, for $8.44 billion four months before the June closure announcement. The company blamed a chronic log supply shortage on the decision to shut down the two Columbia Falls facilities. Last week, Weyerhaeuser also announced its second quarter earnings for 2016 were the companys highest of any quarter in the last decade net earnings of $157 million, on net sales of $1.7 billion. *** The last logs will go through the two Columbia Falls mills that are closing on Friday, Aug. 19, Ray said. As you follow the work stream, after theyre cut, they still have to be stacked, put in a dry kiln, planed, graded, packaged and shipped, he said. There will also be clean-up work, so most employees will continue past the 19th for a few weeks. The very last day, he said, is estimated to be sometime in mid-September. With the fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls and the stud mill and plywood plant in Kalispell, Weyerhaeuser will still employ more than 550 people in the Flathead Valley, Ray said. In announcing the solid second quarter, Weyerhaeuser president and CEO Doyle Simons said, Going forward, we remain relentlessly focused on successfully integrating Plum Creek, and fully capturing cost and operational synergies to drive superior value for our shareholders. For some time now our operations in Montana have been running below capacity as a result of an ongoing shortage of logs in the region, Simons added. These closures will allow us to align the available log supply with our manufacturing capacity, including adding shifts at our Kalispell facilities. These moves will improve the operating performance of our remaining mills and best position these mills for long-term success. HELENA - The Montana Human Rights Network and the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana are calling upon Lewis and Clark County Coroner M.E. Mickey Nelson to resign. Documents recently released by county officials detail allegations against the coroner that prompted Eric Bryson, the countys chief administrative officer, to reassign a member of Nelsons staff in July 2015. County officials received similar allegations regarding Nelson's behavior this year, which prompted Bryson to move the coroners two-person staff from the office and Nelsons supervision. None of the coroners staff have done anything wrong, Bryson noted previously. Nelson could not be reached for comment in time for this story. Messages were left with the coroners office answering service, the deputy coroner, county officials and with a member of Nelsons family. According to an Aug. 9 letter that was sent to Nelson and Bryson, Kim Abbott with the Human Rights Network and Caitlin Borgmann with the ACLU wrote they were deeply concerned about what has been presented regarding his service to Lewis and Clark County. Specifically, your disturbing comments about women, people of color, low income people, and those who hold sincere religious beliefs leave us with absolutely no confidence that you can perform your duties impartially and without bias, the letter stated. Your use of racial epithets in reference to the president, your disparaging comments about Native Americans, other racial minorities, religion, and poor people in your county office and in front of your employees is a clear indication that your personal bias has pervaded your professional life, the letter continued. In calling for his resignation, the letter concluded, Once a public servant can no longer be trusted to execute his or her official responsibilities with the fairness the law requires, the time has come for that person to move on from public life. Nelson doesnt seem to deny the remarks attributed to him, nor does he seem to understand the significance of them, Borgmann said. While Nelsons alleged behavior is a concern for staff, she added, its also a concern for the public. He cannot be engaging in that kind of conduct, Borgmann said. My hope is that he steps down, Abbott said and explained the allegations lead her to believe the publics trust in the office is broken. Nelson, 71, has been the coroner for 42 years. Former and current members of the coroners office staff allege Nelson engaged in frequent offensive language during tirades in his office regarding African Americans, Native Americans and other ethnicities, as well as people who are poor and those receiving public assistance, among others. In addition to the staff person who was moved to a different county department in July 2015 and the two others who were relocated to a different office this year, the duties of county registrar were removed from Nelson in July by the state in response to a request from the county commission. Further indication of unrest in the coroners office is contained in the resignation letter of a deputy coroner who stepped down in April after four months on the job. The deputy coroner complained of Nelsons administration of the office and his behavior toward grieving families. In addition, Nelson and the county faced the threat of district court action earlier this year to compel Nelson to finish 51 death certificates dating from 2011 to 2015 that listed the cause of death as pending. Nelson met the 45-day deadline given by the Office of Vital Records with the state Department of Public Health and Human Services to complete the work. In an Aug. 2 news release, Nelson defended his actions and wrote that being the coroner has been his lifes work. I have never abused or taken the publics trust for granted as I perform the duties of my elected office. I strive to earn the trust and respect of the public I serve every day. Staff members have never complained directly to him of the unwelcome or offensive nature of his remarks, he wrote in his news release. While he acknowledged the offensive nature of some of the remarks attributed to him, he wrote that some were taken out of context. However, I am not racist or sexist or anti-religion. I have never engaged in discriminatory acts as county coroner against fellow staff members or while performing the duties of my office. I bear no ill-will towards any faith, minority, ethnicity or income class, his news release stated. A July 21, 2016, memorandum from Bryson to the county commission and County Attorney Leo Gallagher, stated that after a member of Nelsons staff was moved at her request to another county occupation, K. Paul Stahl, a civil deputy county attorney, and Commissioner Susan Good Geise met with Nelson to discuss allegations made by that member of the coroners office. During that July 14, 2015, meeting they also informed him that the behavior was not acceptable, and required him to seek and find a training course on sexual harassment/discrimination, according to Brysons memo. Geise represented all three commissioners at that meeting, Commissioner Andy Hunthausen said on Thursday. (Nelson) did not follow through on the demand that he obtain the training, Hunthausen said. In response to the letter calling for Nelsons resignation, all three commissioners said they were unanimous in their concern regarding the comments made about Nelson. I wasnt surprised to see that occurred, commissioner Susan Good Geise said of the letter from the ACLU and Montana Human Rights Network. I hope that he would take that under consideration, she continued. She too said she believed the time had come for Nelson to resign. I have told Coroner Nelson on several occasions that I thought that it was time. And the reason that I feel strongly about that is because we have a duty to our taxpayers and our citizens to apply the law equally: everybody is equal under the law, Geise said. She said that during her July 2015 meeting with Nelson, he was told comments attributed to him could result in a lawsuit against the county. If there were a complaint that came from an employee, like a hostile work environment, it isnt the coroner who would have been sued. It is the county, Geise said. And if those allegations were proven to have been true, we would have not been able to defend ourselves. And thats why it became important to move that particular employee out of that office as quickly as we could. The issue isnt, and I think is an important distinction to make, it isnt about whether or not the coroner does or does not hold certain beliefs. That is his prerogative, Geise said. He may certainly do that. He can say things in his home but when you come to a county office you cant talk like that in a county office and you cant expose employees or the public (to it), she continued. And thats where it becomes a legal question, and thats where we have a liability as a county. I soundly reject the comments attributed to Mr. Nelson, Hunthausen said. I reject them and Im disappointed in those comments, that's coming from a county office. Our employees deserve to work in an environment that is safe and without discrimination and that is not a hostile work environment. They deserve that. I dont disagree with anything thats in this letter, he added of the call for Nelsons resignation. The actions attributed to him were very inappropriate, Hunthausen said. Commission Chairman Mike Murray said he didnt disagree with Geise or Hunthausen and reaffirmed that employees deserve a safe working place. Nelson needs to respond to the letter, Murray said, adding that Nelson should be given that opportunity. Nelson is considered the dean of criminal investigations regarding death, statewide, Murray said in praise of Nelsons skills and knowledge, but added his behaviors unacceptable. Nelson was elected by voters, as were the commissioners, Hunthausen said to explain the limits of what they can do regarding Nelson. The only people that can remove him from office are the voters, or Mickey himself, or if there were an act, a criminal act that rose to that level that meets the law. But us as county commissioners, were not necessarily his boss, Hunthausen said. While the commission oversees the operation of county government and has fiscal responsibilities, it is also responsible for providing a safe workplace, Hunthausen continued and explained, thats why we removed the employees from his office. Were following the advice we received from our legal counsel, that we have no authority to fire Mickey Nelson, Murray said. Its important that the public understand that our hands are tied in this matter. What action we may take with a county employee is different than the action the law allows us with an elected official, Murray added. LIVINGSTONE, Zambia The lions know David Youldon well, the male one staring at him through the fence, then pushing his furry head against the chain link for a scratch. Youldon oversees ALERT, African Lion and Environmental Research Trust, in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a conservation program that relies on partnerships from academia to business. In the past, a Ph.D. student from the University of Montana conducted research at ALERT. This year, assistant professors from the College of Forestry and Conservation visited Youldon to strengthen UM's connection to Zambia. "So you're going to bring us a lot of students," Youldon said. It's both a statement and a question to UM assistant professors Jennifer Thomsen and Brian Chaffin. This year, the teachers visited colleagues in Zambia before attending a water governance conference there, and several peers expressed an interest in more collaboration. "I was just really blown away by the fact that people were just so excited to meet with us, so excited about not only what has been done and is currently going on between the University of Montana and our contacts in Zambia, but where we can go from here," Thomsen said. Nearly 20 years ago, UM professor Wayne Freimund established relationships with people working in the same field in Africa, and some students from Zambia ended up studying at the College of Forestry and Conservation. Last year, Freimund took the first class of UM students to Livingstone. They came from a wide cross-section of majors: conservation, business, geology and others. There, the group encountered complex issues ranging from human-wildlife conflict to education to transportation infrastructure and public health. "There's no easy issues, and there's no simple challenges there," Freimund said. "It's a wonderful place to study." The parallels between Zambia and Montana are uncanny. Both are landlocked geographies with large rivers and copper mines and economies making a transition away from extraction and toward tourism and recreation. As Thomsen sees it, exposure to conservationists overseas will teach the students that protecting nature takes place in myriad ways, even ones counterintuitive to many in the West. "Conservation requires unique and innovative strategies, and thinking outside the box," Thomsen said. "Conserving for conservation's sake is not going to cut it anymore." For instance, the illegal killing of Cecil the lion outside a national park in Zimbabwe a year ago prompted outrage in the United States, but one lesson from Africa is that trophy hunting isn't always bad, she said. In fact, it can bring money to people who would otherwise have an incentive to poach. "We see trophy hunting tourism as a way to conserve," said Thomsen, who would like to pursue research on trophy hunting in collaboration with scientists in Africa. "We see that it has a direct link to (financial) benefits in the communities." *** A relationship with Youldon's ALERT program is another that could push students outside their comfort zones. ALERT has been controversial in part because it used to offer tourists the chance to walk with lions. While it has stopped that feature at least temporarily, the director isn't opposed to starting again if there's demand. Thomsen sees value in exposing UM students to even contentious ways of saving animals and land, and Youldon said the strategies the program uses come directly from the people it aims to help. "We are using, as far as possible, local solutions to local challenges," he said. ALERT soon plans to release a third generation of lions into the wild, one of several conservation measures underway. The first generation of cats lived with human contact; their offspring lived on a range with minimal human contact; and the third generation had no contact with people at all. *** Oluronke Oke, a planning officer for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, is another professional in Zambia standing ready to gain and share insights with the University of Montana. Oke is based in Livingstone, adjacent to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. In the park, armed guards protect white rhinos around the clock and Oke sees the rhinos as a priority even beyond her own salary. She wants to learn from a fundraising partner, a group that might have experience establishing a program such as Friends of the Rhinos. Oke has a lot to teach, too, about understanding animals as well as human stakeholders. She's had people waving sticks in her office because they were mad at elephants, and she lets the outraged constituents cool off and hears them out. Sometimes, the elephant accused of killing a person has its side of the story, too, she said. "They don't report the person was drinking and was riding a bike and rode into the elephant," Oke said. "And sometimes it has a wire snare around its neck or its leg. It wants to defend itself." The issues Oke faces inside and outside Mosi-oa-Tunya are similar to ones park managers encounter in Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, Thomsen said, and she wants to bring more people from Zambia to Montana for an exchange program. This summer, UM wasn't able to bring a class of students to Zambia, and Thomsen suspects the cost to study abroad is a barrier. Airfare alone can run $1,800, or more, and she hopes to find financial support for a student group in 2017. *** Last year, Freimund took students to the village of Makuni, near Livingstone, and Thomsen returned there this year. There, Yanina Muchindu offers tours of the village to visitors as a source of income for the residents. The tours end at a stand where villagers sell handmade wares, beaded necklaces, carved bowls, and all sorts of trinkets carved into the shapes of hippos and giraffes. "Agriculture in this area is not very good. The land is sandy. So tourism is the main source of income," Muchindu said. The village is 700 years old, she said. Explorer David Livingstone was the first white man to visit the village. On a walk around the village, the dirt was cleanly swept in front of mud huts, chickens and goats wandered by, and Muchindu pointed out homes, churches, a jail, and even some water tanks. Some 12 years ago, she said, tourists from Germany helped them buy the water tanks so they had easier access. Before, they used to walk 3 miles to get water. Along the way, Thomsen asked the guide if UM students might help the villagers by working on a project at Makuni in the future, and Muchindu immediately agreed. They can help build huts, she said. Muchindu reached out to Thomsen by email soon after the teacher was back in Montana, and the planning is underway on both continents. *** Sandy Simpson, a human-wildlife conflict manager, is also interested in collaboration, and he too met with Thomsen and Chaffin while they were in Livingstone. Simpson has used a holographic tape sold at a Bozeman company, Nite Guard, to repel elephants, and he is interested in working with a scientist or student from UM who can determine how the simple flickering tape keeps elephants at bay. In doing so, it protects both animals and villagers. "I need someone from the University of Montana," Simpson said. Thomsen believes the interest will be high among UM students and researchers, but UM will need to be creative to help support the relationships. The trips are expensive, but the potential for learning about wildlife biology, tourism, and social science in different contexts is great. "These are directly aligned with what our program talks about and the foundational components of the education (at UM)," Thomsen said. There, the classroom reaches all the way to Africa, and the learning is global. Police reports STOLEN MOTORCYCLE A black and purple 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle (California tag 21E2765) went missing about 3 p.m. Thursday from the Homestake rest area on Interstate 90 westbound. The front fender has orange flames. The owner used the restroom and returned to find the bike gone. DUI CHARGE Kathleen Osborne, 39, of Butte was arrested early Friday after police say she ran a red light and failed field sobriety tests. Her maroon 2008 Jeep Wrangler was stopped in the area of Montana and Woolman streets. A Breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit. She was booked on a misdemeanor aggravated DUI and a stop sign violation. DEFIANT MAN Brendon Heim, 25, of Butte was found yelling and screaming at the Butte Prerelease Center, 62 W. Broadway St., shortly before 4 a.m. Friday. He also used obscenities at police. Heim said the federal Department of Defense was to blame for his behavior. Police said he had needle marks on his arms. This was his second arrest this week. On Wednesday, he claimed snakes were crawling on him. THEFT A 1998 flatbed trailer stolen in May from the 2500 block of Locust Street was reported missing Thursday. Police have no suspects. The trailers value was unknown. WILLOW CREEK Aunt Dofe's Hall of Recent Memory in Willow Creek presents Bleed Necklace: The Body Undone From Its Error, a new series of oil-on-paper drawings by Butte-based painter, Kelly Packer, with accompanying poems written by Adrian Kien. An opening reception runs 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. A poetry reading starts at 7:30 p.m. The show continues through Sept. 12 In Packer's works, vertical agglomerations of pigmented form and line are set within dark backgrounds. Each nocturne-like abstraction is paired with a poem written by her longtime collaborator and husband, Adrian. This work is about opening up. About vulnerability. About glimpsing clarity and letting it irradiate your insides. Its about color and shape and flying. Or, at least, moving, hesitantly, up the weed stalk,'' Packer said. Packer was born in Kalispell and grew up in the Missoula Valley. Her paintings and drawings have been shown internationally and published in various books and literary journals. Based in Boise, Idaho for many years, she co-founded Enso Artspace, an artist collective and gallery space. Her work was selected for the 2010 Boise Art Museum Triennial, and in 2009 she was awarded an artist in residency grant through Boise's downtown A.I.R. program. Currently her work is part of the Art Mobile of Montana traveling exhibition. She holds a BFA from the University of Montana. Adrian Kien grew up in Elko, Nevada, and Missoula. Adrian has an MFA from Boise State University. He is the author of poetry collections The Caress is a Letter of Instruction, An Anatomy Lesson, translations of the French poet, Christian Prigent, and Who is There. In Butte he curates the Phoenix Block Reading Series, and his writings on walking, weirdness and adventuring are a regular feature in the Butte Arts Monthly. Kelly and Adrian moved back to Montana in 2014 after a decade in Boise and a stint in France. They have collaborated on a number of projects including 40 Saints and Look Up, which included a book of poetry and drawings of the same name. An excerpt of Look Up was shown at the Danforth Gallery in Livingston, Montana. Last year they collaborated on a series titled to the silver hurt of home, paying homage to Butte, their newly adopted city. The work was exhibited at Butte's Clark Chateau. It was here that Aunt Dofe's curator Dave Kirk first encountered their work. Willow Creek is south of Three Forks, off Interstate 90, and about 53 miles southeast of Butte. Effective immediately, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is lifting the hoot owl fishing restrictions on the Big Hole River from the North Fork of the river to Dickie Bridge. Meanwhile in Region 3, the following stretches of river remain closed to all fishing until further notice: Big Hole River from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence of the North Fork Big Hole River and Big Hole River. Big Hole River from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Maiden Rock FAS to Notch Bottom FAS. Big Hole River from Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River. The entire length of the Jefferson River. The following sections of rivers remain closed to fishing daily 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve: East Gallatin River from Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River. Gallatin River from Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners to the confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks. Madison River from Ennis Dam to the confluence with the Jefferson River. Ruby River from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. For up-to-date information on restrictions related to drought, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions. All Americans should be alarmed by Donald Trump confidant Roger Stones suggestion that Trump claim Hillary Clinton is trying to steal the election. Asserting that there is already widespread voter fraud, Stone said Trump should say that if theres voter fraud, this election will be illegitimate ... we will have a constitutional crisis, widespread civil disobedience, and the government will no longer be the government. In an interview with the conservative outlet Breitbart, Stone continued: I think hes got to put them on notice that their inauguration will be a rhetorical, and when I mean civil disobedience, not violence, but it will be a bloodbath. A bloodbath. Rhetorically speaking, of course. If you have any doubt that Stone has Trumps ear, two days later Trump said, Im afraid the election is going to be rigged, and he went on to warn of voter fraud. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told supporters in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 1 that he worries the Nov. 8 election "is going to be rigged." (The Washington Post) Some are comforted to know this election ends in 95 days. But a Trump loss in November which seems increasingly likely could be only slightly less destructive than a Trump victory. At best, his followers would regard the Clinton administration as illegitimate from Day One and use whatever legal means they can to prevent government from functioning. At worst, they will conclude that their white-male dominated America is lost forever and take extra-legal measures to protect themselves. Americans take for granted peaceful transfers of power. But if the losing side declares the government illegitimate and talks of bloodbaths, something else could occur. Sixteen years ago, after the contentious 2000 recount, Al Gore gave a gracious concession speech that invoked Stephen Douglass words to Abraham Lincoln: Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. Im with you, Mr. President, and God bless you. This is America. Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high, we close ranks and come together when the contest is done, Gore said. We will stand together behind our new president. Can anybody imagine Trump saying those words after a Hillary Clinton victory? Trumps supporters are primed to suspect conspiracy all the more so now that they see Trump sinking in the polls. At a Trump rally in Virginia this week, after Trump told the crowd, Were running against a rigged system, the Trump backers I sampled at random all thought the election could be stolen. Dawn Quires told me that FBI director James Comey didnt recommend charges against Clinton because he doesnt want to get shot in the back like others. James Scarborough, in red Make America Great Again cap, said court defeats for voter-ID laws were evidence of a rigged election. And Connie Jagger reasoned that a Trump defeat would necessarily mean a stolen election because Trumps crowds are bigger than Clintons. President Obama said at a press conference that the 2016 presidential election isn't rigged, responding to an accusation made by Republican nominee Donald Trump, on Aug. 4 at the Pentagon. (Reuters) This fallacy that the winner is determined by crowd size rather than the 125 million ballots cast makes Trump backers think a legitimate Clinton victory is impossible. Trump in trouble? 10,000 people in Jacksonville!!!! somebody named Eric Swenson emailed me Thursday. Pathetic media, corrupt to the core. Mix that paranoia with the propensity for violence seen at Trump events, and you can see where this could go after Nov. 8. At a Trump rally in Pennsylvania this week, a video posted by PennLive shows Trump supporters shoving, throwing to the ground and bloodying the nose of a demonstrator. A video montage published this week by the New York Times captures the rage at Trump rallies: Trump supporters proclaiming F--- those dirty beaners, F--- Islam, F--- that n------, Hang the bitch; Trump responding to a protest by telling supporters come on get him; and various scenes of pushing and shoving of demonstrators. Slates Ben Mathis-Lilley has a tally of 20 violent incidents at Trump events by Trump supporters, and protesters, including protesters hit with pepper spray by Trump backers, and instances of demonstrators being sucker-punched, shoved and choked. Trump has encouraged such activity by offering to pay the legal fees of the violent, by likening demonstrators to terrorists, by suggesting a demonstrator should have been roughed up and saying knock the crap out of them and Id like to punch him in the face, among other things. Trump has identified Clinton as a criminal and the devil. Would his most ardent backers just possibly assume he would favor violence against a government run by such a person? The rage will only increase if Trump continues to sink in the polls and as is his pattern when in trouble he continues to get more and more outrageous. I worry that all he knows how to do is double down, Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a Republican critic of Trump, told me this week. Theyre out of options. Not entirely out of options. Theres still the rhetorical bloodbath. Or worse. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Vice President Biden called on Americans to help end cancer with the National Cancer Moonshot. Like Biden, I lost a family member - my brother Dale - to brain cancer. Tragically, Dale lost his 14-month-long battle at age 35 last year. No one should watch their loved ones suffer from this horrible disease. As an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer, Im committed to ensuring other Montanans dont hear the heartbreaking words, you have cancer. It will take all of our collective efforts to cure cancer. One crucial step is to increase federal funding for research to drive scientific discoveries and new treatments. Thats why Im calling on Congress to fund the Cancer Moonshot and complete a $1 billion increase to the National Cancer Institute. Cancer researchers cant continue making progress toward a cure without these resources. My brother might be alive today if new brain cancer advances existed and precious time hadnt run out. I made a pledge to do what I can to fight cancer in Dales memory. Its time for Congress to fund the Moonshot and ease the burden of cancer once and for all. -- Kathryn Comer-Tuss, Helena Montana Its encouraging to see that UBER is finally getting started later this summer. Regardless of personal preference, we all agree that Montana consumers have a right to choose, and UBER is a popular choice all across the country. Whats sad is that while the legislature and the Public Service Commissioners did their jobs in quickly supporting passenger service competition, the state Department of Labor has inflicted upon UBER six months of unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the UBER story is the little-known fact that while the State House passed the UBER bill, 60-40 in bi-partisan fashion, Buttes own Representative Pat Noonan voted no. Why is this interesting? Because Pat is now running to unseat our very capable commissioner Roger Koopman, and Roger and Pat are diametrical opposites on this important issue. While Noonan is obviously biased toward the protection of existing business monopolies from competition and consumer choice, Koopman is perhaps the PSCs strongest advocate for opening up the regulated markets to consumer-friendly competition. In PSC races, its often difficult to separate candidates, because most PSC issues have nothing to do with being liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican. But here we have a very clear predictor of the kind of commissioner Representative Noonan would be. And if he had his way, companies like UBER would be banned from the state, and monopoly public utilities would remain the only game in town. The question is obvious. When you have a Public Service Commissioner in Roger Koopman who is doing such an amazing job for us as consumers, why in the world would we want to replace him with someone who wants to take us back to the good ol days of no choice, no competition, and utility monopolies that are accountable to no one? -- Mary McLaughlin, Butte A motorcyclist was airlifted to a Billings hospital after colliding with a bear near Reed Point on Thursday. The bear darted out onto Interstate 90, giving the cyclist little time to react, said Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Hagenbuch. "Witnesses said that the bear was chasing a fawn," he said. The bear, a 3-year-old male, died from the collision, and a HELP Flight was called in to transport the Washington state man. Bystanders helped release the fawn, who got caught in a fence. "She took off like a shot out of a shotgun," Hagenbuch said. It's more common to see bear incidents on roadways higher in the mountains, but there have been more sightings in recent years farther east, said Kevin Frey, a wildlife management specialist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Up near Bozeman Pass, there might be five crashes annually involving bears, Frey said. There aren't as many in the lower elevations, but occasionally a warden will get the call. "It happens at Big Timber occasionally," Frey said. "Every year we get a report of a bear run over anywhere from Livingston to Big Timber." As recently as 10 years ago, it would have been very rare to see a bear in the Billings area or farther east, but Frey said that's becoming more common as well. In April, a man struck and killed a bear on I-90, just 10 miles east of Billings. That too was a young animal. Frey said that the juveniles may venture out onto the high plains in search of food often choke cherries and the like. "Those younger sub-adult bears are more prone to wandering larger distances," he said. WAPELLO, Iowa A Wapello woman will face multiple charges following an alleged assault. Lisa Hank, 33, has been charged with second-degree burglary, a class C felony; assault, a serious misdemeanor; and trespassing and harassment, both simple misdemeanors, according to the Wapello Police Department. Hank allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old woman at the residence by pushing through the front door and throwing the victim over a coffee table, according to the Wapello Police Department. She was arrested without incident and transported to the Louisa County Jail for processing. Emily Wenger of the Muscatine Journal MUSCATINE, Iowa Muscatine Firefighters have been stationed around Muscatine to collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Jillian Harper, the executive director of the MDA of Iowa office, said firefighters have been helping support the cause for 62 years. "It's one of our longest-standing and proudest traditions," Harper said. She said the Muscatine Fire Department has participated for at least 20 years. Tom Summitt, a Muscatine firefighter, has chaired the drive for about 10 years. He said the fire service chose the project, and it has taken off all across the U.S. "It's remained near and dear to our heart," Summitt said. Firefighters are the MDA's longest standing sponsor, and across Iowa, 86 fire departments raise money through the Fill the Boot fundraiser. "Last year they raised $307,000," Harper said. Muscatine, Harper said, raised more than $10,000, which was a $7,000 decrease from the last time they stood on streets to fund-raise, the traditional method for the firefighters. But Summitt said they are happy to have locations at Hy-Vee, Walmart, and Fareway. "Since we've been off the streets it's been good, obviously we can't hit the number of people that we reached as we could on the streets, but we are grateful that we are able to be here," he said. Firefighters will be busing tables Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Boonies on the Avenue, which Summitt said will help them reach their fundraising goal. "People in the community help too, people come to the fire department and ask to help, it's been a good win-win situation," Summitt said. At the doors to Hy-Vee on Second Street Thursday morning, many shoppers tossed dollars or change into the boots, and often stopped to chat with the firefighters. "The community shows great support no matter where they're at," Harper said. The MDA provides a variety of services, including summer camp for children ages 6-17, support groups, advocacy programs, research programs and they provide help for care center visits for families at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Rochelle Bonebrake, a former Muscatine firefighter, was helping to help out at Hy-Vee on Thursday. She said one of the coolest parts about the Fill the Boot project is the money raised in the community stays in Muscatine County. "Not only are we benefiting the families in Muscatine by serving them with public safety, we are then bettering their mobility to get around the community we take care of, that's a big deal," she said. Harper said the families affected by muscular dystrophy in Muscatine are always grateful. "They [firefighters] are heroes anyway for what they do in the community, but for so many of our families they're heroes because of the hope that they provide to them through the money that they raise and the support," she said. MUSCATINE, Iowa Local authors and poets head to downtown Muscatine to share their work Saturday. Writers on the Avenue and the Society of Great River Poets will feature area authors at the upcoming Second Saturday event in downtown Muscatine, running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. Muscatine poet Pat Bieber and memoirist Anna Counter will join novelist Bob Bancks and poet Salvatore Marici at the table.Authors will be available to sell, sign, and talk about their books. Representatives from WOTA and the SGRP will share information about the activities of the two writing groups, and what they do to support the literary arts in and around Muscatine. According to the release, Salvatore Maricis poetry has appeared in "Toasted Cheese, " "Descant," " Spillway," "Prairie Gold: An Anthology of the American Heartland" and many others. He has two books "Mortals, Nature and their Spirits" and "Swish Swirl & Sniff," both from Ice Cube Press, which will publish his third book in spring 2017. Marici was the 2010 Midwest Writing Centers Poet Resident, and he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and an agronomist in the civil service. Bob Bancks is a retired farmer whose family has farmed the same land near Blue Grass for 148 years. He is the author of the novels The Nightgown, The Fourth Generation, Call Sara, and Iowa Exposed. Anna Counter is the author of the memoir "I'm Jesse" and a book of spiritual biography co-authored with her brother, entitled "Two Paths, One Understanding." Pat Bieber is the author of the poetry collections "Lessons from the Mother" and "Haikuesque." WILTON, Iowa The Muscatine County Republicans will host speakers Kris Paronto and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in Wilton this September. Fred Grunder, the chair of the Muscatine County Republicans, said he heard Paronto speak in Des Moines and invited him to come to Muscatine. "When you listen to this guy it's not that you just enjoy it, you have the feeling that you want to go out and spread the word," Grunder said. Paronto, who is also known as the "Hero of Benghazi," is a former U.S. Army Ranger and security contractor who speaks around the nation about his experiences during the Benghazi attack in 2012. Grunder said he hopes listening to Paronto will motivate Muscatine County residents to have conversations, especially about Hilary Clinton and her role during the Benghazi attack. "She didn't know what happened that night because she was sleeping, there were strict orders to stand down, just an example of one part of what Hilary is and its a major part," Grunder said. While local races are a concern, Grunder said, if Hilary Clinton wins the election local races won't matter because she will nominate a liberal justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. "It's something everybody needs to be worried about," he said. Grunder said he remembered Paronto speaking in Des Moines about the response from America during the attack. "One of the last things he said, was that we did not even send in transportation for them to get out of the country. That's how little we cared/were going to do anything," he said. He said around 600 people attended the event in Des Moines, and were either laughing, completely silent, or in tears as Paronto spoke. Grunder is also looking forward to hearing Ernst speak. "It means a lot that she would think enough of what we're trying to do that she would come back to this area so quickly," he said. The event will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 4, at the Wilton Community Center, 1215 Cypress St. A meet and greet reception will begin at 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $100 per person and $175 per couple. General event admission is $50 per person. For more information or to order tickets call 563-357-7837. MUSCATINE, IowaAn Aug. 4 house fire in Muscatine may have been deliberately set, according to Muscatine Fire Marshal Mike Hartman. Hartman said a cause has not been officially determined, but the use of an incendiary device has not been ruled out. Police and fire officials responded about 10:31 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, to a report of a fire at 614 E. Seventh St. Upon arrival, the home was fully engulfed in flames. It was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Emily Wenger of the Muscatine Journal MUSCATINE, Iowa A fire caused around $50,000 worth of damage to the interior of a Muscatine home Friday afternoon. Investigators are looking into the cause. No structural damage was done to the building, and crews were able to contain the fire to one room, according to a press release from the Muscatine Fire Department. The homeowner, Kevin Edwards, arrived at 1002 W. Eighth St. to find smoke in his garage. "So I backed my vehicle out of there and when I did I opened the service door into the family room and there were a couple of big billows of smoke," he said. Edwards then called 911, and crews responded around 12:41 p.m. His wife, Jackie, arrived home after the fire had been extinguished. "They were excellent, they've done everything that they possibly could. They came on scene immediately, and (we) couldn't ask for better," Edwards said. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, and removed damaged materials to ensure the fire would not re-ignite, according Muscatine Fire Chief Jerry Ewers. The couple's pet dog and cat were in the home at the time of the fire. The dog, a pug, did not survive. Firefighters did not find the cat Friday afternoon. The couple will receive assistance from the American Red Cross. The home sustained smoke and water damage. The homeowners had insurance, according to the fire department. Smoke was pouring out of the upper level of the home, but no flames were visible from the outside of the structure when crews arrived on scene. The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department. Approximately 15 fire fighters responded. MACOMB, Ill. Dr. Herman Griesenbrock Jr., 91, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, at Wesley Village Healthcare Center in Macomb. Those who knew him as a high school teacher, faculty member at Western Illinois University, and friend recognized his desire always to provide his students with experiences necessary to enable them to compete successfully in their chosen professions. Herman was born Oct. 31, 1924, to Herman O. and Anna A. (Sizek) Griesenbrock in Muscatine. He was the last to join his sister, Bernice Ann, and brother, Milton H., in a respected hard-working family, all four of whom are at eternal rest. Franklin Grade School, Muscatine High School and Muscatine Community College all preceded military service in WWII. While in service, Herman served as a cadet in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, until one day all programs were closed at the convenience of the government. All students were transferred to infantry assault divisions for foreign assignments. He was assigned to the 95th Infantry Division and entered combat in France and Germany where he received various awards, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds received in combat, the Eastern, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Many years later, the French government began awarding its highest military award to non-French soldiers. Herman was awarded the title of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. Following discharge from service, he married Margaret Frances Parsons, a high school sweetheart. They were blessed with one daughter, Lois Ann (Rooney). Both wife and daughter survive. The war interrupted his pursuit of education, but both Frances and Herman went to Iowa State Teachers College where they completed their respective courses to receive their bachelors degrees. After teaching in Iowa public high schools, Herman received a graduate assistantship at Colorado State College of Education where he received a masters degree. In 1950, Herman joined the faculty at Western Illinois State Teachers College and in 1955 received his doctor of education degree from Bradley University. Professor Griesenbrock served as chairman of numerous university committees and as chairman of the graduate program in the Industrial Education Department from its establishment until his retirement. In addition, he was a member of a number of professional and service organizations. Because of his early military experiences, he became a life member of Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, the 95th Division Association, the Elks, the Salvation Army and the United Services Organization. He and his wife enjoyed both foreign and domestic travel. They spent time in many of the major countries of the world. He is survived by his beloved wife and daughter, Rooney Dively; two grandsons, Jon, Jr. (Lara) Dively of Macomb, and Timothy J. (Katie) Dively of Wausau, Wisconsin; four great-grandchildren, Brandon J. Dively and Bryce R. Dively of Wausau, and Tyler J. Dively and Anna L. Dively of Macomb. Cremation has been accorded with graveside services to be held at a later date on the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine. Memorials may be made to the organization of the donors choice. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home, Macomb, is in charge of arrangements. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com. Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] Napa County is hoping the earthquake-rocked, 1878 section of the historic courthouse will be repaired and reopened in all of its Italianate Victorian glory in summer 2018. Last week, the Napa County Board of Supervisors approved a $3.3 million contract with AECOM to design and manage the project. Thats in addition to a previous $2.4 million contract to assess and stabilize the damaged building, as well as the still-unknown construction costs to come. Design work for repairs is to begin immediately and be finished by March 2017. Construction should be completed in July 2018, a new county report said. Insurance money will cover the cost. The bottom line the Aug. 24, 2014 South Napa earthquake caused plenty of damage but no fatal wounds to the historic building at Third and Brown streets in downtown Napa. The structure is in good shape and its definitely going to be saved and restored to the way it was, Deputy Public Works Director Rick Marshall said. But the earthquake rocked the building to its masonry bones. One piece of damage became iconic in widely circulated photographs a hole several feet wide along the top of the ornate, outdoor roofline near the words Justice. That particular bit of damage can no longer be seen. The outside of the building is wrapped from ground to roof in a white material designed to prevent damage from rain. Its as if the building is in a cocoon waiting to emerge at its rebirth. Putting the building back together again must be done carefully. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Some interior walls have only superficial damage and can be repaired by filling in cracks and doing resurfacing. Other walls are so severely damaged that they will have to be disassembled and reassembled, brick-by-brick, Marshall said. After the quake, the county braced the outside of building by placing giant metal beams extending from the pavement to the walls of the front entrance. This gives the illusion that, should the beams be suddenly removed, the entire building would come tumbling down. What can be done so the county can remove this bracing device? As it turns out, the solution lies inside the building. Marshall said rebuilding the interior walls will give the building the necessary strength so that the outside beams will no longer be needed. If the building werent historic, it might not be rebuilt with brick inner walls, Marshall said. It isnt really the best material for building in a seismic zone like California, he said. As it is, the county will strengthen the old building by doing such things as sandwiching some walls between polyester fibers. It wants a renovated courthouse to be better able to withstand future earthquakes. In general, people are going to be able to look at it and it wont look any different, Marshall said. But underneath the skin where they cant see, it will be stronger and safer than it was before. Renovating the old courthouse is a far more expensive proposition than building it. The July 3, 1878 Independent Calistogan reported that the county awarded a building contract to John Cox of San Francisco for $50,000 or about $1.2 million in todays dollars. By late July 1878, Cox was putting in a concrete foundation and preparing to manufacture his own bricks at the old brick yard at the head of nearby Seminary Street. In an issue that mirrors concerns for todays county building projects, Cox said he intended to use Napa labor when possible. Progress came quickly. The new courthouse is fast assuming more symmetrical proportions, the Dec. 21, 1878 Napa Daily Register said. The plasterers are nearly through with their work and the new skylight dome of parti-colored glass on the roof is about finished. The rebirth of the 1878 portion of the courthouse will take much longer than its birth. Napa Countys old courthouse has three sections: the original section built in 1878, the Hall of Records built a short distance away in 1916 and an administrative section connecting the two that was built in 1977. Only the original section is closed. ST. HELENA City officials have endorsed an effort by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, to create a commemorative stamp honoring the Depression-era mural at the St. Helena Post Office. The proposed stamp would commemorate Lew Kellers Grape Pickers, a mural on the south side of the post offices interior, on the left as you enter the building. It would not involve the mural on the north side, which was painted by local artist John Maxon in 2002. Grape Pickers was installed in 1942, and was one of many public art projects commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Treasury Departments Section of Fine Arts. From 1935 to 1943, the WPA provided millions of jobs for unemployed American workers, including artists who were hired to enrich public buildings with art. In a July 8 letter to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), Thompson and four other members of Congress proposed a series of stamps commemorating WPA murals in St. Helena; Safford, Arizona; Long Prairie, Minnesota; Waurika, Oklahoma; and Greybull, Wyoming. Post offices across the country were enlivened by murals showcasing our nations history, culture and values, the letter states. Sadly, many of these murals have decayed, been destroyed, or been painted over. However, many still remain. The five post offices in the cities listed above contain sterling examples of the murals from this important era in our history. These murals are illustrative of the American spirit, representing men and women overcoming adversity through hard work and ingenuity. We can think of no better way to memorialize this period and the spirit of hard-working Americans than an official commemorative postage stamp. According to the letter, the same proposal was made in 2000, 2004 and 2010. Because CSAC receives so many requests and only 25 to 30 subjects are approved each year, it can take years before a decision is made on a commemorative stamp proposal, Thompson wrote in a letter to the St. Helena City Council seeking its support. The citys own letter calls both post office murals wonderful works of art that members of the community enjoy every day. The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce has also endorsed Thompsons proposal. The WPA mural is a precious visual reminder to our citizens of all ages of our rich history, the Chambers letter states. This stamp would honor the time and dedication of the families and individuals who devoted their time and energy to develop the land and agriculture of Northern California. Without them, the Napa Valleys legendary wine industry would not be what it is today. The Chamber is encouraging people to send letters of support to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, 475 LEnfant Plaza SW, Room 3300, Washington, D.C., 20260-3501. U.S. senator blames Hillary Clintons careless email discussions for execution of Iranian nuclear scientist (NationalSecurity.news) Congressional critics of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons use of an unsecured private email server while serving as secretary of state have long stated that they feared that any sensitive and classified information she discussed was likely in the open meaning, it was probably hacked and stolen by foreign powers. Now, one U.S. senator says he believes her careless server use may have led to the executive death of an Iranian nuclear scientist who was reportedly working with U.S. intelligence services, providing them information about Tehrans nuclear weapons programs. Im not going to comment on what he may or may not have done for the United States government, but in the emails that were on Hillary Clintons private server, there were conversations among her senior advisors about this gentleman, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on Face the Nation on Sunday. Cotton was speaking about Shahram Amiri, who gave information to the U.S. about Irans nuclear program. He went onto note that he believed her lapses prove she is not capable of protecting the country. That goes to show just how reckless and careless her decision was to put that kind of highly classified information on a private server. And I think her judgment is not suited to keep this country safe, he said. Iran said on Sunday that it had indeed Amiri had been hanged for treason. Through his connection with the United States, Amiri gave vital information about the country to the enemy, a spokesman for the Iranian judiciary said. In his statement in early July declaring the FBI would not recommend Clinton be indicted for her improper use of several private email servers, Director James Comey did say that investigators believed that because they were unsecured by government agencies, she was likely hacked. With respect to potential computer intrusion by hostile actors, we did not find direct evidence that Secretary Clintons personal e-mail domain, in its various configurations since 2009, was successfully hacked. But, given the nature of the system and of the actors potentially involved, we assess that we would be unlikely to see such direct evidence, Comey said. We do assess that hostile actors gained access to the private commercial e-mail accounts of people with whom Secretary Clinton was in regular contact from her personal account. We also assess that Secretary Clintons use of a personal e-mail domain was both known by a large number of people and readily apparent, he added. She also used her personal e-mail extensively while outside the United States, including sending and receiving work-related e-mails in the territory of sophisticated adversaries. Given that combination of factors, we assess it is possible that hostile actors gained access to Secretary Clintons personal e-mail account. Cotton appears to be the first lawmaker to make the assertion that Clintons emails have directly led to the death of a strategic U.S. intelligence asset, though recently a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence suggested that Clintons servers were hacked and that data was now in the hands of competitor nations. We all live in an environment now where we see bad actors [like] the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army, the Iranians, the Russians, who all have active cyber programs to steal emails, Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., told the Washington Examiner. I think its the case for the DNC as well as for Secretary Clintons homebrew server, he added. One has to assume those bad actors are going to obtain access to those servers. So that information is available. Thats why classified information needs to never be put there. I think its almost certain that the 33,000 emails Secretary Clinton destroyed are in the possession of nation-state actors that intend to do destruction to America, Pompeo said. I think its incredibly likely. I think thats what [FBI] Director James Comey told us as well. More: NationalSecurity.news is part of USA Features Media. Italian prime minister demands that she be addressed as prime minister in masculine form Pentagon to send Ukraine new aid package worth $275 million Europe will ban sale of one type of car European Commission head announces new aid and investments for Serbia Biden calls Putin's rhetoric on nuclear weapons 'dangerous' Lukashenko on Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict: What are you fighting for in these mountains, where not even goats walk? Swedish authorities offer to create united northern army Lukashenko: Conflict issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan must be resolved now - with Ilham Aliyev Lukashenko about situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border: Where are we racing horses, where are we rushing to? Pashinyan: Armenia-Diaspora relations undergo profound substantive changes Lukashenko to Pashinyan: Sit down with Aliyev and make a decision, if you don't make it today, it will be worse Bulgarian interim government urges to speed up transition to euro zone President of Karabakh: It is necessary to unite all national potential and efforts IMF: China's sharp and uncharacteristic economic slowdown will stall growth in Asia by the end of 2023 Iran: Riots in country were planned by the intelligence services of the USA, England, Israel and the KSA Steinmeier: Ukraine war caused 'epochal break' in Germany's relations with Russia Gas prices in Europe remain high in coming years Ararat Mirzoyan and Toivo Klaar stress importance of hosting EU civilian mission in Armenia Armenia's ambassador-at-large: Daily false propaganda can't cover up Azerbaijani war crimes Taiwan MFA outraged by Putin's speech on his status and Pelosi's visit Armenia gives no response to peace treaty proposals, Bayramov says Netanyahu expects return to power after 5th Israeli election in 4 years Armenian gravestone found in Trabzon, Turkey neighborhood Pashinyan: CSTO Secretary General's report mainly reflects existing realities Azerbaijan talks possible deliveries of its gas to international Turkish hub CSTO leaders to meet in late November: Situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border will be discussed Dollar, euro continue falling in Armenia Pelosi's house attacked, her husband injured Russias Putin to have private talks with Armenias Pashinyan, Azerbaijans Aliyev Mher Grigoryan: CIS needs a new scientific and technical agreement Pentagon strategy doesn't rule out use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear threats French National Assembly plans to pass resolution proposing certain sanctions against Azerbaijan Mher Grigoryan: There are no other corridors in the trilateral statement other than Lachin's Konstantin Zatulin: Russia should have made maximum efforts so that there would be no war in Karabakh The Hill: The American people deserve to know how the war in Ukraine will end Sochi to host trilateral talks of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on October 31 Poland receives first Turkish drones Hungarian government may extend price limits on fuel and some basic foodstuffs Armenias Simonyan attends meeting of heads of EEU countries parliaments Polish general appointed as head of EU mission to train Ukrainian troops Russia MP: Karabakh status decision is in fact its Armenians safety guarantee Zatulin: West seeks to push Russia out of negotiation process at any cost Legislature head proposes to organize, under CIS auspices, return of Armenians detained in Azerbaijan Iran prevents bomb explosion in Shiraz crowded street Iraqi parliament expresses vote of confidence in new cabinet France lawmakers visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan Putin: Moscow is doing everything possible to normalize relations between Yerevan and Baku Annual shopping festival kicks off in Dubai on December 15 Lazarevsky Club: Minute of silence held in memory of fallen Russian and Armenian soldiers Bayramov and US Assistant Secretary of State discuss Yerevan-Baku relations Expansion of cooperation with Interpol is important, Armenia PM says Armenia defense minister briefs Austria envoy on situation due to recent Azerbaijan military aggression (PHOTOS) Australia can't rule out energy price caps Armenia parliament speaker: Use, threat of force undermine processes aimed at establishing peace Garo Paylan is in Yerevan Barack Obama tries to help Democrats win midterm elections Azerbaijan president, Russia first deputy PM discuss North-South transport corridor project PM Pashinyan receives France-Armenia friendship group delegation from French parliament Taiwan urges China to start talking Armen Grigoryan and Toivo Klaar discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiation process Matviyenko: Russia will continue mediation for signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty Politico: Scholz and Macron threaten U.S. trade retaliation CIS premiers sign several agreements at Kazakhstan meeting Konstantin Zatulin: Nagorno-Karabakh peoples right to self-determination must be respected Armenia legislature head: Policy of threats, coercion is unacceptable to us U.S. must strengthen its defense against growing threats from both China, Russia Karabakh ex-President: Necessary to rule out mistakes, miscalculations which will have irreversible consequences EU reaches agreement to ban new cars with internal combustion engine by 2035 Benny Gantz: Future of Israel and Turkey is promising EU Special Representative for South Caucasus arrives in Armenia Lazarevsky Club meeting underway in Yerevan, Moscow Yellen sees no sign of recession in U.S. economy in near future Cannes palm trees promenade named after Charles Aznavour Pashinyan: Armenia agrees to work on basis of main principles proposed by Russia CIS prime ministers meeting kicks off in Kazakhstan Newspaper: Karabakh people to make appeal to Armenia authorities Viking swords embedded in mound 1,200 years ago discovered in Sweden Residents of Moldova asked not to go out into street in dark Bloomberg reports fuel shortages in some parts of Europe British schoolboy writes book that became bestseller Nodar Akopov, who is charged with the July 9 murder of four members of the Armenian Kachotyan family in Vachiani village in the Akhalkalaki Region of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Province of Georgia, was not alone when committing this crime. Mrs. Armine, a relative of the slain family, on Friday told about the aforementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am. She said the law enforcement has a reason to believe that, on that night, Akopov had not broken into the Kachotyan house unaccompanied. Even though he maintains that he had acted alone, investigation has revealed new suspects. Mrs. Armine also noted that Nodars mother had telephoned the relatives of the Kachotyan family one week ago, and stated that the relatives of her sons wife had committed this murder. Nodar Akopov is under arrest. As reported earlier, four members of the Kachotyan familythe 37-year-old mother as well as her 5-, 13-, and 18-year-old childrenwere found dead in their home in the aforesaid village in Javakheti, by their relatives, on July 10. Javakheti is a predominantly-Armenian-populated part of Georgias southeastern Samtskhe-Javakheti Province. According to preliminary information, the assailant had killed the mother and her daughters with a blunt instrument, whereas strangled the boy to death. The table and chairs of the house were lying on the floor, and the house was sooty with smoke. The father of the family, Vaghinak Kachotyan, was in Russia as a migrant worker. To note, a newly opened Turkish-Georgian border checkpoint is nearby the said primarily-Armenian-populated village. During talks with their Turkish counterparts, Russian diplomats and military officials demanded the closure of the Turkish-Syrian border, Izvestia newspaper of Russia reported citing its sources. We, naturally, raised the matter of closing the Turkish-Syrian border so we may stop the flow of terrorists and weapons, said Viktor Vodolatskiy, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Russian State Duma. We can present to the Turkish side the satellite photos of the places whereby the flow of militants and weapons takes place. According to Izvestia, Turkey is already considering the possibility of closing its border with Syria. There is no room left to maneuver for the Turkish negotiators, noted Igor Morozov, member of the International Committee of the Russian Federation Council. Along with that, they apparently are poised toward resolving contentious issues. Hence, they have to comply with our condition to close the border. An employee of the Turkish embassy in Bangladesh has fled to Russia on suspicion of involvement in the recent coup attempt in Turkey, the Daily Star reported citing diplomatic sources. Another embassy employee, charge daffaires of the diplomatic mission, has gone into hiding in the US. The diplomat was among the three Turkish embassy employees whom Ankara had recalled, according to RIA Novosti news agency of Russia. Two of them, including Charge Daffaires Ahmet Gurbuz, have moved to the US. And the diplomat who left for Russia took his whole family with him. Sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh informed that Ankara has canceled the diplomatic passports of these three Turkish diplomats. A group of military servicemen attempted a coup in Turkey, from late night on July 15 to early morning on July 16, but it failed. The main confrontations took place in capital city Ankara and in Istanbul. A total of 246 people died as a result of the clashes. YEREVAN. The Armenian and Russian presidents meeting Wednesday in Moscow contains negative and perilous importance, political scientist Hayk Martirosyan said at a press conference on Friday. He stated that the matter of handing territories over to Azerbaijan was discussed during this talk. There is numerous information on what the talks were actually about, said Martirosyan. And in this context, any meeting is destructive for us [i.e. the Armenian party in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]. The analyst added that these negotiations will lead to a situation where an armed attack will occur, and the Armenian party will hand over lands not by a signature, but under the simulation of war. A delegation of U.S. experts will visit Turkey on August 22 to discuss issues related to extradition of Fethullah Gulen, Turkeys Justice Ministry Bekir Bozdag stated. The U.S. are legally obliged to extradite Gulen, if not, it would turn out that they prefer friendship with Gulen to friendship with Turkey, Bozdag said. Bozdag noted that the U.S. delegation consisting of representatives of Ministry of Justice and one representative of the State Department will arrive to Turkey on August 22, TRT channel reported. According to the minister, the whole world is following the subject of the extradition of Gulen as hundreds were killed and more than 2,500 were injured because of his actions, TASS reported. Gulen lives in the U.S. since 1999. According to the statements of Ankara, the military coup attempt was made by members of terrorist Moscow police are searching for the several youth who on Friday stabbed and killed two people and injured another person outside a beer store in the Russian capital city. The crime might have been committed on grounds of national intolerance. Three youth, who were on the scene of the incident at around 5am, were drunk, reported Moskovskiy Komsomolets, a Moscow-based newspaper. And they were wearing heavy army boots. The beer store owner, Armenian citizen Lev Kamalyan, 69, was sitting in front of his store. The aggressive youth approached him, provoked an argument, whereupon one of them stabbed him in the heart. Kamalyan died on the spot. The second victim of these criminals was the store visitor, Kyrgyzstan resident Nurik Munduzov, 36, whom they also stabbed and killed. A 29-year-old motorcyclist by the name of Aleksandr was the eyewitness to this incident. He had approached these young men in an attempt to hold them back, but he was wounded. According to preliminary data, these criminals may be skinheads. YEREVAN. - The daily rally in support of Sasna Tsrer armed group, which had seized Erebuni police station for fifteen days, has kicked of in Yerevans Liberty Square. Leader of the Union for National Self-Determination (UNSD) Paruyr Hayrikyan and freedom fighter Gagik Sarukhanyan are also in the square, Armenian News - NEWS.am correspondent reports. Member of Armenias Founding Parliament radical opposition group Alec Yenikomshian, who was released several days ago, is also expected to turn up. The citizens gathered in the Liberty Square have brought with them the flags of Armenia, as well as banners reading No to Russian imperialism, Lets save our country from tyrant robbers, Nations have and will most suffer from their dregs, etc. The organizers do not yet know whether the rally will be followed by a march. The Elie Wiesel Network for the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities and against genocide denial was initiated by the European Grassroots Antiracist Movement and its manifesto was signed by 184 parliamentarians from national parliaments and the European Parliament, coming from 32 countries. The manifesto reads: Syria, Iraq, Darfur, Burundi,... The intolerable list of mass atrocities that are committed before our eyes, some of which could develop into genocides, is long. Simultaneously, we are witnessing a rise in genocide denial across our continent, through political parties as well as through a certain popular culture, in varying forms: denial or reversal of facts, relativism, confusion, competition of victims, As late Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel teaches us: the executioner always kills twice, the second time through silence : genocide denial is the continuation of genocide. So getting involved in genocide and mass atrocities prevention and against genocide denial is one and the same movement. It is about preserving a fundamental value, life, and a commitment that transcends community or national identities and partisan divides. It concerns us all. Members of parliaments have an ability to take action, thus hold a special responsibility. This responsibility obliges us to act. Therefore, coming from various backgrounds and beyond the disagreements that sometimes divide us, we unite, in the name of our shared humanity, in preventing genocide and mass atrocities and fighting against genocide denial. Through a universalist approach, we will act to ensure that concern for the Other prevails over indifference, truth over lie, knowledge over ignorance, solidarity over selfishness, life over destruction. We get involved to prevent genocide and mass atrocities in cooperation with the various international, regional and national organizations, both governmental and of civil society, working on it, in order to ensure that the Responsibility to Protect is implemented with rigor and efficiency. Concretely, we will first take part in the documentation of facts, in particular with our presence on the ground. We will inform and warn the general public as well as our governments, the European, regional and international institutions and the other parliaments about at risk situations. We will also act to make sure that these institutions, starting with our governments, resolutely commit themselves to putting an end to all potentially genocidal situations, wherever they may take place in the world. Finally, we will work to put in place within institutions, starting with our parliaments, mechanisms to monitor at risk situations and to intervene to prevent mass atrocities or stop those already taking place. Our commitment against the denial of genocide, as defined by the 1948 UN Convention and recognized by international institutions and the academic world, will spread in several different ways. By engaging in public debate to flush out and fight the various expressions of genocide denial, and by elaborating laws when it represents the most efficient tool. Disseminating knowledge allows to push genocide denial back. As a consequence, we will ensure that historians are able to work with utmost freedom, especially by working for an open access to all concerned archives and by supporting research in this domain. Education and transmission are fundamental to our shared fight. Knowledge of the histories and memories of genocides will offer current and future generations an openness to the world, attention to the Other, a greater lucidity, and will contribute to a shared culture of human rights. With this perspective, we will take part in the commemorations of genocides in the places where they took place or with the authorities representing the victims. With solidarity, we will support the survivors, the Righteous people, the resistance fighters, as well as their descendants, for the effects of genocide spread with generations. Likewise, we will organize actions dedicated to transmission within our parliaments and we will support those organized by civil society and by other public institutions. Lastly, we will act to ensure that the histories and memories of genocides are accurately incorporated into school curricula and we will support the development of their studies in the academic world. Primo Levi said: It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. This can happen, and everywhere. For our generations as well as for the following ones, our vigilance and commitment will be unfailing. MELBOURNE, Florida An unidentified man was struck and killed by a train just after 5 p.m. on Thursday near the 900 block of Sunset Drive in Melbourne, Florida. No details were given as to why the man was on the railroad tracks when he was struck by the locomotive. Brevard County Fire Rescue units were initially called to the accident, but later canceled after the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. A person or vehicle is struck by a train every 3 hours in the U.S., according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportations. Over 200 fatalities and nearly 1000 injuries are caused by those train strikes each year. The following safety tips are provided by Operation Lifesaver, a train safety organization: The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined. Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine. If you are in a rail yard uninvited by a railroad official you are trespassing and subject to criminal prosecution; you could be injured or killed in a busy rail yard. It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time. Railroad property is private property. For your safety, it is illegal to be there unless you are at a designated public crossing. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions; loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train. Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions. Flashing red lights indicate a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing, and DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and its safe to do so. Do not hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges! Never walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels. Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life. Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any Time is Train Time! Map credit: Google Maps For most of her life, 19-year-old Jordan Stinchcombs parents thought she had cerebral palsy. Jordan was born by emergency Cesarean section with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, and had to be resuscitated. Her parents assumed that lack of blood flow and oxygen at birth had damaged her brain, causing her inability to walk and speak. Pam and Tony Stinchcomb, who live in Hoschton, Georgia, had two more children, Jenna and Jake, who were born without similar difficulties. Then when Jordan was 13, her youngest sister Jessie was born, after an almost perfect pregnancy. We knew something was not right, says Pam, a physical therapist. She cried for the first six months and would scream if we put her on her stomach. Jessie missed early milestones such as being able to roll over or sit up by herself. At around six months of age, she started wheezing because of an airway restriction. Her parents thought they saw hints that Jessie was experiencing seizures, which Jordan had started having at age 11. They decided to seek help and an explanation. Jessie in her adaptive tricycle Neurologists they consulted suspected Jessie had a congenital condition: perhaps Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that mainly affects girls, or a mitochondrial disorder. A muscle biopsy and other invasive procedures were performed. Months went by, while tests for known diseases came back negative. When the Stinchcombs were referred to Emory, they encountered a delay when a respected geneticist who specialized in rare disorders, Paul Fernhoff, associate professor of human genetics and pediatrics and the medical director of human genetics at Emory University Hospital, died unexpectedly. When medical geneticist Michael Gambello arrived at Emory from Houston in 2012, he recommended that the family proceed with whole exome sequencing for Jessie. It wasnt a difficult decision. At that time, whole exome sequencing was emerging as a powerful technique for finding the mutations that might be responsible for a disease that looks like an inherited condition, when tests for known genetic disorders have not proven helpful. Several weeks later, the Emory Genetics Laboratory, under the direction of Madhuri Hegde, found something, but it needed additional confirmation. Gambello asked whether Jordans DNA could also be tested. Pam and Tony were surprised, since they had thought Jordans condition was caused by the circumstances of her birth. It made sense 19 years ago, Pam says. Until Jessie was born, we never had a need to look for anything else. Gambello told the Stinchcombs about the sequencing results, but he was able to tell them little about the disease or Jessies prognosis. Pam Stinchcomb recalls the conversation going something like this: Weve learned that your daughter has N-glycanase-1 deficiency. Its only been identified recently. What is that? We really dont know. There is another patient reported in the medical literature, who has symptoms almost identical to Jessie. The disorder was not something doctors were familiar with, even geneticists who deal with rare diseases. At that point, there was one publication out there describing a single patient with NGLY1 deficiency, Gambello says. It could have been wrong. But we had two affected siblings, and the parents were carriers. N-glycanase 1 is an enzymepart of a complex apparatus that processes proteins that cell biologists have studied for years in the laboratory. However, it was highly unusual for doctors to see not one, but two living patients in the same family who appeared to lack this enzyme. Coincidentally, shortly after talking with the Stinchcombs, Gambello received an email from a genetic counselor he had worked with in Houston, seeking advice for another family with a child with NGLY1 deficiency. From this communication, he and the Stinchcombs learned about several other children around the world with the same genetic deficiency, whose cases had not yet been published in medical journals. Several of the affected families share the same exact genetic mutation in the NGLY1 genes, even though the families do not appear to be related, beyond sharing European ancestry. This may indicate a founder effect reaching back many generations. Having felt isolated and alone, the families were hungry for information from the medical community and from each other. Its hard enough for your child to have a chronic or debilitating condition, let alone one that doctors are stumped by. One of the fathers, Matt Might, a computer scientist at the University of Utah, wanted to find other families dealing with the same challenges. After an odyssey of diagnostic missteps led to the identification of NGLY1 deficiency in his son, Bertrand, Might wrote the essay Hunting down my sons killer on his personal website. Aside from severe jaundice, Bertrand was normal at birth, Might writes. For two months, he developed normally. At three months, his development slowed, but it was within normal variations. By six months, he had little to no motor control. He seemed, as we described it, jiggly. Something was wrong. With his post amplified by social media sites like Reddit, over the next year the Mights found nine other families with a child with NGLY1 deficiency. Any hopes of impeaching the Speaker of the House of Reps., Yakubu Dogara, over accusations of alleged padding of the 2016 budget seem quite impossible now, as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, on Wednesday disclosed that more than 340 of the members of the House are in support of the Speaker. Abonta recalled that in light of what happened to a previous Speaker, Patricia Etteh, who was removed over allegations of graft, only to be cleared of any wrongdoing years later, people should be wary when such calls for impeachment are made. He said Speaker Dogara could not please all 360 members of the House of Reps., as he was only human. The Abia State lawmaker made his comments while responding to questions from journalists in Abuja. Abonta said he had not seen any register which about 260 members reportedly signed to pass a vote of confidence on the speaker. He, however, noted that "I am sure that less than 10 members are the ones against him, meaning that 90% or more stand with Dogara". He argued that going by feelers from members that could be confirmed, the 8th House under Speaker Dogara, had largely been peaceful and highly productive after the initial skirmishes that followed the election of presiding officers. "Looking at the output of the 8th House, you can understand that majority of members enjoyed, and are still enjoying the leadership style of Dogara, notwithstanding our differences at take-off. "Until the so called padding, Dogara had no issue in the House. I'm from Abia State, I have not seen the register, but I can say authoritatively that no member from Abia will sign against him (Dogara), we all love Dogara. It is true he is human, he may have his shortcomings, but we all love him. "Dogara has maintained a cool, level-head leadership, so no need for change of leadership. He cannot please 360 people, and nobody is perfect. Those who are aggrieved should use in-house mechanism to address issues. He cannot place everybody where they want to be." While receiving the United Nations Population Fund's Executive Director and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari said as a result of the sharp drop in the price of oil, Nigeria had suddenly become a poor country. The President however said the prudent manner his administration had been handling the nation's resources had made it impossible for people to know of the severe shortage in the country. According to Buhari, a commitment to transparency and accountability was serving the Government in good stead, despite the severe shortage. President Buhari's comments were contained in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina He said, "It has been a very difficult year for Nigeria. Before we came to office, petroleum sold for about $100 per barrel. Then it crashed to $37, and now oscillates between $40 and $45 per barrel. "Suddenly, we're a poor country, but commitment to transparency and accountability is not making people know that there is severe shortage." Asking UNFPA to bear with Nigeria in whichever area the country could not live up to its responsibilities for now, Buhari said exploding population and different cultural practices in the country provided fertile ground for research to organisations like UNFPA. The President thanked the UN agency for its commitment to saving lives in Nigeria, particularly of women and children. On food security, Buhari said reports from the North-East of the country were encouraging, as people were returning to their farmlands, with the guarantee of relative security. In his remarks, Prof. Osotimehin, a former Minister of Health, said the UNFPA was determined to promote health care facilities across Nigeria, noting that reduction of maternal mortality was doable, if the country paid more attention to access to health facilities, and human resources to run them. He also encouraged Nigeria to be committed to providing resources for health care, on a rollover basis, pledging that the UN would work with the country to provide humanitarian assistance not only in the North-East, "but even extended to the Lake Chad basin." 01:19 Anti-racism organisations and human rights groups vowed on Friday to overturn a "deeply worrying" ban on the wearing of burkinis, full-body swimsuits, on the beaches of Cannes, the French Riviera resort famous for its annual film festival. Cannes' mayor David Lisnard signed off on the ruling that "access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have (bathing apparel) which respects good customs and secularism," which is a founding principle of the French republic. SOS Racisme attacked what it said was the mayor's "strategy of tension". An umbrella organisation of groups against Islamophobia, the CCIF, said it was "deeply worried" about the ban, which it viewed as "a new attack on the most basic principles of law". It said it was planning to oppose the ban in the courts. The ban also came under fire from the Socialist Party, who are in opposition to the centre-right Republicans who control Cannes. The local Socialist branch said the burkini ban was an attempt at grabbing headlines which would "play into the hands of religious fundamentalists". Thierry Migoule, head of municipal services in Cannes, sought to clarify the intent of the burkini ban, which is in place until August 31. "We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach... but ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us," he said. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] "Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour," Modi told an all-party meeting convened to find ways to defuse tension in the Kashmir Valley. Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters that the Prime Minister urged the participants at the meeting to "expose Pakistan's atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan". --IANS ruwa-sar/mr ( 91 Words) 2016-08-12-18:06:21 (IANS) India suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after gunmen attacked an Indian air base at Pathankot in January. India had blamed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group for the attack. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan's Foreign Secretary would write a letter to his Indian counterpart to extend a formal invitation for the talks. He told the media that Pakistan would invite India for the Kashmir talks despite the stalled Composite Dialogue process between the two countries. Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since their independence in 1947. Sartaj Aziz said a recent conference of Pakistani envoys also focused on relations with India. "The Envoys Conference noted that India's policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia," Aziz said. The conference vowed to continue diplomatic, political and moral support to "the Kashmiri movement for self-determination". The advisor said Kashmir would be on top of the agenda of Pakistan during the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan had written to the UN Human Rights Council on "human rights violations" in the Kashmir Valley and the council had conveyed to India that it wants to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir. India had accused Pakistan of interfering in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir following the mass protests that engulfed the Kashmir Valley after the July 8 killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. --IANS ahm/mr ( 272 Words) 2016-08-12-20:04:02 (IANS) The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has said that Islamabad could not ask the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to intervene in the matter of Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia. "Pakistan is not in a position to file a case against Saudi Arabia or write to the ILO because Jeddah can expel them with a single order," Dawn online on Friday quoted Khizar Hayat Khan, Secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, as saying. Hayat Khan made the statement while speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Baz Mohammad Khan. Hayat Khan said the matter had been taken up with the Saudi government. Earlier, a Foreign Affairs Ministry official said 10,395 Pakistanis, who were moved to 20 camps, were facing financial problems due to not being paid by their respective companies. He said the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia was providing food to the stranded persons and paying them 200 Saudi riyals each. Hayat Khan also said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had allocated a Rs 500 million fund for the stranded people and their families in Pakistan were being paid Rs 50,000. However, Senator Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif said the workers were sent under an agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and international labour laws were applicable in this case. "The issue has been going on for nine months and the government took no interest in it. The government can write to the ILO and ask it to play its role in addressing the matter," he said. "Labour is sent under an agreement and Pakistani law provides full protection to workers. The Federal Investigation Agency should be directed to investigate why these workers were allowed to go to Saudi Arabia without the companies' financial position being scrutinised," he said. He suggested that the funds for the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation should be used to help the stranded people because the foundation was funded by overseas Pakistanis but "does nothing other than build housing societies". --IANS py/dg ( 347 Words) 2016-08-12-16:56:03 (IANS) Mumbai, Aug.12 (ANI-Businesswire India): HostGator India, an Endurance International Group brand and leading provider of shared, reseller and Virtual Private Server hosting solutions, has announced its support for 'Make In India' with the launch of 'Host In India,' an initiative for Indian businesses. Indian brands that are looking to establish their online presence can enhance their overall marketability through deploying Indian web hosting services powered by geo-based hosting from GPX- India's leading tier IV datacentre for faster website loading time and 99.99% uptime guarantee. Through this initiative, HostGator India aims to drive adoption of local hosting solutions amongst web designers, developers, bloggers, startups, enterprise businesses, application hosts and ecommerce sites that experience high traffic in India. Customers will have access to local language support with trained staff fluent in popular regional languages as well as the option to make transactions in local currency. 'Host In India' works in-sync with the 'Make in India', 'Startup India' and 'Digital India' initiatives of the Government of India, which are aimed at digitally and technologically empowering our economy. Through local geo-hosting in India, customers will be able to boost their website latency speed in comparison to sites hosted in the United States, leading to minimal lag and quicker load times. "India represents a tremendous growth opportunity for HostGator India considering that we've been quite focused on enabling startups, SMBs and new ventures to establish themselves online efficiently," said Shashank Mehrotra, Managing Director, Endurance India. "The government of India has been making efforts towards enabling local language content and developing the digital ecosystem so that even non-English citizens can communicate online in their native language. We are thrilled to contribute to the Indian government's initiatives like 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' by imparting a local flavour in the digital ecosystem with the 'Host In India' initiative." The major features of the Host In India initiative include: 1. Localized geo-hosting (GPX): GPX is the leading tier IV datacenter in India and offers a 99.99% uptime certified facility so that HostGator India's servers are as close as possible to website visitors, leading to faster loading time for the site. Hosting in India also augments the paid and organic marketing efforts of brands. 2. Local currency, local payments: The initiative provides the option to make transactions in Indian Rupee (INR), ensuring that all proceeds from the transaction remain unaffected by fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Moreover, the initiative supports multiple modes of payments including NEFT, RTGS, NET banking, bank deposits and credit and debit cards. HostGator India has partnered with PayTM for this initiative. The partnership aims to leverage PayTM's Wallet and Payment Gateway Services for ease of use and convenience for Indian consumers. 3. Local support: HostGator India remains committed to providing 24/7 support, which is available through phone, chat, tickets, email and social media platforms. Its support staff is trained to help customers in Hindi, English and a host of other regional languages. With approximately 80% of customers reported being satisfied with HostGator India and the services it provides, the company is constantly working to improve and refine that service and support and achieve its goal of becoming the world leader in the global web hosting market. HostGator India has received numerous awards and reviews across the board for their services. (ANI-Businesswire India) When asked about his marriage plans, Sushant said: "First let me find a girl then, I will get married after that." Reportedly, the actor is dating his "Raabta" co-star Kriti Sanon. However, Kriti has dismissed these rumours. When asked Sushant about his reaction on Kriti's statement, he said: "She always speaks the truth and whatever she has said is right." --IANS Uma/sku/ ( 105 Words) 2016-08-12-04:16:06 (IANS) Prime Ministers give several speeches in a year but that one special speech which the nation pays special attention to is the one given from the Red Fort on Independence Day. This year India celebrates its 70th year of independence from colonial rule. The seventieth year in a marriage is called a Platinum anniversary. Quite naturally the pressure on Prime Minister Modi must be quite great to make this speech, a speech that outshines his earlier ones. It is toward this end that Mr. Modi invited citizens who have been interacting through Man ki baat and MyGov platforms to give him suggestions on what they would like to hear in the Independence Day speech. It is a democratic way of choosing topics for a crucial speech. I am certainly looking forward to listening to the Prime Minister's speech. I have had the good fortune to listen to the Independence Day speeches given by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru since the fifties. I joined government service when the country was newly independent and looked for guidance from the Prime Minister for almost everything. He was like a patriarchal figure to a young India that needed a lot of handholding. Prime Minister Nehru met with thousands of common people individually. Security was hardly an issue. Prime Ministers had not yet been assassinated. Terrorism had not yet taken root in the country. Prime Minister Nehru's speech were inspiring, to say the least. He spoke about his vision for India as it took its baby steps. He provided the healing touch it needed, recovering from the trauma of partition, from cyclic droughts and famines, still trying to find a place in the comity of nations. My task those years on Independence Day was to shepherd photographers and journalists into the media enclosure atop the Red Fort. The sight from there is breathtaking and no photographer ever tired of clicking umpteen number of pictures of Chandni Chowk and the Prime Minister on Independence Day. Remember those days there were no digital cameras and film was expensive. I was not posted in Delhi when Lal Bahadur Shastri addressed the nation from the Red Fort. But I heard the broadcast on radio. His voice quivered and did not have the same command over diction and delivery that Nehru did. But Shastri made up with the conviction in his words. He sounded gentle and convincing. And India needed that, recovering from the wounds of the India-China war. The nation had just faced a conflict in Kutch and there was trouble brewing in Jammu and Kashmir. By the time Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister, I returned to Delhi and became Public Relations Officer of the Indian Army. Since I had done the job of handling the media at the Red Fort earlier, I was again entrusted with this responsibility. Back to the Red Fort, a new batch of photographers who displayed the same awe and excitement on being up there listening to the Prime Minister. This time, from the daughter of India's first Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi was very particular about what she was going to speak about in her 15th August speech. In particular she consulted her Information advisor H.Y. Sharada Prasad. They were eventful years when India faced problems like influx of millions of refugees from East Pakistan. She was a wartime Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi did not want a blot of a failed military operation on her watch. She had seen what it did to her father. She led the nation to a victory in 1971 against Pakistan. Many gave her the title of Durga, the warrior goddess. That soon reflected in her demeanour and speeches. She seemed unvanquishable But then came the Allahabad High Court judgment which declared that her election to Parliament was invalid and a national emergency was declared on 25th June 1975. In the early hours of August 15th of the same year, even as Indira Gandhi was giving final touches to her Independence Day speech came the news that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been assassinated in Dhaka and a coup had taken place in the country that Indira had helped create. Indira Gandhi's face that day at Red Fort looked like it had been carved in stone. Indira Gandhi lost power in 1977 and a new kind of government came into power. The Lohiaites under Prime Minister Morarji Desai promised to overturn all the ills of the Emergency and make socialism the cornerstone of Indian democracy. His speech was about collective responsibility but Morarjibhai was hardly an orator, much less a people's person. Charan Singh was Prime Minister of India from July 1979 to January 1980. The uncharitable joke those days was that all he wanted was to address the nation from the Red Fort. It didn't matter that he would never be able to deliver what he promised. He lasted in office for a mere 24 days, which was followed by him being a caretaker Prime Minister. . Just enough time to deliver the famed address to the nation from the Red Fort. The farmer leader was the only Prime Minister of India who never faced the Lok Sabha. Indira Gandhi returned to power. She was succeeded by her son Rajiv Gandhi. By this time, I had become Principal Information Officer to the government of India. I saw the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office and the inputs that went into the Prime Minister's address to the nation on 15th August. It was no longer my job to shepherd the press, I had a chair of my own! Initially Rajiv betrayed shyness in his speeches. But his confidence grew with landmark legislations and peace accords that he signed. The Punjab Accord, Assam Accord and Mizo Accord were feathers in his cap. Rajiv spoke about a technological revolution. He spoke about computers and drew a lot of derision from politicians who were moribund in the politics of the 70's. Even the bureaucracy was skeptical of Rajiv's hurry in changing the way things were done. But the Bofors scandal broke the back of the Congress government and the confidence of the young Prime Minister. The Congress Party lost the elections in 1989 V.P. Singh, who was Rajiv's finance minister, succeeded Rajiv Gandhi. Singh was the new Mr. Clean who promised to erase corruption. But like Morarji Desai, V.P Singh's speeches were lacklustre. Faced by an agitation led by Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, he announced the decision to implement the Mandal Committee report in his Independence Day address. The Mandal agitation did to V.P. Singh what the Bofors did to Rajiv. It broke their spirit. And that was evident in his public interactions. V.P. Singh's successor Chandrashekar who was also a Lohiaite did not last long enough to address the nation from the Red Fort. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated and following a sympathy wave for the Congress, the next Prime Minister to address the nation from Red Fort was Narasimha Rao. I interacted very closely with Narasimha Rao when he was Prime Minister. The staff in the Prime Minister's Office had prepared many point papers on what should go into his Independence Day speech. But he remarked, "These papers are like chalk". Narasimha Rao ignored the drafts and focused instead on topics such as liberalization of the economy and food for work programme. A polyglot, the Andhra born Rao spoke Hindi fluently. He was no orator but he steered the country through tough times and ushered in economic reforms, while battling the Congress party's internal politics. Rao was succeeded by a short spell of a Vajpayee government, which fell before the Independence Day speech. Deve Gowda the next Prime Minister of India had famously said that he could never be elected as PM because he couldn't speak Hindi. And once he did become PM on June 1st 1996, Gowda promised to learn Hindi so that his Independence Day speech would be delivered in Hindi, though no such hard and fast rule existed. The story goes that Gowda's speech was written in Kannada script and delivered in Hindi. Nobody quite cared what Gowda had to say. He didn't quite make it to the next Independence Day. Inder Kumar Gujral became Prime Minister on 21st April 1997 for a period of eleven months. Gujral too was not an impressive orator. An NDA government was sworn in on 19th March 1998, this time with Atal Behari Vajpayee as Prime Minister who would complete his full five-year term. The long pauses in Vajpayee's speeches were legendary but his connect with his audience was also exemplary. Vajpayee was a Prime Minister who quite like Narasimha Rao thought out of the box. His bus ride to Lahore and his peace moves in Kashmir were examples of courage of conviction. Vajpayee was also a wartime Prime Minister, having led the country to victory in the Kargil war. But there was no chest thumping that was visible. Vajpayee looked and felt betrayed by Pakistan. He had led India to believe that Pakistan had changed. It hadn't. He was followed by Dr Manmohan Singh on 22nd May 2004. Dr Singh had a tough act to follow. How was one to better a much-loved poet Prime Minister? Singh had an answer: by being one of the longest serving Prime Ministers in the country. Two successive terms as Prime Minister of the largest democracy in the world, Singh did not enjoy giving speeches. He read from prepared texts, and the speeches were formal in nature. Singh addressed the nation nine times from the Red Fort. No mean achievement from a man who did not see himself as a politician. In 2014, Narendra Modi who has rewritten the rules of Independence Day speeches succeeded him. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, he spoke about cleanliness and the need to build toilets in the country. It shocked many of us who had fallen into a comfort zone of what to expect in PM speeches. This will be Modi's third address from the Red Fort. By now he will have to tell us what he thinks are his government's achievements in the past two years and what he intends to do in the next three years, in response to suggestions he has received through the social media. Mr. I. Ramamohan Rao is a former Principal Information Officer of the Government of India. He can be reached on his e-mail raoramamohan@hotmail.com (ANI) The left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in Puducherry would organize a demonstration in front of Pondicherry Central University (PCU) on August 19 to stress unity among the students of the University to ensure democracy in education and institutions, right to expression and to give rise to new society without discriminations. Addressing a press conference here today, CPI state secretary R Viswanathan said that the party, Communist party of India (Marxist),Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) held a meeting here yesterday and discussed about the situation prevailing in the University after the publication of the students council magazine"wider stand". In the meeting it was decided to organize a campaign on the issue on August 18 and hold a demonstration on the next day. Mr.Viswanathan alleged that after the release of the magazine in which a State Minister Shajahan had also participated, the BJP with it's agenda to have control in all the Central Universities and to impose their policies had created a conflict among the students. He said that the new education policy is against the poor which deprive them of education, reservation and added imposition of Sanskri is to saffronise the education. Mr Viswanathan also said that the introduction of the National Enterance and Eligibility Test (NEET) for medical courses will affect the rural students. Burning the magazine, removal of Chief Editor, and the dean were against the right to expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India ,he said. He also demanded 25 percent reservation for local students in the university and also reservation for SC/ST in PG courses. Asked about the BJP's demand to remove the Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Anisa Basheer Khan, Mr Viswanathan said it is a part of the BJP's agenda that RSS people only should be the Vice-Chancellors of the central universities. The CPI leader asked the Chief Minister to make public the government and party stand on the new education policy, NEET and the affairs of the University.UNI PAB CS 1157 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-883914.Xml Puducherry government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Government on "Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana"(UDAY) and 24x7 Power for All ". An official statement here today said, Puducherry Power Secretary Sunderavadivelu signed the documents in New Delhi on August 10 in the presence of Minister of State (IC) for power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal. A tripartiate agreement was also signed by Mr.K Mathivanan, Superintending Engineer 1, Electricity Department, Puducherry with the Power Finance Corporation on behalf of Union Ministry of Power for implementation of the "Integrated Power Development Scheme"(IPDS) in the Union Territory. Under the UDAY scheme, the MoU paves way for improving operational efficiency in the Electricity Department.The scheme mainly focussed on upgrading the distribution system and conducting of energy audit and accounting, thereby reducing the AT&C loss, allocation of low cost power from NTPC and other CPSUs, provision of additional priority funding to the government's schemes already under implementation in the UT, and implementation of demand side management. An overall Net benefit of approximately Rs. 378 crore would accrue to the UT by opting to participate in UDAY, by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses, intervention in energy efficiency during the period of turn around ending 2019. The ultimate benefit of signing the MoU will go to the people of Puducherry, the statement said, adding that the reduced level of AT&C losses would mean lesser cost per unit of electricity to the consumers. Further,availability of cheaper power round the clock would promote industries, thereby, improving employment opportunities for the people here. The 24x7 power for All, is a joint initiative of the government of India and state governments/Ut administrations with an objective to provide 24x7 power availability to all households, industries, commercial establishments by 2019.The document contains various financial models to wipe out the accumulated loss by the end of the financial year 2019 and and to reduce the AT&C loss from 16.94 percent in 2014-5 to 10 percent by 2018-19, with approximate investment of 275 crores in various works.The document would also help in securing loans from government of India and other financial institutions. The IPDS scheme covers various sub- transmission and distribution and metering works in three towns of Puducherry region, one town in karaikal and the entire regions of Mahe and yanam at a cost of Rs.21.63 crore. Implementation of the scheme will result in accurate and reliable energy accounting. Improved availability of electricity to new consumers, improved quality of power to existing consumers besides reduction of AT&C loss, the statement said.UNI PAB CS 1236 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-883995.Xml Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said that it is up to India to decide what its position will be on the South China Sea dispute. When asked whether he would like to make any statement on China seeking support from India on the South China Sea dispute, Yi said, "It is up to India to decide what position to take." Yi will be meeting his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj today and tomorrow. Both are expected to hold talks on various issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming multilateral meetings viz., G-20 Summit being held in China and BRICS Summit being held in India. Foreign Minister Wang last visited India in June 2014. Both Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Sushma Swaraj have been meeting regularly on the margins of multilateral meetings. Most recently, they had met in Moscow during the Russia-India-China trilateral meeting in April 2016. However, according to a report in China's state-owned Global Times, Foreign Minister Yi may also use his visit to New Delhi to acquire a perspective and an assessment of Prime Minister's Modi's prior visits to Vietnam and Laos before landing in Hangzhou for participation in the G-20, ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, which could provide a greater insight into India's "Look East-Act East" policy, as also New Delhi's stand on the ongoing South China Sea (SCS) territorial dispute following the July 12, 2016 verdict of the international tribunal in favour of The Philippines. According to the report, Beijing is viewing Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam rather closely, given that Hanoi is also a party in the SCS dispute and has also staked a maritime and rich energy resource claim to use of its waters. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam on September 2 and 3 to hold bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese leadership, including President Tr?n ?i Quang and Premier Nguy?n Xun Phcon, will be centered on boosting bilateral trade, energy cooperation, oil exploration, defence ties, as also discussions on regional issues of mutual interest to both nations, which could focus on concerns over reported Chinese aggression in the SCS, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan in 2015 and his interaction with Premier Nguy?n Xun Phcon in Delhi. Last year's joint vision statement issued by India and the United States with regard to developments in the Asia-Pacific region could also figure in the talks in Hanoi. As far as the territorial dispute related to the SCS is concerned, New Delhi has been a firm advocate of the "Right to Freedom of Navigation for all six countries located in its vicinity i.e. Brunei, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines and Vietnam. India could use this visit to Vietnam to state that China must consider not militarizing or blocking navigation on and through the South China Sea (SCS). Interacting with media in New Delhi recently, Vietnam's Ambassador to India Sin Thanh appreciated India's position on the South China Sea dispute, and said, "We do not welcome any militarisation in the region but welcome constructive engagement by other countries to make situation peaceful." There are reports in the media that India could take the talks related to offering Vietnam Indo-Russian manufactured Brahmos cruise missiles and other military hardware such as T-54/55 tanks and Mi7/8 helicopters during Prime Minister Modi's visit forward. Government run Chinese media has said that India should not get entangled in the SCS dispute. (ANI) Leading IT services provider HCL Infosystems today said it has won the CMO Asia Award for Brand Excellence in Telecom Services Sector at a ceremony held in Singapore.This recognition was conferred on HCL Infosystems for providing excellent end-to-end support services for various product categories across locations in India, the company said in a statement.On receiving this recognition, P Seshachalam, Vice President, HCL Infosystems Ltd said, "We are honoured to receive the prestigious CMO Brand Excellence. This award is a testimony to the legacy of our service excellence and exceptional after-sales support to customers for telecom services."He said, "With one of the largest service networks across the country, providing end-to-end support services, we are a partner of choice for leading various IT, Telecom and Consumer Electronics OEMs."HCL has tied up with leading OEM players in digital products to offer after sales warranty service support across India on wide array of products Mobile Phones, Smart Phones, Tablets, Laptop, Desktop, Printers, TV and other consumer electronics & lifestyle products. UNI ASH ADG 1535 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-884270.Xml The United Kingdom will share its skills and expertise to drive forward India's vision for new smart cities and boost opportunities for new businesses, UK International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced today. On the first day of her visit to India, Patel met with the Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu. She said that the UK's support for India's urban development will generate new job opportunities for India's poorest, strengthening the UK-India partnership that was set out during Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to the UK last year. Patel said: "I am here meeting my Ministerial counterparts to make sure that the UK's skills and expertise ?in areas like finance, job creation and infrastructure are used to support Prime Minister Modi's ambitious plans for the economic ? development of India's great and burgeoning cities." She added, "We will help India to make its urbanisation work and make cities real engines of growth ?by boosting business and creating employment -not least by ensuring British businesses are aware of the opportunities that exist for them by getting involved in this ambitious work." "It's by working together on long-term projects like this and involving the private sector that we will take our strong partnership to the next level to deliver prosperity, investment opportunities and growth for both India and the UK." The UK support announced by Patel will come from the UK's Department for International Development and includes technical support for India's 'Smart Cities Mission' which will see British expertise boost urban development in India by helping plan, design and build smart cities, which will in turn create jobs, growth and prosperity for both India and the UK. It will bring UK experience in areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, governance, security, water and waste management. Patel will continue her visit to India tomorrow, where she will further build on the important partnership between the UK and India. (ANI) Aiming to attract potential investments from Tamil Nadu for its ambitious infrastructure development projects across the state of Kerala, INKEL is set to host a business meet in Chennai this month. INKEL Ltd (Formerly Infrastructure Kerala Limited) is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model company in which the state government holds 32 per cent stake, with the remaining shared by NRIs and public investors. The INKEL 'Chennai Meet', scheduled to be held on August 26 will unveil various investment opportunities for companies in its Business Park and other new Projects. "Kerala is known for its pioneering role in attracting private investments by building a business-friendly environment. A recent survey showed that Kerala's changing infrastructural landscape is attracting investment from Tamil Nadu. Our effort is to bring more 'green' category sectors to Kerala," said INKEL Managing Director T Balakrishnan. The meet will discuss opportunities available for companies to invest in ready-to-occupy built-up space and developed land in its industrial parks and trade centres based in Kerala. Around 120 investors, including representatives from the Indo-Tibetan Chamber of Commerce, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce were expected to participate during the day-long meet. "With the lining up of large scale projects such as Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kochi Metro, Smart City, Kannur International Airport, and the National Optical Fibre Network, we aim to project Kerala, as the ideal destination for investment," said Balakrishnan. "As part of the event, we have planned an interactive session for the investors with senior officials from Kerala. Moreover, the participants of the Chennai Meet will be extended a special discount on tariff rate for space at INKEL Business Park," he added. INKEL Ltd has introduced a single window system to help entrepreneurs set up their businesses in Kerala. All services, from guidance to implementation, will be taken up by INKEL. The streamlining is expected to revolutionise the industrial sector in Kerala. INKEL, meanwhile, has also forayed into other areas such as Solar Engineering, Facility Management, Advisory and Consultancy, and Modern Agri Farming. The meet in Chennai will kick-start a series of similar exercises planned by INKEL in key metropolitan cities including Bengaluru and Mumbai.UNI DS CS 1556 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0324-884379.Xml He said a special session of the state Legislature would be convened for the purpose.After the adoption of the resolution it would be sent to the centre. A cabinet meeting to discuss the issue would precede the proposed session. Mr Rao said that in case of reservations for Scheduled Tribes there was statutory provision and in tune with the provision, reservation for STs based on their population would be provided. Stating that the population of weaker sections in the state was quite large,he said there was need to provide reservation for these sections. Earlier, the Chellappa and Sudhir Committee which went into the socio-economic status of the Muslims presented its report to the Chief Minister. UNI SMS CS 1800 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-884673.Xml Expecting that liberalisation of the legal sector in India to be mutually beneficial to both India and the US, US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma has said if India has to fulfill its global economic potential, it must participate in the gradual globalisation of the legal profession. ''This is not the first time I've spoken about the opening of India's legal service sector and the reason why I keep coming back to this topic is this: For India to fulfill its global economic potential, it must participate in the gradual globalisation of the legal profession,'' Mr Verma said at an event on 'The Opening of India's Legal Services Sector' yesterday. ''The United States would welcome the opportunity to assist in the process. I want to see more exchanges between legal experts in India state bars and the American Bar Association in the United States," the Ambassador said.''Advances in educational accreditation would allow graduates of US legal educational institutions to practice law here which would strengthen the commercial and cultural ties between our countries,'' he added.In a global marketplace, those willing to adapt and innovate will retain a competitive edge. ''I congratulate the government, and the various key stakeholders today for recognising this and helping to advance the discussion on legal liberalisation.''Common values and a shared commitment to the rule of law underpins the strong partnership between the United States and India. ''These shared values have allowed us to cooperate and grow together in so many other fields, and we only stand to benefit from extending our collaboration to the legal services sector,'' Mr Verma said. He added, ''As India continues to build its stature as a global leader, in this as in all fields, you will continue to have a strong and steadfast partner in the United States.'' UNI ASH AE ADG 1700 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-884380.Xml A Dalit woman here has accused Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jayant Mallya of engaging in a "conspiracy" to have her removed as Sarpanch of Bandakpur village panchayat in Damoh district. Poona Bai said she has been removed because Mallya does not want her to hoist the national flag at the Panchayat Bhavan on August 15, the Independence Day. She has been sitting on dharna for the last five days in front of the office of Damoh's District Magistrate in protest against what she calls a "political and administrative conspiracy" that had her removed from her post thrice since her election in 2012 -- the latest on August 2. "Soon after I was elected, local leaders have been putting pressure on me to work according to their wishes. My refusal to toe the line resulted in hatching of a conspiracy against me. I hoisted the flag on the Panchayat Bhavan in 2012. Later, Mallya's son Siddharth made false complaints against me to have me removed," Poona Bai told IANS on Friday. Mallya told reporters that he has asked the District Magistrate to provide him with a detailed report on the matter. Chief Executive Officer of Damoh block M.R. Meena told IANS that the Additional Commissioner's court had ordered an enquiry into Poona Bai's complaint. "But she had already been given the charge. Later when things became clear, she was removed from the post and an enquiry committee was set up. The committee's report is now awaited," Meena said. Poona Bai said she was first removed from her post some months after her election in 2012. She said she then went to the high court to have her removal stayed. She said she was removed a second time as Sarpanch on August 13, 2015 -- two days before she was scheduled to hoist the flag on Panchayat Bhavan -- on the order of the District Magistrate. She appealed against the District Magistrate's order in the Additional Commissioner's court, which decided on July 21 in her favour, Poona Bai said. She said she re-assumed office on July 29, but was removed for the third time on August 2 -- again only a few days ahead of Independence Day when she was to hoist the flag. --IANS sp/kb/dg ( 386 Words) 2016-08-12-18:48:00 (IANS) The UK and India will use their combined expertise and resources to increase growth and prosperity for both nations, the UK's new International Development Secretary Priti Patel said today. During her visit to India, one of her first trips in her new role, the UK Secretary of State met with India's Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley to discuss ways in which the two Governments can strengthen links between key economic institutions and centers of excellence in UK and India. The UK Government is working to support India's ambitious economic agenda through financial services, building smart cities, boosting skills, increasing the ease of doing business and improving energy infrastructure and harnessing the financing power of city of London.. International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: "As a global leader that stands tall in the world, the UK is deepening its economic partnership with India to deliver long-term progress for our people and ensure bright, prosperous futures for our two great nations. I am here to build a deeper partnership based on shared prosperity that delivers jobs and growth both here and at home in the UK." The two Ministers also discussed the transformed UK-India Development Partnership which was underlined by Prime Minister Modi's historic UK visit late last year. As India becomes a global player and major economy, the UK's development relationship with India has also evolved - targeting cooperation in areas that are most important to both India and the UK. This is done through sharing skills and expertise; and investing in the private sector to benefit India's poor people whilst also generating a return on the UK's investment for Britain - a return that can be re-invested. (ANI) A week-long festival of films chronicling the landmark events in the history of the freedom movement was inaugurated today by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu here calling upon the Indian cinema to be an active partner in communicating social message. Mr Naidu said the Indian Cinema not only played a vital role during the freedom movement, it also facilitated in spreading the message regarding the great deeds and valor of eminent leaders and personalities related to freedom movement. ''Having a profound impact on the minds and social behavior of people, it was necessary for films to have a social message,'' he said. The 'Independence Day Film Festival' which is being held at Siri Fort Auditorium was inaugurated with the screening of Richard Attenbrough's film 'Gandhi'. Minister of State of I&B Rajyavardhan Singh Rahore also attended the inaugural ceremony. Speaking about the rich history of Indian cinema and the context in which the movies were produced, Mr Naidu mentioned that India's victory in 1965 war had fired the imagination of a young film actor Manoj Kumar in Mumbai which lead to the making of 'Upkar' in 1967. Remembering the unsung heroes who contributed to freedom movement, the Minister said the 1959 Tamil Film 'Veerapaandiya Kattabomman' directed by B R Panthulu was the story & valor of Kattabomman an 18th century local leader from Tirunelveli, in Tamil Nadu, who refused to accept the sovereignty of East India Company. Referring to towering personalities of the freedom movement and founding fathers of the Republic of India, the Minister said Sardar Vallabhai Patel played a leading role in integration of the country into a united and independent nation. The film 'Sardar' which portrays the life of Sardar Patel would be screened at the Film Festival. He further mentioned that the sacrifices made by Veer Savarkar during freedom struggle were unparallel. On this occasion, he also said there was no room for anybody to discriminate against any other individual in Independent India, and called upon the civil society to try to build bridges across the communities.More UNI NAZ AE ADG 1930 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-884859.Xml The brokers are Mayank (30) of Kolkata, and Garimella Veerender Rao (40) of Bachupally inRanga Reddy district, a police statement here said. Mayank, through his contacts secured 8 students and they were given practice with the 2 sets of leaked exam question papers in the camp conducted at Mumbai by him along with others. Garimella Veerender Rao secured 2 candidates and sent them to Bangalore camp through another broker. The two students were given practice with the 2 sets of leaked exam question paper in the camp conducted at Bangalore. Efforts are underway to apprehend the other brokers and accused persons involved in the question paper leakage, the statement added.UNI VV CS 1805 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-884665.Xml Police said the deceased Senthilkumar (59), who served as sub inspector in CISF at Chennai Port was going to his daughter's house on a two-wheeler with his wife Manoranjitham (55), when the tragedy occurred. When Senthilkumar attempted to cross the four-lane, the car dashed against the two-wheeler killing the couple. Three people, including the driver of the car were injured as it ran amok after the accident and knocked down two pedestrians. Irate over the accident, the locals staged a road roko agitation demanding the National Highway authorities to erect a speed breaker on the stretch. Senior police officials rushed to the spot and pacified the agitators. The injured were admitted to government hospital. Austinpatti police have registered a case and are investigating. UNI GSM CS 1930 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-885029.Xml Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs one lakh on The Model Co-operative Urban Bank Limited here for violation of its directives and guidelines on loans and advances to directors and their relatives. The Reserve Bank of India had issued a show-cause notice to the bank, in response to which the bank submitted a written reply. After considering the facts of the case and the bank's reply in the matter, the RBI came to the conclusion that the violations were substantiated and warranted imposition of penalty, General Manager S Subbaiah said.UNI VV CS 1941 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-885053.Xml PCI President and Union MoS (IC) for Ministry of Planning and Rao Inderjit Singh, who presided over the function, wished luck to the Rio-bound para-athletes beside distributing laptops and cellphones to them. "It is a historical moment for us as 17 para-athletes will be representing the nation in the Rio games compared to five para-athletes in last London games," the minister said. "While few athletes earn a quota in qualifying events held abroad, the others earn it on the basis of their best performance," he added. Inderjit said that this time the government has provided training and other facilities to the players at their own place. PCI Secretary General J Chandrashekar and vice-president Gursharan Singh, who were also present at the function, hoped that the para-athletes will make the nation proud and will increase the medals tally in Rio. INDIAN SQUAD: High Jump: Mariyappan Thangavelu, Varun Singh, Sharad Kumar, Ram Pal Javelin Throw: Sundar Singh, Devender, Rinku, Sandeep, Narender Club Throe: Amit Kumar, Dharambir ShotPut: Deepa Malik 1500 M: Ankur Dhama Shooting:Naresh Kumar Sharma Powerlifting: Farman Basha Swimming: Suyash Narayan Jadhav Archery: PoojaUNI KU ADG 1955 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0348-885098.Xml Two more civilians were injured, one of them critically, in the incident. A top police official confirmed to IANS that two people have died in the firing incident, he identified the deceased cop as Constable Manzoor Ahmad. He said the injured persons have been shifted to District hospital Kulgam. --IANS sq-ahm/ ( 88 Words) 2016-08-12-22:44:01 (IANS) An Australian government agency in charge of the ongoing search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has reportedly retracted a published theory that the aircraft crashed into the sea after a "death dive". Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely that the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian daily that the agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the US National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. --IANS ksk ( 284 Words) 2016-08-12-08:22:03 (IANS) Two bombs went off in the resort of Hua Hin on Friday morning near the clock tower, a city landmark, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran. Around 650 ft away, another two bombs exploded late Thursday night as foreign tourists were leaving local bars to go back to their hotels, Yoosumran said. At least 11 people -- mostly foreign visitors -- were injured and a woman who had a food vending cart in front of a bar was killed on Thursday night, CNN quoted Yoosumran as saying. "The bombs were planted on the street where most of the customers are foreigners," he said, adding "And they went off while foreigners started to leave the bars and go back to their hotels." Both bombs that exploded in Hua Hin on Thursday night were planted inside tree pots, about 164 ft away from each other, near a bar called Johnny's 56, Yoosumran said. The first bomb went off at around 11 p.m. The second exploded a few minutes later, CNN quoted Yoosumran as saying. At least one person, a female municipal worker, was killed and four injured on Friday after two blasts went off in in Surat Thani city, according to Chavalit Chanmornoi, a local police captain. The explosions occured about about 650 ft from each other, and were around 30 minutes apart, CNN reported citing Chanmornoi as saying. --IANS ksk ( 258 Words) 2016-08-12-10:14:03 (IANS) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his Colombian counterpart, Juan Manuel Santos have agreed to reopen the border gradually, but under no precise timeline. The two met for several hours on Thursday in the southern Venezuelan state of Bolivar to discuss their common border, which has remained largely closed since August 19, 2015, Xinhua news agency reported. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Maduro and Santos said they instructed their governments "to seek agreements...for a normal border". The two agreed that the border, which stretches over 2,000 km, would be re-opened but very gradually, first with a crossing for foot traffic, then for vehicles, and then for commercial exchanges but only at night. No precise timeline for the process was given. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez and Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin also met on Thursday to discuss the border issue. "This is a zone of peace......We have had a good day of exchanges, sharing our visions and proposals. I thank President Santos for his good will and desire to move forward with our countries' common themes," Maduro said. Santos, for his part, said: "The objective of this meeting was to find a way to normalise the border for the benefit of Venezuelans and Colombians." He said the two countries need to work together to solve their mutual problems, adding "we believe we have the conditions to have a far better border". Venezuela first closed its border with Colombia in August last year after three members of the armed forces were shot and injured while patrolling the area against smugglers. Caracas temporarily opened the border on July 10, 16 and 17, allowing around 130,000 Venezuelans to cross into Colombia to buy needed food and medicine. --IANS ksk ( 299 Words) 2016-08-12-10:34:05 (IANS) Aaron Driver, the man killed during a Canadian police raid at his home on Wednesday as he was allegedly planning an attack, converted to Islam in his teens some time before his support for Islamic State attracted the attention of authorities.Driver, who would have turned 25 next week, was living under a so-called peace bond that barred him from using social media and required him to undergo religious counseling when he was shot during a police raid in a small Ontario town.He first came to the attention of police in December 2014 and was arrested in 2015 for supporting the militant group Islamic State on social media. He had openly spoken to Canadian media about his belief that Canada and its allies should expect retribution for their war against Islamic State."If a country goes to war with another country or another people or another community, I think that they have to be prepared for things like that to happen. And when it does happen, they shouldn't act surprised, they had it coming to them, they deserved it," Driver calmly told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) last year.His former lawyer, Leonard Tailleur, said yesterday that he was surprised by police reports that Driver had planned an imminent rush-hour attack on a major Canadian city, noting that Driver was a devout Muslim but also a "passive individual."FAMILY SCHISMAt the age of 7, Driver's mother died and he started growing apart from his father, who was then a soldier, Tailleur told Reuters."He blames his father for the death," Tailleur said. "Ever since that time, there was a serious relationship issue."He said that was part of what made Driver eventually abandon Christianity for Islam."A bitterness that he had with his father - these are probably some of the undercurrents," Tailleur said. "A lot of his problems, internal problems, I think, stem from that."Driver attended Friday prayers off and on in 2014 at Winnipeg Central Mosque, arriving late and leaving early, executive director Idris Knapp told Reuters."He wasn't very connected with anyone. Just a person in his own bubble. Most of the time people come to connect with community, he never seemed like he was making an effort," Knapp said.According to Knapp some Winnipeg Muslims took umbrage with Driver's online postings, especially those aggrandizing Islamic State or other militant groups.It was in Winnipeg that he was placed under a peace bond, required to stay off social media, have no contact with militant groups, observe a curfew and wear an electronic monitoring device, which Canadian police said he was later permitted to remove.Earlier this year Driver moved to Strathroy to live with his sister, still alienated from his father.Driver's father, Wayne Driver, told news outlets that he was saddened by his son's death but not surprised. He said his son had seemed beyond reason in his support for Islamic State.He had hoped his son, who he sometimes feared, could be forced into a de-radicalization program."We lost him long ago, but I wasn't going to give up on him," Wayne Driver told CBC. "...And then yesterday, the light went out completely, forever. I knew he was lost, but I didn't know how far gone he was."Amarnath Amarasingam, a researcher in religious studies, tweeted that Driver, who he knew, had changed since last emailing him in April.At that time, Driver was radicalized, but "nuanced" in his views about violence, until attacks increased around the world, Amarasingam said.Driver was in contact on social media with Elton Simpson, one of the shooters involved in a Texas attack in May 2015, Canadian police said. A few hours before that attack, Simpson sent a message to Driver and others, police said."People (that police) watch all the time never act," Amarasingam tweeted. "And people they deem safe can be pushed to act based on changing circumstances around the world." REUTERS DS0526 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0177-883673.Xml Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles urged regional leaders to lend their support to opponents of Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro and to back a recall referendum that could remove Maduro from power.Capriles, who spoke ahead of a meeting with Peru's new president, hailed what he described as growing support in South America as the economic crisis in Venezuela deepens and new market-friendly presidents have replaced former leftists in Peru and Argentina.Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in Peru and Mauricio Macri in Argentina are both vocal critics of the Venezuelan government and a shift to the political right is also occurring under interim President Michel Temer in Brazil."The region is changing," Capriles, a two-time presidential candidate, told a news conference in Lima. "Corrupt governments are falling in Latin America, and they're going to continue to fall."Opposition leaders in Venezuela have planned a march in Caracas on September 1 to demand that electoral authorities permit the recall referendum this year.The timing is important. If it takes place in 2016, the country could see a new government. If it takes place in 2017, the vice president would take over should Maduro lose.Critics have accused the country's electoral council of stalling the referendum process, however, and it looks unlikely that a vote will take place this year.Yesterday, a group of 15 countries in the Organization of American States called on Venezuela to quickly take remaining steps needed to hold the referendum, according to Peru's foreign ministry.Capriles said regional heads of state must also block Maduro from holding the presidency of the Mercosur trade group and "relaunching" the regional bloc UNASUR, which once provided a platform for late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his allies to stand together."Those days when a club of buddies would cover each other's backs is over," Capriles said. "South America has to stand firmly with respect to the rights of the people."Capriles has found a new ally in Peru's Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former investment banker who promised not to shy away from denouncing what he describes as political repression in Venezuela. The two were scheduled to meet late yesterday.Capriles said Latin Americans sympathetic to the government that Chavez started in 1999 should visit the country now. Many Venezuelans say they are hungry, unable to get basic foods or medicines, and lootings and riots happen daily.Maduro says his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by the United States.REUTERS DS0649 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0177-883688.Xml Aaron Driver first came to the attention of Canadian officials in late 2014 after he voiced support for Islamic State on social media. In 2015, the Muslim convert was arrested for communicating with militants involved with attack plots in Texas and Australia. Early this year, he agreed to a court order known as a peace bond that restricted his online and cell phone use.Yet it took a tip from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to alert Canadian intelligence officials to what police say was an imminent attack Driver was planning on a major Canadian city.Driver, 24, died after he detonated an explosive device in the backseat of a taxi as police closed in and opened fire, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in Ottawa.The RCMP said Driver, one of only two Canadians currently subject to a peace bond, was not under constant surveillance before the tip from the FBI came on Wednesday morning.Driver's father, Wayne Driver, was among those left with questions about why authorities did not intervene more decisively earlier. He said he wished his son had been forced into a de-radicalization program."I don't think [the peace bond] was very effective at all. I mean, look at the outcome," Driver's father told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp."Why wasn't he on some kind of parole where he had to report a couple times a month instead of never?"RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana said law enforcement has difficulties both in Canada and abroad in collecting admissible evidence in anti-terrorism investigations. Even when, as in Driver's case, there is enough evidence for a court-ordered terror-related peace bond, he said the tool can not really prevent an attack."Our ability to monitor people 24 hours a day and 7 days a week simply does not exist. We can't do that," Cabana told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa.With Driver's death, one Canadian resident remains under a terror-related federal peace bond, according to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Nine more such orders are pending, nine have already expired, and three applications for peace bonds have been withdrawn, PPSC spokeswoman Elizabeth Armitage told Reuters.The peace bond, a type of restraining order issued by a provincial judge, can have many conditions and lasts 12 months. Driver's order required him, among other things, to get permission before purchasing a cell phone, stay off social media websites and refrain from communications with members of Islamic State and other radical groups.In the wake of Driver's foiled attack, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale acknowledged that peace bonds have limits."Those issues will obviously need to be very carefully scrutinized," he said in an interview with CBC.Current and former intelligence officials have said it can take dozens of people to properly track one suspect, and one said it was not surprising that the ultimate tip came from the FBI, given their vastly superior monitoring abilities.While some 600 RCMP officers and staff were transferred from organized crime, drug and financial integrity files to the counter-terrorism beat in recent years, critics of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new Liberal government have argued that not enough money is being spent to fight terrorism.The 2016 budget provided C$35-million over five years to combat radicalization, but little in the way of new funding for the RCMP or the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS).Trudeau was elected in October 2015 pledging to end Canada's combat role against Islamic State and roll back some of the security powers his Conservative Party predecessor had implemented.Ray Boisvert, a former assistant director of intelligence at CSIS, said Driver was likely on an increasingly long list of so-called "B-listers" - people known to law enforcement, but considered lower risk than others and not followed regularly."The problem today, of course is that a target can go from mildly radicalized to highly 'weaponized' in a matter of weeks - or sooner," Boisvert, who left CSIS in 2012 and is now a security consultant to private firms, said in an email.Mubin Shaikh, a former undercover operative with CSIS, told Reuters he considered Driver a threat back in 2015, in part because he was a Muslim convert."That's a red flag," he said yesterday.In October 2014, a Canadian Muslim convert shot and killed a soldier at Ottawa's national war memorial before launching an attack on the Canadian Parliament. The same week, another convert ran down two soldiers in Quebec, killing one.Shaikh, now a Canadian counter-terrorism and national security consultant, said law enforcement officers walk a fine line in determining which Islamic State sympathizers are just talkers, and which represent an actual threat to Canada."You don't know who is going to be the one guy who is not just talking but may take action," he said. "It's better to assume that they are going to be a threat." REUTERS DS0802 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0177-883706.Xml More than 25,000 migrants arrived in Italy in July, 12 per cent more than in the same period last year, EU border agency Frontex said today.Most of the migrants who made the trip across the Mediterranean from North Africa were Nigerians and Eritreans, Frontex said. The number of migrants arriving in the January to July period was stable compared to last year at 95,000.Frontex said the quality of the boats people smugglers were using to transport migrants was deteriorating."In recent months, poor quality rubber boats accounted for four out of every five vessels used," Frontex said in a statement."Many of the migrants spoke of being forced onto the dinghies and small wooden boats despite fearing for their lives."Barred from travelling further north by closed borders in France and Switzerland, many of the migrants are stuck in Italy.More than 3,000 migrants are stranded in the financial capital Milan, its mayor said, as Switzerland and France tightened border controls.Migrant arrivals through Greece were about 97 per cent lower in July than last year, mainly due to a European Union deal with Turkey to stem the flow.REUTERS AKC AS1727 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-884583.Xml Conjoined twin baby boys in Syria were being evacuated across lines from a rebel stronghold to Damascus Children's Hospital today, the first of at least 20 patients who need urgent transfers to be saved, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.Moaz and Nawras were born conjoined on July 23 in Zahra hospital in eastern Ghouta, a rebel bastion and rural suburb of the capital. Syrian doctors abroad sought help from the WHO, the United Nations health agency."The hospital is under-supplied and unable to provide the twins with the surgery they need to survive," said a letter by the Syrian American Medical Society."The twins, the mother and the aunt are now being evacuated to the Children's Hospital (in Damascus)," Elizabeth Hoff, WHO's representative in Syria, who has been based in Damascus throughout most of the country's five-year civil war, told Reuters today:An ambulance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) was transporting them, she said."We have been negotiating for medical evacuation for some days now," Hoff said by telephone.The WHO also wants to get seriously ill and wounded patients out of the divided city of Aleppo, where up to two million people are trapped. The eastern, rebel-held part of the city has been besieged by Syrian government forces with Russian support for months, but earlier last week rebel forces broke the siege and opened a corridor into the city.The United Nations said yesterday it was talking to Russia about a "workable humanitarian pause" in fighting in Aleppo and that the three hours a day proposed by Moscow was "not enough"."WHO is calling for a pause for medical evacuations which are critical to make sure seriously wounded have the right to obtain health care and also people with chronic diseases needing regular care," Hoff said.In addition, WHO has received a list of 16 critical medical cases in the government-besieged town of Madaya who need evacuation and two adults in the opposition-besieged Foua and Kefraya area, in Idlib province, she said."We haven't obtained permission yet to evacuate," she said, noting that Hezbollah fighters were part of the mix in the Foua area.Staffan de Mistura, UN special envoy for Syria, read out the names of the patients in Madaya and Foua, most of them young children, yesterday to reporters in Geneva."The UN is ready to evacuate them. They are in a desperate urgent medical emergency. Why on earth should this not be possible?"This should not be waiting for the Aleppo ceasefire or overall ceasefire, this should and can be done before it's too late," he said.In Foua, the Islamist rebel group Ahrar al Sham "can just by a decision of a minute allow the UN to evacuate them and bring them to a medical facility where they could be saved", he said."These are not numbers, these are people who are waiting for a medical evacuation in what has become a medieval approach to a conflict," de Mistura said. REUTERS AKC PR1930 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-885027.Xml TIANJIN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin Municipality has completely overhauled 583 dangerous chemicals companies, a year after a deadly explosion. On Aug. 12 last year, the Tianjin Port was rocked by blasts at a chemical warehouse that claimed the lives of more than 160 people. Sixty eight chemicals firms have since been ordered to shut down or relocate and the rest have rectified safety problems and resumed production, said Xia Qinglin, vice director of Binhai New Area. During the past year, the district has improved supervision of chemicals firms to ensure safe production, said Xia. Authorities have checked up on chemical firms and fireworks plants during a 100-day campaign and uncovered 3,616 problems. Of them, 3,606 have been rectified. Authorities also have set up a 24-hour monitoring over 249 chemicals firms in the district. The file photo shows the Greek cargo ship involved in the collision accident. A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea early Thursday. Six crew members have been rescued byJapanese coast guard ship. Searching work for the eight missing is still underway. (Xinhua) BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Six crew members of a sunken Chinese fishing boat saved by Japan have been handed over to China, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed late Thursday night. China is continuing searching for others still missing, spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement. A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea Thursday morning, said the Foreign Ministry quoting an announcement by the China Coast Guard and China Maritime Search and Rescue Center. The crash occurred in waters about 70 kilometers northwest of China's Diaoyu Islands, according to reports. Both China and Japan sent out government ships for rescue work. "China appreciates Japan's cooperation and humanitarian spirit displayed in the rescue operation," she said. WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid the scalation of tension in Crimea, the State Department said Thursday. "We are extremely concerned about the increased tension near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine," Elizabeth Trudeau, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a regular press briefing. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure and citizens there. "The people who seized power in Kiev ... have switched to terror tactics instead of searching for ways for a peaceful settlement," Putin told a news conference. The United States called for the avoidance of any actions that would escalate the situation in Crimea, Trudeau said. "We believe now is the time to reduce the tensions, reduce the rhetoric and get back to talks," the spokesperson said. The Russian Federal Security Bureau (FSB) said Wednesday the country has prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Crimea planned by the Ukraine military intelligence service. Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said the claims were "hysterical and false," and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry termed the allegations as Moscow's attempt to justify its re-deployment and actions in the region. Crimea, which was previously part of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and Western powers. "Our position ... is well known. Crimea is part of Ukraine and it is recognized as such by the international community," Trudeau said. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Three researchers at Stanford University have analyzed anonymous data files and learned which tactics work best in counseling sessions over text-based crisis help lines. Designed for people who prefer texting to talking over crisis hotlines, the text-based services generate large datasets of anonymous counseling sessions that researchers can study to identify the words and techniques that seem to improve outcomes. Jure Leskovec, an associate professor of computer science at Stanford, worked with graduate students Tim Althoff and Kevin Clark to analyze 660,000 text messages from 15,000 crisis counseling sessions, and discovered that all counseling conversations followed five stages: introduction, problem setting, problem exploration, problem solving, and wrap-up. Each stage can be characterized by the words counselors as well as texters use, according to a news release from Stanford. For example, the introduction stage was marked by greetings on both sides and the wrap-up stage showed texters expressing appreciation and counselors using words like "any time." These stages were independent of the topic, which could be anything from relationship troubles to thoughts of suicide. The researchers developed new methods of natural language analysis to determine how the words and phrases that counselors used influenced whether distressed texters reported feeling better at the end of the conversation. And by analyzing and comparing how the most successful and least successful counselors progressed through the stages, they discovered one key difference. "Successful counselors quickly got to the heart of the issue and spent more of the conversation dealing with the problem," Althoff said. "The less successful counselors took a lot more time to get to know the problem." In addition, successful counselors tend to respond more effectively to ambiguous messages. Presented with the same situation -- a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, for example -- a successful counselor typically asks more clarifying questions. They paraphrase responses to make sure they understand, and they thank the texter for reaching out. The analysis led the researchers to identify several techniques associated with successful sessions, such as personalizing exchanges, quickly getting to the root of the problem, and using words and phrases to steer conversations onto a positive track. The study showed that texters tended to talk more about certain topics once counselors broached those topics. So counselors can put texters in a better frame of mind by making subtle changes to their own language. "If you talk about the future, I will be more likely to talk about the future," Althoff said. "If I talk positively, you'll be more likely to talk positively." "Until now, most research on counseling has remained small-scale, looking at voice transcripts of only a few dozen sessions," said Leskovec, who believes that new findings could be used to train counselors how to respond most effectively when a person in the midst of a crisis reaches out for help. "We can look at orders of magnitude more data than previous studies allowed, to gain new insights and precisely quantify which counseling strategies worked." Zhang Qiyue, Consul General of China in New York, the United States, delivers a speech at the China-U.S. Enterprises Philadelphia Luncheon on Trade and Investment cooperation held at Union League of Philadelphia on Aug. 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Shuai) PHILADELPHIA, the United States, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Against the backdrop of rising anti-trade sentiment around the world, many government officials and businessmen from both China and the U.S. still believed that trade and investment could benefit people from both countries, and called for further understanding and interaction between the two countries. "If you address the focus of anti-trade, you show them ways how trade is good, positive and productive, and creates ... higher paying jobs, creates more opportunities, enables people to be innovative," Michael Stack, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, told Xinhua, at an event held by China General Chamber of Commerce-U.S.A. Stack described the presidential campaign rhetoric about China as "sensational." China and the U.S. do have different views in some areas, but both countries can continue communication to clarify the differences and find common ground for cooperation, he said. As long as the China-U.S. relationship is fair and benefiting both countries, it's a strong relationship both sides can keep working on, said Stack. Zhang Qiyue, Chinese consul general in New York, also called on both countries to understand and interact more with each other. A strong and healthy relationship can not only benefit people from both countries, but also contributes stability and development to the world, said Zhang at the event. Protectionism in the United States is rising, especially in the presidential election year, Xu Chen, president of the Bank of China U.S.A, told Xinhua. But he emphasized that presidential nominees' actions were worth more attention than their rhetoric. In regard to the rising anti-trade sentiment, Xu said that globalization boosted economy around the world, but did leave some people behind. He suggested improving social safety net to help those affected by the globalization. With China's economic restructuring going forward, more and more Chinese companies showed great enthusiasm in investing in the United States. Michael Stack, Lieutenant Governor of Philadelphia, delivers a speech at the China-U.S. Enterprises Philadelphia Luncheon on Trade and Investment Cooperation held at Union League of Philadelphia on Aug. 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Shuai) Data from the U.S. Commerce Department showed that Chinese investment was the fastest-growing source of foreign direct investment in the United States in 2014. Chinese investment in the U.S. not only created jobs for local economy but also contributed millions of reinvestment to the U.S. market. In 2013, U.S. affiliates of Chinese-owned firms employed over 37,000 U.S. workers, and invested 449 million U.S. dollars in research and development, said the Commerce Department. Despite rising Chinese investment in the U.S., Chinese companies are still facing some obstacles, such as frequent national security reviews by the U.S., complicated and uncoordinated policies by U.S. federal government departments, said Xu. Xu called on companies and government agencies from China and the U.S. to communicate more and build trust to clear these hurdles. MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed, including two Chinese inmates, following an explosion inside a jail in Paranque City Thursday night, radio DZBB reported Friday. Quoting the police and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, the report said the explosion took place around 8:30 p.m. inside the office of jail warden Supt. Gerald Bantag on the first floor of the building. Bantag also sustained shrapnel wounds, according to the report. The report, quoting witnesses, said that residents near the city jail heard at least three explosions following gunfire inside the jail compound. The report said the police are still looking into the cause of the explosions. by Matt Walsh CANBERRA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Small-time, ordinary "hacktivists" are likely responsible for shutting down - and plunging into chaos - Australia's first online census, cyber experts have said on Friday. The census website was attacked by a number of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks on Tuesday night, prompting the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - the government arm in charge of running the national survey - to shut down the website. The debacle prompted fears that private information might have been leaked or compromised, and on Thursday, the nation's Prime Minister said that "heads would roll" over the lack of preparation for the event. On Friday, industry experts and insiders told Fairfax Media the attacks might have been taken out by low-level, ordinary hackers and not some sophisticated organization or foreign government. Embarrassingly, the Australian government is still unsure of the source of the attacks, but according to Tobias Feakin, Director of National Security Programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the lack of malicious intent pointed to hacktivists simply intent on making a nuisance of themselves. "My gut instinct is it's some sort of hacktivist group not at a terribly high level," Feakin told Fairfax Media on Friday. "The most serious issue in my view is there was an apparent lack of strategies in place. This is all about Australia raising their game." Meanwhile Gideon Creech, lecturer at the Australian Centre for Cyber Security at the University of New South Wales, said the attacks might have been carried out by hacktivist simply "because they could". Experts agree the government dropped the ball on ensuring the security of not only the personal information of millions of Australians, but also of its own website and online infrastructure. IT giant IBM was reportedly paid more than 7.5 million U.S dollars to host and secure the online census, which was shut down after just one in ten households had filled in the survey. The website was reinstated on Thursday afternoon - almost two days after the ABS was forced to abandon the online event - however Australians have been reluctant to trust the software in the wake of the cyber attacks. According to local media, just 341,626 census forms have been received by the ABS in the eight hours following the website's reinstatement at a rate of just 11 forms per second - well down from the ABS' claimed capacity of around 260 forms per second. As a precaution, the ABS has used a geoblock to prevent users from outside Australia from accessing the website. Late on Thursday, head of the ABS David Kalisch again apologized to all Australians for the stuff-up, and said the website was only reinstated once he had received an assurance from the Australian Signals Directorate that it was safe to use and secure from any outside threats. Visiting Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Song Tao (L) meets with Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) U Thein Sein, who is former president of Myanmar, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Aug. 11, 2016. (Xinhua/U Aung) NAY PYI TAW, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi met with visiting Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Song Tao here Thursday. Noting that China and Myanmar have deep paukphaw (fraternal) friendship and development of China-Myanmar friendly ties conforms to the fundamental interest of the two countries, Song voiced support of Myanmar on its pursuit of its development path in accordance with its own country's status. Song expressed willingness to render assistance for Myanmar's stability and development, hoping that the two countries' ruling parties would enhance exchange and cooperation to push the two countries' relations to better development. Aung San Suu Kyi said the Myanmar side attaches high importance to the development of Myanmar-China ties, anticipating that her upcoming visit to China would further raise the level of the two countries' cooperation level. She expressed the wishes of her National League for Democracy (NLD) to deepen exchange with the CPC and continuously strengthen the mutual trust and cooperation. On Thursday, Song also met with leaders of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the military. Minister Song and his delegation arrived Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday evening on a five-day goodwill visit to Myanmar. MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that he is willing to relax the foreign ownership restrictions in the constitution in a bid to lure more foreign investors and boost employment. Duterte told a press conference in Davao City late Thursday night that he conveyed to visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida about his plan during their meeting in the southern Philippine city Thursday afternoon. The 1987 Philippine constitution limits foreign ownership of companies in the Philippines to 40 percent, restricting the flow of foreign investments into the country and protecting the domestic monopolies from foreign competition in vital industries like ports, shipping, telecommunications, power and other infrastructure. The constraint results in poor investment climate in the country, according to economists. "I was before against selling the lands, I think that is still my stand, but I'm willing to change this 60-40 thing, make it more elaborate, maybe even a half-half thing as long as there are really a good investments where I can provide livelihoods for everybody," Duterte said. Duterte said his talks with the Japanese foreign minister mainly focused on how to further strengthen the relations between the two countries. SYDNEY, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Global petroleum giant ExxonMobil on Thursday called for a prompt settlement of grievances between the Papua New Government and landowners protesting outside a conditioning plant supplying its multi-billion dollar LNG project. Landowners in Papua New Guinea's (PNG) Hela Province are in a position to take control of the key asset partially supplying the 19 billion U.S. dollar PNG LNG project, demanding government authorities pay over two billion Kina (631,000 U.S. dollars) in owed royalties currently held in trust. The agreement with the landowners in 2009 sets aside a two percent royalty held in trust by the central bank until land title claims can be assessed, however that process has not been completed. ExxonMobil on Thursday said their facilities were continuing to operate, though are closely monitoring the peaceful protest occurring outside the plant's gate. "We respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest, but we also encourage continued dialogue between landowners and the government to resolve their outstanding issues promptly," a company spokesperson told Xinhua in a statement. "We are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with landowners, the government and the wider community." Stanley Mamu from PNG blog LNG Watch told Xinhua authorities have until Friday to come up with a credible plan that addresses their grievances after initial consultations on Wednesday. "If the government cannot give a positive response on their petition, then tomorrow the landowners will close down the wellheads" that supply gas to the project, Mamu said via phone from Port Moresby. Local media reported authorities have deployed additional police into the restive highlands should the protesters shutter operations, but the landowners have vowed to fight for what they feel is legally theirs. "If the police are deployed to the project area and trying to force the people to open the (conditioning plant's) gate, then the landowners are saying then it would be another Bougainville," Mamu said. In 1988, the now autonomous region of Bougainville erupted into a decade-long civil war, killing almost 20,000 people, following the failure of the central government to share royalties and stop environmental degradation from Rio Tinto Ltd's Panguna gold and copper mine. New Zealand-led peace talks in 1997 ended the conflict after it was found the then Papua New Guinean (PNG) government had sought international mercenaries to regain control of the resource rich island. Under the peace agreement establishing the autonomous region, Bougainville will hold a referendum of independence by 2020. Xinhua's calls for comment from PNG Minister for Petroleum and Energy Nixon Duban went unanswered. Enditem CANBERRA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government agency in charge of the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight 370 has reportedly secretly retracted a published theory that the plane slammed into the sea after a "death dive." Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean. ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian newspaper that his agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the U.S. National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. FLASH: NEW BOMB ATTACK KILLS ONE IN SOUTHERN THAILAND: GOVERNOR Photo taken on Aug. 12, 2016 shows the explosion site at a power plant in Dangyang, central China's Hubei Province. A preliminary investigation has shown that the explosion which killed 21 on Thursday in central China's Hubei Province was caused by a broken pipe, local authorities said. A high-pressure steam pipe exploded at Madian Gangue Power Generation Co. Ltd. in Dangyang City around 3:20 p.m. At least 21 people were killed and five others injured. Three of the injured are in a critical condition. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) YICHANG, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-one people died and at least five others were injured, most of whom critically, after a broken steam pipe caused a huge explosion at a power plant on Thursday in central China's Hubei Province. The blast occurred at Madian Gangue Power Generation Co. Ltd. in Dangyang City around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, when workers were testing thermo-power facilities. The high-pressure steam pipe burst and caused the blast, a preliminary investigation showed. Du Qiuxin, a villager who lives about one kilometer from the plant, said there was a loud bang when the blast occurred. "I rushed out to check what happened. The area was quickly sealed off and many police and firemen came," she said. The plant only started operation this year and its facilities are still undergoing testing, local authorities said. The power plant was built by the Huaqiang chemical plant along with other companies, according to an employee of the Huaqiang chemical plant, who declined to be named. The fatal blast left a scene of destruction, with distorted pipes, wires and window panes, shattered computer screens in the control room, and a few helmets of workers and their clothes strewn on the ground. A total of 21 people died and five others are injured, three of whom are critically wounded, with burns and internal organ damage. One of the critically injured, surnamed Liu, 32, is receiving treatment at the Dangyang People's Hospital. He had worked for the Huaqiang chemical plant for nine years. "He began the work at the power plant just a month ago. It is a huge blow to the family. His father died last year and his daughter is only eight years old," said Liu's uncle. The State Administration of Work Safety has sent a work group to oversee rescue operation and investigation. BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Two bomb blasts in the southern Surat Thani Province early Friday killed at least one person and injured at least two, Thai media reported. The first bomb exploded in front of the local marine police station at about 8:00 a.m. local time and caused several injuries, while the second bomb exploded 30 minutes later in front of the provincial police station, causing one death and several injuries, Thai media Khomchadleuk reported. The first bomb was buried near a tree in front of the local marine police station, and exploded soon after a ritual of offering foods to monks and celebrating Thai Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday, or the Mother's Day, according to Thai media Springnews. Another two bomb exploded in Patong of Phuket Province Friday morning as well, injuring at least one. SYDNEY, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale jolted the Loyalty Islands to the east of New Caledonia, though widespread damage is not expected. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded the quake at magnitude 7.6 causing a local tsunami warning to be issued by the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, though it was later downgraded to 7.2. The tsunami warning was later rescinded. There were no initial reports of casualties or damage. Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Phil Cummins told Xinhua there may have been a chance for the smaller islands in the direct vicinity to experience a tsunami, though New Caledonia and Vanuatu would likely have been spared. The quake was also unlikely to cause significant damage, with the risk only being to the smaller islands near its epicenter, if they were inhabited at all, Cummins said. "The shaking of this in Vanuatu and New Caledonia, it might have been felt, but it would be pretty minor," Cummins said. "I wouldn't expect damage in New Caledonia or the major islands of Vanuatu." Quakes are common in the Pacific as the region forms part of the "Ring of Fire," a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. It is estimated up to a dozen quakes of this magnitude occur in the Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga region each year. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (Xinhua file photo/Shi Zhongyu) KIEV/MOSCOW, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has put its forces near Crimea and in eastern Ukraine on high alert, as Russia accused it of provocation in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Thursday that he has ordered the country's defense and law enforcement agencies to put their units near Crimea and in eastern Ukraine on high alert. "I gave the instructions to boost combat readiness of all units deployed in the areas near the administrative border with the autonomous republic of Crimea and on the entire contact line in the Donbas," Poroshenko said on Twitter after meeting the leadership of the country's defense and law enforcement agencies and the Foreign Ministry. Later Thursday, Ukrainian State Border Service's Spokesman Oleg Slobodyan said that Ukraine's frontier guards have already started enhancing the combat readiness of their units near Crimea and in Lugansk and Donetsk regions. "First of all, this means mobilization of reserves and checks of our interactions with the Ukrainian armed forces and other defence and law enforcement agencies," Slobodyan was quoted as saying by Interfax-Ukraine news agency. The Ukrainian move came amid an escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which flared on Wednesday after Moscow accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure and citizens there. Ukraine dismissed the claim, terming the allegations as Moscow's attempt to justify its alleged re-deployment of troops and actions in the region. Crimea, which was previously part of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and Western powers. In eastern Ukraine, the fighting between government troops and independence-seeking insurgents has been underway since April 2014. Ukraine, the United States and European countries have long accused Russia of arming and encouraging insurgents in eastern Ukraine, but Russia has denied the charges. Russia's Federal Security Service said Wednesday it had dismantled a spy ring in Crimea organized by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, which it said was plotting acts of terror and sabotage on critical and life-supporting elements of the peninsula's infrastructure. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said on Thursday that such acts undermined the preparation for local elections and the political stability. "Russia is seriously concerned about the inaction of Kiev authorities in the face of growing militant rhetoric and violent actions taken and planned by the so-called volunteer battalions and other extremists," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry called on the Ukrainian government to stop provocations and fully fulfil its commitments to the Minsk agreements aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Russia would do its utmost to protect Crimea's stability and security, while Kiev and its foreign supporters would suffer the consequences if any damage were inflicted on the Russian side, the ministry said. Later Thursday, a court in Crimea announced that a Ukrainian suspect in the terrorist plot, Yevgeny Panov, was arrested. Also on Thursday, the United States expressed concern over the increased tension "near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine," urging Russia and Ukraine to avoid the escalation of tension in Crimea. Related: U.S. calls on Russia, Ukraine to reduce tension in Crimea WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid the scalation of tension in Crimea, the State Department said Thursday. "We are extremely concerned about the increased tension near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine," Elizabeth Trudeau, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a regular press briefing. Full story Ukraine denies attempted troop invasion of Crimea KIEV, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine on Wednesday denied a statement by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on Ukrainian troops attempting to invade Crimea and plotting terror attacks on the peninsula. CHANGSHA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- An intermediate court in central China's Hunan Province upheld heavy prison terms for seven people convicted of poisoning endangered birds at Dongting Lake and selling them for meat. The Intermediate Court of Yueyang City ruled against the defendants' appeals, the court said Friday. In March, the People's Court of Yueyanglou District, a lower court, found the seven guilty of poisoning, transporting and trading endangered birds. They received prison terms from one to 12 years. The chief defendant, identified by the surname Fang, was given 12 years in prison and a fine of 10,000 yuan (about 1,500 U.S. dollars). Two others, surnamed He and Zhong, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and each was fined 10,000 yuan. Four other defendants received terms ranging from one to six years. The police investigation followed a tip-off from law enforcement officers with the Eastern Dongting Lake Nature Reserve, who found a boat containing many dead endangered water birds including cygnets, spot-billed ducks and herns, on Jan. 18, 2015. The gang had used pesticides to poison and kill more than 60 wild water birds, which are under state protection, and sold them to a restaurant in Changde City between November 2014 and January 2015. By Michael Place RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Michael Phelps said on Friday that he was grateful for the chance to finish his glittering career on his own terms after setting a new Olympic record in Rio. The 31-year-old became the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Olympics when he claimed the gold medal in the men's 200m individual medley late on Thursday. "I'm just happy to be able to finish the way I wanted to," Phelps told a packed news conference. "This has been a very special meet for me so far to finish my career." Thursday's victory was Phelps' 22nd Olympic gold medal as he continues to extend his record as the most successful Olympian of all time. The 31-year-old has now won each of his four finals in Rio so far: the 200m butterfly, the 4x100m freestyle, the 4x200m freestyle and the 200m individual medley. On Friday he will compete in the final of the 100m butterfly and he is expected to also take part in the 4x100m medley relay. "I don't know what to say. It's been a hell of a career," Phelps said. "I said to Ryan [Lochte], 'Man how did we did we do all of these events in 2008 [at the Beijing Olympics]?' My body is in pain. My legs are hurting. I'm tired. Some of my friends have sent some inspirational text messages that have helped. "The last 50 metres I forced myself to stay under water and spun my wheels as fast as I could." by Liang Xizhi LONDON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The opera Thunderstorm was met with thunderous applause on Thursday in its debut at the London Coliseum. An award-winning modern opera about family, society and corruption in Old Shanghai, Thunderstorm tells a story of a wealthy, successful and seemingly happy Shanghai household, behind which lies a web of intrigue, a dark family secret and a gathering storm. As corruption is exposed and the family disintegrates, Zhou Puyuan, the head of the family, is confronted with a changing society and the emergence of a new China. Based on the acclaimed play by Cao Yu, and set to music by legendary composer Mo Fan, the opera depicts a Chinese household in a time of social transition. This is not a traditional Chinese opera, but a Western piece that acknowledges other influences including modern Chinese song, a distinctive genre which flowered at the time the original play was written, and thus is very much relevant to the meaning of the opera. The opera combines western and Chinese culture by using a large number of arias, recitative ballad duets, ensemble, chorus and instrumental passages from Western opera and many ethnic musical instruments such as the erhu, lute, bangu, and clapper from Chinese traditional opera. Thunderstorm is an original work based on western opera with rich oriental musical elements. The opera is being performed on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, said Liu Xiaoming, China's Ambassador to the UK, in a congratulatory message after the opera's premiere. Members of the audience were dazzled by the performance. Sixty-year-old Brian Hick told Xinhua that the show was his first modern Chinese opera, although he had seen the traditional forms before. Catherine Calder said she felt that Chinese and Western opera share a lot in common. Despite differences in language and culture, the performance nonetheless stood out. She said the story of "Thunderstorm" is not difficult to understand, as love is an eternal theme. Thunderstrom is produced by the Shanghai Opera House. The performance is part of the Shanghai Season at the London Coliseum, a unique collaboration between the Shanghai Opera and Shanghai Ballet companies. WELLINGTON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Shareholders in New Zealand's biggest meat cooperative on Friday reaffirmed their support to sell a controlling stake to China's biggest meat processor. Shareholders of Silver Fern Farms held a second vote on the 50-percent sell-down, including a casting vote, to Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co. Ltd. (Shanghai Maling) with 80.4 percent voting in favor of the deal. In October last year, shareholders voted 82.22 percent in favor of the deal with Shanghai Maling, which is 38-percent owned by China's Bright Food Group, for 261 million NZ dollars (187.79 million U.S. dollars). The deal had been beset by controversy with a small group of Silver Fern shareholders staging a revolt and demanding a new vote on its approval after claiming the board and executives misled them on its debt levels. The Financial Markets Authority, the market watchdog, in May cleared the board of issuing misleading or deceptive documents. After Friday's second vote, the rebels said they would end their opposition to the deal. Chairman Rob Hewett said the partnership would create a strong Silver Fern Farms. "This partnership will enable us to generate higher, sustainable returns for our shareholders," Hewitt said in a statement. Chief executive Dean Hamilton said the process to complete the transaction had continued with all outstanding information now with the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) for its consideration. "We remain confident that we will achieve OIO approval prior to Sept. 30, and proceed to complete the transaction by Jan. 4, 2017, as previously announced," Hamilton said in a statement. "The clear message from the voters is to get on with it, and realize this opportunity ahead of us." Phone photo taken on Aug. 11, 2016 shows medical staff treating the injured in a hospital in Hua Hin, Thailand. Local police confirmed that a Thai was killed and 20 people, including foreign tourists, have been injured after two bombs exploded in Hua Hin just before midnight, Thai media reported. (Xinhua) BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A series of bomb blasts rocked Thainland's southern provinces, many famous among tourists, on Friday, Thai Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday or the Mother's Day, after two bombs exploded in Hua Hin late Thursday. At about 8:00 a.m. local time, two bomb exploded in the southern Surat Thani province, killing one person and injuring at least three. At about 8:41 a.m. local time, two bomb exploded near the Patong beach of Phuket province, which injured a motorcycle taxi driver. At about 9:00 a.m. local time, two bomb went off again in Hua Hin, a tourist hotspot, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, injuring five. At about 9:30 a.m. local time, several bomb exploded in Phang Nga province, but caused no injuries. Bomb blasts hit Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one person and injuring seven foreigners and 13 Thais, while bombs also hit Trang province on Thursday, injuring five. Besides the bomb blasts, major fires were also reported in markets of several southern provinces, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi and Trang. Many places hit by blasts and fires, such as Hua Hin, Krabi and Phang Nga, are tourist hotspots. "I believe the bombings were caused by a same gang. Police are working on these incidents," said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. Prawit said the reason of these incidents remained unclear but he denied that these incidents were spread from the three southernmost provinces, where blasts often happened. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that some Thais "without hearts" are making trouble, adding that the government will do its best to secure the country. Prayut also asked Thai people not to be scared by the series of bomb blasts. Michael Phelps from the U.S. competes in the men's 200m individual medley heats during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Swimming events at Olympic Aquatics Stadium at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 10 August 2016. (EPA/Xinhua) BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- If you have followed the Rio 2016 Olympics, you might have noticed something strange: a number of athletes, including U.S. gymnast Alex Naddour and swimming superstar Michael Phelps have dark purple circles on their backs and shoulders. In fact, not just athletes but many celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Justin Bieber have been photographed with similar odd-looking marks on their skin. What is this mad craze? Are they being attacked by mysterious creatures? Is this the latest tattoo fashion trend? Well, no. The marks are actually the result of an ancient Chinese healing practice called "cupping therapy." What is "cupping therapy"? Having been practiced in China for thousands of years, "cupping therapy" commonly involves practitioners placing a specialized cup on the skin. They use either heat or an air pump to create suction inside the cup, which draws the skin upwards into the cup and leaves those dark circles. The marks usually stay for about a week. Demonstration time To provide first-hand information, four Xinhua journalists recently had a whole session of cupping therapy at the Beijing International Acupuncture Center. The following is the complete procedure: 1. Tools: Dozens of glass cups, 95 percent alcohol, a lighter, and a stick attached to a cotton ball. The cups are usually in the shapes of balls or bells, with plastic or glass the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, and bamboo used in earlier times. 2. Soak the cotton ball in alcohol, light it inside the cup and quickly remove it. 3. Tightly press the cup on the target area of the skin and let the suction inside pulls the skin upwards. 4. Leave the cups for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to leave them too long, otherwise the skin will blister. 5. Gently remove the cups, letting the patient lie still for a few moments. It's advised to keep warm and not to shower immediately (waiting at least three hours) after the therapy, to prevent catching a cold. How does it feel? The sight of scattered dark marks, especially fresh ones, may prompt many to think cupping is a scary or painful experience. But if done properly by a professional practitioner, it is better than you think. One Xinhua journalist, who had the therapy, said it was almost painless. The moment the cup is pressed tight, the skin starts to feel like someone is pinching his back, like having a massage. Then, the pain and discomfort become so slight that he can even fall asleep. Another Xinhua journalist who tried said that the feeling was not so much painful as itchy. "At the beginning, it was like a thousand ants were biting my back. But it eased up later." Why not have a try and find out yourself! What does it treat? While many are skeptical of cupping therapy, claiming its effectiveness lacks scientific evidence, others say it is the secret of their health. U.S. gymnast Alex Naddour told USA Today that the therapy was "better than anything else I have spent money on." "That's been the secret that I have had through this year, and it keeps me healthy," Naddour said, adding that it had saved him from a lot of pain. The photo of Michael Phelps taking cupping therapy has earned nearly 30,000 likes on Instagram. (Instagram) In another interview, Michael Phelps, who has been using cupping therapy for about two years, said it reduces his soreness. Physiologically, cupping is believed to be effective in boosting blood circulation, relieving soreness and pain, and relaxing strained muscles. It is claimed that the darker the mark left by the cup, the poorer the blood circulation in that part of the body. Wei Lixin is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and a teacher at the Beijing International Acupuncture Center. (Photo provided by the center) Wei Lixin, who has over 22 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine and is a teacher at Beijing International Acupuncture Center said that cupping therapy helps promote the circulation of blood and "qi" and is useful in a variety of ailments, including colds, muscle problems, pain relief, arthritis, insomnia, and cellulite. Clinically, cupping and other techniques such as acupuncture are often combined to treat diseases. Wei said that it is not only useful for athletes, but can also help people who have aches and pains from sitting in front of a computer for a long time everyday. VLADIVOSTOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and five others were injured in a car accident Thursday in Russia's Far Eastern Primorye, local authorities said Friday. "A 72-year-old woman died immediately. Two adults and three teenagers were hospitalized," according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the region. Five cars may have been involved. A 31-year-old driver, who is believed to be the cause of the accident, wasn't driving at a safe speed. It was his fifth violation of the law this year. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) meets with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ambassador to Cambodia Jang Yun Gon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 12, 2016. Hun Sen on Friday urged the DPRK to return to the six-party talks in order to maintain peace and stability in the Korean peninsula, a Cambodian senior official said. (Xinhua/Sovannara) PHNOM PENH, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to return to the six-party talks in order to maintain peace and stability in the Korean peninsula, a Cambodian senior official said. Hun Sen made the remarks during a meeting with newly-appointed DPRK Ambassador to Cambodia Jang Yun Gon, according to Kao Kim Hourn, minister attached to the prime minister. "The prime minister had called on the DPRK to comply with all relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and urged the resumption of the six-party talks in order to maintain peace in the Korean peninsula," Kao told reporters after the meeting. "The prime minister underlined that what Cambodia wanted to see is peace and stability in the Korean peninsula," he said. The six-party talks began in August 2003 as a forum focusing on the DPRK's nuclear program and were halted in April 2009 when the DPRK announced that it would no longer take part in the talks in a reaction to the international condemnation of its long range missile test. The countries directly involved in the six-party talks are South Korea, the DPRK, China, Russia, the United States and Japan. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday welcomed the signing by Sudanese opposition groups of an African Union (AU)-brokered roadmap for ending conflicts in Sudan, and urged all signatories to work for an early return of lasting peace in the African country. In a press statement issued here, the 15-nation UN body welcomed the signing on Aug. 8 of the Roadmap Agreement by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)-Minni Minnawi, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), and the National Umma Party. The council members welcomed the support of the roadmap by other members of the Sudan Call, an opposition alliance bringing together Sudanese armed groups and opposition parties, the statement said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the signing of the agreement and called on the parties to "maintain this positive momentum" and work toward an agreement on cessation of hostilities. "The members of the Security Council commended the government of Sudan for signing the Roadmap Agreement on March 16, 2016, subsequently clarifying its commitments regarding the inclusion of other relevant stakeholders in the National Dialogue initiated by the government, and continuing to uphold any decisions reached between the opposition signatories and in the 7+7 Mechanism," the statement said. The Security Council paid tribute to the efforts of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) in helping to achieve the Roadmap Agreement, said the statement. "The members of the Security Council urged all signatories to continue the momentum in agreeing upon a cessation of hostilities, modalities for expanding humanitarian access in Darfur and the Two Areas, and the process for reaching a final political settlement through an inclusive national dialogue, and in this regard welcomed the commencement of negotiations on Aug. 9 in two parallel tracks," the statement said. "The members of the Security Council recognized that in signing the Roadmap Agreement, all parties have demonstrated a commitment to ending the conflicts in Sudan and moving towards a process of dialogue as a basis for lasting peace," the statement said. Last March, AUHIP proposed a roadmap agreement for the Sudanese rivals, stipulating arrangements related to a cease-fire in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur regions, entering a peace process and involving the armed movements in the national dialogue currently convened in Khartoum. The Sudanese government unilaterally signed the Roadmap Agreement, while the rebel SPLM-N, JEM, the SLM-Minni Minnawi faction and the opposition National Umma Party had refused to sign. The Darfur armed groups and the SPLM-N had insisted that a preparatory conference should be held, according to decisions by the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council, to bring together all Sudanese political forces to agree on procedures for an equitable dialogue with the government, a demand that the Sudanese government rejected. ANKARA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- One Turkish police officer was killed and another wounded by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attacks on an armored vehicle in Southeastern Turkish province of Mardin on Friday, Dogan News Agency reported. Two militants from PKK also have been killed following a clash between the two sides that was precipitated by a militant attack on an armored vehicle in the Nusaybin district of Mardin on Friday morning. The militants attacked the armored vehicle as it was patrolling in the Selahaddin Eyyubi neighborhood of Nusaybin, killing a police officer and wounding another. Two militants were also killed at the scene. Operations of Anti-PKK in the area are ongoing. Over 500 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. NEW DELHI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained by U.S. authorities at Los Angeles International Airport. The Bollywood star took to social networking website - Twitter to announce his detention. "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Khan wrote on his Twitter account on Friday. Khan's detention enraged his followers, who called for a similar treatment in reciprocation to visiting U.S. dignitaries. Reasons for Khan's detention were unclear. However, reports said he was allowed to proceed after the detention for around four hours. Although there was no comment from U.S. immigration officials, the U.S. State Department's assistant secretary on south and central Asian affairs Nisha Biswal apologized to Khan. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk (Shah Rukh Khan) - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Biswal wrote in reply to Khan on Twitter. Khan has been detained by U.S. officials in past as well. In 2012, the actor was detained at New York airport for over two hours by immigration officials. Prior to this in 2009, Khan was detained by U.S. immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Khan is famous Hindi movie celebrity in India and has acted in dozens of films. He is one of the prominent faces in South Asia. U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma also apologised to Khan and said such an act would not be repeated. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the U.S.," Verma wrote on Twitter. by Xinhua Writer Liu Chang BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Conventional wisdom tells us that no two countries can agree on everything, and it would be smart for India to join China in rising above their differences. Starting from Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins a three-day visit to India, the first for him in two years. Many believe the trip aims to help rasp off the rough edges of the relationship between the world' s two leading developing countries, and build up consensus ahead of two important summits, the Group of 20 meeting in China and the BRICS gathering in India, to be held in the coming months. As Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check. What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party. However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed. But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake. In a join communique issued by the foreign ministers of China, India and Russia after they met in Moscow earlier this year, India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned. Given that the South China Sea correlates with China' s vital national interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijing' s concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. At the same time, the world' s two fastest-growing economies should maintain their positive momentum on bilateral ties that has been maintained in recent years, further deepen cooperation, especially in trade and commerce, and foster an even closer partnership. In a time of lackluster global economic recovery, the two countries should team up to fend off trade protectionism, and make substantial efforts to bring the world' s economic house in order at the two key summits and beyond. As key emerging markets, the two nations, by standing together hand in hand, can be a strong voice for the developing world, and render the global economic governance system fairer and more justice. When it comes to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges such as climate change, the fight against terrorism and food security, the two most populous BRICS members share great potential to do even more. China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world. File photo taken on May 24, 2016 shows a music fountain in West Lake in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou is the host city for the 2016 G20 summit on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. With one month to go, Hangzhou looks forward to G20. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- As the annual Group of 20 (G20) summit draws closer, media across the world have paid more attentions to Beijing's role in supporting the growth of less developed economies. Leaders of the world's 20 largest economies are scheduled to meet in China's eastern city of Hangzhou on Sept. 4 and 5. Hopes are high that China's leadership will breathe fresh life into the quest for an elusive global recovery. According to The Herald of Zimbabwe, many African countries are hoping that the annual event will focus more on issues dealing with the skewed development trajectory of the world. The newspaper also highlighted China's stance that less developed countries are in urgent need of speeding up the process of industrialization. "This hope is pinned on China's stance that it will push the G20 members at the meeting to consider supporting the industrialization of Africa," it said. "Given its status, China can successfully act as a 'broker' to leverage both political and economic power between developed and developing countries," it added. Meanwhile, other diplomatic issues of global concern are also expected to be raised. British and Russian media paid close attentions to the announcement that British Prime Minister Theresa May and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting at the coming G20 summit. Sky News reported that May and Putin agreed during a telephone conversation to see each other at the summit to seek closer and healthier ties between the two nations. Both leaders had said they were unhappy with the current state of relations between Britain and Russia, Sky News quoted a Kremlin spokesman as saying. Russia and Turkey have also been trying to repair ties as Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could hold a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Turkish Ambassador to Russia Umit Yardim told Sputnik on Thursday. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Top regional leader of Daesh or Islamic State group, Hafiz Saeed Khan, has been killed in a joint U.S.-Afghan operation, Afghan ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal said on Friday. "I can confirm that the Daesh leader, Hafiz Saeed Khan, has been killed," Ambassador Zakhilwal told Pakistani Pashto-language "Mashriq" television in an interview. The interview will be on air on Sunday, management of the Peshawar-based television said. The Afghan envoy said the IS leader was killed along with several other activists in a U.S. strike on July 26 with the ground support of the Afghan forces. The Afghan media has also quoted another military official as confirming the death of Saeed Khan. Major General Mohammad Zaman Wazir, commander of the 201 "Selab Corps," said at least 23 Daesh commanders including the commander, Hafiz Saeed, were killed in foreign troops' drone strikes. IS and the U.S. have not commented on the latest claims by Afghan officials. Afghan security officials had claimed the killing of Saeed Khan but their claims later proved to be incorrect. IS leader Abubakr Al-Baghdadi had appointed him commander for the so-called Khorasan province that is comprised of Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran and Central Asian states. Saeed Khan, a former senior leader of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was the chief IS leader in Afghanistan after he pledged allegiance to S in late 2014. He was considered as the hardliner with anti-Shiite approach within the TTP. He once served as the TTP chief for Orakzai tribal region in Pakistan. Saeed Khan masterminded attacks including the group's first ever deadliest in Kabul last month, killing nearly 80 people belonging to Hazara community. IS had also attacked the Pakistani consulate in Jalalabad in January that had killed seven Afghan security personnel. CONAKRY, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A top management official of StarTimes, a Chinese pay TV provider, is on a working visit to Guinea on possible entry into the local digital broadcasting market. Guinea President Alpha Conde on Thursday held talks with Gu Xun, the vice president of StarTimes. The meeting was aimed at finding ways and means of revolutionizing public and private television in Guinea under a public-private partnership framework. The digital television project will ensure Guinea's national broadcaster, the Guinea Radiotelevision (RTG), broadcasts across the entire national territory. During the meeting with Conde, Gu expressed his company's willingness to get involved in the digital migration process in Guinea. Guinea's Investments Minister Kassory Fofana said the digital migration project will cost between 80 to 100 million U.S. dollars. Created in 1988 in China with its headquarters in Beijing, StarTimes is a group of Chinese media specialised in integration of satellite with terrestrial technology to facilitate transmission of more than 140 local and international channels. The company operates in 23 African countries with over 4 million African subscribers. Palestinian protesters hurl stones at an Israel i soldier during clashes after a protest against the expansion of Jewish settlements in Kufr Qadoom village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Aug. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Ayman Nobani) JERUSALEM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israel has demolished 20 Palestinian homes in the West Bank since the beginning of August, amidst a crackdown on Palestinian communities in "Area C," human rights organization said on Friday. Area C makes up 60 percent of the West Bank. It has been under complete Israeli military control since the mid-1990s. Over the past week and a half, Israel's Civil Administration demolished 20 homes and 13 other structures, leaving 53 people, including 25 minors, homeless, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said in a statement. At least five of the demolished structures, located mainly in the Jordan Valley and the South Hebron Hills, were donated by international humanitarian aid organizations. Israel has been stepping up home demolitions in the West Bank since the beginning of 2016, citing "lack of building permits." According to B'Tselem, in 2016, at least 188 Palestinian homes were demolished, the highest number ever. A recent report by the organization showed that Israeli authorities had razed more Palestinian houses in the first half of 2016 than they have throughout the entire previous year. On Thursday, France condemned the demolition of humanitarian structures in the West Bank, which were aimed at helping Palestinians affected by earlier demolitions. "France expresses its serious concern over the accelerating pace of demolitions and confiscations of humanitarian shelters for the Palestinian population in Area C," the country's foreign ministry said. Paris also called on Israeli authorities "to stop these operations which are contrary to international law." On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said during a press briefing her country was "concerned" by Israel's "provocative" razing of additional three E.U.-funded structures in the West Bank earlier that day. The increased demolitions "raise serious questions" about Israel's commitment to peace, she said. Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, home to more than 5 million Palestinians, in the 1967 Mideast War. It has controlled it ever since, despite international condemnations. MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three former Philippine comfort women, who were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War ll, led a rally Friday in front of the Japanese Embassy in Manila to protest Japan's rising militarism. "Japan is again making its presence felt in matters of security in the Asia Pacific," said Rechilda Extremadura, executive director of Lila Pilipina, an organization of Philippine comfort women. "(The Japanese) government is again taking the militarist path after convincing the Japanese people and its victim-nations to erase in their collective memory Japan's World War II atrocities like wartime sexual slavery through the comfort women system," she said. Extremadura told Xinhua that only three ageing victims participated in the protest rally, saying many of the victims are in their late 80s and 90s. "Only a few number of World War II comfort women are left to express their alarm over Japan's rising militarism, but their commitment remains unwavering," Extremadura said. She said the protest was an advance commemoration of the end of World War II which the organizers dubbed as International Memorial Day of Comfort Women on Aug. 14. "The action also serves to call attention on their plight in time with the last day of visit in the Philippines of Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida," she said. Kishida is in the Philippines for a three-day visit that ended Friday. During his visit, Kishida discussed with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay on a string of issues, including trade, economy and maritime security. Extremadura said Japan was able to convince the South Korean government in December, "through U.S. prodding, to give up its fight for comfort women by accepting 1 billion yen for comfort women in exchange for their silence." "Then, early this year, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made an explicit call for the amendment of Japan Constitution's Article 9 that prevents Japan from maintaining and building up its military force, saying it is inconsistent with the existence of its Self-Defense Force," she said. Extremadura also said that Lila Pilipina remains in solidarity with other comfort women, especially from South Korea and called on South Korea to pursue justice for the victims of wartime sexual slavery by thwarting attempts by the U.S. and Japanese governments to silence them. "They must not compromise justice in exchange for compensation. The comfort women's dignity, destroyed by the Japanese in World War II cannot be bought by one billion Yen. It can only be rebuilt by justice," she said. Meanwhile, Extremadura said their group is looking forward to a dialogue with President Duterte to brief him on the plight of the Filipino women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime military brothels during the WWII. Lila Pilipina (League of Filipino Women) has documented 174 comfort women who have gone public since early 1990s. Only 70 of them remain alive. Another group, the Malaya Lolas (Free Grandmothers), has documented 90 but the number dwindled to 33 following the death of the rest over the years. Both groups are demanding an official apology, compensation, and inclusion of the comfort women issue in Japan's historical accounts and textbooks. The Philippine government has intentionally avoided discussions of the issue at bilateral talks with Japan. Extremadura said they are hoping Duterte will raise the issue when he visits Japan. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai and Taipei will hold their annual city forum from Aug. 22-23 in Taipei, Shanghai municipal authorities announced Friday, despite current suspension of cross-Strait communication mechanisms. Senior municipal official Sha Hailin, on behalf of Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong, will lead a delegation to attend the forum, the Shanghai government announced via its official microblog account on Sina Weibo. The forum has been held by the two cities in rotation since 2010. The 2016 forum will focus on exchanges in fields such as health care, smart cities, culture and transportation in a bid to "deepen exchanges and cooperation in various aspects" between the two cities, according to the Shanghai government. The Taiwan side has failed to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which endorses the one-China principle, since new leader Tsai Ing-wen assumed office in May, leading to the suspension of communication and consultation mechanisms. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office on the mainland, said Friday that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations can be maintained as long as the Taiwan side adheres to the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus. "We hold an active and open attitude toward exchanges between cities of both sides," Ma said, stressing that the nature of cross-Strait relations and city exchanges should be interpreted correctly. Kenya's mobile and internet penetration are among the highest in Africa at 83 percent and 58 percent respectively. (Xinhua/Allan Muturi) NAIROBI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Commercial banks' Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in Kenya are on fast decline as citizens switch to mobile phone technologies to transact banking business. For several years, the machines were all the rage when it came to bank customers accessing their cash and in some cases depositing. But all indications are clear that mobile phone technology is slowly cannibalizing the machines as citizens seek more convenient, faster and trendy ways of accessing their money. And they have found it in their mobile phones, forcing nearly all East African nations' 42 banks to launch vibrant mobile and internet banking platforms. Consequently, the commercial banks have slowed down investment in the teller machines mainly found in commercial centres. Latest data from the Central Bank of Kenya indicate that there are currently about 2,600 ATMs across the East African nation, down from an estimated 2,800 seven months ago. The number of the machines has been on the decline since the start of the year, but dropped drastically in April to average 2,600 machines. Central Bank attributes the trend to increased use of mobile technology by banks and their customers. "This has been driven mainly by stiff competition among the institutions, which have had to adopt cost-effective channels in offering financial services to ensure efficiency and maintain market share," said the regulator. With Kenyans transacting on mobile money 2.8 billion U.S. dollars a month, which translates to 92 million dollars every day or 3.8 million dollars per hour, banks have had no choice but to link their systems with those of telecoms which offer mobile money services. The result is that citizens now do not need to go to ATMs to withdraw or deposit cash. "When I want to withdraw money from my bank account, which is linked to my mobile money account, all I need to do is to transfer money from the former to the latter on my cell phone. Then I walk to the nearest mobile money agent and withdraw the cash if need be," said Nairobi insurance agent Joseph Omolo. If he wants to pay rent, for instance, Omolo normally withdraws cash from his bank account via his mobile money, logs in to his mobile money account and sends to his landlord. "Initially, I would have had to look for an ATM, withdraw the cash physically and load into my mobile money account," he recounted. As millions of other Kenyans, Omolo who has been doing banking business on his phone for over a year now does not remember the last time he visited an ATM to withdraw cash. "As long as my bank's mobile banking app is working, which has not disappointed me so far, I do not think I will step to an ATM." However, increased mobile money use is not the only tormentor of ATMs, according to analysts. Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer in Nairobi, noted that with banks replacing ATM cards with debit cards, Kenyans do not have to withdraw money from the machines to spend. "They can use the cards directly at several pay points in paperless transactions that are convenient." He added that growth of agency banking has also made Kenyans visit ATMs less. By December 2015, 17 commercial banks and three microfinance banks had contracted 40,592 and 1,154 agents respectively across the country, who made transactions worth 4.3 billion dollars. Yemeni women shout slogans during a demonstration in front of United Nations (UN) office in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on July 19, 2016, against the killing of civilians by the Saudi-led coalition and Yemeni pro-government forces. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) RIYADH, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Friday the foiling of an attempt of three Saudi sisters from taking their children to Syria to joint militant groups, Saudi Press Agency reported. The ministry came to know about the case when a Saudi man reported to the police that his wife left the country along with three of their children, aged between 10 to 2. She went with her two sisters, in which one has four children aged between 6 to 1. They were planning to go to Syria to join militant group, the police confirmed. Security authorities traced the three women who arrived in Beirut and through coordination with Lebanese police the women and children were brought back to Saudi Arabia. The ministry highlighted that all children are in good health condition and the mothers were kept in custody to be referred to the judicial authorities. Although they were successful attempts of Saudi fathers taking their children with them to conflict zones, mainly Iraq and Syria, this was the first reported case of mothers carrying their children there. The country has been taking severe steps to prevent its nationals from joining militant groups, thus might contribute in the growing number of sleeping cells in the country that were responsible of many terrorist blasts and attacks in recent years inside Saudi Arabia. China's deep-sea submersible mother ship, Tansuo-1, returns to Sanya in south China's Hainan Province, Aug. 12, 2016. Tansuo-1 returned to Sanya on Friday after completing its successful maiden voyage to the Mariana Trench. The mother ship carried 60 researchers and crew as well as a 10,000-meter autonomous remote-controlled submersible, a 9,000-meter ocean-bottom seismometer and other domestically made devices. It left Sanya on June 22 for the Mariana Trench expedition. (Xinhua/Sha Xiaofeng) SANYA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's deep-sea submersible mother ship, Tansuo-1, returned to Sanya in south China's Hainan Province on Friday after completing its successful maiden voyage to the Mariana Trench. The mother ship carried 60 researchers and crew as well as a 10,000-meter autonomous remote-controlled submersible, a 9,000-meter ocean-bottom seismometer and other domestically made devices. It left Sanya on June 22 for the Mariana Trench expedition. During the expedition, researchers with the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted 84 research tasks and collected a large amount of samples and data at different depths. The results will be announced later. The 94.45-meter-long Tansuo-1 has a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It is equipped with 10 permanent research labs and two removable labs. The ship serves as the mother ship for a new manned submersible that can reach a depth of 4,500 meters. China's current manned submersible, Jiaolong, reached a depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012. Men sift through debris at the house of one of the two Palestinian gunmen who shot dead four Israelis at a trendy Tel Aviv nightspot in June, after it was demolished by Israeli authorities on August 4,2016, in the village of Yatta in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) JERUSALEM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israel has demolished 20 Palestinian homes in the West Bank since the beginning of August, amidst a crackdown on Palestinian communities in "Area C," human rights organization said on Friday. Area C makes up 60 percent of the West Bank. It has been under complete Israeli military control since the mid-1990s. Over the past week and a half, Israel's Civil Administration demolished 20 homes and 13 other structures, leaving 53 people, including 25 minors, homeless, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said in a statement. At least five of the demolished structures, located mainly in the Jordan Valley and the South Hebron Hills, were donated by international humanitarian aid organizations. Israel has been stepping up home demolitions in the West Bank since the beginning of 2016, citing "lack of building permits." According to B'Tselem, in 2016, at least 188 Palestinian homes were demolished, the highest number ever. A recent report by the organization showed that Israeli authorities had razed more Palestinian houses in the first half of 2016 than they have throughout the entire previous year. On Thursday, France condemned the demolition of humanitarian structures in the West Bank, which were aimed at helping Palestinians affected by earlier demolitions. "France expresses its serious concern over the accelerating pace of demolitions and confiscations of humanitarian shelters for the Palestinian population in Area C," the country's foreign ministry said. Paris also called on Israeli authorities "to stop these operations which are contrary to international law." On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said during a press briefing her country was "concerned" by Israel's "provocative" razing of additional three E.U.-funded structures in the West Bank earlier that day. The increased demolitions "raise serious questions" about Israel's commitment to peace, she said. Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, home to more than 5 million Palestinians, in the 1967 Mideast War. It has controlled it ever since, despite international condemnations. JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will extradite a wanted U.S. fugitive who has been on the run since 2009, police said on Friday. Nichole Michelle King, 44, had been on the most wanted list in the U.S. for sentencing after she was found guilty on three offences relating to fraud and embezzlement of funds from her employer. King was arrested in 2006 and was due to be sentenced on December 11, 2009 when she skipped the country and found a hiding place in South Africa. In June this year, the U.S. authorities requested the Interpol to arrest King. The Interpol's Fugitive/ Extradition Unit arrested the fugitive at her rental house in Brakpan, Gauteng Province on August 10, 2016, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS). King subsequently appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court where she was remanded in custody until August 18, 2016. N'DJAMENA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Over 6,000 new Central African Republic refugees have been registered in southern Chad by the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a UN source has said. The refugees had fled fighting that broke out on June 12, 2016 in northern Central Afrian Republic, a statement from the UN Bureau for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "In line with the new policy of alternatives to the UNHCR camp, their voluntary resettlement in Diba 1 village which is situated some 45 km from the Central African Republic-Chad border began on July 15. By July 18, some 229 people had been transferred to Diba 1 in four convoys," OCHA Chad said. After briefing sessions, over 800 refugees voluntarily registered to be relocated. However, the process was delayed by the last minute refusal of majority of refugees who did not want to move far away from the border and their zones of origin. Over 91,000 Central African Republic refugees have been received in camps within Chad in recent years. This is besides thousands of Chadians who fled fighting in the Central African Republic between 2013 and 2014. CHENGDU, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A giant panda that was rescued in the wild in 2013, delivered twins in southwest China's Sichuan Province Thursday. The mother panda, Qiao Qiao, gave birth to the twin cubs at the Bifengxia breeding base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. As it was her first delivery, Qiao Qiao became emotional and distressed, said Luo Bo, an official at the base. The labor lasted six hours. After giving birth to the first cub, Qiao Qiao the panda held it in her mouth and nursed it. Employees took the second cub away as part of an artificial breeding program. Though the second cub is male and weighed 180.7 grams, the sex of the first cub has yet to be determined. Locals found Qiao Qiao having difficulty walking at a scenic spot in Sichuan in April 2013, and she was sent to the center to receive treatment. As Qiao Qiao is a wild panda, the twins will greatly contribute to the genetic diversity of the species in the protection center, said Luo. This year, 10 giant pandas in the center gave birth to a total of 15 cubs, with 13 surviving. At the end of 2015, China had 1,864 giant pandas living in the wild and a further 422 in captivity, according to the State Forestry Administration. Forty-three cubs were born in captivity last year, with 40 surviving, including 14 sets of twins. MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the law enforcers to arrest the Caucasian-looking people who were allegedly involved in indoctrinating Filipinos in southern Philippines on the teachings of the terrorist Islamic State. Duterte told reporters Thursday night in southern Philippine city of Davao that he asked the military to check the information regarding the presence of these unarmed foreigners who are in the "guise of educating" the people in Mindanao. "I told the military to validate it and arrest all of them and we will deport them for acts inimical (to national security)," he said. Meanwhile, Duterte, during his visit Friday in a military camp in southern province of Sulu, told the soldiers to crush the Abu Sayyaf Group. "Those who want to destroy us, then you have to destroy," he said. The Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been engaged in high profile kidnappings and killings, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. LUSAKA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's electoral body said on Friday it had not deliberately delayed to start announcing the results of the presidential election, saying it was still waiting for results from various constituencies. Zambians voted in general elections and referendum on Thursday, with a high voter turnout, forcing the electoral body to extend the voting period in some polling stations. Priscilla Isaacs, the director of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), said the electoral body will only start announcing the result for the presidential election after receiving them from the polling stations. "We can only give official results after we get results from all polling stations in a constituency and verify them. So bear with us because we want to ensure that we get factual results," she told a press briefing. She however said the electoral body expects to start giving official presidential results at 2 p.m. local time. She said voting has closed in all the 7,700 polling stations, adding that the last polling station in western Zambia closed at 2 a.m., adding that counting was currently underway in most polling stations. She further called on stakeholders to ignore results being posted on social media and wait for official results from the electoral body. "The Commission has continued to call for calm. I know we are all anxious but we must be patient and wait for the ECZ to make its first official announcement," she added. Nine candidates stood as presidential candidates but the race is mainly between incumbent President Edgar Lungu and main opposition contender Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Lungu narrowly beat Hichilema by less than 28,000 votes in last year's presidential election called after the death of President Michael Sata. JUBA, Aug 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Friday warned of funding shortages as thousands of refugees are fleeing South Sudan, straining the surrounding countries. UNHCR said that only 122 million U.S. dollars had been received, representing 20 percent of the 608.8 million dollars needed by the agency for refugees in South Sudan and the six countries of asylum, and that part of its activities had been suspended. "Worst affected are remote regions in Uganda, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic where UNHCR had no previous presence," UNHCR said in a statement received in South Sudan's capital Juba. "Continuing funding shortages will further disadvantage women, children and men who need urgent sustained help to overcome the trauma of forced displacement and get on the path to recovery, self-reliance and human dignity," it added. UNHCR said the inability to provide food, shelter, basic services, psychosocial assistance, education and livelihood opportunities were prolonging vulnerabilities. UNHCR appealed to the international community to support countries of asylum to protect and assist South Sudanese refugees. "Already there are some 930,000 refugees in the region, and more are arriving daily. UNHCR is extremely worried that even as the refugee population grows, funds to meet basic needs are becoming exhausted," it said. UNHCR said the outbreak of renewed violence in Juba in early July appeared to have tipped the scales against an imminent political solution to the South Sudan conflict. "There are numerous reports of sporadic armed clashes, human rights violations including sexual and gender-based violence by armed groups, and worsening food insecurity -- inflicting immense suffering," it said. The security conditions in South Sudan are unpredictable with clashes recently reported in parts of the country between government troops and forces loyal to sacked vice president and former rebel leader, Riek Machar. The two sides had fought a civil war which broke out in December 2013 and left tens of thousands dead. A peace deal signed last August led to the formation of a national unity government in April but failed to quell the fresh fighting. According to UNHCR, Uganda and Sudan have received an estimated 110,000 and 100,000 new arrivals respectively in 2016, together accounting for more than 90 percent of the new arrivals in the region this year. Most of those fleeing to Sudan arrived in the first six months of the year, driven by fighting in previously stable areas in Western Bahr al Ghazal state, as well as the worsening food security. In addition to the refugee numbers, there are 1.61 million people who are displaced within South Sudan, UNHCR said. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- New economic drivers are surfacing in China and its industrial structure is improving, said an official Friday. Despite headwinds in July, there was fast development in new industry, technology, businesses and services, said Sheng Laiyun, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics. His remarks echoed a statement by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which said Thursday that new economies and dynamics are spurring growth, retooling industries and creating jobs. China's high-tech sector grew 12.2 percent in terms of value added in July, 0.6 percent faster than June, on the back of technological innovation, Sheng told reporters at a press conference. Investment in the high-tech sector grew 14.2 percent in the first seven months of 2016, while financing for energy-intensive industries declined. The new energy vehicle sector grew 52.5 percent in July, he said, adding that revenues of strategic emerging services grew 15.6 percent year on year in the first half of 2016. Some 177,000 new energy autos were produced and about 170,000 were sold in the first half of 2016, up 125 percent and 126.9 percent respectively, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Meanwhile, the new business model of the sharing economy has evolved into a vital part of China's economy, hitting a market scale of 1.95 trillion yuan (295.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015, according to an Internet Society of China report. With an annual growth of 40 percent, China's sharing economy market will account for more than 10 percent of the country's GDP by 2020, the report predicted. Stellar growth has made the sector a huge employer, with the leading ride-hailing service provider Didi creating 13 million jobs. The development of new economies gained momentum after endorsement in the annual government work report in March, which said new development dynamics and new economies must be promoted. Boosted by pro-innovation and entrepreneurship measures, an average of more than 40,000 market entities were registered every day in the first half of 2016, according to NDRC data. The number of patents surged 41 percent to 164,000 in the first half of 2016. China's economy grew 6.7 percent year on year in the second quarter, flat with the first quarter, the slowest pace since the global financial crisis. Confronted with medium growth, China needs to develop new economies as a national strategy in order to boost development and overcome the middle income trap, said Liu Yingjie, director of the comprehensive bureau of the Research Office of the State Council. NANNING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- At noon, Wei Zuoren turns on a radio in his cornfield and turns it up to maximum volume to scare away monkeys from the nearby mountains that frequently steal his maturing corn. "The number of the monkeys has been rising in recent years since the government has urged us to return land to the forest, and the animals often come in groups to eat the corn," said Wei, a villager in Jingsheng Village in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. "I once used a scarecrow in the field, but the monkeys soon discovered the truth." Wei's village was once part of a vast rocky area that faced desertification due to decades of logging. Villagers largely rely on the industry to make a living, but others grow corn, though harvests have always been poor. The unsustainable industries not only turned the lush green mountains into fields of rocks, but also scared away the wild monkeys that once roamed the forests. "By the 1990s, it was quite rare to see a wild monkey in this area," said a local official. In 2001, a national policy encouraged people to return land to forestry in order to restore Guangxi's environment. Local governments also created high-yield agriculture, built farms for people to fend off poverty and helped villagers find jobs in the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province, the economic powerhouse in south China and Guangxi's neighbor to the east. Fifteen years on, the efforts have paid off: not only is there less poverty, but the lush green landscape has reappeared. According to the latest government figures, more than 3 million people have been pulled out of poverty over the past four years in Guangxi's stony desertification area of about two million hectares. So far, about 280,000 hectares of such landscape has been treated, according to Huang Shiyong, vice chairman of the regional government. With the return of green trees, the monkeys have made a comeback.H A Xinhua investigation team this week found that large numbers of wild monkeys have showed up in multiple localities in Guangxi, including Fengshan, Tian'e, Pingguo and Jinchengjiang. Officials with local forestry bureaus told Xinhua that it is hard to give an official number on the monkeys because the figures keep climbing. "TROUBLE MAKERS" The reemergence of the monkeys may be a sign of a recovering environment, but for many villagers, the primates have become a nuisance. "As young people have left for better jobs in big cities, most of those left behind in the rural villages are women, children and the elderly," said Huang Rizheng, a forestry official in Guangxi's Tianyang County. "The trouble makers are fearless of these residents and often run straight into the fields and steal corn." Local villagers have tried, unsuccessfully, to chase them off with gongs, drums and firecrackers. "The methods are not effective at all and their numbers keep rising," said Pan Xiangzu, a forest ranger in Dongcheng Village. "Four or five years ago, there were only yellow ones, but now white monkeys and grey monkeys have appeared too." Pan added that he has seen hundreds of monkeys roaming a mountaintop at a time. Despite all the trouble, local governments and villagers have been tolerant of the animals, with some county governments offering subsidies to villagers for damage to their fields. "This is a lesson from the past," said Liang Feng, deputy head of Guangxi's Du'an County government. "We not only drove away the monkeys with the rampant logging, but also landed ourselves in a vicious cycle of poverty." Not only have the monkeys came back, but other animals, such as bamboo rats, pheasants, wild cats and even boars have showed up in big numbers in the mountains, said Lu Junfu, a wildlife protection official in Hechi City. RELOCATION More wildlife is likely to show up in the region as China steps up poverty relief efforts, considered as a key factor in China building a well-off society. Officials in Guangxi plan to relocate more than one million poverty-stricken residents to cities, towns and counties in the next five years, which may give more space for the survival of the wild animals such as the monkeys in the mountains. The residents' relocation comes along with job vacancies thanks to the government, which will guarantee villagers' financial security. "Moving out of the mountains is the only way out of poverty for many villagers," said Chen Jiyong, secretary of the Du'an County Committee of the Communist Party of China. "We will relocate 55,000 people in the coming five years." Villagers are also eager to leave the life of poverty behind. "If I stick with growing corn, I can only make 200 yuan (about 30 U.S. dollars) for one mu (667 sq m) of cornfield each month," said Zhou Meiyu, a resident in Shangsan Village. "If I find a job in the big cities, I can make a monthly salary of at least 4,000 yuan." Zhou said that local villagers will leave the villages sooner or later with the help of the government. "Maybe the villages will be under the reign of the monkeys in the future," she added. MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that he will not apologize to U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, saying the envoy did not even bother to apologize when they saw each other many times in the Malacanang presidential palace. "I will not apologize for anything. He did not even apologize to me. Why should I apologize to him?" Duterte told reporters in Jolo, Sulu where he was visiting. "He started it. We met several times in Malacanang, and he never said 'hey buds, I'm sorry,' but it was an off-the-cuff statement or something like that," Duterte said. He said he was really offended by the statements that Goldberg made during the campaign period. "Why would make those statements during election time?" Duterte said. "Who will not be offended by those remarks during an election period?" Goldberg criticized then presidential candidate Duterte for making light of the rape and killing of an Australian woman missionary during a jail riot in Davao City in 1989. Last Saturday, Duterte slammed Goldberg, saying he was annoyed by the "gay ambassador." "He meddled during the elections, giving a statement. You're not supposed to do that!" said Duterte. The incident prompted the U.S. State Department to summon a Philippine diplomat in Washington to clarify Duterte's statement. Goldberg is set to end his posting in the Philippines in October this year. N'DJAMENA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Shortage of funds for humanitarian response is negatively impacting populations affected by crises in Chad, the second largest host of refugees in Africa, a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has shown. "So far, only 20 percent of the 2016 humanitarian response plan has been funded. The under-funding has stalled the execution of all envisioned emergency assistance activities, thus having a negative impact on mortality, morbidity and living conditions of the populations affected by the crises in Chad," the report noted. In the area of food security, due to under-funding, some 78,000 Chadian returnees living in the south of the country have only received two monthly rations during the first half of 2016, while 238,000 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad have only received rations that can cover 40 percent of their daily needs. "If the under-funding continues, 2.7 million people risk sliding from moderate food insecurity situation to severe food insecurity situation during the current hunger season," the humanitarian agency warned. In terms of nutrition, over 120,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition will not be taken care of and they risk dying or losing their growth potential. In the health sector, close to 100,000 people affected by the movement of the population do not have adequate access to health centers or mobile clinics. In education, 180,000 children aged between 3 to 17 years who were affected by the crisis, have not gone to school during the 2015-2016 academic year. 130,000 other children who managed to go to school, were forced to learn in unfavourable conditions. Some of the children are forced to walk for a distance of over 10 kilometers to get to school, where they sit in a class of 90 children. In affected regions, over 70 percent of the children completed the 2015-2016 academic year without the necessary academic kits. Shortage of funding for protection activities has left 300 survivors of abuse and violence in the Lake region without any psychosocial and medical support or access to justice. At the same time, 70 percent of the displaced people in 2016 who sought to get identity documents did not manage to get them. Lack of funding for water and sanitation projects left 870,000 people without access to sufficient water, while 670,000 others continue to defecate in the bush. Finally, in the Lake region, over 18,000 displaced households are still homeless, making it hard for them to cope with the prevailing bad weather conditions. Besides, over 50,000 of the displaced people have not received the basic household items, making it difficult for them to cook or store water. "Given these statistics, it is important that all actors play their role to assist the vulnerable population," OCHA recommended, adding that during a review of the current humanitarian response plan, humanitarian partners promised to continue prioritizing their activities to maximise the impact of the response plan. Elsewhere, a 90-day emergency response plan targeting the Lake region has been completed to address the vulnerable situation that resulted from activities of Boko Haram terrorist group. The over 250,000 displaced people living in this Chadian territory along the border with Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon are facing uncertain times, especially during this rainy season and resumption of military operations in the area. During her recent visit to Chad, the U.S. Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Ann C. Richard announced an additional 27 million U.S. dollars for humanitarian response in the Lake Chad basin. On the other hand, OCHA has reaffirmed its support for the affected population in Chad through its allocation of 58 million euros to support humanitarian efforts. In addition, the UN Central Fund for Emergency Intervention recently announced disbursement of 7 million dollars for humanitarian and nutritional response in the Sahel region, as well as 10 million dollars to support Chadian returnees from Central African Republic. GENEVA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged Australian and Nauruan authorities to end the migrant processing model currently in place as soon as possible in light of systemic allegations of human rights violations. Australian authorities turn back asylum seeker boats to their country of origin when possible or transfer those seeking refuge to one of two offshore processing centers located in the Pacific island of Nauru and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. "We are extremely concerned about the serious allegations of violence, sexual assault, degrading treatment and self-harm contained in more than 1,000 incident reports from offshore processing centers on Nauru, many of which reportedly involved children," OHCHR said in a statement. "Many of the migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in these centers were transferred by Australia to Nauru more than three years ago and have been living in very difficult conditions ever since," it added. The practise has been condemned by international human rights groups, with OHCHR calling for both countries to find a viable alternative to deal with the influx of migrants and refugees. "We have consistently called on the authorities in Nauru and Australia to put an end to the model of processing and keeping migrants offshore," OHCHR explained. "We call on Australia and Nauru to expeditiously end the immigration detention of children, and urge the authorities to institute human rights-compliant alternatives," it added. TORONTO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- After facing an uproar from the public for saying a Chinese swimmer at the Rio Olympics "died like a pig," Canadian sport commentator Byron MacDonald and his employer Canada's national broadcaster CBC apologized for the comment. MacDonald made the insult after the women's 4 X 200m freestyle relay final, during which China's Ai Yanhan contributed to making her team only place fourth. "The little 14-year-old from China dropped the ball, baby. Too excited, went out like stink, died like a pig. Thanks for that," MacDonald said, believing the mic had been turned off. Complaints immediately started to fly in through Twitter, with many listeners shocked that such an obscene comment was made in public. "Byron MacDonald should resign or at least apologize @CBCOlympics That's not the Olympic spirit," Twitter user Peter Lowe said. CBC immediately issued a statement saying "We apologize the comment on a swim performance made it to air. It was an unfortunate choice of words -- we're sorry it happened." MacDonald apologized in person on Thursday afternoon, saying "I would like to take a moment to apologize for a comment that I made last night after the women's relay ... there was no disrespect intended and I'm very sorry." CAIRO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-three Egyptian workers kidnapped in Libya have been rescued and arrived at Egypt's Sallum checkpoint on Friday, Egyptian state TV reported. "Libyan authorities handed over the freed Egyptians at the crossing and an Egyptian security delegation received them," Matrouh Governor Alaa Abu Zeid said. The Egyptians abducted in Ajdabiya, a northeastern town in Libya, were rescued by Libyan special forces in coordination with the Egyptian intelligence service, according to the governor. "We were kidnapped by people for ransom near the oil town of Brega," one of the freed Egyptians told the state TV reporter at the border. He said they were held hostage for ten days. Libya is an ideal destination for thousands of Egyptian workers, many of whom are employed in construction. In February 2015, the Islamic State militant group published a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians abducted in Libya. Phone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2016 shows a policeman guarding near the Patong beach of Phuket province, Thailand. A series of bomb blasts rocked Thailand's southern provinces, many famous among tourists, on Friday, Thai Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday or the Mother's Day, after two bombs exploded in Hua Hin late Thursday. (Xinhua) BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Royal Thai police said on Friday that the stunning string of blasts across five provinces within 24 hours might have links to opponents to last Sunday's constitution referendum, local media reported. Royal Thai police chief Chakthip Chaijinda made this assumption after a video meeting with officials to proceed with investigations on the wave of coordinated explosions rattled multiple cities across southern Thailand. So far the attacks have killed at least four people and wounded 35 people. He believed that the explosions could be linked with the Aug. 7 referendum. As the timing suggested it could have been carried out by the opponents. Meanwhile, police has ruled out international terrorism links in the series of bomb explosions, saying it is different from international terrorism but local sabotage aimed to destroy the country's tourism atmosphere. Chakthip said the types of the bombs are similar to small bombings in the three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Thailand, where a bloody insurgency has killed more than 6,500 people since 2004. On Sunday, Thai voters approved a referendum on a new constitution that is supposed to lead to an election next year. Related: 4 killed, 31 injured in blasts in southern Thailand BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have launched a nationwide campaign against the selling of guns online, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced Friday. The MPS said police will strengthen the scrutiny of logistics companies that might be involved in gun delivery and crack down on illegal Internet websites, forums, and instant messaging services that facilitate the online gun trade. Police have also taken resolute action against criminal offences such as manufacturing, selling and possessing guns. More than 80,000 suspects were apprehended in about 9,000 gun dealing cases from 2011 to 2015, according to the MPS. China bans the manufacturing and sale of guns in order to control violent crime. Private citizens are not allowed to own guns. According to Chinese law, a person can face up to seven years' imprisonment if convicted of illegally owning a gun. Riot police run and surround Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt on Aug. 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) CAIRO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-three Egyptian workers kidnapped in Libya have been rescued and arrived at Egypt's Sallum checkpoint on Friday, Egyptian state TV reported. "Libyan authorities handed over the freed Egyptians at the crossing and an Egyptian security delegation received them," Matrouh Governor Alaa Abu Zeid said. The Egyptians abducted in Ajdabiya, a northeastern town in Libya, were rescued by Libyan special forces in coordination with the Egyptian intelligence service, according to the governor. "We were kidnapped by people for ransom near the oil town of Brega," one of the freed Egyptians told the state TV reporter at the border. He said they were held hostage for ten days. Libya is an ideal destination for thousands of Egyptian workers, many of whom are employed in construction. In February 2015, the Islamic State militant group published a video showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians abducted in Libya. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three officials from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Hunan Province have been charged with corruption, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Friday. They are Liu Zhenglin, former head of the NO. 208 brigade under China National Nuclear Corporation; Tang Chengliang, former deputy director of the financial and economic affairs committee of Guangxi regional people's congress; and Tan Daoxiong, former chairman of the Hunan Coal Industry Company. Liu was charged with corruption, embezzlement of public funds and the unauthorized partition of state-owned assets, while Tang and Tan were arrested for bribery, according to an SPP statement. YANGON, Aug.12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) has approved Myanmar Citizens Bank (MCB) which is a semi-government bank as a third listed company after scrutiny, according to an announcement of YSX Friday. "The bank will launch for listing and start trading securities on Aug.26 .The base price of MCB's per share will be announced prior to the listing day," U Myint Win, managing director of Myanmar Citizens Bank, told Xinhua. The bank will be the first local bank which is listed on YSX. The Myanmar Securities Exchange Center (MSEC), a joint venture between Myanmar Economic Bank and Daiwa Securities Group, is the lead securities company to the bank. Actually, the bank postponed the starting date to August due to unreadiness although it was expected to start in late July. Founded in 1992 as a semi-government owned bank, the Myanmar Citizen Bank has a paid-up capital of about 52 billion kyats (about 44 million U.S. dollars ). The Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar has paid up to 5.12 billion kyats and the public paid up to 46.88 billion kyats. MCB has 1, 700 shareholders and sold its shares in March to raise its capital. The YSX officially began trading on March 25, with only one listed company, First Myanmar Investment (FMI), available for transactions. At present, there are two listed companies - FMI and Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings Public Limited (MTSH) and five securities companies which are providing services as underwriters on YSX. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (Xinhua file photo) SOCHI, Russia, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia's president may sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine if there are no other options available, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday amid the recent escalating tensions between Moscow and Kiev. "I would not want that to happen, but if there is no other option left to impact the situation, the president could make such a decision," he was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of the infrastructure and citizens there. The Russian Federal Security Bureau said Wednesday the country had prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Crimea orchestrated by the Ukraine military intelligence service, in which two Russian servicemen were killed. However, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko denied Russia's accusations, calling them "preposterous and cynical." Medvedev called the incident "a crime against the Russian state and the Russian people, who live in one of the territories of the Russian Federation." Crimea, which was previously part of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and Western powers. Putin relieved Mikhail Zurabov of his duties as Russian ambassador in Kiev on July 28. His successor has not been appointed so far. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has decided to propose to India for exclusive dialogue on the dispute over Kashmir, the country's top foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz said on Friday. India suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after gunmen attacked an Indian air base at Pathankot in January. India had blamed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad group for the attack. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan's Foreign Secretary would be writing a letter to his Indian counterpart to extend a formal invitation for the talks. He told a news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan will invite India for Kashmir talks despite the stalled Composite Dialogue process between the two countries. Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since their independence in 1947. The adviser said that a recent conference of the Pakistani envoys also focused on relations with India. "As for India, the Envoys Conference noted that India's policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia," Aziz said. The conference discussed a number of diplomatic initiatives being taken. In this regard, Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, he went on to say. The conference emphasized to continue full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self- determination. Answering a question, the advisor said Kashmir would be on top of the agenda of Pakistan during the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has written to the UN Human Rights Council on "human rights violations" in the Indian-controlled Kashmir and that the council has conveyed to India that it wants to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir. India had described as interference Pakistan's statement about the recent violence in its part of Kashmir following the death of a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander. The Pakistani adviser said his country has already shared a dossier on the "Indian involvement in subversive activities in Pakistan" with the world community and the UN, adding the dossier would be updated before next UN General Assembly Session. President of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Tang Qiaoliang speaks after the signing of the tripartite agreement, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Aug. 12, 2016. Sri Lanka and China on Friday signed a tripartite agreement to proceed with the construction of a mega multi billion dollar port city project in capital Colombo. The agreement was signed between Sri Lanka's Urban Development Authority, the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development and the CHEC. (Xinhua/Huang Haimin) COLOMBO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and China on Friday signed a tripartite agreement to proceed with the construction of a mega multi billion dollar port city project in capital Colombo. The agreement was signed between Sri Lanka's Urban Development Authority, the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development and the China Harbour Engineering Company. With the signing of the agreement, the Colombo Port City Development Project was newly renamed as the Colombo International Financial City with the government stating that the project would transform Sri Lanka into an international financial hub in the Indian Ocean region. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka said that the Colombo International Financial City, which will be in the center of the maritime city, will be one of the key phenomenon which will decide the future development of Sri Lanka. He added that the project would also fuel the planned Maritime city, Aero city, Tech city, Industrial cities and Tourist cities. Ranawaka further said that it was essential for any strategically located country to introduce new maritime corridors and economic partnerships with many countries for its economic activities. Speaking on the same occasion, Chairman of the CHEC Tang Qiad Liang said that the positive changes made to the original agreement of the Colombo Port City which was signed in 2014 was a reflection of CHECs willingness at all times to work closely with the Sri Lankan government to ensure that the project has mutual long term benefits to the investor and the country. The 1.4 billion dollar Port City project which initially began construction in September 2014 under the former government was suspended in March 2015 by President Maithripala Sirisena's government due to environmental concerns. However in March 2016, the project was given the nod from the government stating that the project would convert Sri Lanka into an international hub in the region. The project which has now been expanded to 269 hectares under the new Tripartite agreement will include central parks and beaches for the public. The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs in the island country. Brazil's interim President Michel Temer addresses during the inauguration ceremony held at the Jardim Oceacino station of metro line 4 in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Ming) BRASILIA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government announced Thursday that it would restart the construction of over 10,000 houses as part of the "Mi Casa, Mi Vida (My House, My Life)" program destined for poorer families. This program was a flagship policy for the Workers' Party governments of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, but it was thought likely that interim President Michel Temer would suspend it to cut government spending. At a press conference, Cities Minister Bruno Araujo announced that more housing would be built for category 1.5 of beneficiaries, or families with net monthly income of up to 2,350 reais (750 U.S. dollars). The government will allocate another 3.8 billion reais (1.2 billion U.S. dollars) to build another 40,000 homes for this category. Araujo said a total of 600,000 new homes would be built in 2017. After Temer took over in office after the suspension of Rousseff, "Mi Casa, Mi Vida" had been temporarily suspended and the construction of thousands of homes had been paralyzed. Since 2009, the federal government has invested 309 billion reais (98.1 billion U.S. dollars) to build over 4.3 million homes as part of this program. TAIPEI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A 27-year-old man who returned to Taiwan from St.Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean on Thursday morning was confirmed to have been infected with the Zika virus, Taiwan's center for disease control said Friday. It is the fifth imported case of the Zika virus infection in the island and the second involving a local resident. The man reported to quarantine authorities on Thursday that he had had symptoms, including muscle pain and fever, since Aug. 4. A red rash developed on his body two days later. The center announced on Aug. 4 that a 43-year-old local woman who spent five months in Saint Lucia with her husband and returned to Taiwan on July 24 was confirmed to have been infected with the virus. The other three cases involved residents from Thailand and Indonesia. This file photo taken on September 4, 1999 shows Cuban President Fidel Castro gesturing in Havana as he discusses his request to the president of the International Olympic Committee for an investigation into the treatment of certain Cuban atheletes. (Xinhua/AFP) by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- For more than half a century, Cuban leader Fidel Castro has been a target for many of his political enemies and adversaries that tried to topple the socialist regime in the island country by any means, including his assassination. Castro once stated, in regards to the numerous attempts on his life, that he believed he had set a world record. "If surviving assassination attempts were an Olympic event, I would win the gold medal," he said. During his 47 years in power, Castro survived 637 conspiracies to kill him and 164 real assassination plots, making him the most targeted head of state in the 20th century. "In the last few years, several Cuban security researchers conducted an investigation and we concluded that 637 conspiracies to kill Fidel Castro had been carried out with various methods," Pedro Etcheverry, an investigator at Cuba's State Security Research Center, told Xinhua. Etcheverry said U.S. intelligence services admitted in 1975 that they had organized eight separate plots to kill Castro since 1960, after he broke off relations with Washington and established key political and economic alliances with the former Soviet Union. "These plots were never carried out because our security forces dismantled them but it shows how the U.S. tried to physically eliminate Fidel because he was a threat to their interests in Cuba," added the academic. The expert said the U.S. and anti-Castro groups were very "aggressive" in the early years of the revolution and plots were continuously organized. He said many factors, including luck, had helped the fact that none of the assassination attempts against Castro were ever successful. From sniper and bazooka attempts to guns hidden in video cameras and even poisoning milkshakes or chemical attacks to remove his beard have been some of the assassination methods. Image provided by Estudios Revolucion shows Fidel Castro (R), leader of the Cuban Revolution, meeting with French President Francois Hollande, in Havana, Cuba, on May 11, 2015. (Xinhua/Estudios Revolucion/Cubadebate) One of the most renowned plots was in Chile in 1971 when Fidel Castro visited his ally, former president Salvador Allende. "During a press conference, the CIA had infiltrated two cameramen with guns inside their video cameras. Minutes before Fidel came out to speak to the press, one of the two men declined to take a shot at Cuba's president and the other one also backed down," said Etcheverry. Another tense moment came in 1997 in Venezuela when Fidel Castro attended the VII Iberoamerican Summit and terrorist groups planned a disastrous assassination plot. "The plan in Margarita Island, Venezuela, was to fire a bazooka at Fidel's airplane when it was about to land. The perpetrators were arrested and two bazookas, an assault rifle as well as explosives and guns were found," he added. Etcheverry believes Castro's enemies never gave up in their attempts to physically eliminate him until he officially retired in 2008. "The U.S. government and terrorist groups insisted on trying to kill Fidel because he is a symbol of social justice, sovereignty and independence for Cuba and many other nations around the world," he said. Enditem Police officers guard the area where a Paris attacks suspect got arrested in Brussels, Belgium, March 18, 2016.(Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUSSELS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three people were detained Thursday night in an anti-terror raid in Belgian capital Brussels, according to federal prosecutor's office. Belgian police searched eight addresses in Brussels at the request of a judge specialized in terrorism cases. During the searches, no weapons or explosives were found. The three detained have been identified as Wassime A. , Asma A, and Malika B. "The judge will decide in the course of the day of their possible detention ," said the prosecutor. Belgium's terrorism alert remains at level three, the second highest on a four-tier system since the serial bombings that killed 32 in Brussels in March. ISTANBUL, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish prosecutor on Friday demanded five years in jail for a co-chair and a deputy of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over charges of "terrorist propaganda," local media said. Kadir Yilmaz, deputy chief prosecutor of Istanbul's Bakirkoy district, indicted HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas and its Ankara deputy Sirri Sureyya Onder for speaking in favor of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a rally in Istanbul in March 2013, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. During the rally, slogans were chanted in support of PKK's imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan while the crowd carried his pictures. Both Demirtas and Onder also praised Ocalan and the PKK in their speeches made on the occasion, the indictment noted. The HDP has been shunned in the ongoing reconciliation between the ruling Justice and Development Party and the opposition parties, a process started right after the July 15 failed coup bid, for its alleged link to the PKK. The PKK has been seeking autonomy in southeastern Turkey for over 30 years and renewed fighting with the Turkish security forces in July last year. ANKARA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's foreign minister said on Friday that 32 diplomats were recalled after a coup attempt, but they have not returned yet. The 32 are among 208 Foreign Ministry personnel who were recalled to be assigned at the ministry's headquarters, Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. Cavusoglu said they are also investigating media reports that a Turkish diplomat at Turkey's embassy in Bangladesh has fled to Russia. The top Turkish diplomat announced that a U.S. delegation will visit Ankara on Aug. 23-24 for talks about the extradition of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by the Turkish government of being behind the July 15 coup attempt. Tens of thousands of soldiers, police officers and bureaucrats have been detained, dismissed or investigated for alleged links to the coup attempt, which Turkish authorities blame on U.S.-based cleric Gulen Meanwhile, Cavusoglu said Turkey and Iran were on the same page about territorial integrity of Syria. "We will enhance cooperation with Iran for peace in Syria," he said. Turkey also wants to boost economic ties with Iran with the purchase of additional natural gas, Cavusoglu said, adding they also discussed the transfer of Iranian gas to Europe. Zarif, for his part, welcomed cooperation between Turkey and Russia. "It's Syrian people that should decide on their future," he noted. Co-leader of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas speaks during an interview on July 22, 2016 in Ankara. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) ISTANBUL, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish prosecutor on Friday demanded five years in jail for a co-chair and a deputy of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over charges of "terrorist propaganda," local media said. Kadir Yilmaz, deputy chief prosecutor of Istanbul's Bakirkoy district, indicted HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas and its Ankara deputy Sirri Sureyya Onder for speaking in favor of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a rally in Istanbul in March 2013, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. During the rally, slogans were chanted in support of PKK's imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan while the crowd carried his pictures. Both Demirtas and Onder also praised Ocalan and the PKK in their speeches made on the occasion, the indictment noted. The HDP has been shunned in the ongoing reconciliation between the ruling Justice and Development Party and the opposition parties, a process started right after the July 15 failed coup bid, for its alleged link to the PKK. The PKK has been seeking autonomy in southeastern Turkey for over 30 years and renewed fighting with the Turkish security forces in July last year. People wave Turkish national flags as they gather on August 10, 2016 at Kizilay Democracy Square in Ankara during a rally against failed military coup on July 15. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) ANKARA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's foreign minister said on Friday that 32 diplomats were recalled after a coup attempt, but they have not returned yet. The 32 are among 208 Foreign Ministry personnel who were recalled to be assigned at the ministry's headquarters, Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. Cavusoglu said they are also investigating media reports that a Turkish diplomat at Turkey's embassy in Bangladesh has fled to Russia. The top Turkish diplomat announced that a U.S. delegation will visit Ankara on Aug. 23-24 for talks about the extradition of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by the Turkish government of being behind the July 15 coup attempt. Tens of thousands of soldiers, police officers and bureaucrats have been detained, dismissed or investigated for alleged links to the coup attempt, which Turkish authorities blame on U.S.-based cleric Gulen Meanwhile, Cavusoglu said Turkey and Iran were on the same page about territorial integrity of Syria. "We will enhance cooperation with Iran for peace in Syria," he said. Turkey also wants to boost economic ties with Iran with the purchase of additional natural gas, Cavusoglu said, adding they also discussed the transfer of Iranian gas to Europe. Zarif, for his part, welcomed cooperation between Turkey and Russia. "It's Syrian people that should decide on their future," he noted. A woman carries her baby on a street as civilians fleeing the zones controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group arrive in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on August 7, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) militants have kidnapped nearly 2,000 civilians while evacuating their last position in the northern town of Manbej near Turkey on Friday, state news agency SANA and a monitor group reported. A convoy of 500 vehicles carrying the IS militants and civilians started leaving Manbej, in the northern countryside of the northern province of Aleppo, toward the town of Jarablus, another town in northern Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The IS withdrawal comes apparently as part of mediation by local dignitaries between the IS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which mounted a wide-scale offensive to flush out IS from Manbej in June, according to the Observatory. The UK-based watchdog group said the deal was not officially declared between both sides, but it could be explained, as it's impossible for 500 vehicles to leave Manbej without being targeted by the SDF. Friday marks the end of the IS presence in their last pocket in Manbej, the last IS position on the Turkish borders, activists said, adding that the town has become almost empty following the IS withdrawal with civilians. Meanwhile, state news agency SANA said the IS terror group abducted nearly 2,000 civilians, using them as human shields to secure its withdrawal safely from Manbej toward Jarablus. Activists said the terror group opened fire on several civilians who were trying to flee the withdrawing IS convoy, activists added. On Aug. 6, the SDF, backed by heavy air cover from the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, took control over Manbej, save for a few pockets, which remained in the hands of the IS militants. Expelling the IS from Manbej came two months after the SDF with the help of the anti-terror coalition unleashed a wide-scale offensive to dislodge the IS from Manbej. In the process, dozens of civilians were killed in the town as a result of the coalition airstrikes, according to the Observatory. The SDF, a relatively new rebel alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, said their aim is to root out the IS presence in northern Syria. LAGOS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Friday said it had reunited more than 200 children with their parents affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. The successful re-unification was conducted with the collaboration of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) under Restoring Family Link Program, Sa'ad Bello, a regional head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said in northern city of Yola. He said the children, mostly of between the age of five and 12, were from Bama and Baga in Borno. "We still have about 165 unaccompanied children in four designated camps in Adamawa," Bello told reporters. According to him, some families from Bama visited some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Yola where they identified their children. He said after intensive investigation by appropriate authorities concerned, the children were handed over to their parents. He said the agency with the support of ICRC, was working hard, through appropriate channels, to identify the parents of the remaining unaccompanied children. Boko Haram, which seeks to impose strict Islamic law in northern Nigeria, has been blamed for some 20,000 deaths and displacing of more than 2.6 million people since 2009. Enditem Germany's Henri Junghaenel attends the awarding ceremony for the men's 50m rifle prone final of shooting at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 12, 2016. Henri Junghaenel won the gold medal. (Xinhua/Cao Can) RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Henri Junghaenel won Germany the second shooting gold medal in Rio Olympics by claiming the title on men' s 50m rifle prone on Friday. Junghaenel, who is making his Olympic debut, scored 209.5 points in the final to take the gold. Kim Jonghyun from South Korea needed a shoot-off to beat Russian shooter Kirill Grigoryan, bringing back home the silver with 208.2 points. Grigoryan, who collected 187.3 points, got the bronze medal. Germany' s first shooting gold came on Thursday, when Barbara Engleder took the title of women' s 50m rifle 3 positions. ATHENS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey seems to remain committed to stemming the refugee flow to Europe and there is no "alarming" increase of refugees to Greek islands after the failed coup, Deputy Minister for Migration Policy Yannis Mouzalas said Friday. "On average there are 80 to 100 new arrivals per day. This was the average flow from the start of the implementation of the agreement. Therefore, talk about an increase and imminent collapse of the deal is wrong and creates unnecessary panic," the Greek official stressed after a meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. According to Greek national news agency AMNA, Mouzalas assured that initial concern on the European side that developments in Ankara this summer may affect the March 20 EU-Turkey deal to curb the irregular influx of migrants and refugees into Europe was unfounded. He did acknowledge, however, that since the implementation of the agreement, which put an end to the irregular flows to the mainland, there was a significant congestion issue with overcrowded migrant reception centers on the islands which makes more difficult the everyday life of both refugees and locals. Mouzalas underlined that the government had stepped up efforts to accelerate the processing of refugees and to decongest the islands by gradually transferring some of the people whom are to be deported to detention centers in the mainland. In addition, more hospitality facilities are being constructed, he noted. In autumn, some 2,000 people will be relocated on Crete island in four new such centers, he said. Currently, after the closing of the Balkan route to central Europe and the launch of the March 20 deal, there are approximately 57,000 migrants and refugees stranded in Greece, according to the refugee crisis management coordinating committee. About 10,000 people are trapped on the northeast Aegean Sea islands, 20,000 in northern Greece, another 10,000 in Attica region and the rest scattered in other centers across the country. In a recent open letter to Tsipras, the governor of the North Aegean Region Christina Kalogirou noted that more than 8,000 people had applied for asylum and on average 60-70 applications are processed by authorities daily. Athens insists that the situation is manageable and far better than the situation in 2015 when more than one million people landed on Greece's shores seeking refuge in Europe. The government has pledged to further improve their accommodation with multilateral assistance. According to the latest official data from the European Commission and Greek authorities, so far less than 1,000 refugees have been relocated to other European countries under last year's agreement for the relocation of several thousands people within two years. Less than 500 have been returned to Turkey under March's deal. Meanwhile, despite the improvement of conditions in state-run accommodation centers, challenges remain. A hepatitis A outbreak was reported at the Nea Kavala refugee center in northern Greece this week. Eight children and adolescents aged 2-18 were hospitalized at the nearby hospital of Kilkis, according to an announcement from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Two have been discharged and the rest are showing improvement, according to a hospital press release. The center arranged inoculations from August 17 for 158 people who came in contact with the children as a precaution measure, the head of Macedonia and Thrace's 4th Health Region Authority Stratis Plomaritis told AMNA. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The career choice of Chen Ze'en, 26, not only changed his life but also those of residents in a remote village in one of the poorest parts of China. Chen has been keeping bees at a small village in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region for around a year. This summer, his bee population has increased to about 200 hives. He expects to harvest two tonnes of honey and sell it for 300,000 yuan (about 45,000 U.S. dollars). The village has a local species of bee that produces sweet, pure honey. But without proper technology and investment, the business was barely viable. Chen brought new beekeeping techniques and a modern business model that villagers found "a bit strange but smart." "The village has a very good natural environment, free of any industrial pollution. I am trying to highlight the clean and organic nature of our product," Chen said. He is now registering a company and brand. "I am also thinking of developing new honey products, for instance, honey wine," he said. Chen's apiary has inspired villagers and he does not hesitate to share his knowledge. About 100 people now profit from the beekeeping business. Having set the 2020 goal of raising the annual incomes of about 55 million people over 2,800 yuan (430 U.S. dollars), China values young people like Chen and has high expectations of what they can bring to remote villages. For around a decade, college graduates have been hired to work as village officials on a large scale. These young officials are now a force to mobilize rural people themselves in the fight against poverty. In southwest China's Sichuan Province, a government program supports young officials' startup projects, including growing local specialties and selling farm produce online. South China's Guangdong Province has focused on encouraging local young people to stay at home instead of moving to the cities. Agricultural technicians are invited to teach them the latest farming skills and financial assistance is given to new businesses. A more traditional way for young people to engage in poverty alleviation is for college students to volunteer to teach in rural schools for a few years. Li Xingjian attended Beijing's Renmin University and taught at a rural middle school in Sichuan in 2014 when he was still a graduate student. Many of Li's charges were "left-behind children," living with relatives, often their grandparents, while their parents work in cities. Among several hundred students, only a dozen or so went to college each year and usually to small colleges with inadequate teaching resources. "Compared with what I taught them, simply my being there was more helpful. I felt like a window through which they got a glimpse of an unknown outside world," he said. Besides learning new ideas from him, Li's students found someone they could look up to. "One of my students wrote me an 18-page letter, telling me that I was the first person to praise him and give him a present in his 17 years of life. He said I gave him hope," Li said. Although these programs aim to help needy people in rural areas, those who offer help benefit as well. Many volunteers were inspired by their experiences when choosing their careers. Since 2012, Renmin University has sent about 1,000 students to villages in less-developed regions for a short program every summer. Lu Xiaotong,from central China's Hunan Province, took part twice. "Before visiting the village in my home province, I thought that I knew rural China quite well," she said. Instead, the grinding poverty shocked her and she witnessed how one simple project, such as building a paved road, could change the lives of everyone. "The experience gave me a sense of responsibility and motivation. I found myself pondering what I could do to actually help," Lu said. International Youth Day, which fell on Friday, was themed "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production." In his message to the occasion, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote,"Let us empower young people with the resources, backing and space they need to create lasting change in our world." CHANGCHUN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Participants at the 2016 conference of the Northeast Asia economic forum on Friday called for the establishment of a regional bank. The two-day event, held in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, concluded on Friday with the publication of the Changchun Declaration urging the founding of Northeast Asian Development Bank. According to the declaration, the forum has been advocating a bank's establishment for 10 years, believing that it would promote economic growth and facilitate cooperation in the region. Besides financial cooperation, the Northeast Asian countries should also step up cooperation in terms of infrastructure, tourism, energy and culture, according to the declaration. The forum is a regional non-governmental organization founded in 1991 to sponsor and facilitate research, networking, and dialogue relevant to the economic and social development of Northeast Asia. This year's conference has attracted over 100 politicians and scholars from countries including China, Russia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and the United States. Topics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, regional cooperation and revitalization of the old industrial base in northeast China were hotly discussed at the conference. Indian police and paramilitary troopers walk on a street during curfew in Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 12, 2016. Over 60 people have been killed and thousands injured in unrest since the killing of 22-year-old militant Burhan Wani by security forces last month in Indian-controlled Kashmir. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) NEW DELHI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) --Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday convened an all party meeting to find a solution to end the ongoing protests in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. During the closed door meeting, representatives of political parties impressed upon the government to immediately start confidence building measures and initiate talks with all stakeholders aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the region that is on boil. Apart from senior ministers in the Modi government, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and Sharad Yadav of JD(U) attended the meeting. Separatist leaders in the region are critical of New Delhi's posturing and have been intensifying protest calendars to build pressure on the Indian government to call for talks aimed at resolving Kashmir issue. The authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday extended curfew and restrictions in Muslim majority areas of the region. Police and paramilitary troopers closed all routes leading to the Jamia Masjid (grand mosque) in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. Residents said for the fifth consecutive Friday the mosque was kept out of bounds for the public. "A heavy deployment of police and paramilitary cordoned off the mosque area to prevent people from entering it," Mohammed Yasin, a resident said over telephone. The local government has detained key separatist leaders fearing their participation in demonstrations would intensify anti-India protests and mobilize people in large numbers. Reports pouring in from other places said people offered prayers in the mosques and took out protest demonstrations at several places. The government forces fired warning shots, pellets and tear smoke shells to disperse angry crowds. Several people were injured in the clashes, local media reports said. On Thursday, the authorities foiled separatist march to "martyrs graveyard" in Srinagar. Earlier this week, the region's Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited New Delhi and urged New Delhi to take some "bold and tangible initiatives" to end the ongoing unrest in the region. Mehbooba called for reviving the "confidence building and peace process" through a productive dialogue process with all shades of the political opinion and with Pakistan. However, Modi is yet to take any such steps. He has recently announced that his government along with local government were finding solution to all problems through "development". Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is in a coalition in Indian-controlled Kashmir with Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Protests in the region broke out on July 8 following the killing of a top militant commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Burhan Muzaffar Wani. The 22-year-old Wani was poster boy of HM, the region's indigenous militant outfit. Wani's killing triggered violent protests and clashes which are going on since then. So far 58 people including two policemen were killed in the ongoing wave of unrest. Health officials put the number of civilians injured since the outbreak of protests to more than 3000. More than 100 people have also lost eyesight after being hit by pellets. Police officials said an equal number of government forces were injured due to stones hurled by protesters. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. Irate residents defying curfew and restrictions took to roads at several places and clashed with police. The youth throw stones and brickbats on contingents of police and paramilitary, who respond by firing tear smoke shells, pellets and bullets, which often proves fatal. The shutdown and restrictions have affected normal life in the region, with people complaining dearth of essentials and eatables. A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. The cellphone and internet services continue to remain suspended in the region since July 8 in a bid to prevent people from mobilizing . Prior to this, in 2010, a similar wave of violence hit the region and claimed over 100 lives during clashes that continued for months together. 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. The weeks of turbulence in Indian-controlled Kashmir has added a new confrontation in the already strained relations between the two countries. People attend a rally to protest against deploying the U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in front of the defense ministry in Seoul, South Korea, July 13, 2016. South Korea's defense ministry on Wednesday announced an agreement with the United States to deploy the U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), to its southeastern region despite continued opposition from neighboring countries. (Xinhua/Wang Jiahui) BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A three-day visit to Beijing by six South Korean opposition lawmakers has deepened the political divide in the country over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system. The lawmakers, all critics of the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), were travelling to Beijing at a time when relations between South Korea and China are rapidly deteriorating. They are, however, being reviled by some South Korean politicians as "betrayers" who could jeopardize national security, and South Korean President Park Geun-hye also criticized them as sympathizers with China. Such accusations have triggered strong reactions among South Korean opposition parties. A major South Korean opposition lawmaker said it is possible to impeach President Park over her turning a blind eye to growing public opposition over the deployment of the missile defense system. Tensions between Beijing and Seoul have reached unprecedented levels after the latter finally decided to deploy the THAAD system on its soil, despite repeated opposition from China. The South Korean lawmakers said they did not intend to align with Beijing during the trip. Rather, they said, they would seek to meet with Chinese scholars to understand China's stance on the THAAD issue and discuss ways to prevent bilateral relations from worsening further. Such bilateral communication is what is needed most at this very moment. But the South Korean government and some media outlets branded them as "traitors" and "flunkies for China," a move that only stifles rational voices and acts, and jams the communication channels between Beijing and Seoul. Seoul's decision to deploy a THAAD unit not only poses a serious threat to China's security and strategic interests, but will end up damaging South Korea's own interests as well. Many politicians and liberal activists are calling for the government to reconsider deploying the missile defense system, and people around the country have continued holding rallies against the planned THAAD deployment. According to a Gallup Korea survey released on Friday, only 33 percent of the respondents said they were satisfied with President Park's job performance and 53 percent held an unfavorable view. Experts said that the THAAD deployment will only worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and South Korea might find itself trapped even deeper within a security paradox. The South Korean government should realize that the planned THAAD deployment, which will undermine regional peace and stability, could lead the country down a dangerous path. It needs to act with prudence and carefully reconsider the situation before obstinately pushing ahead with the missile defense system. Related: Commentary: Seoul invites strategic catastrophe as THAAD threats more than Pyongyang BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean government is either making a historic misjudgment, or is using it as a weak excuse to state that the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system could pit Beijing against Pyongyang. THE HAGUE, Aug. 12 (Xinhha) -- The Dutch national Olympic committee NOC/NSF had the right to expel Dutch gymnast Yuri van Gelder from the Dutch Olympic squad, the court in Arnhem decided on Friday. NOC/NSF had sent Van Gelder home on Tuesday after the 33-year-old gymnast had gone out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, having used alcohol, having returned at the Olympic village at 6.00 in the morning, failed to attend a training and having offended the rules of the Dutch squad. Van Gelder filed interim proceedings at the court in Arnhem to get his place in the Dutch squad back and to get financial compensation. According to his lawyer the exclusion was illegal, because the rules are not clear. The judge however ruled that there was enough reason to expel Van Gelder, who suffered from a cocaine addiction in the past. The court did not announce further details. A full ruling will be published next week. Due to the ruling Van Gelder will definitely not be competing in the Olympic rings final on Monday in Brazil. The Dutch gymnastics association had already withdrew the rings world champion 2005. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned the bomb attacks in Thailand on Thursday and Friday, saying he "hopes the perpetrators of these crimes will be brought to justice expeditiously." "The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes those injured a speedy recovery," Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said while reading a statement to reporters here. "He expresses his sympathies to the government and people of Thailand." Five provinces in Thailand were hit by 11 bombings within 24 hours, reports said, adding that at least four Thai nationals were killed and about 36 others injured, including 10 foreigners. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts, and it is not clear if the bombings are connected, the reports added. JAKARTA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian armed forces (TNI) has set up a special squad on standby to assist the release of Indonesians being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines. The special squad comprises personnel from the army, the navy and the air force, military spokesman Tatang Sulaiman said here Friday. "The military commander has prepared a squad. It will be ready to take action whenever it is needed. The TNI is always ready," the spokesman said. Tatang said that the deployment will be done once there is coordination and an agreement between the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines. The Indonesian military has been allowed to enter the Philippines' territory for the hostage release, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizar Ryacude said after his meeting with his Filipino counterpart Voiltaire T.Gasmin in Mannila in June. Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Friday stressed that the government is taking all measures to release the 11 Indonesian seamen being abducted in the Philippines. The vice president revealed that among the steps is negotiation involving the government and the employers of the kidnapped persons. However, Security Chief Minister Wiranto has stressed that the government will not comply with the Abu Sayyaf demand of ransom. Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia have reached a deal on a joint patrol to secure the busy shipping lane in the borders of the nations. A total of 25 Indonesian nationals have been abducted by Abu Sayyaf group this year and 14 of them were released. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council has approved Pingxiang, a city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the border with Vietnam, to be a new opening-up pilot zone, a statement said on Friday. The plan for the new zone will be published by the National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic planner, according to the cabinet website. Pingxiang is Guangxi's second "key pilot zone for development and opening-up" after Dongxing, approved in August 2012. Southwestern Yunnan Province's Mengla bordering Laos, and Ruili, a major border crossing between China and Myanmar, as well as northern Inner Mongolia's Manzhouli city and northeastern Heilongjiang Province's Suifenhe-Dongning zone in the neighborhood of Russia, are also on the pilot zone list. The pilot zones were expected to play a positive role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, boosting opening-up and facilitating the mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries. BEIRUT, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said "the safety of the people of South Lebanon is at the heart of our operations," a statement by the UNIFIL said on Friday. Major-General Michael Beary met with Lebanon's Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday, when he briefed the Lebanese official on the UNIFIL's efforts together with the Lebanese army to maintain security in the south, the statement said. This was Beary's first meeting with the Speaker after he assumed command of the UNIFIL in July. "I told the Speaker that one of my central priorities is to reach out to the people of the south whose safety is at the heart of our operations," Beary said following the meeting. "I assured the Speaker of my firm commitment to our mandated tasks under Resolution 1701," he said, referring to a UN Security Council resolution aimed at solving the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. JAKARTA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has been on alert by taking measures to prevent the spread of the ongoing fires at agriculture lands and in forests. President Joko Widodo on Friday ordered a cabinet meeting to deploy soldiers, police and firefighters to douse the fires in some parts of Sumatra Island. In the first eight months this year, Indonesia has put out about 74 percent of the forest fire hotspots, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said. However, President Widodo reminded that over 217 forest hotspots are still there in Sumatra Island. The president ordered military commander General Gator Nurmantyo and National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian to deploy their personals and engage in the efforts to eliminate the fires. Last year, Indonesia dispatched over 22,000 soldiers and dozens of aircraft with the international assistance to put out the forest fires across the nation that killed 17 people and sent thick haze to neighboring countries. Enditem A woman carries her baby on a street as civilians fleeing the zones controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group arrive in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on August 7, 2016. (AFP/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) militants have kidnapped nearly 2,000 civilians while evacuating their last position in the northern town of Manbej near Turkey on Friday, Kurdish activists and a monitor group reported. A convoy of 500 vehicles carrying IS militants and civilians, who were snatched and used as human shields, started leaving Manbej toward the town of Jarablus in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo, as part of mediation by local dignitaries between IS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It said the deal was not officially declared between both sides, but it marks the end of the IS presence in their last pocket in Manbej, the last IS position on the Turkish borders. Kurdish activists, meanwhile, said the IS terror group has taken nearly 2,000 civilians as human shield to secure its withdrawal safely from Manbej toward Jarablus. The terror group opened fire on several civilians who were trying to flee the withdrawing IS convoy, activists added. Manbej has become almost empty following the IS withdrawal with civilians as human shields, activists said, adding that the SDF has succeeded to evacuate 2,500 civilians from the al-Sirib neighborhood in Manbej. On Aug.6, The SDF, backed by heavy air cover from the U.S-led anti-terror coalition, took control over Manbej. The SDF, which is led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units, finally succeeded to capture the town of Manbej, following months of battles with the IS militants. Still, some IS pockets were still in the town, before the SDF fully expelled them on Friday. A couple of months ago, the SDF with the help of the anti-terror coalition unleashed a wide-scale offensive to dislodge the IS from Manbej. In the process, dozens of civilians were killed in the town as a result of the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, according to the monitor group. The SDF, a relatively new rebel alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, said their aim is to root out the IS presence in northern Syria. NAIROBI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's electoral body said on Friday that it plans to set up a fund to pool resources to finance elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer, Ezra Chiloba, told Xinhua that the kitty was part of the electoral law but was yet to be operationalized. "We are currently in discussions with the parliament so that we can begin setting funds for elections into the kitty," Chiloba said during the Kenya Internet Governance Forum. Chiloba said that the funds will ensure that IEBC has constant access to funds for the next general election immediately after general polls are concluded. He said that currently the electoral body depended on the government's process to get annual funding which takes times and hence can't plan for the next elections. The government has set aside 180 million U.S. dollars in the current financial year and another 170 million dollars for the next financial year for preparation of the 2017 general elections. IEBC said that 300 million dollars is required for actual general election process and the remainder is used for administrative purposes. Part of the funds will be used to buy new voter registration and identification kits as those used in the 2013 polls are defective. Enditem Immigrants line up at the Immigrants Nationality Identification Center in Mersinidi, Chios, Greece, May 11, 2015.(Xinhua/Liu Yongqiu) ATHENS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey seems to remain committed to stemming the refugee flow to Europe and there is no "alarming" increase of refugees to Greek islands after the failed coup, Deputy Minister for Migration Policy Yannis Mouzalas said Friday. "On average there are 80 to 100 new arrivals per day. This was the average flow from the start of the implementation of the agreement. Therefore, talk about an increase and imminent collapse of the deal is wrong and creates unnecessary panic," the Greek official stressed after a meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. According to Greek national news agency AMNA, Mouzalas assured that initial concern on the European side that developments in Ankara this summer may affect the March 20 EU-Turkey deal to curb the irregular influx of migrants and refugees into Europe was unfounded. He did acknowledge, however, that since the implementation of the agreement, which put an end to the irregular flows to the mainland, there was a significant congestion issue with overcrowded migrant reception centers on the islands which makes more difficult the everyday life of both refugees and locals. Mouzalas underlined that the government had stepped up efforts to accelerate the processing of refugees and to decongest the islands by gradually transferring some of the people whom are to be deported to detention centers in the mainland. In addition, more hospitality facilities are being constructed, he noted. In autumn, some 2,000 people will be relocated on Crete island in four new such centers, he said. Currently, after the closing of the Balkan route to central Europe and the launch of the March 20 deal, there are approximately 57,000 migrants and refugees stranded in Greece, according to the refugee crisis management coordinating committee. About 10,000 people are trapped on the northeast Aegean Sea islands, 20,000 in northern Greece, another 10,000 in Attica region and the rest scattered in other centers across the country. In a recent open letter to Tsipras, the governor of the North Aegean Region Christina Kalogirou noted that more than 8,000 people had applied for asylum and on average 60-70 applications are processed by authorities daily. Athens insists that the situation is manageable and far better than the situation in 2015 when more than one million people landed on Greece's shores seeking refuge in Europe. The government has pledged to further improve their accommodation with multilateral assistance. According to the latest official data from the European Commission and Greek authorities, so far less than 1,000 refugees have been relocated to other European countries under last year's agreement for the relocation of several thousands people within two years. Less than 500 have been returned to Turkey under March's deal. Meanwhile, despite the improvement of conditions in state-run accommodation centers, challenges remain. A hepatitis A outbreak was reported at the Nea Kavala refugee center in northern Greece this week. Eight children and adolescents aged 2-18 were hospitalized at the nearby hospital of Kilkis, according to an announcement from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Two have been discharged and the rest are showing improvement, according to a hospital press release. The center arranged inoculations from August 17 for 158 people who came in contact with the children as a precaution measure, the head of Macedonia and Thrace's 4th Health Region Authority Stratis Plomaritis told AMNA. LUSAKA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's electoral body on Friday held an emergency meeting with candidates in the presidential election following concerns raised over some results received so far. The Election Commission of Zambia was supposed to start announcing results of the presidential election at 2 p.m. but later pushed it to 3 p.m and later 6.p.m, much to the annoyance of stakeholders who waited in vain at the National Results Center. Cris Akufuna, the public relations manager of the electoral body said the commission was having a meeting with presidential candidates while the verification results were underway. Priscilla Isaacs, the electoral body's director said on Friday morning that all the results being received from all the 156 constituencies will be subjected to thorough verifications before they are announced. Anxiety has gripped the peaceful southern African nation as results of the presidential election are being awaited. There is tight security at the National Results Center. Final results are expected to be announced late on Saturday, according to the electoral body. Zambia voted in presidential, parliamentary and local government polls on Thursday. The vote also included that of city mayors and a referendum meant to amend part three of the constitution which deals with people's rights. Nine candidates stood as presidential candidates, with incumbent President Edgar Lungu of the ruling Patriotic Front facing stiff challenge from main challenger Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development. Enditem JUBA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's President Salva Kiir on Friday ordered integration of troops belonging to the former rebel force SPLA-IO into the government army. Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei told journalists in the capital Juba that President Kiir ordered establishment of cantonment sites for the opposition troops in Equatoria, Bar-el-Ghazel and Upper Nile regions for the integration as required by the August 2015 peace agreement aimed at ending South Sudan's civil war. Makuei however said opposition forces rallying behind ousted Vice President Riek Machar will not be part of the arrangement. Renewed fighting erupted in Juba in early July between government troops led by Kiir and opposition troops loyal to Machar. Kiir sacked Machar later that month. The two sides had fought a civil war which broke out in December 2013 and left tens of thousands dead. The August 2015 peace agreement failed to quell the fresh violence. "Anybody who defected with Machar is no longer an SPLA-IO member and has to find a new name. And anybody who will not report to the cantonment site will be deemed as a rebel," Makuei said. It remains unclear whether Machar and his followers will heed the president's order after Machar's disappearance from Juba last month following the deadly fighting. Machar was replaced by his former chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai, after he failed to listen to a 48-hour ultimatum calling for him to return Juba. Machar said he will only return to Juba after a regional protection force proposed by the African Union is deployed to the capital city to buffer the rival army factions. The UN Security Council is expected to meet on Friday to vote on a resolution granting regional protection force to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, enhancing their strength to protect UN personnel and civilians. Unrest in South Sudan has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly three million people. Renewed violence last month further uprooted over 100,000 people from their homes into neighboring countries. Enditem MADRID, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Spain was one of the top destinations for international travelers during 2015 with over 68 million foreigners visiting the country to set a new record for tourist numbers. Early figures for 2016 show that record number of visitors looks certain to grow even more this year, so it is no surprise that if Spain is attractive to foreigners it is even more attractive to the people who already live there. The "Spanish Holiday Habits" survey carried out by the Madison Market Research group discovered that 90 percent of Spaniards prefer to spend their holidays in their homeland rather than travel abroad. The survey shows that little has changed in the holiday habits of the average Spaniard over the last 40 years, with 50 percent of those questioned saying their favorite destination was the beach, while a third also enjoy visiting new cities and enjoying the local gastronomy. One thing that Spaniards have altered over the past 20 years, however, is where they prefer to stay, with the majority swapping the holiday home they used to own at the coast for either hotels and holiday apartments. Although they are on holiday the majority of Spaniards need to stay connected with two thirds saying they use social networks while away be it through their mobile phone, iPad or laptop. And what do they drink when on holiday? There is a runaway favorite ... the favorite drink of the Spanish is beer; but as the survey was commissioned by the Spanish Brewers' Association (Cerveceros de Espana), that is hardly a surprise. Enditem WINDHOEK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will host the inaugural session of the Mali-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation on Aug. 15-16 in the capital city, Windhoek. The Joint Permanent Commission deliberations will include discussions on agriculture, mining, information and communication technology, fisheries, finance, education, culture and crafts. The consultations are expected to put bilateral relations between Namibia and Mali on new footing and usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation in the spirit of South-South Cooperation. The delegation from Mali will be led by the Prime Minister of Mali, Modibo Keita, and include several high ranking Ministers. During his stay in Namibia, Prime Minister Keita will pay a courtesy call on Namibian President, Hage Geingob. The Commission is hosted under the Cooperation Framework Agreement signed between Mali and Namibia. Both countries were inspired by the conviction of fostering deeper relations among African countries to help achieve the objective of the AU Agenda 2063. Earlier in March, during a state visit in Namibia, the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had the opportunity to visit the Chinese-owned Husab Mine as well as the construction project at the Walvis Bay Port, being built by the China Harbour Engineering Company. Enditem COLOMBO, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Port City Colombo, the parent company constructing a mega multi billion dollar Port City project in capital Colombo, on Friday said that the project would transform Sri Lanka into a viable investment destination in South Asia. Following the signing of a tripartite agreement between the CHEC Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka's Urban Development Authority and the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development on Friday, the CHEC said that with this new agreement in place, the project company and the Sri Lankan government share a common vision of making the Colombo Port City a success. The project is currently the single largest private-sector development project in Sri Lanka, and it is envisioned to boost the economy alongside the country's existing development plans with state-of-the-art living, working, public and recreational spaces in the new city, thus making it a viable investment destination in South Asia. "Together, the project company and the Sri Lankan government envisage creating approximately 83,000 new employment opportunities within different sectors, attracting over 13 billion U.S. dollars in Foreign Direct Investments from investors and developers from countries including India, Singapore, Malaysia and China while also increasing the number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka within the next 20 to 30 years," the CHEC Port City Colombo said in a statement. The Company said further in a statement that the Sri Lankan government had announced its intention to develop an international financial and business district in Sri Lanka within the Port City premises and therefore would rename the Port City project as the "Colombo International Financial City". "The project company is fully supportive of this initiative and will continue to provide its corporation to the governemnt of Sri Lanka in all operations carried forward henceforth," CHEC Port City Colombo said. Enditem HARARE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Touched by the plight of Zimbabwe's orphaned children in one of Harare's impoverished suburbs, a group of Chinese mothers have sprung into action to better the lives of these children. Hossana Love In Africa Children's Home in Hatcliffe, a high density suburb in northern Harare, is a new orphanage built with support from Chinese mothers and businesses operating in Zimbabwe. It is among a string of orphanages that have been assisted by the Chinese community in Zimbabwe as they move to offer a helping hand to the needy. Previously playing and learning at a ramshackle tent at church premises, the lives of the disadvantaged children at the orphanage have been drastically transformed after the Chinese built a modern house and put a playground for them. The house, currently accommodating 12 children drawn from the surrounding community, has been well furnished for the comfort of the children by the Chinese Embassy in Harare with support from other Chinese companies. "From April we visited more than 10 orphanages in Zimbabwe to see which ones we could assist and the conditions we saw at all the orphanages were bad," said Li Manjuan from Love in Africa, a group of caring and vibrant Chinese mothers who have partnered with Chinese businesses to assist the vulnerable children in Zimbabwe since 2014. "But when we visited this place, we were deeply touched by the level of suffering and we instantly decided to assist the orphanage," Li said. Since its formation, the charity organization has been supporting six children's homes in Zimbabwe. Li said plans were afoot to construct more buildings to cater for pre-school and accommodate more disadvantaged children, as well as equip them with life skills to become self-reliant. "We plan to initiate a series of training programs to ensure the orphanage becomes self-reliant. We will assist them to grow vegetables like mushrooms and we will assist them to sell the produce to Chinese restaurants and the Chinese community," said Li who was speaking at the opening of the Hossana Love In Africa Children's Home. She said they will invite teachers from China to come and teach the children Chinese culture including martial arts. "We are also going to make arrangements for every Chinese family in Zimbabwe to adopt a child at this orphanage so they can assist with school fees and other things. We are going to expand this place and make it bigger," she added. Li said the Chinese mothers and businesses were being driven by their deep love and care for Zimbabwean children in offering this support. Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping said the support to the disadvantaged children reflected strong, friendly and warm ties between the peoples of China and Zimbabwe. "The project opens up a brighter future for the children. It provides a sound environment most positive for the growth, well-being and protection of 12 children and more in the future," he said. The ambassador commended the Chinese community in Zimbabwe for the support they have given to the disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe over the years. Harare Metropolitan Province Resident Minister Miriam Chikukwa hailed the Chinese mothers and businesses for building the orphanage, saying the gesture complemented government efforts to better the lives of vulnerable children. "Your efforts will go a long way in giving the disadvantaged children among us, the love, comfort and peace of mind that they deserve at this early stage of their development," she said. The orphanage's administrator Abel Chivambo applauded the Chinese for the assistance, noting that the support would help them to increase the number of children they are supporting to around 50. "With support from the Chinese we are going to construct a pre-school and a dining hall in the next two weeks and we hope to increase the number of children that we support in the near future," he said. Enditem GENEVA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ground battles and airstrikes in Yemen have killed 3,704 civilians and injured 6,566 since March of 2015 when Saudi Arabia led a military coalition against the Houthis and Saleh's forces, a UN official said on Friday. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told a press briefing here on Friday that the number of civilian casualties in Yemen has been steadily mounting over the past few weeks. "Despite the cessation of hostilities, between April 11 and August 11 of this year, we have documented 815 civilian casualties, including 272 deaths and 543 injured," she said, adding that of these 49 civilians were killed and another 77 injured in just the past week. She told reporters that only several days ago, on Aug. 9, an airstrike hit Al Khafifa food factory in the Al Nahdhah district of Sana'a, killing 10 civilians, including three women who worked in the factory. According to her, a journalist was reportedly struck by two shells on Aug. 5. Yemen has been locked in a civil war since the Houthis seized power and overturned the Yemeni government in late 2014. In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition launched a bombing campaign to restore the legitimacy of the government. However, the military intervention has deepened the conflict and crises across the country. Enditem WINDHOEK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- President Hage Geingob has signed into law the Namibia Investment Act that promotes sustainable economic development and growth through mobilization and attraction of foreign and domestic investment. The bill that was signed Friday also seeks to reserve certain economic sectors and business activities to certain categories of investors. In addition, the new law aims to provide for dispute resolution mechanisms involving investment. Geingob said the Act will provide a clear and transparent framework for investment; provide for an efficient dispute resolution mechanism in the event of a dispute arising over investment as well as provide for inter-ministerial coordination in regulatory provisions, incentives and support mechanisms for investments. The Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act also signed into law will be the focal point for registration of business and industrial property and for the administration and protection of business and intellectual property. This Act will provide clarity to investors about the investment environment as well as facilitating a One- Stop-Shop approach to investment. "We look forward to more streamlined processes and procedures to ease the regulatory burden of doing business in Namibia," Geingob said. Enditem NEW YORK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices climbed further on Friday as investors were digesting the latest remarks from Saudi Energy Minister. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Thursday that members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as non-members would discuss the market situation, including any action that may be required to stabilize prices, during an informal meeting on Sept. 26-28 in Algeria. Earlier this week, a statement by OPEC said that members of the group are "in constant deliberations on ways and means to help restore stability and order to the oil market." "The recent decline observed in oil prices and the current market volatility is only temporary," said Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's energy and industry minister and the group's current president, in the statement. He added that "the economies of major oil consuming countries are expected to improve which in turn would augment oil demand in the coming quarters... oil price would increase during later part of 2016." The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery added 1.00 U.S. dollars to settle at 44.49 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for October delivery increased 0.93 U.S. dollars to close at 46.97 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton gestures to spectators on the last day of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on July 28, 2016. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has formally accepted the U.S. Democratic Party' s nomination for president and pledged more economic opportunities for Americans and "steady leadership". (Xinhua/Li Muzi) WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Friday released her 2015 tax returns and stepped up pressure on her Republican opponent Donald Trump to make his tax returns public. Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2 percent and an effective state and local income tax rate of 9 percent in 2015, with a total income of about 10.7 million U.S. dollars, according to her campaign. They donated 9.8 percent of their adjusted gross income to charity, mostly to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton's campaign also released a list of 41 speeches that she delivered in 2013, with speaking fees ranging from 225,000 dollars to 400,000 dollars. Meanwhile, Bill Clinton delivered 43 speeches that same year, with speaking fees ranging from 100,000 dollars to 750,000 dollars. Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton released 10 years of their tax returns, which showed that they paid an effective federal income tax rate of 20.3 percent and an effective state and local income tax rate of 5.4 percent in 2015, with a total income of about 313,000 dollars. "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," Clinton campaign communication director Jennifer Palmieri said Friday. "In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns." Trump has claimed that he cannot release tax returns because he is being audited. But legendary investor and billionaire Warren Buffett earlier this month challenged the Republican presidential nominee to discuss their tax returns publicly. "There are no rules against showing your tax returns and just let people ask us questions about the items that are on there," said Buffett. "You're only afraid if you've got something to be afraid of." However, the disclosure of Clinton's wealth, mainly coming from highly-paid speeches delivered to financial institutions, might also raise concerns about whether she could really defend interests of middle-class families and take a tough stance against Wall Street as she has promised. Related: News Analysis: Trump's White House race falters due to seemingly endless gaffes WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- If U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cannot control his mouth, he may lose the presidential race because of his seemingly endless gaffes. Any gains that Trump would have made from his economic policy speech on Monday have already been erased by his inciting remarks on Tuesday about his rival Hillary Clinton. Full story News Analysis: Trump's piling insults on Hillary Clinton could backfire WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continues to pile insults on rival Hillary Clinton recently, but experts said that could hurt him more than help him. HELSINKI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi ambassador to Finland Matheel Al-Sabti has appealed to Finland to allow Iraqi asylum seekers to remain in the northern European country "at least some time longer," media reported on Friday. In an interview with the newsweekly Suomen Kuvalehti, the ambassador said that the war in Iraq is now in a "crucial phase". Al-Sabti said it may be a question of only a few months when the country starts to stabilize and the people are likely to be willing to go home voluntarily once the expected stability is achieved. The ambassador emphasized that there are highly trained professionals among the asylum seekers. "Please. Treat them well, as guests are treated. They are not bad people," he said. The statement by the ambassador followed reports that Iraqis had been experiencing increasing difficulties in obtaining permit to remain in Finland. The magazine reported that in June and July less than one in six asylum applications were accepted. In 2015, over 85 percent were approved. The situation with Syrians is different. All asylum seekers from Syria got the approval currently, the Finnish media reported this week. Al-Sabti said Iraq does not accept enforced and involuntary repatriations of Iraqis to Iraq. He said there are no refugee camps in Iraq for these people to go to, if they have no work or family. Enditem U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton gestures to spectators on the last day of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States, on July 28, 2016. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has formally accepted the U.S. Democratic Party' s nomination for president and pledged more economic opportunities for Americans and "steady leadership". (Xinhua/Li Muzi) WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Dmocratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Friday released her 2015 tax returns and stepped up pressure on her Republican opponent Donald Trump to make his tax returns public. Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2 percent and an effective state and local income tax rate of 9 percent in 2015, with a total income of about 10.7 million U.S. dollars, according to her campaign. They donated 9.8 percent of their adjusted gross income to charity, mostly to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton's campaign also released a list of 41 speeches that she delivered in 2013, with speaking fees ranging from 225,000 dollars to 400,000 dollars. Meanwhile, Bill Clinton delivered 43 speeches that same year, with speaking fees ranging from 100,000 dollars to 750,000 dollars. Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton released 10 years of their tax returns, which showed that they paid an effective federal income tax rate of 20.3 percent and an effective state and local income tax rate of 5.4 percent in 2015, with a total income of about 313,000 dollars. Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the United States, July 21, 2016. New York billionaire Donald Trumpofficially accepted the presidential nomination of the U.S. Republican Party Thursday night on the final day of the Republican National Convention. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," Clinton campaign communication director Jennifer Palmieri said Friday. "In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns." Trump has claimed that he cannot release tax returns because he is being audited. But legendary investor and billionaire Warren Buffett earlier this month challenged the Republican presidential nominee to discuss their tax returns publicly. "There are no rules against showing your tax returns and just let people ask us questions about the items that are on there," said Buffett. "You're only afraid if you've got something to be afraid of." However, the disclosure of Clinton's wealth, mainly coming from highly-paid speeches delivered to financial institutions, might also raise concerns about whether she could really defend interests of middle-class families and take a tough stance against Wall Street as she has promised. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, strongly condemned the increasing violations to the cessation of hostilities in Yemen, a UN spokesman said here Friday. The UN envoy also urged the parties to speed up their efforts to find a comprehensive, political solution to the conflict, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, said at a daily news briefing here. "The United Nations remains fully committed to bringing peace to Yemen, but the process requires good faith and concessions from all sides," he said. The special envoy called on all parties to show restraint and refrain from any action which undermines efforts to bringing about a peaceful, political solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen Jamie McGoldrick also voiced alarm on Friday at the intensification of violence across the country. He said that the people of Yemen continued to bear the brunt of the suffering as a result of the inability of the parties to find a political solution. On Friday, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the numbers of civilian casualties in the conflict has been steadily mounting recently, with a sharp increase last week, Haq added. Intense fighting was reported in Yemen over the past months. The UN-brokered negotiations began in Kuwait on April 21 under the auspices of the United Nations to seek a reconciliation to end more than a year of civil war in Yemen. The talks were the third of its kind since the conflict began after Houthi militias stormed the capital Sanaa and expelled Hadi with his government into exile in September 2014. Previous peace negotiations had failed to end hostilities. The civil war has drawn in Saudi-led coalition on March 2015, in response to President Hadi's call to restore his internationally recognized government in the capital Sanaa. The civil war has killed more than 6,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more 35,000 others, and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian aid agencies. Yemen's conflict began after 2011 massive popular protests that demanded an end to the 33-year rule of then President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Enditem By GODLOVE BAINKONG Bamboo and rattan experts from China are sharing best practices with Cameroonian stakeholders on how the products, hitherto neglected and which the country has in huge quantities, could be harnessed to give a push to socio-economic development. This is notably in the green economy drive, efforts to restore land for agriculture and in job and wealth creation for the unemployed or underemployed citizens. Professor Zhou GuoMo of Zhejiang Forestry University and Wang Xiaoli, Director of Yunnan Academy of Scientific and Technology Research will on August 11 12, 2016, alongside other experts, explore possibilities for adopting existing carbon accounting methodologies for bamboo afforestation/reforestation projects in Cameroon. This is within a framework of a Bamboo Carbon Forestry, Landscape Restoration and Sustainable Use workshop billed for Cameroons political capital, Yaounde from August 11-12, 2016. It is jointly organised by a China-based International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) and the government of Cameroon in partnership with China Green Carbon Fund for all countries of the Congo Basin Forest Commission (COMIFAC). The international workshop groups private sector investors, bamboo entrepreneurs, bamboo carbon forestry experts, government officials and other stakeholders. They are also sharing best practices on greenhouse gas emissions reduction standards. In an interview granted Cameroon Tribune (Cameroons state-owned national bilingual daily newspaper), through its reporter in Beijing, China, INBARs Director General Hans Friederich said, Cameroon has abundant bamboo resources and is actively exploring ways to sustainably exploit these plants. The workshop, he added, will help establish Cameroon as one of Africas leading bamboo and rattan-producing countries, joining other regional leaders such as Ghana and Ethiopia. Information garnered on INBARs website indicates that, in China alone, the domestic bamboo sector is now worth US$ 19.5 billion per year and provides employment to 7.75 million people. In India, roughly 8.6 million people are also dependent on bamboo for their livelihood. Mr. Hans Friederich observed that bamboo demonstrates significant potential as a strategic resource for sustainable development in Cameroon and across Africa. Cameroon has significant reserves of largely untapped indigenous bamboo, and excellent conditions for growing cultivated species, he said. The plant is said to provide a practical and rapid solution for a number of the natural resource and poverty challenges faced by many African countries. Its rapid growth rate and shallow root system make it a highly effective resource for slowing degradation and repairing damaged ecosystems; it offers climate change mitigation/adaptation strategies and acts as an effective carbon sink; and both bamboo and rattan could support the development of pro-poor, green economies. Bamboo, for instance, has over 10,000 documented uses and can be used in the manufacture of a broad range of products, thereby supporting rural livelihoods and helping to eradicate poverty, INBARs Director General said in an interview. Cameroon and INBAR in December 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the products in a green economy. This explains why the Yaounde workshop is being preceded by a training of bamboo and rattan artisans in Cameroon on Product innovation, quality and marketing. (The author is a news editor with Cameroons National Bilingual Daily, Cameroon Tribune) Actors perform during the Cavalia show held in Chaoyang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 11, 2016. Cavilia is a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects, innovatively integrating acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts and live music. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Photo taken on Aug. 12, 2016 shows the opening ceremony of the 12th Cross-strait Book Fair in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. Over 300 book publishers attended the book fair held from Friday to Sunday. (Xinhua/Song Zhenping) Charged for murdering stepdad The magistrate read the first charge which alleged that on August 3, Powell murdered Roy Seetaram. The second charge alleged that on August 1, the accused assaulted Merle Seetaram occasioning actual bodily harm on her. The charges against Powell alleged that he beat his stepfather on the head with a bolt-cutter at their home at Aripero South Oropouche. Seetarams wife Merle, who is also Powells mother, was also allegedly beaten during the ordeal. Cpl Seurattan and PC Bisso of the Oropouche Police Station responded to a report of violence at the couples home last week Monday when they arrested a man. The injured couple was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where two days later, Seetaram succumbed to his injuries. Cpl Patrick of the Homicide Bureau region III (based at San Fernando) spearheaded investigations and Cpl Seurattan laid the charges against Powell both of which were laid indictably. Yesterday, Magistrate Ramsumair- Hinds informed the accused of his right to apply to a Judge in Chambers on the issue of bail for the assault charge but added that he cannot be freed on bail since the other charge is murder - a capital and non-bailable offense. He was ordered to return to court on September 8. The accused was unrepresented by counsel yesterday. Police release two in large ammunition find The father and son were released from the Princes Town Police Station at about 10 pm on Wednesday, however, the nephew remained in police custody. The cache of arms, including two shotguns and a rifle, were discovered in a house and the three arrested. The bullets seized numbered in their thousands and were deemed to be the biggest arms haul in Trinidad and Tobago. Attorney Subhas Panday who, together with attorney Petronella Basdeo, sought the interest of the three, confirmed to Newsday that he had been informed that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had advised that more information be obtained in respect of the nephew. Panday added, there were insufficient information to lay charges against the father and son. Sgt Ramlogan of the Princes Town CID is investigating. Crapaud foot cops Cedeno, presiding over the hearing in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Court, lamented the illegibility of statements recorded by officers, that were submitted for examination by defense attorneys. The issue was raised by defence attorney Jennifer Osborne, who called the handwriting, totally incomprehensible. Your worship I received copies of statements taken by officers from witnesses and I couldnt understand a single word. The statements submitted before the court are totally illegible, Osborne said. Magistrate Cedeno expressed her disappointment in the poor organisation of prosecution attorneys in submitting statements in a timely manner. The issue of police officers and their poor penmanship seems to become a regular occurrence. With that said, I want to urge officers to please make every attempt to take careful, legible recordings, especially as it relates to something as important as recording witness statements, the magistrate chided. During the hearing, the testimony of crime scene investigator WPC Josanne Rochford assumed full focus, as defence attorneys Osborne and Nigel Trancoso, took turns conducting rigorous cross-examination of statements provided the officer, who is posted at the Specialty Evidence Unit. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) George Busby called for a two-week adjournment of the matter which would allow the prosecution to file and serve necessary statements. This prompted one of the accused Stephan Cummings to state that a further extension of their detainment was unfair and unusual. This court is of the opinion that the prosecution has to get its act together and start working on their witnesses. I really thought the prosecution would have begun work on their own over the court vacation so that by August 25, when the matter resumes, we should have some substantive witnesses and the statements for submission be filed, a stern Magistrate Cedeno said. Ten men who appeared in court yesterday included former Life Sport coordinator Rajaee Ali, his brother Ishmael Ali, Stephan Cummings, Devaughn Cummings, Earl Richards, Kevin Parkinson, Roger Boucher, Hamid Ali, Ricardo Stewart and Gareth Wiseman who are all charged with murdering Dana Seetahal SC and gang offences. Stacy Griffith (Rajaee Alis wife) is charged with committing an act to benefit a criminal gang and has been remanded into custody until August 25, when she is expected to appear before a magistrate. Seetahal was shot dead behind the wheel of her SUV after being ambushed by gunmen along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook on May 4, 2014. AK-47 found after murder Reports are that the officers went to a bushy area off Cemetery Street where they found the AK- 47 rifle. No arrest was made. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Ransome also known as Shabby was gunned down moments after receiving a telephone call. At about 2 pm, while driving, Ramsomes car was struck from behind by another vehicle. As he got out of the car and ran off, gunmen from the other car gave chase. Ransome tripped and fell and was immediately set upon by the gunmen who pumped bullets into his body. He died on the spot. The rifle has been sent to the Forensic Science Centre for ballistic tests to see if spent shell recovered at the scene were fired from the AK-47. Weed at funeral service Court prosecutor Sgt Anthony Baptiste read that on Wednesday last, Cpl Ramlochan and other police officers were on mobile patrol along the Southern Main Road in the vicinity of Mosquito Creek (Shore of Peace Cremation Site) where he saw Lennon sitting on the tray of a van. The court heard that Lennon began fidgeting and suspicious officers searched him. The officers found the illegal narcotics in the rear of his pants pockets. Cpl Ramlochan, of the South Oropouche Police Station, subsequently charged him for the offence. In his defence yesterday, Lennon who was unrepresented by counsel, told the magistrate that he became hot-headed while at the funeral service. Due to the funeral, my head was hot. I had the weed and I complied with the officer. The magistrate reprimanded Lennon and discharged him of the offence. Magistrate warns CTTRC accused They are Corporation chief executive officer Carol Dyal; Corporation chief engineer Barry Samaroo; County Superintendent Maniram Mohess; road officer Ian Gokool and businessman Mahase Sookai. The four CTTRC employees were arrested last Friday and appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate on Monday who transferred the case to the Couva Magistrates Court where it was called yesterday. Each are on $300,000 bail. Yesterday, the five accused stood before Magistrate Cardinez-Ragoonanan when the case was called. Court prosecutor Sgt Lincoln Bonnet said he had received information that threats were made to the virtual complainant (the person making allegations against the accused persons). The prosecutor did not name the virtual complainant in the matter. Sgt Bonnet told the court that there is a report made to the Couva Police Station and documented in the stations diary, that the accused Samaroo had threatened one of the virtual complainants in the matter. He added that he (Bonnet) was in possession of the diary report. Magistrate Cardenas-Ragoonanan proceeded to warn Samaroo to desist from making any contact, TT and US soldiers renovate Blanchisseusse school This is being made possible through a partnership between members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) and the Delaware National Guard (DNG), USA who set out to create a better learning environment for the 84 students. The TTDF and the DNG have been partnering over the past 11 years for different projects that would improve the lives of students, in particular, and others who may need assistance. United States Ambassador to Port of Spain, John Estrada, visited the rural school on Wednesday to inspect the work being done by about 30 soldiers and airmen who were busy tearing out tiles, repairing the ceiling and replacing water pipes. This project is being funded by the United States Government to the tune of US$95,000, and is expected to be completed by tomorrow. Estrada said there may be a spill over into Monday but the school would be ready well before the new term starts. The kids in this area could be forgotten, Estrada told reporters. This is my first time in this part of the country and I have been here almost five months. The school was not in good shape. This project has done a lot already to improve the water quality which would have the kids drinking good quality water again, help them with their concentration, helping them to study with better lighting in the school, just overall improvement. The US Embassy and especially myself are very much into the youth, and this is a great investment for them and for your country. Colonel Peter Sealy of the TTDF said the project allows the TTDF and the DNG to work together and learn from each other. We would be able to exchange best practices in how we do things and how we work to the mutual benefit of all. On this project, we have our engineers working with the Delaware engineers. Its an exchange of expertise and it goes beyond the engineering. We also have a combat life-saver medical training where we exchange ideas and training, he said. Estrada said he expected that the students are going to be excited when they return to school. They are going to see that their school has gotten a huge facelift, he said. He noted that the US Embassy has had partnerships with different countries around the world where in some cases they built homes or helped improved the water system, usually for farming. It all depended on what the countrys pressing needs might be at the time. Imbert: PM is coming home Rowley is in California on vacation and is undergoing medical examinations at a clinic there this week. The Prime Minister said he plans to return home on August 15. Rowley said his health remains a private matter, although he is a public figure. While he was overseas, Rowley extended condolences on the passing of National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) Chief Servant Makandal Daaga on Monday. We certainly believes he qualifies for a funeral with State involvement which is a situation where the State will defray part of the expenses of the funeral,Imbert said. He then disclosed, This morning, the Cabinet agreed to make a contribution of $100,000 to his funeral. He added that the National Carnival Commission has made the Queens Park Savannah and the Grand Stand available to Daagas family and NJAC, free of charge for his funeral there on Saturday. Imbert explained that under established protocols, Daaga did not qualify for either a State funeral or an official funeral. State funerals are reserved for Presidents and Prime Ministers who die in office. Official funerals are for former prime ministers, former presidents, sitting government and Cabinet ministers who are in office and Chief Justices. Former prime minister Patrick Manning, who died on July 2, was given an official funeral on July 9. On a report allegedly speaking about a TT national who is a foreign terrorist fighter, Imbert said that matter has not been authenticated. We look into all such things but we go through a very rigorous process of due diligence to determine whether these things are idle statements or whether there is any truth in it. Open house as Parliament Channel marks 10 years He said members of the public are invited to book a place on a tour of Parliament being held next Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Further, the public may view a parliamentary expo at the nearby Port-of-Spain Waterfront on Wednesday and Thursday. People will be able to ask questions and even sit in the seat of an MP. Elcock said the anniversary will also be marked by the channels broadcast of two new programmes, namely the History of the Parliament Channel and Where are they now?, the latter an examination of the current lifestyles of persons who had been MPs in 2006 when the channel was launched. He related the recent activities of Parliament staff, including the launch of Parl View on Youtube plus social media accounts, on Facebook and Twitter, saying the former has 14,000 followers. He said new equipment is being set up at Parliament so that if two parliamentary committees are sitting simultaneously, broadcast will be allowed on the Parliament Channel (via cable television) and via the internet. Elcock related Parliaments activities over the past year. This including commissioning a company to visit the Parliaments of other Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Grenada and Guyana, to conduct interviews as to how they function, the results being broadcast on the Parliament Channel. The Parliament Channel had aired new programmes such as The West Indies at war. Further, he said that Parliaments presiding officers - Speaker Bridgid Annsette-George and Senate President Christine Kangalooo - had met young people via the Schools Outreach initiative. Yesterdays function also saw the cutting of a cake decorated with the Parliament Channels 10th anniversary logo designed by staffer, Maria OBrien. What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news Grim Sleeper serial killer of 10 sentenced to death in California but will they even follow through? From 1985 until 2007, a man known as the Grim Sleeper terrorized southern Los Angeles, murdering nine women and one teenage girl in a string of attacks before finally being captured. Surprisingly, the 63-year-old man whose birth name is Lonnie David Franklin Jr. was recently sentenced to death in the notoriously liberal state of California. NBC Los Angeles reports, Franklin was convicted May 5 of 10 counts of first-degree murder for the killings of nine women and a 15-year-old girl between 1985 and 2007. Jurors also found him guilty of the attempted murder of Enietra Washington, who survived being shot in the chest and pushed out of a moving vehicle in November 1988. The question now is does the sentence even really matter? While Franklin is an evil monster that genuinely deserves the worst punishment imaginable, the death penalty is only effective if it is actually fulfilled which is unfortunately quite rare. If history is any indication, the Grim Sleeper will just remain on death row until he dies of old age. At 63, that may not be far off. Its incredibly frustrating that us law-abiding citizens are paying for the food, water and shelter of people like Franklin when they as harsh as this sounds dont deserve any of those things. They should be treated like the wild, evil animals that they are. And theres no point in spending millions upon millions of dollars providing these pieces of scum with better lives when you can buy bullets for a couple bucks. Our society is notoriously slack on criminals, which is why the Second Amendment is so important. We have to be prepared for the absolute worst because we live in an era when the absolute worst is a common occurrence. You never know when youre going to come in contact with a Grim Sleeper copycat and if the time comes, youll want and need to be adequately prepared. Its time for the federal government to handle the prison problem in our country. There are far too many nonviolent criminals that dont deserve to be incarcerated at all that are forced to live among true evil. We need to lower taxes by expanding the death penalty and dealing with these issues in a proactive, intelligent manner. Sources: LATimes.com NBCLosAngeles.com Submit a correction >> ISIS terrorist to Feds: I have jihadist brothers in Mexico (Bugout.news) President Obama is either the most incompetent president in the history of the country or hes made a conscious decision, for some reason, to leave our southwestern border wide open in an era where international terrorism is spreading. Those are the only two explanations for why he, as commander-in-chief, would pull border security resources and do next to nothing in the face of what can only be called an invasion. Tens of thousands of mostly poor, uneducated migrants from Mexico, Central and South America have been inundating our border for the past several years ever since our president essentially telegraphed to the world he would not send people back if they managed to walk, stumble or crawl into our country, per an executive that has since been ruled unconstitutional. No matter. The door has already been thrown wide open. And yet, we have a much bigger problem than dealing with the unwashed masses. Thanks to Obama, we have also opened the door for terrorists to walk in from Mexico. According to Judicial Watch, an ISIS operative was arrested recently and criminally charged in Ohio. While being questioned by federal authorities, he confirmed what many have predicted: There are ISIS cells waiting in Mexico to cross into the United States and attack Americans. This isnt new to Judicial Watch. The legal watchdog organization reported last spring that there was an ISIS camp just over the border from El Paso, Texas, in an area known as Anapra, which is situated a little wet o Ciudad Juarez, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. That story is here. JW reported that, via a number of high-level law enforcement, intelligence and military sources on both sides of the border, the evidence that Islamic cells are operating in Mexico is clear, even though it has been denied by the administration. But the recently arrested ISIS operative appears to confirm that JWs sources were spot-on. The suspect Erick Jamal Hendricks, 35 has been charged with conspiring to provide ISIS material support. He said he created a sleeper cell consisting of at least 10 members, according to the Justice Department, and has additionally claimed that some of his brothers are holed up just south of the border. According to this criminal complaint, Hendricks also tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States. Per Judicial Watch: The Hendricks case points to a broader issue of, not only homegrown terrorism, but the immense threat along the southern border. Islamic terrorists are training in southern border towns near American cities and have joined forces with Mexican drug cartels to infiltrate the United States. Besides exposing ISIS camps just miles from Texas, Judicial Watch has verified that Mexican drug cartels are smuggling foreigners from countries with terrorist links to stash areas in a rural Texas town called Acala. Judicial Watch also uncovered a massive FBI scandal involving a narco-terror ringleader with ties to ISIS and Mexican drug cartels. As part of the FBI cover-up the agency facilitated the ringleaders release from a Chicago jail last year. Besides the obvious corruption, the lack of interest by the administration is appalling. Its not clear whether U.S. and Mexican intelligence and authorities are moving to infiltrate or eradicate such camps, as well as identify and intercept ISIS cells waiting south of the border. A reasonable person would probably assume that to be the case. But since when has any decision Obama makes regarding border security and immigration policy been rational? The fight is coming to our cities. Obamas policies are ensuring that. Make time today to prepare. More: Bugout.news is part of USA Features Media. Submit a correction >> Online Census of MSMEs and Finance Facilitation Centres Launched New Delhi, Fri, 12 Aug 2016 NI Wire MSME Databank and Finance Facilitation Launched at 14th Meeting of National Board Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs launched two important initiatives of the Ministry of MSME, viz. MSME Databank Portal and Online Finance Facilitation Web Portal on the sidelines of 14th Meeting of the National Board of MSME at Vigyan Bhawan, yesterday. Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh and Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Minister of State for MSME were present on the occasion. Shri Mishra speaking on the occasion said that the Ministry of MSME is making online Census of the MSMEs in the country for the first time by launching a comprehensive databank on http://www.msmedatabank.in This will not only save the efforts and money required for physical Census but will also enable the MSME units and the various Associations to furnish data on click of the button and sitting in their units. The MIS dashboard of the databank will provide real time information on various types of the MSMEs registered on the databank. The databank will eventually will be used for public procurement purposes and the PSUs will make use of the data for procuring from MSMEs. MSME Development (Furnishing of Information) Rules, 2016 have also been notified making it compulsory for MSMEs to give the required information. Shri Kalraj Mishra also stated that the objective of the databank is to have one-stop source of information of MSMEs of India, including their credit and technology, requirement in terms of raw material and marketing, etc. A decision has also been taken that no grant or subsidy will be given to any MSMEs unless the data is captured on the MSME Databank. The NSIC, which provides suitable credit support to the various MSME units for purchase of raw material, has started an online Finance Facilitation Centre on http://www.nsicffconline.in To start with, the Finance Facilitation Centres will become operational at Jalandhar, Peenya, Ludhiana, Guwahati, Lucknow and Delhi from today onwards. The portal will allow the MSMEs to apply for loans from the various banks on the NSIC portal itself. NSIC has also signed MoUs with 33 banks, 14 of whom have agreed to associate with online Finance Facilitation Web Portal. Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Finance Minister appreciated the efforts of Shri Kalraj Minister in taking various initiatives towards ease of doing business. He also appreciated that the main scheme of the Ministry, namely, Prime Ministers Employment Guarantee Programme has also been brought online. He also congratulated Shri Kalraj Mishraji on early implementation of National SC/ST Hub, which was announced in the Union Budget. Shri Jaitley stated that the Government of the day is committed to Ease of Doing Business and passing of GST will also be a step towards this direction. He also stated that all financial support will be provided to MSMEs to improve their competency in various fields. He welcomed the suggestions of MSME fraternity on the issue. Source: PIB Swachh Bharat honours Citizen Swachhta Champions with the Launch of "An Open Mind" Film Series New Delhi, Fri, 12 Aug 2016 NI Wire A series of short films on people-led initiatives focused on eliminating open defecation #FreedomFromOpenDefecation The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS), Government of India, yesterday launched a short film series on the Swachh Bharat people's movement titled, 'An Open Mind', in honour of sanitation champions across the country who are driving positive behaviour change in their communities by helping eliminate open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices. The five short films showcase real-life stories of individuals from different walks of life who have made the Swachh Bharat mission their own by adopting innovative ideas to encourage the use of toilets in their communities and adopt safe waste treatment practices. These stories are examples of a wider citizens movement across the country to encourage the adoption of safe sanitation practices and realize the dream of an Open Defecation Free India by 2019. The launch films have been created by BBC Media Action and are available online. At the launch event, the Minister, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, felicitated the grassroots Sanitation Champions featured in the movies. In his address, he said that Swachhta is not a new subject for Indians. It is a deeply rooted value in our culture and national history. He said that when the Prime Minister launched Swachh Bharat Mission, he called for it to be a people's movement. This, he said, is a vision, without realizing which, Swachh Bharat Mission cannot be successful. And that the development of India will remain incomplete without complete freedom from open defecation. He said that Swachhta Champions are not only the individuals whose efforts have been showcased in the movies, but also every single person who makes any effort towards creating a Swachh Bharat, howsoever small that effort. The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, added, in his address, that the Ministry will make all endeavors to take these exemplary stories of Swachhta Champions to as many people as possible in as many regional languages as possible. Online conversations on these inspiring stories of change can be followed using the hashtags #AnOpenMindCan, #OpenDefecationFree and #FreedomFromOpenDefecation, and by following. the @SwachhBharat Twitter handle. For more details on the progress made by the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), please visit: www.mdws.gov.in About the Short Films The film series narrate stories about individuals owning the cause of Swachh Bharat, and masses rallying around them and overcoming obstacles in order to incorporate safe sanitation practices in their communities. It also highlights how children are becoming change agents in society by innovating and adopting new ways of managing waste to showcasing results that are becoming increasingly evident. The Stories include: Film One - Message Street plays from Koppal in Karnataka, Kinnar's songs from Bhopal in MP and a Gaurav Yatra from Rajasthan showcase how the message of cleanliness has been spread through innovative mediums that have successfully reached masses. Film Two - Individuals The film showcases an IAS officer in Rajasthan who refused to drink water from a village till they built toilets in every home; a sarpanch from Kathar who refused to sit on her chair till her village became free from open defecation; and a kalbelia took a vow to cut off his moustache if people from his tribe didn't build toilets. All these individuals became catalysts of change in their communities and made the Swachhta mission their own to rally people around the cause of toilet use. Film Three - Overcoming Obstacles The film showcases an urban slum in Rajasthan that arduously broke through hard earth to make toilets. Others built their own roads so water wouldn't stand and breed diseases. It also highlights the mindset of villagers in Samnapur, MP who, despite suffering from a dry spell, would step out to bring water for their toilets and avoid openly defecating. The film highlights efforts across villages in overcoming doubts and obstacles to work towards a cleaner India. Film Four - Children as change agents A story from a school in West Sikkim shows that children are the best change agents as their minds are unburdened by age-old habits. The film shows them adopting innovative practices in demonstrating waste management to their communities. Film Five - Results Stories from Madhya Pradesh highlight that attendance in schools has improved and that no cases of malaria have been reported among children in the last year; and stories from Himachal Pradesh highlight that articles made of waste are generating employment. Besides the obvious changes, these stories showcase how the message of cleanliness has made people question age-old practices, leading to social change - for example women who previously were forced to live in cowsheds during their menses now refuse to do so, having learnt that unhygienic surroundings lead to diseases, and villagers who found that the largest portion of their solid waste comprised of liquor bottles fought against the drinking problem and managed to convince people into quitting alcohol. Source: PIB Leaves are falling, the air is crisp and deer season is right around the corner. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this time of year. Becoming involved in hunting a few years ago gave me yet another reason why I look forward to fall. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Jack Abernethy (L) and Bill Shine (R). Photo: Getty Images Roger Ailes may be out of Fox News, but he continues to cast a long shadow over the network. Today, 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch promoted three Ailes loyalists to serve as the new leadership team atop the network. Murdoch, who will remain as executive chairman of Fox News, divided Ailess job into two positions with titles of co-president. Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy will run the business side of the news network, while programming chief Bill Shine will oversee content and talent. Abernethy worked with Ailes at CNBC in the mid-1990s and joined Fox News in 1996 as CFO. In 2005, after Ailes helped sideline Lachlan Murdoch, then News Corps COO and heir apparent, by going around him and directly to Rupert on management, Abernethy took over Lachlans portfolio of broadcast stations. Hes known to be intensely loyal to Ailes. Shines promotion is perhaps the most surprising given that hes been the subject of intense media scrutiny since Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual-harassment lawsuit against Ailes on July 6. His elevation seems to signal that Rupert Murdoch, contrary to some speculation, intends to maintain Ailess brand of programming. As Ive reported previously, Shine enthusiastically promoted Ailess right-wing agenda (he was formerly Sean Hannitys producer) and assisted in Ailess PR campaigns (it was Shine whom Ailes assigned to rally Fox hosts to tweet negative comments about me while I researched my Ailes biography). Considering Shine has been publicly associated with the sexual-harassment scandal at Fox, Murdochs support for him is striking. I reported how Shine helped Ailes cover up his 20-year sexual harassment of former Fox booker Laurie Luhn (Shine denied knowing about the harassment). I also reported how Shine testified in settlement talks regarding former Fox correspondent Rudi Bakhtiar, who was fired after saying she was sexually harassed by Foxs Washington, D.C., bureau chief. Fox host Andrea Tantaros told me that in 2015 she reported to Shine that Ailes harassed her; she claims his response was Dont fight this. Foxs new executive vice-president for programming is Shines deputy, Suzanne Scott, who also has worked in Ailess orbit for many years. In the 1990s, she was a secretary at CNBC for Ailess mentor Chet Collier and joined Ailes at Fox in 1996. Luhn told me that Scott booked a room for her at the Warwick hotel in 2007 so Ailes could monitor her. (Scott denied this.) So far, the only casualty of the new lineup seems to be Fox News CFO Mark Kranz. The companys press release notes that he is retiring. Like Shine, Kranz came under a lot of scrutiny for what he may have known about Ailess alleged sexual harassment. In 2011, Kranz approved a $3.1 million payout to Luhn. A 21st Century Fox spokesperson told the Financial Times the parent company was not aware of the payout. The other notable part of the release is that it does not mention Fox general counsel Dianne Brandi. Brandi negotiated multiple settlements over the years with women who claim they were sexually harassed. A Fox source said Brandi will continue with the company. Fox spokesperson Irena Briganti is listed on the press release as media contact, which indicates she will remain at the network as well. Todays announcement by no means finalizes the post-Ailes structure of Foxs leadership team. Notably, Murdoch did not announce a new CEO, which leaves open the possibility that 21CF could in the future bring in a formal replacement. It also raises the possibility of a family showdown between the 85-year-old mogul and his sons, James and Lachlan, over the long-term direction of Fox. When Ailes resigned, the Murdoch sons issued a statement that suggested they were taking the harassment allegations seriously. We continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect, they said. Names that have been thrown around in media circles as potential Ailes replacements include CBS president David Rhodes and former ABC president David Westin. Within Murdochs empire, the New York Posts Jesse Angelo and former Sun editor Rebekah Brooks have been discussed. The choice of CEO will decide whose vision of the future of Fox wins. Or dont make it great again. Whatever. Photo: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images Like a surly teenager, Donald Trump is determined to do the exact opposite of what the Republican Establishment wants him to do. Last week, supporters urged the candidate to focus on Hillary Clinton rather than saying whatever incoherent thought passed through his head, so he alluded to gun owners shooting Clinton and called President Obama the literal founder of ISIS. By Thursday, he was so off-message that he was repeatedly alluding to the possibility that he will lose the election. While the vast majority of Republicans are still endorsing Trump, theyre becoming more open about their fear that his loss will be so big that it costs the party its majorities in the House and the Senate. Speaking to a civic group in his home state of Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell admitted on Thursday that the GOPs chances of holding on to a majority in the upper chamber are very dicey, and the GOP would be on defense in this years election. Rather than blaming Trump, McConnell noted that 24 Republicans seats are on the ballot, compared to ten for Democrats. But, he did say that he hopes Trump settles down and follows the script. However, the last two weeks have convinced many other Republicans that Trumps general-election pivot is never coming. According to the Washington Post, some of the GOPs wealthiest donors are contributing to down-ballot races across the country in an effort to maintain Republican control of Congress. And on Thursday, Politico reported that more than 70 Republicans including former members of Congress and former RNC staffers signed an open letter urging RNC chair Reince Priebus to stop funding the Trump campaign and put the money toward Senate and House races instead. We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck, says the draft. This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trumps chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day. Both Preibus and the Trump campaign denied a Time report that the chair had already threatened to defund the candidate (the magazine issued a correction). A high-level RNC source told CNN, There have been talks about the handling of (Khizr) Khan and about (House Speaker Paul) Ryan, but the issue of reallocation of resources has never been on the table. But now Politico reports that a gathering of Trump campaign staffers and top Republican Party officials which one operative called a come-to-Jesus meeting is scheduled for Friday in Orlando. It was reportedly requested by Trump staffers who are frustrated that despite their best efforts, the media is focused on their candidates constant stream of gaffes rather than Clinton. They want to patch up a rift that just keeps unfolding, said a source. They finally realize they need the RNC for their campaign because, lets face it, there is no campaign. Karen Giorno, a senior adviser to the campaign, said theres no strife, and its just a typical meeting. But even if there is an emergency meeting taking place on Friday, Trump doesnt care. If it is true, thats okay too because all I have to do is stop funding the Republican Party, he said Thursday night on Fox News. Im the one raising thats funding, Im the one thats raising the money and other people are getting to use the money that I raised. Trump clearly doesnt care about Republicans holding Congress, and hes started to acknowledge that he might not get a chance to make America great again. In a CNBC interview on Thursday morning, Trump said three times that he has no intention of changing his strategy, even if it means losing in November. I just keep doing the same thing Im doing right now, he said. And at the end, its either going to work or Im going to have a very, very nice long vacation. Later in the day, he admitted to a room of 700 Evangelical pastors and church leaders in Florida, Were having a tremendous problem in Utah a state that hasnt voted for a Democratic president since 1964. And in Virginia, Trump said hell only win if Evangelicals turn out in greater numbers than in 2012. Had you voted for Romney, it would have been much closer, he said. You didnt vote for Romney, the Evangelicals. Religion didnt get out and vote. But Trump did suggest that hes still interested in winning the presidency, as long as he doesnt have to change his behavior in any way. Once I get in, I will do my thing that I do very well, he told the crowd in Florida. And I figure it is probably, maybe the only way Im going to get to heaven. So I better do a good job. Elite Republicans are leaving the GOP herd for a variety of reasons. Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer; Photo: Diptendu Dutta/AFP/Getty Images The political news this week is being dominated by reports of elephants breaking away from the herd: Republicans who are not supporting Donald Trump for president. They are most often being differentiated by exactly what they are saying or not saying: Some are simply refraining from opportunities to endorse their nominee; some are publicly refusing to endorse their nominee; a few are going to vote for the Libertarian or a last-minute conservative independent or write-in candidate; and a steadily increasing number are going over the brink to support Hillary Clinton, as one might expect with Election Day fast approaching. Theres no telling when the exodus will end; the latest Trump outrage, about Second Amendment people having some plans for HRC, is creating a fresh bout of heartburn for exasperated Republicans, and could send a new batch toward the exit ramp. But in understanding this phenomenon and weighing its importance (or the lack thereof), its helpful to look at the non-endorsees and their backgrounds and motives. To that end, heres a classification system of the five different kinds of Republicans who have broken ranks over Trump: 1. Nominal Republicans who are out of synch with their party: While they are not as plentiful as they were in the days when liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats walked the Earth, there are always some nominal partisans available, often long in the tooth, who object to the general direction of their party and can be rounded up to show their displeasure with a statement of dissent or a cross-endorsement. This used to be a particular cross to bear for Democrats, from the days of John Connallys Democrats for Nixon in 1972 to Joe Liebermans active support for John McCain in 2008 but Republicans are catching up. Former South Dakota senator Larry Pressler is a good example of this breed of errant pachyderm. He endorsed Barack Obama twice, attempted a Senate comeback as an independent in 2014, and has now endorsed Hillary. But my favorite defector of the cycle has got to be former Michigan governor William Milliken, who endorsed Clinton as a protest against Trumps candidacy. Like Pressler, hes a serial defector; he endorsed John Kerry in 2004, and de-endorsed John McCain late in the 2008 cycle. But to grasp how out of touch the 94-year-old Milliken is with the contemporary GOP, consider that he became governor of Michigan when George Romney resigned to join Richard Nixons cabinet. Enough said. 2. Lame ducks. As James Hohmann notes in the Washington Post, the willingness of current Republican elected officials to stray from party discipline is more or less in inverse relationship to their vulnerability to punishment by Republican leaders and/or angry base voters. So, unsurprisingly, the two most prominent defectors in the House Republican Conference Richard Hanna, a New Yorker who has endorsed Clinton, and Scott Rigell, a Virginian who will vote Libertarian had already announced their retirements. A Democratic precedent was Senator Zell Miller in 2004, who endorsed and spoke for George W. Bush a few months before he left Washington for good. Two years later Miller headed up something called Democrats for Santorum on behalf of the soon-to-be-defeated Pennsylvania senator; it seemed to be composed of Miller himself and his image in the mirror. But I digress 3. Political realists. There are also Republican defectors who seem to be motivated by cold political calculation. Most obviously, Illinois senator Mark Kirks slim odds of reelection almost certainly depend on winning a lot of votes from people who loathe Trump. But even his Senate colleague Susan Collins, who is being treated today as a brave woman of principle for refusing to get on the Trump Train, could be thinking about her political future in Maine, where according to Hohmann she could be contemplating a gubernatorial run as an independent. More famously, Ted Cruz is clearly calculating his vote your conscience statement at the Republican convention will look infinitely better if and when Trump goes down to a catastrophic defeat, leaving his own self as the front-runner for 2020. John Kasich and Ben Sasse could be making similar calculations about their political futures. 4. Redundants. In many respects the most sympathetic group of Republican defectors are former environmental, immigration, and trade-policy officials who obviously have no place in a party led by Donald Trump. I mean, really: Lets say you are Robert Zoellick, once George W. Bushs United States Trade Representative. Trump is accusing you and people just like you of deliberately selling American workers down the river and destroying the country in close concert with the godless Clinton administration globalists in the other party (on top of that, Zoellick ran the World Bank and worked for Goldman Sachs!). Are you going to blandly endorse him or fight to win your party back? Its a pretty easy call. The same is true of Republicans closely identified with comprehensive immigration reform and strong environmental regulation (e.g., former EPA director Christine Todd Whitman, who has indicated she will vote for Clinton). 5. Assorted elites. For most of the rest of the elite defectors, the emphasis should be on the word elite. They are mostly former appointed officials in Republican administrations who have since moved on to life in that floating stratosphere of policy mavens, think tankers, lobbyists, and Cabinets-in-waiting. They are heavily found on that list of 50 Republican foreign-policy experts calling for Trumps defeat. Some are actually redundants associated with past Republican policies Trump has denounced (you can add the Iraq War to the list above). Others know there is no way they will have a place in, or even access to, a Trump administration. Still others simply have a reciprocal assessment of Trump as a loser. They are mostly sincerely angry about what is happening to their party, and plan to have a future role in the GOP when the fever has broken. What they all have in common is that they will never, ever have to deal with Republican primary voters, other than at a safe distance. The key question to ask with all five groups of Republican defectors is whether they represent a significant group of rank-and-file Republican voters, who have for the most part been more likely to stick with Trump than elected officials and other elites have been. Thats not the only measurement of the value of defectors; sometimes independent voters can be swayed by these kind of negative testimonials for a major-party candidate, and there are financial considerations as well, since wealthy donors prefer some cover before abandoning a party nominee. But it will be interesting to find out whether the party has truly left the defectors behind, or if instead they are simply a party-in-exile that will hold the reins long after Donald Trump has left politics like a bad circus leaving town. Losing bigly. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Donald Trump has one field office in Florida, a state of 65 million square miles and 29 electoral votes. Which is to say, the GOP nominee barely has a campaign in a state he needs to win to have any real shot at the White House. And yet Trump would like the Republican National Committee to devote its limited resources to funding a get-out-the-vote operation for him in Hawaii. According to Politico, Trump has asked the RNC to open field offices for him in all 50 states a proposal that has baffled many of the committees aides. But no one should be all that surprised by Trumps unconventional general-election strategy: The mogul has long touted plans to contest deep-blue states like New York and California. Whether such ambitions are fueled by egotism, ignorance, or a cynical desire to promote his companys brand in as many media markets as possible is an open question. Meanwhile, dozens of Republicans are pressuring the RNC to abandon Trumps campaign and put all of its energy into fighting off a down-ballot massacre. We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck, wrote a group of 70 former Republican officeholders and RNC staffers in a letter obtained by Politico. This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trumps chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day. Trump responded to the letter Thursday night, telling Fox News, If it is true, thats okay too because all I have to do is stop funding the Republican Party Im the one thats raising the money and other people are getting to use the money that I raised. Still, Trump appears to agree with the letters signatories on one thing his odds of becoming president arent looking great. On Thursday morning, the GOP nominee spoke longingly of the vacation he plans to take should he lose in November. Later, he actually cited unflattering poll numbers at a rally in Florida, admitting his campaign has a tremendous problem in Utah. Such tremendous problems led the Trump campaign to request an emergency meeting with the RNC in Orlando on Friday. They want to patch up a rift that just keeps unfolding, one RNC source told Politico. They finally realize they need the RNC for their campaign because, lets face it, there is no campaign. The RNC has begged Trump to professionalize his campaign and moderate his tone for months now. Instead, the mogul has opted to attack the bereaved parents of an American war hero, tell jokes about his supporters committing acts of political violence, and accuse the sitting president of being the founder of ISIS. On Friday morning, Trump walked back the latter position, saying that when he accused Obama of founding a terrorist group over and over again he was only being sarcastic. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 That probably isnt enough of a pivot to reassure Trumps skeptics in Orlando. Per Politico: An RNC member said discontent with the Trump campaign has hit new heights in recent days, describing major tumult in the building and staff problems and disagreements and RNC staff on the edge of mutiny. Photo: Arturo Latierro EwarArT/ Getty Images Two scenarios: In one, I tell a friend Ive been having more panic attacks than normal. She responds with sympathy; even if shes never experienced anxiety herself, she has a basic understanding of what it means and how it manifests. In the other, I tell the same friend about delusions Id had in which I thought the traffic lights were sending me secret messages only to be met by a palpable thud of discomfort. Theres reason to be cautiously optimistic about the way were starting to talk about mental illness indeed, the fact that people are talking about it at all is an encouraging step forward. Take old Hollywood stars like Clara Bow, diagnosed with schizophrenia later in life, who hid their mental-health problems for fear of becoming unmarketable; compare that with the celebrities openly discussing their depression or anxiety now: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Carrie Fisher and Demi Lovato to name just a few. There are obviously still missteps if not episodes of glaring offensiveness when people talk about depression and anxiety. But thats the thing: When mental illness enters the cultural conversation, its usually as a synonym for depression or anxiety. The less palatable, more frightening facets of mental illness, like psychosis? Theyre still ignored, often leading to those experiencing psychosis to remain silent. And thats a problem, say researchers who study mental-health stigma, because it could be stopping people with psychosis from getting the treatment they desperately need. Psychosis, in broad terms, is a condition that causes hallucinations, delusions, or thought disorders. This can include auditory or visual hallucinations, delusions of grandeur or persecutory delusions, and sometimes catatonia, an extreme loss of motor skill. And if it is indeed talked about less than, say, depression, it could be at least partly because psychosis is so much less common. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 100,000 young people experience a psychotic episode per year, compared to 16 million who will have an episode of major depression within that same time period. Overall prevalence of psychosis (which, its important to note, can also be a symptom of major depression) stands at roughly 3 percent of the U.S. population (or about 9 million people), with depression affecting around 22 million, or 7 percent, of the population. Empirical evidence also suggests that many people with psychosis have likely had similar interpersonal experiences as the one described above. Research has suggested that individuals with psychosis are viewed most negatively by the public and experience the most discrimination compared to people with other psychiatric disorders, said David Kimhy, associate professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center. In other words, people with psychosis make up the most highly stigmatized group within those with mental-health issues. Its not hard to imagine why. For one, consider the representation of psychosis in the media. As William T. Carpenter Jr., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told me, when psychosis is spoken about, its often when we hear about mass shootings, bizarre events or crimes, and it can be used to discredit a person or idea. And so it makes that many people might feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences of psychosis, particularly with their employers. Its not an unfounded concern: One 2006 study found that half of U.S. employers are reluctant to hire people with past psychiatric history, a figure that rises to 70 percent for those taking anti-psychotic medication. But its kind of lose-lose; not telling an employer about an episode of psychosis would lead a quarter of the surveyed employers to dismiss an employee. The consequences of this stigmatization stretch beyond employment. A 2014 literature review published in the journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services found that public stigmatization is a pervasive barrier that prevents many individuals in the U.S. from engaging in mental health care. In 2004, psychiatrist Patrick Corrigan, of the University of Chicago, argued that, in order to avoid being labelled mentally ill, people actively decide not to seek or participate in care. This, he says, diminishes patients self-esteem and prevents them from engaging in social opportunities such as friendships or relationships. In the U.S., three years typically pass between the time the first symptoms of psychosis manifest and their eventual diagnosis and treatment. There is good news here: Stigma-reducing campaigns have quietly been surfacing. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a Stigma Free pledge, and the American Psychological Association (APA) has recently launched a new journal, Stigma and Health, which covers the impact of public perception on mental and physical diseases. Whether these campaigns are working, however, is hard to tell.There have been few studies examining the question systematically, Kimhy said, and most involve small samples of individuals with schizophrenia or related disorders. So far, efficacy of such interventions has been mixed, though there are some promising results. In the meantime, there is one thing that individuals with psychosis can do to wear down this stigma: Speak openly about it, Kimhy said. In my experience as a clinical psychologist treating individuals who are at risk for psychosis, the availability of published stories about individuals with psychotic experiences who are professionally and socially successful are highly important, he told me. A few prominent individuals are already leading the way. He gives the example of Elyn Saks, associate dean at the University of Southern California and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship winner, who has written about her schizophrenia, and Eleanor Longden, another sufferer of schizophrenia who has written and spoken extensively on her illness. People like Saks and Longden, who talk about psychosis publicly, represent real-world success stories in which the potential for living life to the fullest is achievable, said Kimhy. Put in plainer English: It helps to talk. Weve got you covered. Photo: OliverChilds/Getty Images When your dog makes a mess during the dog days of summer, the smell is just the worst. (To say nothing of cat odors, which some of our editors have previously addressed.) The three best-selling canine-related cleaners on Amazon include an enzymatic bacterial spray thats activated on contact with poop, pee, and puke, as well as a $5 odor eliminator, beloved since the Reagan administration. Beyond these, we asked the following dog walkers, groomers, and holistic-pet-care owners for their solutions to the foulest of pooch accidents. If Your Dog Peed All Over the Place Biokleen All Purpose Cleaner Ive been training dogs for ten years, so Ive dealt with a lot of pee. My newest thing is Biokleen. I cant use chemicals with the dogs I train they get sneezy so I like to go natural. Biokleen works with plant-based surfactants and doesnt leave a layer of artificial perfume. Its the same cleaner I use in my home. Elizabeth Reddin, dog trainer and owner of The Dog Institute of Williamsburg From $14 at Amazon Wiz B Gone We like that its organic and made in the United States. It works for all kinds of accidents cats that miss the litter box, vomit, puppies who pee everywhere. It works through an enzymatic process and has some excellent ingredients grapefruit, coconut oil, and tea-tree oil. Randy Klein, owner of Whiskers Holistic Petcare $14 at Amazon If Your Dog Peed in One Spot OdoBan Pet Oxy Stain Remover Dogs arent at the groomer very long, so we dont deal with a lot of big accidents. But intact males, usually the smaller dogs, will mark their territory right as they walk out the door. This cleans up those spots fast and theres no lasting odor. Lisa Sawin, groomer and owner of Lisas Pet Styles $6 at Amazon If Your Dog Peed on a Pretty Lawn NaturVet Yellow to Green Lawn Pet Spot Remover Spray This is more like a cover-up than a cleaner, but it works great for lawns, whether its your own or at the dog park. The green tint masks yellow spots in the grass and doesnt wash off in the rain. Ryann Solomon, dog walker and owner of Ryannimals Pet Care $14 at Amazon If Your Dog Peed or Pooped or Puked (and it really stinks) Mix-It-Yourself Odor Eliminator Lavender & Tea Tree Spray Bleach is the best germ killer, but its really toxic. So I also use a blend of vinegar and water to clean. And it doesnt ruin hardwood floors. To eliminate smells, spray a blend of ten drops of tea-tree and lavender oils and eight ounces of water. Jay Andors, animal trainer and owner of NYC Clicker Trainer $12 at Amazon & $15 at Amazon The Strategist is a series of smart, obsessive shopping guides from the New York Magazine section of the same name. Weve scoured the web to bring you the best of the best. Some of our latest conquests include umbrellas, beach tents, water bottles, white T-shirts, nail clippers, and yoga mats. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please note that all prices are subject to change. Ivanka isnt our savoir. Photo: Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press/TNS via Getty Images Ivanka Trump has been an integral part of her fathers campaign. Not only has she attempted to appeal to women on his behalf, even going so far as to promise working women that her father will take their interests to heart (a stance he has yet to include in his platform), but shes repeatedly attempted to soften his image in the press, even as the things he says become less and less defensible. Because shes the levelheaded daughter of a volatile billionaire, much of the voting public would like to imagine that Ivanka has more power behind the scenes than she displays in front of the cameras both the left and the right have called on Ivanka to bring her dad down a notch. The Mexican and Latin American edition of Marie Claire dedicated its entire July issue to an appeal to Ivanka, and more recently, documentarian Michael Moore published an open letter. He is in need of an intervention, the letter begins, referring to Donald. And I believe only you can conduct it. He trusts you. He believes in you. Although I dont know you personally, you seem to be a very smart and together woman. I think he will listen to you. Moore goes on: Ivanka, I have faith in you that you can do this This has gone beyond crazy. The entire nation in fact, the entire world needs you to step forward and do the courageous thing history will praise you for: the loving act of a brilliant daughter who also loved her beleaguered country enough to say her father wasnt well and needed help. Moores appeal rests on the assumption that Ivanka holds sway over her father, and that she has input where his campaign is concerned. And plenty of ordinary people share his optimism: my new favorite thing is people tweeting at ivanka asking her to get trump to behave and focus or he'll lose! pic.twitter.com/kIGey2TGXX (@Khanoisseur) August 8, 2016 But theres not a shred of evidence that Ivanka can save us from her father, or that she wants to. When Lisa DePaulo interviewed Ivanka for Harpers Bazaar earlier this week, she asked directly whether shes secretly in charge of the Trump campaign: When I tell her that my friends supporting Trump hope to hell that she is the one calling the shots, she raises a perfect eyebrow. Really? Im definitely not, she insists. His campaign is his campaign. We have worked together for over a decade, and I love my father, I respect my father. I also understand him and how he thinks. So what is her role? My role is daughter. Im his daughter. Trump goes on to say that, should her father win the White House, shell have a role in his administration: Obviously, Im a huge advocate for women and womens issues. But as much as wed like to imagine Ivankas chagrin It is hard for me to think that you, a privileged and educated woman, tolerate these dangerous ideas, the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire Latin America wrote theres a good chance it just doesnt exist. Whats more, its not her job to cajole Donald Trump, a fully grown man running to lead a nation, into behaving. As shes reiterated throughout the campaign, Ivanka isnt here to talk her father down shes kind of busy. haha, drag ha. Reply Thread Link I'm really glad that he seems to be getting at least some actual backlash for his bullshit, of course nowhere near what I would like but when all this garbage first started I would have thought the disgust with it would stay small, the largest being tumblr as a whole which no one takes seriously anyway so it's really wonderful seeing some actual big name places calling it out. Reply Thread Link He better stick to music I'm glad people are finally seeing his true colors. Also, he wasn't that good in Dallas Buyers Club #comeatmebrah Reply Thread Link he was in drag and people got blinded by it. It happens a lot, people see a person "transform" with a little bit of makeup and go crazy. Meh. Reply Parent Thread Link His role was so oscar baity. Anyone playing that role would have probably won because the Oscars love that shit. Reply Parent Thread Link I thought he was good, but he's usually good in movies tbh, I wasnt, like, shocked by how good he was or anything (if anything I felt that way about Matthew McC, I was pretty surprised by how blown away I was by his performance) Reply Parent Thread Link Matthew McC was impressive, now that's an Oscar deserving performance Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That movie is not good. The fact that is has two Oscars really tells you about the state of the academy. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link he wasn't that good in Dallas Buyers Club #comeatmebrah I thought was the only one tbh. He was good in the movie but he wasn't that good to mostly sweep awards season. I thought was the only one tbh. He was good in the movie but he wasn'tgood to mostly sweep awards season. Reply Parent Thread Link His music kind of sucks though. He was good in Requiem For A Dream. Reply Parent Thread Link Let's be honest.... Jared Leto was never a good actor. https://t.co/3JszVrPSGH pic.twitter.com/qUCVNDEY7P Complex (@ComplexMag) August 8, 2016 this article roasted him too, especially his joke Oscar for his transgender mammy role and how he constantly talks about his crazy ways of getting into character only for his role to be lackluster I am loving this Jared Leto backlashthis article roasted him too, especially his joke Oscar for his transgender mammy role and how he constantly talks about his crazy ways of getting into character only for his role to be lackluster Reply Thread Link a tweet about Jared Leto calling Weird Al "Normal Al" because he's weirder than Weird Al lol irl Reply Parent Thread Link I greatly appreciate how cleverly you are working at this. #goals tbh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link im LOVING this article, the writer does not like Jared at all hahahaha Reply Parent Thread Link bookmarking this to read later ty Reply Parent Thread Link okay, this is not true. His roles have been solid for a long time. all or nothing approaches are weird Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Go off Complex!!! Reply Parent Thread Link yeah, I can't agree with this. I think a lot of people are trying to capitalize on his Joker nonsense by jumping on the "he's not even a good actor" train and that's just, imo, simply untrue. He is a very good actor and always has been - he's certainly a much better actor than he is a musician. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link eh. he's a really good actor, though. Reply Parent Thread Link The joke about how Tino was more compelling than him on My So-Called Life is RUTHLESS Reply Parent Thread Link I always thought he was a shitty actor, I feel like those who stan for him are blinded by his yt dick. He is the bargain-bin version of Johnny Depp and that is all he could ever aspire to. Reply Parent Thread Link I think he can be a good actor. I thought he was good in Mr. Nobody, DBC, and Chapter 27, but he's up his own ass too much Reply Parent Thread Link Lol never a good actor? His Oscar disagrees. But since 2016 is the year of hating Jared, I luckily prepared my jars for their anger and tears Reply Parent Thread Link Points out that women can't do half the shit Jared pulled without jeopardizing their careers Reply Thread Link yes, RDJ that line stuck out to me too Reply Parent Thread Link yass ia 'feminism is make-believe' papi Reply Parent Thread Link http://eatingcroutons.tumblr.com/post/102111475256/fact-checking-the-rdj-feminism-is-make-believe listen, if you're gonna come for him for being ~problematic~, do it for his blackface or his republican past or idk being too rich and white listen, if you're gonna come for him for being ~problematic~, do it for his blackface or his republican past or idk being too rich and white Reply Parent Thread Link he deserves to be dragged but lbr he's the type to respond about how people just don't ~understand his process~ Reply Thread Link I used to love him during DBC days, now I am here for him going down in flames. bless :) Reply Thread Link i had to study it extensively in uni Reply Parent Thread Link let this also be the year that exposes all the vile shit he's (allegedly) been up to & ends him let this also be the year that exposes all the vile shit he's (allegedly) been up to & ends him Reply Thread Link I really cannot imagine a woman doing everything he said and did and still be able to continue doing the role/getting roles. And I don't even think a lot of people would laugh about it either - they'd just assume she was crazy or losing it. I actually don't think he's a great actor and I think his music is even worse than his acting so idk I've never really cared for him. Reply Thread Link good to see him getting this backlash Reply Thread Link all the ridiculous gifts to your co-stars amounted to squat, you douchebag! Reply Thread Link lmao my actor bf was like for all that he did to supposedly get into character, so why was his Joker basic as f I've generally enjoyed him in his supporting actor roles but I never thought of him as among the best in anything his does. Ok acting, ok music although I do jam to some 30STM... but not really memorable other than having a pretty face Reply Thread Link I don't even get the pretty thing. His eyes are too close together and he's vaguely Culkinesque. Reply Parent Thread Link mte. I never really got the hype over his looks either. and lately he's been looking like a recovering chemo patient Reply Parent Thread Link You should watch Alexander tbh he was magnificent in that role. Still bitter he and Colin never made out. Reply Parent Thread Link i never liked his looks, but i've always liked how young he looks compared to same-age martin freeman who's been melting since he turned 20 Reply Parent Thread Link Its a pain in the ass. Who the hell wants to be with some miserable grump because he wants to get his performance right, so you have to call him this or call him that? Its so boring. Ive been with actors like that and theyre a pain in the ass, they really are. Theyre unpleasant to work with and I dont think theyre always that good either. Ive worked with some awkward customers, fortunately not too many. I go out of my way never to work with them again. -Anthony Hopkins on method actors praise his light! Reply Thread Link As far as I'm aware, Brian Cox isn't method. And he was a far better Lecter than Hopkins. imho Reply Parent Thread Link yesss! I love him. Reply Parent Thread Link i love how he's had a love affair with Emma Thompson's character in two movies can we have a third? Reply Parent Thread Link He's so sensible. Reply Parent Thread Link Yaass Sir Anthony! I love actors who are like "Fuck all this method shit. Just act!" Reply Parent Thread Link To add one from Gary Oldman "Any actor who tells you that they have become the people they play, unless they're clearly diagnosed as a schizophrenic, is bullshitting you." Reply Parent Thread Expand Link amen Reply Parent Thread Link i think ian mckellen has said something similar Reply Parent Thread Link i really respect him as an actor so i'm glad this is his take on method acting Reply Parent Thread Link So on point. If you have to stay in character for months, you're not really acting so much as lying to yourself. I'm all for actors taking time in their trailer to prep for a scene but the moment it spills into interactions with cast and crew, you're just being an ass. Reply Parent Thread Link Problematic Faves J Lo (July 24th) J Law (August 15th) Demi Lovato (August 20th) Madonna (August 16th) Jason Momoa (August 1st) Ben Affleck (August 15th) Barack Obama (August 4th) Problems Sean Penn (August 17th) Hope Solo (July 30th) Alfred Hitchcock (August 13th) David O. Russel (August 20th) Bill Clinton (August 19th) Welcome to the final installment of the ONTD faves and flops of the Astrology! Today we are going to celebrate some of the messiests and the problematic Leos we can't help but love. Come on in!!Recently JLo was downgraded from unproblematic by her #1 stan on ONTD. She is reunited on this list with former flame Ben Affleck. Is it any wonder these two Leos thought Gigli and the Jenny from the Block video were good ideas?Jennifer Lawrence is just like us: problematic.Is anyone surprised that Demi is a Leo? Anyone? Bueller?This problematic Leo commands attention like no other, and lands herself on this list for her unapologetic cultural appropriation and use of racial slurs.ONTD boyfriend and current Aquaman Jason Momoa lands on the list of problematic Leos for his cavalier comments about sexual assault.Ben Affleck has had a storied career with more edits than a Warner Brothers movie. We hate to love and love to hate this sleazy, nanny-fucking greaseball with a back tat.Barack Obama is the ultimate problematic Leo fave! He is controversial, commands attention, and relishes the opportunity to be an authority figure. No US president can be unproblematic, but he certainly is a fave for many in the US. Another Leo (former) couple reunites on the problematic list! Sean Penn is an abusive, washed up jerk who loves to wax poetic about farting in front of El Chapo.The perpetually pissed off Hope Solo is a star goalie on the USWNT and a known rage-a-holic. In 2015, she physically assaulted her underage nephew and sister.While talented and iconic, Alfred was still known to be an awful person to work for, and especially mistreated the actresses in his films.D.O. Russel is an ONTD punching bag, and for good reason! It is widely recorded that this director is awful to work for, and frequently treats his cast like shit in the name of ~art~. He also sexually assaulted his underage niece.Former president and future first man Bill Clinton belong on this list for his numerous accusations of sexual assault, and his war on welfare during his stay in office.Some (dis)honorable mentions: Tom Brady, Alton Brown, Robert DeNiro, John Stamos, Tim Tebow, Martha Stewart, Billy Bob Thornton, Joe Jackson, Steve Martin, James Corden (he personally annoys me on a deep level) source: 1 Thank you, ONTD for joining me on this journey! Can't believe this is the last post :) really happy you all liked them. Special thanks toand Why didn't they touch up Emma's color before shooting? Reply Thread Link I think that's gotta be on purpose, because up until shooting started she was a red head so that is a fresh dye job. Reply Parent Thread Link only reason to watch TBH Reply Thread Link Emma posted a pic of him yesterday :) Reply Thread Link is it anthology or continuing from the last season? Reply Thread Link Yeah, same characters. Reply Parent Thread Link Sadly continuing from last season, but it's in a hospital now. Idk how it's gonna shift. Reply Parent Thread Link The best thing about this show is that it literally doesn't take anything seriously. It's very self-aware. Reply Thread Link yesss, finally. him and niecy nash are my faves on this show Reply Thread Link When Emma posted a pic with him I was so excited! He was one of my favs on the show. I loved him with Niecy though omg :/ Reply Thread Link i fucking love glen so much, he was so so great in everybody wants some <3 Reply Thread Link everyday needs more Chad Radwell Reply Thread Link He is the best part of this show. And Chanel #3 obviously. Reply Thread Link he and denise were the best things about this show by far, so I deffo need niecy back on the show. Reply Thread Link Chad was fantastic, especially his scenes with Denise Hemphill Reply Thread Link Is Lea Michele going to be on? I mean, I could see that going either way. Reply Thread Link He was fantastic in Everybody Wants Some Reply Thread Link I want him to fill all of my orifices with his fluids. Reply Thread Link With a weaker dollar in cahoots with ongoing hope spurred on by OPEC murmurs and rumors, crude is ripping higher into the weekend. Hark, here are five things to consider in oil markets today. 1) Petrobras has finally managed to muster a profit after three consecutive quarterly losses. Brazil's state-run oil company managed to make a $118 million profit last quarter, as oil output and exports boosted profits. Our ClipperData show that total Brazil oil exports through the first half of the year have actually dropped, but exports to its key markets - China, Uruguay, India, U.S. and Spain - have risen over 4 percent year-to-date, and are over 600,000 bpd for June: (Click to enlarge) Petrobras has seen debt surge in recent years to close to $140 billion. The company is now on a mission to reduce this, with a $15 billion divestment program in place - already agreeing to sell $4.6 billion of assets in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. (Click to enlarge) 2) We have had a whole slew of weaker data out of China overnight. Industrial production dropped to +6.0 percent YoY, below last month's 6.2 percent and below consensus of 6.1 percent. Retail sales also missed expectations of +10.5 percent, coming in at +10.2 pecent YoY. Meanwhile, Chinese fixed asset investment dropped to its lowest level in over 16 years at +8.1 percent. This is down from 9 percent last month, and down for a fourth consecutive month - indicating the waning effects of a credit boom in the first quarter. This data comes follows ongoing poor trade data earlier in the week as both imports and exports fell more than expected, indicative of both weak domestic and global demand. Imports declined the most since February, and have now declined for 21 consecutive months. Exports have fallen for 12 of the last 13 months. As we know all too well, all paths lead back to energy, hence lower total imports were aided by falling oil imports (hark, lowest since January), while strong petroleum (and steel) exports helped total exports from being even worse. (Click to enlarge) 3) Continuing the theme of weak data from China, National Bureau of Statistics data out overnight has shown domestic crude output has fallen to the lowest level since October 2011, down 8.1 percent year-on-year. Production has dropped for a fifth straight month to 3.95 million barrels per day, driven by falling investment by China's key producers; capex has been cut by 10 percent this year by the likes of PetroChina and Sinopec. It also shows refinery throughput has dropped 300,000 bpd month-on-month. Coal output has fared even worse than oil: Related: Why Oil Companies Must Look Beyond Oil To Survive (Click to enlarge) 4) Oman is not a member of OPEC, but produces ~1mn bpd, the majority of which is exported. In response to the latest OPEC jawboning about a potential production freeze, the Omani oil and gas minister has expressed his disappointment at OPEC's inaction thus far to address low oil prices. Further, Mohammad bin Hamd al-Rumhy has said that it will not be participating in the International Energy Forum next month, where production freeze talks are expected to be exhumed on the sidelines of the event. A lack of desire to be involved in any talks relating to a production freeze (not that it is going to happen, but hey) may also lie with Oman's ambitions to increase oil production to meet domestic demand from new refining capacity coming online. Al-Ruhmy has not only indicated that Oman will increase production by 70,000 - 90,000 bpd to accommodate the new capacity, but that it will export ~50,000 bpd less, and also look to import more (according to our ClipperData, it has imported three cargoes totaling 1.56mn bbls so far this year - two cargoes of Rasgas condensate from Qatar, one of Murban from UAE). The majority of Oman's domestic production is exported, with the majority of it making its way to China: (Click to enlarge) 5) We've had the latest numbers on intentionally delayed DUCs from Rystad Energy, and they show how DUC inventory has climbed steadily since mid-last year from 150 to 600 wells last month. While Bakken was initially leading the charge early last year - due to North Dakota's Industrial Commission extending the completion delay allowance from 12 to 24 months - Eagle Ford and Permian have also jumped aboard the train of this trend: By Matt Smith More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Exxon has had its fair share of trouble in Nigeria, what with all the militant attacks, and now it is looking for another route to export the crude it pumps in the Niger Delta, to replace its main pipeline for moving Qua Iboe crude oil, which was damaged last month. As is its policy, Exxon did not comment on the report, with a spokesman telling Reuters just that the repairs of the Qua Iboe are progressing. Force majeure was declared last month when a routine maintenance check of its loading facility revealed a system anomaly as the company said at the time. It noted, however, that the anomaly was not the result of militant attacks. The Niger Delta Avengers, however, the most active militant group in the Niger Delta, claimed responsibility for an attack on the pipeline. At the time, the NDA also told Exxon to stop lying to the world, and warned the company it will start targeting its employees instead of its infrastructure. Exxon workers in Nigeria told AP in July that the damage to the 300,000-bpd export terminal was quite serious, and force majeure could be in place for as long as a month. One security official for Exxon confirmed the extent of the damage, which was in contrast with the official Exxon statement about a system anomaly and that the terminal was operating and production activities continue. Exxon is by no means the only company that has been forced to shutter assets due to militant attacks. Shell shut down its Forcados terminal in February, citing force majeure. The terminal is still closed and Nigeria has lost US$1.6 billion as of the end of July from the closure. Chevron and Eni have also suffered losses, and not just from the militants. Yesterday, Chevrons Escravos oil depot was besieged by protesters from the local communities claiming the company had gone back on a commitment to create jobs for them. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Nigerias former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, tweeted on Thursday that President Muhammadu Buhari planned to break up Nigeria if oil is found in the north of the countrythe north, which the Niger Delta Avengers have claimed are for now, unjustly tapping into the oil wealth of southern Nigeria. Buhari has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to start drilling for oil in the northeastern part of Nigeria. In late July, the NNPC said in a statement that it was intensifying drilling in the Chad Basin and other parts of the Inland Sedimentary Basin in search of oil. Fani-Kayode took to Twitter on Thursday to voice his opinion, tweeting: My prayer for Nigeria is that oil is found in commercial quantities in the core north. I am glad that @MBuhari is looking for it desperately. If he finds it he and the north will be the first to call for a break up of the country. If he fails to find it they will continue to be the greatest obstacle to the restructuring of our nation and they will continue to provide the greatest opposition to the peaceful division of our country. Why? Because without southern oil the north is nothing. Politicians in Nigeria are debating restructuring of the country. Buhari has told a UN delegation visiting Nigeria that "suddenly we are a poor country", the BBC reported on Friday. Related: Oil Prices React Stoically On Biggest Rig Count Rise In 2016 Nigerias economy is largely dependent on revenues from sales of crude oil. With the price rout and oil at around US$40 per barrel, Nigerias local currency, the naira, has lost one third of what it was worth at crude at US$100. Fani-Kayodes twitter rant comes just a few days after a Nigerian rebel group splintered from the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) accused ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and nineteen other politicians of supporting separatist attacks in the oil-rich nation. And on Thursday, a new group appeared to have come on stage in the attacks on oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta. Various militant groups claim to be protecting the rights of the local communities to get a bigger portion of oil revenues and a cleaner environment. Attacks in recent months have taken offline so many barrels that Nigerias production has dropped by as much as 45 percent. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OnMilwaukee.com, its advertisers or editorial staff. Election day has come and gone, and some of the results in the primary contests are satisfying but also quite a bit troubling. Leading the satisfaction category is the reelection of John Chisholm as District Attorney for Milwaukee County. Chisholm beat Verona Swanigan, 65% to 35%. There was never any question about who was most qualified to be the DA. Chisholm had been an assistant DA for 12 years before being elected in 2006. He has been aggressive in prosecutions and has drawn national praise for his innovations like putting assistant DAs in the community to be closer to those involved in the system. Swanigan, on the other hand, was what I call a sham candidate. She didnt have a fundraising operation or a campaign committee that developed strategies. She was largely absent from media scrutiny. Instead, she was backed by big right-wing money that bought thousands of dollars of television time. Eric OKeefe, who was part of the target of the John Doe probe into Scott Walkers campaign, an investigation run by Chisholm, was the big backer both financially and in getting other Tea Party members to contribute. OKeefe wanted someone to run against Chisholm, and he tabbed Swanigan to be directed by Craig Peterson, a nice guy and Republican operative, who ran the campaign. What he ended up with was a woman with a checkered past who had only tried one case in Wisconsin. Most of her work was handing out eviction notices for one of Milwaukees most notorious landlords. This was a deserving win for Chisholm, but there was something frightening about it too. 27,570. Thats the number of people who actually voted for Swanigan. Only about 16 percent of registered voters bothered to go to the polls Tuesday, but still. Thats a lot of people who actually voted for a candidate who didnt have any business being the district attorney. She was nothing more than a tool for Tea Party interests who were more interested in revenge than anything else. No matter how I try to understand, I cant quite wrap my head around 27,570 people who cast ballots for Swanigan. What in the world could they possibly have been thinking? Perhaps its the Trump effect of people voting against any incumbent. I hope thats it. Another sham candidate went down easily when businessman Paul Nehlen lost to Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House. Nehlen had no name or qualifications, but he was also backed by big right wing money. The Tea Party gang doesnt like Ryan, and they pulled out all the money stops to beat him. Both Swanigan and Nehlen prove the old adage that you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear. One more race of some interest was in the 4th congressional district in Milwaukee. Incumbent Gwen Moore beat former State Sen. Gary George. At one point in his life, George was one of the most powerful men in the state as Chairman of the Joint Finance Committee. He was famous for his backroom dealing, but he was often ethically challenged. He claimed to live in his district in the city but, in fact, lived in a large house in Grafton. I worked for him for several years, and I know the truth of that ruse. He was eventually charged by the federal government with a variety of violations, including taking kickbacks on public contracts. (Full disclosure: I played a role in those kickbacks and testified at his trial. He was sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to defraud the government. He was disbarred but got his license back.) He didnt really run much of a campaign, relying on the hope that people might remember him with enough love to elect him. For Swanigan, Nehlen and George, the message sent by the voters came from a Beatles song: "Cant Buy Me Love." The wait for Bumstead Provisions, Bay Views newest multi-functional bar, restaurant, deli and grocer, is nearly over. According to co-owner Mike Bodow, Bumstead will officially open its doors at 2671-75 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. on Monday, Sept. 19. The concept, which includes a full service deli and grocer, along with a bar and restaurant, will offer up inventive new dishes and beverages, as well as and high end grocery and deli items like meats, cheeses, seafood, foraged mushrooms and other hard-to-find items, along with a curated selection of craft beers and wines. Thus far, we've traced the progress of the unique venue closely, from the announcement of its launch in spring of 2015, through the development of the concept and its construction, which moved forward significantly this summer. And we can't wait to get a look at the final interior, which promises to be as remarkable as the concept itself. "It's been a long year full of sleepless nights, but we knew if we kept fighting we would make the dream of opening in Bay View happen," notes Bodow. "We're basically beside ourselves knowing that it's about to come true, and we can't wait to meet the community." The venue, which will inhabit two spaces one which housed ReThreads and another which was home to Strehlow's True Value Hardware will blend modern convenience with the historic look and feel of the space, the assets of which include a moving library ladder and hardware storage compartments and a beautiful punched metal ceiling. Tabletops made from cabinet doors from the old hardware store will add interest to the space, while original shelving units and brick walls will hearken back to the inhabitants of yore. Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details, including a peek at some of the inventive items on the Bumstead menu. Work for Bumstead Bumstead Provisions will be conducting open interviews for positions including sous chef, cook, food runner, dishwasher, hosts, servers, bartenders and deli and retail positions (expertise in meats, cheeses desired) beginning next week. Interviews will take place at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co., 224 W. Bruce St., Monday, Aug. 15-Thursday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Milwaukees barbecue scene continues to get fired up. In fact, starting next week, there will be a new option on the docket. Firewise Barbeque Company, a mobile barbecue trailer, will be hosting its debut from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Hals Harley-Davidson, 1925 S. Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. The trailer is owned and operated by certified Kansas City Barbeque Society judge, competitor and pitmaster Alex Obradovich, who left his job in mid-April to pursue his professional barbecue dream. His 20-foot trailer, which contains a 14-foot commissary kitchen and a 6-foot rear porch with a mounted smoker, will offer pulled pork, spare ribs, chicken and brisket. "My meats are smoked primarily with fruitwoods," notes Obradovich. "Ive been playing with some hickory, but I really go for a more mellow smoke flavor. Beyond that, tenderness is the key for barbecue both for contests and for the general public and Im focusing on that. Really bringing people good quality, flavorful meats that people will really enjoy." His roadside menu will feature sandwiches (priced $6-8) featuring smoked pulled pork, beef brisket and pulled chicken, spare ribs ($8-22, priced by quantity), pork, beef and chicken nachos ($8), and a four meat sampler featuring three ounces each of pulled pork, brisket, chicken and one rib with cornbread for $15. All meats are also available by the pound (priced $11 for chicken up to $18 for brisket). Eventually specials may include beef ribs, rib tips and other items like bacon-wrapped jalapeno peppers. Meats have been dry rubbed and smoked. Some, including chicken and ribs, will be served pulled and sauced with his signature barbecue sauce, which Obradovich describes as a "sweeter tomato-based sauce" available in original, spicy or tangy varieties. Meanwhile his brisket and pulled pork will be served without sauce. Photo: Firewise Barbeque Co. As for sides, Obradovich admits hes not really "a big side guy." "For me, its all about the meat," he says. "But I really wanted to serve good, homemade sides that werent an afterthought." He says hell feature corn bread ($1), smoked baked beans, vinegar-based coleslaw and American-style potato salad with mustard and mayonnaise dressing ($2.50 each). Getting there A former machinist and sales professional, Obradovich has been honing his craft for nearly a decade and competing in Kansas City Barbeque Society competitions since 2012. "My dad got a hold of a Kamado, an old Japanese style smoker, about 20 years ago and started making ribs, brisket and pulled pork," says Obradovich. "And I always aspired to making ribs as good as his." Obradovich tried to compete with his father using a gas grill, but quickly learned hed need to upgrade his game. So, in 2009, he bought a smoker (and subsequently several more). He joined a grilling forum online and began reading and learning. "As I learned more, I got more serious about cooking," he says. "I started using fresh ingredients from the farmers market and things started getting better and better. It took some time, but eventually I was able to make ribs as good as my dads. And eventually, I got into doing competitions." In 2012, he got together with his dad and entered his first Kansas City Barbeque Society contest. They earned 11th place among 18 teams and took home fifth place for their ribs. And he says the feeling was incomparable. "We were thrilled," he says. "Its like winning a game when youre a kid; theres just not that many opportunities for that kind of feeling as an adult." From there, he honed his craft further and continued to compete, sometimes participating in up to eight competitions per year. In 2016, he teamed up with one of his mentors, Tony Roy of Mr. Tonys Barbeque in Fredonia, and the two secured 9th place (and first among Wisconsin teams) in a 66-team national competition held in Green Bay. "Ive had people telling me my food is good for a long time," he says. "But competition taught me a lot. Your friends and family arent going to tell you that your food isnt so great. But judges, they get one taste and that taste better be good." In the end, he says, he just wanted to share his food with others. "Ive been to a lot of restaurants and tried a lot of barbecue," he says. "Ive eaten a lot of food where the quality just isnt there. And thats a big goal for us: to keep the quality really high. Bringing the competition aspect to the public is where our focus lies. Its a different level of barbecue that not everyone is familiar with." Obradovich says hes been busy putting finishing touches on the trailer (which is due to be wrapped in the next couple of weeks; see photo below for a preview of the design) in anticipation of the Aug. 17 grand opening. But he says he cant wait to start cooking. Photo: Firewise Barbeque Co. "Right now Im nervous, and my wife is nervous," says Obradovich. "But Im all in at this point. And Im getting excited for people to try what well be making." The Firewise Grand Opening takes place Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hals Harley-Davidson, 1925 S. Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. Beginning Aug. 23, Firewise keep regular hours at set locations through October or early November. Theyll serve from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until they sell out) on Tuesdays at the Bartz Party Store at 4150 S. 108th St and Thursdays at Hals Harley-Davidson, 1925 S. Moorland Rd. Moving forward, Firewise will add a third location on Wednesdays, as well as catering and special events on weekends. For more information, as well as updates on the trailers locations, follow Firewise Barbeque Co. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. So ... about last night's episode. "Mr. Robot" started out with a complete mind f*ck. The whole USA Network, including the show, was blasted into the '90s, obnoxious fashion and all! They even had an '90s Bud Light commercial and a trailer for "The Careful Massacre of the Bourgeoisie" (man, does this movie pop up!). The Word Up Wednesday sitcom began with Elliot, Darlene and their parents taking a road trip in their blue convertible. Elliot was freaked out by this blast from the past and so was I. The great part about the show being portrayed as a sitcom was that we finally got some comic relief out of the situation. A man banged on the trunk as Mr. Robot drove on, seemingly unbothered by what was going on. Elliots thoughts were no longer shared with just us; his family was able to gauge what Elliot was thinking as well. Elliots family saw what was going on as perfectly normal, and maybe that was the beauty of this 90s-inspired world; the unusual quirks of Elliots normal life were now mere happenings that distracted from their happy family. Even as Elliot started to see himself getting beaten to a bloody pulp in the cars side mirror or on Darlenes Nintendo, his father urged him to keep looking forward as if nothing happened. Is this what it would be like if Mr. Robot completely took over? If it is, I picture Elliot offing himself due to his affliction to perky happiness, leaving Mr. Robot to do what he pleases. The sitcom ended with Mr. Robot dropping Elliot off at the hospital, where he now resided in the real world. As we suspected, Elliot is in pretty critical condition after being dragged out of bed and beaten by Rays men. After freshly being ripped from his hunky dory sitcom, Elliot is faced with Rays story about how his dog Maxine came to respect him as a master. Ray had him thrown into a basement with only a water heater as his companion other than Mr. Robot, of course. For the first time, Elliot welcomed Mr. Robot into his existence, for hes the only friendly face hell see for a while. Its now obvious that Elliot is forever Rays forever servant, and frankly, I dont know how the hell Elliot is going to get out of this one. Meanwhile, Darlene and fsociety are trying to deal with the fallout of the Dark Army attacking the FBI. Now that thats happened, the FBI is surely going to be on high alert, making their upcoming hack a lot riskier. Angela took her hacking training very seriously something she had no choice but to. If they fail at hacking the FBI and deleting the files, Angela is going to jail for a very long time. As everything is set, she sees Cisco, the slimey hacker that blackmailed her into infecting AllSafe, dropping off the supplies needed for the FBI hack. Turns out that Cisco is in cahoots with the Dark Army; the guy is fluent is Chinese and everything! Naturally, hes just a painfully drugged up foot soldier for the Dark Army. Everything is connected, and the Dark Army is turning out to be an even darker force than imagined. The day came for Angela to step up and hack the FBI, and as you probably suspected, it came with some surprises. It seems that Angela is too attractive to go unnoticed on the FBI floor, since one of the agents stopped her to ask for a date. Why is it that the most persistent men happen to ask for dates at the most inconvenient times? Like the one day Angela needed the guy to be half-assing is the day she gets a dedicated one? To make matters worse, the Wi-Fi went out just as Angela was leaving, so she now has a date with a potential douche and is forced to troubleshoot at her cubicle. Just as we all thought she was almost in the clear, Angela was approached by Agent DiPierro *GASP*. Has Dominique already caught wind of Angelas whereabouts? Will Angela take the fall for everything and leave fsociety to finish their work if she is caught? We all know that snitches get stitches, no matter if its a federal penitentiary or not. Well have to see how this tense moment plays out next week. The last scene we witnessed was that of the day Elliot's dad told him that he lost his job. The irony was that he was fired because of the days he took off to go to the doctor for the illness caused by his employers! I think this is the moment where we saw Elliot truly connect with his dad in a way they never did before. His dad even trusted Elliot enough to name his new bookstore after being fired. No matter what happened from that moment forward, the two would forever be connected in their present and future. This weeks episode was pretty straight forward, but the switch up at the beginning of the episode kind of tweaked me out. I feel absolutely terrible about Elliot, especially since I dont see him getting out of that situation easily. Maybe this is where Tyrell Wellick comes into play? Lets just hope that Mr. Robot planned for a situation like this and has a trick up his sleeve. Maria Luisa Mendonca (Image by courtesy of Maria Luisa Mendonca) Details DMCA My guest today is Maria Luisa Mendonca, director of Brazil's Network for Social Justice and Human Rights. She is also a professor in the International Relations department at the University of Rio de Janeiro and the editor of the book Human Rights in Brazil. Joan Brunwasser: Welcome to OpEdNews, Maria. The world has its eye on Brazil, the site of the 2016 Olympics. How're things going? Did it all get off to a smooth start? Maria Luisa Mendonca: The impeachment process against President Dilma Rousseff, which is happening during the Olympics, serves to distract voters from a power grab by right-wing politicians. Rousseff is not facing any corruption charges. The basis for the impeachment is her use of a common financial mechanism of borrowing funds from public banks to cover social program expenses in the federal budget. Other national and local administrations have used this same mechanism, including her predecessors Lula da Silva and Fernando H. Cardoso, as well as 16 current state governors. The main accusation against president Dilma Rousseff is based on an accounting mechanism characterized as "fiscal pedaling" ("pedaladas fiscais" in Portuguese). Recently, the federal prosecutor's office concluded that the budget deficit served to subsidize interests rates in governmental loans in order to provide credit for low-income housing. The federal prosecutor concluded that this mechanism cannot be considered a crime. The senators who voted for the impeachment ignored the decision of the Public Prosecutor, who should be the main authority to determine if the accusations had legal basis. The main strategy of the interim government is to create a de facto situation, so the result of the trial against President Rousseff was already known, even before she presented her defense. The impeachment votes in the Senate and in the Lower House were predictable, since most lawmakers expressed their opinions previously. Most House members declared that they were supporting the impeachment in the name of God, or their families. One member even praised a former military commander who tortured President Dilma during the military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 until 1985. These are key facts to understand why Brazil is experiencing a parliamentary coup. Several Congress members in favor of the impeachment face serious corruption charges. Former House Speaker Eduardo Cunha, who orchestrated and conducted the impeachment vote on April 17, has since been forced to step down by the Supreme Court on charges of corruption and maintaining illegal Swiss bank accounts. The interim president, Michel Temer, along with seven ministers appointed by him, are also under investigation for corruption charges. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Mike Malloy Website Just when you think the mango maniac can't get any more obscene, he tops himself again. Standing today in front of disgraced sex offender and former Congressman Mark Foley, he insisted President Obama founded the terrorist organization ISIS, with Hillary its co-founder. When given multiple opportunities to walk back the comments, he doubled -- then tripled -- down instead. Insisting he meant what he said -- literally. Not that Obama "founded" ISIS through his foreign policy stands, or that he (and Hillary) allowed the terrorist group to grow stronger. No, that would be just another typical Trump hyperbole. This time, he insists that Obama and Hillary personally took a hands-on, active role in forming the terrorist organization themselves. He didn't go into the logistics of how and when the President and former Secretary of State traveled to the Mideast to rally the radicals and establish the organization. This was the week Trump was supposed to finally start talking like a President, describing his economic plan in a series of speaking events. But that didn't happen. That can't happen because he is pathologically incapable of staying on topic. Trump is Trump, and always will be. I'm sure a President Trump would be firing off angry tweets against other world leaders, calling them sad, weak, low energy, or just plain liars. And if his crazy talk causes him to lose the election? Just as we expected, he's not too concerned. He'll just go back to his in-home gold throne and harem of international beauty queens and casinos and signature steaks and live his comfortable life. At least that's what he told CNBC today: "It's OK. I go back to a very good way of life ... At the end it's either going to, you know, work or I'm going to have a very, very nice long vacation." I'm sure there are plenty of down-ballot Republicans who would gladly help him pack if he wanted to start that vacation early. Reprinted from The Guardian The harassment of men and women who record violent incidents involving police is an appalling abuse of first amendment rights Police Brutality (Image by mpeake) Details DMCA As the filming of police killing unarmed African Americans has led to a wave of protests and calls for reform across the US, one aspect of the controversy has received little attention: the after-the-fact targeting, harassment, and arrest of many of those who recorded and publicized the killings in the first place. Today, dozens of Oscar-winning and nominated documentary film-makers -- including Laura Poitras, Alex Gibney and many others -- published an open letter calling on their fellow film-makers to defend these brave citizen journalists and activists who are now seemingly targets of the police themselves. They are also demanding the justice department investigate the disturbing pattern of police abuse. With little media attention, many of the people who filmed the most notorious police killings in the last two years have subsequently been stalked and arrested by the very police departments that they filmed. The two most recent killings that made headlines around the country -- the death of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota -- are only the latest examples. Taken together, the pattern is startling, and for the first time, the letter's organizer, director David Felix Sutcliffe, has cataloged many of these incidents in one place. After Castile's fiance, Diamond Reynolds, filmed his dying moments on Facebook Live, she was cuffed, locked in a police car, separated from her child and held in police custody for eight hours. "My daughter will be forever scarred by what the police did," she said afterwards. "They took me to jail. They didn't feed us. They put me in a room and separated me from my child. They treated me like a prisoner." The owner of the convenience store outside where Sterling was killed, Abdullah Muflahi, was also arrested by police, had his cellphone footage confiscated without a warrant, and was also locked up for four hours in the back of a police car. He has filed a lawsuit against the police officers involved. Click Here to Read Whole Article By Edward Curtin Noam Chomsky (Image by jeanbaptisteparis) Details DMCA In an article worthy of the convoluted and deceptive logic of the New York Times that he is so fond of criticizing, Noam Chomsky, together with John Halle, has published a piece on his website shilling for the election of Hillary Clinton. "An Eight Point Brief for LEV (Lesser Evil Voting)" also comes with a most unusual addendum: "Note: Professor Chomsky requests that he not be contacted with responses to this piece." Since personal responses have been ruled out, I will respond in this public forum. Chomsky begins by writing that "presidential elections continue to pose a dilemma for the left in that any form of participation or non-participation appears to impose a significant cost on our capacity to develop a serious opposition to the corporate agenda served by establishment politicians." Meaning: there's a price to pay for voting or not voting -- at least there "appears" to be. Such an indeterminate truism is not an auspicious start for a linguist. He then tells us that "many" regard the most effective response to be to vote for the "lesser evil" (LEV) Democrat in competitive "swing" states. Who the "many" are is left unsaid. "Before fielding objections," he continues, "it will be useful to make certain background stipulations with respect to the points [the eight point brief] below." He implies that others will make objections,when the only objections are those Chomsky will make himself, only to shoot them down. This is a classic rhetorical device used to conceal straw-man argumentation. And in any case, he said at the start that he doesn't want to get any responses, which would include objections. He then tells us "that since changes in relevant facts require changes in tactics, proposals having to do with our relationship to the 'electoral extravaganza' should be regarded as provisional." Meaning: we (whoever that is) can change our minds if "relevant facts" emerge showing that Clinton's foreign policy "could possess a more serious menace than that of Trump." "Could" suggests possibility, not past fact, and in any case, "most of us not already convinced that that is so will need more evidence .... though it's a bit hard to know whether those making this suggestion [voting for Trump] are intending it seriously." Meaning: Clinton's foreign policy is less a menace than Trump's, despite her track record, and serious people should vote for her. That "relevant facts" and "more evidence" might emerge is pure nonsense, since the facts are in. "We" aren't going to be changing our minds.. For those who choose the "politics of moral witness," whether religious or secular leftists, and abstain from voting, they are about "feeling good" about themselves, see voting as a form of self-expression, and don't care about others. "When they reject LEV on the grounds that 'a lesser of two evils is still evil' they miss the point," he claims. "Leaving aside the obvious rejoinder [as he doesn't leave it aside] that this is exactly the point of lesser evil voting -- i.e. to do less evil," Chomsky makes his point, not theirs, in an act of verbal jujitsu. "Moral witness" people decide to avoid choosing any evil by abstaining from a double-bind. Chomsky, however, continues with his straw-man legerdemain by writing that "those reflexively denouncing advocates of LEV on a supposed 'moral' basis should consider that their footing on the high ground may not be as secure as they often take for granted may be the case." Thus he accuses "those" - whoever they are - of doing what he is doing, though his position does not rely on a 'moral' basis (his quotation marks speak volumes) but on serious intelligent strategy. He is not like them; he is not the type to make "frivolous and poorly considered electoral decisions [that] impose a cost." His high ground is thoughtful, sound judgment. He concludes by claiming that anyone serious about radical change must agree with his logic and his "cost/benefit strategic accounting." "Those on the left who ignore it, or dismiss it as irrelevant, are engaging in political fantasy and are an obstacle to, rather than ally of, the movement that now seems to be materializing." This bit of guilt-tripping rhetoric, with another ambiguous usage - "seems" - is typical of his entire argument. As for his "8-Point Rationale," it can be summed up in a few sentences. Be practical, not moral, in making your decisions. Don't think of the election and your vote as part "of a corrupt system designed to limit choices to those acceptable to corporate elites." Donald Trump is an evil menace whose policies will impose terrible suffering "on marginalized and already oppressed populations." These sufferings have "a high probability of being significantly greater than that which will [no use of the past tense, as though she has no foreign and domestic policy history] result from a Clinton presidency." That's why you should vote for Hilary Clinton. If you don't, and Trump wins, you will be justly criticized. If the left doesn't help elect Clinton, it "will undermine what should be at the core of what it claims to be attempting to achieve." What this core is, and how a President Clinton would contribute to its achievement, is left unspoken. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts Website The Cold War began during the Truman administration and lasted through the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations and was ended in Reagan's second term when Reagan and Gorbachev came to an agreement that the conflict was dangerous, expensive, and pointless. The Cold War did not cease for long -- only from the last of Reagan's second term and the four years of George H. W. Bush's term. In the 1990s President Clinton restarted the Cold War by breaking America's promise not to expand NATO into Eastern Europe. George W. Bush heated up the renewed Cold War by pulling the US out of the Anti-ABM Treaty, and Obama has made the war hotter with irresponsible rhetoric and by placing US missiles on Russia's border and overthrowing the Ukrainian government. The Cold War was a Washington creation. It was the work of the Dulles brothers. Allen was the head of the CIA, and John Foster was the Secretary of State, positions that they held for a long time. The brothers had a vested interest in the Cold War. They used the Cold War to protect the interests of their law firm's clients, and they used it to enhance the power and budgets associated with their high positions in government. It is much more exciting to be in charge of foreign policy and covert activity in dangerous times. Whenever a reformist democratic government appeared in Latin America, the Dulles brothers saw it as a threat to the holdings that their law firm's clients had in that country. These holdings, sometimes acquired with bribes to nondemocratic governments, diverted the country's resources and wealth into American hands, and that is the way the Dulles brothers intended to keep it. The reformist government would be declared Marxist or Communist, and the CIA and State Department would work together to overthrow it and place back in power a dictator in bed with Washington. The Cold War was pointless except for the Dulles brothers' interests and those of the military/security complex. The Soviet government, unlike the US government today, had no world hegemonic aspirations. Stalin had declared "Socialism in one country" and purged the Trotskyists, the advocates of world revolution. Communism in China and Eastern Europe were not products of Soviet international communism. Mao was his own man, and the Soviet Union kept Eastern Europe from which the Red Army drove out the Nazis as a buffer against a hostile West. In those days the "Red scare" was used like the "Muslim terrorist scare" today -- to force the public to go along with an agenda without debate or understanding. Consider the costly Vietnam war, for example. Ho Chi Minh was an anti-colonist leading a nationalist movement. He was not an agent of international communism, but John Foster Dulles made him one and said that Ho must be stopped or the "domino theory" would result in the fall of all of Southeast Asia to communism. Vietnam won the war and did not launch the aggression that Dulles predicted against Southeast Asia. Ho had pleaded with the US government for support against the French colonial power that ruled Indo-China. Rebuffed, Ho turned to Russia. If Washington had simply told the French government that the colonialist era was over and that France needed to vacate Indo-China, the disaster of the Vietnam war would have been avoided. But invented threats to serve interest groups had become hobgoblins then as now, and Washington, along with many others, became a victim of its imaginary monsters. NATO was unnecessary as there was no danger of the Red Army sweeping into Western Europe. The Soviet government had enough trouble occupying Eastern Europe with its rebellious populations. The Soviet Union was faced with an uprising in East Germany in 1953, from Poland and Hungary in 1956, and from the Communist Party itself in Czechoslavia in 1968. The Soviet Union suffered enormous population loss in World War II and required its remaining manpower for post-war reconstruction. It was beyond Soviet ability to occupy Western Europe in addition to Eastern Europe. The French and Italian communist parties were strong in the post-war period, and Stalin had grounds for hope that a communist government in France or Italy would result in the breakup of Washington's European empire. These hopes were dashed by Operation Gladio. We had the Cold War because it served the Dulles brothers and the power and profits of the military/security complex. There were no other reasons for the Cold War. The new Cold War is even more pointless than the first. Russia was cooperating with the West, and the Russian economy was integrated into the West as a supplier of raw materials. The neoliberal economic policy that Washington convinced the Russian government to implement was designed to keep the Russian economy in the role of supplier of raw materials to the West. Russia expressed no territorial ambitions and spent very little on its military. The new Cold War is the work of a handful of neoconservative fanatics who believe that History has chosen the US to wield hegemonic power over the world. Some of the neocons are sons of former Trotskyists and have the same romantic notion of world revolution, only this time it is "democratic-capitalist" and not communist. The new Cold War is far more dangerous than the old, because the respective war doctrines of the nuclear powers have changed. The function of nuclear weapons is no longer retaliatory. Mutually Assured Destruction was a guarantee that the weapons would not be used. In the new war doctrine nuclear weapons have been elevated to first-use in a preemptive nuclear attack. Washington first took this step, forcing Russia and China to follow. The new Cold War is more dangerous for a second reason. During the first Cold War American presidents focused on reducing tensions between nuclear powers. But the Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama regimes have raised tensions dramatically. William Perry, Secretary of Defense in the Clinton regime, recently spoke of the danger of nuclear war being launched by false alarms resulting from such things as faulty computer chips. Fortunately, when such instances occurred in the past, the absence of tension in the relationship between the nuclear powers caused authorities on both sides to disbelieve the false alarms. Today, however, with constant allegations of pending Russian invasions, Putin demonized as "the new Hitler," and the buildup of US and NATO military forces on Russia's borders, a false alarm becomes believable. NATO lost its purpose when the Soviet Union collapsed. However, too many careers, budgets, and armaments profits depended on NATO. The neoconservatives seized on NATO as political cover and an auxiliary military force for their hegemonic ambitions. The purpose of NATO today is to implicate all of Europe in Washington's war crimes. Since all are guilty, European governments cannot turn on Washington and accuse the Americans of war crimes. Other voices are too weak to be of consequence. Despite its vast crimes against humanity, the West still retains the position of "a light unto the world," a defender of truth, justice, human rights, democracy, and individual liberty. This reputation persists despite the destruction of the Bill of Rights and police state repression. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts Website I just heard the rawest kind of propaganda from former presstitute David Satter, who hangs out at the right-wing Hudson Institute and pretends to be an expert on Russia and Putin. On August 10 Satter told NPR's audience that Washington's hope to bring peace to Syria would fail unless Washington understood that the Russian government had no humanitarian feelings and did not care about the loss of human life. What Washington needs to do, said Satter, was to make sure that Putin and his henchmen understood that they would be held accountable as war criminals. I should be hardened by now, but it never fails to astonish me that agents for the elite are willing to tell the most blatant and transparant lies. Perhaps this is because they know that the media and their fellow bought-and-paid-for "experts" will not challenge them on their statements. In fact, this is the way explanations are controlled and history rewritten. Perhaps everyone has already forgotten that when Washington's plan to invade Syria was blocked by the UK Parliament and Russian diplomacy, Washington sent the forces used against Gaddafi in Libya to overthrow Assad in Syria where they emerged as ISIS and commit extraordinary atrocities. As ISIS was serving Washington's purpose, Washington took no action against them. After a couple of years of death and destruction suffered by Syrians, the Russian government lost its patience and backed the Syrian Army with air power. Soon ISIS was defeated and on the run. Washington was caught in a bind. In Iraq Washington was fighting ISIS, because ISIS was overthrowing Washington's puppet in Iraq. However, in Syria Washington was supporting ISIS, often characterizing ISIS as "moderates" fighting to bring democracy to Syria. Now that ISIS is on the verge of total defeat in Syria, Washington's whores among the "experts" want Russia punished for blocking Washington's overthrow of Syria. In the 21st century the numerous war crimes are all accounted for by the US and Israel. These crimes were enabled by the EU, which provided cover for the official lies, such as Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and Iranian nukes, that were used by Washington for its unprovoked aggressions that have destroyed in whole or part seven countries. Real experts have integrity, and these experts want the Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama regimes tried for their war crimes. I think David Satter should be in the dock with them. Right now there is another big Trump story about Trump claiming "Obama is the founder of ISIS" in the media, getting them all hot and excited with their usual thoughtless "look at this fool, we got him now" routine. But this time they have fallen into an obvious trap. This is clearly a trap by Trump and his people, you can tell by the smugness and coyness of Trump as he sets the bait. These are the facts: Many journalists have for a few years been reporting that ISIS was birthed or helped along by the Obama administration with documentation to verify those claims. Everyone from The Guardian to Zerohedge and so many others have published these reports by Judicial Watch (click here). In the Muslim media and world as well, it is widely believed and taught that ISIS was created or supported by America as a way to fill the vacuum in Iraq's sunni leadership with the purpose to help topple Assad. This is not a theory only supported by fringe media, this is widely supported by respected journalists and websites. The current media showgasm over Trump is a trap, by starting this conversation he is counting on those people to support Trump as the mainstream media ridicules him once again. Google search: America created ISIS Judicial Watch, and you will find a lot of reputable people in the last few years saying what Trump is saying. For example from June 2015 here on OpEdNews by Dr. Nafeez Ahmed click here Articles Listed By Date List By Popularity Search Title Date Between Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 (9 comments) SHARE It Wasn't All Bad: 5 Signs of Positive Change in 2016 To make it through the Trump presidency we'll need to clear away any remaining illusions that the solution is a return to the Democratic establishment status quo. even as we enter a time that could be quite dark, we should focus not on finding a way back to an Obama/Clinton past, but on how to move forward by nurturing the seeds of real change that began to germinate in 2016. Thursday, December 29, 2016To make it through the Trump presidency we'll need to clear away any remaining illusions that the solution is a return to the Democratic establishment status quo. even as we enter a time that could be quite dark, we should focus not on finding a way back to an Obama/Clinton past, but on how to move forward by nurturing the seeds of real change that began to germinate in 2016. SHARE Why Say No to the TPP? Corporations Already Have Too Much Power local residents, in cities, towns, and on farms, rise up to oppose dangerous and polluting fossil fuel projects. All too often, they find the federal government taking the side of the oil, coal, or gas industry. That will happen even more if President Obama is able to push the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) through Congress Friday, August 12, 2016local residents, in cities, towns, and on farms, rise up to oppose dangerous and polluting fossil fuel projects. All too often, they find the federal government taking the side of the oil, coal, or gas industry. That will happen even more if President Obama is able to push the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) through Congress (18 comments) SHARE Can the Left and Right Unite to End Corporate Rule? An Interview with Ralph Nader and Daniel McCarthy Why do so many policies popular with Americans languish in Washington, D.C.? Why, for example, is there no action on a federal minimum wage boost, a breakup of too-big-to-fail banks, or a tax on carbon--all policies favored by a majority of the electorate? In his book, Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State, Nader lays out a plan for challenging this stranglehold: Sunday, March 8, 2015Why do so many policies popular with Americans languish in Washington, D.C.? Why, for example, is there no action on a federal minimum wage boost, a breakup of too-big-to-fail banks, or a tax on carbon--all policies favored by a majority of the electorate? In his book, Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State, Nader lays out a plan for challenging this stranglehold: (2 comments) SHARE Vandana Shiva On Resisting GMOs: "Saving Seeds Is a Political Act" Why the fight for biodiversity is about protecting life itself. Saturday, November 23, 2013Why the fight for biodiversity is about protecting life itself. (14 comments) SHARE 11 Reasons Why We Should Not Attack Syria Policy analyst Phyllis Bennis points out the obvious: Strike with bombs and missiles, and, whatever your intent, civilians with no involvement in the conflict -- including children and the elderly -- will be harmed. We need "all the forces on the two sides coming together to talk," she says, "rather than fighting to the last Syrian child, to resolve these wars." Friday, August 30, 2013Policy analyst Phyllis Bennis points out the obvious: Strike with bombs and missiles, and, whatever your intent, civilians with no involvement in the conflict -- including children and the elderly -- will be harmed. We need "all the forces on the two sides coming together to talk," she says, "rather than fighting to the last Syrian child, to resolve these wars." SHARE Why Canada's Indigenous Uprising Is About All of Us When a new law paved the way for tar sands pipelines and other fossil fuel development on native lands, four women swore to be "idle no more." The idea took off. Wednesday, May 15, 2013When a new law paved the way for tar sands pipelines and other fossil fuel development on native lands, four women swore to be "idle no more." The idea took off. (3 comments) SHARE Corporate Rule Is Not Inevitable In a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of Americans said too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few rich people and large corporations. In a poll by Time Magazine, 86 percent of Americans said Wall Street and its lobbyists have too much influence in Washington. Saturday, January 21, 2012In a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of Americans said too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few rich people and large corporations. In a poll by Time Magazine, 86 percent of Americans said Wall Street and its lobbyists have too much influence in Washington. (4 comments) SHARE Ten Ways the Occupy Movement Changes Everything Many question whether the Occupy Movement can really make a difference. The truth is that it is already changing everything. Here's how. Sunday, November 13, 2011Many question whether the Occupy Movement can really make a difference. The truth is that it is already changing everything. Here's how. Meteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me. The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, New artificial intelligence technology, developed jointly by the Jet Propulsion Lab and the Department of Homeland Security, could one day guide first responders in the field. Credit: USAF photo/Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon Firefighters have only their wits and five senses to rely on inside a burning building. But research developed in part by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, may change that, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) that could collect data on temperatures, gases and other danger signals and guide a team of first responders safely through the flames. AUDREY, the Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction, and sYnthesis, has received the Undersecretary's Award for Collaboration from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in recognition of its joint development by JPL and DHS. It's part of the Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) program, a DHS initiative to innovate new ways to keep firefighters, police, paramedics and other first responders safe in the field through increased awareness of their surroundings and communication abilities. But the big picture is even more exciting: AUDREY can track an entire team of firefighters, sending relevant signals to individuals while helping to make recommendations for how they could work together. "As a firefighter moves through an environment, AUDREY could send alerts through a mobile device or head-mounted display," said Mark James of JPL, lead scientist for the AUDREY project. AUDREY is designed to be integrated with the "Internet of Things"the idea of numerous devices and sensors all wirelessly "talking" to one another. In the case of firefighters, wearable sensors in their clothes could pick up their GPS location, heat in other rooms, the presence of dangerous chemicals and gases, satellite imagery of a location and much more. "When first responders are connected to all these sensors, the AUDREY agent becomes their guardian angel," said Edward Chow, manager of JPL's Civil Program Office and program manager for AUDREY. "Because of all this data the sensor sees, firefighters won't run into the next room where the floor will collapse." John Merrill, NGFR program manager for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, said that technology is rapidly providing new strengths for first responders in the field. "The proliferation of miniaturized sensors and Internet of Things devices can make a tremendous impact on first responder safety, connectivity, and situational awareness," Merrill said. "The massive amount of data available to the first responder is incomprehensible in its raw state and must be synthesized into useable, actionable information." Guardian angel in the cloud AUDREY is designed to keep watch from above. As a cloud-based piece of software, it can do more than send data to those in the field. As it watches an event, it can actually learn and start making predictions about what resources will be needed next. James said the system is designed to recognize the specific roles of first responders in the field. This allows AUDREY to provide potentially lifesaving information customized to the various roles, which avoids overloading the users. "Since AUDREY knows the roles of everyone who receives her data, she only supplies the relevant information that is appropriate for them," James said. In June, AUDREY was tested in a virtual demonstration at the Public Safety Broadband Stakeholder Meeting held by the Department of Commerce in San Diego. It was fed data from a variety of sensors and asked to make safety recommendations, which it then sent to a mobile device. Within a year, Chow said, the plan is to test AUDREY in field demonstrations. From machine to human-like thinking Chow emphasized that artificial intelligence is only as effective as the data it's working with. The more data it has, the higher the probability that it will make useful recommendations. "Most A.I. projects are rule-basedif this, then that," he said. "But what if you're only getting part of the information? We use complex reasoning to simulate how humans think. That allows us to provide more useful info to firefighters than a traditional A.I. system." AUDREY includes several technologies developed by NASA and the Department of Defense over the last five years. AUDREY for NGFR has been in development for nine months and is funded by the Department of Homeland Security. Caltech manages JPL for NASA. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of thema swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United Stateswere connected to the 4G network Sometimes it seems that no one in China, from toddlers to octogenarians, ladies in swimming pools to delivery men mid-manoeuvre, is without a cellphone to handand statistically it is more or less true. There are almost as many mobile accounts as people in the world's most populous country. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of thema swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United Stateswere connected to the 4G network, according to its ministry of industry and information technology. The zoned-out zombie stare of the smartphone addict is a common sight everywhere on the increasingly mobile-addled planet, but it can seem all the more ubiquitous in China. People retreat behind their little blue screens at any time of day or night, in dark concert halls, taking a break from the kids on the playroom floor, or in the company of a crowd of uniformed coworkers doing exactly the same thing. Nearly everyone who accesses the interneta staggering 92.5 percentdoes so via their mobile, official Chinese bodies say. They are hedged in by the "Great Firewall", strict regulations that block politically sensitive content and foreign sites such as Facebook, Google and Twitter. A passenger holds her mobile phone while asleep on a bus in Beijing As a result Chinese smartphone users spend much of their time on native apps that may have begun as knock-offs of censored foreign services but are now paving the way for the future of Western technology. These days, Chinese users can send their grandmother a virtual red envelope of money, order a box of live scorpions or summon a beautician to the door for an in-house manicure, all without even leaving the interface of a single app, such as the monstrously popular WeChat. The huge population of mobile users, which boomed as a result of a burgeoning middle class, represents one of the world's most important markets for companies such as Apple. The Californian giant's profits slumped last quarter due in large part to slowing sales in Greater Chinaincluding Hong Kong and Taiwanwhere revenues dropped 33 percent in the face of increasing competition from homegrown brands such as Oppo, Huawei and Xiaomi. Businessman Chu Ling, 48, has come a long way since 1989, when he got his first mobile: a huge, boxy Motorola. He now communicates with colleagues and clients primarily via WeChatan app he barely used a year agoand gets a new handset every six months. A Buddhist monk talks on his smartphone as he sits on the grassland of the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu County His latest is a shiny Samsung acquired in March that, unlike an iPhone, is able to hold both his work and personal SIM cards. "Things change so much here, even within the space of a single year," he said. "The West went through desktop computers and laptops before they hit smartphones, and so people still find those convenient, but in China, we were willing to jump directly over to doing everything by mobile. It's like we skipped a few stages." 2016 AFP Credit: I. Castaneda, University of Minnesota A team of researchers with members from the U.S., Australia, Chile and The Netherlands has conducted a long-term study of core samples taken from the bottom of Lake Malawi back in 2005in their paper published in the journal Nature, the team describes how they analyzed the sample and what was revealed. A plan to take core samples from the bottom of Lake Malawi (one of the deepest in the world at 700 meters) was first conceived by team member Thomas Johnson with the University of Minnesota Duluth back in 1994, but it was not until 2005 that the drilling began. To carry out such an ambitious project, the team enlisted the assistance of drillers from the oil industry. They obtained a 380-meter-long core sample. Study of the core sample has been ongoing for the past decadeit has been difficult because radiocarbon dating of sediment samples is only accurate back to approximately 50,000 years. To go back further required using a variety of techniques such as tracing reversal of magnetic polarity in volcanic ash, tracing changes in the distribution of organic compounds, noting deposition variances and identifying vegetation by studying the molecules that were known to have come from oils on leaf coatings. In addition to offering information about plant and animal life in the region over the course of many years, it also offered clues about the temperature of the lake. In studying all the evidence they had acquired, the researchers developed a sense of the climatic history of southeastern Africa going back approximately 1.3 million years. They believe the core sample shows that contrary to conventional thinking, that part of Africa did not experience drier conditions following the Pleistocene Transitioninstead, they found evidence of the oppositethat southern East Africa has actually been experiencing a progressively wetter climate. They also found that the area has experienced a cycle of temperature and rainfall fluctuations that coincided with the various ice ages. The team suggests their findings could have an impact on historical climate models regarding parts of Africa that could in turn have a major impact on the story of human evolutionnoting that what they have discovered might make things "a bit more complicated." Explore further Sediment study of African lake may help explain huge number of related fish species More information: T. C. Johnson et al, A progressively wetter climate in southern East Africa over the past 1.3 million years, Nature (2016). Journal information: Nature T. C. Johnson et al, A progressively wetter climate in southern East Africa over the past 1.3 million years,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/nature19065 2016 Phys.org One of a kind? Credit: Maksim Kabakou Barclays, the UK bank, is to replace the password system on its phone banking service with personal voice recognition. "Unlike a password, each person's voice is as unique as a fingerprint," said Steven Cooper, Barclays' head of personal banking. Yet the reality is we have no idea whether either fingerprints or voices are unique at all. I don't mean to say that it is impossible that each of us has a physical feature that is unique. The problem is that we have no way of knowing whether any of us has such a feature far less that we all do. Short of testing all of the 7.4 billion human beings alive today, which is a practical impossibility, we must rely on sampling of some sort. Testing samples of human populations has allowed us any number of vital medical advances. It is great for giving us information about the frequency of particular phenomena within a specified population blood types, for example. Yet sampling cannot establish uniqueness. Sampling could no more inform us that one individual has a particular set of fingerprints than it could inform us how that person will vote. And even if you managed to compare a person's fingerprints with every other living human being, it wouldn't establish their uniqueness. What of everyone who is dead? What of all those who are yet to be born? Neither can you get around this problem with abstract reasoning. If an X will cause a Y then logically whenever there is an X, there will be a Y or in this case, my fingerprints are caused by a set of factors peculiar to me; therefore everyone has a set of fingerprints caused by their own set of factors. That's logical, yet it does not follow that whenever there is a Y there will be an X or that a set of fingerprints can only be produced by the one set of unique factors. This is because the same effect might have had different causes on different occasions. The evidence barrier The widespread and strongly held belief in the uniqueness of human voices and other physical features characterises and exacerbates a chronic general problem: people misunderstand the nature and significance of quantitative scientific evidence. This is particularly relevant to criminal trials. There is a danger that accused people are not given fair trials because jurors, judges and other court officials put too much weight on certain forensic evidence. The notorious later quashed conviction of Sally Clark, an English solicitor, for the alleged murder of her two babies illustrates well the problem. The case against her turned on the evidence of an expert witness, Sir Roy Meadow, who argued that it was highly improbable that two of her babies could have been the victim of natural cot deaths. Clark was later exonerated by an appeals court after serving three years in prison, but died four years later. Her family said in a statement that she had never recovered from the miscarriage of justice. Meadow was criticised and temporarily struck off for getting the numbers wrong in his assessment of the statistical improbability, but this misses a more fundamental objection to this sort of argument: using statistical unlikelihood in a general forward-looking way is one thing; using it retrospectively with regard to particular instances is quite another. If you buy a ticket for the lottery, the chances of winning the big prize are about 14m to 1. You might therefore be justified in regarding that as evidence that you are unlikely to win, and not buy a ticket as a result. Yet after the draw is made and Ms X of Glasgow is announced in the newspapers as the winner, the known unlikelihood of winning is obviously not evidence that she did not win. She did win. Unlikely things do happen. The way forward What do these insights mean in practical terms? People might well argue that even with our limited sampling of human voices, we have good reason to suspect we are very unlikely to come across two different people who have identical voices, even if we could never discount the possibility. Fine. Let us say that. Human voice patterns or iris recognition need not be assumed to be unique to be useful tools for protecting private access to our bank accounts. In the same way, fingerprints need not be assumed to be unique to be useful in courts. Dangers and misunderstandings occur when too much is claimed for such techniques. They are of limited usefulness. They should not be relied upon totally as overriding evidence or for security systems on their own. They must be relied upon only as part of a wider case or system of checks. This story is published courtesy of The Conversation (under Creative Commons-Attribution/No derivatives). Mexico launched the Comprehensive Plan for the Southern Border (CPSB) in 2014 in an attempt to manage increased migration flows from Central America. But two years after the plan's implementation, it has yet to accomplish its goals of securing Mexico's southern border, according to an issue brief from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. "Mexico's Not-So-Comprehensive Southern Border Plan" offers insights into the evolution of the CPSB, the future of the program and recommendations for the Mexican and United States governments. The brief was authored by Luis Arriola Vega, a summer visiting scholar at the Baker Institute's Mexico Center and researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico. Arriola Vega said Mexico's southern border is increasingly becoming part of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral agenda, due to broader regional concerns over illegal activities with a transnational scope, such as drugs and human trafficking and arms and human smuggling. In particular, migration flows from Central America are on the rise, and most of the migrants passing through Mexico are destined for the U.S., he said. "Like similar policy initiatives previously implemented in Mexico, the CPSB is fading into oblivion, but not without leaving negative consequences on Mexico's migration policy," Arriola Vega wrote. "Even though the program did delay for some time the flow of migrants and potential asylum applicants to Mexico, a process that was already underway prior to 2014, the problem has not been solved. The latest numbers show that people continue to arrive and, in consequence, show up at the U.S. border too. In the summer of 2015, reports emerged again about the upsurge of migrants reaching the U.S.-Mexico border, a concern echoed once more toward the end of the year. Recent news reports have stated that the number of migrants seeking asylum in the United States is on the rise again." As the situation worsens in the so-called "Northern Triangle" nations of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, considered one of the most violent regions of the world, the U.S. and Mexico will have to closely monitor conditions on the ground, not only on the Guatemala-Mexico border but in the Northern Triangle itself, Arriola Vega said. "To make things right, all concerned parties need to shift the current focus of the CPSB as well as their respective immigration and border agendas," Arriola Vega wrote. "Mexico and the United States have to continue exerting pressure on Central American governments to do something internally to stem the flow of migrants. "At the same time, they must coordinate efforts to help these countries to improve internal, local-level economic and public-safety conditions. In addition, Mexico should enforce measures that protect migrants transiting through the country and ensure that its enforcement policies are more compassionate in their approach to migrants instead of the current securitized conditions that victimizes migrants and enables those who would abuse them. Policy should respond to the particular plight of 'humanitarian migrants' and the conditions that expel them from their communities." Arriola Vega said that on the U.S. side, some of the resources within the Merida Initiativethe security cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Mexico to fight organized crime and associated violence while furthering human rights and the rule of lawwould be better used for social programs to overcome the problems that are forcing Central Americans, particularly the young, to escape. Explore further Trump poses new mission for Mexico's diplomats Top: Gamma rays (magenta lines) coming from a bright source like NGC 1275 in the Perseus galaxy cluster should form a particular type of spectrum (right). Bottom: Gamma rays convert into hypothetical axion-like particles (green dashes) and back again when they encounter magnetic fields (gray curves). The resulting gamma-ray spectrum ((lower curve at right) would show unusual steps and gaps not seen in Fermi data, which means a range of these particles cannot make up a portion of dark matter. Credit: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Chris Smith Dark matter, the mysterious substance that constitutes most of the material universe, remains as elusive as ever. Although experiments on the ground and in space have yet to find a trace of dark matter, the results are helping scientists rule out some of the many theoretical possibilities. Three studies published earlier this year, using six or more years of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, have broadened the mission's dark matter hunt using some novel approaches. "We've looked for the usual suspects in the usual places and found no solid signals, so we've started searching in some creative new ways," said Julie McEnery, Fermi project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "With these results, Fermi has excluded more candidates, has shown that dark matter can contribute to only a small part of the gamma-ray background beyond our galaxy, the Milky Way, and has produced strong limits for dark matter particles in the second-largest galaxy orbiting it." Dark matter neither emits nor absorbs light, primarily interacts with the rest of the universe through gravity, yet accounts for about 80 percent of the matter in the universe. Astronomers see its effects throughout the cosmosin the rotation of galaxies, in the distortion of light passing through galaxy clusters, and in simulations of the early universe, which require the presence of dark matter to form galaxies at all. The leading candidates for dark matter are different classes of hypothetical particles. Scientists think gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light, can help reveal the presence of some of types of proposed dark matter particles. Previously, Fermi has searched for tell-tale gamma-ray signals associated with dark matter in the center of our galaxy and in small dwarf galaxies orbiting our own. Although no convincing signals were found, these results eliminated candidates within a specific range of masses and interaction rates, further limiting the possible characteristics of dark matter particles. Among the new studies, the most exotic scenario investigated was the possibility that dark matter might consist of hypothetical particles called axions or other particles with similar properties. An intriguing aspect of axion-like particles is their ability to convert into gamma rays and back again when they interact with strong magnetic fields. These conversions would leave behind characteristic traces, like gaps or steps, in the spectrum of a bright gamma-ray source. The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), at center, is the second-largest satellite galaxy orbiting our own. This image superimposes a photograph of the SMC with one half of a model of its dark matter (right of center). Lighter colors indicate greater density and show a strong concentration toward the galaxy's center. Ninety-five percent of the dark matter is contained within a circle tracing the outer edge of the model shown. In six years of data, Fermi finds no indication of gamma rays from the SMC's dark matter. Credit: Dark matter, R. Caputo et al. 2016; background, Axel Mellinger, Central Michigan University Manuel Meyer at Stockholm University led a study to search for these effects in the gamma rays from NGC 1275, the central galaxy of the Perseus galaxy cluster, located about 240 million light-years away. High-energy emissions from NGC 1275 are thought to be associated with a supermassive black hole at its center. Like all galaxy clusters, the Perseus cluster is filled with hot gas threaded with magnetic fields, which would enable the switch between gamma rays and axion-like particles. This means some of the gamma rays coming from NGC 1275 could convert into axionsand potentially back againas they make their way to us. Meyer's team collected observations from Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT) and searched for predicted distortions in the gamma-ray signal. The findings, published April 20 in Physical Review Letters, exclude a small range of axion-like particles that could have comprised about 4 percent of dark matter. "While we don't yet know what dark matter is, our results show we can probe axion-like models and provide the strongest constraints to date for certain masses," Meyer said. "Remarkably, we reached a sensitivity we thought would only be possible in a dedicated laboratory experiment, which is quite a testament to Fermi." Another broad class of dark matter candidates are called Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). In some versions, colliding WIMPs either mutually annihilate or produce an intermediate, quickly decaying particle. Both scenarios result in gamma rays that can be detected by the LAT. Regina Caputo at the University of California, Santa Cruz, sought these signals from the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), which is located about 200,000 light-years away and is the second-largest of the small satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way. Part of the SMC's appeal for a dark matter search is that it lies comparatively close to us and its gamma-ray emission from conventional sources, like star formation and pulsars, is well understood. Most importantly, astronomers have high-precision measurements of the SMC's rotation curve, which shows how its rotational speed changes with distance from its center and indicates how much dark matter is present. In a paper published in Physical Review D on March 22, Caputo and her colleagues modeled the dark matter content of the SMC, showing it possessed enough to produce detectable signals for two WIMP types. This animation switches between two images of the gamma-ray sky as seen by Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT), one using the first three months of LAT data, the other showing a cumulative exposure of seven years. The blue color, representing the fewest gamma rays, includes the extragalactic gamma-ray background. Blazars make up most of the bright sources shown (colored red to white). With increasing exposure, Fermi reveals more of them. A new study shows blazars are almost completely responsible for the background glow. Credit: NASA/DOE/Fermi LAT Collaboration "The LAT definitely sees gamma rays from the SMC, but we can explain them all through conventional sources," Caputo said. "No signal from dark matter annihilation was found to be statistically significant." In the third study, researchers led by Marco Ajello at Clemson University in South Carolina and Mattia Di Mauro at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California took the search in a different direction. Instead of looking at specific astronomical targets, the team used more than 6.5 years of LAT data to analyze the background glow of gamma rays seen all over the sky. The nature of this light, called the extragalactic gamma-ray background (EGB) has been debated since it was first measured by NASA's Small Astronomy Satellite 2 in the early 1970s. Fermi has shown that much of this light arises from unresolved gamma-ray sources, particularly galaxies called blazars, which are powered by material falling toward gigantic black holes. Blazars constitute more than half of the total gamma-ray sources seen by Fermi, and they make up an even greater share in a new LAT catalog of the highest-energy gamma rays. Some models predict that EGB gamma rays could arise from distant interactions of dark matter particles, such as the annihilation or decay of WIMPs. In a detailed analysis of high-energy EGB gamma rays, published April 14 in Physical Review Letters, Ajello and his team show that blazars and other discrete sources can account for nearly all of this emission. "There is very little room left for signals from exotic sources in the extragalactic gamma-ray background, which in turn means that any contribution from these sources must be quite small," Ajello said. "This information may help us place limits on how often WIMP particles collide or decay." Although these latest studies have come up empty-handed, the quest to find dark matter continues both in space and in ground-based experiments. Fermi is joined in its search by NASA's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle detector on the International Space Station. Explore further Dark matter does not contain certain axion-like particles More information: M. Ajello et al, Search for Spectral Irregularities due to PhotonAxionlike-Particle Oscillations with the Fermi Large Area Telescope, Physical Review Letters (2016). Journal information: Physical Review Letters , Physical Review D M. Ajello et al, Search for Spectral Irregularities due to PhotonAxionlike-Particle Oscillations with the Fermi Large Area Telescope,(2016). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.161101 HUDSON FALLS A former church treasurer who stole thousands of dollars from Zion Episcopal Church has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and paid back nearly $9,000. Thomas Thompson, 60, of Moreau, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 3 years on probation in Kingsbury Town Court. A weightier felony count of grand larceny was dropped as part of a plea deal. Thompson, who was a volunteer treasurer, paid the church $8,920 as restitution. He wrote checks from church accounts to pay his personal bills, police said. Authorities said at the time of Thompsons arrest that $10,888 was believed to have been stolen. But Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said that the church was satisfied with the figure, which was tough to determine in light of the amount of cash being handled during collections. It was difficult to establish definitively what the number was, Jordan said. Jordan said Thompson was cooperative through the investigation and prosecution. He was arrested after the church looked into its finances when it was fined by the IRS for not filing proper tax paperwork, according to Hudson Falls Police. Jordan said church officials did not seek a jail term. The important thing to the church was that he get drug and alcohol counseling. Their belief was that was the issue behind this, Jordan said. Thompson was church treasurer for about 10 years, but under state law, he could only be prosecuted for thefts dating back a maximum of five years. Thompsons lawyer, Peter Coseo, did not return a phone call for comment on the case. A call to the churchs phone number would not go through Friday because of regional phone problems, and church representatives have refused to publicly discuss the matter since the arrest. Authorities said the church pastor at the time asked police to withhold news of the arrest from the media last summer. WILTON A Gansevoort man was charged with felony aggravated driving while intoxicated Monday morning after he drove to a State Police station drunk, police records show. Gregory L. Lyons, 57, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. at the State Police station on Ballard Road, authorities said. State Police said he drove to the station to surrender a pellet gun in an unrelated case, and was found to have been drinking. Police said he had a blood alcohol content of 0.19 percent, more than double the 0.08 percent threshold for intoxication, and has at least one prior DWI conviction, the website showed. That resulted in felony DWI and aggravated DWI charges being filed. Lyons was released pending prosecution in Wilton Town Court. FORT EDWARD A three-time felon who has repeatedly gotten in trouble for assaulting lawyers who were representing him in a stabbing case has pleaded guilty to felony assault for attacking one of the lawyers, but got his sentencing adjourned Friday because he believes he should have received a lengthier sentence. Aaron W. Jabot, 36, of Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for punching out a lawyer who was representing him in a parole violation case. The attack on lawyer Garfield Raymond happened in Washington County Jail on April 29, 2014, and police said Raymond was knocked unconscious by a punch to the head. As that case was being litigated, Jabot allegedly attacked his current lawyer, Fred Rench, in Washington County Court during a break in trial. Rench was not hurt and did not seek criminal charges. Jabot was in jail for a July 26, 2013 stabbing of two people in a Glens Falls bar, for which the lawyers were representing him. He pleaded guilty to felony assault in that case and was sentenced last November to 4 years in prison to be followed by 5 years on parole. He was scheduled to stand trial this summer for the attack on Raymond, but opted to accept a plea deal that included 5 years in prison to be followed by 5 years on parole, to be served concurrently with the sentence imposed last fall. Jabot was supposed to be sentenced Friday. Instead, he told acting Washington County Judge John Hall on Friday that he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea because he was a little aggravated and a little frustrated. He believed there had been procedural problems with his case, he said. Specifically, he said he was sentenced illegally in Warren County, and that he should have received 5 years there instead of 4 years because he had a prior violent felony conviction. Hall postponed the sentencing to look into the matter. Jabot is being held in maximum-security Auburn Correctional Facility. SCHUYLERVILLE Houses arent built like this anymore. Workers with hand tools are carving 33-foot-long timbers into the frame of a building at Fort Hardy Park. They cut out the joists with a hand-held boring machine and a chisel. They used wooden mallets. There was even a hand saw although a modern power saw was also in use. The building will become the regional visitors center, which will guide tourists to historic sites, events and local activities. It has been designed to resemble a Dutch barn. In other words, it will be unmistakable: a new historic building for tourists looking for history. The Timber Framers Guild is building it over the course of three weeks. Members had intended to finish it in September and raise the building in a community event similar to a barn-raising. But the site on Ferry Street isnt ready yet, so they are now going to finish the prep work in September and raise it around Nov. 2. Locals can join in for free, but must register and join as a temporary guild member. Those who have done so already are loving it. Its kind of therapeutic. Its organic, said Jonathan Blackburn of Cambridge. You know, they dont do stuff like this any more. He wants to buy acreage outside the village and build a timber house or barn. Go back to the land. You know, log my own woods, raise a couple beef cows, he said. I just think this is really cool. Project Manager Neil Godden argues that its also the easy way to build. He showed Blackburn how to use a manual boring machine, which can be set for a certain depth and turned easily by hand. Very efficient, Godden said, boring a hole in seconds. Its easy work. You do a series of holes and then square it up with a chisel. Companies stopped making the manual machines in about 1920, he said. The one he had was built in 1900. His crew had a power boring machine as well, but no one was using it. Theres certainly some modern embellishments, but if you look around, its mostly hand tools. Not a lot of metal fasteners, said Michael Cuba, from Stockton, New Jersey. Hes a board member for the guild but had never attended a community build. Ive always wanted to do one of these, he said. He normally restores old houses. He marveled at the new timbers theyre all planed, rather than the hand-hewn timbers used in many historic homes. Ive never worked with planed wood like this, he said. He prefers hand-hewn: Theres a lot of irregularities, a lack of uniformity. Theres a little bit more creative problem-solving. But the planed timbers are all level, which makes the job much easier. Its a huge building for the guild, and a thrilling opportunity for the four apprentices working on it. Apprentice Drew Chambers, from Atlanta, Georgia, has only built residential additions and sheds before. This is my first big build, he said. I love it. This particularly has been really fun. Were building something with a definite purpose. And its in a cool style a Dutch barn style. Hes hoping to eventually build his own house. But hes also using the build to network as he considers his job options after apprenticeship. Building in the old tradition, that really appeals to me, he said. I want to learn from them how to make the ends meet. Volunteers can still join the September build, which will run from Sept. 5 to approximately Sept. 15. To register, email info@tfguild.org. Volunteers can also register to join the house-raising, a multi-day event that is tentatively scheduled to begin with prep work on Oct. 31. The raising itself would occur about two days later. Meeting Lake George Town Board, Monday night Top story Representatives looking to start an after-school youth program in the Lake George Senior Center appeared before the Town Board. Lake George Junior-Senior High School Principal Francis Cocozza said about 80 percent to 90 percent of students in grades six through 11 who took a survey said they wanted a place to go after school from 3:30 p.m. to dinner time. In a decade of being the high school principal, that is one area that we are lacking, he said. There are three churches involved: St. James, Caldwell Presbyterian and Sacred Heart, according to Cocozza. Lake George Senior Center President Jack Abrahams offered space in the facility. There is a pool table downstairs and Wi-Fi. Students could come and study and hang out with friends. There would be two adults supervising at all times. The program would start with two days a week. The Town Board gave its blessing. I think its a great use of the building, said board member Nancy Stannard. Other news Resident Dennis Galloway told the board he would like to put a veterans monument at the location of the proposed park and ride facility at the corner of Route 9 and Route 9N. The parking lot is being installed later this summer as part of the Gateway Project. Youve got a lot of room right there, he said. He said the project would not cost the taxpayers a cent, but funds would be raised privately. Dan Barusch, director of planning and zoning, said the Gateway Project is ahead of schedule and under budget. The town may be able to contribute some money toward a monument. Board member Marisa Muratori said that Diamond Point beach is getting crowded. The beach was closed for a recent wedding and that stirred up some controversy over who gets to use it. The beach is open to residents of the town, however the issue is one resident might bring 10 to 15 people. Supervisor Dennis Dickinson said he does not want lifeguards to have to police who is a resident and who is not. Stannard reported that Town Justice Michael Stafford would like to have peace officers work at the court. They can arrest people and perform other tasks that court officers cannot. Barusch said he has received an application for a solar company to put in a ground-mounted array in the rear of a home on Carey Road. The town does not have anything in its code about ground-mounted solar arrays. The proposed location is in somewhat of a secluded area. Dickinson said he did not have an issue because the array would not be seen, but he does not want to set a precedent. The board directed Barusch to find out what other communities are doing in their zoning code. Next meeting The board will meet again on Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. KINGSBURY A downed wire took out phone, internet and cable television service for Time Warner Cable customers in at least parts of Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. A truck pulling into Sutherlands PetWorks on Thursday afternoon got caught on a low-hanging wire and pulled it down, according to store owner Sarah Sutherland. Peter Sutherland said he believes a tree limb fell last week near this location and dropped the power lines down. He said the excessive heat could have expanded the length of the cable just enough for the truck to catch on it. Time Warner Cable spokesman Andrew Russell said a truck belonging to an unaffiliated third party damaged its fiber network, which disrupted television, internet and phone service in the Glens Falls and Queensbury area. He said crews were on the scene and were working to restore service as quickly as possible. The company apologized for the inconvenience. Russell did not provide specifics about the amount of affected customers or the nature of the accident. He said the company does not disclose the location for network security purposes. It also does not disclose customer information. Customers are reporting that they lost service Thursday afternoon. Argyle resident Doris Nichols reported losing internet, phone and cable after 3 p.m. Thursday. Among those affected was the state Department of Motor Vehicles office in Fort Edward, which was directing customers to the office in Warren County because of the outage. In Fort Edward, workers at DMV were greeting customers with the bad news all morning. Hi! Can I help you? clerk Tammy Saunders said automatically as a customer walked in. She quickly added, I cant help you, but I can try. Clerks were gathering paperwork from customers for simple things like renewing a registration. Once they get internet back, they plan to process the paperwork and mail receipts and documents to each customer. Only one computer in the entire office was able to connect to the internet at all. A clerk got it to accept one transaction, but it took 30 minutes. We cant do anything, Saunders said in frustration. Prices of cassava saw the second highest drop in the week with three to four tubers of cassava now selling at 6 Cedis 70 pesewas, representing a 4% with a 4% reduction. READ MORE: Food prices drop for the second week in July The price of a medium tuber of yam dropped by 3 percent and it is now selling at 6 cedis 70 pesewas while a medium-size tin of gari lost 3 percent in the second week of August. It is now selling at 6 Cedis 70 pesewas. He said "for graduates who have spent years studying to gain qualifications we will give tax relief to those employers who hire them so that there will be the jobs available for them when they leave University because we cannot afford as a country for our most qualified people to leave Ghana and take their energy and talent to other countries in order to find work. READ MORE Awuku also said the party will scrap taxes on private universities, describing it as a tax on "knowledge" which he said is denying many young men the opportunity of university education. He said: We will also scrap the new taxes on private universities that John Mahama has introduced this is a tax on knowledge, not only does it deny the opportunity of a university education to many young people but by raising the level of tuition fees it penalizing those families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and who have sacrificed so much to ensure that their children receive the best education that they can." Parliament signed an interim EPA agreement last week, sparking criticisms from players in the business sub-sector who say local businesses would open local businesses up for unfair competition. SMEs must pay attention to the quality of their products, as well as take steps to increase production. The EPA is not negative, if you are able to take advantage of it, as it will grant you access to the European market. READ MORE: EPA Ghana signs interim Economic Partnership Agreement with EU The deputy minister added that government is doing all within its power to provide steady supply of power for SMEs. I will not be lying if I say the energy crisis has not affected Small and Medium Enterprises. There is no question at all about that. We must take steps to continue the stability in power we are currently enjoying. Meanwhile, Ghanas Foreign Minister Hannah Tetteh has disputed claims by the Third World Network, a civil society organisation in Ghana, that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was poorly debated in parliament. Parliament on Wednesday, August 3 ratified the Interim EPA with the European Union after the executive had approved it. A programmes officer with the Third World Network Africa, Sylvester Bagoroo said the EPA contained "dangerous clauses" which he expected parliament to debate on for months to get the best deal for Ghana. READ ALSO: According to her, judges must give court users the necessary respect in the course of work. You must thus demonstrate the due courtesy and civility due lawyers, litigants, court officials, witnesses, the general public, Police, law students, journalists, as well as other court users. You thus must be firm but fair, stern but not harsh and kind but not doting to the affections of bewildered users of the court who are sometimes lost in the labyrinth of legal rules jargons, processes and procedures in which a few lawyers and judges get lost themselves, she said. READ ALSO: The Attorney General also asked the judges to write judgments that will stand the test of time. In all 7 magistrates and 12 circuit court judges were sworn into office by the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Theodora Wood, who administered the oath of allegiance, the judicial oath and the oath of secrecy, cautioned the newly appointed judges to be motivated to achieve best in their careers. Ghana was hit with a massive judicial scandal when it was revealed in an expose by Anas Aremeyaw Anas that Superior and lower court judges took bribes in order to free criminals. Ghanaian troops on peacekeeping receive $30 a day. This means they will now take $31 a day. But some angry troops have told Pulse.com.gh that they feel insulted by the $1 increment a day. "He [Mahama] is telling us that he has adjusted the thing to us. It is an insult to us. The thing is 30 dollars a day. The feeling is anger amongst us. He shouldnt have even brought it up in the first place. The army is not permitted to go on demonstration. They are pushing people to rebel That is the discussion we are having here, a source who preferred to remain anonymous told Pulse.com.gh. READ ALSO: John Mahama But the Director of Public relations of the GAF, Colonel Aggrey-Quashie said government is not to be blamed, as it the UN that gives the increment, which in turn is distributed to the troops. The issue is, how much was the increment from the UN? It is the UN that gives the money and government pays. The UN gave a increment of 32 dollars, and then the government gives all the money to you, because if it is 1 dollar a day, it goes to 31 dollars a month, he told Pulse.com.gh. Lieutenant Colonel Aggrey-Quashie believes the troops do not have the details of what has transpired. Maybe if they had asked their Commanders they will explain to them why it is like that. Meanwhile, President Mahama at Burma Camp on Thursday inaugurated a new headquarters complex for the Ghana Navy. The undue delay in the passage of the National Youth Bill to replace the 42 year old National Youth Authority Act, 1974 that does not adequately respond to the current challenges of youth development remains a major problem, a statement signed by Prosper Hoetu, Executive Director of the group has said. READ ALSO: AU Day The statement added that: The low participation of youth in decision-making on issues that affect them from the local level to the national level remains a big challenge. This phenomenon results in situations where policies and programmes targeting youth fail to respond to their needs. You-net therefore wishes to encourage Ministries, Departments and Agencies including District Assemblies to put in place mechanisms for the inclusion of youth in decision making processes. The International Youth Day is an awareness day set aside by the United Nations and is meant to be an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. READ ALSO: World Environment Day The theme of this years International Youth Day is The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production. This years theme is focused on accelerating the 2030 Agenda and the role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sustainable consumption and production. Below is the full statement by the Youth Network for Human Rights and Democracy: YOU-NET CONGRATULATES GHANAIAN YOUTH ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY AND CALLS ON GOVERNMENT AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO ADOPT A MORE PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT August 12, 2016 ACCRA, GHANA. Youth Network for Human Rights and Democracy (you-net) salutes all Ghanaian youth for their tremendous contribution to national development in diverse ways on the occasion of International Youth Day. It is heartwarming to note that in spite of the various challenges confronting the youth and youth organizations, the youth remain resolute in their effort to make life better for themselves and build a better society. You-net equally congratulates the government of Ghana and other stakeholders such as development partners for their support to youth development. This notwithstanding, this years International Youth Day presents the nation yet another opportunity to celebrate its youth and also reflect on the challenges confronting youth development in Ghana. You-net is concerned about the poor institutional framework for youth development in Ghana. This is manifested in the lack of coordination between institutions of state responsible for youth development in the country. This concern is corroborated by the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda as a major challenge facing youth development. It is important for government to put in place the proper institutional framework that will facilitate sustainable youth development. Again, the slow pace of implementation of the National Youth Policy, 2010 remains a major concern to the youth. We therefore encourage government to demonstrate its commitment to youth development by paying particular attention to the implementation of the National Youth Policy which we believe will help address the challenges facing the youth. The undue delay in the passage of the National Youth Bill to replace the 42 year old National Youth Authority Act, 1974 that does not adequately respond to the current challenges of youth development remains a major problem. We therefore call on government to expedite action on the passage of the National Youth Bill. The low participation of youth in decision-making on issues that affect them from the local level to the national level remains a big challenge. This phenomenon results in situations where policies and programmes targeting youth fail to respond to their needs. You-net therefore wishes to encourage Ministries, Departments and Agencies including District Assemblies to put in place mechanisms for the inclusion of youth in decision making processes. While we encourage the youth to actively participate in the political process in the upcoming general elections, the youth must desist from acts that will undermine our democracy. Prosper Hoetu Day 1: Nana Addo started his visit at Bibiani in the Bibiani Anwhiaso constituency. He met and interacted with the electorate and promised his government will build one district in each district to provide jobs for the youth. He also reiterated his commitment to providing free senior high education. He also introduced the NPPs Candidate for the Bibiani Anwhiaso constituency Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu to the electorate. He left to Sefwi Anwhiaso to meet the chiefs and people of Sefwi Anwhiaso. Here, the Paramount chief of Sefwi Anwhiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II asked Nana Addo Danquah to reconsider bringing back the four-year SHS policy "to provide ample time for students to better their grades, for the 2015 WASSCE results released by WAEC is not encouraging". Nana Akuffo Addo in return said the 2016 WASSCE result is saddening " and that his government will bring back the four-year policy. Nana Addo and his entourage made up of past ministers of state, such as Former Trades and Industry minister Alan Kojo Kyeremateng, Marc Manu, Second deputy speaker of parliament Joe Ghartey, Abu Jinapor among others left Sefwi Anwhiaso to Sefwi Bekwai. He met a large crowd of NPP supporters who gave him a rousing welcome. The people led by their Paramount chief asked him to revive the dwindling fortunes of the cocoa sector. He also asked him to reconstruct the Bekwai- Asankragua road "which is in a deplorable state". The day one visit ended at Sefwi Buako where a mob of crowd welcomed him. He promised to revive the ailing cocoa sector and bring back the free SHS policy. He said the one district one factory " is feasible because my team has taught through it and have realized it is doable ". Dr. Kweku Afriyie, the NPP's parliamentary candidate for Sefwi Wiawso who is credited for starting the National Health Insurance Scheme asked the people to vote him to " restructure the ailing NHIS scheme". In all, Nana Addo's day one visit reached two constituencies, Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai and the Sefwi Wiawso. Day 2: Nana Addo's day two visit started at Adabokrom, the district capital of the Bia East district. His entourage was welcomed by the Paramount chief of the area Nana Adowah IV. Nana Addo told them "even though Ghana is not in the best of times, your voting the NPP into power will restore hope in the economy". The chief also on behalf of his people asked an Akufo-Addo led government to provide a teacher training college in the Bia East district and to rehabilitate and elevate the Adabokrom health center to a district hospital status. At the Adabokrom market, Nana Addo Danquah asked the crowd to test the leadership skills of he and his team members by voting for the first time the NPP and its parliamentary candidate for the Bia East constituency. He also asked the people to vote out the NDC for mismanaging the resources of the state. The convoy left Adabokrom for Essem in the Bia West constituency. After meeting the chief, he left to meet the crowd of people at the Essem market where speeches were delivered in turns. Nana Addo promised the many youths who had defied the rain to listen to his message that " our one factory one district policy will provide jobs for the unemployed. "That is why I am in front of you pleading with you for the third time to open the leadership gate to the country to me and the NPP. I've knocked the first and second times. Give me the third chance". Day two's third point of call was the Juabeso constituency. Adding to some of his previous messages Nana Addo promised to carve another region out of the western region when the NPP is giving the nod in this years December polls. Nana Addo then left Juabeso for Amoyaa where he was welcomed by the chiefs and people. Over here, the chief requested that an Akufo-Addo led government should help create another district out of the Bodi district. He also urged the electorate to desist from actions that could break violence on election day in December. Before Nana will take to the platform, Mr. Peter Mac Manu, the National Campaign Coordinator for the NPP urged all the electorate to "be vigilant and ensure no one changes the results at the polling and district levels". Nana Addo when he took the stage reiterated his commitment to creating jobs through the one district one factory policy. He also assured the chiefs and people of reshaping their roads which have been partially reconstructed under an Akuffo Addo led government. " I will also revive the mass spraying exercise which has been collapsed by the NDC to enhance production of cocoa in the western region". She made the comments on Metro TVs Good Evening Ghana Thursday evening. Her comments came in the wake of fresh allegations against her that she want to rig the election in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). It is just not possible under the system, she told show host Paul Adom Otchere. She continued: For Charlotte Osei to [rig elections], she has to get the support and active involvement of her six co-commissioners, her 10 regional directors, the 200-plus District Electoral Officers, the 275 Returning Officers and their two assistants. Then when you get to the polling stations, for this years elections, Charlotte Osei, has to let all these people decide to tow one line. You are likely to have over 500,000 Agents for candidates per party and two Counting Agents per party at the Collation Centres. All these people must actively be working and changing the documents for Charlotte Osei to rig the elections. So I need to convince 500,000-plus people to skew the system in favour of one person. I havent figured out how to do that yet and it is not even a part of my value system that I will do that. Basically, it is impossible. In the wide-ranging interview, Charlotte Osei said she will not exercise her franchise so as to demonstrate her neutrality, a practice often associated with Dr Kwadwo Afri Djan, the immediate past chair of the commission. "No, I will not vote", she said."It is not compulsory." She was however quick to advise Mr Otchere to vote. "You must vote based on issues, and based on where you want to see this country go, and who you think can take this country to where you want this country to go," the EC boss said. Speaking at Juabeso in his five day visit to the Western region, Nana Addo explained that "the northern part of the region [Western North] has to get its own region if Akufo-Addo becomes the next President of Ghana. My government will follow all the constitutional provisions to get this new region". READ ALSO: Nana Addo believes an independent Western North Region will enhance the governance of the northern part of the region. Nana Addo's promise adds to the many proposals to carve another region out of the western region because of distance between the western north and the western south. Among those proposing this creation is the former Western regional minister in the Kuffour administration Joseph Boahen Aidoo. He argued, the distance between the north and south makes it difficult to effectively run the administration of the region. They were appointed based on a rotation system at the Chambers Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 2. They take over from Ms. Roshi Motman, CEO of Tigo, and Mrs. Lucy Quist, CEO of Airtel, who served as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. Ghana is an interesting market; and I look forward to working with other members of the Governing Council as well as the Chamber secretariat to advance the larger, long-term interests of the telecom industry, Ms. Cuba said. The Chamber of Telecommunications comprises licensed mobile network operators Vodafone, Tigo, Airtel, MTN, Espresso), and three tower companies, namely (ATCGhana, Eaton Towers and Helios Towers. READ MORE: Telecommunications in Ghana Telcos challenge NCA on need for Interconnect Clearinghouse Ms. Cuba comes from South Africa and holds degrees in Accounting and Statistics. She was appointed Chief Executive of Vodafone Ghana in March 2016. She joined Vodacom Group Plc in November 2014 as Strategy and New Business Director. She previously worked as Executive Director, Strategy & Business Support at South African Breweries Limited (SAB) and as Group CEO of publicly listed Mvelaphanda Group. In 2011, Forbes Magazine named her as one of the 20 Youngest Power Until his appointment to head MTN Ghana, Mr. Asante was CEO of MTN Rwanda. Previously, he headed MTN Ghanas Sales and Distribution division. Prior to joining MTN, he spent 13 years with Unilever, where he held various positions, including Managing Director for Zambia and Customer Development Director and member of the Unilever Ghana Board. Asante holds a BA (Hons) degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Ghana, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Henley Management College. In today's Travel Guide by Kenya Airways, we present the Ghanaian celebrities who are well-travelled. This list is surely not exhaustive but here are the top Ghanaian jetters. Sandra Ankobiah The Lawyer/Media personality aside being so fashionable is also the queen of travel. Shes a keen traveller and has been spotted lounging at various tourist destination locations including Paris, London, Las Vegas and Dubai. Her social media accounts are also filled with photos of herself in first-class and dining. Sandra has said several times that travelling is a hobby she loves to do when she has the time. John Dumelo Aside acting, John Dumelo loves to travel on various humanitarian trips to several African countries and exposes his fans to the beautiful sights and sounds of the continent. Its no wonder he is such a heartthrob in countries like Kenya and Sierra Leone. Sonnie Badu Award-winning gospel musician, Minister Sonnie Badu is also an avid traveller and tourist due to the nature of his job. He is always in a different city in the world ministering to his numerous fans and Christian brethren. Yvonne Nelson Actress/model, Yvonne Nelson is also a globetrotter who travels in style. The beautiful damsel gets the opportunity to travel across the globe for acting/model purposes or just relaxing in a luxurious island just to release stress President Mahama Ghanas President, John Dramani Mahama also comes to mind when we mention famous Ghanaians who travel a lot. The first gentleman of the land travels on Ghanas behalf to several destinations and attends so many meetings in the world. Thought its for official purposes, the Presidents travel lifestyle is something everyone will envy. Deborah Vanessa Deborah Vanessa Owusu-Bonsu is a Ghanaian Romanian model, presenter and musician who loves to travel. Sister Duurbie is bikini inspiration any day as she loves to swim in the oceans of the world but when she is not swimming, youll find her enjoying a great oriental meal in a faraway land. Joselyn Dumas TV Host and Actress, Joselyn Canfor Dumas also loves to travel especially between Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa where she plies her trade. The award-winning actress who is rather quiet about some of her travels shares wanderlust images of her trips with everyone who loves to watch and interact with them Delay TV/Radio presenter and Entrepreneur, Deloris Frimpong-Manso is also part of the list of Ghanaian celebrities who have a passion for seeing new places and culture through travel. If Delay isnt her show or directing a new series, youll find her tanning under the Ibiza sun or taking it cool on a vacation in the Bora Bora or Seychelles Island. Kenya Airways, The Pride of Africa; flies daily from Accra to 43 destinations in Africa, including Nigeria where you find these attractions. Kenya Airways was recently voted Africas Leading Airline and has won the award for Leading Airline Business Class Africa for 4 consecutive years. Its holidays solutions business unit, KQ Holidays, specializes in putting together awesome holiday packages across the world, but especially within Africa. Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the ultra-modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. According to her, "If Michelle Obama had worn her hair in its natural state while her husband Barack Obama was running for US president eight years ago, he would not have won". This statement however has garnered a lot of controversy on Twitter. Many Nigerians have gone on social media to debate her comments with several people, saying she isn't right and her brand of feminism is unreasonable. "One of my secrets of moving higher unstoppable is remembering the widows. God answers them instantly pls make sure u reach out to the widows close to u," he captioned it. Now, Daddy Freeze yesterday, August 11, 2016 took to Instagram sharing that same picture of Duncan Mighty writing, "Nigerian entertainers, we can do things for the gram!!! Choi ! ! ! Inside this 'HOT' prayer, someone still remembered to take picture? Life for us in Nigeria has become one huge reality show! #JustSaying #GuiltyToo #AllForTheGram #NaOurWork #EveryCelebIsGuilty #PlusThoseThatCarryPaparazzi2Orphanage #OurMarketMustSell." This is not the first time the controversial media personality would be taking shots at people. Recently, Freezethrew a shade at his former pal, Basketmouth when he posted a photo of his Rolex watch with the caption I just love the way this feels on my wrist, one of my favorite watches. It's so heavy because platinum is a very heavy metal. My watches tell me the time, that's all that matters. If you want to know when Jesus is coming I'm sorry Rolex can't help you, maybe giving your life to Christ can. Jesus could also help you get rid of bitterness and malice...... Boom! Talk about dropping a keg of gunpowder in a pit of flames. Chimamanda Adichie for as long as I have known her has been a supporter of women rocking natural hair which is fine. Not every woman loves Brazilian weaves, to each his own. Chimamanda Adichie's success as an internationally respected author has given her a pedestal to speak about her opinions on race, feminism and the Nigerian government. Being the bold and confident woman that she is, Adichie's opinions are hard hitting and mostly unfiltered. Calling a spade a spade, her opinion that if Michelle Obama had 'nappy hair' Barack Obama would have been a footnote in history as an ambitious senator from Chicago who thought he could become the first black President of the United States of America is wrong. Sorry not sorry but Chimamanda Adichie's statement belittles Obama's victory in 2008 when he made history. At that point in US politics, Americans were crying for change, a shift from the old way of doing things. Barack Obama, the skinny black man with roots in Kenya was the man who did just that. His message of 'change' and his rallying cry of 'Yes We Can' are mightier and weightier than the texture of his wife's hair or Rapunzel's hair as a matter of fact. The French poet Victor Hugo once said "No one can resist an idea whose time has come." The Good Book in Ecclesiastes 9:11 says "The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." In 2008 Barack Obama's time had come. Eight years of George Bush's administration had left many Americans jaded and disillusioned about the old political system. Obama gave Americans hope and many of them for once forgot about racism and voted for the man who promised them a new day. I don't think at that time Americans would have been concerned if Michelle Obama was rocking shuku or patewo (Shuku and Patewo are traditional hairstyles popular among Yorubas). To trivialize Obama's great achievement to the texture of human hair is borderline insulting. Barack Obama would have won the US election in 2008 irrespective of Michelle Obama's hair. He won it because it was his time and he took his chance. He had the audacity of hope to do the unthinkable. Yes I know the texture of a black woman's hair is a big deal in God's own country but when he was running for President, Americans did not care about that. They were more concerned about the economy and the recession they were going through and not hair. Chimamanda Adichie's statement almost sort of questions the blackness of the Obamas. Michelle Obama was just rapping along with Missy Elliot a few weeks ago. I mean Barack Obama smoked crack and enlisted the rap services of Jay Z for his 2008 campaign. How black do you want him to be? Smoking crack and flirting with Jay Z who was described as a 14-year crack dealer on FOX this year would have scared any white person from voting for him. Unfortunately it didn't. I don't think Michelle having nappy hair would have made any difference to be honest. What Chimamanda Adichie is basically saying is that if Patience Goodluck had gone to school her husband would have won his second election term bid. If you find that funny, then our great author's view is ludicrous to say the least. Why must Barack Obama's historic achievement be tied down to race, (yes nappy hair is about race)? Why can't Chimamanda Adichie admit that he won because it was his time and he was the best candidate? For all her brilliance with words, Chimamanda Adichie's statements about race and feminism feels like a misguided laser moving round aimlessly to find a target. On this issue she has missed whatever target she was aiming for. There is one thing to be 'woke' and it's another thing to shoot the ball over the bar. Or least, we realise we have never used them after we have spent money buying them. For a minute, lets forget that idea that a lady knows what she wants only that she needs them in ten different colours, which is the reason why she buys different colours of the same item. For the record, this trend is not gender specific. It is a general human phenomenon from Lagos to London, but I digress. I was going to tell the story of how moving to a new house last month ended up being a weight lifting exercise, carrying boxes of items I never knew I had in the house and in some cases two of one item. It is not even the case that she actually stocked more pairs than me. It is the singular fact that you should look through your house, and I mean thoroughly, and ask the person in the mirror: how many of these items do I really need? How many of them do I really use? Be honest with yourself! Growing up, my mother would pack the wrappers, bags, shoes and other items (many of which she realized she did not exactly like after she purchased them!) in the hope that when she travels to the village at Christmas she will distribute them. But guess what, that never happened. They either got bad or she realized that she had too much luggage to move for one trip. The plans to give them to charity never always came to light and most times she found herself buying stuff to give instead. In instances like this, I find out that I am like my mother and many other Nigerians. Our homes are filled with items we dont need or use; not because they are damaged but because we cant picture ourselves using them anymore. The attraction that made us buy them has simply worn off. So at times like this, especially in this economic blight, online marketplaces like Efritin.com come in handy. I mean, back then if my mother knew she could sell off those items and get back the money she spent on them in the first place, I am certain she would have jumped at it. Guess what, now you can! Rather than have them gather dust in the house why not sell them? I understand we might want to give them to charity (which is not bad in itself) but it is not always the case, lets be honest. And who says we will keep giving the same items every other time? Charity homes have some needs that cannot be found within the walls of our homes but we can trade some items in our homes to purchase those items for them rather than just give for the sake of giving. Dont you agree? Especially when selling your item on Efritin.com is as stress free as taking a picture of the items, uploading them and buyers calling you. Honestly, I dont think we are milking the benefits of having the Internet as much as we potentially can. Why toss these items or let them get spoilt due to neglect when you can sell them off to someone who really needs them and get your money back - a sizeable amount, if not all? The money you can gift to me if truly you find no need for it afterwards. Going back to my story above, I realized that I need a bigger bed and slightly different furniture from what I used in my former apartment. In the days of my mother, I would have looked for someone to dash them to and go on to drink garri while saving to purchase a replacement. But you know what I did? I put them for sale on Efritin.com, sold them almost immediately and added a token to purchase what I really need. My rant has gone to end somewhere right? This is where it ends but not without a final word: please go and declutter and sell your unwanted itemsjare. 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! Punch reports that Igbokwe caught the adulterous duo at 12am on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, and was arrested the following day. Igbokwe who was was paraded at the State Police Command headquarters, Eleweran Abeokuta, alongside his 28-year-old wife, Juliet, explained to journalists that he had returned from a business trip to Onitsha when he met Olatundun on top of his wife on their matrimonial bed. Filled with anger, Igbokwe said he quickly picked up a machete he kept in his toilet and gave the victim cuts on his neck and hand and he died as he was being rushed to the hospital. I am a businessman and I deal in electronics. I was born in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. I travelled to Onitsha on July 25, and when I came back on July 27, I met a man inside my room making love to my wife. Then we started fighting. The man was stronger than me. When I saw he could overpower me, I got a cutlass in my toilet and dealt him blows in the hand and neck. On the way to the hospital, the fuel in the car finished and he died. He further claimed that he had never met Olatundun before, and that he never suspected that his wife and mother of three children was having an extra-marital affair with anyone. On her part, the weeping Juliet, who said she sold snuff and that Olatundun was her supplier, had been pressurising her for a relationship for some time and her explanations that she was a married woman fell on deaf ears. He had been disturbing me that he wanted to marry me, but I said I was married. On the day of the incident, I really cant say if he used a charm on me. All I know is that he called me that he wanted to see me and I told him not to come; he knew my house and when he came, I didnt know what happened." "He used to come and deliver snuff to me in the house. On the day of the incident, he told me he was coming from somewhere and that it was already late. He wanted to sleep in our place till the next day. This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson for the command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who is also the Public Relations Officer. According to Omoni, through vigorous efforts, many trouble makers who have caused havoc in various communities have been apprehended. The statement was documented in a news reports by the Daily Post, published on Friday, August 12, 2016. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you this morning to share with you and by extension the general public about the activities of the Command since my assumption of duty of CP Francis M. Odesanya." "It would not be out of context for me to say that our efforts in crime fighting in the State are yielding significant results. These can be predicated in our sustained and improved response time to distress calls." Given the prevailing circumstance, it has become increasingly necessary to highlight some of the significant breakthroughs the Command has recorded since my assumption of duty." The Commands Anti-Kidnapping Unit, on the 21st of June, 2016, arrested Chukwuma Ekekenta, Eluwakwe Nwato and two others." "They were arrested in connection with the kidnap of one Elizabeth Onyeabor, 13 years old girl who was kidnapped from their home at Egberu Afam community Oyigbo." "She has been rescued and has since reunited with her parents." Again, men of the Commands Anti-Kidnapping Unit based on credible intelligence rescued some hostages who were abducted along Elele-Owerri Road, the Police had a fierce gun battle with the hoodlums but overpowered them and rescued the hostages at a forest in Ubima." "Weapons recovered from them include,Two AK 47 Riffles, Four Magazines , Sixty Rounds of Ammunition." The Anti-Kidnapping Unit again on the 6th of August, 2016, rescued one Okechukwu Njoku aged 45 of Road 20 Rumuoahuru, Port Harcourt who was abducted on the 29th of July, 2016." "He was rescued at Mercy Land Port Harcourt after a protracted gun battle with the kidnappers, two of the kidnappers were arrested and are helping the Police." At Ihugbogo Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, the Anti-kidnapping Unit arrested one Don Chigbembudu Ewoh m a notorious kidnapper/ armed robber who has been terrorizing the Ahoada/Omoku axis", The Commands Anti-Cultism Unit acting on credible intelligence, arrested the following cultists, Promise Nweke, Bobo Prince, Highenss Ogbuchi, Chile Owhor, Wisdom Weche, Glory Nnamdi, Promise Oligwe." "They belong to Dey-gbam Secret Cult and are responsible for the various cult activities and killings around the Rumuji/ Emohua axis. They have confessed to the crimes and are helping the Police in our Investigation." The Anti-Cultism Unit of Command acting on a tip-off also arrested the following persons at Buguma who have been terrorizing the Buguma/Abonnema/Degema axis." "They confessed to belong to Ice-Lander Secret Cult. They are: Ibim Michael, Apuo West, Cotterell Adiebia, Tamuno Braide, Ugochukwu OBI,Trinity Gorge, Tonye Karibo, George Goodluck.Investigation is on-going." At Eleme, two suspected cultists were arrested, who confessed belonging to Black Axe and Vikings Secret Cults. They are: Emmanuel Dickson, Uche Nwosu m aka Baby." The arrest of the above listed young men has brought peace to their respective communities as people are now going about their lawful business unmolested." On the 21st of May, at 1000hrs, while the Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit were on routine patrol at Ozuzu Etche LGA, one Anayo Nwanyanwu aged 21yrs was caught robbing one Uche , surname not yet known of his QLINK Motorcycle and was immediately arrested." "One locally made gun and live cartridge were recovered from him." The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested, Noble Blessing, Owakeme James and Progress Lazarus." "They were arrested at Ahoada West. On interrogation they confessed to armed robbery and took the team to Ubio forest where the following items were recovered." "One AK 47 Rifle with S/No.6313201D, Magazine with One Round of live Ammunition, One Cut to Size English Double Barrel Gun with S/No. BUL14788, One Locally made Single Barrel Gun, One Cut to Size Pistol like Iron, One Locally made Barrel Gun." Furthermore the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Command is investigating one Gaage Freedom who with his gang were said to have killed a Police Inspector and collected his riffle at Kpor in Gokana LGA." According to the police prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, the accused committed the crime on July 8, 2016, at Plot 10, Prime Adesoji Ajose St., Ogudu GRA, Lagos, after they had vowed to beat the deceased for stealing a phone, but was pardoned by the owner of the phone after much plea from the victim. So they took it upon themselves to torture Mamadu, dipping him inside a stagnant water till he lost consciousness and was later found dead. After the deceased was pardoned, a neighbour, now at large, who heard about the matter, insisted that Amidu must be punished for the offence. The accused and the neighbour later tortured Amidu in a stagnant water, bathed and dipped him in the water till he lost consciousness and was later found dead, Iseghede told the court presided over by Magistrate B.O. Ope-Agbe. The Magistrate then ordered that the accused should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while adjourning the case till September 13, for hearing. Read his letter here: "My name is Bolaji, a 42-year-old man who has been married for 12 years now. My wife, Tinu, has been a very loyal woman who has been by my side through thick and thin. Anytime I am low financially, she would be the one to run the home with money from her business, even as far as paying the school fees of the children. When we decided to build our own house, Tinu contributed almost 30% of the money we needed and today, we are proud owners of our house. I love my wife so much and I had vowed never to leave her no matter the circumstances but my family is insisting she must leave my house over an incident that she had no control over. It happened that five months ago, a gang of armed robbers stormed our area in Ikorodu, Lagos State, and carried out a house to house raid. When they got to my house, they robbed us of our valuables and after that, they said they were going to rape my wife. They pointed a gun to my head and said they would kill me if I made any move. We begged and begged but they refused and two of them forcefully raped my wife, before making their exit. When my family heard what happened, instead of being sympathetic with us, they invited us to our village in Ogun State and came out with the verdict that my wife must leave as it was an abomination in our family for a married woman to be raped. They also forbade me from having sex with her or eating her food, saying I would die if I did so unless some expensive sacrifices are made. I have resisted them so far, telling them that I love my wife and it was not her fault that she was raped but they have vowed to place a curse on me if I do not send Tinu away. I am really scared and confused on what to do now. Bolaji." The teaser for the day was: How Nigeria voted: Yes, it is an abomination - 15% No, it was not her fault that she was raped - 21% I would stand by her no matter what - 64% Katyucia Hoshino and Paulo Gabriel Barros are very happy together Photo Credit: Daily Mail Daily Mail reports that the couple who are from Brazil, measure a combined five feet and eight inches, with Hoshino who is 27, at 35.2 inches while the 30-year-old Barros, measure at 34.8 inches. The lovers were brought together after some people identified them separately on social media and they have enjoyed their affair since then. Katyucia Hoshino and Paulo Gabriel Barros are on their way to making history Photo Credit: Daily Mail They believe they would make history as the world shortest couple, a record currently held by another Brazilian couple, Douglas Maistre Breger da Silva and Claudia Pereira Rocha, who both measure at 35 inches and 36 inches respectively, and have been married for 18 years. Hoshino suffers from achondroplasia dwarfism, a condition that affects bone growth, though that has not stopped her from being romantic. Katyucia Hoshino and Paulo Gabriel Barros having the fun of their lives A statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, said two children from Gwoza and Jere Local Government Areas were affected. He added the surveillance was made possible by the recent military action which liberated more communities in the North-Eastern part of the country. The Minister said the detection of children paralysed by polio showed that surveillance has increased with more access to health services. He said detection was also a reminder that the country needed to remain vigilant and immunize all eligible children with polio vaccine until the disease was completely eradicated. "The overriding priority right now is to rapidly boost immunity in the affected areas to ensure that no more child is affected by this terrible disease,'' Adewole said. The minister directed the deployment of the National Emergency Response team, comprising government and partners, to Borno for immediate and robust polio vaccination campaign to prevent the spread of the virus. Adewole said the Ministry of Health, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with the support of partners, was conducting detailed risk analysis to ascertain the extent of circulation of the virus. He said the assessment would assist government to determine the overall levels of population immunity in order to guide the response. The minister said as an immediate response measures, about one million children would be immunized in four local government areas in the state. "Children in adjoining states of Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe will also be immunized bringing the number to about five million in the four states.'' Adewole reiterated the Federal Governments commitment to achieving a polio-free Nigeria and assured Nigerians that the outbreak will be controlled as soon as possible while the government will provide the needed resources to contain it. He called on other states and local governments to redouble their efforts by safeguarding their territories from importation of the virus through effective leadership and accountability. NAN recalled that in 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide, but the country has made significant strides in recent years, going two years without recording a single case. Saraki also asked the security agencies not to take the reports lightly, adding that it is important the trend is curbed. He cited how Kenya had to shut down a refugee camp, because Al-Shaabab militants were recruiting people from there. He said Seeing that ISIS has been recruiting members from European refugee camps, and the Kenyan government recently had to shut down the worlds largest refugee camp because Al-Shaabab was using the place to train and recruit young people as extremists, it is important that we take the rumours about Boko Harams recruitment from IDP camps seriously. Saraki also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting the contractor that diverted 60 trucks of grain meant for IDPs in Borno state. Adding that It is utterly immoral for someone to withhold food, in an attempt to enrich himself, while women and children are starving. He also said I have been to the zone twice in the past 14 months and I have experienced firsthand that the IDPs need as much food and health supplies as they can get. Saraki also called for a undefinedbelonging to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are being diverted. The troops also arrested four members of the sect in Gombori, Borno state. This was disclosed by army spokesperson, Colonel Sani Usman via a statement released on Friday, August 12, 2016. The statement reads: Following information provided by an arrested suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Lawan Abbai, troops on Operation LAFIYA DOLE yesterday morning carried out mine and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) clearance at Gombori which was along the troops main supply route. The troops located and recovered 2 heavy IEDs buried in the ground by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.In the process of recovering the deadly IEDs, the troops intercepted 4 fleeing suspected Boko Haram terrorists that alleged they were on their way to surrender to troops. On preliminary investigation, they were identified as confirmed Boko Haram terrorists members planting IEDs along troops routes by their arrested colleague, Lawan Abbai. Additionally, the troops rescued 5 women and a baby from Boko Haram terrorists at the same general area. Boko Haram has attracted global attention in recent times due to the naming of a new leader for the group by the Islamic State (ISIS). ALSO READ: Boko Haram Terrorists fleeing to Europe Eccentric leader, Abubakar Shekau was removed and replaced with Abu Musab Al-Barnawi. He made the comments via statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, August 11, 2016. The statement reads: Before the corrupt, shameless and fraudulent QUARTET of Speaker Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor mislead the Nigerian public again, let me avail you some facts. Now that I have raised allegations backed with documents to show that the QUARTET and their gang of few other corrupt committee Chairmen are responsible for the fraudulent insertions also known as padding in various versions of the 2016 budget and NOT ME as they claim, corrupt Speaker Dogara shamelessly made a U-turn on a National TV and declared that such insertions do not constitute an offense. For Dogara and his cohorts, Padding is an offense only if Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin is the accused. Today, they went a disgraceful step further to threaten that the budget is already a law and therefore no offense can be committed in that regard. This is clearly a diversionary plan to mislead the public, avoid the anti-corruption agencies and buy time to cover up their dirty mess. For instance let's say an item in a budget proposed by the executive under Power for the purchase of a transformer cost N2million and same amount was budgeted. If the Chairman House Committee on power because he has the "powers" to appropriate decides to add N3million naira to jack up the allocation to 5million naira when it is a public knowledge that the transformer cannot cost more than 2million naira, what do you call that? That essentially means APPROPRIATION FRAUD! And such chairman is a FRAUDSTER, a common criminal. On the other hand, let's say he decides to irrationally reduce the amount to 500,000 thousand naira knowing fully well that, the said amount cannot buy the transformer, what do you call that? APPROPRIATION SABOTAGE and such a chairman is a SABOTEUR. I have no apology for saying this! Little by little, I will be providing more in-depth details. I challenge Speaker Dogara and his corrupt cabal to a public debate on their claim that the fraudulent insertions they made in the budget is not an offense that can be prosecuted under the laws of Nigeria. Rather than continue their futile effort to blackmail the entire country or continue their begging mission to the Party, Transparency and Integrity Group, Speaker Dogara and his gang of thieves should submit themselves to the anti-corruption agencies and answer thousands of questions waiting for them. Speaker Dogara, Lasun and Doguwa are already a baggage that the APC should off load! Same for Minority leader, Leo Ogar to the PDP! Just to bring you up to date, I have forwarded to the anti-corruption agencies documents showing how Speaker Dogara and the 3 others allocated the 40billion naira they stole from 100billion for constituency project, how they inserted about 20billion naira of wasteful projects. How they cornered the entire 20% of inputs reserved for the house after the harmonization exercise, attempts to force in about 30billion naira of wasteful projects into the budget, attempt to force me to introduce a strange line item and insert about 20billion naira in the service wide vote using the name of nass, evidence showing that indeed about 10 standing committees of the house made about 2000 insertions in budget worth about 284billion naira and indeed reports of 6 standing committees showing massive movement of money with clear intent to commit fraud. I have also commenced providing the anti-corruption agencies clue on how investigative hearings in the house under Speaker Dogara are used as conduit pipes to carry out massive corruption and how the house services committee chairman and the Speaker runs and spend money meant for the House in absolute secrecy. I will continue to cooperate with the anti-corruption agencies and guide them on how to crack the code of corruption that has assumed a monumental proportion under the very corrupt Speaker Dogara. It is sad that some civil society are now providing platforms for the disgraced Speaker and his group of corrupt 12 to embark on an expensive image laundry where millions of stolen money will be invested. It is however not surprising why some people call Nigeria a banana republic otherwise how can you explain the temerity of Speaker Dogara who has maintained silence in the face of such criminal allegations against him, yet has the courage, driving around in siren blaring convoy, step up on podiums, addressed as Speaker and talk, even talk about budget, budget!!! I cry for Nigeria...so long as we continue to respect corrupt people so shall our country continue to relapse. Jibrin earlier said that Dogara and other principal officers of the House had smuggled N284 billion into the 2016 budget. In his message on Friday, August 12, to mark the 2016 International Youth Day, Buhari said he will not forget the roles played by the Nigerian youths in his election as President. "Those young people are immensely energetic and talented, consistently blazing the trail in the arts, sports, business and technology," he said. "We are proud of what you have done and what you are able to do. According to the president, his administration belongs to the Nigerian youths. He stated that it was in view of this that the Federal Government launched a number of initiatives, targeted at expanding the economic opportunities available to young Nigerians. Buhari said: "N-Power, our job creation scheme, for which applications are ongoing, will employ 500,000 of you in agriculture, education, healthcare and technology. "The Aso Villa Demo Day will soon bring 30 of the most innovative young Nigerians to the State House to showcase their talent in providing technology-based solutions to some of our most challenging problems. "The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), part of our N500 billion Social Investment Programme, will provide soft loans to thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country. The president added that these are just some of the many initiatives his administration has designed and being implemented for the youths across the country. The former minister made the comments via his Twitter handle today, August 12, 2016. He said: Polio back, Nigeria no longer the largest economy in Africa: this gov. is a plague. They bring nothing but sickness, poverty and hardship." They are an affliction that thrive on the suffering of the people. They are the incubus and succubus spirits that feed on the nations glory and that suck the life out of the people. Their motivation is pure and unadulterated hate and their objective is to impoverish Nigeria, to silence the opposition, to intimidate and enslave the people, to satisfy their insatiable lust for power and to impose a hideous and ungodly ethnic and religious agenda. Wickedness is their forte, the abuse of power is their modus, brute force is their language and lies, deceit and propaganda are their weapons of warfare. They are nothing but bullies and fascists and like all bullies and fascists their end will come. Fani-Kayode had earlier accused Buhari of supporting only Northern interests. According to the Chairman of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) implementation, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, said the move is in-line with the Governors desire to boost the capacity of local contractors. Adding that the gesture will improve the learning experience of pupils and increase the standard of basic education in Ekiti state. The Ekiti MDG boss also said Ekiti State being one of the participants in this programme, had always adhere strictly to due diligent procurement policy of the state and federal governments in the implementation and award process of MDGs projects and programmes. I, therefore, want you to be rest assured that the procurement arrangements we are working out today between the state government, contractors, furniture and welder associations is being brokered without contravening any procurement law and regulation laid down by the MDGs office in Abuja and Ekiti State. Governor Ayo Fayose also told his supporters during a rally, that any government that rises up against him will surely fall. Report said owners of the houses built shallow oil wells to steal diesel from pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. As contained in a statement issued by the States Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the wells were discovered on Friday, August 12. According to the Commissioner, the oil wells were built purposely for illegally scooping of diesel. He said some of the affected landlords built pumping machine and boreholes to perpetrate the crime on a large scale. Ayorinde said a combined team from the police command, the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Lagos State Fire Service and Sole Administrator of Isolo Local Council Development Area carried out a thorough inspection of the entire area and discovered nothing less than 12 of the illegal oil wells. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni said three suspects have been arrested. Owoseni explained that "the men of the Lagos State Police Command in the area who were on routine patrol said they saw a woman around 12 midnight with keg of diesel and when an attempt was made for her to be accosted, she fled, a development which alerted the police of something fishy. The police immediately pursued the woman and accosted her, after which she eventually took them to number 12, Abeokuta Street, off Ilasamaja, one of the houses housing the illegal oil wells." The Commissioner added that upon getting to the said house, those inside shut the door and prevented the police from gaining entrance. The officers thereafter left the scene with the arrested woman, and they later came back disguising as potential buyers of diesel, while those inside opened the door. It was at that point that the illegal oil well was discovered at the house, after which about 10 more wells were discovered in other houses in Abeokuta and Ibadan streets. At the last count there, we have seen about 12 houses that had wells dug behind the house and the only thing that they scoop out of the wells is diesel but not water. It is believed that almost all the houses within that vicinity had this same thing. We have arrested some of the landlords and we have also asked the tenants whether they have the knowledge that they were compromising their lives and property? Owoseni said. "We are in Nigeria. How can we believe the claim that 20 states in Nigeria are not safe. That is not correct. There is no state in Nigeria that is not safe today, Mohammed said on Thursday, August 11, 2016, while meeting with a delegation from the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria in Abuja. Is there any week they are not killing people in the U.S., by either shooting in schools or driveways or people committing suicide or mass bombing? How many of these stories do their media celebrate? If they want to tell their people not to come to Nigeria, it is not for us to help them propagate it, he added. The Department of States directive was contained in an updated travel warning released on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. The US warned its citizens to stay away from the states in question due to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism. According to the head of the ministry, Mr Usani Uguru Usani, the government has realised the importance of communication and information to the people at the grassroots. Usani disclosed this on Friday, August 12, when he led the Minister of State of Niger Delta, Prof. Claudius Daramola, and other senior officials of the ministry on a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom. The paramount ruler, Dr Effiong Archianga, said Ibeno people are peaceful and requested that the ministry should implement the N2 billion project earmarked for equipping Ibeno Skills Acquisition Centre. Archianga said the money was jointly set aside by the Akwa Ibom Government and Mobil Oil for the completion and inauguration of the project. He appealed to the minister that Ibeno should be considered in award of oil and gas pipeline surveillance contracts. ALSO READ: Militants divided over talks with FG "Oil blocks should be shared between the Niger Delta region and others. True Federalism should be introduced," he urged. He said the prison service was liaising with security agents and community groups to apprehend the remaining escaped prisoners. "There was a jail break in Nsukka prisons on Tuesday night between 12pm and 3am, in which many inmates escaped, though six of them have been re-arrested. "I cannot give the exact figure for now as investigations are still on. "We will send our findings to the Controller General of Prisons who will make public the exact number and cause of Nsukka prisons jail break. "The service is liaising with security agents and community vigilante groups to know the hideout of those still on the run in order to re-arrest them, he said. He assured that any official indicted the course of the investigation would be punished. "After investigations on the jail break, any person in the service found to have been involved or aided the Tuesday jail break will be arrested and prosecuted no matter his or her position. "Security has been beefed up in and around Nsukka prisons with serious surveillance on the prisons facilities, inmates and staff. "The prisons authorities are on top of the situation and will put measures in place to avoid a repeat of what happened on Tuesday night in Nsukka, he said. The controller solicited the help of the general public who might have information on the whereabouts of the fleeing inmates, to report to relevant security agencies. "We solicit for help from the general public who may have information about the fleeing inmates to feel free and call prisons authorities or security agents to enable them re-arrest the escapees. "We promise that such information will be given the confidentiality it deserves and source identity will be fully protected, he said. Oshiomhole told the State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday that contrary to the allegation by the opposition, he was not leaving behind a huge liability for his successor. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo had alleged that the present administrations failure to pay pensioners arrears might cripple the incoming administration in the state. "From 1998 when the Army left, to 1999 to 2000, 2001, 2002 up to the end of 2008 when I took over, that was a period of 13 years. "So, you find a pension bill of 13 years, arrears of gratuity and pension not paid by PDP government including the 7,000 people they dismissed. "Now when I assumed duties at the end of 2008, I had two options. On the one hand, I had this temptation to say ok I would be paying those who retired during my tenure. "But then, as a former labour leader, I asked myself that if an employer was so callous to carry out massive retrenchment of workers as the PDP did by sacking 7,000 and all the permanent secretaries and did not pay them gratuity, is it the fault of those workers? "And so, I accepted the fact that government is a continuum. And so whatever they didnt do, I will have to try to do. "So, as we speak today, we have paid pension in 1998 and all those who pensioned in 1999, all the ones they dismissed in 2000 and those who retired from 2001, 2002, 2003 up to 2011. "So, I have paid pension arrears of 13 years even though I have been in government for only seven years plus. The governor maintained that having cleared 10 years pension and gratuities arrears, For today, August 12 2016: THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER Recovery of N30b debt may ground domestic airlines Despite the plummeting fortunes of domestic airlines in the country due to the harsh economy, they will have to pay up their debts worth more than N30 billion or be grounded by regulatory agencies. New militant group vows to blow up more pipelines The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGM) has vowed to blow up more oil installations, if government does not meet its demand for inclusion in negotiations with other militant groups. READ MORE Crude oil causes heart, skull deformities With the rising cases of oil spills, pipeline destruction in the oil-rich Niger Delta and overdependence on petroleum products, Nigerians are in for a massive health catastrophe. THE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER FG replies US, says no state in Nigerias unsafe ABUJAThe Federal Government yesterday faulted recent claims by the US government that at least 20 states in the federation were not safe for its citizens. Budget Padding: Why House inserted projects Yakubu Dogara ABUJA Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday, said he could not be investigated or interrogated over alleged padding of the 2016 budget. READ MORE No sanctions for Dogara, Jibrin, says APC ABUJA The All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it would not sanction its members involved in the budget-padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives. READ MORE THE NATION NEWSPAPER Iwu, Arise, Uduaghan, 63 others are poll offenders A bold step towards sanitising the electoral process was taken yesterday, with the indictment of 66 individuals and organisations allegedly involved in poll crimes in 2007 and 2011. READ MORE Ambode inaugurates helipad at LASUTH for medical emergency Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated a helicopter landing platform (helipad) at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, to aid victims requiring emergency medical attention, especially in remote areas. READ MORE We cant be tried for padding, says Dogara House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara insisted yesterday that budget padding is not an offence, saying no lawmaker can be investigated or tried for it. READ MORE THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER Budget padding: EFCC, ICPC cant probe Reps Dogara The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday said no member of the National Assembly could be investigated or prosecuted for performing the legislative duty of passing an Appropriation Act. READ MORE Man murders wifes lover on matrimonial bed A 32-year-old businessman, Ezekiel Igbokwe, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly killing his wifes lover, Victor Olatundun. READ MORE Edo gov: INEC clears Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, 17 others The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday in Abuja released what it called the final list of candidates for the Edo State governorship election. READ MORE THE BUSINESS DAY NEWSPAPER OPS wants policy consistency, gas to pull economy out of recession The organised private sector wants the Federal Government to create a consistent policy environment and provide gas for manufacturers and key players in the productive sector, so as to pull the economy out of recession. Record high sovereign yields spur crowding out fears Experts are fretting that Nigeria's borrowing may stifle credit to the private sector, as mouth-watering yields on the sovereign's Treasure Bills make it difficult for lenders to turn a blind eye, Businessday reports. Nation holds its breath as Nigeria delays Q2 GDP data release Did you ever dream of predominantly starring in a premium TV drama? Well, look no further, your time to shine as a screen superstar has arrived! Ebony Life TV, with the support of Malta Guiness, presents you this big opportunity to show what you have, and pave your way to fame, by participating in a forthcoming mega TV drama. You are invited to join the auditions which begin on the 13 of August 2016 in Benin at Da Civic center. Interested acts will be given an opportunity to take to the stage and express their acting skills during the 6-day event powered by Malta Guinness. After the audition in Benin city, the campaign moves to The Atrium in Port Harcourt on the August 17th. And from Port Harcourt City, the audition train arrives in Lagos, at the Oakwood Park Hotel in Lekki, on August 24th 2016. Finally, the audition is taken to Ebony Life Studios in Tinapa, Calabar on August 29th. This grand opportunity is presented by Malta Guinness, the premium malt drink that gives you all day goodness and wholesome vitality to approach every single day with a spring in your step. Stay connected and keep up with exciting moments of the audition by following Malta Guinness on all social media platforms.. Instagram: @maltaguinnessng Twitter: @MaltaGuinnessNG Remember to use the hashtag #letsgo #life101 when taking part in the conversations. So... lets go!!! Show the world your never say never attitude. Button your shirts, latch your shoes, and lace up your boots, your journey to superstardom is about to begin! In an open letter titled "International Youth Day: A Wake-Up Call", to Nigerian youths on Thursday, August 11, 2016, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain recalled that Anthony Enahoro, Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari all attained leadership positions at very tender age during the military era. Frank noted that that the United Arab Emirate had a 22-year old minister of youth while the chairman of the ruling party in Kenya was just 31. "I wish to urge the present administration to give the youths their rightful quota in appointments yet to be made as the youths are currently less than 10 per cent of the total appointment made so far", he said. "We also need to leverage on our number to demand that ministers of youth affairs should, be appointed from of persons between 25-40 years of age", he added. Frank who called on Nigerian youths to massively support the #NotTooYoungToRun bill urged the National Assembly to ensure its passage into law. He expressed optimism that the bill would lay a solid foundation for a desired paradigm shift in the governance of the country through equitable, fair and just youth representation. He called on the government at all levels in the country to "immediately evolve policies towards a holistic investment in youth in order to make the saying that 'youths are the future leaders' a reality in our time". Frank who urged youths to shun electoral violence said they should "as a matter of priority" sit with candidates seeking elective positions, beginning from 2019, to sign a pact aimed at ensuring 50 per cent youth participation in governance. They insisted that the speaker and the other accused principal officers have not committed any offence to warrant calls for them to resign. Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC-Kano), Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Education, said that there was no basis for the Speaker to resign. Suleiman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that neither Dogara nor the house committed any offence by virtue of legislative duties performed with regard to the 2016 budget as attested to by the Presidency.] He said: " am happy that the Presidency has said that the budget was not padded. "But then there are people who have perpetual disdain for the National Assembly, who celebrate crisis, who pray for crisis and use it to cast aspersions on lawmakers. "We are empowered to decide what goes where in the budget; which is why the executive brings the document to us as an estimate of expenditure. "It's in our place as National Assembly to deal with the budget, determine what should be where and return it to the President. "If he (President) disagrees with us and we know that what we have done is right, the law also gives us the power to override his veto after 30 days. Suleiman however noted that if some officials in the executive insert some figures in the budget during transmiision to the President after it had been passed by lawmakers, one could say it had been padded. The chairman criticized the call for Dogara to resign, describing it as unrealistic. "Everybody has a right to call for anything, but whether the call is realistic or not is up to them to prove why they are asking the Speaker to go. Also speaking, Rep. Oghene Egoh (PDP-Lagos), noted that if the Legislature could not remove or add in the process of appropriation, there would be no basis for the President to submit the budget to it. "One thing that has surprised me is that a lot of people who are educated, journalists, lawyers and the rest don't seem to understand the functions of the legislature. "Padding is part of legislative process; it is through padding one can satisfy his or her constituents. "Even the executive does padding. If not, how do you think the President is able to get allocation for the road that leads to his area?" Dankwambo, who spoke in Abuja on Friday, August 12, at the North-East Zonal Caucus meeting of the party, now is the best time to make sacrifices for the party. He said: "In the past, so many things had remained issues of great concern. Now is the time to make sacrifice for all of us on old or new things that come our way, as a duty to the party. "Everybody is weeping and crying at the same time. "If anybody expects any other person to carry him on his wing, we may not get to our destination, because the wing may not be too strong. "It is the wing of sacrifice that is strong enough to take us to the right destination." The governor, however, urged PDP leaders from the zone to be careful in reaching a decision on national offices of the party zoned to the area. "We must avoid decisions that will further divide our members or bring more problems to our party. "We should respect the views of our stakeholders and take decisions that will unite us," he said. On his part, Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, expressed the zones interest in the office of the national secretary of the party. ALSO READ: PDP Crisis - Party says August convention must hold He said that giving the position to the zone was one of the ways to easily resolve the party's crisis. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Sheriff said the only way out of the crisis is if the party is returned to the ideals and concepts of its founding fathers. He said: ''Members of the BoT are coming to see me. ''Even, last night they came to meet me at my place and the governors are also meeting with me. ''But, that does not mean that we are going to agree on anything that will affect our integrity, followership and our political interests. ''As some of you rightly said, some of them were ashamed to identify with the party. ''Now the PDP has become a strong party, everybody is looking up to PDP and we will not be distracted. "This party, as I rightly said, must be returned to the owners. Anything short of that is a non-starter. ''What are our problems? How do we improve our standing, so that it is not when we want to go for election that we run around to put the house in order? ''It is now that we should put the party in proper shape ahead of the election period.'' ALSO READ: Sheriff says BoT peace committee members are part of PDP's problem The first bomb exploded near a police box, wounding one Thai man, a police officer in Phuket said. The second exploded 300 metres (330 yards) away and nobody was hurt, he said. The popular upscale tourist resort of Hua Hin has been hit by four explosions, two late on Thursday and two more early on Friday. Thai police said on Friday they believe that a series of blasts targeting tourist resorts in southern Thailand overnight and in the morning were acts of local sabotage and were not linked to any international militant group. Police were investigating but had not yet found any connection between the blasts in three popular tourist destinations in the south, deputy police spokesman Piyaphand Pingmuangsaid told reporters. Turkey, which has NATO's second-biggest armed forces, has dismissed or detained thousands of soldiers, including nearly half its generals, since the July 15 coup attempt, in which rogue troops commandeered tanks and warplanes in an attempt to seize power. Western allies worry that President Tayyip Erdogan is using the putsch and the purge that has followed to tighten his grip on power. But many Turks are angered by what they see as a lack of Western sympathy over a violent coup in which 240 people died. "Democracy rallies", largely attended by Erdogan supporters but also some parts of the opposition, have been held night after night since the putsch. Pollster Metropoll said on Thursday its monthly survey showed a surge in approval for Erdogan to 68 percent in July from 47 percent a month earlier. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV that two military attaches in Greece - a naval and an army officer - had fled by car and ferry to Italy, but that Turkish officials would seek their return. Cavusoglu said a military attache based in Kuwait had also tried to escape through Saudi Arabia, but had been sent back, as well as two generals based in Afghanistan who had been caught in Dubai by UAE authorities and returned to Turkey. The hunt for fugitive Turkish officers and officials overseas expands the crackdown at home, where tens of thousands of troops, police and bureaucrats have been detained, dismissed or investigated for alleged links to the coup, which authorities blame on U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies any involvement and has condemned the coup bid. But he says Erdogan is using the purges to shore up his own power in Turkey. Turkey has detained a total of 35,022 people in relation to the failed coup, a senior official said. Just over half of those detained, or 17,740 people, have been formally arrested while a third have been released. Another 5,685 are still in custody, the official said. "TIME HAS RUN OUT" "There are those who have escaped. There have been escapees among our diplomats as well," Cavusoglu told NTV in an interview. "As of yesterday, time has run out for those initially called back. We will carry out the legal operations for those who have not returned." Interior Minister Efkan Ala was quoted on Thursday as saying almost 76,100 civil servants have now been suspended. The Greek foreign ministry said the two attaches fled before Ankara asked them to return toTurkey, and before officials cancelled their diplomatic passports. U.S. officials told Reuters this week that a Turkish military officer on a U.S.-based assignment for NATO is also seeking asylum in the United States after being recalled by the government. A total of 160 members of the military wanted in connection with the failed coup are still at large, including nine generals, officials have said. One official said the foreign ministry sent instructions to Turkish diplomatic missions around the world where those suspected of links to the plotters were thought to be working, ordering them back to Ankara as part of the investigations. Five employees of Turkey's embassy in the Netherlands were recalled on suspicion of involvement with the Gulen movement, the Turkish charge d'affaires told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper this week. "It wasn't the cook or the servants," Kurtulus Aykan, acting head of Turkey's mission to the Netherlands, was quoted as saying. "These were high-ranking staff members. Talented people, with whom I had an excellent working relationship. I suspected nothing. That's the talent of this movement. They infiltrate silently." Cavusoglu has previously said around 300 members of the foreign ministry have been suspended since the coup plot, including two ambassadors. He said on Thursday two officials in Bangladesh fled to New York, and another official had fled to Japan through Moscow. "We will return these traitors to Turkey," Cavusoglu said. "PARALLEL STATE" Erdogan accuses Gulen of staging the attempted putsch, harnessing his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses built up in Turkey and abroad over decades to create a "parallel structure". The abortive coup and subsequent purge of the military have raised concern about the stability of Turkey, a member of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State and which is battling an insurgency at home by Kurdish militants. Turkey has been angered by the Western response, viewing Europe as more concerned about the rights of the plotters than the events themselves and the United States as reluctant to extradite Gulen. That has chilled relations with Washington and the European Union, bringing repeated Turkish warnings about an EU deal to stem the flow of migrants. Erdogan has also repaired ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a detente Western officials worry may be used to pressure the West. "Sooner or later the United States of America will make a choice. Either Turkey or FETO," Erdogan told a rally late on Wednesday, using an abbreviation standing for the "Gulenist Terror Group" which is how Ankara refers to Gulen's movement. Turkey has also cancelled the work permits of 27,424 people in the education sector as part of its investigations, Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz said on Thursday. Most of the migrants who made the trip across the Mediterranean from North Africa were Nigerians and Eritreans, Frontex said. The number of migrants arriving in the January to July period was stable compared to last year at 95,000. Frontex said the quality of the boats people smugglers were using to transport migrants was deteriorating. "In recent months, poor quality rubber boats accounted for four out of every five vessels used," Frontex said in a statement. "Many of the migrants spoke of being forced onto the dinghies and small wooden boats despite fearing for their lives." Barred from travelling further north by closed borders in France and Switzerland, many of the migrants are stuck in Italy. More than 3,000 migrants are stranded in the financial capital Milan, its mayor said, as Switzerland and France tightened border controls. NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX DAY 17 REPORT By Matthew Macklin on 2016-08-12 16:57:00 G1 Climax Day 17, Ryogoku Sumo Hall, August 12: The Briscoes defeated Captain New Japan & Yoshitatsu. This was a glorified squash match. Tatsu got in some of his Triple H mockery before he was taken out with a powerbomb/neckbreaker double team. Captain was finished off after a Froggy Bow. The Briscoes looked great here Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV, Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata defeated David Finlay, Ryusuke Taguchi, Juice Robinson & Tomoaki Honma. This was a fun tag. Nagata and Honma previewed their meeting tomorrow. Robinson was all fired up when he was tagged in against Nakanishi. Liger pinned Finlay with a crucifix style pin. Satoshi Kojima, Katsuyori Shibata, Michael Elgin & KUSHIDA defeated Atsushi Kotoge, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI. This was really good. Shibata & YOSHI just went at it with YOSHI showing all the fighting spirit in the world as he traded shots with him. Elgin & Nakajima previewed their upcoming match. Kotoge is one half of the GHC Jr tag champions and was making his NJPW debut here. He looked okay, but he didn't get the chance to blow anyone away. He fell to Kojima's lariat. Hangman Page, Tanga Loa, Kenny Omega & Yujiro Takahashi defeated BUSHI, Tetsuya Naito, EVIL & Jay Lethal. This was the first ever LIJ vs Bullet Club match, something that could be a huge feud in the future. We also had the back story of Lethal vs Bullet Club going back to his head shaving in ROH. Omega and Naito face tomorrow. We had Omega spit at Naito here and Naito think nothing of it. Yujiro messed up a Lethal Injection. Page looked great here again. The finish saw a flurry of big moves and bodies flying everywhere. It came down to Page hitting the Right of Passage on BUSHI. Page & Yujiro challenge The Briscoes for the IWGP tag titles on Sunday. Block A SANADA defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan. This was likely Tenzan's last ever G1 Climax match, and it was great match to go out on. This was a really good match and a win that SANADA needed. SANADA missed a moonsault, but hit a nice German suplex. Tenzan hit a Tombstone Driver for a near fall and also missed a moonsault. He couldn't get SANADA to submit to the Anaconda Vise, and SANADA kicked out of a Cozy Lariat. SANADA tried for Skull End, but Tenzan got to the ropes. The near fall of the match came when Tenzan kicked out of a moonsault, but SANADA followed up with Skull End to get the submission win. Kojima embraced Tenzan in the ring afterwards. Tomohiro Ishii defeated Togi Makabe. If you ever seen these guys have a match before you know what to expect. This was brutal. It was stiff, intense and at times hard to watch. They hit each other with the stiffest of strikes and dropped each other with nasty suplexes. At one point Makabe kept hitting lariats, with Ishii popping up every time. Makabe hit the Spider German, but missed the King Kong Kneedrop. They traded some headbutts that were beyond sickening and completely unnecessary. Ishii won with the Brainbuster. This was a spectacle if you enjoy strong style pro wrestling. Tama Tonga defeated Bad Luck Fale. This was a collision of Bullet Club members. A win for Fale here would have potentially seen him win the block depending on other results. Tonga laid down for Fale, but of course double crossed him. This of course pissed off Fale who hit Tonga with a Bad Luck Fall to the floor into the rest of Bullet Club. Fale was a monster as he slugged away on Tonga with Vader styles blows. Tonga made a comeback and the crowd got into him in a huge way as he fired up. He used his speed to run rings around Fale. Fale hit a big spear. Tonga hit a DDT and won when he hit the Gun Stun. This was great and a stature enhancing win for Tonga. It was a hell of a performance from a guy that we have seen grow throughout the tournament. Hirooki Goto defeated Naomichi Marufuji. This was awesome. Marufuji capped off an excellent G1 with another top quality match. Goto continues to be the most underrated and under appreciated man in NJPW. Marufuji was on point with his striking. He hit knees and kicks from all sorts of angles. At one point Marufuji flew through the air for a knee and was caught with a headbutt. Goto hit his brutal offence for some big near falls. The Ushigoroshi got a long two count. They had the crowd going nuts by the time they got to the finish. Marufuji couldn't put Goto away after more knees and kicks. Goto then locked on a sleeper and eventually weakened him to hit the GTR. This kept Goto alive in the tournament. Awesome stuff. Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi - Time Limit Draw. This was another classic. So much has been said about this rivalry, but they did it again and produced another match for the ages. They went to the 30 minute time limit, meaning that Hirooki Goto wins A Block and goes on to the final on Sunday. If anyone says they called that, they're lying. This match was an amazing display of storytelling. It was 30 minutes that felt like 10. Right from the bell we had Okada hit the diving elbow drop and go for The Rainmaker, which Tanahashi countered into a pin for an amazing near fall. Tanahashi spent the match targeting the knee, using the dragon screw over and over again. He did it on the guardrail, across the middle rope, the top rope and the apron. When he put on the Texas cloverleaf, people believed the match could end. The finishing sequence here was stunning, and as the time limit drew closer the drama was intensified. Okada hit a Rainmaker, and went for a second, which Tanahashi countered into a Dragon suplex. The Slingblade was hit in ways that have never been done before. The knees blocked the High Fly Flow. Okada hit a Tombstone in the dying minutes for a huge near fall. Tanahashi hit High Fly Flow just a s the time expired. This is a match you must see. Unbelievable stuff that just reminds us all that we are lucky to be living through this rivalry. Hirooki Goto had a relatively uneventful G1. He had some very good matches, but nothing that blew anyone away. NJPW have tried time and time again to get him to the next level, but it never clicks. No one will believe he has a chance of winning this tournament no matter who his opponent is and if he does win it, it will be a very odd choice. Tomorrow we find out his opponent. This show was superb. The G1 matches delivered big time and we got a classic main event. It is available now at NJPWWorld.com with English commentary from Steve Corino, Kevin Kelly & Rocky Romero. Final A Block Standings: Hirooki Goto 12 Hiroshi Tanahashi 11 Kazuchika Okada 11 Bad Luck Fale 10 Naomichi Marufuji 10 Tomohiro Ishii 8 Togi Makabe 8 Tama Tonga 8 SANADA 8 Hiroyoshi Tenzan 4 B Block finishes up tomorrow morning, again live on NJPW World. 8/13/2016, Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Hall) in Tokyo, 18.30 JST (5.30AM EST/10.30AM UK) - Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV vs. Yoshitatsu, Captain New Japan, Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay - Togi Makabe & Juice Robinson vs. Tomoaki Honma & Naomichi Marufuji - Hiroshi Tanahashi, Satoshi Kojima & KUSHIDA vs. SANADA, BUSHI & Jay Lethal - Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Gedo, & The Briscoes vs. Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page B BLOCK : Toru Yano vs. YOSHI-HASHI B BLOCK : Michael Elgin vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima B BLOCK : Yuji Nagata vs. Tomoaki Honma B BLOCK : Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega B BLOCK : Katsuyori Shibata vs. EVIL B Block standings: Tetsuya Naito 12 Michael Elgin 10 Katsuyori Shibata 10 Kenny Omega 10 Toru Yano 8 Katsuhiko Nakajima 8 YOSHI-HASHI 6 Yuji Nagata 6 EVIL 6 Tomoaki Honma 4 If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! A Pleasant Valley man was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing a child younger than 12 over a three-year period. Joshua Daniel Morales, 21, pleaded guilty in June to three counts of lascivious acts with a child, a Class C felony. District Court Judge Mark Smith sentenced Morales on Thursday to up to 10 years in prison on each count. The sentences will run consecutively, or back-to-back. He also received credit for time already served in the Scott County Jail since Jan. 14. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed one count of second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The Scott County Sheriff's Department received a report Jan. 7 of a sexual assault that happened between 2012 and 2015. Morales was 17 and the child was 7 when the abuse began, according to a sheriffs office affidavit. The last known assault was when Morales was 20 and the child was 11, according to the affidavit. Tara Becker COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa An investigation is under way at the Tyson Foods plant at 16198 Iowa 70 in Columbus Junction after an employee allegedly died while on the job Thursday. Jens Nissen, Iowa OSHA administrator, confirmed that the office had been notified of a workplace fatality at the plant but they are still obtaining information about the incident. Medical personnel were called to the plant at 9:41 a.m. Thursday, according to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office but further details were not released at this time. Community leaders asked for county support to expand the Walcott branch library at Thursdays Scott County Board of Supervisors meeting. Scott County Library Association Director Trisha Kane led a contingent of library board members and business owners invested in the effort to reach a $455,000 fundraising goal by spring 2017. Kane said proposed upgrades to the facility at 207 S. Main St. would provide space for more public use computers and a community room accessible during and after library hours. The current location is too small to meet the growing demand for programs and internet access, Kane said. There is a desperate need for those computers for students. We are their resource. Cal Werner, president of Walcott Trust and Savings Bank, told supervisors the need for computers played a role in the banks decision to commit $50,000 to the library expansion project. Kids without computers at home tugged at my heart, Werner said. Kane asked that supervisors consider a commitment of county funds similar to the $50,000 level of support received from the city of Walcott. Were at 45 percent of our goal, Kane said. A one-time $75,000 pledge from the county would only be used for construction costs. Board Chairman Jim Hancock said no decision would be made until the next fiscal year budget is ready for final review in March 2017. This is a budget issue for us, Hancock said. In other business, supervisors unanimously passed on first reading a special use permit that would allow property owners Pat and Lora Dierickx of Long Grove to convert an abandoned church in Park View to a home day care. The proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance allows for residential use of property zoned commercial. The Park View Homeowners Association had raised concerns that the community would lose property available for commercial development. The homeowners association submitted 60 responses from Park View residents for supervisors review. Of the 34 respondents identified by name and address, 21 supported the special use permit and 13 were opposed. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois State Fair kicked off its two-week run of corn dogs, carnival rides and livestock competitions Thursday with the annual Twilight Parade and preview night, but efforts to create a private foundation to support the fairgrounds in Springfield and Du Quoin remain stalled. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe have urged the General Assembly to authorize the creation a nonprofit organization that could solicit private funds and corporate sponsorships to help with upkeep of the facilities that host the main state fair in Springfield and the Du Quoin State Fair, which this year runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 5. State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, has sponsored a bill that would create the foundation, but it failed to advance in the Legislature this spring despite receiving unanimous approval in the Senate Executive Committee. Bradys bill, which is similar to legislation from Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, that passed the Senate in 2014 but was never approved in the House, wasnt called for a vote before the General Assembly wrapped up its extended spring session in late June. One major difference between Bradys bill and the previous one, which he voted against, was that his version would have exempted projects paid for solely with foundation money from having to go through the normal state bidding process. After the bill was approved in committee, however, Manar introduced an amendment that would require all projects to follow the states bidding requirements. Brady, whose district includes the Springfield fairgrounds, couldnt be reached Thursday for comment. Testifying before the Senate committee earlier this year, Poe, who sponsored similar legislation as a state representative before resigning last year to head the Department of Agriculture, said the ability to raise private funds would help the department catch up on a backlog of maintenance projects that stood at $180 million. Most of those projects are in Springfield, but as of this spring, $12 million $14 million worth of work was needed in Du Quoin, according to the Illinois Capital Development Board. Poe, Rauner and other supporters of creating a private foundation point out that neighboring states, including Iowa, Indiana and Missouri, have such arrangements to help support their fairs. We cant overly rely on state funds to maintain these facilities, Rauner said during a March news conference at the Springfield fairgrounds while standing in front of a barn with a gaping hole in its roof. Weve got to come up with creative solutions that dont pressure our taxpayers more. Even if Bradys bill eventually wins Senate approval, its prospects in the House are dim. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has expressed skepticism about the kinds of public-private partnerships Rauner favors. This years state fair runs through Aug. 21. A roundup of Capitol and state government news items of interest for Thursday: IOWA PARTNERS WITH GOOGLE: As part of an ongoing effort to promote and encourage entrepreneurship, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced a new partnership with Google on Thursday to help small businesses get off the ground, grow their online presence and achieve success. Pate said new businesses in Iowa now can take advantage of Googles Lets Put Our Cities on the Map program after they file with the Secretary of States Office. Existing businesses can utilize the resources to enhance their digital footprint. My office is the business portal for Iowa, Pate said. Our goal is to work at the speed of business, not the speed of government, and we want small businesses to succeed. Last year we conducted a record number of new business filings in the state, surpassing the 20,000 mark. This partnership with Google will help these businesses get online and reach more customers. It will be a great asset for our state and our economy. Businesses can find a link to small business resources on the Secretary of States website or at www.gybo.com/iowa-business. BUYING CLUB REFUNDS ORDERED: A Connecticut-based marketing company that has been the target of previous consumer fraud enforcement actions will pay $300,000 to the state, refund Iowa consumers, and stop telemarketing to Iowans after violating a previous agreement to comply with Iowas Buying Club Memberships Law. That is according to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, who announced Thursday that a consent judgment was filed in Polk County District Court. The judgment follows Trilegiants violation of a 2013 assurance of voluntary compliance agreement with the Consumer Protection Division, in which the company committed to comply with the law, Miller said. Among other requirements, the previous agreement compelled the company, when marketing buying club memberships to Iowans, to provide consumers with important disclosures mandated by state law. The consent judgment requires Trilegiant to identify and provide refunds to all Iowans drawn into the illegal memberships. The company indicates that it has met that requirement by providing about $171,000 in refunds to about 2,500 Iowa consumers. GAS PRICES RISE SLIGHTLY: The price of retail gasoline in Iowa rose slightly this week, recording a four-cent increase to $2.14 per gallon, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardships weekly report. The average price per gallon of gas was 46 cents lower than one year ago but slightly higher than the national average of $2.13. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were down two cents a gallon with a statewide average of $2.28. One year ago diesel prices averaged $2.52 in Iowa. Meanwhile natural gas prices in Iowa were four cents lower than a week ago at $2.75. Times Bureau Stop. Just stop. Does the top echelon of Iowa's GOP, honestly support this? Regardless of what those atop the state party parrot, Donald Trump does not "say what he means." He's gaming the system with a reliance on inference and plausible deniability with which the media is unequipped to grapple. It's an approach so outside the standard political matrix that the system can't contain it. Take this week's controversy, which centers on what looked to be an endorsement of his Democratic opponent's assassination. Trump said Tuesday the "Second Amendment people" might be able to "do something about" Democrat Hillary Clinton and her picks for federal judgeship if she's elected. Trump's campaign, in constant damage control mode, kicked out a "clarification" in a matter of minutes. Trump, the campaign claimed, was obviously talking about the pro-gun movement's collective voting power. It's bull, as many immediately pointed out. Trump was explicitly talking about if Clinton was elected, when the vote was over and done. It really doesn't matter what Trump's campaign says he meant. What matters is what people heard. It only takes one misguided disciple to grab a gun and take matters in his or her own hands. On Tuesday, millions heard Trump promote violence against his opponent. That's just the case. This is how assassinations happen, and it's ground he's spent weeks toying with. Trump is already laying menacing foundations for a November defeat. He could lose by 10 million votes and his most fervent apostles will think the system is "rigged," red meat for those preparing for an "armed insurrection." But such a strategy is exactly how's he's gaming the country, isn't it? He thrives in the realm of vague threats, thinly veiled hints and dog whistles. He implies things. And, when asked about those implications, his surrogates craft increasingly untenable re-writes. The media is failing under its own weight. Reporters aren't supposed to "infer." That's left for pundits like me. Reporters, in a perfect world, are supposed to state the facts. And, by and large, they've done that. Trump has been fact-checked to hell and back. But, with this candidate, it doesn't work. His is a campaign that relies on constantly one-upping itself. It feeds on shock value. Yesterday's false statement is today's old news. He's moved on to something even more dangerous. Trump, a man whose entire career is built on free media attention, has broken the system with skills honed over decades. After Tuesday, one thing is clear: Donald Trump is objectively vile. Hillary Clinton isn't an ideal candidate. She might even be a poor candidate. Few would-be presidents tote around as much historical baggage. Most of what's said about her is totally false, conspiracy theories that grew legs and started running years ago. That doesn't mean there aren't legitimate questions or concerns about her judgment and shifting policy positions. Those conversations aren't happening, though. Instead, it's another day, another Trump dumpster fire. This week, Trump did perhaps the one thing that could surpass a public spat with the parents of a dead servicemen. Trump can swear up and down that he didn't intend to suggest Clinton should be shot. He can and has blamed the "liberal media" for skewing his comments. It's just a dodge. Any reasonable listener to his "Second Amendment people" comment was left wondering, "Did he just say that?" Is this where your heart is, leaders of Iowa's GOP? You say he "speaks his mind." In reality, he offers little but increasingly dangerous fast-and-loose rhetoric, and a running mate on 24/7 alert to explain it away. It only takes one, folks. On Tuesday, millions heard it. The real truth, half-truths and lies President Obama told half the truth when he said, Of course the election will not be rigged. What does that even mean? Contrary to popular belief, the American Mafia did not start with gambling, drugs, booze. It began with politics. The New York Mafia bosses sent underlings to Chicago and other major cities where precinct bosses were chosen by the Mafia according to which people would see things their way. The bosses used bribes, terrorized or killed anyone standing in their way. Then the precinct bosses were able to influence the voters exactly as intended. In the 1970s, this corruption still existed in Cook County. I know first-hand. I registered as a Republican and happened to have the same last name as a Republican candidate, though we were not related. Needless to say, on Election Day, my records were lost, among hundreds of others. I didnt exist, therefore, I could not vote. In todays perspective, the word rigged is not accurate. "Corruption" and "fixing elections" are correct, and no longer is the Mafia involved. The corrupt political machine operates in more states than you would think. Wake up people. Vote your own choice and forget what you hear on TV. Its probably a half-truth or a lie. Trisha Speth Davenport NATION Court overturns conviction in murder case A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer." The U.S. District Court in Milwaukee overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Justice, which was handling the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Magistrate Judge William Duffin said in Friday's ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." "These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments," Duffin wrote. The ruling comes after Dassey's appeal was rejected by state courts. Police investigate death of runner Investigators probing the killing of a New York City woman who went for a run near her mother's home in central Massachusetts and was found dead in the woods Sunday have received about 450 tips. Massachusetts State Police said Friday they want the public to continue calling. Vanessa Marcotte, a 27-year-old Google account manager, was found dead Sunday night hours after she went for a run near her mother's home in Princeton, a rural town west of Boston. Investigators believe Marcotte was attacked by a man and may have injured him in a struggle. WORLD Pope meets with freed sex slaves Pope Francis has met 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. The Vatican said the meeting Friday was a call to combat human trafficking, which the pope has defined as "an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ." The Vatican said all of the women, whose average age was around 30, had suffered great physical violence and live under protection. They were from Romania, Albania, Nigeria, Tunisia, Italy and Ukraine. The pope has dedicated Fridays throughout the Holy Year to the suffering, including visiting Syrian refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos and praying silently at the Auschwitz-Birkenau former Nazi death camp. Putin fires chief of staff President Vladimir Putin on Friday abruptly replaced his longtime chief of staff with a low-profile younger aide, the latest in a series of moves by the Russian leader to rid himself of members of his old guard. Analysts see the dismissal of the 63-year old Sergei Ivanov as a reflection of Putin's increasing weariness with his close lieutenants who had known him even before his ascent to the presidency. The Russian leader now seems inclined to promote new, younger members of the Kremlin administration who fully owe their careers to him. The elevation of 44-year-old Anton Vayno, one of Ivanov's former deputies, doesn't necessarily portend any shift of Kremlin policy, which has invariably been shaped by Putin himself throughout his 16-year rule. Ivanov met Putin in the 1970s, when they were both young KGB officers. Unlike Putin, whose KGB career reached its peak with a stint in East Germany in the late 1980s, Ivanov served several stints in Western countries coveted postings which were considered much more prestigious. 16 die in cholera outbreak Central African Republic's health minister says at least 16 people have died from cholera and there have been 66 recorded cases since the beginning of August. Fernande Ndjengbot, Minister of Health, said Friday the government is mobilizing with organizations including the World Health Organization and U.N. Children's Agency to isolate the disease and provide clean water, medicine and aid to the communities. He called on residents to report cases. The ministry's emergency health report said it has spread across the Oubangui river to Congo's Libi area where 34 people have died and there are 387 suspected cases. A federal board on Thursday renamed Harney Peak in the Black Hills to Black Elk Peak, saying the name of the state's highest peak was derogatory to Native Americans because Harney was a general whose soldiers massacred Indians. The decision by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names was met with displeasure by South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and U.S. Sen. John Thune, who called the name change a "unilateral decision" that ignored the will of state officials who had listened to public comment and had earlier recommended the name remain Harney Peak. The national boards choice to reject the states recommendation to leave the name as-is defies logic, since it was state officials who so carefully solicited public feedback and ultimately came to their decision," Thune said in a statement. The federal board determined from the input received that Harney Peak was concerning to Native Americans in the area, said Lou Yost, the board's executive secretary for domestic names. The vote was 12 in favor, none against and one abstaining, he said. "In this case, the board felt that the name was derogatory or offensive being that it was on a holy site of the Native Americans," Yost said, adding that the change applies to federal usage on new maps or other products. Army Gen. William S. Harney's men massacred Native American women and children during a battle in September 1855, according to historic records. Some people last year argued to the state's Board of Geographic Names that Harney Peak was offensive and should be changed, but the board decided against backing a new name. Basil Brave Heart, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, proposed the change to Black Elk Peak as a tribute to a Lakota spiritual leader who died in the mid-20th century. Brave Heart told the Journal on Thursday that he was shocked and elated. But behind the shock is a prayer answered, he said. He hopes the governor will honor the decision, he said. Brave Heart also called the renaming of the peak an important step for Native Americans and people of all other races who have been subjugated. To put a mans name on a mountain who killed Native people is wrong, Brave Heart said. Now the right thing has been done by this group of courageous men and women in Washington. The federal government's decision came after a nearly two-year discussion and debate over the name of the peak. State and federal officials for years have been evaluating historic place names and changing many that are now deemed to be offensive. After the new name was made public, readers of rapidcityjournal.com took to the paper's website to share their strong views on both sides of the issue. "There will never be a day that I will ever call it anything but Harney Peak, nor will I ever acknowledge it as anything but Harney Peak. Ask me where Black Elk Peak is and I will have no idea," one reader wrote. Countered another, "Finally, some sense has bubbled to the surface. Renaming the peak was long over due. When the peak was named Harney years ago, the Lakota were not consulted regarding the name." South Dakota is under no obligation to honor a federal boards decision to change the name of Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak, and a spokesman for Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Thursday that his administration is evaluating options. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names unanimously decided on Thursday to change the name, and the move applies to all federal geographic products including maps and publications, said board member Jon Campbell, a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey. In most cases, he said, states as well as commercial mapmakers and others honor the federal boards decision. But, Campbell added, the board has no legal authority to require a state to change its own maps, signs or literature. Thatll be a matter for the state, Campbell said. There have been cases when a state will say that a name is official by their authority and it doesnt conform to what the federal government said. Daugaards official public statement on the issue, released Thursday, did not directly address whether the state will honor the federal boards decision. I am surprised by this decision, as I have heard very little support in South Dakota for renaming Harney Peak, Daugaards written statement said. This federal decision will cause unnecessary expense and confusion. I suspect very few people know the history of either Harney or Black Elk. The Journal asked Daugaards chief of staff, Tony Venhuizen, if the state will honor the federal boards decision by changing state signs and maps from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak. The state will certainly not go to any extra expense to implement this, and is still evaluating options, Venhuizen said via email. After being asked more pointedly via email whether the Daugaard administration now considers the name of the states tallest mountain to be Harney Peak or Black Elk Peak, Venhuizen wrote, "The map on our wall says 'Harney Peak.' Thats what we know for today." Later, Venhuizen added that the state will explore its options, "but we need to change the fact that an obscure federal board can make this change against a state's wishes." If the Daugaard Administration refuses to recognize Black Elk Peak as the new name of the mountain often called the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rockies the state could end up in a kind of reverse-Alaska situation. In that state, two names for one mountain persisted for decades because the federal government failed to honor a name-change adopted by the state. Alaskas highest mountain was named Mount McKinley in 1896 for then-presidential candidate William McKinley. The state changed the name in 1975 to Denali, a word from the Koyukon language. Efforts to change the name at the federal level were blocked for 40 years by the congressional delegation of McKinleys home state of Ohio. Then, last year, U.S. Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell used a little-known provision of federal law to impose the change at the federal level. Prosecutor seeks life sentence for Russian soldier accused of killing family in Armenia MOSCOW, August 12 (RAPSI) A prosecutor on Friday asked court to find Russian soldier Valery Permyakov guilty of killing seven members of a family in Armenia's city of Gyumri and sentence him to life in prison, RIA Novosti reported. The family, including a six-month-old baby, was killed as a result of an armed assault on January 12, 2015. Valery Permyakov, a soldier at a Russian base in the Armenian town of Gyumri, was arrested and later charged with the murder of two or more persons under the Armenian Criminal Code. On August 12, Permyakov was found guilty of desertion, theft of weapons and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The murder case was singled out for considering it in a separate procedure and passed to the Armenian authorities. On October 13, Permyakov was found sane. According to experts, he was not in the heat of passion while committing the crime. He also could recognize the consequences of his actions. On October 16, Permyakov was additionally charged with armed assault, home-invasion robbery and attempted border crossing. He has pleaded guilty to all charges against him including murder of the family. In July, legal successors of a family killed in the Armenian city of Gyumri in 2015 lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Russia. In the application filed with the ECHR the successors alleged that their rights had been violated under Article 2 (Right to life) and Article 13 (Right to effective remedy) of the European Convention of Human Rights. They claim that Russia has not fulfilled its obligation for prevention of obvious threat to the victims lives, allegedly knowing that Permyakov could not be conscripted into the army and had no right to use weapon. They also insist in the complaint that Russia has not informed Armenian law enforcement officers about Permyakovs desertion in time. The fact that the successors of the murdered family have not received access to investigation conducted by Russian authorities is mentioned among procedural faults. Thus, the applicants blew their chances for enforcement of their rights in the case including the right to file motions, challenge investigators decisions and others. America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance! Michael Curtis In one of the great speeches of the 20th century, General Charles de Gaulle on BBC Radio on June 18,1940 spoke to the French people after the government of France had capitulated to Nazi Germany. Optimistically, he argued that France would be able in the future to overcome the enemy by a "superior mechanical force." The fate of the world depended on it. Hope, de Gaulle said, must not disappear. Today, the democratic world must respond to the enemy, radical Islam and Islamist terrorism, with the same force and in the same spirit that de Gaulle embodied. The task has become increasingly difficult and complicated with the changing nature of the threat and the varied massacres and terrorist Islamist attacks. The West has also now become aware of the sophisticated propaganda machine of the jihadist terrorist groups, especially ISIS, whose propaganda spreads on the internet, Skype, Facebook, YouTube, and satellite outlets. Now revelations about one intelligence unit, EMNI, responsible for an external terrorist network, of the secret service of ISIS, is the latest cause for Western concern. The first organized attack on the West came from groups such as al-Qaeda that concentrated on important or symbolic targets. Osama bin Laden was responsible for 9/11 and war on U.S., arguing that the U.S. had massacred Muslim people and supported Israel. To this attack was added the fight against those regimes, including Saudi Arabia, that aided the U.S. Then terrorist groups in different countries attacked "soft targets" train stations and hotels. More recently, so-called lone wolf jihadists have attacked Jewish museums, night clubs, the promenade of a fashionable seaside resort, in European countries. It is essential for all defending Western civilization to be aware of the ideology that drives all these different terrorist activities. The rise of Islamist violence and terrorism has illustrated a clash of cultures in the world, not universal agreement on some hypothetical end of history. Muslim societies accepting that "the Koran is our Constitution" are antithetical to Western democracies and the secular rule of law. Glorification of terrorists is incompatible with a system of law and order, however imperfect. The rise of jihadism stems from an extreme form of Islam, not the revenge of Muslim countries for Western colonialism. The problem for the West started in the 18th century in the area of Najd in the Arabian Peninsula, when two men met. One was a religious figure, Abd al-Wahhab, son of an Islamic cleric (juge) who wanted to stop Bedouins from being pagans. The objective was to return to a "pure" Islam, that of the Prophet and his companions. This was the extreme, puritanical, and rigid form of Islamist doctrine. This overlaps with Salafism, which goes back to an even earlier period, the first three generations of Islam, the so-called "Pious Predecessors." In the small town of Diriya, Wahhab in 1744 met Ibn Saud, ruler of the area, and agreed on an arrangement. This was the pact that involved the lowering of taxes on agricultural products and the raising of revenue by a process of jihad and conquest of neighboring cities on one side and religious extremism on the other. The alliance of the two men led to conquest of Arabia and the imposition of both centralized administration and the extreme religious point of view on it. The area gradually changed from continual tribal wars in search of spoils to a political center and a dominant Saudi ruling family, and to Wahhabism, an extreme form of Islam, as the dominant form. At first, Wahhabism was concerned with defense of Muslim countries against "impurity" within them. This meant having a military force, a fanatical sect that included mercenaries. Then grew the emphasis on jihad, the assault of Western systems, that became more urgent with the creation by Hassan al-Banna, a 22-year old teacher, in 1928 in Cairo of the Muslim Brotherhood. It was the first important movement that tried to unite activist Muslims to affirm an Islamic identity in the face of British and French colonialism. Therefore, a major objective of Banna was the restoration of the caliphate, a political system that had been abolished by Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1924, to rule over Arab countries. Moreover, that caliphate was to exercise political power, to become politically important, and to reform society. Parenthetically, Banna was the grandfather of Tariq Ramadan, the Swiss-born academic, often a spokesperson for the Brotherhood and an extreme critic of Israel. In 2013, he wrote that the overthrow of the Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, Brotherhood leader, was orchestrated by a conspiracy of the U.S. and Israel. Inherent in the position of the Brotherhood is that the Muslim ruler should be destroyed if he contravenes the divine law. The Brotherhood had tried to assassinate President Gamal Abdel Nasser in October 1954 and succeeded in assassinating President Anwar Sadat on October 6, 1981. In the 1960s, the Brotherhood became even more extreme with the influence of Sayyid Qutb, who emphasized resort to violence and overthrow of bad Muslim governments. It was the teaching of Qutb, who was executed in 1966, that led to Sadat's assassination and to continuing jihadism. For the West, the threat of Salafist jihadist terrorism stems from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The opposition to that event was a combination of Saudi and American force, the employment of American money and the CIA, and the recruitment of local fighters by the U.S. and Pakistan. Motives were different. The U.S. was engaged in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The local fighters were liberating territory of an occupied Muslim country. The Taliban was born. Salafists are of various kinds. Some insist on piety, education, and predication; others are more interested in political and nonviolent reforms. The third group, advocates of global jihadism, is what affects the West and Muslim countries. Starting in the fight against regimes of Algeria and Egypt, jihadism spread to Albania and the Caucasus. By late 1990s, global jihad against the West was basis of al-Qaeda. The fall of Saddam Hussein led al-Qaeda to become influential in Iraq. Organized jihadism then became nihilist, with the creation of ISIS in 2006 and the caliphate in 2013, both jihadist and a territorial state. Like de Gaulle in 1940 fighting against Nazi Germany, Western leaders, together with Russia, must pluck up courage and fight the evil. It helps to know who the enemy is. The next president of the U.S. must fight from the front, not from behind. KATHMANDU, Aug 12: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has underlined 'human error' as to be blamed for many recurrent flight accidents despite the fact that a probe committee report had been fully enforced. At the Parliament's Good Governance and Monitoring Committee meeting held here today, Ministry's Secretary Prem Kumar Rai vowed to strictly abide by the policy to check the pilots' health condition before any flights. Stating that a special focus had been lent on use of new regulations and technology in aviation sector, Secretary Rai presented the facts before the meeting acknowledging the occurrence of accidents with flights crashing into the cliff sides even if aircrafts and pilots were in good condition. Referring to the analysis of the probe committee report indicating a need to focus on the pilot's behaviour, the Secretary expressed commitment to implement the report by rendering the investigation trustworthy. The pilot steers the aircraft in two ways in particular through visual direction and by using the help of technology. Most of the flight mishaps in Nepal are recorded in the hilly regions. The meeting was briefed on the increased risk of accidents when pilots cannot find direction due to a sudden change of weather inclemently. Ministry's Joint Secretary Suresh Acharya insisted on the urgency of keeping a separate mechanism to regulate and check the flight accidents in the aviation sector. In the wake of increasing air accidents in recent time, the Ministry has initiated works to warn the scraping of license of the pilot entering clouds in the name of showing courage even after seeing a looming danger. Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Sanjib Gautam said that last efforts of the Authority were on to remove Nepal from the blacklist of the European Union that bans Nepali flights into EU member countries, citing a standards violation. RSS Kathmandu, Nepal: The CPN Maoist Center leader Janardan Sharma has announced his resignation from the post of the chairman of the Public Account Committee (PCA) at the Parliament, thanks to the internal differences in the party. Sharma has made the announcement of resignation during the panels meeting at Singhdurbar on Friday. He has reasoned the resignation as changed political context but insiders of the party have claim that his dissatisfaction over the party decision while selecting the names as the ministers was the sole reason behind his resignation. According to the source, Sharma, who claims himself as senior than Krishna Bahadur Mahara, was hope full to be appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. With the Sharmas announcement, the internal differences of the party are visibly surfaced. According to source party leader some leaders including Top Bahadur Rayamajhi is also not satisfy with the party decision. DHANGADHI (Kailali), Aug 12: Two persons were killed and nine others injured when a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell some 100 meters down along Sahajpur road of the Dhangadhi-Dadeldhura Highway at around 1 am on Friday. The deceased have been identified as Yogendra BK and Khagendra BK, both of Basudevi VDC in Doti district. Of the injured, seven are receiving treatment at Padhma Hospital at Attariya while two others including the driver, who are said to be in serious condition, have been referred to India for further treatment, police said. The bus, Na 6 Kha 1691, was headed for Dhangadhi from Dipayal. RSS livemint.com - July 04 2016 While India has made huge strides in building modern economic installations since its independence, religion still enjoys more importance than many other fields Roshan Kishore There are more places of worship in India than there are schools or colleges, hotels, hospitals or factories, according to the census. Photo: Indranil Bhoumik/Mint New Delhi: Inaugurating the Bhakra-Nangal dam, Indiaas first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru described large dams, steel plants and factories as temples of modern India. While India has made huge strides in building modern economic installations since its independence, religion still enjoys more importance than many other fields. According to the census, there are more places of worship in India than there are schools or colleges, hotels, hospitals or factories. The Census of India gives data on houses (as it terms them) and the use to which they are put. A census house is defined as a building or part of a building having a separate main entrance from the road or a common courtyard or staircase, and recognised as a separate unit. A census house can be inhabited or vacant and be used for residential or non-residential purposes or both. According to the 2011 census, India has 330 million census houses. A majority of these, around 216 million were simply residences. But there are around 3.01 million that are places of worship, more than the number of schools and colleges ( 2.1 million). India has more places to worship than study The data varies widely across states. In Himachal Pradesh, less than 50% of census houses are used for residential purposes. The share of census houses used as hotels, lodges, guest houses etc. in Goa is more than five times the all-India average, in line with the stateas reputation as a tourist destination. Delhi has two factories/workshops, sheds per 100 census houses. For Bihar, the number is 0.3. Goa has most hotels, Delhi has least places of worship A comparison of 2001 and 2011 data shows that in terms of proportions, vacant houses saw the most increase. An earlier Plain Facts piece had pointed out the abnormally high share of vacant houses in India. The residences category has seen the largest decline. To be sure, these changes are not of large magnitude. Share of vacant houses has increased the most between 2001 and 2011 A district level analysis shows some interesting patterns. The Central district in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, which has areas such as Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh, is the most commercialized in the country with highest share of shops/offices and factories/workshops. Biharas poor condition in health infrastructure can be gauged from the fact that the state has 12 of the 20 districts with lowest share of hospitals among census houses. Central district in Delhi is the most commercialized in the country What explains such a large number of places of worship in India? Is it because Indians are religious or is it because there are many religions in India? S.S. Jodhka, a professor of sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, says social processes might be at play. In India, the symbolism associated with building a place of worship is often used by a community to announce its presence or importance. For example, when a caste group gains affluence, it might build a separate temple or gurudwara. Migration might also have led to creation of a lot more places of worship in the country. With religion becoming an enterprise, and with the emergence of many religious gurus and god-men (and women), the trend may continue, Jodhka added. scroll.in - 11 August 2016 INTERVIEW Urvashi Butalia on why men killed women and children of their families during Partition The writer and publisher shares her views on why both India and Pakistan find it difficult to confront the horrors of 1947. Ajaz Ashraf Writer and Publisher Urvashi Butaliaas The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India is based on the stories she recorded of those who were traumatised by their experiences of having lived through the nightmare of 1947. In this interview with Scroll, she digs deep into these stories to explain why men killed their own families, the trauma of women who were abducted and raped, and why India and Pakistan are disinterested in Partition history. Excerpts: Your book is based on the oral account of people who lived through the nightmare of Partition. How many of them did your interview? I interviewed about 70 people, but not all were of the same length and intensity. I decided to use five or six substantively a these were very long and intensive ones, some of which I did over months a and quote from others in the book. Of your interviewees, you say, aThere had been, at Partition, no agooda people and no abada ones; virtually every family had a history of being both victims and aggressors in the violence.a What was the degree of their complicity in Partition violence? It was not necessarily complicity. We found in both India and Pakistan that Partition was difficult to confront and talk about. In order to talk about it, we would have to acknowledge that both sides were equally guilty, in case you can use that word. For instance, it wasnat like the Holocaust, where you had the Jews and the Nazis. Of course, you had a range of ordinary people who allowed the violence against the Jews or benefited from it a like companies which used concentration camp labour. Unlike the Holocaust, in Partition, both sides were guilty of violence. Both sides were aggressors and victims. Often, there were histories of violence within families, which they silenced. There could have been history of complicity in the violence they subjected their own women to. Or you might have known about somebody who was attacked, but you were too helpless to stop it a and you, therefore, let that history go. Or you might have participated in violence yourself. So the complicity in Partition was at many levels. Yes. For example, when I spoke to my father and people of his generation, they told me about how they were inspired by the RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh] and its stories of Muslim violence. It inspired them to make bottle-bombs at home. It was very strange because the closest friends of my dad, who worked for The Tribune then, were Muslims. He left the keys of his flat in Lahore with a Muslim friend of his. Yet they never saw that [making bottle-bombs] as being complicit. Did they see it as an act of self-defence? Yes. But it was more like junoon [obsession that borders on madness] a since everyone was doing that, they also did that. I, however, think it was much more complicated. The relationships of intimacy were much more intricate and, equally then, it became difficult for them to disentangle themselves from violence, from their complicity in it. So there was a blurring of the line dividing victims from aggressors. It gets very blurred. I interviewed a guy, Kulwant Singh, who was wounded in the March 1947 violence [that occurred in Rawalpindi] and lay on the ground for 24 hours with fire raging all around him. The Army subsequently rescued him. But he also told me of many stories of his own complicity and those of his friends in the violence. The point I am making is that in case you want to look at Partition and what happened, you have to have a great deal of honesty and understanding that it was the time when everybody somehow got entangled in it one way or another. This kind of history becomes so much more difficult to confront. Why is that so? This is because between the two countries, we donat have that level of honesty at all. We operate on fear, dishonesty and suspicion, so how do you find out the truth? Is this the reason why neither India nor Pakistan has done anything to memorialise Partition? Or is it because the two principal entities a the Congress and the Muslim League a ultimately got Independence, and the good news overshadowed the bad news? It is both. Partition was the dark side of Independence for both countries. For Pakistan, it was its birth, and, therefore, kya zaroorat padi hai [what is the need] to remember the bloody side of that birth. In India, it marked the triumph over the British and becoming a nation on its own. But it is also that if India and Pakistan remember Partition with honesty, they would have to admit that politicians agreed for the sake of power to what became a bloodbath. The human cost was so heavy a and it continues even today. It is also very useful for India and Pakistan to demonise each other even today. It makes any dialogue on difficult issues impossible. This is because there is an unacknowledged history, which we do not talk about. This is another reason why there are no memorials, although some sporadic efforts are being made. At Purana Qila in Delhi, lakhs of refugees stayed, but there isnat even a plaque which mentions that history. Nor do you have anything at Humayunas tomb, which was the place for Muslim refugees. You donat have plaques at Tihar village or Kingsway Camp or Faridabad, a city which was established to house Partition refugees. [Social reformer and freedom-fighter] Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay begged and pleaded for money to establish Faridabad, and then went on to do it on her own a and got money later. Faridabad is next to Delhi, but we are not interested in these kind of things, we want to just... Move on? It is not even about moving on, which doesnat happen itni aasaanii se [so easily]. Had we wanted to move on, we would have been more interested in Partition history. Actually, we are disinterested in Partition history because we want to hold on to those enmities. Your book provides accounts of men like Mangal Singh and his brothers who killed 17 of their family or Bir Bahadur Singh, who watched his father slaughter 26 of their extended family. In both these cases, only women and children were killed. What was the idea behind killing them? Men feared that while they could get away, ride horses, wield weapons, move fast a women and children couldnat. The men thought women and children could be a drag on them. Yes, but much more than that was the fact that women are supposed to be the repository of honour of the community. This we see even today, for instance, with khaps. This was more so among the Hindus and Sikhs than Muslims. They feared women would be abducted, raped and, therefore, they would be polluted by the blood of the other community. Why was it less among Muslims? Partly, it is because purity-pollution and caste donat play the same kind of role among Muslims as these do among Hindus and Sikhs. Although it might sound far-fetched, marriage in Islam is a contract. In Hinduism, it is a sacrament. So if your wife is violated, the sacrament is violated. Islam has a far more practical point of view on this issue. So the fear that women would be abducted, raped, and polluted had Hindus and Sikhs think it was better to kill them. To kill them was clearly murder. So they had to give the act a sheen, a cover, and so came the idea of martyrdom a that theirs were honourable deaths, or auratein shaheed ho gayeen [women embraced martyrdom]. We wonder why India and Pakistan havenat talked about Partition. But if you look at the men who killed their own families, the cost must have been very heavy. You canat murder your family and live your life without the terrible burden weighing on you. But they werenat able to speak to anybody about it. I often think of my grandmothera Who stayed behind in Pakistan, right? She was made to stay behind by my uncle. He was young and religion did not mean anything to him. But she was a believing Hindu, practiced purity and pollution. I donat know much about what happened to her post-Partition. I did find out that she lived long after that, and I think she lost her mind a little bit. I can imagine what kind of psychological trauma she must have gone through. She must have woken up one day to realise that all her children but one had vanished, and that she was not to see them ever again. They were not children but adults. My mother was 27 at the time of Partition, and she was the third sister. Barring one maamaa [maternal uncle] and one mausi [maternal aunt], others were not children. She must have had nobody to ask, she must have lived with the trauma about where her children were, and why they betrayed her. On top of it, she had to convert. Did she convert willingly? No, no, no, she was made to convert by my uncle. My uncle converted willingly. That was because he perhaps thought head fit in well in Pakistan. Yes, but he wanted to marry a Muslim girl, whom he did marry, my maamii [maternal aunt]. How did those who killed their family members live with it? Many of them continued to be haunted by it. Of course, they rationalised it. The narrative of martyrdom played a big role in it. So in gurdwaras, they would be picked out as families of martyrs. The person who talked most about it was Mangal Singh [who along with his brothers killed 17 of their family]. When I asked him, he gave a rather moving answer. Turning to the fields, he said Punjab is called sone ki chidya [a golden bird], and this is because we have put all our grief and forgetting into this land, that is, we have irrigated it with our grief and it has given back to us (prosperity). It never occurred to these men to kill themselves as well? It did, but I guess it takes a lot of courage to do that. Bir Bahaduras father killed himself with a gunshot a day or two after killing his daughter and others. Obviously, he couldnat bear it. But others lived with it, many of them in silence. So what was it like for them? I remember talking to somebody who was part of [political psychologist]Ashis Nandyas project on Partition violence. One of his researchers spoke of having interviewed a man, a Sikh, who was a doctor in a hospital. He told her the story about how when the hospital was likely to be attacked, the nurses and other women workers had given him a gun and said, aShould anything happen, please kill us.a When the attack was imminent, he killed several of them. He had never, ever talked about it. Finally, he told this story to the researcher. And she said she was never able to meet him because she could never face him. She said his wife was very angry with her and she couldnat understand why. I thought to myself, aReally? You unleashed this whole story lying suppressed in somebody who has to live with the consequences of that.a In other countries, you have psychological support for such a person. Many people lived in silence with such stories. Others who spoke had to live with the consequences of that. As researchers, we have to ask ourselves whether we can take the responsibility for making their stories public and what it will do to the person whose story it is. Is this the reason why we donat come across in your book stories of Hindus or Sikhs who killed Muslims or Muslims who killed Hindus or Sikhs, apart from one cursory line about a Sikh who as a child was involved in a killing spree and would wake up screaming at night? This narrative isnat there because I decided I didnat really want to look at perpetrators, although it wasnat such a clear-cut decision. When I talked to this man (who as a child went on a killing spree), he wasnat willing to talk about it. Everyone around him knew the story, and we set up two-three meetings, but he backed out on each occasion. I also felt I didnat know how to deal with perpetrators and so stayed away from them. However, Mangal Singh was a perpetrator as anybody else. But yes, it was difficult to get such people (that is, Sikhs and Hindus killing Muslims and vice-versa) to talk about it. I suppose they canat rationalise their killings unlike, say, those who did away with their own family members. Yes, they canat rationalise it. In fact, when I first spoke to Mangal Singh, he told me the whole story. But when I talked to him for the film which my friends were making for Channel IV, he refused to say this on the screen. He was scared that the law would catch up with him. There were some 100,000 women who were abducted. India and Pakistan signed the Inter-Dominion Treaty on December 6, 1947 for recovering as many abducted women as possible. Why was it that there were some women who didnat wish to be rescued, and even resisted it? The state assumed that all Hindu-Muslim or Sikh-Muslim man-woman relationships after March 1, 1947 had to be coercive [this provision was part of the treaty]. Life isnat so straightforward, is it? There canat be a cut-off date where relationships become coercive. Even when terrible things are happening between two countries, people can still fall in love, can still have relationships across religions. Law is black-and-white a it canat take lifeas ambiguities and nuances. So the law itself was very coercive. By the time the rescue team went out and found women who had been abducted, they were in relationships, coercive or otherwise. They had children and families, and they didnat want a second displacement. Many such women said that marriage was abduction anyway. They said they would anyway get pushed into marriage with men whom they didnat know and have sex with them, have childrena For them, marriage through abduction was very similar. Anis Kidwai, whose book [In Freedomas Shade] I used extensively, talks about this. Many women whom Kidwai spoke to also told her that their abductors treated them well, gave them nice things to wear, so why should they leave them. Some of them also fell in love with their abductors. It is not impossible. Stockholm Syndrome? Well, it could be that. There is the famous story of Zainab and Buta Singh. They did fall in love and they were forced to separate. He had purchased Zainab. [Intervieweras note: Zainab was abducted from a kafila or caravan that was wending its way to Pakistan. She was passed from one hand to another until Buta Singh, a Sikh bachelor, purchased her. He married Zainab. They had two daughters. The rescue team tracked Zainab to the village near Amritsar. She had no choice but to go with the rescue team. The entire village came out to bid her farewell. As she stepped out of the house with her younger child, she turned to Singh, pointed to the elder daughter and said, aTake care of this girla. Iall be back soon.a Buta Singh applied to the Pakistan High Commission for a change in nationality and a passport. However, the application was rejected. Subsequently, he was granted a short-term visa to visit Pakistan. In his rush to find out Zainab, he didnat report to the police station within 24 hours of arriving there, as is still the rule. He was arrested. He explained to the magistrate in court why he forgot to report to police. Zainab was summoned to the court. Married to a cousin, and tightly ringed by her relatives, she told the court, aI am a married woman. Now I have nothing to do with this man. He can take his second child whom I have brought from his houseaa Shattered, Buta Singh put himself under a train and died. His body was taken to Lahore for autopsy and a huge crowd turned up. Some were reported to have wept. A suicide note found on him made a request that he be buried in Zainabas village. But this wish was turned down by the members of Zainabas community. Ultimately, Buta Singh was buried in Lahore.] The Inter-Dominion Treaty must have set off yet another chain of disaster for abducted women who were repatriated. It did. When they were brought back, many of their families refused to take them back. So they ended up spending time in ashrams in Karnal and Jalandhar and other places. Some took up jobs. In Pakistan, the All Pakistan Womenas Association worked quite hard to get these women married. Perhaps it was easier there because of the point you made earlier a of marriage being a contract in Islam. It was relatively easier there. But it wasnat always the case. Recently, on Zindagi channel there was an interesting serial based on a Partition novel, Bano, which was an abduction story from the other side [Pakistan]. A Muslim woman [living in Ludhiana] is abducted by a Sikh. She had been engaged to a boy whom she was in love with. She doesnat want to marry the Sikh, who rapes her. She has a child by him. Finally, she finds her way back to Pakistan, after killing her abductor. All this time her fiancA is pining for her. But after a long wait in which he is told that she has died, his marriage is fixed. It is around this time the abducted woman arrives. She is housed in a home for women, where she makes the lehenga for the woman whom the boy is to marry. You quote from the RSSas mouthpiece, Organiser, in which articles tend to convey that Hindus were victims, and those among them who did indulge in violence were very few who succumbed to what it calls abase passiona . Did the RSS depict this flawed picture because it wanted to turn Hindu vengeance into a permanent desire? At that time, they did definitely project Hindus and Sikhs as victims. But it wasnat just the RSS. If you read the SGPC [Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee] report of that time, as also GD Khoslaas report (he was commissioned to write on Partition violence by the government) which appeared as a book, Stern Reckoning, and the overall narrative of the RSS in the Organiser, you will find overlaps. The RSSas narrative is much more extreme, of course. It builds a narrative around the theme that the Muslim is strongly sexual, with an uncontrolled libido, and if you allow it free expression, then the Hindu and Sikh womanas sexuality, till now kept in check by men of their communities, will be equally freed and become very dangerous. Built on it is the narrative of the masculinity of Muslims and the lack of it in Hindus a they are shown as weak, emasculated, non-meat eating a what rubbish. Thus, Hindus are shown suffering because of Muslims. The Hindu isnat abducting or raping women. If he is indeed raping women, it is either because there has been a terrible provocation or it is an aberration. This is the narrative they are building all the time. Even now? Even now. I am forgetting his name, but in 1992 or thereafter, there was an MP in Delhi who would endlessly use Partition stories to ask Hindus to take revenge on Muslim women because of what was done to their women then. It is less so at the moment, but it isnat because they donat want to. Given a chance they would like to even now. For instance, isnat this what they actually say about alove jihada ? In the 2002 Gujarat riots, too? Yes. It is like using the past to justify their deeds in the present. Exactly. I was horrified to read graphic accounts of fathers killing their family members. How did you cope with it? It wasnat easy a it was, in fact, very difficult. It was very unnerving and very burdensome to hear Partition stories. I transcribed each of them, and I would read them over and over again. I cried a lot reading the Partition interviews I did. Ajaz Ashraf is a journalist in Delhi. His novel, The Hour Before Dawn, has as its backdrop the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Kris Kobach death penalty ad uses footage of Tiger Woods DUI arrest A new ad from Kris Kobach featured footage of golf star Tiger Woods being arrested with the language "no capital punishment for cop killers." I know I may have said this before but I used to think that a school was only as good as the three-legged stool that it is - parents, teachers/staff and principal. I soon learned that without a good principal, you might not ever want to sit on that stool. I have also often wondered if Seattle Schools had just bad luck/poor judgment about principals or if other districts have the same kind of churn. And principals aren't the same category as teachers. They don't have a union per se but in SPS, they have their own org, PASS (Principals Association of Seattle Schools). They oversee hundreds of students, not a single class. They have to juggle multiple balls of budget, discipline, curriculum and governance of a staff. That plus make parents and students feel good about the school. It was also an interesting fact for Seattle Schools that only until recently, they had three principals who had all graduated from the school that they now oversaw. That was Martin Floe at Ingraham High If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). A remodel of the space at 473 Haight Street where an expansion of popular medical cannabis dispensary SPARC had caused some last-minute controversy among some neighbors can proceed, the Planning Commission determined. The body unanimously favored SPARC in a Discretionary Review of the remodel, which was launched by neighboring business owner Azam Khan of Love Haight Computers. "I requested a DR on the 400 block," Khan said before the Commission in taped footage, "[and] 16 out of 18 merchants are strongly against this and submitted a letter against this." SPARC meanwhile questioned that so many merchants actually objected, and had hundreds of signatures of support from the neighborhood. Khan questioned why Planning did not do a discretionary review of the whole project, which is within 1000 feet of a school. Later, a zoning official explained that, because a preceding dispensary in this space, Good Fellows, had its license grandfathered in from a period before a 1000-foot rule had been instated, and that it was now Good Fellows' license that had been transferred to SPARC, such an objection technically didn't apply. "We are proud to receive unanimous support from the Planning Commission on our dispensary remodel project," SPARC public affairs manager Joel Freston said in a statement to Hoodline. Leading up to the Planning Commission vote, heated arguments and alleged threats toward SPARC from at least a couple longtime locals created a hostile and contentious atmosphere. Figures like Pierre Pegeron, a co-owner at a nearby business, seemed irked by the irony of installing a mainstream, legal dispensary on a block that has worked to eradicate persistent illegal drug use and violence. SPARC employees claimed a man that may have been Pegeron threatened and intimidated them, which Pegeron denies. SPARC will now proceed with building out the second location of its operation, once dubbed "the Apple Store of pot dispensaries." Previously: New Lower Haight Medical Pot Dispensary Has Local Merchants Bickering, Possibly Lobbing Threats A series of racially offensive texts sent by two Oakland police officers, the revelation of which led directly or indirectly to the removal of the third of three police chiefs in quick succession in June, has resulted in those two officers getting suspended. As the Chronicle reports, the city of Oakland issued a statement about the suspensions Wednesday but declined to identify the officers by name, citing state privacy laws. We know, however, from when news of the scandal broke, that the texts in question assuming we're talking about the same texts were exchanged between two African-American officers, Lt. Tony Jones and his former friend Sgt. Mike Gantt. Jones had already been placed on leave as of June as part of a wider investigation into the texts. Again, however, we can not confirm that these same two officers were the ones suspended. Per the Chron, Mayor Libby Schaaf, who previously derided the "frat house" culture of the police department, confirmed that the suspended officers were both African American. One of the offending texts, revealed by the City of Oakland and captured on camera by NBC Bay Area (shown above), depicts an image of Ku Klux Klan members whispering to one another "N***ers be killing themselves for us." Per KRON 4, the Oakland Police Department will be undergoing "a refresher course the citys anti-discrimination and non-harassment policies." City spokesperson Karen Boyd said, "In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accountability to the public, the city of Oakland is providing as much information regarding the outcome of this investigation as we are allowed to share by law." Meanwhile, Sgt. Gantt was also implicated in a separate investigation involving crime scene paperwork he'd submitted. As KRON 4 reported, Gantt, who is married, allegedly had a girlfriend write reports for him, and was known to leave evidence at her home, potentially putting important convictions at risk because it was out of his custody. Previously: Oakland Loses Third Police Chief In A Week Amid Brand New Racist Texting Scandal Following years of delay, we learn today via the Examiner that some SFPD officers are finally (finally!) being equipped with body-worn cameras. The cameras are popular both among advocates who hope they will bring increased accountability to a police force that has in the recent past shot and killed several people in questionable circumstances, and among the police force acting SFPD Chief Toney Chaplin vocally supported their deployment earlier this summer. Of the planned 1,800 cameras that officials plan to put to use, 70 are already out in the field in an early test of the technology. Officers equipped with the first batch will learn how to best use the cameras and will later train the remaining members of the force in best practices. Cameras are slated to be fully deployed at the Bayview and Ingleside Stations first, with other stations to follow. Its business as usual, San Francisco police Sergeant John Conway, equipped with one of the cameras, told the paper. We just have one more tool. That it took so long to get them deployed ex-Police Chief Greg Suhr began talking about this program five years ago frustrated many, but now that they're here we can expect the cameras to play a vital role in the investigation of any future police shootings. One potential controversy, regarding when officers would get a chance to review the footage, was mostly skirted after it was decided that following police shootings officers must first give a brief statement before they are allowed to watch any footage. In almost every other situation, however, officers can review the footage before giving statements. This is a game changer for the San Francisco Police Department and moves us firmly into 21st Century Policing, acting SFPD Chief Toney Chaplin said in a press release when the body-cam policy was finalized. We welcome this agreement with the San Francisco Police Officers Association and we look forward to the deployment of the cameras as soon as possible. While that day has finally come, only time will tell what impact the cameras truly have on both the police and the citizenry. Previously: For The Nth Time, SFPD Says They'll Have Body Cameras Soon, Now By August 1 Will tech stay or will tech go? IDK! But one thing's for certain: That persistent question isn't going anywhere. I get it! It makes sense to ask, given the outsized influence the tech industry has had on the San Francisco Bay Area, not to mention our very idea of the Bay Area. So, to think that could change, maybe even suddenly as some signs point to, presents a Big Question. The call to ask it today is a new report from job search site Indeed that reckons more than a quarter of Bay Area tech workers are looking to leave for other tech hubs. The relative values of tech salaries in different cities, also examined by the report, justifies that push: $113,497 a year in San Francisco, which Indeed puts as the area's industry average, doesn't go as far as $98,215 in Seattle, that city's industry average. In fact, the report ranked San Francisco as 13th in best value for tech salaries. Doesn't take a STEM wiz to tell you that #13 is not #1! The difference in the business cycle now, versus 10 years ago, is that these types of workers now have a dozen other cities where they could find great career opportunities. Paul DArcy of Indeed tells the Business Times, who highlighted the report. Between the Bay Area and those other markets, the gap is closed in terms of adjusted salary. Twenty six percent of software engineers in San Francisco are searching for jobs out of state, BuzzFeed quotes DArcy. It used to be people in San Francisco made much more, but that gap is decreasing. With the dramatic increase in cost of living, the economics are becoming less favorable to workers. Of course we've heard this before from Indeed. Last month they were saying that 88 percent of Bay Area tech workers who used their premium job search tool wanted to leave the area within a year. The takeaway there? People who pay to look for new jobs and do so in new regions probably do want to get new jobs in new regions! Compared to that 88 percent number, this 26 percent one sounds more reasonable, but since we were presented with 88 percent first, I hope you'll pardon the skepticism. The report also concludes that the companies actually hiring in San Francisco are mostly not tech by trade, which throws this all into relief. Says DArcy: We will see a shift in the kind of businesses that can can stay... This is reflected perfectly in the diversity of businesses with open positions. Here, those were (in order): Salesforce, Gap Inc., Sutter Health, Uber, First Republic Bank, Dignity Health, UCSF, City & County of SF, Macy's (how old is this data?), and Fitbit. Related: Poll: More And More Tech Workers Say They Plan To Leave Their Jobs To Go Elsewhere In The Country "Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, nobody would even believe it." That's a little motivational speaking from Gurbaksh Chahal, the pretty thoroughly disgraced ad tech mogul who rose to fame after selling a startup for $300 million before falling precipitously from grace when two women came forward to allege that he had, in similar fashions, hit and kicked them repeatedly in his San Francisco penthouse apartment. Today, the public will learn whether or not a court of law believes that Chahal deserves jail time for violating his probation, which a judge determined last month he had done with that second alleged attack. Update: According to Ellen Huet of Bloomberg on Twitter as well as Business Insider and others, Chahal got 12 months in county jail in a sentence that's been stayed pending an appeal, which his lawyers have 30 days to file. He'll be released today on bail of $250,0000. The District Attorney, it seems, was seeking a heavier sentence: 18 months. Gurbaksh Chahal, tech mogul who punched and kicked girlfriend 117 times, caught on video, arrives for sentencing pic.twitter.com/QbMIeZAzvF Sam Levin (@SamTLevin) August 12, 2016 Chahal was charged with 47 felonies in 2013, as prosecutors claimed that video from the penthouse showed the now 34-year-old hitting and kicking his then-girlfriend 117 times. During the case, Chahal consulted former mayor and practicing attorney Willie Brown, whom he paid handsomely, and the video was later deemed inadmissible because it was found that it had been illegally seized. We did put together a fabulous defense team under, you know, the canons of ethic, Brown said after his involvement was revealed. Chahal pleaded guilty of just two misdemeanors: "We followed all of the rules and regulations and saved him. That video, however, has now been introduced as evidence after last month;s probation ruling, likely influencing today's sentence Awaiting that, Bloomberg dug into Chahal's troubled business life, finding damning and disturbing details of his treatment of employees and women generally. Some things in the piece are just plain bizarre: For example, Chahal "created an alter ego named Christian Gray, according to a half dozen people familiar with the situation." "The character, who shares a very similar name with one from 50 Shades of Grey, has his own LinkedIn page featuring a head shot of Josh Dallas, an actor who appears on the ABC fairytale drama Once Upon a Time. Chahal would e-mail marketing professionals as Gray, and when he hooked a potential customer, the CEO would berate staff for being outsold by a fake person, said the people, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution. Two people said Chahal had at times used Grays sales leads as an excuse to fire workers." Bloomberg also found aSoundcloud account of an album Chahal produced and released a holiday party at his company, Gravity4. Chahal contributed to the album's outro track, and it's complete psychobabble. "Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, nobody would even believe it," says Chahal. We'll see about that. Update: Indeed. Previously: Ad Tech Millionaire G Chahal Violated Probation, Will Face Jail Time 'G' Chahal Now Being Sued By Employee He Allegedly Threatened To Beat Up, Called A 'Terrorist' A JetBlue flight bound for Sacramento from Boston encountered severe turbulence Thursday that sent objects, passengers, and flight attendants flying through the cabin, resulting in 24 people needing treatment for injuries. As the Sacramento Bee reports, the flight had to be diverted due to weather to Rapid City, South Dakota, where it landed at 7:30 p.m. Per the Boston Globe, flight 429 took off from Logan Airport in Boston at 5:25 p.m., and all was fairly normal on the flight until a "sudden drop" occurred. Dr. Alan H. Lee, an orthopedic surgeon, wrote in to the paper to describe the experience, which involved the kind of crazy turbulence flight attendants warn you about when they tell you to fasten your seatbelt. "I was working on my laptop when the plane suddenly dropped, Lee wrote in an e-mail to the Globe. I dont know how far it dropped, but all I recall is my laptop almost hit the ceiling, several other passengers hit their heads, and a bunch of the overhead bins popped open." According to Lee, the sudden drop in altitude was what caused all of the injuries. People were flying all over the place, Lee said. If people werent wearing their seatbelt, they hit their head on the ceiling. Another passenger on the flight, Rhonda Lynam told ABC News, "People were floating. All of a sudden, it was as if you're on an elevator, 50 stories high, and it goes out of control. Then you hit the bottom." Yet another passenger, Eileen Lynch, told Reuters, "I felt like I was in the tower of terror." Two of the 24 people injured were flight attendants, and Lee says he helped attend to one of the injured flight attendants after the crew issued a call for medical help. He told the Globe that three flight attendants standing in the rear galley of the plane all hit the ceiling, causing at least one hole in a ceiling tile. He described most of the injuries as "moderate lacerations and contusions." The plane landed safely in South Dakota and passengers then had to wait up to six hours for a replacement plane to be flown in from California, which they then boarded and flew to Sacramento. JetBlue issued an apology to Flight 429's passengers Friday morning, according to the Globe, saying that all passengers would receive "a service credit in the amount of the roundtrip fare paid (excluding taxes and fees) or $200 whichever is greater." The Upper Haight's experiment in pop-up food halls is coming to an abrupt end as Second Act Marketplace (1727 Haight Street), in part of what was formerly the Red Vic movie house, is closing its doors on August 28. Owners Jack and Betsy Rix, who were founding members of the Red Vic collective, explained to Hoodline that the reason for the closure has mostly to do with the vendors themselves three of them, RAW, Crepe La Vie, and Burma Bear, all moved on this past spring, and Anda Piroshki announced it is ceasing operations at the end of this month because its commercial kitchen rent tripled. Second Act will be focusing on special events for now, but the space is now up for lease. Betsy Rix tells the Chronicle, "Basically we had an amount of turnover that was unsustainable for us. It was already getting difficult to find new tenants, and finding four to five tenants was not happening. The food hall opened in 2014 and was one of several such concepts to appear around town, housing multiple small-scale vendors and food startups, like The Hall on Mid-Market, and The Myriad on Upper Market. Notably, RAW, a juice operation, relocated from Second Act to The Myriad, like seeking more foot traffic. Now, after a very brief second act, the former Red Vic will be heading for a third act, via a new lessee. Anda Piroshki, which also ran a second location in Bernal Heights food hall 331 Cortland, posted the video below to Facebook to say goodbye. SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Art Center will be launching a new exhibition, "Sioux City Art Center Selects," on Aug. 20. The public is invited to a free preview reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 19. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet many of the participating artists. The exhibition is a regional, juried exhibition open to all artists in Iowa, and all artists within 300 miles of Sioux City. Artists were asked to submit 10 pieces, which were judged in quality, consistency, and how well the reflected the artist's stated idea. From about 70 artists from throughout the region, the Art Center's director and curator selected eight artists to participate in the project. The Art Center will be awarding first, second, and third prizes to the artists. "We are fortunate to live in a region with an abundance of creativity. It was a very difficult task to pick only eight artists," said Art Center Curator Todd Behrens. "Although the artists we selected each work in vastly different ways, they are united by their curiosity, focus, intellect, and professionalism. The artists participating are: Stephanie Brunia from Oxford, Iowa, Dana Fritz from Lincoln, Nebraska, Rick Johns from Vermillion, South Dakota, Sherry Leedy from Kansas City, Missouri, Daniel Perry from Waterloo, Iowa, David Sebberson from St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Jessica Teckemeyer from Dubuque, Iowa. Screenings Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary. Programs/Self-Help Groups Al-Anon Information Center, call 255-6724. Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 255-6724. Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 252-1333. Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons. Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180. Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512. Children of Divorce, to help children cope with the challenges of parental separation or divorce. Call 712-279-2373 for more information. Clinics Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005. Information Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300. Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa. Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991. Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733. Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays at Floyd Valley Hospital, Lower Level, 714 Lincoln St. NE, Le Mars, Iowa; 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees. St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906. Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715. The Link-Recovery and Freedom, at PMA Building, 6000 Gordon Drive; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432. Women in Recovery, meets monthly at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For details, call 712-255-4623. Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410. Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public. Support Groups Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935. Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6:30 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Daycare provided. 712-490-3343. PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116. Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675. HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965. La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998. Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441. Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260. Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City. Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050. Divorce Care, noon Sundays starting Jan. 10; GriefShare, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 12; Single & Parenting, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 14; all at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814. NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209. New Life Life Support Group, 3:30 p.m. every Saturday at 2929 W. Fourth St. Spiritual 12-step program. For more information, call Donald at 712-574-1744 or James at 712-255-7624. Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213. Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129. Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential. Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information. Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December. Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939. Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927. Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766. Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151. Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315. Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453. Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516. Sojourners, support group for families of persons with life-threatening illness, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Room 416. For more information, call Marjorie Jarvill at 402-241-8637. South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133. Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS. Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686. Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential. Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders. Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page. A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319. Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St. Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church. 712-277-2901. Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387. After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370. After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426. Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802. Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319. Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260. Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900. DEAR DOCTOR K: I've been diagnosed with shingles. What can I take for the pain? DEAR READER: Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or just zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in your body's nerve tissues. It is inactive, but it can be reactivated later in life. This causes shingles. When the virus reactivates, it causes a burning or tingling sensation in the affected areas. A few days later, the virus causes a blistery rash. Your affected skin may be so painful and sensitive that you cannot even stand having your clothing touching the area. One patient of mine with shingles on his forearm switched for several weeks to wearing a short-sleeved shirt to the office, something he never had worn to work before. If you're over age 50 and have had shingles pain for less than three days, the current recommendations call for doctors to prescribe antiviral medicine to kill the virus that causes shingles. (If you are younger than 50 and very uncomfortable from shingles that began in the last three days, your doctor may still prescribe antiviral therapy.) The two medicines recommended most often are famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These antiviral medications not only help shorten the days of pain that you have, they also help reduce the risk of long-lasting shingles pain, a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain that accompanies shingles can be intense. If the antiviral medicine does not provide enough relief, you can take additional pain medicines. Start with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe more potent pain medicines; these include codeine, tramadol and (when the pain is very severe) oxycodone. Some studies led doctors to add corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone to the treatment of shingles. However, as more studies of this treatment have been completed, it looks as though these medicines may offer more risks than benefits. You should also gently rinse your skin rash and blisters once or twice daily with cool water. Your doctor may suggest that you use antibiotic ointment on open areas. Shingles usually takes seven to 10 days to run its course. Blisters may take several weeks to disappear completely. The duration of pain is highly variable. Most people's pain decreases within two or three months. However, a small number of people develop post-herpetic neuralgia and continue to have pain for many months, or even years. Different medications from those used during the attack of shingles are effective. These include tricyclic drugs, gabapentin and pregabalin. These drugs alter the way your central nervous system perceives pain signals. If the pain is severe, then the more potent drugs used for the pain of shingles may also be helpful. These include oxycodone, morphine and methadone. Other treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia being evaluated, but as yet unproven, include capsaicin, topical lidocaine and acupuncture. A shingles vaccine is recommended for most adults age 60 and older. Even though treatment is effective, nothing beats preventing the condition in the first place. Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. To send questions, go to AskDoctorK.com, or write: Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115. ORANGE CITY, Iowa | The story of Dutch Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom will be told next week in a musical performance by members of First Reformed Church. This will be the second public performance of "ten Boom, the Musical," written by Susan Meredith Beyer and Donna Marquean Griggs. It first was staged by Grace Christian School in Bennington, Vermont, in 2014. The musical is based on the book "The Hiding Place," written by ten Boom along with co-authors John and Elizabeth Sherrill. The two-act production chronicles the life of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and Christian, and her experiences hiding Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The play also follows the aftermath, including ten Boom's imprisonment. "Its just so, so impactful," said stage director Leanne Bonnecroy. "I dont think there will be a dry eye in the house." Bonnecroy also serves as director of children's ministry at First Reformed. One of the play's prominent cast members in the second act, Josie Moss, recently signed on to serve as Bonnecroy's assistant with the children's ministry. Moss plays the character Giselle. "It's been so fun to see everything come together," said Moss. "Weve only had two and a half months to work on this entire show and 70 percent of our cast are brand new to theater." Moss, however, is something of a veteran. She just completed the role of Consuelo in the Tulip Festival Night Show's production of "West Side Story." Tom Hydeen, music director for "ten Boom," said the musical came about as part of an open house to unveil the church's new facilities -- a new gymnasium, kindergarten through fifth grade Sunday school and an afterschool club area. There's also a large space for youth in grades six through 12. "The ten Boom story is a story of courage and perseverance," said Bonnecroy. "The Dutch connection also ties in nicely with the show and our community." The production, which takes place in the church's sanctuary, had the final touches added to the set on Monday. While there is no cost to attend the play, audience members can make free will donations with proceeds going to Samaritan's Purse, a humanitarian Christian organization that provides missionary work. The organization's president is Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham. The authors and composers of the play are making a special trip to watch the show on both Friday and Saturday evenings. "Were really praying that God will bring to these four performances people who need to hear that no matter how dark and deep the pit is, God still is with them," said Hydeen. "Were really hoping that thats the message." SIOUX CITY | Last June, Gayle Stroschein and some nursing students were providing medical care to patients in the poor mining town of Merelani, Tanzania, when Stroschein, a nurse, was called into the clinic to help deliver a baby stuck in the birth canal. Stroschein gowned up and pulled on three layers of gloves. Most of the patients she encounters have HIV. This particular woman was infected with syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. With the help of a young male birth attendant, Stroschein said she was able to deliver the baby -- a boy. He was blue. She asked the nursing students to find the Ambu bag she brought with her from the United States to try to resuscitate the baby. After performing CPR, Stroschein said the baby remained unresponsive. Time was running out. "I said to them, 'All we can do right now is pray,'" she recalled. "We prayed as we're doing full-blown CPR. At the end of that prayer that baby gasped. He continued and started to breathe. He went home the next day." Stroschein, who taught at St. Luke's College and Briar Cliff University, logged her 18th trip to the East African country in May. "I absolutely fell in love with the people there," she said after her first mission trip to Tanzania in 2004. Stroschein was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 after having a routine mammogram. She prayed to God, "If you let me live, I'm here to serve." She survived the ordeal and returned to Tanzania in 2006. When she got home, she quit her job at Briar Cliff University so she could dedicate her time to Hope Ministries, a nonprofit Christian organization that brings faith, hope and love to the people of Tanzania. Medicine and education are big components of Stroschein's work in Mwanza, Arusha and Moshi, Tanzania. She brings medicine and medical equipment from the United States when she visits the country two to three times a year. The 10 to 12 physicians who accompany her for 2 1/2 weeks come from Siouxland and all over the United States. They teach local doctors new surgical techniques in the operating room. Stroschein said her team did the country's first laparoscopic removal of a gallbladder and ureteral stent insertion. They've also performed brain and spinal surgery. "We feel that through education we can make a long-term impact in their community versus us coming and doing and leaving again," she said. Ralph Reeder, a neurosurgeon at CNOS in Dakota Dunes, traveled to Tanzania for the first time in May 2015. He brought along all the tools a surgeon would need to do any type of spinal operation. "I wanted to do some type of teaching mission work for a long time," he said. "I was concerned Tanzania was going to be too primitive." Reeder communicated with an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital via the internet, so he had some information about the conditions of the patients he'd be operating on beforehand. But when he got there, he found a hospital with an open air operating theater with flies buzzing around. The microscope was inoperable and Tanzania's only MRI was all the way on the other side of the country. In spite of these hardships, Reeder was able to perform spinal surgeries and a cranial operation. The cranial surgery patient was a child under a year old. "I found that very satisfying," he said. Nursing students from Northwestern College, Buena Vista University and Dordt College have received college credit for accompanying Stroschein on trips to Tanzania. "The greatest gift that I have is to see these young people that go over with me grow in their education and what they learn and grow in their relationship with God," she said. Hope Ministries serves the poorest of the poor, setting up medical stations at outreach clinics that draw up to 200 patients a day. Patients are referred to a hospital when needed. Stroschein's organization covers a patient's travel expenses and the cost of the procedure if they can't afford it. During her latest trip, Stroschein met two malnourished children who had been locked in a barn with animals all of their lives. Their mother's sister, a teacher, rescued them from the barn and brought them to a Hope Ministries outreach clinic. The girl, 10, didn't know how to stand up straight. She walked on her hands and feet like livestock. Neither she nor her 12-year-old brother could talk. Stroschein contacted an orphanage in Moshi that agreed to take the children if she could secure the necessary paperwork. She learned that their mother has severe psychological problems and that their father was lying in a hospital bed unconscious. She convinced an uncle to agree to turn the children over to the orphanage. Last week, Stroschein's assistant sent her videos of the little girl walking upright on her feet and her brother waving and talking. A 14-year-old girl, who fell into an open fire, is awaiting a chance at a better life. Her face and ears were severely burned and disfigured as result and she lost her sight in one eye. The scar tissue around her neck prevents her from moving her head. Since the hospital in Arusha lacks the specialized medical equipment needed to intubate the girl, Stroschein said the first of her many surgeries will have to wait until a plastic surgeon from Denver, Colorado, arrives. Another plastic surgeon accompanying Hope Ministries on a 2017 trip hopes to complete the next phase in the treatment process. "We never know what God's going to put on our plate," Stroschein said. HINTON, Iowa | A man riding a bicycle was injured after being struck by a truck Thursday evening near Hinton in Plymouth County. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office reported that at approximately 8:25 p.m. a collision occurred on County Road C60 west of Hinton. The sheriff's office press release said the bicycle ridden by Jared Fenstermacher, 31, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was struck by an eastbound pickup driven by Michael Vondrak, 29, of Hinton. Fenstermacher was knocked of the bicycle and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, consisting of multiple broken bones. He was transported to Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City by Hinton Ambulance. Vondrak and his passenger were not injured. The collision remains under investigation and charges are pending. SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man is accused of swinging a knife at another man at the La Juanita restaurant Friday afternoon. Police were called at 3 p.m. and surrounded the building at 1316 Pierce St. Police Sgt. Jay Hoogendyk said that two patrons who knew each other exchanged words and squared off to fight in the restaurant. Jamal Hayes, 22, pulled a knife and started swinging at the other man, Hoogendyk said. "An off-duty officer, that is not a part of our agency, intervened, and put a stop to it and put the individual into custody," Hoogendyk said. Hoogendyk said Hayes was taken into custody on disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon charges. The other subject did not want to pursue criminal charges. No other patrons or employees in the restaurant were involved, Hoogendyk said. OCHEYEDAN, Iowa | Gertrude "Gert" Turner giggles. She's trying to pinpoint the communities she's called home. There were South Dakota towns like Wessington Springs, Valley Springs, Sioux Falls, Canton and Flandreau; Minnesota cities Luverne and Worthington. And in Iowa? Sheldon, at least. "They were more, they're escaping me now," says Turner, who turns 100 three months from today. The place she knows best is the one she and husband, Harold began serving in 1944. Gert Turner has been here ever since. On Saturday, she'll serve as parade grand marshal, a focal point in Ocheyedan's 125th birthday bash, part of the town's annual Days of Olde celebration. "Harold and I never bought a home until we moved here," she says. "We were constantly moving, you see, always living in apartments." From the time Harold Turner graduated from high school, he toiled as a grocery store clerk. He was clerking in nearby Sheldon when the Red Owl grocery chain hired him to manage its stores. He and Gert wed in Canton in 1939. They moved numerous times in their first five years together. "He soon tired of building up the business for others, so he bought a store here in Ocheyedan, where he'd graduated from high school," Gert says. "Harold loved his work. We loved serving the people here." The grocery store in downtown Ocheyedan still stands and still serves customers. It isn't called Turner's Red Owl any longer, though the family name graces the exterior east wall. Gert, 99, buys groceries there. Ocheyedan's 125th begins today with a children's parade at 6 p.m., followed by a tractor pull. A fireworks display over the famous Ocheyedan Mound caps Friday's festivities. The Ocheyedan Mound, which stands 1,655 above sea level, is southeast of this Osceola County town (the smallest county in land mass in Iowa). The hill occupies a tract in a county park on Osceola County Road A-22. Ocheyedan Mound was designated as Iowa's highest point until Hawkeye Point, located on the Merrill and Donna Sterler farm 11 miles from Ocheyedan, was officially awarded that distinction. Hawkeye Point, which has been developed and marketed by the county, tops out at 1,670 feet. Ocheyedan Mound, which measures one-third of a mile, was used as an observation point and a place of mourning by Native Americans. It's also a site where people picnic, snap pictures and celebrate Easter sunrise services. "We took the kids sledding at Ocheyedan Mound," says Gert, who worked with Harold to raise daughter Shirley Schroder, now of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and son Gene Turner, a former grocer himself and mayor of Ocheyedan for an amazing 23 years. Gene Turner died in 2015; Harold, in 1996. "The people who own the store now honored Gene by leaving the Turner name there," Gert says. On Saturday, she'll wave to hundreds of friends as the parade crawls past the store, one that holds a career of memories, including a fire that ravaged the couple's first mercantile a few doors down in 1955. The blaze, blamed on lightning, destroyed the original Turner site and its contents. "The fire took place at midnight," Gert says. "I remember taking the phone call from the operator in town. She wondered if my husband might like to know that the store next to ours was on fire." Harold threw a pair of pants and a coat over his pajamas before dashing out the door. Gert joined him downtown an hour or so later. The next morning, they faced the prospect of moving or starting over. "The driver for Old Home Bread Company came by and offered to take Harold and I and our children to Canada to fish for a week," she says. "We took him up on the offer. We got away." They returned, bought another building downtown and worked to fill it. Harold flipped the sign in the front window from "Closed" to "Open" and continued to do what he did best. It ended up being a big year for the Turners. For in 1955, they also purchased a home for the first time. They settled on a house immediately east of downtown, on Second Street, within walking distance of their livelihood. "We lived by the old school house for around 10 years," Gert says, patching together a timeline in her adopted hometown. "When we had the chance to buy this we did." She's still residing here, crocheting in her living room when not driving her 1988 Crown Victoria to the store and back, three months short of the century mark. "It's a good town," she says of Ocheyedan on the eve of its gala. "We made many good friends here, good people, good clientele." SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man who took part in a home invasion has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. Michael Williams, 20, pleaded guilty Friday in Woodbury County District Court to second-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. District Judge Jeffrey Neary ordered Williams must serve at least five years in prison before he's eligible for parole. Williams was one of three people arrested in connection with a March 7 home invasion in the 800 block of 15th Street. According to court documents, Williams pointed a gun at people inside the home and demanded money. The suspects took a pack of cigarettes and $32 in cash. Tykell Robinson, 19, of Sioux City, has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. Timberrose Day, 18, of Sioux City, was initially charged, but her charges were later dismissed. SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for fondling a 14-year-old girl. Federico Jimenez-Hernandez, 27, pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to one count of third-degree sexual abuse. Jimenez-Hernandez must register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry and will serve a special sex offender sentence, in which he will be on lifetime parole after completing his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be returned to prison. His sentence will be served at the same time as a three-year federal prison sentence for selling methamphetamine. According to court documents, Jimenez-Hernandez fondled the girl after entering her room while she was sleeping in her Sioux City home on Feb. 23, 2015. SIOUX CITY | State Sen. David Johnson created a political ruckus this summer when the Republican from Ocheyedan switched his voter registration to no party, citing stark differences with GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. Johnson, an 18-year incumbent, is not up for re-election this year, but other Northwest Iowa Republican legislative candidates who will appear on the November ballot with Trump say they are fully on board with the outspoken billionaire businessman being the party's standard bearer. Seven of the eight state candidates who responded to a Journal survey said they continue to endorse Trump, despite a series of recent missteps and controversies that have helped Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton widen her lead in national polls. One GOP House candidate, Skyler Wheeler, of Orange City, said he had not made up his mind whether to support his party's nominee. Other candidates pointed out they don't agree with everything Trump says. Around the nation, several Republican office holders have said they won't vote for Trump, including U.S. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Ben Sasse of neighboring Nebraska. Johnson in June announced he was dropping his Republican affiliation, out of disgust with what he called racist remarks and judicial jihad by Trump. Johnson said he reached the last straw when Trump said U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel was biased in a legal case dealing with the now-defunct Trump University a business owned by Trump because he disagrees with Trumps position on immigration due to his ethnicity. Curiel is of Mexican heritage and was born in Indiana. We dont need a bigot as president and thats exactly what he is. Why is it that people cant see that, especially the top leaders in our party? Johnson said at the time. State Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, said he finds Johnson's step "disappointing," since he was elected as a Republican. Feenstra said he suspects Johnson will be the only current Republican state legislator to voice the "NeverTrump" sentiment. "I feel confident that (Johnson) is the only one who will do that," Feenstra said. Many of the 2016 Republican legislative candidates initially did not support Trump due to a large Republican field before the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses. Some area GOP candidates said they liked Trump for his blunt speaking style, support of leaner government, lower taxes and because they trust him to make sound nominations to U.S. Supreme Court vacancies. Here are their responses: Jim Carlin, Sioux City, running for open House District 6 position against Democrat Perla Alarcon-Flory: Carlin initially supported Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson and later Ted Cruz. He said that while Trump makes some speech "faux pas," he is backing Trump. Carlin feels more at ease with Trump since he chose conservative Mike Pence as his running mate and because he has former Sioux City radio host Sam Clovis as an adviser. "I can't sit this election out ... It is pretty much the same thing as voting for Hillary Clinton, which I can't support." Carlin said Trump needs to be president, since up to three U.S. Supreme Court justices could retire, and good people must replace them. Bob Henderson, Sioux City, running for an open House District 14 position against Democrat Timothy Kacena. "I am not entirely comfortable with Donald Trump. I was not a supporter in the primaries." Henderson added: "When you cut through the rhetoric, he would be the best choice for the country. He is for a smaller government, he has stated that he is for a fairer and lower tax situation." Shaun Broyhill, Sioux City, running against incumbent Democrat Chris Hall in District 13: Broyill caucused for Trump on Feb. 1. He likes that Trump is a political outsider and said people are tired of status quo candidates. "He doesn't really worry about political correctness ... We need to revamp our immigration systems and stop spending so much money, we are trillions of dollars in debt. Feenstra, Hull, running for re-election in Senate District 2, with no Democratic opponent: "(Trump) is not beholden to any lobby group. He used his own money to fund his campaign to this point. He is someone who will voice his opinion without strings attached. I do have concerns about some of the things he says." Rep. John Wills, Spirit Lake, seeking second House District 1 term, with no Democratic opponent: Wills supported Marco Rubio for president. Wills said he doesnt agree with everything Trump says, just as he didnt have unanimity with Rubio on issues. Wills said it is important to support the nominee who went through the long primary process. He is changing politics. He says what he means. He does bring up issues that people for years have skirted around because they didnt want to be called racist(David Johnson) says (Trump) is a racist. I don think he is a racist. Rep. Steve Holt, Denison, running for re-election to House District 18 with no Democratic opponent: "I don't agree with everything that comes out of Mr. Trump's mouth, the name calling." Holt said Trump would make a better president to propose U.S. Supreme Court justices, picking people "who will interpret and not make law." Holt also said Trump supports police officers during a controversial time with police shootings and will make a better commander in chief. He alluded to Clinton's use of a private email server when working as U.S. Secretary of State: "Donald Trump has not carelessly handled America's secrets." Rep. Dan Huseman, Aurelia, running for 12th term to House District 3, with no Democratic opponent: Huseman supported Rubio, and is moving onto backing Trump. Huseman likes that Trump put out a list of qualified people he could nominate to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy. "He's our nominee. He's not perfect, but neither is the other major party candidate...Some people don't think he has the experience to be president. I'm not worried about that," Huseman said. Skyler Wheeler, Orange City, running for House District 4, with no Democratic opponent: "My mind is not made up," Wheeler said, adding that he is more focused on running his own campaign. Asked if he has concerns that have led him not to support Trump by this point, Wheeler said he had no comment. Republican state Reps. Megan Jones, of Sioux Rapids, Gary Worthan, of Storm Lake, and Matt Windschitl, of Missouri Valley, did not immediately respond to the Journal's request for an interview. SIOUX CITY | Two Sioux City teens have pleaded not guilty to stealing items from parked vehicles. Anthony Habeger, 18, and Nicholas Blackburn, 19, both are charged in Woodbury County District Court with three counts of third-degree burglary and one count of possession of burglar tools. Habeger entered his written plea on Thursday, Blackburn entered his on Wednesday. The two were arrested Aug. 1 after police officers were dispatched to the alley in the area of 1600 W. 29th St. for a call of people going through cars. Officers found Habeger and Blackburn a short distance away holding credit cards, a checkbook with different names and various electronics. According to court documents, they admitted to entering approximately 10 vehicles and checking door handles on vehicles between 2200 Allan St. and 1600 W. 29th St. You've probably heard the very old riddle: When is a door not a door? When it's ajar. An updated version might go like this: When is a ransom not a ransom? When the Obama administration says it isn't. President Obama and his State Department want us to believe that $400 million in foreign cash that was flown into Iran under cover of darkness on an unmarked cargo plane was merely money "owed" to the world's No. 1 sponsor of terrorism from a failed arms deal negotiated with the Shah of Iran more than 35 years ago. The president's explanation is that the money was part of the nuclear deal reached with Iran and the first installment of a $1.7 billion settlement resolving claims at an international tribunal at The Hague. The president says settling the claim now is actually saving money, the full amount of which might have had to be paid if the case were fully litigated before the court. We are to ignore a statement by one of the four Americans held hostage by the Iranian regime (one of them since 2011) before being released in January. Christian pastor Saeed Abedini told Fox Business Channel last week: "I just remember the night at the airport sitting for hours and hours there, and I asked police, 'Why are you not letting us go?'" Abedini said the policeman answered, "We are waiting for another plane so if that plane doesn't come, we never let [you] go.'" What was the "other plane" carrying that was so important to the Iranian government that only its arrival would trigger the release of Abedini and the three other hostages, and its failure to land would keep them in captivity? Food? Toilet paper? Western movies? Or money? It is a sad day when one must choose between believing the American president or the Iranian government that has vowed to wipe out Israel and then come after America and subject the world to fundamentalist Islam. The administration refuses to say how many Americans have died directly or indirectly from Iran's support of terrorism. The Washington Free Beacon reported last fall that the administration has stonewalled a request from Congress to release figures on the number of Americans and Israelis killed by Iran and its terror proxies since the 1979 Iranian revolution. Undoubtedly this was to ease opposition to the deal with Iran not to proceed with the creation of nuclear weapons, which they most assuredly are creating in secret, or will create when the "restrictions" expire in a maximum of 15 years, depending on one's interpretation of the deal. Iran is permitted to enrich uranium in the meantime. Writing in The Wall Street Journal last week, former Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey thought he knew the reason for the foreign cash and the secrecy behind the January transfer of funds: "There is principally one entity within the Iranian government that has need of untraceable funds. That entity is the Quds Force -- the branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps focusing particularly on furthering the regime's goals worldwide by supporting and conducting terrorism." The Iranian regime clearly sees the $400 million as ransom for the illegally held Americans. A video showing pallets of foreign cash has surfaced on the Internet. The administration won't confirm that is the money it sent, but does it matter? The money was sent. Consider the definition of "ransom" and whether this fits what occurred in January: "the redemption of a prisoner, slave, or kidnapped person ... for a price." A rose is a rose is a rose. And so is ransom by whatever name one may disingenuously call it. DES MOINES Steve King, Iowas conservative congressman from Northwest Iowa, had kind words Thursday for both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Trump fared far better, to be sure, during Kings remarks Thursday at the Des Moines Registers Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair. But King, when talking about the 2016 presidential race, also said Clinton the Democratic candidate and former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state is someone with whom he has been able to work in the past. King said if he is re-elected to Congress and Clinton is elected president, he will do his best to oppose an agenda with which he presumes he will disagree. But I also know that I sat across the table from Hillary Clinton, eye-to-eye, and when youre working outside of staff and outside the press, she is somebody I can work with, King said. After his public remarks, King reaffirmed to reporters that he has in the past been able to work with Clinton when not operating under the eyes of media or staff. I can reason with Hillary Clinton under those circumstances, King said. That is as far as King was willing to go with Clinton; he was far more supportive of Trump, the New York businessman and Republican candidate for president. King told reporters he plans to vote for Trump in November, plans to encourage others to do the same and supports many of the plans Trump laid out in his acceptance speech at last months national convention. At a rally Monday in Sioux City with Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, King said he would support and vote for the Trump-Pence ticket. While insisting his statements were not a formal endorsement of Trump, King gave reporters the impression Thursday he will at some point before the election. The Irish in me lends to the utilization of hyperbole and superlatives. So I have more of them that I havent unleashed yet, King said. Ive just got more good things that I can say. King said he supports Trumps proposals on border security, a three-tiered tax plan and placing a moratorium on new federal regulations. King also said he disagrees with Trump on some issues but those are things that I can live with that may or may not be high priorities. On (Trumps) agenda, almost everything there I agree with, and I think we should commit to working on that agenda, King said, adding that he is working with Trump supporters such as Iowas Sam Clovis. King also was effusive in his praise of Pence, the Indiana governor and former House member. I think this is a terrific choice. Mike Pence fills in whatever you might see as gaps in a Trump candidacy, King said. And he adds an element of stability. Hes got a deep understanding of foreign policy having sat on the foreign affairs committee for years (as a former congressman), along with the judiciary committee. I know where his head and his heart is. As Dr. Drought walked out the door to retirement, he said something that deserves to be emphasized. The scientific evidence is overwhelming that climate change is real and that humans are the driving cause, Don Wilhite said. This is a sentence that needs to be hammered into the consciousness of Nebraskas policy makers starting with the Gov. Pete Ricketts, who mistakenly says the question of what impact man is having on the climate is still unsettled. There is room for debate on what the proper response should be to rising global temperatures. But the debate on whether global warming and climate change is occurring and whether human activity is the primary cause is over. Politicians who havent kept up need to do their homework, or theyll find themselves standing in lonely company with members of the flat earth society. Wilhite earned the Dr. Drought nickname as a world renowned climate scientist and drought expert at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His credentials are impeccable. His commitment and contributions to the state are beyond question. Wilhite was a driving force in the creation of the UNLs Drought Information Center, the founding director of the National Drought Mitigation Center and the former director of UNLs School of Natural Resources. So what Wilhite says cannot be ignored. And its important to recognize that the any skeptics with scientific credentials are on the outer fringe of respectability, amounting to perhaps 3 percent of the total. To cite just one recent statement from the overwhelming majority, consider a letter sent to Congress in June from more than 30 scientific organizations including the American Meteorological Society, the Crop Science Society of America, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is occurring and rigorous scientific research concludes that the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver. Last year was the hottest on record. And 2016 is on track to be even hotter. Every climate observatory in the world now reports that greenhouse gases are now at a higher level than any time in the last four million years. At the start of the industrial revolution carbon dioxide was at about 280 parts per million. Now every location that monitors carbon dioxide from Greenland to the South Pole - reports levels exceeding 400 parts per million. Dr. Drought and his scientific colleagues have done much to benefit Nebraska agriculture and the state over the years. Its past time for Nebraskas elected officials to accept their consensus on global warming and climate change. Instead, jump-start the discussion on how to cope. Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now... Labour August 12, 2016 Kyle Bailey It has now been over one year since the end of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3903 strike at York University in March 2015. [Ed.: see Bullet No. 1088 and Bullet No. 1091 for more background information.] This strike began when 3,700 teaching assistants, contract faculty, graduate assistants and research assistants voted to walk the picket lines. The decision came just days after a historic strike vote by 6,000 teaching assistants and other student academic staff in CUPE 3902 Unit 1 at the University of Toronto. At present, the legacy of the strike is controversial. Members of CUPE 3903 are divided over the crucial question of whether this legacy should be regarded as one of victory or defeat. The purpose of this article is to use the benefit of hindsight to critically reflect upon the politics of the CUPE 3903 strike at York and its aftermath. It aims to provide a plausible assessment of both accomplishments and limitations of the strike with a view to identifying how the union can respond more effectively to current and future challenges. Such an assessment will hopefully be capable of catalysing renewed debate about the kind of union strategy, organization and tactics that are necessary to enable university workers to fight back and win against their employers. Poverty and Precarity Members of CUPE 3903 chose to strike because of the poverty and precarity which has become the norm within universities. Alongside decades of chronic government underfunding, university administrators have sought to maintain financial stability by growing student enrolments while cutting back full-time academic staff. The result has been the degradation of academic labour through the growth of a more segmented workforce and a sharp fall in the number of permanent faculty per student. Universities in Canada now operate like corporate businesses in an environment marked by permanent austerity and conditional financing. This is expressed in the commodification of scholarly research, cuts to state funding, reductions in university autonomy from government, the deregulation of tuition fees, the erosion of collegial self-governance and the growing power wielded by boards of governors and senior administrators. The majority of classes at York University are taught by low-paid and insecure contract faculty aided by teaching assistants (TAs) earning poverty wages. Contract faculty possess similar skills to their tenured colleagues and undertake a similar workload. However, they face massive obstacles to career advancement as a result of unclear hiring practices, course-by-course contracts, insufficient funding, inadequate healthcare benefits and lack of access to collegial governance structures. The growth of contract faculty has occurred alongside an increase in the number of teaching assistants. Although guaranteed work for the duration of their study, teaching assistants earn wages well below the poverty line once their tuition is deducted and routinely engage in unpaid overtime. In contrast to popular depictions of academe as a privileged ivory tower, poverty and precarity are issues facing university employees in the contemporary capitalist university. Insubordinate Rank and File Conflict between the executive committee and union militants was a central feature of the CUPE 3903 strike at York. Both before and after the strike vote, the then executive committee known as The Slate sought to avoid a dispute at all costs. They prioritized collaboration with the boss over workers interests by seeking to divide and rule the different units of the local and by pushing for concessions at the bargaining table. The Slate was resisted by a militant minority who conducted small-scale campaigns against concessions and in support of democratically decided bargaining proposals. This dynamic was visible at a ratification vote held on March 9th. The Slate actively campaigned for a yes vote and their supporters distributed leaflets pointing to real and significant gains for all three units of the local. Militants responded by circulating leaflets providing information about how there had been no progress at the bargaining table and calling on all members to strike to win and vote the rat down. It was also on display at a general assembly held on March 18th. At this meeting, a group of militants pushed through a motion to prevent the executive committee from pro-temming two of its supporters to the bargaining team. When elections were held later that evening, anti-Slate candidates were elected with overwhelming majorities. 3903 members also organized against racism, sexism and ableism. A Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Caucus was formed, while the Silence is Violence at York group came into being after a member of the union executive committee was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a colleague. Members of the 8th Line Committee tasked with organizing alternative duties for members who couldnt picket waged an uphill struggle against the ableist biases of CUPE. The strike also saw efforts to construct solidarities across social and institutional divides. Members of CUPE 3903 and CUPE 3902 distributed 40,000 copies of The Penguin strike newspaper in metro stations across Downtown Toronto. Making the case that the strikes were in defence of accessible and high-quality education for the community as a whole, the articles emphasized the common interests of workers and students in opposing capitalist austerity through broad-based social movements. Ordinary union members turned out to picket lines every weekday for an entire month. In what were sometimes brutally cold weather conditions, they faced real physical hardships and were vulnerable to criminal attacks by motorists. Some of the picket lines also established their own popular decision-making structures and sent representatives to Strike Committee meetings. When the Senate Executive voted to resume a substantial number of classes on 11th March, many lines responded by escalating their tactics. Blocking thousands of cars per day, they effectively fought the administration to a standstill. A Mixed Legacy The CUPE 3903 strike was a landmark event for TAs, GAs, RAs and contract faculty, many of whom had never before withheld their labour-power from the bosses who exploit them. For one whole month on and off the picket lines they saw that the power of trade unions does not reside at the bargaining table, but rather with the solidarity and struggles of working people in resisting capitals domination of the workplace. Yet, the strike produced mixed results. On the one hand, the new collective agreements ratified on March 31st brought real material gains. These included the reinstatement of tuition indexation for graduate students, the reversal of a $7,000 per year increase in the cost of international graduate tuition, recognition of LGBTQ as an employment equity category, a $200,000 per year direct childcare benefit fund, wage rises and minimum funding for all graduate student-workers and the extension of a range of existing benefits. On the other hand, management retaliated after the strike with a strategy of undermining and violating the new collective agreements at every turn. Most notably, they used legal ambiguities to slow the implementation of the $7,000 tuition rebate for all but a handful of international graduate students. On this occasion, a newly elected 3903 executive slate was able to successfully enforce the contract through legal arbitration. More recently, York management has unilaterally imposed a new Fellowship funding model on the union. This change will destroy 670 unionized Graduate Assistantship (GA) jobs in September 2016 by replacing the work component of graduate student funding with a student fellowship covering the cost of tuition. It amounts to blatant union-busting, the goal of which is to devalue the labour of graduate student-workers and make their working conditions more precarious. The Limits of Legalism By attacking the union, management shows that its promises to graduate students cannot be trusted. Yet, by undermining the collective agreements, the implementation of the Fellowship Model threatens to lower morale of members and overall trust in the union. Following on from their most recent success, the response of the 3903 executive committee has once again focused on contract enforcement through legal arbitration. But the ability of the union to enforce the contract reflects the balance of power between workers and management here and now, not when the contract was initially signed. As such, it is impossible to win in the peace treaty what cannot be won on the battlefield. While a legalistic strategy dependent on capitalist labour law may or may not secure short-term gains, it is guaranteed to lose in the long-run. The no strikes, no lockouts union clause which forms the backbone of contemporary capitalist labour law is systematically biased in favour of the employers. In this system, the fundamental purpose of collective bargaining is not to empower the mass of workers, but rather to disorganize and control them in the interests of the bosses bottom line. The consequences of dependence on capitalist labour law for CUPE 3903 are potentially severe. If the union fails to roll back the Fellowship Model in arbitration, it risks a downward spiral of concessions in which current claw backs lower union morale and thereby reduce the capacity of the union to resist claw backs in the future. Without an assertion of countervailing power by rank and file members, collective bargaining gains will be clawed back by management one by one. Organizing to Win To challenge the capitalist assault on postsecondary education at York, CUPE 3903 needs to shift the balance of power in favour of workers. This will require campaigning against claw backs in preparation for a vigorous contract fight and future strike. However, the current systematic absence of rank and file organization within 3903 the flipside of an unhealthy dependence on capitalist labour law poses a significant barrier to achieving this. When members used their votes to sweep rank and file candidates into executive office in the wake of the March 2015 strike, they expressed their preference for a different kind of unionism. But it takes more than a change of personnel at the top to transform deeply rooted union practices and structures. What is needed is a radical break with past union strategy and tactics that places rank and file democracy and organization at the forefront of the struggle. Power on the shop floor can only be built democratically from the bottom up. Rather than relying on a small number of executive officers, staff and union activists who see their role as servicing workers interests by doing the work for them, the workers themselves need to become conscious of their role as the primary agents in their own struggle. Simply filing a grievance or taking problems to arbitration cannot build power. A union is not an insurance plan. It simply cannot work unless all members participate. But it is only through organization that members become the union. This requires concrete changes to encourage sustained participation by the majority of union members. Union democracy is a continuation of good organizing, which means helping members to achieve their self-identified goals. From this perspective, the fundamental purpose of the union is not merely to enforce the contract, but to build power by organizing workers and developing their consciousness through daily struggles within and beyond the workplace. If CUPE 3903 starts organizing to build union democracy, then it can successfully resist management claw backs and make the case for worker-led alternatives to capitalist postsecondary education. This article first published on the CLASSroom website. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. (Aug. 12, 2016)On Aug. 6, racers from across the Chesapeake sailed into St. Mary's Cityfrom starting points in Annapolis, Md., Dahlgren, Va., and, Fishing Bay, Va.for St. Mary's College of Maryland's Governor's Cup Yacht Race. This year marked the 43rd running of the oldest and most prestigious overnight race on the Bay.The coveted Waldschmitt Trophy for Best in Fleet, which goes to the first-place finisher in the class with the shortest spread time between the first and fifth boats, was awarded to Chessie, helmed by John Kircher. In addition, Chessie received the Steve Bickel Trophy for Most Improved, improving 13 places from last year, and also took the first-place finish in the PHRF A2 class, competing against 17 others in that class.The St. Mary's College of Maryland Alumni Trophy was awarded to the Seahawk, skippered by John Moore. To be eligible, two or more of the boat's crew must be St. Mary's College alumni. The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) Trophy was awarded to Crocodile, captained by Scott Ward. To be eligible for the TPP Trophy, two or more crewmembers must be employees from a TPP-member company, active duty military, or Department of Defense civilian personnel. This year's Governor's Cup had 115 boats competing.At the finish line, race participants were greeted to shore by College alumni and other members of the campus community for a weekend-long celebration including a waterfront crab feast & barbecue, Governor's Cup awards ceremony, and live music provided by Byzantine Top 40.New this year, 2016 St. Mary's College graduates were welcomed to the Zero Year Reunion to reunite with college friends and learn about the benefits of being a St. Mary's College alum.For 2016 race results, visit http://www.smcm.edu/events/govcup/2016-race-results. Anita Louise Schriver, 36, of Lexington Park, Md. (Booking photo) LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Aug. 12, 2016)An ex-convict was implicated in a scam perpetrated on April 5 to defraud a disabled, elderly woman of $300. Police say Anita Louise Schriver, 36, of Lexington Park, convinced the victim that she was guilty of "environmental violations" and owed the EPA a $300 fine. Schriver reportedly resided with the victim.On April 14, police in St. Mary's forwarded a then-unsubstantiated tip about the fraud scheme to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), hotline. The EPA was involved because the tip indicated the scam involved an unknown individual who posed as an employee of the EPA. The person allegedly demanded cash from an elderly female for environmental violations in St. Mary Co.A preliminary investigation, conducted by EPA Special Agent Alex Bailey and Deputy Dale Smith, developed Schriver as a suspect. The investigators say Schriver provided inconsistent statements regarding the incident during the initial interview. The victim told investigators that she only dealt with Schriver in regards to the alleged scam; there was no communication with an EPA employee. The victim paid $300 to Schriver who indicated that she would pay the EPA employee to resolve the environmental violations.During the investigation, the EPA OIG, and the sheriff's office continued to develop information through subpoenas and source development showing Schriver fabricated the EPA's involvement in order to deceive the victim.On Saturday, July 23, Schriver was again interviewed by Deputy Smith regarding the EPA incident. During the interview, police say Schriver admitted fabricating the story about an EPA employee being involved in the scheme to defraud the victim. A criminal summons was issued that day charging Schriver with violations of Maryland Statute, CR 7-104, Theft under $1000.The summons was served on Friday, July 29, while she was incarcerated in the county jail on unrelated charges. The other charges accuse Schriver of first degree burglary and theft of between $10,000 and $100,000 for an incident which allegedly occurred on Monday, July 11. A warrant for her arrest was issued on Monday, July 25, and served on Wednesday, July 27. Schriver was presented before a District Court Commissioner, was denied bail, and remains in custody at the county jail in Leonardtown.Schriver has 8 criminal cases in the Md. Judiciary database dating back to 2008. While charges were dropped in some cases, Schriver has served county jail time in two different instances. HOLLYWOOD, Md. Police use of force in St. Mary's County rarely reaches the level of officers having to use their firearms to shoot or even kill a suspect but in recent weeks with the slaying of African American men by police officers in Minnesota and Louisiana and the subsequent ambush and killings of even more police officers in the wake of those tragedies, some residents here are worried that sort of violence may come. At a community forum on police use of force and race relations on July 29 at the House of Dance in Hollywood, residents were quick to point out some of their stories when it came to relating to the police as African Americans at Zion United Methodist Church in Lexington Park. A man recounted one incident in which he was followed by police for three-quarters of an hour closely before being pulled over and, in his words, profiled by them. "They asked if I had a gun even though I had a carry permit," Moore, who is black, told a dais of speakers at the event, which included Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron. "I even told them I was a police chaplain." Others at the event said they believed there was even racism inherent in the county school system; when they saw white children get in fights they were sent to the principal's office. When they saw black children fighting, they were sent home, they said. One woman, Monique Melton, said that she had to have a conversation with her children about how to deal with police that she believed people of other races did not have to have for fear that her children might one day become the victims of police force. "Why do I have to have this conversation with my children?" she said, adding that by doing so she was forced to deprive her children of a part of what was supposed to be a fun, care-free childhood. Tujuanda Jordan, president of St. Mary's College, said that parents of African American children have always had to have that kind of conversation with their children. "After the Civil Rights Movement, we thought there was equity, there isn't," Jordan said. "We've gotten complacent." One speaker, though, said that fears over police use of force against black men, particularly young men, might be allayed with better parenting in homes. "If they were being policed at home first that might solve some problems," said Jacinta Bobbins-Spencer. "You can't rely on the community to raise your children. "I hear a lot of blame being placed but what are you doing at home?" One man speaking from the audience said that according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice the number of white people being killed in police shootings was going up while the numbers of African American men being killed, despite the wide-spread media reports, was actually going down. He also argued that those same statistics showed that the vast majority of police on the streets were white, which meant that any black person had a greater chance of coming into contact with one than a black officer. "Police violence, it's not racism, it's probability," he said. "Cops don't want to kill people. "How is this race related when the statistics say something else?" He also blamed the media for inciting emotions and tension that did not accurately reflect reality. Aaron Rodgers, one of the event's organizers, said he believed the media, both the main stream variety and the social variety, played a large part in raising tensions between police and the African American community. "We've gotten baited into things we shouldn't have stepped in," Rodgers said. "We've got tensions on both sides of the fence." Cameron said that in the wake of the tragic killings of black men and police across the nation, the onus was on police to stay professional and train diligently on always delivering the right level of force and always looking for ways to de-escalate any tense situation. That training paid off for one deputy who just days earlier had a tense standoff with a homeowner who came up behind him with a handgun when the deputy arrived to answer a call for a domestic disturbance. Body camera evidence from the deputy's point of view convinced Cameron, he said, that the homeowner knew the person on his property was a deputy but the homeowner confronted him with a weapon anyway. The best part, though, Cameron said, was that the deputy de-escalated the situation without discharging his weapon even though he was well within his rights to do so. It also detailed one of the realities of police work, a potentially deadly ambush that any officer would have to walk into because of the nature of their job. The killing of five police officers in Dallas showed that the ambush is one of the worst situations a law enforcement officer had to deal with and constantly be on the watch for. "When Dallas happened it showed that strength was not in numbers," Cameron said. "You've got to be pros and never let down." But despite some of the best training, Cameron realized that in law enforcement in general there were still lingering problems. "There is racism and it is in policing," Cameron said. "It's unacceptable and if they can't adhere to these [higher] standards then they can't stand among us. "What hurts me is that this badge and this uniform is sometimes a barrier and it shouldn't be." At the Republican convention in Cleveland, billionaire investor and entrepreneur Peter Thiel proudly acknowledged his gay identity and urged Republicans to shift their focus away from issues of sexuality and gender, scoffing at the debate over who gets to use which bathroom. Fake culture wars, Thiel declared, only distract us from our economic decline. Thiel was the first speaker to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality at a republican convention. Jim Kolbe, the former Arizona congressman, spoke briefly at the 2000 convention without acknowledging his sexuality. (During Kolbe s speech, members of the Texas delegation removed their cowboy hats and prayed). Peter Andreas Thiel (1967) is a German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist and hedge fund manager. He co-founded PayPal with Max Levchin and Elon Musk and served as its CEO. He also co-founded Palantir, of which he is chairman. He was the first outside investor in Facebook, with a 10.2 percent stake acquired in 2004 for $500,000, and sits on the company's board of directors. Thiel serves as president of Clarium Capital, a global macro hedge fund with $700 million in assets under management; He was ranked number 4 on the Forbes Midas List of 2014 at $2.2 billion. Related: Homo History 101: "Erin Go Bragh" Edition On April 13, 2009, in the Libertarian 'Cato Unbound' blog he wrote: I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible. In the same article, he also wrote, "Since 1920, the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries and the extension of the franchise to women two constituencies that are notoriously tough for libertarians have rendered the notion of capitalist democracy into an oxymoron." On September 22, 2010, Thiel said at a 2010 fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights, I believe that gay rights and marriage rights for gay people should not be a partisan issue, and Gay marriage cant be a partisan issue because as long as there are partisan issues or cultural issues in this country, youll have trench warfare like on the western front in World War I. Youll have lots of carnage and no progress. 'All of the identity-related things are in my mind much more nuanced,' he said. 'I think there is a gay experience, I think there is a black experience, I think there is a womans experience that is meaningfully different. I also think there is a tendency to exaggerate it and turn it into an ideological category. In a 2014 episode of "Conversations with Bill Kristol," he spoke at length on what he perceives to be a crisis in American higher education. He said: "The university system in 2014, its like the Catholic Church circa 1514. Theres less diversity, so you have the Dominicans and Franciscans and all these different orders, whereas the diversity between say the Harvard and Stanford political science department is considerably less. But it is sort you have this priestly class of professors that doesnt do very much work, people are buying indulgences in the form of amassing enormous debt for the sort of the secular salvation that a diploma represents. Thiel has supported gay rights causes such as the American Foundation for Equal Rights and GOProud. In 2010, Thiel held Homocon 2010 for GOProud, an LGBT conservative/libertarian organization, in his New York City apartment. He invited conservative columnist Ann Coulter, who is a friend of his, to Homocon 2010 as a guest speaker. Coulter later dedicated her new book, Demonic: How the Liberal Mob Is Endangering America, to Thiel. Palm Springs has a long storied history with a being a destination for LGB travelers, especially for gay Hollywood. Over the last century gay men from Los Angles have found a quiet oasis in this desert city. Today Palm Springs is a thriving travel destination of gays with one of the highest concentrations of gay/lesbian resorts in the world. The city also boasts one of the highest per capita LGBT populations in the U.S. The history of gay Palm Springs date back to 1913 yes 1913! For more on the citys history check out A City Comes Out, by David Wallace. Between 1930 and 1950 when Hollywood was in its hey day, stars contracts stipulated that actors could not travel more than 200 miles from Los Angeles during film production. Because few paparazzi traveled to Palm Springs it became the nearby getaway for celebrities. As an added bonus desert homes were usually surrounded by high walls, allowing anything to go on within the private compounds. With 30 gay guesthouses in the Palm Springs area theres something for everyone whether youre looking for all-male, all-nude or whatever. Youll find one of more luxurious experiences at the Hacienda at Warm Sands, which takes great pride in its attention to detail and customer service. The resort offers the largest staff to guest ratio in Palm Springs. It bills itself as the most luxurious upscale gay male resort hotel in California. Each room is a suite, and includes a continental breakfast and catered lunch. They offer a pillow menu, with 7 different types of pillows to fit whatever desire you have from the Hacienda Feather Pillow - billed by the manufacturer as "the world's finest hypo-allergenic pillow, to The Tummy Comforter Pillow the answer for comfortable sleeping on your stomach and eliminating strain on the back. Some other amenities the resort offers is a pre-arrival personal shopper service so that the suite's wet bar/kitchen is stocked with your preferred food, snacks and beverages. Swimming areas are clothing optional. Prices vary depending on season. For a more affordable option check out La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa, a popular clothing optional resort. Its rated as one of the top 10 best resorts in Palm Springs. The property includes two pools, several hot tubs and a spa. This is where I stayed on my recent trip and I would definitely recommend it to others. The staff is helpful, courteous and friendly; and the property is clean and well maintained. And like many clothing optional resorts its easy to make new friends with other guests. La Dolce, while affordable, is still luxurious enough for a romantic getaway. Some of the major LGBT events through the year include Greater Palm Springs Pride, Palm Springs Leather Pride and the annual White Party. Palms Springs has a couple of connections to South Florida with their own Georgies Alibi and Hunters Palm Springs. So if you visit make sure you stop by both. I want to give a special thanks to the Palm Springs Tourism Bureau for hosting an LGBT press trip. They did a spectacular job spotlighting their city and promoting it. For more information on Palm Springs visit VisitPalmSprings.com. Places to Stay The Hacienda at Warm Sands The most luxurious upscale gay male resort hotel in California 586 S Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-8111 TheHacienda.com La Dolce Vita A gay men's clothing optional resort & spa 1491 Via Soledad Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-325-2686 LaDolceVitaResort.com Places to Eat The Tropicale Palm Springs TheTropicale.com This restaurant offers up a "world cuisine, with dishes like the Nashville Hot Chicken with Sour Cream Cornbread and the Grilled Organic Brisket Burger with Melted Brie. Cafe Europa CafeEuropaPalmSprings.com This quint cafe offers up a French inspired menu with breakfast items like Fruit and Nutella Pancakes and a built it yourself Hearty Egg Sandwich; while the lunch menu offers an array of cold and hot sandwiches and paninis, as well as salads including Salade Compagnard Epinard, a hard to find warm, savory salad with baby spinach with seasoned roasted potatoes, lardon, diced tomato, in a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill RioAzulPalmSprings.com This eatery offers up a Mexican inspired cuisine that features a traditional array of Mexican dishes from burritos and enchiladas to tacos and fajitas. The restaurant is also known for their drag brunches every Sunday and their margarita goblets. Kaiser Grill KaiserGrille.com This popular Palm Springs restaurant offers a mix of food featuring all natural and hormone free beef, free range organic chicken, sustainable/wild seafood and fresh local produce. Some of their menu items include pizzas, salads, burgers, steaks, and pasta. Popular Events White Party Palm Springs: Jeffrey Sanker Presents May 5-9, 2017 JeffreySanker.com Greater Palm Springs Pride November 1-6, 2016 PSpride.org Palm Springs Leather Pride October 27-30 DesertLeatherPride.com Trash. Unethical. Dangerous. Those are just three words used to describe an article from The Daily Beast last week outing closeted gay athletes in Rio at the Olympics. The Daily Beast reporter, Nico Hines, a straight married man with a child, logged onto Grindr, and other apps, in the Olympic Village in an attempt to write a story about athletes using hook up apps at the Olympics. In the story he claimed to have gotten a better response on the gay apps so naturally the story focused mostly on the gay and bisexual men he chatted with and met. The Daily Beast sent a reporter to cover the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Instead of a story on the numerous important issues affecting the region, the website decided to publish a report that is journalistic trash, unethical and dangerous, wrote Andrew Seaman, the Society of Professional Journalists ethics chair. There are several major ethical issues with the story, including the fact that this type of reporting is dangerous and can cause needless harm. For example, many Olympic athletes come from countries where being gay or bisexual is in some way punishable by law. Furthermore, some athletes may not be in a position in their personal lives to reveal their sexual orientation. Despite not actually naming the athletes in question, LGBT organizations and activists immediately condemned the article. Less than 12 hours later the story pulled from the website. Related: 2 Top Gawker Editors Resign After Controversial 'Outing' Story Critics pointed out that even though the story did not include names it did include enough descriptors for people to figure out who they are. After the initial wave of criticism The Daily Beast responded by editing out the descriptive details while also providing a lengthy editor's note defending the intent of the story. [They] published an exceedingly gross and bizarre article by a straight, married male writer who lured in gay Olympians through hookup apps for no particular purpose. The entire piece is an astoundingly creepy exercise in Grindr-baiting, which involves a journalist accessing Grindr in an unlikely setting and seeing what happens, wrote Mark Joseph Stern for Slate. But the offensive purpose of Hines article is really the least of its problems. Far worse is the actual damage it will likely cause to real, live human beingsinevitable consequences that Hines blithely ignored. After the story was taken down, the media outlet published an apology letter. "Our initial reaction was that the entire removal of the piece was not necessary," the letter stated. "We were wrong. Were sorry. And we apologize to the athletes who may have been inadvertently compromised by our story." The Daily Beast made it clear they did not want to blame the "sole individual" responsible for writing the piece instead, they claimed the incident "was a failure on The Daily Beast as a whole." "Today we did not uphold a deep set of The Daily Beasts values. These valueswhich include standing up to bullies and bigots, and specifically being a proudly, steadfastly supportive voice for LGBT people all over the worldare core to our commitment to journalism and to our commitment to serving our readers." They closed their note with a simple message. "We were wrong. We will do better." For many, the apology was not enough. World OutGames released a statement condemning the "gay witch-hunt" and subsequent actions of The Daily Beast. "The piece written by Nico Hines is a shameful example of the everyday struggles faced by LGBT athletes and individuals from all over the world," the statement read. "There was no point to the story other than to drive web traffic to The Daily Beasts website at the expense of shaming and endangering the lives of the gay athletes he outed." World Outgames Miami promises a safe environment for LGBT athletes to compete. They also encourage contacting The Daily Beast and Nico Hines to condemn their actions. SPJs Seaman wrote a follow up blog post after the apology was published criticizing it as well. First, the athletes who were possibly reported as gay or bisexual were not inadvertently compromised. The Daily Beast and its reporter Nico Hines deliberately set up fake dates with athletes in the Olympic village for the story. Second, news consumers are getting tired of news organizations failing, shrugging and saying theyll do better next time. Instead of offering empty words and promises, news organizations need to explain what went wrong with the initial story and how editors plan to prevent similar mistakes in the future. The Full Apology A Note From the Editors Today, The Daily Beast took an unprecedented but necessary step: We are removing an article from our site, The Other Olympic Sport In Rio: Swiping. The Daily Beast does not do this lightly. As shared in our editors note earlier today, we initially thought swift removal of any identifying characteristics and better clarification of our intent was the adequate way to address this. Our initial reaction was that the entire removal of the piece was not necessary. We were wrong. Were sorry. And we apologize to the athletes who may have been inadvertently compromised by our story. Today we did not uphold a deep set of The Daily Beasts values. These valueswhich include standing up to bullies and bigots, and specifically being a proudly, steadfastly supportive voice for LGBT people all over the worldare core to our commitment to journalism and to our commitment to serving our readers. As a newsroom, we succeed together and we fail together, and this was a failure on The Daily Beast as a whole, not a single individual. The article was not intended to do harm or degrade members of the LGBT community, but intent doesnt matter, impact does. Our hope is that removing an article that is in conflict with both our values and what we aspire to as journalists will demonstrate how seriously we take our error. We were wrong. We will do better. NASA FISO Presentation: Mars Science Enabled by the Mars Base Camp 2028 Proposed Architecture. NASA/Lockheed Martin Now available is the July 27, 2016 NASA Future In-Space Operations (FISO) telecon material. The speaker was Steve Jolly (Lockheed Martin) and Steve Bailey (Deep Space Systems) who discussed Mars Science Enabled by the Mars Base Camp 2028 Proposed Architecture. Dr. Steve Jolly is the Lockheed Martin Chief Engineer for the Civil Space line of business. He was the Chief Engineer and Principal Scientist for the GOES-R program and Chief Engineer and Deputy PM for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. He was Program Manager for the Mars Science Lab (MSL) Aeroshell. He has served as a member of EDL systems engineering team and critical events risk process for Phoenix, Stardust and Genesis and served on the National Research Councils EDL panel. He was chief systems engineer for Mars Sample Return (MSR) and co-inventor of the original concept for the MSL Sky Crane. He has served HEOMD and Orion off and on as an independent advisor and tiger team lead for entry, descent and landing, and most recently for the Mars Base Camp architecture and science mission. He is a 2007 recipient of the NASA Public Service Medal for distinguished service. He is a member of the board of directors for the Space Science Institute (SSI). He has a B.S. in aerospace engineering from CU-Boulder, an M.S. from Florida Tech, and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering sciences from CU-Boulder. Steve Bailey has worked exclusively on human and robotic space exploration systems since 1983: Industry (McDonnell Douglas) Space Shuttle NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas Lunar and Mars Exploration Studies Project Manager of Artemis Lunar Lander (JSC) Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California Mars Pathfinder Spacecraft System Design Lead for Mars Polar Lander Founder of Deep Space Systems (NASA Small Business of the Year 2009) System Design Lead for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter SCRAM Systems Lead for Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle Spacecraft System Design Lead for Various Lunar, Mars and Outer Solar System Exploration Studies and Proposals Listen to podcast of Mars Science Enabled by the Mars Base Camp 2028 Proposed Architecture telecon: Download the MP3 File. Download the presentation (PDF). WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US forces carried out five airstrikes against Daesh fighters near the Libyan city of Sirte on Thursday as part of an air campaign requested by Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA), the US Africa Command said in a press release. "These airstrikes bring the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 41," the release stated on Friday. The airstrikes hit multiple targets, including terrorists vehicles and fighting positions, according to the Africa Command. According to Al-Watan newspaper, militants kidnapped the Egyptian nationals two weeks ago in order to demand a ransom for their release. Their liberation became possible after Egyptian authorities' involvement and due to coordinated actions of the Libyan security forces. At the moment all hostages arrived at a checkpoint on the Libyan-Egyptian border in order to travel home. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The UN Security Council passed a resolution to deploy a 4,000-troops protection force to South Sudan, the US Ambassador to the UN for Special Political Affairs David Pressman said at a Security Council meeting on Friday. "South Sudans regional partners and the African Union have called on the [UN] Security Council to authorize urgently a regional protection force," Pressman stated. "This resolution does that." UN Security Council Resolution 2304 authorizes the deployment of 4,000 UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until December 16. But Bateman told Sputnik the BBC staff concern over the issue of neutrality and CBI membership had subsequently been overtaken by a series of incidents and reorganizations at the British-state funded broadcaster. I doubt if any journalist at Pacific Quay [the BBCs headquarters in Glasgow] is remotely concerned about CBI membership given what they've been through with management bullying, redundancies and stripped down resources, Bateman said. All organizations and companies are required under existing UK law to register with the elections regulator, the Electoral Commission, if they are actively campaigning in an election or referendum. Yet Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, chief executive of Business for Scotland that represents over 4000 trade members, told Sputnik that registration with the Electoral Commission did not automatically guarantee neutrality. The BBC, whether they register to be supporter of a referendum or a political campaign is irrelevant if they are campaigning for one side or the other. If you dont spend 10,000 [$13,000] you dont need to register but that doesnt mean you are neutral simply because you havent registered, MacIntyre-Kemp said. A spokeswoman for the BBC, Kim Hayman, told Sputnik that the BBCs decision to continue its membership of the CBI resulted from the significant role the trade body played in the creative sector in the United Kingdom. Hayman went onto stress that only BBC Worldwide maintained membership of the CBI and not the corporation as a whole but the BBC spokeswoman conceded BBC Worldwide is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BBC whose chairman, Tony Hall, is also director general of the entire BBC. The newspaper points out that the current 'eastern policy' has no clear goal as some nations believe that further modernization and democratization of all of the former Soviet republics is required while others believe it impossible and push for restoring peace in Europe which inevitably leads to the "classic" issues of mutual disarmament and rebuilding trust. The events that transpired in Russia during the last two decades clearly show that the West cannot exert any kind of serious influence on political changes within the country; and the realistic analysis of the situation suggests that theres no politically motivated desire within Russia to affect such changes. Therefore, the article's author believes that the West needs to rethink its new 'eastern policy', and points out that positive results are usually achieved when all sides involved work on reducing their arsenal of threats instead of expanding it. And as for the "small steps" mentioned earlier, while keeping in mind the significant difference in opinions regarding the issues of international laws and European security, it might be a good idea for the West to keep offering Russia cooperation in select areas. "The political class of regional councilors is the most corrupt in the history of the Italian republic and these regional directors appointed to the Senate will be able to enjoy parliamentary immunity, i.e. the possibility of not being prosecuted by the judiciary," the opposition lawmaker lambasted the proposed changes to the Senate. Crimi added that the changes in election process of the Chamber of Deputies "will give absolute power with a strong majority bonus to those who take one single vote over political opponent, even if it is a small portion of the electorate". Finally, the other stated purpose of the constitutional changes the reducing of costs- is also unlikely to materialize, according to Crimi. "It does not reduce the cost because the Senate will continue to exist, with its palaces, its offices, its privileges," he said. Italian citizens will vote against the changes to the constitution proposed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi as they clearly understand that the suggested reforms are written for the benefits of a political class, not ordinary citizens, Crimi told Sputnik. "The Italian people will say NO to this reform, the chances of the prime minister are very slim, because the Italians understand that it was written by a political class that is far from the real problems of the citizens, who only seeks to keep the command attached to their chair," Crimi, a member of the Senate's Constitutional Affairs Committee, predicted. Face-covering head garments, such as the burka or the niqab, should be banned for ideological and security reasons, the Danish People's Party's EU spokesman Kenneth Kristensen Berth argued in an interview with the Danish tabloid newspaper Metroexpress "No one could possibly convince me that anyone would wear such a garment of their own accord," Berth noted. According to him, burkas represent female oppression, but can also be used as a disguise for suicide bombers. "It is only a matter of time before similar incidents occur in Europe. The only reason it has not happened yet is that burkas still attract attention here." On Thursday, two explosions hit Thailand's Hua Hin, killing at least one person and injuring over twenty. Also on Thursday, a bomb was reportedly detonated at a marketplace in Trang, killing one person and injuring six others. "The material in the explosive devices, the arrangement where two consecutive blasts occur, the second to harm the law enforcement members who arrive to investigate the first explosion, remote detonators in the form of mobile phones all this is the style of militants that the security forces have to deal with in the far south every day," the senior law enforcement source said. A series of suspicious fires were also reported at several locations early on Friday, which is a national holiday in Thailand (Her Majesty the Queens Birthday and Mothers Day). The law enforcement source told RIA Novosti that this is the first time such a large-scale attack is carried out in Thailands south. Thailand's southern-most Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani provinces are majority-Malay and predominantly Muslim. The southern region has seen a low-level insurgency since the 1940s, but violence escalated in the early 2000s, claiming over 6,500 lives in the course of more than ten years. The separatists do not want to be part of the predominantly-Buddhist Thailand and want to restore the formerly semi-independent Sultanate of Pattani that had acted as a buffer zone between the British Malaya (now Malaysia) and the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) but was incorporated into the latter as a result of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. BANGKOK (Sputnik)The first suspects have been detained following a string of explosions in Thailand, local police said Friday. "Police have already detained the first persons suspected of preparing and organizing the explosions. I cannot give more specific information at this time," a police spokesman said in a statement broadcast by several local TV channels. The string of explosions in Thailand was not related to international terrorism, local police said Friday. BANGKOK (Sputnik)The Thai prime minister on Friday ordered the tightening of security in cities and crowded places around the country, especially in tourist areas, in the wake of multiple bomb attacks, government spokesman Maj. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. "Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered this morning to urgently strengthen security measures in tourist areas, cities and crowded places. Particular attention is being paid to the tourist areas, hotels, markets," Sansern said in a statement broadcast nationally. On Friday morning, two explosions occurred in the southern Thai city of Surat Thani, two on the Phuket Island, and two in the Hua Hin resort. Later, two more explosions were reported in Thailands Phang Nga Province. At least two people were killed and at least four others were injured as a result. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called on the Nauru authorities to create a mechanism to prevent torture and other violations of the human rights of migrants transferred to the island from Australia, the organization said in statement on Friday. "We call on Australia and Nauru to expeditiously end the immigration detention of children, and urge the authorities to institute human rights-compliant alternatives. We urge Nauru, as a party to the Optional Protocol on the UN Convention against Torture, to establish a national mechanism for the prevention of torture and we reiterate our offer to assist in this regard," OHCHR spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani was quoted as saying in the statement. She expressed concern about allegations of violence, sexual assault, degrading treatment and self-harm contained in more than 1,000 incident reports from the offshore processing center on Nauru, many of which reportedly involved children. He also noted that Japan has a powerful air force with not only defensive components but with powerful strike fighter jets and bombers. The countrys fleet has long ceased being only defensive. It now has in its possession advanced American destroyers, one of the most powerful in the world, modernized for the Japanese needs. More importantly, the Japanese are now able to build their own fully functional aircraft carriers. Even though they are called helicopter carriers, their tonnage is typical for an aircraft carrier 37 thousand tonnes which is able to land from 20 to 37 F-35 fighters, which are vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. Such aircraft carriers are designed for offensive operations in off-shore maritime zones outside the Japanese territory. The Japanese government always stresses that the countrys three nuclear principles, which guide its nuclear policy since their inception in the late 1960s, state that Japan shall neither possess nor manufacture nuclear weapons, nor shall it permit their introduction into Japanese territory. However these tenets have never been adopted into law and thus could be easily reviewed or abolished by the cabinet of ministers. Back in April the countrys public officials said that Japan's constitution does not ban the country from having nuclear weapons, contrary to popular belief. The Japanese Cabinet wrote in a response to lawmakers' inquiries that the nation could own and use nukes. But it then noted that the government "firmly maintains a policy principle that it does not possess nuclear weapons of any type under the three non-nuclear principles. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Four others believed to be members of the JMB managed to flee, counter-terrorism unit chief Monirul Islam said at a press conference, as quoted by BDNews24 online outlet, adding that the JMB has sent more of its members to Dhaka since the Kalyanpur police raid in July. The detainees have been identified as Atikur Rahman Atik, Abdul Karim Bulbul, Abul Kalam Azad, Md Matiur Rahman and Shahinur Rahman Himel by Dhaka Metropolitan Police. On July 26, nine JMB militants were killed during a joint operation involving SWAT, Rapid Action Battalion and local police in the Kalyanpur district of the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. BANGKOK (Sputnik) A series of explosions at the resorts of Thailand is linked to the political conflict in the country related to the insurgency in the country's south, Royal Thai Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda said Friday. Last week, the Thai nationals voted in a referendum in favor of a new constitution, proposed by the military government. A number of southern provinces, some known for separatist moods, voted in favor of it. On Thursday and earlier on Friday, a series of bombings and arson attacks in the resort areas in southern Thailand killed at least four people and injured 28, including foreigners. Tourists, market and administrative sites were targeted by attacks. "All seven provinces where the incidents took place endorsed the draft charter [at the Sunday referendum]," Chakthip said, as quoted by the Khaosod newspaper. Ahead of the G20 summi t, the Chinese State Committee stated that Chinese steel mills are not guilty of dumping on the international markets. China argues that it has invested in modern and powerful equipment for steel production. The equipment is well-constructed, has low energy consumption, and high degree of automation. All this results in significant cost reduction and gives Chinese companies a competitive advantage. China has again called for international steel producers to liquidate the overproduction problem. In addition, Chinese authorities asked not to shift the responsibility for the production of excess steel on the international market to China. Others argue that the problem is not just economic, but has a political nature. America will soon lose its real leadership at the international political arena. And world currency reform is inevitable, Mikhail Belov, expert at the Fund Market Institute, explained to Sputnik. That is why the USA and other European countries make every effort to limit the progress of China. These actions are taken to deprive China of its competitive advantages, thereby, limit its progress. In response to these threats, China is taking new measures to strengthen its global competitiveness. The Peoples Republic plans to combine two of the largest companies Hebei Iron & Steel and Shougang Group. The merger will produce two new state companies Northern China Steel and Southern China Steel., which can potentially become the worlds leading steel organizations. NEW DELHI (Sputnik) Pakistan is ready to consider a bilateral agreement on imposing a moratorium on nuclear testing with India, the Pakistani prime minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said Friday. "Pakistan has consistently supported the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We voted in favor of the treaty when it was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1996. We have announced a unilateral moratorium on further nuclear testing. Pakistan is ready to consider the transformation of its unilateral moratorium into the bilateral agreement with India on banning [nuclear] testing," Aziz told journalists. The CTBT is a multilateral treaty that envisages signatories agreeing to ban all nuclear explosions for military or civilian purposes. It was adopted at the 50th session of the UN General Assembly on September 10, 1996 and opened for signature on September 24 of the same year. Human rights organizations accuse the nation of using slave labor and urge the United Nations to step in. "It's going to be hard to verify that this is happening, but if it is confirmed then we utterly condemned it, Phil Robertson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, told the NZ Herald, responding to the allegations of methamphetamine use. "The real issue here is slave labour, and our immediate reaction to this was that if they want faster workers why not actually pay them, instead of resorting to giving them drugs? Robertson labeled the construction project as forced labor. "The North Korean government wants to finish these buildings to somehow prove that they are a developed country. But this kind of forced labour has been unilaterally condemned by the international community, he said. "It is a throwback to the second world war, when governments regularly resorted to forcing labor of their citizens." In a 2014 Vice News report, facilities in the nation were shown to be producing drugs for both domestic and international sales, beginning in the 1970s. In the 2000s, North Korean state chemists began to manufacture methamphetamine, originally as a medicine, before it became a popular drug. Radio Sputniks Loud & Clear spoke with Eric Draitser, political analyst and founder of StopImperialism.org, about Chinese-Filipino relations and the role played by the US. Draitser remarked that the meetings are "a pretty important development in the region because the president of the Philippines has at least rhetorically begun to chart a much different course of action, when it comes to bilateral relations with China. Those people who observe the region, even from afar, should know that the Philippines in many ways has been the leading force of anti-China posture in the entire region. I think we could point to the very close relationship between the Philippines and the United States that explains that." Beijing has constructed a series of artificial islands in the South China Sea that the United States and its Pacific allies claim are an attempt to militarize the region. China maintains that it has every right to build within its own territory and that the islands will be used primarily for civilian purposes. The Hague-based Court of Arbitration recently sided with the Philippines against Chinas nine-dash territorial line in the South China Sea, though Beijing does not view the decision as legitimate. As a result, both China and the United States have increased combat patrols through the highly-contested region through which roughly $5 trillion in international trade passes annually. MOSCOW (Sputnik) In August 2014, Russia introduced an embargo on the import of food from the European Union, the United States and some other Western countries, in response to sanctions imposed against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis. In July 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree authorizing the destruction of embargoed food imports, illegally smuggled to Russia. The researchers relied on radiocarbon dating techniques to establish the age of 28 female sharks, unintentionally caught by fishermen. Traces of radiation in tissues, such as eye lenses, are commonly used by researchers as one of the most correct ways to determine how old the creatures are (or were in this case). The largest shark, with a length of 502 centimeters, was found to be around 392 years old. This means that she was born in the early 1600s, at the time of the Thirty Years War, and during Shakespeare's peak period. Her younger cousin, measuring 493 centimeters, was calculated to be "only" 335 years old. An adult Greenland shark can easily reach over five meters in length, which is on par with the great white shark and the tiger shark, the world's largest fish species. However, there is a vast difference in life expectancy. With a slow growth rate of about one centimeter per year, which is believed to contribute to their exceptionally long lives, Greenland sharks only reach maturity at the ripe age of 150, by which time they are no less than four meters in length. The average lifespan of the Greenland shark is therefore estimated at 272 years. NEW-DELHI (Sputnik) Delhi's diesel car drivers and auto-makers had a big as the Supreme Court today lifted the ban on the registration of Diesel cars with more than 2000 cubic capacity (CC) engine capacity. However, manufacturers and dealers will have to pay a 1% green tax to compensate for polluting the city's air, the Supreme Court ruled. Shares of Indian Automobile companies Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra gained 2.5 percent and 2 percent respectively as the news came in. LONDON (Sputnik) "Detectives from the Mets Aviation Policing Command arrested a 28-year-old woman from Ealing on suspicion of fraud today, Thursday, 11 August. The arrest relates to suspected fraudulent activity in the vetting process for airside security passes at Heathrow Airport. There is no suggestion that this is terrorist-related," the Metropolitan Police said in a Thursday statement. Earlier in the day, UK media reported that the passes of about 300 employees at Londons Heathrow Airport had been suspended amid an investigation into alleged fake pass use at the airport. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in its statement that certain security passes have been suspended. Ernst, for her part, questioned the effectiveness of the EU's possible sanctions against the four countries, saying that it is impossible to support the migration system by exerting pressure only. "We have to rethink the structure of the EU as a whole, not just migration policy, in order to achieve greater loyalty. Otherwise, the EU will be turned into a dispersed union of egoists, something that can partly be seen already now," she said. Ernst also called on Germany, Belgium, France and the Scandinavian countries to do more to resolve the migration crisis. "These countries should show more drive because they have better conditions for accepting refugees," she said referring to "generations of migrants who are living in these countries and who should help new refugees." Separately, Ernst warned against holding a "scandalous" referendum on migration policy in Hungary in October, an event that she said could provoke what she described as "bullying". MOSCOW (Sputnik)Earlier media reports had claimed that some 3,700 hectares of forest had been affected by the fires. According to the Europa Press news agency, five fires are currently active in Galicia. The fires have been affecting the region since the start of the week, with its authorities announcing "second-level" emergency situation. MOSCOW (Sputnik)On Thursday, Marseille authorities canceled a womens burkini event in the city after organizers received threats. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said that burkinis "ostentatiously manifest the religious affiliation" of the person wearing them at a time when France has been targeted by religious extremists, Le Soir newspaper reported. Women wearing burkinis "are likely to create risks of disturbance to the public order," which must be prevented, Lisnard said in a decree. Commenting on the above remarks, Dmitry Zhuravlev, the general director of the Institute of Regional Problems told Radio Sputnik why the frontline states are gaining an upper hand in this issue. NATO is a military alliance and the absence of an adversary is a serious blow to its mere existence, primarily in terms of financing, he told Sputnik. The existence of some tension is very useful for it. And in case the problem is settled a logical question will arise: is it really necessary to allocate so much funding to the alliance, he explained. It will then need to prove its own relevance and value. It is logical therefore, he noted, that NATO will take the side of the frontline states in this issue. The analyst further explained that the Baltic States are the major opponents to any agreements on the security in the region. The Baltic States are not interested in any technical issues whether to switch on or off the transponders, but are rather interested in military and political aspects in pursuing their only goal that the Russians should not fly over the Baltics, the expert said. However, if these countries get engaged in the negotiations on the issue of switch-on of the identification systems, they will admit the necessity of these flights. And it is unacceptable for these states. Brain from Severn Wye agency agreed it was "fantastic to be able to highlight the impact renewable energy can have when it's given serious attention." Banks called it a "milestone." However, it seems renewable energy comes at a price. The winds on the day Scotland managed to entirely power itself on renewable energy were described as "chaotic," reaching 185 kilometers an hour. Bridges were forced to close, trains were delayed and ferries were cancelled in many parts of the country and power was wiped out in Scotland's fourth biggest city, Dundee. A Scottish government spokeswomen said: "Scotland's abundant energy resources play a vital role in delivering security of electricity supply across the UK." A floating wind turbine pic.twitter.com/ciwDiE2Fss Calvin from Games (@psysal) August 11, 2016 "The Scottish Government is committed to supporting onshore wind, which is one of our most cost effective low-carbon energy technologies. We remain fully supporting of low-carbon technologies, which offer a huge economic opportunity for Scotland and have a key role to play in our fight against the threat posed by climate change to our society and natural environment," the spokesperson said. Weather Energy, which is part of the Severn Wye Agency, provides daily and weekly figures for solar energy generation from households and holds information on how many households could have been supplied with electricity, based on the capacity of the UK's existing wind turbines. "We've always known that renewable energy has a large part to play in meeting energy needs across the UK," Brain told Sputnik. "Its fantastic news to be able to highlight the impact renewable energy can have when it's given serious attention." "I know that Scotland is committed to renewable energy and has made great steps to make good use of it. It's fantastic that is is leading the way." BRUSSELS (Sputnik) The Ipsos survey gives an insight into attitudes to immigration and refugees among residents of 22 countries around the world. Belgium ranks fifth among the least open countries toward migrants. Turkey, Italy, South Africa and Russia were the states whose residents showed the most concern about the number of refugees in their country. According to the poll, only one in 10 Belgian respondents think that refugees contribute to economic growth in the country. The poll was conducted from June 24 to July 8, and some 500 Belgians took part in the research. "So it is safe to say that the Italian Ministers' initiative is the continuation of efforts by the French MPs," he said. He explained that the project's goal is to create a European defense system that would complement NATO, which he warned is unlikely continue to allocate money for European defense-related issues. "So it is Europe which should deal with the issue. Europe is the world's largest economic power, but it is yet to become the largest military and economic power in the world. It's an abnormal thing. It is the European Council which should define the European defense, not just NATO," Di Borgio said. He added that there is no need to wait for the Baltic States to push for the creation of a European defense, because relying on these countries will ultimately lead to Europes continued dependence upon NATO. In a clear nod to Italy, he specifically pointed to the fact that the ministers of the country, which depends heavily on the United States, is calling for the application of Articles 44 and 46 of the Lisbon Treaty allowing countries seeking to create a European defense to do it on their own. "A NATO summit in Warsaw did not go as expected, because many Europeans believe that it is impossible to stay within the European defense system dependent of NATO. It's an unthinkable thing that Americans now finance 75 percent of NATO defense-related issues. We need to take defense into our own hands," he pointed out. In their article in the Le Monde, the Italian Ministers said that the outcome of the British referendum on withdrawing from the EU and the recent terror attacks in Europe should prompt the EU member states to take effective security measures, including in the defense sector. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Members of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe's Special Monitoring Mission in eastern Ukraine (OSCE SMM) will not be allowed to enter Crimea and are not requesting this as they understand that they lack the necessary mandate, Russia's OSCE envoy Alexander Lukashevich said Friday. "No, of course, because the OSCE Monitoring Mission is working on the territory of Ukraine. Crimea is Russian territory. We discussed at the very beginning that the mission would not apply to Crimea as part of the Russian Federation. But our Western colleagues consider the territory of Ukraine to include Crimea," Lukashevich told RIA Novosti. According to the diplomat, the mission is not trying to enter the peninsula, understanding that its work is "limited to the current territory of Ukraine." "In my opinion, this is, certainly, a crime committed against the Russian state and the people of Russia living on one of the territories belonging to the Russian Federation the territory of the Crimean peninsula," Medvedev told reporters. "The investigation is underway, you are getting all the information on the matter, which is quite a lot. I can only express regret once againthat this sort of activity is approved by the leadership of a country that is close to us, despite the fact that we currently have complicated relations. This is very unfortunate both for our country, and especially for the people of Ukraine, who are being distracted from domestic problems through such terrorist acts," the prime minister continued. "I dont think a publicly funded organisation like the BBC that is required to be neutral should hold a membership of a business group that is not neutral. I would not even dream of asking the BBC to join, or sponsor Business for Scotland," MacIntyre-Kemp said. "It seems completely wrong that the BBC should be part of an organisation, the CBI, which although they did not register as part of the recent EU campaign, they were very clearly on one side." In 2014, during the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum, the BBC faced protests, including some from its own journalists, opposing ongoing BBC membership of the CBI, claiming it was undermining the credibility of the broadcaster. At the time, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), which represented BBC staff, said it did not see how the BBC's membership of the CBI could be compatible with "the duty of journalistic impartiality." Two years on, the NUJ declined to respond to repeated questions from Sputnik over whether the BBCs journalistic impartiality had been damaged by the broadcasters ongoing membership of the CBI. Meanwhile, Kim Hayman, a spokeswoman for the BBC told Sputnik Friday, "We recognise that the CBI plays a significant role in supporting the creative industries. Sky, ITV, and Channel 4 are members in this capacity, as is BBC Worldwide our commercial arm." Hayman added that BBC membership of the CBI had been temporally suspended during the recent EU referendum in the United Kingdom, but full membership had now been resumed. Scottish Television News, one of BBC Scotlands broadcasting rivals, terminated their membership of the CBI when the trade body announced it was backing the 'No' campaign during the Scottish independence referendum. Although the CBI did not formally register during the EU referendum it did warn of a "serious shock" to the UK economy if voters backed an exit of the EU trading bloc. On June 23, voters across the UK backed Brexit by a margin of 52 percent. Shortly afterwards the BBC recommenced full membership of the CBI. MOSCOW (Sputnik) German Chancellor Angela Merkels public support has dwindled since last month amid concerns about the implications of her open-door migrant policy and the high terror threat in the country, a new poll published on Friday showed. The public broadcaster ZDFs Politbarometer survey, conducted this week, found that Merkels approval rating dropped to 1.0 from 1.4 on the scale between +5 and 5 since late July. The survey ranked Germanys top lawmakers according to how well they would fare if the federal general election, planned for 2017, took place this Sunday. Syrians followed by Pakistanis and Afghans constituted the majority of migrants in that area of the Mediterranean. Some 76 percent of migrants who make it to Italy via the Central Mediterranean Route report been exposed to human trafficking and other exploitation while journeying from North Africa to Europe, according to a survey published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday. "The recent findings which are the first from new efforts in Italy to monitor migration flows through North Africa provide strong evidence of predatory behaviour by smugglers and traffickers and the kinds of enabling environments within which trafficking and associated forms of exploitation and abuse thrive," the IOM said in a statement. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to Le Parisien newspaper, the complaint was filed on Thursday after the magazine, famous for publishing controversial cartoons, saw the threat posted on its Facebook page. "We filed a complaint over the threats to the Police Commissariat of the 13th district of Paris," the magazines co-shareholder Eric Portheault was quoted as saying by the paper. On July 17, alternative protection was provided to 17 persons from Iraq by the Evangelical Brotherhood, so-called Bohemian Brethren, in the Saxon town Gangelt. According to statistics published by Asyl in der Kirche, an organization that grants asylum status to Christian refugees, church protection gives a certain guarantee to people that they can stay in Germany in the future. According to Germany, the migrants must return to the CR as Czech authorities are responsible for proving them with asylum. The fact that they vanished has proven problematic for the Berlin, especially as political pressure over the migration program is mounting. We were not able to track them down. They just disappeared, said the representative of Federal Office for Migration and refugee, Edith Avram. But they will be eventually found and deported back to CR. "There needs to be a balance struck to protect young people, to prevent them from being radicalized, but also making sure teachers and other agencies have the proper advice training and support," she added. Ali's concerns have been raised not long after other MPs accused the counterextremism program of creating "tensions" among British Muslims and increasing inequality. Maria Miller, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee said Muslims remain the most disadvantaged group in Britain, with unemployment levels double that of the general population. Young women account for two thirds of economically inactive Muslims, according to the committee's report. Government needs to tackle disadvantage faced by Muslims in their own right not through lens of counter-extremism https://t.co/LiXe6Bk220 Maria_Miller (@Maria_MillerMP) August 11, 2016 The groups report is calling on the government to implement a more "coherent plan" specifically aimed at improving life chances for Muslims and for more clarity between policies aimed at strengthening integration and those targeting extremism. "We do not underestimate the challenges the government faces in tackling extremism, but the conflation of integration with counterextremism has exacerbated inequalities experienced by Muslims," the report states. For teachers #Prevent is confusing. For students & parents it is alienating. It does nothing for community relations https://t.co/MnnDgdwgv0 Chris Esson (@C_Esson) August 12, 2016 "The government needs to tackle the disadvantages faced by Muslims in their own right, not through the lens of counter extremism." The report calls for a special program, directly targeting young Muslim women, to help increase their employment opportunities. DONETSK (Sputnik)Nine people were killed and 18 were wounded during shelling in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) over the last week, the press service of the republics ombudsman said Friday. "From August 6 to 12, nine people died as a result of aggression on the part of Ukraine on the territory of the republic, three of whom were civilians wounded by shelling of Donetsks Petrovsky district on August 9 and 11 and six were soldiers of the republic," the ombudsmans press service told reporters. Among the injured were nine civilians and nine militia members, according to the press service. Muraev isn't alone in his dire assessment. Speaking to the independent Russian newspaper Svobodnaya Pressa, Ukrainian political analyst and publicist Dmitri Galkin suggested that the education reform comes as no surprise. "The state has no money to invest in education, nor the desire to engage in its development." Furthermore, "Minister Hrynevych is a sufficiently experienced person; she has worked all her life in the education system, and is well aware of its problems. Therefore there can be no question about someone's poor understanding of the consequences of the introduction of these new evaluation criteria. She is deliberately adjusting these criteria in accordance with the situation which has developed, because she knows perfectly well that the state will not be able to find the funds to increase teachers' pay. Accordingly, it is easier to simply reduce the workload placed on them." Ukrainian political scientist Alexander Dudchak was even more blunt, telling the online newspaper that "the country is facing a deliberate program aimed at the mental debilitation of the population. An uneducated population is easier to control, its interests are less expensive for the economic and political forces in power. Overall, this is merely a continuation of the strategy launched at Maidanthe transformation of the sovereign state of Ukraine into a collection of resources, among them the labor force. And this kind of slave labor should be cheap and unpretentious." The news comes just days after British Prime Minister Theresa May put the brakes on a US$23 million nuclear power plant project expected to be built in Somerset in the South West of England. She's initiated a review to re-analyse the security implications. The CGNPC was to have a 33% stake in the controversial infrastructure project, expected to be the most expensive ever built. French company EDF is the only other investor. The project was green-lit in 2015 by former Prime Minister David Cameron, and designed to meet about 7% of the UK's electricity needs. Speaking about migrant situation in the Calais region, he also said that the Touquet agreement with the UK on border controls should be revised, but Bertrand expressed doubts that this could happen under the current French government. "I expect more of the next president," Bertrand said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Judge Ellen Mo will be removed from the Norwegian state appeal against the ruling on the prison conditions of mass murderer Anders Breivik due to doubts about her impartial, media reported Friday, citing the Court of Appeal. The decision reportedly comes after an objection from Breiviks attorney Oystein Storrvik, who wanted Mo removed from the case. We can confirm that we have succeeded in the petition and the court agreed with our argument, Storrvik was quoted as saying by The Local news outlet. The proposed measures, devised in response to recent terrorist attacks in Germany's Bavaria in July, include steps to make it easier to deport migrants deemed to be a threat to public security, stripping dual nationals who fought for terrorist organizations abroad of their German citizenship, banning the burka and loosening medical confidentiality. "It is just a political action to gain scores ahead of the upcoming elections for the parliaments on state and national level. The politicians try to make an impression that they are doing something to increase security, but in fact they dont," Bialluch said. BRUSSELS (Sputnik) Belgian police released three people Friday who were detained overnight in a counterterror operation in the Brussels area, local media reported. Searches were conducted in homes of people under scrutiny on suspicion of links to terrorism and foreign fighters returning from Syria, the RTBF broadcaster reported, saying no weapons or explosives had been found. STOCKHOLM (Sputnik) The Swedish minister said that he also intended to raise the issue with the Nordic neighbors. "All EU countries should follow the common rules, otherwise they cannot be within [the bloc]. I will summon the Hungarian ambassador next week to convey this. I will also write to the European Commission and will request it to act, " Johansson told the TT news agency. He recalled that he had already addressed Hungarian Minister of Justice Laszlo Trocsanyi on the issue, stressing that Hungary should not demonstrate any exception in the framework of the common EU policies. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The BFE Plus force was set up last summer in the wake of the early 2015 massacres in Paris. It was specifically trained to assist the elite police unit GSG9 in event of terrorist attacks and conduct manhunts. But their deployment to Munich, the scene of July 22s shooting by a lone gunman, failed because the GSG9 team had flown away on the only available helicopters to deal with a hostage crisis north of Munich, according to information obtained by German magazine Spiegel. The magazine said that federal police had complained about having not enough air transport after two police helicopters collided and crashed in 2013. They were never replaced. The planes, which are able to carry 12,000 liters of water, will be based at Monte Real in Leiria. They are scheduled to being their operations in Portugal tomorrow. The Beriev Be-200 Altair plane is one of the worlds most effective aircraft in extinguishing forest fires. The plane splashes down on a lake and, in a few seconds, takes in up to 12.5 tonnes of water, which it then drops over the fire. The aircrafts crew is used to working in difficult conditions and has extensive experience fighting fires. Emergencies Ministry aviation was used in other countries as well such as Serbia, Greece, Chernogoria and others, said a source at the Emergencies Ministry. Portuguese authorities report fires continuing to rage on the mainland of Portugal, although the situation has greatly improved over the past day. On August 12, according to Portugals request, Russian Emergencies Ministry will send two Beriev Be-200 Altair planes to Portugal to help in extinguishing forest fires. With accordance to government orders, Russian Emergencies Ministry will send specially designed aircraft to help Portugal in eliminating the fire issue, stated a Ministry representative. Under the law, the president will be summoned to the Supreme Court later today, although she is not required to attend in person, while the final judgment will be passed on August 25, her lawyer and former justice minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said, as cited by Bazils newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. The upper house of the Brazilian parliament voted this week by a majority of 59 to 21 to go ahead with the impeachment process against Rousseff after she was accused of doctoring budget figures in the run-up to the presidential election in 2014. "Beyond the displacement of forests and the effects on water retention, the high use of agricultural chemicals and the large volumes of wood needed to pack and ship avocados are other factors that could have negative effects on the area's environment and the wellbeing of its inhabitants," said a representative of the organization. From 2001 to 2010, avocado production in Michoacan has increased threefold, and exports have risen tenfold, which has led to a widespread destruction of forest, according to a report published by Mexico's National Institute for Forestry, Farming and Fisheries Research in 2012. He added, however, that NATO has no right to dictate what foreign policy decisions Turkey should take and what countries it should build relations with. Yardim underscored that Turkey is "independent in creating its foreign policy." Cavusoglu, for his part, said earlier this month that that Turkey had repeatedly tried to interact with NATO member countries, but that the results did not meet Ankara's expectations. Apparently, it was something that finally prompted Turkey to look for other partners to cooperate in the defense sector. Expanding bilateral defense ties was high on the agenda of Tuesday's talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in St. Petersburg. The battle for this city is of extreme strategic importance, given its geographic and economic significance. The fighting there is not merely a side-show in the larger scheme of things in war-stricken Syria, says Russian online newspaper Lenta.ru in its analysis on the recent developments in Syria. Syria's largest pre-war city has been divided into government and rebel areas of control for much of the conflict, and has been at the focus of the recently escalating stream of violence. However, last week rebel forces conducted a successful counteroffensive: they reportedly pierced the blockade of the government forces by seizing the Ramousseh complex of military bases and surrounding areas in the citys southwest. In any case, Sheikh suggested that in moving toward Moscow, Ankara is trying to ensure that the West can "no longermaterialize its economic and strategic interests in the Middle East and beyond without Turkey playing a pivotal role in it. Hence, Erdogan's message to the West [is:] 'mind your own business' while Turkey minds its own and prepares for a big leap forward toward Russia." For their part, Russian analysts are hopeful in the prospects for a genuine reset of Russian-Turkish relations, but emphasize the necessity for concrete political and economic agreements, rather than flowery promises. Commenting on President Erdogan's Wednesday 'ultimatum' to the US, where the Turkish leader said in no uncertain terms that Washington must 'choose' between Turkey and the US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara believes to be behind the July 15 coup attempt, Russian experts suggested that the Turkish president has finally come to understand the true face of his US partners. Speaking to the independent online newspaper Svobodnaya Pressa, Moscow-based political scientist and sociologist Alexander Shatilov suggested that what Erdogan experienced was a "geopolitical shock, having found out that the Western countries with which he cooperated had helped to organize a revolt against him." "And it's likely that the rebellion would have resulted in the Turkish president's physical annihilation. This helps to explain the tough statements Erdogan is making," the expert added. Pointing out that he does not believe in a complete rupture in Turkish-US relations, in spite of the cooling of relations, Shatilov noted that Moscow, for its part, must do everything it can to benefit from the current situation. "We cannot allow ourselves to be fed empty promises. If Erdogan is ready for economic cooperation, let him make specific proposals, backed up by documents and guarantees. Let him stop supporting the terrorists in Syria once and for all. If we allow things to drag on, the West will gradually reel Erdogan back in, and Russia will not get any benefits from this situation," the analyst emphasized. ALEPPO (Sputnik) Over 200 militants have been killed in a Syrian army offensive in southwestern Aleppo, a local military source said Thursday. "Since the beginning of the offensive, air and ground forces have eliminated over 200 people in the southwestern region [of Aleppo]," the source told RIA Novosti. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Moscow has demanded from Ankara the closure of the Turkish Syrian border as part of talks of a Russia-Turkish commission on reconciliation, according to the Izvestia newspaper. These talks reportedly come in continuation of the discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and include participation of diplomats, military officials and special services representatives from both countries. "Turkish negotiators both diplomatic and military have practically no field for maneuver. At the same time, they seem to be willing to overcome contentious issues. That is why they will have to meet our condition of closing the border with Syria," Igor Morozov told the paper. MOSCOW (Sputnik)Over 3,700 civilians have been killed and over 6,500 have been injured as a result of the ongoing civil war in Yemen, the United Nations said Friday. "The number of civilian casualties in Yemen has been steadily mounting over the past few weeks. Despite the cessation of hostilities, between 11 April and 11 August 2016, we have documented 815 civilian casualties, including 272 deaths and 543 injuredThe total number of civilian casualties between March 2015 and 11 August 2016 stands at 10,270, including 3,704 killed and 6,566 injured," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told a briefing. In the past week alone, 49 civilians were killed and 77 more injured, Shamdasani added, noting that deadly incidents took place on Sunday and Tuesday. On Sunday, an airstrike killed 16 people, including seven children, in the Sanaa governorate, while 10 people, including three women, were killed when an airstrike hit a food factory in another area of the governorate the following Tuesday. ALEPPO (Sputnik) According to the Addounia television channel, the militants attempted to attack the army positions, and have since retreated to the desert. Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into forceacross Syria on February 27. It does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham (al-Nusra Front), both outlawed in many countries, including Russia. Aleppo is partially controlled by al-Nusra Front. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) carried out 18 airstrikes against the terror group's positions in Syria and Iraq on Thursday, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said in a press release. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six strikes using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets, the release said on Friday. Additionally in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using rocket artillery and bomber and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. MOSCOW (Sputnik) A total of 32 diplomats failed to return to Turkey despite being recalled in the wake of the military coup attempt, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday. Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, Cavusoglu said that 208 Foreign Ministry employees have been recalled, of whom 32 failed to return, the Anadolu news agency reported. He specified that two personnel based in Bangladesh had fled to the United States. Some of them escaped by sea, some of them escaped by air. Some of them we have not confirmed their whereabouts. We will locate them shortly, the minister said. The Finance Ministrys major role, he said, is to set up the countrys state budget and agree it with all the Syrian officials. It should also ensure all the revenue necessary for financing the states activities. The situation in the country has gravely deteriorated due to the ongoing war and the ministry experiences great difficulties ensuring the financing. The war has left an impact on all the sectors of the economy and the devastation of some economic leverage (and the taxes and other duties are one of the major sources for the ministry) has resulted in economic activity falling into a slump. The ministry is now constantly searching for new sources of revenue which will be enough to ensure the steady financing of the countrys economy. We should think more of how to prevent the losses in various state sectors, of how to agree the budget with all the interested parties and study the spending procedure so that it ensures the countrys essential needs, said the minister. In an interview with Sputnik, Hikmet Ehmed, the head doctor in in the northern Syrian city of Kobani, urged the international community to help resolve the humanitarian catastrophe in the predominantly Kurdish city which he said has been hit by epidemics and a lack of medicine. In June 2015, Kurdish forces from the People's Protection Units (YPG) regained full control of Kobani, liberating it from Daesh (ISIL/ Islamic State) terrorists. Ehmed said that all the hospitals in Kobane had been destroyed after the city was attacked by Daesh and that right now, there are only two hospitals in Kobani for the military and civilian population. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is on his official visit to Turkey on Friday to hold talks with high-ranking officials of the neighboring country, which is still reeling from a failed military coup. Mohammad Javad Zarif comes at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and is set to hold talks with Cavusoglu and to be received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his palace. The operation on the liberation of the city from the Daesh militants, which lasted for 73 days, has been completed with the full retaking of the settlement after the rebels were kicked out from the district of El Sirip. On Friday morning, the units of the Manbij Military Council launched an operation to liberate the last district of the city remaining under Daesh control. The violent clashes resulted in the full control by the Manbij Military Council of the city, MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the Daily Sabah newspaper, 4,225 academics and 1,117 administrative staff from both private and public universities were suspended from duty. On July 15, an attempted coup took place in Turkey and was suppressed the following day. Over 240 people were killed during the coup attempt and an estimated 2,000 were wounded. Turkish authorities have already sacked thousands of people across the country, including members of the armed forces, governors, military advisers, prosecutors, intelligence officers and judges. Ankara has accused US-based dissident Muslim cleric Gulen and his followers of playing a key role in the coup. Gulen has denied the accusations. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) aesh terrorists are using residents of Syria's Manbij as human shields amid successful advances of the Syrian Democratic Forces to liberate the city, US Department of Defense spokesperson Adrian Rankine-Galloway told Sputnik on Friday. "As ISIL attempts to run, they are continuing their tactic of intermixing with innocent civilians and using them as human shields," Rankine-Galloway stated. The spokesperson noted that the campaign to liberate Manbij from the terrorists has entered its final stages, with a few remaining pockets of fighting in the north. This has also been confirmed by the US State Department, whose representatives said that the Iran deal does not prohibit the construction of light-water reactors. "The [nuclear deal] does not prevent Iran from pursuing new light-water reactors," said the State Department official. "Any new nuclear reactors in Iran will be subject to its safeguards obligations." MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Jabhat Fatah al Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front) terrorist group executed 40 insurgents and their family members in their attempt to surrender and gain safe passage through one of several humanitarian corridors in the Syrian city of Aleppo, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday. "In the Karyat al-Ansari quarter of Eastern Aleppo, Jabhat al-Nusra terrorists have executed two insurgents and members of their families, who had tried to lay down their weapons and leave the city through the humanitarian convoys to regions controlled by the government troops. In total, terrorists have executed 40 people," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website. The Russia-US brokered ceasefire regime in Syria came into force on February 27. The Jabhat Fatah Al Sham and the Islamic State terrorist groups, which have been outlawed in Russia, are not part of the ceasefire deal. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) A US drone strike, with support from Afghan forces on the ground, has killed an Islamic State regional leader Hafiz Saeed Khan, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal said in an interview released on Friday. "Yes, I can confirm that Hafiz Saeed Khan has been killed," Zakhilwal stated as quoted by the Pakistani Express Tribune. The airstrike reportedly took place on July 26 in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan, and has also killed at least 23 Islamic State commanders, including Khorasan faction head Hafiz Saeed, according to media reports. Cost considerations are secondary in the new nuclear arms race, Perry noted. "I'm trying to make people aware of just how dangerous, how really dangerous, this damn business is," Perry said. "People don't relate to that and they think it is just another issue of whether we should build these bombers or build these missiles or not." The weakness in the US nuclear Triad is the silo-based ICBM's providing adversaries with known target locations and would be most likely to precipitate a nuclear war, Perry observed. "If there is a nuclear war, they [ICBM's] would be the first targets and the problem here is that we know all that and therefore in our alert system, if we see an indication of a launch coming we have to decide whether to launch those ICBMs right away," Perry stated. "The ICBMs are the only ones that pose that particular problem." Nuclear Security Tougher Than Cold War Era Due to Cyberthreats Ensuring the security of nuclear weapons is harder today than during the Cold War years because of the looming cyberthreats that might compromise nuclear weapons command and control systems or lead to an accidental launch. "It is harder today than it was during the Cold War and there is the danger of cyber confusion or some cyber mistake," Perry said. "Or someone playing malicious games with cyber and going after our command and control systems." The reports suggested that India would procure UAVs from the US via the Foreign Military Sales route. India plans to procure more than 5,000 UAVs in the next 10 years. Currently, India has Israeli searcher and Heron UAVs. Last month, India's Ministry of Defense floated a notification inviting response from indigenous manufacturers for procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs for use by the three defense services. Meanwhile, India's state sponsored Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) is developing the Rustom II, a MALE UAV designed to operate up to 30,000 ft above sea level and has a range of up to 100 km. The manufacturing of the first batch of Rustom IIs is likely to be completed by February 2017. The FIPB had deferred a decision on the proposal two times earlier. "The decision has been deferred on an approval sought by DCNS to set up a company in India (IndiaCo) for the purposes of conducting the business of undertaking design and industrialization studies, research and development activities and manufacturing and maintenance in relation to air independent propulsion systems for submarines," FIPB said after its 236th meeting which was held on June 10. Subsequent meetings held on July 12 and August 3 did not mention DCNS's proposal in its agenda. Cowshish says, "The Ministry of Defense is not in favor of this because this is something which is already being developed by DRDO. Therefore, the foreign investors also have to keep this in mind. Something that is already available or is being developed in India, even in an area where there is 100% foreign direct investment (FDI), will not mean anything. So, it has to be something which India is hungry for." Air independent propulsion systems are expensive and can be retrofit in old ships to enhance the survivability of the submarines. It uses a limited amount of stored liquid gas which ultimately is used to charge the battery of submarines. Due to this, submarines can remain in water for longer periods. Otherwise, submarines have to come back to the surface to charge their batteries. In June this year, India had tweaked FDI norms for the defense sector. According to the new norm, "foreign investment beyond 49% has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to state-of-the- art' technology in the country has been done away with." Cowshish says, "FDI proposals for 100% have to be in areas where India lacks either the existing capabilities or is not even developing it." The Czech military leadership appears set to purchase German Leopard main battle tanks in order to replace the Soviet-made T-72 as a mainstay of the nations armored forces.Russian military analyst and first vice-president of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems Konstantin Sivkov told Sputnik that while not terribly expensive, this initiative is still going to cost Prague a pretty penny. "A Leopard tank would cost about $7.5 million. The Czech military is unlikely to require more than 1000 of these tanks, but its still going to be a pricey endeavor. For example, a Russian-made T-90A tank, with technical parameters on par with those of Leopard, costs about $2.5-3 million. And the famous Armata is more expensive it costs about $7-8 million but it is a cutting edge weapon that vastly surpasses the Leopard," Sivkov remarked. He also pointed out that since the T-72 has a considerable modernization potential, the decision to switch to Leopards has nothing to do with the Russian tank becoming outdated. "There were a series of bursts from the sun," Knipp told CBS News. "The second one started to bring down or severely degrade the kind of communications SAC (Strategic Air Command) would use communicating with its aircraft." Out of precaution, long-range nuclear bombers already in the air were upgraded to "ready to launch" status and Strategic Air Command prepared to deploy additional bombers. Thankfully, the nuclear-equipped warplanes were told to stand down, after a team of space weather forecasters with NORAD, recognized the true cause of the radar mishap, and alerted Strategic Command. "So therein lies that little bit of uncertainty in terms of were we on the verge or were cooler heads prevailing all along?" Knipp said. "And that is not something that I or maybe even my co-authors had privy to. What we do know is that the aircraft did not launch." "There's been a decision made not to release that number," Army Spokesman Col. Steve Warren said. "The number that we release is our force management level I don't have a reason for not releasing this number other than it's the orders that I'm under." Days later, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr. told reporters that the Pentagon has been withholding troop numbers for the last 15 years, and thats it not a matter of reluctance on the part of the defense center. "We do not release those numbers due to the fluid nature of their presence; those numbers fluctuate on a daily basis," CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Michael Meyer said. One unofficial tally of US military personnel deployed to fight Daesh in Syria and Iraq puts the number at around 8,000, but it is difficult to be accurate, given the militarys use of troops and contractors throughout the region. Under caps set by US President Barack Obama, the Pentagon has the ability to send 422 troops at any time, and plans to send 400 to Iraq soon, bringing the total number to 5,847, a good deal more than FML numbers released to the public. Obviously scared by the grim prospects of extra losses amid overall recession and low oil prices, the Norwegian government has appointed senior officials from all ministries to examine the effects of Brexit in detail. Already after preliminary deliberations, experts drew attention to Brexit's dramatic trade consequences. "With Britain out of the EU, the entire trade map is redrawn," Arne Melchior, senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. Melchior is a project manager for a government panel, appointed this winter to analyze the effects of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the US. However, all competent bodies' attention has now been switched to Brexit's consequences, which in the long run may overshadow TTIP's seeming benefits. BRUSSELS (Sputnik) On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who arrived in St. Petersburg for first talks to reset bilateral relations. "So many concerns emerged regarding the relations between Turkey and Russia that it is necessary to hold a discussion on this issue at the EU level, as well as NATO," Reinders told the Radio 1 station. Recently, Swedish journalist Lotta Groning caused a hullaballoo with her opinion piece, demanding that Sweden's historic region of Norrland (ironically, also the country's largest) should aspire to achieve self-rule and strive after a Scotland-style referendum on independence from Sweden. Despite the fact that Norrland, which consists of nine provinces, occupies 54 percent of Sweden's surface, the country's sparsely populated northernmost region has a population of only over 1 million (out of Sweden's total population of roughly 10 million) Earlier this week, Groning's aptly titled article "Norrland Should Take Cue From Scotland and Demand Independence," published by Sweden's tabloid newspaper Expressen, made a splash in Swedish media. In no time, the article was shared thousands of times on Facebook, sparking a heated debate on Twitter and even provoking a negative response from a local Socialist Democrat politician, who dismissed the demand for independence as "what northerners say when drunk." WASHINGTON (Sputnik) While Turkey has similar disagreements with Iran, it "does not allow that one issue to dictate the larger framework of relations," the report noted. "Serious disagreements still remain between Turkey and Russia over the Syrian civil war, though Erdogan has said there can be no solution without Russia," the report stated. "Even if disagreements persist on Syria, it is likely that overall relations will continue to improve." Since the beginning of the Syria civil war, Turkey, the United States and some of its allies have called for Syrian President Bashar Assad's removal of power. Russia and Iran recognize Assad as the only legitimate authority in Syria. On Tuesday, WikiLeaks offered a $20,000 reward for any leads on Rich's murder. The 27-year-old staffer was shot and killed while jogging a block from his home in Washington, DC on July 10. Local police first claimed that the murder appeared to have been an attempted robbery gone bad, but Rich's family soon confirmed that nothing had been stolen, the attackers leaving behind his wallet, watch and phone. WikiLeaks' decision to offer a reward for leads to the staffer's killing has sparked speculation that Rich may have been the source of a leak of nearly 20,000 pages of hacked emails released last month which showed the DNC's collusion with the Clinton campaign against opponent Bernie Sanders. The emails, published ahead of the Democratic Party's convention, where Clinton was chosen as the party's nominee for president, demonstrated bias in Clinton's favor from the party establishment, and revealed everything from agreements to funnel money into Clinton's campaign while the primary was still going on, all the way up to bigoted and openly anti-Semitic recommendations from local officials to Clinton's campaign based on Sanders' Jewish heritage. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US Vice President Joe Biden urged both Ukraine and Russia to avoid escalating tensions over Crimea, the White House said in a statement after Bidens phone call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday. "The Vice President [Biden] urged President Poroshenko to do his part to avoid escalating tensions," the White House stated. "The Vice President noted that we have urged the Russian side to do the same." Biden and Poroshenko also agreed on the importance of using diplomatic means to implement the Minsk accords, the statement noted. UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) According to Ibrahim, the next stage of the preliminary elections will be held in the Security Council. The election campaign to replace Secretary General Ban Ki-moon kicked off in December 2015, after all member states received letters on the procedure to elect the next UN chief. The UN Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly, where he or she must garner no less than two-thirds of the votes to be appointed secretary general, according to the UN Charter. After that, we swing around to South Africa to discuss the significance of the nationwide municipal elections that handed control of some of the countrys largest cities to the opposition. The next topic that we address is Chinas formation of the Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism between Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in assisting the region with its struggle against transnational terrorism. Moving over to Europe, we then raise awareness about the rapid fascist revival in Croatia and why its not just Serbia that has a reason to be worried. And lastly, our final story of the week is how Russias hectic Mideast diplomacy with Iran, Turkey, and Syria proved that to the world that Moscow is definitely back as a force to be reckoned with in the region. A congressional task force in the U.S. has found that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) manipulated intelligence to paint a rosier picture of efforts to defeat Daesh. This comes as British special forces have been photographed on the ground in Syria, assisting a rebel group calling itself the New Syrian Army. Why would top level U.S. officials lie about the reality on the ground? Is Daesh actually far stronger than presented by CENTCOM? This week, tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea as Moscow hit the reset button with Turkey. How do these developments affect the rocky relationship between NATO and Russia? Are prospects for mending differences feasible? Becker is joined by Michael Klare, professor and defense correspondent for The Nation. The Philippines and China are on course to mend their relationship. The two countries have been fiercely at odds over the South China Sea since 2012, but new Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has heralded a new day in relations. How will the United States view the thaw? Eric Draitser, political analyst and founder of StopImperialism.org, joins Becker. "The (tobacco industry's) 'Smoke and Fumes Committee' had its genesis in the oil industry's efforts to respond to bad press, bad science, and the risk of regulations resulting from the L.A. smog crisis of the late 1940s and early 1950s," Muffett explains. "So, in late 1946, a group of oil industry executives came together and decided that they needed to create a joint effort to fund pollution science, and then combine that pollution science with an active PR effort that was designed to shape the public's opinion on the science related to environmental issues and air pollution issues." "The tobacco companies themselves, when they were looking at how to develop their own deception campaigns around smoking, looked again and again and again to the oil industry for people, for models, and even for advice," he tells me, describing what has been found in the documents so far. "The links between the industries were far more extensive than we ever anticipated. What was truly novel in what we found was that it's not that Oil is the new Tobacco but that Tobacco was at one time the new Oil." We go on to discuss how the recent discoveries are likely to effect ongoing investigation and litigation into ExxonMobil's deceitful practices by more than a dozen state Attorneys General; the "completely unprecedented" nature of U.S. House Republicans on the Science Committee attempting to intimidate those AGs and environmental groups with subpoenas; and the accompanying irony of the fossil fuel industry attempting to hide behind constitutional First Amendment protections for fraudulent practices (a tactic which failed when Big Tobacco used a similar defense during litigation in the 80s and 90s.) Hope you'll take a few minutes off from your daily (hourly?) Trump fix to listen to today's fascinating and important conversation. Then because we know you still need a fix Desi Doyen joins us for the latest Green News Report, covering energy policies of Trump and Clinton, and a very encouraging climate precedent just established by a federal court. You can find Brad's previous editions here. And tune in to Radio Sputnik one hour a day, five days a week. Todays main stories: The Barack Obama administration has rejected requests from three FBI field offices that had hoped to open corruption cases involving the Clinton Foundation. We discuss this the journalist Dave Lindorff. We speak to Russian Paralympian Akzhana Abdikarimova and Evgeny Bukharov of the Russian Paralympic Committee, on the impact of the IPC ruling which bans the entire Paralympian team from competing in Rio. Greece has said that it will introduce what it calls "immediate and short term" plans to help deal with the flow of refugees into the country. Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, is to interrupt his vacation to hold meetings in Athens next weekend on the subject. We speak to Greek journalists Omaira Gill and Paschos Mandravelis. MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia's Armed Forces in Syria showed an unprecedentedly high level of management of its troops, exceeding the level of coordination in Afghanistan and other regions, the countrys former Air Force Commander Army Gen. Pyotr Deinekin said. "In Syria, the handling of troops was organized at a high level. Such troops command we had neither in Afghanistan, nor in other armed conflicts," Deinekin told RIA Novosti in an interview, dedicated to the Russian Air Force Day celebrated on August 12. He stressed that operation in Syria had once again proved that the combined arms commander, who gives orders simultaneously to the Air Force, the Ground Forces and the Navy, should be in charge of the troops. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Russian Security Council has presented a project for transport and logistic corridors to connect Siberia, the Far East and the Arctic that is estimated to cost $220-240 billion to the government for consideration, which envisages building a fleet of hybrid airships dubbed Atlant, a Russian newspaper reported. Advanced airships will enable passengers and cargo traffic between the Northern Sea Route and the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Russian Kommersant newspaper said Thursday, citing a copy of a letter written by the team behind the project and addressed to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich. Vladimir Putin said Friday that he was satisfied with the work Sergei Ivanov had done as Kremlin chief of staff and that Ivanov himself had asked to be transferred to a different position. "We have successfully worked together for many years. I am satisfied with the way you have carried out the tasks you have been entrusted with," Putin said at a meeting with Ivanov, broadcast by Rossiya-24. According to the president, Ivanov himself recommended to appoint new chief of staff Anton Vaino as his successor. "Specific structural features of this dinosaur make it differ from its relatives, according to what was said in an official release. We cannot say that this reptile was, for example, sturdier than the others because it is unknown yet," Sergei Leshchinsky, the head of the Laboratory of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Continental Ecosystems at the Tomsk State University (TSU), told Sputnik. The researchers identified that the remains belonged to a four-legged herbivore, titanosaur. It was revealed that the dinosaur's sacral ribs were arranged in a star shape and converged toward the center. There was also no connection of the vertebra in the neural arch. According to a TSU statement, ancient reptiles with such a structure of the skeleton have never been found before. "The dinosaur had a barrel-shaped body, small head and very long tail and neck," Leshchinsky told Sputnik. The titanosaur, which lived in the Early Cretaceous period, about 100 million years ago, was about 20 meters long and weighed about 50 tons. MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia's Foreign Ministry said Friday it had provided the head of the European Union's delegation to Russia, Vygaudas Usackas, with a detailed explanation of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's attempt to carry out terrorist attacks in Crimea. "During the talks, the sides discussed topical issues relating to European security, as well as a number of international issues, including the situations in Syria and Ukraine. Vygaudas Usackas was provided with a detailed explanation regarding the attempt by Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials to carry out terrorist attacks in Crimea," the ministry said in a statement. At present, Khrolenko recalled, the US has a fleet of 70 B-52H Stratofortresses at its disposal, four of them engaged in testing and R&D, and 13 in storage. Switching the planes' armament from conventional to nuclear "does not require modifications or design changesB-52s can carry up to 20 air-launched long-distance cruise missiles, both nuclear and non-nuclear." In the analyst's view, in a situation where Ukrainian, German and Swedish military observers are flying over Russia in accordance with the Open Skies Treaty, "the Europeans [nonetheless] continue to prepare for war with Russia." Against this background, Khrolenko warned, "US preparations, with the flights of their B-52s, look much more noticeable." In his own commentary, Zvezda contributor Viktor Sokyrko took note of the fact that Moscow, for its part, has reacted with remarkable calm to the US planes' presence near Russia's Arctic borders. The journalist sarcastically noted that "not only did Russia not destroy these planes they didn't even 'express concern', as Washington so fondly does whenever Russian military aircraft conduct flights outside Russian territory." Nevertheless, the military analyst noted, the US strategic bombers' flight remains significant, precisely because "this is the first move of this kind by US aviation near Russia's Arctic borders" in recent history. "Previously, the US Air Force did not allow themselves to take such liberties. Or perhaps they simply did not see the need to do so; after all, after 1991 they did not have any specific strategic interests in the area, while the military facilities of the Soviet and then Russian army gradually withdrew from the area. Now, the situation has changed dramatically, and the [renewed] US interest is understandable." According to Sokyrko, it is notable that the US planes entered Russia's exclusive economic zone, the existence of which the US has refused to recognize. "Today, Western countries also do not recognize Russia's claim to much of the Artic shelf, and are trying to mark their presence in the region in every way possible if only by flybys using long-range aircraft." MOSCOW (Sputnik) The source said searches uncovered 6.6 pounds of explosives, a grenade and SIM cards inside a vehicle belonging to Andrey Zakhtey, the sabotage groups operator. Separately, a suspect nicknamed "Yuzef" was tasked with planting dummy bombs ranging from a bottle with a mobile phone and wires to four bars of soap wired to a watch at the Simferopol airport to test local security services. On Wednesday, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had uncovered a spy ring over the weekend in Crimea organized by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, and prevented two Kiev-led terrorist attempts to break into the peninsula. MOSCOW (Sputnik) IKEA St. Petersburg general manager Joachim Virtanen has confessed to lying in court about a key witness in the William Browder tax evasion case to force him into changing his testimony, court documents showed on Friday. Hermitage Capital CEO Browder was convicted in absentia by a Russian court of dodging millions worth of taxes. Former Hermitage employee Konstantin Ponomaryov testified against him in 2013 and was accused by IKEAs outlet in Russia of trying to defraud it of funds. "Virtanen confirmed Ponomarevs testimony that IKEA lawyers and Browders representatives colludedand pressured him into deliberately giving false testimony against Ponomaryov and his links with IKEA in several criminal cases and at court hearings," a court paper seen by RIA Novosti read. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Russia is expected to become the worlds largest exporter of wheat in 2016 and 2017 for the first time, beating the European Union and the United States, the US Department of Agriculture said in a report on Friday. "Russia is boosted 4.5 million tons to a record 30.0 million based on a record crop and reduced competition from the EU [European Union]," the report stated. According to Ahmad, Google's public relations department does a great job of convincing people that it "does no evil." That Google services are free propagates this sentiment, he notes. According to Epstein, since President Barack Obama took office, at least 250 people have changed top seats in the US administration for top seats in Google, some performing the jump multiple times. Google employees have made over 450 visits to the White house, much more than any other corporation, Epstein notes. Epstein states that the line between a corporations and government has become blurred. This is, he suggests, because the Google search engine has been partly funded by US intelligence agencies so as to create a "gateway" to the internet that simplifies the tracking of people and organizations, Epstein claims. The Quantum Gravimeter Despite a name that sounds like a Star Trek prop, this instrument, used to measure the difference in the force of gravity from one place to another, will be used to survey enemy tunnels and discover underground bomb stores. The device is currently in the design stage at the University of Birmingham, but once completed, it's expected to help soldiers gather intelligence on jihadists in Syria and Iraq in a matter of minutes, rather than weeks. Virtual Reality Helmets No longer just the toys of gamers, the world of virtual reality (VR) interactive technology will be used to help train the next generation of military pilots. They will create an immersive environment in which pilots will be able to train on the ground, rather than in the skies, using simulated air strikes. A fighter pilot helmet with 360 degrees of sky. Isn't that sophisticated Hololens? #vr #HoloLens https://t.co/tam3Mnlipp Kumar Ahir (@kernel_kumar) July 2, 2016 Aircraft, land targets and enemy soldiers will all appear on the real surrounding landscape. Dragonfly Drone A new "micro-drone" with flexible, flapping wings inspired by dragonflies will weigh less than two pound coins and fit into the palm of a soldier's hand. It's expected to bug enemy assailants, and in partiuclar, to have a significant impact on operations in urban environments. It will be equiped with a camera and a microphone for covert surveillance, night or day; have high speed obstacle avoidance technology and the ability to fly up to 45mph. Laser Weapons System No longer just a gag from the Austin Powers movies, threatening the enemy with giant lasers will soon be a reality. The MoD say the lasers will be able to neutralize aerial threats in multiple ways: by downing aircraft by burning holes in them; by blinding aircrew in the cockpit and forcinga landing or by disrupting sensors on enemy planes, preventing them from working. Mobile Robots If the presence of chemical weapons is suspected, these small robots could be deployed instead of soldiers, to minimise the risk to human life. They will help scout out hazardous or contaminated environments before troops are committed to the field. Russian tourism flights to Egypt were halted after a Russian Airbus was brought down in a terror attack in October 2015 over Sinai, killing all 224 passengers and crew onboard. Last month, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov met with his Egyptian colleagues in Moscow. The two sides agreed to develop a bilateral agreement on security cooperation, and the possibility of Russian security experts working directly to ensure safety at Egypt's airports. At the same time, Russian firms have offered Egypt modern equipment for ensuring security at public places. A delegation involving representatives of eight Russian companies producing security equipment visited Egypt recently to participate in a "Safety & Security" symposium, offering the Egyptian side with a number of technologies and systems meant to radically improve the safety standards at the country's airports. A lawsuit filed by the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy on Monday argues that Washingtons tangible support for the Israeli government violates the law. Since the year that the Arms Export Control Act went into effect, the United States has provided resources worth an estimated $234 billion to Israel, despite the fact that the Middle Eastern nation is widely known to be in possession of nuclear weapons, while not being a signatory to the nonproliferation treaty. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) A Muslim female sued the Chicago Police Department (CPD) for the use of excessive force, violation of human rights, and freedom of religious expression, after six officers ripped off her hijab at a train station last year, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Chicago chapter said in a press release. Itemid Al-Matar, trying to catch the train home, was physically assaulted, harassed, publicly strip-searched, humiliated, and falsely arrested by several police officers from the Chicago Police Department, the release stated on Thursday. Al-Matar, who moved to Chicago from Saudi Arabia, was charged with reckless conduct and several counts of obstructing justice, but found not guilty on June 30, media reported, citing court documents. From the left there was Bernie Sanders, "a 74-year-old Socialist senator [who] set [Democratic] primaries ablaze with mammoth crowds that dwarfed those of Hillary Clinton." Ironically, WikiLeaks has confirmed that the anti-establishment candidate faced collusion between the Clinton campaign and the DNC throughout the entirety of the Democratic Party primary process. From the right was Trump, "a non-politician" who "swept Republican primaries in an historic turnout" sending "more than a dozen Republican rivals, described as the strongest GOP field since 1980packing." American voters, Buchanan suggested, had sent the country's political elites a message that they were tired of the status quo. "But if it ends with a Clintonite restoration and a ratification of the same old Beltway policies, would that not suggest that there is something fraudulent about American democracy, something rotten in the state?" the commentator asked. One thing is clear, Buchanan noted. "If 2016 has taught us anything, it is that if the establishment's hegemony is imperiled, it will come together in ferocious solidarity for the preservation of their perks, privileges and power." Today, "all the elements of that establishment corporate, cultural, political, media areissuing an ultimatum to Middle America: Trump is unacceptable." And this applies equally to both political parties. "The thrust of the question is whether or not the Dakota Access pipeline is a utility," Hanigan explained. "Our point is that Dakota Access pipeline is not a utility because it doesnt provide any utility services and it has no customers in Iowa." The project is intended to transport oil from the state of North Dakota, through three neighboring states, including Iowa. "The lawsuit asks whether a private company, which provides no service to Iowans, may use the states power of eminent domain to seize land from Iowa citizens for its private use," an article posted on the David Brown website said. A court will hear the farmers appeal for an emergency stay on August 17. "If a stay is not granted, Dakota Access, within weeks, will dig a massive trench across the petitioners farms. Once the pipeline trench is dug, the harm to the petitioners will be permanent and irreplaceable," the farmers argue in documents filed with the court. GMVs, also lightweight, are not armored and cannot take much punishment, making it necessary to scout areas beforehand. The original plan was for a specially-built Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV), but it soon developed into a variant of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Once enemies are scouted, however, air support would not be able to get past A2/AD systems, necessitating a company of 14 MPF vehicles per Army brigade, so they can have their own big guns. The MPF is intended to handle opposition that may otherwise bog down light infantry. Wesley said, "What we wouldnt expect is that an infantry brigade is going to fight an entire brigade of armored vehicles." He explained that older tanks and bunkers can be an issue for ground troops trying to complete their objective. Hannah Cohen, 19, is partially deaf, blind in one eye, partially paralyzed, and prone to confusion, due to aggressive cancer treatment she is undergoing. Damage from radiation treatments and the removal of a brain tumor limit her ability to speak, walk, stand, see, hear, care for herself, learn and work, think, concentrate, and interact with others, a lawsuit details. On June 30, Hannah and her mother Shirley were returning home from Tennessee after she completed a round of treatment at St. Jude Hospital. The woman was unarmed, but for some reason set off the metal detector. Hannah became frightened, and instead of going with the agents, she attempted to run away. Her mother looked on in horror as she was kept away from her daughter, and watched the agents violently tackle her to the ground. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) A public health emergency has been declared in the US territory of Puerto Rico as a result of the Zika virus outbreak, US Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement. "I, Sylvia M. Burwell do hereby determine that a public health emergency of national significance exists within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico relating to pregnant women and children born to pregnant women with Zika," the statement noted on Friday. Burwell's pointed out that the declaration to declare public health emergency was made after consulting US federal and local public health officials. Alton Jones, 57, claims in his lawsuit that he was with his wife and six-year-old child at Border Field State Park in San Diego during the summer of 2014, and went for a jog. Jones says he was wearing earphones and running when he noticed a Border Patrol agent traveling toward him. At this point, he turned back to his wife and stated, "I think that Border Patrol agent is flying down the hill toward me for some reason." It was the same agent that they had encountered when they had initially arrived at the beach, the same agent who reportedly told them that it was okay to park where they were. "Defendant Hernandez got out of his patrol vehicle, shouting to Mr. Jones to 'turn the f**k around,'" Jones says in the complaint, continuing, "Offended, Mr. Jones replied, 'What's your f**king problem?'" Jones then jogged over to his wife and child. TEHRAN (Sputnik)Russian and Iranian militaries are closely cooperating on Syria settlement and Moscow hopes that its joint efforts with Tehran will help stabilize situation in the war-torn country, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan said. "Russia and Iran are cooperating quite closely on the Syrian issue. As you know, our countries are members of the International Syria Support Group, in the framework of which we have established trustful contacts with Iranian partners. In addition, the two countries' deputy foreign ministers regularly hold bilateral consultations on the Middle East," Dzhagaryan told RIA Novosti. "I have to note that close cooperation also has been established between our military departments. I hope that we will be able to stabilize the situation in Syria through joint efforts," he added. MOSCOW (Sputnik)On Monday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia had already delivered half of S-300 air defense systems to Iran under the existing contract. Head of Russia's Rostec corporation, Sergei Chemezov, said July that Russia was planning to complete the deliveries of the air defense systems to Iran by the end of 2016. "The issue of the withdrawal of the S-300 lawsuit has been repeatedly commented on by official representatives of the Russian Federation and has now been removed from the agenda," Dzhagaryan told RIA Novosti. The $800-million Moscow-Tehran contract to deliver Russian-made S-300 air defense systems to Iran was signed in 2007. In 2011, Iran sued Russia in the Geneva Arbitration Court after Moscow suspended the contract in 2010, citing a UN Security Council resolution that placed an arms embargo on Tehran. MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia and Iran are currently not discussing fully lifting the visa regime between the two countries, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan said. "During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Tehran in November 2015, a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on easing conditions for mutual travel for certain groups of Russian and Iranian citizens was among the bilateral documents that were signed. Thus, a simplified visa regime is already in place for entrepreneurs, members of official delegations, persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, as well as in university-organized and other educational activities. There are no talks so far on abolishing the visa regime," Dzhagaryan told RIA Novosti. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Six Pakistanis and a Russian national were taken hostage by Taliban militants on August 4, when a Pakistani Mi-17 helicopter crash-landed in Afghanistan. "We are doing every possible to free our compatriot from the captivity. The Russian Embassy in Kabul and Islamabad are in constant contact with the authorities and the competent bodies of the host countries," the ministry said in a statement. Crew members of the Pakistani helicopter are currently in safe place and provided with all basis needs, including medical supplies, the ministry stated, expressing hope that Afghanistans and Pakistans efforts will be successful. He added that the issue is of paramount importance in ensuring Russia's national security, and that Moscow pledged to provide the Turkish side with satellite images of those areas where it is shown that weapons and militants are being trafficked. It is safe to say that Ankara will most likely give the green light to the closure of Syrian-Turkish border given the ongoing normalization of relations between Russia and Turkey, according to Izvestia, which cited relevant agreements clinched during the meeting between Putin and Erdogan. In this context, Igor Morozov, member of the Russian Upper House's International Affairs Committee, said that with Turkey's relations with Europe and the US leaving much to be desired, Ankara will now be focusing on developing cooperation with Russia. It gives Russia a chance to reach a compromise with Turkey on a spate of contentious issue, and under conditions that will be dictated by Moscow, Morozov was quoted by the Izvestia as saying. "The Turkish negotiators actually have no room to maneuver, and they are poised and ready to arrive at a consensus on difficult issues. This is why they will most likely say "yes" to our proposal to close Turkey's border with Syria," he said. Vyacheslav Matuzov, an expert on eastern affairs, for his part, remained cautiously optimistic about the matter, which he said should be resolved by President Erdogan, Izvestia said. "Apparently, some agreements on the issue have already been clinched, but the sides have yet to announce them," he said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Some 70 Kurds has staged a spontaneous demonstration in the western German city of Essen against Turkey's continued detention of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, local police said Friday. "The demonstration was peaceful and trouble-free," police spokesman Marco Ueberbach was quoted as saying by the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ). Moghaddasi recalled that the visit will be Javad Zarif's first official trip to Ankara after an attempted military coup in Turkey on July 16. He also said that in a recent telephone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Erdogan signaled his country's desire to cooperate more with Russia and Iran on the fight against terrorism. "So today's visit by Javad Zarif to Turkey and the recent historic visit by Erdogan to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin, as well as a historic meeting of the leaders Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia in Baku pave the way for a constructive dialogue between these countries on the anti-terror cooperation," Moghaddasi said. Tehran expects Turkey to learn "an important and useful lesson" from the coup which was supported by European countries and the US, he said, adding that the West remaining silent on the matter certainly offended the Turkish leaders. "It is safe to assume therefore that Turkey is now highly interested in joining the anti-terrorist coalition in Syria with the participation of Russia and Iran," he said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Wildfires caused by high temperatures on Portugals island of Madeira killed at least three people and spread across Western Europe, including Spain and France. "On behalf of the Russian Government and in accordance with Portugals request, the Russian Emergencies Ministry is sending two Be-200ES [Emergency Services] amphibious aircraft to extinguish forest fires," the ministrys spokesperson said. The Beriev Be-200 is well-suited for firefighting missions. It can take in up to 12.5 metric tons of water in a few seconds while traveling over the surface of the water and then drop its load onto the flames. RIO DE JANEIRO (Sputnik) The accommodation conditions faced by athletes taking part in the ongoing 2016 Summer Olympics have previously been criticized by a number of athletes as well. "Indeed, the problem of food exists. In this respect, we are all remembering the Sochi Olympics even if they are now surrounded by a lot of negativity. In terms of organization, the Sochi Games exceeded all other Olympics. The food in the Rio Olympic Village is bad, to put it mildly. The range of dishes is not being renewed. First there were normal metal forks and spoons, then they apparently run out of them and now we get disposable ones," Igor Kazikov told reporters. Al Rahabi, the second Guantanamo inmate to undergo resocialization in Montenegro, told US authorities that he wants to forget his past and to live a peaceful life together with his wife and daughter. Despite the fact that al-Rahabi, along with 31 other al-Qaeda supporters, was apprehended in 2001, no actual charges were filed against him, and his release from detention was approved back in 2014 when the US government deemed he posed no threat to the United States. The weekend cards slated for Century Downs Racetrack & Casino feature unique races and new faces, all in the name of charitable endeavours. On Saturday, the second annual Pacing Under Saddle event gets underway. There are two eliminations as 14 horses have entered, prompting one seven-horse field on Saturday and another on Sunday. The top eight riders will come back for a final on Saturday, August 27. All races are carded as exhibition races with no pari-mutuel wagering offered. These horses must be retired Standardbreds and must wear hopples. New this year, all riders were asked to represent a charity of their choice and any money that is collected by them will go to that charity. Century Downs will donate $1,500 ($750, $500, $250) to the respective charities of the horses that finish in the top-three for the final. "With no trotters in Western Canada we believe this is a unique event and was a lot of fun last year," stated Century Downs' Jackson Wittup. Saturday, August 13 (Post/Horse/Rider/Charity) 1. Nut Brown Hare (Kelly Kay / Bear Valley Rescue) 2. Armbro Blacktie (Alina MacLeod / Greener Pastures) 3. Bohemian Bliss (Rylee Mallo / Roar Society) 4. MJG Phanatasie (Janice Lea / Irricana Volunteer Fire) 5. Dragonwyck (Shirley Hanna / Irricana Volunteer Fire) 6. Poster Winterwood (Evelyn Sabraw / Team Diabetes) 7. Rango (Chelsea Chase / Performance Stdbrds.) Sunday, August 14 Post/Horse/Rider/Charity) 1. Rays Crown Royal (Jaline Munkholm / HRA Backstretch Fdn.) 2. Demons B Gone (Amber Lynn Fawcett / Cystic Fibrosis Canada) 3. Melanies Gunner (Jenn Clark / Autism Speaks) 4. Outlaw Last Chance (Devann Crick / Breast Cancer) 5. Super Sunrise (Amanda Barron / Brody Lane Fawcett Fund) 6. Meadowlark Appache (Kaylea Hepburn / Plunkett Ranch & Rescue) 7. Rehearsal Hall (Kayla Chappell / Juvenile Diabetes) Sunday's card at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino features three Ontario-based drivers coming West for Pacing For Charity, and the local support for the initiative has resulted in those drivers have the most chances possible to raise funds. Jody Jamieson, James MacDonald and Jack Moiseyev have picked up drives in each race on Sunday's 10-dash card, with the card commencing at 1:10 p.m. (local time). All three of the Ontario-based drivers will be donating 100 per cent of their winnings to charity. Moiseyev will drive on behalf of breast cancer. Jamieson will team up with autism, and MacDonald will donate whatever he earns to juvenile diabetes. All three charities will be on hand Sunday at Century Downs to be part of the festivities. The three drivers will sign autographs starting at 11:45 a.m. in front of the grandstand where the public is invited to meet and greet. To view the entries for the weekend's cards at Century Downs, click the following link: Entries - Century Downs. An air of excitement rippled through The Stable That God Loves this week following the announcement that Betting Line, the continents top-ranked sophomore pacer, has joined The Stable That God Loves. Steve Calhoun revealed that Betting Line will move into the vacated stall of his recently retired Reverend Hanover, a multiple stakes winner with $548,313 in career earnings. The Rev retired from the racing wars because of infirmities caused by bucked shins, a common Thoroughbred ailment, but very uncommon in Standardbreds. Following a brilliant two-year-old campaign in which he posted six victories in a dozen attempts and a hefty $540,422 for Christine Calhoun, Mac Nichol and the West Wins Stable, Betting Line continued his winning ways in 2016 with seven impressive and dominant victories, including an impressive tally in the North America Cup. Casie Coleman, who trains the son of Bettors Delight, saw the colt as a yearling at Fairwinds Farms, loved him, and was determined to buy him long before she went to the sale at Harrisburg. "Betting Line is all Casie Coleman," said Steve Calhoun. She found him, bought him at the sale, and trained and raced him for Mac Nichol, Ross Warriner and my wife, Christine. We have been partners with Casie on probably hundreds of horses over the long time we have all been with Casie. It is a rewarding partnership based on respect, trust and friendship. It makes having a great colt like Betting Line such a rewarding experience, and we all feel fortunate to be part of that experience. Fresh off his latest victory in the $105,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold at Georgian Downs on August 7, Betting Line Saturday heads stateside to tackle a talented group of seven sophomores, including the tough campaigner Sintra, in the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial Invitational at Northfield Park. He has been installed the 3-5 favourite and will start from Post 2 with David Miller in the bike. Jonathan Drury, who has driven Betting Line to victory in six of his eight seasons starts, gushes with superlatives when describing him. I never drove anything like him. He is unbelievable, something special. He can leave, or come off cover. He is never too far out of it, he always finds another gear. He is overpowering, Drury remarked. Betting Lines patented off-the-pace finishes have produced an average winning margin of one and a half lengths. Following Betting Lines Northfield encounter in the Milstein, he will head to Pocono Downs for the Battle of The Brandywine, then back home for a weeks rest and engagements in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold and Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk. He will be bedded down on Millionaires Row in The Stable That God Loves. The handsome brown speedster with over $1.2 million in lifetime earnings will join Mac Nichols Madefromlucky, the lone Thoroughbred in the stable, John Craigs Luck Be Withyou, Ed James McWicked, Rob and Wayne Giles Sunfire Blue Chip and Charmed Life, owned by Mike Guerriero and partners. A portion of Betting Line's 2016 purse earnings will be donated to the Standardbred Racetrack Chaplaincy of Canada. Stalls are always available in The Stable That God Loves. Every trotter, pacer and Thoroughbred, regardless of ability, is welcome and guaranteed a stall. Please send requests for stall space to: Ken Middleton: [email protected], or Norm Clements: [email protected]-net. For regular up-to-date postings on The Stable That God Loves follow on Facebook and [email protected]. (The Stable That God Loves) The biggest and richest race weekend in all of Ireland and Great Britain, the Ladbrokes Vincent Delaney Memorial, is set to go Saturday and Sunday (August 13 and 14) at Portmarnock Raceway in Dublin. With a record number of 180 horses set to compete over the two days, the limelight will be on the Vincent Delaney Memorial, which is for two-year-old pacers. For the first time colts and fillies each have their own divisions to compete in. Both divisions drew 14 entries so two elimination divisions will take place Saturday with the top four official finishers returning Sunday afternoon for their respective finals. It is the biggest and toughest challenge for any two-year-old in the sport, said Derek Delaney, head of the VDM committee. No other race weekend requires two-year-olds to race back to back days. But every year since 2012 our entry numbers increase by more than 10 per cent. The VDM has become the race that everyone wants to win in Ireland and the UK. The race was developed by Derek and his brother, James Delaney, who own and operate Oakwood Stud, one of the top up and coming breeding facilities in Ireland, to honour the memory of their younger brother, Vincent, who tragically died of a massive heart attack at age 27 in 2011. The first colt division is the third race Saturday and is headed by recent Breeders Crown U.K. and Ireland winner Share A Smile (Pro Bono Best), Rhyds Rock Star (Hasty Hall) and Tyrion Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere). The second division is the fourth race featuring the super tough Rhyds Rival (Hasty Hall) taking on Benny Camden (Pro Bono Best) and Talavary Motivator (Crown Manhattan). The fillies get underway in the sixth race with Breeders Crown UK & Ireland winner Rhyds Mystique (Hasty Hall) the big favorite going against Greenhilldebatable (Well Said) and Coalford Honey (Coalford Laag). The Share The Delight filly, IB Coyote heads the seventh race second filly division against Cross Hill Ace (Cams Card Shark) and Theladieslovejim (Big Jim). We have many of the leading owners, breeders, drivers and trainers from around the world coming to Ireland this weekend. Derek Delaney said. Our feature drivers are Aaron Merriman from the USA, who led the world with the most wins in 2015 and currently leads all drivers in 2016. Also here for the second straight year is New Zealands Dexter Dunn, who wowed the crowd at the VDM last year and has been racing in Wales at Tir Prince Raceway the last ten days. We also have Adam Bowden from Diamond Creek Farm in the USA, Delaney explained, and they are sponsoring the inaugural VDM Filly Final. Top owner Joe Bellino of Rocknroll Heaven and Pet Rock fame is here from the U.S.A. with his entire family, Alan Galloway, the owner of Alabar Stud, the biggest breeders in all of Australia and New Zealand is here. World renowned trainers John McDermott from New Zealand and Joann Looney-King from the USA are all here for the VDM weekend. Additional major stakes events over the weekend include the Oakwood Stud Derby for three-year-olds at 1.5 miles, the Paul Murtagh, Sr. Memorial for four-year-olds, the RocknRoll Heaven/Pet Rock Irish-American FFA Pace that is sponsored by Joe Bellino, the Lee Edwards/PJI Engineering Junior FFA Pace and the Elvin-Delaney French FFA Trot. In the Oakwood Stud Derby, all eyes will be on last years VDM winner, Miraculous and driver Patrick Kane Jr. This year Miraculous has become the top three-year-old pacer of the year with five straight wins and last week set the track record at Tir Prince and prior to that took his lifetime mark of 1:55.9 at Portmarnock Raceway. We have full fields in nearly every race, Delaney added, which should make for some great action and odds for the fans and the bookies on site. Both race cards are very competitive and I know the fans coming out and our special guests from around the world are going to have a super time. And for the third straight year our special guest announcer is USA Hall of Famer Roger Huston joining Darren Owen in the booth. Delaney added. It is just amazing how this weekend has grown into such a special event. Both James and I know that our brother Vincent would be so proud of what we have done in his memory. (Vincent Delaney Memorial) Socialist champion Sanders buys $600,000 home in Vermont So much for Bernie Sanders downtrodden socialist cachet. Sanders describes himself as one of the poorest members of Congress. However, even the poorest members are able to buy things out of reach to the average American, especially the working class and student loan indebted base of the Sanders movement. On Monday, Seven Days, a weekly Vermont newspaper, reported that Sanders recently bought a $600,000 lakefront home on Lake Champlain. It is not his primary residence; he owns two other homes, one in Washington, DC, and another in Burlington, Vermont. The Lake Champlain residence has four bedrooms and 500 feet of lakefront facing Vermont, not New York. The sale did not go unnoticed on social media. Heres your socialist hero! What a joke. Bernie Sanders Buys a Summer Home in North Hero #FeelTheBern https://t.co/7YuvGNkIb5 Dan Bongino (@dbongino) August 10, 2016 Nothing says man of the people fighting income inequality like buying a summer home for $600,000. https://t.co/B1XOJzBpqp Razor (@hale_razor) August 10, 2016 Bernie Sanders Just Paid An Unbelievable Amount Of Money For A Summer Vacation Home https://t.co/1ckeTjynhA pic.twitter.com/aLBWZTtx5w King Robbo (@realkingrobbo) August 10, 2016 One week after endorsing Hillary Clinton for President, Bernie Sanders bought a $600,000 summer home https://t.co/Rw6GRvkNqq Roosh (@rooshv) August 9, 2016 Sanders has not accumulated enough wealth to be part of the 1 percent he railed against during his failed campaign, but his net worth is hardly insubstantial. According to James OBrien of Campaigns & Elections Magazine, Bernie and his wife have a net worth of between $1.2 and $1.5 million, not the $700,000 routinely reported by the media. The failed socialist candidate has gone out of his way to cover up his wealth. For someone who doesnt care about money, he goes a long way to cover up his true net worth, OBrien explains. Bernie does not disclose the value of real estate holdings. He can. He is not required to, but he could if he chose. It is known that he and/or his wife own at least two homesone with rental income in Vermont and one near Capitol Hill where the median home value is $722,000. Bernies wife, Jane OMeara Sanders, took a golden parachute payout when she was the president of Burlington College. Senator Sanders should be asked to explain how his opposition to severance packages for corporation executives squares with his wife getting a cushy severance of $200,000, Bruce Parker wrote for Watchdog, an organization focused on the transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility of government. In January, a formal request was filed to have Bernies wife investigated for federal bank fraud. The lawsuit involves the sale of prime lakefront real estate owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese in Burlington. The loan transaction involved the overstatement and misrepresentation of nearly $2 million dollars in what were purported to be confirmed contributions and grants to the college, states a letter sent by attorneys to the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont. The move backfired massively, leading to Sanders departure from the college and the near-collapse of the institution, write Blake Neff and Peter Fricke of the Daily Caller News Foundation. Despite his rhetoric and image as a savior of working people, Bernie Sanders is an establishment insider he is the ranking minority member on the Senate Budget Committee and has worked in government since 1980 when he was elected mayor of Burlington. While he has not cashed in on his public service to the extent of his colleagues, Bernie has managed to accumulate a degree of wealth unimaginable back when he was a carpenter and a political activist. In addition to an annual salary of $174,000, Sanders will receive a federal pension under the Civil Service Retirement System, and enjoys health benefits provided by the American taxpayer. And unlike most Americans who are forced into the substandard Medicare system, Bernie will be able to keep his government subsidized healthcare after he retires. Sources: SevenDaysVT.com Watchdog.org DirectorBlue.Blogspot.co.za NationalReview.com It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here. Heaven, Ive found, lies two and a half hours north of Longview in Summerland, a subalpine meadow in Mount Rainier National Park. Summerland is one of the parks most popular hikes, hosting hundreds of hikers per day in the summertime. Purchase a $25 day pass to the park and drive about three miles from the entrance to Sunrise to reach the trail head. I was lucky that on a very moody Sunday afternoon, the hike was hardly crowded. I couldnt have passed more than 40 hikers that day. From the trail head to the meadow, its about four miles. For less than half the hike to Summerland, youll hike through a thick forest of Douglas fir and Pacific silver fir. The roaring of Frying Pan Creek is a constant comfort on the first half of the hike. The occasional switchback along the way offers a glimpse of the creek, rushing white with fury as it cuts a knotty path into the rocks. You know youve emerged from the forest when you reach the bridge over Frying Pan Creek. Its a single, thin cross section of a log set across a short section of rapids. Thankfully, one side of the log has a sturdy handrail so you dont feel like youre risking your life to reach Summerland (though that might still be worth it). From the creek, a short hike leads up into a series of switchbacks and some challenging elevation gain before you reach the meadow. Before the meadow, youll have already been able to savor a rich selection of wildflowers. Youll brush past Grays lovage, white rhododendrons and purple aster, edged in by the deep green of the forest youre about to hike through again before reaching the meadow. Everywhere you look, life is in splendorous color. A sign at the entrance to the meadow warns hikers that the area theyre about to enter is a fragile ecology. Its like a gate into a little heaven a reminder that you are passing into one of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest. Call me emotional, but the view of the meadow brought tears to my eyes. The scene is idyllic, a page ripped from Heidi or a scene from The Sound of Music. Grass fields gently undulate like wrinkled bedsheets. One slope is covered with white lupine; another beside it is covered with purple lupine. Crowds of Western hemlock tower on the edges of the meadow and on either side of the valley below. Chickadees squabble in a cluster of subalpine firs straddling the thin dirt path that meanders through the meadow. The path twists softly this way and softy that way and crosses an icy creek that flows from the Panhandle Gap to the valley below. Climb a ways up to the group camp site (just above which theres a convenient pit toilet), and you can steal a lunchtime view of the valley and meadow. Keep a lookout for bears, which arent uncommon on this hike. Despite my speed, I tried to take a quick look at my surroundings every once in awhile. Read up on the National Parks Service website about how to protect yourself against bears. As Im an impatient hiker, I ran the trail back. If you have any joint pain, dont try it. Though the trail isnt as steep as Dog Mountain (one of the hardest hikes in the Gorge), for example, its still a moderate decline that left my knees and quads burning when I returned to the trailhead four miles later. While its possible to run in ankle-high hiking boots, its not nearly as comfortable as trail running shoes. I wear La Sportiva Bushidos. Theyve got great tread and traction and a rock plate within to protect my arch. If youre impatient like me, hiking up to the meadow and running back is a perfect option. It gets you back to your car quickly, gives you more time for lunch with a view and pumps you full of adrenaline. The best part of running back from Summerland was the lower portion of the trail the last two miles or so that are just Douglas and silver firs. The canopy shades you from the sun, and the roaring Frying Pan Creek and the whooshing breeze keep you cool. While running on asphalt or concrete can feel monotonous, running a trail never does. You flit from rock to rock, fly over knotty branches lying in your path and splash into shallow pools of cool water. As you fly, you kick up sand and dirt and coat your calves and ankles in a thin film of it its a mark of pride. This trail has everything I love in a hike the peace from the meadow and forest and the adrenaline from a downhill trail run. It was heaven on earth. A proposal to increase commercial fishing license fees including a new crew member charge has been unveiled by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. John Long, the agencys regional director in Southwest Washington, told a public meeting in Vancouver on Aug. 8 the proposal would generate about $1 million from fee increases. Another portion of the proposal calls for redirecting revenue from commercial fees and an existing fish landing tax into the state Wildlife Account. Currently, that money goes into the state General Fund. Long said redirecting the money would generate an additional $3.6 million for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The proposals require approval of the state Legislature. Department director Jim Unsworth began an initiative in 2015 called Washingtons Wild Future to guide the agencys operations and generate additional revenue. Increases in sport-fishing and hunting license fees also are proposed. Long said increased operating costs and budget cuts since the economic recession of 2008 have taken a toll on the department. The agency needs $24 million in new revenue to maintain existing programs, he added. Under the fee proposals for 2017-19, an annual commercial crew member license would cost $101. A five-day temporary license would be offered for $29.50. Alaska and Oregon have similar requirements. Salmon gillnet licenses would remain $585. Columbia River purse seine and beach seine licenses are proposed to increase from $290 to $400. Long said there are a couple of reasons why the agency is not proposing to increase the salmon gillnet fee. The Columbia River reforms adopted in 2013 call for a end to gillnetting in the main stem Columbia beginning next year. Gillnets are to be limited to off-channel areas. Also, the department uses General Fund dollars and commercial license fees to support commercial fisheries. If approved by the Legislature, redirecting the landing tax General Fund dollars from the Department of Revenue to the agency would cover the majority of the costs associated with conducting and managing commercial salmon fisheries, Long said. This redirect would equate to approximately $4 million per fiscal year. Given the limited number of commercial licenses, we would need to significantly increase the license fees to achieve this dollar figure. We believe this approach makes more sense than an increase in license fees. A salmon troll license would increase from $585 to $735. A salmon ocean delivery license would remain at $585. Salmon charter and sport-fishing guide licenses also are proposed to increase. A salmon charter license would increase from $620 to $700. A food fish (salmon, sturgeon) license would increase from $220 to $480. A game fish (steelhead, walleye, trout) license would increase from $250 to $480. A combination game and food fish guide license would increase from $435 to $800. Washington charges non-resident commercial fishermen higher license fees than residents. The proposal would equalize those fees. Long said the department still welcomes comments on the Wild Future initiative. The proposals would double the cost of salmon and steelhead fishing in the Columbia River by charging $17 for a salmon catch-record card and $17 for a steelhead catch-record card, along with small increase in the fees for a freshwater fishing license and Columbia River endorsement. Agency officials must submit the budget proposal to the governors office in September. 2016 The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) Visit The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) at www.columbian.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ Topics: t000002947,t000002925,t000040213,t000132837,t000002537,t000024193,t000040148,g000215818,g000362661,g000065792,g000066164,g000065594 Chinook fishing at Buoy 10 at the mouth of the Columbia River is improving daily, as is typical during the first half of August. Angler sampling from Aug. 9 is available from both sides of the Columbia. At the Washington ports, 97 anglers were sampled with 22 chinook kept and no coho. On the Oregon side, the numbers were better, with 301 anglers sampled with 92 chinook and three coho kept plus 27 chinook released. The tides at Buoy 10 also have improved, with high water in the mornings and a soft ebb. No surprise, chinook angling upstream of Buoy 10 hasnt dialed up much yet. Washington and Oregon estimated for the first week of August there were 5,151 angler trips with 164 adult chinook kept plus 422 steelhead kept and 319 released. Reports of good kokanee fishing at Merwin Reservoir continue for anglers who use down riggers and can get down to 50 to 55 feet deep. Angler sampling from the Washington (WDFW) and Oregon (ODFW) departments of Fish and Wildlife: Lower Columbia Buoy 10, 2,361 anglers with 247 adult fall chinook and 12 coho kept plus 87 adult chinook and nine coho released. (ODFW) Tongue Point to Portland, 154 boaters with three adult fall chinook and five steelhead kept plus three steelhead released. (ODFW) Downstream of Puget Island, 16 boaters with one adult chinook and six steelhead kept plus four steelhead released; three bank rods with no catch. (WDFW) Cathlamet, 37 boaters with one adult chinook and six steelhead kept plus four steelhead released; 48 bank rods with three steelhead kept and two released. (WDFW) Longview, 147 boaters with six steelhead kept and 13 released; 202 bank rods with one adult chinook and 14 steelhead kept plus one adult chinook, one jack chinook and two steelhead released; six boaters with six legal and 10 sublegal sturgeon released. (WDFW) Cowlitz River mouth, 15 boaters with two steelhead kept. (WDFW) Kalama, 88 boaters with five steelhead kept and six released; 265 bank rods with 16 adult chinook and 11 steelhead kept plus one jack chinook and eight steelhead released; seven boaters with 20 legal, one oversize and 16 sublegals released. (WDFW) Woodland, 72 boaters with one steelhead kept and one released; 205 bank rods with three adult chinook, one jack chinook and 11 steelhead kept plus 12 steelhead released. (WDFW) Warrior Rock to Kelley Point, 85 boaters with three adult chinook and seven steelhead kept plus four steelhead released; 98 bank rods with five adult chinook and seven steelhead kept plus four steelhead released; two boaters with seven legal, two oversize and 11 sublegal sturgeon released. (WDFW) Davis Bar to Portland airport tower, nine boaters with no catch; 15 bank rods with two steelhead released. (WDFW) Troutdale, Ore., 59 bank rods with four adult chinook kept plus one jack chinook and one steelhead released; 43 boater with 26 walleye kept plus two walleye released. (ODFW) Camas-Washougal, 34 boaters with one steelhead kept; two bank rods with no catch; 30 boaters with 15 walleye kept and nine released. (WDFW) North Bonneville, four boaters with one steelhead released; 60 bank rods with three steelhead kept and six released. (WDFW) Columbia Gorge (downstream of Bonneville Dam), 19 boaters with four adult chinook, one jack chinook and two steelhead kept; 64 Oregon bank rods with one adult chinook, one jack chinook and three steelhead kept. (ODFW) Mid-Columbia Bonneville pool, three bank rods with one jack chinook and one steelhead released. (WDFW) The Dalles pool, two boats and four bank rods with no salmon or steelhead; 26 boaters with 28 walleye kept and 14 walleye released. (ODFW) Cowlitz Fifty-one boaters with 47 steelhead; 42 bank rods with 14 steelhead kept and one adult chinook released. Most of the catch is from Mission Bar to the salmon hatchery, although some steelhead are being caught by boaters near the mouth of the river. Kalama Forty-two bank rods with four steelhead and one chinook kept plus one steelhead released; 15 boaters with three steelhead kept. (WDFW) Lewis Eight bank rods with no catch. (WDFW) East Fork Lewis Two bank rods with no catch. (WDFW) Wind Two bank rods with one steelhead released; two boaters with no catch. (WDFW) Drano Lake Nine bank rods with no catch; 232 boaters with 17 adult chinook and 80 steelhead kept plus 88 steelhead released. Boaters using downriggers are trolling lures for chinook, while anglers at anchor using bobbers and dyed prawns are catching steelhead. (WDFW) Puget Island and east Cathlamet residents may soon get help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect eroding beaches. After going back and forth with the Seattle and Portland Corps offices for the past year, Wahkiakum County Commissioners announced this week that they have worked out a 10-year agreement to allow placement of dredge sand on eroding shorelines. We have everything we need from the Corps, Commissioner Dan Cothren said, referring to the memorandum as well as right-of-entry permits for affected property owners. The county will make some changes and start sending those out to the folks at Cape Horn, Puget Island (in the)coming weeks. The right-of-entry permits will be reviewed by an attorney, according to commissioner Blair Brady, and then distributed to property owners. This will allow the Corps dredging contractor to legally access the affected private waterfronts and deposit the much-needed sand. While this comes as a relief, especially for property owners fearful of losing their homes to the erosive power of the Columbia River, the commissioners were surprised when the Corps asked for more money. Brady said the Corps has asked the county to put up $50,000 to cover unforeseen costs. If they dont utilize it, they can return it, but I doubt that will ever happen, Brady said. After the entry permits are distributed to residents, Brady said the timing of the dredging in deposits is up to the Corps, which has to determine is enough sand is available. There is still no guarantee that beach nourishment the placing of sand on eroding beaches will be completed this year, Brady said. Property owners in Cowlitz County should expect notice of property value statements in next week's mail. The Cowlitz County Assessor's Office will send the statements on Monday to residential and commercial property owners. The statements list properties' assessed value, which is used to calculate property taxes next year. The assessed value is the fair market value as of Jan. 1, 2016. All properties in the county are assessed every year, and one-sixth of them are physically inspected. Next year, the assessor's office will value area no. 5, which includes Castle Rock, Ostrander, Toutle, Silver Lake and Northeast Kelso outside city limits. Owners can visit the office to make sure their properties' land, structure and site characters are correct. If property owners disagree with the assessed value, they may appeal to the Cowlitz County Board of Equalization. Petitions must be timely filed with the Clerk of the Board of Equalization no later than July 1 or 30 days from the date of the Notice of Value statement mailing, whichever is later. A driver fleeing from police died Thursday in the multi-vehicle crash. The crash happened at around 1 p.m. and after police tried to pull the driver over in Scappoose. Highway 30 was closed for several hours in both directions. According to Oregon State Police, an officer with the Scappoose Police Department attempted to pull over a 2004 Toyota Highlander, driven by an adult male after police received a complaint about the driver. Although the driver did initially pull over, he then fled westbound on Highway 30. Scappoose Police pursued the SUV for a short time and distance but called off the chase "in the interest of public safety," according to an OSP report. Even though the pursuit had been called off, the driver crashed into the back of a westbound 2012 Honda Civic driven by an adult female. The Toyota drove off the road, north over railroad tracks and came to a stop down an embankment. The Honda Civic went across three lanes of traffic before leaving the road to the south, first going through a fence and then coming to a stop in the yard of a residence, OSP reported. OSP officials said the male driver fleeing from police died from injuries sustained in the crash. The woman whose car was struck sustained serious injuries and was taken to a Portland area hospital. Officials said the driver of the Toyota was not wearing a seat belt. The woman was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. OSP is continuing the investigation of the crash. The names of both drivers are being held pending notification of family. Officials reopened both lanes of Highway 30 near St. Helens around 6:30 p.m. Thursday after a multiple-car accident, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. On Thursday, when a seagoing barge arrived in the Arctic Ocean off Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, it carried a little piece of Kelso with it: A 1,400-ton oil drilling rig made piece by piece in Western Fabrications shop on Talley Way. Bucking the generally glum news for the oil industry this year, the rig was more than $5 million project for Western Fabrication and supported 50 local jobs over the last 16 months. The rig will begin drilling later this year at ConocoPhillips/Nabor Industries oil field in Alaskas North Slope. These rigs are going to be there for the next 50 years, said Mike Stuart, project manager with Western Fabrication. Its a good feeling to know theres value to what you do. The project was kept under wraps until now because the companies wanted to avoid protests from environmentalists, like those staged by kayaktivists last summer in Portland and Seattle to protest arctic oil drilling. Western Fabrication subcontracted with Hillsboro-based engineering firm Entro Industries to build the rig, called the Nabors CDR3. The coiled tube rigs allows for drilling in multiple directions from existing wells, rather than creating new ones. The new rig was made in pieces in Kelso and then trucked to the Columbia Business Center industrial park in Vancouver for assembly. General Manager Bob Schuening said Western has previously contracted for other oil industry projects, building components for other rigs and systems to transport the rigs more efficiently within oil fields. However, this is the most involved Western has been in a project for the oil industry: The company oversaw fabrication, painting and installation of all of the structural components, pipe handling systems, suspension/moving systems and even the base of the service centers, where oil field workers live and sleep. Westerns two sister companies, Three Rivers Machine and Steel Painters, were also involved. Services were also contracted to other local companies, including STS Tires, Sawyer Systems and Olson Electric. The project was made possible after Western Fabrication earned a petroleum industry specific certification in 2014, Schuening said. Western also recently expanded its fabrication shop and added a new administrative building. Although Western fabricates anything from privacy gates to tractor parts, the company hopes to increase its presence in energy industries. Already Western Fabrication is in preliminary talks with oil industry clients for future projects. Despite plans for rig upgrades, ConocoPhillips, one the largest U.S. oil producers, isnt immune to the global oil slump. The company announced in July its plans to lay off 1,000 workers, mostly in North America. Already the company had cut 3,400 jobs, or about 18 percent of its workforce since September 2012, after the oil prices dropped to below $100 a barrel, the Wall Street Journal reported. The International Energy Agency this week downgraded its forecasts for the oil markets in 2017 to 1.2 million barrels of oil a day from 1.4 million in 2016. But Stuart said its a good sign that oil companies are continuing to talk about future rig projects, which can take two to three years to build. The oil companies already have these rigs in their plans and they know that gas prices and oil prices are going to go back up eventually, he said. They have stepped back from the smaller, more mobile rigs, but in order to fulfill their future drilling plans, theyve got to have these rigs, especially on the North Slope. When the rig was fully assembled in Vancouver, Schuening said Western bused down Kelso employees to see the final product before it was shipped to Alaska in late July. He called the experience a morale boost, so they can know that even though theyre sitting there welding all day long, this is the result of their work. Cowlitz County community members can celebrate people who have battled cancer and remember loved ones who were lost at the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life on Saturday. Teams will camp out at Kelso High School for 24 hours and take turns walking or running around the track at Schroeder Field. A strong solar flare bombarded our Earth with a burst of charged particles, creating geomagnetic disturbances that disrupted radio communications more than five decades back on May 23, 1967. The radars, designed to detect incoming Soviet missiles, appeared to be jammed. The jamming was confused to be the act of war, making the US to think that it was the act of Soviet Union. US was about to start World War 3 and even prepared its plane for it. But exactly on time, military space weather forecasters unveiled that the solar storm could have disrupted radar and radio communications. The confusion was cleared and no war started. Space physicist Delores Knipp the University of Colorado Boulder said, Had it not been for the fact that we had invested very early on in solar and geomagnetic storm observations and forecasting, the impact of the storm likely would have been much greater. The storms potential impact on society was largely unknown until Delores Knipp, a space physicist at the University of Colorado-Boulder told the story for the first time this week in Space Weather. Solar flares occur when the sun suddenly releases magnetic energy from its atmosphere. If a particularly strong eruption is aimed at Earth, electromagnetic radiation can slam into the upper atmosphere and cause radio interference. Solar flare is quite a common occurrence and commonly studied by government agencies now. The storm was an example of how geoscience and space research are essential to U.S. national security and how confusion like this that could have led to whole worlds destruction can be stopped. The U.S. military began monitoring solar activity and space weather disturbances in Earths magnetic field and upper atmosphere in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, a new branch of the Air Forces Air Weather Service (AWS) monitored the sun routinely for solar flares brief intense eruptions of radiation from the suns atmosphere. Solar flares often lead to electromagnetic disturbances on Earth, known as geomagnetic storms that can disrupt radio communications and power line transmissions. The US space agency NASAs second test for the Space Launch System (SLS), the worlds most powerful rocket has given positive results which mean that it can take humans on Journey to Mars in near future. The second test was conducted on June 28 at Orbital ATKs test facilities in Promontory, Utah, where the rocket survived extreme temperatures of nearly 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit during the test. The smoke has well cleared from that test, but critical data continues to pour in, which will help NASA qualify the booster for the first, uncrewed flight of SLS with the Orion spacecraft in 2018 a key milestone on the agencys journey to Mars. Preliminary analysis from the test shows the instrumentation performed extremely well and gathered the critical data needed to show that we met our test objectives, said Mat Bevill, deputy chief engineer for the SLS Boosters Office at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where the SLS program is managed for the agency. During the test, 82 qualification test objectives were measured through more than 530 instrumentation channels on the booster at a cold motor conditioning target of 40 degrees Fahrenheit which is the colder end of its accepted propellant temperature range. This is the second qualification ground test for the booster, as the first was successfully completed in March 2015. This is the fifth, full-scale motor test overall for the booster, which includes three development tests. The first qualification ground test demonstrated acceptable performance of the booster design at 90 degrees Fahrenheit the highest end of the boosters accepted propellant temperature range. Testing at the thermal extremes experienced by the booster on the launch pad is important to understanding the effect of temperature on how the propellant burns. We still have many months to go to analyze all the data from the second test, as its a very detailed process, Bevill said. That process includes disassembling the 154-foot-long booster and getting a thorough look at every part of it. The detailed inspection, including the post-test measurements, will support verification that the booster design meets SLS requirements and performed as expected on test day. Engineers also will compare data from the previous four ground tests. Once all analysis is complete, the boosters will still have a few steps to go before being ready for the launch pad, including design certification review. That review will determine if the design for all parts of the booster are certified for flight. In 2015, the SLS Program completed its critical design review a first in almost 40 years for a NASA human-rated rocket. This is a critical and exciting time for our teams as we prepare the boosters for flight and move forward on the journey to Mars, said Alex Priskos, manager of the SLS Boosters Office. Booster flight hardware for our first flight, Exploration Mission-1, is in full production, with four segments being cast and a fifth going to casting later this month at Orbital ATK. We also have aft skirt refurbishment work taking place at Kennedy Space Center, where the boosters will be stacked ahead of the flight. Orbital ATK, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, is prime contractor for the SLS boosters. When completed, two five-segment boosters and four RS-25 main engines will power the SLS on deep space missions. The solid rocket boosters operate in parallel with the main engines for the first two minutes of flight. They provide more than 75 percent of the thrust needed for the rocket to escape the gravitational pull of Earth. The initial SLS configuration will have a minimum 70-metric-ton (77-ton) lift capability. The next planned upgrade of SLS will use a powerful exploration upper stage for more ambitious missions with a 105-metric-ton (115-ton) lift capacity. In each configuration, SLS will continue to use the same core stage and four RS-25 engines. hidden Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd reported a better-than-expected 59 percent jump in quarterly revenue on Thursday, defying a slowdown in the Chinese economy. Alibaba's total revenue rose to CNY 32.15 billion, or $4.84 billion (approx Rs 32,500 crores), in the quarter ended June 30 from CNY 20.25 billion a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected revenue of CNY 30.17 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Mobile revenue from the company's China commerce retail business increased 119.3 percent to CNY 17.51 billion, while monthly mobile active users increased 39 percent. "We passed an important milestone this quarter in achieving higher monetisation of mobile users than non-mobile users for the first time," chief financial officer Maggie Wu said. The company said its gross merchandise volume (GMV) - the value of transactions carried out by third-party sellers on the company's platforms - rose 24.4 percent to CNY 837 billion. Alibaba said in June it would in the future only release GMV figures on an annual basis. The change followed the disclosure that the US Securities and Exchange Commission was looking into the company's accounting practices. The company, whose shares were up 4.8 percent in premarket trading, said in June that it expected to nearly double its transaction volumes by 2020. The business is seen as a future growth driver for Alibaba, but contributed just 2 percent of overall revenue in the quarter. Paying customers in Alibaba's cloud computing business increased to 577,000 from 263,000 a year earlier, boosting revenue by 156 percent. Net income attributable to shareholders fell to CNY 7.14 billion, or CNY 2.94 per share, from CNY 30.82 billion, or CNY 11.92 per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Facing the prospect of a saturated online retail market in China, Alibaba has been looking to grow outside its home base. The company bought Singapore-based online retailer Lazada Group for about $1 billion in April, giving it a greater presence in Southeast Asia. It has also been investing in a diverse array of other businesses, including cloud services provider Aliyun and driverless vehicles, hoping they can become an eventual source of growth. Up to Wednesday's close of $87.33, Alibaba's shares had risen 7.46 percent since the start of the year. Reuters tech2 News Staff Motorola's recently launched flagship the Moto Z, may be known for everything other than now thin it is and the technical innovations that go into it. Soon after launch it became the best example of how a modular smartphone should be, with plenty of mods that still maintain a slimmer waistline despite adding a battery pack, a projector and a speaker. After plenty of speculation over how Motorola managed to engineer all of this together, the company finally but out a blog post that details the technical challenges that it faced to deliver a 5.2mm thin flagship smartphone. Motorola's engineering team had to "completely rethink" the smartphone in order to deliver something really thin and light. And with all things thin and made of metal when it comes to Android smartphones, there are heating issues. So Motorola developed a liquid cooling system (a heat pipe solution) that would distribute the heat of the processor over a broader surface. The results, the smartphone can run longer and faster without overheating. Internal components had to be reorganised as well, because of lack of space on the ultra-thin smartphone. More importantly, Motorola also had to ensure that the Moto Mods did not interfere with the phone's signal. The battery inside is just 3.3mm in thickness and while the rest of components are wafer thin as well, the same can be said about the AMOLED display used which is 8mm thinner than LCD ones. So how does a smartphone just 5.2mm thin withstand many of the bendgate tests? Well, like Apple, that switched to a dense version of aluminium, Motorola used a aircraft-grade stainless steel casing. According to the company, the steel casing is 85 percent stronger than competitors and also keeps the device light. Again even the backplate is made of the same magnetic grade steel. This allows the Mods to cling on to the back of the smartphone without making the device look thick and bulky. 74-343 >> ADM-211 >> JN0-102 >> C_TB1200_90 >> 2V0-620 >> 642-732 >> CA0-001 >> 1Z1-060 >> HP2-N46 >> GCIH >> 1Z0-808 >> C2140-839 >> C_TBIT44_73 >> 101 >> 070-411 >> TB0-123 >> HP0-M101 >> 210-451 >> NSE4 >> 300-070 >> JN0-696 >> OG0-092 >> E20-007 >> CBAP >> 1Z0-450 >> 640-911 >> MB2-704 >> M70-301 >> 117-303 >> 350-018V4 >> 70-533 >> 712-50 >> 1Z0-067 >> 300-115 >> CISSP >> 1V0-601 >> 1Z0-051 >> EX0-112 >> 1Z0-144 >> CRISC >> 300-208 >> 117-202 >> E10-002 >> 840-425 >> 70-346 >> A00-211 >> 70-463 >> CSSGB >> C_HANAIMP142 >> 1Z0-058 >> JN0-332 >> C2150-596 >> 1Z0-507 >> 100-101 >> 300-209 >> LRP-614 >> 352-001 >> NS0-157 >> 642-999 >> MB6-703 >> 600-460 >> 501-01 >> CWNA-106 >> 1Z0-514 >> 220-802 >> N10-006 >> 1Z0-408 >> C9510-319 >> 1Z0-052 >> 642-996 >> MB6-869 >> MB2-700 >> 1Z0-517 >> C9560-505 >> C2170-051 >> EX0-117 >> S10-101 >> 117-300 >> VCP550 >> C_TBI30_74 >> 1Z0-535 >> C2010-508 >> A00-280 hidden Cheng Wei, 34, was once assistant to the head of a foot massage firm. Last week, his company Didi Chuxing bagged Uber's China business in a deal valuing his ride-hailing start-up at $35 billion - a second success in as many years in a grueling battle with a rival. Investors and Didi staff say Cheng has a cool head, a keen strategic eye and a lack of ego - all pivotal in taking on and beating Uber in a two-year, multi-billion-dollar scrap for China's competitive ride-hailing market. But his leadership style is also cut-throat and tinged with nationalism, say some of those who know him. He often references China's history and military in his speeches. He will be closely watched now as he looks to turn his vast, money-losing ride-hailing company into a meaningful business. Chinese media have reported that Didi users and drivers fear the company's virtual monopoly will mean pricier rides and lower wages. "He's probably one of the fastest growing CEOs I've seen. If not the best then definitely one of the top three, and I back a lot of people," said Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital, which has funded Beijing-based Didi. Cheng, who favors rectangle-framed glasses and polo shirts, also has an astute eye for talent - such as hiring foreign-educated rainmaker and ex-Goldman Sachs banker Jean Liu - and managed Didi's relationship with major investors Alibaba and Tencent, who are bitter internet rivals, say those who have worked with him. "From the outside, you'd say this guy is really lucky, but on the flip side, he knows who the right people to know are and who to have good relationships with, and how to get them to work with him," said a person who has worked with and advised Cheng for years. "It's a very unique personality trait." Off on the wrong foot Cheng was born in 1983 in a small town in the southeastern province of Jiangxi. When the time came to sit China's demanding university entrance exams, he was ill but did enough to get into Beijing University of Chemical Technology, said Allen Zhu, managing director of GSR Ventures and an early investor in Didi. A graduate in Administration, Cheng took a job at a healthcare company, but found it wasn't quite what he had expected. "He was an assistant to a chairman at a foot massage company," said Zhu. "He thought it wasn't interesting, and after about a year he applied to join Alibaba as a sales person." In six years, Cheng rose to being a sales manager for the north of China, before moving to the e-commerce group's online payment arm, Alipay, where he was deputy general manager. In 2012, he founded Beijing Orange Technology Co and launched Didi Dache - meaning "Beep Beep Call a Taxi" - the initial incarnation of his ride-hailing service. The following year, Didi had its first run-in with Uber, but as a potential suitor rather than a rival. Uber co-founder and chairman Garrett Camp was in China at the time Didi was having a second round of fundraising, recalled GGV's Tung, who was then at Qiming Venture Partners and introduced the two parties. "I encouraged Uber to invest in Didi because China's not an easy market to crack, but it was too early for Uber," he said. Instead, Tencent funded Didi in mid-2013, helping spark a grinding war against Alibaba-backed rival Kuaidi Dache. Both threw hundreds of millions of dollars into subsidizing rides for passengers and giving drivers bonuses to gain market share. Early last year, that war ended with a merger of the two companies into Didi Kuaidi, which later became Didi Chuxing. "It's tough competition," said the adviser to Cheng of the ride-hailing sector. "But that's one of the extraordinary things about him; when it's time to do a deal, he's very practical. Macho, patriotic The reprieve, though, was short-lived. Uber rapidly gained traction in China after its local unit received a cash injection in late 2014 from Baidu Inc, the third of China's three internet heavyweights. Eventually, Didi won out after it also gained backing from Apple Inc. For Cheng, who will sit on Uber's board, winning was about more than his company seeing off a rival. "He kept saying that Chinese internet companies on Chinese soil have not lost to a foreign company, and Didi won't be the first to do so," said a former employee who didn't want to be named for fear of jeopardizing business relationships. Cheng pepped up employees with patriotic songs, such as Tu Honggang's "Jingzhong Baoguo", about someone protecting China during a time of war. GGV's Tung says Cheng is "jianghu', which translates as having a 'wild toughness' or someone who has a 'rule of the jungle' mentality. "That passion is very macho in a Chinese sense. People will think: 'This is a guy I can stick with because he's going to take care of us and lead, and we'll kick ass and make history'," he said. "It's not about algorithms and data and the best model. It's a lot more human touch." Reuters tech2 News Staff While the QuadRooter bug does put about 900 million Android-powered smartphones at risk, Google recently told users that they should not worry about this threat as it has a couple of fail-safes in place. Still then, the search giant did state that its Android partners could take action sooner (instead of waiting for Google to deliver its next security patch) using Qualcomm's public patch and Sony seems to be on it already. While Sony has yet to give out details as to when its QuadRooter fix would arrive on its smartphones, the company did take some time out to put out a statement regarding Sony's commitment to the same. "Sony Mobile takes the security and privacy of customer data very seriously. We are aware of the Quadrooter vulnerability and are working to make the security patches available within normal and regular software maintenance, both directly to open-market devices and via our carrier partners, so timings can vary by region and/or operator. Consumers are recommended to continuously upgrade their phone software in order to optimize performance of their Xperia smartphone. Users can take steps to protect themselves by only downloading trusted applications from reputable application stores." In short, there is a patch in the works and Sony recommends that its users keep upgrading via System Updates and stick to the latest software to stay safe. It was Check Point Software technologies that unveiled the research detailing the vulnerability said to affect over 900 million devices running Android. These vulnerabilities affect the smartphone drivers which control the communication between multiple chipsets components. According to Check Point, users should be on the latest Android OS version to avoid these vulnerabilities, as well as not side-load any Android app. Genpact announced the launch of the Genpact Social Impact Fellowship (GSIF) in partnership with EdelGive Foundation, the philanthropic division of Edelweiss Group. Designed as a one-year program to work on high-impact projects in India, Genpact has hand-picked seven fellows who will bring all their expertise in process excellence to work with NGOs for generating social impact. GSIF is a game-changing initiative. Our objective is to build lasting social organizations that can scale in the communities we are part of globally. Creating sustainable social impact has always been our focus. We bring our areas of strength and our capabilities to these social organizations that have a great vision, mission and passion, and when leveraged with our process expertise and execution experience sets them up to scale up, said NV Tiger Tyagarajan, President and CEO, Genpact. Working in the area of education with NGOs like Teach for India, Kaivalya Education Foundation and Udayan Care will be seven fellows, including a senior resource with advanced quality certification to improve process capability and help design smarter solutions. They will be deployed on projects ranging from improving instructional hours in government schools to creating blueprints for scaling up a scholarship and mentoring program for meritorious but underprivileged girls. With mentorship from top leaders all through the journey, fellows will work on the ground to solve for the respective NGOs challenges and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their projects. The ability to make a meaningful impact on the not-for-profit sector without a dent on your corporate career is what is truly special about GSIF. We have many examples at Genpact of process expertise making immense impact on companies. Were committed to the idea of using our core competencies as an organization to make a real difference to the social sector,said Sasha Sanyal, SVP Strategy and Lean Digital Transformation, Genpact. Having received over a hundred applications from talented and passionate people belonging to various organizations, the pilot batch was put together as a collaborative exercise between Genpact and EdelGive Foundation. Traditionally, organizations in the social sector have had to face challenges not only around funding, but also around scaling up and organization development. The Genpact Social Impact Fellowship was conceptualized to provide such much needed support by combining the philanthropic expertise of EdelGive with Genpacts Lean Six Sigma proficiency, said Naghma Mulla, COO, EdelGive Foundation. The open fellowship program invites applications from interested people from all backgrounds with a demonstrated passion for social impact. Genpact aims to develop GSIF into a successful, scalable program that can serve as a model for many other organizations wanting to make a lasting difference in the social sector. This Page has moved to a new address: Sorry for the inconvenience Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service Children staying in peril Md Joynal Abedin Khan : The torture of children in households and different work places is going on alarmingly in the cities and other parts of the country. Around 66 per cent domestic workers suffer mental torture and 57 per cent are physically tortured and seven per cent of them are raped, said a study of Nielsen Company (Bangladesh) Limited on behalf of the Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB). The study showed that 35 per cent of child labourers do not have access to proper food and drinking water, while 22 per cent work in hazardous condition. A total of 968 children were tortured to death in last three and a half years, a report of Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSF) has said. The rights of 974 children had been violated since May this year, 5,387 in 2015, 2451 in 2014, 1,330 in 2013 and 896 in 2012, it said. More than 209 children were killed in 2012, 218 in 2013, 350 in 2014, 291 in 2015, and 566 in last first months this year, the report said. There were 17 lakh child workers in the country till 2013. The number increased in the last two years, said a report of Manusher Jonno Foundation. Even the recruitment of the children in risky work places has been seen as a common phenomenon by ignoring the Labour Act-2006, it mentioned. They are working at tannery factory, plastic factory, motor workshop and chemical house. Besides, they also work as drug trader, transport helper, construction worker, domestic help, cow boy and fishing worker. Unicef estimates that 4.9 million children aged from five to 14 are working in numerous industries in Bangladesh, many of them in hazardous conditions with little pay. State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haq Chunnu categorically admitted to the reporters there are about 12 lakh child workers in the country. He said, "The government has already trained up 60,000 children and rehabilitated them in the country. Another project was under taken to train up rehabilitate more than 50,000 children in job sectors." To this context, a minor boy, who woks at a Spinning factory in Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj district, died on June 24 as a high pressure air pump nozzle was inserted into his rectum to fill the body with air. The deceased identified as Sagar Barman, 10, was the son of Ratan Barman. He hailed from Netrokona and worked at the Zobeda Textile and Spinnig Factory in Roopganj. A twelve year child labourer was tortured and murdered at Lakshmipur bakery on May 10. Police recovered the body of 'Alauddin', hanging by a rod on the second floor of the bakery building at Chandraganj, said Superintendent of Police ASM Mahtab Uddin. Earlier, teenage boy, Sheikh Samiul Alam Rajan was brutally tortured to death in a fabricated theft charge in Sylhet on 8 July in 2015. Another 12-year-old Rakib, was tortured to death in Khulna in last year. He had been pumped with air through his rectum. Another boy Rabiul Awal, 11, was beaten dead for 'stealing fish' in Barguna district in 2015. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki said, "Social outlook towards children is yet to be changed. If a girl child is rescued or returned after being trafficked, family members of victim do not want to accept her due to social barriers." The minister stressed the need for amendment to the existing Children Act so that no offenders can get minor punishment for committing major criminal activities. The state minister said the national helpline number '10921' in preventing repression against women and children has been made charge-free to help the victims. Deputy Inspector General of Police (media) AKM Shahidur Rahman said child perpetrators could not be caught by police as they were not like other criminals of the society. Police come to rescue the child and take action if someone informs them of the occurrence, the police official said. 3 criminals killed in gunfights in Dhaka, Jhenidah, Khulna Dhaka, Aug 12 (UNB)-Three suspected criminals, including the ringleader of a forest robber gang, were killed in three reported gunfights with police and members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in the capital Dhaka, Jhenidah and Khulna districts early Friday. In the capital, an alleged drug peddler was killed in a gunfight between his cohorts and members of Rab in the citys Kadamtoli area early Friday. The deceased was identified as Delwar Hossain Liton, 35, a resident of the area. On secret information that a group of drug peddlers were gathering in the area for selling drugs, a team of Rab-10 conducted a raid near WASA around 4:15 am, said Jahangir Hossain Matabbar, commanding officer of Rab-10. Sensing the presence of the elite force, the drug peddlers opened fire and hurled brick chips to them, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate, triggering a gunfight. At one stage, Liton was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot. Rab also recovered one pistol, 510 pieces of Yaba tablet, one round of bullet and a sharp weapon from the spot. In Khulna, a ringleader of a forest robber gang was killed in a gunfight between his cohorts and police at Kharkharia in the Sundarbans of Koyra upazila early Friday. Sheikh Samsher Ali, officer-in-charge of Koyra Police Station, said police arrested Anwarul Sana, 45, the ringleader of forest robber gang Anwar Bahini, son of Jihad Ali from Koyra Sadar bus stand area on Thursday afternoon. Later police along with Anwarul conducted a raid in Kharkharia River area inside the Sundarbans to recover forearms. At one stage, the associates of Anwarul opened fire to police, prompting them to retaliate, triggering a gunfight. Anwarul was caught in the line of fire and wounded. Later he was taken to the upazila health complex where doctors declared him dead. Three policemen were also injured in the gunfight. Police also recovered one gun, two sharp weapons and five cartridges from the spot. Anwarul was wanted in ten several cases, said the OC. In Jhenidah, Shahidul Islam Pancha, 42, a leader of a notorious terrorist gang, Pancha Bahini and son of Torab Ali, was killed in a shootout between his cohorts and members of Rab at Falsi village in Harinakundu upazila early Friday. Tipped off, a patrol team of Rab raided the Battala area of the village where a gang of criminals were holding a meeting around 2.00am. Sensing the presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire to police forcing them to fire back, triggering a gunfight. At one stage, Rab members recovered Pancha with bullet injuries and he was rushed to Harinakundu Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead. Bombs shake Thailand tourist towns, and industry confidence Security has been tightened in and around Hua Hin --Reuters Tourists huddled in their hotel rooms and ducked inside buildings after bombs, one after another, exploded in at least five areas of Thailand, including popular beach cities, killing at least four people and wounding dozens more. "The security in the bar told me to get back into the bar and they just shut down the shutters and made sure everyone was at the back of the bar and after about ... a 10 minute or so wait, there was a second bang," tourist Shane Brett told Australian Broadcasting Corp. from his hotel room in Hua Hin on Friday, the morning after the Thursday night blasts. Those attacks killed a street vendor and wounded 21 other people in the beach city about 200 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of Bangkok. Another pair of bombs exploded Friday morning in Hua Hin, killing one person and wounding three. Official at hospitals that treated victims of both blasts said some are from countries including Germany, Italy, Austria and the Netherlands. Bombs also went off on Phuket's Loma Beach in southern Thailand and the southern provinces of Trang, Surat Thani and Phang Nga. One person was killed in the Trang blast, which occurred Thursday, and another was killed in the Surat Thani attack on Friday morning. Police said it was too soon to say who was behind the attacks, but added that they had have ruled out international terrorism or a long-running insurgency in the country's Islamic south. Phuket in particular is frequented by millions of European, Chinese and Thai tourists each year who come to swim in the warm, azure sea, party at the open air night clubs and explore tropical rainforests. The other towns hit are less prominent international destinations but still popular among Thais and many foreigners. Even as police searched for suspects and fears of more bombs continued, locals said the explosions will be a blow to tourism, a critical source of income. Governments including the U.S., Germany, Australia and Britain advised their citizens traveling in Thailand to take precautions. Henrik Buuz, 62, of Denmark sipped beer in a Hua Hin hotel lobby Friday. He said that while he might not have taken security seriously in the past, he no longer felt safe in the sunny beach town where streets were remarkably quiet for the beginning of a three-day holiday. "No, no, no, no. Now we don't think it's funny anymore," said Buuz. Tourism suffered a temporary setback after a bomb blast ripped through a Bangkok shrine nearly a year ago, killing 20 people, mostly visitors from other Asian countries. "This ruins business. Hotels, restaurants, tours, we were already suffering, but this, it's going to ruin our lives," said Hua Hin Adventure Tours guide Natsupa Dechapanya. Natsupa raced Thursday from hotel to hotel visiting clients and warning them not to go outside, especially where people gather. She was also fielding cancellation calls, although she was staying away from her office, opposite a clock tower where Friday's bombs went off. "I'm scared. It's bad," she said. "This is the first time this has happened in Hua Hin. We think of this as a safe town, but now everyone is fearful. We feel like we're not safe." She said because the explosions happened hours apart, many - including herself - are worried about whether the attacks are over. And she said tension on city streets is palpable. "Usually this is a friendly town, but today no one wants to look up. People don't want to look each other in the eyes," she said. Thailand's economy has struggled since a 2014 military coup; investors grew wary and have stayed away, but tourists came back, even after last year's shrine bombing. More than 14 million people visited between January and May 2016 - up from 12.5 million the year before, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Earlier attacks have been tied to political turmoil. Friday was a national holiday in Thailand marking the Queen's birthday, also Mother's Day. They came less than a week after voters approved a new, junta-backed constitution. Sirasit Teimtontanin, a manager at City Beach Resort in Hua Hin, said one of Friday's explosions went off about 300 meters from the front door. The resort's 50 guests were asked to stay inside, but Sirasit said by late morning, some were venturing out to the beach on a balmy day. Stores, shopping malls and movie theaters were closed. But aside from heavy police presence, he said, his town seemed normal. Nonetheless, he's concerned about the impact of the bombings on tourism. More than 15 rooms had been canceled within hours Thursday. "We've never had anything like this in our city," he said. "Thai tourists will understand the police have the situation under control, but I think European tourists might not be coming." -- Thailand, Aug 12 (AP/UNB) Turkey has detained more than 35,000 people following coup attempt Turkish authorities have detained a total of 35,022 people in relation to the Turkey coup. Reuters, Istanbul :Outcry As Bulgaria Deports Fethullah Gulen Supporter To TurkeyTurkish authorities have detained a total of 35,022 people in relation to last month's abortive coup attempt, a senior Turkish official said on Thursday.Just over half of those detained, or 17,740 people, have since been formally arrested, the official said. A further 11,597 people have been released while 5,685 remain in custody, the official said.Three Turkish military attaches, two at the Turkish embassy in Greece and one in Bosnia, are missing after being called back to Ankara as part of investigations into a failed military coup, a senior Turkish official told Reuters today."We know the two military attaches in Greece tried to go abroad. The intelligence we received suggests they may have gone to Italy ... If this is confirmed, we will let the Italian authorities know," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.The whereabouts of the attache in Bosnia was unknown, the official said. A total of 160 members of the military wanted in connection with the July 15 failed coup are still at large, including nine generals, the official added.Meanwhile, outcry As Bulgaria Deports Fethullah Gulen Supporter To Turkey World | Agence France-Presse Sofia, Bulgaria: Bulgaria's deportation to Turkey of a supporter of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for last month's failed coup, sparked an outcry in the EU member state today.Businessman Abdullah Buyuk, 43, was deported on Wednesday "as a person with invalid documents" after being refused political asylum, Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova told bTV television today.This sparked outrage in the news media and on social media, with critics charging that Sofia had bowed to Turkish pressure and had failed to follow proper legal or transparent procedures. "It is disgusting that the Bulgarian leadership bends in such a humiliating way for the country and for every free citizen," former justice minister Hristo Ivanov said on Facebook.The chairman of rights group the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, Krasimir Kanev, told AFP that the expulsion was "illegal". Bulgarian media have dug around Buyuk's case for weeks after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said several times that Ankara wants Buyuk transferred back as "a traitor".He arrived in Bulgaria in February long before the coup and Turkey had already sought his extradition, accusing him of "!links with terrorist organisations and money laundering".ADVERTISEMENTxIn March, two Bulgarian courts however refused to send him back, saying he was "sought for political reasons" and that they "lacked guarantees for a fair trial" in Turkey.Prosecutors told AFP last week however that after the July 15 coup attempt, Turkey asked Bulgaria to reexamine the case. They replied that the request was "procedurally inadmissible".But interior ministry deputy chief of staff Georgy Arabadzhiev told journalists on Thursday that Bulgaria had now received from Interpol "new worrying facts and circumstances" about Buyuk, without elaborating.As a result, the ministry issued on Tuesday an order to expel him immediately, tracked him down and escorted him to the border. Hijab-wearing Muslim women face discrimination in UK PTI, London : Muslim women in Britain who wear headscarves are routinely being passed over for jobs or being side-lined in the workplace, with 71 per cent of the women from the community more likely to be unemployed than white Christian women, a new report by British MPs warned today. The House of Commons' Women and Equalities Committee concluded Muslim women are the most disadvantaged group in British society and a new government plan was required to tackle the inequalities before the end of the year. The cross-party committee said many Muslim women in the UK faced a "triple penalty" impacting on their job prospects - being women, being from an ethnic minority and being Muslim. "The impact of Islamophobia on Muslim women should not be underestimated. They are 71 per cent more likely than white Christian women to be unemployed, even when they have the same educational level and language skills," reads the report titled 'Employment Opportunities for Muslims in the UK'. While 69 per cent of British working-age women were in employment, among Muslim women it was 35 per cent. Nationally, 5 per cent of women were unemployed and seeking work but among Muslim women, it was 16 per cent. Among women generally, 27 per cent were economically inactive or unemployed and not seeking work last year. However, among Muslim women the figure was 58 per cent. "There is a distinct level of institutional racism that is being endured by Muslim women and we must be open about that," said Maria Miller, chair of the committee. "Everybody is subject to the same law in this country and Muslim women can choose to dress in the way that they want in the same way that other women can and shouldn't have to suffer discrimination as a result of it. "One of the young women who gave evidence to us told the committee in an informal sitting that she had decided not to wear a headscarf and was struck by the different way she was treated both by people she didn't know but also people she knew," she added. Copyright 2021 New Nation. All Rights Reserved by thedailynewnation.com Voluntary confession free from all taint can be sole basis of conviction (From previous issue) : It is true that; there is no eyewitness of the occurrence but undisputedly the deceased was the wife of the condemned-prisoner and she was living in the house of her parents with her husband the condemned-prisoner Sukur Ali as husband and wife. It is also in the evidence as testified by the prosecution witnesses No.3 and 4 that the condemned-prisoner Sukur Ali took away the deceased on 8-6-2006 from the house of her parents on the plea of treatment from a doctor and subsequent to that the dead body of the deceased was found in the water of a canal. In the case of Hamidur Rahman (Ms.) vs State, 15 BLC (AD) 127, their lordships held such a view that in the facts and circumstances of like nature the accused of a case cannot escape from his liability. 30. Let us now look into the next incriminating substantive evidence of this case viz. the confessional statement of the condemned-prisoner Sukur Ali (Exhibit-5). 31. Whenever it is noticed that, all the legal mandatory formalities in recording the confessional statement are duly observed and the Magistrate; who recorded the confessional statement is satisfied that the confession is voluntary and free from all taint-in that case, such confession can be the sole basis of conviction of the confessing accused. In the case of ABM Nazmus Sakib Ashik vs State, 12 BLC (AD) 203 their lordships has given much importance on the satisfaction of the Magistrate who recorded the confession of the accused as to the voluntariness and spontaneous nature of the confession of the accused. Hence, it appears that the acceptability of a confession depends on the satisfaction of the confession recording Magistrate. 32. In the instant case; the confessional statement of the accused Sukur Ali inasmuch as is free from any legal lacking, this is no doubt a direct piece of evidence to hold such a view that the condemned-prisoner committed the offence killing his wife Mehbuba and such confessional statement of the accused can easily be relied on for the purpose of conviction and no further corroboration is necessary as it relates to the confessing accused himself since it is voluntary and also true. The trial Court here has believed that the confession is voluntary and free from taint. So, there is no legal bar on the court for ordering conviction. Accordingly, here in this ease; the learned trial court i.e. Additional Sessions Judge, Bogra finding the convict-appellant guilty under section 302 of the Penal Code sentenced him thereunder to death. 33. It is a fact; that as we have come across from the evidence on records that there was no pre-plan or premeditation from the side of the convict-appellant to kill his wife, we have the reason to hold such a view that there was a provocation from the side of the deceased prior to the occurrence of killing her by her husband Sukur Ali and definitely on the hit of the moment the deceased Mehbuba was killed by throatling. 1t is evident as we have already spelt out earlier that the relationship between the husband and wife was not good. Hence; the premeditation of killing the victim Mehbuba from the side of the condemned-prisoner prior to the occurrence of killing her is absent. In this circumstance of the case it amounts to culpable homicidal not amounting to murder, under the ambit of Section 304 (Part-I) of the Penal Code. Under this section punishment to be awarded when the injury is made with the intention of causing death. From the materials on record and nature of injury caused in this case, it is not difficult to hold that the condemned-prisoner assaulted his wife Mehbuba with intention of causing death inasmuch as it is obvious from the face of the papers that due to asphyxia resulting from throatling the deceased Mehbuba died instantly on the place of occurrence. Hence; this occurrence clearly lies under part-I of Section 304 of the Penal Code. [Ref State vs Abdul Barek 54 DLR (AD) 28, Nasir Howlader vs State 56 DLR 151]. 34. In the instant case; meanwhile we have noticed that the condemned-prisoner Sukur Ali is in jail custody since 12-7-2006 and it appears that the condemned-prisoner have a poor economic social background, as reflected from the factual aspects of the case and it is already referred to above that the offence committed by the condemned-prisoner Sukur Ali was not under premeditation and in this context it appears that the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Bogra during passing the order of conviction and sentence has failed to appreciate the actual facts of the case as well as proposition of law which is incorporated in Section 302 and Section 304 of the Penal Code. 35. It is an appropriate case where the offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code is liable to be turned into an offence under Section 304 of the Penal Code and the factual aspects of the case lead us to believe that the sentence, of death as awarded by the trial Judge is liable to be commuted to the imprisonment for life under the purview of Section 304 (Part-I) of the Penal Code. 36. In the result, this Death Reference No. 39 of 2010 is rejected with modification of sentence from death to imprisonment for life and the connected appeal and Jail Appeal are dismissed. The conviction of sentence is altered under section 304 (Part-I) from Section 302 of the Penal Code. The punishment of death sentence is hereby commuted and substituted by imprisonment for life. Accordingly, the conviction of the condemned prisoner Md Sukur Ali is upheld and the death sentence be reduced to imprisonment of life. 37. The term of imprisonment would be counted under the provision laid down in section 35A of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Communicate the Judgment and order immediately and send down the lower Court's records at once and inform all concerned. (Concluded) We welcome lifting of Saudi Govt`s ban on recruitment of workers NEWS report said the government of Saudi Arabia has decided to lift the ban on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers after at least seven years of such ban on recruitment of male workers. The Saudi government imposed the ban in 2008 blaming malpractices in recruitment process by private manpower agencies here. This time not only the Kingdom has opened the door to Bangladeshi workers, it has also offered cost free recruitment meaning that job-seekers will not have to pay anymore private recruitment agencies for visa that may come from Saudi employers. Now Bangladesh must strictly monitor the recruitment process while taking full advantage to it. The government of Saudi Arabia is very close to our heart as the custodian of the two Holy Mosques and as a big employer of Bangladeshi workers that greatly contributed to reducing poverty in the country. We appreciate the decision of the Saudi government and thank King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud for ending the deprivation of Bangladeshi workers who were highly frustrated by the ban. His offer to make visa free from cost will also protect poor workers from being cheated by manpower agencies. It is understood that the decisions to open recruitment of workers again has come following the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia in June and we also hope that Bangladesh may benefit in many other ways. Particularly, we believe that Saudi government will also take steps to end harassment of Bangladeshi workers by employers in many cases. Saudi Arabia is now home to 13 lakh Bangladeshi workers, besides handful of female workers; many of whom are however failing to adjust with the life style of Saudi society and occasionally returning home. Official data showed that a total of 1.32 lakh workers went to Saudi Arabia in a year in 2008 before the recruitment was stopped. The number then dropped to 14,666 in 2009 and the slum further continued. We hope that the resumption of recruitment will bring boost to Bangladesh's manpower export to the Kingdom where Bangladeshi workers reportedly work in 32 categories of jobs spreading all over the country. But what seems to be worrying is that the fall in oil price in the global market has hit the Saudi construction industry all the more and some news reports said a number of big employers are even failing to regularly pay workers forcing many to live in severe hardship. The war in Iraq and Syria has forced several million refugees to take shelter in the Kingdom forcing the switching of a sizable part of budget to rehabilitating the refugees. Consequently, remittance from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh has drastically declined last year and the trend continues. Nonetheless, the opening of the Saudi labour market has come as a big relief to Bangladesh and we hope that the Saudi economy will revive soon to make it the best working place for Bangladeshi nationals in the Middle East. Schools at Dhanmondi area facing relocation crisis AT LEAST twenty educational institutions in the capital's Dhanmondi Residential Area including English schools and private universities have been asked to remove their campuses in seven days. Owners of these institutions really don't know how to find new locations while uncertainty over the education of thousands of students are haunting their guardians. The city authorities are out to clear the area of commercial establishments, but we are afraid none of them is thinking about how such actions will cripple institutions and businesses. Schools and universities may hike tuition fees soon to overcome their losses. There may be many more fallouts of such relocation but the government is showing its power without looking back to public reaction. A national daily reported on Friday that the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has served notices on the educational and commercial establishments including restaurants and hospitals to shift to new locations. They have taken the move following a Cabinet decision in early April and a subsequent Supreme Court ruling on August 01 asking the concerned authorities to stop unauthorized commercial activities in Dhanmondi area. The drive then gets new boost following militant attacks at a Gulshan Cafe as the law enforcers believe militants may hide their presence under the cover of such institutions and they be removed. It appears every such move is coming so quickly from the authorities without a look back how these institutions can be removed so quickly which grew over the past four to five decades. Dhanmondi Residential Area did not turn into a commercial area overnight. Successive governments allowed institutions to grow giving all utility connections such as gas and electricity and also accepted their presence by collecting tax and other levies. We wonder how the successive governments, which allowed the institutions to grow can take a decision so whimsically without looking back at their own responsibility. Why the other authorities should not be held accountable. It is easy to punish and harass citizens. We are not sure if it is wrong to allow schools in residential areas. Children of the residential areas need schools nearby. We are against universities in residential areas. Because, university students are young enough to attend classes anywhere. Then the universities must have healthy campus areas. University atmosphere is not like that of children's schools. Cop foiled suicide attack bid by New JMB: DMP Five activists of \'New JMB\' were arrested by DB Police from city\'s Mirpur Technical Crossing on Friday. UNB, Dhaka : Members of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that they foiled a suicide attack attempt by arresting five suicide squad members of new militant outfit New JMB from the city's Mirpur area on Thursday night. The arrestees are: Atiqur Rahman alias IT Atique, Abdul Karim Bulbul alias Dr Bulbul, Abul Kalam Azad, Matiur Rahman and Shahinur Rahman Himel alias Tarek. Tipped off, a CTTC team launched a drive at Technical Intersection at around 9:05 pm and arrested the fiveJMB members along with 25 detonators, 825 grams of gel from their possessions, said additional DMP Commissioner Monirul Islam at a press briefing at DMP media centre on Friday. A Gulshan survivor's statement Staff Reporter : Sat Prakash, an Indian national, who survived the deadly terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in the city's Gulshan, gave a confessional statement before the court Under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure, on July 26. In his statement, Sat Prakash said he had phoned his friend Tanmoy on the day for having dinner with him at the Spanish Cafe. But Tanmoy replied him that it would take some time to go there, and the delay saved the life of Tanmoy. At the same time, Sat Prakash described the fateful night as an eyewitness in different sequences which were thrilling, breathtaking and horrifying. The statement given in English here reproduced unedited: 'It was Friday. I decided to go to Holey Artisan Bakery. I went there by my car, parked the car there. I went inside at 8:30 pm. I sat on table, which is at the front facing corner table.' 'Meantime, I called a friend named Tanmoy. He said he do not have food but will join me later. I ordered pasta and orange juice. They served me bread and sausage as complimentary. I was waiting for my friend.' 'Suddenly I found two/three guys locking or pushing the main restaurant gate. At the time, I heard sound which appeared to me as sound of crackers. Suddenly, six/seven people were rushing towards the restaurant. I got up from my chair and was in a fix.' 'Immediately I heard gun shot and saw a guy fall down. At the same time, I heard the slogan Allah - hu - Akbar. I tried to hide myself behind a tomb. Within seconds, I saw a guy running with hands on his face. There was blood on his face.' 'He looked like a person from far east countries like Japan, China, Korea. I was thinking about leaving the place by any possible means. There was a Sri Lankan couple, whom I knew before, who came behind the tomb to hide themselves. I saw through a window that one of the attackers was hitting a lying person with a sharp object. I turned my eyes immediately.' 'Soon after the couple came, one of the attackers appeared and said "don't hide, we are not going to harm you. You are not safe here, come out immediately". We came out following the instruction. The same guy asked us not to use mobile phone.' 'I gave my mobile phone to him and the Sri Lankan couple (female) threw the bag. It took place near the [illegible] The attacker said, rather asked me, "Are you Bangali". I said "Yes, Ami Bangali [the witness can speak Bangla a bit and can understand most of the Bangla conversations].' 'The attacker asked to lie down in Bangla. I lied down but the Sri Lankan couple was still standing. Then the attacker (with a gun) asked me to go inside and sit with other Bangladeshi people. He made me sit on a chair with my head down on the table.' 'There were two girls hiding themselves under the table. The attacker asked them to come out and sit beside me. Since I was not able to bend my head fully on the table, someone hit on my head.' 'These girls and a young guy were pleading to the attackers to spare them. The attacker replied "We will not harm you if you are not Kafer to us." They were saying that they will do no harm to the people who are not Kafers.' 'One of the attackers said in English that "Do you guys know that how our Muslim brothers and sisters are getting tortured and killed in Syria." They were talking in both the language, English and Bangla. I could hear that one of the attackers was talking with a young guy about Islam (Later I knew that the young guy's name is Tahmid).' 'They asked us to receive phone calls. I turned my phone off. One attacker asked me if I knew anyone from media or police. I replied with no. One of girls responded hearing that and made a call to her mother on loud speaker. She said "Ammu taratari Benjir uncle ke bolo ami ekhane (Gulshane) atke achhi [Mother tell Benjir uncle that I am stuck here in Gulshan]." Her mother was unaware about the incident at that time.' 'Then another phone rang, a guy sitting across me talked in loudspeaker (later I found him as Hasnat). I can not recall the conversation.' After that they allowed us to drink water and eat muffin. They also allowed us to use the bathroom. While I was going to bathroom I saw a women lying in the beginning of the stairs. I just turned my face off. 'After sometime, I heard that the attackers are asking staff of the restaurant to pursue the person who is in the kitchen to open the kitchen. The staff was assuring the inside guy that the attackers do not harm Bangalis.' 'Thereafter, the attacker after an initial failure managed to open the refrigerator and found two persons inside. One of them was a staff of the restaurant and another was Japanese (was speaking in Japanese language).' 'They let the Bangali to sit with others and shot the Japanese. They were asking the Japanese whether he is alive. The Japanese replied with yes. The guy shot him again. They, before shooting, asked us to cover our ears and to cover children's faces.' 'At some point, I could hear a female voice moaning in pain and the guy chopping and saying "mohila mortese na" [The woman is not dying].' I saw them putting two big gas cylinders on the two sides of the glass doors. They were using mobile phone, tablets, laptops. They were reading news from mobile and laughing with saying that "Earlier they used to call us terrorist, now they call us militants, don't know what they are going to call us tomorrow." 'At one point, they (attackers) read out a massage loudly in Bangla language. The message was about congratulating them for their actions. It was a big message. I could not recollect all of that but it was about that they have done a very good job, their brothers are very proud of them. After that they served sehri. I had a bite to avoid any doubt.' 'After sehri, they asked us again to put our heads down on the table. I can hardly recollect at some point. I heard someone giving instructions that two guys (attackers) will be up stairs, two will be downstairs and one will be doing something. I could not recollect.' 'Later, they asked two guys (pointing at them) to come with them (attackers). I saw them taking stairs. After some time they returned and sat beside me with their heads down. At that time I saw only attackers were moving around. I found the bald headed guy (Hasnat) was opening the front door.' 'I, with all others, got up and they asked us to stretch. Suddenly, I saw one guy (attacker) was giving Holy Quran to Tahmid but he refused to take. I decided to take it. They allowed us to have our phones back (lying on table) and we started walking out of the restaurant.' SyriaObama`s worst mistake Nicholas Kristof :A crazed gunman's attack on an Orlando club in June, killing 49 people, resulted in blanket news coverage and national trauma.Now imagine that such a massacre unfolds more than five times a day, seven days a week, unceasingly for five years, totaling perhaps 470,000 deaths. That is Syria. Yet even as the Syrian and Russian governments commit war crimes, bombing hospitals and starving civilians, President Obama and the world seem to shrug.I admire Obama for expanding health care and averting a nuclear crisis with Iran, but allowing Syria's civil war and suffering to drag on unchallenged has been his worst mistake, casting a shadow over his legacy. It is also a stain on all of us, analogous to the indifference toward Jewish refugees in the 1930s, to the eyes averted from Bosnia and Rwanda in the 1990s, to Darfur in the 2000s.This is a crisis that cries out for American leadership, and Obama hasn't shown enough.In fairness, Obama is right to be cautious about military involvement, and we don't know whether the more assertive approaches favored by Hillary Clinton, Gen. David Petraeus and many others would have been more effective. But I think Obama and Americans in general are mistaken when they seem to suggest: It's horrible what's going on over there, but there's just nothing we can do."There are many things we can be doing now," James Cartwright, a retired four-star general who was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told me. "We can do many things to create security in selected areas, protect and stabilize those safe zones and allow them to rebuild their own country even as the conflict continues in other parts of the country."Cartwright, who has been called Obama's favorite general, acknowledges that his proposal for safe zones carries risks and that the American public should be prepared for a long project, a decade or more. But he warns that the risks of doing nothing in Syria are even greater.Madeleine Albright, Bill Clinton's secretary of state, agrees that we can do more, like set up safe zones. She emphasizes that the U.S. should be very careful in using force so as not to make problems worse, but she adds that on balance, "We should be prepared to try and create these humanitarian areas." This critique is bipartisan. Kori Schake, director of defense strategy in the George W. Bush White House, says, "Yes, there is something that we can do." Her recommendation is for safe zones modeled on Operation Provide Comfort, which established the highly successful no-fly-zone in northern Iraq in 1991 after the first Gulf war.Many experts recommend trying to ground Syria's Air Force so it can no longer drop barrel bombs on hospitals and civilians. One oft-heard idea is to fire missiles from outside Syria to crater military runways to make them unusable.One aim of such strategies is to increase the odds of a negotiated end to the war. Obama's reticence has robbed Secretary of State John Kerry, who is valiantly trying to negotiate a lasting Syrian cease-fire, of leverage. The U.S. was able to get an Iran deal because it held bargaining chips, while in Syria we have relinquished all clout. And Obama's dithering has had a real cost, for any steps in Syria are far more complex now that Russia is in the war.Two years ago, Obama faced another daunting challenge: an impending genocide of Yazidi on Mount Sinjar near the Iraq-Syria border. He intervened with airstrikes and may have saved tens of thousands of lives. It was a flash of greatness for which he did not get enough credit - and which he has not repeated. While caution within Syria is understandable, Obama's lack of public global leadership in pushing to help its refugees who are swamping Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey is harder to explain. The international appeal for Syrians this year is only 41 percent funded."If you care about extremism, you've got 200,000 Syrian kids growing up in Lebanon with no education," notes David Miliband, the former British foreign secretary, now head of the International Rescue Committee.Perhaps it's unfair to reproach Obama when other politicians and other countries are also unmoved - and the U.S. has been generous with financial aid - but ultimately the buck stops on Obama's desk. He will host a summit meeting on refugees next month and I hope will seize that chance to provide the global leadership needed to address the crisis.I met recently with two brave American doctors who, at great personal risk, used their vacation time to sneak into Aleppo, Syria, to care for children injured by barrel bombs. They described working in a makeshift underground hospital and their quiet fury at the world's nonchalance."Sitting idly by and allowing a government and its allies to systematically and deliberately bomb, torture and starve hundreds of thousands of people to death, that is not the solution," Dr. Samer Attar, a surgeon from Chicago, told me. "Silence, apathy, indifference and inaction aren't going to make it go away." 3 killed in gunfights Staff Reporter :Three persons were killed in separate 'gunfights' with the law-enforcers in Dhaka, Khulna and Jhenaidah on Friday. They have been identified as Liton alias Kutta Liton, 35, Anwarul Islam, 45, and Shahidul Islam Pocha.Liton was killed in Dhaka at Kadamtali thana. He was wanted in at least 10 cases, RAB sources said.Receiving in information, a team of RAB raided the area to arrest a gang of drug peddlers. As the RAB personnel approached the area around 4:15am, the drug peddlers opened fire on them triggering a gunfight, RAB-10 Crime Prevention Company-1 Commander Sheikh Zillur Rahman said.When gunfight was over, the battalion found the bullet-hit body of Liton. A pistol, one bullet, a magazine, 510 pieces of Yaba tablets, 28 ampoules of tranquilizing drugs, and Tk 8,210 in cash were recovered.An alleged ringleader of a robber gang was killed in a gunfight with police at Koyra. The deceased identified as Anwarul Islam, 45, hailed from village Maharajpur of Koyra upazila. Police said that he was the chief of Anwarul Bahini, a notorious gang in the Sundarbans.The Koyra OC Shamsher Ali said that they arrested Anwarul from near his residence at Maharajpur around 10:00 pm on Thursday last.Later, according to his statement, a team of police launched a drive at the southern side of the River Khorkhoria to recover firearms and to arrest his cohorts, he said.Sensing the presence of police, the robbers fired on them around 4:30 am and police also retaliated. After the gunfight, police found bullet-wounded body of Anwarul, and recovered a local made gun, five rounds of bullets, and two machetes from the spot.Anwarul was accused in at least 10 cases, including one for murder and six for robbery, the officer-in-charge added.Our Jhenaidah Correspondent reports, a terrorist, wanted in 11 cases including killing, looting and robbery, was killed and two personnel of the Rapid Action Battalion sustained at Falsi village under Harinakundu upazila of the district on early Friday.The law enforcers recovered fire arms and ammunition from the possession of the deceased. The deceased was identified as Shahidul Islam Pacha, son of Torab Ali of Pardakhalpur of the upazila.RAB-6 Company Commander Manir Ahmed said, they were informed that a gang of miscreants were staying at Falsi village for committing heinous activities in the area. When the law enforcers rushed to the spot in the morning, the terrorists started firing targeting the law men triggering a clash. Shahidul Islam Pacha was found dead on the spot, while the accomplices managed to flee. Later the RAB men recovered a shutter gun and two rounds of ammunitions from their possession. Injured RAB men were give first aid locally.Harinakundu OC Mahtab Uddin said, Pacha was wanted in 11 cases, including killing, looting, robbery in Harinakundu and other surrounding police stations of Jhenaidah, Kushtia and Chuadanga districts. BD plans to keep rescued Indian elephant BSS, Jamalpur :Bangladesh plans to keep a rescued Indian elephant as forest officials overnight salvaged it from swamps after over six weeks of frantic efforts, officials said here yesterday."The elephant may be kept at Bangabandhu Safari Park (at Gazipur) as it has been separated from its herd in the hilly forests in Assam . . . Indian authorities have agreed to the arrangement," retired deputy chief forest conservator Tapan Kumar Dey told BSS here. He said the elephant was unlikely to be accepted by the herd if returned to the forest "which could be dangerous for it to survive there".Dey, who oversaw the rescue efforts over the past several weeks, added that the male elephant still needed some more days to regain health at Koira village, where it was rescued yesterday with the help of tranquilizer darts.A BSS reporter who visited the scene at Sarishabari upazila yesterday saw the elephant calmly eating banana trees with its two back feet loosely shackled while hundreds of onlookers still crowding the scene requiring deployment elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and policemen to maintain discipline."It appeared weak while veterinary surgeons administered medicines for wounds across its huge body," he said adding that apart from banana trees the forest officials provided sugarcane, banana and molasses to the elephant who ate up everything except molasses. Villagers said the presence of the much-talked-about elephant required them to entertain a huge number of relatives who came to see it from faraway places. Tamim, Zia now in city, claim police Another mastermind Marzan identified Marzan Staff Reporter :Police on Friday claimed that another suspected mastermind involved in the July 1 deadly terror attack in the city's Gulshan cafe, has been identified as Marzan.Besides, the two suspected masterminds---Bangladesh-origin Canadian citizen Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury and sacked army official Syed Mohammad Ziaul Haque alias Major Zia are now staying in the capital Dhaka, Monirul Islam, additional commissioners of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) told the journalists at a press briefing at DMP media centre on Friday."Apart from Tamim and Major Zia, another suspected mastermind identified as Marjan had also been involved in the most dreadful carnage in the city's Gulshan cafe as well the recent militant incidents in the country," he said, adding he (Marzan) is a Bangladesh national.He said Marjan took the assailants to the cafe Holey Artisan in the Gulshan area on July 1. When the attackers stormed the cafe, he left the spot immediately. Monirul Islam, also the chief of DMP's specialised Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit said all the photos taken by the militants during the Holey Artisan attack were sent to Marjan."During the dreadful carnage in the city's Gulshan cafe, Marjan had been staying at Kalyanpur in the capital and he had a continuous communication with the assailants, Tamim and Zia," he said. According to police, Tamim "masterminded" the Gulshan and Sholakia attacks, while sacked army official Ziaul had a hand in the targeted killings.On August 2, police declared Taka 20 lakh as bounty each for helping the law enforcers to arrest Tamim and Zia. They had also plotted to launch another deadly terror attack at anywhere anytime in the city by the militants gunned down in Kalyanpur during raid. Earlier, Times of India in its report said that at least five JMB terrorists, whose names appear in the latest list handed over by Rapid Action Batallion to Indian authorities, suspected to have sneaked into India.These include Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury from Sylhet, a Canadian expatriate who is believed to be the coordinator of Islamic State in Bangladesh.According to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors global terror activities, IS claimed responsibility for the attack. The government, however, says there is no IS presence in Bangladesh.After a week of the deadly attack, when people were celebrating the Eid-ul-Fitr festival with panic and fear, terrors again launched attack a police checkpoint near the Sholakia Eid congregation in Kishoreganj, killing two police officials and a local on July 7.Meanwhile, the members of CTTC unit foiled another plot of a suicide squad who had a massive plan to launch a deadly terror attack in the city by blowing themselves up. "We have nabbed five members of a suicide squad from the city's Mirpur area on Thursday night. They are members of the banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). They had wanted to a launch terror attack by blowing themselves up," Monirul Islam said. They have been identified as Atiqur Rahman alias IT Atique, Abdul Karim Bulbul alias Dr Bulbul, Abul Kalam Azad, Matiur Rahman and Shahinur Rahman Himel alias Tarek.Acting on a tip off, a special squad of CTTC team raided the Technical Intersection area at about 9:00 pm on Thursday and arrested the five JMB members along with 25 detonators, 825 grams of gel from their possessions"We had obtained information that a suicide squad is now staying in the city. They came from the country's northern region in a bid to launch a massive suicide attack in the city," CTTC chief said. When asked Monirul Islam said some inactive members of JMB and some other JMB members who are not followers of its incumbent detained ameer Maulana Saidur Rahman, formed the militant group 'New JMB'. "We have already extracted some important information from the arrested JMB men during initial quizzing. And these information will help us to investigate the Gulshan and Kalyanpur incidents," he said.He said that police came to know four other members of the group-Nannu, Sajib, Imran and Gipsy and they also stayed in the capital."They also came from the Northern region but managed a good escape from the city,' Monirul Islam said. Enabling environment for fighting terrorism absent Editorial Desk : Bangladesh government will not listen to impartial terrorism experts who say that Bangladesh is not a country of extremism, but now it needs to create an environment for harnessing strength of unity of the people to combat the menace. But the government believes it has the unity of the people though not involving the people. Prof Reaz, a renowned anti-terrorism expert based in the USA, said that violent extremism cannot be countered by security operations alone. Yet the government is all eager for empowering the police to feel free to arrest thousands of people on mere suspicion and keeping them in jail under a blank policy not to granting them bail. The arrested persons must not be granted bail so their version remains unknown. Such a policy is proving helpful for arresting wrongly the innocent young ones and antagonising them. Militancy in the country is only spreading despite the government's zero tolerance towards militants over the past years. It now appears that something was seriously wrong in the government's method of fighting violence with violence blaming the political opponents BNP-Jamaat for it and yet militants continued to grow under Awami League government. It cannot be denied even by the government that violence has grown into terrible militancy. The government needs to be assured by India and other countries that they are ready to help the government in combating what is called terrorism. There is nothing new about India's help. India is closely involved since our war for liberation was won with India's direct help. If the situation has deteriorated India has been fully aware. In fact, Awami League's politics against Islamist militancy dates back to its coming to power in 1996. Based on the cry of wolf by Awami League, the US Secret Service on March 20, 2000 decided that visiting US President Bill Clinton's 35-km excursion from Dhaka by helicopter to Savar for paying homage to the Martyrs of Liberation War at the National Monument would be dangerous. Despite assurances to the US agencies about the all-out security measure for the President by the then Awami League-led government, the US secret service categorically declined it citing fear of security. In the past Awami League regime between 1996 and 2001, several militant attacks including Udichi bomb blast, CPB rally blast and Ramna Batamul bombing which were the first of its types were carried out. The government had failed to contain the militants or weaken militancy. In 1999, Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJi) conducted an attack on a cultural programme in Jessore that left 10 people dead. On April 14, 2001, the outfit conducted another attack during the Bangla New Year celebrations and left 10 people killed and 50 others injured. In 2005, at least 26 people were killed in different militant attacks across the country. In that year, banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) launched suicide bomb attacks on the offices of cultural organisations Udichi and Shata Dal Shilpi Goshthi in Netrakona town and killed 8 people. The year 2005 was the most eventful year until now for terrorism. That year, the militant groups carried out five attacks, killing at least 25 people and injuring scores of others. On January 5, 2005, former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria and four other Awami League leaders and activists were killed and over 70 others injured when militants linked to HuJi launched a grenade attack. HuJi was declared outlawed on October 17 the same year by BNP administration. But it was found by police officials that the first charge-sheet against 10 accused was wrong and then ten were treated not responsible for the murder of Kibria. So where is the government for such horrendous lies about killing one of their very important leader. Awami League came to power with the promise of zero tolerance for militancy. Empowered the police to use sweeping powers, extra-judicial killings became common and alarming. Forced disappearances also were widespread. Yet the five-year of Awami League-led government between 2009 and 2014, also witnessed a mammoth number of militant attacks and quick breeding of militancy, though until 2012 no major militant attack was recorded. In 2013, 228 civilians mostly bloggers, Islamic scholars, open-minded people and others, and 18 law-enforcers were killed by the militants. Ansarullah Bangla Team's presence was found in 2013, after the death of blogger Rajeeb Haider. Investigators discovered later that the outfit was responsible for a number of killings of bloggers and publishers in Bangladesh. After that, in 2014, 29 people and 9 law enforcers were killed. In 2015, 23 people and two policemen were killed, while in 2016 till today 42 people and 4 policemen were killed. Police also killed nine suspected militants in an overnight operation in the city's Kalyanpur area on July 26. In the three incidents from July 1 to July 26, all the 'militants' were killed by law enforcers despite there were scopes to get the suspected militants alive which could help us to know the mental makeup of the militants and who are backing them. The suspected militants are being killed to save real militants, which is too dangerous for police action. That is the public explanation why militancy is growing. It is undeniable that the tendency of militancy among the youths is growing including students from renowned universities and well-off families are joining the outfits. In fact, blaming Islamic parties may not have been well-founded and appears politically motivated. The young ones from all sections of the people are rising as militants and the government cannot think of reviewing its strategy to change the political environment enabling transparency and unity among the people. We again urge the government to review its police dependent strategy to deal with the crisis of terrorism. The crisis is not as big as others will like us to believe. But if the government does not care to create politically enabling atmosphere, the inclusive police operations will make the crisis worse. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. 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. Paris, TX (75460) Today Periods of rain. Low 53F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 53F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible. WEST CITY Verizon hosted a grand opening event Friday for its new facility at 109 N. Central St. in West City. TCC, a wireless retailer and dealer of Verizon services, hosted the ribbon-cutting event at the new location. Residents and members of the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce were in attendance. Verizons previous location was on the other side of North Central Street, next to the AT&T store. Construction for the new facility began last spring. Its a lot bigger. We were in a strip mall before, and this is three times the size of our old store, said store manager Stephen Podnar. As part of the grand opening event, TCC donated $500 to three local charities: Ministerial Alliance, Crosswalk Community Action and the Nights Shield. The donations were made as part of TCCs Culture of Good company policy, which encourages charity and volunteer work in local communities. Its the basis of our entire company, I would say, Podnar said. Debbie Jackanicz is the executive director of Crosswalk Community Action, an agency that runs programs to help low-income and disadvantaged families. She said she was excited to find out that her organization was receiving a donation. I knew they were building a new building, but I had no idea they were doing any type of donation or anything, so we were extremely surprised, Jackanicz said. Jackanicz said that the donation will be used to pay for school supplies, so it came at the perfect time. Mayor Ron House assisted with the ribbon-cutting. We here in West City are always anxious and proud to open new stores this is not actually a new store, just a new location from a store thats already located here but were proud to be a part of this West City is growing, and were proud of that, House said. HERRIN -- A driver in a stolen vehicle led area police on a chase in Herrin Thursday afternoon, before eventually being apprehended. The chase started sometime after the Carbondale Police Department contacted the Williamson County Sheriffs Office about the stolen vehicle around 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Using a GPS system, Carbondale police were tracking the vehicle, which appeared to travel though the Hurst and Colp areas before it moved into Herrin, according to a news release from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. The vehicle was located by a deputy in the area of Madison Street and 21st street in Herrin according to a news release. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop, choosing to flee from the deputy. The driver drove onto Herrin Road and then onto Weaver Road at high rates of speed, according to the news report. Near the intersection of Wilson Street and Weaver Road in Herrin, the vehicle failed to navigate a turn and drove through several yards before coming to rest against a culvert. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot. The participating agencies began searching for the suspect and were offered assistance by residents of the area, including one who volunteered a side-by-side utility vehicle. A short time later, a Herrin police officer found the driver, taking the person into custody without incident. In addition to law enforcement from the Carbondale, Herrin and Williamson County Sheriffs Office, assistance also came from the Carterville police department, Illinois State Police and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife. No additional information was available. -- Stephanie Esters MARION The mother of a Marion Junior High School special education student has filed a civil lawsuit alleging her child was inappropriately locked in a small room at school and physically harmed, causing him to suffer emotional, educational and behavioral injuries. In the lawsuit, the child, a minor born in 2003, is identified only as J.P., and states that he has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. The lawsuit was brought on his behalf by his mother, Marionna Felts-Ping, who is a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit along with her son. The lawsuit alleges that J.P. was confined by a teacher and teachers aide in a small room for extended periods of time sometimes for as long as three hours on multiple occasions, between Aug. 21 and Sept. 2, 2015. The small room inside the classroom that was used as an isolated time out room was alternatively referred to as Closet 2, the cool down room, and the Hole, according to the lawsuit. The room is described in the lawsuit as being 15 feet, 6 inches by 5 feet, 3 inches and equipped with a locking mechanism on the outside that prevents the individual on the inside from opening the door when it is secured. The lawsuit claims that J.P. was locked in the closet when there was no therapeutic necessity to do so, where he posed no risk to the safety of himself or others. The lawsuit further states that while J.P. was inappropriately placed in the closet, on one or more occasions no supervising adult remained within two feet of the door and no supervising adult maintained sight of him. On one or more instances, J.P. was confined to the closet during his lunch period, and was required to eat his lunch on the floor, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit names the following organizations as defendants: Williamson County Education Services, Williamson County Special Education District and Marion Community Unit School District No. 2. Further, it names the following individuals as defendants: Christopher Roberts, a special education teacher; Cynthia Allen, a teachers aide in the classroom; and administrators Special Education District Director Jami Hodge; Williamson County Education Services Coordinator Melissa Cockburn; Marion Junior High Principal Becky Moss; Marion Junior High Assistant Principal Chuck Williamson; and Marion Schools Superintendent Keith Oates. A representative of the Williamson County Special Education District, a cooperative provider of special education services in local school districts that employed the teacher and teacher's aide, said the organization could not comment on pending litigation particularly in a situation where it involves minors and employees. Similarly, Oates declined comment on behalf of himself, the district and other district employees, citing the pending litigation. The lawsuit alleges that Roberts, the teacher, and Allen, the teachers aide, improperly secluded J.P. and also made harmful physical contact with J.P. on multiple occasions. It alleges that Roberts and/or Allen painfully twisted J.P.s arm behind his back, bent his wrist in a wristlock-type maneuver to forcefully push J.P. into a chair, dragged J.P. by the arm into the closet and painfully squeezed and/or bent J.P.s pinky finger. It alleges that Williamson County Education Services, Williamson County Special Education District and Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 and their administrators erred in failing to properly monitor the teacher and teachers aide so that J.P. was not improperly placed in seclusion and left in seclusion for an excessive time. The alleged incidents noted in the lawsuit were investigated by Williamson County States Attorney Brandon Zanotti after Felts-Ping filed a complaint with police in September. In late December, Zanotti stated in a news release that after completing a thorough investigation of the allegations, he was declining to file criminal charges because the alleged actions of the teacher and teacher's aide and their supervisors did not rise to the level of criminal offenses. Still, he was critical of the alleged practices involving the isolation room. There is no question that the student was held in the isolation room and that many administrative procedures under the Illinois School Code concerning isolation rooms were likely not followed, Zanotti said at the time in a statement. In the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified compensatory damages for injury, emotional distress and for medical expenses, plus the cost of this action, as well as appropriate equitable relief, punitive damages against the named defendants, attorneys fees and costs, and other reliefs the court deems appropriate. Related to the same allegations but separate from this lawsuit, a complaint also was made to the Illinois State Board of Education by Felts-Ping, the mother, on her own behalf, in January 2016. Additionally, a due process request against the school district was filed with the state earlier this summer alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, according to an individual familiar with the situation. Representing Felts-Ping in this case is Daniel Seidman, with the Belleville-based firm of Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP. The lawsuit was filed on Aug. 4. Seidman told The Southern Illinoisan on Friday that Felts-Ping is seeking a fair result in terms of what she alleges happened to her own son. He said she also hopes that the outcome would prevent this from happening to other children in the community. The Illinois Sheriffs Association is advising all state residents that there is a phone campaign fraudulently using the name of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association in their solicitation, according to a news release from the association. The Illinois Sheriffs' Association never solicits by phone but does conduct a direct mail campaign throughout the state endorsed by the individual sheriffs across Illinois. Phone solicitors who want you to "act immediately" or are offering a "too good to be true" opportunity are most likely fraudulent. Remember that if you have any doubts, or are highly pressured, just hang up. The release states that residents have the right to ask for the following information: The name, address and phone number of the organization for which they are soliciting. The name, address and phone number of the telemarketing firm. The percentage of every dollar paid to the telemarketing firm. Insist on something in writing before making a pledge or commitment. If these questions are not answered, do not hesitate to hang up the phone. Should you receive a call from someone saying they represent your local sheriff or the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and are asking for donations, contact the local sheriff's office immediately or gather as much information as you can from the caller and report it to the Illinois Sheriffs' Association at ISA@ilsheriff.org. SPRINGFIELD Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed a bill that would automatically register eligible Illinois residents to vote when they obtain or renew a drivers license or state identification card. But in a veto message Friday, the first-term Republican offered a series of recommended changes that he said would earn his signature. I strongly support efforts to encourage greater voter participation in our democracy and share the goals of this legislation, Rauner said Friday in a written statement. Unfortunately, as currently drafted, the bill would inadvertently open the door to voter fraud and run afoul of federal election law. Rauner vowed to continue working with supporters to craft a version that meets our shared goals while complying with federal law and preventing voter fraud. Proponents of the bill, including sponsor Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, say it would remove barriers to the ballot box and at the same time save money for the state and local governments by streamlining the registration process. Eligible residents can currently choose to register to vote or update their registration at drivers license facilities operated by the secretary of states office, but the bill would make registration automatic unless someone opts out. Each persons information would be sent to the Illinois State Board of Elections for verification and then to local election authorities, who would handle the actual registration. But in his veto message, Rauner said the bill lawmakers approved does not plainly and clearly describe the process that supporters say would be used to ensure the integrity of the states voter rolls. Rauner argued that the State Board of Elections might not have access to the citizenship information it would need to weed out those who are ineligible to vote. The responsibility should be handled by an agency with access to citizenship records before a voters registration is processed, he said. The governor also recommended a series of other changes, including giving the elections board more time to implement the new system and requiring the secretary of states office to verify that people who are already registered wish to update their address information. The General Assembly passed the bill with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities in both chambers, and lawmakers could attempt to override Rauner when they return to Springfield in November for their fall veto session. Automatic voter registration was one of the few issues that brought Democrats and Republicans together in both houses of the legislature this spring, Manar said Friday in a written statement. I am disappointed the governor chose to veto this very good, very important measure. He and other supporters vowed to continue working to implement automatic voter registration. Whats uncertain is whether the Republicans who initially supported the bill will break with Rauner to support an override. One of those supporters was Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, who said he needs to study Rauners proposed changes before casting judgment. I think the perspective hes provided here is useful, Barickman said, adding that the governor and supporters of the bill clearly share the goal of creating a more efficient voter registration system, which would be good for democracy and for taxpayers, who want to see our government operate more efficiently. Other Republicans who voted in favor of the bill include Sens. Chapin Rose of Mahomet and Neil Anderson of Rock Island and Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro. California, Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont and West Virginia have already adopted automatic registration, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. The Southern Illinoisan has obtained the charging documents filed in the district court of Saline County, Kansas, against three men arrested earlier in the week in connection with the non-fatal shooting of a Carbondale police officer. They are alleged to have traveled from Salina, Kansas, to Carbondale in late July to carry out a contract murder on three other men in this area, according to the charging documents. Salina is about 530 miles west of Carbondale. The Carbondale Police Department issued a statement earlier this week stating that Xavier Lee McCray, 22, Alex Bryan Karcher, 22, and Xavier Everett Lewis, 24, were arrested on Sunday and in the early morning hours of Monday on charges of conspiracy to commit capital murder. They were booked at the Saline County, Kansas, Jail on $1 million bonds, according to the statement. Few other details have been released by the Carbondale Police Department, though officials have said the investigation is ongoing and they are working across state lines to solve the case. Officer Trey Harris was injured in the line of duty on July 31 after engaging in a pursuit with a vehicle police spotted fleeing at a high rate of speed from an area where police were responding to investigate a call of shots fired on North Robert A. Stalls Street. The three men alleged to be the target of the contract murder by those arrested are unrelated to Harris. But officials have indicated that the incident that Harris and other officers responded to is related to the allegations of conspiracy to commit murder under the terms of a contract or agreement. Law enforcement officials have not officially stated whether the case is drug related, but one of the arresting agencies of the three men jailed in Saline County, Kansas was the I-35/I-70 Drug Task Force. Other arresting agencies were the Saline County Sheriffs Office, Salina (Kansas) Police Department, the McPherson (Kansas) Police Department, the Saline County (Kansas) Attorneys Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Police have not said whether they believe that one or more of the arrested suspects fired at police during the pursuit in Carbondale, or fired the shot that struck Harris in the face. The Salina (Kansas) Journal newspaper reported that the suspects made their first appearances in Saline County District Court on Wednesday morning. They appeared via closed-circuit television from Saline County (Kansas) Jail, according to the newspaper. The newspaper reported that a judge read the complaints against the men, which state that they are accused of unlawfully, feloniously and intentionally agreeing to murder as part of a contract or agreement to kill between July 27 and Aug. 1, in Jackson County, Illinois. The complaints against the suspects name the three individuals they are alleged to have set out to murder Judios Kizeart, Darien Williams-Wright and Robert Harris. The Salina Journal reported that, according to court statements, those individuals are alive and listed among the states witnesses on the complaints. It does not appear that charges have been filed to date against the men in Illinois. Law enforcement and Jackson County States Attorney Mike Carr is working with prosecutors in Kansas, the Carbondale Police Department has stated. A reporter for The Salina Journal provided The Southern Illinoisan with the charging documents. Additionally, The Salina Journal has agreed to share coverage of the suspects' court hearings in Kansas. The suspects are suspected to be in court again on Monday, according to the newspaper. Excited chatter and energy filled the South Carolina State University campus Thursday as incoming freshmen and transfer students moved into their dorms. "I am a mixture of nervous and excited," freshman Athena Hamilton said. "I am away from home and it opens new chances." Hamilton, who is from Savannah, Ga., said she always wanted to attend S.C. State. "One of the first college bands I saw perform was S.C. State and I always said I wanted to come here," she said. "I took interest in other schools but this one always stuck out more to me. I also wanted the HBCU experience that not everybody gets to have. It just felt like home." The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools decision to lift S.C. States probation helped confirm her decision. The university had been on probation with the accrediting agency for two years. "I know a lot of people don't want to come to a school that would be in that position, but to me I have to look at it as taking little baby steps to get to a bigger position," Hamilton said. S.C. State is taking steps to get where it wants to be, she said. It will take time. People have to be patient." Freshman Rashad Johnson of Orangeburg said he is going to major in biology. He plans to eventually become a veterinarian. "I am very excited," he said. Ever since he was in the fifth grade he has idolized the university's marching band. I always knew I would be on the band one day. I have been working hard ever since then to get here, he said. He plays the bass drum. Johnson chose S.C. State for a couple of reasons. "It is close to home," he said. Also, his mother also graduated from the university in the early 1990s. Johnson says he is also excited about the universitys new president, James Clark. "I like his energy," Johnson said. "He is really supportive of the band. He comes to practice to make sure we are sounding good. I like that he is real worried about the extra things at school as well as the academic." Charleston resident Treavon Lemon said he chose the university for its music program. "The marching band got my attention, Lemon said. "The school also got its accreditation back. You have different opinions from people, but I just like to find out for myself." He is optimistic it is a new day for the university under Clark's leadership. Lemon said, "I have friends that I graduated high school with and who also attended South Carolina State. They said the experience was good." Clark was like a freshman, too. It was his first move-in day as president. "There is a buzz," he said. "We are out of the starting gates now." Clark said he has spent much of his time as president in meetings and planning. "Now it is here," he said. "Individuals are here, parents are here, students are here and so that interaction has been real time." Clark spent much of Thursday introducing himself to students and getting hands-on information about the registration and move-in process. His first move-in day as president was busy as he worked to solve problems for parents and students. "We are trying to improve a lot of our processes and make it a lot smoother today, Clark said. The university has more than 800 freshmen and transfer students. Clark said students coming to S.C. State can expect an amped up attention to detail. "They will see a president who will be all around, ever-present, checking with them, listening to them as well as listening to all the members of the administration and the faculty," he said. "It will be an environment where the president wants to be graded. I will ask them to give me feedback on how we are doing all throughout the year." Clark also encouraged all high school seniors interested in coming to S.C. State to begin their paperwork now. "Register early," he said. "The demand for the university is picking up." There are over 2,700 students registered to come to the university in the fall, but registration is still ongoing. The university also received over 6,000 admissions applications. Thats about 1,000 more than for the fall of 2015. Dr. Walt Tobin, president of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, is one of five finalists to become the fourth president of Central Piedmont Community College near Charlotte. Tobin said in a statement to the OCtech family on Wednesday that he has not been actively seeking new employment. I am very happy at OCtech, he said. Ive mentioned to you that OCtech is a great place to work on numerous occasions, and Im convinced of that more and more every day. Tobin said he was asked and encouraged to apply for the job. Also, his wife, Kim Kim, is from Charlotte and her family still lives there. But he also sees the position as an opportunity for his own professional growth. In this case, it was an opportunity that presented itself at the right time, he said. Ive spent the last 15 years of my career at OCtech and I do believe that we are one of the best colleges in this state, if not in the country. There is a lot to be proud of and our work over the last five-plus years has prepared me for another challenge. Tobin said he decided to seek the job after a lot of prayer, many conversations with my family and the constant what if scenario playing in my head that would probably occur some years down the road. It is not something that I took lightly. He will be on the CPCC campus in late August where hell interview with trustees and meet members of the faculty and staff during candidate forums. CPCC spokesman Jeff Lowrance said the board hopes to select a candidate by Labor Day. When the new president arrives will depend on when that person is able to come, he said. All finalists are sitting presidents right now, Lowrance said. CPCC realizes it will take some time for the new president to settle matters at his or her current college, but current President Dr. Tony Zeiss has promised to stay on board until the new president is in place, Lowrance said. Tobin said the search for CPCCs next president is very competitive and there are no guarantees that he will be the boards choice. If I am not selected, lets continue on the path of improving the lives of our students and their families, he told the OCtech faculty and staff. The other candidates seeking to replace Zeiss, who has been president of CPCC since 1992, are Dr. Michael L. Ash, president of Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa; Dr. Kandi W. Deitemeyer, president of the College of Albemarle in Elizabeth City, N.C.; Dr. Angeline D. Godwin, president of Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Va. and Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, president of Metropolitan Community College-Longview in the Kansas City, Mo. area. Tobin became president of OCtech in June 2011. Prior to that, he served as vice president of academic affairs at the college. He took a leave of absence from July 2009 until mid-January 2010 to serve as acting president of Denmark Technical College. Tobin earned a bachelors degree in math teaching from Clemson University. He also earned a masters degree, an Ed.S. degree and a doctorate in education administration from the University of South Carolina. CPCC is one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas, serving approximately 70,000 individuals per year. During Zeiss tenure, the college grew from one campus to six. Under Zeiss leadership, the colleges annual operating budget has grown from $46.7 million to $202.4 million. We watched the left, frankly, for decades. They had this infrastructure: government employee unions, private sector unions, the extreme environmental lobby, explained Tim Phillips, the president of Americans for Prosperity. Whether we like it or not, theyre credible. They have troops, they have money, professionalism at the local and state level applied over decades. And thats made them effective. Conservatives, Phillips argues, have long been at a disadvantage to the professionally managed organizing by liberal organizations. According to data from Open Secrets, liberals outspent conservatives in the years prior to the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, and thats closely tied to the lefts grassroots infrastructure. But while conservatives may officially hold a small financial advantage today, Phillips says the left continues to receive taxpayer funding that doesnt count as campaign spending. And then youve also had the taxpayer-funded community groups. Whether ACORN in the old days, when it was blown up because of its own corruption, but now its myriad hundreds of community groups that get taxpayer funding. Phillips specifically points to the community groups that help sign people up for Obamacare. Well, they also happen to do voter registration efforts, and they happen to do voter turnout efforts, as well. The left has a massive infrastructure advantage on the ground. Our side has very little of it. Phillips has managed Americans for Prosperity for over a decade. His organization is the key grassroots component of the network of political organizations funded by Charles and David Koch. Phillips describes AFP as the largest ground effort on the conservative side, and it is part of a much larger effort that includes groups like Libre, Concerned Veterans for America and Generation Opportunity, which all focus on growing support for free-market policies among key demographic groups. The full Koch network may now have more influence in determining the outcome of elections and legislative agendas than party committees like the Republican National Committee or National Republican Senatorial Committee. The party committees have long failed to implement long-term strategies. They air drop staff into swing states a few months before an election, and demographic outreach to grow the party for the future is almost nonexistent. Phillips says the RNC is judged every November, so its difficult to fault it for its operations. We do not see ourselves as a complement or as a competitor to the Republican National Committee or to local or state parties because the missions are different. Their mission is single-minded: to get every Republican running elected or re-elected, he explains. Our mission is to move forward an issue agenda and a cultural agenda to impact the culture of our country to make it more amenable to prosperity and economic freedom and a free society, and also to pass policies that do that. Phillips points to an example of AFPs field team in Florida. They may now be knocking on doors in preparation for helping Sen. Marco Rubio win re-election, but for the previous two years, that same staffer or volunteer would have been knocking on doors to drum up opposition to a potential expansion of Medicaid that had been supported by Republican Gov. Rick Scott. A Republican Party committee wouldnt ever take such a position against a sitting governor. AFP will have a significant impact on the 2016 election. The organization has full-time staff in 35 states. Its team of nearly 500 is intended to be in these states permanently not just for this election. The goal is a long-term presence to not only impact the electoral landscape but also the issue landscape. And these staffers plus AFPs volunteer force are able to produce results. They knock on doors every day except Sundays. In 2015, AFP says staff and volunteers knocked on nearly 1 million doors and made well in excess of 11 million phone calls. It took less than four months this year to surpass last years totals. Campaign and party committee staff know how challenging it can be to work with volunteers, who may be dedicated to the cause but arent schooled in complex policy issues. But long-term operations at AFP allow the development of volunteers over time. Volunteers come to understand the goals of the organization and learn the policy agenda. AFPs Grassroots Leadership Academy allows volunteers to not only learn the tactics that drive a quality field operation but also teach principles of conservatism and free markets. This adds to the organizations effectiveness. AFP is staying out of the presidential race, as the organizations backers have indicated they are leery of helping Donald Trump. But AFP will be working to keep Republicans in control of the Senate. Phillips says to watch for heavy volunteer efforts in Wisconsin, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Nevada. North Carolina and Indiana are also on the radar. As pundits claim conservatives will suffer losses this cycle, 2016 is set to serve as a test for an organization with bold ambitions to counter the grassroots advantage of the left. Shawn McCoy is the publisher of InsideSources. Previously, he served as Iowa communications director for the Mitt Romney campaign and has advised other campaigns nationwide. David Ames did not appear for his hearing last Friday, August 5, on the grounds of a medical condition. by HAYDN HUGGINS Almost two months after David Ames, principal developer of the Buccament Bay Resort, fled the country while facing eight criminal charges, the court has been informed that Ames is seriously ill and would not be able to travel in the next three months. The matter involving the British-born businessman who is charged on four counts of theft and four counts of tax evasion, allegedly committed here between 2011 and 2013, was slated for hearing before Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrates Court last Friday, August 5. However, when the case was called, attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste entered an appearance on Ames behalf, and requested an adjournment, stating that she had received a medical certificate, signed by a doctor, which showed that Ames is suffering from a medical condition which makes it dangerous for him to travel in the next three months. The document, purporting to be a medical certificate signed by a doctor, was attached to a letter dated August 2, 2016, sent to the court by someone purporting to be Ames lawyer in England, name given as Howard Kennedy. The letter did not say where Ames was, but stated that he was unable to attend court due to medical reasons, and requested that the court adjourn the hearing for three months to allow him time to recover and to make arrangements to attend the hearing. The letter also stated that, "We understand that there is a risk Mr. Ames may still not be fit to travel after the 3-month period if his medical issues continue; however we will contact the court as soon as possible. Copies of the letter, with the purported medical certificate attached, were also received by the prosecution and Bacchus-Baptiste. Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, who is representing the state in the matter, did not object to an adjournment, admitting that the prosecution was not entirely ready to proceed. But Nelson took strong offence to the formulation of the letter, on the basis that there was no apology to the court for Ames failure to attend Court when summoned previously, in relation to the matter. Nelson also noted that there was no explanation given as to why Ames did not attend court then. The case is now slated for November 16, 2016. On June 17 this year, police filed criminal charges at the Kingstown Magistrates Court against Ames, chairman and principal shareholder of Harlequin Properties, the Company behind the development of the resort; and local attorney Samuel Commissiong, principal officer of the Company. The charges of theft and tax evasion were laid in connection with the alleged deprivation of millions of dollars in taxes from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines between 2011 and 2013. On the tax evasion charges, he is charged jointly with Commissiong. The two were initially summond to appear at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on June 22, but the matter was adjourned to the following day, June 23, after the court had received information that Ames and Commissiong were involved in another matter in the High Court. However, when the matter was called on June 23, Ames again failed to show up, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, which is still in effect. Commissiong pleaded not guilty to his four charges on his return to the Kingstown Magistrates Court on June 27. Ames had again failed to show up. THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that Ames and his wife Carol had left the country in a fishing vessel for Martinique on the morning of June 22, after clearing Immigration at the Chateaubelair Police Station around 8:15 a.m that day, the morning of the same day he was scheduled to make his first court appearance. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, Crown Counsel Nelson confirmed that the bench warrant issued by the Court for Ames arrest was still in effect. Dr. Henson, Assistant Professor and Dean of Student Affairs at the American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS), donating books to the Executive Director of VINSAVE, Mrs. Janice Fraser, with some medical students of AUS looking on. In keeping with the pledge of aspiring physicians to serve selflessly, some medical students of the American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) demonstrated this willingness to serve by donating childrens books to the VINSAVE pre-school at Kingstown, and subsequently reading these books to the children present at the institution at the time of their visit. The group of medical students and Assistant professor/Dean of Student Affairs at AUS, Dr. Shakel Henson, brought smiles to the faces of the children who were present at VINSAVE on Wednesday, 27th July, 2016. Stories were read to the children, who ranged in age from pre-school to secondary school level. It was a welcomed change for the regular pre-school attendants as well as the participants of VINSAVEs summer school programme. The medical students at AUS used the opportunity to work on their communication skills, which is vital in the field of medicine. In addition to reading books of varied educational levels, these medical students were also engaged in conversation with the children at VINSAVE. It was a fun and interactive session that even stimulated the interest of some of the older children to study medicine. Some of the books conveyed messages like determination, and even outlined how various historical figures did remarkable work, which led to the benefit of others in their respective communities. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that benefited both the medical students as well as the students of VINSAVE. The actions of these medical students were also well received by the staff at VINSAVE. At the end of the interactive session, the story books were donated to the Executive Director of VINSAVE, Mrs. Janice Fraser. In the future, AUS aspires to continue its service to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Within the past month, medical students of AUS were also involved in educating the public about the need to be physically active so as to reduce risks of acquiring non-communicable diseases like hypertension. Additionally, there was increased awareness of the Zika virus disease, as well as measures that can be implemented to reduce ones risks of getting this disease. Medicine is not merely a science, which involves treating and then discharging patients, but it is also an art and thus has a social component. The students, staff, faculty and management of the AUS will continue to incorporate this social aspect of medicine, through their engagement with the public, so that as many persons as possible, who are living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can benefit. (Submitted by: Dr. Shakel Henson) The consultation process has started for the proposed Consumer Protection Bill. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade Sir Louis Straker said at the launch of the consultation on Monday, that the push for the enactment of such legislation existed before his previous retirement from politics back in 2010. "It was thought then that there would have been a Consumer Protection Bill on the law books. The matter was supposed to be a CARICOM model legislation, then the OECS took up the cause; however, there were a lot of delays. But this is a very important piece of legislation, he said. "And is necessary to protect our consumers and to outline obligations for businesses; and we trust that we can move forward speedily in having the legislation in our books, the minister continued. For there to be legislation that is of benefit to all, however, consultation was necessary, he said adding, that he was pleased to see that there was much progress made in the process. Danine Jones, OECS Legal Officer, gave an outline of the contents of the proposed Consumer Protection Bill. She first explained that the Bill speaks to the setting up of a commission which will be responsible for carrying out investigations and the hearing and filing of complaints. Following this initial process, the commission will be responsible for making certain determinations that is unless the decision taken is that the matter goes further to a tribunal. But with the implementation of a Bill to protect consumers, Jones explained that suppliers of goods and or services ought not to fear the proposed piece of legislation as it is balanced. Both sides know their responsibilities, she said. Aspects of the Bill, according to Jones, include protecting consumers who may have purchased a defective product the proposed Bill offers such protection to consumers. Other aspects of protection include referral selling where an individual supplies a merchant with a list of potential consumers and protection against pyramid schemes. Offences are created for things done by suppliers, and there are appropriate penalties, Jones said. (DD) by Kenville Horne Telecommunications company Digicel has invested $50,000 towards the cleaning up and enhancement effort of capital Kingstown . The cheque was handed over to Minister of Transport and Urban Development Julian Francis, who also has responsibility for Local Government, during a handing over ceremony in the Clico building on Tuesday. Francis indicated that the monies will be placed in a separate account called the Kingstown Town Board Cleanup Campaign, and is specifically to be used in the cleaning up of capital Kingstown. Digicel Country Manager John Gidharry noted that Digicel as a responsible corporate citizen, saw the need to assist in the effort to clean up Kingstown. He said there are many benefits in taking up the task, and that the company will continue supporting such initiative. "Weve seen so many benefits of doing this, and will continue to support any initiative that will be driving in that direction, said Gidharry. He noted that the company is happy to work with the government to set the tone for other corporate citizens to get on board. "We are all part of Kingstown, and we utilize Kingstown on a daily basis, and we will like to see it evolve from where it is, and I am happy that Digicel and my team have seen the need to actually get on board, and I give my full endorsement, said the Country Manager. Minister Francis has widely been seen as the person at the helm spearheading the Clean up Kingstown effort. He told the gathering which consisted of Digicel executives, journalists and members of the Kingstown Town Board, that the Clean up Kingstown exercise has been on the agenda for a long time, particularly in the ULPs second term in government, at which time vendors in Kingstown had to undergo a re-registration process , which saw around 1,200 vendors. According to the Transport Minister, Kingstown has a unique charm, "but we obliterate a lot of that charm with a lot of driftwood and pallet wood and our immediate surroundings and our pride as a nation have both been affected badly. Francis said that, since the government was returned to power in the last election, they have been doing some cleaning up exercises around Kingstown; but while some of the work went unnoticed, there was also support from the public in other instances. He said a Town Hall meeting was held with the business community at the Methodist Church Hall, where he gave a visual presentation of the state of Kingstown, and invited the business community to give support in cleaning up Kingstown. Francis said that because of the carnival season, they decided that no work should be done, but they were looking forward to a response from the business community. It was the Digicel Country Manager who first came forward and pledged support. The Minister said that other businesses have expressed the desire to assist in cleaning different areas of the capital; but up to this point, Digicel remains the only company that has provided anything tangible. He also highlighted Digicels contribution to the 2013 December flash flood, noting that the company invested over $ 800,000 to assist victims of the disaster. He said he hopes Digicel will make further contributions and other businesses will feel compelled to do so as well. Among those witnessing the handing over were the warden, Deputy warden and Accountant of the Kingstown Town Board. (KH) Over one hundred (100) golden agers, specifically diabetics, hypertensive and elderly poor of the Marriaqua constituency were over the weekend treated to an afternoon of fun, worship and much to eat at a luncheon hosted in their honour . The event, which is the brainchild of former parliamentary representative for Marriaqua Girlyn Miguel, has been taking place annually, since the mid-nineties, and is geared primarily at showing appreciation to the elderly poor of Marriaqua and surrounding areas. The luncheon, which was held on Saturday August 6th at the St. Josephs Convent Marriaqua, saw the golden agers greeting, dining and mingling with their fellow villagers, and ended the day with praise and prayers. Digicels Marketing Manager Danielle Cupid said her company was more than happy to come on board and be a part of the 2016 luncheon through the provision of cash and other forms of donation. The event also saw Digicel staff members assisting with the execution of activities at the luncheon, including the serving of the hot meals to the attendees. Cupid said Digicel is committed to giving back to persons of all ages and all walks of life within the Vincentian society; and Saturdays luncheon for the elderly served as an ideal opportunity to reach the elderly and poor Vincentians among us. Meanwhile, Cupid commended the former Marriaqua area representative Girlyn Miguel for still continuing with this project to treat the elderly of that constituency in such a special way, even after she has demitted political office. Cupid added that it is very important that the elderly within the Vincentian society are recognized and cared for, since the youth of today are enjoying and building on the foundation that would have been built by the elderly. Left:Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SVG, is on record as supporting and encouraging a ferry service.Right:The Dream Jet Express, one of two ferries that will serve Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Not for the first time, a ferry service linking some of the islands in the Southern Caribbean is promised . The Barbados Nation of August 4 reported that the "long-awaited passenger ferry service linking some of the islands in the Caribbean could become a reality by year-end. Indications of this service have come from the Barbados-headquartered Caribbean Ferry Service, which said, according to the Nation, that it was "in the process of finalising paperwork to operate two vessels. The names of the vessels were given as The Dream Jet Express and The Opal Jet Express. If things go according to plans, the initial service will facilitate travellers in Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The plan is to extend the service eventually, to accommodate other islands. The ferry operation is expected to have two homeports: St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados. At least, the Prime Minister of one of the countries the ferry is expected to serve in its initial stage, is on record as voicing tacit support for a ferry service. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is on record, as far back as 2013, as saying, "the ferry service would increase the number of people travelling. Dr. Gonsalves had lamented then that the private sector was unwilling to invest in a ferry service. He assured then that the public sector was willing, especially in his country, but it seemed no private entity was willing to take a risk. "The problem with the ferry service is simple: the private sector, which is supposed to be engaging in the service, is not coming forward. Governments cant fund a ferry service; its a private sector activity. What the governments can do, and what we in St Vincent and the Grenadines have done, is if you register a ferry, you pay zero import duty on it, Dr. Gonsalves is reported to have said in 2013. Dr. Gonsalves may just be saying now, after some three years have passed since he issued his challenge, that he can take some credit for what has now come to the fore. Inset:Ruel Reid, Jamaicas Minister of Information, made the announcement about his countrys plan to repay Venezuela. (Credit: jis.gov.jm) Right:A Venezuelan soldier stands guard on a street as people queue up to buy cooking oil and margarine at a supermarket in Caracas (Credit: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters) Bartering, the age-old exchange of goods or services for other goods or services without using money, is alive and well. Jamaica announced last week Wednesday, Aug 3, that it was readying itself to pay off its PetroCaribe oil debts to Venezuela with food, medication, and fertilizers, instead of cash. Jamaica, like many other Caribbean states, had entered into this (Petrocaribe) agreement under which Venezuela provided those Caribbean states with oil at preferential rates and conditions. Word of Jamaicas intention comes at a time when Venezuela is caught in a severe economic and political crisis that has resulted in acute shortages of basic food items, medicines and other essential resources. Reports point to no signs that things in the Latin American country will get better in the near or even medium term. The Jamaica response was announced by that countrys Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Ruel Reid, who spoke of the value of the goods/material to be sent to Venezuela as being some US$4 million. Some $3m of the total amount will go directly against Jamaicas oil debt, and the transfer of food and medicine is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2016, Reid said. The exact details of what goods will be sent to Venezuela are yet to be decided. When news of Jamaicas intention reached Venezuela, Rolin Iguaran, an oil expert at Venezuelas University of Zulia, is reported to have told the media that it would not be a surprise if other states also follow suit. In fact, at least one other CARICOM country and signatory to the PetroCaruibe Agreement, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has committed to send food and other materials to Venezuela in this time of need. Meanwhile, Jamaicans, in the absence on real details on their countrys commitment, have taken to speculation as regards what food products would be involved, and where the medication will come from, since Jamaica does not have a significant pharmaceutical industry. (Sources include: Intl Business Times and Caribbean News Now) Joel Fugitive Bibby, local representative of the charitable organization, handing over items to Loraine John, National Coordinator of the PYC. Participants in this years Police Youth Club (PYC) summer camp were the beneficiaries of a donation from the Small Acts of Kindness (SAK) Project . During a brief ceremony early last month, Joel Fugitive Bibby, local representative of the charitable organization, handed over items to be used at the Clubs annual summer camp, to Loraine John, National Coordinator of the PYC. The donation was made possible through efforts by the SAK Project during its first ever Small Acts of Kindness Day, April 15th this year. John expressed heartfelt appreciation to Bibby and the organization, indicating that the gesture was the first time that the PYC has received a contribution without approaching the donor. She expressed the hope that the donation would be the first in what she anticipates to be an ongoing relationship, and wished the group the best for its future endeavours. Bibby said that the SAK Project was proud to make the donation to the Police Youth Club, and affirmed the groups hope to build a long and lasting partnership with the PYC. He applauded the Police Youth Club for the work that it has been doing with the young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in an effort to keep them on the right track. Bibby also indicated that the donation was just one of a number of contributions made by the SAK Project, pointing out that similar donations were made to schools, the St Benedict Day Nursery, as well as other similar institutions. The Small Acts of Kindness Project is a Toronto, Canada-based community organization, which was founded by Bibbys brother, Kwesi Bibby, in 2014. The first Small Acts of Kindness Day was held here in April this year, with a visit to the pediatric ward of the MCMH to bring cheer and niceties to the children warded there. Visits were also made to the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre, where food baskets were distributed. The group also volunteered at this years Special Olympics sporting at Victoria Park. The SAK Project has expanded its efforts to support organizations in a number of Caribbean islands including Jamaica and St. Lucia, bringing together a core of volunteers from the diaspora living in Canada, collecting donations either in cash or in kind, to be made available to the Caribbean groups. According to Kwesi Bibby, "SAK Day is an opportunity to do something kind for someone else, to appreciate fellow citizens and for community building its about paying it forward. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that the relationship that he is seeking with Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not going to be short term. "Its a strategic long term relationship, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told members of the press last Wednesday during a visit by a team from that Middle-Eastern state. The delegation, led by Khalid Al Mani, was involved in a number of talks with members of Cabinet, including the Minister of Education and the Minister of Social Development. However, the visit was planned for some time, following Gonsalves trip to the UAE, he said. "As you know, I have made visits to several countries in the Middle East, and have established contact and work on an ongoing basis through the ministry of foreign affairs and through the UN, and elsewhere, he said. Highlights of the visit included visits to the Grenadines, and discussions with other officials, including the CEO of the state-owned electricity company VINLEC and persons associated with the Zero Hunger Initiative. "To that end, we intend to have in Dubai a Consul General, who would act also as an investment and attache officer, and we will have our ambassador to the United Nations be our ambassador to Dubai. The possibilities are enormous, particularly regarding both countries relationship with regard to the port and cruise ship pier investment in hotels and investment in the mainland and the Grenadines. The United States has assailed St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), saying that ending modern slavery is not just a fight that should be attempted, but a fight that must be won. The State Department placed Belize, Haiti and Suriname on its Tier 3 list; and Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago on Tier 2 Watch List. Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica are on the Tier 2 list, while the Bahamas is the sole CARICOM nation on the Tier 1 list. Countries on Tier 3 list are those whose governments do not fully meet the minimum standards, and are not making significant efforts to do so, the State Department said. It said Tier 2 Watch List countries, as per SVG, are those whose governments do not fully meet minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to meet those standards, and the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing. In addition, the State Department said countries on the Tier 2 Watch List failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year, including increased investigations, prosecutions and convictions of trafficking crimes, increased assistance to victims, and decreasing evidence of complicity in severe forms of trafficking by government officials. It said Tier 1 countries are those whose governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Acts (TVPA) minimum standards. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the State Department said non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials report that some adults pressure local minors into sex trafficking. It said one NGO reported that local minors are subjected to sex trafficking by tourists in the Grenadines, but added that local authorities have not identified any cases. The report said foreign women engaged in prostitution are subjected to trafficking for sex, and that foreign workers from South America and the Caribbean are subjected to trafficking for forced labour both in St. Vincent and the Grenadines or while transiting through. However, the government and NGOs reported the number of women from other Caribbean islands subjected to sex trafficking decreased during the last few years, according to the State Department. It said foreign workers employed by small, foreign-owned companies in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are particularly vulnerable to labour trafficking. The report said men, women and children are vulnerable to forced labor, primarily in agriculture, stating that "government officials and civil society suspect drug traffickers subject workers to forced labour in the production of marijuana. "NGOs and government officials report attempts to subject Vincentians to trafficking for both forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation in foreign countries, the report said. "The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. "Despite these measures, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing anti-trafficking efforts compared to the previous reporting period; therefore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is placed on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year, it added. Per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the State Department said St. Vincent and the Grenadines was granted a waiver from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 "because its government has devoted sufficient resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards. The report noted that the Ralph Gonsalves administration has launched an anti-trafficking public awareness campaign, primarily at primary schools and faith-based institutions, and that the police operate an information phone line, which is advertised in their anti-trafficking outreach materials. Additionally, the report said the prime minister chaired a ministerial-level national anti-trafficking taskforce, which developed a national anti-trafficking action plan covering 2016-2018, and that Cabinet approved the action plan. The State Department also said that the taskforce provided quarterly and annual reports to the Cabinet, adding that the government formed a national working group to focus on active cases that complements the high-level policy-making national taskforce, and hired a social worker to liaise with entities involved in anti-trafficking efforts. But the report said, while the government developed anti-trafficking training for its diplomatic personnel, it "did not disseminate it. The report said one NGO reported that local minors are subjected to sex trafficking by tourists in the Grenadines. "The government investigated and found no evidence to substantiate the claim, the report said. "The government did not make efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts or forced labor during the year. A Spiritual Baptist church in Brooklyn, New York last Friday night bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award on a Vincentian Spiritual Baptist pastor in Brooklyn at a gala award ceremony at Paradise Manor on Avenue U, also in Brooklyn . Elect Lady Pastor Naomi Harper, of Zion House of Prayer, Inc., on Bedford Ave. in Brooklyn, was among nine other honorees at the biennial ceremony organized by Isaiahs Temple of Mt. Hope Spiritual Baptist Church, a faith-based organization in the East New York section of Brooklyn. In receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Pastor Harper, who hails from Evesham in the Marriaqua Valley, told patrons that she was "truly standing here not on my own but because of the Great Jehovah, who has seen fit for me to rise from a bad cancer. "I owe it to the man called Jesus, she added. "Im truly blessed. For all who received honors, and hope to receive honors, keep serving God. The other honorees were: Barbadian-born Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix; Trinidadian members of the clergy Pastor Mervyn S. Passie, Bishop Majorie Trim, the Rev. Eric Wyllie and Minister Dionne Smith; Jamaican-born pastor Archbishop Fr. Allan S. Jones; Clinical Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Janet Larghi; New York State Assembly Member Latrice Walker; and Guyanese Archbishop Dr. Pamella Taylor. "It is with love and appreciation that I extend congratulations to our honorees, said Her Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Voni B. Johyn, the Jamaican-born senior pastor and founder of Isaiahs Temple of Mount Hope Spiritual Baptist Church that provides community services in the East New York and Brownsville communities in Brooklyn. "Biennially, Isaiahs Temple of Mt. Hope extends recognition to well-deserved individuals, who, through hard work and personal sacrifice, continue to enrich the lives of others, added Dr. Johyn, stating that her church, at its biennial gala awards ceremony, honors outstanding business, political and clergy individuals, who "provide significant contribution to their respective communities. New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio, US Sen. Charles E. Schumer, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke who was the keynote speaker, and Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene were among elected officials and others who extended congratulations to the honorees and Isaiahs Temple of Mt. Hope. De Blasio said the temple has stood as "a steadfast source for many in Brooklyn, fostering the spiritual growth of its members and helping to forge a path to a better and brighter future. Schumer said it was his pleasure to extend "greetings and warm wishes to you and all those attending the awards celebration. On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District of New York, which she represents, Clarke said, "I want to recognize this years honorees. "Through your unwavering support, this church has become a beacon of light for those in need of refuge, said the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. Haitian-born Eugene, who represents the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, noted that Isaiah Temple has been "a staple church in our community for over a decade. Pastor Harper, who migrated to New York in 1967, said she has been involved in church and community development for over 35 years. She was ordained a Minister in 1983, after founding the Zion House of Truth. In 2014, Pastor Harper was consecrated to Lady Elect by His Beatitude Dr. Edward F. Barrow, Provincial Apostolic Primate of the Spiritual Baptist Apostolic Province of New York. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Azernews By Nigar Abbasova National airlines of Azerbaijan and Turkey are satisfied with the current level of cooperation and are aimed to expand it in the future, said Eldar Haciyev, Vice-President of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). He said that for past two years AZAL and Turkish Airlines have been operating flights on code-share agreement. We have already reached a high level of cooperation and will work to improve it even more, he added. Haciyev further stressed that Istanbul ranks the first for the number of flights departing from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). AZAL and Turkish Airlines operate some nine flights per day in total in this direction. Following the recent developments in Istanbul, the number of passengers has slightly reduced, nevertheless passenger traffic to Turkey in general has increased, Haciyev said. He mentioned that the record-high increase was observed in the number of passengers departing to Turkish Antalya and the number of daily flights en route Baku-Antalya reached four with all aircrafts being fully boarded. The number of passengers departing to Antalya resort from Azerbaijan has grown more than twofold, as compared to the index fixed in July 2015. He mentioned that the increase was also observed in the number of passengers departing to such Turkish resorts as Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman. Over seven months of 2016 the Baku Airport provided services to 1.69 million passengers in total. GYD serviced some 391,000 passengers in July this year, which is 27 percent higher than in the same period of 2015, while the passenger traffic to the popular Turkish resorts Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman amounted to 56,500 passengers. The code share agreement allows airlines to share the same flight which means placement of marketing code of one airline on flights of another one, offering an extended network to passengers. AZAL is a flag carrier of Azerbaijan as well as one of the leaders of the aviation community of CIS countries. AZAL with the newest airplane fleets, consisting of 30 airplanes, does not have a single old plane. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With the delivery of Boeing Dreamliner in December 2014, AZAL became the first airline in the CIS to operate the 787. The company received a prestigious "4 Star" rating out of 5 from British consulting company Skytrax, which is considered to be a leader in the sphere of air transport research in June 2015. Being a member of Star Alliance network, Turkish Airlines is a 4-star airline with a fleet of 264 (passenger and cargo) aircrafts flying to 263 destinations worldwide with 220 being international and 43 domestic. The airline is considered to be a global player and has a primary role in making Istanbul a major global hub linking North America, Asia, Europe and Africa. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed an executive order to provide funding for the reconstruction of multi-apartment residential buildings in Ismayilli district. Under the order, three million Azerbaijani manats were allocated from the Presidents 2016 Contingency Fund to Ismayilli district executive authorities for the reconstruction work. By Trend ASAN xidmet centers are free of corruption, bribery, bureaucracy and other negative facts, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev at the meeting with members of Gabala districts public and the staff of the ASAN Xidmet regional center. First of all, it is an example, an example for each public body, said the president. Secondly, it shows that we can fix and heal the wounds of our society, because nothing undermines society as much as corruption and bribery. An "ASAN xidm?t" center starts functioning in the city of Qabala today. I congratulate you on this wonderful and memorable event, noted Aliyev. It is a beautiful building. From an architectural point of view, it will impart additional beauty to Gabala. Of course, the highest standards are applied in this building. This is the 10th service center, said the president. To date, there are nine "ASAN xidmet" centers in Azerbaijan: five in Baku and four in other cities - Ganja, Sumgayit, Sabirabad and Barda. The 10th center opens in the city of Gabala today, and from now on our people will be able to use these excellent facilities here. Aliyev noted that "ASAN xidmet" is a product of Azerbaijan. Over the course of three and a half years, it has received about 11 million applications. This represents a very serious progress in the sphere of public services, he explained. Essentially, this is a revolution, because we all remember too well that sometimes our people had to wait for days and weeks to get a document or certificate. Many were faced with certain difficulties. And now people can enjoy all these opportunities very easily. The rate of customer satisfaction with "ASAN xidmet" is very high, he said. Analyses are carried out, opinion surveys are conducted, and 98 percent of the population is pleased with the services provided by the centers, noted the president. After all, there is complete transparency, no bureaucracy or bribery, and people are provided with a cultured service. In fact, this is the way it should be. "ASAN xidmet" is a very important institutional center not only in the field of public services, but also for society as a whole. Aliyev said that applicants have already received the necessary documents in the new conditions. As I mentioned, the vast majority of citizens are satisfied with these services. In addition to that, 10 buses provide mobile services. We are expanding the functions of "ASAN xidmet. At present, more than 200 services are provided, he said. In the near future, we will start providing services related, in particular, to utilities and the issuance of visas. Today, we are witnessing an influx of visitors to Azerbaijan. The natural potential of our country, the beauty of our cities, the stability and security observed in Azerbaijan, of course, attract more and more tourists, noted the president. At the same time, a role is certainly played by the prestigious international events held in Baku and other places of our country: the European Games, Formula 1 with an audience of 500 million people, etc. This year, the city of Gabala hosted the eighth international music festival. All these activities, of course, turn Azerbaijan into an even more attractive country for tourists. I am confident that the launch of "ASAN VISA", which is scheduled for October, will pave the way for even more people. I was told today that in the summer months the many hotels of Gabala have no available rooms, said Aliyev. Citizens of our country and foreigners come here, have rest, get acquainted with Azerbaijan and admire the beauty of Gabala. The president also noted that tourism is an area that has great importance for any country. I am glad that the steps being taken to popularize our country in the world also serve the development of tourism, he said. In a short time, in three and a half years, "ASAN xidmet" has earned great approval in society by creating, as I said, a revolution in the public services sector, he added. In the future, we will increase the number of "ASAN xidmet" centers. This center will provide services to 10 districts Balakan, Zagatala, Gakh, Shaki, Gabala, Ismayilli, Agsu, Shamakhi, Gobustan and Oguz, noted the president. These districts are home to more than 900,000 people. Another "ASAN xidmet" center will be opened in Masalli this year. After that we plan to set up an "ASAN xidmet" center in Shaki. Thus, it will be easier for people to use this service. Most of the people working in "ASAN xidmet" centers are boys and girls, said Aliyev. This is great, because we need to work hard on providing employment opportunities to women. We should aspire to do that. In general, employment is a state program in Azerbaijan. Unemployment in Azerbaijan is at a low level, but it is still there, he explained. Therefore, the launch of "ASAN xidmet" centers also means the creation of jobs. This center has provided 153 people with jobs, and the majority of employees are young people. The youth working in such a beautiful environment prepares itself for the future in order to take a worthy place in society. As I was informed, a total of 45 volunteers will work in the center for the benefit of our people. President noted that the volunteer movement in Azerbaijan started with "ASAN xidmet". Eight thousand young people voluntarily worked in different "ASAN xidmet" centers, he said adding that currently, a total of 700 volunteers work in all the centers. These volunteers, at the same time, successfully participated in the international events conducted in Baku, he added. In particular, they have played a very important role in last year's European Games and Formula 1 this year. I acknowledged the work if volunteers who did a great job in the first European Games. They were awarded with presidential diplomas. In other words, this is a very serious public initiative. Expansion of the volunteer movement is in the interests of our society, said the president. The desire to become a volunteer shows the good intentions of our people. In order to unselfishly help someone and contribute to our common cause, people do this in their own free time. In other words, this is a manifestation of very serious and nice intentions. I am glad that a class of volunteers has formed in Azerbaijan, and the vast majority of it are young people, he added. The younger generation is growing up in an atmosphere that prompts it to contribute to our common cause, strengthen the state and help those in need. This is the function and purpose of volunteering. Therefore, just look at the serious, large and comprehensive impact of the decision we made three and a half years ago, primarily in the field of public services, said Aliyev. On the other hand, ASAN xidmet centers are free of corruption, bribery, bureaucracy and other negative facts. First of all, it is an example, an example for each public body. Secondly, it shows that we can fix and heal the wounds of our society, because nothing undermines society as much as corruption and bribery. ASAN xidmet is the frontrunner in this field. I have repeatedly said this in my speeches. I have said that every state body should work as transparently, and our people see that. This is why they approve of the work of the service. From now on, the people of Gabala and surrounding districts will benefit from this service and we will further expand the functions of "ASAN xidmet" in the future, noted Aliyev. Wherever we are not pleased with the situation and where there are negative phenomena, we will organize these functions by means of "ASAN xidmet. I am glad that the 10th center is opening in Gabala. Gabala is one of the most beautiful places in Azerbaijan, said the president. Gabala has a very rich history. It is a historic city and region. At the same time, it has beautiful nature. The development taking place in Gabala in recent years corresponds to this beauty, this history and this nature, he added. As people living here, you can probably see how much prettier Gabala has become in recent years. New homes, tourist facilities and public buildings are built, he noted. Several years ago, an international airport was built here on my instructions. Some people were rather skeptical about this issue. Today, flights are organized in different directions. We have built the Heydar Aliyev Center, which is a beautiful historical building, the Cultural Center, many hotels, the international shooting center, and this work continues. While getting acquainted with the situation today, I watched the construction of a new shooting center from the window. The development of Gabala is beyond doubt, said the president. Those who live here can confirm that, he added. I am also very happy about this because Gabala is the second tourist center in Azerbaijan only to Baku. All of the work here is done with a lot of care and taste. Visitors, of course, can see and appreciate that. They see what a beautiful country Azerbaijan is. Azerbaijan has not only a beautiful capital, but also districts which have wonderful conditions. Additional measures will be taken to further develop Gabala, noted the president. More funding will be made available. The main issue on the agenda is a drinking water project. It is being implemented with the mediation of foreign banks, he explained. This is why there is a certain delay. If we did it at the expense of our internal resources, it would have been completed long ago. However, I do hope that the problem of drinking water and sewer lines will be completely resolved in the near future. Gasification in Gabala district is close to 70 percent, said Aliyev. Given the terrain of the district, I believe that it is a good indicator, he noted. There is a need in the construction of intercity roads. We will deal with this and ensure further development of Gabala district. Once again, I congratulate you on this wonderful event and wish the people of Qabala continued success. Thank you, said the president. By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on making amendments to the Decree on the Emblem of the Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan. Under the decree, changes have been made to the name and the official emblem of the liquidated Ministry of National Security, and the words Ministry of National Security have been replaced with the words State Security Service. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Former Israeli President Dalia Itzik and Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak have met Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, Azertac reported. They discussed results and importance of the 4th Global Baku Forum, which brought together prominent personalities, current and potential partners from different sectors in March 2016. The sides also discussed preparatory issues for the Global Baku Forum to be held in Baku in 2017. They also spoke about the activity of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, as well as its events. Nizami Ganjavi International Center was created with the multiple aims of preserving the reach cultural heritage of the past as well as encouraging and fostering current scholarship, research, cultural activity and social outreach. The Center moves forward to build, an institution worthy of bearing the great name of Nizami Ganjavi with hope it will become a source of pride for Azerbaijan and the world. Nizami Ganjavi was one of the most gifted and versatile authors in literary history not just in his own region. The poet, who began by writing lyrics in short forms gasida, gazal, rubai, gained popularity not only in the Near and Middle East, but also on distant shores. His five poems, known collectively as the Khamsa (Quintet) are considered the treasury of Azerbaijani poetry. In his work, the poets revealed the living pages of history. The attack of the Russians on Barda city, a fairy tale of the Russian Princess, the beautiful Shirin amazons, battles, described in various poems of Nizami - all this is historically and geographically related to medieval Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. The description of a man's inner world, his feelings, and thoughts along with the dynamic development of the main hero's characters underlies the basic aim and content of the Nizami literary school. The works of Nizami Ganjavi have been translated into many languages. The rare manuscript copies of his works are kept and preserved like precious pearls in famous libraries, museums and literary foundations in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, Paris and others. Nizami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in his native city of Ganja. A grandiose tomb has now been raised over his grave. By Azernews By Gunay Hasanova Tehran and Ankara will continue cooperation in all spheres, said Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on August 12, TRT Haber news channel reports. Zarif spoke about Irans interest in increasing supplies of natural gas and electricity to Turkey. He said there can be disagreements between Iran and Turkey on a number of issues, but they wont affect the development of bilateral relations. In turn, Cavusoglu said that Turkey and Iran have discussed a number of important energy issues, including a discount on Iranian gas supplied to Turkey. We plan to increase bilateral trade turnover to $ 30 billion, he said, adding that Iran is an important strategic partner for Turkey. The future perspectives of cooperation over the Syrian conflict resolution also were among the discussed topics. Turkey and Iran support Syrias territorial integrity, the Iranian FM said. In addition, he stressed that Iran also welcomes the normalization of relations between Moscow and Ankara. Moreover, Zarif said that Iran is ready to resume the flow of tourists to Turkey after the failed military coup attempt in the country. The attempt of a military coup had little effect on the flow of tourists from Iran to Turkey, he said. Turkish-Iranian bilateral relations are evolving on the basis of the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs, mutual respect and good neighborliness. Efforts are made to further enhance the political dialogue both on bilateral and regional issues, through reciprocal visits and mechanisms such as High Level Cooperation Council and joint commissions in different sectors. Trade turnover between Turkey and Iran amounted to $2.9 billion in 1Q 2016. The figure was $9.76 billion in 2015. A series of blasts hit three of the most popular tourist resorts as well as towns in southern Thailand on Thursday and Friday, killing four people and wounding dozens, days after the country voted to accept a military-backed constitution. Four bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin, about 200 km (125 miles) south of Bangkok, on Thursday evening and Friday morning, killing two people and wounding at least 24. Other blasts hit the tourist island of Phuket, a resort town in Phang Nga province, and Surat Thani, a city that is the gateway to popular islands such as Koh Samui in Thailand's Gulf. Hua Hin is home to the Klai Kangwon royal palace, which translates as "Far from Worries", where King Bhumibol Adulayadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife, Queen Sirikit, have lived in recent years. Neither were there during the attacks, as both are in hospital in Bangkok. Friday was a public holiday in Thailand to mark the queen's birthday, which is celebrated as Mother's Day. No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicion could fall on insurgents in Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. ATTACKS IN SEVEN PROVINCES Police detained two men for questioning over the attacks on Hua Hin on Friday, said Police Superintendent Sarawut Tankul of the tourist police at the resort. They were detained because CCTV footage showed them in the area "before, during and after the bombings", he said, declining to give more details. Preliminary evidence showed the bombs were low-explosive devices devised to "make an announcement" rather than cause maximum harm, he said. Ahead of the blasts, Police had intelligence an attack was imminent, but had no precise information on location or timing, national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda told reporters in Bangkok on Friday. "We just didn't know which day something would happen," he said. Since Sunday's referendum on the constitution, there have been attacks in seven provinces using improvised explosive devices and firebombs, Chakthip said. The devices were similar to those used by separatist groups in southern Thailand, but that did not conclusively show they were the perpetrators, he said. Police ruled out any links to international terrorism, as did Thailand's Foreign Ministry, which said in a statement on Friday: "The incident is not linked to terrorism but is an act of stirring up public disturbance." Bangkok-based analyst Anthony Davis, at security consulting firm IHS-Jane's, questioned the police assertion that the attacks were an act of local sabotage. The coordinated bombings were "designed to terrify and to blow a hole in the tourism industry", said Davis. "The tactics used were clearly intended to minimise casualties while maximising economic and political impact. It is worth noting that no foreigners died in the attacks." Thai authorities beefed up security at tourism spots, airports and on public transport in Bangkok. "Why now, when the country is getting better, the economy is getting better, and tourism is getting better? We have to ask why and who did it," Thai junta chief and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters. TRAVEL ADVISORY The attacks are bad news for Thailand's tourist sector, which has been one of the few bright spots in a sluggish economy. Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of gross domestic product and Thailand was expecting a record 32 million visitors this year. Australia issued a travel advisory saying Australians should "exercise a high degree of caution" and warned: "Further explosions in any part of Thailand are possible." Two blasts on Friday morning in Hua Hin came after twin explosions late on Thursday. The explosion that wreaked the most damage was near a bar in a bustling narrow alley in the town late on Thursday. It killed one Thai woman and wounded 21 people, Krisana said. The streets were spattered with blood and debris on Friday in front of the bar where the explosion took place. The blast peppered the bar with shrapnel and carpeted the road with those too badly wounded to flee, said Chayanin Seedee, 26, who manages the premises. "Right now, we're just very scared," she said. Ten of those wounded in the Hua Hin blasts were foreigners, Krisana said, and eight of them were women. Such twin blasts are common in the three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Thailand, where a long-running insurgency intensified in 2004, with more than 6,500 people killed since then. The three provinces, near the border with Malaysia, soundly rejected the referendum on the new military-backed constitution, which passed convincingly in most of the rest of the country in Sunday's vote. Violence has occasionally spilled over to areas outside the three provinces, which were part of a Malay sultanate until they were annexed by Buddhist-majority Thailand a century ago. Hua Hin, Phuket and Phang Nga are far from the usual conflict zone, where attacks are typically aimed at the security forces and government representatives, not tourists. In a separate incident on Friday, media reported two bombs had exploded in the southern province of Surat Thani, killing one person and wounding five. That came after a blast in Trang, also in the south, on Thursday, in which one person died and six were wounded. No one was killed or seriously wounded on Friday in two blasts in the beach town of Patong, on Phuket island, or the two explosions in the beach province of Phang Nga. Authorities also defused two explosive devices in Phuket on Wednesday, police said. The head of Interpol in Thailand, Police Major General Apichat Suriboonya, told Reuters it appears the bombs were meant more to send a message rather than cause death and destruction. "But the thing is, if you observe the bombs, they are not targeted to kill people but to send a message to some groups," he said. Small bombs have been used frequently for attacks during periods of unrest over the past decade of political turmoil, but have been rare since the military seized power in a 2014 coup. The latest bombings came almost a year after an attack on a Hindu shrine, crowded with tourists in central Bangkok, killed 20 people and wounded more than 120. Police have accused two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China for the Aug. 17, 2015, attack. Reuters Libya's plans to increase oil output by five-fold by the end of the year will remain out of reach until the government allocates funds to repair the damage to oil infrastructure, the National Oil Corp's chief told Reuters. "If we receive around $1 billion, we can do a lot," Mustafa Sanalla said, adding that the corporation submitted its budget to the Presidential Council, the Opec member's government, on July 3 and is still waiting for the funds. Libya, which holds Africa's largest oil reserves, has seen it production hobbled to 207,000 barrels per day (bpd) this week from a peak of 1.6 million bpd before it descended into civil war. It relies almost exclusively on oil revenue for its expenditure and faces a serious cash flow problem due to the disrupted oil exports, but Sanalla said money going to NOC would multiply the country's revenue by generating more in oil sales. The NOC, which recently united rival eastern and western factions, is aiming to boost oil output to over 900,000 bpd by the end of the year and to 1.2 million bpd within a year. But the company has bumped up against both security and cash flow problems. Sanalla said the storage capacity at ports, a crucial part of exporting oil, had plummeted to 750,000 barrels, from 6 million barrels, due to repeated attacks on export terminals over the course of the revolution, civil war and attacks from Islamic State. Sanalla said NOC also owes tens of millions of dollars to international oil service companies, and warned earlier this week that a looming clash between Petroleum Facilities Guard forces and the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is loyal to the eastern government, threatened to more oil infrastructure damage. He said NOC owes one service company alone $80 million, declining to name it. "They were thinking of closing shop in the country, but after my meeting with them, they decided to stay. They've been in Libya for 50 years." Still, Sanalla said the united NOC was working. He planned to personally visit the eastern city of Benghazi in two weeks to smooth tensions. He added that clear support from the international community, with western powers expressing support for the NOC, would help keep various factions on board. "They [the international community] recognise NOC as a neutral body that is trying to unite and to save the country," he said. Sanalla said it would not be safe to send repair crews to Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, two major terminals that are set to reopen under a recent deal with guards who had been blockading them, until force majeure from the two ports is lifted. But he said that the El Sharara and El Feel fields could add 200,000 bpd to production within weeks if a deal to reopen them were reached. - Reuters Wyomings oil and gas regulators are in the process of plugging thousands of orphaned oil and gas wells in the state, many left in the wake of coal-bed methanes steep rise and precipitous fall. Regulators updated lawmakers on the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development committee, which met Thursday in Casper, on the process and cost of filling the pocked landscape of Wyoming. Environmentalists took the opportunity to tell lawmakers that the issue of orphaned wells is ongoing. Though rule changes have allowed the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to more aggressively monitor companies idle wells, as well as hold higher bond amounts to cover the eventual cost of reclamation, not all orphaned wells are fully bonded to the cost of reclamation. But the bill left behind by companies gone bust is significant. The accumulated cost to fill 1,258 orphaned wells since the commission began an accelerated orphan well project in 2014 was $4.6 million more than the bond money available to the commission. The state regulation agency pays the difference between the insurance on the wells and the cost of filling them. The money to cover that comes from the conservation tax levied on operators. Its important that adequate bonding be maintained going forward, said Jill Morrison of the landowners group Powder River Basin Resource Council. Morrison told the committee Wyoming is not out of the woods in terms of companies defaulting on their liabilities before paying the tab. This is of particular concern in the current climate of low oil prices. At some point, companies are going to try to shed those liabilities when well production starts to decline significantly, Morrison said. Then were gonna be trying to plug or get bonding for idle wells that are 10,000 to 15,000 feet deep. I dont think were over the hump on this in the future. But the issue of bonding is not just one of orphaned wells wells whose operators went bust. There are also wells that have been taken out of production but are still owned by a producer. Companies may be required to post additional bonding for wells after one year of being idle, at a rate of $10 per foot. According to the commissions report Thursday, 8,881 idle fee wells have been idle for more than a year, requiring either a plan for continued operation or idle well bonding. If the total bond amount was immediately collected, it would add up to about $211 million. In reality, about $60 million is not currently held by the commission. The explanation for that discrepancy is that producers are able to submit a plan to the commission to either plug idle wells or bring them back to production rather than pay the idle well bonding fee, according to the commissions report. The commission also allows some leeway to operators, who can submit a cost estimate justifying a fee less than the $10 per foot of the well bore, accounting for some of the difference. Much of the commissions work now is made possible by increased bonding requirements, updated in the commission rules late last year. The requirements were considered a compromise both from environmentalists, who wanted a $150,000 blanket bond, and industry officials, who argued for significantly less. In the wake of cuts that slashed the city budget by nearly 40 percent, Casper City Council members running for re-election are defending the councils choices, while their challengers take a harder line on what to prioritize. I just put people over projects, said Ward 1 candidate Amanda Huckabay. She said investing in downtown revitalization and economic growth was important but that funding social services for homeless Casper residents and those going hungry has to come first. We spend a copious amount of money on recreational activities, Huckabay said. But if we also have a portion of the population that doesnt have enough to eat, thats more important. But current Ward I councilman Bob Hopkins said the city has successfully cut back on discretionary projects while maintaining essential services. He cited the decision to tap the citys reserve fund as evidence that the council cared about minimizing the impact of cuts on residents. We worked on the budget pretty hard, Hopkins said. A citys got to run so yes, we will spend down reserves. Hopkins said the city was able to dip into its reserve fund without depleting it. Charlie Powell, running for reelection in Ward 3, expressed optimism that the budget he helped craft would carry the city through the economic downturn. Powell said he expected revenue to stabilize and did not anticipate needing to make more cuts. Its premature to discuss possible areas that we might cut, Powell said. Hopkins said capital projects could be reduced even further if future cuts were required. Ward 3 challenger Christopher Walsh said recreation programs would be first on the chopping block. Youre not going to stay here without a job because theres a nice park, Walsh said. He said ensuring infrastructure was maintained and improved would help attract and retain businesses and that amenities needed to come second. Huckabay listed Hogadon Ski Area and the ice arena as two capital improvement projects that could be trimmed if necessary. The city began work in the spring on a $5.3 million improvement project at Hogadon, including the construction of a new lodge slated to open in late 2017. Caspers budget for 2017 cut money for capital projects to $12.2 million, down from $61.6 million in 2016. The city also eliminated over 20 vacant positions, and 24 employees took early retirement offers. As for potential ways to raise revenue for the city, the candidates acknowledged that the councils hands were largely tied due to the reliance on sales tax revenue and a share of mineral royalties paid by the state. While Walsh suggested improving overall infrastructure, both Powell and Hopkins offered specific suggestions. Hopkins said he had raised the idea of asking the Wyoming Legislature to create an additional, optional one-cent tax to be used for specific capital projects with funds partially matched by the Wyoming Business Council. Powell said there had been discussions about the state Legislature removing the sales tax exemption on food, which would provide more revenue for municipalities. Fifteen candidates are seeking six council seats. In addition to those who spoke to the Star-Tribune for this article, Michael Forbes, R.C. Johnson, Jesse Morgan, current mayor Daniel Sandoval and councilman Wayne Heili are running in Ward 1; Darin L. Crowell, Todd Murphy, Ursula R. Wilkerson and councilman Scott Miller are running in Ward 2; councilman Steve Cathey and William Street are running in Ward 3. Soon it may be against the law in Wyoming to be a Christian who believes in the biblical teaching of marriage as one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5) and to also hold a public office. At least thats the contention of the Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics and their case against the Honorable Judge Ruth Neely of Pinedale. They want the Supreme Court to remove her from office because of her religious beliefs that prohibit her from performing same sex weddings. On Aug. 17 the Supreme Court will decide her case. This ought to be of grave concern for every American Christian or not. One of the fundamental principles of this country was and still is (I hope) religious freedom. If the court rules against her, it means that no one who believes in biblical marriage can be a judge in the state of Wyoming. Neely, like many Christians, has stated that according to her beliefs she cannot in good conscience perform such weddings. This is not unreasonable. If a Christian believes they will be held accountable to the Almighty God for doing such things then, they should not be forced to do them or face losing their job. She is not forcing her views on anyone else but has merely stated them in response to questions from a local journalist. Now the goal is to force her out of office and terminate her livelihood. Religious liberty is good for everyone so that no one is coerced to believe or not believe in something under penalty of law. In effect the Commission is saying, you must believe in our definition of marriage, forsaking what you believe in, in order to hold public office. If we allow this freedom (among others) to be taken away, so much for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness at least for someone who believes in Gods Word and wants to live and work according to His principles in this country. Prominent Republicans, including retired U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, said they have received robocalls which are illegal in Wyoming that discussed GOP candidates in the states U.S. House race. The prerecorded voice of a call received in late May, and recently provided to the Star-Tribune, communicated positively about front-runner Liz Cheney, with messages such as Liz Cheney knows Common Core is harming our kids a statement that resonates with many conservatives. But the Cheney campaign denied it was behind the illegal calls. The campaign also denied it was behind a call a Sheridan Republican said she received that came under the guise of a public opinion poll. Mary Kay Love said the caller spread inaccurate information about Leland Christensen, a state senator who is also a front-runner in the race. So-called push polls are legal but widely considered unethical, with the American Association of Political Consultants condemning the practice. Cubin held Wyomings only seat in the U.S. House from 1995 to 2008. With current U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis not seeking re-election, Cubin is supporting Tim Stubson, a state representative who is polling second to Cheney in the race. Cubins son, Bill Cubin, is the treasurer of Stubsons campaign and provided the Star-Tribune a recording of the robocall call that he said came to his house. Cheneys campaign manager, Bill Novotny, said the allegations that her organization is engaging in such tactics are politically motivated. The Cheney campaign has never and will never conduct push polling or robocalls and we condemn in the strongest possible terms any form of illegal campaign activity, Novotny said. Its no surprise that our opponents, including Leland Christensen and the treasurer of Tim Stubsons campaign, would undertake dirty tricks and make false accusations as their campaigns struggle in the final days of this crucial race. The primary is Tuesday, and the stakes are high. The only publicly released polling in the race showed that 52 percent of registered voters were undecided. Bill Cubin said Thursday evening he planned to write a letter reporting the alleged illegal call to the state. Robocall Bill Cubin provided a recording of a robocall he said rang to his house the evening of May 31. It lasted for about four and a half minutes. Cubin said it came to his and his mothers houses the same night. He said he recorded it when it came to his house because he is advising Stubsons campaign. He said he was curious about how the candidates are campaigning for the seat. Fundraising for the race has exceeded $2 million. On the recording, a robotic voice asked a series of prerecorded questions. In the upcoming Republican Congressional primary, if you had to vote for a candidate, whom would you vote for? the recording said. Press 1 for Liz Cheney. Press 2 for Tim Stubson. Press 3 for Darin Smith. Press 4 for Leland Christensen. Press 5 for Mike Konsmo. Press 6 for Jason Senteney. Press 7 for Rex Rammell. Press 8 for someone else. Press 9 if youre undecided. The recording asked a series of other questions, including how likely the person was to vote for Cheney, and about Common Core, government regulation and Planned Parenthood. Under President Obama, our constitutional right to keep and bear arms is under attack, the recording states. Wyoming must have a representative like Cheney in Washington who will never compromise when our constitutional rights are threatened. Now that youve heard additional information, press 1 if this makes you more likely to vote for Liz Cheney, press 2 if it makes no difference in your vote or press 3 if it makes you less likely to vote for Liz Cheney. Kai Schon, Wyoming state elections director, said he hasnt received complaints about robocalls in the U.S. House race, which are governed by unlawful automated telephone solicitation laws. He said political calls are allowed, but an actual person must make the call. Bill Cubin said his mother received the call a few minutes before he did. He thinks the robocall program was working down an alphabetical list and Barbara Cubin would come before William Cubin, he said. Barbara Cubin accused Cheney of disregarding the rules. I think every politician in Wyoming knows that this is illegal, she said. And Liz Cheney seems to believe the rules dont apply to her. The world is full of people who think the rules dont apply to them. I hope Wyoming doesnt send another one to Washington. Over two months have passed since the Cubins received the calls. Bill Cubin said he didnt report the robocall at the time to the Wyoming Secretary of States office, which regulates campaigning in the state. He said he didnt know at the time whether there was pattern of alleged illegal or unethical telephone campaign practices. Then he said he forgot about the recording until news out of Sheridan County this week reminded him of his phone call. Honestly, I didnt really know what else to do with it, or if it was a one-time deal, he said. And then we started getting word of another push poll. Push poll Love is a registered Republican in Sheridan. She said she received a call on Friday. Love said she is leaning toward voting for Christensen. Interestingly enough, they asked for me by my name when I answered the phone, she said. They said, Is this Mary Kay Love? The caller wanted to know her age and then ran some names of candidates by her and asked her how favorably she thought of each one, she said. They started with Leland Christensen, she said. I said, Very favorably. Love told the caller she viewed Cheney unfavorably. The caller asked Love if she believed Liz Cheney is the only person who could stop President Obamas policies and the war on the West, she said. And I said, I like President Obama. Are you sure youve got the right Republican? Love said she was asked how she viewed Dick Cheney and Donald Trump. Then they got into, Would you still view Leland Christensen favorably if you knew he supported Planned Parenthood? Would you continue to support him favorably if you knew he violated the campaign finance reporting rules and may potentially be fined and possibly go to prison? Love said. As the questions went on, Love said she interjected. I said to this woman, This is the Cheney campaign. The woman said, Im not supposed to say, but that would be my guess. Love said she was unimpressed and told the caller to relay a message to Cheney. You can tell Liz Cheney Im really offended by this poll and I have less respect for her, Love said. Should she win the Republican primary, I will support the Democratic opponent. Novotny denied the Cheney camp was behind the call. The Cheney campaign has never and will never conduct push polling, he said. We condemn these practices in the strongest possible terms and urge the entire field to focus on offering solutions to the current challenges facing our state and country. Christensen said he believes the Cheney campaign is behind the push poll. About three months ago, a friend from Evanston received a similar call, he said. Christensen said he is pro-life. The Federal Election Commission recently notified Christensens campaign that his campaign finance reports have missing information, and he was late with a report about his sources of income. His campaign adviser, Kristin Walker, said he submitted his sources of income and paid a late fine. His campaign also submitted more complete information on the campaign finance reports, she said. That is a flat-out lie to say he is not in good standing, Walker said. No super PACs The Cheney, Stubson and Christensen campaigns each said they are not using robocalls or push polling. Bill Cubin said the Stubson campaign has conducted a poll by telephone, but it was a legitimate poll to gather information about how Republicans were going to vote. There are no super PACs spending money in the U.S. House race, according to the FEC. Super PACs can spend money for or against a candidate, as long as theyre not working in concert with any campaign. Christensen said the push poll is unfair because its hard to correct misinformation. The questions Im being told about, if you knew the truth, theyre trying to plant seeds that are completely false, he said. And its as close to lying as you can get. CHEYENNE More than $2 million has now been raised, and about $1.7 million has been spent among all candidates for Wyomings U.S. House seat, the most recent round of campaign finance reports shows. The vast majority of that money has been flowing in and out of the Republican primary race. Candidates were required to file their pre-primary campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission last week. Liz Cheney Republican Liz Cheney continues to lead all candidates in fundraising efforts. Cheney raised more than $230,824 during the month of July, contributing to her total $1.46 million raised this year. Cheneys money in the most recent filing period came from at least 20 states, and donors included developers, oil and gas executives, CEOs, bankers and lawyers. Donors included Judge Rex Ford, a federal immigration judge in Florida; Herbert Kohler, the executive chairman of the Kohler Co.; Maria Cino, the vice president of government relations for Hewlett-Packard; Pete Sessions for Congress, the committee for U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas; and Jim Banks for Congress, the campaign of an Indiana state senator who won the Republican primary for the states third congressional district. As in previous campaign finance report periods, Cheney spent thousands of dollars on travel, including on Amtrak, car rental companies, four different airlines, and hotels around Wyoming and the rest of the country. She also spent thousands on political consulting and advertising firms in the Washington, D.C. area, in Wyoming and elsewhere. Cheney has not loaned her campaign any money, but she has donated $66,416. She had $542,530 on hand going into August. Leland Christensen Christensen raised $14,467 in July, contributing to his total of $115,455 in contributions for the year. He has also loaned his campaign $6,500 so far this election. The Republicans donors in July included Maury Brown, who owns Town & Country Supermarket Liquors in Cheyenne; John Johnson, the president of the Johnson Restaurant Group in Casper; the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Associations political action committee; and the Holland and Hart LLP Federal Political Action Committee. Christensens expenditures include advertising, political consulting and travel. He had $20,807 to spend at the beginning of August. Mike Konsmo Konsmo, a Northwest College professor, had one itemized donation in July from another professor at the same school. Konsmo, a Republican, reported taking in $525 in July for a total of $15,615 for the year. Konsmos expenses during the most recent period were for travel. He had $723 on hand at the beginning of August. Tim Stubson Tim Stubson recorded $24,078 in donations during July, contributing to his $163,707 total for the year. The Republican has also loaned his campaign $60,000 so far this year. Stubsons large donors include former U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyoming; state Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper; state Rep. Tom Walters, R-Casper; the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Associations political action committee; and the IFA PACWyoming (IFA stands for Insurance and Financial Advisors). He had $34,834 on hand at the beginning of the month. Ryan Greene Greene raised $8,092 in the most recent period, adding to his total of $45,140 in contributions for the year. He filed his report a day late. The Democrats recent donors include Rep. Mary Throne, D-Cheyenne, and the Friends of Filer committee. Greene has also loaned his campaign a total of $53,400, including $2,500 in July. He had $3,126 on hand going into this month. Charlie Hardy Charlie Hardy took in an additional $3,935 in July, bringing his total contributions to $10,755 for the campaign season. Hardy, a Democrat, has not loaned his campaign any money. He had $6,074 going into August. Smith and Rammell Republicans Darin Smith and Rex Rammell did not file the pre-primary report by the deadline and still had not by Wednesday. According to the FEC website, they were each sent a notice of failure to file on Aug. 5. Neither could be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Rammell announced July 28 he was dropping out of the race, although ballots will still list his name because they had already been printed. Remaining candidates did not raise enough money to be required to file campaign finance reports. The primary election is Tuesday. CHEYENNE The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating separate motorcycle crashes that killed three people in recent days. John Bass, 62, of Granby, Colorado, was riding north on Wyoming Highway 135 when he failed to negotiate a curve about 25 miles south of Riverton, according to a news release. His motorcycle left the highway, struck a delineator post and crashed. Bass, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the bike and later died at a Riverton hospital. On Wednesday, a 62-year-old man from Mohave Valley, Arizona,crashed his three-wheeled motorcycle on U.S. Highway 26 east of Dubois, according to the highway patrol. Investigators say the motorcycle left the highway, crossed a driveway, struck a cattle guard and crashed into a fence. Sgt. David Wagener said 59-year-old Paul Conti, of Saugus, Massachusetts, was riding his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 14 west of Sundance when he crashed at a curve Tuesday afternoon. Conti, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene. The man, whose name has not been released, died at the scene, and a 61-year-old woman who was his passenger was hospitalized. Its unclear what caused the crash. Gina Espinosa-Salcedo, regional director for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said last week that motorcycle fatalities in the region increase around the time of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which this year was expected to attract 500,000 people. At least two motorcyclists died this week in the Black Hills, according to South Dakota officials. The Sturgis rally officially ends Sunday. Another motorcyclist died Aug. 5 after a crash on East Second Street in Casper. There have been 69 highway fatalities in Wyoming this year. There were 92 deaths during the same time period in 2015. Editor: Wyoming is an awesome state -- with tons of valuable resources, rich history, and especially, great people. But we have some serious problems. The Center for Public Integrity grades the governments of all 50 states by looking at things like access to public records, voter registration laws, and transparency. Unfortunately, Wyoming gets an F along with seven other states. So, it is not surprising that, even though many wonderful people hold elective offices here, certain actions of our state legislature and our governor have been called into question. For example, we are in the process of spending over one-quarter of a billion dollars (thats taxpayer money) on renovating our state Capitol. There have been significant cost overruns, allegations of conflict of interest on the part of certain legislators and claims that constitutional requirements for bidding have not been followed. Our Legislature tried to unlawfully change our state constitution by passing a law that would make government less accountable to the people a couple of years ago; that legislation was overturned, deemed unconstitutional by our state supreme court. Our legislature has begun the process of allowing the adoption of Common Core into our schools, a program to which the overwhelming majority of our residents are opposed. There have been other constitutional and ethics questions that have arisen as well, but we have an attorney general that is appointed by, and therefore, works for, the governor, not the people of our state. This is also a factor that contributes to Wyomings low public integrity score. Chuck Gray is someone who has the fortitude, intellect, and integrity to address the crisis in accountability facing our state. He has a finance degree from the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a top-4 finalist, among notables like Rich Lowry of National Review, for the 2013 Coolidge Prize for Journalism. When he isnt working, Chuck is watching C-SPAN, reading business journals, and being an astute connoisseur of public policy. He applies himself tirelessly to the issues of the day and a pursuit of fiscal responsibility. We need Chuck Gray in HD57! Editor: Donald Trump has brought out more Republican voters in the history of the GOP party, won state after state, knocking off 17 rivals, thus gaining more then enough delegates to be the GOP nominee, yet several states including Wyoming tried desperately to force a voice vote to place Ted Cruz. Talk about childish. I think our delegates and the GOP party have forgotten who they work for: We the People. The American people are fed up with career politicians who take their careers over the people they work for. This is how Trump won. Hillary Clinton is a cancer that will further destroy our freedom. Not one candidate the GOP threw out there could have beat her; Trump is the only one. That is the new GOP. Democrats fed up with Obama have crossed over to become Republican, that speaks volumes for the GOP. Either embrace Trump, or sit back and watch Hillary destroy the America we all love. Hillary is a liar that should be in prison, but this is Obama's FBI and DOJ, so she will escape justice. Do not reward her with the presidential nomination. She has already stated there's not an amendment to our Constitution that can't be regulated, she wants to continue Obama's open border policies and further his goals of bringing 200,000 Syrian refugees to America. Yes, she is far worse than anything Trump can do. I vote freedom and America first. My vote in November will reflect that when I vote for Trump. The GOP would be wise to honor the people's request. Tucson stands to gain up to 48 F-16 fighter jets in the next couple of years as the Air Force makes room for the next-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. On Thursday, the Air Force released a list of 34 bases around the country that could be assigned F-16 training units relocated from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix and from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, to make room for new F-35 fighters and to address pilot shortages. Both Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the 162nd Wing of the Arizona National Guard, based at Tucson International Airport, are among the potential new sites. The 162nd Wing the Air Guards biggest fighter wing and the primary site for training of foreign F-16 pilots also is on a list of four bases that could get more F-16s by the fall of 2017, under an interim plan to quickly address the shortage of pilots. Both decisions are expected to be made by spring of 2017, according to U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Tucson. The others on that list are Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, which is transitioning from F-16 to F-35 training; Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico; and Joint Base San Antonios Kelly Air Guard Station, Texas. Under previous force restructuring plans, the Air Force planned to move 21 Air Force Reserve F-16s to D-M in 2019 after the bases A-10 Thunderbolt II close- air-support jet was to be retired, though the A-10 retirement plans have been pushed back three years. Amid the move to retire the A-10, D-M in April was pegged as a finalist to house F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. In December 2015, the Air Force also announced D-M as a potential site for expanded remotely piloted aircraft missions. McSally said the Air Force announcement recognizes Arizonas unparalleled assets for combat fighter training. With thousands of square miles of high and low altitude military airspace, over 300 days of sunshine a year, and close access to the Barry M. Goldwater training ranges, theres no better place in the country to train pilots for these missions, McSally said Thursday in a news release. Though F-16s periodically fly from D-M during training, the only F-16s based there are a few Air Guard F-16s on homeland-security alert duty. If you've followed Tucson cellist Nicholas Mariscal's career as long as we have, going back to at least 2005 when he was a standout young composer and cellist in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Young Composers Project, then you would understand why the email that landed in our inbox Thursday was not surprising. Mariscal, who is now 23 and studying with cellist Ralph Kirshbaum at USC in Los Angeles, was selected for the prestigious Tanglewood Music Center Fellowship Program, a summer academy for advanced study curated and hosted by Boston Symphony Orchestra. "Tanglewood has been a great experience so far," Mariscal said in a Facebook message Thursday night. "The Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra is without a doubt the best student orchestra I've ever been a part of, and because of that we've been able to perform some incredible repertoire at a level that I think is probably on par with some professional orchestras." Among the highlights so far: Performing Olivier Messiaen's "Turangalila-Symphonie," which Mariscal called "one of my favorite 20th century orchestral works" and one "so large and difficult that I never thought I'd have the opportunity to play it." "I also just recently got to perform Shostakovich's rarely-heard 14th Symphony with one of my musical heroes, soprano Dawn Upshaw, singing with the orchestra in addition to other Tanglewood voice faculty and fellows, which was a really powerful and incredible experience," he added. Mariscal's selection to Tanglewood is a big deal and not only because it's affiliated with one of the world's premier orchestras. By BSO estimates, some 30 percent of all first-chair orchestra players passed through this program. It can be a major launching pad for a career with a major orchestra. Mariscal has been with Tanglewood since late June and continues through later this month. Among his performance opportunities, according to Tanglewood folks, has been working with leading conductors including Jacques Lacombe, Stefan Ashbury, Giancarlo Guerrero and Andris Nelsons during Tanglewood on Parade. He also performed in Steven Stuckys Chamber Concerto 20 at the famed Festival of Contemporary Music. "For our last week here, I'm fortunate enough to get to sit as principal cello for part of our concert with the world-renowned conductor Charles Dutoit, in which we're performing Stravinsky's Rite of Spring as well as works by Tchaikovsky and Kodaly," Mariscal said. A bishop heading more than 150 Lutheran congregations, including in Arizona, will visit Faith Lutheran Church and School, 3925 E. Fifth St., Friday, Aug. 19. Bishop Jamison Hardy, the president of the English District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, will speak at the installation of Faith Lutheran School staff, teachers and volunteers 2 p.m. Friday. Refreshments and a social time will follow the bishop's address. Hardy will speak on evangelism and youth, and the message will be filmed and shown again at church services 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 and 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. A pastor from Pennsylvania, the bishop's three-year term began in 2015. He oversees congregations in more than a dozen states and several areas in Canada, according to press materials. LUNCHEON CLUB GETS BEHIND SO. ARIZ. FAIR No Financial Troubles to Mar Success of 1916 Show, President Sam Barkley Says Speakers Boost Fair Plans for the coming Southern Arizona fair, October 20, 21 and 22, were discussed at the meeting of the Tucson Luncheon club yesterday at the Santa Rita hotel. President Sam Barkley, of the fair association, prefaced his talk about the fair by telling the lunchers of the prosperous condition of the state as ascertained by him on his recent trips about the state. A fourth of the copper of the world is being produced in Arizona at present, he said was information he had learned in the mining towns, which were in the most prosperous financial condition now ever known. He stated that although the first state lands had been sold at their appraisement figures without one bidder, now there were numerous bidders for the various tracts offered. He outlined briefly the plans for the coming fair, stating that the financial problems had all been settled and that a first-class program of events would be arranged and asked for the support and co-operation of everyone. No financial aid would be asked of anyone, President Barkley declared, but the hearty support and good will of every member of the Luncheon club was desired. In reference to Tucson Mr. Barkley stated that City Manager Clark had told him that the public improvements, unless halted by some unforeseen event, would amount to $1,000,000 for the present year. Charles Solomon, president of the Arizona National bank, made a short talk, boosting the fair, and Prof. Morse told of the farming exhibits. We must educated the farmer, he said, to put up his products suitable for the demands of the market. It is not the right thing to offer prizes for the biggest watermelon, the biggest pumpkin and the biggest potato, but uniform products. Prof. Williams, of the University of Arizona, spoke briefly of the great aid to local stock raisers in the fair. B. T. Wilkinson, president of the Arizona State Federation of Labor, now in session, was introduced by Justice O. E. Comstock and spoke briefly, thanking the chamber of commerce for the many courtesies offered the visiting delegates. F. O. Bristol, a prominent insurance agent of the Pacific coast, was introduced by Harry Drachman. Superintendent Harold Steele, of the Tucson public schools, was introduced by Harry Drachman and praised the Tucson Spirit of good fellowship which he had found on his return from the east. He promised to bring some educational problems before the Luncheon club during the coming year. That the rising generation is coming to the front in the Luncheon club was evidenced yesterday by the introduction of John Haynes, a Tucson young man who recently graduated form the Southern California Law School. He made a brief talk, which me with much applause, and told a good lawyer yarn. Mr. Rosemond, of St. Louis, was introduced by Henry Jaasted. The El Paso Times reports (http://bit.ly/2aFpDUX ) the invitation is for an Aug. 24 meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Border Mayors Association in Laredo, Texas. Mayor Ken Taylor wrote in an email Wednesday to former El Paso Mayor John Cook that he won't "attend a function that is sent to me in Spanish/Mexican." Taylor says "one nation means one language" and he's insulted by the division. Cook is executive director of the Border Mayors Association. He says the association's purpose "is to speak with one voice in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City about issues that impact the communities, not to speak in one language." A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent was killed in a crash on Thursday, officials said. The agent was involved in a crash while riding a dirt bike while on duty on the Tohono O'odham reservation south of Sells. A statement released by Customs and Border Protection said Agent Manuel Alvarez was assigned to the Casa Grande Station of the Tucson Sector. The agency said Alvarez is survived by his wife and four children. No details were released about what happened. An agency spokesman said the department would not release any more information on the incident. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Agent Alvarez," said the statement, which was attributed to CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. Agent Art del Cueto, president of the Border Patrol agent's union, said Alvarez "was a great guy. He was my classmate in the academy." Del Cueto declined further comment, saying he was too distraught to talk. Thank goodness and the Tucson Fire Department that Sharon Bronson survived being swept into the ominously named Cemetery Wash. The Pima County supervisors experience Tuesday shows again how easy it is to get caught in a wash filling with storm water. If even Bronson, a veteran of driving western Pima Countys back roads, can end up pinned against a culvert, any of us can. Even though were seasoned drivers, events overtake us, she told me Thursday. Sometimes, as much as we think we control things, we dont. Still, you can expect her explanation of the incident to enter the debate in the District 3 supervisors race. Thats in part because Bronson was driving a county-owned, 2014 Ford Escape. Also, her opponent, Republican Kim DeMarco has signaled via two Facebook posts that she doesnt really believe Bronsons explanation of the incident. On Wednesday, DeMarco wrote: I will be willing to come down to the tow yard and do the investigation myself. I am sorry, but her statement seems a little late and an attempt to cover up her bad judgment. In an exchange of messages, DeMarco wouldnt tell me if she is going to use the incident further in her campaign. Bronson said she had turned from North Oracle Road east onto a flooded Fort Lowell Road when she felt something bump the vehicle. Thursday, she told me it was probably floating debris. In response to the bad conditions on Fort Lowell, she said, she turned south onto North Balboa Avenue, the next north-south street to the east of Oracle. There, she was unable to brake and ended up driving the 75 yards or so into the wash, which was rising. On Thursday, she told me she lost power, which allowed the car to coast into the wash. (The Cemetery Wash, by the way, apparently takes its name from the Evergreen Cemetery, which it passes through just west of North Oracle Road.) The document she filed with the county explaining the incident was extremely short on details. Considering that Bronson was driving a county-owned vehicle, its fair to ask what exactly happened. Are there marks of anything having bumped the rear of the car? Do the brakes appear to have been stuck? What happened to the electrical system. Mark Evans, the Pima County spokesman, told me theyre still evaluating the vehicle. They dont even know yet if its a total loss. Bronson, thankfully is not. But her campaign? It may take a few dings, depending on how events unfold. Or DeMarco may, depending on how she handles this. She said on her Facebook page: If the evidence shows that her statement is true then I will be the first to apologize. Gowan quits, endorses Kiehne for Congress The state of the race has been clear in Congressional District 1s GOP primary for some weeks. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is the leader, the polls say, with somewhere north of 30 percent. Gary Kiehne has been in second place, with somewhere around 20 percent. David Gowan? Hes barely registered, with less than 5 percent support in polls. So it was not a huge surprise that Gowan suspended his campaign Thursday. The man who embarrassed Southern Arizona as speaker of the House will have to find another line of work soon. What was surprising was his take-down of the leading candidate, Babeu. For all of our various differences, what every other candidate in this race can agree on is that Paul Babeu must not be our nominee if we are to prevail in November. The baggage he brings to the race simply cannot survive the millions of dollars that the Democrats will bring to this race, Gowans news release says. Gowan also asked that other conservatives in the race bow out and endorse Kiehne. His objective now, it seems, is to beat Babeu. And also to beat the rap as the Arizona Attorney Generals Office investigates possible misuse of state vehicles for campaign purposes. The other Republican candidates remaining in the race are Ken Bennett, Wendy Rogers and Shawn Redd. Spanish/Mexican angers mayor Dont talk with Huachuca Citys mayor about binational cooperation. It emerged Thursday that Mayor Ken Taylor grew enraged at John Cook, the former mayor of El Paso, for sending him a message that was written in English with a Spanish translation. Never mind that the message was intended for a group of mayors from Mexico and the United States, people who speak both languages. Perhaps Taylors most embarrassing line: I will NOT attend a function that is sent to me in Spanish/Mexican. One nation means one language and I am insulted by the division caused by language. Cook noted near the end of the exchange his work is a five-minute walk from the border and added: Speaking and writing in Spanish is not giving up our sovereignty. I have been blessed to learn three foreign languages. It makes me no less an American, just a better educated one. Mexico and the border dont just represent problems thats a lesson too many angry Americans, even border-area mayors, have yet to learn. TUSD: Cant speak to board without address When DA Morales addressed the TUSD board meeting Tuesday night, he brought a lot of history. Morales has been one of the most persistent critics of Board Chair Adelita Grijalva since the Mexican-American Studies flare-up of 2011. When he tried to speak at the call-to-the-audience portion of the meeting, Grijalva asked for his address, information that the board requires speakers give. He said 1010 E. 10th St. Thats the address of the TUSD offices. When he refused to give a valid address and kept speaking into the microphone, Grijalva had him removed. These are tricky areas in that it is a board policy, not state law, under which speakers are asked to give their address. If applied fairly, the rule doesnt seem offensive. In any case, the conflict that has lasted for years wont end there. Opponents of Grijalva and the board majority plan to flood the next meeting with speakers who do not offer their addresses. The July 27 raids of Tucson smoke shops and homes resulted in the indictments of at least nine people locally in connection with an interstate crime ring trafficking in the drug commonly known as spice, newly unsealed federal records show. The raids targeted the trafficking of synthetic marijuana between a warehouse in Long Beach, California, and smoke shops in Tucson, U.S. District Court records show. Federal prosecutors said the ring was coordinated by the Denver-based owner of the warehouse. The Drug Enforcement Administration and local agencies served 32 search warrants in Tucson, Denver, and Long Beach, netting 600 pounds of spice, a possible spice lab, several luxury vehicles and $350,000 in cash. The DEA did not release information on the suspects at the time of the raids, but recently released court records show federal grand juries handed down four indictments that include a total of 21 defendants four whose names were redacted from court records. The U.S. Attorneys Office alleged the rings operations included the Long Beach supplier shipping spice on 14 occasions since January 2012 to Abdulkader Alghaithis house near East Valencia Road and South Alvernon Way. The spice was then distributed to smoke shops in Tucson that are owned and operated by the other defendants, prosecutors said. The government said the synthetic compounds used in this spice are controlled substances and were sold under the brand names Klimax, Hydro, Diablo, Diablo Gold, and Toxic, among others, court documents show. Spice, which is commonly sold in small packages in smoke shops, gas stations and neighborhood stores, mimics THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. The packets in this case were labeled as incense, potpourri, or not for human consumption, but prosecutors said it was clear those labels were false and constituted mail fraud. Two of the 21 defendants, Majdi Mike Khaleq and Naji JJ Abdalkhaleq, who are from Denver, kept in contact with suppliers in Los Angeles and arranged sales to retailers in Tucson, including in one transaction where 4,000 packets of synthetic cannabinoids labeled Nightmare and Virus were sold, documents state. At least nine of the 21 defendants own and operate smoke shops in Tucson. Defendants own four businesses cited in court records as targets of the raids, including Prince Market, 1040 W. Prince Road; a second Prince Market, at 952 W. Prince Road; LA Smoke Shop, 50 W. Drachman St.; and Chihuahua Market, 4870 S. 12th Ave. At least three more businesses were referenced in court documents but not named. Court records do not make clear the roles of several defendants in the spice ring, but they mention cashiers employed at the stores who likely live in the Tucson area. The charges include: conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; conspiracy to commit mail fraud; mail fraud; conspiracy to commit interstate racketeering; and racketeering. While three of the defendants are facing up to five charges each, eight others have been charged only with conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance. Prosecutors said cashiers at the smoke shops were paid a bonus for every packet of spice they sold and were required to keep separate ledgers for legitimate sales and spice sales. One of the defendants, Nasir Ibrahim, is the owner of the two Blue Moon Smoke Shop locations raided by law enforcement and brother to Hesham Ibrahim, whose house was raided by federal agents, as the Star reported Thursday. In that raid, court documents said packages of spice, a loaded handgun, marijuana, leafy material and $60,000 in cash were seized. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission and Secretary of State databases, defendant Jamil Qasem is the registered owner, along with his wife, of the Prince Market at 1040 W. Prince Road. The market and one of Qasems residences were raided July 27. Qasems wife, who is not among the named defendants although four names were redacted from the records, is also listed on the secretary of states database as the owner of the second Prince Market at 952 W. Prince Road, and the LA Smoke Shop on Drachman. The market was involved in the DEA raid, but its unclear if the smoke shop was raided. The indictment states that defendant Qasem Mahmoud Shahin also owns smoke shops in Tucson, but its unclear from the documents which shops. A public-records search linked defendants Abdulkadar Alghaithi, Najib Alghaithi and Musa Salahedin to three additional locations that were raided, including the Chihuahua Market. The defendants birthplaces include Kuwait, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, the Marianas Islands and the United States. The nine defendants have surrendered their passports, documents state. Defense lawyers said they are waiting for disclosure from the federal government, which could include thousands of pages, before commenting on the indictments. The U.S. Attorneys Office would not comment and the DEA did not respond to a request for comment by press time. PHOENIX The director of the Department of Economic Security broke no laws in emailing agency staffers about his trip to Lourdes and offering to take their written special intentions to the holy shrine, the Attorney Generals Office has concluded. Paul Watkins, chief of the agencys civil division, acknowledged Tim Jeffries used the states email system to send out not only a note to all DES employees ahead of his trip but several follow-ups from France, including pictures. The emails drew a complaint from Madeline Ziegler, a legal fellow of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. She said it crossed a line between government officials engaged in personal activity and providing credibility or prestige to their religion by using the weight of their government office and government title. Ziegler said it amounted to compelling staff to track Jeffries letters for his personal religious vacation and was improper use of government email to recount details of that person religious trip to all employees. In a response made public Thursday, Watkins sidestepped the question of whether Jeffries emails endorsed religion. Instead, he concluded that the messages even if sent through the state email system are private speech. Watkins said there is nothing inherently illegal about state employees using state computers and email for private messages. And he said there also is nothing wrong about people at any workplace discussing their personal religious views. A workplace email about a person trip is not an exploitation of government power merely because the workplace is a government agency, Watkins wrote. To say otherwise ultimately would result in a prohibition against any government employee from referencing any religious belief in any email composed on a government computer, regardless of the content or the recipients, he said. More to the point, Watkins said a ban on talking about religion but allowing conversation on other personal issue would itself violate the First Amendment. Ziegler said she does not dispute that people are free to talk about religion in the workplace but not when theyre the head of a state organization and when many of their actions, all combined together, give the overwhelming impression that the department, under their leadership, is a Catholic department. In an interview with Capitol Media Services, Jeffries said he does not understand all the fuss. This kerfuffle around me going to Lourdes and ... making them aware of my travels and giving them an opportunity to participate directly, indirectly, its a source of fascination to me, he said. Jeffries openly admits he wears his religion on his sleeve and talks about his faith, including in the office. Its my First Amendment right to tell you Im a Roman Catholic, Im a devout Christian, he said. I believe God has made me to love. Jeffries also has a cross on the wall of his personal office. But he rejected the idea that the clearly religious symbol might be intimidating to an employee or someone else who comes to speak with him. If I was a bureaucrat, it would be, he said. But Im not. Im the anti-bureaucrat. That, Jeffries said, comes down to his philosophy as DES chief. I shepherd this agency like a multimillion-dollar nonprofit, he said. Anyway, Jeffries said, theres still a place for private speech in the workplace, whether its government or business. Ziegler, however, said a line is being crossed, not just with the original letter ahead of the trip but with the updates, complete with photos. Presuming that your employees will want to read about your pilgrimage to a Catholic shrine or even have you deliver messages to the shrine for them indicates favoritism towards those religious employees, and a disregard for those who do not share your views, she wrote in her initial complaint to Jeffries. Tasking your assistant with keeping track of those messages on DES time further demonstrates an unconstitutional preference for religion, Ziegler continued. This leads any reasonable observer to conclude that the DES under your leadership endorses religion over nonreligion, and Christianity over all other faiths. Walker does not see it that way. Mr. Jeffries was planning a personal trip, he said in the response to Ziegler. He talked about his personal involvement in a group conducting a charitable endeavor to help people with serious illness, Walker said. He offered to personally take notes from employees on his trip. And Walker said he told employees they should only give him notes if they are comfortable doing so. At no time did Mr. Jeffries state that DES is sponsoring or endorsing his emails, his trip, or his beliefs, Walker wrote. Legal issues aside, gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss, who also is Catholic, finds nothing improper in anything that Jeffries did. His communications are reflective of a very positive, caring, inclusive tone that hes brought to DES, and also his passion for helping others, Scarpinato said. The particular trip hes talking about is one where he went actually to help those in need, he continued. So he actually has a deep passion for the issues this agency deals with, which makes him particularly suited. And what of the cross on the office wall? I cant see any reason why the governor would have a problem with that, Scarpinato said. The DES oversees a host of programs from food stamps and welfare to unemployment insurance. It also is responsible for investigating cases of adult abuse; the child abuse functions had previously been taken from the agency, then under a different director, because of mismanagement. Help India! By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net Fort Meyers, Florida: For most professionals, 60 is the age when they are expected to take a backseat, relax, and retire. But then, most professionals are unlikely to have the zeal of Dr Farida Ghoghawala. She might have officially retired in 2000, but since then, the 72-year-old obstetrician-gynaecologist, who is now a US citizen, has travelled extensively in India, Philippines and Jordan to treat women who cant afford quality health care. What is even more commendable that she offers her service for free, paying for her own travel and food, only to serve humanity. Support TwoCircles Dr Farida Ghoghawala. After retiring from her practice in 2000, Dr. Farida started volunteering forhealth programs. In 2012, she came to India to help in a health initiative organised by Indian Muslims Relief and Charities and has been visiting every year since then. Since 2015, she has been spending six months in India doing medical activities, treating and providing quality medical care to poor and low income women, free of cost. Her dedication to women who cannot afford treatment comes partly from dire financial constraints during her childhood. Dr Farida was born in a low income class family in Ahmadabad, Gujarat in 1944 to Mohammad Usman, who worked in a book-binding center and Zeenat-un-Nisa,a home maker. She did her primary education in a neighborhood Government-run Urdu elementary School. However, her parents asked her to drop out, as they werent much educated and wanted her to instead focus on domestic chores. Fortunately, her maternal uncle came to her rescue. He took her with him and got her admitted into an English school in 5th grade. Having studied in Urdu medium school, English was quite difficult to comprehend for the little girl, but she was full of enthusiasm when it comes to studies and joined Kindergarten classes to learn the subject. After years of struggle and getting admission into B. J. Medical College Ahmedabad, she finally graduated in October 1967. But fate had better in store for her. Mamu (maternal uncle) insisted that i should take the US entrance exam called Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). However, there was a small catch. India had closed centers for ECFMG exam to prevent physician outflow to foreign countries. So, Mamu sent me to Ceylon for the exam by borrowing application fee of 15 dollars from the Physician son of his business colleague, who was doing residency in Cleveland Ohio, recalls Dr. Farida. Finally, she was selected in four-year residency program in Saint Johns Hospital of Cleveland Ohio in 1970.With 15 dollars in hand Dr.Farida landed in United states. That time was such a struggle for me. I use to sleep in hospital call room, she recalls. After finishing her residency, she started private practice in Fort Myers Florida and settled their along with one daughter and a son, who is now working as an ophthalmologist in Texas. Dr. Farida has also served during Iraq-US war in the United States Army. But she continued to have one wish. Despite all such work something was amiss in my life. I always wanted to go back to India, because my childhood memories and our poverty and that of other people living in the neighborhood used to haunt me and I wanted to do something for them, especially the women who used to suffer silently, says Dr. Farida. Dr. Farida came for treating poor patients in India in year 2012, with IMRC, which conducts an annual India Health Initiative for treating poor patients in India for free. Finally in 2012, I first came to India as a volunteer doctor for IMRC, organizing free medical camps across various parts of India. They are really doing a great job in India, she added. The India Health Initiative (IHI) was started by IMRC in 2010. Every year, doctors from the US volunteer for this health initiative by rendering their services free of cost. Since its inception, the organization has successfully conducted seven India Health Initiatives comprising of medical camps across different rural areas, poor localities and slums in India. Dr. Farida, through her efforts, has treated thousands of female patients in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Assam and Haryana in the last four years. Really, the experience has been so fulfilling that after my first visit in 2012, I started coming to India every year and now Alhamdulillah, every year, I spend six months in India, she says. While sharing her experience, she further said, Women here get exploited by local medical fraternity due to lack of awareness, especially in fertility treatment. I am educating them on when to say no and how to get proper treatment. Apart from that, many ailments arise in women due to nutritional deficiency. Women are the caretaker of the whole family if we educate them about health issues then we are saving families from chronic diseases. Earlier this year Dr. Farida travelled with a team of 10 US based doctors volunteering for IMRC and treated patients in slums of Hyderabad and villages in Kozhikode district of Kerala. She has also volunteered and worked for four months since November, 2015 in a low cost medical care clinic in Bangalore, Karnataka. On August 18, Dr. Farida will embark on a new mission, but to a new country and new people, whom she considers most deserving. She is going to Amman in Jordan with IMANA Syrian Refugee care mission, where she will treat refugee women. Later this year she is again coming to India to be the part of IMRCs health initiatives and also treat poor women in Jammu and Kashmir. This might seem daunting tasks for many, but for Dr. Farida, this is what she does best, and she is unlikely to stop anytime soon. Related: TCN Positive page Help India! New Delhi : The government promised parliament it would open 3,000 medical stores for the poor in the next eight months, but no more than a tenth of that number have opened over the last eight years, according to our analysis of government data. The government has set March 2017 as the deadline for the new stores. Only 321 have opened since 2008, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Pharma PSUs (public-sector units) of India, which monitors the Jan Aushadi stores, or peoples medical stores, started to supply generic medicines at subsidised prices to address Indias persistent healthcare failures. Support TwoCircles Inadequate public healthcare and healthcare expenses push an additional 39 million people back into poverty in India every year, this Lancet paper said. Generic medicines are the same as branded medicines in terms of therapeutic value, but because they are off patent, they are cheaply produced by Indian pharma companies. According to the latest budgetary data, Rs 149 crore has been set aside for 2016-17 to set up the medical stores nationwide: Rs 45 crore for opening stores, Rs 65 crore towards working capital and Rs 20 crore for computer systems and staff training. The government intends to give each store one-time financial assistance of Rs 250,000, including Rs 100,000 as medicines. While the Jan Aushadi stores provide retailers with a 20 per cent profit margin, the government proposes an additional incentive of 15 per cent of monthly sales, with a ceiling of Rs 10,000 per month and up to Rs 250,000 for stores outside government hospitals. The Jan-Aushadi programme was progressing in fits and starts with many empty shelves a common problem, IndiaSpend reported in November 2012. The same year, we also reported how a cheap-medicines programme was effective in delivering cheap medicines to the poor in Tamil Nadu. More than half of Indias rural population uses private healthcare, which is four times as costly as public healthcare, and can cost the poorest 20 per cent of Indians more than 15 times their average monthly expenditure, IndiaSpend reported in July 2016. Indias poorer states have health indicators that are worse than many nations poorer than them, and Indias healthcare spending is the lowest among BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) nations, as are its health indicators. Abuse of any kind, including against children is unacceptable. It is quite baffling to read what has emerged in a survey published by the Guardian on abuses suffered by #Migrantsat the detention center in Nauru. Nauru is a tiny state where the Australian authorities send all those who try to illegally enter#Australia. Many minors are being raped The news reported by theGuardian arrears to be based on truth.The investigation was based on many pages edited by the operators of the private companies involved in the management of the center ofNauru detention. Between May 2013 and October 2015, there were over 2,000 incidents. Although children living in the detention center represent 18% of migrants in this drab location, over 50% of the abuses were committed against them. After examining various documents, theGuardianhas discovered 7 cases ofchild sexual abuseand 59 cases of other abuses; not counting the episodes of self-harm and threats. Sexual violence against women is a greater problem The survey, published by the Guardian gets really creepy on the horrors that have been committed and are still being carried out in the detention center of Nauru, where all those who try to illegally enter Australia are detained. For example, a guard could be available to allow more time to a female child to take a shower, but he also wanted to attend the bath. The investigation also released stories of children beaten, slapped and humiliated. One found the courage to denounce violence Harassment and beatings appeared to be meted out as routine treatment for both adults and children. Many women wererapedby the guards. A raped,migrant found the courage to denounce the violence. She talked to a cultural worker who works in the center, but this came to nothing. The#Rapeof migrantsin Australia is normal, "like going to the toilet or eat the food," she said. In short, the migrants have nowhere to tell their story and this is not right asonce out of the center the rapist could become her neighbor. The biggestproblemis undoubtedly represented bysexual violenceagainst women. After looking at these rust-colored suede mules online for a few weeks, I bit and ordered them. Were very happy together. Theyre a perfect blend of summer style and fall color, which means Ill be able to wear them for the next few months here. (If youre between sizes, go 1/2 size up. Im usually a 7 in sandals and open-toe shoes and Im wearing the 7.5 here.) Look for an outfit post featuring these soon. Id meant to read The Only Street In Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs before our Paris visit, but ran out of time. I started it on our flight home and have really been enjoying it. Elaine Sciolino, who was the Paris bureau chief for the New York Times writes in depth about the history and current long-time residents of this uniquely Parisian street/neighborhood. Its a very engaging read, and a book that you can tackle a chapter at a time. Le Monsieur has been reading Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japans Food Culture to help prepare for our visit to Japan next month. He says there is a lot of useful information for first-time visitors about customs and practical matters as well as food, and Ill be reading it once hes done. Ive learned a few things just researching on my own. For example: wi-fi can be hard to come by even in metropolitan areas, so its recommended to rent a portable wi-fi device for your visit. And many businesses are still cash-only, so be prepared to make frequent trips to the ATM. In other food-related news, Ive been making a point to visit our local Tuesday afternoon farmers market. Its a good one! Only a block long but theres a decent variety of produce, some of it organic, and some other local bakeries and prepared food vendors. I was happy to find some of these French radishes (the red and white ones) as theyre a little milder and great for snacking. It gets quite busy, so I try to go soon after theyre open and set up. I look forward to being a regular. Last Sunday we had a pizza party birthday celebration for jeune homme, who turned 19 this week. His housemates and some family friends joined us and he really seemed to enjoy himself. Its the first time in many years weve been able to have a birthday party for him because of past behavioral issues, and were so grateful that it went so well. I think the living situation is really agreeing with him. And finally, there are still a few days to enter the giveaway of some gorgeous beauty products from Makeover Workshop. Go HERE for details and to enter to win. Bon weekend! Circulating fatty acids are highly correlated with each other, and analyzing fatty acid patterns could better capture their interactions and their relation to prostate cancer. We aimed to assess the associations between data-derived blood fatty acid patterns and prostate cancer risk. We conducted a nested case-control study in the Physicians' Health Study. Fatty acids levels were measured in whole blood samples of 476 cases and their matched controls by age and smoking status. Fatty acid patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Two patterns explaining 40.9 % of total variation in blood fatty acid levels were identified. Pattern 1, which mainly reflects polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, was suggestively positively related to prostate cancer risk (ORquintile 5 vs. quintile 1 = 1.37, 95 % CI = 0.91-2.05, P trend = 0.07). Pattern 2, which largely reflects de novo lipogenesis, was significantly associated with higher prostate cancer risk (ORquintile5 vs. quintile1 = 1.63, 95 % CI = 1.04-2.55, P trend = 0.02). This association was similar across tumor stage, grade, clinical aggressiveness categories and follow-up time. The two patterns of fatty acids we identified were consistent with known interactions between fatty acid intake and metabolism. A pattern suggestive of higher activity in the de novo lipogenesis pathway was related to higher risk of prostate cancer. Cancer causes & control : CCC. 2016 Aug 03 [Epub ahead of print] Meng Yang, Azalea Ayuningtyas, Stacey A Kenfield, Howard D Sesso, Hannia Campos, Jing Ma, Meir J Stampfer, Jorge E Chavarro Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA., Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. . PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27488836 Andrea Tantaros last appearance on Fox News Outnumbered was in April. Tantaros last Political Punks interview, intended to promote her book, was in May. Since June 1, the public figure has not posted anything on her Facebook page, and her Instagram followers have not seen or heard anything since Independence Day. Despite the unsuccessful attempt by Hollywood director Ken Del Vecchio to cast Tantaros in a movie role and the desperate plea by fans for the Fox News host to speak out, the political analyst is remaining silent. What does Andrea Tantaros tweet? The only exceptions to Tantaros silence are Andreas tweets on her Twitter page. Unfortunately, since that page is protected and only accessible to some followers, everyone else is left out. For those wondering what they are missing by not being able to read the former Fox News Outnumbered hosts tweets, here is the recipe. Take a Democrat, public event, criticism, add some humor and combine them into one or two sentences. After the Orlando shooting, Andrea took the time to tweet about the FBIs incompetence of having been unable to stop shooter Omar. He was under surveillance & interviewed by the FBI 3 TIMES. Thats not a needle, thats a ticking Islamist time bomb, she tweeted. Other topics covered in Andreas tweets are, of course, Obama, the Obama administration, or anyone associated with that "embarrassing" club of Democrats. Needless to say, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are included. On June 1, Andrea Tantaros' attitude in regard to Bernie Sanders seemed to be somewhat different as she was using him against Hillary Clinton to emphasize that not all women support Hillary. First of all, Clinton isn't as strong with women as she looks. Bernie Sanders beat Clinton by seven points among women in New Hampshire, Tantaros wrote in her pro-Trump and anti-Hillary The Week article on June 1. "A full 82 percent of women under 30 supported the male Sanders over the feminist former first lady," the political analyst highlighted. Of course, now that Sanders supports Hillary, he is another Democrat who deserves a good dose of the Tantaros spirit. What Andrea Tantaros does not write about in her tweets While having plenty to say about Democrats and their doomed state of affairs, Andrea Tantaros has nothing to tweet about those who are asking for support. The same day that news media headlines reported that Gretchen Carlson had filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox CEO Roger Ailes, Andrea Tantaros broke her silence on Twitter. However, it was not to support Carlson but to attack Hillary. Full blown degeneracy of government as they all cover for her, Tantaros tweeted. This is the most corrupt administration in history. Who is Andrea Tantaros intended audience? Andrea Tantaros is known for her wit, her exceptional point of view, and her ability to connect with hundreds of thousands of fans. However, more and more of those once esteemed Twitter followers are being blocked by the Fox News personality. Hi #AndreaTantaros I really thought U were coming back but now that you blocked me I I'm shocked! I hope you are OK! You are the very BEST!, writes one former Twitter follower on July 8. Always appreciated #AndreaTantaros. Smart & factual. Sad she blocked me. Don't know why, wrote another fan. The same sentiment expressed by disappointed Twitter fans is expressed on Andrea Tantaros Facebook and Instagram pages. Tantaros still describes herself as Fox News Channel political analyst on social media. However, what is the point of being a political analyst especially in an election year -- if only a few selected ones are allowed to hear what you have to say? If there is any time to make a difference in politics isnt it now? A rare dinosaur fossil is found in N. China Updated: 2016-08-12 08:12 By Xinhua In Hohhot(China Daily) A rare well-preserved hadrosaur fossil has been unearthed in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and is expected to be of huge value for research into how the species evolved, Chinese archaeologists said. More than 90 percent of the bones of the animal were intact, including the head, cervical vertebrae, limbs and a complete tail-bone. It is the most complete dinosaur fossil unearthed in Inner Mongolia in 20 years. The fossil was first dis-covered in 2012 in Urad Back Banner, in the north-west part of the region. Excavation started in June 2013. More than 300 fossil bone fragments were excavated at the site, weighing 1 metric ton altogether, said Tan Lin, an engineer at the Longhao Geological Institute of Paleontology in Inner Mongolia. Chinese researchers said the fossil structure of the hadrosaur was about 8 meters long, 1 meter wide and 5 meters tall. It was a mature dinosaur that lived 80 million years ago. Ten workers are restoring the fossil in a storehouse in Chengguan town, Bayannur city. The work began in May this year and is expect-ed to end in October. Such a complete dinosaur fossil is a very rare find, said Xu Xing, a researcher at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It will greatly inform research into the evolution of the hadrosaur species and biology in the Rehe area, he said. Archaeologists also found fossils of other plants and living organisms in the Rehe area, which will prove invaluable in future research. Tokyo's provocations lead to tit-for-tat responses Updated: 2016-08-12 08:26 (China Daily) Chinese marine surveillance ship Haijian No. 46 (L) tries to approach towards Japanese fishing boats (2nd and 3rd from front) while a Japan Coast Guard boat sails (front), in the East China Sea, near Diaoyu islands, in this photo taken by Kyodo May 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] It is Tokyo's intransigence that is to blame for much of the tension that has arisen with China in recent years over islands in the East China Sea. For years Japan has refused to acknowledge it has any territorial dispute with China, which has basically shut the door to finding a peaceful solution to their sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku Islands in Japan) through diplomacy and dialogue. Japan has tried to blame China for the deteriorating situation in the region, accusing it of unilaterally seeking changes to the "status quo". But it was Japan that did that by "nationalizing" some of the islands in 2012, betraying the acquiescence reached by leaders of the two countries in the 1970sand subsequently maintainedthat the dispute should be shelved. The steps that China has taken ever since regarding the islands are just countermeasures to Japan's actions. So, while reports of an increasing number of Chinese coast guard ships and fishing boats sailing in waters around the Diaoyu Islands, have again brought the territorial dispute between China and Japan into the international spotlight, it should be recognized that the protests that Tokyo has lodged over what it claims are Chinese "incursions" into its waters are ill-founded and ill-intentioned. This is clearly evidenced by their timing, as the accusations come after Japan has already done its utmost to stir up trouble between China and some of its neighbors in the South China Sea. Although not directly involved in the South China Sea disputes, Japan has been aggressively trumpeting the arbitral tribunal's award in favor of the Philippines in the case unilaterally filed by the previous administration in Manila. And in its recently released defense white paper, Japan tries to depict China as the biggest threat to security in the region. This baseless allegation is simply a ruse, as it is being used as the raison d'etre for revising Japan's Constitution, in particular Article 9, which prohibits Japan from using force to settle international disputes and restricts its land, air and naval forces to a defensive role. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent appointment of the ultra-right revisionist Tomomi Inada as Japan's defense minister, serves as an ominous precursor of the course his administration is set on. If Japan really wants to prevent tensions over the Diaoyu Islands from escalating, it should start by acknowledging there is a dispute and seek dialogue. China's recent actions are just a tit-for-tat response to Japan's moves, and it will continue to respond in kind. Michigan: high-revving engine of China trade Updated: 2016-08-12 11:06 By William Hennelly(China Daily USA) Michigan is one of the Rust Belt states that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are seeking to capture in this year's presidential race. But Michigan appears to have shaken off any 'rust', particularly when it comes to its usiness with China, William Hennelly reports from New York. The state of Michigan served as the backdrop of the US presidential campaign this week, as Republican candidate Donald Trump delivered an economic speech in Detroit on Monday. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was due in the state on Thursday to detail her jobs plan. Rust Belt Michigan is a state that both candidates are looking to capture in November's election, along with the key battlegrounds of Ohio and Pennsylvania. As for "rust", Michigan appears to have shaken any off, particularly when it comes to its business with China. The state, home of the US auto industry, is pretty much in the driver's seat. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder visits the Great Wall of China in August 2015. The governor has been to China five times and has prioritized bilateral trade with the country throughout his administration. provided to china daily In terms of Chinese direct investment, Michigan has 79 deals open with China, fourth in the United States behind California, Texas and New York, states with much larger populations. Of those deals through the first quarter of 2016, 75 percent of them (close to $3 billion) were in the automotive industry, according to Rhodium Group. The state's exports to China have increased from $284 million in 2002 to $3.2 billion in 2015, according to the US Department of Commerce. 'Pro-Michigan' "We are staunchly pro-Michigan," joked Brian Connors, executive director of the new Michigan-China Innovation Center, when asked about any bearing the presidential campaign could have on the state's economy. On July 11, the new innovation center opened in downtown Detroit. "We realized that we have a unique situation in Michigan, where we have tremendous economic assets and also a rapidly growing Chinese community in the state," he told China Daily in an interview. "The support and excitement among the business community for expanding our business ties with China has been enormous. The state of Michigan government has realized we need a more innovative solution to how we build our relationship with China," said Connors, who spent several years studying and working in China and speaks Chinese. "We have formed a dedicated resource, a team of bilingual professionals to work full time on building business ties between Michigan and China." In March, the Michigan Economic Development Corp allocated $5 million for the creation of the center. "We have a lot to lose by not working very closely with one another. That's the view of our center and certainly that's the view of our current leadership in the state of Michigan," Connors said. To many people, Michigan, and Detroit, the Motor City, are synonymous with cars, and China has become an increasingly important player in the automotive industry. "With the exception of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), which is technically an Italian company China will be the fastest-growing source of automotive FDI in Michigan," Connors said. "Michigan companies are doing well in China's automotive industry. The Big Three are all producing there with their joint venture partners. The tier 1 suppliers have also created tens of thousands of jobs in various cities in China supplying China's automotive industry, which is the biggest in the world and still growing very quickly. Important partner "We see China as an important partner as Michigan leads the way in transforming the automotive industry in North America," he said. Michigan's automotive parts manufacturing sector was the site of two major acquisitions last year. In February 2015, China Everbright Ltd bought Burke E. Porter Machinery Co, a maker of automotive testing equipment and precision machined products, for $90 million. Aviation Industry Corporation of China bought Henniges Automotive, a supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems, for an undisclosed sum in September. CW Bearing USA, based in Novi, Michigan, expects to start manufacturing a unique auto part late this year at its new factory near Detroit, which will help boost the Chinese bearing manufacturer's US market share. A subsidiary of Cixing Group Co, based in Ningbo, the company's research-and-development team in the US designed an integrated ball nut for automobiles' electronic power steering systems eight years ago. The new bearing component helps reduce exhaust emissions as well as gasoline consumption because it creates "zero friction" by integrating two bearings to the ends of a ball nut instead of attaching the two bearings to it. With an estimated investment of $26 million, the company is building a 50,000-square-foot plant in Northville, a Detroit suburb. The company also has built new headquarters in Novi for design, sales and advanced manufacturing. The new factory is expected to generate annual revenue of $20 million and create 125 local jobs, including assembly line workers, engineers, management and sales staff, according to Hu Lirong, president and CEO of CW Bearing USA. The ball nuts manufactured at the new facility will be supplied to General Motors, which has a contract with CW Bearing USA through 2026. In July 2015, Chinese auto-supplier YFS Automotive Systems, which designs, tests, and manufactures automotive fuel system components, invested $26.9 million in a new Detroit facility. The company plans to acquire roughly 12 hectares of vacant industrial property in the city, where it will build a 14,000-square-meter facility and add 160 new jobs to the city's manufacturing base. But cars are not all Michigan and China have in common. More than cars "Auto is an extremely important part of the relationship between Michigan and China, but it is by no means the only part of the relationship," Connors said. "We have terrific companies such as Dow Chemical, Amway, Whirlpool, Stryker, Kellogg's that are not automotive (that) have (created) hundreds of thousands of jobs in China. "We have University of Michigan and Michigan State University, the number of alumni there (in China), it numbers over 100,000," he said. "We have 10,000 students on campus right now in Michigan from China. "Those students are an extremely important part of the bridge between Michigan and China and an indispensable part of that relationship's future," he said. This November, senior Michigan officials will head to China on a weeklong trade mission, making stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Also in November, Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director, will lead a trade mission to China to focus on connecting the state's food and agriculture companies with Chinese buyers. The delegation will stop in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and the trip will include one-on-one meetings, retail tours and briefings with US Department of Agriculture officials. "As the third-largest export market for Michigan food and agriculture products, China's growing middle class provides a great opportunity for Michigan companies," Clover Adams said. In 2015, US food and agriculture exports totaled more than $20.2 billion, according to the USDA, with a record $71 million coming from Michigan. US agriculture exports to China have grown more than 200 percent over the last decade. Tourism is one of Michigan's Big Three industries, last year generating $22.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 214,000 jobs. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who has been to China five times, boosted the state's attractions on a visit a year ago. "The Great Wall is simply fascinating, going back 2,300 years and stretching for some 13,000 miles," Snyder said during an August 2015 visit to China's iconic landmark. "And Michigan also offers amazing opportunities for tourists like Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes, which was recently voted the most beautiful place in America." Snyder, a Republican, regaled journalists with stories of Michigan's Great Lakes and beaches, Mackinac Island and activities in Detroit and Grand Rapids. "Michigan is a perfect combination with Chicago," Derek Yang, Travel Michigan's marketing and trade representative in Shanghai, told the South Bend Tribune of Indiana. "After they're done in Chicago, they come to see these beautiful small towns. Most Chinese tourists come from big cities, so skyscrapers are nice, but it's not very special," he said. But these charming small towns, we don't really have those." Sister-state agreement Michigan also has reciprocated with Chinese delegations. "Tonight is a night for action," Snyder said on May 10 at a ceremony marking the sister state-province agreement between Michigan and Guangdong province. Snyder; Hu Chunhua, Party secretary of the Guangdong provincial committee; Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the US; and Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qin were in Detroit to sign the agreement. The pact formalized cooperation on trade and investment, science and technology, education, tourism and culture. Hu said Guangdong was upgrading its manufacturing sector. "Michigan is known for its innovation in manufacturing, and this is one area that we can cooperate and have progress on," he said. "It can be a path to progress for both regions. Detroit and Michigan are in the process of an economic revitalization, while Guangdong epitomizes the new emerging economy of China, and both can learn from each other," said Jerry Xu, president of the Detroit Chinese Business Association. "It's hard to imagine a future in which China is not a crucial partner in terms of trade and investment on a subnational level and in terms of solving the world's problems on an international level. We'll remain committed to that no matter which way the winds blow in November," he said. Lia Zhu in San Francisco and Paul Welitzkin in New York contributed to this story. Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com A longtime friend of China, the insurance magnate says the country's wealthy should get into the philanthropy game Forty-one years later, Maurice R. "Hank" Greenberg still clearly remembers his first trip to China. The visit in November 1975 nurtured a partnership between his company and the People's Insurance Company of China (PICC) in Beijing, which then, as Greenberg recalled, was "a small building near Tian'anmen Square". "On the trip we agreed to reinsure each other," the chairman and CEO of Starr Companies said at his New York office in a recent interview. "We began a reinsurance business then. Even though it was tiny, the significance was that we started something." During the trip, Greenberg, his wife Corinne and his two colleagues visited the Great Wall, the old city of Beijing, and Shanghai. "There were bicycles. People were very curious about Americans. It was a good experience," he said. Looking back, it seems only natural for Greenberg to write to PICC and request such a meeting. In December 1919, Cornelius Vander Starr started a small insurance agency with connections to a local bank in Shanghai. That agency moved from Shanghai to New York during World War II. Greenberg joined Starr as vice-president in 1960, consolidated a number of insurers into the company, formed the franchise into American International Group (AIG), and took it public in 1969. Maurice R. Greenberg, who has been an active philanthropist in China, said giving back to society has been part of American societal fabric in an interview organized by the Chinese Cultural Foundation. Under his leadership, AIG's market value increased from approximately $300 million in 1969 to over $180 billion in 2004, making it the largest insurance and financial services company in the world. Starr Companies will mark its 100th anniversary in China in two and a half years. "With around 500 million people - which I believe was the population 41 years ago - you couldn't keep a country as large as China out of the world trading system. You couldn't keep it isolated. It wouldn't make any sense," Greenberg said. "We already did business with Asia, Latin America and Europe. China was a big part of the map." The relationship grew from there. Since 1975, Greenberg has traveled to China every year. In the late 1980s, he met premier Zhu Rongji, then mayor of Shanghai. Greenberg worked with Zhu and led the effort to establish the International Business Leaders Advisory Council for the mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC), now one of the most prestigious organizations of its kind in the world. Greenberg in front of a statue in Beijing in 1978. Greenberg meets former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in China. photos by starr foundation The first In 1992, Greenberg's company received a wholly owned life insurance license in China, becoming the first foreign company to do so that led to further opening-up of China's financial services industry to the US. The company introduced the insurance agency system and helped people in China learn about distribution and how to do it efficiently by giving commission based on sales performance. China became the world's third-largest insurance market, with premiums surging from 1.3 trillion yuan ($198 billion) in 2010 to 2.4 trillion yuan ($365 billion) in 2015, according to the China Insurance Regulatory Commission. Looking at this "very big, fascinating" market, Greenberg said he saw something that this country of close to 1.4 billion people accomplished and had to face. "If you were to compare my first trip over there in 1975 to my trip to China a few months ago, you wouldn't believe how this nation has totally transformed itself," he said. "As China continues to grow its economy, it is also learning how to serve as a responsible stakeholder in the global community." Since 1975, Greenberg has visited many parts of China. He has been awarded honorary citizenship from five cities - Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan. In these capacities and numerous other avenues, Greenberg has become a powerful voice on US-China relations. "It is in the national interest of both countries to continue building trust and growing mutual understanding," he said. Active 'giver' And as his business relationship with China has deepened, he has become an active philanthropist there. Since its founding in 1955, the Starr Foundation, chaired by Greenberg, has made grants to various not-for-profit causes worldwide, including approximately $272 million to China-related activities, many of which benefit America as well. "Not only have we helped students at schools, helped cultural issues, helped build hospitals," he said. "I believe we've helped bridge the differences between our cultures." A good example was the recovery of China's missing relics - bronze window and door panels from a pavilion at the Summer Palace - in 1993 through the Starr Foundation. Around 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, 10 of the 20 original bronze window and door panels of the Baoyun Pavilion were removed and ended up at an auction house in Shanghai in 1910 where they were purchased by a French banking executive. In 1992, Greenberg learned that the panels were in the hands of an antique dealer in Paris. "In order to return them to their rightful place in China, we agreed to purchase the panels, and then paid for their shipment to the Chinese Bureau of State Relics in July 1993," Greenberg said. Experts authenticated the panels by comparing them with the 10 still at the Palace Museum. At a ceremony held in December 1993 to celebrate their return, Zhang Deqin, then director of the State Bureau of Cultural Relics, said that sending back the bronze windows "has opened a new window to link together peoples' feelings". "We can see through this window a brand new field of friendly cooperation among people of different races, in different countries and under different social systems," Zhang said. "It was a very emotional event in Beijing," Greenberg recalled. "People in China were moved. It was the first time something was given back to China." Giving back, as Greenberg sees it, is starting to gain traction with the new generation of Chinese millionaires and billionaires, yet there is still a long way to go compared to the United States. "You obviously want to share your success with your loved ones and give your children and grandchildren the kind of education and life they deserve," he said. "But don't spoil them. Don't let them lose the drive to be self-starters with their own enthusiasm to succeed even more than you do. No legacy is greater than that." Greenberg said he grew up on a farm in upstate New York and was very poor. "My father died when I was 6. My mother remarried about six years later. I used to milk cows twice a day - early in the morning after I get up as well as late in the afternoon," he recalled. "Giving money back to the community has been part of the American societal fabric for a long time. I hope China catches up with that, just as they have with economic development," Greenberg said. wanglinyan@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily USA 08/12/2016 page11) Supercomputer Watson to help fight cancer in China Updated: 2016-08-13 00:48 By PAUL WELITZKIN in New York(China Daily USA) The US supercomputer Watson is about to team up with healthcare professionals in China in the battle against cancer. IBM announced on Thursday that 21 hospitals across China will adopt Watson for Oncology, a cognitive computing platform for physicians to help them deliver personalized cancer treatment options to patients. Watson is designed "to translate big data into big insights for oncologists", Dr. Kyu Rhee, chief health officer for IBM, said in an interview. "By democratizing access to information, Watson will enable oncologists to focus on their relationship with the patient." Rhee said Watson will be able to take a patient's medical history and scan thousands of medical journals for information related to the patient's cancer and the latest drug trials to develop a personalized treatment plan. "Watson's treatment plan is a recommendation, and the oncologist in consultation with the patient has the final say on what strategy to pursue," Rhee said. Cancer is the leading cause of death among China's population of 1.4 billion. In 2015 alone there were 4.3 million new cancer cases and more than 2.8 million cancer deaths in China. There are 12,000 cancer cases diagnosed every day in China, according to the medical journal CA: Cancer J for Clin. "That compares to about 4,500 a day in the US," added Rhee. The initial hospital introduction is part of a multiyear partnership for IBM and Beijing-based Hangzhou CognitiveCare to introduce Watson for Oncology in China. Hospitals involved in the initial phase include SUN YAT SEN University Cancer Center, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Wuxi People Hospital, and Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, and includes both urban and rural facilities, according to Rhee. Watson for Oncology will initially be available in English only. However, Hangzhou CognitiveCare will provide some translation support to ensure Watson's treatment insights such as drug labels and treatment guidelines also are available in Mandarin. Watson for Oncology was developed by IBM in collaboration with New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "It is also being used in hospitals in India and Thailand," Rhee said. Watson is part of what is called cognitive computing or the simulation of human thought in a computerized model. Watson is a supercomputer developed by IBM to be one of the world's most advanced question-answering machines, able to understand a question posed in human "natural language" and respond with a factual answer. Watson first gained attention in 2011 when it won a competition on the US television show Jeopardy! by besting human competitors. paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com New school builds on strengths Updated: 2016-08-11 23:16 By NA LI in TORONTO Three parties shake hands at a signing ceremony for the establishment of the Canada Beijing Zhicheng Experimental School on Aug 6 in Toronto. From left: Ji Bin, chairman of the board of Thornton Academy; Wang Hongjun, vice-principal of Beijing Zhicheng (No. 35) High School; Wang Caiyun, secretary-general of CAN-CHIN Innovative Education Alliance. NA LI /CHINA DAILY A signing ceremony between China Beijing Zhicheng High School, the Canada Thornton Academy School and Can-Chin Innovative Education Alliance (CCIEA) marked the launch of Canada Beijing Zhicheng Experimental School on Aug 6 in Toronto. Founded in 1923, the prestigious China Beijing Zhicheng High School was designated a model school in 2005. Thornton Academy in Cookstown is a traditional, independent boarding school for students Grades 7 to 12. "This co-operation embodies the increasing globalization of Chinese education and its prestigious schools as well as the internationalization of Canadian education," said Howard Lin, professor and co-director of the Canada-China Institute for Business and Development at Ryerson University. "We are glad to set up our first Sino-foreign cooperative school in Canada," said Hongjun Wang, vice-principal of Beijing Zhicheng High School. "We believe the traditional Chinese educational resources and local Canadian education resources will integrate their respective merits into a powerful combination." This falls open enrollment will bring 180 domestic students and international students, especially Chinese, to the new school. "With excellent teaching experience and expertise in personalized tutorial settings, we will be keeping a pattern of teaching in small classes averaging in 8 to 15 students, so that there can be more intimate interaction between teachers and students," said Ji Bing, chairman of the board of Thornton Academy. The two sides were connected by the CCIEA, which was started by Canadian and Chinese educators as a long-term commitment to education research, development, experimentation and innovation. "Canada has excellent educational resources while China has a huge student pool," said Wang Caiyun, secretary general of CCIEA. "Through building the relationship between Canada and China educational sectors, the two sides can complement each other's advantages." According to Wang, the second Can-Chin Innovative Education Forum will be held in March 2017. renali@chinadailyusa.com Mark Brown spearheading Imperial Pacific in the Far East Updated: 2016-08-12 05:25 (chinadaily.com.cn) Clockwise from top left: The construction site of Imperial Pacific in Saipan. Taj Mahal Casino. Rendering of the Imperial Pacific in Saipan. Provided to China Daily.com.cn Imperial Pacific International Holdings Ltd, or simply Imperial Pacific, is exploring new ways to expand its gaming industry in Saipan. CEO Mark Brown is confident that this beautiful island, located a mere 4.5 hour flight away from Hong Kong, will become a top destination for the rich and leisure. From October of 2015, the VIP table of a limited time only casino experience in Saipan has produced a 2 billion USD rolling chip turnover for Imperial Pacific. "We are expecting similar fantastic results in 2017, when Imperial Pacific will reveal the Grand Mariana Imperial Pacific Resort, a permanent resort and casino that opens its doors in sync with the coming of the year of the Chicken," said Mr. Mark Brown. Brown has extensive experience in the gaming industry with names such as the Venetian Macau and Wynn casino populating his impressive client list. When asked how he felt about the work in Saipan, Mr. Brown said: in June last year, when the investors asked me about whats going on in Saipan, I had nothing to offer. But now Imperial Pacific has made progress in construction, and we have built the basic steel bone structure of the hotel, thats exciting. It's hard to separate his very successful career of building casinos with the rest of his life. Mark Brown joined the first casino of Atlantic City at the tender age of 18 in 1979 and for the next 36 years he has witnessed the formation of the global gaming industry from its infancy to supremacy. And Mark Brown has been preparing himself for this role by ever since. Browns rich experience in gaming, particularly his 10 years of working with Donald Trump, the legendary business magnate who now draws global attention as the Republican Party's 2016 presidential candidate, has been a guiding light for Imperial Pacific in Saipan. In the decade of working for Donald Trump, Mark Brown rose from managing the first casino built by Trump to running four Trump casinos simultaneously as CEO during the golden age of gaming in Atlantic City. He had taken Trump as a guide and role model and they worked closely together for the same precise goals. When Trump gradually faded from the Casino scene to prioritize other businesses of his life, such as creating the global phenomenon The Apprentice and mentoring his daughter Ivanka Trump to take over the top management of his legacy The Trump Group, Brown chose to stay firmly rooted in the gaming world and has been honing his skills and craftsmanship ever since. Imperial Pacific CEO Mark Brown with US President Barack Obama this year. Brown with Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump during Taj Mahal Casino's celebration of Chinese New Year. Provided to China Daily.com.cn Imperial Pacifics Exclusive Casino License Imperial Pacific holds the 40-year exclusive integrated Casino Resort Development License in Saipan. Though we must pay a fee of $15 million a year, it was quite a bargain," Mark Brown commented on the relatively low tax of Saipan recently. The legal representative of Imperial Pacific is Mr. Ji Xiaobo's mother Ms. Cui Lijie, who has been running multiple businesses in Macao. Imperial Pacific started the construction of its 550 million USD Grand Mariana casino resort in mid-2015. The company believes the investment return will be several times their ROI comparing to Macao the current gaming capital of Asia. Taking into account the hotels, villas, casinos, shopping malls, water parks, conference centers and future hotels, the whole project is estimated to be worth US$7 billion. That all makes Saipan a hot land of investment opportunities. At present, the tourists of Saipan comprise mainly of people from China, South Korea, Japan and the United States. There has been a significant boost in Chinese tourists after a 45-day visa-free policy was introduced to China, so much so that the 2800 hotel rooms on the island are constantly at full occupancy. It is worth noting that a majority of flights to Saipan originate from North Asia and, to capitalize on the 4.5 hour flight time, from this month on, direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan are being flown twice a week. Seven missing, dozens injured in Maryland explosion, fire Updated: 2016-08-12 09:47 (Agencies) A man watches as fire fighters look through the debris of a four-story building that was destroyed in an explosion that has left up to seven people missing in Silver Spring, Maryland, August 11, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Rescue workers searched on Thursday for as many as seven people who were missing after an explosion and fire torched an apartment building in a Washington, D.C. suburb, injuring dozens, including three firefighters, authorities said. The blast, which was felt a mile away, tore through the four-story building shortly before midnight in Silver Spring, Maryland, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Scott Goldstein said at a news briefing. "When we arrived on the scene, we found people doing rescues using ladders from construction and paint trucks," Goldstein said. About 160 firefighters battled the blaze, which was brought under control by Thursday morning. Many stayed on the scene to comb through the wreckage for signs of trapped residents and to extinguish smoldering spots. "We have the predominant parts of the fire extinguished and we are now trying to transition into that search mode," Goldstein said. Authorities were investigating the cause of the explosion, which forced 90 people from their homes. K-9 units were searching for the missing. About 30 people, including the three firefighters, were treated at local hospitals, fire department spokesman Pete Piringer said in a recorded statement. The blast scattered debris as far as 300 feet (90 meters) from the building, Piringer said. Clothing was seen strewn on sidewalk treetops in video footage provided by fire officials. Bricks were launched across a roadway, badly damaging a storefront and cars parked nearby. New York Updated: 2016-08-12 11:06 (China Daily USA) Cooking up a jam session - New York Performers from STOMP, a percussion performance group currently performing at the Orpheum Theater in New York,gave an impromptu jam session at Mala Project, a Chinese spicy dry pot restaurant in the East Village on Tuesday using the establishment's kitchenware. Since it was formed in 1991, STOMP has performed more than 20,000 times in 53 countries, including performances in Beijing last June. Shi Xi / For China Daily Getting real - New York Li Gang, CEO of Dlodlo, presents the world's lightest virtual-reality (VR) glasses at a launch event on Aug 8 in New York City. Dlodlo, founded in 2013 at Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province, is dedicated to develop VR technology and related service. Judy Zhu / For China Daily Put it there - New York Paddlers cheer after a dragon boat race in the 26th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Aug 7 in Flushing, Queens. Judy Zhu / For China Daily Young ambassadors - New York The fi nal round of the '21st Century' Cup Global Youth Ambassador Competition was held at United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday. Shi Xi / For China Daily 'We are all Brexiters now' Updated: 2016-08-12 07:57 By Angus McNeice in London(China Daily Europe) British Parliament's leading expert on China says leaving the EU will make Sino-British relations more exciting Despite the cloud of uncertainty that has hung over Britain since the June 23 referendum on whether to exit the European Union, one of the government's foremost China experts believes there is reason to be optimistic about the future of Sino-British ties. Richard Graham, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary China Group, believes Britain will benefit from a more direct connection with China when it begins to act as a stand-alone nation. Richard Graham says there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the Sino-British ties. Provided to China Daily "Brexit potentially makes the UK-China trading relationship much more exciting, because for 45 years we've effectively subcontracted trade negotiations to a third party. And that's never ideal because their interests aren't always yours," says the MP for Gloucester, in his office in Westminster. "I voted for remain because I thought, on balance, the short-term risk outweighed any potential long-term gain. But I think what's really interesting is the speed at which we've all moved from being 'in or outers' to recognizing that we're all Brexiters now - we're going to leave the European Union and we're going to make the best of it." Graham recommends that new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson ("nobody better for the job") familiarize himself with what the Chinese want from Britain, especially as Britain faces a "potential loss of influence" around the discussion table when it comes to European points of view on Chinese trade access. "For example, it's perfectly obvious to everyone that aviation in Asia is going to explode," he says. "China is going to need not just lots of new, well-designed airports, but also sophisticated air traffic management. Our National Air Traffic Service has huge experience and a lot of knowledge about how exactly that works and what sort of business would be appropriate. "We've got lots to offer, and they've got lots to offer us. Expanding people-to-people contact will be enormous." The people-to-people era is what Graham identifies as the last of three roughly decade-long phases that comprise his long relationship with China. He first arrived on the Chinese mainland in 1980 - about two years into the nation's economic reform - on a business trip for conglomerate John Swire & Sons. It was a time when Sino-British relations were almost exclusively government to government. "My overriding memory of that day and night in Guangzhou (a southern metropolis) in 1980 was the burning desire to buy a 'Mao jacket', to merge into the crowd. Every male and every female was wearing one. There was an overwhelming need to fit in and not stand out in the crowd by wearing what looked like rather garish Western clothes. There were so few foreigners in Guangzhou at the time. "Now, everything is completely different. A 22-year-old English graduate arriving in Guangzhou today would be wearing very similar clothes to his contemporaries, would be seeing Western brands or Chinese brands broadly modeled on Western fashions available in every shop, at every coffee shop and hotel." Graham was heavily involved in the transition from a state-to-state relationship to a business-to-business dialogue in the 1990s. He opened the first foreign investment banking office in China in 1993 in Shanghai for British merchant bank Barings, and he created the British Chamber of Commerce in the same city. "At that stage, (foreign companies) were the major corporate taxpayers in the country - Chinese companies paid very little tax - so we were an important revenue base for the local government as well. These things symbolized what for me was the great mantra of the 1990s: Anything is difficult, but everything is possible. The key thing is that it was a fertile environment for Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs." Graham, who has a son named Hu Sheng (meaning "born in Shanghai"), witnessed China transform more rapidly than he could have imagined, and in turn the country changed him. "I've been influenced by a lot of Chinese people I've worked with, and it has probably changed me politically, too," he says. "I'm conscious of the reasons why China ultimately rejected nationalist government, the sense of decadence and corruption and not being in it for everyone and not serving the people effectively." The call of public service drew him to what he describes as an unlikely career in politics, after long stints in the private sector and NGOs through his work with Care for Children, a joint-venture charity in China that has placed half a million children in foster homes. "Gloucestershire, the county where I've always lived in the UK, has a city, Gloucester, that by 2009 was not in a very good state. It was a place where things needed to be done, and some of that dynamism and energy for regeneration that I'd seen in Hong Kong and China was the sort of spirit that I wanted to see helping Gloucester," he says of his decision to enter public service. Graham was elected in 2010, transitioning from a professional career that focused primarily on shareholders' interests into the service of the people of Gloucester, to "reinvest social rather than financial capital". "The bulk of what we do is pretty unsexy because it's helping constituents in distress: Can my child get into a school? Is my grandmother being looked after properly? If my father falls down the stairs, will the hospital look after him properly? Are the roads being maintained? Is it safe to walk in the park after dark? Are there drug dealers next door? "These are the very earthy, granular, modern urban challenges that are out there all the time. Any MP who forgets to look after constituents in distress is completely lost. You need to have the patience and conscience of a good social worker." When not attending his constituency, Graham's government work is heavily focused on Asia. He is the prime minister's trade envoy to the ASEAN Economic Community, the only parliamentarian who speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese, and is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary China Group. "We have two very simple tasks," he says of the group. "The first is to be a platform for debate on all subjects of bilateral interest, which can range from animal rights to renminbi trading in London, and the second is to educate and inform parliamentarians about China, principally by raising enough funding from sponsors to be able to finance three trips a year to China." On average, the group takes 25 MPs a year to China and offers parliamentarians the chance to learn about the country and meet Chinese officials, businesspeople and charity representatives. In conjunction with the China Britain Business Council, the group connects enterprises, with the goal of boosting activity in trade and services, activity that Graham imagines may well increase when Britain has the ultimate say over its bilateral policies. "China can play such a constructive part in the future world if it wants to. And we'll always be a key part of Europe, even from the side, so they should have no concerns about that, or Britain's interest in doing more in Asia and more with China. This partnership will only get bigger and better." angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com Myanmar's Suu Kyi to visit Beijing Updated: 2016-08-13 00:04 By An Baijie in Beijing(China Daily USA) State counselor likely to be treated like a head of government on second trip to China, experts say Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will take her first trip as state counselor outside the ASEAN region next week when she visits Beijing, where experts believe she will be received as a head of government. The four-day China visit will begin on Wednesday, Thailand-based magazine The Irrawaddy quoted Zaw Htay, spokesman for the Myanmar President's Office, as saying. This will be Suu Kyi's second trip to China. The first time, in June last year, she met with President Xi Jinping as leader of Myanmar's National League for Democracy. In Myanmar's general election in November, the NLD won an absolute majority of seats in both houses of parliament. China's ties with Myanmar, which gained independence in 1948, have developed steadily. Beijing said earlier that it would not seek to change its policy toward the country, no matter who heads its government. Suu Kyi will meet with Xi and Premier Li Keqiang, according to Efe, the Spanish international news agency. Since Suu Kyi is widely respected internationally observers said, and her visit to China will attract attention from all sides about her personal career and political acumen, as well as about the China-Myanmar relationship in the new era. China is likely to treat Suu Kyi with the etiquette afforded to a prime minister, said Jia Duqiang, a senior researcher of Southeast Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Treating her with such etiquette is understandable, Jia said, because Suu Kyi ranks as the country's second figure after the president. Additionally, it is widely acknowledged that she works as the head of the government, Jia said. "The Chinese government will show due respect to her, and to her domestic political influence," he added. Since the new Myanmar government was formed in March, Suu Kyi has made two foreign trips: to Laos in May and to Thailand in June. She has accepted an invitation from US President Barack Obama to visit the US before his presidency ends. Jia said the Chinese leaders' meeting with Suu Kyi will be a milestone of China-Myanmar relations and lay a foundation for future bilateral cooperation. The leaders also might discuss issues including security concerns regarding the two countries' border area, he said. Jin Yong, deputy chief of the School of Foreign Studies at Communication University of China, said he expected Suu Kyi's China visit to result in stronger economic ties between the two countries. Last month, the Myanmar government vowed to develop agriculture, industry and infrastructure. China has experience and capital in these areas that Myanmar could use to benefit its development Jin said. anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn Zhang Yaozhong contributed to this story. Self-driving tourists in US draw criticism, warnings Updated: 2016-08-13 00:51 By LIA ZHU in San Francisco(China Daily USA) A recent incident involving a Chinese family in a police chase on a California freeway has sparked discussion about Chinese tourists learning the rules of the road if they want to get behind the wheel in the US. It all started on Sunday night when a Honda CR-V stopped in the middle of a freeway in San Diego and then sped off. A police patrol car attempted to pull it over but the SUV did not yield to the police sirens, according to local media reports. The vehicle finally came to a stop on the shoulder and a woman stepped out to the sight of police officers with their guns pulled, according to the footage of local 10 News. The Chinese couple and their young son were vacationing in San Diego and didn't know they were supposed to pull over for police sirens because "they were not familiar with American traffic laws". The chase didn't end with an arrest or even a citation, but rather a high-five between the boy and a police officer, who gave the child a couple of police badge stickers. While some feel relieved by the happy ending and applaud San Diego police officers' kindness, others criticize the Chinese couple for their lack of awareness of the rules. "Not familiar with American traffic laws? Please tell me in which country you can stop in the middle of a freeway," said an internet user under the name of "Genius and Dust" in a comment on qq.com, a major portal website in China. "Now they lose face for all Chinese tourists. This family must have acted like this in China, too. Habit makes things natural," said another user named "Lanyangyang". Some argue that this is the result of cultural differences. "Good ending. Police in China usually don't pull over cars by sounding sirens. But the visitors should learn some basic rules before entering the country,"said Yan Shawn in a comment on YouTube, where the News 10 video of the incident has been viewed more than 22,000 times and generated over 30 comments. It's not the first time Chinese tourists driving rental cars on US highways have made the headlines. About two weeks ago, four Chinese tourists died in an accident in Arizona when their van collided with a Dallas Cowboys bus traveling in the opposite direction. An initial police investigation determined that the van failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign and was struck by the bus. Self-driving road trips have been popular with Chinese tourists in recent years. Rental car reservation platforms, such as zuzuche.com and ctrip.com, make it easy for Chinese tourists to make reservations and even provide Chinese-language GPS service to its customers traveling in the US. California's Pacific Highway No 1, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii are among the most popular destinations for self-driving Chinese tourists, according to Zuzuche and Ctrip. "The traffic rules in China and the US are basically the same but the US' are stricter and more specific," said Forrest Lin, a Guangzhou-based tourism operator. "And drivers in China tend to ignore traffic rules." Chinese driver's licenses are recognized in California, but the biggest challenges come from language barriers and unfamiliarity with the traffic signs and laws in the US, according to Lin, who has been organizing road-trip tours in the US since 2008. "To Chinese drivers, it's especially important to be more attentive to the rules and road conditions in the first two days," he said. "On an 18-day road trip, the drivers usually get the hang of it in the last 10 days." liazhu@chinadailyusa.com Eamonn McCormack/WireImageM.I.A.'s next album, AIM, may be her last. The British rapper tells Rolling Stone that she just wants to release her new music to the masses and then peace out from the industry, possibly for good. "I'm really f****** tired and I want to f****** retire and raise my kid," she says. Even if the musician decides to quit the music business, she has other creative endeavors she would like to pursue, such as filmmaking, Rolling Stone reports. Still, with her, quite possibly, final album, M.I.A. promises to give fans less of her signature brand of political hip-hop, and more positive vibes. "There's none of these hot topics -- no racism, no gender stuff, no politics. It's going to be an interesting journey for me, this spreading love. I'm trying hard not to sound like Madonna." Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Samsung has been dancing around the idea of adding a 2K display to a smartphone. We expected the Galaxy S5 to come with a QHD display and there are rumors the Galaxy S5 Prime will have the higher-end display, but right now Samsung has no device currently over 1080p. The Galaxy Note 4 might be the first to adopt the new resolution, as it is already coming to the Oppo Find 7 and possibly to the LG G3. The 2560 x 1440 panels have been shown off at CES and MWC, but Samsung has shown no interest in adding it to its flagship device, possibly pointing to trouble on the manufacturing end. Samsung normally announces the new Galaxy Note in September at IFA, and this would give Samsung enough time to build a good amount of units with the 2K display. Even if there are problems in the production end, we are sure a giant like Samsung will be able to fix that within a few months. The Galaxy Note is also normally the higher-end of Samsungs two flagships in the year, coming with better internals, especially in terms of the battery. This could be another reason why Samsung is looking at adding a 2K display to the smartphone to please fans who look at the Galaxy Note as the high-end mark. Samsung will not change the size of the display from last year, sticking with the 5.7-inch screen that worked last year. We agree that 5.7-inch might be too big for some users, but for people who are fans of phablets, its the perfect size, not straying into the 6-inch market but keeping enough size to keep fans happy. The Galaxy Note 4 should also come with Samsungs Exynos octa-core processor or the Snapdragon 805 SoC depending on region, alongside 3GB of RAM, 16 to 64GB of internal storage, and a huge internal battery, possibly hitting 5000mAh. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is seeking to create measures to tackle falling exports of major farm products, to assure it reaches its goal of US$30 billion in export revenues of the agro-forestry-fishery sector for 2016. Photo doanhnhansaigon.vn HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is seeking to create measures to tackle falling exports of major farm products, to assure it reaches its goal of US$30 billion in export revenues of the agro-forestry-fishery sector for 2016. At a conference held early this week, the Agro-Forestry, Seafood Processing and Salt Industry Department said that prices of agricultural products from the beginning of this year were generally lower than in 2015, amid a slow recovery of the world economy. Droughts, coupled with salt intrusion, also severely impacted agricultural harvests. Further, the heavy reliance on China for exports of agricultural products continues to be a threat, experts said. Duong Phuong Thao, deputy director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT), said that customs figures revealed that exports to China accounted for up to 30 per cent of total revenues. Any changes in the purchase policies of China will significantly impact agricultural production of Viet Nam, Thao said. It is important that the quality of agro-forestry-fishery products be improved, noted Thao. In addition, farmers must be regularly updated with market information. Regard seafood exports, Truong inh Hoe, general secretary of the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, said that exports of tra fish encountered significant difficulties due to weak market forecasts, resulting in oversupply, which pushed down prices. Hoe said that the development of a national database about tra fish must be completed by the year end, together with enhancing the quality to ensure sustainable exports. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam urged expanding trade promotions to expand export markets for the countrys agricultural products. Agro-forestry-fishery exports in the first seven months of this year touched $17.8 billion, rising by 5.1 per cent over the same period last year. Rice struggling Rice was among the major farm products that saw significant declines in exports starting at the beginning of this year. The agriculture ministrys statistics showed that in the first seven months of 2016, rice exports totaled 2.93 million tonnes, worth $1.32 billion, dropping by 18 per cent in volume and 14 per cent in value over the same period in 2015. Further, rice exports to China, the largest importer of Vietnamese rice with a share of 35 per cent, saw declines of 23 per cent in volume and 13 per cent in value in the years first six months. Experts said that Viet Nam was at risk of losing its position as the worlds third largest rice exporter. Bui Thi Thanh Tam, general director of the Viet Nam Northern Food Corporation, said that the drop in rice exports was largely due to Chinas tightened management of small trade and Viet Nams difficulties in finding large contracts with traditional markets, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, coupled with competition from Thais and Cambodian rice. Tam added that the Governments support in removing technical barriers and liberalising trade was needed to boost rice exports. The largest existing problem was the failure in controlling quality, resulting in declines in rice exports, as several highly demanding markets reduced imports of Vietnamese rice, said Huynh The Nang, president of the Viet Nam Food Association. Vietnamese rice continued to struggle to compete with Thais rice and now Cambodian rice, even in home markets, experts said, adding that building the brand name of Vietnamese rice and enhancing quality had become pressing issues. At the conference, Nam said that the development of standards for Vietnamese rice must be completed as early as November. Better late than never Meanwhile, the MIT is developing a strategy on rice markets for the 2016-20 period, with a vision to 2030, which would aim to bring the value of rice exports to $3 billion by 2017 and $3.5 billion by 2020, with average export volumes of some seven million tonnes per year. The ministry will focus on expanding quality rice exports to markets which generated high added values, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, the US and Australia, while maintaining exports to traditional markets, such as Indonesia, Philippines and China. The quality of rice would be the top priority to take advantage of opportunities arising from free trade agreements, such as Viet Nam EU FTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the ministrys draft said. Previously, the Prime Minister approved the project to develop the Vietnamese brand by 2020 with a vision to 2050. Under the project, the recognition of Vietnamese rice was expected to become popular in at least 20 markets, and the national rice brand is to receive intellectual property protection in the form of certified labels in at least 50 markets. Vietnamese rice exports have been on a downward trend since 2012. Rice exports were anticipated to reach only 5.65 million tonnes this year, becoming the first time since 2009 that rice exports were below six million tonnes, if no breakthroughs were made. - VNS HA NOI Shares retreated yesterday on the two national stock exchanges after bank and milk shares, the driving force of the market this week, lost steam and declined steeply. The benchmark VN-Index, a measure of 309 stocks on the HCM Stock Exchange, dropped 0.7 per cent and closed at 655.7 points. The index rose 4.5 per cent since August 5 and saw the best week in the last 10 months. On the smaller northern exchange in Ha Noi, the HNX-Index inched down 0.1 per cent to end at 83.1 points. It was up 2.5 per cent for the week. Dairy giant Vinamilk (VNM) gave up 0.6 per cent, closing yesterday at VN168,000 (US$7.53) per share. The countrys largest listed company surged 3 per cent on Thursday after the US index provider MSCI added the companys shares to its frontier markets index. The shares gained 6.3 per cent for the whole week. Besides milk shares, a bank slump weighed on the market. The largest listed lender Vietcombank (VCB) lost 2.7 per cent yesterday amid investor concerns over the impacts on the bank after the information that one of its customer lost VN500 million in her account on Wednesday. Other big banks like Vietinbank (CTG), BIDV (BID) and Military Bank (MBB) also fell between 0.6 and 1.2 per cent. On the other end of the spectrum, oil and gas stocks extended gains and cushioned the market as a recovery in oil prices continued to buoy demand for these shares. PV Gas (GAS), PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD) and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PVS) increased 1.6 per cent, 2.6 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively. After rallying sessions, profit-taking pressure rose in the weekend session with a negative market breadth despite the positive change of oil prices, Bao Viet Securities Cos stock analyst Tran uc Anh wrote in a yesterday report. The market is likely to decrease early next week, Anh said, noting the short-term uptrend of the market had weakened. Among active stocks, real estate companies continued to attract heavy investments. Half of the top most active stocks in the two exchanges were property companies like Tan Tao Investment and Industry Corp (ITA), Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corp (KBC), Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Corp (VCG) and Tasco (HUT). ITA led trades nationwide with 15.5 million shares changed hands. The share price climbed 1.9 per cent. Other stocks had trades of between 3 million shares and 5 million shares. A total of over 180 million shares worth a combined VN3.4 trillion were exchanged in the two markets by the end of the session, down 3 per cent in volume but up over 6 per cent in value compared with the previous session. Foreign trades were mixed yesterday when they were net sellers for a net value of VN73 billion on the HCM Citys exchange but were responsible for a net buy value of VNDD16.3 billion in the Ha Noi market. VNS BANGKOK More than 50 Vietnamese enterprises are showcasing their products at the Viet Nam Goods Fair 2016 in Thailand, which kicked off at the Central Word Plaza in Bangkok on Thursday. Sanan Angubolkul, president of the Thailand-Viet Nam Business Council, described the four-day event as a good opportunity for Vietnamese firms to foster their understanding of Thai consumers preferences to develop suitable products and services for the market. In his speech at the events opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu spoke highly of bilateral trade relations between the two countries, which have developed significantly over the past few years. With bilateral trade reaching earnings of US$11.5 billion in 2015, Thailand became Viet Nams leading commercial partner in the ASEAN, while Viet Nam was considered Thailands fourth largest partner in the bloc, Tu said. The formation of the ASEAN Economic Community has opened up opportunities for the two sides to boost ties through fully combining supply and value chains in the region and globally, thus expanding their market to signatory parties of free trade agreements (FTAs), who are member nations of the ASEAN. He added that both Viet Nam and Thailand were parties to several FTAs between the bloc and its partners, such as China, Japan, South Korea and India, as well as Australia and New Zealand, so the two countries enterprises need to fully tap opportunities created by these trade deals to make inroads into more markets and reinforce their links. -VNS HA NOI Thailands Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, believes that there is still room for Viet Nam and Thailand to grow and attract tourists with different tourism purposes. The minister said during an interview with Viet Nam News during her recent visit to Ha Noi to attend the Thai Culture Days. "As Viet Nam will host the ASEAN Beach Games in a Nang by the end of September and there will be a seminar on sport tourism on its agenda, I think Thailand and Viet Nam can cooperate in this field," she said. "ASEAN nowadays attracts great interest from people all over the world in terms of business, investment, and tourism. Thats why ASEAN connectivity is part of the programme that we launched last year. "Therefore, we are presenting the two countries one destination package to tourists from America and Europe. If they want to go to Viet Nam, they can come to Thailand and we will take them to Viet Nam; or if they want to go to Thailand, they go to Myanmar, and then Thailand." Alongside offering several new destinations and new products every year, she said Thailand and Viet Nam, together with other ASEAN countries, can help each other offer more new tourism products. In their first phase, Thailand has begun increased connectivity with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. "We already have tour packages for Thailand-Cambodia, Thailand-Laos, Thailand-Myanmar, and Thailand- Viet Nam," she said. Last year, the Tourism Administration of Thailand (TAT) America brought a group of tour operators and media from the US to Thailand and then to Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi and HCM City to explore the route. Another similar group will come back again in October to discover the route Thailand-Ha Noi-Sa Pa-Lao Cai. Minister Wattanavrangkul also mentioned another form of connectivity, which has been called "intra-ASEAN". She explained "intra-ASEAN" aims to encourage travel among ASEAN countries. According to her, 29.8 million international tourists visited Thailand last year, of which 7.8 million were ASEAN tourists. The number of Vietnamese travellers to Thailand was 770,000, while about 140,000 Thais visited Viet Nam. This year, the Kingdom has witnessed an increasing number of tourists that the two countries exchange between themselves. "Within intra-ASEAN, we want Thai people to visit Ha Noi and other places such as Sa Pa, HCM City, Hue," minister Wattanavrangkul said. "In fact, we have discussed that we want to open the connectivity between Hue and Chiangmai. We want to introduce Hue to Thai people as well as to introduce Chiangmai to Vietnamese." The Kingdom also has planned to present Phu Quoc Island in Viet Nams southern province of Kien Giang to their tourists as part of their so-called maritime tourism. "With Trat and Samui in Thailand, Phu Quoc in Viet Nam, and Sihanoukville in Cambodia, we can create a new interesting route for travellers," the minister said. Asked about problems that Thailand has to face while developing its tourism, she said they can be lessons for other countries, including Viet Nam. "When your tourism grows fast you tend to make light of something such as the environment and the identity of tourism. Those matters are common challenges for many countries," she said. While Thailand is now trying to fix all these problems, the Thai minister said she hopes other ASEAN friends can learn how to cope with the issues. "In June, we had the C-L-M-V-T [standing for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Thailand] forum in Bangkok. Co-organised by the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Tourism of Thailand, the forum discussed these matters and we concluded that we need to further boost information exchange. We in Thailand faced all these matters before and now we can share with you the lessons we have learned." VNS HA NOI Film director Nguyen Hoang iep has received a congratulatory letter from French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay, announcing that she has been awarded the Knight of Arts and Letters title. The director has won the Chevaliers des Lettres et des Arts award for her contribution to the development of culture. iep received the congratulatory letter yesterday morning, even as she had forgotten her nomination last December. I always think the Knight is a legendary title, said iep. It is unbelievable that I have received such a legendary title for my small work. It is more than surprising because I think my work and I are very small. In fact, Im a little shy because I have made only one motion picture. I never thought that one day I would be awarded the title of Knight. Sometimes I get disappointed with filmmaking. I dont see any common point between a knight and myself. For me, a knight is a hero who fights for justice. From the bottom of my heart, I wish I could make films that promote the beauty of cinema. Born in 1982, iep graduated in filmmaking from the Theatre and Cinema College and is emerging as an independent filmmaker in Viet Nam. She made her first movie entitled ap Canh Giua Khong Trung (Flapping In The Middle of Nowhere) in 2013. The movie has been screened at and has won many prizes at domestic and international film festivals. These awards include the 2014 Venice International Film Critics Week; Best Director at the 16th International Film Festival Bratislava in Slovakia; the Jurys Special Mention at the Festival of the Three Continents - an annual film festival in Nantes, France; besides a Special Prize at the third Ha Noi International Film Festival (HANIFF). The Chevaliers des Lettres et des Arts award was established in 1975 by Frances General de Gaulle. The title of Knight of Arts and Letters is given to people with outstanding achievements or who have made great contribution to the arts and literature of France and the world.Many other Vietnamese have won the title, such as folk artist Tran Kich; dancer Nguyen Cong Nhac, former director of Viet Nam National Opera and Ballet; film director ang Nhat Minh; and fashion designer Minh Hanh; as well as musician Nguyen Vinh Bao; and artist Le Ba ang. VNS Hai Van The main job of the police is to prevent crime and investigate criminals. Thats the expectation worldwide that even a six year-old child can tell. This explains the public uproar in Viet Nam when a police officer leading a gang of five beat a couple to the point where the man was covered with blood and his pregnant fiancee fainted. The incident happened only a few weeks ago, in July, in Cam Xuyen District of central Ha Tinh Province. The couple were immediately rushed to hospital and recovered enough to identify the leader of the assault as the ex-boyfriend of the woman. Phan Van Hung, a corporal in Cam Xuyen district police, admitted afterwards he had attacked the couple, two innocent citizens, for personal reasons. Hung and his companions committed the assault in daytime on a bustling street in front of many passers-by, clear evidence they had no respect of the law and were aware of their power! Across the world police brutality is seen as unacceptable and is considered an abuse of power even in some force-majeure policing activities. In Viet Nam, as defined in law, police are allowed to resort to force only when it is necessary to fight or prevent crimes that endanger the life, health or property of people and the State. As soon as the case made headlines, people anxiously waited to see how it would be handled, especially given the fact that Hung is the son of the deputy chairwoman of the Cam Xuyen District Peoples Committee. To public surprise, Hung was fined only VN3million (US$130) for fighting in public and disturbing public order, Cam Xuyen police department announced on Monday. The violent corporal and his accomplices were not required to compensate the victims whatsoever. Explaining the inadequate punishment, Colonel Ha Huy Hung, head of Cam Xuyen police, said no additional punishment was required because the victims did not request an investigation into the assault. Article 104 of the Viet Nam Criminal Code stipulates that those who attack people and cause harm or injuries of less than 11 per cent of their health will be investigated and prosecuted only at the request of the victim. Legitimacy matters. But this was not the first and will not be the last time attackers get away with their crimes. Fear of repercussions will discourage more victims of violence to come forward. Not long ago, in March, a 20 year-old woman in Hai Phong City was attacked by her ex boyfriend, Tran Minh Trung, a second lieutenant police officer. Hospitalised with numerous stitches around her eyes, she collected all her courage to file a letter of complaint to the local police, hoping to end her ordeal. But the poor girl was then harassed with threatening phone calls and texts from her ex. She soon gave up her hopes for justice. Police officers like Hung and Trung are in the minority compared with thousands of officers who have a strong sense of dedication, responsibility and are ready to risk their lives for others. However, as the Vietnamese saying goes, one worm spoils the soup, Hung and Trung have tarnished much of the trust their colleagues have been working hard to build over the years. To maintain its integrity, the police sector should be decisive to get rid of its worms. All law-enforcement forces, especially police, should be fully aware that they are public servants performing their duties on behalf of the Government and the State of Viet Nam and as such they must behave accordingly at all times. The mandate of police is enshrined in the Constitution of Viet Nam and the Law on Peoples Police became effective on July 1, 2015. Not to mention that Viet Nams police code of ethics has been in existence since 2008. These laws should be strictly enforced in a law-governed country. The public need proper police, real protectors, not criminals. VNS Ho Phuong Though casting a fairly positive light on Viet Nams achievements in ensuring religious freedom, the annual report on global religious freedom issued by the US Department of State on August 10 shows a narrow mindset, biased outlook and lack of goodwill. In the report, the US Department of State acknowledged the Vietnamese governments efforts to ensure the rights to religious freedom, including the release of the draft Law on Religion and Belief for public feedback. It also took note of opinions by almost all heads of Vietnamese religious organisations, which said religious freedom is being expanded across the country and the government has increasingly given recognition to religious organisations. However, it continued to accuse Viet Nam of using violence on several religious groups, detaining and prosecuting them, restricting their travel, refusing to license their operations and hindering their activities in education and health care. According to the report, Viet Nams regulations on religious management allow for limiting religious freedom and for the countrys authorities to obstruct the activities of unregistered religious groups. The points mentioned in the report are not new, and are subjective and one-sided. In fact, the vivid religious life and law abiding spirit in ensuring human rights on view in Viet Nam are the strongest rebuttal to such allegations. Firstly, belief and religious freedom in Viet Nam was confirmed in the draft Law on Belief and Religion, which is to replace the Ordinance on Belief and Religion, with additional content to modern Viet Nam. The draft law recognises and specifies that the right to belief and religion is for all people, not only citizens, while clearly affirming the right to follow or not follow a religion. No one is entitled to violate that right, stresses the document which prohibits forcing people to follow or denounce religions, or the taking advantage of belief and religious freedom to harm the State, citizens or religious organisations rights. Compared to the older legal documents, the bill showed the States openeess in treating religions. It is vivid evidence that rejects arguments that would slander the State of Viet Nam by suggesting it is issuing the law to tighten controls on the right to belief and religious freedom. Secondly, the freedom to practice religious rites and join religious activities for followers has been respected and observed. Annual religious festivals, including Christmas and the Buddhas birthday, have been held with the participation of hundreds of thousands of followers. Belief and religious activities are not only considered a spiritual need of followers, which is protected by the law, but are also seen as cultural activities belonging to all people. A number of major festivals have become shared events of the community, showing the harmony between life and religions in Viet Nam. Over the past number of years, international co-operation by religious organisations has been stepped up, with visits conducted by both Vietnamese and foreign religious delegations. Religious organisations in Viet Nam have also received support for numerous activities such as the Vesak celebrations and the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences. Viet Nam is a multi-racial and multi-religious nation. There are few other countries that have such harmony between major religions. The Vietnamese State has recognised 39 organisations of 14 religions, with 24.3 million followers, or 27 percent of the population. Religious organisations are an important channel that helps put Party guidelines and policies and State laws into reality. Several prestigious religious dignitaries have been voted to the National Assembly, Peoples Councils at all levels, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and its member organisations. The Vietnamese State only punishes organisations and individuals that violate the law, or who take advantage of the freedom of religion and belief to ruin the Party and State, or to undermine the nations construction and safeguarding, or national unity. The US Department of State needs to be more objective on Viet Nams religious and belief practices, in order to make a correct assessment in conformity with the two countries growing relations. VNA Following high-level meetings in Bangkok, Thailand and Viet Nam have decided to lift their two-way trade to US$20 billion by 2020, almost doubling the current level of $13 billion. Photo baocongthuong.vn BANGKOK Following high-level meetings in Bangkok, Thailand and Viet Nam have decided to lift their two-way trade to US$20 billion by 2020, almost doubling the current level of $13 billion. Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am and his Thai counterpart Thanasak Patimaprakorn, meeting in the Thai capital, expressed their delight at the progress of bilateral ties across the board, especially since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2013. The talks mark 40 years to the establishment of ties between the two neighbours. Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties, including facilitating visits and high-level exchanges, effectively upholding co-operation mechanisms such as the Joint Cabinet Meeting and the foreign ministerial level Joint Co-operation Committee, realising the 2014-2018 action plan, and increasing the use of hotlines between the two navies. Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, host and guest committed to close liaisons within the framework of ASEAN and global forums, maintaining ASEANs central role in order to ensure peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region. They shared the view that the sustainable use of Mekong River water resources is necessary to member countries of the Greater Sub-Mekong region. Deputy PM am asked Thailand to continue assisting Vietnamese workers and consider releasing Vietnamese fishermen who were recently arrested, making it easier to deal with the issue in line with each countrys law and on the basis of their sound bilateral strategic partnership. The two Deputy PMs joined cultural and art activities in celebration of the anniversary. They stressed that the Thai Cultural Days in Viet Nam (July 28 August 1) and Vietnamese Cultural Days in Thailand (August 9-14) are significant in raising public awareness of each nations culture and people. At the reception for Deputy PM am, Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his appreciation for the ties with Viet Nam . am, for his part, reiterated Viet Nam s consistent policy of valuing the strategic partnership with Thailand and thanked the Thai government for assisting Vietnamese nationals in the country. The Vietnamese Deputy PM and Bangkok authorities also attended a ceremony yesterday to attach a plate bearing the Vietnamese name to Khanh Van pagoda an ancient pagoda of the Vietnamese community in Thailand. VNS HCM CITY Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung has called for immediate plans to expand HCM Citys Tan Son Nhat Airport after inspecting its international terminal yesterday, saying it is too congested. He called for building an additional terminal, saying that when the first phase of the Long Thanh International Airport opens in 2025, Tan Son Nhat will be handling 50 million passengers, double its current capacity, meaning ensuring smooth operations will be a massive challenge. "Aeroplanes often have to wait between 15 minutes and half an hour for landing." To ease the congestion, additional terminals and wider roads outside are needed, he said, and assigned the ministries of transport and defence to draw up plans for them. He instructed the ministries to look for investors to carry out the project under public-private partnership or build-own-operate mode. He promised to closely oversee the task, and urged the city administration to upgrade the streets leading to the airport. He instructed the ministries of planning and investment and finance to make financial plans for the work. Serious congestion Lai Xuan Thanh, head of the Civil Aviation Authourity of Viet Nam, told Dung at a meeting yesterday that Tan Son Nhat has only 51 parking bays while the need is for 80. There are two runways, but only one can handle both take-offs and landings, meaning aircraft often have to wait to land or take off, he said. Sometimes there is no room for parking, and aircraft have to park right on the tarmac, forcing incoming aircraft to keep circling, he said. "Yesterday I came here from Ha Noi, and my aircraft had to wait for 35 minutes to land. The Ministry of Transport is working with Ministry of Defence to obtain 21 hectares of land to build an additional 50 parking bays and a runway, he said. He too called for building a multi-function terminal and a road linking the airport with Cong Hoa Street, which will ease the burden on Truong Son, the only street leading to the airport. All this will increase Tan Son Nhats annual capacity to 40 million passengers, he added. According to a survey by airport authorities, more than 50 per cent of cars and 90 per cent of motorbikes that take Truong Son are not headed for Tan Son Nhat. Passenger growth Thanh said the airport handled roughly 16 million passengers in the first half, a 23 per cent increase year-on-year. "It is estimated that the airport will receive roughly 32 million passengers this year while it is designed for only 25 million. The number will increase by 15 per cent annually, he said. The congestion occurs in the air, terminals and street [outside]. Bui Xuan Cuong, director of the HCM City Department of Transport, said a flyover will be built near the airport to help reduce congestion on Truong Son Street. After visiting Tan Son Nhat, Dung inspected the progress of a metro station being built beneath the Opera House on the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line. He also visited Cat Lai Port in District 2. VNS Indonesia yesterday repatriated 49 Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested two to three months ago for accidentally fishing in Indonesia s seas. VNA/VNS Photo JAKARTA Indonesia yesterday repatriated 49 Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested two to three months ago for accidentally fishing in Indonesia s seas. Most of the fishermen hail from the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau , the Mekong Delta provinces Kien Giang and Vinh Long, and the central province of Quang Ngai . The Vietnamese Embassy in Jakarta has exerted all-out efforts to bring them home as soon as possible. From the outset of this year, more than 500 Vietnamese fishermen have been captured by Indonesian forces for encroaching upon their seas, doubling the figure from the same period last year. Trade unions of Viet Nam will constantly boost comprehensive reforms to confirm their role in the protection of workers and labourers rights, as Viet Nam strives to enhance its international integration. Photo laodong.com.vn HA NOI Trade unions of Viet Nam will constantly boost comprehensive reforms to confirm their role in the protection of workers and labourers rights, as Viet Nam strives to enhance its international integration, said Bui Van Cuong, President of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL). Cuong, who made a speech at a conference held earlier this week by the VGCL in Ha Noi, said that a strong trade union depended on the actions of individual members, thus a trade union official should possess high qualifications in both their trade union activities and their profession so that they could win trust from labourers and employees. Viet Nams recent signing of a numbers of free trade pacts with world partners and its commitment to effectively implement such agreements including those of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) have had a strong affect on trade unions in the country, said Tran Thanh Hai, the VGCL vice chairman. International integration creates a variety of chances for domestic labourers, but at the same time causes challenges for trade unions, according to Hai. The official revealed that VGCL had set up a master plan on trade union reform for the years between 2016 and 2025. Hai said the aim of the project was targeted at intensifying the action of trade union members and considered them a key to boosting the operation of the whole organisation. Meanwhile, Vice President of the VGCL Nguyen Thi Thu Hong urged more legal assistance for women migrant workers saying it must be enhanced as part of trade unions focus. Hong said the VGCL would take more measures to care for women workers in general, and female migrant workers in particular in the time ahead. A number of legal aid models have proved effective, she said, highlighting the mobile legal assistance service in Ha Noi, the distribution of legal leaflets in southern Binh Duong Province and the provision of advice about collective labour agreements in northern Vinh Phuc Province. Trade unions nationwide have established 19 centres, 42 offices and 15 groups on legal aid in all 63 provinces and cities. Viet Nam currently houses 282 industrial parks and 55 industrial clusters which will strongly increase in the next few years as the countrys population is forecast to reach 100 million by 2020, Hong added. Meanwhile, Viet Nam is strongly developing its economy with foreign investment set to thrive thanks to the enforcement of free trade agreements like the TPP. The migration from rural areas to cities and industrial parks will soar, mostly among young women aged between 15 25 who want to seek higher incomes than in their rural hometowns, she said. Hong noted women migrant workers are the most vulnerable group as they lack knowledge about their rights and benefits and labour-related laws, not to mention other difficulties such as quota fulfillment pressure, poor nutrition and insufficient income. VNS Vietnamese are coming to terms with corruption as only 3 per cent of those who were forced to pay under the table said they would go to the police. Photo baomoi.com HA NOI Vietnamese are coming to terms with corruption as only 3 per cent of those who were forced to pay under the table said they would go to the police, according to UNDP research. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam on Wednesday released the results of its seven-year long research on the efficiency index of Viet Nams public administration, which surveyed nearly 75,000 people across 63 cities and provinces from 2009. Ha Noi and HCM City were the two localities having the biggest subject pools with about 10 per cent of permanent residents in each city participating in the survey. The research shows that the number of people speaking out about greasing money in HCM City went down significantly to only 2.3 per cent in 2015 from 12.5 per cent four years earlier. Meanwhile, not a single Hanoian of those surveyed reported corrupt acts to the police last year, which was not really a surprise as only 0.2 per cent did in 2011. The research also recorded the average lubrication payment that would drive HCM City citizens to the police at VN34.8 million (US$1,540) in 2015, a sevenfold increase compared to the tipping point of VN5.8 million in 2011. Those figures reflected an increasing tendency of Vietnamese in getting used to corruption, said UNDP policy analyst o Thi Thanh Huyen. Corruption still exists and is getting worse despite determined efforts from the highest level to eradicate it. Under the table According to the UNDP research, more than 28 per cent of surveyed residents in HCM City said they had to pay an average of nearly VN14.5 million to have land use certificates granted. The amount was about 12 times higher in Ha Noi at about VN1.2 million. Yet the capital scored higher in terms of unofficial payments to medical staff for better treatment at public hospitals. Hanoians had to pay on average more than VN3.5 million extra per hospital visit when it cost HCM City residents approximately VN730,000. The public education sector was not left untainted in the national epidemic either. Dedicated parents in Ha Noi were somehow forced to pay an extra of about VN630,000 a semester to primary teachers or school administrative boards last year, a 25 per cent decrease from some VN824,000 a semester in 2011. The trend, meanwhile, was going upwards in HCM City. It costs HCM City parents nearly VN853,000 a semester for unregulated school fees last year, increasing from VN510,000 a semester in 2011. The survey also shows that more than 50 per cent of Vietnamese believe people have to pay a graft to get a job in the government. The citizens deemed the recruitment of public servants was not based on the employees capabilities but their personal connections. They were marked by the survey takers as important or very important criterion to earn a seat in the government for five consecutive years. More than a quarter agreed that public servants embezzled for personal use in 2015, a slight increase from 21 per cent four years earlier. Despite rhetorical calls from top leaders to combat corruption over the years, the national epidemic still rages in the country as Viet Nam is continuously ranked in the bottom part of the global corruption perception indexes (CPI). Transparency International (TI) last year placed the Southeast Asian nation 112th out of 168 countries and territories in terms of corruption level in the public sector. Viet Nams CPI scored only 31 points on the 100 point scale, which has remained unchanged in four consecutive years since 2012 and has the country listed as having a serious corruption problem. VNS CAN THO Police in Can Tho Province yesterday raided a house in Can Tho Citys An Hoi Ward and seized a large amount of lethal weapons of unclear origin stored there. The weapons included Japanese swords, knives, machetes and switchblades. More than 10 boxes of antique electrical goods, clocks, binoculars and ceramic items were also seized. The police said after months of tracking, they conducted a surprise raid at 8am yesterday, when the house owner Huynh Thi Thanh Tuyen was trading illegal weapons for a customer. Tuyen, who was also the owner of the illegal goods, failed to show papers regarding the origin of the weapons. None of the goods had been registered for trading. Initial investigation showed that the goods were imported and traded via the Internet. Most of the customers were from the northern region. The police are completing procedures to inspect the second storage area of Tuyen in Cai Rang District, before investigating the case further. VNS HA NOI The Australian Government will provide A$2.5 million (US$1.9 million) for three international NGOs - SNV, Oxfam and CARE International to support women in the northwestern provinces of Lao Cai and Bac Kan. The funds will be used for the Womens Economic Empowerment through Agriculture Value Chain Enhancement (WEAVE) project to be run until 2019, a press release said today. WEAVE will support more than 1,800 women and men in Lao Cai and Bac Kan to improve their livelihoods. It will support women farmers and co-operatives to strengthen their skills in marketing, financial literacy, business planning, negotiation, and legal matters. Gender equality and womens empowerment are top priorities in Australia, as well as in our foreign policy, economic diplomacy and overseas aid programme, said Australias Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja during her first three-day visit to the country as Ambassador for Women and Girls. Despojas role is to promote Australias commitment to gender equality and womens empowerment. During her three-day visit to Ha Noi and HCM City, Despoja is meeting a range of organisations and individuals who are working to tackle gender inequality and promote womens empowerment. Their work corresponds with the three priorities in Australias Strategy for Gender Equality, which are to enhance womens voices in decision making and leadership, promote womens economic empowerment, and end violence against women, according to the press release from Australian Embassy. No country in the world has fully solved gender inequality yet, said Despoja. I am here to share Australias challenges and lessons in tackling the issues that face women and girls, as well as to learn about Viet Nams progress in striving for greater gender equality. VNS a Lat plans 490-ha safari park The Ministry of Planning and Investment has approved the construction of a 490-ha safari park worth VN1 trillion ($44.6 million) inside a protected forest in the resort city of a Lat in Lam ong Province. According to park director Le Van Huong, the government will fund 35 per cent of the total cost ($15.6 million). Highland Safari, a joint project between Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park and a Lat Tourism, will be located in Lac Duong District. Scheduled for completion in 2020, it will be developed as a semi-wildlife park, expected to receive 1.2 million visitors a year and earn VN300 billion ($13.4 million) in revenue. oan Van Viet, chairman of the Lam ong Peoples Committee, expressed support for the project. He said that safaris were popular with tourists, and that Highland Safari would benefit the local ecosystem. WASHINGTON The US State Department updated its already strong travel warning for North Korea on Thursday in light of Pyongyangs recent warning that it would treat any detained US citizens according to wartime law. Although Washington has long warned about the dangers of travelling to North Korea in any capacity, its formal advisories have strengthened in tone with the recent arrest and detention of a number of American citizens. Among the cases drawing international attention was that of Otto Warmbier, a college student sentenced in March to 15 years hard labor for trying to steal a propaganda poster from a hotel. The latest State Department travel advisory reiterated the serious risk of long-term detention in North Korea and unduly harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered criminal elsewhere. It also drew attention to a North Korean announcement last month that all matters related to the United States, including the handling of detained US citizens, would henceforth be dealt with according to wartime law. Experts interpreted the announcement which followed a US decision to blacklist North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un over human rights abuses as suggesting such detainees would not be released early on humanitarian grounds.North Korea has previously used the detention of US citizens to obtain high-profile visits from the likes of former US presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton to secure their release. Thursdays advisory stressed that being a member of an organized tour group offered no protection against arrest, adding that anyone entering North Korea should have no expectation of privacy. At least 14 US citizens have been arrested in North Korea over the past decade and two are currently detained there Warmbier and Korean-American Kim Dong-Chul, who is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage and subversion. The United States has no diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. The Swedish embassy in Pyongyang provides limited consular services to US citizens detained there.AFP US prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into over whether it hid from insurers its relationship with a specialty pharmacy that helped boost its drug sales, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Lawyers at the US Attorneys Manhattan office are trying to gauge whether concealing those ties may have amounted to defrauding insurers, the Journal report said, citing people familiar with the matter. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters later on Wednesday that investigators have been looking into what disclosures Valeant and the pharmacy, Philidor Rx Services, made to insurance about their relationship. US-listed shares of Valeant, which is headquartered in Canada, slid 12.5 per cent to $23.90 in extended trading. The troubled company has seen its market value fall by some 90 per cent in the last year as its drug pricing and other business practices prompted investigations by multiple US government agencies and by Congress. It first came under scrutiny from New York prosecutors last October over its drug pricing and distribution. Media also reported at the time that it used Philidor to overcome insurer rejections to reimbursing its medications, with Philidor resubmitting claims to insurers until they were approved. Valeant said in a statement on Wednesday that it was continuing to cooperate with the US Attorneys Office in New York regarding the investigation that was disclosed last October. The company did not provide further details on the subject of the probe. Valeant takes these matters seriously and intends to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct as we move forward with our mission to improve peoples lives with our healthcare products, the company said. The investigation by US prosecutors could lead to criminal charges against former Philidor executives and Valeant as a company, the Journal report said, citing one person familiar with the matter. Officials at the US Attorneys Office in Manhattan and representatives for Philidor, which closed its operations, were not immediately available for comment on the Journal report. The October revelation of Valeants ties to Philidor took investors by surprise. Following media reports of a relationship between the two, the drugmaker disclosed at the time that Philidor accounted for nearly 6 per cent of its revenue and that it had an option to acquire the pharmacy, an unusual relationship in the pharmaceutical industry. Reuters and other media outlets reported on how Philidor helped secure insurer reimbursement for Valeant drugs. In some circumstances, the pharmacy would resubmit claims using the billing identification numbers of other affiliated pharmacies until an insurer approved payment, according to former employees. A small group of Valeant employees were deeply involved in directing Philidors daily operations, raising questions about how much the drugmakers executives knew of its practices, Reuters reported at the time. At least one payer, the pharmacy benefits manager OptumRx owned by UnitedHealth Group, became aware of what appeared to be irregular billing practices and sought to shut out Philidor from its network. After Valeants ties to Philidor became public, other payers cut off the pharmacy and it subsequently closed. Valeant has taken a series of steps to restore investor trust, including cutting off ties with Philidor last October, conducting an internal review of that relationship, replacing Chief Executive Michael Pearson, overhauling its board of directors and appointing new leaders to run its main businesses. Billionaire investor William Ackman, whose Pershing Square Capital Management is Valeants largest shareholder, has taken a board seat to influence efforts to clean up the business. New management, led by CEO Joseph Papa, has sought to move beyond the questions over its Philidor ties. Ackman declined to comment. Valeant is also under investigation by the US Securities and Exchange and US prosecutors in Massachusetts. Heartbreaking family update after mother-of-six was killed in horror crash Hannah Fraser's father and stepmother are trying to make it from the United Kingdom to Australia in time for their daughter's funeral. Firefighter unions latest message to Andrews Government More than a hundred fire trucks in Victoria will carry pointed messages about the Andrews Government as part of a union campaign in the lead up to next month's state election. Family of Aboriginal teen who died in apparent suicide after sexual abuse back calls for inquiry Police believe 15-year-old Layla Leering took her own life after being raped in the Northern Territory community of Bulla in 2015. Duttons declaration to voters amid Labors big mess The Opposition Leader said the Prime Minister "might write me off" but he believes Australians will vote the Coalition back into power in 2025 to clean up "the big mess" Labor will leave behind. DES MOINES There was some bipartisan agreement among Iowas federal representatives and candidates Thursday as they discussed banking laws and regulations at a forum hosted by an organization that represents Iowas community banks. Democrats and Republicans at least partially agreed that portions of the regulations implemented after the 2008 financial crash are unfair to smaller banks, a farm credit program has expanded beyond its intended purpose and it would be fair to explore taxing and regulating large credit unions similarly to banks. The remarks were made Thursday by many of Iowas congressional members and candidates at a forum hosted by the Community Bankers of Iowa at Prairie Meadows Convention Center. Democrats and Republicans fielded the same questions from the organizations members at separate sessions. There was bipartisan agreement that the federal Farm Credit System needs more oversight in the wake of revelations that the program designed to help farmers has in recent years doled out loans to the technology company Verizon and the restaurant chain Cracker Barrel. The purpose is good, but like a lot of things that have been around 100 years, theyve tried to outgrow the original purpose, said Rod Blum, a Republican congressman in eastern Iowas 1st District. We need to make sure that they are not competing in areas theyre not supposed to be in. Democrats had a similar response. I would look at having a little more monitoring of that, because I dont think its fair, said Kim Weaver, a Democrat running for Congress in western Iowas 4th District. They tend to go after large borrowers. How is that helping the small family farmers? Patty Judge, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, said she thinks the issue should be raised as the next federal farm bill is negotiated in Congress. The representatives and candidates largely agreed that the Dodd-Frank law, which was designed to control large banks that were at the heart of the 2008 financial crash, is overly punitive on small banks, which they said had little to do with the crash. Judge said that Dodd-Franks one size fits all approach does not work and that she supports providing some regulatory relief for community banks. Republicans were willing to go further; many used the issue to suggest the federal executive branch has been granted too much rule-making authority and called for all new regulations to be passed through Congress. We need to make sure that no regulation that goes into effect does so without an up or down vote of the Congress of the United States, said Chuck Grassley, Iowas longtime Republican U.S. senator who is being challenged by Judge. Weve delegated too much power to the bureaucracy. The federal representatives and candidates also indicated a willingness to examine how credit unions are taxed and regulated. Banks have grown increasingly concerned that some large credit unions continue to enjoy more relaxed tax and regulatory structures despite growing to offer services similar to banks. I would definitely support reviewing the regulations and seeing if they actually fit today, Weaver said. They are, in some parts, unfair to community banks. The Republicans also said that some credit unions may have outgrown their charter. If they do the same things (as banks), they should be taxed at the same rate, said Chris Peters, a Republican running for Congress in eastern Iowas 2nd District. If theyre straying outside their original charter, I think they should be taxed the same (as banks). A representative for Iowas credit unions pushed back at the need for any such changes. Were taxed differently because were structured differently. Were not-for-profit; they are for-profit, said Jon Murphy, director of government affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League. Both models are fine and they work for Iowans, and thats a good thing. Iowans get choice and competition when they have strong banks and strong credit unions. WATERLOO When Matthew Miller leaves his house to go to the grocery store or another public place, he knows hell get a few looks. But sometimes he gets push-back from a business owner too. Thats because he always has Nala, his yellow Labrador retriever, by his side and business owners dont necessarily know what to make of a dog walking around their store. Once you explain to them what the situation is, theyre usually pretty good, Miller said. But plenty of times you get some rude looks and comments under peoples breath. Nala was trained by Retrieving Freedom in Waverly specifically to help Miller with social anxiety issues he has as a result of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Miller was deployed overseas three times, but it took him six years to admit he was suffering from PTSD. Ever since he got the dog in October, shes had a calming effect, Miller previously told The Courier for a separate article. Whats less calming, however, is the unknown: How will employees of a business and its patrons respond when he walks in? I still get some rude comments and some dirty looks sometimes, he said. Service dogs in public are kind of a rarity. Once only used for people who were blind, service dogs can now be trained and utilized to help people with a wide variety of needs, from those with PTSD to those with autism, diabetes, epilepsy and more. But even though service dogs are likely to become more numerous, there hasnt been any push to regulate them beyond a scant few regulations from the U.S. Dept. of Justice to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. No certification or identification process exists, and vests that say SERVICE ANIMAL can be easily and legally obtained online, opening the door for abuse on both sides, said Scott Dewey, owner of Retrieving Freedom. Just because you buy a vest off the internet doesnt make the animal a service dog, Dewey said. Miller echoed that, saying dog owners who do that harm his ability to go places. There are some of us that have legitimate concerns, then there are people that just want their dog to go with them, Miller said. A lot of times (the dog is) misbehaving. That gives us with a trained service dog a bad reputation. It would be so simple in my mind to have a basic format, whether it be an ID card or something, Dewey said. The trouble is that youve got to look at this from every angle. According to federal guidelines revised in 2010, service animals are generally dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. They must be allowed to accompany the person to all areas of a facility where the public is normally allowed, with the exception of sterile places like hospital operating rooms and burn units. They must always be harnessed or leashed unless that would interfere with their work, and they must be housebroken and under the persons control at all times. Businesses are allowed to ask about any animal that enters their store, but they can only ask two questions: Is the dog a service animal required for a disability? And what work is the dog trained to perform? The ADA does not allow people to ask about a persons disability, require documentation or identification or ask the dog for a demonstration. Businesses also cant use reasons of food preparation, fear of dogs or allergies to deny entry to a service dog. Dewey takes his Retrieving Freedom graduates through a battery of tests the dog must heel, sit, not eat food off the ground and not be attention-seeking. We take everybody that graduates through that test, and then we actually do make them an ID card from Retrieving Freedom, he said. So everybody that leaves here has the ability to walk into a store and give an ID card, even though thats not required. But a service animal doesnt have to be trained at Retrieving Freedom or anywhere else the ADA allows them to be home-trained and service animals that are puppies in training also must be allowed in public spaces. Businesses can still remove a service animal if they make a mess or are causing problems. Dewey noted hed rather not put an undue burden on a disabled individual. But hes seen ID cards work in some states, and it takes away the stigma of having to constantly explain ones disability to a stranger. If everybody that had a service dog was required to carry an ID card, even if they trained the dog themselves, anytime they went into a place, a store owner could say, Do you have an ID card? Then they can come in, he said. Its that simple. Miller and Nala have only been denied entry into one business and that situation was resolved, though Miller admits he self-selects going into businesses where he knows Nala is welcome. Ive always said, if someones gonna put up a big argument, Im just not gonna go into that business, Miller said. Dewey has worked hard to make sure those businesses are in the minority with the outreach he does through Retrieving Freedom. All in all, its been pretty good, Dewey said. In Northeast Iowa here, its been spectacular because of the public awareness weve brought to businesses (the dogs are) working, theyre there for a specific reason. We put a lot of time and effort into public awareness. CHARLES CITY -- A Charles City man has pleaded guilty to a federal methamphetamine charge. Mark Allen Ackley Jr., 27, pleaded guilty last week in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ackley conspired with others between 2014 and Oct. 21, 2015, to distribute five grams or more of pure methamphetamine, according to court documents. No sentencing date has been set. Ackley was one of 14 North Iowa residents arrested on felony drug charges during a warrant sweep in early December. They were accused in Cerro Gordo County District Court documents of selling drugs, predominantly methamphetamine, to individuals cooperating and under the control of the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force between July and October 2015. WATERLOO A Waterloo man who served time for a 1997 fatal stabbing has been sentenced to federal prison on a firearm charge. Judge Leonard Strand sentenced Steven Joseph Peterson, 35, to three years and four months in prison during a Wednesday afternoon hearing after a defense motion for leniency. Peterson will be placed at a prison in Oxord, Wis., and will have to serve two years of supervised release following his prison time. Peterson had been convicted of murder in the November 1997 stabbing death of 83-year-old Howard Smith, but the conviction was overturned, and Peterson pleaded to a reduced charge of manslaughter. He was paroled in July 2014 and placed on work release until July 2015. During an investigation into an October 2015 burglary at a Scott Avenue home, Waterloo police searched Petersons home on Hammond Avenue and found a 9mm Hi Point pistol in a backpack with his clothing and documents. Authorities said Peterson is barred from possessing firearms because of the manslaughter conviction and a 1999 burglary conviction. WATERLOO Neighbors recounted how they saw and heard gunfire break out in the parking lot behind their apartment buildings in 2013. I heard pow, pow, pow, pow, boom, said Savannah Albert, who was in her apartment on the night of Nov. 14, 2013. She said she looked outside to see a car had slammed into their stall on a row of garages behind the building. Albert said she went outside where people told her the victim was Bubba whose mother lived a block over. When she heard that, she realized the victim was 18-year-old DaeQuan Campbell. Hes gone, they told her. Alberts testimony came Thursday as the retrial for the alleged gunman, Perquondis Holmes, 25, entered its third day of testimony. Black Hawk Count Attorney Brian Williams said Campbell was driving a Toyota Camry that was following a Ford Mustang driven by a friend of Holmes. The Mustang pulled in behind an apartment building on Langley Road where Holmess relatives lived, and Campbells passengers were prepared to fight the Mustangs driver. Thats when, according to prosecutors, Holmes walked up to the Camry and began firing, killing Campbell. Defense attorney Robert Montgomery said Holmes wasnt involved in the shooting. He said the Mustangs driver was the gunman, who acted in self defense when the Camry drove at him. Neighbor Anthony Teal said he and a friend pulled into the lot moments before the shooting, and the Camry had to re-position itself so they could enter. He said as soon as he stepped into the lot, he heard gunfire and ducked back into his vehicle. After a couple of shots, (the Camry) started driving very quickly, the tires peeling out. He tried to drive around this way while this gentleman kept shooting directly at that vehicle. And then the vehicle crashed into the garages, Teal said. Teal and his brother went into the garage and helped Campbell and his passengers. Two others, Megghan Rucker and Drew Suckow, said they were leaving the apartment building next door when they heard the gunshots and saw someone shooting in the adjacent lot. They hid in their own garage stall until the gunfire subsided. Rucker said she head what she thought were additional shots coming from the garage. Rucker, Suckow and Teal were unable to identify the gunman, and descriptions ranged from tall with dreadlocks wearing a light shirt and dark pants to having facial hair and wearing a hoodie and jeans with the head covered by the hood. WATERLOO A police officer who responded to the scene of a fatal shooting in 2013 admitted in court Friday to making crass remarks about the victim. Officer Kenneth Schaaf testified Friday in the fourth day of the retrial for Perquondis Holmes, 25, who is accused of shooting 18-year-old DaeQuan Campbell on Nov. 14, 2013. Schaaf said he provided security at the scene of the shooting on Langley Road in Waterloo. In his testimony, Schaaf admitted to making statements there caught on tape. Schaaf was recorded asking a colleague, When was the last time we had a death where its a true victim? Thatsaccording to a deposition taken in June defense attorney Robert Montgomery showed to Schaaf. Prior to Schaafs testimony, Black Hawk Count Attorney Brian Williams objected to using the statements and deposition in the trial, calling the remarks offensive. It is just one officers idiotic opinion on this, and it is wrong, Williams said. Montgomery argued the jury should hear the officer did not consider Campbell a true victim, and Judge David Staudt allowed the line of questioning, saying it was fair game for defense to try to convince the jury police may not have been fully motivated to investigate the incident. Schaaf admitted he laughed with a fellow officer at the scene, referred to Campbell as a dead mother f-er and said we just need a semi-apocalyptic event to get rid of 90 percent of them. On the stand Friday, Schaaf characterized his statements as stupid, crass and insensitive. Co-prosecuting counsel Israel Kodiaga noted Schaafs role was to provide security for the scene. Youre not speaking on behalf of the Waterloo Police Department, Kodiaga asked. Certainly not, Schaaf said. Schaafs testimony came following Jonathan Thompson, associate state medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Campbell. Thompson described the two bullet wounds on Campbell. He described both injuries one to his left chest and another to his left back as atypical. They showed signs the bullets passed through another object before striking Campbell, Thompson said. The fatal wound was the one to Campbells back, Thompson said, adding the bullet traveled upward through his diaphragm, left lung and heart. Thompson said the autopsy gave no indication what material the shots passed through before striking Campbell. Prosecutors say Holmes killed Campbell behind a Langley Road apartment building. Campbell was driving a Toyota Camry and followed a Ford Mustang driven by a friend of Holmes behind the building where Holmes relatives lived. Holmes then walked up to the Camry and began firing, killing Campbell, they allege. Holmes was convicted of the shooting by a jury in March 2015. That verdict was overturned after a new defense attorney took issue with a photo presented at trial that allegedly showed gang affiliation. Testimony is scheduled to continue Monday. CEDAR RAPIDS -- Two men and a woman who robbed a bank in Palo in May have pleaded guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Lance Monden, 33, of Cedar Rapids, Stanley Mosley, 36, of Coralville, and Katherine Pihl, 39, of Tiffin, were convicted of one count of bank robbery. Evidence at the plea hearings and an earlier court hearing established that the three robbed the Palo Savings Bank on May 20. At about 2:35 p.m. that day, Monden and Mosley entered the Palo Savings Bank wearing black masks and hooded sweatshirts. The two yelled at the employees in the bank and went from teller drawer to teller drawer taking cash and putting it in either the pockets of a sweatshirt or a backpack that one of the robbers was wearing. Monden and Mosley spent about a minute in the bank before running out the door. Pihl was waiting outside the bank with a Ford Taurus to use as a getaway car. After leaving the bank, Monden and Mosley got into the trunk of the Taurus. Pihl then drove the Taurus out of Palo and south towards Cedar Rapids. Witnesses saw Monden and Mosley running from the bank wearing masks and then saw the Taurus leaving the area of the bank and reported this information to 911. About seven minutes after the bank robbery, a deputy with the Linn County Sheriffs Office stopped the Taurus and found Monden and Mosley hiding in the trunk. Law enforcement found cash in a backpack in the trunk of the car and on the persons of Monden and Mosley. Sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a pre-sentence report is prepared. Monden and Mosley remain in the custody of the United States Marshal. Pihl remains free on conditions previously set. All three face a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. DES MOINES Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, became the 44th president of the National Conference of State Legislatures at its annual meeting in Chicago. In the unpaid position, Gronstal, 66, will lead the bipartisan organization that serves the nations 7,383 state lawmakers and more than 20,000 legislative staff members. The leadership alternates between Republicans and Democrats. The president oversees and presides over the executive committee, which is the NCSLs governing body. Gronstal believes governing should be a bipartisan effort, and said that was reflected in what many called an impressive, even landmark, session last year with a noticeable lack of gridlock. There are so many issues that transcend across party lines and NCSL provides that very opportunity to discuss solving some of those pressing issues impacting each of our states, Gronstal said. Gronstal has represented the Council Bluffs and Carter Lake region in western Iowa for more than 30 years, two in the House and 31 in the Senate. He has served as Senate president, minority leader, majority whip and assistant majority leader, and, during the Senates historic tie in 2005-2006, he was elected to serve as co-leader. Q: I inherited a piece of furniture from Hurwich. Was that a store in Waterloo? A: Yes. Old Courier articles list Hurwich Furniture Co. at 500 Lafayette St. at one time; the company dated back to at least 1900, apparently. Q: What are the dates we can start saving Hy-Vee receipts for the area schools? A: You could start collecting receipts for the 2016-17 school year beginning June 1. All qualifying Cedar Falls, Waterloo and Waverly Hy-Vee receipts are accepted. Q: What does IM mean in the swimming races at the Olympics? A: It stands for individual medley. Q: How much time can a television station devote to advertising? A: Since Reagan-era deregulation, TV networks arent obligated to limit the number of commercials they run. TV reporter Rich Heldenfels has suggested, Your best option may be to vote with your remote control dont watch networks with such excessive numbers of ads. Q: Why did the American team come in so early during the Olympic opening ceremonies? Usually the countries enter in alphabetic order. A: The ceremony was done in Portuguese, the language of Brazil, and in Portuguese the USA is Estados Unidos da America, so the Americans got to march in earlier than usual, according to a USA Today report. Q: Theres a property at the north edge of La Porte City on Brandon Road that was turned over to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources after the 2008 floods; its never been cleaned up and the regional DNR office in Manchester has been no help. Who else can we turn to? A: We cannot find any property owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or state of Iowa along Brandon Road in that area and the Iowa DNR Manchester office would not be responsible for property maintenance anyway. There are some parcels owned by Black Hawk County and also the city of La Porte City. We suggest you find out who owns the property and address your concerns to the owner. If you are certain the land is owned by Iowa DNR you can call the state offices in Des Moines at (515) 725-8200. Q: My neighbor lets his pit bulls out of the house unleashed. They have charged at people. I called the city, and nothing happened. What else can be done? A: Waterloo Animal Control is responsible for animal control in the city of Waterloo, including the enforcement of leash laws and dangerous animals. If you have called animal control and not been satisfied with the response, we suggest you contact your mayor or council representatives. Q: Does La Porte City have a code about high grass and unlicensed vehicles? A: Yes. Chapter 51 of the city code of ordinances governs junk vehicles, and chapter 52 covers grass height and vegetation. The city code is available online through the citys website. You also could contact City Hall for more information about the codes. DIKE A Waterloo man is hospitalized with multiple injuries following a car-motorcycle crash in Grundy County on Wednesday. Jeffrey Cosby, 49, was driving a 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and suffered injuries in the crash, reported about 4:25 p.m. at the intersection of County Road D-19 (160th Street) and County Road T-65 (X Avenue) about three miles east of Dike. He was transported to Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. The other driver was identified as Jeffrey Hall, 49, of Grundy Center, driving a 1998 Pontiac Grant Am. Hall was not injured. The Grundy County Sheriffs Office said Cosby was eastbound on D-19, slowed to make a left turn onto T-65 and was struck in the rear by Halls vehicle. The crash remains under investigation. Guilty plea given on meth charge CHARLES CITY A Charles City man has pleaded guilty to a federal methamphetamine charge. Mark Allen Ackley Jr., 27, pleaded guilty last week in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ackley conspired with others between 2014 and Oct. 21, 2015, to distribute five grams or more of pure methamphetamine, according to court documents. No sentencing date has been set. Ackley was one of 14 North Iowa residents arrested on felony drug charges during a warrant sweep in early December. They were accused in Cerro Gordo County District Court documents of selling drugs, predominantly methamphetamine, to individuals cooperating and under the control of the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force between July and October 2015. Mans sex abuse charge reduced CHARLES CITY A Charles City mans sexual abuse charge has been reduced in advance of his second trial Aug. 23. The first trial of 31-year-old Eric M. Hill in June on a charge of second-degree sexual abuse ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The charge was a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Earlier this week a judge approved Floyd County Attorney Rachel Ginbeys amended trial information, which reduces the charge to third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. During Hills first trial the state claimed he entered a womans Charles City home Aug. 15, 2008, held a metal object against her neck and sexually assaulted her. The amended trial information alleges Hill sexually abused the woman by force or against her will, but removes mention of use of a dangerous weapon or use or threat to use of force creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury. C.F. police detain two in burglary CEDAR FALLS Cedar Falls police are investigating a home break-in that happened shortly before midnight, resulting in two being detained. A woman who lives on Loma Street told police about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday when she heard her doorbell ring and saw three people pounding on her door. She fled to a bedroom, locked the door and called police. When officers arrived, they noticed the front door had been forced in. As they were investigating, a vehicle containing one of the suspects drove by. Jayda Morgan Sankey, 19, of 1425 Jefferson St., Waterloo, was arrested for second-degree burglary. Her bond was set at $10,000. A juvenile also was detained, according to police. Crash victim ID as Waterloo man QUASQUETON A Waterloo man has been identified as the victim of a motorcyle fatal in Buchanan County July 30. Arthur Mike Ashton Jr., 62, died at the scene of the crash on the Quasqueton Diagonal Boulevard near Quasqueton. The Buchanan County Sheriffs Office said his motorcycle lost control, went off the road and into the ditch. There will be a last ride for Ashton on Saturday in Waterloo. Lightning may have caused house fire CHARLES CITY Officials say a lightning strike may have sparked a house fire in Charles City Thursday. Damage from the fire at 611 Clinton St. was minor, but a firefighter was transported by ambulance to the Floyd County Medical Center for a medical issue, according to a statement from the Charles City Fire Department. The firefighter was treated and released. No other injuries were reported. The home is owned by Guy Bucknell, according to the Floyd County assessor records. Credit: Roger IdendenR.E.M. bassist Mike Mills has composed his first ever classical work, called Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra. The piece, which Mills performs with violinist Robert McDuffie, will be released on October 14. "It is a pleasure and an honor to have composed and to perform this amazing project alongside my old friend Bobby, whose imagination and encouragement got the whole thing off the ground in the first place," says Mills in a statement. "I can't wait to see where it takes us." Mills will take his Concerto on a tour this fall, starting October 20 in Miami. He will be joined by McDuffie and the Fifth House Ensemble chamber orchestra. Mills was one of the four original members of R.E.M., and he stayed with the band until they broke up in 2011. Here are Mike Mills' Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra tour dates: 10/20 -- Miami, FL, Knight Concert Hall 10/21 -- St. Petersburg, FL, Mahaffey Theater 10/24 -- Athens, GA, Hodgson Hall 10/25 -- Newberry, SC, Newberry Opera House 10/27 -- Macon, GA, Macon City Auditorium 10/28 -- Atlanta, GA, Emerson Concert Hall at Emory Univ. 10/29 -- Charleston, SC, Charleston Music Hall 10/30 -- Chapel Hill, NC, Memorial Auditorium 11/1 -- Newport News, VA, Ferguson Center for the Arts 11/3 -- North Bethesda, MD, Music Center at Strathmore 11/4 -- Pittsburgh, PA, Byham Theater 11/5 -- Carmel, IN, Palladium Center for the Arts 11/6 -- Detroit, MI, Music Hall 11/7 -- Chicago, IL, Harris Theatre Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By The Associated Press Aug. 08, 2016 | 07:41 PM | LOUISVILLE, KY A western Kentucky man who spent several days in jail for posting violent song lyrics to Facebook has settled a lawsuit against the county where he was jailed. The federal lawsuit was brought against Muhlenberg County and the officer who arrested James Evans in 2014. The settlement announced Monday awarded Evans $60,000. Evans posted song lyrics in 2014 from heavy metal band Exodus that included the words "student bodies lying dead in the halls," prompting complaints to school officials. The American Civil Liberties Union took up Evans' defense and the terroristic threatening charge was eventually dropped. The ACLU says in a release that Evans then sued the county and the officer. 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website is all about The Beatles and the individual members of The Beatles. It is kept by Roger Stormo, who has been associated with the Norwegian Beatles fan club, "Norwegian Wood", since 1980. Feel free to quote from the site, but please give me credit and a link back to the original item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is not a news site per se, but if we hear about something that has yet to be reported by other Beatles news services, we tend to write about it. Apart from that, we will write stuff about the Beatles on an irregular basis at the whim of the author. A lot of our readers arrive at specific articles from internet searches or references to this site from forums and other Beatles sites. If you did, we encourage you to click here to access the main page, and also to indulge in our archives - you may find other posts that are interesting. You may also subscribe to news from the site and have each new issue delivered to your rss feed reader. This is not a begging letter... but feel free to support me by donating money! It'll keep me in business... Or just buy a t-shirt! Or take a look at my Amazon wish list ...If you have Beatles related product to push, feel free to send us a copy, the address is:Roger StormoBaglergata 21BNO-2004 LillestrmNORWAYemail: roger.stormo@gmail.com We can't promise that your product will be featured on the site, but it stands a better chance than the ones we don't get... Canl Bahis siteleri sektoru son derece onu ack ve farkl ozelliklere sahip bir sektordur. Elbette bahis secenekleri arasnda yuksek kazanc getiren alan kuskusuz canl bahistir. Peki, canl bahis nedir? Canl Bahis Nedir? Canl bahis adndan da anlaslacag gibi devam eden musabakaya bahis yapmaktr. Bu bahis musabaka devam ederken de yaplabilir olmasdr. Basta futbol olmak uzere voleybol, tenis, hentbol, basketbol, buz hokeyi ve masa tenisi gibi spor organizasyonlarna canl bahisler yaplabilmektedir. Canl bahis siteleri bu oyunlarn hepsine yuksek oranlara bahis yapmanza imkan tanr. En fazla tercih edilen futbol canl bahisleri diger alanlara gore daha fazla on plandadr. Siteden siteye degisen sartlar ve uygulama esaslar soz konusu olsa da kurallar sabittir. Canl bahisi populer klan ve heyecan katan en onemli ozellikle musabakann basladg ana dek bahis yapabilmedir. Canl bahis icerisinde yer alan secenekler kazanma sansnz da dogrudan arttrmaktadr. Ilk korneri kim kullanr, ilk tac, gol, sar kart, krmz kart gibi futbol musabakas icerisinde olabilecek hemen hemen her seye bahis yaplabilmektedir. Normal bahisegore de son derece yuksek oranda olmas avantajl yonlerini ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim dogru secenek ksa surede kazancl ckmanza etki edecektir. Strateji ve dogru analizle 90 dakika gibi bir surede anaparanzkatlayabilirsiniz. Tabi bunu basarabilmek icin mutlaka musabakaya dair ayrntlar iyi degerlendirmek gerekir. Soz konusu musabakann detaylarn inceleyip, cezal, sakat oyuncu veya performans dusen takm oyunu gibi detaylar bilmek canl bahiste kazanc belirleyen onemli unsurdur. Guvenilir Canl bahis hem heyecanl zaman gecirmeyi hem de musabakalar takip ederken para kazanmay saglamaktadr. Canl Bahis Nasl Oynanr? Bahislerinizi guvenilir sitelerden gerceklestirdiginiz zaman herhangi bir sekilde para cekme de sorun yasamazsnz. Guvenilir bahis siteleri tespit edip sonrasnda da uyelik islemlerini tamamlamanz gerekmektedir. Belirlenen uyelik sartlarn yerine getirip hesabnza da paray aktardktan sonra bahis islemlerini sorunsuz yapabilirsiniz. Peki, canl bahis nasl oynanr? Oncelikle bahis konusunda mutlaka dogru site arastrmas yapmalsnz. Yapacagnz arastrma neticesinde buldugunuz site uzerinden canl bahisislemlerini gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Bunun icin uye olup, hesaba para atp, canl bahis bolumune girmelisiniz. Sonrasnda dahil olmak istediginiz musabakann saatini ogrenip, gerekli analizleri yapmalsnz. Tahminlerinizi belirledikten sonra karsnza ckacak olan bahis sayfasndan istediginiz hamleyi yapmalsnz. Bahis tutarn belirledikten sonra musabaka baslayacaktr. Canl bahis diger normal bahis esaslarna gore farkllklar icermektedir. Bunlardan en onemlisi musabakann gidisatna gore islem yapabilir olmaktr.Ayrca musabakann 2. Yarsna gore hamle yapp ayr bir bahisin soz konusu olmas da ciddi avantajdr. Dogru hamle ile sizde istediginiz bahisi yapp kazanc elde edebilirsiniz. Nitekim canl olarak yapacagnz bahis icin mac oncesi raporlara gore hareket etmek onemlidir. Cunku takmlarn durumlarn analiz etmek tahmin gucunu arttracaktr. Misal tamnn en iyi oyuncusu sakat ya da kart cezals ise takmn performansnda dusus yasanacaktr. Buna ek olarak takmn deplasman performans ile evinde ki performans ayr olacaktr. Burada da takmn musabakay nerede yaptgna bakmak gerekir. Bu ayrntlar da iyice analiz ettikten sonra bahsinizi yapp kazanmann keyfini yasayabilirsiniz. Canl Bahis Siteleri Son derece yuksek getiriye sahip bahis sektoru uzun zamandr faaliyet gostermektedir. Cok ciddi rakamlarn soz konusu oldugu bu sektor zamanla sanal ortamlara donusmustur. Elbette guvenli ve bir o kadar da avantajl olan bu siteler cok yonlu frsatlar sunmaktadrlar. Canl iddaa siteleri gerek yeni uyelere gerekse de hali hazrdaki uyelerine bolca bonus frsatlar vermektedir. Yatracagnz tutara gore belirlenen bonuslar site icerisinde rahat hareket etmenizi de saglayacaktr. Canl bahis sitelerini kullanmadan once mutlaka guvenli olup olmadgna goz atmalsnz. Zira baz kullanclar guvenli olmayan sitelerden yaptklar islemlerden dolay magdur olmaktadrlar. Nitekim guvenli ve sorunsuz hizmet sunan yurt ds site tercih etmek en dogru secenektir. Sektorde uzun yllar faaliyet gosteren siteleri tercih edebilirsiniz. Bu alanda yer alan yabanc siteler musteri memnuniyetine onem vermektedir. Oncelik site kullanclarn sorunsuz sekilde bahislerini yapabilir olmasn saglamaktr. Bahis sitelerinde amac hem daha fazla kullancya hizmet vermek hem de sektorde emin admlarla ilerlemek onceliklidir. Dogru site tercihi ile sizde canl bahislerinizi sorun yasamadan gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Sizler icin hazrlams oldugumuz canl bahis siteleri listesi su sekildedir; Mobilbahis Tempobet Bets10 Bahigo 1xbahis Betboo Youwin Superbahis Sralams oldugumuz bu siteler sektorde basarl islere imza atms sitelerdedir. Canl bahis konusunda beklentileri karslayacak olan bu siteler sizlere kolaylk sunmaktadrlar. Bol bonuslu secenekle de sizlere farkl bahis yonlerini sunacaklardr. Sistemsel etki icerisinde her zaman etkin sonuc alabilmek icin surekli olarak faaliyet icerisindedirler. Canl Bahis Taktikleri Bahis sektorunun en fazla dikkat edilmesi gereken hususu dogru taktik ve dogru tahmindir. Elbette dogru tahmini yapabilmek icin analizi cok iyi yapmak gerekir. Canl bahis taktikleri arasnda ilk sra analiz gelmektedir. Analiz yapamadgnz zaman basarl tahminlerde bulunmanz pek de mumkun degildir. Cunku bahiste onemli olan konu musabakann analizini cok iyi yaplmas gerektigidir. Canl bahisin ozelliklerini iyi bilmek ve nasl bir hamle yapacagnz bilmek gerekir. Ozellikle riskli maclarda yaplacak degerlendirmeler cok daha onemlidir. Canl bahis yapacaklarn takip edecegi degerler takmlarn durumlar ile alakal olmaldr. Performans uzerine kurulu bahis sisteminde takm degerlendirmesine iyi bakmak gerekir. Iki takmn son 5 macta nasl bir sonuc ortaya koyduguna bakarak hareket etmek onemlidir. Ayrca hangi takm evinde daha iyi performans sergiliyor diye de ayrca bakmak gerekir. Analizlerle alakal puan durumlarna da goz atmak cok onemlidir. Puan degerlendirmesinde oncelikle takmlarn ihtiyaclar ile dogru orantl hareket etmek gerekir. Cunku olusturulan performans takmn da durumunu ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim istenilen sonucu elde edebilmek icin tum ayrntlar bilmek gerekir. Takm ici duzenden tutunda da takmn son durumuna kadar her ayrnt onemlidir. Iki takmn birbirleri arasnda ki sonuclar da incelemek gerekir. Burada dikkat edilecek detaylarn basnda maclarda kac gol oldugu ve gollerin hangi dakikalarda atldgdr. Cekismeli gecen musabakalarda bazen goller ilk yarda daha fazla olurken baz maclarda da ikinci yarda daha cok gol olmustur. Iki takm arasnda ki maclarda gollerin cogunlugu ilk yarda geliyorsa buna gore bahis yapabilirsiniz. Canl Bahis Siteleri Bonuslar ve Kampanyalar Bahis yapanlar veya yapmay dusununler sitelerin sunmus olduklar frsatlar merak etmektedirler. Cunku siteler daha fazla kullancya erismek icin her donem kampanyalar duzenleyerek kullanc odakl hamleler yapmaktadrlar. Canl bahis bonuslar ve kampanyalar oldukca populer olup, siteler bu konuda adeta birbirleri ile yarsmaktadrlar. Birbirinden farkl ozelliklere sahip olan kampanyalar size frsatlar sunmaktadr. Daha cok kazanma ihtimalinizi arttran bu bonuslar daha cesur olmanza da dogrudan etki edecektir. Nitekim bonuslar sitelerin cekiciligini ve avantajlarn arttrmaktadr. En cok kazandran canl bahis siteleri bedava bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin http://www.milano2018.com/canli-bahis-siteleri-2022/ linkinden yardm alabilirsiniz. Hos geldin bonusu ile baslayan ve sonrasnda para yatrdkca bonus veren cok sayda site bulunmaktadr. Canl bahis bonusu veren siteler yeni uyelere sunduklar frsatlar farkl kampanyalarla mevcut uyelerine de sunmaktadrlar. Hali hazrda siteyi kullananlarn da bonus frsatlarndan yararlanmalar icin donemsel kampanyalar olusturmaktadrlar. Boylece baska sitelere gidisler olmayacag gibi site de daha keyifli zaman gecirmek mumkun klnmaktadr. Bu tur eklentiler yapan sitelerde musteri memnuniyeti daha fazladr. Bahis siteleri ozellik ve uygulama bakmndan farkllklar bunyelerinde bulundurmaktadrlar. Verilen bonuslarn olusturulmas ve kullanclar aktarlmasnda yatrlan para miktarlar belirleyici olmaktadr. 1.000 TL yatran bir kullanc yuzde 20 bonus frsat olan bir kampanyadan 200 TL bonus kazanabilmektedir. Yatracag tutar 10.000 TL oldugunda bu bonustutar 2.000 TL olabilmektedir. Gerceklesen ve uygulanan esaslar tamamen donemsel olarak yaplan kampanyalarla alakaldr. Iyi Canl bahis siteleri bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin sitelerin vermis oldugu oranlar takip edebilirsiniz. Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Yatrma Online Canl bahis yapacaklarn merak ettigi konulardan bir digeri de para yatrma islemleridir. Oldukca onemli olan bu konuda hata yapmamak cok onemlidir. Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemi sanlann aksine son derece basittir. Oldukca basit ve uygulama esas dogru etki olusturan bu yapda sizde islemi rahatca tamamlayabilirsiniz. Para yatrma konusunda su yolu izleyebilirsiniz. Guvendiginiz ve herhangi bir sekilde aklnzda soru isareti kalmayan bahis sitesine uye olmanz gerekmektedir. Uyelik islemini sorunsuz sekilde tamamladktan sonra para yatrma islemine gecebilirsiniz. Kullanacagnz siteye uye olduktan sonra karsnza kullanc ad ve sifresini gireceginiz yer gelecektir. Buraya giris yaptktan sonra site icerisine islemlere devam edebilirsiniz. Sitede yer alan para yatrma sekmesine tklayp sonrasnda karsnza gelen sayfay inceleyebilirsiniz. Para yatrma bolumunde yer alan ksma ne kadar para yatracagnz yazp devam tusuna basmalsnz. Yatrmak istediginiz tutar girip sonrasnda da devam tusuna bastktan sonra karsnza kart bilgilerinizi gireceginiz sayfa gelecektir. Kredi kart kullanarak para gondermek isteyenlerin tercih ettigi bu sayfa tum bilgiler girilip islem onaylanmaldr. Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemini gerceklestirmek icin hesaba havale secenegini de kullanabilirsiniz. Site icerisinde musteri hizmetleri ile iletisime gecerek banka hesap numaralarn ogrenebilirsiniz. Belirtilen IBAN numarasna istediginiz tutar havale edebilirsiniz. Havale ederken acklama ksmna yazlacak bilgilere dikkat etmelisiniz. Kredi kart veya banka havalesi ile gerceklesen para yatrma islemi sonucunda site hesabnzdan bakiyenize bakabilirsiniz. Bakiyenize gore dilediginiz sekilde bahislerinizi gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Cekme Canl bahiste dogru hamleler ve dogru tahminler sonucunda kazandgnz bedeli geri almak isteyebilirsiniz. Kazanclarnz istediginiz banka hesabnza cekebilmek icin uymanz gereken kurallar soz konusudur. Oncelikle bahis sitelerinden para cekebilmeniz icin uye olurken dogru bilgi paylasmnda bulunmanz gerektigidir. Cunku canl bahis sitelerinden para cekme islemi icin kullanc hesab ile talep edilen banka hesap bilgilerinin ortusmesi gerekir. Yani uye olurken verilen bilgi ile banka hesab kime ait ise o bilgiler ayn olmaldr. Bu uygulama sitenin hem kullancsn hem de kendisini guvene alma politikasdr. Ayrca frsatclarn onune gecerek yeni bir uye olusumunun da onune gecmek amac gutmektedir. Uye olan kisi farkl para cekilme talebi verilen hesap farkl oldugunda para cekme islemi gerceklesmeyecektir. Bahisleriniz sonucunda kazanc elde edebilir ve bu kazancnz da hakknz olarak almak isteyebilirsiniz. Burada son derece basit uygulama soz konusu olurken siteler aras farkl gorunumler soz konusu olabilir. Fakat yine de tum sitelerde uyenin site icerisinde para cekme bolumune girmesi yeterlidir. Burada cekilecek olan tutarn belirlenmesi ve hesap numarasnn girilmesi ile birlikte islem onay gerekecektir. Para cekme taleplerinde sizden gerekli bilgiler istenmekte ve havale islemi istenilen bilgiler esliginde yurutulmektedir. Dogru bilgi paylasmak sorunsuz para cekebilmeniz en onemli kuraldr. Istenilen bilgiler girildikten sonra site sorumlular gerekli kontrolleri yapp herhangi bir sorun yoksa ksa surede hesabnza gerekli paray aktaracaklardr. Canl Bahis Sitelerinden Para Cekmek Icin Istenen Belgeler Bahis sitelerine uye olduktan sonra baz kullanclar para cekme taleplerinin karslanmadg konusunda sikayetlerde bulunmuslardr. Bu sikayetlersektorde uzun zamandr bulunan guvenilir bahis siteleri de yer almaktadr. Fakat sikayetlerin dayanaklarna bakldgnda ise islerin tamamen farkl oldugu gorulmektedir. Yasanan bu durum kullanclarn hatal bilgi girmesi ve uyelik bilgileri ile banka bilgilerinin uyusmamas ile dogru orantldr. Birde canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler eksik ya da hatal olarak sunulmus olabilir. Ortaya ckan karsklar neticesinde para cekme talebinde bulunan kisi istedigini alamadg icin sikayetci olmaktadr. Oysa ki istenilen bilgiler dogru ve istenilen evraklar eksiksiz sunulsa para cekme islemi sorunsuz olacak. Sitelerin para cekme konusunda dikkatli hareket etmesi hilelerin ve illegal faaliyetlerin onune gecmek adnadr. Cunku baz kullanclar farkl bilgiler vererek ikinci hesap acabilmektedirler. Bazen de bilincsizce hatal bilgi girilebilmektedir. Hatal islemlerin cozumu konusunda islem yaptgnz sitenin musteri temsilcileri ile gorusebilirsiniz. Talepleriniz dogrultusunda para cekme islemlerinde ki sorunlar giderilecektir. Canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler listesi su sekildedir; Kullanc bilgileri ile banka bilgilerini karslastrmak icin kimlik fotokopisi Banka hesap bilgileri Ikametgah ve kisiye ait herhangi bir fatura. Kacak Iddaa Turkiyede dogrudan bahis yapmak icin resmi kanallar kullanlabilmektedir. Fakat tercih edilen ve oran olarak cok daha fazla frsatlar sunan kacar iddaasiteleri bulunmaktadr. Bu siteler kanunlara aykr sekilde yaplmakta olup, yasal bir dayanag yoktur. Elbette bu sitelerin kurulus merkezi Turkiye olmayp, ds ulkelerdedir ve faaliyetler belirlenen siteler uzerinden yaplmaktadr. Kacak Iddaa oldukca riskli olup, cok dikkatli olunmas gerekir. Kacak Bahis Kanunlar cercevesinde istediginiz gibi bahis yapamayabilirsiniz. Bahis yapabilmek icin ya kanuni olarak sorun olmayan ulke dsnda ki kumarhanelere gitmeniz veya kacak bahis sitelerinden islem yapabilirsiniz. Zira bu durum tehlikeli olsa da cok sayda site guvenli sekilde bu alanda hizmet vermektedir. Kacak bahiste oldukca fazla secenek bulunurken yuksek oranda kazanc sunuyor olmas da ragbeti arttryor. Illegal Bahis Bahisin bircok alanda yasak oldugu Turkiyede bu alanda cok sayda yabanc merkezli siteler hizmet vermektedir. Illegal bahis sektorunde faaliyet gosteren siteler guvenli hizmet anlays ile kullanclarna frsatlar sunmaktadr. Yurt ds merkezli bu siteler sorunsuz sekilde hizmetlerini surdururken bulunduklar ulkelerde kanunlara uygun sekildedir. Elbette faaliyet noktasnda bulunduklar ulkelerde sorun teskil etmese de Turkiyede faaliyet gostermeleri kanunin yasaklanmstr. Yasads Bahis Gerek olusturulan etkenler gerekse de ortaya konulan riskler yasads bahis de oldukca tehlikelidir. Kanunlarn mudahil olduklar bu alanlar da hem kullanclar hem de populer bahis yaptranlar tum riskleri goze almaktadrlar. Fakat yasaklardan uzak sekilde guvenli hizmet sunan siteler de bulunmaktadr. Takipler neticesinde kapatlan sitelerin muhakkak alternatifleri kurularak yollarna devam etmektedirler. Canl Iddaa Siteleri Nelerdir? Dunya genelinde kabul gormus cok sayda guvenli hizmet veren populer bahis siteleri bulunmaktadr. Elbette bu siteler dunyann bircok ulkesinde faaliyet gosterse de Turkiyede yasaktr. Sektorde yer alan cok sayda legal iddaa siteleri bulunmaktadr. Herhangi bir kanunsuzlugun olmadg bu sitelerden hzl ve guvenli islem yaplabilmektedir. Tabi bu sitelerde uygulanan oranlar yasal olmayan sitelere gore daha dusuktur. Illegal sitelerin tercih edilme sebeplerinin en onemli etkeni de olusturulan oranlardr. Peki, Iddaa siteleri nelerdir? Faaliyetleri ve uygulama esaslar nelerdir? Turkiyede faaliyet gosteren yasal iddaa siteleri listesi su sekildedir; Iddaa Bilyoner Tuttur Birebin Oley Nesine Misli Iddaa 2004 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslayan Iddaa Spor toto tarafndan kurulmus olup, ilk etapta bayilik seklinde calsmaya baslamstr. Elbette zamanla gelisen teknolojiye ayak uydurarak internet uzerinde de populer bahis severlerin hizmetine sunulmustur. Kuruldugu donemde devletin resmi kurumu olarak faaliyet gosterirken gelinen yeni donemde ozellestirilmistir. Bilyoner Turkiyede faaliyetine 2006 ylnda baslayan Bilyoner ilk ozel yasal bahis sitesi olma ozelligine sahiptir. Guvenilir bahis siteleri Turkiyede bunlardr. Ksa surede populer olan site halen faaliyetlerini sorunsuz sekilde surdurmektedir. Tuttur Ksa surede adndan bahsettirmeyi basaran Tuttur 2009 ylnda faaliyetlere baslamstr. Guvenilir bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almstr. Gunumuze dek bircok alanda populer bahis yapanlara frsatlar sunarken avantajlar ile de begeni toplamstr. Birebin Kullanc odakl calsmalar surdurse de 2011 ylnda sektore giren Birebindiger sitelere gore daha az ragbet gormektedir. Bahis oynamak ise bu sitede oldukca kolaydr. Elbette farkl yaklasmlara sahip olmasndan dolay ilerleyen sureclerde adndan sklkla bahsettirecek gibi gorunuyor. Oley 2009 ylnda Dogus yayn gruplarnn istiraki olarak kurulmus olup yasal olarak herhangi bir sorunu olmayan sitelerdendir. Bahis siteleri arasnda hzl cks yapms bir sitedir. Oley yapms oldugu yenilikler ile kullanclarn da dikkatini ksa surede cekmeyi basarmstr. Nesine Birbirini takip eden surecte Nesine de yine 2006 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslamstr. Yasal bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almay basaran firma ksa surede sevilen ve ragbet goren bir site olmustur. Misli 2009 ylnda sektore cok hzl giris yapan Misli cok sayda reklam filmi ile on plana ckmay basarmstr. Internet uzerinden hem yasal hem de sorunsuz hizmet veren bahis sitelerinden bir tanesi olmustur. Canl Bahis Siteleri Kayt ve Uyelik Islemleri Her zaman populerligini koruyan ve surekli gelisim gosteren canl bahis gun gectikce daha da gucleniyor. Bahis oynamak icin ise sitelere uye olunmas gerekir. Yuksek getirisi ve begeni toplayan faaliyetleri ile cok sayda site bu alanda faaliyet gostermektedir. Elbette sorunsuz sekilde uye olmanz ve faaliyetler gostermeniz de oldukca kolaydr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri dakikalar icerisinde gerceklestirilecek yapya sahiptir. Uye olacagnz siteyi belirledikten sonra siteye girmeniz gerekmektedir. Girdiginiz sitenin ana sayfasnda uye ol ya da kayt ol bolumu bulunacaktr. Siteler arasnda degiskenlik gosteren bu alanda temel unsurlar bulunmaktadr. Elbette farkllklar olsa da temelinde benzer bilgiler uye olmak isteyen kisilerden talep edilmektedir. Uye ol bolumune tkladktan sonra karsnza uyelik bilgi formu ckacaktr. Bu formda sizin kim oldugunuzu ogrenmek ve sitenin guvenligini saglamak adna islemler yaplmaktadr. Uyelik formunda yer alan ad soyad bolumunu eksiksiz ve dogru sekilde doldurmalsnz. Sizden bu formda istenen bilgilerin tamamn girmeniz istenecektir. Istenen bilgiler mutlaka dogru ve eksiksiz sekilde olmaldr. Eksik veya hatal bilgi uyelik islemlerinde sorun teskil edebilir. Yine de yanls bilgi girisine ragmen uyelik islemleri tamamlanabilir. Fakat boyle bir yol izleyenler sonrasnda buyuk skntlarla karslasabilirler. Bu skntlarn basnda da para cekme islemlerinde yasanan sorunlardr. Uyelik islemleri dikkatli ve ozenle doldurulmas gereken yapdadr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri gerceklestirilirken verilen bilgiler site yonetimi tarafndan muhafaza edilmektedir. Herhangi bir sekilde 3. Sahslarla paylaslmas gibi bir durum soz konusu degildir. Bu faaliyetleri surduren sitelerin guven unsurlar arasnda bu nokta onceliklidir. Bahis sitelerine uye olurken hatal bilgi paylasmnda bulunmak size faydadan cok zarar verecektir. Diyelim ki bilgileri hatal girdiniz ve uyelik onayland. Uyelik tamamlandktan sonra siteye para yatrdnz ve kazanc elde ettiniz. Kazancnz sonrasnda hesabnza almak istediginizde karsnza banka bilgileri bolumu gelecektir. Para cekme talebi gerceklestikten sonra site uyelik bilgileri ile banka hesap bilgileri ortusmez ise paranz alamazsnz. Boyle bir durumla karslasmamak adna bu hususa ayrca dikkat etmelisiniz. With intent to help CPAs and accounting firms harness the power of cloud-hosted accounting technology without spending a fortune, SageNext Infotech has introduced new and unique kind of services. AUGUSTA, GA, August 12, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- SageNext Infotech, an Augusta, Georgia-based company specialized in hosting QuickBooks along with other popular tax and accounting software, has updated and included several new, exciting yet extremely affordable hosting plans and packages to help smart CPAs and accounting firms utilize the power of cloud technology and make the most of their accounting practices. 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The election is still more than 12 weeks away and this map will likely change considerably as the election nears and more polling is available. Whether future polls reverse course and show a closer race, or move in a direction where we're left with little suspense as to who will win on Election Day remains to be seen. Aug 12, 2016 | By Alec Thanks to numerous fantastic test results, you could start think that metal 3D printing has become the most normal thing in the world. Just earlier this month, NavAir successfully tested a MV-22B Osprey fitted with a partially 3D printed engine nacelle, and plenty of similar stories are appearing regularly. You might even be wondering why it took so long. After a decade of innovation, surely we should have progressed passed single 3D printed components? In reality, however, aerospace metal 3D printing has been stuck in a kind of limbo as nothing more than an interesting new technology that needs more study. This is perfectly illustrated by the pioneering efforts of Honeywell Aerospace, a global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for various partners from the aerospace, aviation and defense industries. They were one of the first to begin experimenting with metal 3D printing way back in 2010, but they havent gotten much further than a few practical test parts yet. But it seems as though the technology is reaching a turning point, as it is receiving FAA approval and has also become cheaper and faster than competing technologies. As a result, Honeywell has now begun taking the 3D printing technology out of the laboratories, and into the engine development realm. Metal 3D printing is finally ready for lift-off. This is a huge moment, as Honeywell first introduced metal 3D printing to the aerospace industry way back in 2010 when it 3D printed a 718 nickel-based superalloy part with a tangential injection nozzle (TOBI) and installed it on an active test plane. This was followed by numerous other 3D printing tests, including generator parts in 2012. In January 2015, Honeywell even became the first company to use electron beam melting (EBM) to produce an aerospace component with that same 718 superalloy. The component in question was a HTF7000 engine tube that featured an experimental design. While previously consisting of eight different part numbers, this was just a single part number that was designed in a matter of weeks rather than months. Honeywell further showed its dedication to 3D printing by opening several 3D printing labs in China, India, Europe, Mexico and the U.S. We also patented a novel approach to chemically machine the internal passages of complex, cooled components that were machined using 3D technology, says Honeywell engineer Donald Godfrey. Whats more, the company is fully aware of what 3D printing can do for them especially as a time saving tool that can build more efficient geometries and cut down on inventory. Whereas traditional airplane parts can take months to make, 3D printing cuts down that time significantly. A turbine blade could take up to three years to develop but 3D printing cuts that down to just nine weeks. Suppliers are now able to upload that same CAD file directly to a machine and have the parts printed out in a matter of hours or days. Its a more efficient and cost-effective process, the company recently argued. So why has it been taking so long? As Donald Godfrey explained, Honeywell has been consistently held back by the lack of a metal 3D printing supply chain. Establishing powder production and storage facilities, as well as melting testing and post-treatment processes simply takes a long time. Fixing those schedules has been one of the major challenges, and which cannot be done without approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clients and Honeywells own engineering and marketing departments. We have to select a powder vendor, and then audit that vendor to Honeywell quality standards, Godfrey explains. Then we must document how the powder is to be received, stored, loaded into the printer and reused after a build. All of that information must be submitted to the FAA. Whats more, Godfrey believes that many 3D printing technologies are simply not suitable for anything other than laboratory applications right now. For as it stands, metal 3D printing does not yet bring the necessary cost-saving advantages with it. While saving a lot of time, the associated costs make the technology unappealing on a large scale. This is further hampered by the fact that aircraft assembly processes are so complex that traditional production processes cannot be completely phased out. 3D printing can only affect so many parts. Right now, the economic advantages of metal 3D printing do not match up with those of simple casting solutions, he says. Honeywells solution? Shifting to Electron Beam Melting 3D printing technology from Arcam. Not only does it significantly reduce production times, but it is also open to any type of metal material and can support an unparalleled variety of complex geometries and flexible designs. Honeywell is developing this technology to reduce capital-tooling budgets and marching it into production to reduce component costs and to improve quality, he says. Tools that might take six or seven weeks to manufacture can be printed in a day or two. If we can get the right tools to the test rigs two or three months ahead of the original plan, we can save tens of thousands of dollars in schedule and program costs. Though this is not without its own challenges either, in part thanks to the heat the electron beam 3D printer generates. The electron-beam machine never gets below 1900 F. You have to let it cool down for about 8 hrs. before you can take a part out of the machineand that has to be calculated into your overall production time, Godfrey says. While laser 3D printed parts also get very hot, they can be handled far quicker. Honeywell is nonetheless moving forward with the technology, and is ready to leave the exploratory phase behind them. They are currently testing and developing new powders in a lab in Bangalore, India which requires 3D printing more than 1,000 test bars that need to be extensively tested. Whats more, Honeywell is looking to break out of existing material limitations. Right now everybody in the industry is printing powders that have been around for 20 years, because its a new technology. When you change to a new powder youre adding another unknown, says Godfrey. Honeywell has its eyes on some 40 new types of metal powders. But they have particularly set their sights on expanding nickel and aluminum 3D printing capabilities, and will be 3D printing up to seven parts for their TPE331 engine. We also have been incorporating 3D printing of tooling for low-volume, high value castings. Some of these castings are produced with printed sand and others are produced using printed patterns. The technology has helped us shave months from our procurement schedules. Some castings were produced in less than a day, while most were cast in less than a week, Godfrey revealed. While progress has thus been slow from an external point of view, metal 3D printing is finally ready for its next phase at Honeywell and is moving towards actual use. According to one report, up to 40 percent of Honeywell members could be equipped with EBM 3D printing technology for production purposes especially for small volume production. Metal 3D printing is finally going places. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Sathish wrote at 5/8/2017 8:34:28 AM:Dear Sir, I am a research scholar doing my research in the field of electron beam melting of material. In this regard i request your support to process the material in EBM and I assure that i will abide the terms and conditions. Thank you, (sadish.kss@gmail.com)Sathish wrote at 5/8/2017 8:32:39 AM:Dear Sir, I am a research scholar doing my research in the field of electron beam melting of material. In this regard i request your support to process the material EBM and I assure that i will abide the terms and conditions. Thank youTibor van Melsem - Founder Dimanex wrote at 8/12/2016 9:02:25 PM:Supply Chain Disruption: - Better service to your customers - Better financial performance - Reduction of the environmental footprint Aug 12, 2016 | By Benedict Technology research company Technavio has announced the top five vendors in the global 3D printing materials market in a report which covers market activity from 2016 until 2020. Much revenue has been generated from the aerospace industry, which has used AM for lightweight part production. While some of the major 3D printing companies appear to be going through tough times at present, others are prospering in a lively market in which the automotive and aerospace industries are just beginning to scratch the surface of additive manufacturing. Research firm Technavio has just released a report on the global 3D printing materials market for 2016-2020, highlighting the top five leading vendors in the industry and predicting a very healthy CAGR of more than 25% during the specified period. So just who is making the biggest profits in the global 3D printing materials market? Although plastic 3D printing materials made up 50% of the market share in 2015, the biggest vendors for the next few years are mostly specialists in metal powdersboth newer additive manufacturing specialists and long-established firms which have simply introduced a range of AM-suitable materials to their catalogue of metal products. Plastic 3D printing materials have revolutionized rapid prototyping and small-scale part production in certain sectors, but metal 3D printing is, according to various sources, where the big money will be in coming years. Think 3D printed aircraft parts, 3D printed car components, and much more besides. Metal 3D printing is widely adopted for prototyping processes because it can produce complex shapes with shorter lead time, Technavio reported. Some of the high-valued products from 3D printing are aircraft engines and turbine components. Metal 3D printing is also used in manufacturing inserts, direct tooling, and molds with cooling channels in the tool and mold-making segment. The industrial end users of such 3D printing [techniques] include service bureaus, research institutions, and aerospace industry. Another development gaining traction in the market includes 3D bioprinting technology, which is used primarily in the healthcare sector. Both the automotive and aerospace sectors are, in quite different ways, proving to be generous clients for the 3D printing materials industry. The aerospace industry is all about keeping things lightafter all, aircraft have to stay in the air, and any 3D printed components which can provide a reduction in mass while maintaining critical strength will be highly desirable for manufacturers in the sector. Airbus, for example, will be keeping manufacturers of additive manufacturing materials busy in the coming years after announcing plans to 3D print half its future airplane fleet. Keeping parts lightweight is a lesser concern for the automotive industry, which remains more focused on high-volume production, making topologically optimized 3D printed parts a relatively low priority. That being said, the huge global expenditure in the automotive industry means that the adoption of any kind of 3D printed part or additive manufacturing process translates to massive returns and opportunities for the materials industry. German automobile manufacturer BMW, which uses Stratasys 3D printers to manufacture jigs and fixtures, is one such company whose adoption of 3D printing processes has proved a boon for material vendors. 3D printing at BMW Despite the high value of metal 3D printing, the multitude of global materials vendors has resulted in the wide commercial availability of plastic, steel, nickel, cobalt-chrome, titanium, and aluminum 3D printing materials. Many vendors are even seeking to widen their portfolios in order to capitalize on business opportunities and survive in a highly competitive market. Chandrakumar Badala Jaganathan, one of the lead metals and minerals analysts from Technavio, has grouped vendors based on the technology they offer: Arcam uses EBM (electronic beam melting) for powder bed fusion. SLM Solutions, EOS, Concept Laser, Renishaw, Realizer, and 3D Systems (Phenix) use SLM (selective laser melting). Optomec and TRUMPF use directed energy deposition methods, whereas Voxeljet and ExOne use binder jetting technology. Top five 3D printing materials vendors: Arcam Founded in 1997, the Molndal, Sweden-based company provides a range of 3D printing technologies and develops 3D printing solutions and EBM processes for metal 3D printing. Earlier this year, the company announced the Arcam Q10plus and Arcam Q20plus, two new industrial 3D printers, as well as plans to build a new 3D printing powder plant in Montreal. The company presently sells EBM hardware, EBM-built materials, metal powders, and powder handling equipment, with primary clients in the aerospace, implant, contract manufacturing, and other industries. The 3D printing materials specialist operates through its subsidiary AP&C in Canada and in contract manufacturing through DiSanto in the US. EOS Krailling / Munchen-headquartered EOS was founded 1989 and leads the global DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) market. Its 3D printing products are used by clients in the engineering, design, business, and innovation sectors, with the company offering a range of services encompassing metal manufacturing (materials, systems, and equipment), part property management, material management, and quality assurance. The companys M290 and M100 metal 3D printing solutions are both popular DMLS machines, and the Giza-based firm also provides aluminum, cobalt/chrome, and steel 3D printing materials. Hoganas Founded way back in 1797, Swedish metal company Hoganas is one of the many producers of metal powders which added a catalogue of 3D printing materials to its established portfolio following the recent wave of interest in additive technologies. As one of the worlds leading providers of iron and metal powders, Hoganas develops products for clients in the chemical, component manufacturing, welding, and metallurgical industries. Its 3D printing-ready powders are used for plasma welding, pressed and sintered components, laser surface cladding, and brazing paste printing. Back in April, the company unveiled 17-4 PH, a high-strength stainless steel powder for 3D printing. Sandvik Making it a topical hat-trick for Sweden is Sandvik, a Stockholm-based company founded in 1862. Besides producing materials for additive manufacturing, the company also makes wire and heating technology and other products. Its materials of choice are special alloys and advanced stainless steel. The Sandvik Materials Technology arm of the business controls 3D printing operations, many of which take place at the dedicated Sandvik 3D printing center, which opened its doors in early 2015. The company also makes gas-atomized metal powders for 2D printing applications in the medical, aerospace, and rapid tooling sectors. Solvay Brussels-based chemistry company Solvay was founded in 1863 and offers 3D printing solutions under the name SINTERLINE TECHNYL. Its 3D printing powders are used in areas such as automotive and transportation, sporting goods, construction, plumbing, and electrical, contributing to overall net sales of 12.4 billion in 2015. The company has a presence in 53 countries, and counts over 30,000 employees on its books. An EOS 3D printer (above) and 3D printed parts from Hoganas In addition to the top five major players in the 3D printing materials market, Technavio also namechecked three other prominent vendors: Concept Laser, ExOne, and Renishaw. Concept Laser focuses on 3D printing for automotive, aerospace, dental, medical, jewelry and molding, while Renishaw has expertise in healthcare and precision measurement. Founded in 2005, ExOne develops and markets 3D printing machines and other related products. Updated Aug 15, 2016: The headquarter of the EOS GmbH is located in Krailling / Munchen in Germany. Posted in 3D Printing Materials Maybe you also like: David Brown wrote at 8/25/2016 9:50:01 PM:This is why you get market research from a company that knows additive manufacturing.Richard wrote at 8/15/2016 10:18:13 AM:The last time I visited EOS they were headquartered in Krailling near Munich, Germany. And I'm pretty sure they've been there for some time now. Check your facts before you post. If Technavio are asking $2500 for this report and they don't even know where EOS is based, I would believe anything else they had written.Jan wrote at 8/14/2016 10:06:04 AM:The headquarter of the EOS GmbH is located near to Munich (Krailling) in Germany rather than Giza in Egypt. Maybe the author mixed the company name with the Egyptian Organization for Standards & Quality?Scott Killian wrote at 8/13/2016 6:08:46 PM:EOS is not headquartered in Egypt. We are headquartered in Krailling, Germany.Author wrote at 8/13/2016 11:21:58 AM:EOS an Egypt company? Really? I thought they are from Munich, Germany Sorin Alexandrescu at Guernica: Mircea Eliade wrote his first book, Romanul adolescentului miop (1924) (literally, The Novel of the Short-Sighted Adolescent), when he was seventeen years old. He described it not as a novel as the Romanian title would suggest but as the literary account of a failed attempt to write a novel. And yet, the word novel is used in the original title (the English edition has opted for Diary, thereby emphasizing its incipient nature, and encouraging comparisons to other well-known diarists such as Holden Caufield and Adrian Mole). The last sentence of the book coincides with the first one: As I was all alone I decided to begin writing The Novel of the Short-Sighted Adolescent this very day, providing the already read text with a circular and paradoxical structure that is simultaneously finite and in the process of being finalized, organized and chaotic. Similarly, the narrator is both a character and his interpreter. The short-sighted adolescent is not someone who does not see well on the contrary, he is a keen observer of people but someone who is afraid of being seen as an ugly, indecisive, good-for-nothing young man particularly because he is short-sighted. While the other boys in his classroom are machos as we would call them nowadays , constantly boasting about their success with women, the short-sighted adolescent is an introverted non-macho who is, however, ironic and surprisingly inscrutable. The author feels at home in this knot of contradictions. As he frequently mentions, the process he employs is that of transcribing excerpts from the journal started by him a few years before a fact which is biographically accurate. Eliade regularly kept a journal while he was in Romania and in India, but he left it in the care of some friends when he went to London in 1940, hoping to recover it upon his return. more here. It's Walnut Creek Restaurant Week (April 23-30), and more than 30 eateries (including several of those featured below) are offering special pre-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. For more information, go to walnutcreekdowntown.com. As the exodus from San Francisco's soaring cost of living continues, talented restaurant staff and the Millennials and others who like to eat their food are increasingly decamping to the East Bay. It's a moment in Bay Area history that has propped up Oakland as the next SFespecially where the food scene is concerned. Witness Walnut Creek, the East Bay 'burb that, you know, is really quite charming. Long a designated territory of Baby Boomer ilka nice place to raise a family, but not a hang-worthy destination for city folkWalnut Creek has lately been nudging its way onto the Bay Area culinary map with a host of new restaurants, some quite beautifully designed, that claim top chefs and mixologists on the nightly billing. Here are some Walnut Creek restaurants that are well worth the half-hour trip East. Parada In the mood for Peruvian food? Lucky for us, chef Carlos Altamiranoproprietor of SF's Piqueos and Mochica and Half Moon Bay's La Costaneragot the memo that Walnut Creek is where it's at. Named for a famous market in Lima, Peru, Parada is approachable and family-friendly as befits its suburban address, but the restaurant packs all the style we'd expect from a restaurant in SF or Oakland. Designed by Berkeley-based Abueg Morris Architects (Comal, Nopalito, Bun Mee), Parada has a modern-industrial vibe with pops of color and playful art works above the kitchen. The emphasis here is on new Peruvian faretraditional recipes made with fresh, seasonal bounty and a few Americanized offerings, such as Mac-n-Cheese with a spicy bacon twist. Dine on anticuchos, cebiches, chicharrones, andbocaditos; traditional Peruvian entrees such as Aji de Gallina Arroz con Pollo or Lomo Saltado; and, for dessert, airy-crispy, churros or silky flan. Like any culinary hot spot worth its sea salt, Parada has sexy signature cocktails on offer too. Pop in for happy hour to sip South American Pisco and nosh family-style courses with friends. // 7001 Sunne Ln. (Walnut Creek), paradakitchen.com Rooftop A Slanted Door chef in Walnut Creek? Hold the phone! That's right, Rooftop chef Justine Kelly hails from everybody's favorite waterfront mecca to Vietnamese cuisineshe's also the executive chef at Sun Basket, the best meal delivery service we've tasted yetand now she's teaming with Walnut Creek restaurateur Jim Telford (Residual Sugar, Merchant) on a restaurant that promises the holy trinity of Bay Area dining: upscale food, craft cocktails, and pretty views. As Rooftop's name suggests, the space was designed for an indoor-outdoor atmosphere, with a retractable roof, water features, and a vista to Mount Diablomaking it a worthy destination to take friends and family from out of town. Meanwhile in the kitchen, Kelly crafts an innovative menu driven by ingredients that meld flavors of the Middle East, Europe, and America. The wine list is extensive with two-dozen offerings by the glass, and the cocktail menu was designed by Tamir Ben-Shalom, bar guru at Port Costa's acclaimed Bull Valley Roadhouse. Drink up house-made concoctions with aromatics from the lush living wall and a creative use of exotic spices. // 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste. 300 (Walnut Creek), rooftopwc.com (Courtesy of Sasa) Sasa The make-or-break of a sushi restaurant is where it gets its fish, and sushi aficionados who pay attention to where their food is sourced know that Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Market has the good stuff. Sasa, a relaxed izakaya crafts its sushi, sashimi, and small plates from the fresh catches of Tsukiji and the Honolulu Fish Auction. Ironically located in a century-old former meat market, Sasa greets guests with a waterfall and a warm vibe. The service is fast and the food is consistently excellent, thanks to chef/owner Philip Yang, who plays with modern eclectic fare in addition to traditional Japanese recipes. Sushi without sake would be a sin, and there's a large selection from which to choose. Sample sake flights, signature drinks, or order from the thoughtfully composed wine list. // 1432 N. Main St. (Walnut Creek), sasawc.com Teleferic Barcelona In the space right below Rooftop, Telefericis the Walnut Creek outpost of a true Barcelona original, serving authentic Spanish cuisine lovingly prepared by the Padrosa family. Go and celebrate Basque country every day with delicious pintxos and tapas from the restaurant's signature appetizer cart. If you're wondering about the toy gondolas that glide around the dining room overhead, Teleferic is Spanish for gondola, and it's a touch that sets the tone for fun and whimsy. Add to this an open kitchen, large communal tables, a bar, and patio, and Teleferic is prime for parties. The cocktail program is robust and inventive, with a massive nod to the G & T craze currently sweeping Spain. // 1500 Mount Diablo Blvd. (Walnut Creek), telefericbarcelona.com Walnut Creek Yacht Club A longtime anchor of the Walnut Creek food scene, Walnut Creek Yacht Club (WCYC) has been a local favorite since it opened in 1997 thanks to proprietors Ellen McCarty and Kevin Weinberg, who were determined to serve super-fresh, sustainable seafood to landlocked suburban diners. No one would be surprised to find a nautical theme here, and the smooth mahogany bar, navy upholstered banquettes, and stainless steel accents don't disappoint. The food, however, is dead seriousWCYC has been touted by the local press and recommended by Michelin Guide for a decade. The seafood, supplied by Napa-based Osprey Seafood, is never frozen or manipulated in any way, and all other meats and produce are sourced from trusted, multigenerational, and usually organic farmers. Sailors like their hooch, and WCYC delivers: The award-winning wine list is hand-selected by McCarty herself, and the bar is stocked with artisanal, small-batch spiritsdon't miss the stash of of top-quality rums. // 1555 Bonanza St. (Walnut Creek), wcyc.net Dunkin' Donuts City denizens can have their fancy vegan, organic, artisanal donuts. The rest of the world knows that Dunkin' Donuts is the sugary stuff of real America. The iconic East Coast chain had closed all its 15 California stores by 2000, leaving West Coast donut lovers bereft with grief. Enter their new hero: Matt Cobo. Determined to bring back the glistening glory of America's favorite obsession, coffee and donuts, Cobo opened a Dunkin' franchise in Walnut Creek to a crowd of, let's be honest, junkies who lined up to get their fix at 2am on opening day. It was a powerful validation that, despite the plethora of artisan coffee and sweets that currently floods our market, customers still long for throwback pricing and taste of nostalgia. Cobo is betting big on this emotional connectionhe plans to open a dozen more locations throughout the Bay Area. // 1250 Newell Ave., Ste. K (Walnut Creek), dunkindonuts.com Lottie's Creamery This neighborhood creamery is truly obsessed with quality. Run by Deb Phillips, a chef who learned the ropes the old-school wayshe learned from her mom who learned from her mom, who's name was Lottie, naturally. Lottie's Creamery is the manifestation of Phillips' childhood dream. In Lottie's commercial kitchen, this sweet little business gets down to business when it comes to making things from scratch. Everythingwaffle cones, cookies, candy, cakes, and ice cream, of courseis made in house with seasonal ingredients. It's all to die forrich, creamy, and infinitely scrumptious, made in small batches to guarantee goodness. Perfectionism pays. // 1414 N Main St. (Walnut Creek), lottiescreamery.com -- This article was originally published in August 2016. Perseids Meter Shower is back and is set to be even more spectular than ever. With more than 200 meteors per hour lighting up the night sky, you won't want to miss it. Perseids peaks in the wee hours of Friday morning, Aug. 12. So to get the best look, you'll want to pull an all-nighter and head out of San Francisco. Here are some of the best Bay Area spots to watch far from city lights. Chabot Space & Science Center Weather and light permitting, the Chabot Space and Science Center's opens its observatory to the public every Friday and Saturday night. But for Perseids, Chabot is welcoming space geeks to the center from 1am to 4am this Friday morning to watch the amazingness that is Perseids. Take a nap after work. // 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), chabotspace.org WikiMedia Commons Marin Headlands Trail, Hawk Hill Get a front row seat to the Perseids in the Marin Headlands at Hawk Hill. It's recommended that you either trail or drive up to the tallest point to watch the shower peak over the sky. Make sure to bring a jacket and something warm to drink as it may get a little chilly up there! // Hawk Hill, Conzelman Rd. (Sausalito), parksconservancy.org Mines Road, Livermore Livermore might not top your list of Bay Area destinationswhich is exactly why its perfect for watching a meteor shower unobstructed by city lights. The long, open Mines Road, just off of Tesla Road, leads up the hillafter about 10 minutes, you're likely to see people setting up their telescopes. This wide open space is great for beautiful views and out of this world stargazing no city lights for miles. // Mines Rd & Tesla Rd, (Livermore); for a map and more info, check out this story on sfgate.com. WikiMedia Commons Skegg's Point, El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve South Bay wilderness lovers will love themselves some Skegg's Point, located in El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, just west of Menlo Park. Here, undeniably scenic views make for a favorite photo spot, but come nightfall, you better have a pro camera if you hope to capture Perseids. Picnic tables just beg for a late dinner beneath the smattering of stars. // El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, (South Bay), openspace.org Lands End and Point Lobos, San Francisco In the northwestern corner of San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreational Area sits two geological gems: the higher-elevations at Point Lobos and the ocean-end-vistas at Land's End. Each is perfect for stargazing. San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers occasionally host an amateur's star-watching night at both locations, but its BYO binoculars and telescope. // 680 Point Lobos Ave, (SF), parksconservancy.org Sibley Volcanic National Reserve You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting, light-pollution-free spot in the Bay Area than Sibley Volcanic National Reserve. Now, this one's a hike, so be sure to lace-up your boots, fill your water canteens, and enjoy the light show above from acres upon acres of open space. // Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), ebparks.org Want to watch Perseids from the comfort of your own home? Watch it here. JavaScript is not available. Weve detected that JavaScript is disabled in this browser. Please enable JavaScript or switch to a supported browser to continue using twitter.com. You can see a list of supported browsers in our Help Center. Help Center The report China Cards and Payments Market brings together research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure. The Cards and Payments Industry in China: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Chinese cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including check payments, payment cards, cash transactions, and credit transfers during the review period (2011-2015). The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2016-2020). It also offers information on the countrys competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes. The Cards and Payments Industry in China: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Chinese cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Chinese cards and payments industry, including debit card, credit and charge cards. Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the countrys key alternative payment instruments. Latest Research Reports by Hexa Reports Youth and Amateur Adult League Sports Software: Market The Connected Car Ecosystem Law Enforcement Robots: Market E-commerce market analysis. Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Chinese cards and payments industry. Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. The competitive landscape in the Chinese cards and payments industry. Scope This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Chinese cards and payments industry. It provides current values for the Chinese cards and payments industry for 2015, and forecast figures to 2020. It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Chinese cards and payments industry. It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry. It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions. Reasons To Buy Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Chinese cards and payments industry and each market within it. Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Chinese cards and payments industry. Assess the competitive dynamics in the Chinese cards and payments industry. Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in China. Gain insights into key regulations governing the Chinese cards and payments industry. Key Highlights The Peoples Bank of China the countrys central bank announced in March 2016 that it is contemplating a cap merchant on service charges on card transactions. According to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the central bank of China, merchant service charges for debit cards will be capped at 0.35%, while those on credit cards will be no more than 0.45%. Prior to this new policy, banks could charge a maximum 0.9% on card payments. The central bank of China said that the development will take effect on September 6, 2016. This would result in saving of US$1.2 billion (CNY7.4 billion) for merchants in a year. With reduction in revenue, card issuers are likely to cut card benefits for consumers, and instead look at new ways to generate revenue. The emergence of digital-only banks is likely to accelerate a shift towards electronic payments in China. WeBank which was launched in January 2015, became the countrys first digital only bank, allowing consumers to conduct banking transactions entirely online and via mobile phones. WeBanks launch was followed by the launch of MYBank and Baixin Bank in June and November of 2015 respectively. Request a Sample copy of this Report @ http://hexareports.com/sample/120592 About Us: Hexa Reports is a market research and consulting organization, offering industry reports, custom research and consulting services to a host of key industries across the globe. We offer comprehensive business intelligence in the form of industry reports which help our clients obtain clarity about their business environment and enable them to undertake strategic growth initiatives. Media Contact Company Name: Hexa Reports Contact Person: Ryan Shaw Email: sales@hexareports.com Phone: 1-800-489-3075 Address:Felton Office Plaza, 6265 Highway 9 City: Felton State: California Country: United States Website: http://hexareports.com/report/the-cards-and-payments-industry-in-china/details Quarterly Report June 2016 Sydney, Aug 12, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Broken Hill Prospecting Ltd ( ASX:BPL ) are pleased to provide the Company's quarterly report for June 2016. HIGHLIGHTS Projects Thackaringa Cobalt | Broken Hill, NSW - Strong domestic & international investor interest in strategic technology metals; responsive to significant growth in demand across the Lithium-ion battery market - Recent cobalt price increase based on quality/ethical supply issues - Confirmed exploration potential with advanced planning for resource infill & expansion drilling and metallurgical test work programs Heavy Mineral Sands | Murray Basin, NSW - Updated Copi North Mineral Resource Estimate: -- 14.2Mt at 6.6% total heavy mineral (THM), 2.8% slimes & 2% oversize comprising 54.4% ilmenite, 10.8% rutile, 11.3% zircon and 10% leucoxene - Copi North Pre-feasibility study commenced - Environmental monitoring ongoing (6 months to date) - Relentless Resources (RRL) provide final $0.5m payment to earn 50% interest in HMS Projects (Copi North, Magic & Sunshine) Corporate - BPL appoints new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Trangie Johnston - Private placement raises A$992,000 with high demand for exposure to BPL's cobalt assets - Share Purchase Plan to close 12 August 2016 for eligible shareholders THACKARINGA COBALT - PYRITE PROJECT, BROKEN HILL, NSW The global battery market is experiencing significant growth for service storage solutions for renewable energy generation and electric vehicles, led by large corporations including Tesla and Panasonic. "With a planned production rate of 500,000 cars per year in the latter half of this decade, Tesla alone will require today's entire worldwide production of lithium ion batteries" - Tesla Motors. Cobalt is a major component of Lithium-ion batteries, so demand is also expected to increase while supply remains uncertain. Some 94% of the world's cobalt is produced as a by-product of copper and nickel mining. More so, pending an election in the latter half of 2016, the world's largest supplier of cobalt (60%), the Democratic Republic of Congo, may be subject to increased political and economic turbulence with the potential to disrupt commodity exports. Given this uncertain market future, BPL's 100% owned Thackaringa Cobalt Project offers a rare potential future source of cobalt. Favourably located proximal to existing rail and road infrastructure and just 25km southwest of Broken Hill, the project comprises a large mineralised system of potentially world class scale. Currently hosting a global Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 35.7Mt at 841ppm cobalt, BPL has identified significant opportunity to increase the shallow resource base through extensional and infill drilling. Planning and regulatory approvals are underway for a proposed drilling program designed to: - obtain drill core for metallurgical test work - test potential extensions of the Pyrite Hill and Railway deposits with a combined conceptual exploration target of 37-59Mt at 600-900ppm cobalt - infill existing resources for improved classification pending an updated Mineral Resource estimate The Thackaringa deposits remain under-explored, with detailed geological mapping delineating over 10km of mineralised outcrop of which approximately 75% remains untested. Beyond potential strike extensions, mineralisation remains open at depth with future exploration to test below 250 metres. HEAVY MINERAL SANDS PROJECTS, MURRAY BASIN, NSW Copi North Resource Upgrade A successful drilling program undertaken in early 2016 has supported a major resource upgrade for the Copi North Heavy Mineral Sand (HMS) deposit. The high-grade, strandline-type deposit now extends over 16km. With drilling extending the high grade mineralisation approximately 2.6km to the northwest, the new mineral resource estimate increased total resource tonnes by 22%, while maintaining heavy mineral grade at 6.6%. Increased geological confidence and data density also improved resource classification with 77% now classified as Indicated. The combined Indicated & Inferred Copi North Mineral Resource estimate comprises 14.2Mt at 6.6% total heavy mineral (THM), 2.8% slimes & 2% oversize (at a 2.5% THM cut-off) with a heavy mineral assemblage of 54.4% ilmenite, 10.8% rutile, 11.3% zircon, 1% monazite and 10% leucoxene. BPL's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Trangie Johnston commented; "The Copi North deposit is geographically well located with excellent grade continuity close to surface. These characteristics should support a cost effective, low capex mobile mining operation returning value for our shareholders." The Copi North deposit remains open to the northwest and intermittently outcrops over an additional 2km strike. A conceptual exploration target comprising 0.5-1Mt at 2-5% THM, 3-6% slimes and 4-8% oversize has been derived through analysis of historical and recent drilling. 4The Copi North exploration target is as released 27 May 2016 under JORC2012. The potential quantity and grade of this target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in determination of a Mineral Resource. Pre-feasibility Study Encouraged by the upgraded Mineral Resource estimate, a pre-feasibility study has commenced on the Copi North deposit. Initial work programs are focused on metallurgical and marketing studies, in combination with environmental monitoring (ongoing for 6 months) and project approvals. BPL's strategy for the Murray Basin is for continued resource growth focused on the establishment of a sustainable pipeline of high grade, low tonnage deposits amendable to processing through mobile plant equipment capable of being deployed across the broader project area. BPL's joint venture partner, Relentless Resources Limited (RRL) provided the final $0.5M payment to earn a 50% interest in three HMS tenements (Figure 1, see link below). RRL has contributed a total of $2M since early 2015. To date, the JV has defined two shallow high-grade resources at Copi North (released 27 May 2016) and Magic deposits (released 10 September 2015). Both resources are open along strike in both directions. BPL is continuing to assess the exploration potential on its currently 100% held tenements outside of the Joint Venture, being EL8308 (Nanya North), EL8309 (Springwood) and EL8310 (Milkengay) (Figure 1). Each tenement offers excellent opportunity for the delineation of high-grade, near surface heavy mineral sand deposits based on historical exploration data and regional analysis. CORPORATE Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer On 19 May 2016 BPL announced the appointment of Mr Anthony (Trangie) Johnston as its Chief Executive Officer replacing the executive functions of the Managing Director, Dr Ian Pringle, who retired on 30 April 2016. Mr Johnston is a geologist with 20 years' experience in exploration, project development and mining activities. His career has to date spanned private, public and government sectors extensively across Australia and overseas jurisdictions. Mr Johnstons' most recent appointment prior to joining BPL was as Chief Executive Officer to KBL Mining, a New South Wales ASX listed gold and base metal producer. During his time at KBL Trangie was responsible for overseeing a company restructure including major resource/reserve upgrades and new discoveries, which underpinned $35m of capital raising activities. Mr Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geology from Newcastle University and a Masters in Economic and Mining Geology from the University of Tasmania. CAPITAL RAISING Share Placement On 2 June 2016 the Company announced that it had raised A$992,000 (before costs) after a share placement to sophisticated and professional investors. Far East Capital was Lead Manager to the placement. The placement consisted of 12,400,000 fully paid shares at an issue price of A$0.08 together with one free attaching listed option for every two shares issued. The options are exercisable on or before 12 November 2019 at an exercise price of A$0.08. The issue of the securities was made pursuant to the Company's placement capacity under ASX Listing rule 7.1. The issue was oversubscribed providing an indicative insight into the desire of the markets to currently attain cobalt exposure. Share Purchase Plan (SPP) BPL announced a Share Purchase Plan (SPP) to the market on the 24 June 2016, to allow eligible shareholders the opportunity to participate in the Company's capital raising program. The issue price of shares under the SPP will be 8.1 Australian cents (A$0.081). The issue price represents a 19.7% discount from the volume weighted average price of BPL shares of the last five days and a 26.6% discount to the 10 days volume weighted average price, prior to the record date. The record date to establish entitlement to the offer under the SPP for eligible shareholders is Thursday 23 June 2016. The offer under the SPP opened on Monday 4 July 2016 and closes at 5pm Sydney time on Friday 12 August 2016. Cash Position The Company's consolidated statement of cash flows is listed in Appendix 5B. At the end of the quarter the consolidated entity, following the private placement undertaken in early June had $1,391,675 in cash. On 23 June 2016 the Company received a refund of $256,474 from the ATO for research and development related expenses associated with JV HMS expenditure. The final JV payment of $0.5m was received on 1 July 2016. To view the quarterly report, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/XY04NPUZ About Broken Hill Prospecting Ltd Broken Hill Prospecting Ltd (ASX:BPL) is an Australian exploration company focussed on the discovery and development of strategic mineral resources across two primary geographical areas; the Murray Basin Region (Heavy Mineral Sands) and the Broken Hill Region (industrial, base and precious metals, including the Thackaringa Cobalt & Base/Precious Metal Project). The checks are in the mail to 300 people and entities who lost money in former Albuquerque real estate executive Doug Vaughans Ponzi scheme. The payments, though, will represent only 18.6 percent of the net principal each party lost in the Ponzi scheme operated by the once well-respected businessman, said James Askew, lead attorney for the bankruptcy trustee. The payment plan was approved by Chief Judge Robert H. Jacobvitz in federal bankruptcy court on May 2, and distributions began Wednesday, according to a news release. The average distribution is about $10,000, with the largest amount of $287,373 going to Wickens Revocable Trust, a family trust. Also receiving payment are general unsecured creditors, such as businesses that lost money when Vaughan Company Realtors collapsed. The total amount paid out is $3.35 million. Vaughan ran a classic Ponzi scheme that defrauded 600 investors out of $75 million, according to civil and criminal investigations. A Ponzi scheme is a kind of investment scam in which money put up by later investors is used to pay fake profits to earlier ones. Early investors in a Ponzi scheme, especially if they were getting a high rate of return, can make a profit. On the other hand, late investors lose most or all of their money because the payments of fake profits get cut short by the inevitable collapse of such schemes. Vaughan was charged with 30 criminal counts ranging from wire and mail fraud to money laundering in February 2011. In December of that year in U.S. District Court, Vaughan entered a guilty plea on two counts of fraud. When he was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in September 2012, Chief Judge Bruce D. Black described him as the most infamous criminal in New Mexico history. Bankruptcy trustee Judith Wagner earlier made $162,000 in payments to those with priority claims in the case, including taxes owed to the state and federal government and Vaughan company employees and agents who were owed money. One more round of payments will be made later after the sale of other assets, such an 84-acre tract in the East Mountains, Askew said. The bankruptcy case was filed in February 2010. Chris Vos has been influenced by all types of music. This is the reason his band, the Record Company, is always up for a challenge. We put our version of the Beastie Boys So What Cha Want online a few years ago, he says. People really enjoyed where we were coming from. Vos, Alex Stiff and Marc Cazorla have been creating music for a while. And long before the band signed a record deal, it had plenty of music used in movies and TV. Knowing that there was an audience gave us confidence, he says. We always wanted to do music our way. And critics and fans are paying attention. The Record Companys profile is rising, thanks in part to its debut album, Give It Back to You. The band will perform a free show on Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Railyard Plaza in Santa Fe. This is a show not to be missed. Grammy Award winner Melissa Etheridge is coming back to New Mexico for a show on Monday, Aug. 15, at Sandia Casino Amphitheater. She will be opening for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Etheridge has a new album coming out in October. Also, make sure to check out the stories on Silversun Pickups at the Sunshine Theater and Slipknot and Of Mice and Men at Isleta Amphitheater. Both shows are on Aug. 19. Of course, inside there are more music stories (Jimmy Osmond and David Bazan), as well as movie reviews and dining. This Washoe polychrome basket, 1922, probably made in the Yosemite Valley, will be among the items in the Antique American Indian Art Show. Caballo favorito will be one of the paintings in the exhibition, Art of Jose Bedia, included in the upcoming Objects of Art Santa Fe show. This ceramic horse, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) will be included in the Objects of Art Santa Fe show. Kim Martindale, left, and John Morris are co-producers with Objects of Art Santa Fe. This historic rug is among many that will be shown in Woven in Beauty, an exhibit that will be included in two upcoming shows produced by Objects of Art Shows. This untitled image, acrylic on cardstock, by Larry John Palsson, can be seen in Objects of Art Santa Fe. Prev 1 of 6 Next Kim Martindale and John Morris traveled different paths into the world of antiques and art, but since those paths crossed 15 or more years ago, theyve worked in tandem to bring the types of objects they treasure to a wider audience. The two are producers/owners of Objects of Art Shows, which presents two separate shows leading into Santa Fe Indian Market for what they call an intense 10-day period spotlighting the most important Indian art in the world. From today through Sunday, Objects of Art Santa Fe focuses on historic and contemporary works from around the world, including items such as a devil mask from Mexico, while the Antique American Indian Arts Show from Aug. 16-19 includes displays such as one focusing on 100 years of Navajo weavings from the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills region. I collected all my life since I was a little kid, Martindale said. I loved Indian objects. While living in California, his parents encouraged his interest by taking him to various shows of Native American art, he said. When he was 14, he made his first deal. From babysitting, he had saved $110 for spending at a weekend swap meet in Pasadena, he said. Martindale had been studying books on Navajo textiles and he spotted what he believed was an important blanket from the Transitional Period (around 1880-1900). I said Id give him $100 and he took it, Martindale said of the vendor. Walking around the show afterward, he ran into some people from Chicago who exclaimed over his blanket and asked if he would sell it. I said I want $450 and he said yes, Martindale said of the exchange that launched him on his lifetime career, including helping establish the Whitehawk Antique American Indian Art Show when he was only 16. Morris, meanwhile, said he also had been interested since he was a kid in Indian stuff, from making moccasins at a Boy Scout camp to making a coat out of an Indian blanket and building a tipi when he was living as a young man in the Virgin Islands. My tipi was at Woodstock, he said. I was head of production at Woodstock. Were talking the famous 1969 music festival; Morris said he met the guys putting it together, who told him were going to do a big outdoor festival and hired him on. Morris said he also took a group of students from the Institute of American Indian Arts to do an art show at Woodstock, but we never did it because there was so much rain. He worked in the music business for years, running The Fillmore East in New York City, and owning and running the Rainbow, one of the first major London rock venues. He produced and toured a number of acts over the years, including Santana, Ike and Tina Turner, the Doors and more. Then he quit the music scene after one too many Chuck Berry concerts, said Morris, explaining that the rock and roll legend wasnt the easiest person to work with. He ran into Martindale at a booth in an Indian art show and theyve been working together ever since. Great pieces, cultures The Objects of Art Show includes contemporary and historic objects that could range from an Eames chair to a Tanzanian robe. The idea of that show is you can walk into a room and there will be 60 to 70 people displaying things that are really interesting, Morris said. The hope is something will go boom and youll really like it. This years show will include a dozen or so pieces from the collection of the late Allen A. Davis, a former head of CBS Records International and EMI. They will include a painting by Robert Motherwell and a ceramic horse from Chinas Tang Dynasty. He collected what the Objects of Art show is really about, Martindale said. He was collecting great pieces from all the great cultures. They were all powerful pieces that he responded to. Among other items at the show will be a pre-Columbian stone sculpture, contemporary Ikat textiles, Persian rugs, paintings by the Taos Masters, African sculptures and more. Woven in Beauty: 100 Years of Navajo Master Weavers from the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills Region will be an exhibit overlapping that show and the following Antique American Indian Art Show. The exhibit is curated by Mark and Linda Winter, who run the Historic Toadlena Trading Post, and compiled a 2011 book that documents and identifies the weavers and their works from that region. For a long time, they were just known as Navajo textiles, Martindale said of those weavings, but we didnt know who wove them. (The Winters book) has taken the research and named the artists. Its got some old family photos. Another exhibit within the show will be The Path of Beauty: The Arts of Plains Indian Moccasins, with items from the collection of H. Malcolm Grimmer, who has collected the footwear for more than a decade and will offer some of the items for sale. Textiles, pottery, jewelry, basketry, beadwork, woodcarvings and more also will be found among the many booths. School started for K-12 students this week across the Albuquerque area. It should be a time of new notebooks and sharp pencils, of promise stretched out over the next 180 days, of forthcoming student test scores and school letter grades designed to ensure our kids are ready for the challenges of college and work and adulthood. But I saw some things this summer that dont give me a lot of hope for fresh starts. They had nothing to do with students and everything to do with adults who dont help them take advantage of amazing learning opportunities. More than 550,000 people live in Albuquerque, and Albuquerque Public Schools has around 85,000 students and 15,000 employees, including 6,166 teachers. Yet this summer I watched a free high school-and college-credit language class extend its application deadline because the allotted 30 middle school, high school and college students didnt sign up. I watched a robotics camp put on by a museum and university cancel because only two students enrolled. And I learned that a state charter school became the home of a rocketry class that sends students to national competition in Washington, D.C. again for free because traditional schools didnt want it. New Mexico adults who say they care about students need to take the Powerball slogan to heart: You cant win if you dont play. My summer education started with the STARTALK program at the University of New Mexico. The free five-week program is designed to teach novice and intermediate Arabic to 30 students from sixth grade through college freshman, with cultural activities, field trips and lunch included. It is taught by Ph.D.s and graduate students and gives students a high school language credit and eligible students three hours of college credit. Thats pretty rarefied air to have your kid breathing for the summer and let me emphasize again the program is free. Still, UNM had to extend the deadline a week to get enough students. Even then, only 26 signed up. All but four came from private, charter or home schools. My education continued when the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History called to say it was refunding my sons Loboquest robotics camp fee because only one other student signed up. Granted, $300 seems steep for many families. But its just a bit more than the cost of one summer-school PE class at APS, and the cost is on par with that of other summer camps, especially considering it was supposed to run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a week, was offered in conjunction with the UNM School of Engineering, and campers would have gotten to keep their Arduino microcontrollers for future robot use. Jennifer Hayden, director of public relations and marketing for the museum, says its through such programs that parents and educators can help cultivate our communitys excitement around STEM education and encourage students to experience science on a whole new level. We have seen summer campers and volunteers advance toward studies and careers in the STEM fields, saying their passion for science was ignited through our programs. Its getting students to those programs, and those programs to students, thats the challenge. That unpleasant truth was further supported by my sons rocketry class. His team made it to the national competition in Washington, D.C. The program is sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, which puts a lot of time into teaching students the physics of trajectory and payload, lift and drag, gravity and thrust under the super-cool guise of launching things into space. When I learned that not only had the team qualified for nationals but the trip would be free, I commented on how lucky the students were. And I learned more than one APS school had turned the class down. Ronda Cole, director of the AFRL La Luz Academy, which provides K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach to New Mexico students, says they have been pleased with the level of interest and participation from public schools, charter schools, private schools, and home school groups and want to include the broadest possible group of students in our programs, and to do that we need the support of interested adults, including teachers, parents, and mentors, who are willing to share their time and expertise to introduce students to the opportunities that are out there. Yes, these programs and others may require extra effort by schools. And they do require lots of logistical maneuvering on the part of adults to get students to where they need to be, often at the same time adults need to be somewhere else. Having grown up in a home with one car, a mother who held two jobs, and two siblings who like me had one or two jobs each as well as school and sports, I dont have a lot of sympathy for the excuse that its just too hard to get kids to programs that will help ensure they succeed. To me, I cant sounds a whole lot like I wont. This year, a great middle school science teacher told me that the biggest impediment to science fair participation wasnt student interest; it was parents who felt that because they didnt understand it, they didnt believe their kid could do it. And until that changes and the focus moves away from what works for adults to whats best for kids, Im afraid a new school year wont change much for New Mexico students. UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to assistant editorial page editor DVal Westphal at 823-3858 or road@abqjournal.com. Go to ABQjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. Samantha Blinn and Nicholas Koy Santillo are among the Ducdame Ensemble members who will perform Shakespeare in Santa Fe later this month. (Courtesy of Ducdame Ensemble) Sean Boyd falls to one knee as he prepares for Ducdame Ensembles repertory season in Santa Fe. (Courtesy of Ducdame Ensemble) Alexander Kirby will be one of the Ducdame Ensemble performers coming to Santa Fe. (Courtesy of Ducdame Ensemble) Kelly Strandemo of Ducdame Ensemble rehearses a scene from Shakespeare. (Courtesy of Ducdame Ensemble) Sean Boyd, Alexander Kirby, Will McKay and Michael J Connolly with Ducdame Ensemble rehearse for their upcoming repertory season in Santa Fe. (Courtesy of Ducdame Ensemble) Ariana Karp is associate artistic director at the International Shakespeare Center. Prev 1 of 6 Next A decision by classmates at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to keep working together after graduation has turned out to be Santa Fes gain. The Ducdame Ensemble, based in New York, consists of 19 of those graduates. It is sending eight of its players here to present the International Shakespeare Centers first repertory season, with Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice being performed in two different locations between Aug. 22 and Sept. 3. Theres a personal connection that also helped. ISC President Caryl Farkas was acquainted with LAMDA graduate and Ducdame actor Ariana Karp, who previously directed a play with Farkas and performed with Farkas two daughters as part of the Young Shakespeare Players in Madison, Wis. I just love it out here, Karp said of Santa Fe and the willingness of its people to make things happen. If you propose an idea in New York, she said, youre likely to get a yeah, but response in which people tell you why it wont work. If you mention something to the ISC and others in Santa Fe, she said, the response is yes, and with proposals of how to make something happen and make it even more exciting than first envisioned. And one of the exciting things that developed in this first repertory season was to have Twelfth Night, which Karp directs, as the first immersive theater experience in Meow Wolfs House of Eternal Return. When I went there for the first time, I was completely blown away by the craftsmanship, the imagination and the ability to do something so important in art: to make it accessible, but deeply personal, she said. It was like a veil lifted from your subconscious. It was so stimulating in a creative way. And its the perfect magical setting for Twelfth Night, in which the twins Viola and Sebastian are washed ashore from a shipwreck into a strange land, with ensuing disguises into the opposite gender, mistaken identities, misplaced infatuations and general mayhem so dear to Shakespeares heart. Some of the scenes will take place in the usual concert stage portion of the arts complex, but others will move into and out of some of the bigger spaces in the exhibition itself, such as the forest and a seascape. Farkas and Karp said they estimate it would be able to accommodate an audience of about 100 people following the actors. Asked what time period the play would be set in, Karp quipped, Its in Meow Wolf time. With the elaborate design of the set, though, she said the costumes would be a little simpler. You want to be the human element in that space, she said. Light comedies Ensemble members voted on which plays they wanted to present in Santa Fe, she said, and leaned toward somewhat lighter fare because their past productions have been pretty dark and intense. But, while classified as comedies, Karp said both plays have a melancholy edge. The second production, The Merchant of Venice, will be performed in modern clothing and take place in the Performing Arts Center at Santa Fe High School. Its a beautiful space. Its a gem, Karp said of the three-quarters thrust stage in the theater that many community members may never have seen. Reed Meschefske, head of the Santa Fe High theater program, hosted a LAMDA acting workshop there in February, when many Shakespeare events were held in conjunction with an exhibit of a First Folio of the bards plays at the New Mexico Museum of Art. Ducdame actors also came here around that time to present a sold-out performance of Dames of Thrones: Women of Shakespeares Histories at the Adobe Rose Theatre. For years, people avoided presenting Merchant of Venice because it was seen as anti-Semitic, Farkas said. Indeed, the play seems to condemn the money-lender Shylock (a Jew) for demanding his pound of flesh from Antonio for being in arrears of his debt. But as people examined the script more closely, they began to see it as more complex than that. Shylock has bad behavior, but you can see why, Farkas said of the many circumstances included in the play. And it gives a rounded portrait, showing how much he cares for his daughter and still loves his dead wife, she said. One of my favorite things about Shakespeare is that hes coming out of the time of morality plays, but he breaks all that down, Karp said. He doesnt deify or demonize any character in his works, she said. Every character is human. Karp added that there werent many Jews in England at the time Shakespeare wrote the play and that Puritans tended to be the more common moneylenders that people despised. By moving the action to Venice, Farkas added, Shakespeare made it easier for people to absorb and talk about these situations. Those kinds of insights and more will be available in half-hour talks Robin Williams, a Shakespeare scholar and ISC board member, will give before each performance. Also, on Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, the actors will hold a talk-back with audience members after the show. Community education and outreach also are key to ISC and Ducdame. As part of the repertory season, Ducdame actors will present a workshop for young people at the Meow Wolf Arts Complex. Also, Karp will return in the fall to play a small part in the Santa Fe High production of Macbeth and work with the students. Its a lot of fun passing along the training I received in London, she said. The American and British acting traditions are different, she said, as far as she could tell from her own experience. Americans tend to put the focus on the individual actors plumbing the depths of their characters and coming up with a back story, she said, while LAMDA focused on actors working together as an ensemble. You have to learn how to work with people, she said. The focus is on your scene partner and not yourself. If your scene partner gives you something youre not expecting, you have to react in a way that makes sense. Half of the 14 classes she took at LAMDA also emphasized movement and the physical aspects of acting things that take you out of your head and into your body, Karp said. This fall, students from the New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe Indian School, Academy for Technology and the Classics, Santa Fe Prep and St. Michaels High School will be working with Karp and other pros on short scenes from Shakespeares plays that they will present Dec. 3 at the Scottish Rite Center. This should be a great moment for libertarians, the GOPs quirky little cousin. After all, the Republican Party went off the rails and nominated a protectionist demagogue who cant stay out of trouble. Only a handful of Republicans are likely to defect and vote for Hillary Clinton. So many conservatives are looking for alternatives. You may have heard of these lost souls in the past few months, huddled together under the #NeverTrump umbrella. At first, they wanted Mitt Romney to run as the true conservative, but that didnt go anywhere. A few had hoped freshman senator Ben Sasse would take up the cause. That didnt go anywhere, either. Now the Never Trumpers are supporting a senior House staffer to carry their banner in November. This campaign is being waged after they tried and failed to enlist David French, a National Review writer and reservist military officer. So what about the two former Republican governors, Gary Johnson and William Weld, nominated by a party that espouses limited government and fiscal responsibility? Why cant the Never Trumpers go Libertarian? There are a few reasons. To start, there are policy clashes with mainstream Republicans. Johnson and Weld, like most libertarians, are libertine. They support abortion rights and marriage equality. Many Never Trumpers dont. On an issue that matters a lot to social conservatives, the right of private businesses not to participate in same-sex weddings, Johnson sounds like the Obama administration. He later had to clarify remarks he made to the Washington Examiners Tim Carney that equated a baker who didnt want to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple to murderers who claimed to be inspired by religion. French told me Johnsons remarks about Mormons and gay wedding cakes were the kind of rant you would hear from a college professor who has never met an evangelical. Then there is the Libertarian Party, which takes liberty to a literal extreme. During its convention in May, one nominee for the partys chairmanship, James Weeks, stripped down to a thong as he addressed those assembled. The National Reviews Ian Tuttle described it as the political equivalent of the Cantina scene from Star Wars. So even though more Americans today are coming around to the libertarian view on drugs and the size of government, the party still acts like a fringy nerd fest. But, for my money, the main reason so many conservatives are not giving the Libertarians a second look comes down to the candidate himself. On paper, Johnson looks great. Hes an extreme athlete who has scaled Everest. He has positioned himself as the ultimate outsider in a year of the outsider. He is also humble, going out of his way to deride other politicians who promise the moon and never deliver. and saying he would share presidential responsibilities with Weld, his running mate. Then you watch him on television. Its a disaster. Johnson is a gangly ball of nerves who exudes the charisma of Don Knotts from his Threes Company years. He smiles when he shouldnt. When asked about the Black Lives Matter movement, he offered a word salad of honest introspection, ending with: For me personally, slap, slap, wake up. For some libertarians, this lack of smoothness is part of his charm. Nick Gillespie, the editor of the movements premier journal, Reason.com, told me, His lack of charisma, his disinterest or inability to take over every room he enters, should be extremely comforting and appealing to a country filled with responsible adult citizens. Gillespie added that Johnson wont push Americans around like cattle or sheep, but rather will competently execute the functions of government, exhorting us to pursue happiness in all the different ways we define that term. Perhaps this is the best reason to vote for him. As Gillespie said, Americans dont need an inspirer-in-chief. But they are voting for a commander-in-chief. And the former governor of New Mexico doesnt come off like a commander, a chief or a president . He comes off like the scientist in the movie who briefs the president right before the meteor hits. Heres the thing about that scientist. Everyone is happy that he is finally warning someone in power about the pending disaster. But he is still asked to leave the room when the president must decide what to do about it. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Facing a ballooning projected deficit from falling oil and gas prices what was a $500 million shortfall, then $600 million and now $700 million Gov. Susana Martinez has directed the heads of state agencies to find and implement budget cuts of at least 5 percent. And while the governor is specifically targeting agency budgets and not the programs those agencies run, New Mexicans are likely in for a bumpy ride. Make that bumpier. As Martinez warns in her letter to departments, this will, of course, likely involve changes to hiring practices, organizational structure, approval of overtime, in-state and out-of-state travel, and a number of other aspects of agency management. Some state agencies already had their budgets slashed earlier this year and some arent the epitome of efficiency as it is. Recent Journal headlines show Taxation and Revenue cant get tax refunds out in a timely manner, the Health Department cant process medical marijuana applications in a timely manner, the Human Services Department cant process food stamp or Medicaid applications in a timely manner, well, you get the idea. So what will a 5 percent cut do? And what if it doesnt end there? Senate Finance Committee Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, warns 5 percent might not be enough. Several state agencies have indicated they can absorb the belt tightening without hurting core missions or day-to-day functions. New Mexicans have to hope so, as too many agencies are already falling short. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. With the bulk of the State Police interview with accused cop killer Andrew Romero tossed from his murder case, prosecutors could face a steep uphill battle. Only six of 51 pages of the interview transcript will be allowed into the trial of Romero, who faces murder and other charges in the May 25, 2015, shooting death of Rio Rancho officer Gregg Nigel Benner, who appears to have been ambushed in cold blood during what should have been a routine traffic stop. Thirteenth Judicial District Judge George Eichwald ruled Tuesday that the interview improperly continued after Romero, who has had plenty of experience with the criminal justice system and has served time in prison, indicated he no longer wanted to answer questions. According to a segment of the transcript: I dont want to talk about that because like anything I say is gonna be used against me in a court, Romero said. So if I say something wrong Im gonna get hanged in the long run, you know what I mean? Prosecutor Barbara Romo argued that Romero never actually asked for a lawyer or invoked his right to remain silent. He was aware of his rights more than the average citizen, Romo said, and yet he continues to talk. However, Romeros public defender Tom Clark told Eichwald that he counted 10 times in the transcript where Romero indicated he did not want to continue the interview. In rejecting the heart of the case, Judge Eichwald gave the benefit of the doubt to a defendant who knows his way around the legal system. At the time of the shooting, Romero was prowling the streets because a judge approved a sweet plea deal that sprang him from jail, released on his own recognizance. Second Judicial District Judge Cristina Jaramillo sentenced him to in-house probation instead of prison time for pleading guilty to four felonies. Romero had also previously done time in prison for killing a man at a party in the South Valley in 2005 and was involved in a shoplifting case in which a security guard died of a heart attack. Romero is also suspected of robbing a Taco Bell less than eight hours before Benners shooting and robbing a Shell gas station seven hours afterward. Which raises the question: Did Romero, a street-wise, seasoned criminal, play the officers? Assuming the judges ruling is correct and upheld if challenged, the public can only hope the mistakes in the interview dont completely gut prosecutors case. Romero has rights, as do all suspects, but it would be sad indeed if a mistake prevented justice in the tragic death of officer Benner. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Nineteen chimpanzees that spent decades in research labs in New Mexico have made it to a forested sanctuary in Louisiana, thanks to a grant by Animal Protection of New Mexico. Rosie, Theo, Opal, Elijah and others suffered years of invasive testing including chemical immobilizations, force-feeding and infections such as hepatitis C and HIV at an Alamogordo research facility. They were later moved to a lab in San Antonio, Texas. An $85,500 grant by the New Mexico Community Foundations Chimpanzee Sanctuary Fund a project of Animal Protection of New Mexico and The Humane Society of the United States paid to move the chimps to Chimp Haven, a 200-acre sanctuary in Shreveport, La., beginning in April. All 19 are at home there now. They are getting the experience of getting to be chimps for the first time in their lives, said Laura Bonar, Animal Protection of New Mexico program director. Rosie in particular, Ive been looking over her medical records for years and knowing her past history with all the liver biopsies and blood draws, the seizures she began having when she was 8 instead of looking at all these grim health records, to be able to see her in sanctuary was almost a surreal moment. During the 1990s New Mexico held the largest captive colony of research chimps in the country, according to Bonar. In 2013, the National Institutes of Health placed strict constraints on chimpanzee testing, limiting research to a single colony of 50 chimps. Then in November last year, NIH Director Francis Collins decided the government would no longer maintain a colony of research chimpanzees. About 140 chimpanzees are still being housed in a research facility in Alamogordo on Holloman Air Force Base. They havent undergone invasive testing since 2001, Bonar said, but prior to that, those chimpanzees endured a gruesome variety of procedures. Animal Protection of New Mexico is turning its efforts toward retiring those chimps to sanctuary, as well. Bonar said she expects NIH to soon issue a formal plan for retiring chimps that remain at labs to sanctuary, and she hopes to see the Alamogordo chimps begin moving to retirement this fall. These chimpanzees have never experienced what its like to live in a normal chimp group, she said. When they get to sanctuary, its about their needs coming first. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary Fund has raised nearly $400,000 to put toward retiring chimpanzees from research facilities. It costs about $15,000 a year to maintain a chimp in sanctuary. SANTA FE The race for secretary of state is the hottest statewide contest on the ballot, but voters who want to see the candidates interact could have to wait another couple of months. Albuquerques Congregation Albert has a debate scheduled for Oct. 16 at which it says both candidates Republican Nora Espinoza and Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver have confirmed that theyll appear. Both are also expected to be at a New Mexico Business Coalition event in Las Cruces on Aug. 25, but thats billed as a Job Interview in which the candidates appear separately and answer questions. Espinoza has criticized Toulouse Oliver, who is the Bernalillo County clerk, for not appearing at two previous business coalition Job Interviews, in Albuquerque on June 30 and in Farmington on July 26. Toulouse Olivers campaign says she had scheduling conflicts. The League of Women Voters had scheduled forums in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces next month but canceled them last week after Espinoza did not respond to repeated invitations to participate. The organizations policy is not to hold forums if one of the nominees doesnt take part. Espinoza said a League forum at which candidates appear together and take turns answering questions from the audience could be an overtly partisan setting because some League leaders and officers had contributed to Toulouse Olivers campaign. Congregation Albert, which has been holding candidate debates for decades, has a format in which the candidates appear jointly, answer questions, and can offer rebuttals. Congregation Albert is the oldest continuing Jewish organization in New Mexico, according to its website. QUESTA Two tragedies struck the village of Questa in recent years: the crumbling of the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, heart of the community for more than 150 years, and the closing of the Chevron molybdenum mine, the communitys economic driver for more than 50 years. Now, Questa is looking to turn negatives into a positive by re-branding itself as something it used to be a quaint little Spanish village tucked away in the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The renovated church, set for a dedication on Sunday, remains as the heart of Questa. And this, will be the soul, Philippe Chino, executive director and project manager of the Questa Economic Development Fund, said, while circling with his finger a visitor/community center on a schematic map for an economic development project designed to revive the local economy. The center is to be called the Resolana, which in Spanish means the place where the sun shines. For visitors, it will shed light on the rich history of the northwest stretch of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Chino says it will also be a place for the people of Questa. The master plan calls for a 16,000-square-foot building to house a coffee shop, community room and library with computer pods. A theater showing videos highlighting historical aspects of the area to visitors by day could also show feature films for the enjoyment of local residents by night, Chino suggested. But it will be up to the community to decide. The next step, Chino said, is a planning process that will involve a series of community meetings. The community will decide what they want from whats expected to be a $10 million investment. Chino, who has been in his position since January, manages a fund that was established by Chevron as economic development seed money to help the community recover from the mines closure in 2014. The company will contribute $320,000 to the fund for each of the next six years. Chino hopes more funding will come from private investors and other sources. Thats on top of the $143 million Chevron Mining Inc. this week agreed to pay the Environmental Protection Agency, pending court approval, for cleanup at the mining site. Chino contracted with Lighthouse Creative, an Orlando, Fla., strategic planning company that specializes in creating interpretative projects in the United States and Europe. The Bethlehem Works Smithsonian Museum of Industry in Pittsburgh and Imperial War Museum in London are examples. The part of the Resolana catering to visitors will highlight Questas history and will focus on the influence Spanish culture has had on the area. Many people in northern New Mexicos ancestors came from Spain, Chino said. The people working on this church, they are really doing what their ancestors were doing many years ago. The areas agricultural history will also be recognized, as will mining. We dont want to leave out 100 years of history, he said, referring to mining operations that have gone on since 1916. Another part of the center will highlight the surrounding Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, newly minted by President Obama. Questa is near and a gateway for the monuments most spectacular feature, the Rio Grande Gorge. Chino says that nearly half a million cars pass through Questa each year, and the Resolana will give them reason to stop. Now we can say, Were the gateway to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and feature that, he said. The Resolana will be a short walk from the church and a pedestrian pathway will connect the soul of the community to its heart, directing visitors to learn more about the church and its recovery. Economic development efforts extend beyond the center of town. Chino said some funds would be used to re-start agricultural activity. We want to go back to what made the community agriculture, he said, citing barley as a potential cash crop. If we can grow the type of barley used to make beer, then we can supply the brewing industry in New Mexico The idea is to replace mining with agriculture. Not only does the scenic byway pass through Questa, so does the Red River. Chino said in 1961, prior to the mining operation, the Red River was the second-most fly-fished river in New Mexico. He thinks it can be again, and the group is working with groups like Trout Unlimited to improve the river for fish habitat. If fishing and hunting opportunities are enhanced more people will be attracted to the area, spawning business. We want to create a critical mass so you have local businesses opening to cater to those operations, he said. It may take 20 years for these types of economic development efforts to take hold. Chino said, Were in the process now of saying, We can dream. QUESTA Miracle is not a word to be tossed about easily, especially in the Catholic community. But some folks say thats what has taken place at the St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in Questa since one wall of the church collapsed in 2008. And, if not a miracle, then surely it involved some divine intervention. Every time we were running low on cash, somebody would come through with a donation, Mark Sideris, the project manager, said of the restoration undertaken almost exclusively by volunteers. In telling the story of how he became involved, Sideris says, God orchestrated it. Sideris, who has 30 years experience doing adobe restoration, just happened to buy a house right next door to the church the year before the wall collapsed. The real miracle, Sideris says, is that so many people came together to renovate the church, even after the Archdiocese of Santa Fe took out a demolition permit to have it leveled. It was such a commitment. The people were so determined, he said. That determination will be acknowledged at noon this Sunday when a Mass of Dedication will be held to reopen the approximately 170-year-old church. I congratulate all those who worked so hard in the restoration of this historical and beautiful parish church, Archdiocese of Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester, who will conduct the formalities, said in a news release this week. Our dedicated St. Anthony and Questa community has proven to serve as a role model of strength and unity, added the Rev. Andrew Ifele, who serves in Questa. Our rebuilt church stands on the shoulders of so many dedicated souls who have tirelessly volunteered their unique treasures to maintain and strengthen the legacy of our deep Roman Catholic faith our ancestors brought to northern New Mexico over 400 years ago. I look forward to a great day of celebration. And there may be more to celebrate than the revival of the old church, described by several people as the spiritual center of the community. Its not just a legacy to our ancestors in the area, said Bobby Ortega, president of San Antonio del Rio Colorado Historical Preservation Group, a nonprofit that took over control of the church several years ago and will turn it back over to the Archdiocese after the dedication. Now that Questa is moving forward trying to create a new economy, we look at this as something that can help drive that. Council takes action Some folks say the village of Questa, a small town located on northern New Mexicos Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in Taos County, suffered two tragedies in recent years. First, the church started crumbling. Then, in 2014, the Chevron molybdenum mine closed, taking with it 300 jobs a lot for a community of 1,700 people. The restoration of the church has helped the community heal its wounds. This shows the resolve of the people, Ortega said. Its one of the most positive things that has happened to the community in a long time. Its brought people together. The community was partly divided over what should be done about the church after the west wall collapsed due to moisture eroding the old adobe bricks. The Archdiocese said it couldnt be saved and was in imminent danger. They wanted to knock it down and build a new one, Ortega explained, adding that the Archdiocese went too far when it got the demolition permit. Acting quickly, the village council responded by declaring the church a historic structure. Thats what stopped it from getting knocked down, he said. While some in the community agreed with the Archdiocese that razing the building was best, a few including Ortega, parishioner and Taos County District Attorney Donald Gallegos, former Mayor Malaquais Rael, and Esther Garcia, who was mayor during part of the tussle wanted to save it. Then-Mayor Garcia arranged a meeting with the Archdiocese in Santa Fe. I didnt hold back, she said. I dont think the Archdiocese understood the amount of faith we have in this community. I dont think they believed we could make this happen. An agreement was brokered. The church was turned over to the San Antonio del Rio Colorado Historical Preservation Group, which was given six years to renovate the church without financial assistance from the Archdiocese. It turns out the work will be completed about a year ahead of schedule. Garcia said that, when former Archbishop Michael Sheehan visited the church after the west wall was rebuilt and the renovation was well underway, he could not believe his eyes. He said, This is a miracle. I cannot believe it, she said, adding that Sheehan later made a generous donation to the effort using a personal check. The now-retired Sheehan, who will attend Sundays re-dedication, could not be reached by the Journal this week to verify the story. Blend of historic and modern Miracle or not, Ortega says restoration of the church is an example of what can be done when people come together, perhaps with a little intervention from above like how it came to be that Sideris got involved. He was sent to us by one of the saints up there, he said, pointing to the heavens. He also credits Father Ifele for his support and continuing to minister to the community by holding services in the parish center the past few years. But most of the credit goes to the volunteers. Thats what this story is about, he said. This would have cost 3 to 5 million dollars if it had been contracted out. This would not have happened without volunteers. It was their blood and sweat that got this done. It wont quite be done by Sunday, with the only thing really lacking an exterior coat of plaster and stucco. But only about $57,000 of hard cash was spent on the restoration. Supporters raised money any way they could: bake sales, car washes and raffles. Sideris, the only one on the project that drew a paycheck, kept a log of how many hours the volunteers worked and the total came to more than 41,000. At $15 per hour, that works out to be more than $600,000 in saved labor costs. His tally sheet also records about $867,000 of in-kind contributions. Add it all up and the job was done for the equivalent of about $1.5 million. Volunteers came from all over. While a core group of about six people showed up every week day, dozens came on Saturdays. One man regularly came up from Los Alamos every weekend. A couple from Durango, Colo., were semi-regulars. Not all of the volunteers are Catholic. Some of the finer details of the restoration were done by local artisans, including carpentry for the light fixtures, the communion rail and altar. Everything was handmade here, Ortega said. He said renowned Spanish folk artist Arlene Cisneros-Sena is making several retablos, devotional paintings of icons derived from traditional Spanish Colonial art, specially for the church. She reached out to us that she wanted to do something for us. It turns out her grandfather is from here, Ortega said. James Cordova, another Spanish folk artist known for his retablos and bultos, wooden sculptures of saints and other religious figures, also has local ties and is contributing pieces, he said. Questas own Marcus Rael, a deacon in the Catholic Church, is leading the production of stained glass windows. A four-foot circular window above the church entrance features a dove in the center. A new window above the altar will depict the resurrection of Christ. While that window and a few other features are new, the church will maintain many original elements. The Ponderosa pine vigas, determined through tree ring dating to have been harvested in 1836, are the same likely hauled down from the forest when the church was originally under construction. Its believed that work on the church continued into the 1860s. Another new addition is the 70 yards of concrete used for a foundation when the east and west walls were replaced. And, of course, the heating and sound systems didnt exist back in the 1800s. So now you have a historic Spanish Colonial church, but with a modern sound system and a modern heating system that should last for many years, Ortega said. This is where people went to have meetings, whether it was about water or land grant issues, said Garcia, the former mayor, who was baptized and married in the church. This will help preserve our culture and history, and we owe it to all the volunteers. It has truly been a work of community and faith. Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal Shocked. Thats the word Public Service Company of New Mexico executive Ron Darnell used to describe the companys reaction to a regulatory recommendation handed down last week, which slashed the companys rate hike request by two-thirds. The recommended decision, by New Mexico Public Regulation Commission hearing examiner Caroline Glick, rejected the utilitys request for an increase of $123.5 million in annual revenues in favor of a dramatically reduced increase of $41.3 million. The PRC is expected to hand down a decision Aug. 31. Part of the difference between PNMs request and Glicks recommendation is due to Glicks decision to exclude from the rate base calculation PNMs purchase of 64 megawatts of power from the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona for $163.5 million. The exclusion decreased the recommended annual rate increase by about $24 million. If approved by the commission, Glicks recommendation would mean that PNM customers on average would see their bills increase by 6.4 percent instead of 14.4 percent under PNMs application. It would also mean severe financial challenges for the utility, according to statements by the companys executives. Its one thing to argue about the valuation of the purchase, said Darnell, PNMs senior vice president of public policy. Its quite another to exclude it entirely. I really dont know how she could have arrived at zero. Glick declined to respond to questions from the Journal, saying through a PRC spokesman that doing so would be beyond the scope of what is permissible in the middle of a case. But in her recommendation, she blasted PNM for the Palo Verde purchase, calling it imprudent. Ratepayers are not to be charged for negligent, wasteful or improvident expenditures, or for the cost of management decisions which are not made in good faith, Glick wrote. PNM made the nuclear power purchase in January to replace some of the energy it will lose from shutting down two units at the coal-powered San Juan Generating Station. The closures are part of an agreement between PNM and the Environmental Protection Agency aimed at reducing air pollution in the Four Corners area. In her recommendation, Glick said PNM failed to prove that the Palo Verde purchase was the most cost-effective choice for replacement power compared to other alternatives, such as natural gas or renewables. Glick pointed to a 2013 PNM memo in which management appeared to indicate that it had purchased the 64.1 megawatts to increase its rate base and earnings, an accusation PNM denied. Of the nine intervening parties that filed supplemental briefs on the Palo Verde purchase, only two New Energy Economy and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority recommended complete exclusion of the purchase, on the grounds that PNM had not provided sufficient financial analysis to show the purchase was reasonable. The others either called for varying amounts of recovery for PNM, though not as much as the company had requested, or declined to state how they believed the purchase should be valued. Mariel Nanasi, executive director of New Energy Economy, said she had anticipated that the hearing examiners recommendation on the Palo Verde purchase would mirror that of her organization. PNM simply had no alternatives analysis. It was an imprudent purchase, she said. PNM argued in the hearing that the analysis would be appropriate in a resource planning or acquisition case, not a rate case. PRC utility accounting bureau chief Charles Gutner, a former PNM employee, had originally filed testimony supporting PNMs request for the full $163.5 million, but his testimony was stricken from the record during the hearing when he changed his mind on the stand to support a lesser number. Gutner told Glick that he had changed his mind as a result of information PNM disclosed during the proceedings. Other exclusions The Palo Verde power purchase wasnt the only major exclusion Glick made from the rate base calculation. She also cut $19.5 million in costs associated with other Palo Verde transactions, as well as $52.3 million in pollution controls at the San Juan Generating Station that some called excessive. While PNM requested a return on equity of 10.5 percent, Glick recommended 9.57 percent. She also called PNMs request to increase a fixed charge for every homeowner from $5 to $13.14 astonishing, and recommended a charge of $7. PNM sought the increase to recover costs that included residential customer billing, meter reading and customer service, according to its application. PNM CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn warned of the problems the utility could face if Glicks recommendation is adopted. PNMs credit rating could be downgraded due to the lack of timely cost recovery and an uncertain regulatory environment, she said in a statement when the recommendation was announced. Customer bills would potentially be impacted because PNM would have to pay more to access capital for improving and maintaining the energy grid. In addition, PNM will be forced to reevaluate its spending for New Mexico infrastructure, operations and in other areas. The day after Glicks recommendation, PNM suspended its request to the PRC to install smart meters, stating in a filing it will need to evaluate the financial implications of the commissions final order in (the rate case), including its potential effect on the companys capital funding priorities going forward. In an earnings call on Tuesday, PNM announced that the companys net earnings dropped 26 percent between April and June compared to the year before, a decline driven by decreased electric demand in the state. A PNM executive said during the call that if PRC did not correct Glicks recommendation with its own decision, the company would immediately appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court. Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal Federal narcotics agents supervising an informant with a violent criminal record who molested a 5-year-old boy and murdered one of his adult relatives cant be sued for damages under current federal law, U. S. District Judge Martha Vazquez ruled this week. But Vazquez, in an unusual addition to her ruling dismissing the $50 million lawsuit, said federal law needs to be changed to hold federal agents accountable for the criminal actions of their informants. The judge concluded that the agents were immune from civil lawsuits under the Federal Tort Claims Act, even though Edwin Quintanas criminal record was so violent that it should have prompted U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents to use greater caution before recruiting and activating him as an informant. Quintanas criminal record at the time he became an informant included offenses such as attempted murder, drug trafficking, weapons charges, false imprisonment, battery and more. The Court emphasizes this problem today as a call for action to hold federal law enforcement agencies accountable for the unimaginable harms to victims such as the (Jason) Estrada family, who will suffer the effects of Quintanas violent acts for the rest of their lives, Vazquez wrote in her formal opinion. Vazquez dismissed the civil lawsuit because federal agents are protected by limited immunity that can be overcome only if the facts presented by the family outweigh a number of strict guidelines laid down by appellate courts. Vazquez ruled that the Estrada familys lawsuit failed to meet those guidelines. Estrada family attorney Erlinda Johnson said she is looking at asking Vazquez to reconsider her opinion or file an appeal. Federal law makes it very difficult to hold negligent federal actors accountable, Johnson said. The bar is set very high. Last year, Quintana, 33, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder for the 2013 beating death of Jason Estrada, who was looking into allegations that Quintana molested the boy. Quintana also pleaded no contest to one count of child molestation. Quintana was sentenced to 21 years in state prison by Bernalillo County District Judge Jacqueline Flores. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Johnson said the complaint shows that federal agents violated state laws and 16 separate requirements of federal guidelines for handling informants. Johnson said Estrada suffered horrible wounds and an agonizing death in front of his young son. The recruitment DEA agents recruited Quintana to be an informant after he was arrested in September 2011 by Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies for possessing 9 ounces of heroin, three stolen semi-automatic handguns and $12,000. DEA agents deactivated Quintanas informant status on April 13, 2013, the day after Estrada was beaten and shot to death in front of family members. Prior to Quintanas drug arrest and recruitment by federal agents, his criminal record included arrests and convictions for domestic violence, battery on a household member, child abuse, false imprisonment, attempted murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, transferring a stolen firearm, arson, battery and trafficking in a controlled substance, according to Vazquezs opinion. Most of the violent crimes were directed at Quintanas own family members. Vazquez ruled that Quintanas molestation of the boy and the murder of Estrada were not foreseeable by agents at the time they recruited him, because they occurred more than a year after Quintana was recruited. Quintana lived with the Estrada family during the time he was an informant and when he began molesting the young boy. The lawsuit raised questions about how DEA agents supervised Quintana after his recruitment, but those were not addressed in the opinion. The Estradas did not know Quintana was a federal informant nor did they know about his violent criminal history, according to the opinion. The Estrada family sued the U.S. government, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the individual agents involved. Quintana was issued a DEA cellular phone when he became an informant and was in possession of the phone when he was arrested two days after Estradas death, according to the lawsuit. Allegedly, Quintana used the phone in planning to assault Estrada. Smack City Quintana was one of several informants used in a DEA drug investigation in Las Vegas, N.M., called Smack City, that led to another federal lawsuit. In that case, Aaron Romero claimed that he was a longtime crack cocaine addict who was so poor he had finally stopped doing drugs for months until a DEA informant not Quintana approached him to broker drug deals in exchange for a portion of the drugs the informant purchased. The lawsuit claimed that reigniting Romeros drug addiction was part of the plan to investigate drug dealing in the area. Romero claimed that DEA agents violated agency regulations in targeting him and failed to supervise their informants. That case was dismissed on the same grounds as the Estrada case, and the dismissal was upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver earlier this year. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The remains of a sailor killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are set to arrive in Colorado Springs for burial. The Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/2aLb2Db ) that Medal of Honor recipient John Charles England died aboard the USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941. His unidentified body had been buried along with hundreds of other shipmates in a Hawaii cemetery for almost 70 years until he was positively identified earlier this year. Englands remains are scheduled to arrive in Colorado Springs on Friday. His granddaughter, Bethany Glenn, says he will be buried with full military honors in a cemetery plot beside his parents, Sam and Thelma England, who purchased the adjoining plot with a headstone that bore their sons name. His graveside funeral service will take place Saturday. ___ Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com LAS CRUCES Dona Ana County Sheriffs detectives are investigating an unattended death at the Dona Ana County Detention Center after a detainee was found unresponsive in the medical unit, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Phillip Carrillo, 38, was arrested Tuesday by Las Cruces police officers for DWI. He had allegedly crashed the vehicle he was driving and was not wearing a seat belt, the release stated. When officers transported him to the detention center for incarceration, Carrillo was refused admission to the jail by staff because of injuries he received in the crash, the sheriffs department reported. Carillo was taken to a Las Cruces-area hospital where he was treated, released and then booked into the detention center in the medical unit shortly after midnight Wednesday. At approximately 11 p.m. Wednesday night, the sheriffs department said, a nurse at the detention center checked on Carrillo and reported that he appeared to be stable. When she returned at approximately 1 a.m. Thursday, Carrillo did not show any signs of life, the release stated. Medics responded to the unit, but could not revive Carillo. According to the release, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Jail supervisors say Carrillo was housed alone, and the entrance to his cell was under video surveillance. Foul play is not suspected, but the case remains under investigation. Carrillos body was sent to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque for autopsy. 2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. People were thrown around like little rag dolls when turbulence rocked a JetBlue flight from Massachusetts to California, a passenger said Friday, in an incident that left more than 20 people injured and forced an unscheduled landing in South Dakota. The New York-based airline said Flight 429 was traveling from Boston to Sacramento with 146 passengers and five crew members on board Thursday evening, when it hit major turbulence and chaos ensued. Passenger Rhonda Lynam said the plane began to rock as it went right through a black cloud. It was like a movie. It was just crazy, Lynam said Friday morning from a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, where the plane was diverted to the night before. We started hopping all over the air, and then all of a sudden, it, like an elevator, just dropped. And when that happened, even people who had their seatbelts on flew out of their seats. I did, my mom did. Lynam, of Pacific, Grove, California, said overhead compartments flew open and luggage tumbled out. She described seeing wallets, sunglasses, sugar packets and other items on the floor when the aircraft landed. She said the seatbelt sign was on when turbulence rocked the plane. We are really sore, we got pretty banged up, thrown around like little rag dolls, she said. We are still kind of in shock. Seven customers and two crew members were taken to a Rapid City hospital by ambulance, and an additional 15 customers were taken by bus for further evaluation. All 24 patients had been released by Friday morning. JetBlue said 122 of the passengers completed their trip Friday morning, landing in Sacramento more than seven hours after their scheduled arrival. National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said the agency is investigating the incident and has requested that flight recorders be sent to its headquarters. Pilots get detailed reports from various metrological services about wide areas with the potential for turbulence. While in flight, they also monitor shared radio frequencies for reports from other planes about the conditions ahead. Pilots will often warn other aircraft about moderate or severe chop at around 35,000 feet. A jet flying behind can ask air traffic controllers for permission to drop to 31,000 feet to try to avoid the worst turbulence. When planes hit extreme turbulence, they usually drop about 40 or 50 feet, although it can feel like more because it happens so quickly and our bodies arent used to the force, said former US Airways pilot John M. Cox, now CEO of the consulting firm Safety Operating Systems. In rare cases, planes have fallen 200 feet or more. Cox said the very best thing that passengers can do to enhance their safety is to keep their seat belts fastened during flight. If the pilots go one step further and ask the flight attendants to also take their seats, Cox added, take that as a significant event and make sure your seatbelt is low, across your hips and secure. Overhead bins are supposed to resist opening in such conditions, but sometimes arent latched closed properly or an item bumps against them, causing them to open, Cox said. ___ AP Airlines writer Scott Mayerowitz contributed to this report from New York. ___ This story has been corrected to show the plane was carrying 146 not 145 passengers, based on new information from the airline. A multiagency crackdown on violent offenders led to charges against more than 100 suspects in the metro area, federal officials announced Friday, describing the monthslong undercover campaigns results as unprecedented. U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez and Thomas Atteberry, the special agent in charge of the Phoenix office of the lead agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced the results during a news conference Friday at the U.S. Attorneys Office joined by heads of other law enforcement agencies. They said the undercover operation targeted Albuquerque because of its statistically high rate of violent crime. Whats unique about Albuquerque is the level of violence here its wide open, said one agent in a later interview. A founder of the enhanced undercover operations team who has participated since the first one was launched in Phoenix in 2009, he said he recalled seeing a man a person he learned had multiple prior convictions openly riding a bicycle down an Albuquerque street carrying a shotgun. Many of the suspects were already on local law enforcements radar, and some had been charged in state District Court, and had been released. But there were some local law enforcement were not aware of, an agent said. Arrests that started July 7 and ended this week yielded charges against 104 individuals. A handful have been released and 10 are fugitives almost all charged with firearms and drug trafficking offenses. Two homicides were also solved during the investigation, Martinez said. Four individuals have been indicted in state court in connection with those deaths. The premise is some individuals commit a disproportionate amount of crime, he said. We can take control This is law enforcement coming together as one to address the problem. The operation began in April with a small team gathering information and conducting analysis to target career offenders using proven strategies from similar surges in other crime-ridden cities, including Cleveland; New Haven, Conn.; Oakland, Calif.; St. Louis; Stockton, Calif.; and Phoenix. This operation, said Will Glaspy of the Drug Enforcement Administration, exceeded all expectations. Officers took 127 firearms, including a number of assault-type weapons. They also purchased and seized more than 17 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 2.5 pounds of heroin, 14 ounces of crack cocaine, over a pound of cocaine and some Ecstasy, and seized four vehicles. The meth was of a purity that suggested it was being sold close to where it was being created, an ATF agent said later. Atteberry said the effort would not have been possible without aid from other state and local agencies, whose representatives stood in a scrum at the front of the room at the news conference. The Albuquerque Police Department, for instance, provided air support and more. A New Mexico State Police tactical unit provided personnel and equipment, especially as the arrests were underway. ATF brought in the best of the best to deal with the worst of the worst, Atteberry said. He said the results were unprecedented. The operation relied on undercover agents and confidential informants, called sources of information. Informants went to houses and apartments in Albuquerques Southeast and West Side, meeting and getting to know past offenders, and sometimes nonfelons, who could provide guns often stolen and narcotics, according to the ATF. That intelligence was shared with undercover agents who analyzed it and ultimately went in with various secret recording devices to establish probable cause for the arrests. We ran into nonfelons going out and buying guns and selling (them) to put on the street, one agent told the Journal. A technical aide accompanied the elite team of some 10 undercover agents, men and women, selected from around the country for what they knew ahead of time would be three or four months of intense work. You need human intelligence, though sometimes its flawed, said the undercover agent. An hour of undercover work typically spells two more hours of paperwork that night. Potential penalties run the gamut and could range from five years on a crack distribution conviction or a potential life sentence for anyone deemed by the court to be an armed career criminal. A separate statute adds consecutive time to the underlying sentence if a firearm is used in a drug-trafficking crime. Charges Charged in 2nd Judicial District Court in connection with two homicides are Daniel Begay, second-degree murder and evidence tampering in the May 31 death of J.S.; Edward James Chavez, first-degree murder of A.S. on June 10-11, felon in possession of a firearm and evidence tampering; Leslie Marie Mora, harboring a felon (Chavez), receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and felon in possession of a firearm; and Dominick Mora-Soliz, harboring a felon (Chavez). CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas A South Texas man who dressed as Santa Claus and made holiday appearances with youngsters is going to prison for a long time after pleading guilty to distributing child pornography. A federal judge sentenced Reynaldo Ramirez to 19 years and seven months in prison. He could have been sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised released. He also must register as a sex offender. The 38-year-old Corpus Christi man pleaded guilty on May 3 in a child porn case involving more than 1,000 images of youngsters on several digital devices. A federal agent also testified that Ramirez admitted to sexually assaulting a 5-year-old child. The New Mexico Public Education Department has taken over the finances at La Promesa Early Learning Center and released a new report that shows a pattern of suspicious transactions at the charter school founded by embattled APS board member Analee Maestas. PED officials made a surprise visit to La Promesas offices at 7500 La Morada Place NW Friday morning and assumed control of its payment and procurement processes. In short, the school now needs the departments approval to spend any money. Curriculum and academics are still managed by school staff. The takeover was spurred by a recent PED investigation launched after Maestas submitted a questionable receipt to the state K-3 Plus summer learning program. Maestas asked for $342.40 in reimbursement for carpet cleaning at La Promesa, but the invoice appeared to have been written over, and the cleaning company reported that it had worked on ducts at Maestas home, not the school carpets. In July, State Auditor Tim Keller said his office had determined that Maestas committed fraud and lied to cover her tracks. La Promesas governing council placed her on paid administrative leave a few days later. PED completed its own review of all La Promesa administrative reimbursements, as well as its K-3 Plus funding. The department report, obtained by the Journal Thursday evening, flagged a number of suspicious financial dealings at the school, including: Maestas acts as chief procurement officer, possibly without proper certification. She was reimbursed $292.25 for a staff Thanksgiving meal, an expense that was listed as Instruction/Other Purchased Services/Other Charges. PED noted that this significant quantity of food was not eligible for reimbursement because it appeared to be a direct benefit to those in attendance. The principal received a $1,635 reimbursement for fencing materials. There is no detailed list of the items, and auditors were not able to determine who had done the work or where the fence was completed. He was also reimbursed $1,320 for 83 library books purchased from a company called Solutions Unlimited. PED couldnt identify the books by ISBN or UPC number. The total amount due is handwritten at the bottom of an inventory sheet. Solutions Unlimited does not have a website, and the phone number listed on La Promesas invoice is apparently for a cell number, which was never answered, according to the report. The companys listed address is a rural residence in Estancia. A third $725 reimbursement to the principal also could not be verified. It reportedly covered Christmas concert brochures printed by Solutions Unlimited, though staff were not able to produce a copy or template. No documentation was provided to show that the principal had made a payment to the company, the report states. School purchases were made on holidays and Sundays when the office was technically closed. Other findings reveal that La Promesas bookkeeping is sloppy and disorganized, with numerous documents improperly classified or lacking necessary signatures. The report repeatedly warns of the potential for inappropriate purchases, unallowable expenditures and fraud, which could affect future federal and state funding. PED spokesman Robert McEntyre said his department takes allegation of misusing taxpayer dollars seriously and will hold anyone accountable for abusing public funds. La Promesa staff and Maestas attorney, Marc M. Lowry, did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. PED has forwarded the report to Keller, the state auditor, who could undertake a complete review of the school. Maestas may face felony charges punishable by up to 18 months in prison for the allegedly doctored carpet cleaning receipt alone. She continues to serve on the Albuquerque Public Schools board. Lekki Lagos, February 1st 2019. Rilla Web Hosting, one of the top players in domain registration and web hosting has announces its full ... The AICPA announced on Tuesday the winners of the Notable Contributions to Accounting Literature Award, presented at the American Accounting Association Annual Meeting in Manhattan. Top honors went to the article "Earnings Quality: Evidence from the Field," which appeared in the Journal of Accounting and Economics in 2013. The honored authors of the article were: Dr. Ilia Dichev, Goizueta Chair and Professor of Accounting at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University Dr. John Graham, D. Richard Mead Jr. Family Professor of Finance and faculty co-director at the Duke Center for Finance at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University Dr. Campbell Harvey, J. Paul Sticht Professor of International Business at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University Dr. Shivaram Rajgopal, Roy Bernard Kester and T.W. Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at the Columbia Business School at Columbia University. The four professors shared an award prize of $2,500. The honor was presented by George Krull, retired partner at Grant Thornton and past chair of the AICPA Foundation. "The winning article of this years Notable Contribution to Accounting Literature showcases the impact of original accounting research," stated Steve Matzke, director, faculty & university initiatives at the AICPA. "By utilizing real-world information, these academics collaborated on a project that will benefit, enhance and advance the efforts of those in our profession." The winning article showed that high-quality earnings are sustainable and repeatable, that 50 percent of earnings quality is driven by non-discretionary factors such as industry and macro-economic conditions, and that lack of correspondence between earnings and cash flows provide helpful red flags to companies. Nominations for the award must have been published from 2011-2015 and were judged based on the uniqueness and magnitude of the article to accounting education, practice and/or accounting research. For more on the award, head to the AAA's site here. BKR International recently presented its annual scholarship awards to honor global accounting students for their individual achievements in the profession. The program awards $3,000 per student toward the cost of obtaining an accounting credential in their respective countries. Since the program's inception in 2012, more than $60,000 has been granted to 22 students in 12 countries. Scholarship recipients are nominated by BKR member firms in three designated regions and approved by the Worldwide Board. The 2016 awards were presented to the following: BKR Asia/Pacific Winner: Cody Beckworth, nominated by AMD Chartered Accountants (Western Australia) BKR Europe/Middle East/Africa Winner: Elisavet Georgiou, nominated by Euroglobal SEE Audit Limited (Lefkosia, Cyprus) BKR Americas Winners: Jai Vankwani and Jessica Munn, both nominated by SF Partnership (Toronto, Canada) The BKR Scholarship program gives us an opportunity to communicate our appreciation to our excellent interns and provide support for them to achieve their goal of becoming a CPA. Thank you, BKR, said Gary Crystal, partner with SF Partnership at the BKR Americas Regional Meeting. Quality people are the pivotal element in growing a successful accounting practice, stated Howard Rosen, BKRs worldwide chairman. "BKR and its member firms recognize how crucial it is to help young accountants around the world who will become our profession's future leaders. BKR International will hold its Annual Worldwide Meeting for all global members in Santiago, Chile, November 12-15 later this year. For more on BKR, head to their site here. Check out a video of the the Americas Region winners below: Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, failed in an effort to recover approximately 1 million pounds on his tax refund from the United Kingdom, showing that Expelliarmus spells dont work with the U.K. tax authorities. A judge on a tax tribunal denied an appeal from Grints attorneys to change the years when he received income to avoid a higher tax rate from HM Revenue and Customs. The U.K. levied a 50 percent tax rate on income earned in 2010 to 2011 in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Grints accountants attempted to move eight months' worth of income to the 2009-2010 tax year, when the top rate was a comparatively modest 40 percent, following the counsel of his tax advisers Clay & Associates, according to the BBC. HMRC agreed the 27-year-old actor had the right to change his accounting date, but disagreed his accountants had managed to accomplish it in accordance with the tax laws. Grint admitted his financial knowledge was quite limited. Judge Barbara Mosedale noted that he placed his faith in his father and accountants to deal with his financial affairs. Grint did not engage in tax avoidance, she acknowledged, as he had already paid the full amount of taxes. Sony MAX2 has ushered in its third year with a refreshed tagline Yaad Rahega. The Hindi movie channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has rolled out its latest campaign to refresh the channels brand ethos Kuch Filmo Ka Jadu Kabhi Kam Nahi Hota. Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, the campaign is a rejuvenation of the brands promise of enriching the lives of todays viewers with the inspiring values and refreshing pure content of iconic films. The campaign went on air on August 10, 2016. Sony MAX2 is engaging in a massive television plan across all genres for over four weeks. The marketing plan also includes print and a digital campaign spread over the next one month. The two short TVCs highlight the magic of unforgettable movies and the impact that these films have on peoples lives even today. It showcases how people savour ageless cinema by celebrating simple yet beautiful moments in their lives. The first TVC shows a family get-together where a young couple celebrates their marriage anniversary and the speech-impaired wife beautifully enacts the all-time romantic number, Pehla Nasha, for her anxious husband and surprises him. The second TVC celebrates the strength of a long-enduring relationship, wherein an old couple shares a light moment with their grandchildren when they are asked about their love affair in their younger days. These TVCs engrave MAX2s refreshed positioning in the minds of its viewers and help the audience develop an instant connect. The channel has also strengthened its content library with classic movies like Julie, Ek Duje Ke Liye, Khatta Meetha, Gharonda, Kasme Vaade, Aap Ki Kasam and many more such to live up to its promise of enriching the lives of todays viewers. Commenting on the latest campaign, Vaishali Sharma, Senior VP - Marketing and Communications, Sony MAX and MAX2, said, Being the leader in its space, MAX2 as a brand has grown and built a strong viewership base for itself. With the new campaign tagline, Yaad Rahega, we aim at strengthening our brand promise by appreciating the magic of iconic cinema. The two TVCs indisputably bring forth the nostalgia of good timeless movies and how they still have the power to impact our present life. With a more robust library in place, its a perfect time for us to refresh our brand imagery. AdGully spoke with Vaishali Sharma to get further insights into the latest campaign as well as the road ahead for Sony MAX2. Excerpts: What is the objective behind launching this new campaign? The objective behind launching a brand new campaign is one we are a very young brand, we are only two years old and we have a very distinct positioning, a very clear content offering in the category where product is generic. We are trying to completely differentiate ourselves and trying to strengthen our positioning from that perspective. So, being a young brand it is good to keep strengthening the position. Therefore, with time we decided to refresh and rejuvenate the brand, without changing the core essence and positioning. Also crucial for us is to continue to drive growth in terms of viewership and highlight the new film properties that we have acquired. From this perspective, we decided to do the brand new campaign this time. What was the brief shared with the creative agency DDB Mudra? The brief was very clear. Since MAX2 is a brand that enriches consumers lives with the magic of films, we wanted to take that forward. The journey of this brand has been about the impact which these iconic films have in todays age. Our lives today are full of complexities. While a lot of things have become better, everything comes at a price. The simplicity of life is something that we have lost the simplicity of moment, simplicity of relationship. Either we dont have the time or dont appreciate what we have. So the brief was very clear how do we discover the magic of life, how do we discover the magic of yesterdays innocence through these iconic films on MAX2. The campaign reminds of ad picks that really inspire us in todays age. It brings alive those moments from the iconic movies of yesteryears which have the capacity or power to really lighten our lives today. How different is the latest campaign from the earlier communication of MAX2? The strategy has not changed because we are too young a brand, we are just two years old and we have a very strong strategy and positioning. It has not changed, but it has been moved forward. So while we have retained the essence of Kuch Filmon Ka Jaadu Kabhi Kam Nahi Hota, today we are saying MAX2 Yaad Rahega. That is what we have changed vis-a-vis the earlier Jab Dekho Tab Naya. Why Yaad Rahega? Because the power, as I have said, of the enriching quality of these movies and how you remember their moments, their dialogues, their stories, and MAX2 is a brand which is creating an aura around them that you will always remember. That is the thinking behind the positioning and the tagline. What kind of overall growth in viewership and demand have the evergreen movies seen? I think one of the things that MAX2 has managed to do is actually rejuvenate a category and take care of the need gap that existed. By launching MAX2, we opened up the category for iconic evergreen classic films completely. I think the growth of the genre, which was at 30 to 50 GRPs, has almost doubled. So really I think we have managed to grow this genre of movies. Average Weekly GVTs: Channel Wk. 41'2015 Wk. 31' 2016 Sony MAX 2 133,485 Zee Classic 120,668 When you talk about evergreen movies, which time period are you referring to? I think everything pre-2000 is actually evergreen. Post 2000 is the millennium era. So, anything pre-millennial we consider to be evergreen. How is MAX2 creating differentiation, compared to channels like Zee Classic and Star Gold? As a matter of fact when MAX2 was launched, Star Gold was not really a competition because at the end of the day, Star Gold is a destination for newer films and movie premieres. There are not too many competitors in this space, but what MAX2 has managed to do is create a very strong identity which is very distinct from the direct competition. So people have a very clear idea of what this channel is all about Kuch Filmon Ka Jaadu Kabhi Kam Nahi Hota. Going forward, what kind of programming strategy do you plan to adopt? Right from the time of our launch, weve always had peripheral programming. We renew it every couple of months, every season we have a fresh round of peripheral fillers like Take 2 and Sitaare. We are coming up with the next season of Lights Camera Kissey with Shekhar Suman. TVS Emerald, the real-estate division of the USD 7 billion TVS Group, has signed a strategic deal with Housing.com, Indias most innovative real estate platform. As part of the deal, Housing.com will be the official partner for TVS Emerald to offer digital marketing solutions to the company for a period of one year. The digital marketing solutions from Housing.com is a specialized offering that covers a wide gamut of services that have been developed in-house for the real estate sector. The scope of this partnership entails content creation and digital media that include a gamut of services like Slice View, AreaWiki, Falcon, search engine marketing, display network, lead generation and lead management. Commenting on the partnership, R Chandramouli , President and CEO , TVS Emerald, said, Within a short span of time, TVS Emerald has become one of the most trusted names in the sector. The objective of this partnership is to leverage the domain expertise Housing.com offers through its cutting-edge digital innovations by helping us reach out to a large number of potential customers in the digital space. Speaking about the partnership, Mani Rangarajan, Chief Business Officer, Housing.com said, TVS Emerald is a leading real estate player in southern India and our association with them is one of our major forays in the region. This is also a crucial partnership for us as we are offering end-to-end digital marketing solutions including lead generation and lead management. We look forward to working closely with the team at TVS Emerald and hope this is the beginning of a long-term relationship. TVS Emerald has successfully completed their first project Green Hills in Perungalathur, Chennai consisting of 448 Apartments and 123 Villas on 15 acres of land. This project is completely sold out and possession was given ahead of the schedule. Currently, TVS Emerald has an on-going project, Green Acres in 18 acres of land in Kolapakkam (near Tambaram), Chennai. Popular actor Shashank Vyas who would be seen ni Yash Patnaik's Jana Na Dil Se Door loves to travel and it is his passion too. Recently the actor who hails from Ujjain went to Himachal Pradesh for the second time and he had a blast. Talking more on his trip Shashank tells," Trip to Himachal Pradesh was quite relaxing especially when your school and college friends accompanied you it becomes more fun. Though the weather was unpredictable it was raining at times and sometime it was sunny. The overall weather was quite cool and pleasant." So how many times you have been to Manali in the past? "This was my second trip to Manali but this time I covered all the places which I did not go during first time I visited Manali, places like Bhagsu, Mcleodganj and Kasol are beautiful." How important is travelling to you in life? "If you ask me what I love the most I would say acting and travelling. Travel gives you so much in terms of learning. This time I did not stay in a luxury resort rather I opted for an average place, also travelled in a local transport to get the real feel of the place. It teaches you the lifestyle of the locals and also as an artist it helps me to observe so many things going around." Shashank also adds,"I agree television medium is very demanding but to take out time and relax yourself is very important plus it depends on the individual. I love to travel and am working on sets for long hours for years which is also stressful so going out and living life away from city noise, traffic and rush I feel is required." Any interesting experience from the trip? "Experience was quite good as I met few people from Israel, it was fun talking to them getting to know their culture and nation. In a way I made friends which is a gain." Talking about the difference in living in Mumbai and spending time on a hill station Shashank says,"It does make a difference of course. Mumbai is a city of dreams so we all are very busy to make our mark in chasing our targets. Hills are for peace knowing yourself better, it's like emptying yourself and just feel the fresh air and connecting with the nature. I try to travel in every six months interval to refresh myself." GANZI, China, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 9, the opening ceremony for the Ninth Kangba Art Festival, themed "Charming Kangba, Holy Home", was held in Ganzi, China. Government representatives from six towns and counties - Ganzi, Aba, Changdu, Diqing, Yushu and Guoluo - located near the juncture of Sichuan, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces, and Tibet Autonomous Region, in addition to local and international tourists, joined in the festivities, dressed in outfits especially worn for the occasion. The ceremony, replete with participants waving hada, a white scarf, as a symbol of friendship, and performing graceful and charming dances, demonstrated the simplicity and authenticity of Kangba culture through the love songs that were handed down through the generations, the tea-horse road - the ancient route along which tea and horses were traded, and the Gesar tradition, in reverence of an ancient Tibetan king, all of which are interpretations and representations of Shambhala, a legendary holy land thought to be located in present-day Ganzi. Chengduvip.cn, the organization responsible for overseas promotion of the event, explained that the three-day festival consisted of a series of events, including a promotional conference on investments being made in Ganzi by leading companies in tandem with contract signing ceremonies for those investments, culturally-themed benefit performances as well as cultural and art exhibitions, attracting many local and international tourists. Brancourt, a Dutch student studying in Chengdu, China, said, "I've never watched such a large-scale ethnically-themed performance before. The amazingness of the Kangba culture came as a big surprise, and people here are very friendly." He immediately fell in love with Ganzi and its capital Kangding, the home of love songs. Located along the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China, Ganzi has unparalleled tourism resources coupled with the mystique of the local natural surroundings and the regional culture which has thrived through centuries of communications with the many ethnic groups inhabited or passed through the area. Ganzi plans to continue driving economic and social development through tourism, with a special focus on turning its tourism resources into advantages for the local economy and population, while attracting tourists from around the world seeking an unusual sightseeing and leisure vacation and investors who have the foresight to see the future that tourism in the area can deliver. Eligible enlisted Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and active-duty Airmen interested in pursuing a medical degree must submit their intent to apply email by Oct. 7 and complete their application for the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program by Dec. 9, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The EMDP2 offers enlisted members an opportunity to complete the preparatory coursework for admission to medical school while maintaining active duty status and full pay and benefits. The program, which incurs a three-year, active duty service commitment, includes coursework in a traditional classroom setting with structured pre-health advising and formal medical college admission test preparation, with classes slated to begin August 2017.Airmen selected for the two-year program will transfer on permanent change of station orders to Bethesda, Maryland, where they will attend school full time at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, where tuition and associated academic costs will be funded by the Air Force.Following successful completion of the program, graduates will apply for acceptance to the USUHS medical school and/or civilian medical schools. Once accepted for an approved medical school, participants will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Medical Services Corps. As fourth year medical students, those lieutenants will be eligible to apply for medical residencies approved by the Air Force Health Professions Education Requirements Board.The program is open to enlisted members from all Air Force specialty codes who meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must be younger than 35 as of June 30, 2017, have at least 36 months but no more than 10 years time-in-service as of Sept. 30, 2016, and have a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.Full eligibility criteria and application guidelines for the program are available on myPers . Select Any from the dropdown menu and enter EMDP2 in the search window.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 KC-46A approved for production The KC-46A Pegasus program received Milestone C approval from Frank Kendall, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, signaling the aircraft is ready to enter into production. Work is now underway to award the first two low rate initial production lots within the next 30 days. "I commend the team for diligently working through some difficult technical challenges," said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. "The KC-46 program has made significant strides in moving the Air Force toward the modernization needed in our strategic tanker fleet." Securing approval to begin low rate initial production required completion of several aerial refueling demonstrations, to include refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III and A-10 Thunderbolt II off the boom, and an AV-8 Harriar II and F/A-18 Hornet off both hose and drogue systems. The KC-46 also proved its receiver capability by taking fuel from a KC-10 Extender. Some demonstrations were delayed due to higher than expected axial loads in the boom. Boeing installed hydraulic pressure relief valves to alleviate loads and last month all remaining demonstrations were quickly completed. "The KC-46 is ready to take the next step," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. "Our Air Force and Boeing team stepped up to meet the recent challenges. I'm especially proud of the employees on the floor of the Boeing plant and employees of all our industry partners, who work every day to deliver game-changing capability to the warfighter. My hat's off to them and our program leads." The Air Force will soon award contracts to Boeing for two lots, totaling 19 aircraft, and associated spare parts for a pre-negotiated $2.8 billion combined value. The first aircraft deliveries will be to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. A total of 18 tankers are scheduled to be delivered by early 2018. "I am exceedingly proud of the KC-46 program office for clearing the production hurdle," said Darlene Costello, an Air Force Service Acquisition executive. "We have crossed an important milestone, and I appreciate Boeing's continued focus as they work to finish development prior to first aircraft delivery." Going forward in the test program, the KC-46 will complete a robust schedule of Federal Aviation Administration and military certification flight testing, including refueling test flights, in order to achieve certification for aircraft in the Air Force and Department of Defense inventory. Michael Hickey/Getty Images(NEW YORK) With Indiana Gov. Mike Pence now in the spotlight as the Republican nominee for vice president, his wife, Karen Pence, brings passion to the 2016 campaign trail with her love of art. Karen Pence, 57, minored in art at Butler University, where she received both a bachelors degree and masters degree in elementary education. Following graduation, Pence taught at local Indiana elementary schools, including John Strange Elementary, Acton Elementary, and Fall Creek Elementary. It wasnt until she had her first child that Pence began painting watercolors. She immediately took a liking to the fast-drying medium, creating paintings of houses and historical buildings. You can paint while theyre napping, she joked to the Indianapolis Star in 2013. In one year alone, she painted 35 paintings and sold them at local art fairs in Broad Ripple and Penrod, Indiana. As her husband served in Congress, Pence combined her passions for art and education with her dedication to public service. In 2008, Pence became the honorary chair of the Art Therapy Committee at the Riley Hospital for Children, the largest childrens hospital in Indiana, and later served as a member of Riley Hospitals Foundation Board. Pence helped raise money for Riley Hospital to hire its first art therapist in 2010, and the program has since expanded to hire two full-time art therapists, according to the foundations Senior Communications Director Laura Neidig. Her goal right now is actually to make sure we always have those art therapists at Riley -- two art therapist positions, Neidig said. Shes working right now on endowing those positions, and she has about a million dollars to go on the endowment. But once the endowment is in place, then we wont have to worry about those positions in the future. As the first lady of Indiana, Pence continued to support the hospitals art therapy program. The Indiana First Ladys Charitable Foundation, which Pence established to support youth and families in Indiana, awarded its first major grant to Riley Hospitals Art Therapy Program in April 2014, totaling $100,000 in funding. What these therapists do for the children and their families is critical to their healing, both emotionally and physically, Pence said at a fundraiser for the First Ladys Charitable Foundation. There is nothing more difficult for a parent than watching a child sick or in pain. The Art Therapy program at Riley Hospital for Children is a blessing for all who are touched by this initiative." Its just like any other kind of therapy a child might get, like counseling, Neidig explained. But they use art as the device to communicate with the child and work through a lot of emotions and fears. Sometimes, its not enough art for real strong art supporters, and people dont think its enough therapy for donors who want to donate to therapy. So its a little bit of a tough sell, Neidig added. The fact that the first lady is behind it is incredible. Its great that we have such a voice for this program. Pence has also lent her voice to other art therapy programs across the country, including Tracys Kids, a nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C., that offers art therapy to children suffering from cancer. Karen is a talented artist, she does realistic watercolor paintings, said Tracy Councill, program director of Tracys Kids. I believe her experience as an art educator gives her an appreciation of the value of art therapy. The art therapy provided by Tracys Kids helps young cancer patients cope with the emotional stress and trauma of cancer and its treatment, according to the programs mission statement. The art therapy is given at no charge to the patients or their siblings, and trained art therapists work with children using a variety of techniques. They use art as the mechanism to draw kids out, explained Matt Gerson, founder and chairman of Tracys Kids. They might ask kids to draw a family portrait, or create a mask. A big thing is to, say, draw a picture of you going in a tunnel and coming out of a tunnel. Tracys Kids originally began at Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University in 1991, but has since expanded to hospitals across the country. While Tracys Kids is not affiliated with Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, Gerson recognizes Pences work in bringing art therapy programs to Indiana hospitals. She has been committed to this, and she single-handedly brought art therapy to Riley Children Hospital in Indianapolis, Gerson said. Shes an artist herself, she totally gets it. Shes the real deal. Karen does it because she believes in the mission and what we do, and its consistent with both her art and her teaching, he added. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A court in China upheld heavy prison terms up to 12 years for seven people convicted of poisoning endangered birds at Dongting Lake and selling them for meat. The intermediate court in central Chinas Hunan Province of Yueyang city ruled against the defendants appeals, the court said today. In March, the Peoples Court of Yueyanglou District, a lower court, found the seven guilty of poisoning, transporting and trading endangered birds. They received prison terms from one to 12 years. The chief defendant, identified by the surname Fang, was given 12 years in prison and a fine of 10,000 yuan (about USD 1,500). Two others, surnamed He and Zhong, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and each was fined 10,000 yuan. Four other defendants received terms ranging from one to six years. The police investigation followed a tip-off from law enforcement officers with the Eastern Dongting Lake Nature Reserve, who found a boat containing many dead endangered water birds including cygnets, spot-billed ducks and herns, on January 18, 2015. The gang had used pesticides to poison and kill more than 60 wild water birds, which are under state protection, and sold them to a restaurant in Changde City between November 2014 and January 2015. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has described US President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as founders of the Islamic State. I made the statement before that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton these are the founders of ISIS. These are the founders of ISIS, because of bad judgment. These are the founders, said Trump in a speech to pastors in Orlando, Florida. Not only his political opponents, but many from his own party and the mainstream media expressed their outrage at such a statement by Trump. But the billionaire from New York continued with his allegations, which has left many a political observers speechless, who believe that the election campaign in the US has never fallen so low. Trump responded to these allegations at his election rallies in Florida. Some are saying, well, thats not very nice. Thats nice. They said it about me, itll be fine. I say something about them, its terrible, he said. I said, they get the most valuable player award. ISIS is going to present them with the most valuable player award, you know, like in high school. Most valuable player, he said. Trump said the US needs to be tough with the ISIS. We dont have tough. We need tough, with ISIS and all of the problems. We need tough. We need tough. And we need smart. But we dont have that today, and we certainly wont have it if Hillary Clinton gets it. Itll be four more years of this nonsense that goes on, he said. In a hard hitting editorial, The New York Times described Trump charges as false. Right now Mr Trump is losing, and this very likely terrifies him. Maybe he doesnt know how to control himself, or comprehend why he should. Or he is simply satisfying his boundless need for attention. But his behavior this week raises a more disturbing scenario. Perhaps he has given up on winning through civil means and does not care about the consequences of his campaign of incitement, the editorial said. But Trump indicated he will not change his style of election campaigning and will win. I think were going to win. I think were going to do, well shes a very dishonest person. New e-mails have come out today. You heard about this whole deal. Now the FBI, it seems, is very upset because they made a recommendation to Justice, and Justice turned down the recommendations. Whats going on now has never been seen, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend an all-party meeting on Friday to discuss the situation in the Kashmir Valley. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Rajya Sabha about this on Wednesday. Singh was speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the Kashmir situation, after which the House unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a return to normalcy in Kashmir. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, earlier on Wednesday, said there is a murder of humanity and democracy in Kashmir and called for integration of hearts for an amicable solution to the crisis. Escalating his attack on the Prime Minister, Azad said he tweets about everything, but not Kashmir. The law and order is not the sole responsibility of the Kashmir Police.the paramilitary forces are also involved. You call Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India, but there needs to be integration of hearts between the people of India and Jammu and Kashmir, he added. The senior Congress leader thanked the Union Home Minister on behalf of the Opposition for allowing discussion on the Kashmir issue in Parliament. There should be an all-party delegation and a meeting that needs to be sent to Jammu and Kashmir. It should be announced during Parliament, he added. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) told the Rajya Sabha if there is a trust deficit, the government has to create an atmosphere of trust in Kashmir. CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury urged the government to discuss the issue with an open mind and listen to all ideas, adding that confidence building is required for the same. Opposition leaders voiced their concern over a month-long curfew in the Valley, and demanded doing away with pellet guns. A woman from Wada taluka here was allegedly raped repeatedly over the past three years by a 53-year-old man from Vasai in neighbouring Palghar district, police said on Friday. According to PSI Arjun Shelke of Ganeshpuri police station, the victim is a labourer with two children and her husband passed away in the recent years while her sexual exploitation was still on. The accused Dileep Sridhar Patil from Binar in Vasai, also a labourer, had repeatedly abused and threatened the victim stating that he would reveal their illicit relations to her husband, police said. Even after the death of her husband, he continued to exploit her and forced her to give into his demands or else he will reveal all to her children, the official said. However, the woman mustered courage and filed a complaint against Patil on Wednesday after police have launched a manhunt for him. Over the years, the accused took the victim to various lodges in Akloli and Vajreshwari and repeatedly raped her, the complaint said. Based on complaint by the victim, police registered an offence and booked Patil under sections 376(2)(n) of the IPC. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that it is up to India to decide what its position will be on the South China Sea dispute. When asked whether he would like to make any statement on China seeking support from India on the South China Sea dispute, Yi said, It is up to India to decide what position to take. Yi will be meeting his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj today and tomorrow. Both are expected to hold talks on various issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming multilateral meetings viz., G-20 Summit being held in China and BRICS Summit being held in India. Foreign Minister Wang last visited India in June 2014. Both Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Sushma Swaraj have been meeting regularly on the margins of multilateral meetings. Most recently, they had met in Moscow during the Russia-India-China trilateral meeting in April 2016. However, according to a report in China`s state-owned Global Times, Foreign Minister Yi may also use his visit to New Delhi to acquire a perspective and an assessment of Prime Minister`s Modi`s prior visits to Vietnam and Laos before landing in Hangzhou for participation in the G-20, ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, which could provide a greater insight into India`s Look East-Act East policy, as also New Delhi`s stand on the ongoing South China Sea (SCS) territorial dispute following the July 12, 2016 verdict of the international tribunal in favour of The Philippines. According to the report, Beijing is viewing Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Vietnam rather closely, given that Hanoi is also a party in the SCS dispute and has also staked a maritime and rich energy resource claim to use of its waters. Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Vietnam on September 2 and 3 to hold bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese leadership, including President Quang and Premier Nguyn Xun Phucon, will be centered on boosting bilateral trade, energy cooperation, oil exploration, defence ties, as also discussions on regional issues of mutual interest to both nations, which could focus on concerns over reported Chinese aggression in the SCS, Prime Minister Modi`s visit to Japan in 2015 and his interaction with Premier Nguyn Xun Phucon in Delhi. Last year`s joint vision statement issued by India and the United States with regard to developments in the Asia-Pacific region could also figure in the talks in Hanoi. As far as the territorial dispute related to the SCS is concerned, New Delhi has been a firm advocate of the Right to Freedom of Navigation for all six countries located in its vicinity i.e. Brunei, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines and Vietnam. India could use this visit to Vietnam to state that China must consider not militarizing or blocking navigation on and through the South China Sea (SCS). WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2016 The National Milk Producers Federation is asking USDA to spend between $100 million and $150 million to buy cheese off the market to help out dairy farmers who are suffering from record low prices, weak exports and strong domestic supplies. In light of the damaging cost-price squeeze affecting many of the nations dairy farmers, I am writing to urge you to examine all available avenues to provide assistance, Jim Mulhern, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The aid could include the direct purchase and distribution of cheese to the needy, as well as any other assistance that could be provided through the Farm Service Agency, the Food and Nutrition Service, Commodity Credit Corporation or other program authorities, Mulhern said in the letter. The USDA is now working with the dairy industry on some form of assistance package, according to one government official who asked not to be named because the details are still being worked out. Mulherns letter was sent a day after the American Farm Bureau Federation wrote to Vilsack asking USDA to spend $50 million to buy up about 28 million pounds of cheese. The NMPF request is substantially bigger and could take as much as 90 million pounds of cheese off the market. Buying and donating that much cheese, Mulhern said in the letter, would remove the equivalent of almost 900 million pounds of milk from the domestic commercial market and that could push farm-level milk prices up by as much as 16 cents per hundredweight over a 12-month period. Mulhern said that would increase incomes for dairy farmers by about $380 million. The primary reason for the large domestic supplies and lower prices is a sharp drop in exports, Mulhern said. China, a key market, has cut imports, and Russia continues to ban U.S. milk. On the supply side, the termination of milk production quotas in the European Union in April 2015 has led to a surge in EU milk production, large stocks of milk powder and increased exports priced at below-cost market clearing levels, Mulhern explained. American-type cheese exports reached more than 25 million pounds per month in early 2014, but foreign sales have barely topped 10 million pounds in each of the first five months of 2016, according to USDA data referenced in the letter. Conversely, U.S. monthly cheese stocks were hovering at about 630 million pounds at the beginning of 2014, but the latest data this year shows monthly stocks reaching nearly 760 million pounds. Another problem, Mulhern said, is rooted in the 2014 farm bills Margin Protection Program. Like what you see here? Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email and Daybreak audio Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website. Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription. We are very appreciative of the improvements that the USDA has made to the MPP to date, he said. However, due to limitations of the program approved by Congress, few dairy farmers have coverage at levels that will provide sufficient support this year. In addition to the financial assistance requested above, we would also ask that the department work with us to identify other potential avenues to further strengthen the MPP. Not nearly enough dairy farmers have been signing up for the MPP, Rep. Collin Peterson, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, said earlier this year. Peterson told reporters in May that he recognized that there was a problem and said he was working with industry representatives to improve the program. #30 For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2016 The White House took an important procedural step toward putting the Trans-Pacific Partnership before Congress, one day after Hillary Clinton made clear that she would oppose congressional approval of the trade pact during a lame duck session. The U.S. Trade Representatives office posted a draft statement of administrative action on Friday, a procedural requirement of the Trade Promotion Authority legislation that was enacted in 2015. The 36-page document includes a detailed explanation of what will be in the implementing legislation, which would make necessary changes in U.S. law to comply with the agreement. The document also describes the administrative actions that will be needed for compliance with the TPP. The implementing bill itself cant be submitted to Congress until at least 30 days after release of the draft statement of administrative action. The White House has not said when the legislation will be released. Are you tracking trade issues? Follow Agri-Pulse for more in-depth coverage. Sign up for a four-week free trial now. Republican congressional leaders have ruled out a vote on the TPP during a lame duck session of Congress. Donald Trump has promised to withdraw from the TPP. Clinton has said she would renegotiate it. I will stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I oppose it now. I'll oppose it after the election, and I'll oppose it as president, she said in an economic policy speech in Michigan on Thursday. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee said Clinton's remarks were her strongest words yet against the TPP. #30 Will you be meteor-watching tonight? We learned this week that the 2016 edition of the Perseid meteor shower, which will continue peaking tonight, will be especially impressive, with as many as 200 meteors per hour streaking through the darkest skies above the United States. We also picked up some Assyrian Refugee Crowned 'Wine Queen' in Germany Ninorta Bahno, an Assyrian refugee from Syria, lives in Germany. ( EPA) (BBC) -- A Syrian refugee has been crowned "queen" of one of Germany's top wine-making regions, the first asylum seeker to receive such an accolade. Student Ninorta Bahno, 26, fled the civil war in Syria more than three years ago. The Syrian Christian was crowned wine queen in the city of Trier, western Germany, in the Moselle wine region near the border with Luxembourg. She said that she hoped the prize would encourage integration. "I want to show that Germany is a welcoming country and that the Germans are very hospitable and work towards integrating refugees quickly and successfully," said Ms Bahno, quoted by Deutsche Welle. "As a refugee, it's very difficult to integrate into a new place at the beginning." Last year, Germany received more than one million migrants, many of them fleeing the war in Syria. Ms Bahno will spend the next year representing winemakers from around Trier at festivals and events. She said that other refugees she had spoken to were "very happy" about her new title. Ms Bahno said she had taken a crash course on local wine-making and that her favourite variety was a sweet Riesling. The tradition of German wine queens dates back to the 1930s. Every September, the wine queens from German's 13 wine regions compete for the title of German Wine Queen. Addressing Challenges and Improving Conditions for Ethnic and Religious Minorities Worldwide Members of minority communities in Iraq, long subject to persecution, have faced an existential threat from the rise of Da'esh. These terrorists overran the once-diverse city of Mosul, the ancestral Assyrian towns of the Ninewa plain, and the Yezidi homeland of Sinjar, and other areas, driving minorities out, killing, raping, and kidnapping as they went. They have targeted Yezidi, Shabak, Turkmen, Shia Muslims, Kurds, Kaka'i, and other minorities for particular brutality, while also committing daily violence against Sunni Muslims. Da'esh has not only killed, raped, and enslaved, its members also have sought to erase the identity of those that they've killed -- to supplant centuries of culture and history with their own ideology of nihilism and murder. As we contend with the ongoing humanitarian crisis and look forward to the day when Da'esh is finally defeated, we also are preparing for the immense challenges that will follow, including the vulnerabilities minority communities will face in the aftermath of this struggle. At the recent Conference on Threats to Religious and Ethnic Minorities under Da'esh, the United States and our international partners discussed how to repair the rich cultural, religious, and social mosaic of northern Iraq. The event focused on finding ways to do what is needed to ensure Iraq and Syria's historic religious and ethnic pluralism remains, and to see that the human rights of all of these diverse peoples are respected, that they are treated as equals, and that they are able to determine the future of their communities. In advance of the conference, representatives of more than 30 governments and international organizations heard from local civil society and human rights heroes about their experiences. We spoke with two of these heroes, Dr. Ali Akram and Murad Ismael. In 2014, Da'esh abducted thousands of women and girls, including Yezidi, Turkmen, and Christian, and has kept many in sexual slavery. Dr. Ali and Ismael are among those fighting for their freedom. Dr. Ali is a neurologist and chief of the Turkmen Rescue Foundation, which documents human rights violations and abuses against Iraqi Turkmen and advocates for their protection. Ismael founded Yazda, a U.S.-based, global Yezidi humanitarian and advocacy organization, when Da'esh attacked on the Yezidi community, including his family, in Ninewa. He serves as the organization's executive director. Listen to their stories here: Two Assyrian Families Returned to Iraq Two families of Christian refugees consisting of 21 and 19 members left Slovakia and decided to go back to their home country. These families came to Slovakia and stayed there after they had escaped Iraqi region Assyria near the city of Mosul occupied by radicals of Islamic State (or Daesh),the SITA newswire reported. "They decided to leave Slovakia mainly due to the condition of elderly members who are quite mentally ill from the life change, arrival to Slovakia and separation from home," Ivan Net August 11, 2016 The Egyptian parliament witnessed a new dispute between parliament member Mohamed Anwar El Sadat, the head of the Human Rights Committee, and House Speaker Ali Abdul Aal on July 25 during a discussion of a bill to amend some articles of the Military Retirement, Insurance and Pension Law that stipulates a 10% increase in the pensions of retired military personnel and combatants. The dispute started when Sadat voiced his opposition to the increase. I emphasize the role our great armed forces play in protecting our lands and preserving stability and security as well as development. I would even demand that military pensions be raised to by more than 10%, Sadat said. However, how can we adopt this increase while we have not even been acquainted with the salaries that the officers take, not to mention knowing the payment system adopted by the military institution? he asked. What do you think of the honorable officers who hold civilian positions either as ministers, governors, mayors or chairmen of companies? What do you think of providing them with pensions? Sadat asked Gen. Mamdouh Shaheen, the representative of the military inside the House of Representatives. Once Abdul Aal heard Sadat, he interrupted him and shouted at him, saying, An officer has the right to a pension even if he holds any civil position. The Supreme Constitutional Court made this clear, and you are not allowed to talk about soldiers who paid the blood tax. When any of our men in the armed forces speak, we should stand in respect and appreciation to them. We should bow our heads in respect and appreciation to our armed forces. The lesson has been learned not only by parliament members but also by anyone who would try to separate the people from the army. The people and the army will remain one hand, added the speaker. This dispute has raised many questions about the actual role of the parliament and its eligibility to refuse or accept any matter that is related to the armed forces. The true role of the military institution was in question, as well as whether it was a separate power that is above accountability, especially as this raise is not the first of its kind. Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi assumed office in June 2014, military pensions for commissioned and noncommissioned officers and personnel have been raised on six occasions despite the budget deficit, the economic crises and challenges the government has been facing. The first time military pensions were raised was when Sisi issued a presidential decree on July 10, 2014, to raise military pensions by 10% under the Retirement, Insurance and Pensions Law of the military. This raise was followed by other ones, with the House of Representatives approving the sixth one July 26, voting to increase military pensions by 10%. The first article of the parliaments internal bylaw states that the parliament members, as representatives of the legislative power, are eligible to authorize the states public policy, the General Plan for Economic and Social Development and the general budget. Therefore, the members have the right to approve or disapprove of any budgets or bills that are related to any institution of the state, including the armed forces. Haitham El Hariri, a parliamentarian from Alexandria, told Al-Monitor that in his view Sadat was not mistaken to have asked his question. Any member of the parliament has the right to pose any question for discussion, as the parliaments role is to [apply] the states public policy, approve of the government and discuss the budget. Therefore, there are no taboos or red lines for a [parliament member] in the parliament, Hariri said. Perhaps some issues require that the discussion not be broadcast on TV. In such case, the speaker should request the press to leave, which is allowed under the bylaws. However, a member of the parliament cannot be attacked in this way under any circumstances, he added. Regarding the constitutional position of the armed forces, the Egyptian Constitution states that the parliament has the right to discuss the budgetary allocations for the armed forces as an institution of the state. Article 203 states that the budget allocated for the armed forces be discussed in the presence of the president of the Armed Forces Finance Authority and the heads of the Budget and Planning Committee and the Defense and National Security Committee. The article gives the president of the republic the right to invite any specialist or expert of his choice to attend the House meeting without having the right to vote. Hariri emphasized the right of every member of parliament to read all the matters related to all institutions of the state, regardless of whether they are the military or the judiciary. I have the right to know the expenditures of the judiciary on salaries and administrative affairs. I also have the right to know the expenditures of the army on salaries or weaponry. Many countries allow their people to know the budget of arming, equipping and training in the most transparent way possible. We are not demanding something that is not done in the countries of the world," Hariri added. Yet Gen. Nasr Salem, the director of military intelligence and reconnaissance, attacked Sadat because of the remarks he made and considered them to be political exploitation for the sake a specific interest. Salem told Al-Monitor that Sadats comments incite strife between the sons of the same country and seek to drive a wedge between the Egyptian people and their army. Salem was astonished by the discussion of these matters in the parliament and in front of media, as they are related to Egyptian national security. An army officer sacrifices his life for his people and pays his blood as a price for protecting the lands of his country. Many of us have died as martyrs and no one knows about it. Many of us risk their lives far away from their families and no one knows about it. The parliament members have to know very well who army officers exactly are before [they] say anything about them, added Salem. In any country in the world, the army gets the highest privileges. If we compare salaries of officers and personnel in the armed forces with their counterparts in all countries, including Arab countries, we will find that they are much less. However, none of our personnel or officers ever talks about it, as they joined the army out of love for their country, not to seek a position or money, Salem said. August 11, 2016 Many of the ideological concepts and doctrines of Hizb ut-Tahrir (Party of Liberation) and the Islamic State (IS) are similar. They both believe in the goal of establishing Islamic caliphate rule and in the strict interpretation of Islamic law. The two groups differ, however, in one major respect: Hizb ut-Tahrir stands categorically against the use of violence and military means to realize its ideals. We are against any use of material means to accomplish our goals, Musab Abu Arqoub, a Palestinian Hizb ut-Tahrir leader, told Al-Monitor by phone from the town of Dura, in the Hebron district. Abu Arqoub, a member of Hizb ut-Tahrirs media office, said that the 63-year-old Islamist party, founded by Palestinian judge Taqudin al-Nabahani in 1953, does not consider the liberation of Palestine its central cause. Our central, existential cause is the re-establishment of the caliphate, and after that we would work for the liberation of Palestine as well as ridding the Muslim world of the pro-Western regimes that are ruling them. With Hizb ut-Tahrir opposed to using violent means to accomplish its goals, the Israelis have over the years largely left the movement alone. The same is true of the Palestinian government, which allowed the group to organize rallies in major West Bank cities this year to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the fall of the caliphate in Istanbul, in 1923. After the death of Prophet Muhammad, various men have been declared caliph, giving them near absolute power in overseeing the Islamic nation. With the demise of the Ottoman Empire following World War I, the era of successive caliphs came to a close. A doctor and an ideologue, Abu Arqoub said that Hizb ut-Tahrir has been consistent in its ideas and methodology since its establishment. We have not changed, Abu Arqoub said. We try to persuade people about our ideas, which are focused on the need to bring back rule by the caliph. Our methodology is simply to convince people of our ideas. Abu Arqoub belittled recent Israeli threats to declare Hizb ut-Tahrir an illegal organization. We are part of an international movement, and anyway, we do not recognize them, he said. The spokesman did not say the word Israel, insisting on referring to it as the Jewish entity. He blamed the latest Israeli effort to declare Hizb ut-Tahrir an illegal organization on a campaign led by the United States and Russia to brand the party a terrorist organization. Israeli Security Minister Gilad Erdan attempted on Aug. 8 to justify moving against Hizb ut-Tahrir by claiming that its members carried out violent acts against Israel, but did not provide any details. Abu Arqoub rejected the accusations. Erdan also justified taking action against the party by attempting to put it in the same category as the violent IS. It makes no sense to allow a group whose ideology is similar to that of IS to operate in Israel, Erdan told the Israeli Channel 10. I intend to do everything in my power to outlaw this organization. Hizb ut-Tahrir has regularly and consistently rejected IS in public statements, speeches and rallies, asserting that the conditions for caliphate rule have not been established. They also vehemently rejected IS methodology, saying it is contrary to Islam. Government and political sources who follow Hizb ut-Tahrir in Jerusalem and Jordan, where it is outlawed, told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that they believe its activists were responsible for the protest that stopped Jordanian judge Ahmad Hleil from delivering a Friday sermon at Al-Aqsa Mosque in May 2015. The official had been invited to speak at the mosque, but was forced to abandon his speaking role because of protests by worshippers. The sources also think the partys supporters are responsible for thwarting Jordanian efforts to install cameras on Haram al-Sharif. Abu Arqoub strongly denied the allegations against his movements supporters. What happened at Al-Aqsa to the Jordanian official is a normal act by Muslims, but it was not an act by Hizb ut-Tahrir, he insisted. Our efforts are restricted to political and ideological issues, not the use of any material [means] to enforce our idea. That Israel and the Palestinian government have tolerated the movement for years is perhaps the best proof that Hizb ut-Tahrir is not a terrorist organization and does not call on its members to carry out violent acts. In fact, Hizb ut-Tahrir is often criticized for not doing anything except talk against Israel. The Israeli military has not considered the movement to be harmful for 50 years, so it is difficult to believe that the party has suddenly become dangerous while its leaders continue to insist that the group continues to act only in a civil manner. Declaring Hizb ut-Tahrir an illegal terrorist organization at this time will certainly not bring an end to the movement, but it might make it more popular than it is today. August 11, 2016 NAJAF, Iraq Iraq's Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi's interrogation by parliament on Aug. 1 has generated controversy on the Iraqi political arena. From the very start of his questioning, Obeidi became the interrogator, hurling accusations at his opponents among many senior political leaders in the parliament. Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, a Sunni who had his share of accusations from Obeidi, left the interrogation session in objection. Obeidi claimed that he had been bribed and pressured to pass corrupt deals and appoint certain individuals as well as those affiliated with a certain political bloc. Obeidi's accusations were hurled at both Sunni and Shiite members of parliament but mainly focused on certain political blocs known for their hostility toward him that led to the previous interrogation sessions. Most of Obeidi's accusations were directed at parliament members for the Sunni Islamic Party, including Jabouri, as well as other Shiite parliamentarians in the State of Law Coalition, such as Alia Nassif and Hanan al-Fatlawi. The interrogation session was viewed as a sign of the serious differences among Sunni politicians, in the words of Badr al-Fahl, a leader in the Sunni National Forces Alliance. Fahl criticized the parliament for carrying out the interrogation at a time it should be preoccupied with the fight against the Islamic State. Following the session, the Sunni-majority Iraqi National Forces Alliance suggested nominating candidates to replace Jabouri, assuming that he would resign or be sacked by the parliament. Parliament member Ahmed al-Jabouri for the Sunni Iraq Coalition Bloc originated the campaign to replace Salim al-Jabouri. Back in April, the bloc announced its withdrawal from the Iraqi National Forces Alliance to form the Reform Front together with other blocs and Shiite and Sunni parties, and demanded the dismissal of the president, the prime minister and the parliament speaker. Ahmed al-Jabouri had nominated himself for speaker of parliament after the Reform Front dismissed Salim al-Jabouri on April 14. However, the Federal Supreme Court revoked his dismissal June 28. Following the interrogation, Obeidi testified before the parliamentary Integrity committee and the public prosecutor on Aug. 4. In response, Salim al-Jabouri filed a lawsuit against him on Aug. 7 for defamation and libel in addition to insulting the sovereign state institutions. Another indication of the deepening split among the Sunni bloc, Jabouri said, came when Obeidi put up a show to thwart the interrogation session with his accusations. He claimed Obeidi has become a tool to ignite conflict among Sunnis. Salim al-Jabouri has gone so far as to accuse Osama al-Nujaifi, the head of the Mutahiddun Coalition, of being behind Obeidi's recriminations in a bid to have him sacked. Nujaifi, however, denied any knowledge of such plots or agendas, saying, Obeidis acts are against corruption. He also stressed that he will not allow sectarianism to be a cover for corruption. Of note, Obeidi is affiliated with Nujaifi in the Sunni political subdivisions. From a Shiite point of view, Obeidis corruption accusations against some parliament members and political leaders were very welcome. Obeidi made a visit to the Shiite-majority Kadhimiya, home to the shrines of the seventh and ninth Shiite imams, on the day of the interrogation and was warmly welcomed with supportive slogans. Obeidi has also received considerable support at the Shiite political level, especially from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who issued an order temporarily banning those whose names were mentioned in the Aug.1 interrogation session from traveling, to better serve the investigation of the allegations and given the seriousness of the charges, according to a statement by Abadis media office. Shiite leaders Ammar al-Hakim and Muqtada al-Sadr both expressed their full support for Obeidi, condemning the blackmail they said he was subjected to by the accused parliamentarians during the session. They called for drastic reforms to combat corruption in the government. Obeidi did not accuse Hakim or Sadrs blocs during the questioning session. Nujaifis camp welcomed the Shiite leaders' support for Obeidi as the news went viral on the social networks and news sites of Nujaifis group. For its part, the State of Law Coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized Obeidis actions during the questioning, calling his accusations an attempt to derail interrogations and saying that his allegations do not exonerate him. The coalition stressed that he should also be held accountable for remaining silent on the corruption in which he was implicated. Some of the cases that Obeidi brought up in the interrogation session occurred more than a year ago. Unlike Abadi, Hakim and Sadr, Maliki remained silent on Obeidi's interrogation, suggesting his dissatisfaction with what had happened. Alia Nassif and Hanan al-Fatlawi, both Shiite members of parliament singled out by Obeidi in the interrogation session, are members of Malikis State of Law Coalition. Several news sites have reported about Maliki's possible involvement with Salim al-Jabouri in his efforts to withdraw confidence from Obeidi, but then things took an unexpected turn. It appears that splits are deepening in big political blocs formed around sectarian identity as their members try to forge cross-sectarian alliances with other political blocs based on common interests. There has also been an alliance formed between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Movement for Change (Gorran), which seems to be a signal to the Shiite coalition, expressing interest in cooperation against the Kurdistan Democratic Party. August 11, 2016 Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads personal letter to US President Barack Obama asking the American president to return $2 billion in Iranian funds blocked in the United States could become a legal headache for the former president, who some believe is eyeing a political comeback. The Central Bank of Iran under Ahmadinejads presidency purchased the $2 billion of US bonds at a time when the country was facing off against the West over its nuclear program. The money was later confiscated and awarded to victims of terrorism by a US court, a decision that was upheld by the US Supreme Court in April. According to current members of Hassan Rouhani's administration, it was becoming increasingly clear Iran would soon face international sanctions over its nuclear program, and many experts advised against the move to invest in the funds. Now, just as Ahmadinejad may want the money retrieved in order to eliminate a potential political attack from his opponents should he or one of his allies run for president in May 2017, it seems some Iranian political figures will use this issue to keep the former president far away from political office. During a Cabinet meeting Aug. 10, President Rouhani said that before the funds were confiscated in 2009 there was a golden opportunity at our discretion to remove all of our money from American access, but it was neglected. Rouhani, without mentioning Ahmadinejads name, said that the judiciary and Supreme National Security Council should investigate the matter. Saeed Laylaz, an outspoken economist, also spoke about the blocked money and Ahmadinejads role. He said that Americas confiscation of the money, and awarding it to terror victims, was an unprecedented act. Laylaz said that had America confiscated US bonds belonging to any other country, it would have undermined Americas credit. However, he said since there has been a global consensus against Iran since Ahmadinejads presidency, such acts have no effect on Americas credit. Laylaz said that the people responsible for allowing the United States to confiscate the funds must be dealt with in the worst possible way, whether it is Ahmadinejad or Rouhani. He echoed Rouhanis comments that there was a 10-month opportunity to pull the money out and even suggested it was intentional to not pull out the money. He added, This act was more treacherous than any betrayal. While there was indeed a national consensus against Iran under Ahmadinejad, the current administration feels that there have been positive results from the nuclear deal. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters that while the US House might pass a bill against Iran, it would not pass the Senate today. Zarif also said that had there been no nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers, Irans oil exports today would be 294,000 barrels a day. However, Zarif conceded that problems remain and will likely remain between Iran and the United States. The Americans by nature are bad toward us, Zarif said. In the last 37 years, enmity and hostility between Iran and America has been proven. August 11, 2016 RAMALLAH, West Bank There was an unprecedented travel crisis at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge during the month of July, when the number of travelers coming to and from the West Bank reached 247,000, according to the Palestinian Authoritys General Administration of Crossings and Borders. The high traffic on the border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan prompted Mohammed al-Hassan, 44, to take advantage of the VIP service at the crossing despite its exorbitant cost of $120-$150 per person. On July 24, Hassan was coming from the United Arab Emirates to the West Bank to spend his annual leave with his wife and three children. Hassan, who works as an accountant in Dubai, told Al-Monitor, I had to take the VIP service, which allows direct access from the King Hussein Bridge on the Jordanian side to the Karameh crossing center on the Palestinian side, despite its high cost, to avoid the wait and fatigue at the crossing, with the hot weather and overcrowding. The VIP service was planned to start during the first half of May, but was delayed for operational reasons. The service was the result of an agreement between the Palestinian Nejmeh taxi service in Jerusalem, an Israeli taxi company and the Jordanian Sahm taxi service in coordination with the Israel Port Authority. The PA has nothing to do with the service. The Palestinian side of the crossing is excluded from the service, a source at the General Administration of Crossings and Borders told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The source said that the VIP service is mostly for those coming from Jordan to the West Bank. Travelers who use the service are transported from the Jordanian side of the King Hussein Bridge to Karameh on the Palestinian side, through the Israeli border control station. Yet it is worth noting that travelers wishing to use the VIP service in the other direction cannot use it all the way from Karameh in Jericho, but only once they pass the Israeli checkpoint to cross to bridge to the Jordanian side, the source noted. The source confirmed that in July, more than 15,000 travelers used this service to reach the West Bank, meaning that the service has already brought in nearly $1.8 million. Some Palestinian politicians and citizens have accused Israel of intentionally causing the overcrowding at the crossing to force travelers to use the VIP service. In an inspection visit to Karameh on July 21, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah accused Israel of full responsibility for the crisis at the crossing points, which include Karameh and the King Hussein Bridge, and for not keeping them open around the clock, despite the Jordanian side's involvement. He stressed that his government rejects the VIP service over its high cost and because the PA was not consulted. The National Campaign for the Palestinians Freedom of Movement (Karama Campaign) claimed in a press conference at Karameh on July 21 that the overcrowding at the King Hussein Bridge and Karameh was a situation created by Israel to force people to use the VIP service. Nazmi Muhanna, the director-general of the PAs General Administration of Crossings and Borders, told Al-Monitor, The VIP service involves private companies that operate in coordination with the Israel Port Authority. The PA is not a part of this service, and there is no political decision to be part of it. He said, There are many reasons preventing the operation of this service at the Palestinian Karameh border crossing, including the lack of a political decision by the Cabinet and its high cost. This is why travelers arriving and departing are dealt with under the regular procedures. The VIP service allows travelers to save time and be more comfortable. The average travel time from the West Bank to Jordan, under normal circumstances, is about four hours, at an average cost of about $60. Each traveler has to pay a departure tax fee of 153 shekels ($40) divided between Israel and the PA, at Karameh on the Palestinian side, and a $1 fee for each bag. There is also a transportation fee of 23 shekels ($6) per person. Then the passport is stamped and the traveler is taken in a bus to the Israeli side, passing through security gates. Once the passenger arrives to the Israeli side, the passport is checked and the passenger is allowed to board another bus bound for the Jordanian side. After the passenger's passport is stamped and he pays an entry fee of $14 to Jordan, he is allowed to enter the country. Youssef Mahmoud, a spokesperson for the Palestinian government, told Al-Monitor, The government rejects the imposed Israeli measures on the movement of citizens at the crossings, including the VIP service. [The PA] has demanded that Israel halt this service or hold consultations over its details to ensure the citizens freedom of movement at an acceptable cost and level of safety and comfort. Mahmoud said that the government demanded Israel keep the crossings open around the clock and review the service in consultations with the PA. Jamal Shukair, the director of public ground transportation at the Palestinian Transport Ministry, told Al-Monitor that no company has obtained a license to join the service on the Palestinian side. Shukair said, The company operating as part of the VIP service, the Nejmeh taxi service, was licensed by the Israeli authorities, since it is based in Jerusalem, and the Palestinian government has no authority over this company. He added that this service cannot begin operation at Karameh without a decision by the Palestinian Cabinet and an announcement of tenders in the newspapers. The crisis at the border crossings has embarrassed the Palestinian government in the eyes of the public and has pressured the PA to find appropriate solutions. The crisis is expected to continue at the crossings until after the Eid al-Adha holiday on Sept. 11, the end of the summer holidays for students and summer vacation of visitors from the diaspora. August 12, 2016 In early July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a plan to grant Turkish citizenship to Syrian refugees, saying he had instructed the government to start working on the issue. Several days later on a flight from the NATO summit in Warsaw, he told journalists that Syrians in Turkey, numbering some 3 million, could be offered lodgings built by the Housing Development Administration through a favorable payment scheme of small monthly installments. The plan to naturalize Syrians and lodge them in government-built homes sparked objections from the opposition and civil society groups, with many suspecting that Erdogan had ulterior political motives. Around the same time, the government had announced another controversial plan to grant work and residency permits and Turkish citizenship to foreigners who buy real estate in Turkey and pledge not to sell it for five years, who buy treasury bonds and pledge to keep them for at least five years and who keep foreign exchange above a certain amount in bank accounts for at least three years. The plan, an attempt to lure foreign capital, sparked accusations that Turkish citizenship had been put on sale. In a matter of weeks, however, the July 15 coup attempt which the government blames on the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its aftermath have turned things upside down. Alarmed by the course the country appears to be taking, many Turks are now scrambling to buy property abroad, relocate to the West or buy foreign citizenship. Consultancy firms report a five-fold increase in such inquires since the coup attempt. Only a month ago, Turkeys construction and real estate sector had brimmed with optimism over the prospect of a sales boom to foreigners, driven by the citizenship incentive, with some estimating potential revenue of $200 billion. Today, however, both those expectations and the controversy over naturalizing Syrians have been put on the backburner. Talk now is not of foreign cash flowing into Turkey, but Turkish money fleeing abroad amid fears about the countrys future. Even before July 15, Turkeys political and security woes had fueled a pronounced trend of Turkish citizens seeking better futures abroad. The United States topped the list of destinations for Turks looking to emigrate, buy property or start businesses with a view toward acquiring residency permits and citizenship. The trend was driven by fears that Turkey was headed for one-man, authoritarian rule as Erdogan advanced oppressive and polarizing policies, persecuted and jailed journalists and intellectuals and soured relations with the West, including the European Union. A string of bloody terrorist attacks by the Islamic State and Kurdish separatists further compounded fears. In May, US-based consultants, speaking to Voice of Americas Turkish service, reported a boom in the number of Turks exploring options for obtaining green cards, residency permits and other opportunities in the United States through the purchase of property and commercial investment. More than 100,000 Turks were reported to be living in Miami alone, with the numbers steadily on the rise across the rest of the United States. The coup attempt and the ensuing state of emergency seem to have greatly amplified this trend, as Turkeys leading financial daily, Dunya, reported this week. Representatives of international real estate agencies told the paper that inquiries by Turkish nationals seeking to buy properties abroad in anticipation of relocating had increased up to five times since July 15. Some companies have had to reinforce staff to cope with the soaring demand for appointments. The number of people asking questions online increased to between 500 and 600 per day, one agency manager said. About 4-5% make appointments and come to the office for further consultations. The United States, Canada, Spain and Britain top the list of countries where Turks are seeking to buy properties and relocate. The EU countries of Ireland, Portugal, Latvia, Greece and Malta offer citizenship or residence permits to foreigners who purchase properties worth between 250,000 and 500,000 euros or buy bonds of at least 150,000 euros and keep them for five years. German immigration authorities, meanwhile, say asylum requests by Turkish citizens are also on the rise. The number of applications totaled 1,719 for the first half of the year, close to the numbers for all of 2015 and 2014, which stood at 1,767 and 1,804, respectively, according to Deutsche Welle. Following the coup attempt and the ensuing crackdown, Cem Ozdemir, the co-chair of Germanys Green Party, urged EU countries to support Turkish political dissidents and consider an admissions program for journalists, artists and academics. Echoing Ozdemirs concerns, Pro Asyl, a German migrant rights group, warned that post-coup persecutions could spark a migration wave to Europe. Turkey-EU tensions are on the rise in the wake of the coup attempt, threatening to derail the deal to stop the flow of Syrian refugees to Europe, which is linked to a plan to grant Turks visa-free travel to the EU. European fears of a migration wave from Turkey might further hinder the visa waiver provision. In sum, Ankara, which until recently was busy planning the naturalization and accommodation of Syrian refugees, now faces the prospect of losing its own citizens and its local resources flowing into properties abroad. Since July 15, the government has taken a number of steps to try to allay fears and thaw the polarization that has gripped the country for so long. Yet, Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have cast out the Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party, which inspires little faith that their fence-mending effort is intended as lasting policy. August 11, 2016 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly told the world and his people that the words Islam and terrorism should not be used together, because Muslims cannot be terrorists. Indeed, Erdogan has insisted that students who attend Turkey's religious imam-hatip high schools would never become terrorists. Yet the man Erdogan accuses of masterminding the July 15 coup attempt is none other than the president's former close friend and ally, Fethullah Gulen, a Sunni imam. This has made the situation rather uncomfortable for the president and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Acknowledging that Muslims might deliberately hurt and even murder other Muslims is not easy in general for the majority of Turks, so what can be done to address this uncomfortable reality? The easiest solution would be to resuscitate an answer that Turks have used in the past that is, declare the enemy to be non-Muslim and foreign. In this case, the Armenian has once again emerged as the imagined culprit, invoked to help Turks assuage their troubled conscience. Thus, several pro-government figures have concocted allegations to christen Gulen an Armenian. Such accusations were voiced prior to July 15, but have since been embellished. For example, on June 6, the pro-AKP Ottoman Clubs (Osmanli Ocaklari) proclaimed Gulen an Armenian, citing branches in his family tree and his background. Others claimed that the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terror Organization, a term Ankara uses to refer to Gulen followers, was influential in the German parliament's June 2 decision to recognize the Armenian genocide. At a pro-democracy rally held July 19, Kocaeli Buyuksehir Mayor Ibrahim Karaosmanoglu told attendees, The fact that they [Gulenists] have infiltrated several key positions in the bureaucracy is a shame for us. They cannot be [trusted to be] teachers. They cannot be anything. They hide themselves so well, they can even trade their honor to reach a key position. Indeed, various figures, including professed historian Kadir Misiroglu, have alleged that Gulen's father is Armenian and his mother is Jewish. Misiroglu also claims that Gulen belongs to a community in which Jews have (somehow) become Armenians. Ultranationalist figures have also contributed their share of such allegations. In addition, numerous newspaper opinion pieces continue to warn dubiously against the Gulen movement. For example, Yeni Soz columnist Can Kemal Ozer wrote, Gulen's mother is a Jew, and [his] father an Armenian. He is the devil, who was brought up to seek revenge upon our people. He is not a Muslim, but a member of the Vatican Council. Another columnist made mention of a few terror organizations, including the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and argued that they are Armenian establishments. As these articles and others began circulating on social media, a few lone voices struggled to stand up against such hate speech. One anonymous person tweeted, [To claim] Gulen as Armenian is not a nuance or observation. It is the foundation of a process known as elimination and extermination. While watching the largest rally in Turkish history at Yenikapi, Istanbul, on Aug. 8, several observers tweeted about the deep-rooted xenophobia oozing from the rhetoric of the country's political leaders. One tweet, with a photo of religious leaders attending the Yenikapi rally, observed, It is as if we have invited these men [in the photo] to offend them. Nationalist Action Party leader Devlet Bahceli referred to those deemed to be the (non-Muslim) enemy and a threat to Turkey as Byzantine seeds. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim resorted to crusaders' army, and Erdogan described them as a flock of infidels. The worrisome part is not only that Turkish leaders freely utter such hateful rhetoric, but that it has become normal in contemporary Turkey to do so. As abhorrent phrases filled the air, millions cheered in Yenikapi, and only a handful even realized the offense. Amid this feverishness, one must, however, ask, how could Armenians be culprits in the crimes for which an Islamist group, the Gulenists, has been accused? Murat Bebiroglu, a senior editor of the Armenian online publication HyeTert, told Al-Monitor, Starting in 1878, the image of the Armenian community in Anatolia switched from a nation of trust to a nation of [a slur]. That is, if you want to belittle someone, you call them Armenian. If you want to badmouth someone, call them Armenian. He said, In a society where 99% [of the population] is said to be Muslim, it is seen as better to target your anger at 40,000-50,000 people rather than a larger group. Remember, when the PKK leader was caught, he was declared Armenian, [and] whenever PKK terror spikes, different papers start Armenian bashing. Whenever the going gets tough, Armenians become the easy and readily available target. Bebiroglu, a member of the dwindling Armenian community in Turkey, clings to black humor. He said, In a sense, we were relieved when we heard several commentators also claim that Gulen is Jewish, not just Armenian. Could there be a worse image in the eyes of Turkish society than being not only Armenian, but also Jewish? The sad part is these allegations are accepted by a significant portion of society and fuel further hatred against the minorities. So a sobering question remains: If you are not a Muslim, can you still be a Turk? The answer seems to be that in the view of some, anyone who is not a Muslim is a potential threat to society. Turkey has recently suffered from simultaneous attacks at the hands of the PKK and the Islamic State and allegedly the Gulenists, the latter two of which are openly Islamic entities. Pro-government pundits are spinning their wheels to find ways to undermine support for these groups. They still lack the means, however, to explain how strains of Islam can threaten society, so they take the easy way out by fanning the flames of xenophobia. In the short term, Armenophobia becomes a valuable accomplice. Without accepting full responsibility for its role in the expansion of the Gulenist movement in Turkey, and without acknowledging the organization's Islamic outreach at home and abroad, can the Turkish government truly take on the Gulenists? As convoluted as allegations that Gulen is Armenian might be, they are also quite scary when combined with the suggestion that the state and society will be wiped clean of all Gulenists. Turkish policymakers should surely recall from history the failures when states have tried to ensure domestic security by demonizing segments of society. The hateful rhetoric invoking Armenians or any group unrelated to the Gulenists will inevitably become the most difficult obstacle in the battle against curbing the Gulenists' strength. August 11, 2016 Although he brought together a million people at an Aug. 7 rally in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still doesnt feel safe in his own country. He might feel safer in Russia, although the countries were on the brink of war after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet Nov. 24. Fearing an assassination attempt after a July 15 coup attempt, Erdogan's entourage took a roundabout air route Aug. 9 on its way to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Journalist Fikret Bila conveyed the mood on Erdogans plane: Security officials crossed Turkey in fear, but were able to relax a little in Russian air space. Erdogan certainly didn't arrive in a position of strength. After the coup attempt, Erdogan found he could not obtain the public support he wanted from his NATO allies, who condemned the massive purge he imposed. And so, Erdogan went to Russia as the needy one. "Czar" Putins facial expressions while welcoming "Sultan" Erdogan told everyone who has the upper hand. And Putin fully intends to play it. The starting point of Turkey's crisis with Russia was the Syrian war. Reconciliation with Russia no doubt will require a change in Turkey's Syrian policy. Erdogan's previously smug attitude toward Putin's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been the first thing to go. Erdogan used to ask what Russia was doing in Syria. Before his trip to St, Petersburg, Erdogan told Itar-Tass news agency, The most important and key actor to achieve peace in Syria is Russia. If Russia is the key actor, where does that leave Turkey? No doubt, as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said when predicting the outcome of Erdogan's visit, charter flights will resume between Russia and Turkey; construction of the nuclear power station at Akkuyu, Turkey, will speed up; and work will start on the Turkish Stream pipeline that will carry Russian natural gas to Europe. But Putin, by underlining that full normalization will take time, was telling Turkey he hasnt forgotten the plane that was shot down. Those who know Putin well frequently say, "He never forgives. He takes his revenge." Better not forget that. Developing economic and political peace with an important neighbor is a reasonable strategy for Russia, which is badly pressed by Western sanctions. This strategy might not sever Turkeys ties with its traditional alliances, but it certainly won't make it easy for NATO to enhance its presence in the Black Sea and south Caucasus. On the other hand, it is also vital for Turkey to reinstate its interests in Russia at a time when the Turkish economy is showing signs of trouble. But this exchange goes beyond the economy. Erdogan has on many occasions proved his skills in "blackmail politics." By showing his Russian card to the United States, European Union and NATO allies, Erdogan is basically saying, "Either you learn to live with a Turkey with Erdogan, or you will lose Turkey." Putin knows all this. He knows Turkey will not cut its ties with NATO and the EU under the circumstances. Shanghai Cooperation Organizations door, which Erdogan sometimes points to as an alternative, is not as wide open as some think. Putin, who has been telling Iran to wait, has no intention of carrying Turkey to Shanghai. Putin has the better cards to play and will try to distance Turkey from the West and, as the price of normalization, will ask Ankara to modify its Syria policy. He will not allow Erdogan to close the books by simply saying that the July 15 coup attempt showed the Gulenists are trying to disrupt Turkey's relations with Russia and blaming them for shooting down the Russian plane. And of course, no one expects Erdogan to revise his narrative from murder Assad to our brother Assad overnight. Comments by parties in St. Petersburg indicate the issue is a sensitive one. Both men know their differences on Assad. But both have the same goal: democracy in Syria. They say they will seek a solution that works for both of them. Toward that end, Cavusoglu said a tripartite mechanism is being established that will include foreign affairs, army and intelligence teams. A Turkish team flew to St. Petersburg on Aug. 10 for this purpose. Cavusoglu said the team members have a common understanding on Syria that seeks a cease-fire, humanitarian assistance and a political solution. The problem is how to make the deeds match the wishes. Some of the items to be considered include the following: Turkey wants the siege of Aleppo lifted. Russia, however, says a humanitarian corridor has been opened and rejects Ankaras claims of civilian hardships. Turkey opposes attacks on moderate opposition groups. Russia simply says, Tell us where not to hit. Both countries emphasize a political solution for a democratic order, but Turkey insists on Assads departure. Just as Turkey is trying to enjoy a reconciliation with Russia, groups supported by Turkey launched their heaviest assault in five years to break the siege of Aleppo. Just as Turkey was bargaining with Russia on not putting Turkey-supported groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra and Ahrar al-Sham on its target list, another development broke out: Jabhat al-Nusra announced it is ending its affiliation with al-Qaeda and will henceforth be called Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (Conquest of Syria Front). Turkey and Qatar, and their key Syrian proxy, Ahrar al-Sham, were pressing Jabhat al-Nusra to change its name. They felt that if Jabhat al-Nusra cuts its ties with al-Qaeda, the road will be open for it to enter alliances with other armed groups and also receive foreign assistance. But the attempted image change did not fly with the United States, Russia or Iran. Putin is not expected to comply with Turkey's requests, as Erdogan has come to him from a position of weakness. So, how long can Turkey continue with this game? Erdogan will have to make changes to satisfy Russia, but he has his own misgivings. He has obligations to his friends in the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia. He doesnt want to destroy those ties while building new ones with others. Turkey is also worried about the kind of blowback experienced in Afghanistan. Turkey, which failed to heed warnings, is responsible for the rise of a Taliban along its border. One more critical issue: Ankara considers the Kurds more dangerous than the Islamic State. Ankara is furious about the partnership the United States has entered into with the Kurdish nationalist Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its military wing, the People's Protection Units, and is aware that Russia is trying to keep Kurds on its side. It was Russia that created breathing space for the Kurds at Aleppo and Afrin against attacks by Turkey-supported groups. Russia allowed the Syrian Kurdish PYD to open an office in Moscow. Russia has no logical reason to give up the Kurds to the United States just to keep Ankara happy. Dont forget, even before Turkey shot down its plane, Russia did not interfere with Kurdistan Workers Party activities in Moscow. In short, Russia believes the success of its military intervention in Syria depends in part on Turkey keeping guns and militants from crossing Turkey's borders. It sees the toll of shooting down a Russian plane as Turkey ending its support of armed groups and cooperating fully with Russia toward a political solution. All this will require Turkey to terminate its hostile policies toward Syria and the Kurds. Otherwise, hard feelings are likely to recur. Since Erdogan's meeting with Putin, Turkish media has been carried away with headlines such as A new page, Stronger than before and Russian spring. But Russias expectations from this "new page" go beyond the economy and all the way to keeping Turkey as a spoiler in NATO and making sure Turkey toes Moscows line in Syria. August 12, 2016 SANAA, Yemen In the mid-1990s, satellite dishes on the roofs of Yemeni houses indicated that the owners were well-off and in possession of the latest TV technology. Two decades later, in 2015, solar panels started becoming part of the skylines of cities and villages. While satellite dishes were initially only visible in posh neighborhoods in big cities, solar panels appeared in record time in rural and urban areas, on the roofs of the rich and the poor. With the start of the civil war, solar panels found their way into the country fast. On March 23, 2015, Sanaa experienced a major power outage. The Marib power plant, which supplies Yemeni cities with energy, went out of service. Consequently, the generator business flourished for a while. But in an unstable country like Yemen, one cannot guarantee that generators which run on fuel will remain functional at all times, especially with the increasing fuel prices and a lack of fuel every once in a while. Yemenis were thus left with the option of solar energy, a power source not used before in the country. In this regard, an official from the Yemeni customs authority in Sanaa told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, In 2015, the importation of solar panels from India and China through the two outlets controlled by the Houthis Sanaa airport and the port of Hodeidah amounted to $40 million, while the cost of importing batteries and wires reached $90 million. It is noteworthy that no specific party is in charge of the importation of solar panels, and traders import the panels mostly from China. When al-Qaeda took control of Mukalla in April 2015, the capital of Hadramawt province in southern Yemen, the extent to which solar panels were imported was not documented, but it was clear that the importation of panels was thriving since tax elimination encouraged traders. The equipment needed for the installation of solar panels such as the panel, batteries and electric wires flowed around the same time through the port of Aden and al-Tuwal port, which connects Yemen to Saudi Arabia. Both outlets are under the control of forces backing President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Mustafa Nasr, the head of the Studies and Economic Media Center in Sanaa, told Al-Monitor, I received information from an important trader in the country indicating that the value of the solar energy equipment that has entered Yemen since 2014 exceeds $2 billion. Jalal Mohammad, a manager with Tagadod Organization in Shuub, east of Sanaa, told Al-Monitor, Energy is expensive in Yemen for people looking for an alternative source of power. The value of household installation reaches $5,000. But China, which is saturating the Yemeni market with most of its products, has found solutions even for the poor. Mohammad said, Two or three lamps lit by a small battery or a solar panel that is a bit bigger than a textbook are enough for some people. This costs $21, and for the poor it is a fair solution as opposed to candles. Mohammad al-Hatami, the owner of a small grocery store in Sanaa, told Al-Monitor, I cannot afford to buy a solar energy installation that can operate three fridges in my shop. I gave up selling juice and cold water, and I am just lighting the place. There are five lamps with a power of 10 watts each that work from sunset to dawn. He added, In the morning, I turn the panel that is 1 meter [roughly 3 feet] long and half a meter wide to face the sun. In the evening, the battery is recharged fully to light the store. Because solar energy panels have become popular, their sale is no longer restricted to traders and specialists. For instance, a pharmacist in Dar Salam, south of Sanaa, sells medicine and solar energy panels of different sizes. In Sanaa's Mogadishu Street, which is the largest market for laptop traders, solar energy panels appear next to laptops. It seems that these traders have found a substitute for their declining trade. Zakarya al-Kamali, a journalist for Anadolu Agency and a solar energy user, told Al-Monitor, Yemenis did not resort to solar energy sources in search of clean and alternative energy. It was rather out of necessity imposed by the war after more than a year of power blackouts. He added, This alternative service succeeded in maintaining Yemenis contact with others and saving them from darkness. But it did not compensate for the states power current. Heavy-duty professions such as carpentry and the production of aluminum windows cannot operate on solar energy. Besides, houses that have the needed lighting during the evening hours cannot rely on solar panels to operate the water heater in cold provinces or air conditioners in coastal areas. While solar energy offers a partial substitute for state power for citizens, hospitals and factories are suffering amid the power cuts. Sanaa resident Mohammad Amer told Al-Monitor, A doctor at al-Thawra hospital in Sanaa which is the biggest state hospital in Yemen asked me for 20 liters [5 gallons] of water to wash and sterilize surgery equipment that she was to use to operate on my wife who was about to give birth to our first child. He added, At the beginning of May, she [the doctor] told me that there was no water at the hospital due to power cuts. It is noteworthy that supplying water to the hospital requires power to operate a dynamo, which drains water from the hospitals well to big containers on the roof of the building. This power service is among the few services that the internationally recognized Yemeni government offers its citizens; without it, nothing is stopping the citizens from rebelling against the decisions of the government in the future. Mokhtar al-Rahbi, the former press secretary to Yemen's president, told Al-Monitor, The Houthis who took control of Sanaa on Sept. 21, 2014, are to blame for the current situation in Yemen. He said, It is only normal to discuss the rebellion of the people against their government due to a lack of services. But if the government provides services, there will be no problem. The citizens are thirsty for a state after the bitter Houthi experience. Before the outbreak of the civil war in September 2014, Sanaa received around 18 hours of power daily. In early July 2016, transformer stations in Sanaa supplied several neighborhoods in the capital with around four hours of power every five days. Electricity is crucial for Yemenis, especially in coastal regions that rely on air conditioners with temperatures that can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Power is also required in hospitals, universities and other organizations. Until the government regains control of the Yemeni territories, the users of alternative energy in Yemen will keep hoping that the sun shines on so that they can charge their batteries. Rogue One.jpg "Rogue One" opens in theaters on Dec. 16, 2016. (Disney) (Jonathan Olley & Leah Evans) Reports that Disney ordered reshoots on the first-ever "Star Wars" standalone movie "Rogue One" this summer certainly worried some, but honestly, it won't matter. Are you skipping a new "Star Wars" movie? No. No, you're not. We could know going in that we'd get something worse than the prequels, and we'd buy scalped tickets for the midnight show. So regardless of any production turmoil, consider us as pumped as ever for "Rogue One," whose newest trailer dropped during NBC's Summer Olympics coverage Thursday night. In a heady marketing move, Disney dropped the new trailer while American swimmer Michael Phelps competed for another gold medal during primetime hours. But whatever, Michael Phelps, let's get to "Rogue One." By now, you know the story. Following the foundation of the Galactic Empire, a wayward band of Rebel fighters comes together to carry out a desperate mission: To steal the plans for the Death Star before it can be used to enforce the Emperor's rule. It stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker and Mads Mikkelsen. Gareth Edwards (2014's "Godzilla") directs. You can't help but get pumped. The first trailer has scenes of the Death Star, a Rebel spy, X-Wing fighter references and stormtroopers. What more do you need? As for the newest trailer, we'll just let you watch, and only say it looks great and you might recognize the guy in the final shot. "Rogue One" will be a prequel 1977's "Star Wars: A New Hope," described on the official "Star Wars" website as "the story of unlikely heroes who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star." "Rogue One" hits theaters Dec. 16, 2016. Watch the latest trailer below: The Alabama Supreme Court today denied a hearing on appeal for a pastor who was locked out of his church and fired last year, according to court records. The Rev. Wilson Fallin Jr., 73, was fired last year after 28 years as pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Brighton, according to court records. He filed a lawsuit challenging the firing, saying it was not done according to church bylaws. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Eugene R. Verin dismissed the lawsuit on June 25, 2015. Fallin's attorney filed an appeal, which the state Supreme Court declined to hear. "I'm not concerned about that," Fallin told AL.com today. "After having worked at so many jobs, my church decided I needed to give up the church work." Fallin said he filed the lawsuit because the firing was handled incorrectly. "I did want it done right," he said. "I didn't think it was done right." Fallin is also a professor of history at the University of Montevallo and has been president of the Birmingham-Easonian Baptist Bible College in Powderly for more than 42 years. Fallin now says his firing from the church turned out for the best. "It's been a blessing," he said. "Keeping up the pace I was doing would have affected me." Fallin continues to preach at other churches. "I preach pretty much every Sunday somewhere," he said. During his tenure at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist, Fallin led a building project for a $1.1 million new sanctuary 15 years ago. That project still isn't paid off. "It created a little stress," he said. Though he thinks his firing was not handled in accordance with the church bylaws, he doesn't have any hard feelings, even though church members changed the security code so he couldn't return to the church. "I don't have any grudge," he said. "My only contention is let's do what's right." Fallin is keeping busy, preparing to teach a "History of the South" course at the University of Montevallo this fall, along with night courses in Old and New Testament at the Bible college. "You take what the Lord has left you with and go on," Fallin said. Fallin previously served for seven years as president of Selma University and for 20 years as pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Bessemer. On Saturday, Christians will gather in Hayneville for the 20th annual Jonathan Daniels pilgrimage to remember the civil rights martyr killed in 1965. Jonathan Myrick Daniels, a white Episcopal seminary student, was shot to death in Alabama on Aug. 20, 1965, when he stepped in front of a shotgun blast aimed at black teenager Ruby Sales. "I think most of the people who listened to Dr. Martin Luther King's call for assistance and came to Selma were not aware of how dangerous it was to their lives to do that," said the Rev. Doug Carpenter, author of "A Powerful Blessing," a biography of his father, Bishop C.C.J. Carpenter, who was bishop of the Diocese of Alabama from 1938-68. "Jonathan Daniels knew he was in danger," Carpenter said. "He may not have known at first, but he learned how dangerous it was. He can clearly be called a martyr. He knew it was dangerous. He stayed. He's rightly honored." Last year, Daniels was memorialized with a stone monument in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Daniels was the third person memorialized with a bust in the Human Rights Porch of the National Cathedral. The other two are Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa. Daniels, of Keene, N.H., was a student at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass. Daniels was one of 30 people arrested Aug. 14, 1965, for joining a picket line in Fort Deposit on charges of "parading without a permit" and "picketing to cause blood" -- later changed to disturbing the peace. Bail was set at $100 apiece, and the activists decided none would leave until all could be bailed out. On Aug. 20, Daniels and his companions were unexpectedly released from they Hayneville jail, though no bail had been paid and no arrangements made for their pickup. Four of them walked to Varner's Cash Grocery, where they were met by a man with a shotgun. Daniels pulled aside Sales, then a teenager, and shielded her from the first shotgun blast. Richard Morrisroe, then a 26-year-old Catholic priest, was wounded by a second gunshot. Thomas Coleman was acquitted of manslaughter by an all-white jury. Morrisroe later left the priesthood, got a law degree, married, had two children and went to work for the Chicago Transit Authority. Sales was 17 at the time Daniels was killed. She has become a nationally-recognized human-rights activist and social critic and the founder and co-director of Spirit House, an organization that promotes a spiritual approach to racial, economic and social justice. The annual pilgrimage honoring Daniels begins at the Courthouse Square in Hayneville on Saturday at 11 a.m. The procession will go to the old county jail where Daniels and others were detained, then will move to the former site of Varner's Cash Grocery Store where the shooting took place. The procession will return to the Courthouse Square for prayer at a memorial erected in his honor by his alma mater, the Virginia Military Institute. The pilgrimage will end at the Courthouse where a service of Holy Communion will take place in the courtroom where the man who killed Daniels was tried and acquitted. The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, assistant bishop of the Diocese of Alabama, will preach. The U.S. Episcopal Church in 1995 placed Daniels in its book, "Lesser Feasts and Fasts" to be honored as a martyr on Aug. 14 each year. "It calls us to remember the sacrifice of someone who laid down his life for his friends," said Carolyn Foster, one of the organizers of Saturday's pilgrimage. "To remember how far we've come, how far we have to go." Donald of the Dead mock_cover.jpg Donald of the Dead (c/o Will Nevin) Depending on your particular political perspective, Melania's plagiarism, Ted Cruz's non-endorsement endorsement speech and the Donald's own "I alone can fix it" aristocratic proclamation were either trivial asides, irritating inconveniences or a further sign that 2016's electoral apocalypse was simply continuing in Cleveland as it had during all of the primary season stops of Trump's flamingly unordinary presidential campaign. But what if the disaster (here, clearly going with the most liberal interpretation) at this year's Republican National Convention had been much more literal? And entirely more undead? "Donald of the Dead," a comic book that's both a loving homage to George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" zombie universe and a not-so-loving Trumpian satire, is the (ahem) brain child of California-based writer Dan Taylor and artist and Alabama native Chris Fason, a pair of creators who have worked together for 15 years and now find themselves opposed to Trump's insurgent political movement. "The possibility of reality TV star Donald Trump becoming the actual president of the United States is not only stranger than fiction," Taylor said in an email, "but extremely terrifying." Fason similarly said in an email Trump was "something else," a "showman" and a "shyster." "Who knew that preying on the weakest of our fears and bigotry could be a red carpet walk to the GOP nomination?" said Fason, who lives in Odenville and works in advertising in Birmingham. "It's fascinating. To paraphrase Lt. James Gordon, 'He's the president America deserves, but not the one it needs right now.'" "Donald of the Dead" will soon conclude a successful Kickstarter funding campaign that netted more than $3,000 to cover the comic's printing costs. (The campaign is still accepting donations until Tuesday, and any additional money will go to a larger run and better quality paper, Fason said.) From the pages the pair have already finished, it looks to be a bizarre, bloody romp starring a malformed, push-pop colored Trump -- a clever, calculated and insane response to a political season that long ago abandoned any pretense of normalcy. The book Taylor, who runs his own independent publishing company GeekPunk after working as an editor for comic publisher IDW, said the idea behind "Donald of the Dead" began with trying to write a prose novel he would have called "Dystrumpia." However, he abandoned the project because, as Taylor said, "writing novels is hard," and he turned to a collaboration with Fason, whom he had already worked with on their superhero-spoofing comic "Hero Happy Hour." "Every time Trump opens his mouth and says something so outrageous that I wish I had thought of it, I try to figure out a way I can spin it into the 'Donald of the Dead' comic book," Taylor said. "At first it was funny. We all thought there was no way in heck that Donald Trump would make it as far as he has, let alone be the Republican nominee for President of the United States. "Now it's just scary. And, I think in part, that's why I opted to set aside the 'Dystrumpia' novel for the 'Donald of the Dead' comic book. His campaign for presidency and as far as he has gotten has truly become too close for comfort. It's already bleak and scary enough. You can be scary in comics, but it's a fun kind of scary, so that makes it okay. I didn't want to write another depressing post-apocalyptic novel." The end result, Taylor said, is a story with a narrower scope that focuses on a Trump-initiated zombie outbreak at the GOP convention that pits the nightmarish horde against four arena workers -- a Muslim woman, a gay Hispanic, a black retired cop and a stoner janitor -- who are "all Americans who would not willingly be in the middle of a Republican National Convention, let alone a zombie apocalypse," Taylor said. Fason, who said his artistic style is "a somewhat cartoony version of modern, traditional American comics," said it was tricky to capture the features of Trump's "weird" face while staying consistent with the rest of his work. "Pre-zombie king, he's just a caricature," Fason said. "When it came to ugly-ing him up, I try to keep with Trump's bone structure while bugging his eyes out and sinking in his cheeks and puffing out his throat like a Cheeto-dusted bullfrog. It's all about finding the inner zombie lizard king to match his natural outward greasy, orange ghoulishness. "Also, baby hands. My 3-month-old son is the perfect hand model." The politics While Taylor and Fason are both opposed to a Trump presidency, neither are particularly excited with the idea of a Clinton win. "I'm okay with Hillary," Taylor said. "Truth be told, I wish President Obama could run for another term or two. Years down the line, at it might be many years, I believe most -- even if it's only 51 percent of the nation -- will come to realize that Obama was one of the best presidents we had. "When I say 'Thanks, Obama,' I mean it -- sincerely." Fason said he supported Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Party primaries until he "caved" and endorsed Clinton. "I wouldn't say that I agreed 100 percent with Bernie," said Faison, who's now considering voting for a third party candidate. "But he seemed like the kind of candidate that I could feel comfortable knowing that he would do his best to keep his word and not steer us into madness." But in 2016 there will be no Sanders in the general election -- only Trump, Clinton and a litany of minor candidates to attract the disaffected remains of the voting population. And as far as the Republic's chances for tumbling into "madness" go, Fason said he didn't think Trump would win. "I've got to have more faith in people than to believe that will happen," Fason said. "If somehow, some way he does win the presidency, he steps down for Mike Pence within the first 100 days. Or, y'know, zombie apocalypse." This week in Bat books It was one of the best post-Rebirth "Detective Comics," and DC went all-in on "All-Star Batman." Overall, a good week for the Caped Crusader. ALL-STAR BATMAN #1. DC. Written by Scott Snyder. Art by John Romita Jr., Declan Shalvey, Danny Mikki, Jordie Bellaire and Dean White. Writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo became so closely associated with their New 52 run on "Batman," it was difficult to imagine either man stepping away from the title, and yet, both left -- Capullo to do non-Bat things for a bit and Snyder to create "All-Star Batman," a new monthly (instead of the Rebirth era's twice-monthly norm) series that will use a rotation of artist and spotlight Batman's deep roster of villains. The first arc for "All-Star" features Two-Face, with Batman taking him on a road trip to cure him or at least make Harvey Dent more like Harvey Dent. However, Two-Face (in a plot reminiscent of "The Dark Knight") calls upon the citizenry of Gotham to stop the journey for lots and lots of money. Save for a curious twist, it seems derivative, but I'm not going to fault Snyder because the art here is something else -- like an indie comic almost. It might not be the freshest story, but overall, it's the freshest Bat-book to come around in a long time. Generalized Unique Emoticon Scientific Score: :-O, B-), 0.0 ALL-STAR BATMAN #1. DC. Written by Scott Snyder. Art by John Romita Jr., Declan Shalvey, Danny Mikki, Jordie Bellaire and Dean White. DETECTIVE COMICS #938. DC. Written by James Tynion IV. Art by Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez. Finally, the emotional heft in "Detective Comics" is catching up to its breathless action with this week's book and it's look at the relationship between Batwoman/Kate Kane and her father, Col. Jacob Kane -- the man behind the paramilitary attacks on Batman and the rest of Kate's superhero squad. It's a good look at the dynamics in the Kanes' relationship, and the colonel looks like a man of reason when he could easily be portrayed as just another moustache-twirling heavy. Again, easily one of writer James Tynion IV's best efforts on "Detective Comics." GUESS: :'-(, :-), D: DETECTIVE COMICS #938. DC. Written by James Tynion IV. Art by Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez. Dispatches from the battlefield: This week in Marvel's Civil War II This week, we begin our circle back to the death of the Hulk with "The Accused." (Strangely, not "Civil War II: The Accused." Nope -- just "The Accused.") Next week, we get the other side with "The Fallen." THE ACCUSED One shot. Marvel. Written by Matthew Marc Guggenheim. Art by Ramon F. Bachs and Garry Brown. This one-shot, which falls nicely in the cracks of the main "Civil War II" book, is an interesting look behind the scenes at Hawkeye's trial for murdering the Hulk, but I'm not sure if it's as smart as it aims to be. Sure, most of A.D.A. Matt Murdock's courtroom-speak is nearly right, but it's the burrs in the writing that stick out -- like when writer Matthew Marc Guggenheim uses the word "prejudge" (huh) when he meant to use "prejudice." Still, it's a good read that finally explores the similarities in Hawkeye's decision to shoot Bruce Banner before he fully turned and the greater ideological thought crime issues in "Civil War II." The strangest thing in this issue, though, is an entirely-too-late callback to the first Civil War which suggests some strange things ahead narratively. GUESS: !:-), :-/, Hmmmmmmm THE ACCUSED One shot. Marvel. Written by Matthew Marc Guggenheim. Art by Ramon F. Bachs and Garry Brown. Other new and notable books of the week RINGSIDE #6. Image. Written by Joe Keatinge. Art by Nick Barber and Simon Gough. "Ringside" is not so much a book you read -- it's something you feel. Whenever Danny Knossos, the former professional wrestler turned drug lord's enforcer and go-fer, gets even the least bit ahead, you're happy for him. When he suffers, you feel that too, especially in a book as dark as this one. In the beginning of the second arc for the series, Knossos is practically an indentured servant, having given up his freedom in exchange for his boyfriend's life. In #6, we see Knossos and Teddy settle into a life with unease just under the surface because Danny now does bad things for bad people simply because he loved Teddy. It's that kind of emotional body blow that comes at you repeatedly in this book, and #6 saved its best punch for the last page. I can't say enough good things about this emerging masterpiece. GUESS: :'-(((((, *fire emoji*, ^5 RINGSIDE #6. Image. Written by Joe Keatinge. Art by Nick Barber and Simon Gough. Picks for next week "Civil War II: Amazing Spider-Man" #3, "Civil War II: Choosing Sides" #4, "The Fallen" #1, "Throwaways" #2, "Lucas Stand" #3, "Brik" #2 The former activities director for an Etowah County ranch for at-risk boys pleaded guilty this week to multiple sexual abuse charges. Roy Dean Pruett, 63, of Gadsden, entered the pleas on Tuesday and was sentenced today. According to the Etowah County District Attorney's Office, jury selection in Pruett's trial was to begin this week. He faced three counts of first degree sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old and two counts of first degree sodomy, with the cases involving three male victims. According to the deal, one charge of sexual abuse was dismissed at the request of the alleged victim. Pruett pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree sodomy and three counts of first degree sexual abuse. According to the plea agreement, Pruett was sentenced to 20 years for sodomy and 10 years for sexual abuse. The sentences will run concurrently, and Pruett will be required to serve a five-year split sentence. Pruett was arrested in July 2014 for incidents that happened while he was activities director at Eagle Rock Boys Ranch, a home for "at risk" youth. His investigation began after the Etowah County Sheriff's Department and the Alabama Department of Human Resources received information that a young man said he had been abused by Pruett while he was living at the ranch. Prosecutors said several boys who lived at Eagle Rock Ranch between 2011 and 2014 were interviewed. Four of the boys said Pruett took them from the ranch to the house he shared with his elderly mother overnight, where he sexually abused them. District Attorney Jody Willoughby said it was "a difficult choice" for the victims and their families to accept the plea agreement. "These young men were here and prepared to testify about abuse that occurred when they were absolutely powerless to defend themselves," Willoughby said. "This was a difficult choice, but we all agreed that this guilty plea served our primary goals of protecting these children from additional trauma, and ensuring that this defendant serves time in prison, and is a registered sex offender for the rest of his life." Assistant District Attorney Carol Griffith said it "took courage" for the victims to report their abuse. "Because of them, there may be others who find that courage within themselves," she said. Jordan Distance FILE- In this March 31, 2016, file photo, Baltimore Police Department Officer Jordan Distance stands on a street corner during a foot patrol in Baltimore. Baltimore police officers routinely discriminate against blacks, repeatedly use excessive force and are not adequately held accountable for misconduct, according to a harshly critical Justice Department report being presented Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) (Patrick Semansky) Baltimore was a mess. If you don't live there, or have no affinity for the nation's 26th most populous city, then you may have glossed over or missed altogether the damning, 163-page report released by the Department of Justice on Wednesday outlining the deep and profound "systemic failures" within the Baltimore Police Department, many of which violated the U.S. Constitution. Among the, well, low lights: * Officers excessively and disproportionately targeted African-Americans for traffic stops and "street clearing" pedestrian stops, many of which "lacked Constitutional justification," according to DOJ Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta. (Only 3.7 percent of the department's 300,000 pedestrian stops between 2010-May 2015 resulted in a citation or arrest. And local prosecutors rejected 11,000 charges made by BPD officers due to lack of probable cause or because they "did not merit prosecution.") * Of the 410 individuals stopped more than 10 times, 95% were African-American; one individual was stopped more than 30 times. * Officers were allowed to commit crimes without prosecution or even investigation because the department was "plagued by systematic failures." Internal affairs took an average of eight months to complete investigations and made no finding at all in two-thirds of the cases, meaning no punishment was made against the officer. * Officers traded sex with prostitutes in exchange for not arresting them, or for drugs or cash. * Complaints against officers were regularly classified incorrectly "to mask misconduct". For example, a sexual assault was filed as "misconduct/improper search" and "discourtesy". The report's findings were similar to those offered in DOJ reports on police departments in Cleveland and Ferguson, Missouri following the deaths of 12-year-old Tamir Rice and Michael Brown, respectively, at the hands of police. (Ferguson police officer Darrin Wilson was exonerated in the 2014 shooting but a subsequent DOJ investigation revealed significant racial bias by local police and that poor and minority residents generated most of the court system's revenue.) All of the reports affirmed what black citizens in that predominantly black city have known for years: that they were unfairly and often illegally targeted by a police department that overlooked its own misconduct and eschewed accountability -- scoffed at it, in fact. It's also what black and brown people nationwide have known for years. And what many blacks and Latinos in cities across America still know (or at least perceive) every day as they try to go about their lives. It's what many African-Americans feel right here, too, in Alabama. Blacks in Mobile especially, but also in Birmingham, have variously expressed frustration with the local police and, in some instances, the lack of accountability regarding alleged misconduct following numerous incidents between police and African-Americans, some of them deadly. Now, before some of you start filling the comments section of this story and my email box with charges that I'm anti-police, hear this: police leaders in many cities nationwide are proactively affecting important change in their departments and trying to repair their relationship with citizens. Some, like Dallas Police Chief David Brown, have already done so. In this Dec. 16, 2016 file photo, Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Kevin Davis speaks at a press conference, in Baltimore. Stepping in as top cop after Anthony Batts was fired for his handling of the unrest provoked by Freddie Gray's death, Davis pledged to implement significant reforms while remaining loyal to the officers he commands. Davis overhauled the department's 2003 police on use of force to include de-escalation tactics and emphasize "the sanctity of life." (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) Baltimore's Police Commissioner Kevin Davis stood tall behind the DOJ official as she essentially undressed his department, then he supported its findings. In an email to officers Thursday he said: "I am 100% confident that we can implement necessary reforms in our agency, while at the same time continuing to proactively fight crime, get guns off the street, and remove violent offenders from the City's neighborhoods. "Community policing and proactive crime fighting are not mutually exclusive." In Cleveland and Ferguson, police departments--from the top brass down to the rank and file--are collaborating with independent authorities and local citizens to reform policing. They've made positive strides toward improving their practices and policies, elevating accountability and boosting the relationship between the police and the communities they serve. "There is a recognition in the department and community that the philosophy of the [Cleveland] monitoring team is that we're not here to do this consent decree to you, or to do it for you," monitoring team member and policing expert Sean Smoot told cleveland.com. "We're here to do it collaboratively with you." In Ferguson, United States District Judge Catherine Perry, upon approving the reform agreement between the DOJ and the city said: "I think it's in everyone's best interest and I think it's in the interest of justice." Other cities, too, such as Albuquerque and Seattle, have engaged in similar police reform agreements. Sometimes with mixed results and missteps along the way, but at least they're trying. This summer, after recuperating from severe knee construction following an injury at the Regions Tradition in May, Birmingham Mayor William Bell repeatedly promised to make the city's force "the best in the country"--complete with better training and increased accountability. In Mobile, tensions are high after the shooting death of 19-year-old Michael Moore on June 13. Quickly thereafter, the city asked the DOJ to conduct an investigation of the incident, though not a comprehensive study, which is what I am talking about here. Since then, there have been heated debates between some city council members and city leadership over the need for a police advisory group. Let's get the DOJ down here, please, for a soup-to-nuts look at how our police are doing--from Huntsville to Mobile. The good, the bad and everything in between. Let's invite them before they invite themselves. The most valuable aspect of the studies is that the voluminous data--unvarnished, unbiased and stark-in-its-truth data--helps us all stop shouting. Data bears no rhetoric, no finger pointing, no irrational flailing of line-in-the-sand opinions. It helps us know definitively where we've been, and what we've done--all so we can know definitively where we need to go. Data about the behavior of some of our police departments may surprise us, in a positive way. It may reveal that while they're not perfect, they're perhaps better than we thought--though, yes, still in need of improvement. Or it may tell us what many citizens believe: that we're in dire need of real change--systemic change that impacts every level of the department. Either way, it would be wonderful to know. Before we have to know. The Better Business Bureau for central and south Alabama has issued a warning for an online retailer named Hero Tees. The Anniston-based company sells clothing and other merchandise aimed at veterans, first responders and those who wish to support the armed forces, the BBB said. Hero Tees has a F- rating with the bureau and has received almost 200 complaints in 43 states since March. The company only responded to 50 of those complaints. Most of the complaints said that customers placed an order and made a payment, but never received their purchases. One person, who made a complaint in June, said that he or she placed an order for a sweatshirt in April. As of June 29, the product had not been shipped. "These people are ripping people off. Their site should be shut down for being fraudulent," the customer wrote. The person also said that the number listed on Hero Tees' website is not a working number. Some customers said they placed orders nearly six months ago and haven't received their items. Hero Tees' website said the business ships its items "same day" but some items may take up to three weeks to receive. The website said all items are made in Alabama. The BBB attempted to contact the company before issuing the consumer warning, but were not successful. "The BBB is advising consumers to be cautious when doing business with internet merchants that they've never dealt with before and to research online retailers prior to making a purchasing decision," the bureau said on its website. state house mug by julie.JPG (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) Gov. Robert Bentley, who said a year ago that lotteries were as old-fashioned as leisure suits, now says they are the best remaining option to boost funding for important state programs, especially Medicaid. State lawmakers return to Montgomery on Monday for a special session to consider the governor's proposal for a lottery to raise money for the state budget. Previously, Bentley has said he did not oppose a lottery proposal going on the ballot for voters, but was not a proponent of a lottery as a way to fund government. Bentley has turned to the lottery after lawmakers rejected most of his other proposals for addressing the perpetual problem with state funding. Bentley proposed tax increases in 2015, but most died. Earlier this year, he proposed a plan to move money from the education budget, but lawmakers did not go along. Medicaid, which serves about one million Alabamians, is the agency with the most urgent need, officials say. A plan to revamp Medicaid into a managed care system with regional organizations has been in the works for more than three years but is on hold because of a funding shortfall. In April, the Legislature overrode Bentley's veto and passed a budget that appropriated $700 million from the General Fund to Medicaid for the budget year that starts Oct. 1. The agency says it needs $785 million to maintain services at the current level. It has already announced cuts in payments to doctors because of the shortfall. If the Legislature approves a lottery proposal by Aug. 24, it would go on the ballot for voters in the Nov. 8 general election. Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, will sponsor Bentley's proposed constitutional amendment in the Senate. It calls for the establishment of a state lottery to be run by a seven-member commission, with members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The amendment would also allow the state to enter agreements with multi-state lotteries, like Powerball. Proceeds from the lottery would go to the state General Fund, which means legislators would determine how the money is used. McClendon will sponsor a second bill for a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery and also allow gambling machines called electronic lottery terminals at the state's four greyhound tracks, in Greene, Jefferson, Macon and Mobile counties. McClendon's second bill also differs from the governor's in that it would designate some of the lottery revenue for the Education Trust Fund. And McClendon's second bill proposes an $85 million bond issue to cover the Medicaid shortfall, with lottery revenues paying off the bonds. It takes 21 votes in the 35-member Senate and 63 votes in the 103-member House (there are two vacancies) to approve a constitutional amendment and forward it to voters. Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, said he does not think there will be enough agreement among competing factions to pass the legislation. Waggoner said he expects senators who want to including gambling at the dog tracks will filibuster against a lottery-only bill, and senators opposed to expanded gambling at the tracks will filibuster if that's included. "It's just a hodge-podge and I don't think they can get 21 votes," Waggoner said. Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, leader of the Democratic minority in the Senate, said he does not support the lottery-only plan. Ross said the question of whether to expand gambling has been a major topic in the state for years and should be addressed more comprehensively. "If you're going to give the citizens of Alabama an opportunity to deal with it, you deal with it all at one time," Ross said. Ross said a proposal allowing expanded gambling at the tracks could provide revenue to the state more quickly than a lottery, which would take some time to establish. Democrats hold only eight seats in the Senate, but some of their votes might be needed to reach the 21-vote threshold. Bentley will release the special session call on Monday. That's the resolution that specifies what topics he wants covered in the special session. In addition to the lottery, Bentley has indicated he also wants legislators to consider a plan to designate the use of $850 million the state is scheduled to receive from BP over about the next 17 years. The money is compensation for economic damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, chairman of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, said he will introduce on Monday a plan for the BP money that passed the House during the regular session. His plan calls for a bond issue of about $639 million and for designating the BP payments to pay off the bonds. Clouse's bill would apply $448 million of the $639 million toward debt the state owes to the Alabama Trust Fund, a debt incurred because of the need to prop up the state budget over about the last seven years. Clouse's bill calls for sending the remaining $191 million to Mobile and Baldwin counties, which caught the brunt of the oil spill disaster, for road projects. Clouse said his plan would free up a total of $70 million in the state budgets for this year and next year for Medicaid. Several competing plans on how to use the BP money were considered in the Legislature earlier this year, including Clouse's, but none got final approval. Clouse said it's unclear how a lottery proposal will fare in the House. Republicans hold 70 seats in the House. Clouse said Democrats' votes would be needed to get to the 63-vote threshold. "A plain lottery, I think it would get a majority of Republican House members' votes," Clouse said. "But I don't think you can get a three-fifths. You'd have to have a significant amount of Democratic votes for it to get three-fifths." House Minority Leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, has said he does not think most Democrats will support Bentley's lottery proposal. Ford has sponsored lottery proposals for years, and said he will introduce a plan that would use lottery proceeds to fund scholarships for students admitted to public universities and community colleges. The scholarships would be for the first two years of college. The special session begins at 4 p.m. on Monday. The House is expected to elect a new speaker to replace Mike Hubbard, who was removed from office when he was convicted of ethics charges in June. The House Republican caucus voted last week to support Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, for speaker. The House could officially elect McCutcheon on Monday. Three Jefferson County cities have removed signs prohibiting firearms in certain public places after complaints were filed with the Alabama Attorney General's Office that the signs were unlawful. Attorney General Luther Strange released statements Friday about formal complaints received by his office concerning the possible unlawful prohibitions of firearms in Trussville, Bessemer, and Clay. After reviewing and investigating each complaint, the Attorney General's Office worked with the cities to achieve compliance with state law, according to the attorney general's statement. According to the statement: - The City of Trussville removed signs prohibiting firearms at the Trussville Civic Center. - The City of Bessemer removed signs at the Bessemer Civic Center. However, the City of Bessemer will continue to post temporary signs prohibiting firearms from non-permit holders as permitted by state law. - The City of Clay removed signs from its public parks and the city's library. Friday's announcement is among a series of 41 statements the Alabama Attorney General has issued since July 29, 2015 regarding complaints his office has received about "no firearm" signs posted by government agencies in public places where firearms should be allowed. Among the public places Strange has requested "no firearm" signs be removed include libraries, parks, and outside the secure areas of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and the Montgomery Regional Airport. A woman whose charred remains were found in an abandoned Birmingham apartment was an amazing person and an even more amazing mother, according to family and friends who said they are stunned by her death. The body of 41-year-old Cheryl Harrell was discovered early Sunday morning in an apartment just one block away from the home she bought in June for herself and her three children. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office today formally identified Harrell after comparing her remains to dental records. "She was beautiful, literally inside and out,'' said friend and co-worker Devan Hardy. "She wouldn't hurt a fly." Birmingham police this week charged Harrell's son, 19-year-old Jonathan Pitts, with murder in his mother's death. Court records made available Thursday said Pitts on Aug. 6 intentionally caused the death of his mother by strangulation. It appears, authorities said, her body was then taken to the nearby apartment complex where the fire was set in an attempt to cover up the crime. East Precinct officers responded to the apartment in the 1000 block of Sunhill Road at 7:40 a.m. Sunday on a report of a missing person, said Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards. When they arrived on the scene, a man told police his girlfriend - Harrell - was missing and he wanted to file a report. While police were taking the report, the boyfriend and another person began looking for Harrell, Edwards said. The boyfriend found what appeared to be the charred human remains of a black female inside the apartment. Edwards today said Pitts lived with his mother. He said he doesn't know what led the slaying. "She had bruises on her neck,'' Edwards previously said. "That's how brutal it was. He just snapped. He just turned on his mother." "It's just a dark case,'' Edwards said. "You don't expect sons to kill moms and go to the lengths of doing all that trauma to her body. That's not normal. It's one of the case where we're in disbelief. "We're not sure what state of mind he was in to do something like that to his mother and be so young." Harrell's death has been a shock to those who knew and loved her. "She had a good heart,'' said her cousin, Jalyle Harrell. "She was very sweet and always had a smile on her face. She kept a smile on my face. I will always remember how she took care of her kids." Harrell grew up in Bessemer and graduated from Jess Lanier High School. She worked in the American Family Care corporate office in the Customer Relations Department and lived in Hoover until June, when she closed on her home on Sunhill Road. "She was so excited to moving her kids into their own home,'' said Hardy, also a customer relations specialist with Harrell. They lived in the same neighborhood and shared rides to work. "She worked a lot of overtime to get it. She was painting, and didn't even have much furniture in there yet. She was taking it one step at a time." Brian Robinson, also a co-worker of Harrell, said he had met all three of Harrell's children - Pitts, an 21-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old daughter - days before her disappearance when they came to pick up their mom from work. "They were all so well-mannered,'' Robinson said. "This is a little bit of a shock. Cheryl was just a genuine person. She went above and beyond for her kids. Her personality was infectious." Hardy said she last talked to her friend about 10 p.m. on Saturday. When she woke up the next morning, she had a text from Harrell's oldest daughter that had been sent at 4:30 a.m. and read, "Is my mom with you?" Harrell's boyfriend then called, and also told Hardy they were worried because they couldn't find Harrell. "That wasn't like her," Hardy said. Hardy said she tried to remain positive, even after the unidentified remains were found. "It didn't click until Monday when I came into work and she wasn't here,'' she said. Harrell was extremely close to all three of her children, and friends said they can't begin to image what led to her murder. "In two years, I've never seen her mad, and she always talked about her kids,'' Hardy said. "Her 9-year-old daughter called her one day just to say 'I miss you' and when her older daughter made an A on her midterm last week, her mother was the first person she called. They were like best friends. I just can't image what they're going through." Hardy, a mother of a young child, said she looked to Harrell for guidance. "I took a lot of advice from her,'' she said. "There was nothing she could have done to deserve this." Friends described Harrell as bubbly, and a person who loved to sing, though she was often off-key. "She was a diva,'' Hardy said with a laugh. "She always dressed like she was going somewhere to see somebody. She was beautiful so she was always getting compliments, but she never let it go to her head. She was very humble." Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Those closest to her said they are still trying to absorb the shock and can't picture life without Harrell. "It breaks my heart,'' Hardy said. "She really made a difference in my life, and everybody else who worked with her." Poll Pad 2-shot crop courtesy KNOWiNK.jpg A trial run of a new system this November means some Alabama voters will sign in at their polling places on an iPad-based system, rather than conventional paper rosters. (KNOWiNK photo) There might be no way to soften the polarizing nature of this year's presidential candidates, but some Alabama election officials have high hopes that new technology will smooth the way for voters this November. The Alabama Secretary of State's office is backing a trial program that will deploy an iPad-based system at some polling places throughout the state. The tablets won't take the place of conventional voting machines, but they will be used to check voters in, replacing the conventional bulky printouts of voter lists - and, proponents say, taking some human error out of the equation. It's a pilot program, so most voters won't see it. According to the secretary of state's office, indications are that more than half the state's 67 counties will opt to take part, with each using it at a limited number of polling places. Early adopters include Barbour, Hale, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Morgan and Shelby counties. In Mobile County, for example, voters will encounter the system at only two locations. Out of three county commissioners, two backed the trial while one specifically requested it not be implemented in her district. That split illustrates both the voluntary nature of the trial, and the fact that not everyone is ready to embrace the change. *** Here's how it will work, if you're one of the voters whose polling place is chosen: Normally, the first thing you look for is a set of tables where poll workers wait with bulky paper rosters. They're broken down alphabetically, so you get in whichever line you belong in, based on your last name. (Go ahead and say it: It's usually the longest one.) The poll worker checks you off on the list and writes you a slip for whichever type of ballot you're supposed to get, based on which races apply to your district. You get the ballot at a second table, then you go vote. With the Poll Pad setup from St. Louis-based KNOWiNK, you'll find that first table stocked with iPads in special racks. They're not broken down into alphabetically lanes, so you'll go to whichever line is shortest. Then you'll drop your driver license in a tray in the iPad stand, it'll scan the bar code on the back and bring up your information. "It's an instant pop-up and the poll worker just verifies that you are that person," said John C. Bennett, deputy chief of staff for Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. You sign in on the touchscreen, and the system prints out a receipt specifying which ballot you get. You take that to the second table. (Supporters say that if you've come to the wrong polling place, the receipt actually will tell you which one you're supposed to go to.) You get your ballot and you vote. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. "We're hoping first of all to really speed up the lines on election day," or even eliminate them, said Merrill. Given the intensity around this year's presidential elections, if the trial really does cut down those lines, people are going to notice. If there are teething problems, there'll be a significant audience for those, too. Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis, who's enthusiastic about the trial, says that everything he sees indicates we're heading for "the highest turnout ever in the history of our county." Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill amplifies that: "We anticipate it could be the highest turnout in the history of the state," he said. *** "This is something we need to do," said Merrill. He's been pushing for it for a couple of years, he said, and care has been taken with the process. Similar systems already are used in 38 states, he said, and KNOWiNK's software was chosen in large part because of what he called an impeccable track record. Bennett said that federal money from the 2002 Help America Vote Act is funding the trial, which will scatter a little over 250 Poll Pads across the state. Given that Mobile County alone has 88 precincts, it's clear that only a small percentage of voters actually will get to use the new technology. Just to make it extra-clear that counties weren't being coerced, opting in required approval both from the probate judge in a given county, and from its county commission. At the Mobile County Commission's meeting on Monday, District 2 Commissioner Connie Hudson made the motion to approve, and District 3 Commissioner Jerry Carl seconded, meaning it passed. District 1 Commissioner Merceria L. Ludgood then spoke up: Since her fellow commissioners had approved the trial, she said, that was that - but she requested that it not be implemented at any polling places in her district. Carl jokingly did a little happy-dance shimmy in his chair and said something along the lines of, hey, fine, that's more iPads for the rest of us. Afterward, Ludgood said she'd seen a demonstration of the Poll Pad setup and didn't have anything against it in principle. But with a historic election coming up, she said, she didn't think it was time to throw any curves at voters. "My concern about a rollout now is we won't have time to do the education we need to do" for poll workers or voters, she said. The upshot is that District 1 voters won't encounter the new system. In Hudson's district it'll be used at a west Mobile senior center, and it Carl's it'll be used at the Church of Christ at Creekwood. "Those are two of the largest polls, not only in Mobile County, but in the entire state," said Davis. Each has six voting machines, suggesting that together they serve roughly 18,000 voters. Davis said he's excited about the trial, but isn't bothered by Ludgood's stance. "I understand her view completely," he said. Davis, who has overseen Mobile County elections for 15 years, said his enthusiasm stems from seeing "a lot of win-wins with this," he said. The potential convenience to voters is only one of them. Federal money is paying for the hardware and software for a trial run of an iPad-based system that'll be used this November at some Alabama polling places. But for the state to adopt such a system for full statewide use, the expense would be substantial. (KNOWiNK photo) As he describes issues his office deals with during and after elections, it's clear that human error is a pet peeve. Sometimes poll workers check off the wrong name after a voter presents ID, meaning that when that other voter shows up, his or her name is already checked. Sometimes they write down the wrong style of ballot - or one worker writes down the right style, but the next worker misreads it. "I don't know why it happens, but it happens every election," he said. "We train and we train and we train." "This new system will help us minimize, if not eliminate, that," he said. But as Davis explains it, what happens at the polling place is only a small part of the effort required to mount an election. Beforehand, it takes a week just to print out and sort those paper rosters. Afterward, they go to the Board of Registrars, where workers painstakingly go through them "page by page, book by book, precinct by precinct." That tedious manual process is how the state maintains its lists of active and inactive voters and knows which ones to cull from the list after 10 years of inactivity. With an electronic sign-in process, that step is almost automatic, he said. The Board of Registrars just has to download the information from the iPads. For this cycle, Davis said, the paper logs will still be printed. They'll be on hand at those two Mobile County polling locations, ready for emergency use if the trial technology should flop. One way or another, "We're going to service those voters, I assure you," he said. Davis seems to like the idea of a future where an electronic system is implemented across the board, cutting down on the training, man-hours and expense of the current system. "If this thing pans out, it'll save money and time," he said. But he also sees some complications. The first is simply the up-front expense. Bennett said the state is using a little under $80,000 in HAVA funds just to pay for the Poll Pad software licenses. Davis said Mobile County is using a separate pool of HAVA money to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 for the hardware, buying 10 setups that include iPads and necessary peripherals. It would take a whale of a lot more money to cover the county, let alone the state. Ironically, Bennett said that there's a chance that at least one of Alabama's more rural and lightly populated counties might be able to go all-electronic in November, simply because that'll take fewer iPads to pull off. Meanwhile, Davis said, Mobile County is using voting machines it bought 10 years ago. They aren't going to last forever, and buying new ones is another major expense for the county to consider. "Where we go, I don't know," he said of the long-term prospects after the trial. "But I think it's worth our while to try it and investigate and see." Bennett said the secretary of state's office is hopeful that the trial will fuel enthusiasm for a possible statewide implementation in the future. The idea is that if it goes well for the counties that try it, word of mouth will spread among the state's probate judges and other officials involved in organizing elections. Davis said that's quite plausible. "I think so," he said of the word-of-mouth effect. "That's generally how things are in Alabama, and certainly in the Probate Court world." An Ozark woman was arrested Thursday and charged with manslaughter in the January death of her 9-month-old son. Brieana Farmer, 22, is being held in the Dale County Jail without bond pending a court hearing, jail records show. She is also charged with possession of marijuana second degree and manufacture of a controlled substance first degree. Emergency personnel received a report of an unresponsive infant at a residence in the 200 block of Meadow Lane in Daleville on the evening of Jan. 11, the Southeast Sun reported. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the report, deputies found a small amount of marijuana inside the residence at the time. Farmer was charged with manslaughter on Thursday after the Dale County Sheriff's Office received final autopsy and toxicology results stating the child died by toxicity. Farmer's boyfriend, Brandon Kirkland, 31, of Ozark, was also arrested on Thursday when deputies found a large in-door marijuana grow operation inside Farmer's residence, the newspaper reported. Kirkland is charged with manufacturing of a controlled substance and first-degree possession of marijuana. The most recently released audio recordings of Gov. Robert Bentley reveal a man seemingly trying to convince a lawmaker - and perhaps even himself - that talk of an affair was nothing more than rumors coming from his enemies. It's a far cry from comments the governor made less than eight months later, when other audio tapes - these recorded by Dianne Bentley, the governor's wife of 50 years before she filed for divorce - revealed an intimate conversation with his married female adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason. The release of those tapes, in which the governor discussed touching Mason's breasts and kissing her, led to an apology from the governor who maintains he did not have an affair with his now-resigned adviser. The latest tapes were released by Rep. Allen Farley this week but made in 2015 just after Dianne Bentley filed for divorce. Farley is a member of the Alabama House committee investigating impeachment allegations against the governor. Here are 8 new things we've learned from the tapes: Men accused of rape are marrying their alleged victims in order to avoid prosecution. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Men accused of raping underage girls in Malaysia are marrying their alleged victims to try to avoid criminal charges, a child rights group says. Activists have renewed their calls to ban child marriage in the southeast Asian nation after it emerged that a man charged with raping a 14-year-old girl was allowed to marry her. A judge initially dismissed the case after learning of the marriage, but a higher court has since ruled that the man must face trial. Sharmila Sekaran, the chairperson of Voice of the Children, said there had been a number of cases in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak where men accused of raping young girls had married their alleged victims. Its not a rare occurrence, she said. Its happening often. We should not have laws that allow 14-year-olds to get married. Sharmila said the men often avoided prosecution because rape within marriage is not illegal in Malaysia. She said there were also cases where men who had allegedly raped young girls had offered the girls parents money in exchange for permission to marry their daughters. Such cases usually happened in poor communities, she said. Five thousand ringgit ($1,239) seems to be the going price, Sharmila told Al Jazeera. Some of these people cannot even afford a bag of rice 5,000 ringgit is more money than they would think they would ever see at one time in their life. Married before the age of 18 In Malaysia, the marrying age is 16 for Muslim girls and 18 for Muslim boys. However, they can marry before if they get permission from their parents and the Shariah courts. For non-Muslims, the minimum age is 18, but girls as young as 16 can marry if they obtain permission from their states chief minister. READ MORE: Child marriage is real: it almost happened to me More than 9,000 child marriages have been recorded in Malaysia in the past five years, according to government statistics published in a local media report earlier this year. The report quoted Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Azizah Mohd Dun as saying that numbers had decreased in the past three years. Child marriage remains widespread in many developing countries, according to a 2014 UN Population Fund report [PDF]. The report states that one in every three girls in developing countries is married before the age of 18. In Asia, Bangladesh has one of the regions highest rates of child marriage, with 66 percent of girls married before the age of 18, and more than a third married before the age of 15, as this 101 East documentary shows. The state has an obligation to protect children In Malaysia, a Sarawak court last month dismissed charges against a man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl after the judge was told that the pair had married, prosecutor Ahmad Fariz Abdul Hamid told Al Jazeera. The decision prompted condemnation from rights groups. Last week, a higher court ruled that the case must proceed, Ahmad said. The case will be heard in late September. The Sarawak Minister for Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing, Fatimah Abdullah, spoke out after the case was initially dismissed. READ MORE: Child marriage in Bangladesh Even if they get married he must still be prosecuted, she told Al Jazeera. Our stand is marriage doesnt nullify the crime. The alleged rape occurred last year when the man, Ahmad Syukri Yusuf, was 21 and the girl was 14, Ahmad said. He said the pair had been in a relationship when the alleged rape occurred. The man was charged with statutory rape before the couple married in April this year. They got consent from the Shariah judge, Ahmad said. Rights advocates say the man should not have been allowed to marry his alleged victim. The only reason this guy is being recharged is that there was an outcry, said Sharmila. How many other cases are happening? She said rights groups had expressed similar outrage in 2013 after a 40-year-old man in Sabah raped a 12-year-old girl and married her after paying her parents a bribe. He was prosecuted and jailed. Activists want the legal age of marriage raised to 18 for everyone. READ MORE: My father sold me for 12 cows Referring to the Sarawak case, Shareena Sheriff, a programme manager at advocacy group, Sisters in Islam, said: Our view is that the state has an obligation to protect children and this responsibility has been sorely abused. Child marriage is actually exacerbating the abuse of the children by making it legal. Shareena is concerned that statements by religious leaders and politicians in support of child marriage could make it more acceptable in Malaysian society. With those kinds of statements being made publicly, people who want to go down that road will feel that its perfectly all right to do so, she said. Sharmila believes it is too easy for young people to get permission to marry from the Shariah court and chief ministers. What we have been told is that this is just a rubber-stamping exercise, she said. The office of the federal Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Rohani Abdul Karim, did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment. However, Fatimah, the Sarawak minister, said the state government was looking into whether the marriage age should be changed. Marriage is a state matter in Malaysia. She said she personally believes the marriage age should be 18. Asked whether a man accused of statutory rape should be allowed to marry his alleged victim, she said: This is something that we need to sit down and decide. The laws cannot be changed overnight. Follow Liz Gooch on Twitter: @liz_gooch It is essential for Europeans to avoid falling into ISILs trap, and instead reaffirm the humanistic roots of Europe. Remi Piet is a research associate on political economy and foreign policy at the Florida International University. On July 26, two terrorists slashed the throat of a priest in northern France as he was celebrating the morning mass in the small city of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray. This barbaric act, immediately condemned by the representative of the French Muslim community as it was in complete contradiction with the teachings of the Quran, shocked the country less than two weeks after the horrendous attacks in Nice on July 14 which had claimed 85 innocent lives. While most of the previous Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) supported acts on French soil had been concentrated in Paris, the latest attacks took place outside the capital city. Terror having struck a large provincial city and a tiny peaceful town, the feeling of insecurity has now spread to the entire French population, which now feels at risk everywhere in the country. Fomenting fear This change of strategy is in line with ISILs objective of fomenting fear and a desire for vengeance in France, hoping to encourage acts of retaliation against the Muslim community, the vast majority of whom strongly support French republican laws and condemn terrorist attacks. An increase in hatred and mistrust between communities, a victory for the xenophobic National Front party in upcoming elections, or an aggressive reaction against mosques or Muslims would only facilitate the recruitment of new terrorists to join the ranks of ISIL. The day after the killing of Father Jacques Hamel, a man assaulted a Senegalese in his 70s a few kilometres away from the attacked church. In Nice, Muslim French citizens were insulted and told to leave the country in which most of them were born by a handful of angry citizens. The peaceful religious co-existence in France a country that is home to the largest Muslim and Jewish communities in Europe is the main target of ISIL, as the terrorist group regularly calls for eliminating what it refers to as a grey zone incompatible with its religious dualistic vision of a world divided in two camps: the Muslim and the unfaithful. ISIL hopes to create a milieu of stiffening security policies and extremely negative public opinion against the Muslim community to convince them that they should turn against Europe. by Father Hamel was a known advocate and architect of religious co-existence. The small town was an example of cooperation across religions as the priest and the local imam, Mohammed Karabila, regularly worked together to build interfaith bridges, including joint after-school care and summer camps. The parish had provided the land on which the mosque was built. The town of St Etienne-du-Rouvray itself is also quite symbolic as the residents have always voted for a Communist mayor since the 1950s, thus strongly supporting the secularism defended by this party which is also a central pillar of French republicanism. Political and religious reactions Aside from National Front attempts to promote populist lies through the media and attempts by right-wing presidential candidates such as Nicolas Sarkozy to seize momentum to secure his party nomination, one must underline the responsible reactions from religious leaders and the French President Francois Hollande. In the hope of ensuring the persistence of a peaceful religious coexistence in the country, Hollande immediately gathered all confessions at the Elysee Palace. OPINION: Dont let ISIL divide France Local imams refused to prepare the body of the terrorist for burial, stating this would taint Islam, while the French Islamic authorities encouraged devout Muslims to go and pray in churches the following Sunday. The Pope himself refused to address the topic of religious violence, stressing that neither Islam nor any other religion advocates such acts. The permanence of those mature reactions is essential because the war against ISIL will not be won with bombs in Syria or by the intelligence services. French society, through its capacity to remain united and to defend its secular and republican values, holds the key to victory. ISIL hopes to create a milieu of stiffening security policies and extremely negative public opinion against the Muslim community to convince them that they should turn against Europe. In ISILs propaganda, the narrative mentions the George W Bush dichotomy of for or against us to encourage weak-minded Muslims to join the war in Syria. It is essential for the people of Europe to avoid falling into ISILs trap, and instead reaffirm the humanistic roots of Europe and reject communitarianism. In that sense the decision by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to maintain her welcoming policy towards Syrian refugees despite the recent attacks in Germany was key. OPINION: Reforming Islam or the relationship with Islam? As academic Scott Atran explains, a welcome to Syrian refugees clearly represents a winning response to ISILs strategy. Celebrating diversity and tolerance in the grey zone has a badge of honour, and is a powerful response against sectarianism and fundamentalism. Turning to xenophobic parties or populist answers is playing into the terrorists hands otherwise. Remi Piet is assistant professor of public policy, diplomacy and international political economy at Qatar University. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. The movement towards sovereign control of the internet is growing, and a degree of fragmentation already exists. Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is a professor at Harvard and author of The Future of Power. Who owns the internet? The answer is no one and everyone. The internet is a network of networks. Each of the separate networks belongs to different companies and organisations, and they rely on physical servers in different countries with varying laws and regulations. But without some common rules and norms, these networks cannot be linked effectively. Fragmentation meaning the end of the internet is a real threat. Some estimates put the internets economic contribution to global gross domestic product as high as $4.2 trillion in 2016. A fragmented splinternet would be very costly to the world, but that is one of the possible futures outlined last month in the report of the Global Commission on Internet Governance, chaired by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt. The internet now connects nearly half the worlds population, and another billion people as well as some 20 billion devices are forecast to be connected in the next five years. But further expansion is not guaranteed. In the commissions worst-case scenario, the costs imposed by the malicious actions of criminals, and the political controls imposed by governments, would cause people to lose trust in the internet and reduce their use. Internets shortcomings The cost of cybercrime in 2016 has been estimated to be as high as $445bn, and it could grow rapidly. As more devices, ranging from cars to pacemakers, are placed online, malicious hackers could turn the internet of things (IOT) into the weaponisation of everything. Massive privacy violations by companies and governments, and cyber-attacks on civilian infrastructure such as power grids as recently happened in Ukraine could create insecurity that undercuts the internets potential. A second scenario is what the commission calls stunted growth. Some users capture disproportionate gains, while others fail to benefit. Three or four billion people are still offline, and the internets economic value for many who are connected is compromised by trade barriers, censorship, laws requiring local storage of data, and other rules that limit the free flow of goods, services, and ideas. Authoritarian countries such as Russia and China championed international treaties guaranteeing no interference with states' strong sovereign control over their portion of the internet. by The movement towards sovereign control of the internet is growing, and a degree of fragmentation already exists. China has the largest number of internet users, but its Great Fire Wall has created barriers with parts of the outside world. Many governments censor services that they think threaten their political control. If this trend continues, it could cost more than 1 percent of GDP a year, and also impinge on peoples privacy, free speech, and access to knowledge. While the world could muddle along this path, a great deal will be lost and many will be left behind. The appropriate approach In the commissions third scenario, a healthy internet provides unprecedented opportunities for innovation and economic growth. The internet revolution of the past two decades has contributed something like 8 percent of global GDP and brought three billion users online, narrowing digital, physical, economic, and educational divides. The commissions report states that the IOT may result in up to $11 trillion in additional GDP by 2025. OPINION: The Charter of the internet The commission concluded that sustaining unhindered innovation will require that the internets standards are openly developed and available; that all users develop better digital hygiene to discourage hackers; that security and resilience be at the core of system design rather than an afterthought, as they currently are; that governments do not require third parties to compromise encryption; that countries agree not to attack the internets core infrastructure; and that governments mandate liability and compel transparent reporting of technological problems to provide a market-based insurance industry to enhance the IOTs security. Until recently, the debate about the most appropriate approach to internet governance revolved around three main camps. The first, multi-stakeholder approach, originated organically from the community that developed the internet, which ensured technical proficiency but not international legitimacy, because it was heavily dominated by American technocrats. A second camp favoured greater control by the International Telecommunications Union, a UN specialised agency, which ensured legitimacy but at the cost of efficiency. And authoritarian countries such as Russia and China championed international treaties guaranteeing no interference with states strong sovereign control over their portion of the internet. More recently, the commission argues, a fourth model is developing in which a broadened multi-stakeholder community involves more conscious planning for the participation of each stakeholder the technical community, private organisations, companies, governments in international conferences. Giving away the internet An important step in this direction was the United States Commerce Departments decision last month to hand oversight of the so-called IANA functions the address book of the internet to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN, with a government advisory committee of 162 members and 35 observers, is not a typical inter-governmental organisation: the governments do not control the organisation. READ MORE: Controlling the internet China style At the same time, ICANN is consistent with the multi-stakeholder approach formulated and legitimated by the Internet Governance Forum, established by the UN General Assembly. Some American senators complained that when President Barack Obamas Commerce Department handed its oversight of the IANA functions to ICANN, it was giving away the internet. But the US could not give away the internet, because the US does not own it. While the original internet-linked computers are entirely in the US, todays internet connects billions of people worldwide. Moreover, the IANA address book of which there are many copies is not the internet. The US action last month was a step towards a more stable and open multi-stakeholder internet of the type that the Global Commission applauded. Lets hope that further steps in this direction follow. Joseph S Nye, a former US assistant secretary of defence, is a professor at Harvard University and the author of Is the American Century Over? The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Copyright: Project Syndicate 2016 Internet or Splinternet? Tehran In the urban wasteland of the Iranian capital, Maarya is on the lookout. From a bridge overlooking the motorway, her eyes follow a slowly crawling stream of cars below. When a police car appears, she dashes towards a building hidden nearby. Inside are more than 200 Afghan children. Undisturbed by the sharp smell of smog, their smiling faces are spread among various tiny classrooms; in one, a group of young girls learns the English names for farm animals. This all takes place in secret, as Iranian authorities have threatened to shut the school down. Thats why I spend my lunch breaks by the highway, school principal Maarya, who spoke to Al Jazeera under a pseudonym, explained from her windowless office. When the police come, I want to warn the kids beforehand Recently a group of plain-clothes officers burst into the building. It was terrifying for the kids. READ MORE: Why are Afghan refugees leaving Iran? Maarya, 37, was born in Tehran after her parents fled Afghanistan following the 1979 Russian invasion. For nearly half of her life, she has been working to help educate Afghan children. But it has not been easy: Authorities want to shut down her school, she said, because she does not have the right paperwork to run it and the students are undocumented. Maarya is not the only one doing this type of work. Human Rights Watch has reported on the phenomenon of unlicensed Afghan schools run by refugees, which tend to charge lower tuition fees and do not ask difficult questions about undocumented children. Iranian authorities have periodically shut down such schools, while at other times issuing warnings. This is the scene of a forgotten refugee crisis. Afghans have been escaping their country for nearly four decades, whether from the Russians, the Taliban, or the Americans and their allies. The vast majority a staggering 95 percent, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) ended up in neighbouring Iran or Pakistan, with Iran alone hosting around three million Afghans. But still, after nearly 40 years, many Afghans say they feel discriminated against by both the state and broader society. Afghan is a dirty word, Maarya said. We are accused of being criminals, lazy, uneducated, stealing jobs, driving up the rent the usual stuff. Not by everyone, of course, she added quickly, gesturing towards a young Iranian volunteer at the school, who was explaining to students the difference between a rooster and a chicken. Without them, I wouldnt be able to run my school. And theres the local mosque; they offer us shelter when the police come. Alexey Yusupov, a director with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Kabul, says one of the reasons Afghans in Iran face discrimination is the countrys economic situation: Iran is going through a prolonged economic stagnation. The lifting of the sanctions has not stopped this, and the resulting disappointment has flared up anger towards parasiting Afghans even more. All educational centres ... are obliged by the law to meet certain educational and health standards and requirements, as is practised in many countries in the world. by Ahmad Mohammadi Far, director-general of the Interior Ministry's foreign nationals and immigration department Last year, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged the problem of undocumented children in the country. The government says there are believed to be 500,000 Afghan children in Iran who are not officially attending school, while rights groups have estimated that there are around two million undocumented Afghans in total in Iran. Khamenei has said that all children in Iran should be able to attend school, regardless of their residency status. Maarya, however, has not seen a change in the behaviour of police since Khameneis statement: The threats [to shut down our school] are continuing, she said. Ahmad Mohammadi Far, the director-general of the Interior Ministrys foreign nationals and immigration department, told Al Jazeera that he was not aware of any schools like the one Maarya described, noting that the countrys official school system served both registered and illegal refugees. All educational centres are obliged by the law to meet certain educational and health standards and requirements, as is practised in many countries in the world, Mohammadi Far said, noting that many international bodies, including the UN, have repeatedly praised Iran for its exceptional services to refugees and hosting large numbers of immigrants for so many years. READ MORE: Afghanistans refugees Dying for a better life The Iranian government has hosted and provided services to one of the largest and longest-staying refugee populations in the world for decades. There are nearly one million registered Afghan refugees in Iran, in addition to the estimated two million undocumented Afghans. Cases of serious crimes by Afghan refugees tend to go viral in Iran, putting pressure on the government to expel the refugee population. In June 2012, a group of young Afghan men were accused of gang-raping an Iranian teenager in the central city of Yazd, prompting a furious backlash as Iranians set fire to Afghan refugee neighbourhoods. Compounding matters, Iran has hosted this population while grappling with its own economic problems, and with little international aid. Earlier this year, as the European Union discussed sending billions of dollars in refugee aid to Turkey, Iran was promised just under $12m in refugee funding. The UNHCR in Tehran has described Irans aid to refugees as exemplary in several respects, noting that around 350,000 Afghan children were currently enrolled in Iranian primary and secondary schools. Literacy rates have surged, especially for Afghan girls, and the most vulnerable refugees can access public healthcare for as little as $18 a year. Regarding education, our priorities include ensuring inclusive education for marginalised groups, providing literacy and life skills training, and equipping schools with educational equipment including computers and library books, UNHCR spokesperson Leah Cowan told Al Jazeera via email. However, such assistance applies only to registered refugees. Since 2003, Afghans in Iran have been required to reapply for refugee status, even if they were granted status in the past. The Iranian government says the goal of this process, dubbed Amayesh, is to update its statistics on a refugee population that has spiralled out of control. INSIDE STORY: Is a new political era beginning in Iran? Yusupov, however, says the complicated and expensive procedure has left many refugees disintegrated and speechless. Legal avenues for accessing the labour market or registering property remain complex and murky, he said, prompting many towards illegality a situation that increases the threat of deportation and exploitation. As with refugees in other countries who lack the correct papers, we cant get a driving licence, are not allowed to buy a car or motorbike, cant travel, were excluded from many schools we cant even buy a SIM card, Maarya noted. I can't leave these kids behind, but my entire family is already in Europe, and they are begging me to come. Maybe they're right. I can't live like a refugee all my life. by Maarya, Afghan teacher in Iran Her son nodded in agreement, noting that he was recently rejected from a university programme that he had long been studying for, simply because they dont allow any Afghans for technical programmes. But the young man smiled with determination as he displayed a new pair of walking boots: I saved up for these for months. They are for the road to Europe. Meanwhile, Maarya stared glumly at the dark walls of her office, decorated with her lifes work: photos of her students, childrens drawings and letters from grateful parents. She says it is too dangerous to return to Afghanistan, but her situation in Iran has grown increasingly precarious. The police gave me an ultimatum. They want to pull my school down I really dont know what there is left to do, she said. I cant leave these kids behind, but my entire family is already in Europe, and they are begging me to come. Maybe theyre right. I cant live like a refugee all my life. Against background of major Taliban gains, Abdullah Abdullah accuses Ashraf Ghani of failing to work collaboratively. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistans chief executive, has criticised President Ashraf Ghani for failing to work collaboratively and deemed him undeserving to serve the government. The televised remarks late on Thursday raised fresh questions about the stability of the coalition formed in 2014 after both Ghani and Abdullah claimed victory in a presidential election and there were fears of armed clashes between their supporters. The post of chief executive was created for Abdullah, a former foreign minister, as part of a US-brokered deal to end deadlock over the election. But he complained that he had been left out of key decisions, and depicted Ghani as arrogant and out of touch with the deteriorating situation in the country. The government is paralysed and ministers do not have the chance to speak. [Ghani] provides a one-hour lecture but he should listen to the ministers for 15 minutes, he said. If someone does not have tolerance, they do not deserve the presidency. Ghanis office was not immediately available to respond. While rivalry between the camps has been no secret, until now, Abdullah largely kept his complaints private. The government has yet to officially confirm Abdullahs position past a September deadline that had been set for doing so, or to clear up the problems that plagued the last election. Despite the criticism, Abdullah said he would not leave the unity government and said he planned to meet Ghani to discuss their differences. Taliban edges closer Abdullahs criticism comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Taliban fighters have made considerable gains in recent month in different parts of the country. Fresh fighting erupted on Thursday in Helmand after the government rushed military reinforcements to beat back Taliban fighters advancing. But US and Afghan officials insist that they will not allow another urban centre to be captured, after the Taliban briefly overran northern Kunduz city last September in their biggest victory in 15 years of war. READ MORE: Afghan Taliban Haibatullah Akhunzada named new leader The security situation in Lashkar Gah [capital of Helmand province] is under our control, Dawlat Waziri, defence ministry spokesman, said. We have retaken control of Nawa. Fighting is still going on in the outskirts but we are making progress with clearance operations. Dozens of Taliban fighters were killed in the clashes, according to Waziri. Fierce battles in recent days across Helmand have sent thousands of people fleeing to Lashkar Gah, spurring a humanitarian crisis as officials report food and water shortages. About 30,000 people have been displaced in Helmand in recent weeks, local officials said, with many of those fleeing to Lashkar Gah forced to abandon their lentil, maize and cotton crops during the lucrative harvest season. We left everything behind in Nawa; our house, our grape and maize harvests. We fled with 15 members of my family to Lashkar Gah, fearing for our lives, Mohammad Ali, 40, told AFP in a camp in the provincial capital. For the last three days we have been surviving on bread and water. We will die of hunger. In another development, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it had shrunk the size of its team in Lashkar Gah, with some non-medical staff leaving the city. Weve shared coordinates of our 300 bed hospital to approaching warring parties in Helmand, the international medical charity announced via Twitter. NATO officially ended its combat mission in December 2014, but US forces were granted greater powers in June to strike at the armed groups as President Barack Obama pledged a more aggressive campaign. The situation in Helmand remains contested, NATO said in a statement. While there is clearly an increase in fighting, the Taliban have suffered a number of casualties and [Afghan forces] have been able to recover many checkpoints. Government forces have suffered heavy casualties since taking over full responsibility for security after most foreign troops withdrew at the end of 2014. The resolution allows the deployment of 4,000 more UN forces to the country following the latest wave of violence. The UN Security Council has approved the deployment of an additional 4,000-strong peacekeeping force in South Sudan, after recent fighting threatened to send the country back to all-out civil war. In response to the vote on Friday, a spokesman for President Salva Kiir said the government would not accept the UNs decision and would not cooperate with it. That is very unfortunate and we are not going to cooperate on that because we will not allow our country to be taken over by the UN, Kiirs spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told Reuters news agency. Any force that will be called Juba Protection force will not be accepted. UN accuses South Sudan troops of committing atrocities The members of the council backed the US-drafted resolution earlier on Friday with 11 votes and four abstentions. Al Jazeeras Mike Hanna, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, said that as early as of next week, an assessment team would head to South Sudan to start the arrangement for the creation of the protection force. Members of the force will be drawn from regional countries in Africa, and it will be tasked to protect the airport and promote safe and free movement in and out of the capital. The South Sudanese government had warned that the deployment of more UN forces would seriously undermines its sovereignty. There are already 12,000 peacekeeping troops, which have been in the country since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. But the force has been criticised for failing to stop the latest bloodshed, or fully protect civilians during the fighting. An estimated 70,000 South Sudanese have already fled the country to Uganda since deadly fighting began in July. The fighting in the capital, Juba, last month raised fears of a renewed civil war after an August 2015 peace deal and worsened a humanitarian crisis. Riek Machar, the rebel leader and former first vice president, fled during the fighting and said he would return only when regional peacekeepers secured the capital. The civil war began in December 2013 when government forces loyal to President Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, battled rebels led by Machar, a Nuer. Tens of thousands of people were killed in the fighting and over 2 million people were displaced. Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal in August 2015 under which Machar was to be first vice president, but fighting has continued. The resolution demands that South Sudans leaders immediately end the fighting and implement the peace deal. The foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran have pledged greater cooperation on resolving the Syria crisis, vowing to keep the dialogue open despite their differences. At a joint news conference on Friday in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the two neighbouring nations have agreed to keep closer contact on the issue of the territorial integrity of Syria. Iran and Turkey have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey advocating his departure. Despite the differences, Turkey and Iran will strengthen cooperation for a lasting peace in Syria, Cavusoglu said. Zarif also said that Iran was ready to work and cooperate with Turkey and Russia on the issue of Syria, adding that it welcomed the new cooperation that has started between Moscow and Ankara. We believe all sides should work together to return tranquility and calm to the region and fight extremism in Syria, he said. Zarif added that their differences can be resolved through dialogue. The Iranian official also expressed support to Turkey over last months failed coup attempt, praising the Turkish people for defying the overthrow and use of force. We believe that the era of bullying and coups is over and [these things] no longer have a place in our region. Peoples choice cannot be suppressed by a military group, he was quoted by PressTV as saying. Zarifs visit was the first meeting between top Iranian and Turkish officials since the July 15 failed coup attempt. Turkey has complained about a lack of support from its Western allies over the attempted coup. Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Ankara, said that some were analysing this meeting and rapprochement as a message to the West, as some sort of political leverage, after the coup attempt. Despite the meeting, however, Khodr said that there was still no common ground on Syria, and that there were still deep disagreements on how to resolve the civil war. Zarif is also expected to meet with Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Turkish foreign ministry. Attacks kill four people across the country, just days after adoption of contentious military-backed constitution. Thai police say they have detained two men for questioning in connection with a series of blasts that killed four people and wounded dozens at popular beach resorts and tourist towns across the country. Two bombs exploded in the upmarket resort of Hua Hin late on Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others. They were followed by two more on Friday morning that killed another person. A further two blasts struck on Friday in the popular tourist town of Phuket, while two more bombs were reported in the southern provinces of Trang and Surat Thani, in each of which one person was killed. Police detained two men for questioning on Friday over the attacks on Hua Hin, Police Superintendent Sarawut Tankul, of the tourist police, told the Reuters news agency. The men were detained because CCTV footage showed them in the area before, during and after the bombings, he said, declining to give more details. National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda told reporters in Bangkok on Friday that authorities had received intelligence that an attack was imminent, but police had no precise information on location or timing. We just didnt know which day something would happen, he said. The explosive devices were similar to those used by separatists in southern Thailand, but that did not conclusively show they were the perpetrators, Chakthip said. Police also ruled out any links to international terrorism, as did Thailands Foreign Ministry, which said in a statement: The incident is not linked to terrorism but is an act of stirring up public disturbance. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Bangkok, journalist Pailin Wedel quoted a police spokesperson as saying there is currently no evidence of any link between the different blasts. INSIDE STORY: Will Thailands new constitution lead to stability? They are also sticking to the line that they still do not have enough evidence that there are any links to outside terrorism, southern insurgency or anything that may be [tied] to the current political situation, said Wedel. Chaos and confusion Prayut Chan-ocha, the prime minister, called for calm and said that he did not know who was behind the attacks. The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion, he said in a conversation with reporters. We should not make people panic more. Why the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism and who did it you have to find out for me. Last week, Thailand voted to accept a military-backed constitution despite claims by opponents that it will entrench the militarys power and deepen divisions. The two bombs that went off in Hua Hin on Thursday evening were hidden in potted plants and went off within 30 minutes of each other in the bar district of the popular beach town. While small bombings are common in Thailand during periods of heightened political tension, there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for touristic areas to be targeted. Hua Hin is home to the summer palace of Thailands royal family. The blast came on the eve of Queen Sirikits 84th birthday and just before the first anniversary of a Bangkok shrine bombing that killed 20. Authorities were searching for leads on the attackers and a motive behind the latest blasts. According to staff at local hospitals, German, Italian, Dutch and Austrian nationals were among the wounded. Thailand is expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016; the tourism industry is a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre economy. Anniversary of attack The latest blasts came just days before the first anniversary of the last major attack on tourists in Thailand an August 17 bomb that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists. The blast struck a crowded Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok and stunned the country as the deadliest assault in recent history. Two Uighur men from western China have been accused of the attack and are due to go on trial later this month. Both deny any involvement in the bombing and mystery continues to swirl around the case, with authorities failing to catch a number of other suspects or offer a thorough explanation for a motive. Thailands military government, which seized power in 2014 after a decade of at times violent political unrest, has touted an increase in stability in the kingdom as a major accomplishment of its rule. Yet the generals have failed to quell a long-running conflict in Thailands three southernmost provinces a region far from Bangkok or Hua Hin. The conflict is largely contained in the mostly Muslim far south, although violence has occasionally spilled into other areas. Hafiz Saeed Khan and associates died on July 26 in Nangharhar province during joint US-Afghan operation, say officials. A previous version of this story carried a photograph of Hafiz Saeed, head of the banned Pakistani group Jamat ud Dawa. That was incorrect. The Jamat ud Dawa leader was not killed in a US drone strike on July 26. Instead, ISIL leader in Afghanistan and Pakistan Hafiz Saeed Khan was killed in the strike. The photo now reflects the correct person. The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed in a US drone strike on July 26, US and Afghan officials have confirmed. Hafiz Saeed Khan, ISILs Khorasan Province leader, was killed in Kot district of Afghanistans Nangharhar province, according to Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, the top Afghan diplomat in Pakistan. He told Reuters news agency on Friday that Hafiz Saeed Khans senior commanders and fighters were also killed in the drone strike. A US defence official confirmed to Reuters that the July 26 drone strike killed Hafiz Saeed Khan. The so-called Khorasan Province was created by ISIL, also known as ISIS, in 2015 encompassing areas in Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia. Al Jazeeras Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul on Saturday, said the drone strike was part of a wider operation against ISIL in Nangarhar that has killed nearly 300 fighters, including some of the groups leadership. The commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan General John W Nicholson estimates that about 25 percent of the ISIL fighters in Afghanistan have been killed in the drone strikes. He said the killing of Hafiz Saeed Khan will disrupt ISIL recruitment as well as operations. The air strike occurred during a month-long joint US-Afghan military operation in July against ISIL in Nangarhar. READ MORE: The Afghan battlefield has become more complicated The air strike was carried out with Hafiz Saeed Khan as the target, according to the Pentagon. Hafiz Saeed Khan was known to directly participate in attacks against US and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorised Afghans, especially in Nangarhar, said Gordon Trowbridge, Pentagon spokesperson. Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former member of the Pakistan branch of the Taliban [known as Tehreek-e-Taliban] who swore allegiance to ISIL, had been reported killed last year, but his death was not confirmed. Rifts and rivalry The Talibans various factions in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as their al-Qaeda allies are bitter rivals of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the ISIL chief. The Taliban rejects Baghdadis proclamation of himself as the leader of an envisioned worldwide caliphate. In Afghanistan, Taliban and ISIL fighters have battled over territory in Nangarhar, though both have recently been busier defending against US and Afghan assaults. Some Afghan Taliban members have defected to ISIL, with fighters apparently adopting the groups black flag to rebrand themselves as a more lethal force. READ MORE: Afghanistan villagers describe life under ISILs rule ISIL has been largely confined to a handful of districts in Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, where ISIL fighters mostly defectors from the Taliban are blamed for raids on villages and government outposts. Nevertheless, fears that ISIL might be expanding its operational reach arose this week when the group took credit for an attack on a Pakistani hospital that killed at least 70 people in the southwestern city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing. A few weeks earlier, ISIL claimed responsibility for an attack on a rally in Afghanistans capital, Kabul, which killed more than 80 people. Rights group to oppose prohibition in courts after Cannes imposes ban on full-body swimsuits worn by some Muslim women. A French human rights group has said it will oppose a ban on burkinis in courts after the seaside city of Cannes barred the full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women. Ten women have asked us to sue the town of Cannes, Marwan Muhammad, the executive director of the Collective Against Islamophobia in France, said in a statement posted on the groups Facebook page on Friday. We are currently conducting interlocutory action against Cannes. Citing security concerns, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance forbidding beachwear that did not respect good morals and secularism, the AP news agency reported. Swimwear manifesting religious affiliation in an ostentatious way, while France and its religious sites are currently the target of terrorist attacks, could create risks of trouble to public order, added Lisnard, who has called the burkini the uniform of extremist Islamism. The burkini prohibition is in effect until August 31, officials said. Those who violate the new rule risk a $42 fine. The ban was also criticised by anti-racism group SOS Racisme, which attacked what it said was the mayors strategy of tension. READ MORE: Nice attack at least 84 dead as lorry rams into crowd France remains in a state of emergency after a series of attacks on the capital, Paris, the southern city of Nice and on a Catholic church in the northwest of the country. The ban also follows the cancellation of a one-day private pool day event in Marseille for Muslim women who choose to wear burkinis while swimming. The water park hosting the event decided to cancel the planned event earlier this week after politicians on the both the right and the left criticised the initiative. French law already forbids face-covering veils anywhere in public, and headscarves in public schools. READ MORE: French face veil ban comes into force Proponents say the laws preserve Frances secular values and protect women from religious oppression. However, critics argue such laws deepen the religious divide. Not a day goes by without the target of Muslims, especially Muslim women in France, Yasser Louati, a human rights and civil liberties activist, told Al Jazeera from Paris on Friday. There is a feeling now that France is at war with its own citizens. Today they are Muslims, and yesterday they were Jews, said Louati. French elites cannot live in peace with minorities. With reporting by Zena Tahhan: @zenatahhan Decision comes a year after frontier was closed by Venezuela, now facing severe shortages due to an economic crisis. Venezuela and Colombia have agreed to reopen pedestrian border crossings between their countries, a year after Venezuela closed the frontier in a dispute over security and smuggling. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday that he and his Venezuelan counterpart agreed to open five pedestrian crossings for 15 hours a day from Saturday. What we are going to do is open the border gradually, Santos said after talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It will be a temporary opening schedule while we learn and adapt to the decisions so that each step we take will be accurate and positive. Maduro said that he hoped the reopening would lead to a new frontier of peace and a new beginning for economic and trade relations. Santos said they would continue discussions about opening up the border to cargo vehicles. He said they were discussing the possibility of setting up Venezuelan petrol stations on the Colombian side where Venezuela could sell its fuel. At the talks in the eastern Venezuelan town of Puerto Ordaz, the leaders said they reviewed reports by their advisers on cross-border smuggling and security. READ MORE:The faces of the Venezuelan crisis Security was the top issue at the border, Santos said. The two countries this week set up a joint initiative to fight organised crime. This is very important because it is going to make it possible for the rest of the border to operate peacefully, he said. Santos said the two countries also agreed to exchange customs information to fight petrol smuggling one reason Maduro cited for closing the border. Maduro sealed off his countrys 2,200km western border on August 19 last year after an attack on a Venezuelan army patrol in which three people were wounded. He said at the time that right-wing paramilitaries from Colombia were to blame. Maduro briefly reopened the border in recent weeks to allow Venezuelans to stock up on food, medicine and other basic supplies. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans streamed into the Colombian city of Cucuta last month, taking advantage of the temporary reopening. Venezuela is facing severe shortages in an economic crisis fuelled by the global crash in the price of oil, its main export. READ MORE: Venezuelans flock across border due to food shortage Maduros opponents also accuse him of mishandling the state-led economy. They are trying to call a referendum on removing him from office. According to the UN, Venezuela deported hundreds of Colombians last year after the border was closed and thousands more fled back to Colombia for fear of being expelled. The UN Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said the situation caused a humanitarian crisis and that deported Colombians rights were violated. Venezuela denied the allegation. Removal of Sergei Ivanov, who served with Putin in the KGB, amounts to the highest-level Kremlin demotion in many years. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed his close ally and powerful chief of staff Sergei Ivanov, according to a Kremlin statement. The move represents the highest-level demotion inside the Kremlin in several years. Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties as head of the Russian presidential administration, Fridays statement said. Ivanov, 63, who is also a former defence minister and also served together with Putin in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency, would now take up the post as a special representative for conservation, environmental and transportation issues. He was appointed Kremlin chief of staff in late 2011, only months before Putins 2012 re-election. Ivanov will be replaced by Anton Vaino, a 44-year-old former diplomat who had served as Ivanovs deputy since 2012, according to a decree signed by Putin on Friday. I remember well our agreement about the fact you had asked not to be in this area of work as the head of the presidential administration for more than four years, Putin said in a meeting with Ivanov and Vaino broadcast on state television. This is why I am sympathetic to your desire to move on to another field of work. Putin ally Al Jazeeras Rory Challands, reporting from Murmansk in northwest Russia, said that Ivanov was a one of the brightest stars in Russian political life and one of Putins longest-standing allies, as well as the longest-serving chief of staff in the countrys modern history. Ivanovs removal was deeply significant, Challands said, even though the exact reason for that decision was difficult to decipher. Thats because the circle of trust around Putin is so small, and getting smaller. This kind of information is only really shared by the tightest people in that group. So maybe only Putin and Ivanov themselves know why he has gone. Sergey Markov, public spokesman for Putin, said that Ivanov resigned of his own accord for health reasons, and the president wanted to refresh his power structure. I think this refreshing of his power structure could coincide with his now stronger Russian position on the Ukrainian government, which Putin now directly accuses of using terrorist methods, he said. Many observers had considered Ivanov a leading candidate to take over from Putin as president when his second term ended in 2008. However, Putin handed over the top job to Dmitry Medvedev, the current prime minister, before reclaiming it in 2012. Ivanov has been in every single Putin administration for tens of years. You dont fire a guy like that on any given day without a major reason, Fred Weir, Russia correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, told Al Jazeera from Moscow. But we have no idea what that is, he said. 2005 .. ACTUALITES Dr. Karan Singh has left no choice with India than to immediately repeal Article 370 Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 12 Aout 2016 Bengaluru, India Dear Editor Sub:- (i)- Dr. Karan Singhs statement about non- merger of J&K with India has no legal basis (ii)- Silence of Farooq on unnecessary & explosive controversy created by Dr. Karan Singh, will be unpardonable. --- What prompted Dr. Karan Singh to give such an irresponsible statement in Parliament is known to him only (maybe he wants to gain confidence of Kashmiris especially of separatists). But God only knows whether he is aware or not that he has created an extremely difficult situation for India and for its union government when he said in Parliament on August, 10 that - "[We say J&K is an integral part of India. Of course it is. The day my father signed the Instrument of Accession (IOA), it became an integral part of India on October 27, 1947. However, please remember something more, - all others states subsequently merged but J&K did not merge with India hence J&Ks relation with India is governed by Article 370]" There is no problem as such with Article 370 because there are many other such articles like Article 371 (A to J). But when Dr. Karan Singh equates Article 370 with the non-merger of J&K with India then it creates huge problems for India in finding solution of chronic and gory Kashmir problem. Because Dr. Karan Singhs said statement in Parliament gives tremendous leverage / advantage to Kashmiri separatists and Pakistan vis-a-vis India. Dr. Karan Singh should have known better that come-what-may Hindu majority India will simply not tolerate further dismemberment of India especially by Jihadis. For Dr. Karan Singh there is no point in making efforts to retrieve the lost opportunity (as he considers). If the then ruler of J&K (Maharaja Hari Singh who signed IOA to India) wanted J&K not to merge with India then he should have ensured that in Article 368 of the Indian Constitution it should have been incorporated that Indian Parliament cannot amend the non-merger clause about J&K even by two third majority in Parliament. But in present form the Article 368 reads as [Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution] Hence there is no bar on Parliament to even amend Article 370 related to J&K and to make the merger (if needed though not necessary) of J&K (like other princely States of India) non-negotiable and final. But in view of the certainty with which Kashmiri separatists and Pakistan will exploit to the hilt this explosive statement of Dr. Karan Singh, the people of India should constrain its members of parliament to immediately repeal Article 370 of the constitution along with anything which in any way questions the final and complete merger of J&K (including PoK) with India. Here Farooq Abdullah (being the son of Sheikh Abdullah, who is mainly responsible for bringing J&K with India) has especial role to play in dispelling unnecessary, explosive and legally untenable controversy (which is being highlighted by media in J&K especially in Kashmir valley) created by Dr. Karan Singh. Therefore instead of wasting his time in futile discussion of the past the JKNC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah should not only come out and denounce Dr. Karan Singh about his said irresponsible statement but should also fulfill his fathers dreams of realizing human rights friendly Federal-Democratic-Secular-Socialist-Modern-Progressive ideology so that J&K and India and ultimately entire SAARC can be a much better place to live, as explained at:- http://www.alwihdainfo.com/Farooq-can-t-find-Kashmir-solution-without-adhering-to-Progressive-ideology-of-his-father-Sheikh-Abdullah_a38631.html Regards Hem Raj Jain (Author of Betrayal of Americanism) Bengaluru, India Dans la meme rubrique : < > Le rugby a Madagascar : le pays fou du rugby TeslaCoin : plateforme de trading ou cryptomonnaie ? Tchad : un projet dassistance et de protection en faveur des migrants au Batha Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) AR's Editor Joe Shea Talks About Elections On Iranian TV Bear Stearns Saved By Fed As Lehman Bros. Falters; Major Bank Failure Looms Over Wall Street, Sends Markets Into 200-Pt. Dive Lie Upon Lie Five Years Into the Iraq War The Administration Still Churns Out Lies by Randolph Holhut A Small Tragedy Even at 90, As Friends Turn Cool She Knows the Show Must Go On by Joyce Marcel I'll Take Me Imagine John Wayne or Arnold In Heels, Silk and a Girdle by Elizabeth Andrews Sen. Nelson Calls For New Fla. Primary; Gov Crist Backs 'Do-Over' Who'll Win? Ask Spock Spock.com Engine Predicts Winners By Site Searches; It Can be Wrong by Jay Bhatti Chatting Up The Cat God Gave Me Dominion Over Him But I Think He's a Non-Believer by Constance Daley Death of a Thug The Life and Horrors of Suharto by Andreas Harsono ___________________________ This Just In Sierra Club: McCain Ducked All 15 Key Votes On Green Laws (AR) A Work By AR's T.S. Kerrigan Is Chosen As 'Best Poem' By Wordpress Site Murder At Mile 63 The Deadly Assault and Bush Administration Cover-Up by S. Eben Kirkesby and Andreas Harsono 5427 14th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 $6.99 Fish Fridays! Manatee Co.'s Only 24-Hr. FREE Wi-Fi Paid Advertisement On Native Ground AFTER 5 YEARS, WE'RE STILL LIED TO ABOUT IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Next week is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And it is likely that sometime in the next couple of weeks, the 4,000th American soldier will die in Iraq. [MORE] Momentum OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - It's 1931, and a 14-year-old girl is standing alone on a stage. She's small and lively with dark curly hair, widespread hazel eyes, slender wrists and an open, eager face filled with the wonder of performing. Her name is Rose, and one day she will be my mother. But now she is performing an Eugene O'Neill monologue called "Before Breakfast" for a ladies' club in a wealthy suburb of Long Island. [MORE] One Woman's World COMFORTABLE WITH MYSELF by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I'm not sure but I think I may be socially incorrect. [MORE] On Native Ground ENOUGH FOR A WAR, NOT FOR A PEOPLE by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Last week, the National Governors Assn. met in Washington, D.C. One of the tasks the NGA had on its agenda was to ask President Bush to increase federal spending on roads, bridges and other public works projects as a way to stimulate the economy. He rejected their pleas out of hand, claiming that infrastructure projects wouldn't offer any short-term economic boost. [MORE] Brasch Words BEWARE THE SELF-REVERENTIAL PRESS by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Shortly before the primary votes this past week, Newsweek's Jonathan Alter called Sen. Barack Obama's surge to the Democratic nomination "inevitable." It also called for Hillary Clinton to "start her campaign for Senate majority leader." [MORE] Constance A CONVERSATION WITH MY CAT Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Normally, when the cat starts his evening rant of meowing continuously until he makes his point, I just take it as long as I can, pick him up, and put him in the garage for the night. He doesn't want to go, but the meowing stops and I don't care if he likes it or not. [MORE] Momentum OUT OF STRUGGLE, ART by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Here we are again at the crossroads of art and social change, having the opportunity to watch good and great films about the lives of women in support of the Women's Crisis Center. [MORE] Campaign 2008 HOW TO PREDICT SUPER TUESDAY II WINNERS? ONLINE SEARCH by Jay Bhatti NEW YORK, March 4, 2008, 7:00PM ET -- With the outcomes of the Texas, Vermont, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries to be decided tonight, how possible is it that online searching can predict who will win tonight's primaries? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T VOTE; IT ENCOURAGES THEM by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Call me angry and disgusted but don't call me un-American because I won't be voting come November. [MORE] On Native Ground BUSH AND THE KEYBOARD COMMANDOS by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- As the days tick down toward the eventual departure of President George W. Bush from the White House, it's a hopeful sign that most Americans are no longer moved by his Administration's constant exploitation of terrorism for political gain. [MORE] Momentum WHICH AMERICA DO YOU LIVE IN? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- It's a little confusing. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] On Native Ground FIDEL RETIRES: NOW THE COLD WAR IS REALLY OVER by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Maybe now, we can finally say the Cold War is over. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] One Woman's World POLITICS IS NO PARTY by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Are you having a hard time focusing your eyes? Do you have faint red spots all over your body? Is there a ringing in your ears and do you see wavy lines when you look at your television set? Do your hands shake when you try to hold a cup of coffee? And have you recently been forgetting what day of the week it is - or what year? [MORE] Make My Day FOR BETTER OR WORSE ... A LOT WORSE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- "Marriage: It's Only Going to Get Worse." [MORE] Constance YOU CALL THESE RIGHTS? by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- When you express an opinion you hope to persuade others to your point of view. It doesn't always happen but still, opinion writers try. [MORE] Momentum THE BRIDGE WOMAN by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - Out there in America - yes, still - is a generation of women who were born in the 1940s, raised in the 1950s, and who came to radical consciousness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I am one of them. Hillary Clinton is one of them. [MORE] On Native Ground OBAMA AND MY GENERATION by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- I originally planned on voting for Dennis Kucinich in the Vermont Primary on March 4. [MORE] The Willies: WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY MURDER YOUR FRIENDS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla. -- You've heard the warnings, haven't you? Stop Prozac and you may take a shotgun, an Uzi or an AK-47 and mow down your family and friends, or even a whole classroom full of your fellow students. You didn't? Well, that warning is not on the bottle, but like countless mass-murder incidents before it, Friday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings that killed 32 last year, was probably precipitated by the effect of stopping medications that suppress anger and other powerful emotions but do not relieve the underlying cause. Isn't it time we started warning people - or stopped prescribing these medicines? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I wish I could feel delight in my poet's mansion being like Grand Central Station all the time, but I can't. And I wish my place was such a place that someone would one day write: "Her door was always open and she always made you feel all fuzzy and warm in her presence. She could make a cup of coffee seem like a banquet." [MORE] Reporting: Panama PANAMA'S VIOLENT LABOR UNREST INTENSIFIES Mark Scheinbaum PANAMA CITY, Panama, Feb, 15, 2008 -- After just one day of relative calm, wildcat construction strikes by some members of Panama's largest union flared up again Friday morning, four days after a police sniper shot one worker. More than 140 demonstrators have been injured and at least 500 arrested, authorities say. [MORE] Brasch Words TO STIMULATE ECONOMY, BUY A CHINESE-MADE U.S. FLAG by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Walking down Main Street, pushing a grocery cart loaded with clothes, toys, and appliances was Marshbaum. Fastened to the right front corner of the cart was an American flag tied onto a three-foot ruler. [MORE] Make My Day THE TOOTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To commemorate the death of noted shark exploder Roy Scheider, and the "Jaws" movies that resulted in Erik never setting foot in the ocean again, we are reprinting this column from 2003. Shark Experts 0, Sharks 1 [MORE] Momentum THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - As I write this, it's raining ice. Maybe a half a foot of snow and ice has already landed up here in the woods of Dummerston. Our cars are encased in it, and the door to the house is blocked. The satellite dish that brings in our Internet service quit about 20 minutes ago - frozen solid. [MORE] The Willies AMERICA TO HILLARY: GET OUT! by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton has adopted the Rudy Giuliani strategy, and it's working - for Sen. Barack Obama. It turns out to be the strategy all Democrats are seeking - an exit strategy. But it's not for Iraq. It's for her exit from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. [MORE] Constance CONFESSIONS OF A DISAPPOINTED VOTER by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- A week ago at just about this time, I completed an article and was about to submit it as scheduled to The American Reporter. I was feeling rather elated, ready to show up on Super Tuesday morning, firmly touch the X next to Rudy Giuliani's name and get on with my day. He was my choice; he would get my vote. [MORE] Reporting: Florida SIERRA CLUB SET TO SUSPEND FLA. CHAPTER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 10, 2008 -- The national Sierra Club is set to suspend its Florida chapter after years of divisive infighting, the president of the national club told Florida members in a letter delivered to some this weekend. It is the first time in its 116-year history that such a step has been considered by the club, according to news reports. [MORE] One Woman's World PLANT A NEW WORLD THIS SPRING by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- For a little while, the men will just have to toss and turn in their fear-free-women beds. For a small space of time Hillary Clinton will just have to trudge on toward the White House without my faint applause in the background. [MORE] On Native Ground VERMONT AND THE 5 STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- First, Vermont tried to convince the nation to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. [MORE] Make My Day REBEL WITHOUT A TONGUE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Kids' brains work in amazing ways. At times, they can grasp complex concepts and make impressive discoveries. Other times, you have to wonder how we ever survived as a species. [MORE] The Willies FOR DEMOCRATS, NOW IT'S ABOUT RACE, INCOME AND GENDER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Feb. 6, 2008 -- It's not a good time to be a Democrat. As the Super Tuesday results demonstrated, the presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has divided the partly along clear racial, income and gender lines - the very distinctions the party has sought to erase in principle but has emphasized in its pursuit of diversity. [MORE] Momentum SUPER TUESDAY BLUES by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Super Tuesday has come and gone and I still can't get excited about the upcoming presidential elections. [MORE] The Willies ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY, YOUR PUSH IS NEEDED by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 5. 2008 -- I'm expecting a sea change tonight. I believe that for the first time in this nation's history we will once and forever banish racism as the deciding factor in the destiny of African-Americans, and indeed adopt diversity as our path to the future. [MORE] Campaign 2008 AT 88, EVERY VOTE REALLY COUNTS by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Pearl Turner will caucus for Mitt Romney tonight in Denver. [MORE] One Woman's World STAND BY YOUR WOMAN by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- The black vote. The gay vote. The fundamentalist vote. The Hispanic vote. [MORE] An AR Special SUSPECTS IN BENAZIR ASSASSINATION HAVE TIES TO MUSHARRAF by Ahmar Mustikhan WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When Gordon Brown this past Monday feted coup-leader-turned-President Pervez Musharraf at 10 Downing Street, Britain's new prime minister probably didn't ask the Pakistani dictator a question that is now on many minds: Did you order the murder of Benazir Bhutto? [MORE] Momentum TO THE VERMONT DELEGATION: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR US LATELY? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. Back when President George W. Bush and Dick Vice President Dick Cheney were building up to their loathsome war in Iraq, very few people were brave enough to call the bullies' bluff. [MORE] On Native Ground IF BUSH HAS HIS WAY, WE'LL NEVER LEAVE IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. - In his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, President Bush cautioned against accelerating U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq, saying that it would endanger the process that has been made over the past year. [MORE] Campaign 2008 CLASH OF COMMENTS AND PROTESTORS AT CLINTON, OBAMA RALLIES IN DENVER by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 1, 2008 -- At least four presidential campaigns of both partiers rolled into in Denver this week ahead of the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries in 22 states, but it was the Democratic presidential contenders who drew the big crowds and duked it out Wednesday. If sheer numbers are any indication, Sen. Barack Obama - preceded by a buoyant and beautiful Caroline Kennedy - won the round handily. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the Colorado primary next Tuesday. [MORE] The Willies WHY THE FLORIDA PRIMARY STINKS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- I was with my wife and daughter driving the back way from Miami home to Bradenton when we stopped at a McDonald's in Clewiston, the only big town along the vast shore of Lake Okeechobee, the state's precious freshwater reservoir. The McDonald's had three televisions at a central seating area, each tuned to a different network, and our table was in front of CNN as the very first election results started to pour in around 7:30PM. With them, almost as counterpoint, suddenly came such an overwhelming odor of cow plop that my wife started to throw up as we all ran to the parking lot. [MORE] Passings: Suharto DEATH OF A KEMUSU THUG by Andreas Harsono JAKARTA - A few minutes after hearing that former president Suharto had died in his hospital bed, Marco, a militia leader in downtown Jakarta, raced to Suhartos house, wearing his jungle camouflage and began guarding the Suhartos residence on Cendana Street. [MORE] Constance I REMEMBER YOU by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.. -- It seems to be more often lately that the sentiment is spoken but it's always been out there: "You never get over the death of your child." This is true. But the heartfelt expressions come from some who cannot fathom the notion of losing a child; their own child is who is in their mind, not another mother's child. [MORE] Heather Cox, the chief executive of Citigroup's fintech unit, is headed to USAA. The San Antonio-based bank announced Friday that it has named Cox its chief technology and digital officer, a newly created role that includes the oversight of information technology, digital strategy and operations, and experience design. "Heather's appointment reinforces our service commitment in fast-moving areas like digital, technology and user experience," USAA Chief Executive Stuart Parker said in a press release. "She's the right leader to take us where we're going." In the same release, Cox said, "USAA is known for innovating and delivering an excellent member experience for the military community." Cox joined Citi in 2014, also in a newly created role, from Capital One. In 2015, she was named American Banker's Digital Banker of the Year and was No. 7 on American Banker's list of The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking. Among her accomplishments, Cox oversaw the launch of an app for a wearable device her team built in 120 days; created innovation events to hear pitches from global software developers; and led the bank as it became one of the first in the U.S. allowing customers to check their account balances and transactions on a mobile app without having to type in user names and passwords. In a memo to Citi staffers, Stephen Bird, the chief executive of the global consumer bank, thanked Cox for her contributions to the company's digital transformation during her tenure. "She embraced our vision to become a true mobile business, championed working in new ways to improve speed to market and pursued every avenue to make the experience we deliver simpler, better and faster," Bird wrote in the memo. USAA said Cox is expected to assume her new role this fall. Yolande Piazza, the chief operating officer of Citi FinTech, will assume interim responsibility for Cox's duties. Another data firm plans to seek regulatory certification as a credit bureau for payday lenders. FactorTrust in Roswell, Ga., intends to file a proposal with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to be a registered information system. The CFPB wants payday, auto-title and installment lenders to file reports on its individual customers with these information systems and to pull reports from the bureaus when making loan decisions. The CFPB wants the private sector to develop a credit-reporting system for payday lenders, because the three largest credit bureausEquifax, Experian and TransUniondon't collect information on subprime consumers. The CFPB's proposed rules for the payday loan industry include a requirement for lenders to verify a potential borrower's ability to repay. FactorTrust, which was established in 2005, has more data on subprime consumers than any other data firm, Chief Executive Greg Rable said. That will give it an edge on other competing credit bureaus, he said. FactorTrust has also developed a technology to allow payday lenders to file consumer credit reports in real time and in a single format, which will help lenders avoid the expense of filing reports to multiple bureaus, Rable said. Other companies have indicated interest in seeking CFPB certification as a payday-loan information system include Clarity Services in Clearwater, Fla., and Veritec in Jacksonville, Fla. The CFPB's proposed rules are subject to change after it receives input from interested parties. The public comment period ends on Oct. 7. Banks are facing a predicament in using SMS messages to help authenticate their customers. On one hand, fraudsters are targeting such systems more. On the other, it is a method customers are accustomed to using. Banks, like many other industries, rely on SMS-based notifications as part of two-factor authentication protocols, but there is rising pressure for them to use other methods. But should they shelve it altogether? Security experts say that is probably a step too far for now. In implementing any new fraud measures, banks must always weigh the risk of fraud versus the customer experience, said Yossi Zekri, chief executive of Acuant, an authentication technology provider. "You have to think about the friction to the customer, along with the overall risk you are taking," he said. Ditching text messaging and shifting to a new form of authentication would likely confuse customers, security experts say. Instead, financial institutions should take a more nuanced approach, said Rich Rezek, vice president of market development for authentication solutions for the tech vendor Early Warning. SMS-based authentication "will still remain a tool in the tool kit" since it's inexpensive and simple for banks to set up, and something consumers are familiar with, Rezek said. But banks still must need to take steps to improve how they handle two-factor authentication and SMS. "As fraudsters start to figure out [an authentication method], then you have to evolve and take the next approach," Rezek said. Common ways for a criminal to compromise an SMS authenticator include remotely hacking a phone and having the texts forward to a different phone, or to a computer via voice over internet protocol, Rezek said. In that scenario, the bank could utilize technology behind the scenes that observes how users behave and interact with the bank using digital devices, and send alerts when there are signs of fraud. For example, technology could detect if the device interacting with the bank is the one registered or a different mobile device or even a computer. While fraud targeting SMS verification isn't a widespread threat, it is increasing, according to Rezek. "It doesn't happen a lot, but when it does it is painful for both the bank and customer," he said. But it is happening enough that the government is taking notice. For instance, the latest draft version of its Digital Authentication Guideline published late last month, the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology began to discourage companies from using SMS-based authentication in their two-factor authentication schemes. This includes two-factor authentication that uses one-time passwords as well as hard token or push authentication. Also, Javelin Strategy & Research said in a report published in March on mobile wallets that this SMS-related fraud was becoming more common. "The most immediate threat will come from the interception of SMS-based one-time passwords used for enrollment in a third-party wallet app," Javelin analysts said in the report. "Mobile malware can intercept and redirect SMS texts to a device controlled by fraudsters, or fraudsters could simply log in or call to make changes to the victim's mobile carrier account and institute phone forwarding." But when deciding to take any fraud measures, banks first should weigh the risk of potential fraud in different scenarios, rather than taking one across-the-board-measure, said Chris Thompson, senior managing director for Accenture's cyber risk and resilience practice. For example, they may not need to completely phase out SMS-based authentication for individual customers, but an internal systems administrator should not be using this method to access any of the bank's systems for a commercial account, he said. Fraudsters "probably are more likely to target individuals inside companies and governments that have access to lots of important data," Thompson said. "But ultimately, a bank needs to look at fraud losses and where they occur, and make that determination. There's no one perfect way to authenticate, you always need some combination of factors." Regarding text messaging, Thompson said there are likely more secure authentication methods to replace it, such as using an application for authentication. (Google's Gmail, among others, offers this authenticating option.) But in that scenario customers then have to download the app, forcing them to take additional measures and log in in an unfamiliar way, which may erode the customer experience, he said. Zekri says authentication eventually will move to combining a physical element, such as a drivers license that can be imaged and sent, along with a biometric authenticator. "If you can combine the physical and the biometric in some way, you'll have a pretty good solution," he said. Merchants Bank of Bangor in Pennsylvania has hired the president of nearby bank as its new leader. The $359 million-asset Merchants said in a press release Friday that Rocco Del Vecchio will succeed Anthony Biondi as chief executive on Aug. 22. Biondi is retiring after 12 years on the job. Del Vecchio previously was vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of the $1.5 billion-asset Lafayette Ambassador Bank in Bethlehem, Pa., which he joined in 2000. Lafayette Ambassador is owned by Fulton Financial in Lancaster, Pa. Merchants last year had named its chief operating officer, Tracey Smith, as CEO-in-waiting. However, Smith resigned earlier this year, a bank spokesman said. Those with criminal intent think differently about some things than most of the rest of us. For instance, when the word best is used in comparing lawmen (or lawwomen) or politicians, most of us look to the lawman with the track record of honesty and justice, and the politician with a history of trustworthiness and support of the Constitution. But criminals have a different take on the word best. In the hit movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, criminal Butch (actor Paul Newman) asks comrade criminal Sundance (actor Robert Redford) who the best lawman is. Sundance replies with a clarifying question, as the word could have opposing meanings based on the context, The best, how? You mean toughest, or easiest to bribe? It is perfectly logical to recognize that those with miscreant intent will think of the best person, as in the best politician, as the one easiest to bribe. And bribe they will if they see an advantage or gain from a corrupt politician, especially if the deed will likely go undetected, and even if detected, will likely avoid prosecution. All too often those who are deft at skirting the direct link of a quid pro quo in a bribery situation get away with it. That does not mean that the persons involved are ethical or not actually guilty of a crime. In the movie Training Day detective Alonzo Harris (played by Denzel Washington) quips to rookie Jake Hoyt (played by Ethan Hawke), Its not what you know, its what you can prove. Detective Harris refers to a situation in which Harris committed crimes but has stacked the chips on his side in order to evade discovery of his criminal activity. Even though Hoyt factually knows Harris is guilty of illegally killing a drug dealer and stealing over a million dollars, Harris states that his guys (other detectives working for Harris and who witnessed the illegal killing and thieving) will back him all the way and present the lie of events Harris has fabricated. Therefore, Hoyt lacks evidentiary or witness proof that Harris is guilty. In the circumstances surrounding Hillary Clintons alleged practice of selling access and influence -- bribery -- the slippery Clintons may have succeeded over time in stacking the chips on their side. People are correct in wanting to get to the bottom of the enormous amounts of money paid to the Clintons for speaking fees and contributed to the so-called charitable foundation they run, especially by sources with possible conflicts of interest and by foreign corporations and governments. Much of the cash was received from entities that were simultaneously lobbying the government for some favorable action, as reported by the Washington Examiner. Amid all the Clintons questionable activities are there traceable and provable quid pro quos? Or, as many wonder, has all the damaging evidence (such as emails) been erased and knowledgeable persons persuaded to keep silent? And even if some tit-for-tat transactions are found but direct criminal intent is not incontestable such that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case (to quote FBI Director James Comey in giving Clinton a pass regarding her most recent email scandal), does that equate to her innocence? Or, instead, does it simply mean that the Clintons have devised a cagey scheme of circumventing the law for vast personal gain while Hillary is, and may be in the future, a person in a position of trust? Many see the Clintons as having slithered through the slimy weeds of deceit and ill-gotten gains for decades now, undoubtedly learning a thing or two along the way while honing their nefarious skills to art-form perfection. If it were simply a case of one or two outlying instances of questionable circumstance in otherwise unblemished and virtuous political careers, that would be one thing. But the magnitude of out and out lies, deceit, and furtive dealings involving the Clintons are notorious and present a consistent pattern spanning no less than decades. This longstanding pattern provides credence to the idea of a Clinton master plan of voracious self enrichment at the expense of everything and everyone; national security, ethics and laws be damned. Hillary now wants to get her hands on the most powerful position in the world, the U.S. presidency. Once a person is elected to a position of public trust, as in the President of the United States, we are very much at the mercy of what we expect to be the honorable intentions of that responsible elected official. With all the deceitful baggage Hillary would be carrying to that office, who could possibly be confident in her sense of honor? Her trustworthiness ratings while campaigning are nothing to be proud of and show that perhaps most people still believe in consequence and logic, not in Hillarys self-ordained entitlement to be crowned head of this country. Logic, in fact, drives us to ask: 1) whether the Clintons are truly filled with the spirit of charity when so little of their foundation money is actually used for charity and; 2) whether they are blessed with such insight and intellect, and are such dynamic speakers that their numerous huge speaking fees and timing of those fees are justified. Undoubtedly what has been seen publically from those two would fail to produce anything beyond a moderate speaking income in any rational world. But who are we to judge? Certain Wall Street banks, financial institutions and foreign corporations and governments must think Hillary and Bill are the tops. With all the hundreds of millions they have sloshed to the Clinton Foundation and with speaking fees totaling close to $153 million the Clintons must be outstanding if not the very best. But as in the movie when Sundance replies to Butch, best in what context? Gary Hancock is a retired corporate director of contracts for the defense industry and is now a commentator and author. His first book is Sustaining Liberty: And Reclaiming Limited Government in America. In one of the great speeches of the 20th century, General Charles de Gaulle on BBC Radio on June 18,1940 spoke to the French people after the government of France had capitulated to Nazi Germany. Optimistically, he argued that France would be able in the future to overcome the enemy by a "superior mechanical force." The fate of the world depended on it. Hope, de Gaulle said, must not disappear. Today, the democratic world must respond to the enemy, radical Islam and Islamist terrorism, with the same force and in the same spirit that de Gaulle embodied. The task has become increasingly difficult and complicated with the changing nature of the threat and the varied massacres and terrorist Islamist attacks. The West has also now become aware of the sophisticated propaganda machine of the jihadist terrorist groups, especially ISIS, whose propaganda spreads on the internet, Skype, Facebook, YouTube, and satellite outlets. Now revelations about one intelligence unit, EMNI, responsible for an external terrorist network, of the secret service of ISIS, is the latest cause for Western concern. The first organized attack on the West came from groups such as al-Qaeda that concentrated on important or symbolic targets. Osama bin Laden was responsible for 9/11 and war on U.S., arguing that the U.S. had massacred Muslim people and supported Israel. To this attack was added the fight against those regimes, including Saudi Arabia, that aided the U.S. Then terrorist groups in different countries attacked "soft targets" train stations and hotels. More recently, so-called lone wolf jihadists have attacked Jewish museums, night clubs, the promenade of a fashionable seaside resort, in European countries. It is essential for all defending Western civilization to be aware of the ideology that drives all these different terrorist activities. The rise of Islamist violence and terrorism has illustrated a clash of cultures in the world, not universal agreement on some hypothetical end of history. Muslim societies accepting that "the Koran is our Constitution" are antithetical to Western democracies and the secular rule of law. Glorification of terrorists is incompatible with a system of law and order, however imperfect. The rise of jihadism stems from an extreme form of Islam, not the revenge of Muslim countries for Western colonialism. The problem for the West started in the 18th century in the area of Najd in the Arabian Peninsula, when two men met. One was a religious figure, Abd al-Wahhab, son of an Islamic cleric (juge) who wanted to stop Bedouins from being pagans. The objective was to return to a "pure" Islam, that of the Prophet and his companions. This was the extreme, puritanical, and rigid form of Islamist doctrine. This overlaps with Salafism, which goes back to an even earlier period, the first three generations of Islam, the so-called "Pious Predecessors." In the small town of Diriya, Wahhab in 1744 met Ibn Saud, ruler of the area, and agreed on an arrangement. This was the pact that involved the lowering of taxes on agricultural products and the raising of revenue by a process of jihad and conquest of neighboring cities on one side and religious extremism on the other. The alliance of the two men led to conquest of Arabia and the imposition of both centralized administration and the extreme religious point of view on it. The area gradually changed from continual tribal wars in search of spoils to a political center and a dominant Saudi ruling family, and to Wahhabism, an extreme form of Islam, as the dominant form. At first, Wahhabism was concerned with defense of Muslim countries against "impurity" within them. This meant having a military force, a fanatical sect that included mercenaries. Then grew the emphasis on jihad, the assault of Western systems, that became more urgent with the creation by Hassan al-Banna, a 22-year old teacher, in 1928 in Cairo of the Muslim Brotherhood. It was the first important movement that tried to unite activist Muslims to affirm an Islamic identity in the face of British and French colonialism. Therefore, a major objective of Banna was the restoration of the caliphate, a political system that had been abolished by Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1924, to rule over Arab countries. Moreover, that caliphate was to exercise political power, to become politically important, and to reform society. Parenthetically, Banna was the grandfather of Tariq Ramadan, the Swiss-born academic, often a spokesperson for the Brotherhood and an extreme critic of Israel. In 2013, he wrote that the overthrow of the Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, Brotherhood leader, was orchestrated by a conspiracy of the U.S. and Israel. Inherent in the position of the Brotherhood is that the Muslim ruler should be destroyed if he contravenes the divine law. The Brotherhood had tried to assassinate President Gamal Abdel Nasser in October 1954 and succeeded in assassinating President Anwar Sadat on October 6, 1981. In the 1960s, the Brotherhood became even more extreme with the influence of Sayyid Qutb, who emphasized resort to violence and overthrow of bad Muslim governments. It was the teaching of Qutb, who was executed in 1966, that led to Sadat's assassination and to continuing jihadism. For the West, the threat of Salafist jihadist terrorism stems from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The opposition to that event was a combination of Saudi and American force, the employment of American money and the CIA, and the recruitment of local fighters by the U.S. and Pakistan. Motives were different. The U.S. was engaged in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The local fighters were liberating territory of an occupied Muslim country. The Taliban was born. Salafists are of various kinds. Some insist on piety, education, and predication; others are more interested in political and nonviolent reforms. The third group, advocates of global jihadism, is what affects the West and Muslim countries. Starting in the fight against regimes of Algeria and Egypt, jihadism spread to Albania and the Caucasus. By late 1990s, global jihad against the West was basis of al-Qaeda. The fall of Saddam Hussein led al-Qaeda to become influential in Iraq. Organized jihadism then became nihilist, with the creation of ISIS in 2006 and the caliphate in 2013, both jihadist and a territorial state. Like de Gaulle in 1940 fighting against Nazi Germany, Western leaders, together with Russia, must pluck up courage and fight the evil. It helps to know who the enemy is. The next president of the U.S. must fight from the front, not from behind. The last ten polls reporting the outcome of a four-person presidential race with the Democrat Clinton, Republican Trump, Libertarian Johnson, and Green Party's Stein gives Hillary Clinton the edge in the popular vote but leaves her with an average in those ten polls of only 44%. Her unfavorable ratings with voters remains incredibly high for a major party candidate, compounded by the fact that Hillary has been at the center of Washington politics for a quarter of a century. If Hillary wins and the polling data suggests she well may she might be able to win the presidential election with as little as 40% of the popular vote. The complete disillusionment of Americans with Washington and with the two major political parties has made presidential winners with a wafer-thin majority or even a minority of the popular vote the new norm. In the last ten presidential elections, the winning candidate received on average a pathetic 50.08% of the popular vote. The Obama "landslide" in 2008 was actually a mediocre victory, with only 52.82% of the popular vote. Obama fared worse in his re-election campaign in 2012 when he won only 51.01% of the popular vote. This is an inversion of the pattern since FDR through Ronald Reagan, when an incumbent president seeking re-election (FDR in 1936, Eisenhower in 1956, Nixon in 1972, and Reagan in 1984) won on average by a whopping 8.75 percentage points higher in re-election than the first time around. Two of the last four presidents seeking re-election have actually gotten less than half of the popular vote: Bush in 1992 and Clinton in 1996. Indeed, prevailing candidates in presidential elections over the last ten elections have done remarkably worse than the prevailing candidates in the prior ten presidential elections. Compared to that anemic 50.08% of the popular vote that the winning candidates have gotten in elections since 1976, the ten prevailing candidates in those presidential elections from 1936 to 1972 won on average 54.45% of the popular vote, meaning that by the historic standard of ten points, these candidates were winning landslide victories. Combine this electoral data with polling data showing that Americans today have very little trust in Washington, in politicians, in news media, and in political parties, and the success of anyone perceived to be an outsider, whether that someone is a Marxist from Vermont or a billionaire from New York, is better understood. The question "What can the two major parties do about this?" is answered by another question: "Do these two major political parties want to do anything about this?" Certainly the monotonous parade of candidates who were part of political dynasties Bush, Gore, Clinton, and Romney and who were the nominees of both political parties during this period was a strong suggestion of entrenched, privileged candidates. Most of the major party nominees during the last forty years have either been lawyers or gone to law school. In the case of Democrats, this fetish with lawyers is positively macabre. Hillary and Bill are both lawyers; Barry and Michelle are both lawyers. When was the last time Democrats nominated someone who was not a lawyer or (in the case of Gore) went to law school? Jimmy Carter, forty year ago. Both parties seem wedded to old, rich, familiar faces who know how the system operates. "Old" means "old" Trump is 70, and Hillary will turn 69 in October and "rich" means "rich" Trump is a billionaire, and "dead broke" Hillary is worth about $100 million. The decline in the quality of candidate given to us by the two major parties has produced in the 2016 presidential election two candidates who are each more distrusted and disliked than any nominee of either party during the last forty years. This may be the first presidential election in which voters, if states gave voters the NOTA ("None Of The Above") option, might reject the candidates of both major parties. No one this year, especially the American voters, is really going to win anything worth bragging about. If the "winning" candidate in 2016 does not reach 43%, that "winner" will have the lowest electoral support of any candidate in the last one hundred years. What a sad commentary on the two big parties in America. Those who feel, as I do, that the defense of the free world is not a business deal to which art can be applied, but rather a strategic necessity we cannot afford to shirk, are surely troubled by Chinas military incursions into the East and South China Sea in the context of GOP nominee Donald Trumps threat to walk away from a key ally in the region, Japan. Trump recently commented on the unfairness of a treaty arrangement under which the U.S. is obligated to come to Japans aid if it is attacked but Japan cannot come to our aid due to a treaty which permits only a military dedicated to defense of the Japanese homeland. As the Telegraph reported on August 6: Donald Trump has savaged Japan, one of America's closest allies, stating that if the US.is attacked, all Japan would do is "sit home and watch Sony television". He expressed his frustration that the US is bound by treaty to defend the Asian nation but that if the United States is attacked, the Japanese cannot help because of Article 9, which constitutionally forbids it to send armed forces overseas. He said that it "could be necessary" for the US to walk away from the treaty, or at least threaten to do so You know we have a treaty with Japan, where if Japan is attacked, we have to use the full force and might of the United States," he said. "If we're attacked, Japan doesn't have to do anything. They can sit home and watch Sony television, OK?" If Trump is suggesting Japan should repeal Article 9 of its Constitution and rearm, including going nuclear, he should say so. But walking away would be an invitation to Chinese expansion. While our trade deals with Japan may be unfair, consider the economic cost of a war between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The treaty he condemns is a powerful deterrent against this. And the foreign policy implications of a rearmed Japan in an Asia with long memories of Japanese militarism are problematic. We defend Japan because it is in our national security interest to do so, not because it is economically fair, and we shouldnt walk away because they sell us too many cars while rejecting our beef. And Chinas recent actions show we are at a crossroads in history and had better make the right choice. China is making military moves to defend its territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. In the South China Sea, it has been on a massive island-building campaign to provide moorings for its warships and airstrips for its air force, As Fox News noted on Aug. 9: Satellite photos released on Monday appear to show China making progress on construction of at least two dozen hardened concrete hangars suitable for housing Chinese air force planes, including strategic bombers and inflight refuelers, on disputed islands in the South China Sea. The photos were collected and studied by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank. They show construction work on man-made islands at Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs. The think tank reports the images were taken in June and July. These hangars are the smoking gun. You do not build nearly 80 hangars for civilian purposes on these tiny spits of land They're clearly meant for forward deployment of Chinese Air Force assets, Greg Poling, Director of CSIS' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, told Fox News. As these military moves are underway, Russia and China have announced that they will be conducting joint naval drills in the region in September. As the New York Times notes: Russian naval forces plan to join Chinese forces for a joint exercise in the South China Sea, highlighting Moscows partnership with Beijing after a recent international legal ruling underlined rifts between China and Southeast Asian nations over rival claims across the sea. The joint exercise will be held in September, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, Senior Col. Yang Yujun, said in Beijing on Thursday. But he gave no details about the size of the drill or precisely where it would take place in the vast stretch of sea from southern China nearly to the Philippines. Following a joint understanding reached between China and Russia, the navies of the two countries will hold a joint military exercise in the relevant sea and air areas of the South China Sea in September under the name Joint-Sea 2016, Colonel Yang said. Such naval cooperation is not aimed at protecting freedom of navigation on the high seas. It is about protecting Chinas territorial claims, claims similar to Vladimir Putins dream of reassembling the old Soviet Union, starting with annexation of Crimea and incursions into Ukraine. As Investors Business Daily has noted: Beijing has long declared the South China Sea to be its territorial waters and has laid claim to two disputed chains: the Paracel Islands, about 200 miles from the coast of Vietnam, and the Spratly Islands in the southeastern part of the South China Sea. China's territorial ambitions include the Senkakus in the East China Sea, part of what Chinese military doctrine refers to as the "first island chain" that surrounds China. In the South China Sea, as of February, according to Reuters, China had finished construction on no less than six different island reefs from which to project its power in the South China Sea. Included in its military effort is the construction of a 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) long runway on the artificially expanded Fiery Cross Reef as a base for Chinese fighter aircraft. Chinas claim to the Senkaku Islands in the East China involve islands which are under Japanese administration and which Tokyo claims as Japanese territory. Beijing has established what it calls Air Defense Identification Zones in the East China Sea, one of which overlaps the Senkaku Islands. Beijing insists that aircraft flying through these zones file their flight plans in advance for the approval of Chinese authorities as part of its long-term plans to dominate the region. The Zones met only token resistance from the Obama administration: China also is laying claim to the Senkaku Islands in the East China which are under Japanese administration and which Tokyo claims as Japanese territory. Beijing has established what it calls Air Defense Identification Zones in the East China Sea, one of which overlaps the Senkaku Islands, a clear threat to Japan. Beijing insists that aircraft flying through these zones file their flight plans in advance for the approval of Chinese authorities as part of its long-term plans to dominate the region. The zones met only token resistance from the Obama administration: Chinas territorial claims threaten countries such as the Philippines and Malaysia as well as Japan. It also threatens war with the United States. Chinas State Council, the Communist giants version of our cabinet, has issued a policy paper that declares Beijing is facing a grave and complex array of security threats that forces it to switch its strategy from defense to offense and that as a result China will increase its open seas protection. This means that China is not about to give up its territorial claim in the South and East China Seas, which include the Spratly, Paracel, and Senkaku Island chains but will protect them with aggressive force if necessary. China will also continue its building of artificial islands as bases from which to strike. This is a clear response to President Obamas Pacific pivot and an indication of how little Beijing is impressed. An editorial in the Global Times, a newspaper seen as a mouthpiece for hard-line nationalists in Beijing, warns of the consequences of resistance: If the United States bottom line is that China has to halt these activities, then a U.S. China war is inevitable in the South China Sea. In this context, Trumps threat to walk away from Japan shows just how little tactics in the business world apply to the geopolitical world. Bad trade deals with Japan may cost us, but so too would a war with China in the East and South China Seas. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. Eleven bombs were set off in 5 different provinces of Thailand over the last 24 hours, mostly targeting the country's vital tourist industry. At least 4 people were killed in the blasts and 34 were injured. Authorities deny that "international terrorism" was at work or that the blasts had anything to do with the one year anniversary of the Erawan Shrine bombing, or that they were connected in any way. That's their story and they're sticking to it. CNN: "These incidents are different from the usual terrorism acts, they are more local sabotage on certain locations and provinces," Deputy Police Spokesman Maj. Gen. Piyapan Pingmuang said at a news conference Friday. The series of blasts come days before the one year anniversary of the Erawan Shrine bombing, which killed 20 people, and five days after the country voted on a new constitution. Pingmuang said the blasts are not linked to the Erawan bombing. he first explosion occurred at 3 p.m. local time in Trang province, killing one man and injuring six people, according to Royal Thai Police. Two bombs went off that evening in the resort city of Hua Hin -- one at 10:15 p.m. near a bar called Johnny's 56, and another at 11 p.m. in front of the Rain Tree Spa. A woman working at a food vending cart was killed, Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran said. Royal Thai Police said another 21 people were wounded. They include citizens from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, according to Thomas Mohr with the San Paulo Hospital in Hua Hin. Shane Brett, who was visiting the area from Tokyo, said he was close by during both explosions. He told CNN that he heard a "bang" and saw people panicking around the area. "[I] went to have a look and caught a glimpse of the scene but the whole area was in frenzy and people [were] advised to stay inside," he said. Security at the Hilton hotel where Brett is staying has dramatically increased, he said. Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran said the bombs had been planted in tree pots near the targets. Edwin Wiek, who has lived in Thailand for almost 30 years, tweeted a photo of a planter that was blown apart in one of the blasts. On Friday morning at least eight explosions occurred in five provinces. Bombs went off again Hua Hin as well as in Surat Thani, Trang Province, Phang-nga province and the resort island of Phuket. Two bombings in Phuket happened at 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Friday, according to Royal Thai Police. The explosions hit Patong Beach and Bang La Street -- both popular tourist sites -- said Major General Theerapol Thipcharoen, the chief of Phuket Provincial Police. One person suffered minor injuries in the Phuket incident, authorities said. The blasts were apparently small, but deadly. But the body count is secondary to what was being targeted. Thailand recently adopted a new constitution and the political fallout from the debate has been intense. It may not be ISIS or al-Qaeda who's responsible, but the message to tourists is the same; you are not safe. It's not surprising that the authorities are playing down the terrorism angle, and the danger that more bombings could be on the way from whatever group is responsible for the coordinated attacks. Tourism accounts for 6% of Thailand's GDP, and a disruption there would devastate the hospitality industry - a major source of jobs for the middle class. But denying there's a problem would be equally bad. The authorities will have to identify those responsible quickly and crackdown swiftly in order to reassure foreign travelers the situation is under control. Like me, my friend Jose Nino was brought by his parents to the U.S. to live in freedom. He was born in Venezuela and me in Cuba. He came in the 1990s and I came in the 1960s. I guess that people who escape socialist nightmares have a lot of memories in common, from empty shelves to repression to the fear that the knock on the door means that your father is headed to a political prison. Jose updated us this week about the plight of people in Venezuela. This is what he wrote: Nearly 2 million Venezuelans have left the country since Hugo Chavez assumed power in 1999. Naturally, their common places of destination -- Colombia, Panama, Spain, United States -- enjoy significantly higher degrees of economic freedom than Venezuela currently does. It is small wonder why socialist countries are marked by large diasporas. As the economist Milton Friedman sagaciously observed, people vote with their feet when government policy becomes too oppressive and makes earning a living next to impossible in their country of origin. The 35,000 Venezuelans that made their way over to Colombia effectively casted a vote of no confidence in Venezuela's irrational, political system. Instead of waiting in an endless line to buy goods or rely on a black market that has become increasingly co-opted by the government, these brave individuals decided to exercise their liberty as consumers and go to a country with a modicum of economic freedom. More than just a series of economic transactions, the aforementioned movement of people is a veritable form of civil disobedience. Tyrannical regimes despise a citizenry that votes with its feet and take its talents and purchasing power abroad. Many seem to overlook that the fall of Berlin Wall was not so much a top-down decision made by political elites, but rather an organic uprising spurred by individuals that were frustrated with the totalitarian status quo. It was the determination of the countless individuals who saw through the illusion of socialism that led to the ultimate collapse of one of the most totalitarian systems that the world has ever seen. Now its Venezuelas turn to knock down its proverbial Berlin Wall and let economic freedom and the rule of law be the order of the day. We know that people are seriously lacking food in Venezuela. They rush over to Colombia to look for the basic foodstuffs, from milk to cereals. There are scenes of people confronting soldiers screaming "we want food". As this human tragedy unfolds, the world watches. Leaders look at each other wondering who will take the lead and call for some multinational action. Where is the OAS or the UN when we really need them? Of course, the world looks to Washington and they see a president obsessed with calling Trump "unfit", releasing Gitmo detainees or issuing memos on transgender bathrooms. Wonder if Venezuelans think that the detached Obama is fit to be the leader of the free world? We are not suggesting a U.S. intervention but something has to be done to save the people of Venezuela from this misery. The U.S. could play a huge positive role but it takes leadership, or exactly the ingredient lacking at the moment. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Texas and a dozen other states are going to court to challenge the Obama administration's guidelines on transgendered people using the bathroom of their choice, rather than that corresponding bathroom to the gender on their birth certificate. That makes 23 states that are challenging the guidelines. Reuters: The U.S. government's directive, issued in May, said public schools must allow transgender students to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity, as opposed to their birth gender, or face federal funding loss. The policy added fuel to a national debate on transgender rights and enraged social conservatives who say federal civil rights protections encompass biological sex, not gender identity. "Defendants have conspired to turn workplaces and educational settings across the country into laboratories for a massive social experiment, flouting the democratic process, and running roughshod over commonsense policies protecting children and basic privacy rights," said the complaint. The other states are Alabama, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, Maine, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Georgia, Mississippi and Kentucky. They say in a court filing the Obama administration, using thinly veiled threats and systematic inspections, has "quietly been in enforcement mode at a micro level, sowing the seeds for macro results." The states argue they could lose billions of dollars in federal funds for education if they fail to comply. Ten other states have also sued over the guidelines, bringing the total to 23. The U.S. Education and Justice Departments said in the letter sent to school districts nationwide that while its guidance carried no legal weight, they must not discriminate against students, including based on their gender identity. "Plaintiffs have identified no enforcement action threatened or taken against them as a result of defendants' interpretations, nor have they established that the guidance documents have any binding legal effect," the U.S. Justice Department said in its filing ahead of Friday's hearing. "Gender fluidity" has no basis in science. But the Obama administration has unilaterally extended civil rights protections to transgendered people. Like gay marriage, there was no way that a majority of state legislatures would vote in favor of transgender access to any bathroom they choose. So the administration is using "guidelines" and executive decrees to effect a radical change that the majority of Americans don't support. It is possible that the courts will strike down the administration's claim. But the legal system does not give the same weight to tradition and custom that it gives to what the law says. It may be that, in the end, the courts will have no choice but to allow transgendered access to any bathroom they wish if they follow the letter of the law. Since the release of Peter Schweizer's book Clinton Cash in May 2015, the truth of the Clinton Foundation has been out there for all to read and know. The left can disavow it all they want but the truth of it has become clearer and clearer as more and more "missing" emails are released via hackers or FOIA. Only ten percent of the billions of dollars the "Foundation" takes in goes to charity. The rest subsidizes the lavish lifestyles of the Clintons and their sycophants; those people who have sold their souls to rub shoulders with unadulterated power. Those who read the book, saw the film, or have just been paying attention over the past thirty years, know only too well the truth of the charges. The Clintons have been a criminal enterprise since they came to power in Arkansas. The list of scandals they have generated is long and tawdry. Their principal goal then and now has always been to enrich themselves. They never once had a moral compunction about lying, cheating, selling, and stealing their way to wealth. They are the Perons of America. They eventually set up a "foundation" and the money kept rolling in. Hillary's hands have "reached out and they've reached wide." (Evita, Andrew Lloyd Webber). She and her husband have taken in those billions of dollars from a wide panoply of self-serving bad actors: Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, etc. as well as wealthy corporate masters from around the globe like George Soros for whom she did bidding while Secretary of State. Wall Street banks contributed millions and paid her obscene "stipends" for speeches - hers and Bill's - for access and privilege. She did requisite favors for many of these "donors": Frank Guistra, Uranium One, ROSATOM, etc. It's a long list. Read the book and see the film. Hillary has modeled her agenda on Evita Peron's. Promising free college tuition, promising to waive the $1.3 trillion of outstanding college loan debt. She will make the taxpayers pay - even those who work, are successful, but never went to college. Fair? No, theft. Her economic plan will further devastate an already stagnant economy; more companies will leave the US, more small businesses will fail. More Americans will be without jobs. She has promised amnesty for illegals already here and to speed up the influx of tens of thousands of Syrian refugees for whom she will provide all necessary benefits at taxpayer expense. A country $19 ytillion in debt cannot possibly afford her agenda. In her economic speech yesterday, she promised all the same things Obama did in 2008 and 2012 - massive spending on infrastructure, millions of new jobs (no explanation of how those jobs will be created), numerous new agencies, more highly-paid bureaucrats - to further shepherd and control the populace. She does not explain why her plan will fix what Obama's has not. There are 95 million people no longer in the labor force now but she promises to continue Obama's policies, all of which have failed. Obamacare is tanking in every state. And she is pledging more of the same. The Clintons made sure that their "books" would never see the light of day. She/they, destroyed thousands of emails that would prove their get-rich-quick schemes, their pay-to-play grand plans. Their lackeys went along to get along. One of them pleaded the Fifth 125 times when questioned under oath. This is a depraved bunch of pols. The Clintons did get rich. Corruptocrats from around the world paid to play and prospered. And this is the woman who may well become the President of the United States! She is, and has always been, an American Evita - grasping and petty, angry and duplicitous, thoroughly without an ethical bone in her body. If the American electorate gives her the presidency, do cry for us.; it will be the undoing of America. The left will proclaim victory over the brilliance and values of the Founders and the Constitution. They will have succeeded in taking us down. They will have finally abrogated the Constitution and committed its authors to the graveyard of history. Evita, Eivta.....Argentina has yet to recover from the scourge of the Perons. Its the read of the day. Peggy Noonan has written a thought-provoking essay (follow this link) on a phenomenon we all recognize, the rise of global elites detached from the lives of ordinary people. Those in power see people at the bottom as aliens whose bizarre emotions they must try to manage. This is about distance, and detachment, and a kind of historic decoupling between the top and the bottom in the West that did not, in more moderate recent times, exist. She uses as her example Angela Merkels Nazi guilt-inspired imposition of catastrophic levels of Muslims refugees on her people: Merkel had put the entire burden of a huge cultural change not on herself and those like her but on regular people who live closer to the edge, who do not have the resources to meet the burden, who have no particular protection or money or connections. Ms. Merkel, her cabinet and government, the media and cultural apparatus that lauded her decision were not in the least affected by it and likely never would be. She sees Merkel, in her detachment from the consequences of her decision, as similar to American liberals, such as: In Hollywood the wealthy protect their own children from cultural decay, from the sick images they create for all the screens, but they dont mind if poor, unparented children from broken-up families get those messages and, in the way of things, act on them down the road. Weve always had limousine liberals who force policies on people they regard as inferior, and who wall themselves off from the consequences. I lived in Boston during the racial bussing, when South Boston exploded in protest, and the Boston Public Schools went into decline. The federal judge who ordered the bussing, Arthur Garrity, lived in Wellesley. But Noonan sees something new: ...this is something we are seeing all over, the top detaching itself from the bottom, feeling little loyalty to it or affiliation with it. It is a theme I see working its way throughout the Wests power centers. At its heart it is not only a detachment from, but a lack of interest in, the lives of your countrymen, of those who are not at the table, and who understand that theyve been abandoned by their leaders selfishness and mad virtue-signalling. (snip) In Silicon Valley the idea of the national interest is not much discussed. They adhere to higher, more abstract, more global values. Theyre not about America, theyre about . . . well, I suppose theyd say the future. (snip) From what Ive seen of those in power throughout business and politics now, the people of your country are not your countrymen, theyre aliens whose bizarre emotions you must attempt occasionally to anticipate and manage. And this is a global phenomenon: ...elites, of Mumbai and Manhattan, do not often identify with, or see a connection to or an obligation toward, the rough, struggling people who live at the bottom in their countries. In fact, they fear them, and often devise ways, when home, of not having their wealth and worldly success fully noticed. (snip) something big is happening here with this division between the leaders and the led. It is very much a feature of our age. But it is odd that our elites have abandoned or are abandoning the idea that they belong to a country, that they have ties that bring responsibilities, that they should feel loyalty to their people or, at the very least, a grounded respect. I would caution that this is not be entirely a new thing. A century ago, cosmopolitan people (mostly meaning the Jews) were denounced for their lack of allegiance to the peoples they lived among. And of course historically the very point of an aristocracy is to be different from those below you and to operate in a context that in Europe transcended nationality, with intermarriage and more. Nonetheless, I agree that this latest cycle is different in degree. Ease of travel and changes in the economy driven by the internet, plus the emergence of English as the de facto global language, have made the new globalists far more numerous than any aristocracy of yore. Their culture -- which is upstream of their politics, as Andrew Breitbart told us -- is very liberal. That puts conservatives on the side of the populists, no matter what you think of Trump. The problem is that people who are tasked with running our political institutions, including the parties, have to constantly deal with members of the global elite, and over time therefore become members of it themselves. AT&Ts early 5G testing alongside Intel and Ericsson, taking place at their test labs in Austin, Texas, have not only managed to smash through the gigabit barrier, a bar set earlier in the year by Verizon, but are delivering speeds that give AT&T execs reason to believe that customers can expect some seriously insane data speed once the technology rolls out commercially. Tom Keathley took the stage to discuss the companys 5G testing and future deployment plans at the recent Cowen and Company 2nd Annual Communications Infrastructure Summit. Keathley reported to audiences that the first phase of testing was complete, and that speeds have reached levels hundreds of times faster than current LTE speeds on their network. Immobile testing at AT&Ts Austin headquarters, using Intel and Ericssons equipment, managed to hit 14 gigabits per second download speeds to a single user. When the beam was split to two users, the speed went down to a still very impressive 5 gigabits per second. This being very early testing with prototype equipment, and likely only a single cell, but Keathley did not give exact details on the circumstances under which the tests took place. The tests used super high-band millimeter wave spectrum, reaching up into the 30GHz range. This spectrum isnt great at reach very far or piercing buildings, so it has to be deployed using nodes and small cells. What it is good at, however, is delivering incredible amounts of data at very high speed to a small amount of users. Keathley said that customers should be looking for future speeds that dwarf current network speeds, talking in terms of gigabits per second, rather than the megabits per second that current LTE networks can deliver. AT&T expects to be able to conduct fixed field tests by the end of the year, but at the moment, there is no definitive timeline for testing or for the beginning of deployment of 5G network equipment. The first phase of early testing, using a 15GHz millimeter wave system, has been completed, and AT&T plans to move on to a 28GHz system for testing in the near future, although there has been no word on a definite timeline for this, either. When youre a large company of any sort, especially one with a vested interest in how the United States government handles laws pertaining to what you deal in, it pays to have a hand in the political system via lobbying, friends in high places, or both. In Googles case, this goes double; theyre trying to get laws passed to allow delivery drones, fully autonomous cars, and all other sorts of technological craziness that will likely require a comprehensive legal framework, and all the while, they have an interest in laws concerning things like business taxes, the internet, and the like. Thus, it would only make sense for Google to get themselves inside the political process as much as possible. According to some emails obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Campaign For Accountability, thats exactly what Google has done. Campaign For Accountability is a group that wants as much accountability and transparency in politics as possible. The way theyre fighting for that, at least in their latest effort, is by getting together all the documents that they can get their hands on pertaining to the matter, and making them publicly available. The quickest and easiest way to get documents that werent publicly released but arent classified is through the Freedom of Information Act. Commonly used for things like obtaining lien information in real estate title work or obtaining permitting history for a business property before beginning work on it, the FOIA system can also be used to obtain just about any government document that isnt classified, up to and including personal communications such as emails. The emails obtained through the FOIA show a fairly close bond with government officials on all levels, and even White House staffers. In one email, for instance, an informal meeting with a Google exec is arranged when he and staffer David Edelman, whose position is as a Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Technology Policy at the National Economic Council (NEC). This is just one of many occasions within the emails where it becomes quite clear that Googles relationship with the White House is closer than people may think, and likely much closer than that of their direct competitors. The full set of messages, numbering in the thousands, is available through the source link, for anybody who may be interested in reading them. Nokia was once the largest cellphone manufacturer in the world. This Finland-based company was well-known all around the world, and it seemed like they will remain at the very top of the food chain for a very, very long time. Well, Nokia made quite a few mistakes while they were switching over to smartphones, first they pushed forward two of their very own OS, Symbian and MeeGo, and later on they signed an exclusivity agreement with Microsoft to manufacture Windows Phone devices exclusively. Now, that didnt exactly went well, and Microsoft ultimately purchased Nokias Devices and Services unit, and Nokias whole smartphone unit was a part of it. The Redmond giant did not keep the company for long though, it was announced a while back that Nokia was sold to Foxconn, well, sort of, they were technically sold to HMD Global, which is Foxconns brand, essentially. Having that in mind, last we heard Nokia was planning to release at least one smartphone and a smartwatch before the end of this year, and after weeks of silence, we finally have some new info. Earlier info claimed that the company plans to release a 5.2-inch and a 5.5-inch handset, both of which will sport QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. These two devices are said to ship with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box with the companys Z Launcher on top of Googles offering. Now, a new piece of information claims that these two devices will be manufactured by Foxconn, a Taiwan-based tech giant. Foxconn, as many of you know, manufactures smartphones for tons of companies out there, including Apple. In any case, the report also claims that the upcoming Nokia smartphone(s) will sport camera sensors manufactured using graphene material, and that this device (or devices) will be made out of metal. So, what is graphene? This is essentially a very thin layer of pure carbon, thats the best way to describe it. That is more or less it as far as new info goes. We dont really have all that much info regarding Nokias upcoming smartphone(s), but if rumors are to be believed, at least one of the two devices will be fueled by the Snapdragon 820 SoC, though that was to be expected. IP68 certification for water and dust resistance had also been mentioned in the past, but well see how accurate those rumors are. Once upon a time, fully electric cars were the stuff of science fiction. Nobody had put any serious time, money, or talent toward bringing the idea to life. In the slightly less distant past, electric cars started to make headway slowly, with the first models being niche novelty pieces that, while environmentally friendly, were quite impractical. When hybrids came along, popularized by the likes of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Prius, bigger automakers began to look a bit more seriously into electric cars, and the concept began to catch on internationally. Fast forward to today, and there are tons of automakers and even tech firms pushing into the electric car space. One of those is Chinese Android OEM and tech company LeEco. After having recently shown off one of their own self-driving car prototypes at a trade show, LeEco is now announcing their intent to not only move into manufacturing their own self-driving cars, but to pump approximately $1.8 billion into it. Specifically, their plan is to erect a factory in eastern China that will, at peak capacity, be able to manufacture 400,000 self-driving vehicles per year. The factory will be put in Deqing county, near Hangzhou, and the building will take place in two separate phases. When the dust settles, LeEco plans to use the factory as central operations for worldwide manufacture of self-driving cars. This factory will not be their only one, of course; another is planned, in the United States. LeEco will be putting up a factory in Las Vegas in partnership with Faraday Future. Spurred on by a recent Chinese government initiative to help fund the creation of more electric cars to alleviate some of the countrys air pollution, LeEco is planning to make the huge factory just one part of an Eco Experience Park, where investors, customers, and even casual visitors can take in LeEcos technological prowess, eyeball their products, and have a little fun at a LeEco-built theme park. There will also be offices there, allowing businesses to call the park home as well. Right now, there is no announced timeline for the plans to begin work on either factory, or the park that will surround the one in China. Motorolas original Moto G might have been a roaring success a few years back, but that that seems like a distant memory now, as the company, as well as its parent, Lenovo, continue to struggle in the global smartphone market. Lenovo has already been pushed out of the list of the top smartphone makers in China by aggressive firms like Oppo, but unlike Sony, the company seems to believe that the remedy for all its woes lies in launching more models and offering more options for its customers. That being the case, Motorola is now apparently looking to address a niche by bringing out a 4.6-inch handset in an era when devices with 5.5-inch displays are considered to be the norm rather than the exception. The upcoming device from Motorola has actually already been rumored, and even got listed on GFXBench back in June. The handset apparently got certified in China just yesterday, but at that stage, reports claimed that it will be marketed as the Moto X (2016). However, it now looks likely that the device will be eventually launched by the Lenovo-owned company as the Moto M. Thats because a post on Google+ earlier today by Hello Moto HK seemed to confirm that the rumored 4.6-inch device from the company is indeed in the pipeline. The post also confirmed the presence of a MediaTek chip and dismissed the idea that it will be the next-gen Moto X. As for the post itself, it was a simple one liner: 4.6 MTK = Lenovo Moto M, = Moto X, ok? While not a whole lot is known about the so-called Moto M, it is rumored to come with the MediaTek Helio P10 SoC and sport 3GB of RAM. As for the cameras, the device will apparently have a 16-megapixel unit on the rear and an 8-megapixel one on the front. While the presence of the Helio P10 obviously means that the device wont be competing at the premium end of the market, a clarification posted later in the thread now seemingly lays bare the exact positioning of the upcoming model. It will apparently be positioned between the Moto G and the Moto Z, so looks like Motorola isnt exactly looking to compete in the entry-level segment with the device. Nexus devices have generally been about one thing over the years showcasing the very best of Android and what it has to offer in its purest form. While things with Googles coveted Nexus line have changed a bit since the Nexus One, there has been a couple or a few constants that fans of the device franchise could usually expect to continue, one of which was the pure stock experience, as well as fast software updates. Once carriers began selling Nexus devices, some users were worried that the speed of updates wouldnt continue. For the most part this was merely a fear save for when it came to Verizon with the likes of the Galaxy Nexus. The Galaxy Nexus was sold at multiple carriers, including T-Mobile and Sprint, but Verizons model saw considerably slower updates processes compared to the unlocked and additional carrier models. This was likely a big reason why they didnt carry the Nexus 4 when it was released the following year. Fast forward to the Nexus 6 from 2014, and a similar issue arose as Verizon again rolled updates out to their version of the device slower than the other models. This was in addition to launching the device more than four months later than every other carrier as well as Google through their own online device store, which saw the phones launching in November of 2014 while Verizons model didnt launch until March of 2015. Its these kinds of instances that should lead to Google questioning whether or not having carriers pick up the device is even worth it, or at the very least whether its worth it for Verizon to be one of those carriers. This sort of scenario is what makes it interesting following recent rumors that Verizon would be selling the two new Nexus devices this year. Its entirely possible that they wont sell either device, but they have sold the Nexus phones before and Verizon isnt the only carrier that has been rumored to sell both phones. Sprint was rumored prior to Verizon as the exclusive carrier for each device, although if that were the case it would likely be a timed exclusive. Taking these things into consideration, Is Verizon going to sell the two new Nexus devices this year? Advertisement Although it seems that Google tends to skip a year or two before selling Nexus devices on carriers as opposed to the Google Store, this is really only the case with Verizon, as the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 were also both sold through carriers, save for Verizon. So while it could be another year before Verizon picks up a Nexus device, a rumor about them selling this years Nexus devices at the very least has people questioning whether or not its possible. One has to also consider the fact that the first carrier rumor stated that Sprint would be the exclusive carrier. Although this wouldnt necessarily make sense on Googles part to limit the devices to one carrier here in the U.S., its also not impossible as even one carrier would be more exposure than just the Google store and would certainly allow more customers access to the device. Of course, if Verizon were to sell one of or both new Nexus devices this year, the same questions that have surfaced with past Nexus devices sold on their network would most likely arise. Would they be able to push out software updates as fast as Google and the other carriers? Would they support the software updates for the same period of time? And, would the device offer up the same stock experience as one could expect from the unlocked model? If the answer to any of these questions would be a firm no chances are that it would be in regards to the timely software updates as this is where Verizon had issues before. It shouldnt be forgotten though that Verizons Nexus 6 variant did end up with their backup app pre-installed. In fact, any model whether it be unlocked or from another carrier, would have this Verizon Backup app pre-installed if the phone was used on Verizons network before having received the Android 5.1 Lollipop software update. While this is only one app, it was an app which couldnt be uninstalled or disabled. Then again, the Sprint model of the Nexus 6 also came with a pre-installed Sprint system app. The point is, if this was the state of the Verizon variant of the Nexus 6, which, not forgetting came out more than four months later than every other model, its highly likely that the same thing would happen if Verizon carried either the Sailfish or Marlin (or both) Nexus phones, and that, if nothing else, would probably put off some people from purchasing the device to use for Verizons network and instead choose to simply buy the device unlocked from the Google Store, or from another carrier entirely. Advertisement Taking the possibility of a lone system app coming installed on the device out of box into consideration, this is a very minor thing in comparison to software updates which come though at later points than other models. When Google began to push Android 6.0 Marshmallow out to the Nexus 6 last fall, Verizons variant didnt receive the software until the following month. This is certainly not acceptable especially in this day and age when Google is pushing out security patches on a monthly basis to Nexus devices, usually within the first week of the month. Security patches which can be very important and contain fixes for sometimes critical vulnerabilities. Having said that, Verizon has gotten better about pushing updates to devices more quickly, and one month is not so bad when compared to the likes of Verizons Galaxy Nexus model, which didnt receive Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean until four months after Google released it for other models. A Four month wait for a software update to the Galaxy Nexus, and a four month wait for Verizon customers to purchase the Nexus 6. Its not enough to be a pattern, but then again consumers dont want to have wait four months for a device or new software when other versions of the device are already available, and having to continually wait on Verizon in regards to updates or a Nexus phone release opens up room for questioning their ability to offer the same quality of a nexus experience as everyone else. All of that aside, there are a number of really good reasons why Verizon should carry the Nexus devices this year. Verizon does tend to have the most reliable network and offer the widest coverage area, and this sort of network availability plays very nicely with any device, let alone a Nexus. Verizon also has the most customers, and more customers means more chances for the Nexus devices to gin more recognition, which is always a good thing or both Google and the Nexus franchise. Of course, if Verizon does carry the Nexus devices this year, it also affords them another opportunity to present customers with a Nexus experience that is on par with Google and other carriers in regards to both a phone release and software updates. Its still too early to tell whether or not Verizon, or any carriers for that matter, will end up selling the new Nexus phones this year, but it would be nice for consumers to have the ability to purchase the device in store and walk out with it instead of ordering the device through Google and waiting for it to be shipped out. The Pentagon isnt the first place to ban the popular mobile game, Pokemon GO, and it likely wont be the last. Today, news coming out of Washington, DC., is that the department of defense has opted to ban playing Pokemon GO at the Pentagon. The reasoning for it is due to foreign spies. This is the same reason that China doesnt want Pokemon GO played in their country, as they feel that other countries can use it to find out where their secretive military bases are located. Word is that security officials at the Pentagon are worried about the data that Nintendo and Niantic (more Niantic, since Nintendo is really only licensing Pokemon to Niantic) obtain from players playing the popular game could give them pinpoint accuracy on locations at the Pentagon. Including locations of rooms and other facilities where secrets are stored. Pokemon GO uses Google Maps to locate where the players are located in the real world, and all of that data is kept on their servers. So the security scare is definitely plausible. And the defense department likely wont be the only ones looking to shut down Pokemon GO in some areas. With Pokemon GO, users are searching for Pokemon and then battling them in gyms that are situated around the city. It has become a very popular game, and it has only been out for about a month. But the popularity has come at a price, and there have been a few deaths due to users playing Pokemon GO. Specifically, a couple fell off a cliff in San Diego last month, and perished. On some levels, Pokemon GO is a great game, especially for Google and Google Maps. As you have users out there capturing all types of data for Google Maps, that normally their street view cars would be capturing. This means Google Maps would be more up-to-date than it currently is. However, at this point in time, theres no word on whether Google is using the data from Pokemon GO for Google Maps. While Niantic was part of Google, they are now out from under the Alphabet umbrella with Google just being a shareholder in the company. NVIDIA recently began manufacturing graphics cards based on their new Pascal architecture. This lineup, starting out with the GTX 1080 and its ilk, have been getting rave reviews all over the internet. For all intents and purposes, Pascal is a hit, and all of NVIDIAs usual manufacturing suspects, such as ASUS and MSI, are rushing to produce as many as possible to meet demand. The new Pascal-based GPUs improvements over their immediate predecessors are quite notable, meaning that the new GPUs could find their way into VR rigs just as easily as any other type of device. This makes the list of potential buyers and manufacturers a long one. On Friday, reports arrived that a new manufacturer would be joining that list; Samsung. Korean newspaper Chosun Biz reported that Samsung had picked up a contract from NVIDIA to manufacture Pascal GPUs. The manufacturing is set to begin before the end of 2016, and will use Samsungs patented 14-nanometer technology. Samsung is currently testing out manufacturing Pascal-based hardware at their S1 manufacturing plant in Giheung, Gyeonggi Province, and is expected to be able to bring the chips to mass production within the second half of the year. Samsung managed to snatch the GPU contract from TSMC, one of their biggest competitors in the chip space and a longtime contract manufacturer for Nvidia. The stable of uses for NVIDIAs Pascal architecture is huge, with full support for virtual reality, supercomputer applications, artificial intelligence, and of course, the Vulkan API. Chosun Biz did not report what exact Pascal-based products Samsung would be manufacturing. While the desktop GTX series and Titan X Pascal-based GPUs have a long list of suppliers from ASUS to MSI, the laptop variant has not quite caught on yet. Earlier in the year, there was word that NVIDIA would be producing a mobile Pascal-based GPU for vehicles, but the rumored cancellation of their newest SHIELD Tablet means that they could be taking advantage of Samsungs 14nm process to produce a Pascal mobile chip that could reasonably be used in a refresh of the SHIELD Tablet. Right now, no exact date is set in stone for manufacturing to begin. IFA is the big trade show that starts the holiday season. The majority of smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and other tech that are new and on the shelves by the time the holiday season starts, are all announced at IFA. Which takes place in Berlin, Germany every September. This used to be where Samsung would announce the next Galaxy Note smartphone, but starting last year they announced it prior to the trade show and have done the same thing this year with the Galaxy Note 7. As with any trade show, all of the press conferences actually take place before the show gets started. Weve already seen invitations for Sony, Huawei, Acer and a few others who are holding events in Berlin. Now its Samsungs turn. On September 1st, Samsung will be holding their press conference from 11:00AM to 12:00PM CEST (thats 5AM EST and 2AM PST for those of you in the US). Its a pretty short conference, so theres likely not much to be announced here. However the invite does indeed showcase a watch, leading many to believe that they will be announcing the new Gear S3 at the event. Last year, Samsung did announce the Gear S2 at IFA after teasing it at the Galaxy Note 5/Galaxy S6 Edge+ event in August. So its not totally a surprise to see the Gear S3 make its debut in Berlin. On top of that, the rumor mill has been quite busy as of late with rumors on what Samsung might have up their sleeve with the Gear S3. The Gear S2 was one of the best smartwatches from 2015. Samsung also opened up the Gear S2 to work with any Android device, instead of keeping it locked down to just Samsung smartphones and tablets. It still ran Tizen, over Android Wear, and we expect the same to be the case with the Gear S3. Of course, well know plenty more after the device is announced on September 1st in Berlin. Samsung may have a few other surprises in store for us as well, so be on the look out for their event. Theres no word on whether they will be streaming it live, but they likely will. There has been a whole lot of talk lately about a higher-specced version of the Galaxy Note 7 heading to China. A Galaxy Note 7 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, instead of the base model which offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It was seemingly confirmed that it was indeed heading to China. However, now it appears that its still under review. At least if a report out of Tech Radar is to be believed. The Samsung representative that they spoke with said that they are currently only planning to offer the model that was announced on August 2nd at Unpacked. Samsungs head of mobile, DJ Koh, told the Korean media earlier this week that the 6GB of RAM model of the Galaxy Note 7 did exist. However, he did not confirm that it would be launching. Koh did also explain that his company was considering the device with those specs for China, to help combat the competition that they are seeing in China lately. Which is likely where the media jumped in claiming that the Galaxy Note 7 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage was confirmed for China. And it does make quite a bit of sense, the only thing is that, it hasnt been confirmed. Even though Koh mentioning it, basically confirmed it. When Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 7 last week at a press event in New York City, many were hoping to see 6GB of RAM included. Seeing as that is quickly becoming the industry standard. With devices like the ZTE AXON 7 and OnePlus 3 both launching at $399 with 6GB of RAM, and the Galaxy Note 7 is more than twice that price with less RAM. There werent many rumors about having 128GB of internal storage, but it is something that fans wanted. Even with the device sporting a micro SD card slot, that supports up to 256GB of storage. The Galaxy Note 7 is priced pretty competitively in China, compared to other countries. Its actually fairly close to the asking price in the US. While many other countries are being forced to pay much higher prices. Recently, a new exploit that can attack Android devices came to light. Called Quadrooter, the hack is actually a set of four different related exploits. The exploits, all targeted at Qualcomm chips, use a malicious app that the user is tricked into installing in order to gain root access. From there, the attacker has total control of the device and can pull whatever data they want from it, or even use the device remotely for whatever they please. Quadrooter is being dealt with on a number of fronts; Google has patched protections against all four versions of Quadrooter into their Verify Apps feature, which means that the exploit will not find its way into the Play Store. Qualcomm has already fixed all four of the issues on all chips going forward, and Google has patched up three of the four exploits in their August security update, with the final hole set to be plugged in Septembers update. As with any Android vendor these days, Sony gets most security updates to its devices a bit later than Google puts them out, despite receiving them early to work on updates. They also do not update any phones that are past their end of life, leaving owners of older devices to either turn to the community for custom ROMs with updated Android features and security, or deal with insecure software. On the matter of Quadrooter, Sony responded to customer inquiries by stating that they were aware of the bug, and that they are working on getting the latest Android security patches out in updates to relevant devices in their stable as soon as possible. Sony is actually pretty good about keeping some older phones up to date, and about sending out security patches soon after they hit, which means that most users will have nothing to worry about. In the mean time, and for those using legacy devices, Sony has advised users to stay out of suspicious app stores and only obtain apps from trustworthy sources. For most Sony devices, this will mean sticking exclusively to the Play Store, where the vulnerabilities are already null and void. Those who absolutely must sideload should wait for the security updates, which have not been given a time frame for release just yet. Android 7.0 Nougat is on its way and expected to launch soon, so its no surprise that top manufacturers have already started their preparation for this upcoming update. Now, according to some users of the Sony Xperia X Performance smartphone, Sony has started accepting sign-ups for its beta program for the testing of a pre-released version of Android 7.0 Nougat. This is not the first time Sony has tested a beta version of the next version of Android on its flagship device, it has also done it before with the Android Marshmallow release as well. If youre rocking an Xperia X Performance smartphone and interested in testing out a new version of Android before it rolls out officially, you will need to install Sonys official Xperia Beta Program app from Google Play Store. According to the app listing page on the Play Store, the user can sign up for the beta program on their Xperia X Performance device via this app and the user will also have an open channel with Sonys developers working on this software. Sony says they will use this feedback received from early beta testers to further improve software experience on the final release. It looks like the Xperia Beta program is not available everywhere as the program is only available for users residing in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands as of now. There is no information on whether other regions will get the chance to test this beta version or not. Also, there is no indication whether this beta program will further be expanded to the other Xperia devices or not. Sony says the amount of quota for the beta program is limited, so in case you are interested you should sign up for the program quickly before it fills up. Keep in mind that beta versions of software often contains lots of bugs and glitches that may cause problems during normal operation of the device. Unless youre a power user or a developer, you should wait till stable version of software gets available for your device. And also its always better to create a backup of all your important data before you install such beta software. One year ago on August 10th, Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page split off the core Google businesses from the rest of the company and began building out a suite of independent companies meant to have the mobility and agility of startups, all under the umbrella of Alphabet. The plan was less about streamlining and more about avoiding antitrust legislature, according to some, but nobody can deny that the creation of Alphabet and the rise of Google CEO Sundar Pichai has completely changed the tech giant from the ground up in a huge number of ways. Starting with a look at Google; the companys balances have flourished with their newfound freedom to pursue their core product more aggressively than ever before, but thats not the big change here. Google has become a completely different beast from the inside. Now, less inclined toward the usual aggressive, hyper-driven innovators that previously turned the company into a wide-ranging mammoth with its hoofs firmly planted in core products, the company has become a softer, warmer place under Pichais rule. Thats not to say that the new CEO has allowed any slacking, of course the division is working harder on core products than ever before, with a huge number of talented coders and technicians making incredible improvements to Googles search, data centers, and other core considerations each day. The company culture and focus have changed; Google is now a haven for like-minded, intelligent, and talented individuals to make a difference in peoples daily lives together in a happy and conducive environment. This, in turn, makes a ton of money. As a nice touch, CFO Ruth Porat has been busy keeping the company plenty profitable and running relations to keep shareholders plenty happy. This new, hyper-focused Google is, surprisingly, happier and more laid back than ever before, and thats saying something when youre talking about a dog-friendly company with employee nap pods. Alphabets Other Bets, or everything outside of Google, is where things get truly interesting. Having appointed a round table of sorts to direct the various Alphabet offshoots, Page and Brin sat back to direct the whole thing from on high. Their hope was that the smaller companies, with their smaller budgets and bigger freedoms, could behave more like startups and bring the fires of innovation back to a roaring blaze. Instead, for lack of a better way to describe what occurred, the divisions struggled, everything fell into a state of complete and utter chaos, and then something honestly magical happened; a huge percentage of Alphabets other bets stopped languishing, pulled themselves from the dirt, and rose. Self-driving cars are about to become their own department. Project Loon may become profitable before the end of next year, and in a big way. Alphabets health and life sciences arm, Verily, scored some huge talent. Fiber may be going wireless in order to cut costs and spread quicker. In short, as all of these individual bits and bobs struggle to pull back from the brink, theyre finding their identities and niches. Advertisement Those who have been watching Google grow from its humble beginnings can take solace in the fact that the company is all grown up now, and seems to have finally found its rhythm. The frenetic pacing and high-energy culture that the company started out with were not only unsustainable in the long term, they started to wear thin on some of the founding employees as they matured, making the split into Alphabet and subsequent focus from each individual piece of what was once Google a very welcome element. Its been a roller coaster ride of a first year, with some seriously harsh lows and record highs, and industry watchers and investors alike are keeping all eyes on Brin and Pages brainchild as it goes into its second year in what is likely its final form. Samsung is pretty much the king of OLED panels. According to the info that surfaced the other day, Samsung actually controls 99% of the smartphone OLED panel market. As most of you know, OLED panels are becoming increasingly popular, more and more companies are investing money in developing such technology, and are abandoning LCD tech altogether, or at least it seems like it. LCD panels are not going anywhere anytime soon, just to make things clear, but it seems like OLED is definitely taking over. That being said, a lot of smartphone manufacturers are still using LCD panels on their devices, Xiaomi included, while a number of other competitor companies have been using AMOLED displays for a while now. Having that in mind, it seems like Xiaomi is looking to switch over to OLED panels as well, at least partially. Weve seen a number of such reports in the last couple of months (though LG was said to be Xiaomis supplier), and a new one just surfaced, but it seems like Samsung wont be able to provide such displays to Xiaomi until 2017. A number of China-based companies, including Xiaomi, wanted to get OLED panels from Samsung for their devices this year, but due to the extremely high demand, Samsung had to cut off some companies it seems, including Xiaomi. If this report is to be believed, Samsung has decided to put Xiaomi on a waiting list, and the company will have to wait until next year to get such displays shipped their way. This info is not exactly surprising, back in 2014, only 21 smartphones (not including Samsungs devices) were sporting OLED panels, that number more than doubled in 2015, and this year weve already seen quite a few devices equipped with such displays, so the numbers will rise once again. Having that in mind, it is completely understandable Samsung cannot keep up, though the company is definitely working on it, theyve invested quite a bit of money into expanding their production capacity for such displays. It remains to be seen what happens by the end of this year, but it seems like Xiaomi will have to wait in order to start manufacturing devices equipped with OLED panels, unless they find some other way to acquire the necessary displays. (ANSA) - Caserta, August 11 - An Italian couple was extradited from France to Italy overnight on charges of raping and torturing the woman's underage daughter, the Caserta flying squad said Thursday. The couple, both aged 37, fled to France in April after a court in the Campania town of Santa Maria Capua Vetere issued a European bench warrant against them for sexual assault, battery and torture against the woman's underage daughter. The daughter, now aged 17, was reportedly abused from 2007 when she was 12 years old to 2014. The investigation was sparked after she confided in a teacher. Her mother didn't believe her, and subjected her daughter to a series of tortures including tying her up and beating her with a belt, spraying her with icy water, forcing her under boiling showers, and locking her in the dark in a tiny room. The man has been jailed and the woman has obtained house arrest. (ANSA) - Rome, August 11 - Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi's cabinet on Thursday approved a protocol to build a 45-kilometer ring road for bicycles, known in is Italian acronym as GRAB. "Today we approved the GRAB protocol, which will be signed by Mayor Raggi and (Transport Minister Graziano) Delrio for the building of this tourist bike path in the coming months," said cabinet member for transportation Linda Meleo. "Right now all we have is the protocol," she added. The GRAB will allow tourists to ride bikes to some of the city's outlying archeological and historic sites. Its financing was included in this year's national budget, which provides for another three tourist bike paths to be built: one to be called Ciclovia del Sole (Bike Path of the Sun), one along ancient aqueducts in Puglia, and one linking Venice to Turin along the Po River. Migrant arrivals in Italy +12% in July, Frontex Syrians still fleeing to Greece, but flow -97% (ANSAmed) - Brussels, August 12 - Migrant and asylum seeker arrivals in Italy rose 12% in July compared to the same period last year, EU border agency Frontex said Friday. At least 25,300 people, mostly from Eritrea and Nigeria, reached Italy last month. A total of 95,000 people arrived in the first seven months of 2016, a number Frontex said is "in line with last year". Also in July, the migration flow from Turkey to Greece dropped by 97%, with just 1,800 asylum seekers intercepted. A majority of those taking to the Mediterranean towards Greece are Syrians fleeing the civil war in their country, as well as Afghans and Pakistanis. Implementation of an EU-Turkey accord on asylum seekers along the eastern Mediterranean route has brought the numbers of people intercepted down from 151,000 to 8,500. The number of migrants along the Balkan route has "plunged by 94% on an annual basis" to just 2,160 people, most of them from Afghanistan, according to Frontex. (ANSAmed). Support for Saraj government in Libya crumbling - UN envoy Politica, military rivalries undermine authority, Kobler says (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, AUGUST 12 - Support for the Sarraj-led government of national unity (GNA) in Libya is crumbling due to growing problems in the country, UN special envoy Martin Kobler said in an interview with Swiss newspaper 'Neue Zercher Zeitung' on Friday. "The government of national unity imposes with difficulty its authority in a country with deep-seated political and military rivalries and the multiplication of power outages and devaluation of the local currency penalise imports of essential goods," he added. However, Kobler insisted there is "no alternative" to the GNA, even while admitting that it has lost part of its popularity. (ANSAmed) - Tunis - Tunisia's central bank (BCT) has revised downwards its GDP growth estimates from 2% to 1.8% for 2016 and from 3.5% to 3% for 2017 due to a fall in productivity particularly in the energy and tourism sectors in the first half of this year. In the energy sector the poor performance can be attributed to a lower natural yield from the country's main oil wells and social unrest that is preventing a return to the level of productivity seen before 2011, the bank said. In the tourist sector growth has been negatively impacted by the perception of insecurity across the north Africa region. The BCT predicts a good level of offshore production for the rest of 2016 but a downturn in 2017 due to the negative impact of Brexit on European trade partners. Anti-terror police nab Tunisian ISIS supporter Man, 26, announced his imminent 'martyrdom' (ANSAmed) - PISA, AUGUST 12 - Carabinieri police have detained a Tunisian national for being an outspoken supporter of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, La Nazione daily reported Friday. Bilel Chihaoui, 26, was known to police for drug dealing and has been under surveillance by the anti-terror Special Operations Unit (ROS) for weeks for hailing ISIS and Islamist terrorist attacks on Facebook, posting pictures of the leaning tower of Pisa and other possible targets. He was arrested Thursday night, after posting a message announcing his imminent "martyrdom" during an attack in the name of Islam. He also posted a list of ISIS terrorists who died as "martyrs", with his own name as the last. Authorities have requested an immediate order of deportation from Interior Minister Angelino Alfano. (ANSAmed). BRUSSELS - Migrant and asylum seeker arrivals in Italy rose 12% in July compared to the same period last year, EU border agency Frontex said Friday. At least 25,300 people, mostly from Eritrea and Nigeria, reached Italy last month. A total of 95,000 people arrived in the first seven months of 2016, a number Frontex said is "in line with last year". Also in July, the migration flow from Turkey to Greece dropped by 97%, with just 1,800 asylum seekers intercepted. A majority of those taking to the Mediterranean towards Greece are Syrians fleeing the civil war in their country, as well as Afghans and Pakistanis. Implementation of an EU-Turkey accord on asylum seekers along the eastern Mediterranean route has brought the numbers of people intercepted down from 151,000 to 8,500. The number of migrants along the Balkan route has "plunged by 94% on an annual basis" to just 2,160 people, most of them from Afghanistan, according to Frontex. (ANSAmed) - TUNISIA - On Saturday Tunisia marks Women's Day and also the 60th anniversary of the 'revolutionary' 1956 Family Code abolishing polygamy and introducing the possibility of divorce. However, although gender equality is enshrined by the Constitution and 34% of MPs - the highest percentage in any Arab country - are female, in practice the conquests are frequently vanified by daily life. A study published in March showed that 53% of Tunisian women have experienced violence at some point in their life, while in the field of family law the thorny issues of equality in inheritance law and between parents with respect to minors and before a criminal court still need to be addressed. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Britain will spend more than 800million funding next-generation military technology including tiny "dragonfly drones" for gathering intelligence and laser weapons to eliminate missiles, Telegraph reported. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, will today announce an innovation unit which will encourage individuals and companies to pitch ideas to a panel of experts. The best ideas will be fast-tracked with the support of an 800million fund over the next decade. Projects which will be funded include a "micro-drone" with tiny flapping wings inspired by the biology of a dragon fly, which could have a "huge impact" on operations in urban environments. It weighs less than two pound coins, is less than five inches long and will be able to fly at speeds of up to 45mph. The drone, which has been developed by a company called Animal Dynamics in Oxford, will be equipped with a camera and a microphone enabling it to carry out covert surveillance. The unit will also fund new "Quantum Gravimeter" which is being developed with the University of Birmingham to survey underground structures. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said: "This new approach will help to keep Britain safe while supporting our economy, with our brightest brains keeping us ahead of our adversaries. Backed by a defence budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, it will ensure that the UK maintains its military advantage in an increasingly dangerous world. Nearly as old as jazz itself, Svend Asmussen celebrated his 100th birthday in February. The Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival honored him in a concert by two violinists, Bjarke Falgren and Gunnar Lidberg, who were inspired by the centenarian. Asmussens longtime guitar colleague Jacob Fischer was also a part of the band, along with bassist Mattias Petri and drummer Andreas Svendsen. Above, we see Petri and Fischer, with Lidberg in the background. The concert was in the ancient Per Helas Gard courtyard, which was packed with Asmussen admirers. To the surprise of the band, the festival staff and the audience, an unexpected listener arrivedAsmussen himself, with his wife Ellen. Press office director Itta Johnson captured them at Per Helsas Gard in this impromptu portrait. Asmussen, who no longer plays, listened intently to his proteges. A master of the art of duo playing, Dave Liebman toured and recorded extensively with pianist Richie Beirach in the 1980s and has combined in duets with a number of other musicians. His rich history also includes work on soprano and tenor saxes with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones and Chick Corea, among others. In 1973 he founded the group Lookout Farm with Beirach and guitarist John Abercrombie. Liebmans partner at the Ystad festival was the French pianist Jean-Marie Machado. They opened their recital at the Klosterkyrkan with Machados Little Dog Waltz, a piece as spritely as its title suggests, and went on to several more Machado compositions and Liebmans dramatic Breath. In that work, Liebman pushed air and partial notes through his horn as if struggling to get them out, before he settled into abstract lines. The Kosterkyrkans eccentric acoustics were as challenging as they had been to Joachim Kuhn and to the Heinz Sauer-Michael Wollny duo earlier in the week. Like them, Liebman and Machado adjusted to the sound delay, even took advantage of it. In another piece, whose title I heard as Blue Spice, Liebman improvised alone for more than a minute before Machado entered behind him streaming notes like rippling waters. Both indulged in aggressive passages with blues leanings. In the traditional Portuguese Fado So a Noithina Saudade, Liebman enhanced the Latin feeling with popping sounds that he generated with his mouthpiece. Machados and Liebmans encore in this multifaceted set was Maurice Ravels short song Le Reveil de La Mariee, furbished and expanded through their imaginations in ways that the impressionist Ravel might well have approved. In addition to introducing every festival event, hosting a public breakfast discussion with the Swedish jazz magazine Orksterjournalens Magnus Nygren, sitting in with tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren and being generally omnipresent, artistic director Jan Lundgren played two major concerts. He, bassist Mattias Svensson and the Bonfiglioli Weber String Quartet repeated last years Ystad tribute to the influential Swedish pianist Jan Johansson (1931-1968). That version is now out on CD. They concentrated on music from Johanssons popular and musically satisfying albums of Swedish and Russian music and, for good measure, threw in two Hungarian pieces from another of his albums. Lundgrens and Svenssons integration with the strings was once again a demonstration that in the right hands the jazz and classical idioms can not only blend but also enhance one another. The demonstration included improvisations by members of the string quartet, until a few years ago something that classical musicians either were incapable of or kept secret. Lundgren also reunited with flugelhornist Paolo Fresu and accordionist Richard Galliano in the trio they call Mare Nostrum, to play music featured on their second CD, and some from their first. Highlights were Lundgrens Giselle and The Seagull and Gallianos Chat Pitre. They closed with Lundgrens Loveland, which, he told the audience, means Ystad. The evening before, Galliano received two standing ovations for his solo accordion concert at the beautiful Santa Maria church in the center of Ystad. by Christopher Sharma Some young people talk about the mark the days in Krakow left on their lives. For Dilip Singh, being Catholic does not just mean going to church on Sunday and praying, but is a commitment to share the importance of God". For Caritas voluntary Robin Shrestha, after years of promises, Nepali youth are ready to take action". Kathmandu (AsiaNews) Being Catholic Be "does not just mean going to church on Sunday and praying, but it is a way of life and a daily commitment. This is what I experienced. World Youth Day acquires its right meaning only when we share the importance that God has in our stories, said Dilip Singh, a young Nepali Catholic who spoke about the mark the days in Krakow left on his life and on those of young people from his country. Very often, he noted, "young people are led by material interests and remain trapped in problems such as poverty and personal desires. By contrast, Catholic teachings have led me to dedicate myself to solidarity and communion, which strengthen society. Peace can only be achieved by doing what Catholic youth do, namely share their experience of meeting Jesus with non-believers as well." Robin Shrestha is a young Catholic woman who works as a volunteer at the local Caritas. She too spoke about the recent World Youth Day. "In the past, these events were celebrated in different ways and with different commitments in words. But this year Nepali youth decided not to stop at promises but to take action by taking seriously the call to the daily mission." Robin was born into a Hindu family. "After several years, my mother experienced the grace of God and became a Catholic, and I too was baptised. Later, some priests led me and prepared me to enter higher education. I would have never understood the value of education, nor pass the exams, had I not be fascinated by the ideal that Jesus proposes for my life. " Now she is a university graduate and is working on her PhD. Staffan Mistura says if confirmed the attack constitutes a "war crime". Four people die, several patients - including children - with breathing problems. There is no certain information about the perpetrators. The Russian air raids leave Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic Caliphate in Syria, without water. Aleppo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The United Nations has opened an investigation into a poison gas attack on a neighborhood controlled by anti-Assad front, in the east of Aleppo, the city that has become a symbol of the Syrian conflict. The rebels point the finger at the government army, blaming them for the chlorine gas attack in which four people died and dozens were wounded. The UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan Mistura, stresses that, if confirmed, the use of chlorine as a weapon is a "war crime". However, there are still strong doubts about the real perpetrators of the attack. Images broadcast by the BBC show several people, including children (pictured), hospitalized with respiratory problems. Medical staff have distributed oxygen masks to men, women and children. According to the Syrian Civil Defence, a group of volunteers involved in emergencies in areas controlled by the rebels, the gas used is chlorine. It was contained within barrel bombs that fell in the area. De Mistura stressed that an investigation has been initiated on the matter, adding that "a lot of evidence point to the fact the attack occured. He further added that, if confirmed, it constitutes "a war crime" that must be addressed "immediately." However, it is not yet possible to identify those responsible. An man from Zebdieh district, hospitalized for medical treatment, reports that two missiles landed close to him while he was in the company of a group of friends. "A few minutes later - he adds the smell of gas began to spread... My eyes began to burn and I had difficulty breathing. The stench was terrible. Chlorine is a chemical compound used in industrial production; but its use is banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CAC, Paris 1993). It is not the first time that chemical weapons have been used in the Syrian conflict. In 2013 the government and rebels exchanged accusations over who was responsible for attacks with chemical agents. In previous years, the apostolic nuncio in Syria, Msgr. Mario Zenari, had lashed out against the use of chemical weapons; the prelate had also shown great appreciation for the US-Russia agreement for the handing over and destruction of chemical weapons held by Damascus. Meanwhile, Russian air raids against the Islamic State targets continue throughout the country. In the last hours Moscow fighter jets have struck Raqqa, the so-called capital of the Islamic Caliphate in Syria, cutting off water supplies to the city. National system requires a certificate (hukou) to have access to basic municipal services such as health and education. But the authorities want to control the urban population, and if possible to decrease it. From today, residency will require seven years of contributions - without any access to benefits - in order to submit an application. Beijing (AsiaNews) - Seven years of paid contributions, but without getting any basic services in return, prior to submitting for residency in Beijing. This is under new rules issued today by the city authorities to grant the certificate of residence (hukou) to those who were not born in the capital. The new rules also include a point system that actually prevent economic migrants from being able to get the coveted document. The hukou was introduced in 1958 to curb urban sprawl and keep farmers working the land. After the modernization of Deng Xiaoping, the growing industrial cities needed manpower and drew migrants from the countryside. But not having the residence in the cities, they were exploited as a labor force, without any of the benefist of residence, such as health care, education for their children, justice. From today a Chinese citizen living in Beijing without papers must have a legal labor contract and pay into the city coffers for social security, those for health care and the pension for seven consecutive years before being "qualified to apply". They must have a registered home, a contract, be far below the retirement age and have no criminal record. All of these provisions count for points for the applicant, which must be added those arising from income and level of education. In concrete terms it means the migrants have no chance. Every year, the local government will set a minimum level of points, only accepting those above. Guangyao Shen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the South China Morning Post: "I do not think that many will exceed the level, perhaps 10 thousand people. From the point of view of a citizen, and these controlled scores are unreasonable, but considering that we are speaking of the megalopolis, we know that they are facing very complicated challenges. They have no alternative". by Kamran Chaudhry On National Minorities Day, Msgr. Arshad Joseph, bishop of Faisalabad, calls for "non-Muslim groups to be included as part of society in recognition of their merits". The Archbishop of Lahore says that "the founder of Pakistan had promised respect for all religions, but now we are in the throes of intolerance". Lahore (AsiaNews) - Non-Muslim citizens "have played a vital role in the formation of Pakistan. Not only they gave their lives for freedom but still continue to fight for nation building. This is why their concerns must be addressed by the government, said Msgr. Arshad Joseph, bishop of Faisalabd and president of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, during the celebration of the National Minorities Day yesterday. In 2009, thanks to the work of Shahbaz Bhatti, the Pakistani government decided to establish the Minorities Day to honor the service and sacrifice made by these communities (Hindu, Christian and Sikh) to the nation. On the occasion of 69th anniversary of the historic speech of Mohammad Ali Jinnah - the founder of modern Pakistan to the Constitutive Assembly of the newborn State (1947), the Government of Punjab and the Department for Human Rights and Minorities organized a day of meetings, songs and speeches to honor the non-Muslim communities (see videos). They were attended by thousands of religious, parish employees, Hindu and Sikh leaders. Speaking at the Lahore Arts Council, Msgr. Arshad said: "We know that Pakistan is going through a difficult phase in its history. Religious intolerance and neglect in society have created a sense of hopelessness among the people. Minorities must be included as an integral part of society. Msgr. Sebastian Shah, Archbishop of Lahore, spoke on the subject from the pages of the bimonthly magazine of the Archdiocese. In the message, the prelate recalled that the founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah "assured the Christian leaders that every person in Pakistan would have a free life in accordance with their religion and that the state would have no problem with religions. As we celebrate the day of our independence [August 14th ed] we must think about which direction our country is taking. Zakia Shahnawaz, Muslim Provincial Minister for Higher Education, supported the bishops' appeals, but said that "Muslims can not stop terrorism alone. Our hearts cry together every time a suicide bomber blows himself up and kills everyone. We need to look together for solutions to these problems. The bombs exploded in five different tourist sites, causing panic among the population. Thais are celebrating the Queen's birthday. The attacks have not been claimed and the police have ruled out international terrorism. Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A series of explosions over the last 24 hours have targeted some cities in southern Thailand leaving four dead and dozens injured. Four bombs exploded overnight night yesterday in Hua Hin, the tourist center 180 kilometers south of Bangkok, killing two people and injuring at least 22 (including two Italians). In the early hours of today other bombs exploded in four cities: two in front of a police station in Surat Thani (one death and several injuries); two in Patong, on Phuket Island; one in Trang (one death); one in Phang Nga beach. All the bombs would be detonated using mobile phones. The attacks took place in the days when the Thais are celebrating the 84th birthday of Queen Sirikit and close to the first anniversary of the August 19, 2015 bombing that killed 20 people at the Erawan temple in Bangkok. In addition, the country has just approved by referendum a new constitution proposed by the ruling military junta. Even the choice of hitting Hua Hin could be read in anti-monarchy key, as it is the favorite residence of the king outside Bangkok. So far the attacks have not been claimed by anyone, even if the police have ruled out the trail of international terrorism. Prime Minister Payut Chan-o-cha said: "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion". "Why - he questioned in a press conference with journalists did the bombs strike at a time when our country is progressing towards stability, a better economy and tourism? And who did it? We have to find out. In similar incidents in the past, suspicions usually fell on supporters of former premier in exile Thaksin Shinawatra. The inhabitants of the affected regions, however, have voted with large majorities in favor of the new Constitution, making it easier to point to Muslim secessionist rebels who have never accepted rule from Bangkok, waging a guerrilla war since 2004 that has caused 6500 deaths. Two years after fleeing Qaraqosh and the Nineveh Plain, three young men were ordained to the priesthood. The rite celebrated in a refugee camp before 1,500 worshipers. Fr. Momika: "A day of mourning transformed into a celebration." The task of the anointed is "to give Christ to the people" and instill "strength, confidence and courage". Erbil (AsiaNews) - Two years after the expulsion of thousands of Christian families from Qaraqosh, the center of the Nineveh Plain in northern Iraq, three young men from the city have been ordained to the priesthood in a refugee camp in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan . The ceremony took place in recent days and has been a source of joy and hope for the persecuted Christians, victims of violence and marginalization. At least 1,500 people - in spite of the places for only 800 - filled every corner of the church, to share the feast day of the Syrian Catholic community and its three new priests: Fr. Roni Salim Momika, Fr Emad and Fr. Petros. "We fled from Qaraqosh two years ago, at this time," says Fr. Momika in an interview with Catholic News Agency (NSC). He does not hide the challenges, difficulties and many sorrows suffered by the Christian community in this period so troubled in its history. The ordination of three new priests of the Syrian Catholic Church took place on August 5 in a prefabricated church located in the refugee camp Aishty 2, on the outskirts of Erbil. It is home to about 5,500 people who fled in the summer of 2014, as a result of the advance of the militias of the Islamic State (IS). Archbishop Petros Yohanno Moshe, head of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Mosul, Kirkuk and Iraqi Kurdistan presided. Before the rise of the jihadists, Qaraqosh was the most important Christian center of the country; inside and in the surrounding towns scattered on the Nineveh Plain lived about a quarter of Iraq's Christian population. "Until now, this day was linked to bad memories, because [in the night between August 5 and 6, 2014] we became refugees and IS made its entry in Qaraqosh". Today, however, has been transformed from a day of mourning and "given new hope to all our people. Over the past two years Fr. Momika worked alongside young people and women in the refugee camp, where he hopes to continue in the future - as a priest. He wants to "stand alongside the refugees", to share their joys, sufferings and difficulties. His role, he explains, is to "give Christ to the people" and instill "strength, confidence and courage". In the past the same Fr. Momika, along with his sister, had been the victim of an attack. In 2010, a bomb exploded during the passage of a bus carrying the future priest and other young Christians, all university students, from the Nineveh Plain to the University of Mosul. Because of the forced closure of the Qaraqosh seminary after the jihadist advance, he moved to the Al-Sharfa, in Lebanon, where he was able to complete his studies. He then returned to Iraq for his ordination to the diaconate, on March 19 last. Among the five injured, three are in serious condition, hospitalized. The accident caused by the bursting of a steam conduct under pressure. In these eight months there have been at least 274 accidents. Neglect, corruption, collusion between businessmen and politicians. Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A coal fired power plant exploded yesterday in the city of Dangyang (Hubei) leaving at least 21 dead and injuring five people. According to Xinhua, the explosion occurred yesterday afternoon due to the failure of a supply of steam under pressure. Rescue operations have been underway since last night. Among the injured in hospital, three are in serious condition. The incident comes nearly a year after the powerful explosion of a warehouse of toxic chemicals in Tianjin that killed hundreds of people, given that the warehouse was close to a residential area. Industrial accidents are very common in China. This is due to the fact that for the majority of cases the safety rules are not applied, or only superficially implemented. They are often circumvented through bribery, or collusion between entrepreneurs and authorities, which tend to cover up all responsability. According to China Labour Bulletin to date in 2016 there have been at least 274 incidents. Kim Jong-uns regime plans to draft everyone under 35. After the great famine of the 1990s, the birth rate dropped leading to fewer people of military age. For source, the new soldiers are needed to secure construction workers rather than combat soldiers Seoul (AsiaNews) North Korea has changed its compulsory military service, imposing conscription on all those under the age of 35. In accordance with the regimes Songun (military first) policy, the country has one of the largest standing armed forces in the world in proportion to the population: 3.5 million out of 22 million people. However, the great famine of the 1990s has cut the birth rate, and reduced the number of military age soldiers. Citing a source, Radio Free Asia reported that the North's military manpower body has been indiscriminately sending notices to people to undergo medical tests as the body is looking to recruit those who pass (most do) to make up for a drop in available manpower for conscription. Nevertheless, North Korean residents are criticising the military authorities for its random drive to recruit draftees, which is seen as a tactic to secure construction workers rather than combat soldiers. Under Songun, the "ideological masterpiece" of the late Kim Jong-il, only children as well as children on plantation were exempt to help in farming. Miners were also excluded to ensure the regime some energy self-sufficiency. Under new rules, everyone now has to wear a military uniform. The contract includes 130 tanks, other weapons and military assistance. Riyadh vows to fight Islamic State but uses its weapons mostly against its rivals in the region. Only ten Saudi fighters are involved in the anti-Daesh coalition, but one hundred are used in Yemen against Houthi Shias. For French diplomat, through money flows and arms sales the West has created its own enemy. Riyadh (AsiaNews) Despite repeated human rights complaints against Saudi Arabia over its military campaign in Yemen, the US State Department has approved a US$ 1.15 billion sale of military equipment to the Kingdom, including 130 Abrams battle tanks. US-Saudi military alliance goes back a long way. Last year alone, the United States sold more than US$ 20 billion worth of military equipment and support to the Saudis last year. US defense sources point out that the tank sale will enhance Saudi ground troops potential and improve coordination and operations between US and Saudi forces. The deal reiterates Washington's commitment to Saudi Arabias security and armed forces modernization, the sources noted, this despite recent tensions. Now Congress has 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare. However, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has been critical of arms sales to the Saudis, citing concerns about civilian casualties, and the Saudis preference for fighting Iranian proxies in Yemen instead of Daesh (Arabic acronym for Islamic State). Hundreds of civilians have died since the beginning of Saudi Arabias military intervention in Yemen, in March last year. The Saudis have used US-made fighter jets that drop US-made cluster bombs a horrible munition that is so imprecise that it has been banned by 119 nations. Overall, Saudi Arabia has only provided ten fighter planes against Daesh in Syria and Iraq, compared to at least a hundred in Yemen against the Houthis. The United States is not the only major Western power to sell arms to countries involved with extremist movements or that at least tolerate their actions. France and Great Britain continue to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which increase regional instability. In an article in Le Monde, former French diplomat and international policy expert Laurent Bigot underscores the link between Mideast wars and escalating terror attacks in Europe. He notes how the West has "created its own enemies" over the past two decades, from Osama bin Laden to Daesh militias, which was a response to Sunni persecution by Iraqs US-backed Shia-dominated government under Nouri al-Maliki. Behind Daeshs war threats lurk all sorts of deals, which include weapons and vehicles, involving Riyadh and Doha, deemed some of the main sponsors of religious obscurantism and terrorism." War is declared against IS but nothing is done to cut oil smuggling, which allows the Jihadist group to fund its war and buy weapons. Financial transactions in cash are limited to a thousand euros in France as a way to limit the funding of terrorism, and yet millions if not billions of dollars can easily flow through banks and tax havens to fund wars. What about French support for the al-Nusra Front, whose ideology has nothing to envy to Daeshs, Bigot laments. And French weapons deliveries to Syrian rebels in a region that is overrun with them! In view of the situation, the expert calls on the international community, especially the West, to open its eyes on its own inconsistencies" because it "will eventually cost us dear." Florida Guy Gets Banned From Ordering Pizza After Harassing Local Chains Trending News: This Guy Got Banned From Ordering Pizza Ever Again Why Is This Important? Because this is the worst punishment known to man. Long Story Short A Florida man has been banned from ordering pizzas after making too many annoying phone calls and sending too many 'was back. Long Story You and the pizza guy's relationship has the potential to be great. You call, he comes over with a pizza. You give him money, he gives you a pizza. The potential for a lasting bond is infinite unless you f*** it up like this guy did. Randy Riddle (somehow, that's his name), completely trolled his local pizza joints near his home of Sebastian, Florida. He (who must not be named) would order the food and then when it got there, he'd refuse to pay. He'd send deliveries to fake addresses. He'd even call the businesses and tell them their food is gross, according to TC Palm. But apparently being a pizza-ordering a**hole isn't as easy as just picking up the phone and calling. Riddle went out of his way to use five different phone numbers, give false names or refuse to provide his name as he proceeded to piss off every chain in the area over a three-week span. The whole operation allegedly ended up costing the chains $667 in lost pizza dough (the kind with the dead presidents on it), so they decided to press charges. As a result, a court found Riddle guilty of two misdemeanors of petit theft (how they spell petty in Florida) and four chargers for obscene or harassing phone calls, according to Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Indian River County Sheriff's Office Riddle was taken into custody for all this and had to post $5,500 bond. But worst of all, he was banned from ordering pizza any longer. "Defendant shall refrain from calling any pizza establishment and/or making any harassing calls or his bond shall be revoked," the warrant affidavit states. Harsh. I know some people that a sentence like that would be worse than the death penalty. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question How is it worse to tall up a business and tell them their food is gross than to leave a review online saying it's gross? Disrupt Your Feed This guy might need to make a trip to the 24-hour pizza ATM to get his 'za from now on. Drop This Fact The managers of English Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City just banned their players from eating pizza. 'Futurama' Voice Actor Reads Donald Trump Quotes Trending News: Listen To A 'Futurama' Voice Actor Read Donald Trump Quotes Why Is This Important? Because only Billy West can make very unfunny real quotes sound funny. Long Story Short Voice actor Billy West, who voices several characters on the hit TV series Futurama, took to twitter to read some of Donald Trump's choicest quotes in the voice of Zapp Brannigan. The quotes would be right at home in the sci fi cartoon. Long Story We've reached the point where, more than anything else, Donald Trump makes us tired. Whether he's asking our adversaries to hack American citizens or coyly hinting that gun owners could maybe assassinate elected and appointed officials, nothing he says is noteworthy anymore. Or rather, nearly everything is noteworthy, but there's so much of it that you end up drowning in all the noise. It's honestly not the worst campaign strategy. What we need to make Trump's absurdities stand out is a different voice. A voice like Billy West's, perhaps. West plays several characters on Futurama, including Fry, Professor Farnsworth and Zoidberg. But it's another of his characters, Zapp Brannigan, who happens to be the perfect vessel for Trump's bizarrely fragile, braggadocious persona. West recorded some of The Donald's best quotes, and posted them on twitter. Zapp presents...Famous Quotations from Donald J Trump#MakeAmericaBrannigan pic.twitter.com/O3wWOSNHBC Billy West (@TheBillyWest) August 11, 2016 Zapp presents...Famous Quotations from Donald J Trump#MakeAmericaBrannigan pic.twitter.com/kbaV8rIkwK Billy West (@TheBillyWest) August 11, 2016 They're all very funny, and that's kind of the sad part. Coming from a cartoon character, you'd expect these kinds of words. But from a presidential candidate? Not so much. No one wants to hear the man with access to the nuclear codes talk about how big his dick is (at least not in public, as doing so semi-privately was apparently a pastime of LBJ's). None of this will change anything, of course. H/T: Kotaku Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Will hearing Trump's absurdities in a different voice cause anyone to change their mind? Disrupt Your Feed This is what I needed on a Friday. Drop This Fact Zapp Brannigan is loosely based on Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk Arizona Mayor Refuses Border-City Meeting Because Of Spanish Invitation Trending News: This Mayor Freaked Out Because A Meeting Invite Was In Spanish Why Is This Important? Because the reaction is kind of excessive. Long Story Short An Arizona mayor from a border town near Mexico is refusing to attend a meeting that could improve cross-border relations because the invitation was written in both English and Spanish. Long Story The mayor of an Arizona town that shares a border with Mexico is making headlines for an inflammatory email noting his refusal to attend a meeting for mayors of towns near the US/Mexican border, claiming that he won't "attend a function that is sent to me in Spanish/Mexican. An Arizona mayor refused to attend a meeting because the invite had a Spanish translation https://t.co/PC11O5Qcqb pic.twitter.com/dG71jqCBFz Mic (@mic) August 12, 2016 Ken Taylor, the mayor Huachuca City (yes, that is a Spanish word), Arizona, sent the angry email to John Cook, the executive director of the US-Mexico Border Mayors Association, who planned the event. According to Taylor, he was insulted by the bilingual invitation, adding that one nation means one language" (note: the US has no official language). Cook, who is also mayor of El Paso, Texas, responded to Taylor by informing him that their mayors association is one that is bi-national, and given that the association was elected to serve both communities, issued communications need to reflect that. In an email to Taylor, Cook said: I am sorry that you don't understand the importance of a bi-national association that addresses the opportunities and challenges facing both the US and Mexico in a global economy. Dear Hauchuca City Mayor Ken Taylor..... pic.twitter.com/qZXM0KPUq7 AJ Diaz (@abenavidez79) August 12, 2016 Despite Cooks insistence of his disappointment in Taylors reaction, the Arizona mayor continued to defend his position, making remarks like if Mexico is NOT stopping drugs, crime, and terrorists from coming INTO our country from Mexico, then Mexico is not a friend and I don't care to help. I have better things to do in fighting the problems they export to us. Meanwhile, other nearby towns are more enthusiastic about the meeting. I dont understand the issue the mayor (Taylor) has with it. Again, I really dont feel comfortable saying anything else without talking to Mayor Taylor first, but I will say that is not the attitude we get from other mayors around this area. Quite frankly, I am really surprised that Mayor Taylor has an issue. Nobody else around here has those issues, said Rick Mueller, mayor of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Ken Taylor steps up to put #Arizona in embarrassing natl spotlight again over "joint" US/Mexican Mayor invitation. https://t.co/NTDnZ4JcJh Arizona Votes (@AZVotes) August 12, 2016 The cross-border mayors meeting is expected to take place on August 24 in Laredo, Texas. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Doesnt this Arizona mayor have more serious things to be worked up about? Disrupt Your Feed Throwing a hissyfit over a bilingual invitation is pretty absurd. Drop This Fact Huaracha City is home to nearly 2000 people, 20 per cent of whom are Latino. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. The Law Council of Australia is urging the establishment of offices for independent overseers for immigration detention and migration laws.The suggestion comes after leaked documents published by news outlets including The Guardian detail thousands of purported assault, sexual abuse, self-harm and unfit living conditions on Australias offshore detention island of Nauru.A significant portion of the more than 2,000 reports all in all totalling about 8,000 pages concern children.The Law Council of Australia proposes that there is a need now more than ever to appoint an Independent Inspector of Immigration Detention and an Independent Monitor of Migration Laws.The Law Council has consistently stated that Australia retains responsibility for the health and safety of asylum seekers transferred to other countries for offshore processing and assessment under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, said Stuart Clark AM.The Law Council of Australias president said this responsibility derives from the Commonwealths common law duty of care and obligations arising under international law.He added that the key appointment could limit harm to asylum seekers in the future while preserving Australias border protection policies.An independent reviewer specific to detention centres could operate in a similar fashion to the Federal Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. The first task of this reviewer should be to examine the disturbing reports of alleged incidents in Nauru, Clark explained.A second independent, specialist body should be established to review and monitor Australias border protection legislation, similar to the role of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. This has proved successful in the national space, strengthening the integrity of intelligence services, whilst not undermining operational efficiency, he continued.The organisation also stressed its position that minimum legal precautions must be in place to ensure Australias compliance with international standards which includes limits on detention and the best interest of the child principle.Furthermore, the council president emphasised the importance of government employees including contracted medical staff, being able to speak out about incidents without fear of retribution.The councils immigration detention standards position can be read in their policy statement Principles Applying to the detention of Asylum Seekers and their Asylum Seeker Policy Steptoe & Johnson is launching a full-fledged, multidisciplinary blockchain practice to be headed by two veteran lawyers who are former US government officials. Apart from announcing the expansion of its practice on blockchain, one of the main technologies that power the bitcoin cryptocurrency, the BigLaw firm also announced that they plan to soon accept bitcoin as payment for fees. The expanded practice will be headed by partner Jason Weinstein, a former US Department of Justice deputy assistant attorney-general who led the DOJs cybercrime and organized crime enforcement efforts, and counsel Alan Cohn, a former US Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary who established and oversaw the departments cyber policy office. The expanded practice will include Steptoe lawyers and professionals that are seen to be impacted by blockchain technology including from the firms Energy, Transportation, Insurance, Financial Services, Intellectual Property, Corporate, International Regulation and Compliance, International Trade, Government Contracts, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Tax, Cyber, and Government Investigations and Enforcement groups. The firms blockchain practice will also have representatives from the London, Brussels and Beijing offices. Steptoe has been a leader in this industry since day one. With Alan and Jason, we already had one of the best-regarded blockchain teams of any major law firm, said Phil West, Steptoe chairman. By combining our firms blockchain experience with seasoned lawyers across industry sectors, Steptoe believes it can provide a unique set of services to a wide array of clients, helping them not only understand this technology but also determine the feasibility of applying this technology in their business and sector, and ultimately, utilizing this technology in the most efficient, secure manner in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. A blockchain is a distributed online ledger maintained across multiple computers or systems around the world. Blockchains are central to the existence of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins because they allow for transactions to take place and be verified by multiple parties which ensure the resilience of a particular digital currencys ecosystem to tampering or attacks. Steptoes blockchain practice will be catering to the blockchain industry, either to organisations directly involved with blockchains or that are affected by the rise in adoption of blockchains and cryptocurrencies. The practice will work with the firms other practices and will draw on the FinTech, financial services, regulatory and law enforcement experience of the firm, Steptoe said. In existence for over two and a half years, the practice has advised just about every type of participant in the blockchain ecosystem including investors, entrepreneurs, early stage companies, exchanges, transaction processors and retailers, the firm noted. We are expanding from serving as counsel to blockchain companies, to serving as counsel to companies affected by the blockchain, said Weinstein. What were experiencing here is similar to the early stages of the Internet in the 1990s. The blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the way the world does business, and the applications for this technology are endless. Steptoe is an advisor to both Coin Center and the Chamber of Digital Commerce, two of the industrys leading advocacy groups, and Weinstein serves on the advisory board of BitFury. The firm noted that Weinstein was invited to speak at the first-ever Blockchain Summit hosted by Sir Richard Branson in 2015. Cohn was invited to speak at the same event this year. We are focusing on the next generation of blockchain and distributed ledger technology applications. It is not just about blockchain -- it is about applying blockchain technology to your company or business, and making it real and operational while addressing any legal and compliance issues, said Cohn. Micah Green, head of Steptoes Financial Services practice and co-head of its Government Affairs and Public Policy Group, said that this industry is so new it requires policy-making and not just enforcement. Participants in the marketplace need to know where regulators are as they map out their business plans. Steptoe is engaging with regulators and other government agencies on behalf of clients who are adopting blockchain-based applications and services to help ensure that they are in compliance with applicable rules and to try to change those rules where needed, said Green. Steptoe co-founded the Blockchain Alliance, a coalition of blockchain companies and law enforcement and regulatory agencies, in 2015 with the Chamber of Digital Commerce and the Coin Center. Apart from their advisory work for these organisations, Steptoe is also representing companies in investigations by the US Department of Justice, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and other government agencies. The firm said it is also advising financial institutions on anti-money laundering compliance issues relating to digital currencies, advising the worlds largest blockchain transaction processing company, advising retailers on digital currency and blockchain issues, and advising venture capital firms on regulatory issues involving the blockchain. Alongside the launch of the expanded full-fledged practice, Steptoe is also launching he Steptoe Blockchain Blog which will feature opinions and analysis tracking the trajectory of the blockchain. Lawyers in Pakistan set a week-long boycott of court proceedings to mourn and protest the most devastating terrorist attack specifically targeting lawyers.In a report by the BBC, the countrys Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) are quoted saying their members are expected to shun proceedings and mourn for a week.The attack has reaped condemnation from lawyers worldwide, including from the Law Council of Australia A suicide bomber attacked on Monday while in a crowd of lawyers who gathered to mourn the shooting death earlier that day of Balochistan Bar Association president Bilal Anwar Kasi.The attack which happened at the Sandeman Civil Hospital of Quetta, the Balochistan province capital, left at least 70 people killed and more than 100 injured.In an interview with the BBC, Shah Mohammad, an official of the local bar association who was at the gathering when the bomb went off, said that he saw what seemed to be hundreds of bodies lying over each other as he ran after the blast.Some of the bodies were burning, some were torn to pieces. Many of them had been my lifelong colleagues, the lawyer recalled of the hideous attack.We have been targeted because we always raise our voice for peoples rights and for democracy, said Ali Zafar, SCBA president.Lawyers will not just protest the attach, but also prepare a long-term plan of action, he is quoted by the BBC.According to The New York Times, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar which split from the Pakistani Taliban two years ago claimed responsibility for the bombing.The group, which has expressed support for ISIS, also claimed responsibility for this years Easter bombing of a park in Lahore, Pakistan which killed at least 75 people, mostly women and children. I am in the last stage of my 801 and my local council just change my street name and house number.How will I inform the department about this new development? I am still leaving in the same house but there is changes to my house number and street address and I have submitted evidences in my old street name 12. I want to apply for a de facto partner visa, but Im still married to someone else. Is that a problem? To apply for a Partner visa as a de facto partner (opposite-sex or same-sex), you and your partner must show that you have been in a de facto partner relationship for the entire 12 months immediately prior to lodging your application and that this relationship was to the exclusion of all others. If either you or your sponsor are still married to another person at the time of lodgement of a de facto partner visa, you will need to provide evidence that your previous relationship is no longer ongoing fact sheet 35 - What is the one year relationship requirement? The one year de facto relationship requirement is a criterion that must be met by applicants for the following visas who claim to be in a de facto relationship: a permanent visa a business skills (Provisional) (Class UR) visa a business skills (Provisional) (Class EB) visa a student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa a partner (Provisional) (Class UF) visa a partner (Temporary) (Class UK) visa a general skilled migration visa. To satisfy this requirement, the couple must demonstrate that they have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before the visa application is made. For migration purposes, a person is in a de facto relationship with another person if they: are not married to each other have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others are in a genuine and continuing relationship live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis are not related by family. Yes time away for work is ok - BUT you need 365 days living as de facto. will you have that. People 2 days short have been rejected. Hyundai teases next-gen Hyundai i30 ahead of its global unveil. The 2017 Hyundai i30 has been teased ahead of its global reveal on September 7. The new pictures seen confirm that the future hatchback model will evolve the design seen on the Hyundai i40, with more angular lights and a wide-mouthed front grille being the standout exterior features. There are also vertical day running lights on the bumper, a shapelier bonnet and fewer unpainted plastic parts on the exterior, giving the new i30 a more premium look than its predecessor. Peter Schreyer, Hyundais president and chief design officer said of the new model, From a design perspective, we havent just considered one customer; we have focused on a wide range of different people. This model showcases an evolution of Hyundai Motors design language with natural flowing lines, refined surfaces and a sculpted body to create a timeless appearance. A hot i30 N performance model will eventually arrive as Hyundais first pure performance model with an anticipated 253.5hp on offer. Below this, the regular i30 range looks set to get turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a 1.0-litre three-pot and a potential hybrid powertrain, which is likely to be shared with the new Ioniq. Hyundai says the new i30 will also come with state-of-the-art safety and connected technology. More details will be revealed when the car is shown next month ahead of its public debut at the Paris motor show in October. Hyundai showcased the current-generation i30 at Auto Expo 2016 earlier this year. The carmaker has not announced any plans for an India launch since then. Apex court directs all manufacturers to deposit 1 percent environment compensation cost on ex showroom price of vehicles above 2,000cc in Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court today lifted the ban on registration of diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2,000cc and above in the Delhi-NCR region. However, the apex court announced the levy of 1 percent green cess on the ex-showroom price of such vehicles which has to be deposited before the Central Pollution Control Board. The apex court will decide at a later stage whether smaller diesel cars should be brought under the purview of payment of the environment cess. In a bid to tackle the rising levels of pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court had imposed a ban on the sale of diesel cars and SUVs with engine capacities over 2,000cc in the region, starting mid-December and the same was extended multiple times. Automakers such as Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Mercedes-Benz India were among the ones seriously affected by the ban since Delhi-NCR region accounted for a significant chunk of its volumes. Speaking to Autocar India, an official from Toyota-Kirloskar said that the decision by the Supreme Court certainly comes as a relief, but the company has already paid the price of the ban. Delhi-NCR accounts for around eight-10 percent of our sales and a such a ban definitely had an impact on volumes. Moreover, with the launch of the Innova Crysta, if not for the ban, the Delhi-NCR region could have accounted for even 12 percent of the sales. With regard to the one percent cess, it will be passed on to the buyer. Earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz India appealed against the ban and said it was ready to pay the environmental cess of one percent levied on the sale of diesel cars. We have followed the earlier direction of the Supreme Court and filed an Interim Application seeking relief on the ban on our cars. Following the court suggestion, we as a voluntary interim measure, offered to pay 1 percent of the ex-showroom price of the vehicle towards anticipated Environment Compensation Charge as a deposit, and not on the premise that our vehicles are polluting the environment, the carmaker said in a statement today. Commenting on the Supreme Court's judgement, Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra said, "We are very relieved with the decision of the Supreme Court today. Hope this decision will put all controversy surrounding diesel fuel behind us and we will be able to focus on the more important task of making our vehicles compliant with BS 6 norms by April 2020. The indefinite ban on sale of large cars had put many automakers in a state of disarray with the automotive body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) saying the move points towards an erratic policy regime and has discouraged carmakers from investing in the country. However, the central government, which had strongly come out against the ban, opposed the imposition of the cess saying it would hurt investments. The Government of India is planning to undertake a study on the assessment of the cess required as well as appraisal of pollution levels. It will be either undertaken by the Ministry of Heavy Industries or under the direction of the Niti Aayog. That will be the real test as winter is coming when pollution levels also rise, Vishnu Mathur, director general of apex industry body SIAM, said, welcoming the move. The American brand owned by a Chinese corporation has decided to move the model upmarket , and it has implemented a few changes to justify the move.The badge on the Revero will be hand-painted. This is a unique element in the automotive industry, as no other car company paints its brand logos one at a time, by hand. They say it is a symbolic statement on the craftsmanship of their products.The significant improvement brought to the car that used to be the Fisker Karma and has become the Karma Revero is the addition of a solar roof that could be different from the one found in the original model.It is described as being capable of generating "enough energy to power the car," but the Fisker Karma's original solar panel roof could only add up to five miles a week in range if it encountered enough sunny days.While specifications of the solar panels used have not been revealed, the company claims the solar-panel-roof can create enough energy to power the car.The level of energy required to power an electric car is significantly higher than the capacity of current solar panel technology so that the claim might refer to something different than propulsion. In the case of the old Fisker Karma, the model used the energy collected by its solar panels to power the climate control.If they have indeed managed to develop solar panel technology capable of assisting the powertrain of an electric car, this is a gigantic leap for the automotive industry concerning electric propulsion solutions, but we have a feeling it cannot do that.On the inside, the Revero features an all-new infotainment system, which comes with a simple and intuitive interface. There is only one picture of it on the company website , so we must wait for the official unveiling before commenting its user interface and user experience features.However, we did notice a digital counter for the power used by the vehicles accessories, which makes us think that our assumption regarding the utilization of the solar panels on the roof is for ancillary components.The official exhibit of the production version of the Karma Revero is scheduled in 27 days from now, which would mean September 8, 2016, is the day that will mark its unveiling. AWD The first electric model from Subaru will be a crossover , reports say. The car is not officially confirmed as an intended product in the companys lineup, but sources that claimed to be close to the matter have told the Japanese Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun newspaper that the all-electric model will be launched to meet stringent emissions regulations.According to Automotive News, Subaru s next crossover model is expected to use the Japanese companys all-new platform, which will be first introduced on the 2017 Impreza.The same modular platform will also be used on the next Forester and Outback models, so the components should be suitable for an entirely different application, like an electric crossover would be.The all-electric crossover from Subaru is rumored to feature all-wheel-drive, but its system might operate differently from the system employed on cars with internal combustion engines.While the company insider does not mention this aspect, utilizing transfer cases and their corresponding driveshafts would not be required by an electric vehicle with multiple motors.Instead of having a single engine placed in the front and powering all the wheels of the vehicle, the all-electric crossover from Subaru could use a twin-engine configuration, which implies one engine on each axle.The solution provides all-wheel-drive without any transfer cases, thus saving weight and space for the battery pack, while also keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Automotive News inquired Fuji Heavy Industries representatives regarding the new product . Their spokesperson, Masato Saito, stated that the company that owns Subaru had not made any decisions relating to the launch of an all-electric vehicle withHowever, the representative mentioned that if the product were to be launched, the company would use the new platform. Furthermore, the potential all-wheel-drive crossover with electric propulsion would be targeted to the North American market.The statement brings hope for Subaru fans that dreamed of an electric model built by the Japanese brand, but it appears that they must wait a few more years before its eventual market launch. Photo: Datsun Datsun continues to expand its global presence with the brands return to Sri Lanka, where it was first introduced in 1957. This comes just a few weeks after the brand was brought back to Lebanon. Datsun is re-entering the market in Sri Lanka with the latest addition to its model line-up, the all-new Datsun redi-GO. Datsun redi-GO was launched in India in early June 2016. The car will be offered through the dealer network of Nissans long-time partner in Sri Lanka, Associated Motorways (Private) Ltd. (AMW), according to the company. Datsun redi-GO sales are scheduled to begin in September, with pricing and vehicle grades information to be announced as the start of sales draws closer, according to the automaker. According to the TechSci Research report "Kuwait Tire Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2021,' the Kuwait tire market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of more than 11% during 2016 - 2021. In June 2015, the government announced its Five-Year Plan worth US$116 billion, for filling infrastructure gaps and boosting construction, real estate, and transportation sectors in the country. This is projected to fuel demand for tires, especially from commercial and OTR segments, in the country during 2016 - 2021. Vehicle sales in Kuwait grew at a CAGR of around 5.8% during 2011 - 2015, with unit sales increasing from 110,000 units in 2011 to 140,000 units in 2015. This resulted in expansion of automotive fleet size from 1.48 million units in 2011 to 1.95 million units in 2015. Growing fleet size boosted demand for tires from the replacement segment during the same period and the trend is anticipated to continue in the coming years as well, according to the report. Moreover, passenger car tire segment dominated Kuwait tire market in 2015, followed by light commercial vehicle tire segment. Moreover, due to the largest fleet size, passenger cars segment would continue its dominance in Kuwait tire market during the forecast period. Nevertheless, on the back of growing construction and logistics industries, medium and heavy commercial vehicle tire segment is expected to demonstrate robust growth over the next five years, according to the report. With shortage in public transport vehicles and dramatic price increase in fuel subsidy, Cubans are reviving the tiny Fiat 126p that was long forgotten after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The 24-horsepower car allows middle income families to have access to independent transport while buses and taxis are now taking a backseat. ABC News reported that approximately 10,000 Fiat Polski 126p were registered in Cuba although many of which are not functional anymore. However, local mechanics like Ramses Fernandez are able to salvage the car through replacement of the disc brakes, new tires, and an upgrade on the engine. The costs are about $5,000 which is fairly affordable considering the long-term use. "2016 has been the year of the Fiat Polski 126p," confirmed Henry Coba, president of the Havana car owners club Friends of the Car. The 126p type was first produced by an Italian company Fiat until the Polish factory FSO bought its license and manufactured it until 1991 under a variations of name. The popularity of the mini sedan surged significantly now that oil subsidy from Venezuela suffered from high prices and low supplies. About 3.3 million units of Fiat 126p were sold from 1973 to 2000 where 2.4 million of which were sold in Poland, according to Deutsche Welle. It became one of the most popular cars because it does not need a lot of gas to power its 704cc straight-two engine. It does not need expensive maintenance making it the most affordable sedan in history. Like Fernandez, Raul Seoane's family mostly rely on family remittances where they were able to save $2,000 to buy a 1986 model Fiat 126p. As the U.S. lifted Cuba's travel embargo, many Western tourists are expected to flock and be surprised with the revival of the relic car, reported Fox News. "Foreigners take photos as if they've never seen something like this," Seoane said. "For being an economical car, the Polski has really caught on." ForeFlight has become just as popular for business aviation/turbine aircraft ops as it has for the lower end of the market, and the ForeFlight... The mission of awwwards is to create the biggest community of web designers and developers on the Internet, as well as our platform, we also host conferences all over the world in iconic cities, where attendees can see inspiring talks from leading fi 12 August 2016 11:43 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Armenian armed forces have 14 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on August 12. Armenian army was using large-caliber machine guns and sniper rifles. Armenian armed forces stationed on nameless heights and in the Paravakar and Berkaber villages of Armenias Ijevan district and in the Berdavan and Barekamavan villages of the Noyemberyan district opened fire at Azerbaijani positions located in the Gizilhajili, Kemerli, Gaymagli villages and on nameless heights of the Gazakh district. Azerbaijani positions also took fire from the positions located near the Marzili village of the Aghdam district, the Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district and from nameless heights of the Jabrayil district. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 16:43 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Police brutality has long been a part of everyday life in Armenia, while it became more evident following the recent demonstrations in Yerevan. There have been a number of reports of police brutality and arbitrary arrests during the July rallies against the Armenian government, while hundreds were injured when police dispersed the protests. The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan drew up a "black list" of the authorities and police that participated in cruel dispersing of demonstrators in the course of rallies in support of armed group Sasna Tsrer, local newspaper Hraparak reported on August 12 citing a source. In the near future the officials included in this list will face great difficulties on getting a visa to the United States. The list includes police and other officials who get spotted in the hottest days of events, said the newspaper. Mass rallies took place in Yerevan in support of the armed group that was for two weeks seizing a police station in Yerevan. After another rally of July 29, there were revealed credible reports of violence and excessive use of force by the police to disperse protestors during the night of July 29-30. Then, Armenian police arrested 165 people. Following the events, 73 people addressed medical institutions with injuries of varying severity. Some of them still continue receiving treatment in hospitals of Yerevan. During the crackdown of police, journalists and cameramen also got injured. Posts on social networks also facilitated detecting the guilty ones. It is also noted that these lists will be transferred to other embassies for not providing Schengen visa for these persons. July events in Yerevan were closely tracked by a number of reputable foreign organizations, and the consequences of these events will be not long in coming, the newspaper states. There is information that due to the actions of police a number of international organizations will refuse provision of financial assistance to police, it claims During the clashes with demonstrators, police showed excessive force through use of police batons and stun grenades which wounded dozens of people and some journalists, some severely. Earlier, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills expressed his concern about reports that Armenian activists are being detained by police without any explanation. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 14:30 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova National airlines of Azerbaijan and Turkey are satisfied with the current level of cooperation and are aimed to expand it in the future, said Eldar Hajiyev, Vice-President of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). He said that for past two years AZAL and Turkish Airlines have been operating flights on code-share agreement. We have already reached a high level of cooperation and will work to improve it even more, he added. Haciyev further stressed that Istanbul ranks the first for the number of flights departing from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). AZAL and Turkish Airlines operate some nine flights per day in total in this direction. Following the recent developments in Istanbul, the number of passengers has slightly reduced, nevertheless passenger traffic to Turkey in general has increased, Haciyev said. He mentioned that the record-high increase was observed in the number of passengers departing to Turkish Antalya and the number of daily flights en route Baku-Antalya reached four with all aircrafts being fully boarded. The number of passengers departing to Antalya resort from Azerbaijan has grown more than twofold, as compared to the index fixed in July 2015. He mentioned that the increase was also observed in the number of passengers departing to such Turkish resorts as Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman. Over seven months of 2016 the Baku Airport provided services to 1.69 million passengers in total. GYD serviced some 391,000 passengers in July this year, which is 27 percent higher than in the same period of 2015, while the passenger traffic to the popular Turkish resorts Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman amounted to 56,500 passengers. The code share agreement allows airlines to share the same flight which means placement of marketing code of one airline on flights of another one, offering an extended network to passengers. AZAL is a flag carrier of Azerbaijan as well as one of the leaders of the aviation community of CIS countries. AZAL with the newest airplane fleets, consisting of 30 airplanes, does not have a single old plane. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With the delivery of Boeing Dreamliner in December 2014, AZAL became the first airline in the CIS to operate the 787. The company received a prestigious "4 Star" rating out of 5 from British consulting company Skytrax, which is considered to be a leader in the sphere of air transport research in June 2015. Being a member of Star Alliance network, Turkish Airlines is a 4-star airline with a fleet of 264 (passenger and cargo) aircrafts flying to 263 destinations worldwide with 220 being international and 43 domestic. The airline is considered to be a global player and has a primary role in making Istanbul a major global hub linking North America, Asia, Europe and Africa. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 17:03 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) continues to pay compensations to depositors of the recently closed Dekabank, Kredobank, Zaminbank and Parabank. The Fund has already paid compensations worth 38.4 million manats ($ 23.9 million). As of August 11, depositors of Parabank and Zaminbank received 15.4 and 16.9 million manats. The total volume of compensations to be paid to the depositors of Parabank amounts to 43.79 million manats ($27.680 million), while the number of insured depositors in the bank is 18,097. The volume of compensable deposits in Zaminbank amounts to 36.35 million manats ($22.97 million). The number of insured depositors amounts to 10,742. The volume of compensations paid to the depositors of Dekabank totaled 2 million manats ($ 1.2 million) out of the payments total volume of 5.59 million manats ($ 3.48 million). The number of insured depositors is 133. Kredobanks depositors received compensations worth 4.1 million manats from the total volume of compensable deposits amounting to 30.21 million manats ($ 18.8 million). The licenses of DekaBank, KredoBank, Parabank and Zaminbank were cancelled in accordance with the decision of the Financial Market Supervisory Body, dated July 21, 2016. The Fund launched payment of compensations to the depositors on August 1, 2016. The overall size of deposits liable for compensation in the banks is 110.71 million manats ($ 69.84 million). Payments are made in the branches of liquidated banks. The reason of a halt is the failure of banks to comply with statutory minimum capital requirements as well as manage their activities in a safe and prudent manner. ADIF operates since August 13, 2007.Currently, 33 banks have licenses for implementing banking activities in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 17:38 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Income of Turkish Petkim petrochemical complex amounted to approximately $128.049 million in the first half of 2016 compared to $78.81 in the same period of 2015, the Turkish Public Disclosure Platform (PDP) reported. Gross profit of the company amounted to $161.436 million as against $98.404 million in the first half of 2015, while an income from the principal activity totaled $141.99 million. Assets of the company in June 2016 stood at $1.69 billion compared to $1.85 in 2015. Petkims current liabilities in the reported period amounted to $0.41 billion facing a decrease of 23.9 percent within a year, while the volume of fixed liabilities stood at $ 0.36 billion facing an increase of 0.9 percent. Meanwhile, the company will hold an extraordinary meeting of the Board of Directors on September 6. Top issues to be discussed during the meeting include recent staff changes in the company. Following the failed coup attempt in Turkey, the government of the country has started inspections in a number of companies operating in the country, including Petkim. Turkeys Energy Minister Berat Albayrak recently said that inspections are not related to the activities of Azerbaijans SOCAR, which is a shareholder in the company. Petkim is engaged in production of plastic packages, fabrics, detergents, and is considered to be the sole Turkish manufacturer of such products, a quarter of which is exported. The complex includes 14 plants which produce 20 various types of products. The annual production capacity of Petkim is 3.6 million tons. The shareholders of the company are SOCAR Turkey Petrokimya A.S. - 51 percent, SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S. - 5.3216 percent, while 43.6784 percent of shares are in free float on the stock exchange. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 12:33 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Turkey, through normalization of relations with Russia, can start a dialogue with Moscow to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkish Ambassador to Baku Ismail Alper Coskun made the remark while talking to journalists on August 12. He reminded that Turkey is a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, established to mediate between the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and supports the conflict resolution. Alper Coskun believes that the resolution of the conflict would benefit not only Azerbaijan, but also Russia and Armenia. The settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will promote stability in the region, said the ambassador. Stressing that Azerbaijan is an important country for Turkey, Coskun said Turkey, as before, supports Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. Historically, the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey have been brotherly, friendly, and collaborative. Turkey has always been the strategic partner of Azerbaijan, the people of both countries being of Turkic race, sharing similar histories, cultures, religions and traditions. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously said that the OSCE Minsk Group, which includes Turkey, could have worked more effectively for conflict resolution. However, only three countries are involved in this process Russia, France and the USA, he said. Almost 24 years passed, but the problem has not yet been resolved. Of course, the fact of occupation is acknowledged by all parties. But if occupation exists, why has resolution of the problem been delayed for so long? However, there has been some progress recently. President Putin is active on this issue. President Aliyev also informed me about it. I believe that the initial return of five regions will significantly facilitate conflict resolution, President Erdogan added. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years. Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 13:08 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Azerbaijan, an alluring land in the South Caucasus, can be with no doubt compared with Italy, Spain and Greece for the number of sunny days in the country during the year. Located on the azure Caspian Sea the country boasts of its plenty of exotic beaches around the Baku and Absheron Peninsula, which enjoy high popularity among tourists. The beach season in the country is quote long lasting till the end of September. The water temperature, usually reaches +24 to +26 C in summer. Unbelievably amazing beach season encourage many in Azerbaijani to get suntanned. Getting a perfect is a desire of almost many of us during the summer many, while most of us, unfortunately, try "to get it at any price". Location on the shores of beautiful Caspian Sea is not the only reason why we love sun. While we usually like to fake our tans, there are plenty of reasons why we love the sun. Firstly, it boosts levels of serotonin (natures own Valium, proven to alleviate anxiety). Secondly, it produces vitamin D, which is good for bones, teeth and skin. However, to avoid premature ageing and skin cancer risks, we need to take care for a safe, sun-kissed glow. 1. Try to avoid sunbeds! Don't believe the myth peddled by some beauty salons that it is possible to gain a "healthy" tan with a sunbed. "It's the wrong UV- tanning beds pump out huge amounts of UVA and virtually no UVB (which stimulates vitamin D), and can increase the risk of skin cancer by 75%", say the doctors. However, if you decided to use solarium, ignoring the damages it can have on your skin, then you need to apply certain means beforehand, such as tan accelerators. Using tan accelerators without a doubt speeds up the whole process of tanning, and kick-starts your skin's natural tanning process. This is why you need to know how to apply them depending on the case. If tanning in the sun, apply it over you SPF cream. If tanning on a sunbed, apply before going on. It is strongly recommended to use Coconut and Aloe sun tan accelerators. They help build the base tan. 2. Apply the right sunscreen! It's very important to know your own skin and use the right sunscreen. Go for SPF30 over SPF50. It filters 97% of UVB rays, while SPF50 filters 98%. "The latter can give a false sense of security and can be so chalky you may not reapply it every two hours like you should. If you have very dark skin, SPF15 is sufficient", says conducted researches. 3. Choose the right time for tanning! According to the results of research, your skin reaches a tanning cut-off point when it physically can't produce any more melanin, the tanning pigment, so it's pointless to lounge by the pool all day. Research studies have proved that everyone had their own melanin cut-off, typically two to three hours or much less if you have fair skin. After this you are just subjecting your skin to the risk of UV damage. Get sun tan for 15 minutes and then seek for shade. Put the sun screen on every 40 minutes, if you are sweating- out it even more often. Also note that sun tan gained in a rainy weather lasts longer. Definitely take a shower after swimming in the sea. 4. Watch what you are eating! Certain kinds of foods are known to increase lycopene, the skin's own SPF. An antioxidant found in tomatoes and oranges and some other sea foods. It can boost your sun protection by a whopping 33%. Tomato paste is one of the best sources as well. Peach, apricots, apple, pear, melon, water-melon and citrus fruits, mush-rooms, beans and almonds are your best friends in keeping long-lasting sun tan. Dermatologists say that dark chocolate is packed with flavnoids that can help you protect your skin against sun burn, while caffeine is considered to help cut your skin cancer risk. English dermatologist Dr. Samantha Bunting strongly advises to take in an espresso shot right before you hit the beach. 5. Do not forget to moisturize your skin! It is essential to keep your skin moisturized after tanning, but also during tanning. Moisturize both inside and out! Drink plenty of water. Do not use cosmetic masks made of lemon, cucumber or milk. Use the ones made of tea and carrot. 6. Tan regularly! The most difficult part about tanning is building that initial base tan. Slowly increase the time you are exposed to the sun, and keep doing it regularly, so that you don't fall behind and have to start all over again. Once that base tan has been established, your tan will occur much more quickly. 7. It's OK to use fake tan supplements! Fake tan offers no sun protection, but it can help you stop burning by easing the first day pale panic. Using spray tan that contains bronzer will give your skin a tint, an extra little tan-colored hue that will make you look tanned before you've even started tanning. However, you need to know how to put in on even, so that it will look natural. But remember that you are beautiful even without sun tan! Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 11:06 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on making amendments to the Decree on the Emblem of the Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan. Under the decree, changes have been made to the name and the official emblem of the liquidated Ministry of National Security, and the words Ministry of National Security have been replaced with the words State Security Service. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 13:26 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Bulgarian Foreign Minister Temenujka Petkov and Economy Minister Bozidar Lukarski will visit Baku on September 29-30 to take part in the fourth meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, Bulgarian media reported on August 12. Baku will host the Azerbaijani-Bulgarian Business Forum within the framework of the visits. The Bulgarian delegation will include businessmen operating in the fields of energy, petroleum, construction, transportation, food processing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, ICT, chemical industry and so on. Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev previously said that Azerbaijan is highly valued and reliable partner and friend of Bulgaria and the trade turnover marks a positive development. Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have developed friendly relations after Bulgaria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in January 1992. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in June 1992 and the embassy of Bulgaria in Azerbaijan was opened in December 1999. In 2014, the Azerbaijan State Statistics Committee reported that trade between the two countries amounted to $124.596 million. Bulgaria has intention to become main gas transit country for South Eastern and Central Europe. The diversification of natural gas resources and the routes delivering natural gas to Bulgaria is vital for the country. In this regard, Azerbaijan could become an important partner for Bulgaria. The country continues to put in all efforts to aid in the construction of the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector for the supply of Azerbaijani gas. The IGB is a gas pipeline that will allow Bulgaria to receive Azerbaijani gas, mostly from the second stage of development of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas and condensate field. The IGB will connect to the Trans-Adriatic pipeline, providing a steady flow of natural gas from Shah Deniz in the Caspian to European markets. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 13:42 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The dynamics of cooperation between Azerbaijan and France is very high, French Ambassador to Baku Aurelia Bouchez said, while addressing a meeting with Azerbaijani students, who will leave for France this year to continue their education. The cooperation between the two countries covers different spheres. French lyceum is currently operating in Baku and the newly-established University of France-Azerbaijan (UFAZ) will be opened in September. Lectures will be delivered in Azerbaijani, English and French, she said adding that France renders its assistance to Azerbaijan in the education field. Bouchez added that some 49 students will continue their education in France with three of them being graduates of ADA University, and five graduates of Azerbaijan State University of Economics. Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev, in turn, said that education of Azerbaijani students in France will contribute to the development of relation between the two countries. The project UFAZ is implemented jointly by the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) and the French Universities of Strasbourg and Rennes on the initiative of the Azerbaijani and French presidents. In 2016/2017 academic year, ASOIU will start teaching in four specialties including Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Geophysical Engineering and Development and exploitation of oil. The duration of the education is four years (one year of training + three years of basic study), which will be conducted in English. Training is planned to be fully conducted in the ASOIU in Baku. Students, showing good results during the semester will have a chance to go to the summer schools in France. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 17:40 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Israels Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has received secretary general and deputy secretary general of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Azerbaijans State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend Aug. 12. During the meeting, the minister was informed about the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, its activity, Global Baku forums, which are held since 2003. It was noted that the Center has become a sole political platform and the discussions held by it are important for the countries of the region. Avigdor Lieberman, in turn, spoke about friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, and noted that the Jewish commune, living in Azerbaijan, is provided with care and attention. Representatives of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center invited Lieberman to participate in the 5th Global Baku Forum, which is scheduled for 2017. Nizami Ganjavi International Center was created with the multiple aims of preserving the reach cultural heritage of the past as well as encouraging and fostering current scholarship, research, cultural activity and social outreach. The Center moves forward to build, an institution worthy of bearing the great name of Nizami Ganjavi with hope it will become a source of pride for Azerbaijan and the world. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 11:09 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova The United States do not see a need to make a choice between cooperation with Turkey and extradition of Fethullah Gulen, said the official spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau, RIA Novosti reported. Earlier, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that the U.S. must make a choice between Turkey and Pennsylvania-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish authorities accuse of involvement in the July 15 military coup attempt. Sooner or later the U.S. will make a choice: either coup-plotting FETO or democratic Turkey, said Erdogan. "There is no need for it," responded Trudeau, further stressing that the U.S. will perform all its obligations under the extradition treaty. This is absolutely not connected with our deep cooperation with Turkey, she added. Gulen is accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Erdogan said that the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people excluding the coup plotters and over 2,000 people were wounded. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 12:06 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Iran is planning to attract some $185 billion to the oil and gas sector of the country through a new model of oil contracts, Trend quoted Amir Hossein Zamani Nia, Irans Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs as saying. He said that attraction of foreign investments mainly depends on political and economic conditions, while the Islamic Republic believes that Iran Petroleum Contracts (IPC) is very attractive from the point of view of investment environment of the country, domestic stability, security and high profitability rate. Profitability of investments made in the petrochemical projects implemented in Iran exceeds 25 percent, he said. Iran previously presented new models of contracts for the development of some 49 oil and gas fields of the country. IPC type of oil contracts was developed with an aim to increase attractiveness of oil projects for foreign investors. IPC offers to contractors different stages of exploration, development and production. The first IPC is expected to be signed in the months to come. IPC is considered to be a cornerstone of the country's plan to raise crude production to the pre-sanctions level of four million barrels per day. Irans Council of Ministers has recently passed a regulation governing the general conditions, structure and terms of the IPC Regulation. The parties to the IPC will be the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and a consortium of oil companies (Contractor). The regulation envisages that there will be three types of IPC including contracts for exploration, development and production, developing existing discoveries and improvement of oil extraction at existing fields. Iran's oil industry will need $200 billion of investment to help it develop in the coming years, mostly from outside the country, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said earlier We need $200 billion of investment...to reach our development goals," Zanganeh said. "We will receive $15-20 billion from the National Development Fund, but internal resources are not enough for our needs," he added. Iran holds the world's fourth-largest proved crude oil reserves and the world's second-largest natural gas reserves. Despite the country's abundant reserves, Iran's crude oil production has substantially declined, and natural gas production growth has been slower than expected over the past few years. International sanctions have profoundly affected Iran's energy sector and have prompted a number of cancellations or delays of upstream oil and gas projects. The country reportedly needs to attract $501 billion by 2025 for developing its upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas projects. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 12:44 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova The August 9 meeting between the Russian and Turkish leaders has moved the Ankara-Moscow ties to a new positive phase and served as a clean slate between the two states. Different aspects of further cooperation in the spheres of energy, trade and investment were discussed at the meeting. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, commenting on results of his visit to Russia, said that Turkey and Russia can use their own national currencies in mutual trade, Haberturk newspaper reported on August 12. Erdogan believes that the use of national currencies in trade instead USD will benefit both Russia and Turkey. The Turkish side seeks to increase the trade turnover with Russia up to a record figure $100 billion. Erdogan made this statement on the results of negotiations with Russias President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. We reached the trade turnover of $35 billion, but after the November 2015 events it dropped to $28 billion, then even lower. We have such a mechanism as the higher level of cooperation, which involves the strategic cooperation between the two countries, said Erdogan We had a goal to achieve the turnover of $100 billion. It is topical and we again want to achieve it with the help of this mechanism. The trade turnover between Turkey and Russia amounted to $8 billion in 1H2016, while this figure was $10-11 billion in the same period of 2015. In turn, President Putin said that a session of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic relations with Turkey will take place in 2016. We have to work hard to reanimate trade and economic relations, particularly, to pay attention to increasing investments, trade flows, implementation of promising projects, he noted. Moreover, Russian President stressed that a separate meeting regarding the trade and economic relations with Turkey will be held in autumn 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 14:04 (UTC+04:00) After the July 15 military coup attempt in Turkey, 162 servicemen have fled from the country, Haber 7 newspaper quoted Turkish National Defense Minister Fikri Isik as saying on August 12. Isik said that meanwhile, 3,185 servicemen have been dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces. It was previously reported that supporters of the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of organizing the July 15 military coup attempt, infiltrated into a number of government agencies in Turkey. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. 12 August 2016 16:20 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Tehran and Ankara will continue cooperation in all spheres, said Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on August 12, TRT Haber news channel reports. Zarif spoke about Irans interest in increasing supplies of natural gas and electricity to Turkey. He said there can be disagreements between Iran and Turkey on a number of issues, but they wont affect the development of bilateral relations. In turn, Cavusoglu said that Turkey and Iran have discussed a number of important energy issues, including a discount on Iranian gas supplied to Turkey. We plan to increase bilateral trade turnover to $ 30 billion, he said, adding that Iran is an important strategic partner for Turkey. The future perspectives of cooperation over the Syrian conflict resolution also were among the discussed topics. Turkey and Iran support Syrias territorial integrity, the Iranian FM said. In addition, he stressed that Iran also welcomes the normalization of relations between Moscow and Ankara. Moreover, Zarif said that Iran is ready to resume the flow of tourists to Turkey after the failed military coup attempt in the country. The attempt of a military coup had little effect on the flow of tourists from Iran to Turkey, he said. Turkish-Iranian bilateral relations are evolving on the basis of the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs, mutual respect and good neighborliness. Efforts are made to further enhance the political dialogue both on bilateral and regional issues, through reciprocal visits and mechanisms such as High Level Cooperation Council and joint commissions in different sectors. Trade turnover between Turkey and Iran amounted to $2.9 billion in 1Q 2016. The figure was $9.76 billion in 2015. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 17:35 (UTC+04:00) Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party has said weekend celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of its founding will be modest, in light of the July 15 coup plot, according to Anadolu Agency. The party is to hold a ceremony at its headquarters in Ankara on Sunday. Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Friday, AK Party Deputy Chairman Hayati Yazici said the celebrations will not be lavish out of respect to the martyrs from the defeated July 15 coup. "We are making a program at the headquarters only, not countrywide and not widespread," he said. Yazici said the party sent invitations to about 6,500 people, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, former President Abdullah Gul and former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The program will start with a minutes silence for the victims of the defeated coup followed by the Turkish national anthem at 5.00 p.m. local time [1500 GMT] at the party's headquarters. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2016 17:50 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova A delegation of the U.S. Department of Justice will visit Turkey on August 22 to discuss Fethullah Gulens extradition, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on August 12, Sabah Newspaper reported. The U.S. should not support Fethullah Gulen, who is the head of a terrorist organization, said Bozdag. The minister added that the U.S. shouldnt sacrifice its relations with Turkey for sake of Gulen. An Istanbul court ordered on August 4 to arrest Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of organizing the military coup attempt in Turkey. The July 15 coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government. Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen. Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration into Turkish state and government establishments, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the "parallel state". The General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces has said that 8,651 servicemen of the armed forces participated in the military coup attempt in the country. The rebels used 35 planes, 37 helicopters, 246 tanks and three vessels during the military coup attempt in Turkey. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Entrepreneurs Jamie Crummie and Chris Wilson have designed an app to offload bakery products that are destined for the bin at a discounted price. Too Good to Go aims to reduce the issue of food waste in the food sector by ordering a product from a bakery and then collecting the food in a designated time window. Crummie, who is funding the project with his university grant, told British Baker: [In the UK] were Europes largest offender of food waste and throwing away 600,000 tonnes of edible food a year. Thats coupled with the fact that 1 million people in the UK last year alone were on emergency food parcels from foodbanks, which is something that doesnt need to happen or exist. Our aim is to redistribute food and ensure that perfectly good edible food is ending up in bellies and not bins. When asked whether the app could solve the food waste issue in bakeries, Jamie felt it could be used as a safety net to allow bakeries that produce baking products to ensure it is actually for human consumption, rather than waste. It is very much about changing human behaviour and perceptions towards food waste, which I think in the past has been negative. This app is a way to change that. It will demonstrate that food that has gone past its best-by date or food that might not be fresh that day is still perfectly good to eat, and still of the same quality that bread, for example, was the day it was baked. In terms of bakery, it does have massive scope to allow bakeries to continue their love of making food without having that awful feeling at the end of the day when they have to throw away umpteen numbers of loaves of bread and pastries. The discounted meals from food waste will cost the buyer between 2 and 3.80 part of which will back to companies involved in the project. The app has so far been launched in Brighton, London, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester, but the entrepreneurs are hoping it will not be constrained to just larger UK cities. We want to expand to communities all around the UK, so that as a society we can really get to grips and get involved with this war on food waste and start changing attitudes towards it. KAMPALA - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that China will strengthen its cooperation with Uganda in industry sector. "We stand ready to support the development of infrastructure, the construction and operation of industrial parks in Uganda. It is China's hope that Uganda will take the lead among African countries to realize industrialization," Wang said while meeting with his Ugandan counterpart Sam Kutesa. Wang said there is need to work together to implement the pledges made by China during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held late last year in Johannesburg. China pledged over $60 billion aimed at fast tracking the continent's development. The money will, among others, fund infrastructural development and construction of industrial parks. China will roll out industrial cooperation programs in line with Uganda's development, share its experiences on industrial park construction, and encourage more Chinese enterprises to participate in the country's infrastructural development, Wang added. Kutesa thanked China's support for Uganda and Africa's development. He said Uganda hopes to accelerate its industrialization process, and deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing sector. Uganda would build more industrial parks, and create conducive policy and business environment to attract more Chinese investors, he said. Figures from the Chinese embassy in Uganda show that China's accumulated investment in Uganda totaled to $4 billion. Signed agreements are worth over $2 billion. Kutesa said China has been influential in financing critical transport and energy infrastructure projects aimed at fast tracking the country's economic development. Top 13 dealer tricks Most car dealers arent really out to rip you off, but keep in mind that car dealerships are for-profit entities. Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. 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Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A preteen huntress is facing the criticisms from countless adults online via Facebook, where photos of the wide-eyed 12-year-old posing alongside her kills are published and are spurring a world-wide controversy. Aryanna Gourdin, from Cove, Utah, has become the target of death threats and explicit comments on her like page, "Aryanna Gourdin - Braids and Bows." RELATED: 2 men get lifetime bans from hunting in 44 states, including Texas, after killing more than 40 deer Mark Martineau, owner of Rack Em Up Hunts and a Gourdin family friend, told mySA.com Aryanna Gourdin and her father, Eli Gourdin, accompanied him on a safari recently. Photos from that trip are some of the newest on her page that are firing up debates. Martineau is currently running her Facebook page while the father-daughter duo are out of the country. He said when they return, the group will schedule media interviews to better inform the public on Aryanna Gourdin's interests. RELATED: Texas Tech cheerleader Kendall Jones tells Facebook haters she 'will not back down from hunting' In the meantime, the comments are pouring in on posts that have been shared more than 100,000 times, like one showing the preteen with a giraffe carcass, similar to the case of Kendall Jones, a former Texas Tech University from Cleburne, Texas, also faced heat in previous years for her African hunting trips. The latest photo has garnered mostly negative responses from Facebook users, dubbing the child a long list of expletives mixed in with others like "literally hope someone skins you," "makes me wanna kill her" and "do the world a favor and kill yourself already before someone else makes you disappear" along with hundreds of similar hostility. RELATED: 14-year-old girl catches potentially world record-breaking tarpon in the Gulf of Mexico On the business page for Rack Em Up, Martineau discussed the controversy further. "All of these death threats towards a child because she chooses to hunt. You threaten her or her family and you'll have to come through her father and myself and thousands of others," he fired back in an August 9 post. "I promise you I wouldn't hesitate." RELATED: Zimbabwe official: US dentist not wanted for killing lion In an earlier update on the Rack Em Up page, administrators published additional praise for the little girl. "No many 12 year olds let alone grown men have experienced as many hunts as this little lady has [...] this little gal is the next big thing," the post said, adding that the "beautiful meet" harvested from the animals killed fed five orphanages. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Beaumont Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Beaumont Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Police are in search of a male suspect who robbed an HEB customer service desk on Wednesday, according to Beaumont Police Department. When police arrived to the scene at 3025 Dowlen, they discovered that the suspect gave a threatening note to the cashier and demanded money, then left the store on foot, according to officials. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Delivering a big blow to backers of pot legalization, the Obama administration said Thursday that it would keep marijuana classified as one of the nation's most dangerous drugs, similar to heroin and LSD. The long-awaited decision by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration keeps intact a 1970 law that lists marijuana as Schedule 1 drug, one defined as having no medical value. That runs counter to decisions made by 26 states that have already approved use of the drug as medicine. The DEA's ruling shocked legalization supporters, many of whom had considered President Barack Obama an ally after the Justice Department decided in 2013 to allow Washington state and Colorado to sell recreational marijuana. "While I haven't read it, the outcome puts the DEA totally out of touch with the Justice Department, current research, the medical profession, patients and the public," said Christine Gregoire, the former Democratic governor of Washington state. In 2011, Gregoire and former Rhode Island Republican Gov. Lincoln Chafee filed a petition asking the DEA to reclassify marijuana, a move that would have allowed pharmacies to fill pot prescriptions. She said it was "very disappointing" that the DEA had failed to recognize that the drug had any therapeutic value. Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project, called the DEA's decision "mind-boggling." "It is intellectually dishonest and completely indefensible," he said. "Not everyone agrees marijuana should be legal, but few will deny that it is less harmful than alcohol and many prescription drugs." The Southeast Texas chapter of NORML raised loud objections to the DEA's determination. The government's position that cannabis has no medical value is "bogus," said Corey Mendez, co-founder and operations director of the 2-year-old local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "We feel there are plenty of medical studies and research to support cannabis has medicinal value," Mendes said Thursday. According to Mendes, the government has a patent to use cannabis as an anti-cancer agent. "How can they deny it when they have a patent for its medicinal properties?" he said. Mendes said that states should be left to resolve the issue themselves, which more are doing in favor of relaxed laws. The DEA announced its decision in Thursday's Federal Register, publishing a letter sent to Democratic Govs. Jay Inslee of Washington and Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island. In the letter, DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg said the agency had concluded that marijuana still has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use, and is not safe even under medical supervision. "The petition is, therefore, hereby denied," Rosenberg told the governors. Rosenberg elaborated in an interview with National Public Radio, saying he gave "enormous weight" to advice from the Food and Drug Administration. "This decision isn't based on danger," said Rosenberg, who was appointed by Obama in 2015. "This decision is based on whether marijuana, as determined by the FDA, is a safe and effective medicine. And it's not." The decision upholds the classification of marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs as defined by Congress and President Richard Nixon in the Controlled Substances Act 46 years ago. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws said the DEA had chosen to reaffirm a "flat-earth position," while the National Cannabis Industry Association said the ruling "flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion." Marijuana opponents hailed the decision and predicted it would stop the momentum of the nation's legalization movement. "To be honest, it vindicates us," said Kevin Sabet, president of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, one of the few who had predicted the DEA would not reschedule the drug. The ruling will up the pressure on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to follow through on her promise to reschedule marijuana if she wins the election in November. In the meantime, Obama is sure to face continued pressure to override the DEA's decision before his term expires. His administration drew praise from many pot backers three years ago when the Justice Department said states could proceed with sales of marijuana as long as they do a good job of policing themselves. The DEA did make one concession, saying it would remove the government's monopoly that now allows one institution - the University of Mississippi - to grow marijuana for research purposes. "As long as folks abide by the rules, and we're going to regulate that, we want to expand the availability, the variety, the type of marijuana available to legitimate researchers," Rosenberg said. "If our understanding of the science changes, that could very well drive a new decision." SFlores@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/_saraeflores Currently Reading 25 big Texas busts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Summer 2015 As the newly appointed vice president of revenue cycle for Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Mich., Kevin Sharp plans to make the department a core component of health system strategy. Mr. Sharp joined Sparrow in 2009 and served as executive director of revenue cycle since 2012. During that time, he spearheaded the billing and revenue cycle divisions' transition to the Epic system. His appointment to vice president was effective June 26. Mr. Sharp spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about his recent appointment, his leadership experience and his long-term strategy for the revenue cycle division. Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What were critical components to successfully leading Sparrow's revenue cycle and billing departments through an Epic implementation? Kevin Sharp: I broke it down to four things. The first and most critical thing was that we as an organization set a strong set of guiding principles and stuck to them. One principle was that we always had the patient in mind as we were deciding how to build the system. Another was that we would use Epic for as many processes as we could so we would avoid disparate systems wherever possible. We also decided to use Epic to standardize our workflow and achieve best practices. Number two, and equally important, was that we established strong collaboration between the IT and operational departments. Operations worked with IT from the very beginning, from kick-off through development, testing, training, go-live and now in optimization. A lot of systems let IT run EHR projects but we wanted to ensure operations played a big role. Third, we tested every charge in the chargemaster. We did an end-to-end test of every claims scenario we could think of to prepare for go-live. The fourth key thing we did was build a lot of operational infrastructure before go-live. We had committees and teams set up that would address any issues so we weren't scrambling to react. Q: What plans do you have for Sparrow's revenue cycle operations in the coming year? KS: Frist, enhancing the patient experience from registration through bill resolution. For instance, we're working to provide upfront estimates to patients as they schedule services, educating patients about available payment options and deploying tools to help patients manage accounts. We've also got a fairly big project going on around pricing. We're trying to adjust our pricing so we can be more transparent, simpler and defensible to our customers and our patients. The third major thing is we want to move the revenue cycle away from just a production department. Revenue cycle has typically been understood as producing claims and collecting money. Now, our focus is on maximizing reimbursement, so eliminating denials, reducing write-offs. We want to make it a strategic, almost income-generating division. Q: What are you most looking forward to in taking over the VP position? KS: In the VP position I'll be more involved in strategic planning for the health system. I'm really looking forward to being involved and seeing how the revenue cycle division can assist the health system to achieve strategic goals. I'm also looking forward to creating better coordination between our payer contracting activities and our clinical documentation and billing areas. Our coding, documentation and payer contracting have typically operated in silos so I'm looking forward to helping improve coordination between those three areas. Q: Do you have plans in the works for value-based projects? KS: Part of our strategy about adjusting our pricing is so that we can be a little more flexible with the value-based payment mechanisms we are starting to see. We're really focused on enhancing our clinical documentation and coding so we can optimize quality indicators and mortality and readmission metrics that are becoming a bigger part of payment systems today. By aligning our contracting and clinical documentation activities, we can maximize our opportunities under these value-based care models. You really have to have those areas working together. Finally, we're looking at ways to make the revenue cycle department more efficient and reduce costs. Our value metrics will look better if we can become a less costly part of the health system. St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, La., is considering closing its downtown Monroe facility and consolidating all acute care services at its North Monroe campus, reports The News Star. St. Francis belongs to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, La.Monroe City Mayor Jamie Mayo told The News Star the hospital suffered nearly a $25 million deficit last year. St. Francis CEO Kristin Wolkart blamed the hospital's financial duress on uncompensated care costs and maintenance of its century-old facility. The hospital will consider its options and make a decision at a health system board meeting Sept. 9, according to The News Star. Key West City Commissioner Sam Kaufman demanded for-profit Lower Keys Medical Center in Stock Island, Fla., revert to public ownership and requested the city attorney launch an investigation into the medical center, reports Florida Keys News. The commissioner released the proposal in advance of a city forum set Aug. 16 to address mounting allegations of aggressive billing practices and poor quality services at the medical center. The hospital is owned by Community Health Systems in Franklin, Tenn. "The team at Lower Keys is engaged in a thorough and deliberate effort to address concerns that have been raised in our community," LKMC director of communications Rebecca Ayer told Florida Key News. "It is disappointing to learn of [Kaufman's] resolution as we work to make positive changes at the hospital." Here are 33 young up-and-comers in the health IT and revenue cycle space. Contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com with any comments or questions on this list. Michael Archuleta, Mt. San Rafael Hospital. Mr. Archuleta is the director of IT at Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad, Colo., a critical access hospital. He led the hospital to achieve stage 2 of meaningful use and serves on the Netapp Neural Network CXO advisory board. Justin Barnes, iHealth. Mr. Barnes is the chief growth officer at iHealth, a revenue services startup focused on helping physician groups transition to value based medicine, and has more than 7,000 followers on Twitter under the handle @hitadvisor. He was a member of Greenway Healths senior leadership for 11 years and serves as chairman emeritus of the HIMSS EHR Association. Vianca Bautista, Regent RCM. As a Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Ms. Bautista is responsible for overseeing a team of revenue cycle specialists and performs audits to ensure key performance indicator goals are met. Her role also includes training new employees on all revenue cycle functions and performing bi-annual office audits while performing full revenue cycle for her ASC, among her other duties as a supervisor. Christopher Bayham, Change Healthcare. Mr. Bayham is the senior vice president of technology operations at Change Healthcare, responsible for the company's corporate infrastructure and operations. He has 18 years of IT experience in healthcare and served as chief information officer of the At Home division of Cardinal Health. Stephanie Boim, Halley Consulting Group. Ms. Boim is the vice president-revenue cycle at Halley Consulting Group with a proven track record of working with clients to increase revenue, solve complex business challenges to increase profitability and engage employees and patients in healthcare solutions. She has a background in Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payers, compliance and revenue cycle. Jim Boyle, St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare. Mr. Boyle is the vice president of information services at St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare in Anaheim, Calif., a $6 billion nonprofit system. His roles at the hospital have spanned the gamut of health IT and he led the onboarding of three medical groups in an 18-month timeframe to enable more than 450 physicians to attest to meaningful use stage 2. Chris Bradley, Mana Health. Mr. Bradley co-founded and now serves as CEO of Mana Health which unifies and integrates patient data from EMRs on the ManaCloud platform. The company deploys its technology to help more than 240 hospitals and 22 million patients. Mr. Bradley has spoken about interoperability at the White House and received awards in the field, including the NYU Presidential Service Award. Jason W. Buckner, The Health Collaborative. Mr. Buckner is the senior vice president of The Health Collaborative and leads the organization's efforts to replace aging technology with new innovative platforms to connect health information exchange with population health analytics for the greater Cincinnati region. He was formerly vice president of operations of HealthBridge. Dan Cane, Modernizing Medicine. Mr. Cane is the CEO and co-founder of Modernizing Medicine, which acquired gMed and Aesyntix Health over the past two years. The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce named him the 2015 Technology Entrepreneur of the Year, and he has led his team to raise more than $85 million since founding the company. Peter Chang, MD, Tampa General Hospital. Dr. Chang is the chief medical informatics officer at Tampa General Hospital, where he is also a hospitalist. He works with the hospital's interdisciplinary team to improve EHR usage and technology use at the patient bedside. David Chou, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City. Mr. Chou is the vice president and CIO of Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, Mo. He has also been the health IT advisor for Michigan State University in East Lansing and CIO of Jackson-based University of Mississippi Medical Center and senior director of IT operations at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Breanna Cunningham, RN, CODE Technology. Ms. Cunningham is the founder and CEO of CODE Technology, a solution for a holistic approach to collecting patient-reported outcomes for orthopedic practices. She spent eight years working in trauma ICU and hospital administration before developing CODE Technology, which has an 80 percent to 90 percent patient response rate. Brett Davis, ConvergeHEALTH. Mr. Davis is a principal with Deloitte Consulting and general manager of ConvergeHEALTH, Deloitte's applied analytics business in life sciences and healthcare. He has 16 years of life sciences and healthcare IT/informatics experience and has served on the board of directors for tranSMART Foundation, Personalized Medicine Coalition and Jefferson School of Population Health in Philadelphia. Leslie Favela, Regent RCM. As a Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Ms. Favela is responsible for overseeing a team of revenue cycle specialists and performs audits to ensure key performance indicator goals are met. Among many tasks, Ms. Favela also performs full revenue cycle services for one ASC, administrates HST systems and serves as the key component on new client implementations and transitions. Jenelle Fisher, Wipfli LLP/HFS Consultants. Ms. Fisher is a senior consultant in the revenue cycle practice area at Wipfli LLP/HFS Consultants. She has several years of experience in the healthcare industry and focuses on billing and collections. Christopher Klitgaard, MediRevv. Mr. Klitgaard began MediRew in 2007 and grew the healthcare revenue cycle management company to 280 employees over the past decade. Based in Coralville, Iowa, he has received regional and local awards in the past year and was the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Upper Midwest. Jonathan Greenberg, University of Michigan Health System. Mr. Greenberg is the IT director of Fast Analytics at the University of Michigan Health System. He leads a five-person team using Tableau's analytics software to eliminate redundant labor and has recovered more than $3 million in Recovery Audit Contractor money. Jas Grewal, CareSkore. Mr. Grewal is the CEO of CareSkore, a company that uses predictive analytics to build solutions for timely actions and interventions, and just raised $4.3 million for the company. He is a computer engineer and has 13 years of experience working with large health systems and managing technology and operations. Mark Hagan, Envision Healthcare. Mr. Hagan is the CIO and senior vice president of IT at Envision Healthcare, parent company of American Medical Response, EmCare and Evolution Health. Envision Healthcare provides services to more than 15 million patients per year. Mr. Hagan previously held various management positions at TeleTech. Jeremy Malecha, ResMed. Mr. Malecha is the vice president of product management for ResMed's Global Healthcare Informatics Business Unit, responsible for the company's health IT offerings across every global market. The company develops connected medical devices and cloud-based software apps for diagnosing, treating and managing chronic conditions. The technology monitors 2 million patients remotely every day. James McHugh, McKinnis Consulting Services. Mr. McHugh is a managing director with McKinnis Consulting Services, a Navigant consulting practice. He is responsible for setting the strategic vision and client relationship management, focused on leveraging next-generation EHR technology to support best practice revenue cycle operations. Santosh Mohan, MMCi, CPHIMS, is the chairperson of HIMSS National Innovation Committee and a health care IT industry analyst. Most recently, he served as a management fellow in the office of the CIO at Stanford Health Care and helped the organization achieve EMRAM Stage 7 inpatient and outpatient validations. He was previously a director and senior consultant with The Advisory Board Company, and has also worked with Duke and Cerner Corporation. Mr. Mohan is a Duke Fuqua Scholar in clinical informatics and a board member of HIMSS NorCal. Jake Myers, MedPilot. Mr. Myers is the co-founder and CEO of MedPilot, a tool designed to make billing and collections departments more efficient. He has about a decade of experience in revenue cycle management and has been featured in HIT Consultant, AlleyWatch and mHealth Spot. Rebecca Palm, Copatient. Ms. Palm is co-founder and chief strategy officer of Copatient, a Boston-based start-up focused on helping patients with medical bills that has received support and financial backing from athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush. Copatient identifies billing errors, estimating 90 percent of patient medical bills reviewed contain errors or over charges and the company can save customers 40 percent or $3,000 on their medical bills on average. Oscar Perez, Memorial Healthcare System. Mr. Perez is the vice president of IT at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Fla. He previously served as director of informatics at Miami-based Jackson Health System. Nick Reddy, Baylor Scott & White Health. Mr. Reddy is the chief digital officer and senior vice president of information services at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas. He helped develop the system's first mobile app and was named one of CIO Magazine's Ones to Watch in 2014. Emily Richmond, MPH, Able Health. Ms. Richmond is the vice president of quality and performance improvement at Able Health, a start-up that helps providers participate in value-based payment programs. She has 10 years of experience working in healthcare quality improvement and pay-for-performance, formerly working at Practice Fusion and chairing the EHR Association's Clinician Experience work group. Allyson Schiff, Newport Credentialing Solutions. Ms. Schiff is vice president of operations at Newport Credentialing Solutions, a credentialing service coupled with cloud-based data management tools to maximize reimbursement. She has published several articles on credentialing focused on third-party payer reimbursement. Michael Sherling, MD, Modernizing Medicine. Dr. Sherling is the CMO and co-founder of Modernizing Medicine. He received the 2014 U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Leadership in Healthcare award and is responsible for developing and growing the company's dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, urology and rheumatology verticals. Joshua Silver, Patientco. Mr. Silver is the co-founder and vice president of strategy at Patientco, a patient billing and payments platform. He is responsible for overall technology strategy and product direction. Nick Stepro, Arcadia Healthcare Solutions. Mr. Stepro is the senior director of product management at Arcadia Healthcare Solutions designing healthcare analytics applications. He has experience working with large health systems and payers to design and develop clinical integration and business intelligence solutions to improve health outcomes and reduce system costs. Kyle Wailes, Intermedix. Mr. Wailes is the executive vice president of physician services for Intermedix where he oversees the services and technology the company provides to physicians. He has more than 10 years of experience in healthcare focusing on physician practice innovation and investment. He earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Medicine in Chicago. YiDing Yu, MD, Atrius Health. Dr. Yu is the chief innovation engineer of Atrius Health. She founded Twiage, a mobile technology company that enables hospitals to prioritize ambulances going to emergency departments and serves as the company's CMO. She has also been included on Boston Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list in 2015. Vindell Washington, MD, was named the next National Coordinator of Health IT Thursday as the former National Coordinator, Karen DeSalvo, MD, transitions to focus full-time on her position as acting assistant secretary for health. Dr. Washington has been with the ONC since January 2016, when he joined the agency as principal deputy national coordinator. Here are four things to know about Dr. Washington as he assumes his new role, effective Friday. 1. Before joining the ONC, Dr. Washington was CMIO of Baton Rouge, La.-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, which has five acute care hospitals and affiliated facilities throughout the state. He also was president of FMOLHS medical group. 2. He also previously was CEO of Charlotte, N.C.-based Piedmont Healthcare Management Group, a healthcare management and technology company, that was acquired in 2008 by Anodyne Health. In 2009, Watertown, Mass.-based athenahealth acquired Anodyne Health. 3. Dr. Washington is board-certified in emergency medicine, and he is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and he also holds a master of science in healthcare management from the Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston. 4. It was during Dr. Washington's time as a captain in the U.S. Army with a combat support hospital in Port Au Prince, Haiti, when he found his passion for health IT. In a May 2016 blog post for the ONC, Dr. Washington described an incidence when a fellow soldier presented with "confusing signs and symptoms." "He came to our field hospital emergency department appearing generally ill with a rash, and we knew neither his diagnosis and appropriate treatment nor his prognosis," Dr. Washington wrote. His team set up a telecommunications platform on top of a Humvee and spoke with specialists at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., who were able to help them diagnosis the soldier. "This primitive connection with a premier institution was invaluable and allowed us to properly diagnose and treat our patient. I recall thinking at the time, 'The way we traditionally think about practicing medicine will never be the same again,'" he wrote. More articles on health IT: Physician files class-action lawsuit against Banner over data breach Tesla's autopilot helps drive man to ER Investing in big data? It might benefit your hospital to think smaller Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week. 1. Baystate Health System to lay off 300 employees Springfield, Mass.-based Baystate Health will lay off roughly 300 people as a result of a projected $75 million budget shortfall, according to the Boston Business Journal. 2. Massachusetts hospitals to lose $84M due to Partners' math errors CMS said it will not allow Boston-based Partners HealthCare to resubmit paperwork for 19-bed Nantucket (Mass.) Cottage Hospital that, if it had been filed correctly, would have resulted in higher Medicare payments to Massachusetts hospitals. As a result, hospitals across Massachusetts are projected to lose nearly $84 million, according to the Boston Business Journal. 3. Maryland hospital shuts down NICU after deadly bacteria discovered The neonatal intensive care unit of the Prince George's CountyHospitalCenter in Cheverly, Md., was shut down Tuesday after three patients tested positive for the Pseudomonas bacteria, according to The Washington Post. 4. Indiana woman released from Cancun hospital after paying $67k toward bill An elderly woman from Lafayette, Ind., was released from a hospital in Cancun, Mexico, after paying $67,000 toward her bill of more than $100,000, according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier. 5. ONC names Dr. Vindell Washington National Coordinator ONC appointed a new National Coordinator to take over duties for Karen DeSalvo, MD, as she moves full-time to her position as acting assistant secretary for health. Vindell Washington, MD, will oversee the ONC, effective Aug. 12. 6. Aetna-Humana merger trial slated for Dec. 5 Trial proceedings concerning the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against the proposed Aetna-Humana merger are set to begin Dec. 5, The Wall Street Journal reported. 7. Man removes patient at gunpoint from Pennsylvania hospital Police are trying to locate a woman who was removed at gunpoint from Philhaven Hospital in Mt. Gretna, Pa., according to a LancasterOnline report. 8. Ex-Birmingham Health Care CFO sentenced in $11M fraud Birmingham (Ala.) Health Care's former CFO was sentenced to 17 years in prison, after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $1.7 million and diverting $11 million in funds from two healthcare facilities, according to AL.com. 9. How CHS, Tenet, UHS, LifePoint and HCA fared in Q2 Major for-profit hospital operators produced mixed results in the second quarter of 2016. A physician from Miami returned to Kanawha County Public Library in Charleston, W.V., to return a book he checked out in the 1970s called So You Want to Be A Doctor, according to a local ABC Eyewitness News report. Michael Kelly, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Miami Plastic Surgery, said he checked out the book when he was a student at Charleston High School, when he used to go to the Kanawha library every week, according to the report. He managed to hold on the book through 10 moves, from college to medical school to residency, he told Eyewitness News. He said, "I actually found it very helpful because it went through step by step what it took to become a physician, both academically and from a training perspective" according to the report. Dr. Kelly recently found the book and decided to return it to the library along with a donation, according to the report. He told Eyewitness News he hopes his story will inspire kids in Charleston to read. Read the full story here. More articles on integration and physician issues: Harvard Medical School names new dean Team-based care can have negative financial impact on primary care in FFS environment Leavitt Partners, Forward Health to roll out CPC+ support for physicians Registered nurses at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, Calif., are scheduled to strike for one day beginning at 6 a.m. Aug. 24, the California Nurses Association said. The nurses said they are striking due to concerns over staffing and working conditions, among other issues. "Nurses would prefer not to strike but we must because the board of directors and upper management have refused to address our concerns about the safety and quality of patient care at Hazel Hawkins," Courtney Parrinello, RN, said in a prepared statement. The hospital expressed disappointment about the upcoming strike. "Unfortunately, even after meeting with a state-appointed mediator, we are at an impasse in the negotiation process," hospital CEO Ken Underwood said in a statement. "We are disappointed by this action and believe a strike is not in anyone's best interest our patients, our staff or our community," he added. Mr. Underwood also contends that HHMH has an excellent nursing staff and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. He said the hospital is committed "to continuing a respectful and collaborative negotiating process in order to reach a prompt and fair resolution with our nurses, and also one that is fair to the community we serve." In the meantime, the hospital has activated a strike incident command center and initiated a plan to manage the strike, including contracting for experienced temporary nurses, who will work alongside HHMH nurses who choose to continue working during the strike. During the strike, nurses will also have a patient care protection task force available to respond in an emergency situation, the union said. The upcoming strike follows 14 months and 23 negotiation sessions between the union and hospital. More articles on human capital and risk: Northern Hospital of Surry County to add 85 jobs after scrapping Aramark contract 100 Dignity Health hospital workers picket in California Steward Health Care, workers reach new contract Recent nursing graduates in California are waiting months to receive their license to practice, according to a California Healthline report. The publication states that at least 2,000 recent nursing graduates remain in licensing limbo, with their applications taking as long as 24 weeks for the California Board of Registered Nursing to process. The issue isn't limited to nursing graduates. Experienced nurses from other states who apply to work in California find themselves in the same position, according to the report. The problem is partly attributed to the flawed $96 million implementation of a computer system called BreEZe, which aimed to streamline professional licensing, according to California Healthline. Patricia McFarland, CEO of the Association of California Nurse Leaders, an advocacy group, also told the publication the licensing board lacks the manpower to handle the volume of license applications it receives. Veronica Harms, a spokeswoman for the Department of Consumer Affairs that oversees the nursing board, told California Healthline the department took care of early glitches in BreEZe. But she acknowledged to the publication that the system isn't perfect, as it is still labor-intensive and time consuming. Ms. Harms added the board's new executive officer, Joseph Morris, "has acknowledged the backlog of applications and is determined to work with [the department] in finding long-term solutions." More articles on human capital and risk: Northern Hospital of Surry County to add 85 jobs after scrapping Aramark contract 100 Dignity Health hospital workers picket in California Steward Health Care, workers reach new contract Novant Health has entered a settlement agreement to resolve allegations the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based system charged excessive fees for its defined-contribution retirement plan. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in March 2014. Among the plaintiffs in the case are six current and former Novant employees. The lawsuit alleges Novant breached its fiduciary duties by causing the retirement plan participants to pay millions of dollars in excessive record-keeping and administrative services fees to third-party service providers. The suit alleges a brokerage company that provided the plan with limited marketing and enrollment services was paid excessive fees up to $9.6 million in the form of commissions, and an administrative and recordkeeping provider was paid excessive compensation of $8.6 million. Novant agreed to pay $32 million to resolve the allegations. According to a memorandum filed by plaintiffs' attorneys, the settlement provides for current plan participants to receive their distributions directly into their accounts tax deferred and gives former plan participants the right to direct their distribution into a tax-deferred vehicle, such as an IRA. The benefit of tax deferral for 20 years is an additional 18.6 percent; therefore, the actual value of the monetary portion of the settlement is nearly $38 million, according to plaintiffs' attorneys. The settlement also requires Novant to provide members of the affected class a state-of-the-art retirement plan with fiduciary best practices assured for four years after final approval of the settlement. Plaintiffs' attorneys claim the value of the fee reductions and cost savings afforded to class members due to the settlement is $69 million. The settlement was preliminarily approved by the court in May. A fairness hearing regarding the settlement is set for Sept. 23. More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits: Man removes patient at gunpoint from Pennsylvania hospital NY pharmacist guilty of distributing black-market HIV drugs Anesthesia group will pay $1M to resolve kickback allegations East Texas Medical Center in Tyler and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas reached a network agreement Thursday, resolving a heated legal battle before it could reach trial, reports Houston Chronicle. In June 2015, EastTexasMedicalCenter filed suit against Texas' three largest insurers Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna and Cigna alleging its exclusion from their preferred provider networks had profound and negative consumer impact and plunged its Tyler hospital into financial ruin. The hospital system's impasse with BCBS of Texas broke during mediation last week, according to a statement from the system. While terms of the agreement are not finalized, East Texas Medical Center confirmed its Tyler hospital is now in-network with BCBS of Texas. ETMC's lawsuit against Aetna was settled earlier this year. Its suit against Cigna is ongoing, according to the article. Forget heroin and fentanyl. Drug enforcement officers have a new opioid on their radar an elephant tranquilizer that's 10,000 times more powerful than morphine. Authorities are concerned that carfentanil the most potent commercial opioid in the world could enter the North American heroin supply, according to The Washington Post. In liquid form, carfentanil is odorless and colorless, making it almost impossible for drug users or law enforcement to identify. A dose the size of a grain of salt is powerful enough to kill a person and can even be lethal when absorbed through the skin, said the Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities have recently tied carfentanil to an increase in overdoses in several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Florida. In July, police indicted a Columbus man for passing off a batch of the drug as heroin, causing nine overdoses and one death. The spike in overdoses led Mike DeWine, Attorney General of Ohio, to encourage police officers to stop field testing drugs on the scene, since they could be handling substances more potent than they realize. Its just too high of a risk, said Mr. DeWine to the Columbus Dispatch. This stuff is just now hitting. Youre really not seeing [police] departments with any experience with it at all. More articles on the drug market: Is the future of drug pricing based on value? Online market for illegal drugs skyrockets: 6 things to know FDA seeks to increase access to Naloxone Here are 18 key notes on orthopedic and spine device companies over the past week. Amedica's total product revenue was $4 million, a 16 percent decrease over the same period last year due to lower private label sales and weaker than expected commercial sales in key geographic regions. Mazor CEO Ori Hadomi told analysts the company will start educating Medtronic sales representatives on Mazor X at training centers by late August. Misonix recently entered into an exclusive partnership with SonoSpine to develop the next generation of ultrasonic technology. Precision Spine plans to unveil its MD-Vue Lateral Access System at the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting in October in Boston. Spine Wave commercially launched its Velocity L Expandable Interbody Device and the XLR II Lateral Access System. Medicrea entered into agreements to raise 20 million, or $22.35 million, and has appointed Richard Kienzle as chief commercial officer and business development officer. Misonix is supporting the Uganda Spine Surgery Mission for the fifth consecutive year. Camber Spine Technologies and Joseph DiCicco, DO, of Orthopedic Trauma Associates of Southwestern Ohio, partnered to study the Prolix implant for sacroiliac joint fusion. Stryker Performance Solutions, the business unit of Stryker's Reconstructive Division, is offering a new digital tool called Episode Performance Manager. Medovex's CEO Jarrett Gorlin released a letter to its shareholders, outlining the company's achievements with the DenerveX System. InVivo Therapeutics experienced a net loss of about $5.18 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2016. InVivo Therapeutics appointed Pamela Stahl to the position of chief commercial officer. Greenville, N.C.-based Vidant Medical Center is serving as an INSPIRE study site, where InVivo Therapeutics will test its Neuro-Spinal Scaffold's efficacy and safety. The FDA cleared DeGen Medical's CONNECT-L Transverse Connector. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Pantai Medical Center researchers gathered early clinical study data on Lexington, Ky.-based Intralink-Spine's Rejuve System. OrthoPediatrics signed a license agreement with Sydney Children's Hospitals Network in Australia for the EPIC Plate Physeal Tethering Technology. Novastep entered into a service agreement with Academy Medical. JRI Orthopaedics completed its acquisition of Sheffield Medical Products. In March the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. The guidelines outline appropriate opioid prescribing to avoid overuse and addiction among chronic pain patients. In the wake of a prescription drug epidemic in the United States, implantable chronic pain technologies are a way to steer patients away from oral opioids while still controlling chronic pain. These technologies include spinal cord stimulation and targeted drug delivery, more specifically Medtronic's RestorSensor SureScan MRI Neurostimulator and the SynchroMed II Drug Pump. Douglas Beall, MD, chief of radiology services at Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and Richard Vaglienti, MD, of WVU Medicine Pain Management Center in Morgantown discuss pain management going forward. Q: How might the recent CDC and FDA announcements impact you, your patients and your practice? Dr. Douglas Beall: They havent impacted my practice very much. I do primarily interventional pain which tends to focus on using narcotics but only in conjunction with other methods of treating patients. We see acute, subacute and chronic problems and treat them with the least invasive option available. We continue until the combination of the least invasive treatment that help the patient accomplish the goal of pain relief. A lot of the practices this affects are using opioids for chronic pain patients over a long period of time. The maximum prescription affects a large amount of patients who have undergone chronic medication management with opioids. Dr. Richard Vaglienti: My concern as a pain physician is related to the guidelines perhaps leading to physicians undertreating pain. Im not advocating high-dose opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, but in certain individuals such as terminally ill patients they are necessary. I am a little discouraged but not surprised that many physicians are giving up the treatment of chronic pain with opioids completely. It hasnt impacted our practice much because we didnt go in to the high dosage range very often; we used opioids as a late resort. Now they are a last resort. Q: Will these guidelines have a significant impact on your business model? RV: The treatment of chronic pain is an expensive venture no matter how you do it, but a worthwhile venture. That is going to be where our focus is from now on. We will apply opioid sparing therapies and gather data to prove they are as effective as we know they are. DB: A lot of the impact has to do with the types of patients who arrive at my practice. People often come with acute sciatica and I can treat them with acute epidural injections. For spinal stenosis patients, you can try simple injections, physical therapy or other conservative management and maybe a minimally invasive decompression becomes necessary. There are a category of patients who cant be treated surgically but fail other non-surgical options; for those patients we employ pain blocks like stimulation or targeted drug delivery. These options are popular for patients who have undergone treatment with narcotics for a while but persist in having chronic pain. Q: What other solutions are available for treating patients with chronic pain? DB: There are options we have to relieve pain if all other less invasive methods fail, including electrical methods for targeting the spinal cord to replace their pain sensation with other types of stimulations. Targeted drug delivery is another option to put in a catheter into the spinal fluid and slowly inject medication into the spinal fluid. That way the medication hits the pain receptors at their origin. Opioids like morphine taken by mouth over time creates a woozy feeling and alters the patients reflexes. It can cause memory loss. But if you take the same medication in the spinal fluid, you can cut back the dose and this may help reduce some of the side effects. RV: At the University of West Virginia, we are in the process of redesigning our entire outpatient pain program, and there is going to be a huge psychological component. The base of the program is pain physicians that do interventions and manage non-opioid medications as needed. Well do implantable devices such as SCS as needed. But a large portion of our patient population also suffers from depression and anxiety, which makes the chronic pain more severe. These programs are expensive, but cost-effective. Q: Do you believe there will be differences in how opioid pain treatments are prescribed? DB: There has to be. Chronic oral opioids are a significant problem and the deaths from chronic use and opioid overdose have exceeded automobile accidents. Some patients take more than they should because the higher the dose you have been on, the more you need to elicit the desired effect. There is less of a difference between the therapeutic dose and the threshold where the overdose is possible when you are taking such a high dose to feel pain relief. RV: Some physicians have given up their DEA numbers and refuse to deal with it. Others are practicing in a poorly controlled fashion and theyll get in trouble. Those in the middle will adapt to whatever we are allowed to do. Oral opioids will move down the treatment ladder and other therapies will move up. Q: How do you approach SCS, TTD and patients' oral opioids? RV: We tell patients at the beginning of the selection process for an implantable devices that we will assist in tapering medications before the final surgical implantation occurs. They are aware of that from the beginning. The individual psychological evaluation tells them what to expect. We explain the pump and stimulator to them and wean them off their meds before scheduling the appointment for the permanent implant. Once the patient has gone through the trial process and know the amount of pain relief to expect, it makes compliance with tapering much better. DB: For targeted drug delivery, I dont tolerate oral medications at all. Once we do the trial to decrease pain, we put in the pump and catheter, and then we can cut the trial dose in half. I tell patients only to use as much as they need, and when we turn it up we reduce oral medications by the equivalent. For SCS patients, we are more lenient because the treatment uses electricity and isnt another opioid. Im less worried about an overdose risk for these patients. Q: How could you leverage the announcements with your referral base and within the health system you represent? RV: We are doing that through education. We are educating referring doctors, medical students and residents. Were also involved with writing statewide guidelines for pain. DB: I try to help colleagues and other physicians understand that getting the adequate pain relief through the least invasive techniques is important. Advanced pain management techniques are often poorly understood, not recognized and not employed enough. Ive had providers with questions about SCS and TDD because they arent adequately addressed in residencies and fellowships. I have patients who have heard about the techniques from a friend or on TV. Patient self-education is better for everyone. I want patients to receive an accurate diagnosis, know their options and research each option so they can make the best choice for their situation. Q: What role can thought leaders play in influencing state legislators and government agencies? DB: State legislators make decisions based on partial understanding of pain management. They also make decisions based on the groups with the largest lobbying activities. If you have an opinion to render, render that to the legislator that represents you in the appropriate federal or state body. The more legislators know about the activity, the more right decisions will be made. RV: Being from West Virginia, ground zero for the overdose epidemic, we are fortunate that our state representatives and government agencies understand the problem and know pain needs to be treated. In a general way we are very fortunate that this is not just a unilateral problem they know not prescribing opioids to anyone isnt the answer, just as prescribing them to everyone wasnt the answer. This article is sponsored by Medtronic. Northern Ireland business concerns will be given "very high" priority in Brexit negotiations, newly appointed Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has said. The Cabinet Minister - who was part of the EU In campaign - said he had not changed his mind on Brexit but said: "It's an opportunity - but only if we get it right". Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Clark said he had appointed a junior minister to liaise with businesses in each UK region. MP Jesse Norman, who has been assigned to the region, joined the minister on his second day on the roll in a round-table discussion with members of the marine industry at Belfast life jacket and inflatable life raft manufacturer Survitec. Mr Clark said he had asked Mr Norman to build a relationship with Northern Ireland business people and gather feedback. "The circumstances of particular places differ - what's needed in Northern Ireland's going to be different from what's needed in London," he said. "I've always thought an important part of driving our economy forward is to have a big involvement of the leaders, businesses and governments of different parts of the country. Growth doesn't happen at a national level - it happens in particular places and you need to have, as you're making your policies, a real connection with local places so that they can feed in and shape our policies and I think in the past that governments of all colours have not had sufficient attention to the importance of place. It's not just true for provinces like Northern Ireland but particular towns and cities. "I thought and argued that we would be better off as part of the European Union, but the British people made a very clear decision and as Theresa May says we have got to make it a success." A victims' campaigner has launched the first legal challenge in Northern Ireland to the UK leaving the European Union. Raymond McCord lodged papers at the High Court in Belfast yesterday seeking a judicial review of the British Government's move towards Brexit. His lawyers claim it would be unlawful to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without Parliament voting on the move. They also contend it would undermine the UK's domestic and international treaty obligations under the Good Friday Agreement, and inflict damage on the peace process. With similar legal action under way in England, efforts are being made to secure an initial court hearing in Belfast next week. Mr McCord, whose son Raymond jnr was murdered by the UVF in north Belfast in 1997, is believed to be the first person in Northern Ireland to issue proceedings over Brexit. He is taking the case amid concerns that European peace money that goes towards victims of the Troubles may be discontinued. The challenge centres on the Government's response to the June 23 referendum result. His legal team claim they were not given assurances that Article 50, the mechanism under which the UK begins the formal process of leaving the EU, will not be invoked without first securing a Parliamentary mandate. Any attempt to use Royal Prerogative powers instead cannot be justified, they contend. Mr McCord's lawyer Ciaran O'Hare, of McIvor Farrell Solicitors, said his client fears Brexit could impact on his fundamental rights. "As a victim of the most recent conflict in Northern Ireland, Mr McCord is very concerned about the profoundly damaging effect that a unilateral withdrawal of the UK from the EU will have upon the ongoing relative stability in Northern Ireland," he added. "He is concerned that any withdrawal would be contrary to the UK's international law obligations pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement." Insisting any notification under Article 50 must be done lawfully and constitutionally, Mr O'Hare described the legal challenge as "an important constitutional case which engages the Northern Irish public interest in a way that no other case has or is likely to for many decades". A multi-million pound rescue has been agreed to retain Belfast's direct daily flights to New York A multi-million pound rescue has been agreed to retain Belfast's direct daily flights to New York. According to the BBC, a massive package of 9m, is being agreed to secure Northern Ireland's only international link. United flies direct from Belfast to New York's Newark airport. It's been reported most of the money is coming from Stormont. The BBC said United was set to axe the route next month. Belfast International Airport boss Graham Keddie, told the broadcaster: "Two weeks ago we had lost it. It was a Northern Ireland team effort to get it back." In 2011, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the New York/Newark service has been saved from the chop, after APD on long-haul flights from Northern Ireland was scrapped. Bombardier is moving some of its operations away from Northern Ireland to cheaper countries including Mexico and Morocco, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal Bombardier is moving some of its operations away from Northern Ireland to cheaper countries including Mexico and Morocco, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. The plane maker, which employs around 5,000 staff in Belfast, confirmed the transfer of "certain activities" it said it was "unable to undertake competitively in Northern Ireland". It added while it had undertaken "major investment in Northern Ireland" over the years and will "continue to focus on high-value, high-complexity production", it must balance its costs with sites in Mexico and Morocco to "help to optimise our manufacturing footprint and ensure the future success of our business overall". This week the Canadian-owned manufacturer said it was bringing forward 95 planned redundancies. More than 700 staff are due to go this year, with 1,080 planned by 2017. Bombardier in east Belfast, along with other sites, produces a range of aircraft parts including the wings and fuselage of the flagship CSeries passenger jet. "It is absolutely critical that we continue to transfer work packages in which we are no longer competitive so we can safeguard the long-term future of our Northern Ireland operations," the company said. It's not clear whether the move will mean additional redundancies at the firm. One worker, who did not wish to be identified, said: "Internally, employees have been asked to work harder and smarter each year since I can remember." The company said it continued to brief staff and unions about changes to the workforce and supply chain. "We regularly send working parties from Belfast to Morocco, Mexico and other Bombardier sites, as well as to China, and we also host reciprocal working parties here," Bombardier said. Just this summer it was reported the company was cutting around 200 jobs in Toronto and moving them to Mexico and China. According to one staff member, some work has flowed from Belfast to Mexico, including the production of composite parts. "At present it (the Mexico factory) can make almost any structure and will do so soon," they said. Another employee said that there "has been a lot of the really old legacy contract work moving to Morocco and Mexico due to cost". Bombardier has invested in its North African factory, which produces operational parts for the CSeries, QSeries and CRJ jets. Aside from the announcement that more than 700 jobs will go this year, and 1,080 between now and 2017, the company earlier this year asked staff to accept a pay freeze amid a "serious financial crisis" at the plane maker. However, the workforce in Belfast is taking on a bigger role with the CSeries. Last year the workforce here produced between 15 and 20 fuselage mid-sections for the aircraft as work was transferred from the company's manufacturing partner in China to the east Belfast plant. But one Bombardier worker said: "I challenge our unions, who are frightened to rock the boat. "I'm fed up with hearing, upon another pay-off announcement, that the unions are shocked and surprised. "We are not. We expect it. We see a bigger picture." There are now fresh calls from both the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP for Stormont to introduce a dedicated manufacturing strategy in order to tackle job losses - something that was previously rejected by Economy Minister Simon Hamilton. The hunt is now on to find Northern Ireland's top bars, hotels and restaurants. Entries are open for this year's Pub of the Year awards. The event, which is run by Hospitality Ulster, will see a total of 13 awards being handed out to the province's best spots for food and drink. New categories this year include 'food and beverage manager of the year', which is open to entrants from pubs, restaurants and hotels. Olga Walls, chair of Hospitality Ulster, said: "As our hospitality industry continues to grow and diversify, so too does the breadth and reach of Hospitality Ulster's Pub of the Year Awards. "With each year, we have introduced new award categories to recognise not just our fantastic local pubs and bars, but also our amazing restaurants and world class hotels." Last year's winners included the Sunflower bar in Belfast, which was named city pub of the year. From left: councillor Eileen Graham, Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber, Justin Rush of Abacus, Aine Kearney, Tourism NI, and Brian Telford, Danske Bank A top Facebook executive has been named as the keynote speaker at a business event in Belfast next month. Facebook's head of small business marketing, Orla Malone, will address around 500 business leaders during the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry networking event, which will take place at St George's Market on September 14. Northern Ireland Chamber chief executive Ann McGregor said: "We look forward to hearing from Orla Malone, who represents one of the most powerful marketing tools available to any business." Adam Sandlers direct-to-Netflix films werent exactly well received by critics; the first film he produced for the streaming service, The Ridiculous 6, currently holds a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while The Do-Over retains a 5% rating. Fortunately for Sandler, its not about the reviews, its about those precious streaming numbers, and Netflix is very, very happy with the two films. The two Adam Sandler movies premiered at No. 1 in every single territory of Netflix around the world, Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos told The Hollywood Reporter. The Do-Over is still in the top 10 in nearly all of them. It's been a hugely successful deal, and he's got another one called Sandy [Wexler]. The thing that is most global on Netflix is Adam Sandler. Of course, there is currently no real way to prove this as Netflix keep their viewing figures very close to their chest. Meanwhile, for those who are fans of Sandlers work, there are two more of his creations hitting Netflix in the future, the next titled Sandy Wexler. Independent Operation Cobra has been tracking radicalised British men and women linked to Somali group Al-Shabaab. One high-profile target, Susan Danford (Lex King), is under surveillance in Kenya. Lt General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) takes control from London, while Foreign Secretary James Willett (Iain Glen) watches a live video feed from a US drone piloted by Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) in Nevada. Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) has a direct link to Watts and explains the objective is "to capture not kill". When covert footage reveals targets are wearing suicide vests for an imminent attack, priorities change. Dedicated to Rickman's memory, Eye In The Sky is an intelligent and timely thriller that asks if there is such a thing as acceptable collateral damage in the pursuit of global freedom. Gavin Hood's nerve-wracking film doesn't have the answer. Instead, we go through the emotional wringer as an American and British taskforce decides if the slaughter of one innocent child is a tolerable consequence of neutralising a jihadist cell. Four stars When it comes to shark movies, the shadow of a certain Steven Spielberg film looms so ominously over the waters that other filmmakers have shied away from the subject matter. There are plenty of sharks in films but relatively few films that are entirely about sharks. This is what makes Jaume Collet-Serra's new feature The Shallows so unusual. It's a story about a young woman (played by Gossip Girl's Blake Lively) stranded off shore as a great white prowls around her, waiting to gobble her up. Collet-Serra is best known for his thrillers (Non-Stop and Run All Night) with Liam Neeson, The Shallows is the most pared down film he has made. "The fewer resources you have, the more creative you have to get - and that fuels my mojo," Collet-Serra says about the attraction of the project. The Shallows is very different from Jaws and yet has some of its same primal qualities. There's no Robert Shaw spinning grim yarns about US navy sailors being eaten alive, no grim-faced Roy Scheider trying to keep the beaches safe and no Richard Dreyfuss showing off his expertise about sharks. There is just Blake Lively in a bikini and wet suit, trying to keep out of the mouth of the beast. This is a survival story. "Even though in concept, it is a very simple movie, it is highly complex to keep the feeling we are in the ocean," the director says. Anyone who has been on a tour of Universal Studios theme park and seen the Jaws attraction will realise that, actually, the mechanical shark wasn't very lifelike. It's the idea of the shark that frightens the tourists as much as the shark itself. In today's digital era, Collet-Serra was able to make his great white seem much more realistic. Even so, the shark is used relatively sparsely. This means that when we finally see it in its full-toothed glory, it has all the more impact. The director was all too aware that the film could have seemed voyeuristic and even sexist. The point about The Shallows, though, is that Blake Lively's character refuses to be the victim. A medical school student still getting over the death of her mother, she's not there to be gawped at in her bikini but is resourceful and courageous. "I think audiences are maturing. I don't think selling sex or sexiness is a huge draw any more," says Collet-Serra. "You need something more than that. We had a bit of fun at the beginning when she is getting ready with the closer to the skin type shots but once she has been bitten and is danger, it becomes another movie. We were very conscious not to ever cross that line of bad taste. If she is already in jeopardy, we don't want ever to take advantage visually of that situation ... as a director and a human being, you just want to treat that other human with respect." Jaws has been criticised for demonising sharks. After all, the great white isn't the embodiment of evil that the film suggested. It simply behaves according to its nature. However, Collet-Serra makes it clear that The Shallows is a horror flick, not an eco-documentary. "I can differentiate between what happens in a movie and what happens in reality. I can watch a documentary and feel very sorry about what happens to the sharks or any other creature." The Shallows, he explains, is a human story. Blake Lively's antagonist could equally well be a dinosaur or an alien or a storm, "or another human being". The drama comes from her fight to survive. On his own scuba diving trips, the director has experienced first-hand what it is like to feel "the fear of being under the water and not knowing what is around me and feeling very vulnerable. Whether it is with sharks or any other creature, when I am not in my element, I am very uncomfortable - that's also why I am a director who makes movies that are about expressing fear". His own pet terror is flying, but that didn't stop him from making Non-Stop with Liam Neeson as the hero aboard a plane with a bomb on it. When The Shallows was shooting off the coast of Australia, there were a number of real-life stories about shark attacks. "I think 2015 was the year for shark attacks. That is probably to do with global warming. You have more people in the water and more sharks getting close to the shore. It just happens." Yes, the movie was as much a feat of endurance for the director and crew as for Blake Lively's long-suffering character. The weather changed constantly. The water changed colour - difficult for continuity - and there were troubles with the tides. "Everything was just a logistical nightmare," the director remembers. "Sharks are a very difficult thing to do. They are so powerful and big and scary," Collet-Serra says. "It's cool to have a shark theme, but try to do 100 shots of a shark, that is very hard not to repeat yourself and to create a memorable character, one that people remember. Jaws is a masterpiece and set the bar very high. A lot of people have tended to do variations on it. For us, we tried to do something that was fresh, simple, realistic - and enjoyable for a new generation." The director sounds relieved now to be back on firmer ground, making a more conventional thriller with Liam Neeson. The Ballymena actor is now in his mid-60s but, like Blake Lively, is still apparently doing his own stunts. "I've just been on set with him for 12 hours and now he is training for the fights," says Collet-Serra. "He's like a little kid. He loves every minute of it. You have to love it. It takes a lot of physical toll and sacrifice to get it right." From the Jaws sequels to Bait 3D, Open Water, The Reef and The Deep Blue Sea, there have been several other shark-themed movies since Spielberg unleashed his great white terror in 1975. Nonetheless, Jaws itself is invariably the first title anybody remembers when shark films are mentioned. The Shallows won't eclipse it, but at least it is bound to add to the conversation. Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie says the Executive is letting down veterans by not implementing the military covenant in Northern Ireland. The war hero described the First Ministers' response to a written question about the Armed Forces Covenant as 'staggering' in that it failed to address the needs of veterans in Northern Ireland. Mr Beattie asked the First Ministers if the Executive would be appointing a representative to the armed forces Covenant reference group. In response the First Ministers said: "The Armed Forces Covenant has not been adopted here and there has been no joint agreement to appoint a representative to the Armed Forces Covenant Reference Group." Doug Beattie, who is a member of the Army Reserve, said the response was "utterly inadequate". He said: "This answer is not only staggering, it lacks detail, coherence, humility or even a degree of understanding reality. "Nor is it in keeping with what was outlined at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in 2013, at which the DUP was represented. At the Committee it was made clear that, bar specific devolved issues, there were no obstacles to delivering the Armed Forces Covenant in Northern Ireland. Further to that, in June this year I received a letter from Mark Lancaster TD MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans. In it he stated, 'While it is true that the implementation of certain aspects of the Covenant does present particular challenges for Northern Ireland, implementation of the Covenant there (Northern Ireland) is progressing at pace'. This was the same position that was verbally explained to myself and Andy Allen MLA by his predecessor, Anna Soubry MP, in 2014, and on multiple occasions by the former Prime Minister, David Cameron MP. I can further add that due to an Ulster Unionist Party initiative, the Armed Forces Community Covenant has been adopted in five of the eleven councils in Northern Ireland. There is also an Armed Forces Champion in all eleven councils, unfunded, under resourced, but working to help our armed forces community. This is entirely at odds with the answer which I was given by the First Ministers who seem to have exceeded their brief and slipped out of lane on Armed Forces issues. As the Armed Forces Covenant was instigated throughout the United Kingdom in 2011 and Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, then simple geography, and the fact Armed Forces issues are not devolved, will tell you the Armed Forces Covenant is here, but the Executive is turning a blind eye to delivering it, using Section 75 as a feeble excuse for inaction. To that end I make a simple plea to the First Ministers. If you cannot or worse still, will not deliver the Armed Forces Covenant in Northern Ireland, or even participate in the Covenant Reference Group, then get out of the way and allow the Opposition to engage. Our Veterans dont want advantage; they just want to be treated fairly and not be disadvantaged because of their service. The Executive Office has been contacted for a response. Bands of the British and Irish armies are to come together for the first time to honour the heroism of soldiers from Ireland at the Battle of the Somme. A beating of the retreat will be held at Enniskillen Castle on the banks of the Erne, bringing together the Irish Defence Forces Army No.1 Band and the band, bugles, pipes and drums of the Royal Irish Regiment. The unique ceremony will be held on September 10. Richard Bennett, a trustee at the Inniskillings Museum, said: "The divided Ireland of the years after the end of the First World War afforded the 36th (Ulster) Division the honour of recognition for heroic sacrifice, while the 16th (Irish) Division was forgotten. "In the words of Thomas Kettle, it became 'a secret sacrifice'. "One hundred years on, we can now give an equal tribute to the bravery and suffering of the men of both divisions." More information is at www.inniskillingsmuseum.com A truncheon was left behind along with a pair of bloodstained gloves A truncheon which was left behind along with a pair of bloodstained gloves Susan Donoghue was killed by an intruder at her home in Bristol The brother of a Northern Ireland nurse brutally murdered 40 years ago has said a DNA breakthrough by cold-case detectives has given him fresh hope of justice. Susan Donoghue, a mother-of-one, was bludgeoned to death as she slept at her home in Bristol in 1976. Despite a huge manhunt at the time, her killer was never caught, and it remains one of the UK's most infamous unsolved murders. But now police believe they have made a major breakthrough. Using advances in technology, they have a full DNA profile of the killer. Her brother Seamus McGeary (72), who still lives at the family home near Fintona in Co Tyrone, was told of the development in the last few days. He said it came as a shock, but believes it could be the first step to finally nailing Susan's killer. "It was a surprise, I thought everything was gone because so many years have gone by," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "They have made great strides in technology, so maybe they will get somebody. That is about all I can hope for. It would help bring some closure for me." Susan's murder, during the famously hot summer of 1976, horrified the UK. She was found dead in her basement flat at Sneyd Park, Bristol. The 44-year-old had been bludgeoned to death and sexually assaulted. Despite an extensive murder inquiry at the time, her killer was never caught. Seamus added: "Susan was brutally murdered. "They thought maybe it was someone in the hospital where she worked, but they never got anybody. "Like thousands of other people, even in our own country here, I've never given up hope. "But years and years have passed and they didn't get anyone, and you wonder if the person they were looking for has passed away themselves." Susan grew up as part of a large family in Lisnacrieve, near Fintona, and attended the local primary school and Loreto Grammar School in Omagh. Later she moved to Belfast where she trained as a nurse, and got a job in Kent. Some time afterwards she married and relocated to the Channel Islands. But the marriage broke down, and she moved to Bristol, where Seamus and two other brothers were living. She got engaged to a new man, Dennis, and at the time of her death was working as a night sister at Brentry, the local psychiatric hospital. According to police she was attacked in bed as she slept. She had been unwell and had taken the night off from work. Her killer hit her seven times with a truncheon, which was left behind along with a pair of bloodstained gloves and a tobacco tin. Detectives had few clues or tip-offs and failed to come up with a motive. They were unable to trace several people who were in the area, including a mysterious "man in dark glasses" seen near a local church at the time of her funeral. Another man - possibly the same person - was seen two months later at Susan's graveside, examining the inscriptions on the flowers and wreaths. Police also failed to track down a clairvoyant who Susan was due to see a fortnight before she died. The appointment had been ringed in her diary, but cancelled. Previously Det Supt John Robinson, who led a 20-strong murder investigation team, said the killer may have been a petty housebreaker. Now, 40 years on, a new team of detectives has made a major breakthrough, building a full DNA profile of the killer. The same techniques were used to secure the conviction earlier this year of Christopher Hampton for the 1984 murder of Melanie Road. DCI Julie MacKay, who brought Hampton to justice, is heading up the investigation into Susan's murder. She said: "As we saw with the Melanie Road case, the passage of time since a murder is no longer an obstacle in securing justice for these victims. The technology used in DNA forensics has come a long way since Susan was murdered and we now have a full DNA profile of the man who sexually abused and murdered her. "The key to solving this horrific crime is in the painstaking and methodical work my team is undertaking to make sure all the information we have is on the right systems. "I am convinced that someone out there has information on what happened that August night in 1976. Susan was a well-liked and respected woman who was brutally murdered in her own home and I am determined to bring her killer to justice." At the time of her death Susan had an 18-year-old son, who now lives abroad. "He is really pleased that we are still interested, are still investigating and it still matters, and he takes a lot of hope from that," DCI McKay said. "Nothing would make him happier than if we identified the person responsible for killing his mum." Previous attempts to reopen the case have ended in failure. In 1995 a review saw DNA from the scene put on the National DNA Database, but failed to draw a match. A further review took place in 1997 and 1998, including a mass screening of potential suspects identified from the original investigation. DNA searches in 2005 and 2009 also failed to provide a breakthrough, but police are now convinced they can solve the case. Seamus, meanwhile, says he is hopeful that the culprit can be caught all these years later. "Susan was a very nice woman, she was a good nurse," he added. "She had another four sisters. They have all passed away. "We called her Suzie. She was just a very nice, pleasant woman. Tall and elegant, and she was well into the style of the day. "She would have had a hard enough life in Fintona. She had to leave because there were no jobs here. What happened to her was very sad. It would mean a lot to me for her killer to be caught." Timeline of probe August 4, 1976: Susan was suffering from a cold so she took the night off work. Her partner left her flat at approximately 12.15am on August 5. August 5, 1976: At 7.15am, Susans partner returns and finds her body in bed. She had suffered serious head injuries. A pair of gloves and a truncheon are also found at the scene with Susans blood on them. Evidence suggested that Susan had been subjected to a sexual assault and forensic tests confirmed the presence of human semen. A footprint was found on the inside windowsill of a half opened window in the room adjacent to the bedroom. 1976: The original investigation consisted of more than 80 officers and lasts more than 12 months. 1995: A review of the case is undertaken. The DNA from the semen is put on the National DNA Database but there is no hit. 1997/98: A further review takes place. There is also a mass screening of potential suspects identified from the original investigation. Crimestoppers also run an appeal for information. There is still no match on the database. 2005: The DNA profile is upgraded due to advances in technology and remains on the National DNA Database. Some familial DNA screening is conducted but the offence remains undetected. 2009: Another familial DNA run is conducted but there is still no hit. 2016: Detectives reveal scientific advances have enabled them to build a full DNA profile of the killer. A father of five who was found drowned at Larne harbour just a few weeks before Christmas had been worried about the loss of his job, an inquest has heard. Gregory Ferris was described by his daughter Emer (23) as a "brilliant and model father and a good, hard-working man." He had been suffering from depression when his body was discovered on December 4, 2014 at the Lough Shore in Larne. Mr Ferris had taken his own life. The Ballymena man had suffered with depression for years but remained "a dedicated family man" who loved being with his wife Brenda and his children Emer (23), Anthony (21) Ciaran (20), Matthew (17) and Patrick (13). An inquest into his death heard yesterday that Mr Ferris had become more stressed in the week leading up to his death. His wife said that he had loved his job at JTI Gallaher's in Ballymena, where he had worked for 17 years. However, he had become worried about his job security following announcements of redundancies. Mrs Ferris said her husband was further stressed by the implementation of new machinery at the factory, which he was finding difficult to operate. He approached his GP and mental health services as he was becoming "desperate". An immediate assessment was undertaken at Holywell Hospital, Antrim. He was deemed to be "medium risk" as he had not disclosed having any suicidal thoughts. A care plan was put in place and Mr Ferris was visited at his home for a number of days prior to his death by a community mental health worker. However, nobody visited on the day of his death, which had upset him, the inquest heard. An appointment with a psychiatrist had been made for the following day. On the day he died, Mr Ferris told his wife that he was going to find a mechanic to repair their car, as it had failed its MOT. He sent her a text just after 9.30am saying he was waiting in a queue. When he failed to answer his phone to his wife an hour later, she immediately raised the alarm with his mental health workers and police. Mr Ferris' body was discovered in the water at Larne harbour. During the inquest, the family raised concerns about the provision of mental health services across Northern Ireland. Mrs Ferris said: "We felt like we had just been left on our own." However, coroner Joe McChrisken said he disagreed that they had been left alone. He said he believed the medical staff involved in Mr Ferris' care had "acted very quickly" and could not have foreseen the tragic outcome. Regional mental health services have since been revised. Coroner McChrisken said: "There was some very good practise here and I do not think it is fair to say you had been left alone. "It is my view that it was reasonably quick that an appointment was made from the Wednesday to two days later where he would attend the appointment with the psychiatrist ... and I am satisfied that the lack of suicide ideation did not lift Gregory into the higher risk category and that he deliberately took his own life when his mind was disturbed." A spokesperson for the Health and Social Care Board said: "The Regional Care Pathway for Mental Health was developed and introduced in 2014 in Northern Ireland for people who require mental health care and support. "It's aimed at enhancing the quality and consistency of mental health support service across Northern Ireland. "The pathway recognises that all treatment and care needs to be highly personalised and recovery-orientated." If you are affected by any of the issues in this article, contact the Samaritans on 084 5790 9090, or Lifeline (080 8808 8000) Jonathan Peden and wife Roisin on their wedding day last month A heartbroken bride is in mourning and preparing for a funeral after her husband of four weeks was killed in a tragic workplace incident in Co Armagh yesterday morning. Jonathan Peden (33), who was described as "one of the most amazing people", died after an incident at Little Electrical Engineering in Lurgan where he worked as a buyer. His funeral details have been announced. It has now been confirmed for Monday, August 15. The funeral will take place from his parents' home in Donaghcloney, at 12.30pm for service in Donaghcloney Elim at 1pm followed by interment in Donacloney Presbyterian Graveyard. His loved ones have asked for flowers only with donations - if desired - made for Craigavon City Park Run c/o Malcomsons Funeral Service 7 Robert Street Lurgan BT66 8BE. Jonathan married Roisin (nee Greene) at the beginning of last month at a ceremony in Craigavon Civic Centre. Speaking briefly to the Belfast Telegraph last night, grieving Roisin said she was "shattered" by her new husband's tragic death. Family members described the pair as a "happy and perfect" couple. Jonathan, a keen runner, was a former student of Banbridge High School and originally from the Donaghcloney area. Read More It is the second tragedy to hit the Peden family in recent months. His brother, Andy and his wife were left homeless when a fire destroyed their Rathfriland home three days before Christmas last year. Andy, Rebecca and their two-year-old daughter Daisy fled their burning house in the early hours of the morning, barefoot in their pyjamas, and were forced to leave everything they owned behind. His parents and two brothers, including Jonathan, rallied round the family after they lost precious mementos. The heartbroken family are now planning for the newlywed's funeral. His brother Adam described him as the "first idol" in his life. "My amazing older brother's life was taken away this morning. The most shocking news I have ever received", he posted on Facebook. "Jonathan was one of the most amazing and kindest people, and for his life to be took just like that is heartbreaking. "Never will he not be in my thoughts, my friend, my oldest brother, my first idol in life. I love you big bro, just wish I could tell you that". Read More The company where he worked said it had been left in a state of shock and paid tribute to "a much loved and respected member of staff". "A very tragic accident occurred resulting in the death of a very valued and long standing member of our team. Little Electrical Engineers is a small, closely knit family business which has been established for many years at Queen's Place, Lurgan. The accident has left us all in a state of shock. "This is the first time an accident of this nature has occurred and it is all the more painful because it is the death of a much-loved and respected member of our staff. "We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and assure them that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. "We are co-operating fully with all of the statutory authorities in investigating the tragic circumstances of this accident." The community has been devastated by the news of the death of the popular man. Assembly member Carla Lockhart said: "My thoughts and prayers are very much with the Peden family circle as they grieve the loss of a much loved son, brother, uncle, husband and step-dad killed in a tragic accident." Upper Bann MP David Simpson added: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the incident in Lurgan this morning where a young man has lost his life. "I know the man's family very well and my thoughts and prayers are with them." The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is investigating the workplace incident. A PSNI scheme aimed at tackling motorists who drive off forecourts without paying for petrol is a "bureaucratic nightmare" that may even encourage theft, an MLA has claimed A PSNI scheme aimed at tackling motorists who drive off forecourts without paying for petrol has been postponed after an outcry from business owners. The pilot scheme aimed to shift the responsibility for tracing 'drive-offs' from the police to petrol retailers. It was thought they would have had to send a letter to the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) to get the information on the car - which incurs a 2.50 fee - and inform them that there has been a criminal act. Retailers would have then had to write to the driver to ask them if they were in the petrol station on a certain date and to ask them to pay for the fuel. And if they didn't pay, the retailer will then have to take action in the civil courts to recover their losses, thus incurring court fees and enforcement fees - which could easily exceed the value of the petrol stolen. Following the pilot scheme's announcement for the two police districts of Lisburn & Castlereagh and Ards & North Down there was an outcry. Forecourt owners blasted the scheme with some branding the PSNI "lazy" saying it should enforce the law. The police, however, said that as 85% of drive offs were accidental and genuine mistakes and the money paid, it would save money. But on Friday they shelved the scheme. Superintendent Brian Kee said, Following feedback and additional consultation with stakeholders, Police in B and C District have postponed the introduction of a pilot scheme to deal with drive-offs from local petrol stations. Police will now discuss and review the introduction of this pilot project. Ulster Unionist MLA Jenny Palmer said the pilot scheme had already been in effect in the two districts since the start of August and called for it to be scrapped before the police decision. She said: "This is quite frankly a disgraceful scheme and it can only lead to an increase in theft as petty criminals will take advantage of the huge amount of red tape which petrol retailers will have to trawl through to get their money back. "This so-called pilot scheme reeks of the PSNI washing their hands of the situation facing petrol retailers," she said. "It will encourage petrol thieves, who will no longer be afraid of the police coming after them." PSNI Superintendent Brian Kee, responding to the criticism before the scheme was shelved said: "Research has indicated that locally, 85% of all reported 'drive-offs', instances where people leave the forecourt without paying for fuel, are genuine mistakes and are not crimes that require police investigation. "The police role in these reports then is purely to assist the business recover what is actually a civil debt. The routine attendance of police at all drive-offs, and particularly at those where a crime is not suspected, is placing a substantial but preventable burden on local police resourcing and budget. "The purpose of this pilot is to remove much of that burden and free up local police time to deal with criminality, identify and apprehend offenders and keep people safe. The pilot will be subject to ongoing review to assess the impact on local policing in the district." But Brian Madderson of the UK's Petrol Retailers' Association, said the initiative gave a green light to criminal activity. "Drive-offs are at record levels," he said. "So I will be asking the PSNI to share the research data on which they have based their assessment that 85% of drive-offs are genuine mistakes. That is not what we are finding in Great Britain. "I will be writing to the PSNI Chief Constable and to Justice Minister Claire Sugden to express our concern at this initiative and to seek a meeting with them to ensure they are aware of the steps being taken on the mainland to address this growing problem." The Police Federation for Northern Ireland described the scheme as a sign of policing to come. Chairman Mark Lindsay said it is further evidence of an under-strength and under-resourced service unable to meet the demands placed upon it. Mr Lindsay said: "The danger with this scheme is that it could be used by others to get away with stealing small amounts of petrol from forecourts without the prospect of being prosecuted. "The onus is now on the retailer to chase up the debt even though a criminal act has been committed. Such an approach is dangerous and will lead to increased but unrecorded criminal acts. "It's petrol retailers in the pilot area today. Will it be retailers in the high street tomorrow, as policing struggles to deliver what each and every officer wants to deliver, namely a reliable, robust and professional service to the public?" LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: A young boy points at a mural depicting a scene from Bloody Sunday as final preparations for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Irish President Micheal D Higgins is welcomed by Bishop Donal McKeown (front right) to the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Kay Duddy (centre), sister of Bloody Sunday victim Jackie Duddy, attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Civil rights campaigner Nell McCafferty (left) attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness attending the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Former Church of Ireland Primate Dr Robin Eames attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Former Stormont MP Ivan Cooper attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire John Hume (left) hugs Kay Duddy, sister of Bloody Sunday victim Jackie Duddy, before the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Musician Phil Coulter attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Priests stand in procession for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Irish President Michael D. Higgins arrives for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Civil Rights activist during Bloody Sunday Ivan Cooper (R) arrives for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness arrives for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: John Hume (C) arrives for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: A priest holds an order of service for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Irish President Michael D. Higgins (C) arrives for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: A family walks past a mural depicting a scene from Bloody Sunday as final preparations for the funeral of the late retired Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly as he lies in state at St. Eugene's Cathedral on August 11, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The iconic image of the then Fr Daly waving a hankerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims became one of the most enduring images of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Bishop Daly who has been described as a fearless peace-builder passed away at the age of 82 following a brief illness, he will be buried this afternoon in the grounds of the cathedral following requiem mass. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Former Stormont MP Ivan Cooper attending the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 11, 2016. The former Bishop of Derry who came to the aid of a dying civil rights protester on Bloody Sunday and waved a white handkerchief in an enduring image of the Troubles died on Monday aged 82. See PA story ULSTER Daly. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PA Connor Anthony Farquhar (second left) attends the funeral of Dr Edward Daly at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry. PA The sister of the dying teenager Fr Edward Daly tried to remove from the line of fire on Bloody Sunday by waving a handkerchief has said he will be remembered as "one of the greatest priests we ever had, if not the greatest". Pope Francis also paid tribute to the former Bishop of Derry in a message at his funeral yesterday for his "generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of peace and justice". But it was the love and respect the ordinary people of Derry had for Dr Daly that was most evident, as an estimated 3,000 mourners crammed into the cathedral and its grounds for Requiem Mass. And afterwards they applauded as Dr Daly's coffin was carried from St Eugene's Cathedral to his final resting place in its grounds by priests of the Derry Diocese. Staff from Foyle Hospice, where Dr Daly was chaplain until February this year, and members of his beloved Derry City FC formed a guard of honour as his remains was brought out. Requiem Mass was celebrated by the current Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown. The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin; Bishop Francis Lagan, the retired auxiliary Bishop of Derry, and Monsignor Amaury Medina Blanco representing Pope Francis were the main concelebrants. Irish President Michael D Higgins, along with representatives of the British and Irish governments, former primate Sean Brady, SDLP founder John Hume, PSNI chief for Derry Mark McEwan and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness were in the congregation. While he accomplished much, Dr Daly was best known as the priest pictured waving a white handkerchief as he led the dying Jackie Duddy (17) through the streets on Bloody Sunday in 1972. Paratroopers had opened fire and killed 13 people, and another was to die later. Yesterday Jackie's sister Kay Duddy joined Dr Daly's sister Marion Ferguson and his housekeeper Betty Doherty in carrying the offertory gifts to the altar. Ms Duddy said she was nervous about taking part in the service, but added: "This is the last thing I can do for him but I know he will give me the strength to do it. "He was such an integral part of our family for these past decades, my heart is sore at the thought I won't see him again, but he will be remembered in this city forever as one of the greatest priests we ever had, if not the greatest." Bishop Daly's remains had lain in repose at the foot of the altar in St Eugene's since his death on Monday. From Monday an estimated 25,000 people had come to bid their own farewell to the clergyman. Around 150 clerics including archbishops, cardinals, bishops and priests, along with former Church of Ireland Primate Lord Eames and Dean of Derry Rev William Morton, attended the service. Bishop McKeown said Dr Daly would be remembered for all the courage he showed throughout his ministry. He said: "His ministry was marked by total dedication to the people he served, wherever he was called to minister. "That dedication was visible in outstanding courage. "He showed physical courage on Bloody Sunday and his moral courage was evident in his passionate struggle against violence and injustice from all quarters. "It takes enormous courage to be a peacemaker and he was an apostle of mercy, whether as a curate, as a bishop or as chaplain in the Foyle Hospice. For that courageous service of God and of his people, we give thanks." Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The funeral of Bishop Edward Daly at St Eugenes Cathedral Photopress Belfast John Hume Lorcan Doherty Martin McGuinness PA Former Church of Ireland Primate Dr Robin Eames PA Cardinal Sean Brady PA Phil Coulter Getty Images Hugh McMonigle, who was in the famous Bloody Sunday picture Photopress Belfast Mgr Blanco representing Pope Francis Lorcan Doherty Kay Duddy (centre), sister of Jackie Duddy PA Bishop Donal McKeown with Ivan Cooper Dr Edward Daly Irish President Michael D Higgins and Lord Lieutenant Dr Angela Garvey with Bishop McKeown Fr Aidan Troy PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The funeral of Bishop Edward Daly at St Eugenes Cathedral Bishop McKeown also recalled the many stories he had heard about Bishop Daly told over recent days. He said: "It was a privilege to stand at the door of the cathedral over the last three days and hear stories of invaluable acts of kindness, both great and small. "The people of the diocese - and beyond - held Bishop Edward Daly in the highest regard for his loving faithfulness to them over a period of 59 years as priest and bishop in this diocese." Archbishop Martin paid his own heartfelt and personal tribute to the man who ordained him into the priesthood. He said: "There was never any doubt that Edward Daly was a great priest, a caring and compassionate pastor, a man of prayer and peace, a courageous and fearless leader, a special person. As I stand here at the very spot in this cathedral where Bishop Daly ordained me to the priesthood 29 years ago, "I'm thinking: if only I could be even half the priest and bishop that he was, I know I'd be serving God well." Uber will deliver free ice cream to you today If you're feeling in need of a little Friday treat, taxi company Uber are delivering free ice creams in Belfast today. Belfast is one of 17 cities across the UK where Uber will be delivering free cool treats throughout the day. You can order an ice cream between 11am 7pm using the Uber app. You need to open the app, set your location and request 'ICE CREAM.' If your request is successful, the ice cream will be delivered in minutes and you can share a picture using the #UberIceCream hashtag. Supplies are limited to four per delivery. Age Action hit out after advisers called for a shift in cultural norms over when people should stop work but stopped short of demanding reform to working into older age The Government has missed an opportunity to abolish mandatory retirement rules, campaigners have claimed. Age Action hit out after advisers called for a shift in cultural norms over when people should stop work but stopped short of demanding reform to working into older age. At present employees stop at 65 but cannot claim the state pension for another year and that is to rise to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. Eamon Timmins, Age Action chief executive, said : "Every year older workers are forced out of their jobs and onto the dole because of mandatory retirement ages. "While other countries around the world are abolishing these ageist restrictions and supporting older workers, our members will be very disappointed that there is no plan to do the same here. "There are also no proposals to address the anomaly that workers are facing retirement at the age of 65 but unable to claim the State Pension until they turn 66." The report for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform found income for retirees is going to become a bigger issue unless employers keep staff on for longer. Its advisers found that Ireland should be a society that explores the opportunities associated with longer, fuller working lives by preparing properly for population ageing and supporting continued engagement in economic and social life. The review did not examine pension entitlements. Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, said retirement age was a complex and multi-faceted issue. "This is an important piece of work. People are, thankfully, living longer and healthier lives and this trend will continue into the future," he said. "It will be important that the state, employers, trade unions and community and voluntary groups work together to advance this agenda and to ensure the recommendations are implemented, so we can provide for the future and plan for citizens' fuller working lives." Mr Donohoe's department is to review the barriers stopping public sector workers from staying in jobs up to they are eligible for the state pension. Age Action said it supported some ideas in the report including the need for more training as people work into older age and improving awareness among staff and employers about the benefits of working for longer. Mr Timmins added: "I t's good to see the department looking at barriers faced by public sector workers. "But the Government's national positive ageing strategy commits to removing the barriers to continued employment for older people and this report is a missed opportunity do just that." The report for Government also said that workers should be facilitated with the option to work beyond normal retirement age It also called for a code of practice to be drawn up around the issue of longer working and for em ployers to ensure that their policy on retirement age is clearly articulated. It said unions and employers should improve awareness among both workers and employers of options, rights and responsibilities around longer working. Silk Road: If convicted in the US Gary Davis from Co Wicklow could receive a life sentence The Irish High Court has ordered the extradition to the United States of a Wicklow man alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website that dealt with illegal drugs and hacking software. Gary Davis, aged 27, of Johnstown Court, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, is wanted for trial by US authorities on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Mr Justice Paul McDermott in a detailed judgment today ruled that Mr Davis be surrendered to the United States. The judge rejected all grounds of Mr Davis opposition to the request. It is expected Mr Davis who was present in court will appeal the decision. Lawyers for the State argued that Mr Davis should be surrendered to the US. Mr Davis who claims he suffers from both a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome and depression had opposed the request. Among his points of objection he says that if extradited he will be detained in a inhuman and degrading manner. If convicted in the US Mr Davis could receive a life sentence. Mr Davis also claimed the formal request seeking his surrender is flawed, lacks clarity and the details of the charges against him are vague. It was also argued Mr Davis should have been charged with corresponding offences he is accused of by the US in Ireland. During the hearing the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Professor Juan Mendez expressed his concerns about conditions at the facility in New York City, the Metropolitan Correctional Centre (MCC), where Mr Davis is likely to be held if he is extradited to the US. During the hearing Mr Davis's lawyers argued Prof. Mendez had had raised issues about the negative effects on Mr Davis's mental health if he were to be held in isolation at a special housing unit within the MCC. The State rejected all points raised by Mr Davis. Read more Read More Lawyers for the Attorney General said there was no evidence Mr Davis would be held in the Special Housing Unit at the MCC because he is not from the US. Counsel added assurances have been Mr Davis's condition would be monitored while detained should he be extradited. The Silk Road, which was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2013, was an underground website that hosted a sprawling black market bazaar on the internet. Mr Davis is accused of acting as a site administrator on the Silk Road website using the name Libertas. The Silk Road website was launched in 2011 and was shut down in October 2013. It was created and run by American Ross William Ulbricht under the pseudonym 'Dread Pirate Roberts' (DPR). He was arrested in 2013 and charged with money laundering, trafficking drugs and hacking offences. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The site offered anonymity to its users, where trades were conducted in the on-line currency bitcoins. The US' authorities claim between June 2013 and October 2013 Mr Davis was a site administrator of the Silk Road website and had an "explicit knowledge of the items for sale on the website". The drugs available on the site included heroin, LSD, cocaine and amphetamines. It is claimed as part of his role Davis dealt with queries from the sites users, and he re-organised certain items that could be purchased on the website into different categories. Irish Independent A woman is devastated by the loss of her home A helicopter carries an extinguisher in the struggle against a spreading fire near Vitrolles, southern France Wildfires in the south of France have been contained by firefighters after they erupted near Marseille. The city of Marseille was spared from the flames, but hundreds of families in the south of the country remained evacuated from their homes. Officials said that windy conditions meant towns in the area remained in danger. Three civilians and four fighters were injured by the fires, some seriously. The inferno engulfed homes and at least one school in the region. Major roads were closed for fire engines and Marseille airport redirected flights to allow room for firefighting aircraft, as more than 1,500 firefighters rushed to calm the flames. One resident in Vitrolles told BFM-TV: Everything burned, the house, the car... there is nothing left. How the fires which took hold in Rognac began has not yet been established. Gymnasiums in the region were packed overnight with hundreds of local people who were not allowed to return to their homes, news agency AP reported. Although fires in the summer months are frequent in the south of France, it is very unusual for them to cause such severe destruction in urban areas. Portugal has also been experiencing devastating wildfires, with blazes on the island of Madeira reaching its largest city. More than 150 homes were destroyed by the blazes and three people have so far reported to have been killed. Don't look for Jamie Dornan on social media - he says he has had enough of hate-mongering trolls, despite a hyper fan base for Fifty Shades Of Grey and The Fall. "To be honest, I was very inactive on it in the last year," the 34-year-old Northern Ireland-born actor said during a round of interviews for two upcoming films, Anthropoid and The 9th Life Of Louis Drax. "To delete my Instagram ... I had to email my publicist to get the password. Twitter I used to have a bit of fun with back in the day but I think I've tweeted twice in the last year." On the reality of living life out loud on social media, he said: "The more public interest in you, the more horrible people become. People start to say disgusting things about your family, about your children. What's the point?" On the Fifty Shades front, which includes back-to-back filming of the steamy trilogy's last two instalments, Dornan is enjoying the prospect of life post-Christian Grey. "It's satisfying to put an end to any job I think, and to do two back to back, I think there's an element of relief that the work is done and you're happy with it," he said. He said his wife Amelia Warner spent some time on the Fifty Shades sets. "Yeah, a couple of times on choice days," he said. "There were some days where it probably doesn't make a lot of sense for her to be hanging around." The franchise's second movie, Fifty Shades Darker, is due out in February. The third, Fifty Shades Freed, is scheduled for February 2018. Dornan was tight-lipped about season three of popular BBC series The Fall, which is set in Belfast and has him playing Paul Spector, a bereavement counsellor, married man and unassuming father of two by day and stalker and killer of women by night. But he said: "You can expect the unexpected. There's quite remarkable turns in the third season that I really genuinely think people won't see coming that are hugely exciting." The series co-stars Gillian Anderson as Stella Gibson, the London detective sent to crack the case. "You know, that job changed my life," Dornan said of the series. "They're like family to me and I'm forever grateful for it to be a part of my life and, you know, I would play that character to my dying days if I had the opportunity." Does that include a fourth season? "I don't know anything about that," he smiled. AP A British mother is asking a US judge to let her personally visit her son, who is jailed in Nevada after what authorities say was an attempt to shoot Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a Las Vegas campaign rally. Lawyers representing Michael Steven Sandford, 20, said he has "serious psychological problems" and has been on suicide watch in US federal custody at a facility about 50 miles west of Las Vegas. Sandford's family and lawyers said he has Asperger's syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and other mental-health issues. A defence lawyer representing him at a bail hearing in June told a US federal magistrate judge that Sandford previously attempted suicide, was treated for anorexia, and once ran away from a hospital in England - but that he appeared competent for trial. Sandford told a judge that he understood the charges against him. He has pleaded not guilty to disrupting an official function and weapon charges that could get him up to 30 years in federal prison. His current lawyers, deputy federal public defenders Rene Valladares and Brenda Weksler, said in documents filed on Wednesday that Sandford is "in a very vulnerable mental state", and that a psychiatrist in Las Vegas determined he "would greatly benefit from the ability to meet with his mother in person". They do not say what the two would talk about. US District Judge James Mahan in Las Vegas postponed Sandford's trial to October 3. It had been set to begin on August 22. Instead, the judge scheduled an August 23 hearing on Lynne Sandford's request. Attorney Saimo Chahal in London has said she hopes to reach a plea bargain that would send Michael Sandford back to Britain rather than stand trial in the US. US lawyer Daniel Bogden and a spokeswoman in Las Vegas did not immediately respond on Friday to messages. Michael Sandford was arrested on June 18 after authorities say he grabbed for a Las Vegas police officer's gun. Mr Trump, on stage, thanked uniformed officers walking Sandford in custody out of the 1,500-seat theatre at the Treasure Island hotel-casino. Federal agents say Sandford told them he planned to kill Mr Trump, and that he drove from San Bernardino, California, to Las Vegas and practised shooting at a gun range the day before Mr Trump's appearance. Officials say Sandford was in the US about nine months more than he was allowed upon entry under a visa-waiver programme. Lynne Sandford has launched a crowd-funding appeal to pay for her son's legal fees. She told reporters in Britain that her son did not fully appreciate the gravity of what he had done. AP A view of Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co Ltd in Shanghai, Dec 4, 2008. [Photo/VCG] WELLINGTON - Shareholders in New Zealand's biggest meat cooperative on Friday reaffirmed their support to sell a controlling stake to China's biggest meat processor. Shareholders of Silver Fern Farms held a second vote on the 50-percent sell-down, including a casting vote, to Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co Ltd (Shanghai Maling) with 80.4 percent voting in favor of the deal. In October last year, shareholders voted 82.22 percent in favor of the deal with Shanghai Maling, which is 38-percent owned by China's Bright Food Group, for NZ$261 million ($187.79). The deal had been beset by controversy with a small group of Silver Fern shareholders staging a revolt and demanding a new vote on its approval after claiming the board and executives misled them on its debt levels. The Financial Markets Authority, the market watchdog, in May cleared the board of issuing misleading or deceptive documents. After Friday's second vote, the rebels said they would end their opposition to the deal. Chairman Rob Hewett said the partnership would create a strong Silver Fern Farms. "This partnership will enable us to generate higher, sustainable returns for our shareholders," Hewitt said in a statement. Chief executive Dean Hamilton said the process to complete the transaction had continued with all outstanding information now with the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) for its consideration. "We remain confident that we will achieve OIO approval prior to Sept. 30, and proceed to complete the transaction by Jan. 4, 2017, as previously announced," Hamilton said in a statement. "The clear message from the voters is to get on with it, and realize this opportunity ahead of us." The World Health Organisation says the virus has circulated undetected for years in the area where Boko Haram has prevented vaccinations (AP) Nigerian military helicopters have rushed polio vaccines to dangerous parts of the country's north east, where Boko Haram operates and where two toddlers paralysed by the virus were recently discovered, health officials said. The World Health Organisation said the wild virus has circulated undetected for years in the area where the Islamic extremists have prevented vaccinations. Borno state health commissioner Ibrahim Miringa said recent attacks by the Islamic extremists prevented the emergency operation from getting health workers to two parts of Borno state where the children with polio were found. Boko Haram has killed polio vaccinators in the past. He said the two children, aged under two, were among refugees recently arrived from areas newly freed from Boko Haram. AP The apparent outbreak is major setback after Nigeria was declared polio-free in October. Massive challenges face Nigerian health workers supported by the WHO and the US Centres for Disease Control to urgently vaccinate millions of endangered children in an area where the UN suspended aid after a military-escorted humanitarian convoy was attacked last month. "Not all the areas that have been liberated by the military could be accessed by our health officials because of recent attacks in Jere and Gwoza local government areas carried out by Boko Haram," Mr Miringa said. Jere and Gwoza are the areas where the first two cases of polio were found in Nigeria in more than two years, the WHO announced on Thursday night. Nigeria's removal from the WHO's list of polio-endemic countries had meant all of Africa was free from the crippling disease. Only two other countries remain on the list - Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr Miringa said health workers have been vaccinating refugees as they arrive in major camps, "but recent liberation of internally displaced persons from the hinterlands and their being camped in satellite camps have made the immunisation exercise difficult". International organisations plan to support Nigerian health workers in using "a hit-and-run kind of strategy", said the WHO director for polio eradication, Michel Zaffran. A massive vaccination drive is starting in Borno and within weeks will be carried to nearby Benin, Chad, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon, he added. AP I write as a very concerned, long-term employee of Bombardier. These past few years have seen a great reduction in work, orders and employees. Internally, employees have been asked to work harder and smarter each year since I can remember. Each year we have done so. It is time that the facts of the demise of Bombardier in Belfast be aired by employees and not spin-doctoring management or puppy dog union leaders. Some 15 years ago Bombardier built a new factory in Mexico. We were told that this factory would only make wire looms and be of no threat. At present it can make almost any structure and will do so soon. It received two autoclaves from Belfast last year and now makes composite parts. The average wage in industry in Mexico? Just $2.70 per hour. Some eight to 10 years ago Bombardier built a factory in Morocco. Shrouded in secrecy, this factory will, in a couple of years' time, employ nearly 1,000 people. Already they are taking our work. More is to follow. Moroccan staff now visit our plants to see what other work they can handle. Average wage in Morocco? Just 65 per week (that's about 1.50 per hour). So, you can see where future production will be done. Bombardier Belfast is being run down in a carefully managed way until only the C Series is left. I challenge the company to dispute this. I also challenge our unions, who are frightened to rock the boat. I'm fed up with hearing, upon another pay-off announcement, that the unions are "shocked and surprised". We are not. We expect it. We see a bigger picture. Afraid to criticise the company in public, unions and employees have been cowed to accept their fate and just wait on the tap on the shoulder and the brown envelope (that's why I write anonymously). The board in Canada are responsible for the demise of Shorts. Don't even start me about the state of the pension scheme. Flogging a dead horse never got one back on its feet. Now, anyone for fajitas? BOMBARDIER EMPLOYEE Name and address supplied Jim McFarland, a pilot from Ballyclare, said he often reassured passengers with a flight phobia Anxious air passengers in Belfast will soon be able to face their flying fears, with the launch of meditation classes at the City Airport Anxious air passengers in Belfast will soon be able to face their flying fears, with the launch of meditation classes at the City Airport. The 'mindfulness' classes aim to reduce flight stress with simple meditation exercises before and after take-off and have been called a world first for airports. George Best Belfast City Airport and Niamh (The Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) have teamed up for the classes which begin on Monday, August 15. "We all know that travelling can be stressful at times," said Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport. "We're always aiming to find alternative ways to make the passenger experience as relaxing and enjoyable and these short Niamh mindfulness sessions are the perfect way for passengers to relax and unwind for 15 minutes before taking off or after landing." He continued: "We believe it's the first time such sessions have been held in an airport and hope it will not only reduce stress levels of those travelling to and from the airport, but also allow time for staff and other airport users to take time out and reflect upon their own mental health." Peter McBride, group chief executive of Niamh - Northern Ireland's largest independent mental health charity - said: "We are absolutely delighted to be the new charity partner of Belfast City Airport. As part of the link-up, we are trying to find bright, innovative ways to make people more aware of their mental health and believe the mindfulness classes at the airport will do just that." He said that one in five people in here suffers from mental health problems, costing the local economy 3.5bn a year. "In the UK, mental illness now accounts for a bigger share of the overall burden of disease than any other health condition, including heart disease and cancer," he said. "The partnership with Belfast City Airport will allow people to engage with these issues and hopefully inspire each other as we try to build a society that has a strong mental well-being." Brian Ambrose added: "Around 2.7 million passengers come through Belfast City Airport each year and if through this relationship we can help just one person, then the partnership will have been worth it." Jim McFarland, a pilot from Ballyclare, said he often reassured passengers with a flight phobia. "I've been flying commercial airlines for many years," he said. "Usually when we have a nervous passenger we're told before they board the plane. So on the ground, before the doors close, we invite them into the flight deck for a wee chat and to answer any questions or concerns they have. "Everyone has different concerns. Some think the plane will blow up, some are afraid of turbulence and some think the plane will just fall out of the sky. "That's why we try to get the nervous person to ask any questions. It's funny that people drive cars and hit bumps and rough roads all the time and don't even blink. Yet a plane journey fills them with terror. "I like to reassure nervous passengers that they are in safe hands. Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel." If you suffer from a fear of flying or need help with mental health issues, free advice is available at www.niamhwellbeing.org Two bombs exploded late Thursday in Thailands seaside resort town of Hua Hin, killing a Thai woman and injuring some 19 other people including foreign tourists, media reports said. The first explosion shortly after 10 p.m. badly injured a food-cart operator in front of a bar, a local police official told The Bangkok Post. The vendor later died of her injuries, Sutthichai Srisopacharoenrat said. Many more people were injured in the second blast, which took place 20 minutes later and 50 meters away, after a crowd had gathered. Of the 19 (wounded), three are in serious condition and seven of the injured are foreigners four women and three men, Sutthichai was quoted as saying. The blasts took place in a nightlife district of the seaside town, a popular weekend getaway about 193 km (120 miles) south of Bangkok. Local police said the explosive devices were hidden in plant pots and detonated by mobile phone, Thai PBS reported. Market Explosion Kills One Earlier Thursday, an explosion at a market in the southern province of Trang killed one man and injured at least 6 other people, police there said. Trang is about 900 km (560 miles) south of Bangkok and 250 km (155 miles) northwest of the three provinces that comprise Thailands violence-wracked Deep South. CCTV cameras captured images of two suspects in the bombing, which occurred in a market near Trang City Hall at 3 p.m., The Nation reported. Attackers left a bag containing a bomb in the market and it detonated at a pavilion where seven to eight people were sitting, police and witnesses said. A 50-year-old vendor was killed and his wife was among the injured, the report said. Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Kongcheep Tantrawanit said the Trang bombing had no connection to the insurgency in Thailands Deep South region but was likely linked to a conflict among local residents, The Nation reported. Trang Gov. Dejrath Simsiri urged the public to wait for the outcome of an investigation. We cannot identify the culprits behind this bombing yet, and we have to wait for officers to look at all the evidence and conclude the investigation. There are many witnesses, The Nation quoted him as saying. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. 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For Immediate Release, August 11, 2016 Contact: Michael Saul, (303) 915-8308, msaul@biologicaldiversity.org Industry Lawsuit Ignores BLM Authority Over Public Land Fossil Fuel Leasing WASHINGTON The Center for Biological Diversity today responded a lawsuit filed by the Western Energy Alliance contending that, under the Mineral Leasing Act, the Bureau of Land Management is required to hold quarterly oil and gas lease auctions on public lands. A rising chorus of Americans want President Obama to align our countrys energy policies and climate goals by ending new fossil fuel leasing on our public lands and oceans and that has the fossil fuel industry worried, said Michael Saul, a senior attorney with the Center. This baseless lawsuit ignores well-established authority for the president and the Bureau of Land Management to not offer new climate-destroying leases to industry. Contrary to industrys claims, the Mineral Leasing Act confers discretion on the Secretary of the Interior, not the industry, to determine which public lands are made available for oil and gas leasing and when. The Mineral Leasing Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and nearly a century of judicial precedents give the secretary discretion whether, where and when to lease. The oil and gas industrys complaint attempts to ignore the inconvenient language of the Mineral Leasing Act that the quarterly lease sale schedule only applies where the secretary concludes lands should be eligible and available, Saul said. Todays lawsuit is a direct response to the growing Keep it in the Ground movement that is calling on President Obama to end all new fossil fuel leasing on public lands. Since last September, every BLM oil and gas auction has met with public protest. Those protests have halted several auctions, and spurred BLM and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to begin conducting fossil fuel auctions online to avoid public controversy. Ending the federal fossil fuel leasing programs is a necessary inevitability and industry knows it, said Saul. Until that happens, new fossil fuel leases will face growing climate protests from the public and rightfully so. Background The American public owns nearly 650 million acres of federal public land and more than 1.7 billion acres of Outer Continental Shelf and the fossil fuels beneath them. This includes federal public land, which makes up about a third of the U.S. land area, and oceans like Alaskas Chukchi Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard. These places and the fossil fuels beneath them are held in trust for the public by the federal government; federal fossil fuel leasing is administered by the Department of the Interior. Over the past decade, the combustion of federal fossil fuels has resulted in nearly a quarter of all U.S. energy-related emissions. An 2015 report by EcoShift Consulting, commissioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth, found that remaining federal oil, gas, coal, oil shale and tar sands that have not been leased to industry contain up to 450 billion tons of potential greenhouse gas pollution. As of earlier this year, 67 million acres of federal fossil fuel were already leased to industry, an area more than 55 times larger than Grand Canyon National Park containing up to 43 billion tons of potential greenhouse gas pollution. Last year Sens. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sanders (I-Vt.) and others introduced the Keep It In the Ground Act (S. 2238) legislation to end new federal fossil fuel leases and cancel non-producing federal fossil fuel leases. Days later President Obama canceled the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, saying, Because ultimately, if were going to prevent large parts of this Earth from becoming not only inhospitable but uninhabitable in our lifetimes, were going to have to keep some fossil fuels in the ground rather than burn them and release more dangerous pollution into the sky. Download the September Keep It in the Ground letter to President Obama. Download Grounded: The Presidents Power to Fight Climate Change, Protect Public Lands by Keeping Publicly Owned Fossil Fuels in the Ground (this report details the legal authorities with which a president can halt new federal fossil fuel leases). Download The Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions of U.S. Federal Fossil Fuels (this report quantifies the volume and potential greenhouse gas emissions of remaining federal fossil fuels) and The Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions fact sheet. Download Over-leased: How Production Horizons of Already Leased Federal Fossil Fuels Outlast Global Carbon Budgets. Download Public Lands, Private Profits, a report about the corporations that are profiting from climate-destroying fossil fuel extraction on public lands. Download the Center for Biological Diversitys legal petition calling on the Obama administration to halt all new offshore fossil fuel leasing. Download the Center for Biological Diversitys legal petition with 264 other groups calling on the Obama administration to halt all new onshore fossil fuel leasing. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. For Immediate Release, August 12, 2016 Contact: Chloe Detrick, The Humane Society of the United States, (202) 658-9091, cdetrick@humanesociety.org Andrea Santarsiere, Center for Biological Diversity, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Filed Challenging Montana's Unconstitutional Regulations for Hunting Grizzly Bears BOZEMAN, Mont. Animal protection and conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission's illegal, fast-tracked adoption of grizzly bear hunting regulations that open the door for trophy hunting once the bears are stripped of Endangered Species Act protections. A final rule removing Yellowstone grizzly bears from the endangered species list is expected as early as November. The Humane Society of the United States, the Center for Biological Diversity and Bozeman resident Clint Nagel filed the suit after citizens concerned about Montanas trophy-hunting plan were denied access to the full content of the regulations, unlawfully limiting their ability to voice informed opinions on the controversial plan. Despite this violation of the rulemaking process, the Commission voted unanimously to adopt the regulations on July 13. It simultaneously ratified a tri-state memorandum of agreement with Idaho and Wyoming to divvy up quotas for grizzly hunts. I have two concerns over the issue of delisting of the grizzly bear: the future of the bear itself, and making sure the public understands and participates in decisions about how the bear will be managed if delisting occurs, said Mr. Nagel, a retired U.S. Geological Survey employee and long-time advocate for Greater Yellowstone wildlife. Because the state hasnt provided sufficient details to the public, we just dont know enough about how trophy hunting will be regulated, and how managers will prevent an unwanted decline in the overall population and genetic viability. The long-term harm caused by trophy hunting is well established in scientific literature. By specifically targeting the biggest and strongest males, trophy hunting reduces the genetic viability of a species and has cascading impacts on the social dynamics of apex predators, including increasing infanticide. And a recent study demonstrated that when states allow recreational trophy hunting of carnivores, it increases the rate of poaching by making killing more acceptable. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has hidden the ball by proposing and adopting a regulation that was not made fully available to the public, said Anna Frostic, senior attorney for wildlife litigation at The Humane Society of the United States. Expecting stakeholders, outside experts and the concerned public to comment on a regulatory proposal that was not even made accessible to them makes a mockery of their constitutional right to participate meaningfully in decisions about Montanas wildlife heritage. In March 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to delist grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem and turn their management over to the states. Shortly thereafter, Montana like Wyoming and Idaho rushed to approve a trophy-hunting season that puts the recovery of grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone in jeopardy. Recent polling shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose trophy hunting, said Andrea Santarsiere, a staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. By purposefully limiting public participation on the trophy hunting issue, Montana is trying to drown out these voices. Montanas constitution and its laws require more. The plaintiffs are seeking to reopen the comment period on the regulations in order to give members of the public the opportunity to scrutinize and comment on the full content of the rule. They are represented by attorneys from The Humane Society of the United States and local counsel, Kristine M. Akland. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. For Immediate Release, August 11, 2016 Contact: Amaroq Weiss, (707) 779-9613, aweiss@biologicaldiversity.org Helicopter Gunners Kill Two Wolves in Northeastern Washington PORTLAND, Ore. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced late today that aerial gunners have killed two adult members of the Profanity Peak wolf pack in northeast Washington, including the packs breeding female. Washington state just made things worse, not better by killing these two wolves, said Amaroq Weiss, West Coast wolf organizer with the Center for Biological Diversity. Not only is it a tragedy to have these two beautiful wolves wiped out by gunners in helicopters of all things but there's very strong science showing that killing a breeding animal can sometimes cause a wolf pack to split into several packs or dissolve altogether, disrupting their social order and even spurring additional conflicts with wildlife. The kill order was issued following investigations concluding the wolves recently killed three calves and a cow and that three other calf deaths are probable wolf kills. All of the losses occurred on public lands grazing allotments, in territory occupied by the Profanity Peak pack. The decision was made under the guidelines of a new lethal removal protocol that was agreed to this spring by the state Wolf Advisory Group, a stakeholder group convened by the Department of Fish and Wildlife that includes agency staff and representatives from the ranching, hunting and conservation community. Despite the provisions of the Wolf Lethal Removal Protocol that was recently agreed to by the wolf advisory group, indicating that incremental lethal removal is the preferred avenue, the agency now has sharpshooters on the ground trying to kill more pack members. This wolf-killing operation is unfolding in a really disturbing way, Weiss said. If wolves are going to ever have a hope of recovering in Washington state, we need to rethink how these kinds of operations are being carried out. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. No. 839, Aug. 11, 2016 State Issues Kill Order for Wolves in Northeast Washington Returning wolves to the West Coast is no easy job. This week we learned that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to kill members of the Profanity Peak pack in Ferry County, in the northeastern part of the state. The agency's kill order followed investigations concluding that wolves from this pack were behind the recent deaths of three calves and a cow, all on public-lands grazing allotments. The decision was made under the guidelines of a new lethal-removal protocol agreed upon this spring by the state Wolf Advisory Group, which includes Department of Fish and Wildlife staff as well as representatives from the ranching, hunting and conservation communities. The Center for Biological Diversity has been fighting for years to bring wolves back to Washington, Oregon and California -- which takes more tolerance than the Profanity Peak pack is getting. We'll keep fighting. "We're deeply saddened that wolves are going to die," said Amaroq Weiss, our West Coast wolf organizer. "We aren't part of the advisory group but have made clear that we don't support the killing of the public's wildlife on public lands." Read more in The Seattle Times. Vanishing Rio Grande Mussel Proposed for Protection Following a landmark settlement with the Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week proposed endangered species protection for the Texas hornshell, the last surviving native freshwater mussel in New Mexico. The animal is severely threatened by plans for a new dam, as well as ongoing pollution and destruction of its river habitat. Sporting a dark-green or brown shell up to 4 inches long, the Texas hornshell was once found throughout the Rio Grande watershed. It's now confined to six isolated stretches, including just two tributaries of the Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico. "The remarkable survival of this unassuming creature spotlights the critical importance of protecting our last clean, flowing rivers -- and doing right by mussels and people alike," said the Center's Michael Robinson. Protection was proposed as part of our historic 2011 agreement with the government to expedite decisions on 757 species. So far 147 have been protected as a result, and another 35 have been proposed for safeguards. Read more in our press release. Offshore Drilling in Alaska? Lessons From Exxon Valdez Still Apply Got four minutes? Then hop over to our Medium page and read this piece from our Alaska representative Dune Lankard about the life-changing lessons of the Exxon Valdez spill and the importance of halting new offshore leases in Alaska. Dune is an Eyak Athabaskan Native, lifelong Alaska resident, and subsistence and commercial fisherman. His piece explores the hard truths about the 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound and the lessons we're doomed to repeat if we continue business as usual. "This single event changed my life and the life of my community forever," Dune writes. "Indeed, that devastating experience informs my roles as a tribal leader, a fisherman, a committed conservationist -- and today, my strong opposition to the current push for new offshore oil leasing around Alaska." He continues: "We have already done more than our fair share to feed this country's unquenchable thirst for fossil fuels, even at the loss of our precious environment, fisheries and public trust. It's time to write a new chapter and create a truly sustainable economy." Read more from Dune and follow the Center on Medium. Study: Endangered Species Listing Process Taking 6 Times Too Long According to a report in the latest edition of the journal Biological Conservation, over the past 40 years imperiled species have waited on average more than 12 years for Endangered Species Act protection -- even though legally the protection process should take no more than two years. The study, which analyzed the listing process for 1,338 species protected between 1973 and 2014, also found that vertebrate species are protected more quickly than invertebrates and plants, and that lawsuits (like those filed by the Center and other conservation groups) hasten protection for the species they champion. The newly uncovered delays and biases -- caused by scant federal funding, shifting policies and differing priorities among presidential administrations -- are "of grave concern," in the words of lead author Dr. Emily Puckett. That's putting it tactfully, to say the least: Over the past four decades, more than 40 species have gone extinct while waiting for protection. "As this study shows," said the Center's Noah Greenwald, "even more species might have been lost if it weren't for petitions and lawsuits by concerned groups and citizens." Read more in our press release. Lawsuit Targets Plan to Turn California Aquifer Into an Oil Waste Dump In the Price Canyon area of San Luis Obispo County, there are at least 100 wells for drinking water and crop irrigation within a mile of an aquifer that California officials seem eager to turn into a permanent disposal site for oil wastewater. So last week the Center filed suit against the regulators for their failure to analyze the risks associated with injecting oil waste into this underground water supply. It's the first attempt by Gov. Jerry Brown's oil officials to seek an "aquifer exemption" allowing the waste injection since revelations last year that oil companies have been allowed to dump toxic waste into scores of protected underground water supplies across California -- waste that can contain high levels of benzene and other cancer-causing chemicals. "Oil regulators are disturbingly determined to turn this aquifer into an oil-industry waste dump, but they can't just shrug off California's environmental laws," said Maya Golden-Krasner, the Center attorney bringing the lawsuit. "California officials must put our thirsty state's water needs ahead of oil-company profits." Get more from KSBY San Luis Obispo News. Dragonflies 1, Industry 0: EPA Was Right to Cancel Toxic Pesticide The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to halt use of a pesticide that's highly toxic to freshwater wildlife like dragonflies, crayfish and mussels survived an industry challenge last week from Bayer CropScience: The agency's appeals board agreed the company had failed to live up to its commitment to stop selling the pesticide after studies confirmed its toxicity to wildlife. The EPA knew back in 2008 that flubendiamide, an insecticide designed to kill caterpillars, is very toxic to aquatic invertebrates and accumulates in the environment with each application -- yet the agency granted Bayer a limited approval while the company did more studies on the chemical. After the studies confirmed unacceptable levels of harm, the EPA requested voluntary cancellation (and the Center supported that request with friend-of-the-court briefs) but Bayer refused. The company fought the EPA's decision and now has lost the appeal . "Cancelling flubendiamide is a huge win for freshwater wildlife around the country," said Center Senior Attorney Stephanie Parent. "Harming species like dragonflies, crayfish and mussels has cascading effects on the entire web of life, and this pesticide poses unacceptable risks." Read more in our press release. Overturn Citizens United and Stop the War on Wildlife -- Take Action As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's disastrous Citizens United ruling in 2010 -- which holds that corporations are legal persons and money is "free speech" -- political contributions going directly to Congress from the oil and gas industry have skyrocketed. And it's no mystery where that money's influence went: Members of Congress turned around and launched a 660 percent increase in legislative attacks on the Endangered Species Act and imperiled wildlife like American burying beetles and sage grouse, whose protection was "in the way" of fossil fuel projects. Fortunately senators on Capitol Hill have put forth Senate Bill 6 and Senate Joint Resolution 5 -- the "We the People Package" -- to put campaign reform front and center for the next Congress. The bills would put limits on campaign contributions, mandate public disclosures, and require all candidates running for federal office to report contributions more than $1,000. Curtailing legalized bribery and shining a light on "dark money" contributions will help ensure that science, not corporate-funded political schemes, decides the fate of wildlife. Your voice is needed -- act now to sign our petition in support of these resolutions. Wild & Weird: It's a Frog! It's a Fish! No, It's a Frogfish! -- Watch Video Resembling car-emblem Darwin fish -- that is, fish with sprouting legs and feet -- the strange denizens of the ocean called "frogfish" are the only fish known to walk. Different species of these marvelous critters can look like frogs, bulldogs, or squat masses of coral or rock, but they all look weird. And they all balance themselves on leg-like fins to make their way across the ocean floor. Frogfish, of which there are nearly 50 known species, are camouflage hunters. They spend most of their time with their bodies stock-still, except for the fleshy lures protruding from their noggins, which they swing around to attract prey as they wait for a snack. And while they may seem lethargic, they actually have one of the fastest attack strikes on the planet: A frogfish can swallow its prey whole in 1/6,000th of a second. Do yourself a favor and watch our new video of these concentrated lumps of oddity waddling around the ocean floor, flipping their lures and gulping up prey. Kieran Suckling @KieranSuckling Executive Director View this message in your browser and share it on social media. Photo credits: Profanity Peak pack wolves courtesy Washington Department of Natural Resources; Texas hornshell mussel by casaverdesol/Flickr (licensed image cropped from original); Exxon Valdez courtesy NOAA; wolves by John Pitcher; New England cottontail courtesy U.S. Department of the Interior; oil derrick by ali_e/Flickr; dragonfly by steven2005/Flickr; brown bear (c) Robin Silver, Center for Biological Diversity; American burying beetle courtesy Doug Backlund/SD Game Fish & Parks; frogfish by buzzthediver/Flickr. Donate now to support the Center's work. Remove me from this mailing list. The Center for Biological Diversity sends out newsletters and action alerts through SalsaLabs.com. Click here if you'd like to check your profile and preferences. Center for Biological Diversity P.O. Box 710 Tucson, AZ 85702-0710 Mewing is a TikTok trend that has blown up in the last few months. It is claimed that it can help shape your jawline as well as cure other ailments by actively pressing your tongue to the roof This month, UK Visas and Immigration launched a new 24-hour Super Priority Visa service in Nigeria. The introduction of this service allows customers greater flexibility to choose from a number of visa products to meet their needs; it is offered alongside the current Priority Visa (front of queue processing 5-7 day) and standard (15 day) services. Image by 123RF The UK is the only European country to offer a visa decision in 24 hours. The SPV service is aimed largely at key business customers and those needing to travel urgently by providing a visa decision for collection at the Visa Application Centre the working day following submission. The service costs 750, in addition to the visa fee, and will be available to eligible customers applying in the Abuja and Lagos Victoria Island Visa Application Centres. Customers applying in any one of the following immigration routes are eligible to use this service: Visitors (all short stay visa categories, including those travelling for business and tourists). Points Based System Tier 4 (applicants must be legally resident in Nigeria). Appointments are available Monday to Thursday from 08.30am to 10.00am, and Fridays from 08.30am to 09.00am at the Abuja and Lagos Victoria Island Visa Applications Centres only. Welcoming the introduction of the Super Priority Visa service in Nigeria, the British High Commissioner Paul Arkwright said: I am pleased to see the Super Priority Visa service being launched in Nigeria. This comes with an additional cost but is designed to give greater flexibility to our customers and underlines our strong commitment to make improvements to the visa services we offer. We expect this new service to be particularly useful for business. We understand that business opportunities and urgent requirements can arise at very short notice. We recognise this and want to facilitate such travel to the UK with this new super-fast service. Ethan & Harriet, Nigeria's pioneer educational toy company, is championing the preservation of the country's cultural heritage through fun and games and plans to launch its range of educational toys and Nigerian-themed puzzles nationally. Bunmi Wiliams, founder of the company explained: Our flagship product is the Nigerian-themed jigsaw puzzle and the strength of this puzzle is that it enhances the profile of Nigeria on the world stage in a fun and creative way. It is a powerful tool for children and adults and it allows Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, play a game that teaches about their history and captures attributes and landmarks, which other games currently may not address. Wiliams also said Ethan & Harriet Toys, as part of its CSI endeavours, intends to provide educational facilities as well as train the minds of both young and old Nigerians to think positively about Nigeria and Africa. With the Federal Government targeting the transformation of the educational sector with modern learning facilities through partnerships with private organisations, stakeholders expect the introduction of the Ethan & Harriet range of educational toys to build a sense of national pride among children. Added Wiliams: Ethan & Harriet is excited to be making this entry to the Nigerian market at a time where our children need to be taught proactively about their history. By officially unveiling our flagship products, we are bringing to light the importance of Ethan & Harriets heritage value proposition and highlighting its benefits pertaining to education, youth development and tourism, she said. Paula Barnard forms part of the leadership at the helm of World Vision South Africa . Prior to entering the NGO space, she lent her skills to the corporate sector with eight years spent in banking before running her own strategy and project management consultancy for seven years. Paula Barnard We interviewed the versatile Barnard, currently national director of World Vision SA, to find out more about the organisation's work in SA, the obstacles she's had to tackle as a woman in business, and who inspires her. Who is Paula Barnard, and what is your role as World Vision SAs national director? Paula Barnard is a passionate woman with a heart for vulnerable children disadvantaged by poverty and injustice. I received this amazing opportunity to use my God-given talents and hard earned skills to ensure that the vulnerable child in South Africa gets the opportunity to be healthy, literate, cared for and loved. As the CEO or national director of World Vision South Africa, I oversee all advocacy initiatives which are designed to influence policy to in turn ensure a better future for the children of the country. My work also includes the implementation of development initiatives at 14, long-term (15 years) in-community programmes across South Africa, as well as overseeing our current drought relief efforts under the El Nino Disaster Response. Also, World Vision South Africa has 250 staff members that require my leadership and guidance. You've had quite a dynamic career so far, what drew you to World Vision? The opportunity to make a difference and to lead a change agenda close to my heart and soul. If Im honest, it was quite a change for me, but I truly believe that God called me to lead this organisation at that time. Does any of World Vision's work focus on the upliftment and empowerment of women and girls in South African society? Yes, absolutely. We see the girl child as one of the most vulnerable in our society today and we work very hard to create accessible opportunities that will enable them in time - to achieve their full potential. There are several programmes especially under our health, education and economic development areas that are targeted directly towards helping the girl child. Our Channels of Hope for Gender Based Violence, is a faith-based programme aimed at creating the mind and behavioural shifts necessary to ensure that our women and girls are treated equally in society. We train pastors and other religious leaders to influence change from a faith perspective ensuring they can truly bring equality in their congregations. Have you at any point faced any gender-related obstacles during your career? If yes, how did you overcome them? Being one of the few female CEOs (there are over 100 CEOs and less than 10 are female) within a global organisation is a challenge. You always have to work harder to get the credibility that your male counterparts seem to just have. As a female CEO, you are almost always labelled as emotional, and that becomes a challenge when you are faced with robust discussions, especially if you are the only woman at the table. Im not sure that I have been able to overcome them. I have learnt to accept them, and tried to use these labels in a positive way. For example, being passionate about helping children and truly being empathetic to their situation is not necessarily something that comes naturally to men, and I have found that being able to be authentic about this has been my way of embracing and celebrating the gender differences. Is there a female figure that has had a positive influence on your life? If yes, who and how so? Yes, my mother Adelaide Turnbull probably had the biggest influence on my life. Her example of courage, faith and overcoming against all odds has really shaped the way I want to interact with the world. From a personal and professional perspective, there are a few women who I truly appreciate (and try to emulate) for their contribution to breaking the ceiling in their own way: Wendy Lucas-Bull; Jenna Clifford; Mother Teresa; Laura Bush; Malala Yousafzai; Dr. Jane Goodall; Aung San Suu Kyi; Wangari Maathai; Irma Venter; Zola Budd; and more recently Maria Kgabo and Ledile Mphaphlele, the respective World Vision team leaders in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. What do you believe is the role of women in driving sustainable development? I truly believe that this is such an untapped domain for female leaders. We all try to prove ourselves in the business world, which is frankly built to suit the male ego, but forget that caring for another is our greatest strength. Humanitarian development, I believe, is much more suited to a female leader. I also believe that once Africa can get its girl child and women to rise from their circumstances, they will save the continent. They do already, in many small ways. In almost all my programme visits, it is almost always the Gogo that is caring for five or six orphaned grandchildren on a meagre grant or pension. Granny-headed households are an accepted term in our world; the Gogos are my heroes. Do you think, in 2016, it is important to have a month dedicated to women in South Africa? I think it is good, although all the talk about womens rights doesnt mean much if there isnt concerted effort to change the way society sees empowering women and the upliftment of the girl child. And that goes for men and women. What is your message for Women's Month? Breathe. You are just one woman. The fate of the world does not rest in your hands only. You can only do so much and you do more than enough. You are enough. You are loved. Be humble. Wear mascara, and always wear flat shoes, you never know when you need to run towards your next adventure. According to Nevo Hadas, a partner at &Innovation Consulting, We provide experienced personnel and proven methodologies to move from concept to market launch. Although they utilise a variety of strategic models, innovation techniques, and facilitation approaches, they remain aware that there are no rules for doing something new, other than keeping an open mind. Their clients span the globe, but it is their experience in Africa that has enabled them to deliver strategies and results that are based on market realities and local market knowledge. Their work often takes developed world products and interprets them for developing world economies and vice versa. Says Hadas, These markets provide large growth opportunities for international businesses but often require a business model tweak to be effective. Sometimes it is something that can be incorporated from other markets, like cash on delivery for e-commerce, and sometimes it is a different mindset all together, like prepaid mobile usage. Understanding what can be done and how to do it can mean the difference between a $10Million market opportunity and a $10 Billion market opportunity. The challenge The landscape of work is shifting towards smaller, scalable teams with individuals in global locations, therefore, the way projects are managed needs to be re-imagined. The internal culture, when it comes to using new tools, is weak, with reporting to management often being problematic. Furthermore, the cultural impact of new ways of working are not well define and can create friction and low uptake. With #CoCreate2Accelarate, &Innovation aims to achieve the following: To create a playbook for an integrated extranet technology and culture stack Off the shelf, SaaS tools Configuration advice Cultural rules Implementation guide To deploy the technology stack To publish the playbook in both English and Dutch On being asked how this new way of working and the playbook will influence the internal culture, Hadas explained: We do a number of things differently because of the multi-national nature of our work, and the mix of specialisations we employ on different deliverables in a single project. We are putting structure across a variety of disciplines (product, marketing, business processes, finance, support, etc.) all at once, and each have unique ways of operating to achieve success - which you dont want to damage through a "unified" methodology. While we are an edge case, many businesses are moving into more distributed models with suppliers playing integral roles in their business. We believe that the future of work will resemble our world more than the "9-5, meetings in HQ, project reports on my desk by Monday morning" paradigm. Helping &Innovation execute Their Dutch counterpart, Kevin Weijers is an exploration officer, public speaker and author/blogger. He initiated We Quit Mail which helps companies collaborate in a smarter, more valuable, more enjoyable way. Weijers gave up mail in 2013, travelled the world and helped businesses simplify and execute plans to create a better work experience. &Innovate and Weijers will co-create a Future Workspace Manual, detailing how corporates can use online work tools to bring simplicity, creativity and innovation to the workspace. Small Business Friday (SBF) kicks off on 2 September 2016 and Mike Anderson, CEO and founder of the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC), says that the drive is not just to develop women from an economic perspective, but the bigger picture of reshaping the modern-day global economy. Women are underestimated powerhouses of an economy. This is not a fact that is relevant only to South Africa, but it is a global phenomenon. South Africa needs to not only build entrepreneurship, but to encourage and develop female business owners. Forbes says that whats good for women is good for the economy and I think this is truer for South Africa than anywhere else right now. While we have many rural women who are already trying to be sustainable, we need to focus on developing our formal sector and boost female entrepreneurship and small business development. Together with title sponsor Nedbank, the NSBC and its SBF movement hope to encourage the support of local small businesses every Friday. He says it would be great if these businesses were also female-owned. In the US, economists and academics agree that women entrepreneurs are an under-tapped force that can rekindle economic expansion. They are becoming more entrepreneurial and already own 36% of all businesses in the US. Access to capital While progress has been made, he says that it is nowhere near enough, or at a level where it will make enough of an impact on social and economic issues. A recent study, by an international National Business Womens Council, indicated that women-owned entrepreneurs raise smaller amounts of capital to finance their businesses and are more reliant on personal rather than external sources of financing. Within the context of growth-oriented entrepreneurship, this distinction is important according to the council because growth-oriented businesses typically require substantial amounts of external capital in the form of both debt and equity. If women entrepreneurs do not seek, or if they are not able to obtain external capital, prospects for growing their small businesses are diminished considerably. Three sectors offer opportunity Locally, the SME Growth Index examines three sectors with growth and value-adding potential: manufacturing, business services and tourism. The Index claims that 21% of its panellists are women, but would like to see an increase in female businesses within these sectors. The multi-country Global Economic Monitor (GEM) survey has conclusively shown that businesses owned by women tend to be smaller than those owned by men, both in terms of turnover and number of employees. The findings from the SME Growth Index are consistent with this global pattern, finding that women-owned businesses generally have a lower turnover, and fewer employees, than those owned by men. Anderson says that according to Stats SAs latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, women comprise 23% of South Africas total employers. We have a fantastic opportunity to grow female-owned small businesses and the NSBC and Nedbank would love to see support for female entrepreneurs during August especially. Make Small Business Friday a mechanism to support women and help them become the economic force predicted. Nedbank also supports several initiatives, aimed at empowering women in business, such as the events through the Business Womens Association, including sponsorship for the past three years of a an event to celebrate exceptional women in business and society. On a broader level, as a bank, Nedbank was involved in a mutually beneficial Broad-Based-Black Economic Empowerment deal with its partners Brimstone and womens empowerment firm WIPHOLD that concluded in 2015 on its 10th anniversary. However, as part of the deal, along with Old Mutual Group and its partner Izingwe, Nedbank, Brimstone and WIPHOLD continued with the relationship, agreeing to establish three sustainable legacy funds of R100m a year. Disbursement from the first fund established in 2015 has benefited a womens agricultural initiative in the Eastern Cape. For more information, go to www.smallbizfriday.co.za. Many partners are coming together to celebrate the 21st Pendoring Advertising Awards, which takes another step forward this year by opening its doors to entries in all the indigenous African languages to compete on an equal footing. Franette Klerck, Pendoring GM Companies and organisations, which realise the sound business sense of mother tongue advertising in communicating with a particular target market, include ATKV, Dagbreek Trust, kykNET, Media24 and Toyota, as platinum sponsors. In addition, gold sponsor Die Burger, silver sponsors Rapport, Ads24 and Huisgenoot, and Caxton Community Newspapers, OFM en Kuier (bronze sponsors) also ensure that the wheels keep on turning. Ten partners have pledged their support of Pendoring this year: Beeld, Clover, eVATI spring water, Leopards Leap Wines, MarkLives.com, Maroela Media, Newsclip, Richelieu, Vodacom World and Bizcommunity.com as online partner. Following 21 successful years, the authoritativeness and impact of Pendoring are no longer limited to the Afrikaans market; this year it crossed language and cultural boundaries to promote, acknowledge and celebrate the kaleidoscope of advertising in all home languages (excluding English). This means that both the Prestige and Umpetha awards for the overall winner of the best Afrikaans and best indigenous entry, entail R100,000 (including an overseas study tour). Likewise, the overall student winners for the best Afrikaans and best indigenous entries will both receive cash prizes of R10,000, Pendoring GM, Franette Klerck points out. Nick Efstathiou, GM of long-time bronze sponsor OFM, says, The radio station is proud to continue its association with this esteemed competition. Print, broadcast and digital media in South Africa are surely the most important platforms for highlighting creativity and innovative ideas. Advertisers must work harder to rise above the competition. This is only possible if a creative team understands your product or service and can communicate it to the public in an unforgettable manner. The Pendoring Awards pay tribute to outstanding creativity in advertising and OFM is proud to reward the masters of new and fresh ideas for their hard work. New blood Making their debut as Pendoring partners this year, Beeld, Clover and Richelieu are also very pleased with their association with the Awards. Chris Lerm, who retired as the head of brands and marketing at Clover at the end of June, says the company prides itself that, for the past 118 years, it provided excellent quality products to all the market segments in South Africa. As a truly South African company, Clover is just as proud to partner the Pendoring Awards this year, particularly as the Awards broke new ground by opening its doors to advertising in all the indigenous languages of our rainbow nation. Also proud to join the Pendoring team this year, is Richelieu. We are very happy to join in celebrating the best skills and fearless craftsmanship of our indigenous language advertising. Success does not come overnight; this we know all too well. Just as our slogan says: Rich, Rewarding, Richelieu, we believe that rich rewards await those who make the most of their talent to prove themselves in their own right, and, on top of that, earn the respect of their peers, says marketing manager Jeremy Thompson. Promise of glittering gala Likewise, Vodacom World is very pleased that its crowning glory, the Vodacom Dome, will once again host the glittering awards event, says Vodacom World marketing manager, Penny Gilchrist. For many years, Vodacom World has partnered for the special event and highlight on the advertising calendar. It stands to reason that we will once again do our level best to make the event as memorable as possible, not only with regard to an unparalleled theatrical experience, but also by providing a sumptuous three-course meal and five-star service. The annual Pendoring gala event takes place on Friday evening, 28 October 2016. Tickets are now available, for more information, go to www.pendoring.co.za. The proposed sugar tax will leave a sour taste in the beverage industry, which says it believes that the resultant drop in sales will result in thousands of job losses. Draft Treasury regulations propose a tax of 2c/g of sugar in sweetened drinks. The beverage industry says that this could lead to price increases of up to 30% on some drinks. It said 60,000 jobs would be lost because fewer cooldrinks would be bought. "It's most likely to affect small businesses, such as spaza shops, disproportionately," said Beverage Association of SA executive director Mapule Ncanywa. The proposal is out for comment until 22 August. A study by the Priceless unit run by Wits University's professor Karen Hofman showed that a tax of 20% on sugared drinks could result in a decrease of more than 220,000 in the number of obese adults. But Ncanywa contended that the effect on weight would be negligible because only 3% of the average South Africans' energy intake was from sugared drinks. Hofman said the industry's job loss estimates "are implausible and hypothetical". The industry said that a sugar tax in Denmark was scrapped in 2014 because it did not reduce sugar intake. Instead, Danes crossed the borders to buy sugared drinks. Defenders and opponents of the sugar tax cited studies of a similar tax in Mexico to make their point. Industry studies of the effects of a sugar tax have not been published independently or peer-reviewed. Even though Ncanywa said that sales had not fallen significantly in Mexico since the introduction of the tax, she said the beverage industry estimated that 40000 jobs would be lost in Mexico because of the tax. Hofman responded: "How did the Mexico sugar tax lead to job losses if sales were not significantly affected?" The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about an eighth of SA's economy, grew 4.5% year on year in June following a revised increase of 3.9% (4%) in May, Statistics SA data showed on Thursday. The consensus forecast among economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for growth to come in at 3.1% year on year in June, while Trading Economics had forecast 3.59% growth. A median consensus forecast from a BDlive survey of five economists showed output was expected to have slowed to 2.8%. FNB economists thought manufacturing would have held up in June. Compared with May, manufacturing output rose 0.1% in June, after expanding 3.3% in May compared with April. The sectors that led the year-on-year increase were: petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (15.4% and contributing 3.4 percentage points); wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing (4.4% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point); and food and beverages (2% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point) Manufacturing production increased 2% in the second quarter, compared with the first. The biggest contributors to this increase were: petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products (3.9% and contributing 0.9 of a percentage point); motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment (7.2% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point); and food and beverages (1,9% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point). Last year the sector shrank in the first, second and final quarters. The latest data are a strong indication that manufacturing contributed positively to economic growth in the second quarter. If the economy grows in the second quarter, it will have avoided a technical recession or two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. An improvement in manufacturing production was consistent with developments in the Barclays purchasing managers index (PMI), Investec economist Kamilla Kaplan said in a research note ahead of the release. The PMI a key indicator of activity in the manufacturing sector -averaged 53.5 in the second quarter signalling a modest increase in manufacturing sector activity throughout the second quarter. Kaplan said. While SA was still seen as the most competitive manufacturing country in Africa, it was losing momentum when compared to global leaders such as China and others, the Deloitte 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI) found on Wednesday. SA fell three places to 27th on the index. The study is conducted every three years and is designed to help global industry executives and policy makers evaluate drivers that are key to company and country level competitiveness. The major focus of the Produce Marketing Association' (PMA) sixth annual Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo will be attracting, developing and retaining industry talent. The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA), previously known as the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To ensure it can meet industry needs over the next 10 years, CGTbyPMA will be upscaling its programme investments to attract more top university students to careers in the fresh produce and floral industry, further develop leadership programmes for workers at all stages of the career continuum young professionals, mid-level managers, emerging leaders, senior executives and women and redefine its retention strategies to aid companies looking to retain current employees. Once again, this years conference will feature the CGTbyPMA Young Professionals Reception, taking place on Wednesday, 17 August. The reception is an ideal platform for professionals aged 35 and younger who aim to expand their professional network by connecting with peers. Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast Another key focus will be CGTbyPMAs Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, on 18 August. Focused on inspiring women and men to gain career insight, assist in advancing their leadership skills and foster meaningful relationships. Aimed at cultivating the potential of women, the seated breakfast session is a great opportunity for women and men working in the fresh produce and floral industry to share their success stories, inspire others and gain career insight. Monhla Hlahla, director for Solitron Holdings, Ruta Thari Holdings and Royal Bafokeng Holdings, is the keynote speaker for this compelling breakfast session. Hlahla will provide her perspective on the challenges women face in business, in the industry and how individuals and business can address those challenges. PMA's Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo runs from 17-18 August. The conference and expo will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. Limited tickets are still available. The suspension of senior managers at Eskom's Koeberg nuclear power plant followed closely on the filing of court papers in the Constitutional Court in which Toshiba subsidiary Westinghouse said Eskom had made false claims in the two companies' court battle over a R5bn tender. In the battle between Eskom and winning bidder Areva, the French nuclear company on one side, and loser Westinghouse over the tender to replace six steam generators at Koeberg, one of the hotly disputed issues is whether a delay to their installation would pose a nuclear safety risk or would put the national grid at risk. The Constitutional Court is the last stop in the battle over the Koeberg tender. Koeberg, SA's only nuclear plant, is considered vital to SA's long-term energy plans. On Friday, Westinghouse asked the Constitutional Court, which is yet to deliver judgment in the dispute, to admit into evidence a letter that was signed by the GM of Koeberg, Riedewaan Bakardien. If the letter is admitted, it could have a big effect on the outcome of the case and, ultimately, to which company the tender is awarded. On Wednesday, 1 August, Eskom announced it had placed the Koeberg Power Station manager and the plant manager on "precautionary suspension" - because of the distribution of documentation that contained "unauthorised facts and assumptions" relating to "in particular, the steam generator replacement". When the case was argued before the Constitutional Court, Eskom said the current steam generators were fast approaching the end of their lifespan and needed to be replaced in a production outage scheduled for 2018. Eskom argued that even if the court were to find that the tender should have been awarded to Westinghouse (as had been decided by the Supreme Court of Appeal), it should leave in place the award to Areva - for the sake of safety and of the national grid. Westinghouse disputed the safety claims as alarmist and argued that the generators were safe to replace in the 2021 scheduled outage. Bakardien's letter, dated July 21, deals with a revision to Koeberg's scheduled maintenance outages. It says that the steam generator replacement project had "not been assigned to any specific outage". Instead, it would be scheduled into the next available outage - once there was "clarity" on the steam generator replacement schedule. The 2018 scheduled outage was shortened from 130 days to 90 days and the 2019-20 outage was described as "a 'refuelling-only' outage". In an affidavit, Westinghouse MD Frederik Wolvaardt said that Bakardien's letter had showed that Eskom's allegations that the 2018 deadline was immutable had been "conclusively shown to be false". The correspondence also made it clear the only outage that could accommodate the installation of the generators was the one planned for 2021 - the date that Westinghouse said it would be able to meet. Eskom's attorney, Titus Mchunu, said Eskom would oppose the application to admit the letter. Eskom spokesman Khulu Phasiwe was not available for comment. Source: Business Day As part of Unilever's Global Goals for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Living Plan, Vaseline has partnered with international medical aid organisation Direct Relief to help restore the skin of five million people living in vulnerable conditions by 2020. According to Unilever, in KZN, there are just 30 trained dermatologists serving a community of 10.7-million people, yet up to 85% of patients go to public clinics for help with their skin problems. Says Ntokozo Ngubane, a local KZN community nurse, Many kids here have HIV and so they get serious skin problems. I see it all the time. It is a big problem. They get worse when they are not treated. Ntokozo is one of the 372 nurses, doctors and other medical professionals who attended a series of dermatological training days in May this year, hosted by the Vaseline Healing Project at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Nurses Hall and headed up by Dr Ncoza Dlova, head of Dermatology at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. The training missions championed essential skincare by providing dermatological training for nurses and effective treatment for their patients. The national initiative is set to bring training, treatment and relief to all South Africans in the upcoming months. Brands with purpose Unilever South Africa Skin Care and Hair Care director Cathalijne Oudijk said, The Vaseline Healing Project is a perfect example of how our brands with purpose are working, through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to improve the health and well-being of people globally. Access to quality care for skin conditions is scarce in South Africa with just one dermatologist for every 3-4 million people in the public sector of health care. Vaseline wants to empower the men and women on South Africas frontline of healthcare the nurses who often provide the first link between our local healthcare system and communities. By providing nurses with the tools and training to properly diagnose and treat skin problems, we hope to empower, not only them, but the communities they serve, to better understand their skin conditions and how best to treat them before they become more serious. Vaseline will also be visiting 100 schools in local KZN communities. 101,000 jars of Vaseline BLUESEAL will be distributed to students. In addition, Vaseline will donate first aid kits to each school and provide dermatological training to the school nurses. New ground has been broken at Richmond Park with the commencement of the internal works for the first of two property developments on the land restitution site in the Western Cape. Gerrit van den Berg is head of operations, Atterbury Western Cape Were thrilled to announce the first two developments at Richmond Park will be for CTM and Cape Fruit Coolers. These deals have triggered the start of the internal services installation and allowed us to appoint Burger and Wallace as the contractor for this portion of the work in Richmond Park, says Gerrit van den Berg, who heads Atterburys Western Cape operations. Richmond Park is a multibillion rand mixed-use property development in Milnerton, Cape Town, by major shareholder Atterbury, a South African property investor and developer, and partners the Richmond Park Communal Property Association (CPA), Qubic 3 Dimensional Property and Bethel Property. Richmond Parks 300,000m2 of greenfields development rights are on an 84ha site that is part of the land restitution settlement. Eight-year journey The land is owned by the Richmond Park Community who were forcibly removed from it between 1972 and 1984. In 2014, the land transferred back to the community, some 401 families representing 5,300 people spanning five generations. The Richmond Park Community leased the land to the Richmond Park Development Company and has a 25% shareholding in the development company. It has been an eight-year journey since winning the tender, and we are delighted that development at Richmond Park is entering its next phase and this vision is becoming a reality, says van den Berg. The project has enjoyed tremendous support at metropolitan and provincial level and, of course, from the CPA. Together we have worked tirelessly for this ambitious project to take shape. Cape Fruit Coolers site spans 3,5ha on which a 17,000m2 facility will be developed in phases, to expand its business. CTM has acquired 9,500m2 of land at Richmond Park, including a new 5,000m2 retail and distribution centre. The preparation of both sites began on 1 August for completion March 2017. The top structures are expected to be complete by November 2017 and May 2018 respectively. The Competition Commission has closed a complaint that was lodged against payment systems provider Net1 UEPS Technologies (NT1) and Grindrod Bank by Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Elza van Lingen. Van Lingen, who is the mayor-elect for Kouga in the Eastern Cape following the recent local government elections, had alleged that a subsidiary of Net1, Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), had provided other associates of the company as well as Grindrod Bank with access to the database of social grant beneficiaries that CPS maintains as part of its contract with the South African Social Security Agency. Van Lingen complained that access to this database had the effect of placing Grindrod Bank and Net1 at an advantage over other banks for the provision of insurance policies, loans and prepaid airtime and electricity. Following an investigation of the complaint, however, the commission decided not to refer the matter to the Competition Tribunal for consideration. It advised Van Lingen that she had the option of referring the matter directly to the tribunal if she disagreed with the commission's decision but, as she failed to refer the matter within the prescribed time, the case was closed, Net1 said on Wednesday. Source: BDpro via I-Net Bridge Southern Sun Hotels, owned by JSE-listed gaming and leisure group Tsogo Sun, has been given the green light to acquire a controlling share in Hospitality Property Fund (HPF). The Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, 10 August, approved the "large merger" between Southern Sun Hotels and Hospitality, "subject to conditions related to potential information exchange". Hospitality is a real estate investment trust which owns hotel properties and provides leasing services to third-party hotel operators. Tsogo wants to inject 10 hotels valued at about R1.8bn into Hospitality in exchange for more than 50% of Hospitality's ordinary shares. The Competition Commission had had concerns over the sharing of information. "While the commission found that in various geographic areas the merging parties would continue to face competition, it was concerned that since the Hospitality Property Fund leases hotel properties to Southern Sun Hotels' competitors, the merged entity had the ability to potentially exclude competitors by not renewing their lease agreements and share sensitive competitive information," the tribunal said. "The merger was approved subject to a number of conditions including that the merging parties ensure that the HPF has its own executive management team, which will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the HPF. The team will not include anyone who is involved in management in any capacity at Southern Sun," it said. Tsogo Sun CEO Marcel von Aulock said he was "really pleased this process is completed" and he looked forward to implementing the transaction. Source: Business Day Tsogo Sun's Citizenship team hosted a 'Celebrate and Inspire' Women's Day event with keynote speaker, businesswoman Phuti Mahanyele, executive chairperson of Sigma Capital investment group, in celebration of Women's Month and in acknowledgement of the powerful role women play in South Africa and its future. Shanda Paine, Phuti Mahanyele, Hlubi Mboya and Candy Tothill With more than half of Tsogo Suns workforce being comprised of women, the groups impact on creating opportunities and ensuring gender diversity in the workplace is significant. "52% of our employees are women and we rely on the value they bring to the business, says Candy Tothill, Tsogo Suns GM of Corporate Affairs, who was recently announced as one of three corporate finalists in the Businesswoman of the Year Awards, run by the Business Womens Association of SA. Tsogo Sun has a strong focus on developing female managers within the group, which is reflected in the fact that 43% of our executive and senior management comprises of women. This is significantly higher than the national average of 27% reported in the 2015 Grant Thornton International Business Report. Honouring women Guests at the all-women event included leaders, entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and drivers of change and development who share a common commitment to unite women in moving South Africa forward, which is the national theme for this years Womens Month. The event honoured brave women who have paved the way in this country over the last six decades since 1956 and recognised the work of those who are forging the path towards an equitable future for women to come. When women emerge as positive and powerful role models for the younger generation, the whole of society experiences the benefit, says Shanda Paine, Tsogo Suns group CSI manager. That is the thrust behind this event and our guest speaker, Phuti Mahanyele, embodies this philosophy and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when one is committed to realising their full potential. Mahanyele, who has won numerous awards, including the Forbes Woman Africa Business Woman of the Year Award, told guests, Have a strong sense of connection to yourself because that is something that is constantly being tested, particularly if you are a woman. There are many who will question why you are in your position. But you have to have the confidence to be in the role that you are in. Phuti Mahanyele Tsogo Sun 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists announced Also highlighting the Celebrate and Inspire theme was the announcement by Tothill of the five Tsogo Sun 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists, four of whom are women Meisie Nkosi owner of Bella Bonni Guesthouse, Carol Senosi owner of Lefa Cleaning Services, Lucille Cremen owner of Cresco Tours, Zinzi Masina owner of La Emme Guesthouse and Nqobile Nkosi owner of NQ Jewellery Design Services. The judges include captains of industry and past winners of the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The 2016 winner will be announced at a gala banquet on 20 October 2016. TS Entrepreneurs Tothill notes the relevance of Womens Month for Tsogo Sun. In the arena of the groups Corporate Affairs, the groups commitment to gender equality is strongly evident particularly within the citizenship portfolio encompassing the upliftment of local communities, entrepreneurial development, and environmental education, which is resulting in a significant and positive change all over the country. These results are being achieved by a dynamic women-led team of employees and suppliers to the group. It makes sense to empower women, adds Paine. Someone wise once said that if you empower a woman, you empower a nation, suggesting that the more we advance women, the more we advance society, and in turn the world. Its a win-win situation for everyone. Its encouraging to have Womens Month in South Africa to highlight the valuable role that women have played and continue to play in this country, and its a privilege to be able to share it with so many inspiring women. In their unpacking of the recent local elections three experts believe that Zuma will be with us till 2019, that the African National Congress (ANC) might split or it might not, and the rise of leaders such as Mmusi Maimane and Julius Malema are giving South Africans different choices. Lumkile Mondi, senior lecturer the University of the Witwatersrand, Justice Malala, political commentator and newspaper columnist, and Peter Bruce, editor in chief, BDFM Publishers, presented their interpretations of what the recent local elections really mean now and in the future, at an event sponsored by Nandos, moderated by Jeremy Maggs and hosted at the Wits Business School. The President While the discussion was about the local elections, it was not long before the President was mentioned. While it is time for President Zuma to go, I dont think he is going anywhere states Malala, who believes that his influence on our politics will be felt till 2019 and even beyond that. That narrative has already started, with the blame for the ANCs performance in Gauteng being no-ones - not Zumas or anyone elses, but everyones. On Monday the ANC will tell us that they have reflected and need to go back to the masses and reflect more. Antony McAulay via 123RF Bruce believes that President Zuma has a very hard job between now and the ANC elective conference next year, as he does not want to end up being the victim of negotiations between parties that are far from him that could weaken him in the elections. This is not because he can be elected but because he wants to control the elections so that he is protected by whoever gets elected and so that his networks are protected. They both agree that the Presidents position is entrenched and who replaces President Zuma will be like President Zuma because his networks need to be maintained, but now people are showing an impatience with this so there is the risk that that person may be protested against as well. The problem is that this distracts from running the country so until this is gone our country is not running properly. It eats at you legitimately, says Bruce. A positive of the elections has been the rise of leaders such as Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane coming through as they come from a different background and represent different options for the country, where you can make clear choices and not choices based on legacy and liberation, he adds. In pain These elections are a reflection of what is going on in the ANC and it is an organisation that is in pain; a pain that is probably the deepest it has ever felt in its 104 years of existence. It is under such strain, that it might not splinter, but instead split down the middle. It is so factionalised that it is impossible for it to function, but it will continue to maintain and preserve the current status quo until it is clear who will succeed Zuma, says Malala. The trend is a rejection of the ANC. Essentially the ANC has killed itself off, he states, and the people showed their dissatisfaction by staying at home. Over three million (3.3) people stayed home and did not vote. The ANC has the opportunity to get them back by changing their narrative, but the EFF and the Democratic Alliance (DA) will also work hard to capture these votes. Who these 3.3 million will vote for in 2019 will be interesting. The trend of the ANC losing votes in urban areas has continued, with it even losing some support in the urban Gauteng townships, but more than that, it has also happened to some degree in the rural areas. Bruce adds that he is not sure about the ANC splitting into a rural and urban party. I would think they would try very hard to avoid this. Mondi felt that interesting dynamics are taking shape within the ANC and so it has to split, with those reluctant to see President Zuma go, and those who want to see him go. Turning point or tree in the distance? While this election marks a big change, it is not yet a turning point for Bruce. He described it as driving through the Karoo and coming up a hill and seeing a tree in the distance. That tree is 2019, and that is what everyone is positioning themselves for. This is step, a big step on the way to 2019. The prize here is the country - not Tshwane or City of Johannesburg or Ekurhuleni, and that is where we are heading he adds. I want to get to the tree on the hill and that is 2019. So we need to get up every morning and do what we do. Time will reveal itself. Events happen. We don't know what is going to happen this afternoon and regardless of whether coalitions are formed or not, we will survive. We are resilient and tough. Malala felt that the elections are a turning point in the country, Society is changing and there are consequences. The future is beyond the ANC now, but it is about how we get there, says Justice. With so many multinational consumer brands making an aggressive push into the African market, the big-name international media, marketing and agencies are not far behind them. In exchange for their top-dollar consulting rates and high-end technology, they promise to bring global expertise and best practices to African brands and businesses, in turn helping us to catch up with the rest of the world. Yet, in reality, some of them have little to offer clients in South Africa besides the glamour of their names and the prestige of their international client lists. There are those that invest in building a local skills base and take the time to research the market, but there are also many who dont take the time to listen and understand what their clients need. I remember, for example, sitting in on a pitch in Ghana when a hot-shot from a global service provider tried to sell the bemused client an agricultural product for wheat and sheep. If only the multinational company had taken the time to listen before it spoke, it wouldve known that wheat and sheep are about as common on Ghanaian farms as lions and proteas are in London. This is a mistake that weve seen many companies repeat across Africa, whether they are FMCG giants selling deodorant, technology companies pushing expensive software or agencies offering the latest digital marketing solutions and practices. Having a proven global track record is not enough you also need to attune to the local nuances of the market you are serving. Thats why clients are often better served by working with local companies or those with an established local presence rather than those that ship in international skills. While an understanding of global practices and the latest technologies can be valuable, it is as important to understand the finer details of the relationships African consumers have with brands as well as how they consume media. For example, many of the lessons that international agencies have learnt about how their customers use high-end smartphones or watch streaming video or respond to brand interactions might not apply in many African countries. The customer journey can be very different and the markets can be highly fragmented and diverse, with a large split between urban and rural populations. And as an aside, so many of these companies also make the mistake of thinking that sub-Saharan Africa is split between South Africa and the rest of the countries, when there are important differences not only between regions and neighbouring countries. Is it worth paying a premium in dollars or euros for people who do know their stuff when it comes to the technology, yet dont understand the local market? Im not convinced it is. The good news is that there is an abundance of good talent in South Africa when it comes to digital skills; the fact that some of the savvier international players are spanning up homegrown agencies is testimony to that fact. Those that are most successful let the South African business and its affiliates in other parts of the continent operate as they always have. On the whole, I think its a good thing that so many brands and marketers in Africa are eager to learn from the rest of the world. At the same time, we have no reason to feel inferior or to think that local companies and skills are sub-standard. My advice thus is to look carefully at your requirement to understand if you really need an expensive resource from a multinational to do the job. Often, youll find that a local agency has the technical skill plus the local understanding to add more value, and at half the price. It will be operationally structured to support you in a long-term relationship rather than to deliver a project and then disappear. A smaller business that focuses on your country will often work twice as hard for your business and be 100% more loyal; whats more, your support will encourage it to keep developing powerful capabilities and skills to service the local market. An agency with plush offices in Canary Wharf in London might have the glitz and glamour, but does it really understand Africas diamonds and dust? If it doesnt, does it have the patience and humility to learn? Finding out can be an expensive exercise for brands with limited budget. Toshiaki Konaka became president for Honda Motor Southern Africa from April 2016, replacing Yoshiaki Nakamura who has retired after eight years in the role. Joining Honda in 1984, Konaka has held a number of senior automotive and sales roles. Of his 32 years with the company, 16 years were spent at Honda's European operations, including heading up Honda Spain and Honda Poland, as well as stints in Germany and the UK. In his most recent position as pan-European director for passenger cars, Konaka was responsible for developing and implementing Honda's pan-European strategy - a task he performed for the past six years. His experience while in Europe also extends to Honda motorcycles, in his position held as president of Honda Poland. Honda Motor Southern Africa operations director, Graham Eagle has been promoted to vice president and will support Konaka as he makes the transition into the new position. That glorious week of celebrating local creativity is upon us again, as Loeries Creative Week Durban, kicks off on Monday, 15 August with one of the most daunting tasks - judging. A handful of this year's Digital & Interactive category judges spilled the beans on what they're looking for from the entries as well as the biggest trend they predict from the digital/interactive work in 2016. McPherson, Carter, Williams and McManus In describing whats hes most looking forward to from Loeries Creative Week Durban, Gareth McPherson, executive creative director at Publicis Machine, says, "Judging week itself is a great time to sit for a few days and to share points of view, debate and admire great work. It's always a treat. He admires the other judges, thoroughly enjoys their company and says, Thats because ultimately the work is what brings us all together (hello, Loeries 2016 theme of Creativity Unites)! Technology changes and challenges McPherson says as technology constantly changes the industry and brand communication as a whole, hell be on the lookout for how technology and platforms support great ideas. For me, it must always be about the idea and the idea must always be hinged off a great insight It has to be relevant and it needs to resonate. The tech must always be secondary to that. McPherson adds that user experience is also a big one for him, so the brand experience must be relevant to what a user is engaging with and the craft must be considered. Moving on to discuss the biggest trend in digital/interactive work in 2016, McPherson says with the constant change and innovation driven in technology today, we are seeing many more ideas that bridge digital and the real world. We have moved on significantly from tweeting vending machines and are now seeing real one-of-a-kind experiences and ideas that brands use technology to bring to life. He lists last years Loeries Grand Prix-winning KFC Soundbite table by Ogilvy as a good example of this. Brian Carter, ECD at Liquorice, is also up for the task of judging this years Digital & Interactive entries. Hell be looking for ideas that connect with people in new ways; ideas that have insight and execution that has been meticulously crafted. He explains that our digital lives can get rather cluttered, so will look for ideas that stand out from what everyone else is doing. In a word, innovation. He says weve seen a lot of selfies, memes and emojis this year, but while trends come and go, it's more important to be relevant. Relevance is also cracking the judging criteria for Roanna Williams, creative director at Joe Public. She says great ideas that connect with consumers in a fresh and disruptive way are likely the ones thatll do well. Ideas that are true to the medium and use technology with genuine purpose. Revealed: The biggest digital trend Williams dubs this the the biggest digital trend at the moment: When great ideas use technology with purpose, it can have a real impact on peoples lives. She adds that digital ideas are integrating traditional values and storytelling, which is turning it into a medium that creates meaningful and accessible experiences for consumers. Ryan McManus, ECD at NATIVE, will be on the lookout for excellence. He thinks we still need to really push hard to get the digital work up to a global standard, and as a result will be looking for: Great conceptual or storytelling work. Ideas that embrace the medium. That transform and reinvent the medium. And work that really effects, connects with or touches people. The cheap wins or gimmicky ideas are not the ones that ever impress me. Instead, he wants to see how best you can use all the tools, platforms, tech and conceptual ability to create a powerful and innovative piece of communication that speaks to all the people who are using digital every single day. Thats no small ask, but hardly a surprise when you consider he feels the strongest digital work is that where the technology is vital to the idea, but is not visible in any way. McManus explains, When the work is cenetred on humans: real stories, beautifully crafted, magical experiences that embrace tech in execution, but leave the viewer feeling like there was no tech at all, like it was all effortless, seamless, human - I think when the story or the experience is at the centre, rather than tools - it just resonates with people. I also think that digital can be used to really connect people or allow them to participate in the storytelling. It lets them be a character in your brand narrative and allows them to co-create with you. Theres also a strong move toward creating real tools for people. Whether its platforms or experiences, the more utility' side of brand work can add real value to the consumer experience. Overall though, I feel like digital is really starting to embrace telling real, meaningful human stories that use tech, rather than telling tech stories to humans. And thats pretty awesome. Also awesome? The fact that the Loeries judging process is all done electronically. Click here for a reminder of how the Loeries fully digital judging process works finalists will only be announced once judging is complete next week The capital city of KZN will host guests from all over the region and beyond for seven days of idea generation and creative consumption. In the spirit of creativity, the Loeries are involving the community within the vibrant city of Durban by encouraging them to promote their business activities as a part of the Loeries Fringe Festival. The Loeries Fringe Festival invites all those with a passion for film, music, food, words, comedy, arts & crafts, dance and even theatre to host an event that will pique the interests of the local community and take advantage of the delegates coming from far and wide to attend Loeries Creative Week Durban. Local entrepreneurs and businesses are encouraged to make a mark on their city with their own creative flair by putting their work on the Fringe Festival map and showcase the unique creativity that Durban offers. Key events to look forward to include the Wednesday Jazz Live on 17 August at ItsTaboo, on Meyiwa Avenue and a Durban InstaMeet at the Whale Bone Pier where igers meet friends and followers as well get a chance to take some really awesome new shots. To have your event listed as a part of Loeries Creative Week Durban, send all details to moc.seireol@egnirf To have a look at the full programme of events featured on the Loeries Fringe Festival this year, visit loeries.com. Follow us on social media: Twitter: @Loeries #Loeries2016 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Loeries Instagram: loerieawards Major Partners of the Loeries 2016 Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province (EDTEA), EThekwini Municipality Durban Tourism, DStv Media Sales, Gearhouse South Africa Category Partners Accenture, Adams & Adams, ADreach, Channel O, Facebook, Film & Publication Board, Google, JCDecaux, Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), The Times, Unilever South Africa, Woolworths, YFM Additional Partners and Official Suppliers AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Arcade Content, Association of Practitioners in Advertising, Backsberg, BEE Online, Clive Stewart Photography, Circus Circus Beach Cafe, Egg Films, First Source, Fresh RSVP Guest Logistics, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Graphica, Grid Worldwide, HelloCrowd, Hetzner, Independent Agency Search and Selection Company, Locomute, Multiprint Litho, Newsclip, Paygate, Red Hot Ops, Rocketseed, SAB, Scan Display, South African Airways, Telkom SA SOC Ltd, Tiekie Barnard Consultancy, Total Exposure, Tsogo Sun, Universal Music Group, Vega School of Brand Leadership Official Media Partners Between 10and5, Bizcommunity.com, CliffCentral.com, Coloribus Advertising Archive, Design Times, Film & Event Media, Goliath and Goliath, iDidTht.com, Marketing Edge Nigeria, Music in Africa, The Redzone, YouTube Three countries in southern Africa have banded together to press for the ban on the international trade in ivory to be lifted. South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have submitted a joint proposal to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They are asking for permission to trade in ivory without which, they argue, there are no positive incentives to conserve elephants or their habitats. CITES is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that the trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten species survival. The next CITES Conference of the Parties in September will include debates about what levels of protection should be given to each species. One of the hottest topics will be the international ban on the trade of ivory, which was introduced in 1989. The joint position of these southern African nations stands in direct opposition to the majority of African leaders who are deeply worried about the steep decline in elephant numbers. They recently formed the African Elephant Coalition. The coalition, made up of 29 African countries, has put forward five proposals aimed at reversing the endemic poaching of African elephants. The thrust of their proposals is to end the ivory trade altogether. Elephant numbers across the continent fell precipitously between 2006 and 2013. There are now only 400,000 left. Losses in West, Central and East Africa have been immense, numbering upwards of 100,000 between 2011 and 2013. The upcoming conference is set to be a firecracker political drama, given the conflicting proposals of the coalition and the southern Africa breakaway group. Conflicting proposals Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe want an existing conference resolution to be amended to allow the international trade in raw ivory for commercial purposes to resume. The amendment suggests this decision should be authorised by the Standing Committee if certain criteria are met by the respective exporting and importing states. In a more radical move, Namibia and Zimbabwe have also proposed that their elephants be removed from CITES protection listings altogether. If approved by the convention this would allow them to trade ivory by open auction. This is an unlikely outcome, as it requires a 66% majority. The other alternative is that the two countries elect to leave CITES. Whatever the outcome, the actual tabling of these proposals runs the risk of sending the wrong signal to the ivory market: that trade may again be legitimate. This could undermine any stigma attached to the purchase of ivory. The African Elephant Coalitions proposals point in exactly the opposite direction. It wants all elephants to be listed on Appendix I. This would allow no possibility of trade in naturally accruing ivory (from natural mortality) and avoid the split-listing problem. Split-listing is where, for instance, Namibian elephants are on Appendix II but Zambian elephants are on Appendix I. An Appendix II listing offers a lower degree of protection, and trade may occur under very specific conditions to which all parties must agree. Placing all elephants on the same list would accomplish two important goals. It would solve the collective action problem that exists between southern African nations and their northern neighbours. The southern nations want to benefit monetarily from having well-managed elephant populations, while their northern neighbours almost uniformly desire Appendix I listing. It would avoid sending mixed signals to consumer markets where there is confusion over what African elephant range states actually want trade or no trade? But critics argue that the African Elephant Coalitions proposal for uniform listing is strategically misplaced. The probability of all range states acceding is close to zero and it will divert attention away from other more important objectives. The coalition also calls for the closure of domestic ivory markets. This is only logical. An international ban has been in place since 1989, but once illicit ivory has made its way through porous borders into legal domestic markets it is basically undetectable. Two once-off sales have been permitted by CITES since then one in 1999 and one in 2008. While attributing causality is a tricky business, Nitin Sekar and Solomon Hsiang argue in a recent paper that the most recent sale coincided with an abrupt 66% increase in illegal ivory harvesting. The debate over the effect of these legalised sales is far from being resolved, but the close intertwining of the legal and illegal markets indicates that it has been risky at best. Global domestic trade bans would simplify law enforcement. Officials would no longer have to incur the costs of trying to distinguish between legal and illegal ivory. Domestic bans would also reduce the hoarding of ivory in anticipation of future trade. In June the US implemented a rule that effectively bans their domestic ivory trade. China the worlds largest consumer market is also about to make its ivory market history. To fortify the credibility of demand reduction campaigns, the African Elephant Coalition calls for existing stockpiles to be destroyed. Game theoretic analysis shows this is necessary in case consumers see stockpiles in range states as being for the purpose of a future trade. Perhaps most importantly, the coalition proposal recommends that the conference should end negotiations on a decision-making mechanism for a process of trade in ivory. This is a direct refutation of the South African, Namibian and Zimbabwean proposal. The effect of a ban on trade Will legalising the trade in ivory stop poaching? Unlikely, argue some. Pro-trade arguments tend to assume that legal supply would be provided to market at sufficient cost-competitiveness to crowd out illegal suppliers. But poaching syndicates have minimal capital and operational cost requirements in comparison with law enforcement agencies, which would be tasked with managing a legal trade. It is unclear whether legalised trade mechanisms would be able to compete with poaching syndicates. This would create the problem of an illegal trade continuing in parallel with a legal trade, doing little to stem poaching. More than that, pro-trade arguments tend to treat ivory as sufficiently renewable to satisfy demand. This is unreasonable. There just isnt sufficient data to establish the validity of the assumption. The major risk is that if stockpiled ivory was released onto the market at scale, failed to reduce the price, but inadvertently triggered dormant demand, the price would actually rise. This would exacerbate rather than ameliorate poaching. In light of this compelling scientific analysis, and the international communitys trajectory towards a total ban, total burn world, it makes sense for all nations to get behind this momentum. But the conference increasingly looks as though it will be a fight between the African Elephant Coalition and the coalition of three South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. But if the three countries get their way, expected revenues would be unlikely to materialise, as it is unclear to whom they would sell. In addition, they would find themselves isolated from fellow African states. Last week, during the local elections, South Africans had the ability to share that they were taking part in the elections with an 'I'm a Voter' button that appeared in the Facebook newsfeeds of those eligible to vote. Past studies have found that voters who see more of their Facebook friends talking about voting are more likely to vote themselves. The roll out of the Im a Voter button is a small way that Facebook helped encourage people to take part in the democratic process. The Im a voter button that appeared on users' Facebook newsfeed, particularly those eligible to vote, reached 4,705,045 people and 553,261 shared that they had voted 8,891,081 impressions and 987,616 primary actions were linked to this activity. Voters also took to Instagram to share their inked thumbs using the hashtag #myvote. The hashtag, which was used over 9,000 times, shows how people across the country are coming to Instagram to share their voice on the election and to encourage others to 'make their mark' on South Africa's future. These numbers show that both Facebook and Instagram play an essential role in elections in South Africa by providing access to the voices behind the campaigns and showing a personal side to politics. Ebele Okobi, head of public policy for Africa, Facebook, said, With 14 million people in South Africa using Facebook, we are pleased that our platform is where many South Africans discuss their hopes for South Africa's future. This effort is one part of Facebook's mission to make the world more open and connected: by helping the people who use Facebook to engage more easily with the leaders who make the decisions that affect their lives every day. Do people want to be part of your brand story or do they want to be their own brand? Imagine yourself walking down the street, taking in your surroundings, and suddenly out of nowhere a man in a hamburger suit jumps in front of you. This is not someone with a face, but rather an overgrown sandwiched meat and its asking you to Tweet your #FriYay face. All this, while you have an urban rooftop farm in your community - an incentive on your doorstep thats actually making a difference. The beauty about digital communications is that, although you have a mass of people gathered at one place like, lets say, Facebook it is not a place for mass marketing. Brands tend to treat it like a digital billboard platform and craft messages for a group of people, instead of an individual, and as such tends to be invasive and disruptive. Youll see a bunch of watered-down brand messages that are positioned towards the masses, and which never really receives valuable interactions from their targeted audience. Although reach and awareness is a brand objective of many on social media, it could be damaging your brand equity if not done in the right way. We need to stop interrupting what people are interested in and be what people are interested in. Craig Davis Brands should try and engage a person - and a group will follow You are probably nodding your head in agreement, thinking of your latest campaign and asking your consumer to choose the next flavour, to customise the logo or decide on the ending of a film. Surely you are involving individuals in your brand story? Sure, but it has become far more complex than this, and we are facing a new kind of digital consumer: one that does not want to be part of YOUR brand story, but rather wants to be a brand story themselves. Lets refocus our strategic thinking and consider how we can resonate with an individual. You are far more prone to interact with a message if it relates to who you are or where you are in life, and if it addresses your present situation, a particular desire, or a problem you are facing. You are also more prone to filter content according to personal association. For instance, you will far rather trust your friends recommendation on a product or brand, than hearing it from the brand itself. Having someones friend, family member or colleague deliver your brand message changes the context of the message in a positive way. The investment it takes to create social media ambassadors, instead of people engaging randomly, is definitely worth your marketing efforts. And brands should focus on data and insights to better understand ways to deliver social-worthy content. One of the hottest marketing trends in 2016 is to speak customer. Statistics show that 67% of US sales are now influenced by word of mouth. This all comes down to the Zero Moment of Truth, where someones public review, recommendation or interest becomes your biggest selling tool. The moment your customer becomes the brand channel, you will deliver a bigger punch. How do we refocus our social media strategy? Every person on social media is on a journey (like that person walking down the street) and your offering, message or content could be a hook to help them get to their destination. This is where digital user maps and brand personas will assist you. If you know the context of your brand avatar, which problems they face you will be able to create moments of delight and aha-you-totally-get-me moments. In essence you are looking for gaps, needs, desires, context and influences. What they expect and what motivates them, what resonates and what delights. If engagement metrics are the primary way you are evaluating your social media effectiveness, then I want to encourage you to relook your social media strategy. However, if you disregard engagement numbers completely, you may be missing out on valuable strategic insights. How can you empower your customer to BECOME the brand story or channel? Thats the question we need to ask ourselves... About Mortimer Harvey Mortimer Harvey is an independent, OmniChannel, results-driven consulting, marketing and integrated communications company that delivers hard-working strategy, business, advertising and marketing solutions. Their regional offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and Cairo, Egypt are well placed to help their clients achieve the widest possible reach. The company delivers true OmniChannel solutions and a full go-to-market service to clients through their team of in-house industry specialists in all fields. Mortimer Harvey Advertising and communications, including above-the-line, below-the-line, promotions, shopper and retail marketing, digital, CRM and direct marketing. MH Africa Middle East OmniChannel services, plus go-to-market strategy development informed by data-driven insights operating across Africa and the Middle East. MH Digital Content development and implementation for online, social, mobile, app and digital platforms. MH Public Relations Public relations and media management. Boom.Studio A new record label that challenges traditional music marketing. Gravitate Multi Video Programming and content generation. Kulcha.Click Influential tastemakers creating authentic brand experiences at the intersection of culture and content. Loyal Solutions A state-of-the-art, Cloud-based loyalty programme management platform with real-time benefits. Stream.Digital Live and on-demand video streaming and content distribution. LM&P Brand promotions, events and experiential marketing. For further details, visit mortimerharvey.com For further information please contact: Jacques Verster at Mortimer Harvey Tel: +27 (0)11 996 2833 Cell: +27 (0)83 276 9009 Email: moc.yevrahremitrom@seuqcaj The Emerging Creatives programme, an initiative by Design Indaba and the Department of Arts and Culture to help young South African creatives break into the design world, is open for entries. Using the established platform and network of support provided by Design Indaba and its associates, 40 creatives, with newly established small businesses, are taken under the wing and given access to sought-after resources that allow them to cement their footing in the creative world and give them a platform to grow from. Next years competition will also feature a new format: an extended class of Emerging Creatives, featuring an extra 40 young designers and artists from Durban and Johannesburg, will receive the opportunity to exhibit their work in their hometown, at the Design Indaba Simulcast. Entry criteria Applications are open to current students and recent graduates (you must have graduated from a tertiary institute within the last two years). Emerging Creatives is primarily a student programme; therefore, preference will be given to applicants between the ages of 17-30 years old. If, however, you have changed career paths and are a mature student or novice just entering the industry, you are still welcome to apply. If already within the design industry, applicants must not have had an established business for more than 12 months at the time of applying. Applications are accepted from South African citizens only. Products must be created and manufactured in South Africa. Applications for the main class of 2017, which will be hosted in Cape Town, closes at midnight on 31 October 2016. Applications for the extended class will be sourced until 25 November 2016 and will feature only candidates from Johannesburg and Durban. For more information on how to apply, click here. WASHINGTON: Paywalls were supposed to help rescue newspapers from the crisis of sinking print circulation as readers shifted to getting their news online. 123RF But with a few exceptions, they have failed to deliver much relief, prompting some news organizations to rethink their digital strategies. Newspapers in the English-speaking world ended paywalls some 69 times through May 2015, including 41 temporary and 28 permanent drops, according to a study by University of Southern California researchers. Paywalls "generate only a small fraction of industry revenue," with estimates ranging from one percent in the United States to 10 percent internationally, the study in July's International Journal of Communication said. "People are far less willing to pay for online news than for print," said USC journalism professor Mike Ananny, an author of the study. Newspapers are in a difficult spot, he added, because online advertising generates a fraction of print's revenue, and news organizations are already pressured by falling print circulation. Alan Mutter, a former Chicago and San Francisco newspaper editor who now consults for media organizations, said the research confirms that paywalls have value in relatively rare circumstances. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times have been relatively successful with paywalls because of their unique content, he said. "It's hard for a general-interest website to charge for news that you can get for free with a few clicks." Paywalls can backfire also "because they put a barrier between the newspaper and the casual reader," he added. "They are truncating the size of the digital market, when the most important factor for digital is scale." A survey this year by the American Press Institute showed 77 of the 98 US newspapers with circulations above 50,000 used some type of online subscription, which could be a "hard" paywall that fences off all content or allows some free. But a number of English-language news organizations have dropped their paywalls in recent months, including the Toronto Star, and British dailies The Independent and The Sun. Among US dailies, the San Francisco Chronicle dropped its paywall in 2013. The Dallas Morning News did the same in 2014 before reinstituting a "metered" system allowing up to 10 free articles. Newsweek lifted its paywall for most content in February, limiting the number of free magazine features for nonsubscribers. A study this year by Oxford University's Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found only 10 percent of readers in English-speaking countries were willing to pay for digital news. That number rose to 15 percent in Denmark and Finland, 20 percent in Poland and Sweden and 27 percent in Norway. "English-language publishers face a more difficult task in trying to build a large paywall business because there is so much free English content," Mutter said. Of the paywalls erected in the past few years, many have delivered lackluster results, said Ken Doctor, a media consultant who writes the blog Newsonomics. "The ones that were launched in 2012 to 2014 had good early results and they all largely stalled," he said. "They are no longer gaining much in the way of new digital subscriptions, and their print is in rapid decline." But there are some notable successes in addition to the most prominent newspapers, Doctor said. The Boston Globe raised its digital subscription price sharply to $1 a day and kept 90 percent of its subscriber base, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has also had success boosting digital circulation revenues, he said. Succeeding with paywalls means taking a long view and investing in journalism as well as technology, Doctor said. "A publisher focused on the long term will recognize that it is reader revenue that is going to have to get them through this disruption," he said. "That means they need a large and experienced enough newsroom so the audience feels they are getting something sufficient and something unique," he added. "They also need to invest in the digital products so the experience is better." However, Mutter argues that paywalls run counter to the goal of boosting readership, and that news organizations need to think differently. "Print is failing and digital is hard," he said. Although newspapers are losing online ad revenues to online platforms, they have the advantage of knowing their local markets and businesses. "They have to work hard at being local marketing partners in the markets they serve," Mutter said. USC's Ananny said news organizations need to find creative ways to develop pay models that don't put readers off. He also expressed concern that expanding paywalls may lead to a new "digital divide" where information is available only to those who can afford to pay. The research suggests that "news organizations serve themselves and readers best when paywalls are fluid," he said. Many papers open up free content during major news events or emergencies, fulfilling a civic role, he noted. Others charge readers for access to special features or content. "News organizations had better understand why they are dropping or raising paywalls," he said. "If it's done in an ad hoc or random manner, it doesn't help." Source: AFP ROME, Italy - Protracted conflicts affecting 17 countries have driven millions of people into severe food insecurity and are hindering global efforts to eradicate malnutrition, two UN agencies have warned in a report submitted to the UN Security Council. Image by 123RF A new series of 17 country briefs prepared by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP), finds that conflicts have now pushed over 56 million people into either crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity when expressed in terms used by the Integrated Food Security Classification Phase (IPC) scale.* The food insecurity list in Africa includes: Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The Lake Chad area conflict was also flagged. Topping the list in terms of the sheer numbers of people whose food security is being negatively impacted by ongoing conflict are Yemen, where 14 million people over half the population are now in a state of hunger crisis or emergency on the IPC scale; and Syria, where 8.7 million people 37% of the pre-conflict population need urgent food, nutrition and livelihoods assistance. In South Sudan, where the situation is rapidly deteriorating 4.8 million people some 40% of the population - are in need of urgent food, nutrition and livelihoods assistance. And in countries coming out of extended periods of civil strife such as the Central African Republic and Colombia, millions of people are still wrestling with high levels of food insecurity. In other countries, while the overall absolute numbers of people facing food insecurity are lower, the share of people experiencing severe levels of food insecurity accounts for over half of the total population. A staggering 89% of all Syrian refugees currently in Lebanon require urgent food, nutrition and livelihoods assistance. In Burundi and Haiti, 23% and 19% of people are at IPC level 3 or 4, respectively, while in the Central African Republic, 50% of the population is at IPC scale 3 or worse. Noting in their introduction to the briefs that conflict is a leading cause of hunger each famine in the modern era has been characterised by conflict, FAO director-general Jose Graziano da Silva and WFP executive director Ertharin Cousin underscore how hunger feeds violence and drives further instability. Addressing hunger can be a meaningful contribution to peacebuilding. Conflict undermines food security in multiple ways: destroying crops, livestock and agricultural infrastructure, disrupting markets, causing displacement, creating fear and uncertainty over fulfilling future needs, damaging human capital and contributing to the spread of disease among others. Conflict also creates access problems for governments and humanitarian organisations, which often struggle to reach those in need, they note. Addressing hunger can be a meaningful contribution to peacebuilding, they argue, adding, The 2030 Agenda recognises peace as a vital threshold condition for development, as well as a development outcome in its own right. A vicious cycle The most recent estimates suggest that approximately half of the global poor now live in states characterised by conflict and violence. People living in such places can be up to three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in more stable areas. Post-conflict countries with high food insecurity are 40% more likely to relapse into conflict within a 10-year timespan if hunger levels are not addressed. The briefs shared with the Security Council cover 17 countries where conflict has significantly affected food security: in Latin America and the Caribbean - Haiti and Colombia; in Africa - Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan; in the Middle East - Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen; and in Asia - Afghanistan. An additional brief on the regional Lake Chad crisis affecting Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon was also submitted. There, violence associated with Boko Haram has seen the numbers of displaced people triple over the past two years, accompanied by rising levels of hunger and malnutrition. The UN Security Council will receive from FAO and WFP regular updates on the food security situation in conflicted-affected states. *In countries where the IPC scale or a related tool, the Cadre Harmonise (CH), are used to measure food insecurity, the most recent IPC/CH results were used to prepare the briefs. For countries where the IPC is not used, such as Colombia, Lebanon, and Syria, existing data and analysis from FAOs Global Information and Early Warning Service (GIEWS) and WFPs Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) initiative were used. For non IPC countries, some results were expressed in IPC terms as a general indicator of the severity of food insecurity, using IPC standard thresholds, but were not produced through an official IPC process. The Sol Plaatje Institute (SPI) for Media Leadership at Rhodes University is offering media houses or radio stations in South Africa a special offer to send one of their staff members to attend one of the SPI's certificated and accredited short courses for free. All the media house or radio station has to do is to market the SPIs short courses and attract a minimum of five-course participants to attend a scheduled course (please visit the SPI's website at www.ru.ac.za/spi/ for details of these short courses). For every five people the media house or radio station attracts to attend a course, the media house concerned will be able to send one of its staff members to attend an SPI course of its choice for free (excluding the staff member's accommodation and transport). Also if the radio station or media house manages to attract three-course participants to a course, the SPI will give that station or media house a 50% discount in the course fees. The course participants will have to indicate in their SPI application forms that they received the information on the SPI courses from your radio station or media house. For more information on this offer, please contact Zusipe Batyi at az.ca.ur@iytaB.Z or call him on 046 603 89 49. State counselor likely to be treated like a head of government on second trip to China, experts say Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will take her first trip as state counselor outside the ASEAN region next week when she visits Beijing, where experts believe she will be received as a head of government. The four-day China visit will begin on Wednesday, Thailand-based magazine The Irrawaddy quoted Zaw Htay, spokesman for the Myanmar President's Office, as saying. This will be Suu Kyi's second trip to China. The first time, in June last year, she met with President Xi Jinping as leader of Myanmar's National League for Democracy. In Myanmar's general election in November, the NLD won an absolute majority of seats in both houses of parliament. China's ties with Myanmar, which gained independence in 1948, have developed steadily. Beijing said earlier that it would not seek to change its policy toward the country, no matter who heads its government. Suu Kyi will meet with Xi and Premier Li Keqiang, according to Efe, the Spanish international news agency. Since Suu Kyi is widely respected in the international community, observers said, and her visit to China will attract attention from all sides about her personal career and political acumen, as well as about the China-Myanmar relationship in the new era. China is likely to treat Suu Kyi with the etiquette afforded to a prime minister, said Jia Duqiang, a senior researcher of Southeast Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Treating her with such etiquette is understandable, Jia said, because Suu Kyi ranks as the country's second figure after the president. Additionally, it is widely acknowledged that she works as the head of the government, Jia said. "The Chinese government will show due respect to her, and to her domestic political influence," he added. Since the new Myanmar government was formed at the end of March, Suu Kyi has made two foreign trips: to Laos in May and to Thailand in June. She has also accepted an invitation from US President Barack Obama to visit the United States before his presidency ends. Jia said the Chinese leaders' meeting with Suu Kyi will be a milestone of China-Myanmar relations and lay a foundation for future bilateral cooperation. The leaders also might touch on sensitive issues including security concerns regarding the two countries' border area, he said. Jin Yong, deputy chief of the School of Foreign Studies at Communication University of China, said he expected Suu Kyi's China visit to result in stronger economic ties between the two countries. In a policy paper last month, the Myanmar government vowed to develop agriculture, industry and infrastructure. China has experience and capital in these areas that Myanmar could use to benefit its development, Jin said. Zhang Yaozhong contributed to this story. anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn Museveni pins another medal on Warlord Gen. Kayihura--brutality rewarded [Comment] General Edward Kalekezi Kayihura, more commonly known as Kale Kayihura, is a Ugandan lawyer, military officer, and policeman. He is also the brutal chief enforcer of Gen. Yoweri Museveni's dictatorship. The dictatorship, financed and supported by the U.S. and Britain for myopic Western interests, has lasted 30 years. Gen. Kayihura is the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Uganda Police Force, the highest rank in that branch of Uganda's government. He was appointed in 2005 by dictator Museveni. The IGP is appointed to serve a three-year term and so far Gen Kayihura is serving his fourth term which ends in November this year. It is not clear if Gen. Museveni will re-appoint him, however he is already facing much pressure from civilians and support is growing for his indictment for crimes by forces under his command committed inside Uganda and in neighboring Congo. Gen. Kayihura has been sued by civilians in Uganda for the ugly beating by police of people who lined up the streets July 12 to cheer Dr. Kizza Besigye, who won the February 2016 elections stolen by Gen. Museveni. Besigye, who was arrested after his swearing in ceremony and charged with treason two months earlier had just been released on bail. Gen. Kayihura is not a brave man. He didn't show up at Magistrate's court on August 10 to answer torture charges but instead hired criminals armed with stones who appeared at court to intimidate citizens who came hoping to see the lawless police chief face justice. Kayihura also faces internal discontentment and bickering from some senior police officers, with some even petitioning the Inspector General of Government (IGG) over the recent promotions, in which over 400 officers were promoted on a partisan ethno-centric basis, while lawyers in the force have also gone to court to sue the Force over salary disparities. In fact, even junior officers questioned his discretion of purchasing over 20 brand new Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado 4X4s for the Uganda Police Force (UPF) top officers and three choppers, all estimated at several hundred billions of shillings, when the juniors are accommodated in overcrowded and derelict police quarters not fit for human habitation. Prior to his appointment as the head of the police, Kayihura served as a sector commander in Ituri, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, until 2003 when Uganda pulled out under intense international pressure Gen. Kayihura presided over a project to invade and destabilize parts of Congo by recruiting, training and supplying warlords like Jean Pierre Bemba with weapons and ammunitions at the same time plundering the country of its natural resources. Bemba has since been convicted on war crimes charges by the International Criminal Court (ICC). For his role in nurturing warlords in Eastern Congo, it is against this background then Kayihura should also be indicted to face war crimes charges at the ICC. After all the International Court of Justice found Uganda liable for war crimes in the Congo in 2005 and ordered $10 billion in reparations to Congo. The ICC also opened its own investigation into the matter, the Wall Street Journal reported on June 8, 2006. Kayihura was solely responsible for the creation and launching of Bosco Ntaganda famously nicknamed the "terminator" who turned eastern Congo into killing fields. Its an open secret within the security agencies that Gen. Museveni and Kayihura created and sponsored many of the warlords in Eastern Congo. Ntaganda has also since been shipped off to the ICC. Kayihura also was involved in a deadly scheme designed to promote Ntaganda's militias over rival Thomas Lubanga's even though warlord Lubanga himself was once supported, financed and armed by Uganda. In one of the incidents, Kayihura organized a secret squad that ambushed and killed UN peacekeepers including a Kenyan Major. As expected, the incident was blamed on the Thomas Lubanga group and as a consequence, the UN gave Kayihura a green light to suppress Lubanga's UPC. With the annihilation of Lubanga's forces, Ntaganda became the de facto point man for Gen. Museveni and Gen. Kayihura proxy wars in Eastern Congo assisted by local, Nyamulenge, Hema and Lendu leaders. Kayihura coordinated the recruitment and training of Hema militia forces. Recruits would be flown through the Entebbe Airport and taken to the Semuliki Game Reserve for training under the 53rd battalion that was by that time under Lt. Col. Kimbowa. Another training camp for the Hemas was set up at Kasenyi in Congo under Chief Kisembo. In 2003 due to international pressure and the court ruling ,the UPDF were forced to withdraw from Congo but clandestinely maintained some UPDF military Intelligence operatives attached to Bosco Ntaganda. Therefore, Kayihura just like the convicted duo of Ntaganda and Lubanga must be summarily referred to the ICC as soon as the prosecution of his criminal case in Uganda is brought to trial and completed. The people of Congo who were raped, displaced and killed in their millions by militias controlled and sponsored by Gen. Kayihura and Gen. Museveni, must get justice. The Ntaganda militia, which had morphed into M23 have been absorbed into UPDF; some are freelancers operating loosely. Many were involved in the election and post-election violence in Uganda. Ugandans and Congolese, on behalf of the estimated 5 to 7 million Congolese dead, demand justice -- it must start with the indictment of Kayihura, Gen. Museveni's enforcer in chief. Editor's Note: Sign the petition demanding indictment of Kayihura Top-rated municipal bonds were stronger in early Friday activity, according to traders, with yields on most maturities falling by as much as two basis points. Treasuries also strengthened after the release of weaker-than-expected economic data. Secondary Market The Labor Department reported the producer price index for July dropped 0.4%; economists surveyed by IFR Markets had expected a 0.1% rise. The Commerce Department reported that July retail sales were unchanged; economists polled by IFR Markets had expected a gain of 0.4%. The yield on the 10-year benchmark muni general obligation fell by as much as two basis points from 1.43% on Thursday, while the yield on the 30-year muni dropped as much as two basis points from 2.16%, according to a read of Municipal Market Data's triple-A scale. The yield on the two-year Treasury fell to 0.69% from 0.75% on Thursday, the 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 1.49% from 1.57% and the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond decreased to 2.22% from 2.28%. On Thursday, the 10-year muni to Treasury ratio was calculated at 90.9% compared to 94.0% on Wednesday, while the 30-year muni to Treasury ratio stood at 94.5% versus 96.4%, according to MMD. MSRB: Previous Session's Activity The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board reported 35,536 trades on Thursday on volume of $13.95 billion. Week's Most Actively Traded Issues Some of the most actively traded issues by type in the week ended Aug. 12 were from California and Missouri issuers, according to Markit. In the GO bond sector, the Oakland USD, Calif., 3s of 2041 were traded 59 times. In the revenue bond sector, the University of California Medical Center 3s of 2042 were traded 79 times. And in the taxable bond sector, the Missouri HEFA 3.09s of 2051 were traded 66 times. Week's Most Actively Quoted Issues California and Illinois issues were among the most actively quoted names in the week ended Aug. 12, according to Markit. On the bid side, the California taxable 7.6s of 2040 were quoted by 12 unique dealers. On the ask side, the California taxable 7.55s of 2039 were quoted by 13 unique dealers. And among two-sided quotes, the Illinois taxable 5.1s of 2033 were quoted by nine unique dealers. Primary Market The week's new issue market was chock-a-block with big-ticket names. Bank of America Merrill Lynch won Pennsylvania's $1.21 billion of general obligation bonds with a true interest cost of 2.75%. The GOs bonds are rated Aa3 by Moody's Investors Service and AA-minus by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, with the exception of the 2033 maturity, which is insured by Assured Guaranty. Also in the competitive arena, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District sold $150 million of sewer and drainage system revenue bonds, which were won by Wells Fargo with a TIC of 3.18%. The district also sold two sales totaling $102.03 million. Morgan Stanley won the $71.16 million of Series 2016C sewer and drainage system revenue refunding bonds with a TIC of 1.11%. Hutchinson Shockey won the $30.88 million of Series 2016B sewer and drainage system revenue refunding bonds with a TIC of 2.09%. The deals are rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA by S&P. Citigroup won the Florida Board of Education's $198.44 million of Series 2016E public education capital outlay bonds with a TIC of 2.49%. The deal is rated Aa1 by Moody's and triple-A by S&P and Fitch. BAML won Milwaukee, Wis.' $100 million sewerage system revenue bonds with a TIC of 2.37%. The deal is rated AA-minus by S&P and AA by Fitch. In the negotiated sector, Barclays Capital Markets priced the Regents of the University of California Medical Center's $1.05 billion of tax-exempt and taxable bonds, consisting of $873 million of Series 2016L tax-exempt pooled revenue bonds and $173.36 million of Series 2016M taxables. The deal is rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA-minus by S&P and Fitch. The credit carries stable outlooks from all three rating agencies. Citigroup priced the Utility Debt Securitization of New York's $469.46 million of Series 2016B restructuring bonds. The deal is rated triple-A by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. The credit carries stable outlooks from all three agencies. Raymond James priced the Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas' $382.53 million of unlimited tax refunding and school building bonds. The deal, which is backed by the Permanent School Fund guarantee program, is rated triple-A by Moody's and S&P. Piper Jaffray priced the Johnson County Unified School District No. 223, Kan.'s $326.94 million of Series 2016A general obligation school bonds and Series 2016B GO refunding bonds. The deal is rated Aa2 by Moody's and AA by S&P. Goldman Sachs priced the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority's $272.75 million of Series 2016B taxable educational facilities revenue bonds for the Washington University. The deal is rated triple-A by Moody's and S&P. Citi priced Port St. Lucie, Fla.'s $207.91 million of Series 2016 utility system refunding bonds. The deal is rated A-plus by S&P and Fitch. Robert W. Baird & Co. priced Hawaii's $204.84 million of highway revenue bonds. The deal is rated Aa2 by Moody's, AA-plus by S&P and AA by Fitch. Siebert, Brandford Shank & Co. priced the Bexar County Hospital District, Texas's $201.165 million of limited tax refunding bonds. The deal is rated Aa1 by Moody's and AA-plus by S&P and Fitch. BAML priced the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's $188.5 million of Series 2016A non-AMT, Series 2016E AMT, and Series 2016B taxable rental housing revenue bonds. The deal is rated AA by S&P, which gives it a stable outlook. Citigroup priced the Lexington County Health Services District, S.C.'s $176.58 million of hospital revenue bonds. The deal is rated A1 by Moody's, AA-minus by S&P and A-plus by Fitch. Wells Fargo priced the Will County, Ill.'s $175 million of GO bonds. The deal is rated Aa1 by Moody's and AA-plus by S&P. JPMorgan Securities priced Jacksonville, Fla.'s $149.41 million of special revenue refunding bonds. The deal is rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA-minus by S&P and Fitch. Wells Fargo Securities priced the Utah Transit Authority's $145.69 million of Series 2016 sales tax revenue refunding bonds consisting of serials and CABs. The deal is rated A1 by Moody's, A-plus by S&P and AA by Fitch. BAML priced Leigh County, Pa's $135.98 million of general purpose authority hospital revenue refunding bonds for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. The deal is rated A1 by Moody's and A-plus by S&P. Bond Buyer Visible Supply The Bond Buyer's 30-day visible supply calendar increased $1.27 billion to $8.65 billion on Friday. The total is comprised of $2.88 billion of competitive sales and $5.77 billion of negotiated deals. Lipper: Muni Bond Funds See Inflows For the 45th straight week, municipal bond funds reported inflows, according to Lipper data released on Thursday. The weekly reporters saw $871.013 million of inflows in the week ended Aug. 10, after inflows of $783.930 million in the previous week, Lipper said. The four-week moving average remained positive at $862.893 billion after being in the green at $950.662 million in the previous week. A moving average is an analytical tool used to smooth out price changes by filtering out fluctuations. Long-term muni bond funds experienced inflows, gaining $582.341 million in the latest week after inflows of $476.187 million in the previous week. Intermediate-term funds had inflows of $124.288 million after inflows of $122.531 million in the prior week. National funds had inflows of $754.059 million on top of inflows of $666.956 million in the previous week. High-yield muni funds reported inflows of $287.447 million in the latest reporting week, after inflows of $267.286 million the previous week. Exchange traded funds saw inflows of $90.117 million, after inflows of $76.659 million in the previous week. MySon sanctuary is abandoned and partially ruined Hindu Temples (Mainly Siva as Bhadresvara) built between 4th 13th century by the kings of Champa (Chiem Thanh in Vietnamese). My Son (Kingdom of Cham) is located near the village of Duy Phu, in the administrative district of Duy Xuyen in Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam, 69 km southwest of Da Nang, and approximately 10 km from the historic town of Tra Kieu. The temples are in a valley roughly two kilometres wide that is surrounded by two mountain ranges. Between 4th and 13th centuries there was a unique culture on the coast of contemporary Vietnam, owing its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of India. These huge tower temples were constructed over 10 centuries of continuous development in what was the heart of the ancestral homeland of the ruling Dua Clan which unified the Cham clans and established the kingdom of Champapura (Sanskrit for City of the Cham people) in 192 CE. Although Mahayan Buddhism was influential during this period, Saivism survived it in Vietnam. These temples are constructed in fired brick with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Their technological sophistication is evidence of Cham engineering skills while the elaborate iconography and symbolism of the tower-temples give insight into the content and evolution of Cham religious and political thought. In the past, about 70 temples of Siva, Krishna, Vishnu etc used to exist here, but now only few remain. History of MySon Sanctuary, Vietnam Earliest evidence recovered at My Son relate to the era of King Fanhuda (Chinese: ; pinyin: Fanhuda; Vietnamese: Pham Ho at, Sanskrit : Bhadravarman, literally Blessed armour but also meaning the Jasminum sambac flower), who ruled from 380 until 413 CE. He spent latter part of his reign waging war against the population of Chinese-occupied northern Vietnam. Bhadravarman built a hall containing a lingam to worship Siva under the Sanskrit name Bhadresvara Blessed Lord, a composite created from the kings own name and the word isvara lord commonly used to refer to Siva. He erected a Stele at MySon, which has inscription that he has dedicated the entire valley of My Son to Bhadresvara. The text ends with a plea from Bhadravarman to his successors: Out of compassion for me do not destroy what I have given. Drawing upon the doctrines of samsara and karma, If you destroy [my foundation], all your good deeds in your different births shall be mine, and all the bad deeds done by me shall be yours. If, on the contrary, you properly maintain the endowment, the merit shall belong to you alone. Bhadravarmans successors heard his plea, for My Son became the religious hub of Champa for many generations. More than two centuries after Bhadravamans foundation, the Bhadresvara temple was destroyed by fire. In the 7th century, King Sambhuvarman (Pham Phan Chi in Vietnamese, Fan Che as transcribed from the Chinese), who reigned from 577 until 629 CE, rebuilt the temple, reinstalled the god under the name Sambhu-Bhadresvara, and erected a stele to document the event. This stele affirmed that Sambhu-Bhadresvara was the creator of the world and the destroyer of sin, and expressed the wish that he cause happiness in the kingdom of Champa. The stele also applauded the king himself, claiming that he was like a terrestrial sun illuminating the night and that his glory rose like the moon on an autumn evening. In 605 CE, Chinese general Liu Fang led an army southwards from the area of what is now northern Vietnam, defeated the elephant-riders of Sambhuvarman, and sacked the Cham capital, making off with an enormous booty that included over one thousand Buddhist books as well as the gold tablets commemorating the reigns of the previous eighteen kings. Heading back north with their heist, the Chinese invaders were struck by an epidemic that felled a large number of them, including Liu Fang. Sambhuvarman, for his part, returned home to his kingdom, began the process of rebuilding, and made sure to send regular shipments of tribute to the Chinese court, in order through appeasement to prevent a recurrence of the recent disaster. The original temple map was reconstructed by scholars, after bombing destroyed the original edifice during Vietnam War. King Prakasadharma (Po Kia Pho Pa Mo, as transcribed from the Chinese) ruled Champa from 653 AD to 687 CE. Upon corronation, he assumed the name Vikrantavarman and expanded the borders of Champa toward the South. He was dedicated to both Gods Siva and Vishnu, which was unusual for Champa Kings. In later years, My Son served as the religious and cultural center of the Cham civilization in central Vietnam, as well as the burial place of kings and religious leaders. People of Champa maintained written records in both Sanskrit and old Cham. They wrote on perishable materials, such as large leaves, and also created inscriptions in stone. They used scripts borrowed from India. None of the writings on perishable materials have survived. However, numerous stone inscriptions have been preserved, transcribed, and translated into modern languages. The air cargo markets deceleration this year had a greater impact on third-quarter cargo revenues at American Airlines than its primary rivals, Delta and United Airlines. But the best revenue quarter in company history and a $483 million profit painted a positive financial picture that could be replicated in the final quarter thanks to resilient [] Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens. The Botswana National Front wishes to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the onslaught on basic fundamental freedoms by state security apparatus in Botswana. We have witnessed an insatiable appetite on the side of state organs to disperse peaceful gatherings by meting violence on peaceful protesters. It must be a concern to all of us when state security apparatus resorts to violence against its people, and thereby trampling upon basic freedoms to associate and to assemble. The importance of freedom of assembly cannot be underscored in any democratic society such as ours. Lately we have witnessed a narrowing of the civic space in Botswana. Peaceful protests which seek to communicate a legitimate societal scourge of unemployment cannot be dispersed with sjamboks and violence in the manner that we have witnessed recently. As the BNF, we hold dear the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights. An onslaught on peaceful demonstrators by state security apparatus is an onslaught on Botswana Constitutional democracy, its ideals of humanity, Botho and patriotism. There is need to contextualize the unemployment protests which are spearheaded by unemployed, yet qualified youths of Botswana. As the BNF, we characterize the protests as a welcome move by youths who seek to enforce and remind the BDP-led government of its obligations imposed by the Social Contract. It is apparent that the BDP government has, for many years, ignored its obligations as far as the social contract is concerned. Instead of discharging its obligations, by creating equitable and dignified employment opportunities, the BDP led government has institutionalized corruption, nepotism and thereby sidelining our population from the mainstream economic activity. It is worrisome and disturbing that journalists and reporters have not escaped the wrath and brutality of state security apparatus. We learn that Security apparatus confiscated equipment and other work-related material belonging to journalists who were covering the Unemployment protests. Once the state forcibly censors the work of journalists, it is an indication that our democracy is being derailed. There is no law which empowers the police to confiscate material used by journalists in their line of duty. Such actions by the Police demonstrate impunity and arrogance of the highest order. As the BNF, we view the Public Order Act as incompatible with participatory democracy and active citizenry. The Public order Act seems to suggest that for citizens to exercise their right to assemble, they require permission/permit from an administrative officer. It seems to suggest that the leaders hold the rights of the public in trust and only deposit it with them when it wishes to. To us Human rights are God given and cannot be taken away, not even by the leaders. Although the BNF is alive to the fact that rights and freedoms are not absolute, it is however our firm view that the Public Order Act seems to limit the enjoyment and exercise of freedoms unreasonably and such is unjustifiable in an open and democratic society such as ours. In would appear that, in terms of the Act, without an express permission/permit from the police officers, citizens cannot peacefully assemble and protest. It is our believe that such as approach goes beyond limiting the freedom of assembly and potentially takes away the very rights which the constitution and various international human rights instruments sought to safeguard. The Unemployment protesters posed no threat, real or imagined, to national security, peace, morality, rights of others and as such, their peaceful assembly ought to have been protected by state security agencies even without a permit. It is only a barbaric government which responds to a peaceful protest with violence. As the BNF, we make a clarion call to other civil society organisations to consider testing the constitutionality of the Public Order Act. Our fear is that it would not pass the constitutional muster, atleast in the manner which it is arbitrarily applied to deny citizens their freedom to assemble and protest. Not long ago, members of the #Ishallnotforget movement were capriciously denied a permit to march after the Sebinagate scandal. We are of the view that the Public Order Act is an instrument of oppression used to narrow the civic space for citizens to express their grievances openly. As the BNF, we applaud the fearless youths who participated in the peaceful protest at Parliament precincts. History will remember your heroic deeds someday. We call upon government to consider dialogue and constructive engagement with the leaders of the Unemployment protest movement. Violence has no place in our society. It is alien to our culture. The state must never unleash terror and violence on its own people. It is a classical breach of the social contract and such a fundamental breach necessitates the citizens to consider cancelling the social contract with the BDP come 2019, or earlier if need be. Moeti Mohwasa BNF Secretary General A mentally ill soldier who was found guilty for the murder of his two children will have his fate in the hands of President Ian Khama. Thebe Njavera, who is currently in prison was found guilty by Francistown High Court Judge, Barnabas Nyamadzabo. This week, Nyamadzabo later ruled that the President Khama will decide on the fate of the mentally unstable soldier. This comes after Njavera, who was based at Donga Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Military Barracks in Francistown, allegedly murdered his two daughters, Palesa Ramaditse and Paseka Ramaditse, aged four and two respectively, at Somerset Extension location in Francistown on the 4th of February 2013 after an altercation with his girlfriend. Currently Njavera is left with no option but to wait for his freedom at either Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital, Jubilee mental institute or in custody.Previously when trial commenced, Lawyer Reneetswe Rabosotho who is representing the accused pleaded with Nyamadzabo not to treat the accuseds case like any other criminal case as he was mentally unstable at the time he committed the offence. He also pleaded with the judge that Njaveras case should be handled in terms of Section 158 and 160 of Criminal Procurement Evidence (CPE) Act, as it is relevant for this matter. The CPE says that when in the course of a trial or preparatory examination the judiciary officer has reason to believe that the accused is of an unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, he shall inquire into the facts of such unsoundness. Delivering his judgment, Justice Nyamadzabo said that evidence given in court by a Psychological Dr Paul Sidandi showed that Njavera was of an unsound mind. The accused is guilty of killing his two daughters, but he was insane when he did so, Nyamadzabo said. He told the court that he will make a report to the President and he (His Excellency) will confine Njavera at his pleasure. Kuda Mbonini represents the state. As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. BRAHMOS-integrated Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force. A Brahmand photo JODHPUR: Drop trials for the formidable supersonic cruise missile system BRAHMOS from Su-30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are slated from August 24-26 at the Pokhran firing range in Jaisalmer. These drop trials will pave way for the real firing of BRAHMOS from the Russian made Su-30 by November last week or December first week. In fact, drop trials shall be conducted against land target and a sea target by the month end. Shri Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO and MD, BrahMos Aerospace while speaking to TOI said that the drop trials for the air version of BRAHMOS would be carried with a Mass Dimensional Dummy missile which means that it will be similar to the real missile in terms of weight etc, but would not have any engine and explosives. "Under rare circumstances due to factors like range requirement or weather, the land trials may also be conducted at Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off the Odisha coast," said the BrahMos chief, adding that these drop trials will check the release mechanism of the launcher in addition to assessing the clearance from the aircraft after the fire. It was on June 25 that BrahMos Aerospace successfully demonstrated the integration flight of the supersonic cruise missile BRAHMOS on Su30-MKI frontline strike fighter of the IAF at HAL, Nasik. Success of drop trials would give a major fillip to the BRAHMOS air-launched flight test programme. "And with that happening, the BRAHMOS air version programme would further inch closer towards actual test firing when a 2.5-ton BRAHMOS air-to-ground missile will be fired from the Sukhoi-30 in November or December," said Shri Mishra. BRAHMOS and Indian Air Force While the first squadron of IAF equipped with BRAHMOS is expected to be operational by April 2017, ambitious plans are in pipeline for raising three squadrons of BRAHMOS. IAF would become the elite Air Force in the world to be in possession of a supersonic cruise missile on a long range aircraft. The powerful missile will enable the IAF penetrate deep inside the enemy territory to deliver a deadly blow to their vital installations from stand-off ranges. The integration brings a paradigm shift in the capability of the IAF vis-a-vis its adversaries. The Su-30-BRAHMOS combination will carry out air combat operations within and beyond visibility range and will provide the IAF with the capability of attacking targets protected by powerful air defence assets. Air version of BRAHMOS is 500-kgs lighter than its Army and Naval versions and has tail fins and other required aerodynamic features. BRAHMOS and Army The Indian Army which has already inducted three regiments of BRAHMOS in its arsenal has now got a nod for the fourth regiment to be equipped with steep dive BRAHMOS along Indo-China border in the North East. So far, all Army regiments are equipped with Block-III version of missile, which was recently tested on May 8 and 9 in 2015. The land-attack version of BRAHMOS has been operationalised in the Indian Army since 2007. The BRAHMOS has the capability to take on surface-based targets by flying a combined hi-lo trajectory, thus evading enemy air defence systems. Inclusion of the powerful weapon system in Indian Army has given it a distinct operational advantage to knock down any enemy target even in the most difficult and hidden terrains. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Karate is neither sport nor hobby for Brandonite Scott Middleton, but a lifestyle. On Aug. 17, Middleton will have earned his black belt exactly 25 years ago. Every day, the martial artist trains for an hour-and-a-half at 5:30 in the morning, practice which leaves him both physically and emotionally prepared for the day. Its when youre so deeply consumed by something you find its relevance in other things, Middleton said. Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Scott Middleton, founder of Traditional Karate of Brandon, teaches a karate class at the East End Community Centre on Thursday evening. On Aug. 17, Middleton will celebrate the 25th anniversary of earning his black belt. Were in the Olympics right now, so a lot of those athletes dedicated themselves heart and soul into their sporting endeavour. I think I would like to say that Ive done the same thing with karate. Middletons 13-year-old self started what would become a lifelong interest, but karate demanded lifelong dedication. It took Middleton about five years to earn his black belt, and a similar length of time to move up each degree, roughly. For example, moving from a fourth degree to fifth required eight years of training. Middleton tested for his sixth degree in 2013 and estimates hes still six to seven years away from going for his seventh. It is something that takes an extreme amount of dedication and discipline and drive, but its not something that youre seeking, Middleton explained. Its just something that will come over a period of time. A year after earning his black belt, Middleton founded Traditional Karate of Brandon. During its peak season, the club boasts 120 members who range in size and ability. To his students, Middleton tries to teach the potential for karate to become tsune, as the Japanese say a daily habit or routine. If you didnt have a shower today, you would just feel off, you would just feel that somethings off, somethings strange, so karate at a certain level, its like tsune. If you dont do it daily, you dont feel right. While Middleton admitted that few will practise their art to that extent, he said he would feel odd without training as often as he does. Its not like youre training for something in particular, its just part of your life. aantoneshyn@brandonsun.com Twitter: @AAntoneshyn Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The historic building that houses several federal government departments and serves as a mainstay for Brandons downtown will be listed as for sale by the end of the year. Andy Maric, the regional manager of real estate service for Public Services and Procurement, confirmed that the process to declare the Service Canada Centre building at 1093 Princess Ave. as surplus began in July 2015. The building should be listed publicly within three to four months, Maric said. He didnt release the buildings asking price. Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun The Service Canada Centre on Princess Avenue will be put up for sale by the end of the year. All federal tenants will remain in the building and lease back their space from the new owner. There are several federal tenants that occupy only about 60 per cent of the building, Maric said. They include the Veterans Affairs Office that was formally announced as reopening in a ceremony by Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr earlier this week. Maric confirmed all federal tenants will remain in the building, and will eventually lease back their space from the new owner. There will be no reduction of federal services or federal reductions as a result of this disposal, he said. Hehr said a pending sale means little for the new veterans office when he was in the Wheat City on Tuesday to make the announcement. If the building is sold, (and) if the new owner wants to break the lease, hell give us some money and go from there, he said. In accordance with federal policy, provincial and municipal governments were given the chance to purchase the property before it was put to public sale, along with aboriginal bands with outstanding treaty land entitlements. In this case, none of these stakeholders have chosen to acquire the property, Maric said. Maric said his department is constantly looking to seek efficiencies. We did complete a financial analysis that did indicate that this was the lowest cost disposing of the property and entering into leases, he said. About 1,913 square feet of the building is vacant, according to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. One thing that will be lost in the sale will be the buildings federal heritage status. Officials with the government of Canada have been in touch with their municipal and provincial counterparts to seek a new heritage designation from either of the governments. Thats a process local government is familiar with. In November 2015, the city commissioned an in-depth evaluation on the propertys architectural and historical merit, and nominated it for the municipal designation before realizing that Municipal Heritage Site designations cannot be applied to federally owned properties. So for now, city spokesperson Allison Collins said, the city is in a holding matter for the same reason. The building, constructed in 1930, is notable for its use of Tyndall limestone, Beaux-Arts classical style, and Doric-style columns on the main (south) and west facades, the city report found. In addition, Maric said the PSBC is currently working with the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office to create a heritage recording to document the character and defining documents of the Brandon Government of Canada building prior to the sale. Renaissance Brandon executive director Elisabeth Saftiuk said her main hope for the property is that now it can be used to its full potential. To me then, this speaks to an opportunity that the new owners might have. I think that generally speaking, our board and anyone with an interest in downtown would look forward to the opportunity that some new owners would be motivated to ensure that the building is entirely filled, she said. Sandy Trudel, the economic development officer for the city, agreed. Obviously thats a key architectural building so we want to see that well-preserved, and all the beauty and ambiance that comes with it, she said. Trudel said her office will be looking for the owner to bring the building up to full occupancy and create more traffic in the downtown. More than likely they are going to be making some really proactive efforts to make sure that the remainder of that building is in a state that makes sense for other businesses to occupy it and therefore that motivates investment and motivates proactive marketing of businesses, she said. The treasury board lists the buildings potential uses as Office, Research and Technological Development, Warehouse, Storage and Workshops, Legislative, Judicial, and Diplomatic. As we bring more businesses downtown we win, and then with those businesses, obviously, come the employees so then all the neighbouring areas benefit from it, Trudel said. tbateman@brandonsun.com Twitter: @tombatemann Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Despite widespread fentanyl use on the rise in many western jurisdictions, the synthetic opioid remains relatively scarce in the city, according to the Brandon Police Service. BPS deputy chief of operations Randy Lewis said police havent laid any charges related to fentanyl trafficking in Brandon. We have had little to no activity on the fentanyl front in Brandon, Lewis said. And thats good. I like to think our officers and Brandon Police Service have something to do with that because we aggressively combat drug trafficking in the city. THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Fentanyl pills are shown in an undated police handout photo Lewis said the drug is more prevalent on the West Coast. In April, B.C.s provincial health officer declared a public health emergency in response to a surge of drug-related overdoses and deaths. Fentanyl was singled out by the officer. It was originally developed as a prescription painkiller, but more recently has filled the void left after OxyContin was removed from the Canadian market in 2012. In 2015, 474 people died as a result of illicit drug overdoses. Of those, 31 per cent were attributed to fentanyl, up from five per cent in 2012. In June, the Canadian government passed the first reading of Bill S-225, which will regulate certain substances used in the production of fentanyl. Its potency is what makes it so dangerous, according to Lewis. Fentanyl can be as much as 100 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than heroin. Its much more potent than most other street drugs, Lewis said. It is a deadly drug for individuals in the drug subculture. A lot of people dont know that they are ingesting fentanyl and often it is other drugs laced with fentanyl. BPS Insp. Wayne Balcaen said education remains one of the police forces best tools against fentanyl. We have officer who are assigned to elementary, junior and high schools, Balcaen said. They give presentation on drug use, abuse and identification. Yesterday, the Canadian Border Services Agency announced a 21-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged after he allegedly tried to smuggle fentanyl into the province. Jayden Obireck-Becker is charged with the importation and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. He is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. On July 25, border officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre intercepted 39 grams of fentanyl in a parcel originating from China destined for Winnipeg. The parcel was declared as documents, but further inspection revealed a white substance that was later confirmed through lab analysis to be fentanyl. CBSA Pacific regional director Roslyn MacVicar said its agents take pride in having the experience and expertise to make drug busts. This seizure demonstrates how the CBSA is Canadas first line of defence against the smuggling of illegal drugs, she said. We will continue to be vigilant in preserving the integrity of our borders and ensuring the safety of our communities across Canada. CBSA officials turned the evidence over to RCMP officers who made the arrest. Fentanyl continues to pose a significant threat to public safety, RCMP Insp. Tim Olmstead said. Interagency co-operation, as seen in this investigation, is the key to keeping Canadians safe from the dangers of fentanyl. The RCMP remains committed to working with all stakeholders to reduce the supply, demand and harm of this dangerous drug. The quantity of fentanyl seized could have produced up to 400 doses, according to RCMP. From 2010 to March 31, 2016, the CBSA recorded 84 seizures of fentanyl. ctweed@brandonsun.com Twitter: @CharlesTweed Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/08/2016 (2269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A concerned father is hoping to cast a larger net in an attempt to connect with his daughter, who has been missing since April. Mekayla Bali, was last seen at the STC Bus Depot in Yorkton, Sask., on April 12 at 1:45 p.m., according to her father, Rick Breit. Police said there is no indication of foul play; however, they are hoping to speak to Bail to confirm her safety. RCMP Mekayla Bali, 17, was last seen at a Yorkton, Sask., bus station on April 12. After more than 100 interviews and more than 30 police agencies being involved, RCMP still havent been able to track down the 17-year-old girl. Police escalated the search for Bali and issued a Child Search Alert for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia after new information surfaced regarding an unknown man who may have information about her actions the last day she was seen. This unknown male has a tattoo below his left elbow of a cross with flames around it, an RCMP release states. This individual is not a suspect investigators simply wish to identify this individual and speak with him to assist with efforts to locate Mekayla. Police described the man as between 40 to 50 years old, five-foot-10 to six-foot-two with a stocky, medium build and muscular arms. He had dark hair and was wearing a dark navy vest jacket with an elastic waist band in the back. He had a scar or scratch below his left eye on his cheek. Police said that after speaking with employees at the bus depot, they dont believe Bali got on a bus on April 12. In July, Balis mother gave an emotional plea to try to connect with her daughter. I feel that I have failed you in my most important role of life as your mother, because I cant protect you now, Paula Bali told the Regina Leader-Post as she choked back tears on July 8. We want you to know that you are not in trouble we are worried about you. We love you to the moon and back, and that will never change. Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. ctweed@brandonsun.com Twitter: @CharlesTweed Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The most common request I get from people around Westman is that I should review Bud Light. Most of the time people are joking because its the top selling beer in the region. However, a recent request Ive been getting from a few people is that I should do a review of a non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beers are likely going to be the next trend with the big multinational breweries ever since Labatt introduced Budweiser Prohibition earlier this summer. At your local grocery store or Liquor Mart, theres already between two and eight non-alcoholic beers at any given time. The problem with non-alcoholic beer is that, sure, theyre brewed to have a very low alcohol content, but in most cases, they taste terrible. Thats why you always see those 24s of Molson Exel collecting dust in the grocery store because nobodys wanting to spend money on beer that tastes worse than Minhas Boxer Lager. Even in the craft beer scene, breweries are constantly coming out and experimenting with low alcoholic beers while seeing if they can keep the product flavourful and comparable to the full alcohol brews they make. With this we have a category of beers called session beers, which top out at generally 4 to 4.5 per cent ABV which is still pretty far from being low alcohol. Then theres the popular summertime treat, the Radler, a 50/50 combination of wheat ale and grapefruit juice that ends up topping out around 2.5 to 3.5 per cent on average, making it closer to low alcohol content. How about non-alcoholic beer that tastes like beer? Well, its my duty to go out and see if I can find any. Budweiser Prohibition While Im not going to review Bud Light, Im trying out Budweiser Prohibition because this beer has single- handedly rejuvenated the non-alcoholic/low alcohol beer market to the point that its only a matter of time until we see the beer on tap at local pubs, considering how well its selling out at Liquor Marts around Brandon. Budweiser Prohibition is rated at 0.0 per cent ABV, containing de-alcoholized beer, malt extract, natural flavours, hop extract, phosphoric acid and hop extract. The thought of extract being used rather than the real ingredients kind of annoys me but considering how big of a scale Labatt brews their beer in each facility, they have to keep the product as consistent as possible. Prohibition pours a light straw yellow with a good amount of carbonation, reminiscent of your typical Budweiser. The aroma gives off sweet creamed corn, hint of rice, typical light sweet and grainy prairie barley malt aroma you see in most North American lagers, hints of grass from the hops and bubble gum. The flavour has a bit of a cracker/frozen pizza crust taste to it, quite a bit of sweetness from the malt extract, creamed corn, light metallic aftertaste, a hint of rice and a hint of bubble gum. The flavour isnt as crisp as your typical Budweiser but does it taste like it could be a Budweiser product. Its very easy to drink but priced higher than most non-alcoholic beers at $2.65 per 473mL can at Liquor Marts around Manitoba and between $9.60 to $13 for six 341mL bottles at Liquor Marts and grocery stores. While Im not a fan of Budweiser, Labatt deserves props for making a non-alcoholic beer taste consistent with its main brand. Krombacher Radler Alkoholfrei A few Liquor Mart employees recommended this beer to me when I was asking how well the sales of Budweiser Prohibition was doing. I rarely ever say no to a beer recommendation, except for the time when someone suggested that Id love Bud Light Lime no thanks. The first thing I noticed about this beer is that theres no English translation on the label, which means that Manitoba may be one of the only markets outside Germany that currently gets this beer. The Radler pours light golden straw, incredibly fizzy/carbonated like a soda. Theres a thick amount of white head that quickly yet gradually fizzes away. The aroma has sweet grapefruit with a hint of something herbal that appears to be either ginger or green tea. Im not noticing any beer-like aromas such as bready or grass aromas from the wheat/barley used. The taste is sweet and mild grapefruit, a bit sugary, hint of lemongrass and a hint of beer somewhere mostly in the aftertaste, which gives off a grainy bitterness. Krombacher Radler Alkoholfrei tops out at no more than 0.5 per cent ABV and can be found at Liquor Marts in Brandon, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Roblin, Swan River and Virden for a whopping $1.49 per 330mL bottle. Erdinger Alkoholfrei Another non-alcoholic beer out of Germany. Many of you are likely familiar with Erdingers beers already as their Erdinger Weissbier is one of the top selling German beers in Manitoba. Their alkoholfrei pours a cloudy golden wheat ale with a very thick amount of fluffy white foam on top that gradually goes down. The aroma is sweet, citrusy with a bit of a skunkiness meets a light grapefruit vibe to it, light grassy hops and a bit of what can only be described as the smell of being in a brewery on a hot summer day. The taste starts off with a strange roasted, almost coffee-like maltiness thats more common with darker ales, has a bit of a skunkiness to it as well as a light grapefruit sweetness, light lemongrass flavour and the taste of saltine crackers at the end. Unfortunately its pretty disappointing considering that Erdinger generally makes pretty decent beers. The beer tops out at no more than 0.4 per cent ABV and can be found at Liquor Marts for $2.79 per 500mL bottle. Its only a matter of time until breweries like Molson will introduce a new generation of non-alcoholic beers and I can already predict the future with Molson Canadian .0067 which wouldnt be that hard for them to do seeing that their regular Molson Canadian 67 is only 3.0 per cent ABV already. That being said, I cant really see smaller craft breweries getting into the non-alcoholic trend as smaller breweries tend to stay away from those sorts of things just like how most craft breweries stayed away from the caffeinated beer trend of 2005, the lime beer trend of 2009 and the malt-based fruit cooler trend of 2015. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 12/08/2016 (2268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister marked his 100th day in office yesterday by telling reporters gathered in the legislature that his government was still in the process of reviewing commitments made by the former NDP government. This includes, according to a Winnipeg Free Press story, the hiring of former Quebec premier Jean Charest to look at relocating rail lines in Winnipeg, and former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge to review the provinces balanced-budget law. The government is apparently in the process of determining which commitments the province is contractually bound to fulfil, and which ones may be dropped. These are two of many dozens of commitments that the NDP made in the run-up to the last election, and so theres a lot of sorting out to be done right now, Pallister said. That the new Tory government is conducting reviews of this nature is understandable. The Progressive Conservatives had been on the sidelines of power for 17 years, and in that time the New Democrats got nice and settled in their once-comfortable chairs until they were summarily booted by a cranky electorate. Yet not only has the Pallister government inherited a massive deficit, but its also having to contend with a bloated bureaucracy that has had 17 years of NDP rule. And without doubt, there must remain some underlying loyalties to the old Orange order. Whats a new government going to do in such a situation? The most logical is a complete stock taking of all departments, all programs, all finances and all promises made by the previous government. And thats exactly what the Tories have embarked upon. There is the red tape reduction task force that is under construction. Pallister is working to establish a hospital wait times reduction task force. There is a value-for-money review underway by the international accounting firm KPMG that is focused on finding $50 million in savings out of government spending. The much-maligned Bipole III project, which is already well underway, is likely going to be sent back to the Public Utilities Board for a proper review process. Also underway is work to establish the Premiers Enterprise Team, which is supposed to consist of up to 12 members who will be drawn from Manitobas business community, according to the partys official website. And then theres the ongoing process to join the New West Partnership with Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. As much as Pallister would like to have quick access to the western Canadian trading block, there are many negotiations that must take place before any major announcement can take place, and ink put to paper. Suffice to say, these task forces, reviews and initiatives and the above is by no means an exhaustive list take time to complete. And this new government is staring into the jaws of an upcoming September session of the Manitoba legislature without much chance of making many of the major and practical policy changes that it wants to. There will be announcements, certainly. We expect there will be some upcoming changes to the delivery of education, what with a new school year approaching. And Mr. Pallister has already stated that infrastructure project announcements are pending. But some of their big-ticket items the ones they campaigned hard upon are several months away from fruition. And that wont change no matter how many times members of the media may ask for an update. While this is obviously a necessary wait period for the new government, the Opposition gets to hammer them from the cheap seats. Its not an enviable position especially for a leader like Pallister who would like to make sweeping changes and see the results as quickly as possible. But it could be worse for our new premier. He could still be in NDP interim leader Flor Marcelinos shoes on the outside looking in. Throwing peanuts. Apple has been given the go-ahead for an 850m data centre in Galway. The facility will cater for the company's Apple Music, App Store, Messages, Maps and Siri customers in Europe. There are calls for the Government to introduce a scheme which would facilitate undocumented young people to access immigration papers. The call comes as a group from the Young, Paperless and Powerful campaign prepare to speak out at an event today to mark International Youth Day. Update - 2.15pm: Age Action hit out after advisers called for a shift in cultural norms over when people should stop work but stopped short of demanding reform to working into older age. Eamon Timmins, Age Action chief executive, said: "Every year older workers are forced out of their jobs and onto the dole because of mandatory retirement ages. "While other countries around the world are abolishing these ageist restrictions and supporting older workers, our members will be very disappointed that there is no plan to do the same here. "There are also no proposals to address the anomaly that workers are facing retirement at the age of 65 but unable to claim the State Pension until they turn 66." The report for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform found income for retirees is going to become a bigger issue unless employers keep staff on for longer. Its advisers found that Ireland should be a society that explores the opportunities associated with longer, fuller working lives by preparing properly for population ageing and supporting continued engagement in economic and social life. Mr Donohoe's department is to review the barriers stopping public sector workers from staying in jobs up to they are eligible for the state pension. Age Action said it supported some ideas in the report including the need for more training as people work into older age and improving awareness among staff and employers about the benefits of working for longer. Mr Timmins added: "It's good to see the department looking at barriers faced by public sector workers. "But the Government's national positive ageing strategy commits to removing the barriers to continued employment for older people and this report is a missed opportunity do just that." The report for Government also said that workers should be facilitated with the option to work beyond normal retirement age. It also called for a code of practice to be drawn up around the issue of longer working and for employers to ensure that their policy on retirement age is clearly articulated. It said unions and employers should improve awareness among both workers and employers of options, rights and responsibilities around longer working. Earlier: Longer working lives are going to be a reality for people, according to the Public Expenditure Minister. The Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives, launched by Paschal Donohoe earlier today stated that the retirement age may need to be increased. The report was a collaboration between a number of Government departments. It stated that Ireland needs to prepare for an aging population - and that a cultural shift is needed with regards to retirement age. Minister Paschal Donohoe said that there are a number of reasons people are working longer. "People are living for longer, they're healtier for longer, and in many, many cases people simply want to continue to be active and to work for longer," he said. The report also raised concerns over the State pension. Given current population trends, State pension spending will increase from 7bn in 2016 to 8.7bn in 2026 because of people living longer. There are no clear recommendations in the report, just pledges that different departments will further look into the issue. Age Action Ireland have called it a missed opportunity. Minister Donohoe said that that retirement age and pension supports need to be addressed in future Government policy. Commenting on the publication of the Report, the Minister said: "This is an important piece of work. "People are, thankfully, living longer and healthier lives and this trend will continue into the future. An ageing population does create challenges as well as opportunities that need to be explored. "We need a policy framework to support those who want to continue to make an active contribution throughout their lives, including through work. "Together with the National Positive Ageing Strategy, the recommendations set out in this Report will help us to achieve that. "This is a complex and multi-faceted issue. I would like to thank stakeholders for their input to the Groups work. "It will be important that the State, employers, trade unions and community and voluntary groups work together to advance this agenda and to ensure the recommendations are implemented, so we can provide for the future and plan for citizens fuller working lives." Update 12.14pm: Sports Minister Shane Ross has warned against a rush to judgment in the Rio ticket scandal. Sports Minister Shane Ross said that it is too early to jump to conclusions about what happened. I think it would be absolutely wrong at this stage to rush to judgement in the face of at least four or five inquiries going on, he said. It would be absolutely right to commit ourselves to finding out the truth, and thats what were doing, and were doing it in a very aggressive and, I think, very energetic fashion. Earlier: The Olympic Council of Ireland has been warned that the country's image has been damaged by the Rio ticketing scandal. Irishman Kevin Mallon, who was arrested in Brazil last week, has been accused of trying to re-sell hundreds of tickets earmarked for team Ireland. Last night the OCI president Pat Hickey broke his silence saying there was "no impropriety whatsoever" in relation to the sale of tickets. Pat Hickey However, the comments have not stopped calls for the Government here to launch an official investigation into the matter. Minister for Sport Shane Ross said that Mr Hickey may be in a "Rio bubble" about the seriousness of the issue. I think they probably lacked a sense of urgency, he said. They may be living in a bit of a Rio bubble, and not realised the concerns that there was at home. But I think that if they were slow to start with, which they may have been, weve put a sense of urgency into them, which will accelerate the process now. Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley said that the lack of an official investigation give the wrong impression. "The Minister with responsibility here has been tardy in his response," he said. "It leaves open the perception that somehow this kind of practice is acceptable here. "I don't think that an Oireachtas Committee is the way to go, I think a scoping exercise within the Department, a senior official, and if warranted, if there's some prima facie case established for a more detailed investigation, that it be carried out by a retired judge or a senior counsel." A new test has been developed that will be able to tell pregnant women, with 99% accuracy, whether their babies will have Down Syndrome. However, parents of people with Down Syndrome have spoken out about the test, which they fear may lead to a rise in abortions of babies with the chromosomal anomaly. A flight made an emergency landing at Dublin Airport this morning after smoke was detected in the cockpit soon after departure. Iberia Express flight IB-3793 departed Dublin at around 11.30am destined for Madrid in Spain. Just minutes after taking off, the crew advised air traffic controllers that they had an issue which they wished to investigate. A short time later, the pilot confirmed they had smoke in the cockpit and that they had to don their emergency oxygen masks. The pilot told controllers they wanted to make an 'immediate return' to Dublin. A number of other inbound flights were told to break off their approaches and were placed in holding patterns until the incident aircraft had landed safely. ALERT Iberia #IB3793 to Madrid returned to Dublin due to smoke in cockpit. Landed safely @planefinder pic.twitter.com/pYQdfo4lNB AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) August 12, 2016 The flight landed safely shortly before midday and was met by airport emergency services. Fire crews carried out a visual inspection of the planes exterior before the aircraft taxied to the terminal. Fire personnel carried out a further inspection of the aircraft in an effort to determine the source of the smoke while engineers were also standing by to investigate the issue. An American Senator has issued an open invite to Irish citizens to emigrate to the United States. Democrat Cory Booker said that his party want to change their immigration laws to make it easier for Irish people to live there. Senator Booker, who is from New Jersey, is a close ally of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Newstalk reporter Shona Murray interviewed him on Clinton's election campaign bus. "I think we need more Irish immigration, so I'd like to send a message out to folks in Ireland," he said. "You've a great country, but if you want to come to the United States, we love the Irish here. "[New] Jersey has a lot of Irish blood. So I don't need to insult your nation, it's probably a beautiful, wonderful place, but come to America, guys. "Emigrate here. We're going to change the immigration laws, make them rational. "It's what makes America great, we need to return to that tradition as opposed to what we have right now." Update 11.34am: Police said four of the injured tourists were from Germany, three from the Netherlands, two from Italy and one from Austria. Update 7.56am: The Irish Embassy in Bangkok says there's no indication that any Irish citizens have been injured in the recent Thailand attacks. Earlier: A wave of co-ordinated explosions have hit cities in Thailand, killing several people and wounding dozens more. Among the injured were 10 foreigners in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. Col Krisana Patanacharoen of the Royal Thai Police said it was too soon say who was behind the attacks but "we are sure that it is not linked to terrorism". The timing and scope of the bombings led many to suggest that they were carried out by opponents of the ruling junta, which last weekend organised a successful referendum on a constitution that critics say will bolster the military's power for years to come. The violence took place on the birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit. The junta has repeatedly said that defending the monarchy is a top priority and the army and its allies are keen to ensure a smooth succession for ailing 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. The first two explosions occurred overnight on a busy street in the tourist city of Hua Hin, which was hit again by another blast this morning. The city is home to a swathe of beachfront resorts as well as a royal palace. Police and Thai media reported other blasts the southern cities of Phuket, Trang and Surat Thani. Tourist Shane Brett told Australian Broadcasting Corporation from his hotel room in Hua Hin that there was panic after the first explosion, which police said killed one Thai woman and wounded about 20 others, half of them foreigners. "I was at a bar in the main bar district in Hua Hin right outside the Hilton Hotel and at first I heard kind of a bang and everyone kind of panicked," Mr Brett said. He looked outside the bar and said saw people running. Half an hour later, he made it back to his hotel. On the way, he said he saw "a good few people injured and the whole area just panicking ... the whole area was just shut down with police cars, ambulances". Thailand's economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup, but tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with more than 14 million people visiting in 2016 so far - up from 12.5 million the year before. Thursday's bombs were set off by remote control, half an hour apart, according to General Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, the police superintendent in Hua Hin, and his deputy, Lt Gen Samer Yousamran. Gen Sithichai said both devices were hidden inside plants on a street filled with restaurants, bars and food sellers that is popular with tourists and residents. He said a Samsung mobile phone had been recovered that they believed was used to detonate at least one the bombs. Thursday's fatality was reported to be a woman street food seller and several of the injured were in a serious condition. Lt Chaiyot Tisawong, an officer in Hua Hin, said 10 of the injured were foreigners. Their nationalities were not immediately known. This morning, two more bombs exploded in Hua Hin, killing one person and wounding four, police said. Another pair of bombs exploded in front of two police stations half an hour apart in Surat Thani in southern Thailand. Earlier on Thursday, another bomb blew up in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six, according to Thai news reports. Trang is on the fringes of Thailand's deep south, where a low-level Muslim separatist insurgency had killed more than 5,000 people since 2004. Almost all the violence has been in the three southernmost provinces. Thailand has been plagued by political violence, including several bombings, since the populist billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a 2006 military coup after demonstrations accused him of corruption, abuse of power and insulting King Bhumibol. Mr Thaksin's removal set off sometimes bloody battles for power between his supporters and opponents, who include the military. The government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011, was ousted in the country's last coup in 2014. On Sunday, Thai voters approved a referendum on a new constitution that is supposed to lead to an election next year. Critics say it is undemocratic and is fashioned to keep the military in control for at least five more years even if a free election is held. In a speech on Wednesday night, junta chief and prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha took credit for bringing stability back to Thailand after an extended period of unrest. Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a junta spokesman, said Mr Prayuth "expressed his sadness over the unexpected and tragic incident (in Hua Hin)" and said ordered police and soldiers in the area to step up security measures. "It is too early to say who is behind this attack," Col Sansern said. "But I am confident that authorities will be able to find those who are responsible and bring them under the justice of the law." Nigerian military helicopters have rushed polio vaccines to dangerous parts of the country's north east, where Boko Haram operates and where two toddlers paralysed by the virus were recently discovered, health officials said. The World Health Organisation said the wild virus has circulated undetected for years in the area where the Islamic extremists have prevented vaccinations. Borno state health commissioner Ibrahim Miringa said recent attacks by the Islamic extremists prevented the emergency operation from getting health workers to two parts of Borno state where the children with polio were found. Boko Haram has killed polio vaccinators in the past. He said the two children, aged under two, were among refugees recently arrived from areas newly freed from Boko Haram. The apparent outbreak is major setback after Nigeria was declared polio-free in October. Massive challenges face Nigerian health workers supported by the WHO and the US Centres for Disease Control to urgently vaccinate millions of endangered children in an area where the UN suspended aid after a military-escorted humanitarian convoy was attacked last month. "Not all the areas that have been liberated by the military could be accessed by our health officials because of recent attacks in Jere and Gwoza local government areas carried out by Boko Haram," Mr Miringa said. Jere and Gwoza are the areas where the first two cases of polio were found in Nigeria in more than two years, the WHO announced on Thursday night. The government of #Nigeria reports two wild #polio cases. The first since July 2014. World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 11, 2016 Nigeria's removal from the WHO's list of polio-endemic countries had meant all of Africa was free from the crippling disease. Only two other countries remain on the list - Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr Miringa said health workers have been vaccinating refugees as they arrive in major camps, "but recent liberation of internally displaced persons from the hinterlands and their being camped in satellite camps have made the immunisation exercise difficult". International organisations plan to support Nigerian health workers in using "a hit-and-run kind of strategy", said the WHO director for polio eradication, Michel Zaffran. A massive vaccination drive is starting in Borno and within weeks will be carried to nearby Benin, Chad, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon, he added. Police in England have released video footage of an elderly motorist who drove for six miles in the wrong direction on a motorway after he became confused after returning on a flight to the UK. Keith Taylor pulled onto the hard shoulder of the M23 motorway in Sussex before making a U-turn, heading south on the northbound carriageway. A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Despite oncoming headlights and evasive action taken by other motorists, the errant driver's blue Volkswagen Polo hatchback continued doggedly in the wrong direction until police caught up with him near Maidenbower, Crawley." This motorist diced with death on the #M23 driving SIX miles the wrong way Read more https://t.co/Pvv8aZf0Ww pic.twitter.com/SEr1cyMeFr Sussex Police (@sussex_police) August 12, 2016 The 79-year-old, from New Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, King's Lynn, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced on July 25 by Norfolk magistrates to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and told he must take an extended driving test before reapplying for his licence. PC Mark Botevyle said that it appeared that the motorist had earlier left an inbound flight at Gatwick Airport but had then become confused as to which way he should be driving. He added: "In more than 15 years as a police officer I have never encountered anything with such potential to have caused a major tragedy. "The M23 was busy with traffic and it was only by sheer chance that no collision occurred. Clearly there was potential for a major pile-up and I am still amazed that this incident did not have more serious consequences." HAMBURG: The lowest price offered in the tender from Pakistan to purchase 500,000 tonnes of wheat which closed on... On July 10, a mortar shell struck a street in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The explosion ripped through an armored vehicle guarding a refugee camp near a United Nations compound. Two Chinese peacekeepers, Li Lei, 22, and Yang Shupeng, 33, were killed, and five others were injured. Two months later, it is still hard for some to let go. One evening during roll call in the regiment where Li was trained, the commander called Li Lei's name and nearly 110 soldiers responded. "Here!" they shouted in unison, their cries fading on the wind as the memory of their fallen comrades echoed in their hearts. "Li is among us. He is our brother in arms forever," said Dong Xiaobing, the regimental commander. After his father died in 2007, Li became more introverted, writing his innermost thoughts in his diary. "When I am gone, please don't miss me, I have no regrets walking the path I chose," he wrote. In one entry, he posted a photo of UN peacekeepers helping people in South Sudan, with a handwritten caption underneath: "UN peacekeeper, my dream." Yang,meanwhile,was one of the most experienced soldiers in the regiment. He had completed 15 years of service, and is remembered as a sharpshooter, big brother and a caring chef. One of the best gunners in the company, Yang had excelled in more than 20 major military exercises, but never rubbed his achievements in anyone's face, upholding the motto "Veterans can't have egos". During one team examination, Yang was suffering from severe back pain, and his squad tried to talk him out of taking part, but he refused, saying, "If I don't participate, it will be bad for morale". Yang showed his love for his comrades off the battlefield as well. In 2009, a squad returned from a frosty night, and Yang offered to make fried rice with extra eggs. "He was like our big brother," said Zhang Rui, the squadron leader. Last year, the company commander asked for volunteers for the South Sudan peacekeeping mission. Li and Yang were the first ones to sign up. When asked how he could leave his wife and child behind, Yang replied with a smile: "You rookies are too young. It is better to leave these missions to seasoned veterans." On Dec 2, Li and Yang were deployed alongside hundreds of other soldiers to South Sudan. They knew it could be their last mission, but their family didn't. Yang's wife, Zou Lina, was devastated by his death, but her strong resolve pulled her through. "Now I need to be strong and take care of our son and parents," she said. On July 20, both soldiers' remains were returned home. The following day, a funeral was held in Xuchang, Henan province, where their regiment is based.More than 200,000 people turned out to pay respect. Zhang Zhihao contributed to this story. qixin@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 08/12/2016 page9) ISLAMABAD: The number of cellular subscribers as well as teledensity declined for the second consecutive month in... NEW DELHI: A helicopter carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath in Indias Himalayan region crashed on Tuesday, killing all... No official word yet on whether the Dutch royals will visit Canberra during their visit to Australia later this year, with both the Dutch Embassy and Prime Minister and Cabinet keeping mum until the official itinerary is released. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands will visit Australia from October 31 to November 4. Then prince and princess now King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arriving in Canberra in 2006. Credit:David Gray The visit will coincide with commemorative activities marking the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the landing in Western Australia of Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog. Given they were invited by the G-G, it's a fair chance they will spend some time in the national capital. A Reconciliation Day public holiday is unlikely to replace the Queen's Birthday long weekend, due to fears it may spark a fight between republicans and monarchists. That leaves Canberra's family and community day, formerly the union's picnic day, as the public holiday likely to be replaced. Dr Chris Bourke, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister. Credit:Jay Cronan The government is now in "productive" talks with Unions ACT over the plan, which is likely to be trialled in 2018. Unions ACT secretary Alex White only said his executive were in "strong support" for the establishment of a Reconciliation Day public holiday. ANZ has warned customers of a scam text message that urges customers to click on a link to "avoid suspension" of their accounts. The "urgent" SMS implores customers to "review and update your ANZ account to avoid suspension". The bank responded by posting on its Facebook and Twitter pages: "If you receive this SMS requesting you to click a link to review your account, please delete it immediately," An ANZ spokeswoman said later: "We became aware of a hoax SMS after a number of ANZ customers contacted us through social media and the call centre this morning. The single best explanation for the rise of Mr Crazy, Donald Trump, is that over the four years to 2013, the real income of the top 1 per cent of American households rose by 17.4 per cent, while that of the bottom 99 per cent rose by 0.7 per cent, giving the top few 85 per cent of the growth. Another country where the gap between high and low incomes has widened markedly is Britain. And what crazy thing have the Brit voters just gone and done? You remember. I think it's a case of what physiotherapists call "referred pain" - what you feel in some part of your body is actually coming from a problem somewhere else. Many voters are conscious that their income doesn't seem to be growing and know something's badly wrong. But they don't join the dots the way an economist would. Rupert Murdoch has named two co-presidents to lead the scandal-rocked Fox News channel. The two veteran News Corp executives Jack Abernethy and Bill Shine will replace Roger Ailes who left Fox News last month after a series of sexual harassment accusations. Both start in their new posts immediately, a statement from News Corp said. Mr Abernethy will oversee the business, sales and distribution operations of Fox News, while Mr Shine will supervise the programming and news operations of Fox News and its sister-channel Fox Business Network. I knew an unemployed artist who found work with a registered training organisation. Not teaching art. Teaching forklift drivers. "You ever drive a forklift?" I asked in surprise. He said no, unnecessary. He'd done a short course (not in forklift driving). He'd ticked the VET boxes for the TAE certificate from the RTO. All good. To me it made no sense, even sans the alphabet soup. Still doesn't. But this is what we have now instead of an education system: a market. Caveat emptor. It has to end. Neoliberalism was always based on a fundamental failure of self-knowledge. Now surely it has run its course. For decades, belief in The Market as divine presence guaranteeing fairness and quality and providing a universal template for everything from museums to democracy to prisons has been sewn like a nasty neoliberal pellet under our social skin. Rod Simms, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, is losing faith in privatisation. Credit:Josh Robenstone Gradually, as it released its low-dose toxicity into our bloodstream, we've deprived and debilitated our health system, our vocational education, our universities, our ports, our public service, our postal system, our electricity provision, our public assets, our parks and institutions, our public housing, our super, our correctional system, our building regulation and our motorways. As the rich get richer and the fragile vanish from the conversation, the world starts to feel like that scene in The Lion King where Scar takes control and the Pride Lands become the deathlands, tided in misery. In the United States the Democratic Party recently nominated Hillary Clinton as its presidential candidate. If the results of the latest polls hold true at election time, America will swear in its first female president in January. The previous week, across the pond, British Prime Minister Theresa May was negotiating the terms of Britain's exit from Europe wIth Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel. Women living in Western society have been raised to believe they can be competent and successful in any professional role through education, ambition and hard work. And young girls today can point at severalliving role models operating at the highest levels of leadership. So is the long and hard battle for women's equality finally over? Hillary Clinton is poised to become president of the United States, but in the religious sphere women's leadership is still a contentious issue. Credit:AP Well, not entirely. In the religious sphere women's leadership remains a contentious issue. Last week Pope Francis announced a new commission to consider whether women should be made deacons in the Catholic Church. The Anglican Church consecrated Libby Lane as its first female bishop in January 2015, but this was only after a failed attempt in 2012. While the Jewish Reform movement has been ordaining female rabbis since the early 1970s, and the Conservative movement since the early 1980s, in Orthodox Judaism the notion of female rabbis is still hotly contested. In November 2015, the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of America in its third attempt to stem the growing tide of support for Orthodox women's rabbinical ordination published a stern proclamation declaring the illegitimacy of female rabbis. Not without irony, as Hillary Clinton wrapped up the democratic presidential nomination a group of leading American Orthodox rabbis opposed to women's ordination launched a series of "hearings" on this disputed subject. The moment you realise, as a kid, that your teacher is also a human being is a startling one. Like the time my high school teacher sobbed through an entire lesson, holding a handkerchief to her nose as we bent over our books stealing glances, hushed and wondering. Like the science teacher who endearingly sliced off the top of her finger trying to scoop condensed milk out of a tin. And the English teacher who read a poem of mine in Year 8 in which I described a classroom tutor writing on a chalkboard with a hand "weary, like her spirit." Next to those lines were two thick ticks, and an "EXCELLENT!" in capitals. At which point I realised my teacher probably was a bit tired. Those moments flashed back into mind at the Byron Bay Writers festival when, on a panel with authors John Marsden and Lucy Clark, self-described "recovering teacher" Gabbie Stroud suddenly started to cry. In her 30s, bright and kind and driven, with the sort of personality that would inspire you to forge paths through thickets in search of adventure, Stroud became burnt out after 15 years of primary school teaching. She spoke vehemently about the need to nurture each child, to wrest free of the administrative stranglehold of constant testing, and the crowd clapped. A company owned by outspoken Liberal South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi and his wife Sinead bought a 1 million-dollar property in Adelaide last year which now serves as the headquarters for his Conservative Leadership Foundation. The foundation has since spawned the Australian Conservatives movement which Senator Bernardi launched last month after the electoral thrashing received by Malcolm Turnbull's government at the July 2 poll. The Conservative Leadership Foundation and the Australian Conservatives appear to share headquarters in Adelaide. Senator Bernardi has branded the election result a "disaster" and says his new movement will unite conservatives no matter what their party to ensure "our voice is never taken for granted again". On August 1 he announced 50,000 people had registered. The Australian Conservatives' web page links to the Conservative Leadership Foundation, an earlier initiative set up by Senator Bernardi in 2009. The CLF site invites donations to develop "Australia's future business, political and community leaders". Senator Birmingham said vice-chancellors had told him privately that they use courses such as law - which have high fees but are popular and relatively cheap to teach - as "profit centres" for their universities. He also compared universities calling for more government funding to "petulant toddlers" demanding more chocolate from their parents. Senator Birmingham, who is consulting on higher education reform, said a "key part" of his thinking was how to remove incentives for universities to enrol an excessive number of students in profitable courses such as law. Education Minister Simon Birmingham says he wants to overhaul higher education funding to stop universities churning out graduates in fields where they will struggle to get a job. Profits from these degrees are used to subsidise research or to teach more expensive courses such as veterinary science and dentistry. "We have to have a look at how the financial incentives the government has in place actually drive behaviour by the universities in their decision in how many people to enrol in different disciplines," Senator Birmingham told an education conference in Melbourne on Friday. "And that won't be an easy part of the reform discussion and it's not easy from our perspective either because it means that, perhaps, support in some courses needs to go up, while support in others needs to go down. "But if we were to actually change some of those enrolment practices - without it going back to a model driven by a bunch of officials sitting around a table in Canberra randomly allocating a number of places for each university - then we need to find a method that drives an outcome that frankly is more attuned with what the employment market demands." Universities have to be driven by "what is in the best interests of the student and the need of the national economy" when deciding how many students to enrol in each discipline, he said. Breyton Horomona suffered a fatal allergic reaction. Credit:Facebook Fundraising for a funeral is one of the fastest growing areas on crowdfunding sites, ranging from YouCaring, MyCause, Pozible and FuneralFund. American research estimates crowdsourcing funeral expenses has grown twice as fast as any other category, and they often receive 50 per cent more page views because the stories like Breyton's and Aaron's are tragic and in the news. A funeral page has become the "new obituary", said Adrienne Gonzalez, the founder of GoFraudMe, a critic of GoFundMe. Often memorial and funeral pages were launched before the body was even cold, she said. Aaron Pajich's body was found in the backyard of an Orelia home in June. GoFundMe, launched in 2010, has doubled in size this year alone, and with $2 billion in donations, is the largest. In Australia its fee combined with online payment processing charges total 6.75 per cent plus 30 on every donation to an individual campaign. A campaign starts every 18 seconds on GoFundMe to pay for health costs, someone's dream trip, a funeral or a memorial. In Australia, where GoFundMe has raised $60 million in the past two years, funding funerals and memorials is the second most popular category. It is just about the default move. There will be an outpouring on Facebook and someone puts up a GoFundMe site. Dave Hillyard, acting WA consumer protection commissioner Breyton's father, Bishop Horomona of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said fundraising had been the last thing on his mind when his brother-in-law had proposed it. "We were hurting and didn't want everyone to feel sorry for us. But they went ahead, and in the end, it was such a help for us." He was warned by other members of the church, though, to be wary of online fundraisers and people attending the funeral who may expect a free flight home. Even with the best of intentions, it is easy to upset donors as Ms Kerton discovered. Some donors were alarmed to see their bank accounts listing the donation to Aaron's funeral as "Misty's vet fees". That was a reference to a previous fundraiser by Ms Kerton for her dog that she hadn't fixed in the rush to put up the page after Aaron's body was discovered. Other donors queried why Aaron's father Keith spent money on new suits. Some asked why the family had not approached established government programs, such as those helping victims of crimes. Mr Sweetman told Fairfax he was "absent-minded with grief", and should have loaded receipts online earlier than he did. "With so much grief. I forgot about everyone. I was very much concerned about my son, my son was taken away from me," he told Fairfax. "We've had such a good response from most of the public, yet of course, naturally, you do get a few who are unhappy. At a time of grief, it doesn't seem right that some people feel animosity .. but some people do." M s Kerton ended up pulling the plug on the fundraiser: "When it hit $15,707 I stopped it because it was getting out of control," she said. She had set up the account to help Aaron's aunts, who were afraid the funeral would bankrupt the family, yet the fundraising had left "a sour taste". Ms Kerton also lost money from additional bank fees when some donors asked for their money back. WA Government's consumer protection officials also tried unsuccessfully to transfer the fundraising for Aaron's funeral to a licensed charity because the online appeal breached the state's law on charities. Setting up an online fundraising site following a tragedy was routine, said WA's acting commissioner for consumer protection Dave Hillyard. "It is just about the default move. There will be an outpouring on Facebook and someone puts up a GoFundMe site to deal with the outpouring of emotion and financial support," he said. "There will be flurry of activity, and money will start pouring in," he said. It is not unusual for donors to query how money is spent. Yet donors who ask whether the case is legitimate are often attacked for daring to ask in a time of grief. Mr Hillyard said without independent and objective decision making and accounting by a licensed charity, fundraising often became very difficult. "People blurt things out, and it gets very negative." Australia's laws had "not kept up with the development in technology" that has seen crowdfunding explode. While crowdfunding sites cross borders, Australia's charity laws differ from state to state. For instance, WA Government's consumer protection officials tried unsuccessfully to transfer the fundraising for Aaron's funeral to a licensed charity because the online appeal breached the state's law on charities. While raising funds for a funeral requires a license in WA and QLD, it does not in NSW. In South Australia, people collecting money for individuals or their families for specific causes (eg funeral costs, health expenses) are not considered charities and, as such, do not require a licence. In Queensland, donations from the public for a charitable or community purpose, regardless of whether the fundraising is done by 'crowd-funding' or simply by donation, may only be done by a licensed fundraiser or an individual can apply for an exemption. GoFundMe's CEO Rob Solomon said that the "platform is built to empower people to help people all around the world, and that's not limited to family members." A baby boy has been rushed to hospital after he was found unconscious in a bath in Sydney's west. Paramedics were called to the home on Birch Street at North St Marys on Friday morning to reports that the eight-month-old boy was not breathing. The baby was taken to Nepean Hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition. Police said officers were investigating the circumstances around the incident. The man was expected to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Saturday. Police investigate an incident in Logan, where a bread truck was found and a sedan was stolen. Credit:The Today Show The 29-year-old was charged with more than 20 offences, including unlawful and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, armed robbery, attempted enter with intent, arson, possession of explosives and driving under the influence. Police have charged a Birkdale man with a string of offences after a crime spree that spanned from Brisbane to Lockyer Valley on Friday. Full details have emerged of a man's bizarre crime spree that took him from the Brisbane suburb of Birkdale to the Lockyer Valley. Police allege the 29-year-old began his string of crimes about 2.30am on Friday at a service station in Birkdale, where he stole a bread truck, roughly shoving the driver from the vehicle and injuring his arm in the process. The man then dumped the bread truck in Boronia Heights, nearly 40 kilometres away, where he threatened a man with a shotgun before stealing a car, police said. He then drove another 50 kilometres to Borallon, where he crashed the stolen car into a fence on Pine Mountain Road, allegedly threatened an occupant with a shotgun and stole a ute. From there he travelled another 80 kilometres to Helidon where police said he parked the stolen ute across train tracks at level crossing on Cattos Road, where a coal train collided with it. Two state government ministers have offered their condolences following the death of Fisheries Queensland boss Andrew Thwaites. Mr Thwaites died while diving off Moreton Island on Wednesday. Fisheries Queensland director Andrew Thwaites, 44, has been found dead after failing to resurface on a diving trip off Moreton Island. The experienced diver failed to resurface after a group dive at Henderson Rock about 2.20pm, sparking an extensive search and rescue operation. Police divers recovered his body the next morning. A Miss World Australia hopeful killed in a horrific head-on collision wanted to become a lawyer and work in remote indigenous communities. Elyse Miller-Kennedy was driving along a remote road in far north Queensland when her car and a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction collided head on. She suffered critical injuries to her upper and lower limbs as well as her head, chest, and face and was airlifted to Cairns Hospital before being transported to Townsville. On Wednesday afternoon she lost her fight for life with tributes flooding in from around the country for the promising 17-year-old. Perhaps delaying sex until you are 150 is the secret to longevity. It seems to be working for the Greenland shark. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen and Oxford have used a novel technique to determine that the giant carnivore that hunts in the north Atlantic is the world's longest living vertebrate. Living up to 400 years means that the oldest of this species started hunting freezing waters when Pope Paul V was persecuting Galileo, Pocahontas arrived in England and Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog landed in Shark Bay, Western Australia. A man has been carjacked while unloading groceries from his car outside his home in Melbourne's south-east. Two balaclava-clad thieves ambushed the man outside his Albert Road home in Hallam about 3pm on Thursday. They demanded the car keys and assaulted the man before taking off in his Holden Commodore SS. The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. A short time later, the car was found abandoned beside the Belgrave/Hallam Road Monash Freeway on-ramp, having crashed into some bushes. Police are investigating two serious crashes overnight including a collision involving a police car. The police car and a Toyota sedan were driving towards Melbourne along the Princes Highway at Corio around 1.15am when the Toyota is believed to have crossed from the left-hand lane into the path of the police vehicle. Senior Constable Adam West said the police car struck the side of the other car, causing both vehicles to crash off the road. The driver of the Toyota sedan, believed to be a woman in her 30s, suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital. Ukraine denies the claims, and both the United States and the European Union say Russia has provided no evidence. An open-source analysis group, the Digital Forensic Research Lab, found some indications of a firefight on Saturday, but little to back up Moscow's other claims. Russia has been known to distort events to serve political ends, particularly within the fog of the Ukraine conflict. Members of the Pro-Russian self defence militia at the Changar, Crimea border crossing with western Ukraine. Credit:Kate Geraghty That doesn't mean that Russia's claims are all false. Ukrainian militias last year sabotaged electricity pylons that power Crimea, and some of them are involved in criminal activity and human rights violations. An attempted attack in Crimea is not out of the question, though there is little reason to suspect the Ukrainian government would sponsor such a plot. Whatever happened, images found by open-source analysts suggest that Russia has been escalating its military presence in Crimea since at least the Saturday before the supposed attack occurred. These show convoys of heavy weapons moving on the peninsula, including missile systems intended for coastal defense. A billboard with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the road outside Simferopol, Crimea, earlier this year. Credit:AP Disturbingly familiar Russian escalation Some reports indicate that Russia's troops in Crimea were already scheduled for a new rotation about now, which would help explain the activity, though it would be quite a coincidence that this just happened to fall during some of the highest tensions since the 2013 annexation. Whatever transpired over the weekend, Putin has unquestionably escalated in his hostile language toward Ukraine. Analysts have pointed out disturbing parallels with how Russia behaved just before previous military actions against Ukraine. In February 2014, similar speeches and military manoeuvres provided cover for Crimean volunteer militias to seize the peninsula, then still controlled by Ukraine, only to reveal they were, in fact, Russian special forces launching a military occupation. That August, as Russian-backed separatists lost ground in eastern Ukraine, Putin stationed troops along the border, warning they might be necessary to "protect" ethnic Russian civilians in Ukraine who he said were under attack. He orchestrated an aid convoy into the region that, according to NATO, was mere cover for a Russian invasion force. What is Putin planning in Crimea? Some have wondered whether Moscow might be plotting another intervention. Fighting has increased in eastern Ukraine, as it did before the August 2014 incursion. But that seeming parallel may be the point, meant to create fear of military action rather than actual action that will give Putin leverage with Ukraine and with Western countries. Mark Galeotti, a New York University professor who studies Russia, pointed out that Crimea would make little sense as a staging ground for military action against eastern Ukraine, which borders mainland Russia but not Crimea, and that the rest of the country is better defended. "It's highly unlikely that the Russians are truly planning some major offensive," Galeotti says. "We're looking at a classic Russian strategy of building up tension." International peace talks over Ukraine, once the mechanism by which Putin forced contact with Western leaders who had shunned him over annexing Crimea, have become increasingly regarded as fruitless and irrelevant. By dangling the threat of renewed conflict, Putin gives the talks a new purpose: to coax him back from the brink. "It's a standard Putin tactic: he wants to try to go there from a position of strength," Galeotti says of the next peace talks, planned for early September. "And the only real strength is to say, 'I could make things much, much worse if I wanted to.'" Positioning for a bargain with the West Putin also said last week that it made little sense to continue negotiations amid the Crimea tensions, forcing the other parties to persuade him to come back to the table and putting himself at the centre of the process. What does this actually get him? For one, it allows Russia to continue asserting itself as a global power, even though its economy is smaller than Australia's. For another, it positions Moscow as having a veto over Ukraine's sovereignty, keeping the country within some degree of Russian control. It may also serve Putin's long-held hopes of a grand bargain with the US that would settle their disputes over Ukraine and Syria on terms favourable to Moscow as well as ending Western sanctions against Russia. Putin has repeatedly hinted at this goal since his nation's economy began collapsing in late 2014, due mostly to the declining value of its oil and gas exports. Since intervening in Syria in October, he has repeatedly invited Western powers to join him in a grand coalition to fight extremists. But Russian leaders may believe that they would need to secure such a deal before January, when President Barack Obama will leave office. Russian officials tend to view Hillary Clinton as the likely successor and as more hostile to Moscow. Donald Trump, while conspicuously friendly toward Russia, is still seen as unpredictable. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams This puppy really knows how to enjoy the dog days of summer! Nine-month-old Crown Heights mutt Callie had the time of her short life frolicking in the fountain outside the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday, beating the heat as temperatures soared into the 90s. Callie insists on cooling her jets in the water feature every day, her owner said, and he is powerless to stop the 11-pound pooch. She pulls us all the way from our house to there just so she can attack the water, said owner Daivd Katz, who adopted Callie from a shelter in Kentucky. If I didnt take her she would give me the stink eye all day. The soggy doggy spent around 1520 minutes performing aqua-batics for crowds at the Eastern Parkway gallery before drying herself by rolling about on a patch of grass nearby, according to Katz. She was putting on a show for everybody, he said. Shes a 9-month-old puppy whatever she does is a show. The museum fountain is really the only place for hot dogs to splash about in the neighborhood this summer, Katz said, as Prospect Parks swimming holes are all closed and the big fountain in that park is only for humans. Was there a murder 100 years ago at Yardley's Continental Tavern? Frank Lyons began excavating the basement of the Continental Tavern in Yardley. He found a gun, bloody corset and part of a woman's purse. Lawsuit seeks $5M in wages for Great Adventure hourly workers The class action lawsuit says workers should be paid for time spent walking across Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson. A picture-perfect Naval officer, highly decorated, principled, patriotic and deeply in love with his wife, comes ashore quicker than expected and catches his wife cheating with his best friend. Since, the husband is played by the remarkably evolved Akshay Kumar, we are mercifully spared the hysterical aftermath of an inherently melodramatic crime of passion that shook and stirred Mumbai's beau monde in the year 1959. That was the celebrated K M Nanavati case, known to change the way we look at the laws regarding crimes of passion. "Rustom" plucks the core of the crime, unplugs the theme of infidelity from its original context and plays deviously around with the facts to create a semi-fiction 'what-if' scenario where the characters hurl towards what the film's writers would like to think of as an unexpectedly shocking ending. It's like watching a true-life crime story from Shyam Benegal, done in Walt Disney studios. The passion and drama feels real, thanks to a solid sincere central performance. But the manner in which the story unfolds suggests that no harm can come to this world of fragile, blemished but unbreakable Utopia. The director, who last visited London in the year 1920, takes to Mumbai in 1959 with a ferocious fulsomeness. There is a cardboard voluptuousness about the sets, including the courtroom where most of the drama in the second-half unfolds. The accents are exaggerated and excitable, and the make-up is lush, accented ripe and crimson, as though to highlight the theme's deep-rooted affinity to Alfred Hitchcock and Brian de Palma's film noire . Desai tackles the tender and powerful moments in the plot with all the skill at his disposal. Many of the potentially powerful moments suffer from the want of respite. The pace is breathy and anxious. The idea is to grab the restless audiences' attention without inundating them in periodicity. The plot is therefore pulled forward with an urgent tug, where we are led to believe that there is more to this crime against infidelity than meets the eye. By the time the shock end bounces into the stylised courtroom (more akin to B R Chopra's "Kanoon" than Subhash Kapoor's "Jolly LLB"), we are not left with much room to absorb the enormity of the 'revelation' The makers of "Rustom" were right. This is not the Nanavati case that shook Mumbai in 1959. The 1963 film "Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke" was much closer in spirit to the real crime. And the bewitching Leela Naidu as the unfaithful wife...ummm... killed it. Ileana D'Cruz as the wife is distressfully apologetic and sniveling. Why must her infidelity be seen as an accidental slip and why she be the hand-wringing lip-biting penitent wife who worships her husband for being such a pillar of strength during times of marital adversity? If only the script had the guts to say that what we all know -- that women with absentee husbands do stray from the marital fold -- this film could have been a powerful voice for a spouseless wife's sexual needs the way Aruna Raje's "Rihaee" was so many years ago. Instead in "Rustom", Ileana is shrill and repentant like Reena Roy in "Bezubaan" after photographer Naseeruddin Shah seduced and blackmailed her. It is all the randy philanderer Arjan Bajwa's fault, you see. Why oh why did he seduce the wife? Some of the supporting roles such Bajwa's philanderer, Esha Gupta as his vengeful sister, Pavan Malhotra as the investigating police officer and Kumud Mishra as Russy Karanjia-modelled tabloid editor, throw forward interesting possibilities but remain shadowy figures meant to contour the heroic dimensions of the main protagonist. "Rustom" is unmistakably a vehicle to showcase Akshay Kumar's power to portray spiritual transparency during times of stressful betrayal and deception. He does so with a sincerity that is at times heartbreaking and at other times reassuring. After "Airlift", this is one more performance from Akshay that proves he can hold the camera without making overt attempts to get our attention. Most of the second-half of "Rustom" is a courtroom drama with Akshay fighting his own case. Indicative of the film's battle ahead. Film: Rustom; Director: Tinu Suresh Desai; Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana D'Cruz and Esha Gupta and Arjan Bajwa Rating:*** With its business maturing on home ground, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding is planning a major entry into India and might place a chunk of bets on mobile wallet giant Paytm, its biggest investment in this country. Enterprise (AHEL) has said it has not shelved plans to raise around Rs 750 crore, for a rights issue, which it announced in May 2015. It said the proposal was pending with the government. The company, experiencing pressure on profit after tax because of higher investment, would see an improvement in margins in two to three years, its senior management said. Drugmaker Ciplas net profit fell 44 per cent to Rs 365 crore in the quarter ended June against Rs 649 crore in the year-ago period. Cipla announced changes in its top management on Friday after the dissapointing numbers, even as it maintained its margin guidance for the current financial year.Chief Operating Officer Umang Vohra will take over as chief executive officer and managing director, as incumbent Subhanu Saxena is leaving the company for personal reasons. Samina Vaziralli, executive director and niece of Cipla chairperson Y K Hamied, has been named as the executive vice-chairperson. The changes will be effective September 1.The firms revenue, too, was lower on a year-on-year business on account of price caps in the domestic market and impact of currency fluctuations. Overall, revenue fell six per cent to Rs 3,594 crore while international business dropped 14 per cent to Rs 2,051 crore. Domestic market contributes around 40 per cent to Cipla's revenue and domestic business grew five per cent on a y-o-y basis. Vohra, however, said growth in domestic business is expected to pick up in the second quarter. He announced 16-18 per cent Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) margin forecast for the current financial year and said the company would maintain strong growth in key markets such as India and South Africa. The company will spend about seven per cent of revenue on research and development. He added integration of InvaGen and Exelan with Cipla was on track and the company will launch eight-10 products in the US market this year. Last year, the company acquired the two companies in a $550 million deal to grow its presence in the US. Vohra said the company had carried out remediation measures for its Indore plant, which had an adverse observation (form 483) from US Food and Drugs Administration and was expecting a positive response from the US drug regulator. Hyderabad-based energy and infrastructure company Limited on Friday said it was in advanced stage of negotiations to sell one of its BOT road projects as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the debt levels. Getting sloshed before entering the cockpit can soon put pilots behind the bars in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airline operators to lodge First Information Report (FIR) against two pilots of Air India and Jet Airways. The duo were flying on international routes and were found drunk once they landed in India. While the Jet Airways pilot on the Abu Dhabi-Chennai flight was found drunk on arrival on August 3, the Air India was flying on the Sharjah-Kozhikode route. Hyderabad-based dialysis services chain was in the process of raising Rs 100 crore to fund the future expansion. "We will be closing the deal soon," Vikram Vuppala, chief executive and founder of told Business Standard. The existing investors, who hold a minority stake in the company, were also expected participate in the fresh round of fund raising exercise, according to Vuppala. Touted to be the country's largest dialysis provider network with 75 centres across 15 states in India, has recently won a contract from Andhra Pradesh government to establish 13 dialysis facilities in each of the 13 district government hospitals in the state. Under the agreement, the company will provide dialysis services in these hospitals for 7 years. The contract also has a provision for extension of the contract period for 5 more years based on a mutual consent. NephroPlus will be investing about Rs 15 crore on the 13 dialysis facilities that would be up and running in the next couple of months, according to the company. The company won the bid under stiff competition by quoting Rs 967 per dialysis, while the market price for a dialysis treatment ranges from Rs 1,500 in places like Hyderabad to as high as Rs 2,500 in Delhi and other Metros. "We were stretching ourselves in a very aggressive way as we hope to get a break even in a year an year or two on this new investment. We expect to do 1,500-2,000 dialysis treatments per month in each of the 13 centres," Vuppala said. The company said it would be introducing remote monitoring system that supervises dialysis units including the dialysis machines and RO plants eliminating clinical errors NephroPlus had raised Rs 60 crore in the previous round from the World Bank about two years ago. It had initially raised Rs 25 crore from a group of investors about four-and-a half years ago. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Little over an year after joining the Make In India bandwagon, Chinese smartphone company was in talks to set up one or two more new factories in India as the company's sales crossed 1 million units for the second consecutive quarter ending June, 2016. The death of 21 patients at a state-run hospital in Hyderabad in July "cannot be attributed" to power failure, the government said in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Telangana government has constituted a team of three engineers to ascertain the cause of interruption in power supply at Gandhi hospital, Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste said in written reply to a question. "The state government has informed that the news report (regarding deaths due to power failure) was enquired into and was not found true. "Though there was power outage on July 22 due to maintenance work undertaken by Electricity Board, but the cause of deaths of patients cannot be attributed to power failure in the said hospital," Kulaste said. He was asked whether the government has taken note of the reported deaths of 21 patients at the hospital. The statement from the government came after the Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the Telangana government over the reported power failure resulting in the death of the patients. According to the reports, the power supply at the hospital first tripped around 3 PM on July 22 and thereafter the interruption continued at regular intervals. There were four generators on standby, but they too developed snag and could not be used when power lines were disconnected to find the cause of the tripping. Kulaste said the state government has informed that on an average approximately 25 deaths occur daily at the hospital. Chinese Foreign Minister on Friday arrived in Goa to discuss about preparations for the BRICS summit scheduled for October, and said the event will put the coastal state on a higher pedestal. Yi, after landing in Goa, met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the state secretariat where both the leaders discussed about preparations for the forthcoming summit. The meeting lasted for over an hour. "I have come here because BRICS summit is being held in Goa. I have seen friendly sentiments from the people of Goa," Yi told reporters in the presence of Parsekar. "Goa has a beautiful landscape, beaches and people. Goa is one of the best in the world. I am sure BRICS summit will put Goa at a higher pedestal," he said. He said, "India and China are good friends and good partners." The Goa Chief Minister said he had a discussion with Yi over breakfast. He said Goa and China have long standing relations, with iron ore from the coastal state being exported to the neighbouring country. "We can also tie up with China in the field of education and technology. We can attract investment from China in the Information Technology," Parsekar said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed faith on Goa by offering us to host BRICS summit," the CM said. During his day-long tour, Yi is expected to meet state Governor Mridula Sinha and visit Aguada plateau, about 10 km from Panaji. Meanwhile, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, Rosimar da Silva Suzano said unless BRICS becomes a powerful factor to promote the interest of all the five countries, its future is at risk. "BRICS gave potential importance to the identification and development of specific bilateral and joint progress in strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy and renewable and science and technology among others," Suzano said. "But now, BRICS also needs to be focused on the challenges arriving from the competing interest of the five countries. Unless BRICS is seen as a powerful factor to promote that interest, its future is at risk," she said here at a seminar on 'BRICS-upon-BRICS for a stronger BRICS - Challenges and Opportunities'. She said Brazil looks at BRICS to constructively cooperate and engage with Third World countries as well as international and regional organisations to handle issues of the global agenda. Being an ardent supporter of multilateralism, Brazil believes in the partnerships in different groupings. "Our vision is that BRICS shall be open to constructively cooperate and engage with third world countries as well as international and regional organisations to handle issues of the global agenda," Suzano said. The consul general said BRICS should have a collective response towards inter-state wars, climate change and natural disaster. She admitted that BRICS has helped Brazil improve its bilateral trade to a great extent. "At a time when the bilateral trade was mere 500 million dollars in 2005, it reached 11.5 billion dollars in 2014, despite the country's economy being in doldrums," she added. One more person has been arrested by the police in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh in connection with the case of assault on two Dalits at Sudhapalem. With this, a total of nine persons have been arrested in the case. District Superintendent of Police M Ravi Prakash said Vaka Gopi (26), native of Kamanagaruvu village in Amalapuram Mandal, was arrested today under the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and a local court sent him in judicial remand. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa visited victims of the attack at a hospital in Amalapuram and enquired about their health. Allavaram police had yesterday arrested eight persons for allegedly beating up two Dalits who tried to skin a dead cow. Police, however, had clarified that the incident, which happened late on Monday night, had nothing to do with "cow vigilantism" as suspected. The Delhi Development Authority has decided to create a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for operation and maintenance of its green projects including those related to parks, nature reserves and eco-friendly corridors so as to make them socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. The decided this in its Authority Meeting held under the chairmanship of Lt Governor Najeeb Jung at the Raj Niwas on Thursday. "A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is being created for futuristic development, operation and maintenance of all the Greens. The SPV will be named as 'Biodiversity Mission and Greens," DDA said today. The different categories of DDA Greens which will be a part of the SPV are urban parks that will include, city parks, district parks and community Parks; bio-diversity parks, which includes wetlands, biotic communities, conservatories and ecologically functional ecosystems. The SPV will also include, nature reserves, spanning ridge area, protected forest, city forest, river front, lakes; and green circuits like green corridors or belts and other parks, it said in a statement. The SPV shall be managed by a board of Directors (in total 15) with Lt Governor as its Chairman. The Board of Directors shall be representatives from diverse professional backgrounds. The CEO will be appointed and shall be responsible for achieving the objectives of the strategic vision set by Board of Directors. The 'Biodiversity Mission and DDA Greens', is an autonomous, non-profit entity and is fully funded either in the form of endowment or annual grants or both by the DDA, the urban body said. Multimedia Pvt Ltd on Friday accused India of retaliating against the satellite firm asserting its rights and winning a international tribunal verdict over the cancellation of the satellite leasing deal with Antrix Corp, an arm of India's space agency. Devas Multimedia Pvt Ltd on Friday accused India of retaliating against the satellite firm for asserting its rights to win cases in international tribunals against the government over the cancellation of the satellite leasing deal with Antrix Corp, an arm of India's space agency. "The charge-sheet is just the latest mala fide act that the Indian government has taken against Devas and its shareholders in retaliation for their exercising their legal rights arising out of the illegal annulment of the Devas-Antrix contract," said Devas's chairman, Lawrence Babbio in a statement. Jammu and Kashmir police had intruded 14 km inside Himachal Pradesh, near Sarchu pass in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), which is working on demarcation of border between the two states, has found. "The survey conducted by the GSI team has indicated that Jammu and Kashmir police had intruded 14 km inside Himachal Pradesh, near Sarchu pass, and set up a post in 2014," Deputy Commissioner (DC), Lahaul and Spiti Vivek Bhatia said on Thursday. "There is another boundary issue with the neighbouring state near Shinkula pass and the team is carrying out the process to ascertain the boundary to resolve the issue permanently," he added. DC, Kargil, Ladakh and DC, Lahaul and Spiti had accompanied the GSI team, led by Major General RP Sen, during its visit. The report of the team would be submitted to Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) at New Delhi. NCST Vice Chairman Ravi Thakur informed that GSI was directed to carry out the demarcation process and it would submit its report within 10 days following which, the final decision would be taken. Thakur, who is also the Lahaul and Spiti MLA, said that according to a direction of the Supreme Court, the would be considered final in the matter. The dispute surfaced in July, 2014 when Jammu and Kashmir police set up its post at Sarchu for Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama's 'Kaal Chakra' initiation in Ladakh. The Indian Air Force (IAF) does not fly any aircraft that has completed its prescribed age, Defence Minister told the Lok Sabha on Friday. "The IAF inventory is a mix of old and new-generation aircraft. Ageing of equipment is a natural process and is dealt with through proper maintenance, obsolescence management, upgrades and acquisition of new platforms," Parrikar said in a written reply to a query. "No aircraft that has completed its prescribed life is in operation with IAF." He said all the existing fleets have residual life for operational utilisation and every aircraft which is launched is fully airworthy. Upgrade, modernisation and replacement of military aircraft depends upon security, threat perception, strategic objectives and operational requirements of the defence forces and is reviewed by the government from time to time, Parrikar said. The reply comes against the backdrop of the disappearance on July 22 of an AN-32 aircraft of the IAF with 29 people on board. A Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer of the IAF also crashed in West Bengal on August 4. In this incident, both pilots ejected and there was no loss of life. Chanu, also called the Iron Lady of Manipur, has found that her people are less than happy about her decision to end her 16-year fast and enter politics. Wreckage of one of the two buses which were washed away in the Savitri river near Mahad after a British-era bridge collapsed on August 2 was pulled out of the water this evening. Wreckage of Rajapur-Borivali MSRTC bus was retrieved. "After working 12-14 hours a day for the last 8 days, the Naval teams located wreckage of the two buses submerged in water at Mahad," a Defence spokesperson said. The wreckage were found approximately 170 and 200 meters from the collapsed bridge. After the Navy divers located the buses, braving strong currents and crocodiles in the river, NDRF teams were summoned to retrieve them. The Indian Navy team comprising personnel specialising in diving was searching for the wreckage and survivors since the morning of August 4. So far, 26 bodies have been recovered after two State Transport buses and some other vehicles fell in the river following the bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa Highway near Mahad in Raigad district, about 170 kms from here, on August 2. Security has been increased outside the Carmel Convent School in after the police received information of 'suspicious' movement of two people. As a precautionary measure, the children were evacuated and a search operation was conducted in the school premises. The Indian Army personnel have been deployed outside the perimeters. Last year, several panic stricken schools in called it a holiday after a rumour spread that militants had attacked a prestigious school along the India-Pakistan border. Militants earlier in 2005 threw a grenade into Srinagar's oldest Christian missionary school Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School (for boys), as children were pouring out after classes, leaving at least two women dead and 50 people, including 20 children injured. Several Christian institutions were attacked in in the nineties causing severe damage to property and in some cases life. A frustrated and disappointed on Friday tweeted about his repeated detention at US airports. The latest incident is said to have taken place at Los Angeles airport where the immigration department detained him. Hours after Bollywood actor tweeted about being detained by immigration authorities at the Los Angeles airport, US authorities have apologised to the actor. US ambassador to India, Rich Verma, apologised for the trouble and said that they were working so that the incident does not happen again. Pakistan's top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab Director General of Pakistan Rangers, the Home Department and the Punjab police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. "Tehreek-i-Taliban's Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15," the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. "Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," it says. The Punjab Home Department has also issued a separate alert saying "at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province" who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. "Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas," Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI. He said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistan's Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. "We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur," Lahore police chief Capt (R) Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. "The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation," an official said. Amid controversy surrounding the consumption of beef in India, a leading credit rating and research institution says the country's export of over the next five years would reach close to Rs 40,000 crore. "Over the next five years, Indian exports would reach close to Rs 40,000 crore at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent," ICRA said in its study on the Indian export industry. "In the long term, ICRA expects buffalo meat exports to continue to report healthy growth, driven by improving infrastructure, a sizeable buffalo population the relatively lower price of Indian buffalo meat, and steady demand in the international market," said Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior VP, ICRA. Indian buffalo meat exports have grown at a CAGR of 29 per cent from Rs 3,533 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 26,682 crore in 2015-16, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the world's total buffalo meat exports (in volume terms) and becoming the largest volume exporter of buffalo meat, overtaking Brazil and Australia, ICRA said. It is noteworthy that India by and large exports only buffalo meat as opposed to other countries which export primarily beef. "For the last two consecutive years, buffalo meat has been the highest agri-related export from India and its contribution to the total export revenue has almost doubled to 1.56 per cent in 2015-16 from 0.76 per cent in 2010-11," it said. "While India has been exporting buffalo meat for almost two decades; this industry has only gained momentum in the last decade. This can be attributed to multiple factors, such as - increasing demand from developing countries (like China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc), slaughtering method meeting the religious requirements of certain ethnicities, price competitiveness, high buffalo population, and low domestic consumption," Majumdar said. Within India, Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest share (28 per cent) of the total buffalo population and has also emerged as the leading buffalo meat-producing state - housing around 60 per cent of the total standal-one slaughter houses, standal-one meat processing units and fully-integrated meat processing units, the study noted. The buffalo meat industry is largely unorganised and fragmented in nature; and only moderately regulated. It also remains vulnerable to risks pertaining to social and political sensitivity, sustainability of buffalo population, disease outbreak risk and high competition from the global beef industry (this was evident in 2015-16 when the buffalo meat exports from India declined for the first time in almost a decade as depreciation of Brazilian currency made Brazilian beef exports more attractive). Additionally in spite of the development over the past few years, there is considerable scope for improvement in the industry infrastructure, which lags the standards of some of the major global beef exporting countries. However, the government is addressing these challenges by focussing on improving industry infrastructure through direct as well as through increased private sector participation, roll out of schemes to sustain the availability of buffaloes for slaughtering and developing a wider regulatory framework to ensure higher quality control. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After meeting Union telecom minister Manoj Singh and telecom secretary J S Deepak on Friday, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) expressed hope that the ambiguity over interconnect charges would be resolved before the spectrum auctions happen. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on Friday said in a report that the government and the oil marketing companies had overstated savings on subsidy due to implementation of direct benefits transfer on liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or the scheme. With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the offing, analysts expect that the easing out of various bottlenecks and complexities involved in the transportation of goods using road logistics would drive demand for heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) in the long term. Farmers agree to become partners in a scheme proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), for the development of the upcoming Andhra Pradesh state capital at Amaravati, contributing about 33,000 acre to the government for the purpose. A Division Bench of the has dismissed the petition of Aircel Cellular, upholding the rights of the department of telecommunication (DoT) to claim share on adjusted gross revenue (AGR), including the non-telecom activities income. The court also held that the levy of one-time spectrum charge (OTSC) is justified and enforceable. Chinese marine surveillance ship Haijian No. 46 (L) tries to approach towards Japanese fishing boats (2nd and 3rd from front) while a Japan Coast Guard boat sails (front), in the East China Sea, near Diaoyu islands, in this photo taken by Kyodo May 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] It is Tokyo's intransigence that is to blame for much of the tension that has arisen with China in recent years over islands in the East China Sea. For years Japan has refused to acknowledge it has any territorial dispute with China, which has basically shut the door to finding a peaceful solution to their sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku Islands in Japan) through diplomacy and dialogue. Japan has tried to blame China for the deteriorating situation in the region, accusing it of unilaterally seeking changes to the "status quo". But it was Japan that did that by "nationalizing" some of the islands in 2012, betraying the acquiescence reached by leaders of the two countries in the 1970sand subsequently maintainedthat the dispute should be shelved. The steps that China has taken ever since regarding the islands are just countermeasures to Japan's actions. So, while reports of an increasing number of Chinese coast guard ships and fishing boats sailing in waters around the Diaoyu Islands, have again brought the territorial dispute between China and Japan into the international spotlight, it should be recognized that the protests that Tokyo has lodged over what it claims are Chinese "incursions" into its waters are ill-founded and ill-intentioned. This is clearly evidenced by their timing, as the accusations come after Japan has already done its utmost to stir up trouble between China and some of its neighbors in the South China Sea. Although not directly involved in the South China Sea disputes, Japan has been aggressively trumpeting the arbitral tribunal's award in favor of the Philippines in the case unilaterally filed by the previous administration in Manila. And in its recently released defense white paper, Japan tries to depict China as the biggest threat to security in the region. This baseless allegation is simply a ruse, as it is being used as the raison d'etre for revising Japan's Constitution, in particular Article 9, which prohibits Japan from using force to settle international disputes and restricts its land, air and naval forces to a defensive role. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent appointment of the ultra-right revisionist Tomomi Inada as Japan's defense minister, serves as an ominous precursor of the course his administration is set on. If Japan really wants to prevent tensions over the Diaoyu Islands from escalating, it should start by acknowledging there is a dispute and seek dialogue. China's recent actions are just a tit-for-tat response to Japan's moves, and it will continue to respond in kind. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, talks to Sanjay Jog during a Mumbai visit for an investors conference on his optimism regarding the coming goods and services tax (GST). Edited excerpts: How is Madhya Pradesh preparing for implementation of GST? Our legislature will have a special session on August 22 to pass the Constitutional amendment for GST. The government will protect the interest of investors; theyll continue to get the present benefits. Initially, we might have some revenue loss but in the long term, MP will benefit a lot. Our growth rate will achieve a new high and with the shift, there will be further ease of doing business. At present, investors were thinking twice before making any commitment, due to multiple taxes. is gearing up to host the grand 'Make in India' conference scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar on December 1-2 this year. The state government discussed the modalities of the ensuing event with Atul Chaturvedi, joint secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP). Representatives of industry bodies like Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) also made presentations on the occasion. It was decided that the conference would contain more of the G2B (government to business) and B2B (business to business) activities in focus sectors of . The government has identified five focus sectors. These include ancillary & downstream industries in metal & aluminum, petroleum, chemicals & petrochemicals including plastics, IT/ ITes hardware & ESDM (electronics system design and manufacturing), agro & sea food processing and apparel & technological textiles. Odisha's chief secretary Aditya Padhi has called for preparation of a list of potential investors in these focus sectors and invite them to the conference. Australia's treasurer on Friday rejected accusations that the true reason his government plans to ban Chinese bidders from leasing a Sydney electricity grid is to appease influential lawmakers with xenophobic views. Treasurer Scott Morrison announced on Thursday that he intends to block Chinese state-owned State Grid Corp. And Hong Kong-registered Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group from bidding for a 99-year lease over a 50.4 per cent stake in Ausgrid because of classified national security reasons. Critics including Bob Carr, director of the Sydney-based Australia-China Relations Institute and a former foreign minister, said the decision reflected the wishes of anti-establishment lawmakers who gained balance-of-power roles in the Parliament in elections in early July. "The treasurer's decision ... Is a huge concession the first major policy sacrifice to the Witches' Sabbath of xenophobia and economic nationalism stirred up in the recent federal election," Carr said in a statement. "The treasurer is conceding to economic populism in the Senate." Morrison dismissed the views of Carr, who was a minister until 2013 in a Labor Party government which is now in opposition, as "complete nonsense." "I don't trade on national security," Morrison told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The decision has been welcomed by Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party that has four senators opposed to Asian and Muslim immigration as well as trade liberalisation. They and other lawmakers not aligned with either the conservative government or Labor oppose Australia's free-trade deal with its biggest trading partner, China, and want tighter foreign investment rules. The deal for the New South Wales state-owned electricity network would have earned more than 10 billion Australian dollars ($7.6 billion). Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull later declined to explain why a banned bidder, State Grid, was allowed last year to bid for another New South Wales South Wales-owned power network, TransGrid. But State Grid was out-bid in November by an Australian-led consortium. "The advice we received was absolutely unequivocal. This was not a political decision," Turnbull told reporters. Republican presidential nominee has described US President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as founders of the Islamic State. "I made the statement before that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton -- these are the founders of ISIS. These are the founders of ISIS, because of bad judgment. These are the founders," said Trump in a speech to pastors in Orlando, Florida. Not only his political opponents, but many from his own party and the mainstream media expressed their outrage at such a statement by Trump. But the billionaire from New York continued with his allegations, which has left many a political observers speechless, who believe that the election campaign in the US has never fallen so low. Trump responded to these allegations at his election rallies in Florida. "Some are saying, well, that's not very nice. That's nice. They said it about me, it'll be fine. I say something about them, it's terrible," he said. "I said, they get the most valuable player award. ISIS is going to present them with the most valuable player award, you know, like in high school. Most valuable player," he said. Trump said the US needs to be tough with the ISIS. "We don't have tough. We need tough, with ISIS and all of the problems. We need tough. We need tough. And we need smart. But we don't have that today, and we certainly won't have it if Hillary Clinton gets it. It'll be four more years of this nonsense that goes on," he said. In a hard hitting editorial, The New York Times described Trump charges as false. "Right now Mr Trump is losing, and this very likely terrifies him. Maybe he doesn't know how to control himself, or comprehend why he should. Or he is simply satisfying his boundless need for attention. But his behavior this week raises a more disturbing scenario. Perhaps he has given up on winning through civil means and does not care about the consequences of his campaign of incitement," the editorial said. But Trump indicated he will not change his style of election campaigning and will win. "I think we're going to win. I think we're going to do, well -- she's a very dishonest person. New e-mails have come out today. You heard about this whole deal. Now the FBI, it seems, is very upset because they made a recommendation to Justice, and Justice turned down the recommendations. What's going on now has never been seen," he said. Even as India readies to host summit in October, Shakti Sinha, a former bureaucrat, on Friday cast doubts on whether the grouping will lead the global way in the backdrop of tension between India and China. "While many talk about the success of BRICS, it is a fact that it has not been able to resolve the tension between two of its countries India and China. This (tension) still exists, even though it has managed to bring both the countries on a common platform," Sinha, who was a Joint Secretary in the PMO in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, said. He was speaking at a seminar on 'BRICS-upon- for a stronger BRICS-Challenges and Opportunities'. Sinha, who took voluntary retirement, said despite its failure to broker peace between China and India, BRICS, along with G-7, needs to be looked at "as a strong substance or component of emerging G-20 which will navigate the world". He said plays a pivotal role as "no country can alone respond to impacts of globalisation". Sinha expressed his doubts whether BRICS platform will lead the global way in the future. "I am little sceptical about this considering the fact that tension between India and China still continues and will continue," he said. The former bureaucrat, however, said, "The summit could bring in reforms in sectors like e-commerce, agriculture and climate change. A Canadian man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video was shot dead in a taxi after setting off an explosive device, police said today. Aaron Driver, 24, was killed yesterday after a tip to Canadian authorities from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who had intercepted the video, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told a press conference. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana said that yesterday they had received information from the FBI, including "a martyr video that had been prepared by an individual who at that time was unknown to us but who was clearly in the final stages of preparing an attack using homemade bombs." Based on the information received, police believed an attack was possible "within the following 72 hours" in an "urban center," Cabana said. Police and counter terrorism experts quickly identified the man in the video as Driver. Meanwhile, Toronto's transit system was alerted about a "credible terrorist threat," and security was beefed up along its network of subways, bus lines and street cars used by 1.8 million people a day. The RCMP said they intercepted Driver in Strathroy, Ontario, about 220 kilometers southwest of Toronto, outside the home where he lived with his sister, at about 4:30 pm local time yesterday. He had just gotten into the back seat of a taxi that had just arrived. When police approached, Driver detonated an explosive device in the back seat of the cab, causing minor injuries to the driver, before he was shot dead by officers, authorities said. "If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there the scenario would have ended differently, I'm confident of that," commented RCMP commander Jennifer Strachan. She said the incident could have resulted in "significantly greater loss of life." Driver first come to the attention of authorities in June 2015. He had been arrested and released under court supervision after police received complaints of extremist posts on social media. He was ordered to undergo counseling from a religious leader, wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and stay off the internet, but was not be surveilled, police said. Those restrictions were gradually loosened and were scheduled to expire this month. In interviews with Canadian media that year, he appeared to support two separate lone wolf attacks by suspected jihadists in October 2014 in rural Quebec and Ottawa. Two soldiers died in those attacks. He also expressed a desire to travel abroad to join the Islamic State group. on Thursday condemned Israeli forces' demolition of French and EU humanitarian structures in the West Bank which have increased alarmingly this year, the country's foreign ministry said. " expresses its serious concern over the accelerating pace of demolitions and confiscations of humanitarian structures for the Palestinian population in Area C," Xinhua reported. Area C makes up 60% of the West Bank. It has been under complete Israeli military control since the mid-1990s. Paris also called on Israeli authorities "to stop these operations which are contrary to law." On August 3, Israeli forces demolished France-funded structures in the West Bank, the third such operation since the start of the year. EU buildings aimed at helping Palestinians affected by earlier demolitions, were also destroyed in Hebron, according to the ministry. Democratic presidential nominee has reassured her supporters that she would oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement if elected president. "I will stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership," Clinton said during a speech on Thursday in Michigan. "I oppose it now, I'll oppose it after the election and I'll oppose it as president," Clinton said, adding that she would appoint a trade prosecutor to ramp up enforcement of existing trade deals. Clinton's hard line to the TPP came after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Monday attacked her over trade deals. Trump said Clinton "will enact the TPP" if elected president, which he claimed would have a devastating impact on the US auto industry, Xinhua news agency reported. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe had also previously said that Clinton would support the TPP deal or seek to renegotiate it if elected president. But John Podesta, chairman of Clinton's presidential campaign, responded at the time that "she is against it before the election and after the election." Clinton supported the TPP while she was secretary of state, but came out against it after the deal was completed last year. She said the TPP in current form did not meet her "high bar" for creating good American jobs, raising wages and advancing national security. President Barack Obama has vowed to push Congress to approve the TPP deal during the so-called lame-duck session of Congress after the November general election, the final time window before he leaves White House on January 20, 2017. But many lawmakers have cast doubt on a vote for the TPP in the lame-duck session. House Speaker Paul Ryan said last week that the TPP would not get a vote in Congress this year because there was not enough support. "As long as we don't have the votes, I see no point in bringing up an agreement only to defeat it," Ryan said, adding "I have my own problems with TPP, it is not ready, the president has to renegotiate some critical components of it." The TPP deal involves Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam. It was formally signed by ministers from these 12 countries in February after more than five years of negotiation. The TPP now undergoes a two-year ratification period in which at least six countries, which account for 85% of the combined gross domestic production of the 12 TPP countries, must approve the final text for the deal to be implemented. Sri Lanka's Parliament unanimously approved a bill to set up an office to help find some 65,000 people reported missing during the country's armed uprisings, including a brutal civil war with the LTTE, and clarify the circumstances under which they disappeared. The draft bill to establish an Office on Missing Persons (OMP) was passed with amendments in Parliament without a vote. The bill was adopted despite objections raised by the joint opposition which alleged that the bill will betray the military. The government had earlier said there have been strong requests for providing true information on disappeared or missing persons to their relatives to know their actual fate. "It will enable such families to reunited, closure with regard to such disappearance, or granted with reparations and other relief and support," officials were quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazatte. A proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to establish a independent institution as office on missing persons by a Parliament act, was approved recently by the cabinet. The Office on Missing Persons will help search for and trace missing persons and submit recommendations to authorities to take measures on missing persons, protect the rights of missing persons and their relatives, identify channels that missing persons and their relatives can obtain reliefs and inform them the same. The office will also collate data related to missing persons obtained by Government institutions and other institutions and centralise all available data within its database, the report said. has one of the largest case-loads of missing persons in the world. In fact, since 1994 alone, the government commissions have received over 65,000 complaints of missing persons. These include people who went missing during the government's nearly three-decade-long war with Tamil separatists and a Marxist uprising. Ukraine put its troops on combat alert on Thursday along the country's de-facto borders with and separatist rebels in the east amid an escalating war of words with Russia over . Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued the order after Moscow accused his country of sending several groups of "saboteurs" to carry out attacks in and said that two Russians died while fending off their incursions. Ukraine has denied the claim. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. The conflict in the east has killed more than 9,500 people and is still raging. Russia's domestic security agency known by its Russian acronym FSB said in a statement that one of its officers was killed in a gun battle with a group of "saboteurs" from Ukraine over the weekend. It said the intruders carried an arsenal of bombs, ammunition and mines. The agency also said that two more groups tried to force their way into Crimea early Monday, supported by Ukrainian artillery and armor. One Russian army soldier died in that clash, the FSB said. Russian media reports say at least five members of a sabotage group were captured. One of the captured suspects, identified as Yevgeny Panov, told FSB investigators in remarks released by Russia's REN TV television that he was part of a group preparing to conduct acts of sabotage at a ferry crossing, an oil depot and a chemical factory and to blow up Russian military equipment. He said the group was directed by Ukrainian military intelligence and included some of its officers. Poroshenko rejected the Russian claims as "fantasy" and "a provocation." Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced what he described as Ukraine's "stupid and criminal" action and called a session of his Security Council yesterday to discuss boosting security in Crimea. He also said yesterday that it makes no sense to discuss the implementation of the Minsk peace deal for eastern Ukraine with leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany at the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting in China next month as had been planned earlier. The Russian Foreign Ministry followed up today by warning that if Poroshenko had been involved in "criminal decisions to stage armed provocations" in Crimea, "he could claim the role of the grave digger of the Minsk process." "And if he had been unaware of these decisions, it's even worse," it said. Poroshenko, in his turn, ordered Ukrainian troops to go on combat alert not only on the de-facto border with Crimea but also along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, where the warring sides have continued to routinely exchange fire despite a 2015 truce. Donald Trump today repeatedly accused President Barack Obama of founding the Islamic State group, refusing to take back a patently false allegation even when questioned about the logic of his position. A day after lobbing the attack against the president during a rowdy rally, Trump pressed ahead during a round of interviews. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitt's attempt to reframe Trump's observation as one that said Obama's foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed IS to thrive. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. Hewitt asked Trump if he would acknowledge that Obama hates the Islamic State, noting that the president is "trying to kill them." Over the past two years Obama has organised a broad coalition of countries and launched more than 10,000 U.S. airstrikes to defeat IS. "I don't care," the billionaire businessman replied. "He was the founder. The way he got out of Iraq, that was the founding of ISIS, OK?" In a later speech to home builders in Miami today, Trump said his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, would be given "the most valuable player award" by IS. "Her only competition is Barack Obama," he said. He later added of Clinton, "Oh boy, is ISIS hoping for her." Clinton's campaign accused Trump of "trash-talking" the US while failing to present any serious counter-terrorism plans of his own. Jake Sullivan, Clinton's top policy aide, called Trump's accusation a "false claim" and drew a connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Once again, he's echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests," Sullivan said. Dozens of frustrated Republicans, meanwhile, gathered signatures today for a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus that urges the party chief to stop helping Trump and instead focus GOP resources on protecting vulnerable Senate and House candidates. A draft of the letter, obtained by The Associated Press, warns that Trump's "divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide." At least 70 Republicans have signed the letter so far, according to Republican operative Andrew Weinstein, who said it included five former members of Congress and 16 former RNC staffers. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his Colombian counterpart, Juan Manuel Santos have agreed to reopen the border gradually, but under no precise timeline. The two met for several hours on Thursday in the southern Venezuelan state of Bolivar to discuss their common border, which has remained largely closed since August 19, 2015, Xinhua news agency reported. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Maduro and Santos said they instructed their governments "to seek agreements...for a normal border". The two agreed that the border, which stretches over 2,000 km, would be re-opened but very gradually, first with a crossing for foot traffic, then for vehicles, and then for commercial exchanges but only at night. No precise timeline for the process was given. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez and Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin also met on Thursday to discuss the border issue. "This is a zone of peace......We have had a good day of exchanges, sharing our visions and proposals. I thank President Santos for his good will and desire to move forward with our countries' common themes," Maduro said. Santos, for his part, said: "The objective of this meeting was to find a way to normalise the border for the benefit of Venezuelans and Colombians." He said the two countries need to work together to solve their mutual problems, adding "we believe we have the conditions to have a far better border". Venezuela first closed its border with Colombia in August last year after three members of the armed forces were shot and injured while patrolling the area against smugglers. Caracas temporarily opened the border on July 10, 16 and 17, allowing around 130,000 Venezuelans to cross into Colombia to buy needed food and medicine. Benchmark share indices rose for the second straight day with state-owned banks gaining the most led by State Bank of India after it reported lower-than-expected rise in bad loans. Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali on Thursday described the current situation in region as very dangerous, especially in terms of security. He also said Afghanistan, India and Pakistan should consider economic cooperation in a manner that would bring about a change. "It is a very dangerous situation that we are in, especially in terms of the security that we have, which is worrisome. Therefore, as I have suggested in my book, communality should become the basis of relationships. We hope that the three of us-Afghanistan, India and Pakistan cooperate in a manner that will bring about a change in terms of security to our people," Abdali told ANI. Abdali said in his book 'Afghanistan-Pakistan-India: A Paradigm Shift', has focused more upon the economic integration that Afghanistan, Pakistan and India should enter into and suggested Afghanistan could become a bridge between the two countries. "the agreement that we have in the context of Afghanistan-Pakistan, that we hope would include India in it and at the same time, Afghanistan would be very glad to give free access to Pakistan to Central Asia through Afghanistan," he added. Asserting that there are possibilities of cooperation, Abdali said there are challenges that we face. "Those challenges require immediate action. Those actions could be in context of economic cooperation and then leading towards the most difficult issue that we have. It is possible of course.you can't resolve all the problems overnight. You need to start with easy questions and I think the doable among us at this stage is the economic cooperation between the three of us," he added. Abdali also said that the Army chief of Afghanistan would be in India this month and the aim of his visit is defence cooperation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notices to the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Centre and the Delhi Government on a petition filed by a critical brain tumour patient seeking speedy and free cure at the hospital. The High Court has asked all three-AIIMS, Centre and the Delhi Government- to file their responses by August 24. Exposing the grim reality of difference in treatment being delivered to private ward patients and general ones, the AIIMS denied the brain tumour patient immediate surgery as it set the date of surgery for August 19, 2018. 45-year-old Meera Devi, who is a homemaker, was detected with a 5.5cm tumour in her brain last month after she fell unconscious in her bathroom and began frothing from the mouth. She has been advised to opt for private ward if she wants to get the surgery done this year itself. Determined to save herself from this financial discrimination, Meera moved the High Court seeking a fair judgment for her plight. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The centre must be sincere enough to get to the bottom of why the unrest in the Kashmir Valley has stretched for over a month and try to find out who are the provocateurs, said the Shive Sena on Friday. Welcoming the holding of an all party meeting on the issue, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Whatever outcome we will get after all party meeting, further discussion and decision will be taken Kashmir. All party delegation will also visit there and will make the people of Kashmir understand that why the situation is deteriorated over there." "The government and the army have to take action, no matter what one may say. The way Pakistan is interfering in Kashmir, the portion of Kashmir that is still left with us is just because of the power of our army and the gun," he added. An all-party meeting on the situation in the Kashmir Valley is being held today, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend. Curfew has been imposed in Kashmir Valley after Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was encountered on July 8. At least 47 people have died and around 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured in the violence that rocked the Valley. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) He is the famous junior Beckham and she is the 'Kick-Ass' star, hence even their casual romantic day at a beach was too hot to handle. Hollywood sweethearts Chloe Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham were at the Laguna Beach, California on August 10 afternoon, spending some quality time together, glimpses of which was later shared through black and white candid shots on Instagram, reports E! Online. In one of the snaps, 17-year-old Beckham captured his movie star girlfriend walking along the shore donning a string bikini underneath a button-down collared shirt. "Beach day," the son of Victoria Beckham captioned it with a heart. In another image, the 19-year-old actress shared a black-and-white photo of herself clicked by Beckham where she is seen laying with her bare back to the camera and her wavy hair cascading down her neck. "Laguna (photo credit @brooklynbeckham)," she hat-tipped her beau. While the two were reportedly dating for months, it was not until May that the couple confirmed their courtship. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leading name in the premium bike segment in India Firefox Bikes announced the launch of Swiss Military co-branded bikes in association with in association with Swiss Military. Both Firefox Bikes and Swiss Military have joined hands for introducing international standard value for money bike models for youth. With this new association Firefox Bikes aim to expand its range of bikes and reach out to the young and restless biking enthusiasts. "I believe that our association with Swiss Military will bring the Indian bikers a great new range of bikes made for the rugged mountains. In the first year of launch, we expect to sell a good number of bikes. We are targeting youth segment specifically," said CEO Firefox Bikes, Shiv Inder Singh. "There is great synergy when two premium brands combine their mutual strengths for a common purpose. This is especially true when both teams in question have a similar perspective of making world-class innovative products for the Indian consumers. In that respect Firefox, is the ideal partner for Swiss Military and we are bound to achieve great milestones together with this new association," added Managing Director Swiss Military, Anuj Sawhney. "Firefox Bikes have been providing newer versions and variations of bikes to cater to all possible needs of the consumers. Firefox has always tried to push the biking culture in the country in order to contribute towards eco friendly environment, healthy lifestyle and fuel conservations. With this collaboration, Firefox Bikes is focusing into the mid-segment of city bikers," said Marketing Head Firefox Bikes, Ajit Gandhi. Within a short span of time, Firefox Bikes has made a huge impact in the biking industry; it has over 200 bike stations strategically located in 95 cities across India and one in Bhutan. Firefox Bikes plans to expand its retail presence with 10 additional outlets in the next quarter and 40 new stores each successive year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following suit of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Friday apologised to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan over his detention at the U.S immigration at Los Angeles airport, ensuring it does not happen again in the future. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," tweeted Verma. Earlier, the U.S. Department of State also apologised for the move offered a clarification, saying that even 'American diplomats' were pulled over security issues. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, U.S. Department of State said in a tweet. Khan had tweeted his displeasure earlier saying that it "sucked" to be detained at the U.S. immigration every time. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he said. However, Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Ambassador to the U.S Nirupama Rao came out in support of the security measure at LA Airport saying that one cannot question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. "The U.S post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt," she said in a series of tweets. Meanwhile, former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain Haqqani has called for updated equipment for Customs and Border Protection officers so that such incidents can be avoided. "Time to give @cbp officers better computers and advise them to check on individuals with other branches of US govt," he tweeted. This is, however, not the first time that SRK has been detained at a US airport. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, Aug.12 (ANI): Prime Ministers give several speeches in a year but that one special speech which the nation pays special attention to is the one given from the Red Fort on Independence Day. This year India celebrates its 70th year of independence from colonial rule. The seventieth year in a marriage is called a Platinum anniversary. Quite naturally the pressure on Prime Minister Modi must be quite great to make this speech, a speech that outshines his earlier ones. It is toward this end that Mr. Modi invited citizens who have been interacting through Man ki baat and MyGov platforms to give him suggestions on what they would like to hear in the Independence Day speech. It is a democratic way of choosing topics for a crucial speech. I am certainly looking forward to listening to the Prime Minister's speech. I have had the good fortune to listen to the Independence Day speeches given by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru since the fifties. I joined government service when the country was newly independent and looked for guidance from the Prime Minister for almost everything. He was like a patriarchal figure to a young India that needed a lot of handholding. Prime Minister Nehru met with thousands of common people individually. Security was hardly an issue. Prime Ministers had not yet been assassinated. Terrorism had not yet taken root in the country. Prime Minister Nehru's speech were inspiring, to say the least. He spoke about his vision for India as it took its baby steps. He provided the healing touch it needed, recovering from the trauma of partition, from cyclic droughts and famines, still trying to find a place in the comity of nations. My task those years on Independence Day was to shepherd photographers and journalists into the media enclosure atop the Red Fort. The sight from there is breathtaking and no photographer ever tired of clicking umpteen number of pictures of Chandni Chowk and the Prime Minister on Independence Day. Remember those days there were no digital cameras and film was expensive. I was not posted in Delhi when Lal Bahadur Shastri addressed the nation from the Red Fort. But I heard the broadcast on radio. His voice quivered and did not have the same command over diction and delivery that Nehru did. But Shastri made up with the conviction in his words. He sounded gentle and convincing. And India needed that, recovering from the wounds of the India-China war. The nation had just faced a conflict in Kutch and there was trouble brewing in Jammu and Kashmir. By the time Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister, I returned to Delhi and became Public Relations Officer of the Indian Army. Since I had done the job of handling the media at the Red Fort earlier, I was again entrusted with this responsibility. Back to the Red Fort, a new batch of photographers who displayed the same awe and excitement on being up there listening to the Prime Minister. This time, from the daughter of India's first Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi was very particular about what she was going to speak about in her 15th August speech. In particular she consulted her Information advisor H.Y. Sharada Prasad. They were eventful years when India faced problems like influx of millions of refugees from East Pakistan. She was a wartime Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi did not want a blot of a failed military operation on her watch. She had seen what it did to her father. She led the nation to a victory in 1971 against Pakistan. Many gave her the title of Durga, the warrior goddess. That soon reflected in her demeanour and speeches. She seemed unvanquishable But then came the Allahabad High Court judgment which declared that her election to Parliament was invalid and a emergency was declared on 25th June 1975. In the early hours of August 15th of the same year, even as Indira Gandhi was giving final touches to her Independence Day speech came the news that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been assassinated in Dhaka and a coup had taken place in the country that Indira had helped create. Indira Gandhi's face that day at Red Fort looked like it had been carved in stone. Indira Gandhi lost power in 1977 and a new kind of government came into power. The Lohiaites under Prime Minister Morarji Desai promised to overturn all the ills of the Emergency and make socialism the cornerstone of Indian democracy. His speech was about collective responsibility but Morarjibhai was hardly an orator, much less a people's person. Charan Singh was Prime Minister of India from July 1979 to January 1980. The uncharitable joke those days was that all he wanted was to address the nation from the Red Fort. It didn't matter that he would never be able to deliver what he promised. He lasted in office for a mere 24 days, which was followed by him being a caretaker Prime Minister. . Just enough time to deliver the famed address to the nation from the Red Fort. The farmer leader was the only Prime Minister of India who never faced the Lok Sabha. Indira Gandhi returned to power. She was succeeded by her son Rajiv Gandhi. By this time, I had become Principal Information Officer to the government of India. I saw the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office and the inputs that went into the Prime Minister's address to the nation on 15th August. It was no longer my job to shepherd the press, I had a chair of my own! Initially Rajiv betrayed shyness in his speeches. But his confidence grew with landmark legislations and peace accords that he signed. The Punjab Accord, Assam Accord and Mizo Accord were feathers in his cap. Rajiv spoke about a technological revolution. He spoke about computers and drew a lot of derision from politicians who were moribund in the politics of the 70's. Even the bureaucracy was skeptical of Rajiv's hurry in changing the way things were done. But the Bofors scandal broke the back of the Congress government and the confidence of the young Prime Minister. The Congress Party lost the elections in 1989 V.P. Singh, who was Rajiv's finance minister, succeeded Rajiv Gandhi. Singh was the new Mr. Clean who promised to erase corruption. But like Morarji Desai, V.P Singh's speeches were lacklustre. Faced by an agitation led by Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, he announced the decision to implement the Mandal Committee report in his Independence Day address. The Mandal agitation did to V.P. Singh what the Bofors did to Rajiv. It broke their spirit. And that was evident in his public interactions. V.P. Singh's successor Chandrashekar who was also a Lohiaite did not last long enough to address the nation from the Red Fort. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated and following a sympathy wave for the Congress, the next Prime Minister to address the nation from Red Fort was Narasimha Rao. I interacted very closely with Narasimha Rao when he was Prime Minister. The staff in the Prime Minister's Office had prepared many point papers on what should go into his Independence Day speech. But he remarked, "These papers are like chalk". Narasimha Rao ignored the drafts and focused instead on topics such as liberalization of the economy and food for work programme. A polyglot, the Andhra born Rao spoke Hindi fluently. He was no orator but he steered the country through tough times and ushered in economic reforms, while battling the Congress party's internal politics. Rao was succeeded by a short spell of a Vajpayee government, which fell before the Independence Day speech. Deve Gowda the next Prime Minister of India had famously said that he could never be elected as PM because he couldn't speak Hindi. And once he did become PM on June 1st 1996, Gowda promised to learn Hindi so that his Independence Day speech would be delivered in Hindi, though no such hard and fast rule existed. The story goes that Gowda's speech was written in Kannada script and delivered in Hindi. Nobody quite cared what Gowda had to say. He didn't quite make it to the next Independence Day. Inder Kumar Gujral became Prime Minister on 21st April 1997 for a period of eleven months. Gujral too was not an impressive orator. An NDA government was sworn in on 19th March 1998, this time with Atal Behari Vajpayee as Prime Minister who would complete his full five-year term. The long pauses in Vajpayee's speeches were legendary but his connect with his audience was also exemplary. Vajpayee was a Prime Minister who quite like Narasimha Rao thought out of the box. His bus ride to Lahore and his peace moves in Kashmir were examples of courage of conviction. Vajpayee was also a wartime Prime Minister, having led the country to victory in the Kargil war. But there was no chest thumping that was visible. Vajpayee looked and felt betrayed by Pakistan. He had led India to believe that Pakistan had changed. It hadn't. He was followed by Dr Manmohan Singh on 22nd May 2004. Dr Singh had a tough act to follow. How was one to better a much-loved poet Prime Minister? Singh had an answer: by being one of the longest serving Prime Ministers in the country. Two successive terms as Prime Minister of the largest democracy in the world, Singh did not enjoy giving speeches. He read from prepared texts, and the speeches were formal in nature. Singh addressed the nation nine times from the Red Fort. No mean achievement from a man who did not see himself as a politician. In 2014, Narendra Modi who has rewritten the rules of Independence Day speeches succeeded him. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, he spoke about cleanliness and the need to build toilets in the country. It shocked many of us who had fallen into a comfort zone of what to expect in PM speeches. This will be Modi's third address from the Red Fort. By now he will have to tell us what he thinks are his government's achievements in the past two years and what he intends to do in the next three years, in response to suggestions he has received through the social media. Mr. I. Ramamohan Rao is a former Principal Information Officer of the Government of India. He can be reached on his e-mail raoramamohan@hotmail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Inspector General (IG) of Jammu, Danesh Rana, today said that high alert has been sounded in the region following inputs that the terrorists might try to infiltrate especially through Kathua and Hiranagar sectors, adding special measures have been taken as far as border management is concerned. "15th August is a priority to us. We have already sounded high alert in the whole province in view of 15th August security arrangements. There are certain inputs, which suggest that terrorists might try to infiltrate from Indian Border especially through Kathua and Hiranagar sectors. We've taken special measures as far as border management is concerned," Rana told ANI here. He said the search operations have also been intensified in the valley. "All that needs to be done has been done. Everything, which is required to be done, has been taken care off. We are also coordinating with the other agencies as well," he added. Commenting on today's incident where the children of Carmel Convent school were evacuated following information of 'suspicious' movement of two people, the IG said they act on such inputs seriously, adding there was a joint operation launched by the police and army in the premises. "We got information that suspicious movement was seen near Carmel Convent school. We take these kinds of inputs very seriously especially when we have sounded high alert in the province in view of the forthcoming Independence Day plus the Yatras which are going on," said Rana. The IG, however, said that they did not find anything suspicious during the search operations. "There was rumour on social media about presence of militants in the school which was negated by us after search operations. All is well. These kinds of inputs have to be taken seriously either to falsify them or to react to them in case it happens to be true," he said. Last year, several panic stricken schools in Jammu called it a holiday after a rumour spread that militants had attacked a prestigious school along the India-Pakistan border. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair an all-party meeting on Friday to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir, political parties are hopeful that a way-out will emerge and peace will return to the Valley, which is on the boil since Hizbul Mujahideen Posterboy Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8. Wani was killed in an encounter by a joint team of the special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and 19 Rashtriya Rifles at Bumdoora village in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8. Stating that we will have to work very hard to save "Hindustan-occupied Kashmir", Shi Sena's Sanjau Raut said, "There will be an all-party meeting today, everybody will come, hold discussions and put forward their views. But, the situation in Kashmir is grime, curfew has been imposed for over 30 days, people are defying it and coming out on the streets. Besides, there are attacks on our jawans. "The thing is what comes out of the all-party meeting we will have to think about that. It has to be done by the government and security forces. Howsoever you condemn the use of pellet guns, the situation that Pakistan has created there, only our army and security forces have saved Kashmir. You will have to accept it first." "Our people are very wise, they will give their suggestions as well and an all-party delegation will also visit Kashmir, but who will make the people understand. We will have to work very hard to save Hindustan-occupied Kashmir. We will have to understand their mind, reason behind stone pelting and unemployment situation," Raut added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said that the government must initiate some confidence building measures and start dialogue with all stakeholders to bring an end to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir. Talking to the media after the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Yechury said that they had put forth their suggestions, which were neither accepted nor completely rejected. "So, we can't comment now as to what steps will the government initiate. Start the dialogue with all the stakeholders. That is the only way, we have done in the past and we have to do it again," Yechury told ANI. The CPI (M) leader further said that the government must withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the civilian areas where it's not required. "Thirdly, you give instructions to all the states where Kashmiri youth are present that whenever there is something against them, strict action will be taken," he added. Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja echoing similar sentiments said that they have suggested the government to start dialogue process with all stakeholders. "The Prime Minister said Jammu and Kashmir consists of four regions i.e. Jammu, Kashmir, PoK and Ladakh. He also said that there will be no compromise on our security and integrity," he told the media after the meeting. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders of various political parties in the all-party meeting that there cannot be any compromise on security on Jammu and Kashmir issue but there is a need to win confidence of people of the valley. He said the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was called to find a political solution to the unrest in Kashmir, where over 50 people have been killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces and more than 5,000 have been injured since July 8 when violent protests erupted over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav were among those present in today's meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar will be on an official visit to Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq from August 17 to 23 to strengthen bilateral ties with the West Asia region. Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Akbar's visit to these countries is a reaffirmation of deep interest in promoting bilateral relations and in the peace and security in the region. In Lebanon, the minister is expected to meet top leadership of the country. He is scheduled to have extensive discussions with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tammam Salam and bilateral interaction with the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berry apart from other dignitaries, academics and intellectuals. In his discussions with the Lebanese leadership, he will cover bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. In Syria, Akbar will pay a call on the President of Syria Bashar Al Assad and Prime Minister Emad Mohammed Deeb Khamis. The discussions would focus on bilateral cooperation and the unfolding security situation in the region. During his visit to Iraq, the minister will hold discussions with the Foreign Minister of Iraq, on various issues of mutual interest. The visit is expected to add further impetus to bilateral engagement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The three newly-commissioned first women fighter pilots, who are ushering the Indian Air Force (IAF) into a new era of women in combat roles, were felicitated by senior most fighter pilot and Marshal of the Indian Air Force (MIAF) Arjan Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff during the 1965 conflict with Pakistan, at his residence here on Friday. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, former chief of the Air Staff N.C. Suri and Air Officer in charge Personnel (AOP) Air Marshal B. Suresh were also present on the occasion. "What I want to tell them that they have joined a very good service. Nobody here has ever regretted having joined the Air Force, because it is full of action and excitement. You are not afraid of action, you are afraid just for the first two days and after that it's a routine. And, we lose friends, but that's the part of life where we are. I wish them very best of luck," Marshal Singh told ANI. Air Chief Marshal Raha said, "It's a very special occasion for us that we have three young women fighter pilots here being felicitated by the Marshall of the Air Force. We feel very proud and I am sure that they will do well as professional as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. And, I am sure that the entire Indian youth, especially young women, will get enthused to join Air Force as pilots and as specialist fighter pilots." The three women pilots were commissioned as pilots in the fighter stream of the IAF on successful completion of initial flying training on June18. However, the IAF has been inducting women pilots in the flying branch since 1994 and more than 180 women officers have been inducted as pilots in the transport and helicopter streams till date. The IAF has recently taken a decision to induct women pilots in the fighter stream, which is far more strenuous and demanding in nature. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Muslim taxi driver Tanveer Ahmed has been jailed for at least 27 years for murdering a shopkeeper who he believed had "disrespected Islam". According to the London-based daily, The Nation, 32-year old Tanveer Ahmed travelled from Bradford, Yorkshire to Glasgow to confront Asad Shah at his newsagents shop before stabbing the 40-year-old to death with a knife. Tanveer Ahmed, who was not acquainted with Asad Shah, said he had been offended by clips the shopkeeper had uploaded online, which he claimed "disrespected the Prophet Mohammed". The father of three from Yorkshire was handed a life sentence at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting to the murder in Glasgow's Shawlands area on 24 March. Ahmed watched one of Mr Shah's clips on his phone as he travelled to Glasgow on the day of the murder. He was heard in a phone message saying: "Listen to this guy, something needs to be done, it needs to be nipped in the bud". Tanveer Ahmed said he warned the shopkeeper he would kill him and asked him to stop claiming to be a prophet upon arriving at the shop. Asad Shah's brother and a shop assistant attempted to stop Ahmed as he began to attack him. The Shah family, who moved from Pakistan to Scotland in the 1990s to escape persecution, belong to the Ahmadi sect of Islam whose beliefs differ from the majority of Muslims. In a statement released through his lawyer after the killing, Tanveer Ahmed said: "If I had not done this others would have and there would be more killings and violence in the ." Judge Lady Rae told Tanveer Ahmed he must serve a minimum of 27 years in jail before being considered for release. Jailing him for life at the same court, judge Lady Rae told Ahmed: "This was a barbaric, premeditated and wholly unjustified killing of a much loved man who was a pillar of the local community. "He was described as a peaceful and peace-loving man and family man who went out of his way to show respect for those of any faith." The judge branded the attack as "an appalling display of merciless violence". Lady Rae added: "No-one in any civilised country including Scotland has the right to take the life of another whatever offence that individual perceives that he or she has suffered. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If things go well, Nina Dobrev might return as Elena Gilbert for 'The Vampire Diaries' final season. The CW president Mark Pedowitz spoke to reporters at the Television Critics Association's press tour in Los Angeles on August 11, where he revealed, "There are discussions going on with Nina," reports the Us Magazine. "We'd love to have Nina back. She was great for the CW - she was integral to The Vampire Diaries. These are discussions that go on," the network executive continued.. "Hopefully she'll be back, but should it not work out, [showrunner] Julie [Plec] has planned a great series finale that will satisfy fans," Pedowitz added. It was announced during the show's San Diego Comic-Con panel last month that the series will call it quits at the end of the upcoming eighth season. At that event, the team showed a video of highlights that included scenes with Elena, leading to speculation about her possible return. The character was written out of the supernatural drama series at the end of season six after she fell into a decades-long sleep. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka on Friday and was received by Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat. Solberg was accorded a guard of honor and a gun salute, following which the two heads of state held bilateral discussions, reports the Colombo Page. She also met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and will be meeting Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan. Solberg has been invited to deliver this year's Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies. She is also scheduled to visit a Fisheries Harbour project in Mirissa tomorrow, where she will meet harbour development committee representatives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani, Majid Hussain, who tried to sneak through Birmingham Airport with a wrap of heroin in his cabin baggage has been jailed for 12 years. Majid Hussain, a resident of Nansen Road, Saltley, is thought to have forgotten about the quantity of Class A drugs in his carry-on bag as he tried to board a flight to Pakistan in February. The London-based newspaper, The Nation quoted a police report, as saying that Majid Hussain was rumbled after a scrupulous member of security staff made the find during a routine check. A subsequent search of his home by police found a small armoury of weapons and ammunition and more than a quarter of a million pounds in cash. West Midlands Police officers swooped on the 41-year-old's property where they uncovered a suitcase hidden under his bed containing around a kilogram of heroin with a street value in the region of 18,000 pounds. Also hidden away was a semi-automatic handgun, 27 rounds of ammunition, a stun-gun disguised as a mobile phone, an air pistol and almost 300,000 pounds in cash. Hussain admitted possession of a prohibited firearm; possession of a disguised firearm; possession of ammunition; possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply; and possession of criminal property at Birmingham Crown Court. He was jailed for 12 years by Judge Patrick Thomas QC who described his access to guns and drugs as a "toxic" combination. Detective Constable Andrew Mitcham, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "Thanks to the diligence of the staff at Birmingham Airport we have been able to expose and convict one of Birmingham's high-level drug dealers. "The evidence we uncovered during the search at Majid Hussain's home in Saltley clearly demonstrates that he was involved in supplying heroin across the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's Manish Singh, who was competing for an elusive medal for India at the Rio Olympics, made a respective 13th-place finish in the men's 20 km race walk ahead of the Olympic record holder, Ding Chen here in Pontal on Saturday . Manish Singh was setting the pace in the early stages, but he started falling behind at around 14-km mark to complete the race with a time of 1:21:21. Manish finished two minutes and seven seconds behind the gold medal, which gone to China's Wang Zhen. CAI Zelin, the other athlete from China, won the silver with a timing of 1:19:26 while Australia's Dane Bird-Smith bagged the bronze in a tightly contested race. Meanwhile, it would be a race to forget for two of the three Indian walkers who were disqualified in the early stages of the race. Gurmeet Singh was the first to be disqualified when he had not even reached the 6-kilometre mark. He was given three warnings, two for loss of contact and a third for a bent knee leading to the disqualification. Ganapathi Krishnan, on the other hand, gave India another blow when he was disqualified before the 10-kilometre mark. The 27-year-old received all the three warnings for loss of contact. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The chances of Indian shuttlers Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa making it to the quarter-finals of the women's doubles event are almost over after they suffered yet another defeat in their Group Play Stage on Day 7 of the Rio Olympics here on Friday. After losing the first set, the Olympic Indian debutants produced a much better performance in the second game before faltering significantly in the tie breaker against Dutch pair of Eefje Muskens and Selena Piek. The Netherlands duo took almost an hour to subdue the Indian pair of Gutta and Ponappa 21-16, 16-21, 21-17 in the second Group A match in Riocentro - Pavilion. Earlier, Gutta and Ponnappa kicked off their campaign on a sour note as they suffered a crushing 15-21, 10-21 defeat against Japanese duo of Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi. In the men's doubles event, Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy will aim to bounce back after their first round defeat when they take on Chinese duo of Chai Biao and Hong Wei in their second Group D clash later today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seems like Pokemon Go has made Shah Rukh Khan go gaga over it as even detention by the US immigration department officials at the Los Angeles airport could not stop him from "catching 'em all." The 50-year-old actor took to his Twitter handle to say that he spent his time at the airport catching the Pokemons. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he wrote In the earlier tweet, the 'Dilwale' actor shared the news of his detention, saying, "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks." This is, however, not the first time that SRK has been detained at a US airport. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Bollywood icon being detained for the third time by US immigration, an irate Congress on Friday called on US authorities to update their data and stop harassing 'known and genuine personalities' repeatedly. Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla asserted that it was unfair on the part of the US security to harass again and again. "Just because your computer feed has a similar name of some other person who was a suspect and already caught. Correct your data. Requesting US agencies to update their data so genuine and known people are not harassed," Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State apologised to following his detention at the U.S immigration at Los Angeles airport and offered a clarification, saying that even 'American diplomats' were pulled over security issues. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, U.S. Department of State said in a tweet. Khan had tweeted his displeasure earlier saying that it "sucked" to be detained at the U.S. immigration every time. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he said. However, Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Ambassador to the U.S Nirupama Rao came out in support of the security measure at LA Airport saying that one cannot question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. "The U.S post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt," she said in a series of tweets. Taking a different slant from Rao, former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain Haqqani has called for updated equipment for Customs and Border Protection officers so that such incidents can be avoided. "Time to give @cbp officers better computers and advise them to check on individuals with other branches of US govt," he tweeted. This is, however, not the first time that SRK has been detained at a US airport. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said that it is up to India to decide what its position will be on the South China Sea dispute. When asked whether he would like to make any statement on China seeking support from India on the South China Sea dispute, Yi said, "It is up to India to decide what position to take." Yi will be meeting his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj today and tomorrow. Both are expected to hold talks on various issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming multilateral meetings viz., G-20 Summit being held in China and BRICS Summit being held in India. Foreign Minister Wang last visited India in June 2014. Both Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Sushma Swaraj have been meeting regularly on the margins of multilateral meetings. Most recently, they had met in Moscow during the Russia-India-China trilateral meeting in April 2016. However, according to a report in China's state-owned Global Times, Foreign Minister Yi may also use his visit to New Delhi to acquire a perspective and an assessment of Prime Minister's Modi's prior visits to Vietnam and Laos before landing in Hangzhou for participation in the G-20, ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, which could provide a greater insight into India's "Look East-Act East" policy, as also New Delhi's stand on the ongoing South China Sea (SCS) territorial dispute following the July 12, 2016 verdict of the international tribunal in favour of The Philippines. According to the report, Beijing is viewing Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam rather closely, given that Hanoi is also a party in the SCS dispute and has also staked a maritime and rich energy resource claim to use of its waters. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam on September 2 and 3 to hold bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese leadership, including President Tr?n ?i Quang and Premier Nguy?n Xuan Phucon, will be centered on boosting bilateral trade, energy cooperation, oil exploration, defence ties, as also discussions on regional issues of mutual interest to both nations, which could focus on concerns over reported Chinese aggression in the SCS, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan in 2015 and his interaction with Premier Nguy?n Xuan Phucon in Delhi. Last year's joint vision statement issued by India and the United States with regard to developments in the Asia-Pacific region could also figure in the talks in Hanoi. As far as the territorial dispute related to the SCS is concerned, New Delhi has been a firm advocate of the "Right to Freedom of Navigation for all six countries located in its vicinity i.e. Brunei, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines and Vietnam. India could use this visit to Vietnam to state that China must consider not militarizing or blocking navigation on and through the South China Sea (SCS). Interacting with media in New Delhi recently, Vietnam's Ambassador to India Sin Thanh appreciated India's position on the South China Sea dispute, and said, "We do not welcome any militarisation in the region but welcome constructive engagement by other countries to make situation peaceful." There are reports in the media that India could take the talks related to offering Vietnam Indo-Russian manufactured Brahmos cruise missiles and other military hardware such as T-54/55 tanks and Mi7/8 helicopters during Prime Minister Modi's visit forward. Government run Chinese media has said that India should not get entangled in the SCS dispute. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd.) V. K. Singh today visited the Fortis hospital in Noida to meet the injured Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brijpal Tevatia and six others, who were shot at by unidentified assailants at Muradnagar in Ghaziabad district late Thursday evening. "The incident is unfortunate and the police are investigating the cause behind the attack. He is fine now and is being operated. His condition is much better now," Singh told the media after visit the BJP leader. The injured were initially admitted at a hospital in Ghaziabad and from there, Tevatia and six other were admitted in critical condition and referred to the Fortis Hospital in Noida. According to Additional Director General (ADG) of Uttar Pradesh Police (law and order) Daljit Singh Choudhury said the assailants were laced with AK-47 and other sophisticated weapons. "Police have seized sophisticated arms and ammunition from the crime scene. The Ghaziabad Police have launched an investigation at the spot, while Special Task Force and senior police officers will reach there soon," said the ADG, adding that their priority is to arrest and bring the assailants to justice. Meanwhile, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, who visited Tevatia yesterday said, "Doctors are saying that they are trying to save his life. It is a matter of investigation, and police will look into it." The assailants allegedly fired more than 100 rounds at his convoy at Muradnagar in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh late Thursday evening. Large amounts of ammunition, an AK-47 and two 9mm pistols were found from the crime scene, said police sources. As per information, the BJP leader was accompanied by 20 private gunners, in spite of that the assailants attacked his convoy. Tevatia is said to be a confidante of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has purportedly inquired about the incident from officials of the U.P. Police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alkem Laboratories rose 1.34% to Rs 1,610.95 at 10:11 IST on BSE after the company announced that inspection by the US drug regulator concluded successfully at the company's bioequivalence facility in Maharashtra. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 20 August 2016. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 281.61 points, or 1.01%, to 28,141.21. On BSE, so far 4,187 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 8,811 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,624.95 so far during the day, which is also a record high for the counter. The stock hit a low of Rs 1,600 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 1,175 on 2 May 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past 30 days till 11 August 2016, rising 12.43% compared with 0.16% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising rising 34% as against Sensex's 9.30% rise. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 23.91 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. Alkem Laboratories announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspected its bioequivalence facility at Taloja in Maharashtra from 1 August to 10 August 2016. At the end of the inspection, there were no 483s issued by the USFDA. An FDA Form 483 is issued to firm management at the conclusion of an inspection when an investigator has observed any conditions that in their judgement may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts. On a consolidated basis, net profit of Alkem Laboratories declined 56.87% to Rs 56.72 crore on 24.36% rise in net sales to Rs 1110.97 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015. The company will announce Q1 results today, 12 August 2016. Alkem Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company with global operations, engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At meeting held on 12 August 2016 Balasore Alloys announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 12 August 2016, inter alia, has approved unanimously the following resolutions; - Pursuant to the Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 appointment of Mita Jha, as an Additional Director of the Company with effect from 12 August 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At meeting held on 12 August 2016 California Software Company announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 12 August 2016, inter alia, has transacted the following: - Resignation of T. R. Ramasamy as Director and appointment of Mahalingam Vasudevan as an additional Director. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Central Bank of India fell 1.11% to Rs 97.90 at 12:21 IST on BSE after the bank reported a net loss of Rs 599.81 crore in Q1 June 2016 compared with net profit of Rs 203.60 crore in Q1 June 2015. The result was announced during trading hours today, 12 August 2016. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 242.17 points, or 0.87%, to 28,101.77. On BSE, so far 1.54 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 1.19 lakh shares in the past one quarter. Trading was volatile on the counter. The stock rose 1.87% at the day's high of Rs 100.85 so far during the day. The stock fell 5.05% at the day's low of Rs 94 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 112 on 20 June 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 48.20 on 17 February 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 11 August 2016, falling 3.60% compared with 0.16% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 26.84% as against Sensex's 9.30% rise. The large-cap state-run bank has equity capital of Rs 1761.22 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Central Bank of India's total income fell 6.15% to Rs 6662.68 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 25107.47 crore as on 30 June 2016 as against Rs 22720.88 crore as on 31 March 2016 and Rs 12931.31 crore as on 30 June 2015. The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 13.52% as on 30 June 2016 as against 11.95% as on 31 March 2016 and 6.70% as on 30 June 2015. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 8.17% as on 30 June 2016 as against 7.36% as on 31 March 2016 and 4% as on 30 June 2015. The bank's provisions and contingencies (excluding tax provisions) surgd 165.80% to Rs 1543.66 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. Provision coverage ratio of the bank was at 52.14% as on 30 June 2016. Government of India holds 80.76% stake in Central Bank of India (as on 30 June 2016). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The situation of surplus power will result in a fixed cost outgo of around INR80bn for state power distribution companies (discoms), on a conservative basis, in FY17, estimates India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). Ind-Ra's calculation is based on the study of Central Electricity Authority's data on supply and demand of electricity as per the Load Generation Balance report for FY17. These discoms are unlikely to schedule some of the excess power they have tied up in the past five to seven years, at a loss, thereby further weakening their financial position. Simultaneously, by taking advantage of lower prevailing spot prices, the discoms could reduce the extent of losses for not scheduling the long term tied up power. The discoms in the western and southern regions are expected to be the worst hit, due to power purchase agreement (PPA) tie ups in excess of the power demand in the region. Ind-Ra estimates losses of around INR40bn by discoms in the western region and INR24.5bn by discoms in the southern region due to the maximum amount of long term PPA, with a provision of fixed tariff in the past. The long term commitment at a fixed costs, in the form of power purchasing agreements are preventing some discoms from procuring low cost merchant power traded on the power exchanges. The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission recently revealed that the losses due to the surrendering of excess tied up of power for FY17 is expected at INR20.75bn. The commission has directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to look at ways to reduce this fiscal burden by selling surplus power outside the state. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission also recently ended the earlier rule of the state government that power producers must generate at 100% capacity and supply only within the state. Generators can now apply for a no objection certificate from the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission to sell their surplus power outside the state. Many of the long term PPAs have provisioned for INR1.25 to INR1.75 fixed prices per unit of electricity compared to an all-inclusive cost of around INR2.5 per unit (based on actual power rates on power exchanges for FY16). Ind-Ra estimates that spot power tariffs on the exchanges are unlikely to increase beyond the current range of INR2.0 to INR2.5 per unit over the medium term, which is in line with the Central Electricity Authority's projections of 1.1% energy surplus and 2.6% peak load surplus during FY17, across India. The problem of surplus capacity has been partially caused by the heavy cross subsidy charges levied on industrial consumers to subsidise agricultural and domestic consumers, thus incentivising them to set up their own captive units instead of purchasing power from the discoms and other power generators. Captive generation capacity increased to 40726MW in 2016 from 8116 MW in 1990, growing at a CAGR of 6.66% (Figure 1) compared to 6.37% CAGR in overall capacity addition during the same period. Ind-Ra believes that the increasing trend in captive capacity addition will steepen in the near future due to the implementation of the open access regime. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Grasim Industries' consolidated net profit surged 63.55% to Rs 830.22 crore on 9.16% growth in total income to Rs 9278.13 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Grasim Industries' board of directors at a meeting held yesterday, 11 August 2016, approved 5-for-1 stock split. Aditya Birla Nuvo's (ABNL) consolidated net profit declined 56.79% to Rs 305.15 crore on 1.62% growth in total income to Rs 3318.68 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Meanwhile, in separate announcements, Grasim Industries and ABNL said that the board of directors of the companies have approved a composite scheme of arrangement between Grasim Industries, ABNL and Aditya Birla Financial Services and their respective shareholders. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Among key corporate earnings, Bosch, Hindalco Industries and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries are scheduled to announce their June 2016 quarter earnings today, 12 August 2016. PTC India's net profit rose 13.46% to Rs 56.45 crore on 13.53% growth in total income to Rs 3684.05 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. MRF's net profit rose 2.37% to Rs 490.93 crore on 1.01% rise in total income to Rs 3555.53 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced at the fag end of after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Rural Electrification Corporation announced that it has fixed 29 September 2016 as the record date for the purpose of ascertaining entitlement of eligibility of shareholders for 1:1 bonus issue of shares. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. JK Lakshmi Cement reported net profit of Rs 28.64 crore in Q1 June 2016 compared with net loss of Rs 23.48 crore in Q1 June 2015. Total income rose 32.33% to Rs 787.64 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Bharti Airtel said after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016 that the transaction to acquire rights to use 20 megahertz (MHz) 2300 Band 4G TD spectrum of Aircel has been successfully concluded for Orissa circle following the receipt of all necessary approvals and satisfying all the conditions (including conditions stated in the Spectrum Trading Guidelines). With this, the company has completed the transaction in 7 out of 8 circles namely Tamil Nadu (including Chennai); Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Assam, North East and Orissa. Bharti Airtel in April this year said it had acquired rights to use 4G spectrum of Aircel in eight telecom circles. Piramal Enterprises announced that at the meeting of administrative committee of the board of directors held yesterday, 11 August 2016, the committee approved the issue of secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) aggregating upto Rs 550 crore on private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. Indiabulls Housing Finance announced that it has allotted secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures aggregating Rs 1915 crore (Rs 400 crore plus Greenshoe of Rs 1515 crore). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 11 August 2016. S. P. Apparels (SPAL) makes its debut on the secondary equity markets today, 12 August 2016. The company had priced its initial public offer (IPO) at Rs 268 per share, the top end of the Rs 258-268 per share price band for the IPO. SPAL is a leading manufacturer and exporter of knitted garments for infants and children. From the proceeds of the fresh issue, SPAL has earmarked Rs 70 crore towards expansion and modernization of manufacturing facility at Tamil Nadu, Rs 63 crore towards repayment of debt, Rs 27.85 crore towards opening of new stores for sale of Crocodile brand, Rs 4.90 crore towards balancing machinery for existing dyeing unit in Perundurai and rest towards for general corporate purpose. SPAL's consolidated profit after tax (PAT) jumped 245% to Rs 34.71 crore on 13% growth in net sales to Rs 532.83 in the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY 2016) over the year ended 31 March 2015 (FY 2015). Hatsun Agro Product turns ex-dividend today, 12 August 2016 for interim dividend of Rs 1 per share for the year ending 31 March 2017 (FY 2017). Indian Hotels Company turns ex-dividend today, 12 August 2016 for dividend of Rs 0.30 per share for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY 2016). Kajaria Ceramics turns ex-dividend today, 12 August 2016 for dividend of Rs 5 per share for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY 2016). L&T Finance Holdings turns ex-dividend today, 12 August 2016 for dividend of Rs 0.80 per share for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY 2016). Siemens turns ex-dividend today, 12 August 2016 for interim dividend of Rs 27.50 per share for the year ending 30 September 2016 (FY 2016). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindalco Industries rose 3.9% to Rs 147.80 at 13:32 IST on BSE after net profit jumped 381.29% to Rs 294.07 crore on 10.96% decline in total income to Rs 7716.53 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015. The result was announced during market hours today, 12 August 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 280.62 points or 1.01% at 28,140.22. On BSE, so far 20.77 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 14.03 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock rose as much as 4.67% at the day's high of Rs 148.90 so far during the day. The stock rose 0.52% at the day's low of Rs 143 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 151.90 on 8 August 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 58.85 on 12 February 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 11 August 2016, surging 10.23% compared with 0.84% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, advancing 55.29% as against Sensex's 8.84% rise. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 206.50 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1. A part of the Aditya Birla Group, Hindalco Industries is the world's largest aluminium rolling company and one of the biggest producers of primary aluminium in Asia. Its copper smelter is amongst the largest single location custom smelter globally. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sales decline 4.94% to Rs 82.67 crore Net profit of Hindustan Tin Works declined 68.59% to Rs 2.62 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 8.34 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015. Sales declined 4.94% to Rs 82.67 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 86.97 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015.82.6786.979.664.845.972.454.030.782.628.34 Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government is, in fact, giving special attention to infrastructure development projects, such as, road, rail, communication, and telecom network in the North Eastern Region. A total of 197 on-going road development projects are being implemented under various programmes/schemes of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoR&TH) in the North Eastern States. The total length and the total sanctioned cost of these projects are 4320.95 kms and Rs.37691.05 crore respectively. 20 major railway projects consisting of 13 new lines, 2 gauge conversions and 5 doublings, having aggregate length of 2624 km at a cost of Rs.52030 crore have been taken up in the North Eastern Region. An expenditure of Rs.21336 crore has been incurred on these projects upto March, 2016. An outlay of Rs.5040 crore has been provided for 2016-17 for these projects and for the residual liabilities of some completed projects. Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North-Eastern Region at a cost of Rs.5336.18 crore is under implementation. North Eastern Council (NEC) is implementing 715 various development projects in North Eastern States, and are underway at a total approved cost of Rs.714864.98 lakh. Ministry of Rural Development is providing assistance in respective State Governments under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme. Ministry of DoNER is also providing funds for meeting gaps in infrastructure, subject to the availability of funds. An amount of Rs.4113.31 crore has been released for 608 Roads and Bridges under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme upto 5.8.2016. Under the scheme, North East State Roads Investment Project, a total of 433.4 kms is undertaken for upgradation/ construction in the North East at a total cost of Rs.1355.83 crore. Under North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS), four inter-state neglected road projects have been taken up by Ministry of DoNER for upgradation through National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sales decline 6.73% to Rs 133.95 crore Net profit of Kriti Industries (India) declined 1.81% to Rs 5.96 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 6.07 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015. Sales declined 6.73% to Rs 133.95 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 143.61 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015.133.95143.619.449.3810.179.959.128.995.966.07 Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sales decline 25.87% to Rs 1.06 crore Net profit of Tirupati Tyres declined 83.33% to Rs 0.01 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 0.06 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015. Sales declined 25.87% to Rs 1.06 crore in the quarter ended June 2016 as against Rs 1.43 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2015.1.061.430.944.200.010.060.010.060.010.06 Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court (HC) on Friday ordered a CBI probe into the gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter on a highway passing through Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on July 29. A bench of Chief Justice D.B. Bhonsle and Justice Yashwant Verma had taken suo motto cognisance of the case and sought a report from the state police on the action taken in the matter. The high court double bench asked the police to furnish before the court the statements of the victims from the case diary, and asked the Senior Superintendent of Police Bulandshahr as to why medical examination of the victims was not conducted. It ordered the police investigating team to take the accused on remand for interrogation. The high court directed the state government to take action against police officials who are callous in the discharge of their duties and have failed in containing crimes against women. The court on Thursday had observed that women were not safe in the state, and that crimes against women were on the rise. The court fixed August 17 as the next date for hearing. After initially dragging its feet in the matter, the state government had suspended seven policemen, including the SSP of Bulandshahr, following a nationwide outcry over the incident. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had earlier this week said that he was not averse to recommending a CBI probe if the family wished so. He had, however, accused the opposition parties of trying to politicise the issue. A 34-year-old woman and her teenage daughter were raped after their car carrying six members of the Noida family was stopped by criminals on National Highway-91 in Bulandshahr on July 29. The family was going to meet their relatives in Shahjahanpur in western Uttar Pradesh. The victims also alleged that the police did not pay attention to their complaints initially. --IANS md/lok/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam on Friday became the first state in the country to ratify the constitution amendment bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the assembly unanimously passed the bill. The state cabinet approved the bill on Friday morning, before it was placed in the House during the ongoing assembly session. "A historic resolution was passed in the assembly today (Friday). Assam has became the first state to ratify the constitutional amendment bill relating to the GST," Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted soon after it was ratified. "I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth and better revenue collection," said Sonowal. Sonowal later told the media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a telephonic conversation, congratulated him on the bill's ratification. Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Chief Minister wanted Assam to become the first state to pass the bill to send a positive signal to the industry. "It is a historic occasion for the state to be the first to pass this bill. I thank the Speaker (Ranjit Kumar Das) for allowing us to introduce it today as we informed him on Thursday night," said Sarma, who introduced the bill on behalf of the Chief Minister. The opposition Congress and All India United Democratic Front MLAs, who had earlier sought a discussion in the assembly to evaluate GST's impact on Assam and its people, also supported the bill. Their demand for a discussion was earlier turned down by the Speaker. Of the central GST portion, 42 per cent tax will be given back to the state. The GST will also have a special concession option for north-eastern and Himalayan states if they request reduction in taxes for any reason. Besides, these states can collect special tax during any natural calamity or disaster, subject to approval by the GST Council. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill for GST was passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, with 443 members present in the House voting in favour of the legislation. The deadline for the rollout of the GST is April 1, 2017. At least 50 per cent of the states have to pass what is technically the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, for the next steps of legislative action to follow, to ultimately introduce a pan-India Goods and Services Tax regime. The new regime seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market. --IANS ah/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Atletico Madrid striker Borja Baston, 23, has signed a four-year contract with Swansea City, the Premier League club said. Striker Borja Baston will wear the number 10 jersey and could make his debut in Swansea's Premier League opener at Burnley on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported. "I want to repay the transfer fee paid for me with good performances and results. It's difficult to set a target of goals, but my mantra is take it goal by goal. Hopefully I can score a lot of goals," the Spaniard said on Thursday. Baston came through the youth system at Atletico, making one first-team appearance in 2010, and played for Murcia, Huesca, Deportivo La Coruna, Real Zaragoza and Eibar on loan. --IANS gau/ask/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese Foreign Minister has expressed interest in the upcoming Electronic City and IT Park projects in Goa, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said on Friday, while also hinting at possible Chinese investment in the projects. Speaking to reporters after hosting Wang over breakfast, Parsekar also said that it was a matter of honour that Goa had been chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host the BRICS summit, scheduled to be held in October this year. "He has shown interest in Goa's electronic city and IT Park and said that after the BRICS summit they would be interested in bringing investment here and we have welcomed it. Especially there is scope for investment in electronic city, because we are in a budding stage," Parsekar said. The Electronic City at Tuem village and the IT Park at Chimbel village are two pet projects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Goa. Wang was in Goa to review the logistical and security arrangement for the BRICS summit, which Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend. Wang is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday. "He came here to see for himself the ongoing preparation for BRICS. We had discussion over breakfast," the Chief Minister told reporters at the state legislative assembly complex. "The central government has given Goa the opportunity to host the BRICS summit in 2016. It shows the significance which has been given to Goa by the Prime Minister. Goa and China share historic ties," Parsekar said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi left for New Delhi on Friday evening after a day-long visit to Goa during which he reviewed logistical and security arrangements in the state which is hosting the upcoming BRICS summit which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend. Wang, during his brief interaction with reporters at the Secretariat, also asked India to decide its position vis-a-vis the South China sea row. The Chinese delegation led by Wang met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Governor Mridula Sinha as well as top officials in-charge of organising logistics and security for the BRICS event. He visited two coastal resorts being short-listed as venues for the BRICS meet and which will host Chinese delegates during the two-day event in October. "Goa has a time honoured history, beautiful landscape, rich resources and hardworking people and is one of the most developed states in India. Goa is small, but beautiful," Wang said after meeting Chief Minister Parsekar. "I believe this state is an epitome of the future and bright prospect of India. I am sure the BRICS summit will put Goa at an even bigger stage," he added. "Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has invited Chinese President Xi to attend the BRICS summit. Now that I am paying a visit to India I have come to the state of Goa to take a look at the venues." Asked to comment on whether China was seeking support from India on the South China Sea, Wang said: "It is up to India to decide what position to take." Speaking to reporters, Parsekar said Wang showed interest in two technology-related projects promoted by his government. "He has shown interest in Goa's electronic city and IT Park and said that after the BRICS summit they would be interested in bringing investment here. Especially there is scope for investment in electronic city, because we are in a budding stage," Parsekar said. The Electronic City at Tuem village and the IT Park at Chimbel village are two pet projects of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Goa. "The central government has given Goa the opportunity to host the BRICS summit. It shows the significance which has been given to Goa by the Prime Minister. Goa and China share historic ties," Parsekar said. Wang is expected to meet his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday. --IANS maya/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will on Friday meet Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to review the logistics and security arrangements for Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposed visit to the coastal state for the summit in October. "He is here to review security. He will visit the spots where hotels are located, functions are (to be) held, the route, the arrangements done by the state, the situation here," Parsekar told IANS at the state secretariat late on Thursday. "The Chinese President is coming and therefore they are meeting us to keep track of the preparation," the Chief Minister said. Yi is also expected to meet Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday. A Dalit woman here has accused Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jayant Mallya of engaging in a "conspiracy" to have her removed as Sarpanch of Bandakpur village panchayat in Damoh district. Poona Bai said she has been removed because Mallya does not want her to hoist the national flag at the Panchayat Bhavan on August 15, the Independence Day. She has been sitting on dharna for the last five days in front of the office of Damoh's District Magistrate in protest against what she calls a "political and administrative conspiracy" that had her removed from her post thrice since her election in 2012 -- the latest on August 2. "Soon after I was elected, local leaders have been putting pressure on me to work according to their wishes. My refusal to toe the line resulted in hatching of a conspiracy against me. I hoisted the flag on the Panchayat Bhavan in 2012. Later, Mallya's son Siddharth made false complaints against me to have me removed," Poona Bai told IANS on Friday. Mallya told reporters that he has asked the District Magistrate to provide him with a detailed report on the matter. Chief Executive Officer of Damoh block M.R. Meena told IANS that the Additional Commissioner's court had ordered an enquiry into Poona Bai's complaint. "But she had already been given the charge. Later when things became clear, she was removed from the post and an enquiry committee was set up. The committee's report is now awaited," Meena said. Poona Bai said she was first removed from her post some months after her election in 2012. She said she then went to the high court to have her removal stayed. She said she was removed a second time as Sarpanch on August 13, 2015 -- two days before she was scheduled to hoist the flag on Panchayat Bhavan -- on the order of the District Magistrate. She appealed against the District Magistrate's order in the Additional Commissioner's court, which decided on July 21 in her favour, Poona Bai said. She said she re-assumed office on July 29, but was removed for the third time on August 2 -- again only a few days ahead of Independence Day when she was to hoist the flag. --IANS sp/kb/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wildfires killed three people on Portugal's Madeira island and resulted in an economic loss of at least 55 million euros ($61.27 million), local media reported on Thursday. Two people were severely injured and 200 people suffered from minor injuries with respiratory and eye problems. Over 1,000 people were evacuated, Xinhua quoted newspaper Publico as saying, citing Paulo Cafofo, mayor of Madeira capital Funchal. Over 200 buildings and homes were affected by the fires and half of them were completely burned down, according to the newspaper. Banks BCP and Santander Totta have set up funds to help those who lost their homes in the fires, according to financial daily Diario Economico. Portugal triggered the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism on Wednesday to ask for other states to help. Prime Minister Antonio Costa arrived in Portugal on Thursday and held a meeting with Madeira's mayor. The authorities claim that the fires were mainly due to high temperatures, which reached around 38 degrees Celsius in the past days, coupled with strong winds. Criminals have also been blamed for the fires. Police detained a 23-year-old suspect on Monday for allegedly starting a fire in Sao Roque, in Funchal. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa is the epitome of the future of India and the upcoming BRICS summit there will place the coastal state at an even bigger global stage, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. "Goa has a time honoured history, beautiful landscape rich resources and hardworking people and is one of the most developed states in India. Goa is small, but beautiful," Wang told reporters after meeting Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. "I believe this state is an epitome of the future and bright prospect of India. I am sure the BRICS summit will put Goa at an even bigger stage," he added. Wang is in Goa to review logistics and security arrangements ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the coastal state for the BRICS summit to be held in October. "Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the BRICS summit. Now that I am paying a visit to India I have come to the state of Goa to take a look at the venues," he said. --IANS maya/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday it has fined technology giant 438 million rubles ($6.7 million) for violating competition law. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) said had forced mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its applications on mobile devices using the Android system, Xinhua reported. was also accused of placing its applications at priority positions on the home page of mobile devices to the detriment of alternative software. Google's software also prevented the installation of applications of other developers, the FAS was quoted as saying. "The Competition Law must be observed by all the that supply their products to the Russian Federation, including multinational corporations," Yelena Zayeva, Head of the Communications and Information Technologies Department of the FAS, said in the statement. The FAS said Google must pay the fine within 60 days after the order becomes effective. The Russian side is still discussing related issues with the company. The FAS ruled against Google last September over the company's abuse of its dominant market position, following a complaint filed by Yandex, one of the leading Internet technology firms in Russia. US tech giant Google on Friday announced that two Indian teenagers are among the 16 global finalists for the sixth annual "Google Science Fair 2016" and will compete for the $50,000 scholarship. All 16 finalists will travel with their families to Mountain View city located in Santa Clara County, California, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on September 27. "From a breathalyzer test that could predict lung cancer to a carbon filter that may significantly decrease styrofoam waste, these top 16 projects from nine countries around the world represent the brightest ideas to make things better through science and engineering", said Andrea Cohan, Programme Lead, Google Science Fair, in a statement. Shriyank, 16, from National Public School, Bengaluru, submitted his project titled "KeepTab: A novel way to aid memory with deep learning algorithms!" KeepTab is a wearable device-based solution which uses a cloud-based deep learning framework to aid human memory recall the location of day-to-day objects. Mansha Fatima,15, a junior at Sadhu Vaswani International School, Hyderabad, focussed on creating an "Automated Water Management and Monitoring System in Paddy Fields". The project aims to help farmers monitor water levels in rice paddy fields as well as automate water levels for the best possible crop yields. --IANS anuj/na/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Information & Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated a week-long 'Independence Day Film Festival' at Siri Fort auditorium here on Friday. He urged people to believe in the 'oneness of the country' and emphasised that "nothing else should be allowed to cause obstacles in India's march ahead." Naidu asserted the importance of cinema in bringing forth the lives of prominent as well as unsung heroes of the freedom struggle. He mentioned movies like 'Sardar' and a Tamil movie 'Veerapandiyan Kottabomman' which depicted the lives of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and an 18th century warrior, Veerapandiyan Kottabomman as capable of inspiring in the people an interest in the history of freedom fighters. The festival will screen 20 films till August 18, whose primary aim is to inspire a patriotic mood among the public. Speaking at the event, Naidu said priority will be given to students of government schools to attend the festival. The festival opened with the screening of the movie 'Gandhi' made by British Director Richard Attenborough. Naidu, speaking at the event, warned people not to remember Independence Day as just any other day, but to feel grateful to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. He also informed the media on the preparations made by the government on the occasion of the 70th Independence day. He said that I&B Ministry has been roped in to play patriotic songs for the next three days on All India Radio (AIR) and also to air archived audio and video speeches of freedom fighters in short movies on Doordarshan (DD). National institutes were requested to invite eminent people to speak on the freedom struggle, he added. Schools have also been asked to take students to visit memorials of freedom fighters. The Ministry of Textiles has pitched in with a 'colours of India' fabric panel, which will be mounted at places where a large number of people congregate. Also, all monuments in the Capital will be illuminated in the colours of the tri-colour. Naidu said that all cabinet ministers were assigned to visit the birthplaces of freedom fighters across the nation. They will visit the birthplaces of revolutionaries like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Khudiram Bose, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Lal Dhingra, Gopinath Bordoloi, Rao Tula Ram, Rani Chennamma and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will visit Port Blair Cellular Jail to pay homage to the freedom fighters who were imprisoned there. --IANS vn/ask/bg (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian American official spearheading the Obama administration's campaign against police brutality and mistreatment of minorities has issued a scathing indictment of the city of Baltimore, accusing its police force of violating the Constitution and federal anti-discrimination laws. The head of the federal Civil Rights Division, Vanita Gupta, who oversaw an inquiry into police brutality and excesses in the city, said on Tuesday that its African American community "bore the brunt". Speaking at a news conference to release a Department of Justice report from the inquiry, she said her agency had entered into an agreement with Baltimore to reform the police. Gupta, who is also the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, is the most prominent of several Indian Americans working in the civil liberties arena. The federal inquiry was launched after riots broke out in Baltimore last year during protests against the death of an African American man, Freddie Gray, while in police custody. All the six police officers charged in the case were either acquitted or had the charges withdrawn leading to outrage among African Americans and civil liberties activists. The Baltimore incident came after the police shooting of an unarmed teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, the previous year sparked massive riots and turned national attention to police killings of African Americans. Several such incidents gave an impetus to the nationwide Black Live Matter movement against alleged police atrocities on African Americans. While the US government routinely accuses other nations of human rights violations and brutality against minorities, the Baltimore report and Gupta's actions against several cities turn a rare government spotlight on what goes on within the US. Baltimore police, she said, engaged in a pattern of making unconstitutional stops, searches and arrests; using exccessive force; muzzling constitutionally-protected expressions, and using strategies that disproportionately targed African Americans. Gupta said the inquiry found that 44 per cent of the people stopped by police in Baltimore were in two small African American neighbourhoods that had only 11 per cent of the city's population. The report released by her said that complaints of misconduct were not properly investigated or followed up by officials and were often covered up. Besides improper use of violence, the report said police coerced sex from people. Gupta has been working to reform police across the country amid growing protests against discrimination. Among the cities she has taken on are Chicago, Cleveland and Newark, New Jersey. Her broad portfolio includes discrimination in voting, housing, banking, education and employment against religious, ethnic and racial minorities, immigrants, gays and transgender people. In May, she filed a case against the state of North Carolina which passed a law requiring people to use the public bathrooms according to their sex. Gupta said the law discriminates against transgender people because they cannot use the bathrooms of the sex they identify with. Gupta shot to fame when straight out of New York University Law School she exposed police corruption and discrimination in Tulia in Texas. In 2003 she won the release of 40 African Americans and six others falsely convicted on drug charges. She was then working for the Legal Defence and Education Fund of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured people. Before joining the federal government, she was the Deputy Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union. --IANS al/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian American leader of a student union is at the centre of freedom of expression debate after the union took action against her for a Facebook comment in support of police personnel who had been shot dead by an anti-police activist. The vice president of the University of Houston students union, Rohini Sethi, had written: "Forget Black Lives Matter; more like All Lives Matter." This came when five police officers were shot dead in Dallas, Texas, after a rally organised by the Black Lives movement to protest against police killings of African Americans in July. After criticism for what was seen as punishing her for expressing her views, union president Shane Smith backed down last week in a compromise that also had her apologise. Universities have come under criticism for muzzling free expression of views guaranteed by the constitution due to student protests. Earlier, amid protests from the Black Students Union and some activists, Smith suspended her from her position as punishment for writing the post and ordered her to attend three cultural events each month, take part in mandatory diversity training and write a letter reflecting on her Facebook post. The action against her was taken despite Sethi apologising for her post. The Black Lives Matter movement protesting police atrocities against African Americans has emerged as a strong nation-wide force organising ralies and protests. It has wide support on university campuses. Its supporters object to anyone saying "All lives matter." "Saying 'all lives matter' is deemed offensive to some African-American groups who have adopted the catch phrase 'Black lives matter,'" Fox News reported. "The standard has flummoxed many in the national debate, who believe saying that all lives matter is as innocuous as it is true." Even the Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton came under attack for saying that one of the lessons she learnt from her mother was that "all lives matter". The union president's action against Sethi in turn brought criticism for curbing freedom of expression and imitating classic communist practices of making people write self-criticism and attend re-education classes. As the controversy built up, university authorities distanced themselves from the Student Government Association (SGA) as the union is formally known. "The University of Houston continues to stand firm in support of free speech and does not discipline students for exercising their Constitutional rights," it said in a statement. "Actions by SGA, a registered student organization subject to its own governance, are not University actions and do not affect the academic or university standing of a student." Last week, both sides announced the compromise lifting the suspension after she agreed to take leave from the position till the start of the next semester and expressed regret for her post. "I may have the right to post what I did, but I still should not have. My words at the time didn't accurately convey my feeling and cause many students to lose their faith in me to advocate for them. I will always continue to learn and be ready to discuss these issues." Smith expressed regret for taking action against her and said: "For those who were upset due to what they considered a violation of the first amendment (right to free speech in the US constitution), that was never my intention and I apologize for that impression." An African American ex-serviceman who had served in Afghanistan, Micah Xavier Johnson, shot dead five police officers and wounded six others in Dallas in July during a systematic attack that he had claimed was in retaliation for police killing black people. The previous days police had shot dead an African American man in Minnesota and another in Louisiana. Johnson was killed by police robot. Sethi's Facebook post was in support of the officers and in protest against their killing. --IANS al/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I dreamed that TV wildlife guru David Attenborough was narrating a film about my life: "And for the 49th time, the runt of the group attempts to climb out of the pit but does a dramatic face plant into decomposing warthog poop. Let's see if he gets up this time." Yet I remain fascinated by animal news stories. A reader just sent me one about a team of Australians who flew to Botswana recently to paint eyes on cows' bottoms. I showed it to an illustrator colleague and she said: "Artists have to take whatever jobs are available, cow bottoms, whatever." The article said that they were painting pairs of eyes on bovine buttocks to stop lions eating them. The big cats apparently turn away from what they see as ugly "faces", thinking: "She looks like a cow's behind, she's got enough problems without us mauling her." A similar trick has long been used in India. Woodcutters wear ugly masks with big eyes on the backs of their heads to deter lions. "That poor man's so deformed he's got two faces," the retreating beasts say. "Probably give us indigestion." The scientific thinking behind this is that lions are known to hate being stared at. Lions are introverts. If you are cornered by a lion in the jungle, quickly offer to take it to a cocktail party where it won't know many people. The lion will back off speedily, mumbling excuses about having to shampoo its mane. When I mentioned this to a naturalist friend, she told me about the Foureye Butterflyfish, which has two huge fake eyes at one end, and a real face at the other end. Approaching deep-sea predators stop and think: "OMG, that fish is eating with its anus" and are so fascinated/disgusting they forget to attack. Incidentally, National Geographic writers found a giant sea cucumber which eats with its anus. Where I live, some human fans of colonic irrigation treatments have wheatgrass nutrient drinks inserted from below, wasting the time of the people who toiled to make them taste good. But returning to fake eyes, many butterflies have evolved quite realistic eyes on their wings, which seem to work, judging by the complete lack of lion-versus-butterfly fighting videos on YouTube. These tales of smart animals coincided with the arrival on my desk of a travel report containing proof of the astonishing scale of human stupidity. In the US alone, humans left US$765,000 in small change in trays at airport security gates last year, it said. A colleague has just pointed out that this could be 765,000 travellers each leaving a few coins, or Donald Trump alone forgetting to pick up his pocket change. Whatever. It's still stupidity. But of course not everyone appreciates the good qualities of animals. I remember going to a zoo in China some years back where the little name plate outside each cage had words like "Evil" and "Edible" on them. This seemed a bit insensitive, especially since humans are very evil and technically edible, too. Especially if unmasked and approached by lions. Column done, time for a break. And if the office canteen is serving wheatgrass drinks, I think I'll just drink it the old way; so move along, nothing to see here. (Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller. Send ideas and comments via his Facebook page) --IANS nury/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday called on the country's youth to engage in post-quake reconstruction of the Himalayan nation. Bhandari said the youth were the pillars of nation-building and should be mobilised in rebuilding Nepal after last year's devastating earthquake on April 25 that killed nearly 9,000 people and left more than a half million homeless. "We need a separate roadmap and solid programmes that focus on the youth as they have a bigger responsibility of contributing in nation-building. They only can meet the target of poverty alleviation and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," Xinhua news agency quoted Bhandari as saying. The global theme for International Youth Day this year was "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption". "We need to provide more training, capacity-building skills and generate employment opportunities within the country to mobilise the youth in reconstruction, production and other activities," she said. --IANS sm/py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan wants to have an exclusive dialogue with India on Kashmir, the country's top foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz said on Friday. India suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after gunmen attacked an Indian air base at Pathankot in January. India had blamed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group for the attack. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan's Foreign Secretary would write a letter to his Indian counterpart to extend a formal invitation for the talks. He told the media that Pakistan would invite India for the Kashmir talks despite the stalled Composite Dialogue process between the two countries. Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since their independence in 1947. Sartaj Aziz said a recent conference of Pakistani envoys also focused on relations with India. "The Envoys Conference noted that India's policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia," Aziz said. The conference vowed to continue diplomatic, political and moral support to "the Kashmiri movement for self-determination". The advisor said Kashmir would be on top of the agenda of Pakistan during the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan had written to the UN Human Rights Council on "human rights violations" in the Kashmir Valley and the council had conveyed to India that it wants to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir. India had accused Pakistan of interfering in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir following the mass protests that engulfed the Kashmir Valley after the July 8 killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. --IANS ahm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's top foreign affairs advisor on Friday said Islamabad "should invite New Delhi for a dialogue on Jammu and dispute". Sartaj Aziz, advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, further emphasised that Islamabad will continue to support the Kashmiri people for their "self determination", Aziz was quoted as saying in a foreign office statement. The advisor said that "our Foreign Secretary (Aizaz Chaudhary) would formally be writing to his (Indian) counterpart in this regard". Aziz also said that Pakistan is prepared to consider translating unilateral moratorium into a bilateral arrangement with India on non-testing of nuclear weapons. Pakistan on Thursday said it had written to the Arab League highlighting the "horrific" Indian brutalities in and asked its member countries to intervene. Aziz, in a letter to the Secretary-General of Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said the current unrest in the valley was a "manifestation of continued and long-held alienation" of the Kashmiris, the statement said. The current situation in Kashmir, he said, was the result of the continued denial by India of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and that was promised to them by the UN Security Council in relevant resolutions. "The current uprising in Kashmir is not an isolated incident but a manifestation of continued deep, widespread and long-held alienation of the oppressed people of the area from the Indian occupation," Aziz maintained. He said the spontaneous and massive uprising was a manifestation that the struggle of Kashmiris is totally indigenous which cannot be equated with terrorism. --IANS ahm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Michael Phelps has said he has become more outspoken at the Rio Olympics as he embraces his role as a mentor to younger team-mates. The 31-year-old is competing at his fifth Games and has already extended his record as the most successful Olympian, with his 22nd Olympics gold on Thursday, winning the men's 200m individual medley event, reports Xinhua. He became the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Olympics with the win, clocking in 1 minute 54.66 seconds for 200m individual medley on Thursday, almost two seconds ahead of Japan's Kosuke Hagino. But gold medals are not Phelps' only priority as he leads one of America's youngest ever Olympic swimming teams in Rio. "I'm just probably more vocal and more outgoing now than I have been in the past," Phelps said after the heats of the 100m breaststroke, in which he qualified fourth fastest for the semi-finals. "We do have a very young team, so anything I can teach them on my last couple of days as a US swimmer, I'm proud to do. It's a young, hungry team and I think that's something that is really special that I had the opportunity to be a part of in 2000." Phelps singled out Chase Kalisz, who took the silver medal in the 400m individual medley on Saturday, as one to watch at the Tokyo 2020 Games. "We are able to get these guys some swims at this level and I think it's something that hopefully is going to help them throughout their career," he said. "It keeps them excited and hungry for another four years. I can say that's definitely how Chase is right now. Talking with him, he's one of the rookies I'm very close with. I feel like we have a lot of hungry kids who are pumped for the next four years." Phelps also described the participation of refugees in Rio as "special". "I think it's great just having anybody who is able to compete in these Games," he said. "This is something that's very special, that no matter what's going on in the world, we can all come together as one, in one village, competing in the same events. I think that's something that you don't get to see anywhere else." --IANS sam/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday accused Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari of nepotism, saying government's policies are helping his "family business". In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Digvijaya Singh said Gadkari has always been embroiled in controversies regarding the Purti business group he founded. "There is a clear cut case of conflict of interests in this case where Nitin Gadkari as a minister clearly took undue interest in blending of ethanol into petroleum to 22.5 per cent as against 10 per cent. "Although he was not in charge of the ministry which deals with blending, he issued a statement in Nagpur of a cabinet note on increasing the percentage of ethanol from 10 per cent to 22.5 per cent. Cabinet note is a secret document. As the minister he also violated the oath of secrecy which he had taken," Digvijaya Singh wrote. Nitin Gadkari's son Nikhil Gadkari is listed as a Director of Purti Power and Sugar Ltd, Digvijaya Singh said. "Sensing the decision of the government of India to increase the blending percentage, Purti decided to treble its production from 45 kilo litres per day to 135 kilo litres per day," the Congress leader wrote. --IANS sid/kb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Parliament passed the historic Goods and Services Tax bill during its "productive" monsoon session that concluded on Friday, with the opposition seeking to corner the government on a range of issues like price rise, the Kashmir situation and atrocities on Dalits. The Lok Sabha saw productivity of 111 per cent and the Rajya Sabha 100 per cent during the session that had 20 sittings. "I am happy that productivity in the Rajya Sabha was about 100 per cent and for the Lok Sabha about 111 per cent. Monsoon Session was productive. Thanks to all parties and members for their constructive support," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said after the two houses were adjourned sine die. The passage of the GST Bill came as a big relief to the government as it had been pending in the upper house -- where the government lacks majority -- for over a year due to lack of consensus on the demands put forth by the Congress. The far-reaching amendment to the Constitution in this regard, which was passed unanimously in the two houses following walkout by the AIADMK, will pave the way for a pan-India goods and services tax regime and create a unified market across the country by doing away with a multiplicity of central and state levies. While the Lok Sabha passed 13 bills during the session, the Rajya Sabha passed 14 bills. The two houses also adopted resolutions on the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley. Both Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari termed the session productive. "I am glad to say the session was highly productive. There were debates of national concern and discussions on many subjects," Ansari said in his valedictory remarks. Mahajan noted that the Lok Sabha lost over six hours and 33 minutes due to interruptions but it sat late for over 18 hours to discuss various important issues. The session saw unprecedented controversy following Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Bhagwant Mann uploading a video on the social media that showed him crossing security barricades in his car. A nine-member panel was set up to look into the issue and its term has since been extended. PRS Legislative, a non-profit organisation, which tracks work of Parliament, said the government was able to get approval for 14 of the 15 bills it had planned to get passed during the short session that commenced on July 18. "The highlight of this session was Parliament's focus on debating issues related to Dalit atrocities, SDGs (sustainable development goals), Kashmir and the draft education policy. In addition, Parliament passed key legislation like the GST and compensatory afforestation. Looking at the number of working hours of both houses and bills passed, the monsoon session has been productive," said Trina Roy, Programme Officer, PRS Legislative Research. However, she said, it was not the only parameter to look at while understanding Parliament's functioning. "It should be kept in mind if adequate debate and scrutiny was undertaken during the passage of these bills," she added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the discussion on the GST Bill in the Lok Sabha. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi participated in the debate on price rise in the Lok Sabha and strongly attacked the government. Congress members also took potshots at the government over the demand for a special status to Andhra Pradesh. Fifty-nine elected, re-elected and nominated members joined the Rajya Sabha during the session. Navjot Singh Sidhu, a BJP leader and nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, created a flutter in political circles by resigning from his membership. He is speculated to join the Aam Aadmi Party. It was also the first session after the reshuffle of the Union Cabinet. Compared with some of the previous sessions, there were fewer disruptions. "Perhaps, everyone has realised that stalling parliamentary proceedings helped nobody," BJP member in Rajya Sabha Satyanarayan Jatiya told IANS. The bills passed by parliament during the monsoon session include Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill,the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill and Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill. --IANS nd/ps/tsb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A multi-tier ground-to-air security ring has been thrown in and around the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation for a third time on Independence Day. Nearly 10 security agencies took over the 17th century Mughal monument, located in Old Delhi, on August 8. They will hand over the complex to the Special Protection Group (SPG) and Delhi Police on August 14 evening. The security agencies include the military, Prime Minister's Security Cell, SPG, Delhi Police Special Cell, National Security Guard (NSG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which routinely protects the sprawling monument, is also part of the security drill. And so are the Intelligence Bureau as well as the dog and bomb detection squads. "Our routine drills will continue till August 14," an official in the know told IANS. Like every year, the Prime Minister will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 to mark the country's Independence Day. The venue will be crowded with VVIPs, diplomats and ordinary people, the total number running into thousands. The speech is also heard by millions around the country. The Red Fort, a hugely popular tourist spot in the capital, was closed for the public on August 8. It will reopen after the Independence Day celebration on Monday. All security personnel now in the Fort have special cards to ensure no one infiltrates the complex. At least 9,000 armed security personnel, including 400 sharpshooters, will be deployed at the Fort and nearby areas on August 15. Some 40 CISF sharpshooters and 360 personnel from the NSG, CRPF, ITBP and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) besides BSF commandos will be stationed on buildings in a 500 metre radius of the venue. Over 500 CCTV cameras have been mounted in the Fort premises and nearby areas. The Delhi Metro tunnel near the monument will be shut a day in advance and armed guards deployed at either end. Security forces started the sanitization of the Fort in June. Over a dozen mock drills are carried out daily. These include placing so-called improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and storming of the facility by "terrorists" to detect the preparedness of the security agencies. August 15 will also see extensive police deployment across Delhi. More than 35,000 police personnel will spread out in crowded places, markets, railway stations, bus stops and other strategic locations. Anti-sabotage teams are carrying out random checks and searches in the city, the officer said. A special control room has been set up for August 15. Delhi Police have restricted aerial movement over the Red Fort for the next two months from Friday. Red Fort, a symbol of authority from where the Mughals ruled undivided India, was attacked by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in December 2000, leaving two security personnel and a civilian dead. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) --IANS rak/mr/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, Aug 12 (IANS/AKI) Police said on Friday they had arrested two Romanians accused of attempting to rob a female tourist in central Rome and of punching a passer-by who intervened. The Romanians allegedly tried to snatch the tourist's bag late on Thursday in Rome's central via Nazionale shopping street near the central rail station. They punched a passer-by on the face when he came to her aid. The man managed to flag down a passing patrol car and police detained the Romanians. The suspects, 33-year-old SN and 21-year-old BP, face charges of assault and attempted robbery. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Friday said exhumation and post-mortem examination of the body of Shabir Ahmed Mir will be conducted under the supervision of Srinagar's Principal District and Sessions Judge. Mir, 26, was allegedly shot dead by Deputy Superintendent of Police Yasir Qadri during a police raid on his residence in the wake of ongoing protests in Valley after the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Recalling their observation in the course of the hearing of the matter on August 9 that there should be a healing touch in the handling of the matter, a bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy said that all work should be done with love and affection. Directing the next hearing of the matter on September 5, the bench said that it would be a decision of the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Srinagar on who would be present at the time of exhumation and post-mortem of the body. The bench also sought report on the compliance of its orders on the next date of hearing as it perused the report by the Jammu and Police on the incident ordered by it in the last hearing on August 9. The bench said that it would be the Principal District and Sessions Judge who would take final call as to who would be present during the exhuming and post-mortem of Mir, after senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for the deceased's father Abdul Rehman Mir, urged the court that Deputy Superintendent of Police, who has allegedly killed the youth, should not be present. Agreeing with Sibal that effort should be to get at the truth, the Attorney General said: "We should get at the bottom of the truth. I agree it should be free and impartial." As the Attorney General said that he was ready for any condition that the court may impose, Sibal said that "transparency and confidence will send the right message". The Jammu and government has moved the apex court challenging the state High Court's order directing initiation of contempt proceedings against the state Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for their failure to lodge fresh FIR against the Deputy Superintendent of Police as ordered by the Srinagar Judicial Magistrate. The apex court had on August 9 put on hold the contempt proceedings against the IGP and SSP. Mir's father had filed complaint that his son was killed by Qadri on July 10 as his son tried to intervene after his mother was allegedly assaulted during her questioning by the police. Mir had intervened after the DSP, along with other policemen, entered their house and assaulted his mother. He was then allegedly shot by the DSP. A Srinagar Judicial Magistrate had on July 18 ordered registration of fresh FIR against Qadri over the killing of Mir. He had also directed that the case would be investigated by an officer who was not below the rank of DSP. The state high court, while rejecting the state government's plea against the Judicial Magistrate's order, initiated contempt proceedings and asked both the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, to appear before it. --IANS pk/pgh/dg (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said he was detained at a US airport following which a senior US diplomat of Indian origin apologised. "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Shah Rukh said in a tweet posted on Friday morning (IST). Following this, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Biswal tweeted: "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Precise details of when and why the superstar was detained were not known. But Bollywood sources have said the actor was in Los Angeles. On a positive note, Shah Rukh Khan wrote: "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons." This is not the first time that Shah Rukh, one of Hindi film industry's most successful stars, was detained at a US airport. In 2012, he was detained at a New York airport for two hours when he had arrived to visit Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. In 2009, he was stopped at the Newark Airport, New Jersey, and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate in New York. "I was really hassled at the American Airport because of my name being Khan. It was absolutely uncalled for. I felt angry and humiliated," said Shah Rukh, who was then heading towards Chicago to participate in an Independence Day celebration event. "It is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist," he had then said. --IANS ab/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 12-hour shutdown called by the Congress on Friday to protest against a proposed wealth tax of the Left-ruled Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) crippled life in the Tripura capital. Shops, businesses, markets, banks and financial institutions were closed and most vehicles went off the roads. The presence of employees in government and semi-government offices was less than normal. Police have detained around 45 Congressmen for picketing in different places to enforce the strike, West Tripura district police chief Abhijit Saptarshi told IANS. The Congress leaders detained by police included state Congress president Birajit Sinha and Congress legislature party chief Gopal Roy. The police officer said except for one incident of attacking a doctor's vehicle, no untoward incident was reported. "The strike is total and peaceful. People spontaneously responded to the bandh to protest against the irrational rise of wealth tax by the AMC," state Congress chief Birajit Sinha said. Tripura's Urban Development Minister Manik Dey termed the strike illegal. "When the Congress was in the central government, they had proposed to increase the wealth tax in urban areas. If we do not follow the central guidelines, then we will not get financial aid in several urban development schemes," Dey told reporters. "The proposed wealth tax on the land and house owner would be decided on the basis of self assessment," the minister added. --IANS sc/pgh/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Brijpal Teotia, shot and wounded on Thursday night, was stable on Friday, police said, adding that the attack appeared to be an outcome of personal enmity. Six persons have been detained for questioning, including an Uttar Pradesh Police constable whose late gangster husband Rakesh Hasanpuria was a sworn enemy of Teotia, Superintendent of Police Rakesh Pandey said. "Prima facie the incident seems to be an outcome of personal enmity," he said. "Teotia has had a rivalry with a dreaded criminal, Hasanpuria, who was killed by Ghaziabad police. His wife Sunita, a constable, is among those detained. But till now no arrest has been made," Pandey added. Teotia was returning to his house in Kavi Nagar from Rawali village at around 8.30 p.m. on Thursday when the assailants in a Toyota Fortuner overtook his Scorpio and started firing indiscriminately. A hundred rounds were fired at Teotia and his guards from automatic weapons, including an AK-47. The BJP leader sustained six gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Sarvodaya Hospital from where he was referred to Fortis Hospital at Noida. He is still warded there. His guards were also wounded, police said. The police found automatic weapons dumped in a three-wheeler. The seized weapons included an AK-47 and 9mm pistols along with over a hundred used cartridges. BJP leaders, including union ministers Mahesh Sharma and General V.K. Singh, BJP state unit General Secretary Pankaj Singh and State President Keshav Prasad Maurya visited Teotia at the hospital. Senior police officers also visited the hospital. Teotia contested the 2012 assembly election from Murad Nagar on BJP ticket but lost. He was preparing to contest the next assembly elections due next year. --IANS sps/lok/mr (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Somalia's top political decision-making forum was lauded for endorsing a 30 per cent parliamentary quota for women in the forthcoming general elections. Earlier this week, the National Leadership Forum (NLF), which brings together top leaders from both federal and regional governments, endorsed the quota of special seats for women in both the Senate and Parliament (The House of the People) and urged those involved in the electoral process to ensure the decision is implemented. Xinhua reported. Speaking at a women's forum on Friday, Minister of Women and Human Rights, Zahra Mohamed Ali Samatar, termed the resolution as a milestone in the political development of the country. "The final decision that has come out of the NLF is that Somali women will have 30 per cent of the seats in parliament, both in the Upper House and Lower House," Samatar was quoted as saying. NLF agreed that each of the four clans in Somalia will be required to produce 18 female members for the Lower House while the smaller clans will be allocated nine seats. It also resolved that the election of the Upper House be conducted in the regional state parliaments. The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Lydia Wanyoto, called on Somali women to seize the opportunity and expand their role in politics. "This is the moment that the Somali women cannot miss. The clock is ticking. They should stand up and be counted," Wanyoto said. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said he was detained at a US airport. After US diplomats apologized, the actor said he respects protocol but being stopped is "a tad inconvenient". "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Shah Rukh said in a tweet posted on Friday morning. The actor flew into Los Angeles for personal reasons, a source close to SRK said. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Biswal tweeted: "Sorry for the hassle at the airport - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" In response, Shah Rukh tweeted: "No hassle ma'am. Respect the protocol, not expecting to be above it. Appreciate your graciousness, it's just inconvenient." The US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, also apologized to the superstar. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX ... We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," Verma tweeted. To him, Shah Rukh wrote: "No trouble sir, respect the protocol and not expecting to be above it. It's just a tad inconvenient. Thanks for your concern." The actor, whose millions of fans are spread across the world and is one of the highest paid actors of Hindi cinema, kept himself entertained during the detention. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he posted. This is not the first time Shah Rukh was detained at a US airport. In 2012, he was detained at New York for two hours when he had arrived to visit Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. In 2009, he was stopped at the Newark Airport, New Jersey, and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate in New York. Back then, he had said he was "really hassled at the American Airport because of my name being Khan. "I felt angry and humiliated... It is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist." --IANS rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A stronger economic partnership between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy is set to boost growth in Britain and India, British Secretary for International Development Priti Patel said on Friday. "As a global leader that stands tall in the world, the UK is deepening its economic partnership with India to deliver long-term progress for our people and ensure bright, prosperous futures for our two great nations," Patel said in a statement after a meeting with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here. "I am here to build a deeper partnership based on shared prosperity that delivers jobs and growth both here and at home in the UK," she said. Patel, who is on her first visit to India as a British cabinet minister under the new government of Prime Minister Theresa May, met Jaitley to discuss ways in which the two governments can strengthen links between key economic institutions and centres of excellence in Britain and India. The two ministers also discussed the transformed Britain-India development partnership which was underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Britain late last year, according to a British High Commission statement. "As India becomes a global player and major economy, the UK's development relationship with India has also evolved - targeting cooperation in areas that are most important to both India and the UK," it stated. "This is done through sharing skills and expertise; and investing in the private sector to benefit India's poor people whilst also generating a return on the UK's investment for Britain - a return that can be re-invested." On Friday, the first day of her latest visit to India, Patel also met with Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu and discussed ways of how Britain can share its skills and expertise to drive forward India's vision for new smart cities and boost opportunities for new businesses. She later said that Britain's support for India's urban development would generate new job opportunities for India's poorest. "I am here meeting my ministerial counterparts to make sure that the UK's skills and expertise ?in areas like finance, job creation and infrastructure are used to support Prime Minister Modi's ambitious plans for the economic ?development of India's great and burgeoning cities," Patel stated "We will help India to make its urbanisation work and make cities real engines of growth ?by boosting business and creating employment - not least by ensuring British businesses are aware of the opportunities that exist for them by getting involved in this ambitious work." Later at a reception hosted in her honour by British High Commissioner Dominic Asquith here, Patel said that Britain's exit from the European Union would help elevate Britain-India ties. She said that this bilateral relationship would be now looked through a new lens and there would be new strategic ties and new economic relations. "We are two democracies, two innovative societies," she said. Patel is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, it is learnt. --IANS ab/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least three women trying to cross into Syria to join the Islamic State terrorist group were arrested in Lebanon, Saudi Interior Ministry said on Friday. The women were handed to Saudi authorities following their arrest, EFE news quoted an Interior Ministry official as saying. On July 8, Saudi authorities received a call from the husband of one of the detained women, reporting that his wife had left Saudi Arabia with their three children, aged between two and 10. The note said the woman was accompanied by two of her sisters. The detainees, together with the children, intended to enter Syria because they followed "radical ideology", the official said. He added that once Saudi authorities learned of the women's plan, they worked with their police counterparts in Lebanon, who managed to stop them before they could enter Syria. --IANS ask/py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two people were killed and six injured on Friday when militants opened fire in a village in Assam's Tinsukia district, police said. The attack is suspected to have been carried out by the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Assam Police chief Mukesh Sahay told IANS. Four to five gunmen entered Philobari village and opened indiscriminate fire on the unsuspecting villagers, he said. Philobari has a considerable Hindi-speaking population, migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, mostly working as daily wage labourers. "Our operations are on to catch the killers," Sahay said. The attack comes in the wake of that on August 5 at the weekly Balajan market near Kokrajhar town, in which over 14 people, belonging to different communities, were killed by the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). --IANS rup-ah/lok/vm (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May probably has the right idea trying to encourage a shale gas fracking industry. But, she may have the wrong strategy to implement it. Instead of doling out handouts to persuade disgruntled communities there is a tangible benefit to having a gas well in their back yard, or even generous tax breaks for investors, a better policy could be to cut out the middle man and create a national energy titan to drill the first holes and share the profits. When HBO's honchos decided to cancel Looking after the show's second season last year, they greenlit a wrap-up movie that would, fans were promised, tie up any loose ends. That film premiered on the network on July 23, offering a warm, if at times hurried, goodbye to the show and what has come to be acknowledged as its stridently post-gay sensibility. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and five others were seriously injured when they were attacked by armed assailants here on Thursday. According to NDTV, the assailants fired at least 100 rounds using AK-47 assault rifles during the attack on Teotia. According to Meerut zone IG Surjeep Pandey, at around 7.20 pm, unidentified assailants came in a car and opened fire at Teotia and others at Raoli Road under Muradnagar police station. "The BJP leader and five others were seriously injured in the incident," he said, adding that even though the police launched a chase, the culprits managed to flee. The injured were initially admitted at a hospital in Ghaziabad, from where Teotia was referred to Fortis Hospital in Noida, the IG said. According to NDTV, Minister of State Mahesh Sharma said, "His life is in danger. He has been taken to operation theatre." Teotia, who had contested the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election from Muradnagar constituency, was on his way to Ghaziabad when the incident occurred, he added. The of Parliament that ended on Friday turned out to be one of the most productive of the 16th Lok Sabha, in terms of economic reform Bills taken for discussion and passed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for launching of a counter propaganda to expose to the world the atrocities committed by Pakistan on the people of Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Normal life was hit in Morigaon and Nagaon districts on Friday in a 12-hour central bandh demanding setting up of All India Institute of Medical Science at Raha in central . No untoward incident has been reported so far. Shops, business establishments, educational institutions and private offices remained closed in the two districts, while vehicles stayed off NH 37 halting vehicular traffic movement between upper and lower Assam, officials said. Morigaon Additional Superintendent of Police R K Handique said paramilitary forces were deployed to maintain law and order on NH-37 from Jagiroad to Raha. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., has been called jointly called by All Tiwa Students Union (ATSU), Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Krisak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and 13 other organisations. ATSU president and convener of AIIMS Demand Committee at Raha, Dipen Konwar alleged that the BJP government headed by Sarbananda Sonowal has conspired to install the AIIMS at Changsari (near Guwahati in lower Assam) in a clandestine manner and it will be "thwarted at any cost". The Committee also decided to stage a sit-in on Independence Day at Nagaon to press for its demand. On July 15 one person was killed and over 20 people, including two additional SPs, were injured in clashes between police and protesters demanding shifting of AIIMS in Assam from Changsari to Raha, about 130 km from Guwahati. Two men were taken off a flight and arrested by the Special Task Force after a last-minute chase at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport here for killing two persons and abducting a government official. Mohd Imran and Jitesh, working as bouncers in Mumbai, were arrested on Wednesday after the STF officials, probing the kidnapping of UP Jal Nigam Section Officer Abdul Saleem, ascertained their whereabouts by tracking a transaction at a massage centre at the airport, an official said. The duo along with Sandeep Singh (38) and his girlfriend Neetu (35) had on August 7 abducted Saleem from here and taken him to Allahabad. They released him on August 9 after a ransom of Rs 10 lakh was deposited in their account, he said. On getting the ransom, they killed Singh and Neetu in Allahabad and booked an air ticket for travelling to Mumbai. They used Sandeep's debit card for a transaction of Rs 6,200 at the airport's massage center. The STF officials tracked the transaction, spoke with the airport director and got the flight, which had reached the runway, stopped, he said. Based on the information provided by the accused during their interrogation, police yesterday arrested three others in connection with the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A string of coordinated bomb blasts within hours rocked Thailand's famous tourist towns, including Phuket, killing four persons and injuring several just days after the country voted to accept a military-backed Constitution. At least 11 bombs, many of them twin blasts, hit five southern provinces in the past 24 hours. Two bombs went off in the resort of Hua Hin this morning near the clock tower, a city landmark, killing one and injuring three. "The bombs went off while we were working on site, they were not very far from each other," according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran. Around 200 meters away, another two bombs exploded late yesterday as foreign tourists were leaving local bars to go back to their hotels, Yoosumran said. At least 15 people -- mostly foreign visitors -- were injured and a woman who had a food vending cart in front of a bar was killed, according to Yoosumran. No Indian has been reported injured. Hua Hin is a popular coastal resort, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of the Thai capital, Bangkok. The city is home to many hotel chains, including the Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. It's also home to the Klai Kangwon Palace, the seaside residence of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The palace is located less than about 2 kilometers from the bombing site. Two more persons were killed in three blasts in Surat Thani and Trang area. There were reports of bomb explosions in popular resort town of Phuket in Patong beach injuring a few but no fatalities were reported. A bomb also exploded near the governor's residence in Muang district. The blasts came as the country celebrates the birthday of Queen Sirikit, a day also observed as Mother's Day here. This is is first time there have been bomb blasts in popular tourist spots like Hua Hin and Phuket. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts and it is not clear if they are connected. Thai police said that the bombings were acts of local sabotage and not "terrorist" in nature. "It is still unclear which group is behind the bombings," a police spokesman said and dismissed speculation that Muslim rebels waging a rebellion in Thailand's far south were behind the recent attacks. The series of blasts come days before the one year anniversary of the Erawan Brahma Shrine bombing, which killed 20 people. Thailand economy relies on tourism. Five Pakistanis including a woman and three children of a family were detained for violating visa norms in Ajmer today. "A group of five Pakistanis had a visa to visit Ahmedabad and then Jodhpur tonight before returning to Pakistan. But they went to Ajmer in violation of the visa norms," DGP Manoj Bhatt told PTI. They came Ajmer from Gujarat for Ziyarat in Ajmer dargah. "Following a tip off, the local police caught them and handed over to CID. They have been detained and process to blacklist them and send back to their country will be undertaken," Bhatt said. Investigating officer Narendra Singh said the five Pakistanis - a couple and their three children - offered prayers at the Dargah and were returning to Jodhpur when they were caught. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a conciliatory note between AAP and Centre on 'Bharat Parv' invitation issue, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra today attended the inauguration ceremony of Modi government cultural festival after Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma spoke to him few hours before the event. In a fresh acrimony between AAP-led Delhi government and Centre, Mishra had yesterday said that Centre had not invited the UT for participation in 'Bharat Parv' even though it was being celebrated in the heart of national capital here to mark the Independence Day. However, Sharma's call to Mishra few hours before the event made the latter attend the event and even indicating that Delhi government may participate in the week long festival which will culminate on August 18. "I have come here to attend the ceremony. We may decide later whether we would be participating in the event. It would just take one day for us to put our stall here," Mishra said. "Bharat Parv is a celebration of India. It was disheartening to not receive an invite from the Central Government...Union Minister Sharma gave me a call and requested me to attend Bharat Parv alongside him and other senior Cabinet Ministers," he said. Earlier in the day, however, Sharma had maintained that his ministry, which is nodal agency for the event, had communicated to all the states and UTs, including Delhi for participation in the festival aimed at arousing patriotism among the citizens. "Tourism Ministry had communicated to Delhi government, inviting it for the participation in the festival. There was some communication gap at their level. I will speak to Kapil Mishra, extending the invitation," he said. Pacifying the heat generated over the issue, Sharma said the event is about the culture and "Delhi (government) and India (government) cannot have different culture". As many as 30 state and UTs are participating the event, showcasing their cultural heritage with their cuisine, folk and tribal dances, among others. Centre is organising a week-long festival at north and south of Rajpath lawns to mark the 70th anniversary of India's Independence. Besides Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, West Bengal and Bihar have not sent their consent for participation in the festival aimed at generating patriotic mood. The event will was inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today evening in the presence of Sharma, Mishra and Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (pictured) on Friday said it has undertaken expeditious investigations into the Panama paper leaks and would take legal action depending upon the outcome of the probe. The multi-agency group set up to look into the Panama papers, which named several Indians for stashing funds in the island nation, has been asked to report the progress of investigations on regular basis. "Further course of action under the laws dealing with direct taxes, foreign exchange regulations etc depends upon outcome of the investigation in respective cases," Jaitley said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. in April 2016 disclosed a list of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who allegedly stashed money in offshore entities in Panama, considered to be a tax haven. "The government has taken necessary measures for expeditious investigation, including through enhanced international cooperation, in the cases of Indian persons allegedly having undisclosed foreign assets and whose names are reportedly included in leaks," he said. Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar in a separate reply informed that IT department has conducted 900 searches during the last two years during which assessees have admitted undisclosed income of Rs 21,354 crore. During 2014-15 and 2015-16, the IT department has seized undisclosed assets worth Rs 1,474 crore, he said, adding "during the same period 9,457 surveys conducted resulted in detection of undisclosed income of Rs 22,475 crore. "There has been significant rise in criminal prosecutions filed by the IT department also during the last two years and number of cases where prosecution complaints were filed and offences were compounded is 3,140 as against 1,690 in 2012-13 and 2013-14," Gangwar said. He said under the black money compliance window, 648 declarations involving undisclosed foreign assets worth Rs 4,164 crore were made. The amount collected by way of tax and penalty in such cases us about Rs 2,476 crore. Jaitley said the government has taken several measures, both by way of policy level initiatives as well as through more effective enforcement action on the ground, to effectively deal with the issue of black money stashed abroad. The multi-agency group set up by the government to look into Panama leaks consist of officers from the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the Enforcement Directorate, the Financial Intelligence Unit and and the Reserve Bank of India. "The group has been asked to report the progress in such cases on regular basis, Gangwar said in another reply. "The government has taken necessary measures for expeditious investigation in such cases including through enhanced international cooperation," Gangwar added. Afghanistan's chief executive has castigated his ally Ashraf Ghani as "unfit for the presidency", in a public outburst highlighting bitter internal divisions that threaten their US-brokered power sharing agreement. Abdullah Abdullah's comments come ahead of a September deadline for the government to honour the fragile agreement signed after the fraud-tainted presidential election in 2014, which both leaders claimed to have won. By then the government is expected to enact sweeping election reforms and amend the constitution to create the position of prime minister for Abdullah. Observers say that deadline is unlikely to be met, effectively tipping Afghanistan into a political crisis. "Electoral reforms were one of the promises made when the National Unity Government was formed. Why weren't these reforms brought?" Abdullah told a small gathering in Kabul yesterday. "Mr President, over a period of three months you do not have time to see your chief executive face-to-face for even an hour or two? What do you spend your time on? "There are arguments in every government but if someone does not have patience for discussion, then he is unfit for the presidency." The acrimony comes as Taliban insurgents are threatening to overrun Lashkar Gah, capital of the strategic poppy-growing southern province of Helmand. Abdullah, a former anti-Soviet fighter, also accused Ghani of monopolising power and not consulting him over key government appointments. The presidential palace offered a measured response today, saying Abdullah's remarks "were not in accordance with the spirit of governance", while at the same time extending him an olive branch. "The National Unity Government will work collectively, and very soon serious and effective discussions will take place (regarding Abdullah's comments)," the palace said, without offering details. Abdullah said he would meet Ghani tomorrow to try to iron out some of their differences. Their power-sharing deal, brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry, was hailed after the troubled 2014 election as a breakthrough as it averted potential military and political confrontations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP today called for "moral, political and financial" support to the "freedom movement" in PoK. "Provide moral, political and financial support to the freedom movement in PoK," BJP state spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta said. He welcomed Modi's remarks that PoK is a part of Jammu and Kashmir and the process of dialogue must be initiated with expatriates all over the world from the region. Gupta claimed that since the announcement of the results of the recently held "rigged" elections, the slogan of 'azadi' (freedom) has been reverberating in PoK and widespread protests going on in all the major towns such as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Chinari and Kotli. "The protests are spontaneous and an expression of disgust and anger over the atrocities committed by the federal government and the Pakistani army. In fact, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, also part of Jammu and Kashmir, too have revolted against exploitation and repression by Pakistan," he said, adding that the residents of these regions have also expressed their anger over the "massive" presence of Chinese people there. "Since PoK, including Gilgit-Baltistan, is part of Jammu and Kashmir, India is well within its right to provide moral, political and financial support to the people there to help them in their just struggle for freedom from Pakistan which has been illegally occupying these areas since 1948," said Gupta. He also welcomed the statement of the Prime Minister that Pakistan needs to be exposed globally by highlighting its atrocities in PoK and Balochistan and claimed that by stating that talks will be held with all the stakeholders on Kashmir, Modi has allayed the fears of the people of Jammu and Ladakh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after protest by passengers at suburban Badlapur station disrupted services this morning, Railway Ministry shunted out Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Amitabh Ojha. Ojha, DRM of Mumbai division of Central Railway (CR), was transferred following the agitation at Badlapur and he has been replaced with Ravindra Goyal, a top source in Central Railway said this evening. Goyal was DRM of Bilaspur division. Meanwhile, BJP MP from North East Mumbai Kirit Somaiya had separate meetings with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Akhil Agrawal, the newly-appointed General Manager of CR, and discussed problems being faced by suburban passengers. "I apprised Railway Minister as well as the GM of Central Railway about the unprofessional approach of DRM of Mumbai Division and demanded his ouster. The DRM has now been shunted out," Somaiya told PTI. He said Agrawal presented an action plan to resolve the problems being faced by suburban passengers. Earlier in the morning, suburban rail services were disrupted after irate commuters protesting train delay blocked tracks at Badlapur in neighbouring Thane district. The commuters started protesting after a level-crossing gate signal caused a delay in suburban services of CR by over 20 minutes. The enraged commuters barged into the Station Master's office and demanded immediate action to resolve the issue. Later, they jumped on tracks at Badlapur, stalling the movement of trains on the Central Line, which runs between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Khopoli. The protest led to bunching of trains on the suburban route. Following the protest, Prabhu directed senior Railway officers to look into the matter. Due to the stir, 34 train were cancelled fully, while 12 were partially affected during morning peak hours. Maharashtra Minister Ravindra Chavan and Ojha, along with senior Railway officers, visited the protest site and helped bring the situation under control. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil parties AIADMK and DMK had a face-off in Rajya Sabha today after the former raised the issue of construction of check dams by Andhra Pradesh on Pallar river flowing it the state. When Vijila Sathyanath (AIADMK) rose to speak on her Zero Hour mention, DMK members led by Tiruchi Siva and Kanimozhi objected to it saying she should not be allowed to raise the matter as their notices on the same issue were disallowed earlier. AIADMK members were immediately on their feet to support their party colleague, with senior member A Navaneethakrishnan even walking up to the Chair demanding that Sathyanath be allowed to complete her submission. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the Chairman has allowed her Zero Hour mention and so she has been permitted to speak. Amid protests from DMK members, she said Andhra Pradesh has constructed check dams on the river without the permission of Tamil Nadu. Siva said he had given a special mention notice yesterday on Cauvery management board but it was disallowed on the grounds that the issue had already been raised in the House in the current session. He said he had raised the issue of check dams on Pallar river through a Zero Hour mention which was also not allowed. So the same rule should apply to the AIADMK member's notice which should not be accepted. "My notice was not accepted," the DMK member said, as his AIADMK counterparts protested vociferously. At one time, Kurien even warned of action against Sathyanath for unruly behaviour after she had completed her three-minute submission. "Vijila, I will take action against you. Don't do like this," he said. To Siva, Kurien said it is the prerogative of the Chairman to allow an issue to be raised. "You cannot comment on the decision of the Chairman. Mukul Roy (TMC) sought a review of the process of appointing election commissioners alleging the poll body's role during the recent assembly elections in West Bengal had raised doubts about its impartiality. He said the way 76 officers including the Commissioner of Kolkata were transferred by the Election Commission "without any basis" had "raised doubts if Election Commission was carrying out a political vendetta." The poll body, he alleged, was "autocratic" during the assembly polls and was bent upon "ringing death knell in West Bengal." He sought a review of the way appointments are made to Election Commission. Shwait Malik (BJP) raised the issue of security lapse at the Attari on Indo-Pak border saying arms and other unwanted items were being smuggled into India because of lack of scanners at the check post. Also, of the 231 CCTV cameras at the check-post, only 13 were working when he visited Attari, Malik said, adding none of the 18 boom barriers were working. Airstrikes in opposition areas of Syria's northern Aleppo province struck a market, a hospital and a village today, killing at least 18 people, including children and two hospital staffers, activists and rescue workers said. The air raids hit the only hospital for women and children in the town of Kafr Hamra before dawn, killing two staffers, including a nurse. The Syrian Civil Defence, a group of first responders, said it pulled 10 people alive from under the rubble. Kafr Hamra is near the northern front line in the divided city of Aleppo, where government troops have sealed the main route into opposition areas, effectively trapping nearly 300,000 residents. Mahmoud Barakat, a 34-year old anesthetic technician, was one of the two hospital staffers who was killed. He had moved his family out of the town, but decided to stay himself because his specialty was in demand in Aleppo. His cousin, who recently fled to Turkey and asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, said Barakat, a father of three, was sleeping in the hospital when the airstrikes hit. "He never left the hospital because there is a shortage of doctors," he said. The Syrian Civil Defence said one of its centres in the rebel-held part of Aleppo was hit. Pictures on the group's Facebook page showed serious damage to one of its vehicles and crumbling walls. The volunteer group said one of its most well-known members died after being buried under the rubble following a Wednesday airstrike in the Ramouseh area, recently seized by rebels from government forces. Khaled Harah had recovered a live baby from a destroyed building in Aleppo's Sukkari neighborhood in 2014 following a 16-hour rescue effort. "It was a miracle," said Bibars Mishal, a colleague of Harah in Aleppo. Harah was later invited to the UN Security Council to testify about the violence in Aleppo. Mishal said Harah's body was pulled from the rubble yesterday. The opposition fighters launched a counteroffensive last week, breaching the siege from the south. That road remains under fire, and the UN has asked for a cease-fire to allow aid into the area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh today promised one time settlement of farmers' loans if the Congress forms the government in the state. He said Congress government will bring in a law to ensure the properties of debt-ridden farmers were not auctioned. Amarinder also took a dig at Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for trying to "blame others for their own failures". "Like Kejriwal tries to blame Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all his failures, Sukhbir is trying to blame the ISI for the complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab", he said, while interacting with reporters during the sidelines of 'Halqe vich Captain' here. Replying to a question on the party's manifesto, he said it will be "elaborate and comprehensive" concerning all the issues related to Punjab. "The manifesto cannot be prepared in bits and pieces as it has to be integrated and interlinked for proper implementation," he said. In a reply to another question about the AAP bringing in multiple manifestos, he said "They either do not have any idea what the manifesto means or are trying to befool people". Amarinder claimed during his regime the government had waived-off loans of all farmers which they had taken from cooperative banks. He said his government was also in the process of working out a settlement with nationalised banks. "Since Congress lost in 2007, it could not be settled," he Said. The PCC president promised his government will ensure one time settlement of all farmers' loans "this time". He strongly disagreed with the state government claims that only one per cent people were affected by drugs in the state. He said the figures taken after screening of candidates for police recruitment "cannot be representative". "Just because Sukhbir Badal is not accepting the reality; does not mean the problem does not exist," he remarked. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Assam Assembly unanimously passed the Constitution Amendment Bill on GST today, becoming the first state to ratify the crucial tax reform legislation. "I declare the Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, to be ratified unanimously by Assam Assembly," Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass announced in the House. Though opposition Congress and AIUDF MLAs supported the Bill, they had earlier sought a discussion in the Assembly to evaluate GST's impact on Assam and people. But they were turned down by the Speaker. Following passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, Dass and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who introduced it in the House, exchanged sweets. Sarma said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wanted that Assam becomes the first state to pass the amendment as this would send a positive signal to the industry. "We have always lagged behind, but want to be the first in passing this Bill. This is a historic proposal. I thank the Speaker for allowing us to introduce it today after we informed him just last night," said Sarma, who introduced the bill on behalf of the chief minister. Sarma said after Brazil and Canada, India will be the third country in the world to collect GST by both centre and state through a new body - GST Council (GSTC). The GST Bill, seen as single biggest tax reform in a long time, needs to be ratified by at least 15 state legislatures before the President can notify the GST Council which will decide the new tax rate and other issues. The government has set a deadline of April, 2017 for its rollout. Sarma said in the House that "of the central GST portion, 42 per cent tax will be given back to the state again." The GST will also have a special concession option for NE and Himalayan states if they request reduction of taxes for any reason, he claimed. "Besides, we can also collect special tax during natural calamities like flood if we feel the need to generate more revenue. But everything will have to be approved by the GSTC," he added. Talking about the impact of GST on Assam, Sarma said the state is likely to incur a revenue loss of Rs 3,000 crore in the initial period of its rollout. "The state cannot levy service tax as of now as it is a central duty. For the first time, we will be able to levy service tax. This will recover 2-3 per cent of our losses," he added. The finance minister said any shortfall of tax collection compared to the existing numbers will be compensated by the Centre as grants for the next five years, taking 2016-17 as the base year. "So, overall we will not suffer any loss. In fact, we will gain in long term. GST will be a blessing to all as both the Centre and the state will be gainer." Sarma said 127 items, for which VAT is six per cent at this moment, will be little more expensive after GST is rolled out. "However, there are thousand other goods with VAT more than 14 per cent, those will be cheaper in future. So immediately prices of many goods will come down." Sarma said GST will benefit consumer states more as the tax will be collected at the place where the goods have been purchased, unlike VAT which is collected at the manufacturing gates. Assam, he said, will continue to tax all petroleum products, alcohol and tobacco products as these have been kept outside the purview of GST. Petroleum and tobacco products have been kept outside GST for temporary period, while alcohol will never be a part of the new tax regime. "Of our total tax collection, around 30 per cent will come from petroleum products, tobacco and alcohol, while remaining 70 per cent will be from GST. "If there is any shortfall, it will be compensated by the Centre for the next five years," Sarma said. Municipal councils and other local bodies will not be part of GST and will continue to collect their taxes, he added. A Romanian national, arrested by police from Mumbai and brought to Kerala in connection with a hi-tech ATM robbery case, was today produced before a court which remanded him in police custody till August 22. The order was passed by Chief Judicial Magistrate P V Aneesh Kumar when 35-year-old Gabrial Mariam was produced before him here. Gabrial was nabbed from a hotel in Vashi by a team of Kerala Police on Wednesday night with the help of Mumbai Crime Branch. Police informed the court that they wanted the accused in their custody for collecting evidence in the state. He will also be taken to Chennai and Mumbai, police said. At least 22 persons have filed complaints before police and bank officials regarding withdrawal of their money from the ATM counter. As per the preliminary assessment, customers have lost about Rs 2.5 lakh from their accounts. Meanwhile, some some revenue officials at nearby Neyatinkara have complained that through net banking, their accounts had been hacked and varying amounts withdrawn. DGP Loknath Behara said vital information on the mode of operandi of the accused is expected come out in another three days time. Preliminary investigation has revealed that a lot of technology has been used. "We need to understand the technology. Vital information is expected to come out in three days time," he said. Police have begun examining the CCTV footage not only of the public sector banks involved, but also of the places where the accused visited. The CCTV visuals had revealed that four Romanians had tampered with the ATM of State Bank of India at Althara here. While one of the accused was arrested from Mumbai, three others are suspected to have fled the country. Police are also suspecting involvement of one more person in the crime who is still in the country. They have made it clear that they will be seeking Interpol's help to unravel the international racket behind the robbery. (Reopens LGM4) According to the FIR filed by police in the court, the accused illegally got the 'secured" bank data with the intention of stealing the money of depositors who came to the SBI ATM counterat Althara in the city. They conspired and manufactured fake ATM cards with the data they obtained and withdrew money from ATMs in Mumbai, the FIR said. The accused had committed offences threatening the Indian banking system and also the internal security of the country, it said, adding, investigation was in the preliminary stage. More people are coming forward with complaints that their money had been stolen by the accused. There was also the possibility of increase in the amount stolen by the accused, it was stated. Only after questioning of the accused, it would be known whether more persons are involved in the crime,the FIR said. According to the FIR, the accused withdrew money from ATMs in Mumbai after making fake ATM cards from the date they collected money illegally from the SBI ATM here. For securing the arrest of the three other foreign nationals involved in the case, a Red Corner notice has been issued and help of Interpol has also been sought, it said, adding, a non-bailable arrest warrants have also been issued against the accused. Five members of Jama'atul Mujahideen have been arrested for their involvement in the Dhaka cafe attack that left 22 people dead, as police on Friday identified a second mastermind of the worst terror strike in the Muslim-majority country. "Our counter-terrorism unit arrested five neo-JMB operatives in a predawn raid at (Dhaka's) Darussalam area," a police spokesman told reporters. He said over 875 grams of explosives and 25 detonators were recovered from them. "During initial interrogations, the five admitted to their links to the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack that killed 22 people including 17 foreigners. They had entered Dhaka with bomb making raw materials to carryout fresh sabotage," Chief of the newly formed elite police unit Monirul Islam said. Islam said police has also identified a second mastermind of the attack by his "organisational name" , Marzan. "We have got his picture and found that he is the man who uploaded the images of Gulshan attack on his Facebook account... A manhunt is already underway to track him (Marzan) down," Islam said. He said the perpetrators of Gulshan attack had sent pictures of the assaults to Marzan using secret apps. The development came two days after elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion claimed to have arrested six neo-JMB members including the administrator of the outfit's website. In a statement, RAB said that the six operatives were arrested along with "huge quantum" of explosives, weapons and ammunition. Last week, police had announced a bounty leading to the arrests of Bangladeshi-Canadian Tamim Chowdhury and renegade army officer Major Ziaul Haque, identifying one of them as the leader of neo-JMB and other being the main organiser of outlawed Ansar Al or Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). "The law enforcement and intelligence agencies are trying to arrest Chowdhury and Major Zia," Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque has said. The police chief named Chowdhury as the mastermind of the July 1 terrorist attack and the subsequent assault on the Eid congregation at Sholakia six days later. Independent security analysts say the neo JMB is inclined towards ISIS while ABT was ideologically linked to al-Qaeda. Bangladesh, however, has repeatedly denied presence of any foreign terrorist outfit in the country. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the Dhaka cafe attack while the al-Qaeda in Indian Sub Continent (AQIS) claimed responsibilities for a series of clandestine attacks on liberal writers and activists. A labourer cuts steel bars at a railway bridge construction site in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, September 12, 2015.[Photo/Agencies] President Xi Jinping's government is committed to structural reform. China's leaders know that they can no longer rely on stimulating short-term demand. Already this year, annual growth in fixed-capital investment has fallen by 2.4 percentage points to 9 percent, with the private-sector investment up by just 2.8 percent. The plan now is to implement supply-side structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and improving the functioning of both the market and the State. However, given China's size and diversity, not to mention its deep integration into the global economy, communicating and implementing new policies across regions, sectors and social groups will be very difficult. If China is to succeed, its leaders will need to think beyond their traditional top-down approach. Some 30 years ago, Deng Xiaoping used the slogan "delegating power and sharing dividends" to motivate local officials, State-owned enterprises and soon-to-be private entrepreneurs to embrace market-oriented reforms. A similar approach could work today, as China's leaders attempt to address the problems generated by the rapid expansion of imperfect markets managed by an imperfect bureaucracy. Among the main problems China faces are over-leveraged local governments and SOEs, manufacturing overcapacity, excessive real estate inventory, rising production costs, corruption, inequality, environmental degradation and inadequate technological innovation. Supply-side structural reform is intended to address these problems, producing a more sustainable, inclusive, open and efficient economy. But macro-level solutions alone might not be adequate to address supply-side structural problems, which often relate to the micro-level failure of business models, say, to produce adequate growth or productivity. In fact, in a mature market economy, those problems are addressed largely by businesses themselves, perhaps with the involvement of municipal governments. In China, however, national policy shapes business models, most obviously in the case of the SOEs. That creates conflicts of interest, with the government struggling to balance the imperatives of growth, employment, efficiency and social stability. In some parts of China, supply-side structural problems are being addressed on the micro level. In the cities of Foshan and Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province, the private sector and local governments are dealing relatively effectively with such issues. And, tellingly, they have performed significantly better than the rest of the country. In the first half of this year, Guangdong's GDP grew by 7.4 percent compared to the 6.7 percent national rate. Private fixed-capital investment in the province grew by 19.6 percent compared to the 2.8 percent economy-wide figure. This provides important insight into the approach that China's leaders must take to address supply-side structural problems throughout the country. Just as increased bureaucratic efficiency is important to harness market forces more effectively, micro-level market incentives are needed to sustain healthy growth. For a country that has long relied on State control over the economy, this complicates matters significantly. Not only are there considerable differences in how markets work in different regions and sectors; the interaction between the State and these markets will undergo major changes. That can create far-reaching ambiguity, leading to tensions and confusion among officials, scholars, businesspeople and the public. This issue was evident in the hostile takeover of China's top real estate developer, Vanke. The process has involved disputes among the incumbent executives, a private investment fund and an SOE shareholder, as well as a default on corporate bonds issued by the State-owned Dongbei Special Steel that has spurred disputes among the Liaoning provincial government, the China Development Bank, and many other investors. Markets do not know how to react to disputes over property rights that involve this many layers of government. To minimize uncertainty, institutional reforms are needed. Specifically, the central and local authorities must clearly delineate property rights with regard to land, capital and natural resources, and establish industrial standards and best practices. Such clarity is critical to curtail a surge in disputes over rights, which block productivity-enhancing market-oriented adjustments. Andrew Sheng is a distinguished fellow of the Asia Global Institute at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the UNEP Advisory Council on Sustainable Finance, and Xiao Geng, director of the IFF Institute, is a professor at the University of Hong Kong and a fellow at its Asia Global Institute. Project Syndicate Bangladesh plans to keep an Indian elephant which was rescued by its forest department team after more than six weeks of frantic efforts since the tusker was washed across the border by gushing flood waters to languish in swamps. "The elephant may be kept at Bangabandhu Safari Park (at Gazipur) as it has been separated from its herd in the hilly forests in Assam. Indian authorities have agreed to the arrangement," retired deputy chief forest conservator Tapan Kumar Dey told media at the scene at northern Jamalpur. Dey, who oversaw the rescue efforts over the past several weeks, said the elephant was unlikely to be accepted by the herd if returned to the forest which could be dangerous for it to survive there. He said the elephant still needed some more days to regain health at Koira village where it was rescued yesterday with the help of tranquiliser darts. Hundreds of villagers gathered to see the elephant prompting Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and policemen to deploy forces to maintain discipline. Forest department veterinary surgeon Syed Hossain shot the elephant with a tranquilising gun at 2 pm yesterday at Dhanata village of northern Jamalpur district. An official said the elephant initially appeared agitated after receiving the tranquiliser and moved indiscriminately for nearly an hour but later it fell unconscious. The elephant fell in a ditch at Koira village, one and half kilometers off the scene where it was shot. The forest officials joined by enthusiast villagers tied up the elephant with ropes after dragging the animal, weighing about four tonnes, off the ditch. According to Dey, Indian authorities conveyed Bangladeshi forest officials that they did not have any objection if it was kept in Bangladesh. He said the forest officials were planning to bring in two tamed elephants to train the wild elephant for several days before moving it to the safari park. "The two elephants will escort the rescued elephant up to the main road (leading to Gazipur) to be boarded on a truck...If required it will be tranquilised again at that time," Dey said. The elephant was washed across the border by gushing flood waters in Brahmaputra on June 27 to languish in swamps for 46 days. "For the past several weeks the elephant travelled over one thousand miles in a hostile situation since the flood waters drove it out from India's Assam state...It now needs some rest and good food to regain the health," chief forest conservator Yunus Ali had said. An expert team from India led by a retired chief forest conservator of theirs on July 4 joined the Bangladeshi team in rescuing the elephant but left the scene three days later, leaving the task to their Bangladeshi counterparts. The elephant crossed the common Brahmaputra River on June 27 and soon grabbed media attention as it was followed by hundreds of people in boats every day requiring police deployment to keep it undisturbed. In the past 456 days, it roamed along the river shoals and swamps in three northern districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One person was killed when his bike was hit by another motorcycle near Chilauli area on Lucknow-Sultanpur national highway, police said today. Rajendra Kumar (25) of Jamodeep village was killed when his bike was hit by anothermotorcycle, police said, adding the other motorcyclist fled away after the accident. In a another case, the body of a youth (Zunaid) was found in a jungle near Baba Jhamdas ki Kuti here, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Block Education Officer of Manjhari block in West Singhbhum district was today caught while accepting bribe from a teacher in Manjhari. A team of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from Ranchi and Jamshedpur arrested Block Education Officer Naval Kishore Singh while accepting Rs 5,000 bribe from an Assistant Teacher Devkant Gaud of a Middle School, Ukubhadamak of the block, ACB officials said. Gaud had registered a written complaint with the ACB accusing Singh of demanding money entering about his increased salary in the service book and also bribe from Sursingh Tamsoy, an Acting Principal of Primary School, Bidri in Jhinkpani block of the district, the officials said adding Singh had threatened Tamsoy of departmental inquiry and salary cut for coming late to the school. Following the investigation conducted on the basis of the complaint, the allegations were found to be true, they said adding an ACB team from Ranchi and Jamshedpur led a trap and arrested Singh while accepting the bribe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After rallying for three straight trading sessions, government bonds (G-Secs) dropped modestly following renewed selling pressure from corporates as well as foreign funds. Bond traders showed some cautiousness ahead of key economic data of industrial production (IIP) for June and consumer price index (CPI) for July and also preferred to lighten their positions ahead of a long week-end. The government bonds witnessed a sharp rally in last few days, while yields plunged to a fresh three-year low on the back of strong RBI policy measures alongiwth adequate provision of liquidity. However, the inter-bank call money rates staged a rebound due to good demand from borrowing banks in the face of tight liquidity conditions in the banking system. The benchmark 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2026 declined to Rs 103.2975 from Rs 103.43 yesterday, while its yield rose to 7.10 per cent from 7.08 per cent. The 7.59 per cent government security maturing in 2029 slipped to Rs 103.67 as against Rs 103.7350 previously, while its yield inched up to 7.14 per cent from 7.13 per cent. The 7.88 per cent government security maturing in 2030 fell to Rs 106.3725 from Rs 106.50, while its yield moved up to to 7.14 per cent from 7.12 per cent. The 7.61 per cent government security maturing in 2030, the 7.68 per cent government security maturing in 2023 and the 7.72 per cent government security maturing in 2025 were also quoted lower at Rs 104.43, Rs 103.3050 and Rs 103.6750,respectively. The overnight borrowing rate ended higher at 6.35 per cent from Thursday's closing value of 6.20 per cent. It moved in a range of 6.65 per cent and 6.30 per cent during the day. Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), purchased securities worth Rs 32.06 billion in 7-bids at four-day overnight repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.50 per cent this evening. It sold securities worth Rs 23.47 billion from 20-bids atthe reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.00 per cent late yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mining giant Vedanta will hold a meeting of its creditors on September 8 in Goa to seek their approval for the merger of with it under a revised all-share deal. Vedanta has called meetings with its both secured and unsecured creditors on same date in Goa to seek their approval for the merger. It has already scheduled a meeting of equity shareholders on the same day in Goa for approval of the merger. The High Court of Bombay at Goa on December 18, 2015 and July 22, 2016, had directed the firm to convene a meeting of secured and unsecured creditors of Vedanta on September 8, or immediately after the meeting of the company's secured creditors, Vedanta said in separate regulatory filings. The orders of the High Court are over the proposed merger of with Vedanta Ltd, it added. Pursuant to the orders, the company will seek approval of its secured and unsecured creditors for the proposed scheme of with Vedanta Ltd, the filings said. Yesterday, Cairn India said it has called a shareholders' meeting on September 12 to seek approval for its takeover by parent firm Vedanta Ltd under a revised all-share deal. In a bid to salvage the merger of cash-rich oil firm Cairn India with its debt-laden parent Vedanta, billionaire Anil Agarwal-led group had last month sweetened the deal by offering three additional preference shares in hope of winning over minority shareholders like LIC. Through the merger, Agarwal is looking to create India's largest diversified natural resources firm, which could compete with BHP Billiton and Vale SA. In the revised offer, Vedanta will give minority shareholders of Cairn India one equity share and four redeemable-preference shares with a face value of Rs 10 each. The preference shares will carry a coupon of 7.5 per cent and tenure of 18 months. Vedanta is said to be wanting to use Rs 23,290 crore cash lying with Cairn to pay off part of its Rs 77,952 crore debt. It had in May rolled over a controversial $1.25-billion loan taken from Cairn India in July 2014. For the merger to go through, half of the minority shareholders, who together make up for 40 per cent of the Cairn equity, have to approve the deal. State-owned LIC holds 9.06 per cent in Cairn India while the company's former promoter Cairn Energy Plc of the UK has 9.82 per cent interest. The deal will go through if LIC votes in favour of the deal, a source said. Post-merger, London-listed parent Vedanta Resources Plc's holding in Vedanta will drop to 50.1 per cent from 62.9 per cent. Cairn India's minority shareholders will own 20.2 per cent and Vedanta minority shareholders 29.7 per cent in the merged entity. In June last year, Vedanta had offered shareholders of Cairn India one ordinary share and 7.5 per cent redeemable preference share with a face value of Rs 10 each. Maharashtra Government's decision mandating 100 per cent audit compliance by cooperative housing societies has evoked sharp reaction among chartered accountants (CAs) and societies welfare association. Over a year ago, the Commissioner of Cooperation and Registrar of Co-operative Societies issued a circular making it compulsory for cooperative societies to get their accounts audited and file returns online. Addressing mediapersons at the Press Club, Chairman of Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association (MSWA) Ramesh Prabhu said with this move, the Government has burdened CAs. "In process to implement the e-governance system in the cooperative field, the Maharashtra Government has fixed all responsibilities on auditors. They have been burdened not only with the task of auditing accounts of societies, but also commenting on their working." The Registrar of Co-operative Societies, without communicating with societies, appointed auditors on their behalf, he said. This was due to a communication gap as cooperative societies have already appointed their own empanelled auditors, said Prabhu, who himself is a CA. Prabhu said they are in touch with senior officers of cooperative societies along with the Cooperative Committee of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and have taken up the issue with the State Government. Shilpa Shingare, Chairperson of Cooperative Committee of ICAI's Western India Regional Council (WIRC), said the Government should immediately resolve the issue. "The disturbing factor is that officers of Cooperative Department are threating auditors they would face de-panelment if audit reports are not submitted by August 31. This is completely unjustifiable." ICAI said they may take legal recourse. Prabhu said almost of 95 per cent of housing societies are not complying with the provisions of the circular, which are suppose to file their annual returns online. MSWA is a registered charitable organisation which offers services like guidance on registration formalities of society, land & building in favour of society, stamp duty and registration of agreements and how to respond to notices received from Government authorities, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India, China's state-run media on Friday said the door for India's admission into the is "not tightly" closed and New Delhi should "fully comprehend" Beijing's concerns over the disputed South China Sea. Terming that India and China are partners not rivals, a commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said "as Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check". "What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)," it said. "So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party," it said in apparent reference to China's persistent demand that signing the NPT is a must for the entry of new members into the 48-member body which controls global nuclear commerce. "However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the is not tightly closed," it said in a first such reference by China in recent months since the two counties differed on the issue. "But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake," it said. However the commentary did not mention whether Wang, who begins a three-day visit to India today, will be carrying any new proposals to assuage India's disappointment over its failed bid to get NSG membership despite having majority support in the grouping. The commentary also wanted India to understand China's concerns over the South China Sea, where Beijing is on the back foot specially after the verdict of the international tribunal striking down its expansive claims over the area. The US, Australia and Japan besides the Philippines which won the case asked China to implement the verdict saying that it is binding. Beijing, which boycotted the tribunal's proceeding however termed it as illegal and null and void. Referring to the joint communique issued at the recent meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China (RIC) in Moscow, the commentary said "India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned". "Given that the South China Sea correlates with China's vital interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijing's concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific," it said. Wang's visit comes ahead of next month's G20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to take part. An article in the state-run Global Times earlier said India should avoid getting "unnecessarily entangled" in the South China Sea (SCS) debate to prevent it becoming yet "another factor" to impact bilateral ties. China has been making the case that the G20 summit should avoid any references to the SCS asserting that it should be resolved directly by the parties concerned not by outsiders. Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have counter claims over the area. While Modi is due to attend the G20 meeting, President Xi Jinping is also scheduled to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in Goa in October. "Many believe the (Wang's) trip aims to help rasp off the rough edges of the relationship between the world's two leading developing countries, and build up consensus ahead of two important summits, the Group of 20 meeting in China and the BRICS gathering in India, to be held in the coming months," the Xinhua commentary said. "China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world," it said. "At the same time, the world's two fastest-growing economies should maintain their positive momentum on bilateral ties that has been maintained in recent years, further deepen cooperation, especially in trade and commerce, and foster an even closer partnership. "At a time of lacklustre global economic recovery, the two countries should team up to fend off trade protectionism, and make substantial efforts to bring the world's economic house in order at the two key summits and beyond," it said. "As key emerging markets, the two nations, by standing together hand-in-hand can be a strong voice for the developing world, and render the global economic governance system fairer and more just. "When it comes to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges such as climate change, the fight against terrorism and food security, the two most populous BRICS members share great potential to do even more," it said. China has evinced interest in establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan as the two countries held 24th round of boundary talks here to resolve their border dispute. China hopes to work with Bhutan for early establishment of diplomatic relations and solution to boundary issues, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said when the visiting Bhutan's Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji called on him on Thursday. Dorji is in China to attend the 24th round of boundary talks. "China and Bhutan have yet to establish diplomatic ties but have always respected each other and treated each other as equals," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Li as saying. Dorji said Bhutan expects to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and looks forward to settling the boundary issue at an early date, the report said. China has settled border differences with 12 of the 14 land neighbours with boundary disputes pending with India and Bhutan, which had close relations. India and China have held 19 round of Special Representatives talks to resolve their bounder disputes. Strategically placed between India and Tibet, Thimphu remained aloof since 1951 after China took firm control of Tibet, which formed borders with Bhutan. Relations between Beijing and Thimphu remained traditionally strained following border dispute while the two countries maintained friendly exchanges and contacts in recent years. In a surprise move in 2012, then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Bhutanese counterpart Jigmi Y Thinley met on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development at Rio De Janeiro and expressed their willingness to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed measures to speed up efforts resolve border dispute and to step up bilateral ties. But Thimphu did not pursue the move apparently to avoid creating any misunderstanding in its close ties with India. China and Bhutan, however, continue their exchanges with visits by high level diplomats besides a dialogue to resolve the border dispute. Notwithstanding China not being in favour of India joining the NSG club and recent "transgression" by the PLA in Uttarakhand, a Chinese diplomat said today said Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit shows "maturity" of bilateral relationship between the two countries. "The shared interests far outweigh the differences. The visit shows the maturity of our relationship. It shows that there is a lot of scope to continue with discussions and dialogues," Chinese Consul-General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu told PTI. Wang arrived today on a three-day visit, starting his itinerary from Goa, the venue for the October BRICS Summit. He would hold talks with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj in Delhi tomorrow on key regional and bilateral issues, including China's "thwarting" New Delhi's bid for NSG membership. Admitting that there are lots of differences between the neighbouring countries including differences over NSG, Zhanwu said the two nations must not fail to see the bigger picture. "Ours is a very important relationship. The differences are not that important. Our relation is strong and differences are nothing new," Zhanwu said. Wang's visit also comes just days after Chinese troops "transgression" in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand last month. When asked about the agenda of the meeting of the foreign ministers tomorrow, the consul-general said they would talk about the shared interests of India and China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major top management rejig, pharma major Cipla today named Samina Vaziralli as Executive Vice-Chairman and Umang Vohra as the Managing Director and Global CEO with effect from September 1, 2016. Vaziralli, daughter of MK Hamied -- the company's non-executive Vice-Chairman -- has been a part of the core leadership team since joining the Mumbai-based firm in 2011. "Samina Vaziralli, Executive Director and the Global Head - Strategy, M&A and Cipla New Ventures will be the Executive Vice-Chairman of Cipla effective September 1, 2016," Cipla said in a statement. She will move on from her current responsibilities to focus on board and governance issues, in addition to growing Cipla's strategic priorities through key global partnerships, corporate brand building and public advocacy, it added. Vohra will replace "Subhanu Saxena who will step down on August 31, 2016 to attend emergent family priorities. Subhanu joined Cipla in February 2013 as CEO,", Cipla said. Umang joined the company in October 2015 as the Global Chief Financial & Strategy Officer and was elevated as the Global Chief Operating Officer early this year as part of a planned progression, it added. Commenting on the appointments, Cipla Non-Executive Chairman YK Hamied said, "We are delighted to see two young leaders - Umang and Samina - take on higher responsibilities within Cipla." Samina's elevation also reinforces the long-term commitment of the promoter family to Cipla, he added. Vaziralli was appointed as executive director on Cipla's board in 2015, paving way for a bigger role for her, nearly two weeks after another heir apparent Kamil Hamied quit the pharma company. In June 2015, Kamil Hamied, younger brother of Vaziralli and the one who is understood to be groomed to take over the reins of the drug maker, had quit the firm citing desire to pursue interests outside the company. Cipla further said MK Hamied will continue to serve on the Board as the non-executive Vice-Chairman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Her political fortunes flourishing, attempted to undercut Donald Trump's claim to working-class voters on Thursday, portraying her Republican rival as untrustworthy on economic issues and pushing policies that would only benefit the super-wealthy himself included. The Democratic presidential nominee sought to seize momentum as Republicans, including Trump, struck an almost defeatist note about their Election Day chances. As Republican leaders sounded alarms about Trump's unconventional approach, Clinton attacked what she dubbed "outlandish Trumpian ideas" that have been rejected by both parties. "Based on what we know from the Trump campaign, he wants America to work for him and his friends, at the expense of everyone else," she said after touring a Michigan manufacturing facility. Appearing in a county known for so-called Reagan Democrats (working-class Democrats who voted Republican in the 1980s), Clinton tried to win back some of the blue-collar voters who have formed the base of her rival's support, making the case that she offers a steadier roadmap for economic growth and prosperity. "I can provide serious, steady leadership that can find common ground and build on it based on hard but respectful bargaining," she said. "I just don't think insults and bullying is how we're going to get things done." She reiterated her strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, leaving herself little room for backtracking should she win the White House. "I oppose it now, I'll oppose it after the election, and I'll oppose it as President," she said, while also noting that the US should not cut itself off from the rest of the world. Clinton once called the TPP the "gold standard" of trade deals when she served as Obama's secretary of state, but she announced her opposition to the deal last year, saying it did not meet her standard for creating jobs, raising wages and protecting national security. Clinton is also planning to release her 2015 tax returns in the coming days. Trump has said he won't release his until an IRS audit is complete, breaking tradition with every presidential candidate in recent history. Clinton's appearance followed Trump's own speech on the economy, which he delivered in Michigan on Monday. Just hours before her address, Trump unleashed another round of attacks on Democrats, calling Obama the "founder" of the Islamic State militant group and Clinton its co-founder. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitt's attempt to reframe Trump's observation as one that said Obama's foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed IS to thrive. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group. Dozens of frustrated Republicans gathered signatures on Thursday for a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus, that urges the party chief to stop helping Trump and instead focus GOP resources on protecting vulnerable Senate and House candidates. In a first, a Parliamentary Committee has recommended criminalising private sector bribery by bringing in corporates and their executives in the ambit of proposed anti-corruption law and recommended a maximum jail term of seven years along with fine. Besides, it has suggested punishment for bribe givers too. At present, there is no law in the country that covers corruption in the private sector or criminalises bribe giving. The panel has, however, not agreed with the government's proposal to include Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in the jurisdiction of a proposed anti-corruption law and exempted "charitable services" from it. The Committee, that examined changes in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, in its report recommended a 'shield' for public servants and suggested a mandatory conditions for probe agencies like CBI to take "previous approval" of competent authority before conducting any enquiry or investigation against a public servant--including from peon to Secretary. However, such approval will not be necessary for cases involving "arrest of a person on the spot on the charge of accepting or attempting to accept any undue advantage for himself or for any other person". The report of the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha on the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, was submitted today. As many as 19 Sections of the 28-year-old anti-corruption law were proposed to be amended through the bill, which were examined by the panel. The Committee has recommended time-bound trial of corruption cases within two years time. In order to contain corporate corruption, the bill has proposed to increase the liability of commercial organisation to the extent of making its in-charge guilty of offence of corruption, if its agent or employee offers undue advantage or bribe to public servant. "A commercial organisation shall be guilty of an offence and shall be punishable with fine, if any person associated with the commercial organisation gives or promises to give any undue advantage," the panel said. It has recommended exclusion of business "including charitable services" by such commercial organisations. In case the offence is proved in the court to have been committed with the consent or connivance of any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the commercial organisation, such individuals shall be guilty of the offence and shall be liable for imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and extendable up to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine, the panel said. The proposed Section 8 of the amendment bill criminalises the act of bribe-giving as an independent offence and provides that any one who offers, promises or gives 'undue advantage' to any person to induce the public servant to perform public duty improperly would constitute cognisable offence. "The Committee feels that mere offering of bribe may not be appropriate to be an offence unless it is accepted or demanded. The Committee, therefore, suggests that the words 'offer' may be deleted from proposed Section 8," the report reads. A person who gives or promises to give bribe may be charged under the proposed anti-corruption law, it said. The Committee has proposed to penalise a person who abets corruption. It said, whoever abets any offence of corruption, whether or not that offence is committed in consequence of that abetment, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than three years but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine. The panel has endorsed enhanced punishment from three to five years imprisonment as minimum punishment for habitual offenders. The amendment bill had proposed enhanced imprisonment of five years and ten years, as minimum and maximum punishment, for such offenders. The Committee notes that almost all state governments and union territories administration are of the view that the power of granting sanction for prosecution should remain with the competent or appointing authority of appropriate government for practical reasons and administrative convenience and proposed previous approval for any police officer to conduct any enquiry or investigation against a public servant. The panel has recommended provisions for attachment and forfeiture of property and proceeds of corrupt practices. The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 19, 2013 during the UPA rule. However, it was referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee, which had submitted its report to the Upper House on February 6, 2014 but the Bill could not be passed then. On April 29 last year, the Union Cabinet gave its approval to amend the PC Act by pursuing the amendment bill after moving official amendments. It was on December 7 last year sent to the Select Committee for examination and report. A Delhi court today directed a businessman, accused in a graft case involving Delhi Chief Minister's former principal secretary Rajendra Kumar, to join the ongoing investigation while giving him a breather as it asked the CBI to give him four days' prior intimation before arresting him. Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar passed the directions on a plea moved by accused Ravi Jain seeking anticipatory bail. The court asked the accused, who is currently outside the country, to return and join the ongoing probe conducted by CBI and inform the court about his return within three days. According to the CBI, Jain was accused of being involved in illegal money transactions between various companies including Ratan Prakashan, Ravi Offset Printers and Endeavour Systems Pvt Ltd (ESPL), which was allegedly floated by Kumar. According to the CBI, ESPL was floated by Kumar for the award of government contracts worth over Rs 50 crore. The CBI had arrested seven people, including Kumar, in this case and now all of them are out on bail. It had registered a case against Kumar and others last December alleging that the officials had abused their official position by "favouring a particular firm in the last few years in getting tenders of Delhi government departments". Most of the accused have been charged under section 120-B of IPC (criminal conspiracy) and provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act relating to criminal misconduct for allegedly favouring ESPL in bagging of five contracts. CBI has alleged that the accused persons had entered into a criminal conspiracy and caused a loss of Rs 12 crore to the Delhi government in award of contracts between 2007 and 2015, and claimed that the officials had taken "undue benefit" of over Rs 3 crore while awarding the contracts. This is the same case in which the agency had come under scathing criticism from the court which had directed it to return documents sought by the Delhi government seized during December 15, 2015 search of Kejriwal's office. Arrest of the top state government official had triggered a political storm with the Delhi government accusing the Centre of indulging in "political vendetta" and "paralysing" governance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PDP, which is in power in Jammu and Kashmir, today told the all-party meeting here that the current unrest has a religious tinge which is different from the past such episodes. Senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig, who attended the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also said that unlike the past, the unrest is in rural areas and not in urban parts, according to sources. Giving an insight into the violence that has been taking place in Kashmir for the last 34 days, Baig said it was different from the past episodes like in 2010 as this time there was a religious tinge to it, the sources said. At the meeting, representatives of most of the parties favoured end to use of pellet guns which have been the cause of maximum injuries. In the context of dialogue, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandhyopadhyay said there is no use in talking to the "old faces" as the current unrest involves mainly the young people, the sources said. His party colleague Derek O'Brien disapproved of the state government's repeated snapping of mobile internet services. He said rather than suspending the services, the government should communicate more with the youngsters using the internet whose density has gone up from 3 per cent to 30 per cent in the valley in the last few years. DMK leader Kanimozhi, who was having difficulty in following the proceedings of the meeting which were mostly in Hindi, said similar was the situation with regard to Kashmiris as they were not able to understand the language of the central government, the sources said. She said that next time, there should be mechanism for translation in such meetings. B Mahtab of BJD said not only Pakistan, China too has a role in the unrest. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said it was better late than never that the Prime Minister had called the all-party meeting on Kashmir situation, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Dalit doctor was shot dead by unidentified men in Nizamabad area of Azamgarh district, police said today. Dr Sudarshan was shot in his clinic in Nandauli village last night, they said. He died on the spot. The body of the victim has been sent for postmortem. No arrest has been made so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government today partially revoked its ban on the retrofitting of CNG kits in cars in the national capital. In June this year, the Transport department had banned the retrofitting of CNG kits in "in-use" cars in the view of some CNG kit manufactures supplying "unapproved and uncertified" CNG fuel kits. As per the circular issued by Transport department today, retro-fitment of CNG kits in new cars will be allowed only after vehicle manufacturers certify that original kits have been installed in the vehicle. A senior official said that government will soon lift a ban on the retrofitment of CNG kits in "in-use" cars as the Transport department is currently working on a software under which kits manufactures and distributors will be required to upload details of sold kits on the software. "There are several car companies which retrofit CNG fuel kits in petrol-run cars in Delhi and then sell them to people. After the June order, they were now allowed for the same. "Now, government has allowed these companies to install such kits in new cars, but they will have to certify that original kits have been installed and thereafter, Transport department will register sold cars," the official said. Official further said that for "in-use" cars, government will soon launch a software which is being developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC). "Manufacturers and distributors of CNG fuel kits will have to upload details of sold kits on new software. Transport Department will be able to detect cases of unapproved or uncertified kits through the new system if applicant applies for endorsement of such fake CNG kits in registration certificates," official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dengue deaths in West Bengal since January rose to 15 with medical reports today confirming the death of a 58-year-old man due to the vector-borne disease, a senior government official said. The man, hailing from North 24 Parganas' Birati, died at the NRS Medical College and Hospital yesterday due to dengue, state Director of Health Services Biswaranjan Satpathy told PTI. This death took the dengue toll to 15, he said. Since yesterday, Satpathy said, 189 new cases of dengue infection were reported from different parts of the state. "With these new cases, the total number of people infected with dengue in the state since January rose to 2,360," he said. Most cases were reported from Hooghly district's Serampore and North 24-Parganas district, while there were some cases in Malda, Nadia, Darjeeling, and South 24-Parganas districts, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pharma major Cipla today reported a 43.19 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 365.24 crore for the quarter ended June 30 due to flat growth in domestic market and dip in the US and emerging markets business. The group had posted a net profit of Rs 649.22 crore for the corresponding period of previous fiscal. Its consolidated total income from the operations also declined by 6 per cent to Rs 3,593.72 crore for the quarter under consideration as against Rs 3,838.45 crore for the same period a year ago. The company's revenue, dented by North America business, declined by 21 per cent in the US and in emerging markets businesses by 6 per cent. The domestic market revenue, that contributed 40 per cent, grew by 5 per cent only. The revenues in home market were hit by government's measures to cut drug prices. "We have had a satisfactory quarter. Our base business has shown improvement in profitability, reflecting our emphasis on product mix and implementation of cost control measures. We are committed to maintaining our growth momentum and focus on our key markets - India, South Africa and the US. "We will continue to invest in R&D and streamline our operations as we focus on driving profitability and simplifying the way we do business," Cipla's outgoing Managing Director Subhanu Saxena told reporters here. Saxena will step down from his position on August 31. The newly-appointed MD and global CEO, Umang Vohra, said the company hopes to register growth in the domestic market in Q2 FY 17. The company also sees major growth opportunities in US market in near future. The company plans to accelerate scaling up of the US business. It has launched one product from InvaGen pipeline and made 4 filing in Q1 FY 17, including some oncology filing. It has also acquired 3 products for the US from Teva's portfolio including a limited-competition product. The company will continue to focus on partnerships for first-to-file opportunities and differentiated generics. The growth momentum in key markets of India, South Africa and the US with focussed cost containment measures has resulted in enhanced profitability in the base business. The company is preparing itself for the future with focused investments in R&D as well as portfolio build-up through strategic inorganic moves. The quarter also saw an improvement in cash flows on account of operational efficiencies, the company said. Shares of Cipla today closed at Rs 516.65 per scrip on BSE, down 1.26 per cent from its previous close. The Enforcement Directorate has issued 2,321 show cause notices to different individuals and entities for various financial offences under the FEMA and imposed penalty of Rs 225 crore in last three years, Lok Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar said ever since the NDA government came to power, a number of steps have been taken pro-actively that include significant decisions in the first cabinet meeting itself. "We have been taking action under Foreign Exchange Management Act. In the last three years, 2,321 show cause notices were issued and Rs 225 crore penalty have been imposed. We are also taking action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act," he said during question hour. The Minister said the ED conducts investigations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act in cases where one or more offences included in the schedule of PMLA are committed by any persons and entities. These include cases involving predicate offence under Section 420 of IPC and under Prevention of Corruption Act. Gangwar said in 2013, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had started investigation, wherein some containers were imported in the name of different firms/ companies and before examination, goods contained in the said containers were stolen from Inland Container Depot, Tughlakabad, New Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arguing that elephant is one of the five most intelligent animals and has "very sharp memory", Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave today asked students to learn this virtue of memorising from them. Speaking at an event to mark World Elephant Day, he said elephants, like all animals, teach us several lessons. "The elephant has an extremely sharp memory. Similarly, students also must be able to fully memorise a line or a chapter from a book," he said. He also argued that "elephant's trunk is extremely sensitive and teaches all of us to be sensitive". "The trunk of an elephant is extremely sensitive and can even lift a needle and on the other hand has the strength to lift heavy logs of wood," he said. Dave asked students to shun use of ivory and other products made from animal skin and urged them to be sensitive towards wild animals, particularly towards elephants. "Sensitivity has been a hallmark of the Indian civilisation. Students must shun use of ivory products and other products made from animal skin," he said. The minister also administered a pledge to the students on the occasion. The students joined hands for elephant conservation and also undertook a march to emphasise it. They participated in a slogan-writing and quiz competition to mark the day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini today reiterated the bloc's support for Ukraine and urged Kiev and Moscow to avoid any action which could further escalate tensions. Mogherini said she had telephoned Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin to discuss the situation, as Kiev accused of stoking unrest in the east of the country and around Crimea which Moscow annexed in 2014. "The European Union condemns and does not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea ... We continue to be unwavering in our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Mogherini said in a statement. "Any actions that could lead to a further escalation of the conflict must be avoided by all sides; a peaceful resolution of the conflict is the only possible solution," she said. Mogherini said the 28-nation EU would continue to monitor the situation and member state officials would discuss developments on Wednesday. The EU has consistently backed efforts to end the conflict between pro-Moscow rebels and government forces in eastern Ukraine which has left more than 9,600 people dead since early 2014. A tenuous ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk late that year and renewed in 2015 has been breached on a near daily basis but recently there has been an upsurge in tensions. claimed earlier this week that it had thwarted "terrorist attacks" in Crimea by Ukrainian military intelligence and beaten back armed assaults, claims Kiev rejected outright. Food Corporation of India (FCI) has saved Rs 749 crore in interest cost in last fiscal through better debt management and also cut its losses towards storage and transit of wheat and rice, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said today. A delegation of FCI employees called on the minister to express gratitude for introduction of pension and post retirement medical schemes. FCI is the government's nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains. Paswan said the government has accepted the long pending demand of employees so that their families can lead dignified life post-retirement. "FCI has made significant achievements in recent past. It's been able to save a significant amount by reducing its losses in storage, transit and demurrage," Paswan told reporters. Highlighting the FCI's achievement, Food Ministry said in a statement that there has been saving in interest cost of Rs 808 crore in 2014-15 and Rs 749 crore in 2015-16 fiscal through sound debt management. The storage losses of wheat and rice have come down from 0.17 per cent in 2013-14 to 0.15 per cent in 2015-16. The net saving on this account has been Rs 327 crore. Similarly, transit losses of wheat and rice have also reduced from 0.46 per cent in 2013-14 to 0.38 per cent in 2015-16, resulting in saving of Rs 138 crore. Saving of Rs 173 crore has been towards demurrage and wharfage in 2014-15 and 2015-16 as compared to 2013-14. Moreover, FCI has recruited 5,200 Category III, 374 category II and 22 category I employees during 2015-16, the statement added. FCI has increased its procurement of rice from eastern states. It has been able to smoothly implement food security law in 34 states/union territories. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the wake of rising number of dog bite incidents in the city, Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation (FIAPO) has appealed to Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to implement a large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to provide a long-term solution. Under the ABC programme, street dogs are caught and surgically made sterile and then left at their original territories after being administered a preventive shot of rabies. And is one of the most successful programmes in many Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbaia, a press release from FIAPO issued here stated. It is also one of the effective ways known to prevent dog bites and rabies. "The ABC programme currently undertaken by the civic body is inadequately small, and thus, completely ineffective. According to a research, at least 70 per cent of dogs need to be sterilised for the programme to have an impact, whereas the current coverage of the NMC is nowhere near that," it said. Director of FIAPO, Varda Mehrotra, said "The only scientific and legal method to control dog-population and to reduce incidents of dog-bites and rabies is for the municipal corporation to run a large-scale Animal Birth Control programmes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government today said 14 islands have been identified for fisheries development in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. The Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries department is one of the constituent Departments in the Sub Group, which has been constituted for identifying possible commercial and developmental activities including fisheries in the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Group of Islands. "Various meetings at the level of Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) and Committee of Secretaries (CoS) were held. After initial deliberations some fourteen Islands were identified for fisheries development activities," an official statement said today. The main activities identified under fisheries sector are deep sea fishing, sea weed farming, ornamental fisheries and shore based infrastructure for fishing activities like Fishing Harbours, Fish Landing Centres and cold storages. The department will provide financial support for the fisheries related activities in those Islands in accordance with the relevant schemes/guidelines of Blue Revolution. A meeting on matters related to Island Development was held yesterday. Meanwhile in a separate statement, the Department of Animal Husbandry has asked the state governments especially Andhra Pradesh and Bihar to come up with proposals for upscaling the Rural Backyard Poultry Development program under NLM with 150 birds distribution to be done in a focussed manner in 5-6 contiguous villages/cluster in one block of one district of the State. The Department would focus more towards entrepreneurial activity in poultry sector. These steps have been discussed in a meeting which was convened yesterday to discuss Poultry Development Schemes. In a separate official statement, the government said that Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Mansukh L Mandaviya will visit the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) in Ahmedabad on August 13. This will be the first visit by the Minister of State to these two prestigious institutes after he assumed charge in the ministry last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saddled with rising bad loans, five public sector banks, including Bank of India, Dena Bank, and Central Bank of India, today posted a combined loss of Rs 2,564 crore for the first quarter ended June. Meanwhile, the country's largest lender SBI witnessed a 78 per cent drop in consolidated profit to Rs 1,046 crore against Rs 4,714 crore profit in the same quarter a year ago. Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) too reported 61 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 100.69 crore as against Rs 257.84 crore in the corresponding April-June quarter of 2015-16. Leading the pack, Bank of India reported a loss of Rs 741.3 crore as provisions for bad loans nearly doubled. Provisions and contingencies nearly doubled to Rs 277 crore as against Rs 151 crore in the year-ago period. As on June 30, the bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) increased to 13.38 per cent of advances as against 6.80 per cent in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal. BOI was followed by Central Bank of India registering a net loss of Rs 600 crore as against a net profit of Rs 203.6 crore in the April-June quarter of last fiscal. Provision for bad loans witnessed over two-fold rise to Rs 1,543.65 crore as against Rs 580.75 crore in the year-ago period. Bank of Maharashtra posted loss of Rs 397.40 crore for April-June as its provisions almost doubled to Rs 842.50 crore for the quarter, from Rs 483.91 crore a year earlier. At the same time, Dena Bank had to book a loss of Rs 279.35 crore. The gross NPAs of the Dena Bank nearly doubled to 11.88 per cent, as against 6.20 per cent a year ago. In value terms, they were Rs 9,636.32 crore versus Rs 4,840.70 crore respectively. Allahabad Bank reported a loss of Rs 564.9 crore for the first quarter due to two-fold jump in provision and contingencies to Rs 1330.7 crore from Rs 854.7 crore in the year-ago period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandeya Katju's blog 'Who are the real Indians' has become a roaring hit in Malayalam dailies and gone viral on social media. In his lengthy blog, Katju, also former chairman of the Press Council of India, says he regards: "Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India." Noting that ancestors of perhaps 95% people in India today came from abroad and the original inhabitants are pre-Dravidian tribals known as Scheduled Tribes, he said: "So to live united and in harmony we must respect every group of people." "In my opinion the Keralites do this the best and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. I regard Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India." "As I said, India is broadly a country of immigrants. The essential quality of Kerala is its openness to external influence - Dravidians, Aryans, Romans, Arabs, British, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Marxists, etc," he said. Katju said Keralites are great travellers and everywhere in the globe one will find Keralites. "There is a joke that when American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969 he found a Keralite there offering to sell him tea," he said. "Keralites are hard working, modest, and intelligent. They are broad minded, liberal, cosmopolitan and secular in their views (though no doubt there are a few exceptions). All Indians must learn from them," Katju said. He concludes his blog with "Long live the Keralites!". Katju recalled his roots as a Kashmiri, whose ancestors migrated to Madhya Pradesh and later shifted to Uttar Pradesh where he grew up. Major Malayalam dailies carried Katju's comments on the front page and the social media saw thousands of Malayalees clicking 'likes' for his piece. Actress Freida Pinto has started shooting for her upcoming TV drama mini-series "Guerrilla". The 31-year-old "Slumdog Millionaire" star will essay the role of Jas Mitra, a passionate and politically driven individual, in John Ridley's six part limited series. "I'm thrilled to be working with an artist like John Ridley who has written these compelling scripts filled with thoughtful and complicated characters," Pinto said in a statement. Based on 1970s black activism in the UK, the story revolves around a radical underground cell. The series starring Idris Elba in lead role, will also explore how Mitra's political activism tests her romantic relationship with Marcus (Babou Ceesay), her partner in the movement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Between "Pehla Nasha" and "Mohenjo Daro", Ashutosh Gowariker's filmography is really short and the director says his wife keeps asking him to make something contemporary and finish within a year. "Mohenjo Daro", starring Hrithik Roshan as an indigo farmer during the Indus Valley civilisation and newcomer Pooja Hegde as his love interest, is Gowariker's first release after "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey", which came in 2010. His only other project in between was TV drama "Everest". "For Hrithik, the gap is shorter than mine. So, I am really looking forward to the reaction. I do feel that the gap has been long. Sunita keeps telling me why can't we make a contemporary film and finish it in a year. I want to do that but I need to have a story that inspires me," Gowariker told PTI in an interview. The 52-year-old "Lagaan" director's fascination for larger-than-life stories is partly responsible for the gap as he likes to do research on his own. "I like creating another world, era and time zone. Within that era, what attracts me is to tell an untold story. It is great fun. In 'Jodhaa Akbar', the chapter that was missing was what happened in their chamber. So, it was exciting to create that romance in Mughal period. "'Mohenjo Daro' is based purely on archaeological findings and since there was not much, it was exciting to create a love story and drama." There has been some criticism of historical inaccuracy in his film, which released today, but for Gowariker it was interesting to cull out a story from what he says is "just a paragraph" in history books. "This is our first civilisation and we know nothing about it. In fact, we just had a paragraph in school books, few artifacts here and there and the excavation site. "I always thought if people worldwide are making movies on Greek and Egyptian civilisation and celebrating them, then why can't we?" "Mohenjo Daro", he says, took more time because he did not have much as source material unlike Mughal or British era. "This one took more time because when you make something historical, you can refer to history books. But this civilisation is pre-history, so there was not much source material." Gowariker says it was easier approaching Hrithik the second time for his film as they had a great working experience on "Jodhaa Akbar". "Hrithik has this larger-than-life presence on screen and the civilisation is also larger-than-life. His talent as an actor and his personality as a performer was important for the film. If Hrithik had not said yes, I would probably not have made the film. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is poised to harness its 20,000 km of river fronts and 7,500 km of coastline with an initial investment of Rs 50,000 crore, Union Minister said here on Friday. Flagging off trial run of two vessels carrying Maruti Suzuki cars and construction material. The two vessels 1,400 tonne capacity MV Joy Basudev and 300 tonne capacity MV VV Giri containing newly assembled cars of Maruti Suzuki and construction material, respectively were flagged off from the Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram Ghat, Varanasi. Waterway-1 (NW-1) is being developed under the Jal Marg Vikas Project with assistance from the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 4,200 crore and would ensure commercial navigation of higher tonnage vessels on 1,620 km stretch on Ganga from Varanasi to Haldia. "Waterways will prove to be UP's growth engine. We are harnessing our 20,000 km of river front and 7,5000 km coastline with an initial investment of Rs 50,000 crore," Gadkari said after the launch of the vessels. He said transportation of cars by waterways will reduce its cost by Rs 5,000 in West Bengal. The Minister said that promotion to waterways would generate at least 4 to 5 lakh employment in UP itself. "The Narendra Modi government does not believe in empty words and translates into reality what it says. The present project of making Ganga navigable is one such example," he said. Parliament earlier this year had passed the crucial bill to declare 111 rivers across the country into Waterways and paved way for development of these stretches as transport carriers, he said. So far, only five of the river stretches were declared as Waterways. The Minister said now that Parliament has given its nod to declare 111 additional rivers as waterways, the government is committed to aggressively work to develop these as the environment-friendly mode of transport which is bound to decrease significantly the huge 18 per cent logistics cost in India. "Financing would not be a problem for us," Gadkari said, adding that by promoting water transport, logistic cost which is 18 per cent in India as compared to barely 8-10 per cent in China and 10-12 per cent in European countries will come down significantly. The reforms in the sector have started becoming visible, he said, adding water transport was not only environment-friendly but also much cheaper as it costs Rs 1.5 per km to carry cargo through road, Re 1 through rail and barely 25 paise through water. National Waterway-1 is of national significance passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, potentially serving the major cities of Haldia, Howrah, Kolkata, Bhagalpur, Patna, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Allahabad and their industrial hinterlands including several industries located along the Ganga basin. Haryana government today said that a new initiative for improving both teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics will be implemented across educationally backward blocks of the state. The programme is part of the government's state-wide Quality Improvement Programme (QIP), and in the first phase, would cover 10 'Aarohi Model Schools'. "Haryana has introduced technology-led curriculum in Science and Mathematics for Grade-9 students in collaboration with the American India Foundation Trust (AIFT)," said Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, P K Das here. "AIFT, in collaboration with Avanti Learning Centres would work with school teachers to deploy standardized classroom learning materials and teaching practices in Mathematics and Science," he added. Das said the objective of this programme was to ensure that students in the Aarohi schools are benefitted from "the world's best teaching methods". "The government also aims to build a core of well- trained teachers who can take this initiative forward and make it scale-up sustainable," he said. Das said the course is designed in a unique way, which enables teachers to focus on improving student's concepts by using computer-enabled content and advanced pedagogical techniques. "The specially designed content encourages greater participation of both students and teachers," he said. "The programme is funded by the donors of AIFT and places no additional financial burden on the state government," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madhya Pradesh High Court has suo motu converted a report into a PIL alleging that the state administration had declared a holiday for students on August 9 and acquired 1800 school buses for ferrying people to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting at Bhabhra. Taking cognisance of a report on the issue, the Indore bench of the high court converted it into a public interest litigation, after seeking permission from the acting chief justice. Senior advocate Anand Mohan Mathur yesterday raised the matter before a division bench of Justices P K Jaiswal and D K Paliwal contending that declaring a holiday for school students was a violation of 'Right to Education' enshrined in the Constitution. Mathur pleaded before the bench that it should take cognisance of report on the issue following which the court referred the matter to Acting Chief Justice, Rajendra Menon, seeking permission to admit the PIL. The high court then allowed the petition to be admitted at its Indore bench. It would come up for hearing in due course. The Indore Collector had reportedly issued an order for acquiring schools buses on August 9, on the ground of a Met Department warning and also for the programme, while declaring the day as a holiday. The report claimed that a total of 1800 buses were acquired for sending BJP workers to the Prime Minister's meeting at Bhabhra in Alirajpur on August 9, following which the matter was raised in the Indore bench of the HC. The Indore bench has admitted the PIL on the issue," Mathur said. When asked about the issue, the high court's Registrar General Manohar Mamtani said that the acting chief justice had granted permission to admit the petition on the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madras High Court today granted conditional bail to a woman, arrested on the charge of mowing down a 45-year-old man while driving a luxury car in an inebriated condition here early last month. Allowing the bail petition of Aiswarya Wilton, Justice G Chockalingam directed her to furnish a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties of the same amount and also deposit Rs 1 lakh with the 18th Metropolitan Magistrate Court towards compensation to the family of the deceased. This is the third bail plea filed by the woman, who was arrested on July 2, hours after the early morning accident which killed Munusamy, a carpenter, on the spot. Earlier, her bail petitions had been rejected by the principal sessions judge court on July 14 and also by the high court on July 18. Justice Chockalingam ordered Aishwarya to appear before the police investigating the case at 10.30 AM daily for two weeks and not to leave city limits till further orders. Since the investigation was almost over and only the chemical analysis report was awaited and considering the fact that the petitioner had been in custody for past 42 days, this court was inclined to grant the bail, he said in the order. He also said it was open to the family of the deceased to approach the Metropolitan Magistrate court and file an appropriate application to withdraw the Rs 1 lakh. The woman had fatally hit Munusamy with her speeding Audi car on the IT corridor here when the victim was waiting to cross the road. Local residents gave a chase and managed to stop the car following which she was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on the charges of rash driving and culpable homicide not amounting to murder under IPC read with Section 185 (drunken driving) of Motor Vehicles Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a snub to the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court today ordered a CBI inquiry into the case observing that it was "not satisfied" with the police investigation so far. The high court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the July 29 incident, also said it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case". A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order a day after the state government submitted a status report on the investigation into the incident in a sealed cover. "We are not satisfied, neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record," the court said and directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims' medical reports and statements of witnesses by the next date of hearing on August 17. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with details of the social background, criminal records and political affiliations - if any - which had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated August 8, which was the first date of hearing on the matter. Significantly, the court had made it clear at the outset that it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case" and not dispose of the matter which is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation, titled "In the matter of rape of mother and daughter at NH 91". The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP. At the highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. Expressing its anguish over the incident, the court had also sought to know from the state government what steps it was taking to prevent such incidents in future while pointing out that the state was duty-bound to ensure safety and security of those who travel on highways in its territory after paying toll tax. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will make a guest appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on August 22, when she will be on a West Coast fund-raising swing. Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio will host the Democratic presidential nominee during the fundraiser. The show announced that Clinton will make her first late-night talk show appearance since accepting the Democratic nomination last month at the DNC in Philadelphia. She last visited Kimmel in March and also made an appearance in November. The 68-year-old former Secretary of State has also made visits to NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and CBS' "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," among other late-night shows. Her Republican rival, Donald Trump, has stopped by "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on several occasions as well. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union is likely to grant more autonomy to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in choosing the chairpersons of their governing boards. According to officials while the ministry had previously favoured a greater say for the government in this matter, it was now toeing a line reportedly favoured by the Prime Minister's Office for granting more autonomy. It is learnt that in the proposed Bill, which the has recently circulated, it has suggested that the IIM Board be allowed to choose their own representatives. Presently they need the ministry's approval in this regard. "However it does not mean that the ministry has relinquished all say as one its representative will also be there on the Board," a source said. There have been controversies over the appointment of heads of these prestigious schools. The under Smriti Irani had rejected the three names selected by the IIM Ahmedabad board to be its chairman. The proposed IIM bill, which has seen much wrangling between the HRD ministry and the PMO over its provisions in the past few months, will soon be put before the Cabinet. According to sources, the proposed legislation will be put up for discussion in the Cabinet as many of the contentious issues have been resolved. It is learnt that the issue of providing autonomy to Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) on various matters, including deciding the fees structure, has been retained in the draft bill. Following protests that All India Radio's (AIR) regional bulletins were being discontinued in seven cities - Indore, Pune, Dibrugarh, Bhuj, Dharwad, Trichy and Kozhikhode, the Union Information and Broadcasting ministry has "hold back" an order issued by it. Sources told PTI, Information and Broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu told top officials in his ministry to "hold back" an order which related to restructuring of the units. It is learnt that apart from several MPs and others who opposed the move, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar as well as Prasar Bharati chairperson A Suryaprakash also expressed serious concerns to Naidu about the order. "The ministry had decided to move some officers engaged in producing regional bulletins. As there were widespread concerns, I&B Minister directed top officials to hold it back as if there are no people, how these bulletins would be prepared," a source said. Yesterday itself, Prasar Bharati had directed officials in the Service Division (NSD) of the AIR to continue the bulletins after reports suggested that the regional news units in some of the centres were being closed. According to an advisory issued by DG (News) AIR Sitanshu Kar on the directions of Suryaprakash, regional news units at Indore, Pune, Dibrugarh, Bhuj, Dharwad, Trichy and Kozhikhode would continue with their normal services like bulletins, headlines and programmes as usual. The advisory also said that correspondents at Allahabad, Pauri, Jalandhar, Patiala, Coimbatore and Kochi will also continue to perform their duties from these locations till personal orders. These were as per the Prasar Bharati chairperson's directions, the advisory added. There were reports that the decades old news services in some of these towns were to be discontinued by the I&B ministry causing anguish among many of the listeners. When contacted, a senior I&B ministry official, however, said that the ministry did not want to close the regional news units adding that there was some "misinterpretation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Burgeoning imports of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from China has become a concern, prompting the National Security Advisor to warn the government of over-dependence on the neighbouring country in the supply of essential drugs and APIs, Parliament was informed today. India imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) worth Rs 13,853.20 crore from China in 2015-16, or 65.29 per cent of the total API imports of Rs 21,216.91 crore, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh L Mandaviya said in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. The imports from China stood at Rs 12,757.96 crore in 2014-15 and Rs 12,061.53 crore in 2013-14, he added. "The main reasons for imports are economic considerations," Mandaviya said. When asked if the National Security Advisor has warned the government of over-dependence on China for supply of essential drugs and APIs, the minister replied in the affirmative. "The government policies are framed from time to time so that the country doesn't depend on only one source for its requirements," Mandaviya said. To further encourage domestic production of bulk drugs, the government has on January 28, 2016 notified the withdrawal of exemption in customs duties which were earlier given to certain categories of drugs and bulk drugs, he added. "This step of the government would help the country to reduce its dependence on China for imports of certain essential APIs," Mandaviya said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a rare moment, India's first three women fighter pilots today met country's senior most air warrior Arjan Singh, who regaled them with his anecdotes as he felicitated them at his house. While the three women fighter pilots are aged around 22-23, Singh, the Marshal of the Air Force is 97 year-old. The age difference between them is about 75 years. Singh, who was the Chief of the Air Staff during the 1965 conflict with Pakistan, is a living legend and is also the senior most fighter pilot of the IAF. He has been a constant source of inspiration to generations of air-warriors. "An interaction and encouragement from the 'Marshal of The Air Force' will be a matter of great honour for the budding young women fighter pilots and will motivate them to excel in their profession," the IAF said in a statement. IAF has been inducting women pilots in the flying branch since 1994. Till date, more than 180 women officers have been inducted as pilots in the transport and helicopter streams. Over the years, the women pilots have proved their mettle and have performed at par with their male colleagues, the statement said. The IAF has recently taken a decision to induct women pilots in the fighter stream which is far more strenuous and demanding in nature. On June 18, three women pilots, on successful completion of initial flying training, were commissioned as pilots in the fighter stream of the IAF. These women pilots competed alongside their male counterparts to be part of the elite fighting force and were selected solely on their capability. They are pioneers in the field and will be role models for the generations to follow, the IAF said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-American media body today said it will hold a startup competition in India next month, winners of which would be invited to the US to make business pitch before American investors. Any startup located in India is eligible to enter the competition by submitting a business plan and finalists will present their business plans briefly at the inaugural US-India Startup Forum in Delhi on September 1 and in Bangalore on September 3 before a panel of judges, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and the general audience. The competition, part of the multi-city US-India Startup Forums and being organised by The American Bazaar, joins Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Startup India initiative. The winners will be invited to the US to make their pitches before American investors. "American investors continue to be intrigued by the energy and the robustness of the Indian startup echo system. The bilateral commercial relations today are a two-way traffic," Asif Ismail, publisher of the media outlet, said in a press release. "By hosting the startup competition and the Forums, The American Bazaar wants to be the bridge between the US investor community and the Indian startup community." "India has all the ingredients to create a stable and sustainable stream of next-Gen entrepreneurs," said Prashanth "PV" Boccasam, a General Partner at the Bethesda, Maryland- based Novak Biddle and one of the investors attending the Forums. Eugene Flood Jr., the Managing Partner of Next Sector Capital, which is based in Durham, North Carolina, said "Indian startups offer two attractions" to his firm. "First, many of the problems or opportunities in the health, natural resources, energy areas require cutting edge technology. India has a deep bench of human resources steeped in science and engineering," he said. "Additionally, language and cultural issues working with Next Sector's management team will be fully manageable. Second, the markets in India are obviously, large and growing, so the opportunities to address issues in the "impact" space are numerous," he added. India's start-up landscape is very different, and in many ways more exciting, than the start-up landscape in developed markets, said Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at CSIS. "I think of Indian start-ups in two broad categories, and both require a very different eye for potential investors. One group is creating products and services geared towards the high-end of the Indian market," he said, adding this group will be fairly recognisable to American investors. "The other group is creating products and services that tap in to requirements in India, shaped by their home country's unique needs and environment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today inaugurated the Independence Day Film Festival and said Indian cinema has helped inculcate the feeling of patriotism among the citizens. "Indian cinema played a vital role not only during the freedom movement but also helped propagate the deeds of our leaders. There are a number of classics like 'Gandhi', 'Shaheed', 'Ayirathi Thollayirathi Irupathi Onnu', 'Haqueeqat' and others that have inspired us," Naidu said while addressing students and dignitaries like Minister Of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore. The week-long festival, which culminates on August 18, opened with the screening of Richard Attenborough's much-acclaimed 1982 film "Gandhi". Praising the film, which is a biopic of M K Gandhi, Naidu said the movie brought the attention of the world to India's freedom movement. "'Gandhi' turned attention of the world to the Indian freedom movement, which was based on non-violence." Films like 'Border", "Lagaan", "Chak De India", "Mary Kom" and "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose" and "I Am Kalam" will also be screened at the festival. Filmmaker AK Bir, who was one of the first-unit cameramen for "Gandhi", said he enjoyed working with Attenborough and the director even helped him through difficult situations. "It was special to be involved with 'Gandhi' and working with a director like Attenborough. I once had difficulties while taking a shot of an aircraft but then Attenborough came to me and asked me if I was fine. His voice was so assuring that I forgot my nervousness and was able to take the shot perfectly," Bir shared. Director Chitraarth, whose Punjabi film "Shaheed Udham Singh" will be screened as part of the festival, said events like this will help today's generation to know more about the freedom fighters of our country. "I congratulate the organisers of this festival. We remember visuals more and so I think festivals like these are very important. It will be helpful for today's generation for knowing about the freedom movement of our country," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An India-born entrepreneur picked recently as deputy mayor by London mayor Sadiq Khan today also took over as chair of the mayor's official promotional company. Rajesh Agrawal's remit in his new role at London & Partners (L&P) will be to help drive tourists, events, inward investment and international students to the British capital. "I look forward to leading the London & Partners board to build on the company's successful work in promoting London as a leading destination for inward investment, tourism, higher education and culture," Agrawal said. "Having moved to London to set-up my own business 15 years ago, I know how important it is to make sure that London remains open to entrepreneurs and businesses from all over the world. It is vital that we continue to shine a spotlight on London's talent, innovation and other assets that make it the world's leading city in which to do business," he said. The 39-year-old Indore-born businessman and technology entrepreneur will lead on helping L&P attract international trade and investment to London. "He will also play an important role as an advisor and champion of London as a global city for business, including spearheading international trade visits. He will also be pivotal in helping the company promote the city as a leading destination for tourism, students, culture and major events, with the overall aim of creating jobs and growth for the capital," L&P said in a statement. Agrawal, founder of international money transfer service Xendpay and online foreign exchange service RationalFX, was appointed London's Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise soon after Khan took over as the first Muslim mayor of London in May. The entrepreneur arrived in London in 2001, and went on to grow a two-person enterprise working from one small office into a multi-million-pound business based in London, with offices in Birmingham, France and Spain. "As an entrepreneur who moved to London to set up a business, Rajesh is well placed to champion London as the leading, world city for international business, students and tourists. "His business experience and passion for our great city will be vital in helping us to promote London as the world's leading and most welcoming city. In the coming months,London & Partners is determined to show the world that #LondonIsOpen," said Gordon Innes, London & Partners CEO. London & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and a network of commercial partners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields" today as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, US-backed forces and a monitor said. The abductions came as Russian and Syrian jets pounded rebel positions in second city Aleppo, an AFP correspondent and the Syrian Observatory for Human Right monitor said. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most of the IS fighters from Manbij last week, but dozens continued to put up a tough resistance. Today they withdrew from a district in northern Manbij heading for the IS-held town of Jarabalus along the border with Turkey, taking the captives with them. "While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood," said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. "They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them," he said, adding that women and children were among those taken. The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on sources on the ground to cover the conflict, also reported that IS had abducted around 2,000 civilians as they fled Manbij. It said IS confiscated residents' cars, forced civilians into them and then headed for Jarabulus. The jihadists, who have suffered a string of losses in Syria and Iraq, have often staged mass kidnappings in the two countries when they come under pressure to relinquish territory they hold. In January, IS abducted more than 400 civilians, including women and children, as it overran parts of Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria. It later released around 270 of them. IS has also used civilians as human shields, booby- trapped cars and carried out suicide bombings to slow advances by their opponents and avoid coming under attack. Thousands of civilians were held captive by the group in Fallujah which Iraqi forces recaptured in June after a four- week offensive. Today, the SITE intelligence Group said IS had killed five men in Iraq for smuggling people out of territory it controls. It was not immediately clear how many jihadists fled Manbij which the SDF captured on August 6. But Darwish said that SDF managed to rescue 2,500 civilians who had been held captive by IS fighters there. The US-backed forces combed Al-Sirb today for any remaining jihadists, he added. With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback, before a major push last week saw the SDF seize 90 percent of the town. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Advance Centre for Yoga Therapy and Research was inaugurated at the Government Medical College here today. Minister for Health and Medical Education Bali Bhagat dedicated the centre to the public. He called upon the people to make Yoga a part of their life, saying it has been acknowledged globally as best therapy for relieving stress and keep mind and body fit. Bhagat said the newly opened centre will not only provide the infrastructure facility for practising Yoga but also prove useful in generating the research data which can be used to create health policies of the state in future. "A similar centre will be setup at Srinagar to provide the people an opportunity to attend Yoga classes and take the benefit of this unique therapy," he said. Bhagat said it was a landmark achievement in India's history when the United Nations adopted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal to observe International Day for Yoga on June 21, with a record support of 177 member states. Asserting that Yoga means unity, he said it is the practice of uniting Humans with God. The benefit of Yoga is that it prepares one's body, mind and soul for the practice of relaxation and meditation which leads to good health, the Minister added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar will interact with students and teachers of a government school in Hyderabad tomorrow. According to officials in the HRD ministry, Javadekar will visit Telangana tomorrow where he would commemorate Komaram Bheema, who fought for the liberation of Hyderabad. "The minister will also visit Musheerabad government high school and interact with students and teachers there," an official said. Javadekar is also likely to meet Telangan Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and Andhra Pradesh education minister to discuss various issues connected with the states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Thursday announced a series of road projects, covering different parts of the state, running into several crores of Rupees. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa proposed Rs 744 crore worth expansion activities on key roads, including the Chennai-Chittoor-Bengaluru corridor. Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, she said the Chennai-Chittoor-Bengaluru and Pallavaram-Thoraippakkam road would be converted into six lanes from the existing four lanes. Four laning of various other key two lane link roads would also be taken up and a total of 141.60 km of expansion activities would be done at a total cost of Rs 744 crore, Jayalalithaa said. With Chennai already having an Outer Ring Road (ORR) and a Bypass, the feasibility of a Chennai Radial Road was also under consideration, she said, adding, the proposed expansion works would act as links to ORR and Bypass, which would help decongest the northern and southern suburbs of the city. Further, as part of decongestion activities in Hosur in Krishnagiri district, an 18.40 km long ORR would be constructed between Jujuwadi and Perandapalli and 60.16 hectares of land would be acquired for this purpose, she said. The land acquisition will be done at a cost Rs 215 crore, she added. Jayalalithaa also proposed bypass roads in Tharamangalam (Salem) and Rasipuram (Namakkal), besides 80 bridges in different parts of the state. In a separate announcement, she announced a series of initiatives regarding upgradation of irrigation infrastructure. Back from his 10-day vipassana session, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today held a number of meetings with his ministers at his residence to discuss a number of issues including the High Court order which stamped the supremacy of Lt Governor in administration of Delhi. A senior government official said the Chief Minister was briefed on crucial developments that had taken place during his absence from the capital. "The CM was apprised of several developments including the HC verdict. He was also briefed by ministers on several projects executed by their departments," the official also said. "Returning from 10-day Vipassna course. Feeling v fresh n energetic," Kejriwal had yesterday tweeted. The Court order had come at a time when Kejriwal was attending a vipassana session at a meditation centre at Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh, where he had no access to newspapers, telephone and social media. The AAP chief used to start his day at 4.30 AM every day during the session. The Chief Minister has so far not reacted to the verdict The government has already announced it would move Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A London schoolgirl who had fled her home in Britain to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria is feared to have been killed in a Russian air strike on the terrorist-held region. Kadiza Sultana's family lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told BBC last night that they heard a report of her death in Raqqa, an ISIS stronghold in Syria, a few weeks ago. "The family are devastated. A number of sources have said that she has been killed and she has not been in contact with the family for several weeks. Over a year ago, she had been talking about leaving. There was a plan to get her out," Akunjee said. Sultana, believed to be of Bangladeshi-origin, was 16 when she joined two other school friends, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, both 15 at the time, to flee to Syria in February 2015. All three were pupils of Bethnal Green Academy in east London and had told their parents they were going out for the day. "We were expecting this, in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place," Sultana's sister Halima Khanom said in a statement in reference to her feared killing. Akunjee said though Sultana had expressed a desire to return to the UK but feared of "brutal" consequences from ISIS. He said: "In the week where she was thinking of these issues, a young Austrian girl had been caught trying to leave ISIS territory and was by all reports beaten to death publicly, so - given that that was circulated in the region as well as outside - I think Kadiza took that as a bad omen and decided not to take the risk. "I think she found out pretty quickly that the propaganda doesn't match up with the reality." The schoolgirls are among more than 800 Britons who are believed to have left the UK to join ISIS or other militant groups in Syria and Iraq. All the girls had reportedly been married off as so-called "jihadi brides" to ISIS fighters,including an Australian and a US national, and two became widows within months of arriving in Syria, their families were told earlier. In March last year, the Scotland Yard commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said the teenagers could return home without fear of being prosecuted for terrorism, as long as no evidence emerged of them being engaged in violence. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: "The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria. As all UK consular services there are suspended, it is extremely difficult to confirm the status and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria. "Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The sessions court here today sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of four elderly women for the purpose of robbery during 2011 to 2013. Additional public prosecutor Sardar Harjeet Singh said the accused Kukatla Komuraiah (50), hailing from Somaram village in Saidapur mandal of Karimnagar district, targeted old women who lived alone for their jewellery. He searched for potential victims while moving around the villages offering to buy old furniture and utensils. He would then rent a room in a house where a single old woman lived, stay there for some time and move out. After some days he would return to the house, kill the woman by throttling her and rob her jewellery. In this way Komuraiah murdered Ammula Mallamma (70) at Peddapur village in 2011, Kadarla Kausalya (85) at Mothe in 2012, Adepu Venkatamma (68) in Sultanabad and Gurram Shyamala (68) in Khanampalli village in 2013. Judge D Suresh convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment for each murder. All the sentences shall run concurrently, the judge said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid the ongoing war of words between him and senior Congress MLA Manas Bhunia, Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan today led a party delegation to meet West Bengal Governor K M Tripathi and submitted a memorandum accusing the administration of falsely implicating opposition leaders including Bhunia at the instance of the ruling TMC. Mannan, in his memorandum to the Governor, alleged that Bhunia has been falsely implicated in a murder case and the state government has been vindictive in stopping Bhunia's attempt to obtain anticipatory bail from court in connection with the case. The Calcutta High Court on August 8 rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Bhunia, an accused in a Trinamool Congress worker's murder case at the time of West Bengal Assembly polls earlier this year. Bhunia himself, however, was not in the delegation that met the Governor. When asked about Bhunia's absence in the team, Mannan said, "It is for him to decide whether he wants to come. It's not that all the Congress MLAs accompanied me today. There are some who could not attend it." Reacting to Mannan visiting the Governor over his own case, Bhunia said, "The incident happened four months back. What were they doing for so many months? Why were they silent during this time?" The relation between Bhunia and the party's state leadership has gone sour following his becoming the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chief in the Assembly. Congress wanted to give the PAC chairman's post to CPI(M), with which it had contested the West Bengal Assembly election. Bhunia had been show caused sometime back after he refused to step down from the post despite repeated requests by party leaders. Thirty-nine Congress MLAs had also jointly appealed to Bhunia to resign that post. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Meghalaya Police have foiled a bid by militants to break out of the district jail today, recovering ropes made out of bed sheets by inmates, officials said. Acting on intelligence inputs that some inmates have plans to break out of the district jail, a surprise check was conducted by the Magistrate along with the police following which a 16 ft long rope was recovered from an undergrowth near the high security cell, East Khasi Hills district SP M Kharkrang said. Militants belonging to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council and Garo National Liberation Army and ULFA had connived to break out of jail by making ropes out of bed sheets and blankets and these were seized, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu goverment to pay compensation to parents of 47 missing children after ascertaining their identity within a period of four months. Advocate General A L Somayaji submitted that in all the 47 child missing cases, the compensation under the Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Scheme 2013 has to be paid and "the authority concerned is prepared to pay compensation". The matter relates to a habeas corpus petition by 'Exnora', an NGO, highlighting the disappearance of two children, who were sleeping on a Chennai railway platform with their parents. The court had earlier directed the state government to form a 'special child-missing squad' with officers trained in such cases. When the case came up today, a report was filed by the government stating that there were 57 child missing cases pending investigation and compensation had already been paid in 10 cases. It was in only 47 cases, compensation had to be paid. A division bench comprising Justice S Nagamuthu and Justice V Bharathidasan, said, "In our considered view, it would be appropriate for the superintendent of police concerned to hold summary inquiry and ascertain as to who the parents of the missing children are and then pay the amount... "The task of paying compensation in the 47 cases shall be completed within a period of four months," the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing to August 29. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Authorities today snapped mobile telephony services, except postpaid facility on state-run BSNL, in Kashmir as a precautionary measure in the wake of fierce clashes after Friday prayers last week. "Mobile telephony services have been snapped in the entire Valley. Only postpaid connections of BSNL are working, a police official said. He said the services were snapped across the Valley at midnight to maintain law and order and to prevent rumour mongering. Last Friday saw intense clashes between protesters and security forces at many places in the Valley after the congregational prayers. The clashes left three people dead and several hundred others injured. Mobile telephony services, except BSNL postpaid, were first snapped in the Valley on July 15 in the aftermath of violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on July 8. The authorities had snapped mobile internet facility in the entire Valley on July 9. While the postpaid services were resumed on July 26, the incoming call facility on the prepaid numbers was restored a day later. However, the outgoing facility on such numbers continued to remain barred. Mobile internet also continued to remain snapped for the 35th day today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) She may be making her Bollywood debut opposite Ajay Devgn in "Shivaay" but Polish actress Erika Kaar was more intimated and star-struck by his wife, Kajol. Erika says she was apprehensive to talk to Kajol because the Bollywood actress has a huge fan following in Poland. "Actually, I was a lot more intimidated by Kajol than Ajay. With Ajay I was like 'Hello man!' With Kajol it was like 'Hello ma'am.' I was trying to be very respectful. I did not talk much with her," Erika told PTI in an interview. "We know Kajol because she is huge worldwide. In Poland, when you hear Kajol, people start screaming. They are such huge fans. We also knew 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. It is huge there." According to Erika, her friends even have night outs where they dance to the popular track "Bole Chudiyan" from the Karan Johar directed romantic-drama. "When we have ladies night, my friends are such huge fans that they watch 'Bole Chudiyan' and dance. They don't know the lyrics, nothing, but they love it. "So when they learnt that the person I'll be working with is Kajol's husband, they forced me to show him the video of how they are dancing. They love her. But I did not show the video to him. I am not crazy!" When asked if she showed the video to Kajol, Erika quipped, "I was scared to tell her. I did not." "Shivaay" is an upcoming action thriller, produced and directed by Devgan. Erika says she met Kajol while shooting for the film but they did not interact much. "We met in Bulgaria and then in Mussoorie. But since I knew Ajay was working so hard on the project, once his family came, we all tried to give them their quality time." The film is Devgn's second directorial venture after the 2008 romantic-drama "U Me Aur Hum". Erika, who has worked in TV series like "Blondynka" and "Az po suffit!", says she avoided watching any Bollywood film before her movie as she did not want to follow a certain pattern. "We agreed with Ajay and the rest of the guys that I shouldn't watch any Bollywood films. Ajay told me that he wanted me to stay 'pure', as in fresh and unconscious of what I am playing. "So, that I act naturally as I do in drama schools and not get affected by perhaps something that is typical for Bollywood... If I watch a Bollywood movie I would be like 'oh my God! I need to do exactly like she is doing.'" The actress, however, caught up with some Bollywood films later, including "Bajirao Mastani". "I was forbidden to watch any Bollywood stuff during shooting. But by the end of it, I did watch 'Bajirao Mastani', some songs and clips. Even Ajay gave me his DVD rental shop membership, and said 'call them and say what do you want to watch. You want to watch me and Kajol? Call them.'" The actress is now awaiting the release of "Shivaay" and is keen to see other films of Devgn. "Shivaay" also marks the acting debut of Sayyeshaa Saigal, the grand niece of veteran actor Dilip Kumar and is scheduled to release on October 28, during Diwali. Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave today stuck a note of caution over using genetically modified crops, saying one particular scientific process should not be given preference and asserted that natural farming is "always better". "We should not stick to one particular scientific process of producing better seeds. Basically Indian scientists and researchers should come forward and do their level best to help the farmers of this country. "Funds from this country should not drain out elsewhere in the world. It is the money of farmers and people of country," he said. Batting for natural farming, he said it does not mean unscientific farming. "There cannot be a watertight compartment between these two things. Natural farming is always better. Natural farming does not mean unscientific farming. It should be scientific and modern. "We have full right to experiment. India is alive not because it is in a water tight compartment, it is because we have allowed experimenting. The day we close the door to new experiments, we will die. But soil should not be destroyed," he said when asked whether he thought organic farming to be superior to genetically modified varieties. Noting that sensitisation have hampered a lot of things, Dave said that a good system for India's farmers should be thought of so that he gets good seeds. A group of activists recently said they will step up their resistance to approval of GM mustard and demanded fixing liability on crop developers for providing "false" evidence to the country's biotech regulator. At a specially-convened meeting by the Environment Ministry, farm activists, scientists and others presented fresh evidence on the "fraud and hazard" of GM mustard. He said that the Coastal Regulation Zone rules are a great concern to the Ministry particularly the issues of fisherman and the Ministry will soon come out with a solution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telugu actor Allu Sirish feels he needs to grow as an actor before taking up big budget projects like "Bahubali". The 29-year-old actor, who prefers doing college romances over actions films, said he would be more than happy if a filmmaker like SS Rajamouli offers him a part in a mass-appealing movie. "If somebody (Rajamouli) of that stature, who sees in me a mass actor (offers me something), I would be pleased, but I feel I should mature as an actor first. I should act in four to five films before taking up mass-appealing and big film like 'Bahubali'," Sirish told PTI. Sirish prefers college romances over action films as he feels the genre is already crowded with big actors. "It is definitely a risky decision not to act in action films. Even an average action film makes good money. Having said that, I am not against action films, but as an young actor there is a dearth of college-going love stories. I really wish to fill that slot. Risks are there, but rewards will also be good," he said. The actor was in the city to promote his latest release, "Srirasthu Subhamastu," produced by Allu Aravind under theGeetha Arts banner. Sirish said he really hopes that his film is remade in Kannada language so that the story of the film reaches a wider audience. "If popular actor like Ramesh Garu remake my film in Kannada, the story will reach a larger audience. And if, Ramesh sir casts me then that will be an even greater achievement. I really hope the film is remade in Kannada and other languages too," Sirish said. Ramesh, who was present at the event, said he is always interested in a good story. Asked whether he would love doing a film with brother Allu Arjun, Sirish said, "If there is a script revolving around me and Arjun as brothers, I would do. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 43-year-old US man was sentenced to two years in prison today for sexually assaulting a woman while she slept on a flight from Dubai to New York. Nadeem Mehmood Quraishi, from Staten Island in New York, was handed the statutory maximum punishment for carrying out the assault while on board an Emirates flight on October 26, 2015. Quraishi was convicted by a jury in April following a US federal trial in Brooklyn. His victim fell asleep after taking prescription medication on the more than 12-hour flight from Dubai to John F Kennedy International Airport. In the original complaint, the woman said that after she woke up, Quraishi -- who was sitting next to her in economy class -- asked if she had a good nap. She then discovered lotion had been spread on her arms, chest and up her legs. When going to the bathroom, she noticed that her underwear had been shifted and lotion smeared underneath. Confronted by flight attendants, Quraishi admitted it, prosecutors said. US attorney Robert Capers called it "an outrageous affront to what should have been a safe and peaceful passage on an international flight." Diego Rodriguez, head of the FBI's office in New York, said the defendant took "full advantage" of his victim while she was at her most vulnerable. "It's unfair to ask passengers to keep their wits about them for more than half a day in the air, which is why we take crimes aboard aircraft so seriously," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajya Sabha member and senior Bihar BJP leader Gopal Narain Singh today said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's regime is a "Super Jungle Raj". "Things which did not happen even during Lalu Prasad's regime are now taking place in Nitish Kumar's regime. This is the revival of Jungle Raj which is evident from the fact that incidents of loot, kidnappings, ransom etc have become the order of the day. Criminals are demanding extortion from IG and DIG," Singh told reporters here. Singh, former Bihar BJP president, said "Nitish Kumar does not have any control over the administration...This is the beginning of Super Jungle Raj." Things have gone out of control completely from Kumar's hands which was evident from the fact that a Pakistani flag was hoisted in CM's hometown Nalanda. Besides, pro-Pakistan slogan was raised in the state capital, Singh alleged. Terming "prohibition" as a "cheap publicity" gimmick, Singh said the CM has been touring various states, but no one was heeding to his pleas for prohibition. It was Nitish Kumar, who in his first 10 years of rule opened a huge numbers of liquor shops across the state and got people addicted to liquor. Now he wants to ban it overnight, which is not possible, he said. The former BJP chief suggested Kumar to concentrate on improving law and order and development activities, instead of indulging in activities to build his personality through "prohibition". The BJP leader said he would go to Chapra tomorrow and take stock of the situation, which led to clashes between two communities few days back over an objectionable photo and video related to a particular community. In reply to a query over appointment of a new state BJP president, Singh said, "The (current) state president has completed his tenure of three years and now the central leadership has to take a decision in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An American who entered Pakistan last week after being expelled from the country five years earlier will be deported again after being interrogated, the interior minister said today. Matthew Barrett, a 33-year-old Alabama native, had spent four years in Pakistan, where he married a local woman and had two children, before being kicked out of the country in 2011 after being detained near a sensitive military installation. The US and Pakistan are allies but have had fraught relations over the years. Washington has at times accused Islamabad of failing to do enough to combat terrorism. Pakistan was angered by the US commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden north of Islamabad in 2011, which was carried out without its knowledge. Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Barrett was never suspected of spying, but was involved in "wrongdoing," without elaborating. Khan said Barrett was detained at a guest house in the capital, Islamabad, last week after he submitted incorrect information in a visa application to the Pakistani Consulate in Houston. In media reports and a letter smuggled from jail in 2011 to the Guardian newspaper, Barrett denied he was a spy and claimed to be a victim of simmering US-Pakistani tensions following the bin Laden raid. He was eventually deported and blacklisted. Pakistani authorities have arrested two airport immigration staffers who cleared Barrett's re-entry and have launched an investigation into the incident. Barrett's detention was today extended for two weeks, according to Raja Nazeer, an attorney representing the two immigration officials. Nazeer said Barrett has a valid visa. Barrett told the court he returned to collect documents for his wife and children, who relocated to the United States in 2011, and that he had not paid any bribes or had any prior acquaintance with the immigration officials, Nazeer said. The lawyer said the case against Barrett "has no grounds." Barrett was arrested in his hometown, Huntsville, Alabama, in April 2013 for drug possession. A report in The Huntsville Times quoting court records said he was arrested April 4 at a house on Whitesburg Drive. It said Madison County drug enforcement agents found marijuana, LSD and prescription pain medication. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a move that is aimed at deterring convicts from applying for parole frequently, Maharashtra Government's Prisons Department has proposed that this period of temporary release be excluded while counting the sentence period. Accordingly, if a convict avails of parole, he or she would have to serve his sentence plus the period of parole. The proposal comes in the wake of murder convict Sajjad Moghul jumping his parole. Moghul was sentenced to life sentence for molesting and murdering 25-year-old law professional Pallavi Purkayastha in Mumbai in 2012. After he was granted parole recently, he absconded. Eyebrows were also raised after the government released actor Sanjay Dutt - convicted in 1993 Mumbai blasts case - from jail in February this year, days before his scheduled release. He had availed of parole frequently during his prison term. Principal Secretary (Home) Vijay Satbir Singh told reporters that such a provision (of excluding parole period from sentence) exists in the 'Modern Prison Manual' of the Central government. "If approved by the state Cabinet, the government will have to amend the law," he said. An official in the Home Department also said that as per the proposal, district collector will get the powers to grant parole, while the divisional commissioner will act as the appellate authority. "The prisons department has further proposed that after the jail superintendent clears the application, it will be scrutinised by the Inspector General, Additional Director General of Police and two IPS officers in the Prisons Department," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today dedicated 100 godowns to farmers and launched distribution of mobile handsets among women farmers of the state. The 100 godowns constructed at the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) level by the Cooperation Department for conservation of fertilizers, seeds and harvested paddy have a cumulative capacity of 41,425 MT. Patnaik said that the government was constructing 1264 godowns for storing foodgrains at village level. As many as 3.5 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains can be stored after completion of 1264 godowns, he said. The Chief Minister also distributed mobile phone sets to 10 women Kisan Credit Card holders on the occasion. Under this programme, 41,000 free mobile phone stes will be distributed to Women Kisan Credit Card holders. Patnaik said the PACs need to be strong in the state as the cooperative banks in Odisha provide loans to 65 per cent of farmers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul asked students to do a lot of reading to excel in whatever field they choose for themselves. "Extensive reading is required to hone your skills and develop excellence in any field of your choice," Paul said. The toppers conclave, an initiative of the Governor was started last year with university toppers of different subjects, their teachers and Vice Chancellors participation in it. Noting that the interest and involvement shown by students had made the conclave a vibrant and fruitful affair, Paul said he hoped that the students had made good use of their time at the event and were going from here as more confident and aware persons. The conclave has given them the opportunity to interact with experts from various fields, he said The conclave had also encouraged interpersonal communication which must have been refreshing for them in this era of interaction through technology. "We must maintain a balance in the way in which we communicate with people. While being tech-savvy, try and communicate face to face with people," he said. The Governor also called upon the youngsters to always focus more on developing their emotional quotient than merely their intelligence quotient. He said EQ will determine their success in life and help them become good team leaders. He said it was always important to exchange ones views with others in order to gain a better perspective of the world. He said another mantra for success was to love one's work and be emotionally involved with it. He expressed the hope that the toppers had discovered their strengths and weaknesses during the conclave on which they would work. Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the toppers' conclave was a wonderful concept initiated by the Governor and would soon become the most awaited annual event in the state. Nineteen toppers from Uttarakhand based universities were also awarded by the Chief Minister on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI-M today demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi use the hotline facility to talk to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the Kashmir issue even as it pressed for opening of a political dialogue with the stakeholders. At an all-party meeting on the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley, CPI-M also asked the government to take a series of confidence-building measures including stopping the use of pellet guns to quell the ongoing unrest there. "There was virtual unanimity on the suggestion that a political dialogue should be started immediately with all stakeholders in the state to restore normalcy," party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said after the meeting. Along with the political dialogue, the government should announce confidence-building measures like stoppage of use of pellet guns on protestors and withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from civilian areas where the armed forces are not required, he told PTI. The army can be deployed in areas prone to infiltration, he said. During the meeting, Yechury asked Modi to use the hotline to talk to Sharif on the Kashmir issue. He said this channel of communication should not be stopped. Another measure to win the confidence of the Kashmiri people would be that the Union Home Ministry issues a directive to all states to take stringent action against anyone harassing or indulging in violence against Kashmiri youths studying or working there, Yechury said. He also wanted the Centre to pay compensation to those killed in the violence and pick up the tab for entire medical expenses of those injured, including those admitted at the AIIMS here. Referring to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement during the meeting that Pakistan has raised the issue in UNHRC, he said, "We think the government must refer cases of human rights violations in Kashmir to the National Human Rights Commission" to counter such attempts. "We have always maintained that Kashmir dispute is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and should be resolved by them. There is no question of third-party interference in it," Yechury said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police constable was shot dead by an unidentified person at Bariyarpur railway station in Bihar's Munger district. Kumar Saurabh was undergoing training at Bhagalpur police line and currently deputed in Sultanganj for 'Shravan Mela', Superintendent of Police Ashish Bharti said. He was called at the railway station by someone last night, where an unidentified person shot him in the head around 9 PM, the SP said. The constable was admitted to Munger Sadar hospital where the doctors referred him to Patna. He died around 2 AM while being taken to Patna. Railway police are investigating the matter, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan University today signed an MoU with National Insurance for a scheme under which a student will be provided a life insurance cover of Rs 5.50 lakh. "In case of the death of a student in accident, the family will get Rs 5.50 lakh. If a student gets injured in accident, a medical assistance of Rs 40,000 will be provided," the university spokesperson said. The scheme is for 28,000 students and the premium is Rs 40 per annum per student. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gangster Chhota Rajan, prime accused in the journalist J Dey murder case, thought that the veteran crime reporter was working for his rival Dawood Ibrahim and ISI, according to the charge sheet filed by CBI. Dey was killed, allegedly upon Rajan's instructions, in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011. According to CBI, Rajan told one Manoj on phone that journalist Jigna Vora (a co-accused) used to tell him "repeatedly" that Dey "is writing wrong things and is in touch with the other gang", and was a traitor. Transcripts of Rajan's telephonic conversations are part of the charge sheet filed by CBI in a local court last week. Rajan further said that Dey was not a good person, and was working for Dawood and ISI. Jigna used to tell him that Dey was a "traitor", he said. Dey's wife told CBI that for a month before his murder, he was very upset. "Once he told me that he was going to die but not due to illness," her statement reads. According to Dey's mother, around 15 days before his death he had told her that he would be visiting the Philippines. A few days before his death she also received a call from the accused Vinod Chembur (who later died) enquiring about Dey. Fifteen days prior to the murder Dey had signed agreement with actor Ajay Devgn for writing a film script, she said. The charge sheet also contains statements of journalists with whom Rajan spoke on phone after Dey's murder. Rajan told one of them that he regretted killing Dey. "A reporter has to remain in his limits and work ...If you are writing lies..You are inviting serious trouble," Rajan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RBI's Executive Director Gurumoorthy Mahalingam was today appointed Whole-Time Member of market regulator Sebi. He has been appointed to the post for five years, or till the age of 65 years whichever is earliest. He will get a consolidated salary of Rs 3.75 lakh, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training said. Besides Chairman, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) can have three WTMs, but one post has been vacant since retirement of Prashant Saran in June. The existing WTMs are Rajeev Kumar Agarwal and S Raman. While Chairman U K Sinha will retire next year, the term of one existing WTM will end this year itself, search process for whose replacement has already been initiated. Mahalingam is Executive Director and former regional director of Reserve Bank of India. He has also been associated with NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets), an educational initiative of Sebi, as part of its visiting faculty. He has been associated with RBI for last 30 years in various roles as Inspecting Officer, Chief Forex Dealer, Chief Investment Dealer, Head of Internal Debt Management Department. In his current role at the central bank, Mahalingam is involved in monitoring and surveillance of money, forex, government securities and derivative markets intervention operations, besides conduct of liquidity operations, forex intervention operations and open market operations. He is MSc in Statistics and Operations Research from IIT, Kanpur and an MBA in International Banking and Finance from Birmigham Business School, UK. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Legislative Assembly today passed a resolution demanding Marathi be made official language of the state along with Konkani, but with a rider that stakeholders would be taken into confidence. Independent MLA Naresh Sawal moved the private members' resolution on the floor of the House to make Marathi as official language of Goa along with Konkani, which is already notified by the government. The resolution was amended by BJP MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar, who added that stakeholders and people should be taken into confidence before notifying Marathi as official language. The resolution was opposed by opposition member, Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, who claimed, "Goa's unique identity would be diluted if Marathi will be allowed to be made official language along with Konkani." "Konkani has been already declared as official language of the state, which saw wide spread agitation during the 80s on the issue. Let the people decide on official language. Legislative Assembly should not decide," he said, calling for referendum on the issue on lines with the opinion poll that was held to decide about merger of Goa with neighbouring Maharashtra. Goa Vikas Party legislator Caetan Silva and Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that notifying Marathi as official language "would create rift in the state." BJP MLA Vishnu Wagh supporting the resolution narrated historical anecdotes of how Marathi language and its literature has roots in Goa as much in Maharashtra. He accused some of the legislators of speaking in the House on the issue "without knowing the history of the language. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rhino Horn Verification process entered its second day today as 509 rhino horns stored in the Golaghat state treasury were verified. So far 222 kg of rhino horns were verified for their genuineness and updating the complete inventory of rhino horns in the custody of Assam government, said a government release. The verification process has been going on smoothly with the help of the state forensic laboratory scientists as they were conducting both physiological and histological studies for quick verification, the release said. Golaghat treasury has the highest number of rhino horns stored among 13 treasuries of Assam where rhino horns were stored, the release said. Golaghat treasury has 39 box full of rhino horns and 12 of them have been opened so far, verified under the watchful eyes of experts and was done on camera. Special closed circuit TVs has been set up and monitors have been kept out for monitoring by any member of the public with a similar second hand-held camera recording every moment of the proceedings for transparency and creditability, the release said. The Rhino Horn Verification Committee under the chairmanship of the former Assam State Information Commissioner Mohan Chandra Malakar began the verification process yesterday in a secured room inside Golaghat Circuit House. The 12-member committee has four wildlife experts, two representatives from the media, one RTI activist, one forensic scientist, beside four high officials of the Assam Forest Department to monitor the protocols and opening, verification and resealing. Owing to Independence Day celebration as well as the treasury's other official commitments, the verification would resume on August 23 for another three days of verification for the Golaghat treasury, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A moderate crowd turned out to take a holy dip in river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, where the 12-day 'Pushkaram' festival began today with traditional gaiety and religious fervour, even as a 6-year-old boy and a head constable died during the festivity. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Bhuvaneswari joined Kanchi seer Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswati in taking the holy dip in the river Krishna at Durga Ghat here. Though everything appeared to be going smoothly, tragedy struck late in the evening when a six-year-old boy drowned in the river at Padmavati bathing ghat in the city. "The boy accidentally drowned in the river and died," Police Commissioner Gautam Sawang told PTI. The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakhs and construction of a new house for the boy's family. No other untoward incident was reported at the bathing ghats but a Head Constable deployed for Pushkaram bandobust duties was fatally knocked down by a car at Gudavalli village near here. 'Krishna Pushkaram' is a river festival that comes once in 12 years and celebrated with traditional gaiety for 12 days. Though the government estimated that about 15 lakh pilgrims would take a holy dip in the Vijayawada city alone on day one, only a moderate crowd of over six lakh actually turned up, said an official overseeing the festival. With three consecutive holidays from Saturday, authorities hope the numbers would swell considerably. Naidu and his wife later performed "gau puja" for the "prosperity of the state" and took the blessings of the Kanchi seer. Having faced the blame for the stampede incident on the opening day of the Godavari Pushkaram at Rajamahendravaram last year, the Chief Minister stayed away from any fanfare this time and the Durga Ghat was closed for common people for the supposed 'inaugural' event early in the morning. Deputy Chief Minister N China Rajappa and a host of other ministers also took a holy dip on the occasion. Vijayawada wore a festive look as lakhs of pilgrims arrived in the city and headed for various bathing ghats to take the holy dip. The hill shrine of Goddess Kanaka Durga, presiding deity of Vijayawada, swarmed with devotees, who offered special pujas. Today being an auspicious Friday in the month of Sravana, women conducted 'Varalakshmi vratam', a traditional ritual, with devotion. The replica temple of Lord Venkateswara at Swarajya Maidan also attracted scores of devotees. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Akshaya Patra Foundation have made arrangements for free food supply to four lakh pilgrims on all days of the festival. Police deployed drones to record the activities at all Pushkar ghats while the government administration is using mobile applications to monitor every aspect, including crowd management, related to the event. Krishna Pushkaram is conducted in Kurnool, Guntur and Krishna districts of AP where the river flows. In all, 170 bathing ghats have been readied for the event in which a total of 3.5 crore devotees are expected to take part over the 12 days. Vijayawada city alone is expected to witness a crowd of about 25 lakh per day, according to officials' assumption. The festival is also being celebrated in Telangana, which is among the states where the Krishna river flows through. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao took a holy dip in the river at Gondimalla village in Mahbubnagar district and visited Jogulamba Temple along with his family members. Thousands of pilgrims took a holy dip in Krishna across Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda districts where the river passes through and offered prayers at the temples located on its banks, a senior official said. Anurag Sharma, Telangana DGP, has said as many as 13,474 police personnel were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Eight senior most IPS officers have been posted for micro-level supervision. The state government has set up 57 Pushkar Ghats in Mahbubnagar and 28 in Nalgonda districts for the convenience of the pilgrims. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev today said Russia could break diplomatic ties with Ukraine over reported security incidents in Crimea, something it didn't even do after annexing Crimea or throwing its support behind separatist rebels in the east. State agencies quoted Medvedev as saying that he wouldn't like the ties to be severed but "if there is no other way to change the situation, the president could take this step." Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. Despite that and the conflict in the east, which has killed more than 9,500 people, Kiev and Moscow didn't break diplomatic ties. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin earlier this week also spoke of that possibility but said Kiev wouldn't want that because it would mean abandoning 4 million Ukrainians who live and work in Russia. Medvedev's announcement comes after Ukraine put its troops on combat alert yesterday along the country's de-facto borders with Crimea, amid an escalating war of words with Russia over Crimea. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier today appealed to Russia and Ukraine to avoid a further escalation in tensions after Moscow accused Kiev of sending "saboteurs" to conduct attacks in annexed Crimea. He said in comments published by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that Germany is in contact with both countries, and he plans to speak with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a previously planned visit to Russia on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed today filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking direction to the Nawaz Sharif government to take up Kashmir issue at UN Security Council. Filed through his counsel A K Dogar, Saeed in his petition said the PML-N government is practically doing nothing to take up the matter of Indian 'atrocities' in Kashmir at different international forums except issuing statements. He said the Indian claim to Kashmir is based on 'very controversial and forced accession' to India made by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947 when he was fleeing from his capital Srinagar. He said accession of Jammu and Kashmir by both India and Pakistan should be decided through the democratic method of free and impartial plebiscite to promote international peace and security. Saeed requested the LHC to give direction to the federal government under Article 9 of the Constitution for enforcement of fundamental right to live with peace and security without fear of another war with India, to take immediate steps and impress upon the UN Security Council to appoint Plebiscite Administration to take measures to implement the UN Security Council's resolution (1948) subsisting till that date. Besides the government should press upon the UN Security Council to fix a fresh date for holding plebiscite in Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today expressed concern over exploitation of caste, religion and other divisive tactics during violent mass demonstrations in which protesters destroy public and private property making task difficult for police who also become target of the mob. The court, which made the remarks while awarding a compensation ranging from Rs one lakh to two lakh to three Kashmiri migrants who were assaulted by the police in Jammu and Kashmir during a protest in 2007, also noted that there were numerous instances where separatist groups have "provoked violence" making the task difficult and delicate for the cops. It said in curbing such violence or dispersing unlawful assemblies, police have to accomplish their task with utmost care as law and order needs to be restored but it should also be ensured that "unnecessary force" is not used. "In Kashmir itself there have been numerous instances where separatist groups have provoked violence. In this scenario, task of the police and law enforcing agencies becomes more difficult and delicate," the bench comprising justices A K Sikri and R K Agrawal said. "In curbing such violence or dispersing unlawful assemblies, police has to accomplish its task with utmost care, deftness and precision. Thus, on the one hand, law and order needs to be restored and at the same time, it is also to be ensured that unnecessary force or the force beyond what is absolutely essential is not used," it said. The bench, which was dealing with the petition of three Kashmiri migrants who had planned to take out peaceful protest march up to Delhi for ventilating their grievances and were assaulted by the police in Jammu and Kashmir in 2007, said "Policemen are required to undergo special training to deal with these situations." "Many times the situations turn ugly or go out of control because of lack of sufficient training to the police personnel to deal with violence and challenges to their authority," it said while expressing its displeasure that frequent exploitation on grounds of caste, religious, regional language and class divisions to foment violence during demonstrations is "unfortunate". The bench said, "It is also becoming a common ground that religious, ethnic, regional language, caste and class divisions are frequently exploited to foment violence whenever mass demonstrations or dharnas etc take place. It is unfortunate that more often than not, such protestors take to hooliganism, vandalism and even destroy public/private property." "In the process, when police tries to control, the protestors/mob violently target policemen as well. Unruly groups and violent demonstrations are so common that people have become to see them as an appendage of Indian democracy. All these situations frequently result in police using force. This in turn exacerbates public anger against the police," it said. The court's observation came while awarding compensation of Rs 2 lakh to Anita Thakur, who is a general secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party, and Rs 1 lakh each to the party's secretary and a senior journalist who were beaten up by the police on August 7, 2007 during the protest. According to the petitioners, the march up to Delhi was for highlighting the grievances of Jammu migrants, who were forced to leave their homes between 1996-1999 due to the terrorist attacks on these families. The apex court said that after going through the materials placed before it, they have found that initially it was the protestors who had taken the law into their hands by turning their peaceful agitation into a violent one but the police continued use of force beyond limits after they had controlled the mob. "They (police) had virtually apprehended these petitioners making them immobile. However, their attack on these petitioners continued even thereafter when it was not at all needed. As far as injuries suffered by these petitioners are concerned, such a situation could clearly be avoided," the bench said. (Reopens LGD 45) The bench said, "It is apparent that to that extent, respondents misused their power. To that extent, fundamental right of the petitioners, due to police excess, has been violated. In such circumstances, in exercise of its power under Article 32 of the Constitution, this court can award compensation to the petitioners." The apex court said that when an assembly is peaceful, use of police force is not warranted at all but when the assembly becomes violent, "it may necessitate and justify using reasonable police force." It said that it becomes a "more serious problem" when the police "indulges in excesses and crosses the limit by using excessive force thereby becoming barbaric or by not halting even after controlling the situation and continuing its tirade". "This results in violation of human rights and human dignity. That is the reason that human rights activists feel that police frequently abuses its power to use force and that becomes a serious threat to the rule of law," it said. The bench noted that holding peaceful demonstration in order to air the grievances and to see that their voice is heard in the relevant quarters is the right of the people and it can be traced to the fundamental freedom guaranteed under the Constitution. "It hardly needs elaboration that a distinguishing feature of any democracy is the space offered for legitimate dissent. One cherished and valuable aspect of political life in India is a tradition to express grievances through direct action or peaceful protest. Organised, non-violent protest marches were a key weapon in the struggle for independence, and the right to peaceful protest is now recognised as a fundamental right in the Constitution," it said. The bench, however, said that it should also be borne in mind that these rights were subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, as well as public order. The Supreme Court today came down heavily on the Centre and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on it for not replying to a plea seeking framing of guidelines for vehicles carrying protruding objects like iron rods and stationary ones which cause thousands of fatal mishaps across the country. "Innocents are dying from haphazardly parked vehicles, protruding rods from trucks and for three years you did not change law or respond. "Due to your indifference, thousands of people are losing their lives. How can you ask for more time? You have not filed counter affidavit for more than a year," a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said observed while hearing a PIL filed by NGO Save Life Foundation. Initially, the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and reacted sharply when the lawyer sought a lenient approach and more time. "Is this a panchayat going on here? If you ask one more time then the cost would be Rs one lakh," it responded, forcing Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to intervene to save the day for the lawyer representing the Centre in the case. "Please grant one more opportunity," Rohatgi pleaded. The court then scaled down the fine to Rs 25,000 and granted four weeks time to the Centre to file the response. "Despite final opportunity granted for the purpose in terms of our order dated October 30, 2015, the counsel appearing for Union of India has not chosen to file any counter affidavit. The Attorney General who appears today seeks one more opportunity to do the needful finally. "Four weeks' time is granted to the respondent - Union of India -- for filing counter affidavit subject to the condition of payment of Rs 25,000 as costs to be deposited in the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Welfare Trust. Rejoinder affidavit, if any, be filed within one week thereafter," it said. At the outset, the Centre said that it has changed the law with regard to vehicles carrying protruding objects as they can only carry such objects protruding one metre more than the size of the vehicles. "You are the biggest litigant on the planet and this is your conduct. You have not filed the reply for so many years," the bench said, adding that the government, which does not respond, blames judiciary for the delay. Senior advocate Indu Malhotra, appearing for the NGO, highlighted issues regarding stationary vehicles causing accidents and said that Centre has not filed its reply in the case. The court then asked the counsel, appearing for the Centre, as to why it has not been filed despite a direction to that effect nearly a year ago. The NGO in its plea had contended that large number of accidents and fatalities were caused by "vehicles that are stationary, or stalled on streets, highways and expressways; and vehicles transporting [protruding] iron rods, angles, pipes, poles and other construction materials". Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and other makers of high-end cars and SUVs today got a major relief from the Supreme Court which lifted its order banning registration of luxurious vehicles having engine capacity of 2000cc and above in Delhi and NCR on payment of one per cent of the ex-showroom price of such automobiles as green cess. The apex court vacated the embargo on registration of such vehicles after taking on record the affidavits of Mercedes, Toyota and its dealers as well as that of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) offering to deposit one per cent of the price of the vehicles as Environment Protection Charge (EPC) before the registration. While modifying its December 16, 2015 order banning registration of such vehicles in the national capital which was extended to National Capital Region (NCR) by its March 31, 2016 order, a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said the one per cent amount, charged as EPC, shall be paid to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which will open a separate account with a scheduled public sector bank. The apex court said that the registration of the vehicle would be done by the Regional Transport Officer on the satisfaction that one per cent of the cost of the vehicle has been deposited with CPCB by the vehicle manufacturers/dealers/ sub-dealers. However, it left open for adjudication the Centre's opposition that such a charge cannot be levied by the court. The bench, also comprising Justices A K Sikri and R Banumathi, said it will decide later whether green cess can be levied on diesel vehicles of below 2000cc engine capacity. As the hearing was concluding, the bench orally clarified that any enhancement or reduction of green cess would not have a retrospective effect. While making it clear that the order was modified only to the extent that registration of such vehicles would be done on the deposit of the one per cent of the amount of the cost of the vehicle towards environment protection cess, the bench said, "Let the things start moving." It also said that the sword should not be hanging over the companies that today the environment cess is one per cent and tomorrow it may be 10 per cent. Mercedes-Benz through senior advocate Mohan Parasaran and Gopal Subramanian, had made the offer of one per cent as environment compensation charge which was also backed by Toyota through its counsel Gopal Jain and Vijay Sondhi. They were joined by SIAM through senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today voiced concern as to what would be the fate of Pakistani nationals on their release from Indian jails after completing their prison terms if Pakistan did not accept them as it citizens. "The question which has to be looked into is that if we send these nationals back to their nation and if the other country refuses to accept them, then what would be their status and condition. "This court can't go beyond the territory of the country. How to deal with that situation is what we need to look into," a bench comprising Justices J Chelameswar and Abhay Manohar Sapre observed during the hearing of a petition espousing the cause of Pakistani prisoners arrested for illegally entering India through Jammu and Kashmir. Senior advocate and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leader Bhim Singh, who has filed a petition in this regard, said 37 prisoners were still languishing in Amritsar jail and they should be repatriated to their country as they have completed their sentence. During the hearing, the Centre told the bench as per the earlier directions of the apex court, Pakistani nationals who are languishing in jails here are being sent back to their country. It also informed the court that there was already an agreement with the government of Pakistan on this aspect and the needful was being done. Expressing serious concern over prolonged imprisonment of such prisoners, the court had earlier directed the Centre to release and repatriate within four weeks 61 Pakistani nationals languishing in jails in India despite having undergone their punishment for various offences. It had also asked the government to bring in a suitable mechanism to ensure that such foreign nationals are not forced to remain in jails as courts are being frequently flooded with complaints about Pakistani nationals being incarcerated in jails despite having served their sentence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior military commander of Pakistan's army today accused India of launching an 'unconventional war' against Pakistan by supporting militant groups. Lt-Gen Aamer Riaz, Commander Army's Southern Command based in Quetta, made the remarks while talking to reporters. "The arrest of Kulbhushan Yadav, a RAW agent, from Balochistan is an indication that India has mounted an unconventional war on us... India wants to spread chaos and anarchy in Pakistan," he claimed. Pakistan said the alleged Indian spy was arrested in March. In a video, he had confessed planning to carry out subversive activities in Balochistan and Karachi. General Riaz said people opposed to progress of Pakistan were hatching conspiracies. "Conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan and foreign elements are aiding local militants to fuel unrest in the country," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan was again "detained" at a US airport, the third time in seven years that he has been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports, with the actor expressing disappointment on social media. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," (sic) the actor tweeted after being detained at the Los Angeles airport. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," the 50-year-old actor said in another tweet referring to the widely popular web game. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department of State Nisha Desai Biswal has apologised for "hassle" Khan faced at the airport. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening," Biswal tweeted. Her Twitter account says that the tweets there "are my own". This was not the first instance that Khan was detained at an American airport by immigration officials. In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plainsairport near New York for overtwo hours by immigration officials. Khan was in the US to visit Yale University and was accompanied by Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. He was understood to have been travelling in a private plane. Following the incident, sources had then told PTI that while Ambani and the rest of their group was cleared immediately, Khan was stopped and was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. Yale University officials had to contact and speak with officials at the Department of HomelandSecurity and Department of US Immigration and Customs in Washington when they were informed that Khan was held up at the airport. After the incident in New York, Khan had said, "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom," Khan had said to the Yale students. In 2009, Khan was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours. Following the incident, Khan had sought to downplay the "unfortunate procedure" at Newark airport and had said that he would not demand an apology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 36-year-old Sikh man was shot dead by a masked gunman during an armed robberyat a convenience store in the US. Amanjeet Singh Toor was shot dead early Monday during the robberyat the store in Arizona where he worked. The assailant then chased the other employees out of the store before returningto grab a bag, police added. The police, along with Toor's family are seeking public's help to find the attacker. The shooter has been described wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt,face mask andred gloves. Toor had immigrated from India six years ago and his wife Kamaldeep Kaur. She had recently joined him in Phoenix from India, a report in AZCentral, an Arizona site, said. "This was a very hard loss for us. He was a role model for most of us,"Toor's cousin MickyGill said yesterday at Phoenix police headquarters. About 2,500-3,000 Sikh families live in the Phoenix metro area. The incident again raised concerns over the safety of Sikh-Americans who have been targeted, in the years since the 9/11 attacks, in a slew of hate crimes because of their articles of faith, the beard and turban. Rana Singh Sodhi, a Sikh and community activist,spoke onbehalf of Toor's family, calling for the community to come together to find the perpetrator. "He handed over the money, but was still shot. It begs the question (of racism)," Sodhi said in the report. "We arenew immigrants in this area, but werequest the community come out and help get this person behind bars," he said. Sodhi's brother was killed in a hate crime in Mesa just four days after the September 11, 2001, terror attack on the World Trade Center. "Fifteen years later and we are still not treated right," Sodhi said. "They come into our stores, give us the finger and shout, 'Go back to your country. This is a common thing for us. Any terrorist attack that happens, we get affected every year. Our lives have not been the same since 9/11," Sodhi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan's detention at Los Angeles airport in the USA is very "unfortunate and embarrassing". "I am shocked to hear about the harassment caused to @iamsrk. Security is security but this is very unfortunate and embarrassing," Banerjee tweeted. Khan, who was in the USA to visit Yale University, was "detained" at Los Angeles airport and given immigration clearance after about two hours. This is the third time in seven years that he has been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports. The actor expressed his disappointment on social media. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today apologised to Khan over the incident and said the US is working to ensure that this does not happen again. Khan, who co-owns the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders is also the brand ambassador of the state, and West Bengal Tourism Department will soon come up with a new marketing campaign featuring him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government today said the Reserve Bank has taken various steps, including constitution of a working group to devise import data monitoring and processing system, to prevent instances of foreign exchange violations. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal today said RBI has informed that recently a case of foreign exchange violation at Bank of Baroda's Ashok Vihar branch in the national capital. He told the Lok Sabha that advance import remittances were permitted without verifying the bonafide of transactions. Proper due diligence of both Indian clients as well as overseas suppliers was also not carried out, he added. According to Meghwal, RBI has taken various steps to stop recurrence of such instances. These include putting in place comprehensive guidelines on handling of export/ import transactions to authorised dealer banks and "constitution of a working group to devise an Import Data Monitoring and Processing System," he said in a written reply. Others measures are giving direction to ensure strict adherence with extant guidelines on export/imports, strengthening internal security/ system administration and continued follow up of all cases of advance remittance for import, irrespective of value. The Minister also said steps are taken on priority basis "to upload shipment and realisation details and to convey the progress in special fortnightly reports". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Congolese counterpart Raymond Tshibanda N'Tungamulongo today held talks on a range of bilateral issues including ways to further deepen ties between India and Congo. In the meeting, N'Tungamulongo is understood to have raised the issue of killing of Congolese national Masonda Ketada Oliver here in May that had triggered outrage by African envoys. The two Ministers discussed a host of issues relating to bilateral ties. "Connecting with Heart of Africa. EAM meets DR Congo FM N'tungamulongo as engagements continue on his India visit," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Steel today reiterated it has "widened its conversation" to a more strategic play in the European market and is talking to several players, including the German giant Thyssenkrup, but refused to share more details on future plans. "As far as our European operations are concerned, we are in talks with several players. Thyssenkrup is one of them. When we come to a finality in this subject we will disclose," Tata Steel's group chief financial officer Koushik Chatterjee told reporters on the sidelines of the 109th annual general meeting here this evening. It can be noted that the company, reporting heavy losses in its British operations, have put the assets on the block on March 29, but has so far been unable to get a buyer. "We are looking at a more strategic play, which involves talking to premium steel companies. The idea is to make the business more sustainable in the future," he added. He indicated that the conversations are more about strategic consolidation in the European steel industry. "As part of the conversation, we look at assets and businesses on both sides." Tata Steel and German conglomerate Thyssenkrup have been in talks for several months about a joint venture, among other things, for their European operations. In terms of the sale process of its speciality business in England, Chatterjee said it is progressing well. "We have received initial interest from several bidders and we are moving to the next stage," he said. He added that the processes are not easy, as it is part of Tata Steel British business, which are on the block since late March and the business has to be separated first, then sold and concluded. "So long as we are on the process and we have interest on the other side, it's a good sign," he said. On restructuring the pension scheme for its heavily loss-making British operations, Chatterjee said it is a well funded scheme paying the pensioners at this point of time. "If there are any structural changes will take its own course. We are discussing with various stake holders, including the British government and other stakeholders like the government of Wales and so on," he said. "There is a recognition that pension has a certain impact in a commodity business like steel, so we have to find a structural solution, which does not impact the business going forward," he added. On outlook for India, Tata Steel said: "Realisation in Q2 2016-17 are expected to be affected by lower demand from large steel consuming sectors such as construction and capital goods as well as seasonal sluggishness due to monsoons." Demand is expected to pick up post-monsoon and the festive season on the back of increase in disposable income due to 7th Pay Commission award, good harvest and easier liquidity, it added. Europe, Tata Steel said, is expected to continue to grow gradually though the UK's stronger growth may slow down following its referendum result to exit the European Union. Supply side pressures from imports are expected to continue, it added. CPI-M West Bengal secretary Surya Kanta Mishra today said the ruling Trinamool Congress was "systematically threatening and intimidating workers of opposition parties". Mishra also accused the TMC of trying to poach on opposition MLAs by the use of force and threat. "In areas where the TMC did not fare well in the last Assembly election, it is attacking our party workers and cadres. They are using threat and intimidation to force the opposition MLAs, councillors and public representatives in local bodies to join the TMC. They are not getting funds under MLALAD scheme. They are filing false cases against our cadres," he said. Mishra alleged that more than 180 Left workers over the past five years had been killed by the Trinamool Congress. "Nowhere in India has such a planned and systematic attack taken place to eliminate a political organisation and its movement. What is happening in West Bengal is a savage and premeditated attack on democracy, the democratic rights of citizens and their right to lead a dignified life," a senior CPI-M leader said. In the last one week, several councillors of Left and Congress-controlled municipal bodies have joined the TMC. Although the ruling party led by Mamata Banerjee has claimed that these councillors have joined TMC to become part of the developmental process, the opposition had accused the party of poaching on its public representatives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UK today expressed its keeness to actively participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious project to develop smart cities across India. "Prime Minister Modi is deeply ambitious and we want him to be successful when it comes to the delivery of smart cities. And we know we have the assistance and expertise to really add value," UK International Development Secretary Priti Patel said here. "So meeting the challenges of urabanisation, getting India ready for the bigger picture, the preparedness and responses is absolutely crucial. So bringing expertise is one aspect to that," she said at function. Earlier in the day, she met with Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and announced the UK will share its skills and expertise to drive forward India's vision for new smart cities and boost opportunities for new businesses. Stressing that the UK and India share unique relationship, Patel said the referendum in the UK has "now redefined" the relationship and "elevated it in terms of our place in the world. "...Development opportunities between the UK and India and also India and the rest of the world are absolutely enormous," she said terming India as a "growing and thriving economic power house". She said counter terrorism and national security are the areas where "we stand shoulder to shoulder with India". During her three-day India visit, she will call on Modi and several ministers. She will also meet the UK and Indian business, industry and investment representatives. She will call on the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister in Bhopal. She also called on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to discuss ways in which the two governments can strengthen links between key economic institutions and centers of excellence in the two countries. The two ministers also discussed the transformed UK-India development partnership which was underlined by Modi's UK visit late last year. An official statement said the UK support announced by Patel will come from the UK's Department for International Development and includes technical support for 'Smart Cities Mission' which will see British expertise helping plan, design and build smart cities. (REOPENS FGN 6) "We have to make sure that we work together with the international community, whether it is UN agencies or other country donors. It is about how we work together to provide the right support on the ground." "I think the British public should be incredibly proud of the fact that their generosity is saving lives and changing lives in difficult parts of the world, from north-east Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia to South Sudan." When she was appointed as the DfID minister by British Prime Minister Theresa May's in July 2016 just weeks after the Brexit referendum, Patel had declared her goal as ensuring that British aid delivers the country's global vision outside the European Union (EU). She sees her job as making sure the international aid system "does what it says on the tin" and delivers for the world's poorest. She explains: "The British public should be proud and feel confident in the way in which their development system and aid is spent. I am not afraid to stop things that I think don't work in our national interest or may not fit with our strategic priorities in Britain post-Brexit." "I want to demonstrate that our aid is working in our national interest and global interest, certainly in terms of supporting our place in the world." This new vision includes a changed aid relationship with India, where the UK focuses on project-based support after its traditional bilateral aid system came to a close in 2015. "We don't give traditional aid to India but India is still home to 290 million of the world's poorest people. So there is more that we can do with regard to supporting poverty reduction, jobs and livelihood and economic development in India," she said. A UK government review of the country's voting system released today has found evidence of fraud among Britain's Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. In a report presented to Prime Minister Theresa May, former UK communities minister Eric Pickles has called for reforms to the voting system including piloting some form of identification at polling stations and warned that political correctness was resulting in fraud going unchecked in these South Asian communities. "Evidence was presented of pressure being put on vulnerable members of some ethnic minority communities, particularly women and young people, to vote according to the will of the elders, especially in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi background," the report says. "There were concerns that influence and intimidation within households may not be reported, and that state institutions had turned a blind eye to such behaviour because of 'politically correct' over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion," it adds. The review was commissioned after last year's court case over postal voting fraud, which resulted in the disqualification of Lutfur Rahman as Tower Hamlet borough's elected mayor in east London. "Last year's court ruling in Tower Hamlets was a wake-up call that state bodies need to do far more to stamp out corruption and restore public confidence. It was local residents who lost out from the crooked politicians who bullied them and wasted their money. The law must be applied equally and fairly to everyone," said Pickles as he launched his findings and 50 recommendations. "The worrying and covert spread of electoral fraud and state of denial by some bodies threatens our nation's proud heritage as the 'mother of Parliaments'. It is time to take action to take on the electoral crooks and defend Britain's free and fair elections," he said. His review was set to examine what steps are necessary to stop voter registration fraud and error, postal voting fraud, impersonation, intimidation, bribery, treating and undue influence and recommending to government what practical changes are needed to legislation, guidance and practice. "This report will be an important contribution to our fight against all types of fraud in the UK. We will look closely at the recommendations," said Chris Skidmore, UK minister for the Constitution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan have a robust new mandate and thousands of additional troops despite government opposition to the move, raising the possibility of clashes between blue helmets and the country's armed forces. The Security Council today approved a US-drafted resolution granting expanded powers to peacekeepers requiring them to use "all necessary means" to protect UN personnel and installations and to take "proactive" measures to protect civilians from threats. The resolution also adds an additional 4,000 soldiers from Africa nations, bringing the peacekeeping force's troops to around 17,000. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, has been criticised for failing to protect civilians when UN sites came under attack last month. It has also been accused of failing to intervene in cases where government forces allegedly committed rapes outside UN camps. The vote was 11 in favor with Russia, China, Venezuela and Egypt abstaining. Those abstaining cited concerns over the Security Council's failure to obtain South Sudan's consent for the regional protection force that would patrol around Juba, the capital. South Sudan's Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal told the council his country rejected the resolution because it failed to consider his country's views. "The adoption of this resolution goes against the basic principle of UN peacekeeping operations which is the consent of the main parties to the conflict and also goes against the UN Charter," Malwal said. "Consent of South Sudan to the mandate and operational modalities of the protection force outlined in the resolution would have been important as it would have given the force all the necessary freedoms to carry out the outlined mandated tasks." US deputy ambassador David Pressman said he was aware of South Sudan's reservations. "We recognise that the government of South Sudan, which has agreed to the protection force in principle, has and continues to express a number of concerns on the modalities of the resolution. That's why the resolution keeps an eye toward continued conversation with the government," Pressman said. In South Sudan, Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said his country was not prepared to accept the 4,000 troops unless their mandate was limited to the protection of peace monitors, humanitarian agencies and internally displaced persons. "Unless they are coming to invade South Sudan, we are a sovereign country. If the whole world has decided to make us a protectorate, we will see from there," Ateny said. "If we do not cooperate they cannot come. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three armed men looted an engineer of Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation Limited in Muzaffarnagar district and decamped with his car, police said. Mohammad Hussain was robbed of his cash and valuables, including a mobile phone, yesterday when he was returning from work near Mansurpur railway station. A case has been registered against unidentified miscreants. In another incident in the district, five miscreants looted Rs 7,000 from a man, identified as Vipin Balyan, on Bhokerhari road and stabbed him when he opposed them, police said. Balyan was later admitted to district hospital. A hunt is on to nab the culprits. Separately, three miscreants ran away with the rickshaw of a man after stabbing him on Miana road last night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anti-racism organisations and human rights groups vowed today to overturn a "deeply worrying" ban on the wearing of burqinis, full-body swimsuits, on the beaches of Cannes, the French Riviera resort famous for its annual film festival. Cannes' mayor David Lisnard signed off on the ruling that "access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have (bathing apparel) which respects good customs and secularism," which is a founding principle of the French republic. SOS Racisme attacked what it said was the mayor's "strategy of tension". An umbrella organisation of groups against Islamophobia, the CCIF, said it was "deeply worried" about the ban, which it viewed as "a new attack on the most basic principles of law". It said it was planning to oppose the ban in the courts. The ban also came under fire from the Socialist Party, who are in opposition to the centre-right Republicans who control Cannes. The local Socialist branch said the burkini ban was an attempt at grabbing headlines which would "play into the hands of religious fundamentalists". Thierry Migoule, head of municipal services in Cannes, sought to clarify the intent of the burqini ban, which is in place until August 31. "We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach... But ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us," he said. The issue comes at a highly sensitive time for relations with Muslims in France after two attacks last month linked to the Islamic State (IS) group. On July 14 the nearby Riviera city of Nice was the target of an attack claimed by IS which killed 85 people, when a truck ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day. On July 26, a priest was killed in his church in northwestern France by two attackers who had proclaimed their allegiance to Islamic State. Islamic dress is a hot-button issue in France, where the full-face veil is banned in public places. But there is no ban on wearing religious symbols or clothing. Earlier this week a waterpark in Marseille, another city on France's south coast, cancelled plans to host a private event for Muslim women wearing burqinis after they sparked outrage, including from politicians on both the right and left. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Ambassador to India Richard Verma today apologised to Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan for his over two-hour detention at Los Angeles airport and said the US was working to ensure that it does not happen again. Verma's comment on Twitter was appreciated by Khan who thanked him for his concern. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," Verma tweeted. Khan, who was in the US to visit Yale University, was detained at Los Angeles airport and given immigration clearance only after about two hours. Responding to Verma's tweet, the 50-year-old actor said, "No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. It's just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern." It is the third time in seven years that Khan has been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports. The actor expressed disappointment on social media after the incident. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," (sic) the actor tweeted. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department of State Nisha Desai Biswal also apologised to Khan for the "hassle". "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening," Biswal tweeted. In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plains airport near New York for overtwo hours by immigration officials. In 2009, he was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States has tentatively welcomed possible Turkish-Russian cooperation against jihadists in Syria, as Ankara has proposed to Moscow, even if those countries support opposing camps there. "We remain in close contact with our Turkish allies and our partners in the fight against Daesh," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said yesterday, using another name for the Islamic State group. Working against the jihadist group "is a priority for all of us," she said. "If this is truly a step in that direction, we would welcome that." Pressed by reporters to confirm the US reaction, Trudeau said, "We've been very clear that if Russia is interested in fighting against (the IS group)," then "we would welcome that." How that cooperation would work is unclear. Moscow is allied with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, while Ankara has supported rebel groups seeking his overthrow in a bloody civil war. But Russian-Turkish relations have warmed amid pique in Ankara that Washington and other Western capitals did not seem more supportive after the attempted military coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. Erdogan traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, Turkish officials representing the army, intelligence agencies and the foreign ministry were in Russia for talks on Syria, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Putin last month to discuss coordinating the two countries' air strikes against IS militants and their allies. Also yesterday, the United States expressed concern about mounting reports of alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, including during an attack in Aleppo a day earlier. Washington is "very concerned about the increasing number of allegations of chemical weapons use over the last few weeks," Trudeau said. The United States and Russia are responsible for overseeing a UN resolution from late 2013 to dismantle the Syrian government's chemical weapons arsenal. Confirmation that Assad's regime has used such weapons since then would constitute a "violation" of the resolution, Trudeau said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fighting alcoholism and other social evils in their society for a decade, a special women's brigade - 'Mahila Commandos' - raised by a voluntary organisation in Chhattisgarh's Balod district may soon be categorised as Super Police Officers (SPO). The idea of SPO has been introduced by Balod Superintendent of Police Arif Sheikh Hussain to give a new dimension to the commando concept. On a pilot basis, about 100 women commandos have so far been made SPOs, carrying batons and donning maroon sarees and caps, a senior police official said, adding that a proposal has been sent to the state government to raise around 1,000 SPOs. The foundation of women commandos was laid by Shamshad Begum, a prominent social activist, in 2006 from her native place in Gunderdehi development block when it was part of undivided Durg district (now in Balod, which is about 100 kilometres from state capital Raipur). She started the brigade with about 100 members of self help groups and now around 8,000 women have become part of this unique drive. "'Make future generation free of liquor' is the motto of women commandos. These women want their children to protect themselves from the troubles they (women) had suffered due to alcoholism by male family members," Begum told PTI. Women commandos are active in about 300 villages in the district's Gunderdehi, Gurur and Balod development blocks. Now, their operation is being expanded to around 150 villages of Patan development block in the neighbouring Durg district, said Begum, who is leading the campaign through her 'Sahyogi Jan-Kalyan Samiti'. Besides discharging their household responsibilities, these women are also engrossed in social service, she said. Armed with sticks and torches, about 30-40 commandos conduct patrolling in respective villages from evening till late night to check boozing and illegal liquor sale. Whenever they come across any inebriated person, they try to convince him to quit liquor addiction, she said, adding that sometimes women commandos have to take help of village sarpanch and police to deal with the situation. Certain rules have been laid down to select women commandos as they have to work in difficult situation while at the same time they cannot take law and order in their hands, the activist underlined. Beside the anti-liquor movement, the women commandos are also fighting against social evils like dowry system, making people aware of government schemes and spreading message of peace and brotherhood, she pointed out. Begum said as of now she does not want to claim how many villages have been made liquor free, but exuded confidence that the campaign is expected to show mega results within a year or two. The 52-year-old activist was awarded 'Padma Shri' in 2012 for her exemplary contribution in literacy, specially women education, and taking effective steps in integrating women from backward classes with various welfare schemes. The concept of SPO would add more teeth to the campaign, she said smilingly. "Keeping in view the gravity of the campaign and high spirit of these women commandos, we launched a project named 'Mission Purna Shakti' to take this campaign to the next level and spread it across the district," SP Hussain said. Under the project, a special training in self defense techniques has been recently imparted to around 1,200 women commandos, from all five development blocks of the district. The training was named as 'ready to react' under which women were trained to defend themselves with the help of any object they have at the time of trouble, the SP said. Besides, motivational training was also provided to the women so that they encourage other women in their area to take part in the drive. "Similarly, the idea of SPO has been introduced to give a new dimension to the commando concept. As of now, on pilot basis, 100 women commandos have been made SPOs. Ten women have been picked up each from ten villages of Balod and Gunderdehi blocks," Hussain said. Under community policing fund, these SPOs have been provided with batons, maroon sarees and caps as uniform, whistles and torches for their general patrolling. Their assessment will be done during next three months based on which the concept will be expanded to other parts of the district, he said. However, a proposal worth Rs 40 lakh has also been sent to the state government to raise 10,000 women commandos as SPOs in coming days, he said. Hailing the activities of the women commandos, the SP said the campaign has been effective in reducing sale of illicit liquor to a great extent in the district and thereby helped in controlling the escalating crime graph. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi today said it is looking to set up two more manufacturing facilities in India through its Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group. Manu Jain, Xiaomi's India Chief, said they are in talks with various state governments for finalising the land and other issues for the plants. In August last year, Xiaomi, together with Foxconn, started assembling phones locally in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. "We have not finalised the locations for the facility yet. We are talking to multiple governments to see where we should be setting up (the plants). The factories are owned and operated by Foxconn, but dedicatedly (make production) for us. It is not a joint venture. We have some sort of financial arrangement between us," Jain said. Jain said the company may also launch air purifiers in India before the beginning of winter season. "We think that it is a category which is about to take off. We are trying to bring that this year. The perfect time to launch is before winter, because that is when fog combines with smoke and becomes smog," he said. Xiaomi, which presently registers 90 per cent of its sales from online channel in India, is planning to double offline presence over the next few months. Xiaomi recently launched Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S Prime in the country priced at Rs 6,999 and Rs 8,999, respectively. The phones will be initially available at Mi.Com and Flipkart. The handset maker sells over one million phones a quarter in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly 600 people here have registered for an organ donation programme launched by a city-based college, an official has said. "We have also got registration of 700 persons for eye-donation programme," project coordinator Prof Dhanshyam Darne, of Yavatmal's College of Social Works, said. "We could get 12 bodies during the last two years which were donated to Government Medical College, Yavatmal," Darne said, adding that seven eye donations were also made during the period. The college has taken up the task to make people aware about organ donation in co-operation with Mumbai-based Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani foundation, he said. They are sending students door-to-door to create mass awareness about the importance of organ donation, Darne said adding that they have been staging street plays to achieve the goal. They also plan to highlight the cause at the pandals of the upcoming Ganesh and Durga festivals. They would also hold a special function in the college premises tomorrow, which is observed as the 'Organ Donation Day' in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zambia's main challenger to President Edgar Lungu today alleged electoral fraud, accusing the election commission of colluding with the ruling party to delay announcing the election results, a day after voting. The claims came after a violence-tinged campaign by the two leading candidates in a country usually known for relative stability. "The ECZ (Electoral Commission of Zambia) is somehow conniving with people in the political arena to delay the release of results so that PF (Patriotic Front) thugs armed with guns take over the polling stations at night and write fake results," United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Hakainde Hichilema told journalists. "They are trying to generate the results." At least three people were killed in the lead-up to the vote, with regular clashes erupting between PF and UPND activists. The commission earlier stated that the unrest was "unprecedented" and had "marred Zambia's historic record of peaceful elections". After a calm day of voting yesterday, early results were expected today, with the complete tally due out at the weekend. But a scheduled briefing today was repeatedly delayed, leaving voters anxious. Hichilema urged his supporters to stay peaceful. "What is going on is collusion between the PF, police and the ECZ to steal this result," he said. "Don't fall into their trap to be driven into violence." Fewer than 28,000 votes separated Lungu and wealthy businessman Hichilema in a snap 2015 ballot that brought Lungu to power. Constitutional changes mean that the winner must now secure more than 50 percent of the vote, pointing to a possible second round run-off. "The counting of votes is ongoing in polling stations countrywide," electoral commission director Priscilla Isaac said earlier at a briefing. "The commission wishes to reiterate that all election results appearing on social platforms are unofficial (and) continues to call for calm and peace until the whole process is concluded." Last month, campaigning in the capital Lusaka was halted for 10 days in a bid to reduce the violence. But the skirmishes continued, including fighting in the streets near Hichilema's final election rally. Hichilema has previously claimed that fraud denied him victory last year. And this year, he charged that his campaign was marred by the authorities banning rallies, arresting party leaders and through biased state media coverage. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Economic stagnation in France and Italy contributed to a slowdown in growth in the euro zone from April to June after a strong performance in the first three months of the year, estimates showed on Friday. Gross domestic product in the 19-country currency bloc expanded 0.3 percent in the second quarter from the first and was up 1.6 percent compared with the same quarter last year, statistics agency Eurostat said, confirming market expectations and its own initial data issued in late July. The quarterly rate of growth halved from January-March's 0.6 percent expansion, while the annual rate of growth was only marginally slower than the first quarter's 1.7 percent. The slowdown was mainly due to France and Italy reporting no growth in the quarter, offsetting relatively robust readings for Spain and the Netherlands of 0.7 percent and 0.6 percent respectively. Italy's standstill was below the expected 0.2 percent growth and adds to the woes of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who in autumn faces a constitutional referendum on which he has staked his job. Growth in Germany, the bloc's biggest economy, slowed to 0.4 percent in the second quarter from 0.7 percent in the first, but that was better than the 0.2 percent consensus forecast of economists polled by . "Today's German and Dutch flash GDP estimates surprised to the upside, more than offsetting a flat GDP print in Italy," Marco Protopapa, economist at JPMorgan, said in a note. The stronger-than-expected German data helped the bloc as a whole avoid a downward revision from Eurostat's preliminary estimates for the quarter, as some economists had feared. "The fact that Q2's growth rate was not revised down from the 'preliminary flash' estimate of +0.3 percent was something of a relief after the additional national data released earlier this morning," said Jonathan Loynes of Capital Economics. The euro zone's smaller economies fared well. Belgium's GDP grew 0.5 percent on the quarter, faster than the 0.2 percent rise in the first three months of the year. Greece emerged from a mild recession in the first quarter, posting 0.3 percent growth in the April-June period. The European Union economy grew slightly faster than that of the euro zone, expanding 0.4 percent on the quarter and 1.8 percent compared with the same period last year. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Foo Yun Chee and Hugh Lawson) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Airlines have spent heavily to introduce new features such as automated check-in kiosks, real-time luggage tracking and slick mobile apps. But they have avoided the steep cost of rebuilding their reservations systems from the ground up, former airline executives said. Scott Nason, former chief information officer at American Airlines Group Inc , said long-term investments in computer technology were a tough sell when he worked there. "Most airlines were on the verge of going out of business for many years, so investment of any kind had to have short pay-back periods," said Nason, who left American in 2009 and is now an independent consultant. The reservations systems of the biggest carriers mostly run on a specialized IBM operating system known as Transaction Processing Facility, or TPF. It was designed in the 1960s to process large numbers of transactions quickly and is still updated by IBM, which did a major rewrite of the operating system about a decade ago. A host of special features, ranging from mobile check-ins to seat selection and cabin upgrades, are built on top of the TPF core, or connected to it. "They have surrounded that old industry infrastructure with modern technology," said Bob Edwards, United Continental Holdings Inc's former chief information officer until 2014. "Those systems have to always reach back into the old core technologies to retrieve a reservation or to figure out who flies between Dallas and New York City." When a power outage shuts off that reservations system - as happened on Monday to Delta Air Lines Inc's "Deltamatic" system - TPF falls out of sync with the newer technologies that passenger service agents use to assist travelers, Edwards said. Airlines are then forced to cancel flights as demands from stranded customers flood their employees - who meanwhile are handling bookings on an older platform without their familiar, modern tools, he said. Several years ago, it took United six hours to recover from a test shutdown, thanks to complications with the many add-ons built atop TPF, Edwards said. Other recent disruptions include one in July that prompted Southwest Airlines Co to cancel over 2,000 flights and two outages last summer at United Continental. PRESSURE FOR PROFITS Delta spokeswoman Kate Modolo said in a statement that a small fire on Monday resulted in a "massive failure" at the airline's technology center. Delta was forced to cancel flights because critical systems did not switch over to backup power as intended, she said. sent Delta and other major carriers detailed questions on TPF infrastructure and their technology investments. Modolo did not answer whether Delta relies on TPF, but said "the functionality of the IT programs we use" was not an issue. She had no comment on whether Delta had decreased or increased its spending on back-end technology over the past decade. "We have a new CIO who has a go-forward plan to ensure Delta is on the cutting edge of customer service technology while strengthening our IT infrastructure so that it is reliable, redundant and nimble," she said in a statement. Most big airlines, including the four largest in the United States - American, Delta, United and Southwest - rely on TPF in some form, industry experts said. In response to questions from Reuters, those airlines did not answer whether their aging systems put them at risk of future disruptions, but all stressed that they are upgrading their technology and are focused on reliability. Southwest, for example, said it is in the process of replacing its reservations system. Earlier this week, in a video statement, Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said: "Over the last three years, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars on technology infrastructure upgrades and systems including backup systems to prevent what happened yesterday from occurring. I'm sorry that it happened." U.S. and Canadian airlines are projected to spend an average of 3 percent of their revenue on information technology this year - compared to 8 percent by commercial banks and 4 percent by healthcare firms, according to Computer Economics, a firm that tracks IT spending. Nason cautioned that comparing technology spending by airlines to some other industries, including banking, can be tricky. Banks have lower capital costs and they rely more heavily on information technology for their core business. Still, technology experts say that level of spending by the major airlines is not sufficient, pointing to the recent failures as evidence. Part of the challenge is that U.S. airlines are under pressure from investors to top recent record profits and boost stock prices, even as economic troubles overseas have reduced travel demand. Delta, for example, is looking to boost its operating profit margin to between 17 percent and 19 percent by 2018. That's up from last year's margin target of 14 percent to 16 percent. FEAR OF FAILURE Airlines have also held off on making major network upgrades out of fear that systems could fail during the transition, making them feel that they cannot afford to take them down to add equipment, install patches and perform other maintenance, said Gartner analyst Mark Jaggers. Some consumer groups have called on airlines to do a better job at planning for disruptions like the one this week at Delta, which affected hundreds of thousands of passengers over four days. "It is unfair to the traveling public that the cost of under-investment in needed equipment be shifted and placed on the back of air travelers," said travel consumer advocates Paul Hudson and Charlie Leocha in a letter to the heads of the U.S. Transportation Department and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday. Henry Harteveldt, founder of the travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group, said some airlines are choosing to risk outages that might cost them $20 million to $40 million rather than invest, for example, $100 million on technology upgrades. He believes investors and the general public will apply increasing pressure on airlines to avoid outages at any cost. "We cannot afford, as a nation, for any of our airlines to be rendered useless by a technology failure," Harteveldt said. Yet it can be hard to convince airline management that the cost-benefit analysis justifies the major investments to make their computer systems truly fail-safe, said Edwards, the former United chief information officer. "When fuel prices are low and there's extra cash on hand, they want to spend it on the cool shiny things like planes and mobile apps," he said. "Nobody gets excited about the data center." (Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Brian Thevenot) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The publication of the long-awaited Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 has been welcomed today by Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). The CAI claim the bill contains some very beneficial and important simplifications in financial reporting for small and micro companies which are likely to reduce the administrative and cost burdens on these companies. Furthermore, they also believe it will put these companies on a level playing field with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and in other European Member States where the Directive has already been implemented. The CAI welcome the proposed raising of the thresholds for small companies to the EU maximum levels of turnover not exceeding 12 million and balance sheet total not exceeding 6 million. Director of Technical Policy at Chartered Accountants Ireland, Mark Kenny said, "The Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 when enacted will transpose the requirements of the EU Accounting Directive, which itself was finalised during Irelands EU Presidency in 2013." He added, "Whilst the delay of over a year in transposing the Directive has caused difficulties for many small and micro companies in Ireland in meeting their financial reporting requirements, the publication of the Bill is nonetheless welcome." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Police check the scene after two bomb blasts in the southern province of Surat Thani, Thailand in this still image from video August 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] BANGKOK - Four people were killed and 31 others injured in separate blasts at tourist spots and other places in southern Thailand on Friday, police said. Explosions took place in Phuket and Hua Hin, viewed as Thailand's favorite tourist destinations, and elsewhere in the southern region of the country. The police were investigating the blasts at the usually peaceful spots while unknown bombing suspects are still at large. The four deceased victims were identified as Thai nationals while the 31 injured, many of whom foreign travelers, were rushed to hospital, the police said. Security has been tightened in and around the blast scenes for fear of repeated violence while local villagers and tourists were strongly advised to stay in their homes and lodging units. The remotely detonated explosions were apparently planted in the Friday rush hours during which there were not so many people at the world-famous tourist resorts such as Phuket and Hua Hin, otherwise the casualties could have been far more grave, the police said. In an earlier incident, one person was reportedly killed and several others injured on Thursday when a possibly drive-by bomb was hurled at a marketplace in Trang province. Besides, blazes broke out in the southern provinces of Krabi, Trang, Pang-nga and Nakorn Sri Thammarat but no deaths or serious injuries were reported. The fires took place on the premises of department stores in Nakorn Sri Thammarat and Trang and at marketplaces and shopping areas in Pang-nga and Krabi. The police said the blasts and blazes were acts of arson and sabotage but did not either confirm or deny they might possibly have been connected with Thailand's political situation, in which a new constitutioin was adopted at a nationwide referendum on Sudnay. Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan summoned high-ranking security officials and other government personnel for an emergency meeting in bid to cope with the blasts and blazes in southern Thailand. The south of Thailand is widely known as the biggest stronghold of the Democrat Party, whose members and supporters were believed to have voted for the new charter in the referendum and hometowns of former premier Chuan Leekpai and former deputy premier Suthep Thuaksuban, who had led a massive movement in Bangkok streets which eventually prompted Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha to orchestrate a 2014 military coup to depose the besieged government led by then-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. The full spectrum of Macedonia's "Colourful Revolution" Published on August 12, 2016 Story by Mila Damyanoska en de pl fr es it Over the past few months, the capital of Macedonia has been filled with vibrant colours, as thousands of people have regularly marched through the streets of the capital, Skopje, and other cities across the country. [OPINION] For the very first time since the countrys independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, we are seeing Macedonians of different genders, ages and ethnicities protesting in the streets, driven by a common understanding. The atmosphere they are creating is one of euphoria and a desire for positive change. Shining a light through the prism The protests erupted on 12 April 2016 after the countrys president, Gjorge Ivanov, announced that more than 50 officials involved in a wiretapping scandal would be officially pardoned, and the investigation into the alleged illegal telephone surveillance carried out by the government would be halted. Following this decision, a crucial operation of the Special Public Prosecutor's office was brought to an end: one that had been probing multiple corruption scandals and criminal activities by the political elite. As this was seen by many as the only ray of hope for the future of Macedonia, it had been of utmost importance to preserve it as a functioning institution and continue the battle for democracy and the rule of law. Over time, the protests have gradually transformed into a revolutionary movement that seeks to highlight and revise the understanding of independence, citizens action and collective responsibility in the minds of a majority of Macedonians. Every citizen-led movement has its own defining moments, and the one currently underway in Macedonia is underlined by use of cheerful colour, splashed across the streets, or paintballed onto monuments, statues and buildings created during the Skopje 2014 project a city-wide, government-led redevelopment project that generated controversy due to its high cost. The disgust and anger of those protesting stems from the consequences of a decade-long rule by a right-wing, ultranationalist government. The protests are calling for a restructuring of Macedonian society. Daily activism has grown into a phenomenon on a level hitherto largely unknown in the post-Yugoslavian country, where citizen movements have not been significantly practised. Thus, the Colourful Revolution came into being. A youth movement with wide-reaching support In the end, this revolution did not have just one single raison detre, but dozens of political and social issues that have culminated in discontent with the last two decades: increasing social inequality, a selective justice system and political imprisonment, uncontrolled youth emigration, suppressed freedom of speech and expression, a lack of sensible public expenditure, all topped off by hints of electoral fraud by the ruling party. One thing is for sure this set of values is being visibly degraded, and must be replaced by something else soon. The young Macedonians, high-schoolers and university students, are the voice of the revolution, but they are not alone in their fight. They are receiving unconditional support from their parents, artists, university professors, experts, NGO activists, Macedonian expat communities and the ordinary citizen who is fed up with a ten-year regime of despotism. Nevertheless, it was the students who first initiated the long-awaited call for change, back in 2015, by creating autonomous-zones at local campuses and criticising failures in higher education reforms. The end of the rainbow? It has been really heart-warming to see Macedonians, especially young ones, standing up for their beliefs and ideals and speaking loudly on behalf of their societies, for the discrepancies that have built up in the country during the transition period. They have clearly shown that they have progressive views for Macedonias future: wise, sensible ideas for solving the major issues, as well as knowledge and methods that can translate these ideas into practice and the determination to lead us to a fairer, better society. If the future belongs to young people who believe in the beauty of their dreams, then the youth of Macedonia can surely identify with this message. Story by Mila Damyanoska Twisty single-track trail, old jeep roads, and rolling elevation changes. It sounds like the description of a trail run somewhere else, but this is the third annual Dash for Cash 5K and 5-mile run at Oso Creek Park. The park, Corpus Christi's largest at 219 acres, has gradually gained a following of off-road runners and cyclists since volunteers began maintaining trails there approximately five years ago. Oso Creek is the only true local trail network that includes single track. "I was traveling so far out of town to go find trails to race," said Jay Wimberly, a member of the Corpus Christi Roadrunners and the Dash for Cash's race director. "Then I was introduced to these trails, and after scouting miles and miles back there, now we run there on the regular. You can get good practice for the out-of-town events." With chip timing, a tented seating area, a DJ, a band, barbecue and beer included with registration, the Dash for Cash has the hallmarks of a first-class trail run anywhere in the state. And despite the area's lack of rocks or mountains, it offers other challenges. "The race is meant to be hot," Wimberly said. "I wanted it at this time of year so it would be challenging." If any amount of rain falls, the creek side areas can also serve up some killer mud. The terrain is rugged and prickly. Plenty of wildlife can be spotted, especially when training in the quieter times of morning and late evening. Runners' enthusiasm for trails is evident in their participation. Whereas running at Oso Creek used to be a lonely affair, now it is not uncommon to come across other runners or to have training groups meet there. Also, for the third year in a row, the Dash for Cash has sold out. That is despite organizers rerouting the course to handle more traffic and increasing the limit to 250 runners. Wimberly has discussed separating the starts for the 5K and 5-miler next year to accommodate even more runners. The rise of local trail running and riding comes thanks to years of efforts by volunteers who have adopted and supported the city park to create off-road terrain for athletes. Opportunities to get involved are growing all the time. More on that next week. Alissa Mejia's column focuses on running and fitness. Contact her at freestylesail@gmail.com. UPCOMING EVENTS Glow the Distance 5K for CASA: 7 p.m. August 26, Dick Kleberg Park, Kingsville. Bill Dodge Memorial Bay Run 15K, 5K, & 2-mile dog walk: 7 a.m. Sept. 10, Bill Dodge Command Center, 1002 E. Port Ave. Wings of Texas 5K and 2 Mile Walk: 8 a.m. Oct. 1, Cole Park. Details and registration available via www.corpusroadrunners.com. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Corpus Christi Police Cmdr. David Blackmon (left) presents a certificate of recognition to Capt. Billy Breedlove. SHARE By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times Corpus Christi Police Capt. Billy Breedlove said he goes into work everyday and does his best. Some days go better than others, though. "You're trying to do all the right things, but every now and then, you hit a home run," Breedlove said. Breedlove was commended by the department Thursday for his work in a hit-and-run incident on July 20 involving Andy Heines. Heines, AEP Texas communications director, was riding his bike when he was struck that morning. The 61-year-old died from his injuries July 25. Breedlove was credited with finding the pickup police believe struck Heines. The clue led police to a suspect. "What I did is not unlike the other stuff all our officers do everyday," Breedlove said. "I think (finding the vehicle) had a lot to do with the experience I've had." Alexis Derise Jr., 41, was charged with accident involving injury or death in connection with the incident. Twitter: @Caller_Fares | BY Ricki Green | GPY&R Melbourne and Monash University ask people to Question the Answers in a new integrated campaign. A provocative campaign featuring Australian actor David Wenham and directed by Steve Carroll of Revolver, it encourages the audience to look beyond the conventional and accepted, and instead challenge the status quo. Monash president and vice-chancellor, professor Margaret Gardner AO said the campaign aims to communicate the challenge and curiosity that fuels higher education as well as what Monash University represents as an institution that values innovation, persistence and impact. Says professor Gardner: We decided that when we did this film we would attempt to have it express the essence of what it was to be part of the Monash community. That essence is to be challenging, so the campaign had to reflect that in order to be a true representation of Monash and the way it has always approached the world. This campaign shows that we are prepared to ask questions that matter, seek challenges and search for new answers. We want to create that opportunity for our students. To live up to such a sentiment, the creative also needed to challenge conventional and common university tropes. Says Jake Barrow, creative director GPY&R Melbourne: With this strategy in mind we set out to create something that was pretty un-university like. Showing a bunch of students playing hacky sack in the quadrangle was never going to cut it for Monash. The campaign will run throughout the year, and is initially launched across TV, cinema, outdoor and digital. Monash University: Chief Marketing Officer: Margot Burke Director, Campaign Management: Caroline Knowles Agency: GPY&R Executive Creative Director: Ben Coulson Managing Partner: Julian Bell Creative Director: Jake Barrow Senior Writer: Katie Britton Writer: Charles Bayliss Executive Producer: Romanca Jasinski Planning Director: Michael Hyde Senior Account Director: Matthew Hunt Senior Account Manager: Liz Jones Account Manager: Sarah Wood Executive Digital Producer: Ben Crowe Interactive Designer: Rosalie Iaria Production Manager: Gerry Matthee Integrated Designer: Caleb de Gabriel Production Company: Revolver Director: Stephen Carroll MD/Executive Producer: Michael Ritchie EP/Producer: Pip Smart Producer: Tobias Webster DOP: Shelley Farthing Dawe Post Production: The Butchery/The Refinery Producer: Freya Maddock Editor: Graeme Pereira VFX Artist: Eugene Richards Colorist: Martin Greer Music: Electric Dreams: Cornel Wilczek Mark Mitchell Tommy Spender Danny Thiris Sound Design: Flagstaff Studio: Paul Le Couteur | BY Ricki Green | The newly formed Australian offshoot of international design studio Buck, opened its doors last night to house-warm its new digs in Surry Hills. Sydneys creative community joined the celebrations and were treated to food and Japanese whiskeys by Salaryman restaurant accompanied by music by Ching-a-lings. | BY Ricki Green | Today, online plant hire equipment database iSeekplant has launched a new video marketing campaign, providing a raw and witty take off of the challenges facing the world of construction and mining in Australia. With the construction and mining industries in Australia experiencing tough times, iSeekplant is using a creative way to achieve cut through in the market and get their message out. iSeekplant.com.au is Australias fastest growing online plant hire equipment and services database with over 3,800 customers, and 110,000 users in mining, infrastructure and construction which recently received investment backing from Seven Group Holdings. CEO of iSeekplant, Sally McPherson, has created a series of short films that take aim at the issues facing construction and mining in Australia. Says McPherson: Australias mining, construction and infrastructure industries are facing some of the toughest conditions yet. These industries are still some of Australias largest employers and the backbone of many Australian cities and regional towns. However, many players in these sectors are employing antiquated business practices and need to take a serious look at how they can shake up their business strategy to ensure they stay profitable and relevant in the modern, digital world. Its vital that we take a serious look at how companies in these sectors are operating; sourcing equipment and resources, marketing, and the move to digital are all critical factors that need to be addressed. McPherson wanted to create shareable content that would resonate with her audience, aiming to reach over 20 million people through social media. Says McPherson: Humour is often the best medicine, our videos poke fun at situations and stereotypical characters in the industry, which will mean we get cut through with our audience. Demonstrating our understanding of the uniqueness of the plant hire and construction industries, every frame of these videos is a celebration of the inside jokes and the humour that makes working on a construction site fun every day. The premiere of iSeekplants marketing campaign videos was on Tuesday night in Queensland at the Real Short Film Festival. Aussie icons David Field (Chopper, Getting Square), David Eastgate (Under the Hammer) and Col Elliot (comedian) star in the tongue-in-cheek films that celebrate the distinctly Aussie characters and comical situations that arise at worksites across the country. The first video Poor Brian showcases the frustration in the industry of not being able to source the correct machines for construction or infrastructure projects. The other videos take a jab at the truckloads of trinkets that hire companies use to win jobs and also take on dodgy operators and time wasters in the industry. | BY Ricki Green | Freemans Bay Indie Republik has today released the third episode in a new digital video series for Volvo Cars New Zealand, called Sunday Drive Roulette. Says Andrew Sims, creative director, Republik: Taking a Sunday Drive is as kiwi as Vogels and L&P. So what better way for Volvo to connect with a New Zealand audience than by tapping into this age-old tradition and then injecting an element of mystery and humour. The team at Volvo immediately latched on to the idea. It gave them license to showcase their range of cars on New Zealand roads, but the focus was on real Kiwis experiencing the drive. Of course, we all had to take a huge leap of faith. Introducing two complete strangers and then making them spend a whole day together in a car we genuinely had no idea what would happen. Volvo launched the concept back in June, asking the public to submit entries to take part and explain what would make them a good driving partner. Says Paul McNamara, agency director, Republik: We had so many entries with such varied personalities and backgrounds. It was surprisingly difficult to select the winners. It was fun to match them up and see what happened when they first met. We learned a lot throughout the process, and we loved meeting all the participants. As you can imagine, there were a lot of laughs had along the way. As New Zealands fastest-growing luxury European car brand, one of our biggest challenges continues to be product knowledge. Volvo has evolved so much in the last ten years, and its time this market found out about it. We are still a small, challenger brand in the category here, so we needed to think differently about how we connect with our audience. The surge of digital video is a well-documented trend, and Google New Zealand has long promoted the importance of online video in the automotive decision-making process for Kiwis in their Think Auto series. Says Sims: We wanted to take advantage of the strengths of the medium, but wed seen so many automotive brands try and fail to create something that was differentiating and genuinely engaging. The cliched footage of a car driving around a sweeping corner with a beautiful landscape in the background, just wasnt going to get people to push play. The leap of faith appears to have paid off. The second episode released last week, took off with a single, non-paid Facebook post delivering over 4,000 views, 500 likes, 203 comments and 37 shares in less than 24 hours! Says Augusta Grayson, digital strategist, Republik: Thats almost unheard of on Facebook unless youre Red Bull or a Kardashian. Its near-impossible to get organic cut-through on Facebook, so we were obviously very lucky to have chosen Natasha (one of the drivers) who ended up having a lot of very active friends on Facebook. Not to mention our great community of Volvo NZ fans! The really impressive thing was seeing the response to this video content across all our metrics. Its blown our previous campaigns out of the water. Not just click-through rate, but also people visiting the website and theyre spending longer looking and learning about what Volvo has to offer. Volvo NZ appointed its creative and media business to Republik in 2014, and Volvo has just reported that they are on track for a third consecutive record year of growth. Says Coby Duggan, national manager for NZ, Volvo: Our year-to-date sales growth is five times greater than the brands growth rate globally, making our market one of the fastest growing in the world. No official word yet on whether the Dutch royals will visit Canberra during their visit to Australia later this year, with both the Dutch Embassy and Prime Minister and Cabinet keeping mum until the official itinerary is released. "It would not be accurate to say the floor has been vacant because that would suggest there's been nothing happening in it. Clearly the floor cannot be used when demolition and refurbishment work is underway," he said. Neoliberalism has so debased our expectations of the public service that we now take for granted that an underfunded statistical agency struggling with implementing an enormous challenge for which it is poorly equipped should have spent more taxpayer money on PR advisers and less money on IT and statisticians. We are now so accustomed to taxpayer money being spent on pumping out a minister's spin that many seem to think that the ABS should have been spending less of its inadequate resources on IT and statisticians and more on comms advisers. What do the hundreds of taxpayer-funded ministerial staffers do again? [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. There is a very important news for all those who aspire to build their careers through civil services exams. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) may soon reduce the upper age limit of candidates preparing for the toughest competitive exams of the country. According to Hindustan Times, the panel under the leadership of former education secretary BS Baswan recommended UPSC to reduce the upper age limit of civil service aspirants. Mr Baswan said that UPSC would first take a look at the report of the panel; later, the government would take final decision based on the inputs from UPSC. The UPSC conducts civil services examination in three phases i.e. preliminary, main and interview through which officers are recruited to Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Police Service and others. What is the current upper age limit for candidates? As of now, the upper age limit for SC/ST candidates is relaxed by five years For other backward classes it is relaxed by a three years For disabled candidates, it is relaxed by 10 years The previous central governments never considered the aforementioned recommendation from several panels. In fact, they went on increasing the upper age limit - It was 26 in the 1960s and was increased to 28 in the 1980s Currently, it is 32 What is the reason behind reducing upper age limit The panel has recommended that the age limit should be reduced step by step through several years and not at once. The panel opines that reducing the upper age limit would work in favour of thousands of people who burn the midnight oil preparing for the civil services examination and whose careers might be messed up if they come to know that they have become ineligible for the examination in the middle of the process. Questions papers of IPS exam The State Government of Uttar Pradesh is going to distribute a whopping Rs 267.30 crore among 89, 100 girl students, who have proved to be meritorious in their academic performance. The amount mentioned above will be distributed under the scheme called Kanya Vidya Dhan. The Kanya Vidya Dhan is an amended scheme through which the state government will extend monetary support to the meritorious girl students across Uttar Pradesh. This gesture of the UP government aims to aid the educational endeavour of the girl students and boost their interest to continue their studies. Who will receive the cheques? The girls students, whose academic performance in intermediate or equivalent exams of the state has been excellent, would be eligible to enjoy aid under the Kanya Vidya Dhan scheme. Each of the girls would receive a cheque for Rs 30,000. Where and when will the cheques be distributed? The aforementioned cheques for Rs. 30, 000 each would be distributed among the meritorious girl students through programmes organized at the district and tehsil headquarters. The district magistrates and district inspector of schools will give away the cheques from August 16-17. Kanya Vidya Dhan at a glance: The State Government of Uttar Pradesh has amended the Kanya Vidya Dhan scheme with the purpose of including meritorious students who have passed Class XII of state Secondary Education Council, Central Board of Secondary Education, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, UP Madarsa Council and UP Sanskrit Education Council. The earlier version of the scheme used to benefit only those students who passed out of UP Board. Read: Kittur Rani Channamma Award for PUC II pass girl students in Karnataka Sir C.V. Raman Scholarship For UG Basic Science Students in Karnataka No longer at ease - Key lessons for Kenyan flower industry from EPA, Brexit on market diversification The Kenyan flower and by extension horticulture industry is going through very interesting times that could make or break it. Yet this is a sector that has played such a crucial role in its contribution to the countrys purse. Last year for example earning exports from Kenyan flowers grew 5 per cent to $620 million up from $590 million the previous year. It was also a year production increased considerably. The jump in production and earnings was attributed to the successful renewal of the trade agreement with the European Union in late 2014. And ironically there lies the problem. This year, the trade deal, commonly referred to as the Economic Partnership Agreement, are up for signing again. Failure to renew on time the agreement with the trading bloc in 2014 saw Kenya flower exporters slapped with taxes. The country lost Sh1billion in tax penalties within the three months because of the duties. We are back to the same spot and the script almost reads familiar. Tanzania has stuck to its guns insisting that it would not sign the trade deal which is supposed to be negotiated as a block. The talks were supposed to be harmonized and completed within the East African Community by end of July before the official ratification with the EU in October. Arguments have been advanced that Tanzania is trying to capitalize on its access as a least developed country to increase its market share against Kenya. Interestingly Tanzania pulled a similar move in 2014 which saw Kenya placed under harsher tax regime. And in a dramatic turn of events, Uganda has joined the fray insisting that it needs a thorough review of the agreement before it can ink the deal. If the trend persists Kenya will be the biggest loser. Tanzania and Uganda will continue enjoying preferential treatment for their exports to EU since they fall under the category of least developing countries. Kenya is the only country from the EAC that was dropped from this list after it was classified as a middle-income country, which has seen it lose out on some of the trade privileges it used to enjoy. Flower exporters are also in this second half of the year coming to terms with Britains exit from EU and what it means for the flower industry. Immediately the exit news were announced the British pound plunged to its lowest levels in three decades. The Euro also took some shock. Though not quantified, flower farms in the country, which mostly use the euro, expect higher costs due to fluctuation of the European Unions common currency and the pound. UK is one of the key export destinations for the Kenyan flowers. The exit now would mean that Kenya would need to renegotiate its deal with UK in order to have access to the new markets. The comforting bit about this though is that the two countries still enjoy good diplomatic ties. While the above two developments this year are enormous and will definitely have far reaching implications for the industry, they are also offering us very key lessons on diversification. It is estimated that up to 40 per cent of all cut flower imports to EU come from Kenya which prides itself in enjoying the lion share in that market. But it also means Kenya becomes heavily bruised in case of market upsets like what is currently happening. Time is therefore ripe for Kenya to seriously think about diversifying its markets. It is already good news to learn that we are already exporting our flowers to 60 destinations around the world. It was even music to the ears during this years International Flower Expo, IFTEX, to see buyers from virgin markets from as far as North America flying all the way to meet growers first hand in Nairobi. It is a statement of confidence on what the Brand Kenya flower has prided itself in; quality. Such markets mean that in case of shocks the industry has a fall back plan and we dont have to run amok trying to save an industry from political machinations. We have come from far, we cant slam the brakes now, not when today and the future looks so rosy. Multiple award winning Kenyan journalist Bob Koigi is Chief Editor East Africa at Africa Business Communities Prototypes of the BMW X2 have been caught testing as early as last year, and while we wont see it in production form for another year or so, a concept is on its way. Prior to the X2s expected debut in the second half of 2017, the German automaker will preview it with a concept at this falls Paris Auto Show, as Autocar writes, quoting sources within the automaker. Once completed, the sixth SUV model to join the brands lineup will be underpinned by the UKL platform used on the latest X1 and MINI Countryman, and its believed to adopt a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine, in the xDrive20i version, and three 2-liter turbocharged diesels, which will go under the xDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive25d grades. A direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and Audi RS Q3 could also join the lineup, with roughly 300 horsepower. Building on the foundations of the second-gen X1, the upcoming X2 will boast a more raked windscreen and lowered roofline, but unlike the larger X4 and X6, it will lack the fastback styling, as scooped prototypes revealed, and for a good reason BMW probably wants to maintain acceptable headroom for the rear passengers and provide enough luggage space. Visual improvements over its compact sibling will likely be seen on both ends, while inside, its expected to mirror the latest X1, with some minimal changes. Rendering copyright Carscoops/ Josh Byrnes PHOTO GALLERY Reports have emerged that Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Vin Diesel have been quarreling on the set of Fast 8, the eighth installment in the famed street-racing-turned-heist movie franchise. A few days ago, Johnson called out some of his male co-stars by dubbing them Candy asses and critiquing them for not conducting themselves as stand up men. Apparently, he was talking about lead actor and producer Vin Diesel. It is thought that the two alpha males started butting heads on set due to decisions that Diesel made which werent to the liking of Johnson. While neither actor has acknowledged the reports, Johnson said on a recent Instagram post that there had indeed been conflict on the set and that it may indeed make the movie better, bringing to life his character of Hobbs. For car fans like us, tension behind the camera could mean greater realism on the big screen. And when you have a movie thats already filmed segments in Iceland and New York with a plethora of truly insane cars, that can only be a good thing. PHOTO GALLERY It seems that Mercedes future range of Tesla-battling pure electric vehicles will be branded EQ. According to AutoExpress, the German automaker has already registered a series of EQ model names, with the sub-brand set to be even more detached from its parent company than BMWs i range is from the Bavarian car manufacturer. Apparently, Mercedes have registered everything from EQA and EQB through EQX, as well as slogans such as EQ inside, EQ boost and Generation MEQ all of which could be used in a future marketing strategy for EV models. It is currently believed that the first EQ model to spring up will be the EQS, a high-end rival for the Tesla Model S that could be previewed as early as next year with sales likely to start in 2019. It will use an all-new full-electric EVA platform (Electric Vehicle Architecture), which will allow Mercedes to roll out both smaller models as well as SUVs thanks to its scalability. Future rivals for the MEQ sub-brand will be Jaguars coupe SUV EV, Porsches Mission E and perhaps two electric Audis in the form of the Q6 e-tron and the rumored full-electric version of the next-generation A8 saloon. Note: Mercedes IAA Concept pictured PHOTO GALLERY While local authorities from different parts of the globe are advising Pokemon Go players to be aware of their surroundings at all times, Belgiums police forces are taking the battle to new grounds. According to Levif, pedestrians who will be caught wandering into the streets with their eyes glued to their smartphone displays will be fined with 55 ($61). The fine is based on article 7.2 of the Highway Code, which states that pedestrians must not disturb or cause any danger to themselves or other traffic participants and will likely not affect those who text or surf the web while walking on the sidewalk. The action comes after numerous accidents related to the immensely popular app all over the globe, including two in neighboring France. The gotta catch em all frenzy has seen several motorists charged with careless driving in the US, with even a teenager hospitalized after going on a hunt for the little cartoons in the middle of the road. PHOTO GALLERY We can now add men of the law to mechanics and parking valets to the people who have taken expensive vehicles out for a short drive list. The awkward adventure started late at night on June 2, when the driver of the Lamborghini Huracan, owned by London-based car rental company City Supercars, who was heading over to a wedding, was pulled over, near the Heathrow Airport. The supercar was labeled as incorrectly insured, as the Telegraph informs, so naturally, the man grabbed his phone and called 32-year old Erwyn Mackee, the firms owner, after failing to convince the officers that the Italian exotics insurance was recently renewed and that it takes time to appear on the Motor Insurance Database, despite supplying them with email documents and invoices. The officer was just being unreasonable and out of hand on the phone to me, and I was just trying to explain the facts calmly. He was just off his head, completely bonkers it was very frustrating. All the other officers I dealt with throughout the process were very reasonable and could understand basic logic, Mackee said. As an officer who has the power to do lots of things, the officer must have reason and ability and common sense and intuition and be able to listen to arguments and respond accordingly. If he doesnt have those qualities he shouldnt be an officer. The two police officers then seized the Lamborghini Huracan and before taking it to the impound, they went for a joy ride, doing 63 mph (101 km/h) in a 30 mph (48 km/h) zone, as the tracker revealed. Following the incident, Erwyn Mackee, who is also a lawyer, submitted a complaint to the Metropolitan Police, but the situation was eventually solved amicably. After becoming aware of the car owners concerns, an internal investigation was conducted. The police officer who drove the car was given three penalty points on his police driving record. A second officer was subjected to management action. We are in process of reimbursing the owner of the car the statutory 150 ($195) removal fee, said a Met Police spokesman. @metpoliceuk your officers unlawfully impounded our Lamborghini tonight&went for joy ride at over double speed limit pic.twitter.com/pCpnG9C6Ss CitySupercars London (@citysupercars) June 2, 2016 PHOTO GALLERY Ever since it was bought by Mahindra&Mahindra five years ago, Ssangyong failed to turn a profit, but that could change over the next few years as the brand is looking to expand its lineup. One of the upcoming models that will be put into production is the XAV Concept, presented at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, according to AutoExpress. The new Ssangyong will ride on a stretched version of the Tivolis platform, which will give it access to the latest generation of petrol and diesel engines. Moreover, since Ssangyong has previously shown interest in introducing green powertrains to its lineup, a similar hybrid electric E-4WD system to the one used by the study could make its way to the as-of-yet unnamed model. Visually the new model is expected to carry design influences from the old Korando Mk2, keeping an off-road orientation. This translates into large bumpers and skid plates along with a generous ride height, all of them wrapped around a body measuring around 4,400 mm (173 in) in length. Word on the street has it that the production version of the XAV will go official in 2019, right after the all-new Korando, while a fresh Rexton is believed to be introduced in Paris this fall, followed also by a pickup truck in 2018 that will replace the Korando Sports. PHOTO GALLERY A report from Japanese publication Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, cited by Auto News, suggests that Subaru is five years away from introducing an electric crossover. Subarus parent company Fuji Heavy Industries hasnt denied the report, with a spokesman simply responding to the press saying we have yet to decide on any specifics at the moment. The new, as yet unnamed, addition to Subarus range will be built on the companys recently unveiled Global Platform that will underpin all of its future models. This flexible architecture has the capacity to accommodate petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and crucially, all-electric powertrains. No other info is known about the car. at this point, apart from speculation that it could be aimed squarely at the U.S. market PHOTO GALLERY Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images During the last federal election, I made a point of attending almost every public all-candidates forum that my schedule would allow. I believe I missed only two forums, one of which was not even in my riding. At one forum, the former government, of which I was a member, was accused of being at "war against federal scientists. When I attempted to explain that I had met with several scientists over the previous term of government and never had this point communicated directly to me, many in the crowd expressed disbelief. It seemed the official narrative was that our government had waged a war against scientists and the Liberals under Justin Trudeau were promising to do things differently. I mention this because this week it has been reported in Ottawa just how differently the Liberals are treating scientists employed by the federal government. It has now been reported that the Liberal government will preside over, and I quote directly, the biggest ever recorded cut to the number of federal environmental scientists. According to forecasts from Statistics Canada, there will be a loss of roughly 400 jobs a 10 per cent cut compared to the final year under the former government. As the Liberal government is disputing the forecast provided by Statistics Canada, I will provide a follow up on this subject as it becomes available. On the same theme related to scientists, many will recall allegations the former government muzzled federal scientists, yet another promise the Liberal government claimed it would rectify. However recently released data has revealed that in fact federal scientists were not muzzled in the manner as often described in the media. In fact, for the final year of the former government, close to 1,500 media interviews were provided by federal scientists. Recently the union representing federal government scientists reported that many federal scientists are being prevented from participating in conferences and that science related communications policies are unevenly applied across the federal public service. Before I go any further, I would like to credit Ottawa journalist David Akin who documented these details and disclosed them to the public. Not surprisingly, news of the Liberal government war on science was not broadcast in most major media networks who seem often more concerned covering our new prime minister on vacation, often found in many beautiful locations across Canada (including the Okanagan) and at times shirtless. You likely also did not hear that Statistics Canada recently reported that over 30,000 jobs were lost across Canada in the latest July release. These job losses are among the worst recorded in roughly five years. The one positive is that here in British Columbia we are currently leading all Canadian provinces with the lowest unemployment rate for July at 5.6 per cent. As the official opposition, it is our role to report on details that are of national concern to Canadians and more so at a time when many media organization favour the prime ministers vacation coverage to documenting serious concerns related to jobs and employment. From my perspective, the biggest concern I see is the new government has reduced the sized of TFSA contributions and also has not followed up on promised small business tax cuts. This in addition to increasing delays on major project approvals have all combined and reduced the flow of investment needing to help enhance job creation. This is a subject I will continue to raise in Ottawa along with the need to eliminate internal trade barriers that could also help jump-start our Canadian economy. Yet another measure that Liberal government opposed in Ottawa despite my putting forward a motion that even the NDP and Green Party supported. When Canadas unemployment rate starts to rise as dramatically as it has in July, I do not believe we can sit back and be complacent. Action is needed to get the results that keep Canadians working. I welcome your comments, questions and concerns and can be reached at [email protected] or contact me 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. Photo: Contributed Some Okanagan Falls residents are frustrated with a boil water advisory that has been going on for nearly two weeks. The advisory was issued July 28 and so far they are not getting much in the way of updates, they say. "We've been on this water advisory thing for a couple of weeks now and that in itself has been more than inconvenient, either boiling the water or having to buy it," said Pamela Dishkin. "This is an ongoing problem here and to deal with it we have put in a water filter, a water conditioner and a new water tank." Dishkin said to make matters worse, the Okanagan Falls Irrigation District is flushing water mains in what they call standard procedure when they are clearing the contaminants. The frustrated resident claims she even paid a visit to the district office Thursday morning but did not get the answers she was seeking. She was invited to attend a board meeting at 1 p.m. to bring it up but was denied time on the agenda by the chair, she claims. "The chair himself, Bob Daly, met with me briefly in the reception area and explained that everyone was in the same boat, it is standard procedure," she said. "And he told me that the solution was that I open the tap on my outside water and run it until the water clears. He also suggested that I visit their website for further information." However, according to Dishkin, the website has not been updated regarding the boil water restriction since Aug. 2. In addition there is a whole section on Every Drop Counts and there is an announcement regarding the watering restrictions that are in place to conserve water, yet residents are being asked to open their taps to clear the water, she said. Daly said Okanagan Falls is still under the boil water advisory with the lower system serving the townsite and that area. In the upper system the water is clear. They did a major flushing of the system today and will be following up with testing. They expect to know the results of the testing in about two days. They will also have a meeting with Interior Health on Friday, he said. For now residents are still advised to boil water and can look for updates on the district website. "If there are any changes there will be updates and we also alert the news agencies," said Daly. "But until we are advised by Interior Health the advisory stays." He added this is something they have to deal with as it is pretty serious stuff. Photo: Getty Images The RCMP are turning their attention to West Kelowna, following a recent rash of thefts from vehicles. According to police, they received as many as 21 reports of thefts from vehicles over a two week period in West Kelowna. Const. Jesse O'Donaghey said thieves appear to have been targeting vehicles in both residential and business and commercial areas throughout the city. RCMP continue to remind vehicle owners to lock their vehicles, as the majority of those targeted had been left insecure and at times with windows down, said ODonaghey. In most cases the thefts appear to have been committed overnight, however some thefts occurred while vehicles were left parked temporarily in store parking lots or at the beach." O'Donaghey said typical items such as purses, wallets, identification, credit/debit cards, cash, loose change, gps devices, digital cameras, cellular phones, tablets, jewellery, insurance documents, licence plates and sunglasses have been stolen. However, odd items such as clothing, a wall clock, darts, a lunch kit and even the head lights and tail lights attached to a vehicle have gone missing. Across the bridge in Kelowna, theft from vehicles has risen 50 per cent over the first half of 2016. That prompted a 'Don't Be An Easy Target,' campaign, endorsed by Kelowna city council. Anyone with any information on the West Kelowna thefts is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The Penticton RCMP has issued an advisory to the public regarding a Canadian Revenue Agency Scam. By 3:15 p.m. Thursday, the RCMP received more than 50 calls from the public that they have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be with Revenue Canada and that they are being told to pay or the police will be called, said Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth. The RCMP asks that the public hang up and do not provide any personal information. It is also causing a huge backlog for their front counter staff who are not able to handle the numerous calls and people that are trying to get through on other matters are not able to. Unless the public has unwittingly fallen victim to this scam, there is no need to report it to the RCMP. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The provincial government will be taking a look at a problematic corner heading north out of Penticton on Highway 97. It comes after a semi-truck tipped over while coming around the corner on the morning of July 27. In an email, the ministry said the regional traffic engineer will be reviewing the incident to determine if any further safety improvements are required. It noted that it has made improvements to warn drivers that the corner is in a 50 km/h zone, including the addition of advanced warning signs. The area comes after a 70 km/h zone, which buffers traffic between the slower city driving and the 100 km/h zone that stretches between Penticton and Summerland. The corner has been a tough one with, numerous other accidents occurring in the area. Photo: Shuswap Emergency Program UPDATE: 1:20 p.m. An investigation is underway into the cause of a residential structure fire in the 4800 block of Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road, near Herald Provincial Park in Tappen. A number of fire departments responded at 9:06 p.m. Thursday and the road was closed while crews fought the blaze, which spread from the house into woodland. The situation was very serious but fortunately we had excellent cooperation from all supporting agencies which allowed the firefighters to contain the fire within approximately four hours, said Kenn Mount, Columbia Shuswap regional fire chief. Unfortunately, an outbuilding and the primary residence were lost in the blaze, but fire crews worked diligently and were able to keep the fire from spreading further into any additional forested area. Ten apparatus and 25 firefighters were dispatched to the scene from three area fire departments, including; Tappen Sunnybrae, Shuswap and White Lake. The BC Wildfire Service responded with support along with the Ministry of Transportation, BC Hydro, BC Ambulance Service and the RCMP. There were no reports of injuries. Mount said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation and fire crews remain on scene mopping up and monitoring any hot spots. The public is asked to stay away from the area and allow fire crews to complete the investigation. UPDATE: 9:45 a.m. Fire crews remain on the scene of a house fire that spread to nearby grassland and trees near Salmon Arm last night. There are still a few hot spots and there are firefighters on-site doing a fire watch, said Cliff Doherty, Shuswap Emergency Program spokesman, on Friday morning. A husband, wife and baby were evacuated from the house, as were some nearby residents along Canoe Point Road in Sunnybrae. Doherty said the house and an outbuilding were destroyed and the cause of the fire is not yet known. A Vancouver man whose mother and son were staying in another house below the fire said they were prepared to evacuate if the spreading fire got any worse but, thankfully, that did not happen. The fact it didn't get worse is a very good thing, said Michael Cain. My family was prepared to evacuate by water if the fire had spread. An urban interface fire that started as a house fire near Salmon Arm moved into the hills Thursday night. The fire forced some evacuations in the immediate area on Canoe Point Road, near Herald Provincial Park. It started in a home on the 4800 block of Canoe Point Road in the tiny community of Sunnybrae, about 9:30 p.m. By 11:30 p.m., it had been contained, Shuswap Emergency Program spokesman Cliff Doherty said in a press release issued in the wee hours, Friday. Flames were visible from a large area of Shuswap Lake. Tappen-Sunnybrae firefighters were assisted by additional equipment and firefighters from the White Lake and Shuswap Fire Departments. In total, 10 units and 25 firefighters from the three Columbia-Shuswap Regional District fire departments fought the blaze, along with help from the B.C. Wildfire Service. Trees and the forest surrounding the burning structure were also ignited. Crews were expected to remain on scene mopping up into this morning. An investigation into the cause of the initial structure fire has begun. The Shuswap Emergency Program activated its Emergency Operations Centre and offered emergency support services to the displaced family. Castanet will provide more details as they become available. Send your news, photos and video to [email protected] Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The operators of two Penticton medical marijuana businesses are being given the chance to appeal to city council. The appeal by Green Essence at 409 Martin St. and Avitas Pharmaco, 150 1636 Main St., at a special meeting on Monday, is on the issue of cancelling their business licenses. "From our perspective, we can't tolerate businesses operating without a licence, regardless of their circumstances," said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. According to city staff, on Nov. 15, 2015, Avitas was issued a licence to operate. The business description provided to the city was it would be for a professional consulting-intake centre for licensed producers. On July 14, a letter was deliverd to the owner advising the business licence would be suspended on grounds that cannabis was being sold on the premises. The owner requested an appeal and closed Aug. 2 until that process is complete. On June 2, Green Essence was issued a business licence to operate, with a description of general merchandise store. On June 30, it was suspended for the same reason. Green Essence owner Melissa Osiowy said she is making the appeal because she feels like she should be the voice of the people who need a safe, clean access to medical cannabis. "This is more personal and 80 per cent of this is consulting our customers and seeing what they need, which you aren't going to see on the Internet," she said. "I didn't get into this for political reasons, I got into this because I know that medical cannabis works." She added that they are also putting back into the economy, with 10 employees who work very hard. The city has also cracked down on Starbuds and the Rush In and Finish Cafe, both located on Westminster Avenue. Jukka Laurio, owner of the cafe, also pleaded his case to the city, but his licence was cancelled. Since then, he has continued to operate, with the city issuing weekly fines. Those started at $250 and escalated to $500 in August. The next step would be to go to $500 daily or a court injunction. Laurio said Friday he has no intention of closing. Starbuds has also been issued a notice of non-occupancy. "We are hoping by early September we will have a few more indications from the federal government of what they are moving towards," said Jakubeit. "At the end of the day, it is still illegal, and we don't have the power or mandate to choose what illegal activities should be tolerated versus enforced." Canada: Quebec state investment fund to take controlling stake in McInnis ICR Newsroom By 12 August 2016 The Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec has agreed to plans to inject an additional CAD250m (US$193m) into McInniss Port-Daniel integrated plant project under a deal which sees the state investment fund take a controlling interest in Beaudier Ciment, McInniss majority shareholder. Reuters quotes a spokesperson for the Caisse as stating that the project faced cost overruns of up to CAD500m (US$386m) and for this reason the fund had insisted on a "change of control and a change in management. The new plans will see the Caisse invest CAD125m (US$96m) which will be matched by the same amount from BlackRock Alternative Investors. The injection of fresh funds will give the Caisse a controlling interest in Beaudier Ciment, appointing seven out of 11 seats on its board. Last week saw McInniss CEO, Christian Gagnon, step down amid the companys failure to control costs on the project to build a new 2.2Mta plant. Published under Nigeria: removal of cement tax incentive ICR Newsroom By 12 August 2016 The removal of pioneer status tax incentive for the cement industry has caused concerns for operators in the real sector, who feel the development will send the wrong signal to investors. The issue was raised by the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dr Frank Jacobs, with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, at a recent stakeholders meeting. Dr Jacobs said, The news of government withdrawing the pioneer status tax incentive enjoyed by the cement industry is not only disturbing but also amounts to government shooting itself in the foot as it would send a bad signal to both current and prospective investors of local and foreign origins. Dr Jacobs went on to say that when an economy is contracting, as Nigerias is, countries work with he private sector, providing incentives and support to encourage them to maintain their investments. Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muda Yusuf, agreed, saying that now was not the right time to withdraw the incentives. Published under (TNS) The Wilson County Board of Education meeting room has been transformed into a time capsule of Wilson County Schools' building and purchasing history as it unveiled open records requests this week.The Wilson County Ethics Committee sent a pair of ethics complaints to the school district in June after Cris G. Corley filed both complaints after he said he observed "possible waste and abuse of Wilson County taxpayer funds" in relation to the renovation project at the old Lebanon High School.Corley's first ethics complaint prompted a series of questions from the Ethics Committee, which led to a more detailed follow-up complaint, which led to an open records request to the school system from multiple commissioners, led by Commissioner Jerry McFarland.The open records request to the school system included:--all requests for proposals on all buildings built or expanded since 2010.--all bids submitted against all proposed schools to be built, individually, since 2010.--all contracts awarded for school buildings to be built and completed from 2010 to present.--all purchase orders by Wilson County Schools' administration since 2010.--all receipts or money returned to the school administration from the sale of all scrap or surplus property since 2010.--all inventory records on materials, parts, furniture, computers, including laptops, Chromebooks and IT equipment, since 2010.--a complete inventory of all the above technology equipment that was purchased through Wilson County bonds since 2010.--the location of all technology equipment by school since 2010.--information relative to the old Lebanon High School renovation.Wilson County Schools director Donna Wright said the collection of information involved about 350 documented man hours, $18,000 relative to cost of printing and about 13,000 purchase orders. Wright said the collection also includes information prior to 2010, which is when the district was required to start using a hard bid system for projects.The school board meeting room is decorated with dozens of binders, blueprints, storage containers and packets of information as vague as district-wide growth plans and detailed as purchase orders for Wilson County Adult High School office labels.About 30 binders are dedicated to purchase orders since 2010 and several have 200-300 pages or more. The available information also includes product catalogs used for purchasing, technology assets and receipts of sale for surplus items.The information also includes details of who authorized purchases and dates of purchases, including signatures.Several commissioners made their way to the Central Office to view the items Wednesday, with several more expected Thursday morning."I really cannot emphasize how much volume it is. It is important to us, as well. As I've said many times, as we've been going through this, myself particularly, I've learned a lot. Much of it predates me, so it's been a lot of good information for me to review, as well," Wright said last week.The information will be available to commissioners until Sept. 8.2016 The Lebanon Democrat, Tenn. , distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sign up for our newsletter This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Not many people can say they met and married their spouse within 30 days of beginning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. But thats exactly what happened to 25-year-old Claire Henley Miller. Mile 445 is the inspiringand romantictrue story of how Miller left corporate life behind to embark on a 2,650-mile hike from Mexico to Canada. She is doing it alone, and the only gear she takes to survive the trek in the mountains of California, Oregon, and Washington fits inside her sixty-eight-liter backpack. At the start of her five-month journey, she meets a handsome young man known on the trail as Big Spoon. Their paths keep crossing. The two quickly see a greater reason for their expedition than to explore the rigorous wilderness. They fall madly in love and get married. But their adventure is just beginning. Told with rich vitality, Millers quest unfolds in mystical ways through deadly desert storms, 14,000-foot ascents, and decisions that will affect the rest of her life. This bold tale of courage and determination brims with humor and suspense as it reveals life, love, and loss in the rawness of the wild. Mile 445 is available at Amazon.com. To read newspaper articles and/or listen to radio interviews on Millers life-changing adventure, please visit www.clairehenleymiller.com. Claire Henley Miller was born in Tennessee and has since lived in the Loire Valley of France and the Colorado Rockies. She holds a bachelors degree from UTC in creative writing and, in 2016, worked as a journalist for The Chattanoogan.com. She is also the author of a childrens story, The Land of the Living Sunrise, and a book of poetry, The Infinite. She currently lives with her husband in Bend, Or. The Salvation Army East Lake Center at 2140 East 28th St. will open its doors to the community for its Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. For the parents in the community, the event will host several community resource booths with partnering agencies and businesses distributing information for low income families. For the children, there will be dozens of carnival type games filled with opportunities to win school supplies to better prepare the children for school. Volunteers will be on hand distributing hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones for all. We are happy to provide this opportunity to gain useful resources and have fun, staid Lt. Ruth Cancia. It looks like it will be a very warm day, so we will have the swimming pool open too. All are welcome to attend this free event. The Salvation Army is expecting close to 500 people as attended in years past. For more information please call Kimberly George at 756-1023 or email: Kimberly.George@uss.salvationarmy.org. In the ISAFAN research project, scientists at TH Koln are developing an improved method for detection and prediction of damage in fiber composites. A new technology, which is applied for a patent, could in the future precisely detect damage, such as fiber breaks, and cut down on expensive maintenance work. To detect damage, the ISAFAN research group (German abbreviation for Intelligent Damage Prediction in Fiber Composite Material Components in Industrial Applications) at the Gummersbach campus of TH Koln University od Applied Sciences has developed a diode matrix that can be integrated in composite components. "We apply electrical current to the conducting paths of the matrix in series". Project spokesman Professor Jochen Blaurock explains the invention: "If there is damage, the conducting paths are interrupted, and the system registers the change in electrical properties". Currently, workpieces of fiber composite are often subjected to extensive ultrasonic testing during maintenance, in order to detect damage. The new technology makes it possible to detect problems at the moment they occur and to initiate suitable measures. Since the conducting paths are clocked in the range of milliseconds, the component is completely monitored at all times. Furthermore, the location is all the more precise, the tighter the matrix grid. The technology is suitable for fiber composite parts of all shapes. Currently the research group is searching for a suitable material for the diode matrix. "In addition to conductivity, it is especially important that the material have an elongation at break similar to that of the material in which it is contained. That means that the fiber composite and the conducting paths should have similar mechanical properties. Because, if one of the two fails sooner than the other, the damage cannot be measured exactly", explains Blaurock. To make it possible to use the new technology in industrial mass production, the team is now developing a method for efficient integration of the diode matrix into the components. "Ideally the wire matrix would be applied to a foil which is implemented in the component during the production process. We are still searching for an industrial partner for this purpose", says Blaurock. Product life cycle In addition to the detection of direct damage, the research group is also working to prognosticate material fatigue and residual service life. In this context the component is stimulated with a sound wave, and the system response, meaning the reaction of the component, is measured. If the properties of the component change, for example due to fatigue or damage, the system response changes. Using statistical and physical models, the service life can be prognosticated. In addition, operators of wind power systems, for example, can detect problems in blade materials as they develop and take them into consideration when planning maintenance intervals. With support from PROvendis GmbH, the patent marketing company of the universities in NRW, TH Koln has filed a patent for the invention of Prof. Michael Bongards and Hartmut Kohn. Celebrating jailhouse recovery Audio Article Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears paid a visit to the Chesterfield County Jail last week, meeting with over 50 of the men and women participating in the HARP (Helping Addicts... An icons legacy memorialized Audio Article Enon Library was dedicated in memory of the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker on Friday, Oct. 21. Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Winslow, right, was joined by Walkers daughter, Patrice Walker... A federal judge in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2016, dismissed a lawsuit accusing Twitter of supporting the Islamic State group. The family of two men shot and killed in Jordan claimed that Twitter had contributed to their deaths by allowing the group to sign up for and use Twitter accounts. The judge agreed with Twitter that the company cannot be held liable because it wasn't the speaker of ISIS' hateful rhetoric. (Richard Drew / AP) American security contractors Lloyd Fields and James Creach were working at a police training facility in Amman, Jordan, in November 2015, when a trainee shot and killed them with a smuggled assault rifle. The Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the terror group's media arm called the shooter a "lone wolf" for the aspiring caliphate, and warned that "time will turn thousands of supporters on Twitter and others into wolves." Advertisement It's no secret that ISIS relies heavily on Twitter to recruit fighters and spread propaganda. And for the families of the two slain contractors, the group's statement was confirmation that the company should be held liable for the men's deaths. The families sued Twitter earlier this year, claiming that the company provided material support to ISIS that paved the way for the deadly shooting. But a federal judge isn't convinced. Advertisement In a ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge William Orrick of California dismissed the suit, saying a federal law known as the Communications Decency Act, or CDA, protects Twitter from liability, but left the door open for the families to refile their case. "As horrific as these deaths were, under the CDA Twitter cannot be treated as a publisher or speaker of ISIS's hateful rhetoric and is not liable under the facts alleged," Orrick wrote. Attorneys for the plaintiffs and Twitter didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on the ruling. Twitter and other social media companies have faced mounting pressure recently to crack down on users with apparent ties to ISIS. Twitter responded earlier this year, removing some 26,000 suspected pro-ISIS accounts, according to a Wall Street Journal and Recorded Future Inc. analysis released in April. In a statement on its website in February, Twitter said it had suspended 125,000 accounts promoting terrorism, many of them linked to ISIS. "We condemn the use of Twitter to promote terrorism and the Twitter Rules make it clear that this type of behavior, or any violent threat, is not permitted on our service," the company said. In his ruling, Judge Orrick said the plaintiffs failed to show that the man who shot the two contractors a police captain named Anwar Abu Zaid was prompted by ISIS propaganda on Twitter to carry out the attack. The plaintiffs, he said, had only alleged that Abu Zaid had been inspired by ISIS's execution of a Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasbeh, who was filmed being burned alive by the group. ISIS promoted the video of Kasasbeh's execution through Twitter, the judge said, but there was no evidence that Abu Zaid saw it there. Advertisement "The connection is tenuous at best," Orrick said. The judge was similarly unpersuaded by arguments that Twitter contributed to the November 2015 shooting merely by allowing ISIS to operate Twitter accounts. "Plaintiffs have not actually alleged a theory based on Twitter's mere provision of Twitter accounts to ISIS," he said. "On the other hand, it highlights that, even assuming that plaintiffs have asserted such a theory, they have not plausibly alleged the causal connection necessary to support it." The judge also rejected claims that Twitter should be on the hook for direct messages sent by the group. The plaintiffs have 20 days to amend their complaint, if they choose to do so. College freshman Ray Balog, 18, from Island Lake, shops for dorm room necessities at the Lake Zurich Target store on Thursday, August 11, 2016. Balog is going to Northern Michigan University and will study criminal justice. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) It's back-to-college season, which means retailers are battling to equip as many of America's freshmen with laptops, futons and minifridges as they can. Amid the flood of deals and discounts, some have their eyes on a bigger prize: figuring out how a new generation of customers shops and hooking a group of potential lifelong repeat customers. The average family with college-age kids plans to spend $888.71 getting ready to go back to campus, about half of which will go to electronics, apparel and dorm furnishings, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Advertisement "Especially when it's freshmen going off to college for the first time, or a sophomore or junior establishing their first apartment, it's a big chunk of change," Retail Systems Research analyst Nikki Baird said. And while those sales are compelling in their own right, companies with more unique or engaging pitches to college students are likely to have an advantage. Advertisement College senior Alison Catalano is all smiles after finding the bed spread she'd been looking for at the Lake Zurich Target store on Thursday, August 11, 2016. Catalano was out shopping for furnishings for her first apartment as she goes into her senior year at St. Mary's of Notre Dame in South Bend. She is studying art education. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy all let students set up graduation wish lists similar to wedding registries, and Target customers created 136,000 of them last year. Best Buy offers deals that are strictly for students year-round, including a discounted round-the-clock Geek Squad tech support subscription. At Bed Bath & Beyond, students can make an appointment to shop with a "college expert" or check for a school-specific packing list. Target promotes its subscriptions, which send customers refills of household staples, to students and parents who at least want to make sure their child regularly restocks on cleaning supplies, even if there's no guarantee they'll be used. This year, Target tapped a trio of "college stylists" to create YouTube videos advising students on dorm design. It also introduced a chatbot on the messaging app Kik that can suggest college-oriented products and field questions. "It's our first experiment with the platform. It's a way for us to try and learn, and with what better guests than digitally native college students who are already using these platforms?" Target spokesman Lee Henderson said. Few if any retailers have cracked the code of how best to engage with the next generation of shoppers online, and back-to-college is an easy time to reach a lot of young customers at once to test new ideas, Baird said. "It's a chance to check to see if you engage with consumers at that level; does it work better than throwing promotions at them?" she said. Target has opened or is planning to open several of its new small-format stores near college campuses, including one coming in November to Hyde Park near the University of Chicago. Advertisement The chain hosts after-hours shopping parties at stores near 86 campuses around the start of the school year, including Columbia College Chicago and Loyola University Chicago, Henderson said. Target buses the students to stores with DJs, free samples and coupons. Mary Oakes, Columbia's director of residence life, said Target is the only company that's asked to host such an event with the college. "The event is popular because the campus doesn't have a big enough spot for a schoolwide welcome-week party," Oakes said. Even though students don't generally have as much disposable income as older groups, their potential value as lifelong customers makes a small early discount worthwhile, said Alexander Chernev, professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Drew Tippet, 19, from Barrington, carries a dorm mirror as he and his mom, Laurie Tippet, shop at Target in Lake Zurich for essential items for Drew's first apartment. Tippet is going to be a sophomore at Indiana University where he studies business. H (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) College students also can be easier new customers to draw because most haven't done much household shopping, he said. Take Paula Herbst, 18, an incoming freshman at the University of Chicago who finds shopping "kind of tedious." "I try to do it as little as possible," Herbst said. Advertisement But Herbst is starting from scratch when it comes to outfitting her dorm room. She had a three-page list of items to buy and will likely need to restock at some point this year. "It's good to be the company that helps them shape (their) preferences," Chernev said. E-commerce giant Amazon also has taken a particular interest in students, offering six-month free trials of its Prime membership program, which includes free two-day shipping on many items, after which they pay half the normal rate. More recently, Amazon has been building on-campus stores where students can pick up and drop off packages. Amazon@Illinois, an Amazon-staffed pickup location at the Illini Union Bookstore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is expected to open in late October or early November, said Scott McCartney, interim director of the Illini Union. It will be a convenient service for the students, who order so many items online that UPS boxes on campus are often overflowing, he said. And the Illini Union Bookstore, which is giving 2,200 square feet to a competitor, recognizes it's been competing with its new tenant for years. Advertisement "We're not naive enough to think students don't already shop on Amazon," McCartney said. This way, students will at least have to come into the bookstore and perhaps make another purchase when they retrieve online orders, he said. The university will earn a commission on orders. McCartney declined to share the terms of the financial agreement but said he's confident the earnings will outweigh any lost sales. Chernev said the pickup stores will help with logistics on campuses, which can be a delivery nightmare. Students make frequent purchases, and their dorms and apartment complexes don't always have secure places to leave packages, making a centralized location more efficient. The pickup stores also are a chance for Amazon to advertise its brand and demonstrate its convenience, Chernev said. Prime members using the Illinois pickup store will be able to get free same-day service on more than 3 million items, according to Amazon. Students, who haven't had the chance to acquire a decades-old habit of frequenting brick-and-mortar stores, are likely more easily hooked on the convenience of ordering online, Chernev said. Advertisement "If it's a boomer who has gone to a regular store for most of their life and it works well enough, it may take longer for them to switch," he said. Bridget O'Brien, of Portage Park, said she wasn't sure how many students' college shopping habits stuck after graduation. As a freshman, O'Brien, a recent University of Illinois graduate, said she assumed she'd shop at Target and Costco as her family did. There was no Costco near campus, so she went to Wal-Mart, but hasn't returned and doesn't intend to. But at least anecdotally, Baird said, Amazon's taste of free convenience can be a tough habit to kick. "I don't think I've met someone who started with (free student Prime) who didn't end up paying for it," she said. lzumbach@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @laurenzumbach When Wendy's wanted to add blackberries a fruit it had never used on its menu before to a new salad, the process of finding farmers and growing enough berries took more than two years. McDonald's faced a similar challenge when rolling out a new fruit smoothie. It took the chain more than two years to find and grow enough mangoes to supply its 14,000 U.S. restaurants. Fast-food companies are trying furiously to keep up with customers' growing appetite for fresh food. But the race toward a fresher menu can often mean big challenges for fast-food chains, which don't generally have the farm sources that are needed to feed a new fruit into the system. Advertisement Unlike grocery stores, which regularly buy a variety of fruits and vegetables in big numbers, fast-food companies like McDonald's and Wendy's for decades only had to worry about finding enough fresh lettuce or tomatoes to top a sandwich. But now the demands are much greater, and the effort that a fast-food giant puts into sourcing a fresh ingredient comes with a big risk: What if, after years of finding farms and suppliers to support a new menu item, customers don't buy it? Wendy's employee Gracie Martinez puts lettuce into a container as she works to assemble servings of the Summer Berry Chicken Salad on Aug. 12, 2016, at a Wendy's restaurant in Chicago's West Town community area. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune) There have been flops before. Before trying fruit in Happy Meals, McDonald's offered baby carrots in U.S. stores. It also tried salads in a cup called "McSalad Shakers." Wendy's tried a fresh fruit bowl and Subway-esque deli-style sandwiches. None lasted. Advertisement To win, fast-food companies need to stick to their burger-and-fry roots, but also reinvent themselves by adding new menu items that draw other customers in, said Dean Small, founder and CEO of Synergy Restaurant Consultants. "It's all about speed and convenience, but menu innovation drives people in, so they need to balance the huge demand for fresh food within their traditional framework," Small said. The move toward fresh ingredients, spurred by consumer demand and an onslaught of so-called fast casual competitors like Chipotle, Panera and Freshii, has come quickly. Ingredients described as "fresh" have grown 13 percent at fast-food restaurants in the last five years, according to Technomic's MenuMonitor. The catch-all fresh category includes additions like fresh mushrooms or mozzarella, but it's a sign quick chains are opening up into new territory. At Wendy's, the use of blackberries was enticing; a chance to give customers more variety, while incorporating a fruit that is not widely used in restaurants. The chain first tested berries in 2009, opting for strawberries and blueberries, chosen for their familiarity and uniformity of size, noted Lori Estrada, Wendy's vice president of culinary development. Blackberries for Wendy's Summer Berry Chicken Salad are seen Aug. 12, 2016, in the kitchen of a Wendy's restaurant in Chicago's West Town community area. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune) Two-and-a-half years ago, Wendy's tested a blackberry-laden Summer Berry Chicken Salad. The salad proved popular enough that plans were made to roll it out nationwide, but the berries' slow growth made them a challenging ingredient. Unlike lettuce, which grows in just a few months, blackberries grow on bushes and aren't fully sweet until their second year. And Wendy's needed 106 million of them. The new Summer Berry Chicken Salad required some additional instruction for restaurant staff, who prepare salads in-store every morning. Blackberries vary in size more than blueberries, so Wendy's has put signs up for staff that help them judge berries' size. The standard salad receives four to six berries, or double that if the fruit is small. Wendy's also "built in some flexibility" to the blackberry crops it buys, allowing it to adjust its order if it doesn't sell as many salads as expected, or if it needs more, Estrada said. That flexibility is important because blackberries are more delicate and perishable than other ingredients Wendy's uses. Wendy's notes on its advertisements that the salad is only available "while supplies last" to account for any problems with the haul, brought in on refrigerated trucks along with fresh beef deliveries two to three times a week. Prepared servings of Wendy's Summer Berry Chicken Salad are seen Aug. 12, 2016, in the kitchen of a Wendy's restaurant in Chicago's West Town community area. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune) Although Estrada says the introduction of blackberries has been a success, there is some fruit the chain would consider off-limits. Namely, peaches and watermelon. Estrada said those are "definitely products we'd like to work with," but a peach's delicate skin is prone to easy bruising and watermelon would be too cumbersome to slice in the restaurants every morning. Advertisement Marion Gross, McDonald's senior vice president of U.S. supply chain management, said the effort to find and farm mangoes for a McCafe smoothie was the most challenging sourcing of a fresh ingredient in the last several years for the world's largest burger chain. McDonald's selected a specific mango variety for its texture and sweetness, Gross said, but it wasn't possible to get enough of that specific mango for McDonald's projected demand. The world's largest burger chain eventually settled on two different varieties that were similar enough that customers couldn't tell the difference. "Even with broadening our specification, we had to look at different growing areas," Gross recalled. "So we said, 'This is what we can get from the (mainland) U.S. This is what we can get from Hawaii, and here's what we can get from South America, and are we OK with that?' It was like a two-year journey just to try to source the right amount of fruit that we needed. And there's many examples like that." Take apple slices. The introduction of apple slices was a watershed moment for McDonald's, which offers them as a substitute for French fries in Happy Meals. Apple slices are all Pink Lady and Gala apples, and the process to source them also took several years. "Whenever there's a fresh crop involved it's a challenge, and you have to be flexible because it's not always steadily produced," she said. "Tree fruits are especially challenging because they take longer to grow and longer to mature. ... All of those things come into play and have to line up to allow us to make it work in 14,000 restaurants." Fast-food chains are slow boats to turn because of their massive size, so every significant change in the menu is a bigger risk than for other restaurants, said Robert B. LaPata, founder of consultancy Forefront Hospitality. Advertisement "Fast-food companies getting into fresh food represents specific challenges because of the large agricultural system they are a part of," he said. "As much as larger agricultural companies try, you can't rush food like this." Nomura analyst Mark Kalinowski suggested that the future of fresh food in fast-food restaurants will likely be more spins of traditional foods, rather than completely new fresh items that could drive some core customers away. He pointed to the examples of Wendy's test of a fresh mozzarella chicken salad, and McDonald's introduction of Gilroy garlic fries, which are prepared to order, as ways fast-food giants can offer fresh food without straying too far. "It's important to experiment, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you're rolling out six new menu items and it's all tofu and kale," Kalinowski said. "It's more of an evolution, not a revolution." sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SamWillTravel If the scandal surrounding Roger Ailes has a silver lining, it may be for James Murdoch. It's been a year since Murdoch, 43, assumed the role of chief executive officer at 21st Century Fox Inc. from his father Rupert and several more since he stepped down from a top job at the family's other company, News Corp., over his handling of a phone-hacking scandal at the News of The World newspaper. Yet the newly minted CEO's management of the latest controversy -- the sexual-harassment allegations brought against the boss of its profitable Fox News Channel -- potentially casts him in a more positive light. By launching an internal investigation and quickly replacing the 76-year-old Ailes, his father's friend and the channel's chairman, James Murdoch is showing he's learned from the criticism British regulators leveled four years ago when he led News International. "He was swift in response, it was not left to fester, there was no cover-up," said Claire Enders, CEO of the independent media industry research firm Enders Analysis Ltd. "He is cutting loose on an old pal of his dad's as fast as possible and in the right way." Still, fallout from the accusations against Ailes may not be over. Fresh claims of sexual misconduct have arisen since former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed her lawsuit against the news executive, and it's possible more disclosures will put the company's handling of the crisis in a harsher light. Ailes has denied any misconduct and has said he'll contest Carlson's claims. Fox rejects comparisons between the Ailes scandal and the hacking incidents, pointing to its fast response to the Carlson lawsuit. James Murdoch shares responsibilities at the company with his older brother Lachlan, 44, Fox's co-chairman along with Rupert. A spokesman for 21st Century Fox has said the company only recently learned of a $3.15 million settlement in 2011 of harassment allegations against Ailes by former Fox News employee Laurie Luhn, as reported by New York magazine. Fox News has said the settlement was "decided solely" by Ailes. "As to Ms. Luhn, Mr. Ailes denied these allegations in 2011 and he denies them now," Ailes's lawyer, Susan Estrich, said in an e-mail. "He did not sign the settlement agreement. He wishes Ms. Luhn well." A judgment can't be made until the facts become public, said Charles Elson, director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware. "Why didn't they know? Should they have known?" he asked. Back in 2012, British officials were asking similar questions and the outlook for James was bleak. Revelations that News of The World employees had hacked into the voicemail of celebrities and other public figures cost him his job at News International. In addition, he had to step down as chairman of Sky, and News Corp. in mid-2011 had to abandon its $12.6 billion bid for the satellite TV service. At the time, News Corp. said the allegations that James failed in his duties as a director weren't backed by evidence. Ultimately the Murdochs weren't accused of wrongdoing, and no charges were brought against News Corp. James relocated to New York to rebuild his position within News Corp. as deputy chief operating officer. During that time, he helped bring "modern governance" to the company, hiring new counsel and revamping the compliance and ethics program in the wake of the hacking scandal, Enders said. The Ailes uproar is likely to cause more reflection on whether those moves were enough. James also played a role in critical deals, including the split of News Corp. from Fox in 2013 and Sky's 2014 acquisition of Fox stakes in Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia. (He returned as chairman of Sky this year.) James also led an investment in Vice Media Inc. and joined the boards of Vice and TrueX, an advertising technology company that Fox now owns. The changes that have taken place at Fox in the year since Murdoch took over with Lachlan have also been substantial. The brothers have pressed "the reset button on key elements of what had been the Fox story for the past few years," Barton Crockett, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets, wrote in a note last week, citing the company's decision to stop providing profit forecasts and potentially slowing share repurchases. James and Lachlan also have installed new management at the 20th Century Fox film unit. Stacey Snider will take over next year from Jim Gianopulos following a couple years of falling revenue and lower profit. In December, they expanded the company's ownership of the National Geographic Society's cable TV channels. The brothers have also restructured the Fox International channels. Then in July, the lawsuit by Carlson, coupled with reports of allegations from other women, led the Murdochs to replace Ailes. Cable networks, led by Fox News, are the single biggest contributor to profit at 21st Century Fox. Rupert Murdoch himself parachuted in to take over from Ailes, a positive move according to Wells Fargo & Co. analyst Marci Ryvicker. Last week, when Fox reported earnings, the brothers told employees in a memo that they are "continuing to take the matter very seriously" and added that "the culture of 21CF is built on the values of trust and respect, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that these principles are adhered to, without exception." Four years ago, then-39-year-old James admitted to a British parliamentary committee that he failed to ask enough questions when the News of the World hacking was brought to his attention. Government officials concluded later that James Murdoch "fell short of the conduct" expected of a chief executive officer. Enders said Fox under the younger Murdoch has "learned not to ignore any issue and be super careful about its moral stance. "He must have understood that he had been given another chance," she said. Bostons Tasty Burger has a beef with Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. The 6-year-old restaurant chain this week said it will aggressively protect its trademark as Chipotle readies for the fall launch of its own Tasty Made burger concept with a similar name and logo. Tasty Burger which has six restaurants in Boston, Cambridge and Washington, D.C., said Chipotle has ignored a July 19 cease and desist letter sent to the Denver company. Unfortunately, Chipotle has nonetheless issued press releases and engaged in a media campaign to promote their new Tasty Made burger restaurants since receiving this letter, CEO David DuBois said. Not to mention, they have continued to proliferate business fillings pertaining to this name. This has caused a great deal of confusion among our customers and consumers in general, because Tasty Burger has no association or affiliation with Chipotle . The first Tasty Made, Chipotles newest venture, will open this fall in Lancaster, Ohio focusing on burgers, fresh-cut french fries and milkshakes. (tronc video - Chicago Tribune) DuBois said he's taking the beef public because he's "sick of getting calls from people asking me if we got absorbed." "I never want to get into any kind of disagreement (business to business) the restaurant business is so tough as it is," DuBois said. "But we have to protect our mark. We built a lot of value into it." Advertisement That value includes a multi-year contract as the official burger of the Boston Red Sox, and $1 million in advertising, he said. But Chipotle doesnt plan to back down. "We fully intend to move forward with the name Tasty Made for our burger restaurant and strongly believe that we are on solid footing in doing so," spokesman Chris Arnold said. "The United States Patent and Trademark Office refused to register a trademark for Tasty Burger, because it is merely descriptive and not enforceable. Beyond that, we believe there is sufficient difference between the names and logo marks so as not to cause consumer confusion, and we believe both brands can co-exist. The only existing trademark for Tasty Burger is on the supplemental register, which is not enforceable." Advertisement A supplemental register trademark does not provide all of the protections that a principal register trademark does, according to the International Trademark Association. But Dubois says his company has a "really strong legal position." "We're going to keep pursuing every channel that we can," he said. "I think that what they're kind of counting on is we'll go away. That's not going to be the case. At this point, Tasty Burger has started a national growth campaign. They can't just overlook all that." Tribune News Service | Boston Herald Billy Corgan has taken a new position in the wrestling world. Impact Ventures, which runs TNA Wrestling, announced Friday that the Smashing Pumpkins frontman has been promoted to president of the Nashville-based wrestling promotion. He has served as senior producer of creative and talent development since spring 2015. Advertisement The announcement comes weeks after news broke that Corgan bought a minority stake in the company. An Impact representative declined to say how much he invested. The Chicago-area native will work with outgoing president Dixie Carter, who was given the new role as Impact chairwoman and chief strategy officer. Corgan, 49, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company, which boasts a staff of 50 full-time employees. Advertisement It's unclear how the promotion will affect Corgan's time in the Chicago area. Corgan co-owns Madame Zuzu's tea house in Highland Park. He performed shows there with Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder in May after wrapping up his "In Plainsong" acoustic-electro tour, which included an April stop at the Civic Opera House. MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Though Impact is based in Nashville, the company's weekly broadcast, "Impact Wrestling," is filmed in Orlando, Fla. The series airs 7 p.m. Thursdays on the Pop network. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine posted in February, Corgan traced his love for wrestling to his Chicago-area upbringing. He co-founded Resistance Pro Wrestling in 2011, but parted ways with the Lockport promotion in 2014. RELATED STORIES: Billy Corgan quickly sells out shows set for Highland Park tea shop Billy Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins belong in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Forget Gen X. Billy Corgan says millennials love 'Siamese Dream' Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) A dozen years ago, the music stopped for Alex Klein. In May 2001, Klein, then serving as principal oboe of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, found himself losing control of his fingers when he played. He was eventually diagnosed with a neurological disorder known as focal hand dystonia. The affliction sent garbled signals from his brain to the third and fourth fingers of his left hand, forcing them to curl under. Advertisement Those involuntary muscle contractions cost Klein, one of the world's foremost orchestral and solo musicians, the thing he loved and did best, playing the oboe. Worse, the dystonia robbed him of his identity and self-esteem as an artist. The condition grew so bad that he was unable to perform more than sporadically in the position to which music director Daniel Barenboim appointed him in 1995. He tried various means of controlling the incurable affliction. He endured many hours of acupuncture and physical therapy, some of it extremely painful. He played with softer reeds. He had his instrument altered to allow his fingers to reach the keys more easily. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR He sweated out CSO rehearsals and concerts, playing as much as his muscles could tolerate without causing further stress or risking injury. He withdrew from performances at the last minute after his left hand went AWOL. The insidious thing was that when he was away from the oboe, his fingers worked just fine. It was only when he performed that his fingers got confused and stiffened. Practicing longer and harder only made the task-specific disorder worse. He was faced with the realization that he could no longer provide the level of playing and section leadership expected of a musician in his position. And so, in April 2004, after nine years in the orchestra, Klein announced he was retiring from his position. He played his final concert as the CSO's first-chair oboe at Ravinia three months later. He then returned to his hometown of Curitiba, Brazil, to crash, empty and dazed, at his parents' home. "It was the most depressing time of my life," he said, looking back on the terrible chain of events that included the breakup of his first marriage. "I had nothing to do and nowhere to go, and no home. I sat on the couch for months." He hesitated to take up playing the oboe again. Whenever he did, after a couple of days his fingers would tighten up. So it went. Advertisement Alex Klein, the newly rehired principal oboe of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, gives a phone interview at the Ravinia Festival on Aug. 4, 2016. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) Eventually the need to make a living forced him to turn his attention to other means of musical expression. While living in Brazil he took up conducting and music administration. He taught master classes. He founded and directed what is said to be Latin America's largest music festival, the Santa Catarina Music Festival. He launched and directed the Program of Social Inclusion through Music and the Arts, a Brazilian orchestra for at-risk schoolchildren inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema music education program. His determination to keep the focal dystonia at bay while continuing to pursue the oboe persisted. And he refused to abandon his dream of playing once again with a major orchestra. In April, Klein tested the waters by sitting in as guest principal oboe for CSO performances of Mahler and Verdi under music director Riccardo Muti. He and everyone else were more than pleased with the results. Two months later the CSO invited him to audition for his former chair in the orchestra's woodwind section, a chair vacated last year by Eugene Izotov. "At first, I told them no," said the 51-year-old Klein, wary of taking so great a leap and possibly failing. "But my colleagues and the administration encouraged me, with full knowledge of what I could and could not do. So we decided to give it a try." He played for the audition committee and Muti. Lo and behold, he won the audition. His reappointment as principal oboe of the CSO took effect with last Friday's concert at Ravinia. A wonderful rounding of his career circle, as he sees it. Advertisement "It feels as though I never left," Klein remarked after a recent rehearsal. "Coming back to the orchestra I love feels like a dream. I never thought this would happen again in my life. Now here we are again. And my colleagues are giving me the same support I remember getting when I left the orchestra." Asked why he feels physically and mentally able to take on so demanding a full-time playing position now, as he continues to battle focal dystonia, he said, "To tell you the truth, I do not have an answer for that. I am still disabled, but I am determined to give this a new shot." How so? "I have a system in place. I have installed a new G key on my oboe that allows me to play a bit sideways, like on a saxophone, in a way that tricks the brain. I continue to do soft tissue work, Rolfing and acupuncture. I have learned to recognize the signs of tendinitis, even pre-tendinitis, before they recur." He also has engaged a personal trainer to help him maintain muscle support, he said. "Of course, I have to be careful I can't be a Schwarzenegger. But I'm proud that the dystonia has had no effect on my playing this year." And his love for and attachment to the oboe remain the same as when he began playing professionally, at age 11, he added. Klein is far from alone in his struggle with focal dystonia. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation estimates that 1 to 2 percent of professional musicians are living with the disorder, almost all of them classically trained and most of them male. That amounts to an average of one musician in every full-sized symphony orchestra, and an estimated 10,000 professional musicians worldwide. Pianists Leon Fleisher and Gary Graffman, each of whom lost control in his right hand because of focal dystonia and have since found ways of coping with its effects, helped bring the disorder to national prominence. It took Fleisher decades of strenuous effort and treatment to regain full use of his right hand and return to performing with both hands. Advertisement Not only is there no cure for focal dystonia, at present, but its cause remains a mystery to medical science. The disorder typically sets in at the height of a musician's career, around 35 to 40 years old. (Klein was diagnosed at 36.) Like him, most instrumentalists with dystonia fight hard to regain their optimum playing ability it's a question of hanging onto their identity. "For a musician, the instrument is the source of their sustenance, their emotional well-being," said Dr. Anna Conti, a neurologist at Mercy Hospital St. Louis who works with musicians battling focal dystonia. A concert pianist in her off-hours, she is empathetic with the psychology of other musicians. "For them, the person and the instrument are one. When they are unable to communicate through that instrument, it's as if their whole world falls apart." Klein is reassembling the rest of his world, along with his playing career. He remains close to his children by his first marriage an 18-year old daughter who is studying anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh, and a 21-year-old son who recently moved with him from Brazil to an apartment in west suburban Riverside. Klein and his second wife, Catalina Klein, a bassoonist, share a home in Montreal, where her career is based. They plan to relocate themselves and their two young children to a permanent residence in Chicago this fall. "I fully intend to stay in the Chicago Symphony for the rest of my career," Klein said. "I am hoping that also is the hope of my colleagues and the administration. We will take it one season at a time. This will be an 'acting' as well as a playing job: I don't want the audience to know if I'm having any physical problems during a performance." He paused. "It's beautiful to be here," he said, smiling. "I wake up in the morning and don't believe it's really happening." Advertisement For certain, his refusal to surrender to focal dystonia stands as an inspiration for the many thousands of other musicians battling this perplexing, debilitating scourge. John von Rhein is a Tribune critic. jvonrhein@chicagotribune.com Twitter @jvonrhein MORE FROM JOHN VON RHEIN: Three masters of American music celebrated at Grant Park, Ravinia Advertisement Recommended Chicago-area classical concerts Gandolfi's garden of musical delights makes for enjoyable stroll at premiere Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) In his biting, much-cheered defense of the work of local newspapers on his show "Last Week Tonight," the red-hot HBO satirist John Oliver had much fun at the expense of the role of "artificial intelligence" in modern journalism. Oliver's highly entertaining piece which quickly garnered well in excess of 4 million views contrasted the current enthusiasm of some publishing executives, including the ones who currently pay my salary, for various automated manifestations of reporting, editing and news distribution with what you might call the old-fashioned, sentimental view of the profession: the notepad-wielding reporter at the quotidian school board meeting, fighting corrupt politicians and delivering the truth to your stoop. Advertisement There is a lot to unpack in Oliver's 19-minute segment and various levels of irony at work. For starters, there's this: In decrying the tendency of panicked newspapers to veer toward populist click-bait, Oliver cleverly created, well, his own populist click-bait. Advertisement Oliver humbly and openly acknowledged how much his show depends on newspapers for its material thank you very much on behalf of my hard-working colleagues. But at the same time, the breadth of the impact of his piece, which contained no new information for anyone who follows the woes of the profession and yet clearly represented new news to so many of its consumers, was a perfect, highly frustrating example of how others reap the economic benefits of those newspapers. Not just of the reporting of newspapers, but even their existential problems. In this case, specifically, the beneficiaries were John Oliver and HBO. It's all a bit like cutting-edge me coming out in support of old-school you, doing whatever it is you do, and thanking you sincerely for doing it, even acknowledging my debt to you, and, along the way, getting a nice chunk of money and exposure for myself, even as I try to hasten your decline. Which is not to say Oliver was not sincere or that the piece was not accurate it was just, as they say at Second City, a brilliantly self-protected scene. And it always has been much easier for satirists to protect themselves than journalists. Oliver made the useful point that consumers have to show willingness to pay for news. He might also have said that he and HBO should be writing checks themselves. MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR What can the ink-stained wretches and their bosses do? One useful lesson of all those clicks is the power of humor more specifically, the integration of news and comedy. This isn't a revelation, but a teachable moment nonetheless. The segment was popular because it was funny. Local newspapers have rarely excelled at comedy for good reason, actually, since parody can and does undermine trust. But, well, the people have spoken. In their millions. Ideally, the newspaper industry would have responded in comedic kind, grabbing what the millennials like to call "allyship." In fact, the trade group Newspaper Association of America responded with pique. Understandably, but not smartly. Actually, it only exacerbated the perceived divide between cool and uncool, and thus newspapers' own problems. Especially with crucial young consumers. Another lesson which professor Oliver has consistently delivered to anyone even remotely listening is the power of intelligence, of assuming your audience knows more than you. Oliver very quickly figured out that populist click-bait can be, ideally needs to be, smart. That way it has reach and impact. Which brings me to artificial intelligence, an area in which Oliver had the most fun at the expense of publishing executives. I first watched the Oliver segment in my kitchen, with my laptop on a copy of Consumer Reports, which pictured another nicer, happier kitchen wherein life was powered by Amazon's digital assistant, Alexa. In essence, Alexa is a hands-free version of Siri that will allow you to stream music on speakers, ask questions and receive your news even as you chop onions, or drive your BMW. You just call out and she responds. Advertisement On Thursday, Billboard published a piece about Alexa that contained one especially notable phrase of cautious admiration: its new encouragement of consumers "to think more about 'what' and less about 'how.' " In other words, instead of asking Siri how to find the Jiffy Lube, we'll soon be turning to Alexa to ask what we need to know that morning. That has clear implications for the news business and, of course, for columnists, arts critics and any other human in the business of peddling value judgments. That Billboard piece about implications for music dovetailed with a recent conversation I had with Kris Hammond, a Northwestern University professor who founded the University of Chicago's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and who is a co-founder of the company Narrative Science, which, in the words of Wired magazine, "trains computers to write news stories." Those stories are more pervasive than you might think. But, to date, they've mostly been pieces driven by algorithm-friendly statistics, such as earnings reports or accounts of Little League games. Hammond follows developments in artificial intelligence closely and he says that the next media frontier involves us having longer and more involved communications with our digital assistants. For example, Consumer Reports notes that, right now, you can only order a pizza through Alexa's Echo device if you previously have configured the pizza you want on, say, the Domino's site. But in the future, Hammond says, you'll be able to chat in depth with Alexa (or whomever) about whether you want sausage, whether that sausage is well-cured, and other such things. Plus Alexa will deliver your news and, no doubt, your reviews. All it will take is for the innovators in the field to veer away from tasks (as in ordering that pizza) and toward news. Love as explored in the prescient 2013 Spike Jonze movie "Her" is a whole other discussion. Advertisement So what will that news look like? Is there some way to transform, say, TV criticism so it can be not only consumed, but actually created, like that pizza, through conversation with a speaker on your counter? How do opinion-meisters embrace this new interactive landscape without democratizing themselves out of existence? How do critics and editors wrestle with that one? How, for that matter, will John Oliver? Is he next for the chopping block, along with those onions? Or will he evolve? Well, we know that humor and intelligence works, that's a start and Oliver's chief asset. But there is a reason why Alexa and the Washington Post share an owner in Jeff Bezos. And so the executives smarting from Oliver's jabs over their interest in aligning newsrooms full of human intelligence with artificial assistance should fight back, ideally with comedy, delivered in-kind. They've no choice but to be part of that revolution. cjones5@chicagotribune.com Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib Advertisement RELATED STORIES: Robots vs. humans: Who ya got? Who is the real carnival barker? Donald Trump or John Oliver? Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP) Jennifer Lopez arrives at the "Shades of Blue" FYC Event at Saban Media Center in Los Angeles. (Rich Fury / AP) LOS ANGELES Jennifer Lopez is set to star as late drug lord Griselda Blanco in an upcoming HBO biopic about the woman known as "The Godmother" and the "Queen of Cocaine." Lopez tells The Hollywood Reporter in a statement that she has "been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for many years." Lopez will also produce the film. Advertisement Griselda Blanco. Actress Jennifer Lopez told The Hollywood Reporter on August 10, 2016, that she would star in and produce an HBO biopic about Blanco. (Florida Deptarment of Corrections / AP) Blanco was killed in Colombia in 2012. She was among the first Colombian women to traffic cocaine to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. She had been deported back to Colombia in 2004 after serving nearly 20 years behind bars in the U.S. for drug trafficking and three drug-related killings. Blanco was a subject of the 2006 documentary "Cocaine Cowboys," which focused on the Miami drug trade. Advertisement Associated Press MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP) Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick, narrated by Scott Brick, 13:19, Penguin Audio Scott Brick must be doing something right. He's voiced more than 600 audiobooks titles as disparate as Michael Pollan's "The Botany of Desire" and Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park." He's the go-to narrator for mysteries and thrillers, with more than 300 titles to his credit, and he's the winner of several awards for his work, including two narrator of the year citations from Publishers Weekly. There are audiobook listeners who will only listen to books Brick narrates. What is it about this plain vanilla voice that makes Brick such a popular choice? My guess: He never overpowers the author with his interpretation. Advertisement In Nathaniel Philbrick's "Valiant Ambition," his steady clarity and light touch are tailored to the material. Philbrick, the author of several histories, including the National Book Award winner "In the Heart of the Sea," shows how a combination of circumstances and character turned a once-dashing hero of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold, into a traitor. Although the stories of Arnold and George Washington aren't as interwoven as the book's subtitle suggests, both confront the slights and mismanagement of the Continental Congress, albeit on far different scales. For Washington, the price of politics is an army neglected and near starvation. For Arnold, it is the loss of a military commission due to political favoritism and the financial toll of his service. Arnold, described by Philbrick as both tactless and bullheaded, accumulates grudges and debt as the war winds on, leading to the failed plot to turn the fortress at West Point over to the British. Advertisement The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley, narrated by Richard Burnip, 11:15, Blackstone Audio Narrator Richard Burnip likes to pause. He likes to pause between sentences. He likes to pause between phrases. If the length of his pauses were cut by half, he might have shaved an hour from the narration of this engrossing, moody debut novel by Andrew Michael Hurley. This is not to say that Burnip, the voice on more than 70 audiobooks, is unskilled. In fact, his characterizations of a small group of Catholic pilgrims visiting a desolate bit of English coastline are sharp: the tightly wound and controlling mother; the Irish priest who repeatedly fails to meet her expectations; the teenager who tells the story. The life of the narrator is entwined in the care of his older, disabled brother, Hanny. Hanny cannot speak, and his mother has designed this pilgrimage for him. She is determined he will drink the healing waters at a nearby shrine and be cured. Hurley has done something magical here. Although this story winds around a core of the supernatural, always at the forefront are the struggles of the characters within: an old priest's unraveling, a mother's willful blindness, a brother's protectiveness, and most unusually, a landscape, The Loney. This "wild and useless length of English coastline" is so lovingly and clearly evoked, it becomes a character as important as any of the pilgrims, a major player in the drama with lifelong consequences. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal, 35:40, Audible Studios It's only a little cynical to say that celebrity narration is a gimmick. But it's a smart gimmick in today's American culture. And the famous can read often, about as well as I can. But the art of narration is more than following the sentences where they lead, as the best narrators demonstrate with delightful frequency. So, I'm pleased to report that Maggie Gyllenhaal, the Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning actress, really is a good and worthy narrator. Gyllenhaal is gracious to the reader, injecting interest into even the most difficult passages of the Tolstoy classic, "Anna Karenina," translated by Constance Garnett. Anyone who's read the book on the page would probably confess to rushing through Tolstoy's long arguments about the peasantry and politics subjects opaque to anyone not living in 19th-century Russia. But Gyllenhaal cannot skim, and as a result, we skimmers will see characters in a new way. Konstantin Dmitrievich Levin, a man uncomfortable anywhere other than his country estate, is often in the thick of these philosophical discussions, and so Gyllenhaal's bright narration puts him a new light. Gyllenhaal's only misstep and a common one for many audiobook performers is narrating group scenes. Voices can be difficult to distinguish from one another, and occasionally a male voice has a higher pitch than a woman's, adding to the confusion. But in a nearly 36-hour narration done with evident care, I almost feel guilty for bringing it up. Advertisement Jenni Laidman is a frequent Printers Row contributor. Still Mine by Amy Stuart, Simon & Schuster, 320 pages, $24.99 Clare raises suspicions when she arrives in Blackmore, an isolated mining town, and starts asking about Shayna Fowles, a local girl who went missing. Advertisement Her presence feels like a threat to the people close to Shayna: Jared, her ex-husband; Charlie, the town's drug dealer; Derek, her family doctor; and even to her parents. But in order to solve the puzzle of Shayna's disappearance, Clare who has a secret connection to the girl must face her own demons. The Fly Trap by Fredrik Sjoberg, translated by Thomas Teal, Vintage, 288 pages, $17 Advertisement Sjoberg's memoir documents his obsession with collecting the hoverflies from the remote Swedish island where he lived and worked as an entomologist. Drawing on a variety of sources such as D. H. Lawrence and the naturalist Rene Edmond Malaise, Sjoberg looks at what fuels a collector's curiosity and offers nuggets of the history of entomology. Results May Vary by Bethany Chase, Ballantine, 352 pages, $17 Art curator Caroline Hammond is shocked to find out that her husband is having an affair with a man. The emotional punch sends her into a spiral of questions about the true nature of their relationship, but also about her future. Caroline must decide whether to move past the betrayal and rebuild their life as a couple or embark on a journey of self-discovery, peppered with family dramas and romantic surprises. The End of Tsarist Russia by Dominic Lieven, Penguin, 448 pages, $18 Relying on his exhaustive work in seven Russian archives, Lieven, a distinguished Russian historian, brings a fresh take on the origins of World War I and the Russian Revolution, revealing how entwined the two of them are. Lieven also explains why Russia entered World War I and how modern issues such as the struggle for Ukraine are rooted in the events of 1914. The Courtship of Eva Eldridge by Diane Simmons, University Of Iowa, 272 pages, $19.95 Drawing on an impressive collection of 800 letters and papers, Simmons tells the story of Eva Eldridge, a woman whose husband Vick took off soon after their honeymoon in the '50s. The humiliation was only made worse by post-World War II society's pressure to marry. Convinced that her newly minted husband is struggling with post-traumatic stress, Eva decides to track him down. She soon discovers that her hero is a serial bigamist and her name was added to a long list of abandoned wives. For me, college is about listening and learning it's about conversations with people, or the lack thereof. I am a Korean-American who grew up in Korea. My jet-lagged first day at Wheaton College (after a 13-hour flight from South Korea) in fall 2011 was my first time in the U.S. in more than 10 years. Advertisement From the enormous size of the toilet at an O'Hare airport bathroom and my first time grabbing a meal at Chipotle, to the endless variety of Scotch tape on display at the magical place called Target, culture shock overwhelmed me. My veins were flooded with the rush of Starbucks caffeine. I was stimulated and terrified but tried to act brave. On that first day to-do list was a job interview for an on-campus student worker position. The interviewer asked where I was from. Seoul. He then asked what I would be studying at Wheaton. English literature. He said, "Oh, you must be passionate to come all the way here to study English from Korea!" Advertisement That comment rubbed me the wrong way, in a way I couldn't describe at the time. It's clearer now: The comment put a box around my upbringing. The interviewer was measuring my passion without knowing anything about me, based only on where I was coming from. Chances are that today, he doesn't remember what he said, but I always will. That interview was a small example of what came after that first day of college, but I hesitate to tell the story because some people who made ridiculously ignorant comments during my college years ended up being good friends of mine. It took a lot of listening, patience and effort on both sides. Through them, my friends, I learned to articulate. To them, I owe this story. College comes down to conversations with people, or the lack thereof. You bump into people you instantly click with, people with whom you can talk for hours about simple things, like a similar taste in music, over a tub of ice cream that eventually melts completely at 2 a.m. On the flip side are that roommate you just can't seem to get along with, a professor who inevitably makes you fall asleep in every lecture and your crush-from-afar whom you won't go ahead and talk to for four years. We choose some people to get to know and others we don't. We make decisions to engage in conversations or not. In ways, I am thankful that I had to take those extra steps at college from day one. Otherwise, I likely would have stayed in my bubble, meeting only people who say things that sound right to my ears. More than anything, my college experience taught me that disagreements are necessary. I had to face people who were wrong and vice versa, people who corrected me, and people who look different and think differently from me. There were times of discomfort and facing the hard truth that not everything is black or white. That's the tiny confession of a post-college millennial: that the discomfort, the disagreements never get easy. Twitter @joanneyjkim RELATED STORIES: 3 things I wish I'd known before my freshman year of college Advertisement Tips for couples becoming empty nesters Part-time work during the school year? Why it can be a good thing James Brandess with one of his still-life paintings in his gallery in Saugatuck. (John Handley / Chicago Tribune) SAUGATUCK, Mich. Give an old log to Marcia Perry, and she will create a work of art. "I'm a sculptor who brings trees back to life," explained Perry, one of many artists who live in or near Saugatuck on Michigan's west coast, a nearly three-hour drive from Chicago. Advertisement Our family has made myriad visits over the years to this quaint resort village. We come for the beach, the boating, the unique shops and restaurants. But this time, I wanted to explore what makes this area "The Art Coast of Michigan," where some 35 art galleries inhabit this small town and neighboring Douglas. Perry's theory as to why the region evolved into a magnet for artists: The natural beauty provides a bottomless well of inspiration. Advertisement "The scenery here is a treasure," she said. Saugatuck grew up beside a wide curve in the Kalamazoo River as it flows to Lake Michigan. Across the river from downtown, steep forested sand dunes overlook Lake Michigan to the west. The town's visual magic started to cast its spell in the early 20th century. Artists from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago established the Summer School of Painting on Saugatuck's Oxbow Lagoon in 1910. Now called the Ox-Bow School of Art, the 115-acre campus continues to make this an artistic destination, with more than 500 artists gathering here each summer to hone their skills (www.ox-bow.org). Ox-Bow holds five Friday night open houses during the summer, when the public can buy works of art created at the school. Perry's studio (www.marciaperrystudio.wix.com/mperry) is populated by her life-size human sculptures, birds and rustic chairs. She invites the public to "adopt" (buy) her wooden wares. She also accepts wood donations: "I'm always looking for cast-off trees," she said. Besides its natural appeal, what lures artists to Saugatuck? Perry believes Saugatuck's free-spirited, tolerant attitude the town has long been LGBT-friendly has bolstered its creative side. Saugatuck has a quirky charm, she says, that sets it apart from its more conservative surroundings. A copy of the famous painting "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte 1884" by French post-Impressionist Georges Seurat adorns a public restroom in a Saugatuck park. (John Handley / Chicago Tribune) In art-happy Saugatuck, one of the Art Institute of Chicago's most famous paintings is reproduced on the side of a public restroom. This version of post-Impressionist Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte 1884" enjoys a scenic location in a park beside the Kalamazoo River, a far different setting from the one Seurat depicted along the banks of the Seine. A stroll through Saugatuck's busy shopping area, mainly along Butler and Water streets, reveals a wide range of types of art, from painting and ceramics to photography and more. Advertisement Landscape painters launched the Saugatuck art boom, and one of many carrying on that tradition is James Brandess. He came from Chicago in 1987 to study and work at Ox-Bow. He liked it so much that he decided to stay. In 1994, he opened the James Brandess Studios & Gallery, 238 Butler St., in an old post office. Besides landscapes, he specializes in still-life drawings and portraits. His studio displays oil paintings and prints, and you can pick up a small souvenir of Saugatuck art in the form of a postcard of one of his landscapes. While vacationers think of Saugatuck as a summer place, Brandess says artists relish the beauty year-long. "I paint in all seasons, and I especially like the fall," he said. "There's tremendous variety here woods, sand dunes, river and the lake. I have a pontoon boat and sometimes paint from it, along with my dog." It takes him about 3 1/2 hours to create a scene on canvas. "Longer than that, and the light is different, and that changes the scene," he added. A very different form of art is displayed nearby at the Jeff Blandford Gallery, 240 Butler St. A potter and glass blower, Blandford says a bowl is his canvas, and a painting doesn't have to be flat. The many colored bowls on the walls of his gallery are kitchen-size, but he proudly recalls making a giant, 400-pound bowl, as well as a bathtub that took three months to dry. Opening his gallery in Saugatuck was a natural choice because he grew up in the area. He lives on a farm in Fennville, 12 miles away. Advertisement "My art is functional," Blandford said. "It's for people who don't know about art." After Saugatuck, check out the galleries in nearby Douglas. Driving there on the Blue Star Highway, you will pass the J. Petter Galleries a mellow spot devoted to both art and wine. You can wander through the gallery sipping a glass of vino on tap at the on-site wine bar (www.petterwinegallery.com). For a panoramic, bird's-eye view of Saugatuck one that has been painted many times take the old-fashioned, hand-cranked chain ferry across the river and climb the 302 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead sand dune. Far down below, the pretty-as-a-picture town and harbor shimmer in the sun. But keep going. Run down the other side of the dune where Lake Michigan spreads out to the horizon. When you reach Oval Beach, cool off with a swim. Then look around at the colorful beach umbrellas, the blue lake and the waving green grass edging the sand. You've seen this picturesque beach before in a painting at a Saugatuck gallery. John Handley is a freelance writer. If you go: Advertisement The special ambience of Saugatuck can best be experienced by staying at one of the Victorian-style B&Bs or at a riverfront resort with views of the busy boat traffic. Yacht-watching is a popular sport in Saugatuck. But if you didn't sail here, you can still get out on the water by renting a kayak, canoe or other craft, or taking a cruise on the Star of Saugatuck sightseeing boat; www.saugatuckboatcruises.com. New restaurants continue to cater to palates in Saugatuck, but one venerable place Coral Gables, 220 Water St. retains its allure and offers the best views of the harbor from its second-story deck; www.coralgablessaugatuck.com. Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau: 269-857-1701, www.saugatuck.com. Upcoming art events: The Saugatuck Douglas Art Club sponsors the Clothesline Art Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17. Local artists display their works on clotheslines in Wicks Park in downtown Saugatuck; www.saugatuckdouglasartclub.org. Saugatuck-Douglas Gallery Stroll, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9. Some 20 galleries show works of local and international artists; www.saugatuck.com/gallery_stroll. Advertisement RELATED STORIES: Indianapolis hosts Vonnegut festivals, premiere of his opera Travel deals: Bargain trip to Bali, biking and boating in Euro Explore the midwest I sometimes think we should create an archive of emotions so people can understand what it felt like to be alive at certain moments in history, before technology and changing circumstances caused those feelings to disappear forever. For instance, kids growing up today might never know that unique tremor of anticipation when a handwritten letter appears in their mailbox. They might never understand the low-grade despair of turning on the radio to hear the last few notes of their favorite song, knowing it might be hours or days before they could hear it again. Advertisement But the emotion that might already be too endangered to recover is that that peculiar excitement with which kids once greeted the approach of the school year, knowing it would be the antidote to their summer boredom. Remember that? Remember being so burned out by "Andy Griffith" reruns, stacks of picked-over library books and aimless bike rides around the neighborhood that you couldn't wait for that first schoolyard bell to ring? Advertisement Well, let me assure you, that quiver of eagerness is as extinct as the passenger pigeon. Today's students view the start of school with nothing but dread, and I don't blame them. If your summer vacation were as awesome as theirs, you would hate for it to end, too. They can attend exquisite day camps that will let them play dodge ball or bake treats before whisking them away on excursions to zoos and amusement parks. When they go on road trips with the family, they're not rolling in some cramped Chevy Citation with no air conditioning and a busted radio they're gliding along in a luxurious, climate-controlled, gadget-laden minivan that would be suitable transportation for a hedge fund tycoon. And those who spend the summer at home have it best of all. Reruns? Library books? Please! For them, life is a never-ending binge watching party they can even slip in some R-rated stuff if Mom and Dad aren't paying attention! or an epic "Call of Duty" battle with infinite respawns. The only reason to leave their basement Xanadu is to grab another juice box out of the fridge or round up more Pokemon. As one week of splendid lethargy follows another, interrupted only occasionally by "chores" or "dinner" or "Dad yelling," all thoughts of algebraic equations and pop quizzes vanish like some disquieting, half-remembered dream. So when the calendar turns to August and their days of glory grow numbered, they panic. At my house, my wife and I have tried to jump start our kids' brains before school starts by having them do a few math problems every night. The way they howl, you'd think we were lashing them with barbed wire, or making them listen to Enya. As soon as the children's lobby gets a foothold in Springfield, you can bet that summer math will become a felony. But all good things must come to an end, even for the young sultans of suburbia, and so starting this week, many of them will march off to school as if trudging to the gulag. It takes a cold heart not to feel a bit sorry for them, so here are a few suggestions for parents to help with the transition: Show compassion for their plight. Don't high-five on the porch while they're waiting for the bus, and if you must break out champagne, have the common decency to make sure it's an undistinguished vintage. Put things into perspective. Talk about how kids in the old-timey days didn't go to school but were put to work in the fields fields that didn't even contain any Pokemon. Children always take a great interest in the old-timey days. Advertisement Let them ease into their new schedule. Even though they must wake up four hours earlier than they did during the summer, don't rouse them with a salvo of Norwegian death metal. That should be used only if they don't respond to Swedish death metal. Most of all, remember that these summers are fleeting and few, and that before they know it, today's children will be grousing about their own lazy kids who spend their entire vacation lolling around the virtual reality chamber. Count on it. Parental resentment of carefree youth is one emotion that will never go away. jkeilman@tribpub.com Twitter @JohnKeilman Sommer Stokes holds a 2001 photo of herself at 1 month old her with mother, Melanie Stokes, on June 27, 2016. Melanie Stokes suffered from postpartum depression and several months later jumped to her death from a Chicago hotel window. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Tucked away in a Ziploc bag in Carol Blocker's bedroom are 12 orange prescription bottles with her daughter's name printed neatly across each one. The labels have faded. The pain has not. Advertisement Melanie Stokes, Thiothixene, 5 MG. Melanie Stokes, Lorazepam, 0.5 MG. Melanie Stokes, Remeron, 30 MG. Fifteen years after Stokes gave birth to the daughter she had named decades before, after she fell into a depression so profound doctors prescribed her the cocktail of pills, after she slipped away from her family to jump to her death from the 12th floor of a Chicago hotel, Blocker clings to the medication as a symbol of how little the world knew about the illness that claimed her daughter's life. Advertisement Stokes' public death, along with the suicides of three other women who gave birth only to take their own lives shortly thereafter, turned the spotlight on an illness that had been shrouded in mystery and stifled by stigma. The past 15 years have proved to be somewhat of an enlightenment period for understanding postpartum depression and psychosis, though researchers and clinicians admit they still have a long way to go. The onset of smartphone technology and apps combined with more conventional hotlines and support groups have reached women who felt as though there was no way out of the darkness. Melanie Stokes holds her month-old daughter, Sommer, in 2001. (Blocker family photo) With increased awareness, the shame that for too long prevented countless women from reaching out for help is gradually receding. Stokes, a pharmaceutical sales manager, and her husband, Sam Stokes, a doctor, had spent almost three years trying to have a baby. When Melanie realized she could be pregnant, she rushed to buy a pregnancy test and took it in the store bathroom. The joy carried through her pregnancy, but when Sommer Skyy was born in the winter of 2001, the postpartum psychosis took over almost immediately. Melanie was hospitalized three times in seven weeks before falling to her death. Now 15 and soon to be a sophomore at a private school in Chicago, Sommer recently told the Tribune that she grew up understanding why her mother wasn't around. "I understood at a pretty young age that I didn't have my birth mom and that I would never have a birth mom again," Sommer said. "I understood that she died because of a disease, and I understood that other women get that disease as well." Postpartum depression affects 10 to 20 percent of new mothers and is believed to be linked to the sudden change in hormones after childbirth. The sadness, anxiety and mood swings are more intense and last longer than "baby blues," which up to 80 percent of mothers experience. Stokes suffered from postpartum psychosis, the rarest and most severe of the disorders. It affects 1 to 2 of every 1,000 mothers and is marked by paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. Sommer was still in elementary school when she learned that women should be screened for postpartum disorders after giving birth. Understanding the mental illness, she said, kept her from harboring anger at her mother for leaving when she was 3 months old. Advertisement "I know she loved me," Sommer said. "I don't know the extent that she loved me, but I know that she loved me." Carol Blocker and granddaughter Sommer Stokes discuss Blocker's daughter and Stokes' mother, Melanie Stokes, who suffered from postpartum psychosis and took her own life just a few months after giving birth to Sommer. Blocker has spent the past 15 years advocating for greater screening for new mothers and on behalf of mothers suffering from psychosis and depression. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) In a lot of ways, Sommer's life mirrors that of many of her peers. She speaks quickly, does well in school, plays the piano though she doesn't practice as often as her great aunt Joyce Oates, with whom Sommer lives, would like. She's obsessed with Harry Potter and cringes when she remembers just how infatuated she once was with One Direction. With her high cheek bones, deep brown eyes and determined spirit, she is her mother's daughter. Sommer's father, who lives downstate, is a steady presence in her life. Blocker, the grandmother who has advocated for postpartum depression awareness and reform from the moment of her daughter's death, is affectionately referred to as Sommer's "protector." "I have a lot of love in my life," Sommer said. "A lot of people helped raise me. Not having a mom is hard. There is no stronger bond than mother and child. But the heartache has helped me help other people." Melanie Stokes was one of two women featured in a 2003 Chicago Tribune series on postpartum disorders after a cluster of suicides in the Chicago area. Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling, whose postpartum depression led her to jump in front of a Red Line train nearly three months after her son was born, was the second. 'It saved my life' Advertisement Following Mudd Houghtaling's death, the Mudd family made a donation to Evanston-based NorthShore University HealthSystem to create a perinatal and postpartum disorder program that helped the health care system emerge as a leader in the field. More than a decade later, the ripple effect of the family's donation shows no signs of waning. More than 7,600 women have called NorthShore's free, confidential hotline, known as the MOMS line, which was funded through the donation and is staffed 24 hours a day, said Jo Kim, director of the perinatal depression program. "It's still a one-of-a-kind resource," Kim said. "We get calls from all over the U.S. and all over the world." Kim was working the hotline in 2008 when she answered a call from Katie Karsten, who had given birth to her second child in two years. Karsten remembers getting hit with a wave of sadness in the hospital after delivering her daughter, Annika, but she dismissed it and tucked away the flier from the social worker with the MOMS number. When she went in for her six-week checkup, she again shelved the hotline information. Advertisement "I was skeptical," said the Arlington Heights mother, now 40. "I had never called a hotline before, and I remember thinking, 'How is a person on the other end of a hotline going to help me? They don't know me or my situation.'" A week passed. Then one afternoon while her kids napped and the house was still, Karsten was overcome with panic, desperation and fear. She collapsed to the floor and began to sob. Katie Karsten, of Arlington Heights, discusses the hotline she used when she was suffering from postpartum depression in 2008. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) In that moment, she picked up the phone and heard Kim's voice. The clinical psychologist listened, took down Karsten's insurance information and set up an appointment with a doctor within the week. "She didn't make me feel ashamed," Karsten said, her eyes welling with tears all these years later. "She said I wasn't strange. I wasn't a bad mother. She said they weren't going to take my kids away." She began seeing a therapist regularly. Every year on her daughter's birthday, Karsten sends Kim an email of gratitude. "I don't know what would have happened if I did not call," Karsten said. "I can't say for sure I would be here today." Advertisement She feels a similar appreciation toward the Mudd family, which declined comment for this story. "It saved my life, and I'm sure it saved others," she said. "I thank them wholeheartedly." Chris Beer also credits the hotline for saving her life four years ago. Her husband, Matt, made the initial call when he saw the radical change in his wife, a successful trader accustomed to leaving her Wilmette home every morning to catch the 5:40 train into the city. "When you look at it from the outside, I had a great husband, two healthy kids and a great job, and you ask, 'Can't she snap out of it?'" said Beer, 34. "I couldn't just snap out of it. I was holding it all together but I was pretty fractured on the inside. It's not as easy as it may look in the Pottery Barn catalog." Beer, who grew up in a working-class family on Chicago's South Side, said she felt guilty that she had everything she wanted but could not stop the flood of tears. A perfectionist, Beer found herself waking up at 2:30 a.m. to slice fruit for the kids and fold laundry into neat piles. She couldn't sleep. The anxiety was crippling. When she looked down at her baby girl, her heart did not warm with compassion. Advertisement After her husband dialed the hotline, he handed her the phone and she began to describe her despair. The social worker who took the call created an action plan for Beer, followed up with phone calls and set up doctor's appointments. Beer took a break from work and entered an intensive outpatient program for eight hours a day, five days a week, for two months. Getting better became her new job. In addition to therapy and medication, she incorporated exercise as a major component to her treatment. She still does barre and yoga four times a week and takes frequent walks throughout the neighborhood. She's back in the trading pit at the Chicago Board of Trade. When she looks at her daughter, Kate, now, she is awestruck. "She is happy," Beer said. "She is loving. She is funny. She completes our family." Chris Beer, of Wilmette, discusses her struggle with postpartum depression and treatment after the birth of her second child. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) 'We've come a long way' Advertisement While the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum disorders have evolved markedly since Stokes' death, the past five years in particular have included dramatic advances. Through technology once reserved for games and coffee orders, researchers have connected with tens of thousands of women. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody aided in developing an app to help her study the possible genetic component of postpartum depression in hopes of understanding its causes and risk factors. The app, PPD ACT, launched in March, and 10,000 women signed up by April, said Meltzer-Brody, director of UNC's perinatal psychiatry program. The app screens women for postpartum depression, refers them for treatment as needed and helps identify women for follow-up DNA testing. "Using technology and social media is really going to be a critical and very powerful tool for reaching people in ways we haven't before," she said. "You get a very different section of the world. When you're using technology, you can reach any person, anywhere." NorthShore's Kim also recognized the limitations of pen-and-paper screenings. Her group teamed with a University of Chicago statistician to develop a mobile health initiative that can electronically screen women for postpartum disorders and then follow up with supportive text messages. Texts might suggest things such as "plan one pleasurable activity for you and your baby to do tomorrow" and "no mom is perfect." The approach breaks down barriers that may otherwise prevent women from going to a clinic or hospital. The women are able to complete the screening at home at the time of their choosing. Their responses also can be quickly linked to their electronic medical records. Advertisement With the passage of a state law in 2007, Illinois became one of only a handful of states that requires women to be screened after they deliver. That marked the start of routine postpartum depression screenings at many hospitals including Chicago's Stroger Hospital, where the majority of patients are low-income, said Dr. Andrew Segovia Kulik, chairman of psychiatry for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. While not all screenings are done electronically, they are frequent. Women typically are assessed at least four times, beginning with their 20-week prenatal appointment, then after delivery, during the baby's appointment with a pediatrician and again at six weeks after labor, Segovia Kulik said. "We've come a long way," he said. Carol Blocker and her granddaughter, Sommer Stokes, then age 9, share a laugh May 16, 2010 in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Mothers at Edward-Elmhurst Health, which includes Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and Naperville's Edward Hospital, also are screened multiple times and encouraged to attend the Nurturing Mom support groups, said Linda Huelke-Pfleger, behavioral health integration coordinator. Like many in recent years, Huelke-Pfleger has shifted from the term "postpartum depression" to "perinatal mood disorders," which encompasses the period before and after birth and goes beyond depression. That's important because anxiety often shows up during pregnancy, not just after, she said. "It's a hard time to have a family," Huelke-Pfleger said. "Since the recession of 2008, lots of dynamics have changed. There are more single parents, more economic stresses, and women are not staying home anymore." Advertisement Even with the progress, too many women fall through the cracks, said Ann Smith, president of Postpartum Support International, based in Portland, Ore. "The key is public awareness and to help women understand that there is effective treatment," Smith said. "The mantra of PSI is: 'You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.' All of those are totally true. The key is to get women to know that." 'Please hold on' Blocker Stokes' mother and Sommer's grandmother has led postpartum depression marches and helped pass a federal education and research law in her daughter's name, though she said she is disappointed that a lack of funding has rendered it hollow. People still visit the website she set up years ago that contains the story of her daughter's tragic journey and Blocker's phone number. A few weeks ago, Blocker said, a woman from a tiny Texas town called her to say she was plagued with thoughts of killing her baby and herself. When she sought help, the woman told Blocker, the doctor said it would pass, gave her a year's supply of Zoloft and sent her home. "I told her to please hold on," said Blocker, 77, who encouraged the woman to travel to a larger hospital where physicians are more likely to be trained in treating postpartum disorders. Advertisement At Blocker's urging, Sam Stokes filed a lawsuit in 2002 against a doctor and hospital that treated Melanie Stokes. They settled for $900,000, with neither party admitting wrongdoing. "The nine months Melanie was pregnant were one of the best times of my life because it was one of the best times of her life," Sam Stokes said. "But when she got sick, she said it was as if a switch in her brain went off and she was never able to turn it back it on. It was important to me that Sommer know it wasn't her mother's fault, that she had a severe mental illness." Homecoming queen Melanie Stokes rides in a car and waves to the parade crowd. (Blocker family photo) Seeing Sommer navigate life the way she has is inspiring, he said. "Melanie would be extremely proud of her," he said. When Sommer was assigned in sixth grade to do a presentation on her role model, she chose her grandmother. Pictures of Sommer fill Blocker's condo overlooking Lake Michigan: Sommer cradled in her mother's arms. Sommer in pigtails. Sommer beaming in her school photo. From her grandmother's home, the two can peer down at the red brick townhouse Sommer's parents bought before she was born so her grandmother would never be more than a minute away. Sommer relies on the stories her grandmother, father and great aunt Joyce whom she calls "Mommy Joyce" tell her about her mother's strength, beauty and kindness. Advertisement Oates, who is 88, said she is not fazed by raising a teenager. She had retired 18 years before Sommer was born, but just as she learned bedtime and bath routines then, she's picking up music and fashion trends now. "I'm so thankful she doesn't like rap," Oates said with a chuckle. "That's something I don't think I could ever get used to." Sommer has made adjustments as well. She's often the youngest person by more than a half-century on trips with Oates' senior group. "I've been lucky," Oates said. "She's a wonderful child." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Oates said she misses Sommer terribly when she spends the summers with her father in Carbondale. Her bedroom there holds her mother's aged yellow chair and the desk and bed she never got to see Sommer grown into. Sommer was too young to understand the significance of the old, squeaky furniture when she asked to redecorate her room a few years ago. "My dad said, 'No. Your mom got that for you,'" she recalled. Advertisement She paused to take a breath, then blinked back tears. "He gets sad whenever I leave because I remind him so much of her," she said. "He loved her a lot, and I can see that. I appreciate that he wants me to have some things that my mom got me so I can remember her." The memory of her mother, pieced together from faded photos, youthful stories and worn furniture, has shaped the woman Sommer has become. She holds to it, not as a painful reminder, but a lingering embrace from a mother to her daughter. deldeib@chicagotribune.com Twitter @deldeib Venkateswara Kuchipudi, right, walks with his lawyer Theodore Poulos outside the Dirksen U.S Courthouse on Aug. 12, 2016, after Kuchipudi was sentenced to two years in prison for his part in a fraud scheme at the now-shuttered Sacred Heart Hospital. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune) In the years before Sacred Heart Hospital abruptly closed, a series of elderly nursing home patients were taken to the struggling West Side medical facility, where they were whisked directly into a room to be examined and tested. The reasons for admission were murky. The trips to Sacred Heart, situated in the Garfield Park area, often made little geographic sense. Many of the patients were mentally disabled and poor. Advertisement Since Sacred Heart closed in July 2013, one of the real motivations for funneling patients to the hospital has become clear: a cadre of administrators and doctors were involved in an elaborate kickback and bribery scheme. They benefited handsomely when patients were admitted to the hospital, billing Medicare and Medicaid for patient stays, according to federal prosecutors. The most recent chapter in the long-running case was completed Friday, when a doctor known as the "king of nursing homes" was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the scheme. Dr. Venkateswara Kuchipudi was also ordered to pay more than $786,000 in forfeited funds and fines. Kuchipudi was convicted in March in federal court on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and nine counts of illegally soliciting or receiving benefits in return for referrals of patients covered under a federal health care program. Advertisement "The goal of making money eclipsed the goal of his patients' best interests," U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly said. The judge said Kuchipudi knew his actions, which involved sending elderly patients to the hospital at 3240 W. Franklin Blvd. in exchange for payments, were illegal and called them "morally wrong." "He was getting something for nothing; it was a good deal for him," the judge said. "But the problem was, it wasn't something for nothing. Essentially, he was making the patients into commodities." Kuchipudi is the fifth physician and 10th defendant overall to be convicted in connection with the scheme at Sacred Heart. The former chief executive, Edward Novak, was sentenced to 41/2 years in July 2015 and ordered to pay back $10.4 million. The former chief operating officer, Clarence Naglevoortt, received 21 months, and the former chief financial officer, Roy Payawal, was given a year and a day. Three defendants await sentencing. One person was found not guilty of charges. Prosecutors said the kickbacks were paid out to fill empty beds at the struggling hospital, and that many times patients were transported to the hospital, bypassing closer medical centers, for dubious reasons. If nothing else, it was profitable. The hospital made $35 million over 12 years by paying hundreds of thousands in kickbacks to doctors in exchange for referring patients on Medicare or Medicaid, prosecutors said. Kuchipudi did not react when the judge imposed the sentence, which came the morning after a day of arguments regarding forfeiture amounts and the seriousness of the crimes. He will report to prison Dec. 13. "I'm fallen and broken, I'm a broken man," he said on Thursday. "I have suffered more than enough." Advertisement Kuchipudi, 69, said it "has been a nightmare for me and my family." The origins of the case can be traced to 1988, when Novak, a licensed pharmacist and an owner of drugstores at the time, purchased the financially failing hospital, then called West Side Community Hospital, and converted it to a for-profit business. It was a seemingly quixotic move, with the vast majority of patients qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid. By 2009, the first sign that something was wrong came when an administrator filed a whistleblower lawsuit, later dropped, that alleged a billing scheme. Then in 2013, state inspectors responded to a complaint that doctors at the hospital were performing questionable tracheotomies each generating $160,000 in reimbursement from the government. A month later, federal officials raided the hospital, arresting Novak and others. The 119-bed hospital was soon closed. The Sacred Heart Hospital building at 3240 W. Franklin Blvd. in Chicago remains vacant on July 27, 2015. (Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune) Those tracheotomies, which were the most explosive allegations as the Sacred Heart case began to unfold, became a point of contention in Kuchipudi's sentencing hearing. Kennelly questioned why the government made no mention of unnecessary medical procedures during arguments at the hearing or in more than 150 pages of court filings related to recommendations on Kuchipudi's penalty. Kennelly said he wanted to consider all factors and consequences of the doctor's crimes, but also weigh the ramifications that accusations the government essentially dropped have had on Kuchipudi's reputation. Prosecutor Joel Hammerman said the government relied on witness testimony and examination of hospital records as the basis for the allegations of unnecessary surgeries but then stressed how prosecutors needed to be able to "bring those charges and prove them beyond a reasonable doubt." Advertisement The judge said that with those accusations missing from both oral and written arguments during the sentencing phase of this case, there was only one conclusion: "I will tell you the inference I am drawing from this: ain't there," Kennelly said. "Can't be proven." Later, the judge said, "The fact that it kind of just dropped off the map, as far as an accusation against him, it seems like it's something I should consider." Theodore Poulos, Kuchipudi's lawyer, said in an interview after the sentencing that the government was "reckless" when it made allegations about unnecessary tracheotomies at Sacred Heart. Kuchipudi and others were arrested swiftly at their homes in part because of the surgery allegations. "Upon further investigation, that allegation had no merit," Poulos said. "But that allegation tied to Dr. Kuchipudi really destroyed his reputation." On Thursday, Kuchipudi defended himself against the allegations. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "I never betrayed any patients, trust me," Kuchipudi said. "My life was all about being a doctor and seeing patients and caring for patients." Advertisement Poulos echoed the doctor's statement, saying that he has spent his life serving others, including patients in underserved communities. Poulos argued that no one was injured because of the kickback scheme. "There wasn't even a risk of actual harm to any patient; that's what we're talking about here," Poulos said. He added, "Dr. Kuchipudi would never, never do anything to harm a patient." But Hammerman contested that characterization, saying that Kuchipudi "effectively relinquished the care of his patients. "This case, what it's really about, is Dr. Kuchipudi putting himself ahead of his patients," the prosecutor said. "It's about greed." poconnell@chicagotribune.com Twitter @pmocwriter Captain Nick Stama, left, working for TowBoatU.S., and boat co-owner Calvin Oosse, Chicago, discuss payment July 10, 2016, after Stama towed the boat "Bear Necessities," right, in Burnham Harbor. At right is Max, one of two dogs aboard the boat. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) Nick Stama might just have the most enviable commute in Chicago. Home is exactly three boats away from his office, a retired New York State Police boat docked at Belmont Harbor. Advertisement From mid-April through mid-November, the 28-year-old is on call 24/7 to jump-start speedboats, deliver fuel to boats and salvage sunken vessels. It's the perfect job for a man who, by age 16, had saved up $5,000 for his first vehicle: a 21-foot Larson powerboat. "I'll always be on the water," Stama said. Advertisement From the vessels that push 9,000-ton commercial barges to services that assist recreational boaters, marine towing is poised for a growth spurt as long as it can attract enough young employees like Stama. Almost 80 percent of Chicago's lakefront harbors are filled by potential marine towing customers, and the federal government predicts steady growth in employment opportunities for water transportation. But it has proven difficult to steer young people to towing, where jobs require rigorous training, and are physically demanding and fairly isolating. Across the maritime industry, a typical captain is older than 50 and approaching retirement. Stama is one of the youngest assist-towing captains on Lake Michigan, but his boss is seeking others to ease the burden. Community colleges have added marine towing programs, and companies are offering tuition assistance and making their presence known at high schools, maritime academies and veteran job fairs. Without aggressive recruitment, a maritime employment shortage could stymie the trade, said Capt. Sean Tortora, an associate professor of marine transportation at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. "It certainly puts a strain on the industry," Tortora said. "If they don't have the manpower, they can't run the boats." Capt. Nick Stama is ready day and night as a captain for TowBoatU.S., a marine towing franchise operating on the lakes and rivers in Chicago. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune) 'A numbers game' The job description for assist-towboat captain includes pretty much everything but a regular schedule. Advertisement Stama might spend a morning dragging 80-foot boats from open water to a marina. He might spend the afternoon cleaning up spilled pollutants. About once a week, he salvages boats that sink at the dock or puts his diving certification to use untangling dock lines from propellers. And he regularly tows boats with busted engines across Lake Michigan, spending upward of 12 hours making the 38-mile trip from Chicago to New Buffalo, Mich. A boat rescued from a seawall by marine towing company TowBoatU.S. (Nick Stama / TowBoatU.S.) On sunny days cooled only by blustery winds, the two radios strapped to the ceiling of his towboat drone endlessly. The Chicago Air and Water Show, Fourth of July, Memorial Day and the nights of Navy Pier's semiweekly fireworks, Stama said, are his most lucrative days. "It's a numbers game. The more boats out, the bigger chance we have of going out, too," he said, recalling one 26-hour shift. "You can't exactly say, 'Give me a couple hours, I need a nap.' If you're the closest guy, you're the closest guy." Conditions that snag and strand boaters tend to complicate Stama's job, too. It can be hours before he locates a vessel on the lake if the air is thick with fog or rain, wind keeps relocating his customers or their navigational lights die along with the boat's battery. A submerged sailboat salvaged by marine towing company TowBoatU.S. (Nick Stama / TowBoatU.S.) Then, on Lake Michigan's unwelcoming days, Stama just as easily spends hours upon hours on his houseboat waiting for a call. Advertisement Last month, the call came from Calvin Oosse, whose engine shut down just after his powerboat pulled out of its slip at Burnham Harbor. Because he had only paid a minimum membership fee to TowBoatU.S., Stama's employer, the incident cost Oosse $260 and an hourlong wait. Still, Oosse, 43, of Logan Square, said he's glad he took experienced boaters' advice and paid for towing insurance when he bought his first boat, "Bear Necessities," in September. A tow from the Chicago Police Department's marine unit runs a flat fee of $500, a bill matched by most other commercial towing options. "There are just lots of little things that can go wrong on a boat," Oosse said. "You just don't know. On the highways, there's always cops (and) other cars Going on Lake Michigan, yeah, there's a lot of other boats, but they can't always help you." Need for assist towing If you're a boater, jet skier or sailor cruising the Chicago shoreline, chances are you're in Rich Lenardson's territory. Advertisement Lenardson's 10 TowBoatU.S. franchises form an aquatic AAA covering Lake Michigan from Wisconsin's southern border, across Illinois and Indiana up to Grand Traverse Bay, Mich. His region is part of the national company's network of more than half a million boaters who pay a yearly membership for services like tows, fuel deliveries and jump-starts. In the 1980s when the Coast Guard started responding only to emergencies, TowBoatU.S. was one of a handful of corporate, owner-operated chains that jumped in to fill that gap, according to Jeffrey Sanders, who runs six maritime schools across the country, including one in Chicago. "There's still people doing it, little bits and pieces, but predominantly the industry has gone over to a couple of larger companies that are nationwide," Sanders said. In the decades since the Coast Guard stopped towing recreational vehicles, he said, business has boomed. "It has grown enormously," Sanders said, "by leaps and bounds." In Chicago, the police marine unit still regularly provides tows to broken-down and gasless vessels, Officer Kevin Williams said. Advertisement Nick Stama, boat captain for TowBoatU.S., prepares to dive July 8, 2016, for a customer's lost mobile phone at a berth in Belmont Harbor. Diving is one of the services Stama offers as an independent contractor for the franchise operator. He also lives on a boat in Belmont Harbor. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) Williams, a 16-year-veteran of the marine unit, said local assist towing has swelled in recent years, particularly with the 2012 addition of 31st Street Harbor, now home to 391 vessels. According to Chicago Park District data, the number of available harbor slots has grown by 510 over the past five years while the number of vessels occupying the city's harbors has dipped slightly, from 4,493 in 2011 to 4,341 this year. Even though overall occupancy across Chicago harbors has dropped 11 percent since 2011, a jump in peer-sharing vessels has actually enticed more people than ever to Lake Michigan, said Bill Russell, a trainer at Chicago Maritime School in Portage Park. But, Russell maintained the assist-towing industry is still a niche. Five seasons ago, Lenardson said, his fleet of four boats served about 200 members. Membership has since quadrupled, he said. In the Chicago area, his crew now numbers 16 captains and handles around 1,500 cases total over the summer. In 2015, he said, the company responded to 250 calls lakewide over the Fourth of July weekend. Some boaters, like Chuck Kvasnicka, 65, of the West Loop, prefer to fend for themselves. "It's a consideration, if your boat is stranded, when you should call a tow service or when you should not," said Kvasnicka, who owns a 38-foot Carver Santego. Advertisement A recreational boater for more than 20 years, Kvasnicka said he's never paid for a towboat membership. Instead, when he and other friends, yacht clubbers and Chicago Sail and Power Squadron members run aground or out of fuel, they help each other out. "I've towed my fair share of people," Kvasnicka said. "All the fees and licenses and expenses you put out over the whole course of a year maybe each one of them individually is really a good deal I have no desire to waste that money." Safety courses can cushion boaters from accidents just as well as towing insurance, he said. But Stama believes towing insurance is a no-brainer. "Boats are always going to break down, and they're always going to need assistance," he said. "I don't see the demand going away." Sea change in industry Advertisement Despite this swell in demand, a noticeable shortage of workers under 42 is being felt across the maritime industry including commercial inland cargo towing, a $70 billion industry, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Recent industry surveys show the maritime labor market is overwhelmingly male, on average 55 years old and approaching retirement. Since 2007 when the Transportation Department launched efforts to shift cargo from interstates onto expanding marine highways, the worker shortage has only become more pronounced, said Tortora, of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. His students used to spend four rigorous years preparing for a lucrative career serving as deep-sea ship officers. But now that only about 170 U.S. commercial ocean-going ships are left down from a peak of 1,500 in 1955, Tortora said many of those young mariners are being recruited to operate the 6,000 and counting inland tugs and barges. There, too, demand for maritime workers still outpaces the availability of qualified mariners, Tortora said. And the mariner shortage won't shrink soon, since it takes around a decade for a maritime academy student to graduate, secure a position and garner enough on-deck experience to captain a commercial tugboat. Because they can carry only six passengers at most and not several thousand pounds of steel or concrete, assist-towboat captains require much less training. The difference between assist and industrial towing, as described by Tortora, is like the difference between becoming a law clerk and passing the bar. Advertisement Maritime instructor Russell said few licensed captains in Chicago take the basic course and exams to become assist-towboat operators. More often, they want to further their nautical knowledge or make money as a water taxi, scuba charter or fishing boat captains. Even once a captain is credentialed and hired, it's not an easy lifestyle, Lenardson said. "One thing I can tell you about the maritime industry: It's not an 8-5 job," Lenardson said. "It's before daylight to way after dark and sometimes it's straight through 24 hours that's one thing that scares young men away." He said he's looking to bring down the average age of his team, whose youngest captain is Lenardson's 21-year-old son. Stama is the second youngest, and most of the rest are retired law enforcement officers or charter boat captains over 40. "It's very hard to find guys who are young and who are competent," Lenardson said. "When you do find one who's competent, it's almost impossible to keep them." Whereas commercial towboat captains can make upward of six figures, TowBoatU.S. captains are paid either an hourly wage of $18 to $28 or a weekly commission that tends to fall between $3,000 and $8,000 per week from July to October without benefits. Advertisement Jack Manley, owner of Chicago Marine Towing, said his 160-year-old family business has also failed to attract young captains. He said most of his captains and deckhands are around his age: 72. Manley's youngest employee is 56. "All the experienced guys are old (and) now it's getting harder and harder to get operators," Manley said. "We have trouble hiring young guys." From Manley's hyperlocal sliver of the industry to massive commercial tugboat operations, the quality of life for a mariner is a long-standing obstacle to recruitment. The male-dominant field has yet to draw women, and rigorous schedules often keep captains on the water for long stretches of time which makes it difficult to entice and retain 20-somethings who want to start a family, Tortora said. "That's a hard sell. It would take a special type of person," Tortora said. "That's going to be the long pole in the tent." mrenault@tchicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @MarionRenault Bicyclists soon should experience a smoother ride on three downtown streets. Randolph Street is in line for a new protected bike lane, while sections of the two-way Dearborn Street bike lane downtown and the city's first protected bike lane on Kinzie Street will get repaved after the Department of Water Management and private utility companies complete various projects in the fall. Advertisement Randolph will be resurfaced and a new westbound protected bike lane will be installed from Michigan Avenue west to Clinton Street, said Mike Claffey, transportation department spokesman. A row of parked cars and plastic bollards will protect most stretches of the bike lane, he said. Additionally, certain intersections on Randolph will be curb protected, meaning concrete islands will shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians and force turning cars farther into the intersection to keep cyclists out of drivers' blind spots. Advertisement The installation of the Randolph Street bike lane will be delayed at least until next year between State and Dearborn streets and Wells to Franklin streets while developments under construction in those locations are completed, Claffey said. One vehicular lane between Michigan and Canal Street will be removed for the new bike lane, turning Randolph, which is a major route for cars from Lake Shore Drive to the West Loop, into two lanes for vehicular traffic, he said. Between Canal and Clinton streets, the bike lane will be on the north sidewalk under the Metra tracks, he said. The bike lane on Randolph is intended as a replacement for the bike lane eliminated on Madison Street to make room for the new dedicated bus lane that is part of the Loop Link project. A parking row acting as a barrier to the new bike lane will be added to offset the parking lost throughout the entire Loop Link corridor, Claffey said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Also this fall, the city's first protected bike lane on Kinzie and the first two-way bike lane with traffic signals on Dearborn will get a face-lift for the first time since they were installed in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Both will be repaved, get a coat of green pavement markings and plastic bollards, Claffey said. The bike lane on Kinzie from Wells west to Desplaines Street also will be resurfaced after utility work is completed in the fall, according to the city. The Dearborn bike lane from Wacker Drive south to Madison will be resurfaced when utility work finishes in September, the city said. In October, utility work is expected to wrap up so repaving the bike lane on Dearborn from Monroe to Adams streets can begin. Construction on Kinzie and Dearborn bike lanes could run from one to three months depending in part on weather, Claffey said. Both bike lanes are among the most heavily used routes with bike counts of 400 to 500 cyclists an hour during peak commuting times, just shy of the tally on Milwaukee Avenue which is typically 500 to 600 cyclists at peak times, Claffey said. Advertisement lvivanco@chicagotribune.com Twitter @lvivanco The sporty Jaguar convertible had been missing from a Bolingbrook garage for about 12 hours when its LoJack system alerted Chicago police patrolling the South Shore neighborhood that it was in the area. As the sun began to set, at least two Chicago police cruisers headed to the scene, quickly closing in on Paul O'Neal as he drove the reportedly stolen car north on South Merrill Avenue. Advertisement Newly issued body cameras captured a chaotic scene touched off when two officers shot at the Jaguar as it drove past them an apparent violation of department policy and a decision that appears to have led another officer to believe O'Neal had opened fire at police. The unarmed teen was shot in the back in the backyard of one home after a short foot chase and died. The videos depict the officers' routine response to a stolen car report escalating, within seconds, into open gunfire on a residential street and more gunshots behind a private home. Advertisement Experts interviewed by the Tribune say the actions of the officers as seen in the videos made public with unprecedented swiftness raise questions about the extent and quality of the Police Department's training for its roughly 12,000 officers, as well as even more fundamental questions about what policing should look like in 2016. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Shooting victim Paul O'Neal's sister Briana Adams, 22, center, briefs the news media at the law office of Michael Oppenheimer, left, on Aug. 5, 2016. The family viewed the Chicago police videos from the shooting death of O'Neal early in the day at the IPRA offices with activist Ja'Mal Green, right. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) The department announced earlier this year that it would be rolling out a mandatory two-day training for officers on tactics that emphasize decelerating conflict to avoid deadly force. The classes are still being devised, and experts said the O'Neal shooting only underscored their need. "Without the investment and the structure and the capacity to provide ongoing training on use of force, officers are not going to have the skills or feel comfortable utilizing a variety of options when dealing with someone who is behaving unpredictably," said Alexa James, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Chicago, who served on a recent Chicago policing reform task force. "We are not giving officers the tools they need to do their job with the least amount of force and the most professionalism." Chase began with alert In the week since the release of nine video clips of the incident, more details about O'Neal and the events that led up to the shooting have emerged. O'Neal was a high school graduate who planned to attend trade school and was thinking about a stable job at ComEd, his family said. He lived in South Shore, just a mile or so from where he was shot. The teen had one serious previous brush with the law, according to court records. In April 2016, he was cited in a juvenile court petition with attempted robbery, attempted aggravated robbery and aggravated battery after he allegedly tried to rob a teen and indicated he had a gun, records show. Paul O'Neal was killed in a police-involved shooting. Photo provided to the Tribune by attorney for the family Michael Oppenheimer. O'Neal was due to appear in juvenile court the Tuesday before he was shot but failed to show, according to his record in juvenile court. A bench warrant was issued for him Friday the day after he was shot. Advertisement Law enforcement authorities in Bolingbrook said O'Neal was suspected of working with a crew of about four others, stealing cars from garages and driveways in the village the night before he was shot. The crew wasn't sophisticated, but rather allegedly sought cars that had keys in the ignition. The Jaguar O'Neal was in was reported stolen at about 6 a.m. July 28. It was equipped with a LoJack, a tracking device that is activated if a car is stolen. Roughly 30 minutes before O'Neal was shot, officers patrolling near 74th Street and South Merrill Avenue were alerted by the Jaguar's LoJack signal, department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. The officers never officially initiated a chase, which would have required them to notify a supervisor who would monitor the pursuit. A police helicopter had also already been dispatched to the area to help track another stolen car, a BMW, Guglielmi said. As O'Neal drove north on the 7400 block of South Merrill Avenue, officers appeared to close in on him. But instead of stopping, O'Neal tried to drive around a police SUV, striking either it or a parked car, the videos show. Unholstering his gun as he opened the police SUV door, one officer fired across his own vehicle at the Jaguar and then down the street as it continued speeding away. A second officer also fired. Seconds later, another officer chasing O'Neal through yards fired at him, striking him in the back. Advertisement The decision by police to fire their weapons in these critical moments and the videos that show much of their actions provide an opportunity, experts say, to explore when and how officers should defuse, instead of escalate, confrontation. "This is one of the first incidents that there has been a mass release of video (and) the opportunity to compare what we see here to best practices nationwide," said Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who has studied police misconduct. " Transparency is having the courage to show the bad stuff so we can include the public in the conversations in what we need to reform policing in Chicago, what we need to train officers better, what we need to do to supervise officers better." Policy on fleeing cars The officers' decision to fire at the Jaguar as it moves past the officers appears to be the most apparent violation of department policy, experts said. Chicago Police general orders prohibit officers from shooting at a moving vehicle if the car is the only threat. "That pretty much is improper use of deadly force," said Geoff Alpert, professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina. "You don't shoot at moving vehicles. The other officers get out of the way." Advertisement The first officer who fired at the Jaguar appeared to be heard on the videos saying that he thought his partner was about to be struck by the Jaguar. Even if true, the shots fired would still appear to violate department policy. One reason for this directive is that if police shoot the driver, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and cause more harm to others, experts said. "Even if you hit the driver you now have an unguided missile that is just as likely to run into some innocent person," Alpert said. "You are creating more of a problem than you are solving." Neighbors in the South Shore community, as well as some experts, have expressed concern that the officers were quick to shoot at a fleeing car in a residential area perhaps because they were in a black neighborhood. Others suggested the officers' adrenaline overtook reason, causing them to act hastily instead of deliberately. All of this is ripe training territory for the department, experts said. "We should be asking questions in Chicago as to why there are so many police shootings," Futterman said, speaking generally about the problem. "Some of it goes to race and bias. Some of those officers are fearful, and I don't think that is a good thing." Fatal shots fired The decision to shoot O'Neal in the yard as he was running away raises more complicated questions about the police response, experts said. For one, the officer's camera was not recording when he shot O'Neal. The officer had just been issued the device, and police are investigating why it wasn't recording during the final shooting. Advertisement The recordings did, however, pick up some of the officer's statements to other officers and a supervisor, in which he describes believing he had been fired upon. At one point, he says shots were coming at him from down the block. The videos released show that his assessment was likely correct shots were coming from down the block. But, they appeared to be from fellow officers, who were firing at the Jaguar. But some experts say that no matter who was actually shooting, if the officer reasonably believed O'Neal was firing at him, he may have been following departmental policy in shooting him, and could be on steady legal ground. "This guy is driving at me at a high rate of speed and gun shots are coming my way. At first blush, I think most people could say a reasonable officer could believe he was being shot at," said David Klinger, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. While not offering an opinion on the case, specifically, he talked about the policy in general. "Police departments and the press have both been remiss in explaining to the American public what the rules are. There are basically two reasons to use deadly force. To protect life now and to prevent the escape of a violent felon." But others argue that the guidelines on deadly force are not that simple. Whether an officer is actually facing danger can change, moment by moment, and may require re-evaluation, even under split-second decision conditions. Experts say an officer should be required to see a clearer sign of danger to himself or others before firing his weapon. "It is not fear of my life," said Alpert, who was also not commenting specifically on the O'Neal case. "You have to explain exactly how you perceived that fear. Unless he sees a deadly threat I am not sure that it requires deadly force." Advertisement Futterman also has questions about whether the officer who shot in the backyard should have been so quick to fire, and argues the department's policy on use of force needs a complete revision. "I see a kid running away from me and I see no indication that kid has a gun. I think you have to stop and reassess the situation," Futterman said. "I think Chicago's use of force needs to be brought back (from) not just what is reasonable. It starts with sanctity of life." Training questions remain After last year's release of video footage of a white officer shooting Laquan McDonald, a black teen, 16 times, Chicago joined several other cities across the country facing intense scrutiny over police use of force. The video release led to weeks of street protests, the firing of Superintendent Garry McCarthy and an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Since then, the city has tried to launch reform and started considering larger, broader questions about the definition of policing and whether over decades, officers have come to lean too heavily on their weapons to resolve a problem. Other big city police departments that have undergone scandals similar to Chicago's have tried to implement de-escalation training. The Las Vegas Police Department, for example, has revised its use of force policy to emphasize that deadly force is an absolute last resort. Officers there are now required to answer a list of questions in their use of force reports that address other factors, such as whether a subject was impaired. Advertisement Any new approach, of course, requires training a major deficiency for Chicago, according to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's task force on policing, which was formed in the wake of the McDonald scandal and after the Department of Justice announced an investigation of Chicago police. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > For example, the policy regarding when officers may shoot at a moving vehicle was revised in 2015. But department officials have not explained how the new directive was communicated to officers. Some mandatory training in the department has been conducted at roll calls or online. Among the many new reforms after the McDonald scandal erupted was Emanuel's announcement that all officers would be required to attend a two-day scenario-based training that would address both mental health issues and how to slow down a response when safe to let time and distance defuse confrontation. Chicago training academy staff have traveled to both Las Vegas and Los Angeles to observe those departments' efforts. National experts also were brought in to examine and offer feedback on Chicago's curriculum. There are now hopes to start the department-wide classes "within weeks," Guglielmi said. Chicago Tribune's Jeremy Gorner contributed to this report. Advertisement asweeney@chicagotribune.com Twitter @annie1221 Members of the Illinois State Police work the scene where two people were wounded in a shooting on the Eisenhower Expressway on Aug. 13, 2016, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Three people were shot dead and at least 10 other people have been wounded in attacks across Chicago since Friday afternoon, police said. About 11:35 p.m. Friday, two people were shot in Logan Square, one fatally. They were in a car with another person near the intersection of North and Kimball avenues when a dark-colored SUV pulled alongside and someone inside fired shots, hitting a 30-year-old man in the head and a 26-year-old woman in the leg. Advertisement Both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where the woman's condition was stabilized and the man was pronounced dead. The car crashed through a "Building a New Chicago" city sign into a lot at the northeast corner of North and Kimball. Advertisement The third person in the car, who was not shot, and the surviving shooting victim gave conflicting accounts of what happened immediately before the shooting, a law enforcement source said. Police believe the conflict was gang-related, as the man who was killed was a member of the Latin Kings street gang. At 10:15 p.m. in Englewood, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the chest. He was in the 700 block of West 66th Place when the shooting occurred; he was taken to St. Bernard Hospital and Healthcare Center and pronounced dead. He was identified as Johnathan Stewart of the 100 block of South Winston Drive in Country Club Hills, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. At 1:40 a.m., a 23-year-old man was shot in the West Elsdon neighborhood. He was driving south in the 5200 block of South Pulaski Road when a van pulled up alongside them and the people inside started flashing gang signs, police said. An argument ensued, and then someone inside the van opened the door and fired one shot, according to law enforcement sources. The man was shot in the head and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced dead at 5:45 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was identified as Abner Garcia of the 5400 block of South Luna Avenue. Garcia does not have a known gang affiliation, sources said. Other shootings: Advertisement At 5 a.m. Saturday, a 24-year-old man was shot in Rogers Park. He was in the 6700 block of North Sheridan Road when someone in a white car pulled up and stopped, and someone inside fired shots in his direction. He was shot in the shoulder and went to St. Francis Hospital. His condition was stabilized. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > At 3:22 a.m., a 34-year-old man was shot in West Garfield Park. He was on the porch of a brick two-flat in the 4700 block of West Gladys Avenue when someone walked up and shot him multiple times. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. At 2:06 a.m., a 23-year-old man was grazed in the head while driving near the 3400 block of West Fullerton Avenue in Logan Square. He got himself to Norwegian American Hospital for treatment. At 11:46 p.m. Friday, a 33-year-old man was shot in Lawndale. He was on the back porch of a residence in the 1200 block of South Avers Avenue when someone shot him twice in the abdomen. He was taken to Mount Sinai in critical condition. About 9 p.m., two 20-year-old men were shot in Little Village. They were on the sidewalk in the 2500 block of South California Avenue when two people approached and fired shots. They both were shot in the leg and taken to Mount Sinai. Their conditions were stabilized. Also in Little Village at about 2:30 p.m., a 21-year-old man was shot in the arm. He was in the 3600 block of West Cermak Road when the shooting occurred; he then took himself to Mount Sinai. Advertisement At 1:09 p.m., a 28-year-old man was shot in the head in the 400 block of North Lavergne Avenue in South Austin. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. Less then 20 minutes before the South Austin shooting, a 26-year-old man was shot in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, police said. That shooting happened about 12:51 p.m. near Laramie and Diversey avenues. He was listed in good condition after being shot in the hip. Two people were taken into police custody and a weapon was recovered, said Officer Michelle Tannehill, a Chicago police spokeswoman. A man beaten last week after a confrontation with people who blocked the car he was in on the West Side has died, authorities said Thursday. Andre Jackson, 23, was injured in an attack in the 4500 block of West Gladys Avenue, and pronounced dead at 5:51 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to authorities. Jackson died of complications from multiple blunt force injuries in a homicide, the Cook County medical examiners office determined Wednesday following an autopsy. Jackson and a 20-year-old man were in a vehicle near Gladys and Kolmar avenues about 9:30 p.m. Aug. 4 when a group of people blocked their path, resulting in a verbal dispute, said Officer Thomas Sweeney, a police spokesman. The two men were hit with bats and fists, but they managed to get away to the 4800 block of West Quincy Street, where they called 911. Jackson was taken in serious condition to Mount Sinai for the treatment of head injuries. The younger man suffered minor injuries, including cuts. Surveillance photos, left and center, of a man who robbed a South Loop bank on Aug. 10, 2016. The man also is suspected of robbing three other banks, including, right, a Lakeview East bank the prior week. (Surveillance photos via the FBI) A man captured by Chicago police after he robbed a South Loop bank of $2,200 on Wednesday while wearing a fake beard also is suspected in three other Chicago bank robberies in the last month, according to authorities. Everett James, 55, was arrested at 333 W. Wacker Drive about half an hour after the robbery about 4:20 p.m. Wednesday of a First American Bank branch, 1241 S. Wabash Ave., according to a federal complaint against James. James appeared Thursday morning in federal court in Chicago on a bank robbery charge and is being held pending a detention hearing. Advertisement James also is suspected of robbing a Fifth Third Bank, 3601 N. Broadway, on Aug. 6; a Parkway Bank, 39 N. Morgan St., on July 25; and a Fifth Third Bank, 29 W. Division St., on July 12, according to the BanditTrackerChicago website, which is a joint site run by the FBI and local agencies. On about 4 p.m. Wednesday, an employee at the South Loop bank saw a man wearing a red shirt looking into the bank, and thought it suspicious, but the man left. About 4:20 p.m., a black man wearing a white fisherman's cap, a fake beard and a dark suit and holding a cellphone to his ear robbed the bank, according to an FBI agent's affidavit filed in the case. Advertisement A customer had just gotten $60 in quarters and $100 in ten-dollar bills in a cloth bag that was on the teller counter when the man with the beard walked up, according to the affidavit. The teller later told investigators she thought the man was going to rob the bank "because he was wearing a fake black beard," according to the affidavit. A second teller who had seen the man wearing the red shirt earlier also saw the man wearing a fake beard, thought he was going to rob the bank and warned other bank workers about the possibility. When the man got to the teller window, he said, "All the money in your drawer," causing the customer to grab the money bag and step away, according to the affidavit. The second teller heard the man say, "This is a robbery," and told the customer to leave the bag. The robber grabbed the bag and told the tellers to put money in the bag. The robber told the tellers and the customer that he knew where they lived and warned them not to put themselves in danger. Each teller put money and a GPS tracking device in the bag. When the robber demanded $100 and $50 bills, the second teller told the man that he already had put them in, according to the affidavit. The robber then left the bank and went south on Wabash with what a bank audit showed was $2,228 in cash, according to the affidavit. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Not long after the robbery, a Chicago police officer heard a police radio broadcast stating that a GPS device that had been with the money was believed to be near 333 W. Wacker, on the northwest side of the Loop, according to the affidavit. The officer saw James in the building lobby, and while he wasn't wearing clothes similar to those in the description of the robber, James matched a more detailed description of the robber that the officer got when he went back outside and radioed in for a better description, according to the affidavit. The officer saw James pacing in the lobby and looking at a blue car parked outside the building. The officer returned to the lobby and talked to building security, who told him that James had been taken up to the 23rd floor to make a delivery. When James came back downstairs, the officer spoke to him and asked him where his car was, according to the affidavit. James pointed out a blue Nissan as his. Advertisement A second officer looked into the Nissan and saw a gray sport coat. After James gave the officers his driver's license, they arrested him. When an FBI agent who went to the Wacker building used a GPS device to find the trackers from the robbery, the device indicated that the trackers were somewhere in or near the Nissan, according to the affidavit. The agent also saw a black beard or wig and a tan canvas bag like the one stolen from the bank customer on the floor of the car. When James was taken to the bank about 5:20 p.m., the two tellers and the customer identified James as the robber, according to the affidavit. The second teller also said James appeared to be the man who had looked into the bank about 4 p.m. James is not yet charged in the earlier bank robberies. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill aimed at making voter registration automatic in Illinois, citing concerns about potential voting fraud and conflicts with federal law. The first-term Republican governor said he wanted to continue negotiations with supporters to work out those issues, but groups backing the measure accused him of playing politics with his veto and said they would seek an override. Advertisement The legislation, approved on the final day of the spring session in May, received overwhelming support, 86-30 in the House and 50-7 in the Senate. If those totals held, the governor's move could be easily overturned, but pressure dynamics could come into play as Rauner tries to make his veto stick. Under the legislation, starting in January 2018 people seeking a new or updated driver's license or other state services would automatically be registered to vote or have their registration updated unless they opted out. Currently in Illinois, motorists seeking services at secretary of state driver's facilities are asked if they want to register to vote or update their registration an opt-in form of voter registration. Advertisement Five other states have adopted what's known as "automatic voter registration" policies in the past 18 months, supporters of the Illinois measure said. Rauner said he has been working with Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate to satisfy concerns with the bill, and said talks will continue. "I strongly support efforts to encourage greater voter participation in our democracy and share the goals of this legislation," Rauner said in a statement. "Unfortunately, as currently drafted, the bill would inadvertently open the door to voter fraud and run afoul of federal election law. We will continue working with the legislature and key stakeholders on language that meets our shared goals while complying with federal law and preventing voter fraud," he said. In addition, Rauner said the measure does not follow federal law, which requires a voting applicant to "attest to meeting the qualifications to vote" or to sign an application. He said the measure also relies on the Illinois State Board of Elections to then screen out individuals who are not eligible to vote, even though it may not have access to needed information. "Some of the agencies in possession of citizenship-related information are prohibited by federal law from sharing that information" with the elections board, Rauner wrote in his veto message to lawmakers, adding "the consequences could be injurious to our election system." "Agencies with access to citizenship information should use that information to verify a person's eligibility before processing the voter registration. That responsibility should not and legally cannot fall to the State Board of Elections," he wrote. Rauner said new legislation could incorporate a recent change in the issuance of state driver's licenses to comply with federal law. Those changes could make it easier to screen out noncitizens and others ineligible to vote before applications are sent to the elections agency. Advertisement But one group that supported the measure, Common Cause Illinois, accused Rauner of wanting to delay the proposal beyond the fall 2018 election when the governor's office is on the ballot. Another organization of 50 supporting groups, Just Democracy Illinois, said in a statement that "the timeline for automatic voter registration should not be pushed back based on political calculations, and we will not accept stall tactics that delay implementation any further." "Illinois is moving away from making the franchise more accessible, and moving toward the sort of tactics that have suppressed the vote in other states across the nation. Now is not the time for Illinois to move backward on voting rights," the group said. Rauner on Friday also signed legislation aimed at encouraging more sexual assault victims to report the crimes committed against them as well as creating training and procedures for law enforcement in dealing with such crimes. The legislation, the product of a working group led by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, requires "victim-centered policies and sexual assault response training," Madigan's office said. It also changes state law to allow Illinois State Police to process and test rape kits faster and extends the time for victims to consent to the testing of their forensic evidence from 14 days to five years. "As a state, we must do everything within our power to ensure victims are supported and that their aggressors are quickly brought to justice," Rauner said in a statement. Advertisement rap30@aol.com Twitter @rap30 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 In a fundraising pitch to supporters, Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin credits two Republican senators for rejecting Donald Trump but his Illinois seatmate, re-election-seeking U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk isn't one of them. Advertisement Durbin asks in the email "when will Republican leaders finally find the courage" to stand up to" the Republican presidential nominee. "I will give kudos to senators like Jeff Flake and Susan Collins who are refusing to support Trump though," Durbin wrote, giving rare praise as a Democratic leader to a pair of GOP senators. Republicans Flake from Arizona and Collins from Maine have said they will not support Trump. Advertisement But the Senate seats of Flake and Collins aren't up this year. Flake's re-election would be in 2018 and Collins would be in 2020. Kirk, of course, has unendorsed the controversial GOP nominee. Kirk also is running this year against someone Durbin politically mentored, two-term U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates. Durbin's email goes on to ask for a contribution of $3, "or more if you can afford it, to Tammy Duckworth and Maggie Hassan." Hassan, the Democratic governor of New Hampshire, is challenging Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte. (Rick Pearson) What's on tap *Mayor Rahm Emanuel will visit a youth work site to mark the last day of this year's One Summer Chicago program. *Gov. Bruce Rauner will cut the ribbon at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield...and then spend much of the day and night there at various events. What we're writing *Rauner ally Matt Murphy to resign from Illinois Senate, become lobbyist. *Nearly 100 people shot in Chicago in less than a week. *Like father, like son: Rosemont Mayor Stephens in line to make $260K a year. Advertisement *Take a look inside an Illinois medical marijuana growing operation. *Muslim woman sues city, police officers alleging CTA station attack. *Will County dam "a drowning machine," but fix elusive. What we're reading (it's the weekend edition) *Chris Jones' 2016 edition of Hot New Faces in Chicago theater. *Listen to a previously unreleased White Stripes song. *Markets close at record highs Thursday. Advertisement From the notebook *Automatic voter registration deadline: A group pushing an automatic voter registration bill that's on Gov. Rauner's desk notes that Friday is the deadline for the governor to act. The bill would automatically sign up people to vote or update their voting address when they get or renew their Illinois driver's licenses, instead of merely asking them if they wanted to sign up, as is now the law. When it passed the Senate in May, supporters argued it would eliminate red tape and get more people to the polls. But some Republicans were fiercely opposed, saying eligibility should be tightened by requiring voters to show photo identification before they could register. Doing so, they contended, would prevent voter fraud and keep people in this country illegally from voting arguments Democrats said were solutions in search of a problem. Sounds like an amendatory veto of some sort may be in the offing. An administration source with knowledge of discussions said Thursday that talks have been ongoing between the governor's office and the caucuses regarding legitimate concerns that as drafted the bill could lead to widespread voter fraud by automatically registering to vote people who are not eligible. (Monique Garcia) Advertisement *There will be Senate debates: Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth have agreed to debate, but the schedule is still a work in progress. On Thursday night, Duckworth's camp said it had agreed to appear in five debates with the first-term senator, including three in October two of them just days before the Nov. 8 general election. "Tammy is looking forward to engaging in a series of vigorous debates with Sen. Kirk and discussing their respective visions for this state," Duckworth campaign manager Kaitlin Fahey said in a statement. She added the Democrat was "looking forward to holding Sen. Kirk accountable for his record." Kirk intends to debate Duckworth, a two-term congresswoman from Hoffman Estates but has not reached any final agreement with the challenger's team, the senator's campaign said. "We are still finalizing our debate schedule and look forward to the debates this fall where Sen. Kirk will outline how his independence has delivered results for Illinois," Kirk's campaign said. (Rick Pearson) *The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests are Rebecca Shi, executive director of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition; Tribune education reporter Juan Perez Jr.; and state Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN 720-AM. Follow the money *The House Republican Organization started reporting some expenditures following its windfall from Gov. Rauner via the Illinois Republican Party. All told, it's about $500,000 on nine candidates, led by more than $163,000 on Northwest Side. Rep. Michael McAuliffe. They were in for $133,000 last week as well, as the veteran Republican takes on Democrat Merry Marwig in the lone GOP district in Chicago. *The Senate Republicans reported spending more than $150,000 on Seth Lewis, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Tom Cullerton in a west/northwest suburban district. *Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash Beyond Chicago *Trump tells CNBC he's going to win or lose using same style. Advertisement *Clinton, Trump mum on poverty, NYT finds. Clinton attacks Trump on economics. *How the Arab world came apart, a story in five parts. *Uproar over Egypt's state-dictated Friday sermons. After a Baltimore woman reported her rape to police, the prosecutor on the case shared his thoughts with an officer. "I am not excited about charging it," the unnamed official wrote in an email. "This victim seems like a conniving little whore." "Lmao!" the officer wrote back. "I feel the same." The Justice Department unearthed the exchange in a sprawling Aug. 10 report on the Baltimore Police Department, which found rampant discrimination against black residents, a tendency to use excessive force and a rash of illegal arrests. Toward the end of the 167 pages was another bombshell: Officers frequently dismissed or mishandled sexual assault complaints. They often neglected to interview suspects or send DNA evidence to laboratories. Between 2010 and 2014, authorities tested rape kits in just 15 percent of adult-victim sexual assault cases. The Justice Department concluded that "gender bias" had infected investigations. "In their interviews with women reporting sexual assault," investigators wrote, "BPD officers ask women questions such as 'Why are you messing up that guy's life?' " Meanwhile, just 17 percent of sexual assault reports in 2015 ended with an arrest. More than half of the reports made to the department languished as open cases. "This data suggests that BPD is keeping the majority of its rape cases in an 'open' status, thus drastically reducing the rate of its rape cases closed as 'unfounded,' " the authors wrote, "and creating the illusion of having made meaningful reforms to its procedures for identifying and classifying sexual assault." The DOJ investigation offers an extraordinary glimpse into a city police force's inner workings. Investigators launched the probe after the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who sustained fatal injuries in the back of a police van. But Baltimore's isn't the only force with race and gender problems. Last year, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced that she'd heard about similar unseemly behavior from officers and prosecutors nationwide. Authorities sometimes make snap judgment about women who report sexual assaults, she said at a White House event, where the DOJ released updated guidelines on how police should investigate rape. Officers judge complainants for getting drunk or wearing short skirts. They aren't familiar with trauma's impact on the brain, which can make victims seem strangely calm or unable to remember attacks in detail. "These assumptions," Lynch said at the time, "can send the case into a spiral of ineffectiveness, and the victim back into a spiral of despair and pain." Sexual assault remains prevalent in the United States. Nearly 1 in 5 women have reported rape, according to the latest DOJ statistics. The Associated Press reported last year that assailants also operate from within police departments: One-thousand officers lost their badges from 2009 to 2014 for sexual assault and misconduct, according to their report. (Nine states declined to release data, so the number is a conservative estimate.) Carol Tracy, executive director of the women's law project, said last year that race is an important part of the sexual assault conversation. "This gender bias is exacerbated when racial bias is added to it," Tracy said at the DOJ event. "Where bias is explicit, and it is explicit throughout this country, it has to be rooted out. ... Rape victims are profiled as liars, from campus to Cosby." Shanlon Wu, a former sex crimes prosecutor and partner at Wu, Grohovsky and Whipple in Washington, D.C., said all police departments should work to quash their acceptance of stereotypes. One baby step, he said: Officers should actively get to know people who don't look like them. (Many police forces in the United States are overwhelmingly white and male.) "Police officers are just like the rest of us," Wu said. "They can change biases through education and exposure." The most memorable moment of the recent Democratic National Convention was when the father of a Muslim U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq demanded of Donald Trump, "Have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy." Conservatives, however, also revere our founding document. At the first tea party rallies in 2009, attendees waved copies. But the Constitution is not self-enforcing, and one important section has eroded to the point of invisibility: the Fourth Amendment. It says, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." In much of America, that guarantee is an empty promise. Advertisement The latest evidence came in a report on police practices in Baltimore, issued Aug. 10 by the U.S. Department of Justice after an investigation spurred by the 2015 death of Freddie Gray. It documents that the city's law enforcement officers operate with virtually no regard for the Fourth Amendment. In 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cops may stop someone when they have reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity and, if they have reasonable grounds to think the person is armed, may frisk him lightly to detect weapons. They may not stop anyone they please, and they may not vigorously search a citizen's clothing and body without a good reason. Advertisement The court intended to empower police only within strict limits. It emphasized, "No right is held more sacred, or is more carefully guarded, by the common law, than the right of every individual to the possession and control of his own person, free from all restraint or interference of others, unless by clear and unquestionable authority of law." But the Justice Department found that in Baltimore, police routinely stop people on the street without reasonable suspicion, conduct physical searches that lack adequate grounds and exceed legal limits, and arrest people without justification. Each of these practices is more than a mistake: It is a violation of fundamental liberties at the heart of what it means to be an American. The usual assumption is that cops can be trusted to know who's a bad guy and who's not. But of the more than 300,000 pedestrian stops that occurred over a 5 1/2-year span, the report notes, only 3.7 percent led to an arrest or citation and many of those were later dropped. Thousands of innocent citizens were inconvenienced, humiliated and deprived of their freedom. Some were repeatedly victimized; one middle-aged African-American man was stopped 30 times and never charged. Police often arrest citizens for merely standing on a public street near city property which is not a crime. They expose some victims to grievous indignities. After one adolescent filed a complaint alleging that a cop pulled down his pants on the street, he told investigators, the same cop later "pushed the teenager against a wall, pulled down his pants and grabbed his genitals." The Justice Department confirmed that one driver had to remove her shirt in public and "the officer then pulled down the woman's underwear and searched her anal cavity." She was not charged. All this would be bad enough if it were unique to Maryland. But similar abuses have been documented in city after city. In 2013, a federal judge found that unconstitutional police stops were "a fact of daily life in some New York City neighborhoods" and that the department exhibited "deliberate indifference" to these violations. A 2011 Justice Department investigation found cops in New Orleans "engage in a pattern of stops, searches, and arrests that violate the Fourth Amendment." In 2014, it found Cleveland police guilty of regularly "using unreasonable force in violation of the Fourth Amendment." Last year, the same type of conduct was documented in Ferguson, Mo. Advertisement These systematic abuses go on partly because their biggest effect is on blacks and Hispanics, whose treatment often gets little attention. Another reason they persist is that there is no simple remedy when cops trample on the Fourth Amendment rights of innocent people. Evidence gathered through illegal searches can be thrown out in court but that helps only victims who are prosecuted, which most are not. The Fourth Amendment is just one of the provisions the framers devised to keep Americans free. But they seem to have written it in disappearing ink. Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman. Download "Recalculating: Steve Chapman on a New Century" in the free Printers Row app, available at www.printersrowapp.com. schapman@chicagotribune.com Follow Steve Chapman on Twitter @SteveChapman13 and Facebook. As students prepare to head back to college by completing paperwork, purchasing supplies and updating their wardrobes, my preparation is different. I'm a professor for a state-funded institution in Texas, a job that, since the introduction of concealed carry on a college campus, has become less like the role of the inspirational John Keating from "Dead Poets Society" and more like that of Chuck Norris on the TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger." Texas college campuses are no longer sacred ground. Earlier this month, the state's new campus carry law went into effect. Gun license holders are generally allowed to carry concealed handguns. Advertisement So instead of a faculty development day full of teaching ideas, this year I'll attend a campus carry session, followed by one on campus safety. In between syllabus preparation, textbook vetting and lesson planning, I'll learn even more techniques to keep myself and my students safe in a world where laws have made us decidedly less so. This is the nature of the college environment today. And my role must now include more than knowing my subject area of expertise. Advertisement So I listen when a member of the campus police force teaches me how to fashion a dangerous weapon from a plastic water bottle in less than 60 seconds. I appreciate his advice that I carry a long-strapped, heavy purse into the classroom, for it can be used as a makeshift nunchuck, while my car keys can be spread through my fingers like brass knuckles. If I wear a belt to class, I can use it to help strap a blockade to a door in an emergency. That can of wasp spray left behind by the maintenance staff can be used as a substitute for pepper spray on an intruder. Carrying a whistle may save my life. And my cellphone? That stays on in the classroom so I can receive safety alerts. These are things I've learned. I'm sure I have a lot more to learn. My college insists safety is the institution's "highest priority." So that means it's mine even though I thought being a teacher meant teaching. Advertisement Audrey Wick is an English professor at Blinn College, a community college in Texas. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said teachers need to "step up and be part of the solution" in Chicago Public Schools. Aug. 10, 2016. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune) Chicago Public Schools classes don't start until Sept. 6, but students are already being schooled. They and the rest of the city watch and learn as school district leaders, the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Rahm Emanuel hurtle toward a possible school strike this fall. Advertisement The teachers don't have a contract. They haven't had one for more than a year now. They could have walked out of classrooms last spring, but they didn't. They, and CPS officials, kept negotiating. That averted the anger of parents and students whose graduations and other ceremonies would be postponed or canceled. But CTU President Karen Lewis now says the union won't work another year without a contract. Advertisement Suppose CTU and CPS don't cut a deal and teachers strike. Will parents and students be more sympathetic to CTU now than they were in the spring? Maybe not. Here's what parents see, more vividly than ever: The district is a candidate for bankruptcy. Chicago taxes already are rising, but CTU wants more. A CPS contract offer on the table since January is a sweet deal for educators; district CEO Forrest Claypool tells us it won't can't get sweeter. "There isn't additional money to borrow, there isn't additional money to give." In a meeting with the Tribune Editorial Board, Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool warned that classroom budget cuts would be necessary if teachers don't agree to concessions in a new contract and if state lawmakers don't come through with $215 million for the district's budget. Aug. 9, 2016. (Chicago Tribune) CPS' proposal offers teachers a generous raise and keeps paying them for added seniority and education. It does make a significant ask: Teachers would have to pay a 7 percent pension tab that CPS now pays but no longer can afford. CPS still would pick up the employer's share of pension costs but asks employees to pay their share. Most Chicagoans, most Americans, understand that, since they too have to save for their own retirement. But once classrooms fill with children, once parents adjust family schedules, once a city's routines are set, CTU gains leverage. Pressure cranks up on Emanuel and CPS leaders. Every day without a contract deal heightens the threat that teachers will go nuclear on Chicago's schoolchildren. Every child is hostage to an ugly game of will-they-or-won't-they. No one wants a strike. Many parents remember 2012. A disruptive nine-day walkout. Education interrupted. Kids at loose ends. Parents stressed, demanding that the pols, the school board somebody just give the teachers what they want. And then the teachers largely got what they demanded. That's why the CTU's Lewis now summons her best Clint Eastwood swagger to warn Chicagoans: "We do not know if Mayor Emanuel can stand another teachers strike, especially at a time when confidence in his leadership is at an all-time low, and when the city is in an uproar over another police shooting of an unarmed African-American youth. Do not force our hand." Advertisement There you have it: Lewis assumes Emanuel will cave to an angry Chicago. But what if a taxed, tapped-out Chicago is angry with her? Lewis had a better advantage half a year ago. Her negotiators cut a deal with CPS, and Lewis' leadership team told members it was a "serious" offer. That should have been code to her union colleagues: This is the best we'll get. Let's take it. Instead, union middle management middled Lewis and nixed her deal. Now she has to play the militant an awkward role for any union leader who was last seen cutting that deal with management. Chicagoans see all of this. Teachers stand by as Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis reacts to Chicago Public Schools proposed 2017 budget on Monday, August 8, 2016, during a press conference at the CTU in the Merchandise Mart. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune) We believe Lewis when she says most of her members don't want to strike. But we also believe Claypool, who tells the Tribune Editorial Board that negotiators from CPS and CTU bargained for 17 consecutive days in January, fussing over every line, every word, in the nearly 200-page agreement. "That doesn't happen because we gave them a 'serious' offer," he says. "It was not (merely) a serious offer. It was a deal with the leadership." But CTU leadership couldn't deliver. "Reality can't be altered," Claypool tells us. "The reality is we do not have more to give than was offered in January. ... There is not a dollar surplus to this budget." Unless, he adds, the union wants to "cut classrooms and jeopardize not only teacher jobs but more important, the academic progress of our kids." Advertisement Teachers who strike wouldn't only jeopardize the education of their students, they would set a lousy example for the children: When what you want is impossible, toss a tantrum. Would 2016 be different from 2012? Would Chicago want Emanuel to fold and would he? Or would Chicagoans say the CTU should have taken in January the sweet deal it bargained with CPS and should take it now rather than strike? Watch and learn, kids. Class is in session. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Workers unload signature petitions out of a truck at the Illinois State Board of Election office in Springfield, Ill., on May 6, 2016. (Seth Perlman, AP) The framers of the Illinois Constitution didn't want to make it easy for voters to amend the document. They didn't want to make it impossible either. Yet nearly half a century after the constitution was adopted, the people of Illinois are 1 for 6. Advertisement The rest of those citizen-driven amendments weren't rejected by voters. They were thrown off the ballot by judges swayed by lawyers hired by politicians. The Illinois Supreme Court will decide any day now whether voters will be denied again. Advertisement The Independent Map Amendment would take legislative redistricting out of the hands of state lawmakers and assign it to a nonpartisan commission. Its aim is to replace a system that protects incumbents with one that empowers voters. More than half a million voters signed petitions to put it on the November ballot. Poll after poll suggests it would pass overwhelmingly, given a chance. This is precisely the sort of scenario imagined by Article XIV, Section 3. But Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diane Larsen ruled last month that the amendment falls outside the scope of that limited constitutional provision. With an Aug. 26 deadline for the state Board of Elections to certify the ballot, the Supreme Court agreed to an expedited appeal. This is a big moment. Voters have tried repeatedly to exercise the right to amend their constitution, only to be tripped up by one baffling legal gotcha after another. Is the constitution hopelessly stacked against them? If so, they deserve to hear it from the Supreme Court. It's up to the justices to reconcile the clear intent of the constitution's authors and the plain language of Article XIV with the ever-more-prohibitive reading advanced by lawyers who are paid to protect the status quo. The sentence that launched a thousand legal briefs says, "Amendments shall be limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in Article IV." An early, bitter debate centered on whether "structural and procedural" was intended as a conjunctive phrase. That is, did the framers mean any amendment proposed by citizens had to change the structure of the legislature and the process by which it makes laws? The Supreme Court decided it did, and the point has been argued up, down and sideways ever since. Later, the dictum "all elections shall be free and equal" found in a distant corner of the constitution was wielded to defeat an amendment that attempted to do several things at once. That ruling inspired the current argument that the Independent Map Amendment is really several questions that should be voted on separately. Voters might agree that an independent commission should draw the maps, for example, but not that the auditor general should help select the commission. That's right: Bust it into smaller amendments, collect signatures for each of them and pass them one by one. Oh, and make sure every one of those pieces is structural and procedural. Advertisement Does anyone really think the authors of the constitution meant to make this so hard? Of course, they didn't. True, the delegates didn't want to give citizens a free hand to pass laws and enshrine them in the constitution. (Smart move: California's constitution has been amended more than 500 times.) In Illinois, it's mostly up to lawmakers to propose amendments, which must then be approved by voters. But the delegates to the 1970 convention spoke candidly about the slim-to-none chance that lawmakers would suggest changes to restrict their own powers. That's why the constitution allows voters to propose amendments only to Article IV, which deals with the legislative branch. It's so citizens will have some recourse when their lawmakers run amok. In fact, the delegates specifically discussed the possibility that voters might want to amend the section about redistricting. They saw it coming: Lawmakers who draw their own districts have abused that power. They manipulate the boundaries to make sure they get re-elected, and to make sure their enemies don't. That means some votes count more than others, and the lawmakers decide which ones. Advertisement The state's legislative maps are so gerrymandered that most races field only one candidate. On the Nov. 8 ballot, only 63 of 158 legislative races are contested. Voters are being cheated. But lawmakers think the system works just fine. They're not going to lift a finger to change it. That's the sort of thing the framers of the constitution were worried about. It's what the Supreme Court ought to be worried about too. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. When Hillary Clinton became secretary of state in 2009, she set a historic precedent: a former first lady serving in a Cabinet post. The new job presented an ethical conundrum: how to keep separation between her work as the nation's diplomat-in-chief and the global activities of her husband, former President Bill Clinton. The potential entanglement centered on the Clinton Foundation, Bill Clinton's charitable organization, which raised hundreds of millions from foreign governments, individuals and entities. With Hillary Clinton in the Obama administration, every check written to the Clinton Foundation could look like an attempt to curry favor with the secretary of state. Advertisement To get through the thicket, a series of agreements were hashed out between Hillary Clinton, the Obama White House and Clinton Foundation to avoid any conflicts of interest or, as all sides noted, even appearances of conflicts. Hillary Clinton said she would recuse herself from foundation activity, while the foundation agreed to publish its donor list annually and submit foreign donations to a State Department review. At a January 2009 confirmation hearing, Hillary Clinton said: "I will certainly do everything in my power to make sure that the good work of the foundation continues without there being any untoward effects on me and my service and be very conscious of any questions that are raised." Fast forward three months to April of that year. Doug Band of the Clinton Foundation emails Hillary Clinton aides Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills. Mills and Band had been involved in negotiating the main agreement that would prevent the secretary of state and Clinton Foundation from crossing ethical lines. So they knew what their bosses, Hillary and Bill Clinton, had promised: to avoid even an appearance of a conflict of interest. Advertisement Nevertheless, Band was writing to Hillary Clinton's aides on behalf of Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent who had donated $1 million to $5 million to the Clinton Foundation. Band wanted some help quickly. "We need Gilbert Chagoury to speak to the substance person re Lebanon," Band wrote on April 25, 2009. "As you know he's a key guy there and to us and is loved in Lebanon. Very imp." Abedin replied a few hours later that the right person at State was Jeff Feltman, the recent ambassador to Lebanon serving as an assistant secretary of state. "I'll talk to Jeff," Abedin wrote. Band's response: "Better if you call him. Now preferable. This is very important." If you're keeping score at home: Aide to Bill Clinton writes to State Department aides of Hillary Clinton on a Saturday afternoon with an urgent request to provide access to a Nigerian billionaire. Appearance of a conflict of interest? Yes. This email exchange doesn't appear out of the blue. As part of the controversy concerning Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state, she turned over thousands of "work-related" emails to the State Department. For reasons we don't know, this exchange wasn't part of the record. It was obtained by Judicial Watch, a conservative group, through a Freedom of Information lawsuit, one obviously intended to damage the reputation of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign. After the emails were released Tuesday, a spokesperson for Chagoury said he was "simply passing along his observations" on the chaotic politics of Lebanon but nothing came of the request. The Clinton campaign described the emails with similarly innocuous phrasing to the Chagoury statement: Chagoury "was simply seeking to share his insights on the upcoming Lebanese election with the right person at the Department of State for whom this information might be helpful." Feltman told The New York Times he never met with Chagoury or spoke to him. When Hillary Clinton became secretary of state, the issue of conflicts of interest focused, laserlike, on the question of fat donations to the foundation, not on relationships that might continue going forward. So there appear to have been no laws violated here, and no ethical agreement violated either, because the secretary of state was not directly involved. But the spirit of the separation protocols had been breached. We don't know whether, at some point, someone at State made the right decision to spike the Chagoury request. What we have is a foundation official urgently pushing for access on behalf of a donor, and a top State aide who should find a polite way to say "buzz off" instead offering to help. By definition, matters of perception and conflicts of interest aren't clear-cut. Perceptions don't drop from above with the force of a rainstorm, they float by like gray clouds on an otherwise sunny day. Avoiding them requires recognizing, and steering clear of, the gray area of potential outcomes, even perceptions only an adversary might see. That didn't happen here. One way to have avoided the perception of a conflict would have been for the Clintons to tell Band, Abedin and Mills to keep their distance from each other. Period. Advertisement Hillary Clinton may well be the next president of the United States. Much has been said about her poor reputation for trustworthiness. The belated revelation that her top aides were violating the spirit of the separation protocols to which she agreed only provokes more doubt. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, right, and running mate, Bill Weld, left, talks to a crowd of supporters at a rally on August 6, 2016, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (George Frey / Getty Images) Libertarianism has long been treated as a fringe ideology obsessed with the gold standard, legalization of hard drugs and "Atlas Shrugged." Ron Paul, who ran for president in the 2012 GOP primaries, was the archetype, calling for an end to Social Security and the Federal Reserve. But when Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson extols fiscal responsibility and social tolerance, he brings to mind a different political tradition: that of moderate Republicans. There was a time, not so long ago, when they dominated the GOP. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush sprang from this wing of the party. So, arguably, did George W. Bush, along with nominees such as Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney. Advertisement But the party has moved steadily to the right recently. Rank-and-file GOP voters grew significantly more conservative in the first decade of this century. It's a measure of how conservative House Republicans have become that Speaker Paul Ryan, once a tea party hero, is now viewed with distrust by many in his caucus. That growing tilt leaves an electoral opening for a candidate who thinks the government shouldn't meddle too much in either markets or morals. Hillary Clinton isn't interested in occupying it. So Johnson, who is averaging 9 percent support in the RealClearPolitics average of four-way polls that include him and Green Party nominee Jill Stein, has that niche to himself. Advertisement Illinois, of course, used to be the natural habitat of moderate Republicans, producing governors such as Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar and senators such as Everett Dirksen and Charles Percy. Bruce Rauner and Mark Kirk fit the basic template, stressing the usual GOP support for free markets and fiscal conservatism while charting a less conservative course on abortion rights and same-sex marriage. If Kirk loses his re-election bid, it won't be because voters regard him as too moderate but because Democrat Tammy Duckworth succeeds in tying him to his party's presidential nominee whom Kirk has repudiated. At one time, Donald Trump might have passed as a GOP centrist. But in this campaign, he has exploited themes with a harsh conservative edge such as building a border wall, massively bombing the Islamic State, renegotiating trade agreements and restoring "law and order." In Kansas, long solidly Republican, moderates are rebounding, thanks to the unpopularity of conservative Gov. Sam Brownback. In the Aug. 2 legislative primary, moderates defeated incumbent Brownback allies in more than a dozen races. U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a tea party stalwart, also got evicted. Since 2012, the share of Republicans who say they are economically and socially conservative has shrunk from 57 percent to 42 percent. But the national party's message hasn't caught up with that trend. If Trump loses and particularly if he loses big moderates may find themselves taken more seriously in Congress and the party. Many Republicans are probably already wondering how much brighter their electoral prospects would be with, say, John Kasich of Ohio atop the ballot in November. Victories by senators who have clashed with Trump such as Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Rob Portman of Ohio, as well as Kirk and McCain would give them more influence on the GOP's direction. A strong showing by Libertarian Johnson would encourage Republicans to adopt at least some of his ideas. And voter frustration with gridlock may aid lawmakers who don't treat compromise as a crime. Pragmatic, centrist Republicans have largely vanished from the American political scene. But their absence leaves a vacuum that begs to be filled. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Donald Trump accused President Barack Obama of being the "founder" of the Islamic State militant group and Hillary Clinton as being its "co-founder." Aug. 10, 2016. (WGN-TV) (Chicago Tribune) Donald Trump seems to have it in his head that President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as ISIS. At a rally Wednesday, he said of Obama: "He is the founder of ISIS. He is the founder of ISIS, OK? He is the founder. He founded ISIS." Advertisement Not a lot of wiggle room in those statements. Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt gave Trump a chance to clarify what he meant Thursday, leading to this exchange: Advertisement Hewitt: "Last night you said that the president was the founder of ISIS. I know what you meant, you meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace." Trump: "No, I meant that he's the founder of ISIS, I do. He was the most valuable player. I gave him the most valuable player award." Friday, following two days of outrage over those comments, Trump tweeted that he was just being sarcastic, writing in a separate tweet: "I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't!" There are two possibilities here: 1. Trump was being sarcastic bigly and should be ashamed of himself. 2. The media are involved in a massive cover-up to hide the truth about Obama founding Islamic State. As a highly respected member of the corrupt, liberal, corporate, dishonest, mainstream media, I have to come clean on this one. The truth is No. 2. For years we have managed to keep this quiet, but I now take it upon myself to give Americans a full and honest and in-no-way-made-up-out-of-whole-cloth accounting of Islamic State's U.S.-based leadership structure. I hope this in some small way absolves me of my previous complicity. Advertisement Barack Obama is not actually the founder of ISIS. He's more of a CEO. The real founder was Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed by U.S. forces under the administration of George W. Bush in 2006. That created a leadership opening for Obama, at the time an Illinois senator who, as we all know, was born in Kenya and raised as a Muslim secret agent destined to become president of the United States. (It's on the internet, look it up!) I know what you're asking: George W. Bush was in on this? Of course, he was, silly! Five years removed from planning the terror attacks of Sept. 11 (jet fuel can't melt steel beams), Bush was eager for a new mission. So he laid the groundwork, and Obama stepped into the ISIS void. Once in place as president (of America) and CEO (of ISIS), Obama brought on Hillary Clinton as his secretary of state (of America) and chief operating officer (of ISIS). Trump has referred to Clinton as an "ISIS co-founder," but that's just a minor error in title. The remaining ISIS leadership rounded out like this: Advertisement Chief financial officer: evil liberal billionaire George Soros. Chief information officer: Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. (Trump was right to not like her!) Director of propaganda and catering: filmmaker Michael Moore. Head of human resources: former President Bill Clinton. (That has not gone well.) Rotating Hollywood-elite celebrity executive: currently, Barbra Streisand. Head of recruiting: reality television star and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Advertisement Yes, you read that last one right. Trump has played a key role in the terror organization founded by Obama. He's probably just too humble to bring that up. The media have used reality television including Trump's show "The Apprentice" to distract Americans from Obama's treasonous skulduggery. Clearly, it worked to perfection. Now a clip of candidate Trump has appeared in at least one ISIS recruitment video (that is actually true), so he has clearly been doing a good job and is likely in line for a raise. He's a great deal-maker the best, really so I'm sure he'll negotiate something fantastic. Anyway, under Obama, Islamic State's gay members (of which there are none) are able to marry and every employee has health care, which is convenient because Obama is constantly shooting missiles at them and has killed thousands. Oh, and while Trump continues to say that Obama and Clinton should win ISIS' "most valuable player award," there is no such thing. There is an employee-of-the-month program, but management isn't eligible and the winners have a tendency to be dead. It feels good to get this off my chest. I realize some of you may find what I've written here shocking or hard to believe. But I assure you, it's every bit as honest as Trump's claim about Obama, which, if I may repeat it, is: "He is the founder of ISIS. He is the founder of ISIS, OK? He is the founder. He founded ISIS." Advertisement Or maybe I'm just being sarcastic. Who knows? rhuppke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RexHuppke Sixteen men have been charged with multiple felonies and accused of being members of the Latin Kings street gang after a long-term investigation into drug dealing and firearm sales in the Aurora area, authorities announced Friday. The investigation was conducted by the Aurora Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. It spanned almost three years and culminated Friday, with the unsealing of Kane County Grand Jury indictments against the 16 men, according to officials. Advertisement The investigation involved undercover narcotics and weapons buys and the use of confidential informants, all Latin Kings members themselves. Charging documents indicate the buys were all recorded on audio or video. During the investigation, officials said they seized 13 firearms and about 22 ounces of cocaine. Advertisement A total of 96 felony charges have been filed against the 16 men. Of those charges, 32 are Class X felonies, which warrant enhanced penalties upon conviction, according to police. Those charged are not considered gang leaders, but "the charges illustrate their alleged regular involvement in the activities of the gang," Aurora Police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in an email. Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman, FBI Chicago Office Acting Special Agent in Charge John Brown and Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon announced the charges Friday in a news release sent by the Aurora Police Department. The agencies conducted the investigation under the umbrella of the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. "Every day, there are reports in the news about people being shot: men, women and children who are killed by gang members who have little regard for human life," Brown said in the news release. "Today, the FBI working with our local law enforcement partners, further our joint efforts to remove dangerous gang members who possess illegal firearms from the streets of Illinois." All of the felony charges brought through the investigation are state charges and will be prosecuted by the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. Most of the men targeted by the investigation have documented criminal histories involving narcotics, weapons and other alleged violent offenses, according to the news release. "The joint response from law enforcement at the federal, legislative and local levels illustrate that the power of collaboration is an unstoppable force against those individuals who wreak havoc on a community," Ziman said. The investigation was dubbed "Operation Tri-Lambs," dervied from the nickname of one of the targets of the operation, Ferrelli said. On Thursday, seven of the men were taken into custody after about 90 Aurora police officers and FBI special agents executed arrest warrants at suspects' homes or places they were known to frequent. Five of the men had already been arrested and charged in connection to the investigation, two were in prison on unrelated charges and two remain at large, according to officials. Advertisement One of the suspects faces 21 total felony counts. Caleb A. Frazier, 24, of the 200 block of Forest Avenue, Aurora, is charged with nine counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, five counts of unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church and single counts of gun-running and unlawful possession of a firearm without a FOID card. Frazier was taken into custody Wednesday with another target of the investigation: Julio C. Charez, 23, of the 100 block of Woodlawn Avenue, Aurora. Charez is charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm without a FOID card and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm. The other three suspects already arrested for their charges are Christian A. Escamilia, 29, of the 2000 block of Best Place, Aurora; Juan A. Gomez, 41, of the 1100 block of Alameda Drive, Aurora; and Christopher Rosario, 37, of the 200 block of O'Malley Court, Aurora. Escamilia is charged with six counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and a single count of delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park. Gomez is charged with five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park. Rosario is charged with single counts of unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member. Advertisement The seven men taken into custody Thursday were Jose Sanchez, 19, of the 200 block of Forest Avenue, Aurora; Alexander Briseno, 27, of the 400 block of Superior Street, Aurora; Juan E. Ibarra, 21, of the 1000 block of North Avenue, Aurora; Jose Gallegos, 21, of the 700 block of Hammond Avenue, Aurora; Miguel A. Rios, 38, of the 900 block of Liberty Street, Aurora; Rodrigo Sanchez, 24, of the 500 block of Hankes Avenue, Aurora; and Jorge Yanez, 22, of the 400 block of Grove Street, Aurora. Jose Sanchez is charged with four counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm and single counts of gun-running, reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with no FOID card. Briseno is charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church. Ibarra is charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Gallegos is charged with single counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm with no FOID card, and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm. Rios is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Advertisement Rodrigo Sanchez and Jorge Yanez are each charged with unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm. The two men already in state custody on unrelated charges were Noel DeLuna, 22, who lived in the 900 block of Zengele Avenue, Aurora; and Paul Benavides aka Francis Perez 38, who last lived in the 200 block of Arrowhead Drive, North Aurora. DeLuna is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a FOID card, unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm and unlawful possession of firearm ammunition. Benavides is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of marijuana. Police are still looking for Leonel A. Martinez, 29, whose last known address is in the 2400 block of Devonshire Court in Aurora; and Alvaro Robledo, 22, who is associated with an address in the 500 block of Hoyles Street, Aurora. Martinez is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Robledo is charged with single counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church. Martinez is described in the release as 6 feet tall and 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes and tattoos on his chest, left arm and right wrist. Robledo is described as an inch taller, 250 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes and tattoos on his chest and one arm. Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Martinez or Robledo to call special operations investigators at 630-256-5600 or their local law enforcement agency at 911. Callers who wish to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of as much as $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of either man can call Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Tips can also be submitted through the department's "My PD" app. Advertisement hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone Jacob William Beeman, 29, of Arkdale, Wis., faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, home invasion and aggravated animal cruelty following a home invasion in Buffalo Grove on Aug. 10, 2016, according to Buffalo Grove police. (Buffalo Grove police) The man accused of breaking into a Buffalo Grove home and stabbing multiple people and a dog is a convicted felon awaiting trial in Wisconsin on charges that he slashed a police officer in the face, according to authorities and court records. Jacob William Beeman, 29, who lives with his grandparents in the tiny central Wisconsin town of Arkdale, was taken into custody early Wednesday at a gas station in Wheeling, where he was found with blood on his neck, arms and clothes and was carrying black gloves, two bandannas and a bloody hunting knife in his boot, authorities said. Advertisement Beeman appeared in Cook County court Friday in shackles, jeans and a "Remember 9/11" T-shirt and was given a $2 million cash bond. Authorities said he kicked in an air-conditioner and then the front door to gain entrance to house on St. Marys Parkway just after midnight Wednesday, stabbing three people multiple times each and a dog and then fleeing when one of the victims fired a semi-automatic weapon at him. Earlier reports said there were four people stabbed in the house. Authorities only referenced three stabbing victims during Friday's court hearing in Rolling Meadows a 46-year-old man, his 19-year-old son and 16-year-old girl but said two other people were present in the home during the attack. Advertisement "But for the fact that the victim obtained the gun, this could have been a triple homicide," Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Maria McCarthy said. "Firing that shot is the only thing that made that defendant leave that house." According to the criminal complaint against Beeman read in court, he and another man were seen lurking outside the home just before Beeman leaned into a bedroom window startling the two younger victims, who were playing video games before entering through the front door. Beeman then stabbed the dog, a German shepherd named Piston, and tussled with the older man, stabbing him, while the man's son tried to stop the attack with an air gun, but it failed to fire, the complaint said. Beeman then followed the son back into a bedroom, where he stabbed the son and the girl, officials said. The two other people present had locked themselves in another bedroom and fled through the window. The older male victim was stabbed in the chest, arms, legs and hands, officials said. He remained hospitalized in serious condition Thursday but was expected to recover. The dog is also expected to survive. His son was stabbed in the arm, severing a tendon and exposing a bone; he was treated and released. The girl suffered a severed tendon in her hand; she was also released from the hospital but has undergone surgery since for her wounds, officials said in court. After fleeing the home, Beeman walked to another house a few blocks away, asked the resident for a ride and was driven to the home of a friend, authorities said. But the friend's uncle saw Beeman behind the house and called police, prompting Beeman to flee to the gas station, where he asked for a ride to Milwaukee and to use the phone, according to officials' account. The gas station attendant called police, they said. Authorities said Beeman told police that he targeted the house because he was told by another man that there were drugs, money and weapons there, but that he "was in a rage and didn't remember stabbing anyone." Authorities believe a second man was present outside but did not enter the house. Authorities said no drugs were found in the home. In Adams County, Wis., where Beeman lives, he is awaiting trial on multiple charges, including battery to a police officer, after he was accused in April 2015 of slashing an officer's face with a knife while police served a search warrant related to an earlier report that Beeman had placed a knife on a woman's throat, according to court records and authorities. Advertisement Beeman was imprisoned in 2008 on convictions including reckless endangerment, criminal damage to property, obstructing a police officer and bail jumping, according to court records. In court Friday, officials said Beeman was released from prison in 2010, but his court supervision was twice revoked and he returned to prison two more times, being released again in May. His current charges in the Buffalo Grove allegations include attempted first-degree murder, home invasion and aggravated animal cruelty. More charges are expected, police said Friday. George Houde is a freelance reporter. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, left, speaks to reporters as his wife, Patti, listens at the federal building in Chicago in this December 2011 photo. (M. Spencer Green / AP) A federal appeals court has sharply reduced a multimillion-dollar judgment against the owners of Balmoral Park, which sparked the horse racing track's December 2014 bankruptcy filing. Chicago-area casino owners had, prior to that bankruptcy filing, won a nearly $78 million judgment against the Crete track and its president, John Johnston, in a lawsuit alleging Johnston agreed, in 2008, to give then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for the governor signing legislation that benefited horse racing tracks in the Chicago area. The contribution was never made, although the legislation was signed by Blagojevich after his December 2008 arrest on corruption charges. Advertisement The casinos had alleged a conspiracy on the part of track owners in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and a jury agreed, awarding casino owners nearly $26 million in damages. Under RICO, that amount was tripled, to $77.8 million. In a decision earlier this month, a federal appeals court said the jury "did not have legally sufficient evidence to support a verdict finding a conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering," reducing the amount of damages awarded to $25.9 million. Advertisement Balmoral and Maywood Park in Melrose Park, also controlled by the Johnston family, filed for bankruptcy to ward off having to pay the original judgment and allow time to appeal the decision. In a court filing last week in their bankruptcy case, the racetracks said that the casinos, creditors in the case, have agreed not to seek a re-hearing or petition the U.S. Supreme Court for an appeal. The 2008 legislation renewed a subsidy program, which expired at the end of May 2008, requiring riverboat casino operators to share profits with horse tracks, whose fortunes began to decline after Illinois legalized riverboat gambling in 1990. The casino operators alleged that the promise by Johnston of a $100,000 contribution to Blagojevich's re-election campaign was an inducement to the governor to sign the bill. Writing the appellate court's Aug. 2 decision, Judge David Hamilton said there was sufficient evidence "to allow a rational jury to find a quid pro quo agreement" between Johnston and Blagojevich, who recently lost his bid to have his 14-year prison sentence reduced. However, Hamilton wrote that there was no evidence to suggest Johnston had agreed "to participate in any corrupt scheme" other than encouraging Blagojevich to sign the bill. He said the "one-time bribe to a corrupt public official is criminal and wrong, but without more it is not enough to prove a pattern of racketeering activity." Johnston received immunity from prosecution and testified at Blagojevich's criminal trial. Blagojevich's chief of staff, Alonzo "Lon" Monk, pleaded guilty to working on the governor's behalf to squeeze the campaign contribution from Johnston. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Monk had testified that, during October and November of 2008, he had "five or six" conversations with Johnston about the "timing" of his contribution, and that in mid-November conveyed to the governor's brother and campaign manager, Robert Blagojevich, that Johnston had told Monk, "tell the big guy I'm good for it," meaning the $100,000. Monk said he told Johnston to, "get it to us as soon as you can." Conversations between Rod Blagojevich and Monk were secretly recorded by federal investigators, including discussions where the two talked about the timing of the bill signing relative to the campaign contribution. In a Dec. 3, 2008 meeting with the governor at his campaign office, Monk tells Blagojevich "I wanna go to him (Johnston) without crossing the line and say, give us the (expletive) money ... give us the money and one has nothing to do with the other." Advertisement The casinos' lawsuit had previously been tossed out by a lower court, but a federal appeals panel had, in August 2014, allowed it to proceed. Balmoral and Maywood, whose bankruptcy liquidation plan was approved by a judge last week, have been selling off assets to satisfy creditors, including the 200-acre horse track. Maywood was operated on leased property. A New York firm, Horse Shows in the Sun, or HITS, paid $1.6 million for the Balmoral property and plans to reconfigure it to hold show-jumping events starting next spring. HITS produces show-jumping events at sites around the United States, including at properties it owns near Ocala, Fla.; in Thermal, Calif., near Palm Springs; Culpeper, Va.; and its home base in Saugerties, N.Y. mnolan@tribpub.com Each year between 450 and 650 people enroll in Moraine Valley Community College's GED courses. Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016, in Palos Hills. | Gary Middendorf-Chicago Tribune Media Group (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown) Job commitments, family obligations, age, language barriers, self-consciousness ... Myriad obstacles can stand in the way of an adult trying to finish high school. But test anxiety should not be one of them. Advertisement After a new test introduced in January 2014 led to confusion, outrage and a subsequent lowering of the passing grade, the Illinois Community College Board decided this fall to begin giving high school equivalency test-takers options. For the first time ever, three versions of the high school equivalency exam, all in line with the new Common Core State Standards, will be available, although not at all testing sites. Advertisement "Various testing centers will offer various combinations of choices," said Matt Berry, spokesperson for the ICCB. The new GED test, offered through GED Testing Service, a joint venture between the American Council on Education and Pearson VUE, is an online-only exam that costs $120 but offers almost immediate scoring. The HiSet test, produced by Educational Testing Service, offers both paper and online versions as well as several accommodations for people with learning disorders, disabilities or health issues. It costs $90. The TASC test, the official high school equivalency exam of Indiana, is also offered in both paper and online versions. It costs $92. Paper versions may be less expensive but take longer to score. Matt Beasland is dean of adult education at South Suburban College in South Holland, where 500 to 600 people enroll in GED preparation classes each year. He said the new ACE/Pearson test was the first time the exam was presented online since the GED exam was introduced around the time of World War II. "The test caused a lot of confusion. A lot of older students who were not real computer savvy were having a real hard time with it," he said. "That's one of the reasons the state of Illinois wanted to bring in the other two exams HiSet and TASC because they also offer a paper-based test." Among those who struggled was Katarzyna Kocach, of Palos Hills. Though she ultimately passed, Kocach, 35, said her lack of typing skills slowed her down on the essay portion of the exam. Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "I had practiced and practiced, but it still held me back," she said. Another reason for offering options, Beasland said, "There was a huge shock in the community when the GED test went from $50 to $120 as computer based. That was a huge leap." In January 2016, the GED test passing score was lowered by five points, to keep it more in line with typical high school graduates, according to news reports. Because South Suburban College is so close to the Indiana border, Beasland said, "It's good for our teachers to be informed on the TASC test as well. Some students may relocate to Indiana before they finish the high school equivalency program." He said returning students muster a lot of courage, commitment and tenacity to see the GED program through. They should not be waylaid by the final step in the process. dvickroy@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @dvickroy Left to right: The Krohn brothers Dale, 87; Wade, 90; Gene, 89, and Glen, 85 were honored by the New Lenox Area Historical Society for their service as firefighters with the New Lenox Fire Protection District. (Ginger Brashinger / Daily Southtown) The New Lenox Area Historical Society marked its 30th anniversary this month by paying tribute to a local family of retired firefighters. The society recognized at its annual picnic the Krohns brothers: Wade, 90; Gene, 89; Dale, 87, and Glen, 85. Advertisement When adding their years of service together, the siblings performed duties for a total of 116 years for the New Lenox Fire Protection District, historical society officials said. The society treated the Krohns to a cake and other refreshments at the program Aug. 4 outside the old Schmul School in the Will County Forest Preserve. Advertisement "We just felt because they are members of our historical society and members of the New Lenox community for many, many years ... that we needed to recognize them for (their) years of service," said Diane Wilson, president of the New Lenox Area Historical Society. The brothers started soon after the fire district was formed in the 1940s. The siblings said they weren't sure why they became firefighters but their sister Carol Terlep, 83, said she believes they joined the fire district "because when we were young our house burned down." Gene Krohn recalled the only things that were saved in the house fire were "a broken ladder, a sled and a broken shovel." While with the department, Gene Krohn had served as an assistant chief. For a while, one of his duties included blowing a whistle to alert other nearby volunteer firefighters about a blaze. Gene Krohn was the first sibling to start with the district in 1948. He ended his service to the district in 1976. His brother, Wade, started at the district in 1950, leaving in 1964, while brother Dale started in the 1950s, leaving in the 1970s. Glen Krohn ended the siblings tie to the district when he left as a district trustee in June. He had been involved with the district for 55 years. Advertisement "I am not bragging but it (was) well deserved by all of us," said Gene Krohn about the tribute. Meanwhile, historical society officials pointed out that the site of the tribute, the 75-year-old one-room schoolhouse, was one of the historical society's preservation projects when it was saved in 2000 from possible demolition. New Lenox Area Historical Society President Diane Wilson said when the New Lenox School District had no further use for the schoolhouse in the late 1990s, the land and the building at the southeast corner of Route 30 and Schoolhouse Road were sold to Walgreens. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The company donated the building to the historical society, which raised funds to have the structure moved to its current site at the northeast corner of Lincoln Highway and Schoolhouse Road, Wilson said. Wilson added the society is closing in on historically land marking about a dozen New Lenox area buildings, including the site of the Old Brick Tavern, reputed to have been a stop along Abraham Lincoln's route between Joliet and Chicago and the site of an Underground Railroad stop. Other projects for the historical society include a "coffee table-style book" to document New Lenox's history in text and photos, Wilson said. She said the society is interested in using any material current or former residents can share for the book. No date is set for publication. Advertisement Wilson said membership is open to the general public and everyone is welcome to join the organization which has grown in the past 30 years, she said. "Each year it gets bigger and bigger," Wilson said. "We like to make history fun." For more information, visit www.newlenoxhistory.org. Ginger Brashinger is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Pat Ledsham, pastry chef and co-owner of Bakewell Bakery in Flossmoor, IL., fills cups for her sticky toffee pudding on July 22, 2016. (John Smierciak/Chicago Tribune Media Group) (JOHN SMIERCIAK / Daily Southtown) The lights may be out at "Downton Abbey" but the kettle boils daily at Bakewell Bakery in Flossmoor. As the only British bakery in Chicago's south suburbs, Bakewell is feeding a growing local interest in puddings, tarts and something called the Fat Rascal. Advertisement Bakewell joins a legion of shops in the area that offer ethnic-inspired baked goods, from the Italian cannoli and sfogliatellas at Naples Bakery in Evergreen Park, to the Middle Eastern kunafa at Albasha Sweet in Bridgeview, to the authentic paczki at Witek's Bakery in Palos Hills. Each place serves its own market but customers are hardly limited to the tried and true. People today are naturally interested in different cuisines, as well as the cultures that produce them. Advertisement "There's a real interest in all things British these days," Patricia Ledsham says. Indeed. You don't have to be a Brexit doomsayer, an Adele adorer or a fan of "The Great British Baking Show" to see that for Americans, Great Britain is still an empire in some respects. Yes, 240 years after we made the break, we are still fascinated by all things British, and that attraction goes beyond the accent and sightings of Royal babies. Ledsham, who grew up in Beverly and graduated Morgan Park Academy, lived and worked for a time in London's Notting Hill area, which is how she met her husband Alan Ledsham, former head buyer for Marks and Spencer and now U.S. Foods. The couple now lives in Flossmoor and owns the newly opened Bakewell, located at 1050 Sterling Ave. Tried and true recipes When her expat husband became homesick for traditional British foods and delicacies, Patrcia Ledsham called his sister across the pond. "One by one she started sending me recipes. His aunt started doing the same," Ledsham said. The recipes, which had been collected and used over and over by Alan's mother and grandmother, date back to World War II and even the 1800s, she said. They were extremely precise. Advertisement Francis Ledsham worked from the 1930s to the 1950s as a cook in large country homes and Masonic lodges in Cheshire, England. She passed her recipes, including her signature bake, the Bakewell Tart, on to her daughter-in-law, Rosemary Ledsham. Now, as pastry chef of her own shop, Patricia Ledsham, who is Rosemary's daughter-in-law, makes the same baked goods, keeping some authentic, while tweaking others. "I was amazed by how organized the records were kept," Patricia Ledsham said. "In my family, we've been trying to do a cookbook for years, but haven't been able to because so many recipes call for 'a little of this,' or 'a little of that.' But these ladies were very specific. There is only one recipe in which she says use a pinch." Ledsham, who was born in British Honduras (now Belize) but moved to Chicago's South Side as a child, was considering a career change anyway when baking sessions with her daughter began to grow on her. Not only was her husband pleased with the results, friends were as well. "Everyone said we should do something, like open a shop," she said. Advertisement Rolling out a new career So she left her accounting job, went to culinary school at Joliet Junior College and spent two years learning the trade at different Chicago area bakeries, including Jolly Posh and Sweet Annie's. She and Alan, who is originally from Liverpool, began selling baked goods at the Homewood Farmers Market. Then in May, they opened Bakewell in Downtown Flossmoor (www.bakewellbakeryinc.com). "We decided maybe it was a good idea to open a bakery that offers not only British but European goods," she said. In addition to scones, Cornish pasties and sticky toffee puddings, Bakewell sells croissants, macarons and chicken tiki masala. In addition to the shortbreads and sausage rolls, scones are popular, particularly the newly introduced Fat Rascals, which are decorated to appeal to a child but baked with grown ups in mind. "Our scone-based recipe comes from the Savoy, where Alan's mom used to work," Ledsham said. Advertisement "Ninety percent of the scones you'll get in the U.K. are currant or plain. In the U.S., we want our scones a little bit sweeter. So we took our basic recipe and turned it into 13 different flavors double chocolate, cranberry orange, chocolate chip, cinnamon, blueberry and raspberry, to name a few." The sticky toffee pudding starts with dates cooked in British tea and ends with a generous pour of dulce de leche, a topping that takes Ledsham back to her childhood in Belize. "When I was a kid, I only got caramel cake. The caramel would have to boil for four hours. I used to complain it took so long. Now I understand why," she said. On this steamy summer afternoon, customer Diane Gill of Flossmoor was relaxing in the dining area of the bakery while eating a sticky toffee pudding with a cup of coffee. "It's kind of like a muffin," Gill said. "It looked different, so I thought I'd try it. It's very tasty." Gill said being able to sit in a shop and enjoy a baked good is "comforting, kind of old-fashioned." Advertisement The bakery also offers British savory dishes, such as steak and gravy pie, Banger sausages and Scotch eggs. It recently began offering high tea service on Sundays (reservations required). In addition to the Darvilles of Windsor teas, the kind preferred by the queen of England, the sitting includes savory and sweet dishes, strawberries and clotted cream. Bakewell plans to roll out a bread program this fall, Ledsham said. She admitted these are tough times for stand-alone bakeries. "You have to have a niche and this is our niche," she said. British baking, she said, is about core recipes, many of which are simple because they were developed during lean times. "We use whole cream and a good grade of egg," she said, citing local sources for many of her ingredients. Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "A lot of the dishes in England are named for the towns they came from, which is why we have Eccles cake, Chelsea buns, there's even a town Bakewell," she said. As for Brexit, Ledsham said, "Americans seem more concerned about it than Brits." As for British TV, in addition to enjoying British imports, such as "Doc Martin," "Father Brown" and "Sherlock," Americans may not realize that many popular U.S. shows, including "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars," began in England. One of Ledsham's favorite shows, "The Great British Baking Show," which stars Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, "Shows Americans what life is like in the U.K. The show is all about British people their accents and their culture, which is one big melting pot today." And, of course, there are the "bakes." dvickroy@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @dvickroy Keith Hearn, pictured here in Zion on Jan. 22, 2015, with his then-18-month-old daughter, has a license to carry a gun. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) Illinois is on pace to issue more concealed carry licenses than last year, and Lake County remains near the top of the list with the fourth most total licenses issued in the state, though it trails other counties in the Chicago area on the roster. Illinois was the last state in the country to begin its concealed carry program in January 2014. That year, the state issued 103,865 concealed carry licenses, according to Illinois State Police data. Advertisement The number of licenses fell drastically the next year, when the state only issued 67,576. This year, the state is on a pace closer to 2014, and issued 54,511 licenses from January to June, according to state police data. In Lake County, 8,403 people have active concealed carry license holders a rate of 11.9 holders per 1,000 people, according to a Freedom of Information Act request by the News-Sun. Cook County has the most license holders with 49,509, but because of the county's large population, it ranks last in license holders per 1,000 people with only 9.4. Advertisement Will County has 12,785 licenses, or 18 holders per 1,000 residents; McHenry County has 5,018 licenses, or 16 holders per 1,000 people; and DuPage County has 11,112 licenses, or 11 holders per 1,000 residents, according to state police. Counties with the largest percentage of holders are from southern Illinois, including Pulaski, Johnson, Pope, White and Edwards counties averaging a rate of 41.4 holders per 1,000 people. In total, 190,248 people from Illinois have a license for concealed carry, according to Illinois State Police. Richard A. Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said gaining a license can be limited by a person's financial situation, and Illinois is one of the most expensive states to receive a license. The application fee is $150, gun costs range on an average of $600 and the owner must take a 16-hour course. A full course at TK Firearms Defense Training in Zion costs $200 per person. "You are spending around $1,200 by the time you get everything done," Pearson said. "It absolutely limits people who are on a limited income or on Social Security, and it takes a chunk out of your budget. It could be your entire paycheck or at least half of it." In order to object to a permit application, a law enforcement agency must have reasonable suspicion that there is a danger to the applicant or others. In 2015 and 2016, the Lake County Sheriff's Office contested one license each year because the applicant had a history of domestic violence issues, according to sheriff's office spokesman Christopher Covelli. "We review those applicants who have applied for a concealed carry license, and if they reside in our jurisdiction, we conduct an in-house check to see what kind of contact our agencies have had with the individual," Covelli said. "If there is a disqualifying arrest or event, we report that back to the state of Illinois." Advertisement Over the last three years, six carry licenses were suspended, 71 were denied and 24 were revoked in Lake County. Pearson believes crime rates continue to decrease as the number of carry licenses increases, adding that the permits primarily help the elderly, minorities and women from becoming a target. "A smaller, weaker person can defend themselves against larger, stronger people," he said. "That is where the real help comes in there so the little old lady or even a disabled person that these predators attack can now fight back." Northbrook activist Lee Goodman helps organize a group against concealed carry called "Peaceful Communities." He said it is hard to know the effects of concealed carry because studies are not completed on an ongoing basis. President Barack Obama issued an executive order in 2013 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct research on gun violence. Goodman said there wouldn't be statistical data until independent researchers can analyze the information. Pearson said one of the biggest problems remaining with the law is the inability to use concealed carry on mass transit and along interstate highway rest stops. Advertisement "Of course we'd like to see concealed carry on mass transit, because if you look at the CTA and Metra in metropolitan areas, you'll see there are quite a few attacks there," he said. "A woman a month ago was hacked to death on one of those, and she had no ability to attack back because she couldn't carry concealed. She may not have wanted to, but she should at least have the opportunity." However, Goodman believes guns are not meant in some places, like college campuses where they pose a threat on professors teaching. "This is probably going to go on forever," Goodman said. "So long as people are able to carry guns in public, there will be tension between the two groups from those of us who want to see fewer or more places where they can carry guns." mejones@tribpub.com Twitter: @MeganAsh_Jones A bank robbery in North Chicago prompted Naval Station Great Lakes to go on lockdown Friday afternoon before police were able to arrest a suspect, who police say hid in a nearby building for a short time before being tracked by a police dog. Police reportedly received a 911 call about 1:40 p.m. of an armed robbery in progress at the Great Lakes Credit Union, 2525 Green Bay Road, where the caller stated a man displayed a knife while demanding money. The suspect was said to be wearing a black mask, white T-shirt and blue jeans, said Sgt. Freddrick Diez of the North Chicago Police Department. Advertisement As police officers began to arrive, Diez said, a suspect matching the description was seen running from the bank. According to Diez, a perimeter was established with the help of sheriff's deputies, Gurnee police and veteran's administration police. A police canine unit was also brought in and tracked the suspect to a building in the 2500 block of 25th Street. With police converging on the location, the suspect was given a chance to give himself up and after a few minutes he did, Diez said. Advertisement Police recovered the pocket knife at the scene as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. Charges are pending against the suspect and could be filed by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office this weekend. "This was a magnificent display of police resources, tactics and community assistance," Diez said. Vikki Kaiser, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, sent a statement that read, "Thankfully, no one was injured. Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our employees and members." The naval station was put on lockdown and all gates were closed, with officials sending out an alert via social media for personnel to "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT, TAKE IMMEDIATE COVER IN NEAREST BUILDING." The lockdown was cleared at 3:08 p.m. and gates were reopened, according to the Great Lakes Naval Station Twitter account. mejones@tribpub.com Twitter @MeganAsh_jones Kudos to Mayor Motley Waukegan Mayor Wayne Motley had the guts to hire a diversity consultant. I think he's going in the right direction. It's not right to dupe people and not have repercussions. The last time I was in City Hall I had trouble finding African-American workers. Someone should tell them every day that we need more people of color in the different departments. I hope things will get on the right track. The mayor is making an effort, and I applaud him for it. Advertisement Don't shoot unarmed suspects The shooting in Chicago of Paul O'Neal was a great example of police not following the law. They shot this kid while he was running. They shot so inappropriately that they almost hit another officer. The kid had no gun. The same thing recently happened in Zion. This wasn't even a stolen car. A guy was driving, and it went into a high-speed chase. The guy turned around, and the police shot him in the chest. Luckily, the guy didn't die. Why are we doing this in Lake County? The policeman is still working and wasn't fired. Advertisement Disturbed by Democrats I don't understand why people in this country continue to support the Democrat liberal progressives. ... The liberals think that good intentions are the only things that matter. I'm here to tell you: good intentions don't mean anything. Results are what count. People need to stop voting for Democrats and vote for Republicans. Free speech for all I have listened to Donald Trump for over a year and he insults everyone who criticizes him in any way. Trump says he was viciously attacked, but it is usually more like a harsh criticism. Engage your brain and shut your mouth. You have exercised your right to free speech. Others are entitled to use their right to free speech as well. Twitter @NewsSun Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk. Dear Help Squad, I just moved from the suburbs to a downtown Chicago condo. There are only four owners in our association. I reached out to Comcast after being told by other owners that AT&T U-verse is the only service option for our building. Comcast told me our building is designated in their system as unserviceable. Advertisement Isn't there a city ordinance that requires cable companies operating in Chicago to service every dwelling within the areas they've contracted with the city to serve? I've been working through this with a contractor from Comcast's engineering and serviceability office. She mentioned my condo might be in a territory that is "owned" by AT&T. I hadn't realized this was even a possibility. Have the cable and phone companies just divided up the city into little fiefdoms? Within their fiefdoms, can they decide not to provide service to somebody if they don't want to? I'm aware that in some cases it's costly to wire a building for cable, but do they at least have to offer a construction fee to the customer, or can they just declare a building unserviceable? Advertisement I tried to find the answers in the municipal code but had no luck. Seems like you are now an expert on cable challenges, so hope you can help. Ken, Chicago As Ken's dilemma seemed very location-specific, I first contacted the office of Ken's alderman, Sophia King (4th Ward). One of her staff members referred me to the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). There, I reached Mika Stambaugh, BACP Director of Public Information, who told me: "[City of Chicago-franchised] cable television providers are not required by law to provide service to every household or building, but we certainly encourage them to do so." She also informed me that, "The City of Chicago has a Cable Unit that is devoted to ensuring cable television companies operating in the city follow the law and franchise agreements that allow them to operate here." As part of this explanation, she noted that AT&T doesn't have an agreement with Chicago. As a result, it is regulated by the state of Illinois. "For this instance specifically, the City has reached out to Comcast to investigate the complaint," Stambaugh said. "Comcast has already deployed a team of technicians to conduct a preliminary site survey at the address to determine if they are able to offer service." The next day, this was confirmed by Ken, who told me, "Robert, the contracted surveyor for Comcast, came out this morning. Seems like we will get a win on this one soon, pending a green light from Comcast." Ken relayed Robert's explanation of the situation: "When Comcast's construction group has to be involved in getting service active, it's because they need to dig things up and build out infrastructure, which is where things can get so costly it's not worth Comcast's time. In my case, it sounds like no construction is required." Advertisement Stambaugh then closed the loop: "BACP has been in daily contact with Comcast about this matter ... After conducting a full site survey, Comcast has verified that Comcast's 'plant' (i.e., network infrastructure) is available at [Ken's] building and the building is serviceable." Said Ken: "Thanks again for your help on this! People say 'I couldn't have done it without you' flippantly but in this case, I believe it may be literally true, although I did not try my tactic of emailing every executive in the company ..." For those having difficulties with their cable service or provider, Stambaugh recommends filing a complaint online at www.cityofchicago.org. Need help? Send your questions, complaints, injustices and column ideas to HelpSquad@pioneerlocal.com. Cathy Cunningham is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Estelle Laughlin, of Lincolnshire, appeared in Glencoe to share her Holocaust experience. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press) A native of Warsaw, Poland, Estelle Glaser Laughlin can describe the moment when residents in her home country resisted Nazi Germany and when many were forced to work in labor camps during World War II. That's because Laughlin, now a Lincolnshire resident, experienced it firsthand. Advertisement "Warsaw was the center of my universe," Laughlin said. "Don't let anyone ever tell you that we didn't fight back. We fought back with every fiber." On Aug. 10 in Glencoe, Laughlin recounted her experiences during the Holocaust and World War II to numerous supporters of the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Laughlin is one of the first people to give videotaped interviews maintained by the museum, and she also published a book in 2012 called "Transcending Darkness: A Girl's Journey Out of the Holocaust." Advertisement As a young teenager in Warsaw in 1943, Laughlin and her family witnessed the Warsaw ghetto uprising, a resistance effort led by an outnumbered group of Jewish residents in a German-controlled ghetto in Warsaw, she told the audience. She also described escalating chaos in her home country at the time, recalling how children died, and how members of her family eventually were forced into freight cars and transported to labor camps. "We had no idea that deportations meant death," Laughlin said. By January 1945, Laughlin worked inside a labor camp at an ammunition factory surrounded by electric barbed wire, she said. Laughlin and her family members ultimately regained their freedom and made their way to the United States. "We came to this blessed land," she said. Laughlin later worked in a garment factory near New York. She became a teacher and reading specialist. Her sister became a professor, she said. During the event in Glencoe, Matthew Friend, an 18-year-old Chicago resident, and his grandmother Elaine Levinson, of Glencoe, talked with Laughlin during the question-and-answer session. Advertisement "My generation is the last to hear these stories in person and to meet people who actually lived this atrocity," Friend said. "We have to keep carrying on this message, so that this never happens again." Estelle Laughlin, right, of Lincolnshire, appeared in Glencoe to share her Holocaust experience. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press) Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press. Months of planning for the celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the Norwood Park Fire Protection District will culminate this month with the unveiling of a towering granite monument that encases a piece of the World Trade Center wreckage from the 9/11 attacks. Retired fire officials will gather with current firefighters, the mayors of Harwood Heights and Norridge and community members for the Aug. 27 unveiling at 7:30 p.m. at the firehouse at 7447 W. Lawrence Ave. Advertisement Two days earlier, new and retired firefighters will meet for a barbecue, where they'll get a sneak preview of the statue on the fire department's actual 75th anniversary, which is Aug. 25, according to Deputy Fire Chief Dan Johnson. "It will be a time for some of the retired guys to meet the new firemen," Johnson said. "We thought it would be nice for the old guys to see the new ones are doing well." Advertisement A committee organized by the fire department started planning the anniversary festivities earlier this year, with the main attraction being the statue, which Johnson said encapsulates the memory of New York City firefighters and police officers who died during the 9/11 attacks. As the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, Norwood Park firefighters want to ensure future generations remember the 343 first responders who gave their lives in attempts to save others. Firefighters raised the full $29,000 fundraising goal to pay for the monument, and Johnson said it took three full years to secure a piece of the World Trade metal from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey the departments that oversee an artifact program that distributes pieces of the metal to worthy groups to memorialize the attack. Receiving the twisted piece of steel in time for the 9/11 anniversary was made even more important to Norwood Park firefighters because it was one of the last five pieces remaining, Johnson said. The statue depicts a baby being held by a firefighter, who is standing atop an inscription of the fireman's prayer on one side and the World Trade Center steel encased in glass on the opposite end. The statue hasn't been delivered to the firehouse yet, but Johnson and Fire Chief Kevin Stenson recently previewed it during a visit to the company hired to create it. "We thought it was breathtaking," Johnson said. Following the unveiling, the monument will become a permanent fixture in the front lawn of the firehouse. Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Anthony Clark leads the March to Madison on July 16. Clark's new non-profit organization, the Suburban Unity Alliance, will host its first fundraiser Aug. 21 in Berwyn. (Jon Langham / Pioneer Press) Following the success of the July 16 March to Madison, Oak Park and River Forest High School teacher Anthony Clark said he is just getting started in bringing attention to the needs of his community. The march, which was organized to raise awareness of racism and discrimination in Chicago's suburban communities, was attended by more than 100 demonstrators. Advertisement Since that time, Clark said he has founded the Suburban Unity Alliance, a nonprofit organization that aims to showcase the diversity of suburban communities, raise discrimination awareness and bring entire communities together based on empathy, collaboration and equitable philanthropic endeavors. "When everything first materialized, I really didn't have the SUA in the forefront of my mind," Clark said. "It was more to initiate a movement of unity and eliminating the divisiveness that exists in our community and neighboring communities." Advertisement According to Clark, his organization intends to be active throughout Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities. "These communities always pat themselves on the back to rely on things we've done in the 70s and 80s, but I truly believe we're getting too content in feeling our work is done," Clark said. "Just because you are a diverse community doesn't mean your discriminatory issues have progressed." During his March to Madison, Clark asked residents and local businesses to sign the Suburban Unity Pledge, which asks residents and businesses owners to take a stand against all forms of discrimination. To date, more than 400 individuals and 30 local businesses have signed the pledge, Clark said. "I thought to myself, this should not stop here," Clark said. "There's a greater need in our community and surrounding communities than just one movement. This pledge they're signing, we can utilize that unity and focus on philanthropic opportunities to facilitate equity." Among the partnerships Clark envisions is with local barbershops and beauty shops, which he hopes the SUA can help facilitate through its fundraising. "Working with my students, often times their hair styles and different forms of style derive that they cannot afford a haircut so they let it grow out," Clark said. "You learn when you want to attain a job you have to look professional and engaging. We're tentatively calling them 'pop up makeover shops.' " To kick off his fundraising efforts, Clark and the SUA are hosting a Laugh in Unity comedy show, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. The comedy show is intended for people ages 21 and older, and tickets are available for $15 each. "Money raised from this will go back into our initiatives and launching those initiatives," Clark said. "If I and the people who collaborated with me can form a march in two days, then maybe we can be an entity in the community that gets this work done." Advertisement More information on the Suburban Unity Alliance and its Laugh in Unity event is available by emailing suburbanunityalliance@gmail.com. sschering@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @steveschering One of the three people accused of robbing a Valparaiso drug store at gunpoint on Feb. 9 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Stefannie Lockard, 25, of Rensselaer, who faced up to 30 years in prison on her original charges, pleaded guilty June 20 to Level 2 felony dealing in a controlled substance and Level 5 felony robbery. Advertisement Lockard, who was sentenced Monday, was one of the three robbers who walked into the CVS pharmacy at 1805 Calumet Ave. about 11:20 p.m. on Feb. 9 and was the one who told the pharmacist, "I have a gun. I want all your pain medications," the probable cause affidavit states. The pharmacist put 10 bottles of Oxycontin with 100 pills each into a shopping bag, court documents state. Advertisement The pharmacy estimated the loss at $20,000. Police have identified the two people who entered the store with Lockard as Nicole Elizabeth Cooper, 22, of Rensselaer and John J. Meister III, 34, of Galveston, Ind., court records state. All three were originally charged with Level 3 felony robbery, Level 6 felony theft and Level 2 felony dealing in a schedule 1 controlled substance. Cooper is set to appear in court Sept. 19 and Meister on Sept. 12. Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford recommended during Lockard's sentencing that she be placed in the Westville Correctional Center Therapeutic Community a substance abuse rehabilitation program when possible. James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. INDIANAPOLIS One of five people charged in a deadly house explosion that devastated an Indianapolis neighborhood pleaded guilty Friday to a conspiracy charge after agreeing to a deal with prosecutors. Gary Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson and will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with 10 years suspended. Prosecutors announced the agreement with the 45-year-old man on Tuesday. Advertisement Thompson's deal is similar to that of Monserrate Shirley, the woman whose cooperation with prosecutors led to the charges against Thompson. Thompson initially faced a September trial on two counts of murder and other charges. The natural gas explosion on Nov. 10, 2012, killed a couple who lived next door and damaged or destroyed more than 80 homes. Advertisement Two other people have been convicted in the blast, a third reached a plea deal and another faces a November trial. According to WXIN-TV, the father of one of those killed said after Friday's hearing that he is not happy that Thompson may eventually leave prison. John Longworth, whose son, Dion Longworth, was killed, also complained that none of the five people charged in the case has ever apologized. Jennifer Longworth also died in the explosion. Prosecutors allege Thompson knew of plans to tamper with the natural gas flow into Shirley's home and ignite the gas using a microwave on a timer. Court documents allege the house was destroyed in a scheme to collect $300,000 in insurance after two previous attempts to burn it down. Authorities have said Mark Leonard created the plan and enlisted the others. He was convicted in July 2015 of murder, arson and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and sentenced to two life sentences without parole plus 75 years. His half brother, Bob Leonard, was convicted in February of murder, arson and other charges and also sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus 70 years. Shirley pleaded guilty in January 2015 as part of her own plea deal to two counts of conspiracy to commit arson. Her cooperation with prosecutors led to charges against Thompson and another alleged co-conspirator, Glenn Hults. Hults is scheduled to stand trial in November on a charge of conspiracy to commit arson. Associated Press Munster resident Sal Lagosta summed up why more than 1,000 people devoured 2,700 ears of corn at the annual roast sponsored by the Highland Rotary Club. "This may sound corny pun intended," he said, with a laugh. "But those commercials on TV that always say there's more than corn in Indiana don't address the fact that so many people love it to death. I, for one, eat it almost every day." Advertisement The event, held in conjunction with the opening of the Highland Summer Theater Program, has been a community favorite for more than 30 years. "We used to bring our kids to this; now they're grown and they bring their own families," Highland resident James Bates said, as he stood in the food line in Main Square Park. "You can't beat the price and they have a good variety for the extras." Advertisement The extras were hot dogs, polish sausage, chips and desserts. The corn was prepared in the kitchen of Cakes by Karen after being shucked by the Highland High School girls cross country team. Dozens of volunteers kept the condiment table filled and the picnic tables cleared. And there was more than food. "We're staying for the play, our chairs are already set up," former Highland resident Helene Martinson said of the performance of "Footloose," by the Highland Community Theater. "I love this town. How many places can you go to get a great meal at a very reasonable price and see a free play afterward?" Larry Noreno of Highland is another who's been enjoying the festival for years. "We always thought this was a great secret when it first started when our kids were little," he said. "But word caught on and it's become pretty crowded. But even with that, I've never heard one complaint about anything all these years." Keith Bruxvoort, fundraising chairman for the Highland Rotary Club, said the event is important to the group and the community. "This is our only fundraiser," he said. "We have a number of people who donate by buying tickets for their employees and/or friends, in addition to individual sales. We have great community support for this." Advertisement The money goes to the uniform fund for the Highland High School girls cross country team, Dollars for Scholars, Highland Parks Department, and Highland Police Department, among other organizations and efforts. Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter with the Post-Tribune. Purdue University Northwest's first academic year begins Aug. 22. Are you admitted and registered for classes? If not, Friday is the deadline to apply for admission to enroll this fall as a full time undergraduate student at either Purdue Northwest locationthe Calumet Campus in Hammond or the North Central Campus in Westville. One must first be admitted to the university to qualify to register for courses. Advertisement To apply on line or obtain additional information, go to www.pnw.edu/apply-now or phone 219-989-2213 (Hammond) or 219-785-5505 (Westville). With recent approval by the Higher Learning Commission, the former Purdue University Calumet and former Purdue University North Central have unified to become Purdue University Northwest. When PNW welcomes its first class of students this fall, it will become Indiana's fifth largest public university, enrolling some 15,000 students and offering nearly 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Advertisement Developing student leaders One week before Purdue University Northwest begins its first academic year, some 150 new and continuing students will gather Sunday and Monday to learn how to develop and strengthen their leadership skills. Introduced three years ago at the Hammond campus to attract and prepare students for leadership opportunities, this year's Purdue Northwest Student Leadership Conference will engage PNW students of Hammond and Westville campuses. "This conference will provide opportunities for new and current students to gain important leadership skills they can use during their academic and professional careers," PNW Student Organization and Leadership Coordinator Amanda Champlin said. "It also provides a valuable networking outlet and paves the way for students to become more involved." Current students were nominated to participate in the conference by Purdue Northwest deans, faculty and staff members. New students who expressed an interest in leadership opportunities also were invited. The conference will feature three components: leadership development, teambuilding and networking, and interaction with university deans and department heads. "We have seen a trend among students who attended the Student Leadership Conference as incoming freshmen that they are more involved on campus through employment, student organizations, leadership roles and within their respective academic college," Champlin said. Free consulting for small businesses Advertisement Limited opportunities are available for local small business owners to receive free consulting services this fall from Purdue University Northwest business students. As part of the university's experiential learning initiative, groups of three to five senior students enrolled in the "Small Business Consulting" course will be grouped with faculty members and business owner advisors to form consulting teams intent on helping individual client companies enhance success. Each consulting team will interact throughout the upcoming fall semesterlate August through early Decemberwith its client to learn, understand and address key issues, problems and other challenges the client is facing. Climaxing the semester-long experience, each student team will produce and present a formal report that offers strategies and recommendations to benefit its client. The consulting is offered at no charge to client employers. More information is with Purdue Northwest Professor of Entrepreneurship Jamaluddin Husain at jhhusain@pnw.edu or by phoning or texting him at 773/531-4000. Advertisement Qualified clients must be located within reasonable driving distance of Purdue Northwest's Hammond campus and have operated as an employer of full time employees at a physical location for at least two to three years. Client owners also must commit to working openly and diligently with their consulting team throughout the fall semester. "The quality and usefulness of the final consulting findings and recommendations depend largely on the cooperation, involvement and support of the client business owners," Husain said. "For business clients to benefit from our service, it is extremely important that they willingly share information with our consulting teams." In addition to the free consulting benefit derived by small business owners, the opportunity allows students to learn experientially by applying classroom and textbook knowledge in a real world environment. Experiential learning is a graduation requirement of all baccalaureate degree-seeking Purdue Northwest students. Wes Lukoshus is assistant vice chancellor for media relations and communications at Purdue University Northwest. wlukosh@pnw.edu Todd Taylor stands on the running board of the old ice truck used by his father to deliver ice. He hopes to get it running again and show it at area auto shows. (Nancy Coltun Webster / Post-Tribune) Editor's note: On Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state in the Union. On Jan. 28, 1836, Porter County was created. A year later, on Jan. 18, Lake County became independent. As the state celebrates its bicentennial, the Post-Tribune will be taking a regular look back at the history of Northwest Indiana. With a firm bang of the gavel carved from the wood of a tree planted in 1774 at the original family homestead in Deerfield, Mass., Linda Parthena Lowes recently called to order the 90th annual meeting of the Obadiah Taylor Descendants and Historical Association. Advertisement The meeting was also a low-key picnic-style family reunion under the shade of the pavilion at the Obadiah Taylor Memorial Park, 15517 Barman St., in Lowell. The neighborhood is in an area that was once Creston, a tiny town a little east of U.S. 41 and a west of Cedar Lake. Family members arrived carrying trays of fried chicken and desserts and did a one-armed hug as they greeted kin they hadn't seen in a while. Their patriarch, Obadiah Taylor, fought with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and as an old man resettled with his children to Cedar Lake in 1836 from Deerfield, Mass. The family traveled from Massachusetts to New York to Pennsylvania and on to Fort Wayne and South Bend before landing in Cedar Lake. Obadiah had five sons: Obadiah, Admojah, Horace, Leander and Seymour. He also had five daughters: Dorothy Lilley, Betsey Edgerton, Almira Palmer, Miranda Stillson, Rhoda Gifford and Rachel Hurlburt. Advertisement Lowes, who lives in Lake County in Illinois, is president of the society. She traces her lineage to Obadiah through his son, Horace. Horace Taylor, born in 1801, married twice. His first marriage to Sarah O'Dell in 1820 produced children born throughout their travels from Pennsylvania and ultimately to Cedar Lake: O.G., George, Sylvester, Polly, Alvin, Sarah and Esther. Horace remarried and moved to Beaver Dam, Wis., where he and his second wife, Martha Hawley, had Parthena and Ruth. "My great-grandmother, Parthena, went to the first Taylor society meeting on Aug. 27, 1926," said Lowes. It was held at the home of Flora Cutler in Creston. The first reunion took place on Oct. 3, 1926, at the Fine Arts Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds. "The connection remained fairly strong, because Horace has some younger children through Sarah O'Dell Esther and Polly and they had brothers back in Lake County, Ind." Previous reunions have had as many as 150 attendees, but today, "Families are busy and scattered," said Karen Smith, descended from Cora Taylor Schofield. "Going to a picnic is not as big of a deal today as it was when my great-grandmother and grandparents were small. (When I went to my) first reunion, I was less than a week old. When my daughter was born, I took her." The land under the pavilion was once was the site of Creston School. Today, the park land and pavilion is still owned and maintained by the family, but available for use by the public. "There are very few Taylors left there's Todd Taylor over in Cedar Lake," said John Leeistikow, vice president, who descends from Obadiah through Almira Palmer. "I was sorry to miss it," said Taylor during an interview a few days later at his daughter Hilary Peterson's Cedar Lake home. In July, she and her husband Jason moved into the home built by her great-grandfather, Thomas J. Taylor Sr. They've been busy planting flowers and busy putting a personal touch on their 2.5 acres property. Taylor traces his roots through Horace's son, Sylvester. Sylvester's son Alfred was Taylor's great-grandfather. Taylor never met his great-grandfather Alfred, but he was close to his great-grandmother, Mary Kubish Taylor, who lived to be 100 years old and died in 1965. Advertisement Though the pioneer family faced many challenges as they built their life in Lake County, one of their most heartbreaking episodes is the story of Ida Taylor Janette, daughter of Alfred and Mary. Though all the descendants at the reunion seemed to know the story, they left if for their cousin, Todd, to tell it. "This is Ida Taylor," he said and holds a small picture of a young woman, most probably taken on her wedding day. He takes out her small Bible, still in good shape. Her handwriting on the inside cover details her siblings and their birthdays. The pages of the book are crisp and yellow. "Her life was taken at 20. She never had the opportunity to have children. Ida was my grandpa's sister. She would have been my great aunt. There would have been cousins, I'm sure." Ida was 19 when she was shot and killed by Harry Homan grandson of the founders of Hammond, he said. He then killed himself. The murder/suicide was four weeks after her wedding to Charles Janette. "Harry Homan Kills Former Fiancee and Himself" was the front page headline in Chicago Tribune on Sept. 18, 1905. The article tells the story of a young man, Homan, jilted by his sweetheart who married his rival while he was off in Oklahoma doing business. Newspaper accounts, "they don't tell you that the father of the Homan boy my father told me this did not like him dating Ida," said Taylor. "My father told me that (Homan's father) sent him away and when he came back, Ida had married someone else." Taylor has also thoroughly researched the original 30 acres surrounding the old farm house and has obtained copies of deeds dating back 1836 and signed by President John Tyler for Calvin Lilley. Taylor explains that while the Taylors all celebrate their connection through Obadiah, it was really Obadiah's son-in-law, Calvin Lilley who made it possible for the family to settle. "He had money," said Taylor. "He's the one who actually purchased the original 171 acres in 1836" when the Taylors arrived in Cedar Lake. Advertisement Nancy Coltun Webster is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Lake County's E-911 department has a new executive director. Mark Swiderski Jr. was selected Wednesday as the second leader of the consolidated dispatch operation by the members of the Lake County Public Safety Communications Commission executive board. The hiring must be approved by the Lake County Commissioners at their Aug. 17 meeting. Advertisement Swiderski, of Crown Point, replaces Brian Hitchcock, who is credited with consolidating the majority of the county's public safety answering points into the state's second largest consolidated dispatch center. Swiderski, who will be paid $105,000 a year, will oversee operations and a staff of about nine supervisors, 90 full-time and 30 part-time dispatchers, according to Tom Dabertin, human resources director. Commissioner Michael Repay, D-Hammond, the chairman of the E-911 Commission, said Swiderski will start with the county on Aug. 15 in a limited capacity as he winds down his responsibilities at E-Comm. Swiderski will be at the next E-911 commission meeting and will be full-time with the county after Labor Day. Advertisement "There's a lot of great things about his resume and experience that fit in what we need in the center. He is a guy that has worked his way up from the ground up," Repay said. Swiderski has been deputy director of the E-COM Dispatch Center in Illinois which serves the southeast suburbs of Chicago for the past five years. He previously was as an E-COM supervisor and began his career as a dispatcher with the Hazel Crest Police Department in 2004. "He knows the dispatch center literally from the ground up. That's a big plus," Repay said. His experience in neighboring Illinois also is a plus because the two regions deal with similar issues. "He's got the good combination of being from outside, but not so far outside he is not familiar with the goings on of the department. He is a true professional in terms of 911 communications and the systems," Repay said Swiderski is a member of multiple professional associations included the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association. He also serves on the Illinois Tactical Emergency Team and as a team leader of the South Suburban Emergency Response Team. Lake County Councilman Dave Hamm, D-Hammond, who also sits on the E-911 commission, said he is confident of the executive committee's selection. "I fully support their decision and appreciate all the time and effort the executive committee put in," he said. "On behalf of the council we are in full support of the executive committee's position." Advertisement Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Kate Tragesser, paterner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, speaks at a seminar about joint venturing on Friday during the Northwest Indiana Business Conference at Majestic Star Hotel and Casino. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune) Hoosiers helping Hoosiers is how Tony Kirkland, special assistant to Gov. Mike Pence, described the 3rd Annual Northwest Indiana Business Conference held Friday by the Indiana Division of Supplier Diversity. "I see a whole lot of people engaging, doing what you need to do," Kirkland said. "Some of you will develop longstanding relationships." Advertisement Kirkland was one of several speakers and about 140 new and established business owners at the conference, which was held at Majestic Star Casino and Hotel in Gary. According to Terrie Daniel, deputy commissioner of Supplier Diversity, the conference's aim is to bring the players together to support local businesses owned by women and minorities and to help them grow. Advertisement She said large corporations take small businesses through the steps it takes to get a contract with them. Daniel said there have been success stories coming from past conferences. Kristin Jurczak, of Spark Marketing in Schererville, said she's attended the conference every year. Chris Chatfield, vice president of business banking with First Merchant Bank, speaks on Friday during a seminar about accessing capital during the Northwest Indiana Business Conference at Majestic Star Hotel and Casino in Gary. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune) "I've met so many wonderful contacts. People are so supportive of one another," Jurczak said. Dawn Gilbert, director of Corporate Supplier Diversity for American Water, was at the conference both as a speaker and as a representative for the company looking to work with a woman- or minority-owned business. "American Water spends 25 cents of every dollar with a diverse supplier," Gilbert said. She said these include businesses owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans. "Half of our customers are minorities; they're our priority," Gilbert said. Advertisement Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, the keynote speaker at the event, provided information on the department's new online program, InBiz, which is aimed to help businesses register with the state and manage their business in a more efficient manner. "About 51,000 people have created new business accounts through the system," Lawson said. She said the program went online in April. Lawson said the program includes a home page on which you can do business searches, my charts, which will provides alerts when quarterly revenues are due, announcements that provide fraud alerts and the ability to upload documents to the system. Northwest Indiana Business Conference attendees sit in on a seminar about accessing capital on Friday at the Majestic Star Hotel and Casino in Gary. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune) Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Indiana resident Dennis Deon Vann was charged in 2014 in the slaying of 19-year-old Afrikka Hardy. Vann then led authorities to the bodies of six other women in other Indiana locations, police say. (Lake County Sheriff's Department) It's a question that's been debated in capital punishment cases for years, and lawyers representing an alleged serial killer are presenting it in Lake County: Is Indiana's death penalty law unconstitutional? As Darren Deon Vann remains in isolation in Lake County Jail, his lawyers argue in a motion filed Aug. 5 in Lake County Circuit Court that it is. Advertisement The defense raises two main areas where they say an Indiana Code statute is unconstitutional: how a jury is supposed to weigh factors that could influence a death sentence and allowing a judge to determine a defendant's death sentence when the jury can't. It's not the first time Lake County has pondered the issue. The other man facing the death penalty in Lake County, Kevin Charles Isom, also questioned the factors a jury is supposed to weigh before sentencing someone to death. The state's Supreme Court ruled against him in 2015. Advertisement The constitutionality of capital punishment is an issue the nation has tackled for decades as states have tinkered with their death penalty laws. "Pieces of things in the statute have been pulled off and changed (in Indiana)," said Andrea Lyon, dean of Valparaiso University Law School. "But Indiana Supreme Court and, thus far, any other federal court has not said that Indiana, generally, has been unconstitutional." Less than two weeks ago, Delaware's highest court ruled its state's death penalty law was unconstitutional, saying it gave judges too big a role over juries in imposing death sentences. Vann's attorneys argue in the motion that what Delaware tackled in its decision is also at play in Indiana. Lake County prosecutors requested the death penalty for Vann last year, as he faces charges in connection with the deaths of Anith Jones 35, of Merrillville; Afrikka Hardy, 19, of Chicago; Teaira Batey, 28, of Gary; Tracy Martin, 41, of Gary; Kristine Williams, 36, of Gary; Sonya Billingsley, 52, of Gary; and Tanya Gatlin, 27, of Highland. If convicted, Vann could join 13 other people on Indiana's death row. Vann won't be back in court again on the motion for a few weeks, but the state has until Sept. 7 to file its response to whether the Indiana death penalty procedure is constitutional. With a gag order imposed, neither Vann's attorneys nor the Lake County prosecutor's office could comment on the order. The motion Advertisement When the state seeks the death penalty in a murder case, prosecutors have to prove to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that there is at least one aggravating circumstance something that increases the severity of the crime at play in the case from a list outlined in an Indiana statute. For instance, prosecutors could prove a robbery or rape also occurred or that the defendant mutilated the victim. The jury has to weigh the aggravating circumstance against a set of mitigating circumstances or situations that don't excuse the act, but are fair to consider such as if the defendant has a criminal history or was under some type of extreme mental or emotional disturbance when a murder was committed. The problem is, Vann's attorneys argue, that the statute "does not require the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating circumstance outweighs the mitigating circumstances," violating the 5th, 6th and 14th amendments. There aren't clear instructions on how the jury is supposed to determine this, Lyon said. "How does that outweigh it? Is it by 51 percent? It doesn't say," Lyon said. After weighing the circumstances, if the jury cannot unanimously decide whether the aggravating outweigh the mitigating circumstances, then the judge determines the sentence. Advertisement "By taking the sentencing determination out of the jury's hands, the likelihood that it will express the conscience of the community on the ultimate question of life or death is unconstitutionally diminished," the defense argues in the motion. "That's the main objection to judge sentencing all along," Lyon said. "It's not reflective of what the community feels." Having a judge solely determine a sentence has been an issue for years across the country, not just in murder cases, Lyon said, because "the United States Constitution provides that no one will be deprived (of) life or liberty without due process. ... The jury makes the factual determination. The jury decides, did you do it?" Therefore, the court should find the statute unconstitutional and dismiss the state's request for the death penalty against Vann, the attorneys argue in the motion. Past cases Isom was sentenced in 2013 for the 2006 murders of Cassandra Isom and her two children, Ci'Andra Cole, 13, and Michael Moore, 16, at their Gary apartment. Isom appealed saying that the jury should have to weigh the aggravating and mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, but the Indiana Supreme Court rejected his argument, and Isom remains on death row. Advertisement Indiana inmates facing the death penalty have made similar arguments, including the last person to be executed in Indiana Matthew Eric Wrinkles in 2009 and Charles E. Barker. Barker faced a death sentence after murdering his former girlfriend's grandparents in 1993. Even though Marion Superior Court sided with Barker in his appeal on the law being unconstitutional, the state Supreme Court struck down his appeals. Barker ended up pleading guilty to his charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. One defendant took issue with the minimum age required for the death penalty. Paula Cooper became the youngest member on Indiana's death row after murdering 78-year-old Gary Bible teacher Ruth Pelke by stabbing her 33 times with a butcher knife in 1985 when Cooper was just 15. Before a 1987 Indiana law, the minimum age a defendant could be sentenced to death was 10. The law raised the age to 16, and the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the law should retroactively be applied to Cooper, sparing Cooper from the death penalty. Cooper was released from prison in 2013 and committed suicide at age 45 in May 2015 in Indianapolis. Advertisement "Pieces of the statute have been knocked out," Lyon said. "It used to be there was no statute for someone who was intellectually disabled." The present statute states that a person who is intellectually disabled is not eligible for a death sentence. Tommy Ray Pruitt argued he should not be sentenced to death after murdering a Morgan County deputy sheriff in 2001, saying he was intellectually disabled. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed and dismissed his death sentence. Vann's attorneys referred to some of these cases in the motion and to others across the country, as they wait for a judge to decide if Vann can face a death sentence. rejacobs@post-trib.com @ruthyjacobs Evraz, steelworkers ink new four-year contract with annual raises In addition to pay raises, Pueblo steelworkers will see improvement in pension and health care benefits thanks to new four-year contract with Evraz. Three years ago, London Taxi Co was bankrupt and Londoners faced losing their familiar black taxicabs. But thanks to Chinese automaker Geely, the re-energized company is about to introduce a radical change on the streets of London. Geely's London Taxi unit will reintroduce the cab in the middle of next year. It will be more environmentally friendly, shifting from diesel to electric power, and more spacious, holding one more person than the previous car. The new taxicab also features a wheelchair position that faces forward. The prototype of the vehicle was unveiled in October during the state visit of President Xi Jinping to the United Kingdom. "The model is designed to take on the challenges faced by many major cities, such as air pollution and over-crowdedness," Chris Gubbey, CEO of London Taxi, said on Wednesday. Adam Soller, co-partner of London Photo Taxi Tour, a company that offers tourists a customized service in black cabs, said, "I really like that they kept the iconic design and can take on an extra passenger." Soller added that, as a cab-driver, he is looking forward to buying the electric vehicle, although it will depend on the cost. The company hasn't given details on the price of the new model. Although Londoners know them as black taxis, since black was the only color used for many years, all colors are now available. The project began in 2013, right after Geely acquired the then-distressed LTC for 11.4 million pounds ($14.8 million). "It's extremely lucky that Geely became involved," said Gubbey. Geely, whose headquarters are in Hangzhou and whose name literally means "auspicious" in Chinese, announced previously that it is investing 300 million pounds in LTC's new research and production facility, marking the largest such investment by a Chinese company in UK's green field. The site under construction, at Ansty Park near Coventry in the English Midlands, includes about 30,000 square meters of production space and 6,000 square meters of office area. It will be the first new auto plant built in the country in more than 10 years. Gubbey said LTC's relationship with Geely was more like a partnership. "Even if the company owns Volvo and LTC, it feels like you are in a partnership, instead of having a controlling entity." According to LTC, production of the new car will begin in the middle of next year, with low volume initially and ramping up in September. Gubbey said LTC is aiming for aggressive expansion outside the UK. However, some London cab-drivers expressed a reluctance to share their icon. Australia blocked the A$10 billion (US$7.7 billion) sale of its biggest energy grid to State Grid Corp of China and Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings. [File photo] Australia blocked the A$10 billion (US$7.7 billion) sale of its biggest energy grid to State Grid Corp of China and Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings citing security concerns, a blow to the country's privatization plan. Nine months after clearing the sale of TransGrid to an investor group 40 percent controlled by Kuwaiti and Abu Dhabi interests, Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison said yesterday he was rejecting the sale of Ausgrid to the rival Asian bidders because of risks to the national interest. "During the review process national security issues were identified in critical power and communications services that Ausgrid provides to businesses and governments," Morrison said in a statement. State Grid, China's dominant power distributor, did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. Cheung Kong Infrastructure, controlled by Hong Kong billionaire tycoon Li Ka-Shing, said the decision was not related to CKI. Australia's decision to reject the bids deprives the New South Wales state government of what would have been a record haul for a single privatization sale, and also underscores the country's changed political climate since a handful of protectionist senators took power in general elections last month. The Australian Senate cannot block offshore sales, but Morrison's conservative government needs to maintain favorable relations with the crossbench which now holds the balance of power in the upper house. The decision also sets new parameters to the relationship between Australia and its biggest export partner just eight months after a A$100 billion free trade agreement took effect. "If you put your biggest trading partner in the category of security risk,' it might start to impact on the overall atmosphere, and on Chinese involvement in other areas," said Hans Hendrischke, a professor of Chinese business at University of Sydney's business school. "That is not necessarily something you want with bidding for other big infrastructure projects," he added, noting Chinese interests have routinely bid in Australian infrastructure sales. Apart from Ausgrid and TransGrid which State Grid also tried to buy last year the government of NSW, Australia's most populous state, has put up a third grid for sale, rural-focused Endeavour Energy. The Chinese-funded project to upgrade Juba International Airport is under construction in 2015. [File photo/CRI Online] Wang Jianjun, deputy director general for the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), recently stressed during a press briefing the need for African countries, and especially South Sudan, to do more to attract Chinese investment. According to Wang, many Chinese companies are interested in investing in South Sudan, but have expressed concerns over the security situation, political transparency and terrorism. "We believe Africa is one of the best places to invest due to its potential and resources. The Chinese government is working very hard in attracting investors to embark on massive industrialization, technological, infrastructural development and capacity building as a way of strengthening our cooperation with Africa," Wang said. If South Sudan is to benefit, the government has a major role to play in attracting these Chinese investors that are waiting to flood the African market, he stated. It's no secret that South Sudan is the youngest country in Africa, but its rich natural mineral resources could make this country the face of African development for the outside world. Over the years, Africans have complained about exploitation by foreign investors who only buy raw materials at a very low price for export while importing finished products for sale at a very high cost. This is an opportunity for the African continent to transform its economy by encouraging these Chinese investors to establish enterprises and produce commodities from the available raw materials, which will in turn create employment and contribute to the national economy. Infrastructure is another major problem preventing foreign investors from doing business on the continent, but there are many construction companies that intend to develop these countries if the opportunity is given to them by African leaders. South Sudan is in desperate need of infrastructural development in the areas of health facilities, educational systems, roads, railways and airports, especially if it wants to meet international standards and compete for investment opportunities. One way to gain such support is by creating a friendly business environment for foreign investors. South Sudan needs more of such support as a way of capacity building and human resource development to handle the country's vast resources and facilities. A frontier police officer from Shenzhen in Guangdong Province walks on a hill piled up with smuggled used clothes on August 9. [Photo/Xinhua] Shenzhen frontier police tracked down a network of illegal smugglers engaged in smuggling tons of used clothes from Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland, revealed the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Frontier Corps on August 11. The group consists of six suspects, five from Taiwan and one from the Chinese mainland, who smuggled 549 tons of used clothes from Hong Kong using a cargo ship named Liyunda with a total value of some 11 million yuan (US$1.65 million). "We bought these used clothes at an average price of two or three yuan each and sold them for dozens or hundreds of yuan after simply cleaning and refurbishing them," a suspect confessed. However, after investigation, the police found that most of the used clothes were collected from a garbage dump or scrap station, while some were even taken from the hospital morgues, which contain a large number of bacteria. Experts said that all the used clothes had not been disinfected or quarantined before selling, which often contain bacteria that could cause itches, gastric disease or even genital infection. Most importantly, the children's and babies' garments sold would surely harm the children's health and become a source of infection of a range of diseases. According to related Chinese regulations, "overseas garbage," including electronic trash, household and medical garbage, industrial slag, construction waste and used clothes that can't be recycled, is prohibited from being imported, sold and used throughout the country. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Flash Three Chinese nationals were injured in a collision between their rented minibus and a cargo truck in southwestern Cambodia's Kampot province on Thursday, a local police officer said. The crash took place at 2:10 p.m. local time (0710 GMT) on national road No. 3 in Tuek Chhou district when the two vehicles from an opposite direction hit head-on, said Veth Chan, assistant to deputy police chief of Tuek Chhou district Chea Pheara. "Three Chinese in the minibus got injured. Two of them, a man and a woman, were in serious condition," he told Xinhua, adding that the victims had been rushed to a local hospital for treatment. According to Veth Chan, besides the Chinese victims, one Cambodian woman was killed and six other Cambodians got injured in the crash. Chea Pheara, deputy police chief of Tuek Chhou district, said the minibus was travelling from Phnom Penh to coastal Kampot province when the crash happened. He said the cargo truck was blamed for the traffic accident, as its driver escaped the scene soon after the crash. Road accidents are a leading cause of death in this Southeast Asian country, killing an average of six people per day. According to a government report, road crashes killed 2,265 people last year, up 5 percent year-on-year. Flash Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said China's participation in Africa's peace and stability causes in recent years have gained recognition and appreciation from African countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with his Ugandan counterpart Sam Kutesa during their talks in Kampala, Uganda, Aug. 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] At a joint press conference held here with his Ugandan counterpart Sam Kutesa, Wang said that China is currently pressing on with the implementation of a pledge made by Chinese President Xi Jinping last year that the country would provide 100 million U.S. dollars in military assistance to the African Union to support the establishment of the African Standby Force. Wang said over the years China has been involved in peacekeeping, mediation and providing assistance to help end conflicts on the continent. He said over 2,400 Chinese peacekeepers are currently being deployed to seven missions in Africa, including countries such as Mali and South Sudan where Chinese peacekeepers even sacrificed their lives during service earlier this year. "We have provided through bilateral and multilateral means, peacekeeping assistance to the African Union and other regional organizations," he said. Kutesa said China has been and remains one of Africa's most reliable partners, adding that different from Western powers' imposition of solutions on Africa for its problems, China has always been supportive and helping Africa find its own solutions. In a bilateral meeting held earlier in the day, the two ministers supported regional efforts aimed at ending the ongoing fighting in South Sudan. "We have emphasized the importance of a government of national unity, fully implementing the agreement of the resolution of the conflict of South Sudan," Kutesa said. He added that they also discussed the conflict in Burundi and other international issues of mutual interest. Wang is in Uganda for a two-day visit after he ended his visit to neighboring country Kenya on Wednesday. Flash Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday criticized the Ukrainian government for its inaction and provocative moves. Russian President Vladimir Putin at a news conference after meeting with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on August 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] "Russia is seriously concerned about the inaction of Kiev authorities in the face of growing militant rhetoric and violent actions taken and planned by the so-called volunteer battalions and other extremists," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry called on Ukrainian government to stop provocations and fully fulfil its commitments to the Minsk agreements aiming at peaceful settlement of Ukraine crisis. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Wednesday it had dismantled a spy ring in Crimea organized by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, which was plotting acts of terror and sabotage on critical and life-supporting elements of the peninsula's infrastructure. The Foreign Ministry added that such acts were made to undermine the preparation for local elections and the political stability. The incidents showed the unwillingness of Kiev to peacefully settle the conflicts through compromises, and its attempt to resort to force or even terrorist means, the ministry said. Noting the growth of anti-Russian sentiment inside Ukraine stirred by its authorities, the ministry urged Kiev to avoid taking "dangerous steps that could have the most negative consequences." Russia would do its utmost to protect Crimea's stability and security, while Kiev and its foreign supporters would suffer the consequences if any damage were inflicted on the Russian side, the ministry said. A court in Crimea later in the day announced that a Ukrainian suspect in the terrorist plot, Yevgeny Panov, was arrested for two months. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea. Immediately rejecting Russia's allegation, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered Thursday to put all military units near the border with Crimea and in Donbass on high combat readiness. The autonomous republic of Crimea was absorbed into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Kiev. Flash The United States urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid the scalation of tension in Crimea, the State Department said Thursday. "We are extremely concerned about the increased tension near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine," Elizabeth Trudeau, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a regular press briefing. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure and citizens there. "The people who seized power in Kiev ... have switched to terror tactics instead of searching for ways for a peaceful settlement," Putin told a news conference. The United States called for the avoidance of any actions that would escalate the situation in Crimea, Trudeau said. "We believe now is the time to reduce the tensions, reduce the rhetoric and get back to talks," the spokesperson said. The Russian Federal Security Bureau (FSB) said Wednesday the country has prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Crimea planned by the Ukraine military intelligence service. Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said the claims were "hysterical and false," and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry termed the allegations as Moscow's attempt to justify its re-deployment and actions in the region. Crimea, which was previously part of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and Western powers. "Our position ... is well known. Crimea is part of Ukraine and it is recognized as such by the international community," Trudeau said. Flash Russia is planning to turn the Hmeymim air base in Syria into a full-fledged military base and to place a permanent contingent of air forces, a Russian official has said. A file picture taken on October 3, 2015 shows a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bomber taking off from the Hmeimim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia. [Photo/Xinhua] "After the legal status of Hmeymim is agreed upon, it will become a full-fledged base of Russian armed forces with appropriate infrastructure," Frants Klintsevich, first deputy head of the Russian Federation Council's Defense and Security Committee, was quoted as saying by a report published Thursday on the website of Russian newspaper Izvestia. He also said that Russia understands that if no action is taken, terrorism will threaten Russia. "If Western countries don't want to agree on joint actions, we will strengthen relations with Syria, Iran and Iraq," said Klintsevich. The official said Russia's support to Syria has allowed the country's seriously demoralized armed forces to restore their combat capability. Strategic bombers and nuclear weapons will not be located in the base, because it does not match with Russia's international obligations, he added. Flash Ukraine on Wednesday denied a statement by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on Ukrainian troops attempting to invade Crimea and plotting terror attacks on the peninsula. "The FSB's statement does not correspond to reality," the Ukrainian Defence Ministry said. The ministry has described the FSB's statement as an "attempt by Russia to justify the redeployment of its military units" in Crimea. Earlier in the day, the FSB said in a statement that during the weekend it prevented several groups of armed "saboteurs," who were members of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's intelligence forces, from invading Crimea. An FSB officer and a Russian serviceman were killed in clashes with the "saboteurs", the statement said. The armed groups were preparing terror attacks on the peninsula's infrastructure, which were aimed at destabilizing the social and political situation in Crimea on the eve of federal and regional elections, read the statement. Last week, the Ukrainian State Border Service said that Russia is building up troops levels along the contact line separating Crimea and Ukraine's southern Kherson region. Russia has not made official comments on the claim. The autonomous republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol were absorbed into Russia in March 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Kiev. You are here: Home Flash Intense battles raged Thursday morning in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, just hours after government troops unleashed pre-emptive strikes on rebel positions in the province's southern countryside, a military source told Xinhua. A rebel fighter reloads the magazine of his weapon during clasahes with regime forces in Ramussa on the southwestern edges of Syria's northern city of Aleppo on August 6, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Fierce fighting continued Thursday between the Syrian army, backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah and Russian air cover, and the rebels' Jaish al-Fateh in all areas in the southern countryside of Aleppo, said the source on condition of anonymity. Artillery and rocket shelling by the Syrian army on the positions of Jaish al-Fateh left the rebels in a state of "confusion," the source added. The source added that many rebels were either killed or wounded by the shelling on al-Ramouseh, Musherfeh, and the Project 1070 areas in southwestern Aleppo. Meanwhile, opposition activists said that a rebel commander was killed in the Project 1070 area during battles with government forces. The Syrian army carried out a preemptive strike against a rebel position in the countryside of Aleppo on Wednesday evening, inflicting hefty losses among the opposition militants. The military forces targeted gatherings of the rebels' Jaish al-Fateh group in the Project 1070 area, one of several areas that have recently fallen to Jaish al-Fateh, in the southern countryside of Aleppo. The source noted that the rebels were preparing to unleash an all-out offensive in Aleppo. Meanwhile, the state news agency SANA said the Syrian and Russian air forces dealt "decisive strikes" on the positions of Jaish al-Fateh in southern Aleppo on Wednesday. Citing a military source, SANA said the airstrikes targeted the gatherings of the rebels, killing "large numbers of them and destroying armored vehicles outfitted with machine guns." The strikes destroyed four command centers, three booby-trapped vehicles and dozens of armored vehicles, SANA added. It said the Russian and Syrian air forces had killed hundreds of terrorists a day earlier in Aleppo, isolating the battle areas from the rest of the province. Jaish al-Fateh announced last Monday that the next phase of battles in Aleppo will be a wide-scale offensive to "liberate the entire city" from government forces. Since then, reports have emerged that the Syrian army and the rebels are sending reinforcement in anticipation of the all-out offensive. Jaish al-Fateh, or the Army of Conquest, an alliance of several rebel factions, was reportedly formed in March 2015 under the supervision and coordination of Saudi cleric Abdullah al-Muhaysini. The group seized most of Idlib province in northwestern Syria last year. Aleppo is strategic for all warring parties due to its key location beside the Turkish border and role as Syria's industrial capital. Observers say whoever controls Aleppo will gain the upper hand in any potential settlement in Syria. Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday once again slammed Seoul for its decision to deploy the anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the Korea Peninsula, saying it is "dodging the mounting criticism." South Korean President Park Geun-hye and her government are "driven into a tight corner by the strong criticism and protest against the THAAD deployment from not only the South Korean public, but also from all Koreans and international society," said a statement given by a spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country (CPRC). The statement, which was carried by the official KCNA news agency, criticized Seoul for its pro-American policy, saying it is being "utterly indifferent to the national dignity and interests." Last Wednesday, the CPRC denounced Park for her hyping up the North's nuclear and missile threats to justify Seoul's joint decision with Washington to introduce the missile interceptor to the Korean Peninsula. Last week, the DPRK fired two ballistic missiles into east waters in an apparent protest against the deployment of THAAD in South Korea. Park said last Thursday that a shift from the site in Seongju county planned for the THAAD deployment can be reviewed. Her comments came amid a growing outcry among local residents over the planned THAAD deployment some 250 km southeast of Seoul, where South Korea and the United States agreed last month to deploy one THAAD battery by the end of next year. China has expressed strong opposition to the THAAD deployment on the peninsula as it damages China's security interests and breaks the strategic balance in Northeast Asia, while Russia has indicated a military response by deploying a missile unit in the Far Eastern region. A series of bomb blasts rocked Thainland's southern provinces, many famous among tourists, on Friday, Thai Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday or the Mother's Day, after two bombs exploded in Hua Hin late Thursday. Phone photo taken on Aug. 11, 2016 shows medical staff treating the injured in a hospital in Hua Hin, Thailand. [Photo/Xinhua] At about 8:00 a.m. local time, two bombs exploded in the southern Surat Thani province, killing one person and injuring at least three. At about 8:41 a.m. local time, two bombs exploded near the Patong beach of Phuket province, which injured a motorcycle taxi driver. At about 9:00 a.m. local time, two bombs went off again in Hua Hin, a tourist hotspot, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, injuring five. At about 9:30 a.m. local time, several bombs exploded in Phang Nga province, but caused no injuries. Bomb blasts hit Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one person and injuring seven foreigners and 13 Thais, while bombs also hit Trang province on Thursday, injuring five. Besides the bomb blasts, major fires were also reported in markets of several southern provinces, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi and Trang. Many places hit by blasts and fires, such as Hua Hin, Krabi and Phang Nga, are tourist hotspots. "I believe the bombings were caused by a same gang. Police are working on these incidents," said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. Prawit said the reason of these incidents remained unclear but he denied that these incidents were spread from the three southernmost provinces, where blasts often happened. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that some Thais "without hearts" are making trouble, adding that the government will do its best to secure the country. Prayut also asked Thai people not to be scared by the series of bomb blasts. MOMBASA - China has been a transformational partner from the standpoint of Africa's development, a Kenyan expert said on Thursday. Professor Lemma Senbet, executive director of African Economic Research Consortium, said China is playing a vital role in mitigating the resource curse in Africa by helping transform the natural resource comparative advantage into an advantage for sustained development. "China has emerged as Africa's largest trading partner, but China's engagement with Africa is not just limited to minerals and oil. It is multifaceted and multilayered," said Senbet here during the China-Africa Media & Think-Tanks Symposium Gala Dinner. Senbet noted that China has been a key source of investment in Africa, especially in infrastructure, such as dams, roads, airports and railway. China is also a key source of long-term finance, said the expert, adding that the lion's share of long-term financing for the Mombasa-Nairobi project was provided by China in the form of concessionary loans. "No doubt the China-Africa economic cooperation is at the center of transportation and infrastructure development," Senbet said. Senbet added that to move forward, the cooperation should venture more into areas of industrialization and value chains, design of innovative finance scheme and soft infrastructure -- capacity building, skills development, legal systems. He stressed that for sustainability, it is important that China and Africa also foster relationship in other spheres apart from that fostered by government actors. "That is why I believe this Africa-China think tank partnership is important. It provides an opportunity to foster relationships among the grassroots," added Senbet. Chinese shoppers choose cosmetics products at a duty free shop in Seoul, South Korea. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Buy, buy, buy! Shopping is not the only purpose that Chinese people travel abroad, but it is reality that outbound travelers are spending huge to buy products from daily necessities to luxury items. According to Chinese International Travel Monitor 2016, the per capita spending of Chinese outbound travelers hit 22,592 yuan ($3,370) in 2015. The number of outbound travelers is expected to reach 200 million in 2020, up from about 100 million in 2014, said the China National Tourism Administration. Not long ago, I was lucky to witness my fellow citizens' shopping in South Korea during a short trip to Seoul with my family members, and I was shocked. I found that Chinese tourists like to buy South Korean cosmetics the most. Some travelers told me that South Korean companies' cosmetics are the same quality as those made by their Japanese and French peers, but the prices are lower. Chinese shoppers choose cosmetics products at a duty free shop in Seoul, South Korea. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Take creams and face masks for examplethose products keep Chinese shoppers coming back every day at the Lotte Duty Free Shop in Seoul. Brands such as Etude House and It's Skin are popular with them. Creams made of snail slime and sea-kelp face masks might not seem to be big money-spinners, but they are exactly the kinds of products that had made South Korean cosmetics makers some of the nation's hottest investments. But, it takes more than cool packaging and heavy discounting to keep Chinese shoppers, their biggest customers, happy. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the two biggest playersAmorepacific, whose brands include Innisfree and Sulwhasoo, and LG Household, which owns The Face Shopcontrol about 60 percent of the South Korean market, but there is no shortage of other smaller companies, like privately held Nature Republic or recently listed It's Skin, nipping at their heels. Other than South Koreans, Chinese consumers are the biggest buyers and have turned away from Japanese cosmetics as the yen climbs. Over the past few years, stock prices of South Korea's top cosmetics producers have soared as consumers snapped up lotions made famous by hugely popular K-Pop artists. Amorepacific, whose shares are up 144 percent since July 2014, has buy recommendations from 33 analysts, largely on the back of sales to Chinese tourists and rising exports, Bloomberg said. Both Japan and South Korea see Chinese tourists as a major powerhouse to drive up their economies. They are described by Western media as "walking wallets". Chinese shoppers choose cosmetics products at a duty free shop in Seoul, South Korea. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY According to official data, more than 6.11 million Chinese people traveled to South Korea in 2015, with their per capita spending reaching 14,283 million yuan. Nevertheless, I still wondered why so many Chinese tourists elbowed their way into the Lotte Duty Free Shop to buy cosmetics, while holding smartphones in their hands for video talks their relatives and friends in China. Li Fang, my former colleague who often goes to South Korea for shopping, said that many Chinese shoppers, especially those who are unfamiliar with South Korean cosmetics brands, and the prices and functions of different products, need to consult their domestic friends and relatives through video phones. Some people were asking friends and relatives at home which products to buy. Gao Hucheng, minister of commerce, said earlier this year that Chinese outbound consumption reached 1.5 trillion yuan in 2015. Of which, at least 700 billion yuan to 800 billion yuan were spent on shopping. Middleand high-income groups accounted for a considerable proportion of the Chinese shoppers overseas, with their shopping items shifting from the luxury brands and high-end products they bought two years ago to high-quality, cost-effective goods suitable for daily consumption. I believe that the huge Chinese outbound spending mirrors current comparatively inadequate consumption in our country. Why don't they buy similar products here? The current supply-side reforms promoted by the government should be pushed further to encourage purchases within China of both domestic and overseas products. A booth of Agricultural Bank of China Ltd at a finance expo in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, Nov 7, 2015. [Photo/VCG] China's central bank has chosen Agricultural Bank of China Ltd to clear yuan transactions in Dubai for the United Arab Emirates, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Thursday. ABC officials were not immediately available to comment. Officials at the People's Bank of China declined to comment. The sources declined to be identified ahead of an official announcement. Choosing a Chinese lender to clear yuan transactions in the UAE is seen as a move to strengthen growing economic ties between China and the Middle East. Qatar opened the region's first yuan clearing center in April last year, with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd becoming the clearing bank. A clearing center can handle all parts of a currency transaction from when a commitment is made until it is settled, reducing costs and time taken for trading. A clearing bank in the UAE could have a big impact on trade and investment in the Gulf region because Dubai acts as the region's top business center, handling flows of money and goods to countries in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and beyond. "In this region everyone thinks of Dubai as the hub for the whole of the Middle East," said Fang Min, senior executive officer of the agricultural bank. "From an economic and financial center point of view, Dubai is the most appropriate (place) to set up an offshore yuan market." Reuters in Dubai A worker of HeSteel Group Co Ltd's subsidiary checks steel plats for high-end automobile in Tangshan, North China's Hebei province, Feb 19, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua] Zhang Jiwen almost lost his job when a furnace he worked at for many years was demolished at Xuansteel, a subsidiary of HeSteel Group Co Ltd, in northern China's Hebei province. But thanks to his determination to adapt, Zhang secured the necessary training for new skills and instead became a quality inspector at the company's technology center. Zhang's pathway to a new career is a small part of a bigger picture: the supply-side structural reform measures carried out by HeSteel, China's leading iron and steel business group. From 2016 to 2017, HeSteel wants to cut its annual iron capacity by 2.6 million tons and steel capacity by 5.02 million tons. Demolishing the Xuansteel furnace was the first step in HeSteel's move to trim its overcapacity. It was once the company's top producer, able to produce 1,500 tons of iron per day. With its demolition, HeSteel cut annual iron capacity by 520,000 tons. "Cutting overcapacity is the first important step to reform," said HeSteel Group chairman Yu Yong. He added that the restructuring would help enhance the group's competitive abilities. In the past, HeSteel, like the other steel companies, focused on the quantity of output in order to meet the great demand for steel products, most of which were low-end ones used in infrastructure construction. But HeSteel has now switched to manufacturing high-grade steel products and other high-end products, such as steel sheets for automobiles and home electrical appliances. In the first half of the year, high-grade steel products accounted for just over half of HeSteel's total output, according to data provided by the group. The group produced 5.36 million tons of high-end products during the same period, increasing 121 percent from the same period of last year. On the flipside, output of crude steel and plain-carbon steel products was reduced by 11.33 percent and 9.16 percent, respectively during the first four months this year. By the end of 2020, 70 percent of HeSteel products will be high-grade steels, the group said. While upgrading its steel products, HeSteel is also fostering new driving forces by developing its non-steel business. These include logistics, trade, equipment manufacturing, healthcare and social services. By the end of 2020, the non-steel business in HeSteel is expected to generate 3.5 billion yuan ($526 million) of profit for the year, contributing about 35 percent of the group's total earnings. According to the Hebei Bureau of Statistics, iron and steel is no longer the Hebei province's top industry. In the first half of this year equipment manufacturing replaced iron and steel as the province's number one industry. Its added value increased 134.86 billion yuan ($20.32 billion) year on year during the period. Germany's chemical giant BASF unveiled a new version of brake fluid for China's automotive retail aftermarket, as the demand for brake fluid in China has been growing. Increasing demand for motor vehicles, especially in China, has led to a continuously growing demand for brake fluids from 2010, and the market demand is expected to double in a few years, says Wei Tongwei, former secretary-general of the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Trade Association. The brake system is one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. Therefore, it needs to meet the high standards required by the automotive manufacturers, the automotive industry and automotive safety legislation, he says. BASF unveiled its new one-liter packaging of its premium brake fluid Hydraulan 404 for the Chinese aftermarket on Aug 11. The new packaging is bilingual to specifically address local market needs and provide convenience for Chinese body shops. With the global know-how of its chemists and technicians, BASF has been setting the market standard of brake fluids for more than 60 years, says Alice Wong, vice president, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd. To be near to its markets and customers, BASF inaugurated brake fluid production at its Pudong site, in Shanghai in 2013. "We invest locally to support the growth of our customers in the automotive industry," added Wong. The viscosity and boiling points determine the performance of a brake fluid. Hydraulan 404 premium brake fluid provides a boiling point of at least 265C and a wet boiling point of at least 175C, delivering reliability to the brake system. With major investments in Nanjing, Shanghai and Chongqing, BASF is one of the largest foreign investors in Chinas chemical industry. BASF posted sales of over 5.7 billion in 2015 to customers in Greater China, and employed 8,416 people as of the end of that year. Techcode SME Services Co Ltd, which specializes in helping internet startups, announced that in the next three years, the company would build the global innovative incubation system covering 40 makerspaces across 15 countries. By the end of 2017, the company will raise more than 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) with incubated projects valuing over 120 billion yuan. Until June, Techcode has established 12 incubators in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Berlin and other cities worldwide, incubating 289 enterprises valuing 11.4 billion yuan after receiving 1.11 billion yuan investments. The company's Beijing branch celebrated its one-year anniversary on Tuesday and announced its first year's achievement with 57 startups settled in. Among them, 30 startups raised 310 million yuan valued at 2.04 billion yuan. The Beijing branch marks Techcode SME Services Co Ltd's second global core layout, advising startups on how to fund their global ambitions. Established less than six months, the Beijing center was granted national-level makerspace qualification by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Zhang Kai, general manager of Techcode Beijing, said that the branch won five government granted qualification and three special financial supports, with a total number of 69 intellectual property rights by settled enterprises. The company focuses on incubator operations management and the dynamic growth of technological startups. Among them, many firms' Research & Development projects attract attention at home and abroad, including the liquid metal printer developed by Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry CAS, Tsinghua University and other technology forces jointly. Techcode created an incubation-acceleration-industrialization-commercialization chain, relying on 40 global industrial towns set up by its partner China Fortune Land Development Co Ltd, a developer and operator of industrial zones. The company provides startups a wide range of supports from its first step to every step until the final process. "Techcode Beijing branch successfully incubated several innovative startups in Beijing and then boost them in Hebei Province. It played a significant role in promoting the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region." said Zhang Tao, deputy director at Administrative Committee of Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park. Sun Qixin from the incubator management office of the Ministry of Science and Technology said that in 2015 incubators nationwide reached 2500, and in the future the office would propose policies to ensure makerspaces attain the same support as the incubators. Mainland tourists are seen with luxury brand shopping bags in Hong Kong, China, May 17, 2011.[Photo/IC] BEIJING - China's retail sales of consumer goods grew 10.2 percent year on year in July, down from the 10.6-percent growth in June, official data showed on Friday. Total retail sales of consumer goods stood at 2.7 trillion yuan ($405 billion) in July, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Retail sales in rural areas expanded by 10.7 percent year on year in July, outpacing the 10.1-percent rate for sales in urban areas. In the first seven months of this year, China's retail sales of consumer goods rose 10.3 percent year on year to 18.3 trillion yuan. From January to July, online sales surged 27.5 percent year on year to 2.6 trillion yuan. Retail sales have contributed significantly to China's economic growth as the country shifts from an export-driven economy to a consumer society. In 2015, consumption contributed 66.4 percent to China's GDP, up 15.4 percentage points from 2014. An Apple store is seen in Los Angeles, California, United States, April 22, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] BEIJING - Sales of iPhones continue to fall in urban China and now trail Chinese brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi, an industry survey showed Thursday. In the second quarter, Apple accounted for 17.9 percent of smartphone sales in urban China, 1.8 percentage points less than a year ago, according to a survey conducted by Kantar Worldpanel. "The decline has pushed Apple behind Huawei at 25.7 percent and Xiaomi at 18.5 percent," said Tamsin Timpson, strategic insight director at Kantar Asia, although iPhone 6s and 6s plus remain the top sellers. With the iPhone SE in short supply, the model made little impact, accounting for only 2.5 percent of total sales. In contrast to the decline in China, iPhones returned to growth in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and the United States. In the United States, Apple's sales grew 1.3 percentage points year-on-year, accounting for 31.8 percent of all sales. Kantar Worldpanel ComTech carries out monthly panel surveys among Chinese urban mobile phone users to monitor the market share of various brands. Jack Ma (left), chairman of Alibaba Group, talks with Pony Ma, chairman and CEO of Tencent, at the Internet Financial Industry Forum launch ceremony at Fudan University in Shanghai, November 6, 2013. [Photo/IC] Forbes released its 2016 annual list of the 100 richest tech billionaires in the world on Wednesday. A total of 19 tech tycoons from the Chinese mainland, three from Hong Kong and two from Taiwan are on the list. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, and Pony Ma, founder and CEO of Tencent Holdings Ltd, are ranked at 8th and 9th on the list, worth an estimated $25.8 billion and $22 billion respectively. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft Corp, remains the world's richest tech billionaire as well as the world's richest person, with an estimated fortune of $78 billion. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com Inc, and Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook Inc, are ranked second and third on the list. Out of the world's 100 richest tycoons in tech, 51 are from the US, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the group's total wealth, while China has the second highest number of tech tycoons (24). Ding Lei, founder and CEO of NetEase Inc, climbed from 26th to 17th, having an estimated net worth of $11.7 billion. Lei Jun, CEO and founder of smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp, is ranked at 22th, worth $9.8 billion. Liu Qiangdong, CEO of JD.com Inc, has an estimated fortune of $5.6 billion, ranked at 37th on the list. Jia Yueting, chairman and founder of LeEco Holdings Ltd, is ranked at 45th, worth $4.7 billion. BEIJING - China's innovation drive has seen the emergence of three distinct regions in the country's developed east coast aspiring to become the next Silicon Valley. The three regions are Haidian district in Beijing, which includes the country's tech hub Zhongguancun, Zhangjiang tech park in Shanghai and Nanshan district in southern Chinese boomtown Shenzhen. Silicon Valley hopefuls Some of China's earliest tech firms, including PC maker Lenovo, search engine Baidu and online portal Sina, can trace their roots back to Haidian in the 1990s. The district has been the breeding ground for the country's top Internet and tech firms ever since. Official data shows that more than 33 tech start-ups sprung up in Haidian every day during Q1. The tech hub is also home to 22 companies that managed to become "unicorns," company with valuations exceeding $1 billion within five years. Among these unicorns, Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi acquired its rival Uber China earlier this month and receives backing from top Chinese Internet giants Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent, as well as from Apple in the US. Ksyun, a cloud computing subsidiary of Kingsoft, raised nearly $50 million in its latest funding round in May, making it the latest start-up in Zhongguancun with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. "This region is producing top start-ups faster than anywhere else," said Wang Delu, President of Beijing Greatwall Enterprise Institute. "Angel funds, venture capital, and government-back funds are all ready to fund the next unicorn start-ups in Haidian." The district has over 1,500 funds specializing in equity financing. "Many entrepreneurs I met here said they have been able to secure funding for their business faster than in other countries," said Mao Daqing, founder of start-up incubator UR Work. Zhangjiang, the high tech park east of downtown Shanghai, has long branded itself as China's silicon and medicine valley as it houses a number of chip manufacturers and drug makers. The tech park is home to Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), the world's fourth largest chipmaker with $2.2 billion in 2015 revenue. More than 300 drugs are being developed at the tech park. One in every three new drugs approved by China Food and Drug Administration comes from Zhangjiang. The tech park also houses 133 research and development centers for multinational corporations. "Innovation is carried out on a global scale and this is particularly true in Shanghai, where global and local talents work together. The city's vast array of world-class hospitals, research institutes and R&D centers constitute a complete industrial chain," said Du Ying, chairman of Zai Lab, a biotech firm based in Zhangjiang. As China's smallest high-tech zone, Nanshan in Shenzhen covers only 11.5 square kilometers, or roughly 1 percent of Hong Kong, but is home to more than 7,000 companies, including 84 listed firms. DJI, a drone maker based in Nanshan, has pioneered the development of drones for consumers. Currently, DJI products have gained 70 percent of the consumer drone market across the world. In addition to DJI, Nanshan also boasts telecom giants Huawei, ZTE and Internet giant Tencent, all of which are world leaders in their respective fields. The tech hub's proximity to the country's IT manufacturing base has also allowed companies to turn cutting edge technologies into affordable consumer electronics. Nanshan's Appotronics has managed to use its laser display technology to produce 100-inch televisions at 10,000 yuan, making it the first company in the world to have applied laser displays in mass production. Still cathin up The three regions do, however, have their shortcomings. Shenzhen's lack of top universities and research institutes calls into question the sustainability of innovation in Nanshan. Huawei's CEO Ren Zhengfei said at a national conference on technological innovation earlier this year that the company had waded into uncharted waters in technology and lacked guidance. The reason for that, Ren said, is insufficient scientific research. To address this problem, Shenzhen has asked world-leading universities to build campuses in the city and plans to have 20 higher learning institutes in the next 10 years. At Zhangjiang, medical research is led by foreign drugmakers. Even in co-development projects, the Chinese side still have difficulty in obtaining critical technologies. Despite being a hub for innovative internet start-ups, Haidian still has a long way to go to match Silicon valley in terms of innovation. "Companies here in Haidian are still modelling after their predecessors in Silicon Valley," said Cheng Fang, president of Tsinghua Technology & Innovation Holdings. "Silicon Valley has produced the world's leading suite of tech giants such as Apple, Google, Cisco and Oracle. Companies from Haidian still do not quite measure up." Photo taken on August 12, 2016 shows the China Computer Federation Global Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit (CCF-GAIR) held in Shenzhen. [Liu Zheng/chinadaily.com.cn] Artificial intelligence, or AI - recognized as an international "geeky" buzzword - once again drew the Chinese media's attention on Friday at the ongoing Global Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit held in Shenzhen. Zhang Hongjiang, chief executive of Kingsoft, told China Daily the market' s potential and bonus in the country would continue in coming years, while more capital would be expected to flow into the AI sector, despite over-heated investments. "Minorities' business failure or homogeneity competition hit on the market somehow reveal the technology's strong forward momentum," Zhang said. "The innovation and leaping development reserve in China's mobile internet sector have generated attentions from both western media outlets and overseas investors, such as the latest tech magazine Wired's story about Xiaomi and New York Times' WeChat coverage." According to Zhang, algorithms, big data and computing are the three major, but basic, technologies that can enable the implementation of AI. Progress achieved in technology such as machine learning, which is associated with AI, reflects the rapid growth of the country's AI industry. An companion AI robot named Boyan dodo is on display during the China Computer Federation Global Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit (CCF-GAIR) held on August 12, 2016 in Shenzhen. [Liu Zheng/chinadaily.com.cn] "The technology gap between China and some of the industry leaders in the field, such as the US, witnessed narrow down in recent years as Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning and Transfer Learning contained in the sector have made considerable progress and get obviously improved," said Yang Qiang, chair professor and head of the department of computer science and engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. "Number of Chinese writers' academic research essays published at the IJCAI (International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence) increased sharply in the past recent years." Kingsoft's Zhang said: "US tech pioneers such as Microsoft and Google have been played a leading role in developing AI's algorithms in the past decades while domestic late-comers made their every efforts to catch up the trend in recent years." "Voice interaction and facial recognition are two major implementations of AI that applied by many Chinese companies at present." According to analysis company iResearch, the market scale of AI in China reached about 1.2 billion yuan last year, and it is expected to grow 50 percent in the next five years. The company estimated that by 2020, the market size would reach 9.1 billion yuan. Michael Wooldridge, head of department of computer science of Hertford College, University of Oxford, delivers a keynote speech named "Routes to AI" during the China Computer Federation Global Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit (CCF-GAIR) held on August 12, 2016 in Shenzhen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] "More individuality will be introduced to machine learning and AI will be widely used in finance sector," Yang said. "The industry will seen a develop trend that face to radicalized directions," said Zhou, "Varieties of sectors such as autonomous driving will welcome a promising future." The conference is being hosted by the China Computer Federation (CCF) and was organized by the domestic technology website leiphone.com. Discussion topics include AI, robots, autonomous driving and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which will be covered during a two-day meeting consisting of keynote speeches and panel discussions. Three academics from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and professors from both China and overseas industry-leading universities, have been invited to participate at the conference. According to the organizer, more than 2,000 people are expected to visit the event. A power plant explosion killed at least 21 people and injured five, three of them seriously, in Dangyang, Hubei province, on Thursday, according to China's top work safety watchdog. High-pressure steam pipes at Dangyang Madian Gangue Electricity SupplyCo exploded at about 3:20 pm, killing and injuring people, the State Administration of Work Safety said in a statement. The injured were rushed to a hospital. The cause of the blast had not yet been determined. The power plant, an affiliate of State-owned Huaqiang Chemical Group, won approval on Jan 6 from Hubei's Development and Reform Commission to generate heat and electricity by burning coal gangue. It was licensed for power generation and sales of slag ash and petro-leum products. Yang Huanning, head of the State Administration of Work Safety, ordered a team to be sent to the power plant to help local rescue efforts and to investigate the accident. LiHongzhong, Party chief of Hubei, urged local officials to "do everything they can" in the search for and rescue of survivors and to prevent any secondary accidents. Li vowed to set up an investigative team to find out what led to the accident. He ordered a province wide work safety inspection to prevent similar accidents. From January to July, 28,115 work safety accidents occurred in China, leaving 16,059 people dead or missing, the State Administration of Work Safety said on Wednesday. The administration warned that the risk of blasts in coal mines and mineral companies is higher in the summer. Zhou Lihua in Wuhan contributed to this story. Officials from China, Japan promote talks over presence of ships Beijing and Tokyo made a preliminary agreement on Wednesday that they will discuss the issue of a rising number of Chinese ships monitoring fishing in waters near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua and Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, reached the agreement when they met at the headquarters of the LDP, Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported. Nikai told reporters after the meeting that Cheng said there are rich fishing resources in the sea near the Diaoyu Islands, and Chinese fishermen have "caught a good harvest". Cheng visited the LDP headquarters to congratulate Nikai on his inauguration as secretary-general. "Nikai, who has communication channels with high-ranking Chinese officials, is seen as a figure friendly to China," Kyodo said. Japan has been nervous about the Chinese ships that are accompanying fishing vessels in that area, warning that relations were "deteriorating badly". Cheng has been summoned by the Japanese Foreign Ministry several times since Aug 5, while Japan has protested to China through various channels since then. The number of Chinese coast guard ships around the Diaoyu Islands rose to 13 on Tuesday, according to the Japanese coast guard - a record number since China started sending ships to the region in September 2012 after Japan "nationalized" the islands. Cheng responded that it is "natural" for the ships to operate in Chinese territory. According to The Associated Press, Cheng said on Tuesday that the increase in China's fleet was to oversee the increased activity of Chinese fishing boats. Fishing season in the East China Sea has begun since Aug 1. The Japanese coast guard on Thursday spotted more than 200 Chinese fishing ships in waters near the Diaoyu Islands, where both Chinese and Japanese fishing ships are allowed to operate, according to an agreement between the countries. Xu Jingbo, bureau chief of Japan's Asia News Agency in Tokyo, said in his blog that Cheng's remarks revealed that the Chinese government ships were actually there to administer the large number of fishing vessels that rushed to the East China Sea since the fishing season started to avoid incidents. "It seems that Japan did not know, or ignored, this important fact," Xu said. Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos had dinner with senior Chinese official Fu Ying in Hong Kong on Wednesday, which was "a good start in breaking the ice" of strained relations, according to a former Philippine official who accompanied Ramos on the trip. Rafael Alunan III, former interior and local government secretary of the Philippines, uploaded 20 photos of the dinner to his Facebook account on Thursday. In the photos, Fu, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China's top legislature, sat on the right side of Ramos, smiling while exchanging books as gifts. "To defuse the crisis and explore opportunities is the mission. Our common ground is human and ecological security," Alunan wrote. Ramos began a five-day visit to Hong Kong on Monday, seeking to rekindle bilateral ties jeopardized by an arbitration case initiated by former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III. Fu, former vice-minister of foreign affairs, served as China's ambassador to the Philippines from 1998 to 2000. The countries improved ties during Ramos' presidential term from 1992 to 1998. Last month, Fu said at London-based think tank Chatham House while explaining China's stance on the South China Sea that for long periods of its history, China suffered the humiliation of foreign invasion and aggression, leaving its people and government very sensitive about territorial integrity. "China is firm in its stance to resist any repeat of history regardless of how insignificant or small they may seem to others. First and foremost, China wants to protect its sovereignty and rights," she said. Richard Heydarian, an assistant professor of political science at De La Salle University, said he was "cautiously optimistic" about what comes next after Ramos' trip. "Ramos hopes to get the ball rolling during his Hong Kong visit, paving the way for normalization of ties," he said. Li Guoqiang, deputy head of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, said the China-Philippines relationship has been seriously affected by the arbitration case, and Duterte's attitude would be the key to bilateral ties. "The Philippines should not dream of undermining China's sovereignty interests and getting China's investment simultaneously," he said. Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, due to be put into operation next year, will adopt Chinese standards and use Chinese equipment, making it one of the best such lines in the world, a top Chinese official said on Wednesday. "If the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, constructed in the 1970s by China, is a railway of friendship, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway is more than that," Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said of the 472-kilometer railway costing $3.8 billion. "It is a railway of win-win cooperation, prosperity, ecological protection and common development," Wang said in Nairobi, Kenya, during his visit to the country. The project has so far created more than 40,000 jobs, trained 20,000 technical professionals and contributed about 1.5 percent to Kenya's GDP growth. The Import-Export Bank of China is providing 90 percent of the funding. The railway has 14 passageways along its routes for wildlife to cross. Even a giraffe can easily pass through without bending its neck. "The design has been done in such a way that will accommodate everybody: the human, the animal and even vehicles that want to cross the railway," said Johnson Matu, the project coordinator with TAE Consortium. "So, as you see, along the parks we have built bridges which can facilitate even the passage of the tallest animal, the giraffe, the elephant and all that." To date, about 97 percent of civil work, 95 percent of bridge substructures and 98 percent of the culverts have been completed. Currently, more than 75 percent of the track has been laid and 68 percent of T-beams have been erected. In his meeting with Wang, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the country is willing to make the China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Johannesburg a new starting point, push forward the early completion and operation of the railway and link up the railways in East Africa to realize win-win cooperation between China, Kenya and East African countries. During his visit, Wang also held talks with Amina Mohamed, Kenya's cabinet secretary for foreign affairs. Wang said China-Kenya relations have entered a period fast-track development. The countries have worked out a cooperative framework in industrialization and infrastructure construction, agriculture, environmental protection, security, police and international and regional affairs, he said. Kenya is willing to join efforts with China to strengthen cooperation in special economic zones, modern agriculture, energy and environmental protection, technical professionals and technology training, Mohamed said. Wang stressed that China has always believed that the keys to Africa's problems are in the hands of African people. "China will support the African people to resolve the issues in an African way," he said. "We believe African people have the wisdom and ability to solve their own problems." The ongoing nationwide anti-corruption campaign has resulted in the punishment of 41 high-ranking officials in the first half of this year, the country's top disciplinary watchdog said. A total of 163,000 officials at various levels were punished during the first six months, including 41 at provincial or ministerial levels, as well as 96,000 others from rural areas and enterprises, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on its website on Thursday. In the first half of the year, 193,000 cases were filed by the CCDI. It said it received 1.2 million tip offs in that period. As investigations by the CCDI have picked up steam since the beginning of the year, dozens of senior officials both in government and the military have been prosecuted or tried. Among them, Guo Boxiong, former vice-chairman of the Central Military Com-mission, was sentenced to life in prison last month for accepting huge amounts of bribes. Guo, 74, was also deprived of his political rights for life and he was stripped of his military rank of general. The military court ruled that Guo had taken advantage of his position to assist the promotion and reassignment of others, and had accepted huge amounts in bribes both personally and in collusion with others. General Tian Xiusi, 66, former political commissar of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, was placed under investigation on suspicion of serious violations of discipline in July, the latest high-ranking officer to be held on corruption charges. Three major online meal-ordering platforms pledged to intensify their oversight of businesses operating on their platforms to wipe out food safety problems. Tang Yunhua, deputy head of Beijing Food and Drug Administration, announced on Wednesday that authorities would investigate alleged violations by the platforms - waimai.meituan.com, ele.me and waimai.baidu.com - which it said had failed to inspect certifications of hosted businesses and make the results public. The administration also published a list of 60 restaurants running on the platforms that lack proper certificates or permits. The list included chain restaurants owned by popular brands, including two Xibei restaurants, which specialize in dishes from Northwest China, three KFC restaurants and one Subway. All the restaurants are located in Beijing. In a statement provided to China Daily on Thursday, Baidu said it has set up an investigation team and suspended the online business of all the restaurants exposed by the Beijing FDA. It said it will conduct a thorough inspection of those restaurants, both online and offline, along with a review of all restaurants registered on the platform. Waimai.baidu.com, Baidu's online meal-ordering platform, began displaying the certifications and sanitary information of all restaurants in Beijing that use the platform on Wednesday evening, the statement said. The information to be made public includes a company's licenses and permits, as well as certification of sanitary conditions in the restaurants as graded by the Beijing FDA, so consumers can make good decisions when choosing online restaurants, it said. More than 1,000 online restaurants on the platform were closed by the end of May after they were inspected, including 286 registered in Beijing, the statement said. Wang Bicong, a food-safety supervisor at Meituan, said on Wednesday that all restaurants using its online meal ordering platform, waimai.meituan.com, that were improperly operating have been closed. Over the past 10 months, the platform has refused registration applications from 74,000 businesses across China, and has closed more than 9,000 business on the platform for failing to pass inspections, including nearly 2,000 business registered in Beijing, Wang said. Ele.me said it had closed all online restaurants involved in the case and will conduct inspections of the platform, according to a report by news portal jiemian.com. Tang, of the Beijing FDA, said the administration will regularly publish the names of online meal-ordering restaurants found to have violated food-safety regulations, and all online meal-ordering platforms that fail to inspect the certificates of restaurants running on their platforms will be subject to the maximum fine - 200,000 yuan ($30,100), as specified in China's Food Safety Law. Registered meal-ordering customers in China reached 150 million in June, according to the China Internet Network Information Center. Top court moves to improve case hearings by drawing from ranks of experienced lawyers The Supreme People's Court said it will more thoroughly research the backgrounds and abilities of lawyers seeking to be judges, in a move to support a rule on the selection of judges that was adopted in June by the central leadership. The rule says selecting judges, prosecutors and legislators from the ranks of lawyers should be encouraged because lawyers effectively combine judicial theory and practice. It also clarifies that some lawyers cannot be judges, including those whose spouses or children have moved overseas, those with criminal records or those who have committed disciplinary violations. The top court said on Thursday that its department that selects judges has studied the rule since it was published, saying it will continue to work on building a strong, competent legal community. "We've smoothed exchanges between judges, lawyers and law professors over the past decade to increase communication and identify talent," said a department official who asked not to be named. In 2006, for example, 15 law professionals and lawyers were named to serve as judges under the top court after a public selection process. An additional three, including an attorney, started working under the highest judicial chamber in 2014, the official said. He said a more rigorous selection process in researching judicial candidates will be followed under the new rule. "We've established a special committee to test a candidate's legal knowledge and his or her understanding of judicial policies at the beginning," he said. "Then, we will research the background of the candidate and his or her family to make sure they are not people who could influence the court," he said. All procedures in the selection process will be conducted transparently, he added. Bi Yuqian, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, applauded the rule and said the measures should be extended across the country. "Judges should be people with rich experience in solving disputes, but now most of them go to work after graduating from law school. In other words, they lack practical legal experience. That is a lawyer's big advantage," Bi said. Selecting judges from the ranks of lawyers follows the practice in many countries, including Britain and the United States, he said, adding that this will help courts improve the quality of hearings. "It's reasonable that lawyers whose spouses or children have moved overseas be barred from serving as judges," he said, because it's hard to tell whether they transferred property or did other things that would call their ethics into question from litigants. But Cheng Yi, a Beijing lawyer, said the goal of drawing more lawyers to the judicial bench may not be practical, "because lawyers tend to prefer tackling cases they are interested in, rather than taking every case allocated in a court." China has almost 300,000 lawyers and about 200,000 judges. On July 10, a mortar shell struck a street in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The explosion ripped through an armored vehicle guarding a refugee camp near a United Nations compound. Two Chinese peacekeepers, Li Lei, 22, and Yang Shupeng, 33, were killed, and five others were injured. Two months later, it is still hard for some to let go. One evening during roll call in the regiment where Li was trained, the commander called Li Lei's name and nearly 110 soldiers responded. "Here!" they shouted in unison, their cries fading on the wind as the memory of their fallen comrades echoed in their hearts. "Li is among us. He is our brother in arms forever," said Dong Xiaobing, the regimental commander. After his father died in 2007, Li became more introverted, writing his innermost thoughts in his diary. "When I am gone, please don't miss me, I have no regrets walking the path I chose," he wrote. In one entry, he posted a photo of UN peacekeepers helping people in South Sudan, with a handwritten caption underneath: "UN peacekeeper, my dream." Yang,meanwhile,was one of the most experienced soldiers in the regiment. He had completed 15 years of service, and is remembered as a sharpshooter, big brother and a caring chef. One of the best gunners in the company, Yang had excelled in more than 20 major military exercises, but never rubbed his achievements in anyone's face, upholding the motto "Veterans can't have egos". During one team examination, Yang was suffering from severe back pain, and his squad tried to talk him out of taking part, but he refused, saying, "If I don't participate, it will be bad for morale". Yang showed his love for his comrades off the battlefield as well. In 2009, a squad returned from a frosty night, and Yang offered to make fried rice with extra eggs. "He was like our big brother," said Zhang Rui, the squadron leader. Last year, the company commander asked for volunteers for the South Sudan peacekeeping mission. Li and Yang were the first ones to sign up. When asked how he could leave his wife and child behind, Yang replied with a smile: "You rookies are too young. It is better to leave these missions to seasoned veterans." On Dec 2, Li and Yang were deployed alongside hundreds of other soldiers to South Sudan. They knew it could be their last mission, but their family didn't. Yang's wife, Zou Lina, was devastated by his death, but her strong resolve pulled her through. "Now I need to be strong and take care of our son and parents," she said. On July 20, both soldiers' remains were returned home. The following day, a funeral was held in Xuchang, Henan province, where their regiment is based.More than 200,000 people turned out to pay respect. Zhang Zhihao contributed to this story. The file photo shows students taking a summer camp in the US. [Photo/people.cn] Living with host families, taking classes with local students, visiting prestigious universities and most importantly, learning English, it's 13-year-old Chinese student Liu Zhuofan's summer camp life in California. This late July, together with another 29 middle school students from Beijing, Xinjiang and Shenyang, he flew half way around the world to the US for a 24-day summer camp. "Interesting, hungry, and tired," Zhuofan managed to summarize his past two weeks in the US with these three English words. After 14 days' "authentic" American school life in Los Angeles, these campers took the late night flight to San Francisco to complete the rest half of their camp. The United States is not his first camp destination. Zhuofan, like a migrant bird, took different camps during his summer or winter breaks in different English-speaking countries. Tours like this have been a fast-growing industry in China that aims to attract middle-class parents eager to give their children a comprehensive English studying experience and a glimpse of the foreign culture, especially prestigious schools such as Yale, Harvard and Stanford -- all in about two to four weeks. According to New Oriental, China's biggest education group, the number of Chinese students taking overseas study tours has reached 300,000 in 2015 since the first tour started in 2005. And the market value has reached around 10 billion Chinese yuan. The United States takes about 40 percent of all the tours. "The students taking part in the overseas summer camps are getting younger," Liu Min, director of New Oriental's oversea study program in Xinjiang told People's Daily Online. A 2015 report by Ctrip revealed that the Chinese students who plan to travel abroad for summer camps are three years younger than the travelers in 2014. The age ranges from 8 to 15 years old. Such trend coincided with the prevailing low-aging trend of oversea Chinese students. To satisfy the continuously diverse demands of parents and students, different themes of camps are customized to different age groups from kindergarteners to the white collars. Many parents also go to summer camps organized by American local institutions. For example, Ms. Liu flew from Beijing to attend San Francisco's 5-day Roughing It Summer Day Camp with her 9-year-old son Bob. For Liu Zubing, father of Zhuofan, attending such tours is preparing his son for future education in the US universities. While Ms. Liu is trying to put her son in an immersed English learning environment. Compared to those taking summer training schools in China, these migrant birds have a different continuation of school in a different way, and of course, in a different country. At roughly $5,000 to $10,000 per student, such American summer camps aren't affordable for the average Chinese family. High-spending parents often have high expectations for summer programs. However, problems also come with the growing lucrative business. It seems the little campers haven't realized why their parents sent them abroad. When asked about what he has learnt in the past weeks, Zhuofan told People's Daily Online on the tour bus to Pier 39, San Francisco, "I wasn't listening in the English class. I was playing with my iPhone all the time and the math class was too easy for all of us." The other students are sleeping - owing to the intense schedule that they have to visit San Francisco, New York, Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia in the next 10 days, the little campers slept through all the tour guide's explanation of local customs and practices. "Can we just go back to the hotel and sleep?" one camper asked the tour guide. "Chinese students are too shy to speak to American students," said Xiayidan, one of the two lead teachers of Zhuofan's camp, "How can they improve their English if they stay with their Chinese friends and speak Chinese all the time?" Mr. Lee, who has 10 years' tour guide experience in China's oversea summer camps, also told People's Daily Online about his concern, "Too much time spending on their smartphones. They played with their phones in the class and during the sightseeing. I don't want them to waste their time here." Another side effect of the tour is "showoff competition". "The kids compare their summer experiences at school. Bob told that one of his classmates took a trip to 10 European countries last summer and he wanted to go, too. It gives the parents a lot of pressure," Ms. Liu told People's Daily Online. When asked to give a score to the tour, "I'll give 99 points!" said Zhuofan, "one score off because of the food." Although the kids were "tired and hungry" all the time, most of them still want to take part in an oversea summer camp next year, "the Universal Studio and Disneyland are awesome," they told People's Daily Online, excitedly. For the parents, Liu Zubing said, "You cannot measure the money you invested on the children's education just for their contemporary performance." He concluded with an ancient Chinese saying, "To read thousands of volumes and travel thousands of miles. There'll be gaining more or less." The file photo shows the Greek cargo ship involved in the collision accident. A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea early Thursday. Six crew members have been rescued by Japanese coast guard ship. Searching work for the eight missing is still underway. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - Six crew members of a sunken Chinese fishing boat saved by Japan have been handed over to China, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed late Thursday night. China is continuing searching for others still missing, spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement. A Chinese fishing boat sank after colliding with a Greek cargo ship in the East China Sea Thursday morning, said the Foreign Ministry quoting an announcement by the China Coast Guard and China Maritime Search and Rescue Center. The crash occurred in waters about 70 kilometers northwest of China's Diaoyu Islands, according to reports. Both China and Japan sent out government ships for rescue work. "China appreciates Japan's cooperation and humanitarian spirit displayed in the rescue operation," she said. President Xi Jinping brought up the concept of "the sense of gain" in a meeting in February in 2015. He said the best way to know whether a reform is working or not is to see how people are reacting to it. It's an important parameter to check whether there is a "sense of gain" in the general public. The "sense of gain" means that all the reform measures are in accordance with the requirements of the Party and the nation and meet people's demands and expectations, said Xi. It also means public should have greater awareness of the fruits of the reform. Xi's concept is based on improving people's livelihood and building a prosperous society in all respects. It covers seven aspects: employment, housing, income, social security, poverty relief, healthcare and education. A woman searches for recyclable wastes in a landfill in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo/IC] Poverty relief China's top leaders have made poverty alleviation an important goal in the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). By 2020, 50 million of the country's 70 million poor people will be lifted out of poverty through industrywide support policy, employment opportunities in urban areas and resettlement. Over the next five years, 10 million of the country's 70 million poor people will be resettled. The program is expected to cost 600 billion yuan ($90.30 billion). Here is a story of Chen Zeping and his wife who lives in a poor region but will soon move to a newly built community. China tackles poverty by resettling rural villagers SANYA - China's deep-sea submersible mother ship, Tansuo-1, returned to Sanya in south China's Hainan province on Friday after completing its successful maiden voyage to the Mariana Trench. The mother ship carried 60 researchers and crew as well as a 10,000-meter autonomous remote-controlled submersible, a 9,000-meter ocean-bottom seismometer and other domestically made devices. It left Sanya on June 22 for the Mariana Trench expedition. During the expedition, researchers with the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted 84 research tasks and collected a large amount of samples and data at different depths. The results will be announced later. The 94.45-meter-long Tansuo-1 has a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It is equipped with 10 permanent research labs and two removable labs. The ship serves as the mother ship for a new manned submersible that can reach a depth of 4,500 meters. China's current manned submersible, Jiaolong, reached a depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012. Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos speaks to journalists on Friday during a trip to Hong Kong. The five-day visit was aimed at helping rekindle ties with China, which have been soured by a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. [Photo/Agencies] Former Philippine president, two Chinese open door for dialogue on South China Sea Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos said on Friday that he and his Chinese "old friends" looked forward to starting formal discussions, after bilateral ties were jeopardized by an arbitration case over the South China Sea dispute. Ramos met in Hong Kong with Fu Ying, foreign affairs chief of China's top legislature, and Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute of South China Seas Studies, a think tank, according to a statement released after the talks. The statement, signed by Ramos, Fu and Wu, described the meeting as one between "old friends" and said it had taken place "in a friendly atmosphere". "The informal discussions focused on the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation for the benefit of both their peoples and the region," the statement said. The China-Philippines relationship was hurt by an arbitration case unilaterally initiated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III. Manila wants formal discussions with Beijing "at the appropriate time" to explore pathways to peace and cooperation, the statement added. Speaking near the end of a trip that he earlier described as "ice-breaking", Ramos told reporters in Hong Kong that the three had not discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but had talked about fishing rights. "It's not really a breakthrough, in a sense that there is no ice here in Hong Kong to break, but the fish we eat ... are cooked in delicious recipes," said Ramos, who also had earlier referred to his visit as a fishing expedition. Ramos said he hoped that a second round of discussions would take place soon, adding that the venue for further talks had not been decided yet. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, commenting on Ramos' visit, said on Friday that Beijing hopes such communications could "help restore China-Philippines dialogue and improve bilateral relations". On Wednesday, Hua also said in a statement that "China sticks to an open attitude toward all means of contact between China and the Philippines, and welcomes Mr Ramos to China". Ramos, 88, started a five-day trip to Hong Kong on Monday. Bilateral relations were good when he was president from 1992 to 1998. Li Hak-yin, a lecturer at the Department of Government and Public Administration of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said this is a particularly critical moment for China and the Philippines as they approach negotiations on the South China Sea disputes. Ramos was in Hong Kong to send a message to the Chinese government of his country's willingness to start negotiations, Li said. Li Guoqiang, deputy head of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, said that China would like to see positive signals sent by the new Philippine government. "Through the visit of Ramos, the Philippines is expected to hear China's voice and understand Beijing's concerns over South China Sea issues, to improve bilateral ties," he said. Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn China's central bank has chosen Agricultural Bank of China Ltd to clear yuan transactions in Dubai for the United Arab Emirates, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Thursday. ABC officials were not immediately available to comment. Officials at the People's Bank of China declined to comment. The sources declined to be identified ahead of an official announcement. Choosing a Chinese lender to clear yuan transactions in the UAE is seen as a move to strengthen growing economic ties between China and the Middle East. Ecuador said on Thursday it's ready to set a date for Swedish prosecutors to question Julian Assange inside its London embassy - a potential breakthrough in the yearslong international impasse over the WikiLeaks founder. Assange is wanted for questioning by Swedish police over alleged sexual offenses stemming from his visit to the country in 2010. He denies all the accusations against him made by two women. In June 2012, he sought shelter in Ecuador's embassy in the British capital and has been holed up there ever since. Ecuador announced last year that it had agreed to a Swedish proposal to interview Assange at the embassy, but no interview has taken place. On July 10, a mortar shell struck a street in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The explosion ripped through an armored vehicle guarding a refugee camp near a United Nations compound. Two Chinese peacekeepers, Li Lei, 22, and Yang Shupeng, 33, were killed, and five others were injured. Two months later, it is still hard for some to let go. One evening during roll call in the regiment where Li was trained, the commander called Li Lei's name and nearly 110 soldiers responded. Hong Kong actors Louis Koo (left) and Nick Cheung promotes the action thriller Line Walker in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily] The Olympic Games are underway in Rio de Janeiro but moviegoers in China will get to see more of the Brazilian capital with Line Walker. The Chinese film, which is set to be released on Aug 11, has many scenes shot in Rio. It has been adapted from a popular TV series of the same name aired on Hong Kong's TVB in 2014. Line Walker, an action thriller, revolves around the lives of six undercover police officers, and has been directed by Jazz Boon, who had produced the TV series earlier. At a recent media conference in Beijing, Boon said that shooting a gunfight scene in the narrow streets of Rio was on his mind but it was too expensive for a TV drama. "The film had a much bigger budget, so we could afford the overseas tour," he said. The plot in Rio involves two police officers and a group of Brazilian drug smugglers. Line Walker stars Louis Koo, Nick Cheung, Francis Ng and Charmaine Sheh. The film's crew recruited bodyguards and had help from the local police while on set in a Rio slum due to security concerns. Related: Writer dons director's hat to turn novella into movie Michael Harrold's work-related trips help him better understand the country, like this trip to Hangzhou to research organic farming.[Photo provided to China Daily] A British copy editor has come all the way from Leeds to Beijing, with a stint in Pyongyang. Liu Xiangrui reports. Unlike many Westerners who arrive in Beijing or Shanghai on their first visits, Michael Harrold's first stop in China was the small northeastern city of Dandong. The 54-year-old British media professional reached the Chinese city bordering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from Pyongyang in 1992. Harrold had gone to the DPRK in 1987 as an "English-language adviser" after studying at Leeds University. As the first Briton to work and live there, his job was to polish English translations of the collected works and speeches by the country's then-president, Kim Il-sung, and his successor, Kim Jong-il. Harrold made another trip to China in 1994. The Briton, who's originally from Solihull near Birmingham, has since been in Beijing working for Chinese media. "It's made my life interesting, although obviously it wasn't my plan," he says, talking about spending years in Asia. "When I left North Korea, I thought China was sort of on the way home. And I believed China was a sort of good place to acclimatize to the new world again." He was hired as a copy editor on the international desk of Xinhua News Agency. "I adapted myself quite rapidly," he says. He could watch foreign TV channels in Beijing. In the DPRK, his only contact with the outside world was through BBC radio. His experience of living and working in that country was a frequent topic of discussion between him and his curious Chinese colleagues back then. In 1995, he moved to China Central Television, his current employer, where he mostly edits features and documentary stories. Harrold has witnessed the expansion of CCTV over the past years. When he moved there, he was among the very few foreigners working there, and the channel's English news output was mainly recorded bulletins. Now, CCTV provides a 24-hour service, with bureaus across the world. Having spent many years in China, Harrold says he has been impressed by the fast changes around him. When he first arrived in China, the Friendship Hotel in northwestern Beijing, where he stayedand still liveswas pretty much an isolated building without any proper road connectivity. Today, it is surrounded by big malls and skyscrapers. The place is also connected by the city's underground train system, which he uses for his daily commute. "Things are changing all the time in China. That's the way your life is here," Harrold says. After several trips to different cities in China, Harrold has become a big fan of the high-speed train here. It makes "China much smaller". Wang Chao will make his China debut after studying abroad for many years.[Photo provided to China Daily] Wang Chao will make his China debut in September with solo piano recitals in Beijing and Shanghai. The audiences will hear the 26-year-old pianist's interpretation of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt's masterpiece Annees de pelerinage (Years of Pilgrimage). "I thought I might perform the work when I am older," says Wang, who is a Beijing native and now lives in Berlin. "But I want to perform it now because it tells the story of my own life as well." He made the decision after watching a performance of the same piece last year by the acclaimed German pianist Markus Groh in Berlin. Groh is the first German pianist to win the top award at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, one of the world's most prestigious classical music contests, which was initiated in Brussels in 1937. He is known for his interpretation of Liszt's music. Overwhelmed by Groh's performance, Wang says he could understand Liszt's expressions through the work. "It touched my heart. I want to play this work again and again as a reflection of the different stages of my life," he says. Annees de pelerinage is a set of piano pieces Liszt composed during his two-year stay in Italy and Switzerland in the late 1830s. Drawing inspiration from a novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, titled Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, Liszt's composition mixes elements of visual art and poetry. In an introduction to the work, Liszt wrote: "Having recently traveled to many new countries, through different settings and places consecrated by history and poetry; having felt that the phenomena of nature and their attendant sights did not pass before my eyes as pointless images but stirred deep emotions in my soul, and that between us a vague but immediate relationship had established itself, an undefined but real rapport, an inexplicable but undeniable communication, I have tried to portray in music a few of my strongest sensations and most lively impressions." During his travels for concerts, Wang says his questions about life and places are similar to those Liszt asked. Wang has given recitals with such orchestras as the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, the Lorraine Symphony Orchestra, the Santorini Chamber Orchestra in Greece and the Chinese Youth Symphony Orchestra. Wang has experienced different cultures while being immersed in pursuing his musical career all these years. Growing up in Beijing, Wang was introduced to the piano by his parents, who are big fans of classical music. He started piano lessons at the age of 4. Two years later, he won a contest in the city. The early years of his career were dedicated to arduous practice. "Being a professional pianist is a tough job, but I don't want to give up," he says. At 12, he started learning the instrument with established Chinese musician Jin Aiping, who taught at the Central Conservatory of Music. Wang eventually enrolled at the affiliated primary school in Beijing. He won awards at several international piano competitions like the Grand Prix at the European Piano Competition in France in 2013. His first album, Liszt & Chopin, under the German record label, Acousence Records, followed soon after. In 2008, Wang moved to Germany to study at Hochschule fuer Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. He enrolled at Universitaet der Kuenste Berlin in 2011 to continue his studies with Klaus Hellwig. Hellwig is a well-known German pianist, whose solid techniques and rigorous attitude influenced Wang. "He broadened my vision as a pianist. He let me listen to and imitate the sounds of other instruments, such as the violin and the cello," says Wang. Like his teacher, Wang also prefers to play pieces that tell stories. If you go 7:30 pm, Sept 3. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, 1380 Fuxing Zhonglu, Shanghai. 7:30 pm, Sept 18. Forbidden City Concert Hall, Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Beijing. 400-615-5111. A reproduction of Siku Quanshu is recently included in the collection of Beijing's Palace Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] A modern day reproduction of Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasures) that includes the collection of Qing Dynasty's (1644-1911) imperial library has been donated to Beijing's Palace Museum this week. The palace once housed the original books at its Wenyuan Ge, also known as Pavilion of Literary Profundity. Siku Quanshu compiles more than 3,400 titles in 35,381 volumes. Its editorial board featured around 361 scholars. It took nine years for them (from 1773-82) to complete the extensive task. The collection has categorized the books into four divisions, including "Jing", the classics; "Shi", the history, "Zi", the philosophy and "Ji", the literary collections, to cover various fields of knowledge. Seven handwritten copies of Siku Quanshu were made and kept at different libraries across the country. Off the total, only four copies are in existence today. The copies are placed in several locations including Beijing's National Library of China, Taipei Palace Museum, Lanzhou's Gansu Library and Hangzhou's Zhejiang Library. Remaining three was destroyed in wartime chaos. The reproduction of the Wenjin Ge is published with a joint effort of the prestigious Commercial Press in Beijing and Yangzhou Bindings, a cultural promotion company in Jiangsu province. Related: Ancient Egypt and Han civilizations collide at Nanjing exhibit An award-winning modern opera about family, society and corruption in Old Shanghai, Thunderstorm tells a story of a wealthy, successful and seemingly happy Shanghai household, behind which lies a web of intrigue, a dark family secret and a gathering storm.[Photo/IC] The opera Thunderstorm was met with thunderous applause on Thursday in its debut at the London Coliseum. An award-winning modern opera about family, society and corruption in Old Shanghai, Thunderstorm tells a story of a wealthy, successful and seemingly happy Shanghai household, behind which lies a web of intrigue, a dark family secret and a gathering storm. As corruption is exposed and the family disintegrates, Zhou Puyuan, the head of the family, is confronted with a changing society and the emergence of a new China. Based on the acclaimed play by Cao Yu, and set to music by legendary composer Mo Fan, the opera depicts a Chinese household in a time of social transition. This is not a traditional Chinese opera, but a Western piece that acknowledges other influences including modern Chinese song, a distinctive genre which flowered at the time the original play was written, and thus is very much relevant to the meaning of the opera. The opera combines western and Chinese culture by using a large number of arias, recitative ballad duets, ensemble, chorus and instrumental passages from Western opera and many ethnic musical instruments such as the erhu, lute, bangu, and clapper from Chinese traditional opera. Thunderstorm is an original work based on western opera with rich oriental musical elements. The opera is being performed on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, said Liu Xiaoming, China's Ambassador to the UK, in a congratulatory message after the opera's premiere. Members of the audience were dazzled by the performance. Sixty-year-old Brian Hick told Xinhua that the show was his first modern Chinese opera, although he had seen the traditional forms before. Catherine Calder said she felt that Chinese and Western opera share a lot in common. Despite differences in language and culture, the performance nonetheless stood out. She said the story of "Thunderstorm" is not difficult to understand, as love is an eternal theme. Thunderstrom is produced by the Shanghai Opera House. The performance is part of the Shanghai Season at the London Coliseum, a unique collaboration between the Shanghai Opera and Shanghai Ballet companies. Hadrosaur fossil: It is the most complete of all those unearthed in Inner Mongolia in 20 years.[Photo provided to China Daily] A rare well-preserved hadrosaur fossil has been unearthed in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and is expected to be of huge value for research into how the species evolved, Chinese archaeologists said. More than 90 percent of the bones of the animal were intact, including the head, cervical vertebrae, limbs and a complete tail-bone. It is the most complete dinosaur fossil unearthed in Inner Mongolia in 20 years. The fossil was first dis-covered in 2012 in Urad Back Banner, in the north-west part of the region. Excavation started in June 2013. More than 300 fossil bone fragments were excavated at the site, weighing 1 metric ton altogether, said Tan Lin, an engineer at the Longhao Geological Institute of Paleontology in Inner Mongolia. Alex ISRAEL, Lens (Orange). [Photo provided to China Daily] Shanghai-based Yuz Museum will stage an exhibition titled Overpop to examine the new aesthetics formed in the realm of contemporary art in the post-era of pop art. On show will be some 60 works in the Yuz collection and the 20 featured artists work with various mediums including oil painting, sculpture, video and performance art. As the title suggests, the works carry forward the spirit of pop art but move farther to address to the influence of internet and digital technologies. The exhibition is co-curated by American art dealer and curator Jeffrey Deitch, who is selecting works of artists based in the United States and Europe; while another curator, Karen Smith, who has been in China participating actively in the development of contemporary art since 1979, will select works of Chinese artists to conduct a cross-cultural dialogue with their Western counterparts. The exhibition will run from Sept 4 to Jan 15. Related: Ink painters turn experimental mode Chris Lee. [Photo provided to China Daily] Chinese pop-star Chris Lee has roped in American fashion designer Alexander Wang for her upcoming tour Growing Wild. The musical extravaganza, which will start from Beijing on Aug 20, will witness the Chinese pop icon flaunting the US-based designers apparels, especially a T-shirt with Alexander Wang x Chris Lee imprint. Alessandro Michele, the new creative director of Gucci, will also design costumes for Liss Growing Wild tour. Li had attended Wang's store opening in Beijing and then performed at the H&M collaboration launch at Shanghai in 2014. "Both of us are daring and risk-takers. We came up with the idea of launching a T-shirt and putting our names on it while discussing our collaboration for this tour," says Wang. "Her designs are unique. They are really cool, fun and young," Li says. Apart from Beijing, the tour will be held on the Chinese mainland cities Shenzhen, Nanjing and Chongqing. Li, who was born and brought up in Chengdu, Sichuan province, rose to fame after winning Super Girl, a national level singing competition in 2005. Known for her tom-boy image, Li has also starred in big-budget movies, including Hong Kong film Bodyguards and Assassins and The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate. Related: Yoga pants the new jeans this summer Tribal treats from Indonesia Updated: 2016-08-12 07:41 By Maggie Beale(HK Edition) It's the latest "in" place in trendy Sai Ying Pun; an extension of the popular Potato Head from Bali. The 780-square-meter space includes a small lifestyle store, offering Indonesian artisan items and merchandize, including a stunning collection of ceramics. There is a dedicated dining room, a comfortable lounge and bar area with all-day dining facility, as well as a mini coffee lounge called "I Love You So Coffee" and takeaway coffee shop. Interestingly, Indonesia is the fourth-biggest producer of coffee in the world. Tucked away further into the complex, there's also a rather nifty Music Room, a dedicated listening space and vinyl library for audiophiles. The emphasis is on comfort, hence the presence of sink-into couches and lie-back armchairs. There's also a "platter spinner" in the room. Already attracting dedicated fans, the venue hosts a diverse line-up of artists and activities such as disco nights, album listening parties and guest DJ gigs. One recent memorable evening highlighted Ethiopian Jazz - you don't hear a lot of that around the area! And, the aforementioned PS says that Wednesdays in August are going to be a time for sunset vibes, whatever the weather! In Kaum, the main bar and casual dining area, the relaxed vibe is continued in the decor and ambience. Pretty plant boxes hang from the ceilings, sheathed in hundreds of traditional handmade and hand-painted panels from South Sulawesi, and a nice array of mid-century antiques and custom-designed Indonesian furniture. Kaum (meaning tribe in Indonesian) serves authentic Indonesian cuisine, emphasizing the "Indo Eksotika" style, feel and flavors. Staff in the bar told us that Kaum's owners and chefs took time to build relationships with Indonesian tribal people in order to recreate the authentic flavour in their regional specialties. Nasi goreng komplit served at Potato Head Hong Kong is a complete meal in itself. Many dishes listed on the menu at the Sai Ying Pun venue are prepared by employing near-forgotten cooking techniques as well as artisan ingredients - and, admirably, there's not a plastic cup in sight. For starters try a refreshing dish of gohu ikan tuna - slices of marinated raw tuna dressed with coconut oil, calamansi juice, pomelo and toasted nuts. The gado gado features raw and blanched vegetables - string beans, crisply sliced cucumbers, a variety of salad leaves, crunchy bean sprouts, along with potatoes and tofu mixed in a gently spiced white peanut dressing and topped with a boiled egg, tempeh and garlic crackers. And a lush dish of nasi goreng komplit features fried rice, prawns and vegetables served with grilled pork satay, sambal relish, pickled vegetables, topped with a fried organic egg and tempeh crackers. And to go with that and other dishes; there's a variety of drinks, most of which are created by following a "root to flower" philosophy. This admirable concept aims to utilize an ingredient entirely, so as to showcase its original flavors. Not-to-be-missed drinks include the Millionaire Martini, shaken with passion fruit and served straight up along with a champagne chaser that's also layered with a passion fruit foam! And if that's not quite your style then there's the Potato Head Bloody Mary. Not for the faint-hearted but well worth the time taken to enjoy it to the full - this is a blend of yellow bell peppers, citrus vodka and pressed tomato juice, seasoned with Indonesian hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and cracked black peppercorns. Probably the most noticeable difference between this new Sai Ying Pun venue and the original Potato Head Beach Club in Bali is the lack of the calm-inducing waft of salty sea breezes! (HK Edition 08/12/2016 page9) TCM doctor Guo Boxin examines a patient by taking her pulse.[Photo provided to China Daily] From working in a textile factory to becoming a celebrated medical practitioner, Guo Boxin has taken an unconventional route. Liu Zhihua reports. Zheng Shiyuan regards Guo Boxin as her family's savior. The 77-year-old resident of Weihai, Shandong province, was diagnosed with coronary heart disease in 2006. Doctors then suggested she undergo an operation to implant two heart stents. Zheng decided to seek help from Guo, who was her friend and an experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. After taking herbal medicines for a few months, Zheng says her condition became much better. She later had a full recovery. Zheng also says that her daughter and husband also owe their lives to Guo. Her daughter was diagnosed with a severely premature heartbeat in 2014. Her husband was found to have late-stage gastric cancer in 2015. Under Guo's treatment, Zheng's daughter has recovered, while her husband is managing well. Zheng and her family are just a few of the many patients Guo has helped. The conditions that Guo has treated include aplastic anemia, chronic cardiovascular disease and cancer, says Huang Yun, Guo's wife. Unlike some TCM practitioners, who rely on medical tests and symptoms, the 73-year-old sticks to the traditional TCM method of "wang (observation), wen (smell), wen (listen) and qie (examination)" to diagnose and treat patients. He is especially good at zhenmai, or identifying the causes of patients' problems through checking their pulses with his fingers, which he says was a basic technique used by TCM practitioners in the past. Born in Tangshan, Hebei province, Guo moved to Shanxi province with his family as a little boy. During his childhood, he did not encounter much TCM, except when his mother would seek help from a relative in Hebei who practiced it. The turning point for him came when he was assigned to live in a village as part of his work at the ideology department in a textile factory in 1970. He joined the factory, then the largest in Shanxi, in 1969, after working at a military farm for a while. He had graduated from Shanxi University with a bachelor's degree in Chinese language and literature in 1968. Life in the village was boring. But he found his elderly landlord was a great conversation partner, because he was well-versed in TCM. The old man lent Gao ancient books on TCM, and he then developed an interest in TCM, which was still popular in rural areas where access to Western medicine was very limited at that time. "At first, I just read the books, but gradually I got fascinated by TCM," says Guo. More than 1,000 domestic and international startups and venture capitalists gathered in Beijing this week to attend the inaugural ceremony of Zhongguancun International Startup Festival and the final of Shengjing Global Innovation Awards 2016. Hosted by Shengjing Group, one of the leading innovation and startup service platforms in China, the event was directed by Zhongguancun Science Park Administrative Committee and the government of Beijings Haidian district. Officials from national and regional departments of the government also participated in the event, which attracted more than 3,500 innovative startup ventures from global participants this year. Of the total entries, 20 outstanding projects entered the final competition. Shengjing alone will provide $1.5 million in cash prizes to top 10 winners of the competition, with no equity return required from them. Likewise, the company has established a special foundation with investors that will invest $25 million in promising competitors. Incubators and venture capitalists involved in the competition are expected to invest $150 million, the organizer said. The event was initiated by Shengjing Group in 2015 with a motive to discover and encourage innovative projects and startup teams globally. The company aims to turn the event into an international brand and platform for innovation and investment. Shengjing so far has joined hands with over 100 top global innovative incubators, accelerators and venture capital institutions to explore cultivate and invest in innovative startups worldwide. Related: Chinese company launches innovation ecosystem The Qingdao delegation led by Shandong governor Guo Shuqing and Qingdao vice mayor Zhang Deping visited Germany recently to further Qingdao-Germany cooperation, according to the Qingdao bureau of commerce. The delegation visited Continental AG, Siemens, Airbus and Kunkel Wagner Germany GmbH, and attended an exchange between the business circles of Shandong and Bavaria. Zhang introduced Qingdao's industrial development in vehicles and auto parts to Continental AG's seniors and exchanged views with them on projects related to automotive electronics, tyers and fluid technology on July 13 local time. Attendees witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Sino-German Ecopark and Continental AG. During the visit in Siemens, Zhang invited Siemens to conduct all-round cooperation with Qingdaos companies in addition to China's leading home appliance maker Haier and the traditional rubber enterprise Doublestar as Qingdao encourages local enterprises to transform with special funds. Siemens' strengths in intelligent manufacturing, rail transit, green architecture, smart power grids and distributed energy resources meet Qingdao's development needs, Zhang added. At the end of the trip, the delegation also visited the German branch of the Qingdao Center for Business & Commerce, which was opened in Munich on June 23. The center acts as Qingdao's European base of operations, in the hope of getting better economic reach into the continent. Its core aim is to promote mutual trade and investment cooperation between enterprises from Qingdao and Europe. Featuring a vast range of functions and services, the center carries out investment and trade consultations, investigate European regulations and laws, promote talent as well as provide services for European experts working in Qingdao. A Qingdao business delegation, led by Guo Jian, deputy director general of Qingdaos bureau of commerce, visited London, Geneva and Vienna from July 28 to Aug 6 to draw on experience in the construction of a modern market system. During the delegation's visit to the China-Britain Business Council in London, the two sides reached agreements on further cooperation in wholesale markets for agricultural products, second-hand automobiles, and the events industry. The delegation visited fairs and commercial areas in Geneva, Switzerland to learn from local experience in layout, management, product quality and safety, and the introduction of local specialties. Whilst in Europe they also discussed Hidrostal AG's new project in Qingdao. The company intends to invest $20 million into a pump manufacturing base in Jimo county. In Austria, the delegation learned about wholesale and retail markets, agricultural products, and food quality and safety, whilst visiting the Inzersdorf Market and numerous agricultural companies. They made agreements with Austria's largest wholesale market on systems for information exchange and market cooperation. Lujiazui, a financial hub in Shanghai, has become a preferred place for innovative public funds to register. [Photo/Pudong Times] The Lujiazui of Pudong New Area in Shanghai recently became home to Huatai Baoxing Fund Management Co, a new insurance fund management firm, Pudong Times reported on Aug 9. The new company, the first of its kind to be established in Shanghai, was registered on July 26 in Lujiazui with Beijing-based Huatai Insurance Group as its major shareholder. Both its investment research team and general management team belong to Huatai Asset Management Co, a subsidiary of Huatai Insurance Group. The company will be engaged in secondary market investment. This new firm raises the total number of Lujiazui's public funds to 30, accounting for over 60 percent of Shanghai's total. This demonstrates that Lujiazui has become a preferred place for many innovative public funds to register their businesses. The Lujiazui authorities have pledged to redouble their efforts in order to further boost the development of the fund industry and lure even more public funds. The authorities hope their efforts will encourage funds to set up various professional subsidiaries, and help said subsidiaries develop businesses in cross-border asset management and overseas investment consultancy. Chefs create delicately crafted dishes at the culinary contest in Lanzhou on April 27. [Photo/Xinhua] SEVEN CHEFS have taken the company behind the cooking service app Good Chef to court claiming it has not honored their contracts. Changjiang Daily commented on Thursday: All types of services can now be sourced through apps, including hiring people with particular skills. But there is a common problem with the providing of app-based services: Who pays those who actually provide the service to the customer? The company that operates the Good Chef app said it only has cooperation relations with the seven chefs, instead of employing them as stated by the chefs. If the companies that operate such apps do not have contracts with the people who offer the services, they have no legal obligations as employers. However, the seven cooks worked together, 9 to 5, and received a monthly "wage" by grabbing orders through the app. These are characteristics of full-time workers. Without a legally binding labor contract, those who provide the actual service are vulnerable to not being paid, and if they are ever injured on the job, they are unlikely to receive compensation. With such apps becoming increasingly popular, the various relations between the different parties involved need regulating. Applicants go through last-minute preparations before the civil servant recruitment exam in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Nov 30, 2014. [Photo/IC] THREE SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS in East China's Shandong province have reportedly left office and started new careers as senior executives in financial enterprises. Changjiang Daily commented on Thursday: Many believe that civil servants resign to pursue better pay, otherwise they would not quit their seemingly glamorous government posts. Up to a point, such an assumption makes sense and government employees have the right to pursue other professions regardless of their true intentions. Back in the days of the planned economy, most people refrained from resigning from a government post because it basically meant unemployment. But today, the decision of an official to leave office is no longer beyond comprehension, and is unlikely to cause a drain of talent from the country's civil service, which has more than 7 million employees. However, that does not mean officials can quit whenever they want either. According to the Civil Service Law, officials who resign are not allowed to work for companies directly related to their previous work for two years after they leave their posts. Those who used to be managers face a three-year "cooling off period". This is so they cannot exploit the resources and connections they had in the old job for personal gain. In other words, former civil servants should not seek to bypass these regulations and do whatever they want after resigning. In Shandong's case, the former deputy mayor of Weifang city is now the vice-president of Sunshine Insurance Group, just four months after he assumed office in the committee for the Shandong Social Security Fund. It is thus necessary to impose tighter controls over resigning civil servants to ensure fair competition. With the coming of the Golden Era between the UK and China , during which President Xi Jinping was hosted By Queen Elizabeth in England, a long term bond was cemented between the two countries. Like all relationships, it will have its trials and tribulations, but the intent is to be long term, harmonious and positive to benefit both countries and their citizens. Some say that the Brexit vote to leave Europe will turn China against The UK. How wrong they are, Britain offers the quality that China needs to complete its own way forward. These areas include technology, education, training, healthcare, smart cities, finance, creativity and innovation. This does not include the food sector where the UK and Northern Ireland flag, the Union Jack, symbolizes the quality and values of food processing in the global markets. With the change in Prime Minister there has been a slight interruption on the Hinckley Point Nuclear Power project, but in the long term this will be considered a minor hiccup in the ongoing relationship. The new Prime Minister May is cautious in signing the 30 Billion Pound deal only a week or so into her tenure. A reasonable thing to do with such a large amount involved. It will be signed in the best interest of both countries, but it must be noted that the French are involved too. We should also look on the bright side. With the Pound devalued by about 10 percent there are so many opportunities for bargain Investment in the UK. Now is the time to purchase assets and make the most of cheaper holidays and tours. Education now offers some of the best value in the world to Chinese students, with some of the best schools and universities available. A mix of Chinese focus and British lateral thinking from an early age will enhance both education systems, creating more students able to cope and become the future in both Government and business. When the UK leaves the EU there will be many trade deals to negotiate with China but where there is a will there is a way!. The British are generally harmonious in nature, akin to the Chinese. If China wants or needs something, the British can find a way to supply it. Moreover, the difference in business cultures is gradually narrowing but still a way to go. The British, by nature, are resilient, open, gentlemanly and patient. All these factors will bring the cultures more together. Britain has a long and stable history, not as long as Chinas 5,000 years, but enough in these modern times to show their trading partners and allies, particularly China, that the UK is, and will be, a reliable and trusted friend. The author is the founder of both Spearhead Associates Ltd and Spearhead China Ltd , consultancies assisting foreign companies into China and advising Chinese companies on foreign investment and business dealings. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website. Royal Caribbean International, the world-renowned luxury cruise company has announced an additional 10 routes from its base in Xiamen. The routes include voyages to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam and one China based tour. The addition of these routes from the Fujian province port city, host to the cruise line company since 2011, is a direct reaction to the staggering 200 percent increase in passenger volume at the cruise port of the city in 2015. The routes range greatly in duration and location, from a one-night cruise to Hong Kong to a seven-night voyage to South Korea and Japan. If the speed at which tickets sold for the maiden voyage of a five-night cruise to Kagoshima and Okinawa is anything to go by, these new routes are bound to be hugely popular. The visa-free policy adopted by some of the countries towards Chinese tourists certainly adds to the ease of travel. These routes will be pioneered by Legend of the Seas, a state-of-the-art 70,000-ton cruise ship that was given a glossy makeover in 2013. The ship spans across 11 decks and offers a range of rooms from reasonably affordable to outright indulgent. The vessel is equipped with a gluttony of restaurants, a multitude of sport facilities, and a coterie of entertainers. You can shop till you drop, learn how to make perfect sushi rolls or simply lounge by the pool and sip on something ice-cold. Boredom aboard Legend of the Seas is nearly impossible. Tickets for a berth on the ship vary greatly depending on room type and duration of voyage. Tickets for the overnight cruise to Hong Kong can be found for as low as RMB 620 ($91) and for the 5-night cruise to Kagoshima and Miyazaki prices start at RMB 4,450 ($670). The Xiamen cruise port handled 175,000 passengers in 2015 and passenger flow has increased a further 90 percent in the first half of 2016. These numbers are being capitalized upon by the Miami based company Royal Caribbean International as it attempts to meet a seemingly insatiable demand for luxury cruises from the city itself and other cities in the Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces. The vast majority of cruises that set out of Xiamen during the month of July were full. In response to this increase in passenger flow, the cruise port of Xiamen is undergoing a series of constructions to better accommodate the situation. Several more developmental projects, including those at Xihaiwan (west bay) cruise city, part of the Dongdu cruise port, are awaiting planning permission. An artist's impression of the Xihanwan (west bay) cruise city project. [Photo from Xmhouse.com] By Liu Sitong and edited by Richard Whiddington Related stories: Xiamen to invest 1 billion yuan to build cruise ship home port State-owned enterprises in Fujian set up joint-venture to build luxury cruise ships Xiamen port authority in high praise among cruise companies Sapphire Princess departs Xiamen home port for cruise ships MINSK - Belarus will replace the fallen reactor vessel of its first nuclear power plant currently being built, according to the Belarusian Energy Ministry. The decision was made by an interagency commission on building the nuclear power plant in Belarus. The Energy Ministry also sent word to Russia, the ministry's press-service said. Russia provided Belarus loans for the purchasing of equipment from Russian company and it was decided in 2009 that the plant would be built by Atomstroyexport, a Russian nuclear equipment and service export company. Belarusian Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik also voiced his decision about the fallen vessel during his working trip to Russia's Tyumen Oblast on Thursday. The nuclear power plant being built in Belarus consists of two units of 1,200 MW each. The first unit is scheduled for operation in 2018, the second for 2020. On July 10, as a result of a deviation in instructions a skewed load took place and the reactor vessel fell to the ground when the subcontractor was moving it. The site of one of two bomb blasts which occurred on August 11, 2016, in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video, August 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] HUA HIN, Thailand - A series of blasts hit three of the most popular tourist resorts in Thailand on Thursday and Friday, killing two people and wounding dozens, just days after the country voted to accept a military-backed constitution in a referendum. Twin blasts hit the upscale resort of Hua Hin, about 200 km (125 miles) south of Bangkok, on Friday morning just hours after two bombs killed one person and wounded 21 late on Thursday. Hua Hin is home to the Klai Kangwon royal palace, which translates as "Far from Worries Palace", where King Bhumibol Adulayadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife, Queen Sirikit, have often stayed in recent years. Friday was a public holiday in Thailand to mark the queen's birthday, which is celebrated as Mother's Day. One person died and three people were wounded in one of the Friday morning blasts near a central clock tower in Hua Hin, deputy police spokesman Police Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen told reporters in Bangkok. Two small bombs exploded in the tourist beach town of Patong on Phuket island, and two more in Phang Nga, another tourist region in the south, on Friday, police said. One Thai man was lightly wounded in Patong, police said. Police believe the blasts were acts of "local sabotage" and not linked to international militants, Krisana told reporters. "It's too soon to jump to any conclusion," he said "But what we know for sure is that the incidents are not linked directly to any kinds of terrorism, in fact it's local sabotage and we are trying to identify those responsible behind the scenes. "There are no conflicts in the country that may lead to terrorists being in the country. That's why we can say that these incidents are not terrorist attacks," he said.? Police also said they have not found any evidence that the blasts were coordinated or whether they were related to an insurgency in Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. Chinese students in the central UK town of Birmingham have been warned to be on their guard against violent robbery after a series of incidents in recent weeks. In a letter dated earlier this week, the University of Birmingham advised students to stay safe and report any incident to the school. One male student was attacked and badly injured on Monday in the Selly Oak district of the city, and was taken to hospital with head injuries. "We understand this has caused a certain amount of distress," said the letter after Monday's incident, when four suspects robbed and attacked the Chinese male student on his way to his dormitory. University staff visited the student and he has been helped whilst he recovers, the letter said. "We are working closely with West Midlands Police, who have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident," Deborah Walker, the university's spokeswoman, said in a written response to media inquiries. She added the attack was an isolated incident, and the university has already met with the Chinese Embassy and Chinese Scholars Association to assure them of a high priority for student safety. "There has been hearsay of robberies and theft before, but nothing has ever come as close as recently," Yang Zidan, a sophomore of University of Birmingham, told China Daily. In a shaky voice, the 21-year-old recalled her own recent experiences of being followed and an attempted break-in. "My roommate and I are now too scared to go out alone." She said safety wasn't a concern until lately when new Chinese students arrived for language courses ahead of starting their main degree studies. "People may be starting to realize newly-arrived Chinese students tend to have a lot of cash at hand and their English is not very good," said Yang, giving her theory about the crimes. Police said no pattern of specific attacks on Chinese students had been found, but detectives are looking into the incidents, a member of the West Midlands Police department press office said in response to media enquiries on Thursday. Officials in charge of the language course have spent time visiting classes to provide reassurance and to listen to students' concerns, the University of Birmingham said in the letter. It urged students to report any incidents to police "as soon as possible", while reminding them it is illegal in the UK for anyone to carry knives or other weapons, even in self-defense. To contact the reporter: daitian@chinadaily.com.cn (Photo : Getty Images) Consumers purchase at a local market with boards of Alipay hung up in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. Advertisement Alipay, an Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s affiliate, is extending its payment platform arm to Europe, signing deals with various retailers to allow Chinese tourists to use its service abroad. The third-party payment service started expanding to Europe early this year and has teamed up with processors such as Concardis, Wirecard, and Worldpay. Alipay has also held meetings with retailers such as Printemps, the largest department stores in the French capital; Axa SA for travel insurance sale to Alipay's 450 million active users; and Germany's Wirecard for mobile wallet service support to as many as 69 outlets at Munich Airport, according to Bloomberg. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Alipay continues to establish its presence across the continent and is allegedly in negotiations with other potential processing partners in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. However, the company has made clear that it is targeting Chinese tourists and expats traveling abroad and not European consumers, Rita Liu, head of Alipay Europe, Middle East, and Africa said. "Europe is a popular destination for our Chinese customers, so it's an important market for us," Liu said. "We're actively looking for partners across Europe - merchants who want to cater to Chinese tourists or technical providers on the payments side. But we have no plans to target European customers." According to the China Tourism Research Institute, an estimated 120 million tourists from China traveled abroad in 2015, spending $875 each on average. The top for destinations for Chinese tourists outside Asia include France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Based on this year's first quarter report, Alipay is leading the mobile payment market in China, accounting for 63.41 percent of the market share, Chinese research firm Analysys reported. Advertisement TagsAlipay, third party payment, payment platform, Europe, payment service (Photo : Getty Images) Xinyi Chen of China competes in heat four of the Women's 100m Butterfly on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Advertisement The Chinese Swimming Association (CSA) confirmed that Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi failed a doping test at the Rio Olympics. Chen, 18, who finished fourth in the women's 100m butterfly final, tested positive for diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on Sunday (Aug. 7), according to the South China Morning Post. HCTZ is a banned substance due to its ability to mask the use of other performance-enhancing drugs. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The athlete has now appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to test her "B" sample and hold an evidentiary hearing over the matter. "The CSA has taken this matter seriously and demanded full cooperation from Chen in the investigation," the CSA said. "The CSA resolutely opposes use of banned substances. We will cooperate with the Court of Arbitration of Sport during its investigation and will respect the final ruling by the CAS." The news comes hours before Chen was scheduled to participate in the 50m freestyle swimming competition on Friday morning (local time). The positive drug results will further raise tensions surrounding doping at the Olympics. China has been defending its athletes against doping accusations and recently asked Australian swimmer Mack Horton to apologize for calling Chinese swimmer Sun Yang a "drug cheat" following his loss to the Chinese superstar in the 400m men's freestyle final, according to CCTV News. The failed drug test makes Chen the first Chinese athlete to test positive at the Olympic Games since 1992 in Barcelona. China's biggest doping scandal came to light in 1994 during the Asian Games in Hiroshima, where seven Chinese athletes failed their drug tests. Advertisement TagsRio Olympics, Rio, Olympics, china, Chen Xinyi, Doping, Drugs, Chen Xinyi drugs, Chen Xinyi doping, Sun Yang (Photo : Getty Images) A general view of IBM's 'Watson' computing system at a press conference to discuss the upcoming Man V. Machine 'Jeopardy!' competition at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York. Advertisement IBM has established a foothold in China for Watson artificial intelligence system as it has partnered with Beijing-based Hangzhou CognitiveCare to work with 21 hospitals across the country to adopt "Watson for Oncology," which is a computing platform that will help clinics provide individualized, evidence-based cancer treatment options to patients. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The 21 hospitals, which are a combination of both urban and rural facilities, will utilize Watson to arrive with an individualized treatment options for patients with cancer. Options will be extracted from the latest genetic information from "more than 300 medical journals, more than 200 textbooks, and nearly 15 million pages of text," according to IBM. "Watson has the power to transform how doctors battle cancer in China and around the world, providing physicians with insights regarding treatment options that help them customize therapeutic recommendations specific to each individual, based on a patient's specific needs," Zhen Tu, chief executive of Hangzhou CognitiveCare said. Although IBM Watson has been operating in China for over 30 years, this is the first time that the company has channeled its efforts to personalizing cancer care in the country. "Hangzhou CognitiveCare is eager to bring IBM's Watson for Oncology to reach every oncologist in China we possibly can," Tu said. Watson for Oncology is a product of IBM with the help of oncologists from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. It boasts of the capability to read "structured and unstructured" sources. Watson for Oncology is currently only available in the English language, but Hangzhou Cognitive Care said it is working to localize the language. Watson's introduction to China comes as cancer cases are increasing in the country. Last year alone, around 4.3 million cancer cases and 2.8 million cancer deaths were reported. It is estimated that 12,000 new cancer diagnoses are made in China every day. "The number of cancer cases is rising, and it's the number one cause of death in China," Dr. Kyu Rhee, chief health officer of IBM Watson, said. "There are challenges in keeping up with evidence and knowledge. This is about scaling that knowledge and providing access to it in China." Advertisement TagsIBM Watson, Hangzhou CognitiveCare, Watson for Oncology, Watson, Cancer, cancer care, cancer deaths (Photo : Getty Images) Australia has blocked the sale of the majority stakes in Ausgrid to Chinese firms over national security concerns. Advertisement Citing national security concerns, the Australian government has moved to block two Chinese companies' bid to become controlling stakeholders in Ausgrid, Canberra's largest electricity distribution network. The government's decision to block the A$10 billion-plus (US$7.7bn) sale of a controlling stake in Ausgrid to the Chinese government-owned State Grid Corporation and Hong Kong-based Cheung Kong Infrastructure (CKI) was made in the wake of political and public distrust over China's extensive investment in sensitive and critical sectors of Australia such as communication technology and electricity, among others. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "In particular, during the review process, national security issues were identified in critical power and communications services that Ausgrid provides to businesses and governments," Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison said on Thursday. National security risks Morrison said that although he is open to any bids, he has to deny this particular transaction (with the Chinese companies) since he can not find any mitigating factors to address the national security risks. He said the Australian government is still open to accepting other foreign bidders despite blocking the Chinese companies. The Australian government is offering the stake to bidders under a 99-year lease. Morrison told reporters that State Grid and the CKI had submitted their bids of more than A$10bn for a 50 percent stake in the electricity company, which is based in New South Wales. Local bidders He said that no local bidders participated in the privatization process. CKI, in a statement released to the media, said that it is not blaming the Australian government or anybody for the decision to deny its bid for Ausgrid. "We believe that the Australian government must have reasons beyond the obvious which led them to make today's announcement. The issue is unrelated to CKI," the statement said. A New South Wales local government spokesperson expressed optimism that the sale will push through at the right time, and the right foreign bidder will come forward. However, economists have said that with the lack of local bidders, it is likely that the sale would be delayed for some time. Advertisement TagsAustralia, Ausgrid, majority stake, State Grid Corporation, CKI, china (Photo : Getty Images) Fishing boats set off from Shipu port for fishing in Ningbo, China. Advertisement North Korea has reportedly sold its fishing rights in both the West and East Sea for $75 million to China, intelligence sources revealed on Thursday. Intelligence officials believe that North Korea decided to sell its fishing rights in coastal waters on both sides of the peninsula as its resources have dried up under the pressure of international sanctions. The money earned from the deal allegedly all went to North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un's regime, The Chosunilbo reported. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to the National Intelligence Service, last month, Pyongyang sold its fishing rights in the northern part of the de facto maritime border in the West Sea for $30 million. However, this is the first instance such a move has been reported in the East Sea, Korea Times reported. "The country has been handing out such rights in the East and West seas to Chinese fishermen through brokers although it is speculated that North Korean authorities will engage in sales directly in the future," a source said. He, however, failed to clarify if the fishing rights are granted permanently or need to be renewed periodically. Meanwhile, UPI reported that South Korea's coast guard has long been confronting the increased presence of Chinese vessels within the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL). North Korea has purportedly been allowing Chinese trawlers to operate in the area since 2004, although the agreement does not include the NLL. However, with an estimated 1,000 Chinese boats near the disputed area, it seems that the status quo has changed, and China has gained additional fishing rights from North Korea. "It's uncertain whether the agreement is still effective. Still, we've spotted about 900 to 1,000 Chinese boats near the NLL in the East Sea lately, and it was found that they purchased the right to work there," a source said. On the other hand, Moon Sang-gyun, South Korea's defense ministry spokesman, confirmed that Chinese vessels had been spotted in the area but refused to share further information with the press. Advertisement TagsNorth Korea, South Korea, china, Fishing rights, Northern Limit Line (Photo : Getty Images) The population of Beijing currently stands at 20 million, more than twice the population of New York or London. Advertisement Beijing announced on Thursday that it will be introducing a stringent migration policy in order to control the population of the city. Like many Chinese cities including Shanghai and Guangzhou, migrants in Beijing will now be graded on the basis of their contribution to the city as well other qualifications such as education and age, according to the South China Morning Post. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement If a migrant does not have enough grades, he/she cannot obtain permanent residency permit and the social benefits that come with it. It is necessary for a non-Beijing resident to have a proper job and contribute towards local social security funds, which include pension, health care as well as housing, for a duration of seven years in order to be eligible for application. Moreover, an applicant is also required to have a temporary residence in Beijing, no criminal record and be below the age of retirement. Permanent residency in Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing facilitates access to better health care, education and pensions but is out of reach of migrant workers and some professionals due to rigid control and tedious paperwork requirements. According to the new rules, which will go into effect early next year, migrants will be encouraged to find a place in the suburbs with the incentive of more grades. They will receive extra grades if they move from downtown to suburban areas and can double their grades if they relocate their house as well as their place of employment. These regulations are being introduced in a bid to curb Beijing's population, which is currently exceeded 20 million - more than two times the population of London or New York, according to China.org. Advertisement Tagschina, Beijing, population, Beijing population, Migration, migrants, Shanghai, population control (Photo : IAF) IAF Su-30MKI carrying a test BrahMos-A cruise missile Advertisement India will test air launched BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead this August as relations with China remain unsettled along their 4,000 kilometer-long border, the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The first test of the nuclear BrahMos-A, a modified air-launched variant of the missile, will involve a drop test from an Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI multi-role fighter. The drop test will analyze the missile's behavior in flight and also study the impact of the launch on the aircraft to determine if it affects the jet's flight trajectory, or if the heat release from the missile firing will mean any modifications to the aircraft Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The final test on Aug.24 will see an Su-30MKI fire the missile at a ground target. India eventually plans to modify 40 of its jets so these can launch the BrahMos-A nuclear missile. An Su-30MKI can carry one BrahMos-A missile. The tests are part of a joint project between India's Defense Research and Development Organization and Russia's Federal State Unitary Enterprise NP Mashinostroyenia. The series of tests at Rajashtan's Pokharan firing range will verify the accuracy and efficacy of the Su-30'MKI's missile release system. One more test is expected to take place over the Bay of Bengal in late-November. The missile will be fired at a decommissioned Indian Navy ship. The BrahMos-A uses a smaller booster and fins for airborne stability after launch. It can be released from the height of 500 meters to 14,000 meters. "We hope to conduct the drop test by 24th of this month (August)," said BrahMos Aerospace CEO Dr. Sudhir Mishra. "After the drop test, we will see if some refinements in the software and other systems are needed." The Russian Su-30MKI, considered India's most advanced jet fighter, was selected as the delivery vehicle for the BrahMos nuclear missile because the aircraft's titanium airframe and high-strength aluminum alloys can withstand the intense heat that comes with launching a BrahMos. The jet was further modified by hardening its electronics, enabling the plane to withstand the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast. Advertisement TagsBrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, India, china, Indian Air Force, Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Photo : Getty Images ) Fidel Ramos on Friday met former Chinese diplomat Fu Ying in Hong Kong. Advertisement The Philippines has again called for a 'formal' dialogue with China to ease tensions between the two countries over ownership of the disputed South China Sea. Former Filipino President and current President Rodrigo Duterte's special envoy Fidel Ramos repeated his country's offer of formal talks with China to explore ways of strengthening cooperation between two countries. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Ramos' made the statement on Friday during his visit to Hong Kong where he met a former Chinese diplomat Fu Ying. "They discussed, in their private capacity, the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation between the two countries," said a joint statement released after the meeting. China has said that it is also keen to hold talks with the Philippines after a U.N. court ruling damaged bilateral relations between both countries. The Hague-based Court of Arbitration, in its long pending verdict, rejected China's claims over the disputed South China Sea in its long verdict on July 12th. Beijing, which has claimed almost all of the contested region, strongly opposed the verdict. The Asian superpower continues to build up its military facilities in several areas of the contested South China Sea islands. More recently, a report by a United States-based group Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) claimed that Beijing had completed military hangars on the Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross reefs in disputed Spratly Islands. "Except for a brief visit by a military transport plane to Fiery Cross Reef earlier this year, there is no evidence that Beijing has deployed military aircraft to these outposts. But the rapid construction of reinforced hangars at all three features indicates that this is likely to change," the report said. Advertisement Tagschina, Philippines, South China Sea, Fidel Ramos, formal talks (Photo : Getty Images) Alibaba has posted its best-ever revenue since being listed on the American stock exchange in 2014. Advertisement Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has smashed market expectations in the second quarter by posting its best-ever revenue since being listed on the American stock exchange in the late 2014, the Wall Street Journal reported. Jack Ma's company's revenue surged by 59 percent to 32.15 billion Yuan ($4.84 billion), with earnings from online market platforms Taobao and TMall rose 49 percent from a year earlier. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement These numbers "might have surprised many, given the economic headwinds," said Alibaba Executive Vice Chairman Joe Tsai on Thursday. There were several notable factors that contributed to Alibaba's impressive revenue earnings. For the first time, the company saw a sharp rise in international sale, a definitive sign that it is making strides outside China. The results showed international sales increased by 123 percent to 1.1bn Yuan ($165m) from April to June. The company attributed much of its international success to Lazada - a Singapore-based e-commerce company acquired by Alibaba recently. Experts say that Alibaba is more focused on trying to breakeven in emerging markets in Southeast Asia than the overly competitive US market. In another welcome sign, Alibaba monetized more earnings from mobile rather than PC for the very first time. The company's mobile consumers have increased to 427 million from 410 million over the past three months. The e-commerce giant's new cloud computing business, Alicloud, has also made solid strides. The company said that business from Alibaba increased 156 percent year-over-year to $187 million. "We passed an important milestone this quarter in achieving higher monetization of mobile users than non-mobile users for the first time, reflecting the success of our strategy to stay ahead of the curve by embracing mobile," said Maggie Wu, Alibaba's chief financial officer. On Thursday, Alibaba remained silent on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ongoing investigation into the company's accounting practices. The Investigation launched earlier this month is assessing the company's third party transaction and data from its much famous annual Singles' Day shopping festival. Advertisement TagsAlibaba, Jack Ma, alibaba quarter report, Chinese E Commerce Company (Photo : Getty Images) Xiaomi will stage the second flash sale of the Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime in India next week. Advertisement Xiaomi will conduct a second flash sale of its Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime in India next week. The first India flash sale of Xiaomi's budget Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S Prime smartphones took place on Tuesday. Both devices will be available for purchase in India for the second time in a flash sale on August 17. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Indians can buy the smartphones on Indian e-commerce platform Flipkart and Xiaomi's online store Mi.com. The Redmi 3S Prime is priced at Rs 8,999 (approx. $135) and Redmi 3S priced at Rs. 6,999 (approx. $105). The company sold 90,000 units of its Redmi 3S Prime in just eight minutes during its first flash sale on August 9. "We made more than 90,000 units of Redmi 3S Prime available across Mi.com and Flipkart - the highest volume ever for our first sale... Still, we went out of stock in just 8 minutes. Our first sale of Redmi 3S Prime has, in turn, become the most successful open sale on Flipkart," Xiaomi India' chief Manu Jain said in a statement. The Redmi 3S Prime features 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It is powered by the the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor. It has a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner. The Chinese smartphone maker is also looking to expand its offline presence in the country. Xiaomi India has said that the company is currently selling its products via 5,000 retail outlets in India and it is planning to double the number of its retail outlets in the coming months. Advertisement TagsXiaomi, Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime, India sale, Flipkart (Photo : JMSDF) A Japan Coast Guard Raizan class PS (Patrol Vessel Small), the type Japan might start delivering to the Philippines this year. Advertisement The just concluded visit to the Philippines by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is strengthening the already close military ties between both countries and has prompted China to accuse Japan of fanning tensions in Asia. Kishida confirmed Japan will deliver 10 44 meter coast guard vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard beginning this month. These vessels, which are worth $188.5 million, were promised to the Philippines during the term of former Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement While Kishida was in the Philippines, the Japanese foreign ministry in Tokyo announced the Philippines and Japan have begun talks that will see Japan deliver two brand new 90 meter multi-role response coast guard vessels to the Philippines. "Both governments are looking into the possibility of getting two more vessels, this time the bigger ones," said Masato Ohtaka, deputy spokesman of Japan's foreign ministry. "We're in the middle of dialogue between the two sides, they are still discussing details and we need a little more time." Ohtaka also said the Philippines and Japan talked about how Japan can help the Philippines in capacity building, particularly with regards to maritime security In late 2015, both countries made a deal that paved the way for Tokyo to supply Manila with used military equipment that might include aircraft to patrol the disputed South China Sea. The deal was the first time Japan agreed to directly donate military equipment to another country, and was the latest example of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's more assertive diplomacy against China. Japan's move to arm the Philippines wasn't lost on Chinese media. One outlet alleges Japan's real purpose in strengthening the Philippines' naval forces for it to use Philippine ports for its warships. Chinese media said Kishida's visit to the Philippines shows Japan is encouraging the Philippine government of President Rodrigo Duterte to pursue the Aquino's policy against China while spreading the misleading message China has no intention of fixing its worsening relationship with Japan. Kishida met his counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, in the city of Davao on Mindanao Island where both pledged to work closely to boost maritime security as they contend with separate sea disputes with China. Kishida visited the Philippines to strengthen "friendly ties." Kishida and Yasay discussed the South and East China Sea issues and the sale of Japanese patrol ships to the Philippines. Advertisement TagsFumio Kishida, Japan, v, coast guard vessels, philippine coast guard, Perfecto Yasay (Photo : World Economic Forum/Wikimedia/CC) David Saperstein, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, said that most of the world's population is living under strict restrictions on religious freedom. The US State Department released the religious freedom report for the year 2015, and expressed grave concern over the state of religious freedom in a majority of countries around the world. "No one region, country or religion is immune to the pernicious effects of such legislation,"said David Saperstein, ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, referring to laws on blasphemy and apostasy that restrict religious freedom. The report said that groups like Islamic State and other terrorist organizations threatened religious liberty by perpetrating violence. At the same time, governments of several countries were also violating international human rights norms. The Annual Report on International Religious Freedom surveyed about 200 countries, and cited heinous acts of crimes against individuals by intolerant governments. A woman identified as Farkhunda by the report was brutally killed by a mob on false charges of burning a Koran in Afghanistan, the report said. She denied the allegations but the crowd became uncontrollable and started beating her with sticks and boards before running her over with a car. She was thrown into a dry riverbed, stoned, and set on fire by people. The medical examiners said that she died before the attack ended even as the crowd continued to abuse her lifeless body. The police initially tried to intervene but gave up shortly afterwards and watched the atrocity from a distance. The attack was condemned by President Ashraf Ghani and an investigation was ordered. The incidence sparked widespread outrage, and memorial was erected for the Farkhunda on the site. In Pakistan, over 40 people remain on death row for blasphemy, and 62 have been killed by mob violence since 1990. Twenty-seven Muslims were arrested in Sudan on charges of disturbing public order and apostasy, because they belonged to a school of Islam which says that Quran was the sole source of religious authority but hadiths were not. The detainees were released and proceedings against them were suspended, but the charges against them still stand. The report also criticized China for demolishing Christian churches and over 1,500 crosses since 2013, and imprisoning religious leaders and lawyers who protest demolitions. "Over this past year, there continued to be reports that the government physically abused, detained, arrested, tortured, sentenced to prison, or harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices," the report states. Media and human rights organizations in China said that police killed Uighur Muslims in house raids and during protests for "ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and violent terrorism," according to the US report. Seven Tibetans, which included monks, nuns, and laypersons, immolated themselves to protest government policies restricting freedom of religion last year. North Korea was again among the worst offenders of human rights in the year 2015, as "the government continued to deal harshly with those who engaged in almost any religious practices through executions, torture, beatings, and arrests." About 80,000 to 120,000 people are expected to be held as political prisoners in North Korea, and kept under dismal conditions in remote areas of the country. Many among the detainees are religious dissidents. Religiously motivated killings and assaults were reported from India in the year 2015, the US State Department noted. "Minority religious groups expressed concerns about government discrimination and suggestions by government officials that Hinduism should be taught in public schools. Government officials at the federal, state, and local level made discriminatory statements against members of religious minority groups," the survey said. Local police was found to be complacent in religiously-motivated violence, when they filed to lodge complaints against the attackers or incriminated the victims instead. "Members of minority groups who were victims of religiously motivated violence or other animus complained of police inaction regarding such incidents. Attackers frequently acted with impunity, and, according to some victims, police resisted filing criminal complaints and in several instances threatened to falsely incriminate the victims." Vietnam was one of the countries where religious freedom was on rise. The government has expanded national-level recognition of religious organizations such as the Church of Latter Day Saints, while cooperative local authories are reporting an increase in local church registrations. Fewer cases of legal persecution was encountered by religious organizations in major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. press@cdaily.co.kr - Copyright , #religiousfreedomreport Con artists falsely accuse Christians of pedophilia in order to scam Israelis 12 August, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | JERUSALEM (Christian Examiner) In a country where only two percent of the population is Christian and Jewish-Christian relations are rocky, Christians can very easily be made into scapegoats. Israeli police say that's what happened when three Jerusalem residents created an organization to combat a non-existent Christian cult they said preyed on Orthodox Jewish children, kidnapping and sexually abusing them before forcing them to convert to Christianity. They then contacted members of the Jewish community to raise funds for their fake organization. The Times of Israel's Tamar Pileggi reports that the arrest of the three running the scam comes after a two-year investigation initiated when people in Jerusalem's Sanhedria community an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood complained about the supposed sexual abuse of children by "a Christian group" identified by the scam artists. In this case, reminiscent of the Middle Ages when Christians accused Jews of poisoning wells and using the blood of a Christian child to make matzos, police concluded that the entire story was fabricated for the sole purpose of soliciting donations from concerned Israelis and Jews abroad. The police also said that, while there were some cases of sexual abuse in the Sanhedria neighborhood, none of them were related to one another or a Christian cult. Two of the three suspects were placed under house arrest until their next hearing Aug. 16. The judge in the case also ordered the parties involved to case to avoid discussing it publicly. Pileggi reports that this is not the first time Jews have pointed the finger at Christians and accused them of sexual abuse. A pedophile ring was exposed in Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood in 2012 and Christian missionaries were accused. But, police discovered no Christian missionaries operating in the neighborhood and said later that a mentally-ill ultra-Orthodox man had become the focus of the investigation. The man, Binyamin Satz, was later found guilty of sodomy and indecent acts against children. He was given a 15 year prison sentence. One of the 40 million copies sold of The Purpose Driven Life ended up in the large, paddle-like hands of Michael Phelps. In between winning Olympic golds, Phelps made headlines for very different reasons: repeated DUIs, parties and pot, weight gain and rehab. A couple of years ago, fellow athlete and friend Ray Lewis (aka Gods linebacker) gave the champion swimmer Rick Warrens bestseller. I basically told him, Okay, everything has a purpose, and now, guess what? Its time to wake up, the former Baltimore Raven said in The Washington Post. In an ESPN special, Phelps said the book turned me into believing that there is a power greater than myself and there is a purpose for me on this planet and helped me when I was in a place that I needed the most help. It spurred him to reconcile with his dad. This summer, the media celebrated 31-year-old Phelps as stronger and more mature than ever; the record-crushing ... 1 home Entertainment Brian 'Head' Welch: Jesus' gospel does not work like 'fast-food'...it takes time Christian rock star Brian "Head" Welch embraced the transgender community he's leading to Jesus and said God's work usually takes time as he chastised Christians critical of the gay people. The 46-year-old guitarist, who recently re-joined the nu metal band Korn after eight years, said that Christians should not be quick to judge others because God's process of changing people's lives doesn't always happen in an instant. "The gospel of Christ isn't like fast food," he wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. "Not everyone has an overnight dramatic conversion like mine. Often times the relationship with God takes hold many years or even a decade or more later." Welch's comments came about in response to the attacks he's received from Christians after his post the other day, which clearly indicated his acceptance for transgender people. He rebuked the "judgmental" and "hardhearted" Christians for chasing away transgender individuals by calling them out for Sodom and Gomorrah and for picking their sin of homosexuality. He asked instead for the Christians to open their hearts because God looks inside people's hearts. He added that it could take many years or decades before God's work in a person's heart materializes and that being judgmental and heartless toward these people would only lead them away from God. "When you religious people try to force instant repentance and point out people's flaws, you are dismantling what God is trying to do inside of hearts," berated Welch. The New York Times best-selling author, who released his book "With My Eyes Wide Open" in Australia on Wednesday, attended a rock concert in Mountain View, California on July 31. A transgender man Welch met with at the event asked the guitarist if he loves transgender people. "What do you think? Of course I do," answered Welch and then gave the man a big hug. Welch credits Jesus for saving him from a life of drug addiction, alcoholism and self-hatred. He considers being a Christian rocker as God's plan for him. "It's a special calling. Not everybody understands it, not everybody is called to that, but I am," Welch told The Christian Post in an interview. home US Court dismisses appeal of former U.S. marine court-martialed for sticking Bible verses on her desk An appeals court has dismissed the case of a former marine who was tried after sticking Bible verses on her desk and ruled that her former superiors did not breach her First Amendment rights. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces on Wednesday ruled 4-1 against Monifa Sterling, a former lance corporal at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "We reject the argument that every interference with a religiously motivated act constitutes a substantial burden on the exercise of religion," said the court. The military demoted Sterling and handed a bad-conduct discharge after a court-martial charged the former marine for disrespecting a superior officer, disobeying orders and failing to report for duty. Among other things, Sterling's superiors ordered her to remove the pieces of Bible verses she taped on her workspace, the incident which she later brought to court to cry foul on her exercise of religious freedom. Sterling lifted the verses from Isiah 54:17 that says, "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper." However, the judges decided that Sterling failed to address during a 45-minute oral argument four months ago whether she acted "based on a 'sincerely held religious belief' or motivated by animosity toward her chain of command." The legal team representing Sterling on the case blasted the court's decision as "absolutely outrageous." "A few judges decided they could strip a Marine of her constitutional rights just because they didn't think her beliefs were important enough to be protected," Kelly Shackelford, president of First Liberty Institute, told Fox News. Judge Kevin Ohlson, who ruled in Sterling's favor, said that "while the military's asserted interest in good order and discipline surely deserves great deference, it does not demand reflexive devotion." The Pentagon also launched an investigation that involved the alleged infringement of a military personnel's religious rights when military officials forcibly removed Air Force veteran Oscar Rodriguez, Jr., a decorated veteran, from a retirement ceremony in April because his flag-folding speech mentioned the word "God." home World Displaced Christians from Iraq 'see no future' in returning home Many of the displaced Iraqi Christians said they would rather migrate abroad than return home where religious-driven violence could potentially spring up anytime. Saturday marked the second year anniversary since tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians fled their homes as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS or Daesh) militia took control of the most parts of Iraq and Syria. Although the Iraqi security forces backed by U.S. airstrikes and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces already recaptured most of the areas seized by ISIS, this does not mean that many of the internally displaced living in the trailers of the Irbil refugee camp still look forward to going back to their villages. "If organized migration were possible, then I can say that 90 percent of the inhabitants of this camp would leave," camp manager Father Emanuel Adel Kelo told Fox News. Raad Bahnam Samaan, who left Qaraqosh with his wife and five children, said "there is always hope" on returning home once the war ceases but fearfully predicted that "there won't be anything left of our house." "I see no future for us (here)," said Samaan as he worries over his children's future. He also feared that the atrocities caused by ISIS might have already strained relations among the Iraqi people. "We'll still be afraid. I will go to Mosul and I will be afraid because they will say, here comes the Christian," he said. Many of the displaced Christians living at Ankawa 2 refugee camp shared Samaan's sentiments back in May. While some camp residents already returned to their villages, many insist that they would only go back once peace and order have also returned. "When they are liberated, we'll return," camp resident Ibrahim Shaba Lalo told Al Jazeera. "But without international protection, it will be very hard to return." home World Religious minorities most vulnerable to suffer persecution - report An annual report released by the U.S. State Department revealed that the most likely targets suffering religious persecution around the world happen to be religious minorities. The "2015 Annual Report on International Freedom (IRF)" released last Wednesday revealed that almost a quarter of the countries across the globe restricts religious freedom among their people. "Around the world, governments continued to tighten their regulatory grip on religious groups, and particularly on minority religious groups and religions which are viewed as not traditional to that specific country," said the report. The report also blamed these countries impartial exercise of "chilling, sometimes deadly effect" of blasphemy and apostasy laws. "Such laws conflict with and undermine universally recognized human rights," says the report. The report especially cited predominantly Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Mauritania, where those convicted could die through death penalty or extrajudicial killings. The mass atrocities carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS or Daesh) militia and Boko Haram, two of the most destructive terrorist groups last year, also contributed to the abuses on religious freedom. ISIS continues its jihad or religious war and vowed to kill all apostates in the name of Allah while Boko Haram's new leader, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, threatened to kill all Christians in Nigeria and to burn down their churches. Members of the European Parliament (MEP) Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong for the European Parliament Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance (FoRB&RT) also blamed ISIS for the religious persecution of Christians and religious minorities. They revealed an alarming rate of religious persecution worldwide through a report, "Annual Report on the State of Freedom of Religion or Belief in the World 2015-2016," released June 30. "Our beliefs are at the core of our human dignity a tragically, however, today not everyone enjoys the freedom to hold and manifest their beliefs," said Van Dalen. "Freedoms of religion or belief must be higher on the EU's agenda." The Catholic editor of a Bangladeshi newsletter critical of the government has fled to the US in fear of her life, the Catholic News Service (CNS) reported. Rosaline Costa, 67, has for 30 years been editor of Hotline Bangladesh, a monthly publication which chronicles corruption, crime, terror and religious violence in the country. Now living in New York City, Costa is reported to be working out how to keep the newsletter going remotely. Since July, Costa has been staying with two nephews and a niece, both of whom themselves left Bangladesh after threats and harassment. The journalist told the CNS that her niece's Muslim uncle was trying to force her into marrying him, and that one nephew was taken to a mosque and told to convert to Islam under fear of death. The other nephew, an art student, was followed by Muslims and told to convert and then join in trying to recruit others to Islam. Costa said: "After that, I did not allow him to go to the university any more for classes". Bangladesh has seen a rise in religious violence in recent years. Recently, Islamist terrorists have been stepping up their persecution of Christians in Bangladesh after a rapid rise in converts. In July, more than 20 people were murdered in an Islamist terror attack on a restaurant in the diplomatic zone in Dhaka, the country's capital. That month, new figures showed numbers of Muslims converting to Christianity in Bangladesh are on the rise. The human rights organisation Christian Freedom International reports that there is a growing number of Muslims who have been pledging their lives to Christ. It is estimated that as many as 91,000 Muslims all across Bangladesh have converted to Christianity in just six years, in spite of knowing it could cost them their lives In May an Italian priest was shot in Dhaka. An Italian aid worker was shot dead in Dhaka in September and a Japanese farmer was killed in the north of Bangladesh days later. Both attacks were carried out by three gunmen riding a motorcycle and have been claimed by ISIS. The Government of Muslim-majority Bangladesh reject the claims, insisting that there is no ISIS presence in the country. Costa said "I made several editorials in the newsletter" about religious violence, adding: "In the last two and a half months I could not go out of the house." She told of a woman who had been attacked with a knife and badly beaten. "But she would not let me visit her in the hospital," Costa said. "She did not want to be identified. Second, she feared for my safety." The editor added that he had received a series of anonymous phone calls, but that the police refused to act. "I went to the police and they did not want to take a report," she told CNS. Asked if she felt she might never be able to return to her country, Costa said, "I don't want to go back" in the present circumstances. More than 163 million people live in Bangladesh, where nine in ten are Muslim. There are fewer than 830,000 Christians and Islam is the state religion. 5 countries where you might not know that Christians face persecution This week's report from the US Department of State on International Religious Freedom found that three-quarters of the world's population live in countries where religious freedom is severely restricted. Many of the worst places for Christians to live in the world are well known North Korea, China, Iraq and Somalia, for example. However there are a number of countries that don't make the news so often, but can be difficult places for Christians to live. Maldives This beautiful country in the Indian Ocean is better known as a tropical holiday paradise than for its increasingly fundamentalist religious practices. If you haven't been, the tourist brochures, with 'bare legs on the beach' shots, don't betray the fact that it is an overwhelmingly Muslim country. The constitution requires that citizens and the holders of public office are Muslims, and proselytisation is illegal, according to the State Department. And there are signs that stricter forms of Islam are entering public life for the first time a woman was recently sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, though this verdict was eventually overturned. Foreign workers have described increasing pressure to wear more modest dress. There are restrictions on Bibles entering the country: the church there has to meet in secret and does not have a full Bible translated into the Dhivehi language, according to Christian persecution charity Open Doors. The Maldives is actually 13th on the Open Doors watch list for Christian persecution, which is higher than Saudi Arabia. Laos Laos has a repressive communist government, though the population is mostly Buddhist. The Religious Freedom report states that local authorities are often intolerant towards non-Buddhist religions, particularly Protestantism. According to the report, church leaders have been arrested and killed, and threatened if they did not stop preaching the gospel. Numerous Christians have been pressured to recant their faith under threats from local authorities. Freedom of expression is not highly valued in the country, and so deviation from the norm is often treated with suspicion, according to Open Doors. When churches grow, tensions can develop between Christians and the animist local tribes over local resources. If Christians refuse to participate in Buddhist or animist religious services it can cause friction. Eritrea Eritrean people suffer a good deal of human rights abuses thanks to the one-party government and its authoritarian tendencies. Though roughly half the population are Christian and half Muslim, the government allows only certain denominations to exist and they must be registered and disclose their members. The country is actually number three on the Open Doors World Watch List, as believers who do not belong to the official denominations have sometimes disappeared without trace, and face detention, torture, forced recanting as a condition of release, and other ill-treatment, according to the State Department. Colombia Colombia is a nominally Christian country, and it has protections for religious freedom in its constitution. But this doesn't mean that Christians don't face significant pressures primarily in areas where gangs, guerrillas and criminals have the power. Christians have been threatened and killed for preaching the gospel. The US Religious Freedom report says that pastors often don't report crimes of harassment and extortion, for fear of retribution and also due to pacifist beliefs. Jordan Jordan is well known as one of the more tolerant of the Middle Eastern countries, and it has Christians in senior roles within the country. Its constitution protects freedom of belief, though Islam is officially the state religion. However the US Religious Freedom report states that converts from Islam to Christianity have been questioned by police and can face discrimination and violence. Aleppo: Church provides hope to Christians and Muslims amid the carnage A Jesuit priest in Aleppo has described how the Catholic Church is continuing to help those remaining in Syria's city despite an upsurge of intense fighting that in recent weeks has killed scores, displaced thousands and cut water and power to up to two million people on both sides of the front line. As rebel forces pushed forward to seize the city, Fr Ziad Hilal told the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): "I couldn't sleep well there because all the night we heard the bombardment and the fighting between the groups." But, he said, the Church has stepped in to help feed the hungry many of whom are Muslims at the Missionaries of Mary facility in Aleppo. "We have a big kitchen, this kitchen was sponsored by ACN and other associations, and a lot of people who come we give about 7,500 meals every day," he said. "It is a lot, and the team is a Muslim and Christian team, and a lot of the people who benefit from these meals are Muslims." The priest said that despite the siege, there was "hope" as the Church continues to carry out weddings, baptisms and even daily mass. "On one side things are dark, things are sad on the other hand we see the activities of the Church there and how the people, especially the Christian associations are helping. These provide a sign of hope. Our mission is important there." Fr Hilal added that "from midnight until morning it is black a dark city nothing happens" in Aleppo. Electricity was highly limited, he said, with generators giving people no more than two hours of electricity a day. "Without electricity we couldn't have warmth and a lot of people couldn't go to their job also and the city [is] divided between two sides: Between the opposition and the government, then people couldn't move from one side to the other side," he said. "And a lot of people couldn't go from here to there, from there to here, to get to their jobs and so they lost their jobs, they lost their houses." Fr Hilal estimated that between 27,000-30,000 Christians around 60 per cent of Aleppo's pre-war numbers have left the city, while those who remain there are poor and desperate for work. "I met a Catholic family where three children are working in a restaurant, one is seven or eight years old, the other one is 10 years old and the third one, he is 14 years old," he said. "Their father has died, we don't know how, and their mother is also working. And the boss of the restaurant told me you see these three children are working and I couldn't tell them no it is summer now because they are helping their mother. I was choked." Fr Hilal went on: "What the people in Syria and especially in Aleppo need is security and mercy to continue their lives because it is a hard situation... It is important now to say what Pope Francis said a few days ago 'I encourage everyone young and old people to live with enthusiasm in this Year of Mercy, to overcome indifference, and firstly proclaim peace in Syria is possible. Peace in Syria is possible.' This is our cry today, that peace in Syria is possible, this is the only hope for us." Australia: Archbishop condemns 'callous cruelty' of government asylum policy The maltreatment of asylum seekers on the remote Pacific island of Nauru has been condemned by the Anglican Primate of Australia as "shocking and saddening". Reports detailing the abuse of children and adults on the island, where Australia keeps refugees and asylum seekers who attempted to travel to the mainland, were published by The Guardian newspaper yesterday. The Archbishop of Melbourne, Philip Freier, launched a stinging attack on government policy, saying the reports "paint a picture of successive Australian governments abandoning vital moral principles and treating refugees with callous cruelty to send a message of deterrence. It is always wrong to use people as a means to another end. "Yet the Government has done this under stringent secrecy, because it knows that most Australians would repudiate such appalling maltreatment." He offered the Church's help, saying: "The Anglican Church of Australia, which already has several programs helping refugees, has indicated before that it stands ready to help in any way it can. I repeat this offer today. "We have also repeatedly asked the government to end the cruel detention, especially of children, in these centres. It must act now in a morally responsible manner and move the asylum-seekers onshore." The Guardian's revelations, which contain graphic reports of sexual assault, child abuse and self-harm, were dismissed by Australia's immigration minister Peter Dutton, who accused people of setting themselves on fire in order to get to Australia. He said: "I won't tolerate any sexual abuse whatsoever. But I have been made aware of some incidents that have been reported, false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country. "Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia, and certainly some have made false allegations in an attempt to get to Australia." Calais camp charities win court case to keep providing food for refugees Attempts by French authorities to close down services at the Calais 'Jungle' refugee camp were rejected by a local court today, as numbers in the camp reach an all-time high. A judge at the Administrative Court of Lille ruled against the closure of the shops and restaurants at the migrant camp outside the French port, dubbed the "Calais Jungle". The shops included an outreach and 'safe space' for unaccompanied young people at the site. The court's decision said the attempt to close the shops was "understandable" but that other factors were more pressing. Help Refugees, a charity offering practical support to people in the camp, said it is "delighted" at the result. "This ruling means that people's dignity and hunger will not be exacerbated even further than they already are," it said. The ruling said that the shops and cafes were needed by the people there, and removing them would reduce living standards still further. Help Refugees warned that the camp is running low on food, and that people are reporting that they are hungry for the first time. The charity also announced its latest census figures for people at the camp, the highest yet: 9,106 people, an increase of 29 per cent since early July. It also said that there are 865 children living in the Jungle 78 per cent of them on their own. As reported by Christian Today earlier this week, the Prefect of Pas-de-Calais was trying to close down 72 traders who they said are illegally operating on the site in Calais. But this included the "Jungle Books" kids cafe, run by British former teacher Mary Jones. She says it serves around 200 children and offers a space for legal asylum advice, English and French lessons, and therapeutic help as well as food. "It's wonderful, it's unbelievable," said Jones of the ruling. "The judge might never have set foot in the jungle, but he obviously understood how much more difficult life would have been for the refugees if the restaurants and shops were closed. Everyone needs a place where they can just sit down and be normal, watch television." She warned that there is likely to continue to be continued problems with authorities there is the possibility of an appeal and the police may still investigate the conditions at the camp. Recently police came and seized equipment from the cafe, which led to it only being able to offer one meal a day rather than two. A petition had reached nearly 170,000 signatures before the decision was made. Christian Today has reported on the disappearance of children from the camp, and the evidence of rape and abuse of boys living there. The International Business Times has previously interviewed some of the young people who used the Kid's Cafe about what it means to them. "I like this place for studying," said 15-year old Abid from Afghanistan. "If they close it, we will definitely fight with the police again. We will complain. We come from Afghanistan to study; closing this place is not okay." Mohammed, 16, said the Kids Cafe "is very good because they helped me get in contact with my father. It's a place where we can talk about our problems with each other. Outside [in the rest of the Jungle] there are only big men. In here we are safe." Help Refugees posted on Facebook: "The restaurants and shops are a source of food, a space for the vulnerable, and a community space somewhere that you could sit and talk over a cup of tea in a safe environment. Forcibly removing this positive aspect of life in the camp at a time when the number of residents is increasing so rapidly is seriously affecting our ability to provide even one meal a day for everyone." Christian woman in Middle East tells Western Christians: Don't pray for end to persecution There is a reason behind the Christian persecution in the Middle East, and this is why a Christian woman, who goes by the name "Maryam," hopes Christians from the West will stop praying for an end to the persecution. Maryam was encouraged by a group of six pastors and ministry leaders from the United States to travel to America and share her story, according to The Christian Post. This past Sunday, she visited MeadowBrook Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama and told her story. She said her father was sentenced to six months in prison after he complained to the police about a Muslim man blocking the entrance to his store. The Muslim man even threatened to kill her father and disfigure his daughters with acid. "I will let you and your sister be orphans," Maryam recalled the Muslim man's threats. When his father first complained to the police, he was told to forgive the Muslim man. But after Maryam's father was assaulted, the police allowed him to file a case. But the Muslim man managed to convince the police that it was Maryam's father who attacked him. Thus, Maryam's father was the one sent to jail instead of his Muslim assailant. As for herself, Maryam said she faced physical assault when she travelled to the airport going to the U.S. Maryam did not wear traditional Muslim garb, much to the displeasure of the men. "I was walking in the street and behind me there was three guys and they started to insult me and things like that. I just kept walking. They held these small stones and they started to throw it on me," she said. "They shouted in a loud voice, 'Cover your hair!' That is what I am seeing. It's daily life. Everyday we are facing situations and it is very hard." Maryam said these were just minor examples of the struggles faced by Middle Estern Christians. "The persecution is getting worse and worse and worse," Maryam said. "But on the other hand actually, what has encouraged me, encouraged my faith, encouraged my church, encouraged everybody Christian in [the region] is that the Church is increasing." When Muslims see the strength of Christians' convictions, they start wondering about their faith. This helps them discover the love of God for themselves. Maryam said that there are over one million Christians in her country who are "Muslim background believers." In the past five years alone, one priest even managed to convert 6,000 Muslims to Christ. "We are not afraid or worried that the persecution will increase. We are just feeling that this is God's time," Maryam said. "God is working perfectly now in the Middle East. Even with all these crazy stuff happening, God is really working now." "So, I want to encourage you that, of course, you need to pray for your brothers and sisters in the Middle East who are suffering for being Christians and for their faith, but I am asking you to pray a different prayer," she said. "Don't pray for the persecution to be stopped. But pray for the Christians there, for their boldness, their encouragement, for their faith and that they can all be witnesses for God's work and for God." Eritrea accused of staging false apology from imprisoned patriarch Reports that the imprisoned Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church has been released from house arrest following an apology have been denied by supporters. His Holiness Abune Antonios was arrested in January 2006 and deprived of his office by his Church's synod in what the other Oriental Orthodox Churches regard as a violation of ecclesiastical law. He had resisted the Eritrean government's increasing encroachment into Church affairs and its persecution of believers, which has seen the country repeatedly condemned by human rights organisations. Oriental Orthodox Pope Shenouda refused to recognise his government-appointed successor Dioskoros, who died last year. Antonios himself is in his eighties and suffers from severe diabetes. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the Eritrean Orthodox Church website published pictures of Antonios in a meeting with a delegation of monks on August 8, scholars and government officials. It also published a letter on headed notepaper saying he had apologised for any wrongs he had done. However, many observers believe the story has been concocted by government and Church authorities anxious to bring to a close an issue that has been a long-running embarrassment to both of them. CSW sources have said the the delegation had initially visited the patriarch on August 5, ostensibly to apologise for their part in his illegal removal and to begin the process of reconciliation. The Patriarch was subsequently transported to the Patriarchate in Asmara on August 8 for further discussions, and the pictures were taken at that time. The Diaspora Archdiocese of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church (North America, Europe and the Middle East) said there had been no confirmation by Antonios himself. It added: "No statement of 'reconciliation' can be taken at face value where the venue is not free from any duress and without the participation of a neutral third party. Furthermore, the synod, with the full backing of the government, cannot be the accusing party, the judge, and now the agent to declare 'reconciliation'." CSW's chief executive Mervyn Thomas said: "While any genuine initiative to reinstate Abune Antonios and reconcile the church would have been warmly welcomed, the information we have received so far suggests this report has been fabricated to deflect criticism of Eritrea's appalling human rights record by providing an illusion of progress. "In reality, the continued detention of the legitimate leader of the largest permitted Christian denomination is a clear indication of the government's obsessive determination to monitor, suppress and control every religious community. "CSW continues to call for the unconditional release and reinstatement of Abune Antonios. He is a severely diabetic octogenarian and the Eritrean Government must be held accountable for ensuring his safety and access to medication. It is vital that the international community maintains pressure on the regime until every prisoner of conscience is freed without precondition, victims of human rights violations receive redress and those responsible for the grave crimes perpetrated in the country are held to justice." Pastor's wife shares her struggles with loneliness: 'I have to fight thoughts of divorce every single day' Not even pastors are safe from unhappy marriages. A lonely pastor's wife has shared her thoughts with Dr. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, telling him that despite all of the marriage seminars they've attended, she still feels neglected. "He never schedules time for investing in our marriage and works all week in the office and then up all night on Saturdays getting his sermon ready," she shares. "He leaves early Sunday mornings for preparations for the service and, by the time he gets home in the afternoon, he's exhausted and definitely doesn't feel like doing anything active or fun with the kids and me. He just wants to veg out on the couch." Whenever she tries to tell her husband how she feels, he accuses her of "complaining" and not "following the call for my life." The pastor's wife feels so neglected, lonely, and rejected that she fights thoughts of divorce every single day. She also hates going to church because the church has become her husband's "mistress," and she has also given up on the Bible. "I'm so hopeless and feel that I'm trapped. The one place I should be able to turn to, the church, is what is killing me on the inside," she says. Nevertheless, the pastor's wife remains hopeful that their marriage can still be saved. "If anyone has a recommendation for a fair and reasonable counselor in the Houston area who is used to working discreetly with people in my and my husband's position, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm down to my last resort before bailing," she says. Rainer says he shared the wife's message as a "caution for all of us in vocational ministry." He asks people to pray for the hurting woman, noting that it is always heartbreaking to hear of a failing marriage. Roman Catholics seek unity with Protestants 499 years after the Reformation With the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation in 2017, Catholic Bishops in Germany have reached out to Protestants. They've released a new report, which speaks warmly about Martin Luther the founder of the German Reformation while also addressing some of the key theological disputes between Catholics and Lutherans. Bishop Gerhard Feige said the "Catholic Church may recognize today what was important in the Reformation namely, that Sacred Scripture is the center and standard for all Christian life." Given that this was one of the main disputes at stake during the schism, this is a major olive branch from the Catholic Bishops. He also said, "Connected with this is Martin Luther's fundamental insight that God's self-revelation in Jesus Christ for the salvation of the people is proclaimed in the Gospel that Jesus Christ is the center of Scripture and the only mediator." The role of Scripture and the perception that Catholics thought there were others who mediated between humans and God (than Jesus) were two of the major dividing lines between Protestants and Catholics for centuries. With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation approaching, ecumenical efforts are stepping up. There have already been theological and doctrinal agreements between the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Church over the last 40 years. Now though, it seems both churches (who between them claim more than half of all Germans as members) are preparing to put on a show of unity. The role of Martin Luther is important. Having been a Catholic Priest, he was denounced as a heretic when he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg (the event from 499 years ago which will be commemorated in 2017). Now, though, the document describes him as, "a religious pathfinder, Gospel witness and teacher of the faith." Russia announces war games after accusing Ukraine of terrorist plot Vladimir Putin summoned his security council and the Russian Navy announced war games in the Black Sea a day after the Russian president accused Ukraine of trying to provoke a conflict over Crimea, which Moscow seized and annexed in 2014. The belligerent posture heightened worries in Ukraine that Russia may plan to ramp up fighting in a war between Kiev and pro-Russian eastern separatists that had been de-escalated by a shaky peace process. Using some of his most aggressive rhetoric against Kiev since the height of the war two years ago, Putin has pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine, which he accused of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. Ukraine has called the accusations false and says they look like a pretext for Russia to escalate hostilities. Such an escalation could be used by Putin to demand better terms in the Ukraine peace process, or to inflame nationalist passions at home ahead of Russian parliamentary elections next month. The Russian leader met his top military and intelligence service brass on Thursday and reviewed "scenarios for counter-terrorism security measures along the land border, offshore and in Crimean air space," the Kremlin said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he had ordered all Ukrainian units near Crimea and in eastern Ukraine onto the highest state of combat readiness. He was seeking to urgently speak to Putin, the leaders of France and Germany, US Vice President Joe Biden and European Council President Donald Tusk. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States was extremely concerned and called on both sides to reduce tension and rhetoric. In New York, the UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting at Ukraine's request to discuss the growing tensions. Ukrainian UN Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko warned that Russia had amassed more than 40,000 troops in the region and said the build-up could reflect "very bad intentions". Oleh Slobodyan, a spokesman for the Ukrainian border guards, said he had observed an increase in Russian military activity in northern Crimea in recent days after heavier fighting in eastern Ukraine. "These troops are coming with more modern equipment and there are air assault units," he told a news briefing in Kiev. The Russian Defence Ministry said its navy whose Black Sea Fleet is based in Crimea would start to hold exercises in the area to practise repelling underwater attacks by saboteurs. There were reports on Thursday evening that the authorities had cut off Internet access in northern Crimea close to Ukraine. Putin's play Russia says it caught infiltrators after at least two armed clashes on the border between Crimea and Ukraine over the weekend, and one of its soldiers and an FSB security service employee were killed. Kiev denies the events ever happened. Whatever the truth, the allegations have already scuppered planned talks about eastern Ukraine slated for the sidelines of a G20 summit in China next month. Putin said such talks would now be "pointless". In an editorial, the Russian newspaper Vedomosti said escalation was a proven Kremlin tactic ahead of negotiations. Putin was trying either to alter or to tear up the Minsk peace process, named for the Belarus capital where truces were hammered out for the war in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region. "Events in Donbass in 2014-15 showed that the Kremlin tactic is to raise the stakes before negotiations. The main political question now is what will happen to the Minsk process. Will Russia break away from it or will it demand new concessions?" the newspaper wrote. "Putin in his rhetoric has returned to the start of 2014. Once again, he does not deem the Ukrainian authorities legitimate." Volodymyr Fesenko, a political analyst in Ukraine, said he thought the Kremlin had its own revised peace plan for eastern Ukraine up its sleeve. "Putin will scare the West with the prospect of full-scale conflict with Ukraine," he said. "He is trying to increase pressure on Kiev to force Ukraine to accept a Russian plan to resolve the conflict in the east. "Putin won't go all out for a big war. But there might be pinpoint military operations against radicals whose bases are located near the border with Crimea." Putin's aims The European Union and the United States have tied the success of talks under the Minsk process to any possible decision to lift financial sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine crisis. But Moscow has grown increasingly frustrated by the talks and by what it says is Ukraine's refusal to fulfil the terms of the truce. Kiev for its part says Moscow is the one that is still stirring tensions among pro-Russian separatists. Escalating tension over Crimea could give Putin a pretext to abandon talks altogether, or demand changes to their format and terms, while holding out the prospect of a full-scale renewal of hostilities if he doesn't get what he wants. It could also help rally Russians ahead of the parliamentary vote, in which the main pro-Kremlin United Russia Party might struggle to win as many votes as usual because of an economic slump caused by low oil prices as well as the sanctions. "While polls show United Russia doing okay (60 per cent support), Putin never likes to take chances with domestic politics," Timothy Ash, a strategist at Nomura Bank, wrote in a note. "(He) will want to impress on the Russian electorate his own strength and how lucky they are to be Russian citizens as perhaps compared to their Ukrainian counterparts." The imbroglio also gives Crimea's pro-Russian authorities an excuse for their failure to raise living standards since Russia took over. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed prime minister, told state TV he blamed the Ukrainian incursions on the US State Department. Putin may also hope instability in Ukraine can feed into the US presidential election campaign, where Republican candidate Donald Trump accuses President Barack Obama's administration of incompetence and has called for better ties with Moscow. Putin may yet hope to cut a deal on both Ukraine and Syria, the two big issues of contention with Washington, before Obama exits. What actually happened in and around Crimea at the weekend remains disputed. US ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said Washington had so far seen nothing to corroborate Russia's version. A spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini also said there had been no independent confirmation. Russia's Kommersant newspaper on Thursday cited unnamed security sources as saying a group of men Russia had arrested for planning attacks had confessed to seeking to destroy Crimea's tourist industry by bombing resorts. The sources told Kommersant two of seven saboteurs in one group had been killed and five captured. Russian state TV on Thursday evening broadcast footage of one of the detained men being interrogated by the FSB security service. The man, whose name was given, said he had been part of a group of saboteurs working for Ukrainian military intelligence and that they had planned to blow up a ferry, an oil refinery and a chemical factory among other targets. State TV aired footage of what it said was the saboteurs' weapons cache showing a large number of mines, grenades and improvised explosive devices laid out on the floor. In Ukraine, the detained man's brother had earlier said he thought his brother had been kidnapped as part of "a big game". Sudan: Christian pastors may face death sentence over espionage charges Two pastors have been charged with national security crimes in Sudan, despite little evidence, giving further indication of increased persecution against Christians in the country. The charges come despite "evidence that would not justify an arrest, let alone a conviction", according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a Christian charity that advocates for those facing persecution. Rev Abduraheem and Rev Shamal were arrested in December last year, although Shamal had been released until May. Their lawyers have previously expressed concern at their conditions in the jail, stating that they are in small rooms, with limited ventilation and intermittent electricity. The range of crimes they are charged with include espionage, propogating false news articles and waging war against the state. However, CSW says that the charges relate to just being associated with, and trying to help, the student Abdulmonem Abdumawla who is charged alongside the two pastors. Recently students have been targeted by the Sudanese government, and there has been violent suppression of demonstrations. Abdumawla had been raising money for a student who was badly burned during a demonstration, which appears to have drawn the attention of the authorities. CSW said Abduraheem was arrested because he had donated money to the student's medical care, while Shamal faces charges just for being friends with his fellow pastor. The arrests follow a number of other arrests of Christians in the country. Last year, Rev Yat Michael and Rev Peter Yen were released after similar charges had been filed against them, which drew the attention of human rights campaign group Amnesty International as well as Christian persecution charities. Since the secession of South Sudan in 2011, Sudan's President Omar al Bashir has repeatedly called for Shariah law to be imposed in the country. He is currently indicted by the International Criminal Court for genocide in Darfur. "We are deeply concerned to learn of the serious charges levelled against Reverend Hassan Abduraheem and Mr Abdulmonem Abdumawla simply for seeking to assist with medical expenses, and against Reverend Kuwa Shamal merely for being a Christian and a friend of Reverend Abduraheem," said CSW's chief executive Mervyn Thomas. "These innocent men now face the possibility of a death sentence on evidence that would not justify an arrest, let alone a conviction, given its paucity." Trump tells evangelicals: 'Christians have been silenced' Donald Trump yesterday said "Christians have been silenced like a child" when addressing 700 evangelical pastors and their spouses at the Florida gathering of the American Renewal Project (ARP). "You have to get the people in your churches to get out and vote," the Republican presidential nominee told the Pastors and Pews conference. "It's not like you represent two per cent of the country. Can you imagine if all your people started calling the local congressman or senator?" Trump, who has been criticised in Republican circles in recent days for escalating his rhetoric, repeated his accusation that the President and his Democratic rival are the "co-founders" of Islamic State. "Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are the founders of ISIS," he said. "These are bad people with bad judgment, we have an incompetent leader." Trump repeatedly promised to repeal the Johnson amendment which prohibits churches from using their tax-exempt resources to promote political candidates. The Republican candidate appealed for prayers. "Pray for me. I pray for you," he said. "This will be an election that will go down in the history books. For evangelicals, for Christians, for everybody of religion. This may be the most important election that our country has ever had. So go out and spread the word." Trump also joked about Heaven, claiming that a successful term in the White House may be his only way to salvation. "And once I get in, I will do my thing that I do very well. And I figure it is probably, maybe the only way I'm going to get to Heaven," he said. "So I better do a good job." Trump's attempted joke was met with a chuckle but his speech received a standing ovation from the Christian leaders. A pastor flanked by former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee then led prayers for Trump. "God, we are asking you now for renewed strength and wisdom, and protection over the Trump family and all those who are connected to them," he said. "I pray, Lord, that you give them clarity and wisdom. I pray, Lord, that you give them a new revelation of the work of the cross and the power of the Resurrection... We ask, Lord, for a manifestation of your presence that is so real, that Lord, he [Trump] will hear from you with clarity and precision, Lord, we know this is a critical juncture for the battle of the soul of this nation. And we believe that the heart of this nation is in your church. May you awaken the hearts of the nation your church for a healing of the soul of this nation. God, we ask you to go before the Trumps and be their guard." Turkey bans Christian pilgrims from ancient monastery Turkish authorities have cancelled an annual service at the historic Panagia Sumela monastery near the Black Sea town of Trabzon, raising fears among Orthodox believers that it may be permanently banned. The monastery is built into a rock face 1,200 metres high and was founded in AD 386 in the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. It was abandoned in 1923 after forced population exchanges between Greece and Turkey led to the evacuation of the city's Christian population and became derelict. However, annual services resumed in 2010 and a restoration programme began. The monastery was closed for a year last September for renovation work in order for it to qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was to lead the service, has been told the works mean the August 15 service cannot take place. However, according to the Pappas Post news service, sources within the Patriarchate of Constantinople believe the ban may become permanent and that Christian worship may never take place in the monastery again. The annual service has seen hundreds of Greeks, many of them descendants of those who lived in the region before the 'exchange of populations', return as pilgrims. Fears that the ban will be permanent come amid increasing pressure on Turkey's Christians following the attempted military coup against the regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Some Turkish media outlets have suggested that Patriarch Bartholomew was complicit in the coup. Watch the brand new Star Wars: Rogue One trailer (or: the call of Jesus, in two minutes) Star Wars prequels are rubbish, right? Well, maybe not. The trailer for the film series' new spinoff has just been released, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story looks like it has absolutely nailed the iconic look and feel of the original trilogy, just like last year's The Force Awakens. Suddenly, the slightly pensive fan community has united in a collective shout of "I'm in". As you'll note from the trailer below it's not hard to see why. The plot, about a team of rebels dispatched to steal the plans for the Death Star in the days before Episode IV: A New Hope, has allowed British director Gareth Edwards to interweave plenty of classic references and characters with brand new ideas. But while there's a new storyline and plenty of new faces, it seems from this two-minute window into Rogue One that Star Wars can't help itself from telling the same basic story: of a universe faced with rising evil, and a band of spiritually-inspired rebels hanging on to the belief that they can defeat it against all odds. Like almost every one of its predecessors, it looks as if Rogue One is going to provide a pretty good allegory for the Christian faith. In fact, even the trailer itself seems to do a good job of illustrating the Christian life. Here are just a few of the highlights, what they might mean for Star Wars fans, and how they seem to intersect rather well with a Christian view of the world... "The world is coming undone" The portentous tone of the trailer suggests that things are about to get pretty bad for the good people of the universe, who are suddenly living in the shadow of the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. There's a sense in the words of Forrest Whittaker's character Saw Gerrera that hope is almost lost; it's the sort of almost overwhelming darkness that the Bible describes in John 1:5. Fortunately in both the Bible and the Star Wars universe, there an unvanquishable light shining within it. "I fear nothing; all is as the force wills it" Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) refers to the spiritual thread in the Star Wars universe, the Holy-Spirit-like force which empowers and guides the followers of the light. Not only does he display faith in a guiding power outside of himself, he also surrenders his fears as a result. That chimes with Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:7: "for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control." "There isn't much time... every day they grow stronger" There's a huge urgency to the rebel cause; the evil Empire's 'kingdom' is advancing day by day. The Bible puts the same equation a different way round, but is no less urgent: "Repent," says Jesus, "for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2), while at the very end of the Bible, John writes that Jesus says "Yes, I am coming quickly" (Revelation 22:20). As a result, in both 'universes' the protagonists need to get on with the job at hand, whether that's undermining the Death Star or making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). "This is our chance to make a real difference" Rogue One is a brilliant idea a relatively small story which takes place in the background of the main narrative and helps to set up the events of the 'bigger' movies. As Felicity Jones' lead character Jyn Erso puts it, this is a group of normal people's opportunity to have a say in the future of the whole universe. In a way, that's exactly the offer made by Jesus to his followers. In a world searching for significance and purpose, that's a vital message that perhaps we don't share often enough. "Are you with me?" Finally, Jones' character asks a question of her friends, but also of the movie-going public, many of whom have been on the fence about whether Disney-produced Star Wars spin-offs could really work. Are they with her? Are we? It's exactly the question that Jesus asks of all of us: do we want to join him in the adventure of a lifetime, making a real difference and facing down the rising darkness in our world? Like so many other people, I was unsure about Rogue One. The trailer has given me plenty of reasons to feel excited not just that Edwards has created a compelling new entry into the Star Wars universe, but that he's about to present us with a fantastic illustration of exactly the sort of Christian message that millions of Star Wars fans could respond to. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is released in December 2016. Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders A woman accused in an alleged drunk driving accident that took the life of a rookie Pearland Police officer has been indicted by a Brazoria County Grand Jury. Amber Orleans Willemsen, 30, was formally charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony, last Thursday. The charges stem from a horrific two-car accident on Broadway near Country Club Road on Sunday, June 12. According to court records, Trooper Darien Norman with the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived at the scene around 3:30 a.m. and was greeted by Pearland Fire Department and EMS workers. Pearland Police Sergeant Adam Carroll spoke with Trooper Norman and Willemsen. Based upon the evidence, investigators suspect Willemsen veered across several lanes and slammed into the side of a police patrol car being driven by 30-year-old Endy Ekpanya, who had served less than one year with the Pearland Police Department. Following the crash, firefighters had to extract both drivers from their vehicles. Officer Ekpanya was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Willemsen was loaded into an ambulance to be taken to the same hospital. According to court documents, when Trooper Norman interviewed Willemsen at the hospital he noticed a strong smell of alcohol. She also reportedly slurred her speech and her eyes were glassy and red, he reported. She had a bloody gash on her knee and claimed to have no memory of the accident. Willemsen, who lives in Harris County in a subdivision just outside Friendswood, told Trooper Norman she was on her way to a friend's house in Friendswood. She reportedly admitted to drinking a beer and two cocktails while working her Sunday night shift at the Ritz Gentleman's Club at 10520 Gulf Freeway in Houston between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. During the time Willemsen was being interviewed, Officer Ekpanya was pronounced dead at 3:56 a.m. in another part of the hospital. At the end of the interview Willemsen was placed under arrest on charges of Intoxication Manslaughter of a Peace Officer. A blood search warrant was obtained and a specimen of Willemsen's blood was taken according the court records. Willemsen is also facing felony charges of drug possession in connection with an incident two weeks earlier when a caller phoned 911 to report a woman was passed out on the sidewalk of a quiet southeast Harris County neighborhood. According to Harris County Sheriff's Department records, a deputy was dispatched around 3:30 a.m. and found Willemsen passed out on the sidewalk at 2512 Harvest Cove Dr. The deputy who interviewed the woman wrote in his report that she smelled like alcohol and her speech was slurred. She tried to stand, but stumbled and could barely walk. After a brief interview, the deputy arrested Willemsen for Public Intoxication less than a block from her home. Inside the woman's purse, the deputy would later discover a razor, a small straw and a clear zip-lock baggie containing 3.8 grams methamphetamines according to court records. Willemsen was booked into the Harris County Jail. on felony charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Harris County Court records show Willemsen had a prior criminal record and had served a two year probation sentence in connection with a drunk driving charge in 2012. After posting a $5,000 bond, she was released from jail a few hours later. Willemsen is being held at the Brazoria County Jail on a $150,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear before Brazoria County Judge Terri Holder for an arraignment hearing on Sept. 13. Her trial is currently scheduled for Dec. 19. David J. Phillip/STF United Continental Holdings' flight attendants ratified a joint contract Friday allowing employees of its two predecessor carriers to work together on the same planes for the first times since the United-Continental merger in 2010. The Association of Flight Attendants voted 53 percent in favor of the five-year deal that will increase the top pay rate by as much as 31 percent. Workers with at least 13 years experience will earn as much as $62 an hour in base pay. The pact also improves job security provisions and protects retirement benefits, according to a news release. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Months after his recent arrest, stories of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's escapes from prisons continue to fascinate. One that has caught recent attention is El Chapo's alleged conjugal visits while he was sentenced to 20 years at the Puente Grande Federal Prison in Guadalajara, where he allegedly ingested Viagra daily. READ MORE: 13 tons of cocaine linked to Sinola cartel found inside barrels of hot sauce According to the news site Blog del Narco, CNN aired a special on El Chapo in Spanish on Sunday detailing the hunt for the famed drug lord. The special highlighted he was sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection to the May 1993 death of Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo. According to Blog del Narco, El Chapo quickly overtook the prison and "consumed Viagra to have sex all day. He received visits from his wife, prostitutes and had sex with other women in prison." READ MORE: Beauty queen wife of drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman visits him in prison near Texas border Business Insider reports El Chapo had so much control of the prison that he was able to move three female prisoners into the maximum security, all male prison. El Chapo reportedly had a relationship with one of the women, named Zulema, but eventually broke it off. According to Business Insider, Zulema was "passed around to his friends in the prison" and was forced to have two abortions while she was in the prison. Guzman was rearrested in Mexico in January. He's now in a prison just outside of Ciudad Juarez, near the U.S.-Mexico border. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Florida man is prohibited from ordering pizza after making numerous fraudulent calls to restaurants. Randy Riddle, 49, of Sebastian is charged with four counts of harassing phone calls, two counts of first-degree petty theft and count of second-degree petty theft, according to the TC Palm. READ MORE: Affidavit: Texas Chick-fil-A supervisor stole more than $100,000 over 3 years from restaurant The newspaper reports Riddle made numerous calls for delivery to various pizza places in June and refused to pay for them. According to TC Palm, Riddle would make the calls for delivery to vacant or fake addresses. When he did get pizza, he would call businesses to complain about the quality. Businesses told investigators that they lost at least $667 in unpaid pizzas, according to the newspaper. TC Palm reports Riddle's affidavit states, "Defendant shall refrain from calling any pizza establishment and/or making any harassing calls or his bond shall be revoked." READ MORE: Police: Man skips out on bill, tries to hit pizzeria worker To make sure other businesses don't fall for Riddle's scheme, police have posted warnings about Riddle and urged restaurants to call officers if he contacts them, according to the newspaper. Riddle was arrested Aug. 1. He posted $5,500 bail out of the Indian River County Jail. If your nose detects a familiar charred flavor in the air (and we don't mean barbecue) then you've probably guessed that Hatch chile season is upon us. Supermarkets throughout the city will be roasting fresh Hatch chile throughout the brief window of the green chile season which typically runs from August through early September. The same stores also will most likely be selling green chile products such as green chile tortillas, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, green chile hummus, sausage and guacamole. Dear Abby: I have been divorced for a year and have two boys, ages 8 and 9. During this time, my ex-husband has introduced three different women to my children and recently introduced them to a new girlfriend he has been seeing for a few weeks. The first day that they met the girlfriend, he had the kids spend the night at her place. The woman has a 9-year-old son of her own. I do not find this appropriate. When I confronted my ex, he insisted that there is no problem with it. How long do you recommend someone wait before introducing children to the person he/she is dating? Am I wrong to be concerned about this? Caring Mom in Kansas Dear Caring Mom: Unless your ex is trying to teach his sons that relationships are revolving doors, he should slow down the traffic. They need to spend time with their father, not their father plus one. Occasionally having a female friend join him and the boys is all right, provided they understand she's just a friend. But he shouldn't have been diluting the time he was spending with the boys during this first year to the extent that he has because it sends the wrong message. Dear Abby: My lesbian friend, "Giselle," broke up with her significant other, whom she met over the internet. They actually have never met in person because her girlfriend, "Samantha," lives in Canada, but Giselle says they were soul mates. Samantha has moved on and now has another sweetheart, but Giselle won't move on. It has been many months and Giselle is still trapped in this bubble of sadness. She won't stop talking about how much she loves Samantha. I kept reassuring her everything would be OK and maybe she would find somebody else like her internet friend did. After a few months, she became angry and accused me of not being supportive of her trying to get Samantha back. She also accused me of not understanding "what girl-to-girl love is," which makes no sense, considering that I'm bi. This has been going on for nearly a year. Should I back off, or must I continue to be supportive? Trying to be Supportive Dear Trying: Giselle is angry at you not because you haven't been supportive, but because she's upset her feelings for Samantha aren't returned. This is called "displaced anger," and you happen to be the nearest target. Your life will be a lot more pleasant if you step out of the picture until Giselle figures out for herself that her romance has fizzled and decides for herself to move on. DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Houston school board voted Thursday to fire the principal of Sharpstown High School, lauded for his education reform efforts but dogged by criminal charges and other allegations of wrongdoing on his campus. Rob Gasparello was hired in June 2010 to improve the long-struggling high school as part of then-Superintendent Terry Grier's signature turnaround effort, called Apollo. In praise of Gasparello's work, the local nonprofit Children at Risk this year honored Sharpstown High as an academic standout among campuses that serve mostly low-income students. Yet Gasparello and his staff have been the subject of various allegations of wrongdoing. The school board did not publicly discuss Gasparello's termination, and district spokesman Jason Spencer declined comment. Trustee Greg Meyers, whose district includes the southwest Houston campus, abstained from the vote. "I stand by the outstanding work being done at Sharpstown High school by our wonderful team of teachers, support staff and administrators," Gasparello said in a written statement Thursday before the vote. "Our school is a place of hope, trust and opportunity and is supported by so many local, state and national organizations who understand the difference we are making for kids of poverty." Gasparello declined to comment on his termination. In November 2013, Gasparello and two of his assistant principals were charged with failure to report suspected child abuse after students said a teacher inappropriately touched them. The district reassigned the administrators off campus for nearly a year, but prosecutors later agreed to a deal and dropped the charges. Texas law requires reporting child-abuse allegations to the proper authorities. Gasparello's attorney, Rusty Hardin, argued at the time that the principal followed the spirit of the law, contacting the students' families and his supervisors. In February 2015, Gasparello again was reassigned off campus following allegations he hit four students and kicked two of them out of school. District police cleared Gasparello of any criminal wrongdoing, and he was allowed to return to the job. More than a year later, a math tutor at Sharpstown High, Aldo Leiva, was charged in May 2016 with possession of child pornography. Leiva is the brother of Silvio Leiva, one of the Sharpstown assistant principals previously charged with Gasparello for failure to report suspected child abuse in an unrelated matter. In another instance, an HISD investigation found that a Sharpstown High business manager likely altered invoices to skirt a $1,000 spending cap for charges made with a district credit card, according to a January 2016 memo from an HISD auditor. The auditor, however, could not determine if the principal authorized the spending. In recent months, Gasparello was outspoken about the effect of proposed budget cuts at his campus. Earlier this summer, the school board ended Grier's Apollo reform program, which funded tutors and longer hours at select campuses. Instead, the board spread the funding among more schools, targeting those with the highest concentrations of low-income students. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two brothers accused of selling Kush and other illegal drugs out of three Houston smoke shops will remain in jail on $400,000 bail, a judge ruled Friday. If they do make bail, state District Judge Jan Krocker signed orders barring 42-year-old Minh Dang and 46-year-old Tuan from working in similar shops. Minh Dang, known to the clerks of his stores as "Mike," appeared before the judge in an orange jail uniform. Tuan Dang, known as "Josh," was still going through the intake process at the jail. Both were arrested with four store clerks this week after a massive investigation that included GPS trackers on the brothers' vehicles and investigators digging through the brothers' trash. The clerks were arrested on minor charges, with the brothers' alleged criminal enterprise as the main target. Both men have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity after prosecutors said they built a small empire selling synthetic drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids and increasing amounts of synthetic Viagra, at their smoke shops. Assistant Harris County District Attorney Lance Long detailed a long investigation apparently engineered to not only charge the brothers with crimes but seize the assets bought by the proceeds. The Harris County Attorney's Office and the Texas Attorney General Office is also involved in filing asset forfeiture lawsuits against two men. Investigators seized of hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets, including 30 gold bars. Authorities said the smoke shops reportedly supplied some of the drugs responsible for the June overdoses in an area of Hermann Park known as Kush Corner. Last month, a Chronicle investigation found growing use of the synthetic drug - and at least five deaths - in the Houston area. The drugs, sometimes incorrectly known as synthetic marijuana, are a mixture of leaves covered with chemicals to synthesize the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. In addition to synthetic marijuana, they are sold under the names Spice and K2. Because the chemical compounds continue endlessly changing, it has been difficult to prosecute cases for selling or possessing the drugs until recent legislation. Norm Silverman, a defense lawyer for Minh Dang, argued in court several points of law, including that it was not a crime before the new law went into effect in September. After hearing his arguments, Krocker set the matter for a hearing in 10 days. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has said authorities are focusing on the people profiting from the illegal drugs. brian.rogers@chron.com twitter.com/brianjrogers A long-time Santa Claus performer from Corpus Christi was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography. The punishment was handed down after a hearing that included a federal agent's testimony about Reynaldo Ramirez's depravity and wrath. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Video has surfaced on YouTube of an opponent of the proposed Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line shouting "remember Pearl Harbor" during a recent protest. In the 17-second clip, you can see a representative talking to the crowd from a podium. (See the video below.) "To the Japanese government, thank you for your interest in Texas, but we prefer you to peddle your obsolete technology elsewhere," the man says as the crowd starts to laugh and cheer. "I encourage you to explore your resources in a place where private property rights are not held in high regard." Then a woman who sounds to be middle age calmly says "Remember Pearl Harbor." We wonder if any protesters drove over to the event in a Honda? The residents of rural areas between Houston and Dallas aren't fond of the plans for the train due to the possibility of eminent domain being enforced in order to lay down the railways. SEE ALSO: Routes for the proposed bullet train "Eminent domain is not justified due to the lack of public benefit that would be achieved or might be achieved by this project," Ben Leman, chairman of Texans Against High-Speed Rail, told the Dallas Morning News back in March. More recently, Central Japan Railway Co. revealed plans to open a station in Dallas earlier this summer. The station would employ approximately 20 people. Other opponents of the train surmise that it would actually be more expensive for a family to travel to Dallas due to the per-ticket cost of riding a train, versus what it costs to fill up your car. Last year, the developer of Dallas-Houston rail line distributed a flier to debunk myths surrounding the train. Read more about it in the gallery above. A north Texas man went for a taco run in the most Texas way possible - - by horseback. Lathan Crump of Commerce hoofed it on his horse Hollywood to Taco Bell after the Commerce rodeo Saturday, according to Fox 4. Leaders of the Masjid al-Sahaabah mosque in Watauga, Texas, have grown accustomed to receiving several threatening voice mails on their answering machine each week. Normally, the messages are deleted and quickly forgotten at the mosque near Fort Worth. But a message that arrived one recent afternoon was different. The caller identified himself as a local Army veteran and a Christian who was "armed to the teeth." Referring to Islam as a "violent religion," he accused Muslims of trying to import sharia law to the United States and called for "another Christian crusade." "We will cut all of your heads off," the caller said. "Do you understand me? All of you." RELATED GALLERY: Infamous hate crimes that have occurred in the U.S., elsewhere The message wasn't discovered until a week after it was left, Simon Vincent, the head of mosque security, told The Washington Post. Instead of deleting the recording, Vincent said, the mosque decided to report the incident to law enforcement officials and the media. "Our community is fed up with this," he said. "During Ramadan, we had someone shining a laser sight from his rifle at the mosque as well." A spokesman for the FBI's Dallas field office said the agency is working with local police and mosque officials to investigate the phone call, but he declined to comment to The Post on the specifics of the case. Vincent said investigators have told him the call was made using Google Voice and that they are attempting to track it to an IP address and a home address. "The person tried to hide, but they weren't that good," he said. Vincent, a Marine veteran, suspects that the caller was merely posing as a veteran himself. Watauga Police Chief Glen Fowler called the threatening voice mail a "significant incident" and said he has directed his staff to handle the case as a "priority investigation." "We will continue to work diligently on identifying the person responsible for this horrific phone call," Fowler said in a statement, adding: "We value our relationships with the community, of which the Islamic Center is certainly a big part." Alia Salem, executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), told The Post that the specificity of the message suggested that the caller was someone who had possibly "become radicalized." "In our assessment, this was an actionable threat," Salem told The Post. "He's identified himself as being local to the area and given specific instructions about what he would do." "The call starts off docile, but then it escalated," she added. "For us, it kind of gave us insight into the mentality of the person, which made us nervous." Such calls are not entirely shocking, Salem said, given the anti-Muslim rhetoric being spewed by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and other conservative politicians and commentators. "People think that if their lawmaker thinks or says something hateful, then that means it's okay," Salem said. "There have been no consequences for someone like Donald Trump, and he grows in popularity, which sends a clear message to people who espouse this type of bigotry." Last November, after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, announced that it had received "more reports about acts of Islamophobic discrimination, intimidation, threats, and violence targeting American Muslims (or those perceived to be Muslim) and Islamic institutions in the past week-and-a-half than during any other limited period of time since the 9/11 terror attacks." Weeks later, on Christmas Eve, Muslims in the Dallas-Fort Worth area were targeted in a violent incident. Anthony Torres is accused of opening fire on a Muslim-owned tire shop, killing one customer and injuring others, according to Fox affiliate KDFW. Torres yelled "Muslim!" during the attack and expressed anti-Muslim sentiments to police after his arrest, the Dallas Morning News reported. He has been charged with a hate crime, as well as one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault, KDFW reported. The Watauga Masjid already had armed security, but it has been bolstered since the threatening voice mail was discovered, said Naeem Agha, chairman of the mosque's board of directors. The Watauga Police Department has also implemented additional patrols in the area. Agha said the mosque - which has about 300 members and is located in a residential part of town - has received an outpouring of support, including a daily stream of visitors from the neighborhood and members of the police department, who have stopped in to express support, Agha said. Even Christian volunteers have stood guard outside the mosque, he noted. "The visitors say, 'We don't believe this person was a Christian because Christians don't do this,'" he said. "This phone call is not religion - this is a form of terrorism." A Fulshear-area family called police late Thursday night to ask help in getting what appeared to be a 10-foot alligator out of their garage. According to the police, the family first spotted the gator earlier in the evening, nestled inside the garage next to a riding lawnmower. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Word scholar W.F. Strong broke down for the Texas Standard what people from Texas cities call themselves. We know that Houston has Houstonians. San Antonians come from San Antonio. Austin is full of Austinites, old and mostly new. These terms are "demonyms," the names used to describe people who live in a particular city, state or other place. RELATED: 21 things Texans do that might be weird anywhere else Strong's audio essay goes over his recent study of demonyms, with his straight forward tone wrapping you in a warm blanket of Texas pride. You can see Strong's partial list of Texas demonyms at the Texas Standard site. RELATED: 40 photos that will fill you with Texas pride Here in the Houston area you can talk to a Pearlander about the long lines at Ronnie Killen's BBQ joint on the weekends and you might ask your mom in Katy what she and her fellow Kaytians think of Texas Typhoon. Or is it Katydids? According to Strong, those from Dallas are Dallasites and Waco residents are not Wackos (thanks a lot, David Koresh); they are actually Wacoans. Old-school Marfans are probably sick of all the hipsters who have taken over their town. RELATED: 21 awesomely weird Texas town names We feel bad for Leander residents who are, according to Strong, termed Leanderthals. Corpus Christi residents are Corpus Christians no matter what their preferred religion. Those residing in Refugio, birthplace of Nolan Ryan, are known as Refurians. Those Texas cities that share worldly names like Moscow and Paris also share those cities' demonyms of course. "No matter what we are by demonym we are collectively Texans and that to me is about the best thing in the world a person can be," Strong says at the end. A Texas woman has been hit with a $700 fine for selling tamales in the City of Carrollton. According to CBS 11, Dennise Cruz was hit with the fine because she does not have a food permit to sell the tamales in the two about 20 miles north of Dallas. When Gaye Clark prayed to God to send her daughter Anna a "godly, kind" husband, she got exactly what she asked for. Glenn was a devout Christian who volunteered at church, mentoring kids in an after-school program. By day, he worked as an applications developer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and he was well on his way to becoming "a great dad and a good provider," Clark said. Glenn was a gentleman, too. Clark noticed that he'd hold doors open for Anna, even at the grocery store. Her daughter seemed happy, she said. But there was one thing the 53-year-old mother was hung up on: Glenn was a black man with dreadlocks. Clark, a white freelance writer and cardiac care nurse from Georgia, confessed in a blog post Tuesday on the website The Gospel Coalition, or TGC, that she initially struggled with the idea of her daughter marrying an African American. In it, she explained how she ultimately came to embrace her daughter's decision, and offered some advice for parents like her to consider if they, too, are hesitant about a child's interracial marriage. The post, titled "When God Sends Your White Daughter a Black Husband," has since been taken down from the website, but not before receiving a hail of criticism from readers online, many of whom called it tone-deaf, un-Christian, and downright racist. In the post, Glenn's last name wasn't given. Clark, for her part, thought she was being open-minded. "I was proud of a wish list void of unrealistic expectations," she wrote. "But God called my bluff." Clark said she never envisioned her daughter in an interracial marriage. But after Clark saw the sparkle in Anna's eyes when she introduced her to Glenn, she came around. In her post, Clark urged parents in her situation to keep an open mind, too. Among her recommendations: be patient with bigoted family members, forge a good relationship with the groom's family, and "remember heaven's demographics." Clark also wrote that "Glenn moved from being a black man to beloved son when I saw his true identity as an image bearer of God, a brother in Christ, and a fellow heir to God's promises." However well-intentioned Clark's words were, they backfired. Beyond the intensely negative reaction on social media, Clark and her family received thousands of hateful comments and even threats from white supremacist groups, the site's editors said. On Wednesday, Clark asked TGC to remove the post, saying she was "profoundly grieved by the hurt and harm it has caused." It was taken down later in the day. She tweeted, "I have asked TGC to remove my article from their website. I am profoundly grieved over the hurt and harm it has caused. Would covet prayers." Clark wasn't immediately available for comment on Wednesday. In 2013, a record-setting 12 percent of newlyweds were married to someone of a different race, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data. More than 6 percent of all spouses were married to someone of a different race, up from less than 1 percent in 1970. About 19 percent of blacks and 7 percent of whites who got married in 2013 had spouses of a different race, according to Pew. The figure was even higher for black men, one in four of whom married someone who was not black. TGC editor Jason Cook, who is black, explained the editorial decisions that went into Clark's piece in a podcast Wednesday that was featured in the post's place. Cook said he had read the post before publication, as had Glenn and Anna. He said he also sent it to "multiple African Americans and people of color." "All these eyes that were put on this article all basically came back and said that the article itself was very helpful, that it was beautiful," Cook said in the podcast. But in light of the backlash, he said, TGC could have done a lot differently. First and foremost, Cook said, the site would have been better off inviting Glenn's mother to co-author the piece to bring in perspectives from both families and both races. Cook also acknowledged readers' concerns about Clark coming off as a "white hero," saying it "probably wasn't the best for the main discussion of such sensitive issues." "There are a lot of things we could have done better, and we're going to learn from this," he said. "We hear our brothers and sisters and we respect that." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This week, experts rained fire on Donald Trump's plan to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Several months ago, Trump released a day-by-day plan on his election website detailing what his presidency would do to compel Mexico to pay for the wall. On day one, Trump said he would propose regulations that bar persons from wiring money outside the United States without proof of "lawful presence in the United States." Trump says that these remittances to Mexico serve as "de facto welfare" for the poor families living there. By day three, if Mexico refused to pay for the wall, Trump's proposal would go into effect. But this might not be a problem for illegal immigrants. Nestor Rodriguez, a University of Texas sociology professor who studies immigrants, told Politifact that "Someone else with legal status may send the money to Mexico on behalf of the undocumented immigrant, or send money in cash with people traveling." READ MORE: Ex-Mexican president drops "F" bomb in interview about Trump's wall plan President Obama believes stopping these remittances is an impossible task, too. "The notion that we're going to track every Western Union bit of money that's being sent to Mexico, good luck with that," Obama said. If Trump's logistics did pan out, the president says it would only make things worse. "Then we've got the issues with regard to implications for the Mexican economy, which in turn, if it's collapsing, will actually send more immigrants north because they can't find jobs back in Mexico," Obama said. Trump's plan also calls for increasing fees for visas and border crossing cards, as well as enforcing trade tariffs. Trump points to the deficit between Mexico and the United States, and how reversing that deficit would help pay for the wall, too. READ MORE: Donald Trump's border wall plan gets unpacked and taken down on HBO comedy show "Trump's connection of the trade deficit with a Mexican border fence is just nonsense," Alex Nowrasteh, an expert on immigration from the Cato Institute, told Politifact in an earlier article. "Just because the Mexican economy has a trade surplus relative to the United States doesn't mean the Mexican government has the resources to build a border wall. It would be like me threatening my neighbor to build a new fence or else I'll stop shopping at Walmart." Take a look at how other countries are reacting to some of Trump's statements in the gallery above. AUSTIN -- The Travis County District Attorney's Office has begun reviewing the findings of a criminal investigation into Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller's travel, a top prosecutor said Friday. "We received the investigation (from the Texas Department of Public Safety) earlier this week," said the prosecutor, Gregg Cox, the head of Travis County's Public Integrity Unit. "It is under review." The review can take awhile, meaning that it may be another few weeks, or more, before Miller learns whether he will face charges for allegedly using taxpayer money for personal travel, including a trip to Oklahoma on which he may have received a pain-curing injection known as "The Jesus Shot." Still, the news means that there has been progress in the probe into Miller, which began in April following a series of Houston Chronicle stories about his travel. The Chronicle reported that Miller had spent $1,120 in taxpayer money on the February 2015 trip to Oklahoma and that his office had said the trip was for meetings that in reality never took place. The Chronicle also reported that Miller had used state and campaign money on a trip to Mississippi in which he competed in a rodeo and won $880 in prize money. The Texas Department of Public Safety opened an investigation in response to two complaints filed by Progress Texas, a liberal advocacy group. At the time, Miller declined to comment directly about the criminal probe other than to say the complaints amounted to "harassment by a very left-leaning liberal group." "There's no merit to it," Miller said. "That's it." The Dallas Morning News first reported the update about the probe Friday. Cox confirmed the news. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Pictures of NASA engineers covering their latest model crafts and designs in hot-pink, glow-in-the-dark paint were recently released on the agency's website. The paint, also known as Pressure-Sensitive Paint (PSP), is a staple of NASA engineering. It allows scientists to know how an aircraft interacts with air pressure derived from moving through Earth's atmosphere. READ MORE: NASA releases thousands of trippy images of Mars' surface It may sound complicated but the science behind the pink paint is simple: Scientists first coat the model with paint and then place it inside a wind tunnel. After turning on the wind tunnel, the strong air flow excites special molecules called luminphores within the paint, causing them and the paint to shine. So, technically speaking, the pink paint is more glow-in-the-air than glow-in-the-dark. But there's a catch. "Due to the nature of the paint's chemistry, oxygen molecules quench the luminophores." says Jim Banke from the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. "High-pressure areas have more oxygen, so the pink shines dimmer. Lower pressure areas have less oxygen, so the pink shines brighter." The more wind blasts at an area of the model, the less hot-pink you see. READ MORE: Check out some of NASA's unsung women heroes in Lego form Nettie Roozeboom, an aerospace engineer with NASA's Ames Research Center in California says the pink paint is great because it allows him to gather data he would not otherwise be able to get. We can only guess, but his work-space might be the best decorated in the country: "Everything that's pink ends up in my office." -- FRIDAY ATTRACTIONS Donald Trumps campaign and top Republican Party officials plan what one person called a come to Jesus meeting on Friday in Orlando to discuss the Republican nominees struggling campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the scheduled sit-down. Though a campaign source dismissed it as a typical gathering, others described it as a more serious meeting, with one calling it an emergency meeting. It comes at a time of mounting tension between the campaign and the Republican National Committee, which is facing pressure to pull the plug on Trumps campaign and redirect party funds down ballot to protect congressional majorities endangered by Trumps candidacy, per POLITICO. ** Texas Take: The Podcast Donald Trump holds it in the road, sort of, as Hillary Clinton answers new questions -- TODAY: With the first day of school looming, Texas will go to court on Friday and begin pressing its argument that the Obama administration strayed outside the law by ordering public schools to accommodate transgender students, per The Texas Tribunes Alexa Ura. >> HISD board approves $1.2 million price tag to rename schools, by the Houston Chronicles Ericka Mellon -- Ethics panel extends review of Ft. Worth congressman with car dealership, by the Chronicles Kevin Diaz The Office of Congressional Ethics found there is substantial reason to believe that Williams' personal financial interest in his auto dealership may be perceived as having influenced his performance of official duties." Ticket-splitting in Texas, by the Chronicles Bobby Cervantes In the Lone Star State, split-ticket voting could mean that Trumps margin of victory will narrow considerably when compared to GOP candidates past performance, but hell win the Electoral College votes just the same. When it comes to the state House, though, a serious concern for Democrats trying to flip a few red seats is that too many voters will reject Trump while casting ballots for their GOP state representatives. Its a trend on the national and local level that presents Democrats with a not-so-rosy picture of a post-Trump world. >> Memo: Texas Dems Have "Greatest Opportunities" in 20 Years, by The Texas Tribunes Patrick Svitek -- Two state officials lose jobs over missing birth records, by the Chrons Andrea Zelinski The missing book was "Volume 45" of an 800-book collection of birth records state officials say are kept in a vault guarded by security cameras and accessible by special key or swipe cards. The state health department says officials were not informed of the missing text until early June. The fact that you kept documentation pertaining to this incident in your desk drawer for three years indicates that you knew this was a serious matter, and suggests that you were keeping it in reserve to use when it might best suit your interests, read a letter of discipline from House. -- Trump leads Clinton in Texas, according to new poll, by the Dallas Morning News Hannah Wise Data released Thursday shows 46 percent of likely voters in Texas casting their ballots for the Republican nominee if the elections were today. Clinton had the support of 35 percent of likely voters. More than 66 percent of Texans surveyed said they view Clinton very unfavorably or somewhat favorably. The Democratic nominee was described as somewhat favorable or very favorable by 31 percent of those surveyed. -- Yet another lawsuit keeps Texas from tapping into Oklahoma lakes, rivers for drinking water, by the Dallas Morning News Jeff Mosier The 88-page settlement, which was made public Thursday afternoon, doesn't give the tribes the authority to sell water across the border. A website promoting the agreement had this answer to the question of out-of-state diversion: No. The Agreement expressly maintains the current requirement of state law that no water can be used or diverted out of state without the approval of the Oklahoma Legislature. SPEED READ Tyler hospital fight with Blue Cross and Blue Shield appears resolved, Houston Chronicle Sid Miller on what to do about Yankees ruining chili: Get a rope, Austin American-Statesman Former Bush National Security Aide: Trump is No Statesman, The Texas Tribune NY police name K-9 in honor of slain Texas officers, AP HISD board fires embattled Sharpstown High School principal, Houston Chronicle Harrold district at forefront of 2 gender-barrier issues, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Austin council gives initial OK to put $720 million bond on ballot, Austin American-Statesman Texas Tech to Begin Offering Degrees From a New Costa Rica Campus, The Texas Tribune Houston mayor backs 'Ike Dike' storm-surge protection proposal, Houston Chronicle Texting While Driving Ban Could Go Statewide Next Session, TWC News Texas Court Says Trans Man Cant Be Listed as Male on His Drivers License, Texas Observer CAPITAL DAYBOOK : No meetings scheduled RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE -- Donald Trump Laments Sliding Polls While Maintaining His Provocative Approach, by The New York Times Maggie Haberman and Nick Corasaniti Sliding in the polls, and under attack even by prominent figures in his own party, the usually self-assured Mr. Trump seemed to break character, lamenting his predicament, and even asking for help, before a group of 700 evangelical pastors and church leaders in Orlando, Fla. Were having a tremendous problem in Utah, Mr. Trump said, alluding to polls showing him in a fight with Mrs. Clinton in that normally deep-red state. Utah is different. Undeterred, Mr. Trump pressed the line of attack during a speech to the National Association of Home Builders in Miami Beach. Our government has unleashed ISIS, Mr. Trump said, drawing little response. I call President Obama and Hillary Clinton the founders of ISIS. Theyre the founders. I think Ill give Hillary Clinton most valuable player, the M.V.P. award. Her only competition is Barack Obama. >> Trump backtracks on Obama as ISIL founder: 'They don't get sarcasm?' POLITICO -- GOP donors, fearful of Trump-fueled electoral rout, direct big money down-ballot, by The Washington Posts Matea Gold and Anu Narayanswamy Some of the countrys wealthiest Republican donors are targeting Senate and House races around the country, hoping a financial firewall will protect the partys congressional majorities on Nov. 8. Their investments fuel for a record haul by super PACs this year reflect a fear prevalent throughout the party: that Trumps contentious candidacy threatens to trigger an electoral rout up and down the ballot. -- Clinton eagerly cedes the spotlight to Trump, by Politicos Eli Stokols In fact, the only additions to her standard pitch about job creation were responses to specific proposals Trump rolled out in the same city. But Clintons criticisms of the GOP nominee were notable in their cool, clipped delivery not dripping with animosity or the urgency of a candidate in an actual fight. >> Mike Pence Campaigns With an Eye on His Own Future, The New York Times >> Trump's Iraqi obsession wasn't ISIL but oil, Politico >> As Hillary Clinton goes after Donald Trump, her own email troubles undermine her attacks, Los Angeles Times The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. What They Saw In America: Alexis de Tocqueville, Max Weber, G.K. Chesterton, and Sayyid Qutb, by James L. Nolan, Jr. (Cambridge University Press, 299 pp., $29.95) In Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville strikingly observed that Americans live in perpetual adoration of themselves and that only foreigners or experience can make certain truths reach their ears. These remarks, quoted at the beginning of James Nolans impressive work on the most reflective foreign observers of American democracy, provide the point of departure for a fascinating study. Nolan examines the fruitful ambivalence that highlights the travels and reflections of three visitors to these shores who admired many features of American civilization but who also didnt hesitate to criticize important dimensions of Americanand democraticlife. Tocqueville, Weber, and Chesterton, Nolans friendly critics, were not casual tourists. They were disciplined observers of the American experiment in democratic self-government who constantly drew comparisons to their native countries (France, Germany, and England, respectively). Their work combined penetrating sociological observation with political and philosophical reflection, often of the highest order. Nolan points out the common themes that connect these visitors to America over a period of 100 years (Tocqueville traveled to America in 183132, Weber in 1904, and Chesterton in 1921 and 193031). But many of their themes and concerns were shared by an almost uniformly critical observer of America, the Egyptian Islamist Sayyid Qutb (who spent time in America from 1948 to 1950). The first three visitors were simultaneously impressed with and disquieted by what they saw in America. Qutb saw only shadows and the dissolution of the human spirit. In his view, Americans lived for the almighty dollar, had no sense of beauty, and were fundamentally estranged from nature and religion. Moreover, the happiness they pursued constantly eluded them. He saw in America only conformity and a tendency to form an agitated herd. Much of this is undoubtedly overwrought. But Nolan is struck by the fact that many of the same criticisms were made in a more balanced way by the friendly critics of America and American democracy. One doesnt have to indulge Qutbs penchant for political extremism, his one-sided hostility to Western democracy, his hatred of Zionism and Jews (which Nolan understates), or his fanciful belief that Islam will solve all the problems of modern civilization to recognize that he, too, has something to say about the limits of modern democracy. Alexis de Tocqueville was the first to identify the paradoxical tendencies of individualism, conformism, and voluntarism in American society. A self-declared friend of America and democracy, Tocqueville nonetheless described Americans conformist habits and acute sensitivities to the opinion of others. Americans always wanted praise from foreigners, as if they were searching for confirmation of their own superiority. Tocqueville worried about the tyranny of the majority (excessively assertive majorities) as well as the passivity that could accompany democratic conformism. The later visitors to America repeated these themes and concerns, in somewhat different form. Tocqueville and Chesterton were both sensitive to the paradox that excessive individualism, and disengagement from the larger society, undermined authentic individualitythe ability to withstand public opinion and the pressures of the crowd. They feared the rise of what later came to be called mass society. Tocqueville was the first to praise the American propensity to associate with othersto overcome pernicious individualism through voluntarism and collective efforts that didnt entail intervention by an obtrusive central government. This art of association, as Tocqueville called it, went hand in hand with a vigorous system of local self-government. Tocqueville admired Americans capacity to take charge of their own lives in a way that avoided the twin extremes of individualism and collectivism. Chesterton, too, praised the pro-democracy force of voluntary associations and saw in American habits of social organization a power that is the soul and success of democracy. As for political economy, Tocqueville, Weber, and Chesterton all admired the energy and industriousness of the American people. At the same time, they criticized the excesses of what Tocqueville called the mercantile spirit. Long before Weber articulated his famous thesis on The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Tocqueville noted the multiple ways Americans brought together Puritanism and the mercantile spirit. Americans, he noted, affirmed the value of religion, even as they redefined virtue in utilitarian terms (virtue was increasingly tied to self-interest and worldly success). All three visited Niagara Falls, commenting on its stunning beauty but foreseeing (Tocqueville) and lamenting (Weber, Chesterton) the degradation of the natural environment that surrounded it. Americans werent given to disinterested respect for natural beauty (a point Qutb, who lived in suburban Greeley, Colorado, reaffirmed). For his part, Chesterton was a fierce critic of industrial capitalism, though in his view, socialism was no solution to the problems that afflicted industrial civilization. Chesterton was a precursor of the small is beautiful movement. He admired small-town America and the small agrarian town, characterized by personal relationships of cooperation and service. He favored local craftsmen and local economies and advocated the widespread distribution of private property (he called his sociopolitical vision distributism). His support for localism and a system under which all property would be distributed and controlled by everyone was informed by and helped inform twentieth-century Catholic social thought. He might fairly be accused of romanticism when it comes to issues of political economy and economic scale. But his criticisms of the excesses of capitalism and the threat to human liberty and dignity posed by statist socialism still reward reflection. All four of Nolans visitors lamented the presence of racism and discrimination in the United States. Tocqueville witnessed firsthand the trail of tears, the cruel dislocation of American Indians during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee, in the fall of 1831. He admired Native Americans quiet grandeur and lamented what high civilization had done to the Indian race. He was a passionate and articulate critic of slavery. In 1856, he wrote a particularly eloquent plea for abolition in the antislavery journal The Liberty Bell. Even when criticizing America, though, he spoke as its sincere and interested friend. He knew slavery was incompatible with the American genius and with Christianitys great insight that all men are brothers and equals. For this reason, he vehemently objected to his friend Arthur de Gobineaus scientific racism, which reduced individuals and peoples to the status of animals, determined exclusively by their biology. Any identification of Christianity with indulgence toward racism infuriated him, as it did Max Weber. Weber admired the great African-American scholar and activist W.E.B. Dubois (whom he met in St. Louis in 1904) and also befriended the Indian politician Robert Latham Owen. Qutb criticized American racism but also freely drew on disturbing stereotypes about American blacks. One senses that the friendly critics of America would welcome the remarkable progress America has made in providing opportunity to blacks and other minorities, while acknowledging that much work remains to be done. Nolan treats the religious question with intelligence and nuance. He recognizes that Tocqueville is a theist and a friend of Catholic Christianity who at the same time had trouble affirming all the doctrines of the Christian Church. Tocqueville favored the formal separation of Church and state, though he argued, too, that the spirit of religion must inform the exercise of human liberty. He worried that Protestantism would dissolve Christianity of content and would give way first to Unitarianism and then to natural religion. He believed that religious faith was written in the hearts of men and did not regard its eclipse as inevitable. He would be appalled by the open contempt in which some contemporary partisans of democracy hold Christianity and the moral law. He would in no way support the more radical versions of secularism. Chesterton, too, thought there could be no meaning in democracy unless there was an affirmation of a transcendental source of human meaning. Both Tocqueville and Chesterton appreciated that democracy was haunted by nihilism; they thought that biblical religion was a great friend of democracy, rightly understood. Weber, by contrast, embraced what the German theologian Ernst Troelsch called a heroic skepticism marked by the disenchantment of the world. Nolan might have done more to highlight Webers qualified embrace of Nietzsche and his adamant denial that reason could find any meaning in the world. For Weber, facts and values belong to two absolutely incompatible realms. Contemporary democracy remains haunted by nihilism, but the route of traditional religion is perhaps overstated. Secularization goes hand in hand with the robust affirmation of religious faith. But Tocqueville and Chesterton are undoubtedly right: skepticism in a democratic age is rarely heroic and commonly gives way to despair and self-indulgence. Its hard to imagine a healthy version of American and Western democracy that has wholly repudiated the religious traditions of the West (and the intellectual class in the West increasingly stands for such a repudiation). As for Qutb, he blamed Christianity for its own obsolescence: by distinguishing between the things of Caesar and the things of God, by affirming a religion that looked to happiness beyond this world, it had paved the way for modern rationalism, skepticism, and nihilism. Nolan is not necessarily convinced by this argument, but he does note that distinguished thinkers such as Pope emeritus Benedict XVIs fear that the Western separation of religion and politicsand of morality and politicshas gone too far. At a minimum, Qutbs critique of the West is thought-provoking. His positive agenda, which gave support to jihad of the swordnot the highest meaning of jihad for Qutbis another matter altogether. Nolan also pays some attention to two more recent visitors to America: Jacques Maritain, the profoundly influential French Catholic philosopher and theologian, who lived here from the early 1930s until the late 1950s; and the great anti-Communist Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who spent 18 years of his Western exile in Vermont. Maritain was a critic of atomistic individualism, but he, too, admired the generous sentiments and associative capacities of the American people. In his 1958 book, Reflections on America, he attempted to theorize the practical achievements of American civilization. At the same time, he pointed out many of the problems noted by his great predecessors. He would doubtless be disturbed by the tendency of most intellectuals today to identify liberty with liberation from tradition, moral constraints, and perennial truths. If Americaand democracyis an open-ended project, it is one that increasingly erodes its essential moral and religious preconditions. Nolan gets Solzhenitsyn just right. Solzhenitsyn is sometimes falsely perceived as a one-sided critic of America and Western liberty. But at Harvard in 1978, he insisted that he spoke as a friend" of the United States who was expressing difficult and disconcerting truths. As Nolan notes, even while being unabashedly critical of American commercialism, materialism, and conformist tendencies, Solzhenitsyn admired the generosity, strength, and magnanimity of the American people. He was particularly impressed by the small-scale democratic self-governing practices that he witnessed in Switzerland and New England during his Western exile. In his February 1994 farewell to the people of Cavendish, Vermont, he commended the sensible and sure process of grassroots democracy that he had witnessed in New England, in which the local population solves most of its problems of its own, not waiting for the decisions of higher authorities. He would reiterate these themes on many occasions in the years before his death in August 2008. Nolan, however, understates Solzhenitsyns recognition that totalitarianism was a unique evil, the nadir of human and collective life. Solzhenitsyn never succumbed to moral equivalence between East and West, though he foresaw what would happen to Western liberty when it was divorced from the great reserves of mercy and sacrifice inherent in the Wests religious and philosophical traditions (and in Russian Orthodoxy, too). Nolan allows his readers to be challenged in constructive ways by the aforementioned friendly critics of American democracy. He makes us see that even a militant ideologue like Sayyid Qutb was not without some genuine insights. But perhaps Nolan should have done more to underscore the point that intellectual or spiritual ambivalence about the democratic project needs to be accompanied by civic spirit and thoughtful patriotism. Tocqueville, after all, was a proud French patriot, Weber something of a nationalist, Chesterton an anti-imperialist English patriot (and no fan of cosmopolitanism). Solzhenitsyn was an impassioned Russian patriot but an eloquent critic of Soviet-style imperialism (he wanted post-Communist Russia to turn toward inward development while at the same time supporting a voluntary Slavic partnership between Russia and the Ukraine). None of our friendly critics would recommend the kind of national and civilizational self-loathing advocated by many leftist intellectuals and academics today. Following the culture critic Martha Bayles, Nolan thoughtfully suggests that we need to do a better job conveying the bright threads of our affability rather than the dark strands of the loneliness and anomie that are by no means the whole of the American experience. We have much to learn from Americasand democracysfriendly critics. And the world has much to learn from the achievements of our ongoing experiment in democratic self-government, and not merely from our flaws. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images In 2007, two years after the launch of The Huffington Post and two weeks before the incorporation of Twitter, Arianna Huffington collapsed in her office from fatigue. She regained consciousness in a pool of blood with a broken cheekbone and an epiphany about the internet. Her exhaustion was symptomatic of a public health crisis, she declared: Our addiction to modern technology creates the need for digital detoxing. Since then, the soon-to-be-former head of one of the most popular and prolific news websites has campaigned for a health awakening rooted in the belief that digital media, consumed in large doses, are, effectively, toxic. Time is money on the internet, and The Huffington Post thrives in an online economy where free products are most profitable when they occupy, or divert, our attention the longest. The site publishes enough for about 100 hours of reading a day, much of it seen on smartphones via an aggressive social media push. In the last two years, HuffPo has also featured nearly 100 posts tagged Digital Detox, often of the not-so-academic sort, as in, Why I Think I Need to Break Up With the Internet. It may be more productive to read journalism than to scroll through drivel and fluff, but showered in salt, a plate of kale and a plate of French fries will both raise your blood pressure. While preparing for an event in June where she discussed sleep deprivation with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Huffington considered written questions from CJR. Theres a paradox, of course, in being a digital media company committed to telling stories about the importance of unplugging, she wrote, but its one we embrace! A profile of her in The New York Times last year framed that irony less forgivingly: Its as though Huffington is spreading an illness while simultaneously peddling the cure. Because injuring your customers and then profiting from their healing is the essence of capitalistic depravity; because journalism is meant to nourish minds, rather than impair them; and because The Huffington Post is not unique in most ways, the Times description of Arianna Huffington reads as an indictment of her industry. Either the need to unplug is unfounded, or digital news media must do more to explain integrating their business with an intoxicant. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The problem with our addiction to our devices is not so much consuming journalism, Huffington said, as constantly being tethered to our texts, emails, constant notifications, and social media. Despite her conviction about the gravity of the science, she said it didnt necessitate a change in HuffPos publishing model. However, she has since decided that the best platform for detox evangelism isnt journalism, but consulting: Yesterday she announced that shes leaving The Huffington Post to work full-time on a startup with the murky mission of promoting employee wellness. In recent years, many news organizations have reported on the damage done by the incessant pull of our digital devices. Yet they, too, look in the mirror and shrug. Jacob Weisberg, the chairman and editor in chief of Slate, has written about our fixation with devices but, like Huffington, he doesnt fault news media. I dont think people have any problem overreading longform magazine articles, he explains. As for the dilemma of news outlets partnering with social platforms that feed on compulsive behavior, he says, Most news publishers would love to figure out a way to become a little more addictive. Moreover, content companies have to go where the readers are. But as outlets tailor their content to addictive platforms to pump up traffic, the distinction between consuming journalism and being wedded to emails, constant notifications, and social media is increasingly meaningless. It may be more productive to read journalism than to scroll through drivel and fluff, but showered in salt, a plate of kale and a plate of French fries will both raise your blood pressure. In May, The Washington Post published 13, right now, a profile of an ordinary girl in Virginia who, like all her friends, is obsessed with Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. She appears smart and nice, but her fixation with her phone is unambiguously worrisome, and the Post has reported extensively on the dangers of techs addictiveness, particularly for teenagers. This is what it's like to grow up in the age of likes, lols and longing https://t.co/UidGEMzyDX pic.twitter.com/6zkoA3mLaL Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 25, 2016 How does a respected news organization write a profile of a teens compulsive overuse of social apps, report on the research indicating that such behavior risks harming peoples brains, and then aggressively promote its content on those very apps and form publishing partnerships with them? The Post declined to discuss the topic. All new forms of media, from the first printed book to the latest virtual reality headset, have provoked debate over whether their popularity signals progress. The tech journalist Nicholas Carr was enthusiastic about computers at first. Slowly, it became harder for him to be absorbed by a book while the Web tugged at his concentration every few pages. My mind isnt goingso far as I can tellbut its changing, Carr wrote in his canonical 2008 Atlantic cover story, Is Google Making Us Stupid? Carr referenced a study that examined reading habits on two research websites and found most people are inclined to just skim and bounce around. It almost seems that they go online to avoid reading in the traditional sense, the study observed. Carrs thesis is that if we are what and how we read, then our thinking will mirror the scattered and shallow tendencies of Web browsing. The piece evolved into his book The Shallows, a finalist for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction. Utopia Is Creepy comes out this fall. New York Times Magazine and Wired writer Clive Thompson also has a conversion story. He was pessimistic about the internet at its inception; 20 years later, he wrote Smarter Than You Think: How Technology Is Changing Our Minds for the Better. The Shallows has some terrific stuff in it, he tells CJR, but at that time there was this surge of confidence that we could understand complex brain science through neuroscanning. Most people who write about that have dialed back. Carr says the effects of digital media must be interrogated from every angle. The science aids us in what is fundamentally a cultural critique. The connection between behaviors and their cause in the brain sounds impressive but turns out to be redundant, Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker wrote in a 2011 piece evaluating polarized responses to the internet. Its implicit that trouble paying attention, for instance, stems from neurological dysfunction. The healthiness of media consumption is especially contentious because its interdisciplinary: Mental wellbeing is an issue of brain science, but its also a type of moral question. The ancient Greek notion of a flourishing mind could not be measured with an MRI. I can see my own attention span fragmenting in lots of ways, Gopnik tells CJR. It frightens me as an author. But, he notes the absence of evidence confirming long-term damage. If somebody had good, robust work that showed that kids who use social media at the age of nine are not going to be able to read constitutional law at the age of 18, I would take that seriously, he says. You need to have that kind of demonstrable science before you would hit the panic button. Responses to new media are also notoriously reactionary. So, yes, Carr wrote in The Atlantic, you should be skeptical of my skepticism. Perhaps those who dismiss critics of the Internet as Luddites or nostalgists will be proved correct. Eight years later, amid ubiquitous smartphones and social media, Carr says one has less cause to be skeptical of his concerns about digital media. Internet optimists are largely unmoved. Maybe theyve become enslaved by some of the technology that they see as emancipating, he tells CJR. We Are Hopelessly Hooked, declared Weisberg, the Slate editor, in an essay earlier this year in The New York Review of Books. He begins by remarking on our obsessive attachment to smartphonesstudies suggest we check them more than 200 times a dayand by noting surveys showing many peoples unhappiness while doing so. He concludes that [w]e need a Web that is less corrosive to our humanity, yet his piece makes no mention of the degree to which his profession is complicit. Weisberg tells CJR that he considers his own attention span to be undamaged, and he sees that supposed side-effect of digital media as unsubstantiated. If Weisbergs attention span remains intact, he may be the exception. A few years ago, Farhad Manjoo, now a tech columnist at The New York Times, wrote a Slate piece headlined You Wont Finish This Article. It describes how after every paragraph of a post online, a wave of readers flees, citing data from the traffic analysis firm Chartbeat. Readers cant stay focused. The more I type, the more of you tune out, Manjoo writes. And its not just me. Its not just Slate. Its everywhere online. Companies on the internet tend to capture our attention by fracturing it. Every time you check your phone, the MIT psychologist Sherry Turkle writes in her latest book, Reclaiming Conversation, what you gain is a hit of stimulation, a neurochemical shot. Tech scholars like Turkle are studying how this fixation can induce anxiety and depression and reduce our ability to empathize. Tech insiders expect the internets efforts to seduce eyeballs to intensify, and tech journalists continue to report on the chilling consequences, particularly for young people. The fear is much less a sudden collapse, like Huffingtons, than a slow crippling. We have not assessed the full human consequences of digital media, Turkle writes. We want to focus on its pleasures. Its problems have to do with unintended consequences. The internet is far too vast to weigh all of its virtues against its vices. Media leaders can ask a much simpler question: When is a distribution method that harms our customers brains no longer an acceptable cost of doing business? Five years ago, when Google acquired a Web browser plug-in that Tristan Harris developed with a fellow recent Stanford grad, Harris went to work as product philosopher for the search giant. What he found there, and in Silicon Valley generally, is a lack of incentive to think about how devices ought to contribute to our lives; less is never more in the competition for our attention. With that mindset so entrenched, it would seem intimidating to be employed, in a sense, as Googles conscience. Im not sure Id call it intimidation, he says, so much as periodic hopelessness. Harris left Google earlier this year to campaign for a realignment of the tech industrys values. Having studied alongside future founders of Instagram and Snapchat in Stanfords Persuasive Technology Lab, where students are taught the tricks computers use to manipulate users, then having worked in an industry that aspires to reshape humanity using those techniques, Harris wants to defeat the myth that moderating internet consumption is simply a matter of self-restraint. In an essay on Medium titled How Technology Hijacks Peoples Minds, he details the way computers mimic slot machines to maximize addictive behavior, linking physical actions, like swiping to refresh a social media feed, with intermittent variable rewardsmaybe there will be a new post, maybe not. Its a game smartphone users itch to play every few minutes. To fuel the perpetual fear of missing something important (a sibling of FOMO), social feeds require a bottomless well of content. News media are a natural supplier. This incites a race to the bottom of the brain stem, Harris tells CJR. Theres an illusion that we dont live in this environment of perverse incentives. Its a collective action problem: Companies might not want to exploit mental weaknesses to extend time-on-screen, but competition demands it. Attention-based economics are the rule of the internet, whether for social apps or news organizations. Harris is confident about where that market is heading, as companies that profit from overpowering our attention have only one path to growth: Its going to become more and more persuasive. The chance that you will lose your agency and end up doing something you didnt intend to will only get worse. It cant get better. There is Good news! announced Microsoft last yearfor advertisers, that is. In a consumer insights report that studied and surveyed Canadian media consumption, Microsoft found, Overall, digital lifestyles deplete the ability to remain focused on a single task, particularly in non-digital environments, adding, Multi-screening trains consumers to be less effective at filtering out distractionsthey are increasingly hungry for something new. This means more opportunities to hijack attention. Out of context, the enthusiasm throughout the report could pass for satire. On the widely-read blog hes maintained since 1999, the tech entrepreneur Anil Dash stresses that the internet follows cycles, giving hope that warped trends will straighten out. But lately, he tells CJR, hes starting to question whether that rule still applies because of the extreme centralization of titanically large companies, while the rate and severity of abuses coming from tech are only increasing. He shares Harriss skepticism that startups and struggling companies will forgo profit to honor their users best interests. Im not anti-tech, Dash says. But if we could do it without a business model that preys on distracting us and stressing us out, Id go for that. Some casinos try to cut off slot machine players who appear addicted, a New York Times story on the lure of technology notes, more likely in the interest of sustaining revenue streams than because of an ethical imperative. That doesnt hold for the effects of internet overconsumption; its not so tangible as overspending or overeating. Theres never a prompt to cut back, Dash says. You never get full. Instead, he describes a continuum of harm on the Web, from the stressful deceit of clickbait articles to the unchecked harassment on social media. We dont have a framework for monitoring harm or measuring culpability, he says. Nobody wants to be the new cigarette industry, so the blame gets spread around so that no one company is accountable. Studying technology is like environmentalism of the mind, the writer Clive Thompson says. Indeed, Sherry Turkle likens the perils of digital media to climate change: The upside is immediate, the worst problems are far off, and the industry lacks the incentive to change. Another popular analogy compares digital media to the food industry. Just as the food industry manipulates our innate biases for salt, sugar, and fat with perfectly engineered combinations, Tristan Harris writes, the tech industry bulldozes our innate biases for things like social approval and novelty-seeking. He hopes consumers will demand more mindful technology as they did healthier foods. Mental wellbeing is an issue of brain science, but its also a type of moral question. The ancient Greek notion of a flourishing mind could not be measured with an MRI. But as Carr notes, Cheap and pleasurable can overwhelm questions of quality. The sight of widespread obesity raises alarms in a way that the sight of people glued to their phones cannot, and an expanding waistline is easier to self-identify than a diminishing mental capacity. The comparison also underscores the limits of anecdotal reporting: A fit person who regularly eats at McDonalds proves nothing about the health risks of fast food. That said, focusing on the uncertain long-term consequences of overusing tech is an odd sort of farsightedness, like the drunk who wakes up each day with a terrible hangover but worries only about possibly endangering his liver. If digital media were like smoking cigarettes, you cant encourage that, Thompson says. But oh my goodness, we are so far from that. And anyone who is claiming that is being scientifically loose and a-historic. He is right to put the health effects of technology in perspective, but asking if a product kills you is also a low bar for corporate responsibility. The author Jonathan Franzen calls the analogy between food and media politically unsettling. Since platforms that discourage engagement are less profitable, he wrote in a review of Turkles Reclaiming Conversation for the Times, they would have to charge a premium that only affluent, well-educated consumers of the sort that shop at Whole Foods are likely to pay. This ominous hypothetical is of course true today, with paywalled news sites spared the need to stoop and claw for views. But Franzens point is also revealing of a more encouraging truth, which is that many of the concerns with social media relate only to the largest feed-based, advertising-oriented platforms. As soon as you start selling [users] eyeballs, you get pushed toward scale, Thompson says, and anytime you try and scale socializing, it breaks. He adds, The problem with feed-based social networks is that they privilege recency. Humans are already present-focused. One of the jobs of [reading] is to dislodge us from our present focus. Conversely, a lot of social media is obsessed with the idea of whats happening right now. To me, this is a horrible design. Im not anti-tech. But if we could do it without a business model that preys on distracting us and stressing us out, Id go for that. News outlets certainly shouldnt abandon digital media, but they need to pursue online strategies that advance their work, rather than degrading their work to advance online strategies. Some engineers in Silicon Valley feel handcuffed by the pressures of their industry, and journalists can relate. Many media leaders say the industry is too tumultuous right now to pass up business opportunities, although even at Google, a $500 billion company, Tristan Harris felt that a more humane corporate mindset was hopeless. Government regulation is one optionan FDA for tech, Harris imaginesbut that idea is usually floated and dismissed in the same breath, as most people in news and tech are unenthusiastic about laws constraining mass media. Another option is a shift in consumer values, which could be partially inspired, like many such movements, by stirring journalism. Much has been said about the precarious decision to publish journalism directly to Facebook and the vicious harassment that thrives on social media, especially toward women and minorities, along with issues of platform editorial bias and censorship. Social media also offer wonderful opportunities for journalism. Yet social strategies for news media are largely beholden to business interests. That some content must be cheapened, sensationalized, and churned out in bulk to amass traffic and woo advertisers may seem justifiable if it finances more meaningful work. The fear of digital medias addictiveness, though, isnt just that it compels us to consume shallow things, but that it might impair our ability to do otherwise. Adam Gopnik asks whether young people who spend years compulsively on their phones will be able to read constitutional law. How about The New Yorker? Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Danny Funt is a senior editor at The Week and a former CJR Delacorte Fellow. Follow him on Twitter at @dannyfunt As a high school senior, Hwang Yu-mi went to work bathing silicon wafers in chemicals at a Samsung factory that makes computer chips for laptops and other devices. Four years later, she died of leukemia. She was 22. After Yu-mis death in 2007, her father, Hwang Sang-gi, learned a 30-year-old worker at the same semiconductor line also had died of leukemia. Convinced they died because of their work, the taxi driver launched a movement demanding the government investigate health risks at Samsung Electronics Co. factories. When Hwang sued after his first claim for government compensation was denied, he struggled to get details about the factory environment. A government document he received about his daughters workplace had a section for listing the chemicals used there, but that space was left blank because Samsung did not release that information to worker-safety officials. An Associated Press investigation has found South Korean authorities have, at Samsungs request, repeatedly withheld from workers and their bereaved families crucial information about chemicals they were exposed to at its computer chip and liquid crystal display factories. Sick workers are supposed to have access to such data through the government or the courts so they can apply for workers compensation from the state. Without it, government officials commonly reject their cases. The justification for withholding the information? In at least six cases involving 10 workers, it was trade secrets. Court documents and interviews with government officials, workers lawyers and their families show Samsung often cites the need to protect trade secrets when it asks government officials not to release such data. Our fight is often against trade secrets. Any contents that may not work in Samsungs favor were deleted as trade secrets, said Lim Ja-woon, a lawyer who has represented 15 sick Samsung workers. Lims clients have been unable to get access to full reports on facility inspections, which are produced by third parties to comply with South Korean law, but remain the property of Samsung. Only excerpts of some independent inspections can be found in some court rulings, he said. South Korea law bars governments and public agencies from withholding corporate information needed to protect the lives, physical safety, and health of individuals on trade-secrets grounds, but there are no penalties for violations. Lim said the law on occupational disease compensation also obligates Samsung to give workers the data they need to make claims. Government officials openly say corporate interests take priority, that evaluating trade-secrets claims is difficult, and that they fear being sued for sharing data against a companys will. We have to keep secrets that belong to our clients, said Yang Won-baek, of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, or KOSHA. Its about trust. Asked why he used the word clients to describe companies his government agency helps regulate, Yang said its probably because he treats those companies as I treat clients. He said the companies KOSHA evaluates also review the agency, and the finance ministry considers those reviews when it sets agency budgets. When asked for comment, Samsung emailed a statement saying it never intentionally blocked workers from accessing information and that it is transparent about all chemicals it is required to disclose. It also said there was no case where information disclosure was illegally prevented. However, documents from courts and the labor ministry show that as recently as last year, Samsung asked the government not to disclose details of chemical exposure levels and other inspections even at judges request for use in workers compensation lawsuits. In a letter to regulators signed by the companys CEO, Samsung said that if factory details including types and volumes of substances were released for a workers compensation case, it is feared that the technology gap with rivals at home and overseas would be reduced and our companys competitiveness would be lowered. For that reason they are trade secrets that we treat strictly as secrets, we request not to disclose. Although the company no longer omits lists of chemicals as it did in Hwang Yu-mis case, it has recently withheld details about exposure levels and how its chemicals are managed. Samsung is South Koreas biggest company by far, with about 100,000 workers. Its market capitalization is more than five times greater than the No. 2 company in this country of 50 million. It employs about 45,000 people in its South Korean semiconductor and LCD departments, though not all of them are factory workers. The worker safety group Banolim, known as SHARPS in English, has documented more than 200 cases of serious illnesses including leukemia, lupus, lymphoma and multiple sclerosis among former Samsung semiconductor and LCD workers. Seventy-six have died, most in their 20s and 30s. Since 2008, 56 workers have applied for occupational safety compensation from the government. Only 10 have won compensation, most after years of court battles. Half of the other 46 claims were rejected and half remain under review. People who have claimed they got sick because of work they did for other major South Korean manufacturers, including Hyundai Motor, have received help from their unions in advancing their claims. Hyundai Motor now must get union approval before introducing new chemicals into its manufacturing processes. Samsungs workforce is not unionized. Families of the victims, mostly working-class youths from the countryside, often use up their life savings and sell their homes to pay hospital bills, ending up in subsidized housing. Some of the workers ended up incapacitated and unable to work. Left with few options, more than 100 families accepted a compensation plan Samsung proposed last year, which covered some medical fees and some income for workers with any of 26 diseases. Some families rejected the deal. Government policies have generally been friendly toward Samsung and other chaebols, corporate conglomerates that helped drive South Koreas rapid industrialization under dictatorships after the 1950-53 Korean War. Samsung overtook Japanese memory-chip makers in the early 1990s and through aggressive cost-cutting, bold investment and rapid construction of new factories has dominated the market for two decades. But that success involves use of toxic and often carcinogenic chemicals such as arsenic, acetone, methane, sulfuric acid and heavy metals such as lead, well-known risks in the production of semiconductors, mobile phones and LCDs. Kong Jeong-ok, an occupational health physician who works with Banolim, said new chemicals often are used before the risks from them, and from the toxic byproducts created by mixing them, are fully investigated. Korean companies using such chemicals are required to strictly manage them, submit biannual reports showing exposure levels and give employees that information. Samsung states on its website that its chemical management system is rigorous and state-of-the art. It has had real-time 24/7 chemical monitoring in all facilities since 2007, the year the government began inquiries into Yu-mis death. Yet Samsung began monitoring some toxic byproducts in the air only after a 2012 inspection detected benzene and formaldehyde both known carcinogens at its chip factories. Baik Soo-ha, a Samsung Electronics vice president, told the AP that Samsung has redacted trade secrets in documents given to individuals only when their requests appeared not purely meant to determine occupational diseases. We have a right to protect our information from going to a third party, he said. Baik did not elaborate on what sort of ulterior motives Samsung believes might be behind some requests. Samsung said it sometimes lacks information about chemicals because its own suppliers, also citing trade secrets, refuse to disclose details. It said suppliers must certify any such materials are non-toxic. The entire semiconductor industry has longstanding health concerns: The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reviewing its own standards to better control exposure to chemicals in computer chip production. The OSHA website notes that U.S. laws control maximum allowable exposure on fewer than 500 of the thousands of chemicals used in manufacturing. Worker safety advocates want South Koreas courts and government to more flexibly interpret links between workplace conditions and diseases, since the exact causes of many ailments suffered by the factory workers are unknown even to the medical community. They also want thorough disclosure of workplace hazards. Hwang Sang-gi said Samsung offered him 1 billion won ($864,000) in 2007 to not pursue a case over his daughters death. He said no, founded Banolim and joined four former Samsung semiconductor workers suffering from various blood cancers in filing for workers compensation. In 2014, seven years after Yu-mis death, an appeals court affirmed a lower courts finding of a significant causal relationship between Yu-mis leukemia and her likely exposure to benzene, other chemicals and ionized radiation at work. Hwang Sang-gi received nearly $175,000 from the government. Also in 2014, Samsungs CEO issued a statement expressing regret that a solution to this delicate matter (of sick workers) has not been found in a timely manner. It said the company could have been more diligent in addressing their hardship and sorrow. Two years later, the company promised to provide necessary documents to workers seeking government compensation. Earlier this year an ombudsman committee was set up to oversee independent inspections of some Samsung factories. But some sickened workers and their relatives want a more complete apology and changes to how compensation is awarded. Hwang and other campaigners regularly camp outside Samsungs complex in Gangnam to protest. They view suing Samsung as a poor option; the standard of proof would be higher than in workers compensation cases, and they could not seek punitive damages under South Korean law. Workers and their bereaved families say it remains difficult to obtain details about their working conditions: When asked for records from Samsungs LCD factory in Cheonan, where 32-year-old Lee Hee-jin worked from 2002 to 2006 before falling ill with multiple sclerosis, the labor ministry sent a report in 2014, but from a different factory, in Asan. Even that report could have shed light on the case of Lee and other display workers because it was a rare record of display factory working conditions. But it was heavily redacted by Samsung on grounds of protecting trade secrets. When asked about the heavy redaction, Samsung told the AP that the report was not related to her case because it was not from the place Lee was employed. The Supreme Court is considering Lees appeal after lower courts rejected her compensation claim. Citing business confidentiality, the labor ministry refused to give chemical-exposure data for Lee Beom-woo, an engineer who died of leukemia after working from 1986 to 2014 at Samsungs Onyang semiconductor plant. Lees case is under review. About 50 of the plants workers have contracted serious environment-related diseases, according to Banolim. Cho Eun-joo, a Samsung display plant worker, died last year at age 22 of blood cancer. Her mother, Kim Kyung-hee, and her lawyer, Lee Eun-jeong, said Samsung officials denied the possibility that Cho was sickened by the workplace conditions, so they pieced together information from Cho and her friends to make their case, which is under government review. Sohn Kyung-joo, a former manager at a semiconductor contractor to Samsung, died of leukemia at age 53 after working in chemicals-intensive cleanrooms for about six years. Cleanroom entrance logs, the sole way to prove his exposure to toxins at work, were destroyed after only three months because they are kept only for security purposes. Sohns family has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the governments refusal of compensation. Hwang Kyu-seok, a deputy director at the labor ministrys industrial health department, said disclosures of data on chemical exposure are made on a case-by-case basis. The government usually accept companies requests to withhold details on trade-secrets grounds, said Goo Ja-hwan, head of a regional labor ministry team in charge of occupational disaster prevention. We generally accept (their requests) because it is difficult to evaluate whether their arguments are wrong, said Goo, who is based in Cheonan, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Seoul. We cannot evaluate whether things that companies have hidden as secrets are real trade secrets or not. Baskut Tuncak, the U.N. special rapporteur on hazardous substances and waste, said in a phone interview that no government should say its unable to determine what corporate information should be kept confidential. That simply allows their abuse of the system where information about hazardous substances is hidden from the public from victims under claims of confidentiality, he said. Recently, there has been some movement toward greater transparency. In June, for the first time, the governments worker safety agency formally designated a case of malignant lymphoma as an occupational disease at a Samsung semiconductor factory, despite Samsungs refusal to hand over exposure data and other information. Samsung cited trade secrets, but also said it lacked some data. Banolim praised the ruling as a step forward, because the agencies did not hold the absence of data against the workers. It didnt rely on the company and made an independent evaluation, said Lee Jong-ran, a labor lawyer with Banolim. But it took three years and eight months. It took too long. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Search crews have retrieved the black box from the wreckage of the freighter El Faro that sank in 15,000-feet of water near the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin last year, officials said Tuesday. Using a remotely operated vehicle in the pitch black deep sea, crews brought the El Faros voyage data recorder to the surface Monday night, the National Transportation Safety Boards chairman said. The 790-foot El Faro sank Oct. 1 after losing propulsion and getting caught in the hurricane while traveling between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico. All 33 crew members died. The recovery of the recorder has the potential to give our investigators greater insight into the incredible challenges that the El Faro crew faced, NTSB Chairman Christophe Hart said in a news release. Search crews found the recorder in April attached to a piece of the ship, but were unable to remove it. They returned Monday after leaving port in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and piloted the remotely operated vehicle down to the ships resting place to remove the recorder. The NTSB said in the release that it will begin processing the audio and other data when crews return from sea around Aug. 12. The recovery comes after two rounds of hearings by a U.S. Coast Guard marine board earlier this year. The hearings explored the safety record of the ships owner, Tote Services Inc., and the decisions made by Capt. Michael Davidson to sail the aging freighter near a strong storm. Testimony revealed that Davidson knew about Hurricane Joaquin, yet he planned to sail close to it instead of taking a slower, safer path that had been used during past storms. Hart said the data recorder will help, but its just a part of the agencys ongoing investigation. There is still a great deal of work to be done in order to understand how the many factors converged that led to the sinking and the tragic loss of 33 lives, he said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Government investigators have not yet determined how a Ferris wheel seat flipped over at a Tennessee county fair, sending three children plummeting 30 to 45 feet to the ground. But the accident that left a 6-year-old girl with a traumatic brain injury sharpened the focus Tuesday on how carnival ride operators are regulated. After a 2014 audit found shortcomings in Tennessees regulatory program for rides at fairs and amusement parks, state officials decided to get out of the inspection business altogether. Now, the state relies on private inspectors hired by operators and other states regulators to determine whether roller coasters, zip lines and Ferris wheels are safe. Authorities said the three youngsters fell from the ride at the Greene County Fair in eastern Tennessee on Monday night. In a follow-up to the audit last year, the agency said Tennessee law does not require the state to hire its own inspectors. Funding for the Amusement Device Unit was requested for the budget year ending in June but was denied. Lawmakers this year did approve nearly $490,000 to bolster the states Amusement Device Unit with five new employees. They are not inspectors but will be assigned to work on permitting and verification of compliance with inspection and insurance requirements. Within two years, those jobs are supposed to be paid for through program fees. The Ferris wheel at the Greene County Fair was operated by Valdosta, Georgia-based Family Attractions Amusement. It had received its permit to operate in Tennessee based on an inspection made in Indiana in June. Dr. Bracken Burns, director of trauma services for Johnson City Medical Center, said the critically injured 6-year-old was in a seat with her 10-year-old sister and a 16-year-old female, who were both in stable condition. Burns said the 10-year-old suffered injuries to her forearms. He said he couldnt give out information on injuries the 16-year-old suffered. Family Attractions Amusement did not immediately return a message left on the voicemail of the phone number listed on its last inspection report. Frank Gunther, an inspector hired by the company, told media at a news conference Tuesday night that a mechanical failure caused the accident. Three other inspectors are at the scene investigating. According to the Greeneville News, Family Attractions Amusement was fined in 2013 for violating safety laws in North Carolina after a Vortex ride suddenly lurched into motion as riders were disembarking, injuring four riders and a ride operator. The Greene County incident was the eighth injury incident reported to Tennessee authorities on amusement rides this summer: They included fractured wrists and knee caps for a woman ejected from a ride in Gatlinburg, and in Pigeon Forge, a broken arm on a roller coaster and injured backs from doing back flips at a trampoline park and being hit from behind on an alpine coaster. Tennessee recognizes other states inspections for up to three months before requiring a new permit, according to state Department of Labor and Workforce Development spokeswoman Jennifer Farrar. Because of Mondays accident, the operators will have to have a new third-party inspection conducted before the ride can qualify for a new annual permit in Tennessee, Farrar said. Responsibility for ride inspections was shifted from the state Department of Commerce to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in 2009. But the 2014 comptrollers audit found that department had failed over the ensuing years to develop a viable amusement device regulatory unit. According to the audit, mistakes in record-keeping and a lack of inspectors gave rise to serious concerns about whether the unit is able to ensure that all amusement devices in the state are appropriately permitted and inspected both annually and following accidents and fatalities. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A federal jury found Californias largest utility guilty of violating pipeline safety regulations before a deadly natural gas pipeline explosion in the San Francisco Bay Area and then misleading investigators about how it was identifying high-risk pipelines. After deliberating for seven days, jurors convicted Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Tuesday of obstruction and five of 11 counts of pipeline safety violations, including failing to gather information to evaluate potential gas line threats and deliberately not classifying a gas line as high risk. The 2010 blast of a PG&E natural gas pipeline sent a giant plume of fire into the air, killing eight people and destroying 38 homes in the city of San Bruno. U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch said in a statement his offices investigation of whether PG&E violated regulations was needed in the wake of the blast to honor the memory of those who perished. The jury has determined that PG&E management chose willfully not to follow certain of those regulations, he said. No PG&E employees were charged, so no one is facing prison time. A judge could fine PG&E as much as $3 million for the convictions when the company is sentenced. While we are very much focused on the future, we will never forget the lessons of the past, PG&E said in a statement. We want our customers and their families to know that we are committed to re-earning their trust by acting with integrity and working around the clock to provide them with energy that is safe, reliable, affordable and clean. During the investigation, prosecutors say, the San Francisco-based utility misled federal officials about the standard it was using to identify high-risk pipelines. PG&E pleaded not guilty and said its employees did the best they could with ambiguous regulations they struggled to understand. The stakes in the case dropped dramatically, however, when prosecutors made the surprising decision several days into jury deliberations not to pursue a potential $562 million fine if PG&E was found guilty of any of the pipeline safety counts. The decision, which was approved by a judge, reduced the companys maximum liability to $6 million, prompting criticism that prosecutors were not holding PG&E accountable. Robert Weisberg, a criminal law professor at Stanford University, said the larger potential penalty would have pushed the trial into a second phase with an uncertain outcome. The government needed a felony conviction to act as a deterrent and stigma, Weisberg said. I think it got out of this what it wanted. According to prosecutors, the standard PG&E used to identify high-risk pipelines violated safety regulations and led to a failure to classify the San Bruno pipeline and others as high risk and properly assess them. The company deliberately misclassified pipelines so it wouldnt have to subject them to appropriate testing, choosing a cheaper method to save money, prosecutors said. The motive was profits over safety, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Schenk said during his closing argument in the more than monthlong trial. PG&E engineers did not think the pipelines posed a safety risk, and the company did not intend to mislead investigators, PG&E attorney Steven Bauer said during the trial. The utility inadvertently sent officials a draft policy about its standard for identifying high risk pipes, not one the company was actually following, he said. Nobody at PG&E is a criminal, he said during his closing argument. He accused prosecutors of engaging in an elaborate second-guessing exercise. Investigators have blamed the blast in part on poor PG&E record-keeping that was based on incomplete and inaccurate pipeline information. Jurors on Tuesday, however, did not convict PG&E of pipeline safety counts related to poor record-keeping. California regulators fined the company $1.6 billion last year for the blast. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A hot tubs faulty wiring ignited one of Californias most destructive wildfires, a blaze that killed four people, sent four firefighters to the hospital and destroyed more than 1,300 homes last year, officials said Wednesday. In addition, a fifth Northern Californian who was last seen in his home before it was destroyed by the fire is missing and presumed dead. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released a detailed, 500-page report into the cause of the 120-square-mile wildfire that devastated a large portion of rural Lake County and parts of Napa County about 90 miles north of San Francisco in September 2015. The wiring of the hot tub on residential property owned by John and Cindy Pinch in Cobb, California, was not installed according to building code, investigators found. The property owners are now being investigated for possible criminal charges and whether they are responsible for any of the $57 million it cost to extinguish the 2015 fire. The Pinches didnt return a call seeking comment Wednesday. Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott said a building permit was required when homeowner John Pinch installed the used hot tub in 2009. We have not found a permit on file, Pimlott said Wednesday at a press conference in Lake County. Pimlott says investigators are discussing with the state Attorney General whether the homeowners will be sued. Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson said at the press conference that he is reviewing the report and launching an investigation to determine if criminal charges should be filed. Thats very difficult to answer mainly because I havent read the report, Anderson. We are involved with four deaths and that could be a whole range of criminal activity. Obviously there was destruction of a lot of property. The fire was the states third most destructive blaze and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and businesses. The blaze burned for more than two weeks and dry, windy condition made the initial days especially harrowing. The first confirmed fatality was Barbara McWilliams, 72, who suffered from advanced multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair. The report says it appears McWilliams tried to escape the flames that engulfed her Lake County home on Cobb Mountain by crawling into her fireplace. In addition to McWilliams, firefighters found the remains of three other people. Robert Lichtman, 61, has not been seen since the fire destroyed his Lake County home and no remains have been found. He was last seen in his home. State officials say the cost of the damage will exceed $1.5 billion. Its pretty upsetting that a stupid little mistake like that could have caused so much devastation. It actually floors me, said Gary Herrin, who had sobbed as he walked through what little remained of his destroyed childhood home days after the fire past through his old neighborhood. Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown said Wednesday he doesnt want people distracted by the cause of the fire. He wants to stay focused on rebuilding the community. I cant help but think the people who are responsible for this must be going through hell themselves, he said. Its awful all the way around. (Associated Press writer Janie Har and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report from San Francisco.) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Van Morrison Knows 'It's Too Late to Stop Now' on Masterful 1973 Unreleased Live Box [REVIEW] Van Morrison circa 1973 (Photo : Ed Caraeff/Getty Images) This is the live Van Morrison motherlode we've been expecting ever since Van The Obstinate Man finally signed a deal that would let his voluminous catalog be properly archived by Legacy over the next few years. The complete title of this great four-CD boxed set is It's Too Late To Stop Now...: Volumes II, III, IV & DVD. The news here is that this is ALL previously unreleased, culled from his 1973 tour with the 11-piece Caledonia Soul Orchestra. Not one track from the similarly-named original '73 live album is repeated. The three CDs are from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA, and London. The DVD is from a British Broadcasting Corporation special that aired live in England but is now beautifully restored for American home release. Longtime Morrison fan(atic)s like myself have known about this tour for years, one of rock history's best, right up there with Joe Cocker's 1970 Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Material runs rampant from his early punk Them days through his two blockbuster pioneering world-changing Astral Weeks and Moondance albums to mighty damn fine covers of blues (Willie Dixon's "I Just Want to Make Love to You" and Sonny Boy Williamson's "Take Your Hand Out of My Pocket), country (Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'") and soul (Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me," the 1962 Lenny Welch hit "Since I Fell for You" and Ray Charles' "I Believe to My Soul" ). Long considered the most notorious bandleader in all of rock'n'roll (the stories have turned into legend about how he'd fire you if he didn't like the color of your socks), it's fascinating to hear this stop-on-a-dime band (complete with horns and string quartet) flesh out arrangements on such beloved Van fare as "Come Running," "Brown Eyed Girl," "Caravan," "Wild Night," "Gloria," "Here Comes the Night," "Into the Mystic" and "Domino." It matters not if you already own the studio versions of such, Van + band in-concert on this tour extended these songs to make them wiggle and move with dramatic theatricality. You can almost sense the fear in the musicians to not make a mistake. And they don't. It's captivating. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsCaledonia Soul Orchestra, Van Morrison, REVIEW, Legacy Recordings Ilene Shapiro Ilene Shapiro will serve as Summit County Executive through the remainder of the late Russ Pry's term, and run as the Democratic nominee for county executive this November. (Ilene Shapiro) AKRON, Ohio -- Interim Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro on Thursday was chosen Summit County executive to fill the balance of the late Russ Pry's term, ending December 31. The county's Democratic Central Committee vote for Shapiro was unanimous. Shapiro, 69, is the first woman to serve as Summit County executive and also the first woman to hold such a position in Ohio. Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer swore her in immediately after the vote. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer swears in Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro Thursday night. Pry, who had served as Summit County's executive for the past nine years, died July 31 after battling colon cancer since June. Pry was a personal friend and an amazing colleague, Shapiro said. "He leaves some big shoes to fill, but I'm ready for the challenge," she said. "This is what Russ wanted and with his blessing we will move the county forward. He'll walk with me every day when I walk into that office." Shapiro also was chosen by the Democratic Central Committee as the party's candidate for the county executive post in November's election. Shapiro will run against Republican candidate Bill Roemer. Summit County Democratic Party Chair Jeff Fusco said the party and the county are still hurting from the loss of Pry, but added that Pry would want the county, the party and the community to soldier on. "It's a new day here in Summit County and Ilene Shapiro will make an outstanding executive," he said. "She has the experience; she works well in the boardroom as well as in terms of campaigning in the living room. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Tonight we celebrate but tomorrow we go to work to make sure Ilene Shapiro gets elected." Shapiro had been serving her third year as county council president and third term as an at-large council member. Stepping into her position as council president will be Nick Kostandaras, council vice president. The Democratic Central Committee meets again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at North High School to nominate a candidate for Shapiro's county council seat in the Nov. 8 election and to appoint someone to that seat until a replacement is elected. A memorial service for Pry will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron. A celebration of Pry's life will follow at Tangier on West Market Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both are open to the public. Juniors from Troop 90079 with Sweet Frog Owner Kelley Graham.jpg Juniors from Troop 90079 with Sweet Frog Owner Kelley Graham Left to right: Mackenzie Hershbine, Aurora Jacobson, Kayley Hazey, Samantha Imars, Kate Muniak, Madison Wutsch, Leah Boynar, Elise Sulima, Savanah Kemp, Aubree Paroda, Rosie Till . ((photos courtesy of Michelle Hellickson)) BRUNSWICK, Ohio - This is sweet! Owner of the Brunswick Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt store, Kelley Graham, opened her doors to allow several troops of Girl Scouts to come see a behind the scenes tour of her shop. The girls learned what it takes to be a female business owner, and how anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Cadettes from Troop 90079 left to right: Caroline Muniak, Jodie Hellickson, Erica Monza, Emily Monza. They learned about marketing and community involvement. They also learned that in order to succeed, you need to learn from your mistakes and keep going. They learned what it takes to be a good employee, and a good boss. Along with many other important things, they also learned their favorite flavor! Honors award goes to Medina student: Isabelle Mercurio of Medina has been selected for a Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C(r)) Honors Program Fellowship, which offers high-achieving students scholarships to cover tuition, fees and books as they work toward an associate degree. Mercurio signed a commitment letter with the College during an Aug. 4 ceremony at Tri-C's Jerry Sue Thornton Center in Cleveland. The scholarship -- funded by the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation -- is valued at up to $4,250 per academic year. Tri-C's third fellowship class includes Mercurio and 18 other students who graduated high school with at least a 3.5 GPA and exceptional ACT/SAT scores. By entering the scholarship program, they commit to being full-time students and earning a degree from Tri-C within two years. "These high-achieving students made Tri-C their first choice for a quality education," said Herbert Mausser, assistant dean of Honors and Experiential Learning Programs. "I look forward to seeing them cross the stage at commencement in May 2018."For more information on the Honors Program Fellowship and eligibility requirements, contact Mausser at 216-987-4660 or herbert.mausser@tri-c.edu. Have you seen it? The pavilion at Brunswick Lake has been built and is just waiting for a new sign that indicates funding from the Rotary Club of Brunswick. Thanks again to that great group of people who do so much for our community. If you get a chance, give them a thank you - or attend one of their fundraising events like the upcoming Reverse Raffle and Pig Roast to be held on Oct. 15 at the Brunswick Eagles club. Keep watching for details. You can also keep up with the group at portal.clubrunner.ca/5184/ or facebook.com/brunswickOHrotary. Students were on the move: Miami University students Shelby Henderson of Medina and Patrick Meidenbauer from Brunswick, spent the spring 2016 semester in Luxembourg as part of a study abroad group. Both are majoring in marketing. With about 38% of Miami undergraduate students studying abroad for credit by the time they graduate, Miami is ranked second among public doctoral institutions nationwide for students studying abroad. Sara is an RA: Heidelberg University student Sara Ash of Medina, has been selected to serve as a resident assistant for the 2016-17 academic year. Ash, who is majoring in Communication, has joined a team of 32 students who will impact the growth and development of their peers by providing leadership and acting as role models to students they oversee in residence halls and housing complexes on Heidelberg's campus. The Medina group will be showing off their students and graduates. Pups will show their skills: Did you know that there are several "puppy raisers" in Medina County? From 1-4 p.m. Sept. 25, you can meet them as Canine Companions for Independence(r) hosts a DogFest Walk'n Roll at Medina's Uptown Square. This is an exciting and family friendly event held annually by Canine Companions in cities across the US. Join them for an afternoon walk, fun filled activities and see firsthand why help is a four-legged word. Grab your family, leash and friendly four-legged friends and enjoy a tail-waggin' good time at Uptown Park. All proceeds raised during DogFest Walk'n Roll will be given Canine Companions so they can continue to provide exceptional dogs for exceptional people(r). For more information please visit cci.org/dogfestcleveland. Drivers need to be more vigilant: It's hard to believe that it's time for the kiddos to go back to school. Hopefully the air conditioning will be working as they get into the learning mode again. It's also time to remember to watch out for the youngsters walking and to remember to stop for school buses. I have watched the summer march by because of the farmers market at Heritage Farms. As we check the vendors in, we get to see what week it is and nine weeks have gone by with just 10 more to go. I'm hoping everyone - students and teachers and staff - have a wonderful school year. Pat's on the mend: Rosemarie Beyer posted a note about her hubby, retired Brunswick Police Chief, Pat Beyer. On July 29, Pat had a hip revision on his 25-year-old right artificial hip. He is doing well. He has a six-week recover period and she notes that the hardest thing for him right now, is not going to the gym. (Most of us would say it is the best thing, wouldn't we?) Free program provides good information: The Cancer Companions group at Faithwalk Church in Brunswick will host a Cancer Information Night from 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 23, with special guest speaker TJ Gerret from the American Cancer Society. Learn about the free local resources and support available to cancer survivors and their loved ones, and meet other survivors and caregivers in the area. The event is free and will be held at Faithwalk, 1480 Unit 6, in Brunswick Plaza, next to Volunteers of America. For more information visit faithwalkbrunswick.org/ Those cats are back: The Sacred Cat of Burma Fanciers will hold their 44th Annual All Breed Cat Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 27 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Medina County Community Center, 735 Lafayette Road in Medina. Up to 225 purebred cats and kittens will be present for judging. Vendors with items for all pets will also be present. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 55 and over and $3 for children under 12. For information, call 330-323-7975 or email kat4962@aol.com. Good news from proud parents: Kevin Ambrose of Brunswick Hills, a Brunswick High 2012 graduate, was named to the Dean's List at Hillsdale College for spring semester. He graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Politics. Eleven days after his Commencement in Michigan, Kevin began his job as a consulting analyst in Washington, D.C. He is working in the federal division of Accenture, which is a global professional services company. Kevin now resides in Arlington, Virginia. Kathy and Michael, his parents are very proud (but wishing he was closer to home, of course). Contact Boyer at samboyersunnews@yahoo.com. 12DARCY-HILLARY.jpg Newly released State Department emails raised new questions about Clinton Foundation donors gaining special access to the State Department while Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State. CLEVELAND,Ohio -- The father of the Orlando mass-shooter sitting behind Hillary Clinton at a Florida rally look bad for the candidate. Clinton Foundation donors gaining special access to the State Department while Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State would look even worse. The State Department recently released emails that show there was, at the very least, an attempt by Clinton Foundation officials to gain access to the State Department for a major donor to the Foundation. It was only a lawsuit by the conservative advocacy group, Judicial Watch, that compelled the State Department to release the documents that were not among the emails Clinton had released. The documents included emails from Bill Clinton's advisor Douglas Band, urgently trying to arrange a meeting between the State Department's top official for Lebanon, and Clinton Foundation donor Gilbert Chagoury. Brand set up and operated the Clinton Foundation's Global Initiative which has raised billions of dollars in donations for charitable efforts. Chagoury has reportedly donated up to $5 million to the foundation. Chagoury is a Nigerian-based billionaire. He has been linked to Nigerian general Sani Abacha who is alleged to have embezzeld Nigerian public funds. Chagoury was convicted in 2000 of money laundering in Switzerland related to General Abacha. After he paid a fine, his record was expunged in 2010. Brand sent his email requests to Hillary Clinton's senior State Department aides, Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills. Abedin would go on to work for the Clinton Foundation and is now Vice Chairman of Clinton's campaign. Chagoury's spokesman Mark Corallo said in statement that his client simply had wanted to offer his insights on the coming elections in Lebanon that year, and that the meeting with the top State Department official for Lebanon ultimately never took place. The response from the Clinton campaign is the predictable "nothing to see here folks, move along to the latest Trump train wreck." But the recent release is worthy of a long look. If there's nothing to see, why didn't Clinton and the State Department release the emails with all the others? Why did it take a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information act to get the public information released? If what Chagoury wanted to discuss with the senior State Department official was no big deal, why did Brand seem to be urgently pulling every string he could to set up the meeting? Some of the emails also involve Bill Clinton seeking State Department clearance to give speeches for over a half a million dollars to some dubious organizations. It's unlikely Hillary wanted that to be given more exposure. As the result of advance staff errors, Clinton and Trump inadvertently found themselves next to shady characters at their rallies, in the form of a mass-shooter's father and disgraced former Congressman Mark Foley. But the Clinton Foundation intentionally and knowingly sought to give a known shady billionaire donor access to Hillary Clinton's State Department when she had vowed complete separation of State Department and Clinton Foundation interests. Donald Trump may be unfit for the presidency. But he has shown he's perfectly fit for distracting attention from Clinton controversies that could sink a candidate in any other election year. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- To some degree, the longevity of Burke Lakefront Airport has mirrored the rise, decline and resurgence of the city of Cleveland. According to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, The Airport officially opened in 1947 with a 3600-foot dirt runway, and was the first municipally-owned and operated airport in the U.S. Its initial purpose was to quell the number of flights going in and out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. During the 1950s, the facility underwent major improvements, largely due to the efforts of then-mayor Thomas Burke. In 1960, the Airport was re-dedicated in his name. The Airport logged 202 flights during its first month of operation. The airport expanded in the 1970s, adding an additional runway, a control tower and the Aviation High School. It goes without saying that the Airport's heyday occurred in the early 1980s, when in September of 1984, more than 9,000 flights were logged. During the early 2000s, Burke Lakefront Airport was the venue for crowd-favorite functions such as the Cleveland Grand Prix and the Great American Rib Cook Off. The last Grand Prix was held in 2007, but there is a possibility that the event may return in the next few years. Fortunately, it is still home for the annual Cleveland Air Show, a staple for Labor Day weekend activities. In 2013, the airport received a $20 million grant to improve its runways, and in 2015 Ultimate Air Shuttle arrived, offering daily chartered flights to Cincinnati. In addition to Ultimate Air, Burke Lakefront Airport is currently home to 17 tenants including Signature Flight Support and Lean Dog Software, as well as The International Women's Air and Space Museum, which offers free admission and guided tours by appointment. Let's take a pictorial look back at Burke Lakefront Airport's meager beginnings, as well as a glimpse at its growing future. Justice Center A Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Deputy was fired in June after he twice used excessive force against women inmates at the Cuyahoga County Jail. (File photo) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A veteran supervisor at the Cuyahoga County Jail was fired this summer for using excessive force against two women inmates in a three-day span, according to officials. Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department corrections officer corporal Brendan Johnson was fired after he pepper sprayed two women in the face without justification in May, according to Johnson's dismissal letter. Both attacks were unprovoked, and Johnsons' behavior was "egregious and completely unacceptable," according to the letter. Johnson's firing, first reported Friday by Cleveland Scene, came more than a month after the incidents. Johnson was hired in 2000 and spent 10 years as a corrections officer. He was promoted in 2010 to a corporal, a supervisor position within the county jail. The first incident came May 8, when an inmate told Johnson that she didn't want to talk to him and looked down at the floor. Johnson sprayed her in the face without giving a warning and without any physical provocation, the letter says. "I told you I'd get you," Johnson told the woman after he sprayed her, according to the letter. On May 10, Johnson responded to a call for backup to deal with another inmate. Johnson gave "instruction and directions" to the woman, and she complied. But as the woman undressed, Johnson kicked her legs out from beneath her and knocked her to the ground. He then pepper sprayed her in the face, though the inmate posed no threat, according to the the letter. A complaint was filed against Johnson May 11, and he was placed on administrative leave a week later. He offered his side of the story during a pre-disciplinary hearing May 23 and was fired a month later. The letter notes that the May incidents brought Johnson's excessive force violations to three. He was suspended for three days in August after he dragged an inmate across a room without giving him a verbal order, the letter says. That inmate, Dallas Ferritto, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Johnson and the sheriff's department in February. Ferritto said that he complained to Johnson that he was having chest pains, and that Johnson dragged him down the hallway to the jail's medical unit. When Ferritto asked for Johnson's name, Johnson jerked him by his arm and shoved him against a wall, the complaint says. The month after Johnson was suspended, his supervisor gave him a glowing employee evaluation, and suggested that Johnson take a promotional exam to become a sergeant and "take more of a role in working with the junior Corporals." Update: This post has been updated to reflect new information from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office. If you'd like to comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. kentstatesign.jpg Kent State University accidentally cancelled classes for students who had not paid all their tuition. Payment was due Friday and cancellation were not to have occurred until Aug. 18. (Kent State University) KENT, Ohio - Kent State University said it will restore all class schedules after class registrations were accidentally cancelled for students who had not paid tuition for fall semester. Those students were notified Thursday night they were no longer registered for classes. The university announced Friday afternoon that schedules will be restored by noon Tuesday. "Over the weekend, employees from the Bursar's, Student Financial Aid and Registrar's offices will be working diligently to restore each affected student's class registrations," the university said in an online post. "For now, the registration system remains closed to ensure that these class schedules are accurately restored. We appreciate our students' patience as we work through this problem. For now, there is no action required on the part of the students." What happened? Students had until the end of Friday to pay tuition. Class registration cancellations for non-payment were to have occurred on Aug. 18 and students would be notified by email. But somehow Aug. 11, instead of Aug. 18, was in the computer as the date for cancellation. Emails were sent Thursday night to those who still owed $750 or more in tuition, spokeswoman Emily Vincent said. How did students and parents react? Students who received emails said they were unable to re-register or found classes full if they got through Thursday night. "Well, thanks for the heart attack last night and pretty much a sleepless night," one male student wrote on Facebook. "I have to schedule my days so that I can monitor my blood sugar at specific times. As I enter all the CRNs in, I am blocked out of a class that I scheduled so that I would not have any issues. What is going to be done about this issue? Please help!" A mother wrote: "My daughter received the email and all of her classes are now gone. She is totally sick that she will not get them back." "I'm a fashion student who was enrolled to spend the semester in the NYC fashion studio," a female student wrote on Facebook. "I have already paid the enrollment fee, secured an internship & have paid a large down payment for an apartment. I would be absolutely devastated if I cannot get my same schedule back since it was perfect for me and my internship was planned around it." Still have a good 2 weeks before classes start, yet Kent State is already stressing out students by cancelling all registered classes Erin Swanson (@ErinSwanson0) August 12, 2016 Livid with Kent State right now Grizzly-C (@Coletron21) August 12, 2016 What is the university doing? The university's information technology department is trying to determine how the problem occurred and how many students were affected, officials said. It is now known how many students are affected, but students at all campuses received emails, Vincent said. "We've apologized to all students and parents," she said. The payment due date has been extended to Aug. 18. The university is posting updates on its Facebook page and website. This story was updated after the university announced it is restoring class schedules. gavel.JPG A Toledo woman was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison after her toddler was found dead in a playpen in October 2015. (cleveland.com file photo) TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- The mother of a 2-year-old boy who was found dead in a bedroom where the thermostat was set so high that the temperature reached 100-plus degrees has been sentenced to two years in prison. Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Ian English said Thursday that although Megan Giltz wasn't accused of causing her son Robert's death, she had been negligent in his care. The toddler was found dead Oct. 6 in a hot room upstairs in Giltz's home in Toledo. "After this child was found, in the playpen in which the child was found, there was feces in the pen, on the blanket. There was a bottle of milk that was spoiled that was in the pen with the child," English said. Prosecutors said the boy's body showed some signs of decomposition. An autopsy concluded the toddler likely died from heart problems, though dehydration from a hot environment was cited as a significant condition, The Blade in Toledo reported. Authorities said Giltz, 31, was charged with obstruction for initially lying to police about how long her son had been in the room and how much nourishment he'd had. She pleaded no contest in May to endangering children and obstructing official business. Giltz's attorney, Peter Rost, declined to comment to The Associated Press on Friday. In court, he had asked for Giltz to be placed on community control and ordered into parenting classes. "The endangering charge is based upon negligence, not abuse," Rost said. Giltz didn't make a statement when given the opportunity to speak. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. RTA bus Marvin Fong.JPG CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio's public transit is on the edge of a financial disaster as a statewide tax nears its end. In response to a federal mandate, the sales and use tax on Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) will no longer be collected by the state starting in July. Without that funding, transit agencies are expecting steep budget cuts, and are relying on state legislators for a solution. Every public transit agency in Ohio - especially the eight like RTA that receive direct funding from the Medicaid MCO sales tax - stands to take a big hit. That's because Medicaid MCO sales tax not only funds public transit, but also flows into the general funds of the state's 88 counties. And county general funds support transit agencies throughout the state. The transit agencies that receive funding directly from the Medicaid MCO sales tax alone are facing an annual $34 million loss in funding starting in 2018. Mike Daugherty, manager of budgets for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, has characterized the change as "a catastrophic loss for every county and every transit agency in the state." RTA expects to lose $18 million in revenue in 2018 - and $4.5 million in 2017. Such a loss would mean service cuts of 7-10 percent and layoffs of about 170 people, RTA CEO Joe Calabrese estimated. "It would look pretty ugly," Calabrese said. "The 3 percent service cuts we're implementing this month were without a doubt the least utilized services. Now, we'd be getting into service that is much better utilized and much more important to people. And that last round was not easy." Tip of the iceberg The potential MCO sales tax loss comes at a time when public transit in Ohio already is struggling. "We're talking about just the tip of the iceberg," said Ray Jurkowski, general manager of Laketran in Lake County. "This is a continuous slide downhill." Across the state, authorities are making due with less. Many haven't rebounded from the recession and are operating at reduced service levels. Add to that, between 2002 and 2015, the state contribution to public transit has been slashed from $43 million to $7.3 million. Ohio only spends 63 cents per capita, among the lowest in the nation, on public transit. Most systems haven't had the funds to adequately replace aging infrastructure. Few have the ability to respond to growing needs in their communities. "This is really making a bad situation worse," said Kirt Conrad, executive director of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA). The state needs to look at the fundamental way in which transit is funded in Ohio and at what the needs are, independent of the sales tax issue, Conrad said. "Ohio is really backward compared to neighboring states," Laketran's Jurkowski said. "All transit systems in Ohio have been holding things together with Band-Aids." In fact, Ohio spends less per person - 63 cents - on transit than all but one of its neighboring states: Kentucky, which invests only 34 cents per capita. Pennsylvania spends $85.55 per capita; Michigan fronts $24.33 per capita; Indiana gives $8.57 per capita; and West Virginia spends $1.50 per capita. At the same time as funding is shrinking, Ohio's public transit infrastructure is falling into disrepair, which only will lead to an even greater financial hardship down the road. Of the 3,250 transit vehicles in use in the state, 1,050, or 32 percent, need to be replaced, according to an Ohio Department of Transportation transit needs study. But that would cost just shy of $300 million, money transit agencies don't have. "The longer you wait to maintain things, the more expensive it is to maintain them," Calabrese said. RTA has a $500 million shortfall on capital improvement projects, which includes things like replacing the system's aging rail cars. Meanwhile, ODOT reports that 35 million more trips are needed in urban systems to meet the existing need and another 1 million trips are needed in rural systems statewide. And those numbers are expected to grow significantly in the next decade as Ohio's population continues to age and grow poorer, according to the ODOT study. Who this hurts This growing inability to serve riders - often people who rely on public transit to get to work, to school, to the grocery store - weakens communities. "At the same time as we have less resources to meet the needs of our community, our needs are just going through the roof," Conrad said. At SARTA, ridership has increased 33 percent since 2009 but its service level is down 25 percent from 2008. The authority hasn't been able to fully recover from the recession and state funding cuts, and still isn't able to offer Sunday service. "The people who use transit a lot of times have no others options, and we are their independence and their way to participate in the larger economy," said Conrad, who also serves as president of the Ohio Public Transit Association. "When you take transit away from somebody, you're really taking away their independence." Potential cuts RTA might have to consider are reducing its overnight service and its Sunday service, Calabrese said. "That could be devastating because many people work on Sundays, go to church on Sundays and need Sundays to go shopping," Calabrese said. In Lake County, Laketran already can't adequately serve one of its major industrial centers - Tyler Boulevard. "Jobs are here and people just don't have access to them," Jurkowski said. "It's heartbreaking you're not a solution for your community." Lake County also has been forced to reduce its service to primary educational and medical centers. "These are not frivolous things. These are basic quality-of-life things," Jurkowski said. Even Summit County's Metro Regional Transit Authority (METRO), which has a budget surplus thanks to an additional local sales tax passed in 2008, isn't expanding its service, instead focusing on a backlog of capital improvements, said Dean Harris, director of finance for METRO. Can the tax crisis be fixed? In 2014 Ohio was notified that its tax on Medicaid MCOs like Caresource and Buckeye Health Plan doesn't comply with federal regulations and was given until June 30, 2017 - the end of its next regular legislative session - to make a change. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it's illegal to tax only the managed care organizations that provide Medicaid services. So the tax was discontinued. Because of the way the tax is distributed, the change won't be felt until September 2017. "Solutions are being considered and will continue to be considered," said Tim Keen, director of the Office of Budget and Management. Keen wouldn't get into specifics about what those solutions might be, but said the state will take into account the impact on transit. "We will have some sort of proposal for the counties and the transit authorities to help them adjust to the loss of this revenue," said Keen, who noted that a lot of work has yet to be done before a final decision is made. At the state level, Ohio stands to lose $558 million in fiscal year 2018 from the end of the Medicaid MCO sales tax. "It's a big deal, and we have to figure out how to manage that," Keen said. Governor John Kasich's office declined to comment, deferring to Keen. Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights), who is a member of the Transportation, Commerce and Labor committee of the Ohio Senate, acknowledged that the loss of the Medicaid MCO sales tax will further burden Ohio's counties and transit authorities. "Many of our communities are already struggling because of the reductions in local government funding we've seen under the Kasich administration. Transit funding is currently an embarrassing 63 cents per person," Yuko said in a statement. "These entities are stretched so thin, soon they won't be able to do their jobs at all. That will hurt both employees and employers." He suggested increasing taxes on the wealthiest in the state and pulling down more federal funds to reduce the strain on local transit authorities. But it isn't just transit that would be affected. Ohio's 88 counties will lose $148 million in Medicaid MCO sales tax revenue. Cuyahoga County will lose $21 million in addition to the losses in RTA funding - the highest in the state - in part because of the large number of people in the county using Medicaid. "A loss would impact every county differently, but there are some common threads. For example, on average, over 60 percent of a county's budget is justice and public safety - functions such as running courts, jails and emergency response. A loss of this magnitude would have a serious impact on those functions," said Kate Neithammer, a policy analyst for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Neithammer said counties should be "very worried" about the impact of the loss because sales tax revenue is the largest source of revenue for county general funds. The state and counties will need to work together to figure out a solution, she said. California, Michigan and Pennsylvania, all of which also only taxed Medicaid MCOs, have broadened - or are in the process of broadening - their tax to include all MCOs, not just those that provide Medicaid, according to a report by Policy Matters Ohio. "That may seem to be the simplest solution, but I think it's up to the Governor and the Legislature whether that's their preferred solution. That's the one that sounds like a no brainer, but it may be politically difficult," Calabrese said. Cleveland police tape A fatal shooting resulted in a SWAT team surrounding a house late Thursday on Cleveland's East Side, police said. (File photo) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that resulted in a SWAT team surrounding a house late Thursday on Cleveland's East Side. Officers did not find the shooter when they searched the house on Miles Avenue near East 111th Street, police said. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest on East 110th Street near Miles Avenue. He died after paramedics took him to MetroHealth, police said. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has not released the victim's identity. Investigators have not released any additional information. If you'd like to comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. Whirlwind through Europe leaves no time for sights Music director Franz Welser-Most and the Cleveland Orchestra embark this week on a three-city, five-concert tour of European music festivals, including stops at the festivals of Salzburg, Grafenegg, and Lucerne. (Sebastien Grebille) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Don't be fooled by its relative brevity. The Cleveland Orchestra's 2016 European Festivals Tour has the potential to be huge. Though it consists of just five concerts in three cities, half the load of a typical European tour, the journey launching Aug. 18 entails visits to three of the most prestigious summer events on the continent, and contains programs certain to attract significant attention. "It's short but it's focused," said Mark Williams, director of artistic planning. "We're only going to the very, very top." To the top of the music festival scene, that is. But Williams just as well could have been speaking geographically; all three cities are located near the Alps. Up first are two concerts on the prestigious festival in Salzburg, Austria, birthplace of Mozart, last visited by the Cleveland Orchestra in 2012. 2016 CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA EUROPEAN FESTIVALS TOUR Thursday, Aug. 18 Salzburg, Austria Friday, Aug. 19 Salzburg, Austria Saturday, Aug. 20 Grafenegg, Austria Sunday, Aug. 21 Grafenegg, Austria Wednesday, Aug. 24 Lucerne, Switzerland There, in an atmosphere described by festival director Florian Wiegand as "vital" and "friendly ... where one can tell throughout the city that the festival is going on," music director Franz Welser-Most will preside over performances of Bartok's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, as well music by Thomas Ades, composer of a new opera for the festival, and Richard Strauss, a co-founder of the festival. Specifically, the group will perform Strauss' "Sinfonia Domestica," "Death and Transfiguration," and Four Last Songs, with soprano Anja Harteros. Paired with these will be excerpts from Ades' opera "Powder Her Face" (recently heard at Blossom Music Center) and "Concentric Paths," the composer's frenetic violin concerto, with violinist Leila Josefowicz. "She is to my view the only violinist active today who can play that piece with such technical and emotional perfection," said Williams of Josefowicz. As for the Strauss and Bartok pieces, Williams said that playing Strauss' music at a festival co-founded by that composer "is a very special thing," while the presence of Bartok on the lineup makes things "cosmic . . . about everything, in a way." Four years have passed since Cleveland last visited Salzburg. Welser-Most, meanwhile, has been a regular guest, conducting operas and giving concerts apart from his band from Cleveland. "He's one of our closest friends," said Wiegand, labeling Welser-Most, an Austrian native, "one of the conductors of the festival. He's very present." From there, the orchestra travels east to the small town of Grafenegg, Austria, home to a much younger and quite different festival headed by renowned pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. There, on the grounds of a castle, the group will repeat its Salzburg programs, with soprano Luba Orgonasova. For an outdoor evening in late summer, Buchbinder would not have chosen the "intellectual" and "sophisticated" programs Cleveland did, were he in the business of making requests. Never, though, did he doubt whether Cleveland or Welser-Most were right choices for his festival's 10th anniversary. "There's no question the Cleveland Orchestra belongs here," Buchbinder said. "I don't make any compromises." All that remains then is a quick jaunt to Lucerne, Switzerland, for a reappearance after two years on the great Lucerne Festival and the re-establishment of a connection officially labeled a residency. No Strauss or Ades there. Instead, the Swiss are due a performance of Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony No. 3 and the last of three consecutive performances of the Bartok. That puts Lucerne in an excellent place. The tour as a whole may have been designed for Salzburg, but it's Lucerne that's all but bound by the laws of touring to hear the finest of what Northeast Ohio has to offer. "The ensemble really comes together on tour," Williams said. "There's something about that close physical association that makes things just keep getting better and better. Those kinds of opportunities are really important." Donald Trump Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a town hall event, Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, in Columbus. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Donald Trump campaign on Friday announced the locations of 15 regional offices throughout Ohio. The "victory offices" will be locations where the campaign can stage its political activity -- coordinating volunteers, making phone calls and distributing signs and other materials -- for the November election. The Trump campaign in Ohio will be coordinated out of a central office in Columbus. Notably absent from the list is Cuyahoga County -- while the county is a Democratic stronghold, as the state's most populous county, it also cast the third-most votes for Mitt Romney in the state during the 2012 presidential election. Also not on the list is Hamilton County, a swing county that cast the second-most votes for Romney in 2012. The Cincinnati Enquirer has reported the Trump campaign has had trouble getting organized in Hamilton County, despite the presence of a fervent volunteer base there. In a Friday news release, Trump campaign officials described the 15 locations as the "first wave" of locations. A campaign spokesman declined to discuss when future offices may open. By comparison, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign has 19 field offices in Ohio -- including one in Lakewood and one in Shaker Square -- plus a central office in Columbus. The Clinton campaign in general has been better funded than the Trump campaign, and has been organizing in Ohio for a longer period of time. However, recently improved fundraising by Trump could result in more resources being directed here. Here are the locations of the new Trump offices announced Friday: Allen County 2602 North Cable Road, Lima Butler County 3431 Princeton Avenue, #100, Hamilton Clermont County 197 East Main Street, Batavia Columbiana County 124 West Lincoln Way, Lisbon Fairfield County 420 South Broad Street, Lancaster Franklin County 1505 Bethel Road, Columbus Greene County 477 Dayton Drive, Xenia Highland County 200 West Main Street, Hillsboro Lucas County 323 North Huron Street, Toledo Mahoning County 8381 Market Street, Youngstown Marion County 114 South Main Street, Marion Montgomery County 2600 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton Scioto County 713 6th Street, Portsmouth Stark County 2729 Fulton Drive, Canton Summit County 1683 West Exchange Street, Akron Warren County 110 South Broadway, Suite 5, Lebanon One year after Bangkok's Erawan shrine bombing, Thailand is set to begin surveillance on foreigners in an effort to bolster national security, but it's unclear just how effective the program will be. Starting in 2017, foreign visitors to the country known as the Land of Smiles will be required to use custom SIM cards with location-tracking features, media widely reported this week. The plan was approved in principle by the country's telecoms regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), who said the SIM cards were aimed at helping officials crack down on crime. Foreign tourists take part in water battles to celebrate the Songkran Festival for the Thai New Year at Khao San road in Bangkok. The Songkran Festival runs from 13 to 15 April with people celebrating in various ways, including splashing water at each other for luck. Piti A Sahakorn | LightRocket | Getty Images Foreigners with expired visas have long been a problem for Thailand, a country whose renowned hospitality, cuisine and cheap standard of living makes it a haven for backpackers. In March, police took fresh steps to combat the issue, banning those who unlawfully overstay from re-entering the country, and the NBTC's proposal was seen as an extension of those efforts. Following a number of high-profile crimes in which foreigners were found to be the key suspects, the new measure was also interpreted as a means to fight more deadly offenses. Two Uighur men from China's Xinjiang province are set to go on trial next year for the 2015 Erawan shrine bombing, and two Burmese migrant workers were sentenced to death for two grisly murders on the island of Koh Tao in 2014. In April, Thai intelligence officials warned of planned attacks by Uighur and Chechen militants. Meanwhile, Thursday and Friday saw a series of explosions hit three of the country's most popular tourist resorts, but it was not clear who the perpetrators were. However, location-tracking SIM cards may not be much help as an anti-crime tool. "I very much doubt anyone in the security architecture expects this to be a silver bullet solution to concerns about national and public security," Christian Lewis, Asia associate at Eurasia Group, told CNBC. "A southern insurgency, porous borders, complacent street-level police, and corruption would be much more impactful problems to solve if public security were indeed the chief priority." Indeed, the country's largest terror threat stems from Muslim Malay separatists in southern Thailand, all of whom are Thai citizens, pointed out Justin Hastings, a senior lecturer and terror specialist at the University of Sydney. The country already has strict rules for foreigners traveling, staying or permanently living in Thailand, so the new plan may not add much more value, Lewis added. "Operators of lodgings are legally required to declare their overseas guests. Foreigners with long-term visas must declare their address every 90 days, and owners of their residences are required to report the alien presence-even if the homeowner is reporting on their spouse," he noted. watch now Moreover, it's not clear how the new SIM cards would differ from existing ones that already allow authorities to pinpoint a user's whereabouts. "Following the Erawan shrine bombing, Thai authorities required SIM card registration with location tracking capability, to combat terrorism and other crimes, such as organized crime and drug dealing," said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit. Biting the hands that feeds you Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R). Mikhail Svetlov | Getty Images China and India, the two most populous countries in the world and Asia's economic giants, have had a chequered history. They share a border, have fought a bitter war and continue to compete for geopolitical supremacy in the region. Political ambitions and distrust on either side have sometimes been at the cost of better economic sense. But in recent years there have been attempts to mend and strengthen the relationship through bilateral visits from both heads of state. And while Indian manufacturers, like their counterparts elsewhere, complain about inexpensive Chinese products flooding the market, Indian consumers are lapping up everything from cheap Chinese phones and toys to clothes made in China. Imbalance in trade China is India's largest trading partner and like with many other countries, this relationship too is imbalanced. Trade between the two countries has been expanding annually at 15 percent since 2007, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a trade body. Unfortunately for India, so has its trade deficit with China. In the financial year that ended March 31, India exported a little over $9 billion worth of goods to China, while it imported goods worth $61.7 billion, taking the trade deficit to a whopping $52.7 billion, according to trade body FICCI's East Asian Division. watch now Therefore trade experts said India's dependence on China for export oriented growth is limited. "With the slowing Chinese economy, the trade imbalance will further widen," according to Garima Arora, executive officer, international division, CII. India mainly exports raw materials to China such as cotton and copper and as the Chinese economy rebalances to become more consumer led, there will be a further fall in exports. This is evident from the 2015-2016 figures that show Indian exports to China fell by over 24 percent, according to Reuters. While the scenario for traditional Indian exports to China may look bleak, some analysts say that the rebalancing of China provides an opportunity for India. It should look to aggressively export more products that don't cater to the manufacturing or industrial sectors alone like Ayurvedic and agro products and IT services. Alka Acharya, director of the Institute of Chinese Studies in Delhi, told CNBC, "China is a huge market we should expand there in a big way. We need to study their market and explore possibilities. " Make in India now? Besides looking to sell end products to Chinese consumers, another way of making this relationship more equal, according to analysts is to market India as an investment destination. "We need to urge Chinese companies to set up their manufacturing facilities in India," suggested Arora of CII. Recently, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group agreed to pay $1.3 billion for a controlling stake in India's drugmaker Gland Pharma, which is the largest acquisition of an Indian company by an overseas company this year, Reuters reported. Over the past 13 years, 142 Chinese companies have invested a total of $27 billion in India in sectors such as automotive parts and consumer electronics, according to CII. Top Chinese companies investing in India include Huawei Telecommunications, ZTE , Alibaba and Xiaomi. During the same period, 139 Indian companies have invested $12 billion in China, largely in the software and Information technology (IT) services sector. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in May last year, 24 agreements worth $22 billion were signed between Indian and Chinese companies to finance and invest in projects across sectors, according to the CII. watch now A slew of readings on China's economy in July came in slightly below expectations, offering further evidence of a slowdown in the mainland's economy. China's industrial production grew 6.0 percent on-year in July, compared with expectations for 6.1 percent growth, according to a Reuters poll of 39 analysts, with forecasts ranging from 6.0-6.7 percent. In June, industrial production grew 6.2 percent, according to Reuters. Retail sales and fixed asset investment also missed expectations slightly. July retail sales grew a respectable 10.2 percent on year, but that was slightly below expectations of a 10.5 percent increase in a Reuters poll. Fixed asset investment (FAI) for the January-to-July period rose 8.1 percent, missing a Reuters forecast for 8.8 percent and marking the slowest growth since 1999, according to Reuters. Private sector FAI growth just 2.1 percent on-year in the January-to-July period, down from 2.8 percent growth in the first half of the year. After the data's release, the Australian dollar dropped, falling from around $0.7697 to as low as $0.7667. Australia's economy has long been dependent on China's appetite to import its commodities. Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics, said the slowing investment growth was of more concern than industrial production. While he saw some signs of strength in industrial production when drilling down to hard data, such as electricity and steel output, the drop in investment growth could portend a sharper slowdown. "In the long-run, it's pretty concerning to us. The private [investors] are pretty downbeat on prospects," Evans-Pritchard said, noting that state borrowers may be crowding private investors out of affordable credit. "Policy makers will have to do more if they want to reverse this trend," he added, noting that he expects more fiscal easing as the impact of previous rounds of monetary easing appeared a "bit underwhelming." While he noted that floods in China last month, which killed as many as 150 people, may have disrupted investment, he "wasn't hopeful" it would explain all of the weakness in investment as industrial production data hadn't seen a similar impact. China's statistics bureau said on Friday that the economy remained under downward pressure amid a period of adjustment, according to Reuters. The mainland has been working to transition its economy toward domestic consumption and away from reliance on investment- and manufacturing-led growth. The agency added that the slowdown in private investment growth was related to funding and policy-implementation challenges as well as a lack of access to services, Reuters reported. Worker at small parts manufacturing factory in China looking through microscope. The country's July industrial output grew by 6 percent on-year, slightly below market expectations. Mick Ryan | Getty Images Thien Do | Getty Images Forget what you knew about Australia's relationship with China. A shift by the world's second-largest economy from manufacturing to services-driven growth won't hurt resource-heavy Australia, even though it relies heavily on the Chinese mainland as a key market for its mining industry, experts told CNBC. Paul Bloxham, chief economist for Australia and New Zealand at HSBC, told CNBC that as the Chinese economy shifted gear, Australia's connection to China was also changing. "In tandem, while China's economic growth is shifting from investment to consumption, Australia at the same time is adjusting its economy, in terms of its exports, from resources more towards services," he said. Resources still a key source of trade Amid this ongoing transition in Australia's economy, the country continues to be a major resources producer, with much of its exports to the rest of the world made up of materials such as iron ore, coal, basic metals, liquefied natural gas and energy products. For more than a decade, the biggest consumer of these exports has been China, in a relationship that served both countries' needs. China has notched near or double-digit year-on-year growth in its gross domestic product for most of the last 20 years, fueled by a manufacturing boom that saw demand for raw materials and resources rise. Australian resources, meanwhile, were key to meeting this demand, due to the availability of large volumes and relatively easy access to the Chinese mainland. In return, Australia served as a lucrative market for Chinese-made goods. As a result, China became Australia's most important trading partner, both in terms of exports and imports - a position that is currently unchanged. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that between September 2015 and June 2016, the most recent period available, Australia exported 65.86 billion Australian dollars ($50.72 billion) worth of goods to China, and imported A$51.06 billion worth of goods from the mainland, a trade relationship larger than any Australia holds with other major markets. Now, that manufacturing boom in China is petering outs and in recent years, the country's growth trajectory has taken a hit as policymakers in Beijing transition China a more services-driven economy. But experts said China's shift to services economy would take time to materialize, which implied that resources such as iron ore would still remain a key Australian export to China for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Chinese demand for other Australian exports, including agricultural products, food, beverages and wine, has been growing, according to James Laurenceson, deputy director at the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney. And Bloxham said that there was also growth in Australian services exports to China, including tourism, education and, increasingly, business services. This broadening scope of trade will likely cushion the eventual slowdown of resources exports to the Chinese mainland. Australia underlined the importance of its trade relationship with China by signing up to the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which came into effect on December 20, 2015, Laurenceson told CNBC, which meant the relationship would be preserved even though China is not party to the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, to which Australia is a signatory. China a handy source of foreign capital Alongside trade, Australia has benefited from a steady flow of Chinese investment in the country. "A key reason why Australia didn't have a recession in the post Global Financial Crisis period was that we had a very strong mining investment boom," Bloxham said. He noted that mining investment went from about 1.5 percent of the Australian economy to a peak of 8 percent in 2012, in part due to Chinese investment in resources assets, before falling in tandem with the economic slowdown in the mainland. Investment bank Natixis explained in a recent report that Australia had the highest exposure in the region in terms of capital inflow from China in 2015. The report explained, "China has primarily invested in countries that are resource-rich or have superior technology." However, the influx of Chinese capital into the country has raised some concerns. On Wednesday, Australian treasurer Scott Morrison blocked the sale of the country's biggest electricity network, Ausgrid, to foreign bidders. Short-listed bidders included the State Grid Corp of China. Data from Dealogic showed that between 2012 and 2016, Chinese companies, mostly state-owned, made six times as many acquisitions in Australia than Australian companies did in China. China has spent $33.82 billion in acquisition in Australia between 2012 and 2016 year-to-date, compared to about $1.07 billion spent by Australian firms in China in the same period, the data showed. China's total value of foreign direct investment in Australia, as compiled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was worth A$74.9 billion in 2015, considerably lower than the A$860.3 billion invested by the U.S. and A$499.9 billion by the U.K. Laurenceson said, however, that China's investment-led influence Down Under was set to grow as it looked to sectors outside resources, such as commercial and residential real estate, tourism and infrastructure to invest in. No risk to Aussie sovereign debt Meanwhile, China's slowdown will likely have a minimal impact on the Australian sovereign debt market because of the limited ownership of Australian Treasuries by China, Marie Diron, senior vice president for Sovereign Rating Group at Moody's, told CNBC. As a result of the China's economic slowdown, as well as the weakening of the yuan by the People's Bank of China, the country has suffered large outflows from its foreign reserves for months, although they have slowed recently. Reuters reported that China saw a total drop in reserves of around $513 billion in 2015, with $420 billion of that flowing out the final six months of the year. Theoretically, if significant capital outflows resulted in the need for China to conduct vast sales of foreign exchange reserves, including Australian Treasuries, it could potentially disrupt Australia's sovereign debt market, according to Diron. But she said data from the Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) showed North Asia, which includes China, Japan and South Korea, owned just 2.9 percent of Australian government securities as of June 2016. A popular tourist destination Tourism is also playing an increasingly important role in Australia's trade relations with China. Last year, China provided the second largest group of visitors to Australia - a group that spent more and stayed longer than all other groups of tourists, according to peak body Tourism Australia. Those one million-plus Chinese visitors spent A$8.3 billion in 2015, and Tourism Australia estimates this number to grow to A$13 billion by 2020. watch now Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Russian and local figures of culture at the Chekhov museum in Yalta, Crimea. Serbei Chirikov | AFP | Pool | Getty Images Two years on from being annexed from the rest of Ukraine by Russian forces, tensions between Moscow and Kyiv over Crimea are rising again. The latest round of worries have been sparked by accusations of Ukrainian incursions into the Crimean peninsula. Russia's foreign ministry said that the alleged death of servicemen last weekend during clashes would have consequences, Reuters reported, though Ukraine has denied that the skirmishes took place. The latest row has prompted analysts to take a fresh look at the problems surrounding Crimea and why relations are under strain again. Using a fresh piece of analysis from Timothy Ash, head of emerging-market strategy at Nomura International, CNBC take a look at six reasons: Duma elections Russia's lower house or State Duma elections are due in just over a month's time on September 18. President Vladimir Putin is keen to impress voters in an effort to bolster support for the United Russia party, which is currently hovering around 60 percent. "Putin never likes to take chances with domestic politics, and will want to impress on the Russian electorate his own strength, and how lucky they are to be Russians citizens, as perhaps compared to their Ukrainian counterparts," Ash writes. A big win for United Russia will likely be seen as a reflection of popular support for Putin, he adds, especially with the presidential ballot set for March 2018. Russia needs distraction Moscow's involvement in Syria has failed to deliver a victory, Ash points out. A rising death toll and recent deadly strike on a Russian helicopter have softened public support for the military intervention. There are fears that attention could slip back to domestic politics, Ash explained, providing some "logic for intervention in Ukraine." Daragh McDowell, a principal analyst for Europe and Central Asia at Verisk Maplecroft, agrees that Russia's actions in and around Crimea are "more about domestic politics than anything else," calling it a continuation of the "demonstrative strong-man security state," characteristic of Putin's regime. "Anything that can enforce a mentality of 'Russia against the world'...all serves the same basic message that it's big hostile world out there, everyone's against Russia, and I'm (Putin) the only one that can protect you," McDowell told CNBC in a phone interview. Ukraines independence day Renewed conflict in Crimea and the Ukrainian region of Donbas could also help divert attention from the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union, which Ash says will be celebrated with much "fanfare" in Ukraine but "expose scars and vulnerabilities in Moscow" ahead of the State Duma elections. "How better to provide a distraction therein than through a re-escalation on the ground in Crimea/Donbas, allowing Russians and Ukrainians to question what has been gained from independence by Ukraine," Ash explains. However, McDowell says that if this is an impetus towards Kremlin foreign policy, it's a mistaken one. "It could very well be that they think it would be good idea to rain on Ukraine's independence day parade, but in reality we would expect such a move to backfire spectacularly," he said. Domestic changes in Ukraine While international observers see promise in Ukraine's anti-corruption drive, Moscow is worried that details over the alleged Russian intervention in Ukraine could come to light during high-profile arrests of individuals with ties to former president Viktor Yanukovych. "So perhaps this latest re-escalation is a warning to the Poroshenko administration not to cross red lines," Ash writes. It is also noted that the Ukrainian economy is starting to recover, with gross domestic product growth set to rise around 1 percent, while Russia's real economy is set for a GDP contraction of 0.5 percent. "In the past, military re-escalation in the East has worked to destabilize the macro economy in Ukraine...There may thus be a desire to go back to past proven policies and to try and weaken the comparative Ukrainian economic performance," Ash explains. Trumps slowing momentum With the likelihood that Republican candidate Donald Trump will be elected as president dwindling, Putin is looking for an opportunity to strike deals with the west with either an outgoing President Barack Obama or a possible President Clinton. "With this in mind, and with an eye on a hawkish Clinton presidency, perhaps there is a desire now to try and cut a deal with the dovish Obama administration, just before it exits." However, McDowell said he'd be skeptical that Russia is evaluating its policy options this way, and the idea of Trump being the 'Siberian' candidate suggesting he would likely follow pro-Putin foreign policy at America's expense has been overblown. While a Trump victory may be seen as great for chaos in the U.S., Putin doesn't see that much difference in the way Obama and Clinton operate, McDowell said. "We do know that Putin is believed to have a very strong personal dislike of Hilary Clinton, and does not get along with her at all, but this doesn't necessarily mean that he would regard Obama as more pliable and doveish than Clinton." Upcoming G-20 talks watch now The stock of assets for sale on agents' books is plumbing desperate depths in a sector popular with luxury investors. And this time it's not London property. The high-end art market has seen sales plummet this year as rising demand from Asia has been unable to compensate for a precipitous drop-off in activity in the West. A large number of auction house clients are often multimillionaires or billionaires and have enough financial firepower to pick and choose when they bring pieces to market. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images Given current global economic weakness and turbulence seen in financial markets in recent periods, "Some of the big owners of art are not confident enough to put their major works on the block," says Philip Hoffman, Founder and Chief Executive of The Fine Art Group, an art advisory and investment house. According to Hoffman, the market would benefit from an unfortunate event such a death, divorce or bankruptcy that would bring a forced sale. And it seems an impending tragedy for some could bring some relief to art intermediaries, with Hoffman hinting, "November could be an interesting turning point where some interesting estates are going to come on the block." Hoffman, a long-term industry veteran and former Deputy CEO of Christie's Europe, claims buyers are raring to go as soon as attractive assets land on the auctioneers' blocks: "There is a huge amount of cash sitting in deposit accounts and there is a lot of interest in finding the right work of art." Fresh from a trip to China, Hoffman emphasised the buoyant interest from Chinese investors in the Western art market. The company has recently moved into a new line of business to satisfy a niche demand. According to Hoffman, Chinese investors want credit to be arranged and to borrow money against art. "Leverage into the art market will bring a whole new game into the art market and I think we'll see a big growth over the next five years." And it's not just the Chinese who are buying. The post-Brexit hit taken by the British pound has also driven a recent surge of interest from Middle Eastern and American buyers. Hoffman says there's evidence of a positive effect for "anything priced in sterling and any international art, for example, impressionism or international contemporary." But for those of us whose disposable income falls a few zeroes short of the average high-end art market investor, is there any way to step on to the ladder? Hoffman suggests those less financially footloose and fancy-free should look at British artists, such as Bridget Riley or Frank Auerbach. He claims a small piece of Riley's can be acquired for around $50,000, a level which the he advises investors not to dip below as selecting a winner can be compared to finding "a needle in a haystack." And there's a lesson to be learned from Hoffman's dealing: After buying a piece for $40,000 in 2008 and reselling it for $100,000 two years' later, he was pleased with his gain until he saw the same piece go at auction in 2012 for a cool $2 million. Minority-owned start-ups are on the rise in America, creating a powerful force in the evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Both native-born and immigrant entrepreneurs are creating thriving start-up ecosystems of their own in large metro areas across the country. Start-up activity in America is climbing, according to a new and widely watched report from the Kauffman Foundation. Overall, new business activity rose in 2016, bolstered by women and minority-owned businesses. Women make up 40.6 percent of new entrepreneurs, while a second important stat showed a dramatic increase in Latino business owners, more than doubling since 1996, to 20.8 percent of all new entrepreneurs. Separate data from the Minority Business Development Agency shows a similar trend. According to 2016 data, minority-owned firms contribute a stunning $1.4 trillion to the U.S economy. For 2012, the most recent data available, there were 8 million minority-owned businesses, representing a 38 percent increase since 2007. New research from online lending marketplace Biz2Credit, done specifically for CNBC for its Metro 20: America's Best Places to Start a Business ranking, listed the locations with the highest levels of diversity among business owners across the country. The top five metros were Sacramento, California; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; San Jose, California; and Houston. Cities and municipalities with emerging entrepreneurial economies are those that have leadership that promote and embrace entrepreneurialism at the ground level. Joann Hill chief of the office of business development, MBDA "Cities and municipalities with emerging entrepreneurial economies are those that have leadership that promote and embrace entrepreneurialism at the ground level," said MBDA's Joann Hill, chief of the office of business development. She added that the locations that were top ranked have this already in place. Another factor that allows minority-owned businesses to flourish is a local community that supports these businesses regardless of whether they're retail storefronts or tech companies, according to MBDA national director Alejandra Castillo. Location in a community that is rich with diversity undoubtedly helps to make this a reality. "The population sees minorities start businesses and then become job creators within those communities," Castillo said. The ability to bid for and win government contracts at local, state and federal levels helps minority-owned businesses develop new and better opportunities, according to the MBDA. This is something Cora Williams, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Ideal Electrical Supply has seen firsthand. The company, launched in 1991, is a wholesale distributor of electrical and industrial products that employs 21 people. "It's easy to get access to opportunities," Williams said of the D.C. area. "But it's hard to get the business it's very competitive. We are competing with companies that have better buying power, stronger relationships and more money." Williams adds that D.C.'s local government makes resources readily available for smaller companies to get off the ground, and the fact that both the Small Business Administration and the MBDA are located there also help. Challenges for minority-owned businesses While the number of minority-owned businesses in America continues to climb, one stubborn challenge remains: Access to capital is the top issue for these firms in launching. A separate report from Biz2Credit in April found nearly 40 percent of minority-owned businesses named getting adequate financing a top challenge for them in the year to come. The major issues for minorities seeking credit is their relationships with banks and their credit histories. "Most minority-owned businesses do not have existing relationships with lenders, and they also have thin credit files," said Rohit Arora, co-founder and CEO of Biz2Credit. He noted that many are in Main Street businesses that banks shy away from, such as dry cleaners, Laundromats and gas stations. The void has been filled in part by alternative lending, an emerging force in small-business lending. A recent report from Babson College, called the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Special Report on Entrepreneurial Finance, found traditional forms of finance for entrepreneurs are increasingly being supplemented by alternate sources. This includes peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding and microfinance. Carl Icahn reportedly has his sights set on another energy company, and it's causing ripples in the market. Through his company CVR Energy , the billionaire investor is preparing a bid for Delek US Holdings , a Brentwood, Tennessee-based refiner, according a report in the New York Post, which cited a source close to the matter. The report sent Delek shares spiking as much as 12.5 percent in early Friday trading, though they were well off their highs an hour into the session. Delek has been getting clobbered this year along with other refiners, with shares falling 32 percent, even more than most of its peers. The industry has suffered under a weakening distribution market and contracting spreads. As an industry, refiners on the are down about 16.7 percent year to date, easily the worst performer in an energy sector that otherwise has rebounded strongly and is one of the best market performers in 2016. Icahn did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The hedge fund magnate holds an 82 percent stake in CVR Energy, which itself has tumbled 63 percent this year. The Post report indicated that he may take a 100 percent stake in CVR. The murky balance sheets of China's banks have long spurred fears of an impending crisis, but the clean-up may already be proceeding apace, UBS said. "Contrary to prevailing market wisdom, we believe considerable progress has been made in recognizing and dealing with the problems," Jason Bedford, an analyst at UBS, said in a note Thursday, citing analysis of 765 banks on the mainland. "Recapitalization and bailouts have started and made unexpected (and under-appreciated) progress," he said, adding that UBS research suggested 2015 was the first year since the early 2000s with sizable bank bailouts. China's banking sector has long spurred concerns that its non-performing loans (NPLs) were grossly underreported and that lending too often was politically directed into industries with too much capacity. Separately, in a note Thursday, Daiwa said the sector's NPL ratio in the second quarter remained flat at 1.75 percent, while large banks saw their NPL ratio fall 3 basis points on-quarter to 1.69 percent, which it attributed to large NPL write-offs and disposals during the quarter. During the global financial crisis, China's government used the banks to inject stimulus into the broader economy. As a result, debt levels rose sharply among local governments and state-owned companies and the banks now hold high volumes of non-performing loans a problem that is worsening as industrial profitability falls and debtors struggle to service interest payments. In February, storied hedge fund manager Kyle Bass warned that a Chinese credit crisis would see the country's banks rack up losses 400 percent larger than the around $650 billion equity hit that U.S. banks took during the subprime mortgage crisis. Bass was famed as one of the few major investors to correctly call the U.S. subprime housing collapse that kicked off the 2008 global financial crisis. That prescience earned him a mention in Michael Lewis' book "Boomerang," which was about the European credit crisis. But UBS' Bedford noted that China banks' write-offs and disposal of bad assets have risen three-fold since 2013. He said that 1.65 trillion to 1.8 trillion (around $250 billion-$270 billion) worth of non-performing assets were written off from 2013-2015, citing a review of 173 banks' financials. That figure was equivalent to 2.05 percent of total loans or 142 percent of NPLs at the end of 2015. Hillary and Bill Clinton released their 2015 tax returns on Friday, showing they paid $3.6 million in taxes on adjusted gross income of $10.6 million. The release appeared to be aimed at drawing renewed attention to Donald Trump's refusal to release his own tax records. The Clintons deducted $2.24 million last year, and paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2 percent and an effective combined tax rate of 43.2 percent. They gave 9.8 percent of their adjusted gross income to charity, according to a campaign release. Of the the $1,042,000 the Clintons gave to charity as listed on their return, $1 million of that went to the Clinton Family Foundation. The other $42,000 went to Desert Classic Charities. Hillary Clinton also listed $1.475 million in gross income from speaking, and Bill reported $5.25 million in gross income from speaking. No details were provided on those speaking engagements. The Clintons made $10.7 million in total income, but reported an adjusted gross income of $10.6 million due to a self-employment tax deduction. Other significant sources of income included $3 million in book proceeds for Hillary, and $1.6 million for Bill's consulting with GEMS Education, an international education company, and Laureate Education, Inc., a for-profit education chain. In 2014, the Clintons reported $28.3 million in total income, deducted $5.1 million, and paid $9.9 million in total taxes, according to a tax return posted on the campaign's website. They paid an effective combined tax rate of 45.8 percent in 2014, according to the site. The Clintons have paid more than $43 million in federal taxes and more than $14 million in charitable contributions since 2007, according to the campaign's website. Clinton's running mate, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and wife Anne Holton, also released 10 years of their own tax returns. They paid an effective combined tax rate of 25.6 percent in 2015, according to the release. Clinton's previous returns from 2007 through 2014 were already posted on her website. The campaign noted that the couple have now released all their tax returns dating to 1977. Shares of Concordia International plunged more than 27 percent Friday after the company slashed its outlook, suspended its dividend and replaced their chief financial officer. The news stoked questions that have dogged the Canadian drugmaker for weeks as some observers drew a comparison between Concordia's business model and that of Valeant Pharmaceuticals . Like Valeant, Concordia has grown through acquisitions rather than research and development. On Friday, Concordia said Chief Financial Officer Adrian de Saldanha would depart "to pursue other opportunities." He will be replaced by Executive Vice President Edward Borkowski, who will step down from his position on the board. Saldanha will remain with the company throughout the transition period. The company also reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.38 per share, shy of estimates, on revenue of $231.7 million. Analysts predicted adjusted earnings of $1.44 per share on revenue of $231.3 million, according to Thompson Reuters. For the full year, Concordia cut its revenue forecast to a range of $859 million to $888 million, from a prior estimate of $1.02 billion to $1.06 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to between $510 million and $540 million, compared with a prior forecast of $610 million to $640 million. "Notwithstanding these revisions, we continue to maintain a strong free cash flow profile, our debt structure has no ongoing maintenance covenants and we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants," Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of Concordia, said in a press release. Concordia's stock has fallen significantly this year, dropping more than 59 percent. Late last month, the company's CEO sued Marc Cohodes, a short seller, for libel after comments the investor made regarding Thompson's tenure at another pharmaceutical company, The Wall Street Journal reported. Thompson is seeking 4 million Canadian dollars in damages. On Monday, Andre Uddin, an analyst at Mackie Research Capital Corporation, released a report terminating coverage of Concordia. The analyst said Concordia remains an "extremely high risk" investment and said the company overpaid for weak assets and took on too much debt. "Investors should really ask themselves why management is targeting a short seller, rather than being focused on running the business," Uddin said, in his note. "Short selling provides buying power for a stock after it falls and is a normal part of the capital markets." Uddin cited Concordia's low spending on research and development as a factor in its decision to stop covering the company. Concordia in April began a strategic review of its business, and said last week that the process is ongoing. "There can be no assurance that any transaction will occur," the company said in a press release. "Concordia does not intend to make any additional comments at this time regarding various strategic alternatives potentially available to the company." CXRX 2016 Chart Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said his father, Fred, taught him everything knows. As Jason Horowitz of the New York Times reports, "Donald J. Trump inherited more than just a real estate empire from his father. As a salesman, competitor, courter of politicians and controversy and above all, as a showboating self-promoter, Fred Trump was the Donald Trump of his day." Born to German immigrants, work ethic was instilled in Fred from a young age. He was working as a butcher's delivery boy at age 10 and started a construction company with his mom by age 21. When he died in 1999, he had amassed a fortune of as much as $300 million by developing housing for middle-class families in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In an excerpt from "Trump Revealed," a biography written by Washington Post reporters, the authors highlight one of Fred Trump's great pieces of advice, which he offered when accepting the Horatio Alger Award for overcoming adversity: "You must like what you do. You must pick out the right business or profession. You must learn all about it. ... Nine out of 10 people don't like what they do. And in not liking what they do, they lose." watch now Five-star hotels and luxury tour operators are trying new gambits to lure in the growing pool of female million- and billionaires. Female-only room service, smaller slippers, fresh flowers and a complimentary fruit bowl are among the services offered by Dukes Hotel in Mayfair, London to women who stay in its "duchess rooms." These rooms are aimed at solo female travelers and will also be available when the hotel opens a branch in Dubai this year. "We have seen over the years a great growth in the female traveler," Debrah Dhugga, managing director of Dukes Hotel, told CNBC on Friday. "Market research shows that the female traveler looks to different amenities and accessories to the male traveler so we decided to launch this new campaign. We are seeing a great growth from the female traveler from the Asian market, especially into London and Dubai," she later added. Dukes Hotel London Atlantide Phototravel | Getty Images The global female multimillionaire and billionaire population is growing rapidly and fastest of all in Asia. The number of female ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI) grew by an average of 5.3 percent between 2010 and 2014 in countries with large populations of the very rich, according to data provider WealthInsight. That compared to growth of 4.4 percent for male UHNWIs. (WealthInsight defined UHNWIs as people with net assets of $30 million of more, excluding their primary residence.) By comparison, the female UHNWI population in Asia-Pacific grew by 9.1 percent between 2010 and 2014 and is seen by WealthInsight growing 5 percent more over the next decade. "Wealth has grown hugely in Asia that is no surprise. But one of the trends we notice is that the wealth has been quite concentrated among the female high-net worth population, which is in contrast to growth in Europe and North America. So we have been seeing in China and Japan, Malaysia and India, a lot of wealth concentrated on the female high-net worth individual," Oliver Williams, head of WealthInsight, told CNBC on Friday. watch now Women from these countries may have different expectations from hotels than Westerners, Dhugga said. "The wealthy sort of Asian female is used to a luxury lifestyle at home; so they are used to having their maids; they are used to having their staff around them. So to come and stay in a five-star luxury property and have a private butler or have staff around them that is not seen as a luxury that is seen as a norm," she told CNBC. In regions with predominately Muslim populaces which in Asia include Malaysia and Indonesia luxury hotels sometimes allocate floors solely for women travelers. For instance, Dubai's Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel, which is aimed at business travelers, offers a ladies-only floor for women seeking "sophistication, luxury and exclusivity." Rooms come with cosmetic refrigerators and are serviced only by female staff. Women at a restaurant in Jumeirah Emirates Towers Atlantide Phototravel | Getty Images Russian antitrust officials fined Google $6.8 million on Thursday, a relatively small penalty that nevertheless represents the latest in a growing list of global regulatory problems for the American search giant. Russian authorities ruled last year that Google had abused its market position with Android, its mobile operating system, by favoring some of its digital services over those of rivals, including the Russian company Yandex. As part of its ruling, the Federation Antimonopoly Service said that Google's rivals had not been able to include their own offerings, like digital maps or search, in the Android operating system that powers a majority of smartphones and other mobile devices in Russia. Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google Getty Images In a statement on Thursday, the agency said that Russia's competition rules applied to all companies operating in the country, including foreign ones. Google denies breaking Russian competition rules. The Silicon Valley company is still appealing the Android case in Russia, which was opened last year after Yandex complained that its services for Android were being treated unfairly. "We have received notice of the fine from F.A.S. and will analyze closely before deciding our next steps," Google said in a statement on Thursday. More from the New York Times: EU charges dispute Google's claims that Android is open to all Google faces new round of antitrust charges in Europe HowEurope is going after Google, Amazon and other US tech giants Google dominates its service areas in much of the world, but it has failed so far to do so in Russia, where Yandex retains more than 50 percent of the market for internet search, according to industry statistics. watch now Moller-Maersk kept its downbeat 2016 profit forecast on Friday as the Danish shipping and oil giant reported net profit way under expectations as it struggles to cope with a shipping recession and tough oil markets. The Danish shipping and oil group said net profit fell to $101 million in April-June, lagging a forecast of $196 million. It was also around 90 percent lower than the $1.069 billion reported for the same period last year. The company maintained its outlook for an underlying profit for the full year significantly below last year's $3.1 billion. Shares of the group were up 5.3 percent Friday morning. Trond Westlie, chief financial officer of Maersk Group, told CNBC on Friday that the shipping industry faced turbulent times as a result of the "very difficult" oil market and decline in freight rates. "When we look at the overall market and when we look at supply and demand and the growth in the world, we still think it's going to be low-growth and volatile." "For us, like always, we have a view on a couple of weeks or a four weeks' indication on where the market is going but after that it's very opaque for us as well." Low freight rates - largely as a result of overcapacity in the industry - remain a particular challenge for Maersk and other operators, Westlie said. "If you look at the general market, the rates are at an all-time low so the shipping market is challenged ... but when we look at ourselves, we also have the lowest cost per shipped box that we've ever had so we are adapting to these environments. But, in general, shipping markets and specifically container markets are uncertain going forward." In June, Maersk fired their chief executive and announced plans to restructure the business, indicating it could split it into separate companies and sell off part of the group, including its oil division. The group named Soren Skou, head of Maersk Line, as its new group chief executive. Moody's Analytics' chief economist, Mark Zandi, responded to Donald Trump calling his firm's analysis "ridiculous" in a CNBC interview Friday. When asked about Moody's analysis saying Trump's economic plan would cause a " lengthy recession ," Trump said on CNBC Thursday: "I assume they are Democrats because it's a ridiculous statement. ... My plan cuts taxes. She [Hillary Clinton] is going to be raising." Zandi defended the firm's findings: "Read the research, the methodology, the assumptions, the results are very transparent ... It was a team. I led a team with both Ds [Democrats] and Rs [Republicans] on the team." He added, "The biggest difference between the Trump perspective and Clinton perspective with regard to future economic growth ... is her policies with regard to immigration." The economist did admit in the interview he is a registered Democrat and contributed to the Hillary Clinton campaign. To watch the broadcast interview in its entirety, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber . Moody's Analytics' chief economist, Mark Zandi, responded to Donald Trump calling his firm's analysis "ridiculous" in a CNBC interview Friday. When asked about Moody's analysis saying Trump's economic plan would cause a "lengthy recession," Trump said on CNBC Thursday: "I assume they are Democrats because it's a ridiculous statement. ... My plan cuts taxes. She [Hillary Clinton] is going to be raising." Zandi defended the firm's findings: "Read the research, the methodology, the assumptions, the results are very transparent ... It was a team. I led a team with both Ds [Democrats] and Rs [Republicans] on the team." He added, "The biggest difference between the Trump perspective and Clinton perspective with regard to future economic growth ... is her policies with regard to immigration." The economist did admit in the interview he is a registered Democrat and contributed to the Hillary Clinton campaign. To watch the broadcast interview in its entirety, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber. Ruby Tuesday's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings miss was overshadowed on Thursday by a prank caller who chimed into the company's earnings call. The unidentified caller gained access to the analyst call by pretending to be Buddy Fox from Geneva Roth Holding Corporation, a fictional character played by Charlie Sheen in the 1987 film "Wall Street." The caller asked J.J. Buettgen, CEO of Ruby Tuesday, if the chain's slipping sales were tied to the death of Harambe, the gorilla from the Cincinnati Zoo who was killed after a child climbed into his enclosure. Here's the conversation, which was first reported by Business Insider: Operator: Our next question comes from Buddy Fox with Geneva Roth Holding Corporation. Buddy Fox: I just have one question. Do you think your revenues are negatively impacted by Harambe's death and if yes, do you have any plans to mitigate it? J.J. Buettgen: Excuse me, can you repeat your question please? Impacted by what? Buddy Fox: By Harambe's death and if yes, do you have plans to mitigate it? J.J. Buettgen: I am sorry, I don't know, we have a bad connection, I couldn't quite hear the question. Operator: He has lost connection. We will turn to Bryan Hunt with Wells Fargo. Representatives from Ruby Tuesday did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Same-store sales for the company fell 3.7 percent in the fiscal fourth-quarter. Shares of the company plummeted almost 14 percent in pre-market trading on Friday. The Tennessee-based chain also said it will close about 95 of its restaurants. Vladimir Putin's chief of staff, Sergei Ivanov, got a new, much less high profile job in the Russian cabinet on Friday, a move that some experts say is not entirely surprising but which is sparking speculation about what's going on behind Kremlin walls. Ivanov, once thought of as a possible successor to the president, had served as Putin's right hand man for more than four years, and according to statements out of the Kremlin, Ivanov requested that he be moved out of the important post. Vladimir Frolov, foreign affairs columnist for Russian magazine Slon and contributor to the Moscow Times, told CNBC that Ivanov's replacement, Anton Vaino, was tapped by Putin because he had no ambitions of his own and isn't close with any of the country's politically powerful oligarchs. Vaino was deputy head of Kremlin administration. "This guy is a quiet, efficient bureaucrat with no political agenda of his own and equidistant from all oligarchic clans," according to Frolov. Vaino is "here to implement Putin's decisions, not to provide counsel for policy making." Frolov also mentioned that Vaino has little political clout outside of his access to the Russian leader. Other Russian sources who spoke to CNBC but who asked not be named said the shakeup is typical for Putin, who is accustomed to re-shuffling his cabinet prior to parliamentary elections, which are set to take place in September. What's better than a cheeseburger? A free one! Shake Shack is celebrating the opening of its 100th restaurant by giving free burgers to the first 100 guests at all its locations worldwide (except those in ballparks and stadiums) starting at 10:30 a.m. Tues., Aug. 16. "From our first-ever Shack in Madison Square Park twelve years ago, to so many incredible places in between, opening our 100th Shack at Boston Seaport is an epic milestone for us," Randy Garutti, CEO of Shake Shack, said in a statement. As if free burgers weren't enough, the company is launching a limited-time only burger in all five of its Massachusetts locations between Aug. 16 and Aug. 21. The Coppa Burger, created by Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer, owners of Coppa, an award-winning Italian restaurant in Boston, features a beef patty topped with provolone cheese, griddled mortadella, cherry peppers, caramelized onions, mayo and shredded lettuce. "We approached the burger with the flavors we love a classic Italian American grinder in mind," Bissonnette said in a statement. "Shake Shack burgers offer a great foundation to create something killer!" Tweet 1 Tweet 2 Tweet 3 Shake Shack, which opened its first store in 2004, could use a boost to foot traffic. The company posted weaker-than-expected same-store sales on Thursday, sending the stock tumbling. The burger chain's stock is down more than 40 percent in the last year amid growth and valuation concerns. While the promotion has sparked some buzz on social media, it might be a short-lived boost. The promotion will have "very limited impact," said Darren Tristano, president of research and consulting firm Technomic. "It will give them a small lift but likely won't impact the soft sales the we [are] seeing today," he told CNBC. Tristano noted that the customer cutback is likely the result of "election jitters." And he's not alone in subscribing to this theory. McDonald's , Wendy's and Ruby Tuesday also blamed the presidential campaign for poor restaurant sales. In addition, restaurants are facing headwinds from grocery chains, convenience stores and meal delivery companies, who are aggressively competing for a share of consumers' stomachs. "Getting from point A to point B in our daily lives is one of the most emotionally-charged things any of us do with any regularity. And with emotion comes the opportunity to engage and persuade." Jams are almost always the result of simple math; too many cars in too small a space at the same time. But how many of us realize that we're not "stuck in traffic," we "are the traffic?" And how many of us yell at the politicians, urban planners, and unions all responsible for giving us too few options other than being in that too small a space at the same time? (Okay, I do that every time I'm stuck in traffic but I'm a special case). If there's one thing politicians are good at, or should be good at, it's tapping into voter anger. I might be a grizzled and cynical political observer, but a politician engineering a photo op while overlooking the perpetually gridlocked Cross Bronx Expressway would get my attention, especially if it were scheduled in the hours just after frustrating and infuriating commute to work. And lots of voters like me would likely get much more motivated to support more spending, and even tax hikes, to fix that godforsaken road. What about commuters who take buses or trains to work? Or even better for our emotional triggers, a child who takes that bus or train to school? How do you feel when that bus or train is late or never shows up? How about when it's so crowded that you can't get a seat? Or it's so dirty you really don't WANT a seat? How about when even if everything is running perfectly, you're still facing a monster travel time to get to school? My former hometown of Far Rockaway remains the longest subway ride to Manhattan. On a good day, it's 90 minutes. Far Rockaway is loaded with the kind of high rise public housing projects that have become dangerous virtual prisons for countless thousands of poor Americans. In 2013, the New York Post featured a story about a gifted young student living in one of those projects who wakes up at 5 am so he can begin a monster 2 hour and 40 minute daily commute each way -- to get to the prestigious Bronx Science High School. Attention politicians! Stop talking about bonds and bridges, find that kid and ride with him to school one day, all with the cameras rolling. Now, that will make the public support a shiny, new system to help that student get to school faster and safer, like permanent and affordable ferry service to Manhattan that Far Rockaway residents have been clamoring for these past 40 years. It's not just the big cities that need help. Even small U.S. cities can be too expensive for most workers to live in, forcing them to commute 50+ miles to their jobs. That's an emotional issue for a growing number of Americans thanks to rising housing costs. Sometimes this problem crops up in other stories like the riots in Ferguson, Missouri of 2014. As Americans wondered how a town 25 minutes from St. Louis became so poor they found out that driving is the only real way to St. Louis, where the jobs are. And despite extremely high unemployment and low median incomes, the vast majority of Ferguson residents were getting to work one at a time in cars, thus taking a huge bite out of their already small median incomes. An express bus, commuter train, or anything resembling affordable mass transit would have not only helped Ferguson residents with jobs stay out of poverty, but it would have also helped more Ferguson residents look for work in the first place. When Ferguson was burning, the whole nation was watching. And while politicians focused on crime and cops, a smarter official could have waited a week or two and pointed out that our dreaded I-word in America has virtually trapped the people of Ferguson and a thousand other Fergusons in America to this kind of fate. The politician calling for more funding for those kinds of express buses or commuter trains would have a much better chance of breaking through if he or she used those emotionally charged riots to make the case. If there's one thing politicians are good at, or should be good at, it's tapping into voter emotions and anger. That emotion is readily available in the supposedly boring "Moving America" issue otherwise known as the dreaded i-word. For those politicians who need help finding an emotionally powerful trigger for this issue other than video of a collapsed bridge, I just gave them three. Let's see who's savvy enough to use them. Commentary by Jake Novak, supervising producer of "Power Lunch." Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. This commentary originally appeared on The Hill. Please understand this: I've never taken the Never Trump blood oath. I deeply respect this decision that many other conservatives have made, though. I understand it. Instead, I've tried to offer thoughtful analysis and considered criticism when necessary. Since U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) dropped out after the Indiana primary, I've repeatedly described myself as an undecided voter. I still am. But the past three weeks have brought me to my breaking point. As a Republican operative who has worked in the George W. Bush administration, for two U.S. senators and a governor, and on campaigns in 14 states over 15 years, I want to see Republicans succeed. I'm just not sure Donald Trump does. No major party nominee for President has had as disastrous a period of time as Trump has since the conventions began. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's tenuous 3-percentage-point national lead when the conventions began is now a durable 8-point national lead, and growing. She is fixing her problems: improving her likability, unifying the Democratic Party, baiting her opponent, and reaching out to Republicans and independents. All while running an effective national campaign. Trump is making his problems worse. He's doing nothing to win the votes of Hispanics, African-Americans, millennials or college-educated women. He's wasting precious time in states like Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia, which are gone. He's picking fights with sympathetic Americans (like the Khan family) and making outrageous and false statements (claiming he saw an Iran video that doesn't exist, calling President Obama the "founder" of ISIS, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria). He's failing spectacularly at making Clinton play any defense, or even letting any news cycle exist without him dominating it. Recent negative stories that should dominate the news for days only play for a few hours, as Trump opens his mouth and inserts his foot, almost intentionally. These recent stories were all subsumed by Trump's latest outburst: Clinton falsely claiming the FBI director said she told the public the truth about her private server and email practices. The $400 million cash ransom payment to Iran The Obama administration's Department of Justice choosing not to open a public corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation. Weak economic reports on gross domestic product growth and productivity. A story detailing a billionaire Clinton Foundation donor who sought a favor from the Hillary Clinton-led State Department. Indeed, the past two weeks should (and could) have been very bad for Clinton, bringing her back down to Earth after a strong convention. Republicans have been prepared to accept a Trump loss within an acceptable range of less than 5 points, which would still allow them to hold their crucial House majority and give Senate incumbents a chance to hold their seats. That type of loss now appears unlikely, as a modern landslide Clinton win looks likely. Keep this in mind: Barack Obama only beat John McCain by 7 points in 2008, and that was with an incumbent president with approval ratings in the 20s in the midst of a global economic meltdown. Clinton very well may win this election in an 8-12 point range, which would qualify it as a landslide win in the modern era. How is the outsider candidate blowing a change election? If Trump would make himself scarce, by giving more disciplined policy speeches, fewer rallies with shorter speeches, and more quiet time studying policy and preparing for the debates, he would benefit. Republican voters need to be reminded how much they loathe Clinton, but they can't while Trump dominates the news every single day. Sadly, there are few reasons for encouragement. Trump won't change. Won't pivot. Can't be disciplined more than a couple days. Doesn't care about damaging the GOP. And now, most disconcertingly, he told radio host Hugh Hewitt that he is prepared to lose the election if it happens. Not even losing will make him see the truth or change direction. While sunshine pumpers like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Ann Coulter continue to pretend everything's fine, any honest reading of the data tells us that Trump is headed to certain defeat. His image is underwater by more than 30 points. I have never seen a candidate in such a position, at any level, win an election. Your base won't be as enthusiastic, your turnout won't be as high and, most importantly, undecided voters will break sharply against you. I sympathize with the impossible position in which the Republican National Committee (RNC) finds itself. It's too late to remove him from the ballot. The RNC can't fully embrace him because it will hurt candidates in tough races. But it also can't entirely break from him and lose his support base. It's a no-win situation. Meanwhile, the RNC needs his celebrity and some of his time to continue raising huge dollars for its joint fundraising account to help the entire GOP ticket. My fear is that this will get worse before it gets better. The campaign doesn't exist. They can't control the candidate. The candidate isn't learning or growing. And he thinks he's winning, despite all evidence to the contrary. I'm at the end of my rope. I am deeply concerned that Trump's campaign will be an extinction-level event for the GOP, wiping out hard won electoral gains built over a decade. The potential exists for Trump to do incalculable damage to the party and its future. We may have miscalculated on one thing about Trump: That he wants to win. How do you help a candidate that doesn't want to win? I started my career in investment banking in 1997, following the path of least resistance from the Ivy League to Wall Street. Though the work was interesting and exciting, I knew I wasn't in it for the long haul. I looked at executives 10 years my senior and realized the life I wanted for myself was very different; I wanted something that the banking industry couldn't offer. At least, not back then. I recently connected with Mike Corbat, chief executive officer of Citigroup an institution with 204-year-old roots in the finance industry. When you think old-school banking, you think big marble and walnut monoliths with suspender-wearing financiers and corner offices with skyline views. You think Gordon Gekko, smoke-filled trading floors and workaholics. While some of these stereotypes have gone out of style (offices are now nonsmoking, and no one really wears suspenders), there remain a few preconceived notions about the finance industry. Which is why, on my visit to meet with Mike at Citigroup's New York offices, I was totally blown away. Open spaces with bright, clean lines. No corner offices. No doors, even. This couldn't possibly be a bank; it looked more like Zillow Group's dotcom-esque headquarters in Seattle. The space, Mike explained, was meant to embody what the company stands for: removing friction from its customers' everyday lives. As a global business whose No. 1 need is speed to decision, Mike's job as CEO is to make that ever easier for employees. Doors are friction, he explained; they delay decision-making by tying up deliverables, untouchable on someone's desk. Mike passionately explained that a company's physical space should reinforce the company's cultural values. He sounded more like a start-up CEO than the CEO of a company with a $130 billion market cap. Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN file photo) SYRACUSE, N.Y. The leader of one institution of higher learning in Syracuse will succeed another in helping to lead a state group focused on regional economic development. SUNY Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena will succeed Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud as co-chair of the Central New York regional economic-development council (REDC). Laraque-Arena will serve alongside Robert (Rob) Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, as co-chairs of the REDC, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon. Cuomo appointed Laraque-Arena to serve in the co-chair role. Laraque-Arena is the 7th president of Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Thanks to the efforts of our regional economic development council, Central New York is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation and revitalization, Cuomo contended in the release. Under the vision and leadership of Dr. Laraque-Arena, Im confident that the region will build on its successes and drive continued growth through Central New York Rising. I thank Chancellor Syverud for his service. Cuomo appointed Syverud to the same role in May 2014, a few weeks after Syracuse University had inaugurated him as its 12th chancellor. Laraque-Arena said she is honored that Cuomo appointed her to the co-chair role on the REDC. The Central New York region has benefited greatly from the work of the council over the past five years and I hope, in working with co-chair Rob Simpson and the entire council, to continue to strengthen the economic vitality of the region so that all who work and live here may benefit from our collective success, Laraque-Arena said in Cuomos release. Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN file photo) In a statement posted on the Syracuse University website, Syverud said he was honored that Cuomo appointed him to serve in the role, but now is the right time forsomeone new to step in and help lead the REDC. Earlier this summer, the university advanced its new academic strategic plan and campus framework, along with the west-campus project, one of the largest construction and economic-development projects in Central New York history. As we pursue that project and other new capital investments that will be made in our campus facilities footprint during the next decade, it is the right time for me to conclude my service on the REDC, added Syverud. The CNY REDC is one of several such councils statewide that are part of Cuomos 2011 initiative to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth in their respective regions, according to the regional-council website. To date, New York has invested about $3 billion in Central New York to advance the regions housing and economic-development goals. The CNY REDCs plan CNY Rising was also one of the winners of $500 million in state funding as part of Cuomos 2015 economic-development contest that some media outlet dubbed the Upstate Hunger Games. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan sends out a message to the youths of Nigeria as the world celebrates International Youth Day. Below is what the former President has to say: I salute the resilience and creativity of our youths on a day dedicated to them. From Adichie to Jelani Aliyu, our youths continue to be our pride. When Nigerias economy became the largest economy on the African continent, it was and is because of our youths. When we perform exploits at the Olympics and other sporting events, it is because of the great Nigerian youths. Nigeria and indeed the world has no greater asset than our youth and you will continue to be my personal inspiration. My message to youths is to urge you to continue to develop yourself through positive endeavors. The future is yours. God bless our youths. GEJ. This space for rent C# hi guys i am converting java code to use sentiwordnet tempDictionary. get (synTerm).put(synTermRank, synsetScore); that line in java how we can write in C#. i triedlike tthat tempdict[synterm].Add(syntermrank, sysnsetscore); Dictionary(TKey, TValue) Class (System.Collections.Generic)[^] Every day, thousands of innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help end the violence EAT BACON Does anyone has accounting software source code which includes trial balance, profit & loss a/c and balance sheet?? Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right - Henry Ford Emmanuel Medina Lopez Background I'm working with a special type of "offline files"/"File sync"-system, and need to compare a users files on his/her computer en on the file server. The place I'm working at, was tricked by a Microsoft rep back in 2011, to use a system that works kind of like OneDrive. The user have their files on their laptop, and when connected to the organization's network, the files are synched with the file server The situation Now that they are migrating to Windows 10, and actual OneDrive, I've discovered a problem: the files aren't always synched. The process is now to run a set of tools on the users' computers,to check for errors, and if there is, (and there's plenty of errors), the user need to confirm which file is the correct one. The problem I've been testing WinMerge, and similar programs, but they are mostly garbage for the use I need them for. I need flexibility, meaning that i need complex filtering options, (e.g. folder names to increase processing speed), but also the options to look at files in different manners, (hashes of files, metadata, or byte-for-byte). THis could actually be done in powershell pretty "easily", however, the user will have to interact with this in a meaningfull and friendly way, so an interface is therefore needed, which allows for sorting, opening selected files, copying, copy to third party location, copy to same location with a pre/su-fix. Options to reduce timeconsumption, (quick mode which only checks metadata, or hashmode, which is in the middle, or slow mode byte-for-byte) My solution (thus far) Create this as a C# program, with a nice interface, (I've made the interface, and it's actually very nice), I've tested some simple file comparisons, but I need you guys' input. Am I doing this right or is there a piece of software that I haven't found yet?? Thanks for all input This space for rent "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." - Benjamin Disraeli What is described here applies to both VS 2013 and VS 2015 Consider the case when one wants to make a sub-classed Control (using one of the standard MS provided WinForm Controls) as a separate Project: so that you can end-up with a nice .dll that you can then mount on Visual Studio's ToolBox for handy re-use. The only relevant new Project Type available is Windows Forms Control Library which when selected gives you an initial Class definition like this: C# using System; using System.Collections.Generic; using System.ComponentModel; using System.Drawing; using System.Data; using System.Linq; using System.Text; using System.Threading.Tasks; using System.Windows.Forms; namespace TestWinFormControlLibrary { public partial class UserControl1: UserControl { public UserControl1() { InitializeComponent(); } } } And you, foolish mortal, think you could easily rename the Project and change the Class code to something like this: C# public partial class CustomTextBoxForWhatever: TextBox while still leaving the Project Output Type as it is (Class Library). That won't compile because the call to 'AutoScaleMode in the Designer.cs file will fail because you have stumbled across the assumption VS makes that you are building a ContainerControl, while a sub-classed TextBox does not expose that Type. Okay, so you take out the call to 'AutoScaleMode, and now your design view switches to no-view ... just the type of screen that you see when you a new Component to a WinForm project. But, you do have, indeed, a sub-classed Control to work with, compile, and then mount in the ToolBox as you wish. Now, maybe (?) the designers of VS did not assume someone would want to start designing a custom Control by first defining the Control, and then adding another Project to the Solution of Type Windows Form in order to test the Control as it is developed. If you start a Project of Type WinForms, you can then add a "Custom Control" to it, but then that Control will be embedded in a WinForms Project. Do you see what I am getting at ? Have I missed something obvious ... again ? Since you can stick a Control of whatever Type in the ContainerControl Prototype that a Project of Type WinForms Control Library builds-out for you ... is this a non-issue for most mortals ? Why do I quibble as the executioner asks if I will have the blindfold: usually, if I am going to do this ... and I do ... do this ... I am going to override methods of the sub-classed Control for various reasons. Could CodeProject not groan under the weight of one more article or tip-trick describing all ... this ? morituri te salutamus, Bill There is a spectrum, from "clearly desirable behaviour," to "possibly dodgy behavior that still makes some sense," to "clearly undesirable behavior." We try to make the latter into warnings or, better, errors. But stuff that is in the middle category you dont want to restrict unless there is a clear way to work around it. Eric Lippert, May 14, 2008 modified 11-Aug-16 7:33am. I live with a given designer's behavior, grateful that I'm aware of it, and override it at run-time (DLL call) when necessary. we're loading all partials views to a common div. $(divname).load(url); on clicking a row in a table or clicking on an icon,or clicking on link, view changes. my requirement is, in a partial view, we have two text boxes which are free type. before this view clears, i need to save these data to db. what appropriate event is to be used before this view goes? i tried $(document).unload,$(document).unbind,$(div).change,$(div).unload etc. nothing worked. please help me to resolve this issue here[^]. This space for rent Hello, I am looking that article: Haar-feature Object Detection in C#[^] I don't understand the classification part. So there are nodes with features, there are threshold on the stage and on the features. Where these thresholds comes? Why on the tree there are a right or left part? Of what I thought for the haar classification there are stages which are kernels to apply on the image and that all I don't understand why there is features and threshold. Where could I get more information to understand these parts of the program? "These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer Secondly, all of these things are covered in the theoretical teaching of these subjects. No author would likely start explaining these things in a single article, that would require a book to cover these algorithms, their descriptions and the methods used in their classification. Ask the question at the end of the article to see if author has interest in explaining those parts, otherwise, consider getting yourself a good book or learn these online at Wikipedia or so. The sh*t I complain about It's like there ain't a cloud in the sky and it's raining out - Eminem ~! Firewall !~ I have wrote a simple library, in C# (visual studio 2010), to access ini files for different applications. The code at the end. When used in windows application wrote in C# (x86,x64) (visual studio 2010) function properly. Now I want to use it in a new library (mylib)(x64) where all methods are declared static, running indicates no errors but does not report the values that should have read from ini file. I tried to add to the new library (mylib)a standard class, where methods aren't static, thinking that the problem was linked to the declaration of the static method of "mylib.getinipara()" , but without results. Where am I wrong; Thanks ps.: all library and programs are compliled using Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate. This is the code of library for accessing ini files. C# using System; using System.Runtime.InteropServices; using System.Text; namespace FileINIAccess { public class IniAccess { public string path; [DllImport( " kernel32" )] private static extern bool WritePrivateProfileSection( string lpAppName, string lpString, string lpFileName); [DllImport( " kernel32" )] private static extern bool WritePrivateProfileString( string section, string key, string val, string filePath); [DllImport( " kernel32" )] private static extern int GetPrivateProfileString( string section, string key, string def, StringBuilder retVal, int size, string filePath); [DllImport( " kernel32" )] private static extern int GetPrivateProfileSection ( string lpAppName , StringBuilder lpReturnedString, int nSize , string lpFileName ); public void IniFile( string INIPath) { path=INIPath; } public Boolean WriteProfileString( string Section, string Key, string Value) { bool rs=WritePrivateProfileString(Section,Key,Value,path); return rs; } public Boolean WritePrivatSection( string Section, string Value) { bool rs=WritePrivateProfileSection(Section,Value,path); return rs; } public string GetProfileString( string Section, string Key, string DefValue) { StringBuilder temp= new StringBuilder( 255 ); int rs=GetPrivateProfileString(Section,Key,DefValue,temp, 255 ,path); if (rs>0) { return temp.ToString(); } else { return DefValue.ToString(); } } public string GetProfileSection( string Section) { StringBuilder temp= new StringBuilder( 255 ); int rs = GetPrivateProfileSection(Section, temp, 255 , path); if (rs>0) { return temp.ToString(); } else { return " " ; } } } } I was on the indicated site, I modified the statements as reported, but the result is unchanged. When I call "myfileini.GetProfileString(lpsection, lpkey, lpdefvalue, sb_retvalue, ui_lenretvalue, lpfile)" its return alwais the default value. As if it does not find the file, yet it is in a specific directory, which I value by the method "myfileini.IniFile(lpPtah_File)" Also the same .ini file is used by another application that uses the same library (FileIniAccess.IniAccess) to access and function properly, Special packaging is available for the series to include all three coins and their certificates of authenticity. The Austrian Mint completes its series of three silver 20 coins honoring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a Sept. 7 release celebrating the legend surrounding the musician. "Wolfgang," "Amadeus" and "Mozart" are arguably the three most famous words in musical history. The musicians names are also the name of three coins in a series from the Austrian Mint that is now coming to a close. The third and final Proof silver 20 coin is scheduled for release on Sept. 7. Each of the coins explores a different phase in Mozarts short but prolific life, as well as one of his famous stage productions from that phase. The Mozart legend is celebrated in the final coin in the series. Connect with Coin World: Not only the most revered composer of all time, Mozart was the prototype musical genius who died far too young and became a legend in the aftermath. As in the case of some of the latter-day rock stars who died tragically young, the Mozart legend is not only a product of his undoubted creative genius, but also of his larger-than-life personality. Mozarts phenomenal work ethic, extravagant lifestyle and flamboyant nature have been dramatized on numerous occasions; most famously in the play Amadeus by Peter Shaffer, which was later made into a hugely successful movie by Milos Forman, winning eight Oscars. Mozart died at the tender age of 35 in December 1791, just weeks after the premiere of his best-loved opera The Magic Flute, which was a popular triumph. The coins reverse shows a scene from that opera, while a profile portrait of a pensive Mozart graces the obverse. From a painting by his brother-in-law Joseph Lange, the portrait gives the impression that Mozart is eavesdropping on his inner music. The word MOZART lies beneath the portrait. When the coin is placed alongside the other two coins in the series, the three coins together spell the composers full name. The earlier releases celebrate Wolfgang: The Wunderkind in 2015 and Amadeus (Amade): The Genius earlier in 2016. Each .900 fine silver coin weighs 20 grams and has a mintage limit of 50,000 pieces. Each coin is housed in a capsule, accompanied by an individual box and a numbered certificate of authenticity. Special packaging is available for the series to include all three coins and their certificates of authenticity. Collectors in the United States and Canada may buy the coin from the Austrian Mint. The piece is also available through American Precious Metals Exchange, as well as Downies in Australia. I am an undergraduate summer 2016 reporter with an emphasis in arts & culture journalism. When I'm not being a student, you can catch me hiking, making music or trying new food. Feel free to shoot me an email at jjhwy6@mail.missouri.edu. Follow this search Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The 123-year-old building on the southeast end of Francis Quadrangle is back in business. "We tried to respect the historic character of the building," said Heiddi Davis, director of planning, design and construction for MU Campus Facilities. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. 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 Quade: Abortion investigation suggests government being 'weaponized' The timing of the investigation suggests that the state is using its power to retaliate against citizens, Quade said. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Kroger is commissioning two big murals for the interiors of its new groceries in Hernando and this one under construction on Union Avenue in Midtown. (By Thomas Bailey/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Thomas Bailey Jr. of The Commercial Appeal A couple of new Kroger supermarkets will display some massive art. Kroger Co. is partnering with UrbanArt Commission to select two local artists to create indoor murals for its new Union Avenue store and Hernando Marketplace, both opening this fall. "The objective is to create a space in each store that encourages community gathering and celebrates the spirit of Midtown and Hernando,'' says a statement released by Kroger's Memphis-based Delta Division. Asked how large the murals will be, Kroger spokeswoman Teresa Dickerson responded they "will be massive.'' Each will be 60 feet wide by 5 feet tall. Kroger Delta is excited to give local artists the opportunity to display their talent by creating an uplifting experience inside our new stores, division president Scot Hendricks said in the statement released by the Cincinnati company. We are searching for artists who can capture the soul of Midtown and the beauty of Hernando. Artists interested in applying for the paid project may visit urbanartcommission.org/open-projects/ by Thursday. UrbanArt will choose three finalists for each mural based on their applications, professional qualifications, ability to work within a budget, ability to meet deadlines; and their successful completion of previous public art projects. Each finalist will be asked to prepare a schematic design and make a presentation to the artist selection committee. One artist will be selected for each project. Any questions should be directed to the UrbanArt Commission. CBRE's latest Marketview reports that ServiceMaster's lease for 328,000 square feet in the former Peabody Place building is the biggest office transaction in the Memphis market in a decade. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Thomas Bailey Jr. of The Commercial Appeal Industrial space stars in a second-quarter assessment of Memphis-area commercial real estate, but CBRE's Marketview identifies signs that the weaker office and retail sectors will become stronger. Demand for industrial buildings largely warehouses associated with Memphis's robust logistics network has fueled construction, with 1.8 million square feet now being built, states the report that CBRE released Friday. Nearly all the construction is occurring in DeSoto and Marshall counties in Mississippi. The projects include a 716,080-square-foot build-to-suit warehouse at ProLogis Park DeSoto, scheduled for completion late this year, and a speculative 554,040-square-foot warehouse rising at Gateway Global Logistics Center expected to be complete in October. In Southeast Memphis's sprawling industrial parks, several large tenants renewed their leases during the second quarter, the report states. They include Technicolor for 200,000 square feet and iQor for 566,281 square feet. "Renewal activity is an indicator of continued, long-term market growth and stability because tenants renew when they have confidence in the market,'' the report states. The Memphis industrial market's vacancy rate has fallen to 7 percent. The confidence in Memphis' industrial space is strong enough to fuel rumors that several out-of-town developers are "scouting sites for new industrial parks to capitalize on the strength of the overall Memphis industrial market,'' the report states. With increased demand comes higher lease rates. Average asking lease rates rose from $3.17 per square foot in the first quarter of this year to $3.63 in the second quarter. "This is increasing the value of industrial properties and attracting more institutional investors,'' the report states. In the office sector, the market's vacancy rate rose to 14.1 percent, up six-tenths of a percent from the first quarter. Most the new vacancies happened in the Downtown and East submarkets, the CBRE report states. "Although there was a lack of leasing activity, outlook is positive as notable deals were announced in the Downtown submarket,'' the report states. Chief among those deals was the ServiceMaster lease for 328,000 square feet in the long-vacant Peabody Place mall. "This lease is the largest single transaction in the Memphis market in a decade,'' the report states. "ServiceMaster's move downtown is expected to have positive effects on other industries, particularly retail and hospitality services, as an estimated 1,000 employees will relocate to Peabody Place,'' the report states. "Office markets across the country are currently experiencing a large metropolitan trend in which downtown space is renovated and repurposed,'' the report states. "Many of these older buildings are being renovated for Class A use by tech firms, workspace sharing facilities and other start-ups. This national trend is developing in Memphis. "If it matures, it will shift tenants and developments from the East submarket to Downtown and even closer to Midtown...,'' the CBRE report states. "Downtown markets previously on the decline have appealed to millennials and other tenants as the younger demographic continues to disrupt the workplace, and developers have responded to this change.'' Three large tenant move-outs in the second quarter caused negative absorption, meaning that on the whole more office space was vacated than filled. National Eye Bank Center left 18,222 square feet in Moriah Woods Office Park 6, Raymond James vacated 51,511 square feet in Raymond James Tower, and CBRE left 53,133 square feet at Clark Tower in moving an operation to Primacy Parkway II. Activity for retail space was relatively flat during the quarter, with the vacancy rate essentially unchanged at 12.2 percent, according to CBRE. However, 540,836 square feet of new retail space is being built, led by IKEA. The furniture company is to complete its 271,000-square-foot Memphis store in Cordova by late this year. Kroger's new 54,000-square-foot grocery on Union in Midtown is to be ccompleted late this year. The mixed-use Crosstown Concourse redevelopment includes 65,000 square feet of retail that should be finished early next year. Another bright spot in the Memphis retail market is Germantown, which recorded the most leasing activity in four years, the report states. More than 40,000 square feet were leased there during the second quarter. CBRE's report follows a similar analysis released Thursday by Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors. It says new and renewed leases involving more than 8.7 million square feet of industrial space in the Memphis area occurred during the first half of 2016, a 31 percent increase in leasing activity over the first half of 2015. More than 7,000 people jammed Ellis Auditorium in Memphis on May 15, 1956, to stomp, shudder, shriek and sigh as a young Elvis Presley writhed his way through a rock and roll repertoire. Presley was the blockbuster of Bob Neal's Cotton Picking Jamboree, a feature of Cotton Carnival opening night. Presley was born on Jan 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. (The Commercial Appeal files. By Thomas Bailey Jr. of The Commercial Appeal TUPELO, Miss. Theres some buzz here over last months official opening of the $11.5 million Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail. Nearly 60 years ago, another kind of buzz had Elvis, his parents and their Tupelo host family looking quizzically at each other around a dinner table. Turns out that the new 1.4-mile trail and the dinner incident in 1956 are related. One reflects Tupelos latest effort to make the most of its seminal bond with Elvis Presley. The other involved Tupelos first attempt to re-connect with Elvis eight years after the impoverished Presleys fled for opportunities in Memphis. Joe Bitsy Savery, now 82, recalls the extraordinary dinner in his parents stately home on Tupelos leafy Belledeer Drive. The meal took place between Elviss two performances one in the afternoon and the other at night at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show on Sept. 26, 1956. Elvis interrupted the filming of his first motion picture Love Me Tender in Hollywood to accept an invitation from Saverys father, James M. Ikey Savery, to perform at the fair. Ikey Savery not only owned an insurance company, brick- and tile-making business and interest in a farm, he was the long-time president of Tupelos annual fair. Through his fair-association connections, Ikey Savery knew Elviss agent, Col. Tom Parker. Following the afternoon performance, Elviss white Lincoln pulled up in front of the Saverys big house. His parents Vernon and Gladys arrived in a separate car, Bitsy Savery recalls. Bitsy had his own connection with Elvis; they had attended Milam Junior High together in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Bitsy never claimed to be close friends with Elvis, just a friendly acquaintance. Economically, the Saverys and Presleys inhabited different worlds when the Presleys lived in Tupelo. The Saverys big Belledeer house featured such amenities as a swimming pool and library. But the Presleys not only were renters in Tupelo, they continually moved from house to house, often among the poorest neighborhoods. Ikey may have been keenly sensitive to the differences, and took pains to ensure neither he nor his family did or said anything that might embarrass their newly rich guests. But Ikey had another quality, Bitsy says of his late father. He loved Elvis Presley. He loved entertainers. He had a little Col. Parker in him, too, I guess. He loved the show people who came to the fair. He got along with them. He had a lot of respect for them. He wanted everything to be for them, Bitsy says. The dinner and red-carpet treatment the Saverys offered the Presleys, Bitsy recalls, was not for us. It was not for Tupelo. It was for the Presley family. So when it came time to eat the candied ham and sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, none in the Savery family uttered a word when Gladys Presley sat in the wrong seat. Elvis mom took the seat at one end of the table, opposite Ikey at the other end. Gladys went all the way around to the other end of the table and sat where my mother (Beulah) usually sat, Bitsy recalls. And my daddy told (Beulah), Dont say anything, thats fine, thats fine. Dont even suggest to Gladys that she might like to sit by Elvis, Ikey cautioned. Just agree with anything they do, you know, Bitsy says. We didnt have any problems for a few minutes, he says with a smile. But then for no apparent reason a faint but strange buzzing noise interrupted the dinner for the nine diners who also included Bitsys wife Anna Katherine and Bitsys brother Mitchell and Mitchells wife, Joan. You could hear it even though the (kitchen) door was closed, Savery recallss. Ikey knew the sounds source. Without explanation, he politely excused himself, left the dining room, entered the kitchen and ripped from the wall the wire that powered the buzzer designed to summon the kitchen help into the dining room. The Saverys had installed the buzzer button where it could not be seen: On the floor under the dining table and within reach of whomever sits in Beulah Saverys chair. Called a butterfly switch, the metal device looks more like a flower with six petals. And when Gladys sat down, she didnt sit exactly like Mother did, Bitsy says. She just put her foot on that buzzer and it started... Im not sure (the Presleys) heard it as bad. (But) you could hear it even though the (kitchen) door was closed. Everybody looked at everybody. Dad just got out and said Excuse me and walked right out that door. And I did not know until later exactly what had taken place, but he slammed the door and the buzzer quit. Later, the woman who worked in the kitchen for the family told Bitsy that his dad just reached and grabbed those wires and just ripped it out. And it never was hooked up again. Ever. The old Savery home was eventually sold outside the family and wound up being demolished. But Bitsy Savery salvaged the butterfly switch that Gladys Presley inadvertently pressed. He showed it to a reporter while visiting for the first time Tupelos Fair Park, a development of civic, residential and commercial buildings where the old fairgrounds once were. The new Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail essentially an enhanced East Main Street runs in front of Fair Park. The lush landscaping including willow oaks and pin oaks, bike lanes, sidewalks, brick pavers, benches, pedestrian signals, and period lighting fixtures make driving, walking or pedaling the 1.4 miles between downtown and Elvis Birthplace Park more appealing for the 80,000 tourists a year as well as the locals. It really makes a nice connection from Downtown, says Debbie Brangenberg, director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. This is a gateway to our community. Usually, the true Elvis fan will go to the birthplace and come Downtown to Tupelo Hardware, she says of the business where Elvis bought his first guitar. Asked if Tupelo officials really expect tourists and others to walk between Downtown and the birthplace, Brangenberg replies, They already were walking. There was a cow path. The grass was beaten down where people were already walking. By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal Jerrica Norfleet, who police say acted as a driver for the men who killed nurse David Santucci on South Main in 2013, pleaded guilty to a felony charge Friday and will become eligible for diversion if she keeps a clean record for a year. The details were confirmed by Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft, who accepted the agreement in court. He said Norfleet pleaded guilty to acting as an accessory after the fact. She has moved out of state, and if she avoids trouble between now and August 2017, her record will be expunged, he said. If she violates the agreement, she could be sentenced to up to two years in prison and a $3,000 fine. Norfleet testified against the two men accused of killing Santucci, Dondre Johnson and Mario Patterson. She described how they rode around looking for victims to rob before settling on Santucci, who was 27 and died after he was shot in the chest. Johnson was convicted in September of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Patterson was likewise convicted of first-degree murder on Thursday evening and sentenced to life. The high-profile killing caused concern about safety in Downtown. It also inspired Santucci's friends to start performing acts of kindness in what they called "Operation Tucci." In one of their first such acts in 2013, they went to a Chili's restaurant on Germantown Parkway where their friend had worked and left a $100 tip and a note: "David Santucci was a nurse who devoted his life to helping others. He was genuine, smart, funny, and a dear friend of ours. This act of kindness was done in his memory." By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal The Shelby County Democratic Party executive committee voted 14-5 Thursday night to declare former chairman Bryan Carson "not fit" to run for public office as a Democrat. Executive committee member Del Gill proposed the resolution, which reiterated accusations made in a resolution approved by the committee June 2 that Carson embezzled "at least $25,000" during his tenure as committee chairman. Gill has filed a criminal complaint against Carson, and said the investigation is ongoing. "The intent here is that Mr. Carson has some personal issues he needs to address," Gill said. Carson, who denies the allegations, can appeal the vote to Tennessee Democratic Party chairwoman Mary Mancini, SCDP officials said at the meeting. Both Carson and his mother, Gale Jones Carson, are on the state executive committee. "I was unaware they were taking that vote," he said late Thursday. "I'll contact chairman Pope and Mary Mancini this weekend and see what I need to do as far as getting bona fides back. I thought all this was over with." The controversy has been festering for more than a year after bubbling over in February 2015, when Bryan Carson resigned after he couldn't account for some expenses during his tenure as chairman. He has already paid hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees he incurred, and gave the SCDP $2,000 in February. Carson is just one of the party's problems, which include fines for missing campaign finance deadlines most recently, a $10,000 fine in June. In a recent letter related to the Carson concerns, Mancini cautioned against going "down a path of further deterioration" at a time of "dysfunction." Randa Spears, who took over as chairwoman after Carson left, resigned in April, and Deidre Malone resigned as vice chairwoman in March. They said the resignations were due to personal reasons. At the time, the party was facing fines of more than $10,000 for two late campaign finance filings. "We can't keep going over the same thing over and over and over, and that's what is happening," said committee member M. LaTroy Williams, who opposed the resolution against Carson. Committee member Yollander Hardaway said the vote would help the SCDP put the controversy behind it so it can focus on winning elections. "It's not so much that he's not fit as that we have to send a message to those would-be donors, would-be voters, would-be supporters that we're going to be good stewards with their money in the future," she said. Another resolution, to censure chairman Michael Pope for agreeing to a $6,000 settlement with Carson, failed in a 9-10 vote. That proposal was also sponsored by Gill, who was defeated by Pope in the chairmanship election June 2. Pope was directed by Mancini to sign the settlement in June, and did so without approval from the executive committee, triggering the proposal to censure him for "insubordination." The settlement requires Carson to pay $100 a month up to $6,000. The SCDP executive committee's June 2 resolution, in addition to accusing Carson of embezzlement, endorsed filing criminal charges against him. The executive committee also voted Thursday to research how to give up its status as a Political Action Committee, which would allow the party to avoid having to file extra campaign finance filings. Sen. Bob Corker (EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS) SHARE By Jordan Buie,, The Tennessean Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump went "far too far" in statements claiming President Barack Obama founded ISIS, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said during a visit to Williamson County on Thursday. Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was unfamiliar with the comments, but responded to questions about Trump's latest remarks, made at a rally in Florida and repeated during a radio interview Thursday. "This has been a very unusual election," Corker said. "And regardless of whether the candidate on my side of the aisle says things that I disagree with or not, if you ask me, I'm going to share my disagreement on certain things and my agreement on certain things. But to say that an elected official in our country founded a terrorist organization like ISIS is taking the facts that took place in 2011 and carrying that far too far." At a rally Wednesday Trump said Obama founded ISIS. He doubled down on the comments during a Thursday morning radio interview, calling Obama the "most valuable player" of the terrorist organization. Corker, R-Tenn., first said he believed Trump may have been referring to the vacuum caused by the decision to remove troops from Iraq in 2011 and the unrest after Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi was deposed the same year. He said Republicans and Democrats agree that these actions have allowed ISIS to flourish in the Middle East. The former Chattanooga mayor was one of the first prominent Republicans to praise an early foreign policy speech from Trump. That led to Corker nearly joining Trump on the presidential ticket; Corker later bowed out of consideration, saying he would be better suited for a cabinet position. He has also criticized some Trump comments, including Trump's statements about the heritage of a judge hearing a case involving Trump University and the bombastic businessman's remarks in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Corker did not approve of Trump's recent comment that "2nd Amendment people" could stop Hillary Clinton as president from appointing anti-gun judges, saying Trump's words "had no place in public discourse." Many believe Trump was suggesting gun violence, but Trump has said he meant gun rights supporters are numerous and have the ability to fight Clinton with their vote. Despite the growing consternation among some Republicans about Trump and dipping poll numbers, Corker said Thursday that he will stand by his position to support the Republican nominee. But Corker did postulate about what he would do differently if he were atop the GOP ticket. "If I were running for president, I would stay away from personality issues, and I would stick to the policy issues that are going to affect people's lives in a positive way," he said. "I would not miss an opportunity every day to talk about how I'm going to affect people's economic lives better. Secondly, I would focus on the role of the US in the world, and how it's going to affect people's economic and personal security." Corker would not comment directly on either of the two presidential candidates' standing globally, but said the election is affecting people around the world. "They watch and hear some degree of isolation creeping in that raises concerns," he said. Corker spoke after his address to a banquet hall full of farmers and rural community insurance providers at the Tennessee Farm Bureau President's Conference in the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Williamson County. During the event Corker talked about the importance of farming, international trade agreements and the role the United States plays overseas. Reporter Jordan Buie can be reached at jbuie@tennessean.com or on Twitter @jordanbuie SHARE The Commercial Appeal files Among the several hundred guests enjoying the luncheon and fashion show sponsored by the Christian College Alumnae Club on August 12, 1953, in the Peabody Skyway were Mrs. Fraser Humphreys Jr. (left), Mrs. Richard Smith (right), Mrs. Frank L. Montesi (middle left), Mrs. David Cartwright Jr. (center), Mrs. M.K. Mann Jr. (middle right), Mrs. W.D. Evans (back left) and Mrs. Ralph P. Hanger (back right). Proceeds from the event will go to the club's scholarship fund. Mrs. Cartwright is president of the club and Mrs. Hanger was chairman of the fashion show. Aug. 12 25 years ago: 1991 The Memphis Area Transit Authority plans today to award the final construction contract for the downtown trolley line on Main Street and the Mid-America Mall. However, how to pay an estimated $650,000 annually for operating expenses hasn't been determined. Private funding also is incomplete for the $3 million needed to buy and refurbish 10 trolley cars. The $33 million project is being financed with federal, state and local money, as well as the private donations for trolley cars. If the construction timetable is accurate, the electric trolley will begin running from Mill to Calhoun in fall 1992. 50 years ago: 1966 A million-dollar program to put wiring that can handle air conditioners and other modern appliances in Memphis public housing projects will be considered by the Memphis Housing Authority Board Monday. Walter M. Simmons, MHA executive director, said yesterday the projects, some built 30 years ago, have wiring inadequate for air conditioners and other appliances that have come along since. 75 years ago: 1941 NEW YORK Sgt. Alvin C. York, World War hero No. 1, has been named chairman of the Tennessee Fight for Freedom Committee, Fight for Freedom, Inc., New York City, announced yesterday. 100 years ago: 1916 N.T. Ingram, coroner, assumed charge of the sheriff's office yesterday at noon, following receipt of an entry of the Supreme Court's procedendo ousting J.A. Reichman from office for willful failure to enforce the law. 125 years ago: 1891 When the sun went down Monday evening a whole city full prayed prayed earnestly to Heaven that during the night there might be atmospheric changes that would afford relief on the morrow from the consuming heat wave. This July 20, 1925 black-and-white handout photo provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows William Jennings Bryan, seated at left, being interrogated by Clarence Seward Darrow, during the trial of State of Tennessee vs. John Thomas Scopes, July 20, 1925. Eighty years after the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, a historian has made "the discovery of a lifetime" _ a trove of about 60 unpublished photos from the landmark case, including Clarence Darrow's courtroom sparring with William Jennings Bryan. That Monday afternoon, because of the extreme heat, Judge Raulston decided to move the court proceedings outdoors. The session was held on a platform that had been erected at the front of the Rhea County Courthouse to accommodate ministers who wanted to preach during the time of the trial. Defense lawyers for Scopes (John R. Neal, Arthur Garfield Hays, and Dudley Field Malone) are visible seated to the extreme right. One of the men at left, with his back to the camera, appears to be Scopes. The court reporters are seated at the table. The photographer appears to have been standing on the platform directly behind Scopes. (AP Photo/Smithsonian, Watson Davis) SHARE In this July 23, 2016 photo, George Miller, center, portrays orator William Jennings Bryan during a presentation of the play "Front Page News" in Dayton, Tenn. The play is presented in the same courtroom in the Rhea County Courthouse where the 1925 Scopes "monkey trial" was held. An atheist group is raising money to place a statue of attorney Clarence Darrow opposite an existing statue of Bryan outside the courthouse where the two faced off in the famous trial. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) In this July 2016 photo, sculptor Zenos Frudakis works on a statue of attorney Clarence Darrow in his studio in Glenside, Penn. The statue is to be placed near a statue of William Jennings Bryan outside the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tenn., where the two men faced off in the 1925 Scopes "monkey trial." (Rosalie Frudakis via AP) By Travis Loller, Associated Press DAYTON, Tenn. In 1925, two of America's most renowned figures faced off in the East Tennessee town of Dayton to debate a burning issue whether man evolved over millions of years or was created by God in his present form. Today, only one of the two, the Christian orator William Jennings Bryan, is commemorated with a statue on the courthouse lawn. A group of atheists hopes to change that. Bryan defended the Biblical account while trial lawyer and skeptic Clarence Darrow defended evolution in the "Scopes monkey trial" formally, Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes. The case became front-page news nationwide and is memorialized in songs, books, plays and movies. Nearly a century later, the debate pitting evolution against the biblical account of creation rages on nationally and locally. Nearly all scientists accept evolution, but many Christians see it as incompatible with their faith. Just two years ago in Dayton, professors at a Christian college named for Bryan were fired in a dispute over whether Adam and Eve were historical people. One might expect a town that reveres Bryan to resist efforts to memorialize his antagonist, but Reed Johnson, managing editor of The Herald-News in Dayton, said that vocal resistance hasn't materialized. He doesn't recall angry letters to the editor. County Commissioner Bill Hollin said he doesn't think many people are aware of the effort, but he's against it and thinks others will join him. "I don't see where it would help the community at all to put it up there," he said. Bryan, on the other hand, represents more than the Scopes trial, Hollin said. His legacy in Dayton includes the college that was founded in 1930 and educates many of the area's young people. Still, townspeople are resigned to the idea of a Darrow statue, said Christian writer Rachel Held Evans, a Bryan College alumna. "I think there is a sense that, 'Oh, it's only fair. We have our side, and they have their side. We have our statue, and they have their statue'," she said. Ed Larson, who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the trial called "Summer for the Gods," said that Dayton has historically been hospitable to both sides, and that outrage over the teaching of evolution in 1925 was manufactured. The trial is often remembered as the persecution of teacher Scopes for teaching evolution, which Tennessee had outlawed, but it actually began as a publicity stunt for Dayton, Larson said. Larson explained that locals had responded to a newspaper advertisement by the American Civil Liberties Union looking for someone to test Tennessee's anti-evolution law in court. No one had complained about Scopes or his teaching; he was recruited to be the defendant, Larson said. Scopes never spent time in jail and was offered his job back after the trial, Larson said and Bryan even offered to pay his fine. Evans said part of the trial's legacy has been negative: a lasting sense that belief in evolution conflicts with Christianity, something she no longer believes. "I grew up as a conservative evangelical, and we always heard about the trial that William Jennings Bryan was a hero who came in and put everyone in their place," she said. "Even in college, I was told I could either believe in the Bible or I could believe in evolution." But many say part of the legacy is positive: Dayton has seen a stream of visitors to the red brick courthouse in the town square that still looks much as it did when the judge moved the trial's action onto the lawn worried the floor would cave in from the weight of spectators and Darrow began questioning Bryan's views on the Bible. The courthouse basement now holds a small museum. On the trial's anniversary in July, a festival is held, with a courtroom play re-enacting trial scenes. At this year's festival, Dayton resident Richard DeArk sold handcrafted earrings, some with a monkey theme, on the courthouse lawn near the Bryan statue. Asked about the Darrow statue, he said, "It's about time!" Tom Brady, the courthouse maintenance supervisor, said he hasn't heard objections to the Darrow statue. "The trial helped Dayton," he said. Tom Davis, president of the Rhea County Historical and Genealogical Society, was asked to make a recommendation to the county executive about the two statues. He said in an interview that the group supported the Bryan statue in 2005 but realized at the time "if we do this, we'll probably face a request for a Darrow statue one day, and we'll probably have to support that." The American Humanist Association is raising money for the statue, but the creative side is the work of Pennsylvania sculptor Zenos Frudakis, who says Darrow is too important to the story to leave out. Frudakis said he has the county executive's permission to erect the statue opposite Bryan on the courthouse lawn as long as the county doesn't have to spend any money on it and it is similar in size and style to the Bryan statue. But Hollin, the county commissioner, said he believes his panel will have to give its blessing first, something he does not see happening. Frudakis said he is a fan of Darrow but doesn't want his statue to be controversial. "Right now they only have William Jennings Bryan there, standing alone," Frudakis said. "Add Darrow, and it re-creates the historical drama of 1925, the way it played out in the public eye and galvanized the nation." SHARE By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal Mississippi cannot enact its "Religious Freedom" law while the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decides on its constitutionality, the appeals court ruled Friday. In a short opinion, the court said it would neither grant Gov. Phil Bryant's request to lift a stay nor his request to expedite his appeal. The rulings also apply to John Davis, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Davis was listed as a plaintiff in the appeal along with Bryant. The appeals court did not elaborate on the reasons for its denial. The court did agree to consolidate two of several cases filed against the law. Bryant's office had no immediate response. Aaron Sarver, a spokesman for Campaign for Southern Equality, said the organization was pleased and looks forward to the appeals court considering the merits of the case. The Asheville, North Carolina-based organization was a plaintiff in some of the lawsuits challenging the law. Bryant appealed a June 30 ruling by U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves striking down the measure, which was to take effect July 1. The Republican governor chose to appeal even though Attorney General Jim Hood, Mississippi's chief legal officer, did not participate. The law, which supporters including Bryant said would protect sincerely held religious beliefs, would allow individuals and government officials to decline services to same-sex couples and others who practices violated their beliefs. Bryant asked Reeves to lift his stay pending the appeal, saying those protected by the law would be harmed if it were not allowed to take effect. Reeves rejected the request, saying maintaining the status quo during appeal was the norm. The governor also asked the Fifth Circuit to lift the stay, even though Reeves had not yet ruled on lifting it, and to expedite the appeal. Friday's ruling was in response to those two requests. SHARE By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal Rescue groups and Tate County authorities removed more than 170 animals from a Senatobia, Mississippi, property Thursday, saving them from what authorities called "extremely neglectful conditions." The animals seized included about 100 dogs, including litters of puppies and pregnant dogs; 12 cats, including kittens; 50 chickens, six rabbits, three parrots, two turkeys and a donkey. "These animals have endured extreme suffering for a very, very long time," Scotlund Haisley, president of Animal Rescue Corps, said in a prepared statement. "These animals didn't have a minute to spare. They were not surviving here; they were dying here." The Washington-based group led the rescue operation, assisted by the Tate County Sheriff's Department, Tate County Animal Control and the Bissell Pet Foundation, which provided a grant. The seized animals were taken to a rescue shelter set up specifically for Thursday's operation, dubbed "Operation Dog Days of Summer." The Tunica Humane Society provided transport and logistical support, and Redemption Road Rescue provided equine services, transport and shelter. Snowden Grove Animal Hospital and Four Paws Animal Health Center provided veterinary services. The property owners were not identified, and no information was immediately available on charges. According to Haisley, the animals had inadequate food, water and shelter. They were running loose around the overgrown property, or were held in dilapidated pens and in filthy conditions inside barn rooms, in the property owners' house and in an abandoned country store on an adjacent property. Haisley said the animals were all extremely dirty and suffering from heavy infestations of internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms. The remains of several animals were also found around the property. Haisley said the rescue operation resulted from a tip his organization received about a possible puppy mill. The organization contacted the sheriff's department, and an undercover operation provided "clear violations of local and state laws." "This county takes all cases of abuse and cruelty very seriously," Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance said. "The evidence presented showed clear violations of state laws, and we didn't hesitate to act." AMD's move three years ago to rely on ARM for server chips is turning out to be a big mistake. The company is putting its faith back in x86 chips as it seeks a reboot in servers, a market in which the company was once a big player. Riddled with chip delays and abandoned projects, AMD has downgraded ARM in its server strategy. Instead of ARM-based servers, AMD is relying again on x86 chips, this time based on the promising Zen architecture, to take market share from Intel. AMD shipped its first ARM-based Opteron A-series processors early this year after delays. The first server chips based on a custom ARM-based core, called K12 core, could be released next year, an AMD spokesman said, but the company's server strategy next year is centered on Zen and x86. That point was echoed by AMD CEO Lisa Su during a talk at the Pacific Crest Global Technology Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, this week. The ARM server adoption hasn't advanced as quickly as some people might have thought, primarily because of the slow adoption and performance demanded by servers, Su said. "The demands of the data center are very, very high, and so to get to what I would call good-enough capability, we're still quite not there" with ARM-based chips, Su said. "From our standpoint, we're going to lead with x86, she added. "The transition for us, in terms of growing share in the data center with x86, will be much faster." However, AMD will "certainly continue to think about ARM in our portfolio," she added. AMD cut its reliance on x86 in 2013 and focused on building server chips around ARM, which was a popular chip in mobile devices. At the time, AMD believed the low-power ARM would eventually replace the plodding x86 architecture. But that hasn't happened, and the decision hurt AMD. Intel stuck with x86 and now dominates with a higher than a 90 percent market share in server processors. ARM servers are still maturing and being tested. AMD also is facing a host of ARM chip competitors in Qualcomm, AppliedMicro, Cavium, Broadcom, and others, with many of those companies waiting for the market to mature so they can cash in. AMD gave Intel a run for its money in the x86 chip market for more than a decade, so the sudden switch to ARM for servers was mysterious. AMD introduced the first 64-bit x86 server chips in 2003, and dual-core chips in 2004, which gave it a competitive advantage over Intel. Subsequent chip delays and the failure of chips based on the Bulldozer core, which started shipping in 2011, cost AMD market share. With its high-performance Zen x86 chips, AMD hopes it'll deliver performance on par with Intel's server chips. AMD plans to release its own Zen chips for cloud servers, and also wants to couple the CPUs with its Radeon GPUs in high-performance computers. Licensing the Zen processor designs will also be a source a revenue for AMD, Su said. The Zen processor design and system-on-chip technology has been licensed by AMD to a company called THATIC (Tianjin Haiguang Advanced Technology Investment Co.), a partnership between AMD and a consortium of public and private Chinese companies. Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate. Ive always thought all months should be like August. Most political journalists take the whole month off, and politicians are largely absent from Westminster. And yet somehow the country manages to struggle on. Indeed, it struggles on very nicely ,thank you. Its a bit like the time recently when Belgium had nine months without a government. The economy thrived, and all was well in the world. Someone asked me the other day where I thought David Cameron sits in the pantheon of Great British Prime Ministers. Its not an easy question to answer. Indeed, I suspect its one best addressed in about 50 years time, when we can best judge the effects of Brexit. However, theres part of me that thinks that, even if it goes really well, thats not exactly going to be down to Cameron. OK, he called the referendum, but he certainly didnt get the response he wanted. He nearly lost Scotland, too. Overall, though, I think he was a better-than-average Prime Minister. He clearly fitted the job well, although he sometimes did and said things that werent exactly prime ministerial. I think he can look back and cite many achievements on the economy and in domestic policy with a lot of pride. Foreign policy was a lot more mixed, especially in the Middle East. He will say he was thwarted by Parliament over Syria, which is true, but the handling of the vote and his methods of persuasion were perhaps not ideal. Libya has turned out to be a mixed blessing. Id still say our intervention there was correct, and that the fact that the Libyans have made a hash of the aftermath isnt exactly down to us. They asked us to stay out, and we did. So, heres my list of Best Post-War Prime Ministers: 1. Margaret Thatcher. 2. Clement Attlee. 3. Tony Blair. 4. Harold Macmillan. 5. Harold Wilson. 6. David Cameron. 7. John Major. 8. Gordon Brown. 9. James Callaghan. 10. Sir Winston Churchill. 11. Edward Heath. 12. Sir Alec Douglas Home 13. Sir Anthony Eden. Ive tried to judge them simply as prime ministers, rather than take into consideration their party backgrounds. I think the first three were transformational: they changed the political weather in a way that the others failed to. Harold Macmillan was very much steady as she goes, and theres a lot to be said for that, but he failed to make the changes in industrial policy that were needed. Perhaps he is too high on that list, but theres no doubt that he did very well to elongate Conservative rule in that period to 13 years. Churchill features on the low side because Ive only judged him on his 1951-55 administration. But he was still a better leader than Edward Heath, who will always be remembered for two things: the three-day week and taking us into the Common Market. Many regard the latter as his crowning achievement. It was not. The people had no say at the time and felt they were misled. Looking back, Europe has been an open sore for both the Tory Party itself and the country at large, and that is down to Edward Heath. I am sure many of you will disagree! Next Friday, Im on Any Questions. Its a programme Ive been on five or six times, and have never not enjoyed it. In some ways, its quite terrifying as you always fear a question coming to which you have no answer whatsoever. Ive always reckoned that the secret of doing it well on it is to crack a joke in the warm-up question and get the audience laughing. Do that, and the nerves disappear and it sends a message to the audience that they are going to have a good time. Normally during August they have panels that are not very political, but this year its obviously a little different. Chuka Umunna, James Brokenshire and Laurie Penny are the other three panellists. So, me and Laurie Penny. What could possibly go wrong? Ive been on holiday for a week now, and have another ten days to go. I find it incredibly difficult to switch off from work on holiday. I put an Out of Office on my emails, but I may as well not bother. A few years ago, when I went to Crete for a week, I only looked at email in the morning and in the evening. But if Im not abroad, theres no difference to my normal routine really, so the laptop is on all day. The only change to my routine, and the main way I try to switch off, is to binge on box sets. This holiday Ive polished off Series 5 of Homeland and Series 5 of Covert Affairs. Whether Ill quite manage the latest series of House of Cards before I fly up to Edinburgh on Monday is doubtful. I have actually ventured out of the house to take the dogs to the beach, but quite honestly the best way I recharge my batteries is to do nothing but read and watch DVDs. However, tomorrow I am doing a barbeque for a dozen friends. My partner is very much against the idea on the basis that they will all get food poisoning. If Gareth Williamson, the Conservative Chief Whip is reading this, he shouldnt be too worried. Only one of the guests is an MP. And it isnt Norman Lamb. So on Monday I fly to Edinburgh from Norwich International Airport. Really. Norwich Airport is the only one I have ever been to where they charge you 10 to leave the airport. Normal for Norfolk. Its my second visit to the Festival. I had such a good time there last year that Ive decided to return. Im there for three and a half days and have booked into 17, yes 17, shows. They range from Trumpageddon to.Margaret Thatcher, Queen of Gameshows. Im looking forward to seeing Ayesha Hazirikas new standup show, as well as The Whinging Poms Guide to Oz. Matt Forde is doing an In Conversation show with Tim Loughton, and Ill be finding out The Gayest Thing Youve Ever Seen. Ill report back next week. Sussex News Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. We carried out an economic impact study together with University of Barcelona regarding cruise activity generated by the port that shows this industry has a gross total turnover of almost 800 million euro, said Mar Perez, head of cruise for the Port of Barcelona. She said the cruise industry is responsible for 7,000 jobs in Barcelona, and being a turnaround port, helps drive economic impact as passengers often package pre- and post-cruise stays in the Spanish city. Another major concern among Barcelona residents is environmental, stemming from emissions, while the ship is docked, even if running on low-sulfur fuel as required by IMO regulations. Were aware of this concern and we want to explain and reassure citizens. Were also carrying out an air quality study related on the ships emissions, continued Perez. Barcelona has been among the top ports in the world and in Europe for decades, and expects over 2.5 million passengers this year. On Thursday, Aug. 18 , head to 516 ARTS to hear the photographer Matika Wilbur discuss her project documenting Native America, Project 562: Photographing Contemporary Native America. Her work is focused on addressing stereotypes in the portrayal of Native Americans and the unapologetic appropriation of Native imagery in the western world . She hopes to educate viewers to look beyond the typical 19th century depictions of Native people, to see their thriving contemporary culture. Her photos are also in the current 516 ARTS exhibition As We See It: Contemporary Native American Photographers, on display until September 17. This artist talk begins at 6pm . FREE . (Robin Babb) Matika Wilbur discusses her photography project documenting Native American stereotypes. ARTIST TALK: Matika Wilbur Project 562: Photographing Contemporary Native America at 516 ARTS FREE Directed by Matika Wilbur, Project 562 is a photography project documenting Native America and is dedicated to addressing the stereotypes surrounding Indian Country. By exposing the tenacity and richness of contemporary Native life, Project 562 will educate beyond the stereotypical 19th century image, encouraging a global shift in the consciousness toward Native Americans. The project is meant to drive conversations about the ubiquitous appropriation of Native American culture and to discuss how U.S. citizens can evolve beyond the co-opting of indigenous images and traditions. Matika Wilbur, Swinomish and Tulalip (Washington), and one of the Pacific Northwests leading photographers. The insight, depth and passion with which she explores contemporary Native identity and experience are communicated through her silver gelatin photographs. Matikas work is currently part of the exhibition As We See It: Contemporary Native American Photographers, which considers how contemporary Native American photography can communicate personal perspectives on identity and place. The exhibition is curated by Suzanne Fricke and India Rael Young, and is on view at 516 ARTS through September 17, 2016. The exhibition and accompanying programming is part of PhotoSummer, a collaborative initiative that strives to represent and actively promote historical and contemporary photography in New Mexico. The last of the major brands to enter the Chinese cruise market, Norwegian Cruise Line will do it with a new ship when the Norwegian Joy arrives in Shanghai next summer. The 164,400-ton Breakaway-plus vessel is being designed for the Chinese market and will split its time between homeports in Shanghai and Tianjin. With an influx of capacity hurting pricing in Shanghai, some cruise lines have lowered pricing for travel agents, which typically block out cabins or charter the entire ship, according to a travel agent familiar with the chartering process in Shanghai. However, Norwegian noted on its second quarter earnings call that it had not only already signed contracts, but that the pricing was encouraging. At this point, in the selling cycle, we are well along in allocating our available inventory among our top travel partners; and the early results are very encouraging, said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. To-date, we have allocated the vast majority of our 2017 inventory for Shanghai sailings and almost all of that for our six Beijing departures. While these are only allocations and not yet hard contracts, the strong interest exhibited by the travel agent community for Norwegian Joy has been exceptional. The allocation selection period is followed by negotiations that lead to signed contracts; and I'm happy to report that not only have we closed on our first set of charter contracts for Shanghai sailings, but that these contracts closed at prices that meet our internal targets, said Del Rio. The signing of these contracts coupled with strong indications of interest in the allocation process and an entry into the market at a time where capacity increases have begun to moderate after years of rampant growth gives us continued confidence in our China deployment strategy and reaffirms our expectations that China will be accretive to 2017 yields and earnings and will be a source of positive ROIC growth. The comments are encouraging, as most brands have had to lower pricing on Shanghai based sailings in 2016, while new brands entering the market have traditionally cut pricing to gain market share. While the Joy is headed to China in 2017, Norwegian has an unnamed ship on order for 2019, and has yet to spec the hotel product to western or Chinese tastes --- meaning a second new ship could enter the Chinese market for Norwegian as soon as 2019 if yields are strong. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEWTOWN A former police sergeant who is facing nearly six years in prison for manufacturing and distributing steroids claimed in court papers filed this week that his involvement with the drug grew out of bodybuilding culture. Steven Santucci, who resigned from the department shortly after his arrest in May 2015, plead guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. He faces nearly six years in prison during a federal sentencing hearing scheduled for Aug. 25 Police said Santucci was at the center of a drug ring that received shipments of steroids ingredients from China since 2011 and manufactured and distributed large quantities of the substance to bodybuilders in local gyms. The federal probe also revealed certain members of the group were distributing cocaine and prescription pills, including oxycodone. In a sentencing memorandum filed with the court this week, Santucci claims his abuse of the drug began nearly a decade ago when his efforts at the gym failed to give him the results he desired. Around age 30, Santucci turned to steroids to get an edge so that he could develop the body image he desperately sought, the court document states. Santucci himself explained that he has always been a fitness guy and he wanted to be a weight lifter. Due to the expense of the drug, the document claims that Santucci began importing raw materials from China to manufacture steroids for his own use. While the former police officer never planned to distribute the drugs, according to the document, others at the gym took notice of his use and asked to buy some. By the time of his arrest, he was selling to nine or 10 individuals, the memorandum claims. The document also claims that the decorated police officer became involved in the illegal activity, in part, because of the level of acceptance of steroid use in the body building community. He got lulled into believing that what he was selling was just steroids and it was no big deal, the document states. However, federal prosecutors claim Santucci used the proceeds of the drug sales to fund a lavish lifestyle that included more than $300,000 he spent on first class trips to Europe, South America and Africa, including a $30,000 safari. Authorities said Santucci also spent more than $23,000 of the drug proceeds on Celebrity Cruises. While prosecutors have called for a sentence of between 57 to 71 months in prison, Santuccis lawyer is asking for a sentence well below the recommendation, due to his exemplary life and a life characterized by a high degree of public service. Santucci was honorably discharged from the Connecticut Army National Guard prior to joining the police force and was presented with the Chiefs Service Award two years ago. dperrefort@newstimes.com; MILFORD Five technical high school programs that prepare students to become licensed practical nurses have stopped taking applications for new students as state officials are debating their future. While no decision has been made to close the programs, Ed Leavy, president of the State Vocational Federation of Teachers, said administrators have been told to stop accepting new students who would have started class in January. I am obviously concerned about the future of these programs, he said. We think these programs are too important to eliminate. Leavy said his union will lobby legislators to save the programs, if need be, because they are affordable programs that set people on a solid career path. The union represents about 25 LPN teachers and department heads. Many of these students have been underemployed, and the LPN programs prepare them for good-paying jobs, he said. The 155 students currently enrolled in the programs will return to class this fall and be able to graduate, said Abbe Smith, a spokeswoman for the state Technical High School System, who stressed that no decision has been made to close the programs. One program is temporarily located at Platt Technical High School in Milford while renovations are being done at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden, Smith said. The other programs are at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, Norwich Technical High School and A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford. Nivea L. Torres, the superintendent of the technical school system, and her board are reviewing all programs to make sure they align with the technical high school systems core mission, Smith said. They are also exploring options - including potential partnerships with colleges and universities - to make our adult education programs stronger and more financially sustainable. Maribel La Luz, a spokeswoman for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, said there has been some discussion about the community colleges taking over the high school LPN programs, but no decisions have been made. Torres review comes as the technical high schools are dealing with a significant budget cut of $7.8 million this fiscal year, according to the state Office of Fiscal Analysis. A change in federal financial aid policy also means that adult students in secondary schools will no longer be able to receive grants to fund their education, the state Office of Policy and Management announced May 25. For that reason, a medical assistant program at Platt, dental assistant programs at Prince and Windham Technical High School, a certified nursing assistant program at Whitney and surgical technology programs at Prince and Whitney were terminated June 13, OPM said. Patricia Bouffard, the chairwoman of the state Board of Examiners for Nursing, said federal officials have been decreasing their support for the use of Pell grants for programs such as the high school LPN programs that are based on clock hours versus those at colleges based on credits. Any nursing programs that want to close must submit a closing plan to the state nursing board, which must then approve it to be sure students are taken care of, Bouffard said. She said the board has not received any closing plans. The high school LPN programs have faced turmoil in recent years. In 2010, 10 of them were suspended when then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell cut funding. An infusion of $1.2 million and an increase in tuition saved six of the programs. Classes resumed in 2011. Students pay $11,550 in tuition and take 18 months to complete the programs. In June, the LPN program at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown closed because its students had a low passing rate on the national LPN licensing exam. The 20 students in the program scattered to finish their programs at one of the other tech schools. Hillary Thompkins, 53, of Middletown, is a displaced Vinal student who plans to finish the program in Norwich in January. If the other programs do close, it will be troubling for young people and for older students alike, Thompkins said. Theyre just really making it hard for people to get ahead, she said, adding I think this would be a loss for these communities. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team ( www.c-hit.org ). FAIRFIELD The road to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. goes through Connecticut. Within 48 hours of each other, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will swing through a state that has traditionally been relegated to the role of presidential ATM. But not this year. Trump will visit Fairfield Saturday night for a rally at Sacred Heart University. Tickets, which are available for free through Trumps campaign website, are required for the 7:30 p.m. event. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Clinton is bound for a private fundraising dinner Monday night in Greenwich, where the minimum price of admission is $33,400 per plate . Trumps detour from the bellwethers of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida to a state that hasnt gone Republican in a presidential election since George H.W. Bush in 1988, has many national political handicappers scratching their heads. Controversial statements The visit comes during a time of turmoil and a polling slump for Trump, whose public spat with the Gold Star parents of a Muslim U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq has opened the real estate mogul up to rebukes from the left and right. Hes such an unconventional candidate and hes certainly unconventional for the Republican Party, and he, despite the recent gaffes, has put a lot of blue states in play, said Carl Higbie, a retired Navy SEAL from Greenwich and spokesman for the pro-Trump Great America super PAC. Higbie said Trump learned his lesson from his public feud with the parents of Humayun Khan, who assailed the GOP presidential nominee during a prime-time appearance at last months Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia for his proposal to stop Muslims from entering the U.S. I wouldnt have gone out and attacked the Khan family, Higbie said. But if I was the Khans, I wouldnt have gone out on a political platform and criticized the Republican nominee and not expect to get hit back. This week, Trump became embroiled in a new controversy when he said that gun owners might be able to stop Hillary Clinton from appointing Supreme Court Justices who would abolish the Second Amendment. Trump has denied that he was trying to incite violence, but his critics have termed his comments as a veiled inference to Clintons assassination. Every time that man opens his mouth, he shows how unfit he is to be in civilized company, much less to be president, said U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a top Clinton fundraiser. The very fact that hes taking time to come to Connecticut where he doesnt stand a prayer I dont know whos advising him and what theyre thinking. Worth his time Trumps campaign manager, Paul Manafort, is from New Britain. Both he and Trump have said on multiple occasions that Connecticut stuck in an economic rut and losing corporations such as Fairfield-based General Electric could buck the trend in November. Obviously, hes showing up in Fairfield, a stones throw from GEs headquarters, which is closing down, Jamie Millington, the towns GOP chairman, said of the companys decision to move its headquarters to Boston. I think its worth his time to spend some time in Connecticut. Trump and Clinton last visited Connecticut in April, making appearances in Bridgeport on consecutive days before they went on to win the states Republican and Democratic presidential primaries. The statistical analysis website FiveThirtyEight gives Clinton a 93 percent chance of winning Connecticut and its seven electoral votes in November. With only seven electoral votes, Connecticut holds a greater symbolic value to Trump than a mathematical one, his supporters in the state say. If people see states like Connecticut turning purple or red even though people in the state of California have backyards bigger than the state of Connecticut that can change minds, Higbie said. Saturdays rally will be held in the William H. Pitt Center at Sacred Heart University, which can hold up to 4,500 people for the event. This is the second presidential visit this year at the Catholic institution, which hosted Ohio Gov. John Kasich in April before he dropped out of the GOP race against Trump. Its not an alien place for him, Gary Rose, chairman of the universitys government and politics department, said of Trumps stop in Connecticut. I know a number of people have written off Connecticut as being in the Democratic column, which it may well be, Rose said. (But) I think that the economy is such in Connecticut with GE leaving and problems with manufacturing jobs leaving the state, I think Trumps message could resonate with a share of voters that might be a little larger than people are predicting. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Jobs can be difficult to come by, especially full-time positions. And especially in Connecticut. Connecticut is among states where it may be the hardest for job seekers to find a full-time job, according to a report by 24/7 Wall St. The report analyzed underemployment rates, unemployment rates from June 2016, and job growth rates over the past year. To see how Connecticut stacks up against other states where it's difficult to find full-time work, click through the slideshow above. In Connecticut, underemployment was measured at about 11 percentwhich could be just as bad according to one expert. Martin Kohli, a chief regional economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, told 24/7 Wall St. that underemployment is "a valuable reminder that people can suffer during a recession even if they have jobs." The site said Connecticut was an outlier in job growth, though not in a good way. "While the unemployment rate has declined nationwide, in Connecticut, the share of the labor force out of work and looking for a job has actually risen," the report stated. "The state's unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points to 5.8 percent between 2015 and 2016." By comparison, the report said unemployment decreased nationwide by 0.4 percentage over the same period. Related: Most in-demand jobs in Connecticut The report went on to say the state is home to a 41 percent of part-time workers would prefer to instead have a full-time job, which is among the highest such percentages across all states. Nevada, New Mexico, and Alaska were found to be the most difficult states for a full-time job, where the underemployment rate sat around 12 percent among the three states. So where can workers have an easier time finding work? Their best bets can be found in the central portion of the country. South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska had some of the lowest unemployment rates in June 2016. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD A city representative running for state office in November called on Friday for higher mandatory sentences for people caught illegally carrying guns in the state. Wearing a black suit with a drop of perspiration running down his temple, Rep. Steve Kolenberg, a Republican, appeared with supporters outside state Superior Court in Stamford at noon on steamy Friday to express his concern about the shootings and shots-fired calls that have been rocking Stamford and especially the West Side for the past few months. Kolenberg, 23, represents Stamfords Turn of River district and will try in November to unseat state Rep. Caroline Simmons in the 144th District, said he was disgusted with the gun violence that has caused more than 20 incidents since March. Complaining that the safety of the city is slipping away Kolenberg said, The reason why this is happening is that there are too many illegal guns on the street here in Stamford. Despite outreach efforts by Stamford Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau and his department to get the guns off the street, Kolenberg said new tools are needed to stop people from carrying them. We cant control the supply of weapons coming into the city, but we can control the demand, said Kolenberg, calling upon the state legislature to boost the mandatory minimum sentence for felons found in possession of firearms to five years in jail. The problem is in Connecticut our mandatory minimums are too low. They are about 24 months in prison if you get caught with a firearm. Kolenbergs gathering in front of the courthouse came two days after a roundtable discussion about community policing was held at the Government Center with Fontneau, Simmons, Mayor David Martin and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). There is no community that isnt vulnerable to gun violence because guns are now everywhere," Blumenthal said Wednesday. Kolenberg said that, too often, prosecutors and defense attorneys negotiate pleas for these kinds of defendants, who only spend about six months in jail after they are caught with a gun. But Howard Ehring, the courthouses second lead public defender, said Kolenberg did not have his facts straight. No, a states attorney will not reduce a gun charge. That does not happen here in Stamford and I dont think it happens across the state, said Ehring, who has worked in the city public defenders office for decades. The last thing a states attorney or a judge wants to do is put their heads on a chopping block when they decline to prosecute a gun charge and a short time later the same defendant is found with a gun and they are shooting or threatening people. Ehring said that virtually every criminal defense attorney, many judges and even some states attorneys would frown on such a mandatory minimum being put on gun possession cases. Judges have sat on the bench for a number of years and each case has to be looked at separately, each defendant has to be looked at separately, he said. Josh Fedeli, chairman of Stamfords Democratic City Committee, questioned Kolenbergs position on gun control and that of his party. The first step in curbing gun violence in our community is to get guns off our streets and out of the hands of those who would do harm with them, Fedeli said in an emailed statement. But in the era of the NRA, enacting legislation toward this goal has been a fight. It is a fight that local Democrats, both in our State Legislature and in Congress, have been fighting for years. Its unfortunate the same cannot be said for our Republican colleagues here in Stamford. Its time to do the real work to protect our citizens at this critical moment for Stamford. If Mr. Kohlenberg is serious about this issue, is he prepared to reject his local party's position, and those of the Republican standard bearer, Donald Trump? The voters in the 144th District deserve to know. Recently retired police officer Paul Longo, who was at the courthouse for Kolenbergs press conference, said he supported higher mandatory minimums for illegal gun possession convictions. I think it is a solid proposal at the state level, Longo said. The problem is we have had 22 shots fired incidents since March and that is a public safety crisis. jnickerson@scni.com; Revolico website unblocked in Cuba Submitted by: Juana Computers and Internet Society 08 / 12 / 2016 After more than eight years blocked in Cuba, the online classifieds site Revolico.com has returned to the on-line Cuban world. The co-founder of Revolico Hiram Centelles has confirmed CiberCuba that, indeed, the web is unlocked from mid-June in Nauta, but due to inertia or ignorance of most people on the island, these remain accessing it through alternative domains. With this news, unknown by most Revolico customers in Cuba, the web may leave the offline world and stop flowing exclusively through El Paquete semanal and some alternative domains, to be viewed from Cubans mobile devices and so, services and functions for which it was designed could work better. source: www.cibercuba.com Section of GAP closed during bridge work "The last time the bridges were re-decked was in 1995. They have become almost unsafe to be used," said Lindsay Baer. Check it out: Fun things to do this weekend in Lake County 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. The other evening, our eldest son was giving me a guided tour of the lovely Victorian pub where he works when we stumbled on a meeting of Momentum, the militant activist group that is backing Jeremy Corbyn for re-election as Labour leader. They were upstairs in the function room, about ten of them, sitting hatchet-faced around a long table, presumably plotting the workers revolution. The pub, by the way, is in Islington, the North London borough of my birth and heartland of Mr Corbyn and all things Corbynista. My boy and I stood outside the room at the top of the stairs, as I peered through the glass door to admire the panelling and pretty, ivy-clad windows. Scroll down for video Jeremy Corbyn retains the support of thousands of Labour members, who have turned out for huge rallies supporting him, pictured Mr Corbyn, pictured, is locked in a battle over the leadership of the Labour Party Someone at the table spotted us and alerted the chairman chairperson, I should say who raised his hand for silence, leaped up from his seat and threw open the door to confront me, barring my entrance with one hand on each side of the doorway (not that I had any desire to go in and join the fun). As 20 angry, suspicious eyes fixed on me, my antagonist snarled: Are you coming to this meeting or what? There was deep menace in that or what?. It occurred to me he might have recognised me as a Daily Mail journalist from my byline photograph (very improbable, since Momentum activists tend to prefer the Communist Morning Star to the robust common sense of this newspaper. But you never know. All sorts read the Mail.). Far more likely, I reckoned, he thought I was a spy, sent by Labours Blairite faction or perhaps even MI5 to infiltrate the meeting and report back on the proceedings to HQ. If so, I was hardly dressed for the job. For I happened to be wearing my pride and joy, a new and elegantly cut Donegal tweed suit. Its the sort of outfit Bertie Wooster might have worn on a visit to Totleigh Towers or perhaps a Soviet spy might have adopted it as a disguise during the Cold War, if he was trying to insinuate himself into a gathering of the local Conservative Association in Stow-on-the-Wold. At a meeting of Momentum in Islington, on the other hand, amid all those ban-the-bomb T-shirts, anoraks and bicycle clips, I stuck out like a rabbit in a pack of wolves. He faces off against Owen Smith, right, with the party facing a possible divide I was no more likely to blend in than if Id turned up in white tie and tails, with a monocle and opera hat to round off the look. But then perhaps the brute who was snarling at me thought this was a fiendish double bluff. Maybe he reckoned I had calculated: Aha! Theyll never suspect me of working for the Blairites or MI5 if I pitch up dressed as an upper-class twit! Indeed, it is a remarkable characteristic of the modern Hard Left that its ranks are chock-a-block with conspiracy theorists who are prepared to believe the Establishment capable of any skulduggery imaginable. Crash any of its gatherings (not that I would) and I bet youll find at least a couple of those present are convinced the 1969 Moon landing was a fake, mocked up in a film studio, Martin Luther King was assassinated by the CIA and the Israeli secret service was responsible for 9/11. If you think I exaggerate, consider the speaker at Wednesday nights meeting of the Islington North Labour Party, who answered the charge that Mr Corbyn is unelectable by scowling no one is electable in Britain without the support of Rupert Murdoch and the Israeli ambassador! Hows that for off-the-wall bonkers? Though a strong supporter of Israels right to exist and defend itself, Ive often been tempted to defend the Labour leader and his followers against charges of anti-semitism, believing their accusers are too quick to conflate opposition to Israeli policy with racism. But when conspiracy theorists say the Israeli ambassador is part of an insidious Establishment plot to subvert the democratic process, the line between anti-Zionism and anti-semitism becomes so blurred that any such defence collapses. This is just the sort of thing Goebbels would have said. How did the Labour Party come to this? As my Eurosceptic Tory MEP friend Daniel Hannan points out, in a characteristically brilliant blog on the Conservative Home website: Its roots were not in revolution, but in brass bands and the temperance movement, in nonconformist churches and working mens libraries. Its aim was not to pull people down, but to raise people up to disperse power, to spread opportunity as widely as possible. How has the hard left been able to seize the upper hand in the party, asks Tom Utley In this, he says, Britains Labour was very different from radical parties on the Continent, forged in bloodshed and revolt, which wanted to strangle the last king with the entrails of the last priest. As it was put by Morgan Phillips, the former colliery worker who became Labours General Secretary in the mid-20th century, the party owed more to Methodism than Marxism. But look at Labour today, as the forces of Momentum gather strength, seething with class resentment, spewing vitriol and hatred, plotting to smash the Tories through industrial action and deselect any MP or parliamentary candidate who refuses to toe the Corbyn line (which, lets face it, is most of them). Yes, from its very beginnings, Labour has attracted a Marxist element. But until now, the Hard Left has been a mere fringe group (though admittedly it grabbed pockets of power in the Seventies and Eighties heyday of the Militant Tendency, before the party clamped down on entryism). So how have the entryists seized the upper hand? How has a party rooted in working-class communities and dedicated to self-improvement fallen under the sway of Momentums snarling rabble of internationalist ideologues, obsessed by anti-Americanism, transgender rights and revolutionary socialism causes a world away from the everyday concerns of voters in Labours industrial heartlands? The immediate and simple answer, of course, lies in Ed Milibands decision to change the partys constitution so that registered supporters could buy voting rights for 3 a pop (later upped to 25). On the face of it, this has been a triumph, swelling Labours roll of activists to more than half a million. But who are these new people and what do they have in common with the great mass of traditional Labour voters never mind the partys god-fearing founders? If the received wisdom can be relied on, the great majority are Corbynistas, far to the Left even of the unelectable Red Ed. Indeed, I often wonder what young Ed thinks about his legacy, as he surveys a party on the brink of meltdown, apparently about to embrace full-blooded revolution. No doubt his late father, the Hampstead revolutionary Professor Ralph, would have been proud of him. An ex-Corbyn aide has predicted the party is heading for a 'catastrophic defeat' at the next election But with even an ex-Corbyn aide predicting yesterday that the party is heading for a catastrophic defeat, on a par with its near annihilation in the Thirties, the lad himself must surely be wondering: OMG, what have I done? Mind you, we cant lay all the blame for Labours alienation from its core on idiotic Ed and his vicious coup against his brother. As with so much that is wrong with this country, the process began with Tony Blair, who ignored the concerns of his constituents in Co. Durham, and millions of Labour supporters, to pursue his nauseating love affair with the super-rich. (And how Labours founding fathers would have been appalled by Mr Blairs introduction of round-the-clock drinking and encouragement of crack-cocaine gambling machines). With so many traditionalist voters feeling disenfranchised, a yawning vacuum opened up which first Ukip, and now Momentum, have been only too happy to fill. As a dyed-in-the-tweed Tory, Im not going to shed crocodile tears for the Labour Party. All I will say, somewhat grudgingly, is that by and large it was a force for good in the first century of its existence, putting healthcare within everyones reach and narrowing a socially destructive chasm between the haves and the have-nots. Was literary legend Waugh a paedophile? Was literary giant Evelyn Waugh, who died in 1966 aged 62, a paedophile? According to a new study, Evelyn Waugh: A Life Revisited by Philip Eade, he wrote a letter home in the 1930s, after his first marriage had failed, describing a visit to the red light district of Fez, Morocco, saying: It was very gay and there were little Arab girls of 15 & 16 for ten francs each & a cup of mint tea. So I bought one but I didnt enjoy her very much because she had skin like sandpaper and a huge stomach. He preferred another, Fatima, who was brown in colour and had a gold tooth she is very proud of but, as we cant talk each others language, there is not much to do in between rogering. The old snob would be banged up today. Comedian John Cleese, 76, has overseen rehearsals in Australia for a stage version of his 1970s TV comedy Fawlty Towers, informing fans its as good as the original series. But will it transfer to our West End, or do we have to content ourselves with his quite amusing, if derivative, Specsavers TV ad? Sunday's Desert Island Discs guest is Nadiya Hussain, 31, who won the BBCs 2015 Great British Bake Off contest. Shes a charming young woman but would she have satisfied the real achievements criteria established by the shows creator, Roy Plomley? He did interview world famous sex siren Brigitte Bardot, pictured in her prime, asking what luxury item she would to take to her desert island. Plomley clearly thought shed replied, A penis when shed actually said happiness but in French style dropped the h. He stammered: Most interesting! And why precisely may I ask? Her innocent reply: Well, its what the world needs most. Brigitte Bardot would have brought 'happiness' - not 'a penis' to a desert island Tony Blairs onetime flatmate, Lord Falconer, 64, lectures Labour colleagues on Radio 4 about what it takes to win elections. Charlie has never fought one. He failed to be selected for a safe Labour seat in 1997, so Blair had him elevated to the House of Lords from which he has chuntered about democracy ever since. Hardcastle is skeptical about Lord Falconer's right to speculate on democratic elections Love-him-or-hate-him entertainer Stephen Fry, 58, was back on BBC2 this week, talking about his struggles with bipolar disorder. In March he decamped to America with his husband, Elliot Spencer, 28, saying hed had enough of Britain. As for being bipolar, he told R4: Look at the remarkable people in history whove had this condition. Including you know who! Author Kathy Lette, 57, on the Olympics: Watching those chiselled bods in their budgie smugglers, I have to keep tilting my head back so my eyeballs dont fall out! Shameless Australian hussy! Author Kathy Lette is rather enjoying the 'chiselled bods' on view at the Rio Olympics Sir Eric Pickles has concluded 'vulnerable' voters in Asian communities have been 'pressured to follow the will of the elders' For many years this newspaper has documented a growing scandal tarnishing our cherished democratic traditions: the widespread electoral fraud occurring in some Asian communities and the lamentable failure of the authorities to do anything about it. The suspicion was always that the shameful reluctance of police, regulators and councils to confront the rampant abuse of postal votes was, as in the child sex scandals in Rotherham and Rochdale, due to misplaced political correctness. Now, belatedly, an official report commissioned after the downfall last year of Lutfur Rahman, the flagrantly corrupt former mayor of Tower Hamlets has confirmed all of our worst fears. In it, former Communities Secretary Sir Eric Pickles concludes that in Pakistani and Bangladeshi areas, women and other vulnerable voters faced pressure to follow the will of the elders. As for why nothing was done, he points to politically correct over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion. To be clear, the Mail unequivocally believes the majority in these communities are honest, law-abiding people. Sir Eric also reveals that the Electoral Commission, our contemptible excuse for a watchdog (and still to this day under the control of blundering Quango Queen Jenny Watson), somehow contrived to give Tower Hamlets a gold star for electoral integrity. Those responsible for ignoring the problem should hang their heads in shame for allowing the precious sanctity of our electoral system to become polluted by a corruption which would shame a banana republic. Quite right, Mrs May Yesterday we learned of startling espionage allegations against a senior figure in China General Nuclear Power, Britains proposed partner in the 18billion Hinkley Point deal, who US prosecutors believe tried to steal industry secrets. At the same time, the Australian government has stopped Chinese firms buying into its electricity grid, citing concerns around national security. Prime Minister Theresa May, pictured, has been vindicated in delaying her decision on Hinkley Point Both revelations should give Beijing pause the next time it issues another statement of faux outrage that anyone could possibly question their integrity. It should also prompt a welcome period of silence from Chinas cheerleader-in-chief Lord Mandelson he who has so many fingers in so many dodgy foreign pies, and who blithely dismissed security concerns around Hinkley. Every day seems to deliver further vindication of Theresa Mays decision to give more consideration before making a final decision on the project. Do or die for the NHS Statins being rationed Some 3.8million on waiting lists for basic operations Numbers languishing more than four hours in A&E doubling in two years Bed-blocking up 80 per cent since 2011 More and more black clouds are gathering over the NHS. There are no easy answers to the crushing pressures on the health service, caused by an ageing population and record immigration. The NHS is facing catastrophe and political parties cannot go on ignoring that fact And despite the predictable chorus of demands for cash, simply pouring more into the black hole is not going to solve its problems (although foreign aid is 12billion a year and rising, if ministers are looking for a budget to raid). What is certain, however, is that politicians of all parties can no longer go on ignoring the fact that the NHS is heading for a catastrophe. The campaign aims to teach the girls to find better self esteem Teen girls often ask whether they are fat, ugly or have an eating disorder The candid clip illustrates what teenage girls are searching for online Dove Australia made a film and campaign based around the research A recent survey revealed that 45 per cent of girls want more self respect How do I French kiss? Am I fat? Am I ugly? These are just some of the questions your daughter could be searching for online. As a recent survey revealed that 45 per cent of young girls wish for more self-respect, Dove Australia released a candid new film and campaign based around what girls are asking the Internet instead of their parents. Scroll down for video Am I ugly? A candid new film by Dove Australia highlights what young girls are searching for on the Internet (pictured) The raw and eye-opening video, shared on YouTube on Thursday, is sure to tug at many mum and dads' heartstrings. It shows a series of parents inside a Sydney classroom, where they are forced to come to terms with their daughters' upsetting Internet questions. 'One in three girls have searched: "Can teens get cosmetic surgery?",' according to the two-minute clip. Further information shows that one in three teenagers have also googled 'thigh gaps', while another third of girls questioned: 'Am I fat?' and: 'Am I ugly?'. One in four, meanwhile, have asked: 'Do I have an eating disorder?'. Eye opening: The film follows a survey that found that 45 per cent of young girls wish they had more self esteem Horrified faces: The film charts the reactions of worried parents (pictured), who find out what their teenage girls are searching for Heartbreaking: One in three teenagers have googled 'thigh gaps', while another third of girls questioned: 'Am I fat?' and: 'Am I ugly?' The parents inside the classroom are visibly shocked by what the Dove ambassador is showing them on a screen. While many would like to believe that their kids are happy, confident and immune to the various societal pressures, many of them say that the research makes them feel 'so sad' and 'disconnected from our kids'. 'There needs to be a louder voice out there,' one worried parent adds. Bad reaction: The parents inside the classroom are visibly shocked by what the Dove ambassador is showing them New project: But the Dove Self Esteem Project aims to inspire a generation of young women, both in their bodies and their minds The Dove Self Esteem Project promises to be that voice. Visiting different schools in order to teach girls how to find greater self esteem, it aims to inspire a generation of young women, both in their bodies and their minds, to feel better about themselves. 'We go into schools to present a different option to kids,' the Dove ambassador says. 'And I see that very much working alongside what parents are doing at home.' For support with eating disorders, visit the Butterfly Foundation. Foundation melting in the sun is an uncomfortable and Advertisement The recent heatwave may have been ideal for BBQs and extending our summer tan but is hasn't been good news for our faces. Whilst the summer sun has meant we're all wearing less make-up, soaring temperatures mean more problems keeping it on. As we sweat, the perspiration can lift a lighter base from our skin, leaving us without coverage - and streaky or cakey foundation is certainly not a good look. FEMAIL writer Emily Hodgkin, 24, from South London, put seven of the foundations claiming to battle the shine to the ultimate test in a sauna - with rather mixed results To help women who want to avoid layering on foundation for fear that it'll slide down their face when temperatures rise, beauty brands have been rolling out an array of mattifying formulas designed to stay put no matter how steamy your skin gets. But do they even work when the heat is on? FEMAIL writer Emily Hodgkin, 24, from South London, put seven of the foundations claiming to battle shine to the ultimate test. Armed with a plethora of products, ranging from a 37 Marc Jacobs base to a 2.99 Collection foundation, Emily paid a visit to the Mandara Spa sauna to see which brands could withstand temperatures of 80 degrees - and it seems you really do get more for your money. MARC JACOBS RE(MARC)ABLE FULL COVER FOUNDATION CONCENTRATE, 37 Emily, left, before, and, right, after, kicked off proceedings with the 37 Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate. She said: 'Though shine is bursting through at the top of my head and the formula has gone a little cakey under the eyes, generally this base holds up well against the heat. It seems you do get what you pay for' This 37 foundation claims it provides 24-hour full, flawless coverage thanks to a revolutionary oil-free formula that contains twice as much pigment as a leading full-coverage foundation. The formula is certainly highly pigmented and a little goes a long way, smoothing over my blemishes and acne scars. After five minutes in the sauna my skin is still looking fairly smooth. Though shine is bursting through at the top of my head and the formula has gone a little cakey under the eyes, generally this base holds up well against the heat. It seems you do get what you pay for. Score: 4/5 NO 7 BEAUTIFULLY MATTE LIGHT FOUNDATION, 14.50 This mid-priced 14.50 product from Boot's own No 7 brand promises a matte complexion with a light formula. Emily, left, before, and, right, after, said: 'It is clear after my stint in the sauna that the foundation is no match for the high heat' This mid-priced 14.50 product from Boot's own No.7 brand promises a matte complexion with a light formula. However, it is clear after my stint in the sauna that the foundation is no match for the high heat. My forehead, nose and cheeks are covered with a shiny mist of sweat. Score: 1/5 URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LIQUID FOUNDATION, 30 Emily, left, before, and, right, after, then tested Urban Decay's 30 All Nighter foundation. The foundation has great coverage and a very matte finish, eliminating shine thanks to the oil absorbing quality of the make up This heavy duty formula, being released in Autumn, has three times the pigment of the brand's Naked Skin Liquid Makeup and promises to 'diffuse light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin as it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine.' The foundation has great coverage and a very matte finish, eliminating shine thanks to the oil absorbing quality of the make up. In the sauna my face stays impressively dry, despite a little perspiration at my hair line. Coming out of the sauna I can see that a little of the make-up has slipped off, but generally the coverage is good and my T-zone and cheeks are still dry. This is one that would be comfortable to wear on a summer day with confidence. Score: 4/5 COLLECTION NATURALLY MATTE FOUNDATION, 2.99 The cheapest in the line-up, Collection's Naturally Matte Foundation - at 2.99 - has much less coverage than the others. Emily, left, before, and, right, after, said: 'While this formula might be great for everyday - it wouldn't stand up to tropical temperatures' The cheapest in the line-up, this foundation - at 2.99 - has much less coverage than the others. The formula is much thinner, and spreads on easily. However, it does very little to hide my pores and doesn't have the drying finish of some of the other foundations. My forehead still feels moist before I step into the sauna. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the make-up doesn't stand up to the heat. In the heat I can feel my face sweating through the foundation and leaving tracks down the side of my face. While this formula might be great for everyday - it wouldn't stand up to tropical temperatures. Score: 1/5 BAREMINERALS MATTE SPF 15 FOUNDATION, 26.50 The only powder in the test group, this bareMinerals offering is made with natural minerals in a bid to be kinder to skin. Speaking about the 26.50 offering, Emily, left, before, and, right, after, said: 'This product doesn't give great coverage but the formula stayed put' The only powder foundation in the test group, this bareMinerals offering is made with natural minerals in a bid to be kinder to skin. The 26.50 product dusts on giving a light coverage - not totally hiding my blemishes. However, shine is totally eliminated. Coming out of the sauna there is shine breaking through on my forehead, but my nose, cheeks and chin stay dry and matte. This product doesn't give great coverage but the formula stayed put. Score: 3/5 RODIAL AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOUNDATION PASTE, 35 Then Emily, left, before, and, right, after, tried Rodial's 35 Airbrush Makeup Foundation Paste. She mused: 'This heavy-duty option is definitely one for a long night out - but not for the beach' Never in my life have I come across a foundation this thick. Using the brand's brush I feel as though I'm smearing stodgy glue over my face. Despite this uncomfortable feeling - I'm very impressed by the coverage of this 35 base, which is unparalleled and gives me an almost Photoshopped finish. I'm curious to see how a thick paste will fare in the heat. It has a sticky feel to it - and potentially would need time to dry ideally. In the sauna I feel suffocated under the layer of make-up. Once I exit the hot room I can see that the make-up has creased around my chin. This heavy-duty option is definitely one for a long night out - but not for the beach. Score: 3/5 VICHY DERMABLEND CORRECTIVE FOUNDATION, 18 This Vichy Dermablend foundation, costing 18, left, before, and, right, after, doesn't fare hugely well in the sauna. Emily said: 'I emerge with patches of my skin poking through around the middle of my forehead and on my cheeks' This french foundation, costing 18, promises to give ' total coverage, long lasting wear with a blendable moisturising texture.' According to the brand, it has a high coated pigment concentration reaching a level of 25 per cent, which offers twice the coverage of a traditional foundation with a natural lightweight finish. However, it doesn't fare hugely well in the sauna, and I emerge with patches of my skin poking through around the middle of my forehead and on my cheeks. Score: 1/5 Shoot location: Mandara Spa, Park Plaza Westminster, 200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7UT, Model: Emily Hodgkin, Beauty Direction: Bianca London The seven minute, seven days pledge was inspired by their box service They say parents should spend 7 minutes of quality time with their child Is seven minutes all the time you need to bond with your child each day? Donna Armstrong and Phoebe Adams, entrepreneurial mums from Sydney, believe that seven minutes of quality play time with your kid is the perfect amount. In the battle to combat a hectic daily life and being constantly connected to technology, the mothers behind Our Little Foxes subscription boxes hope to help parents create an unbreakable bonds with their child with their interesting idea. Ms Armstrong told Daily Mail Australia the seven minute, seven days pledge was inspired by the feedback from parents who purchased their creative activity boxes but were too busy to do it with their kids. Just seven minutes: Entrepreneurial mums Phoebe Adams (left) and Donna Armstrong (right) have launched the seven minutes, seven days movement Quality time: Ms Armstrong believes parents should spend quality time with their child even if it is for a short time 'We found w hat was suffering was quality family time and we realised was that our boxes were just another distraction for kids. What parents and children were craving at home was bonding time,' she said. As a result, they shifted focus from delivering boxes that create a fun family experiences to motivating parents to spending an amount of quality time with their kid. The movement encourages parents, of children aged three to 12, to spend seven minutes of quality play time with their child seven days a week. She said the company emails through seven different play ideas to inspire parents. Family fun: They found that parents who bought their creative activity boxes were too busy to do it with their kids which inspired them to create the seven minute, seven day movement Motivating parents: Donna Armstrong, with her partner Mark and two children Sonny, 4 (left) and Harley 7 (right), says they started it movement to help parents and children improve at home bonding time Family bonding: Ms Armstrong and her business partner Phoebe Adams (with her partner Toby and daughter Beatrix, 7) 'Children benefit from short periods of time where their parents are connected and not distracted, rather than longer periods where parents are busy and not 100 per cent engaged,' Ms Armstrong said. The mum-entrepreneur said child psychologists they've spoken to said behavioural, learning and emotional problems stem from the home situation. 'Some experts have suggested it can be as simple as basing the time on a child's age, for instance five minutes for a five year old and ten minutes for a ten year old,' she added. Partners: Ms Armstrong (right ) says that 'children benefit from short periods of time where their parents are connected and not distracted' Global movement: The seven minute, seven day pledge has signees from all over Australia, Singapore, Canada and the UK, including Australia's Biggest Loser coach Shannon Ponton and his wife Kylie The feedback they've received about their seven minute pledge movement from parents has been positive with some parents spending up more than time playing with them. '[Parents] are mindful and present the whole time. It's about being present, connected and conscious,' she said. How much do you pay your child? Email FemailAU@mailonline.com Ms Haycraft says you should start when they are 7, and pay weekly She talks about how much, when, and whether they should do chores However, experts are divided on whether this is good or bad for their kids Some parents on the Gold Coast pay their children $40 in pocket money A Commonwealth Bank report released earlier this found that the Australian average for pocket money was AUD $5.70 per week, and children typically started receiving it aged six. And yet news surfaced this week that young children on the Gold Coast receive a staggering $40 AUD a week. So just how much pocket money is too much? FEMAIL spoke to leading children's education expert and former school counsellor Pauline Haycraft, from Sydney, to discuss kids' piggy banks, and whether it's a help or hindrance to be paying them pocket money at all. Piggy bank savings: News surfaced that some children on the Gold Coast receive as much as AUD $40 a week for pocket money (stock pictured) EXPERT POCKET MONEY DOS AND DON'TS * DON'T pay your children pocket money in return for performing chores around the house. * DO tell the kids where the money is coming from, and outline your expectations for spending and saving. * DO try to teach them the value of money and go dollar for dollar with them if they can't afford something but want to save up. * DON'T cancel their pocket money if they behave badly: punish them appropriately, for example - with time out. * DO make the pocket money handover a formal event, rather than just a bank transfer, so your child sees the physical money. * DON'T give them an advance one month as you'll just end up in a perpetual cycle of debt. * DO start paying your children pocket money at about seven years old, and do encourage them to get a job when they're a teenager if they want more. * DON'T expect them to be able to afford everything if you're only giving them a small amount: you may need to pay for some additional things. * DO pay them weekly rather than monthly, as they have such a small perspective of the world. Advertisement THE CHORE DEBATE According to Pauline Haycraft, paying your children in thanks for helping around the house is bad news: 'I feel very strongly about this,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'If you pay them for chores, you're only making a giant rod for your own back. Say, for instance, you ask them to make their bed. They might reply: "You pay me first". 'It's important to give them a sense that a family is a community, and one that they live in and must help to contribute to organically.' Instead of bribing your children to help around the house and paying them in return, Ms Haycraft advises that you tell your kids where the money is coming from, explain that mummy and daddy have earned it and intend to share a small portion with you, and outline your expectations for how the money is spent: 'It's important to tell them that they must save a certain portion of their pocket money each week so they don't just spend it all on lollies,' she says. 'Part of the exercise is teaching them - if you want them to learn independence and the value of money, show them how to save. Go dollar for dollar with them on something they can't afford in order to teach them the value of forward planning.' Dollar for dollar: According to expert Pauline Haycraft, it's very important to teach your kids the value of money: encourage them to save a portion of their pocket money each week THE PHYSICAL TRANSACTION Ms Haycraft is similarly adamant that kids must physically see the money they're being given, not just random bank entries. 'I think a formal handover is best, and that you should physically hand over the cash to give them a sense of a transaction,' she says. Physically hand over the pocket money so they get a sense of a transaction 'I don't believe in advancing kids' funds, however, as you get stuck in this perpetual cycle of debt.' She also adds that you shouldn't cancel paying your children, even if they misbehave, as it creates a lack of trust: 'That's bringing in an entirely different set of rules,' she said. 'Punish them for bad behaviour with an appropriate punishment. A time out, for example. If they damage something, it might come out of their pocket money, though.' Physical transaction: According to Pauline Haycraft (pictured), make pocket money a formal transaction, and physically hand the cash over rather than just a bank deposit WHAT, WHEN AND HOW MUCH? The eternal pocket money question is when you should pay your children, how often and how much. 'I reckon pocket money should start around age seven, or when they get their second teeth,' explains Ms Haycraft. Give them $7 when they're seven, $8 when they're eight - by the time they're 15, $25 is more than enough 'A good tip is to give them $7 when they're seven, up it to $8 when they're eight, etc etc. 'By the time they're 15, $25 is more than ample and they should be saving.' She says, however, that you can't expect a child to pay for everything when you're giving them that little money. If they need to buy a present for a birthday party, for example, their pocket money won't necessarily cover it. 'The most important thing is that you pay them weekly,' she said. 'Kids have such a small perspective of the world that they won't always remember each monthly pay the next month.' For many of us, our most embarrassing moments are secrets we will take to the grave. But some brave Twitter users have revealed all about their mishaps and fails under the hashtag #whydidisaythat. It was Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon who originally asked tweeters to share their most awkward moments. Stephen Angelovich shared an embarrassing moment he shared with his barber Victoria McAllister shared her very British fail while on the bus Brookie B disclosed how she was unintentionally rude to a complete stranger And they rose to the occasion, sharing plenty of their most awkward antics. Tweeter Ed Hill confessed: 'Once at the zoo I asked the guide what animal it was in the enclosure. Turned out it was the janitor cleaning an empty cage. Another tweeter, Michelle, shared a more risque moment. She said: 'I was having a sandwich at Subway. I was asked if I wanted the 12 inch. I told the guy I could only fit 6 inches inside me.' Kenny Tweetwood revealed that an ill-advised pun may have landed him in hot water Kasia Emerald let slip how she was unintentionally rude to one of her customers And Brookie B told of how she was accidentally rude to a kindly stranger. She posted: 'Someone just told me to have a great day and I replied with "no thank you"'. Others posted awkward things they'd said in the heat of the moment. KasiaEmerald posted: 'I worked retail and a guy asked if we sold "sleeveless vests". I replied "Yes, next to the legless shorts."' Michelle shared a very risque memory about Subway Ed Hill revealed that he once asked a zoo guide what an animal was - to find out it was the janitor And some of them shared their ill-advised puns. Kenny Tweetwood said: 'My Russian language professor asked why I was late to class on exam day. 'I said "Didn't feel like Rushin' today". I got a D-.' Lola Grace's Freudian slip about Sydney and Brisbane was amusing Sarah revealed an embarrassing moment when she was dancing with a blind person Seth Goodtime made an awkward 'straight outta Compton' pun Others shared their very British embarrassing reactions. Victoria McAllister said: 'Stand up for an elderly lady on the bus. She thanks me. I thank her back (for sitting in my seat?!)' And Stephen Angelovich took polite conversation to a new level. He said: 'Getting a haircut, barber asked me what I do for a living. I said "Advertising, what about you?" He replied "I am a barber."' Emily Carver shared her unwillingly risque conversation with an elderly gentleman Meredeth Harvey really ought to have said 'enjoy the rest of your day' Emily Carver tweeted her risque mistake. She said: 'Can't open drawer at church. 'Old man tries to help. 'Old man said "it just needs a good screw!" We've all been there! Jody revealed she'd once said excuse me to a mannequin Rachel King made an eccentric comment about dinousaurs Kels revealed that her flirting technique could do with some work 'I said "don't we all!". And some shared their worst moments at work. Twitter user A Dude Of Horror posted about his all-too-quick reaction when his boss asked him if he was busy that weekend. Tweeter A Dude Of Horror lived to regret answering his bosses question too quickly Irma got her tongue tied when she was asked if she wanted soup or salad Adam DeVeau had obviously had too long a shift at work So, you're a TV executive bringing a spangly new quiz show to primetime British TV. It's an American format big razzle-dazzle set, huge budget and those responsible for it are billing it as a new Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. High stakes then. So who do you ask to host this new show? 'Well, the obvious options would be Phillip Schofield or Ant & Dec or Dermot O'Leary, wouldn't they?' says the man who did land the job. 'Obvious ITV face, safe pair of hands, that sort of thing.' Giles Coren journalist, restaurant reviewer, presenter of niche food-based shows gets the question in before anyone else can. 'So what am I doing in the middle of it? What were they thinking?!' Gile Coren is as shocked as anyone that he has landed a job that traditionally involves smiling at people through very white teeth Yes, it's hard to think of a less obvious choice for a job that traditionally involves smiling at people through very white teeth. This is someone who's been described as 'the angriest man in Britain'. Before he was paired up with that nice Sue Perkins (who went on to present Bake Off) and let loose on our TV screens for historical food series The Supersizers, Giles was best known as a newspaper columnist who hated everyone and everything. His most famous offering, however, wasn't a carefully crafted opinion piece, but an irate email rant to a copy editor who had dared to dabble with his work. The email breathtaking in its viciousness and pettiness was leaked to massive sniggers in the media world. Is he still cringing? Not a bit of it. 'Actually, The Guardian did me a huge favour. They had me on the front page! Suddenly I was the angriest man in Britain all because of me being drunk at two in the morning, majorly p****d off because of a small typo. My wife Esther had said, 'Don't send it' but bam, I sent it.' Giles with his wife Esther Walker who advised him not to send the ranting email which made him famous as 'the angriest man in Britain' He says he had the last laugh because on the back of it, 'I got a six-figure advance to write a book that was basically a collection of my old pieces.' That was the old Giles, though. This new gig at the helm of 500 Questions, ITV's new quiz show that will air every weeknight, is a total departure. Or as he puts it, 'it's a great opportunity for me to be much less of a b*****d'. Actually he seems to be relishing the idea of being telly's new bad boy. 'I think that bit of darkness in my profile is what makes them think I might be an interesting person for a quiz show, because there's that element of danger. I mean, there isn't really because it's pre-recorded. What am I going to do? Punch someone?' In the show Giles stands on a glitzy stage while a succession of contestants attempt to progress through ten rounds of 50 rapid-fire questions, each a different category, without getting three in a row wrong to win up to 250,000. By any standards it's a big leap. Giles has previously presented shows on the history of food with Bake Off's Sue Perkins His notoriety may have led to a TV career of sorts, but it was firmly in BBC2 niche territory, 'mostly larking about with Sue, wearing a codpiece, eating and getting drunk'. He admits to a panic the night before filming of 500 Questions started and phoning his wife, fellow journalist Esther Walker. 'She said, 'Just watch Paxman, give them your Paxman.' So I watched a bit of University Challenge, thinking, 'This is great.' There's something smart, sexy and cool about Paxman.' Then he put on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and was wowed by Chris Tarrant 'being all avuncular'. Next was Anne Robinson ('wooden, but it worked. It went global'). So who's he going to channel? 'None of them. I decided they were all so unique I had to forget them and be me. If they asked me to do it they must like what I do.' Learning from the master: Coren watched a bit of University Challenge, thinking, 'This is great.' There's something smart, sexy and cool about Paxman' The TV star whose career he'd most like to emulate is Jeremy Clarkson. 'Well, he's a talented, funny writer and a great presenter with huge charm. I wouldn't mind being regarded in the way he is brilliant and clever and loveable by some people, and a terrible b*****d by others.' He says he can quite understand why Clarkson came a cropper. 'There's a thing most TV people go through which is that you think you are The Man. Quite early on you have people saying, 'Can I get you anything?' Even a low-key BBC2 TV career gave Giles a flavour of this, he says. 'I was a teeny little pathetic version of Jeremy who got too big for his boots. But I bet they wish they'd bought Jeremy his steak dinner now.' So does he have what it takes for prime time? Well, physically, he thinks so. 'I was always too handsome to be a journalist so I had to get on TV,' he points out. He's already had the obligatory trip to the dentist and is looking telly-tanned. Is there a worry about going a bit too Dale Winton? 'Yes, I don't want to suddenly go all David Davis or whatever the orange fellow who does the antiques is called.' I think he means David Dickinson. Gile's sister Victoria Coren, who hosts highbrow quiz show Only Connect, is married to serial quiz show panellist and current Would I Lie To You? team captain David Mitchell Actually he credits his six-pack for his TV career. He was offered a job, he says, because shows about food were hugely popular but the programme-makers had run out of chefs to host them, so they went hunting for restaurant critics. 'And I was the only one who was in shape. Most reviewers are massive overeaters. Jonathan Meades was 19st. Jay Rayner of The Observer is a big hefty lad, AA Gill is thin but I suppose he's got that funny lisp so they couldn't use him.' What about presenting talent? Was he always convinced he had it? His reply is vintage Giles Coren: it's not that he thinks he's brilliant, but that everyone else is dreadful. 'Most presenters are so rubbish. That's the thing. I take great solace in the rubbishness of other people. So many TV presenters are so... ghastly.' Can he name names? 'I couldn't possibly. Most of them! Most of them are pretty dull. But I'm related to most of the quiz show hosts so I can't.' He isn't joking either. He's perhaps Britain's most impeccably connected TV star. His sister is Victoria Coren, who hosts highbrow quiz show Only Connect. Her husband, his brother-in-law, is serial quiz show panellist and current Would I Lie To You? team captain David Mitchell. His wife Esther's sister, events organiser Hannah Bronwen Snow, is married to Pointless host Alexander Armstrong, making him another brother-in-law. Also in Giles's family is Pointless host Alexander Armstrong, who is his brother-in-law And Giles and Victoria's late father was the much-loved writer and broadcaster Alan Coren. Yes, the screams of nepotism have followed him all his life and no, he doesn't give a fig. 'My sister worries about nepotism. She doesn't want people to think we're some terrible media family. I couldn't care less.' Still, suggest that the Coren clan sit around discussing their respective TV empires and he shoots you down. 'No one in TV gives a damn what anyone else in TV is doing. If I phone up my brother-in-law Alexander, or my sister or my great friend Richard Bacon or my great friend Jamie Theakston and say, "I've been offered this job but I'm not sure" they'll say, "Yeah, but about me... let me tell you what happened to me this week." That's what TV is like.' He has wondered what his father would make of the move into quiz shows. He knows Alan would have frowned on some of his son's career moves, but a primetime quiz show? 'He'd think it was brilliant, a major hoot.' When I was growing up, I always thought the children's classic Swallows And Amazons was just a simple tale of messing about in boats. I knew I had a strong family connection with the book, but I had no idea of the true background to it, and the extraordinary story of its author Arthur Ransome. It tells of a carefree English summer, when a group of children filled every waking moment of a gloriously long holiday in the Lake District with sailing, swimming and camping in the great outdoors. My father Roger was one of the real-life children whose adventures were to be immortalised by their 'Uncle' Arthur, who was inspired by that idyllic summer of 1928 to write his famous book. New stars: An updated film of the children's classic book Swallows and Amazons is being released this week The originals: Sisters Titty, Taqui and Susie Altounyan, who inspired characters in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons, sailing on Coniston Lake in the Lake District in 1923 It might feel like a quintessentially English story, but my father and his siblings were actually Anglo-Syrian, they came from Aleppo and were more used to the heat of the desert than the pebbled shores of an English lake. Meanwhile, Arthur Ransome's life was a rip-roaring yarn involving Leon Trotsky, the Russian Revolution and his role as a spy for the British government indeed he was suspected for a time of being a double agent. Swallows And Amazons was made into a film in 1974, with Virginia McKenna and Ronald Fraser, and now it has been brought to life again for a new BBC film adaptation, starring Kelly Macdonald as the mother my grandmother who takes her children to the Lakes for the summer, as well as Rafe Spall, Harry Enfield and Sherlock star Andrew Scott. Writer Andrea Gibb says the film aims to keep the spirit of the original about the rivalry between the holidaying children and the local children called the Swallows and the Amazons respectively after their boats while weaving in elements from Ransome's own life as it tries to win over a modern audience. So the themes of freedom, exploration and self-discovery are still there, but Andrea has moved the story to 1935, closer to the start of the war, and added new characters a pair of armed Russian spies on the loose in the Lakes as well as action sequences involving a seaplane and a chase on a train. Nancy and Peggy Blackett (played by Serena Hawkes and Hannah-Jayne Thorp) are the local children who are arch-rivals of the Swallows on Coniston Water 'We've made Ransome's real story our subplot,' says Andrea. 'There's the imaginative danger the kids are living in with the Swallows against the Amazons, and the real danger that exists around them.' I only found out the full story behind Swallows And Amazons during the last days of my dear father. In 1987 our GP told me the shocking news that my father was dying. I was desperate to preserve his memory while there was time, and as I was a BBC news reporter I borrowed a tape recorder and started to record his life story. I quizzed him constantly, sometimes rather rudely. 'Are these stories really true, Dad? I don't think I believe you, you've never told us about this before!' His reply was always the same. 'Well, Barb, you never asked me before... now did you?' I'm glad I did record those precious memories because two weeks after I'd finished my wonderful dad, Dr Roger Edward Collingwood Altounyan, died at the age of just 65. The film stars Sherlock star Andrew Scott (right) as Lazlov and Dan Skinner as his henchman The story he told was of his mother, my grandmother Dora Collingwood, an aspiring English artist and sculptor, whose family lived near Coniston Water. She met Arthur Ransome as a youngster when he came for summer holidays in the Lakes from his home in Leeds. When he was 19, in 1903, he revisited Coniston. By then he'd lost his father so he was pretty much taken in by the Collingwood family. Together, Dora and her siblings taught him how to sail and fish. Keen to continue his relationship with the family, Arthur proposed to Dora's older sister Barbara. When Barbara rejected Arthur's offer, he proposed to Dora. But she too turned him down. Both sisters adored Arthur but had written him off as husband material, thinking him a penniless journalist. After the First World War broke out, Dora married an Armenian-Syrian medical student called Ernest Altounyan whom she'd met through a friend studying with him at Cambridge. Once he'd qualified as a doctor, he had to return home to run his family's hospital in Syria. So in 1915 Dora and Ernest set sail for a new life in Aleppo. Ernest took over the 50-bed hospital while Dora pursued her painting. After the war, their Aleppo home became a popular stop-over for Western personalities such as Agatha Christie, EM Forster and TE Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia), some of whom Dora painted. Dora also gave birth to her five children at the hospital during this period, among them my father Roger. The adaptation of the book follows the quintessential adventures of children in the Lake District. Orla Hill, right, plays sensible Susan Back in England, Arthur married Ivy Constance Walker and they had a daughter, Tabitha, but the marriage was a disaster. To escape the consequences, Arthur took up a posting in Russia with the Daily News and The Manchester Guardian where he'd been working as a freelance reporter. It turned out to be a thrilling time. He found himself in Moscow reporting on the Russian Revolution. He requested an interview with Leon Trotsky and, thanks to Trotsky's secretary, Evgenia Shelepina, managed to secure it. Later he fell in love with her and she was to become Arthur's second wife. As he had exceptional access to the heart of Russia's Communist revolutionaries, Britain's intelligence services are said to have recruited Arthur as their spy in Moscow. Evgenia is reported to have given secret documents and intelligence to Arthur. It is said she also stole diamonds from an unnamed Russian aristocratic source and smuggled them to Paris to fund a new political party committed to armed struggle and the spread of Communism. Evgenia and Arthur married in 1924 and the next year Arthur decided to take his wife to begin a new life with him by Lake Windermere. But they soon started to run out of money. The solution to his financial worries came three years later when Arthur was reunited with Dora, who had rejected him all those years before. Dora and Ernest had decided to return to England from Syria in 1928 with their five young children and to stay for the summer at Dora's family home by Coniston Water. Kelly Macdonald as the Swallows' mother Mrs Walker with baby Brigit Now both couples were in the Lakes together. Arthur and Evgenia met up with Dora and Ernest and the two couples soon put any former rivalries behind them. So much so that Arthur and Ernest went off to Barrow and bought Ernest's children two 14ft dinghies, which were to become the catalyst for Swallows And Amazons. Throughout that summer, Arthur enthralled Ernest and Dora's children Susan, Taqui, Mavis (known as Titty) and Roger. While the baby, Brigit, stayed with her mother, Arthur taught the older children how to sail and fish, just as he'd been taught when he was young. Arthur loved children but had been unable to have any with Evgenia and was by now totally estranged from his daughter Tabitha. When the summer finally came to an end the children returned to Syria. But they left 'Uncle' Arthur a memento of their adventures together a pair of red Turkish slippers. Arthur then shut himself away in his library to write Swallows And Amazons.Although he couldn't have known it at the time, the book was to be the answer to all his prayers. Eighteen months later Arthur dispatched his first draft of Swallows And Amazons to Aleppo for the family's approval, dedicating it 'To the six [the five children and their mother] for whom it was written in exchange for a pair of Turkish slippers.' Swallows And Amazons was published in 1930 and when Arthur and Evgenia travelled to Syria to visit the Altounyans two years later, it had become an international success. Sadly, their trip failed to meet their expectations. The Altounyan children were maturing fast and may have been less enthusiastic about spending all their time with Arthur. My father used to say Uncle Arthur would never accept 'his children' could ever grow up. It's believed Arthur and his wife were nursing a deep desire that threatened to jeopardise their relationship with Dora and Ernest. Arthur was said to have suggested that they could adopt the teenage Titty, who was always Arthur's favourite, and take her back to England. She was a budding artist and he felt Aleppo would never meet the needs of such a gifted young woman. But the suggestion deeply offended Dora and Ernest and the Ransomes' visit to Syria was abruptly cut short. They returned to the UK leaving both families disappointed and confused. Bobby McCulloch plays boisterous Roger in the new adaptation TITTY WOULD BE LIVID! My Auntie Titty, who's now sadly deceased, would be absolutely furious at the decision of the producers of the new film to call her Tatty (played by Teddie Malleson-Allen) for fear of encouraging sniggers from the younger generation. She was born Mavis but always hated her name and so from a young age declared that she preferred to be called Titty after the character Titty Mouse from the delightful childrens tales that also featured Tatty Mouse. The name stuck and The Swallows and Amazons in the new film about Mavis became Titty... a name she adored throughout her life. Tittys daughter Rahel Guzelian is outraged too by the decision to change her name and wrote to the films producers to plead for a rethink without success. The producers have said the new film will try and be as faithful to the book as possible, says Rahel. Well, that includes my mothers nickname that she cherished until she died. Surely todays younger generation is very sexually mature and wouldnt be disturbed by her name in the slightest? Advertisement As if to acknowledge the cracks between the families, when the next edition of the book was published Arthur's dedication to the children was omitted. Evgenia was said to have encouraged him to withdraw it. This was taken as an act of vengeance against the children whom he'd once cherished so dearly. Relations did improve between the families I remember being taken to meet Uncle Arthur and Evgenia as a child but however strained things may have become, what's undeniable is that both the Ransomes and the Altounyan children benefited hugely from the relationship they had in that summer of 1928. When we all returned to live in the UK in 1956 because of the deteriorating political situation in Syria, my father, who was asthmatic, spent ten years with a biochemist inhaling various chemicals and potions to see if they would treat his condition. Just two years before Uncle Arthur died in 1967 at the age of 83 my father had his eureka moment. He discovered a potion to control his asthma, coincidentally by using khellin, a common weed from Syria. The drug Intal was born and it was to transform the lives of millions of asthma sufferers around the world. He also created the life-saving Spinhaler a mouth inhaler the remarkable story of which was told in the BBC docu-drama Hair Soup, in which David Suchet portrayed my father. His curiosity, imagination and desire to explore had been sparked during those carefree days as part of an excitable bunch of children in their boat in the Lake District all those summers ago. of the wildly popular Rate My Meal Deal We all know the horror of someone making you a cup of tea that looks frankly undrinkable. And a new Facebook group is exposing the differences in how Britons like to take the nation's favourite drink - by asking them to rate the brews. Rate My Tea comes hot on the heels of Rate My Meal Deal, which went viral last week and asked users to post pictures of their supermarket-bought lunches. A new Facebook group is asking users to rate each other's cups of tea The group, Rate My Tea, follows on from the Rate My Meal Deal group which became wildly popular earlier this month But while Rate My Meal Deal quickly became notorious for attracting savage responses, Rate My Tea seems to be a far gentler group - which originally started on Twitter and now has more than 5,500 fans. Users are far more likely to compliment one another on their prodigious tea-making skills or pretty china mug than they are to slam them. However, they are quick to chastise each other if they feel that a tea hasn't been brewed long enough before adding milk, or if the mug isn't arty enough. The members of the group are generally most disparaging of PG Tips tea And one very shocked Facebook user was scandalised when a member of the group put up a group of brews that looked remarkably like coffee And nothing seems to attract their ire like a mug of PG Tips - seen by many in the group as a less desirable cuppa. The group has attracted nearly 2000 members in just a few days. One post from Ruth Dews said: 'PG Tips, 1% milk (in last!), just under 1tsp white sugar. No snackage as have recently finished dinner. Forgot to use the saucer - apologies.' One mug posted on the group put some people off their brews This tea was generously rated as a 7 by one commentator on the group But Jason King was quick to reassure her, saying: 'That looks right good to me.' Another member, Ruth Dews, posted a picture of her brew in a pretty polka dot cup. Despite controversially taking sugar, the comments were positive. One user forgave the skin on this cup of tea - because of the Bakewell tart Christopher Sweeney said: 'Nice colour, also texture. You made a start on the biscuit.' Valerie Kennedy said: 'My favourite mug shape and size. Lovely.' But not all the teas attracted positive comments. Many were very admiring of this teapot This tea was judged to have a 'great colour, no bubbles and cool mug' Lizzie Bee bravely posted a picture of her mug of Yorkshire Gold Tea in an E45 mug. But other users of the group were not impressed. This tea was given the Holy Grail of a 10/10 by a very envious user Christopher Sweeney said: 'Too strong for me Lizzie.' And Adam Vamplew said: 'An E45 mug? Because we all want to be thinking about eczema while we're sipping our tea.' A Yorkshire Tree Gruffalo caddy went down well with the group One tea was judged to be a 'bit strong' but at least it had 'great presentation' And woe betide anyone who dared put up a mug of PG Tips. After Julian Ramognin posted a picture of his PG Tips in an ornate teapot, Zoe MacGechan said: 'That teapot is a beauty. It deserves better than PG.' Another tea, with a Wagon Wheel, was judged to be a 'very strong ensemble' Another shunned the traditional biscuit in favour of cheese and crackers instead A young man was left fighting for his life after suffering a severe allergic reaction to prescription medication. Christopher Wooll, 21, said he nearly 'burned alive' when his body erupted in blisters after just 10 days of taking mood-stabilising drug lamotrigine. Mr Wooll was not prescribed the drug - which is used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy - but decided to self-medicate. Skin rashes are a well-documented side-effect of lamotrigine - and doctors usually start patients on a low dose as a result. He was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a rare but life-threatening skin condition usually triggered by a reaction to medication or an infection. His organs began to fail and doctors at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital had to battle a series of complications - at one point Mr Wooll stopped breathing. Christopher Wooll, 21, was left fighting for his life after suffering an allergic reaction to medication he wasn't prescribed. It caused the skin on his body to blister and burn Mr Wooll said he felt as though he was 'burning from the inside out' as doctors battled to save his life. But he pulled through and survived - and is now recovering at home They managed to save his life, and he is finally recovering at his home in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Mr Wooll's father Andrew, a start-up company director, and his mother Jazmin, an accountant, drove his son to Warwick Hospital A&E after his face erupted in blisters after work. He said: 'When we realised what it was I was straight on the internet and we started to realise it was life threatening. 'We broke down when the doctors took us aside and told us he might not survive. It was just awful. 'And then we had to go back into the room and put a brave face on for Chris. 'By then he had blisters and burns all over his body, his eyes were swollen up and he was in pain. 'He had to be wrapped up in bandages and have his hair shaved off. 'It was a real life horror story.' The Wooll family had been living in George, South Africa, but had moved to the UK in mid-April. He was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a rare but life-threatening skin condition triggered by an allergic reaction - and now has to take a cocktail of drugs, creams and ointments for the horrific burns he suffered Doctors put him into a medically induced coma as his organs began to fail. He lost the skin on nearly all of his body and his parents were told he may not survive Mr Wooll had trained and qualified as a chef in South Africa, and after arriving in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, soon began working for a local restaurant. The family were settling in well but, on 28 June, Mr Wooll began complaining of flu symptoms. He said: 'I did not really think anything of it at first, but the next day at work my face and eyes began to swell up. STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME - A POTENTIALLY FATAL REACTION Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare condition arising from over-reaction of the immune system to a trigger such as a mild infection or a medicine. It leads to blistering and peeling of the skin and surfaces of the eyes, mouth and throat - and can be fatal. It was named after two US paediatricians who first described it in 1922. The most common triggers for Stevens-Johnson syndrome in children are infections, usually viral. Common infectious triggers include herpes, mumps, flu and the Epstein Barr virus. In adults, reactions to medicines, such as pain killers and antibiotics, are more common. In many cases, the trigger cannot be identified. SJS begins with flu-like symptoms. These are followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters - and then the top layer of the affected skin dies and sheds. Possible complications include permanent blindness and lung damage. Once diagnosed doctors will immediately stop the patient taking the offending drug. Treatment includes IV fluids and high calorie formulas to promote healing. Antibiotics are given when necessary to prevent secondary infections such as sepsis. Pain medications such as morphine can make the patient more comfortable. Advertisement 'When I got in the car to go home I had blood blisters in my mouth and on my lips. It was pretty scary.' It emerged he had begun taking lamotrigine, which is used to treat depression in bipolar disorder. Stevens-Jonson syndrome is a known side-effect of the medication. The next day Mr Wooll's body continued to blister so the family went to Warwick's A&E department twice, before Mr Wooll began to feel increasingly unwell and was admitted to hospital. A rash was spreading across his body and he was losing his vision. On 2 July, he was transferred by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth hospital's intensive care unit. His father said: 'When he got to Birmingham he had 40 per cent burns on his body. 'But this got worse and worse until it was 100 per cent.' Doctors battled to keep him alive, but the burns were spreading and his organs began to fail. He was put into an induced coma but stopped breathing and had a tube put down his throat. It was then the family were told the devastating news he may not survive, as doctors battled to save him. His father said: 'His skin peeling was like being flayed alive. 'I've never experienced such pain and utter helplessness. 'It was extremely difficult for us. We only have one car at the moment, so I had to drive my wife to work, then drive to see Chris, and go and see my parents. 'I was probably driving about five hours a day.' The skin on Mr Wooll's entire body peeled off, and he suffered multiple organ failure, corneal defects, two episodes of blood poisoning, low blood pressure, and he lost a total of 3.9st (25kg). But he managed pulled through, and, though scarred, is now facing a long recovery. He is currently on a strict regime of 10 separate medications, a combination of creams, lotion, tablets, eye drops and mouthwashes he has to take a number of times each day. Mr Wooll said: 'It's a little like my life is governed by my meds at the moment, but it's not that bad. After recovering Mr Wooll said he feels 'lucky to be alive'. He said: 'Most people who have SJS as badly as I had it don't survive. I had never even heard of it before I was admitted' Mr Wooll, pictured before his illness, suffered the reaction after taking the mood-stabilising drug lamotrigine for just 10 days. His reaction began when he suffered flu symptoms 'When I was in hospital I was quite often sedated so it wasn't too painful. 'It was really scary when I started to lose my sight. It was perfect up until then. 'Fortunately the doctors are really pleased with my progress. He added he feels 'really lucky' to be alive. He said: 'Most people who have SJS as badly as I had it don't survive. 'I had never even heard of it before I was admitted to hospital. 'The doctors were fantastic and I would like to thank them all. 'I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I'm just happy to take life step by step at the moment. Although he has to take a cocktail of drugs, ointments and creams for his injuries, Mr Wooll and his family are grateful he survived His father called his survival a 'miracle' and thanked those who had supported them. He said: 'For him to have been through what he has been through and still be here, we are extremely grateful. It's a miracle. 'We are also hugely thankful for the Burnaid charity which have provided us with so much support.' The family have launched a fundraising page to help with the costs of Christopher's recovery and to help raise awareness of SJS. Accord, which makes the brand of lamotrigine Mr Wooll took, said: 'We are sorry to hear a patient has suffered an adverse reaction to a medication manufactured by Accord, but would like to stress this is a medicine available on prescription only. 'Nobody should ever take medicines have not been prescribed for them, or have been prescribed for someone else, and patients should always read the information leaflet included in the pack.' Zika can survive in sperm for up to six months, a new study reveals. Until now scientists believed the virus would fade after three months. But this week an Italian man tested positive for Zika 188 days after he was first infected. And another man tested positive 181 days after being diagnosed with the infection. Zika can thrive in sperm for up to six months, scientists have discovered Couples in affected areas had been advised to postpone starting a family, and infected patients were told not have unprotected sex for three months after their diagnosis. However, health officials will be forced to reconstruct their guidelines, ordering families to wait for much longer to completely avoid the risk of birth defects. The news, published in two papers by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, also demonstrates how far scientists have to go towards understanding the infection. The authors of the report are still unsure whether six-month-old Zika in sperm is infectious or not. Zika is most threatening to couples trying to conceive, or who have conceived. In adults it may only cause a fever, a rash and nausea, before symptoms fade. If a pregnant woman passes it to her unborn child, it could have devastating health consequences, that can lead to death or life-long ailments. This week, scientists discovered the virus could lead to severe joint abnormalities in babies. Zika is most threatening to couples trying to conceive because it causes birth defects It is the latest birth defect added to the growing list of conditions doctors are being told to look out for in newborns. The most widely-discussed is microcephaly, when a baby's brain growth is stunted in the womb, and they are born with shrunken heads. Scientists are still largely ignorant about the exact link between Zika and birth defects. But on Thursday the medical community celebrated a research breakthrough. A team at the University of Southern California has identified the two proteins in the Zika virus that cause crippling birth defects in infected fetuses. The proteins hammer at the brain's 'gatekeeping' system until they gain entry and hijack cells, using up all their energy so they don't have scope to grow, according to research by the University of Southern California. It is the most significant step towards understanding the infection amid widespread confusion about how it inflicts life-threatening conditions in babies. The study released on Thursday emerged hours before Miami officials announced another three infections from local mosquitoes, bringing the total number of cases to 25. You may despair at your children's fussy eating habits. But new research shows parents are to blame. Children formulate their views about food by watching adults and gauging how to react, according to psychologists at UC Santa Barbara. To get children relishing broccoli, parents should lead by example from day one, the study says. Got a fussy child? It's your fault! Kids dislike food if they think they should, a study shows 'Eating is a very social activity,' lead author Dr Zoe Liberman, assistant professor in brain sciences, said. 'It's not only about what you're eating, it's about who you're with and how the people you eat with might influence your food choices.' Though babies may seem happy to put anything in their mouths - whether it is food, mud, or dishwasher soap - the research shows infants are more socially intelligent than popular opinion has it. They will eat more when other people are eating with them. And they create happy memories about foods eaten with positive, fun people who create a fun experience. These small experiences build up to formulate an adult's highly complex taste palette and approach to food in later life. Dr Liberman and her team landed on their conclusion after studying 32 children, aged just over one year old, as they watched a movie. Though babies may seem happy to put anything in their mouths - whether it is food, mud, or dishwasher soap - the research shows infants are more socially intelligent than we think The movie featured two actors who were eating different kinds of food and discussing their opinion of a bowl. They would be highly-expressive to demonstrate when they liked something or disliked something. The toddlers did not seem to care when the actors disagreed about the bowl. But when they disagreed about the food, the toddlers were confused and watched intently as the conversation played out. 'A main finding from this research is that babies learning about food is fundamentally social,' Liberman explained. 'When they see someone eat a food, they can use the person's reaction to the food to learn about the food itself, such as whether it is edible, and also to learn about the people who are eating the food. Babies learning about food is fundamentally social Lead author Dr Zoe Liberman In fact, the study shows they can even differentiate between people who speak different languages, and expect them to agree with other people in their group. For example, when a child sees an English-speaker shun Brussels sprouts, they will expect other English speakers to do the same. But they will not assume Spanish speakers agree. The findings should encourage public health officials to promote the importance of social interaction in kids' nutrition, not just the nutritional value of food. The number of babies born addicted to drugs tripled in just 15 years, US government data reveals. In 1999, an average of 1.5 babies per 1,000 hospital births had to be immediately placed on a withdrawal program. As of 2013, that figure had rocketed to six per 1,000 births, according to a new CDC report. The staggering data offer a glimpse into the devastating scale of America's opioid addiction crisis. Scroll down for video Addicts per 1,000 births. Insufficient data for Arkansas, New Mexico, Mississippi, and South Dakota. Data only extends to 2012 in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland The most astonishing increase was seen in West Virginia. In 1999 there were 0.5 cases of addiction per 1,000 births. In 2013, that figure shot up to 33.4. Vermont and Maine saw similar spikes. Seventy-eight Americans die from opioid overdose every day, according to data held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been spurred by rocketing numbers of people taking prescription painkillers. Last month, President Barack Obama signed into law a measure that pledges greater efforts to protect drug-dependent newborns and assist their parents. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act also stresses drug treatment and overdose prevention. Obama said in a statement that the legislation included only modest steps to address the epidemic. 'I am deeply disappointed that Republicans failed to provide any real resources for those seeking addiction treatment to get the care that they need,' Obama said. 'In fact, they blocked efforts by Democrats to include $920 million in treatment funding.' The bill was passed nearly unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Sharon Daley, MD Pediatric Hospitalist holds a baby being treated for symptoms of withdrawal as she poses for a portrait at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts The new law requires that the federal government and every state follow a 2003 law that was routinely ignored. That law called on states to require hospitals and social services to report, track and assist drug-dependent newborns and their families. A Reuters investigation last year found that no more than nine states were following that requirement. Most children born to addicted mothers, including many mothers who were taking prescribed methadone, were not being reported by hospitals as required by law. Often, that was because medical workers feared involving child protective services, as the existing law requires. When cases were reported to social services, Reuters found, efforts to protect the child and help the parents often were limited. The failures came at a cost. More than 110 babies since 2010 died under preventable circumstances after being sent home to families ill-equipped to care for them. Experts said far more children have likely died but gone uncounted. Modern medicine is hopelessly bad at dealing with the plight of the poor insomniac There are few things as tormenting as being unable to sleep. You lie there, consumed by the silence, then shift restlessly from one side to the other. Minutes, then hours, tick by. Come on, you think to yourself, drop off to sleep. You imagine millions of people up and down the country in peaceful slumber. You fidget, trying to get comfortable. And all along theres the dread that in a few hours you will have to get up. Because thats the thing about being unable to sleep. Its not just the interminable, torturing boredom of lying awake at night that is so unbearable, its the way it ruins the daytime, too. Yet modern medicine is hopelessly bad at dealing with the plight of the poor insomniac. All too often they are met with a shrug of the shoulders and a dashed-off prescription for sleeping pills. But this is far from an adequate response. I remember as a junior doctor seeing an elderly woman who had been to her GP complaining of difficulties sleeping. Her doctor had prescribed sleeping tablets, but the side-effects of these included blurred vision, incontinence, dry mouth and constipation. She was also very sedated during the day. Over the next few months shed returned to her GP numerous times, and as a consequence of these symptoms was prescribed two types of laxative, a medication to help her urinary problems and drops for her eyes. Then, because she was so drowsy from the initial sleeping pills, one morning she fell and fractured her hip. After the hip was fixed, the surgeons put her on a medication to strengthen her bones, but this had the side effect of giving her heartburn, so she was put on medication for this ... From the one complaint, she ended up on seven medications. What a disaster for that poor, poor woman. Sadly, it is all too common a tale. Chronic sleep problems are more common than ever before, and were failing these patients. Sleep is the absolute cornerstone of sanity. Being unable to sleep is a sure-fire way to send someone over the edge. But sleeping tablets dont cure the problem: they mask it. And, as Ive seen many times, they create more problems than they solve. So the news this week that taking sleeping pills dramatically raises the risk of breaking a bone was of little surprise to me. The researchers didnt say why people who take them are more at risk, but the fact that they often leave people feeling excessively drowsy the following day like my patient who fractured her hip really cant help. There are two main type of sleeping tablets. The traditional tablets are benzo-diazepines and as far as Im concerned they should be banned. They are also often prescribed for anxiety, though the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of General Practitioners have issued warnings about them and advised against them being routinely prescribed. While they can give brief relief for people who need to relax, they are very addictive and people quickly build up a tolerance, meaning that they need more and more to have the same effect. Most cruelly of all, though, is that they have a rebound insomnia and anxiety effect meaning that when patients stop taking them, the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety return, but worse. So people get trapped in a downward spiral of having to take more and more pills, and are unable to stop. The other newer type of sleeping pills are called the z drugs so named because they all begin with the letter z, the most common being zopiclone. While these are not thought to be as addictive, they are still far from perfect. The type of sleep that users get is not the same as a proper, natural nights sleep. Such tablets provide only superficial sleep, depriving the brain of the refreshing and vital deep sleep we all need. M y concern is that all sleeping tablets mask the real cause of the problem. For instance, people with depression especially older people and men often first go to their GP complaining of sleep problems. Yet theyll simply be given sleeping pills and sent away, and the underlying depression is untreated sometimes for years. I absolutely believe sleeping tablets have the potential to ruin lives. I have seen countless people who have ended up dependent on pills and frustratingly I know sleeplessness can be treated without resorting to medication, and this is often vastly more effective. There are, dotted around the country, NHS sleep clinics that assess, diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They teach relaxation techniques and help to retrain the brain into a proper sleep pattern. But getting referred to these clinics is incredibly difficult. Sadly, its all too easy to reach for the prescription pad instead. As a profession, I think we should hang our heads in shame. Why TV can be GOOD for our health It might sound a bit naff, but I became a doctor because I wanted to help people. I wanted to make their lives better. The reality is perhaps not how I imagined it, and it can sometimes feel a bit of an uphill struggle. Do more exercise, dont eat junk food, stop smoking: it seems I spend most of my time nagging. Many of my patients roundly ignore what I say to them, of course. In fact, people pay far more attention to what they see on TV than they do to their doctor. Medical drama: Holby City But while its easy to sneer, TV does save lives. Only this week, Rachel Green, a 30-year-old mum, told how she was prompted to go to her GP after watching an episode of Holby City. In the hospital soap, a character had a mole that changed in shape and size. The same thing had happened to Rachel. It was found Rachel had developed melanoma but its been successfully removed so all credit to Holby City. Then there was the story last year about seven-year-old Jayden Hughes, who saved the life of his brother when he stopped breathing, having learned how to resuscitate by watching Casualty. Its impossible to ignore the role that soap operas have in educating people and stimulating debate. We welcome the characters into our living rooms, and this is far more powerful psychologically than what a bunch of boring doctors have to say. Despite public health campaigns about HIV transmission, the largest peak in requests for HIV testing was seen in January 1991, when EastEnders character Mark Fowler was diagnosed HIV- positive. It was a similar story when Peggy Mitchell was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then there was Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street, who was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. At the time, I was working in a dementia clinic and nearly every patient spoke to me about it. I know its only fiction, but people take it to heart. We humans tend to respond far better when theres a story to engage us, rather than just being given dull, dry facts. This is why soaps and dramas are so powerful in changing peoples views and behaviour. Perhaps if Id really wanted to make a difference to the health of the nation, to challenge peoples prejudices and make health education more accessible, I should have become a scriptwriter for EastEnders, not a doctor A queen emerges from the shadows THREE SISTERS, THREE QUEENS by Philippa Gregory THREE SISTERS, THREE QUEENS by Philippa Gregory (Simon & Schuster 20) At the heart of Gregorys vibrant, vivid new novel is Margaret, the elder sister of Henry VIII, a much over-looked figure in Tudor history. Gregory rescues her from obscurity and puts her centre stage in a world of plots, switched allegiances, political machinations and the drama of royal succession. Margaret is a wonderfully contrary character, self-important, bossy, jealous, obsessed with her divine right to rule, and all too human in her querulous attitude to her queenly rivals Katherine of Aragon (re-named as Katherine of Arrogance by the perennially dissatisfied Margaret) and her younger sister Mary, who becomes the French Queen. Married to James IV of Scotland, Margaret leaves the English court for more rugged territory and becomes enmeshed in political enmities, as England and Scotland battle it out, while also trying to reconcile loyalty, love and motherhood with her regal expectations. THE CONSTANT SOLDIER by William Ryan THE CONSTANT SOLDIER by William Ryan (Mantle 16.99) Paul Brandt, a soldier in the German army, has returned from the Eastern front with a ruined face, missing arm and a conscience that is viscerally ashamed by the atrocities he has witnessed and participated in. But there is no sanctuary or respite to be found in his home village. There is a concentration camp nearby, and also an SS rest hut, set up as a luxurious retreat for the commanders, officers and doctors responsible for the suffering of the prisoners. Brandts horror is made impossibly worse by the fact that he recognises one of the female prisoners who are forced to staff the hut. Agnete, a former Resistance worker, has managed, against all odds, to survive, and Brandt, filled with a soul-scraping self-loathing and determined to atone for all hes done, plans to save the women whatever the cost, as Ryans subtle, suspenseful and superb novel reveals. THE NEW MRS CLIFTON by Elizabeth Buchan THE NEW MRS CLIFTON by Elizabeth Buchan (Michael Joseph 12.99) THIS compelling novel also deals with the complex legacy of the war years. It opens as the conflict is drawing to a close, with Intelligence Officer Gus Clifton heading home to London with his German bride Krista, whom he has secretly married in Berlin. Guss sisters veer between disgust and compassionate dismay; his former fiancee, Nella, and her brother Teddy are against the union, but all are puzzled by his choice. Buchan, who brilliantly captures the blighted atmosphere of blitzed London and bomb-destroyed Berlin, is equally good on the emotional fall-out but something happened to us in the war. We returned to being animals and everything is in shadow. ARROWOOD by Laura McHugh ARROWOOD by Laura McHugh (Century 12.99) A magical second novel from the talented McHugh, whose debut, The Weight Of Blood, was widely acclaimed. Here, she tells the story of an ornate mansion on the banks of the Mississippi that is named after its generations of owners, the Arrowoods. But it is a house with a tragic past: 17 years ago, twin girls, Violet and Tabitha, aged almost two, disappeared one afternoon when in the care of their eight- year-old sister Arden. The girls were never seen again, and their loss had such a devastating effect on the family that they abandoned the grand house, leaving it to become dilapidated. With the death of her father, the house has passed into the hands of history graduate Arden, now 25, who decides to live there again perhaps in an effort to erase the dreadful memory of what happened to her sisters. As the truth about their disappearance emerges, it reveals a writer able to communicate intense emotion without descending into sentimentality. THE DEAD HOUSE by Harry Bingham (Orion 12.99) This is the fifth of Binghams stories featuring distinctive Welsh heroine DS Fiona Griffiths. Rarely, if ever, prepared to play by the rules, Griffiths also possesses extraordinary powers of empathy, particularly for the dead. That quality quickly emerges here when the body of a young woman is found in a bier house alongside a tiny church in a valley in deepest Wales. The body has been carefully posed, dressed in a summery frock, but without shoes, coat or even a cardigan. There are no signs of injuries. Indeed, it may not even be murder although the perceptive Griffiths is convinced that it is. Her investigation leads to a secretive band of monks, whose monastery hides among even deeper folds in the mountains, and whose rituals are as medieval as their setting. Are the two connected? The indefatigable Griffiths sets out to discover, and she does so with a wry spirit and style. FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THE ENDING by Malcolm Mackay FOR THOSE WHO KNOW THE ENDING by Malcolm Mackay (Mantle 16.99) Over the past three years, Orkney based Mackay has quietly established himself as one of the leading voices of tartan noir. His characters are diamond hard, his dialogue as sharp as the razors wielded by the gangs of Glasgow, and his plots as immaculately engineered as the ships once built on the Clyde. He is a fan of the great Elmore Leonard and it shows in the dark humour that permeates his novels. This latest opens with a Czech hit man tied to a chair, who may well have only a matter of minutes to live. The story revolves around how he came to find himself in this predicament. Part of the reason lies with the fate of money that has been stolen from the Jamiesons, one of Glasgows hardest gangs; another part rests with the guile of an ambitious but as yet small-time crook named Usman Kassar, while the third element comes in the brutally frightening figure of security consultant Nate Colgan, who will harm anyone who gets in his way. An ivory idol of Radha & Krishna recovered in a recent raid Authorities may have put a ban on ivory trade in India, but recent raids suggest theres resurgence in the practice that has put elephants on the path of extinction. What has shocked wildlife crime control agencies, and NGOs involved, the most is the resurgence of the domestic ivory market in India. As opposed to the centuries-old practice, whereby all raw and finished tusk products were routed to China, Japan and Thailand the global destinations for these illegal items a reliable clientele base seems to have developed within the country. A senior MoEF official told Mail Today on the condition of anonymity, At least four major raids had been conducted in the past 6-8 months in several states, including Maharashtra and Kerala, which yielded about 13 kg of the contraband. These were based on the information provided by Umesh Aggarwal. Umesh, a businessman based in Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi, was arrested by the Kerala Forest Department in October 2015. The biggest ivory consignment of India -- 487 kg worth Rs 12 crore in the black market -- was seized from him. On his tips, more than 90 poachers have been arrested so far. According to Jose Louies, senior programme manager, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), these raids point towards booming domestic market in elephant-tusk products. Crucially, none of the items resemble those traditionally smuggled to Southeast Asia. These are, in fact, statues of Indian gods and goddesses like Tirupati Balaji, Radha-Krishna and Swami Satyanarayan, Quran stands, Christian crosses, tusks depicting the Ramayana, Rajasthani chooda (bangles), etc. The best-selling item is Ganesha idols, informed Louies. He reminded how the Chinese and the Japanese prefer their own school of ivory art. The Chinese, for instance, prefer uncarved tusks and tusk flakes to turn into statues of Buddha, monks, their royal figures, various animals, etc. We are sure that all these ivory products are now being manufactured for Indians only. A Ganesha idol made of ivory. Elephants are killed for their tusks Experts point fingers at high-profile individuals -- politicians, ministers, bureaucrats, celebrities, film stars and royal families -- who can afford these ivory products. They serve as a symbol of their status and power in society, said a WTO official, emphasising how a kilogramme of uncarved ivory can cost anything between Rs 15,000 and Rs 50,000 in the Indian black market, while intricately carved and modelled items fetch several hundred crores. Dr Shekhar Kumar Niraj, head of NGO, TRAFFIC, concurred. It is true to a large extent. The purchasing power of individuals in India has gone up. So has the demand for contraband items, including ivory products, he said. Tito Joseph of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) too pointed at the trend when he said that there has not been a single incident of Indian ivory being smuggled to Japan in the past few years. Recently, Minister for Environment and Forests Anil Madhav Dave informed Parliament that 85 elephants across the country have fallen prey to poachers in the last three years. The maximum number of cases has arisen from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Killing an elephant or possessing any ivory item is punishable by three years in prison and a Rs 50,000 fine. Sadly, this hasnt been able to deter the criminals The elephants - currently only 30,000 odd pachyderms are left in the wild in India - are generally shot to death and their tusks, up to 10 feet long, wrenched out. The elephant is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It lists it as a most endangered animal. Killing an elephant or possessing any ivory item is punishable by three years in prison. Sadly, this hasnt been able to deter the criminals and a Rs 50,000 fine. Those gleaming new diesel SUVs and luxury sedans will once again be back on Delhi roads as the Supreme Court on Friday lifted its eight-month-old ban on sale of diesel cars with an engine capacity of 2000cc and above in the National Capital Region. But there is a rider a condition precedent for registration. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said manufacturers or the dealer will have to pay to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) one per cent of the showroom price of each car as environmental compensation charge (ECC) at the time of purchase. "Registration shall be done only after the authority concerned satisfies itself upon the deposit of the ECC amount," the order said. The order came on pleas filed by the auto manufacturers like Toyota, Mercedes and BMW seeking lifting of the ban citing huge losses. The Centre also filed a separate petition seeking modification of the order. Imposing the ban on December 16, 2015, the bench had told the car dealers' association: Why should rich people move around in expensive diesel cars causing pollution when they can afford petrol cars? Here, life of people is at stake and you are more worried about the dealers? You are selling cars to the rich, while the common man suffers. Significantly, the bench also hinted that it has plans to impose green tax on diesel cars of less than 2000cc capacity also but said the issue will be examined later. Fridays verdict is a big relief for petitioner auto majors for whom the Delhi region represents almost a quarter of sales in the country and who suffered losses of thousands of crores per month on account of the ban. The CPCB has also been directed to open a separate bank account for the deposit of the ECC collected and use it for measures to improve the environment. The one per cent cess is in fact a big climb down as going by the tone of the bench earlier, it was set to impose up to 30 per cent of car cost as environment cess as per a suggestion by the court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority. The change of mind apparently came after the Modi government threw its weight behind the car manufacturers. There is no rationale to show that 2000cc plus cars are bigger polluters. We are proceeding on the premise that they are meeting emission norms. Big diesel cars have better emission norms than smaller ones. "The ban has its difficulties too. It sends a message that there are inconsistencies in our policy and it affects FDI and also millions of jobs. Huge investment has been made by foreign companies and they are saying we will go away if the ban continues, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had told the bench. AG said a court cannot impose any stiff cess on vehicles and it was the duty of the executive. "We are ready to conduct a multi-pronged study on the effect of diesel on the environment and possible green cess and that can even be under the auspices of the court, he had said. The trigger for the entire decision was the IIT-Kanpur report on air pollution in Delhi which was extensively quoted by the EPCA in the case. The report revealed that diesel vehicles are a major source of particulate matter (PM) emissions in the transport sector. The report showed how barring Rohini, diesel vehicles contributed to 60-90 per cent of PM 2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) emissions in Delhi. Does Beijing still consider Ladakh a disputed territory. If not, why not open Demchok? Pictured: Chinese president Xi Jinping As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives in Delhi for his second visit to India, it is interesting to recall one of the most unknown episodes of the history of modern India. Let's recall the negotiations which, in 1953-54, preceded the signature on the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between Tibet Region of China and India, known as the Panchsheel Agreement for its lofty preamble. Negotiations The negotiations ended with India giving away all its rights in Tibet (telegraph lines, post offices, dak bungalows, military escort in Gyantse and Yatung, etc), while getting no assurance on the border demarcation from the Chinese government. The talks were held in Beijing among Zhang Hanfu, Chinas Vice- Minister of Foreign Affairs, N. Raghavan, the Indian Ambassador to China, and TN Kaul, his Charge dAffaires. It lasted from December 1953 till April 1954. Why so long? One reason appears in a cable sent by Raghavan to Delhi in which he informs the Foreign Secretary that Zhang was virulently objecting to inclusion of Tashigong in Agreement. For centuries, the trade and pilgrimage route for the Kailash-Manasarovar region (and then onward to Lhasa) followed the course of the Indus, passed Demchok, the last Ladakhi village, and then crossed the border to reach the first Tibetan hamlet, Tashigong, some 15 miles inside Tibet. Not only did Zhang refuse to mention Demchok in the agreement, but also bargained for nearly five months to not cite Tashigong. Retrospectively, one can find two main reasons for the Chinese dragging their feet. One was the proximity of the National Highway 219, later known as the Aksai Chin Road, cutting across the Indian territory in northern Ladakh. Though China had started constructing the highway, Delhi was to discover its existence only four years later. In 1954, Indian border forces visiting Demchok could have noticed what was clandestinely being built; though the road was not within firing range for the Indian artillery, Beijing did not want to take a risk. It did not occur to the Indian negotiators that something momentous was happening on the other side of the range. The second reason is also grave and presently very relevant. After months of infructuous exchanges, Zhang Hanfu conceded that traders customarily using this route might continue such use but an oral understanding to that effect between two delegations would suffice, (China) would not like in writing, even by implication, to have any reference to Ladakh. But why to not name this ancient route in the agreement, as it was done for the passes elsewhere? The answer is that China considered Ladakh a disputed area. Kaul told Delhi: We have taken (the) position that Ladakh is Indian territory and route should be mentioned as its omission would be invidious. But China did not accept the Indian contention and after considerable argument (Zhang) agreed, but subsequently withdrew (his agreement). (He) suggests we would consider exchange of letters which will not form part of Agreement... Bargaining continued. India had finally to concur to the Chinese formulation. Demchok was mentioned nowhere, but article IV of the agreement says: Traders and pilgrims of both countries may travel by the following passes and route: (1) Shipki La pass, (2) Mana pass, (3) Niti pass, (4) Kungri Bingri pass, (5) Darma pass, and (6) Lipu Lekh pass. Also, the customary route leading to Tashigong along the valley of the Indus river may continue to be traversed in accordance with custom. History You may think that it is past history, but it is not. China today continues to adamantly refuse to reopen the Demchok-Tashigong route to the abode of Lord Shiva, while insisting on a long and tortuous route via Nathu-la in Sikkim. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj should definitely raise this question with her Chinese counterpart when they meet. The people of Ladakh have for years asked for the reopening of the ancient route. Why is Beijing so reluctant to let people and goods flow again over the Himalaya? Why cant China allow the devotees wanting to visit Kailash-Manasarovar to use the easiest route, i.e. via Demchok? Smuggling It is not that there are no exchanges along the Line of Actual Control. Not far from Demchok, a place called Dumchule witnesses a good deal of smuggling happening between Tibet and Ladakh. Local herders visit a Tibetan mart on the other side of the range, bringing back Chinese goods to Ladakh. If while visiting the bazaar in Leh, you wonder how there are so many Chinese bowls or other cheap stuff, the answer is Dumchule. But the situation is not healthy; apart from the fact that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) can gather intelligence on what is happening on the Indian side, (that is why they close their eyes on the traffic) and worse, Indian pilgrims are not allowed to cross into Tibet and proceed to Mt Kailash. To officially reopen the Demchok-Tashigong road would be the best confidence building measure (CBM) between India and China. After all under its One Belt, One Road scheme, China constantly speaks of opening new routes or corridors. Does Beijing restrict these projects to its friends only (i.e. Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or Nepal in Zham and Kyirong)? Let us hope that Wang will understand that it is in Chinas interests to regularise the situation in Ladakh. He should also clearly spell out Chinas position: does Beijing still consider Ladakh a disputed territory. If not, why not open Demchok? SALMAN KHAN: For the first time since Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989, this year will see Salman Khan having just one release (Sultan) in a calendar year. Considering the film departs from his set image and has still become his biggest hit ever, Salmans ploy of cutting down on releases has clearly worked About a decade ago when Aamir Khan first started spacing out his releases to gaps of well over a year, the film industry and fans were intrigued alike. Bollywood stardom had traditionally been about getting the maximum possible number of releases in a year till then. When Aamir started releasing one film in a year or year-and-ahalf, he actually reversed a trend that was deemed foolproof so far. Aamirs ploy worked, and a major reason some of his films such as 3 Idiots, Dhoom 3 and PK went onto break records is the wide gap that the actor maintained between their release dates. Suddenly, Bollywood woke up to the power of heightening expectation. Aamir, Bollywoods biggest trendsetter in recent times, had created a new trick. Every other star started realising the potential of cutting down on film assignments. The focus, rather, shifted to quality over quantity. In commerce-driven Bollywood, of course, the definition of quality varies from what normal definition of cinema aesthetics entails. DEEPIKA PADUKONE: She was busy shooting her Hollywood debut, XXX: Return Of Xander Cage starring Vin Diesel over the past year, and returns to the desi screens only in December 2017. She picks up where she left in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali historical opposite rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh. It is not necessarily about novelty in script or filmmaking. In the world of Hindi mainstream, anything that spells new ways to draw the crowds and make big money is what matters. This includes the art of selling ones product in new ways. Superstars realised that instead of gunning for more releases per year, building hype and curiosity by staying away from the screen is something that often helps garner rich returns in the opening weekend. Till about a couple of years ago, heroines exempted themselves from this rule. Even the topmost female stars did not mind having two or more releases per year. Now, the fad seems to be catching up with the leading ladies, too. Many top heroines have become selective enough to create a space of anything between eight months to one year or more between releases. Of course, there have been a couple of names whose absence accounts itself to a Hollywood sojourn. Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have been busy filming their Hollywood debuts and, naturally, were dividing time between India and America, in turn cutting down Bollywood roles. The underlining reason that counts most: In an industry that has become more competitive than ever before, most stars are realising it is better to stay away than risk getting over-saturated in the public eye. Stardom, after all, is about maintaining the right glamour quotient. (release dates are subject to change) . AAMIR KHAN Aamir returns with Dangal exactly two years after PK Next release: DANGAL (December 23, 2016). Last release: PK (December 19, 2014) Maintaining the trend he set of spacing out releases, Aamir returns with Dangal exactly two years after PK, Rajkumar Hiranis satire that continues to be Bollywoods biggest global grosser till date. In between, Aamir made news for a controversial intolerance comment, and Dangal stayed in the limelight what with the actor showing up at public dos flaunting the beefed-up body he developed for his role of awrestler in the film. RANVEER SINGH Slow and steady has been Ranveers gameplan Next release: BEFIKRE (December 9, 2016). Last release: BAJIRAO MASTANI (December 18, 2015) December would seem lucky for him, what with his two best films so far Band Baaja Baaraat and Bajirao Mastani having opened in that month. Befikre, marking Aditya Chopras return as director, teams Ranveer with Yash Raj Films find Vaani Kapoor. Slow and steady has been Ranveers gameplan, and he has carefully crafted his image as an extrovert entertainer off the screen one who can get into the skin of various roles on the screen. VIDYA BALAN The National Award-winning actor returns with Kahaani 2 Next release: KAHAANI 2 (November 25, 2016). Last release: HAMARI ADHURI KAHAANI (June 12, 2015) The super form Vidya struck with Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and Kahaani was diluted by the consecutive failures of Ghanchakkar, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, Bobby Jasoos and Hamari Adhuri Kahaani that followed. The National Award-winning actor returns with Kahaani 2, Sujoy Ghoshs sequel to the 2012 multiplex hit Kahaani. Between Hamari Adhuri Kahaani and Kahaani 2, the gap in release was perhaps necessary. RANBIR KAPOOR Ranbir has been the most experimental actor among Bollywoods GenNow stars Next release: AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL (October 28, 2016). Last release: TAMASHA (November 27, 2015) Ranbir will have almost a years gap when he returns with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Karan Johars unusual romantic drama about a man in love with an older woman. The Diwali release pairs him with Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan. Considering Ranbir has been the most experimental actor among Bollywoods GenNow stars in terms of roles, gaps between his releases heighten the risk factor about his career. Notably, Johars film clashes with Ajay Devgns Shivaay onDiwali 2016. KANGANA RANAUT Kangana has a lot at stake when Vishal Bhardwajs Rangoon opens next year Next release: RANGOON (February 24, 2017). Last release: KATTI BATTI (September 18, 2015) Her last release Katti Batti was critically panned and a box-office disaster, so Kangana has a lot at stake when Vishal Bhardwajs Rangoon opens next year. The film starring Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan has already garnered some hype. App-based cab operators are exploring technological innovation to evolve a parallel billing system after the Delhi High Court ordered them to end surge pricing within 10 days on Thursday. The Delhi government has also made it mandatory to install fixed billing meters in all cabs and will announce a draft policy soon. Officials of cab aggregators said they may install a parallel device in their cabs or innovate on their internet-based application, which can then be used to bill their customers in different categories. Cab aggregators may install a parallel device in their taxis or make a change in the app in order to produce a bill in addition to one decided by the fixed meter Through the same device they may track, connect and give payments (incentive) to their drivers. Government meters will be indicative of maximum price but our meter will reflect the bill charged from the customers, an official of an app-based cab company said. The lowest amount can be paid by the customers.This may bring more transparency and can also reflect efficiency. Commuters will have options to pay cash or though the web payment system, an official said. The companies said their services had gained so much popularity due to the uniqueness of their technological innovation and their existence will also depend on how they evolve technologically to survive. However, a final decision on what the final innovation will be has not been made and will be done only once the government locks their policy rules for app-based cabs. App-based taxi operators like Ola and Uber have been distinct from the existing taxi network because of their on-demand service and dynamic fare rates. But the direction by the High Court to end surge pricing and follow government-approved tariffs by August 22 has brought them on a par with existing cab services. The operators are, however, optimistic that the government will come up with a new policy that will be in favour of public. But confusion on the billing method remains in the meantime. As per the Delhi government, through their new draft policy, they will make it mandatory for cabs to operate with digital meters capable of printing receipts. Cab aggregators use surge pricing model which is a demand-based model that makes fares fluctuate, sometimes more than five times the base value. Cab companies are claiming that they are already adhering to the government rates but the confusion remains on the billing method as the Delhi government wants to replace their GPS meters with digital meters already in use in autos and other taxis. A senior government official said that the attempt is to bring all the cab operators at the same platform so that there is healthy business opportunity for all. However, through the new policy government will fix the upper limit, it will allow cab operators to give discounts to their customers if it is financially viable for them. We moved house in April, inheriting our energy supply from Scottish Power. I gave it our opening reading but then switched to British Gas as I found a cheaper tariff. A final bill from Scottish Power arrived in May for 167.51 which I queried as it seemed excessive for just 18 days of energy. I was told the bill had been created by using estimated readings so I again gave it the correct readings and was told to call British Gas with these. Caroline Malkin has been trying to switch energy providers since April and is now being threatened with penalty charges by Scottish Power In July I then received a final demand from Scottish Power asking for the money I owed it. Once again I called up and was told there was no record of my earlier call, and was asked to send a photograph of the opening readings. I did this and was told the account would be put on hold until British Gas had contacted Scottish Power to give the readings at the time of the switch. I was then gobsmacked to receive a threatening letter from the Escalated Recoveries Team at Scottish Power demanding the immediate payment of 167.51 or costs of 67 would be added to the account. I again telephoned and was told that British Gas still hadn't provided updated figures to Scottish Power and the account had not been put on hold. Ive now asked if the account can now be put on hold until British Gas has sent these readings, but I have no faith that this will happen and I am concerned about incurring costs of 67. Is there anything I can do to bring this stressful situation to an end? Caroline Malkin, via email. Rebecca Rutt, of This is Money, replies: Switching your energy supplier should be straightforward and easy but your story shows this is often not the case. In fact one of the main reasons people dont switch more often is because they fear problems might arise, even if they do so relatively infrequently. Switching providers should be easy, quick and straightforward, it not you can complain In your case youve been passed from pillar to post with Scottish Power and British Gas and after three months the switch still hasnt taken place. On top of this youre now being sent threatening letters and youve been told you may have to pay an additional 67 to Scottish Power. This is not the way energy switches should happen so we got in contact with both Scottish Power and British Gas to try and find out what went wrong. A spokesperson for Scottish Power said: We sincerely apologise to Ms Mackie for the inconvenience this matter has caused. When a customer leaves their supplier the normal process is the new supplier provides the meter readings for the old supplier so they can finalise the bill. Unfortunately this has never been confirmed by the new supplier and estimated reads were used. We have amended our records to the readings provided by Ms Mackie and updated the account, we will contact the new supplier to ensure they have the correct start readings. 'In way of an apology we have credited the account with a goodwill payment of 50. Caroline Malkin is being threatened with penalty charges because she hasn't paid an estimated bill of 167 for 18 days of energy While its good that Scottish Power looked into this and realised a mistake had been made, theres no excuse for why Caroline wasnt told this earlier and it took our intervention for something to happen. We also spoke to British Gas and a spokesperson said: Due to a system error there was a delay in sending the customers updated meter readings to Scottish Power. We have apologised to the customer for the inconvenience caused and have credited her account with 30 as a goodwill gesture. Again, while it is positive British Gas has also resolved the issue, this only happened after we got in contact. Another option you have is to complain directly to the energy firm. Then if after eight weeks it's not responded, or you're still not happy, you can escalate the complaint to the Energy Ombudsman. It can look into it independently and if it rules in your favour could make the companies pay you compensation for the time youve spent trying to fix the matter. Switching energy providers can knock off around 300 off an average annual bill It is also worth checking your credit score. This is because we have heard of cases whereby energy customers have been given a mark on their credit history because of a missed payment with an energy firm. If you find this has happened, you will need to contact the provider to ask for the mark to be removed. Animal genetics firm Genus fell after it lost a court decision in a patent row. It has been battling rival Inguran over technology used for sexing bull semen. Its a process that can skew which gender is produced from artificial insemination, which is important because dairy farmers prefer female calves. Genus launched its product as an alternative to technology already in use by Inguran, hoping to increase competition in the market. But yesterday a US district court in Wisconsin ruled that Ingurans patent was valid and had been infringed. It said Genus had breached confidentiality obligations which were set out in a 2012 agreement between the two firms. Bullocks: Genus fell after it lost a court decision in a patent row. It has been battling rival Inguran over technology used for sexing bull semen Basingstoke-based Genus argued that Inguran had wilfully maintained a monopoly position. But the jury said Genus had not proved it had suffered as a result of that. The jury will now consider a verdict on damages. Genus was the biggest faller on the All-Share for the day as its shares slumped 8 per cent, or 156p, to 1782p. TT Electronics rose as Peel Hunt put a Buy rating on the stock. A day earlier, the automotive electronics firm reported revenues had risen 5 per cent to 277million in the first half Pre-tax profit for the six months to June 30 was 11.4million, up 25 per cent on the same period a year ago. STOCKWATCH - PARKMEAD Parkmead Group has been rising all week after it doubled its stake in two UK oil fields. The oil and gas producer now operates 100 per cent of the Polecat and Marten oil fields in the central North Sea. The pair are estimated to hold more than 90million barrels of oil. Cantor Fitzgerald has a Buy rating on the stock. It said the company is well positioned to keep growing through acquisitions. Finncap also put a Buy rating on the stock while Panmure Gordon upped its target price to 105p. Shares rose 3.5 per cent, or 1.75p to 51.5p. It said improvements in cost efficiency boosted profitability and it does not anticipate significant impact from the UK referendum result. Shares had slipped as it said trading in US industrial markets had been challenging but there was strong demand from the automotive sector. Yesterday they rallied 2.7 per cent, or 3.75p to 142.25p. Online gaming software company GAN climbed as it announced a major client win. US business Chickasaw Nation has around 20,000 electronic gaming machines across 20 casinos in Texas. It has more than 1million customers a year. The two firms are set to work together on a new so-called social casino experience. GANs simulated gaming system allows users to play casino games including poker, backgammon, gin rummy and slow machines using the internet, mobile phones and virtual reality. It alluded to a partnership back in April but did not disclose the partner. Shares gained 6.8pc, or 2.5p to 39.5p. The FTSE 100 eased up just 1.31 points to finish the week at 6916.02. EasyJet topped the list for the day, rising 4 per cent, or 42p to 1101p. As part of the airlines share incentive plan a number of top dogs snapped up a few shares yesterday. Chief operating officer Warwick Brady and group commercial director Peter Duffy each added 26 shares, while chief financial officer Andrew Findlay snapped up 28. EasyJet employees can each contribute up to 150 a month to the scheme. Elsewhere, bottling firm Coca Cola HBC was in the top flight for a second consecutive day as JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and UBS all raised their target price for the stock. Shares advanced 2.3 per cent, or 39p to 1720p. Miners were in the red for the day, despite the price of the black stuff climbing 5 per cent to $46 a barrel. Antofagasta lost 3.4 per cent, or 18p, to 514p, the greatest faller on the index for the day, while Rio Tinto fell 3.2 per cent, or 80p to 2409p. E-commerce software firm cloudBuy rose as it reassured investors the second half would be stronger than the first. The AIM-listed firm said turnover fell to 785,000 in the six months to June 30, down 11 per cent on the same period a year ago. The business made an operating loss of 2million over that time, around a third lower than the 2.9million loss it reported in the first half last year. But cloudBuy said revenues from projects it has won should boost numbers over the next six months. Full-year performance should be similar to last years. Top investors fear the boss of Lloyds might be forced to quit sooner than expected after a scandal over an alleged affair. Antonio Horta-Osorio was joined by Dr Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of universities, while attending a banking conference in Singapore. She was spotted entering and leaving his room at a hotel, even using her own key. The chief executive ran up a bill of 3,276 during his stay in June, with 550 spent on two visits to the spa. Dangerous liaison: Antonio Horta-Osorio was joined by Dr Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of universities, while attending a banking conference in Singapore The bank insists no rules were broken but is under mounting pressure to reveal what was paid for on expenses, if anything. And as the criticism of the boss continues to mount, major shareholders are beginning to question his position. 'It is definitely something the board should be thinking hard about,' one top 20 investor said. A second major shareholder said: 'Whether that is enough to drive him out, I don't know.' There are also concerns over a lack of possible successors to the 52-year-old boss, who took the helm in 2011, pledging to clean up the industry. Tom Cruise had to be convinced to join the cast of Top Gun and Nicole Kidman to take on her Oscar-winning performance in The Hours CAA agent wouldn't get off the phone until Naomi Watts said 'yes' to appearing in horror movie The Ring A big part of the role of Hollywood agents is convincing their famous clients to actually do their jobs. Agents have to cajole and sometimes bully their actors and actresses into taking roles - sometimes with spectacular results. Top Gun, for example, would be unthinkable without Tom Cruise, while The Hours won Nicole Kidman an Oscar. Yet both actors had to be persuaded to take their respective starring roles in those movies, according to a new book. In Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists' Agency, Nicole Kidman admits that she did not want to do The Hours, the 2003 drama which earned her the Oscar for Best Actress. She says that she was in Australia with her parents at the time and couldnt find the strength to do it. Tom Cruise made his name in iconic 80s movie Top Gun. CAA also persuaded Nicole Kidman to star in The Hours although the actress at first 'couldn't be bothered' She said: At the time I was having this weird relationship with my own drive and my own ambition. Part of me just couldnt be bothered and I know thats almost blasphemous to say. Kidman called her agent at CAA and said: I cant do it. Im sort of depressed and Ive got to just say here. The response was: You make that plane, you get over there now and you do this role - so she did. Kidman said: Thank God he talked to me like he did because I would have just curled up in bed and stay there...I need tough love sometimes. Former CAA partner Rick Nicita says that the key to getting actors to commit was constantly not letting them bail out, not getting near the exit door. When he was trying to get Al Pacino to commit to the 2003 spy thriller The Recruit, Pacino kept saying: Im not so sure, maybe yes, maybe no. Nicita says that he told Pacino on the phone: I am going to hang up on you and Im going to call and accept the role. Nicita hung up, called and accepted the role on Pacino's behalf and then told the actor what he had done. Pacino replied: Thank you, thank you Rick. When Naomi Watts was offered the lead role in the 2002 horror The Ring, Nicita refused to get off the phone until she said yes. Watts said: Uh. and Nicita said: Yes, say yes. He said: And she goes: "Uh..yes". And Matthew Broderick admits that he initially did not want the lead role in Ferris Buellers Day Off, the 80s comedy which made him a star. Near misses: Matthew Broderick, right, at first was unconvinced by 80s comedy Ferris Buellers Day Off Power players: A new book reveals what it takes to run CAA, one of Hollywood's most powerful talent agencies He says that he had just done two Broadway shows in which he spoke to the audience and felt wary of doing the same thing on camera, as happens in the film. Broderick says: And I thought: Im always going to be this comedian who talks to the camera. I have to get a real part, or some stupid idea like that. So I wasnt sure about Ferris, thought it wasnt right and I should do something dramatic. CAA became one of the biggest agencies in the world with a galaxy of stars on their books after being founded by Michael Ovitz and Ron Meyer in 1975. Powerhouse also reveals the tactics that agents used to lure in clients, including Paul Newman who did not even want to be represented. Realizing how important he was to CAA, Ovitz did an incredible full-court press to sign him, according to the book. For CAA he was the big one and, knowing he was a car fanatic, Ovitz went out and bought a Ferrari and made himself into his best friend. The book says that one day Ovitz called everyone into the conference room at CAA and told them how he and Newman had been racing cars and that the actor loved it. The entire company was told to go to one of the races at the Malibu raceway and Ovitz sent round an email saying: You will come and you will have fun. It worked and he signed. CAA wooed racing enthusiast Paul Newman with a Ferrari. The initially reticent actor was eventually signed to their books CAA's influence was not confined to Hollywood - it extended to the White House too. It was some time after Bill Clinton had been elected to his first term that Michael Ovitz got a call from the President. The conversation quickly turned to money - and how much Ovitz could help raise for the Democrats. Clinton was startlingly frank about his need for cash. I need a favor,' said Clinton. The DNC (Democratic National Committee) is running out of money. Can you raise us some money? Ovitz could not exactly turn the president down. Clinton said: 'You have three weeks.' You have to be kidding, Ovitz replied. But Clinton said, No, Im dead serious. Three weeks later Clinton appeared at the CAA office in Los Angeles where stars had lined up for photographs with the president - for a price. Ovitz raised $600,000 for the Democrats. From left, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Ovitz, Al Gore and Bill Clinton in 1996. Clinton drew on Ovitz's Hollywood connections to raise $600,000 in just three weeks: 400 guests paid upwards of $1,000 a head and celebrities queued to have their photo taken with the president The 400 guests paid $1,000 each and another 80 people paid $2,500 for one-on-one photo opportunities with Clinton in the conference room of the CAA office in Los Angeles. Among those who turned up were Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Costner, Warren Beatty and Alec Baldwin. Sally Field was so desperate to attend she got out of her limo six blocks from the CAA office and ran the rest of the way because the Secret Service had shut down the roads for cars. Glenn Close rushed over in full makeup from the play she was doing on Sunset Boulevard. To counter the perception that Clinton was too close to Hollywood, he gave a speech criticizing the use of violence in films - although he singled out gang drama Boyz N The Hood for praise for its realism. That's nice! Katie Couric fought for her colleagues not to be fired from CBS News, agreeing to take a $1 million hit from her reported $10 million-a-year salary on the proviso that the deal was kept a secret and the money went straight to staff The book also contains revelations about the goings-on at celebrity parties. On one occasion, according to a CAA Agent, Meryl Streep emerged from a bathroom laughing uncontrollably because Carrie Fisher had shouted through the locked door about her horse stream of urine. Producer Barry Josephson reveals that when he was making the 1994 drama The Professional, a young Natalie Portman who starred in the film had the biggest crush on Johnny Depp. Josephson told Depps agent that it was Portmans birthday and asked if he could show up - so he did. It's not all about landing roles - the agencies also have to grapple with issues that arise some time into the job. CAA client Katie Couric for example took a pay cut in 2009 during her third year as the anchor on CBS Evening News, when she and her agent learned of upcoming layoffs including several members of the CBS Evening News team. The staff due to be fired included senior producers and young associate producers who were vital to the running of the show. Couric decided to take matters into her own hands and voluntarily agreed to cut her annual salary from a reported $15 million by $1 million. The two conditions Couric attached to it were that the money be used directly on staff and that nobody could know. Scientists studying a native parrot thought to have been extinct for more than 100 years have been devastated after a nest of eggs was destroyed by a deadly snake. Ecologist Steve Murphy recently made a breakthrough discovery in the middle of the Queensland desert - a nest containing two eggs laid by the Night Parrot. The last time an active nest was seen was back in the 1880s, according to a report in The Age. Scroll down for video The nest: Eggs from the rare Night Parrot found in the middle of the Queensland desert - six days later they had been taken - eaten by a snake The first Night Parrot found by Dr Steve Murphy. It's one of the most elusive birds in the world - and had been considered extinct in Australia until sighted in 2013 This finding was considered vital with the potential of adding to the scarce population. A live night parrot was last seen in Western Australia in 1912, according to Bush Heritage Australia, until the chance sighting of one three years ago by Dr Murphy. Scientists called the discoveries as 'a second chance to save it'. But their preservation plan suffered a shocking setback however when the eggs were taken less than a week after they were found. The only clues left behind by the thief were the egg shells, which Dr Murphy collected for DNA testing - scientists finding that a king brown snake was to blame. 'I would have put my money on a small goanna or a dragon,' Dr Murphy told Fairfax Media. It was considered a 'long-shot' but Ancient DNA expert Associate Jeremy Professor was able to identify what had eaten the eggs. Scientist devastated as native parrot eggs are taken by a predator Bird was thought to be extinct for 100 years until sighted in 2013 The Night Parrot nest was found in the Queensland desert by ecologist Dr Steve Murphy 'When Steve sent me the eggshells, I thought I was looking for an introduced predator like a cat or fox - I wasn't really looking for native predators.' Dr Murphy told The Guardian the night parrot was a 'dumpy oversized budgie'. It has green feathers on its top half and yellow ones on its underside. An adult can grow up to about 24 centimetres and they prefer areas that have desert-like conditions. The first recorded sighting of the night parrot was in 1845 and the last time a living specimen was acquired happened in 1912, according to Bush Heritage Australia. The bird was not seen between 1912 and 1979, but after many unconfirmed reports it was finally captured on film by a wildlife photographer in 2013. Ive been fascinated with Night Parrots ever since I was a small kid,' said Dr Murphy. 'Its their story that grabbed me, and what it represented about whats happened to Australia since the arrival of Europeans. 'Weve lost more native animals than anywhere else on Earth, and for a lot of years we thought wed lost this one as well.' Rob Murphy, executive manager of Bush Heritage Australia, said the nesting was 'incredibly encouraging'. 'And while it was extremely disappointing the eggs were destroyed, we were buoyed to hear it was native predation, the natural order of things rather than a feral, introduced predator,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'So were continuing to be vigilant on feral animals and the protection of night parrot habitat.' Jesse Wilson was last seen on July 17, according to police in Buckeye, Arizona Federal and local authorities in Arizona unsuccessfully searched a field for a 10-year-old boy who has been missing for nearly a month. Buckeye Police Sgt. Jason Weeks says officers walked Thursday through an undeveloped lot covered with brush and trees as part of what he called a secondary search. He says authorities have been actively searching for Jesse Wilson since he went missing from his home and want to double check areas that had been searched previously. Weeks says authorities will not stop looking for the boy. Weeks told AZ Central: 'We are focusing on vacant lots or anywhere a 10-year-old can walk to.' The case still is being investigated as a runaway and no foul play has been identified. The boy had previously been discovered roaming around the neighborhood, the website reported. The FBI, Buckeye police and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office participated in Thursday's search. Jesse's mother Crystal Wilson (pictured) told KPHO last month: 'I just miss your loving, caring sweet voice. That's all I have to say' The case still is being investigated as a runaway and no foul play has been identified Buckey Police Chief Larry Hall told AZ Central that searchers were trying to find a body on Thursday. He said: 'There are other scenarios we are looking at in which he is alive and he is hiding. It's been a long time. 'We have to look at it sometimes as worst-case scenario. We can't be naive. 'We have to play out every option. We as police have to do that... we can't rule out foul play.' Previous searches have involved drones, US Border Patrol tracking dogs and citizen volunteers. Buckeye Police Sgt. Jason Weeks says authorities will not stop looking for the boy Buckeye police said on Facebook last month: 'The juvenile, Jesse Wilson, was last seen in his room on 07/17/16 at 9:30 pm. 'It was determined Jesse exited the resident through his bedroom window and left the area of 239th Avenue and Twilight Trail.' Jesse's mother Crystal Wilson told KPHO last month: 'This is your mommy. No one is mad at you. Runway madness: Cesar Saucedo, 24, was filmed sprinting across the tarmac as he desperately tried to flag down his plane The Ryanair passenger who jumped onto the tarmac at Madrid international airport and ran across the runway to flag down his plane is a Bolivian fast food worker who actually chasing the wrong plane, his family have claimed to MailOnline. Cesar Saucedo, 24, was filmed leaping from the jet bridge with two bags in his hands and sprinting across the edge of the runway to try to board his flight to Gran Canaria to visit his family. Mr Saucedo thought his plane was about to take off and literally ran after it in the hope the pilot would stop and pick him up. But it has now emerged that the Ryanair jet Mr Saucedo was chasing wasn't even the one he was meant to catch. His flight had been delayed and was still waiting at the gate. Remarkably Mr Saucedo was not arrested and was allowed to change his clothes and board his original flight in the conventional manner an hour later. It was not until he arrived in Gran Canaria that he was stopped at the airport. He now faces a heavy fine for breaching airport security. The extraordinary footage shows Saucedo jumping off a disconnected plane bridge and running towards a aircraft that was preparing to take off Despite running across the tarmac at a time of heightened security, Saucedo was not arrested and was allowed to board his flight to Gran Canaria The plane Saucedo was meant to take was still waiting and was not due to take to the skies for another hour Saucedo's flight had been delayed and was still waiting at the gate His brother-in-law Juan Diana told MailOnline: 'The funny thing, if you can call it funny, is that the only reason Cesar did it was because he thought he was about to miss his flight - and ran like mad towards a plane which wasn't his. 'He told me afterwards what had happened but I never expected this to get as big as it has. 'He was on his way to see his mum who lives in Gran Canaria for the first time in a year. The funny thing, if you can call it funny, is that the only reason Cesar did it was because he thought he was about to miss his flight - and ran like mad towards a plane which wasn't his. Mr Saucedo's brother-in-law 'He sells hamburgers for a living so he's not on a great wage and I think the panic he felt at missing a flight he'd saved up so long just got the better of him. 'I told him when I learned what had happened that he was lucky the police didn't mistake him for a terrorist. It tells you a lot about the state of things in Spain that he was able to do what he did. 'He risked being shot with what he did and I'm sure that if it had happened in the States, he wouldn't have been alive today. But as we're in Spain, nothing happened. The man, who was late for his flight, seemed to hesitate before jumping off the jet bridge The man, who missed the plane's final boarding call, fell about eight to 10ft from the bridge With his bags in hand, the man sprints across the tarmac to stop the plane from leaving 'Not only that but what hasn't come out is that the two airport workers you see him talking to after he's run across the airport towards his plane, escort him to a seating area inside the terminal. 'It turned out his flight was leaving an hour later on the dot. He had time to change his T-shirt after his run while he was sat down and board his flight to Gran Canaria with the other passengers.' The incredible sequence of events unfolded at around 9pm last Friday at Madrid airport, where security is supposed to have been tightened following the recent ISIS terror threat. Spain is in a heightened state of alert and the government is close to sending soldiers on the streets. Yet Mr Saucedo, who moved to Spain from Bolivia as a child, was able to avoid airport security and sprint across the tarmac before he was finally stopped. Now is spending his last few days holiday with his parents before returning home to Albacete, near Madrid. Mr Diana said he thought his brother-in-law he was 'mad' - especially after learning that he was chasing the wrong flight on the runway. The Spanish Civil Guard has insisted Mr Saucedo broke no laws, but said he will face a fine. Mr Diana added: 'Cesar didn't breach several security controls like they're saying. He just opened the door leading to the jet bridge and that was it. And to cap it all, it was the wrong jet bridge. 'There's no more to it than what we've all seen in the video. 'I never imagined things would get as big as this. He didn't do anything wrong. It's just like when you miss a bus and go running after it. The only difference was this was a plane. He was worried about wasting his hard-earned money, he wanted to see his mum, story over. 'He ended up getting the plane he was supposed to get and he's in Gran Canaria now. Saucedo (pictured with his dog) was allowed to change his clothes and board his flight to the holiday island of Gran Canaria 'He was never arrested. He was stopped when he got to his destination and he was searched which is quite normal after what happened. 'But after showing them his documentation, he went off with his parents. He was never told he was going to get a fine and he's had nothing yet. 'I really don't see why he should get a hefty fine. He might have been a bit foolish but what did he do that was actually wrong?' Authorities will not confirm the size of the fine, which could be up to 38,800. A spokesman for the Civil Guard confirmed: 'The man in the video thought he had to board the plane he can be seen running towards but that wasn't his plane. His plane was a second jet which doesn't appear in the footage. 'Airport workers stopped him and he realised his plane hadn't left yet and he managed to board it and reach his destination. 'When he reached Gran Canaria he was identified by colleagues there so he could be sanctioned. They added: 'I'm not in a position to say what the sanction will be but he will be treated in the same way as any other person who's fined for an infraction according to the seriousness of that infraction and the guidelines governing breaches.' A former Uber driver charged with raping a 16-year-old passenger sobbed and appeared to faint in court while his charges were being read. Darnell Booth, 34, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, fell to the floor upon hearing his charges, then collected himself and was held without bail Thursday. Booth, who started driving for Uber in February, had an eight-page long criminal record, according to WCVB, and was accused of sexual assault once before but never charged. Despite his criminal history, the company said it performed a background check on Booth and found nothing. It says Booth is now banned from driving. Scroll down for video Darnell Booth, a former Uber driver, is accused of picking up a 16-year-old girl and raping her before driving her to her destination After hearing that he was accused of slapping the girl twice and then driving her to a secluded location and raping her, Booth started to cry He pleaded not guilty to rape in Malden District Court. A hearing to determine whether he's a danger to society is scheduled for Monday. Prosecutors say the 36-year-old Booth was giving the Everett teen a ride to a summer school program on July 5 when he drove her to a parking lot and raped her. The alleged victim and the suspect first met June 20 when he drove her home to Everett. He then dropped his head, looked at the floor, and collapsed, only getting up later Booth's attorney questions the girl's credibility and says 'there are more questions than answers' On July 4, the victim noticed that she had been added to a Snapchat account she believed was Booth's, prosecutors said, according to the outlet. Booth then allegedly drove to her house and told the girl through Snapchat that he was outside of her home and wanted her to come outside. The girl refused, prosecutors said. But when the girl missed the bus on July 5, Booth and the girl allegedly made contact through Snapchat, not the Uber app, and the girl accepted the offer of a ride. He then allegedly drove her to a secluded location, turned and told her to take off her pants, slapped her twice on the face, and is then accused of raping her. Investigators said they found the suspect's DNA on the girl's shirt. Booth's attorney questions the girl's credibility and says 'there are more questions than answers.' Uber told WCVB that it checks criminal records going back seven years and said it did not find anything on Booth. But when the outlet did a background check on Booth, it found he had a 2012 conviction for assaulting a corrections officer while he was incarcerated. He served two years in jail. Nico Hines wrote an article for The Daily Beast that was later withdrawn The Daily Beast removed an article slammed for being offensive, irresponsible and dangerous after it revealed information about closeted, gay athletes in Rio. In a piece titled 'I got three Grindr dates in one hour in the Olympic village', Nico Hines - a straight, male reporter - acknowledged many of the athletes he wrote about lived in 'notoriously homophobic' countries. While he did not release their names, he shared what they wrote on their profiles and revealed identifying characteristics such as their height, weight and nationality. The news website first revised the article before taking it down and issuing an apology. Readers were outraged that the article potentially compromised the safety of closeted athletes from countries with strict anti-gay laws. Homosexuality is a criminal offence in more than 70 countries, including some where it is punishable by death, such as Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen. Many also considered Hines' behavior deceptive since he did not openly broadcast his position as a straight journalist who was working on a story in his profile. Instead, he 'confessed to being a journalist as soon as anyone asked who I was'. Amini Fonua, a two-time Olympic swimmer from Tonga who is publicly out, described the piece as 'deplorable' US Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, who is also openly gay, slammed Nico Hines' article Hines insisted on his innocence, writing: 'For the record, I didnt lie to anyone or pretend to be someone I wasntunless you count being on Grindr in the first placesince Im straight, with a wife and child.' When Hines joined The Beast from The Times he was noted as being a 'first-rate reporter'. Former Daily Beast editor Tina Brown wrote at the time: Nico Hines is 'a first-rate reporter whose wit and flair will be right at home on The Beast'. Amini Fonua, a two-time Olympic swimmer from Tonga who is publicly out, described the piece as 'deplorable'. He wrote: 'Imagine the one space you can feel safe, the one space you're able to be yourself, ruined by a straight person who thinks it's all a joke? 'No straight person will ever know the pain of revealing your truth, to take that away is just...I can't. It literally brings me to tears.' He added: 'It is still illegal to be gay in Tonga, and while I'm strong enough to be me in front of the world, not everybody else is. Respect that.' Hines created a profile on the gay dating app Grindr to 'bait' athletes in the Olympic village without listing in his profile that he was a straight journalist working on a story. Pictured, file photos from a Grindr press kit US Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, who is also openly gay, tweeted: 'So @NicoHines basically just outed a bunch of athletes in his quest to write a sh***y article where he admitted to entrapment.' After the initial criticism, Daily Beast editor-in-chief John Avlon said the website had 'heard readers' concerns', and the story was retitled 'The Other Olympic Sport in Rio: Swiping'. He admitted the piece could compromise the safety of gay male athletes 'even by implication' and all descriptions of the dating profiles were removed. Avlon added: 'We apologize for potentially jeopardizing that safety in any way. THE DAILY BEAST APOLOGY IN FULL A Note From the Editors Today, The Daily Beast took an unprecedented but necessary step: We are removing an article from our site, The Other Olympic Sport In Rio: Swiping. The Daily Beast does not do this lightly. As shared in our editors note earlier today, we initially thought swift removal of any identifying characteristics and better clarification of our intent was the adequate way to address this. Our initial reaction was that the entire removal of the piece was not necessary. We were wrong. Were sorry. And we apologize to the athletes who may have been inadvertently compromised by our story. Today we did not uphold a deep set of The Daily Beasts values. These valueswhich include standing up to bullies and bigots, and specifically being a proudly, steadfastly supportive voice for LGBT people all over the worldare core to our commitment to journalism and to our commitment to serving our readers. As a newsroom, we succeed together and we fail together, and this was a failure on The Daily Beast as a whole, not a single individual. The article was not intended to do harm or degrade members of the LGBT community, but intent doesnt matter, impact does. Our hope is that removing an article that is in conflict with both our values and what we aspire to as journalists will demonstrate how seriously we take our error. We were wrong. We will do better. Advertisement 'As a result, we have removed all descriptions of the men and women's profiles that we previously described.' His apology was deemed inadequate and The Daily Beast later removed the story from its website altogether. The news websites issued a statement saying: 'We were wrong. We're sorry. And we apologize to those athletes who may have been inadvertently compromised by our story. 'The article was not intended to do harm or degrade members of the LGBT community, but intent doesn't matter, impact does.' ''Our hope is that removing an article that is in conflict with both our values and what we aspire to as journalists will demonstrate how seriously we take our error. We screwed up. We will do better.' An instructor who died alongside a disabled teenager during a tandem skydive was not licensed, it has emerged. Yong Kwon, 25, and first-time jumper Tyler Turner, 18, died in a Lodi-area vineyard, in California on Saturday when their shared parachute failed to open. Tyler's mother, Francine Salazar, had watched helplessly as her son, an aspiring engineer, plummeted from the skies. Aspiring engineer Tyler Turner was seen posing and smiling with friends moments before the horrifying fall He was seen praying next to a runway, moments before he died in a skydiving accident in Lodi, California It has since been revealed that Kwon did not have the correct parachuting certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] requires tandem-jump instructors to receive training and a certificate from the United States Parachute Association. But officials searched its records for Kwon's name and found nothing. Ed Scott, executive director of the Parachute Association, said skydiving schools have 'every responsibility' to ensure instructors are properly certified. He said tandem-jump instructors are required to have three years of experience, made more than 500 jumps and completed a three-day tandem-jump course that includes 10 jumps. Tyler's mother said she was 'extremely angry' when she learned her son's instructor was not properly certified and has called for an investigation. She said: 'We're going to get to the bottom of this. How could they operate like this? Why wouldn't they tell us? Why wouldn't they let us know?' She added how she would have told her son to wait for another instructor had she known, according to the Associated Press. Tyler's mother, Francine Salazar Turner (left), has described how she stood helpless on the ground as she watched her son plummet from the skies Turner made the jump with three friends who landed safely. Moments before he was set to make his first skydive, Mrs Turner tightly hugged her son, then he told her: 'I love you Mom.' He had a mild case of cerebral palsy and walked with a crouched gait that did nothing to dampen his zest for life, she said. He had graduated from high school with honors and had been bound for the University of California at Merced this month to study biomedical engineering. Turner had graduated from high school with honors and had been bound for the University of California at Merced this month to study biomedical engineering They had jumped from the Parachute Center, a popular skydiving school in the state's Central Valley whose website declares it 'one of the largest and oldest drop zones in the United States'. Bill Dause, owner of the center, declined to comment. He earlier told the Associated Press that Kwon had completed more than 700 jumps. Customers are being fleeced by businesses charging them high fees to use their credit cards, it was claimed last night. The charge to pay using plastic is supposed to be no more than around 0.6 per cent of the purchase price. But firms are often charging as much as 3 per cent, a damning investigation has found. The charge to pay using plastic is supposed to be no more than around 0.6 per cent of the purchase price but firms are often charging as much as 3 per cent Last night one MP described this as a scam, while the report says it is a clear breach of regulations that stipulate businesses can only pass on the costs they incur when processing card payments. The consumer group behind the report says firms are also ignoring a cap on rip-off charges introduced across the EU in December. The worst offenders include big brands such as Flybe, Monarch, Swinton Insurance and Ryanair, who charge between 2 per cent and 3 per cent to pay by credit card. South Cambridgeshire, West Dorset and Ealing councils are all charging up to 2.5 per cent when residents use their credit cards to pay their council tax or for services such as collecting rubbish, parking permits and planning fees. Universities including Queen Mary of London and the British School of Osteopathy also charge 2 per cent, as does motoring group RAC. Last night firms and local authorities were accused of harvesting millions of pounds in extra profits under false pretences. Last year, an edict from Brussels capped the interchange fee the largest part of the cost of processing a card payment which is charged by card firms such as MasterCard and Visa to the bank, when a payment is made by card. The bank then passes on the charge to the firm collecting the payment. Interchange fees are now capped at 0.3 per cent for credit cards and 0.2 per cent for debit cards. Previously banks charged anything up to 2 per cent of the purchase price. James Daley, managing director of Fairer Finance - who carried out the study - said hundreds of organisations are in breach of the regulations Industry experts say additional costs such as renting payment terminals should amount to no more than an extra 0.3 per cent, meaning consumers should now be charged no more than around 0.6 per cent. The cap means firms will save billions of pounds in fees they pay to banks when their customers pay by card which should be passed on to savers by cutting the amount they charge for card transactions. But some are still charging four to five times this amount, according to the study by Fairer Finance. James Daley, the groups managing director, said hundreds of organisations are in breach of the regulations. He said: Taking peoples money is a basic part of doing business. In our view, companies should not be charging consumers anything for that. However, if they choose to charge for accepting credit card payments in spite of the strong public sentiment against these charges the rules make it clear that they can only pass on the cost. Mr Daley said regulator Trading Standards appears to be turning a blind eye and urged officers to launch a nationwide crackdown. He added: Given that many companies in Europe already have a total ban on these types of charges, its hard to see how companies can justify them. They distort competition as customers often cant see the total price until they have reached the payment screen. Airlines such as United and Air Canada have stopped charging for credit card payments, while Easyjet has reduced its charge to 1 per cent Chris Leslie, Labour MP and the former shadow chancellor, said: This is a complete scam and millions of customers are getting fleeced by this. Companies are misleading customers that they are just passing on their costs when in reality they are just skimming off the top and harvesting more profit under false pretences. Guy Anker, from consumer website MoneySavingExpert, added: Companies ... are ripping off their customers. Its very simple. People need to punish them by voting with their feet and avoiding these companies. Some 13.4billion was spent on credit and debit cards last year and customers have paid billions in card charges over the years. MasterCard is facing a claim of up to 19billion in damages after allegedly setting unlawfully high interchange fees for 16 years and passing on the charges to shoppers in the form of inflated prices. The claim is being led by former financial services ombudsman Walter Merricks. If the landmark legal case is successful, millions of Britons could get more than 450 each. Airlines such as United and Air Canada have stopped charging for credit card payments, while Easyjet has reduced its charge to 1 per cent. A Ryanair spokesman said: These claims are false. We fully comply with all EU regulations and our credit card charge reflects the cost of processing card payments. Students need to create their own safe spaces for and in themselves Helicopter parents should stop attending university open days as their mollycoddling is fuelling safe space culture on campuses, according to a leading private school head. Jane Lunnon, head of Wimbledon High School, said families who hover around their children as they go to university risk compromising their transition to adulthood. She warned that those used to a lot of parental attention could be behind the current demand for safe spaces at universities, where students are protected from views regarded as offensive. Jane Lunnon, head of Wimbledon High School, said families who hover around their children as they go to university risk compromising their transition to adulthood (file photo) Her comments came as a book, Parenting to a Degree by US Professor Laura Hamilton, highlighted the amount of interference that some middle class parents had on their childs university life. Mrs Lunnon, 46, said parents felt a natural instinct to protect children at all costs but needed to be empowered to let go so that their teenagers could gain vital life skills. This whole point about breaking away and taking control of your own identity and taking those risks is to some extent compromised by increasing parental need to protect and support, she said. And to some extent the universities are complicit in that. Mrs Lunnon, 46, said parents felt a natural instinct to protect children at all costs but needed to be empowered to let go so that their teenagers could gain vital life skills (file photo) A GUIDE TO MUMS AND DADS WHO HOVER Helicopter parents of female university students fall into a number of categories, according to Professor Laura Hamilton: Pink: Obsessed with facilitating a party lifestyle, they throw endless cash and energy into boosting their daughters social calendar in the hope that she will meet and marry a wealthy man. Often leads to poor grades in a Mickey Mouse subject. Professional: These mothers and fathers pour money into boosting their daughters CV to increase her chance of a good career. Can include extra help with classes. Child gains little independence, but likely to get good grades and good jobs. Paramedic: Hovering at a distance, they are ready to intervene if anything goes wrong. Assume children can manage academic decisions as well as the risks of the party scene, but will come to the rescue if needed. Tends to boost childs self-reliance while also getting a good degree and job. Advertisement Noting that some universities are running sessions at open days for parents, she said they should be actively discouraged from attending. Maybe our responsibility as school leaders is to also help to teach the parents about the importance of letting go and when that needs to happen, said Mrs Lunnon. She criticised safe spaces at universities and called for greater resilience among students, adding: The hope is, that by the time children are going to university, theyve got the ability to create safe spaces for themselves and in themselves. The head said she encouraged parents to let children strike out on their own because it developed life skills valued by employers. Its these qualities of intellectual resilience and profound confidence because youve learnt to separate yourself from your childhood, said Mrs Lunnon. Organisers of a cannabis festival are being investigated by police - but only because of concerns about its music licence. Campers at Teesside Cannabis Clubs gathering in Redcar smoked the class B drug at a weekend of food, music and revelry, and organisers claimed to have discussed the event with police beforehand. Although the festival at Redcar Rugby Club, where alcohol was banned, was described as the clubs third annual smoke out, police went along solely to investigate whether it had the correct licence. Police are probing the music licence of Canna Camp Fest, an annual event, pictured, held in Redcar It is organised by Teesside Cannabis Club but there were no complaints made to officers over drug use Club founder and event organiser John Holliday - who uses the nickname Ziggy Mustafa Spliff - said there had been no arrests at the gathering or any of the organisations previous events. And he added that the club had been in talks with Cleveland Police for months leading up to the festival. The event is the latest example of the growing soft stance on cannabis use by UK police forces. Mr Holliday said more than 700 people attended the Canna Camp Fest in Redcar between Friday and Sunday, which was entirely peaceful. He said: There were no arrests and no anti-social behaviour. We dont encourage anyone to break the law or take drugs and there was no blatant use of it. It was just people chilling out and we encourage a nice, positive atmosphere and a happy vibe. He added that the club has a good relationship with Cleveland Police. Mr Holliday said the club was told three days before the event that the correct music licence might not be in place, but he decided not to cancel. Around 700 people attended the event last weekend, which was described as the club's 'third annual smoke-out' Organisers said there were no arrests at the event or any anti-social behaviour Tickets for the Canna Camp Fest, advertised as a weekend-long festival celebrating everything the cannabis plant has to offer, cost 30 for the whole three days including camping or 10 entry for a single day. Cleveland Police said it did not receive any complaints about cannabis consumption at the event, so only attended to investigate the potential licensing offences. Users on a cannabis enthusiasts website said Cleveland is a good area for cannabis users because youll likely be left alone by police. They reviewed the force as having a relaxed approach to prosecution, as long as cannabis growers and users were not bothering their neighbours. The festival comes a year after controversy when pictures emerged of Mr Holliday - whose real name is Michael Fisher, 31, and who has previous convictions for drug dealing offences - posing alongside Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg. The photographs had been taken when Mr Hogg, a former Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, held a symposium on cannabis use before he decided to stop prosecuting small-scale growers and users of the drug. Mr Hogg admitted letting off cannabis users with a warning or caution at the rate of almost one a day. Tickets cost 30 for the whole weekend plus camping or 10 for single day entry Cleveland Police said it does not tolerate illegal drug use and would have investigated any drug offences had they received any reports Explaining his drugs policy, he said: When I say I dont want to see small-time personal users prosecuted, its because I dont think its the best way of tackling harm, nor the best use of the scant resources of the police or the courts. A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said of Canna Camp Fest: This event took place without any reports to police of cannabis being consumed from members of the public or the organisers of the event. Had any allegations of offences been made then officers would have dealt with those offences appropriately. Officers from the Licensing Support Unit attended the event with regard to potential licensing offences which are still under investigation. Cleveland Police does not tolerate illegal drug use and will always act upon reports of controlled drug misuse. Users on a cannabis enthusiasts website said Cleveland is a good area for cannabis users because youll likely be left alone by police. Anna Soubry said government figures on access to superfast broadband are meaningless and flawed Official government figures claiming that nine out of ten households have access to superfast broadband are meaningless and flawed, a former business minister has claimed. Anna Soubry said that she became suspicious about the statistic, based on data from BT, after talking to people in the real world who struggled with slow internet speeds. She claimed hundreds of thousands of homes were being left without high-speed broadband because of failings by BT. And she called for the telecoms giant to be split up. Mrs Soubry said she told her officials to review the nine out of ten statistic before she was sacked as a minister when Theresa May entered Downing Street last month. It looks like a good headline, but when you dig down and listen to people in the real world you get incredibly suspicious that its a meaningless statistic, she told the Daily Telegraph. The vibes Im getting back from the real world are that this is not accurate. Unless by some remarkable coincidence this 10 per cent decided to attend every meeting I ever did. She added: I dont trust these figures at all. Diving into those figures and revealing them, which I was in the process of doing before I left Government, I think you will find will show that those figures are flawed. Mrs Soubry claimed hundreds of thousands of homes were being left without high-speed broadband because of failings by BT (file picture) BT has been under intense pressure to sell off its Openreach division, which owns Britains broadband infrastructure network and which rival providers rely on to connect to their customers. Telecoms regulator Ofcom was widely expected to call for BT to be broken up following a review last month, but ended up rejecting the option. Mrs Soubry, the Tory MP for Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire, criticised the watchdogs decision, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme yesterday: I was very surprised that was pulled back on, because Im sorry but they have not delivered. They are not delivering in the way that they should, radical action needs to be taken so that we have superfast broadband across the whole of the United Kingdom. She said the country needed superfast broadband that was fit for the modern world. We cannot do business properly until we have full delivery on superfast broadband. I think theyve had enough second chances and it was time to take a much, much firmer view. Telecoms regulator Ofcom was widely expected to call for BT to be broken up following a review last month, but ended up rejecting the option (file picture) BTs rivals argued that customers would be best served by completely separating BT and Openreach. But instead of a full break-up, Ofcom proposed the formation of an independent company within BT. A BT spokesman said: Independent data clearly shows that 91 per cent of UK premises have access to superfast speeds today and this will rise to 95 per cent by the end of 2017. Numerous independent reports, including those from Ofcom and the EU, consistently rank the UK number one amongst our main European peers for superfast broadband coverage and take-up. Ninety-nine per cent of premises in Ms Soubrys constituency can access superfast broadband speeds of 24Mbps and above, whilst more than 90 per cent can get ultrafast speeds of 100Mbps and above via alternative networks. We disagree with Ms Soubrys comments regarding the separation of Openreach. A suspected people smuggler with a British passport was in custody in northern France last night after being found driving a small van with 18 UK-bound illegal migrants on board. The man, who is from a Kurdish background, had five children hidden in the vehicle, including a baby. His van, which had a British number plate, was stopped on Wednesday by the Grand-Synthe camp, near the Channel port of Dunkirk. The van, which had a British number plate, was stopped on Wednesday by the Grand-Synthe camp (pictured), near the Channel port of Dunkirk, and found to contain 18 illegal migrants At first he refused to cooperate with officers, but eventually allowed them to search his van, said a local police source. Inside were eighteen migrants, mainly from countries such as Syria and Iraq. All of them intended to make their way to Britain. 'The five children, including the baby, were well hidden. Officers said the mans name would not be released until official checks had been carried out into his precise background. He will be kept in custody until a court appearance today or early next week. It is common for former migrants who have been granted asylum in the UK to return to France to help others get to Britain. Their ability to speak foreign languages, and their contacts in communities like the Iraqi Kurdish one are considered hugely useful by smuggling gangs. They can earn more than 1,000 per person smuggling people across the Channel, to the south coast of England. There are currently more than 4000 would-be asylum sleepers sleeping rough in Calais, and up to 1500 in nearby Dunkirk. Many are pushed to ever more desperate measures, because of increased security and fears that Brexit will shut the door on the UK completely. Many of the migrants travel in large extended families, and will often try to get to Britain together. Those found in the back of the mans van have been released without charge, but will be monitored, said the police source. Police across the world are battling a dramatic surge in the number of people smugglers caused by criminal gangs cashing in on Europes escalating migrant crisis. Rob Wainwright, head of the European Unions police agency Europol, said it now has close to 50,000 suspected people smugglers in its database, with an extra 7,000 suspects added in the first half of 2016. He said the number of people seeking to make money out of the thousands of people fleeing conflict and poverty was picking up pace, with 6,400 new suspects identified by Europol in 2014 and 10,000 during 2015. Mr Wainwright said people smugglers were deploying more sophisticated techniques to evade tighter border controls in Europe. We are seeing a huge increase in the size of the criminal market, said Mr Wainwright, adding that larger syndicates were starting to bed down and take control. Mr Wainwright made his comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview earlier this month. Detectives investigating the brutal murder of a pregnant Brisbane woman reportedly tested the wrong clothes after the killer convinced them he was still wearing the same outfit several days after her death. Andrew Michael Burke, 21, will spend at least 20 years in jail after he was last week given a life sentence for the rape and murder of Joan Ryther, 27, as she walked to work at McDonald's in Logan on 21 May, 2013. A jury convicted him of Mrs Ryther's murder, as well as killing her unborn child, in a vicious assault in which he dragged her into a front yard, raped her with a screw-driver and left her to die 'face down in the grass'. Burke reportedly led police to believe he was still wearing the same shorts and top when he was interviewed four days after the horrific attack took place, according to a report in The Courier-Mail. Scroll down for video Andrew Michael Burke, 21, reportedly convinced investigators he was still wearing the same clothes he had on during the deadly attack on pregnant Logan woman Joan Ryther during questioning four days later Joan Ryther, 27, was walking to work at McDonald's in Logan, south Brisbane, when she was raped and murdered (pictured above with husband Cory on their wedding day) Detectives take Burke into custody four days after the shocking murder of Brisbane woman Joan Ryther in May, 2013 Cory Ryther, husband of murdered pregnant woman Joan Ryther, told his wife's killer prior to sentencing that 'I have learnt how to hate. Thanks for teaching me that' During the interview Burke was asked by police: 'Can you remember what you were wearing on Tuesday when you walked up to that place?'. 'This here,' the suspect answered. 'What you've got on?' he was asked again. 'Yeah,' Burke said, according to The Courier-Mail report. The publication claims that surveillance video from a petrol station on the night shows Burke apparently wearing a different pair of shorts and jumper to those taken away as evidence and DNA testing four days after the attack. The question of DNA evidence was raised by Burke's lawyer during the proceedings in which he queried why there was no DNA trace on the clothing which had been taken away and tested. Crown Prosecutor Glen Cash had told jurors the expectant mother was 'viciously assaulted' that night and dragged bleeding into the front yard of a nearby house. Joan Ryther, 27, raped with a screwdriver or similar object and left to die 'face down in the grass' in May 2013 There she was raped with an object, most likely a screwdriver, leaving her with 'massive' injuries before likely being kicked in the head and strangled. The jury heard the woman was then left to die alone 'face down in the grass'. Burke had been in the area with a group who were trying to steal cars and had been drinking during the day. A DNA expert also told the trial DNA consistent with Burke was found on the back of Mrs Ryther's green jumper, while marks on her face were found to align with the pattern on the bottom of his shoes. A forensic pathologist also told jurors it was likely Mrs Ryther was alive when she was stabbed in the genitals four or more times with an object, possibly the head and handle of a screwdriver. Ahead of his sentencing Burke was told by Mrs Ryther's husband Cory that 'I have learnt how to hate. Thanks for teaching me that'. The 43-year-old described himself as 'consumed by rage' in the Brisbane Supreme Court as his wife killer stood in the dock. 'We just wanted to live,' her bereaved husband told the court. 'Life for me now is empty and hollow. I feel like there's nothing left really to live for.' Mr Ryther holds ultrasound images of his unborn child after his wife's death Mr and Mrs Ryther are pictured on their wedding day. Mr Ryther provided a victim's impact statement ahead of Burke's sentencing last week Mrs Ryther was eight-weeks pregnant when she was murdered A photo from the wedding of Cory and Joan Ryther. She was murdered when she was eight weeks pregnant and walking to her evening shift at McDonald's Mr Ryther described it as an 'inhuman act' that robbed him of his wife and unborn child 19 months to the day since they were married on an island in the Philippines. Mr Ryther said he had battled feelings of guilt since his wife's death and slept on the couch because he couldn't bear to sleep in the couple's bed. Outside court, lead investigator Graham Pannowitz said Mr Ryther had continued to struggle with his wife's horrific killing in the years following her death but was happy with the sentence and verdict. 'It's unfortunate that by attending the court to support his wife he's heard some graphic details of what occurred,' he said. Senior police had also suffered after being exposed to the 'confronting' crime scene, he said. Burke was also sentenced to terms of 14 years and five years for the other charges, with Justice Mullins declaring more than three years in pre-sentence custody as time already served. Mr and Mrs Ryther are pictured on their wedding day A Turnbull government backbencher has called for Australia to start grilling Muslim immigrants about their beliefs in a bid to 'weed out extremists.' Queensland LNP senator Barry O'Sullivan also said the government should keep a close eye on Muslims who adhere to strict Sharia Law, and focus on winning back Coalition voters who turned to Pauline Hanson. He rejected Ms Hanson's calls for a ban on Muslim immigration but said Muslims must face greater scrutiny before they're allowed to live in Australia. Queensland Liberal National Party senator Barry O'Sullivan said the Australian government should start grilling Muslim immigrants about their beliefs to 'weed out extremists' Mr O'Sullivan said the existing immigration 'filter' simply wasn't working and all migrants should be assessed on their beliefs, with extremists including radical Muslims and members of right-wing Christian cults rejected. 'Everyone who comes to this nation needs to be confronted with the question about their beliefs,' Senator O'Sullivan told The Courier-Mail. 'We spend a lot of time asking about someone's kidney function or bank balance. We don't even ask about their religious beliefs.' 'If you are a devotee to a religion that is ... also the legal platform for you, as is the case with Sharia law, we need to find out.' Mr O'Sullivan said he disagreed with Pauline Hanson's calls for a ban on Muslim immigration but said Muslims must face greater scrutiny before they're allowed to live in Australia He said the government could not ignore issues that led to former Coalition supporters electing Ms Hanson and three of her One Nation colleagues to the Senate, on the back of a raft of anti-Islam policies. 'The political issue is not going to go away,' he said. 'Any responsible government has to listen to the heartbeat of the Australian population, listen to what their ideals are on issues like immigration and respond accordingly.' International travellers should expect flight delays as Department of Immigration and Border Protection staff strike for 24 hours beginning Friday at midnight. Members of the Community and Public Sector Union almost 70 percent of front line airport staff will cease working at airports across Australia in a bid for better salaries, workplace rights and conditions. CPSU members in other departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, will hold an hour-long stop work meeting on the same day. International travellers should expect flight delays as Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection staff strike for 24 hours beginning Friday at midnight Members of the Community and Public Sector Union are striking for better pay and work conditions QANTAS AIRPORT DELAYS Passengers are urged to arrive earlier to the following airports: Across Australia - 12am on friday to 12am on Saturday Brisbane International Airport - Saturday from 12am to 4.30am Cairns International Airport - Saturday from 12am to 12.30am Melbourne International Airport - Saturday from 12am to 1am Advertisement 'This strike ... reflects the frustration that continues to grow across the Commonwealth public sector,' CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood said on Thursday. 'These people have been fighting for more than two years now as the Turnbull Government's sought to strip their rights, conditions and take-home pay.' Ms Flood and several union members will discuss the strike at Sydney International Airport on Friday morning. International travellers seen arriving at Sydney International Airport on Friday (pictured) The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has been notified of the strike CPSU members in other departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, will hold an hour-long stop work meeting on the same day 'Across the public service ... more than 100,000 workers and their families have now gone three years without a pay rise while struggling to hold on to basic workplace rights and conditions, particularly the ones that allow them to balance work with family commitments,' she said. The CPSU has written to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seeking an urgent meeting. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has been notified of the strike. A 74-year-old woman has been ordered to give up her pet cats after losing an ongoing battle with her neighbours. Louise Jones, from Maylands in Perth, has lived in the house with the cats for years. But in June the City of Bayswater conducted an inspection of Ms Jones property and deemed it unfit for human habitation. Dozens of cats roam around the property but now Ms Jones will have to surrender them Channel Nine reported that this week a state administrative tribunal hearing determined that she can stay in the house but her cats must leave. As many as thirty cats lived at the property at one point, with neighbours often complaining that their street was covered with cat urine and faeces. Neighbours also complained about a potent stench from the cats. A state administrative tribunal hearing determined that she must surrender the cats within a week Nell, who lives nearby, said: ''I love cats but I don't love millions of cats!' Ms Jones has been told she has a week to surrender her cats that have all already been de-sexed and micro-chipped. Her lawyer, John Hammond, said that Ms Jones shouldn't be reprimanded because she has prevented 70 female stray cats from breeding by getting them de-sexed which prevented 7,000 cat births. The cats are all de-sexed and microchipped but will have to be surrendered Mr Hammond said that it is unlikely Louise would part ways with her beloved pets, and is considering moving to a different suburb. Jeremy Hunt is under growing pressure from the countrys leading sight-loss charity to ban the rationing of cataract operations. The Royal National Institute of Blind People has urged the Health Secretary to stop hospital managers refusing the treatment to save money. The charity has called on Mr Hunt to issue strict guidelines to NHS trusts stating that patients must be referred for surgery whenever the condition is disabling. The Royal National Institute of Blind People has urged Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured) to stop hospital managers refusing cataract operations in order to save money The intervention follows a series of investigations by the Mail revealing how thousands of patients are being denied the 800 operation even though their vision is desperately poor. Three-quarters of hospitals ration the surgery to those most in need and many encourage patients to go private. In an open letter to the Health Secretary, the RNIB warns that the widespread arbitrary rationing is leaving thousands of patients at risk of social isolation and falls. We are aware of many patients who desperately need this life-changing surgery but are unable to access it, the charity says. Spending now to save someones sight makes financial sense as it costs health and social care budgets more to treat someone who has lost their vision. Over the past two weeks, the Daily Mail has published a series of damning reports about the scandal of hospitals denying thousands of vulnerable elderly people life-transforming cataract operations which would restore the precious gift of sight. Today, we welcome to our Save Our Sight campaign the powerful voice of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the UKs leading sight-loss charity. It rightly calls for Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to ban the rationing of this essential treatment, which it says leaves patients at risk of social isolation and falls. Over to you, Mr Hunt. Advertisement The letter urges Mr Hunt to tell NHS trusts to follow the guidelines drawn up by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, rather than making up their own rules. These clearly state that decisions on whether patients need surgery must be made by doctors, not by managers imposing blanket criteria. The guidance also tells doctors not to rely on sight test scores but to consider patients individual circumstances, such as whether they live alone or have other long-term illnesses. Many trusts will consider patients for surgery only if they score six out of 12 or lower in a vision test when wearing glasses. But the royal college says this fails to account for many disabling symptoms such as being unable to see at night or suffering from a glare. The RNIBs letter adds: Patients who are unable to access cataract surgery when they need it tell us that it has a major impact on their quality of life. If left untreated, the cataract will develop and result in severe visual impairment. The scandal of rationing has come about because the NHS does not have the resources to meet the demands of the ageing population. Trusts have been told to make 22billion of efficiency savings by 2021 and cutting non-urgent procedures such as cataract surgery is an easy target. In addition, many hospital clinics are so understaffed that they do not have the capacity to treat all those who need the operation. Around half those over 65 suffer from cataracts to some degree. This occurs when the lens in front of the eye becomes cloudy with age. But it can be easily treated by a 30 to 45-minute operation to replace the affected lens with a plastic implant, which costs just 800 an eye. Patients describe the procedure as life-transforming as it enables them to drive in the evenings to meet friends, leave home without fear of falling or just read a book. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is currently drawing up new guidelines on cataract treatment but these are not due until 2018, so many more will be refused treatment. Figures analysed by the Mail this week showed the UK performs fewer cataract operations than most other countries in the West. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, just 731 procedures are carried out per 100,000 people. This is compares with Portugals 1,273 per 100,000 and Hungarys 870 per 100,000. A spokesman for the Department of Health said: This Government is committed to the values of the NHS, which is why were investing 10billion in its own plan for the future, including 4billion extra this year. A North Carolina man who spent 28 years in jail for murder has been freed after the friend who helped convict him admitted his testimony was false. Johnny Small was just 15 when he was sentenced to life after being convicted of killing 32-year-old tropical fish store owner Pamela Dreher in 1988. An autopsy report indicated Dreher was shot in the head at point-blank range while she was lying on the floor of her store in Wilmington. Scroll own for video Johnny Small, who spent 28 years in jail for murder, has been freed after the friend who helped convict him admitted his testimony was false (pictured after hearing the news he would be released) Johnny Small's attorney Chris Mumma, left, hugs David Bollinger - who eventually came forward to say he had lied in the initial trial - during a break of a hearing for Small at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington But no gun, fingerprints or blood-spattered clothing were ever found to tie Small to the crime. The only thing detectives had to go on was the testimony of a childhood friend David Bollinger who had pinned the crime on Small, claiming he'd driven him to the scene of the murder. Now Bollinger has recanted that story, he had been pressured by police at the time to testify that both he and Small were at the scene. He added that a Wilmington homicide investigator made up the story and his grandfather pressured him to lie on the witness stand. Johnny Small (left and right in court on Monday) was jailed for life in 1988 after he was convicted of killing Pam Dreher. Now he has been freed after a judge ruled he did not get a fair trial Small was overcome with emotion at the hearing on Monday where his childhood friend who helped convict him admitted his testimony was false Bollinger said he was finally coming forward with the truth because prosecutors promised charges he faced would be dropped in exchange and threatened the death penalty if he didn't cooperate. 'I'm sorry. I was forced to do something I didn't want to do and I can't take it back,' Bollinger told Small, a broad-shouldered man with freshly shaved head. On Thursday, North Carolina Superior Court Judge W. Douglas Parsons ruled there was not enough evidence to justify Small's conviction for the 1988 murder and allowed him to go free. The judge said he didn't see proof of the 43-year-old's innocence, but he did find evidence that Small did not get a fair trial. Pam Dreher was shot in the head in a fish store in 1988 He added that prosecutors must now decide if there is enough evidence to put him on trial again. 'I don't know if Mr. Small did this or not. Whoever did this is a monster,' Parsons said. 'What I'm here to decide is, did he receive a fair trial? ... It is more than abundantly clear that he did not.' Small was expected to be freed later Thursday from a Wilmington prison. The judge set the bond amount at $100,000 but said Small could be released without putting up the money. He will be under electronic house arrest and live with a cousin in the port city while charges are pending. 'He's coming home after all these years away from his family,' said Small's cousin, Wendy Rickman. 'I was surprised that someone finally after all these years listened to Johnny. Johnny's been telling everyone that he was innocent.' Small has been imprisoned since the 1988 murder of Pam Dreher in Wilmington who was shot in the head at point-blank range while she was lying on the floor of her tropical fish store. Dreher's family left the courtroom Thursday without speaking to reporters. Almost three decades after Small was jailed for that murder, Bollinger said he could no longer keep quiet and was ready to face the chance of being prosecuted for perjury on the witness stand nearly three decades ago. Bollinger (above), 47, has said he testified only because prosecutors promised charges he faced would be dropped in exchange and threatened the death penalty if he didn't cooperate Bollinger said that he understood North Carolina could prosecute him for lying under oath during the 1989 murder trial. But he got Small to sign a waiver that he wouldn't sue Bollinger. Bollinger said he didn't want to lose the small business and home he'd built for his wife and children over the years. 'What do you get out of this?' Small's attorney Chris Mumma asked. 'I get nothing,' Bollinger said. Bollinger said he was driving to an automobile auction in South Carolina with his boss about the time Dreher was killed and didn't drive Small to the scene, as he testified in 1989. He said he lied then because he was afraid that since he was an adult he could get the death penalty, and a Wilmington police detective told him Small could get out of prison after turning 18. Bollinger said he confided to his grandfather, a former police officer and FBI agent, about the lie police told him to tell. An autopsy report indicated Pam Dreher was shot in the head at point-blank range while she was lying on the floor of her tropical fish store. Above her grave is pictured in North Carolina 'He told me to go along with the story. He knew I would get into trouble, and he didn't like Johnny,' Bollinger said. Bollinger said his grandfather sat in on some of his interviews with Wilmington police, and Bollinger went to live with his grandfather after he was released from jail. Charges against Bollinger were dropped after Small's appeals through state courts failed. Small's attorneys say without Bollinger's testimony, prosecutors never could have convicted Small of a crime that would have required planning by a more mature mind than the drug-taking, car stealing, juvenile delinquent Small admitted to being at age 15. Small and Bollinger were arrested three months later while attending the county fair after police got a Crime Stoppers tip from one of their former classmates. Nina Raiford said she was walking past Dreher's shop when she saw Small exiting, then saw a news report about the slaying the same night. She didn't report what she saw until after Crime Stoppers offered a reward and she spoke to a school counselor two months later, Small's attorneys said. Punch-clock records from the fast-food restaurant where Raiford worked revealed she claims to have seen Small before she finished work that evening. Bollinger said he repeated a story pinning the crime on Small (above) that was fed to him by a homicide investigator on the Dreher case Raiford stuck to her story throughout the years and didn't report seeing Small at the murder scene earlier because she knew he was wild and a bully and feared the younger boy, state attorneys said. State attorneys said Small deserves neither a new trial or to be freed from prison. They spent hours trying to undermine the credibility of Small, Bollinger and others who testified Monday. A man exonerated by DNA evidence after 18 years in prison, Dwayne Allen Dail, also testified Monday that he was freed with the help of the North Carolina Actual Innocence Commission, which Mumma heads as executive director. Bollinger was introduced to Dail at a party both attended in 2012, learned about his exoneration and then contacted the commission about his now-recanted testimony. Small's attorneys say without Bollinger's testimony, prosecutors never could have convicted Small (above) of a crime that would have required planning by a more mature mind No gun, fingerprints or blood-spattered clothing were found tying Small to the crime. Above a prison tattoo with the word 'PRIDE' stands out from Small's forearm 'I knew right then I'd found a way to at least come forward to someone,' Bollinger said. He said he approached the commission shortly thereafter. State lawyer Jess Mekeel said the judge shouldn't now believe that the story Bollinger first told as a teenager and which he stuck with for years through grillings on witness stands is fiction. At a time when podcasts and TV programs tell the stories of people wronged by a flawed justice system, 'innocence is in vogue now, and this case is quite a story,' Mekeel told the judge. 'I think you've also heard the phrase, never let the facts get in the way of a good story. This is a good story. The facts will get in the way.' About 150 people falsely convicted of crimes a record number were exonerated in 2015, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Report showed there was intimidation of voters on religious grounds Ex-Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman was removed from office last year for corruption, prompting the government report A culture of political correctness has led to a blind eye being turned to widespread voting fraud in Muslim communities, a devastating government report reveals today. Ex-Cabinet minister Sir Eric Pickles lambasts the police, election watchdogs and town halls for ignoring evidence of electoral abuse because of 'over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion'. The former communities secretary, now the anti-corruption tsar, said the intimidation of voters on religious grounds was so bad that police should be allowed to put cordons outside polling stations to protect frightened voters. He recommends that voters should have to take ID to prove who they are when they vote. Currently, a voter merely has to state their name and address. The report even suggests putting indelible ink on a person's fingers as they cast their ballot to prevent anyone being able to vote twice. Greater protection should be given to whistleblowers, Sir Eric says. He calls for the Press to be given greater access to council papers and decisions taken by unofficial committees or working groups. 'This is not solely to protect against electoral fraud, but to protect local government from the broader culture of corruption and financial fraud that goes hand in hand with it,' he said. Scroll down for video The report was ordered by Downing Street in the wake of the Tower Hamlets voting scandal in East London. Last year a special election court ruled the sitting mayor, Lutfur Rahman, should be removed from office following a litany of corrupt and illegal practices. The court found Rahman 'cynically perverted' the religious feeling of his Muslim community and silenced his critics with accusations of racism and Islamophobia. Rahman, it was said, 'ran his campaign on the basis that it was the religious duty of faithful Muslims to vote for him'. Up to 300 votes were dubious or the result of personation, where a person votes while posing as someone else. Sir Eric said there was evidence of fraud across the country. He voiced particular alarm about postal voting fraud in which senior members of the Muslim community were said to have exerted pressure on people to vote for a candidate of their choosing. Sir Eric, pictured, made several recommendations to clean up the voting system including bringing your ID to prove who you are His report says: 'Evidence was presented of pressure being put on vulnerable members of some ethnic minority communities, particularly women and young people, to vote according to the will of the elders, especially in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi background. 'There were concerns that... state institutions had turned a blind eye to such behaviour because of 'politically correct' over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion.' Sir Eric made 50 recommendations to clean up the system, including banning political activists from handling postal ballot papers to stop 'vote harvesting'. The report, being considered by Theresa May, also calls for tougher checks on registration to prevent the electoral register being used for immigration and benefit fraud. THE KEY SUGGESTIONS TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION Consider the options for requiring voters to produce ID before voting. Use indelible ink on a person's fingers once they cast their ballot to prevent anyone voting twice. Carry out systematic checks on a person's nationality to ensure they are eligible to vote. Put a three-year limit on requests for an automatic postal vote. Ban political campaigners and activists from handling completed postal votes and postal vote envelopes. Give police powers to set up cordons around polling stations. Change the law to make it easier to charge people with intimidation under the Representation of the People Act 1983. Make it illegal to take pictures in polling stations. Make it a requirement that only English is to be used in polling stations (except in Wales). Strengthen training to ensure staff enforce the rule that voters go to the booth alone. Advertisement Sir Eric savages the Metropolitan Police, saying it is 'astonishing' that no criminal charges were brought after the Tower Hamlets case. 'The election court disqualified Lutfur Rahman and his agent for a litany of corrupt and illegal practices,' he said. 'He was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt to a criminal standard of proof on a series of grounds.' He also criticises the ineffectual 'tick-box inspections' of town hall electoral registration departments. Sir Eric said: 'Last year's court ruling in Tower Hamlets was a wake-up call. 'Our nation has a proud heritage as the mother of parliaments, yet the worrying and covert spread of electoral fraud and state of denial by some bodies threatens that good reputation.' Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for the Constitution, said: 'I would like to thank Sir Eric Pickles for the work he has undertaken over the past year in producing this detailed and thorough report. 'In order to ensure we have a democracy that works for everyone, the government is determined to ensure that the electoral register is as complete and accurate as possible. 'The introduction of Individual Electoral Registration has already begun to transform our registration system, increasing its accuracy and performance at the same time as seeing record levels of registration. We intend to continue to build on this success. 'This report will be an important contribution to our fight against all types of fraud in the UK. We will look closely at the recommendations.' An Electoral Commission spokesperson said: 'The Commission takes electoral fraud extremely seriously and takes action before each set of elections to make sure the police and electoral administrators are aware what to do if they receive any allegations. A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a bread truck from a delivery driver before threatening a family with a shotgun, in a crime spree spanning over 150 kilometres of Queensland's southeast. The gun-wielding carjacker stole a Tip Top bread truck at a Birkdale service station, east of Brisbane, about 2.30am on Friday, police said. He pushed the driver out of the seat, leaving them with arm injuries. Scroll down for video The gun-wielding carjacker stole a Tip Top bread truck (pictured) at a Birkdale service station, east of Brisbane, about 2.30am on Friday The gunman then drove 30 kilometres south to the Logan suburb of Boronia Heights, where he approached a house (pictured) just before 5am, allegedly smashing a door and threatening a family of seven with a shotgun The gunman drove nearly 40 kilometres south to the Logan suburb of Boronia Heights, where he approached a house just before 5am. A dog scared him off but he ran to a neighbouring house, where he allegedly smashed a door and threatened a family of seven with the shotgun. 'They'd (the offender) punched the side light of the glass in beside the door with the butt of a rifle apparently,' the grandfather of the children told The Today Show. The residents weren't hurt but the man stole their silver 2012 Honda City sedan. He then fled to Borallon, west of Ipswich, where he is accused of stealing another car. After driving towards the Lockyer Valley he allegedly dumped the car on train tracks and fled on foot, The Brisbane Times reported. Police arrested the man a short distance away after a train ploughed into the vehicle. Fresh doubt hung over the Hinkley Point nuclear power station deal last night after damning allegations that Chinese firms are involved in espionage. First it emerged that Britains Chinese partner in the project, China General Nuclear Power (CGN), has been accused in the US of trying to steal nuclear research secrets. Then Australia announced that it was blocking bidders from China and Hong Kong from taking a controlling stake in its largest electricity network due to national security concerns. Fresh doubt hung over the Hinkley Point nuclear power station deal last night after damning allegations that Chinese firms are involved in espionage (pictured, how the plant will look if approved) The revelations increased fears for the future of the 18billion Hinkley Point scheme and new calls were made for Theresa May to scrap the deal. The Prime Minister has already delayed a decision on the project. According to reports, CGN is accused of planning to steal nuclear secrets to bypass research hurdles in a plot the US claims threatened its national security. Court documents show that Szuhsiung Ho, a Chinese-born US citizen also known as Allen Ho, 66, is alleged to have recruited six US-based experts to help China develop its technology. The allegations raise the prospect that China could build a nuclear power plant in Britain using technology stolen from the Americans. The Hinkley deal came under fierce scrutiny when Mrs May paused the decision hours after the board of EDF, the French state-owned firm overseeing the project, gave it the go ahead last month. Court documents show that Szuhsiung Ho, a Chinese-born US citizen also known as Allen Ho, 66, is alleged to have recruited six US-based experts to help China develop its technology Angus MacNeil MP, chairman of the energy and climate change select committee, said that while it was unclear the UK would have any nuclear secrets China would want to steal, the USs accusation does raise questions about how honourable the company is and whether it could cut corners on construction methods and issues like that. Molly Scott Cato, a Green Party MEP, said: These latest revelations must be the final nail in the coffin for Hinkley. And Paul Dorfman, a senior research fellow at University College London, said Mrs May had nothing to lose if she pulled out of the deal. He told The Guardian: No other [highly developed] country would let China into its critical nuclear infrastructure, given its history of nuclear weapon proliferation. May has already taken the diplomatic hit for this, so whats she got to lose? In a statement to the media, the Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison said the foreign investment proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong bidders were contrary to the national interest. Chinas State Grid Corporation and Hong Kongs Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings had been attempting to buy a 50.4 per cent controlling stake in Ausgrid. It is New South Waless electricity distribution network, the largest in the country. Mrs May wants to personally review the Hinkley deal, thrashed out under ex-Chancellor George Osborne, to ensure it gives taxpayers value for money. Her decision inflamed diplomatic tensions and earlier this week the Chinese ambassador to London delivered a thinly veiled warning to Mrs May. He said mutual trust between the countries would be damaged if the project was cancelled. The US court case follows an investigation by the FBI, and it is being prosecuted by the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. Theresa May has put the Hinkley Project on hold while the new government carries out a review of the deal Mr Ho is alleged to have arranged experts travel to China, as well as any payments. In an email sent in 2009, he he is said to have written: China has the budget to spend. They want to bypass the research stage and go directly to the final design and manufacturing phase. Mr Ho is also accused of working to pass secrets to CGN from 1997 until his arrest in 2016. When the indictment was unsealed in April, Michael Steinback from the FBIs National Security Branch said: The federal government has regulations in place to oversee civil nuclear cooperation, and if those authorities are circumvented, this can result in significant damage to our national security. Mr Ho faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a 193,000 ($250,000) fine if found guilty of unlawfully helping with production of nuclear material outside the US. Green Party leader Natalie Bennett said Mrs May should cancel the Hinkley project, adding: These revelations are deeply worrying and add one more concern to the deep fog of uncertainty surrounding this utterly flawed project. Fire crews were working Thursday night to extinguish a blaze at a power plant along the St. Clair River, northeast of Detroit. The fire was reported about 6:30pm Thursday at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township after a coal-fired generation unit that produces electricity inside the facility caught fire. There were no reports of injuries. 'Employees were evacuated immediately and safely,' Detroit-based DTE Energy said. 'At this time, there are no known injuries at the facility. DTE successfully invoked its emergency plant procedures and shut down all other units at the site.' An emergency responder gets transported to the scene of a fire at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, Michigan Smoke rises above the St. Clair River as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant on Thursday Firefighters from across St. Clair County were called to the plant as thick, billowing black and gray smoke rose from the burning structure. No residential evacuations were reported Thursday night. Roads in the area were closed and traffic was detoured away from the plant. A noise from the plant caught Mary Buslepp's attention shortly before she noticed the smoke. Buslepp has lived near the facility about a dozen years. Don Demara, of East China Township, makes a phone call as he watches a fire burn at the St. Clair Power Plant A fire rages at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant on Thursday in East China Township, Michigan 'They blow the stacks occasionally, but this was unusually loud,' she told The Times-Herald of Port Huron. A tipster said he heard hissing and then an explosion, reported WXYZ. The plant has been in service since 1953 and employs 280 workers, according to the newspaper. DTE Energy said in June that coal-fired units at the plant are among eight at three of its facilities that are slated to be shut down within the next seven years. The units in East China Township, the River Rouge facility in the Detroit area and the Trenton facility in suburban Detroit are to be retired between 2020 and 2023, DTE Energy said. Smoke billows out from a stack as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant The lawyer representing the family of a young black man who was allegedly shot dead by a neighborhood watch 'vigilante' is calling the shooter 'George Zimmerman 2.0'. Kouren-Rodney Bernard Thomas, 20, was leaving a house party in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sunday when he was allegedly killed by Chad Cameron Copley. Copley, who lived two doors down from the party, allegedly called police to complain of 'hoodlums' in his neighborhood before firing a shotgun out of his garage. 'I am locked and loaded,' a man calling from Copley's house told a 911 dispatcher. 'I'm going outside to secure my neighborhood.' Kouren-Rodney Bernard Thomas (pictured) was killed early Sunday, allegedly shot to death by Chad Cameron Copley (right) in Raleigh, North Carolina He then asked for officers to come, but refused to give his address and hung up. A second call was made from Copley's home seven minutes later. The man said he had fired a 'warning shot', and that someone was hit. Copley, 39, has since been charged with murder. Civil rights attorney Justin Bamberg, who has represented the families of Walter Scott and Alton Sterling, is taking on the Thomas family's case. Bamberg said Copley was a 'George Zimmerman 2.0', referencing the neighborhood watch volunteer who killed unarmed Travyon Martin in 2012. 'Mr Neighborhood Watch, Mr I'm going to go out and play police', Bamberg said, referencing the two men. 'Mr I'm going to pass judgement on someone I know nothing about based on what they're wearing, based on what he looks like, based on what I think he may be up to.' Bamberg said that although the two cases are similar, he does not believe Copley will be acquitted of murder - as Zimmerman was in 2013. The attorney pointed out that this could come down to the fact that, unlike Zimmerman, Copley did not report any kind of altercation before firing his gun. 'Mr Copley never left his house, never left his position of safety, never was in reasonable danger,' Bamberg said, according to CBS. 'He shot through a closed garage door into a street full of young, innocent people.' Simone Butler-Thomas said there was nothing 'hood' about her son. 'He wasn't dressed when he left with sagging pants, or a du-rag, or anything people would call "hoodlum", she said of the night Thomas went to the party. Thomas is pictured smiling widely in a dress shirt and black apron after a 2015 event he worked as a caterer Chad Cameron Copley is led into a courtroom at the Wake County Judicial Center in Raleigh 'Would this happen if there was Caucasian boys skateboarding up and down the street at one o'clock in the morning?' Thomas' family attorney has compared Copley to George Zimmerman (pictured here in his 2015 mugshot) Butler-Thomas had moved Thomas and her two other sons away from Harlem to give them a better life. Thomas was described by his mother Simone Butler-Thomas as loving, funny, and so careful that his family called him 'Safety 101.' 'This man took my baby's life,' Butler-Thomas, said in a phone interview from her home in Louisburg. 'He didn't deserve this. No child deserves it,' she said while stifling sobs. 'These people with guns, they just figure that when there's a bunch of black kids, they're hoodlums. These kids were not hoodlums. 'They were raised in families with mothers and fathers. They went to school. They were young.' Butler-Thomas was born and raised in New York, but she left with her three sons in 2001 for their safety because she thought the city was too dangerous. 'I brought my kids down here when they were babies because I didn't want to have my children raised in New York. I wanted them to have a life and be safe,' she said, her voice cracking. Copley allegedly called police to complain about 'hoodlums' near his house before firing a shot from inside his garage Simone Butler-Thomas (pictured) said there was nothing 'hood' about her son, who worked at McDonalds and was weeks away from moving into his first apartment 'We tried to come back to New York a couple of times, but they liked the South better up until now. It was easy living, nice people. But not anymore,' she added to the New York Daily News. Thomas had a job at McDonalds, a girlfriend attending East Carolina University, and was weeks away from moving into his first apartment, she said. 'He's a loving, loving boy. He was funny,' she said. 'We called him 'Safety 101' because he wouldn't start the car unless everybody had their seatbelts on and their cell phones away.' She added: 'He loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He was not a street boy.' The 20-year-old was walking with a friend, David Walker, to their car parked down the street early Sunday when the shot came from the suspect's house, said Butler-Thomas, who spoke with friends and witnesses to find out what happened. Copley was arrested hours after he fired a shotgun from inside his garage (pictured is his home on Tuesday) and hit the victim She said the young men had arrived at the house party to find it had spilled outside, and decided to leave after about 15 minutes because the friend had heard there were no girls there. Raleigh Police said Copley was arrested hours after he fired a shotgun from inside his garage and hit the victim. Jail records show he was being held without bond on a murder charge. Copley's lawyer, Raymond Tarlton, asked that his client not be judged until more facts are available. 'It's under investigation. We'd caution restraint and ask folks not to rush to judgment,' he said by phone, declining to discuss any details. Bamberg said the family 'won't be satisfied' until Copley is convicted. 'He was a good kid,' Butler-Thomas said. 'I don't have him no more, and there's nothing I can do.' Team USA's Ryan Murphy has won yet another gold but it's the end of the road for swimmer Missy Franklin. Murphy finished first in the men's 200m backstroke at the Rio Olympics. Franklin, a five-time medalist in the London Games, was eliminated in the 200m backstroke semi-finals. 'I could see him the whole way,' Murphy said of his tough competition in Australia's Mitch Larkin. 'I kept on peeking over because I was getting real tired in the end. Team USA's Ryan Murphy has won yet another gold, finishing first in the men's 200m backstroke at the Rio Olympics Murphy said previous Team USA backstroke swimmers wrote him letters of support, pumping him up for the races Murphy says he hopes to inspire the next generation of American backstroke swimmers Larkin took an early lead with Murphy trailing him. Yet at the first 50m turn, Murphy went down to fourth place, followed by fellow American Jacob Pebley. Then halfway through the race, Murphy took lead and held on to until until the final turn. Larkin followed him closely but couldn't overpower the American swimmer. 'I was just hoping for the wall to come a little bit quicker,' Murphy said after the race. USA's Pebley finished fifth. Murphy also took home a gold medal in the 100m backstroke and broke an Olympic record in that race Murphy poses for a picture with his new gold medal following the podium ceremony Murphy reacts after winning the men's 200m backstroke final at Olympic Aquatics Stadium Murphy's parents smile with pride after seeing their baby boy win another Olympic gold In the women's 200m backstroke semi-finals, Hungary's Katinka Hosszu was first to the wall at the 50m turn. USA's Maya Dirado took second place at the 100m mark. Franklin began in second-to-last place and battled her way up but didn't manage to qualify. She was a superstar of the 2012 London games, winning four gold medals and one bronze. Yet she has been on a slump in the individual events in Rio. Her saving moment came in the 4x200m freestyle relay, where she took gold along the rest of Team USA. Missy Franklin, a five-time medalist in the London Games, was eliminated in the 200m backstroke semi-finals. Here she is consoled by USA's Marya Dirado, who took second Franklin and Dirado leave together after the race. The two won a gold medal together in the 4x200m freestyle relay Bye, Bye, Missy: This was Franklin's last chance at a medal in the Rio Olympics Murphy said previous Team USA backstroke swimmer wrote him letters of support, pumping him up for the races. 'Their support gave me a lot of confidence coming into this,' Murphy said. 'Those guys coming before, their confidencde in me helped me a lot. I hope to continue on that tradition, as I get older, trying to instill confidence in the young guns and trying to keep this legacy rolling. Murphy also took home a gold medal in the 100m backstroke and broke an Olympic record in that race. In the women's 200m breaststroke final, Russia's Yulia Efimova was unable to capitalize on American rival Lilly King not swimming. She had to settle for silver Japan's Rie Kaneto (center) won first place in the breaststroke final, followed by Efimova (left) and China's Shi Jinglin (right) In the women's 200m breaststroke final, Russia's Yulia Efimova was unable to capitalize on American rival Lilly King not swimming. Efimova, who was caught on a doping scandal, took silver behind Japan's Rie Kaneto. In the race, Great Britain's Chloe Tutton and Molly Renshaw took an early lead alongside Denmark's Rikke Pedersen. They continued head-to-head but it was Australia's Taylor McKeown who managed the strongest turn at the 100m mark, taking lead. Then came Japan's Rie Kaneto, who sped past everyone after the final turn, battling it out with Russia's Yulia Efimova. Kaneto continued strongly until the finish line, winning gold. Efimova was unable to capitalize on her rival Lilly King not swimming, and had to settle for another silver. China's Jinglin Shi got bronze. In the men's 50m freestyle semi-final, USA's Nathan Adrian started strong and went head-to-head against France's Florent Manaudou in the first heat But Adrian couldn't overpower Manaudou and finished second, followed by South Africa's Bradley Tandy In the men's 50m freestyle semi-final, USA's Nathan Adrian started strong and went head-to-head against France's Florent Manaudou in the first heat. But Adrian couldn't overpower him. Manaudou finished first, followed by Adrian and South Africa's Bradley Tandy. 'I think it went well,' said Adrian, who won gold with Team USA in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay. 'I think Flo (Manaudou) is probably the best started in the world the closer I can be to him, the better the race is going to be.' In the second semi-final heat, USA's Anthony Ervin and Ukraine's Andrii Govorov tied for first place after a dynamite race The incredibly hit the finishing line together down to one hundredth of a second. Great Britain's Ben Proud took second. In the second semi-final heat, USA's Anthony Ervin (pictured) and Ukraine's Andrii Govorov tied for first place after a dynamite race The BBC has announced it is to put up a statue of George Orwell, a one-time employee, outside its palatial New Broadcasting House. Thats George Orwell, tireless fighter for truth and honesty in public life, lifelong enemy of the arrogance and intolerance of bureaucratic tyrannies. Orwell, who devised the contemptuous terms Newspeak (for the language of a totalitarian state) and thoughtcrime (to describe what the elite decided was socially unacceptable thinking). The BBC has announced it is to put up a statue of George Orwell, a one-time employee, outside its palatial New Broadcasting House With those ideas he was identifying more than 67 years ago the suffocating, truth-denying ideology that we now call political correctness, which dictates what we can and cannot say on a whole range of subjects from race to sexuality. And the BBC is to claim him as one of its own! Its like Tower Hamlets council putting up a statue of Bernard Manning. Now as far as Im concerned, there should be statues of Orwell - author of the two greatest political novels of the 20th century, Animal Farm and 1984 - all over the country. There should be a statue of him in Parliament Square, not far from the Churchill one perhaps, holding one of his hand-rolled cigarettes and gazing keenly across the Houses of Parliament as if scrutinising their inhabitants every nefarious move. There should be a statue of him outside every university that dares to pontificate about safe spaces for those easily offended and no platforms for speakers deemed to be unacceptable. And there should be a statue of him at the BBCs shiny new HQ - the iconic home of the BBC reinvented for the digital future, as the organisation puts it in its excitable management-speak. There should be a statue of him at the BBCs shiny new HQ (pictured) - but he should be standing some way away from his old employer, perhaps glancing back at it sourly But he should be standing some way away from his old employer, perhaps glancing back at it sourly - because when he left the organisation in 1943 he was deeply fed up with its pompous control freakery. He later described his time there as two wasted years, concluding that the place was halfway between a girls school and a lunatic asylum. And he would have loathed what has become of the BBC, simultaneously enslaved by the dubious diktats of political correctness and slyly authoritarian in the way it purveys its views. He would have attacked without mercy this multi-billion-pound behemoth, with its immense power and influence, relentless Left-liberal bias and sinister detector vans that will cruise our streets hunting for people using iPlayer. For Auntie has morphed into Big Brother - the terrifying and all-powerful figure who controlled and spied on the populace - which Orwell brought to life so vividly in 1984. And its timely to remember the horrifying Room 101 of that novel - a torture chamber in which peoples worst fears became reality - was based on a conference room at the Beeb, where he spent many a boring hour trying not to nod off with the sheer tedium of it all. Orwell was just the kind of maverick, independent-minded rebel despised by todays BBC, with its endless procedures for compliance, its brainless mantras such as celebrate diversity, and its dopey LBGT inclusion strategies. When he left the organisation in 1943 he was deeply fed up with its pompous control freakery. He later described his time there as two wasted years He would have attacked without mercy this multi-billion-pound behemoth, with its immense power and influence, relentless Left-liberal bias and sinister detector vans that will cruise our streets hunting for people using iPlayer The quote to be inscribed on the wall of the BBC beside Orwells statue comes from the preface to Animal Farm: If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. But that books great preface also contains some other penetrating observations: Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban At any given moment there is an orthodoxy, a body of ideas which it is assumed that all right-thinking people will accept without question. It is not exactly forbidden to say this, that or the other, but it is not done to say it, just as in mid-Victorian times it was not done to mention trousers in the presence of a lady. Anyone who challenges the prevailing orthodoxy finds himself silenced with surprising effectiveness. A genuinely unfashionable opinion is almost never given a fair hearing Such damning sentiments could hardly better describe the BBCs approach to mass immigration in the past 15 years. Its outlook was broadly that anyone in public life who even raised the subject for debate, much less dared to say that it was damaging for Britain, was dismissed as racist. To the metropolitan executive classes, those who feared for our social fabric and for the future of schools and hospitals were simply Little Englanders without the brains to appreciate the multi- farious benefits of diversity. The same could be said of the Beebs view of Eurosceptics, whom it seemed to dismiss as xenophobic idiots. Yet as the Brexit vote showed, anti-EU sentiment is shared by the majority of Britons. The irony, of course, is that the powerful BBC, with its staggering annual TV licence revenue of 3.7 billion, is one of the worst offenders in the imposition of groupthink. Recently BBC Radio 5's Up All Night show was presented by Dotun Adebayo (pictured), who told a caller that appalling revelations about Muslim Pakistani grooming gangs were false It is quicker than anyone to censor any opinions it deems unfashionable or beyond the pale. There was a particularly gross example only recently, on BBC Radio 5. During the Up All Night show presented by the writer and publisher Dotun Adebayo, a caller referred to appalling revelations about Muslim Pakistani grooming gangs that have been operating in many English towns, preying on underage white girls. Adebayo promptly interrupted and began to talk over him. Puzzled, the caller asked about the extensive sexual abuse of young girls. Did that not happen? he persisted. The BBC presenter replied: Actually, no, thats not true, as you know, and then cut him off completely. There is nothing pleasantly comical about Auntie Beeb here. This is something much, much worse. There has been so much child abuse by paedophile gangs going on that there is an entire sub-genre of harrowing books by the pitiful girls themselves, with titles such as Violated, Broken And Betrayed, and Girl For Sale. Is Dotun Adebayo saying these accounts are false? There are also dozens of Asian men behind bars for unspeakable crimes that have taken place over many years, from Rotherham to Oxford, and Newcastle to Bristol. Were they wrongly convicted? Of course not. The problem is that even a mention of the abuse, and its specific ethnic component, sends the BBC into a blind panic. It makes a mockery of their entire ideology - one is tempted to say religion - of a happy-clappy, smiley-face, progressive multi- cultural Britain. How Orwell would have eviscerated such dishonesty. How hed have loathed the BBCs jumpy censorious-ness, defensive arrogance, smug metropolitan sneer. This, after all, is the man who once referred to the Bloomsbury highbrow, with his mechanical snigger. And how he would have detested, and fought against, his old employers almost Stalinist secretiveness. This was exemplified in the BBCs astonishing behaviour over the Balen Report of 2004 - an internal inquiry into whether the BBCs Middle East coverage has an anti-Israel bias. Under the Freedom of Information Act (which the BBC has used on others frequently), interested parties asked to see the results. Orwell would have detested, and fought against, his old employers almost Stalinist secretiveness This was exemplified in the BBCs astonishing behaviour over the Balen Report of 2004 - an internal inquiry into whether the BBCs Middle East coverage has an anti-Israel bias. The BBC spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of their licence payers money keeping the findings suppressed At that point, the BBC spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of their licence payers money keeping the findings suppressed. Though we still dont know what the inquiry found, its reasonable to suppose the BBC is a little anti-Israel - especially since a prominent BBC journalist once told me he didnt believe Israel had a right to exist. So when the Orwell statue goes up, lets remember him as he really was: an old-school patriotic socialist of the finest and most decent sort. A man who went to Eton and knew all about privilege, yet left it behind to discover for himself the abject, crushing, barefoot poverty of Thirties Britain in The Road To Wigan Pier. A young idealist who went to fight with the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and yet was so disillusioned with the savagery and lies of his chosen side that he could not help but portray them with stinging criticism in that unforgettable portrait of a brutal and tragic conflict, Homage To Catalonia. He was a Left-wing Englishman who adored England, strong tea, warm ale (but not continental lager), pubs, the English countryside, the English people with their mild knobby faces, their bad teeth and gentle manners, as he unforgettably (but as ever, truthfully) described them. And above all, he loved freedom, of thought and expression, of a kind that has not always been familiar to the ideologues at the BBC. How well he would have understood the way our own glossy cultural and intellectual elite openly despises those same English people - especially if they had the temerity to ignore their diktats on the EU referendum! With vigorous political incorrectness he referred to the well-heeled, self-adoring Hampstead celebrity socialists of his own day as the pansy left - a phrase that would still be useful today, if it werent for the danger of being arrested for hate speech of some sort. These pictures show the inside of a taxi after a would-be suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and the driver before police shot him. Aaron Driver, 24, a Canadian man previously banned from associating with ISIS extremists, had prepared a martyrdom video and was on the verge of committing a terror attack in a major city, authorities said. But a tip from the FBI triggered a 'race against time' as police scrambled to identify and locate the balaclava-wearing man in the video and stop the atrocity. Driver was killed in southern Ontario after he detonated his device inside a taxi and was shot at by officers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said. Scroll down for video These pictures show the inside of a taxi after a would-be suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and the driver before police shot him Aaron Driver had prepared a martyrdom video (above) and was on the verge of committing a terror attack in a major city, authorities said Police said they were tipped off by the American authorities at 8.30am on Wednesday. The FBI provided a screen shot and later a video of the masked suspect threatening a terror attack. After being tipped off by the FBI, Canadian police furiously worked to find out who it was. By 11am, Canadian police said they had a good idea who it was. Driver was identified as the person in the video and planned to carry out a suicide bombing in a public area during rush hour within 72 hours, Deputy Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commander Mike Cabana said. 'It was a race against time,' Cabana said. Aaron Driver (pictured) was known to authorities after he tweeted his support for ISIS Driver (pictured leaving court in February) was under a court order to not associate with any terrorist organization, including ISIS RCMP Commander Jennifer Strachan said Driver, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was intercepted by police as he entered a taxi with a backpack outside his home in Strathroy. She said Driver detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and the taxi driver, before police shot at him. However, it was unclear whether Driver died as a result of the shrapnel or a police bullet. In the video, aired during a news conference in Ottawa, a masked Driver is seen railing against western 'enemies of Islam' and warning that the only solution would be the 'spilling of your blood.' He pledges allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic State leader, and threatens an attack against Canada. Driver had been under the spotlight for at least a year, after being arrested last year for supporting ISIS on social media. A bomb disposal team worked at Driver's home in Strathroy after he was killed in the raid Driver's body is seen being removed from the scene after he detonated an explosive device He gave an interview, using the alias Harun Abdurahman, where he expressed support for prior terror attacks in Canada and expressed interest in travelling to join the terror group. But Driver, who was living with his sister, was not under surveillance at the time of his death. Police swooped down on the home just before a taxi suddenly showed up and Driver got in. The police operation involving Driver took place on Wednesday night in the southern Ontario town of Strathroy, 140 miles (225 kilometers) southwest of Toronto. 'If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there, the scenario would have ended a lot differently. I'm positive of that,' Strachan said. Neighbors said they heard explosions and gunshots during the operation that involved SWAT teams and a bomb squad, the website reports. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana (left) said it was a 'race against time' to stop Driver after he made a martyrdom video A police photograph of a of taxi is projected on a screen during a news conference Thursday Strathroy resident Irene Lee, whose parents own a convenience store near Driver's home, said police arrived on the quiet residential street shortly after 4pm ET and quickly surrounded the house. At about that time, she said she was at her home close by when she heard a loud noise. She said shortly afterward, a police officer came by to tell residents to stay inside their homes. 'I hear a bomb sound, like a bang - I was freaking out because this is a small and quiet town,' she told Reuters. 'All of a sudden the policemen were yelling, 'everyone get into your houses'.' Police confer outside of a house in Strathroy, Ontario, where an operation continued well into Wednesday night Canada's national police force says it has halted a possible terrorist threat, but it is providing few other details Lee said there were up to 25 marked and unmarked cruisers outside a home on a street right behind her parents' store. Meanwhile, transit agencies in Toronto, Canada's largest city, were warned of a security threat before police confronted the suspect. Brad Ross, spokesman for the Toronto Transit Commission, said the agency was made aware of a terror threat investigation early the previous day, but noted that it had no specifics attached. He said that as a precaution a 'vigilance notice' was issued to all staff, encouraging them to speak up if they saw something of concern. Regional transit lines were also advised of a security threat. In a statement, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman said: 'This case is an example of the strong cross-border law enforcement cooperation that exists between Canada and the United States. 'Our partnership reflects our joint commitment to protecting the safety of our citizens.' Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale thanked the FBI on Thursday and said he spoke with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. On Wednesday night, Goodale said he had spoken to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the events 'to confirm that public safety has been and continues to be properly protected.' The RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and other police and security agencies were involved in the operations, he added. 'These agencies conducted themselves effectively in the circumstances that developed today,' Goodale said in statement. Neighbors said they heard explosions and gunshots during the operation that involved SWAT teams and a bomb squad Taking all relevant information into account, the national terrorism threat level for Canada remains at 'medium' where it has stood since the fall of 2014, Goodale added. Amarnath Amarasingam, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University who studies radicalization and terrorism, maintained in 2015 that Driver had posted for several months on social media about disliking Canada and about a desire to move overseas. Driver was first picked up in Winnipeg in June 2015. He was under a court order from earlier this year to not associate with any terrorist organization, including ISIS. In February, Driver's lawyer and the prosecutor agreed to a peace bond, which imposes limits on a person's activities, stating there are 'reasonable grounds to fear that he may participate, contribute directly or indirectly in the activity of a terrorist group.' When Driver was released he was ordered to wear a GPS tracking device and banned from going on the internet or having any communication with the Islamic State group, including wearing or carrying anything with an IS logo. His bail conditions drew criticism from the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties. Later, the government announced that some of his strict bail conditions had been lifted and that he would not be going to trial. But using an alias, Driver spokes to the Toronto Star last year. Police raided a home in Strathroy, a town about 140 miles (225km) southwest of Toronto, after receiving credible information of a potential terrorist threat One Strathroy resident said that police had been camped out near her parents' convenience store since about 4.15pm Wednesday. Above, police cars at the scene According to the report, Abdurahman was raised in Ontario as a Christian in a military family, but converted to Islam at the age of 17. He dreamed of joining ISIS and living under Sharia law. In that interview, Abdurahman said the attack on Parliament Hill by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was 'justified.' 'I was listening to it very carefully,' he said. 'In some ways I was pretty excited because there was retaliation. It was shortly after Canada announced it was sending F-18s over to Iraq. Junior doctors are poised to mount further strikes next month after rejecting Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's new contract. The Junior Doctors Committee of the British Medical Association (BMA) is set to ask its full council to support more industrial action in September. Ministers had hoped to end the dispute over the controversial changes by agreeing to a reformed contract with BMA officials. But it was rejected by 58 per cent of its members who took part in a ballot. Junior doctors are poised to mount further strikes after rejecting Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's new contract. Pictured, a protester earlier this year The road ahead will not be easy,by standing together we speak with one voice,our unity remains our strength @TheBMA pic.twitter.com/DAuXhf5fjS #hellomynameisEllen (@McCourtEllen) August 11, 2016 Last month Mr Hunt announced the contract would be imposed on junior doctors from October, saying the NHS was in 'no man's land' and any further delay would be damaging for staff and patients. But the JDC said ministers have not addressed concerns over what they consider 'unsafe working hours'. In a letter to members, the JDC's chair Ellen McCourt said the government had been'persistently silent' on issues which she said 'need to be addressed.' She said doctors still have serious concerns over the contract, adding it will fuel the current workforce crisis. 'In response to the Government's silence, JDC Exec has today made a formal request for a special meeting of BMA Council to authorise a rolling programme of escalated industrial action beginning in early September,' she wrote. 'With just eight weeks before the first group of doctors are moved onto the new contract, progress needs to be made and time is running out. 'Efforts by the BMA to resolve the dispute through talks have been met with an unwillingness to engage and, at times, deafening silence from the government. 'This is despite a promise from Jeremy Hunt just last month that his door is always open. 'Jeremy Hunt needs to act now, lift the imposition and address junior doctors' concerns. 'If he does not then junior doctors are clear that they are prepared to take further industrial action.' Ministers had hoped to end the dispute over the changes by agreeing to a reformed contract with British Medical Association officials. Pictured, protesters earlier this year News of further possible action follows five rounds of strikes which saw junior doctors in England walk out of UK hospitals. They also stopped providing emergency care for the first time in NHS history during their most recent walkout, which went on for two days at the end of April. In the last strike alone, more than 125,000 appointments and operations were cancelled. This was on top of almost 25,000 procedures cancelled during previous action. Daniel Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, has called on junior doctors not to go ahead with any further strikes. 'Industrial action achieves little or nothing, but places pressure on already stretched teams and services and causes worry, distress and disruption for patients, carers and their families,' he said. 'Over the last two months we have been talking with the Junior Doctors Committee and have, along with the Department of Health and others.' Fury says he's looking forward to the opportunity to give back to the community The new hospice, Hummingbird House, will open at the end of the year He left his job so he could run the kitchen at a new childrens Coveted chef Mat Fury has left behind his job at one of Australia's most acclaimed restaurants to cook for sick children. Restaurant Two is Brisbane's most awarded fine dining venue and the head chef role would no doubt be highly sought after. But Mr Fury is no longer interested in catering for the upper echelons of Brisbane, quitting the position to take on a role closer to his heart. Mat Fury has decided to leave behind his role as head chef at Restaurant Two to follow a cause close to his heart Mat will instead now run the kitchen at a childrens hospice where he will cook for sick children and their families ABC reported that Mr Fury will be taking over the kitchen at Hummingbird House, Queensland's only children's hospice, where he will cook for sick children and their families. Mr Fury said, it's an opportunity to give back to the community. 'Not having to cook a meal, not having to think of what you're going to prepare - instead there's a chef here that's going to put up an amazing meal they can just enjoy,' he said. Restaurant Two has been open for almost two decades and boasts a decadent contemporary Australian menu. Restaurant Two is one of the best restraunts in Brisbane and has been open for 17 years Mat will be leaving behind fine dining and luxury to instead help sick children With mains starting at $40 a pop and a lavish ten course degustation menu setting you back $240, the kitchen at the Hummingbird House will no doubt provide a change of pace for Fury. There is also some flexibility and fun with his new role. 'So for an example a child might like to make their mum and dad dinner - I'm the middle point and can help create an experience for that child.' One main at Restaurant Two will set you back at least $40, but Mat is now looking forward to a more flexible environment A 10-course degustation at Restaurant Two will set diners back around$240 The Hummingbird House is set to open at the end of this year and Fury believes his cooking will be an important element to the facility. Advertisement A mother and baby Francois Langur, one of the world's rarest monkeys, have been captured sharing a heartwarming kiss. The tiny monkey named Embe was recently photographed cuddling up to her mother at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. Jane Marshall, a senior primate keeper at Taronga, said first-time-mum Noel was doing a great job. Scroll down for video A mother and baby Francois Langur have been captured sharing a heartwarming kiss Embe (pictured) was born at Taronga Zoo with distinctive bright orange hair on July 21 'We've seen her showing all the right mothering behaviours and father Bobo is being protective when he needs to be, but is also giving Noel and her infant plenty of space,' she said. Embe has been getting lots of attention from other females in the group, too. 'Experienced mother Meili is also on hand to help out when Noel needs a break,' Ms Marshall said. 'This is called alloparenting, or 'auntying', where other females in the group lend a hand to raise the baby.' The tiny monkey has recently been photographed exploring and cuddling up to her mum First-time-mum Noel is pictured craddling her baby Embe Embe was was born at the zoo with distinctive bright orange hair on July 21. Francois' Langurs, which are found in China and Vietnam, are endangered and the ICUN Red List says there is reason to believe their population may have declined as much as 50 percent in the past three generations. The biggest threats are poaching and habitat loss. Taronga is the only Zoo in Australia to care for the species. 'With only around 2,000 individuals left in the wild these animals are in trouble. The birth of this female at Taronga is great news for the species,' Ms Marshall said. Francois' Langurs, which are found in China and Vietnam, are endangered Francois' Langurs are threatened by poaching and habitat loss Jane Marshall, a senior primate keeper at Taronga, said there are only about 2,000 Francois' Langurs in the wild 'To the coward that laid into me...I'm fine,' he said in Facebook post Field said he did not believe it was a homophobic attack He had been dining in Nowra, NSW, when a 'drunk coward' punched him Radio personality Geoff Field has been bashed in an unprovoked attack by a 'drunk coward'. The former 2Day FM newsreader was dining in his hometown of Nowra, NSW, when the attacker punched him in the face out of the blue. 'To the coward that decided to lay into me, I'm fine and thanks to the staff at the hospital I'm fine and not in pain,' Field wrote underneath a bloodied selfie posted to Facebook. Radio personality Geoff Field was randomly punched in the face while dining in his hometown of Nowra, NSW Field posted a bloodied selfie underneath this Facebook status describing the attack Field (right) - who unofficially married his partner Jason Kerr (left) in 2005 - said he did not believe it was a homophobic attack Field - who married his partner Jason Kerr in an unsanctioned wedding in 2005 - said he did not believe it was a homophobic attack. 'I don't believe it was a homophobic attack, just a drunk that had lost the plot. 'If it wasn't me it would have been the next person on the street.' He has since been discharged from Sydney's Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital. 'I can't be bothered reporting this, but the karma bus is on its way,' he added. 'By the way I'm feeling great and have been discharged, with some rosy cheeks!' Field spent 18 years reading the news for 2Day FM. He is pictured with Australian songstress Jessica Mauboy Kylie Sandilands (left) and Field (right) share an on-air kiss during a re-union show earlier this year Geoff Field (centre) was dumped from 2Day FM and replaced by Dancing With The Stars winner Emma Freedman. He is pictured with former co-hosts Kyle Sandilands (left) and Jackie O (right) After 18 years reading the news for 2Day FM, Field was sacked in 2015 and replaced by Dancing With The Stars winner Emma Freedman. 'After I was let go from 2Day FM I was initially angry,' he said at the time. 'In retrospect leaving there was a great thing, because I had almost 19 years with the company, and it's time for me to look at doing something different. His girlfriend, the mother of his child, filed an affidavit on Tuesday asking that the charges be dismissed Blunt could face anywhere from two to 20 years in prison if convicted Both forgot to drop their children off before heading to work Amy Bryant and Joshua Grant's children died less than two weeks apart A Mississippi white mother and black father have both suffered the same tragedy less than 100 miles apart: a child, dead, after being forgotten in a hot car. But that is where the similarities end for Amy Bryant and Joshua Grant. Bryant, of Brandon, will not face charges for the death of her two-year-old daughter Carolyn, who died in May. Shanice Caradine (right) filed an affidavit Tuesday, asking that the charges be dropped against her boyfriend Joshua Blunt for causing their 8-month-old daughter's death in a hot-car accident (father and daughter pictured left) A Madison County grand jury chose not to indict Bryant, who forgot to drop off her daughter before going to work. Bryant only realized Carolyn was still in the car at the end of the day, when daycare workers informed the mother she had never dropped her daughter off. It is a similarly devastating story for Blunt, who forgot his eight-month-old daughter Shania Rihanna Caradine in his car while going to work in a Grenada. Blunt then took a break to pick up his girlfriend and Shania. He took his girlfriend to work and was supposed to drop off their baby at her mother's house. But he forgot and instead went back to work for four hours. When he and a colleague returned to his car, they found the unresponsive baby in the back seat. They took Shania inside the restaurant and put cool towels on her to await an ambulance that took her to the University of Mississippi Medical Center Grenada. The two children died only weeks apart. But Blunt is facing a manslaughter charge. A grand jury in Grenada County indicted the devastated father in July. Meanwhile Amy Bryant will not face charges for the death of her daughter, who died in Bryant's hot car after she forgot to drop her off at this daycare in Mississippi An emotional Blunt, center, is surrounded by family members after being released from the Grenada County Jail this past May. Blunt is charged with manslaughter in the death of his daughter Blunt's attorney, Carlos Moore, said both hot-car deaths were tragic accidents and he believes Blunt is being treated more harshly because he's black. 'I do recognize we are in Mississippi and race plays a great factor in our criminal justice system of who is arrested, indicted and convicted,' Moore said Thursday. Shania's mother, Shanice Caradine filed an affidavit Tuesday asking Grenada County District Attorney Doug Evans to drop the charge against Blunt. 'I do not believe Joshua Blunt should be charged with any crime in relation to the death of our daughter, Shania Caradine,' the affidavit says. 'I honestly believe that it was a tragic accident.' Grenada's city prosecutor had pledged to reduce Blunt's charge to a misdemeanor after he was initially arrested on a second-degree murder charge, but Evans obtained a manslaughter indictment. The felony charge is punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Evans said the affidavit would not affect the prosecution of the case. A British American Tobacco (BAT) executive was bashed and stabbed in an attempted kidnapping outside his family home in Sydney. The assault and failed kidnapping are believed to be have been ordered by a criminal syndicate angry he was helping Federal Police clamp down on the booming illegal tobacco trade in Australia. The BAT manager, formerly an esteemed NSW policeman, was violently attacked by three men after refusing to get in their car, Sydney Morning Herald reported. A British American Tobacco (BAT) executive was bashed and stabbed in an attempted kidnapping outside his family home in Sydney (pictured is part of a 60 tonne seizure of loose leaf illegal tobacco in 2011) Police reports allege that the men approached the manager while he was in the front yard of his home in Sydney's upper north shore just after 10pm on June 4. He was stabbed and 'further assaulted' before the men fled the scene. A source said the former police officer had to 'fight for his life' to defend himself. Legislated increased in tobacco excise in Australia mean that by 2020 a packet of cigarettes will cost $40, whereas an illegal packet of cigarettes can go for $10. The increasing price of cigarettes has driven a black market trade of illegal cigarettes, which is a lucrative business venture for organised crime syndicates. It also carries with it much lighter penalties than illegal drug trade. It's believed the violent attack was ordered by a crime syndicate angered by BAT's (pictured) cooperation with federal police to clamp down on a thriving illicit tobacco trade in Australia BAT Australia spokesperson Scott McIntyre said the government lost $1.49 billion a year in revenue to the black market trade of cheaply-made cigarettes faking brand names and product designs. 'We've had record levels of illegal tobacco over the last few years due to the current round of ad hoc excise increases driving prices up and forcing smokers to down trade to cheaper and illegal products,' he said. 'Currently up to 70 per cent of the price of a pack of cigarettes goes to the government in taxes, obviously organised crime don't pay their taxes hence why illegal tobacco is such a lucrative business.' Nicholas Booth from BAT told Daily Mail Australia that they would not be making any comment on the serious bashing of a top-tier employee. 'While there's an investigation underway it would be inappropriate to comment any further,' he said. 'Our focus at the moment is to support that staff member and his family, and ensure that all our staff are safe.' A Brisbane woman whose body was found on a New Zealand motorway after being struck by a car may have been already been dead before the crash, police claim. Tamara Schmidt, 37, was found on the State Highway 1 near Southland on the South Island about 1am on October 26 and 10 months on police still have not arrested anyone in relation to her death. Officers have revealed her partner was charged with a domestic assault the day before Ms Schmidt died, but say it is 'unrelated' to the case, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Tamara Schmidt's body was found on a New Zealand motorway after being struck by a car, but police believe she may have been already been dead before the crash He was granted bail and police have said he will be arrested if he returns to New Zealand after he left the country ahead of his court date. Last year, Southern district police communications manager Nic Barkley described the death as 'extremely strange', admitting that Ms Schmidt was 'potentially dead when she was hit.' The mother was already lying on the ground when she was hit by a car driven by a Bluff resident. Police called for anyone who may have seen a Britz campervan - which they believe she was travelling in at the time - along the highway on Sunday night from 9pm to 1am on the night she was discovered. Ms Schmidt's son Jack Caughey posted a touching tribute to his mother on Facebook following her death and revealed a tattoo with script that read: 'Tamara 17.11.77- 26.10.2015.' Tamara Schmidt, 37, was found on the State Highway 1 near Southland on the South Island about 1am on October 26 Ms Schmidt's son Jack Caughey posted a touching tribute to his mother on Facebook, revealing a freshly inked tattoo with script that read: 'Tamara 17.11.77- 26.10.2015' The post was captioned: 'Here's to my beautiful mother. She will always live on in our hearts. I love you mum.' He said he hopes his mother is 'watching down' on the family 'with a smile on her face'. Ms Schmidt was visiting New Zealand with her partner and had only spent three days in Queenstown before she died. She was wearing pink shoes and a blue jacket on the night of her death. Ms Schmidt was visiting New Zealand with her partner and had only spent three days in Queenstown before she died Advertisement Thai police have admitted they knew bomb attacks were imminent but didn't warn anybody as explosives hidden in plant pots across the country killed four people and injured dozens more. Foreign visitors fled in terror and are now being warned to be on alert, as the first two blasts hit the seaside resort of Hua Hin overnight, killing one Thai woman and one other and wounding 21 people. The twin bomb attack targeted a busy street filled with bars and restaurants. The town was also hit by small explosions on Friday morning. Hours later two small bombs were detonated in the beach town Patong, Phuket, another area popular with foreign tourists. One man was said to have been 'lightly wounded' in the attack. His nationality is not yet known. A woman is carried by two Thai officials after being injured in the twin bomb blasts in Hua Hin overnight. Witnesses described how revellers fled in terror from one of the main roads in the town, popular with visitors and residents A tourist receives treatment on the street after being injured in an explosion in the Thai seaside resort of Hua Hin on Thursday night. The country has been hit by a wave of co-ordinated bomb attacks targeting areas popular with visitors A woman is treated on a street by two soldiers in the seaside resort of Hua Hin after being injured in twin bomb attacks overnight A group of terrified young tourists speak to a Thai official after the blasts in Hua Hin, which wounded 10 foreign nationals Rescue workers rush to help one of those injured in the blasts in Hua Hin. A woman died in the overnight attacks At least four locations in southern Thailand have been hit in the past 24 hours - Trang, Hua Hin, Surat Thani and Phuket Thai police and media have also reported similar strikes in the southern regions which killed one person in Surat Thani and and another in Trang, with both used as stop-off points for many visitors travelling on to the country's islands. There were also reports of blasts or fires in Phang Nga and Krabie and two men are being detained and questioned over the attacks. Today, national police chief Chakthp Chaijinda told reporters in Bangkok his officers had intelligence an attack was to happen but said they had no precise information on location or timing. He said: 'We just didn't know which day something would happen,' Now western governments have been issuing advice to their citizens in Thailand telling them to be cautious. The British embassy in Thailand has updated travel advice urging tourists to exercise 'extreme caution' and avoid public places. Australians have been warned to exercise a 'heightened caution' in the country and follow the advice of local authorities. While the United States also urged travellers to use caution and avoid the affected areas. A young woman is strapped to a stretcher after being injured in the bomb attack in Hua Hin to be taken to hospital for treatment Two injured people receive first aid from passers-by after two bombs exploded in the Thai seaside resort of Hua Hin A woman is seen here clutching to a man as the pair lay on the ground waiting for help following the Hua Hin attacks A victim is seen on the ground after a bomb exploded in Hua Hin - one of four locations hit in the past 24 hours Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) official checks at the scene of a bomb blast in Hua Hin. It is believed the bombs had been left in plant pots There has also been two explosions in the southern Thai town of Surat Thani following the first two bomb blasts in Hua Hin A man who was blown off his feet and is left lying on the pavement is assisted by a bystander after the blasts in Hua Hin Thai medics rush an injured victims into an ambulance to hospital after two bomb exploded in Hua Hin close to the city's clock tower Thai officials have said they believe the attacks were carried out locally and are not terror related. There is some suggestion they were launched by the opponents of the ruling junta, which recently bolstered its military power. ARE THE ATTACKS ARE PART OF GROWING UNREST IN THAILAND? Police believe the attacks were part of a growing unrest with the country's government - rather than terror-related. Thailand's junta chief on Friday called a series of bombings that killed four people in 24 hours an attempt to trigger unrest in a country blighted by a decade-long political crisis. 'The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion,' junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha told reporters in Bangkok. 'Why have the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism - and who did it? You have to find out,' he said. The violence took place on the 84th birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit. Thailand's 88 year-old King Bhumibol Adulayadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife Sirikit are in hospital in Bangkok but have resided in Hua Hin at the Klai Kangwon Palace royal palace. Advertisement And junta chief and Thai leader Prayat Chan-O-Cha branded the attacks as an 'attempt to create chaos and confusion.' Nine foreigners were among the 21 people injured in the Hua Hin blasts were foreign nationals, according to local officials. Dutch, Austrian, German and Italian nationals are believed to have been affected. A statement from the German foreign ministry confirmed that at least three German nationals had been injured in the blast in Hua Hin and that the embassy was offering them assistance. Tourist Shane Brett described the scenes of panic after the first devices were detonated in Hua Hin. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: 'I was at a bar in the main bar district in Hua Hin right outside the Hilton Hotel and at first I heard kind of a bang and everyone kind of panicked.' Mr Brett said revellers fled to safety, adding there were 'a good few people injured and the whole area just panicking ... the whole area was just shut down with police cars, ambulances'. While Henrik Buuz, 62, of Denmark sipped beer in a Hua Hin hotel lobby Friday. He said that while he might not have taken security seriously in the past, he no longer felt safe in the sunny beach town where streets were remarkably quiet for the beginning of a three-day holiday. 'No, no, no, no. Now we don't think it's funny anymore,' said Buuz. In Surat Thani, provincial governor Wongsiri Promchana said the bomb, hidden in a flower bed, exploded in front of the marine police offices, killing a municipal worker and injuring another man. 'I think it's related to the blasts in Hua Hin,' Wongsiri told AFP, referring to the overnight attack in the town that lies further north. According to local media one person died in an attack on the Centre Point shopping mall in Trang while six more were injured. General Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath said the devices were hidden inside plants on a street filled with restaurants, bars and food sellers that is popular with tourists and residents. He said a Samsung mobile phone had been recovered that they believed was used to detonate at least one the bombs. Thai tourism minister KobarnWattanavrangkul meets Italian tourist Lorenzo Minuti who was injured during one of the bomb attacks in Hua Hin Italian tourist Andrea Tazzioli, 51, who was injured during the bomb attack in Salakam road, smiles for a photograph on his bed at Sanpaulo hospital On Friday, debris and ball bearings could be seen strewn across the road as police investigated the scene. The blast damaged a pair of phone booths and shattered the window of a nearby Starbucks. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Army General Danai Kritmethavee said authorities believed the attacks were coordinated and that they are investigating 'all possible leads'. While national deputy police spokesman Piyapan Pingmuang told reporters: 'This is not a terrorist attack. It is just local sabotage that is restricted to limited areas and provinces'. A member of the Thai Explosive Ordnance Disposal team wearing a bomb suit defuses a suspicious device found in Hua Hin Security services use a detector to scour the area close to where the twin blasts occurred in Hua Hin last night and this morning An investigation official collects evidence from the crime scene after the explosion which ripped through bars and shops A Thai police officer secures an area next to a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit in Hua Hin Debris and ball bearings could be seen strewn across the road as police investigated the scene. The blast damaged a pair of phone booths and shattered the window of a nearby Starbucks Analysts said Muslim insurgent groups in the south could be behind the attack, but warned that coordinated bombings targeting tourists would mark an unprecedented escalation in a simmering conflict largely contained in the border region. Some reports suggest that the timing of the strikes, which took place on the 84th birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit, gives weight to the theory they were carried out by those opposed to the junta. The junta has repeatedly said that defending the monarchy is a top priority and the army and its allies are keen to ensure a smooth succession for ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, who has a palace in Hua Hin. Surat Thani police told local media NationTV, that there are 'similarities' between bombs in Surat Thani (pictured) and Trang It is thought there are eight or nine foreign tourists among the injured, pictured, who have been taken to a local hospital where they were treated for their wounds Thais voted less than a week ago in a referendum to adopt a military-backed constitution, the first test of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the ballot box since he seized power in a coup in May 2014. The three provinces near the border with Muslim-majority Malaysia soundly rejected the referendum on the new military-backed constitution which passed convincingly in most of the rest of the country in Sunday's vote. TIMELINE OF TERROR IN THAILAND Thursday, Trang 3pm - A bomb detonated by a mobile phone kills one person and injures six at a market in the southern city. Hua Hin 10.15 and 11pm - Two explosions close to each other hit a street popular with tourists in the beach city southwest of Bangkok. The second blast kills one woman and injures 21. Friday, Phuket 7.45am - An explosion at Loma beach at the southern beach city injures one person. Surat Thani - 8am - An explosion near a police station during an event celebrating the Thai queen's birthday kills one person and injures three in the southern city. Surat Thani 8.30am - No one is hurt in an explosion at another police station. Phuket 8.45 am - No one is hurt in an explosion near a police traffic control booth. Hua Hin 9am - Two bombs in plant pots under the Hua Hin clock tower detonate within minutes of each other. One person is killed and three are injured. Phang Nga 9am - Two bombs detonate in front of a market in the southern province. No one is hurt but two cars are damaged. Advertisement It is thought more than 6,500 people, including Buddhist monks, teachers, troops and separatist insurgents have been killed since 2004 in the long-running conflict, although tourist destinations have rarely been affected. The latest bombings came almost a year after an attack by two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China on a Hindu shrine thronged with tourists in central Bangkok killed 20 people and wounded more than 120. Police also ruled out the possibility international militants may have been responsible for that attack, and said the perpetrators were members of a network that trafficked Uighurs and launched the attack in anger at a crackdown. Analysts, diplomats and even some officials suspected the attack was linked to sympathisers of China's Uighur minority angered by the Thai junta's deportation of more than 100 Uighurs to China the previous month. King Bhumibol and the queen are both in hospital in Bangkok and have not stayed recently at their palace in Hua Hin. Check points have been established and security beefed up around Hua Hin and the palace there. The king has received treatment for an infection over the past month in hospital, the Royal Household Bureau said on August 1. Concern about the health of the king and nervousness over the succession have played into the country's political tensions. The resort of Hua Hin is popular with both foreigners and locals, and hosts international jazz, car and kite festivals every year. It is also famous for its fishing opportunities while its shallow and warm waters provide good conditions for kite boarding and surfing. Small bombings are common in the kingdom during periods of heightened political tension but there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists to be targeted. Phuket in particular is frequented by millions of European, Chinese and Thai tourists each year who come to swim in the warm, azure sea, party at the open air night clubs and explore tropical rainforests. The other towns hit are less prominent international destinations but still popular among Thais and many foreigners. Tourism suffered a temporary hit after a bomb blast ripped through a Bangkok shrine nearly a year ago, killing 20 people, mostly visitors from other Asian countries. 'This ruins business. Hotels, restaurants, tours, we were already suffering, but this, it's going to ruin our lives,' said Hua Hin Adventure Tours guide Natsupa Dechapanya. Natsupa raced Thursday from hotel to hotel visiting clients and warning them not to go outside, especially where people gather. She was also fielding cancellation calls, although she was staying away from her office, opposite a clock tower where Friday's bombs went off. 'I'm scared, it's bad,' she said. 'This is the first time this has happened in Hua Hin. We think of this as a safe town, but now everyone is fearful. We feel like we're not safe.' She said because the explosions happened hours apart, many - including herself - are worried about whether the attacks are over. And she said without any arrests, tension on city streets is palpable. 'Usually this is a friendly town, but today no one wants to look up. People don't want to look each other in the eyes,' she said. The bombings killed one Thai woman, who was believed to be a street vendor at the resort, pictured, which is popular with western tourists A security guard at the Nauru detention centre smacked a 'petrified' five-year-old girl in the back of her head with enough force to send her flying into the air and leave her in 'the foetal position crying,' according to several witnesses. The incident was recalled by witnesses in an official report in 2014 to the island's security firm, Wilson Security, but the company told the Australian Senate committee there was not enough information about the guard to identify him and continue with an investigation, according to The Guardian Australia. The guard's name was included in the report, which described him chasing the young girl through a tent in March two years ago. A guard at the Nauru detention centre smacked a 'petrified' five-year-old girl in the back of her head with enough force to send her flying into the air and cut her elbows (stock image) The guard's name was included in the report, which described him chasing the young girl through a tent before hitting her and walking away as she crawled into 'the foetal position crying' '[The guard] was still chasing her, running very fast, when he caught up to her he hit her in the back of her head with his left hand with force which made her fall to the ground hard,' a witness described in the report. 'I then walked up to [the guard] and said 'that is highly unacceptable, inappropriate and unprofessional to hit any child at all'. I then asked for his name and he replied 'f*** you'. I asked again, he once again said 'f*** you'. I followed him out and asked his partner his name and she gave me it with no hassle.' Tobias Gunn, a second witness, said he saw the girl lifted off her feet before hitting the ground hard, causing her to cut her elbows. 'I went to comfort the child, she was petrified. She was in the foetal position crying, and when I went to comfort her she started screaming. She was in survival mode,' he said. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection said they are investigating if the guard continues to work closely with children, the Guardian reported. The incident was recalled by witnesses in an official report in 2014 to the island's security firm, Wilson Security, but the company said there was not enough information to investigate The incident follows publication of more than 2,000 leaked incident reports by The Guardian detailing sexual assaults, child abuse and self-harm inside the Australian tax-payer funded detention centre. It one of those reports a Wilson Security guard admitted to throwing the rocks on March 6 last year at young asylum seeker children after 'losing his temper'. There are currently 442 people detained on Nauru, although the incident reports cover the period between 2013 and 2015. Human rights groups say the documents show Australia's offshore immigration detention program is failing and should be shut down. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has accused asylum seekers on Nauru of making false claims to reach Australia Dr. Anna Neistat, senior director for research at Amnesty International, said the leak showed the 'routine dysfunction and cruelty' of the system. But Australia's Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has dismissed the revelations and accused asylum seekers on Nauru of making false claims to reach Australia. 'I have have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country,' he told 2GB on Thursday. 'Some people have gone to the extent of self harming. People have self-immolated to get to Australia.' An asylum seeker shows an injury that was allegedly sustained in an attack by a Nauruan local In the wake of the document leak, the opposition has called for the creation of an Independent Children's Advocate to oversee the treatment of children in detention. Labor Immigration and Border Protection spokesman Shayne Neumann said the rights and interests of children need to be protected whether on shore or offshore. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch released a report into living conditions on Nauru by last week. Refugees and asylum seekers said they are being attacked, intimidated and harassed on a regular basis by Nauruans. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Wilson Security for comment. He has pleaded not guilty and the matter returns to court next week Katelyn, 4, has suffered thousands of seizures from Dravet syndrome His lawyers will defend the charges on basis of 'medical necessity' The father of a little girl who has suffered thousands of seizures could face jail time after being charged with possessing and cultivating cannabis. Micheal Lambert - whose rich list parents last year donated a record $33 million to medical cannabis research - was arrested by police last year. He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyer said they will defend the charges on the basis he treated his daughter Katelyn, 4, with cannabis out of medical necessity. Michael Lambert (right) was charged with possessing and cultivating cannabis. He is pictured with his daughter, Katelyn, wife Nui and grandmother Joy Katelyn Lambert suffers from Dravet Syndrome, prosecutors have been told, and his lawyers will argue was treated with medical cannabis to minimise her seizures. One of the charges relates to cannabis oil, said his defence lawyer Manny Conditsis. The NSW Central Coast father's matter is set to return to Gosford Local Court next week after two months. If found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment for each count. His parents - semi-retired banker Barry Lambert and mother Joy - made history last year when they donated the multi-million dollar sum to Sydney University. Semi-retired financier Barry Lambert and wife Joy (left, right) donated $33.7 million to Sydney University for medical cannabis research The pair have an estimated fortune of about $350 million. Barry is a former Commonwealth Bank executive and is the chairman of Count Financial. After the record-breaking medical research donation was announced this year, Barry said medical cannabis appeared to 'work miracles' for Katelyn. He said they wanted to not just help her, but others like her. 'It's very hurtful when they have a seizure. No one wants to see a child sick when they're young,' he said. but didn't report it out of fear He said he couldn't sleep after A former Trump staffer has claimed that the Republican candidate's North Carolina state director pointed a loaded pistol at him. Vincent Bordini filed a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the Trump campaign and recent state director Earl Phillip. The suit alleges assault and battery, seeking monetary damages for emotional distress. Bordini also says Trump's national campaign leadership refused to address the February incident. A former Trump staffer has claimed that the Republican candidate's North Carolina state director Earl Phillip (pictured) pointed a loaded pistol at him Bordini claims that he and Phillip were traveling by car in South Carolina when the campaign director suddenly pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and pressed the barrel to his kneecap. In his lawsuit, Bordini alleges Phillip also pulled his gun on at least four other people within the Trump organization. The behavior was so widely recognized within the campaign that others knew the caliber of his gun, the lawsuit says. Phillip has recently resigned as both state campaign director and as deputy chair of Trump's National Diversity Coalition. 'I stepped down from ... all affiliations with Donald J. Trump until this is cleared up,' said Phillip. He referred further questions to his lawyer. According to the lawsuit, Bordini 'felt he could not tell anyone about the incident due to Phillip's reputation for violent outbursts, intimidation and retaliation. Vincent Bordini filed a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the Trump (pictured) campaign and recent state director Earl Phillip Vincent believed that he could not trust his own supervisor, Stuart Jolly, out of fear that he would try to cover up what had happened.' 'Vincent forewent alerting authorities because putting Mr. Trump in the White House was his goal. But enough is enough,' the lawsuit states. 'Guns don't have to fire to inflict damage. Vincent couldn't sleep after the incident. If Phillip had flinched, Vincent might have never been able to properly walk again.' Bordini's lawsuit says the aide was so fearful Phillip might retaliate against him for reporting the incident within the campaign he temporarily moved his family out of their house so they would be harder to find. As a candidate, Trump has been an outspoken supporter of the constitutional right to bear arms and himself has a permit in New York to carry a concealed handgun. The Republican nominee generated a firestorm when, speaking Tuesday in North Carolina, he suggested Second Amendment advocates might find a way to stop Hillary Clinton from rolling back gun rights if she's elected. Within minutes, Hillary Clinton's campaign denounced the celebrity businessman's remarks as an attempt to incite violence against his Democratic rival. In his lawsuit, Bordini alleges Phillip (pictured left and right) also pulled his gun on at least four other people within the Trump organization Phillip's attorney, William Harding of Charlotte, said his client is a law-abiding citizen. 'He has never, never been accused or convicted of any criminal activity,' Harding said. 'We look forward to defending this lawsuit and filing the appropriate counterclaims, including defamation of character.' Phillip became the campaign's North Carolina state director in November. Since then, the Trump campaign has paid Phillip's consulting business, Innovative Consulting Services, nearly $65,000 for campaign field consulting. Those payments include about $9,500 in late June, federal filings show. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Bordini was on the Trump campaign payroll from December through February, earning about $1,000 every two weeks. The campaign last paid him in mid-March, when he was reimbursed for travel expenses. The lawsuit says Bordini resigned from the campaign in March. An Australian woman who was stabbed in a London knife rampage that left an American woman dead and five pedestrians injured has recalled the horrific attack. Lillie Sellentin said she was with a friend when she saw a man bounding towards them. 'And then he jumped, and with a clenched fist, he punched me in the side of my torso,' she told Channel 9. Lillie Sellentin (pictured) was stabbed in a London knife rampage on August 3 Mother-of-two Darlene Horton, 64, was stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife and bled to death on the pavement She was stabbed on the right side of her body and was lucky the blade did not pierce a vital organ. 'I looked at the wound and at the time it looked really big and it was bleeding. I just held it and started panicking,' she said. Mother-of-two Darlene Horton, 64, was stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife and bled to death on the pavement. Ms Sellentin and four other people were injured in the random attack in Russell Square on August 3. She was stabbed on the right side of her body and was lucky the blade did not pierce a vital organ Zakaria Bulhan, 19, has been charged with the murder of Ms Horton and the attempted murder of five other people. Bulhan, a Norwegian national of Somali origin, moved to the UK in 2002. He was arrested after dozens of armed police brought him down with a Taser stun gun. An eight-month-old boy was rushed to hospital after he was found submerged and unconscious in a bath. Paramedics and police were called to the house in the Sydney suburb of North St Marys just after 10am on Friday. A New South Wales Police spokesperson said a family member called Triple Zero. Neighbour Rosemary Logue told the Daily Telegraph the family had lived at the address for years and were nice people. Photos from the scene showed a distraught looking woman talking to police An eight-month-old boy was found unconscious in a bath at the house 'They are just a normal family it is so sad.' she said. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said they received reports the child had been 'submerged for a period of time'. The infant was taken to Nepean Hospital by ambulance where he is reportedly in a serious but stable condition. Photos from the scene showed a distraught looking woman talking to police officers. Police from St Marys Local Area Command are investigating the incident. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said the child had been 'submerged for a period of time' The infant was taken to Nepean Hospital by ambulance and is in a serious but stable condition A man who had only just been released from prison has pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of 11-year-old Zoe Buttigieg. Bowe Maddigan, 30, faced the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday charged with indecently assaulting and then killing Zoe after a night drinking bourbon and smoking cannabis with her mother. In May he pleaded not guilty to the attack in north-east Victoria but he changed his plea to guilty on Friday, the Herald Sun reported. Scroll down for video Bowe Maddigan (pictured in October 2015) pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of Zoe Buttigieg Zoe (pictured) was only 11 years old when she was brutally assaulted and murdered Zoe was found dead in her Wangaratta home in north-east Victoria at 11am on October 25 last year. Police found Maddigan barefoot and walking along the Hume Highway in a paranoid and erratic state. Maddigan is next set to appear at his sentencing hearing on November 11 at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Wangaratta. The 11 year old was found dead by her mother, Janelle Saunders, in a bedroom at their family home in north Melbourne. She is believed to have been murdered after a 'rowdy party' at the house, where parties happened 'every second weekend' according to neighbours. Maddigan, who has been described as an acquaintance of the family, was invited to the party where an altercation broke out just after midnight. It is believed that Maddigan and Ms Saunders were smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol until 7am on the morning Zoe was murdered. The girl's body was not found until hours later when her mother woke up about 11am Ms Saunders said in court last year that Maddigan, who had been released from prison a week earlier, was extremely talkative earlier in the night. 'He was full of stories and he was just rambling and rambling and you couldn't get a word inHe was very attention seeking,' she said. When police found Maddigan, he was not wearing any shoes and was dressed only in cargo shorts and a singlet. Ms Saunders moved into the house with Zoe between three and four years ago. She has since received psychological counselling. Zoe's mother, Janelle Saunders, had been drinking and smoking cannabis with Maddigan the night before he daughter died Maddigan was picked up by police around the time of the murder, walking barefoot down the Hume Highway and acting paranoid and erratic 'We don't know how she is, we haven't heard anything since it happened,' a close friend of Ms Saunders said at the time. 'This is a very tight little street.' One neighbour who lives off Inchbold Street said ice had made huge inroads into the suburb known as 'Wang'. 'You'd have a couple of users on just about every street, ' the neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said. One 30-year resident of the street where Zoe lived, Heather Mann, said the area attracted some dangerous characters and that she had been threatened with assault recently. Almost two dozen dogs were found living in an overheated car with a mentally ill woman. The 54-year-old woman, a veteran who police say had mental health issues, was living in the cramped quarters of a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a 4-year-old German Shepherd and 21 puppies, most of which were chihuahua mixes, according to the New York Daily News. The dogs were freed on Monday. Twenty-two dogs, all puppies except one, were living in a Mercedes SUV with a mentally disturbed veteran in the Bronx Many of the dogs needed vet care and were undernourished and skittish at first The dogs, most of them puppies under one year old, were brought to two different area rescue groups Police said many of the pups were malnourished and ill, and they were living in the car covered in feces. The car stank by the time the dogs were discovered and it's believed they were in there for a long time, reported the New York Post. The woman was taken to Montefiore Medical Center for evaluation. A rescue group, Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws of the Bronx, was first notified about the disturbing situation when concerned neighbors began calling. The group's coordinator, Kim Stein, said the group tracked the woman with the dogs down and offered her free dog food and vet care, but she refused them. Most of the puppies were chihuahua mixes, one had a severe intestinal infection and one had 'cherry eye' 'She was very skeptical and very much didnt want us to know where she was,' said Stein. 'She had the German shepherd kind of crated really to the back and the rest of them were just loose all over the place,' Regina Galente of the group told NBC New York. The pooches are now mostly in foster care, with two dogs remaining at Petchester Veterinary in Eastchester. One puppy needed treatment for a severe intestinal condition, another for 'cherry eye' in which some of the under lid pops out and looks very red. The oldest and biggest of the batch, four-year-old Bruno, a German Shepherd, was the 'papa bear' of the puppies The NYPD's 45th precinct was there to offer assistance to the dogs, here one dog lover in blue makes a pal of Bruno Half of the dogs went to another local rescue, Bobbi and the Strays. Stein said the dogs in foster care are doing well. 'Several of them were very fearful at first,' she told the Post. 'It's amazing how quickly they rebound when they realize theyre safe. They are over that original timidness. Theyre definitely loved in their foster homes.' Police and volunteers came together to rescue the dogs from the sweltering car Bruno, the full bred German Shepherd, who is the biggest of the bunch, is already up for adoption through Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws. 'Bruno is just awesome. He cried for everyone that we were handling. He was like the papa bear to all of them,' said Galente. The rescue group describes him as, of course, good with other dogs. 'He lived with 21 in a truck with a crazy lady!' the group wrote on Facebook. The woman is said to be a veteran, reported NBC News. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon embraced the 99-year-old woman he calls his 'American Mom' yesterday on a nostalgic visit to her home in Novato, California. As a high school student visiting from war-ravaged South Korea, the UN boss spent his first days in the United States with Libba Patterson and her family. Ms Patterson had tears in her eyes when she spoke about how 18-year-old 'Ki-moon' became her fourth child and part of her family during his eight-day visit in 1962. She said: 'He's still my kid. He was just... like our own, and to me, today, underneath all the glory and names and what have you that he's achieved, he's still Ki-moon, our son.' Scroll down for video As a high school student visiting from war-ravaged South Korea, the UN boss spent his first days in the United States with Libba Patterson and her family The UN chief responded saying, 'Yes, I'm still her kid and she's still my American mom.' 'I have two moms, one in Korea and one here. 'More than half a century I've been keeping contact. She's still very alert, good memory, and I'm very happy.' The diplomat, whose family was forced to flee their home during the Korean War, reflected on how he got to the United States and the crucial role the month-long visit had in shaping his life. Both the Red Cross and the United Nations were instrumental in helping all Koreans during the war, he said, so in high school he participated in many Red Cross activities. In his senior year, he entered a Red Cross English essay competition to win a place in its program for international students to visit America - and he won. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon walks to embrace his 99-year-old 'American Mom' Libba Patterson after arriving for lunch at her home yesterday in Novato, California Ms Patterson had tears in her eyes when she spoke about how 18-year-old 'Ki-moon' became her fourth child and part of her family during his eight-day visit in 1962. Pictured with Ki-moon's wife Yoo Soon-taek (right image) Libba Patterson worked for the American Red Cross at nearby Hamilton Air Force Base and had a 17-year-old son Michael and that is how the family was chosen to host him. The international diplomat said everything in the US was new and shocking for a 'very young, poor country boy from Korea.' He was impressed by the beauty of nearby San Francisco - the first American city he saw - and shocked at the modern living conditions for Americans compared with those at home. America seemed 'a sort of paradise,' he said. The 120 students from about 40 countries who came to the US under Red Cross auspices spent their final week in Washington. 'The most life-changing moment came when I was invited to the White House on August 29, 1962,' he said. The diplomat, whose family was forced to flee their home during the Korean War, reflected on how he got to the United States and the crucial role the month-long visit had in shaping his life Libba Patterson worked for the American Red Cross at nearby Hamilton Air Force Base and had a 17-year-old son Michael and that is how the family was chosen to host him 'We were received by John F. Kennedy... the most admired leader at that time.' He said one thing that Kennedy said had a huge impact on him. The president told the students that 'world leaders do not get along well but you do since you are young people, and there are no boundaries among the countries. 'The boundaries have no meaning. What is important is whether you are ready to provide your helping hand to other people.' As he traveled in the United States, he said he thought about those words and his future. He decided that 'the best way for me to contribute to my home country which was war-torn, devastated, very poor' was to 'be a diplomat.' When he returned home, he applied to the Department International Relations at Seoul National University, which only took 20 students. Competition was intense but he won a place, and that led to his career as a diplomat starting in 1970, rising to ambassador, foreign minister and secretary-general of the United Nations for the last 9 years. With four generations of the Patterson family in the room, the UN boss presented her with an engraved silver tray saying: 'Mrs. Libba Patterson, my American Mom with the deepest appreciation and heartfelt affection' Visiting his American Mom for the last time as UN chief before his term ends on December 31, he recalled getting on an airplane and flying across the Pacific Ocean for the first time. 'It all happened unexpectedly, but I think looking back many, many decades there must have been something which led me to become secretary-general, and to have known her,' he said. 'So there must have been something greater which has been guiding me.' A portrait of Ban Ki-moon has pride of place in the Patterson living room and there are photos of the secretary-general and his American Mom, including in South Korea where she visited when he was foreign minister. With four generations of the Patterson family in the room, the UN boss presented her with an engraved silver tray saying: 'Mrs. Libba Patterson, my American Mom with the deepest appreciation and heartfelt affection.' She will celebrate her 100th birthday next May and the UN chief said he hopes to come back for the party. A Sydney bikini model has pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and MDMA from a luxury beachfront apartment she shared with her boyfriend. Kirsty Dayment, 34, entered guilty pleas to four drugs charges in Central Local Court on Friday, while her former boyfriend, Nicholas James Riganias, 30, also pleaded guilty to a number of drug charges, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The estranged pair refused to make eye contact as they sat besides each other in the court room. Police allege Dayment and Riganias were dealing drugs out of his apartment in Coogee, which they stormed in July 2015 after a six-month investigation. Police allege Kirsty Dayment (left and right) and Nicholas James Riganias were dealing drugs out of his apartment in Coogee. The pair have pleaded guilty to a number of drug charges The former couple were charged after police say they uncovered just over a 100 grams of cocaine and 1.36 kilograms of MDMA, known commonly as ecstasy, that was concealed in a suitcase. Dayment faces a charge of supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and four other charges. If she is found guilty of the first charge, she may be sentenced to life in prison. Rigianis had a charge of conspiring to supply a large commercial quantity of a drug dropped, but pleaded guilty to a number of other drug charges. Dayment was granted continued bail, ordered to live with her parents in Mascot, while Rigianis was led back into custody, where he has been since his arrest last year. Police say they uncovered just over a 100 grams of cocaine and 1.36 kilograms of MDMA concealed in a suitcase in the apartment On her talent page, Ms Dayment describes herself as an actor, model, dancer, film and stage crew member, and photographer On her talent page, Ms Dayment describes herself as an actor, model, dancer, film and stage crew member, and photographer. 'I have been in the industry for a long time. I'm sporty and competitive,' she wrote. 'This gives me the never say die attitude. I love to be pushed and have really high goals and expectations for myself.' On her profile, Ms Dayment said she had featured in Ralph and FHM magazines, and she attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2000. She said she had been acting for eight years, and can do an Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, English, Californian, New York, French and Indian accents. Ms Dayment said she had speaking roles in Australian television series White Collar Blue and had been modelling for five years. She includes lingerie store Bras N Things and Australian fashion brand Roxy on her modelling resume 'as well as many bikini shoots for magazines'. Dr Spence was speaking at a debate on Australia's university funding of sector had led to 'immoral tax' on foreign The vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney says it is 'immoral' that Australia relies on high-fee paying international students from poor families to prop up a broken funding system. Dr Michael Spence said chronic under funding of the tertiary sector meant that Australian universities were taxing 'the poor families of Sichuan to subsidise the education of kids who went to Kings to become doctors and charge people a lot of money,' the Sydney Morning Herald reported. King's School in Sydney is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious private schools. Dr Michael Spence, vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney, says Australians rely too much on high-fee paying international students Dr Spence was speaking among five vice chancellors in a debate hosted by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Thursday. The group were discussing the demand driven funding system of tertiary education, which was implemented in 2012 and removed limits on bachelordegree student numbers at universities. It replaced the supply system, where the government allocated places to universities, and led to a dramatic increase in student enrolments. Dr Spence argued that universities now relied on international students that paid relatively high fees to cover costs and that was leading to a deterioration in the quality of teaching in inexpensive subjects like the arts. Part of the University of Sydney campus. Five vice chancellors from Australian universities debated the country's university funding model on Thursday It also meant Australian universities were over-reliant on certain foreign markets and that research funding was suffering. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that all of the speakers agreed the university sector was underfunded, but Dr Spence's views were not universally shared. Professor Greg Craven, vice chancellor of the Australian Catholic University, said the demand-driven system had allowed more people to participate in higher education. He disagreed that quality fell when more students, or students with lower ATARs, were admitted. Vice chancellor of the University of Newcastle Professor Caroline McMillen said allowing more people to study at a tertiary level was important for Australia's future. Jordan denies the allegations and said the act was 'disgusting' The 31-year-old public servant ran from the tram when confronted A public servant allegedly groped a 15-year-old in the middle of a packed tram before bolting when passengers confronted him. Marshall Jordan, 31, is accused of touching the schoolgirl on the thigh before putting his hand up her skirt and groping her. Jordan allegedly made a calm denial when the girl screamed at him, before running from the tram when it stopped, The Age reported. Marshall Jordan, 31, is accused of groping a schoolgirl on the busy 86 tram in Melbourne city (stock photo) Jordan, an official at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, is accused of assaulting the girl on a Melbourne city tram in May last year. The girl screamed, 'How dare you, you bloody bastard', after he groped her, police told Melbourne Magistrates Court. He allegedly replied: 'I didn't do anythingdid I touch you?' Witnesses told the court that Jordan then held up his arms and tried to soothe the girl as she screamed. He started shaking when passengers approached him and ran when the number 86 tram stopped, they said. Police said after he ran from the tram he tried to disguise his appearance by putting on gloves and ripping an orange tag from his satchel. Jordan appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court where he is charged with performing an indecent act on a child younger than 16 Jordan is charged with performing an indecent act on a child under the age of 16. He has denied the allegations and told police: 'It's disgusting. It's nothing I would ever do. 'It wasn't me.' Freed: Triple police killer Harry Robert, right, before his release from prison in 2014 Fifty years ago today, three police officers lost their lives in a heinous triple murder that shocked a nation. PC Geoffrey Fox, Detective Sergeant Christopher Head and Detective Constable David Wombwell were shot dead by Harry Roberts and his accomplices near Wormwood Scrubs prison, in west London. Small-time criminal Roberts, then 30, remained on the run for 96 days before being caught. On November 15, 1966 he was handed three life sentences for what the judge described as 'the most heinous crime for a generation or more'. The triple killer was eventually released in 2014 and has since enjoyed a life of relative normality. However the families of those he murdered are still reeling from their loss, and have spoken out against Roberts' release on the anniversary of the massacre. In an interview with Rod Mcphee for the Daily Mirror, Daen Wombwell, 53, the son of PC Wombwell, said the decision let down not only the victims of the Shepherds Bush massacre, but also every serving police officer. He said: 'Its a betrayal of the fundamental trust of the police force - that we dont ask them to do the job they do if the people who do the worst to the police are set free. Victims: Pc Geoffrey Fox, 41, left, Detective Constable David Wombwell, 25, centre, and Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, 30, right, were murdered on August 12, 1966 Paying tribute: PC Wombwell's son, pictured at a memorial honouring the victims in 1991, said he believed Roberts should never have been released from prison Tragic: Daen was just three years old when his father was shot dead while on patrol. Pictured, PC Wombwell with his young wife Gillian and their toddler son in 1963 Daen was just three years old when he lost his father. At the time the 25-year-old PC, the youngest victim of the killing, was living with his wife Gillian, 20, their son and two-year-old daughter Melanie, at a home in Acton, west London. Daen has been told he 'idolised' his father and said he treasures the few memories he has of them together. He said: 'I remember playing with him in the park and I remember one day he was going off to work, mum gave him a kiss and he smiled at me as he waved goodbye.' On August 12, 1966, Shepherd's Bush CID officers PC Wombwell, PC Fox, 41, and DS Head were on patrol near Wormwood Scrubs prison when they spotted a van on Braybrook Street. Killer: Harry Roberts, who has enjoyed a normal life since being released from jail Inside was Roberts with his accomplices John Duddy and John Witney, who were preparing to carry out an armed robbery. When the unarmed officers approached, Roberts opened fire with a Luger pistol. He fatally wounded DS head and DC Wombwell, and DC Fox was killed by Duddy. Duddy and Witney were soon caught but Roberts remained on the run for nearly 100 days, sparking Scotland Yard's biggest ever manhunt. He relied on his training as a soldier to survive and was eventually found near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, living in a camouflaged den made out of plastic bags and branches. On November 15, 1966, Roberts was given three life sentences with a 30 year minimum tariff. In 2009, he was reportedly refused parole after threatening to kill a family he had worked for after they put a complaint in about him. Shocking: The nation reeled after the brutal triple killing. Pictured, the crime scene in 1966 Worldwide police hunt: Wanted poster for Harry Roberts, who escaped police for 96 days Captured: Police officers search the tent near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, where Roberts lived while on the run. The criminal relied on his training as a soldier to survive He was eventually released in 2014 and sent to live alongside unwitting elderly people. Since then he has been spotted celebrating passing his driving test last year and laughing and joking on the streets of Peterbrough. Earlier this year it was reported that he had been selling signed mugshots for 100 each. Sentenced: Roberts on his way to court. He was handed three life sentences following a trial United in grief: Hundreds of police officers and mourners gathered on the streets of London to pay tribute to the murdered officers. They lost their lives 50 years ago today But life is far from normal for Daen and his family. Today he will join his mother, 70, sister and their children at a memorial on the street where his father died. Together they will remember those who so bravely died in the line of duty. Trio jailed for their crimes after hearings at Birmingham Crown Court William Hanna and his partner Diane Whitehouse would film abuse of girl Sick Ian McGlasson set up a profile online and pimped her out to others Girl was abducted and raped near her school and then groomed online The schoolgirl was groomed by Ian McGlasson (pictured), who played on the youngster's insecurities and pretended to be a counsellor who could help her A schoolgirl was abused by 137 different paedophiles after her profile was posted on a swingers website without her knowing. The girl says she was abducted from near her school and raped at the age of 13 only to be groomed soon after by another man on social media. The same predator would abuse the youngster repeatedly over two years, setting up her profile online and pimping her out to other paedophiles. Paula Smith (a fake name) eventually spoke out against the tirade of abuse, but shockingly only three of her tormentors were brought to justice. William Hanna, a teacher at a school, his partner Dianne Whitehouse, 61, and Ian McGlasson, 55, were jailed for a total of 19 years. Two other suspects would commit suicide following their arrests. Now, Paula has decided to tell her story in order to help other victims speak out as well as ask why the police failed to convict more molesters. The mother-of-two told Jeanette Oldham of the Birmingham Mail: ' I gave police the names of 137 men, many of their car registrations, I even knew where some of them worked. 'But the police told my mum that what had happened to me was so big and complex that they would only focus on the main ones.' Paula, now aged 22, was first abused in 2008 when she was raped by Nigel Greaves. The pensioner pulled up beside her in his car and called to her by name, before driving her to his house and attacking her. She was soon put under the care of a psychiatrist after walking into a children's hospital, but was too scared to reveal who her attacker was. Soon after she was groomed by Ian McGlasson on Facebook, who played on the youngster's insecurities and pretended to be a counsellor who could help her. The pair soon met for a coffee at a hotel in Birmingham, before McGlasson took her up to a room and raped her. Too scared to report yet another attack, McGlasson was able to continue grooming Paula online, where he apologised and won back her trust. He invited her to a 'weekend therapy session' at his house in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the abuse continued. A court would hear how William Hanna (left) and Diane Whitehouse abused the teenager for half a year, even filming some of their attacks live via a webcam and selling her for sex Paula tells how she was given something in her drink 'to make her sleep', waking up to find she was gagged and tied to a bed as McGlasson abused her. The abuse would go on for nearly two years, in which time McGlasson forced Paula to meet other child molesters including William Hanna, 66, and Dianna Whitehouse. The pair attacked Paula repeatedly and shared her profile on a swingers' site, which said it was unaware about her age and assisted police with the investigation. The couple, who met on a swingers' site themselves and said they thought the teenager was 18, used web cameras to stream encounters at the Etap Hotel in Birmingham. On one occasion, the court heard a stranger appeared in the room, dressed in a cat suit, and had sex with the 15-year-old. McGlasson would tell Paula how 'friends' of his wanted to meet her, threatening her with more abuse if she didn't submit. During this time Paula says she was abused by 137 paedophiles from across the UK, including a 19-year-old university student from Birmingham. She even claims to have been tasered by one man, Birmingham native Andrew Bicknell, during an attack by nine men. The victim's mother discovered the abuse after McGlasson sent her a Facebook message in which he claimed to be her daughter's boyfriend. William Hanna, his partner Dianne Whitehouse and Ian McGlasson were jailed for a total of 19 years following hearings at Birmingham Crown Court (pictured) Her suspicions roused, the mother called police and several arrests followed, including McGlasson, Hanna, Whitehouse and Bicknell, who committed suicide. Her first attacker, Nigel Greaves, would also kill himself following questioning by police officers. McGlasson, Hanna and Whitehouse would appear before Birmingham Crown Court in 2013. Hanna, of Birmingham, was found guilty of inciting a child to be involved in pornography and three charges of sexual activity with a child. Whitehouse, of Cannock, Staffordshire, was convicted of two charges of sexual activity with a chold. McGlasson, of Reading, was jailed for six years. He admitted six charges of sexual activity with a child, two of meeting a child following grooming and possessing and taking indecent images. Speaking after the case, the victim's mother said: 'I tried to get my daughter to go to the police, but she had been brainwashed good and proper. 'I am glad they were handed proper jail sentences, but I wish it had been for longer. It will never be over for us. We have to live with this every day. 'I will always be paranoid and it has permanently damaged my daughter and our family.' West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Claire Bell told MailOnline: 'We are focused on targeting offenders who perpetrate crimes against children and where there is sufficient evidence to take action we will make arrests and bring offenders to justice. 'During the course of this thorough three-year investigation a total of 15 arrests were made where the evidence supported police action. 'Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service we were satisfied that all appropriate action against the known suspects was taken. 'If new evidence has now come to light then we will of course investigate this further and encourage the victim to come forward and speak to us in confidence. 'As a force we continue to invest a significant amount of resources into training specialist officers in investigating and tackling CSE. 'As a result of this we are now seeing more people come forward and any allegations will be taken seriously. Donald Trump has said he would be happy to try US citizens at Guantanamo Bay because the country needs a 'very safe place' to keep terrorists. The proposal would require an act of Congress as it is currently illegal to try American citizens at military tribunals. The firebrand Republican presidential nominee has previously ruled out closing the Cuban detention facility. After President Obama vowed to shut the prison, Trump claimed he would reverse that decision and instead 'load it up with bad dudes.' Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said he would try US citizens at Guantanamo Bay because the country needs a 'very safe place' to cage terrorists Infamous prison: There are currently 76 detainees still held at the Cuban detention facility In an interview with the Miami Herald newspaper Trump said it would be 'fine' to try Americans at the center as he wanted to ensure the US has a 'safe place' to keep a 'radical Islamic terrorist'. 'I would say they could be tried there, that would be fine', he said. 'I know that they want to try them in our regular court systems, and I don't like that at all. I don't like that at all.' The Republican presidential nominee has ruled out closing the Cuban detention facility He accused Obama of releasing 'terrible people' from the prison, as well as calling him the 'founder of ISIS'. After extensive security reviews, Obama has transferred dozens of detainees to other countries as he works to shut down the prison, one of his long-standing goals. There are currently 76 detainees still held at the Cuban prison, of which 34 are cleared to be transferred to other countries. Trump has previously criticized President Obamas efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay Trump criticized the President for wanting to try terrorist suspects in traditional courts. He said: 'He's allowing people to get out that are terrible people. He's allowing a lot of people out of Guantanamo that should not be released.' Passengers including children hit their heads against the cabin roof and others were violently thrown from their seats when a JetBlue plane hit such severe turbulence, it plunged '50 stories like an out of control elevator'. Horrified passengers say they saw people 'floating' and 'bouncing' around and hitting the cabin so hard, they left dents in the roof and overhead compartments. The flight from Boston to Sacramento was forced to divert to an airport in Rapid City, South Dakota during the mid-air drama that left 24 people - 22 passengers and two flight attendants - needing medical help. Medical help: A flight attendant in a neck brace is removed from the JetBlue plane by a paramedic as shocked passengers look on The turbulence was so severe, a toilet was completely ripped from its housing Hospital staff say 22 passengers and two crew were treated for injuries following the incident before Flight 429 was forced to land at 7.30pm on Thursday. One flight attendant suffered concussion and neck injuries, said witnesses who also saw up to 10 people floating from their seats and cracking their heads against the cabin interior - including the overhead lockers. One passenger said he overheard that the plane fell 3,000-4,000ft in one go. Passenger Derek Lindahl wrote on his Twitter account: 'Flight attendant was in galley during incident. Hit her head on ceiling and completely dislodged panel. Cuts, neck injury and concussion.' He added that a woman in front of him rose two feet into the air because she wasn't wearing a seat belt. He grabbed her to hold her to the seat. He also said he'd overheard that 'a wild weather pocket caused a downdraft' that caused the plane to 'fall 3,000-4,000ft in one shot'. Other passengers told KCRA TV how luggage fell from the overhead bins and anything people had not secured - laptops, food, drinks, shoes - went flying. Rhonda Lynam, from Pebble Beach, California, told MailOnline that she thought she was going to die as the plane plunged. Ms Lynam and her mother Therese, who both suffered neck problems and were treated in a nearby hospital after landing. Passenger Rhonda Lynam's mother Therese, in green, with a hospital worker, was in a neck brace at the hospital following the incident. Ms Lynam praised hospital staff for their care A photograph from inside the plane appears to show damage to the overhead luggage lockers after people floated up and hit their heads during severe turbulence In horrifying detail, Ms Lynam told DailyMail.com: 'We were told to keep our seat belts on because we have heavy turbulence. 'While we were bouncing around for half an hour, it seemed to get worse outside. It was bad. The lights went out in the cabin. 'Then it was like boom! It was dropping 25, 50 stories, like an out of control elevator. 'While we were going down, people were floating. This kid, I could see him - this is not really happening, I thought - he was up in the air. He hit his head. There was a big dent (in the roof). 'One of the girls told me she literally flew out of her seat belt. The overhead compartment where we were had another big dent from a passenger.' Ms Lynam estimated she saw between six and ten people hit the roof. Little kids were screaming. 'It was just like a movie. What you see in the movie is the exact same thing. We were like, that's it (we're dead). It was just so surreal. You couldn't believe it was happening. 'There are a lot of neck injuries. A lot of people with heart problems.' She said she saw at least eight to ten people in neck braces at the hospital later. One stewardess had suffered neck problems and concussion, she added. Eileen Lynch said: It felt like I was in a tower of terror. We just dropped.... without a warning.' Another passenger Candace Sousa said: 'The captain said we would be hitting something. you could tell there were storm clouds outside. 'The flight attendants were seriously hurt. One of them hitting the ceiling and actually broke part of the ceiling.' Passenger Jason Layne praised Rapid City PD and the fire department for their 'hard work and kindness'. Police brought crayons and coloring books to keep children entertained while the plane was grounded in Rapid City Waiting: Passengers from JetBlue Flight 429 wait at Rapid City in South Dakota ABC News reported that a spokesman for Rapid City Regional Hospital said 24 people from the flight were treated and released, all with minor injuries. He also said there was damage to the inside of the plane, including cracks in the overhead bins. Passengers praised JetBlue crew and emergency service son the ground in Rapid City. Mr Lindahl said: 'Even though all flight crew were injured in some way, as far as I know, they all maintained their calm and never cracked.' In a statement, JetBlue said: 'The flight diverted to Rapid City, South Dakota, and arrived safely at the gate at approximately 7.30pm local time. Two thugs who were high on drugs as they brutally battered a homeless man to death using a hammer before setting his tent on fire have been jailed for life. Daniel Smith, 23, suffered an 'appalling catalogue of injuries' after he was attacked where he was sleeping under railway arches in Salford, Manchester. He was targeted by thugs Luke Benson and Adam Acton, both 25, after he woke from a drunken nap and urinated on the bedding of another rough sleeper. His actions angered Benson, who was also Mr Smith's friend, and the violent bully punched him unconscious on the night of January 19 this year. Luke Benson (left) and Adam Acton (right), both 25, attacked Mr Smith after he woke from a drunken nap and urinated on the bedding of another rough sleeper The pair were high on Spice - a potent drug likened to synthetic cannabis - when they launched the frenzied attack. And over the next hew hours Benson and Acton punched, kicked and stamped on Mr Smith's helpless body, attacking him with a rounders bat, hammer and broomstick. The killing was witnessed by a number of their friends, but the group were so affected by drink and drugs and hardened by life on the streets that many acted as if it was normal or laughed, joked and bragged about Daniel's suffering. After the attack the group then split up and went off to buy more Spice - which was outlawed in April this year. When they returned Mr Smith was dead and the group then discussed how to dispose of his body, before Benson set the tent alight and the group fled. A memorial to pay tribute to Daniel Smith (pictured) has been left close to scene in Manchester Daniel Smith (pictured) suffered an 'appalling catalogue of injuries' after he was attacked But they left key items behind - including Mr Smith's bent SIM card - and were caught by police, who pieced together CCTV and forensic evidence. The pair had denied murder but were convicted after 18 hours of jury deliberation at Manchester Crown Court. Benson, who has links to Sale in Manchester, was jailed for 21 years. Acton, from the nearby Denton area, must serve a minimum of 22 years, after also admitting attempting to pervert the course of justice. Connor Cain, then aged 16, who tried to help the killers cover up in the aftermath, later told police 'I was Spiced out of my mind'. He was sentenced to 12 months youth detention, while Acton's 27-year-old girlfriend, Amanda Briggs, who also participated in the attempted cover-up, was jailed for 18 months. Both admitted doing an act intended to pervert the course of justice. Mr Smith, a rough sleeper who had drifted from Edinburgh to London and then back to Manchester, was among a group of young homeless people who socialised together in a disused workshop under the arches near Salford Central station. Connor Cain (right) was sentenced to 12 months, while Acton's 27-year-old girlfriend Amanda Briggs (left) was jailed for 18 months. In her sentencing remarks, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb described Spice as 'pernicious drug' which expert evidence had linked, particularly when combined with alcohol, to 'violent behaviour, impaired judgement, paranoia and aggression'. Sending them down, the High Court judge said Benson and Acton had subjected Daniel to 'fearsome violence' and that he suffered a 'merciless and dreadful death'. Superintendent Emily Higham said: 'Benson and Acton subjected Daniel to a sustained, violent and sickening assault before setting fire to him in an attempt to hide what they had done. 'Briggs and Caine then tried to help them cover up their horrifying actions and hide information about their crimes from police. 'While this sentence can never make up for what this man's family have lost, I hope it can help bring some closure to them after this tragic attack. Fully qualified bus driver Peter Kennedy, 45, of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, applied for a job with Arriva A British bus driver who applied for a job in Hertfordshire with a transport firm claims he was refused an interview because he is not Romanian. Fully qualified bus driver Peter Kennedy, 45, of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, applied for a job with Arriva after seeing an advert saying 'EU bus drivers wanted.' The married man, who works for a delivery firm on a zero-hours contract, was prepared to move 150 miles south from his home to Watford. Separately today, the company was also accused of exploiting its Romanian drivers by providing them with cramped living conditions. Mr Kennedy had been invited for an interview - but the day before this was due to take place, he received an email from the bus firm to tell him their recruitment drive was only for Romanians. 'Ive been looking for a job driving for ages, so was delighted when I saw the advert, he said. I was all set for the interview when they told me all the posts had been filled by Romanian drivers. Its totally wrong if British workers arent able to apply for jobs in this country. According to Mr Kennedy, the Arriva job advert said they were seeking 30 drivers to work 38 hours a week in Watford and accommodation would also be provided. He said it required a category D driving licence, you had to be an European Union citizen, have one year's experience and be able to speak English. There was also other requirements to clear police and medical checks. Applications: The job advert for Arriva said they were looking for 'EU bus drivers' (file photo) On the buses: Arriva's recruitment policy has angered Mr Kennedy who believes the firm made up their minds before publishing the advert (file picture) But Mr Kennedy then received an email from a member of staff at recruitment agency Skills Provision on August 2 titled 'The British Bus Driver', which told him the interview was cancelled. In the email, a response from an Arriva general manager for London was copied, and it read: 'The programme we have set up for the Romanians fills my requirement here at Watford.' Arriva's recruitment policy has angered Mr Kennedy who believes the firm made up their minds before publishing the advert. He said: 'Honest workers like me aren't even getting a chance.' Honest workers like me aren't even getting a chance Peter Kennedy An Arriva spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Arriva provides thousands of bus journeys every day to passengers across the UK. 'We look for the best candidates from the UK and, from time to time, overseas, to provide these essential services. 'We are proud to have an extremely diverse workforce and we welcome applications from anyone who is interested in a career with us, and who can demonstrate the right skills for the job. 'Any candidates from overseas have to meet the same selection criteria as those of British residency, and they receive the same levels of pay and terms and conditions of employment.' Arriva is accused of exploiting its Romanian drivers by 'providing them with cramped living conditions' One of Britains biggest bus companies was today accused of exploiting its Romanian drivers by providing them with cramped living conditions. Carmen Stroe, 52, from Galati in Romania, said she paid Arriva 100 a week to live in a tiny three-bed house where she had to share a toilet with six other people. The former driver said there were two people to each bedroom and one person sleeping on the sofa in the communal area. Unimpressed: Carmen Stroe, 52, from Galati in Romania, said she paid Arriva 100 a week to live in a tiny three-bed house where she had to share a toilet with six other people They were also forced to share one bathroom and 5kg washing machine between them. She said: We have one bathroom between seven of us so the mornings can be difficult. I was so happy to come here - I wanted to know about England. I love it here, and I love the people. I feel like Arriva did not give me a chance. Ms Stroe was one of 17 Romanian immigrants who got a job working for Arriva busses and was shipped to the UK through an agency. Before arriving she had a Skype interview where she claims Arriva told her she would have to learn just one bus route. But on arrival she claims she was expected to drive all 11 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Many off the drivers spoke very little English and who would often have to ask bus passengers for directions, she said. Ms Stroe, a driver with seven years experience in her native country, was let go last week after failing her probation period and has since returned to work in Romania. The former driver said there were two people to each bedroom and one person sleeping on the sofa in the communal area (file picture) The grandmother, who has a 25-year-old daughter and a five-year-old granddaughter living in Romania, said: I am very sad. I came here to make a better life for my family and I dont want to go home. But I have had a bad experience and I am worried that it might happen to someone else. Arriva, which employs more than 30,000 staff across Europe and operates hundreds of routes in the UK, denies the claim. They say they would not employ drivers without knowledge of the language, and that they in fact subsidise the Romanian drivers living costs. A spokesman said: The 100 per week is absolutely correct but we hire houses through a property agent who covers the legal aspects on our behalf. The cost of housing our Romanian colleagues is in excess of 2,500 per month since we pay for all utilities including wi-fi, beds and bed linen, council tax. The only thing we do not pay for is food. This house therefore paid 2,400 per month since there were six people in total, but we pay a minimum of 2,500 for everything to keep the house for a minimum of six months - this obviously varies according to the use of utilities. We do not sub-let - we just take a contribution towards the total which also helps show commitment to us on the drivers behalf. The vast majority are happy with this especially against the cost of renting privately themselves. Speaking about her dismissal, a spokesman said: Ms Stroe started on probation initially, as we do with all new drivers, which means that during this period we train, acclimatise and assess our new recruits. In Ms Stroes case she did come to the depot to take part in the acclimatisation training but did not attend the classes, meaning that she could not pass the test that we perform on route knowledge etc, potentially putting our customers at risk. She was making no progress as a result, essentially. Speaking of the Skype interview they said: This was never the case - all our initial conversations on Skype were to some extent scripted. It was made clear that they would be trained for multiple routes and a good level of English was therefore required. A teenager facing manslaughter charges for the death of a Queensland toddler, has been granted bail despite telling an informant he planned to leave the state. Ryan Robert Barry Hodson, 17, is facing manslaughter charges for the death of Mason Jet Lee, along with the toddler's mother Anne Maree Lee and stepfather William Andrew O'Sullivan. The toddler died from severe injuries and was found in a home in Caboolture on June 11. Scroll down for video A teenager facing manslaughter charges for the death of a Queensland toddler (pictured), has been granted bail despite telling an informant he planned to leave the state Caboolture Magistrates Court previously heard Hodson refused on multiple occasions to get the child medical attention, telling one person who said the toddler needed a doctor to 'f*** your mouth up, it's not our business, it's not our problem'. He is also said to have told another person he wouldn't take Mason to see a doctor because he 'wasn't his child'. He is also said to have been present when the toddler was taken to McDonalds at 3am, days before he died on June 7. Ryan Dodson (pictured), 17, has been granted bail after applying for the second time in two weeks. He told the court he was 'petrified' of going to jail and feared being assaulted Hodson is heard directing the toddler on a neighbour's CCTV footage, after returning home with the fast food, saying 'Come on c***, you walk like a spastic.' 'Hurry up and grab your f***ing bottle. Mason, get here if you want your f***ing bottle,' he's alleged to have said. Hodson was granted bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Friday after the Department of Public Prosecutions could not justify why he should be kept in custody until a prospective trial. Crown prosecutor Sam Bain had argued Hodson was at risk of not appearing at future courts dates as he had told an informant at the Caboolture Watchhouse he planned to move to NSW to avoid the charge. But Justice David Jackson noted Hodson's age and the possible harm of keeping a young person in custody until at least the second half of 2017. '(Hodson) is, when all is said and done, a 17-year-old young man,' Justice Jackson said. Mr Bain said Hodson was also at risk of interfering with witnesses including his girlfriend who has given evidence she told Hodson that Mason looked unwell and needed help. But Justice Jackson found there was no significant risk if conditions were put in place to stop Hodson from talking to her. Justice Jackson also questioned the DPP's assumption that Hodson would be safer in custody given a prisoner had been recently attacked in Queensland. Mason Jet Lee (pictured) was found dead at his stepfather's home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, in the early hours of June 11, covered with horrific injuries Daniel Morcombe's killer Brett Peter Cowan, who must serve at least 15 more years behind bars for boy's murder, was taken to hospital last week after an inmate reportedly threw boiling water over him. Hodson will live with his mother in Brisbane's north and be required to report to police three times a week. This is the second time Hodson had applied for bail in two weeks. Mother Anne Maree Lee (pictured) has also been charged manslaughter over her son's death When Hodson made his initial application for bail, the court heard he had refused to get medical help for Mason on numerous occasions, telling one person who had suggested a doctor 'f*** your mouth up, it's not our business, it's not our problem". While there were no allegations Hodson had physically abused Mason, he showed 'no care, compassion or consideration in any way'. Earlier in the week police prosecutor Aaron Murray said the teenager should remain in jail for his own protection. The boy's stepfather William Andrew O'Sullivan (pictured) has also been charged In Supreme Court documents ahead of his bail application on Friday, Hodson wrote: 'I am petrified of going to jail.' 'I am informed and verily (sic) believe that there have been Facebook messages that people are waiting to assault me in jail.' Hodson was at the Brisbane Correctional Centre at Wacol, and asked to return to his parent's house in Morayfield, where he said he was living at the time of Mason's death. This contradicts police claims he was living at the house in Caboolture. Court documents revealed Hodson said he knew nothing about rearing children and was never Mason's carer. While there were no allegations Hodson had physically abused Mason (pictured right with mother Anne Maree Lee on the left), he showed 'no care, compassion or consideration in any way' CCTV allegedly shows Hodson verbally abusing Mason on three separate occasions before his death, where is is said to have told him 'you walk like a spastic, hurry up and grab your f***ing bottle' and 'shut up c*** or I'm going to hit you in the head'. The prosecution claims an officer saw Hodson and his co-accused at a shopping centre with Mason looking 'unwell' about three days before his death, to which Hodson has said to officer did not tell him to get Mason any care'. The banning of 'burkinis' from Cannes beaches is a 'gift for ISIS recruiters' and is illegal, claim critics. The glamorous French seaside resort has caused outrage by banning Muslim women from wearing the beach wear. David Lisnard, the town mayor, claims the all-over swimsuits worn by some Muslim women, threatened to provoke people because of the number of terrorist attacks being carried out by ISIS. He also claimed the garments were unhygienic. The glamorous French seaside resort of Cannes has caused outrage by banning Muslim women from wearing so called 'burkinis' at the beach. Pictured is a young woman wearing one of the garments But opponents said there was no link whatsoever between the garments favoured by Muslim mothers and political violence. Herve Lavisse, president of the local section of the Human Rights League, told the newspaper Nice Matin, the move was illegal and absurd. 'This is abuse of the law and we reserve the right to take this to the courts. 'What next? Morality police like in the land of the Mullahs.' Critics say Mr Lisnard, a member of the right wing Republican Party, is trying to stir up Islamophobia. His new official ruling reads that 'access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have bathing apparel that respects good customs and secularism.' It added: 'Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order (crowds, scuffles etc) which it is necessary to prevent.' Opponents of the ban have said there was no link whatsoever between the garments favoured by Muslim mothers and political violence A City Hall official said violators risk a 38 euro (32) fine if they are caught wearing the garments. Thierry Migoule, head of municipal services in Cannes, appeared to stir up the debate by saying the town wanted to ban 'ostentatious clothing that shows an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us.' In fact he said the swimwear, which is sold in Britain by stores including Marks & Spencer, has nothing to do with with terrorist groups. Feiza Ben Mohamed, secretary general of the Federation of Muslims of the South of France, said the ban showed Cannes Council 'was not worried about the climate of Islamophobia' in the country. She said rich Saudi Arabian princesses would not be sanctioned, and instead police would humiliate 'a veiled mother who simply wants to take her children to cool off at the beach.' Ms Ben Mohamed also asked why 'religious symbols' including the Jewish Kippa and the headdresses of Christian nuns were not being banned. Last month a man linked to Islamic State killed 85 people using a lorry in Nice, which is 20 miles along the French Riviera from Cannes. Women will not be allowed to wear the swimsuits on the beaches of Cannes, pictured, the glamorous French resort Thirty of his victims were Muslims, and the first to die was a grandmother of seven who regularly wore a veil. The beach at Cannes - which is best known for its annual film festival - has been enjoyed by numerous international stars over the decades, from Brigitte Bardot to Angelina Jolie. It was at the forefront of the liberal revolution in the 1960s and 70s, when women started to sunbathe topless for the first time. Now some politicians and social commentators argue that modesty in public places goes against the secular values of France. French soldiers patrol the promenade in Cannes after security was stepped up following a string of ISIS attacks Stephane Ravier, of the far-right National Front, said earlier this month that 'a certain number of Muslims are deciding among themselves to break away from our Republican model and put themselves outside our society.' Mr Ravier was responding to a waterpark in nearby Marseille cancelling plans for a 'burkini party' in September. France also has a law, which came into force in 2011, that means women who wear full-face veils in public can be fined around 130. There have been arrests and convictions in France, but attempts to enforce the ban have also sparked disturbances, including a riot in the Paris suburb of Trappes. A young man had his friends put on balaclavas, pull his terrified girlfriend out of his car and shove her face-down on the ground - all so that he could propose to her. Unsuspecting girlfriend Alexandra thought she was just going out for a car ride with her boyfriend Vlad Lungu and was clearly not expecting the 'police ambush'. Vlad was driving the car and she was sitting in the passenger seat as they drove down the quiet street in his native city of Brasov in central Romania. What was he thinking? Vlad Lungu staged a police ambush on his girlfriend Alexandra in his native city of Brasov in central Romania This is not how you treat a lady: After pulling her out of the car the fake police shoved her against the ground and shouted at her Three friends dressed as policemen and wearing balaclavas were waiting for them next to a fake white 'police' van. They stopped the car and announced that they were going to carry out a search. Alexandra was then pulled out of the car and forced onto the tarmac. Her face was shoved against the ground and her chin can be seen pressed on the asphalt. A 'police officer' shouts: 'Do you know this man?! Do you know what he has got in the boot?!' Terrifying moment: Vlad Lungu had told his girlfriend that they were going for a drive before he surprised her One in a million: He wrote the Romanian word for police on the back of the white van incorrectly spelt - 'Polita' instead of 'Politia' A day she won't forget: The terrified woman was sitting in the passenger seat as the men dressed as police officers wearing balaclavas stopped the car and announced that they were going to carry out a search Not the proposal she had in mind: As they forced her to the ground a fake police man shouted: 'Do you know this man?' The girl looks confused and terrified and does not say a word. Finally, the policeman grabs her by the neck and takes her round the back of the car, presumably so that she can look inside the open boot. But just next to the back of the car, Vlad is waiting on bended knee and ring in hand. After realising that it was all an elaborately-planned wedding proposal, Alexandra takes a few moments to recover from her fright and looks close to tears. After several seconds of laughter, Vlad eventually asks: 'Will you marry me?' and Alexandra nods and quietly says: 'Yes.' Surprise! If she wasn't already in shock... Alexandra then spotted her boyfriend down on one knee Happy ending: Vlad's bizarre proposal was complete when he showed her the ring and she fought back tears of joy The entire scene was recorded by another friend and posted on social media where it got almost 1 million views in just a few days. Vlad came up with the idea and planned the entire thing meticulously. He even made sure the scary prank was legal by having the Romanian word for police on the back of the white van incorrectly spelt - 'Polita' instead of 'Politia'. There is a law in the country that forbids anyone from writing the equivalent of 'Police' or 'Ambulance' on the back of their private vehicles. A crafty commuter found the perfect way to make sure she didnt snooze through her stop - by sticking a plea saying where to wake her up on her forehead. The woman was catching 40 winks while on a late-night service travelling from Kings Cross and fixed the handwritten note to her head using her glasses, which read Wake me up at Harpenden. Marketing intern Jordan Miguel spotted the makeshift alarm clock last week at around 11.50pm while travelling back to Mill Hill after having post-work drinks with colleagues in central London. See videos below Jordan Miguel, 21, travelling to Mill Hill, spotted this crafty commuter who was hoping someone would wake her up on the late-night service train when it arrived in Harpenden Mr Miguel, 21, said: 'I couldnt believe it when I saw the woman with the sign on her head - I must admit my first thought was "thats pretty creative". 'Someone was sat next to her and when she woke up they were having a bit of banter about it all. It is not know whether the woman was woken up at her destination 'Its not something you see every day.' Mr Miguel was even more impressed as he admitted having fallen victim to a train nap himself - and had to fork out 20 for another ticket. He added: 'One time I ended up in Brighton and had to spend another 20 to get home. It wasnt good. 'Maybe if Id have thought of that I wouldnt have slept through.' Mr Miguel doesnt know whether she woke up in time for her stop which was 25 minutes after his own, but confirmed she was awake when he got off at Mill Hill. In 2015 a social experiment was carried out in London to promote a kinder and more communal society. Passengers on a tube were put to the test on whether they would help a complete stranger who had fallen asleep. The British teenager killed in Syria after joining ISIS was too scared to run away following the public execution of a fellow jihadi bride who was caught fleeing. It emerged yesterday that Kadiza Sultana, who was one of three schoolgirls from east London who fled to Syria last year, has been killed, reportedly in an airstrike. The 17-year-old is thought to be the first British female member of ISIS to die since the start of the so-called 'caliphate'. A lawyer for her family has now revealed that she was planning to escape the terror group, but was put off when another foreign bride was publicly killed. British schoolgirl Kadiza Sultana (left) who fled her home in Bethnal Green to join the terror group in Syria,has been been killed. She was deterred from fleeing after Austrian jihadi bride Samra Kesinovic (right) was publicly beaten to death Kadiza, circled, was one of three east London schoolgirls who fled to Syria last year Austrian Samra Kesinovic, 17, was killed in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa last year after travelling to Syria the previous year. Kadiza's family solicitor Tasnime Akunjee told the BBC's Newsnight: 'If ISIS were to detect and capture you, their punishment was quite brutal for trying to leave. 'In the week she was thinking about these issues, a young Austrian girl who had been caught trying to leave ISIS territory, was by all reports beaten to death publicly. 'I think Kadiza took that as a bad omen and decided not to take the risk. Asked why she wanted to leave, he added: I think she found out quite quickly that the propaganda doesnt match up with the reality. She had made some enquiries and plans off own volition but those came to nought in the end. Kadiza was just 16 when she reached Syria in February 2015 after flying from Gatwick to Turkey with her 15-year-old friends Shamima Begum and Amira Abase. The pupils from Bethnal Green Academy in East London, who were radicalised by ISIS propaganda on the internet, initially embraced their new life and agreed to marry jihadi fighters. But Kadiza became disillusioned with life in the terror group's de-facto capital of Raqqa after her new husband died and told her family she was desperate to get back to Britain. Kadiza's sister Halima is pictured speaking to her on the phone shortly before her death During strained phone calls to the family home, she told of fears she had 'zero' chance of escaping because it was impossible to cross the border. Her sister Halima Khanom, 26, last night confirmed that Kadiza had been killed by a Russian airstrike in May. She told ITV News: 'We were expecting this in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place. She is gone.' In a phone call before her death, Kadiza told her sister: 'I don't have a good feeling. I feel scared.' Asked why she felt scared, she replied: 'You know if something goes wrong, that's it. I will never be with you. 'You know the borders are closed right now, so how am I going to get out? I am not going to go through [Kurdish] territory to come out. I am never going to do that, ever.' Her sister, a projects coordinator at the Imperial War Museum, then asked her how confident she felt about getting out, to which Kadiza replied: 'Zero'. The girls flew to Tukrey and caught a bus to the border before being smuggled into Syria Kadiza's friends Amira Base (left) and Shamima Begum (right) are thought to be alive BRITISH TEENAGERS NOW BEING TOLD TO CARRY OUT TERROR ATTACKS IN THE UK British youngsters being groomed by online extremists are no longer being encouraged to travel to Syria, an expert has warned. Instead, ISIS agents are telling their easily-influenced followers to carry out terror attacks in the UK. Sara Khan, the director of Inspire, a counter extremism and women's rights organisation, told the BBC's Today programme: If you look at what Daesh (ISIS) propaganda is saying now, theyre not actually encouraging travel now. 'They are actively saying commit atrocities in the countries that you're living in, so the message has changed and we know that there have been several attempts of young British Muslims attempting to commit acts of terror in London in the UK, so the message has changed, and we're seeing that again in Paris, France and other places as well. That propaganda is reaching thousands of young Muslims and I think we underestimate the extent, the reach, the influence of Daesh propaganda.' Advertisement Kadiza then asks to speak to their mother, but the call ends before she gets the chance. Speaking after the phone call, Halima said: 'She sounds very terrified. She did get very emotional as well. I feel really helpless. What can I do? It's really hard. 'I don't think she's ever made a choice by herself. That was the first one and a very big one. I just look forward to the next call and that's what keeps me going. 'Things have changed. The way she used to communicate with me, the way she used to talk about things has totally changed. She's scared of being there.' This was one of the final calls Kadiza made before being killed. Her family then received a phone call from someone in Syria telling them she had died. The three girls, who were all straight A students, were pictured by airport cameras before getting into a car in Turkey to cross the border into Syria. They were unprepared for the reality of life in a war zone and had little experience of living permanently veiled and under the strict regime. Kadiza married an American IS fighter of Somali origin, who was killed while fighting the Russian-backed Syrian forces. Several months after arriving, the three girls were trained for 'special missions' - prompting fears they were to be used as suicide bombers. All three of the schoolgirls had attended Bethnal Green Academy in Tower Hamlets The journey taken by the schoolgirls: They flew from London to Istanbul and then were smuggled into Syria by bus Kadiza's death has sparked fears over the safety of her two friends and another pupil from Bethnal Green Academy. Sharmeena Begum, who is not related to Shamima but was friends with the girls, fled to Syria two months before her fellow pupils joined her. The 17-year-old is also believed to have married an IS fighter and her father Mohammad Uddin said he was shocked and deeply worried by the news. He said: 'I have had no contact with her. I last heard from her two or three months ago when she texted me to say she was okay. 'Obviously, the news about Kadiza makes me very worried. If this has happened to one of the other girls, it could have happened to my daughter as well. I'm shocked.' This is believed to be a picture of Samra Kesinovic after she travelled to Syria. She was reported used as a sex slave before trying to flee and being publicly killed The Bethnal Green schoolgirls are among more than 800 Britons who have left the UK to join IS. It is thought that at least 250 have since returned. Some have faced prosecution on arrival in Britain, with others allowed to re-enter society under the watch of security services. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan Howe told MPs last year that it was unlikely the girls would be prosecuted if they returned to Britain unless there was evidence they had committed specific crimes. Two years ago she said: 'I believe that we will be judged on how good we are, not how good-looking we are' Attention focuses on her youth and her figure-hugging business suits Boschi has been the focus of much tabloid attention since 2014 She has been depicted in a newspaper cartoon with her dress riding up Maria Boschi 35, is a trained lawyer as well as Italy's reforms minister Italian politician Maria Elena Boschi has found herself at the centre of yet another sexism row after a newspaper published a racy cartoon of her with a caption that played on the Italian word for 'thighs'. Since she was appointed as reforms minister in Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government the 35-year-old lawyer has drawn up a bill for major political reform in Italy. Yet, despite the gravity of her achievements, Boschi continues to be the focus of much tabloid criticism for her youth and photogenic looks as well as her figure-hugging business suits. When she wore an electric blue suit to Renzi's swearing in ceremony in February 2014, one newspaper said she looked like 'a Marvel superhero like Captain America'. Now the conservative press are unhappy with the dresses she's wearing. Maria Elena Boschi has drawn the attention of cartoonists since she wore this electric blue trouser suit at the swearing-in ceremony of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in February 2014 Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper published this cartoon of Boschi on their front page which showed her dressing riding up and the headline played on the Italian word for 'thighs' This week, president of Italy's lower house of parliament, Laura Boldrini, hit out after Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper published the drawing of Boschi that shows her dress riding up with the headline 'Reforms - the state of things'. WHAT IS THE 'BOSCHI BILL'? The 'Boschi bill' puts an end to a system in Italy where the two houses of Parliament have equal powers. The system often means lengthy procedures and legislative paralysis. Both houses of parliament approved the proposed reforms, which will effectively abolish the Senate as an elected chamber, in April. However, changes to Italy's 1948 republican constitution must be put to a popular referendum. PM Renzi has said the constitutional changes are the only way to strengthen political stability and end decades of revolving-door governments that have made it difficult to revive the country's debt-ridden economy. He has promised to resign if the referendum goes against him. Advertisement The use of a pun meant the headline could also be interpreted as: 'Reforms - the state of the thighs'. 'Men, enough sexism, it's 2016,' Boldrini wrote on Twitter after the newspaper published the cartoon and a headline described the women's Olympic archery team as 'chubby'. 'Bring your satire up to date as well,' wrote Boldrini, who was likened to an inflatable sex doll by a political opponent last month. Boschi has been trying to drum up support for her senate reforms at the order of PM Renzi in recent months. Responding to criticism of the Boschi cartoon, Fatto Quotidiano deputy director Stefano Feltri said it was the only thing that caused indignation on a front page that included an article calling for urgent humanitarian intervention in Syria. 'A sexist cartoon? Maybe,' wrote Feltri. 'But if my interpretation is correct - and everyone may give their own - the subject is not so much Boschi's thighs as the reaction of spectators when she speaks at political meetings.' Boschi is seen here sitting in her office in Rome. She is the Minister of Constitutional Reforms and Relations with Parliament President of Italy's lower house of parliament, Laura Boldrini, hit out after Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper published the drawing. She said 'men, enough sexism, it's 2016' Boschi, 35, is seen here in Forte dei Marmi at the beach with family in 2014 When Renzi was sworn in as prime minister on February 22, 2014, Boschi drew the attention of the press in her electric blue suit. Italy's new prime minster had just appointed eight women to his 16-person cabinet - a historic number - and his supporters were at pains to make clear his attitudes towards women are in no way related to those of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi became infamous in Italy for his sexist gags, dalliances with teenage underwear models and debauched 'Bunga Bunga' that provided the world media's headline writers with a near unending flow of material throughout his premiership. The lawyer's 'Boschi bill' puts an end to a system in Italy where the two houses of Parliament have equal powers. This photo was published on Infiltrato Boschi was appointed to Renzi's cabinet in 2014. In a historic move he made eight of his 16-person cabinet women The glamoruous MP has been the focus of much tabloid attention since becoming Minister for Reform Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has made clear his attitudes towards women are in no way related to those of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi In 2008, he raised eyebrows across Italian media and political circles when he appointed former glamour model Mara Carfagna as government spokesperson, a year after saying of her: 'If I was not already married I would have married her immediately.' He later made a grovelling public apology to his wife for 'wounding her dignity'. In 2014, the Italian press heaped criticism on Renzi's new female minsters for the outfits they wore to the swearing-in ceremony, with some stylists saying the female ministers looked like politicians at a state government swearing-in ceremony in Arkansas and needed to give Giorgio Armani a call. When Boschi wore this electric blue dress she was slammed by the Italian press. La Stampa, said the colour of the suit resembled something that might be worn by 'a Marvel superhero like Captain America' Boschi's piercingly bright blue trouser suit was singled out as the worst offender. The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera described the suit as having a colour 'unknown in nature'. Another newspaper, La Stampa, said the colour of the suit resembled something that might be worn by 'a Marvel superhero like Captain America'. La Stampa also criticised the fit of the trousers, saying they were so tight that when she bent over to sign her name, 'many were reminded of Pippa Middelton's silhouette'. The 33-year-old hit back at the time, saying: 'I believe that we will be judged on how good we are, not how good-looking we are. We need to respond to the needs of ordinary people and that is what we are doing every day.' She has surprised the stuffier corners of Italian politics in pushing through a complicated series of reforms to the country's Senate. In 2014 Boschi said: 'I believe that we will be judged on how good we are, not how good-looking we are' His Sikh upbringing and more conservative lifestyle were also a factor said the crime was a result of a culture shock Simardeep Singh, 31, fled to India after the assault in 2011 A taxi driver who fled to India a day after he raped a female passenger and indecently assaulted another in Perth has been jailed for five-and-a-half years. Simardeep Singh, 31, was a Swan Taxis driver when he picked up a 20-year-old woman in January 2011. During the journey he rubbed her leg and asked her questions about her sex life. About an hour later, Singh picked up two women and after he dropped off one of them, stopped at a park, claiming he needed to check something with his car. Simardeep Singh, 31, fled to India a day after he raped a female passenger and indecently assaulted another in Perth in 2011 before being extradited back last year The taxi driver has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years behind bars (stock photo) The 18-year-old victim was sitting on a bench when Singh pinned her down and raped her. It was submitted in Singh's defence that his Sikh upbringing and cultural factors led to his offending. Judge Troy Sweeney accepted Singh had a culture shock when he came to Australia in 2008 because women in his homeland dressed more conservatively and there was no sex education. Singh was also exposed to prostitutes and drunk passengers through his work as a taxi driver in WA, the court heard. The 18-year-old victim reported the attack to police but Singh was released after questioning pending further inquiries. Singh then fled to India and was not extradited back to Perth until last year. He pleaded guilty in the West Australian District Court on Friday to sexual penetration without consent and two counts of indecent assault. In a victim impact statement, the first woman said she had never been more scared in her life, felt paralysed at the time and dirty afterwards. An 18-year-old victim was sitting on a bench when Singh pinned her down and raped and he rubbed a 20-year-old's leg and asked her questions about her sex life (stock photo) While Judge Sweeney accepted Singh's views about women were not uncommon in India, she also noted attitudes were being challenged and there was a lot of international attention on the issue. Judge Sweeney noted prison would be more difficult for Singh because his parents and wife, who he married after these offences were committed, were not in Australia to regularly visit him. But she said people placed trust in taxi drivers to get them home safely, especially when they had been drinking. Singh must serve a minimum of three-and-a-half years behind bars before he will be eligible for parole and is then likely to be deported. Outside court, the victims said no sentence could ever be enough because they had to live with what happened to them forever. A white helmeted volunteer who became a hero two years ago when he pulled a two-month-old baby from the rubble in the war-wrecked city of Aleppo in Syria has himself been killed in an air strike. It comes after fresh allegations that the Assad regime was using chlorine against civilians in Aleppo. Khaled Omar, a member of Syria's Civil Defence volunteers, was pictured kissing baby Mahmud Ibildi after rescuing him from a bombed building where he had been trapped with his mother for 16 hours. But yesterday Omar, 31, was killed while trying to rescue more people in the rubble of a bombed-out building in Aleppo. In July 2014 Khaled Omar rescued Mahmoud Idilbi and his mother from their bombed out home in Aleppo. He is pictured visiting the child a few days later The White Helmets - a Twitter account set up by the 2,900-strong Syrian Civil Defence volunteers - announced his death: 'Mourning the loss of Khaled Omar. He saved countless lives, including the 'miracle baby'. #sothatothersmaylive.' Twitter user Abdulwahab Al Qaisi responded: 'He is a real hero and may Almighty Allah shower him with his mercy, forgiveness, and accepts him among martyrs.' In an interview with Vocativ after rescuing baby Mahmud in 2014 Omar said: 'There are many stories about working from the morning to the evening trying to save children. The only difference is this rescue was caught on film.' Russia's Defence Ministry released these images of Tupolev T-22M3 planes dropping bombs over Syria. They did not say who they were targeting but Russia has begun pausing air strikes for three-hour periods in Aleppo Yesterday was the first day of a promised Russian aid window but the UN said the three-hour pauses between air strikes was not enough time to bring in relief for the city's desperate residents. As Moscow pledged to pause strikes around Syria's second city it carried out raids further east on the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, killing 24 civilians. Last weekend rebels fighting the government of Russian-backed dictator Bashar al-Assad said they had broken the siege of Aleppo. People gather to buy fresh produce that was brought into rebel held areas of Aleppo by private traders yesterday. They were taking advantage of a pause in Russian air strikes But almost immediately Russian fighter jets were brought in to bomb rebel positions, which are within yards of residential areas. Yesterday Russia began three-hour pauses in air strikes which it said were designed to allow aid to get into the city. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said: 'Any pause obviously should always be seen and looked at with great interest, because a pause means no fighting, but three hours is not enough.' Civilians breathe through oxygen masks at al-Quds hospital in Aleppo after gas, believed to be chlorine, was dropped alongside barrel bombs on a neighbourhood of the Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday Jan Egeland, who heads the UN-backed Syria humanitarian taskforce, said he was 'hopeful' talks with Russia could lead to aid entering the city. An AFP correspondent said lorries carrying food were unable to enter the city because of intense bombardment. The Assad regime was also accused of using chemical weapons in Aleppo. A mother and her two children were killed after chlorine was dropped from a helicopter. Footage also emerged of a boy lying lifeless on a bed after doctors desperately tried to save him. Another 35 children were also treated but survived. But an official from the Assad regime told CBS News the allegations of a chlorine attack had been fabricated by the rebels. An estimated 1.5 million people live in Aleppo, including about 250,000 in rebel-held districts. Advertisement Families will head to the sunny beaches of Britain this weekend as we prepare for 31C weather next week. Balmy temperatures of 24C are expected on Saturday and Sunday with the mercury rising further into Monday. And when the Spanish plume arrives with warm air from the continent on Tuesday we could enjoy 30C weather which will make parts of the country hotter than Morocco and Tenerife. But forecasters warn the wall-to-wall sunshine will be short lived as thunderstorms crash in by Wednesday. Surf's up: Professional surfer Laura Crane, 21, enjoys the sun and surf at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, today Sunbathing: Ms Crane enjoys soaking up the sun at Fistral Beach in Newquay today as Britain prepares for a warm weekend Bikini weather: Members of the public relax on the beach in Brighton as warm weather hits the seaside resort today Beach time: Members of the public enjoy the hot sunny weather on the packed beach at Goodrington in Devon today Zoe-Ella West, five, and Jake West, nine, enjoy their ice creams at the Urban London Beach at the Royal Docks in London Taking care: Families cross the stepping stones across the River Dove at Dovedale in the Peak District today Tunes: A woman sits back with a hot drink as she sunbathes during the warm weather in St James's Park today Today is expected to be dry in most areas with sunny spells, but there will be rain in the North this afternoon. There is even a Met Office weather warning in place for up to six inches of rain in North West Scotland today. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with the odd shower in the West but dry in other areas with a little sunshine. Sunday will be dry with the chance of some sunshine before Monday is dry and fine with plenty of sunshine. Incoming: The plume will bring very warm arm from Spain which will reach Britain on a southerly airflow Forecast: Today is bright in parts, while tomorrow and Sunday will bring the chance of some sunshine in southern areas European outlook: The Spanish plume will bring warm weather north, and it is expected to reach Britain by about Tuesday MetDesk forecasters expect a top temperature of up to 30C locally on Tuesday, with the high-20s across much of England Sandals off: Men and women enjoy the warm weather and a day on the beach at Paignton in Devon today Time to relax: Two women sunbathe during the warm weather this morning at St James's Park in London Sandcastles: Aylin Lejmi, three, plays on the beach at the Urban London Beach at the Royal Docks in East London today Met Office forecaster Madi Burgess told MailOnline today: The general trend looking ahead into the beginning of next week for temperatures to increase with the peak of the temperatures next Tuesday. Saturday across the UK you're looking at high teens into low 20s with maximums of around 24C in the South East. On Sunday, similar temperatures again - you're looking at 23 to 24C again. Then as they increase into Monday and Tuesday, you're reaching highs of around mid-20s, high-20s - even the possibility of 30C in the South on Tuesday. By Tuesday you're looking at wall-to-wall sunshine. The high pressure dominating across parts of Europe is building into the UK and with that its going to bring in that dry air across the continent at the time. Then all the heat will build up to bring a thundery breakdown by Wednesday. Tuesday night into Wednesday we're looking at thunderstorms and then that will then again bring more changeable weather. Little space available: Members of the public enjoy the sunny weather on the packed beach at Goodrington in Devon today A child cools down in the River Dove as Britons enjoy the rise in temperatures at Dovedale in the Peak District today Mind the gaps: Adults and children cross the stepping stones across the River Dove at Dovedale in the Peak District today People enjoy the hot weather in the Wye Valley on the England-Wales border as the UK prepares for a pleasant weekend Relaxing: Alejaflak and Alejandra sunbathe during the hot and sunny weather today in Green Park in London Low cloud conditions in Bristol have grounded the planned mass ascent of hot air balloons in the International Fiesta today The pilots and crews at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have been forced to tether to the ground at Ashton Court Estate Forecasters believed earlier this week that Britains 2016 high of 33.5C set in Oxfordshire on July 19 could have been broken on Tuesday, but this now seems unlikely. The UK record of 38.5C was set in Kent in August 2003. Sticky conditions will make it difficult to sleep, particularly in urban areas - and UV Levels will be high. It comes as research found that young people are careless when applying sunscreen and regularly burn in the sun. The Teenage Cancer Trust found 16 per cent of young people have been burnt more than ten times. The research suggested that a third of 13- to 24-year-olds burn their necks because they forget to apply sunscreen. Meanwhile low cloud conditions in Bristol have grounded the planned mass ascent of hot air balloons in the International Fiesta - and forced the pilots and crews to fly tethered at Ashton Court Estate instead. This is the terrifying moment a mob of Calais migrant wielding metal bars rolled a tree in front of a British driver's van in a bid to ambush him. Glen Shadbolt, 39, managed to escape the trap by driving his 3.5 tonne Sprinter van over the obstacle only to see motorists stuck behind being him being forced to stop and mugged by the gang. The horrifying incident on the dual carriageway at the French port was captured on his dashcam as he returned to the UK from a trip to Brussels on Monday. Scroll down for video British van driver Glen Shadbolt was driving through Calais on his way back to the UK when he was ambushed by a mob of metal bar wielding migrants On footage captured on his dashcam, one migrant can be seen walking into the road after pulling a tree over the carriage in a bid to ambush him However, Mr Shadbolt managed to escape by simply driving over the tree, forcing one of the migrants to jump out of the way at the last second Mr Shadbolt with his van outside his home in Knebworth. He described how the migrants were trying to get into lorries And today, the father-of-one from Knebworth in Hertfordshire, has described how the mob were mugging people and trying to get into lorries. He explained: 'In order to do that they stop the cars which creates a traffic jams which gives them the chance to get onto the stationary lorries. 'It was really scary. I was quite tired at the time and it definitely woke me up.' Mr Shadbolt then continued to the port where he discovered a short time later that he'd been fortunate to escape the attack unscathed. He added: 'In that situation, you have just got to forget about the damage to the vehicle, they're insured, and think about yourself. Mr Shadbolt had been driving his van on a trip back from Brussels with this family business AOG Support Other cars who were unable to drive over the tree roadblock were mugged by the migrants with this vehicle having its windscreen smashed Another car that had been travelling behind Mr Shadbolt was also targeted and suffered damage 'I just looked away and ploughed straight through. I almost ended up hitting one of them, but he got out of the way just in time when he realised I wasn't stopping. 'I was just extremely lucky that I was the first one there and I was a in a big vehicle. 'If you went over it in a car you could do yourself some serious damage, even go off the road or flip over. 'The cars behind me all stopped. They got their windows smashed in and some people got mugged.' The number of illegals caught sneaking into Britain in trucks, cars and trains has almost trebled in a year Mr Shadbolt has been travelling to Europe for 17 years with his family business, AOG Support, which delivers aircraft parts. However, the ongoing crisis means he is now considering changing his company policies to ensure there are two drivers on each job, for additional support. 'A lot of people won't go there anymore,' he said. It's only a matter of time before they start throwing stuff off motorway bridges. 'They will have to get some more police around because there's no police out there, and they have to get some control.' It is believed that more than 7,000 migrants live in Calais at the refugee camp dubbed the Jungle, pictured, as they try to make their way to the UK Meanwhile, Irshaad Dar, 46, from Walthamstow, East London, said a group of 30 to 40 migrants ambushed his car as they drove back from their holiday, a mile from the port in Calais. 'The road was full of tree branches, we couldn't move,' he told TheSun. 'All of a sudden about 30 to 40 men came out from the side of the road and began attacking our cars. 'Windows were being smashed, glass was flying everywhere and we thought we were going to die. It was terrifying.' Authorities have used 63million of British money to build razor-wire fences in an attempt to stop migrants jumping on to lorries near the port It is believed that more than 7,000 migrants live in Calais at the refugee camp dubbed the Jungle as they try to make their way to the UK. Britain's vote to leave the EU has made some migrants more determined to cross the Channel before any changes to the current border controls. Authorities have used 63million of British money to build razor-wire fences in an attempt to stop migrants jumping on to lorries near the port. This buffalo had no regard for the food chain or animal hierarchy when he chased two lions away from his prime spot on a mound of earth sprouting up from the dry savannah. The moment this gutsy buffalo asserted his authority was captured by amateur photographer Simon Beevers. Originally from Plymouth, Beevers, 47, now lives in Johannesburg. He took these photos in February whilst on a photographic safari in Kenya and was a mere 50 metres from the action. A buffalo appears out of the blue forcing the stunned pair to scatter from the prime patch All hail the new king. The victorious buffalo returns to the mound of earth the lions were resting on It's too hot to hunt today. The sleepy lions were sunbathing on a mound of earth minding their own business before the attack Lions usually feast upon buffalo but this beast turned the food chain on its head The beast gets closer to the shocked duo who scamper away without a fight or even a roar. A beautiful lilac breasted roller flying can be seen flying over head in the top right hand corner Savannah type buffalo can weigh up to 900 kg so the lions had every right to fear the rampaging bovine Forced to the spit. The imposing horned beast separates the young males Don't tell anyone in the pride about this! The thick set creature makes sure the lions won't come back, at least for a while He said: 'The lions were enjoying the early morning sun on a mound of earth before the buffalo came and chased them off. 'They didn't put up a fight initially. Once they were off the mound they put up a little show but the buffalo was not at all intimidated. 'They ran back past the buffalo and one of them managed to return to the mound. 'There was never any danger to myself, but the lions could have been gored to death.' Buffalo are commonly hunted and eaten by lions in the savannah but the herbivore, with is tusks and thick set body, could have easily killed this seemingly young pair. However, with the rest of the pride close by the beast could have fallen foul to an attack from other lions who were resting near the mound, according to Beevers. 'The rest of the pride were also close by so the buffalo could have perhaps been in danger too. 'I was really happy when I saw the images, to have captured two of Africa's big five, both of whom were capable of killing each other. Not only do the photos show the rare occasion a buffalo triumphed over the widely considered 'king of the jungle' they also document the moment without obstruction. Buffaloes are normally grazing in long vegetation, that covers their bodies, and not in open expanses as in this instance. 'I've seen lions hunt buffalo before and even seen buffalo chase lions, but it's always in thick vegetation. 'These photos are unique for me as the event happened out in the open where you could see the whole scene play out. 'I love the fact that the so called king of the jungle is running away scared in these photos. Psychiatrist Nadir Omara is facing a medical standards hearing for calling women at an addiction clinic and making lewd comments A former Harley Street doctor bombarded female colleagues with lewd and 'heaving breathing' phone calls at 2am after he got drunk following a wedding anniversary meal with his wife, a tribunal has heard. Consultant psychiatrist Nadir Omara, 49, is said to have rang two women a total of 20 times during their night shifts at a clinic after he drank up to five double whiskies in front of a movie whilst his spouse was asleep in bed. During one call, Omara told one of the support workers 'I want you to open your legs' before 'huffing and puffing' as if carrying out a sex act, the hearing was told. Police were called in after the women - called Miss A and Miss B in court - complained of being frightened, upset and shocked by the sexually explicit calls between 1.20am and 2.30am at the Abbeycare addiction treatment centre, near Newmarket, Suffolk. One of the women recognised the voice of Omara - an expert in treating addictions - and he was arrested the following day. He claimed he was only ringing the clinic as he needed medication and was 'burping and retching' at the time of the calls. But last February he was jailed for 12 weeks after a court hearing at which he fainted in the dock when he was told he was going to prison. He was subsequently referred to the General Medical Council. The Medical Practioners Tribunal Service in Manchester this week was told that the incident occurred in November last year after Omara, from Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, had been out for dinner with his wife. The clinic is an independent drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit where people can ring any hour of the day to seek help and Omara would assess suitability of patients who needed help on detoxification programmes. The calls were made to the Abbeycare addiction treatment centre, near Newmarket, Suffolk Counsel for the GMC, Nicholas Walker said: 'Shortly after 1am the first phone call came and it was silent. The second call followed but it was not until 1:20 he spoke to Miss A. He asked Miss A what she was doing and introduced himself as James and told her he was watching a bad film. 'Miss A asked what he wanted and he said "I want you to open your legs". Miss A told Dr Omara she was not going to be spoke to like that and put the phone down. He rung back and said he was a bad person, told her she didn't know what he had done and asked her to open her legs once more. She put the phone down but felt obliged to keep answering it in case a patient rung. 'She feared a genuine patient would call and she would not be able to deal with it. In his next call to her he told her he wanted her to 'make him come'. By 2:30am the phone has rung almost continuously and consistently. In that period Miss A thought it was about 20 times. 'She described those calls as vulgar and depressing and she had made a note of the number. She was frightened and upset and she went to wake Miss B and handed her the telephone. 'Miss B knew Dr Omara, she was able to describe him as being breathless, excited and panting, moaning and groaning, she said it sounded like he was masturbating. He was huffing and puffing and Miss B terminated the call and the doctor phoned back a further five or six times. 'Miss B recognised the number as there was a white board in the general office at the unit which has written on the doctors' telephone number.' A criminal case relating to the doctor's behaviour heard he was watching Hollywood film American Hustle at the time he made the calls Mr Walker added: 'There were 18 calls between 2:25 and 2:54am. The police, through the telephone and the details of the doctor, were able to trace him and he was arrested the next day and interviewed. He said it was his anniversary and he had enjoyed a meal with his wife. He said that he had stayed downstairs after the meal to finish a film, whereas she went to bed without him. 'He denied the offences in their entirety, he said rather than this vulgar and abusive pattern of telephone calls, he had phoned the unit but that he was unwell due to drinking alcohol he had bought that night. 'He was unable to say exactly how much he had drunk but it was a good portion of a bottle of whiskey. He thought it was a medical emergency. He said he introduced himself as Nadir the consultant and asked for mediation to stop him exhibiting the effects of the alcohol. 'He said he called two or three times and said he had started vomiting and forgot the conversation. He said he was not masturbating but burping and retching and that there was no sexual gratification. 'He said he measured his drunkenness at seven out of 10. He said he had a very good relationship with the staff at the unit.' Mr Walker added: "This is a case where the doctor has never accepted the underlying conduct. Given the circumstances and the conviction, he was in a senior role, he was the senior practitioner, the consultant psychiatrist.. These were two people beneath him that should have been treated with the dignity and courtesy that one expects a fellow professional to extend in those circumstances." Omara was not at the MPTS hearing, which will decide whether Omara should be able to continue working in the profession. At his criminal trial in January the doctor who also worked at addiction rehabilitation charity Focus12, claimed he had bought a bottle of whiskey on his way home from the anniversary meal. After his wife went to bed, he said he began watching the film American Hustle and had 'four or five' double whiskies. Two Turkish men convicted of smuggling 500 million worth of cocaine on board a ship in the North Sea have each been jailed for at least 20 years. Mumin Sahin and Emin Ozmen were found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow after three tonnes of the Class A drug were discovered inside the MV Hamal about 100 miles off the coast of Aberdeen. The 2015 seizure is said to be the biggest single cocaine haul ever recovered at sea in Europe. Mumin Sahin (left) and Emin Ozmen (right) have been jailed for their role in a huge drug deal The massive haul of drugs found on the boat is one of the biggest in British history The drugs were found hidden in a specially-adapted secret hold in the Tanzanian-registered tugboat, which was sailing from Istanbul to Tenerife and then to the North Sea. It was stopped by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter HMC Valiant. Sahin, 47, was sentenced to 22 years while Ozmen, 51, was handed down a 20-year term at the High Court in Glasgow. Judge Lord Kinclaven told the men the quantity of drugs was 'not only significant but massive' and drugs trafficking had a 'devastating impact' on people and communities. He said: 'You were involved in a most serious operation of commercial scale involving the transportation of cocaine by ship, in an operation which crossed international and indeed intercontinental boundaries.' He told the ship's captain Sahin, he was 'not at the top of the drugs tree' but had played an important role in the offence, while second captain Ozmen's role was 'to some extent a lesser one'. Officers boarded the Hamal following a tip-off from French customs body DNRED, and once it was docked in Aberdeen they drilled through a steel plate into a secret compartment to find 128 bales of cocaine weighing 3.2 tonnes, with an estimated street value of 512 million. MV Hamal was boarded by the Royal Navy last year. Three tonnes of cocaine was onboard Tonnes of the Class-A drug were crammed in the ship's ballast tank when it was raided The ship went from the Bosporus to South America before being stopped in the North Sea The entry to the space was found under a wardrobe in one of the crew's quarters, with the opening cemented over. Sahin and Ozmen were found guilty of being concerned with the carrying and concealing of cocaine on the ship between February 20 and April 23 last year, and of being concerned in the supply of cocaine between April 21 and April 23. The men, both first offenders who have worked in the shipping industry since leaving school, continue to maintain their innocence but accept the jury's verdict. Charges against four other men were found not proven. Sahin's lawyer, Jonathan Crowe, said the married father-of-two was a 'glorified mule'. He said: 'Someone who was involved in the transportation of the drugs. Someone who was able to captain a boat. 'In regard to the drugs hierarchy, Mr Sahin is certainly not at the top of the drugs tree but somewhere further down.' The sheer amount of cocaine on the ship meant they had to be removed by a crane Police spent days going through the boat before the drugs were divided into these boxes Sahin was approached about captaining the Hamal in February 2015, the court heard. Mr Crowe said he is 'devastated' about missing out on milestones for his daughter, nine, and son, 13, and 'just wants to go home to Turkey'. Both men have not seen their families since being taken into custody in April 2015 as their families struggle to get visa approval. Ozmen's lawyer, Di Moore, said he is 'desperate' to see his family but knows that will 'remain impossible' for the foreseeable future. Speaking following today's sentencing, Scotland's Crown Agent prosecutor David Harvie said: 'The international drugs trade does not respect borders, and those of us whose job it is to dismantle it are working ever-closer together to ensure we stay one step ahead. 'Scotland's reach in pursuing criminals is on a truly global scale and in this case we have dealt a substantial economic blow to organised criminals.' Drugs were packed into every cavity in the boat, including under the floors This package of contraband was found hidden in the ship's laundry room by officers Mr Harvie added:'The Hamal was identified after an intelligence tip-off from French authorities, and swift co-operation from the Attorney General in Tanzania where the ship was registered allowed it to be boarded. 'Our investigation then stretched from Guyana, who provided access to crucial shipping records, to Spain, who gave us crucial information on the ship's stop-offs in the Canary Islands. 'We also worked with colleagues in Denmark, Norway and the United States to piece specific elements of the evidence together.' Despite strong intelligence that the Hamal was carrying a large volume of drugs, it could not be boarded in international waters by the UK authorities without the permission of the Tanzanian government - something they had never previously granted. Sue Patten, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) International Justice and Organised Crime Division, said: 'Acting quickly and precisely, the CPS criminal justice adviser in Tanzania was able get permission from the Tanzanian authorities to board the boat within 24 hours of receiving the intelligence. 'Under international maritime law, the UK cannot board a vessel in international waters which is under the flag of a foreign state unless that state gives specific legal permission to do so. Two people have been seriously injured in a shooting near a shopping centre in the northeastern Spanish city of Zaragoza, local media reported on Friday. The shooting took place around 11:00am local time outside a bar close to a shopping centre, regional newspaper El Heraldo said. It is believed to be a domestic dispute. El Confidencial newspaper reported a man shot his ex-wife and then attempted suicide. They said the man was waiting near the shopping centre when the ex-wife and his daughter pulled up in a car. One of the victims of the shooting is seen being attended to by police after they were gunned down in the street A Florida woman who once starred on the reality show ''I'm Pregnant and...55 Years Old' has been charged after police say her six-year-old son beat his newborn sister to death. News outlets report 62-year-old Kathleen Marie Steele was arrested Thursday on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect. Steele's newborn baby, also named Kathleen, was in good health Monday morning when the the mother took her to see a pediatrician, bringing along her 3- and 6-year-old sons. As they were leaving the doctor's office, Steele's oldest son dropped his mother's phone - shattering the screen, so Steele drove to a cellphone repair store in St. Petersburg to get the phone fixed. Instead of bringing her children into the store with her though, she turned the car off, rolled up the windows and left them inside alone for a half hour (temperatures went as high as 81 degrees on Monday). Scroll down for video Kathleen Marie Steele, 62 (left), has been arrested after her six-year-old son (right, at age four) beat her newborn daughter to death. Steele starred on the reality show ''I'm Pregnant and...55 Years Old' in 2010 While Steele was inside the business, the baby began crying, and Sheriff Bob Gualtiari says the 6-year-old took his sister out of her car seat and began beating her to make her stop. When officers later spoke to the boy, he immediately admitted what he had done, describing in detail how he had hurt the baby. 'I took the baby, and I slammed her like this, and slammed her down, and pushed her up into the ceiling,' Gualtiari recalled the boy saying. 'What he was talking about when he pushed her up into the ceiling, he was holding her up, then he said he was flipping her this way and flipping her that way and she would fall. The way he was describing it is he was tossing that baby around like a ragdoll,' he said. 'The best way I can describe it is, he pummeled her,' he added. In 2010, Steele and her husband starred on the reality show 'I'm Pregnant and...55 Years Old', when they were expecting their first child Steele's husband (pictured) died from cancer in 2011, but she continued to have two more children thanks to embryos they had created years earlier Gualtiari says the newborn was beaten so badly that it's likely she died in the car. 'I'm telling you, this baby's face was a mess. There was no mistaking the condition that this 13-day-old infant was in,' he said. When Steele got back into the car, the boy told her his sister was in a 'serious' condition, but his mother ignored him and went to run another errand at an Enterprise Rent-a-Car. After another half hour, the family returned home and that's when Steele called a neighbor, who is a nurse, for help. The nurse immediately realized that the infant was dead, but called 911 anyway. The baby girl, also named Kathleen Steele, was officially pronounced dead at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Gualtiari says the girl had probably been dead hours by the time her mother noticed. Phil and Kathleen Steele are pictured above on the reality show. The could got married when they were in their mid-40s. Steele became pregnant in January 2009 with embryos she and her husband made when they were first married in their mid 40s. Above, Steele on the reality show An autopsy showed the girl sustained head trauma and had multiple skull fractures. It's unclear if Steele has an attorney. Because of the boy's age, he will not be charged in his sister's death. His school district confirmed that he would not be returning to Lakewood Elementary in the fall. In 2010, Steele and her husband appeared on the show 'I'm Pregnant and...55 Years Old', when they were expecting their first son. On the show, Steele explained that she had tried and failed to get pregnant for several years, suffering multiple miscarriages. Sheriff Bob Gualtiari demonstrates how the boy slammed his sister on the floor of the car to silence her when she started to cry 'I was going to try no matter what,' she explained on the show. 'We had been trying too long and lost many. You're sort of in denial.' She added: 'I'm not a quitter. I don't like to fail. I tend to be an over-achiever and a perfectionist.' The financial advisor's husband died a year later of cancer, but she conceived a son three years later, and her daughter, with this frozen sperm. Police say the insemination procedure was performed by a doctor in New York City. Gualtiari condemned the practice, saying it's troubling 'that some supposed medical professional agrees to impregnate a 62-year-old woman with her dead husband's sperm - and she gives birth to a baby that, by all accounts, she's unable to adequately care for.' 'Steele made statements in the last couple days that she was not finished, and apparently there's more frozen sperm and she wants to have another baby boy. Something is seriously messed up with that,' he added. By numerous witness accounts, Kathleen Steele was an inattentive parent, and [her sons] were largely unsupervised and had very serious behavioral issues. She was [at the station] Monday night and being interviewed. For one hour into the interview, she never even asked what the kids' status was. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtiari Neighbors of the North Redington Beach family told WTSP that the 6-year-old boy was not happy to have another sibling. And just days before the baby's arrival, an accidental fire started at their home (it's unclear how the fire was started). Steele was even under investigation by the sheriff's office Child Protection Investigation Division, for an incident that happened just three days after baby Kathleen's birth. Above, the home where Steele reportedly noticed her daughter was in distress hours after the beating While the family was at a Treasure Island hotel, Steele dropped the baby from a car carrier and down a flight of stairs. The incident was ruled an accident by authorities. Sheriff Gualtiari dodged questions that they could have done more to protect the children. 'By numerous witness accounts, Kathleen Steele was an inattentive parent, and [her sons] were largely unsupervised and had very serious behavioral issues,' the sheriff said. 'She was here Monday night and being interviewed. For one hour into the interview, she never even asked what the kids' status was.' 'I'm 100 percent confident there's nothing else we could've done or should've done. We couldn't have prevented this from happening,' he said. A four-ton elephant which travelled more than 600 miles after becoming separated from its herd by floods had to be rescued in Bangladesh yesterday after almost drowning in a pond. Villagers fired a tranquiliser dart at it after it burst out of the jungle and ran amok but the exhausted and distressed female ended up charging into a pond. Local vet Sayed Hossain said: 'Hundreds of villagers came to its rescue when they saw the elephant had lost consciousness.' Cruel to be kind: The elephant was tranquilised and tied up with rope to prevent it drowning in a pond after it ran amok Forestry official Ritesh Bhattacharjee, said: 'It is so weak that it can't even lift its trunk. You can see her ribs from a distance' 'Dozens jumped into the pond and helped us tie the animal with ropes and chains. And finally, with the help of hundreds of villagers, we were able to pull it to dry ground.' Severe flooding in the state of Assam in north-east India in June caused havoc for the areas elephant herds and many of the giant animals were washed over the border into Bangladesh. The elephant staggered into this pond after a tranquiliser dart was fired at it and it was in danger of drowning Around 20 villagers came to help drag the giant creature out of the pond. It is believed to have walked or swum more than 600 miles from India Conservationist Ashit Ranjan Paul said the elephant had probably travelled at least 600 miles. A team of Bangladeshi forest officials had been on the trail of the elephant and are now hoping to take it to a safari park, where it can live out its days. But one of the officials, Ritesh Bhattacharjee, said the animal needed to rest and feed for some time to regain its strength. He said: 'It is so weak that it can't even lift its trunk. You can see her ribs from a distance.' His colleague, Tapan Kumar Dey, said: 'Since there is no paved road nearby, we'll keep the animal here and give it medicines and food. Huachuca City Mayor Ken Taylor will not be attending the conference of American and Mexican border town mayors En Ingles, por favor! The mayor of a rustic Arizona town not far from the US-Mexico border wont be attending a bilateral conference of regional American and Mexican mayors because the invitation he received from the organizing body included English and Spanish translations. Ken Taylor, the mayor of Huachuca City, angrily rejected an invite from the US-Mexico Border Mayors Association because, in his words: I will NOT attend a function that is sent to me in Spanish/Mexican'. One nation means one language and I am insulted by the division caused by language, Taylor wrote in an email to the BMAs executive director, former El Paso, Texas mayor John Cook. The BMA is an organization comprised of mayors from Mexican and American frontier towns and cities that is recognized as a leading authority on border issues and will speak with a unified voice as we make recommendations to [legislatures and Congress] that will help the Mexico and the US border region grow and prosper economically. Taylor, however, wasnt happy with the bilingual invite, according to the El Paso Times. The Border Mayors Association's bilingual email that incensed Taylor, prompting him to angrily reject an invite to the upcoming conference in Laredo, Texas Cook replied to Taylor that he would no longer trouble him with correspondence from the association that sought to attract appeal from both sides of the border. I will certainly remove you from our email list, Cook wrote to Taylor. Ours is a bi-national association with mayors from the United States and Mexico that were elected to serve border communities'. 'All of our communications are intended to inform mayors from both sides of our border about our association. The purpose of the Border Mayors Association is to speak with one voice in Washington, DC, and Mexico City about issues that impact our communities, not to speak in one language. My humble apologies if I ruffled your feathers. Taylor responded with a diatribe lamenting the way in which anything American puts other countries first. America is going 'Down Hill' fast because we spend more time catering to others that are concerned with their own self interests, the mayor wrote. It is far past time to remember that we should be 'America First' ... there is NOTHING wrong with that. My feathers are ruffled anytime I see anything American putting other countries First. If I was receiving correspondence from Mexican interests, I would expect to see them listed First. Likewise, when I see things produced from America, I EXPECT to see America First. America First is a slogan that was initially adopted by the America First Committee, a pressure group founded in 1940 whose aim was to lobby the government to stay out of the Second World War. It has since been used by the election campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. One of the central planks of Trumps campaign has been his pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border in order to stop the flow of illegal immigrants. The number of immigrants illegally crossing over the Mexican border into America has risen sharply, according to newly released figures first reported this past May. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has revealed that child migration is on par with figures from 2014. From October 2015 to March 2016, border officials stopped 27,754 unaccompanied children, representing a 78 percent jump from 15,616 apprehended in 2015, according to The Hill.com I am a Veteran who served in other Countries FOR America, Taylor wrote. I served to help protect this great nation from those who would tear us down. It has been said that If America Fails, it will be of our own hand from within. Anytime we cater to other countries by putting THEM first, we cause our own disgrace. 'I am sorry that you don't understand the importance of a bi-national association that addresses the opportunities and challenges facing both the US and Mexico in a global economy', Cook wrote back to Taylor. 'I am a volunteer with the BMA and at the risk of repeating myself will tell you the Association is about speaking with a unified voice in Washington and Mexico City. We have honored your request to be removed from our list of member cities'. Taylor replied that the BMA was more interested in promoting free trade agreements like NAFTA rather than dealing with issues like border security. Jim Chilton is seen posing on the front porch of his home in Arivaca, Arizona, a town that straddles the border with Mexico. Illegal immigration from Mexico is a hot-button issue during this political season, with GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump vowing to build a wall along the US southern border 'Giving away our sovereignty to benefit others is NOT a way to strengthen our Nation and OUR homes, it is an idea that is provably doomed to failure for the common man', Taylor wrote. 'If Mexico is NOT stopping drugs, crime, and terrorists from coming INTO our country from Mexico, then Mexico is not a friend and I don't care to help', he wrote. 'I have better things to do in fighting the problems they export to us'. 'The only thing I care to get from Mexico is an apology to our Nation in English and actual action that stops the carnage spilling over the border into our homes', Taylor wrote. Taylor declined an interview request from the media. In refusing comment, he told the El Paso Times: 'I believe in America First. When I originally joined the BMA, I was led to believe it was for securing our Borders and since realized it is a group dedicated to promoting NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) which is killing our economy'. But now the Briton has been released after posting a 530,000 bond Marrian had been denied bail earlier in the week by the chief prosecutor 4.5million worth of the drug in sugar shipment A judge in Kenya has ruled that the son of a British aristocrat accused of trafficking 4.5million worth of cocaine should be released on a 530,000 bail. Jack Marrian, 31, a sugar trader, was charged last week after police in the eastern port city of Mombasa seized 100 kilos of cocaine hidden in a sugar consignment ordered by his firm. He is set to be tried by a court over what he claims is a tampered shipment from Brazil. Jack Marrian, 31, a sugar trader, pictured today, was charged last week after police in the eastern port city of Mombasa seized 100 kilos of cocaine hidden in a sugar consignment ordered by his firm Marrian is set to be tried by a court over what he claims is a tampered shipment from Brazil Last week Kenya's chief prosecutor overturned an application to allow him to be freed on a 530,000 bail. However, High Court judge Luka Kimaru ruled today that Marrian should be released on bail of 530,000 cash, with two Kenyan sureties of similar amount. He added that the prosecution had not provided compelling enough reasons to warrant the Briton being held in custody. Marrian has protested his innocence since his arrest and his lawyer declared the courts have 'the wrong man'. High Court judge Luka Kimaru ruled today that Marrian should be released on bail of 530,000 cash, with two Kenyan sureties of similar amount The defendant is the son of Lady Emma Clare Campbell of Cawdor, 58, the daughter of the late Hugh John Vaughan Campbell, the sixth Earl Cawdor, an artist and landowner. The 31-year-old enjoyed a privileged upbringing in an affluent part of Nairobi and was educated at 35,280-a-year Marlborough College in the 1990s when the Duchess of Cambridge was a pupil. His family's relationship with Kenya dates back decades, his lawyer said, as Marrian's grandfather had served as a minister in the colonial government just before independence in 1963. His father David Marrian said he had spoken with his son every day since the arrest. Jack Marrian's aristocratic family travelled to Kenya as a 530,000 bail bond was paid The 31-year-old was charged on Thursday after police in the eastern port city of Mombasa seized 100 kilos (220 pounds) of cocaine hidden in a sugar consignment ordered by his firm He said: 'I have no doubt that Jack will be exonerated.' At a court hearing earlier this week, Magistrate Derrick Kuto said the Briton had to post a bond of 70 million shillings (530,000) with two Kenyan sureties and must surrender his passport given the seriousness of the charge, which if convicted could see him face a life sentence. Dressed in a light blue suit and patterned tie, Marrian showed little emotion during the earlier hearing, except smiling once at his parents across the packed courtroom. Magistrate Derrick Kuto said the Briton had to post a bond of 70 million shillings (530,000) with two Kenyan sureties and must surrender his passport given the seriousness of the charge, which if convicted could see him face a life sentence Defence lawyer Sheetal Kapila said he believed the case was driven by the authorities' desire 'to stop Kenya being a transit point' for drugs, but added that 'it's the wrong man who's been picked up.' 'Unknown people have smuggled this drug into the consignment,' Kapila said. An e-mail exchange between British and US officials has shown how the Queen was forced to remove slavery references from a formal speech she gave in America nine years ago. Queen Elizabeth II, 90, travelled to Virginia in May 2007 to mark the 400th anniversary of Jamestown - the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. But an archive of confidential emails has revealed how Her Majesty's courtiers teamed up with American officials in a bid avoid a diplomatic minefield. During the build up to the six-day visit - hosted by former President George W.Bush - staff from Buckingham Palace and the British Embassy in Washington spoke with officials from Tim Kaine's office, who is the junior senator for Virginia. The Queen met Tim Kaine (pictured) - who is the favourite to be the next Vice President of the US - as part of her visit to Virginia in 2007 Queen Elizabeth II arrived for a luncheon at the Governor's House in Williamsburg, Virginia on May 4, 2007 Mr Kaine - who was governor of Virginia at the time of the Queen's visit - is now the favourite to be the next Vice President of the United States. And the messages show the efforts made by officials from both Britain and America to dodge a potentially embarrassing reference to honour of the first British settlers in the US, reports The Times. The e-mails have been registered at Virginia's state library and illustrate how the draft copy of the Queen's speech was sent to the Virginia Assembly in Richmond to get it approved. Dominic Martin, from the British Embassy, sent the speech and asked whether he had 'struck any jarring or anachronistic notes'. He also asked his US counterparts if he had 'strayed into dangerous territory' or 'missed out something or somebody in a way that would give offence'. Mr Martin also wondered if he had got the 'history wrong', 'oversimplified the issues' or whether he 'simply got the tone not quite right'. The Queen arrived at Richmond International Airport on May 3 with Prince Philip The Queen smiled as she visited Jamestown in Virginia on May 4, 2007 to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the settlement The speech was returned to Mr Martin by Amanda Howe, from the governor's office, who sent back an edited version. She highlighted a reference to Douglas Wilder, who was the mayor of Richmond at the time, as a 'grandson of slaves'. The newspaper reports that she wrote: 'A little weird to refer to slavery as a tradition'. And after the revised version was sent back to the British team, the mention of Wilder and his ancestors was removed from the Queen's speech. Meanwhile, a reference to the original settlement at Jamestown being 'full of indolent noblemen, with a propensity to spend their hours playing bowls' was also removed after Ms Howe asked: 'What does this mean?' Australian businessman Dick Smith has won his OzEmite trademark feud against the makers of Aussie Mite. Mr Smith won a court appeal against the Adelaide spread on Friday. Outside the court, the entrepreneur said justice had prevailed after Aussie Mite owner Roger Ramsey tried to strike OzEmite off the trademark register. Australian businessman Dick Smith (pictured) and his OzEmite spread has won the court appeal against the Adelaide spread Aussie Mite on Friday 'It just seemed sensible to me that our OzEmite name, we came up with it first, and we should be allowed to keep it,' he said. Mr Smith had lodged an application for the name OzEmite in October 1999, court documents say, 18 months before the Ramsey's registered Aussie Mite in May 2001. But Aussie Mite hit supermarket shelves more than 10 years before Dick Smith's spread,The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Mr Ramsey gave evidence that he instructed his label maker to change from Dinki-Dinemite to Aussie Mite in September 2000, knowing that Mr Smith was bringing out a product called OzEmite. On Friday, a Sydney Federal Court judge allowed Mr Smith's challenge to a decision by a delegate of the Registrar of Trademarks. Anna Katzmann SC ordered the Aussie Mite owner to pay Mr Smith's legal costs. Mr Smith had lodged an application for the name OzEmite in October 1999, court documents say, 18 months before the Ramsey's registered Aussie Mite in May 2001 Aussie Mite hit supermarket shelves over a decade before Dick Smith's spread OzEmite Mr Smith said it was a shame he had to fight a fellow Australian company rather than a foreign company, but the legal battle was necessary. 'If we lost this we would have had to close down the business,' he said 'We spent half a million dollars defending our name instead of going on charity.' Aussie Mite told 7News that the verdict is 'horrific'. Theresa May has written to Argentina's President Mauricio Macri calling for restrictions on oil exploration in the Falklands Islands to be lifted. Mrs May also said she wants more flights to the British-run islands as she extended an olive branch to Buenos Aires over the hotly disputed territory. Argentina claims sovereignty over the South Atlantic islands it calls Las Malvinas, and relations between Buenos Aires and London have been strained for decades over the issue, culminating in the 1982 Falklands War. Theresa May has written to Argentine President Mauricio Macri to express her hope that while the countries have differences they can be tackled with 'mutual respect' Mrs May called for 'more productive' relations between the two countries in her first letter to the pro-business Mr Macri, who took office in December as Argentina's first non-Peronist president in more than a decade. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'Since the election of President Macri, we have been working towards improved relations with Argentina because we think that is in the interests of both our countries and the Falkland Islanders too. In her letter, May said she hoped that where the two countries had differences, 'these can be acknowledged in an atmosphere of mutual respect'. She called for progress towards new flights between the islands, which are located about 435 miles off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina, and third countries in the region. As things stand, a Chilean airline flies from Santiago to the Falklands every Saturday via the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas, according to the Falklands Tourist Board. Once a month, the flight also stops in Rio Gallegos, Argentina, in both directions. Mrs May has called for a 'more productive' relationship with Argentina after years of tensions under the nation's previous president Cristina Fernandez Mrs May also called for the removal of 'restrictive hydrocarbons measures', a reference to various attempts by Argentine authorities to restrict oil and gas exploration in the waters around the islands. Tensions flared in June last year, under Mr Macri's predecessor Cristina Fernandez, when an Argentine federal judge ordered the seizure of millions of dollars' worth of assets owned by drillers operating in the Falklands area. The Argentine measures have not halted oil exploration, although efforts have been scaled down in recent times due to low oil prices on international markets. The Falklands are inhabited by about 3,000 people, the overwhelming majority of whom say they wish the islands to remain a British overseas territory. Argentina has rejected that argument, accusing Britain of deliberately settling people there over a long period of history to bolster an illegitimate sovereignty claim. A man in the US has been caught up in the Australian Census scandal, after thousands of people trolled him online when they were unable to access the website. Andrei Soroker from West Oakland, California, uses the Twitter handle @abs - the acronym for the Australian Bureau of Statistics, reported Mashable. However, the real Australia Bureau of Statistics Twitter handle is @ABSStats. Scroll down for video A man in the US (pictured) has been caught up in the Australian Census scandal, after thousands of people trolled him online when they were unable to access the website The Australian Bureau of Statistics created the Census in an online format for the first time this year, but millions of Australians were unable to access it after the website was shut down after numerous cyber attacks. Mr Soroker was even forced to change his Twitter biography to explain he wasn't from the Australian government organisation, in an effort to stop being linked into tweets about Tuesday nights disaster. He then started replying to some of the tweets he received, making the situation even more confusing for Twitter users. Andrei Soroker started replying to people who were frustrated about not being able to complete the Census online on Tuesday night, after the site was shut down In this tweet, Mr Soroker is linked into a conversation about blaming the head of the ABS for the Census failure Mr Soroker even has a line in his Twitter biography saying 'Not Australian Bureau of Statistics' because he gets so many tweets relating to the government organisation Mr Soroker told Mashable he gets mistaken for other organisations often on Twitter and on average receives one or two odd tweets per day. 'I find it absolutely hilarious. I get a lot of rogue tweets (usually aimed at ABS-CBN), but the ones meant for the Bureau of Statistics are some of the most thoughtful. 'I added 'Not Australian Bureau of Statistics' to my Twitter bio a couple of years ago, because I quite like the name,' he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has blamed the Census disaster on IBM, a tech company contracted to run the 2016 Census on behalf of the ABS Philip Spurlock (pictured), 45, was arrested after he sped away from authorities following a traffic stop and used his seven-year-old son as a human shield between him and police officers A man is accused of using his seven-year-old son as a human shield when a West Virginia State Trooper had him at gunpoint. Philip Spurlock, 45, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and child neglect in Thursday's incident, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint says a trooper tried to conduct a traffic stop on Spurlock for talking on his cell phone while driving. The trooper told Spurlock why he was pulling him over but Spurlock allegedly began to argue with the officer, according to WSAZ. He then he sped off, leading authorities on a chase through a residential area but eventually stopped. The trooper ordered Spurlock to the ground, at gunpoint. Spurlock then went around to the passenger side of the vehicle and allegedly pulled out his seven-year-old son, using him a human shield. The officer put his gun away when Spurlock pulled his son out of the car, WSAZ reported. Spurlock (pictured) said he ran from police because he believed he had a domestic violence warrant issued for him by Charleston, South Carolina, police. He has since been charged with kidnapping and child neglect Spurlock then ran, dragging his son by one arm with him. The trooper hit Spurlock in the leg with a baton as he continuously resisted arrest. Then, the trooper used pepper spray on Spurlock, who again used his son as a shield. Finally, he fell to the ground, releasing his son but began punching the trooper, a criminal complaint said. Once the trooper was able to cuff Spurlock, he and his son were put in the back of a police cruiser and taken to the State Police officer, where the boy's mother picked him up. Spurlock said he ran from police because he believed he had a domestic violence warrant issued for him by Columbia, South Carolina, police. He is currently in custody and has been charged with kidnapping and child neglect. A lonely widow was scammed out of 12,000 by a fraudster pretending to be a US general. The grandmother, 66, said she fell in love online with a conman claiming to be Mark Alexander Milley, a decorated four-star General. The man convinced the woman to send him 12,000 over several months, telling her that he was preparing to move to Gwynedd, north west Wales, to marry her. The grandmother, 66, said she fell in love online with a conman claiming to be Mark Alexander Milley, a decorated four-star General. Pictured, the real General Milley The woman, who does not want to be named, eventually spoke to the police and has spoken out because she does not want others to fall victim. She said: 'I've lost all confidence and faith in men, I don't even want to leave the house or speak to anyone. 'He's had a good laugh at me but I'll be damned if he does it to anyone else. 'There's nothing I can do about the money now but my revenge will be stopping him from doing this to anyone else.' The victim met the fraudster over Facebook, where he had set up a profile using photographs of the real General Milley. The general has had his pictures stolen by a number of fraudsters and has previously posted on Facebook to warn others about the dangers of identity fraud. Just two weeks after first making contact, 'Milley' demanded the woman send him money because his son - who he said called her 'mummy' - needed medical treatment he could not afford. Warning: A post shared on General Milley's official Facebook page about identity fraud Over the course of the 'relationship' he claimed to be first in Afghanistan and then in Ghana. The victim started transferring large sums through money transfer service MoneyGram, ignoring warnings from friends and family who said she was being scammed. She said the fraudster felt 'real' to her and that she enjoyed having someone to talk to after losing her husband four years ago. She said: 'He used to say such lovely things to me and made me feel wanted. 'We would speak online every day, but he always had an excuse for not being able to talk to me over the phone. He used to say such lovely things to me and made me feel wanted. We would speak online every day, but he always had an excuse for not being able to talk to me over the phone The victim of the scam 'He told me he wanted to move to Wales and marry me, he even had me believing there were documents on their way to me in the post for me to sign so that he was legally my husband. Those documents never arrived.' The woman estimates that she sent a total of 12,000 to the fraudster, using the inheritance her husband had left her and cashing out all of her savings. She sent so much money that she was at one point unable to pay her gas or electricity bill and yet was still considering taking out a loan so she could send more. But a few months into the scam the woman realised there was something wrong and phoned North Wales Police for advice. She claims North Wales Police told her that 'there was nothing they could do' and suggested that she contact Action Fraud, which she did not. The victim has now blocked the fake Facebook account and has changed her mobile number but said she still feels vulnerable. Despite the trauma, the woman said she still misses 'Milley' because 'she was in love'. She said: 'I miss him and I love him and it's hard not having him to talk to anymore. He's left me a broken woman.' The real General Mark Milley's posted on his Facebook page in July warning people to be wary of online scammers. He wrote: 'There have been times that my image has been used fraudulently to victimize well-meaning people. 'These scammers prey upon the goodwill of others and harm the reputation of our great soldiers for their own personal gain. The structure would be 20,500-square-foot and feature a 65-foot dome Sterling City say the mosque would exceed height limit for buildings The American Islamic Community Center (AICC) has branded a Sterling Heights planning commission 'racist' and filed a lawsuit after it rejected the organization a permit to build a new mosque in the city. The legal against action the commission comes after federal officials said the US Department of Justice and US Attorney's Office have begun an independent investigation into the matter in Macomb County, Michigan. Attorney Azzam Elder, who is representing the center, filed the suit on Wednesday in US District Court in Detroit saying the AICC fulfilled all the requirements to build the mosque. The American Islamic Community Centers current mosque is deemed too small its members' needs In the lawsuit, Elder claims the proposal went to a public hearing and before a 'hostile' planning commission which he says was headed by a 'racist'. 'With a vociferous and racist member of the planning commission leading the charge, the planning commission voted to reject the site plan,' Elder wrote. 'With no other choice, the American Islamic Community Center has filed this suit seeking equitable relief to build the Mosque and seeks damages as the City of Sterling Heights' conduct violates, among other things, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.' Federal law protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and land-marking law. The lawsuit asks that the center is granted equitable relief to build the mosque which was planned to be built on 15 Mile between the towns Ryan and Mound. In addition, the AICC are also claiming damages against the city council for its alleged discriminatory conduct that violated the 1st and 14th amendments, according to Detroit News. After the planning permission was rejected by the commission the center's lawyers conducted a ten month investigation into the matter and say they found sufficient evidence to support the lawsuit claim. Elder also encouraged the US Department of Justice and US Attorney's Office to begin their own investigation into the matter, the local news source says. In a statement released on Wednesday the attorney suggested that there is anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States likening it the discrimination suffered by other groups in past. 'We all know of a time in our history when sentiments in America were anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish, anti-German, anti-Japanese or anti-Black, and those times have forever stained on our history. In fact today, we still suffer from remnants of the damage caused,' Elder said in a statement Wednesday. However the city's planning commission dismissed claims of discrimination and in September said that the request was rejected as the mosque would not fit in with the surrounding properties. Planning Chief Don Mende urged the commission to reject the proposal as the towers would be 27 feet taller than the maximum allowed by the city. 'The scale and height are not harmonious with existing buildings,' Mende told commissioners last year, adding he was concerned the proposed mosque lacked enough parking. The planned facility would be 20,500-square-foot on 4 1/2 acres of land and feature a 65-foot dome in the city of 130,000 people which lies just 23 miles from Detroit. Khalil Abbass, a member of the AICC, said the site is needed as the center has outgrown its current mosque on Dequindre Road in Madison Heights. 'I feel that we got discriminated against because we are Muslim,' he said after a press conference on Wednesday at Sterling Heights City Hall led by attorneys and mosque members. 'We just want a bigger place in a nice community like Sterling Heights.' Another member of the mosque, Andy Cheh, said the center wants a place of worship 'everyone can enjoy.' There have been a number of recent cases of planning commissions across the country rejecting mosque applications. Last month the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against a local government in Pennsylvania claiming that officials violated federal law by refusing to grant a permit for the construction of a mosque. A small liberal arts college near Los Angeles is denouncing a Facebook post made by a black student who was seeking out a non-white roommate. The Claremont Independent reports Pitzer College student Kare Urena, 20, asked in the post that only people of color apply to live in her off-campus residence, adding that she didn't 'want to live with any white folks'. Urena's post, which has since been removed from the Pitzer College Class of 2018 Facebook page, sparked an online debate and forced the school to denounce the post. Pitzer College student Kare Urena, 20, caused a heated debate after she posted to Facebook seeking a non-white roommate for her off-campus apartment Urena (pictured), who is a junior at Pitzer, and her roommate, Pomona College student Sajo Jefferson, defended the post Pitzer President Melvin Oliver calls the post 'inconsistent with our mission and values'. He says the college wants to engage 'complex intercultural issues, not to isolate individuals on the basis of any protected status'. Last fall, 48 per cent of Pitzer's undergraduates were identified as white, 15 per cent were hispanic, nine per cent were Asian American, nine per cent multiracial and five per cent African American. Pitzer College' president Melvin Oliver (pictured) spoke out following the controversial post, calling it 'inconsistent with' the school's mission and values Urena, who is a junior at Pitzer, and her roommate, Pomona College student Sajo Jefferson, defended the post to the Washington Post. 'When and if you understand this context, it becomes clear that students of color seeking a living space that is all-POC is not only reasonable, but can be necessary. 'We live in a world where the living circumstances of POC are grounded in racist social structures that we can not opt out of. Last fall, 48 per cent of Pitzer College's (pictured) undergraduates were identified as white, and five per cent were African American 'These conditions threaten the minds, bodies and souls of people of color both within and without the realms of higher education. 'We are fighting to exist,' they wrote. They both argued the post is not racist and not exclusionary but instead a fight for a 'safe space' in which to exist. 'Our people are being killed. Every which way, through every which angle. 'Our people are being killed. Our housing arrangements are not racist. 'They are not exclusive. We are simply fighting to exist and we are fighting to exist in whatever way we can,' they wrote. The Washington Post reports a fourth roommate was found, which is why Urena deleted her post. They say living with people of color 'can be necessary'. Gay-friendly politicians in Illinois may soon feel the wrath of God - that is, if a group of pastors have their way. Five Christian clerics filed a federal suit against their home state on Thursday demanding that they be exempt from a law banning so-called 'conversion therapy' for homosexuals and transgender minors. The pastors seek legal protection from a law that went into effect this past January. The statute prohibits counselors and mental health professionals from administering services designed to alter the sexual orientation of young gay, lesbian, and transgender youths. While similar laws in other states do exempt clergymen, Illinois has gone further by explicitly denying any 'no person or entity' the right to promote or subject a minor to a therapeutic method that 'represents homosexuality as a mental disease, disorder or illness'. Pastors in Illinois want legal protection from lawsuits which may be brought by minors subjected to so-called 'gay conversion therapy', a practice condemned by rights groups One of the controversial methods first used to treat homosexuality was known as electric aversion therapy. The subjects of this kind of attempt to alter sexual orientation used jolts of electric shocks to the penis in the hopes that this would neutralize attraction to men. In 1996, the BBC aired a documentary titled 'Sexual Aversion', which detailed the manner in which British authorities forced a captain in the Royal Tank Regiment to undergo aversion therapy at a military psychiatric hospital 30 years earlier. Doctors who treated the soldier, Billy Clegg-Hill of Southampton, used electric shocks. They also injected him with apomorphine, a vomit-inducing drug, whenever he was shown sexually explicit images of men. The medical rationale was that the introduction of negative stimuli would rid the patient of homosexual urges and reinvigorate an attraction to women. Doctors were found to have covered up their negligence by blaming natural causes. The idea was to make him associate naked men with being sick, Clegg-Hills sister, Alison Braithwaite, told the BBC. It was crude and totally ineffective. Unfortunately, the doctors neglected to give him any fluids, and he died of a stroke brought on by dehydration, she said. Steven Stultz (second from left), a Chicago pastor who is part of the lawsuit, says that young LGBT parishioners who have sought his counsel have had positive experiences This sort of treatment was routinely doneIt was a terrible and unwarranted crime against people who were only expressing their sexuality in a way not harmful to anyone else. HOW TO 'CONVERT' GAYS Documented cases from the 1960s and 1970s confirm that electric shocks to the penis and potent drugs were used in what was known as 'aversion therapy' designed to rid 'patients' of homosexual urges Current methods used to 'cure' gays of homosexual lifestyles is psychotherapy whereby 'patients' are told that there i s 'no such thing as homosexuality' and that it was a psychological condition that's routed from some sort of childhood trauma. Clerics and religious public figures believe homosexuality can be 'cured' by living a devout lifestyle and coming closer to God Advertisement Similar means were applied in the United States, particularly by religious denominations steadfastly opposed to homosexuality. John Cameron, who was a devout Mormon, agreed to take part in a 1976 study at Utahs Brigham Young University. The experiment also entailed electric aversion therapy whereby twice a week for six months, he jolted himself with painful shocks to the penis to get rid of his attraction for men. A mercury-filled tube was placed around the base of his penis to measure the level of stimulation he experienced when viewing nude images of men and women, according to ABC News. Shocks, given in three 10-second intervals, were then administered in conjunction with certain images. Participants set their own pain levels. While the Mormon church has disavowed aversion therapy, many homosexuals who were forced to endure the experience say they still bear psychological scars. Church groups have disavowed practices that were common in previous decades, including 'aversion therapy', which entailed use of electric shocks and potent drugs The Washington Post and the Associated Press reported the story about the pastors' lawsuit. 'These pastors teach that homosexual conduct is contrary to God's purpose for humanity and a disorder of God's creation which can be resisted or overcome by those who seek to be faithful to God and His Word', the lawsuit reads. 'This is what they say to those who seek their counsel - including minors.' The lawyer representing the pastors, John Mauck, says the law curbs individual rights and personal preferences. 'We are most concerned about young people who are seeking the right to choose their own identity', he says in a press release issued by his office. 'This is an essential human right'. 'However, this law undermines the dignity and integrity of those who choose a different path for their lives than politicians and activists prefer. Each person should be free to receive Biblical and spiritual counseling from the pastor of their choice to help them orient their sexuality'. The move to ban gay conversion therapy was signed into law last year by Illinois' Republican governor, Bruce Rauner. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (left) signed the bill into law, which took effect this past January. The initial legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (right), a gay lawmaker The Prairie State became the fifth state in the country to institute a ban on so-called 'reparative' therapy for youths joining Vermont, California, New Jersey, and Oregon. The District of Columbia has also banned the practice. The legislation was initially sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat from Chicago who is openly gay. She said that unlike the other states, Illinois allows those youths who have been subjected to conversion therapy to sue for consumer fraud. 'Our version of this legislation is the most comprehensive bill in the nation, barring health providers from engaging in this practice and affording survivors access to consumer fraud action against the perpetrators of this abuse', Cassidy said. Now a group of religious clerics is pushing back, drawing the condemnation of gay rights groups in the state. 'We condemn this attack on a reasonable law that protects the physical and mental health of LGBT youth in Illinois', says Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, an LGBT advocacy organization. Mental health experts have warned that gay conversion therapy could have negative repercussions on young people. Revelers are seen kissing at New York's Gay Pride Parade 'The law protects patients from harmful, coercive, and fraudulent treatments that attempt to change the unchangeable. Faith leaders remain free to say what they want from the pulpit, regardless of how misguided it may be, and the law and the state and federal Constitutions protect that right'. 'That was not changed by this law'. The impetus for the law against conversion therapy stemmed from the tragic case of Leelah Alcorn, a 17-year-old transgender teen from Ohio who killed herself in December 2014. In a suicide note she wrote before walking in front of an oncoming truck, Alcorn who was born Joshua she recalled the trauma she said she endured after being subjected to conversion therapy. 'The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people aren't treated the way I was, they're treated like humans, with valid feelings and human rights' Alcorn wrote. The note was posted on Tumblr. The Alcorn case highlighted what mental health experts say is the danger of imposing so-called conversion therapies on gay and transgender youngsters. 'We want to make sure that young people in particular have access to pastoral and Biblical-based counsel if they want it, and that pastors are able to provide Bible-based counseling without any fear of legal repercussions,' said Steven Stultz, a Chicago pastor who is part of the lawsuit. Four other pastors are also involved, as well as Pastors Protecting Youth and Civil Liberties for Urban Believers. Illinois became the fifth state to adopt legislation outlawing attempts to convert LGBT youths - joining Vermont, Oregon, California, New Jersey, and Oregon Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who sponsored the bill, said she's met with people who have gone through conversion therapy and they tell stories of feeling suicidal, humiliated and alienated from their families. 'This is torture, this is abuse. We can't sanction that,' she said. Cassidy's bill quoted language from the American Psychiatric Association warning in 2000 that 'the potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.' But Stultz said the young parishioners who have sought his counsel have had positive experiences. This is the hilarious moment police save a man who was so absorbed in his Pokemon GO game that he walked straight into a pond. The luckless Pokemon addict was out with a friend walking through the El Olivar park in the Peruvian capital Lima when he failed to notice the upcoming bend. He strolled straight across the path and onto some rocks near the pond, where he lost his balance and then ended up crashing into the cold water. This is the moment a man lost his bearing while playing Pokemon Go and tumbled into a pond in Peru Struggling: The man was captured on CCTV struggling to regain his balance in the water A park security camera recorded the incident and the footage is now making the rounds on social media after having been picked up by local news outlets. The man was so distracted by the new viral app that he walked straight in front of two passers-by and never seemed to notice that he was headed right for the water. One of the man's friends then alerted the police officer, who jumped straight into the water Steady on: The unlucky Pokemon Go player was then helped out of the water by the officer and his friends Although it was not that deep, the Pokemon 'hunter' can be seen struggling to stay afloat or keep his footing in the water. Soon, two policemen - brought to the scene by his pal - rushed over and one of the officers jumped in to rescue the hapless man. The area is one of the most popular and busy places for local Pokemon GO players. Apart from being very wet, this man may well have been somewhat embarrassed by his fall Just last weekend, locals called police claiming there were too many people gathered there. According to local media, some players were even told to leave by officers. A former honor roll student has been sentenced to 4 years in jail after setting his family's doghouse on fire while the pet was inside. Caleb Lanier, 23, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday over his conviction of felony animal cruelty for intentionally burning his dog in an attack that left the animal with burns to more than 60 per cent of its body. Prosecutors said Lanier used a torch to attack his brother's dog before sealing it in a dog house and setting it on fire in May 2015. Caleb Lanier in Cobb Country Courthouse where he was sentenced to four years in jail The dog, now known as Sweet Potato Fry, which was in the doghouse when it was set alight The doghouse in the garden of the suburban Atlanta home where Lanier attacked the pet Testifying in court, Vet Regan Burford said the it had undergone agonizing treatment but would still suffer health problems. She treated the dog after the attack but has since adopted the animal and named it Sweet Potato Fry. 'She remains a silent victim to an unimaginable act of malice, malicious torture, abuse and disfigurement,' Ms Burford told court. Family members of Lanier testified in court that the incident seemed out of character for someone they considered had a promising future, WSB-TV Atlanta reported. One person said of Lanier: 'I know Caleb is no danger to the community.' However, prosecutors called Lanier dangerous. Vet Regan Burford testified in court on the cruelness of the crime They presented evidence that animal abusers don't suddenly stop their behavior. Psychologist Dr. Maya Gupta said: 'There's a 70 per cent chance they will commit other crimes in that time span.' Theresa May's first summer holiday as Prime Minister was revealed today as she was pictured hiking through the Swiss Alps with husband Philip. Mrs May is not due back in London for almost two weeks as she takes advantage of the long summer recess to recharge the batteries after rapid rise to No 10 after the EU referendum. The Mays have been regular visitors to Switzerland and the trip breaks the tradition under David Cameron for a series of short breaks, often in the UK or Portugal. Theresa May is on her first holiday as Prime Minister today and was pictured trekking in Switzerland with husband Philip The pair have been regular visitors to the central European country over the years and are known as keen walkers In contrast to her usual glamorous footwear, the PM ditched the kitten heels for a pair of sturdy walking boots. Allowing photographers to capture an image at the start of her break, the premier's holiday looked to be a very different style to that of her predecessor. Mr Cameron and wife Samantha were regularly snapped dressed in summer wear, enjoying a drink in a beach-side cafe as they relaxed in sunnier climes. The Mays, however, looked ready for action as they headed out into a forest using hiking poles and wearing similar walking trousers, boots, polo shirts and rucksacks. Mrs May is unlikely to suffer the mishaps which plagued the former PM, who has been stung by a jellyfish in Lanzarote, mocked for dressing on the beach under a Mickey Mouse towel, and criticised for his choice of clothes. But she will hope she does not have to follow in the footsteps of Britain's only other woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, who cut short a Swiss holiday in 1985 after the deaths of 55 people in the Manchester air disaster. Mrs May, left today, has made frequent trips to the Alps, including in 2014 while Home Secretary, pictured right Mr and Mrs May were trekking through a forest in Switzerland today as they began an almost two week break away from the UK The parallels Switzerland has with the UK are striking but Mrs May has previously revealed that she loves holidaying in the country because she can get some 'peace and quiet'. And, as many busy Britons discover on holiday, she may find it difficult to take her mind off work during the two-week break, given Switzerland's similarly strained relationship with the EU and its trouble implementing a referendum result. The country is not a full EU member but enjoys a negotiated bilateral agreement which allows it some access to the single market with tariff-free trade and open access to the services market. Its agreements go furthest in replicating EU benefits for a country outside the bloc, but it must also accept the free movement of people, pay into the union's budget and comply with single market regulations. It is now embroiled in long-running talks with the union over how to implement a 2014 referendum result in which the Swiss people backed limiting immigration through quotas, including EU citizens. In contrast to her usual glamorous footwear, the PM ditched the kitten heels for a pair of sturdy walking boots Mrs May revealed the couple discovered the joys of walking in Switzerland in 2007 and have made repeat visits ever since The parallels with the UK are striking but Mrs May has previously revealed that she loves holidaying in the country because she can get some 'peace and quiet'. She said she and her husband had 'discovered the joys' of walking in the country 'quite by chance'. In a piece for the Telegraph in August 2007, she said: 'We first visited the country about 25 years ago but spent most of the time in Lucerne. 'On a return trip, we decided to go walking, enjoyed it and gradually began doing more adventurous hikes. 'We have been going back ever since and have walked all over the country.' As Prime Minister David Cameron and Samantha made frequent trips to Portugal - often finding themselves in fish markets After leaving office last month, the Camerons headed to the more glamorous locale of Corsica for their summer break Mrs May said in the piece that her two favourite areas are Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland, which are both 'fantastic for walking'. She added: 'If you're a keen walker, Switzerland is a wonderful summer destination: the views are spectacular, the air is clear and you can get some peace and quiet.' Downing Street said Mrs May remained in charge. She will be kept updated and briefed on events, with a senior Cabinet minister remaining in London. A mother whose daughter drowned in a Greek boating tragedy has won a six-figure payout after a 13-year battle for justice against the holiday firm responsible. Laura Morgan, 11, died during a Sunsail all-inclusive holiday at the Vounaki resort in Paleros Bay when the 15ft-long catamaran she was on was hit by a gust of wind and capsized on July 31, 2003. A Greek court found three employees of the UK-based company, which is now owned by the global TUI PLC group, guilty of causing Laura's death by negligence in 2006. Lynne Morgan, 61, (left) whose daughter Laura, 11, drowned when a cataraman capsized during a Greek family holiday has won a six-figure payout after a 13-year battle for justice. Laura is pictured (right) onboard the 15ft-long catamaran before the tragedy One was cleared on appeal but the other two were given suspended prison terms after another hearing in 2007 with the appeals rejected in 2010. Laura's mother Lynnne, who was on the holiday with Laura and her older sister when she died, has spent 13 years fighting for compensation, and was finally awarded a pay out last week. Today, mother-of-two Mrs Morgan, who lives in Woodborough, Nottinghamshire, said: 'Sunsail have treated me like a piece of inert flotsam. 'I sincerely hope that they are shamed and their inhuman corporate stance over Laura's death can now be exposed. 'Throughout this 13-year battle Sunsail have shown complete contempt for Laura, myself and my family. 'They have not had an ounce of compassion for the loss of my child whilst in their care and have been completely inert and passive hiding behind their lawyers throughout. 'They just treated me with disdain, they have just taken the system every which way and have total disregard for any emotion towards my family.' Mrs Morgan, pictured with Laura, said holiday firm Sunsail had treated her 'like a piece of inert flotsam' The retired market consultant, 61, who also has a 29-year-old daughter, has been through 13 court hearings and seven guilty verdicts before the landmark ruling. 'It has been absolutely horrific because for 13 years I have had to repeatedly go over and over all the details of how my beautiful daughter died,' she said. 'Grief is a very powerful emotion and I became more and more determined to fight for the truth to come out and for justice to be served. 'I would have pursued this for a half-penny. They probably thought I was going to go away but I didn't. 'If they had held their hands up at the beginning then I probably could have forgiven them. Mrs Morgan says her daughter's death 'should never have happened' 'But they didn't and I have never received an apology from them, it is just the same bland statements. 'Laura's death should never have happened, Sunsail were operating in a very unprofessional, laissez-faire manner out in Greece.' A week-long inquest held in Nottingham in 2012 heard Laura's catamaran was 'turned turtle' after being caught by a sudden gust of wind 300 yards from the shore. The private schoolgirl was trapped underneath when her trapeze harness, which allows sailors to lean out to help steer the boat, became tangled in the rigging. Rescue staff quickly dived from other boats to free Laura, who was unconscious, and dragged her to the shore where holidaymakers tried in vain to revive her. Recording a narrative verdict, Nottinghamshire Coroner Mairin Casey said: 'I find that there was no proper inquiry made to establish if Laura had prior experience of using a trapeze harness before she was allowed to go on the water. 'I find that Laura had no instruction on the use of a trapeze from someone trained and qualified to give that advice.' Criminal proceedings against five Sunsail employees began the year after Laura's death in 2004. Three workers were found guilty of 'homicide by misadventure' in the Court of Misdemeanours on the Greek island of Lefkada - with one later being cleared on appeal. The civil case for damages was launched in Greece in 2008 with a court finding Sunsail guilty of being liable for Laura's death in 2011. But the firm continued to drag out an appeal before it was finally rejected in the Greek Supreme Court in March this year. An inquest heard Laura's catamaran was 'turned turtle' after being caught by a gust of wind 300 yards from the shore. The schoolgirl was trapped underneath when her trapeze harness, which allows sailors to lean out to help steer the boat, became tangled in the rigging Mrs Morgan, who is divorced from Laura's father, said she was still forced to use the British judicial system to get Sunsail to hand over the compensation. She added: 'In Greece it was finally sorted in March this year. 'But the money didn't appear so because it was a debt owed to me we had to threaten to take them through the British courts. 'We sent them a letter saying pay up or else two weeks ago and gave them three days to pay. 'They tried to get that delayed too and we had to push them last week to say we will continue with legal action and then the money finally appeared last week. I would have pursued this for a half-penny. They probably thought I was going to go away but I didn't Lynne Morgan 'We had an original judgement in the civil case in Greece and then they took it to appeal which they lost. 'But it was very difficult to get them to pay through the Greek courts.' Holiday firm Sunsail, which is currently hosting the UK's biggest yachting regatta Cowes Week 2016 on the Isle of Wight, said it regretted the 'protracted process'. A spokesperson said: 'Laura's untimely death remains a tragedy and the thoughts of everyone in the company, as always, remain with her family. 'We will always deeply regret the distress that this protracted process has undoubtedly caused for Laura's family and we are aware that this matter has taken a number of years to reach resolution. 'The claim for compensation was pursued by the family through the Greek Courts and we can confirm that the company has always acted in accordance with any orders received from the Greek Courts who have only recently delivered their final judgement. 'Sunsail has always maintained that it operated, and continues to operate, within the stringent safety guidelines set out by the Royal Yachting Association. 'The safety of our guests was, and is always, an absolute priority for us.' Donald Trump's sarcasm, not a serious critique of U.S. Middle East policy, was apparently behind his claims over 48 hours that President Barack Obama 'founded' the ISIS terror army and should receive its 'Most Valuable Player' award. After two days of CNN subtly jabbing him with on-screen fact checks saying he was wrong they read 'Trump calls Obama founder of ISIS (he's not)' Trump responded Friday morning on Twitter that it wasn't meant to be taken seriously. 'Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?' he tweeted. In a followup message on Twitter, he mocked the pundit class for working itself into a lather over his Middle East comments. 'I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't!' he tweeted. Trump made the claim about Obama and ISIS multiple times this week, beginning Wednesday night in a rally near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Scroll down for videos RESPONSE: Donald Trump's (left) sarcasm was apparently behind his claims that President Barack Obama (right) 'founded' the ISIS terror army GOLD MEDAL IN THE 500-METER BACKPEDAL: Donald Trump said Friday morning on Twitter that he was using 'sarcasm' when he claimed multiple times that President Barack Obama 'founded' the ISIS terror army NOT SO SERIOUS? The plainspoken Trump often claims that he means what he says, but is now abandoning two days of claims that the President of the United States deserves the blame for creating the world's largest terror army THIS. IS. CNN.: The news network began editorializing on-screen shortly after Trump first made his claim that Obama 'founded' ISIS MORE FACT-CHECKING: CNN kept up the on-screen tut-tutting Thursday night He doubled down Thursday morning on CNBC, insisting again that Obama was 'the founder' of ISIS and Clinton was its 'co-founder.' Then he declined to take an escape hatch provided by a radio host. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an al-Qaeda operative in Iraq during the second Gulf War, went on to found ISIS from the remains of his organization long before Barack Obama became president 'Last night you said that the president was the "founder" of ISIS,' Hugh Hewitt told him. 'I know what you meant: You meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace.' 'No,' Trump insisted. 'I meant that he's the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player I gave him the Most Valuable Player award. I give her [Clinton] too, by the way.' 'He was the founder,' Trump repeated. 'It's the way he got out of Iraq that was the founding of ISIS.' Trump repeated his line again Thursday in three separate public appearances: a morning speech in Miami to the National Association of Home Builders, a subdued afternoon presentation to 700 pastors in Orlando, and a raucous nighttime rally in nearby Kissimmee. By Friday morning, though, he was insisting he didn't mean what he said. Trump has fallen back on claims of sarcasm once before to give himself wiggle-room after making a controversial statement, suggesting that he was campaigning in poetry but would govern in prose. TWEAK: Trump frequently snipes at the pundit class and seemed to take joy Friday in thumbing his nose at their efforts to take him literally ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING: Trump told the National Association of Home Builders Thursday morning that Hillary Clinton deserved the ISIS 'MVP' award because 'our government unleashed ISIS,' while holding firm on his claim about Obama He said during a July 27 press conference that he was hopeful the Russian government would publish hacked copies of emails Hillary Clinton deleted from her infamous homebrew server. 'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,' he said as reporters reacted with a mixture of shock and head-shaking. Hours later he insisted on a radio program that 'of course I'm being sarcastic. And they don't even know frankly if it's Russia' behind a series of hacks impacting the Democratic Party. The CNBC interview marked Trump's most pronounced defense of his Obama-ISIS thetoric. 'He was the founder of ISIS, absolutely,' Trump told the financial network's 'Squawk Box' program, citing 'the way he removed our troops' from Iraq in 2011: 'He shouldn't have gotten out the way he got out. It was a disaster what he did.' 'He was the founder, absolutely the founder,' Trump said. The ISIS terror army is a regional threat to Turkey, Syria, Greece and other countries, but was once a smallish militant group known as al-Qaeda in Iraq DOUBLE DOWN: Donald Trump insisted Thursday in a phone interview with CNBC that he was right to call Barack Obama 'the founder of ISIS' Trump has said before that Obama precipitously pulled U.S. forces out of Iraq and gave ISIS room to breathe and expand. But Wednesday night's Florida rally marked the first time he has credited the current White House with the creation of the self-described 'Islamic State' 'I KNOW WHAT YOU MEANT': Radio talker Hugh Hewitt tried to give Trump an escape hatch but the billionaire stuck to his guns and wouldn't walk through it Trump, asked if calling Pres. Obama the "founder of ISIS" is appropriate: "He is the founder of ISIS, absolutely." pic.twitter.com/VrtkDhvIgz CNBC (@CNBC) August 11, 2016 'Is there something wrong with saying that?' he asked. 'Why? are people complaining that I said he was the founder of ISIS? ... I'm a truth-teller. All I do is tell the truth.' Middle East scholars generally agree that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi during the George W. Bush administration founded the group that would later morph into ISIS. Trump seemed to throw that reading of history out the window when he unveiled his figurative line of attack Wednesday night, at the end of a pointed lecture recounting the conditions that led the regional militant group called al-Qaeda in Iraq to grow its ambitions. 'In many respects, you know, they honor President Obama. ISIS is honoring President Obama,' Trump said, working himself into a lather at the end of a full day of campaigning in two states. 'He is the founder of ISIS. He is the founder of ISIS, okay? He's the founder! He founded ISIS!' he continued, always crescendoing. 'And I would say,' Trump added more solemnly, getting to his election-year point: 'The co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Co-founder! Crooked Hillary Clinton! And that's what it's about!' Ian Wright, 51, from Suffolk licked some of the dirtiest places in Europe A British traveller has put his immune system and gag reflex to a serious test - by licking some of the dirtiest and disgusting places in Europe. Ian Wright, 51, from Suffolk travelled around Europe licking some of dirtiest and most disgusting places Presenter and travel writer Ian Wright, 51, from Suffolk, scraped his tongue along a Euro note, a Piccadilly Circus hand rail, a train toilets flush button and a Russian public telephone to prove the strength of his immune system. Before licking each object, he used a luminometer to show himself, and us, just what he was getting in to. But the experiment, which has be made into a film called The Lickhikers Guide to Inner Strength, threw up some surprising results. The thought of licking a trains flush button used by thousands of other may be utterly repellent, but in fact there are more bad bacteria in a kitchen sink. All the way along his trip through Europe, Mr Wright spoke to doctors and medical professionals about boosting gut bacteria and about his own health. Fortunately, nothing he licked left him with anything more than a bad taste in his mouth. Mr Wright became known for testing the durability of his gut by travelling around the world and eating weird and wonderful things. From public handrails in train stations to a toilet flush button the task definitley tested his immune system In the movie made about it he said: 'Ever since I was a kid I have been fairly carefree with my health and Ive put all sorts of things in my mouth from soil, eating worms and muddy water.' He certainly proved his reputation during the film. The only thing he turned down was a filthy Russian public toilet. His sample swab showed a luminometer count of over 4000 units. By comparison, freshly washed hands should come in under 60. But there was one Russian public toilet he refused to lick after his luminometer count was over 4000 units, when freshly washed hands are less than 60 Mr Wright and Finnish dairy producer Valio have produced the traveller's film called The Lickhikers Guide to Inner Strength which shows the bacteria count in different place like in the bathroom He said in the film: 'That is close to one of the worst things I have smelled in a toilet. '4000! Theres nothing more dirty than that! Im not going to lick anything because its disgusting in there.' The Lickhikers Guide to Inner Strength was produced in conjunction with Finnish dairy producer Valio. The company provided Mr Wright with Valio Gefilus, which contain lactic acid bacteria as well as vitamins C and D to help boost peoples gut bacteria and immune systems. Valios Senior Vice President of Snacks, Juice and New Categories Niko Vuorenmaa said: 'We really wanted to offer consumers something new. Something that would be fascinating to watch and at the same time explain the benefits of probiotics. 'We did a lot of crazy brainstorming that ended in the idea "lets call Ian". They claim the interest in gut health is becoming a global phenomenon 'Instead of just talking about the products, we wanted to put them into a bigger context - the good and bad bacteria in our everyday environment, the importance of gut health and how its linked to the immune system. 'Growing interest in gut health is a global phenomenon and with the documentary we could provide consumers with more information about it in an interesting way. 'I also think the film shows we have a great sense of humour!' Tom Hakala, who directed the film, added: 'Lets put it this way - I would have lost my respect for Ian if he had licked some of the things I asked him to, like the disgusting Russian toilet thats shown in the film. 'Naturally some things were easier to get Ian to lick, some were pretty tough. Im glad we got some of those dirty licks caught on tape.' Residents of a suburb in New Zealand were amused to find an anonymous letter asking them to replace their 'shabby vehicles' over fears that it may have a negative impact on homes being sold in the area. Hannah O'Donnell, who lives in Flotilla Place, Whitby, in north Wellington, was one of two people to receive the note telling her she had a 'responsibility to uphold certain standards' to live on her street. Ms O'Donnell posted a picture of the note on a Whitby community Facebook page to seek clarification on which vehicle was 'unsuitable'. Residents of a suburb in New Zealand were amused to find an anonymous letter (pictured) asking them to replace their 'shabby vehicles' over fears that it may lower property prices 'Could the person who put this note in my letterbox please clarify which 'unsuitable vehicle' needs to be replaced? 'Is it the 2013 Peugeot, the (bit shabby) 2003 Mazda 6, or the (well shabby) red van belonging to the landscaper who has been here a bit?' Ms O'Donnell told Stuff.co.nz that people were generally quite 'surprised and shocked' by the unmarked letter while others found it 'quite funny' and didn't take offence. The note read: 'Flotilla Place is a sought-after residential location and all residents have a responsibility to uphold certain standards. Hannah O'Donnell, who lives in Flotilla Place (pictured), Whitby, in north Wellington, was one of two people to receive the note and posted it onto a community Facebook page 'It has been noted that a vehicle that falls well short of such standards is permanently parked at your address. 'There are properties being marketed in the street currently and vehicles like yours could have a negative impact on the price that your neighbours will be able to achieve. 'It is recommended that you consider a plan to replace your vehicle.' Homeowners questioned the sincerity of the note commenting that the it may have been written by someone who thinks Flotilla place is for the high society. The post was uploaded to a Whitby New Zealand community page (pictured). Homeowners from the area questioned the sincerity of the note while others questioned whether it was from a real estate agent because of the professional language used In a bid to clarify which car was 'unsuitable' for the 'sought-after' neighbourhood she asked the anonymous letter write whether it was her 2013 Peugeot (stock of a similar model pictured) that was 'shabby' Upon reading the note, one homeowner suggested that the anonymous note-dropper may have been driven to write the letter because of a white car usually seen parked the wrong way in the street. 'There is a covenant here preventing that sort of thing it's pretty annoying that they can't seem to park in the right direction.' While others pointed out that the language used was somewhat professional and may have been sent by a real estate agent. Both Harcourts agency and Wayne Kemp have claimed they 'couldn't care less' about the cars people drive saying it 'wouldn't affect property prices', according to Stuff. The mother of an Ohio two-year-old boy who was found dead in a sweltering bedroom has been sentenced to two years in prison. A Toledo judge sentenced 31-year-old Megan Giltz on Thursday, who pleaded no contest in May to endangering children and obstructing official business. Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Ian English said although Giltz was not accused of causing her son Robert's death, she had been negligent in his care. The toddler was found dead last October inside a playpen in a room in Giltz's Toledo home where the thermostat was set so high the temperature reached 100-plus degrees. Ohio mother Megan Giltz, 31, (pictured) was sentenced on Thursday to two years in prison Her son Robert was found dead inside a dirty playpen in this apartment in Toledo last October after thermostat was set so high the temperature reached 100-plus degrees Prosecutors said at the time of the discovery the boy's body showed some signs of decomposition. 'There was a bottle of milk in the pen that was spoiled,' English said. 'During the autopsy, there was no evidence that the child recently had been fed, although Ms Giltz recalls serving breakfast and lunch before putting the child down to sleep.' An autopsy concluded the toddler likely died from heart problems. Although, dehydration from a hot environment was cited as a significant condition, The Blade reported. Giltz was charged with obstruction for initially lying to police about how long her son had been in the room and how much nourishment he'd had, authorities said. Meanwhile the child-endangerment count stemmed from the toddler's treatment, The Blade reported. Authorities were called to the apartment at around 6.15pm on October 6 for a report of a child not breathing. The judge said although Giltz (left) was not accused of causing her son Robert's death, she had been negligent in his care. She served in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 2001 Officers said they found old urine and feces surrounding the area where the boy had been sleeping, and the toddler was reportedly found six hours after he had been placed in the room upstairs. Giltz, who had one prior misdemeanor conviction, has not seen her three other children since October due to a court order, according to her lawyer. The mother had served in the Army Reserve before she was honorably discharged in 2001. Her attorney, Peter Rost, declined to comment on Friday. In court, he had asked for Giltz to be placed on community control and ordered into parenting classes. 'The endangering charge is based upon negligence, not abuse,' Rost said. Giltz did not make a statement when given the opportunity to speak and cried as she was handcuffed and let out of the courtroom. Three college students have been rescued after they were missing for more than 30 hours in an Arkansas cave. The students, Casey Sherwood, 25, from America, and Daiki Itoh, 19, and Daisuke Takagi, 18, from Japan, were found by Arkansas State University officials and emergency crews on Thursday. The trio went missing in Blowing Cave near Cushman, 110 miles north of Little Rock, while on a spelunking trip on Wednesday. Casey Sherwood (right), 25, and Daiki Itoh (left), 19, and Daisuke Takagi (middle), 18, from Japan, have been rescued after the were missing for more than 30 hours in a cave Arkansas State University released a statement after the students were rescued. 'On behalf of all the faculty, students and staff of Arkansas State, I want to thank the rescue teams of Independence County and all the volunteers who came forward to assist,' Acting Arkansas State University Chancellor Lynita Cooksey said. 'We are so grateful for their hard work in locating Daiki, Daisuke and Casey.' Local television footage and a photo posted on Arkansas State's Facebook page showed the three covered in mud after their rescue. Daisuke Takagi (left) and Daiki Itoh (right) are freshman students at Arkansas State University Casey Sherwood, a senior at the school, was leading his fellow students on a spelunking trip A university official at the scene said the three weren't injured. Crews had been searching for the students with help from cave-mapping experts, since early Thursday morning. Sherwood's wife had reported him missing Wednesday night. The trio went missing in Blowing Cave (pictured) near Cushman, 110 miles north of Little Rock The cave explorers posed for a picture together before they headed into the cave on Wednesday Sherwood said he felt a 'little bit of panic' when he realized they were lost in the cave, but decided to stay in place. He said the three would regularly shout for help or whistle so rescuers could find them, and stayed close together to keep warm. 'What we would do is we would sit back to back to back in a little triangle keeping ourselves warm and huddling ourselves up inside of our shirts and breathing hot air into us,' Sherwood told KATV-TV. Sherwood's wife (right) had reported him and the two Japanese students missing Wednesday night GoPro footage taken by one of the students shows what it was like inside the cave in Arkansas 'So that kept us going the whole time.' Independence County Office of Emergency Management coordinator Glen Willis told KAIT-TV the three were found 30 minutes from the entrance of the cave, but he did not know if any of the three were injured. A history enthusiast proposed to his girlfriend while dressed as a Nazi soldier at a Second World War re-enactment. Tom Sweet, 21, knelt down on one knee and popped the question to Marcela Montoya, 19, who was also dressed in 1940s German military attire. Miss Montoya said 'yes' in front of more than 100 others who had gathered to mark the end of the 'battle' in Blaenavon, south east Wales. Shared passion: Tom Sweet, 21, proposed to Marcela Montoya, 19, at a re-enactment Special moment: Wearing a Nazi uniform, Mr Sweet knelt on one knee and popped the question to Miss Montoya, who was also dressed in a 1940s German military uniform Mr Sweet, from Aberystwyth, West Wales, said he was initially nervous as his fiancee took a moment to reply, but added: 'I think she was just in shock'. He said: 'The crowd cheered and many a tear was shed.' Mr Sweet has been involved in re-enactments for four years and Miss Montoya enjoys taking part. The couple believe the process helps people understand history, rather than 'consuming it' through books. Mr Sweet waited until the entire group was lining up at the end of the battle and each group was being called forwards. Enthusiast: Mr Sweet, dressed as a Nazi soldier, has taken part in re-enactments for years He said: 'When Marcela's group were called out, I stepped forward and told them what I was doing and got down on one knee.' Organiser Wendy Sidney said it was the first time she had ever seen a proposal at a reenactment. A US Navy serviceman from Virginia has been charged with murder in the death of his infant son earlier this year. Police say 23-year-old Montreaz Berry, of Hampton, was arrested Thursday, more than six months after his son's death. Authorities say Berry assaulted 5-month-old Chandler Berry at a Hampton home and then called police to report an unresponsive baby at around 1.40pm on January 27. Father charged: Montreaz Berry, 23 (pictured left and right) has been charged with murder in the death of his 5-month-old son, Chandler Berry Long time coming: Berry's arrest comes more than six months after the infant was found unresponsive inside the man's home in Hampton, Virginia The child passed away in a hospital two days later from blunt force head injuries, reported 13NewsNow. A medical examiner has since ruled baby Chandler's death a homicide. Investigators believe the two were the only people inside the home at 1 Lakeshore Drive during the incident. Montreaz Berry was charged with one count each of murder and abuse and neglect of children, and was later released on bond. Berry's LinkedIn profile indicates that the North Carolina native has served in the US Navy since 2013 as a culinary specialist, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Daily Mail on Friday reached out to the US Navy for comment about the charges brought against Berry and was awaiting a reply. Next week's excavation will be live streamed on the internet A dig last year found no signs of a train but they did find 'anomalies' Two intrepid treasure hunters seeking a mythical Nazi gold train are to resume the search next week and have promised to live stream their latest dig online. The gold train has been at the centre of feverish speculation since Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter said their research led them to believe it was buried nine metres down in a railway tunnel in Walbrzych, south west Poland. Legend had it the train was packed with 250million worth of gold and gems which were hidden from the approaching Red Army by the retreating Germans in the dying days of WWII. Scroll down for video A train passes by as workers cut trees on the cutting between Wroclaw and Walbrzych during preparations before digging for the Nazi gold train In December Professor Janusz Madej, a Krakow-based scientist who conducted a search at the site, said his team had found no proof of the train's existence. 'The tunnel may be there, but the train is not,' he said. Undaunted, the pair hinted at 'anomalies' produced by a ground-penetrating radar and said they would resume the hunt. Today project spokesman Andrzej Gaik said: 'The train isn't a needle in a haystack, if it's there, we'll find it. Explorers Piotr Koper (left) and Andreas Richter (right) claim to have found a WWII Nazi gold train packed with 250million worth of jewels buried in a railway tunnel Workers erect barriers at the site (left) and prepare to bring in mechanical diggers. The excavation will begin on Tuesday and they hope to know by Thursday if they have found the train 'Even if we find a tunnel, that'll also be a success. The train could be hidden in it.' Mr Koper, a Pole, and Mr Richter, who is German, say the Nazis made prisoners of war dig a network of tunnels in the area, and some locals have claimed the Germans tried to spirit the gold away as Russia's Red Army closed in. They plan to begin their dig on Tuesday and say it 'should be clear by Thursday' if they have found the train. The pair have also promised to live stream the entire excavation so that conspiracy theorists could watch the historic discovery in real time. Location: They believe the train was buried on a railway track between Wroclaw and Walbrzych, south west Poland as Soviet troops advanced from the east The intrigue has been further fuelled by the site's proximity to a massive network of secret underground tunnels built by the Nazis, some of which are around the massive Ksiaz Castle where legend has it the Third Reich stashed looted valuables. The pair insist the excavation is more than just a treasure hunt. They believe the site may also have been used to hide the bodies of thousands of forced labourers. Historians claimed the missing vessel would look like an armoured locomotive similar to this one used by the Nazis during WWII The treasures hunters said they had used a ground penetrating radar to locate the train and said these images proved the train was buried nine metres down in rail tunnel Frenzy: Their extraordinary claims sparked gold fever as the world wanted to know if a trained packed with gems and art had been buried by the retreating German army in the dying days of WWII Digging: The Polish army (pictured) was sent to the site in September to begin digging to find the mysterious 'Nazi gold train', which was said to be buried in a tunnel nine metres down Mystery: Professor Janusz Madej from AGH University of Science and Technology, searching at the site, told a press conference in December there is no evidence of a train Legend had it the locomotive set off from the western city of Wroclaw (then known as Breslau) before mysteriously disappearing around Walbrzych (Waldenburg at the time) while fleeing the Red Army in 1945. Fortune-hunters have looked for it for decades, and in the communist era the Polish army and security services even carried out apparently fruitless searches for it. Last year Poland's Deputy Culture Minister Piotr Zuchowski said he was '99 percent convinced' the train was buried beneath the ground in Walbrzych after seeing ground-penetrating radar images. He added that the images seemed to show a train equipped with a gun and turrets. Search: Fortune-hunters have looked for it for decades, and in the communist era the Polish army and security services even carried out apparently fruitless searches for it (file photo of Nazi tunnel) A third new case of Legionnaires' disease has been confirmed at a western Illinois veterans' home, according to state officials. The case comes following an outbreak at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy last year that killed 12 people and sickened 54. The directors of the Illinois departments of veterans' affairs and public health said in a statement on Thursday that three residents have tested positive for the disease, including two who state officials announced were sickened last month. State officials have confirmed a third new case of Legionnaires' disease at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy since an outbreak there last year killed 12 people and sickened 54 Of two dozen veterans who have been tested since the reports of new cases in July, 21 have come back negative, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Nirav D. Shah and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Jeffries said. The Quincy facility houses about 400 residents and last month it was reported it had stopped admitting new residents. The new cases come less than a month after a nearly $5 million water treatment plant and delivery system was unveiled at the Illinois Veterans Home. The bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease grow in warm water and are often present in water supplies. The disease is spread when a person inhales water mist, not via person-to-person contact. Shah and Jeffries said the state was implementing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce Legionnaires' disease risks at the facility. The bacteria (pictured) that cause Legionnaires' disease grow in warm water and are often present in water supplies 'While these steps have made an impact, we look forward to the CDC's insight and advice on other scientific measures we can implement to further reduce the risk of infection,' Shah and Jeffries said. Last month, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said the state was doing everything it could to prevent the spread of the disease at the veterans' home. In a news release, his office said at the time that further water restrictions may be put in place until the source of the new cases can be identified. However, it cautioned the source may never be identified due to the nature of the bacteria that cause the disease, which can be inhaled in water vapor. Federal officials have said the bacteria that caused the outbreak last year were likely spread by an aging water system at the 129-year-old facility. Socialite: Britt Tidelius, 81, pictured at Hammersmith Magistrates' Court today, allegedly launched into a racist tirade A New York socialite racially abused two women in an five-star London hotel where she lives, a court heard today. Swedish art critic Britt Tidelius, 81, allegedly launched into a racist tirade at hotel guest Confus Nekea at the Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge in March. Two months later in May it is claimed the socialite assaulted and spat at a member of staff, Jurgita Tiauteriene, in the same hotel and racially abused her. At Hammersmith Magistrates Court today, Tidelius pleaded not guilty to one count of assault by beating and two counts of racially aggravated abuse. Carly Loftus, prosecuting, said: On March 12, another guest, Miss Nekea, was sitting by her table in the restaurant inside the hotel which the defendant resides. She asked hotel staff if she could charge her phone. They gave her permission to do so. The defendant was nearby and got annoyed by this. '(She) said, what are you doing, you are disturbing me?" The defendant then threatened to call security on her, which the complainant said she is free to do so. Denial: At Hammersmith Magistrates Court today, Tidelius pleaded not guilty to one count of assault by beating and two counts of racially aggravated abuse After Ms Tiauteriene gave her name, Tidelius replied its not a f****** English name, go to your country tomorrow. You are nothing, the court heard Miss Nakea left and went back to check on her phone 15 minutes later, and Tidelius started screaming at her again, the court heard. According to Miss Loftus, Tidelius told her: What are you doing here? You should go back to your country, you monkey. You belong on the trees. She was escorted away from the scene, the court heard. Two months later, on May 18, three members of staff at the same hotel were working on the seventh floor by the laundry chute. Miss Loftus said: The defendant approached them and started shouting at them, and in particular at Ms Tiauteriene. She said, what the f*** are you doing here, I will call security. To which she replied, yes maam. The hotel workers left the scene and went into a room, the court heard. Miss Loftus said: Five minutes later the defendant entered the room. The defendant shouted what the f*** are you doing here, tell me your name. Allegation: It is claimed the socialite assaulted and spat at a member of staff at the Carlton Tower in London's Knightsbridge After Ms Tiauteriene gave her name, Tidelius replied its not a f****** English name, go to your country tomorrow. You are nothing, the court heard. Miss Loftus said: She held her hand low to the floor, suggesting the member of staff was lower than her. Tidelius kept clenching her fist, and hit Ms Tiauteriene on the forearms, knocking them down, the court heard. Miss Loftus said: The defendant spat at the complainant, and it landed on her nose and left cheek. What are you doing here? You should go back to your country, you monkey. You belong on the trees What Britt Tidelius is alleged to have told a woman Shortly afterwards, security came in and tried to calm her down, it was said. Miss Loftus said: Eventually she did, but after a while she said she would complain to the manager. Philip McGhee, defending, said: That that is alleged by the witness is not accepted, in so far it did not happen in the way they suggest, or did not happen at all. We are dealing with an 81-year-old lady of good character. Tidelius, who has lived in the hotel for years but is originally from Sweden, spoke only to confirm her name, age and address, and to enter pleas during the hearing. Wearing a black and white checked jacket and a red scarf, she was granted unconditional bail. A trial will take place on December 14 at the court and is expected to last two days. Four British teenagers have been arrested in Majorca after enjoying a four-day jaunt in a luxury hotel and notching up a 3,552 euro bill they could not pay for. Spanish newspapers are reporting that the men, all from London, have now had their passports withdrawn until they cough up the money. Three of the Brits are aged 18, while the fourth is thought to be 17. Thousands of British holidaymakers visit Majorca every summer and it is rare for tourists to be held over unpaid bills STOCK IMAGE Spanish police arrested the friends when their stay in a top-class hotel in the upmarket resort of Son Vida came to an end. They were arrested on suspicion of fraud after running up a bill for 4,113 euros (3,552), according to Diario de Mallorca. The teenagers are said to have presented an invalid credit card. Son Vida (pictured) includes a number of luxury hotels and private villas The newspaper claimed they tried to run off but were caught by police. Three of the teenagers appeared before a magistrate yesterday and were released but had their passports withdrawn until they paid the bill. The money was apparently spent on luxury accommodation, drinks and food. They are said to have booked two rooms on a bed and breakfast basis and paid an extra 60 euros so they could check out later. Many were covered head-to-toe in in tiger bodypaint for a mass streak Hundreds of brave animal-lovers unleashed their inner beast by running around Britain's most famous zoo - stark naked. Scores of cheeky Londoners stripped off and covered themselves head-to-toe in tiger bodypaint to streak around London Zoo in a bid to raise money to save the majestic big cat. Naked runners, who wore various tiger body paint, tails, whiskers, ears and masks, prowled around the zoo as nature intended. Hundreds of brave animal-lovers unleashed their inner beast by running around Britain's most famous zoo - stark naked The day of fundraising was organised in a bid to raise money to save the majestic big cat A monkey is taken by surprise and cannot hide his shock as streakers take over London Zoo Challengers streak through London Zoo, North London, as part of a fundraising challenge to raise money to protect tigers and their habitat The annual event, called Streak for Tigers, was held to raise funds for the Zoological Society of London's work protecting the beautiful beasts and their habitats around the world. Young and old turned out in force at the Regent's Park zoo to show their support and feel the summer breeze through their hair - and other areas. James Wren, fundraising director at the ZSL London Zoo, said: 'A group of tigers may be known as a streak, but sadly seeing any number of them in the wild is increasingly unlikely. 'Money raised by those who dared to bare is vital in helping us continue our work for tigers around the world, and it's definitely something to tick off the bucket list.' Supporters pose for a photo as they streak around London Zoo to raise funds for the ZSL Sumatran Tiger campaign Naked runners, who wore various tiger body paint, tails, whiskers, ears and masks, prowled around the zoo as nature intended The annual event, called Streak for Tigers, was held to raise funds for the Zoological Society of London The event will help the society's work in Indonesia, Russia and Bangladesh, to lobby policy makers, create wildlife areas, patrol tiger habitats Young and old came out in force on Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm at the Regent's Park zoo For more than 100 years the ZSL has been working with tigers and are world leaders in veterinary knowledge and tiger expertise. The society is currently working in Indonesia, Russia and Bangladesh to lobby policy makers, create wildlife areas, patrol tiger habitats, carry out monitoring and work with local communities to protect the endangered animals. Over one million people every year come into contact with the Sumatran tigers at the zoo. Scores of cheeky Londoners stripped off and covered themselves head-to-toe in tiger bodypaint to streak around London Zoo A top German spy has warned there are ISIS 'hit squads and sleeper cells' hiding in Europe who snuck in among refugees. Manfred Hauser, the vice president of Bavarias domestic intelligence agency, BayLfv, said there were 'substantial reports' of the threat. The fear of a terror threat relating to mass refugee flows into Europe from the war in Syria has been heightened by a wave of summer attacks in Germany, France and Belgium. ISIS fighters, file picture on the Iraq-Syria border, have slipped into Europe amid refugee flows and have set up hit squads While the recent attacks have mostly involved home-grown terrorists the fear of radicalisation and training has worried security agencies. Mr Hauser told the BBC Today programme: 'We have to accept that we have hit squads and sleeper cells in Germany. 'We have substantial reports that among the refugees there are hit squads. 'There are hundreds of these reports, some from refugees themselves. 'We are still following up on these, and we havent investigated all of them fully.' Germany is on high alert after a series of bloody attacks in the last month. ISIS terrorists claimed responsibility for an attack on July 18 near Wuerzburg in Bavaria in which a 17-year-old refugee believed to be from Pakistan or Afghanistan wounded five people with an axe before police shot him dead. A 27-year-old Syrian who blew himself up in Ansbach, southern Germany on July 24 had pledged allegiance to ISIS on a video found on his mobile phone, investigators said. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the bombing, which wounded 15 people. The Bastille Day attacks in Nice shook Europe as a terrorist took a lorry on a rampage along the promenade, killing 84 The attack was the worse in Europe since the Paris attacks in November last year On July 22, a teenager went on the rampage with a gun murdering nine young people after luring them to a MacDonald's and opening fire. The massacre of 84 people on Bastille Day in Nice, in mid July, shook France and the wider continent as the terror threat returned. A further ISIS-inspired attack in Normandy, in which Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel was murdered during Mass, raised fears further still on July 26. He planned to explain his 'embarrasing' behaviour to the Victorian Bar Melbourne barrister, Cameron Baker (pictured), has been spared a career ending conviction after he was found guilty of stalking and drug possession A barrister who has been found guilty of drug possession and stalking his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend has been spared a conviction that could have been the end of his career. Cameron Baker, from Melbourne, made stickers reading, 'Want a young stud to f**k? Forget Grinder (sic) call me' with the boyfriend's number and canvassed them at a truck-stop bathroom in Victoria September last year. He also put 'Swingers Party' flyers into the letterboxes of 150 neighbours which featured the boyfriend's photo which he found on Facebook and the man's address, reported, The Age. Baker pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-girlfriend's partner and also possessing the drug ice and a bottle of GHB, found on the 38-year-old during his arrest in October last year, a Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Friday. He told police - at the time - that he did not mean to scare the victim and considered his behaviour similar to what he would do to a friend as a 'joke'. 'He was responding to what he thought was a threat, a slight,' Defence counsel Peter Morrissey, SC, said. Baker pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-girlfriend's partner and also possessing the drug ice (stock left) and a bottle of GHB (stock, right), found on him during his arrest in October 2015 He also went on to say that his client was 'embarrassed' and 'ashamed' of what he had done. It was also found that Baker had been using the drugs to 'enhance' his relationship with his ex-partner but had stopped using them since his arrest. 'This was a chemically dependent relationship. He was telling himself "it's okay", it's not hurting anyone. People fool themselves,' said Mr Morrissey. Magistrate Jelena Popovic said that Baker's 'judgement was off' and said psychologist Patrick Newtown's 'brutal' report of his character should be a 'wake-up call'. Magistrate Jelena Popovic said that Baker's 'judgement was off' and said psychologist Patrick Newtown's 'brutal' report of his character should be a 'wake-up call' on Friday at Melbourne's Magistrates Court (stock) 'I don't know what planet you were orbiting. 'There's a temptation to look at you from a different lens because your profession expects behaviour that is of a higher standard to others in the community,' she added. Baker was placed on a two-and-a-half year good behaviour bond and fined $2,000 - which would go towards a cancer charity. A ten-year-old boy who was locked in an inhumane 'autism cage' to separate him from other students tried to escape so badly he broke the lock. The distressed boy was able to smash the self-closing latch on the two-by-two metre blue cage at his Canberra school as he tried desperately to escape. It's understood parental permission was not granted to restrain the Canberra schoolboy, who was forced to transfer out of primary school and into high school this term because of his extreme behaviour, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. The blue cage was fitted with a self closing latch so it could be used as a 'calm down' space for a ten-year-old student with autism The cage was constructed by an external builder on March 10 and dismantled on March 24 last year and was intended as a calm-down and quiet space for the student. The incident is now at the forefront at the investigation of the UN, which could highlight practices of the ACT Education Directorate and education departments across Australia where reports of child harm have occurred Out of 55 of the disabled students who claim they have been abused in the UN's Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 93 per cent had been diagnosed with autism, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Twenty eight of the students said they had been held in unsuitable areas similar to the notorious blue cage. These were called 'time out' or 'calm rooms' and included spaces such as cupboards, storerooms and disused buildings with windows blacked out and lights turned off. The unidentified School only removed the cage when they were ordered to do so by the ACT Education Department after they received a complaint from the boy's parents. ACT Education Minister Joy Burch (pictured) ACT Education Directorate Director-General Diane Joseph said the 'confronting' structure was 'entirely inappropriate and unacceptable'. 'The space was basically a fenced-in structure inside a classroom,' Ms Joseph said. 'The structure was built for one particular student. 'The decision to erect such a structure raises so many questions. I have asked for the investigation to be treated with the upmost urgency.' ACT education minister Joy Burch said she was very disappointed by what an independent inquiry into the incident had turned up. This decision was wrong and the officer responsible will no longer be a school principal or be working within a school,' she said in a statement last year. 'School principals must be held responsible for their actions.' The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the ACT Education Directorate has never apologised for the child's treatment, and the family is seeking mediation through the ACT Human Rights Commission. A film about a hot dog's relationship with other foods - including a climax involving a food orgy - is causing uproar for alleged racial stereotypes. Comedian Seth Rogen co-wrote the new animated adult comedy, Sausage Party, a spoof of the many Disney and Pixar films. But the film has divided opinion over its content, with some praising the over-the-top racism and others on social media unhappy with the Sony flick. Actor Paul Rudd and writer Seth Rogen attend the premiere of Sausage Party at Sunshine Landmark in New York City Pictured left to right, Nick Kroll, Paul Rudd, Salma Hayek, Seth Rogen, Danny McBride and Michael Cera take a selfie at the Premiere Of Sony's Sausage Party at Regency Village Theatre on August 9 in Westwood, California In one example, the movie features some Nazi German sauerkraut dedicated to 'exterminating the juice'. Actress Salma Hayek also reportedly does the voice for a lesbian Mexican taco while the film features a Native American bottle of Firewater which complains he had settled in a store first before being kicked out to the backroom. An Arabic loaf of lavash longs for 77 bottles of extra-virgin olive oil awaiting him in the next life, Heat Street reports, adding that the film also includes an Irish potato who sings 'Danny Boy' and has a catchphrase 'Jesus! F**k!' On Twitter, Sonal Patel, from New Zealand, summed up much of the social media criticism. 'SAUSAGE PARTY's heavy reliance on racial stereotypes for gags pretty much put me off the whole film,' she tweeted. 'Sh**y, lazy writing.' While the film has been widely commented on for its racism - many tweets laughing at the jokes, others criticizing it - it has found support from left-wing newspaper The Guardian. Characters based on different foods in the new film, Sausage Party, have caused uproar Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller arrive for the premiere of the film in Los Angeles (left) while some of the character hit the red carpet at the New York City premier (right) Some criticism on social media says the film relies too much on social media Film reviewer Jordan Hoffman declared that the 'whole thing is so tasty, you may just want seconds'. 'Racial stereotypes await on every aisle, which will undoubtedly be a third rail for some viewers,' he wrote. 'My attitude is that if you want to play in that sandbox, you have to be sure to insult everyone and, more importantly, make sure the jokes work.' Writing on the Birth Movies Death website, Devin Faraci said: 'The ethnic jokes in arent just there because theyre funny - and holy s*** are many of them unbelievably funny - theyre there because the script is directly engaging what they mean. 'This is a movie where all the different foods are split up into aisles, and each food has a dedication to its own aisle, and each aisle has its own beliefs and religion, and Frank travels through them all trying to bring everybody together. 'The movie is, in its own jokey way, celebrating the differences among nations and peoples while also reminding us that those differences are only skin deep.' One user described the movie as 'one of the most racist movies' they had ever seen An unidentified Russian scientist has shot and killed a young polar bear on the Arctic archipelago of Selvagen in an incident that is being investigated by Norwegian authorities. The local government was notified of the incident on Wednesday although it still remains unclear why the endangered bear was killed although it was likely shot as it approached the scientist's camp site, according to news outlet svalbardposten. 'We are investigating the incident and will speak to those involved,' assistant governor Berit Sagfossen told broadcaster NRK. Slain on the beach. Heart breaking images of the two year old Polar Bear shot dead by a scientist The animal was slain on Norway's island of Prins Karls Forland, which lies around half way between continental Norway and the North Pole. The bear was just two years old when it was gunned down and weighed 155kg. Polar bears live between 15 and 18 years on average. The cub, which had been marked for research by the Norwegian Polar Institute, is the fourth Polar Bear to be killed on the archipelago this year, svalbardposten reported. Prins Karls Forland is located around half way between continental Europe and the North Pole In June a hunter shot and killed a female bear on one of the islands and was given a a 20,000 kroner, or 1,900 GBP, fine for 'acting carelessly' earlier in August. As a result of the shooting the female's cub had to be put down by authorities as it 'had no chance to survive without the mother'. Although 'baiting, pursuing or actively seeking polar bears' is illegal in Svalbard laws stipulate aggressive bears can be shot 'with the aim to kill' if a person's life is at risk. An aerial image of the bear. If a bear presents a threat to a human on the island they are permitted to shoot and kill the animal Anybody who shoots a polar bear is required to contact the governor of Svalbard immediately after the incident. The species is considered a a 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with numerous estimates suggesting there are only around 25,000 left in the world. Their clothes are liked by far right groups including Reclaim Australia RAInfidel has donated over $28,000 in donations to the Legacy Legacy bans the 'Royal Australian Infidel' from using their logo Veteran charity, Legacy, banned the controversial clothing line 'Royal Australian Infidel' from using their logo following the production of far-right slogans. The clothes worn by supporters of Reclaim Australia and the United Patriots Front now bear slogans including 'ISIS hunting team' and 'if your religion is worth killing for please start with yourself.' Over the past two years, Legacy has received over $28,000 in donations, reported the Herald Sun. Veteran charity, Legacy, banned the controversial clothing line 'Royal Australian Infidel' from using their logo The range of shirts and jumpers by the RAInfidel aim to show support for the Australian Defence Force despite not having any affiliation with them. 'We want the soldiers of Australia to be proud of their service, while on deployment and at home,' RAInfidel says on their website. Their clothing also bear slogans such as, 'If you don't support our forces then you don't belong inside our borders,' and an image of the Australian flag with the words 'try burn this one'. Legacy is believed to have knowingly received donations from the group from 2014. The range of shirts and jumpers by the RAInfidel aim to show support for the Australian Defence Force despite not having any affiliation with them A spokesman for the brand said permission was never given for RAInfidel to use their logo and have since requested it be removed from their website and social media pages. 'While the comments were perceived as tasteless it seemed that it was a small home-based enterprise making T-shirts for veterans to wear within their own social groups,' Legacy chief executive Jenny Walker. But RAInfidel says they are not associated with Reclaim Australia despite their popularity among the far-right groups. 'We don't organise or condone any rallies, and we don't share anything on our page targeting any race or religion,' an RAInfidel said. RAInfidel says they are not associated with Reclaim Australia despite their popularity among the far-right groups The husband of a woman shot dead in front of 34 people in a police role play exercise gone wrong has recalled the horrifying moment his wife was killed. Officer Lee Coel, 28, shot retired librarian Mary Knowlton by 'mistake' during the demonstration in Punta Gorda, Florida, on Tuesday night. Mrs Knowlton's husband, Gary, said the 73-year-old mother had 'volunteered to be the victim in the mock shooting' that took her life. 'I was standing 10 feet away from her when the guy shot her,' Mr Knowlton told CBS Miami. 'I just can't believe she's gone, but I have to learn to live with that.' Scroll down for video Gary Knowlton (right), the husband of Mary Knowlton (left), who was shot dead in front of 34 people during a police role play has recalled the horrifying moment his wife was killed He also said the couple met in high school, and had been married for 55 years. Mr Knowlton added that he does not blame Officer Coel, and said he knows the shooting was an accident. 'I think it's a whole series of errors. I can't control that stuff and I know there was no ill intent, just mistakes,' he told the network. CBS Miami also showed footage from an excessive force complaint that was made against the officer in April 2013 while he worked in Miramar, Florida. 'She volunteered to be the victim in this mock shooting. I was standing 10 feet away from her when the guy shot her,' Mr Knowlton said On Wednesday, police identified Coel (left) as the officer who accidentally shot and killed Knowlton (right) Surveillance video shows Officer Coel dragging a suspect out of his police car by the ankles, forcing the suspect to land heavily on the asphalt after flying out of the backseat. He was forced to resign from the Miramar Police Department just weeks later, CBS Miami reports. Another video that was released on Thursday shows Coel's K9 mauling Michael Schumacher during an arrest in Puna Gorda. Footage from an excessive force complaint that was made against Officer Coel in April 2013 while he worked in nearby Miramar has also been revealed Surveillance video shows Officer Coel dragging a suspect out of his police car by the ankles, forcing the suspect to land heavily on the asphalt after flying out of the backseat The cyclist was left with horrific injuries that left him hospitalized. Attorney Scott Weinberg took the man's case in June, and that's when he viewed Coel's dashcam video of the arrest and informed local media of the footage. He has said Coel should never have been allowed to become a cop. Another video that was released on Thursday shows the moment Coel's K9 mauled Michael Schumacher while he was arresting him in Puna Gorda. Schumacher is seen in hospital 'I told everyone that this officer was dangerous and he needed to be fired,' Weinberg told Daily Mail Online. 'If he had been fired like he should have been when he ordered that dog to maul my client for a minute and 47 seconds, then this wouldn't have happened.' Punta Gorda police have insisted Coel did not violate any of the department's policies during the canine arrest. 'I just can't believe she's gone, but I have to learn to live with that,' Gary Knowlton (left) said after his wife, Mary (right), was shot and killed by 'accident' Police officer Lee Coel was captured as he accidentally shot and killed community volunteer Mary Knowlton, because he loaded his gun with live rounds instead of blanks. He was dressed as a 'criminal' during the role play incident where the tragic incident occured It comes after footage of the moment the cop dressed as a 'bad guy' shot the 73-year-old mother dead during a role play exercise - because he loaded live rounds instead of blanks - was released. The aim of the class was to teach people when not to shoot. Officer Coel fired the fatal round while dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt and black ski mask - in a bid to look like a 'criminal'. Mrs Knowlton was picked from the audience to play the 'victim' during the scenario. Mrs Knowlton is seen holding a gun just moments before she was shot dead during the 'shoot/don't shoot' exercise in Punta Gorda, Florida Officer Coel (pictured), who has worked for the department since March 2014, has been been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated Coel then shot her in the shoulder and the chest, thinking he was firing blanks. But when those watching saw blood, they knew something was wrong. Her husband watched as volunteers turned her lifeless body over to reveal the horrific injuries. John Wright told NBC News: 'We all thought that this was part of the theater, we all thought it was expected. 'When she went to the floor I think we all realized the severity of what we'd all witnessed.' Mrs Knowlton (center) is pictured with her son Steve (left) and husband Gary (right) outside the White House Knowlton's son, Steven (left), said it was a devastating time for the family in a statement released on Wednesday morning Officer Coel, who has worked for the department since March 2014, has been been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In a statement, the police department said: ' Officer Coel is frequently seen throughout our community providing department presentations and tours and specifically role-playing in these shoot/dont shoot scenarios as well as a police presence at youth and neighborhood events. 'Officer Coel remains on administrative leave while the investigation into this incident gathers more details into how this tragedy happened. A woman is seen confronting a police officer during one of the simulated exercises 'Like the rest of our community, Officer Coel is devastated by what happened and is receiving assistance from our department and the Police Benevolent Association at this time.' After the incident, p olice chief Tom Lewis said Knowlton had been chosen randomly from the group for a 'shoot/don't shoot' simulation during the Citizen Police Academy at the station headquarters. Officer Coel, who was playing the role of a 'bad guy', was supposed to fire blanks at the 'victim' Knowlton, but live rounds were loaded in the gun instead. Blank rounds (left) have groves in the top, while live bullets have more rounded tops Knowlton's class met at the Punta Gorda Police Department around 5.30pm and the shooting occurred just before 7pm. The demonstration 'used simulated lethal force' to teach the class about making critical decisions, WINK News reported. A Kentucky mother has been sentenced to nearly 19 years in prison after smuggling drugs to her jailed daughter, who later died of an overdose. Kimberly Mullins, 44, of Crittenden, was sentenced Thursday to 224 months in federal prison on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and morphine. Mullins had confessed to regularly sending heroin to her daughter, while she was in jail. She also confessed to buying a fentanyl and morphine mixture, thinking she was buying heroin. Mom sentenced: Kimberly Mullins, 44 (left), has been sentenced to nearly 19 years in prison after smuggling drugs to her jailed daughter, Jamie Green (right), who later died of an overdose Gaol: Mullins had confessed to regularly sending heroin to her daughter, while she was an inmate in the Kenton County jail (pictured) The Kentucky Department of Justice says Mullins' daughter, Jamie Green, overdosed on September 5, 2015. She was 25 years old and a mother of two, 8-year-old Jayden and 5-year-old Brooklyn. Two inmates, Lisa Lattimore and Lynette Ball, have also been convicted after pleading guilty to being a part of the conspiracy. Mullins admitted to arranging the delivery of the narcotic substance to her daughter behind bars with the aid of Ball and Lattimore, who also were being held in the Kenton County Jail. Lattimore received 160 months, and Ball got 144 months. All three women must serve at least 85 percent of their sentences. Jamie Green had been jailed in the Campbell County Detention Center since May 27, 2015, on a probation violation. Young mother: Green, 25, died in September 2015, leaving behind a 5-year-old daughter (pictured) and an 8-year-old son Bad influence: A family member said Green (left) turned to heroin after reconnecting with Mullins, who was herself a drug addict On September 4, 2015, she was transferred to the Kenton County Jail and placed with the general women's population. A day later, Green fell ill after taking the fentanyl-morphine concoction and passed away a short time later. Green's criminal record dating back to 2009 included several arrests for minor crimes, such as shoplifting and driving a moped without a license. In court, Kim Mullins provided the judge a written statement asking to be treated as a person According to a lengthy profile published in the Cincinnati Enquirer last year, Green's father died of a drug overdose when she was 11 years old, and her mother, Kimberly Mullins, was battling addiction throughout her childhood. She spent her early years being bounced between foster homes, relatives and family friends. Green became hooked on prescription painkillers after delivering her son through a C-section at age 17. According to Rachel Riffle O'Hara, a relative who helped raise Green and who is now caring for her son, Green turned to heroin after reconnecting with her mother as an adult. The Enquirer reported that during her sentencing Thursday, Kim Mullins handed the judge a written statement asking to be treated as a person, not as a case number. US-backed forces have toured an ISIS 'religious police' headquarters where women were tortured with poles and chains if they were spotted without their faces covered, in the city of Manbij. Syrian Democratic Forces reclaimed the building this week and posted a video of the horrific torture apparatus they found inside, after they successfully defeated the terror group near the Turkish border in northern Syria. In the video, an SDF fighter explains the 'Hasba centre' is what ISIS call its 'religious police' headquarters. Men would observe the attire and behaviour of the local people and bring them to the torture centre if they were spotted breaking the strict Sharia Law rules. A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter filmed a video inside the ISIS religious police torture building. He found a chain (left) used to beat women and a list of the alleged 'crimes' (right) 'Some of them are in charge of arresting smokers. Some of them deal with the people who do not dress in the way Daesh ordered them to. 'They bring wrongdoers to the Hasba, people who wear tight pants, women who do not cover their eyes. Do you see the covered market? Women always shop there, if they uncover their eyes to see they get brought here. It is a total humiliation, a humiliation to all humanity,' he said. 'In these rooms, some of the worst violations have been committed against the people of Manbij,' the fighter explained as he toured the shattered rooms. 'We found some torture devices like a metal chain that Hasba members used for hitting, and another pipe for beating women who break their rules,' he added. Women were brought into the prison if they 'didn't cover their eyes' or wore make-up. Men were hauled in if they dared wear tight pants or jeans (pictured) 'In these rooms, some of the worst violations have been committed against the people of Manbij,' the fighter explained One room featured a television, which prisoners would be forced to watch ISIS propaganda videos on ISIS would hold their prisoners in the religious police centre for two days and then transfer them elsewhere - but if the prisoners had money they could sometimes leave immediately. Another room inside the prison included a television where prisoners were shown ISIS propaganda videos 'in an attempt to deceive them'. Documents left behind by jihadis show how a shop owner and a woman were arrested because she uncovered her face next to him. 'There is a woman wearing makeup at the shop - this is why the arrested her. They asked for her ID and she refused. So they brought the shop owner here, ' the SDF fighter said. An ISIS flag is seen above the religious police headquarters in the city of Manbij Satellites which ISIS used for communicating were found inside the torture building 'There is no doubt that a lot of Manbij residents think of the Hasba as a security grip continuously terrorising them, they are scared for their lives.' Earlier this week, harrowing footage emerged of the moment a young Syrian boy desperately tried to stop his mother from removing her niqab after the family were rescued from the clutches of ISIS. The boy and his mother had been freed from the terror group's rule in the shattered streets of Manbij when she uncovered her face to wipe away her tears. The little boy, who was used to living in fear that his mother will be punished if she doesn't cover her face, attempts to pull the black material back over her mouth. The city of Manbij has been devastated by air strikes and fighting since the battle to reclaim it from ISIS began earlier this year On Friday the SDF said they had launched a final assault to flush the remaining jihadists out of Manbij. Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as 'human shields' as they fled their former stronghold of Manbij. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most of the IS fighters from the town last week, but a small number remained. 'While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood,' said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. 'They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them,' he added. Earlier this week, harrowing footage emerged of the moment a young Syrian boy desperately tried to stop his mother from removing her niqab after the family were rescued in Manbij The little boy, who was used to living in fear that his mother will be punished if she doesn't cover her face, attempts to pull the black material back over her mouth Al-Sirb is a district in northern Manbij on the way to the IS-held border town of Jarabulus in Aleppo province near the border with Turkey. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on sources on the ground to cover the conflict, also reported that IS had abducted around 2,000 civilians as they fled Manbij. It said the civilians were placed in hundreds of cars that then headed for Jarabulus. Darwish said the civilians who were taken were residents of Al-Sirb and other districts, including a central neighbourhood known as the 'security quarter' in the centre of Manbij. It was not immediately clear how many jihadists fled from the town, but reports last week after the SDF forces took Manbij said that dozens of IS fighters were holed up in the 'security quarter'. Darwish said that around 2,500 other civilians 'held captive by the jihadists were saved' by the SDF. The US-backed forces were meanwhile combing Al-Sirb on Friday for jihadists who could still be in the neighbourhood, he added. After the battle to reclaim Manbij from ISIS began this woman was photographed removing her Niqab on June 9 With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback using suicide attackers and car bombs, before a major push last week saw the SDF seize 90 percent of the town. Tens of thousands of people lived in Manbij before the assault started in May. The United Nations has said that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since then. Manbij had served as a key transit point along IS's supply route from the Turkish border to Raqa, the de facto capital of its self-styled Islamic 'caliphate'. The Britain-based Observatory says that the battle for Manbij has claimed the lives of at 437 civilians - including 105 children - and killed 299 SDF fighters and 1,019 jihadists. A man has been caught driving 100km/h on a freeway in Perth while reading a grocery catalogue. The man was captured by another cars dashcam travelling on the Mitchell Freeway on Wednesday afternoon, WA Today reported. The car is travelling in the centre lane, while the car that took the photo is seen approaching in the freeway lane to his right. The man is pictured reading a grocery catalogue propped up on his steering wheel (left) , while the car next him him (right) records his speed as more than 99km per hour The man, who is travelling in a small, dark-coloured car, is seen driving with the grocery catalogue clearly propped up flat against his steering wheel. His eyes are glued to the pages and he is not watching the road. The dashcam of the white car next to him recorded its speed as 99km per hour, and the man reading the magazine is in front, travelling faster. Western Australia Police caught 45 people in just under two hours for using their smartphones while driving in July. In the same month, more than 50 motorists were caught in one week playing Pokemon Go while driving. After claims during his trial that he knew filmstars, he was convicted Rapist Pierre Bate has been jailed for 24 years for a sickening attack on a woman in her own home An American man who claimed he had connections to Leonardo DiCaprio and Natalie Imbruglia was jailed for 24 years today for raping a mother-of-two in London twenty years ago. Pierre Bate, 42, broke into his victims home in Thornton Heath in the south of the capital in 1996 while her two children were sleeping. He threatened to kill the woman and harm her children before repeatedly assaulting her over several hours. Bate told her an armed accomplice was waiting in the room where the children were sleeping to terrify her into submission. He tied his victim to the bed, forced the duvet over her head and poured cold water over her during the horrific ordeal. Bate was linked to the attack in 2011 after improvements in DNA technology found a match to his profile. The Californian was extradited from the US earlier this year to stand trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Bate bragged of supposed links to Hollywood stars and even brought former Jamiroquai drummer Nick Van Gelder to give evidence. Mr Van Gelder appeared to support Bates claims that they had partied with Oscar-winning star DiCaprio. Bate stood trial at Southwark Crown Court after he was extradited to the UK from the US Bate also told jurors that he had previously dated songstress Natalie Imbruglia - though the truth of his unlikely claim has not been confirmed.. The jury were not swayed by his alleged connections and convicted him of eight counts of rape and one of burglary. Jailing Bate for 24 years Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC said: You completely ruined the life of this young woman. Its plain to me you had been watching your victim in the weeks before this offence. You had entered her home when she was not there, taking a photo and leaving a knife by her bed - a bizarre prelude to this offence. You knew her partner was away from home that night. You had in my judgement stalked your victim as a sexual predator, awaiting your opportunity to have your way with her in the depths of the night. You intended to rape her when you entered her house.' At his trial, Bate claimed he had connections to Leo DiCarprio and singer Natalie Imbruglia HOW ADVANCES IN SCIENCE ALLOW POLICE TO CRACK DECADES-OLD COLD CASES Huge advances in forensic science have allowed police to continue investigating crimes decades later. DNA testing of evidence was first carried out in the mid-1980s, with the technique clearing a man of a rape and murder in a first-of-its-kind case in 1986. The technology has been developing ever since and, in some cases, detectives can now know if an offender is black or white, the colour of their hair and eyes and their height and age - even if there are no witnesses . The advances have helped in the cracking of a number of cold cases, with Christopher Hampton this year jailed for the murder of Melanie Road in Bath in 1984. Speaking about today's case, Scotland Yard's DI Julie Willats said: 'I'm sure Warnock thought he'd never be caught but historic murders such as this are never 'case closed'. 'As we have seen, advances in DNA technology can play a huge part in solving older cases and, no matter how long it takes, the Met will always strive to bring offenders before the courts.' Advertisement The victim was forced to leave her home after the attack, the court heard, and has been unable to have another relationship with a man since. She had to bring up her children alone. The court heard Bate had a previous conviction for an indecent assault in 1995, where he had climbed in through a womans bedroom window and lay on top of her until she was able to scream for help. Bate was extradited to the UK for that offence, and served 26 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of indecent assault and one of burglary. The victim said in an impact statement: It has been 20 years of insomnia - sleep deprivation is torture. It has changed me as a person - I was always happy, outgoing and had plans but since this I have become a recluse. This man has ruined my life and the lives of my children for the last 20 years.' Bate, who was forced to represent himself, complained he had only been given four months to prepare his case and had been abandoned by his original legal team. Jamie Silvonek, 15, testified in the case against Caleb Barnes' A 15-year-old Pennsylvania girl who pleaded guilty to plotting with her soldier boyfriend to kill her mother has defended him in court. Jamie Silvonek told the court she wanted to help Caleb Barnes in the trial because she is 'inexorably, ineffably in love' with him. Silvonek is currently serving 35 years to life for her role in the stabbing death of her mother, Cheryl Silvonek, 54, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in March 2015. Jamie Silvonek (left), 15, has defended her former boyfriend Caleb Barnes (right), who is accused of murdering her mother, because she is 'inexorably, ineffably in love,' with him Jamie Silvonek (pictured crying as she was led into court) said she wanted to help Caleb Barnes in the trial Barnes, 22, is charged with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse and statutory sexual assault, and faces a potential life sentence if convicted. During her appearance on the stand, Silvonek read aloud a letter she sent Barnes during her time in prison. The 22-year-old took the stand after Silvonek, and claimed he had no part in the murder. The Morning Call of Allentown reports Barnes, a former army specialist, testified he was asleep in his car when Silvonek killed her mother. Barnes, a former army specialist, testified he was asleep in his car when Silvonek killed her mother He said she knocked on his window, covered in blood. Barnes said he agreed to help get rid of the body because Silvonek had just told him she was pregnant. 'At this point I'm thinking I have a family to protect,' he said, according to the newspaper. 'This girl just killed her mom, but she's having my baby. I can't let her go to prison,' Barnes allegedly killed Cheryl Silvonek, 54, with the help of schoolgirl Jamie Silvonek in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in March 2015 He also said Silvonek's pregnancy was the reason why she fought with her mother, and claimed the then-14-year-old stabbed Mrs Silvonek with a knife that had fallen out of his pocket. Police say Barnes stabbed Mrs Silvonek five times, in a 20-minute attack that also saw the 54-year-old beaten and strangled. They cited Ms Silvonek's disapproval of the relationship as the motivation for the alleged murder. Investigator also said they recovered deleted text messages between Silvonek and Barnes, in which the teen plotted her mother's killing, including one message that read: 'I want her gone.' Silvonek admitted to criminal conspiracy during her trial, along with evidence-tampering and abuse of a corpse following the slaying of her mother. 'I was a monster. There is no sugarcoating it and there is absolutely no sympathy,' the girl told the court. She went on to say the couple discussed killing her mother for a week and Barnes talked about weapons he planned to use. 'He had proposed that we kill her and we had discussed things such as luring her away, me luring her away,' Silvonek said. And he made a comment such as, "I already have my knives picked out".' Police say after Ms Silvonek was killed, her daughter and Barnes drove to Wamart and purchased alcohol, bleach and other cleaning products. They then attempted to clean up the car, drove it to nearby South Whitehall and buried Silvonek in a shallow grave. Police found the car submerged in a pond and traced it back to the Silvonek residence. Lindt cafe gunman Man Haron Monis was a serial womaniser who was cheating on the girlfriend he convinced to murder his ex-wife, police allege. Monis convinced his partner, Amirah Droudis, to stab ex-wife Noleen Pal 18 times in the back after Ms Pal refused to see him again, the Sydney Siege inquest heard. Droudis allegedly murdered Ms Pal after Monis unsuccessfully tried to persuade the Rebels bikie gang to carry out the hit, The Daily Telegraph reported. Scroll down for video Lindt cafe gunman Man Haron Monis (pictured in Rebels bikie garb) convinced his partner to brutally murder his ex-wife Man Monis (left) murdered his wife Noleen Pal (right) after she spurned his attempt to get back together. The pair are pictured at their wedding The inquest heard that Monis was a serial cheater who used his Sydney spiritual healing business to meet women. At any one time he had multiple girlfriends showering him with expensive gifts and competing for affection. One girlfriend offered to buy him a white Mercedes and a black BMW while another borrowed money to purchase a $25,000 Harley-Davidson to help him join the Rebels gang. The woman was left to foot the bill when the Rebels rejected Monis but kept the bike. Monis juggled at least seven women - three of whom were long-term relationships and four which were short-lived flings One of his girlfriends told investigators that Monis was a strict and controlling partner who scared her into staying with him. She said: 'I felt that Michael (Monis) was strict enough that I couldn't say no to him. 'Michael had threatened me with supernatural powers of what could happen to me if he wanted it to.' One woman described Monis as a controlling partner who threatened her with his 'supernatural powers'. He is pictured at his second Indian wedding to Noleen Pal Sydney woman Amirah Droudis (pictured) will stand trail alone before a judge in the New South Wales Supreme Court next month accused of the 'ritualistic' murder of the 30 year old woman Sydney woman Amirah Droudis will stand trail alone before a judge in the New South Wales Supreme Court next month accused of the 'ritualistic' murder of the 30-year-old woman. Droudis stabbed the woman to death inside a Werrington unit block, in Sydney's western suburbs, before dousing her body in petrol and setting it on fire, Prosecutor Mark Tedeschi QC told Justice Peter Johnson on Monday. The woman died footsteps away from the front door of the unit she believed to be Monis's home. But the 'incredibly secretive' Monis had in fact been subletting from a friend so as to conceal his real address from his ex-wife following their bitter divorce, Mr Tedeschi said. One girlfriend bought Monis (left) a $25,000 Harley Davidson so he could join the Rebels bikie gang. He is pictured with a Rebels member Monis was allegedly able to convince Droudis (pictured), with whom he had been in a relationship since 2006 and who considered him her 'spiritual guide', to carry out the killing as a show of 'devotion' Monis was allegedly able to convince Droudis, with whom he had been in a relationship since 2006 and who considered him her 'spiritual guide', to carry out the killing as a show of 'devotion', and 'to satisfy his desire to punish his ex-wife on God's behalf'. Mr Tedeschi said a horrified resident of the Werrington apartment complex had watched through the peep-hole of his front door as a woman dressed in that manner stabbed the woman up to 18 times, before setting her body alight. 'The Crown case is that the use of fire was a ritualistic element of this murder and that it was perpetrated by someone who had a great hatred for and sentiment against the deceased,' Mr Tedeschi said. Monis was a serial cheater who used his spiritual healing business to meet girlfriends Lindt Cafe gunman Man Haron Monis (pictured) convinced his partner to 'ritualistically murder' his ex-wife He said Droudis was 'besotted' with Monis and was willing to kill the woman because of the emotional and spiritual hold he had over her. 'She had totally subjugated her will to his. She adopted virtually all of his beliefs and his extremist political views,' Mr Tedeschi said. 'The Crown case is that she became so totally dominated by him that she was prepared to do his bidding in whatever way she wished.' At the same time as his ex-wife was fighting for her life, Mr Tedeschi said, Monis was constructing an elaborate alibi for himself by filming a bizarre home video of himself at a Penrith swimming pool that included shots of clocks, so that he would be able to prove his whereabouts at the time his ex-wife was killed. He later staged a car crash in front of the local police station. Pope Francis surprised 20 former prostitutes on Friday by knocking on their door in Rome and popping in for a chat. The Argentine, who has repeatedly described the human trafficking behind much prostitution as 'a crime against humanity', sat down with the group, including four women from Albania, seven from Nigeria and six from Romania. The other three women - who are being sheltered by a Catholic charity in an apartment - hailed from Italy, Tunisia and the Ukraine. Scroll down for video Pope Francis surprised 20 former prostitutes on Friday by knocking on their door in Rome and popping in for a chat. He is pictured here greeting one of the women The 79-year old listened for over an hour to the stories of the former sex slaves, who are living under protection The women, all aged around 30, are being sheltered by the the Papa Giovanni XXIII community in an apartment in the Italian capital after being rescued from their pimps The women, all aged around 30, are being sheltered by a Catholic association in an apartment in the Italian capital after being rescued from their pimps. The 79-year old listened for over an hour to the stories of the former sex slaves, 'all of whom suffered serious physical abuse and live under protection,' the Vatican said. The visit fell under what have been termed Francis's 'Fridays of Mercy', whereby he carries out one unscheduled act of mercy a month on a Friday. These take place mainly in or near Rome throughout the pope's Jubilee year, which started in December and runs to November. The Argentinian pontiff kisses a baby during a visit to the centre. His visit fell under what have been termed Francis's 'Fridays of Mercy' As part of the initiative, the pope carries out one act of mercy a month on a Friday. In this photo, he is handed a rosary during the visit to the Papa Giovanni XXIII community Pope Francis greets one of the association's residents. The charity was founded in the seventies and also works with disabled people In January, he visited a care home for the elderly and people in a vegetative state, while in February he went to a community for drug addicts. In March he toured a refugee centre before visiting asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos in April. The pontiff then spent time with the seriously mentally ill in May before visiting old and ill priests in June. And he dedicated his July 'Friday of Mercy' to sick children in Krakow after praying for the victims of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. Popel Francis speaks to the former sex slaves. In March he toured a refugee centre before visiting asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos in April The pontiff then spent time with the seriously mentally ill in May before visiting old and ill priests in June Police paid tribute to the three officers gunned down by Harry Roberts on the streets of London 50 years ago with an emotional service. Scotland Yard Chiefs stood side by side with the families, friends and former colleagues of Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, Detective Constable David Wombwell and PC Geoffrey Fox at the memorial in Shepherd's Bush, west London, today. The three officers were shot by Roberts and his two accomplices John Duddy and John Witney outside Wormwood Scrubs Prison in 1966. Scroll down for video Tributes: Family and friends lay flowers at the memorial to the three police officers who were killed in the 1966 slaying Wanted: Harry Roberts went on the run for 96 days after the killing but was eventually sentenced to life in prison The slaying would later be known as the worst crime London has known.. Met bosses paid tribute to the 'ultimate sacrifice' made by the three officers in the line of duty and pledged never to forget their brave service. DS Head and DC Wombwell had approached a van parked near Wormwood Scrubs while on plainclothes duty in a police 'Q car' on the afternoon of August 12. In the course of questioning three men, the officers were shot at point blank range by the infamous killer Roberts. PC Fox was gunned down moments later. It transpired that Roberts, Duddy and a third man, John Witney, had been plotting an armed robbery when the officers stopped them for questioning. The triple murder, which was branded the 'Massacre of Braybrook Street', triggered a manhunt for Roberts, who evaded capture by hiding out in Thorley Wood, Hertfordshire. Duddy and Witney were rounded up and arrested early on in the investigation - but it took 96 days to track down arch villain Roberts, who was found sleeping rough in a barn. Pictured: Police officers inspect the van used in the killing of the three officers in 1966 Memorial: Police officers stand alongside loved ones at a commemoration to the lives lost in the 1966 killing Chief Superintendent Gideon Springer, borough commander for Hammersmith and Fulham, paid tribute to the officers ahead of the memorial service. He said: 'It is only right and proper that we gather together on this day to remember Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, Detective Constable David Wombwell and Police Constable Geoffrey Fox, and the ultimate sacrifice that they made in protecting the people of London. 'They are gone but never forgotten.' Roberts was convicted of all three murders and sentenced to life imprisonment but was controversially released last year at the age of 78. It sparked calls for a reassessment of the life term sentence and a string of complaints that Roberts should never have been released. Deborah Barnes, of Barnes & Sons funeral directors in Shepherd's Bush, organised a window display to commemorate the anniversary. Respects: Loved ones of DS Christopher Head, DC David Wombwell and PC Geoffrey Fox gather at the memorial service today The company managed the officers' funerals in 1966, which were followed by a procession as hundreds of mourners lined both sides of the street. Mrs Barnes, 57, said the crime had 'shocked the nation' and insisted that 'life should mean life'. She said: 'It was something that just did not happen so much in those days. 'There are so many awful things in the world today but in those days it was unknown and everybody was in uproar about it. 'They just walked over to ask what they were doing and Roberts just pulled out a gun. 'It was really cold and callous what he did and I do not think he should have ever come out of prison. I think 'a life for a life'. Killer: Harry Roberts (pictured, right) was sentenced to life for the massacre but was later released from prison aged 78 'The culture has changed so much in Shepherd's Bush since then and now a lot of people would not remember. But it is part of the history of Shepherd's Bush. 'The whole of Uxbridge Road was lined with people, both sides. It was some turnout for those three policemen. 'I think everybody remembers the story because it was such a shock to the nation.' Craig Mackey, Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police, said: 'Today's commemoration of the tragic events from 50 years ago serves as a reminder to us all of the grave dangers police officers face as they go about serving the public. 'Today we stand with the families of the three officers and join them in remembering and honouring them for their duty. A German senator is writing to British businesses and encouraging them to move to Berlin in the wake of Brexit, it emerged today. Berlin's business tsar Cornelia Yzer warns in the letter that Brexit will 'severely affect' business operation in the UK and promotes the virtues of the German capital instead. Ms Yzer promises Berlin has 'excellent infrastructure' that offers 'outstanding conditions' for business - and even offered 'publicly funded' incentives. Brexit-backing think tank the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) condemned the letter, which has been shared on social media. Berlin's business tsar Cornelia Yzer warns in the letter that Brexit will 'severely affect' business operation in the UK and promotes the virtues of the German capital instead Ms Yzer's letter, revealed by the Sun Online today, said: 'Britain's vote to leave the European Union will severely affect your operations in the United Kingdom. Probably you will already check the feasibility to move your EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) headquarters to a location right in the heart of the European Union. 'Therefore, I would like to direct your attention to the dynamic economic location Berlin.' The senator adds: 'I am sure that we can not only offer publicly funded programs as an incentive to relocate in Berlin. We will also be able to offer the tailormade solution which serves exactly the needs of your company.' IEA chief Mark Littlewood said: 'To try and entice firms to move locations by offering publicly funded schemes is cronyism at its most blatant.' One recipient of the letter Maz Nadjm, CEO of business social media firm SoAmpli, told The Sun: 'The only way I can describe it is cheeky. 'I understand why they are doing it but it still wouldn't be a target for me. I wouldn't move from London.' In the letter, revealed by the Sun Online, German senator Cornelia Yzer urged businesses in Britain to consider Berlin as a new home for their firm Ms Yzer urged business owners in Britain to contact her 'personally' to discuss a possible move to Berlin Yzer's office told the website the letter was genuine and had been sent to several firms. A spokesman said: 'Quite a few have responded and expressed interest in moving to Berlin.' A Department for International Trade spokesperson said: 'The UK is the number one European destination for foreign direct investment. 'We rank 6th in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' report ahead of the US, Germany and Japan and have a record rate of employment with almost a million new businesses in our country since 2010. Liam Fox's Department for International Trade said Britain was the 'number one destination for foreign direct investment' 'All this clearly demonstrates the strengths of the UK as an attractive place to do business and trade with. 'With a new Department for International Trade and a government committed to making the most of the opportunities, we are going to make a success of Brexit.' The economic implications of the Brexit vote have been hotly disputed both before and after the June 23 referendum and the shock vote to leave the EU. A study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) claims that membership of the single market could be worth a potential 4 per cent of extra gross domestic product (GDP) to the UK compared with World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership alone. The thinktank said the boost to the country's trade, public finances, growth and living standards far outweigh the costs of single market membership across Europe. Its report, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, added that just having access rather than membership of the single market was "virtually meaningless". The IFS sent out some stark warnings over the impact of Brexit ahead of the EU referendum, saying it would lead to two more years of austerity. Its earlier reports on Brexit said lower growth and extra borrowing of Brexit would knock a 20 billion to 40 billion hole in the Government's finances by 2020. Hundreds of women have fallen victim to a sinister slut shaming website which publishes nude photos without their permission. Users of the vile site post pictures of young women from social media accounts and ask other users if they have nude pictures of them. Those who post non-nude images request that other users upload 'wins', meaning explicit photos, of the same person. South Australian Jenni Russell's image was uploaded to the internet group with the caption: 'She's from Adelaide, any wins?' Scroll down for video Hundreds of women, including Jenni Russell (pictured), 21, have fallen victim to a sinister sharing website which publishes nude photos without their permission Ms Russell's thread (pictured) was captioned, 'she's from Adelaide, any wins?,' meaning does any one have nude photos of her The 21-year-old said she was horrified when she discovered there was a thread dedicated to her Ms Russell, 21, told 7News she was horrified when she discovered there was a thread dedicated to finding nude pictures of her. 'It's horrible, absolutely horrible and these girls don't even know about it,' she said. 'I'm lucky this girl messaged me and told me about it.' Hundreds of other young women were not so lucky and have unknowingly had their explicit photos posted on the site. Some threads on the site ask for nudes of specific women, while others ask for naked pictures of people from particular areas, including vile categories titled 'Campbelltown Sluts' and 'Canberra Chicks'. Ms Russell, pictured, said she horrified to find she was on the site and immediately reported it to police Users of the vile site post pictures of young women from their social media accounts and ask other users if they have nude pictures of them Some threads ask for nudes from high school students including the one pictured above There are threads for every capital city in the country and regional areas in every state. Some threads ask for nude photos of high school students, including one school in Victoria and another in Queensland. Ms Russell said she was worried the site had pictures of underage girls. 'I drove straight to the police station and told them there's possible child pornography I would like to report,' she told 7News. Ms Russell said she was turned her away by police and told her to report it online. South Australian Police told 7News the website was not under investigation at this stage, but anyone who believes they were a victim should report the matter online. Some threads on the site ask for nudes of specific women, while others ask for naked pictures of people from particular areas, such as Rockhampton, above Some threads name the pictured women and ask users to post 'wins', meaning nude photos Ms Russell (pictured) said she was worried that the site had pictures of underage girls Prosecutors say two Michigan men conspired together to drug and rape at least 25 women over the course of several years. Joshua Humphrey, 34, and Larry Stiff, 31, both face two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct related to rapes that took place in 2013 and in March of this year. So far, detectives have interviewed 25 women who had come forward claiming that Humphrey and Stiff met up with them in a bar, spiked their drinks with drugs and then raped them. Scroll down for video Partners in crime: Joshua Humphrey (left), 34, and 32-year-old Larry Stiff (right), have been charged with drugging at least two women and raping them Humphrey, of Muskegon, is now heading to trial. On Wednesday, a judge increased the suspected serial rapist's bond from $100,000 to $500,000 despite his lawyers protestations that it was completely out of any realm of possibility for her client to come up with that amount, reported MLive.com. Stiff's bond amount was also increased to $500,000 the day before. A half-dozen alleged victims were in Muskegon County Courthouse Wednesday during Humphrey's bond hearing. 'It took a long time for me to realize what had happened or let it sink in that it wasnt my fault,' one of the women told 24 Hour News 8 outside court. Another alleged victim said she was aware of 'over 80 girls' who were allegedly assaulted by the suspected date-rape duo. Last month, Humphrey's mother, Lynette Sue Humphrey, 55, was charged with witness intimidation after police say she threatened one of her son's alleged victims with violence Mom jailed: Humphrey's mother, Lynette Sue Humphrey, 55, in July was charged with threatening one of her son's alleged victims According to police in Muskegon, Ms Humphrey called a woman who had accused her son of sexual assault and left her a voicemail message in which she threatened to beat her up. Joshua Humphrey and Larry Stiff were charged in March with third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection to an encounter with a woman that took place in February 2016. Then in July, the pair were hit with additional charges stemming from an earlier incident involving another woman that occurred in 2013. Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat said that in the 2013 case, Humphrey and Stiff drugged the victim with Tramadol HCL - a powerful narcotic painkiller - before raping her. Based on information obtained from search warrant affidavits, on October 31, 2013, a woman met Joshua Humphrey, Larry Stiff and another woman in the now-defunct Cancun Connections bar in Muskegon, where they took shots of dark liquor. The group later ended up in Stiff's house. The alleged victim would later tell detectives that the last thing she remembered from that night was sitting on a couch before she passed out. When the woman later woke up, she found herself lying naked next to the other woman, whose pants and underwear were pulled down. Roofied: Detectives believe Humphrey (pictured left and right) and his accomplice, Larry Stiff, used a powerful painkiller to drug women and then sexually assault them while they were unconscious The alleged victim went to a hospital, where a rape test turned up Stiffs DNA. In the February 2016 case, Humphrey and Stiff met up with a woman and her two friends in a bar. According to court documents, Humphrey bought the alleged victim a beer, after which she blacked out and woke up some time later in her own house, wearing surgical scrub pants, no underwear, and with her bra and top askew. Humphrey and Stiff have been tied to a third incident involving yet another woman who also accused the 34-year-old man of slipping something in her drink that caused her to black out and made her sick. No charges have been filed in that case. The man is set to appear in Bendigo Magistrate's court on August 18 A man, 33, was arrested in his home in Bendigo, Victoria for Sarah Monahan said she was trolled for weeks and suffered migraines Former Hey Dad! star, Sarah Monahan (pictured), 39, has spoken out about the relief she feels knowing an internet troll, who made her life hell, has finally been arrested by police Former Hey Dad! star Sarah Monahan, 39, has spoken out about the relief she feels knowing an internet troll, who allegedly harassed her for weeks, has finally been arrested by police. Under the guise of a Facebook account idolising Robert Hughes character in the show, Martin Kelly, the man bombarded Ms Monahan's account with comments saying her co-star should not have been jailed for sexually abusing her. 'I had a dream about you Me, you and Robert Hughes were playing Twister and you winked at me,' the troll allegedly wrote to Ms Monahan. Starting in early June, Ms Monahan vented her frustrations about the internet troll posting an image of his Facebook page after blocking him and did it again in July commenting that it had been the man's sixth profile attempting to troll her. 'Each time he picks a different pedo [sic] to create a name under,' she said at the time. A fed-up Ms Monahan told The Daily Telegraph: 'Just when I was finally happy and my husband and I moved to Florida to start a life afresh do I get a crazy stalker. Starting in early June, Ms Monahan vented her frustrations on the internet troll posting an image of his Facebook page (pictured) after blocking him She blocked him again in July (pictured) commenting that it had been the man's sixth profile attempting to troll her 'When will I ever be able to put Hughes behind me?' As a result of eight weeks of being trolled, Ms Monahan revealed she had suffered devastating migraines and 'horrible flashbacks'. A man was arrested in Bendigo, in central Victoria, after FBI Internet Crime Complaint investigators looked into the complaints. The Australian Federal Police confirmed to the newspaper police had raided a 33-year-old man's home after obtaining a warrant to search his home. Hughes (pictured as Martin Kelly in the front left wearing glasses) played Ms Monahan's (pictured as Jennifer Kelly sitting with Hughes) father from 1987 to 1993 in the Australian sitcom He was charged at a local police station for transmitting child exploitation material and harassment but later bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates Court on August 18. Hughes played Ms Monahan's father, Martin Kelly, from 1987 to 1993 in the Australian sitcom. He was sentenced in 2014 for a maximum of 10 years and nine months with a non-parole period of six years after being convicted on ten of the 11 child sexual abuse charges held against him. The Clinton campaign today released Hillary and Bill Clinton's 2015 tax return, along with returns from running mate Tim Kaine going back 10 years. The Clintons made less money in 2015 than they did the year before, but still brought in nearly $11 million an adjusted gross income of $10,594,529 and paid a total of 43.2 percent in taxes, when local, state and federal are all factored in. The federal tax rate for the couple stood at 34.2 percent. Kaine and his wife Anne Holton brought in $313,441 in 2015 and paid a tax rate of 25.6 percent. The Clintons donated 9.8 percent of their income to charity, while the Kaines donated 7.5 percent. These new releases were an effort to shame Donald Trump into releasing his own returns. He responded with an assault on Clinton that alleged 'corruption' and 'shady' activity on her behalf and that of her family foundation. Scroll down for video Democrat Hillary Clinton released her 2015 tax return in a move to encourage Donald Trump to release his returns The Clinton campaign also released 10 years of tax returns from Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's running mate In a statement to reporters Clinton's communications director Jennifer Palmieri threw the first punch. She patted Clinton and Kaine on the back for setting the standard for financial transparency. 'In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns,' Palmieri said. 'He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide?' The campaign also released an attack ad criticizing Trump for not releasing his returns. While presidential candidates aren't mandated to release their returns, it's become an expected rite of passage if you're a major party nominee. But so far, with Trump being an unconventional candidate, he's bucked this tradition, claiming time and time again that he can't because he's under federal audit. He did not release his returns Friday in response to Clinton's needling. Instead his campaign said, 'Hillary Clinton has turned over the only records nobody wants to see from her the American public wants to see the 33,000 emails she deleted to obstruct an FBI investigation. 'We want to see the Clinton Foundation records showing how the Clintons sold our uranium to Russia, ripped off Haiti and cut deals with oppressive regimes around the world,' it said. It went on to accuse Clintons Chief of Staff at the State Department, Cheryl Mills, of concealing a 'pay-for-play' scheme and the government agency of keeping information about the Benghazi terrorist attack from the public. The statement from Jason Miller, a senior communications advisor to the Trump campaign, also said, 'We want to see the transcripts of the secret Wall Street speeches Clinton was paid $10,000 dollars-a-minute to give.' 'Hillary Clinton is at the center of an international corruption scandal that reveals her use of government authority and influence for personal gain,' Miller claimed. 'The records we need to see are those being hidden, deleted, obstructed and stashed away by Hillary Clinton to keep authorities from untangling this corrupt scheme that reaches into the world's shady corridors of power.' Continuing the full-scale assault, Miller wrote, 'Everything she doesn't want us to see has been digitally shredded or put under lock and key. This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection by an individual who created and then purged an illegal private email server.' Before today Clinton had released eight years of tax returns last July, three months into her presidential bid. The statements covered the years 2007 to 2014, which showed the income the Clintons had brought in since her original run for the White House, through her years as President Obama's secretary of state. Adding the 2015 return to the pile, the Clintons will have released 38 years of their tax returns dating back to 1977 to the public, thanks to Bill Clinton's political career and then Hillary Clinton's own. The 2014 return gave voters a glimpse of the political dynasty's vast wealth, with the Clintons bringing in $28 million that year. They paid about $10 million in taxes with a tax rate of 36 percent. Hillary Clinton tried to play down the eight-figure earnings that she and Bill Clinton were bringing in annually by talking about her middle class roots in a statement that coincided with her tax returns. 'We've come a long way from my days going door-to-door for the Children's Defense Fund and earning $16,450 as a young law professor in Arkansas and we owe it to the opportunities America provides,' Clinton said. 'I want more Americans to have the chance to work hard and get ahead, just like we did. And reforming the tax code can help,' She had previously taken heat for saying in June 2015 that she and Bill Clinton were 'dead broke' when they left the White House in 2001 because her husband's legal bills had put them in debt. That claim, rated 'mostly false' by Politifact, didn't take into account the two large real estate assets the Clintons' houses in New York and Washington, D.C. and the couple's earning potential from Bill Clinton being a former president, the website noted. As for Trump, his returns showing vast wealth wouldn't be a political problem. Instead the returns would be an issue if he wasn't as wealthy and successful of a businessman as he's claimed. Already voters have become skeptical of his big business boasts, with 61 percent telling Bloomberg Politics pollsters, for a survey that was released yesterday, that they're less impressed with Trump's business savvy than they were when he started his campaign last summer. It's probably not helped by the fact that The Donald has dragged his feet on releasing his tax returns and now doesn't plan to do so until after the election. During the Republican primary debates, Trump explained that several years of returns were under an Internal Revenue Service audit, using that as an excuse not to hand them over to the public. Since then, the campaign doubled down on that position, saying in late July that Trump wouldn't release his returns until after Election Day. Clinton surrogate, Billionaire Warren Buffett, challenged Trump to a tax return show-and-tell at a campaign stop earlier this month. 'Now, I've got news for him I'm under audit too!' Buffett told a crowd gathered to see Clinton in Omaha, Nebraska, his home. 'And I would be delighted to meet him anyplace, anytime between now and the election. I will bring my tax return. He can bring his tax return. Nobody's going to arrest us.,' Buffett said, pushing back at the perception that somehow being under an audit means the documents cannot be publicly seen. Buffett's challenge did nothing to budge Trump to release his returns. A single mother was 'humiliated' after being thrown out of a West End show for breast feeding her baby daughter. Sam Lucas, 33, had gone to see the Broadway musical American Idiot at the Arts Theatre in central London, with her 10-month-old and sister Jackie, 32, when staff sent her packing. She described the experience as the 'worst in her life' and now has plans to sue the venue for discrimination if the matter is not resolved. Scroll down for video Outrage: Sam Lucas, 33, was furious when she was asked to leave the Arts Theatre in London for breast feeding her 10-month-old daughter during a performance of American Idiot When the family first arrived at the musical, inspired by American punk rockers Green Day, they found the theatre only two thirds full and were told they could sit where they wanted. Sam put her daughter's ear defenders on and the women enjoyed the show - however, trouble broke out just 10 minutes into proceedings. Sam said: 'Nobody was behind us and the nearest people on our row were three or four seats away. 'I chose the seats on the aisle so that if [my daughter] did need a nappy change I could sneak out without disturbing anyone. 'They had just finished the first song, American Idiot, and [my daughter] had been fine, bopping along. 'A few times, she had pulled at her ear defenders, but other than that she had just bopped along, not making any noise. 'After the song ended, about ten minutes in, she was due a feed. 'I had a top on and put her under the top. 'I was also wearing a vest so you can hardly see anything. 'I think if a woman wants to get her boob out, she should be allowed to, but I always try to be discrete as I don't like to make anyone feel uncomfortable.' Family outing: Sam was at the show with her sister Jackie (pictured), when she was sent packing by theatre staff just 10-minutes into the musical However, as [her daughter] began to settle, the mother-of-one was taken aback when the theatre's assistant manager told the women they would have to leave. Sam said: 'I was in complete shock. 'One minute I was watching the show and breast feeding and the next this man came up from behind me. 'He said we had to leave because there had been another member of the audience had complained that my child was being distracting. 'When I asked if I could finish feeding[my daughter] first he said: 'No you have to leave.' 'I felt humiliated and embarrassed and I just couldn't comprehend what had happened. 'I was like 'seriously?' 'He never gave me a proper explanation and when refused to tell me who it was who had complained.' Emotional: Sam (pictured, with her daughter) said the experience at American Idiot was one of the 'worst' of her life Sexism: Sam said she felt 'humiliated' after being thrown out of the show for breastfeeding She added: 'When I asked if it was because I was breastfeeding he said: 'No, no, not at all' and became very defensive. 'I think the breastfeeding at the very least must have played a large part in why they asked us to leave. 'Sexism possibly did play a part and I did feel discriminated against.' The sisters took a 15-minute break and then returned to the venue, hoping to receive a fuller explanation, but they received the same one-line answer. On asking for refunds and the contact details of the theatre owner, the assistant manager only agreed to take down their information and promised to contact them the next day. Sam later took to the theatre's Facebook page to describe her experience. Legal action: Sam has since contacted a solicitor about the incident at the theatre and says she feels she was a victim of discrimination Apology: Sam says that she wants the theatre to say sorry for their staff's beahaviour Giving the venue a one-star review, she said: 'I feel treatment by the staff was out of line and discriminatory [sic] towards me and my child.' Several mothers rallied around Sam and claimed the treatment was illegal in comments on the post. Another user claimed to cite a note from the management team, which suggested Sam had received three complaints in the space of just ten minutes. Finally the theatre's executive director of arts, Louis Hartshorn, commented saying he'd like to meet Sam to discuss what had happened and stressed that the theatre was very supportive of breastfeeding. Two weeks after the incident, Sam claims she has yet to receive a proper explanation, apology or refund. She is now in contact with solicitors and is planning legal action. Sam said: 'We are serious about this and we will sue if we have to. 'I am in contact with a solicitors' firm at the moment. Ignored: Sam says she has received no contact from staff at the Arts Theatre (pictured) despite being promised a meeting with management Punk production: American Idiot (pictured, a scene from the show) is inspired by the 2004 Green Day album of the same name 'Breastfeeding is the most natural thing and breast is best for nutrition and immunity. 'The fact that breastfeeding rates are so low in this country is probably down to incidents such as these, in which women are made to feel embarrassed and ashamed. 'I'm upset because I have had so many experiences where cafes and hotels have been so accommodating with my breastfeeding. 'I want a full explanation for what happened, an apology and a refund, especially for my sister who didn't even have a baby with her. 'But the number one priority is making sure other mums don't have to go through this same experience.' Louis Hartshorn, Executive Director of the Arts Theatre, denied that Ms Lucas was asked to leave because she was breastfeeding. He said: 'The production of American Idiot has a 14+ age restriction and that is the reason that she was not permitted to watch the production with the infant and was granted a refund. 'We are not aware that at any point she breastfed on the premises. A Pennsylvania man and his girlfriend who he sprung from hospital on Tuesday after allegedly threatening two nurses at gunpoint has been arrested in South Carolina. Police in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina say 21-year-old Alicia Buzzard and her 18-year-old boyfriend Elliot Ravert were arrested on Friday and being held on shoplifting charges. The couple was arrested at a Wal-Mart in the city around 1.30pm and are being held in a Myrtle Beach jail until they are extradited back to Pennsylvania. Ravert is facing charges that include aggravated assault, terroristic threats and robbery. His girlfriend was unharmed and did not appear to be in any distress. Police have arrested Elliott Ravert (left), who broke his girlfriend Alicia Buzzard (right) out of a mental hospital in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. They were arrested for shoplifting at a Wal-Mart in South Carolina Armed with a gun, Ravert broke his girlfriend out of this mental hospital in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The couple is currently in a Myrtle Beach jail awaiting extradition Police started searching for the couple after he sprung Buzzard from the Philhaven Hospital in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania on Tuesday night. Ravert allegedly demanded nurses unlock the housing unit where Buzzard was a patient and threatened to shoot them if they did not cooperate. It's unclear if Buzzard went willingly with Ravert, but police issued a missing-person alert for her and said she may have been at risk of harm. Her mother, Jacqui Shay, told Fox 43 on Friday that her daughter's arrest was unfortunate, but she is happy that she's been found. 'All I care about is that she's safe and our prayers were answered,' she said. 'I don't care if she's in jail or not; she's safe.' Buzzard had been at the hospital for about a week and a half before the incident. Philhaven, the mental and behavioral health care facility where the incident occurred, is located about 30 miles east of the state capital. Buzzard's sister, Tiffany Buzzard, told LNP newspaper earlier this week that their mother had asked hospital officials to not allow Ravert to see his girlfriend. Buzzard has bipolar disorder and has known Ravert for about three months, his sister said. She lives in Myerstown, about a half hour from the hospital, with her mother, stepfather and grandfather. 'My mom and stepdad separated her and Elliott because they were starting to get physical and trying to have babies,' Tiffany Buzzard told LNP. 'She stopped taking her medicine and threatened to kill herself.' Buzzard's mother said that Ravert 'seemed very nice' at first'. 'He went to church with us, opened doors for Alicia and bought her stuff,' Shay told Lancaster Online. Family say Ravert, left, and Buzzard, right, met three months ago. They recently started getting intimate, at which point Buzzard's family tried to separate the two While their relationship had a good start, things had turned physical in June, and that's when Shay asked Ravert to stop seeing her daughter. When the family tried to keep them apart, Shay says that Ravert became 'obsessed' and vowed to marry Buzzard no matter what her family felt. 'I believe he was filling her head with marrying her, having kids, that he would fight us for her,' she said. 'He would be the knight in shining armor coming to rescue her.' It was also around this time that Shay says her daughter stopped taking her medications and threatened to hurt herself. 'She has the mind of a 12-year-old,' Shay said. 'She can be psychotic. She goes manic. I think she's probably a little scared. She doesn't like guns. She never wanted to shoot guns.' , were from Sudan and Egypt. Most of the migrants, who were Almost 300 people were rescued from a sinking fishing boat in the Mediterranean. Of the 296 people onboard the stricken craft 73 were children, Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service said today. Most of the migrants, who were suffering from dehydration, were from Sudan and Egypt. Of the 296 people onboard the stricken craft 73 were children, Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service said today Norway's Siem Pilot, which made the rescue, has patrolled the waters between Libya and Italy to assist with efforts to curb the number of illegal migrants. Austrian police said earlier today they were turning away four times as many illegal immigrants at the Brenner border crossing as in May due to tougher controls and more migrants heading for northern Europe from Italy. Edelbert Kohler, deputy head of Tyrol police, said: 'The situation for us is still relatively relaxed. 'But the recent developments in Italy are causing us a great deal of concern.' More than 25,000 migrants, mainly from Nigeria and Ethiopia, arrived in Italy in July, 12 per cent more than in the same period last year, EU border agency Frontex said. Most of the migrants, who were suffering from dehydration, were from Sudan and Egypt Most of the more than 94,000 people who have arrived in Italy by boat this year travelled from sub-Saharan Africa to Libya where people smugglers, who have taken advantage of the breakdown of order there, charged them hundreds of dollars for the passage, often in unseaworthy boats. But Austrian authorities fear migrants could shift their routes as they try to reach wealthier northern Europe. The number of migrants waiting to be let into Switzerland has been building up over the past days and migrants broke through police barriers at the Italian-French border. In response, Gibson said he had 'put his heart and soul' into the show 'for the past 12 years' for the next season that sets the stage for Gibson's exit from the drama He has now been fired, ABC studios confirmed Criminal Minds star Thomas Gibson has been fired after kicking a co-executive producer during an argument about a script while he was directing an episode. Gibson, who has played the role of Special Agent Aaron Hotchner since 2005, was involved in a physical altercation with Virgil Williams. He was suspended for two weeks. On Friday, the studio confirmed to DailyMail.com that the actor had been fired. In response Gibson issued a statement saying he loves Criminal Minds and has 'put his heart and soul into the show'. It caused fury among fans who took to social media to vent their frustration, with some saying that whoever took the decision to terminate Gibson's contract should themselves be fired. Others called for a boycott of the show until the actor is reinstated. Scroll down for video Criminal Minds co-executive producer Virgil Williams (left) was kicked by star Thomas Gibson (right) on set. The actor was suspended and then fired from the show as a result ABC Studios, which co-produces the show with CBS, announced Gibson's termination saying: 'Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. 'Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.' Gibson's statement read: 'I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years. 'I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won't be possible now. 'I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.' Heartbroken: Fans compiled photographic tributes to Gibson's Criminal Minds character 'Hotch' in the wake of the announcement from the studio Writers on the long-running drama series are now working on a story-line that would set the stage for Agent Hotchner's exit. Frenzied fans of the series and of Gibson, in particular, took to Twitter to express outrage. Some questioned how the show could go on without 'Hotch'. others said: 'it's nothing that cannot be fixed and he was on the show for 12 years!!!' The altercation with Williams is the most recent on-set outburst for Gibson, who was forced to enter an anger management program after pushing an assistant director in 2010. Gibson, a father-of-three, who plays Special Agent Aaron Hotchner in the drama (pictured), has apologized for his actions. On Friday he issued a statement saying he had hoped to see the show through to the end 'but that won't be possible now' A source told Page Six that in this most recent incident Williams - a trained boxer and martial arts fighter - was very aggressive, and that Gibson kicked him 'on instinct, like a reflex'. According to their unnamed source, Williams 'got every aggressive' and Gibson walked away, but then the actor got the feeling that the producer was 'coming after him,' so he instinctively turned around and kicked him. Other witnesses have said Virgil Williams made the creative dispute with Thomas Gibson heated by raising his voice. He then allegedly 'made a move' towards Gibson. The TV star, they say, then kicked as a 'reaction' to his advance. The pair appear to have previously been on good terms, with selfies of them both posted on Virgil Williams' Twitter feed. 'Me and my man': Williams and Gibson seemed to have a good working relationship before the scuffle. The writer has posted a number of pictures of the pair on social media Witnesses say Williams (left alongside heavyweight boxer Jeremy Williams) was the aggressor in the altercation and insist Gibson was defending himself 'Glutton for punishment': Williams posted picture of a pair of boxing gloves on Twitter to say he was preparing for a fight Williams is pictured alongside Criminal Minds star Aisha Taylor and fellow writer and producer Tawnia Mckiernan On set: Virgil Williams tweeted this photograph of himself on the Criminal Minds set last year Gibson said he regretted his actions and insists he just got frustrated in the creative process. Earlier this week, he told TMZ: 'There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. 'I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and always will.' Gibson was cast as Agent Hotchner in 2005 and has been a permanent fixture in the hit show ever since. His wife Christine and their three children - James Parker, Travis Carter and Agatha Marie - live in Texas. Williams started out as a writer on the hit series 24. He then penned the scripts for Chicago Code and ER before moving onto Criminal Minds. Criminal Minds returns for Season 12 on September 28. The show is based on a group of FBI profilers who set about catching various criminals through behavioral profiling. The plot focuses on the team working cases and on the personal lives of the characters, depicting the hardened life and statutory requirements of a profiler. Actress Kelly Rutherford has moved a step closer to wrapping up her bankruptcy, after cutting a $15,000 deal to regain the rights to residual payments from her Gossip Girl role. Rutherford filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013 after years of battling her husband, German entrepreneur Daniel Giersch, for custody over their two children. According to court documents seen by Daily Mail Online, under the new deal Rutherford will pay $15,000 to win back the rights to residuals, which have earned her creditors some $174,000 over the past three years. Residuals are payments made to cast members and others associated with a show when they are aired on repeat. The U.S.-based actress lost her custody case just before Christmas last year. She is now only allowed to visit her children in France and Monaco, where her ex-husband is based. Scroll down for video Rutherford with her daughter Helena and son Hermes. The actress is no longer allowed to take them to the United States after she refused to return them to Monaco, where her husband is based, after their summer vacation visit Daniel Giersch, Rutherford and son Hermes in happier times in 2007 The divorced couple, who were married for just three years, have a nine-year-old son, Hermes, and a daughter, Helena. Their divorce was finalized in 2009 - while Rutherford was still pregnant with Helena. A vicious and very public custody lawsuit ensued between her and Giersch, a German millionaire who made his fortune at age just 19 with a same-day postal service. The 47-year-old star filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013 claiming her assets totaled $23,937 but her liabilities came to $2,021,83. The majority of her debt came from the $1.5 million in lwgal bills she racked up during the divorce and custody battle with Giersch. She received a further blow when, shortly before Christmas 2015, a Monaco judge granted her ex-husband custody of both children. That decision was partly prompted after Rutherford was ordered by court to return her children to her husband in Monaco after refusing to do so following their two-month summer vacation visit. She is now not allowed to bring her children back to the United States. Rutherford with her Gossip Girl co-stars Ed Westwick (as playboy and lothario Chuck Bass) and Blake Lively (as socialite Serena van der Woodsen) Rutherford, who played fashionable socialite Lily van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, owed more than $350,000 in back taxes and had monthly income of just under $1,300 a month when she filed for bankruptcy in 2013. Gossip Girl aired its final season in late 2012. The Melrose Place actress later had her debts discharged but the residual payments on shows including Gossip Girl were declared to be her only remaining asset. The new deal stipulates that she cannot reclaim the money already paid to her creditors. Excerpts from the court documents, seen by the DailyMail.com, showing that Rutherford has managed to reach a compromise with her creditors By paying $15,000 Rutherford will regain rights to her residual payments - but only after losing out on some $174,000 over the past three years Jeffrey Carl Giddings (pictured), 46, was arrested Monday for allegedly shooting an officer then taking a woman hostage in a Subway sandwich shop The latest mugshot for an Oregon man, who was arrested after allegedly taking a woman hostage in a Subway sandwich shop on Monday, shows a face covered in jail tattoos. But Jeffrey Carl Giddings, 45, who has been arrested more than 30 times for various crimes, was clean-faced in his first mugshot. Over time each mugshot has captured the slow collection of facial inking Giddings has accumulated. The first sign of ink on Giddings's face was a neck tattoo that appears to show a name or a single word. Then a few years on, a second neck tattoo appears. After a few more arrests the letters 'BMX' with a bike tire appear at the top of Giddings's head. He also has the number '16' on his right cheek and a diamond shape with markings inside on his forehead. It appears ever time Giddings left jail he also left with a new tattoo. Giddings first mugshot shows a tattoo-free face with a faint neck tattoo on his left side. When his next mugshot was taken he had a darker mustache and his neck tattoo appeared darker. He also seemed to have a chest tattoo Giddings's face appears relatively clear for a few more mugshots and then another neck tattoo appears His most recent mug shot shows a collection of ink, which includes the words 'Aryan Pride' over his eyebrows, a marking on his nose and the number 23 on his left cheek. He also has a cross on his chin, the words 'f*** the feds' on his bottom lip and Donald Duck on his neck among others. Giddings went on the rampage after being stopped while riding his bicycle at around 6.30pm on Monday, Gladstone Police Department said. Giddings appears in this undated photo with what appears to be a broken hand. His forehead is now covered in tattoos and he has inked his nose In recent mugshots Giddings's entire neck is tattooed, he has the words 'f*** the feds' on his lip, a cross on his chin and 'Aryan Pride' over his eyebrows, among other tattoos Sgt Lee Jundt was chasing Giddings for a municipal traffic code violation when Giddings pulled out a gun and shot him in his ballistic vest, police told Oregon Live. Giddings, who has an active arrest warrant for heroin possession out on him from Klamath County, is then said to have entered a Subway sandwich shop. There police say the heavily tattooed man took a woman hostage while officers surrounded the building - but negotiations broke down and the police were forced to act. 'He was not giving up. He was not cooperating with the police,' Sgt Brian Jensen told KGW. 'The hostage was in fear for her life.' Siege: SWAT officers and police negotiators surrounded the Subway where Giddings, who had been stopped on a traffic violation, was allegedly holed up on Monday night Shots: When negotiations broke down, snipers fired two shots, non-fatally injuring Giddings, who was then arrested. He already had a warrant out against him for heroin possession SWAT snipers fired two shots, non-fatally wounding Giddings, who was then arrested at around 8.10pm. He is currently being treated at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The hostage was unhurt. Jundt, who has been on the police force in Gladstone for 20 years, is expected to recover. A mugshot of Giddings, taken in April, shows his face to be covered with tattoos, including 'Aryan Pride' written over his eyebrows, 'F*** the Feds' on his bottom lip, and Donald Duck on his neck. Aftermath: The hostage was uninjured after the SWAT team (pictured) freed her, and the injured officer - who was hit in his ballistic vest - is expected to recover He has an Iron Cross on his chin that can be associated with Nazis. On his cheeks he has 16 and 23, which is racist no matter which direction he means it to face. When 23/16 equates to or 'White Power' for the W is 23rd latter and P 16th. But 16/23, in which case it is usually intended to mean P/W for 'peckerwood', slang for white trash, now often slang for white supremacist prisoners. The Celtic Cross on his left cheek is a commonly used white supremacist sign, also used by Norwegian Nazis and the KKK. As ISIS retreated they used these vehicles as cover to prevent an attack Spokesman for US-backed group said civilians were packed into cars Civilians have been seen celebrating the end of ISIS rule in the area Syrians have been pictured celebrating after they were liberated from ISIS rule in a northern stronghold in the country. A woman was seen smiling in Manbij as she burned a niqab she was forced to wear by the Islamic State regime while another man could not stop beaming as he had his beard cut. The outpour of emotion came after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish force backed by the US, expelled most of the terror group's troops from the town last week. As the ISIS fighters left the town, they packed the civilians into cars to prevent the SDF from attacking them. ISIS, which previously held the city for two-and-a-half years since seizing it in January 2014, took around 2,000 civilians to use as 'human shields' as they fled. Scroll down for video A Syrian woman is pictured burning a niqab she had been forced to wear under ISIS rule Another man is seen smiling as he has his beard cut, with facial hair reportedly enforced by Islamic State leaders Hundreds of people have been evacuated from Manbij by the Syrian Democratic Forces after the Arab-Kurdish army drove ISIS away from the area 'While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood,' said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. 'They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them,' he added. Al-Sirb is a district in northern Manbij on the way to the IS-held border town of Jarabulus in Aleppo province near the border with Turkey. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on sources on the ground to cover the conflict, also reported that IS had abducted around 2,000 civilians as they fled Manbij. It said the civilians were placed in hundreds of cars that then headed for Jarabulus. Darwish said the civilians who were taken were residents of Al-Sirb and other districts, including a central neighbourhood known as the 'security quarter' in the centre of Manbij. Women have been seen embracing SDF fighters in the street after the liberation Soldiers helped families get out of the area and carried children away to prevent them being attacked in retaliation by ISIS Mothers were spotted smiling and in tears as they were moved to safety by the SDF It was not immediately clear how many jihadists fled from the town, but reports last week after the SDF forces took Manbij said that dozens of IS fighters were holed up in the 'security quarter'. Darwish said that around 2,500 other civilians 'held captive by the jihadists were saved' by the SDF. The US-backed forces were meanwhile combing Al-Sirb on Friday for jihadists who could still be in the neighbourhood, he added. As previously reported, the SDF released a video today where soldiers toured an ISIS 'religious police' headquarters where women were tortured with poles and chains if they were spotted without their faces covered. A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter filmed a video inside the ISIS religious police torture building. He found a chain (left) used to beat women and a list of the alleged 'crimes' (right) In the video, an SDF fighter explains the 'Hasba centre' is what ISIS call its 'religious police' headquarters. Men would observe the attire and behaviour of the local people and bring them to the torture centre if they were spotted breaking the strict Sharia Law rules. With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback using suicide attackers and car bombs, before a major push last week saw the SDF seize 90 percent of the town. LIBERATORS: WHO ARE THE SYRIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES? The Syrian Democratic Forces are an alliance of Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, Armenian, Turkmen and Circassian militias in the Syrian Civil War, who are primarily fighting against ISIS and other Islamist groups such as the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. The group claims to want to set up a democratic and secular Syria and it has created a political wing called the Syrian Democratic Council to help achieve self-rule. It was created in October 2015 and some of its forces have been backed by the US who have air-dropped them weapons including assault rifles, mortars and ammunition. Rebels trained by the Pentagon are also believed to be serving with the SDF. Advertisement Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as 'human shields' as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria. Photo taken in 2014 The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish force backed by the US, expelled most of the terror group's forces from Manbij last week Tens of thousands of people lived in Manbij before the assault started in May. The United Nations has said that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since then. Manbij had served as a key transit point along IS's supply route from the Turkish border to Raqa, the de facto capital of its self-styled Islamic 'caliphate'. The Britain-based Observatory says that the battle for Manbij has claimed the lives of at 437 civilians -- including 105 children -- and killed 299 SDF fighters and 1,019 jihadists. A SDF fighter rushes to help civilians who were evacuated from Manbij on August 12 A member of the SDF indicates a safe street to civilians fleeing zones controlled by Islamic State group on August 7 A New York man who 'grossly violated' a female passenger on a flight by rubbing lotion on her while she was sleeping has been jailed for a maximum of two years. Nadeem Memhood Quraishi, 43, was found guilty of sexual contact without consent for lifting a 25-year-old's dress and rubbing the Nivea lotion on her breasts, legs and genitals, during a Emirates flight from Dubai to New York City on October 26, 2015. Judge Carol Amon said Quraishi, a married father-of-three, had shown 'absolutely no remorse for his conduct', when she handed down the verdict on Friday, the New York Daily News reports. Judge Amon also made specific mention of the fact the victim had taken anti-anxiety medication shortly after boarding the plane, meaning she was not able to defend herself. Nadeem Quraishi (pictured), who 'grossly violated' a female passenger on a flight by rubbing lotion on her while she was sleeping, has been jailed for two years Mark Macron, the Staten Island man's lawyer, claimed in court that his client was suffering from some kind of mental illness, which contributed to the incident. During an interview with investigators, Quraishi defended his actions by saying he: 'went into, like, a hallucination of mind'. 'I was sitting next to a fellow passenger, and I had been tired, and my state of mind was disturbed or something,' he said in the footage obtained by the NYDN. He admitted to touching the woman on the shoulder and 'like a couple sitting next to each other' would. Judge Carol Amon (left) slammed Quraishi (right), a married father-of-three, when she handed down the verdict, saying he had shown 'absolutely no remorse for his conduct' Quraishi was found guilty of sexual contact without consent for lifting a 25-year-old's dress and rubbing lotion on her breasts, legs and genitals, during a flight from Dubai to New York City on October 26, 2015 'First thing, what I remember, is the episode of us being together, I was with her' he said. 'Then she told me I had been bad to her... I admitted I had been bad, that I wasn't thinking right or I thought I was traveling with my wife, something like that. 'The touching part was like, she didn't object or she didn't react... she was wearing a long skirt, so I cannot go up her skirt unless...' The 43-year-old was then admitted he knew what he did was 'very wrong'. Quraishi, a married father-of-three, could face deportation to Pakistan after he serves his sentence According to a criminal complaint filed last October, the victim recalled when she woke up that Quraishi asked her 'whether she had a good nap.' She then got up to go to the bathroom and noticed that 'her vaginal area was sore,' and that her 'underwear had been shifted and that lotion was in her vaginal area and on her underwear.' Quraishi also reportedly told the cabin crew he thought the woman 'needed it' and 'enjoyed it'. A woman arrested on drug charges in Florida last year returned back to the police station this week to thank the arresting deputy for saving her life. Brianna Byrnes, 32, was arrested last August 28 by Martin County Sheriff's Office Deputy Justin Albauer after he noticed the SUV she was driving swerving all over the road at night. She admitted to Albauer that she just purchased heroin from a dealer in Riviera Beach and that the drug was in her car. Byrnes also told the officer that she was an addict, but wanted help with her addiction before it killed her. Scroll down for video Thankful: Brianna Byrnes (above) was arrested on drug charges last year. She returned back to the police station this week to thank Martin County Sheriff's Office Deputy Justin Albauer (above) for saving her life Byrnes (center) was arrested last August 28 by Albauer (left) after he noticed the SUV she was driving swerving all over the road. She admitted that she just purchased heroin from a dealer Courtesy WPBF Albauer encouraged her to start to change that night before taking her to jail and charging her with possession. After he release from jail, Byrnes, who has been addicted to drugs on-and-off for the past 18 years, checked into a treatment center for help with her addiction. Roughly a year later, she has two jobs and is raising her young son. She called the sheriff's office last week looking for Albauer to give him a thank you letter before coming forward to share her story publicly on Wednesday. 'There are so many words that I want to say. First off, thank you so much! You truly saved my life!' she said during a press conference, WPBF reported. Albauer encouraged her to start to change her life that night before taking her to jail and charging her with possession. She is pictured left in her arrest mug shot and now in a recent photo 'You were so respectful that night, you didn't judge me for what I was going through and you listened to me, you actually believed in me that I could do it! 'And I am forever grateful to you. I appreciate everything you do and you wear that uniform proud.' Byrnes, who is drug free and living the life she has dreamed of, was given a medal for her bravery by Albauer. 'Very proud! All the hard work was on her end, though,' he said. He added that her appearance from her mug shot taken on the night of her arrest to now is a huge difference. Byrnes said that if he hadn't of pulled her over that night, the addiction would have killed her. Hillary Clinton escaped prosecution for her conduct during her tenure at the State Department - her family's foundation may not be so fortunate. The FBI has multiple investigations on the books involving the Clinton Foundation, according to The Daily Caller. The one in New York City, where the charity is based, is reportedly headed by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, a prosecutor who made a name for himself in the midst of the the financial crisis by acting on fraud and public corruption cases. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, a prosecutor who made a name for himself in the midst of the the financial crisis by acting on fraud and public corruption cases, is reportedly probing the Clinton Foundation That the United States Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York is chasing the case could spell trouble for the Clintons. An official who spoke to The Daily Caller said an investigation by Bharara's office 'would be seen by agents as a positive development as prosecutors there are generally thought to be more aggressive than the career lawyers within the DOJ.' Bharara's pursuit of insider trading cases beginning in 2009 earned him a Time magazine cover and the title of 'top cop' to Wall Street. His office twice forced Citibank to pay substantial sums in 2012 and 2014 for pushing risky loans. In 2012 it also pursued, and won, a mortgage-fraud case against Bank of America. Several of Bernie Madoff's associates we convicted as a result of Bharara's office's work. Madoff's bank, JPMorgan, forfeited $1.7 billion in a separate settlement. His reach has extended beyond the big banks to public officials. State senators, New York city council men and women, even State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, have found themselves in his crosshairs. Silver was arrested in 2015 and convicted. New York now has its first black State Assembly Speaker, Carly Heastie. Bharara's case against New York's Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos sent the politician to jail for five years. He warned New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo this spring to stay in line, or he'd come after them, too. The Indian-born prosecutor who is a naturalized U.S. citizen was reportedly considered to replace Eric Holder at the Justice Department when he stepped down. The job was offered to his colleague Loretta Lynch, also of New York, instead. Bharara's pursuit of insider trading cases beginning in 2009 earned him a Time magazine cover and the title of 'top cop' to Wall Street. He's taken down big banks and lawmakers FBI Director James Comey would not confirm the existence of any investigations into the Clinton Foundation when he testified last month before Congress on the bureau's investigation into the former secretary of state's emails. 'I'm not going to comment on the existence or nonexistence of other investigations,' he said at the time. At least one proposed probe aside from the one reported by the Caller is now known to the public. It came to light this week on CNN. Donald Trump has accused Hillary Clinton of using her position in the Obama administration to orchestrate kickbacks to the foundation her husband started and now bears both their names. A release of emails this week between her State Department employees and a Clinton Foundation aide, Doug Band, revealed that he urged her office on one occasion to make a specific hire and on another occasion to introduce a donor to a person of 'substance' handling U.S. affairs in Lebanon. The emails, obtained through a court order by conservative government oversight group Judicial Watch, restarted conversations about the Democrat's ability to keep up a firewall between her family's interests and the federal government. It is unclear if Clinton is elected how involved Bill and Chelsea will be in non-profit that was once on Charity Navigator's watchlist over concerns it was acting as a 'slush fund' for the former first family. MORE TROUBLE FOR HILLARY? Hillary Clinton escaped prosecution for her conduct during her tenure at the State Department - her family's foundation may not be so fortunate As Hillary Clinton geared up to make her own bid for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, investigatory articles into its conduct while she was in the employment of the government turned up results that Republicans like Trump have said are nothing short of concerning, if not criminal. The foundation was required by the State Department to disclose its donations from foreign governments that had not previously written checks or those that 'materially' increased their gifts once she assumed her role atop the powerful government agency. And yet it did not inform the Obama administration of a $500,000 donation from Algeria in 2010. Foreign governments have given a significant amount of money to the Clinton Foundation since its creation in 2001 after Bill and Hillary moved out of the White House. A Washington Post review of its funds last year concluded that foreign donations have accounted for a third of it contributions of a collective $1 million or more over the organization's lifetime. Overall, the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation has raked in $2 billion and counting in the 15 years since it was created from domestic and overseas corporations and private individuals, in addition to foreign governments, the Post determined. The Daily Caller article on the FBI's current investigation, which it says is being jointly coordinated by field offices and headquarters in a unique arrangement, did not say what crime or crimes prosecutors suspect the foundation and its employees of committing. It makes reference to the Washington Post's findings and a CNN report this week that three FBI offices recommended a public corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation this year but were waved off by the Department of Justice. The proposed investigation stemmed from suspicious banking activity of one of the foundation's foreign donors. CNN did not share the name of the donor in its report. A federal court in Wisconsin has overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the hit Netflix documentary 'Making a Murderer'. The U.S. District Court in Milwaukee on Friday overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless the case is appealed. Dassey was 16 when he confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that the confession was coerced. Scroll down for video A federal court overturned the conviction of Brendan Dassey, found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary 'Making a Murderer' He will be freed within 90 days unless the case is appealed Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Avery, 54, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Dassey, 26, was also sentenced to life imprisonment with a chance for early release in 2048. In Friday's ruling, U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin said that investigators made false promises to Brendan Dassey by assuring him 'he had nothing to worry about'. Duffin says the 'repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary' under the U.S. Constitution. Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery (left) carry out the rape and murder of Teresa Halbach (right) U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin said investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him 'he had nothing to worry about.' Above, he is interviewed by police aged 16 Meanwhile, an attorney for Steven Avery says he is thrilled that a judge has overturned his nephew's conviction. Kathleen Zellner says she was visiting Avery, who is pursuing his own appeal, on Friday and he was 'so happy' to hear the news. In a statement, Zellner said that she's confident that Avery's conviction will eventually be overturned 'when an unbiased court' reviews new evidence. The case burst into the public's consciousness with the popularity of the 'Making a Murderer' documentary which began streaming on Netflix in December last year. It details the prosecution of Avery and Dassey after Halbach, a 25-year-old photographer, was murdered in 2005. Her last known whereabouts was at the Avery familys auto salvage yard in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, where she had gone to photograph a minivan for Auto Trader magazine. Dassey (left and right) was sentenced to life in prison with a chance for early release in 2048 Avery had initially served 18 years in prison for a rape he did not commit. He was exonerated of the 1985 conviction in September 2003 after DNA evidence proved he was innocent. Shortly before he was arrested for Halbachs murder, he had filed a $36million federal lawsuit against the county, its former sheriff and district attorney for the wrongful conviction. The case was settled for $400,000 after Avery was charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the murder of Halbach. Averys defense attorneys Dean Strang and Jerry Buting argued that Manitow County officers, who were in the middle of being deposed in the lawsuit, were also involved in the gathering of evidence in the Halbach case and may have planted evidence to frame him. The filmmakers behind the program cast doubt on the legal process used to convict the pair, and their work sparked national interest and conjecture. Armchair investigators have flooded Twitter and message boards, and key players in the case have appeared on national news and talk shows. Former X-Factor hopeful has been causing stir on Celebrity Big Brother star Chloe Khans estranged husband is a convicted killer, it has been alleged. It has been claimed Mohammad Imran Khan was sentenced to four years imprisonment in 2013 after killing a cyclist during an illegal street race. As reported by the Mail at the time, a 25-year-old man of the same name was jailed after killing Latvian Vitalijs Rozenbergs, 22, when he was struck by a blue Audi RS3 in Bradford. Chloe Khan pictured with her estranged husband Mohammad Imran Khan Mohammad Khan, pictured, said to be the same person as Chloe's husband, killed 22-year-old Latvian cyclist Vitalijs Rozenbergs in 2011 when he struck his bike during a road race Mr Rozenbergs was thrown into the air and killed almost instantly in the incident, caused when Khan was racing Shajah Rehman, 31, who was driving a black Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Bradford Crown Court heard. According to The Sun, the offender, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while driving without insurance, is the very same as Chloes secret husband. Khans Audi struck Mr Rozenbergs, throwing him 15 metres along the road, and causing him fatal injuries. The Audi collided with the Mercedes, as it tried to avoid a crash, and the Mercedes hit the central reservation. Khan stopped at the scene and waited for the emergency services to arrive. Rehman kept going but handed himself into the police the next day. Mr Clews said CCTV images showed the powerful cars almost side by side at high speed at the time of the impact. Former X-Factor hopeful Chloe Khan, pictured, has been causing a stir on Celebrity Big Brother She has been seen kissing housemate Stephen Bear amid rumours she still had a 'secret husband' Khan had driven 223 miles to Bradford from Cardiff shortly before the crash at speeds averaging 85mph. In mitigation Khans barrister, Yunus Valli, said his client was deeply affected by what he described as a 'mindless death' and was remorseful. He added Khan mistakenly believed he was insured on the vehicle. Andrew Dallas, for Rehman, said he too was very sorry and his mental health had suffered. It was 'a few moments of dangerous stupidity', said Mr Dallas. Earlier this week Khan took to Instagram to clear up the situation around his relationship with Chloe, claiming they were best friends but remained separated. Sharing a sweet snap of the pair, Mohammad Imran Khan used her official account to explain the situation, revealing: 'There is a lot of speculation and bad press about Chloe's private and family life. 'It's very sad for me to see that yet again supposed friends of Chloe's are selling stories on her to make a bit of money at her expense.' It prompted her estranged husband to confirm he and Chloe, pictured pole-dancing on Celebrity Big Brother, were 'separated' Viewers have been shocked at the steamy scenes shown between Chloe and Bear, pictured He continued: 'Myself and Chloe were married years ago, it ended very amicably and we remain the best of friends. 'I am running her social media accounts for her whilst she is in the house, and she always has my full support. #TEAMCHLOEKHAN #CBBCHLOE.' A representative for Chloe confirmed that she had entrusted her estranged husband with running her account whilst inside the house. It came after reports the couple were very much still loved-up and that Chloe wanted to keep it a secret in the Big Brother House. But Chloe - who has her ex-husband's initials tattooed on her ring finger - has been making the most of the single life inside the Big Brother house. Viewers were left shocked when the glamour model stripped off to indulge in a steamy smooching session with Stephen Bear and appeared to have sex with him inside the toilet. Her fellow housemates seemed to be just as outraged as the viewing public, with former Mob Wife Renee Graziano reportedly calling Chloe a 'prostitute'. Riddle was taken into custody on August 1 and posted $5,500 bail During calls he used five different phone numbers and gave fake name Two of the restaurants he harassed were TJ's Pizza and Danny's Pizza Riddle made orders, refused to pay, and gave fake or vacant addresses Randy Riddle (pictured), 49, was banned from getting pizza delivered to him ever again after prank calling and harassing restaurants A judge banned a 49-year-old pizza prankster from ever getting delivery again after he called and harassed several restaurants. Randy Riddle, was charged with four counts of harassing phone call, two counts of first-degree petty theft and one count of second-degree petty theft, according to the TC Palm. Over a period of three weeks, police told the newspaper that Riddle made orders and refused to pay for them. Riddle also directed delivery people to fake or vacant addresses and told the restaurants their pizza was nasty. In June, police in Sebastian, Florida, began investigating Riddle's phone calls that he made to TJ's Pizza, Danny's Pizza and other pizza delivery restaurants. During the calls, Riddle used five different phone numbers and either used a false name or refused to leave his name for many of the orders, according to the Palm. The restaurants said they lost at least $667 because the food wasn't paid for. Police told the Palm that Riddle was convicted of making harassing phone calls eight years ago while living in Vero Beach. Riddle also made harassing calls to the Sebastian Police Department, Sebastian City Hall and the state Department of Health with complaints about the restaurants. 'His purpose is to haggle either over the price of the food or the quality upon delivery,' police told the daily. Riddle was taken into custody on August 1 and posted $5,500 bail at the Indian River County Jail. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Over a period of three weeks, police told the newspaper that Riddle made orders and refused to pay for them. Riddle also directed delivery people to fake or vacant addresses and told the restaurants their pizza was nasty. Pictured is one of the pizzeria's TJ's Pizza Hundreds of Texas residents, many elderly and on fixed incomes, will have to move from the land they've been leasing for decades thanks to a billionaire who bought the land and is forcing everyone off of it. Los Angeles Rams billionaire owner Stan Kroenke - who also owns north London football team Arsenal - bought up 535,000 acres of legendary ranch land near Lake Diversion outside of Wichita Falls in February, reportsDallas News. Los Angeles Rams owner and billionaire Stan Kroenke bought up 535,000 acres of legendary ranch land (above, photos by Jeremy Enlow) The cowboys of Waggoner ranch are legendary and now many are worried about losing their homes if their plots of land are next to be cleared out of inhabitants Lake Diversion is home to hundreds of residents who leased land from the Waggoner family, which has now traded hands to billionaire Stan Kroenke - above, the view from a leaser's window Cowboys and ranch hands who have been working the land on Waggoner Ranch (above) might now be homeless Lake Diversion, above, snakes through 535,000 acres of legendary ranch land in Cara Blanca Park Although it's unclear what he paid, the land was listed for listed for $725 million. The Cara Blanca Park land had been in the Waggoner family, which established the property 164 years ago. The family then leased the land near the northern part of the lake in plots to hundreds of residents, who paid for homes. The ranch is the biggest in the US and was settled by the Waggoner family 164 years ago Families who have lived on the ranch for decades will now have to find a new place to live It's unclear yet if the entire 535,000 acres will be cleared but residents on Facebook were worried An eviction notice sent to the residents posted on a GoFundMe account says they must be off the land by January 31, 2017. Kroenke says he wants to return the land to its original 'natural, uninhabited landscape to support and improve the microecosystem' read the eviction notice. Residents who lease plots on the land received notices of nonrenewal and will have to pack up and leave by February 1, 2017 - many say they do not know where they will go At the time of the sale, Kroenke said he was 'deeply committed' to the 'proud legacy' of the Waggoner ranching family, but that apparently did not include honoring a promise the residents say the Waggoners made to allow the families to continue leasing the land. Kroenke is already enemy number one in St. Louis for moving the Rams to Los Angeles. He is married to Ann Walton, a Walmart heiress. 'We've got family members that have had leases out here for 50 years,' resident Annette McNeil told the St. Louis-Post Dispatch. 'Texas is kind of a good old boy state. You take a man at his word. We've never doubted the Waggoners because we never had any reason to doubt them.' McNeil says she lives in a rock home 1926 that can't be moved. She says she poured her savings into it and expected to retire there. Paul Appel, a Vietnam War veteran with medical problems and a fixed income, says he has no idea where he is going to go. 'I have no money and I'm on Social Security and disability. I live month-to-month and can't afford rent anywhere,' he told the Times Record News. According to the GoFundMe account established by the daughter of two of the residents, Lillian Siber Gifford, the land had been leased for the past forty years. 'This land property is inhabited by mostly retired and semi-retired people who have lived there for many years. For example, my elderly parents ages 79 and 80, have lived there for the past 36 years,' she wrote. She also mentions an elderly couple in their 70s or 80s, and someone who leased land and just built a house there last summer. She also notes that her nephew, an Air Force veteran who served in Kuwait and Iraq and lives with his three children, is being forced to move. Philip Hammond says he will guarantee that projects receiving EU money will be fully funded, even after Britain has quit Thousands of farmers, scientists and small businesses will not lose out financially in the wake of Brexit, the Chancellor pledges today. Philip Hammond says he will guarantee that projects receiving EU money will be fully funded, even after Britain has quit. He also pledges that payments made to farmers under the controversial Common Agricultural Policy will continue until 2020. And scientists, who have complained bitterly about Brexit, will have any bids they make to the European Commission for grants underwritten by the Treasury. Key projects supporting economic development across the country could be given the green light, ending uncertainty over their future after the decision to leave the EU. No date has been fixed for the UKs departure, but International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has said he expects it to be in early 2019. Mr Hammond says: The UK will continue to have the all of the rights, obligations and benefits that membership brings, including receiving European funding, up until the point we leave the EU. We recognise that many organisations across the UK which are in receipt of EU funding, or expect to start receiving funding, want reassurance about the flow of funding they will receive. Scroll down for video Thats why I am confirming that structural and investment funds projects signed before the Autumn Statement and Horizon research funding (from the EU) granted before we leave will be guaranteed by the Treasury after we leave. He adds: The Government will also match the current level of agricultural funding until 2020, providing certainty to our agricultural community, who play a vital role in our country. We are determined to ensure people have stability and certainty in the period leading up to our departure from the EU and that we use the opportunities that departure presents to determine our own priorities. The Chancellor also pledges that payments made to farmers under the controversial Common Agricultural Policy will continue until 2020 (file picture) His comments dispel some of the dire warnings delivered by Project Fear during the EU referendum campaign. Former prime minister David Cameron, for example, said that if rural communities wanted certainty over their futures, they should vote Remain. He added: Im saying vote to stay in, keep the Common Agricultural Policy payments we get now, keep Europes markets open. Meanwhile, scientists, who get around 1billion a year for research from the EU, have repeatedly warned of post-Brexit doom and gloom. Paul Boyle, vice-chancellor of Leicester University, called the referendum result a dark day for UK science. Councils in regions such as the North East and Cornwall also voiced alarm about what would happen to EU structural funding paid to less prosperous parts of the UK. It helps to support small business, infrastructure, universities and broadband internet. Before the June 23 decision, Vote Leave said money paid by the EU to farmers and others could readily be found from the 9billion Britain will no longer be paying into the EU as an annual membership fee. Under the package unveiled today by the Treasury, all structural and investment fund projects signed before this years Autumn Statement will be fully funded, even when they continue beyond the UKs departure from the EU. A Chinese city announced its plan this week to build a 2,424-foot-tall skyscraper. The enormous tower is proposed by Shenzhen, a city of seven million bordering Hong Kong. The super skyscraper, which is yet to be named, is due to be a part of a new financial district, billed as Shenzhen's own Manhattan. Ambitious plan: A 2,400ft tall skyscraper (pictured, left) has been proposed by Luohu District in the Chinese city of Shenzhen Super skyscraper: The tower is set to be a part of the Cai Wei Wu Financial District. Computer-generated images of the area have been released Luohu District vows to build their own version of Manhattan (pictured), one of the most densely populated financial districts in the world The Luohu District of Shenzhen released computer-generated images of the building and its surrounding areas on its website this week. The pictures have since been widely shared among Chinese media, including People's Daily Online. It's understood that the plan is still waiting to be approved by the Chinese authorities. If the proposal goes through, the edifice will overtake the 2,073-foot-tall Shanghai Tower to be the tallest building in China. It is also the tallest planned building in the country as of now. However, the Shenzhen skyscraper will be shorter than the 3,280-foot-tall Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia and the 2,716-foot-tall Burj Khalifa in The United Arab Emirates. It's yet to be revealed how many stories this building will have. Mega city: The tower is proposed by Shenzhen (pictured), which has seven million residents Shenzhen borders Hong Kong (pictured), another Chinese city famous for its urban jungle The skyscraper is set to be located in the Cai Wu Wei Financial District in Shenzhen, which will be home to dozens of other skyscrapers. According to Luohu District, Cai Wu Wei will be focused on developing 'finance, high-end commerce and leisure tourism'. The district wrote on its website that it vows to construct 'a group of buildings which can represent the image of Shenzhen and to compete with top-notch international landmark cities'. The statement then said: '[We want to] build Shenzhen's Manhattan.' Tallest of the tallest: The Shenzhen skyscraper will be shorter than the 3,280ft tall Jeddah Tower (left) and the 2,716ft tall Burj Khalifa (right) The city of Shenzhen has grown from a small county to one of China's largest and most cosmopolitan cities in less than four decades due to its strategic location next to Hong Kong, another Chinese city known for its urban jungle. It's also home to China's second tallest moment, the 1,956-foot-tall Ping'an International Financial Centre, which is due to be completed this year. China is home to five of the ten tallest building sin the world, according to Emporis, including the 2,073-foot-tall Shanghai Tower and the 1,958-foot-tall Goldin Finance 117. THE WORLD'S TEN TALLEST COMPLETED BUILDINGS 1. Burj Khalifa, 2,716 feet (828 metres), Dubai, The United Arab Emirates 2. Shanghai Tower, 2,073 feet (632 metres), Shanghai, China 3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower, 1,971 feet (601 metres), Makkah, Saudi Arabia 4. Ping An International Finance Center, 1,956 feet (599 metres), Shenzhen, China 5. Goldin Finance 117, 1,958 feet (597 metres), Tianjin, China 6. Lotte World Tower, 1,820 feet (555 metres), Seoul, Korea 7. One World Trade Center, 1,775 feet (541 metres), New York, U.S.A 8. CTF Finance Centre, 1,739 feet (530 metres), Guangzhou, China 9. Taipei 101, 1,670 feet (509 metres), Taipei, Taiwan 10. Shanghai World Financial Center, 1,621 feet (494 metres), Shanghai, China Source: Emporis Advertisement Above the clouds: The 2,073ft tall Shanghai Tower (left) and the 1,971ft tall Makkah Clock Royal Tower are the second and third tallest building in the world Locals in a Chinese village have been forced to carry wooden clubs to help fend themselves from 150 snakes that were illegally released into the wild. Snakes have been seen in the village of Shuangdian in south west China's Sichuan province, reports the People's Daily Online. Residents of the village which is near the Ten Thousand Buddha reserve have been forced to carry makeshift weapons to help fight them off. Frightening experience: Snakes were released into the Chinese village causing chaos According to reports, last month two cars came to the village spreading more than 150 snakes around the area. According to villagers, they usually plant herbs however they are unable to enter the areas containing the plants out of fear of coming face to face with the new residents. They have resorted to carrying wooden batons to protect themselves from the reptile. 82-year-old Zhao Zhaoxiu told reporters that she would go out with a stick to be prepared for the snakes. Unwelcome visitors: According to reports, around 150 snakes were released into the area This isn't the first time snakes have been released in the village. Around two months ago snakes were released in the same spot. A local wildlife protection team was brought in to help capture the animals. After 10 days, the team managed to catch 150 snakes. Animal protection authorities said that those who wished to release animals into the wild must obtain permission. The Illyrians were a group of ancient Indo-European tribes, who lived in part of the western Balkans and coasts of the Italian peninsula around 260 BC. Little is been known about their rulers - but researchers say they now have evidence of the first known palaces of the Illyrian kings. Archaeologists found the two palaces in Montenegro, which they describe as a 'great and cardinal discovery.' Archaeologists found the two palaces in Montenegro, which they describe as a 'great and cardinal discovery' WHO WERE THE ILLYRIANS? The Illyrians were a group of ancient Indo-European tribes, who lived in part of the western Balkans and the south-eastern coasts of the Italian peninsula around 260 BC. The name 'Illyrians' may have referred to a broad, ill-defined group of people. It is unclear whether the different tribes even spoke the same language. The Illyrian tribes never collectively regarded themselves as 'Illyrians', and it is unlikely that they used any collective name for themselves. King Ballaios was an Illyrian king of the Ardiaei. Although an abundance of his silver and bronze coins have previously been found, this study is the first to find a palace where he may have lived. After his death, it is believed that Queen Teuta took over as leader of the Illyrian empire. Advertisement The research comes from the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe Research Center of the University of Warsaw, who has been studying the area since 2000. A group of researchers found remnants of two monumental buildings, which they predict to have been built before 260 BC. Professor Piotr Dyczek, who led the study, told Science in Poland: 'All the data we have obtained indicate that we have discovered a palace complex of the rulers of Rhizon. 'These are the first structures of this type uncovered in the area of Illyria, which could belong to King Ballaios and Teuta. 'Until now we did not even know whether such structures existed.' King Ballaios was an Illyrian king of the Ardiaei. Although an abundance of his silver and bronze coins have previously been found, this study is the first to discover a palace where he may have lived. After King Ballaios' death, it is believed that Queen Teuta took over as leader of the Illyrian empire. The location of the buildings, and the techniques used to build them are unique, compared to other examples of Illyrian architecture The archaeologists found the two palaces in Montenegro. The location of the buildings, and the techniques used to build them are unique, compared to other examples of Illyrian architecture The findings at the first palace included a large room with a fireplace, ancient coins, and Hellenistic table vessels The location of the buildings, and the techniques used to build them are unique, compared to other examples of Illyrian architecture. Professor Dyczek said: 'It is a rare case in archaeology. Usually we are not able to identify the specific location of important events.' The findings at the first palace included a large room with a fireplace, ancient coins, and Hellenistic table vessels. According to Professor Dyczka, the building was burned down during a violent attack, and a second palace was built on top of this. The second palace had limestone floors, decorative blocks, and wide entrances that would have had wooden doors. The team also recovered fragments of two large door knockers. Unfortunately, the second palace building was also destroyed and looted in ancient times, and only small remnants of the walls remain. Advertisement While most of the best-known volcanoes, such as Mount Vesuvius and Mauna Loa are on land, many volcanoes lie beneath the oceans. They are so remote that they can only be studied with special submarines, and consequently, little is known about them. However, researchers have now used new technology to get a look at these lava flows for the first time. The seafloor at mid-ocean ridges is being actively torn apart by the Eurasian and North American plates moving away from each other at around 2 cm per year. This separation causes fissuring and breaking of seafloor lavas as seen here. Also pictured are various unidentified purple and orange sea creatures UNDERWATER VOLCANOES Almost 70 per cent of our planets crust is produced at mid-ocean ridges where Earths tectonic plates are moving apart. As the plates move away from one another, magma fills the space in between them, forming huge underwater volcanoes. These are so remote that they can only be studied with special submarines or deep-sea robots and, as such, little is known about them, or their eruptions. Advertisement Almost 70 per cent of our planets crust is produced at mid-ocean ridges where Earths tectonic plates are moving apart. As the plates move away from one another, magma fills the space in between them, forming huge underwater volcanoes. These are so remote that they can only be studied with special submarines or deep-sea robots and, as such, little is known about them, or their eruptions. Scientists from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, are trying to change this. Dr Isobel Yeo, who worked on the study, said: It's important we understand these processes so we know what the crust of our planet is made of and so we know what to expect in the future. We think it's likely that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is characterised by large volcanic events - periods when there are lots of volcanic eruptions all at the same time. Pillow lavas are pictured covered with a dusting of deep sea sediment. Pillow lavas are only formed when lava erupts into water. The water causes very rapid cooling on all sides causing pillow shaped outer crusts to form Seawater, heated by volcanic activity, can leach metals from the surrounding lavas. When it comes back into contact with cold water these metals are deposited. Here we see iron-hydroxide sediments precipitated around pillow lavas In 2012 the researchers visited lava flows in a section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of Iceland called the North Kolbeinsey Ridge, using a deep-sea torpedo robot. Dr Yeo said: In 2012 we were able to map a lot of volcanic activity since around four thousand years ago, which we dated using a new method we've developed, but these lava flows were still not enough to fill the gap between the plates created by them moving apart. This means even bigger volcanic events, with more lava flows must have happened in the past and will happen in the future. Large crinoids, small brittle stars and orange sea stars have quickly colonised the floor of the crater of the recently active Eggvin Bank Volcano. The dark coloured material they're sitting on is crumbly volcanic glass that was erupted from the volcano less than 100 years ago In July this year, the researchers revisited the site, but this time equipped with video cameras, and a new digital still camera system, mounted on a deep sea robot. This allowed them to look at these lava flows for the first time, in higher resolution than usually possible for the depths reached. Dr Yeo said: It's incredible to see these lava flows in such detail for the first time. Older lava flows may be broken up by many cracks caused by plate movement or the intrusion of magma deeper in the crust. These cracks or fissures can be tens of metres deep, hundreds of metres wide and kilometres long The study area is shown by a red dot. Warm colours denote shallower depths and cool colours deeper areas. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge plate boundary is defined clearly by the warmer colours running north-south through the Atlantic Pillow lavas often build small pillowed cones that may reach several hundred metres in diameter. This pillow lava sits at the very top of one such pillow cone and probably represents the last lava erupted As expected we found a lot of young lava flows, but in fact their morphology and vent structures appear to be much more complicated than we first thought. The researchers also observed evidence of hydrothermal activity, where fluids heated by volcanic activity escape the crust. The images collected will be used to create high resolution 3D models of the seafloor, which may give clues on the volcanos structure and age. The area of the sea floor surrounding the volcano has been colonised by several sea creatures, including a sea pen (left) and an anemone (right) Much of the seafloor is covered with broken lavas formed as the result of lava flow processes or landslides The volcano the team visited was the Eggvin Bank, which is unusually large for a mid-ocean ridge. The peak of this volcano only reaches 20 metres below the surface, and it the researchers said it has clearly been active. Dr Yeo added: Give it a few hundred years and it'll probably be a new island. The sound of a kitten in distress is something that would melt most people's hearts. But cats have evolved the ability to decipher the emotions behind each adorable whimper. Female cats are so attuned to the sound of an upset kitten that they respond faster to those who are in greater need. The sound of a kitten in distress is something that would melt most people's hearts, but cats have evolved the ability to decipher the emotions behind each adorable whimper While males, on the other hand, do not adjust their reaction depending on the urgency of the noise, a new study has found. Female domestic cats adjust their response to kitten calls depending on how urgent they sound, according to the study published in the journal BMC Evolutionary Biology. This trait was found to be independent of whether the females had experience raising their own kittens, the researchers at Hannover Medical School and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany found. Female domestic cats adjust their response to kitten calls depending on how urgent they sound, according to the study. This trait was found to be independent of whether the females had experience raising their own kittens HOW THE STUDY WORKED To assess how the male or female sex of adult cats and the high or low arousal conveyed by kitten calls affected the adults' response times, the researchers used 14 calls from seven kittens four males and three females, nine to 11 days of age recorded in two different contexts. The first was low arousal, in which a kitten was spatially separated from its mother and siblings for three minutes and left undisturbed. The second was high arousal, in which a kitten was taken out of the nest box for three minutes lifted off the ground and turned on its back. The researchers also performed acoustic analyses for the 14 selected kitten calls to confirm the previously found acoustic differences. The recorded calls were played to 17 adult cats nine males and eight females, aged one to eight years. To control for experience, half of the females had not previously raised kittens. Advertisement 'Surprisingly, male and female cats did not differ in their overall responsiveness to low arousal calls, but female cats adjusted their responsiveness if the state of arousal changed,' said Wiebke Konerding, first author of the study. 'Male cats did not do so. We were also surprised to find that prior experience at raising kittens was not necessary for female cats to respond differently to low and high arousal kitten calls.' The study is the first to look into whether if in non-human mammals such as domestic cats where fathers do not take part in raising their young, males adjust their behavior in response to specific audio cues in the voice of their offspring. They concluded that female cats are able to evaluate the emotional content of kitten calls and that they adjust their motivation to respond accordingly. The researchers found that female cats responded about 10 per cent faster to kitten calls that conveyed high arousal greater urgency than to kitten calls that conveyed low arousal. Male cats did not show a more urgent response to kitten calls that signified high arousal. As male cats do not take part in raising their offspring, kitten calls and the urgency conveyed in them may not have the same relevance for them as for female cats The ability to adjust their responses to the emotional cues of kitten calls is an ingrained sex difference between male and female adult cats that is not triggered by experience, according to the researchers. As male cats do not take part in raising their offspring, kitten calls and the urgency conveyed in them may not have the same relevance for them as for female cats. 'We didn't know whether these acoustic differences would be behaviorally meaningful that is if they would trigger different responses in adult cats,' Ms Konerding explained. Advertisement With exploratory probes scouting out Earths neighbouring planets and moons, space agencies are working to develop the next generation of habitats to get crews there and far beyond. This week Nasa named its six partners for developing crafts to house a human crew in deep space. Concept habitats will be built here on Earth, to help the space agency gain a better insight into the needs and opportunities for extensive manned missions around the moon and beyond. Nasa has named its six partners for developing crafts house a human crew in deep space. Included in the mix is a design from Bigelow Aerospace (illustrated is its XBASE module docking with the International Space Station), the Nevada-based firm behind the inflatable pod recently installed on the International Space Station Nasa has released artists' impressions from its six contenders, which come from well-established aerospace firms already working with space agencies on satellite and probe technology. Included in the mix is Bigelow Aerospace, the Nevada-based firm behind the inflatable pod recently installed on the International Space Station, as well as long standing partners Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The partnerships are part of Nasa's 'NextSTEP' programme, which will see a mix of private and public expertise and resources combined to push the existing boundaries of manned space exploration, initially testing a manned habitat near the moon as a testing ground for Mars and beyond. The NextSTEP partnerships are a large contribution to the dual objectives of advancing deep space habitation development and stimulating commercial activities in low-Earth orbit, said Jason Crusan, Nasas director of Advanced Exploration Systems. Boeing Aerospace's design for a habitation module illustrates the interior. The partnerships are part of Nasa's 'NextSTEP' programme, which will see a mix of private and public expertise and resources combined to push the existing boundaries of manned space exploration DESIGNS FOR DEEP SPACE HABITATS Nasa has put out the call for design proposals for deep space habitats which astronauts will call home on the long-haul journeys. For manned missions to Mars and beyond astronauts will need a safe and relatively comfortable space to live for deep space missions. The outbound leg of a trip to Mars could take anywhere from 150 to 300 days, depending on the positions of the planets, so the crew will need room to stretch their legs and enough shielding to protect them from high levels of DNA-shredding radiation. The rise of private space ventures, such as Space X and Bigelow Aerospace, is opening up space exploration to collaborations which marry the expertise of state agencies with the business drive of the private sector. Advertisement Earlier this year, Crusan highlighted the importance of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. He said: 'Nasa is increasingly embracing public-private partnerships to expand capabilities, and opportunities in space.' All of the habitat designs incorporate the same core components, including a pressurised space for the crew to live, along with environmental control and life support systems. They will also include propulsion technology, docking capability as well as sufficient radiation shielding, to protect the crew inside from the harsh environment of space. Building prototypes on the ground will enable extensive testing and provide Nasa and its partners crucial data on how the various systems interact. Lockheed Martin is working on a prototype of a refurbished logistics module (pictured), the general purpose modules used to deliver cargo to the ISS. The concept artwork illustrates an air lock hatch through which the crew can access the exterior to carry out maintenance work Another of the partners, Orbital ATK, will continue development of a habitat based on its unmanned Cygnus spacecraft (illustrated), which has also made successful delivery runs to the ISS Boeing will develop a modular habitat based on the firms experience gathered from working on the ISS for more than 15 years. The full-scale prototype will be built on the ground to test the systems and the suitability as a habitat for astronauts for extended periods. A second approach will see Lockheed Martin refurbish a multi-purpose logistics module, similar to the ones which carry cargo to the space station, while Orbital ATK will continue development of a habitat based on its unmanned Cygnus spacecraft, which has also made successful delivery runs to the ISS. Sierra Nevada Corporation plans to use its Dream Chaser spacecraft along with an inflatable module, testing all systems together (illustrated) One of the partners is basing its prototype of a low-Earth orbit plane to transport up to seven passengers. Sierra Nevada Corporation plans to use its Dream Chaser spacecraft along with an inflatable module, testing all systems together. The inflatable approach is already being tested in space, with Bigelows expandable BEAM habitat installed aboard the space station. The firm aims to expand on this success further with an even larger 330 cubic metre pod called the XBase. The final partner is the Ixion Team, a conglomerate of three small aerospace space firms which will look at converting a rockets launch stage into a pressurised habitat. Advertisement A prolific amateur fossil hunter who spent 30 years digging up over 2,000 specimens is about to see his life-long hobby displayed in a 5 million ($6.5 million) museum. Steve Etches, 66, began hunting for fossils in the 1980s in his spare time at the Dorset beauty spot Kimmeridge Bay, hauling his finds back to his nearby family home. He became globally renowned in his field after finding rare examples from ancient species which experts previously believed did not exist in that part of the Jurassic Coast. Prolific fossil hunter, Steve Etches, has spent 30 years digging up over 2,000 specimens is about to see his life-long hobby displayed in a 5 million ($6.5 million) museum STEVE ETCHES: BRITAIN'S 'FOSSIL HUNTER' Plumber Steve Etches began hunting for fossils in the 1980s in his spare time at the Dorset beauty spot Kimmeridge Bay. The 66-year-old has become globally renowned in his field after finding rare examples from ancient species. These achievements by Etches, who has lived with his wife and children surrounded by his fossils, have resulted in him being given an MBE as well as a string of academic prizes for his research work in paleontology. Advertisement Mr Etches, who has lived with his wife and children surrounded by his fossils, has been given an MBE as well as a string of academic prizes for his research work in paleontology. The self-proclaimed fossil hunter made his first discovery - an echinoid flint cast - aged five years old and gradually took his hobby to more and more ambitious lengths as his interest grew. Now the 'Etches Collection' will be put on display at the Kimmeridge Museum which has been built in the coastal village and is due to open in October. The museum will feature CGI screens on the ceiling aimed at giving visitors the impression of being underwater some 150 million years ago and surrounded by creatures long-since extinct. Mr Etches set up a trust to secure a 2.7 million ($3.2 million) grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the building. Mr Etches said: 'Academics and students come from across the world to visit Kimmeridge so they can study these materials. 'But they don't have to go to Oxford or Cambridge or to the Natural History Museum now we have the ideal repository here? 'It is a real honour to have this museum built in my name. No one else has accumulated so many specimens over such a short period of time. Mr Etches, who has lived with his wife and children surrounded by his fossils, has been given an MBE as well as a string of academic prizes for his research work in paleontology. His collection features a large number of ammonite fossils (pictured), including an extinct group of marine mollusc animals The 66-year-old has become globally renowned in his field after finding rare examples from ancient species. This fossil possibly belongs to an ichtyosaur - a large marine reptile that lived in the Mesozoic period The fossils are currently stored in Mr Etches' home. While most are in his garage, some have spilled over to his living room. However the 'Etches Collection' will be put on display at the Kimmeridge Museum which has been built in the coastal village and is due to open in October 'That is what I am proud of. That is my legacy, and I want it to inspire others. The fossil hunters says you don't need to go to university to follow in his footsteps. Anyone can collect fossils in the same way. 'You can do it as a hobby and take it from there,' he said. 'And there are still so many specimens still to find. You could spend a 1,000 more years finding them.' The 2,300 samples are in the process of being transferred to the museum and include fossils of everything from crocodiles and sharks to barnacles and flying reptiles as well as corals, shells, insects, crustaceans, ichthosaurs, belemnites and dinosaurs. The museum will feature CGI screens on the ceiling aimed at giving visitors the impression of being underwater some 150 million years ago and surrounded by creatures long-since extinct. Mr Etches has become globally renowned in his field after finding rare examples from ancient species, including ammonites (left) and fish (right) Mr Etches set up a trust to secure a 2.7 million ($3.2 million) grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the building. Some of the fossils are huge, including a two metre long jaw of a Pliosaur (right), a giant marine reptile that could grow up to 18 metres in length, and various bones (left) These will be showcased in illuminated cabinets beneath the projections on the ceiling, accompanied with descriptions of the animals. A two metre long jaw of a Pliosaur, a giant marine reptile that could grow up to 18 metres in length, is the largest single specimen, while the smallest are 1mm eggs from ammonites. Mr Etches added: 'It will completely change what people think a museum is. It will be an experience that takes you back to deep time. 'It will show you that these materials were living animals, and bring home to you what they are and how they existed. 'Objects that once seemed static will be brought to life and represented as if they are modern day animals.' Mr Etches (pictured both left and right) found his first fossil - an echinoid flint cast - aged five years old and gradually took his hobby to more and more ambitious lengths as his interest grew The 2,300 samples are in the process of being transferred to the museum and include fossils of everything from crocodiles and sharks to barnacles and flying reptiles as well as corals, shells, insects, crustaceans, ichthosaurs, belemnites and dinosaurs Mr Etches will also provide workshops to allow visitors to see how he goes about delicately unearthing the fossils. Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: 'The Etches Collection is one of the most important fossil collections in the UK. 'It's also an incredibly inspiring story of how one man's passion and hard work can greatly increase our understanding of what this area was like 150 million years ago. 'We're delighted to be supporting this project that will display the collection in the place that it was discovered, and we look forward to visiting the new museum when it is open.' Steve Etches began hunting for fossils in the 1980s in his spare time at the Dorset beauty spot Kimmeridge Bay (pictured). Richard Bond, chairman of the Kimmeridge Trust, which raised the remainder of the funds from private donors and will run the museum on a day-to-day basis, said: 'Steve is an extraordinary man. He has dedicated so much of his life to this and it is a great personal achievement' Richard Bond, chairman of the Kimmeridge Trust, which raised the remainder of the funds from private donors and will run the museum on a day-to-day basis, said: 'Steve is an extraordinary man. He has dedicated so much of his life to this and it is a great personal achievement. 'He has unrivalled knowledge of the materials on this part of of the coast and it is fitting that a museum has been built to showcase his achievements.' The 'Etches Collection' will be put on display at the Kimmeridge Museum which has been built in the coastal village and is due to open in October. Mr Etches will also provide workshops to allow visitors to see how he goes about delicately unearthing the fossils Advertisement It was thought to be a vast prehistoric stone monument that would have once dwarfed the mighty Stonehenge. But excavations at a 4,500-year-old 'superhenge', believed to hold more than 90 stones hidden underground, has failed to find any evidence of rock monoliths at all. Instead, experts now believe the Neolithic monument in Wiltshire had been created using huge wooden posts that were sunk into the ground. Scroll down for video Archaeologists uncovered huge pits at Durrington Walls that appear to have held giant timber posts before they were removed and filled in with chalk rubble. They say it appears up to 200 of these posts ringed the huge site DID STONEHENGE START LIFE AS A CEMETERY? A recent study by archaeologists, however, has suggested the imposing stone circle may have initially been used as a cremation cemetery for the dead. Charred remains discovered on the site were unearthed in holes - known as the Aubrey Holes - that have been found have to once held a circle of small standing stones. Fresh analysis of the burned bones has revealed they were buried in the holes over a period of 500 years between 3,100BC and 2,600BC. During this time the enormous sarsen trilithons, many of which still stand today, were erected. But after 2,500BC, the people who used Stonehenge appear to have stopped cremating and burying human remains in the stone circle itself, instead burying them in a ditch around the periphery. This, according to Professor Mike Parker-Pearson, an archaeologist at University College London, and his colleagues, suggests there was a shift in the cultural significance of Stonehenge around this time. They argue that it later became a place to revere long-dead ancestors who had been buried on the site. Advertisement Archaeologists had initially believed the site hid a series of stones up to 15ft long lying on their side that had become buried beneath a vast earthwork. Ground penetrating radar had revealed 'anomalies' that were believed to be the stones dotted around the huge site. But after excavating two of these, the researchers instead found huge pits that appear to have once contained timber posts. Dr Nicola Snashall, an archaeologist with the National Trust who has been working on the site, told MailOnline: 'We are certain we do not have any stones. 'What we have instead are at least 120 pits that were created to take great big timber posts. 'We think there may have been as many as 200 or even more as we have some gaps in the ground penetrating radar data.' The site, which is just outside Durrington, Wiltshire, is believed to have once been a large Neolithic settlement to house the builders of Stonehenge less than two miles away. Previous excavations on the site have revealed seven houses and it has been suggested up to 4,000 people could have lived within the village. But Dr Snashall said the settlement appears to have been 'decommissioned' after around 10-12 years of being in use. It was after this that the timbers were set up around the site in a vast ring. They appear to follow the line of what is now a huge earthwork known as Durrington Walls. Measuring just under a mile (1.5km) in circumference, the earthworks encircle an area 1,575 feet (480m) across. It is surrounded by a ditch up to 58 feet (17.6m) wide and an outer bank around 131 feet (40m) wide that is raised up to 10 feet (3m) high. Last year, radar scans by a team from the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute in Austria and Birmingham University revealed what appeared to be up to90 standing stones, which may have originally measured up to 15 feet (4.5m) tall, lying on their side under the massive bank of Earth. The new excavations, however, how suggest this henge was originally constructed from wood rather than stone. The new research has been led by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, the Stonehenge Riverside Project and the National Trust. Ground penetrating radar had suggested a 4,500-year-old stone circle lay beneath a huge earthwork circle outside Durrington in Wiltshire (pictured), but new excavations have revealed large pits that had been used to hold giant wooden posts instead The earthworks of Durrington Walls can still be seen today encircling an area 1,575 feet (480m) wide with a ditch and a earth mount that rises up to 10 feet high. It is thought the mound hides the pits where the posts once sat The researchers (pictured) are hoping to find out more about the site, which is thought to have a settlement of up to 4,000 people living on it at one time It means it could have looked more like the nearby Woodhenge, a Neolithic site close to Stonehenge thought to have been built in around 2300BC. Dr Snashall said it appears the earthworks were built on top of the pits where the posts had once sat. The timbers themselves were removed and the pits filled in with chalk rubble. Durrington Walls is just over a mile from Stonehenge and close to another ancient monument known as Woodhenge Excavation work at Durrington Walls failed to find any stone monoliths buried beneath the the earthworks, but instead found large pits filled with chalk rubble. The pits once held up to 200 huge timber posts arranged in a circle She said: 'Before the timber posts were put in this place is thought to have housed the builders of Stonehenge. 'It is only after they left that the timbers were put in, perhaps as a way of setting aside this place as somewhere important. 'We have to remember that while Stonehenge looks remarkable to us, 4,500 years ago it would have been extraordinary. Last year researchers announced they had found what they believed were stone monoliths buried beneath the Durrington Walls earthworks (artist's impression pictured). It is thought they surround what was once a Neolthic settlement Analysis of the area revealed what appeared to be stone monoliths surrounding the Neolithic site but the excavations show they are actually rubble filled post holes. Archaeologists have found at 120 of these but believe there could be up to 200 Archaeologists believe the site could have been entirely ringed with posts. The artist's impression above show how tightly clustered the posts would have been in the timber circle 5,000 YEARS LATER, RESEARCHERS STILL DON'T KNOW WHY STONEHENGE WAS BUILT No-one is exactly sure why or even how - Stonehenge was built. Experts have suggested it was a temple, parliament and a graveyard. Some people think the stones have healing powers, while others think they have musical properties when struck with a stone. They could have acted as a giant musical instrument to call ancient people to the monument. There is evidence the stones were aligned with phases of the sun and some have proposed it was used as a giant observatory to monitor the stars. People were buried there and skeletal evidence shows that people travelled hundreds of miles to visit Stonehenge - for whatever reason. Advertisement 'Ritual and religion were important parts of daily life so this henge might have been a way of commemorating a place related to Stonehenge.' Dr Snashall said it was unclear why the timbers of the henge at Durrington were removed and the huge bank and ditch put in their place. Archaeologists believe the wooden posts (pictured) were put into place just after the Neolithic settlement that had been 'decomissioned' Stonehenge (pictured) is one of the most famous Stone Age monuments in the world. It is thought that the new site at Durrington Walls may have housed the builders of Stonehenge for around 10-12 years before it was 'decommissioned' The landscape around Stonehenge is littered with Neolithic monuments and artefacts. Durrington Walls lies close to Woodhenge (shown on left of artist's reconstruction pictured), a circle of wooden posts to the north east of Stonehenge Advertisement The annual Perseids meteor shower has been lighting up the sky since July 17, with stunning images of the event appearing over various sites around the world. If you haven't had a chance to see the display yet, there is good news - the shower is at its peak tonight. This year, the chance of catching a glimpse of the shower is even greater, as Nasa has said that the rate of meteors has doubled , with around shooting stars 200 per hour. Scroll down for video The annual Perseids meteor shower has been lighting up the sky since July 17, with stunning images of the event appearing over various sites around the world. The meteors occur when the Earth passes the path of the Comet Swift-Tuttle. This picture was taken at the Haldon Belvedere, St Lawrence Castle which sits on the Haldon Hills above Exeter Catching a glimpse of the meteor shower will very much depend on your location. However, the best time to watch the sky for these shooting stars will be around midnight. Because meteors can be quite faint, it is best to look out for them in a dark sky, free of moonlight and artificial lights. In the UK, some of the top spots to view the meteor shower include Galloway Forest Park and Sherwood Forest. However, if you are unable to see the shower, YouTube channel, Slooh, will be live-broadcasting the spectacle. The meteor shower occurs as Earth crosses the orbital path of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle bursts into the Earths upper atmosphere at around 130,000 miles (210,000 km) per hour, lighting up the sky with fast-moving Perseid meteors. The peak of the Perseid meteor shower will be tonight, when there also happens to be a darker-than-usual sky forecast. The shower is pictured over a field during sunset, in Studland, Dorset The meteor shower has been enjoyed by people around the world. Pictured is the shower seen above medieval tombstones in Radmilje near Stolar, south of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Yesterday, the meteor shower could be seen over Hatchet Pond in Hampshire. The best time to look for the shower will be around midnight when there is a dark sky Meteors can be quite faint, so it is best to look out for them in a dark sky, free of moonlight and artificial lights. Pictured is the meteor shower seen over Ladram Bay in Devon This image shows the Perseid Meteor Shower over The Scorhill Stone Circle in Dartmoor, Devon during this year's shower The Perseids has been occurring since July 17, and will carry on throughout August. The stunning spectacle can be seen in various locations across the globe, including Ladram Bay in Devon (pictured) Viewers in Devon were treated to an absolute spectacle, as the meteor shower could be seen over Bigbury on Sea (left) and Orcombe Point (right) Debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle bursts into the Earths upper atmosphere at around 130,000 miles (210,000 km) per hour, lighting up the sky with fast-moving Perseid meteors. In this image, the Perseid Meteor Shower seen over The Scorhill Stone Circle in Dartmoor, Devon The normal rate of the Perseid meteor shower is to see 50 to 75 meteors per hour. But according to Nasa, the rate will double this year to about 150 to 200 meteors per hour. Pictured is the shower seen over Budleigh Salterton in Devon A picture taken with a slow shutter shows a meteor moving past stars in the night sky over lake Neusiedlersee near Moerbisch am See, around 70 km southeast of Vienna The meteor shower occurs as Earth crosses the orbital path of Comet Swift-Tuttle. This image was taken at The Scorhill Stone circle in Darmoor Since meteoroids that create a meteor shower all move on a parallel path, and at the same speed, they seem to originate from a single point in the sky to observers on Earth, known as the radiant. Meteor showers are usually named after the constellation that their radiant lies in. For example, the Perseids meteor shower gets its name because it appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus. Because the Perseids shower occurs at a similar time as the Delta Aquarids shower, it can be confusing trying to understand which one you are seeing. However, you can trace the meteors back to find their radiant to work out which constellation they have originated from. Viewing the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to come from the south, while the Perseids will come from the north. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to originate just overhead, and the Perseids will stem from the north. Based on records, the normal rate of the Perseid meteor shower is 50 to 75 meteors per hour but according to Nasa, the rate will double this year to about 150 to 200 meteors per hour. On Thursday night as well as the meteor shower, Mars, Saturn and the moon aligned. A large triangle could be seen, with the moon appearing to be white, Mars a bright orange, and Saturn a yellow colour. On Thursday night as well as the meteor shower, Mars, Saturn and the moon aligned. A large triangle could be seen, with the moon appearing to be white (top right), Mars a bright orange (bottom right), and Saturn a yellow colour (top left). Pictured left is a star WHERE TO VIEW THE METEOR SHOWERS Viewing the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to come from the south, while the Perseids will come from the north. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Delta Aquarids will appear to originate just overhead, and the Perseids will stem from the north. Advertisement People in Spain also saw the shower. Pictured is the forest of crosses in Marganell, Spain, where the sky was lit up by the shower The Perseids meteor shower gets its name because it appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus. Pictured is the shower seen over Burgh Island in Devon Since meteoroids that create a meteor shower all move on a parallel path, and at the same speed, they seem to originate from a single point in the sky to observers on Earth, known as the radiant The peak of the Perseid meteor shower will be on Aug 11 and 12, when there also happens to be a darker-than-usual sky forecast, which will make the shower even clearer to see China is developing a hypersonic aircraft to take pilots, and perhaps even passengers, to the edge of space. A state aerospace firm has reportedly begun research on an aircraft capable of taking off from a runway and carrying a crew into low Earth orbit. The design is purported to be a more efficient successor to Nasas Space Shuttle, which was launched on a rocket but landed on a runway. Scroll down for video China is reportedly developing a hypersonic aircraft (pictured) capable of carrying those on board into low Earth orbit. The move could drastically reduce the cost of space travel, it is claimed The new space plane is being developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASTC). RACE FOR HYPERSONIC TRAVEL Scramjets have been under development for decades, but a breakthrough came in May 2013 when the US Air Force Research Laboratory's Boeing X-51A WaveRider flew for 240 seconds over the Pacific. It flew on scramjet power, reaching Mach 5.1 and ran until its fuel was exhausted. Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works - builder of the Mach 3.5 SR-71 Blackbird spyplane - then unveiled plans to develop a successor, dubbed the SR-72, pictured. Designed for reconnaissance and strike missions, the SR-72 would combine turbojet and scramjet engines to enable the aircraft to take off from a runway, accelerate to a Mach 6 cruise, and then return to a conventional runway landing. Lockheed Martin believes a prototype could be flying as soon as 2023 and the SR-72 could enter service by 2030. Advertisement When completed it could dramatically reduce the costs of space travel and give China a boost in the renewed space race. According to Popular Science, the aircraft would take off like a normal plane, before a supersonic scramjet engine kicks in to lift it to almost 100 km above sea level. At this point, rocket boosters will provide the additional thrust, giving it enough power to escape the clutches of Earth's lower atmosphere. Plans for the plane were discussed on state broadcaster CCTV, with a plane entering service by 2030. With Nasa's Space Shuttle programme decommissioned since 2011, a hybrid space plane could give the Chinese an edge in the space race. Details are sketchy at this early stage, but the craft could potentially hit speeds of Mach 5, reports Popular Science. It comes just a few weeks after Russia revealed it was developing a hypersonic aircraft capable to travelling anywhere in the world in two hours. The European Space Agency has also been funding research into a revolutionary Sabre Engine capable to propelling an aircraft at 4,000 mph. The space plane may use a combined cycle engine (illustrated) which would be paired with a scramjet and a separate rocket motor according to reports Hypersonic space planes like the Skylon are seen as being the future of space travel into low Earth orbit but it is many times more expensive than SpaceX's Falcon rockets (illustrated) Earlier this year it was also reported that China had tested a new hypersonic aircraft capable of travelling up to 7,000mph. The DF-ZF glider was fixed to a ballistic missile and launched from Wuzhai missile launch centre in central China. It is intended as a way to deliver missiles at high speeds around the world. Reaction Engines claims its Sabre engine can be used to help accelerate existing aircraft up to five times the speed of sound and plans to use the technology on a unique 3,500mph 'spaceplane' called Skylon (pictured) According to Popular Science, the Chinas new hypersonic space plane will use a combined cycle air breathing engine along with rocket motors. This is a similar approach to that taken by the British-built Skylon hypersonic aircraft, which uses engines built by Reaction Engines to achieve hypersonic flight. Zhang Yong, one of the engineers working on the space plane, claimed that the technology will be ready in the next three to five years, with a full-scale model ready to launch by 2030. Yang Yang, another engineer from CASTC also hinted that space plane could be used for space tourism, as it would have a more gradual acceleration than space launch rockets. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are striving to develop reusable spacecraft to cut the costs of travel into orbit, but a hypersonic space plane could cut costs even further. The European Space Agency has invested $11 million toward the development of a new type of engine that could one day allow aircraft to fly anywhere in the world in just four hours. Pictured, an artist's impression of the Lapcat A2 craft flying at Mach 5. However, this reported timeline is extremely ambitious, and getting the complex technologies, such as the turbo engine, ready, is unlikely. While it remains to be seen whether the project will be completed in the ambitious timeline, the results if it does succeed could be significant. As well as making space travel more accessible to the masses, the aircraft could be used by the Chinese military to fly in near space at speeds that simply could not be met by other air defence systems. Experts would need to examine every human who ever lived to know this Barclays, the UK bank, is to replace the password system on its phone banking service with personal voice recognition. 'Unlike a password, each person's voice is as unique as a fingerprint,' said Steven Cooper, Barclays' head of personal banking. Yet the reality is we have no idea whether either fingerprints or voices are unique at all. 'Unlike a password, each person's voice is as unique as a fingerprint,' said Steven Cooper, Barclays' head of personal banking. Yet the reality is we have no idea whether either fingerprints or voices are unique at all. Pictured is computer generated voice patterns WHAT DO RESEARCHERS SAY ABOUT VOICE PATTERS AND FINGERPRINTS? Human voice patterns or iris recognition need not be assumed to be unique to be useful tools for protecting private access to our bank accounts. In the same way, fingerprints need not be assumed to be unique to be useful in courts. Dangers and misunderstandings occur when too much is claimed for such techniques. They are of limited usefulness. They should not be relied upon totally as overriding evidence or for security systems on their own. They must be relied upon only as part of a wider case or system of checks. Even if experts were able to sample every living person's voice and fingerprints it would still not hold enough evidence to prove their uniqueness. Those who have died and those who have yet to be born would have to be sampled in order to prove how unique these features are. Advertisement I don't mean to say that it is impossible that each of us has a physical feature that is unique. The problem is that we have no way of knowing whether any of us has such a feature far less that we all do. Short of testing all of the 7.4 billion human beings alive today, which is a practical impossibility, we must rely on sampling of some sort. Testing samples of human populations has allowed us any number of vital medical advances. It is great for giving us information about the frequency of particular phenomena within a specified population blood types, for example. Yet sampling cannot establish uniqueness. Sampling could no more inform us that one individual has a particular set of fingerprints than it could inform us how that person will vote. And even if you managed to compare a person's fingerprints with every other living human being, it wouldn't establish their uniqueness. What of everyone who is dead? What of all those who are yet to be born? Neither can you get around this problem with abstract reasoning. If an X will cause a Y then logically whenever there is an X, there will be a Y or in this case, my fingerprints are caused by a set of factors peculiar to me; therefore everyone has a set of fingerprints caused by their own set of factors. That's logical, yet it does not follow that whenever there is a Y there will be an X or that a set of fingerprints can only be produced by the one set of unique factors. Researchers say that even if you managed to compare a person's fingerprints with every other living human being, it wouldn't establish their uniqueness. What of everyone who is dead? What of all those who are yet to be born? This is because the same effect might have had different causes on different occasions. The widespread and strongly held belief in the uniqueness of human voices and other physical features characterises and exacerbates a chronic general problem: people misunderstand the nature and significance of quantitative scientific evidence. FINGERPRINTS MAY BE A FLAWED WAY TO IDENTIFY CRIMINALS Human fingerprints may not be unique, according to the Home Office's first Forensic Science Regulator. This cornerstone of criminal investigation and identification may be flawed, as Mike Silverman claims that human error, partial prints and false positives mean that fingerprints evidence is not as reliable as is widely believed. Mr Silverman, who introduced the first automated fingerprint detection system to the Metropolitan Police, said: 'No two fingerprints are ever exactly alike in every detail; even two impressions recorded immediately after each other from the same finger. 'And the fingerprint often isn't perfect, particularly at a crime scene. It might be dirty or smudged. There are all sorts of things that reduce the accuracy. 'And not everyone's fingerprints have been recorded so it's impossible to prove that no two are the same. 'It's improbable, but so is winning the lottery, and people do that every week.' Other factors which can reduce the 'uniqueness' of finger prints include certain skin conditions which can make the fingertips smooth, and elderly people's skin changing in elasticity. Families also share extremely similar patterns. Mr Silverman stressed that juries are should be made better informed of these caveats, and said: 'I think it is important that juries are aware 'Too often they see programmes like CSI and that raises their expectations. What you see on CSI or Silent Witness simply doesn't exist. He added that the same logic could be applied to the assumption that all DNA is unique, as this claim is impossible to prove. Advertisement This is particularly relevant to criminal trials. There is a danger that accused people are not given fair trials because jurors, judges and other court officials put too much weight on certain forensic evidence. The notorious later quashed conviction of Sally Clark, an English solicitor, for the alleged murder of her two babies illustrates well the problem. The case against her turned on the evidence of an expert witness, Sir Roy Meadow, who argued that it was highly improbable that two of her babies could have been the victim of natural cot deaths. Experts say fingerprints and voice patterns should not be relied upon totally as overriding evidence or for security systems on their own. Sally Clark (pictured), an English solicitor, was convicted the alleged murder of her two babies illustrates well the problem. Clark was exonerated because wrong assumption had been made - similar to what can happen when we assume all fingerprints and voice patterns are unique to each person Clark was later exonerated by an appeals court after serving three years in prison, but died four years later. Her family said in a statement that she had never recovered from the miscarriage of justice. Meadow was criticised and temporarily struck off for getting the numbers wrong in his assessment of the statistical improbability, but this misses a more fundamental objection to this sort of argument: using statistical unlikelihood in a general forward-looking way is one thing; using it retrospectively with regard to particular instances is quite another. If you buy a ticket for the lottery, the chances of winning the big prize are about 14m to 1. Sampling these features could no more inform us that one individual has a particular set of fingerprints than it could inform us how that person will vote. This suggests that fingerprints and voice patterns should only be relied on as part of a wider case or system of checks -not as a security measure such as unlocking smartphones You might therefore be justified in regarding that as evidence that you are unlikely to win, and not buy a ticket as a result. Yet after the draw is made and Ms X of Glasgow is announced in the newspapers as the winner, the known unlikelihood of winning is obviously not evidence that she did not win. She did win. Unlikely things do happen. What do these insights mean in practical terms? FORGET FINGERPRINTS, EXPERTS SAY YOU CAN IDENTIFY PEOPLE BY THEIR FOOT PATTERN The patterns of skin on your feet are as unique as your fingerprint, and now forensic experts in Japan want to use feet as a new way to identify bodies Former members of Tokyo's metropolitan police department (MPD) came up with the idea after the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The technique uses scans of feet, stored in a database, to quickly identify people with dementia who go missing as well as bodies after natural disasters. They could also be used to convict criminals. 'It takes time and money to conduct DNA analysis and you can't always obtain fingerprints,' Hideo Kaneko, former member of the MPD's crime scene investigation division told Kyodo News. 'For the purpose of identification of bodies alone, ridge patterns of feet have some more suitable characters.' In order for the identification system to work, people would have to pre-register and store their ridge patterns. But collecting data only requires placing a foot on a scanner, they said. Mr Mitsuzane also believes people are more inclined to register their feet ridge patterns instead of fingerprints because of privacy concerns and the risk of the unintended use of information. The pair is now calling for foot ridge patterns to become a way to identify bodies. But the technique might also be useful for helping people with dementia who go missing. Advertisement People might well argue that even with our limited sampling of human voices, we have good reason to suspect we are very unlikely to come across two different people who have identical voices, even if we could never discount the possibility. Fine. Let us say that. Human voice patterns or iris recognition need not be assumed to be unique to be useful tools for protecting private access to our bank accounts. In the same way, fingerprints need not be assumed to be unique to be useful in courts. Dangers and misunderstandings occur when too much is claimed for such techniques. They are of limited usefulness. They should not be relied upon totally as overriding evidence or for security systems on their own. Men should also skip the clothes for Skip the flannel pajamas and over-sized t-shirts experts say sleeping au naturel is better for your health. Researchers found that sleeping naked is not only comfortable, but it regulates your skin temperature, preventing you from waking in the middle of the night. Forgoing clothes at bedtime also keeps bacteria that thrive in warm moist areas at bay, and it boosts your immune system if you sleep naked with your partner. Scroll down for video Researchers found that sleeping naked is not only comfortable, but it regulates your skin temperature, preventing you from waking in the middle of the night. For women, sleeping naked will prevent them from getting bacterial infections Only 12 percent of Americans sleep naked, according to a poll from the National Sleep Foundation, but it is highly recommended by both researchers and doctors. The human body is designed to decrease in temperature during sleep, and not only does sleeping in the nude keep you comfortable through the night, but it determines when your body is ready to fall asleep and when it is time to wake up. Poll Do you sleep naked? Yes No Only when I sleep alone Only when I sleep with someone else Do you sleep naked? Yes 3658 votes No 1077 votes Only when I sleep alone 456 votes Only when I sleep with someone else 315 votes Now share your opinion One study found that even the slightest cooling of the skin helps individuals fall into a much deeper sleep, according to Seeker. Cooling the body is especially beneficial to the elderly, and this research confirms previous studies that found warmer skin, in both humans and animals, disrupts sleep. By employing a thermosuit to control skin temperature during nocturnal sleep, we demonstrate that induction of a mere 0.4 degrees C increase in skin temperature, whilst not altering core temperature, suppresses nocturnal wakefulness (P<0.001) and shifts sleep to deeper stages (P<0.001) in young and, especially, in elderly healthy and insomniac participants, reads the study published in the journal Brain. Staying cool through the night has also been found to increase your metabolism. While sleeping in colder temperatures brown fat, a healthy fat found in the neck, is activated. This good fat will help you burn calories while it generates body heat. Staying cool through the night has also been found to increase your metabolism. Skipping clothes isn't just recommended for females, but it is important for a man in order to maximize their sperm production. It is recommend that a man's scrotum sits at around 95 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit WHY YOU SHOULD SLEEP NAKED Sleeping naked lowers your body temperature, which helps stops you from waking up in the middle of the night. A lowered body temperature at night has also been found to help you burn calories while you sleep. For women, it helps prevent bacterial infections such as yeast infections. And it increases a man's sperm production by keeping his scrotum at a specific temperature. When couples sleep naked, the skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin in brain, also known as the love hormone. This strengthens their emotional bond and and increases trust within the relationship. Advertisement Cooling down at night also increases growth hormones and decreases cortisol, which creates better sleeping patterns and helps reduce your belly size, reports Men's Health. On the nights you have a good slumber, your body was able to fully recuperate with lower cortisol levels, which it will begin replenishing the next day so you will have energy when you wake up. If your sleep is interrupted, your body automatically produces extra cortisol, which will increase your appetite the next day. Many specialists recommend sleeping naked as a way for your skin to breathe, which is especially important for women. Yeast infections, a type of bacteria, thrive in warm moist areas, which can be created while sleeping in pajamas. 'Womens private parts are covered up all day by confining clothing and nonbreathable fabrics, which cause vaginal irritation and moisture to collect in this area, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a clinical assistant professor of OB/GYN at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, told LiveScience. This area can turn into a breeding ground for yeast and bacterial infections, so letting this region breathe for a few hours at night will keep bacteria at bay. Skipping clothes isn't just recommended for females, but it is important for a man in order to maximize their sperm production. It is recommend that a man's scrotum sits at around 95 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just a tad cooler than the rest of your body, reports Mens Health. Its been found that the quality of sperm suffers if your testicles become too warm, which was shown in a study that tested the semen of men who used saunas. Although sleeping naked has proven to be beneficial to your health, it is just as good for your relationship. Experts say that skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin in your brain, also known as the love hormone, which brings couples together emotionally and increases trust within the relationship. This type of contact has also been found to boost your immune system, steady cortisol levels and lower blood pressure. Advertisement Sunday revellers carouse along the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, early automobiles rattle along Seattles dusty streets and a man in a bowler hat carves his name into a sand sculpture. These vibrant snapshots of daily life in America in the 1900s were popular Photochrome postcards created by blending photography and early colour printing techniques. From the Lucky Strike billboards to the Chicago railway track that opened up travel to all, these tourist souvenirs were printed in their millions each year and offer a detailed journey into the past. They were taken in a decade when the United States was on the cusp of its Industrial Revolution bouncing back from the depression of the 1890s. Immigration was beginning to boom and while the country was still largely rural, pioneers such as JP Morgan and Andrew Carnegie were starting to shape history. The juxtaposition and tension between the old and new is evident in many of the images in an era where lightbulbs and skyscrapers were first introduced. Conversely, vacation hotspots and the breath-taking sense of escape they provide remain largely unchanged even over a century later. Whimsical images of Yosemite, Yellowstone and Santa Monica reveal that they are timelessly captivating. Old and new: Streetcars snake through Herald Square, New York in this postcard from 1904. The first signs of the future are evident in the skyline which is starting to shoot up but remnants of the past are also visible in the use of horse and cart Little has changed but if you glance closely a lady in period dress poses under the Arch Rock in Santa Monica in this postcard from circa 1888-1905 Timeless appeal: This image of the resplendent Yosemite Valley was created as a colour photochrome print circa 1898 In this vintage postcard a man in a bowler hat carve a message next to an elaborate sand sculpture Shoppers jostle along a busy sidewalk and early automobiles career down First Avenue, Seattle, in this 1904 postcard From the Lucky Strike billboards to the Chicago railway track which opened up travel to all, these tourist souvenirs which were printed in their millions each year and offer a detailed journey into the past. Pictured is Wabash Avenue, Chicago in 1900 Popular holiday hotspot: Sunday revellers carouse along the boardwalk in Atlantic City at the turn of the century Beach and Boardwalk goers in Victorian garb enjoy the sights of the shore on the New Jersey coast in 1900 (left) while South Dome, Yosemite Valley, looks just appealing now as it did in this postcard from circa 1898-1905 These vibrant snapshots of daily life in America in the 1900s were popular Photochrome postcards created by blending photography and early colour printing techniques. Pictured is a Californian park in 1905 Natural beauty: Vintage postcard view of the Pulpit Terraces in Yellowstone National Park The juxtaposition and tension between the old and new is evident in many of the postcards in an era where lightbulbs and skyscrapers were first introduced Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, California stars in this postcard from 1902 Photochrome print from 1900 of a Philadelphia row house where it was claimed Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag (left)) and a vintage postcard view of Boston's Old South Church (right) Holidaymakers at the turn of the century could stay at accommodation such as Hotel El Tovar, Grand Canyon, Arizona which was snapped in this postcard from 1905 The couple found it helped them to connect more with the local residents and the culture - and have amassed hundreds of pictures They started the project in 2013 while backpacking Advertisement Witnessing the sheer variety of local fashions is one of the joys of foreign travel. In celebration of this smorgasbord of sartorial taste, a French-Slovakian couple have been travelling from city to city, capturing various dressing styles. They started the project in 2013, after deciding to head off on a lengthy backpacking trip around the world together. The couple started to take pictures of people's clothing because they found it helped them to find out more about the local residents and also the culture. From sumo wrestlers in Japan, to villagers in Peru, there really is every type of clothing on display in their series. Marcela Makarova from Slovakia and her French partner Philippe-Henry's images have been published as a collection called Around The World In 80 Styles, which can be found on their Instagram page. The Delta Riggs singer Elliot Hammond, from Sydney, Australia, rocks a dandy look as he poses inside an old fashioned clothing store A young woman called Carmen poses in the street in Havana, Cuba, in her colourful Cuban clothes A student called Matumoto Kousuke poses at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, while waiting for a friend Kevich and Leakena pose in the middle of their wedding on Silk Island, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Saya, a sweet shop assistant, wearing her colourful harajuku fashion in Tokyo, Japan Khan, who works as a camel safari guide in the Thar Desert, Rahasthan, India, smiles for the camera Taiwanese pensioners are wrapped up warm while visiting the Pagoda of Fongong Temple in China Amy, who works as a lawyer, poses in a fifties-style cartoon-print dress at the Midsumma Festival in Melbourne, Australia Jorge, a livestock farmer, at his estancia in Olavarria, Argentina, wearing a brightly-coloured beret A bride and her bridesmaids on their way to a wedding shoot in Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand Two women dressed in Fairy Kei fashion - which centres on pastel colours and toy accessories - on the streets of Tokyo, Japan Vicky, who is studying fashion, is pictured shopping at a mall in Shanghai, China Mei, dressed head-to-toe in black and white, poses for a photograph while shopping in Shanghai Monika, who works as a personal and fashion stylist, poses in downtown Bratislava, Slovakia Luz Mila smiles for the camera while wearing clothes from a weaving cooperative in Chinchero, Peru Kanitha, a game seller at the amusement park Diamond Island in Phenom Penh, Cambodia Evo looks very smart while getting ready to attend his school ball in Uyuni, Bolivia A young woman smiles for the camera while standing on an empty street in Barcelona, Spain Two sumo wrestlers, dressed in traditional dress, smile for the camera in Tokyo, Japan Maria, a villager wearing her everyday traditional clothes in Pinchollo, Colca Canyon, Peru Stanislava, a trader and golf player, from Russia, poses with her daughter Aksinia while in Cannes, France Selina Ringel, a producer and casting director who lives in LA, poses in Cannes during the annual film festival Jack Cao, a model from China poses on the famous Croisette in Cannes, France, during the film festival Raja, a student from Morrocco, poses in the Medina quarter in Marrakesh Advertisement In one of the coldest states on Earth, the exploding wolf population has led the people to drastic measures in order to protect their livestock. The indigenous people of Yakutia, Siberia, claim they are being pushed into poverty as their reindeer herds are attacked by a growing numbers of wolves. Wolves usually hunt in groups of six or seven, however the desperation for food has created larger groups, with up to 400 in one 'super pack'. In one of the coldest states on Earth, the exploding wolf population has led the people to drastic measures in order to protect their livestock. Ion Maxsimovic holds up the head of the wolf he has just shot dead. In winter an adult male will freeze solid within two hours of death, taken in Sakha Republic A race underway during the Khatystyr reindeer festival, an event which bring together otherwise largely nomadic communities, with a snowmobile as the prize, taken in Khatystyr, Russia A wolf skin at the Sakha Bult sorting facility in Yakutsk. Suitable skins will be used for clothing and rugs, taken in March 2015 in Yakutsk, Russia An Evenki man leads his reindeer through the forest. His herd is vulnerable to ever- increasing wolf attacks. All over eastern Siberia, wolves are migrating in huge numbers from the taiga forests out onto reindeer pastures, threatening livestock on a scale not seen since pre-Soviet times, taken in Khatystyr, Russia. To curb wolf numbers both the Russian state and local government have placed a bounty on the animals' lives - the equivalent of $400 in total per wolf - plus a large cash prize to the hunter who kills the most. In 2013 that person was Ion Maxsimovic (right). Maxsimovic demonstrates how to set a trap, a method banned by an agreement signed in 2008 by Russia, Canada and the EU but as wolf numbers soared, hunters in Siberia began to use them again (left) Food scarcity means the wolves are also getting more confident and venturing closer to the people and town, according to photographer James Morgan, who travelled to Siberia to meet Ion Maxsimovic - the region's best wolf hunter. When a new law came into effect in 2012, banning the use of leg hold traps, the wolf population surged to the point where president Yegor Borisov announced a 'state of emergency'. Borisov called for an urgent cull of wolves, promising a six-figure cash prize for the hunters who bring back the most skins. Morgan said: 'Ion wasn't always a wolf hunter. He used to hunt sable, which was a much easier way to make a living. A man races his reindeer at the annual Khatystyr reindeer festival. Evenki culture revolves around these animals. Their livelihood and cultural identity hinges on their herds. The indigenous people of Yakutia, Siberia, claim they are being pushed into poverty as their reindeer herds are attacked by growing numbers of wolves Ion Maxsimovic carefully hides his trap under the snow (left) and shoots dead a wolf caught in it days later (right). There is a great deal of folklore surrounding wolves. Hunters worry those that escape traps will return to exact revenge The recently shot wolf is loaded onto a sledge by Ion Maxsimovic and his assistant Yegor Dyachkovsky. An adult male grey wolf averages 95-99 lbs After killing the wolf Ion Maxsimovic removes the trap from its leg and prepares to load it onto his snowmobile. There have been cases of wolves chewing off their own legs to free themselves from such traps A dead wolf is thawed and then skinned by Ion Maxsimovic and Yegor Dyachkovsky. The pelt will be delivered to the Sakha Bult sorting facility in Yakutsk 'But in 2013 when the bounty announcement was made, Ion made the jump to full-time wolf hunting. 'The money is good, but for Ion there's a definite sense of working for his people and protecting a way of life.' Ion killed 23 wolves in 2014, more than any other hunter, winning 300,000 rubles (approx $4,600) and a snowmobile. Stories of maimed wolves needlessly killing whole reindeer herds haunt the Evenki people Ion Maxsimovic prepares the wolf skin for drying while the carcass hangs from a nearby tree before delivery to the Sakha Bult sorting facility in Yakutsk Dyachkovsky adds wood to the pile while Ion Maxsimovic douses it with petrol (left) and the frozen carcass is lifted onto what will become its funeral pyre (right). Hunters are paid for every wolf skin they deliver, but the carcasses are burned Ion Maxsimovic collects ice to melt for water in this permanently frozen landscape which acts as a giant freezer and is a popular place to search for preserved mammoth remains, the tusks being sold as an ethical alternative to elephant ivory, Once a wolf hunter has a kill, they take it to the government-run Sakha Bult Factory. Ion is paid $400 per wolf skin, and receives a ticket for an extra $400 bounty from the provincial government. In this factory the wolf skins are transformed into premium fur coats and thick duvets, costing as much as $5,000. Increasing wolf numbers in Yakutia - also known as the Sakha Republic - are posing a growing threat to reindeer herds, estimates stating that 12,000 reindeer were lost to wolf attacks last year, at a cost of around 15,000 rubles per animal A blood soaked floor is seen as a man works at the government owned Sakha Bult sorting facility, the first stop for wolf skins delivered by hunters Women prepare skins at Sakha Bult sorting facility to be sent away and made into clothing and rugs Ion Maxsimovic prepares kindling for the wood stove in his winter hunting lodge. Ion will get up numerous times in the night to keep the fire burning (left). He warms up the engine of his snowmobile on a typically cold morning (right). Temperatures in the region can get as low as -50 Degrees C James said: 'As they pass through this building, wolves are transformed from mythologically empowered killing machines into luxury commodities. 'Politicians, reindeer herders, fashionistas, hunters - they all see a different side of the world. 'And as pack numbers continue to grow, the people must fight back to preserve their way of life on Yakutia's unforgiving tundra. 'But one day wolves too may need preserving, the real race is to have measures in place for when the tide begins to turn.' Ion Maxsimovic drives his snowmobile out to his winter hunting camp of almost half a million hectares where he owns the hunting, fishing and non-commercial timber rights on this large expanse of landin Sakha Republic Yegor Dyachkovsky assists Ion Maxsimovic on the hunt. Ion says of Yegor, he is 'a quiet man, but he works hard.' Everyone from Nelson Mandela to Margaret Thatcher has stayed there With their smart uniforms and twinkling smiles, doormen are the first thing that guests see when arriving at a hotel and no one knows that better than Jim Gardner Burns, who has worked on the entrance to Londons famous Athenaeum hotel for the past 24 years. Week in, week out, Burns has greeted everyone from Maggie Thatcher to Nelson Mandela as they came to stay at the five star venue in Mayfair. Despite 12-hour days on his feet, whether its baking hot or freezing cold, the 55-year-old east Londoner has relished every minute of his career. Jim Gardner Burns, who has worked on the entrance to Londons famous Athenaeum hotel for the last 24 years Here, he reveals to MailOnline Travel why he thinks being a hotel doorman is the best job in the world. I never planned to be a hotel doorman, I just fell into it I started out as a porter to the Waldorf in 1986 because my brother was working there and I needed some money after leaving the army. But after two months, they asked me to work on the door and Ive never looked back. Lots of smart hotels used to have a policy of hiring former army personnel because of the way they carry themselves very upright. Wearing the smart doorman uniform changes my personality Im very tall - 6ft 6ins and have always been very self-conscious, but when Im in my day job I instantly exude this confidence and humour that I dont possess in real world - I've heard it happens to a lot of people when they put on a costume. Everyone from Maggie Thatcher to Nelson Mandela has stayed in the five star venue in Mayfair People love to feel special because they rarely get it in the normal lives People are spending a lot of money in a five-star hotel and theyre paying to feel special. They love that feeling, no matter who they are. Even things like remembering a persons name makes a person feel different. Kim Kardashian stayed at the hotel in 2012 There are special tricks for remembering someones name We have to remember the names of all guests and I use mnemonics [memory devices] to do that. I usually change a persons name to something I can see, then attach the visual image to that person. So for instance, if someone was called Mr Peters, Id think of a block of peat, then link that to some feature of the guest, like their face. Some people get nervous about tipping but there is no set rule There is no hard and set rule for tipping. If you are parking a guests car, when he is leaving, he will generally give you gratuity for bringing the car round but you shouldnt expect it. But the guest has to feel comfortable giving it, otherwise you dont take it. Sometimes, the most famous people are the least conspicuous I was deep in conversation about the theatre with a guest outside the hotel for about half an hour once, and after she left the concierge came to me and said 'that was Vanessa Redgrave you were just talking to'. George Lucas would always stay here with his family and hes a very quiet, nondescript family man. You wouldnt believe the guy is a billionaire. One of the most famous people I met on the job was Nelson Mandela though he was a lovely man. When he was leaving, all of the police and film crew were outside waiting but he turned his back on the lot of them to shake my hand and thank me. Nelson Mandela, left, and Margaret Thatcher, have both stayed at the hotel Ive met many famous people, but even I was star struck by Margaret Thatcher when she stayed with her family... There was no one on hand to take their bags up to the room, so they asked me to do it. She tried to give me a tip from her purse and I just couldnt, you cant take a tip from the ex-Prime Minister. Later, when I flagged a cab for her husband Dennis he went to tip me a pound and their daughter Carol said: Oh dont be so mean, give him a fiver. Some of the regular guests eventually become friends If you stand on the door long enough, you see the whole of life pass you by in all its form Sometimes the barrier is broken between doorman and guest. Like with this elderly couple whod been coming to the hotel for many years. For the last two years the wife was suffering from Alzheimers but her husband would still bring her because they had such fond memories of the hotel she could still remember the places but couldnt remember our names. She passed away recently and it felt like it was a member of my family. If you stand on the door at the hotel long enough, you see the whole of life pass you by in all its form The concert pianist lady from Chiswick who lived in her car would walk past me every day and Id tip my hat and wed have a chat. She was very erudite but if people tried to give her money she'd be outraged. She was a lovely lady in a terrible situation. Its very important to look after your feet as a doorman If youre standing on your feet for 12 hours a day in the cold, its more important for your shoes to be comfortable than look good. I use insulation soles, because once the cold gets through to your feet, you cant get them warm again. Jim often wears tracksuit bottoms under his trousers to stay warm in the winter Wearing layers is the best way to stay warm in winter Im often wearing tracksuit bottoms under my smart trousers in the winter. The winters are warmer now, but in the 1980s and 1990s we would have very bitter winds and sometimes I would wear two pairs of tracksuit bottoms under my suit back then. London is so much busier these days London is becoming busier and busier. The hotel business used to fluctuate a lot, but now its almost nonstop. You used to be able to guarantee some quiet months but that rarely happens now. Jim says that the London hotel business is becoming much busier than it used to be The main difference over the past 30 years is the types of people you get staying in five star hotels Its much more egalitarian. Before youd only have a type of person staying in a five star hotel, whereas now, although 300 a night isnt cheap, a normal person can often afford that, so people will treat their wife, girlfriend or mother, to a night. One thing that saddens me is how relaxed the dress code has become In 1986, if you walked into a hotel then youd be wearing a suit and smart shoes. Nowadays, people think nothing of turning up and even heading out to the theatre in jeans and trainers. Americans used to take up most business, now its more like 30 per cent Our hotel was very Hollywood and American business, but there have been a couple of wars between then and now and we cant rely on that American segment. All hotels have diversified now - America now only takes up 30 or 40 per cent of business and we have a much bigger British and European segment, as well as Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Brazilian guests. Advertisement For those who want a career where they get paid to travel, geologist Christopher Spencer and his colleagues are living the dream. Geologists regularly fly to remote or exotic locations, and they have been documenting their exciting travels - and building an online fan base - through breathtaking photography. Spencer, from Perth, Australia, started the Traveling Geologist website to highlight the travel perks and showcase the work that geologists do to educate people who know little or nothing about the profession. The 31-year-old, a research fellow and lecturer at Curtin University, has visited many places on holidaymakers' bucket lists, and his favourite places include the Swiss Alps, Himalayas and Rocky Mountains. The job does bring an element of danger. Spencer was once forcibly removed from a truck by the Indian military on the Tibetan border, he has been stranded in the Namib Desert and someone pulled a shotgun on him as he trespassed on a farm in Texas. Of the website, which has contributions from more than 100 earth scientists, he said: 'Adventure travel for the sake of science was an easy connection to engage earth scientists with the rest of society. But rather than adventure travel for the sake of adventure, this is adventure travel for the sake of scientific progress and discovery.' These two geology students braved the Alaskan wilderness around Mount Doonerak while spending time in the field This team from the University of Edinburgh visited one of the most desolate places on the planet in Namibia to find evidence of how the first animals, metazoans, evolved This geology student was sent out into the wilds of the Greenland as part of her final year in university In heavily vegetated areas like southern Africa, the best places to find fresh rock exposure is on the coast, said Spencer A geologist takes a break and licks a giant ice block while mapping Gardar Province in south-west Greenland This team spent months on the island of the Grenadines working next to some of the planets most active volcanoes A geologist studies the formation of massive coral reefs and carbonate platforms off the coast of the Bahamas Flying to frigid Antarctica on a C-17 Globemaster III military transport plane is not your average commute to work Spencer, who took this photo in Namibia, said 'the sunrise seems to be more vibrant the further from the city you get' A geologist pulls out a clump of fresh lava from an active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii The patterns at Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland 'outline complex thermodynamic forces of contraction and fracture' Spencer, who shot this photo at Mount Etna in Italy, said standing on the precipice of an active volcano 'gives you shivers' Students sit in the large holes of sauropod (long-neck dinosaur) footprints on this rock slab in Switzerland A team hikes over French Pass in Nepalese Himalayas with assistance of sherpas, who are carrying scientific instruments Geology professors from the universities of Cambridge and St Andrews during a hike through the Alps in Switzerland Geologists prepare to be drenched by a rain storm while hiking through the Bird's Head Peninsula of New Guinea By visiting remote places such as the Namib Desert, geologists are able to admire spectacular starry nights Battle Island, off the coast of Labrador in Canada, is regarded as a treasure trove of geologic complexity Researchers from Syracuse University set up camp on a medial moraine on the West Fork Glacier in Alaska Calling this a 'face-on-rock moment' in the US state of Maine, Spencer said geologists can never get too close to a rock In the northern reaches of Patagonia in Argentina, the only way to get around is by horseback or on foot It takes several days of backpacking to reach the high peaks of the Himalayas in Bhutan, said Spencer Geologists' adventures have taken them deep underground into the caves of northern Spain Mount Rainier, in the state of Washington, is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world Siccar Point, a rocky promontory in Berwickshire, Scotland, is where Scottish geologist James Hutton concluded that the age of the Earth had to be greater than what was assumed from Biblical chronology 'Pillow basalt' like these in Oman are as old as 100 million years and form when lava erupts under the water on the sea floor Alaska's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Alaska in the area of a 100-year-old volcanic eruption at Mount Katmai In the Swiss Alps, geologists admire the thick packages of limestone which have been shaped by compressive forces A geologist collects samples from a sand dune in China while investigating climate changes through time To reach the depths of the Alaska wilderness at Mount Doonerak, a team from Harvard and Stanford used a helicopter Geologists inspect rocks with a hand lens in Madagascar. A hand lens is the most important tool for a geologist Spencer said geologists get paid to see sights, including the Himalayas, that tourists would spend thousands to see Advertisement The Mocona Falls almost seems to defy logic. Its a waterfall thats an incredible mile-and-a-half long and forms when water levels lower along a split-level channel on the Uruguay River in Argentina, close to the border with Brazil. The effect is of a river falling sideways and it looks like a feature on an alien planet. The waterfall, which is only visible for about 250 days per year, is almost 40ft high in places. When the water levels are a bit higher, the river becomes rapids at this point. Mocona Falls means that which swallows everything and these pictures show just why it was given such a dramatic name. The Mocona Falls forms when water levels at a split-level section of the Uruguay River lower The waterfall, which is only visible for about 250 days per year, is almost 40ft high in places This unique perpendicular waterfall seems like a natural feature of an alien planet A sight to behold: Pictured are tourists enjoying a sightseeing tour of the amazing waterfall Mocona Falls means that which swallows everything and these pictures show just why it was given such a dramatic name Mass killings, police-involved shootings and the emergence of Zika virus have led a number of countries to issue warnings about the 'dangers' of going on holiday in the US. Governments of the UK, Australia, France, Germany and neighbouring Canada are among those cautioning travellers for varying reasons. Other advisories warn of xenophobia - without referencing presidential candidate Donald Trump's call for a temporary ban on Muslim visitors - and homophobia, potentially putting off some tourists from visiting the country. Warnings about gun violence have followed mass shootings, including the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida The French and German governments have warned their citizens about gun violence in the US, where recent mass shootings include a massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, left 49 people dead. Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote online that it is 'relatively easy' to obtain guns in the US and should its citizens be the victim of an armed robbery 'do not try to fight back'. In July, officials in the Bahamas warned US-bound travelers about racial tension in the US after a number of black men were fatally shot by police. In a statement, the country wrote: 'In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate.' Advisories have been issued specifically for LGBT travelers after North Carolina passed a law that limits protections for LGBT people. Britain's Foreign & Commonwealth Office wrote: 'The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people differ hugely across the country. 'Transgender travellers may be affected by legislation passed recently in the state of North Carolina.' The state's controversial law requires people to use public bathrooms which correspond to the gender listed on their birth certificate. Public Health England listed Florida as having a 'moderate risk' for Zika virus transmission Some countries have warned of xenophobia, with a United Arab Emirates travel advisory in July telling men not to wear traditional clothing, especially in public areas, after a businessman was tackled to the ground and injured by police in Ohio, USA Today reported. The man was detained at gunpoint after police received an incorrect report that he had pledged allegiance to ISIS at a hotel. Countries have also expressed concerns about the emergency of Zika virus in south Florida. Last month, Public Health England listed Florida - a popular destination for British families thanks to the state's theme parks - as having a 'moderate risk' for Zika virus transmission. Foreign affairs departments for Australia and Canada, issued similar advisories, telling pregnant women they should avoid travel to the affected counties. Tom Buncle, a tourism consultant and managing director of Yellow Railroad, told USA Today all of the warnings add up and could erode the US' image. He said: 'If you are in any of those groups [LGBT people or Muslims] ... you might feel threatened because of the colour of your skin or sexual orientation. He added: 'America has surprised a lot of the world, especially the Europeans, because of all the mass shootings and the attitudes on gun control, or lack of it.' Most visits to the US are trouble-free and the US State Department said the country remains 'a first-rate tourist destination'. Tommy and Melissa Kennedys HOMES Brewery is beginning to materialize on the corner of Jackson Ave. and Collingwood, formerly a Culligan office and more recently Launch skateboards. HOMES, says Tommy, is spelled in all caps because its a reference to the Great Lakes, though he doesnt belabor itsome people get it, some dont. In early July, the back parking lot had become a deep pit to make room for a series of enormous cisterns. Though they look as though they might be part of a brewing operation, theyre actually stormwater retention, an upgrade required as part of their renovation of the building. Tommy describes them as excessive!though hes not so much complaining as exclaiming at the size of the things: I get it. The city is trying to take the burden off the storm-water system. We stopped to watch the earth move one afternoon and asked engineer Jim Cherben how the adjacent neighbors on Collingwood felt about their side yard suddenly becoming a quarry. He said theyre OK with it. The upstairs tenant is the brewmaster. Tommy later clarified that the Kennedys bought that property too. He added that the downstairs tenant has lived there for thirty-three years and used to be Culligans bookkeeper. Sweet Sally, as he calls her, is eagerly following the construction. Tommy hopes the brewpub will be open later this fall. Hell have a full kitchen too. Noerung Hang of No Thai! will be handling that. The skateboard shop moved out of the building last winter. Its main store is still on South Uthis was an unsuccessful experiment for Launch, but Tommy says even when the brewpub is finished, he may be renting out the front part of the building for some kind of retail. He starred on HBO's hit Sex and the City as the son of Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve Brady (David Eigenberg). And while Joseph Pupo also made appearances in both of the Sex and the City films, the actor had mostly kept out of the spotlight since then - until a Tuesday interview with The Battery Company. The comical interview saw hosts Jake Wilson and Sas Goldberg freaking out over now-teenaged Joseph, who was unaffected by their glee, with very little to say. All grown up: A new interview showed Miranda Hobbe's (Cynthia Nixon) son Brady (Joseph Pupo) from Sex and the City as a teenager, 12 years after the series finale Their little boy: Joseph first starred on the HBO series as baby Brady, before appearing in the films (pictured with onscreen father Steve Brady, played by David Eigenberg) To be fair, the interview was clearly in jest, as the actor would not have been able to remember working with Cynthia or how 'fun' it was to shoot Brady's birthday episode, as he was only a baby. The teen dressed casually in the video, sporting a long-sleeved grey striped sweater, worn with the sleeves rolled up. He teamed that with a pair of jeans for the video, in which he seemed a bit confused and slightly irritated by the silly questioning. Back at it: The young boy later made appearances in 2008's Sex and the City, and 2010's Sex and the City 2 (pictured) Likely to fans' delight, Joseph showed off a full head of fiery red curls, one of Brady's (and onscreen mother Miranda's) iconic traits. He looked to be breaking the co-hosts hearts, however, as he admitted that he has never watched himself in Sex and the City, as he 'just wasn't interested.' And while the teenager has not acted professionally since 2010's Sex and the City 2, he did say in the video that he is trying out for his school play. Tight-lipped: Cynthia kept mum about a possible third Sex and the City movie during a recent Watch What Happens Live appearance Perhaps the teen will reprise his role yet again in a third Sex and the City film, which has long been rumored. His onscreen mother Cynthia did sort of shoot down the rumors during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, saying: 'I had dinner with [series co-creator] Michael Patrick King this past weekend. It didnt come up.' She has already postponed tying the knot two times before. But Ali Fedotowsky looked radiant in a Snapchat photo she posted while searching for the perfect bridal gown on Thursday. 'Headed wedding dress shopping!' the 31-year-old Bachelorette alum captioned the image. Scroll down for video 'Headed wedding dress shopping!': Ali Fedotowsky, 31, looked radiant in a Snapchat photo she posted while searching for the perfect bridal gown on Thursday The former reality star went boho chic in a white flowing semi-sheer mini dress. She showcased her lean bronzed stems in the short frock which was teamed with a pair of camel suede boots. Her signature blonde locks were swept back in an updo with several perfectly coiled bangs framing her face. 'I'm really excited': The Bachelorette alum gushed while videoing in the car on the way to the bridal shop The new mum welcomed daughter Molly Sullivan, with her fiance, radio host Kevin Manno, 33, on July 6. Ali and her soon-to-be husband were all set to say 'I do' in Mexico recently but they unfortunately had to cancel their plans due to the Zika outbreak. 'We were super excited. We found the most amazing location and villa that would allow our entire family to stay with us,' Ali told The Knot. 'Then, all the news broke about the Zika virus and we had to cancel,' she added. Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes and has been linked to birth defect microcephaly, in which a baby's head in abnormally smaller than expected. Baby girl: The new mum shared a sweet snapshot of her precious newborn daughter 'It was such a huge disappointment,' Ali continued. 'Even though we wont be pregnant when we get married, we just didnt think it was fair to ask our guests to travel to a location with active Zika virus transmissions. 'Most of our friends are in "baby mode," and that just wasnt a fair ask.' Ali and Kevin announced their engagement in September and had planned on tying the knot in January - until they found out they were expecting. 'We actually also planned a wedding in California for January 2016 and we ended up pushing that back too because we found out I was pregnant.' Bad timing: The former reality star has already postponed tying the knot two times before (pictured August And while the new mum hasn't set a date for her wedding yet, she appeared excited while shopping for a dress on the popular social media mobile app. Ali also shared several videos directing her followers to her blog, Aliluvs.com where she shared how to get her look and update her day. 'I'm going wedding dress shopping today as you know, I'm really excited,' she gushed while videoing in the car on the way to the bridal shop. She added: 'And to know about these $9 sunglasses, which I love, just search stylewatch, all one word.' As the star of one of Hollywood's most popular sitcoms, there is no question she often finds herself the center of attention. And that was likely once more the case for Ariel Winter on Thursday, but this time for a very different reason. The 18-year-old showed off her pert derriere in a pair of tiny Daisy Dukes when she headed off to salon in West Hollywood. Scroll down for video Top of the crops! Ariel Winter kept her cool in a head-turning combination of a crop top and Daisy Dukes when she headed out to a salon in West Hollywood on Thursday The Modern Family starlet also opted to put her flat stomach on full display with the help of a grey and clingy crop top. Wearing her hair up into a high ponytail, the actress was clearly in the mood to keep her cool as she headed outdoors. She accessorised with a pair of large sunglasses, and complimented her radiant complexion with an edgy slick of plum lipstick and a bit of blush. And to top off the look, the actress sported an ultra stylish pair of thigh high suede boots. Her summer look: The young actress was looking glamorous and hip with her freshly coiffed hair Bottom's up! The 18-year-old's tiny jean shorts put her derriere on full display Ariel appeared to be enjoying a day off from work. The actress has a role in the upcoming film Dog Years, which stars Burt Reynolds and is about a former super star who realizes he has passed his prime. But, work matters aside, it is Ariel's love life that has drawn attention. Hard at work: The actress is currently attached to the film Dog Years, which stars Burt Reynolds and is about a former super star who realizes he has passed his prime Fair lady: Ariel descended the stairs like a princess except she was wearing hotpants and thigh-high boots instead of a gauze gown The actress has been linked to 21-year-old actor Sterling Beaumon as of late. The two young stars were first romantically linked last month, when they were seen looking cosy at a party in Los Angeles. A source told E! News: 'The two arrived at the SkySpace LA event together and left together. They were seen hanging out all night and it seemed like they were more than just friends. Girl on the go: The teen star stepped back to her car There's no easy way to do this: Getting into the luxury vehicle took some maneuvering Lunch: Ariel paused to grab some lunch during her very busy day 'They were definitely very flirty and always close to each other.' Ariel and Sterling - who portrayed a young Benjamin Linus on Lost - have known each other for years and even co-starred in a Nintendo advert in 2010. She's got a lot of reasons to dance. Newlywed Kym Johnson posted the latest video of her Bora Bora honeymoon to Instagram on Thursday - this time shaking her body from side to side - as she dressed in gold sexy swimwear. The former Dancing With The Stars pro - who recently married Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec - wore a tube float around her waist while she did a 'happy dance' on her boat. Scroll down for video Do the happy dance! Kym Johnson shared a video to Instagram on Thursday of her dancing in a tube float while honeymooning in Bora Bora with husband Robert Herjavec The 40-year-old Australian dancer wore a low-cut halter, one-piece bathing suit, which shimmered in a pale gold, and featured a wrap that crossed around her waist. Wearing large brown sunglasses and her blonde hair in a high ponytail, Kym donned a colorful floral headband as she captioned the photo: 'My happy dance.' The video also gave a glimpse of the stunning French Polynesian island with tropical blue waters in the background. Matching couple! The former Dancing With The Stars partners wed on July 31 in Los Angeles. The Australian beauty captioned the photo from Wednesday saying: 'Thanks @carsonkressley for our matching hat and boardies!' The couple met on Season 20 of Dancing With The Stars, and tied the knot in a lavish Los Angeles wedding on July 31st. They have been celebrating the happy occasion on their honeymoon since Sunday, where the fitness guru has been flaunting her swimsuits which read 'Mrs.' on one and her new last name, 'Herjavec', on the other. While this is the first time Kym has walked down the aisle, it was the second for Robert, who divorced Diane Plese in April 2015 after three children. She wears his name on her bum: The fitness guru wore personalized bathing suits while on their honeymoon. Happy wife, happy life! Kym donned a straw hat and a white, one-piece bathing suit that read 'Mrs.' in gold shimmer letters The 53-year-old businessman, who is worth an estimated $100 million as CEO of IT security firm Herjavec Group, demanded a pre-nup after paying out millions to his ex-wife. Kym - who did not resist signing - will get a maximum of $1 million and cannot ask for any of their real estate if the marriage ends. 'Kym will get $100,000 for every year they are married, capped at $1 million, if the marriage ends,' a source told Life & Style Magazine. 'The houses they live in are all in Robert's name, and Kym won't have any claim to the properties if they split.' We do! The couple met on Season 20 of DWTS and got engaged in February before tying the knot last month Contestants who fail to receive a rose from The Bachelor are driven to a nice hotel for the night before going home. But season one's contestant Penny Palman didn't quite receive the luxury treatment after she was sent home by Tim Robards in 2013. Speaking to Mamamia, the fitness instructor recalled having to sleep in a tent following the rose ceremony in episode eight, which was filmed on location in Broome. Scroll down for video No royal treatment here: The Bachelor season one's contestant Penny Palman said she was made to sleep in a tent in Broome after being eliminated from the show 'They separated me in the resort, and the girls were in this beautiful cabin,' the blonde beauty explained. Penny added: 'And they put me in a tent.' Saying she 'missed out' on staying at a nice hotel like previous evictees, the 38-year-old also revealed she flew back to Sydney by herself, while Tim and the rest of the contestants returned the following day. On location: Penny was flown to Broome along with the other contestants, where the eighth episode was filmed Not feeling it: Tim Robards sent Penny home after telling Tim she was falling for him Penny was one of the 25 women who appeared on the first ever season of The Bachelor Australia, starring Tim Robards. The fitness instructor was eliminated during the eighth episode after telling Tim she was falling for him. Anna Heinrich went on to win the series and has been dating the buff chiropractor for almost three years. Flashback: Penny was one of 25 girls vying for the buff chiropractor's heart Meanwhile, this season's latest departee Sasha Zhuravlyova revealed another bit of behind-the-scenes trivia after she was seen eating her rose at the end of the first ceremony. Speaking to TV Week magazine, the 31-year-old executive assistant said: 'Not many people know how many hours we'd been shooting the first day and how hard it was. 'That first rose ceremony lasted for many, many hours and it was very hot. Original star: Tim went on to choose Anna Heinrich, whom he has been dating for almost three years 'Then I realised that the roses do have a little bit of sugar sprinkled on them so I thought maybe I'll have a little bit of a sugar hit and nibble on some of the rose petals,' she told the publication. On Thursday evening, Sasha was sent home after failing to win over Richie Strahan's heart. The executive assistant didn't appear too distraught however, as she managed to keep a straight face as she was driven away from the Bachelor mansion. Feeling peckish: Sasha Zhuravlyova revealed why she ate her rose after the first ceremony 'It's sad, of course, that I'm going home so early, but you know, fair enough, I'm not Richie's type or we didn't form the connection yet,' she said nonchalantly. 'I've always been prepared for love and before or after this adventure I'm always prepared for love.' Next week on the Network Ten dating show, Richie Strahan and the bachelorettes are introduced to three gatecrashers who are set to bring more drama. Julia Roberts will always be Pretty Woman to her fans with the big smile and fluffy hair. The 48-year-old actress seemed glad to ditch the Hollywood glamour behind on the set of her new movie Wonder in Vancouver, Canada on Wednesday. Julia looked like the mom on the go in cuffed jeans, big plaid shirt and bulky black rain-resistant coat. Stepping into character: Julia Roberts looked comfortable in jeans and plaid shirt on the Vancouver, Canada set of her new movie Wonder on Wednesday The star carried a script and wore that familiar smile while crossing the street with a production assistant. She wore a pair of comfortable white trainers that, no doubt, helped to speed her along. Julia's auburn locks were twisted into a plaited 'do and pinned at the back of her head, a style worn by her character. Dowdy does it: The 48-year-old actress is ditching the Hollywood glamour to play mom to a young extraordinary boy named Auggie born with facial differences Plaits appeal: Julia's hair was twisted into a plaited 'do as she crossed the set with a script In Wonder, based on the bestselling book by R.J. Palacio, Julia is Isabel Pullman, the mother of an extraordinary boy who was born with a facial deformity. Auggie, played by nine-year-old Room star Jacob Tremblay, struggles to be treated the same as other kids at a public school he's started for the first time. 'The movie Wonder is about family, friendship, love and most of all, it's about choosing kindness at every stage of life,' the film's director, Stephen Chbosky, told People. Heartfelt drama: Auggie, played by nine-year-old Room star Jacob Tremblay, struggles to be treated the same as other kids at a public school he's started for the first time Room to grow: Jacob Tremblay, nine, made his mark in the drama Room and is sure to wow the masses again as Auggie in Wonder 'Julia and Jacob are not only great actors, they are great people. One of the special things about the movie Wonder is that we cast the actors as much for their humanity as their talent.' The heartfelt drama also stars Owen Wilson as Auggie's father, and Homeland star Mandy Patinkin. Julia was spotted filming an especially emotional scene with Owen on August 2 that saw her crying and wiping the tears from her face with a tissue. On that day, the rainfall made the scene even more bittersweet. Jacob became an overnight star after his critically acclaimed performance in the touching drama Room. Wonder is scheduled to be released in US theatres on April 7, 2017. She never holds back from sharing her stories of parenting and married life on her blog Bottles & Heels. And from snaps taken on Monday while enjoying a family holiday to the Turks and Caicos Islands, it appears life's a beach for former Home And Away starlet Tammin Sursok. The 32-year-old was seen flaunting her slender legs in one photo while others saw her cuddling up to husband Sean McEwen, 41, and their two-year-old daughter Phoenix. Scroll down for video Life's a beach! Former Home And Away starlet Tammin Sursok, 32, flaunted her slender legs in an holiday snap while enjoying a family trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands 'What emails?,' Tammin captioned the idyllic snap which saw her reclining on a sun lounger. Donning a pink floral swimsuit, the South-African born stunner highlighted her toned legs and lithe arms as she soaked up the sunshine. Sporting a bronzed holiday glow, Tammin concealed her eyes with a pair of oversized sunnies and let her signature tresses fall behind her shoulders. Family photo: Other snaps saw the Pretty Little Liars star cuddle up to her husband Sean McEwen (L) and their precious two-year-old daughter Phoenix Other snaps saw the Pretty Little Liars star cuddle up to her husband Sean McEwen and their precious daughter Phoenix outside the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. Opting for a vibrant red frock with a slight plunging neckline, Tammin drew attention to her slender frame with a tie that wrapped around her waist. Elongating her slim legs with a pair of tan leather wedges, the lifestyle blogger kept accessories to a minimum with silver hoop earrings and a man-style watch. Captivating: Opting for vibrant red frock with a slight plunging neckline, Tammin drew attention to her slender frame with a tie that wrapped around her waist Fashionista: The lifestyle blogger kept accessories to a minimum with silver hoop earrings and a man-style watch Content: Prior to the family shoot, Tammin flaunted her slender figure in a vibrant floral bikini as she beamed for the camera Tying her long locks into a sleek ponytail, Tammin displayed a neutral makeup palette of a flawless complexion, hint of bronzer on the apples of her cheeks and a nude lip. Meanwhile, husband Sean cut a relaxed figure in a light pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt, tailored beige shorts and pair of blue tie-up shoes. Toddler Phoenix looked adorable in a matching pink smock dress and beige slip-on shoes. Casual cool: Husband Sean cut a relaxed figure in a light pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt, tailored beige shorts and a pair of blue tie-up shoes Precious: Toddler Phoenix looked adorable in a matching pink smock dress and beige slip-on shoes Working abroad: The popular actress relocated to the U.S to further her career and now owns a production company, Charlie Bay productions with her husband Beach babe: The former soap star looked clearly at ease as she posed up a storm The popular actress relocated to the U.S to further her career and now owns a production company, Charlie Baby Productions with her husband. They are planning on developing, writing and directing their own web comedy series called Aussie Girl together. The striking star rose to fame in the iconic soap Home And Away playing feisty teenager Dani Sutherland. Joint venture: They are planning on developing, writing and directing their own web comedy series called Aussie Girl together Humble beginnings: The striking star rose to fame in the iconic soap Home And Away playing feisty teenager Dani Sutherland Her bundle of joy: While they have one daughter together, she has admitted the couple have considered having more children and joked that Sean constantly tries to have a baby with her Tammin and Sean were married in 2011, and after 11 years together, are still as loved up as ever. While they have one daughter together, she has admitted the couple have considered having more children and joked that Sean constantly tries to have a baby with her. The beauty has previously hinted that her and Sean have considered relocating back to Australia in the hope of raising Phoenix down under. Not an inch to pinch: The bubbly personality looked flawless in a striped bikini as she posed next to her adorable daughter One more? Sean is keen to add to their family and give toddler Phoenix a brother or sister She's far from shy when it comes to her wardrobe choices. And Laura Dundovic put on another eye-popping display during an outing to the exclusive suburb of Millers Point on Thursday. Taking to Instagram to upload a picture from the evening, the 28-year-old personal trainer was snapped wearing a racy black top, which featured a loosely-tied, lace-up front to showcase her ample assets. Scroll down for video Chest a glimpse: Laura Dundovic dazzled in a racy lace-up top teamed with figure-hugging denim trousers during night out on Thursday evening She teamed the racy top with a pair of figure-hugging denim trousers, which featured purposely cut-out holes located at the knees. The Pantene ambassador completed her look with at khaki-coloured bomber jacket and ditched accessorises to keep the main focus on her daring ensemble. Her blonde tresses were scrapped back into a neat bun, while she opted for a natural palette of make-up to highlight her striking features. Holidays: The 28-year-old showed off her washboard abs while relaxing her head against her boyfriend Quade Cooper during their holiday to Croatia recently The upload comes after the bubbly blonde recently returned home to her native Australia after enjoying a European holiday with her boyfriend, Quade Cooper. Laura and her beau of almost two years looked more loved-up than ever in a series of social media uploads taken while on their idyllic trip. In one picture, the model looked sensational in a semi-sheer shirt with electric blue stitching. She showed off her washboard abs while relaxing her head against the rugby union player's sun-kissed legs. Bikini babe: The Pantene ambassador posed on a picturesque European beach in a slinky pink bikini Showing off her golden tan, the catwalk stunner teamed the tummy revealing shirt with a pair of itty-bitty denim shorts. 'Showing moja @quadecooper around the other motherland,' the catwalk stunner simply captioned the shot which paid homage to her Croatian heritage. Hours earlier, the blonde stunner uploaded another picture from her never-ending summer vacation. This time, she was pictured sitting cross-legged on a stone wall while fixing her luscious flaxen locks. 'Back to my favourite island in Croatia! Preko where my Dad was born,' she captioned the photo which paid tribute to her father John. Picture perfect: The model was pictured sitting cross-legged on a stone wall while fixing her luscious flaxen locks Racy number: The bubbly blonde wore a daring white gown with leather detailing to the John Eales Medal at Royal Randwick Racecourse in August 2015 Tennessee Williamss The Glass Menagerie is an 'exquisite antique' amongst Edinburgh Festival chaos The Glass Menagerie (King's Theatre) Verdict: Exquisite antique Rating: Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs (The Hub) Verdict: His life is a cabaret Rating: Amid the vast menagerie of the heaving, clattering, yabbering Edinburgh Festival, with its cast of theatrical desperadoes leafleting disoriented tourists in every corner of the city, Tennessee Williamss exquisitely sad autobiographical drama from 1944 is a charmingly old-fashioned reprieve. The production stars Cherry Jones; President Allison Taylor from the TV series 24. It isnt the most exciting or novel of plays to headline Edinburghs International Festival but it is proving a copper-bottomed hit. This is thanks largely to Jones, who plays the overbearing mother and former Southern Belle who suffocates her children with spurious memories of a Mississippi golden age. The play is a repertory classic, with the Williams character taking the audience on a journey into his past pain. Williamss sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia and lobotomised when he wrote this and she is represented as a nervous, disabled waif who is overattached to a menagerie of ornamental glass animals. Director John Tiffany (who directed the West End Harry Potter show) aims to give the play a modern make-over, with stylised movement, choreographed by Steven Hoggett. Hoggetts trademark is getting actors to list to the point of almost falling over but his pseudo- balletic posturing adds little. Happily, the piece survives. What really sustains the production, though, is the acting. Jones, in particular brings a great sense of fun to the role of the domineering mother. Michael Esper takes flight on the wings of Williamss purple prose as the son, while Seth Numrich is bright, cheerful and patient as the gentleman caller. (Numrich obviously has a taste for Tennessee he starred opposite Kim Cattrall in Williamss Sweet Bird Of Youth a couple of years back in London.) Kate OFlynn, meanwhile, turns the sister into a squeaking mouse who very nearly roars. A worshipful production of a wistful masterpiece. It takes a certain kind of nerve to organise your own tribute show, but Alan Cumming has that nerve, in spades. Scotlands answer to Liza Minnelli, Cumming, 51, is well known for having played the Emcee in Cabaret but even better known as a wily political fixer in U.S. TVs The Good Wife. Returning to Scotland, now the series has ended, Cumming has resolved to reveal glimpses of his more intimate self in a late-night rendition of what he admits are sappy songs ranging from Annie Lennoxs Keep Your Big Mouth Shut, to an inevitable (and inevitably fond) Sondheim spoof. Alan Cumming: Scotland's answer to the vivacious Liza Minelli The whiff of self-indulgence is strong, but the songs are at least unusual. Cumming performs in a black sleeveless shirt with baggy leather trousers; backed by a similarly black-clad band, in a former church at the foot of the castle. His song selection seems designed to bookend anecdotes from his life, starting with his humble origins in small town Aberfeldy. If he gives a little too much detail about his sex life, Cumming is careful to maintain his Peter Pan facade and never let the evening get too deep or meaningful. Typifying this is a shaggy dog story about Liza Minnelli that will have fans dabbing away tears of mirth. Don Juan didnt keep a little black book of conquests so much as an encyclopaedia of them. In Turkey, he had kidnapped and sweet-talked 91 maidens into bed. In France, 100 mademoiselles had believed him when he said they were the only woman in the world. In Germany, 230 virgins were virgins no more. In Italy, 640 balconies were climbed and in Spain, his home country, he had bedded and abandoned 1,003 weeping senoritas. The myth of Don Juan (pictured here played by Johnny Depp in 1995), the insatiable, irresistible seducer, has captivated imaginations for 400 years Don Juan didnt keep a little black book of conquests so much as an encyclopaedia of them It is a wonder he has a breath left in his body for singing. And sing he does in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozarts wicked and gleeful retelling of the Don Juan myth as Don Giovanni, which opens as part of the Glyndebourne Tour on October 15. When Don Giovannis manservant, Leporello, reads out a catalogue of his masters conquests from Turkey to Spain, the rake waves a hand dismissively. Yes, yes, but which girl next? A whole afternoon stretches ahead of him. He can add at least ten names to the list before supper. The myth of Don Juan, the insatiable, irresistible seducer, has captivated imaginations for 400 years. His story has been retold again and again, more debauched and incorrigible with every telling. So much so that his name has become shorthand for every Friday night charmer and serial heartbreaker. Mozart turned him into Don Giovanni. Lord Byron made Regency breasts heave with an epic poem about him. Errol Flynn played him on film as a lustful musketeer. Brigitte Bardot was a Donna Juanna in If Don Juan Were A Woman. The one constant in all these reimaginings is Don Juans inconstancy: his infidelity and his inability if it wasnt for Leporello keeping notes to remember the name of the lady the next morning. But where did he come from, this prince of libertines? Not, surprisingly, from bar-room tales or brothel rumours, but from the (one imagines rather fevered) imagination of a Spanish monk, Gabriel Tellez, who wrote, under the pen name Tirso de Molina, a play called El Burlador De Sevilla (The Trickster Of Seville), first performed around 1616. The one constant in all these reimaginings is Don Juans inconstancy: his infidelity and his inability to remember the name of the lady the next morning This trickster, Don Juan, is rich and unscrupulous. He seduces the betrothed Isabella by pretending to be her prospective husband. He attempts to seduce Dona Ana, a married woman. He succeeds with Aminta, a simple country girl. Not even a shipwreck stops him. He is washed up on the shore and, with salt water still on his lips, has his way with a fishergirl. Don Juan relishes the chase. Seville calls me the trickster and my greatest pleasure is to deceive a woman and destroy her honour. When told he must reform or face the fires of hell, he asks: How much time are you granting me? He is working out how many more names he can add to his book before feigning repentance. Though there may never have been a real Don Juan, the character became an emblem for every brigand, bandit, nobleman and matador who had ever ruined a girl and shamed her family. He was meant to be a moral warning of what too much sexual licence would do to a man: the play ends with Don Juan carried off by demons to eternal damnation. Tirso de Molina had hoped to appal his audience, to fill them with virtuous fervour instead they were mesmerised. The monk had inadvertently created a gorgeous villain, and his character was eagerly taken up across Europe. In Italy, he was put into plays, operas and ballets. In France, the satirist Moliere wrote his own version of the play, Dom Juan, which was denounced by the censors as irreligious. Though there may never have been a real Don Juan (played here by Douglas Fairbanks in 1934), the character became an emblem for every brigand, bandit, nobleman and matador who had ever ruined a girl and shamed her family Sermons and pamphlets against his Dom Juan were so vitriolic that the cowed Moliere had to withdraw it from the stage, despite its popularity with audiences. In Spain, a new version was written in which the hero nobly repents and is accepted into heaven. In England, our playwrights went the other way, sexing up the story to make Don Juan more depraved than ever. The Don John in Thomas Shadwells The Libertine, first performed in 1674, is a monster. While earlier Juans had flattered and hoodwinked their women into bed, Shadwells John took them by force. He is a man who boasts of rapes simply to pass the time. This Don John has not only been married six times and engaged 16 times (and thats just in the past month), but when his wives insist that he honour their wedding vows, he turns them over to his friends to be attacked and abused. He orders his servant to bring him the first woman he finds in the street. Though she is an old woman, with no bloom or beauty, he assaults her, while complaining of her ugliness. Don John is guilty of assassination, the pillaging of several churches, the rape of a nun, the poisoning of his former lover, the murder of his father and the massacre of a band of shepherds. Naturally, the play was a tremendous hit. It fell to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, commissioned to write a new opera after the success of his Marriage Of Figaro in 1786, to tame and civilise Don Juan again It fell to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, commissioned to write a new opera after the success of his Marriage Of Figaro in 1786, to tame and civilise Don Juan again. His stroke of genius was to give his hero the sweetest passages of music in the opera, first performed in Prague in 1787. While Don Giovannis words, written by the librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, leave you in no doubt that he is a rotter, his voice is so winning that you can see why Anna, Elvira and Zerlina might, after a bit of conscience-wrestling, give in to him. If Shadwells Don Juan is a vulture, Mozarts is a nightingale. When Don Giovanni was first performed in England, it was to an audience eager for more of Don Juans exploits. Shadwells play had made him notorious and inspired Don Juan ballets, farces and pantomimes. Don Juan had even become a stock character in Punch and Judy shows. Don Giovanni was an instant success, performed 26 times in London in 1817, 15 times in 1818 and 22 times in 1819. Mozarts plot largely follows Tirso de Molinas original: Don Giovanni cuts a swathe or tries to through a number of lovely sopranos. He deceives, he disguises himself with masks, he fights duels and in the finale he sups with a demon and is consumed in the flames of hell. It was Lord Byrons epic poem, however, that flamed a national moral panic. Byrons Don Juan wasnt as cruel as Shadwells libertine, but he was charming and that was far more dangerous. It made him tempting Pirated versions and parodies filled the citys stages. Giovanni In London opened in 1817, imagining a Giovanni who had tried his luck in Europe, but not yet had the pleasure of an English rose. Don Giovanni: A Spectre On Horseback! also opened that year, and Giovanni The Vampire in 1821. It was Lord Byrons epic poem, however, that flamed a national moral panic. Byrons Don Juan wasnt as cruel as Shadwells libertine, but he was charming and that was far more dangerous. It made him tempting. Byron affectionately nicknamed his character Donny Johnny and made ironic excuses for his bad behaviour. He was a gentle Spaniard really. He was only a little dissipated. Byron told the story of Don Juans childhood innocence and his being lead into an affair with the married Donna Julia at 16. The boy couldnt help it, is Byrons take. He was enticed into misadventure. As the poem was published in instalments from 1819 to 1824, libraries and the popular press worked themselves into a frenzy. The Newcastle Literary and Philosophical Society ordered Don Juan to be removed from its shelves. Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn (pictured in 1948 version), however, abandoned psychological insight for swashbuckling and preened moustaches The New Bon Ton Magazine cried that no modest woman could read it, no prudent parent could buy it. The Literary Museum called it mere twelve-penny trash aimed at the lowest and vulgarest classes. Not so. It was being read by a great many gentlemen, and no doubt a few gentlewomen, in furtive editions, according to one reviewer. The Literary Chronicle had to concede that while Don Juan may have been expelled from reading rooms and book societies, proscribed at boarding schools, abjured by married men, it was being read in secret by their wives throughout the whole kingdom. No respectable woman could have been seen at a production of Shadwells play, or at a Don Juan burlesque, but who would know what she read in her dressing room? Even into the 20th century it was thought too shocking for virgin eyes. Flora Thompson, the author of Lark Rise To Candleford, writes of her heroine Laura being forbidden from reading Don Juan by her employer Miss Lane, because it is a terrible book . . . and most unfit for her reading. But if Mozarts Don Giovanni continues to delight, it is because he adores women. He needs them, he sings, as much as the food I eat and the air I breathe When Hollywood came to the Don Juan myth, they insisted on giving him a sympathetic back story. John Barrymore, in the 1926 Don Juan film, played the lead as if traumatised by witnessing his mothers adultery. When Johnny Depp took on the part in 1995, his Don Juan visited a psychoanalyst (Marlon Brando). Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn, however, abandoned psychological insight for swashbuckling and preened moustaches. Brigitte Bardot played him as a bikini sexpot. What these neurotic (and nymphomaniacal) Don Juans lacked was the charm of Mozarts Giovanni. Yes, hes a reprobate. Yes, Leporello throws up his hands and despairs: Theres a fine adventure, ravish the girl and murder the father! Yes, he schemes to have ten women in an afternoon. But if Mozarts Don Giovanni continues to delight, it is because he adores women. He needs them, he sings, as much as the food I eat and the air I breathe. He recently revealed he was open to the prospect of returning to Top Gear. And Matt LeBlanc is allegedly preparing to return as the main host of the BBC motoring series following co-host Chris Evans' departure - for the cool sum of 1million. Show sources have reportedly told the Daily Mirror the Friends star has agreed to return and is preparing to ink a new deal. Scroll down for video Lucrative deal: Matt LeBlanc is allegedly preparing to return as the main host of the BBC motoring series following co-host Chris Evans' departure - for the cool sum of 1million An insider said: 'Matt was one of the positive aspects of the last series, he is keen to return and we definitely want him back so it will happen, we just need to dot the is and cross the ts. 'We think he will be back filming soon and he is excited about some of the ideas we have lined up.' Matt was reportedly paid 500,000 for the last series, according to the newspaper. MailOnline has contacted Matt's representative for comment. Top Gear has undergone a makeover since long-time hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May quit in 2015 - to mixed reviews. An insider said: 'Matt was one of the positive aspects of the last series, he is keen to return and we definitely want him back' Current line-up: Top Gear has undergone a makeover since long-time hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May quit in 2015 - to mixed reviews Asked by television critics in Los Angeles if he would come back to the BBC programme, LeBlanc said: 'I don't know. I'd like to. There's nothing officially happening yet. Follow the BBC.' Radio 2 DJ Evans has previously said the motoring show and the former Friends star 'were made for each other' and heaped praise on LeBlanc for his dedication to the programme. Evans described working on Top Gear as an 'honour, privilege and a pleasure' and he had tried his best, but said his stint in the driving seat was 'not meant to be'. The BBC has said it has no plans to replace Evans when Top Gear returns for a 24th season. Facing questions from critics, LeBlanc said his favourite part about appearing on the series was 'probably the travel', adding that he visited places including South Africa, Morocco and Ireland. No hard feelings: Radio 2 DJ Evans has previously said the motoring show and the former Friends star 'were made for each other' and heaped praise on LeBlanc for his dedication to the programme He added: 'That show has a pretty broad demographic. Everybody can relate to an automobile.' LeBlanc was promoting his new show Man With A Plan on American network CBS, in which he plays a father who cares for his children after his wife takes a full-time job. He said: 'This is a new thing, a new character for me, a whole new side of me and I'm looking forward to it.' LeBlanc added that his tenure on sitcom Friends made him critical of comedies, saying: 'I'm a joke snob. I don't love what you call low-hanging fruit. I don't like that kind of stuff. 'I tend to go for a smarter joke, and if there's a discussion about a joke that not everyone will get it, that doesn't scare me away from the joke. ... I'd rather do jokes that take a little bit of thought.' Keeping coy: Asked by television critics in Los Angeles if he would come back to the BBC programme, LeBlanc said: 'I don't know. I'd like to. There's nothing officially happening yet. Follow the BBC' Stepping out: Chris Evans he made his way back to his car after wrapping his breakfast radio show on Monday morning He's off: The presenter was seen climbing into the driver's seat of his blue Rolls Royce Low key: Evans sported a baseball and a weathered blue jacket for his outing in London on Monday Don't mind me: The presenter was back out in the same outfit on Tuesday She suffered a health scare earlier this week and was rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pain. But Heather Maltman is showing no signs of slowing down, performing an intense workout with her personal trainer on Friday. Sharing a video of her exercises on Instagram, the former Bachelor contestant said: 'Don't you know I have been in hospital?!?! Jeeze... (sic)' Scroll down for video Back to the grind: Heather Maltman shared a workout video on Instagram just three days after being hospitalised for abdominal pain Directing the comment at her trainer, the 29-year-old added: '@wadejcampbell thanks for the welcome back.' The recently-single reality star looked fit in a tiny pair of shorts, which she teamed with a pink crop top and a black tank top. Her hair was slicked back and tied into a bun to help her perform the exercises with ease. Boot camp: The former Bachelor contestant looked fit in a tiny pair of shorts, which she teamed with a pink crop top and a black tank top Heather's slender arms and legs were on display as she did a series of burpees and squats with a weighted ball. In the early hours of Tuesday, Heather shared an image of herself being loaded into an ambulance on Instagram. The aspiring actress was in Melbourne to visit fellow Bachelor contestant Sarah Mackay before her night took an unfortunate turn. No rest for the wicked: The 29-year-old performed a series of boot camp-style exercises in the video shared on Friday 'Welcome to Melbourne. Hope you enjoy your stay at the HOSPITAL!!!!!' Heather captioned the photo of herself flashing a 'rock on' hand gesture. 'Woke up poor @ladysarahmackay and @t_morrie with pain in my abdomen so bad I thought I was giving birth to a [pineapple]... 'Turns out might be appendicitis. Woooooo #luckygirl and even in my state of ambulance needs at 4am... Still managed to be bad a**' Emergency: Heather was rushed to hospital during the early hours of Tuesday after suffering from severe abdominal pain But the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here Now host didn't let the health scare get in the way of her social commitments, stepping out for a red carpet event that same night. The Sydney-based star made a remarkable recovery and attended the Fashion Aid Launch in Melbourne. Heather walked the red carpet with a small bandage over her arm where her intravenous drip had been placed during her visit to the emergency room. Despite being poorly, Heather looked sensational during her night out, slipping her slender figure into a tight red dress. He's the 62-year-old action star famous for performing his own stunts. And Jackie Chan has taken his work to incredible new heights, filming a fight scene atop the Sydney Opera House. The Hong Kong actor performed a series of martial arts moves with Australian actress Tess Haubrich as the pair stood over 67 metres above Sydney Harbour, on Friday. Scroll down for video Flying high! Jackie Chan was spotted filming scenes for his action blockbuster Bleeding Steel atop the Sydney Opera House, on Friday Despite the staggering heights, Jackie appeared in his element and even took a break to snap a photo on his phone. Both Jackie and Tess were dressed in all-black ensembles as they braved the elements to film the scene. At one point, Tess could be seen smiling as she posed for a photo with her co-star behind the lens. Dare devil: Australian actress Tess Haubrich looked in her element as she co-starred in the fight scene Action-packed: Jackie and Tess performed a series of martial arts moves for the action comedy Iconic: The stunts were performed atop one of the landmark's shells, which stands at around 67 metres high In July, Jackie announced the start of production of his latest film, Bleeding Steel, during a press conference. The film's other stars Nana Ouyang and Erica Xia-Hou also made an appearance at the photo call. At the event, Australian actress Tess put on a very leggy display, wearing a thigh skimming knit dress in a dark burgundy colour. Daring: Tess and Jackie did well to keep their balance as they stood over 65 metres above Sydney Harbour Snap happy: The 62-year-old action star took a break from filming to take a photo of the beautiful backdrop The beauty teamed the frock with a pair of sheer black tights and black lace up high heels to add some extra height to her look and emphasise her trim pins. The Leo Zhang-directed project has been touted as 'the biggest budget Chinese production ever to shoot in Australia,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film follows a hardened special force agent who has to protect a young woman after she witnesses a "sinister conspiracy" and he develops a connection with her, as though they have met before. Strike a pose! Tess didn't seem fazed by the incredible heights as she posed for a photo mid-filming Blockbuster: Bleeding Steel has been touted as 'the biggest budget Chinese production ever to shoot in Australia,' according to The Hollywood Reporter Village Roadshow Pictures Asia and Heyi Pictures will co-produce and co-finance the anticipated film. President and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures Asia Ellen Eliasoph told Hollywood Reporter they were thrilled to be working with Heyi Pictures on the new film. 'Given Village Roadshow's deep roots in Australia, the film's concept resonates strongly with us, and naturally we are thrilled to be a part of a Jackie Chan production,' Ms Eliasop said. Blockbuster: The film was announced last month during a press conference also held at the Opera House Cast: The Leo Zhang-directed project also stars Nana Ouyang and Erica Xia-Hou Meanwhile, Jackie had his first breakout success in China with the 1978 movie Snake In The Eagle's Shadow that established the comedic kung-fu genre. He was propelled into mainstream success with his leading role in the 1978 Hong Kong martial arts comedy Drunken Master, a jolly romp in which his character's fighting style mimics a drunk person. Jackie enjoyed his first blockbuster success in the United States in the 1988 buddy cop action movie Rush Hour with Chris as his crime-fighting partner. She's a starlet that takes to the media wall in a number of stylish ensembles. And Thursday was no different as former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin attended the launch of fashion label AndCo. The 23-year-old cut a chic figure as she posed for snaps in a semi-sheer playsuit at Sydney's Double Bay establishment Mrs Sippy. Style credentials: Former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin, 23, cut a chic figure in a semi-sheer playsuit while attending the Sydney fashion launch of label AndCo Opting for a long-sleeved black playsuit, the media personality highlighted her delicate decolletage and flashed a glimpse of cleavage in the semi-sheer number. Accessorising with just a pair of silver hoop earrings, the Sydney-based star let the fashion-forward garment be the focus. Sweeping her signature blonde tresses into a loose topknot, Tegan complemented the effortless look with a neutral makeup palette of bronzed skin, defined brows and a nude lip. Effortless: Sweeping her signature blonde tresses into a loose topknot, the starlet complemented the look with a neutral makeup palette Mingling: Tegan posed for snaps alongside social media star Lily May Mac (R) Their best angle: Instagram star Taleisha Bonora (L) and Miss Universe Australia 2016 National Finalist Veronica Cloherty (R) posed up a storm Representing: Lily, the spring ambassador for the label, cuddled up to leggy beauty Belle Lucia (R) The svelte model posed for snaps at the exclusive event alongside other notables including social media star Lily May Mac, Australian model Tahlia Moffitt, US model Clara Wilsey and Instagram star Taleisha Bonora. Tegan has never been shy of flashing the flesh and just four days ago took to Instagram to share a poolside snap while sporting a skimpy black bikini. Social: Australian model Tahlia Moffitt (L) sported a silk dress with a plunging neckline as she took time out to pose alongside Ella Watson (R) Curves: Veronica flaunted her shapely figure as she beamed for the camera alongside Tulin Coban (R) Covering her assets: US model Clara Wilsey opted for dark denim as she pouted for the camera Bronzed: Blonde beauty Kaily Smith opted for a chic black ensemble with cut-out detailing 'Nothing much to do after my run this morning but to chill around the pool on this perfect sunny day,' she captioned the post shared with her 93,000+ Instagram followers. Her golden locks appeared damp, while she exuded a sun-kissed glow. The photo looked like it was captured from above, with Tegan raising her arms to achieve the flattering angle. Busty beauty: Tegan left very little to the imagination just recently when sharing a revealing snap to social media Tegan shot to fame after being crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2014. Since then she has been a regular fixture on local red carpets and even made a guest appearance on Channel Seven soap Home And Away. The beauty split with her ex Angus Hood in November after almost a year of dating, and has remained rather tight-lipped on her love life ever since. She previously admitted to picking out her own styles when she attends A-list affairs. And on Thursday, Bryce Dallas Howard didn't disappoint when she attended the Sundance Institute 'Night Before Next' Benefit. The 35-year-old actress showcased her svelte figure in a bold red sweater and skintight pencil skirt. Red hot! Bryce Dallas Howard showed off her svelte figure at the Sundance Institute 'Night Before Next' Benefit in Los Angeles on Thursday The daughter of Hollywood A-lister Ron Howard made sure to stand out from the crowd at the star-studded Los Angeles event. She wore her fiery red tresses swept to one side and curled in a soft wave at the bottom. Her eye makeup was kept minimal but the Golden Globe nominee added a bright ruby lip to coordinate with her ensemble. Crimson cutie: The 35-year-old actress made a showstopping appearance in a red sweater and skintight black pencil skirt Showstopper! The daughter of Hollywood A-lister Ron Howard made sure to stand out from the crowd at the star-studded Los Angeles event Bryce rounded out her glamorous look with black lace-up stilettos and a matching leather clutch. Michael B. Jordan, 29, and Nate Parker, 36, were polished to perfection in fitted suits and dress shoes. Parker was being honoured with the Vanguard Award, which was presented by Jordan. Hollywood hunks! Michael B. Jordan, 29, and Nate Parker, 36, looked dapper and were polished to perfection Recognised: Parker was being honoured with the Vanguard Award, which was presented by Jordan Honoured: Jordan gave a heartfelt speech before presenting the award to Parker Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons, 61, donned a blue suit with matching buttoned-up dress shirt and leather brogues. Boston Legal actress Lake Bell, 37, showcased her slender pins in a black off-the shoulder mini dress. The award-winning starlet looked youthful as she styled her blonde locks in two braided pigtails. Academy A-lister: Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons, 61, donned a blue suit with matching buttoned-up dress shirt and leather brogues Laid back look: Actor Jason Ritter, 36, and filmmaker Jay Duplass, 43, opted for comfort in loose trousers and sneakers Great jeans! Jay's brother Mark Duplass, 39, went with a double denim ensemble Jason Ritter, 36 - who is the son of the late Three's Company actor John Ritter - opted for comfort in dark denims and a plaid shirt with slip-ons. Filmmaker Jay Duplass, 43, went with a laid back look in casual navy trousers with a grey polo shirt, dark blazer and sneakers. Jay's brother Mark Duplass, 39, went with a double denim ensemble and scruffy beard. Leggy blonde: Boston Legal actress Lake Bell, 37, showcased her slender pins in a black off-the shoulder mini dress Father-daughter duo: Comedian Kevin Smith, 46, and Harley Quinn Smith, 17, attended the star-studded affair Comedian Kevin Smith, 46, and his daughter Harley Quinn Smith, 17, attended the star-studded affair. The Yoga Hosers actress wore a plush black dress with ruffled hemline as she posed with her father who dressed in his signature jersey gear. She's the Australian model who recently celebrated her 28th birthday. And Ashley Hart certainly appeared in a spirited mood during a fashion photo shoot in Sydney's Bondi Beach on Friday. She was spotted posing with a mystery local character who seemed to approach her on the streets of the beachside suburb. So obliging! Australian model Ashley Hart, 28, happily posed for a photo with a lively local during a photo shoot in Sydney's Bondi Beach on Friday Ashley looked effortlessly chic in a pair of cropped skinny jeans and a white Calvin Klein T-shirt. She also accentuated her model height with a pair of black stiletto heels featuring fringe detailing. Meanwhile, she accessorised with boho-inspired bracelets and flashed her sparkly engagement ring from husband Buck Palmer. Ashley styled her shoulder-length blonde hair loosely and in a middle parting while posing for the cameras. Now THAT's model behaviour! Ashley was more than happy to speak with a friendly local But the photo shoot took an unexpected turn when a friendly local man interrupted and posed next to Ashley. The tattooed gentleman was spotted reaching into the frame as Ashley offered a warm smile in return. The unknown Bondi man appeared to wrap up in a black and red beanie and grey tracksuit trousers. What a surprise! Things took an unexpected turn when a tattooed gentleman in a beanie hat interrupted the photo shoot and posed next to Ashley Perhaps a chemistry enthusiast, he also wore black T-shirt featuring the periodic table of elements. He embraced the Bondi lifestyle in a pair of bright yellow thongs and displayed a large bushy beard. And it wasn't long before he and Ashley cuddled up for a cheerful photo while giving a 'thumbs up' for the cameras. Thumbs up: It wasn't long before Ashley cuddled up for a friendly photo with the Bondi man She is certainly having her cake and eating it too. To celebrate landing the coveted Vogue cover Kendall Jenner indulged in a cake emblazoned with her greatest triumph. The 20-year-old model was presented with a confection bearing the Vogue cover image by her friends while in the Caribbean, celebrating her sister Kylie's 19th birthday. It takes the cake! To celebrate landing the coveted Vogue cover Kendall Jenner indulged in a cake emblazoned with her greatest triumph on Thursday Her pal Bella Hadid shared an image of the moment Kendall was presented with the cake, writing on Snapchat: 'Congrats Kenny we love u'. On Thursday, the magazine and the Keeping Up With The Kardashians celebrity simultaneously revealed on social media that she had not only made her cover debut, she had done so on its September issue. The 20-year-old model was presented with a confection bearing the Vogue cover image by her friends while in the Caribbean, celebrating her sister Kylie's 19th birthday Fashion's biggest star: Kendall is the September issue of Vogue's cover girl, it was revealed Thursday Unable to contain her excitement, Kendall took to Instagram to celebrate while in the Bahamas for her sister Kylie's birthday. The model said on Instagram: 'In a room with a bunch of people I love, looking at this cover made me cry. I F**KING DID IT. SEPTEMBER VOGUE. 'This is the coolest thing ever! can't thank you enough Anna, for giving me the honor.' Wearing a matador-inspired couture ensemble from Gucci which featured just a jacket and pants, her hair falling over one side of her face and her mouth slightly open, Kendall pulled a classic Vogue pose on the cover. Shot by the magazine's dream team, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the cover is all about Kendall. Next generation: The star was celebrated by the magazine, who declared that it is 'Generation K' and bills the issue as 'Kendall Jenner: The face that launched a billion likes' Vogue declares that it is 'Generation K' and bills the issue as 'Kendall Jenner: The face that launched a billion likes.' While her big sister Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were the first in the family to be on the cover of US Vogue back in 2014, the couple were on the April issue not the coveted September issue. September has long been held as the premiere release of any magazine as it the biggest and celebrates the trends for the following year. Four letter excitement: Unable to contain her excitement Kendall took to Instagram to celebrate while in the Bahamas for her sister Kylie's birthday Speaking on her app, Kendall said the cover was a dream come true: 'I'm so honored and excited about this huge career milestone. 'Thank you to everyone who was a part of this - including my family and friends for always supporting me, and, of course, my fans who have been with me through everything. I couldn't have done it without your support. I love you all! ' The star also revealed she went through a sudden style change: 'One day, we shot at the craziest house in Beverly Hills with a lake in the backyard. They asked me to cut my hair and, of course, I agreed!' Fashion queen: Shot by the magazine's dream team, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the spread was a mixture of sleek pictures as well as more dramatic yet whimsical images like this one Behind the scenes: Kendall's hair was cut mid-shoot by famed stylist Garren - so of course she said yes to the chop For the issue's cover story, Kendall sat down with writer Jonathan Van Meter to discuss how she became the breakout model of her generation. But it was Kim who explained to Vogue how her little sister went from reality star to one of the biggest models in the fashion industry. Kim said the the article: 'She had her eyes focused on exactly what she wanted to do and she made it happen.' Adding more likes: The 20-year-old took to Snapchat to tell fans of her big news on Thursday She's got them licked! Kendall used the dog filter and yelled: 'Go check my Instagram.... because I'm on the cover of September Vogue and I cant wait I'm so excited' Proud pal: The star was in bed with bestie and fellow model Hailey Baldwin who was also for excited for Kendall's big debut That not only included becoming a legitimate model but also avoiding being famous for being famous - like her older sisters. Kendall said: 'Obviously, my success came after my sisters' - I got to see all of their mistakes and watch out for them.' Following her lead: While her big sister Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were the first in the family to be on the cover of US Vogue back in 2014, the couple were on the April issue not the coveted September issue While many would argue that Kendall got to where she was because of her existing fame, Van Meter solidifies her legitimate model status by comparing her to the great supermodel Linda Evangelista. Comparing Kendall's focus from a young age on being a model to the Nineties fashion icon's own dedication, Van Meter said: 'In some ways, she is reminiscent of Linda Evangelista, who also knew she wanted to be a model from the time she was a little girl hanging out in her bedroom, practicing her runway walk, cutting up fashion magazines. 'Both of them essentially willed it to happen, which is rare.' Kendall had time to think about where she wanted to go, as the model says she spent a lot of time at home alone playing video games. 'I remember crying in my bedroom about the fact that Kylie had so many friends and I didn't.' Kendall and Kylie are now, of course, each other's best friends supporting each other as they grew up famous. The model told the magazine that she and her 19-year-old sister pride themselves of not being those 'crazy' Jenner sisters. Secret loner: The 20-year-old revealed she often sat in her room playing video games and cried that sister Kylie (pictured Wednesday in the Bahamas) had more friends than her Surrounded in love: While she may have been a loner, the star's friends all ran into her bedroom to celebrate on Thursday morning leading to the star to say on Instagram, 'In a room with a bunch of people I love, looking at this cover made me cry' 'You would expect that from us': The model told the magazine that she and her 19-year-old sister pride themselves of not being those 'crazy' Jenner sisters 'If I'm being honest, my little sister and I have every right to go crazy. You would expect that from us. But neither of us has the desire to do that. 'I think it says a lot about the way we were raised. Not even just by my parents, but my Kardashian sisters and what they've taught us. My parents did something right, and thank god.' Iconic: Writer Jonathan Van Meter compared Kendall's focus on becoming a model to that of Linda Evangelista (pictured June 1990) Speaking of her father, Caitlin Jenner, the star confessed when Cait decided to transition from Bruce she was upset as her dad had made her feel it was alright to be a Tomboy and now Cait is as glamorous as her Kardashian half-sisters. During the interview, Kendall slips a few times calling Caitlyn 'he' instead of 'she'. 'It's super ironic to think about now, but it's something I can thank my dad for: how much of a tomboy I was. 'That's why I think the whole thing - her transition -was really hard for me, because I was like, ''But you taught me everything tomboy!'' 'I knew it was going to have its rough phase but it's all super normal now. 'It's not weird at all. Sometimes I look at a picture of my dad when she was a guy, and it makes me a little sad - I get emotional. You have to get past it, you've got a new person to love.' Kendall confessed she was a little scared of her dad when she was younger - but only about him finding out she had been sneaking out to stay at a boyfriends. The star claimed in the article that she does not have much in the way of a romantic life, despite reports she is dating rapper and fashion muse ASAP Rocky. 'I get emotional': Speaking of her father, Caitlin Jenner, the star confessed when Cait decided to transition from Bruce she was upset as her dad had made her feel it was alright to be a Tomboy and now Cait is as glamorous as her Kardashian half-sisters (pictured February) Moving on: The catwalk star said she has moved past her sadness as, 'You have to get past it, you've got a new person to love'. Cait is seen here Tuesday But she did hint that she was hiding something: 'Why would you let other people have their opinion on it, when you're not even certain of what's going on? When you're young, everything's just kind of all over the place. I don't like it when people are all up in my business.' The star's mom Kris Jenner was 'super tough' and not just to her father, who has spoken often about Kris making her transition harder. 'She's super tough on him. She's tough on all of us, to be honest - she's a momager.' 'She's tough on all of us': The star's mom Kris Jenner ( pictured Wednesday) was 'super tough' and not just to her father, who has spoken about Kris making her transition harder 'She knew': While Kris has often said she was unaware that her husband, then Bruce Jenner, was transgender, Kendall said her mom was aware from their third date that he liked to dress as a woman But the model did reveal that her mom knew that her father at the very least dressed as a woman. 'My mom knew. She knew since their third date.' Kendall confessed since her father came out as trans she has struggled with the notion of gender. 'I don't like it when people are all up in my business': The star claimed in the article that she does not have much in the way of a romantic life, despite reports she is dating rapper and fashion muse ASAP Rocky (pictured February) 'I want to be careful about how I say this because I don't want it to come off wrong, because I've never said this out loud, but I have recently . . . even when I say ''him'' or ''her'' about someone who is clearly a guy or clearly a girl - even with my mom - I second-guess it now because of my dad.' But Cait has helped them all grow as a family, Kendall said. 'We're very accepting of people and of being different and being who you are. We're not judgmental. But obviously it's strange having your dad, who was so male, completely reverse. It is definitely a gnarly experience.' Likes her private life: Besides being a loner and being jealous of Kylie's ability to make friends, Kendall also revealed she always felt a little different to Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian (seen here February) Lesson learnt: The star (pictured with Kim in March) said her sisters blazed the way for her and showed her what not to do, 'Obviously, my success came after my sisters' - I got to see all of their mistakes and watch out for them' Besides being a loner and being jealous of Kylie's ability to make friends, Kendall also revealed she always felt a little different to Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian - Kris' daughters with the late Robert Kardashian. 'I've always been super different from all my sisters, especially my Kardashian sisters. 'They've always been into the glam thing and dressing up every day and being in the thick of it. Part of me loves that, but at the same time, I love dressing down and having my private life.' 'You know what's real': And being part of the Kardashian world and being judged all the time is tough, she said, but has made her and her sisters stronger (pictured September) The 20-year-old said she loves to escape the attention whenever she can as the world's glare can get on top of her. 'And the second that I feel it getting the better of me, I have to go chill myself out- go take a bath or something to, like, disconnect from it. It keeps you real and sane and humble.' However being part of the Kardashian world and being judged all the time is tough, she said, has made her and her sisters stronger. Came at a cost: Big sister Kim (pictured last month) told Vogue that the fact Kendall grew up on a reality show has been a hindrance rather than a help, 'Coming from a reality show, people look down on that - a lot of people in the fashion industry don't respect that world' 'This is going to be embarrassing': Kendall also feared she would not be taken seriously but now she sits next to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Vogue's creative director Grace Coddington (pictured September) in the front row of shows - if she isn't walking in it 'People say a lot of what they think, and it's not always positive. And we never say anything. 'One of the best lessons I ever learned from my sisters is not to take everything so seriously. Just leave it alone - it will pass in a week. That's how I grew up. 'My sisters are so f**king strong, and they taught me and my little sister to just toughen up and not let it affect us. You know what's real.' The star: Kendall was on the cover of a special edition that was given to New York and Los Angeles subscribers that was sent out with the April edition Where she came from and who her sisters were, of course, almost cost her that dream and say many in the industry be critical of Kendall's rise to model stardom. Sister Kim said Kendall was definitely looked down on: 'I think being a Kardashian worked against her. Coming from a reality show, people look down on that - a lot of people in the fashion industry don't respect that world.' Kendall also feared she would not be taken seriously: 'Two years ago, when I first started this, I thought: This is going to be so embarrassing. No one is going to accept me, and it's going to be a complete failure. ' One for the first to book her in a major show was Marc Jacobs and the designer said it had nothing to do with her being a Kardashian. 'We wanted to book her on her merit as a model not because she's a Kardashian. Every bit of her success is a testament to her hard work and her passion,' he told Vogue.' But the success has also seen the model's loner status return: 'I don't think that people understand how lonely it can be. 'All you're doing is traveling the world by yourself to do a job and then go back to your hotel by yourself. It's a different life than you imagined.' 'Her life now is something that I want my life to be like': Kendall wants to be the next Cindy Crawford and make this her career for life, just as the supermodel (seen here May) has done On merit: One for the first to book her in a major show was Marc Jacobs (pictured 2014) and the designer said it had nothing to do with her being a Kardashian That said, Kendall wants to be the next Cindy Crawford and make this her career for life. 'This is a career - I want this to last for a long time. Not that I won't venture out and do other things, but I want this to be like a Cindy Crawford thing: I want it to last until I am her age. 'That's why I love her so much and why I look up to her: Her life now is something that I want my life to be like.' Advertisement Kylie Jenner kicked back as she turned 19 on the luxurious beaches of Turks and Caicos on Wednesday. The reality mega star looked not to have a care in the world as she lapped up the sunshine with her sister Kendall, 20, on the beach. Kylie was clad in a hot red bathing suit complete with a gold body chain as she laid out on the surf next to her sibling while celebrating her birthday. Life's a beach: Birthday girl Kylie Jenner looked to not have a care in the world as she lapped up the sunshine with her sister Kendall at Turks and Caicos on Wednesday The ladies continued to top off their tans as they rolled over onto their bellies along the shallow depths of the crystal clear water. Kendall, clad in a dark red string bikini teamed with sunglasses, kicked her legs up into the air as she enjoyed a break from her career on the catwalk. The birthday girl's spectacular physique was put on full show as she waded towards the water in her skimpy outfit. She was joined by her boyfriend Tyga, as he flouted his arrest warrant during their luxury beach vacation. Bikini goddess: Kylie was clad in a hot red bathing suit complete with a gold body chain as she laid out on the surf next to her sibling while celebrating her 19th birthday New angle: The ladies continued to top off their tans as they rolled over onto their bellies along the shallow depths of the crystal clear water The couple looked to be having the time of their life as they swam through the turquoise blue water together. Back on dry land, Tyga kicked back beside Kylie as he was buried beneath the sand. During a break from cuddling, Kylie lapped up the sunshine with her gal pals. All eyes on the birthday girl! Jenner's spectacular physique was put on full show as she waded towards the water in her skimpy outfit The look of love: Tyga gazed lovingly towards his other half while buried in the sand Having a blast: The couple laughed as they soaked in the ocean blue The fun seemed to all first begin upon their luxury yacht. Gazing towards the unbelievable shoreline, Kylie donned a grey hat as she shed off her tiny jean shorts. After wards, she and her beau played around with an orange lifesaver. All good! Jenner and her rapper beau couldn't contain their grins Girl time! Jenner was joined by her gal pals, including Jordyn Woods, who donned a tangerine orange bikini and shades to match The reality also showed off the huge diamond sparkler the rapper gave her - once again wearing it on her engagement finger. Tyga had a warrant issued for his arrest on Tuesday after he failed to attend a court hearing. A judge ordered a warrant for the 26-year-old rapper's arrest after he failed to turn up in court in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday for a deposition. Cuddle buddy: The reality star clung to her beau while cooling off in the crystal clear waters Making a splash: The teen looked to be goofing off with her beau All aboard: The teen shed her tiny jean shorts to put her bikini body on full show The 'Rack City' hitmaker was scheduled to appear before the judge after his former landlord - who has filed a reported $480,000 judgment against the hip-hop star - because he fell behind in rent on his former house in Malibu. The landlord is furious that Tyga - who is still yet to pay off his debt - splashed out on a $200,000 black Maybach for his girlfriend Kylie Jenner's 19th birthday on August 10. His landlord's lawyer also revealed the lengths they went to to serve Tyga with legal papers - surprising him on stage as he performed on stage during a concert at San Diego's Fluxx Night Club on July 20. Glitz and glam: Kylie's gold body chain clung to her curves What a lifesaver! The reality star clung to a lifesaver beside her beau Loved up: The couple were clearly relaxed as they took in the sunshine But on Thursday, TMZ reported a new update in the rapper's case with the landlord. According to the website, Tyga's lawyer has settled with the landlord's law firm for an amount less than the initial $480,000 judgement. Now that the case is settled, Tyga's lawyer, according to TMZ, is set to head to court on Friday and request that the warrant be withdrawn. Having some fun! Jenner playfully embraced her friend on the beach Good times: The ladies struck silly poses in the water Worried? Not me! Tyga looked carefree while on a luxury holiday in Turks and Caicos with Jenner to celebrate her 19th birthday However, as the warrant issued for Tyga is in Los Angeles and federal systems, TMZ also reports that possibility remains that the rapper could be arrested when he jets back home. According to the website, Tyga will be detained by U.S. Customs, who will then contact authorities in Los Angeles to obtain him. The rapper is considered 'high profile' - particularly as he is in the Kardashian circle - and his status as such is the reason law enforcement in Los Angeles were specifically made aware of the warrant, adds the website. Tyga has a three-year-old son, King Cairo, with ex Blac Chyna, who is now pregnant and engaged to Kylie's brother Rob Kardashian. Fugitive: Tyga had a warrant issued for his arrest on Tuesday after he failed to attend a court hearing, but he is currently living it up in the Bahamas Say selfie! Kylie cuddled a pal while on a yacht She knows how to pose! Kylie stuck out her booty for the camera Beach bums! The ladies had been posing for a snap for Kylie's Instagram Courteney Cox bid farewell to her fiance Johnny McDaid at London's Heathrow Airport last week until next time they meet. The 52-year-old actress got a needed boost while bonding with her 12-year-old daughter Coco during an outing in Beverly Hills on Thursday. Courteney made the day even more special by purchasing a takeout pizza for the pre-teen to take home with them. Thanks, mom: Courteney Cox's daughter Coco was ever so grateful after the Cougar Town star splurged on pizza to go during an outing in Beverly Hills on Thursday Coco was practically bursting with joy as she clutched the box in her hands, looking up at her mom with an appreciative grin. Mother and daughter were dressed in casual style with Courteney opting for all black from her skintight jeans, V-necked T-shirt to her platform sandals. Coco was California cool in ripped faded jeans, white tank top and flip flops. Bonding: The actress and 12-year-old Coco appeared to be having a marvelous mother-day day Like a lot of young people her age, Coco stayed wired to her iPhone with the cords tucked into her pocket. Coco's long, light brown hair was parted center and straight, following the way Courtney's raven-dark locks fell past her shoulders. Meanwhile, the Cougar Town star was seen saying goodbye to Johnny, 40, at Heathrow Airport on August 6 after spending time with him in the UK. Partings: Courteney bid farewell til next time to her fiance Johnny McDaid at London's Heathrow Airport on August 6 Emotional departure: The couple's farewell at the airport came just days after they were pictured having what appeared to be a very public argument at a sidewalk cafe in London The emotional departure came just days after the couple was pictured having what appeared to be a very public argument at a sidewalk cafe in London. Courteney was seen looking visibly upset as she sat opposite the Northern Irishman and Snow Patrol frontman. At one point Courteney looked exasperated as she held her head in her hands after she appeared to chastise the songwriter. Night out: Courteney dined at Craig's Restaurant in West Hollywood on Thursday evening The pair reunited in March after their engagement was called off late last year amid claims they disagreed over where to live. They began dating in 2013 after being introduced by their mutual pal Ed Sheeran. Courteney was previously married to Coco's dad, David Arquette, from 1999 to 2013. She's head to deal with a very public heartbreak after being cheated on and dumped by long-term boyfriend Alex Mytton. But Made In Chelsea's Nicola Hughes suffered an awkward evening at the premiere of The War Dogs at Picturehouse Central in London on Thursday night when she came face to face with love rival Olivia Bentley on the red carpet. On Monday night's episode of the E4 reality show, it emerged Alex, 25, had slept with Olivia, 21, in the South of France - just days after his split from Nicola, 26. Scroll down for video Awkward! MIC's Nicola Hughes (L) came face to face with love rival Olivia Bentley (R) on the red carpet at the premiere of The War Dogs at Picturehouse Central in London on Thursday Although the two blondes weren't pictured together at the reality TV star-studded event, there's no doubt being in the same room would have been more than a little awkward given the revelations of the past week. Nicola kept her head held high as she posed up a storm on the red carpet, putting on quite the leggy display in towering thigh-high boots. The Irish model teamed her sexy footwear with a tiny lemon-print skirt and a white halterneck top. Nicola wore her blonde locks poker straight and emphasised her striking looks with flattering make-up. When life gives you lemons: Nicola kept her head held high as she posed up a storm on the red carpet, putting on quite the leggy display in towering thigh-high boots Alex who? The Irish model teamed her sexy footwear with a tiny lemon-print skirt and a white halterneck top Nicola appeared to make a solo appearance at the premiere, while Bentley motors heiress Olivia was joined by her co-star pal, Tiffany Watson, 22. The photographer ensured all eyes were on her as she hit the red carpet, showing off her tan lines from her summer in France in a perilously plunging black jumpsuit. Teaming her daring keyhole one-piece with towering heels and a simple black clutch, the striking blonde wore her short hair pushed back from her face to reveal her stunning features. Gal pals: Nicola appeared to make a solo appearance at the premiere, while Bentley motors heiress Olivia was joined by her co-star pal, Tiffany Watson, 22 Taking the plunge: The photographer ensured all eyes were on her as she hit the red carpet, showing off her tan lines from her summer in France in a perilously plunging black jumpsuit Moving on: During Monday night's episode of the MIC: South Of France summer spin-off, viewers were shocked to discover Alex had slept with Olivia During Monday night's episode of the MIC: South Of France summer spin-off, viewers were shocked to discover Alex had called an end to his romance with Nicola via text, but had also slept with Olivia just days earlier. Alex dropped the bombshell by messaging the Irish beauty: 'This is the hardest thing in the world, but its not going to work.' Defending his actions to his friends, he mumbled: 'Some people might say it was cowardly,' as he saw the shocked expressions on their faces. The news was even more shocking for his friends Jamie Laing, Sam Thompson and Francis Boulle, who were not even aware the couple had split up. Head-turner: Nicola wore her blonde locks poker straight and emphasised her striking looks with flattering make-up Glowing: The blonde bombshell looks tanned to perfection as she strutted her stuff After a drunken dalliance with Olivia, Alex went on to tell Sam that he 'regretted it', adding: To be honest I remember very little about it.' In an awkward exchange he went on to tell Olivia words to the same effect as he explained the morning after: 'I feel a little bit ropey today.' He added: 'Im kind of a bit annoyed with myself - breaking up with Nicola and then leaping into bed with someone else. I do have a lot of feelings for her.' Olivia hilariously responded: 'Good luck keeping your d**k in your pants.' Had a great night: Nicola couldn't stop smiling as she left the event with her glam pal Another awkward encounter! Made In Chelsea enemies Lucy Watson (L) and Stephanie Pratt (R) were also in attendance at the premiere on Thursday night Awkward: Olivia told Alex to try keeping his 'd**k in his pants' as they had an awkward exchange after sleeping with each other But whilst he claimed to still have feelings for Nicola, it didn't stop him from flirting with best pal Jamie's girlfriend Frankie Gaff. Speaking to her best friend Tiffany Watson, Frankie revealed: 'Mytton tried it on with me the other night.. he was holding my hand in the back of the cab and being all touchy feely. 'If I wanted to I could have done something he kept trying to hold my hand.' Splashing the cash: Peter Andre, pictured last month has forked out 4.95 million on Tom Cruise's old mansion Peter Andre has forked out nearly 5 million on Tom Cruise's old mansion in East Grinstead, West Sussex. The Mysterious Girl hitmaker is believed to have splashed the cash on the property, which the Hollywood actor only paid 3 million for back in in 2006. The plush pad is close to the UK's Church of Scientology headquarters Saint Hill Manor. Peter, 43, has already moved into the six-bedroom property with his wife Emily MacDonagh - who is expecting the couple's second child. The pair are already parents to two-year-old daughter Amelia. The lavish property is set in 4.2 acres of grounds and has its very own two-bedroom guest house called the Pavilion. There is plenty to keep the children occupied and the hunky pop star will be able to keep his famous muscles honed in the comfort of his own home with a pool, gym and cinema all within the grounds. Emily was overseeing the big move with her daughter while Peter headed out on holiday to Orlando, Florida with his children by Katie Price - Princess, nine, and son Junior, 11. The 26-year-old junior doctor wasn't able to accompany her husband of a year because of fears she could contract the Zika virus. Swanky: The mansion boasts a swimming pool, home cinema, gym and private guesthouse Writing in his column for New! magazine, he said: 'Unfortunately, Emily couldn't come with us because CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) issued a travel warning advising pregnant women not to travel to Florida as the Zika virus is actively circulating there.' The latest news comes weeks after Peter revealed he's in talks to bring his old reality show Peter Andre: My Life back, which would help foot the bill for the impressive abode. He previously said: 'I'm thinking about bringing my show back. It would be nice to do one or two more series. I'm in talks for that at the moment. 'We did 10 series in the end but I said after the fifth series if we ever do 10 we'll call it a day because at one point the ratings will drop. 'The ratings at the end were actually the highest we had.' She broke down in tears when Richie Strahan didnt whisk her away during Thursdays episode of The Bachelor. And this was not the only sign that Alex Nation may be worryingly attached to the leading man just three weeks into season four well short of the halfway mark. The 24-year-old single mum was presented with a white rose in the first episode, giving her the power to drag Richie away for alone time at any point during a cocktail party. Scroll down for video Worryingly attached: Alex Nation broke down in tears when Richie Strahan didnt whisk her away on Thursdays episode of The Bachelor Receiving a white rose seems to have given Alex a sense of ownership over him, leading her to feel threatened when he spends time with the other girls. Her insecurities came to the forefront last week, as she again cried when she didnt get any alone time with him. 'I think when you don't get to chat to Richie at the cocktail parties you're not on his radar, you kind of maybe fade into the background. And that's scary,' she said. Rejected: The single mother was seen looking downcast when Richie asked Nikki for a chat after having an intimate dance with 'villain' Keira 'I am feeing nervous, scared, highly emotional,' she added as tears began streaming down. During Wednesday night's episode, Alex shot daggers at her rival Nikki Gogan upon finding out that she had also kissed Richie on their mini date after winning the baby group date challenge. 'It's definitely threatening knowing that Richie's making solid connections with other girls, she told the camera during the cocktail party. An advantage or a curse? Fights she endured for using it the white rose have in the past few episodes have made her wait for Richie to come to her 'For me, kissing's very intimate. It's not something I do. It's special. Like, it's that connection that you share with someone. I am quite threatened by Nikki. 'I think she definitely has the potential to, you know... They could fall in love with each other. You can see it. She's a wonderful person.' The drama came after Alex had lustfully locked lips in her own single date after a shopping trip the day before. Not impressed: Alex shot daggers at Nikki Gogan after the blonde beauty revealed she had also kissed Richie Downcast: Alex looked gutted when she realised Nikki had kissed Richie The kiss itself could also be considered a bit of a red flag, as viewers noted it was very full-on for a first kiss. Alex also gushed about how happy she was to be on the date, seeming more giddy than any of the other contestants who had spent one-on-one time him. 'He's just made me the happiest girl on the planet. I was so overcome with happiness, she said while beaming after the date. Chemistry: Alex locked lips with Richie during her romantic date Passion: The kiss itself could also be considered a bit of a red flag, as viewers noted it was very full-on for a first kiss Alex appears to be already imagining herself having a future with Richie, as she told NW magazine what kind of father she thought he would be. 'I think he'd be very hands-on. Not having his dad in his life, I think he'd very much want to be involved with his children,' she said, referencing Richie's fatherless upbringing. But after the bombshell that Nikki and Richie had kissed for a second time right after her first, the stage was set for Alexs near-meltdown on the next episode. Look of love: Alex also gushed about how happy she was to be on the date, seeming more giddy than any of the other contestants who had spent one-on-one time him Falling deep: With a big smile, Alex gushes about her time with the hunk: 'He has just made me the happiest girl on the planet' The Victorian beauty appeared anxious, worried and a little bit angry as her love took both Keira and arch-rival Nikki away for a chat but not her. 'Keira had some significant time with Richie, I'm not sure what they have going on there... it looks like it's blossoming. For me that is quite confusing, she said. 'You start to question things, you question yourself. Nervous: Alex looked worried when she lined up alongside the other girls at the rose ceremony As she spoke to the camera during the cocktail party, Alex fought back tears as she explained how hard it was watching him talk to the other girls and that she had hoped he would grab her to validate their feelings for each other.' 'It's hard sitting back and thinking, 'He could be doing that with me.' Like, he approached her. He hasn't done that with me, she said. 'You know, I'm sure that they have a connection with each other. It's confusing, it's scary. Calculated: Alex implied her seemingly appalling bow and arrow skills was a calculated move to win Richie attention on the group date 'I had my heart set on him approaching me. It's definitely threatening knowing that he's making solid connections with other girls. 'There is a part of me that's concerned, I really wanted him to come to me... she said, before crying too much to continue talking. As the rose ceremony approached, Alexs insecurity had deepened to the point where she admitted she thought Richie might even send her home. 'Stage five clinger!' Alexs way-too-attached-too-early feelings have not gone unnoticed by fans of The Bachelor either OMG Alex he isnt your boyfriend! Youve had like two dates #satage5clinger, one fan wrote While waiting for Richie to hand her a rose, she again singled out Nikki as a threat. 'She has a lot to offer. When that first rose was given away to Nikki, I was devastated. Everything was heightened at that point, she said. 'I feel that sick feeling in your tummy that you get when you're just so nervous.' Alex is the definition of a crazy psycho girlfriend. No you may not even look at other girls, one viewer wrote on Twitter Alex is the kinda bird that texts you saying cant stop thinking about you 12 minutes after shes left you on the first date, a third said Run, Richie, run! Some viewers did not think the two would be a good match Earlier in the episode, Alex also appeared to pretend to be terrible at an archery challenge to get Richie to spend time helping her improve her technique. Other contestants have noticed how head-over-heels Alex already is, with Sasha noting her attraction immediately. 'Straight away you could see she had really fallen for him,' she told Elle magazine. Others had even darker concerns, one saying they felt she might commit murder to be with Richie Alex: I like Richie because he likes watching me physically attack other girls for his attention. Hes like a fairytale romantic, another wrote Desperate: Viewers were unhappy with Alex's jealousy Alexs way-too-attached-too-early feelings have not gone unnoticed by fans of The Bachelor either, with many calling her obsessive, clingy and jealous and worried she might have a meltdown. Alex is the definition of a crazy psycho girlfriend. No you may not even look at other girls, one viewer wrote on Twitter. OMG Alex he isnt your boyfriend! Youve had like two dates #satage5clinger, another wrote. Crying: Many fans got fed up with Alex's sob story It gets worse: As viewers also noted, there are two intruders lined up to make an appearance very soon, which could tip Alexs attachment levels over the edge Close to the edge: Many audience members were worried Alex was close to a meltdown Alex is the kinda bird that texts you saying cant stop thinking about you 12 minutes after shes left you on the first date, a third said. Others had even darker concerns, one saying they felt she might commit murder to be with Richie. Alex: I like Richie because he likes watching me physically attack other girls for his attention. Hes like a fairytale romantic, another wrote. Does she know how it works? Another recurring theme among watchers of the show was that Alex did not understand the premise of the show Confused: Some accused her of treating the white rose like a marriage proposal 'Yes there are other girls!' Fans thought Alex wasn't with the program Another recurring theme among watchers of the show was that Alex did not understand the premise of the show was for Richie to court many other girls, and accused her of treating the white rose like a marriage proposal. As viewers also noted, there are two intruders lined up to make an appearance very soon, which could tip Alexs attachment levels over the edge The Bachelor continues on Channel 10 at 7.30pm next Wednesday. He's one of the biggest stars on Australian radio. But Hamish Blake, 34, was overshadowed by his two-year-old mini-me son during a family outing in Melbourne last week. The tot, who bears a striking resemblance to his dad, was bundled up in a red rain jacket paired with Thomas The Tank Engine gumboots. Scroll down for video Dashing duo: Hamish Blake was overshadowed by his two-year-old son during a family outing earlier this month in Melbourne gleefully sporting a sweet wet weather outfit Hamish rugged up for the blustery Melbourne weather in a pale blue sweater paired with fitted jeans. The radio star completed the look with a heavy quilted jacket and held on tight to the hand of his son. He finished his look with a pair of casual black sneakers and held a book in one hand as he strolled alongside Sonny. Adorble: The two-year-old tot was bundled up in a red rain jacket paired with Thomas The Tank Engine gumboots Doting dad: The 34-year-old radio star rugged up for the blustery Melbourne weather in a pale blue sweater paired with relaxed fit jeans The pair walked along the quiet Melbourne street together enjoying their boys' day out. Sonny proudly walked beside his doting dad and stomped away in his cartoon-inspired rain boots. The boisterous little lad appeared to enjoy the outing in the sunshine but wasn't too happy when Hamish tried to put the hood of his jacket on. Fun day out: The boisterous little lad appeared to enjoy the outing in the sunshine but wasn't too happy when Hamish tried to put the hood of his jacket on No rain here: Sonny proudly walked beside his doting dad and stomped away in his character printed rain boots Casual cool: Later in the day he headed out with his mother Zoe Foster Blake and swapped his bright boots for a pair of sneakers Later in the day, he headed out with his mother Zoe Foster Blake and swapped his bright boots for a pair of sneakers. The mother-of-one sported a bright yellow fluffy knit sweater paired with black skinny jeans that featured rips at the knees. She tied her brunette locks up into a top knot with a fluffy pink scrunchy, adding another pop of colour to her look. Brightening things up: The author and mother sported a yellow fluffy knit sweater paired with black skinny jeans that featured rips at the knees Doting display: She tied her brunette locks up into a top knot fastened with a fluffy pink scrunchy adding another pop of colour to her look and held on tight to her son's hand Zoe dotingly lifted Sonny out of the car before they set off together on their mother son time. During the outing, the tot proudly held on to a box which he couldn't keep his eyes off. The family of three recently returned from a trip to Italy which both parents thoroughly documented on social media. Precious: Zoe dotingly lifted Sonny out of the car before they set off together on their mother son time The fun-filled holiday snaps come after Zoe admitted in a candid interview with the ABC that the life she portrays on social media has 'seemed perfect' because she 'portrays' it that way. 'Having said that, I do feel very blessed. I feel so lucky and so grateful that I often think, "this is all too good, something's got to give",' she said. The smitten pair, who are based in Melbourne, married in December 2012 and welcomed their first child Sonny, in May 2014. What's that? During the outing the tot proudly held on to a box which he couldn't keep his eyes off They have a long-standing rivalry, having both previously dated Geordie Shore's Gary Beadle. But Lillie Lexie Gregg has taken her feud with Charlotte Crosby a step further, by slamming her for speaking out about her ectopic pregnancy. The 25-year-old fashion designer, who was dating CBB's Stephen Bear until he publicly started a romance with Chloe Mafia in the house, spoke out against Charlotte in a recent interview. Scroll down for video Reigniting the feud! Lillie Lexie Gregg has taken her feud with Charlotte Crosby a step further, by slamming her for speaking out about her ectopic pregnancy Speaking to The Daily Star, she said: 'I think it's disgraceful that she'd talk about her ectopic pregnancy for publicity. It's private.' 'She used it as a way to get back at Gary.' And despite feeling sorry for Charlotte, the Birmingham lass revealed she thought it was 'cruel to go public with it without Gary's knowledge'. The 25-year-old fashion designer, who was dating CBB's Stephen Bear until he publicly started a romance with Chloe Mafia in the house, spoke out against Charlotte in a recent interview 'I think it's disgraceful that she'd talk about her ectopic pregnancy for publicity. It's private.' 'She used it as a way to get back at Gary.' she said of Charlotte Charlotte previously told how she had suffered a traumatic ectopic pregnancy, revealing: 'I didn't know what the hell was going on and I was in so much pain. Then the X-ray showed how much damage had been caused. 'Because I'd left it a week, it'd torn open my fallopian tube and I was bleeding internally. He said: 'If you'd have left it any longer, you could have died.'' And slamming Gary's ex Lillie, Charlotte told Star Magazine: 'He won't do anything with her, he hates her. He's going to absolutely torture her. He thinks she's a fame-hungry sl**. And despite initially ignoring the dig, Lillie eventually took to Instagram to defend herself, writing: 'Maybe you should respect I fell in love with a boy that was in the media eye I kept it quiet for six months As I didn't want the world knowing about my relationship but I had no choice. 'I didn't know what the hell was going on and I was in so much pain. Then the X-ray showed how much damage had been caused' Charlotte previously revealed 'He won't do anything with her, he hates her. He's going to absolutely torture her. He thinks she's a fame-hungry sl**.' Charlotte previously slammed Gary's ex Lillie 'Unfortunately we broke up and I am the one that has acted like a grown up by not tweeting/selling a story/or speaking publicly about our separation. 'It wasn't something and isn't something I need to justify or speak about. Maybe people should respect that I am a normal person that has to deal with a break up.' Lilly has been having a hard time recently, after boyfriend Stephen Bear started a fling with housemate Chloe Mafia in the Celebrity Big Brother House- despite vowing to stay loyal to his girlfriend. In better times: Lillie and Gary Beadle- who Charlotte claims hates her now Recent flame: Lillie was dating Stephen Bear until he started a fling with Chloe Mafia in the house Addressing her 63,000 Twitter followers on Monday, the 25-year-old reality starlet wrote: 'No going back for me, guys. I'm better than that - and yes, I know my worth. Thank you so much for your kind words, you're all lovely.' Lillie - who met Bear whilst filming Ex On The Beach with former flame Gaz Beadle - made the statement after he told his fellow housemates that she was 'not the one'. After indulging in several steamy sessions with Chloe, the lothario explained to his living companions: 'I need to be single! I thought I would be with [Lillie] forever, but after thinking in here, she's not the one.' He added: 'I haven't got time for a girlfriend.' Moving on: Addressing her 63,000 Twitter followers on Monday, the 25-year-old reality starlet said that she 'knew her worth' as she vowed not to date him ever again She's juggling her parental responsibilities with estranged husband Ben Affleck in a self-described 'modern family' way. And Jennifer Garner couldn't have looked happier to be enjoying some quality time with her two doppelganger daughters, Violet, 10, and Seraphina, seven, as they headed out on a shopping trip in Los Angeles on Thursday. Looking elegant in a monochrome ensemble, the actress, 44, kept things sartorially simple in a sleeveless white shirt and loose fitting black trousers as she tended to her little ones. Scroll down for video Quality time: Jennifer Garner couldn't have looked happier to be enjoying time with her two doppelganger daughters, Violet, 10, and Seraphina, seven, in Los Angeles on Thursday The Daredevil star was all smiles showing off her slim physique in her casual get-up as she enjoyed the summer sun . The mother-of-three proudly displayed her super-toned arms as she enjoyed some girl-time with her daughters. The screen wore comfortable beige shoes and accessorised with dark shades and a chic grey leather handbag. Jennifer wore her brunette locks scraped back from her face in a low ponytail and wore just a hint of make-up free for her day out. Monochrome magic: Looking elegant in a monochrome ensemble, the actress, 44, kept things sartorially simple in a sleeveless white shirt and loose fitting black trousers Jennifer and Ben's little boy Samuel, four, did not join them on their day out, but the proud mother seemed to be making the most of her off-duty afternoon with her lookalike daughters. Seraphina looked cuter than ever in striped blue shorts and a white printed T-shirt as she bounded along with her mum. Violet looked pretty in a simple navy dress fastened with a bright gold buckle in the middle. The Hollywood star recently discussed her marital split from Ben Affleck, 43 - who whom she raises three children, Violet, 10, Seraphina, seven, and Samuel, four - with the Today show. Mini-me: The Daredevil star was all smiles showing off her slim physique in her casual get-up as she enjoyed the summer sun with her daughters in tow Gym bunny: The mother-of-three proudly displayed her super-toned arms as she enjoyed some girl-time with her daughters The couple publicly announced their split, which has yet to be legally finalised, the day after their tenth wedding anniversary last year. Ben and Jennifer prompted reconciliation rumours in May when they whisked their kids off on holiday to Paris, France. But Jennifer was sure to clear up any misconceptions about the getaway, insisting they are simple 'a modern family'. She said: 'We are definitely a modern family. Modern family: Jen described her arrangement with estranged husband Ben Affleck as a 'modern family' in a recent interview 'Ben was working in London on Justice League, and I felt like, "Well, the kids should have that experience". And he and I are great friends, and we just all went en masse.' When the couple split last year, they were faced with a maelstrom of reports that the Argo director had been unfaithful with their three children's nanny. This March, however, the Alias actress told Vanity Fair: 'We had been separated for months before I ever heard about the nanny. 'She had nothing to do with our decision to divorce. She was not a part of the equation. Bad judgment? Yes,' she conceded. 'Its not great for your kids for [a nanny] to disappear from their lives.' She's faced a serious health battle this week after suffering from a dangerous blood infection. And EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook, 42, looked as though she was getting back to full health as she judged G-A-Y's famous Porn Idol as danced on a pole. Dressed to impress, she wore a silver glittering mini keyhole dress which showed off her legs, as well as some killer heels. Scroll down for video Back to her best? Danniella Westbrook appeared in high spirits as she judged G-A-Y's Porn Idol after suffering from a dangerous blood infection Giving it her all: The former EastEnders star couldn't resist having a cheeky dance on a pole while she was there The competition saw members of the audience strip onstage for the chance to win 100. Ten contestants, with three handpicked by each of the judges, Danniella, Baga Chipz and Mary Mac. Carried onstage by her fellow judges, Danniella could be seen egging on the contestants and even joining them onstage. Glitz and glamour: Ten contestants, with three handpicked by each of the judges, Danniella, Baga Chipz and Mary Mac Having fun: The competition saw members of the audience strip onstage for the chance to win 100 Give me a go: She soon followed another contestant who had a go on the pole and asked if she could do the same Sparkling: Dressed to impress, she wore a silver glittering mini keyhole dress which showed off her legs, as well as some killer heels Going for it: She put on a very leggy display as she worked her magic on the pole Drop it like it's hot: She showed him how it's done as she swung around Danniella couldn't resist a little play on the pole as she delighted the crowds with her routine, before sitting down and whooping and cheering. The actress revealed she needed to have teeth removed after suffering a blood infection that left her bed ridden. Danniella sparked concern last week when a series of bizarre messages surfaced on her Twitter account on Wednesday, claiming she was pregnant and had been hospitalised after suffering a drug addiction relapse. She's the judge: She appeared to be getting into the spirit of things as she eyed up one chap in his boxers Doing her bit: She helped one hapless contestant to strip out of their trousers Dancing to the beat: She danced in time to the music as she watched the competitors do their thing He's a winner in her eyes! She soon rose to get a serious look at one handsome chap But she later used Twitter to blast the allegations from her alleged stalker, who she claims has repeatedly hacked her account and is trying to 'ruin' her life.' The former EastEnders star - who is sober following a well-documented history of drug abuse - posted a series of furious tweets. She revealed it was all untrue except for the fact she had been rushed to hospital for a blood infection Putting her feet up: Danniella grabbed hold of the mic as she swung her legs up on the chair Making the effort: She showed off perfectly blow-dried hair as she took to the mic once again I pick YOU! She made it quite clear which performances she was enjoying the most Cheeky! She had a glint in her eye as some more clothing was removed Posing for snaps: She joined her pals for a quick snap at the end of the evening The blonde claimed she had approached her local police department for help, but was now resorting to deleting her social media account. Danniella implored: 'I have an infection in my blood I'm very poorly! I have been in hospital YES! And this stalker s**t, @kentpolicemed still waiting 4 help!!' She is best known for her role in Robin Thicke and Pharrell's controversial 2013 music video for Blurred Lines. And Emily Ratajkowski showed off the looks that made her famous, as she attended the LPA launch party in LA on Thursday. The 25-year-old model turned heads in a vibrant blue strappy jumpsuit which showed off her stunning figure. Scroll down for video Midnight blue! Emily Ratajkowski showed off the looks that made her famous, as she attended the LPA launch party in LA on Thursday The silk number featured a vest top which flaunted a hint of her tanned cleavage. Showcasing her toned waist the ensemble was cinched in at the middle, and showed off her long toned legs. Accessorising with a matching choker of the same material, the London-born model- who moved to California aged 5, looked effortlessly glamorous. Hot! The 25-year-old model turned heads in a vibrant blue strappy jumpsuit which showed off her stunning figure Opting for a loose body chain and hoop earrings, the Blurred Lines star accentuated her statuesque physique with nude heeled sandals. Tying her hair loosely off her face, she showed off her model bone structure. And the brunette beauty- who is of Polish and Irish descent, let her natural beauty shine through, going for a hint of mascara, lipgloss and bronzer. Effortlessly chic! The silk number featured a vest top which showed off a hint of her tanned cleavage Emily has expanded her career to include both modeling and acting. She is expected to appear in two upcoming films, with one set for release this year and the other at a date not yet announced. Emily will star in the romance film, Cruise, and the thriller, In Darkness. The latter will include Natalie Dormer. She's one of Australia's most recognised actresses, known for her roles in audience favourites Underbelly and Offspring. And Kat Stewart, 43, has had her fair share of intimate on-screen and onstage moments, most notably with her now-husband, actor David Whiteley. Speaking to Katie 'Monty' Dimond on Show And Tell in July, the TV star reflected on the beginning of her and David's relationship, speaking about their first kiss, which was on-stage while they were both seeing other people. Scroll down for video Chemistry: Kat Stewart spoke openly about her first kiss with husband David Whiteley, which was on-stage while they were both in serious relationships with other people 'He's a really good kisser,' she said. She continued: 'We were both in serious relationships with other people and I was socially awkward around him for about two years - just really twitchy and odd. 'About 18 months later I was single and we were doing a play and we got together.' Blossoming romance: Kat said she thought her husband was 'a really good kisser' She added: 'It was a long long road but there was definitely a spark - not that I was comfortable with it - but there was definitely a spark very early on.' Kat, who stars as feisty and charismatic Billie Proudman on Channel Ten's drama series Offspring, also touched on how she and David felt about having to kiss other people for their jobs. 'He's not in the least bit fazed,' the mother-of-two said. Slow burner: She added that there was 'definitely a spark', although 'it was a long long road' 'I don't love it when he has to kiss someone else but it's just the way it is and we trust each other. Adding: 'I guess that's why he's not fazed, he's very confident about me.' Kat and David share two children, four-year-old Archie as well as daughter Georgia, who they welcomed in March this year. She previously admitted to Show And Tell that she held off on motherhood for fear ofjeopardising her career. Close-knit: Kat stars as Billie Proudman on Channel Ten's Offspring alongside T.J. Power (left), Richard Davies (centre), Asher Keddie (right) and Deborah Mailman (front right) Their careers: The Offspring actress said she 'doesn't love' that her actor husband has to kiss other women as part of his job 'I had this paranoia that if I had a baby which is probably why we put it off for so long that I'd never work again.' She returned to work just five weeks after giving birth to Archie in 2012 and also kept her first pregnancy close to her chest for months. 'I didn't really tell anyone until I was about five months. I only told people when I had to which is weird but I was just a bit kind of nervous about it and protective of it and I wanted it to be our experience for as long as possible.' Have you ever wanted to know what exactly happens on the set of The Bachelor when the cameras are switched off? Season one contestant Penny Palman has revealed the sad reality behind Australia's favourite dating show, and it's anything but glamorous. In an interview with Mamamia this week, the former reality star revealed that the red roses handed to the contestants by the Bachelor are imported from Colombia. The reality of reality TV: Season 1 contestant Penny Palman has revealed the sad reality behind Australia's favourite dating show - and it's anything but glamorous Colombian-grown roses generally have larger heads and last longer in a vase than other rose species. Penny also revealed that the flowers that decorate the mansion are fake. When quizzed about whether producers re-use the mansion's interior decor between seasons, Penny said candidly : 'Yep, all the furniture, like all the couches, and the backgrounds, the paintings on the wall. I'm like 'Oh I remember that!'' Not home grown: In an interview with Mamamia this week, the former reality star revealed that the red roses handed to the contestants by the Bachelor are imported from Colombia Bigger is better! Colombian-grown roses generally have larger heads and last longer in a vase than other rose species As for the contestants' sleeping quarters, Penny revealed that the girls were forced to share bunk beds. 'Sometimes it caused a little bit of conflict, like some of the girls were absolutely stinky', she mused. She also claimed that the girls were banned from going to the bathroom for long periods of time when they were filming a rose ceremony. Can someone call cut? She also claimed that the girls were banned from going to the bathroom for long periods of time when they were filming a rose ceremony 'So you're sort of looking into the distance, kind of looking a little bit p**** off': Penny also revealed exactly why so many contestants wear a glazed-over expression during the rose ceremonies 'When the rose ceremony comes up, they set you up in your positions and you're standing there and you're waiting and they're sort of telling you, 'just hold on, we've got to get the lights right. Just stay there girls.'' 'So you're sort of looking into the distance, kind of looking a little bit p**** off and then low and behold when it's actually all cut together, they're the shots they use when someone gets picked,' she explained. It comes after outspoken former Bachelor contestant Emily Simms revealed details of her experience on the show in a tell-all interview with the Herald Sun. 'Some days our call time would be 5am': It comes after outspoken former Bachelor contestant Emily Simms revealed details of her experience on the show in a tell-all interview with the Herald Sun According to Emily, producers would give the girls unappetising food so as to stir up emotions in the house. 'In the beginning that was a nightmare I found, as someone who's got some food issues, I can't have things it was difficult in the beginning,' she said. She also claimed that the contestants were purposefully subjected to long days of shooting so that they would become more emotional for the cameras. 'Some days our call time would be 5am, 6am and we would be shooting sometimes to midnight or after,' she said, later adding that: 'None of these things happened by accident.' Carmen Electra flaunted her taut tummy after dining on sushi at ROKU Sunset in West Hollywood on Thursday evening. The 44-year-old reality star rocked a red and blue twinset crop-top and pencil skirt with peep-toe Louboutin platforms selected by stylist William Clark, Jr. The former Ex Isle host - who was joined by a male friend - sported her signature heavy-handed make-up and dark blonde locks. Scroll down for video Tiny waist: Carmen Electra flaunted her taut tummy after dining on sushi at ROKU Sunset in West Hollywood on Thursday evening Dinner out: The 44-year-old reality star rocked a red and blue twinset crop-top and pencil skirt with peep-toe Louboutin platforms selected by stylist William Clark, Jr. Drag queen lashes: The former Ex Isle host - who was joined by a male friend - sported her signature heavy-handed make-up and dark blonde locks Who's taking the picture? Electra - born Tara Patrick - later shared a bathroom snap alongside another pal with her 3.8M social media followers Electra - born Tara Patrick - later shared a bathroom snap alongside another pal with her 3.8M social media followers. Last week, Carmen shot an advert for her new Electra perfume, which will be available on Amazon and Fragrance.net. The former Prince muse has certainly made the talk show rounds this year - with appearances on FABLife, Kocktails with Khloe, The Doctors, Hollywood Today Live, and Today. However, the Hollywood Medium guest star hasn't acted since playing Theodora in last year's plague flick Book of Fire, and her last pop single was Around the World in 2014. Smells sweet: Last week, Carmen shot an advert for her new Electra perfume, which will be available on Amazon and Fragrance.net Talking head: The former Prince muse has certainly made the talk show rounds this year - with appearances on FABLife, Kocktails with Khloe, The Doctors, and Today Teresa Giudice showed off her bikini body via Instagram on Friday as she continues to enjoy the summer, despite husband Joe being behind bars. The Real Housewives Of New Jersey shared a photo of herself in a tiny black two-piece and carrying eldest daughter Gia, 15, on her back. The 44-year-old captioned the snap simply: 'Jersey Shore' and added a bikini symbol. Beach day! Teresa Giudice showed off her bikini body in this Instagram snap posted Friday showing herself with daughter Gia, 15, on her back at the seaside Teresa has been hitting the gym lately and shared a short video clip showing her feet running on a treadmill earlier in the week. And her efforts are clearly paying big dividends. The reality star showcased her flat tummy and trim thighs in the photo as her long hair tumbled down in waves over her cleavage. Meanwhile, her lookalike teen daughter also sported a huge smile as they posed on the sandy shoreline. Summer fun: The reality star, 44, has been soaking up the sun on the sand with her daughters and shared this photo earlier in the week Teresa has been making sure to spend time with her girls and make the most of the beach weather. Earlier in the week show shared an Insta pic of seashells lying on her legs as she took a photo of her younger daughters in the surf. The Bravo star served 11 months in prison last year as part of a 15-month sentence for fraud charges and detailed her life behind bars in the memoir Turning the Tables: From Housewife to Inmate and Back Again. Teresa - pictured with husband Joe on RHONJ - is also a keen yoga practitioner, something she credits with helping her keep her sanity while serving prison time for fraud last year Meanwhile, in the most recent episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, she was seen settling back home after prison. As part of the process, she had an awkward confrontation with her husband, asking hesitant questions about the rumors he'd cheated on her. The showdown started after they kissed at home following a yoga session, with Teresa complaining about her husbands garlic breath and him telling her: You should be happy I eat a lotta garlic because you know I aint kissing nobody. Rumor has it: The reality star was shown awkwardly confronting Joe about rumors he cheated on her while she was in jail on the latest episode of Real Housewives Of New Jersey Teresa then tentatively told Joe: You know, if youve cheated on me - no forgiving, you know that, right? With Joe, also 44, merely smiling and mumbling a mm-hmm, she told him: I just wanna make sure of that. She added: Because theres a story out you were with another woman and that when you leave Im gonna leave you. Thats always been out there, right? he replied. Teresa again hesitantly asked: If we didnt wanna be with each other we wouldnt be with each other, right? I would hope not, he smiled, with Teresa telling him: Good, Im glad were on the same page with that. Staying true: The 44-year-old insisted that her marriage vows were forever as she discussed the cheating stories Later, during an on-camera interview for the show she stressed: Listen, when you get married it says for better, for worse, through sickness and health, til death do us part. Joe is currently serving a 41-month prison sentence for fraud at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, which he entered on March 23. In addition to Gia, Teresa and Joe are parents to daughters Gabriella, 11, Milania, 10, and Audriana, 6. Teen Mom 2 star Javi Marroquin has given insight into his tumultuous split from Kailyn Lowry. The MTV reality star recently returned from an Air Force deployment however their relationship didn't survive the long distance. He says Kailyn is not the same women he left, in part because she underwent plastic surgery. 'I knew her surgery would change her,' he told Radar Online. Drama: Teen Mom 2 star Javi Marroquin fiercely criticised his estranged wife Kailyn Lowry's extensive plastic surgery and same-sex kiss. THe pair are pictured here in 2014 The 'surgery' he referred to was a clutch of cosmetic procedures she racked up whilst he was serving seven months in Qatar. In January, she decamped to Miami to undergo liposuction, a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt lift. By May, while her husband was still off on duty, she announced they were divorcing. In early June, she was photographed kissing her friend Becky Hayter, in a move Marroquin dismissed as 'dumb.' He did, however, insist, 'I didn't really care about that. Not my image, it's hers.' Happier times: The Airman, pictured here in 2015, is father to her two-year-old son Lincoln and stepfather to Isaac, her son by her ex-boyfriend Jo Rivera They managed to agree on equal custody of their two-year-old son Lincoln, but the reason for the divorce still seems to be a matter of dispute. Naturally, in the immediate aftermath, rumours of infidelity abounded. In June, Marroquin appeared to fan them by tweeting, 'What's done in the night will show in the light.' On Wednesday, he told Radar Online he would divulge the story behind their split in a book. Lowry's own memoir, Hustle & Heart, is slated for release in the fall, and her ex wrote his specifically as 'a response to Kail's new book coming out.' Nip/Tuck: In January, the blonde decamped to Miami to undergo a liposuction, a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt-lift, and allowed the surgeon to upload photos to Snapchat 'Except,' he said, 'mine will be the truth and what she actually did that ended the marriage.' Apparently, he'd 'found some of her rough drafts and wasnt happy with what was being said.' This week's eruption of rancour contrasts sharply with their relationship's public image last week. That Monday, Lowry posted a touching Instagram photo of the Airman returning from Qatar to his family. He was barely visible as he hugged Lincoln and his stepson Isaac, whom Lowry had with her ex-boyfriend Jo Rivera. 'Welcome back! @javim9,' she captioned the post. Hustle & Heart will arrive on Amazon 22nd November. At the time of writing, Marroquin has yet to announce a title or a release date. Kiss: In June, Lowry was pictured in a clinch with her female friend Becky Hayter, a move her ex dismissed as 'dumb' Her budget 'Bangkok boob job' ended in horror after she was left with a 'double bubble' in her right breast. And Skye Wheatley, 22, has now revealed that she has paid a Sydney surgeon a whopping $28K to fix her enhanced chest. 'I'm having to fork out a lot of money to fix my boobs; they're too big and fake and are still wonky,' she told the Daily Telegraph this week. Scroll down for video Paying up: Skye Wheatley, 22, has revealed that she has paid a Sydney surgeon a whopping $28K to fix her enhanced chest Skye, who rose to fame after appearing on Big Brother in 2014, has spoken at large about how she regrets going under the knife in Thailand. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about the ordeal, Skye warned young girls not to be lured by the promise of cheap plastic surgery abroad, saying: 'Don't, it's not worth it, stay in Australia.' She added: 'If something goes wrong you have to pay for another flight to more costs to get it fixed. Do your research, I wish I had done mine better.' 'I want my old boobs back': Skye, who rose to fame after appearing on Big Brother in 2014, has spoken at large about how she regrets going under the knife in Thailand Surgery getaway: Skye, who rose to fame in Big Brother Australia 2014, underwent surgery in Bangkok courtesy of an Australia-wide medical travel agency 'I want my old boobs back as it will cost too much to fix and will be so much hassle than if I had got them done in Australia.' Skye, who rose to fame in Big Brother Australia 2014, underwent surgery in Bangkok courtesy of an Australia-wide medical travel agency. For years, she'd felt unhappy with an A-cup right breast two sizes smaller than her C-cup left. Nip and tuck: For years, she'd felt unhappy with an A-cup right breast two sizes smaller than her C-cup left She had hoped the augmentation would fix her asymmetrical chest - but after waking up the next day with D-cups, she complained of puckering in the crease below the right breast. Meanwhile, Skye has revealed her plans to undergo rhinoplasty surgery in a bid to refine the silhouette of her nose. Skye is also a fan of hair extensions, teeth whiteners, laser hair removal, and collagen lip fillers. They're relishing their last moments together before they welcome their first child together. And Seven Year Switch's Jackie showed off her enormous baby bump on Friday as she and fiance Tim enjoyed a date night at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast. The glowing mother-to-be wore a stylish red dress that highlighted her bump and she posted a snap to Instagram writing: 'Squeezing in the last few dates before dates are a distant memory!' Scroll down for video 'Squeezing in the last few dates': Seven Year Switch's Jackie showed off her enormous baby bump on Friday as she and fiance Tim enjoyed a date at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast The former reality television star cheekily added:'Tim woofed down the sandwiches before I got one! Don't be fooled by the nice photo.' Her long blonde locks were loosely curled around her shoulders and she looked radiant sitting at the table in front of a high tea cake-stand filled with treats. Meanwhile, Tim cuddled up close to her and flexed his bulging biceps in a fitted black T-shirt. Enjoying time out: The glowing mother-to-be wore a stylish red dress than clung tight to her belly while her fiance donned a stylish fitted T-shirt paired with jeans Looking swell! Jackie Martin from Seven Year Switch showed off her burgeoning baby bump in a sports bra and high-waisted tights earlier this month Earlier this month she showed that she's still keeping up with her fitness despite being heavily pregnant and flashed her muscly arms posed for the snap, showing off her expanding tummy. 'MY NEW PANTS!! I think I could audition as #tweedledee or #tweedledum! #harryhighpants #36weekspregnant,' the blonde joked in the Instagram photo. The fitness business owner has been glowing throughout her pregnancy and has shown no signs of slowing down despite her growing bump. 'Stay in there, I need more time!' The reality TV star proudly displayed her growing tummy as she stripped down to her bikini last week Last week, she stripped down to a tiny bikini as she posed for a photo while 35 weeks pregnant. Telling fans it's her 'first day off in two weeks,' the expectant star said: 'Stay in there little one - I need more time!!' The fitness enthusiast added: 'Feeling heavy, loving ocean swimming and that feeling of weightlessness.' Jackie and her fiance Tim, with whom she appeared on the Channel Seven reality show, confirmed their baby news to New Idea magazine in March following weeks of speculation. Excited: Jackie and her partner Tim are excited for the arrival of their first child 'We're having what we're calling our 'Seven Year Switch baby!' Jackie told the publication. They went on the controversial show in an attempt to fix their broken relationship. And they have both admitted that the show - which sees couples-in-crisis 'swap' partners - actually brought them both closer together. Loved-up: The couple confirmed they were expecting their first child to New Idea magazine in March 'It's because of the show we sorted things out and are now having a baby. It's just incredible!' she gushed, adding: 'We got pregnant within a week of finishing the show, so that was a shock.' The lovebirds recently celebrated their four-year anniversary, with the pair opening up about how they first laid eyes on each other. Taking to social media, they explained how they met at a local gym - where they had both worked - and that Jackie witnessed a 'twinkle' in her beau eye from the very first moment. She's on a mission to get the nation in their bikinis for the summer. And Lorraine Kelly proved to be a great advert for the cause as she showed off her incredible figure in a strapless navy swimsuit on Thursday. Hiking up the Rio Chillar in Spain, the 56-year-old presenter looked half her age as she continued her quest to get fit and healthy for swimsuit season. Scroll down for video Stunning: Lorraine Kelly, 56, proved to be a great advert for her fitness campaign as she showed off her incredible figure in a strapless navy swimsuit on Thursday Flaunting her ample cleavage, the costume featured a navy strip across the bust followed by an aquamarine belt that cinched in at her small waist. The bottom half of the costume was a flattering black that offered a glimpse of her toned pins as she clung to her trusty hiking stick. Protecting herself from the Spanish sun she donned a baby pink cap, finishing off the look with oversized sunglasses. Workout wonder: It came as no surprise to see Lorraine (2L) was in such phenomenal shape as she kicked off the year by launching her fitness DVD after developing a love for zumba Lorraine kicked off the year by launching her fitness DVD after developing a love for zumba. The mum-of-one has also been encouraging the nation to get fit and healthy for swimsuit season. As part of ITV Lorraine's Bikini Promise + One campaign, she stripped off to her own two-piece as she called on others to do the same. Bikini babes: The mum-of-one has also been encouraging the nation to get fit and healthy for swimsuit season as part of ITV Lorraine's Bikini Promise + One campaign 'I never thought I would feel confident enough to wear a bikini on national TV but if I can do it then you can too,' she said. 'This plan is all about feeling healthy, fit and happy. This year we want you to get your "plus one" involved as well. It could be your partner, relative or best friend.' She added: 'Im in much better shape. But its more than that: I feel better, I feel more healthy. Its taken me a long time but I finally feel Ive arrived at my ideal body. They're undoubtedly some of the most legendary housemates to grace the Big Brother house. And the likes of Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt and Charlotte Crosby could be heading back into the most famous residence in Britain as part of a reported 'All-Star' series. In honour of the 20th Celebrity Big Brother series next summer, the Borehamwood house will reportedly be filled with legendary contestants from the past, with a line-up that could include the likes of Perez Hilton, Katie Hopkins and Denise Welch. Scroll down for video Guess who's back: They're undoubtedly some of the most legendary housemates to grace the Big Brother house and Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt could return to CBB A source told The Sun: 'Usually celebrity housemates brag about how controversial and confrontational theyll be while being screened by producers before going in, but then nothing happens. This way theyll be no dull moments as they know wholl be worth their fee. Itll be the perfect celebration of how far the show has come.' MailOnline have contacted Channel 5 for comment. Flashback: Charlotte could also be returning to the house next summer as part of the reported 'All Stars' series that's believed to be in the running next year Spencer and Heidi, collectively known as Speidi, came second in the 11th series of CBB. The controversial duo acted as one housemate, and received the most nominations ever across the show's series. The Hills stars were famed for speaking their mind and starting some fiery arguments, polarising viewers and terrorising the house. Controversial: Spencer and Heidi, collectively known as Speidi, came second in the 11th series of CBB. The duo acted as one housemate, and received the most nominations ever Victorious: Charlotte, 26, won the 12th series of the show and appeared to spark something of a trend with her Geordie Shore co-stars several of whom have since starred on the show Charlotte, 26, won the 12th series of the show and appeared to spark something of a trend with her Geordie Shore co-stars as Scotty T and Ricci Guarnaccio also went on to appear on the show. She recently spoke out about the current series as she lashed out at evictee Saira Khan. Taking to Twitter she wrote: 'I honestly hope SAIRA doesn't work again, for her bullying rank disrespectful behaviour. id be embarrassed to be one of your children [sic]. The star also defended Marnie Simpson who was accused of bullying for flashing her breasts at Saira, as Charlotte wrote: 'There's nothing loose about that loose woman..she's uptight and judgemental. Stop trying to delve into people's souls and have fun!! BORING.' She is the hardly the shy and retiring type. But former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James clearly wanted to command attention when she stepped out in London on Friday afternoon. The blonde beauty was spotted in trendy Shoreditch, where she turned heads while paying a visit to the Hoxton Radio studios. Scroll down for video Looking good: Former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James clearly wanted to command attention when she stepped out in London on Friday afternoon Looking cool as she navigated the East London district, sh e seemed to swap her posh style for something a little more hipster. Wearing a white shirt which she rolled-up at the sleeves, she also wore a leopard-print skirt for extra glamour. Putting on a leggy display, she capped the look with a pair of gold brogues. Animal instinct: The blonde beauty was spotted in trendy Shoreditch, where she turned heads while paying a visit to the Hoxton Radio studios Having launched her career on the E4 reality show, Ashley's love life has frequently played out in front of the cameras - most notably her relationships with Ollie Locke, Matt Richardson and a rumoured romance with David Walliams. Yet having recently become single, the stunner confessed that despite issuing good advice herself, she still struggles with her own love life - prompting her vow to stay away from men. She said: 'I am actually really good at giving love advice and a lot of my friends seek my advice. However I am awful at following my own advice and my love life is usually a disaster. Ive actually decided to avoid men for six months as they were the only thing in life dragging me down.' When in Rome! Looking cool as she navigated the East London district, sh e seemed to swap her posh style for something a little more hipster However, she is confident in her enviable physique, which comes after her widely discussed body woes where she admitted to dealing with body dysmorphia. She said: 'My friends were amazing. I live with (model and DJ) Charlotte de Carle and since living with her Ive never had a panic attack around my body, which I used to. They're frequently on the receiving end of the hottest holiday tickets. And this week has been no exception for effortlessly stylish husband-and-wife duo Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo. Seen enjoying dinner with Valentino on Thursday night, the hot couple proved that their Mykonos, Greece was in good company once again. Scroll down for video Holiday ready: Olivia Palermo and husband Johannes Huebl looked suitably stylish for dinner in Mykonos, Greece on Thursday night Olivia showed off her holiday glow as the trio stepped off their boat and out for dinner after sunset. She was clashing her stripes in a nautical-inspired plunging dress that featured an asymmetric hemline and a simple black belt. The fashionista teamed it with a pair of holiday-ready flat sandals and a clutch bag tucked under one arm. Fashion pack: he couple were joined by Valentino (right) on their holiday Meanwhile, Johannes kept things cool in an open blue shirt worn with white jeans and a T-shirt beneath. He seemed to match their dinner companion, who complemented his own deep tan with bright red trousers. Looking characteristically suave, the fashion designer tied a baby blue jumper around his neck. Holidaying with fashion royalty doesn't come easy and, when speaking to The Telegraph recently, Olivia gave away her secrets to a perfectly packed suitcase. 'I always suggest bringing extra accessories and bags or shoes,' she explained. 'Because you can restyle many of your outfits that way. 'I pack a little bit of everything and try to have an idea of my day and structure and environments, and keep that in mind when packing.' She added: 'My mother instilled in me from a very young age that you should always be very pulled together, it doesn't matter what time it is.' Justin Theroux showed off an usual new tattoo on Instagram. The Leftovers star posted a photo of a new inking by his tattoo artist friend Scott Campell, which reads 'Never again again,' on his 45th birthday on Wednesday. 'Thanks @scampbell333 and fellow birthday boy @lousyleo for letting me bite it,' he captioned an Instagram photo of the design on his right leg, adding hashtag '#thanksagainagain.' Cryptic inking: Actor Justin Theroux showed off a new tattoo he got for his 45th birthday on Monday Never Again, Again is also the name of a country song by Lee Ann Womack. The actor-writer got the new tat one week after he and wife Jennifer Aniston, 47, celebrated their first wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot at at their Bel-Air mansion in a surprise wedding, after telling guests the bash was Justin's 44th birthday party. The Zoolander 2 screenwriter has a number of tattoos, and previously told Vanity Fair that he'd also given his tattoo artist pal Scott - who is wed to actress Lake Bell - a few inkings after 'drunken tattoo nights.' Happy couple: Justin and wife Jennnifer Aniston, seen at the Zoolander 2 premiere in New York in February, celebrated their one-year anniversary last week 'Ive done a bunch of them,' Justin said. 'I did a really great wolfs head. I did an amazing skull and crossbones. I did a stunning yin-yang on him,' he said. But he admitted his skills weren't exactly up to the level of Scott, who is a world-renowned tattoo artist. 'I messed every single one of them up,' he admitted. 'I did a yin-yang, which is probably one of the worst yin-yangs. We laughed so hard. It might be one of the worst yin-yangs ever made.' Yin and Yang: Justin showed off his handiwork after giving tattoo artist pal Scott Campbell an inking in Decemeber The Wanderlust actor shared a photo of his lopsided yin-yang handiwork with the slogan 'cash only' on Instagram in December. 'Tattoo craft day Sorry@scampbell333,' he captioned the snap, adding '#noregrets.' The actor is currently in Australia filming season three of his HBO drama The Leftovers. He's also set to appear in upcoming Emily Blunt thriller The Girl On The Train, and a new Lego ninja movie. As a swimsuit model, she's used to leaving very little to the imagination. And Friday was no different as Natalie Roser took to the red carpet at Maxim Magazine's Fifth Birthday Party in Sydney. The 25-year-old blonde beauty flaunted her pert posterior and showed off a glimpse of sideboob in a slinky green backless dress. Scroll down for video Bringing sexy back! Swimsuit model Natalie Roser, 25, flaunted her pert posterior and showed off a glimpse of sideboob in a slinky backless dress at Maxim Magazine's Fifth Birthday Party in Sydney on Friday Attending the exclusive event with her personal trainer fiance Dan Adair, Natalie flaunted her model looks in the revealing number. The frock featured a tie-up design, which allowed the stunner to highlight her toned back and pert posterior. Accessorising with just a pair of strappy heels and layers of delicate jewellery, the Sydney socialite emphasised her bronzed complexion with a nude-coloured manicure and pedicure. Model looks: The frock featured a tie-up design which allowed the stunner to highlight her toned back Allowing her signature blonde tresses to fall effortlessly around her shoulders in loose waves, Natalie complemented the sexy look with winged eyeliner, lashings of mascara and a nude lip. Partner Dan cut a relaxed figure in a pair of dark denim jeans and a charcoal button-up shirt layered over a simple black T-shirt, bomber jacket and two-toned Adidas sneakers. Stunning: Allowing her signature blonde tresses to fall effortlessly around her shoulders in loose waves, Natalie complemented the sexy look with winged eyeliner, lashings of mascara and a nude lip Her main man: Fiance Dan Adair (L) cut a relaxed figure in a pair of dark denim jeans, charcoal button-up shirt layered over a simple black T-shirt, bomber jacket and two-toned Adidas sneakers Natalie is no stranger to showing off her enviable figure in a number of skimpy swimsuits. A day earlier the popular star posted an image of herself to Instagram in a white hot one-piece, with a glimpse of sideboob on display for all to see. Posing side-on for the shot, the former The Face Australia contestant played with her golden locks, while flashing her pearly whites for the camera. Sizzling: The former The Face Australia contestant left very little to the imagination on Thursday, sharing a sultry swimsuit snap with her social media followers She also shared another sizzling snap, but this time the runway sensation opted for a gorgeous two-piece. Natalie slipped into a sleek black bikini, which revealed her toned stomach, trim pins and a hint of cleavage. While she seemed to be spruiking a bottle of tanning lotion in the frame, there's no doubt all eyes were on her incredibly lithe figure. Last month, Natalie presented Reina Olga beachwear on the runway at Miami Swim Week. Sultry: Natalie also slipped into a sleek black bikini, which revealed her toned stomach, trim pins and a hint of cleavage International power: The 5ft 11in model has recently emerged as one of the world's leading 'influencers' on social media She previously told The Daily Telegraph she used to be stick thin before increasing her food intake and working out in the gym. 'Getting toned and getting healthy has completely changed my career,' she said. 'I'm modelling pretty much every day, which never happened before I started training and healthy eating and taking care of myself.' Natalie has been modelling since the age of 13 and once acted as a body double for Jennifer Hawkins in a Mount Franklin commercial. He's transformed himself into a range of characters over his long and varied career. But Benedict Cumberbatch, 40, has revealed that one of his most demanding roles was playing Captain Strange as he had to bulk up for the Marvel film. Speaking to The Sun, he explained: 'It was very, very physically demanding.' Scroll down for video Musclebound: Benedict Cumberbatch, 40, has revealed that one of his most demanding roles was playing Captain Strange as he had to bulk up for the Marvel film He continued: 'Not just getting all hench, as they say in Wales, the buffness you need for the superhero stuff. But also just day-to-day fitness and the stamina to do 14-15 hour days with very little turnaround and very little sleep and a baby at home and all the rest of it.' He added: 'No pain, no gain!' Filming wrapped on the superhero movie in April, but Benedict was still rocking a toned physique as he headed out of LAX airport on Friday. Dapper: Filming wrapped on the superhero movie in April, but Benedict was still rocking a toned physique as he headed out of LAX airport on Friday Suave: Clad in a tailored grey blazer, the Oscar-nominated actor looked dapper as he strolled through the terminal to catch his flight Clad in a tailored grey blazer, the Oscar-nominated actor looked dapper as he strolled through the terminal. Rocking skinny jeans and a plain white T-short he also donned a pair of navy canvas shoes. Keeping his accessories simple he wore a black trilby and sunglasses as he prepared to catch his flight. All about the accessories: Rocking skinny jeans and a plain white T-short he also donned a pair of navy canvas shoes Finishing touches: Keeping his accessories simple he wore a black trilby and sunglasses as he prepared to catch his flight Benedict is no stranger to getting in shape for a role, and previously revealed he ate 4000 calories a day to transform himself into an intimidating villain for his role on Star Trek. But the pressure was no doubt on for the upcoming Marvel Flick which is based on the comic book series. Benedict plays Stephen Strange, the world's top neurosurgeon who goes on a journey of healing after suffering life altering injuries in a car accident, and begins to work as the Ancient One. Taking it easy: The star has no doubt been able to slow down his hectic schedule now that the filming on the superhero flick has wrapped The up-coming film, directed by Scott Derrickson, also stars Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One and Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen in unknown roles. Although it has now been confirmed that Danish actor Mads, best known for his starring role in Hannibal, is set to take on the role of the main villain. Doctor Strange is due to hit the big screen in the UK on October 28, with a US release currently slated for November 4. She found fame as the sexy Italian stunner Carmella Cammeniti on Neighbours before leaving the show in 2008 to pursue her acting dreams in Los Angeles. But these days Natalie Blair has pushed Hollywood aside for motherhood, after giving birth to her first son, Finn Odin Hoflin, two weeks ago. On Friday, the 32-year-old took to Instagram to share a photo of herself breastfeeding her son, along with a lengthy caption defending the act. Breast is best! Actress Natalie Blair took to Instagram on Friday to share a photo of herself breastfeeding her newborn baby Finn 'It's quite amazing that this little fella has survived two weeks earth side on nothing but love and breast milk,' wrote the former soap star. She continued: 'The controversy/shame/pressure/sexualization of the breast in relation to feeding seems even more bizarre to me now. 'Breastfeeding is fricking beautiful!! Finn knew how to latch almost as soon as he was placed on my chest.' 'It's quite amazing that this little fella has survived two weeks earth side on nothing but love and breast milk,' wrote the former Neighbours star. Talkative: Natalie defended breastfeeding in a lengthy but loving rant posted to Instagram The Australian actress didn't stop there, adding: 'It's instinct. It's normal. It's as nature intended. 'Our bodies are phenomenal and know exactly what to do. How can people be offended by something so natural? A bubba has gotta eat. Nom nom.' The brunette beauty welcomed little Finn into the world on July 29th in an 11-hour home birth. Baby daddy: Natalie is married to fellow actor David Hoflin 'Loves boobies!' The brunette beauty mentioned that her son Finn loves breasts while announcing his birth on Instagram last month When announcing the birth on Instagram, the actress mentioned that he 'loves boobies'. Natalie is best known for her role as Carmella Cammeniti on Neighbours, which earned her a Logie award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2005. She's been quiet since leaving the show, but briefly returned to the screen in the NBC pirate drama Crossbones in 2014. US 'welcomes' Russian-Turkish cooperation against IS The United States on Thursday tentatively welcomed possible Turkish-Russian cooperation against jihadists in Syria, as Ankara has proposed to Moscow, even if those countries support opposing camps there. "We remain in close contact with our Turkish allies and our partners in the fight against Daesh," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said, using another name for the Islamic State group. Working against the jihadist group "is a priority for all of us," she said. "If this is truly a step in that direction, we would welcome that." Syrians look at civil defence workers using a digger to look for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings following reported air strikes on July 14, 2016 in Aleppo's rebel-held neighbourhood of Tariq al-Bab Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File) Pressed by reporters to confirm the US reaction, Trudeau said, "We've been very clear that if Russia is interested in fighting against (the IS group)," then "we would welcome that." How that cooperation would work is unclear. Moscow is allied with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, while Ankara has supported rebel groups seeking his overthrow in a bloody civil war. But Russian-Turkish relations have warmed amid pique in Ankara that Washington and other Western capitals did not seem more supportive after the attempted military coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. Erdogan traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Thursday, Turkish officials representing the army, intelligence agencies and the foreign ministry were in Russia for talks on Syria, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Putin last month to discuss coordinating the two countries' air strikes against IS militants and their allies. Also Thursday, the United States expressed concern about mounting reports of alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, including during an attack in Aleppo a day earlier. Washington is "very concerned about the increasing number of allegations of chemical weapons use over the last few weeks," Trudeau said. The United States and Russia are responsible for overseeing a UN resolution from late 2013 to dismantle the Syrian government's chemical weapons arsenal. A timeline of recent explosions in Thailand Twin blasts in a seaside resort town in Thailand killed one and wounded 21 others, including foreigners, the latest explosions in the region's top tourist destination. Small bomb attacks are common in Thailand during times of heightened political tension, but there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists -- a key source of income for the kingdom -- to be targeted. Unrest is often attributed to disputes over business, local politics or criminal activities. Twin blasts in Thailand's Hua Hin has killed one and injured 21 others, including foreigners Munir Uz Zaman (APF/AFP) Bangkok has been hit by several explosions in recent years, including a blast at a shrine in an area popular among tourists that left 20 people dead almost one year ago, the deadliest attack in Thailand. Thai officials said they are investigating the motives behind Thursday night's explosions, which took place near the bar district in Hua Hin, popular among foreign and local tourists. Here is a brief timeline of some blasts in Thailand in recent years. -- 2010 -- July: A suspected bomb rips through a bus stop in central Bangkok, leaving at least nine people injured and reigniting tensions two months after the end of opposition protests. October: A blast at a Bangkok apartment complex kills four, with the government blaming the incident on the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement, which denies any involvement. -- 2011 -- December: A makeshift explosive device is found and defused near the government lottery office in the capital with authorities saying the perpetrators wanted to "challenge the government". -- 2012 -- February: A string of botched blasts across Bangkok injure several people in an alleged plot by Iranian suspects to kill Israeli diplomats. Two Iranian men, including one whose legs were blown off, were sentenced to between 15 years and life in 2013 over the failed plot. -- 2013 -- May: A homemade bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area explodes, injuring seven people. -- 2014 -- January: Twin blasts by unknown attackers at an anti-government protest in central Bangkok leave 28 injured. February: A woman and a child are killed in a grenade attack during an anti-government rally in a Bangkok shopping district popular with tourists. That same month, a grenade explosion also in a bustling Bangkok shopping district kills three people, including two children. March: A string of grenade blasts rocks the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, popular with foreign tourists, leaving four people wounded. Police say the attacks could be linked to the kingdom's deadly political crisis. -- 2015 -- February: Two small bombs explode near a popular shopping mall in downtown Bangkok, injuring one man. April: A car bomb packed inside a pick-up truck on the Thai resort island of Samui wounds seven people, including an Italian girl. August: An explosion rips through the Erawan shrine in downtown Bangkok killing 20 people, mainly ethnic Chinese tourists, in the deadliest such attack in the country in recent years. -- 2016 -- February: A car bomb detonates outside a police station in southern Thailand, injuring at least seven people. August: Twin blasts in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin kill one Thai woman selling papaya and wound 21, including foreign tourists. US rapper Tyga settles legal dispute with landlord to avoid jail US rapper Tyga has settled a dispute over money owed at a Malibu property, the landlord's attorney said, clearing the way for the musician's arrest warrant to be revoked. He had failed to pay a $480,000 judgment against him for back rent and damage at the mansion he rented in 2011, and a Los Angeles judge issued the warrant after he failed to show in court on Tuesday to discuss his finances. However, Danny Abir, attorney for landlord Gholamreza Rezai, said a confidential settlement had been reached "to the mutual satisfaction of the parties." Tyga had failed to pay a $480,000 judgment against him for back rent and damage at the Malibu mansion he rented in 2011 Mark Ralston (AFP/File) Abir said his legal partner would appear in court on Friday to ask that the warrant be quashed in light of the settlement. Rezai went to court in 2012 claiming that Tyga missed a $16,000 monthly rent payment, skipped out on his lease and left the home in need of major repairs. The Grammy-nominated California rapper also allegedly installed a dance pole in the middle of the master bedroom without permission. Tyga, who has been dating reality TV star Kylie Jenner, claimed poverty, refusing to pay the settlement ordered by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Nancy Newman. Abir had pointed to media reports that Tyga bought Jenner a $200,000 car for her birthday. Tanzanian rats with nose for trouble train to save lives They have proven their worth in detecting landmines but Africa's giant pouched rats have a lesser-known but equally critical vocation - saving lives by speeding up tuberculosis detection. It's all in the nose, says the Belgian non-governmental organisation APOPO. Its founders, in 1997, saw potential for these abundant rodents with a sense of smell as keen as a dog's but dismissed as pesty vermin -- or a potential meal. An African giant pouched rat sniffs for traces of landmine explosives at APOPO's training facility in Morogoro, eastern Tanzania Carl De Souza (AFP/File) "The biggest obstacle has been the negative perception that people have of the rat," said APOPO director Christophe Cox, whose NGO has been based in Morogoro in Tanzania's eastern highlands since 2000. Yet 83,000 landmines have been neutralised in Africa and Asia thanks to the rodents, APOPO says, saving countless lives where explosives still maim and kill up to 20,000 people -- many of them children -- each year. Eyebrows were also raised when the group -- whose acronym stands for Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development -- branched out in 2007 to use rats for TB detection, under contracts with local authorities. - 'Quite efficient' - "When I first heard about this technique I was a bit shocked, but it proved to be quite efficient, in fact more efficient than the microscopy we use," said Daniel Magesa, a doctor at Pasada Upendano Clinic in the capital Dar es Salaam which now sends APOPO's Morogoro base some 200 human sputum samples every month. Africa accounts for most of the million-plus people who die of TB each year and untreated carriers can infect dozens of others, making speedy detection essential. "The problem is the concentration of the TB in the samples we have. It is sometimes not concentrated enough for us to see it through the type of microscopy we use, even though it is very modern," Dr. Magesa said. "With the lack of resources, qualifications and time, hospitals in the region only detect about 50 percent of TB cases," said APOPO director Cox, a figure confirmed by Dr. Magesa. Today, more than 29 hospitals in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro send the Morogoro lab sputum samples. Another dozen clinics in the Mozambique capital Maputo send samples to an APOPO center opened in that country in 2013. The NGO says it has detected 10,000 missed TB cases, identified by workers like Oprah and Violet, whiskers bristling as they move along a row of test tubes. "The big advantage is how quick the rats are. They can go through 100 samples in about 20 minutes, and this is what a lab technician will take four days to do," said Cox. During TB detection, rats are presented with a mix of negative and positive samples, the latter decontaminated for safety "but the smell remains", said training director Haruni Ramadhan. When a rat identifies a "true" positive, it is rewarded with a banana-peanut butter mixture. "We can only reward the rat if we are certain it is right," Ramadhan said. The negatives are not necessarily suspicious but become "suspect", and subjected to further testing, if the rat reacts. "Thanks to the rats, we have increased (TB case) detection rates by 40 percent" in the participating clinics, said Cox -- citing the same figure given by Dr. Magesa. APOPO now employs 222 rats -- 108 for demining and 42 TB detectors. - 'A lot faster' - The others are breeders or still in training, like Jon Stewart and Stephen Hawking -- year-old twins named for the US television star and the British scientist -- who are hard at work, poking their noses in soil studded with deactivated mines. "In these boxes we have buried land mines, so the rats have to pass and sniff and whenever they find the smell of TNT ... he has to scratch strongly," said chief trainer Jared Mkumba. If they get it right, the instructor snaps a clicker, a signal that the rat can claim its reward, a bit of the banana-peanut butter concoction. After six to nine months' training, the "HeroRATs", as APOPO calls them, are sent to Mozambique, Angola and more recently Cambodia to comb former battle zones -- but this is no suicide mission. At one to 1.5 kilogrammes (2.2 to 3.3 pounds), the rats are big enough to attach to a long, thin leash as they scan areas but light enough not to set off mines, which are cleared by human cohorts. Another plus is the African pouched rat's "long" lifespan, six to eight years, its affinity for repetitive tasks and its small size, which makes it easy to house, transport and feed. "This is a lot faster than traditional methods, because rats only detect mines while metal detectors will beep for every single piece of scrap," said Mkumba. But they will never entirely replace other methods, he said. "Rats are more efficient when on large minefields where mines are spread, but they are useless when there are lots of mines, for minebelts for example, because we know where they are." The World Health Organization has not, so far, endorsed this TB testing but APOPO, funded mainly by donations, won't stop there. Buoyed by its success, future ideas include trying out rats in detecting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Lab technicians train an African giant pouched rat to detect tuberculosis at APOPO's training facility in Morogoro, Tanzania Carl De Souza (AFP/File) Calling China: phones everywhere in world's biggest market Sometimes it seems that no one in China, from toddlers to octogenarians, ladies in swimming pools to delivery men mid-manoeuvre, is without a cellphone to hand -- and statistically it is more or less true. There are almost as many mobile accounts as people in the world's most populous country. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of them -- a swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United States -- were connected to the 4G network, according to its ministry of industry and information technology. China had 1.3 billion mobile users by the end of 2015, and nearly 30 percent of them -- a swathe of humanity larger than the whole population of the United States -- were connected to the 4G network Wang Zhao (AFP) The zoned-out zombie stare of the smartphone addict is a common sight everywhere on the increasingly mobile-addled planet, but it can seem all the more ubiquitous in China. People retreat behind their little blue screens at any time of day or night, in dark concert halls, taking a break from the kids on the playroom floor, or in the company of a crowd of uniformed coworkers doing exactly the same thing. Nearly everyone who accesses the internet -- a staggering 92.5 percent -- does so via their mobile, official Chinese bodies say. They are hedged in by the "Great Firewall", strict regulations that block politically sensitive content and foreign sites such as Facebook, Google and Twitter. As a result Chinese smartphone users spend much of their time on native apps that may have begun as knock-offs of censored foreign services but are now paving the way for the future of Western technology. These days, Chinese users can send their grandmother a virtual red envelope of money, order a box of live scorpions or summon a beautician to the door for an in-house manicure, all without even leaving the interface of a single app, such as the monstrously popular WeChat. The huge population of mobile users, which boomed as a result of a burgeoning middle class, represents one of the world's most important markets for companies such as Apple. The Californian giant's profits slumped last quarter due in large part to slowing sales in Greater China -- including Hong Kong and Taiwan -- where revenues dropped 33 percent in the face of increasing competition from homegrown brands such as Oppo, Huawei and Xiaomi. Businessman Chu Ling, 48, has come a long way since 1989, when he got his first mobile: a huge, boxy Motorola. He now communicates with colleagues and clients primarily via WeChat -- an app he barely used a year ago -- and gets a new handset every six months. His latest is a shiny Samsung acquired in March that, unlike an iPhone, is able to hold both his work and personal SIM cards. "Things change so much here, even within the space of a single year," he said. "The West went through desktop computers and laptops before they hit smartphones, and so people still find those convenient, but in China, we were willing to jump directly over to doing everything by mobile. It's like we skipped a few stages." A passenger holds her mobile phone while asleep on a bus in Beijing Wang Zhao (AFP/File) A Buddhist monk talks on his smartphone as he sits on the grassland of the Tibetan Plateau in Yushu County Nicolas Asfouri (AFP) Japan reactor restarts in post-Fukushima nuclear push Japan restarted a nuclear reactor on Friday despite a court challenge by local residents, in a boost for Tokyo's faltering post-Fukushima push to bring back atomic power. Operator Shikoku Electric Power said it switched on the No. 3 reactor at its Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime prefecture, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) southwest of Tokyo. The reactor -- shuttered along with dozens of others across Japan in the wake of the March 2011 Fukushima accident -- was expected to be fully operational by August 22. Operator Shikoku Electric Power said it switched on the No. 3 reactor at its Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime prefecture The prefecture's governor and the mayor of the plant's host town agreed on the restart in October, in the face of opposition from some local residents who filed a lawsuit to halt the refiring. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and utility companies have been pushing to get reactors back in operation after a huge earthquake and tsunami caused a disastrous meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan. The accident forced all of Japan's dozens of reactors offline in the face of public worries over the safety of nuclear power and fears about radiation exposure, forcing a move to pricey fossil fuels. Opposition to nuclear power has seen communities across the country file lawsuits to prevent restarts, marking a serious challenge for Abe's pro-nuclear stance. In April, a court ruled that Japan's only two working nuclear reactors could remain online, rejecting an appeal by residents who said tougher post-Fukushima safety rules were still inadequate. Two other reactors in central Japan had also been restarted before a court in March ordered them offline in response to a legal challenge. Including the reactor restarting on Friday, Japan will have just three operating reactors -- and furious local residents vowed to fight on. "We protest this restart of the Ikata nuclear reactor and are extremely angry," the residents' group said in a statement Friday, adding that the reactor's use of a plutonium-uranium MOX fuel made it especially dangerous. "We can't have another Fukushima." The utility said it would make "ceaseless efforts" to ensure the plant was safe and to keep residents informed about key details of the restart. Ex-Philippine leader meets senior China official to mend ties Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos said Friday he had met with a senior Chinese official during a trip to Hong Kong aimed at improving ties between Manila and Beijing, with both sides working towards formal discussions. Relations have cooled since a UN-backed tribunal ruled last month that China's claims over most of the South China Sea were invalid, in a sweeping victory for the Philippines which brought the case. Ramos -- a longtime advocate of closer Philippine-Chinese ties -- was sent as a conciliatory envoy by current Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos was sent as a conciliatory envoy by current Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte Anthony Wallace (AFP) In a two-day meeting in Hong Kong, Ramos said he had discussions with Madam Fu Ying, chair of the foreign affairs committee of the National People's Congress -- China's communist-controlled legislature. Fu Ying is a former ambassador to Manila. He also met with Wu Shichun, president of China's National Institute of South China Seas Studies. In a statement signed by Ramos, Fu Ying and Wu, the meeting was described as between "old friends" and had taken place "in a friendly atmosphere". It listed seven topics that had been covered, including marine preservation and co-operation on crime-fighting and smuggling. Ramos told reporters they had not discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but had talked about fishing rights there. "They discussed, in their private capacity, the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation between the two countries," the joint statement said. It added that all parties "looked forward" to the start of formal talks which it said would be continued in Beijing and Manila. Ramos said there would be a second round of discussions soon. "As to where this will take place we don't know yet. We have to go back to Manila to find out the latest developments on the official side," he said. Ramos took his characteristic informal approach to the press conference, asking reporters to stand beside him to ask questions and pose for the cameras, and telling one journalist to hold his stomach in while he spoke. Philippine-Chinese ties have frayed in recent years due to tensions over Beijing's claims to almost all the South China Sea. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing partial claims and are perturbed by China's aggressive moves to assert its sovereignty such as by reclaiming islands and building airstrips. China has angrily refused to recognise last month's tribunal decision. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan detained at US airport Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter Friday to express his annoyance at being detained by US airport immigration authorities for the third time, saying the experience "really, really sucks". The last time Khan, 50, was detained by immigration officials in New York in 2012, it sparked uproar among his Indian fans who accused the US of racial profiling, and led Washington to apologise. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Khan tweeted after he was pulled aside at Los Angeles airport. Washington had previously denied allegations that Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was singled out because his name denotes him as a Muslim "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons". As news of Khan's detention broke on Indian television channels, US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal quickly expressed regret. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!" Biswal tweeted. Washington had previously denied allegations that Khan was singled out because his name denotes him as a Muslim. Someone with the same name is reportedly on a US no-fly list of 80,000. After the 2012 incident, Khan joked in a speech to Yale University that he was accustomed to such hassles. "Yes, it always happens... Whenever I start feeling arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America," he told students. "The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom." Khan was also detained for more than two hours in 2009 at Newark airport outside New York, prompting a similar Indian outcry and a US apology. Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York. This week, we spotlight Gina. Q: Who is your best friend? A: Not only is this person my BFF, I think I am actually in love with him! Perhaps that's a bit hyperbolic (whoa, who writes this stuff?). Anyway, my favorite humane law enforcement officer saved me and whether he knows it or not, he is now my BFF! Q: What has been your worst experience? A: So, here's the story! I was in a small pen full of rubbish on a 90 degree day, with no shade, with no water, with no food, and no humans to help me. Well, until my hero showed up. You just cannot imagine how really horrible that was. I just knew I wasn't long for this world. But, I'm happy to say I'm here, it's all good now and I'm looking for my new home. Q: If you could have a job, what would that be? A: Wow, that's a tough one! Part of me is border collie! We are exceptionally smart dogs, and I absolutely must have a job any job! Without one, I might become very unhappy and heaven forbid destructive. I'm a high-energy gal and I need lots of exercise. So, to answer your question, I really don't care what the job is just give me one and I will love you forever, and be the best friend you could ever ask for! Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be? A: Part of my heritage originated in the border country between England and Scotland, where I was hired on as a "canine shepherd" and I worked long and hard hours! For starters, I would like to visit the land of my heritage the British Isles! Then, on to "the continent"! Q: If you could meet someone famous, who would that be? A: This is a tossup! I would love to meet either Jon Bon Jovi or Tiger Woods! They are both border collie lovers, and that's all I need to know about them. Maybe I could meet both of them! Q: Do you have an interesting fact to share? A: Well, not really. Sorry. Q: Do you have any advice for our good Citizen readers? A: I do! My shelter people are having a "mini garage sale" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 13, right here at my home at the shelter! There are a lot of interesting things that will be available! So stop by to have a look and while you're at it, stop inside to see me. I'm the really cute one! Thank you and love, Gina and friends! Big Three US automakers open negotiations with Canada union Difficult negotiations between Detroit's Big Three automakers and employees in Canada have opened with the workers' union taking a hard line over warnings the country's auto industry is under serious threat. Canadian plants have steadily lost jobs to Mexico during the past 25 years, and unless the negotiations produce job guarantees and investment commitments, the auto industry will continue to contract, Jerry Dias, president of the union representing 23,000 workers for General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Canada -- said on Thursday. "We are at a crossroads," he told reporters during a news conference after negotiations with Fiat Chrysler and Ford opened in Toronto on Thursday. General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Canada are holding talks with Unifor labour union in Canada Bill Pugiano (Getty/AFP/File) "There will be no deals with any of the companies without commitments from each of them for investments in Canada," said Dias, who heads the Unifor labor union. Negotiations with GM began on Wednesday. The union wants guarantees GM will build new products at the company's assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, a commitment from Ford to build a new engine at its motor plant in Windsor, Ontario and an investment by Fiat Chrysler at the automaker's plant in Brampton, Ontario. The factories in Windsor and Oshawa could close in two years without new investments, wiping out hundreds of jobs, Dias said. New investments by the three automakers -- all of which have heavily invested in new factories in Mexico during the last decade and refurbished plants in the United States -- would also create hundreds of spinoff jobs that would bolster the Canadian economy, which is overly dependent on the energy sector, he added. The union would not hesitate to use strikes to enforce the its demands, Dias warned. "We hope we don't have to go there, to be candid," he said, adding that a walkout in Canada would cross the border, forcing GM to close as many as nine US assembly plants. - 'Zero interest in concessions' - The union also expects workers at all three Detroit automakers to get raises in any new contracts. "We have zero interest in concessions," Dias said. "There is no reason for us to step backward." "The reality is they are making a heck of a lot of money," he added, saying it would be only fair for workers who have not seen a raise in a decade to share in the profits. Roughly 25 percent of the vehicles manufactured in North America were assembled in Canada before the industry's financial crisis in 2008. Now the country assembles only around 15 percent of the cars and trucks built on the continent, according to figures supplied by Unifor. The drop in production has had a knock-on effect for shrinking automotive suppliers in Ontario. Manufacturers are also concerned about the cost of utilities and logistics as well as the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar. But analysts have said the union faces a tough battle against automakers that have the upper hand. Representatives from General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler have said little publicly about the negotiations so far. - Need to remain competitive - GM said in a statement issued as the talks got under way that it looked forward to the negotiations with Unifor, which replaced the Canadian Auto Workers union in 2013 after it merged with other unions in the communications, energy and paper industries. "These negotiations are an important first hurdle in building a business case for future investments in Canada," GM said. "This business case will also include other partners, such as government, suppliers and our communities," it added. Fiat Chrysler cited its recent investment in the company's Windsor assembly plant. The company "has a longstanding history of working collaboratively with Unifor, which has helped strengthen our position in the Canadian market since 2009," it said in a statement. "As we head into these negotiations, we look forward to continuing that partnership while reaching a labor agreement that will sustain the companys competitiveness over the long term," it added. Ford also stressed its need to remain competitive. "We approach the process with a shared goal -- to pursue long-term viability for Canadian auto manufacturing," the company said in a statement emailed to reporters after negotiations opened. "The global landscape has significantly changed in four years, and through our discussions well need to find innovative ways to be competitive and support our employees quality of life." Ruthless Phelps sweeps to 22nd Olympic gold Michael Phelps swept to a jaw-dropping 22nd Olympic gold as China's Chen Xinyi failed a doping test to cast a shadow over the Rio swimming competition. While Phelps became one of only three athletes to have won titles in the same individual event at four straight Games, Chen tested positive for a diuretic, the Chinese Swimming Association told state media. There was a stunning upset in the women's competition as Australian world record-holder Cate Campbell inexplicably flopped in the 100m freestyle which ended in a dead heat for gold, but there was no escaping Phelps as he romped to his fourth gold of the Rio Olympics. USA's Michael Phelps holds up four fingers for his fourth gold medal after he won the Men's 200m Individual Medley Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Odd Andersen (AFP) The record-breaking American stormed to victory in the 200m individual medley to match his London tally four years ago. Competing in his fifth and final Olympics, Phelps joined Al Oerter in the discus (1956-68) and Carl Lewis in the long jump (1984-96) as the only members of the exclusive four-in-a-row club. Phelps utterly dominated a final which crackled with tension and brought the curtain down on his 12-year rivalry with fellow American Ryan Lochte. After a strong start from local favourite Thiago Pereira, Phelps took charge on the backstroke leg before powering away to win in one minute, 54.66 seconds -- almost two seconds clear of Japan's Kosuke Hagino in second. Hagino, who won the 400m medley last weekend, produced a quick finish to pinch silver in 1:56.61, with China's Wang Shun coming through for a surprise bronze in 1:57.05. Lochte, a six-time Olympic champion, could only finish fifth, while Pereira faded badly and he trailed home seventh. A little more than half-an-hour later, having collected his gold medal, Phelps returned to qualify fifth fastest for Friday's 100m butterfly final -- another event he won in Athens, Beijing and London. "It's been a hell of a career," said Phelps, who could still equal his Athens tally of six gold medals, two shy of his epic Beijing haul. - 'Just as sweet' - "It's crazy to think about but It's also really cool because I've been able to do everything that I ever wanted," he added. "It all started as just a kid who wasn't afraid. My body doesn't feel like an 18 year old now. It's more painful getting out of the pool. But it's just as sweet standing on the podium hearing your national anthem play. That's something I will miss." Campbell turned 0.12 inside her own world record before being caught by the two women on either side of her -- American Simone Manuel and Canadian schoolgirl Penny Oleksiak, who shared gold in a 52.70sec dead heat. Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom also crept by her to take bronze to complete her collection after winning gold in the 100m fly and silver in the 200m free. Campbell, incredibly, finished outside of the medals in fourth. Manuel became the first American woman to win the 100m free since the 1984 Los Angeles Games, which was also a tie -- between compatriots Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer. "When I hit the wall I was just trying to catch my breath," said 16-year-old Oleksiak after becoming the first Canadian to win four medals in a single Games. "I saw Simone's name and I thought I came second, then I saw 'Olympic record' by both names and I thought: 'That's crazy, no one ties at the Olympics.'" Japan's Rie Kaneto blazed to gold in the women's 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:20.30 to deny two-time doping offender Yulia Efimova. The Russian, whose participation has provoked open hostility from rival swimmers, was a distant second with China's Shi Jinglin third. American Ryan Murphy completed a Rio double after bullying world champion Mitchell Larkin in the men's 200m backstroke, winning in 1:53.62 to underline US dominance of the event. Australian Larkin, who failed to medal in the 100m, took silver and Russia's Evgeny Rylov the bronze. China's Chen Xinyi has tested positive for a diuretic, the Chinese Swimming Association told state media Alexander Nemenov (AFP/File) USA's Simone Manuel reacts after winning the Women's 100m Freestyle Final during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Gabriel Bouys (AFP) Japan's Rie Kaneto celebrates after winning the Women's 200m Breaststroke Final at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio Martin Bureau (AFP) Republicans, in revolt, urge party to de-fund Trump: report More than 70 influential Republicans have signed a letter urging the party to stop spending money on Donald Trump's presidential campaign and direct it instead to November's congressional races, a news report said on Friday. "We believe that Donald Trump's divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide," read a draft text of the letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, which was obtained by the Politico newspaper. It called for an "immediate shift" of party funding to Senate and House races, to aid down-ballot Republicans whose own election prospects have been harmed by Trump's unpopularity. New York artist Scott LoBaido (Left-on ladder) works on a 'Patriotic Lawn T' in support 2016 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Staten Island Kena Betancur (AFP) "This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trump's chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day," the letter said. The letter cited various actions by Trump that the signers said have "alienated millions of voters of all parties." "Those recent outrages have built on his campaign of anger and exclusion, during which he has mocked and offended millions of voters, including the disabled, women, Muslims, immigrants, and minorities," the letter said, according to Politico. "He also has shown dangerous authoritarian tendencies, including threats to ban an entire religion from entering the country, order the military to break the law by torturing prisoners, kill the families of suspected terrorists, track law-abiding Muslim citizens in databases, and use executive orders to implement other illegal and unconstitutional measures." So far, the letter has been signed by a number of key former party staff members and officials. Politico reported that it began circulating this week and is expected to be sent to Priebus next week. Meanwhile, Politico reported in a separate article that a meeting is planned Friday between Trump advisors and Republican Party officials at the request of the nominee's campaign, in a possible sign that Trump is seeking help in rescuing his foundering campaign. "They want to patch up a rift that just keeps unfolding," a source told Politico, speaking about Friday's sit-down, which is to be held in Orlando. "They finally realize they need the RNC (Republican National Committee) for their campaign because, let's face it, there is no campaign," the source said. Japan gives Philippines patrol ships Japan on Friday announced it would give the Philippines two new vessels to boost Manila's capacity to patrol its waters, with the allies facing Chinese aggression in separate maritime disputes. Japan, the Philippines' top source of aid, said it was also discussing with Manila the lease of surveillance aircraft to help its under-equipped coast guard. The new vessels and planes are on top of 10 coast guard ships that Tokyo pledged to the previous Philippine leader Benigno Aquino. Philippine and Japanese coast guards are seen aboard a boat during their annual joint anti-piracy exercise in the waters off Manila Bay in July 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File) Japan and China are locked in a long-running dispute over uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, while Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. "We are talking about big-sized, 90-metre (295-foot) long vessels. We are also discussing the possibility of leasing aircraft designed for training. They are surveillance aircraft," Masato Ohtaka, deputy press secretary for Japan's foreign ministry, told reporters in Manila. A UN-backed tribunal last month rejected Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea which reach close to the coasts of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. Ohtaka said the new ships were among topics discussed by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday in the southern Philippine city of Davao. Duterte said Thursday night he told Kishida about his "soft landing" approach to dealing with China following the tribunal's decision. "(I don't want) to start hostilities at this time of our lives and he said Japan would do the same. They just want dialogue. They do not want further incursions," Duterte said. Philippine foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay said Thursday Manila and Tokyo shared the same experience of dealing with Beijing's "intimidation" at sea. He and Kishida urged Beijing to observe the rule of law after China vowed to ignore the ruling. Beijing has conducted massive reclamation in the South China Sea, with a US-based think tank releasing images this week showing what appears to be China building military aircraft hangars on disputed reefs. Ohtaka said Duterte and Kishida also discussed Japan's $2.4 billion loan for a new railway aimed at easing Manila's notorious gridlock. The 38-kilometre (24-mile) elevated commuter line would connect Manila to nearby Bulacan province to decongest the capital and help spur economic activity. "This is one of the biggest projects Japan has ever embarked upon using the yen loan," said Ohtaka. Ohtaka added Japan was also open to building a railway in the southern region of Mindanao, a project Duterte previously said China had offered to fund. Duterte has said reducing traffic congestion and fixing the deteriorating transport system are priorities for his administration. Manila's traffic problems cost the Philippines an estimated $64 million a day in 2015, a Japanese-funded study found. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) greets Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (R) in Davao, on the southern island of Mindanao on August 11, 2016 Rene Lumawag (Philippine Presidential Photographers Dividion (PPD)/AFP) British aristocrat's son bailed in Kenya over $5.8mn drugs bust A British aristocrat's son facing charges of trafficking $5.8 million worth of cocaine was bailed on Friday after a Kenyan judge rejected prosecutors' attempts to keep him in custody. Jack Marrian, 31, was arrested after police in the eastern port city of Mombasa on July 29 seized a 100-kilo (220 pound) stash of cocaine in a sugar consignment ordered by his employer Mshale Commodities. Nairobi's High Court upheld a lower court's decision to free Marrian on condition of posting a bond of 70 million shillings ($690,600) with two Kenyan sureties, and surrendering his passport. British national Jack Marrian (R), flanked by a police officer, appears in court in Nairobi on August 8, 2016, where he faces charges of trafficking 100 kilos of cocaine from Brazil to Mombasa The judge said he was not convinced by arguments from Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, who protested the decision to bail Marrian given the severity of the alleged offence. Also freed on bond was Kenyan co-accused Roy Francis Mwanthi, who faces similar charges. Marrian was charged with drug trafficking on August 4 after an Interpol tipoff about the consignment and interrogation by a special team of US anti-narcotics agents and their Kenyan counterparts. His case has caused a sensation in his native Britain, where the aristocratic background of his mother Lady Emma Clare Campbell of Cawdor and his attendance at top private schools, including the alma mater of Prince William's wife Catherine, have caught the eye of the press. His artist father David Marrian has said he has "no doubt" his son will be exonerated, adding he has the full support of his employers. Mombasa on Africa's east coast has long been used as a hub for drugs bound for Asia and Europe. Zambia presidential challenger alleges election fraud Zambian presidential challenger Hakainde Hichilema alleged election fraud on Friday, accusing poll officials and the ruling party of colluding over delayed results in the neck-and-neck race. The allegations by Hichilema are set to further stoke tensions between supporters of his United Party for National Development (UPND) and those of President Edgar Lungu's Patriotic Front (PF). Zambia is known for its relative stability, but the election campaign was marked by weeks of clashes between the rival groups, with at least three people killed in the run-up to Thursday's vote. Zambian presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema of main opposition party United Party for National Development, talks to journalists after casting his ballot during the Zambian general elections on August 11, 2016 in Lusaka Gianluigi Guercia (AFP) "The ECZ (Electoral Commission of Zambia) is somehow conniving... to delay the release of results so that PF thugs armed with guns take over the polling stations at night and write fake results," Hichilema told reporters in Lusaka. "They are trying to generate the results." Hichilema, a wealthy businessman who is making his fifth attempt to win the presidency, narrowly lost a snap election to Lungu last year by less than 28,000 votes. This year, he alleged that his campaign was suppressed by the authorities banning his rallies, arresting party leaders and through biased state media coverage. Election day -- which saw nine candidates run for president -- was peaceful, with Zambian officials repeatedly issuing calls for calm to try to avoid a violent reaction to the results. Early results were due to be announced on Friday afternoon, but were delayed several times until they started to trickle in during the evening. Official results from the first three constituencies out of 156 put Lungu in the lead. Constitutional changes mean that the winner must now secure more than 50 percent of the vote, pointing to a possible second round run-off that would likely be held next month. - 'Unprecedented violence' - Electoral commission chief Esau Chulu described Hichilema's allegations as "regrettable". "We are not influenced by any individual whatsoever. The results that will come here are what the voters have decided (who) to be president," he said. The commission earlier this week stated that violence during the election campaign was "unprecedented" and had "marred Zambia's historic record of peaceful elections". Last month, campaigning in the capital Lusaka was halted for 10 days in a bid to reduce tensions. But the skirmishes continued, including fighting in the streets near Hichilema's final election rally. Zambia, a British colony until 1964, recorded GDP growth of 3.6 percent last year -- its slowest rate since 1998. The falling price of copper, the country's key export, has badly damaged the economy with thousands of jobs lost in mining and inflation soaring to over 20 percent. But Zambia, in contrast to neighbours like Angola and Zimbabwe, has escaped war and serious upheaval in recent decades. It last held a peaceful transfer of power to an opposition party in 2011 when Michael Sata took office. Sata died in 2014, and the 2015 election gave Lungu the right to finish his term. "I will be back home waiting for the results to be announced peacefully. I urge you to do the same," Lungu, 59, said in a statement after voting on Thursday. - 'Do-or-die' affair - An EU monitoring team, which had 120 observers on duty across Zambia, was due to give its first assessment of the election on Saturday. Analysts had warned that the vote count could be tense. "Both parties have approached the election as a 'do-or-die' affair," said Dimpho Motsamai, of the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies. "Prospects of violence after the election and during the run-off cannot be ruled out." Election turnout was high, election officials said, with voters forming long queues to cast their ballots for the national assembly and local councillors as well as the presidency. The election also included a constitutional referendum on amending the bill of rights. Zambia: country profile Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema casts his ballot during the presidential elections at a polling station in Lusaka, on August 11, 2016 Gianluigi Guercia (AFP) South Korean gymnast 'awed' by selfie fame South Korean gymnast Lee Eun-Ju, who found herself in the international spotlight after taking a selfie with a North Korean competitor in Rio, said Friday she was surprised by the extraordinary response to such a simple act. A snapshot of Lee and North Korea's Hong Un-Jong posing for the selfie on Lee's phone swiftly went viral on Twitter, with many hailing the image as a perfect illustration of the Olympic spirit. The photo has been tweeted and shared hundreds of thousands of times, with the likes of IOC president Thomas Bach describing it as a "great gesture." South Korean gymnast Lee Eun-Ju (right) and North Korea's Hong Un-Jong have been shocked by the global response after they posed for a photo on August 7, 2016 In a radio interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS on Friday, the 17-year-old said the decision to grab a selfie with Hong had been totally spontaneous. "I saw her and asked to take a picture together as a souvenir," Lee said. "I didn't expect such a huge reaction so I'm still awed by that," she added. Lee was only nine when Hong -- 10 years her senior -- became the first female North Korean gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. The two had never met before Rio, but Lee said she had been impressed watching Hong compete on television. The photo of the two athletes resonated at a time of growing tension between North and South Korea who technically remain at war since the 1950-53 Korean War concluded without a formal peace treaty. Civilian communication between the two countries is almost non-existent and South Koreans are forbidden from travelling to the North without prior permission. The international sporting arena offers one of the rare opportunities for some North-South bonding, although the level of interaction is usually dictated by the prevailing state of relations. In the past, the two nations have fielded joint teams for some sporting events and they marched together under one flag at the 2000 and 2004 summer Olympics. That initiative ended in Beijing due to heightened tensions on the divided Korean peninsula. "I don't really know about politics, but I don't think we have a terrible relationship with North Korea," Lee said in another interview with local media. "We mingle and say hello with athletes from other countries, so why can't we (North and South Koreans) do that?" she asked. Lee was eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the gymnastics competition in Rio and said she hadn't spoken to Hong since. Blazing toilet rolls help Australian 'Flying Doctor' land in dark It was a strange sight in the dark of the night -- 20 toilet rolls set on fire and lined up in rows after being drenched in fuel. But for pilot Geoff Cobden, it was the only way he could safely land his plane in a remote area of Australia to help fly a critically ill woman to the nearest hospital hundreds of kilometres away. The flight on July 31 in northern Queensland state was a hit on Facebook when it was posted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and highlighted the challenges faced by their teams, who are often the only way people who work on cattle stations -- some of which are bigger than small European nations -- reach medical help. A pilot with Australia's Flying Doctor Service landed his Beechcraft King Air twin-turboprop (similar to model pictured) in a remote area of Queensland with the aid of blazing toilet rolls Roslan Rahman (AFP/File) "This particular night, we got a call that there's a patient. We discuss different ways of lighting the airstrip and we came up with dunny (toilet) rolls as the best option," Cobden, who was flying a Beechcraft King Air twin-turboprop aircraft, told AFP. The unwell farm hand had been taken to Burke and Wills Roadhouse, a service station some 250 kilometres (155 miles) or 30 minutes flight from where Cobden was based. "They said 'yeah, yeah' we have plenty of dunny rolls and so we explained how to set up... so basically soak them in diesel and they'll burn for about half an hour, and set them up 30 metres wide. "We say don't light them until we get there. We've got UHF radio so we talk to them from the aeroplane once we are overhead and get them to run along and light them all up." Cobden said toilet rolls were a good way to light up airstrips if the cattle farms -- some of which are about 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles) in size -- did not have working flares. The "absolute last resort" would be using the lights from vehicles, he added. "Generally most stations have enough toilet rolls to avert the possibility of a car-lit landing." India court lifts ban on large diesel cars in Delhi India's top court Friday lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold SUVs. Car manufacturers would however have to pay a one percent green tax to compensate for polluting the city's air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars. "Deposit of one percent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers/dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi," a bench headed by Chief Justice T. S. Thakur ruled. Last December, India's Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital's toxic air Money Sharma (AFP/File) The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital's toxic air. More than 23 percent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank. Friday's verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely. Missing for a century, Singapore-born manatees re-settle in Caribbean Two Singapore-born manatees which were flown halfway around the world this week under a programme to restore Caribbean populations of the endangered sea cows are settling in well in Guadeloupe, their carers said. The giant, slow-moving, whiskered herbivores became extinct in the French overseas territory in the early 20th century. Kai, seven, and Junior, six, were both born and bred at Singapore Zoo. One of the two manatees transferred from Singapore pictured in a natural pool at the Blachon manatee accommodation centre in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, Guadeloupe on August 10, 2016 Helene Valenzuela (AFP/File) On Monday, the two were flown 19,600 kilometres (12,200 miles) to their new tropical home, where the gentle sloth-like male mammals received a rapturous welcome. Guadeloupe National Park said Thursday the pair, who were regularly sprayed with water during their 34-hour journey in open-top crates, were "doing well" after their voyage. "The first signs are positive," one of their minders said. "They are starting to interact with their carers and to feed and keep hydrated," he told reporters. The new arrivals, who weigh between 500 kilogrammes and 700 kg (1,100 and 1,540 pounds), were released into Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, a 15,000-hectare (37,000-acre) protected bay, where they are expecting company shortly. Over the next five years they will be joined by 13 other manatees supplied by zoos around the world, 10 of which will be female. Any offspring from the group will be released into the wild. Kai and Junior's arrival is the culmination of a decade-long effort to reintroduce the aquatic giants behind mermaid myths -- perhaps because they rise out of the water and can turn their heads -- that hit several snags along the way. The first specimens had been expected to arrive from Brazil in 2014 but Brazil backed out of the agreement in 2015, leaving Guadeloupe high and dry. Known locally as "maman d'lo" or mother of the sea, West Indian manatees were an important part of the French territory's ecology before being hunted to extinction in the early 1900s. A mammal that can grow to up to 4.5 metres (15 feet) in length, the species inhabits warm coastal waters, mangrove swamps and estuaries where it grazes on plants. The manatee is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Discussion of the repopulation programme started in 2007 and included educating the Guadeloupe public about the animals, US-based project consultant Ray Ball told AFP. "You can't reintroduce an animal species to a country if the people don't want it," he said. - Casting net wide - Kai and Junior, whose ancestors came from across the Caribbean in Guyana, were donated by Singapore Zoo. "We never thought we'd have to go that far for them," Herve Magnin, head of the heritage department at Guadeloupe National Park said. Relief over their arrival was palpable in Guadeloupe, which had feared any further delays to starting the programme would jeopardise 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) in funding from the European Union, the project's main backer. Magnin said the delays in getting the manatees to Guadeloupe had also made it a battle to keep people involved in project "Life Sirenia" motivated. "We needed animals," he said Guadeloupe is now in discussions with Mexico, Guyana and Colombia on receiving other manatees in the coming months. The national park's director, Maurice Anselme, said the aim was to have a broad selection of specimens "to avoid inbreeding and have a healthy herd." The containers used to transfer two manatees from Singapore pictured at the Blachon manatee accommodation centre in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, Guadeloupe on August 10, 2016 Helene Valenzuela (AFP) AUBURN An Auburn man is facing several years in prison for committing three separate crimes in Cayuga County. Jack Ferrin, of 229 Genesee St., pleaded guilty to three felonies: third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, first-degree identity theft and third-degree burglary. Ferrin admitted selling heroin in August 2015; the 30-year-old pleaded guilty to one felony count to satisfy five other drug-related charges in that case. The defendant then said he entered a residence on Maple Street in April with the intent to commit larceny. And in June, he used a stolen credit card at the Wal-Mart on Grant Avenue. Ferrin could spend a maximum of nine years in prison for his drug conviction and seven years each on the other charges. However, Judge Thomas Leone said he will likely sentence Ferrin to two years in prison plus two years post-release supervision in addition to recommending shock camp. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6.Also in court: A Sterling man admitted to four felonies for illegally receiving more than $12,000 in unemployment benefits. Benjamin Batrack, of 14230 Craine Road, pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree welfare fraud, third-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument and misuse of food stamps. The 30-year-old said he submitted a form with false information in October 2011 and did not report his benefits or a period of employment between June 2012 and August 2013. During that time, he received roughly $11,500 in Medicaid and around $1,000 in food stamps. According to Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann, if Batrack pays restitution by the time of sentencing, the court will allow him to change his plea to reduced misdemeanor charges with a sentence of three years probation. However, if the defendant does not pay the full restitution in the next six to nine months, he could face time at Willard, a drug treatment campus operated by the New York State Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision. Batrack said he plans to pay $8,500 to an escrow account set up by his attorney, Steven Buitron, within the next 30 days. He will have until his sentencing Feb. 23, 2017, to pay the remainder of restitution. A 19-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison for selling heroin that allegedly caused a near-fatal overdose in Moravia. Kyle Henline, of 5183 Erron Hill Road in Locke, pleaded guilty last month to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. According to Budelmann, in March, Henline sold heroin to a Moravia man who nearly died as a result of the sale. The defendant also has a previous drug-related conviction out of Tompkins County for which he was recently sentenced to one to three years in prison. Leone sentenced Henline to three years in prison plus two years post-release supervision Thursday, but issued an order for shock camp. A Cayuga man pleaded guilty to two felonies Thursday in exchange for two to four years in prison. Noah Attaway, 20, of 6166 Lake St., admitted to third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny for stealing a vehicle from a residence in Cato in November. Attaway faced up to seven years in prison on each charge. He will be sentenced Oct. 6. Afghanistan's Ghani 'unfit for presidency', says chief executive Afghanistan's chief executive has castigated his ally Ashraf Ghani as "unfit for the presidency", in a public outburst highlighting bitter internal divisions that threaten their US-brokered power sharing agreement. Abdullah Abdullah's comments come ahead of a September deadline for the government to honour the fragile agreement signed after the fraud-tainted presidential election in 2014, which both leaders claimed to have won. By then the government is expected to enact sweeping election reforms and amend the constitution to create the position of prime minister for Abdullah. Observers say that deadline is unlikely to be met, effectively tipping Afghanistan into a political crisis. Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah accused President Ashraf Ghani (pictured) of monopolising power and not consulting him over key government appointments Noorullah Shirzada (AFP/File) "Electoral reforms were one of the promises made when the National Unity Government was formed. Why weren't these reforms brought?" Abdullah told a small gathering in Kabul on Thursday. "Mr President, over a period of three months you do not have time to see your chief executive face-to-face for even an hour or two? What do you spend your time on? "There are arguments in every government but if someone does not have patience for discussion, then he is unfit for the presidency." The acrimony comes as Taliban insurgents are threatening to overrun Lashkar Gah, capital of the strategic poppy-growing southern province of Helmand. Abdullah, a former anti-Soviet fighter, also accused Ghani of monopolising power and not consulting him over key government appointments. The presidential palace offered a measured response on Friday, saying Abdullah's remarks "were not in accordance with the spirit of governance", while at the same time extending him an olive branch. "The National Unity Government will work collectively, and very soon serious and effective discussions will take place (regarding Abdullah's comments)," the palace said, without offering details. Abdullah said he would meet Ghani on Saturday to try to iron out some of their differences. - 'Deal in danger' - Their power-sharing deal, brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry, was hailed after the troubled 2014 election as a breakthrough as it averted potential military and political confrontations. But it was only meant to be a stopgap arrangement before a more permanent solution was fleshed out by a loya jirga (grand assembly of elders) and a constitutional amendment to formalise Abdullah's position as prime minister. Divisions between the two leaders are an open secret in Kabul but Abdullah's public outburst is a prelude to what analysts are calling "political fireworks" if their agreement is not honoured. Aside from election reforms, under the deal the government is also expected to hold parliamentary elections by the end of September. Political opposition groups, including former president Hamid Karzai, are mounting pressure to hold the loya jirga to decide the government's constitutional legitimacy. "The National Unity Government deal is in danger," Jawed Kohistani, a Kabul-based political analyst, told AFP. "Electoral reforms, parliamentary elections, loya jirga will almost definitely not happen anytime soon. This could plunge the government into crisis." The potential crisis could destabilise the government at a time when it is struggling to rein in an emboldened Taliban insurgency. Fighting has been raging in Helmand as Afghanistan rushed military reinforcements to beat back Taliban insurgents advancing on the besieged capital of the province. The US and Afghan officials insist they will not allow the city to fall, but the fighting has sent thousands of people fleeing to Lashkar Gah, sparking a humanitarian crisis as officials report food and water shortages. Hamidullah Farooqi, a senior Ghani advisor, said Abdullah's outburst had left him "very disappointed". South Africa's power producer wage deal ends strike South Africa's state-owned electricity producer Eskom has reached a wage hike agreement with power plant workers, ending a two-day strike that could have caused supply disruptions, their union said Friday. The company conceded to the workers' demand for a 8.5 percent increase for highest paid employees and a 10 percent raise for those in the lower income bracket. Eskom generates about 95 percent of the electricity used in South Africa and exports some power to neighbouring countries. State-owned electricity producer Eskom generates about 95 percent of the electricity used in South Africa Mujahid Safodien (AFP/File) The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had accused the firm of practising a race-based pay system, with white employees said to be earning better than their black colleagues. "The NUM is happy that Eskom has acknowledged that the apartheid wage that exists within the company will be eliminated with specific timelines," said a statement. The two-year agreement also include a monthly housing allowance of 2,600 rand ($193 / 173 euros) in the first year, rising to 3,000 rand the following year. Pregnant women would be allowed five months of paid maternity leave. "This is a victory for the workers, we are satisfied that we managed to achieve what we wanted," said NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu. "We expect our members to report back for duty as from today, the strike is over now." Trump says comment on Obama founding IS was sarcasm Donald Trump backtracked Friday from his assertion that President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton founded the Islamic State group, saying he was just being sarcastic. As he often does, the Republican presidential nominee accused the news media of misconstruing something he said. In this case he targeted CNN, although his comments on the jihadist group and the president were picked up across the news spectrum. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he considered his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to be the co-founder of the Islamic State group Gregg Newton (AFP/File) "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?," Trump wrote in a tweet. Trump first made the accusation Wednesday at a rally in Florida, and repeated it in interviews Thursday. He appeared to be mimicking the argument that the US troop withdrawal from Iraq under Obama, with Clinton serving as secretary of state, created a vacuum that allowed the Islamic State group to emerge and flourish in Iraq and Syria. But Trump did not explain fully what he meant. He also said he considered Clinton, his Democratic rival for the presidency, to be the co-founder of the Islamic State group. The Clinton team responded Thursday by calling the assertion outlandish. "Anyone willing to sink so low, so often should never be allowed to serve as our commander-in-chief," Clinton wrote in a tweet. Trump tends to stand pat by his often freewheeling accusations and assertions. But last month he used the same defense as this time -- he was just being sarcastic -- after seeming to appeal to Russian hackers to find deleted emails at the center of a controversy dogging Clinton's campaign. And last week he did actually acknowledge an error, which was very rare for him. Trump acknowledged August 5 he was wrong in claiming to have seen secret Iranian footage of $400 million in cash being delivered to Tehran as payment for the release of US prisoners. But that widely viewed footage is believed instead to show the moment in January when three of five American prisoners freed by Iran get off a plane in Geneva. South Sudan refugees pouring into Uganda: UN Around 110,000 people have fled to Uganda from South Sudan this year, most of them escaping fighting that erupted again last month, the United Nations said Friday. The UN's refugee agency said it was "extremely worried" about South Sudan's rapidly escalating displacement crisis, warning that neighbouring countries and humanitarian groups were struggling to meet demands. Roughly 82,000 of those who have sought refuge across South Sudan's southern border in 2016 have moved in the last five weeks, UNHCR said. Newly arrived refugees from South Sudan queue to receive food at the Nyumanzi transit centre in Adjumani, Uganda on July 13, 2016 Isaac Kasamani (AFP/File) The influx was sparked by renewed fighting between the government forces of President Salva Kiir and those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar. Another 100,000 South Sudanese have fled north this year into Sudan, but most of that movement occurred earlier in the year and was partly linked to food insecurity. Overall, more than 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes since South Sudan's war erupted in December 2013, including 930,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries, UNHCR said. "What you are seeing in South Sudan is now the world's fourth biggest refugee situation" behind Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva. Those fleeing to Uganda in recent weeks -- 90 percent of whom are women and children -- have increasingly reported being targeted in robberies and sexual assaults, UNHCR said. "Armed groups are also reportedly abducting children aged 12 and above from schools and threatening people," the UN agency added in a statement. Uganda, which has long been a landing spot for South Sudanese refugees, is working to expand reception centres and camps near the border. But some sites are already hosting five times the number of people they were designed accomodate. Surge in Israeli demolitions of Palestinian buildings, UN says Israel has razed more Palestinian homes and other structures so far this year than in all of 2015, the United Nations said Friday, as the United States and France expressed concern. Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem have demolished 726 structures this year, displacing 1,020 Palestinians, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. In the whole of 2015 there were 533 demolitions and 688 people displaced, OCHA said. The grandmother of 15-year old Palestinian teenager Murad Ideis, who was accused of stabbing to death an Israeli nurse in January, reacts after Israeli security force demolished the family's home in the West Bank village of Beit Amra Hazem Bader (AFP/File) The structures included houses, shelters for livestock and installations such as solar panels. Many were funded by foreign donors such as the European Union and its individual member states, which say they are working to meet urgent humanitarian needs of people under military occupation. Israel says it forbids unlicensed construction, invoking treaties with the Palestinians that give it full control over 60 percent of the West Bank designated as "Area C" and asserting sovereignty over all of Jerusalem. Between August 2 and 8, OCHA said, "in 14 separate incidents in Area C and east Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities destroyed, forced owners to destroy, or confiscated 42 structures for lack of building permits, displacing 30 people." Israeli NGO B'Tselem said that since the start of the year Israel razed at least 188 homes in the West Bank alone, "the highest number since B'Tselem began documenting home demolitions on grounds of 'lack of building permits' in 2006." France on Thursday condemned Israel's destruction last week of structures it funded in the West Bank village of Nabi Samuel. It was the third time this year that Israel has torn down French-financed structures, said a French foreign ministry statement, "which includes the dismantling of a school in February." "France is deeply concerned by the accelerated pace of demolitions and confiscations of humanitarian structures that should benefit the Palestinian population living in Area C," it added. "We call on the Israeli authorities to put an end to these practices which are contrary to international law." In Washington, the US State Department said it was worried about Israeli plans to raze the tiny Palestinian village of Susiya, in the southern West Bank. "If the Israeli government proceeds with demolitions in Susiya, it would be very troubling and would have a very damaging impact on the lives of the Palestinians living there who have already been displaced on other occasions," spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters. The village has been torn down before and its homes are mainly tents, caves and makeshift structures, along with a children's playground. IMF warns on China's mid-term economic stability China must take "urgent" action to reform its economy or risk "permanently lower growth", the International Monetary Fund said in a report Friday, citing mounting corporate debt as a major concern. While near-term growth prospects remain good, Beijing's failure to move on long-promised reforms is raising the chances of a medium-term hard landing in the world's second-largest economy, it said. China is seeking to restructure its economy to make the spending power of its nearly 1.4 billion people a key driver for growth, instead of massive government investment and cheap exports. Chinese corporate debt stood at around 120 percent of GDP in 2015, according to the IMF Fred Dufour (AFP/File) But the transition has caused growth to sputter. The Asian giant's economy expanded at 6.7 percent in the April-June period, the same as the first three months of the year and slowing from 6.9 percent in 2015 -- its weakest annual rate in a quarter of a century. "China's economic transition will continue to be complex, challenging and potentially bumpy, against the backdrop of heightened downside risks and eroding buffers," the IMF report said. "Vulnerabilities are still rising on a dangerous trajectory and fiscal and foreign exchange buffers, while still adequate, are eroding," it said. Resource misallocation, corporate debt, excess capacity and financial opacity were major problems that needed to be addressed, it specified. "While the challenges are still manageable, urgent action is needed to ensure they remain so," it added. While Beijing has made verbal pledges to tackle such issues, it has not followed through in practice, the report noted, saying that "government policy and pronouncements seem to alternate between prioritising reform and growth". The report cited growing corporate debt as a particular concern. Excluding the financial sector, it stood at around 120 percent of GDP in 2015, estimates in the IMF document said, projecting it could grow by more than 20 points by 2021. A June report by the China Academy of Social Sciences put the figure even higher, saying it could have already reached 156 percent back in 2014. The IMF said that in the mid-term, failure to move would "add to vulnerabilities, worsen resource misallocation, and lead to permanently lower growth". Beijing has no time to lose, the Washington-based institution said, recommending that "progress should be kick-started in the next few months." The report painted a rosier picture for China's short-term prospects, saying that stimulus measures had created a "benign" outlook. India PM accuses Pakistan over Kashmir violence India's prime minister accused Pakistan Friday of fomenting trouble in the Kashmir valley, claiming there was enough evidence to prove it was fuelling unrest in the region. Narendra Modi also promised to look into the grievances of those living there in a statement issued after meeting with national political parties to find ways of ending the ongoing violence in the troubled state. "The root cause of unrest in Kashmir is cross-border terrorism which is being encouraged by our neighbouring country," the right-wing Hindu nationalist premier said. Kashmiri protesters through stones towards Indian government forces during clashes in Srinagar on August 12, 2016 Tauseef Mustafa (AFP) "Since the time terrorism has started in Kashmir... so many sophisticated weapons have been seized by our security forces and so many foreign terrorists gunned down... Pakistan can speak a million lies but the world will not accept these." Indian-administered Kashmir has been under a curfew since protests broke out over the death last month of a popular young rebel leader -- Burhan Wani -- in a gunfight with security forces. More than 50 civilians have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, and thousands more injured in the worst violence to hit the Himalayan region since 2010. Many of the young men who came out onto the streets in the wake of Wani's death threw stones at security forces, an increasingly common form of protest in India's only Muslim-majority state. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, which is part of an uneasy coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, has come under fire for failing to curb the deadly protests. Earlier this week, Modi appealed to people in the state to abandon violence while promising jobs to thousands of unemployed youths. The Kashmir region is divided between India and Pakistan but both claim the territory in full. As ISIS retreated they used these vehicles as cover to prevent an attack Spokesman for US-backed group said civilians were packed into cars Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as 'human shields' as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish force backed by the US, expelled most of the terror group's forces from the town last week. As the ISIS fighters left the town, they packed the civilians into cars to prevent the SDF from attacking them. Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as 'human shields' as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria. Photo taken in 2014 'While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood,' said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. 'They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them,' he added. Al-Sirb is a district in northern Manbij on the way to the IS-held border town of Jarabulus in Aleppo province near the border with Turkey. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on sources on the ground to cover the conflict, also reported that IS had abducted around 2,000 civilians as they fled Manbij. It said the civilians were placed in hundreds of cars that then headed for Jarabulus. Darwish said the civilians who were taken were residents of Al-Sirb and other districts, including a central neighbourhood known as the 'security quarter' in the centre of Manbij. It was not immediately clear how many jihadists fled from the town, but reports last week after the SDF forces took Manbij said that dozens of IS fighters were holed up in the 'security quarter'. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish force backed by the US, expelled most of the terror group's forces from Manbij last week Darwish said that around 2,500 other civilians 'held captive by the jihadists were saved' by the SDF. The US-backed forces were meanwhile combing Al-Sirb on Friday for jihadists who could still be in the neighbourhood, he added. With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback using suicide attackers and car bombs, before a major push last week saw the SDF seize 90 percent of the town. A SDF fighter rushes to help civilians who were evacuated from Manbij on August 12 Tens of thousands of people lived in Manbij before the assault started in May. The United Nations has said that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since then. Manbij had served as a key transit point along IS's supply route from the Turkish border to Raqa, the de facto capital of its self-styled Islamic 'caliphate'. The Britain-based Observatory says that the battle for Manbij has claimed the lives of at 437 civilians -- including 105 children -- and killed 299 SDF fighters and 1,019 jihadists. Billionaire posts $5K reward for New York ice cream thieves Ice cream thieves are on the rampage in New York and one billionaire has reached melting point. The supermarket tycoon Friday offered a $5,000 reward leading to their arrests and prosecution. John Catsimatidis, who owns the Gristedes chain of grocery stores, told AFP he was fed up with a ruthless gang cleaning out his freezer cases and selling luxurious cartons to corner stores for a fraction of the price. "It's a nice summer reward," he said. "Our managers have been going through the refrigerator cases and they're wiped out. New York battles with ice cream thefts in the midst of a heatwave expected to last into the weekend Loic Venance (AFP/File) "This gang of three to four people comes in and puts them in large shopping bags, they distract the manager and sell them," he added. The biggest single theft was around 100 to 125 tubs worth $700-800, with stores in Manhattan the hardest hit, he said. The scam had been going on six months, Catsimatidis complained. The reward comes with New York in the grip of a heatwave, expected to last through Sunday. With the humidity, it could feel as hot as 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) although real temperatures will be lower. Asked whether he thought his $5,000 reward would have an impact, the self-made tycoon replied that maybe the corner store owner buying the ice cream would turn in the thieves. "We've got to get this gang!" Catsimatidis said. The billionaire announced the reward on Twitter, saying "ice cream bandits are wreaking havoc on NYC supermarkets" -- quoting a headline in the New York Post tabloid. Police confirmed 250 complaints of ice cream theft and 130 arrests so far in 2016. "We are working closely with the retailers to combat the thefts of ice cream," a spokesman told AFP. Catsimatidis, who immigrated to New York with his family from Greece as a baby, is valued at $3.4 billion by Forbes. The 67-year-old philanthropist is also a Republican donor who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York in 2013. Kumar skittles Windies as India grab control in third Test Bhuvneshwar Kumar demolished the West Indies battling line-up as India resuscitated their victory prospects in dismissing the home side for 225 on the fourth day of the third Test at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia on Friday. Building on a first innings advantage of 128, the tourists reached the tea interval at 31 without loss off five overs for an overall lead of 159 runs with all ten second-innings wickets in hand heading into what is expected to be an extended final session of the day. Playing his first match of the series, Kumar snared five for 33 off 23.4 overs with his eachway seam and swing - his third five-wicket innings haul in Test cricket - to trigger a collapse that saw the West Indies lose seven wickets for 23 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (C) celebrates with Ajinkya Rahane (R) of India taking 5 West Indies wickets for 33 runs on August 12, 2016 Randy Brooks (AFP) Only wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich, dropped twice off Kumar and eventually last out for 18 to the same bowler, managed to get into double figures among the last six in the home sides batting order. Wicketless through the first 15 overs of his effort in the match, Kumar initiated the domino-like collapse when he had Jerrmaine Blackwood caught by Indian captain Virat Kohli at slip for 20 to break a 67-run fourth-wicket stand with fellow Jamaican Marlon Samuels. Samuels followed in Kumars next over, bowled by an inswinger for 48. It proved to be last bit of meaningful resistance from the West Indies batting as wickets tumbled in quick succession. None in the lower order were able to cope with the fast-medium bowlers probing accuracy on a pitch showing little sign of deterioration. With the entire third day lost to rain, a draw looked the most likely result at the start of play with the West Indies looking comfortable at 107 for one and the overnight pair of opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo seeking to make full use of the improved weather to play their team to safety. However both were dismissed within the first hour to keep India entertaining thoughts of a series-clinching victory. Not for the first time, Bravo fell to a short-pitched delivery, miscuing a hook off fast bowler Ishant Sharma to be caught by Ravindra Jadeja on the fine-leg boundary for 29. There was a moment of contention though when television replays seemed to suggest that Sharma had delivered a no-ball although television official Gregory Brathwaite ruled the effort to be legitimate. There was more Indian celebration when Brathwaite fell shortly after, caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. His typically patient innings of 64 occupied 164 deliveries and included six fours. Marlon Samuels of West Indies hits 4 during day four of the third Test against India on August 12, 2016 Randy Brooks (AFP) BATAVIA Police in western New York said two people found dead in a cemetery were struck by lightning. Batavia Police Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett said Thursday that someone reported two people dead in Batavia Cemetery around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. They were identified as 34-year-old Richard Garlock and 32-year-old Jenea Macleod. The Erie County Medical Examiner determined both people were struck by lightning, but the cause of death is still pending further testing. Crossett said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that lightning struck early Wednesday in the area where the bodies were found. Uganda declines to send troops to UN South Sudan mission Uganda announced Friday it would not contribute troops to a regional brigade designed to bolster the UN mission in South Sudan, hours before a Security Council vote authorising the deployment. A key ally of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Uganda's government said it did not want to be seen as interfering in another nation's affairs by joining the UN protection force due to be deployed in the capital, Juba. On Friday, a US-drafted resolution is expected to be passed which would create a new contingent of 4,000 African troops -- also possibly from Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia -- which would report to the UN mission commander with a more aggressive mandate to provide security and deter attacks on UN bases. Ugandan military personnel, seen here driving towards Juba to evacuate Ugandan civilians on July 14, 2016, will not be part of a new contingent of 4,000 African troops designed to bolster the UN mission in South Sudan Isaac Kasamani (AFP/File) "Not deploying in South Sudan was voluntary," Ugandan foreign minister Henry Okello told AFP Friday. "We choose for Uganda not to be part of the deployment so that (those) who accuse the UPDF (Ugandan army) of meddling in the internal affairs of South Sudan have no opportunity to accuse us," he added. The withdrawal of its pledge to send troops was aimed at bringing peace to South Sudan, Okello said, and Uganda would still provide logistical or communications support as required. Around 110,000 people have fled to Uganda from South Sudan this year, most of them escaping fighting that erupted anew last month, according to the UN. Juba was rocked by several days of clashes between Kiir's government forces and those loyal to ex-rebel chief Riek Machar, the latest flareup in two and a half years of war. After initially agreeing to the force during a summit of the East African bloc IGAD, South Sudan's government on Wednesday said it now had reservations. Diplomats said the UN Security Council vote was scheduled for 10:00 am (1400 GMT), but may be delayed to allow for more time for negotiations. During meetings this week, the draft text was amended to limit the mandate of the regional force to an initial period of four months and to specify that it will have a "clear exit strategy." The proposed resolution threatens to impose an arms embargo if the government blocks deployment of the regional force. Anti-Americanism surges in Turkey after coup The charge list against the United States within Turkey over last month's failed coup is long and, for some, damning. The government says the United States is hosting the mastermind of the plot to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while voices in the media and wider society suggest Washington wanted the putsch to succeed and even end with the Turkish strongman dead. With people of all political stripes seeing an American hand in the July 15 putsch, anti-American sentiment has reached levels rarely seen before. Anti-Americanism at a popular and political level is nothing new in Turkey, this idea has been further perpetuated in society and the media after the attempted coup on July 15, 2016 Buletn Kilic (AFP/File) The authorities have whipped up popular anger over the hosting by the United States of Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the coup, and its failure so far to extradite him to face trial back home. And Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag has warned it is up to Washington to extradite Gulen to prevent "anti-US feeling" turning into "hate". Yet analysts warn that exploiting such anti-American sentiment is a risky ploy for the government, given that Washington remains Turkey's key Western ally and a pillar of its foreign policy strategy. With anti-US conspiracy theories becoming ever more elaborate, the US embassy in Ankara explicitly rebutted any suggestion that Washington had a hand in the coup and wanted it to succeed. Earlier this month, Ambassador John Bass told Turkish journalists he was "deeply disturbed and offended by the accusations, without a shred of fact, that the US government was involved in this illegal coup attempt." Four days after the attempted coup, the influential editor-in-chief of the pro-government Yeni Safak daily Ibrahim Karagul wrote a column saying the United States had planned the coup and wanted to kill Erdogan. "The US administration planned a coup in Turkey through the Gulen terror organisation and tried to cause a civil war," said Karagul who frequently travels with Erdogan on trips abroad, most recently to Russia. - 'Turkey gets hurt' - Anti-Americanism at a popular and political level is nothing new. In 2003, the Turkish parliament hugely disappointed Washington by rejecting a request that foreign troops be allowed to use Turkish territory for the invasion of Iraq. Yet claims that Washington is not being upfront about what it knew about the coup are not restricted to radical conservatives but held by wide swathes of society. "The United States just thinks about its own interests. And it's Turkey who suffers," said Cihan, a young resident of Istanbul. Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who heads the Edam think tank in Istanbul, said a "large majority of the Turkish population thinks that the United States are behind the attempted putsch", with the same idea perpetuated in the press. Gulen's continued presence in the United States, where he has been living since 1999 in self-imposed exile inside a secluded compound in Pennsylvania, is the key cause of contention. - 'Politically, it works' - From Ankara's perspective, by allowing him to stay, Washington is effectively giving refuge to a "terrorist" who sought to usurp the democratically-elected authorities in Turkey by force. Ankara says Gulen runs the Fethullah Terror Group (FETO) but the preacher has repeatedly insisted he played no role in the coup. Bayram Balci, of Sciences Po in Paris, said Erdogan wanted to expose the United States as supporters of a "terrorist movement" not just of Gulen's group but also of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's southeast. In recent months, Turkey has been incensed by the level of cooperation between Washington and and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), a militia group which Ankara claims is the Syrian arm of the PKK. "A certain anti-Americanism will develop in Turkey," explained Balci, saying Erdogan wanted it in order to consolidate his own public position. "Anti-Americanism brings benefits in all countries. It works politically." - 'Could backfire' - In his starkest warning yet, Erdogan said late Wednesday that Washington must either choose "the coup-plotting, terrorist FETO or the democratic country of Turkey." Ulgen said such rhetoric was understandable in the context of the emotional shock Turkey had sustained, but Ankara needed to "begin to calm things down as this anti-Americanism will hurt Turkey itself." "The most dangerous thing is if this anti-Americanism spreads its roots into Turkish society. This could put in danger Turkey's membership in the Trans-Atlantic community." He said a second stage of the standoff could be much cooler, with the US examining the extradition request for Gulen in a long drawn-out process and this "burning anti-Americanism put on the backburner". US Ambassador to Turkey John Bass, pictured on April 7, 2016, told Turkish journalists he was "deeply disturbed and offended by the accusations, without a shred of fact, that the US government was involved in this illegal coup attempt" Adem Altan (AFP/File) Turkish authorities have whipped up popular anger over the hosting by the United States of Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen, pictured on September 24, 2013, whom Ankara blames for the recent coup Selahattin Sevi (Zaman Daily/AFP/File) Pro-Erdogan supporters burn a poster picturing US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen during a rally at Taksim square in Istanbul following the military failed coup attempt of July 15 Ozan Kose (AFP/File) Gabon's Bongo says poll rivals have 'no chance' President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon wrote off Friday his political opponents' chances in an upcoming presidential election, saying they were "afraid" because they had "no chance of winning". In exclusive comments to AFP, Bongo also dismissed allegations he was not Gabonese, but Nigerian -- which would make him ineligible to stand for reelection later this month. "I'm in the situation of being an outgoing president with a track record and they prefer to come and get me on ridiculous things," he said, referring to opposition claims he has falsified his birth certificate. Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba gestures as he speaks to journalists during an interview in Libreville, on August 12, 2016 Steve Jordan (AFP/File) Speaking on the eve of campaigning officially getting underway for the August 27 elections, Bongo said: "That shows (that they) are afraid of going to the polls." "They fear the candidate Ali Bongo because he, after all, has a satisfactory track record... and they have no chance of winning," he said, speaking to reporters at the presidential palace. Bongo has faced allegations that he is not Gabonese, but Nigerian, and that he was adopted by his father Omar, who was president from 1967 until his death in 2009. Bongo called the allegation "ridiculous" and brushed aside the supposed existence of several birth certificates as "fantasies". Speaking about his father, who ruled the oil-rich country for 41 years, Bongo stressed he had not inherited power, but added that his father was "constantly" with him and "an inspiration". "I won my place, it didn't come to me just like that. On the contrary, my name was a handicap." Rival Leon Paul Ngoulakia, one of 13 people challenging the president in the election, has said Bongo should take a DNA test to prove his parentage and eligibility to run. On July 25, the constitutional court rejected an appeal against the eligibility of Bongo, who came to power in a disputed election following his father's death. Bongo, 57, who is running for a second seven-year term, is due Saturday to hold an electoral meeting in Akanda, a town adjoining the capital Libreville. Earlier this month, Bongo warned of possible unrest during the election which he said was the "strategy" of the opposition. The representative of the EU election observation mission also called on politicians to "do everything" to "avoid any violence or any form of provocation". In the lead-up to the elections, the security forces have had a greater presence in the capital, with road checkpoints at night. Libreville saw two incidents last month when police dispersed small gatherings of opponents. - Newfound oil wealth - Two of his main rivals, Jean Ping and Guy Nzouba Ndama, are also due to rally supporters. Ping, 74, a former head of the Commission of the African Union and ex-brother-in-law of Ali Bongo, previously worked as a diplomat and has pledged to stay in power for only one term if he wins. Nzouba Ndama, 70, spent around two decades as head of the national assembly and has support of several local dignitaries who are disenchanted with the policies of the governing party. A third credible candidate is former prime minister Casimir Oye Mba, who has faced criticism for his 2009 last-minute withdrawal from the race to support Bongo. Bongo, who defends a record based on the diversification of the economy beyond oil, said he was confident about the outcome of the vote. With "12,000 jobs a year" created during his seven years in power, he said he wants to pursue policies where the youth are the priority. "Change, that's me, it's not them (his opponents)," he said. Bongo was elected for a first term in a disputed 2009 vote following the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had steered Gabon from 1967 and was described by critics as a corrupt despot. This rule saw the country tap its newfound oil wealth that led to a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations. However most of it has not trickled down to ordinary people. Critics accuse the Bongo family of usurping the country's riches and stifling democracy. Leon Paul Ngoulakia, candidate for the upcoming presidential election in Gabon, speaks during an interview with AFP in Paris on August 2, 2016 Jacques Demarthon (AFP/File) Sri Lanka, China in new deal over $1.4 bn reclamation Sri Lanka Friday signed a new deal to replace a controversial agreement with a Chinese company building a new city within Colombo to remove its freehold rights over reclaimed land after India voiced concerns over the agreement. The Sri Lankan government said the Chinese investor would be granted new land on a 99-year lease instead of the freehold in the original deal entered into when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Colombo in 2014. "The tripartite agreement has many features that are beneficial to Sri Lanka that was lacking in the 2014 agreement that is now being replaced," the government said in a statement. Sri Lankan Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka attends an agreement signing ceremony in Colombo on August 12, 2016 Ishara S. Kodikara (AFP/File) For its part, the state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) said it was cooperating with the new Sri Lankan government and confirmed entering fresh agreements over the $1.4 billion investment. The Sri Lankan government had put the project on hold pending a review of all the big-ticket agreements signed under the previous administration of Mahinda Rajapakse. The entire project has also been renamed "Colombo International Financial City" instead of the original title of "Port City" given to the reclamation of 269 hectares (672 acres) of land just next to the main Colombo harbour. CCCC said it expected the project to create 83,000 new jobs and help Sri Lanka attract another $13 billion in direct foreign investment to develop infrastructure within the reclaimed land. Last week, Sri Lanka formally said it was withdrawing permission for CCCC to buy the freehold to 20 hectares of land being reclaimed after neighbouring India objected and said there must be a new agreement signed. "India had a big concern about giving freehold land to China near the Colombo harbour," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told reporters at the time. "We have amended the agreement. There will be no freehold land but it will be on a 99-year lease." Former president Rajapakse relied heavily on Chinese investment to rebuild the country's infrastructure after the end of the island's decades-long ethnic war in May 2009, a move which some say alienated India. The Chinese-funded port was also controversial among environmentalists. Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a "string of pearls" strategy to counter the rise of rival India and secure its own economic interests. China, the largest single lender to Sri Lanka, secured contracts to build roads, railways and ports under Rajapakse, who is under investigation over allegations of corruption during his decade in power. Israel must charge or release hunger-striker: Amnesty Amnesty International urged Israel on Friday to either charge or release Bilal Kayed, a Palestinian on hunger strike for nearly two months in protest at his continued detention without trial. "The Israeli authorities must release Kayed, or, if they have evidence that he has committed a crime, then he should be promptly charged with a recognisable criminal offence", a statement from the rights group read. Kayed, whose hunger strike entered its 59th day on Friday, was moved from prison to Barzilai hospital in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon after his health deteriorated. The mother (C) of Palestinian prisoner Bilal Kayed (portrait), who has been fasting for 59 days over his detention without trial, demonstrates in support of her son outside the Ashkelon hospital where he is being held on August 9, 2016 Ahmad Gharabli (AFP/File) He was currently refusing medical examinations and care and "is only consuming water, along with salts, sugar, and vitamin B1," according to Addameer, a Palestinian rights group. The Physicians for Human Rights NGO says his vision is failing, he has difficulty standing and that doctors have warned he could be at risk of a stroke. Palestinian officials say he also has kidney problems. Kayed was to have been released in June after serving a 14-and-a-half-year sentence for activities in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, labelled a terrorist organisation by Israel, the European Union and the United States. Instead, Israeli authorities ordered that he remain in custody until further notice. Kayed appealed against his detention, and a hearing is due to be held at Israel's high court on October 5. On Tuesday, Arab and some Jewish supporters of Kayed picketed Barzilai hospital. A group of right-wing Israelis staged a counter-demonstration, and the two sides exchanged punches. Police arrested 10 Jews and three Arabs. Israel says administrative detention allows authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, while Palestinians, human rights groups and members of the international community have criticised the system. Of more than 7,500 Palestinians currently in Israeli jails, about 700 are being held under administrative detention, Palestinian rights groups say. IS claims latest attack in SW Pakistan: SITE The Islamic State group said Friday it was behind a roadside bomb that injured 13 in the Pakistani city of Quetta, the SITE Intelligence Group said, days after a major attack in the city killed 73. The latest explosion on a bridge in the southwestern city on Thursday injured four police personnel and nine passers-by, in an attack apparently targeting a judge. SITE reported that the IS group claimed the attack on its Telegram channel, al-Bayan Radio and Twitter. Pakistani paramedics use a trolley to carry an injured policeman into a hospital from an ambulance after a roadside bomb blast in Quetta on August 11, 2016, that injured 13 people Banaras Khan (AFP/File) The attack came just days after a suicide bombing at a hospital on Monday also claimed by the IS group killed 73 people, most of them senior lawyers gathered to mourn a colleague gunned down earlier in the day. Quetta is the capital of the mineral-rich province of Balochistan, which is plagued by roiling insurgencies, hit by regular militant attacks and run by political leaders accused of corruption. Lawyers are among the only people shining a spotlight on the province's many problems and have come under frequent attack. Monday's bombing was also claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the Pakistani Taliban and analysts have been unclear on whose claim was more credible. Thai bomb attacks: the search for the culprits A bombing spree targeting Thailand's tourist hotspots, in the latest setback for a nation that has endured a decade of turmoil, has sent authorities scrambling to identify a motive and find the perpetrators. So far there have been 11 blasts in 24 hours, extending from the southern town of Trang right up to Hua Hin, the genteel seaside town which is home to the revered royal family's summer palace. Small bombings have been common during periods of political tension in Thailand, but the recent attacks were unusual as they were aimed at tourists, a mainstay of the economy and not often caught up in the violence. A man walks past the site of a small bomb blast and arson attack on Bang Niang market, Takua Pa, near Khao Lak in Phang Nga province of Thailand on August 12, 2016 Jerome Taylor (AFP/File) They were also far from the "deep south" where a Muslim insurgency has raged for decades, and where bombs targeting ordinary people are tragically common. How have authorities reacted? Thai police have said the bombings were acts of "local sabotage" and not the work of either international terrorists or the southern insurgents. However, they have been criticised in the past for hasty denials. Police have similarly refused to call the August 2015 bombing at a Bangkok shrine, which killed 20 people, a terrorist attack. Claims of responsibility have been scant throughout Thailand's long history of political violence, including the troubles in the south and mysterious grenade blasts during tussles between rival political camps. As a result, observers are looking at the range of "usual suspects" to see who is the most likely culprit behind the latest spasm of violence. Who could be responsible? -- Homegrown Muslim insurgents -- Some analysts have tentatively pointed towards insurgents fighting for greater autonomy in the country's three Muslim-majority states bordering Malaysia and annexed by Thailand a century ago. Almost 6,500 people mostly civilians have died since 2004 in the area, which is plagued by near-daily shootings and roadside bombs. If the insurgents are confirmed as the culprits, the attacks would mark a dramatic escalation of their usual tactics -- they have typically limited their assaults to the border region, which is far from Hua Hin and the other areas targeted. "The attack on Hua Hin seems like an direct affront at the Kingdom of Thailand," said Paul Chambers, an expert on the Thai military. The junta has reached out to insurgents since its power grab but failed to revive peace talks with the shadowy network of rebels. -- Political rivals of the junta -- The attack comes about a week after Thailand's military rulers saw their controversial new constitution approved, a setback for the country's already weakened democracy movement. The junta took power in the bitterly divided kingdom in 2014 after prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government was booted from office. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a politics expert with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, said "political forces who lost out in the referendum approval" were most likely behind the attacks. "The timing is striking," he said. "This is a direct frontal, blatant challenge to the military regime. A military government like this is supposed to be about law and order." -- International militants -- Various Islamic militant groups have carried out many attacks in other parts of Southeast Asia over the years, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, mainly foreign tourists. Recent attacks in Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia have been carried out by local radicals linked to Islamic State, which has proven a potent new rallying cry for the region's radicals. Analysts say that after enjoying success with Malaysians and Indonesians, it is possible IS would try to recruit Thais. However Thailand's Muslim militant groups have so far been resistant to overtures from global jihadis. -- Uighurs -- There have been increasing signs of radicalised Chinese Uighurs appearing in Southeast Asia in the past two years. Two members of the Muslim minority were arrested over last year's Bangkok shrine bombing that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists. The attack was the single worst assault on the kingdom in recent history and struck almost exactly one year ago on August 17. The suspects are due to go on trial later this month. Both have denied any involvement the bombing, which remains shrouded in mystery. Indonesian radicals fighting with IS have also recruited a handful of Uighurs in the region and sent them to the archipelago to strengthen extremist networks, although most have been killed or captured. A Thai soldier with a sniffer dog walks near Erawan Shrine, a popular tourist destination that was the site of a bomb attack almost one year ago, in Bangkok on August 12, 2016 Lillian Suwanrumpha (AFP/File) Blasts in Thailand Nicolas Ramallo, Gustavo Izus (AFP/File) Retreating IS abducts 2,000 Syrians as 'human shields' Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields" as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, US-backed forces and a monitor said. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most of the IS fighters from Manbij last week, but dozens continued to put up tough resistance. On Friday, they withdrew from a northern neighbourhood heading for the IS-held town of Jarabulus along the border with Turkey, taking the captives with them, as the Pentagon said the retreat showed the group was "on the ropes". Members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol a street in the northern town of Manbij on August 7, 2016, as they comb the city in search of the last remaining jihadists Delil Souleiman (AFP/File) "While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood," said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. "They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them," he said, adding that women and children were among those taken. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on sources inside Syria to cover the war, gave a similar report, saying IS forced around 2,000 civilians into cars it confiscated. The jihadists, who have suffered a string of losses in Syria and Iraq, have often staged mass kidnappings when they come under pressure to relinquish territory they hold. "Although fighting in Manbij continues, ISIL is clearly on the ropes. It has lost the centre of Manbij, it has lost control of Manbij," Pentagon deputy press secretary Gordon Trowbridge said, using another name for the group. - 'Human shields' - The EU denounced the use of civilians as human shields, saying in a statement that "Daesh (IS) continues to pose a threat to the people of Syria, Iraq, the region as well as to Europe and beyond". IS has also used civilians as human shields, booby-trapped cars and carried out suicide bombings to slow advances by their opponents. Thousands of civilians were held captive by the group in Fallujah, which Iraqi forces recaptured in June after a four-week offensive. On Friday, the SITE intelligence Group said IS had killed five men in Iraq for smuggling people out of territory it controls. SDF forces captured Manbij on August 6 but continued to battle pockets of jihadists in parts of the town. Darwish said the SDF rescued 2,500 civilians who were held captive by IS fighters before they fled and combed Al-Sirb on Friday for any remaining jihadists. With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback, before a major push last week saw the alliance seize 90 percent of the town. Tens of thousands of people lived in Manbij before the assault started in May. The United Nations has said that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since then. Manbij was a key transit point along IS's supply route from the Turkish border to Raqa, the de facto capital of its self-styled Islamic "caliphate". The Observatory says the battle for Manbij claimed the lives of at least 437 civilians -- including 105 children -- and killed 299 SDF fighters and 1,019 jihadists. - Raids on Aleppo - The withdrawal in Manbij came as Russian and Syrian jets pounded rebel positions in and around second city Aleppo, killing at least 20 people, the Observatory said. The Observatory said women and children were among those killed. Twelve people were killed in Hayyan, a small town 15 kilometres (10 miles) north of Aleppo, it said. An AFP correspondent in the rebel-held east of the city said several neighbourhoods were hit, adding that people had been out to stock up on supplies after weeks of shortages caused by a punishing government siege. Syria's state news agency SANA, quoting a military source, said the warplanes destroyed several rebel positions and vehicles and killed "dozens of terrorists". The Observatory said clashes raged between rebels and pro-regime forces south of Aleppo. Friday's raids come despite a pledge by Russia to observe a three-hour daily ceasefire in Aleppo to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries. An estimated 1.5 million people live in the city, including about 250,000 in rebel-held districts. The Observatory also reported that a strike on the town of Kafr Hamra north of Aleppo hit a hospital used by rebels, killing a nurse and another employee. Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 and has since killed more than 290,000 people and drawn in world powers on all sides of the war. Islamic State group takes 2,000 civilian hostages -, -, - (AFP Graphic) A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) indicates a safe street to civilians fleeing zones controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group on August 7, 2016 in the northern Syrian town of Manbij Delil Souleiman (AFP) The Observatory said women and children were among at least 20 people killed Friday in Syrian and Russian air raids on rebel positions in Aleppo and rebel positions further north and west of the city Thaer Mohammed (AFP/File) New Yorker jailed for sexual assault on Dubai flight A 43-year-old US man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday for sexually assaulting a woman while she slept on a flight from Dubai to New York. Nadeem Mehmood Quraishi, from Staten Island in New York, was handed the statutory maximum punishment for carrying out the assault while on board an Emirates flight on October 26, 2015. Quraishi was convicted by a jury in April following a US federal trial in Brooklyn. A US man Nadeem Mehmood Quraishi, from Staten Island in New York, has been handed the statutory maximum punishment for carrying out the assault while on board an Emirates flight on October 26, 2015 Marwan Naamani (AFP/File) His victim fell asleep after taking prescription medication on the more than 12-hour flight from Dubai to John F. Kennedy International Airport. In the original complaint, the woman said that after she woke up, Quraishi -- who was sitting next to her in economy class -- asked if she had a good nap. She then discovered lotion had been spread on her arms, chest and up her legs. When going to the bathroom, she noticed that her underwear had been shifted and lotion smeared underneath. Confronted by flight attendants, Quraishi admitted applying the woman's own body lotion to her genital area, prosecutors said. US attorney Robert Capers called it "an outrageous affront to what should have been a safe and peaceful passage on an international flight." Diego Rodriguez, head of the FBI's office in New York, said the defendant took "full advantage" of his victim while she was at her most vulnerable. UN experts warn of 'extremely serious' abuses in Burundi A United Nations watchdog on Friday urged Burundi to immediately address a long line of abuses, including hundreds of extrajudicial killings and widespread torture and sexual abuse, with disturbing ethnic undertones. The UN Committee Against Torture also voiced alarm at the use of "genocidal rhetoric" in national political discourse, echoing concerns that ethnically-motivated verbal attacks could spiral into something far more serious. "We have reports and information that indicates that the torture and the murder is politically motivated, and whether it also has an ethnic component, there are certain indications for that," committee chair Jens Modvig told reporters. Soldiers stand at attention during a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day in Bujumbura, Burundi on July 1, 2016, where the United Nations Committee Against Torture voiced alarm at the use of "genocidal rhetoric" in national political discourse Onesphore Nibigira (AFP/File) He pointed out that the UN's top expert on the prevention of genocide had warned that "we are in the early stage of something that could develop towards genocide." Adama Dieng warned late last year that the government and the opposition were manipulating ethnic tensions in Burundi, pitting Hutus and Tutsis against each other and using rhetoric resembling that seen ahead of the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda. The 10-member committee, which periodically reviews the records of the 156 countries that have ratified an international convention against torture, issued its report after a special review of the situation in the tiny landlocked nation late last month. The session was called after Burundi failed to provide requested follow-up information after its previous review in 2014, and to address the situation since the country descended into political turmoil last year. - 'Clear reprisal' - Burundi has been in chaos since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans in April 2015 to run for a third term, which he went on to win. More than 500 people have since died, and at least 270,000 people have fled the country. UN investigators say that in the 12-month period after the crisis began, at least 348 people were victims of extrajudicial killings and 651 incidents of torture were recorded. Committee member Sebastien Touze said the military, intelligence services and related militias were committing "extremely serious" abuses "with total impunity". A Burundian delegation headed by Justice Minister Aimee Laurentine Kanyana had participated on the first day of the review, but it was upset by a report filed by non-governmental groups and, in an unprecedented move, refused to return on the second day. On the same day the Burundian delegation refused to return to the review, a Burundian prosecutor asked that four lawyers who contributed to the disputed report be disbarred, in a move the committee members concluded was a "clear reprisal". "The committee urgently calls on (Burundi) to protect members of civil society who have cooperated with the committee within the context of the special review of Burundi, and to stop all acts of reprisal," the experts said in their report. It also demanded that the country submit a report by October 12 over how it intended to act on its long line of recommendations for changes. Among other things, the report demanded that Burundi ensure that all allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and torture are investigated and that perpetrators are brought to justice. AUBURN For the second time this summer, swastikas have been spray-painted on the former Walgreens building on Genesee Street in Auburn. As of Friday morning, one was painted on a "No Trespassing," sign at the back of the building, and at least three were painted behind a fenced-off section. A large string of red and black spray paint covered the western facade as if someone tried to cover up what was originally drawn. Another swastika painted next to that was covered up with silver duct tape. The first time the images appeared around mid-June, Debra Rose Brillati, was outraged. A member of Diverse Auburn, she approached the group about the graffiti. Ultimately, they decided not to say anything, Brillati said, not wanting to give attention to something so hateful. Around that time, too, a flier for the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan was found on a car in the parking lot of the Finger Lakes Health & Fitness Center in Aurelius. The first graffiti on the old Walgreens building was later painted over, but sometime this past week, new swastikas appeared, and that's when Brillati said she felt she must speak out. "Silence is complicity, and I know there's people who don't agree with that," Brillati said. "But if we let it go, every time someone drives by, particularly with a kid in the car, they're going to think it's OK, that it's OK here. That just got me when it was back again." Auburn City Councilor Jimmy Giannettino was made aware of the latest images and said he has been in touch with the manager of Walgreens on Grant Avenue. That manager is working to facilitate the removal of the images. "The problem is, while I'm offended by that symbol and the vast majority of people are offended by that symbol, it's on private property," Giannettino said. "There's this line of where the city can get involved and can't get involved. I think we do everything we can to get rid of it." Chief Sean Butler of the Auburn Police Department said he has a lieutenant working on the case. As of Friday, police had no leads as to who may be responsible for painting the images. "Obviously that's not something we want visible in our city," Butler said. "It's definitely something we're working on. All of our officers are well aware that this is kind of a systemic problem at the moment with these types of things. It's not something we're going to stand for." Butler asked that anyone with information on who may have drawn the images call APD at (315) 253-3231. Mass abductions in Syria by the Islamic State group The jihadist Islamic State group, which on Friday seized around 2,000 civilians in northern Syria, has already carried out several mass abductions in the country: - February 23-26, 2015: IS kidnaps more than 220 Assyrian Christians as it seizes territory around Tal Tamr in Hasakeh province. The fighting and kidnappings prompt around 5,000 people to flee, with many seeking refuge in the city of Qamishli which is controlled by Kurdish and regime forces and Hasakeh city, the provincial capital. The Islamic State group kidnapped around 2,000 civilians in northern Syria Friday to use as "human shields" as they flee their former stronghold of Manbij, one of several mass abductions that have taken place in the country Joseph Eid (AFP/File) The IS reportedly releases some of the Christians after negotiations. - In early August, 2015, IS abducts 270 Christians in a central Syrian town known as a symbol of religious coexistence, Al-Qaryatain. They are kept in an underground dungeon some 90 kilometres (56 miles) away. Most are freed 25 days later and the area is retaken by regime forces in April, 2016. - January 16, 2016: 400 civilians abducted following an IS assault on the city of Deir Ezzor and taken to regions the jihadists control in the west of the province as well as to the neighbouring province of Raqa, an IS stronghold. On January 20, 270 of the 400 are freed after being interrogated by the IS on their links with the regime. - April 4, 2016: IS abducts more than 300 workers at a cement factory outside the town of Dmeir, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of Damascus. Four days later the group agrees to free most of the workers, and the IS-linked Amaq agency says around 300 are freed, but 20 accused of belonging to a pro-government militia are not. It says four were executed because they were Druze, an offshoot of Islam considered heretical by IS. - August 12, 2016: IS seizes around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields" as they flee their former stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces Arab-Kurdish alliance expelled most of the IS fighters from Manbij the previous week, but dozens continued to resist. They withdrew from northern Manbij and headed for the IS-held town of Jarabulus along the border with Turkey, taking their captives with them. UN authorizes force of 4,000 troops to S. Sudan The UN Security Council on Friday authorized the deployment of a robust force of 4,000 troops to South Sudan after heavy fighting set back efforts to end the country's devastating war. The council adopted a US-drafted resolution that also threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the deployment. Eleven countries in the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. China, Russia, Egypt and Venezuela abstained from the vote, citing the failure to secure South Sudan's consent for the new mission. Makeshift graves are seen near the UN House for internally displaced persons in the Jebel area in Juba on July 22, 2016 Charles Atiki Lomodong (AFP/File) African leaders called for the regional force to secure Juba and help protect UN bases there after a flare-up of violence in the capital that left hundreds dead in early July. Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda are expected to contribute the bulk of the new troops who will be authorized to "use all necessary means, including undertaking robust action where necessary" to fulfill their mandate. The force will ensure security in Juba and at the airport and "promptly and effectively engage any actor that is credibly found to be preparing attacks or engages in attacks". Under the measure, the council will consider imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan if UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reports that there are "impediments" to the deployment. Ban will deliver a report to the council in 30 days and a vote on the arms embargo could take place in the following five days if he finds that the government in Juba is uncooperative. South Sudan's devastating war has raged for two and half years, fueled by growing stockpiles of weapons. Britain voiced disappointment that the arms embargo was not imposed immediately with Deputy Ambassador Peter Wilson telling the council: "We must and we will return to this issue." - Not a cure-all - The vote followed a week of tough negotiations, with China, Russia and Egypt voicing concerns over deploying UN peacekeepers without the government's full consent. South Sudan's ambassador said his government rejected the resolution, telling the council that the details of the deployment -- including timing and the weapons the troops will be allowed to carry -- must first be negotiated with Juba. "Consent of South Sudan... would have been important as it would have given the force all the necessary freedoms to carry out the outlined mandate tasks," said Akuei Bona Malwal. A key ally of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, Uganda said Friday it would not contribute troops to the regional force, even as the UN refugee agency reported that 82,000 South Sudanese had crossed the border into Uganda in the last five weeks. "No one thinks that this regional force will be a cure-all to the instability and the violence that exists there," US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman told reporters. But Pressman emphasized that African regional leaders had requested UN approval for a robust force to bolster security and open up space for diplomatic efforts. A year-old peace deal suffered a blow when ex-rebel leader Riek Machar fled Juba during the fighting. Months of diplomatic efforts had led to Machar's return to Juba in April to join a national unity government as vice president. The UN mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, has come under criticism for failing to protect civilians with its current 13,500 peacekeepers. About 200,000 South Sudanese have been sheltering in UN bases across the country since the war began in December 2013. Overall, more than 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes during war including 930,000 who have fled to neighboring countries, the UN's refugee agency said. The resolution extended the mandate of UNMISS until December 15. South Sudanese civilians in the capital queue for mosquito nets and blankets outside the St Theresa Roman Catholic Cathedral in Juba on July 15, 2016, where thousands are seeking support and shelter after fleeing fighting in the city Peter Martell (AFP/File) Gabon urged to ensure free, fair poll The UN, EU, United States and four major European states appealed Friday for Gabon to ensure a free and fair presidential in a vote later this month, in which the incumbent is vying for reelection. On the eve of the campaign for the August 27 election getting underway, they urged authorities to ensure respect for freedom of expression and association, as well as fair access to the media. "It's essential that political figures favour dialogue and negotiation and refrain from all incitement to violence, to hatred or the stigmatisation of certain communities," said the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States in a joint statement. Members of the Gabonese opposition demonstrate in Libreville on July 23, 2016 Celia Lebur (AFP/File) "It is also essential that national and international norms in fundamental freedoms and human rights be respected, notably in the maintenance of law and order," the statement added. The statement was also signed by the special representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Africa and the delegations of the European Union and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Incumbent Ali Bongo was elected for a first term in a disputed 2009 vote following the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had steered Gabon from 1967 and was described by critics as a corrupt despot. This rule saw the country tap its newfound oil wealth that led to a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations. The Islamic State group's leader in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed, was killed last month in an airstrike in Nangarhar province, the Pentagon said Friday. Saeed was named head of ISIS's 'Khorasan province,' which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of neighboring countries, early last year when a group of Pakistani Taliban switched allegiance to the jihadist group. Pentagon deputy press secretary Gordon Trowbridge said the strike came while US and Afghan special operations forces carried out counter-ISIS operations in southern Nangarhar province throughout July. The Islamic State group's leader in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed, was killed in July in a strike in the border region between the two countries, a US defense official says 'During this time, US forces conducted an airstrike targeting Hafiz Saeed Khan, the Islamic State in the Levant-Khorasan emir, in Achin district, Nangarhar province July 26, resulting in his death,' Trowbridge said. Saeed 'was known to directly participate in attacks against US and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorized Afghans, especially in Nangarhar,' he added. Details of the strike were not immediately available, but a US official told the BBC that Saeed was killed by drone. The death of Saeed represents a major setback for ISIS as it tries to establish itself as a serious force in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghan authorities erroneously believed Saeed had been killed in another strike in July 2015, when a US drone targeted dozens of ISIS-linked cadres in restive Nangarhar province, close to the Pakistani border. That attack came less than six months after another strike in Afghanistan killed Abdul Rauf Khadim, who was thought to be the ISIS number two in the country. Map of Afghanistan locating death of the Islamic State group's regional leader in Kot district, Nangarhar province Some Afghan Taliban members have defected to the jihadist group, with insurgents apparently adopting the black ISIS flag to rebrand themselves as a more lethal force. Most NATO combat troops who had been fighting the Taliban and other insurgent groups have now left Afghanistan, with responsibility for the country's security switching to local forces. The Afghan troops, however, still rely on US air support and training and have struggled to stem frequent Taliban offensives. The former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike inside Pakistan in May. Both the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State jihadists have claimed responsibility for a horrific suicide bombing on Monday at a hospital in Pakistan which killed 73 people. The IS group has also claimed responsibility for a July 23 attack in Kabul that killed dozens of people and left hundreds maimed. Sun sets in Rio as ailing Chinese star fails to advance in 1,500m free Ailing Sun Yang's defence of his 1,500m freestyle Olympic gold foundered in the heats at Rio on Friday, where Michael Phelps remained the star attraction of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Phelps, who took his tally of Olympic gold to 22 on Thursday with his fourth straight victory in the 200m individual medley, had a chance to make it four in a row in another individual event, the 100m butterfly, on Friday night. In the last individual event of his spectacular Olympic career, Phelps will face a strong challenge from Singaporean Joseph Schooling, the top qualifier, as well as old rivals Laszlo Cseh of Hungary and Chad le Clos of South Africa. The men's 1500m freestyle heats during the Rio Olympic Games on August 12, 2016 Gabriel Bouys (AFP) In other finals on the penultimate day of swimming competition, Katie Ledecky seeks a fourth gold of the week in the 800m freestyle, the race that launched her to stardom at the 2012 London Games. Hungary's Katinka Hosszu vies for a 200m backstroke title that with her 100m back and 200m and 400m medley victories would see her join Kristin Otto as the only women to win four individual swimming golds at one Games. France's World and Olympic champion Florent Manaudou leads the way into the 50m freestyle final. But Sun and the China team marked the preliminaries. The as he faded badly in the back half of the 1,500m to finish 16th overall in 15:01.97. "I got a cold, didn't feel very comfortable," said Sun, who set the world record of 14:31.02 at the London Games. "Today my muscles felt very sore after 800 meters. "People said I would pull out of the heats, but I stuck with it. The result is normal given my condition." China was also under the spotlight after Chen Xinyi was suspended over failed doping test after finishing fourth in the women's 100m butterfly final on Saturday. She has asked for a second test on her sample and a hearing on the case. Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri, who won the world title in Russia last year when Sun, complaining of chest pain, pulled out of the final at the last minute, was taken aback by Sun's performance. "It was a surprise," said Paltrinieri, who led the way into Saturday's final in 14:44.51. "Since last year when he missed the final we don't know what his condition is in the 1,500m. I feel sorry for him, but maybe his preparation was more for the 200 and the 400." - US set up Phelps relay finale - At the other end of the distance spectrum, Denmark's Pernille Blume clocked a personal best of 24.23sec to unexpectedly lead the way into the semi-finals of the women's 50m free. She was just three-hundredths of a second faster than the 24.26 produced by Great Britain's Fran Halsall in the previous heat. Aliaksandra Herasimenia of Belarus was third-quickest ahead of Australian Bronte Campbell. Campbell's elder sister Cate was seventh-fastest, both sisters out for redemption after disappointingly failing to medal in the 100m free. London gold medallist Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands tied for eighth-fastest while American Simone Manuel, who shared 100m free gold with Canadian Penny Oleksiak, advanced with the 11th-fastest time. In the men's 4x100m medley relay heats, the US quartet of David Plummer, Kevin Cordes, Tom Shields and Caeleb Dressell did their job, winning their heat in the second-fastest time overall behind Great Britain to insure that Phelps will have a shot at one last gold in the final on Saturday. "Got the job done, got the team through where they needed to be, got a good lane for tomorrow," said Plummer. "A DQ would have sucked." The US women led the way into the final of their 4x100m medley relay ahead of Canada, Denmark, Russia and Australia. Chinese swimmer Sun Yang, pictured on August 8, 2016, lurked just off the pace in his 1,500m freestyle heat at the Rio Games, until he faded to seventh at the 800m mark and failed to qualify for the event's final Martin Bureau (AFP/File) Florida probes three Zika cases outside Miami infection zone Florida is investigating three cases of Zika infection that do not appear linked to travel or to the known zone of active mosquito transmission near downtown Miami, health officials said Friday. The southern US state now has a total of 28 cases of Zika infection that are all believed to have been spread by local mosquitoes carrying the virus, which can cause serious birth defects. There have also been 441 cases of Zika that were brought to Florida by people who were infected while traveling outside the United States. A Miami-Dade County mosquito control inspector sprays pesticide to kill mosquitos in the Wynwood neighborhood on August 2, 2016 Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP/File) State health authorities say they still believe transmission is only occurring inside a one-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) area of the Wynwood neighborhood, north of downtown Miami. But the health department said an "investigation is beginning" in another area of Miami-Dade County, which it did not identify. Officials are probing three non-travel related cases, one in Palm Beach County to the north of Miami, and two in Miami-Dade. "The department has not yet determined where the individual in Palm Beach County or the two individuals outside the one-square mile in Miami-Dade County likely contracted Zika and will share more details as the investigations progress," the Florida Department of Health said a statement. "If the department finds evidence that active transmission is occurring in an area, we will notify the media and the public." Texas district denies bathroom request for transgender child PEARLAND, Texas (AP) A South Texas school board has denied a request from a woman who wants her transgender daughter to use the girl's restroom. Kim Shappley's daughter, Kai, is about to be in kindergarten. She was born as Joseph five years ago. The mother says right away she knew Kai had a different identity than "boy." The Pearland Independent School District board listened to Shappley Tuesday, but didn't alter its policy. In a statement, the district says children are to use the bathroom matching the gender of their birth certificate. It says transgender children in kindergarten can use gender-neutral bathrooms in their classrooms. Attorney questions back wound for man killed by LA deputy LOS ANGELES (AP) The attorney for the family of an unarmed man fatally shot by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy questioned Thursday why one of two gunshot wounds was in the man's upper back after police said he charged them. "If this man is charging at you, if he's running toward you, how is it that he's shot in the back? How is that?" family attorney Brian Dunn told reporters at a news conference. "That is an example of the falseness that has been told to this family." Sheriff's Lt. John Corina said in a telephone interview that one of 27-year-old Donnell Thompson Jr.'s wounds was in his upper left shoulder blade because the deputy who shot him on July 28 in Compton was positioned up to 10 feet above him at close range in the turret of an armored car. CORRECTS ID FROM DWAYNE HILL TO JOSEPH GAY AND ADDS RELATIONSHIP OF BROWN TO THOMPSON- Matrice Stanley, center, sister of Donnell Thompson, who was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Compton, Calif., her son and Thompson's nephew Joseph Gay, rear, and Thompson's sister Antoinette Brown, left, speak to reporters outside the County Hall of Administration after addressing county supervisors in downtown Los Angeles, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. The Sheriff's Department earlier Tuesday had acknowledged that Thompson was not involved with a carjacker who had fired at pursuers when he was shot and killed on July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) That high firing angle is what allowed the bullet to reach Thompson's shoulder blade, Corina said, dismissing the family attorney's speculation about the wound. At the time of the shooting, the department said deputies suspected Thompson in a carjacking and of shooting at police. In a stunning announcement Tuesday, they said no evidence connected Thompson to those crimes and no weapon was found. Dunn criticized the sheriff's department for not disclosing earlier that one of the bullets fired hit Thompson's back. Corina said the family wasn't told about the exact gunshots wounds earlier because the department wasn't sure until after an autopsy whether Thompson suffered one through-and-through wound or two separate ones "We're not trying to deceive anybody or cover anything up," Corina said. "It's an investigation and not all the answers are available right away." Corina said the deputy reported shooting twice at Thompson but did not think the first bullet hit him, saying he saw no visible reaction from Thompson after firing that shot. The bullets were fired as little as one second apart from an M4 carbine rifle, Corina said. The deputy who fatally shot Thompson is a 20-year veteran now on paid desk duty while the shooting is being investigated. His name and personnel record have not been made public. The deputy said he fired because he feared Thompson was armed and could harm officers or citizens if he got beyond the armored car, Corina said. Deputies searching for a carjacking suspect found Thompson hours later after a homeowner about a half-mile away reported a man lying in his front yard. Thompson fit the general description of the carjacking suspect a black man between 20 and 30 wearing dark clothing. He didn't move or respond when deputies repeatedly shouted at him and then used a flash-bang device. Thompson finally got up when he was shot with rubber bullets and charged at an armored police vehicle about 25 feet away, Corina said. Thompson's family has filed a civil rights claim in his death and plans to file a federal lawsuit by the end of September. ___ Follow Amanda Lee Myers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeAP. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/amanda-lee-myers. Matrice Stanley, at left in black, sister of Donnell Thompson, 27, who was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Compton, Calif., and other family members appear before Los Angeles County supervisors at the County Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. The Sheriff's Department earlier Tuesday had acknowledged that Thompson was not involved with a carjacker who had fired at pursuers when he was shot and killed on July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Steve Katz describes how the situation unfolded when a deputy shot and killed Donnell Thompson, 27, in Compton, Calif., on July 28, after a carjacking and car chase in which Thompson was not involved, at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that a man fatally shot by a deputy last month wasn't the carjacking suspect they were seeking. (AP Photo/Amanda Lee Myers) Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Steve Katz describes how the situation unfolded when a deputy shot and killed Donnell Thompson, 27, in Compton, Calif., on July 28, after a carjacking and car chase in which Thompson was not involved, at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that a man fatally shot by a deputy last month wasn't the carjacking suspect they were seeking. (AP Photo/Amanda Lee Myers) Family members of Donnell Thompson, 27, who was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Compton, Calif., speak to reporters outside the County Hall of Administration after addressing county supervisors in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. The Sheriff's Department earlier Tuesday had acknowledged that Thompson was not involved with a carjacker who had fired at pursuers when he was shot and killed on July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Australian official rejects criticisms of China investor ban CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australia's treasurer on Friday rejected accusations that the true reason his government plans to ban Chinese bidders from leasing a Sydney electricity grid is to appease influential lawmakers with xenophobic views. Treasurer Scott Morrison announced Thursday that he intends to block Chinese state-owned State Grid Corp. and Hong Kong-registered Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group from bidding for a 99-year lease over a 50.4 percent stake in Ausgrid because of classified national security reasons. Critics including Bob Carr, director of the Sydney-based Australia-China Relations Institute and a former foreign minister, said the decision reflected the wishes of anti-establishment lawmakers who gained balance-of-power roles in the Parliament in elections in early July. FILE - In this July 19, 2016 file photo, Australia's Treasurer Scott Morrison walks out after he was sworn into office at Government House in Canberra, Australia. Morrison on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 rejected accusations that the true reason his government plans to ban Chinese bidders from leasing a Sydney electricity grid is to appease influential lawmakers with xenophobic views. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File) "The treasurer's decision ... is a huge concession the first major policy sacrifice to the Witches' Sabbath of xenophobia and economic nationalism stirred up in the recent federal election," Carr said in a statement. "The treasurer is conceding to economic populism in the Senate." Morrison dismissed the views of Carr, who was a minister until 2013 in a Labor Party government which is now in opposition, as "complete nonsense." "I don't trade on national security," Morrison told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The decision has been welcomed by Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party that has four senators opposed to Asian and Muslim immigration as well as trade liberalization. They and other lawmakers not aligned with either the conservative government or Labor oppose Australia's free-trade deal with its biggest trading partner, China, and want tighter foreign investment rules. The deal for the New South Wales state-owned electricity network would have earned more than 10 billion Australian dollars ($7.6 billion). Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull later declined to explain why a banned bidder, State Grid, was allowed last year to bid for another New South Wales-owned power network, TransGrid. But State Grid was out-bid in November by an Australian-led consortium. "The advice we received was absolutely unequivocal. This was not a political decision," Turnbull told reporters. China's state-run Xinhua News Agency criticized the Australian decision and a recent move by Britain to delay a decision on a new nuclear power plant backed by Chinese investment. It said that although China's "dramatic development, huge population and unique culture" may cause concern for some countries, it could also result in "China-phobia." Chinese foreign investment, particularly from state-owned companies, has become increasingly contentious in Australia as China takes a more aggressive stance in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. MISS: To a convict who failed to take advantage of a break. An Onondaga County man who was sentenced to probation for selling drugs in Cayuga County was sentenced again this week to state prison for violating the terms of that probation. The odd thing is that the probation began on May 31 and the violation occurred the very next day, when the man went to see an ex-girlfriend and ended up being arrested for harassment. He will now have a year in state prison to work on his decision-making abilities. HIT: To yet another accolade for an Auburn business. Prison City Pub & Brewery's Mass Riot IPA was awarded first place in a taste-test contest that included 247 different brews. The distinction was revealed by Paste Magazine in a story about American India pale ales. The downtown brewery, recognized nationally last year with a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival, has been in business for less than two years, but this latest award should go a long way toward ensuring its longevity. MISS: To people who take photos of themselves while driving their car. State officials this week said that New York ranks eighth among states for drivers taking selfies. State law prohibit the use of electronic devices by drivers, but not everybody is paying attention to the dangers. The American Automobile Association reminds motorists that a car going 60 mph will travel 176 feet in the two seconds it takes to snap a photo far too much of a risk to take for a photograph. Phelps leaves Lochte in his wake one last time at Olympics RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Michael Phelps waggled four fingers, recognizing another historic achievement. Now, he's the first swimmer ever to win the same event at four straight Olympics. Ryan Lochte was left in his wake every time. United States' Michael Phelps celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) In what was billed as the final showdown between two of America's greatest swimmers, Phelps blew away Lochte and everyone else to win his fourth gold medal of the Rio Olympics and 22nd overall with a victory in the 200-meter individual medley Thursday night. Phelps finished a full body-length ahead of the field after dominating the breaststroke and freestyle legs, finishing in 1 minute, 54.66 seconds. He's got 13 individual golds and 26 medals overall. "I don't know how to wrap my head around that," Phelps said. "It's been a hell of a career." That's an understatement. A 12-time Olympic medalist, Lochte had settled for two silvers and a bronze behind Phelps at the last three Olympics in this event. This time, he didn't even make the podium. Leading at the midway point, Lochte faded to fifth nearly 3 seconds behind the winner. "We bring out the best in each other," he said. "I was a little bummed about my performance, but I was happy for him to get a gold and get one for Team USA." Japan's Kosuke Hagino took the silver, while China's Wang Shun claimed the bronze. But Phelps was in a league of his own. As usual. He's got one more individual event at what he insists will really be his final Olympics remember, he already retired once and will be looking to add a fourth straight gold in the 100 butterfly to his staggering resume. Then, he'll close out these Olympics in the 4x100 medley relay. There seems little doubt he'll go six-for-six. "I've been able to kind of finish how I wanted to," Phelps said. It was quite a night for the powerful American team, which picked up two more golds. Ryan Murphy completed a sweep of the men's backstroke events in the 200, but the most socially significant triumph was Simone Manuel tying 16-year-old Canadian Penny Oleksiak for the top spot in the 100 freestyle. With the shared win, Manuel became the first African-American woman to capture gold in swimming. Her fingernails painted red, white and blue, Manuel broke down in tears after her landmark victory in a sport that still struggles to attract people of color. "I think that this win helps bring hope and change to some of the issues that are going on in the world," Manuel said. "But, I mean, I went out there and swam as fast as I could and my color just comes with the territory." Manuel and Oleksiak the first athlete born in this century to win a gold medal in any Olympic sport stunned world-record holder Cate Campbell. Campbell and her younger sister, Bronte, were hoping to battle for gold after teaming up to lead Australia to a victory in the 4x100 free relay. Neither one made the podium by themselves. Cate was under her own world-record pace at the turn, but had nothing coming back and fell all the way to sixth. Bronte was second at the flip and slid to fourth at the finish. "When you're in form coming into an event, it's hard not to think about outcomes," Cate Campbell said. "I just let my imagination run away with me a little bit." Murphy extended American dominance of the backstroke events, which goes back to 1992. The Barcelona Games were the last time the United States lost a men's final in those events. Three days after winning the 100 back, Murphy touched first again in 1:53.62. Murphy became the third American man in the last five Olympics to take both races. Aaron Peirsol pulled off the sweep at Athens in 2004, while Lenny Krayzelburg claimed both golds at the 2000 Sydney Games. "My goal was to win one gold," Murphy said. "That was a real breakthrough for me to be able to win that one. The 100 back was an event that comes a little bit more natural. The 200 back is an event I really have to dig deep for, so this one means a little bit more to me." Australia's Mitch Larkin grabbed the silver in 1:53.96, just ahead of Russia's Evgeny Rylov with the bronze in 1:53.97. The Olympics came to an end for another U.S. backstroke champion. Missy Franklin finished 14th in the semifinals of the women's 200 back beating out only two other swimmers. It was a far cry from the London Games, where "Missy The Missile" became only the second American woman to take four gold medals in a single Olympics. This time, she was limited to a single gold, which came for swimming the preliminaries of the 4x200 freestyle relay. Franklin failed to even make it to the final of her two individual events. In the only non-American victory of the night, Rie Kaneto of Japan pulled away from Yulia Efimova to take gold in the women's 200 breaststroke. Kaneto grabbed the lead on the third of four laps and powered to the finish comfortably in front. The winning time was 2:20.30. Efimova was 1.67 seconds behind, leaving the Russian with another silver medal. She also finished second to American Lilly King in the 100 breaststroke after initially being banned from the Rio Games for her links to the Russian doping scandal. China's Shi Jinglin took the bronze in 2:28.28. "Of course I wanted gold like any other athlete, especially at the Olympics, and it was so close," Efimova said. "But I was really pleased with today's medal and the one that came before it because looking back at what happened to me over that time, it's a big step. I'm happy with myself." Phelps hustled off after his victory, knowing he had to come back about 40 minutes later for the semifinals of the 100 butterfly, another event he'll be trying to win for the fourth straight time. As usual, Phelps pulled off the grueling double, advancing to Friday night's final with the fifth-fastest time. The end is near. What a finish it's been. "Things started to hit me this morning," he said. "I only get to put a racing suit on two more times after tonight." ___ Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry . United States' gold medal winner Michael Phelps competes in the men's 200-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) United States' Michael Phelps, left, and United States' Ryan Lochte prepare to compete in the final of the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Brazil's Thiago Pereira, United States' Michael Phelps, center, and United States' Ryan Lochte, top, compete in the final of the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) United States' gold medal winner Michael Phelps competes in the men's 200-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) United States' gold medal winner Simone Manuel cries during the medal ceremony for the women's 100-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) United States' Simone Manuel celebrates winning the gold medal and setting a new olympic record in the women's 100-meter freestyle during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Canada's Penny Oleksiak, right, and United States' Simone Manuel react to their tie for gold in the women's 100-meter freestyle final during the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Canada's Penny Oleksiak reacts to her win in the women's 100-meter freestyle at the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) United States' Ryan Murphy shows off his gold medal during the medal ceremony for the men's 200-meter backstroke final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) United States' Ryan Murphy celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter backstroke during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) United States' Ryan Murphy competes in the final of the men's 200-meter backstroke during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Japan's Rie Kaneto shows off her gold medal after the medal ceremony for the women's 200-meter breaststroke final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Blast, gunfire, rock Philippine jail, leaving 10 dead MANILA, Philippines (AP) A blast from a suspected grenade and gunshots rocked a Philippine jail, leaving 10 inmates dead, including two alleged Chinese drug criminals, officials said Friday. The warden was seriously injured in Thursday night's explosion. Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, said eight of the inmates killed Thursday night in the Paranaque City jail in metropolitan Manila faced drug cases, including two Chinese nationals found with large amounts of drugs. The two others were facing robbery and homicide charges. "During the initial investigation, we can confirm that there was an explosion inside (but) as to what caused the explosion, the investigation is still ongoing," Solda told reporters. He said they were checking reports that prior to the explosion the inmates wanted to meet the warden after learning they were to be transferred to another facility. Solda says investigators were looking at whether the blast was part of an escape attempt but were waiting to talk to the wounded warden. Local website Inquirer.net quoted city police chief, Senior Supt. Jose Carumba, as saying the warden was inside the bathroom adjacent to his office when he heard a "commotion" among the inmates waiting in a receiving area. The report said Bantag heard a gunshot and fired back at the inmates as he made his way out of his office. It was then that the grenade exploded, the report said. Carumba was quoted as saying officials were looking into how the inmates were able to acquire the automatic submachine gun that they used to fire at Bantag. Some friends don't let friends talk politics anymore on Facebook. Others are on 'unfriending' sprees. And some, such as Adolfo Olivas of Hamilton, Ohio, have decided to just shut down their accounts, as the divisive presidential campaign causes a deluge of news feeds amid photos of smiling kids' first day of school and what's on the grill for dinner. Adolfo Olivas, former Republican mayor of Hamilton, Ohio, is photographed at his office. Olivas deactivated his Facebook account after GOP nominee Donald Trump's criticism of fellow Gold Star parents, the Muslim parents of Iraq war casualty Humayun Khan The last straw for the former Republican mayor came after GOP nominee Donald Trump's criticism of fellow Gold Star parents, the Muslim parents of Iraq war casualty Humayun Khan. 'Just reading all of those comments justifying Mr. Trump's outbursts,' explained Olivas, whose son Nicholas, 20, was killed on Army patrol in Afghanistan in 2012. 'I cannot stand to put up with the stupidity of those who will try to justify those words!' The giant social network has emerged as a virtual town hall for political debate, an easy place to share opinions and vitriolic attacks about the two polarizing presidential candidates. Facebook says that from January 1 through August 1, 100million people on Facebook in the United States generated 4billion posts, comments, shares and reactions about the election. More than 1billion of those came in July, the month of the national conventions officially nominating Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. Facebook says that from January 1 through August 1, 100million people on Facebook in the United States generated 4billion posts, comments, shares and reactions about the election (stock) Facebook counts 205million active monthly users in the United States. Katie Harbath, Facebook's global politics and government outreach director, said in a statement that the network 'is giving more people a voice in the political process, enabling a robust two-way dialogue between candidates and voters the likes we haven't seen before'. Facebook didn't have 'unfriending' numbers, but that online action of cutting off communication appears to be on the rise this summer along with the other election-related activity. Olivas is seen beside pictures of his family, including his 20-year-old son Nicholas, who was killed on Army patrol in Afghanistan in 2012 'I've seen that myself increasingly,' said Scott Talan, an American University communication teacher who studies social media and politics. 'They range from pretty harsh, graphically laced, attacks upon people ... to statements of 'if you support this person, you can no longer be my friend."' Talan says the popularity and ease of use on Facebook combined with two candidates with remarkably high negative ratings among voters fuel 'very visceral' debates that go to people's strong personal values and identity. Joseph Alfini, 62, of Sarasota, Florida, is among users who have declared Facebook moratoriums: no more politics! Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is pictured Thursday in Michigan Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is seen Thursday in Florida 'I am done with political posts; negative, harmful words back and forth,' Alfini wrote recently. 'Some people are real brave sitting behind a keyboard. Everyone should be able to vote (for) who they want to without influence and negativity.' The New York native says he 'would never' vote for Clinton, but isn't a fan of Trump. 'They both suck,' said Alfini, whose latest posts have focused on the Yankees, Mets, and the song Have you Seen Her by the Chi-Lites. Talan said on the bright side, the lively Facebook debates are healthy signs of Americans exercising their free speech rights and of voter engagement in the political process. Among his suggestions: Cannes bans full-body 'burkini' swimsuits from beaches CANNES, France (AP) The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits from its beaches, citing security reasons a measure some are decrying as a discriminatory anti-Muslim move that only worsens religious tensions. The ban on so-called burkinis, at the height of the French Riviera's vacation season, comes as France remains on edge after deadly Islamic extremist attacks in nearby Nice and on a Catholic church in northwest France. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance in late July forbidding beachwear that doesn't respect "good morals and secularism." It notes that swimwear "manifesting religious affiliation in an ostentatious way, while France and its religious sites are currently the target of terrorist attacks, could create risks of trouble to public order." FILE - In this Aug.4 2016 file photo made from video, Nissrine Samali, 20, gets into the sea wearing traditional Islamic dress, in Marseille, southern France. The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns. A City Hall official said the ordinance, in effect for August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. (AP Photo, File) A City Hall official said the measure, in effect until the end of August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. Violators risk a 38 euro ($42) fine. The mayor calls the burkini "the uniform of extremist Islamism, not of the Muslim religion." In an interview published Friday in the Nice-Matin newspaper, Lisnard said the measure could also apply to saris worn by Indian bathers, because the clothing could hamper rescuers' efforts to save them in an emergency. Beachgoers in Cannes had mixed opinions. "I am from Egypt and I grew up with people like this," said Diana Bishay, who now lives in Paris, referring to women who cover themselves up. "But I am shocked to find this in Cannes ... We have to respect the society we live in." Delphine Hannouna, of Paris, said that for her burkinis are not "illegal." However, she fears the consequences for women. "If we accept more and more things, it's like a regression for women," she said, "especially for French women who are very free." The Cannes beach ban is just the latest of many French measures seen as singling out Islam, the country's No. 2 religion, in the name of official secularism. Last week, the mayor of a town outside Marseille banned a swimming day for women at a local park, citing a risk to public order because swimmers were required to cover up from chest to knee. The association Smile 13 organized the event for women, girls and boys, asking swimmers respect the Islamic notion of "awra," a reference to parts of the body to be hidden. French law already forbids face-covering veils anywhere in public, and headscarves in public schools. Proponents say the laws preserve secular values and protect women from religious oppression. But critics say they've deepened the religious divide, and Islamic State extremists say the laws are justification for attacking France. The local branch of the Human Rights League warned that Cannes' burkini ban could further alienate French Muslims. The Collective Against Islamophobia in France said it's filing a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Cannes measure. It urged tolerance, noting that Muslims made up about a third of the 85 victims of the July 14 truck attack on the Nice seafront. Two weeks later, after extremists killed a Catholic priest near Rouen, Muslims across France attended Mass in a symbol of solidarity and a denunciation of terrorism. ___ Olympic glory out of reach for Russian swimmers RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) For Russia's swimmers, the Olympics is all about what might have been. Their haul of two silver and two bronze medals so far continues a 20-year wait for gold in the pool, even though they have matched their best in that time. The top Russians are now wondering what they could have achieved if their preparations hadn't been disrupted by the threat of doping bans. Russia's Yulia Efimova looks at the scoreboard after winning silver in the women's 200-meter breaststroke during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) "Of course you'd like it to be better," Yulia Efimova said of Russia's showing after winning the second of her silver medals Thursday. Efimova came close to missing the Rio de Janeiro Olympics altogether because of a 16-month ban she served after testing positive for a banned steroid in 2013 which she insists was all a mistake caused by failing to read the label on an over-the-counter supplement. The International Olympic Committee rule barring Russians with a previous doping ban from Rio was overturned last week, allowing Efimova to race, but she said the doping controversy had wreaked havoc on her preparations, and maybe deprived her of a gold medal. "I'm not in the form I would be in and could have been in, but I did everything I could," she said through tears after being booed by many in the crowd and losing out to Lilly King of the United States in Tuesday's 100-meter breaststroke. "I really can't remember the last time I slept normally, even just more than four hours." Efimova was all smiles Thursday after another silver in the 200 breaststroke, but there was still a sense of opportunity missed. "Looking back at what happened to me over that time, it's a big step," the Russian said. "I can't say I'm an iron person, it's really not like that ... I've got tears welling up all the time, and I'm always trying to control myself, but I've understood that I can do a lot." If Russia's two silvers have come with a dose of controversy thanks to Efimova's past, its bronzes are signs of hope for the future, won by 19-year-old swimmers Evgeny Rylov and Anton Chupkov. Bronze in the 200 backstroke brought mixed emotions for Rylov, who said he could have won gold but for one poor turn, adding that the Russian team had never quite settled down in Rio. "I don't think the results are that good, to be honest," he said. "I noticed a lot of us found it hard to swim in the evenings, some of us weren't quite awake." Freestyle swimmer Vladimir Morozov, who competed despite having been implicated in a World Anti-Doping Agency report into a massive cover-up of drug-test failures, was expected to make the podium and be a controversial medalist. That issue faded into the background as he failed to finish in top three in any of his events, lastly missing the final of the 50 free of Friday. Since a four-gold haul in Atlanta in 1996, Russia has gone without another Olympic title in the pool although Larisa Ilchenko was a champion in the open-water swim in 2008 and that run now seems set to continue beyond Rio, barring a big surprise in the final two days of competition. Russia's Yulia Efimova shows off her silver medal during the medal ceremony for the women's 200-meter breastroke final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Chinese swimmer wins public's heart for rare candor The latest Olympic hero for China is not even a gold medalist. Fu Yuanhui is popular for simply being herself unafraid to show her unfiltered, wacky facial expressions and candid words. Her smile lit up the deck as she took a victory lap with the bronze medal around her neck for her performance in the 100-meter backstroke. She didn't care that it wasn't gold, even if her country has long pushed athletes to get to the top of the podium. Winner Hungary's Katinka Hosszu, second right, second place United States' Kathleen Baker, right, and joint third place China's Fu Yuanhui, left, and Canada's Kylie Masse during the medal ceremony after the final of the the women's 100-meter backstroke at the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) As if to prove the point, she thanked herself. "I want to tell myself that ... your perseverance and efforts in the past have not been in vain," Fu said. "Though I didn't win first place, I have already surpassed myself." Her candor paired with animated facial expressions is a rarity among Chinese elite athletes, who have spent so much time in the rigid state sport system that their vocabulary is often robotically limited by the state parlance that puts the country's honor and national pride first. Just six years ago, a senior Chinese official chided short-track speedskater Zhou Yang for failing to thank the country first and only mentioning her parents after winning gold in the 1,500-meter event at the Vancouver Olympics. For decades, the Chinese public has been obsessed with Olympic gold medals but turned their nose up on anything less than the top spot on the podium. They even were downright cruel to athletes who failed to win gold and considered it a shame to come only second. The adoration piled upon Fu as her followers on social media swelled to nearly 5 million from 56,000 this week, the latest sign that China is moving away from the gold-medal mentality and starting to respect sportsmanship and athletes as individuals. "The Chinese society has indeed changed. We still have the collective desire to remain first-class in the world, but we are respecting individual rights," opined the state-run newspaper Global Times known for its nationalistic stance on Fu's soaring popularity. "Although Fu Yuanhui is an exception, it marks changes in the generation of younger athletes. The echoing applause by the Chinese public marks a shift in the societal awareness," wrote the editorial, suggesting that China's politics is partly to be blamed for the restraints and reservation often exhibited by Chinese athletes. Born in an average family in the prospering eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Fu began to swim at 5 when her parents hoped the water exercise could improve her health and alleviate her asthma, according to a 2015 Chinese media report. Her talent emerged, and the girl was recruited into the municipal swimming team. Considered a genius in the pool, Fu competed in London but came home empty-handed. Unabashed, she reportedly joked she had drunk enough of the "foot-washing water" of other swimmers. Fu apparently has not considered the Olympic gold a must in her swimming career, a departure from state athletes who are tasked with winning for the sake of the country. On her 20th birthday in January, she posted this on her social media account: "I know for what I live. I know the kind of life I want. It's simple. Joy. Loving Heart. Gratitude." "This is what I want. Being outstanding or not, it does not matter." Her parents also put no pressure on her. "We set no goal for her, but what's important is to enjoy the process and to be happy," her father, Fu Chunsheng, told local media in 2013. "But there's one principle that she should feel no regret when she looks back on this experience after 10 years." It doesn't look like she will. The swimmer claimed she used "primordial force" in Rio, and the term became an instant meme in China's social media. And her exaggerated expression of surprise in learning her speed has gone viral: "Incredible. I am that fast?" she said. "I am very satisfied." Thailand bombs unnerve tourists, and sap industry confidence HUA HIN, Thailand (AP) An hour before midnight, Andrea Tazzioli was fetching his own birthday cake, looking forward to celebrating with friends in this balmy beach resort town, a world away from his stressful military work in Afghanistan. Then the bomb went off. "I saw light, white light, big explosion and immediately it hurts here in my shoulder, like big fire. And I go down on the floor in blood. Everyone was screaming, the glass broken, table broken, confusion," the Italian said Friday from a Hua Hin hospital bed, a place he never expected to turn 51. Andrea Tazzioli, 51, from Italy, poses for a photograph in San Paulo Hospital in the tourist city of Hua Hin, Thailand on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Tazzioli was fetching his own birthday cake, when he was injured in a bomb blast overnight. A wave of coordinated explosions rattled multiple cities across southern Thailand, killing at least four people and wounding dozens more, police said Friday. (AP Photo/Penny Yi Wang) While Tazzioli recovered from blast wounds, other tourists huddled in their hotel rooms, locked down after bombs exploded in at least five areas of Thailand, including popular beach cities, killing at least four people and wounding dozens more. British vacationer Darren Hilling was lounging by his hotel pool in Hua Hin when a pair of blasts shook the Friday morning calm, "quite loud, sounded very close to here." Those attacks killed one person and wounded three. The Thursday night blast in which Tazzioli was hurt also killed a street vendor and wounded 20 other people in this beach city about 200 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of Bangkok. The 24 injured included Thais, three Germans and other visitors from Italy, Austria and the Netherlands. Overnight and into Friday, bombs also went off on Phuket's Loma Beach in southern Thailand and the southern provinces of Trang, Surat Thani and Phang Nga. One person was killed in the Trang blast, which occurred Thursday, and another was killed in the Surat Thani attack on Friday morning. Police said it was too soon to say who was behind the attacks, but added that they have ruled out international terrorism or a long-running insurgency in the country's Islamic south. Phuket in particular is frequented by millions of European, Chinese and Thai tourists each year who come to swim in the warm, azure sea, party at the open air night clubs and explore tropical rainforests. The other towns hit are less prominent international destinations but still popular among Thais and many foreigners. Even as police searched for suspects and fears of more bombs continued, locals said the explosions will be a blow to tourism, a critical source of income. Governments including the U.S., Germany, Australia and Britain advised their citizens traveling in Thailand to take precautions. Henrik Buuz, 62, of Denmark sipped beer in a Hua Hin hotel lobby Friday. He said that while he might not have taken security seriously in the past, he no longer felt safe. Streets were eerily quiet for the beginning of a three-day holiday. "No, no, no, no. Now we don't think it's funny anymore," said Buuz, as bomb-sniffing dogs patrolled nearby beaches. Tourism already suffered a setback nearly a year ago after a bomb blast ripped through a Bangkok shrine, killing 20 people, mostly visitors from other Asian countries. Friday's attacks were a new blow. "This ruins business. Hotels, restaurants, tours, we were already suffering, but this, it's going to ruin our lives," said Hua Hin Adventure Tours guide Natsupa Dechapanya. Natsupa raced Friday from hotel to hotel, visiting clients and warning them not to go outside, especially where people gather. She was also fielding cancellation calls, although she was staying away from her office, opposite a clock tower where Friday's bombs went off. "I'm scared. It's bad," she said. "We think of this as a safe town, but now everyone is fearful." Thailand's economy has struggled since a 2014 military coup; investors grew wary and have stayed away, but tourists came back, even after last year's shrine bombing. More than 14 million people visited between January and May 2016 up from 12.5 million the year before, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Earlier attacks have been tied to political turmoil. The latest explosions came less than a week after voters approved a new, junta-backed constitution. Friday was a national holiday in Thailand marking the Queen's birthday, also Mother's Day. Sirasit Teimtontanin, a manager at City Beach Resort in Hua Hin, said one of Friday's explosions went off about 300 meters from the front door. Stores, shopping malls and movie theaters were closed. More than 15 rooms had been canceled within hours. "We've never had anything like this in our city," he said. ___ AP writer Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, and video journalist Jerry Harmer in Hua Hin, Thailand, contributed to this report. Mendoza reported from Bangkok. ___ Follow Martha Mendoza on Twitter: @mendozamartha From left, Hendrik Buus, 62, Ole Sorensen, 63, Freddy Hansen, 61, and Flemming Madum, 51, drink beers in a hotel lobby in the tourist city of Hua Hin, Thailand on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Buus said that while he might not have taken security seriously in the past, he no longer felt safe in the sunny beach town after a wave of coordinated explosions rattled multiple cities across southern Thailand on Friday. (AP Photo/Penny Yi Wang) In this Dec. 31, 2015, photo, visitors walk on the beach in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, have confirmed that another person has died in a new bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, hours after twin explosions killed one woman and wounded several others late Thursday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) In this Dec. 31, 2015, photo, a Buddhist monk looks out on the beach in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, have confirmed that another person has died in a new bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, hours after twin explosions killed one woman and wounded several others late Thursday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) Japan searches for 8 Chinese missing off disputed islands TOKYO (AP) Japanese coast guard ships searched Friday for eight missing Chinese crewmembers after rescuing six others from a fishing boat that collided with a cargo ship off disputed islands in the East China Sea, government officials said. The boat apparently sank Thursday after colliding with the Greek-flagged ship off the Japan-controlled Senkaku islands, which China also claims. The collision occurred as hundreds of Chinese fishing boats have gathered around the islands since early August following the start of the mackerel season. Up to 15 Chinese coast guard vessels four to five times the usual number were also in the area. Foreign Ministry officials say some have been converted from warships and are armed. The increase prompted Japan to lodge protests several times a day for a week. In this Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 photo released by the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of Japan, the Greek-flagged cargo ship Anangel Courage sails in the water off the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Japanese coast guard ships searched Friday, Aug. 12, for eight missing Chinese crewmembers after rescuing six others from a fishing boat that collided with the cargo ship off disputed islands, government officials said. The Chinese boat apparently sank Thursday after colliding with the cargo ship off the Senkaku islands, which China also claims. (11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters via AP) Officials said some of the Chinese ships left following the accident, and the Chinese side thanked Japan for its rescue efforts. Relations between Japan and China have long been strained over how to develop undersea gas deposits in the area, as well as by their wartime history, a sensitive topic during recent months because of end-of-World War II anniversaries. Japanese officials have raised concerns over China's increasingly assertive activity around the Senkaku islands. Over the past few years, China has built a dozen gas development platforms in the East China Sea, and Japan has recently discovered that China has installed radar facilities and surveillance cameras there, they said. Japanese media reports say the recent escalation in Chinese activity around the disputed islands may be seen as a warning against planned visits by members of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among Japan's war dead, for the Aug. 15 anniversary of the end of World War II. ___ Associated Press writer Teresa Cerojano in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi at twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Workers to be reassigned after Michigan power plant fire EAST CHINA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) A utility is reassigning workers from a power plant northeast of Detroit and can't say when the facility they worked at will be reopened following a massive fire. DTE Energy Co.'s St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township remained shut down Friday, the Detroit-based utility said in an update. "As of 5 p.m. Friday, DTE's access to the plant remains limited, as teams continue to assess the situation," the utility said. "The plant remains closed, and we do not have an estimate as to when the plant will reopen." An emergency responder gets transported to the scene of a fire at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) Fire crews on Friday extinguished the blaze that was reported about 6:30 p.m. Thursday and sent smoke into the air that was visible for miles, officials said. The fire started in a coal-fired generating unit, and no injuries were reported. "DTE teams successfully invoked emergency procedures and shut down all generating units at the site while working with first responders to successfully control the situation," DTE Energy said in a statement Friday. Firefighters from across St. Clair County were called to the plant about 40 miles northeast of Detroit and along the St. Clair River as thick, billowing black and gray smoke rose from the burning structure. Employees were safely evacuated. Traffic was detoured away from the plant. The St. Clair Fire Department said Friday that crews went into the building overnight to look for hot spots and remained at the plant, located along the U.S. border with Canada. The utility said customers won't see any effects on electrical service. Air quality readings were "well within normal limits outside the facility perimeter," DTE said. A noise from the plant caught Mary Buslepp's attention shortly before she noticed the smoke. Buslepp has lived near the facility about a dozen years. "They blow the stacks occasionally, but this was unusually loud," she told the Times-Herald of Port Huron. The plant has been in service since 1953 and the utility said the facility has 294 employees overall. DTE said in June that coal-fired units at the plant are among eight at three of its facilities that are slated to be shut down within the next seven years. The units in East China Township, the River Rouge facility in the Detroit area and the Trenton facility in suburban Detroit are to be retired between 2020 and 2023. Smoke rises above the St. Clair River as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Jeffrey M. Smith/The Times Herald via AP) Don Demara, of East China Township, makes a phone call as he watches a fire burn at the St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) A fire rages at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug 1l, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) Smoke billows out from a stack as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Jeffrey M. Smith/The Times Herald via AP) Lebanon stops Saudi woman, kids heading to join IS in Syria RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry says a woman and her three children have been stopped in Lebanon from entering Syria to join the Islamic State group. The ministry said early Friday that Saudi officials received a warning from the woman's husband about her plans and "competent authorities in the sisterly Republic of Lebanon" found them and returned them to the kingdom. A number of Saudis have joined the extremist Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. The announcement marked a rare moment of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon after months of icy relations. Police expect death toll to rise in apartment explosion SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) Additional bodies will likely be found in the debris of an apartment explosion and fire in Maryland that has already claimed three lives and injured more than 30 people, police said Friday. Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Russ Hamill declined to say at a news conference how many people may still be unaccounted for in the explosion, which happened late Wednesday night. Two bodies were found Thursday, and a third was recovered Friday, police said. Those victims still have not been identified. Hamill said that the condition of the bodies made it impossible to determine their age or sex. The scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The county's acting fire chief, David Steckel, said that the recovery process has been slow because of how badly the building was damaged. "The building still presents as a collapse hazard, which is a dangerous situation for the personnel," Steckel said. "The movement of debris itself presents a challenge. Every time you move something, it has the possibility to impinge the integrity of the structure so we have to be careful and methodical." Steckel said 50 fire and rescue personnel were working on the recovery efforts. Another factor slowing the investigation, police said, is trying to determine exactly who lived in the complex, and who was there at the time of the explosion. In some cases, more people may have lived in a specific apartment than were listed on the official records. Hamill said that investigators have accounted for about 110 people residing in the building, and he said they are still asking family and friends to contact them "until we can account for everyone who is in the building." Erick Jimenez, who spent Thursday looking for his father, Caesar Jimenez, was losing hope Friday as his father continued to be unaccounted for. "We've called everyone, but we don't have any positive answer," he said. Witnesses described the explosion like a bomb going off, and people more than a mile away reported their homes shaking. Debris was scattered over 100 yards, including a door blown across a two-lane road and parking lot, and clothes hanging from a tree like Christmas decorations. In a 911 call released Friday, when a dispatcher asks the caller the street number of the building on fire, the caller responds, "There's no number on it now. The whole apartment is on fire, from bottom to top. It blew up. Everything's collapsed." On Friday, authorities were still working to determine the cause of the blast. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had roughly 30 people working the investigation, assisting local authorities. No cause has been identified, but residents reported smelling gas prior to the explosion. Officials responded to calls for a potential gas leak at the complex last month. Among those injured were three firefighters who were treated and released Thursday. Officials described heroic efforts to save people trapped in the fire. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Dan Ogren said Friday that the bodies from the two confirmed deaths have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsies and identification. In all, 34 people, including the three firefighters, were taken to hospitals for treatment. Hospital officials said most of those were released later in the day. Nine hours after the explosion, firefighters on a ladder truck were still using a hose to put out the last of the fire and smoke still was rising from the building. Firefighters found people on upper floors who needed help, Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said at a briefing. They used ladders to rescue them. "People were dropping children and jumping out of other windows," Goldstein said. "Everybody was getting out of the building as rapidly as possible." Initially, fire officials said they were looking for five to seven people who were unaccounted for. Police later said they don't have a firm number. The Red Cross was working with families to determine their needs. While Montgomery County is one of the nation's wealthiest communities, the neighborhoods inside the Capital Beltway in this section of Silver Spring are working-class areas, home to large numbers of Central American immigrants. Paul Carden, regional disaster director for the American Red Cross, said Friday that 60 families will likely need extended assistance. Roughly 100 people a night have stayed at a Red Cross shelter established at a nearby community center. ___ Associated Press writer Sarah Brumfield in Washington contributed to this report. Emergency personnel view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear items from an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel investigate the inside of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear out a basement room of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear out a basement room of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) This Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 shows the Piney Branch Road apartment fire with structural collapse in Silver Spring, Md. Fire officials say at least 20 to 25 people, including two firefighters, have been injured in a large fire at an apartment building in a Maryland suburb of Washington. According to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, first responders were dispatched to the scene in Silver Spring just before midnight Wednesday. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue via AP) NEW DELHI (AP) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan tweeted on Friday that he gets detained at U.S. airports "every damn time", after he was stopped at the Los Angeles International Airport. The U.S. Ambassador to New Delhi Richard R. Verma responded with an apology in a tweet saying the U.S. government was working to "to ensure it doesn't happen again." His current trip is the third time the wildly popular Khan has been detained at a U.S. airport. In 2012, he was stopped at an airport in White Plains, N.Y. and in 2009 he was detained for two hours at Newark airport. FILE - In this Thursday, July 7, 2016, file photo, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan greets fans waiting outside his residence on Eid al-Fitr in Mumbai, India. Bollywood superstar Khan has tweeted that he gets detained at U.S. airports "every damn time" after he was stopped at the Los Angeles International Airport. The U.S. Ambassador to New Delhi Richard R. Verma tweeted an apology to the star Friday, Aug. 12, saying that the government was working to "to ensure it doesn't happen again." (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade, File ) "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," he tweeted. Celebrities and top officials in India are routinely given special treatment and often either avoid security checks or go through an extremely cursory check. It's not clear why Khan, who is Muslim, was detained or for how long. Khan also joked about his experience. Medicaid estimate renews cost concerns over 'Obamacare' WASHINGTON (AP) A government report finds that the cost of expanding Medicaid to millions more low-income people is increasing faster than expected, raising questions about a vital part of President Barack Obama's health care law. The law provided for the federal government to pay the entire cost of the Medicaid expansion from 2014 through the end of this year. Obama has proposed an extra incentive for states that have not yet expanded Medicaid: three years of full federal financing no matter when they start. But the new cost estimates could complicate things. FILE - In this March 23, 2010, file photo President Barack Obama is applauded after signing the Affordable Care Act into law in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Government cost estimates for expanding Medicaid to millions more low-income people are increasing faster than expected, raising questions about a vital part of President Barack Obamas health care law. Estimated per-person costs were an eye-catching 49 percent higher than previously calculated, according to a recent report to Congress from nonpartisan experts with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The new estimate of $6,366 per person for 2015 was nearly $2,100 higher than expected.(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) In a recent report to Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the cost of expansion was $6,366 per person for 2015, about 49 percent higher than previously estimated. "We were told all along that the expansion population would be less costly," said health economist Brian Blase with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Virginia. "They are turning out to be far more expensive." Blase previously served as a GOP congressional aide. The new estimates could be a warning light for Democrat Hillary Clinton, who has promised that if elected president she would work to expand Medicaid in the remaining 19 states that have not done so. Higher costs would make it harder for a President Clinton to sell Obama's full-financing plan to Congress. Under the law, people making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line roughly $16,390 for an individual and $33,530 for a family of four are eligible for Medicaid at little or no cost to them. An estimated 9 million to 10 million people are covered by the Medicaid expansion, and many of the remaining uninsured are likely to be eligible if their states accept. Most of the new Medicaid recipients are low-income adults. Medicaid has traditionally carried a social stigma, and conservative critics say it's no better than being uninsured. But studies have debunked that perception, showing that Medicaid eases financial burdens and provides access to needed medical attention. It can be less complicated for consumers than the subsidized private insurance that's also offered by the health care law, which requires people to account to the IRS for their financial subsidies. The nonpartisan experts at the CMS Office of the Actuary wrote in their report that they were expecting costs to decrease in 2015. They had reasoned that uninsured people who were putting off care would sign up for Medicaid in 2014, the first year of expansion. The experts expected that pent-up demand would ease in 2015, and per-person costs would drop. But the opposite happened: Costs went up. An Obama administration spokesman says estimating the cost of a new health program is not an exact science. "It is natural for estimates to change as new data become available, but the bottom line is that a growing body of evidence shows that Medicaid expansion improves the health of states' citizens, while reducing the burden of uncompensated care," CMS spokesman Aaron Albright said in a statement. Albright said that the overall cost of the Affordable Care Act's coverage expansion is still lower than estimated when the law passed in 2010. However, other variables besides per-person costs enter into that overall figure. They include the total number of people enrolled, which has been lower because many states have not expanded Medicaid. The report said the higher cost trend could be the result of different factors, from sicker-than-expected enrollees, to possible problems with the preliminary data that states are reporting. Another significant driver is that upfront, per-person payments states make to the private insurers who manage their Medicaid programs have been considerably higher than expected. Blase sees potential for waste because Washington is still picking up the full cost of the Medicaid expansion. States "have virtually no incentive to be cost-conscious," he said, and they are paying very high rates to benefit insurers and hospitals, major local businesses. The government says state contracts with insurance companies usually include a mechanism for recovering overpayments. Still, it may take time to get back money that's gone into an insurer's bank account. ___ Online: Marijuana to remain at highest drug classification WASHINGTON (AP) Marijuana will remain on the government's list of most highly regulated and dangerous drugs, the Obama administration says, despite growing popular support for the widespread legalization of pot. The decision means that pot remains on a list of drugs that have no medical purpose. But the Drug Enforcement Administration did open the door to more research on the drug and its possible medical uses. Some questions about the decision and what it means. An employee places marijuana for sale into glass containers at The Station, a retail and medical cannabis dispensary, in Boulder, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. The DEA announced Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 that the Obama administration will keep marijuana on the list of the most dangerous drugs, despite growing popular support for legalization, but will allow more research into its possible medical benefits. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) Q: WHAT DOES THE DEA ANNOUCEMENT MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF MARIJUANA? A: In the short term, not much. Marijuana has been illegal under federal law for decades, and the latest announcement from the DEA doesn't change that. The DEA opted to keep pot listed as a Schedule I drug, which means it has no accepted medical purpose and a high potential for abuse. Q: WHAT OTHER DRUGS ARE IN THE SAME CATEGORY? A: The DEA has categorized a variety of drugs as Schedule I, including heroin and peyote. Chuck Rosenberg, the acting head of the DEA, said not all of the drugs in that category are equally dangerous, but none has an accepted medical use. Cocaine, for instance, is listed as a Schedule II drug because it can be used for medical purposes in some cases. Q: IS THIS THE FINAL RULING ON HOW THE DEA WILL TREAT MARIJUANA? A: Probably not. Rosenberg left open the possibility that the agency could review its decision in the future, saying "if the scientific understanding about marijuana changes and it could change then the decision could change." The DEA also announced that it would ease restrictions on research of marijuana and its possible use as a medicine. Currently only researchers at the University of Mississippi are allowed to grow pot for research purposes. Q: HOW DOES THE DEA'S DECISION AFFECT STATE LAWS THAT ALLOW THE USE AND/OR SALE OF MARIJUANA FOR MEDICINAL OR RECREATIONAL USE? A: For now, it doesn't. The Justice Department announced in 2013 that the federal government would not interfere with state laws legalizing marijuana so long as local officials ensured that the drug was kept out of the hands of children, off the black market and away from federal property. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some form, including recreational pot in Colorado, Washington state, Alaska and Oregon. Thursday's decision has no impact on that policy or guidance from the Treasury Department issued in 2014 that gave banks permission to do business with legal marijuana operations with conditions, including that they try to make sure that customers complied with state regulations. Q: IF MARIJUANA HAS BEEN ILLEGAL FOR DECADES, WHY DID THE DEA REVIEW POT'S STATUS NOW? A: In 2011 the then-governors of Washington state and Rhode Island petitioned the DEA to reclassify marijuana. The agency said it has been reviewing scientific studies and recommendations from the Health and Human Services Department as well as the Food and Drug Administration since then and announced its final decision this week. Public support for legalizing marijuana has grown in recent years and more states have voted to legalize the drug in one form or another. Voters in multiple states are expected to vote on changing local drug laws in November. Assistant manager Jaclyn Stafford arranges glass display containers of marijuana on shelves at The Station, a retail and medical cannabis dispensary, in Boulder, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. The DEA announced Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 that the Obama administration will keep marijuana on the list of the most dangerous drugs, despite growing popular support for legalization, but will allow more research into its possible medical benefits. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) Airstrikes in Syria's Aleppo hit hospital, market, kill 18 BEIRUT (AP) Airstrikes in opposition areas of Syria's northern Aleppo province struck a market, a hospital and a village on Friday, killing at least 18 people, including children and two hospital staffers, activists and rescue workers said. The air raids hit the only hospital for women and children in the town of Kafr Hamra before dawn, killing two staffers, including a nurse. The Syrian Civil Defense, a group of first responders, said it pulled 10 people alive from under the rubble. Kafr Hamra is near the northern front line in the divided city of Aleppo, where government troops have sealed the main route into opposition areas, effectively trapping nearly 300,000 residents. Mahmoud Barakat, a 34-year old anesthetic technician, was one of the two hospital staffers who was killed. He had moved his family out of the town, but decided to stay himself because his specialty was in demand in Aleppo. His cousin, who recently fled to Turkey and asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, said Barakat, a father of three, was sleeping in the hospital when the airstrikes hit. "He never left the hospital because there is a shortage of doctors," he said. The Syrian Civil Defense said one of its centers in the rebel-held part of Aleppo was hit. Pictures on the group's Facebook page showed serious damage to one of its vehicles and crumbling walls. The volunteer group said one of its most well-known members died after being buried under the rubble following a Wednesday airstrike in the Ramouseh area, recently seized by rebels from government forces. Khaled Harah had recovered a live baby from a destroyed building in Aleppo's Sukkari neighborhood in 2014 following a 16-hour rescue effort. "It was a miracle," said Bibars Mishal, a colleague of Harah in Aleppo. Harah was later invited to the U.N. Security Council to testify about the violence in Aleppo. Mishal said Harah's body was pulled from the rubble on Thursday. The opposition fighters launched a counteroffensive last week, breaching the siege from the south. That road remains under fire, and the U.N. has asked for a cease-fire to allow aid into the area. Health facilities have been frequently targeted in the civil war in Syria. Aid groups have said the month of July was one of the worst since the war began in 2011, with some 43 facilities in opposition areas partially or totally destroyed. Barakat's cousin said the anesthetic technician had to do everything, even searching for survivors under the rubble. This came in handy when Barakat's brother, two years younger, went missing and was believed hit in an airstrike. The search for the body continued for 17 days. "It was only found two weeks ago," the cousin said. "When my aunt learned of her son's death she went mad," he said. "We haven't yet told her about Mahmoud." Her third son, who is with her in Turkey, has avoided her all day because he didn't know how to tell her, the cousin said. But by midday Friday, she must have figured it out, he said. "He used to call her twice a day, during the day and at night," the cousin said. Despite calls for a cease-fire and Russia's promise of a three-hour daily respite from airstrikes to allow in humanitarian aid, there has been no letup in the violence. During the day Friday, airstrikes hit a market in the nearby town of Urem al-Kubra, killing at least six people, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on activists on the ground. Urem al-Kubra lies on the road linking Aleppo to the northern rebel-controlled province of Idlib, which has also seen intense bombing. In the northern Aleppo countryside, at least 10 people were killed, including children and women, when airstrikes hit the village of Hayan. It was not clear what the target was, but videos shared by activists of the scene of the attack show the bodies of women and children strewn on the side of the road as frantic residents scramble to recover them. Man freed 28 years after being imprisoned for murder as teen WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) A man convicted of murder as a teenager and imprisoned 28 years ago is now able to relax on his cousin's living room sofa, now that a North Carolina judge has ruled he did not get a fair trial. Johnny Small, 43, said he looked forward to a hot bath and getting used to an amped-up world full of cellphones he never knew now that he's left prison after nearly three decades. After prison cots, he said Thursday he preferred the sofa in a big, open room to a private bedroom. "There's a lot I've got to adapt to," Small said after arriving at his cousin's home just before nightfall. "I don't know how to function. I mean, when I came into it (prison) I was still a kid and in a way I still got a kid's state of mind." Johnny Small, right, walks back in to the courtroom on a hearing at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. A judge on Thursday ruled that the North Carolina man who was convicted of murder as a teenager and was imprisoned 28 years ago did not get a fair trial and allowed him to go free. (Mike Spencer/The Star-News via AP) Small's attorney on Friday urged local prosecutors to reach a quick decision to close the case after much of the original trial's evidence was discredited. "Although Johnny and his family are relieved that he has been released, he is still subject to house arrest and restrictive pretrial conditions, as well as the prospect of being retried, despite the complete discrediting of the State's case against him," said Chris Mumma, executive director of the nonprofit North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence. Superior Court Judge W. Douglas Parsons on Thursday ruled there was not enough evidence to justify Small's conviction for the 1988 murder of Pam Dreher in Wilmington. She was shot in the head at point blank range while lying on the floor of her tropical fish store. Parsons determined it was physically impossible for a supposed eye witness to be at the murder site at the time as she reported seeing Small leaving the shop. Police also withheld key evidence, Parsons said. The judge said he didn't see proof of Small's innocence, but was persuaded to free him until prosecutors decide if there was enough evidence to put him on trial again. "What I'm here to decide is, did he receive a fair trial?" Parsons said. "It is more than abundantly clear that he did not." Small will be under electronic house arrest while charges are pending. District Attorney Benjamin David said in a statement that his staff will meet with Wilmington police and the state attorney general's office "to determine whether any additional investigation should be conducted or additional charges should be filed." The statement offered no timeline on a decision and a spokeswoman did not respond to an emailed question. Small, wearing a tan jail uniform, was led from the courtroom before the judge finished speaking. Mumma said Small was hyperventilating as he realized he was about to be freed. About 150 people falsely convicted of crimes were exonerated in 2015, a record number, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The registry is a project of the University of Michigan Law School and has documented more than 1,850 such cases in the U.S. Parsons' decision came after Small's teenage buddy said he was pressured by police to testify at the murder trial that both he and Small were at the scene. David Bollinger says a Wilmington homicide investigator made up the story and his grandfather pressured him to lie on the witness stand. Bollinger said he could no longer keep quiet and was ready to face the chance of being prosecuted for perjury on the witness stand nearly three decades ago. State attorneys argued that Small deserved neither a new trial or to be freed from prison. Bollinger, 47, said he testified falsely at Small's trial because prosecutors promised charges he faced would be dropped in exchange and threatened the death penalty if he didn't cooperate. Bollinger said he was driving to an automobile auction in South Carolina with his boss about the time Dreher was killed and didn't drive Small to the scene, as he testified at the 1989 murder trial. He said he lied then because he was afraid that since he was an adult he could get the death penalty, and a Wilmington police detective told him Small could get out of prison after turning 18. Bollinger said he confided to his grandfather, a former police officer and FBI agent, about the lie police told him to tell and was told he should stick to the story. Small's attorneys said without Bollinger's testimony, prosecutors never could have convicted Small of a crime that would have required planning by a more mature mind than the drug-taking, car stealing, juvenile delinquent Small admitted to being at age 15. No gun, fingerprints or blood-spattered clothing tied Small to the crime. Also, Nina Raiford said she was walking past Dreher's shop when she saw Small exiting, then saw a news report about the slaying the same night. She didn't report what she saw until after Crime Stoppers offered a reward and she spoke to a school counselor two months later, Small's attorneys said. Punch-clock records from the fast-food restaurant where Raiford worked show she didn't quit work the night of the slaying until after she described spotting Small. ___ Follow Emery P. Dalesio at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/emery-p-dalesio . Johnny Small listens as David Bollinger testifies during a hearing before Judge W. Douglas Parsons at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. Small, convicted of committing murder when he was 15, said Monday that he could only imagine the pain the victim's family experienced, but he was unequivocal in stating his innocence. (Mike Spencer/The Star-News via AP) Johnny Small wipes his eyes during a hearing before Judge W. Douglas Parsons at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. Small, convicted of committing murder when he was 15, said Monday that he could only imagine the pain the victim's family experienced, but he was unequivocal in stating his innocence. (Mike Spencer/The Star-News via AP) Johnny Small's attorney Chris Mumma, left, hugs David Bollinger during a break of a hearing for Small at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. A judge on Thursday ruled that Small, who was convicted of murder as a teenager and was imprisoned 28 years ago, did not get a fair trial and allowed him to go free. (Mike Spencer/The Star-News via AP) As Trump struggles, Clinton goes on offense to win over GOP WASHINGTON (AP) Hillary Clinton is seizing opportunities presented by a volatile presidential race to expand her base of support heading into the fall, seeking to position the Democratic Party for a sweeping victory in November. As Donald Trump struggles through a second week of self-inflicted blunders, the Democratic nominee's campaign has started to push into Republican territory by courting some of the party's core supporters and expanding her campaign's operations into traditionally Republican states. "The map favors us and, in a way, the dynamics right now favor us," said Joel Benenson, Clinton's senior strategist. "The more places you can make them play defense, the better off we are." Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton boards a plane at Chicago Midway International Airport, in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, to travel to Westchester, N.Y. Clinton gave a speech on the economy after touring Futuramic Tool & Engineering in Warren, Mich., and attended a fundraiser in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Throughout his presidential bid, Trump has used controversy to draw attention back to his campaign. It's a strategy that initially worried some Clinton aides, who feared he would drown out their candidate's general-election message. But with three months until Election Day, Clinton aides say they see more advantages than liabilities as Trump continues to venture into the politically unimaginable. Critics slammed Trump this week for appearing to suggest that gun-rights supporters could shoot Clinton to prevent her from appointing federal judges as president, and he drew criticism for standing by a false claim that President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State. Clinton, too, faced her own bad headlines this week, with the release of a new batch of State Department emails that renewed questions about whether Clinton used her government post to benefit the Clinton foundation. Democratic strategists have long argued the party could win the White House with Obama's political coalition, the group of minority, young and female voters who twice boosted him to victory. They see the additional support Clinton is finding among independent and Republican voters as the frosting on their electoral cake. "You care very deeply about the 270th electoral vote, but there are also important reasons to care about winning big," said Geoff Garin, a pollster for Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign who now advises the pro-Clinton super PAC Priorities USA Action. Clinton aides say she's taking nothing for granted, noting the U.S. remains a politically divided country. Yet Clinton is undoubtedly beginning to cast her gaze beyond the Democratic base. "I am humbled and moved by the Republicans who are willing to stand up and say that Donald Trump doesn't represent their values," she said at a rally in Iowa this week. "We may not agree on everything, but this is not a normal election and I will work hard over the next three months to earn the support of anyone willing to put our country first." On Wednesday, following two weeks of high-profile Republican defections, her campaign launched an official effort to target GOP voters, telling party officials in Arizona and Georgia they plan to make a six-figure investment in field operations in both states. The next day, Clinton published a column in Salt Lake City's Deseret News titled "What I have in common with Utah leaders religious freedom and the Constitution." While the state has not backed a Democrat for president since Lyndon Johnson in 1964, Trump himself acknowledged Thursday he is "having a tremendous problem in Utah." And on Friday, she attempted to undercut Trump's business record by releasing her 2015 tax returns. Trump has broken with decades of presidential candidates by refusing to make his filings public. He says they're under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and that he'll release them only once that review is complete. While the millions of dollars Clinton has earned offers fresh fodder for Republican critics, her campaign believes those attacks are outweighed by the opportunity to raise questions about Trump's honesty. Democrats believe Trump's returns could be treasure trove of politically damaging information, including his low tax rate, minimal charitable giving, and business dealings with foreign governments. Jeremy Bird, who ran field operations for Obama's 2012 campaign and is now consulting for Clinton's operation, said Trump has no one to blame but himself. The unorthodox candidate hasn't aired a single television ad since the end of the primaries and is building a bare-bones effort to get out the vote. "His inability to put anything real on the ground in battleground states is campaign malpractice," Bird said. "There are just so many paths to 270 and so many ways to put their presidential campaign and the Republican Party in a defensive posture, even in states that are not considered battlegrounds." Some recent polls suggest Clinton could also benefit from Republican-leaning voters deciding to stay home rather than come out to support Trump. Surveys in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio found that 90 percent of Democrats said they intended to support Clinton, while closer to 80 percent of Republicans intended to support Trump. Republicans caution the race remains far from settled, especially since voters don't particularly like either candidate. A small group of middle-class mothers interviewed by pollsters Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix used words such as "painful," ''nauseated" and "screwed" to describe their choice. "They don't trust Hillary Clinton," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, part of the bipartisan team that conducted the focus groups. "At the same time, they can't turn to Donald Trump because he scares them." ___ AP Polling Editor Emily Swanson contributed to this report. ___ Follow Lisa Lerer on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/llerer Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton waves as she finishes a speech on the economy after touring Futuramic Tool & Engineering, in Warren, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton reacts while greeting supporters after giving a speech on the economy at Futuramic Tool & Engineering, in Warren, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Internet mogul gets year in jail in domestic violence case SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A Silicon Valley internet mogul who sold his startup for $300 million at the age of 25 and appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as a highly eligible bachelor was sentenced Friday to a year in jail for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. However, Gurbaksh Chahal, 34, will not immediately begin serving the sentence because San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown cited questions about the evidence while giving him time to appeal her ruling. Brown determined last month that Chahal had violated the probation ordered after he pleaded guilty in 2014 to misdemeanor charges of battery and domestic violence battery. In this April 22, 2016 photo, Gurbaksh Chahal, center, a millionaire tech mogul who is being convicted of domestic abuse walks out of court at the Hall of Justice, in San Francisco. Chahal is facing jail time for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown is scheduled to sentence Chahal on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Prosecutors say he violated his probation by attacking a second girlfriend, and Brown ruled in their favor last month. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) Prosecutors said surveillance footage from his San Francisco penthouse showed him punching and kicking his girlfriend more than 100 times and trying to smother her with a pillow. Chahal entered his plea to the reduced charges after the woman stopped cooperating with authorities and a judge said the video could not be used as evidence because it had been improperly obtained. He was accused of violating his probation by kicking another girlfriend, who also didn't cooperate with prosecutors. Chahal said both women had cheated on him, according to prosecutors. Chahal's attorney, James Lassart, said in court Friday that his client was denied his right to question the woman during his probation revocation hearing when she failed to attend the proceeding. "In this instance, the constitution requires that my client be allowed to confront his accuser," Lassart said. Brown allowed the penthouse video to be admitted as evidence in the probation hearing, and she reviewed it privately before issuing her ruling last month. Lassart said the judge should not consider the video in her sentencing because it had previously been ruled inadmissible. The footage has not been played in court or made public. Assistant District Attorney O'Bryan Kenney called for a sentence of 18 months, saying Chahal had shown no remorse and committed a second act of violence just months after his domestic violence conviction. "He clearly didn't get the message," Kenney told the judge. Chahal made $300 million in 2007 when he sold his digital advertising company to Yahoo. A year later, he appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in a segment that highlighted his success and promoted him as a highly eligible bachelor. Chahal's legal woes extend beyond the criminal case. Two former employees have sued him for discrimination, painting him as a bullying boss who thought little of women. Patricia Glaser, the lawyer representing Chahal in the lawsuits, did not return an email or call seeking comment. An email to Chahal's online advertising technology company, Gravity4, was not returned. A message to his Twitter account also went unanswered. Faced with the initial domestic violence charges, Chahal got help from powerful former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and the former chief financial officer for the state of California, Steve Westly, according to one of the lawsuits and emails between Westly and Chahal reported by The Wall Street Journal. Westly, who was on the board of a company Chahal founded, suggested the businessman reach out to Willie Brown, according to a 2015 lawsuit by Yousef Khraibut, a former Gravity4 employee. Chahal told Khraibut that he paid Brown a $250,000 retainer to exert pressure on the district attorney to dismiss the charges, saying Brown had the "juice" to make them disappear, the lawsuit said. Brown did not return a message left at his law office. He said in a radio interview last September that he was asked to put together a legal team to defend Chahal but did nothing unethical and returned most of the $250,000. Westly, whose name has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate in 2018, said in a statement that he doesn't comment on ongoing legal cases but added that domestic violence in any form is inexcusable. In court documents, Chahal shot back that Khraibut was fired for not doing his work and was seeking publicity. In this Oct. 17, 2008 photo, Gurbaksh Chahal stands in his San Francisco high-rise penthouse in downtown San Francisco. The Silicon Valley Internet mogul, Chahal, who made $300 million at age 25 and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show is facing jail time for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown is scheduled to sentence Chahal on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) UK teen girl who went to IS area of Syria reported killed LONDON (AP) One of three London schoolgirls who traveled to an area controlled by the Islamic State group in Syria to become "jihadi brides" is believed to have been killed in an air strike, a lawyer for her family says. Tasnime Akunjee told the BBC that Kadiza Sultana's family had been told that she died in the IS stronghold of Raqqa several weeks ago. He said the family was "devastated." He said the death has not been confirmed. Akunjee did not immediately respond Friday to messages from The Associated Press. FILE - This is a Monday Feb. 23, 2015 file handout image of a three image combo of stills taken from CCTV issued by the Metropolitan Police Kadiza Sultana, left, Shamima Begum, centre and and Amira Abase going through security at Gatwick airport, before they caught their flight to Turkey. A lawyer said one of three London schoolgirls who traveled to Islamic State-controlled area of Syria to become "jihadi brides" is believed to have been killed in an air strike. Tasnime Akunjee told the BBC Friday Aug. 12, 2016 that Kadiza Sultana's family had been told that she died in the IS stronghold of Raqqa several weeks ago. (Metropolitan Police via AP) Sultana was 16 when she and classmates Shamima Begum and Amira Abase both 15 traveled to Syria in February 2015 without telling their families. Their distraught relatives made emotional public appeals for them to come back. ITV News, which first reported Sultana's death on Thursday, broadcast phone calls between Sultana and her sister in Britain, in which Sultana said she felt wanted to return to Britain but could see no way of escape. "I don't have a good feeling. I feel scared," Sultana said in one call. "You know the borders are closed right now, so how am I going to get out?" Her sister, Hamila Khanom, told ITV: "We were expecting this in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place." Akunjee told ITV the only good that could come of Sultana's death would be as "a testimony for others of the risks of actually going to a war zone, to dissuade people from ever making that choice." German intel agency puts anti-Islam group under observation BERLIN (AP) The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency says it has put the Identitarian Movement, a group that rails against "mass immigration" and calls for "an end to the Islamization of Europe," under observation. Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of the BfV agency, told news agency dpa in comments published Friday that it sees "evidence of efforts against the free democratic order" in the group. He said that the group appeared to have become more radical in agitating against asylum-seekers during Europe's refugee crisis, and that Muslim and other immigrants from the Middle East "are being vilified in extremist fashion." After reading articles in local newspapers about petitions being challenged in the 54th Senate race (Sen. Mike Nozzolio's seat), I felt compelled to write to your newspaper. From the information in the articles, the general public might get the idea that in some way candidate Pamela Helming might have done something incorrect. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pam Helming is the endorsed candidate of the Republican, Conservative and Reform parties. She met the challenges of getting not only the required amount of signatures on her petitions, but she then obtained more than enough signatures knowing that in a race such as the one for this Senate seat, typically there are challenges to every candidates' petitions. It is in no way Pam's fault that the other candidates chose not to get more than enough signatures knowing that their petitions indeed would be challenged. Having been a Republican Committee person for many years and serving on the Executive Committee, our committee gets together every year to check and double check everyone's petitions to make sure they are complete and accurate. This process takes teamwork and hours of reviewing details on each petition. Pam had a team in place to do the same and she worked hard to get this job done the right way. She had a plan and executed it. If anything, we should be applauding Pam Helming for taking her Senate run seriously, which she has done since the day she announced her candidacy. Pamela worked for months going door to door and meeting people in the 54th District. She worked so hard that she earned the majority of every county in the 54th Senate district's support as their endorsed candidate out of at least 10 other candidates who threw their hat in the race. She was the top vote getter and I believe she will be the top vote getter in the September primary and on Election Day in November. Pam is a hard worker. She is qualified. She has the experience and the common sense know-how to get the job done. Pam has earned my vote! Please consider voting for Pamela Helming in the Primary on Sept. 13. Every single vote counts. Chantell Hotaling Brutus Hotaling is a member of the Cayuga County Republican Executive Committee, chairwoman of the Town of Brutus Republican Committee, president of the Cayuga County Women's Republican Club and a member of the Republican Women of Central New York Kenya: Briton on cocaine trafficking charges gets bail NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) A Kenyan judge Friday ruled that a British national and a Kenyan charged with trafficking nearly 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine should be released on bail. Jack Alexander Wolf Marrian should be released on bail of $690,000 cash, with two Kenyan sureties of similar amount. Kenyan Roy Francis Mwanthi, who was charged separately with trafficking the cocaine, was released on a bond equaling $296,000. High Court Judge Luka Kimaru ruled that the prosecution, which had appealed against a decision Monday by a Magistrates Court granting the two men bail, did not provide compelling reasons to hold Marrian in custody. British media have reported that Marrian is the grandson of an aristocrat, the sixth Earl Cawdor. Marrian and Mwanthi were arrested after Kenyan police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents impounded the drugs on July 27 in Mombasa, Kenya's Indian Ocean port, in a container carrying sugar to Uganda from Brazil. The prosecution says Marrian through his company Mshale Commoditities Uganda LTD requisitioned 22 containers of sugar to be imported from Brazil and drugs were discovered in four of the containers. Mwanthi is a clearing and forwarding agent and a director of Inland Africa logistics, which was actively involved in clearing the containers. The seizure was a rare one in Kenya, which the U.N. and the U.S. say has become a cocaine distribution hub in recent years. Traffickers from South America are said to take advantage of Nairobi's extensive air links to Europe and Asia. Traffickers also exploit Kenya's long Indian Ocean coastline and lack of adequate security controls at Mombasa port, the State Department's 2016 drug control strategy report says. The Latest: Michigan power plant remains closed after fire EAST CHINA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) The Latest on the fire at a power plant in Michigan (all times local): 6 p.m. A power plant about 40 miles northeast of Detroit remains closed as officials continue assessing the situation following a fire. Smoke rises above the St. Clair River as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Jeffrey M. Smith/The Times Herald via AP) DTE Energy said late Friday afternoon that its access to the St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township in St. Clair County remains limited and that there is no estimate when the facility will reopen. There were no injuries from the blaze, which was reported about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The utility says a coal-fired generation unit that produces electricity inside the facility caught fire and employees were evacuated. In an earlier statement, Detroit-based DTE Energy said air monitoring was in place and readings were "well within normal limits outside the facility perimeter." The utility says customers won't see any effects on electrical service. ___ 9:40 a.m. A utility says fire crews have extinguished a blaze at a power plant along the St. Clair River in Michigan. DTE Energy Co. issued the update Friday morning about its St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, about 40 miles northeast of Detroit. The utility says crews remain on the scene and the plant is closed. There's no estimate on when it might reopen. There were no injuries from the fire, which was reported about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The utility says a coal-fired generation unit that produces electricity inside the facility caught fire and employees were evacuated. In a statement, DTE says air monitoring is in place and readings are "well within normal limits outside the facility perimeter." Detroit-based DTE says customers won't see any effects on electrical service. ___ 6 a.m. Fire crews worked through the night to extinguish a blaze at a power plant along the St. Clair River in Michigan. The St. Clair Fire Department says Friday morning that crews went into the building overnight to look for hot spots and remained at DTE Energy Co.'s St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, about 40 miles northeast of Detroit. There were no reports of injuries in the fire, which was reported about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The utility says a coal-fired generation unit that produces electricity inside the facility caught fire and employees were evacuated. Officials said at a news conference late Thursday the fire was about 80 percent under control. DTE spokesman Pete Ternes says in an email the utility plans a statement with an update later in the morning. ___ 2:25 a.m. Fire crews are expected to work overnight to extinguish a blaze at a power plant along the St. Clair River, northeast of Detroit. According to The Times-Herald of Port Huron, the fire at the DTE Energy plant in East China Township, Michigan, was about 80 percent under control Thursday night. St. Clair Fire Chief Dave Westrick says crews should be able to start looking for hot spots sometime Friday morning. No one was injured in the blaze and there was no immediate public health concern. Detroit-based DTE Energy said the fire broke out after a coal-fired generation unit that produces electricity inside the facility caught fire. DTE President Trevor Lauer told the newspaper the plant is offline but that isn't expected to impact services. An emergency responder gets transported to the scene of a fire at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) Don Demara, of East China Township, makes a phone call as he watches a fire burn at the St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) A fire rages at the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug 1l, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Andrew Jowett/The Times Herald via AP) Smoke billows out from a stack as a large fire burns inside the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in East China Township, Mich. The Times-Herald of Port Huron reports that multiple area fire agencies are responding Thursday evening to the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant, northeast of Detroit. A Marine City fire official has told WXYZ-TV that the plant is on fire. (Jeffrey M. Smith/The Times Herald via AP) Japan warns citizens to be wary in China as tensions rise BEIJING (AP) Japan's embassy in China is urging its citizens to pay more attention to their safety there as sensitive anniversaries and territorial tensions might exacerbate anti-Japanese sentiments. The embassy notice cites the anniversary of the end of World War II on Aug. 15 and two other dates in September marking key events in the often-fraught history between China and Japan. It said some incidents of harassment of Japanese citizens in China have been reported, although there have been no signs of a recurrence of the violent anti-Japanese protests of 2012. Anti-Japanese feelings run high among many Chinese, who believe Tokyo has never truly shown contrition for its brutal invasion and occupation of much of China in the 1930s and 1940s. Those spike from time-to-time, often over events surrounding East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China. Japan's foreign minister summoned China's ambassador this week and lodged a protest over the increased number of Chinese vessels in waters near the islands, called Senkaku by Japan and Dialoyu by China. Turkey, Iran pledge cooperation over Syria ANKARA, Turkey (AP) The foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran agreed Friday to boost trade relations and pledged greater cooperation on resolving the Syria crisis despite their divergences on the issue. At a joint news conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his country's support to Turkey over last month's failed coup attempt by renegade officers within the military that left more than 270 people dead. Turkey has complained of a lack of solidarity from Western allies who have raised concerns over Turkey's massive crackdown on alleged supporters of a movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey accuses Gulen of orchestrating the coup. "I congratulate the Turkish nation for the defiance they showed against the coup-plotters," Zarif told reporters, in comments translated into Turkish. "They showed the people of the region that they would not allow democracy and their rights to be taken away from them through coups and the use of force." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, shake hands with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, during their meeting in Ankara, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Turkey and Iran have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkey advocating his departure. (Kayan Ozer/Presidential Press Service via AP) Turkey and Iran have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkey advocating his departure. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said however, that despite differences Turkey and Iran "would strengthen cooperation for a lasting peace in Syria." Zarif said the two countries converged on the need "to maintain Syria's territorial integrity, the need for the Syrian people to designate their own future." "We all need to stand against the extremism of (the Islamic State group) and al-Nusra," he added. The Iranian minister also welcomed recent moves by Turkey and Russia to patch up ties that were soured by Turkey's downing of a Russian plane near the border with Syria in November. "Iran always had good relations with both Turkey and Russia. All of the countries in the region must cooperate to bring peace in Syria and fighting against extremism," Zarif said. The ministers said they intend to expand trade between the two neighbors, including through the possible increase of natural gas sales to Turkey and more visits by Iranian tourists. More than 200 civilians killed in 4 months in Yemen war SANAA, Yemen (AP) The United Nations' human rights office said on Friday that deaths among civilians due to Yemen's conflict have been "steadily mounting" with more than 200 people killed and more than 500 wounded in four months, including 50 in one week. The report comes as the capital Sanaa and its surroundings have come under heavy bombardment by the Saudi-led military coalition battling Shiite rebels and their allies. The airstrikes which picked-up this week marked the total collapse of an already fragile truce declared by the United Nations in April, to pave the way for peace talks in Kuwait. The talks ended this month without a breakthrough. On Friday, the U.N.'s Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, expressed alarm over the spike in violence "The people of Yemen continue to bear the brunt of the suffering as a result of the inability of the parties to find a political solution to a conflict that has been raging for more than a year and a half," he said. "The return to full-scale hostilities will only drive the humanitarian needs further." Since March 2014, the coalition has battled Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, and allied forces who occupy the capital. Despite its extensive air campaign, the coalition has so far failed to dislodge the Houthis from the northern region. Meanwhile, the spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, noted that July and August witnessed some of the war's worst violence against civilians, with eight children killed in a July 5 rocket attack in the eastern city of Marib. On Aug. 7, 16 civilians were killed in airstrikes east of Sanaa. "Each side is responsible for the civilian casualties," Shamdasani said. In July, she noted that "the number of casualties attributable to airstrikes fell quite dramatically and it was the shelling, the rocket fire, the indiscriminate killings by the Houthis which rose considerably." She added that the airstrikes resumed last week and "airstrikes by their very nature tend to cause more damage and more casualties." ___ Afghanistan government in crisis amid political standoff KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghanistan's long-running political crisis took a new turn on Friday when key allies of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah threatened to withdraw their support for the government unless President Ashraf Ghani meets key demands just weeks before a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement between the two men is due to expire. The deal, negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, followed the fractious 2014 elections in which both men claimed victory, and resulted in a unity government of the two Afghan leaders, in which Abdullah reluctantly accepted the secondary role. As the deal nears its conclusion next month, Abdullah's supporters say he will no longer tolerate being marginalized by a president he hasn't met one-on-one for three months. In this Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 photo, Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah talks during an interview with the Associated Press at his office in Kabul, Afghanistan. Key allies of Afghanistan's chief executive are threatening to withdraw their support for the government unless the country's president meets their camp's key demands. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) Abdullahs' own frustration boiled over publicly on Thursday when he said Ghani was not fit to be president. On Friday, one of his high-profile supporters telephoned media to put the case that Ghani risked losing the cooperation of Abdullah and his backers unless he introduced reforms contained in a two-year timeline in the national unity government agreement. The NUG was originally expected to expire next month a date set on the assumption that a number of other steps, including electoral reforms, parliamentary elections and a constitutional change to establish Abdullah as the prime minister, would render the unity government obsolete. Few of those steps have been taken and Ghani, backed by Kerry, has insisted the NUG has no expiration date. Amrullah Saleh, a former head of the national intelligence agency who now leads the grassroots Green Trend party, told The Associated Press that Abdullah's allies are standing firm on their demands. They are seeking sweeping reforms and want Ghani to stop "micro-managing" the government and "consolidating personal power," Saleh said. He said his camp also accused Ghani of side-lining Abdullah from the decision-making process. "If President Ghani thinks that he (Abdullah) will continue to tolerate this, he will not," Saleh said. The relationship between Ghani and Abdullah has been tense since they formed the unity government, with each vetoing the other's Cabinet choices. Delays in appointments became excuses for non-compliance with the terms of the NUG agreement. Javid Faisal, Abdullah's deputy spokesman, said that while the two had appeared at meetings together, they had not had face-to-face meetings for three months. Saleh said Ghani's "indifference" to Abdullah is no longer "acceptable." He warned that if Abdullah's camp pulls out of the government, the "consequences would not be good for the country." Afghanistan is battling the Taliban, with the insurgency now in its 15th year intensifying in the southern province of Helmand in recent weeks. The military is in the midst of a major offensive, with U.S. back-up, against the Islamic State group in the eastern province of Nangarhar along the Pakistani border. The government has failed to create jobs and attract investment that could kickstart the moribund economy. Ghani has also been forced to deal with potentially destabilizing accusations of discrimination from the minority Hazaras, a largely impoverished Shiite community. Abdullah's supporters include regional warlords and powerbrokers like Ismail Khan, formerly governor of western Herat province, Atta Muhammad Noor, governor of the northern Balkh province, and others who led forces against the Soviet invasion and the Taliban's brutal five-year rule. Many are members of the Jamiat-e-Islami political party, though Saleh said they represented a wider base. "We are an anti-Taliban constituency that supported Dr Abdullah during the presidential elections," Saleh said. A number of his backers have formed an opposition party called the Afghanistan Protection and Stability Council, under the leadership of former militia commander Abdul Rasool Sayyaf, who said its aim was to pressure the government on electoral reform, as well as improvements to the economy and security. Meanwhile, former president Hamid Karzai meets regularly with his own supporters, and though he denies accusations that he is undermining Ghani's leadership, he is vocal in his criticisms. Many observers in Kabul have been waiting for Ghani's opponents to reveal their intentions ahead of the expiry of the NUG. In an indication of his own frustrations as well as the pressure he faces to stand up to Ghani Abdullah said Thursday, in comments that were televised, that the government was "paralyzed" because Ghani delivers lectures instead of listening to ministers. "If someone does not have patience, they do not have the right to be president," he said. His words do not just indicate weariness with his own marginalization from the business of government, which has been public knowledge for months, but point to rising demands from his backers who have been agitating against Ghani's unilateral control of government. Ghani's office issued a statement Friday in reaction to Abdullah's speech, saying the NUG had made "remarkable achievements." It said Abdullah's remarks were against the "spirit of governance." Saleh said: "Ghani needs to understand that this is not his country, that rule by a clique is not possible. We have shown a lot of restraint but we hope to achieve the full implementation of the NUG political agreement." Pakistani prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz addresses a news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Aziz is hoping that months-long stalled four-nation peace process aimed at ending the war between Kabul and the Taliban could be revived in coming weeks. He told reporters Friday the lingering violence in Afghanistan could only end through revival of peace talks. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash) In this Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 photo, Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah talks during an interview with the Associated Press at his office in Kabul, Afghanistan. Key allies of Afghanistan's chief executive are threatening to withdraw their support for the government unless the country's president meets their camp's key demands. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) Belgian police detain 3 in anti-terror raids BRUSSELS (AP) Belgian police launched several raids overnight in parts of Brussels as part of an anti-terror probe and have taken three people into custody. The federal prosecutor's office said Friday that eight searches were carried out in the Belgian capital. No weapons or explosives were found. Three people were taken in for questioning. They were identified as Wassime A., Asma A. and Malika B. A judge was due to decide later Friday whether to keep them in custody. Federal prosecutors declined to provide further details and did not say which anti-terror probe was concerned. The Latest: Clinton says email rules different for Hillary WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on the U.S. presidential race (all times local): 8:05 p.m. Bill Clinton says it was a mistake for Hillary Clinton to maintain a personal email server even though her predecessors and her successor at the State Department did it. Former President Bill Clinton greets members of the public after participating in a meeting about economic issues with developer Kem Gardner in downtown Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (Chris Detrick/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) But the former president says his wife should have known that there would be a different set of rules applied to her if she ran for the presidency. Bill Clinton defended the Democratic nominee for president Friday during a question-and-answer period at a Las Vegas forum organized by the Asian American Journalists Association and APIA Vote. Clinton says it didn't occur to diplomats sending the emails at the time that they should be concerned with records classification. The former president also says the email server shouldn't be a cause for distrust, and that people in the national security community wouldn't endorse Hillary Clinton's candidacy if it was. ___ 7:15 p.m. Donald Trump says the only way he can lose in Pennsylvania is if there's cheating. Trump tells a rally in Altoona that he plans to watch certain parts of Pennsylvania closely on Election Day. He's noting that he's had huge turnout for rallies in the state as evidence of what he says is overwhelming support. But Trump says he wants to ensure that Hillary Clinton's supporters don't vote multiple times. He's citing concerns about voter fraud. ___ 7:10 p.m. Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson says he thinks he has a chance at the presidency if he gets to participate in debates with the major-party candidates. The former governor of New Mexico spoke Friday at a Las Vegas forum organized by the Asian American Journalists Association and APIA Vote. Johnson was asked if Americans would be wasting their vote on him. He responded that a wasted vote is choosing someone you don't believe in. Johnson highlighted his permissive stance on marijuana, saying he consumed marijuana edibles three months ago but isn't using it now because he doesn't want to come to work impaired. ___ 7:05 p.m. Donald Trump claims the National Security Agency has Hillary Clinton's missing emails and suggests that the agency release them publicly. Trump made the assertion during a Friday evening rally in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and riled up the crowd by asking them whether the NSA should release the emails. The crowd responded in unison that it should. The NSA has never said that it has Clinton's emails. Trump appears to be referring generally to the widespread assumption that the NSA has information about millions of people. Clinton's legal team turned over more than 30,000 emails from her server to the State Department last March, but only after deleting another 30,000 messages that the legal team deemed private and personal. The FBI has reconstructed some of the missing emails. ___ 6:50 p.m. Donald Trump is warning his Pennsylvania supporters about potential voter fraud in the state and suggests that they volunteer to monitor the election. Speaking at a Friday evening rally in Altoona, Trump says, "We don't want to see people voting five times, folks," and adds: "We have to be very careful." In 2014, a Pennsylvania judge struck down a law requiring voters to produce state-approved photo ID in order to vote. Trump has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the nation's voting system, an unprecedented assertion by a modern presidential candidate. ___ 6:35 p.m. Donald Trump is offering effusive praise for Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. Trump tells rally-goers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that Priebus is doing a great job. He says he and Priebus are friends and work well together and that they have "great unification." Priebus is joining Trump this week as he campaigns amid increasing frustration among many Republicans about their nominee. Priebus and Trump are working to dispel speculation that the GOP may abandon Trump. Trump says he's been putting "a lot of money" into the Republican Party. ___ 6:20 p.m. Donald Trump is in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, touring a facility that builds mineral and agricultural equipment, McLanahan Corp. Trump walked through the factory with company executives and workers. He was joined by campaign staffers and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. The Republican presidential nominee inspected the metal-shaping foundry, the fabrication area and the rest of the plant before sitting down with workers at a small table. Meeting with voters in small, intimate settings is a new development for Trump, who has typically preferred large rallies. He's sought this week to focus attention on economic issues in rural parts of the country. ___ 3:15 p.m. Donald Trump is repeating his claim that he was "being sarcastic" when he called President Barack Obama "the founder" of the Islamic State terror group. But then Trump added that he was "not that sarcastic, to be honest with you." Trump has drawn criticism from Democrats this week for falsely claiming that Obama helped start the notorious extremist group. But Trump initially doubled down on this remarks, repeating the claim several times without any sense he was joking. But he tweeted early Friday that he was being sarcastic and reiterated that at a rally Friday in Erie, Pennsylvania. He suggested he was also kidding when he called Obama "the MVP" of the Islamic State. Trump said: "Obviously, I'm being sarcastic but not that sarcastic, to be honest with you." ___ 3 p.m. Donald Trump is urging former Republican rivals to "get over it" and support him for president. At a rally Friday, Trump recalled the pledge all of the Republican contenders signed to support the eventual nominee. That pledge was organized by the Republican National Committee, whose chairman, Reince Priebus, was attending the rally in Erie, Pennsylvania. Some of Trump's former rivals, including Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Jeb Bush, have declined to endorse Trump. "Some of them just can't get over it," Trump told the crowd. "Get over it! We were just having fun." ___ 2:40 p.m. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus is introducing Donald Trump at a campaign rally in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania. Priebus's appearance in Erie on Friday comes amid a series of bad polls for Trump and increased frustration among many Republicans about their nominee. Priebus alluded to the negative headlines, imploring the crowd to ignore "the garbage you're reading" and vowing to put Trump in the White House. "This man is going to win," said Priebus. "He's going to save our country." Trump's campaign has placed strong emphasis on winning Pennsylvania, which last went for a Republican candidate in 1988. But polls consistently show him trailing Hillary Clinton there. ___ 1:35 p.m. Donald Trump plans to return to Wisconsin next week and once again the state's top Republican leaders won't be there. Trump is holding a pair of fundraisers in La Crosse and Milwaukee on Tuesday. The campaign has not released details, but Trump typically also holds public campaign stops while in battleground states. Gov. Scott Walker was previously scheduled to be in Colorado on Tuesday as part of a Republican governors' panel at the Aspen Institute. And House Speaker Paul Ryan will be on a trip with his family. Walker is listed as an honorary host on invitations for both fundraisers. A Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday showed Trump trailing Hillary Clinton by 15 points among likely voters in Wisconsin. ___ 12 p.m. Hillary Clinton's campaign says the Democratic nominee and her husband paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent and donated 9.8 percent of their income to charity last year. The Clintons are releasing their 2015 filings on Friday. Her campaign is also releasing returns from running mate Tim Kaine and his wife. The campaign says the Kaines have donated 7.5 percent of their income to charity over the last decade. They paid an effective tax rate of 25.6 percent in 2015. Clinton is trying to undercut the trustworthiness of rival Donald Trump. He has refused to disclose any returns, breaking tradition with all recent presidential candidates. Trump says he won't release them until Internal Revenue Service completes audits of his returns. The Clintons have disclosed returns for every year since 1977. ___ 11:55 a.m. Hillary Clinton says she brings a lot of stamina to her campaign rebutting Donald Trump's suggestion that she's not up to the rigors of the presidency. Clinton is describing a typical day on the campaign trail in the launch of her campaign's podcast, "With Her." She says she's typically awake by 6:30 a.m. and gets news updates on her phone and from advisers. She adds she has "a lot of stamina and endurance which is necessary in the kind of campaign that I'm engaged in." Trump has criticized Clinton's stamina in recent weeks. He said Thursday that her speeches are short and then she goes back home to sleep. The Clinton interview was conducted Tuesday in Miami with Max Linsky, a Clinton supporter who hosts a podcast. ___ 10:50 p.m. Donald Trump has reached a confidential settlement in a legal dispute with a former political consultant. The Republican presidential candidate had accused him of violating a nondisclosure agreement. Attorneys for Trump and former aide Sam Nunberg filed court papers late Thursday ending the case. It was Trump's latest move to aggressively enforce terms of a nondisclosure agreement that he requires nearly every employee in his businesses and campaign to sign. Trump had sought $10 million in damages from Nunberg after accusing the former aide of leaking information to reporters after he was fired. In response, Nunberg filed a lawsuit in New York state court. It accused Trump of trying to silence him because he eventually supported Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas in the Republican primary ___ 7:15 a.m. Republican Donald Trump is now saying that his description of President Barack Obama as a founder of the Islamic State group was sarcasm. At a rally Wednesday, Trump said that Obama "is the founder of ISIS," using one acronym for the group. He repeated that in two interviews Thursday. But in a tweet Friday criticizing CNN's coverage, he said the network reported his claim "so seriously." Trump tweeted: "THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Trump's comments were seen as accusing Obama of creating conditions that allowed IS to thrive. But asked about that Thursday, Trump seemed to go further. He told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt "No, I meant that he's the founder of ISIS, I do." ___ 3:45 a.m. In a rare show of humility by the boastful billionaire, Donald Trump is acknowledging that his presidential campaign faces challenges and could ultimately fall short. The Republican presidential nominee is straying from his signature bravado as he campaigns in the battleground state of Florida. He told a gathering of evangelical ministers Thursday he's "having a tremendous problem in Utah." The same day, Trump acknowledged that his lack of political correctness could cost him the election if Americans reject his blunt approach. After trouncing 16 challengers in the Republican primary, Trump is encountering worrying signs as his campaign moves into the general election. Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead over Trump in national polls has widened in recent days, while a growing number of fellow Republicans have declared they won't support him. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus, right, greets Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with a group of factory workers during a tour of McLanahan Corporation headquarters, a company that manufactures mineral and agricultural equipment, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump takes a tour of McLanahan Corporation headquarters, a company that manufactures mineral and agricultural equipment, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves as he arrives for a campaign rally, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets supporters after giving a speech on the economy at Futuramic Tool & Engineering, in Warren, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) SAN FRANCISCOHunt eZine, the official online newsletter of Falcon Studio Group, has formed a content partnership with TheSword.com to create a special branded section in each issue. Huntwith more than 130 issues and approaching its fifth anniversaryreaches more than 100,000 subscribers every two weeks, while TheSword.com is a popular blog that covers everything Gay.Sex.Life. Its the natural evolution of Hunt to include the hottest items from TheSword.com. From Hunts inception the idea was to make it the premiere source for gay porn information, and adding articles from TheSword.com furthers the vision I originally had for Hunt, said Toby J. Morris, Falcon Studios Group and The NakedSword Networks vice president of marketing and the creator and editor of Hunt eZine. Hunt is the main way we reach out to our fans, and it has become one of the most popular sources for gay porn news in the industry. Its only fitting that we add articles from TheSword.com to enhance our subscribers experience with each issue. Hunt delivers fans of gay porn high-quality free content, as well as news and information from and about Falcon Studios Group and the industry at large. Fans of gay porn and gay sex can review past issues and receive a free lifetime subscription to the eZine by visiting HunteZine.com TheSword.com, one of the most popular and established gay lifestyle blogs created by the founders of the content rich gay porn membership siteNakedSword.com, covers the gay porn industry and models, gay sex and gay life. Whether its commentary on the latest releases in the gay porn world, sexy features about current gay events or the often comical and relevant Stall Wall items shared on the blog, TheSword.com delivers sexy and gay like no other blog in the category. Hunt and TheSword.com joining forces was a logical progression after Tim Valenti, NakedSword.com and TheSword.coms president and founder, was named president of Falcon Studios Group at the beginning of the year. "TheSword.com and Hunt eZine were made to be together. Having TheSword.com articles in Hunt gives the eZine a wider appeal and broadcasts the quality editorial on TheSword.com to a larger audience! Valenti said. Now, gay porn fans will get the best of both! For more information about advertising opportunities in Hunt, contact Toby J. Morris at [email protected] or (415) 321-6628. Spain: 2 wounded in suspected domestic shooting MADRID (AP) Police say two people have been wounded in a shooting in the northeastern city of Zaragoza in a suspected case of domestic violence. National Police spokeswoman Pilar Fornies said a man opened fire on his ex-wife as she drove out of her house garage with their daughter Friday. He then apparently tried to kill himself. She said police are treating the shooting as domestic. French court rejects bid to shut 72 migrant camp eateries PARIS (AP) A French court rejected a demand Friday to close 72 eateries and shops in the makeshift migrant camp in the northern port city of Calais, but the prefecture said it will continue legal action against what it calls a dangerous underground economy. The Lille court turned down the demand of the Prefecture of the Pas de Calais region, the state representative, to permanently close the operations which humanitarian organizations contend are a lifeline for the estimated more than 7,000 migrants in the camp, commonly known as "the Jungle." A statement by the prefecture said the installations don't respect sanitation rules, risk fires and are a source of public disorder. "Administrative inspections of the underground commerce and judicial actions will be continued," it said. Later, the prefect for Calais, Vincent Berton, announced that the state was lodging an appeal against the court decision. Thousands of free meals are legally handed out daily to migrants by a state-backed association at the camp and others. However, humanitarian organizations contend that this is not enough food for the growing number of migrants in the camp, and migrants can stand in line for hours for a meal. The prefecture sent inspectors into the camp in July to check shops and restaurants, including hairdressers, seizing and destroying numerous products and detaining 19 people. Shops and restaurants were then ordered closed though some reopen quietly at nightfall. Maya Konforti of Auberge des Migrants, or Migrants Shelter, a mainstay aid association for migrants, said the court decision allows aid groups and migrants to buy time. "We're going to see ... how we can improve things," she said by telephone. But, she added that "a restaurant in the jungle will never be legal." The court action, she said, is "sheer harassment." The prefecture razed the southern half of the Calais camp in July, after a court gave the green light but barred the destruction of houses of worship and schools. Police: 2 found dead in NY cemetery were struck by lightning BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) Authorities say a man and woman found dead in a western New York cemetery apparently were hit by lightning during severe thunderstorms. Police in Batavia, located between Buffalo and Rochester, say Batavia Cemetery caretakers discovered the bodies of 34-year-old Richard Garlock and 32-year-old Jenea Macleod on Wednesday afternoon. Severe storms had rolled across the region early Wednesday morning. Police say a medical examiner determined Garlock and Macleod had sustained injuries consistent with being struck by lightning, but the official cause of death is still pending. Police: Man who rigged explosives attempts escape, is shot A man accused of rigging trail cameras with explosives in the Kentucky woods was fatally shot during a confrontation with police while he was helping them search for devices, police said Friday. Mark Sawaf, 39, of Harlan, Kentucky, tried to escape and was shot by Capt. Brad Dobrzynski, a Lexington Fire Department investigator, during the altercation Thursday evening, said Kentucky State Police Trooper Shane Jacobs. Also involved in the altercation were a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent and an officer from the Lexington Police Department's hazardous devices unit, the trooper said. Jacobs provided no additional details about the altercation, saying it was being investigated by state police. Sawaf died at the scene. His body was taken to the state medical examiner's office in Frankfort for an autopsy. Jacobs said the group had found several cameras which are usually attached to trees rigged with explosives and was still searching near a subdivision in the Woodland Hills community when the chain of events occurred leading to Sawaf's death. "He tried to flee, and once they caught back up to him, an altercation took place and that's when deadly force was utilized," the trooper said. Earlier this year, Sawaf was indicted on eight federal charges, including owning and making unregistered destructive devices, and was scheduled to go on trial next month, according to court documents. He had been ordered to remain in custody until trial but was brought back to assist in locating the explosives, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. Authorities believe explosive devices were scattered over an approximately 5-mile radius in the eastern Kentucky woods, Jacobs said. "We know that there are more explosives there," he said. Sawaf was charged in June following a federal investigation into the explosion of a trail camera the month before that caused a man to lose multiple fingers and receive wounds to his torso, according to court documents. The man had obtained the camera from someone who found it on a mountain trail. Sawaf was identified as a suspect and investigators who searched his home found several items consistent with materials used in the trail camera explosives, including a shotgun shell containing suspected explosive filler, a fuse, a hot glue gun and parts from trail cameras, court records indicated. Also found were six intact trail cameras and a handwritten note detailing various explosive mixtures. Sawaf had owned and operated Harlan Counseling Inc. since 2014 and had a master's degree in mental health counseling, the Lexington newspaper reported, citing court documents. ___ A tale of dogged love that won a flight attendant's heart BERLIN (AP) Most flight attendants have a tale to tell of long-distance relationships, but this one has a happy ending that's enchanted legions of social media users worldwide. It all began in February, when a Lufthansa employee flew to Argentina and encountered a stray dog outside her hotel. "I stroked him, gave him some food and we took a walk through the streets," Olivia Sievers said in an email Friday. "I had a feeling that this dog was looking for a human friend." Sure enough, he found one in Sievers. "I gave Rubio my attention and my time," she said. On Sievers' next trip to Buenos Aires her four-legged friend was again waiting at the hotel. And again the next time after that. The long-time animal rights activist brought him flea and tick medication and even attempted to find a home for him in Buenos Aires, but he'd clearly lost his heart to Sievers. His dogged persistence paid off last week, when the 45-year-old took him back to Germany. Rubio Spanish for "blond" on account of his golden fur is now enjoying his new family in Germany, who also include Enzo, a corgi-basset mix, and Rottweiler Baerchen. Meanwhile, Sievers has received more than 3,000 friend requests on Facebook after Argentinian TV station Canal 13 first reported about the trans-Atlantic love story, triggering a flood of news reports around the world. Sievers said she hopes the overwhelming interest will prompt more people to consider adopting strays. Pennsylvania attorney general won't testify at perjury trial NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) Attorney General Kathleen Kane decided Friday not to testify or put on any defense witnesses at her perjury and obstruction trial, saying she didn't think the government had proved its case against her. "I listened to the commonwealth's case and I don't believe it's necessary for me to testify," Kane said. Kane is accused of leaking grand jury evidence to the press and lying about it under oath. The felony perjury charge can bring up to seven years in prison. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane takes a morning break during the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP,Pool) Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com Closing arguments are set for Monday. Kane listened this week as two of her once-trusted advisers told the jury that she had invented a story for the grand jury and framed someone else for the leak. One of them said he conspired with her on the plan. "Kathleen and I came up with a story that she was going to testify to and I was going to testify to," political consultant Josh Morrow testified Thursday. "We had conspired to create this story that wasn't true." The other, former chief deputy and her former law school boyfriend Adrian King, said he passed an envelope from her to a campaign consultant that eventually reached a newspaper. But King said that he didn't know it contained secret criminal files and that Kane is trying to frame him. Kane, once a rising star in the state's Democratic Party, is set to leave office in January after a tumultuous first term that spawned her arrest, the loss of her law license and a statehouse impeachment effort. Kane, 50, has said she was being targeted for taking on an "old boys network" in state government. Prosecutors say Kane leaked documents through aides in 2014 to get back at a former prosecutor in the office whom she loathed. The documents showed that the prosecutor, Frank Fina, had led a 2009 investigation into an NAACP official's finances but then shelved the case. Kane thought Fina had made her look bad in a story about a statehouse sting of fellow Democrats that she had dropped. "I think she was just hell-bent on getting back at Frank Fina," Morrow said. Prosecutors said the NAACP official, J. Whyatt "Jerry" Mondesire of Philadelphia, was simply collateral damage. His fiancee testified Friday that the story unfairly maligned him, contributed to his ouster from the NAACP and took a toll on his health. Mondesire, 65, died last year. Chris Brennan, the Philadelphia Daily News reporter who wrote the story, also took the stand to invoke a state shield law that protects journalists from disclosing their sources. The final prosecution witness read a 1999 trial transcript that quoted Kane saying she knows it's illegal to disclose grand jury evidence. She testified that the judge on trial in a bribery case had asked her to do so. She said that she refused. The defense made the standard motion Friday to dismiss the case for lack of evidence, but Montgomery County Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy found "more than enough direct and circumstantial evidence" to send the case to the jury. Kane has appeared cool and confident throughout the five-day trial and smiled along with the judge when Brennan, answering a question, said that "almost nothing surprises me as a political reporter." Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, left, takes a morning break during the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP, Pool) Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com Attorney William Costopoulos, left, a witness in the trial, walks with Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele to the courtroom where Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane is having her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP, Pool) The Latest: Third body found after Maryland apartment fire SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) The Latest on a deadly explosion and apartment fire in Maryland (all times local): 9: 50 p.m. Police say a third body has been found in a Maryland apartment building that was the scene of an explosion and fire. The scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) A news release from the Montgomery County Police Department says personnel found the body late Friday afternoon in Silver Spring. The bodies of two people were removed from the building Thursday. Investigators have not yet identified the three victims. The release says all the bodies have been transported to the chief medical examiner's office in Baltimore for autopsies. Police say search and recovery efforts will resume Saturday. Fire officials on Thursday had initially said five to seven people were unaccounted for. The explosion late Wednesday night shook buildings more than a mile away. ___ 2:15 p.m. Police now say they expect additional fatalities from an explosion and fire in Maryland that has already left two people dead and a number of people unaccounted for. At a news conference Friday, Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Russ Hamill said he believes additional bodies will be found in the debris of an apartment building in Silver Spring. But he declined to speculate on how many people remain missing; fire officials on Thursday had initially said five to seven people were unaccounted for. Fire officials say search efforts have been slowed because the building is in danger of collapse and needs to be shored up. The explosion late Wednesday night shook buildings more than a mile away. On Thursday, police confirmed two deaths, and more than 30 injuries. ___ 9:40 a.m. Crews have removed two bodies from the scene of a deadly explosion and apartment fire outside the nation's capital. Battalion Chief Dan Ogren says the bodies of two people were removed from the building Thursday and taken to the Office of the chief Medical Examiner for autopsies and identification. He says because of the conditions of the bodies, officials weren't able to identify age or sex. Officials say two people were killed, others are missing and more than 30 were taken to hospitals for treatment after the blast and fire late Wednesday. Ogren says crews are finishing shoring up the building so teams can go in safely. Ogren says crews will be searching for those still missing and looking into the cause of the blast. He says 80 to 90 investigators from county police and fire marshal's office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and National Transportation Safety Board will be on the scene. ___ 8:10 a.m. Authorities are returning to the scene of a deadly explosion and apartment fire in a complex outside the nation's capital, searching for those still missing and looking into the cause of the blast. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Capt. Oscar Garcia said that county fire and police officials and investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are resuming work at the Silver Spring apartment complex Friday morning. Officials announced that two people were killed, others are missing and more than 30 were taken to hospitals for treatment after the blast and fire late Wednesday. Police did not release the identities of the dead and said an unknown number of residents are still unaccounted for. Firefighters used ladders to rescue people from upper floors, and residents tossed children from balconies to safety below. County officials were trying to help worried family members account for missing loved ones. ____ 2:45 a.m. As authorities investigate the cause of a deadly explosion and apartment fire in an apartment complex outside the nation's capital, they are looking into reports that residents smelled natural gas before the blast. Two people were killed, others are missing and more than 30 were taken to hospitals for treatment. Police did not release the identities of the dead. Firefighters used ladders to rescue people from upper floors, and residents tossed children from balconies to safety below. Police said an unknown number of residents remain unaccounted for. The explosion late Wednesday night sent debris hundreds of feet, and people more than a mile away reported the blast was strong enough to shake their homes. County officials were trying to help worried family members account for missing loved ones. Emergency personnel view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear items from an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel investigate the inside of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. At least two people died and dozens, including three firefighters, were injured after an explosion and large fire at the apartment complex. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear out a basement room of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) People view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel clear out a basement room of an apartment building following a fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Emergency personnel view the scene of an apartment building fire in Silver Spring, Md., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) This Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 shows the Piney Branch Road apartment fire with structural collapse in Silver Spring, Md. Fire officials say at least 20 to 25 people, including two firefighters, have been injured in a large fire at an apartment building in a Maryland suburb of Washington. According to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, first responders were dispatched to the scene in Silver Spring just before midnight Wednesday. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue via AP) Philippine leader wants to talk with 2 rebel groups, China MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he wanted his government to hold peace talks with the two largest Muslim rebel groups in the south at the same time and preferred to negotiate with rather than confront China on their territorial disputes. Despite his peace overtures, Duterte assured government troops on southern Jolo Island, a hotbed of Muslim militancy, that they would be provided with more powerful weapons and better hospitals while the decades-long rebellions continue to rage. "I would like to appeal to all that we stop this war. I am pleading so there will no longer be blood," Duterte said in a speech before combat troops in a military camp on Jolo in the predominantly Muslim province of Sulu. Duterte was referring to the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with the Philippine government in 1996 but has held on to its firearms and continues to carry out sporadic attacks, accusing Manila of failing to deliver political and economic concessions under the accord. Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, signed another Muslim autonomy deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014 but a draft law that would have enforced the agreement was not passed by Congress before Aquino's term ended in June. Duterte said he asked the government peace panel to hold talks with the two rebel groups at the same time to save on money. It has been challenging, however, to bring the two rebel groups together although both have embraced Muslim autonomy in exchange for ending decades of bloody rebellions. Philippine officials would meet with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Malaysia on Saturday to discuss the enforcement of the 2014 autonomy pact. It remains unclear when the government would start talks with the Moro National Liberation Front, which has split into a number of factions. In the case of the smaller but more brutal Abu Sayyaf extremist group, which has been blamed for terrorist bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, Duterte said, "We not only fight, we destroy." Before assuming the presidency, Duterte was the longtime mayor of Davao, where his tough crimebusting style has helped the southern city attain relative progress and peace despite the protracted insurgencies in the region. More than 150,000 combatants and civilians have died in the Muslim rebellions, which erupted in the 1970s. The brash Duterte joked that if the insurgencies ease, troops can wait for a possible war with China. "I want this war to end so the soldiers can return home because they also have families and let's just wait for the war with China," Duterte said with a laugh, adding "the fools may start a war with us." He quickly turned serious, however, and said he was adopting a softer approach in resolving the long-simmering disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea. "We're not in a hurry to wage war, we're in a hurry to talk." Pro-Kurdish party leader faces 5-year jail term in Turkey ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Prosecutors in Istanbul are demanding five-year prison terms for the leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party and a senior party member who are accused of engaging in "propaganda for a terror organization." In an indictment released on Friday, the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office accused Selahattin Demirtas, leader of the People's Democratic Party, HDP, and party legislator Sirri Sureyya Onder, based on speeches they delivered in 2013 that allegedly praised the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, PKK, and its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan. No trial date has been set. Their prosecution was made possible after legal immunities that protected legislators from prosecution were lifted in May. LOS ANGELESEpoch will toast a historic milestone as an industry leader in global payment solutions when it hosts its 20th Anniversary Party at Webmaster Access Amsterdam. The bash will kick off at 9 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Sea Palace, the first floating restaurant in Europe that is a landmark in the heart of Amsterdam. The three-floor eatery, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine, is within walking distance from the DoubleTree by Hilton, the host hotel for the 12th annual webmaster conference. Epoch is the first billing company in the adult sector to reach the two-decade mark. So were going to celebrate this milestone with our clients and everyone else whose been with us through the years, said Harmik Gharapetian, vice president of sales and marketing for the Santa Monica, Calif.-based company. Were the only one in this sector thats hit 20 and is still around. Its going to be a huge night with drinks, appetizers, music and giveaways. The party is open to all Webmaster Access attendees but an early arrival is suggested as the capacity for the Sea Palace is 600 guests. We wanted to pick a place that was close to the main hotel of the show that was easily accessible. Its about 500 feet away, Gharapetian said, adding that Amsterdam is a one-of-a-kind place. With all the little bridges and waterways in Amsterdam its just a unique city. Its very lively. Its a Vegas-type atmosphere there, always lit up and crowded with a lot of different things to do. Epoch helps clients all over the world process credit card, debit card and a multitude of other payment types by leveraging its banking relationships to provide payment gateway, one-time and recurring billing, 24/7/365 billing support customer service as well as data storage, all in a secure environment. It also customizes the payment form in 17 different languages based on the customer, accepts all major card types as well as a number of regional payment types, and bills customers in their local currency. Now in his 17th year with Epoch, Gharapetian said he could not be more proud of the way the company has evolved. To me, Epoch is like a family, he said, noting the Epoch staff consists of more than 130 professionals in the U.S. and abroad. Over 50 percent of our employees have been with us 10 years or more now. Epoch, which will officially surpass 20 years on Oct. 1, will continue leading the way in the next era of the company, Gharapetian assured. Innovation has been what has gotten us to 20 years, Gharapetian said. Weve never sat back and said weve reached the mountaintop. We always ask ourselves what else do we need to do to improve on what we already do? I think innovation will be our driving force for the next 20 years. Weve been the first in the market to do most of the things weve done. Whether its the back end, reports, processing or affiliate tracking, weve been pioneers. Innovation would be the key word for the future. The executive said hes been attending Webmaster Access Amsterdam since the beginning. Webmaster Access is the European show to be at, Gharapetian said. Just like us, it was there before everybody else. Court rules UK's Labour can omit 1000s from leadership vote LONDON (AP) Britain's opposition Labour Party has the right to prevent tens of thousands of new members from voting in the party's leadership contest, Britain's Court of Appeal ruled Friday. The left-of-center party is in turmoil amid an attempt to unseat leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party's more centrist members consider the 67-year-old left-winger ineffective and unelectable. He is facing a challenge from legislator Owen Smith in a leadership election that will be decided by party members and supporters, with the winner declared next month. FILE - In this Tuesday, May 10, 2016 file photo, Leader of Britain's Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn speaks at the launch of 'Labour In for Britain', ahead of June's EU referendum, in London. Britain's appeals court on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 has ruled that the executive of the opposition Labour Party has the right to prevent tens of thousands of new members from voting in the party's leadership contest. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file) The party executive ruled last month that only members of at least six months' standing could vote in the contest. Five Labour members challenged the decision, and on Monday a judge agreed the party was wrong to disenfranchise people who had joined believing they would be able to vote. But the party lodged an appeal, and on Friday three judges said the lower-court judge had "erred in law." Announcing the ruling, judge Jack Beatson said Labour's National Executive Committee "has the power to set the criteria for members to be eligible to vote in the leadership election in the way that they did." The ruling deepens the split in the party and disenfranchises almost 130,000 new Labour members many of them thought to support Corbyn, who was elected leader a year ago. He remains popular among party members. But most Labour lawmakers accuse Corbyn of failing to present a compelling alternative to the Conservative government and of showing half-hearted support for European Union membership during Britain's recent referendum campaign. Trade body rules against Russia in tariff dispute with EU BERLIN (AP) A World Trade Organization panel has found largely in the European Union's favor in a dispute over tariffs imposed by Russia on some agricultural and manufactured goods. The ruling released Friday was the first involving Russia since it joined the global trade body in 2012. The case was launched by the EU in October 2014. The disputed tariffs were largely imposed at a time of heightening tensions between Western countries and Russia over its role in Ukraine. The panel found 11 of the 12 measures challenged by the EU were inconsistent with Russia's obligations not to apply tariffs higher than those set out in its commitments as a WTO member. Five of those 11 measures have been changed since proceedings started. For 2nd time this week, a 6-year-old is shot in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (AP) Police are looking for whoever injured two 6-year-olds in separate shootings this week, one playing on her street and another riding in a car with his godfather. The boy was shot once in the chest and once in the leg Thursday in the Germantown section of the city. He is listed in critical condition. On Tuesday, the girl was hit by a stray bullet while playing in front of her home in the nearby West Oak Lane neighborhood. She is in critical but stable condition. The boy's godfather was also shot, along with two 29-year-old men. All are in stable condition. Police Commissioner Richard Ross, a 27-year veteran of the department, said he has never seen anything like this week's dual shootings of small children. "We're talking about little babies," said Ross, who visited both children in the hospital. "That's not supposed to happen anywhere." Police said more than 40 shots were fired in Thursday's attack, and AK-47 shell casings were found at the scene. In Tuesday's shooting, the girl was shot in the chest under her left arm and was found unresponsive on the sidewalk next to the steps of her home. Police found more than 20 shell casings from two guns and said they believe two people were shooting in the same direction. No arrests have been made in either shooting, and police aren't saying whether they believe they could have been connected. On Friday, police announced a reward of up to $10,000 in each case for information leading to an arrest. There have been more than 770 shootings in Philadelphia this year, up 12 percent from this time last year. There have been 172 homicides, a 6 percent year-to-date increase. At least eight children have been killed by gunfire, compared to six in 2015. Mayor Jim Kenney cited systemic poverty as part of the problem contributing to gun violence but said he was struggling to make sense of this week's shootings. "It's heartbreaking and devastating to us as a city and to these families," Kenney said. City Council President Darrell Clarke said Thursday's shooting points to the need for gun control legislation that would prevent people from having an AK-47. "I've run out of ways to describe my outrage at child shootings," Clarke said. "You cannot legislate heart and minds, but you can legislate things." According to details of a preliminary investigation, the boy had just been picked up by his godfather when someone in another car shot at them. Authorities said part of their investigation includes looking into whether the shooting was the result of "an age-old turf rivalry." The violence is threatening to destroy summer for children in the city, Chief Inspector Carl Holmes said. "It's the summertime; children have to be able to come out and play," Holmes said. "Even more than getting these people off the streets, we have to get these guns off the street." ___ Trump, former campaign aide settle confidentiality dispute NEW YORK (AP) Donald Trump reached a confidential settlement with a former political consultant he accused of violating a nondisclosure agreement, concluding his latest attempt to use the legal system to enforce the silence of his employees. Trump launched the legal dispute with Sam Nunberg in late May by seeking $10 million in damages from the former aide in a private arbitration proceeding. Nunberg responded by filing a countersuit in New York state court last month. On Friday, attorneys on both sides declined to provide further details about the settlement. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) "All I can say it that it was amicably resolved, the whole dispute," said Alan Garten, general counsel for the Trump Organization. Nunberg's attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, issued a similar statement in an email to The Associated Press. Nunberg declined to comment on the details of the settlement, saying only that his court case and the arbitration were resolved. Nunberg served as a consultant to Trump's campaign until about a year ago when he was fired for racist comments he posted on Facebook. Trump, who has said he rarely settles lawsuits, has made a point of pursuing legal action to aggressively enforce confidentiality agreements. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that nearly every Trump employee must sign legally binding nondisclosure agreements. The agreements bar them from releasing any confidential or disparaging information about the real estate mogul, his family or his companies. A copy of Nunberg's agreement, which became public as part of a counter lawsuit he filed against Trump, covered all of Trump's children including his 10-year-old son, Barron. In Nunberg's case, Trump accused him of making disparaging comments and leaking confidential information to reporters. Trump made the claims in private arbitration, another common requirement written into his confidentiality agreements that seeks to keep the details of the disputes from a public airing in court. But in response to Trump's claims, Nunberg filed a lawsuit in New York state court last month, making the details of the arbitration public. In the lawsuit, Nunberg denied that he had disparaged Trump and accused Trump of trying to bully him into silence him because he chose to support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the GOP primary. Nunberg said Trump falsely accused him of being the source of a New York Post story that detailed a public spat between former Trump campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, and campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks. Nunberg referred to the quarrel as evidence of "an apparent affair," an allegation that Trump's attorneys have called "categorically untrue." Nunberg has been an outspoken critic of Lewandowski, who Trump fired in June. In a GQ Magazine article earlier this year, Nunberg was quoted as saying he would suck the "blood out of (Lewandowski's) skull by the time I'm done with him." ___ Day reported from Washington. ___ Hugh Jackman's Instagram appearance sparks speculation Hugh Jackman is getting a taste of the attention focusing on his appearance that's normally reserved for female celebrities. The Australian actor posted a picture on Instagram this week giving a thumbs-up to a tray of cooked fish. Some comments say he looks dramatically aged in the photo. Others speculate he was wearing makeup for an upcoming Wolverine film. Jackman said last year that the upcoming Wolverine film, his seventh in the role, would be his last. FILE - In this March 7, 2016, file photo, actor Hugh Jackman smiles during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea. Jackman posted a photo on Instagram Aug. 10, 2016, that has prompted speculation about his appearance. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File) The Latest: Pennsylvania attorney general won't testify NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) The Latest on Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's trial on perjury and obstruction charges (all times local): 12 p.m. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane won't testify or put on any defense witnesses at her perjury and obstruction trial. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Closing arguments are set for Monday. Kane tells the trial judge she doesn't think "it's necessary for me to testify" after hearing the government's case this week. Kane is accused of leaking grand jury evidence to the press and lying about it under oath. A felony perjury conviction can bring up to seven years in prison. The final prosecution witness Friday read a 1999 trial transcript that quotes Kane saying she knows it's illegal to disclose grand jury evidence. The defense has asked that the case be dismissed for lack of evidence. Montgomery County Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy denied the request. ___ 10 a.m. A news reporter testifying at Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's perjury trial has declined to name the person who gave him secret documents at the heart of the case. Then-Philadelphia Daily News political editor Chris Brennan on Friday invoked a state shield law that protects journalists from disclosing their sources. Brennan acknowledges getting documents that showed an NAACP official had been investigated by Kane's predecessor but never charged. Prosecutors say Kane leaked the documents through aides to embarrass a rival prosecutor and then lied about it under oath. Her former campaign consultant says he conspired with Kane to leak the documents in 2014 and come up with a cover story afterward. Consultant Josh Morrow has been granted immunity for that testimony Thursday. Brennan now works for The Philadelphia Inquirer. ___ 8 a.m. Prosecutors are continuing to lay out their perjury and corruption case against Pennsylvania's attorney general. Kathleen Kane's trial is set to resume Friday morning in suburban Philadelphia, a day after a political consultant told jurors that he "conspired" with her to pin a grand jury leak on her top deputy. On Thursday, consultant Josh Morrow testified under a grant of immunity. He said that he and Kane concocted a story in August 2014 that a top deputy had leaked the secret files to a newspaper. Morrow acknowledges telling the story to a grand jury. Morrow says Kane was becoming "unhinged" over her feud with a rival prosecutor and leaked the material to embarrass him. Kane denies the allegations. She remains in office but has lost her law license. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane arrives for the fifth day of her trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Kane faces perjury and other charges related to the alleged leak of secret grand jury materials. (Dan Gleiter /PennLive.com via AP) Nigerian helicopters rush polio vaccines to dangerous area MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) Military helicopters on Friday rushed polio vaccines to dangerous parts of northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram operates and two paralyzed toddlers were recently discovered, a Nigerian health official said. The World Health Organization said the new cases indicate the wild polio virus has circulated undetected for five years in Borno state a major setback after Nigeria was declared polio-free in October. Recent attacks by the Islamic extremists prevented the emergency operation from getting health workers to two parts of Borno state where the children were found, Borno state health commissioner Ibrahim Miringa told The Associated Press. FILE- In this Sunday, April 13, 2014 file photo, an unidentified health official administers a polio vaccine to a child in Kawo Kano, Nigeria. Nigeria has reported the first two cases of polio after more than two years, in an area newly liberated from Islamic extremists who attacked polio vaccinators in the past, the government and the World Health Organization said Thursday. Aug. 11, 2016 (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba, File) Massive challenges face Nigerian health workers supported by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to urgently vaccinate millions of endangered children in an area where the U.N. suspended aid after a military-escorted humanitarian convoy was attacked last month. "Not all the areas that have been liberated by the military could be accessed by our health officials because of recent attacks in Jere and Gwoza local government areas carried out by Boko Haram," Miringa said. Jere and Gwoza are the areas where the first two cases of polio were found in Nigeria in more than two years, the WHO announced Thursday night. Nigeria's removal from WHO's list of polio-endemic countries had meant all of Africa was free from the crippling disease. Only two other countries remain on the list Afghanistan and Pakistan. Miringa said the two children, aged under 2, were among refugees arrived from areas newly freed from Boko Haram. He said health workers have been vaccinating refugees as they arrive in major camps. "But recent liberation of internally displaced persons from the hinterlands and their being camped in satellite camps have made the immunization exercise difficult." International organizations plan to support Nigerian health workers in using "a hit-and-run kind of strategy," the WHO director for polio eradication, Dr. Michel Zaffran, told reporters in a conference call. A massive vaccination drive was starting in Borno and within weeks would be carried to nearby Benin, Chad, Central African Republic, Chad and Cameroon, Zaffran said. ___ Faul reported from Lagos, Nigeria. FILE- In this Sunday, April.13, 2014 file photo children wait to receive polio vaccine in Kawo Kano, Nigeria. Nigeria has reported the first two cases of polio after more than two years, in an area newly liberated from Islamic extremists who attacked polio vaccinators in the past, the government and the World Health Organization said Thursday. Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba, File) Southern California having smoggiest summer since 2009 LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California sunshine means sparkling beach weather, but this summer it's contributing to a return of a traditional nemesis: smog. The enormous region that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Mojave Desert is having its worst summer air quality since 2009, regulators said Thursday. Huge wildfires have fouled the air with ash and soot in some localized areas, but the big problem is seasonal ozone. The emissions from cars, refineries and other sources react to sunshine to produce a lung-stinging pollutant. HOLD FOR STORY - FILE - In this July 15, 1978 file photo, a pall of smog lies over the Los Angeles skyline. Southern California is having its smoggiest summer in nearly a decade and hospitals report an increase of people with breathing problems. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says ozone levels exceeded federal standards for all but four days in June 2016. July had only one clean-air day, and there hasn't been a single day so far in August. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says even the worst smog is nothing compared to the foul blanket that used to cover Southern California in the 1970s. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) Although the air is nowhere near as foul as in the bad old days of the 1970s, when skies were a miasmic yellow or brown, ozone levels continue to exceed federal standards and hospitals in the smoggiest areas report an uptick in asthma patients. In the past two or three months, there has been a 30 percent spike in the number of people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease seeking help for breathing difficulties, Dr. Laren Tan said. He directs Loma Linda University Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Asthma Network Clinic, located at Loma Linda University Medical Center east of Los Angeles. "They're having to use their rescue inhalers more, they're having to use their rescue steroids more, and they've actually had to go to urgent care," Tan said. "It's very worrisome especially if our air quality continues to worsen," he said. Southern California's ozone season runs from May to October. June saw only four days of air quality that didn't exceed federal ozone standards; July had just one day and so far August hasn't had a single day of good air, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the smog control agency for all or portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The ozone level peaked on July 22 at 164 parts per billion at Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains more than twice the federal limit of 70 parts per billion. It was the worst day of ozone smog since 2009. As of Wednesday, there had been 93 days this year when ozone levels exceeded federal standards compared to 69 last year over the same period and the tally could hit 100 days before summer ends, AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said. Tim Aslin, a 37-year-old feature film writer who lives in Los Angeles, says he can feel it. "I get pretty bad allergies, like respiratory allergies, and I notice it more in my sinuses," he said. "I'm quite congested." Jesse Hoffman, a 27-year-old skin care consultant, moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco three years ago. "It's dusty, dry and uncomfortable," he said. "My breathing changed a lot after moving here, particularly in the first six months, I really thought that there was something a lot more wrong with me than there was.I think it just took time for my body to get used to L.A.'s air." "I hike a lot and I can definitely see the smog," he said. "On bad days you can see a layer of smog over the city." Weather is the big factor in summer pollution. Hot, stagnant air can trap the smog under an inversion layer, and Southern California has seen episodes of record-breaking heat. Because of wind patterns, a lot of that smog is swept to the mountains north and east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, reacting with sunlight along the way and winding up inland, Atwood said. In June and July, Dignity Health Community Hospital of San Bernardino probably saw a 15 percent rise in the number of people coming to the emergency room with respiratory problems, said Dr. Cameron Nouri, medical director of emergency services. The conditions ranged from mild asthma to people needing mechanical breathing aid, with the most serious conditions "at both extremes of age, very young and very old," he said. People with pre-existing respiratory problems are most vulnerable, he said. Nouri recommended that people stay indoors and ease off exercise on extremely hot or polluted days. Even at its worst, however, Southern California's air is cleaner than it was in previous decades. Despite the surge in population and the economy, the number of days that the region had unhealthy air has declined by about two-thirds over the past four decades, according to the AQMD. The peak ozone level in 1979 was 450 parts per billion, and that year saw 234 days of unhealthy ozone levels. "So, basically, every day except when it was raining or windy or cold," Atwood said. Even 20 years ago, Atwood said, summertime meant days and days when "almost everybody" coped with watery eyes, tight chests and coughing. Atwood himself remembers when downtown Los Angeles might huddle under an opaque shroud. "We can see the mountains on many days in the summer," he said. "Previously, residents might move here in the summer and not realize until the winter that they actually had a view of the mountains from their backyards." ___ Associated Press writer Delara Shakib in Los Angeles contributed to this report. HOLD FOR STORY - FILE - In this July 1998 file photo, traffic drives toward downtown Los Angeles on the 110 freeway as a curtain of smog shrouds the skyline. Southern California is having its smoggiest summer in nearly a decade and hospitals report an increase of people with breathing problems. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says ozone levels exceeded federal standards for all but four days in June 2016. July had only one clean-air day, and there hasn't been a single day so far in August. The worst-hit areas are in the mountains and inland areas outside of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) Downtown Los Angeles is shrouded in early morning coastal fog on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Southern California is having its smoggiest summer in nearly a decade and hospitals report an increase of people with breathing problems. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Early morning hikers walk along a path at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Southern California is having its smoggiest summer in nearly a decade and hospitals report an increase of people with breathing problems. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) South Africans protest over killing of suspected poacher JOHANNESBURG (AP) The shooting of a suspected poacher by rangers in South Africa's biggest wildlife park set off protests by villagers living nearby, forcing officials to advise tourists to avoid one of the park's gates and seek alternative routes in and out of the reserve. William Mabasa, spokesman for South Africa's parks service, said Friday that residents of the village of the suspected poacher had used stones, branches and burning tires to block a road 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Kruger National Park. Mabasa says residents have staged protests since the Aug. 3 shooting and tourists are being asked to avoid the park's Paul Kruger gate Saturday. Pressuring Trump, Clinton releases 2015 tax returns WASHINGTON (AP) Hillary and Bill Clinton earned $10.6 million last year, according to a tax filing released by her campaign Friday that sought to pressure presidential rival Donald Trump to disclose his tax returns. The filing shows that the Clintons paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent in 2015. The bulk of their income more than $6 million came from speaking fees for appearances made largely before Hillary Clinton launched her campaign in April 2015. They gave more than $1,042,000 to charity, with $1 million going to the Clinton family foundation. That is the financial vehicle the family uses to give money to museums, schools, churches and other charitable causes. It is not the same organization as the better-known Clinton Foundation. The Clintons' income puts them well within the ranks of the top 0.1 percent of Americans, though they pay a higher tax rate than many of their elite peers, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, based on 2013 data. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton gives a speech on the economy after touring Futuramic Tool & Engineering, in Warren, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) The release is part of an effort to question Trump's record. He has refused to make his filings public, saying they're under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and he'll release them only once that review is complete. All major U.S. presidential candidates in modern history have released their returns. Trump steered clear of mentioning his personal taxes Friday. A spokesman pointed to Clinton's move to delete tens of thousands of personal emails from her private account as secretary of state. "Hillary Clinton has turned over the only records nobody wants to see from her - the American public wants to see the 33,000 emails she deleted to obstruct an FBI investigation," said Trump spokesman Jason Miller. The Clintons have disclosed tax returns for every year since 1977, in part due to laws requiring public officials release returns. She put out her most recent eight years of tax filings last summer and several years during her first presidential bid. Hillary Clinton frequently mentions Trump's returns as a way of underscoring how his economic plans would benefit his personal interests and questioning whether he's as wealthy as he claims. Democrats believe Trump's returns could be a trove of politically damaging information. They want to see his tax rate, charitable giving, and business dealings with foreign governments. "Here's a pretty incredible fact: There is a non-zero chance that Donald Trump isn't paying (asterisk)any(asterisk) taxes," Clinton tweeted, after releasing her own returns. Protesters at Trump afternoon rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, held up signs reading "Tax Forms" before being escorted out by security. Clinton's strategy borrows from President Barack Obama's winning playbook against Mitt Romney in 2012. Obama repeatedly used Romney's business dealings against him and seized upon his reluctance to release certain tax records. Clinton's campaign also released 10 years of returns from running mate Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton. Over the last decade, the couple has donated 7.5 percent of their income to charity, the campaign said, and paid an effective tax rate of 25.6 percent last year. Kaine, the Virginia senator who's spent much of his life in public service, reported a far lower income than the Clintons. Over the past decade, he and his wife earned the most in 2014, more than $314,000 in adjusted gross income. The Clintons made about 90 times more, reporting nearly $28 million for the same year. Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, has yet to say if he will release his taxes, which he has not done as governor of Indiana. A spokesman for the governor's office referred all tax-related questions to his vice presidential campaign. The campaign did not respond to messages. Clinton has tried to paint Trump as an out-of-touch business mogul, but her substantial wealth has also caused headaches. Republicans have seized upon the millions in speaking fees and a tone-deaf comment by Clinton in a 2014 interview that she was "dead broke" after leaving the White House in 2001. The couple owed millions in legal fees, but quickly generated far more from book deals, paid appearances and consulting fees. In total, the Clintons earned than $139 million between 2007 and 2014, according to eight years of federal income tax returns released by her campaign last July. The bulk of their income came from speeches delivered to corporate and interest groups, which paid Bill Clinton and later Hillary Clinton after she resigned as secretary of state in early 2013. Clinton delivered six paid speeches in 2015, including one to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. She commanded her highest rate from eBay, which paid her $315,000 for a March 2015 address in San Jose, California. Bill Clinton's consulting work for GEMS Education, a global network of for-profit schools based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, earned him more than $5.6 million in fees between 2010 and 2015, according to the tax returns. He also earned more than $17 million over the same period for consulting work for Laureate Education Inc., a for-profit education system based in Baltimore that makes most of its profits from overseas operations. Several former students have sued a school operated by the company, alleging fraud. Bill Clinton's office previously said he had ended his consulting work with Laureate last year. On Friday, his office confirmed that Clinton also halted his business dealings with GEMS Education last year. His office said he had "engaged with GEMS students and faculty around the world and assisted the Varkey GEMS Foundation in its efforts to increase access to education to underprivileged children." ___ Associated Press writers Eileen Sullivan and Jeff Horwitz contributed to this report from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Lederman contributed from Erie, Pa. ___ If youve been following the Olympics through Snapchat Discover, some of the content may have seemed a bit looser than NBCs more buttoned-up coverage. Content like 8 Problems Tall People Have and Can You Guess the Sport by the Athletes Butt? might have seemed a bit more like Buzzfeed than Bob Costas, and thats with good reason, as Buzzfeed is producing the content. Ive been a little surprised with how much room theyve given us to experiment, to try new things, to do things that are in execution pretty different from their coverage during the day and in primetime, Mr. Gauthier said. About a dozen BuzzFeed staffers are on location in Rio, dedicated to creating a daily edition on Snapchat Discover. The feature of the popular disappearing messages app has content from from a host of publishers ranging from ESPN to Cosmopolitan to The Wall Street Journal. Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, said BuzzFeed was the clear choice for who should produce the Snapchat channel, which carries NBCs branding, given the digital media companys focus on video geared for social networks and NBCUniversals investment. As for the butt content, Mr. Zenkel said NBC wants to give BuzzFeed free rein to connect with Snapchats young audience. There are certainly boundaries which we would not want them to cross, but good humor and using perhaps some language that has become part of the lexicon of the generation, were not going to restrict that, he said. From the Wall Street Journal There are a few layers to unpack here. First is NBCs ties to Buzzfeed; NBCUniversal invested $200 million in Buzzfeed last year, in an effort to strengthen its position in the world of new media. That equity partnership has paved the way for the working relationship in Rio, and allowed Buzzfeeds brand of content creation to fit in with NBCs own vision of how to cover the Olympics. Then theres the Snapchat side. The Discover channels have allowed for more branded content to be distributed through the social media service, and NBC plans to continue to build that relationship as well: The pop-up Snapchat channel comes as NBCUniversal expands its relationship with the messaging app, which has become a destination for young media consumers fleeing the traditional cable bundle. This week, NBCU announced that it would roll out new original shows on Snapchat, like an E! Network news show and programming based on The Voice. Thats a lot of working relationships to keep straight, but so far it seems to be working out for NBC, as theyre outsourcing things at which they might not be best suited to a partner whose strength lies in this exact area. As traditional ratings fall, boosting streaming and other online content will be even more important for NBCs Olympic coverage going forward. It makes sense for NBC to explore all potential distribution channels for their $1.2 billion content. [Wall Street Journal] Thrice-widowed woman convicted of murdering 2nd husband' NEW ORLEANS (AP) A thrice-widowed woman was convicted Friday of second-degree murder in the death of her second husband in 2006 a complex case that prosecutors in New Orleans said is linked to the unsolved death of her third husband in 2011 in Mississippi. The verdict came after prosecutors said Emma Raine plotted Ernest Smith's killing with her future third husband, James Raine, who was later shot to death himself in their Poplarville, Mississippi, home. No arrests have been made in James Raine's 2011 death, although authorities say Emma Raine is a suspect. James Raine's adoptive brother, Alfred "Terry" Everette is serving a life sentence as the trigger man in Smith's death. An Aug. 2, 2013 booking photo provided by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office shows Emma Raine. Opening statements began Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, in Emma Raine's second-degree murder trial in New Orleans in the 2006 death of her second husband, Ernest Smith. Her third husband, James Raine, 37, was shot to death at the couple's Pearl River County, Mississippi, home in 2011. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via AP) The jury's decision was unanimous. Emma Raine faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Formal sentencing is set for Oct. 21. Appeals are planned. "This is the woman who is destroying the lives of every man around her without a care," Assistant District Attorney Laura Rodrigue told the jury, referring to the two dead husbands and Everette. Raine had moved to Grain Valley, Missouri, and had married a fourth time, to John W. Golston, when she was arrested and waived extradition to Louisiana in 2013, after a tip to a cold case detective put police on her trail. Golston, reached by phone Friday night, angrily pronounced his wife the victim of a corrupt Louisiana legal system. "I think this whole thing was fabricated," he said. "It was a setup. It wasn't right. She didn't have anyone killed and she didn't kill anyone." He said authorities, in effect, "tried and convicted her before she went to trial" with publicity about the allegations not only about the deaths of husbands two and three, but also about her first husband, Leroy Evans. In Everette's 2014 trial, Rodrigue said there were suspicions about Evans' 1994 death while he was receiving medical care following an automobile accident. Testimony from that case was not allowed in Raine's trial. James Raine's family members were in the courtroom for Friday's verdict. They declined comment but handed out a prepared statement thanking police and prosecutors, expressing sympathy for Smith's family and saying they will "pursue closure" in James' death in Mississippi. Lead defense lawyer Martin Regan at times sounded as though he were defending Emma Raine for two killings, stressing to jurors that no one has been charged in James Raine's death. Prosecutors say James and Emma Raine arranged for Everette to shoot Smith for a $10,000 share of $800,000 in insurance money. Relatives of Raine testified that Everette told them as much, tearfully and anxiously confessing his role after James Raine turned up dead in 2011. Everette was convicted in 2014. He's appealing that second-degree murder conviction, which carries a life sentence. In one of the trial's more dramatic moments, a shackled Everette was brought into the courtroom but refused to approach the witness stand and defiantly refused to answer questions as the jury watched. Regan argued that James Raine and Everette plotted Smith's death without involving Emma. He called no witnesses, instead choosing to attack elements of the prosecution case. He noted that no eyewitnesses or physical evidence connected Emma to Smith's death in an all-but deserted eastern New Orleans apartment complex months after Hurricane Katrina. He also noted that witnesses said Everette told them he was never paid from the insurance proceeds. Regan argued that James was afraid to ask his wife for the money because he didn't want to tell her it was for her second husband's killer. Regan cast Smith and James Raine as less-than-ideal mates, saying both were adulterous, that James had seduced Emma during her troubled marriage to Smith and that he plotted with Everette without Emma's involvement to kill Smith. Rodrigue said there was no evidence introduced of Smith's adultery. Prosecutors said Emma Raine was devious. American at home in Afghanistan, with some help from Prince KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Marni Gustavson's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched a dozen Afghan children learning the words to Prince's "Purple Rain." "It's a tribute," she said, to the artist who quietly donated funds that helped pay for the building she was standing in, the headquarters of Afghanistan's national scout movement on the outskirts of Kabul. The boys and girls, aged 12 to 17, with blue and yellow Scout bandannas tied neatly around their necks, quickly grasped the tune and pulled it together in just an hour. Outside, the sound of automatic gunfire reverberated from a nearby military firing range. In this Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 photo, Afghan scouts practice a Prince's song at Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan (Parsa) center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Parsa's building was in disrepair until a friend of it's chief met Prince backstage at a Los Angeles concert in 2007 and told him how he could help Afghan children. The next day he wrote a check for $15,000, Marni Gustavson said, and paid for the foundations of the new building. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) Gustavson, a Seattle native who has made Kabul her home and runs an organization that has revived Afghanistan's 80-year-old scout movement, said it's important the children know that a performer beloved by Americans cared for them as much as Prince did. "Especially now," she said, "with all the anti-Muslim rhetoric that we're hearing from the States." Gustavson is the executive director of Parsa which means integrity in Farsi but also stands for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan an independent charity that runs projects across Afghanistan. The headquarters building was in disrepair until a friend of Gustavson's met Prince backstage at a Los Angeles concert in 2007 and told him how he could help Afghan children. "The next day he wrote a check" for $15,000, she said, and paid for the foundations of the new building. Prince, who died in April, never came to Parsa and Gustavson never met him. But he made a huge difference to Afghanistan's scouts. Most of Parsa's supporters are small donors, she said, "regular folks who do not have a lot of money but chip in with $10, $50, $100 when they can. They've gotten us through." But it's major donors like Prince who really get new projects off the ground. After his initial donation, Prince made an annual contribution to Parsa that "was fundamental to expanding our scout program to what it is today," Gustavson said. The scouts were originally established in Afghanistan in 1931. The program was recognized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1964. When war came to Afghanistan in the 1970s, the movement disintegrated, until Parsa revived it in 2003. Now, said Gustavson, there are 2,000 scouts in 14 provinces. Apart from camping out overnight, the girl scouts, who account for 40 percent of the scouts nationwide, participate in all the same activities with the boys and Gustavson hopes to teach them leadership skills that will help them become confident adults in a country where women are generally discriminated against. In rebuilding the scouting movement, as with all the Parsa projects she oversees, Gustavson receives no funding from any governments. Instead, Parsa programs are designed to be taken over by other small local NGOs, which Gustavson says gives communities "ownership" by putting the projects in their hands. "We go into communities and say: 'What do you need?' They might say a school or a clinic," Gustavson said. "We're a small organization, we could fund a teacher but (we tell them) you have to provide the classroom. So we always do our programs hand-in-hand." Parsa frequently has to grapple with the conservative nature of Afghan society where women's lives are largely controlled by, first, their fathers and brothers and then their husbands and sons. As Gustavson puts it: "We really had to battle the men." She cites one program in Bamiyan, one of the poorest provinces in a country which is itself among the poorest in the world. It was a women's literacy program and the local men were openly apathetic and saw no need for it. But the women she spoke with literally pleaded with her to make the program happen. "One woman said to me, and I'll never forget it: 'Without literacy I'm just like a cow, just like one of the livestock here,'" Gustavson said. Five years later, they went back to check on the program and the men told Gustavson, "They (the women) are doing all their work. Our children are cleaner and they're healthier, and the women are happier. We love that program." Gustavson spent four years in Afghanistan, from ages 9-13 when her father taught biology at the American International School in Kabul. She "came home" 30 years later, after the U.S. invasion of 2001 drove out the Taliban. In 2003 she talked her husband into moving to Kabul permanently. She moved in with a friend while she looked for a job that would suit her experience as a charity executive, staying in the sprawling compound of traditional Afghan buildings outside Kabul that makes up Parsa, which had been founded in 1996 to work directly with disadvantaged communities. After three weeks, Gustavson's friend said she wanted to retire and asked her to take over Parsa. Having seen Afghanistan in peacetime as a child and now as it grapples with the consequences of decades of conflict, Gustavson acknowledges that it can be difficult for people outside the country to see change amid the violence. But the withdrawal of international combat troops in 2014 has created a space for Afghan voices to emerge, she said the voice of young people calling for accountability and identifying themselves as Afghan, rather than by tribe, ethnicity or religion. And the voices of women as participants in society, rather than silent victims of violence. "During the war, the Afghan voice is characterized by warriors, mujahideen, fighting for the country. During the rehabilitation time there are voices that have emerged, like the voices of youth, who have a hope for their future," she said. "This is a vibrant, historical time for Afghanistan and I consider it a very important turning point." In this Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 photo, Marni Gustavson, a Seattle native, who runs Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan (Parsa) center, talks during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Kabul, Afghanistan. Parsa's building was in disrepair until a friend of Gustavson met Prince backstage at a Los Angeles concert in 2007 and told him how he could help Afghan children. The next day he wrote a check for $15,000, Gustavson said, and paid for the foundations of the new building. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) In this Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 photo, American musician Lanny Cordola, right, practices a Prince song with Afghan scouts at Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan (Parsa) center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Parsa's Marni Gustavson's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched a dozen Afghan children learning the words to Prince's "Purple Rain." Prince, before his death, was a major donor to the NGO.(AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) In this Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 photo, American musician Lanny Cordola plays a Prince song with Afghan scout trainees, at Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan (Parsa) center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Parsa's building was in disrepair until a friend of it's chief met Prince backstage at a Los Angeles concert in 2007 and told him how he could help Afghan children. The next day he wrote a check for $15,000, Marni Gustavson said, and paid for the foundations of the new building. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) In this Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 photo, Afghan scouts tie their scarves before practicing songs by Prince at Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services for Afghanistan (Parsa) center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Parsa head Marni Gustavson's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched a dozen Afghan children learning the words to Prince's "Purple Rain." Parsa's building was in disrepair until a friend of it's cheif met Prince backstage at a Los Angeles concert in 2007 and told him how he could help Afghan children. The next day he wrote a check for $15,000, Gustavson said, and paid for the foundations of the new building. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) Phoenix neighborhood on edge as serial killer prowls PHOENIX (AP) He is a lanky Hispanic man in his 20s who drives down the darkened streets of poor, predominantly Latino neighborhoods, blending in as he selects his targets. He either fires through an open window or gets out of the car to shoot from close range before driving off. The Serial Street Shooter, as he has been dubbed, has killed seven people and wounded two since March in nine attacks that have sown fear in Phoenix and led to a police plea for the public's help in a neighborhood where many are immigrants reluctant to come forward for fear of deportation. The gunman strikes only after sunset and before dawn, and all but one of the killings have taken place in the city's Maryvale section. In this July 27, 2016 photo, neighborhood patrol officers Maribel Diaz Lopez, left, and Mario Ocampo walk Maryvale neighborhood streets in Phoenix to hand out an artist rendering of a suspected serial killer, as shown on the light pole, and block watch flyers. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Matt York) The victims include a 12-year-girl who was shot to death along with her mother and a friend of the woman. In the most recent attack, on July 11, a man and a 4-year-old boy escaped injury after the gunman shot at a vehicle they were sitting in. Investigators are checking hundreds of leads, trying to find out if neighbors or security cameras captured video footage of the killer. They have put undercover officers on extra patrols and are receiving help from the FBI. And they are hoping someone who knows the shooter comes forward. "He has someone he has talked to about this," Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Howard said. "This guy shot and killed a 12-year-old girl. We hope someone else's conscience catches up with them." Experts on serial killers say that given the gunman's brazen outdoor attacks, he will make a mistake sooner or later if he hasn't done so already. Unlike other serial killers, who often stay in the shadows, this one has allowed witnesses to catch glimpses of him, enabling police to create a sketch they have circulated. Detectives also found shell casings at four crime scenes, though authorities will not say what ballistics revealed about the gun or guns used. While Maryvale has a higher crime rate than many other Phoenix neighborhoods, police statistics show it has been getting safer in the past decade. But now some residents are staying inside after dark, abandoning a neighborhood custom of sitting out on chairs in front yards when the broiling summer heat dips below 100. Taking a break from painting the ranch-style home he is renovating, construction worker Marco Garcia said that he is watching for suspicious activity, but that the man police are looking for young and Hispanic wouldn't stand out in Maryvale. The cars the killer has used described by witnesses as a late-1990s brown Nissan, a late-1990s black BMW and a white Cadillac or Lincoln are like the vehicles many Maryvale drivers own, Garcia said. "Anyone who passes by here could be him," he said. Another complicating factor: Many Maryvale residents are immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally or don't have their paperwork in order and fear they will be deported if they go to police, said Maribel Diaz, with a neighborhood watch group handing out fliers with the sketch of the gunman. Those fears stem from Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's heavy-handed immigration enforcement and Arizona's tough anti-immigration laws, she said. "It could be that someone saw something or looked at him or something but was scared and didn't report it," Diaz said. Authorities have been tight-lipped about the evidence they have, but DNA from the gunman would be almost impossible to recover from the crime scenes unless the shooter touched one of the victims or left behind an object, said Jack Levin, a criminologist at Northeastern University in Boston. The first shooting happened on March 17, when the Nissan drove past three teenagers in Maryvale and pulled a U-turn. A police report said the driver was wearing a hat and fired a handgun, hitting a 16-year-old boy in the arm, abdomen and hip. He survived and described what he saw. Diego Verdugo-Sanchez, 21, became the killer's first fatal victim on April 1, when he left his girlfriend's mother's home to lock his sport utility vehicle. He was hit three times in the torso and twice in the chest. One witness claimed to have seen a person in the back seat of a car that left after the killing, leading police to warn that the shooter may have an accomplice. Verdugo-Sanchez had a burglary conviction, and according to a police report, had used drugs in the past, giving rise to suspicions he was targeted because he had gotten mixed up in criminal activity, but police dismissed that possibility. The deadliest attack came June 12 when the suspect stopped his vehicle, got out and shot dead Angela Rochelle Liner, Stefanie Ellis, and Ellis' 12-year-old daughter Maleah as they sat in a parked car listening to music in front of a house. Liner had $2,900 with her but the suspect didn't take it. The serial killings are happening a decade after Phoenix was terrorized by the 2005-06 random shooting deaths of six people, with 19 more wounded. That case was solved when a drinking buddy of the two killers informed on them. The Serial Street Shooter may "get bolder and bolder," said Scott Bonn, a criminologist and sociology professor at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. "But eventually he is going to make a mistake." ___ Associated Press writer Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report. In this July 27, 2016 photo, neighborhood patrol officers Maribel Diaz Lopez, right, and Mario Ocampo walk in Phoenix past the home where a suspected serial killer murdered a man earlier in the year. The ladies were handing out an artist rendering of a the suspected serial killer and block watch flyers. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this July 27, 2016 photo, flowers are seen outside the home where a suspected serial killer murdered a man earlier in the year in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this July 27, 2016 photo, a makeshift memorial is seen outside the home where a suspected serial killer murdered a man earlier in the year in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this July 27, 2016 photo, neighborhood patrol officer Mario Ocampo blocks the sun with block watch posters as she walks Maryvale neighborhood streets in Phoenix to hand out an artist rendering of a suspected serial killer and block watch flyers. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Matt York) In this Aug. 9, 2016 photo, a Maryvale resident looks at information on a flyer about a recent string of shootings by a serial killer in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Beatriz Costa-Lima) In this Aug. 9, 2016 photo, neighborhood watch member Rosa Pastrana, left, talks to a Maryvale resident outside his home about a recent string of shootings by a serial killer in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Beatriz Costa-Lima) In this Aug. 9, 2016 photo, members of a local neighborhood watch group talk to Maryville residents about a recent string of shootings by a serial killer in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Beatriz Costa-Lima) In this Aug. 9, 2016 photo, members of a local neighborhood watch group walk from house to house to hand out fliers and inform residents about a recent string of shootings by a serial killer in Phoenix. The serial killer has killed seven people since March and wounded two, sowing terror in a blue-collar swath of Phoenix. Police are pleading for tips to help them catch their suspect, but many residents never report crime because they are immigrants fearing deportation. (AP Photo/Beatriz Costa-Lima) AP National News Calendar Eds: Major scheduled events for the week of Aug. 14 - Aug. 20. Note that many events are subject to change at the last minute. The following economic reports will be issued in Washington (all times EDT), unless otherwise noted: SUNDAY: No events of note. MONDAY: National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for August, 10 a.m.; Treasury releases international money flows data for June, 4 p.m. TUESDAY: Labor Department releases Consumer Price Index for July, 8:30 a.m.; Commerce Department releases housing starts for July, 8:30 a.m.; Federal Reserve releases industrial production for July, 9:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Federal Reserve releases minutes from its July interest-rate meeting. THURSDAY: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, 8:30 a.m.; Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, releases weekly mortgage rates, 10 a.m. FRIDAY: No events of note. SATURDAY: No events of note. ___ SUNDAY, AUG. 14 ___ MONDAY, AUG. 15 President Barack Obama on vacation on the Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard, through Aug. 21. WASHINGTON Congress on break until Sept. 6. TOKYO Japan reports preliminary second-quarter GDP ___ TUESDAY, AUG. 16 ___ WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17 ___ THURSDAY, AUG. 18 ___ FRIDAY, AUG. 19 ___ AP names Castillo, Bambuck to key LatAm leadership posts MEXICO CITY (AP) The Associated Press has named two experienced journalists to help lead its award-winning coverage of Latin America, rounding out an all-formats management team that will promote visual, digital-friendly storytelling and cutting-edge enterprise tailored to the needs of customers. Eduardo Castillo, a veteran reporter and news manager, has been appointed Deputy News Director for Production in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Maeva Bambuck, a video journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, will become Planning Director for the region. The appointments were announced Friday by Paul Haven, the AP's Director of News for Latin America and the Caribbean. Both positions will be based in Mexico City. This combo of two shows Associated Press video journalist Maeva Bambuck in Beirut, Lebanon, and Associated Press acting bureau chief for Mexico and Central America Eduardo Castillo in Mexico City. Bambuck has been named the AP's Planning Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Castillo has been appointed AP's Deputy News Director for Production in Latin America and the Caribbean. (AP Photo) In his new role, Castillo will oversee text, photo and video editors and translators in Mexico City, Madrid, Washington, New York and elsewhere, ensuring the report in all formats and in both English and Spanish remains the essential source for news from and of interest to Latin America. As Planning Director, Bambuck will work with news leaders in the field to hone their coverage plans, maximize resources and enhance communication with customers. "Eduardo is one of the most respected reporters and managers in Latin America, and Maeva brings energy, innovative visual ideas and field experience from assignments in Afghanistan, Syria and other hot spots," said Haven. "I am thrilled to have them on our leadership team." Castillo, 40, has worked for the cooperative since 2003. A native of Mexico, he has led Spanish-language coverage of many of the most important stories in Latin America in recent years, including the war on drugs in his home country, four papal visits to the region, the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and rapprochement between Cuba and the United States. In 2015 he was a leading reporter on the award-winning project "The Other Disappeared," a series about hundreds of kidnap victims who have vanished in southern Mexico. Castillo has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, or UNAM. Bambuck, 33, has worked as a video journalist for AP since 2014, covering the tumult and violence in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East. She was part of the team that launched the cooperative's regional video service, Middle East Extra, and contributed to cross-format projects exploring the Syrian civil war and destruction caused by the Islamic State group. Bambuck joined AP from Afghanistan, where she previously freelanced for France24, Le Figaro, AFP and CCTV. She also worked with AP as a freelance producer in Haiti in 2010 and 2011. A native of France, Bambuck holds degrees in journalism and international relations from Boston University. In this July 30, 2016 photo, Associated Press video journalist Maeva Bambuck poses for a portrait in Beirut, Lebanon. Bambuck, currently based in Beirut, has been named the Planning Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. In her new role Bambuck will work with news leaders in the field to hone their coverage plans, maximize resources and enhance communication with customers. (AP Photo/David Hector Vasquez) Man sentenced for blackmailing girl to strip online TRENTON, N.J. (AP) A New Jersey man who blackmailed a Canadian girl to strip naked online is going to prison. A judge on Friday sentenced 32-year-old Michael Van Culin of Upper Pittsgrove Township to 10 years in prison for manufacturing child pornography. He'll be eligible for parole in 8 years. Van Culin admitted he recorded the 16-year-old while she stripped on her webcam. Prosecutors say he had engaged in online chats with her in which he elicited information about her life that he used to hack into her email account and get other personal information. Van Culin threatened to expose personal information about her to her family. Etiquette of judo integral to Japanese martial art RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Judo is a Japanese martial art that was developed in the 19th century based on principles of self-defense. Its creator, Jigoro Kano, combined elements of jiu jitsu, wrestling and karate with other styles of fighting. The combat sport typically uses the opponent's force against him, forbids striking and is not intended to do serious damage to rivals; even the sport's most violent holds give competitors the chance to tap out. According to the International Judo Federation, the sport's governing body, etiquette is essential for any judo player, or judoka. That etiquette appeared to be torn to shreds on Friday when Middle Eastern politics spilled onto the judo mat. Egypt's Islam El Shehaby, blue, declines to shake hands with Israel's Or Sasson, white, after losing during the men's over 100-kg judo competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Islam El Shehaby of Egypt refused to shake hands with his winning opponent, Or Sasson of Israel. The Egyptian lay flat on his back for a moment before rising and standing opposite Sasson in front of the referee. When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away, shaking his head. The referee called El Shehaby back to the mat and obliged to him to bow; El Shehaby gave a quick nod, and he was loudly booed as he exited. Here are four basic tenets and rituals of judo. THE BOW Judo practitioners bow to each other before and after a fight as a sign of courtesy. When judo players first start training, they are typically taught to bow upon leaving and entering the dojo and to any instructors. During a match, bowing to the opponent signifies the courtesy to each other as opponents and a recognition that the bout must be fought with fairness and good sportsmanship. RESPECT Judo players are supposed to respect all of their rivals and treat them with the utmost respect. Knowing that the techniques they have mastered may do serious harm to others, judo players are supposed to fight with honor and with an understanding that such maneuvers should only be used under controlled conditions. According to the IJF, "judo students learn much of the social etiquette necessary to become solid citizens of the world." MODESTY Judoka are taught to be modest; any boastful or bullying behavior is not tolerated. Judo players are expected to have respect for their opponents after a match has ended and are to avoid any arrogant display that may offend others. Judo fighters are to remain modest no matter who has won the match. Victors are expected to keep their celebrations humble and losers are expected to behave with dignity. PERSEVERANCE Judo players are instructed not to give up and to keep training continually to improve their mental and physical performance, especially after they have suffered a defeat. Even after a difficult loss, judo players are supposed to maintain their composure and uphold the martial art's tenet of perseverance. They should not be overwhelmed by a defeat and should always act courageously. Shohei Ono of Japan, center, bows on the podium after winning the gold medal in the men's 73 kg judo competition of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. Bronze medalist Lasha Shavdatuashvili of Georgia looks on at right. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) The Latest: Greece says EU-Turkey migrant deal is holding PARIS (AP) The Latest on the flow of migrants into Europe (all times local): 8:00 p.m. Greece's migration minister says that while arrivals of refugees and other migrants from Turkey have increased in recent weeks, there is no sign that Turkey is ignoring the deal with the European Union to staunch the flow. Yiannis Mouzalas says there is no cause for concern over the daily numbers of migrants landing on Greece's eastern islands, which he says average 80-100 a day. On Friday, 147 people arrived on the islands on smugglers' boats, bringing the total trapped in Greece to 57,000 people about 10,000 of whom are on the islands. Mouzalas said authorities have started relocating to the mainland "criminal elements" in the island camps, where other refugees and migrants have complained they feel unsafe. Before the March EU-Turkey deal, a million migrants reached Greece through Turkey. ___ 1:20 p.m. A French court has rejected a bid to close the 72 eateries and shops in the makeshift migrant camp in the northern port city of Calais, but the prefecture says it will continue inspections and legal action against what it calls a dangerous underground economy. The Lille court turned down on Friday the demand of the Prefecture of the Pas de Calais region, the state representative, to close the operations which humanitarian organizations contend are a lifeline for the migrants, estimated at over 7,000 in the camp. A statement by the prefecture said the installations don't respect sanitation rules, risk fires and are a source of public disorder. Man who met French priest's killers is charged PARIS (AP) An anti-terrorism judge on Friday handed preliminary charges to a man who met with two extremists shortly before they killed a priest at Mass, a judicial official said. The 21-year-old, from Toulouse in southwest France, was arrested last week. The judicial official said the man, whose name was not given, was charged with association with terrorism "with the intention of committing crimes of bodily harm." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the case. The official said the man was questioned about his alleged meetings July 24-25 with the killers in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, outside Rouen. The Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed in his church in the Normandy town on July 26. Police killed the two 19-year-old attackers, Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malek Petitjean, outside the church. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Pope meets with 20 freed sex slaves living under protection VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis has met 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. The Vatican said the meeting Friday was a call to combat human trafficking, which the pope has defined as "an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ." The Vatican said all of the women, whose average age was around 30, had suffered great physical violence and live under protection. They were from Romania, Albania, Nigeria, Tunisia, Italy and Ukraine. Pope Francis talks to a woman during his visit to the Papa Giovanni XXIII community in Rome, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Francis has met with 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP) The pope has dedicated Fridays throughout the Holy Year to the suffering, including visiting Syrian refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos and praying silently at the Auschwitz-Birkenau former Nazi death camp. Pope Franci, left, sits during his visit to the Papa Giovanni XXIII community in Rome, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Francis has met with 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP) Pope Francis kisses a baby during his visit to the Papa Giovanni XXIII community in Rome, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Francis has met with 20 women from six countries who have been freed from prostitution as part of his Holy Year of Mercy activities focusing on communities that have experienced suffering. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP) The Latest: Husband No. 4 insists wife is innocent in deaths NEW ORLEANS (AP) The Latest on the trial in New Orleans of thrice-widowed Emma Raine in her second husband's death a case also linked to her third husband's slaying in Mississippi (all times local): 6 p.m. The fourth husband of a woman convicted in her second husband's New Orleans murder and suspected in her third husband's death insists she's innocent. An Aug. 2, 2013 booking photo provided by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office shows Emma Raine. Opening statements began Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, in Emma Raine's second-degree murder trial in New Orleans in the 2006 death of her second husband, Ernest Smith. Her third husband, James Raine, 37, was shot to death at the couple's Pearl River County, Mississippi, home in 2011. (Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office via AP) Reached by phone in Grandview, Missouri, shortly after Friday's verdict, John Golston said his wife, Emma Raine, is the victim of a corrupt Louisiana legal system. Golston said he'd known Raine a short time when he married her in December 2012 but said he was impressed with her honesty and kindness. The 52-year-old woman faces life in prison now after a jury found her guilty of arranging the shooting death of second husband Ernest Smith in 2006. Prosecutors said her then-lover, James Raine, plotted Smith's death with her. They married later and James Raine was found shot to death in their Poplarville, Mississippi, home in 2011. ___ 4:15 p.m. A jury in New Orleans has convicted a woman of second-degree murder in the death of her second husband in 2006 a complex case that also is linked to the unsolved death of her third husband in 2011. Friday's verdict came after prosecutors said Emma Raine plotted the death of her second husband, Ernest Smith, with her then-lover, James Raine, so they could collect $800,000 in insurance money. James and Emma later married. And James Raine was shot to death in their Poplarville, Mississippi, home in 2011. Emma Raine has been named as a suspect in that 2011 death but no arrests have been made. The jury's decision was unanimous. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence in Louisiana. ___ 1 p.m. A New Orleans jury is now considering the case of a thrice-widowed woman charged in her second husband's shooting death a killing also linked to the shooting death of her third husband in Mississippi. Emma Raine is charged with second-degree murder in the 2006 shooting death of Ernest Smith. Prosecutors say she plotted Smith's killing with her future third husband, James Raine, who was later shot to death himself. No arrests have been made in James Raine's 2011 killing, although authorities say Emma Raine is a suspect. Prosecutors say James and Emma Raine arranged for James' adopted brother, Alfred Everette, to shoot Smith for a share of insurance money. Everette was convicted in 2014. The defense argues that James Raine and Everette plotted Smith's death without involving Emma. ____ 11 a.m. A New Orleans jury is hearing closing arguments in the murder trial of a thrice-widowed woman in her second husband's death a case also linked to her third husband's slaying in Mississippi. Emma Raine is charged with second-degree murder in the 2006 shooting death of Ernest Smith. Prosecutors say she plotted Smith's killing with her future third husband, James Raine, who was later shot to death himself. No arrests have been made in James's 2011 killing, although authorities say Emma Raine is a suspect. Chinese investors set to inject $111M into French club Lyon LYON, France (AP) A group of Chinese investors is set to inject 100 million euros ($111 million) into French club Lyon in a move that could threaten Paris Saint-Germain's supremacy. Lyon, which dominated the French league from 2002 to 2008, said Friday that Chinese investment fund IDG Capital Partners wants to acquire 20 percent of its share capital. The project includes a joint venture aimed at increasing the seven-time French champion's presence in Asia. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has previously complained of "unfair competition" from PSG, which is backed by Qatari investors. Sister of woman tied to serial killer case held in stabbing KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) The sister of a sex worker whose disappearance led to the discovery of 10 sets of human remains strewn near a New York beach has pleaded not guilty to stabbing their mother to death. Prosecutors in upstate New York say Sarra Gilbert repeatedly stabbed 52-year-old Mari Gilbert last month. It happened inside an apartment in Ellenville, in the Catskills. She was arraigned on murder charges Friday. Attorney John Ray says Sarra Gilbert suffers from serious mental disabilities. Anti-police brutality T-shirt kiosk vendor to return to mall CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) A kiosk operator who was asked to stop selling anti-police brutality T-shirts and left a mall last month says he has received an apology and plans to reopen the kiosk. The Cherry Hill Mall asked Amir Miller to stop selling the $20 shirts because they were considered offensive. The shirts feature two stick figures resembling police officers beating a third figure on the ground and read "This Has to Stop!" Miller, who's from Philadelphia, said he designed the shirts in response to police shootings that killed two black men in Louisiana and Minnesota. Rather than comply with the request to stop selling them, he walked out on his rent and deposit. Amir Miller, 30, owner of Teary Eyez, stands in front in front of his kiosk in the Philadelphia Mills mall in Philadelphia. Mille, a kiosk operator who was asked to stop selling anti-police brutality T-shirts and left a mall last month says he has received an apology and plans to reopen the kiosk. (Emma Platoff/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) He later posted an online video saying people offended by the shirts might be part of the problem. The video received tens of thousands of views. The mall's management said it reversed its "hasty" decision the following day and invited Miller to resume selling the shirts. "What happened to him was unfortunate and never should have happened," Kevin Feeley, a spokesman for Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns the mall, told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Camden police brokered a meeting between trust vice president Bruce Goldman and Miller, who received an apology. Miller said he plans to reopen the kiosk in January and open another in Newport News, Virginia. He said the apology was sincere and "set a tone of respect for the whole idea." The Latest: Jury finds soldier guilty in lover's mom's death ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) The Latest on the trial of a soldier accused of killing his teen girlfriend's mother (all times local): 7:55 p.m. A soldier accused in the killing of his then-14-year-old girlfriend's mother because she disapproved of their relationship has been found guilty of first degree murder. FILE - In this May 14, 2015, file photo, Army Spc. Caleb Barnes, center, is escorted to court for a preliminary hearing in Allentown, Pa. As a murder trial gets underway for Army Spc. Caleb Barnes, accused of killing his then-14-year-old girlfriend's mother after the woman objected to their age difference, his attorney Richard Webster told a jury Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, that Cheryl Silvonek was fatally stabbed by her daughter Jamie Silvonek in March 2015. (Bill Adams /The Express-Times via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT The Morning Call reports (http://bit.ly/2aRANn5 ) that It took the jury about four hours Friday to reach its verdict in the trial of Army Spc. Caleb Barnes of El Paso, Texas. He will be sentenced to life in prison on Sept. 19. First degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence. Barnes was accused of killing Cheryl Silvonek in March 2015 in Pennsylvania. Her now-15-year-old daughter, Jamie, pleaded guilty and is serving 35 years to life. Jamie Silvonek, testifying for the defense on Friday, described how Barnes slit her mother's throat. ___ This item has been corrected to show that Jamie Silvonek testified for the defense, not the prosecution. ___ 4:25 p.m. Jurors are now deliberating at the murder trial of a soldier who's accused of killing his then-14-year-old girlfriend's mother because she disapproved of their relationship. Jurors got the case of Army Spc. Caleb Barnes late Friday afternoon. The El Paso, Texas, man is accused of stabbing Cheryl Silvonek in March 2015 in Pennsylvania. Her now-15-year-old daughter, Jamie, pleaded guilty and is serving 35 years to life. The 22-year-old Barnes testified Friday that Jamie Silvonek, not he, killed her mother and that he helped dispose of evidence only because the teen claimed to be pregnant. As part of her plea deal, Silvonek was supposed to testify for prosecutors but instead took the stand for the defense Friday. She said she was "inexorably, ineffably in love" with Barnes. But she described how Barnes slit her mother's throat. ___ 1 p.m. A soldier accused of killing his 14-year-old girlfriend's mother says the girl did it, not him, and he helped dispose of evidence only because she claimed to be pregnant. Army Spc. Caleb Barnes' testimony Friday came after the now-15-year-old Jamie Silvonek surprisingly took the stand in his defense. She was slotted to testify for prosecutors as part of her plea deal but wasn't called. She told the court Friday she was "in love" with the 22-year-old Barnes. Barnes, who's from El Paso, Texas, is accused of stabbing Cheryl Silvonek in March 2015 in Pennsylvania. He was based at Fort Meade in Maryland. The Morning Call of Allentown reports Barnes says he was asleep in his car when Jamie knocked on his window, covered in blood. She is serving 35 years to life. ___ 11:30 a.m. A 15-year-old Pennsylvania girl who pleaded guilty to plotting with her soldier boyfriend to kill her mother has taken the stand at his murder trial, saying in his defense she's "inexorably, ineffably in love" with him. Jamie Silvonek's testimony was a surprise at Army Spc. Caleb Barnes' trial Friday. On Thursday, she was slotted to testify for the prosecution as part of her plea deal but wasn't called to the stand. The 22-year-old Barnes is accused of stabbing Cheryl Silvonek in March 2015 in Pennsylvania. The Morning Call of Allentown reports Jamie Silvonek read aloud from a letter to Barnes. She also says she had no physical part in killing her mother. Trinidad plans petrochemical plant with Japanese officials PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) Trinidad and Tobago has signed an agreement with Japanese business officials to establish a new petrochemical plant in the Caribbean nation. The facility in the southwest Trinidadian town of La Brea would produce methanol and dimethyl ether. The Caribbean islands' government says it will be a collaborative effort with Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. and others. A signing ceremony was held earlier this week. Financial terms were not disclosed Friday and it wasn't clear when production might start. Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhiko Okada says the plant will be the largest investment the Asian nation has ever made in Trinidad. Judge overturns conviction of nephew in 'Making a Murderer' MADISON, Wis. (AP) A judge on Friday overturned the conviction of a Wisconsin man found guilty of helping his uncle kill a woman in a case profiled in the Netflix series "Making a Murderer," ruling that investigators coerced a confession using deceptive tactics. U.S. Magistrate William Duffin in Milwaukee ordered Brendan Dassey freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. The state Department of Justice, which handled the case, declined to comment Friday. The state could also appeal Duffin's ruling. Dassey's case burst into the public's consciousness with the popularity of the "Making a Murderer" series that debuted in December. The filmmakers cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Dassey and his uncle Steven Avery in the death of Teresa Halbach, and their work sparked national interest and conjecture. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. FILE - In this Friday, March 3, 2006 photo, Brendan Dassey, 16, is escorted out of a Manitowoc County Circuit courtroom in Manitowoc, Wis. A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of Dassey, a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer." (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File) Dassey confessed to helping Avery carry out the rape and killing of Halbach, but his attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey didn't testify at his uncle's trial and his confession wasn't presented as evidence there. Both men are serving life sentences. Duffin said in his ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." "These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (of the U.S. Constitution)," Duffin wrote. Dassey, who is now 26, was 16 when Halbach, a photographer, was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to take pictures of some vehicles. Court papers describe Dassey as a slow learner with poor grades, with difficulty understanding some aspects of language and expressing himself verbally. He was also described as extremely introverted and poor at picking up on communications such as body language and tone. Dassey was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse in Halbach's killing. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Avery made headlines in 2003 when he was released from prison after spending 18 years behind bars for a rape he didn't commit. After being freed, he had a $36 million lawsuit pending against public officials when Halbach disappeared on Halloween 2005. Friday's ruling came after Dassey's appeal was rejected by state courts. The judge said that Dassey's confession to police in 2006 was "so clearly involuntary" that a state appeals court ruling to the contrary was an unreasonable application of established federal law. "The court does not reach this conclusion lightly," Duffin wrote. The investigators did not have any ill motive, the judge wrote, but rather "an intentional and concerted effort to trick Dassey into confessing." The error was not harmless because Dassey's confession was the entirety of the case against him, the judge said. Laura Nirider, one of Dassey's attorneys, said he thought that if he told investigators what they wanted to hear, he'd get to go back to school. "This is justice for that 16-year-old kid ... who we all saw being bullied into giving a statement that was completely untrue," she said. Dassey, who has been incarcerated for 10 years, is in shock and wants to go home, she said. If prosecutors decide to bring a new trial, the confession would not be usable, she said. A brother who has acted as a Halbach family spokesman did not immediately respond to phone messages and an email. Kathleen Zellner, an attorney for Avery, said in a statement that Avery was thrilled for his nephew. Avery is pursuing his own appeal. "We know when an unbiased court reviews all of the new evidence we have, Steven will have his conviction overturned as well," Zellner said. Joe Friedberg, a defense attorney in Minnesota who was not involved in the case but is familiar with it and participated in a forum on it with Avery's first defense attorney, said he doesn't believe the decision will have any bearing on Avery's case. "The kid's confession was not entered into evidence against Avery, and I don't think it impacted Avery's trial at all," Friedberg said. Netflix last month announced that new episodes of "Making a Murderer" were in production to follow appeals by both Avery and Dassey. "As we have done for the past 10 years, we will continue to document the story as it unfolds, and follow it wherever it may lead," filmmakers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos said in a written statement following Friday's ruling. ___ Associated Press writers Amy Forliti and Doug Glass contributed from Minneapolis. ___ US drone strike killed Islamic State leader in Afghanistan WASHINGTON (AP) A top Islamic State group leader in Afghanistan was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month, the Pentagon confirmed Friday, saying his death will affect the group's recruiting and operations in the region. Gordon Trowbridge, deputy press secretary, said Hafiz Saeed Khan died in southern Nangarhar Province on July 26. The State Department last year designated Khan a global terrorist, saying he is the leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan, which includes former members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Khan had previously been a Tehrik-e Taliban commander, but last year pledged loyalty to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. U.S. and Afghan leaders have been concerned about the growth of IS in Afghanistan. The militants are mainly in the country's eastern region. They were targeted by a U.S.-backed Afghan military offensive last month that included American and Afghan special operations forces. Five U.S. commandos were injured in combat with Islamic State fighters during the offensive, in what officials thought was the first instance of Americans being wounded in fighting against the IS in Afghanistan. The Latest: Attorney: Court's ruling is justice for Dassey MADISON, Wis. (AP) The Latest on a court ordering the release of Brendan Dassey (all times local): 6:25 p.m. An attorney for Brendan Dassey says she is "over the moon" about a federal court's decision to overturn his conviction in a slaying that was profiled in the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer." Dassey was 16 when he confessed to helping his uncle, Steven Avery, kill Teresa Halbach in 2005. Laura Nirider is one of Dassey's attorneys. She says Friday's ruling is in her words "justice for that 16-year-old kid ... who we all saw being bullied into giving a statement that was completely untrue." Nirider says Dassey is in shock and wants badly to come home. He's been incarcerated for 10 years. Nirider says prosecutors now have three options: release Dassey, try him again or appeal. ___ 4 p.m. An attorney for Steven Avery says Avery is thrilled that a judge has overturned his nephew's conviction in the case that was profiled in the popular Netflix documentary series "Making a Murderer." Kathleen Zellner says she was visiting Avery on Friday and he was "so happy" for Brendan Dassey. Both Avery and Dassey were convicted in the 2005 rape and murder of Teresa Halbach. A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled Friday that investigators obtained a confession from Dassey by making false promises that the then-16-year-old Dassey "had nothing to worry about." Dassey's attorneys had argued that the confession was coerced. Avery is pursuing his own appeal. Zellner said in a statement that she's confident that Avery's conviction will eventually be overturned "when an unbiased court" reviews new evidence. ___ 3:45 p.m. A court that overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer" says investigators made false promises to the nephew. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin in Wisconsin said in Friday's ruling that investigators made false promises to Brendan Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that the confession was coerced. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005. Duffin says the "repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary" under the U.S. Constitution. ___ 3:30 p.m. A federal court in Wisconsin has overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer." The U.S. District Court in Milwaukee on Friday overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless the case is appealed. Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that the confession was coerced. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. The Latest: Internet mogul gets year in jail in abuse case SAN FRANCISCO (AP) The Latest on sentencing of Silicon Valley mogul for probation violation in domestic violence case (all times local): 2:55 p.m. A Silicon Valley internet mogul who made $300 million at the age of 25 has been sentenced to a year in jail for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. In this April 22, 2016 photo, Gurbaksh Chahal, center, a millionaire tech mogul who is being convicted of domestic abuse walks out of court at the Hall of Justice, in San Francisco. Chahal is facing jail time for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown is scheduled to sentence Chahal on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Prosecutors say he violated his probation by attacking a second girlfriend, and Brown ruled in their favor last month. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) Gurbaksh Chahal, now 34, was sentenced Friday by Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown, who gave him time to appeal the decision before starting to serve the sentence. Chahal pleaded guilty in 2014 to misdemeanor charges of battery and domestic violence battery. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed him punching and kicking his girlfriend. But the woman did not cooperate with authorities and a judge ruled the footage was improperly obtained and it was not allowed as evidence. Prosecutors say Chahal violated his probation by attacking another girlfriend. The judge agreed in a ruling last month. His attorneys in the probation case have challenged the credibility of the second woman. Chahal made $300 million in 2007 when he sold his digital advertising company to Yahoo. A year later he appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in a segment that promoted him as a highly eligible bachelor. ___ 1 a.m. A Silicon Valley Internet mogul who made $300 million at age 25 and appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is facing jail time for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown is scheduled to sentence Gurbaksh Chahal on Friday. Chahal pleaded guilty in April 2014 to misdemeanor charges of battery and domestic violence battery after prosecutors said surveillance footage showed him punching and kicking his girlfriend 117 times. Prosecutors say he violated his probation by attacking a second girlfriend, and Brown ruled in their favor last month. Chahal has defended himself against the domestic violence charges, saying he lost his temper but did not hit his girlfriend 117 times. His attorneys in the probation case have attacked the second woman's credibility. In this Oct. 17, 2008 photo, Gurbaksh Chahal stands in his San Francisco high-rise penthouse in downtown San Francisco. The Silicon Valley Internet mogul, Chahal, who made $300 million at age 25 and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show is facing jail time for violating his probation in a domestic violence case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown is scheduled to sentence Chahal on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) Police: Officer fires live ammo in drill at Tennessee school ROCKWOOD, Tenn. (AP) A police officer accidentally fired a live round during active shooter training this week at a Tennessee middle school, officials said. No one was near the officer Thursday morning, and the bullet damaged a "minor little piece" of a cinderblock wall at Rockwood Middle School, Roane County Schools Superintendent Leah Watkins told WBIR-TV (http://on.wbir.com/2aSdMjD). Police and the school system were working together to demonstrate what an active shooter situation sounds like. In the drill, school employees are locked in a classroom with the police chief while an officer fires blank rounds in the hallway. "It was a blank-fire drill, is what it was," Watkins said. "There was not to be any discharge of live ammunition." The incident is being considered an accident, but police aren't sure how a live round came to be fired instead of a blank and are investigating. Rockwood Police Chief Danny Wright said it illustrates a lesson: "No matter how often you handle a weapon or how familiar you may be, you always treat a weapon like it's loaded." Police successfully conducted the same drill at Rockwood High School on Monday. Another drill planned later Thursday for Ridge View Elementary School was canceled. "We just felt it was in the best interest to discontinue that simulation," Watkins said. The officer who fired the weapon is on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure while the incident is investigated. The incident happened two days after a Florida police officer shot and killed a woman during a citizens academy roleplaying scenario. The Florida officer's gun was supposed to contain blanks. ___ Judge upholds Oregon denial of coal export permit PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) An administrative law judge in Oregon on Friday found that state regulators acted within their authority when they rejected a proposed coal terminal on the Columbia River that would funnel millions of tons of American coal to power-hungry Asia each year. The Oregon Department of State Lands did not overstep when they blocked the proposal for the Coyote Island Terminal project at the Port of Morrow because of potential impacts on tribal fishing grounds, Administrative Law Judge Alison Greene Webster said. The ruling is a blow for Montana and Wyoming, both of which had appealed the 2014 decision on grounds that state laws protecting the environment do not take precedence over federal commerce protections enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. "This is a huge, huge decision," said Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said of Friday's action. "If you look back at some of their statements previously, these have been their No. 1 talking points." The ruling does not end the case, however. Next up is a November hearing on appeals related to the environmental questions about the impacts on state water resources, including potential damage to fishing grounds guaranteed to Northwest tribes by treaty. The Port of Morrow and Coyote Island Terminal LLC also have appealed and the Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama and Nez Perce tribes have all intervened. Neither Wyoming Attorney General Peter K. Michael nor Portland attorney James Mountain Jr., who represents Montana in the case, immediately returned a request for comment late Friday. The project was proposed by the Australian company Ambre Energy and is part of a plan to transport coal mined from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming through Oregon on its way to Asian markets. The Brisbane-based company proposed bringing the coal by train to Boardman, Oregon, where it would be loaded on barges at the Port of Morrow and then sent down the Columbia River to the Port of St. Helens, where it would be transferred to oceangoing ships. The company said it would pay $850,000 in annual fees to each of the two ports while paying property taxes in Morrow and Columbia counties. The project was expected to generate several hundred jobs during construction at the Port of Morrow and add about 30 port workers permanently. Wyoming, the nation's leading coal-producing state, has been looking to Asia amid competition from cheap and abundant natural gas and tighter federal regulations on coal mining that have hurt domestic production. The state is trying to overturn the ruling, saying it hurt Wyoming's economy and violates the commerce clause of the U.S Constitution, which gives the federal government the right to regulate domestic and international trade. Ambre's North American operation eventually separated from the parent company and renamed itself Lighthouse Resources Inc. "This is a ruling on the motion for summary determination, not a ruling on the merits," Lighthouse general counsel Michael Klein told Oregon Public Broadcasting. "We look forward to addressing the merits of our appeal at the hearing scheduled for November." None of the six coal export projects proposed in the Northwest in the past six years has been approved, the station reported. They've all struggled with public opposition, permit denials and a declining market for the product. ____ Venezuelan court upholds sentence given opposition leader CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) A Venezuelan appeals court upheld on Friday the nearly 14-year prison sentence imposed on opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez for inciting violence during anti-government protests in 2014, his lawyer said. Lawyer Juan Carlos Gutierrez told The Associated Press that the "the sentence was upheld on equal terms" as the original conviction. Court officials did not immediately confirm the ruling, which came after three weeks of deliberation. Lopez, a Harvard-educated former mayor, has denied that he incited violence. International human rights groups consider him South America's highest-profile political prisoner. His conviction has been widely condemned as a sham trial by foreign governments, including the U.S. FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2013 file photo, Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez speaks during a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela. A Venezuelan appeals court upheld on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 the nearly 14-year prison sentence given to Lopez for inciting violence during anti-government protests in 2014, his lawyer said. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) But government officials say he was behind a wave of violence that left three people dead and dozens injured during protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in February 2014. In the past, they have accused Lopez of collaborating with the U.S. government to stage a coup. Gutierrez, the lawyer, said he will take the case to the Supreme Justice Tribunal and the United Nations. Jesus Torrealba, secretary of the opposition Alliance, called the decision "illegal and unjust," adding on her Twitter account that Lopez "will be freed by the vote of the people." The 45-year-old Lopez has been held for almost 30 months in the Ramo Verde prison outside Caracas. The ruling comes as the opposition tries to remove the unpopular Maduro from office through a recall vote amid soaring inflation, food shortages and a sharp economic downturn. In June, Lopez said he would not negotiate for his own freedom if it meant abandoning the effort to recall Maduro this year. His supporters said international leaders engaged in a diplomatic effort to diffuse Venezuela's political crisis had put his release on the table as a possible bargaining chip. Junior doctors threaten new wave of strikes Junior doctors are considering further strikes in September after rejecting Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's proposed new contract. Ellen McCourt, who chairs the British Medical Association's (BMA) junior doctors committee (JDC), said that by "standing together" they could demand the Government takes them seriously. Strikes took place between January and April after junior doctors failed to come to an agreement with the Government over a proposed new contract. Junior doctors are considering more strike action in September In July, the Government announced it would impose a new contract after junior doctors and medical students voted to reject a contract brokered with the British Medical Association (BMA). In a letter to members released on Twitter on Thursday night, Ms McCourt said that the Government had remained "persistently silent" on the issues she said had led to the rejection of the contract. She said: "In light of this, the JDC Executive has voted to reject the proposed new contract in full and to call for formal re-negotiations on all of your concerns. "In response to the Government's silence, JDC exec has today made a formal request for a special meeting of BMA Council to authorise a rolling programme of escalated industrial action beginning in early September." She said the BMA could not "stand idly by" as the date for imposition drew nearer, saying that forcing a contract on doctors that they did not have confidence in would be bad for patients. She added: "The road ahead will not be easy, but together we can demonstrate our commitment to securing a contract that is acceptable to junior doctors; by standing together we speak with one voice and demand the Government takes us seriously. "Our unity remains our strength." Responding to Ms McCourt's letter, Daniel Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: "Industrial action achieves little or nothing, but places pressure on already stretched teams and services and causes worry, distress and disruption for patients, carers and their families. "Over the last two months we have been talking with the Junior Doctors Committee and have, along with the Department of Health and others, responded positively to their concerns regarding the guardian role and whistleblowing. Teenagers held after man found dead at house Two men have been arrested on suspicion of a murder after a body was found at a house. The suspects, both aged 18, were detained by West Midlands Police at an address in Dudley at around 9.20pm on Thursday. Officers cordoned off a semi-detached house in Cradley Road in the Netherton area on Thursday morning after a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead by paramedics. Police outside a property in Cradley Road, Netherton, Dudley, where a man was found dead A section of nearby Bodmin Road was also sealed off after bank cards were reportedly found nearby. Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from the West Midlands Police Homicide Team, is leading the murder inquiry and continues to appeal for information. He said: "We are still piecing together the circumstances of this man's death and members of the local community could play a part in helping us to do that. "If you saw anything - regardless of how insignificant you think it may be - and have not yet spoken to us, I would ask you to give me a call." Boris Johnson hits out at Assad regime's alleged use of chemical weapons Boris Johnson has condemned the Syrian regime's alleged use of chemical weapons in air strikes on the besieged city of Aleppo. The Foreign Secretary said reports of chlorine gas attacks on opposition-held areas, if proven, are "utterly abhorrent". He spoke after a Syrian government airstrike on the city's eastern Zabadieh neighbourhood, in which at least four barrel bombs were dropped, one of which purportedly released the gas. Boris Johnson has condemned the Syrian regime's alleged use of chemical weapons on Aleppo The attack came hours after the Russian military, which is backing the Bashar Assad regime, promised a daily three-hour ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into besieged areas. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said that reports of possible chemical weapons use in Syria "are of great concern". Opposition fighters in Aleppo last week launched a counter-offensive which broke the siege on the southern front-line. Mr Johnson said: "While the siege has been broken, the Assad regime and Russia continue to bombard parts of the city and I am particularly concerned by reports of chlorine gas attacks which if proven, would be utterly abhorrent. "We unequivocally condemn the use of chemical weapons by anyone anywhere and will work with the UN and other partners to establish the facts and hold those responsible to account. "The international community risks failing the Syrian people if we do not do more to avert further devastation and tragedy. "We must secure sustained humanitarian access and an end to the indiscriminate regime and Russian attacks on civilian areas, including medical centres. "Yesterday I spoke to Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, and urged him to do this. "We must also continue to make clear to the Assad regime that there is no victory in the brutal torture of its own people. Ultimately, the solution lies in an enduring political settlement based on transition away from the Assad regime. And the UK will continue to make every effort to support this." The reports of chlorine gas being used in the attack were made by a first responder and could not be independently verified. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had received reports of two people killed and several people suffering breathing difficulties after the attack. Theresa May dressed for action as she begins Swiss Alps trek with husband Philip Theresa May headed out on an Alpine trek with husband Philip as they began a two-week holiday in Switzerland. The couple are regular visitors to the Swiss Alps, with the Prime Minister previously revealing she loves holidaying in the country because she can get some ''peace and quiet''. In contrast to her usual glamorous footwear, the PM ditched the kitten heels for a pair of sturdy walking boots. Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip hike through a Swiss forest on the first day of their summer holiday Allowing photographers to capture an image at the start of her break, the premier's holiday looked to be a very different style to that of her predecessor. David Cameron and wife Samantha were regularly snapped dressed in summer wear, enjoying a drink in a beach-side cafe as they relaxed in sunnier climes. The Mays, however, looked ready for action as they headed out into a forest using hiking poles and wearing similar walking trousers, boots, polo shirts and rucksacks. The Prime Minister said she and her husband ''discovered the joys'' of walking in the country ''quite by chance''. In a piece for the Telegraph in August 2007, she said: ''We first visited the country about 25 years ago but spent most of the time in Lucerne. ''On a return trip, we decided to go walking, enjoyed it and gradually began doing more adventurous hikes. ''We have been going back ever since and have walked all over the country.'' Mrs May said her two favourite areas are Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland, which are both ''fantastic for walking''. She added: ''If you're a keen walker, Switzerland is a wonderful summer destination: the views are spectacular, the air is clear and you can get some peace and quiet.'' During a recent visit to Berlin, her first overseas trip as premier, Mrs May gave German Chancellor Angela Merkel two books about hiking to reflect their shared passion for the hobby. The holiday comes one month after Mrs May took the keys to No 10 following Mr Cameron's resignation in the wake of the UK's vote to leave the European Union. Downing Street said the Prime Minister remains in charge and will be kept fully briefed while she is away. Chancellor Philip Hammond is the most senior Cabinet minister in London during her absence. The PM ditched the kitten heels for a pair of sturdy walking boots The couple are on holiday in the Alps The couple have been visiting Switzerland for the past 25 years Theresa May wore dark glasses Mrs May has previously said she loves holidaying in Switzerland because she can get some ''peace and quiet'' Walking poles and sturdy boots were the order of the day Provisions were carried in a backpack Adnan Januzaj joins Sunderland on loan from Manchester United Sunderland have announced the signing of Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj on a season-long loan deal. Black Cats boss David Moyes has returned to his former club to land the 21-year-old Belgium international. The announcement comes the day after Moyes wrapped up the 5.5million double signing of United defenders Paddy McNair and Donald Love. Adnan Januzaj will spend the season with Sunderland Moyes was delighted to have landed a player to whom he handed a senior debut at Old Trafford, and will now set about the process of restoring him to the heights he hit as he emerged from the ranks. The Scot said: "It's a big boost because it's the level of quality I would like to bring here, and I am going to try to get him back to the levels he was certainly a couple of years ago. "Adnan has to now look at himself a little bit and realise that it's down to him now to change it. Yes, he's coming in to a manager who trusts him and believes in him, but he's got to be the one who shows why for the last two years he's not really featured. "But this boy can play two or three different positions, he's got an ability to go past people, score goals, make goals and he also gives me another young player, and I want to try to add some young players to the squad and give me a sign that I am trying to build a younger, fresh team. "But as well as that, I do know that I'm having to still get one or two older or senior ones with Premier League experience to make sure we are a Premier League club." Januzaj, like McNair and Love, will go straight into a squad depleted by departures and injuries for Saturday evening's opening Premier League fixture at Manchester City. One of those who will be missing is Sweden international midfielder Seb Larsson, who is facing up to six months on then sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair a damaged knee ligament. Moyes said: "Seb Larsson has had a knee operation and will be out for about five to six months. It was a knee injury which he had last season and he went to the Euros and hoped to be okay, but since he's come back and done a bit of pre-season.... "So he's had a repair on one of his ligaments." Fifth Olympic gold for Sir Bradley as pursuit team rides to velodrome victory Sir Bradley Wiggins has won his fifth Olympic gold medal as Britain's team pursuit riders powered their way to victory in a world record time at the Rio velodrome. Sir Bradley, Ed Clancy, Steven Burke and Owain Doull beat Australia in a nail-biting finish in a head-to-head ride off against Australia, . It means that Sir Bradley is now the most decorated British Olympic athlete of all time with eight Olympic medals including five golds, while Clancy is now a three-time Olympic champion. Left to right, Steven Burke, Owain Doull, Ed Clancy and Sir Bradley Wiggins with their gold medals following victory in the men's team pursuit final The team finished the 4km race in three minutes, 50.265 seconds. It was Great Britain's third straight Olympic title in the event. Denmark took the bronze medal ahead of New Zealand. The quartet's win sees Team GB rise to third in the overall medals table, leapfrogging Japan. After receiving a hug from fellow Olympic knights Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Chris Hoy - having surpassed the latter's British medal record - Sir Bradley praised his teammates, saying: "The last 12 months we have pretty much done everything together, training camps at altitude, early-morning starts at the track, late finishes at the track before Christmas Day and all for this. "We are here and we have done it and it is just this four guys here. "I would never have come back if we didn't have the calibre - I have always said that Ed and Burkey for me are two of the most underrated athletes I have ever raced with, so talented at what they do and they don't get the credit for it because they are not the big road stars. (And) you have someone like Doully here who ... can do anything in the sport and nothing fazes him, especially Olympic finals at 21. When you are with guys like that on the line it makes your job a hell of a lot easier. In some ways I realised what we were going into and that adds nerves to it, these guys (were) bouncing of the ceiling all afternoon in the apartment." Clancy said that his third gold medal was "the best of them all". He said: "Truth be told, we haven't won a fat deal between the London Olympics and now, and we have had some big downs. "Crossing the line a second ahead of the Aussies made every single pedal rev and every training session worthwhile." The 31-year-old Yorkshireman also praised medical staff who helped him overcome a recent back injury, saying: "I can't thank them enough." Clancy's proud family were "in bits" as they watched him win gold at their home in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. His brother Alex, 32, told the Press Association: "It is phenomenal. We are so proud of him. What an amazing achievement. The family has been in tears. Just eight month ago he had a prolapsed disc. He could not walk, let alone ride a bike and he had to go through a lot of rehabilitation. "Day to day he came through it and to go from that to win in such an amazing race that was so close - has left us speechless. "We are really really proud. We are all just in bits. "We were all in tears watching it on TV because it was such a tight race. "His last lap was like superhero strength. I honestly do not know where he came from." Burke's father Alvin, 53, said the family were "over the moon" after his son won his second Olympic gold medal. He and Steven's mother Sharon were joined by their extended family to watch at their home in Colne, Lancashire. Alvin told the Press Association: "That was brilliant. How close was that race? We are really, really, over the moon. "It was the closest race I have ever seen. It was brilliant. I think he did really well. "He has put so much effort in, and to get a world record as well. He did the business." He added that he hoped his son, now 28, would carry on and take part in the 2020 games in Tokyo. Pallbearers making their way to the late Duke of Westminster's funeral on board his 5million private jet had to evacuate the plane after the cockpit filled with smoke. Five passengers were on board the Citation 750 aircraft when the emergency services were called after the incident at Inverness Airport in Scotland yesterday. It has been reported that two of the passengers were due to carry the coffin of Gerald Grosvenor, who died from a heart attack on Tuesday aged 64. Emergency services were called to the airport after the pilot suspected a technical fault with the plane. Five passengers were on board the Citation 750 aircraft when the emergency services were called after the incident at Inverness Airport in Scotland yesterday The Citation 750 aircraft which belonged to The 6th Duke of Westminster (pictured) had five passengers on board when the cockpit filled with smoke The wealthy landowner (pictured with the Queen in 2004) died aged 64 on Tuesday The plane - which belonged the duke - is thought to have had an air conditioning problem which caused the cockpit to fill with smoke. It comes just one week after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used the private jet to fly to France for a summer break. A Highlands and Island Airports Limited (Hial) spokesman told The Press and Journal: 'Hial can confirm a precautionary emergency mobilisation took place at approximately 10am on Friday. 'The pilot of a Citation 750 private aircraft reported a suspected technical fault during pre-flight checks ahead of take-off from Inverness Airport. 'The aircraft was able to return to its stand under its own power and the incident was closed at 10.50am and emergency services stood down.' All five people on board the plane were unhurt after three fire appliances joined the airport's fire service at the scene. A fire service spokeswoman said they were alerted to a 'possible aircraft fire' which was extinguished when they got there. It comes as his family revealed a 'quiet private' service was held on Friday for the sixth duke. In a statement, the Grosvenor Estate said: 'A quiet private funeral service, attended only by close family members, was held this afternoon, Friday August 12, for the Duke of Westminster who died on Tuesday August 9 2016.' The plane - which belonged the duke (pictured in 2003) - is thought to have had an air conditioning problem which caused the cockpit to fill with smoke The 6th Duke of Westminster (pictured with Prince Charles in 2011) died from a heart attack on Tuesday The duke was photographed with his wife Tally outside St Paul's Cathedral in London in June this year The wealthy landowner, who was a close friend of the Royal Family, died at the Royal Preston Hospital after being transferred from his Abbeystead Estate in Lancashire. He was worth around 10.8 billion dollars (8.3 billion), according to Forbes, making him the 68th richest person in the world, and third in the UK. The duke owned 190 acres in Belgravia, adjacent to Buckingham Palace and one of London's most expensive areas, as well as thousands of acres in Scotland and Spain. Due to the rule of primogeniture, his dukedom has passed to his third-born child, with Hugh Grosvenor, at the age of 25, leapfrogging both his older sisters, Lady Tamara and Lady Edwina. The duke is also survived by a third daughter, Lady Viola. No more details of the service - including its location - were released but it said a memorial service would be held later this year. Post-Brexit funding gap for key EU-backed projects set to cost 4.5bn a year British taxpayers will pay around 4.5 billion a year to plug the post-Brexit funding gap for key European Union-backed projects that support scientists, farmers and infrastructure, the Chancellor will announce. Philip Hammond will guarantee Government funding for projects backed by the EU structural and investment fund, including agri-environment schemes, which are signed off before this year's Autumn Statement. The Treasury will assess whether other similar projects that are signed after the mini Budget - expected in November or December - should also get a guarantee, in a bid to reassure UK organisations. Philip Hammond will guarantee Government funding for projects backed by the EU structural and investment fund which are signed off before this year's Autumn Statement And if organisations bid directly to the European Commission on a competitive basis, such as universities seeking Horizon 2020 research funding, the Treasury will underwrite the payments even if the projects continue after Brexit. On Saturday, Mr Hammond will also promise that the current level of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) pillar one funding for farmers will be matched by the UK after it comes out of the EU until 2020, as a domestic system is put in place. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Hammond said: "The UK will continue to have all of the rights, obligations and benefits that membership brings, including receiving European funding, up until the point we leave the EU. "We recognise that many organisations across the UK which are in receipt of EU funding, or expect to start receiving funding, want reassurance about the flow of funding they will receive. "That's why I am confirming that structural and investment funds projects signed before the Autumn Statement and Horizon research funding granted before we leave the EU will be guaranteed by the Treasury after we leave. "The Government will also match the current level of agricultural funding until 2020, providing certainty to our agricultural community, who play a vital role in our country. "We are determined to ensure that people have stability and certainty in the period leading up to our departure from the EU and that we use the opportunities that departure presents to determine our own priorities." Asked how much he expected the move to cost, Mr Hammond said: "Well, it will depend on when we leave the EU and it will depend on the level of applications for these structural and investment funds and for the research funds Horizon, but around probably, around about 4.5 billion a year would be the level we would expect." The structural and investment funds that will be guaranteed include CAP pillar two, t he European Social Fund, t he European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and t he European Regional Development Fund, including European Territorial Cooperation. Examples of projects that have received or are due to receive regional development fund money include: :: 5 million for the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester. :: 9 million for the manufacturing growth programme to support areas in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the East of England. :: 3 million for a new life sciences incubation and innovation centre at Porton Down in Wiltshire. Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke has also written to the devolved administrations to confirm the same level of assurances offered to UK Government departments in relation to programmes they administer but for which they are expected to rely on EU funding. Brexit Secretary David Davis said: "This announcement shows that the Government is ensuring that those people and organisations currently supported by EU funding can continue to benefit from a measure of continuity. This will offer reassurance to them, and help ease the transition to our new relationship with the EU." Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: "By underwriting the significant Horizon 2020 grants we are showing the extent of our commitment, standing squarely behind our researchers and scientists as they continue working with their European partners to develop new technologies, discover life-saving medicines and pioneer everyday innovations that will benefit all hard-working Britons." Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green said: "The fund supports hundreds of initiatives across England like the Ways to Work programme in Liverpool, which is helping disadvantaged people in the area to gain new skills and turn their lives around for the better. With this decision, providers can plan with certainty and help more people gain the security and dignity of work." Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Local Enterprise Partnerships are a vital part of our efforts to rebalance the economy, and have helped create thousands of jobs over the past five years. "Guaranteeing EU funding will further support this work by enabling them to plan ahead with certainty so businesses, universities and local authorities across the country can enable economic growth." The National Trust called for backing for farming and environment projects which get under way after the Autumn Statement. A spokesman said: "We welcome the Government's decision to continue with funding for newly-agreed and existing agri-environment schemes. But set against this is the continued uncertainty should new applications be restricted beyond this autumn. This would put at serious risk decades of effort by farmers and organisations like ours to protect and enhance our countryside. "Farmers need certainty as we move to a more sustainable model of support for farming which puts the recovery and resilience of the natural environment at its heart. Hundreds of transplant donors had history of cancer, figures show Hundreds of people across the UK have received an organ transplant from someone with a history of cancer, new figures show. Data obtained by the Press Association show that, in the five years to March 31 , 272 organ donors across the UK had a history of cancer or malignancy. These resulted in 675 people receiving an organ transplant. Aspiring midwife Alison Cooney died in 2010 aged just 28, only six weeks after her cancer diagnosis (Family handout/PA) There is a common misconception that people cannot be organ donors if they have had cancer, b ut there are some circumstances where it is possible. Guidance from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs states: "Risks of cancer transmission must be balanced against the risks of dying without transplantation." The figures, from NHS Blood and Transplant, also show that, over the last five years, more than 1,033 people who had suffered from some types of cancer went on to donate their eyes - but not their other organs. Eye donation is one of the areas that health officials are trying to highlight as some potential organ donors opt not to donate their corneas. NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 70 cornea donations a week to meet the demand for sight-saving transplants. But one in 10 people on the NHS Organ Donor Register do not want to donate their eyes. One mother who decided to donate her daughter's eyes after she died from bowel and liver cancer is trying to highlight the importance of cornea donation. Aspiring midwife Alison Cooney died in 2010 aged just 28, only six weeks after her diagnosis. Her cornea donation helped to save the sight of two people. Her mother, Ann Cooney, from Alkrington, Greater Manchester, said: "When Alison became ill, and we were told that her liver was compromised, I remember saying to her that she would be OK as she could have a liver transplant. "At that moment I didn't think about where the liver would come from, and I really didn't care. As a mother, I just wanted anything to make my little girl well again. "However, it was confirmed that Alison had secondary liver cancer, caused by primary bowel cancer, and it was terminal." Miss Cooney was told she had around 20 months to live but her condition deteriorated quickly. Mrs Cooney added: "A few months before she became ill, she had passed her driving test and received a donor card with her licence. I mentioned this to one of the nurses and she arranged for a donor nurse to come and speak with us. "She told us that her major organs could not be donated, because of the aggressive nature of her illness, but her eyes could be used. "It seemed very appropriate that she should mention eyes, because Alison had the most beautiful eyes, and was always being complimented about them. I remember saying to the nurse that I could think of nothing better than for someone else to see the world through Alison's eyes. "Apparently not many people donate their eyes, although it is one of the most successful procedures. Even though initially it was very difficult to accept what was about to happen, it wasn't about us, and we had to focus on something good being achieved from something bad." She added: "In a very short space of time, I had gone from desperately wanting an organ donation for my daughter, to actually making a donation to someone else on her behalf." Professor John Forsythe, associate medical director for organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "All organ and tissue transplants are dependent on people being willing to donate and families being prepared to help transform other people's lives by donating a relative's organs or tissues. "We are very keen that everyone, regardless of their health status, registers a decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and tells their family they want to donate. Please don't let the fact you have a health condition or have had an illness in the past stop you from registering as a donor. "We work hard to minimise the risks to recipients by carefully evaluating all potential organ and tissue donors. "Organs from deceased donors with some current and past cancers may be safely used, with surgeons balancing the risk of using an organ against the risk of a patient dying waiting for a transplant. In fact, over the last five years, 675 people across the UK have received an organ transplant from someone with a history of cancer or malignancy. "What many people don't realise is that you could potentially donate your corneas and help save someone's sight even if certain cancers are a cause of your death. Somalia to move to party politics in bid to cut clan rivalry By Abdi Sheikh MOGADISHU, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Members of Somalia's new parliament to be elected this year must join a political party within two years or step down as part of efforts to shift the Horn of Africa nation away from clan-based politics, a forum of regional and national leaders said. Somalia is slowly rebuilding after more than two decades of conflict and chaos fuelled largely by clan rivalries. It holds an election in September for the new parliament, whose lawmakers will in turn choose a president in October. Somali authorities and international sponsors had to scrap a plan for each person to get a vote, largely due to security challenges as the Western-backed government is still battling an Islamist insurgency. Instead, about 14,000 people from federal states will choose the 275 members of the lower house of parliament. While that represents a fraction of Somalia's 11 million people, it is more than the 135 elders who picked the 2012 parliament. "The leaders of the National Leadership Forum agreed to promote the establishment and registration of political parties within two years, starting from the date when the 10th parliament is elected," the forum said after a week-long meeting. The forum, which includes President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, senior cabinet members and regional leaders, said political parties would have to register and all members of parliament would have to join one group by Oct. 20, 2018. Any lawmaker who failed to join a party would lose his or her seat. Although some lawmakers group together, there is no formal party structure or registration system now. This year's election process will start on Sept. 24 with the parliamentary vote and culminate with the choosing of a president on Oct. 30. Mohamud is seeking another term. Diplomats have pushed Somalia to hold elections on time to avoid a major extension of parliament's term. The vote has already slipped from August, but diplomats had said a few weeks' delay was expected given the scale of the reconstruction effort. Bankrupt coal miner Peabody's lenders approve business plan Aug 10 (Reuters) - Peabody Energy Corp said on Wednesday its five-year business plan had been approved by its debtor-in-possession lenders, the first step towards emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Peabody, the biggest U.S. coal miner, filed for bankruptcy protection in April after a sharp drop in coal prices left it unable to service its $10.1 billion debt, much of it incurred for to expand in Australia. The bankruptcy ranks among the largest in the commodities sector since energy and metal prices began to fall in 2014. The St. Louis-based company said it was aiming for total annual sales of 194 million to 197 million tons between 2018 and 2021, up from an expected 168 million tons in 2016. Revenue over the period is expected to be $4.4 billion to 4.6 billion. Peabody said it would review its assets in Australia to run a "smaller but more profitable" basis. The company said in May it would sell its interest in undeveloped assets in Queensland for A$104 million (now $80.6 million) to Sydney-based Pembroke Resources, backed by private equity firm Denham Capital. Five Malian soldiers found drowned after Islamist attack BAMAKO, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Five Malian soldiers have been found drowned in central Mali, days after they went missing during clashes with militants, army officials said on Wednesday. Four of the soldiers were found near Tenenkou on Tuesday and a fifth near the town of Mopti, about 75 km (50 miles) away on Wednesday, army spokesman Souleymane Maiga said. The soldiers were reported missing after an attack claimed by Islamist group Ansar Dine near the village of Tenenkou on Sunday, Maiga said. "Yesterday evening, residents alerted us to the presence of bodies at the river's edge," Hama Thokary, a nurse in Tenenkou, said. He did not know how many bodies had been found by the river, and was waiting for the army to collect them. Sunday's attack was the latest in a string of assaults claimed by Ansar Dine. The group said in a statement that it had ambushed the army, killing and wounding soldiers, according to SITE Intelligence Group. Fighting continued into Monday. Beetles threaten Ugandan coffee crop By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Shrinking forest cover and climate change threaten Uganda's coffee industry by creating conditions for the destructive black twig borer beetle to spread into plantations, an official said on Wednesday. Africa's largest coffee exporter, Uganda mostly cultivates the robusta coffee bean variety. Shipments of the beans are a major source of foreign exchange. Exports in the 2015/16 (Oct-Sept) crop were expected to reach 3.6 million 60-kg bags, modestly higher than the previous period's 3.46 million bags, according to state regulator Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). But David Muwonge, head of marketing at the National Union of Coffee Agribusiness and Farmer Enterprises (NUCAFE), said prospects were clouded by the twig borer beetle which was increasingly migrating to coffee farms as forest cover shrank. He said some farmers had reported losing as much as 40 percent of their potential harvest as a result of the beetle, although he did not give a forecast for the overall impact. "The biggest threat to coffee in Uganda is ... the twig borer," he said. The beetle thrives in the drier conditions which have become more frequent in recent years and which have been partly linked to global changes in climate, Muwonge said. First detected in Uganda in 1993, the twig borer makes tiny grooves on the twigs - the small branches that bear cherries - of coffee trees and lays eggs there. It then infects the twigs with a fungi which causes the leaves and twigs to wilt and die. A 2013/14 survey by UCDA found that at least 40 percent of all trees in robusta growing areas had infected twigs. Muwonge said the beetle mostly lived in dense forests where natural enemies controlled its population. But smaller forests and drier conditions meant "some of the (beetle's) natural enemies have been eliminated" and it was migrating to farms. He said pesticides had only a limited impact and many farmers could not afford the chemicals. "It's an existential threat to our coffee because we don't have a cure as yet," he said. Investors sue Embraer in New York, claim stock was inflated SAO PAULO, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Shareholders filed a class action lawsuit against Brazil's Embraer SA in New York, alleging that actions by management at the world third-largest commercial planemaker inflated the company's stock price for a four-year period. The lawsuit was filed late Monday in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, and named the Sao Jose dos Campos-based company as well as former Chief Executive Officer Frederico Curado and current Chief Financial Officer Jose de Almeida Filippo as defendants. The lawsuit alleges Embraer concealed its ties to the bribing of Dominican Republic officials to secure contracts to sell military aircraft, culminating in last month's decision to set aside $200 million to settle a corruption probe by U.S. authorities, documents seen by Reuters showed. Shares fell for a second day on Wednesday as analysts such as Pete Skibitski of Drexel Hamilton were concerned that related proceedings are ongoing in other countries, which could result in additional fines. Embraer shares fell 1.2 percent to 14.58 reais, extending their year-to-date skid to about 51 percent. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of investors in Embraer's American Depositary receipts. The New York-traded ADRs, which have fallen 37 percent this year, shed 1 percent to $18.56 in early Wednesday trading. Lloyds says CEO did not break expenses rules LONDON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Lloyds Banking Group said on Wednesday its Chief Executive Antonio Horta-Osorio had not breached company policy after a British newspaper accused him of running up a big hotel bill while on a business trip to Singapore. Britain's biggest selling newspaper, The Sun, carried a front-page story on Tuesday accusing the married chief executive of the taxpayer-supported bank of running up the bill while spending time with another woman. The bank said the chief executive paid his own personal expenses while he was in the city-state for a conference two months ago. Lloyds Chairman Norman Blackwell looked into the issue after the newspaper reported that Horta-Osorio had spent 450 pounds ($580) on room service and items from the mini-bar, and 550 pounds on visits to the hotel spa, a source at the bank said. "In this case there is no breach of our policy and the personal expenses are paid for by Antonio," the bank said in a statement. "We do not comment on personal matters," it added. The allegations come at a sensitive time for Lloyds as it announced two weeks ago it is cutting a further 3,000 staff and prepares to close 200 branches by the end of next year. South Sudan says no to proposal for UN-commanded troops in Juba By Denis Dumo JUBA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - South Sudan said on Wednesday it opposed a proposal to station extra foreign troops in the country under U.N. command, something the United States, Western nations and regional countries want in order to prevent a slide back into civil war. The government said last week it would allow a deployment of African troops to Juba, after fighting between President Salva Kiir's forces and fighters loyal to his rival, former vice president Riek Machar, killed dozens of people and drove tens of thousands from the capital last month. But on Wednesday, Information Minister Michael Makuei said the force should be independent rather than under U.N. command. He said U.S. moves to impel the government to accept such a force smacked of imperialism. "We do not want the protection force to be under UNMISS," Makuei said, accusing the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, which currently has 12,000 troops, of failing to protect civilians. A U.S. proposal to the U.N. Security Council for an additional 4,000-strong force to ensure peace in Juba, under UNMISS command, was aimed at "turning South Sudan into a protectorate," he said. The proposal would impose an arms embargo if Juba failed to accept. The regional African grouping IGAD also said the additional troops should be put under U.N. command, in a statement on Sunday. Machar withdrew his troops to outside of Juba after a ceasefire ended street battles in the capital in July and called for the foreign troop deployment to act as a buffer between the rival forces. The five-year history of South Sudan has been dominated by civil conflict between the two sides, much of it following ethnic lines. "None is left": Pakistani legal community decimated by bombing By Asad Hashim QUETTA, Pakistan, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Pakistani lawyer Ataullah Lango had just arrived at the Civil Hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta to mourn the slain head of his provincial bar association when he heard a loud explosion and felt the pain of glass stabbing his face. He lost some 60 colleagues in the suicide bombing that decimated the leadership of this tight-knit legal fraternity, probably for years. "The cream of our legal fraternity has been martyred," Lango told Reuters at the house of the slain bar president. "Our senior leaders ... are now gone." Pakistan has endured a wave of militant attacks in recent years, but lawyers have not been singled out on such a scale before. That changed on Monday when a suicide bomber struck a crowd of lawyers who had crammed into a hospital emergency department to accompany the body of Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of the 3,000-member Baluchistan Bar Association. At least 74 people were killed, most of them lawyers, in Pakistan's worst bombing this year, claimed by both a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, and the Middle East-based Islamic State. Across Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province surrounded by mountains, lawyers gathered for funeral prayers on Wednesday, visited families of lost friends, shouted slogans at protests and urged the government to protect them better. Baluchistan is no stranger to violence, with separatist fighters launching regular attacks on security forces for nearly a decade and the military striking back. Islamist militants, particularly sectarian groups, have also launched a campaign of suicide bombings and assassinations of minority Shi'ites. After Monday's attack, the legal community in Baluchistan and across the country said it felt leaderless but also vowed unity. Kasi's younger brother, Shoaib Kasi, himself an attorney, said the attacker had "pre-planned" to first kill the bar association president and then target the hospital, knowing that mourners would gather there. "It will take centuries for us to make up this loss," lawyer Abdul Aziz Lehri told Reuters at the district court building, largely deserted due to a strike by his colleagues. The president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Ali Zafar, called the attack a "turning point", and gave the government until Thursday to present a security plan to protect lawyers and other "soft targets". ANGER AND DEFIANCE Emotions ran high at a press conference where lawyers expressed anger, particularly against the country's powerful military, but also voiced defiance. "We are not tense because of the terrorists," said senior lawyer Manzoor ul Hassan. "We have sadness, of course, but no fear." Lawyers have held a special place in Pakistan's democratic process. A lawyers' movement emerged as the vanguard of a campaign against the then army chief Pervez Musharraf after he suspended the country's top judge in 2007 for opposing plans to extend the general's term in office. Lawyers organised convoys travelling from city to city to support ousted chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, and the government was forced to re-instate him. Musharraf emerged from the confrontation a much diminished figured and stepped down as president in 2008. "Lawyers were the targets, because we fight for the rights of the people," Ali Zafar told the press conference. "They think we will be weakened ... I say we will become stronger." Prominent lawyer Ali Ahmed Kurd said those left would carry the torch. "The juniors who are left, they are filled with the passion for working hard, for honesty ... that will make up the difference," Kurd told Reuters in Quetta. But he added that the lawyers of Baluchistan were afraid to call a meeting of the bar association to map out the legal fraternity's next steps. Zambia's Aug. 11 general election and referendum LUSAKA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Zambia holds a general election on Thursday, pitting President Edgar Lungu as the flag-bearer for the ruling party against opponents who blame him for a weak economy, led by front-runner Hakainde Hichilema. Below are some of the key facts about the election and referendum in Africa's second-biggest producer of copper, which is a mainstay of its economy. - There are 6.6 million registered voters in a country with a population of about 15 million. - Voting starts at 6 am local time (0400 GMT) and ends at 6 pm (1600 GMT). - Zambians will be voting for the posts of president and a running mate who will be the vice-president, 150 members of parliament, mayors and councillors. - Voters will also cast a ballot in a referendum on proposed amendments to the Constitution, including changes to the Bill of Rights. - Lungu, who heads the Patriotic Front party, is a former lawyer. He narrowly beat Hichilema, known locally as "HH", of the United Party for National Development in a vote last year to replace Michael Sata, who died in office in October 2014. - Forum for Democracy and Development leader Edith Nwakakwi is expected to run a distant third. - To win, a presidential candidate must garner 50 percent of the valid votes cast plus at least one additional vote. - If none of the candidates receive the required amount of votes, a re-run for the top-two candidates will be held within 37 days. - For MPs, mayors and councillors, the candidate with the largest number of votes will be declared to have won. Spain's conservatives to vote on reform pact in bid to govern By Angus Berwick MADRID, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Spanish acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday his conservative People's Party would hold a leadership vote next week on a reform pact proposed by centrists Ciudadanos as a condition of their support to form a long-awaited government. Agreement between Ciudadanos ("Citizens") and the PP - which won the most votes in a June election re-run but fell short of a majority - would mark the biggest step yet in ending a near eight-month political morass. Until now Ciudadanos had said only that it would abstain in any parliamentary confidence vote to install Rajoy as prime minister. Though the PP would still need support from other forces to form a stable government and press on with an economic recovery, a shift from Ciudadanos, Spain's fourth-biggest party, could encourage others to ease objections to a conservative government. Rajoy told a news conference that the Executive Committee - a body of about 100 people largely loyal to Rajoy - would vote on Aug. 17 on whether to back a six-point political reform package proposed on Tuesday by Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera. He would not say whether he supported the package as presented. "Spaniards want a government and we hope we can start negotiations with Ciudadanos as soon as possible," Rajoy said. "The PP will do everything in its power." The reforms could yet prove unpalatable for PP leaders, given they are aimed at tackling corruption scandals that have tainted their party, and at changing an electoral system that benefits larger forces. But without an agreement, Spain may have little option but to hold its third election in a year. With support from Cuidadanos, a natural ally for the PP on economic matters, Rajoy would still be seven seats shy of the 176 he needs in the 350-strong lower house of parliament for an absolute majority. Their endorsement would, however, pile more pressure on the second-placed Socialists to abstain in a confidence vote or be blamed for worsening the deadlock as worries rise over its impact on Spain's strong economic recovery. So far growth has continued unhindered, outperforming many of its European peers, but important deadlines are approaching. Without a government, Spain will struggle to deliver its 2017 budget plans to Brussels by mid-October. FRESH ELECTION? There were few signs on Wednesday that the Socialists, under leader Pedro Sanchez, were yet willing to end their decades-long rivalry with the PP, though some former leaders have called on the party to change its stance. "The PSOE has its position, it is clear ... there was a long, in-depth debate and that position is to vote no," Oscar Lopez, a senior Socialist party member, said in a TV interview. Rajoy said he would continue to try to persuade the Socialists to back him. A third national election, according to polls, would likely deliver a similarly fractured result. "If Sanchez maintains his 'no' position, we will again hold elections," Rajoy said. Rajoy has yet to commit to a confidence vote, despite accepting a mandate from the king last month to form a government. He declined to specify a date for the vote beyond saying he hoped to have a government in place that can deliver a budget to parliament before the end of September. Rivera said he hoped the confidence vote would take place either in August or in early September. New Tunisian premier tries to break economic reform curse By Tarek Amara TUNIS, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Tunisia has gone through five prime ministers in as many years since its revolution, each pushing a widely-praised transition to democracy. None, though, has made much progress in building the economic stability and opportunity that young Tunisians demand. Now the sixth post-uprising premier, French-educated technocrat Youssef Chahed, is making bold promises even before he has taken office to tackle Tunisia's problems. But a looming budget crisis and debt repayments, coupled with political inertia, may prevent the 40-year-old premier-designate from escaping the fate of his predecessors. Since the 2011 overthrow of autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has achieved free elections, a new constitution and a spirit of compromise between secular and Islamist parties - in contrast to the repression, chaos or war that has afflicted other countries which also had "Arab Spring" revolts. The flip side is that popular protests, labour union resistance and political squabbling have held back plans to overhaul heavy state spending including on a huge body of public workers, and to implement banking and investment laws. After the last premier lost a parliamentary confidence vote over the economy and security, President Beji Caid Essebsi called last week for Chahed to lead a national unity government capable of advancing economic reforms demanded by lenders including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. "We are in times that require exceptional decisions and sacrifices," Chahed told reporters, saying his focus would be tackling corruption and terrorism, promoting economic growth and clearing up public finances. "I want to talk frankly with the Tunisian people about the reality of the country's financial situation." Many Tunisians ask whether Chahed, an agricultural specialist and Essebsi ally, can muster the political capital to push through change. Some opponents dismiss him as an Essebsi puppet, chosen for his loyalty to the president rather than his ability to deliver. He is now negotiating to form his cabinet. "Chahed has been handed a poisoned chalice, the financial situation is pretty catastrophic. He is going to find the coffers empty and lots of demands," said Jamel Arfaoui, a local analyst and newspaper columnist. "He is facing potential protests at the same time as the need for reforms." The change of premier comes at a difficult time. Three major attacks by Islamist militants have badly hit tourism bookings, forcing job cuts in an industry that accounts for 8 percent of the economy. Unemployment is already at 15 percent, with the rate far higher for young people in a country where more than half the population is under 29. Months of on-off protests and sit-ins by jobless youths have also disrupted production and exports of the state-run phosphate industry, another major revenue earner. Essebsi estimated losses at $2 billion from sector disruptions over five years. Under the 2016 budget, the public deficit is supposed to fall to 3.9 percent of gross domestic product from 4.4 percent in 2015. But that assumes the economy will grow 2.5 percent whereas the actual rate in the first quarter was only 1 percent year-on-year, weakening tax revenue. Next year will be tougher still for the public finances. Around $3 billion is due in debt service payments and the state will struggle just to come up with the roughly $450 million it needs every month to pay its employees. At 13.5 percent of the GDP, Tunisia's public sector wage bill is proportionately one of the highest in the world. "Revenues forecast for 2017 will not be enough to cover the one billion dinars each month for 700,000 public sector employees," Central Bank Governor Chedli Ayari said last week. "We are going to need more foreign financing in this difficult context and with the fall off in tourism and phosphate revenues." SOCIAL PRESSURES, POLITICAL WILL A senior member of Essebsi's Nidaa Tounes party, Chahed will easily secure approval for his new cabinet in parliament, where Nidaa Tounes and Islamist party Ennahda in the ruling coalition control a majority. But outside parliament, he must navigate relations with the unions and the social unrest that has scuppered past government attempts to push through the kind of financial sacrifices and austerity reforms he is promising. The IMF has approved a $2.88 billion four-year loan programme for Tunisia. However, release of much of this is subject to reviews of the government's progress on economic and financial reforms. Tunisia has been under pressure for some time from its international lenders to implement measures on the public deficit, investment and the financial sector. Mehdi Jomaa, a technocrat prime minister managed to secure temporary fiscal reforms in 2014 to boost revenues. The last premier, Habib Essid, got a law to protect the central bank from political meddling through parliament, although only after protracted negotiations within the ruling coalition. Deeper reforms have stalled, often because successive governments have lacked the political capital or will to stand up to popular pressures against public spending reductions or austerity measures. An attempt to increase vehicle tax triggered violent protests in 2014, forcing the government to step back. A tax on border traffic also provoked rioting last year, leading to another government retreat. Now doctors and lawyers are threatening strikes over increased audits on their billing to help combat tax evasion, while the powerful UGTT union is resisting reforms to raise the retirement age and reduce state pension payments. Twice this year the government and the UGTT reached deals increasing public wage salaries, adding pressure to the state finances. A new investment code law, aimed at increasing incentives for foreign investors and reducing bureaucracy, has been parked in parliament for three years after two revisions. Social pressure over jobs already exploded into mass protests in southern and central regions at the start of the year, a reminder of the conditions that helped to inspire the Tunisian revolution and later Arab Spring uprisings. MIDEAST STOCKS-Qatar, Egypt climb to multi-month highs, Saudi cools By Celine Aswad DUBAI, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Stock markets in Qatar and Egypt rose to fresh multi-month highs on Wednesday, following global bourses higher, but Saudi Arabia's index pulled back as oil gave up some of its recent gains. Doha's main index added 0.7 percent to 10,996 points, a new nine-month high. Stocks most exposed to foreign capital flows were among the top gainers, with Islamic lender Masraf Al Rayan advancing 2.9 percent. Cairo's main index recovered from the previous session's 0.9 percent loss and gained 1.1 percent to 8,292 points, a 13-month closing high. Talaat Mostafa Group, the largest listed real estate developer, rebounded 3.7 percent to 5.83 Egyptian pounds after it fell 1.6 percent in the previous session. On Tuesday the property developer reported a 30 percent rise in second-quarter net profit to 232.7 million Egyptian pounds ($26.2 million) but revenues fell 3.2 percent. Palm Hills Development, which fell 3.4 percent on Tuesday after weak second-quarter earnings, edged up 0.4 percent. But Edita Food Industries slumped 8.8 percent, taking its losses over two days to 17.1 percent. On Tuesday the company said its second-quarter net profit sank 28 percent year-on-year. GULF Riyadh's index pulled back 0.4 percent with the petrochemical sector ending four straight sessions of gains as Brent oil futures slipped below $45 a barrel. Saudi Basic Industries lost 0.3 percent. In Dubai, the index rose 0.3 percent to 3,531 points with Union Properties adding 2.0 percent after it reported a 270 percent leap in second-quarter net profit attributable to shareholders. The firm cited increased contracting, higher property valuations and gains from selling investment properties. Some large-cap shares which had outperformed on Tuesday continued advancing. Emaar Properties, climbed 1.7 percent, taking its gains over the last four days to 4.0 percent. Abu Dhabi's NBAD Securities said in a note that trading volumes on Dubai's exchange were rising gradually with the index holding over its 14-, 21- and 50-day moving averages, which was bullish. It put short-term support at 3,500 points with resistance at 3,562 points. Some blue-chip lenders helped carry Abu Dhabi's index 0.1 percent higher. First Gulf Bank rose 1.3 percent. But energy-related shares lagged. Abu Dhabi National Energy Co (TAQA) fell 3.6 percent, erasing some of the 12 percent gain posted over the previous week, after it reported a wider second-quarter net loss. Dana Gas, due to report earnings on Thursday, dropped 1.8 percent. WEDNESDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS SAUDI ARABIA * The index fell 0.4 percent to 6,355 points. DUBAI * The index rose 0.3 percent to 3,531 points. ABU DHABI * The index added 0.1 percent to 4,539 points. EGYPT * The index rose 1.1 percent to 8,292 points. QATAR * The index gained 0.7 percent to 10,996 points. KUWAIT * The index edged up 0.1 percent to 5,513 points. OMAN * The index edged down 0.1 percent to 5,893 points. BAHRAIN * The index slipped 0.2 percent to 1,152 points. South Sudan says no to proposal for UN-commanded troops in Juba By Denis Dumo JUBA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - South Sudan said on Wednesday it opposed a proposal to station extra foreign troops in the country under U.N. command, something the United States, Western nations and regional countries want in order to prevent a slide back into civil war. The government said last week it would allow a deployment of African troops to Juba, after fighting between President Salva Kiir's forces and fighters loyal to his rival, former vice president Riek Machar, killed dozens of people and drove tens of thousands from the capital last month. But on Wednesday, Information Minister Michael Makuei said the force should be independent rather than under U.N. command. He said U.S. moves to impel the government to accept such a force smacked of imperialism. "We do not want the protection force to be under UNMISS," Makuei said, accusing the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, which currently has 12,000 troops, of failing to protect civilians. The U.N. Security Council is negotiating a U.S.-backed proposal for an additional 4,000-strong force to ensure peace in Juba, under UNMISS command. Makuei said Washington's aim was "turning South Sudan into a protectorate." The proposal would impose an arms embargo if Juba failed to accept. "There is a clear split in the (Security Council) between those who insist on sovereignty above all else and those who want to make sure there is a robust protection force," said a senior Security Council diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The regional African grouping IGAD and other African nations have pushed for the additional troops, saying they should be put under U.N. command in a statement on Sunday. Machar withdrew his troops to outside of Juba after a ceasefire ended street battles in the capital in July and called for the foreign troop deployment to act as a buffer between the rival forces. The five-year history of South Sudan has been dominated by civil conflict between the two sides, much of it following ethnic lines. EU, NATO remain Turkey's key partners - Turkish envoy By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS, Aug 10 (Reuters) - The European Union and NATO remain Turkey's key partners despite its rapprochement with Russia, and differences with the EU on the application of a deal on migrants can be soon ironed out, Turkey's ambassador to the bloc said on Wednesday. Career diplomat Selim Yenel, in an interview with Reuters, said Ankara was ready to change its anti-terrorism law, as requested by Brussels, and might not reintroduce the death penalty, a move EU leaders say would end talks to join the bloc. "Nothing has changed," Yenel said, dismissing Western concerns that a meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia's Vladimir Putin might signal a shift in Turkey's foreign policy towards Moscow. Erdogan met Putin on Tuesday near St Petersburg in the Turkish leader's first foreign trip since a failed military coup on July 15-16 and a crackdown which has strained Turkey's relationship with the United States and Europe. NATO on Wednesday issued a statement saying that Turkey's membership of the U.S.-led military alliance was not in question . Yenel sought to reassure European partners over the March refugee deal that ended the flow of migrants into Europe from Turkey but which the Turkish authorities have warned may collapse if the EU does not allow visa-free travels for Turkish passport-holders. Before conceding visa liberalisation, Brussels wants Turkey to soften the anti-terrorism law, a tall request for Ankara particularly after the failed coup. Yenel sought a more conciliatory tone. "We have not said we are closing the door. We have said that if the changes requested do not prevent our fight against terrorism, then we can look into it." On talk of the death penalty being restored in Turkey, he said this was "only a discussion" triggered by people's anger after the failed coup. "The EU is jumping the gun prejudging the outcome while we are still discussing about it," he said. Yenel said that efforts were continuing to find a compromise with the EU on all open issues, including the overhaul of the anti-terror law and visa liberalisation. "I think we can handle this this year," he said rejecting the idea that visa-free travel may be pushed back further beyond October, after missing an initial June deadline. Erdogan and Putin in their talks revived a plan for a gas pipeline project, known as TurkStream, intended to supply Turkey with additional volumes of Russian gas and increase deliveries to Europe in the future. Yenel said he was "surprised" by the concerns raised by Western partners on the project which he saw as not different from the NordStream pipeline taking gas from Russia directly to Germany. Clinton blasts Trump for 'casual inciting of violence,' Republicans shaken By Amanda Becker and James Oliphant WASHINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Wednesday accused Republican opponent Donald Trump of inciting violence with his call for gun rights activists to stop her from nominating liberal U.S. Supreme Court justices. Clinton's comments added to a growing outcry over Trump's remarks on Tuesday at a North Carolina rally, which some interpreted as a call for violence against his White House rival. His remarks also fueled widespread concerns about his ability to stay on track. "Words matter, my friends," the former U.S. secretary of state, who rarely engages in direct back-and-forths with her Republican rival, said at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa. "And if you are running to be president or you are president of the United States, words can have tremendous consequences." "Yesterday, we witnessed the latest in a long line of casual comments from Donald Trump that crossed the line," she said, citing "his casual inciting of violence." Trump insisted in an interview with Fox News that his remarks were a call for political, not physical, action. "There is tremendous political power to save the Second Amendment, tremendous," the New York businessman said. "And you look at the power they have in terms of votes and that's what I was referring to, obviously that's what I was referring to, and everybody knows it." The U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment guarantees a right to keep and bear arms. "I can't think of anything remotely comparable to it. No one tells a joke about the opponent getting shot. I've never heard it," said Bob Shrum, a top aide for Al Gore's presidential campaign in 2000 and John Kerry's in 2004. REPUBLICANS SHAKEN High-profile Republicans and rank-and-file voters appeared shaken on Wednesday after a string of Trump misfires, struggling with how to best reject his divisive candidacy. Some pledged to withhold their endorsement and others backed Clinton. Some, including MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman from Florida, called for party leaders to replace Trump on the ticket. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll taken Aug. 5-8 - before Trump's latest controversy - showed that nearly one-fifth of 396 registered Republicans said they want Trump to drop out of the race and another 10 percent said they "don't know" whether the Republican nominee should or not. Clinton's campaign, seeing an opening, has moved to bring disenchanted Republicans into the fold by announcing an official intraparty outreach effort on behalf of the Democratic nominee. Clinton's campaign now has a website for Republicans and political independents to sign up to pledge their support, listing 50 prominent Republicans and independents who have endorsed her. On Monday, 50 Republican national security officials signed an open letter questioning Trump's temperament, calling him reckless and unqualified to be president. Other top Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins of Maine this week, have disavowed Trump but said they cannot back Clinton. James Rohrscheib, 74, a registered Republican and retired U.S. Navy officer from Washington state, told Reuters the reality is the Nov. 8 election will be a "tough one." "I'm in a quandary as to who I am going to vote for," Rohrscheib said. Trump has dismissed the defections and criticism as an unsurprising reaction of the so-called Washington elite to his drive to change the status quo. One group that appears unswayed is Trump's donors. Reuters interviewed nine major Trump donors on Wednesday, and not one said his Second Amendment comment had given them pause. Trump Texas fundraising co-chair Gaylord Hughey called the interpretation of his remark as condoning violence "ridiculous" and "ludicrous." "It's just another issue the press has really twisted to make headlines," Hughey said. But Mike Smith, a Republican voter and Reuters/Ipsos poll respondent, said the support Trump is still receiving from Republicans "almost seems obligatory rather than voluntary." "I'm almost at the point where I think I'm going to vote for Hillary. I don't like her," said Smith, a 74-year-old retiree who lives in Clearwater, Florida. "But Mr. Trump is making me very nervous." RESET ABANDONED Republican strategist and Trump supporter Ford O'Connell said Trump has "dug himself a deep hole" with voters and to win the election he will need to "make it a referendum on Hillary Clinton and the 'rigged system.'" Trump sought to do just that by using an economic policy speech in Detroit on Monday to correct a series of missteps that included a prolonged clash with the parents of a fallen Muslim American soldier. But his remarks Tuesday undermined that effort. "If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do folks," Trump said at the rally in North Carolina. "Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know," he continued. A federal official familiar with the matter denied a media report that the U.S. Secret Service, which investigates threats against presidents and candidates, had formally spoken with the Trump campaign about his remark. Trump's comment and the resulting backlash occurred as Reuters/Ipsos polling showed some 44 percent of 1,162 registered voters believe Trump should exit the race, and that as of Tuesday, Clinton led Trump by more than 7 percentage points, up from a 3-point lead late last week. Strategists and Trump detractors agreed that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to remove Trump from the Republican ticket. "It's wishful thinking to believe the Republicans are going to replace its nominee after the convention. People are grasping at straws," Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist unaffiliated with Trump, told Reuters. A more likely scenario would be a replay of the 1996 presidential race, when the Republican Party essentially deserted nominee Bob Dole, who was badly trailing President Bill Clinton, to focus on congressional races. Trump Muslim comments do not tarnish view of U.S. freedoms abroad -ambassador WASHINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Donald Trump's call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States does not tarnish the U.S. commitment to religious freedom in the eyes of foreigners, a State Department official said on Wednesday. On Dec. 7, the week after a Muslim couple killed 14 people in San Bernardino, the Republican called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Speaking as he presented the State Department annual report on religious freedom, David Saperstein, the U.S. ambassador at large for that issue, was asked whether the comments made his job of promoting religious tolerance in foreign nations harder. "Countries across the globe ... they see clearly the basic constitutional, institutional constraints against violations of religious freedom in the United States, and I think see clearly and believe deeply in America's promise to be a model about treating all people equally without regard to religion," Saperstein said. "That is clear and that is not tarnished by the statements here," he added. "No matter who is elected, the institutions and the United States' constitutional constraints will ensure that we continue along the line we have for the last 200 years." At the time, Trump's comments were condemned by the White House, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and some of the candidates then vying with Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. More recently, the parents of a Muslim American Army captain killed in Iraq took Trump to task at the Democratic National Convention over his rhetoric on Muslims, prompting a spat that triggered renewed criticism of the Republican candidate. Syrian rebels' Aleppo success complicates strategies of Assad and Russia By Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT, Aug 10 (Reuters) - In breaking a Syrian government siege on opposition-held areas of Aleppo, insurgents have set back President Bashar al-Assad's hopes of using Russian air power to reclaim a vital city and speed the end of the five-year conflict. The sudden advance by fighters from western Syria into a military complex in southwest Aleppo on Saturday opened a corridor into the city, breaking the weeks-long siege and providing a launch pad for fresh attacks into government-held territory. Whether they can hold, or even consolidate, their gains in a war marked by fluctuating fortunes is unclear, but the insurgents' success showed they are capable of checking the momentum that Russia's air campaign has given Assad in recent months. In Aleppo the disparate groups fighting the Syrian government army demonstrated a rare unity, while also dealing a blow to Assad, Moscow and their Iran-backed allies who have invested heavily in a victory in what was the country's most populous city before the war. "It's clear that Aleppo will be the toughest and most important battle and most dangerous battle and the longest of all the battles that have erupted," said former Lebanese General Amine Hotait, a supporter of Assad, in an article in the Syrian daily Al-Thawra. Aleppo is important not only because of its size but also for its location near Turkey, a powerful supporter of anti-Assad groups operating it the city. In addition, its rebel-held areas are the main stronghold of most opposition groups apart from the jihadists of Islamic State. The defeat of the Aleppo insurgents could have been seen in Damascus and Moscow as a precursor to the collapse of the armed rebellion against Assad's rule. Government media have declared the fighting as "the mother of all battles", while Assad's ally in the war, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, has called it "an existential struggle". For their part, the rebels speak of an "epic battle to liberate Aleppo", rallying support by citing the plight of trapped civilians in the city being pummelled by air strikes which have regularly hit hospitals and market places. RARE OPPOSITION UNITY By far the rebels' biggest coordinated assault since the conflict began in 2011, the Aleppo campaign suggests they have strengthened their capabilities despite suffering heavy losses since Russia began striking against them almost a year ago. An estimated 6,000-8,000 rebel fighters from different groups, using dozens of tanks, broke the Syrian army's fortress-like defences at Ramousah in southwest Aleppo in only a few days. Suicide bombers led the advance. The groups ranged from the Islamist alliance Jaish al-Fateh, which includes Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, known as the Nusra Front until it cut ties with al Qaeda two weeks ago, to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), vetted and backed by the West. Jaish al-Fateh drove the army and its allies last year from Idlib province, southwest of Aleppo, before the Russian intervention in Syria turned the tide in Assad's favour. Last week's success will raise the standing of the rebranded Nusra Front, whose change of name was made partly to narrow differences with mainstream rebels. The rebel groups' unity this time, however, seemed mostly to be born of unease at the gradual advances made by government forces since Russia's entry into the war. "We were divided and distanced. Today we are one and the goal is the regime. There are no longer problems between us and we have one enemy who can destroy us, so we became one hand against it," said Alaa al Saqar, a senior military commander in Fatah Halab, the main umbrella group for FSA groups that are present in Aleppo. BOMBING CAMPAIGN After years of near deadlock in Aleppo, it was the air campaign that began with Russia's intervention last September that finally brought Assad within sight of a major victory. Syria's army had failed in many attempts to break through the city frontlines - setbacks often blamed on Gulf Arab states and Turkey supplying weapons to insurgents. Last month the army took control of the Castello Road in northern Aleppo, the insurgents' last route into the city, laying siege to the 250,000 people who live in their sector. Rebels and civilians in opposition-held areas, already facing the bombardment, now contended with a shortage of food, medicine and fuel as the world looked on. But Friday's seizure of the Ramousah base cut the government's own main route into the city and meant the army was instead scrambling to bring supplies to the two million people in its own areas. Residents in government-held districts say oil and food are now being brought in under cover of night via the same hazardous route near the front line that was previously used by rebels. The rebels now want to advance further into government-held areas, mobilising thousands of fighters from Syria's northwestern countryside. "It's the rebels who turned the tables on the strategy of the siege," said a senior Western diplomat based in the region. This also represents a setback for Moscow, the diplomat said, which saw victory in the city as vindicating its intervention. So single-minded was Moscow in the pursuit of the Aleppo campaign that it defied U.S. calls for an easing of the stranglehold on the city, despite the risk of jeopardising a deal with Washington to cooperate in strikes against militants. PROTRACTED BATTLE With the insurgents now saying they are preparing to assault western Aleppo, so far spared the devastating aerial bombardment of rebel-held districts, a yet more protracted and bloody battle is in prospect, rebels, government sources and diplomats say. In eastern Aleppo, communities moved en masse from front-line zones to other parts of the city, a pattern that might now be repeated in the government-held west, residents say. The rebels regard their success as evidence they can turn the tables even in the face of Russian might, and that their goal of toppling Assad is no longer far-fetched. "After these battle gains, we defeated the military option the Russian invaders and their Iranian allies and Hezbollah wanted to impose," said Mohammad al-Shami, a commander from the powerful Ahrar al-Sham group, a member of the Jaish al-Fateh Islamist alliance. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email sunnews@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Russia's Gazprom says may export more gas to Europe than f'cast MOSCOW, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Gazprom said higher gas sales to Europe boosted its first-quarter revenue and it may export more to the region than expected this year because of lower Dutch gas output and limited shipments of liquefied natural gas from the United States. Russia's Gazprom, the world's top gas producer, covers around a third of Europe's gas needs and planned to ship between 165-170 billion cubic metres (bcm) to Europe this year, up from about 159 bcm in 2015. The EU has been trying to reduce its reliance on Russian gas amid tensions with Moscow over the Ukraine crisis. Gazprom on Wednesday posted a 5 percent increase in first-quarter revenue to 1.74 trillion roubles ($26.9 billion) year-on-year, due to higher gas sales to Europe in absolute terms and despite a fall in the gas price. Since the U.S. Sabine Pass LNG terminal started exporting gas this year, only 2 of 20 ships have departed for Europe - heading to Portugal and Spain - while the others have sailed to South America, the Middle East and Asia. Gazprom posted net profit of 362.3 billion roubles in the first-quarter, slightly beating the average analyst forecast of 361.2 billion roubles. In volume terms sales increased 49 percent to 58.1 bcm in the first quarter from 39.1 bcm in the first quarter of 2015, it said in a statement. Disappointed Oman says won't attend Algeria oil meeting MUSCAT, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Oman will not participate in a meeting of oil producers and consumers in Algeria next month as it is disappointed by the group's failure to address the issue of low oil prices, Minister of Oil and Gas Mohammad bin Hamad al-Rumhy said on Wednesday. The International Energy Forum, which groups producers and consumers, is due to meet on Sept. 26-28 in Algiers. Qatar said on Monday that OPEC members had agreed to hold talks on the sidelines. Oman, a small non-OPEC oil producer, doesn't "see the point of continuing to be part" of the group, Rumhy told Reuters in an interview in Muscat. "We are moving into difficult times, and others still believe that everything will be fine. Those who expected the expensive oil producers will be run out of the business and shut down their operations, have been proved wrong." Rumhy added: "There were hopes of seeing the impact of fewer investments in oil and gas, and less exploration, on supply and demand with hopes that this might affect the low oil prices. But that didn't happen, and there has been no positive impact on oil prices." Libyan forces capture Sirte convention centre from Islamic State By Ahmed Elumami TRIPOLI, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Libyan forces battling to oust Islamic State from Sirte on Wednesday captured a large convention hall complex in the city centre, seizing a symbolic base where militants once held meetings and flew their black jihadist flag. Securing the Ouagadougou Conference Centre as well as hospital and university buildings would mark the biggest advance made by Libyan forces in weeks. The United States 10 days ago began air strikes on Sirte, which fighters say hastened their progress. "Our forces have complete control of the whole of the Ouagadougou complex, they even advanced some distance beyond the complex," Rida Issa, a spokesman in the forces' media office, said. Photos posted on the media office's Facebook page showed fighters with armed pickup trucks and a tank milling around next to the convention hall, which was pockmarked by shelling. The large domed building is a landmark in Sirte, hometown of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi, and was used for meetings and religious instruction by Islamic State (IS) after they took control of the city last year. Losing Sirte would be a major setback for the militants, already under pressure in Syria and Iraq. It would also be a boost for Libya's United Nations-backed government, which has struggled to impose its authority and faces ongoing resistance from hardline armed factions. Forces aligned with the government, which launched their campaign for Sirte in May, saw the advance slowed as they approached its centre. Led by brigades from the city of Misrata, the forces have suffered heavy casualties from IS landmines and snipers. Clashes have been sporadic, with heavier fighting interspersed with lulls lasting for several days. IS militants are encircled in the centre of Sirte but still control several residential areas, and the Misrata-led brigades have previously found it difficult to advance through neighbourhoods in house-to-house fighting. Since Aug. 1, U.S. drones and fighter jets have carried out a total of 29 strikes, earlier this week targeting several IS emplacements and a gun-mounted pickup, according to statements by U.S. Africa Command. In Wednesday's clashes, the government-backed forces said they had also advanced to a cluster of unfinished blocks just west of the centre of Sirte, known as the "bone buildings," which had been used by IS snipers and fighters had described as a major impediment to their progress. At least 16 fighters from the government-backed forces were killed and 11 wounded, Issa said. Earlier in the day, Libyan forces said they had lost a fighter jet over Sirte. Issa said the cause of the crash and the fate of the crew could not be confirmed. IS claimed it shot down the jet, killing a pilot, according to a statement on a website close to the group. POST-GADDAFI CHAOS Libyan militants returning from combat in Syria's civil war helped implant IS in the North African country in 2014, but the group failed to win widespread support or hold territory as most locals regard it as a malign import dependent on foreign fighters. The militant group took advantage of conflict between various factions of former rebels who emerged as powerbrokers after the fall of Gaddafi in 2011. The U.N.-backed government in Tripoli is the latest attempt to consolidate power and end the conflict. In addition to U.S. air strikes, Libyan brigades in Misrata and Sirte have been working with small teams of Western special forces who have provided intelligence and logistical support as well as strategic advice. A few dozen members of Italy's elite special forces are in Libya to collect intelligence, provide non-combat "support" to government-backed forces and help other allies present in Libya, such as British or American special forces, a source said on Wednesday. The Italian government delivered a brief document outlining the special forces mission in Libya to the parliament's intelligence services oversight committee last week, said the source, who had knowledge of the document. Bomb attacks, cross-border fire kill 13 in southeast Turkey - sources By Seyhmus Cakan DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Bomb blasts in two cities in southeast Turkey killed nine civilians and wounded dozens on Wednesday, security sources said, and blamed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) for the coordinated attacks targeting police. A PKK commander had warned at the weekend of fresh attacks, saying police "will not be able to live as comfortably as they did in the past in cities." Earlier in the day, four soldiers were killed and nine wounded when militants opened fire with rockets and long-range weapons from across the Iraqi border. Security sources also blamed that attack, in Sirnak province, on the PKK. Turkey frequently launches air attacks against PKK targets in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq near the shared border, where the PKK leadership has camps. A ceasefire between Turkey and the autonomy-seeking PKK fell apart last year, triggering some of the worst violence in decades in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast. Four civilians were killed when roadside explosives were detonated by remote control near a hospital in the town of Kiziltepe in Mardin province, near the Syrian border, in an attack that targeted a bus carrying police, the sources said. About 30 civilians and 10 police officers were wounded. In the region's largest city, Diyarbakir, five civilians were killed in a car bomb attack apparently targeting police, the sources said, adding that 12 people were wounded in that attack, including five police officers. A PKK commander, Cemil Bayik, said "a new style of war has been developed" in an interview published on Sunday by the Firat news agency, which is close to the group. "The war will from now on be conducted everywhere without distinguishing between mountains, valleys and cities," Bayik said. The United States strongly condemned the latest attacks. "We are in close touch with Turkish authorities and reaffirm our commitment to work together with Turkey to confront the scourge of terrorism," White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Turkey is still dealing with the aftermath of a failed coup attempt on July 15 that killed more than 240 people and wounded 2,200. More than 60,000 people, including many in the military and police have been detained, suspended or placed under investigation since the coup attempt, in which rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and warplanes in an effort to take power by force. Oman says new refinery capacity to cut crude oil exports MUSCAT, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Oman's crude oil exports will drop by about 50,000 barrels per day when new refining capacity comes onstream in the northern city of Sohar by early 2017, Minister of Oil and Gas Mohammad bin Hamad al-Rumhy said on Wednesday. Rumhy said the refinery project had been due to be commissioned by the end of 2016, but there had been a delay so the commissioning date would be in the first quarter of next year. The project would increase the Sohar refinery's capacity by between 65 and 70 percent. "It will take an additional 70 to 90,000 bpd. And with the increase in Oman's average oil production to exceed a million bpd, we expect the drop in our oil exports to be 50,000 bpd compared to last year," Rumhy said in an interview. He added that state-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co (ORPIC) would seek to refine different crude mixes. "In the future I can see ORPIC go shopping for crude oil, which is not the case currently," Rumhy said. "Refineries tend to do better when they have the option to refine different mixes of crude. Russia announces daily ceasefires in Syria's Aleppo to let in aid By Lidia Kelly MOSCOW, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday there would be daily three-hour ceasefires in Syria's Aleppo starting Thursday to allow humanitarian convoys to enter the city safely, a proposal which the United Nations said it would consider. Aleppo is split into rebel and government controlled areas. The rebel-held east, where about 250,000 people are thought to be living, came under siege in early July after government forces cut the Castello Road, the main supply route into the district. Last Friday rebels staged a major assault southwest of Aleppo to break this siege. Rebel fighters did manage to pierce the ring of government-controlled territory, but a safe corridor for civilians and aid has not yet been established as fierce fighting continues. Speaking at a televised briefing, Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoi, a senior Russian Defence Ministry official, said the pause in fighting would run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time. Rudskoi said the question of joint control over delivery of humanitarian aid via Castello Road was being discussed with the United Nations and the United States. He said "all military action, air and artillery strikes" would be halted for the three-hour periods. "This is to ensure that all interested organisations have the opportunity to deliver their humanitarian assistance to the residents of Aleppo," Rudskoi said. He added that Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels in Syria's five-year-old civil war, would work with Damascus to ensure safe delivery of the aid. A spokesman for a major rebel group fighting inside Aleppo told Reuters it was sceptical of the Russian plan. "Is this publicity that Russia is a neutral party? What is three hours? In those three hours they will just be bombing (rebel-held) Idlib!", said Abd al-Salaam Abd al-Razzaq, military spokesman for the Nour al Din al-Zinki insurgent group. Air strikes killed at least 19 people and wounded dozens in rebel-held Idlib province, southwest of Aleppo, on Wednesday. One Idlib town, Saraqeb, has received daily heavy air strikes since a Russian helicopter was shot down nearby 10 days ago. QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE TRAPPED At least four people died and many suffered breathing difficulties when a gas, believed to be chlorine, was dropped alongside barrel bombs on a neighbourhood of the Syrian city of Aleppo on Wednesday, a hospital and a civil defence group told Reuters. Food supplies, infrastructure and medical services are immensely strained for the roughly 250,000 people believed to be trapped inside eastern Aleppo. United Nations aid chief Stephen O'Brien said on Wednesday he was willing to consider the Russian plan, but that a 48-hour pause in fighting was needed to meet all the humanitarian needs in the Syrian city, Syria's most populous before the war. "At all times I will look at any kind of suggestion which enables humanitarian aid to be delivered," he told reporters. "When we're offered three hours then you have to ask what could be achieved in that three hours - is it to meet the need, or would it only just meet a very small part of the need? "Clearly, from our point of view, we're simply there to meet the need, all the need...," O'Brien said. "To meet that capacity of need you need two (road) lanes and you need to have about 48 hours to get sufficient trucks in." He said last month that any Aleppo humanitarian pause needed to be 48 hours because the Castello Road was so damaged that only smaller trucks could be used, taking longer to deliver the assistance needed. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States would welcome any pause in fighting in Syria to facilitate delivery of vital humanitarian aid, but a truce must be observed by all parties. Rudskoi said that a point for collecting the aid and forming convoys has been established near Handarat, on the northern outskirts of Aleppo. Two weeks ago Russia and the Syrian government declared a joint humanitarian operation for the besieged area, showering it with leaflets telling fighters to surrender and civilians to leave through a number of "humanitarian corridors" it had set up. Russian and Syrian warplanes have bombarded eastern Aleppo and other rebel-held areas of Syria daily for months and the United States suggested the humanitarian corridors plan may have been an attempt to depopulate the city so that the Syrian army could seize it. "All seven humanitarian corridors, established for the exit of peaceful residents and militants who wanted to lay down their arms, are open and work around the clock," Rudskoi said. "An additional humanitarian corridor for militants with weapons continues to operate near the Castello Road." He said that a "number" of armed groups, with weapons, had already left the eastern part of Aleppo through that corridor. Vietnam moves new rocket launchers into disputed S.China Sea -sources By Greg Torode HONG KONG, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Vietnam has discreetly fortified several of its islands in the disputed South China Sea with new mobile rocket launchers capable of striking China's runways and military installations across the vital trade route, according to Western officials. Diplomats and military officers told Reuters that intelligence shows Hanoi has shipped the launchers from Vietnam into position on five bases in the Spratly islands in recent months, a move likely to raise tensions with Beijing. The launchers have been hidden from aerial surveillance and they have yet to be armed, but could be made operational with rocket artillery rounds within two or three days, according to the three sources. Vietnam's Foreign Ministry said the information was "inaccurate", without elaborating. Deputy Defence Minister, Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh, told Reuters in Singapore in June that Hanoi had no such launchers or weapons ready in the Spratlys but reserved the right to take any such measures. "It is within our legitimate right to self-defence to move any of our weapons to any area at any time within our sovereign territory," he said. The move is designed to counter China's build-up on its seven reclaimed islands in the Spratlys archipelago. Vietnam's military strategists fear the building of runways, radars and other military installations on those holdings have left Vietnam's southern and island defences increasingly vulnerable. Military analysts said it was the most significant defensive move Vietnam has made on its holdings in the South China Sea in decades. Hanoi wanted to have the launchers in place as it expected tensions to rise in the wake of the landmark international court ruling against China in an arbitration case brought by the Philippines, foreign envoys said. The ruling last month, stridently rejected by Beijing, found no legal basis to China's sweeping historic claims to much of the South China Sea. Vietnam, China and Taiwan claim all of the Spratlys while the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim some of the area. "China has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly islands and nearby waters," China's Foreign Ministry said in a faxed statement on Wednesday. "China resolutely opposes the relevant country illegally occupying parts of China's Spratly islands and reefs and on these illegally occupied Spratly islands and reefs belonging to China carrying out illegal construction and military deployments." In Washington, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said at a news briefing that the United States is aware of the reports and added: "We continue to call on all South China Sea claimants to avoid actions that build tensions, take practical steps to build confidence and intensify efforts that find peaceful, diplomatic solutions to dispute." STATE-OF-THE-ART SYSTEM Foreign officials and military analysts believe the launchers form part of Vietnam's state-of-art EXTRA rocket artillery system recently acquired from Israel. EXTRA rounds are highly accurate up to a range of 150 km (93 miles), with different 150 kg (330 lb) warheads that can carry high explosives or bomblets to attack multiple targets simultaneously. Operated with targeting drones, they could strike both ships and land targets. That puts China's 3,000-metre runways and installations on Subi, Fiery Cross and Mischief Reef within range of many of Vietnam's tightly clustered holdings on 21 islands and reefs. While Vietnam has larger and longer range Russian coastal defence missiles, the EXTRA is considered highly mobile and effective against amphibious landings. It uses compact radars, so does not require a large operational footprint - also suitable for deployment on islets and reefs. "When Vietnam acquired the EXTRA system, it was always thought that it would be deployed on the Spratlys...it is the perfect weapon for that," said Siemon Wezeman, a senior arms researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). There is no sign the launchers have been recently test fired or moved. China took its first Spratlys possessions after a sea battle against Vietnam's then weak navy in 1988. After the battle, Vietnam said 64 soldiers with little protection were killed as they tried to protect a flag on South Johnson reef - an incident still acutely felt in Hanoi. In recent years, Vietnam has significantly improved its naval capabilities as part of a broader military modernisation, including buying six advanced Kilo submarines from Russia. Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam's military at the Australian Defence Force Academy, said the deployment showed the seriousness of Vietnam's determination to militarily deter China as far as possible. "China's runways and military installations in the Spratlys are a direct challenge to Vietnam, particularly in their southern waters and skies, and they are showing they are prepared to respond to that threat," he said. "China is unlikely to see this as purely defensive, and it could mark a new stage of militarisation of the Spratlys." Trevor Hollingsbee, a former naval intelligence analyst with the British defence ministry, said he believed the deployment also had a political factor, partly undermining the fear created by the prospect of large Chinese bases deep in maritime Southeast Asia. "It introduces a potential vulnerability where they was none before - it is a sudden new complication in an arena that China was dominating," he said. Government in Italy's Corleone, "Godfather" home town, dissolved over mafia infiltration ROME, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Italy's government on Wednesday dissolved the municipal administration of Corleone, the Sicilian town known around the world as both a real and fictional stronghold of the mafia. Corleone, which means "heart of the lion" in dialect, and three other local governments in southern Italy were disbanded by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government in a sign the country still grapples with organised crime in the 21st century. Corleone was the hometown of Mario Puzo's fictional "Godfather", and also the real birthplace of Bernardo Provenzano and Salvatore Riina, two mafia chieftains who took control of Sicily's Cosa Nostra in the 1980s after a bloody mob war that some historians estimate left 1,000 people dead. Riina and Provenzano, dubbed "The Beasts" for their brutal violence, were eventually tracked down and jailed for life. Provenzano died at age 83 last month, while the 85-year-old Riina remains in a high-security prison. From 1991 through June of this year, 212 city governments had been dissolved in Italy for mafia infiltration. This is the first time Corleone's administration has been dissolved. Cities are then managed by a government-appointed commissioner until new elections are held. The administrations of Arzano near Naples, and two Calabrian towns, Bovalino and Tropea, also were disbanded this week. The criminal power of Sicily's Cosa Nostra has declined markedly over the past two decades as a result of a sweeping crackdown after the assassination of two prominent anti-mafia jurists in 1992, which shocked Italy. But Calabria's 'Ndrangheta mafia has grown in influence by making itself Europe's single-biggest importer of South American cocaine, investigators say. UK PM May heads to Switzerland for two-week holiday LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - After a hectic first month in office following the June 23 Brexit vote, new Prime Minister Theresa May is off on holiday and she has chosen a country outside the European Union with close ties to the bloc - Switzerland. May, who became prime minister on July 13, will head to Switzerland on Thursday for two weeks, her office said. It did not provide any further details of the trip. The British leader has spoken previously of her love of walking holidays in Switzerland, a destination also favoured by her German counterpart Angela Merkel. "The views are spectacular, the air is clear and you can get some peace and quiet," May wrote in the Telegraph newspaper in 2007. The model of Switzerland is one Britain will be looking at closely as it seeks to determine its own future relationship with the EU following the vote to leave the bloc. Switzerland, along with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, is a member of the European Free Trade Association. NY judge tosses billionaire Bacon's defamation case v Canada's Nygard By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - A New York state judge on Wednesday threw out billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon's $100 million defamation lawsuit against Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard, saying the case tied to their long-running feud over neighboring properties in the Bahamas belongs there. Bacon, the founder of Moore Capital Management LP in New York, had accused Nygard in the lawsuit of engineering a "malicious" smear campaign against him including street rallies, bogus YouTube videos, and attempts to falsely link him to arson, bribery, drug smuggling, the Ku Klux Klan and murder. That prompted Nygard, the chairman of Winnipeg-based Nygard International, to file a $50 million countersuit accusing Bacon of pursuing a "vendetta" against him. Each man has denied the other's claims. Wednesday's decision may spell an end to the New York state court litigation. Supreme Court Justice Cynthia Kern in Manhattan wrote that while Bacon is a New York resident, the Bahamas is a "more appropriate forum" for his case. She said this was because most of the actions that Bacon accused Nygard of undertaking to further his alleged smear campaign occurred in the Bahamas, and most of the potential witnesses live there. Bacon has opposed Nygard's effort to expand his property in the Bahamas' gated Lyford Cay community, following a 2009 fire. Some environmental groups and residents have said an expansion may damage the surrounding ecosystem and beaches. Kern's decision contains several conditions, including that Nygard submits to the Bahamian courts' jurisdiction and lets employees there be subpoenaed. The judge said Bacon has already pursued nine legal actions in the Bahamas since 2011 against alleged co-conspirators. A spokesman for Bacon said the fund manager disagrees with the decision and is "considering his appellate options," but remains "committed" to proving his claims in court. "It is up to Mr. Bacon to decide whether he wants to start this process anew in the Bahamas," Aaron Marks, a lawyer for Nygard, said in a telephone interview. "Mr. Nygard would vigorously defend against such a case." Bacon is worth $1.9 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Man scaling Trump Tower in New York City wanted meeting with nominee By Gina Cherelus NEW YORK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - A 20-year-old Donald Trump supporter who scaled the Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday for three hours using suction cups and a climbing harness was pulled inside through a window by police who had tried to coax him into the building throughout the escapade. The man reached the 21st story of the 58-story tower on Fifth Avenue which is headquarters for the election campaign of Donald Trump, the U.S. Republican presidential nominee. As the climber from Virginia who wore a backpack scaled the tower's glass exterior, police removed large window panels above him and several officers, some wearing helmets, stood at the windows. The climber shifted his route several times in what appeared to be an attempt to get around the police. At a news conference later the New York Police Department said the unidentified man did not express a desire to harm anyone and said his mission was to get a meeting with Trump. The man was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and would be arrested, police said. Police had earlier closed several streets near the building in one of the city's busiest areas and put an inflatable landing pad on East 56th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. The New York City Police Department said on Twitter that its special operations division and emergency crews had been sent to the building. Reports of the climber first surfaced on Twitter and social media around 4 p.m. (2000 GMT). The police then tried to coax him inside, first by throwing a rope in his direction and then by opening a large grate directly above him. In a video that was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday, the man discussed climbing the tower in a message addressed to Trump. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt and long hair was over his eyes. He referred to himself as an "independent researcher" seeking a private audience with Trump to discuss an unspecified important matter. Australia accuses refugees of falsely reporting sexual abuse By Matt Siegel SYDNEY, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. "I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country," Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio. "Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations." Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments. Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia's offshore detention policy and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. Taiwan stocks retreat from more than 1-yr high; TSMC down as sales slip TAIPEI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Taiwan stocks retreated from a more than one-year high on Thursday, as heavyweight TSMC , the world's biggest contract chipmaker, posted a 5.6 percent fall in July sales from a year earlier. As of 0312 GMT, the main TAIEX index was down 1.3 percent at 9,079.59, pulling back from its highest intraday level since July 2015 in the prior session. The electronics subindex and the financials subindex both shed more than 1.2 percent. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) fell as much as 2.2 percent. Sailing-Laser and Finn giants advance, Croatia and Japan lead 470 By Jeb Blount RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 10 (Reuters) - After getting beaten up in their first light-wind races at the Rio Games on Tuesday, the world's leading Laser and Finn-class sailors took advantage of strong winds on Wednesday to reassert their dominance. Top-ranked Giles Scott of Britain powered to second- and first-place finishes in high waves and 20-knot winds on the Niteroi ocean course. That moved Scott, his nation's best medal hope since four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie's retirement, into first place with five preliminary races to go after Tuesday's disappointments on fluky Guanabara Bay. World No. 35 Vasilij Zbogar of Slovenia is five points back and in second place overall. "It couldn't have been more different today," Scott told reporters. "We went from racing underneath a mountain in very light and fickle winds to be out in strong winds and big seas. (It) made for really full on racing." Second-ranked Frenchman Jonathan Lobert moved up into fifth place from 12th after racking up a 26-second win over Scott in the first race of the day and a seventh in the second. In the men's Laser class, No. 2-ranked Tonci Stipanovic extended his overall lead on 26 points while continuing Croatia's hunt for its first Olympic sailing medal. Sailing in strong winds off Copacabana Beach, Stipanovic finished ahead of Britain's Nick Thompson and Rutger van Schaardenberg of the Netherlands. Twice Olympic gold medallist and nine-time Laser world champion Robert Scheidt, 43, improved his chances for a record sixth medal in six games as Brazil's "El Demolidor" moved into fourth from eighth. In the women's Laser Radial class, defending gold medallist Xu Lijia of China surrendered her lead to Ireland's Annalise Murphy, whose 19 points put her one ahead of Denmark's Anne-Marie Rindom and two ahead of Netherland's Marit Bouwmeester. Wednesday also showcased the first day of racing in the 470 two-person dinghy and Nacra 17 mixed-sex catamaran, both classes contending with light winds on Guanabara Bay. Helmsman Sime Fantela and crew Igor Marenic of Croatia moved into top spot after a 55-second trouncing of New Zealand's Paul Snow-Hanson and Daniel Willcox, who sat in third after two races. Australia's Mathew Belcher and Will Ryan are in second. Japan's Ai Kondo Yoshida and Miho Yoshioka lead the women's 470, with Slovenia's Tina Mrak and Veronika Macarol in second after a protest disqualified New Zealand's Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie from the first of two races. Aleh and Powrie, the defending gold medallists, failed to take a penalty turn after interfering with Austria's right-of-way. Australia blocks electricity sale to Chinese bidders, cites security By Jonathan Barrett and Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Australia blocked the A$10 billion ($7.7 billion) sale of its biggest energy grid to State Grid Corp of China and Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings citing security concerns, in a blow to the country's privatisation plan. Nine months after clearing the sale of TransGrid to an investor group 40 percent controlled by Kuwaiti and Abu Dhabi interests, Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison said on Thursday he was rejecting the sale of Ausgrid to the rival Asian bidders because of risks to the national interest. "During the review process national security issues were identified in critical power and communications services that Ausgrid provides to businesses and governments," Morrison said in a statement. State Grid, China's dominant power distributor, did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. Cheung Kong Infrastructure (CKI), controlled by Hong Kong billionaire tycoon Li Ka-Shing, said the decision was not related to CKI. Australia's decision to reject the bids deprives the New South Wales state government of what would have been a record haul for a single privatisation sale, and also underscores the country's changing political climate since a handful of protectionist senators took power in elections last month. The Australian Senate cannot block offshore sales, but Morrison's conservative government needs to maintain favourable relations with the crossbench which now holds the balance of power in the upper house. CHINA TIES The decision also sets new parameters to the relationship between Australia and its biggest export partner just eight months after a A$100 billion free trade agreement took effect. "If you put your biggest trading partner in the category of 'security risk', it might start to impact on the overall atmosphere, and on Chinese involvement in other areas," said Hans Hendrischke, a professor of Chinese business at University of Sydney's business school. "That is not necessarily something you want with bidding for other big infrastructure projects," he added, noting Chinese interests have routinely bid in Australian infrastructure sales. China's state news agency Xinhua said that Chinese investment should not become a source of strategic concern for trade partners but a sign of cooperation. "To suggest that China would try to kidnap the countries' electricity network for ulterior motive is absurd and almost comical," Xinhua said in a commentary, reflecting government thinking. "It's also ridiculous to suggest that Chinese enterprises would risk their credit and commit suicide on the world stage by threatening to deny the Australian and British public electricity," Xinhua added. Britain has delayed signing off on a $24 billion nuclear power project, which has deeply frustrated the Chinese government. BACKLASH OVER AUSTRALIAN PORT SALE Apart from Ausgrid and TransGrid - which State Grid also attempted to buy last year - the government of NSW, Australia's most populous state, has put up a third grid for sale, rural-focused Endeavour Energy, expected to fetch about A$5 billion based on the valuation models used for the first two. The national sell-off programme has been under political pressure since the 2015 sale of Port of Darwin to Chinese government-affiliated interests that sparked a backlash over the security implications and even a rebuke from U.S. government officials. Soon after that, Morrison blocked proposed sales of the country's biggest agricultural land holding, S. Kidman Co, to Chinese bidders. NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said she respected the federal government's decision and "there will be no delays to our infrastructure pipeline". In a statement to Reuters, CKI spokeswoman Wendy Tong Barnes, said: "We believe that the Australian government must have reasons beyond the obvious which led them to make today's announcement. The issue is unrelated to CKI." State Grid and CKI have until Aug. 18 to make submissions to Morrison. A further rejection would open the possibility that the sale process would be re-run in the hope that a competitive local bid would emerge for the network that serves nearly a quarter of NSW's 7.5 million people. Pay-as-you-go irrigation aims to cut water use in Bangladesh By Rafiqul Islam FENI, Bangladesh, Aug 11 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Elias Ali has been picking weeds and waste for hours from his paddy field in southeastern Bangladesh, preparing it for irrigation. Every week, he walks half a kilometre to collect the water he needs from private pumps. Ali and fellow farmers currently pay 4,000 taka ($51) each per year to middlemen in exchange for irrigation on their one-acre plots in Feni district. But water frequently seeps out of the earthen canals that supply the pumps, wasting significant amounts, Ali said. "The waste increases our costs, as pump owners also charge us for water that's leaked," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "When we experience a loss in crop production due to floods or droughts, we can no longer afford the high price of irrigation, which fuels tension between pump owners and farmers," he said. Water is a precious commodity in Bangladesh - abundant during the monsoon from June to October, but scarce in the dry season from November to March. Abul Hye Bhuiyan, a farmer and president of the Pathannagar Water Management Group, said many farmers simply cannot cultivate crops in the dry season due to the high cost of irrigation. Sometimes they have no choice but to sell stored crops to pay for water, Ali said. But Bhuiyan and Ali are hopeful. The Bangladesh government plans to install water meters across the Muhuri Project, a 60,258-hectare irrigation area supplied by the Feni, Muhuri and Milenia rivers, to reflect farmers' water costs more accurately. The scheme is part of the Irrigation Management Improvement Project, a government-led initiative to modernise irrigation systems, including the Muhuri Project, from 2015 to 2019. The scheme has financial support from the Asian Development Bank and the Bangladesh Water Development Board. About 800 water meters will be installed, as well as new water pumps, with water supplied through underground pipelines. Farmers will receive rechargeable smart cards they can use to pay for their water use, instead of paying a fixed cost to middlemen. Humayyun Kabir, extension overseer at the Water Development Board, said around 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of land would be brought under the irrigation scheme initially, with some 80 pumps due to be installed by 2017. He expects middlemen to gradually remove their own pumps. The board estimates the renovation will be finished by 2019, when all 60,238 hectares will be equipped with meters and pumps. BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY Before launching the initiative, the board surveyed about 800 local farmers who own land in the project area. They expressed enthusiasm at the meter idea, said Md Kohinoor Alam, executive engineer at the board. Bangladesh Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said imposing a price on water would encourage farmers to become more economical in using it. Bhuiyan said paying for the exact amount of water they use "will encourage farmers to think about how they could produce crops using less water". That is particularly important in a country where water scarcity increases every dry season, explained Abu Taher Khondoker, former director general of the country's Water Resources Planning Organization. The Water Development Board's Kabir estimated that once the meter system is operational, farmers will pay only 2,000-2,500 taka per acre of land for irrigation, instead of 4,000 now. "They will no longer be at the mercy of middlemen unfairly increasing costs," he added. The board expects the new scheme to benefit about 80,000 families. All farmers owning land in the Muhuri Project will be enrolled automatically, though they can opt out. China, Hong Kong stocks rise, helped by lower bond yields, insurance deal SHANGHAI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - China stocks were firm on Thursday morning while Hong Kong shares hovered around eight-month highs, as a further decline in Chinese and global bond yields increased the appeal of blue-chips. Financial plays were strong, aided by acquisitions of stakes in New China Life Insurance . China's blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.4 percent, to 3,255.58 points by the lunch break, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.1 percent, to 3,021.44 points. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index added 0.2 percent while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index gained 0.8 percent. China's benchmark 10-year government bond yields fell again on Thursday, hitting a fresh low since the 2009 global financial crisis, taking cues from slides in global yields. "Government bond yields are perceived as risk-free rates. If these yields fall, stocks with low valuations would become more attractive, especially those with high payout ratios," said David Dai, investor director at Nanhai Fund Management Co. "In addition, we have seen a flurry of acquisitions recently, which has also stirred interest in some key sectors such as financials." New China Life jumped 6.1 percent in Shanghai, touching a seven-month intraday high, after saying five companies controlled by Guo Guangchang, billionaire chairman of Fosun Group, had acquired a combined 5.01 percent stake in the Chinese insurer. New China Life's Hong Kong-traded shares gained 3.5 percent. The news helped push the financial sector up 1.2 percent in China and 0.7 percent in Hong Kong as insurers strengthened. Banks were also firm, after Hua Xia Bank posted a 6.1 percent rise in first-half profit while Shanghai Pudong Development Bank reported a 12 percent gain in earnings, easing concerns that a slowing economy would hit Chinese lenders' balance sheets badly. But raw material stocks in China corrected following strong sessions recently, while energy shares sagged in both mainland and Hong Kong markets as oil prices tumbled. Zambia's top two presidential hopefuls confident as polls close By Chris Mfula and Stella Mapenzauswa LUSAKA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Polling stations closed in Zambia on Thursday with the top two presidential candidates both confident of victory in what is expected to be a close race that may run to a second round. President Edgar Lungu's Patriotic Front (PF) has been hit by splits and defections to its main rival, Hakainde Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND), and, with nine candidates standing, neither may get more than half of the vote. Rising unemployment, mine closures, power shortages and soaring food prices have fed discontent as Africa's No. 2 copper producer feels the bite of weak commodity prices, and supporters of the two main parties have clashed during the campaign. Voting got off to a slow start in some places but long queues built up during the day to cast ballots in presidential, parliamentary and local elections. Police were forced to step in to control restive crowds but there were however no reports of violence. "We've turned out to cast our votes in large numbers because that's our right, to ensure that our future and that of our children is protected," said Robinson Mwanza, 30, a construction worker who said he was backing Lungu. Ballot counting had begun although the electoral commission said it would be hours before results started trickling in and it aims to have final results by Saturday night. Some polling stations stayed open for those queueing before the 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) cut-off. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent, a second round between the top two must be held within 37 days. "I am voting for HH because I am very confident that he is going to turn around the economy," said 42-year-old trader Sungwe Siame, referring to Hichilema by his nickname. Economist-turned-businessman Hichilema says Lungu, a former lawyer, lacks the expertise to manage the economy. "The difference between PF and UPND is what we bring to the table, knowledge of the financial markets and economics," he said on Wednesday. Lungu says the downturn was beyond his control and that his government is working to diversify the economy from copper. "I have been on probation for one year, six months and I think I have done very well. I promise to serve you even better," Lungu said at his final rally. Lungu insists the playing field has been level but Hichilema denies this as police blocked several of his rallies. "The probability of a contested election result is growing, which would undermine the credibility of the vote," EXX Africa think-tank head, Robert Besseling, said. Romania - Factors to watch on August 11 Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday. INDUSTRY, ENERGY Romania's National Statistics Board to release June industrial output and energy resources data at 0600 GMT. DEBT TENDER Romanian debt managers tender 400 million lei ($100.26 million) worth of Dec. 2022 treasury bonds. INFLATION Romanian consumer prices fell 0.8 percent on the year in July compared with June's 0.7 percent fall, data from the National Statistics Board showed on Wednesday. PETROM Romania's oil and gas group OMV Petrom, majority controlled by Austria's OMV reported a second-quarter net profit attributable to shareholders of 118 million lei ($29.52 million), sharply lower than the 693 million lei recorded in the same quarter of 2015. CEE MARKETS Bucharest led losses in Central European equities markets on Wednesday after Romania's top oil and gas firm OMV Petrom reported a sharp fall in profits. BUDGET REVISION The government approved on Wedneaday the first revision of its consolidated budget this year. The deficit target was unchanged at just below the EU's 3 percent of GDP ceiling. Budget revenue was raised by 3.38 billion lei due to higher than expected collection of income, profit and VAT taxes. FOREIGN INVESTMENT GUIDE Romania's government launched an investment guide for foreign investors, part of a wider plan to unclutter and make the country's business environment more transparent. The guide is at . For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on Poland - Factors to Watch Aug 11 Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours): CONSTITUTIONAL COURT Poland's Constitutional Tribunal will on Thursday rule on the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's latest legislation regulating the court's work, which the conservatives say is aimed at improving its effectiveness and accountability, but which critics say makes it impossible for the judges to rule on new issues. LOTOS Grupa Lotos, Poland's second-largest oil refiner, reported a 53 percent fall in its second-quarter net profit year-on-year as an impairment reversal only partly offset the negative impact of a fall in refining margins and debt costs. Lotos also said it plans to resume dividend payouts. ENERGA Energa, Poland's No.4 utility, said on Thursday it swung into a net loss of 127 million zlotys ($33.29 million) in the second quarter due to an asset value impairment at its wind farms and an investment in state-run loss-making coal mining group PGG. PGE Poland's biggest power producer PGE expects core profit at its main coal-fuelled power generation unit to fall this year due to lower electricity prices and maintenance outages, the state-run company said on Wednesday. SWISS FRANC LOANS Poland has formed a special working group including representatives of the central bank, finance ministry, financial market watchdog and Bank Guarantee Fund to deal with FX loans risks, the central bank said on Wednesday. CIECH Warsaw-listed Polish chemicals group Ciech, controlled by Kulczyk Holding, also plans to list its shares on the Frankfurt bourse in order to reach a bigger number of investors, it said on Wednesday. Puls Biznesu daily quoted Ciech's chief executive as saying that the company does not plan a new share issue on the Frankfurt bourse but that it opens the door for raising capital in the future. JSW The European Union's biggest cooking coal producer will stop producing coal from its Krupinski mine by the end of January 2017, which will help the group to further cut labour costs, Parkiet daily said quoting the company's chief executive. PGNiG Poland's biggest gas firm PGNiG has attracted 700 business clients this year, which is five times more than last year. On Wednesday the company signed a deal to supply 118 million cubic metres of gas to ceramic tiles producer Ceramika Paradyz, Parkiet daily said. ****Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.**** Malaysia palm oil producers to hunt for new markets, could look to Africa By Emily Chow KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil producers could be forced to find new customers in places like Africa as rival exporter Indonesia increases its dominance of major markets such as China and India due to cheaper prices and a more-favourable tax system. Malaysia has long-trailed Indonesia as the world's No.2 producer and exporter of the edible oil, used in everything from chocolate to soap, mainly because of lower land and labour costs in its larger Southeast Asian neighbor. But the introduction of more competitive levies on palm exports from Indonesia in July last year has further entrenched that country's dominance of export markets, according to analysts and industry officials. "In the long run, we have to work very hard to secure other markets which Indonesia is not competing with us in. Indonesia will go to the big markets like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh," Mohammad Jaaffar Ahmad, the head of the Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia, told Reuters earlier this week. "If you are no longer competitive you have to look for other small market outlets like countries in Africa. Demand is still there but the market is more difficult and risky." Africa is the third largest consumer market for palm oil after Southeast Asia and South Asia. It accounted for about 13 percent of Malaysian shipments last year, with Benin, Nigeria and Tanzania as key export countries. "(Indonesia is) a much bigger player, it is a volumes game in this picture," said David Ng, derivatives specialist at Phillip Futures in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian palm exports totalled 17.5 million tonnes in 2015, 9 million tonnes less than Indonesia's. "Pakistan and Bangladesh are emerging quite substantially in palm oil demand and they are price-sensitive, so they will start shifting to Indonesia along with China and India," Ng added. Indonesian refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) crude palm olein has this year been selling at a discount of around $10 to $20 to average Malaysian prices, traders said. Olein is the fluid part of palm oil. Chinese imports of Malaysian palm fell 14.6 percent in 2015 from the year before to 2.4 million tonnes, while its purchases from Indonesia jumped 40 percent to 3.4 million tonnes. Palm production is a key part of Malaysia's economy, accounting for nearly 6 percent of its total exports last year. ($1 = 3.9880 ringgit) China stocks reverse gains as falls in resources shares offset financials gains SHANGHAI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - China stocks reversed earlier gains on Thursday as sharp corrections in resources shares and small-caps dragged main indexes lower, despite gains in financial plays. The blue-chip CSI300 index ended the session down 0.3 percent, to 3,233.36, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5 pct to 3,002.64 points. The indexes had earlier gained, bolstered by the financial sector, which rose amid excitement stirred by acquisitions of stakes in New China Life Insurance . The Chinese insurer said five companies controlled by Guo Guangchang, billionaire chairman of Fosun Group, had acquired a combined 5.01 percent stake in the Chinese insurer. Traders also say lower bond yields have driven some money into low-valuation, high-dividend stocks such as banks. Australia accuses refugees of falsely reporting sexual abuse By Matt Siegel SYDNEY, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. "I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country," Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio. "Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations." Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments. Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia's offshore detention policy and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an "absolute insult" to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. "All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand," Ballinger told Reuters. Ukraine has enough military power to defend itself - General Staff spokesman KIEV, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Ukraine has the military resources to defend itself and is monitoring the situation around Crimea, the spokesman for the General Staff, Vladislav Seleznyov, told Reuters on Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev on Wednesday of using terrorist tactics to try to provoke a new conflict and destabilise Crimea, a region Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Earlier on Wednesday Russia said it had thwarted armed Ukrainian attempts to get saboteurs into the peninsula. Hong Kong shares rise again, helped by financials, lower bond yields SHANGHAI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares climbed to an eight-month closing high on Thursday, as a further decline in global bond yields increased the appeal of blue-chips listed in the city. The Hang Seng index rose 0.4 percent, to 22,580.55, while the China Enterprises Index gained 1.2 percent, to 9,423.34 points. With the UK's bond buying scheme helping to push global bond yields lower, Hong Kong's blue-chips - currently trading at half the valuation of U.S. shares on average - are becoming more attractive to yield-hungry investors, traders said. The financial sector rose over 1 percent, as insurers jumped on news that Chinese billionaire Guo Guangchang has acquired a combined 5.01 percent stake in New China Life Insurance through five companies he controlled. Chinese brokerages listed in Hong Kong, including Haitong International Securities and Guotai Junan International Holdings also jumped, as investors bet they will benefit from the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme, which is widely expected to be launched soon. PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Aug 11 SOFIA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- A Bulgarian court will have to wait three days before it rules to extradite to France Mourad Hamyd, brother-in-law of one of the Islamist militants who attacked satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo last year, after he demanded to be sent back immediately. (Trud, Standart, Sega, Monitor, 24 Chasa) -- Opposition leftist parties, Bulgarian Socialist Part and Alternative for Bulgarian Revival agreed in principle to endorse General Rumen Radev to run for president this November. (Trud, Sega, Duma, 24 Chasa) -- Bulgarian average monthly salary in the second quarter rose 7.6 percent on an annual basis to 946 levs ($539.89), data from the statistics office showed. (Trud, Sega, 24 Chasa) Philippines urges China to "uncompromisingly" respect rule of law By Manuel Mogato MANILA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay called on China on Thursday to respect maritime law and security as well as the rule of law, to resolve disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Yasay met his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, in the Philippines to discuss regional security and cooperation on maritime security, with Japan reaffirming its help which includes vessels and aircraft. "We ... urge China to make sure that maritime law and security must be completely and uncompromisingly respected," Yasay told a news conference, adding the Philippines and Japan shared experiences in the South China Sea and East China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. In the South China Sea, Chinese land reclamation and construction on contested reefs over the past year has raised alarm in the region and beyond. The United States, its Southeast Asian allies and Japan have questioned China's activity, particularly since an international court last month rejected China's historic claims to most of the South China Sea. China says it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognise the court ruling on a case brought by the Philippines. Japan called on China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "This is not the kind of action that is mandated by international law," Yasay told the news conference, referring to what he said the Philippines and Japan saw as Chinese intimidation and provocation in connection with their disputes. "Everyone must respect our maritime order and security in this area in the South China Sea and East China Sea and we urge them to respect the rule of law." Japan last weekend reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into what Japan sees as its waters near the disputed East China Sea islands that it controls. Kishida said Japan would maintain its support to the Philippines with the delivery next week of the first of 10 coastguard vessels. Japan is also leasing the Philippines four TD-90 surveillance aircraft. Mixed earnings prompt choppy trade in European stocks By Alistair Smout LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - European shares were mixed on Thursday as investors digested a welter of earnings reports, with German firms Henkel at a record high after lifting its outlook and K+S weighed down by a profit slump. Germany's Henkel rose 3.9 percent to a record high after results that beat expectations in which the consumer group lifted its guidance for its core profit margin. It was the top riser on Germany's DAX, which rose 0.2 percent to outperform major European peers. Also in Germany, shares of SAP and Adidas climbed to record highs. But German potash and salt miner K+S fell 5.5 percent after it said it expected its operating profit to more than halve in 2016. Thyssenkrupp also dropped 1.5 percent after its third quarter sales missed expectations. Outside of Germany, the top faller was Old Mutual, down 6 percent after it posted a profit drop of 9 percent, which was a worse performance than had been expected. "Adjusted operating profit came in well behind our and consensus' estimates, driven by significantly weaker UK Wealth Management earnings than expected," analyst at UBS said in a note. Old Mutual was the biggest faller on the STOXX 600, which was flat at at 343.85 points by 0811 GMT. Commodity stocks in the mining and oil sectors were the biggest fallers. Brent crude fell overnight, pegging back Wall Street and Asian shares, after data showed an unexpected build in U.S. crude supplies. "With US stockpiles growing unexpectedly yesterday and reports that OPEC production has risen, many investors will expect further declines into the end of the week," said Augustin Eden, research analyst at Accendo Markets. The FTSE 100 underperformed, down 0.5 percent, as it was hindered by some stocks trading without entitlement to their latest dividend payouts, trimming 37 points off the index. Among risers, hearing aid and headset maker GN Store Nord surged 7 percent, the top STOXX 600 gainer, after it posted strong second quarter growth. Belgian financial group KBC rose 5 percent, after reporting a year-on-year rise in net profit in the second quarter as loan and deposit volumes grew in most of its core markets and it kept costs low. Turkish military attaches missing after being summoned in post-coup probe -official ANKARA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Three Turkish military attaches, two at the Turkish embassy in Greece and one in Bosnia, are missing after being called back to Ankara as part of investigations into a failed military coup, a senior Turkish official told Reuters on Thursday. "We know the two military attaches in Greece tried to go abroad. The intelligence we received suggests they may have gone to Italy ... If this is confirmed, we will let the Italian authorities know," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Military attaches, diplomats flee Turkey's post-coup inquiry By Orhan Coskun and Ece Toksabay ANKARA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Two Turkish military attaches in Greece fled to Italy, others were caught overseas and some diplomats were on the run after being recalled as part of an inquiry into last month's failed military coup, Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday. Turkey, which has NATO's second-biggest armed forces, has dismissed or detained thousands of soldiers, including nearly half its generals, since the July 15 coup attempt, in which rogue troops commandeered tanks and warplanes in an attempt to seize power. Western allies worry that President Tayyip Erdogan is using the putsch and the purge that has followed to tighten his grip on power. But many Turks are angered by what they see as a lack of Western sympathy over a violent coup in which 240 people died. "Democracy rallies", largely attended by Erdogan supporters but also some parts of the opposition, have been held night after night since the putsch. Pollster Metropoll said on Thursday its monthly survey showed a surge in approval for Erdogan to 68 percent in July from 47 percent a month earlier. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV that two military attaches in Greece - a naval and an army officer - had fled by car and ferry to Italy, but that Turkish officials would seek their return. Cavusoglu said a military attache based in Kuwait had also tried to escape through Saudi Arabia, but had been sent back, as well as two generals based in Afghanistan who had been caught in Dubai by UAE authorities and returned to Turkey. The hunt for fugitive Turkish officers and officials overseas expands the crackdown at home, where tens of thousands of troops, police and bureaucrats have been detained, dismissed or investigated for alleged links to the coup, which authorities blame on U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies any involvement and has condemned the coup bid. But he says Erdogan is using the purges to shore up his own power in Turkey. Turkey has detained a total of 35,022 people in relation to the failed coup, a senior official said. Just over half of those detained, or 17,740 people, have been formally arrested while a third have been released. Another 5,685 are still in custody, the official said. "TIME HAS RUN OUT" "There are those who have escaped. There have been escapees among our diplomats as well," Cavusoglu told NTV in an interview. "As of yesterday, time has run out for those initially called back. We will carry out the legal operations for those who have not returned." Interior Minister Efkan Ala was quoted on Thursday as saying almost 76,100 civil servants have now been suspended. The Greek foreign ministry said the two attaches fled before Ankara asked them to return to Turkey, and before officials cancelled their diplomatic passports. U.S. officials told Reuters this week that a Turkish military officer on a U.S.-based assignment for NATO is also seeking asylum in the United States after being recalled by the government. A total of 160 members of the military wanted in connection with the failed coup are still at large, including nine generals, officials have said. One official said the foreign ministry sent instructions to Turkish diplomatic missions around the world where those suspected of links to the plotters were thought to be working, ordering them back to Ankara as part of the investigations. Five employees of Turkey's embassy in the Netherlands were recalled on suspicion of involvement with the Gulen movement, the Turkish charge d'affaires told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper this week. "It wasn't the cook or the servants," Kurtulus Aykan, acting head of Turkey's mission to the Netherlands, was quoted as saying. "These were high-ranking staff members. Talented people, with whom I had an excellent working relationship. I suspected nothing. That's the talent of this movement. They infiltrate silently." Cavusoglu has previously said around 300 members of the foreign ministry have been suspended since the coup plot, including two ambassadors. He said on Thursday two officials in Bangladesh fled to New York, and another official had fled to Japan through Moscow. "We will return these traitors to Turkey," Cavusoglu said. "PARALLEL STATE" Erdogan accuses Gulen of staging the attempted putsch, harnessing his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses built up in Turkey and abroad over decades to create a "parallel structure". The abortive coup and subsequent purge of the military have raised concern about the stability of Turkey, a member of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State and which is battling an insurgency at home by Kurdish militants. Turkey has been angered by the Western response, viewing Europe as more concerned about the rights of the plotters than the events themselves and the United States as reluctant to extradite Gulen. That has chilled relations with Washington and the European Union, bringing repeated Turkish warnings about an EU deal to stem the flow of migrants. Erdogan has also repaired ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a detente Western officials worry may be used to pressure the West. "Sooner or later the United States of America will make a choice. Either Turkey or FETO," Erdogan told a rally late on Wednesday, using an abbreviation standing for the "Gulenist Terror Group" which is how Ankara refers to Gulen's movement. Turkey has also cancelled the work permits of 27,424 people in the education sector as part of its investigations, Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz said on Thursday. Egypt reaches preliminary deal with IMF - govt sources CAIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Egypt has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund after nearly two weeks of talks to secure a $12 billion lending programme and will make an announcement on Thursday, two government sources said. The sources said no deal had been signed yet but that intensive talks with an IMF delegation that arrived in Cairo on July 30 had resulted in a preliminary understanding. Turkish police raid pro-Kurdish party, detain 17 across Istanbul - state media By Daren Butler ISTANBUL, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Turkish police detained 17 suspected militants in a sweep in Istanbul on Thursday that included a raid on offices of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), state media said, hours after twin bomb attacks hit the mainly Kurdish southeast. Security sources blamed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants for the bombings on Wednesday evening, which killed nine civilians and came as Turkey is in the midst of a crackdown after a failed military coup attempt on July 15. Backed by a helicopter, counter-terror squads raided HDP offices in Istanbul's central Beyoglu district at 3 a.m. (0000 GMT) as armoured vehicles were deployed nearby, the Dogan news agency reported. The HDP, parliament's third-largest party, wrote on its Istanbul Twitter account that police had broken open the door of its building and "illegally" searched the offices when no party official was present. The raids, in 10 districts across Turkey's largest city, targeted the "urban structure" of the PKK, Anadolu said. It said the detainees were accused of "terror group membership", recruitment and staging illegal protests. A 2-1/2 year ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK fell apart last year, triggering some of the worst violence in the southeast since the group launched its insurgency in 1984. Bomb blasts in two cities in southeast Turkey killed nine civilians and wounded dozens on Wednesday evening, according to the security sources. A top PKK commander had warned at the weekend of fresh attacks, saying police "will not be able to live as comfortably as they did in the past in cities." "The war will from now on be conducted everywhere without distinguishing between mountains, valleys and cities," the PKK's Cemil Bayik said in an interview published by the Firat news agency, which is close to the group. Wednesday's bomb attacks, in the southeast's largest city Diyarbakir and in the Kiziltepe area of Mardin province, were condemned by the HDP in a statement on Wednesday evening. "We repeat our call for the bloodshed and violence to be halted immediately and for steps to be taken to solve our problems by talking and negotiations," it said. HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas subsequently said Bayik's statement was wrong and called for the PKK to boost its efforts for peace. President Tayyip Erdogan accuses the HDP of being a political extension of the PKK and has spearheaded a parliamentary move to lift the immunity from prosecution of HDP deputies. Two Turkish military attaches fled to Italy after coup bid - minister ANKARA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Two Turkish military attaches based in Greece fled to Italy after being recalled following the July 15 failed coup and Turkish authorities will contact Italian officials for their return, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV some diplomats were still on the run after Turkey began a purge of troops and officials after the coup bid, during which rogue soldiers commandeered jets and tanks in an attempt to seize power. Turkish diplomat: Syrian leadership could play role in solving crisis- RIA MOSCOW, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The Turkish government believes that the current Syrian leadership could potentially take part in talks aimed at resolving the Syria crisis, the RIA news agency quoted Umit Yardim, Turkey's ambassador to Russia, as saying on Thursday. "We want the existing political leadership of the country to take part in the negotiation process," it cited Yardim as telling a news conference in Moscow. Yardim also said Ankara was not opposed to the current Syrian leadership playing some kind of a role in a possible political transition, the TASS news agency reported. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a TV interview that a political transition in Syria with President Bashar al-Assad was not possible however. Israel's Bank Hapoalim Q2 profit up as U.S. tax probe lingers By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Bank Hapoalim, Israel's largest lender, reported higher quarterly profit thanks in part to one-off gains but a U.S. tax evasion investigation is clouding the bank's prospects. The bank spent as much as 80 million shekels ($21 million) in the second quarter on legal fees related to its defence in a case in which U.S. authorities are probing whether it helped American clients evade U.S. taxes at its Swiss unit. Hapoalim, which has denied the allegations, has handed over most of the information that was requested by the U.S. Department of Justice and New York State officials and hopes to start a dialogue with those authorities soon in order to finalise the situation, it said. It is optimistic the case could be closed by the end of the year. Its main domestic rival Leumi paid $400 million in fines in late 2014 to settle two separate investigations into whether it helped U.S. clients evade taxes. "We believe the main catalyst for (Hapoalim's) shares will be the settlement of the ongoing investigation," said Barclays analyst Tavy Rosner. "This would pave the way to a dividend payout increase from the current 20 percent to 50 percent." Hapoalim will pay a quarterly cash dividend of 223 million shekels, or 0.168 shekel per share, to reflect 20 percent of net profit. Its shares were up 1 percent in afternoon trading in Tel Aviv on Thursday. So far in 2016, Hapoalim is up just 0.5 percent, compared with 5.3 percent for Leumi and 2.8 percent for the Tel Aviv banking index. Hapoalim said it earned 1.12 billion shekels ($293 million) in the second quarter, up from 886 million a year earlier. It posted a profit of 109 million shekels from the sale of Visa Europe shares amid its acquisition by Visa Inc and another 108 million from the sale of a loan portfolio. The bank also benefited from improved credit provisions. In the second quarter of 2016, Hapoalim had an income of 128 million shekels from provisioning, compared with an expense of 213 million shekels in the year-ago quarter. Hapoalim, whose non-performing loans fell to 1.5 percent, was forecast to make 843 million shekels in the April-June period, according to a Reuters poll. Militants blow up Nigeria pipeline, Chevron protest goes on ONITSHA, Nigeria, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Militants blew up another crude pipeline in Nigeria's Niger Delta, a youth and protest leader said on Thursday. Protesters also continued to block the entrance to a Chevron oil depot in the restive southern region for a third day. On Wednesday, a previously unknown group called Delta Greenland Justice Mandate said it had attacked a crude pipeline belonging to state oil firm NNPC and local firm Shoreline Natural Resources in Urhobo in Delta state. "It is true but I don't have details yet," said Collins Edema, a youth leader. He said the pipeline was on fire, but Reuters was unable to confirm this and it was not immediately possible to get more details. He also said protesters, mostly unemployed youths, were continuing a demonstration started on Tuesday at the gate of a Chevron oil depot to demand jobs and housing, claiming the facility had destroyed their settlement. "Our protest is going on peacefully today on Thursday. Our community workers inside the tank farm have joined the protest as we speak," Edema said. "Nobody is going in and out of the facility since we've started but Chevron has airlifted their senior staff from there," he said, a claim Reuters could not verify. Chevron confirmed a protest had taken place but did not say whether oil production had been affected. Edema said the protesters might shut down Chevron's crude flow in Abiteye, Jones Creek and other operations in the area if the company does not agree to their demands. Communities in Nigeria's southern swampland often complain about oil pollution and houses being moved to make way for drilling. They also say they live in poverty despite sitting on much of Nigeria's oil wealth. The Niger Delta region has been hit by a wave of militant attacks on oil and gas pipelines, reducing Nigeria's crude output by 700,000 barrels a day, according to state oil company NNPC. Swiss court backs Iran in decades-old oil row with Israel ZURICH, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Switzerland's highest court has ordered Israel to pay Iran around $1.1 billion plus interest in a decades-old dispute over a secretive oil pipeline company predating the 1979 Islamic revolution which made the countries enemies. The Swiss Federal Tribunal rejected an appeal, citing lack of due process, against an arbitration ruling last year. The verdict, dated June 27, was available on the Lausanne court's website. It also awarded Iran 450,000 Swiss francs ($461,302) in court costs and lawyer fees. It remains unclear whether Israel will pay up given restrictions its "trading with the enemy" laws. Lawyers for each side had been locked in an arbitration over the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Co (EAPC), a joint venture set up in 1968, when the two nations were friendly, to transport Iranian oil to the Mediterranean. For a decade, the pipeline successfully carried oil from the Red Sea for export to Europe. But since the Islamic revolution that brought the ayatollahs to power, Iran has been demanding its share of revenues and assets that remained in Israel. Since the partnership collapsed, EAPC has grown into a complex of energy assets, now mostly handling oil from former Soviet states. How much profit it has made or how much it is worth is unknown, largely because it is protected in a similar way to Israel's intelligence agencies, including by gag orders restricting coverage of its activities. But Tehran, setting aside its decades-old refusal to recognise Israel's right to exist, had determined to recoup its part of EAPC and pursued a complex arbitration case since 1994, first in France and then in Switzerland. In that time, the company has become the largest distributor of oil in Israel, with ambitions to become a major hub for energy trading in the Mediterranean. Israel maintains tight controls over EAPC. The company has its roots in the 1967 Middle East war, when Egypt blocked the Suez Canal, making it impossible for Iran to transport its oil by tanker to Europe. Under the EAPC deal, Iranian tankers would unload at the Red Sea port of Eilat and oil would flow 254 km (158 miles) northwest to Ashkelon. The countries formed a straw company in Halifax, Canada called APC Holdings, the primary shareholder in EAPC. By December 1969 the pipeline was ready to handle 60 million tons of crude a year, though it never reached that level. A decade later Iran's Shah was ousted and the partners in EAPC became enemies overnight. Lawyers for both countries have declined to comment. Case number: 4A_322/2015 Worst fires in almost two decades ravage hills around Marseille MARSEILLE, France, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Forest fires raged through parts of France's Mediterranean coast on Thursday, with the worst in almost two decades burning around Marseille, injuring seven people and forcing authorities to evacuate thousands from their homes. About 2,500 firefighters still battled the blazes that broke out on Wednesday, backed up by firefighting airplanes from France and neighbouring Italy, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told journalists. A 50-year old man taking pictures of the fires in Vitrolles, 20 km northwest of Marseille, was being questioned by police, a source close to the investigation told Reuters, but the interior minister said it was too early to say if criminal intent was behind the fires. The fires, fanned by strong northern winds known as the mistral, ravaged more than 2,000 hectares of the dry, pine-planted hills north of Marseille and were stopped just at the outskirts of France's second-biggest city. "The drought of the last few months and the strong mistral winds worked like a powder keg," Richard Mallie, head of the firefighting service said on France Bleu Provence radio. "The fires spread at phenomenal speed, 2,500 metres an hour." The situation was under control on Thursday, but fires were still active, local authorities said. The areas concerned are densely populated but are not those most popular with tourists, located mostly further east of Marseille. More than 20 houses burnt down around Vitrolles. A local newspaper, La Provence, showed pictures of a secondary school in the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau destroyed by the flames. The fires came close to the petrochemical complex of Fos-sur-Mer, which includes several refineries and oil depots. Only slight damage had been reported at the minerals terminal and none at the oil terminal, however. After some delayed and cancelled flights late on Wednesday, the situation at Marseille airport was returning to normal, it said on its website, although traffic was disrupted because some roads leading to the airports were still closed. Indonesia says 'no room' for LGBT rights movement By Beh Lih Yi JAKARTA, Aug 11 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Indonesia said on Thursday there was "no room" for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement in the country, after Human Rights Watch criticised the government for failing to protect the group that has come under unprecedented attack. The LGBT community is largely tolerated in Indonesia, especially in urban areas. But LGBT people suffered a sudden public backlash when a central government minister said in January that LGBT people should be barred from university campuses. The comment "grew into a cascade of threats and vitriol" against LGBT Indonesians, fuelling increased hostility from family and neighbours and fostered stigmatisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released on Thursday. But the government hit back at the criticism. "As a citizen, whoever the person is will have his rights protected, without looking at his sexual preference," presidential spokesman Johan Budi told Reuters in a text message. "But if LGBT means a mass movement to influence other parties to become like them, then there's no room here." Dede Oetomo, one of Indonesia's most prominent LGBT activists and founder of LGBT rights group GAYa NUSANTARA said Budi's remark did not come as a surprise but it showed "the president doesn't understand human rights". At the height of the anti-LGBT backlash, the authorities banned TV and radio programmes from broadcasting LGBT-related information and a minister said the LGBT movement was being used by outsiders to brainwash Indonesians. An Islamic boarding school for transgender women was also forced to shut down. Kyle Knight, HRW's researcher on LGBT issues, said the authorities' failure to act had created a "social sanction from the highest level" for attacks and hate speech. "It gives a sense that you can do it with impunity," Knight told a news conference in Jakarta. SHATTERING TABOOS Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, and the barrage of criticism against LGBT has been seen as a test of the country's largely tolerant attitude towards the group. "I don't feel safe with seeing all the 'end LGBT' statements on social media. I feel like a dog," an unidentified 25-year-old gay man interviewed by HRW was quoted as saying in the report. Some of Indonesia's LGBT activists, however, saw a silver lining to the controversy. Activist Ryan Korbarri, 28, said the backlash which was played out on television and in local newspapers prompted his parents' curiosity about his job with a LGBT rights group. "They did not know what I was doing before, they are more aware now although they tried to persuade me to leave my job. I told them this is the way I live and I will stick with it," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "It used to be a taboo but we openly talk about it now. Many parents did not realise there are so many LGBT people here until then," Korbarri added. Oetomo of GAYa NUSANTARA said LGBT groups suffered setbacks after the backlash, including difficulties in securing funding for advocacy campaigns but he remained optimistic. "It put things on the table, whether you like it or not, this is a real issue and it gets talked about," he said. Oetomo however sounded a note of caution, pointing to a petition lodged with Indonesia's top court by anti-LGBT groups to criminalise consensual sex between adults of the same gender. China lags on coal production capacity cuts BEIJING, Aug 11 (Reuters) - China's plan to reduce its excess coal output capacity has fallen behind with leading producing provinces yet to cut, as Beijing acts on over supply damaging coal companies, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Thursday "It is very likely that we can't get the job done by the end of the year," said the NDRC. The authority said it would also push for government spending to help ease the pain for cash-strapped coal companies, under mounting pressure to reallocate their laid-off workers. China said in February it expected to lay off 1.8 million workers in the coal and steel industries, or about 15 percent of the workforce. Coal production capacity was cut by more than 95 million tonnes by the end of July, about 38 percent of this year's capacity reduction target of 250 million tonnes, the NDRC said. Some 21 provinces have cut excessive capacity, but the authority said the progress was lagging by the end of July. The laggards are five provinces including the biggest coal producing regions such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang province where no cuts have been made, according to the NDRC's official statement. The authority wants deeper cuts in the following months, but it might miss the November deadline to complete this year's reduction, as the late start means one third of the jobs would be carried forward to December, it said. It said Shenhua Group Corporation, China's biggest coal company, had completed its cut. Shenhua saw a 19 percent profit drop in the first half of the year due to its price cuts in a competitive market, according to its financial report released this week. Chilean court to examine market effects of LATAM Airlines joint venture SANTIAGO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - A Chilean court accepted a petition from a business group late on Wednesday to examine the effects on free competition of agreements Santiago-based LATAM Airlines signed earlier this year with American Airlines Group and European airline group IAG. In the petition, the Chilean Association of Tourism Companies asked Chile's TDLC anti-monopoly court for an "absolute rejection" of the accord, saying "it will cause grave harm for competition, seriously affecting the tourism market, travel agencies, tourism operators and consumers." LATAM said the agreement conformed to anti-monopoly rules and would benefit consumers, expanding its network to more than 420 destinations in the United States, Canada and Europe. "This type of agreement has already been approved by diverse free competition authorities throughout the world, including the United States and Europe, who have recognized its benefits," LATAM said in a statement. In January, LATAM signed joint business agreements to deepen its ties with American Airlines and IAG's British Airways and Iberia, all members of the Oneworld Alliance. If approved by authorities, the agreements would help the airlines coordinate schedules and prices for flights, similar to the North Atlantic revenue-sharing agreement that already exists between IAG and American. The agreement would affect flights in a broad swath of Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. UN rights chief criticises Bulgaria over treatment of migrants By Angel Krasimirov SOFIA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein accused Bulgaria on Thursday of committing systematic human rights violations by criminalising migrants. Bulgaria's policy "raises serious concerns about the State's compliance with international law", he said in a statement. He said it was "particularly disturbing to see important and influential public figures expressing support for illegal armed vigilante groups who have been brazenly hunting down migrants along parts of the border between Bulgaria and Turkey". "One of the most serious problems is that virtually all people entering Bulgaria in an irregular manner are detained as a matter of course," Zeid said. "Even worse, they may also be prosecuted and jailed - for a year or even more - if they try to leave the country. The act of leaving the country is criminalised in spite of the right of everyone, under international law, to leave a country, including their own." A Bulgarian interior ministry spokeswoman told Reuters the statement "does not fully represent the objective situation concerning asylum seekers in the country". The state agency for refugees said Bulgarian law laid down rules on how asylum-seekers should be processed. "A foreigner seeking international protection can be accommodated temporarily and for the shortest possible time in a centre that is of a closed type to establish or verify his identity or when necessary to protect national security or public order," it said. The agency said foreigners had not been detained by force at any of the four regional accommodation centres of an open type. It said it had no information about human rights violations. Zeid said that other concerns included "pushbacks" of migrants into neighbouring countries and persistent allegations of physical abuse and theft by law enforcement officials at borders. Last month Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said the Black Sea state was bracing for a potential rush of migrants on its southern border following the attempted coup in Turkey. Bulgaria detained about 14,000 migrants in the first six months of this year, compared with 21,000 in the same period last year. Olympics-Rowing-Croatian brothers win men's double sculls final RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Croatian brothers Martin and Valent Sinkovic secured a gold medal in the men's double sculls final in the Olympic rowing regatta on Thursday, in a tough duel that saw them battling Lithuania's boat neck-and-neck for much of the race. After taking an early lead and holding Lithuania's Mindaugas Griskonis and Saulius Ritter to the second-place spot through the 1000-meter mark, Croatia slipped back into second place in the third-quarter. Lithuanian fans in the stands at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon cheered wildly as the two boats battled for gold through the final half of the race. Ultimately, Croatia won in a time of 6:50.28, Lithuania claimed silver in 6:51.39 and Norway took bronze. Britain appoints its fourth new head of child sex abuse inquiry LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Britain appointed a new head to lead a national inquiry into decades of child sex abuse on Thursday, naming social care expert Alexis Jay to lead an investigation that has been dogged by leadership problems. The inquiry was set up in July 2014 after a series of child sex abuse scandals dating back to the 1970s, some involving celebrities and politicians. Jay, who led a separate 2014 investigation into child sexual abuse in the northern English town of Rotherham, becomes the fourth person to lead the wide-ranging inquiry after its former chair, New Zealand High Court Judge Lowell Goddard, quit last week. "Together with my fellow panel members, we will fearlessly examine institutional failures, past and present, and make recommendations so that the children of England and Wales are better protected now and in the future," Jay said in a statement. Described by the government as a "a child protection expert with over 30 years' experience", Jay had already been working as a member of the panel investigating allegations from victims who say politicians, the Catholic and Anglican Churches, councils and schools have failed to deal with abuse. In a number of cases, victims said institutions had actively covered up cases at the behest of powerful establishment figures including senior lawmakers, spies and police officers Two other chairwomen previously quit the inquiry amid criticism over conflicts of interest relating to their ties to the political establishment. "Let there be no doubt; our commitment to this inquiry is undiminished," interior minister Amber Rudd said, announcing the appointment. Sri Lanka parliament endorses office to trace wartime missing COLOMBO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's parliament on Thursday passed a law to establish an office to trace people who disappeared during a 26-year war and another insurrection amid protests by former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa's supporters in the chamber. The law was passed without a vote. It will enable independent investigation of thousands of cases of missing people, measures to trace them and protection of their rights and interests and those of their relatives. "We have brought this to correct the past mistakes in the history," Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera presenting the bill told the parliament. Rajapaksa's supporters, who allege that the move was to prosecute the military, protested wearing black bands and shawls. Rajapaksa, now an opposition legislator, was out of the country on Thursday. But Samaraweera said the government was trying to safeguard the military by looking into the allegations leveled against them and to maintain their reputation internationally. The United Nations and rights groups have long urged justice for the families of those who disappeared during the war, including those who were alleged to have been secretly abducted by state-backed groups and paramilitary outfits. Sri Lanka has already acknowledged that some 65,000 people were missing, mostly ethnic minority Tamils from its 26-year war with Tamil Tiger rebels and a separate Marxist insurrection. President Maithripala Sirisena's coalition government has agreed to address past human rights violations through independent investigations and to implement a resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Former president Rajapaksa's government had rejected the U.N. recommendations, saying it wanted to address rights concerns without any international pressure. Rajapaksa lost power in January 2015. M.A. Sumanthiran, an opposition legislator from the main Tamil party said the new law was the "first baby step" in the process of reconciliation. "There cannot be a reconciliation without the ascertainment of truth and in this process the most important issue is the missing person, persons who have been made to disappear during the course of a protracted war in this country," he said. Saudi minister: Algeria meeting may discuss stabilising oil market DUBAI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will work with OPEC and non-OPEC members to help stabilise oil markets, it said on Thursday a month ahead of an informal meeting of major producing countries in Algeria. Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will meet on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum (IEF), which groups producers and consumers, in Algeria from Sept. 26-28, Qatar's energy ministry said on Monday. "We are going to have a ministerial meeting of IEF in Algeria next month, and there is an opportunity for OPEC and major exporting non-OPEC ministers to meet and discuss the market situation, including any possible action that may be required to stabilize the market," Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said in a statement. The statement, sent by the Saudi Energy Ministry, came in the form of a question-and-answer session with the state news agency SPA. Oil prices extended earlier gains after the remarks. Brent crude was up more than 3 percent at $45.50 a barrel. Saudi Arabia, OPEC's largest oil producer, pledged during the last OPEC meeting in June that the kingdom would not flood the market with oil. The statement also said a July spike in Saudi oil output to a record 10.67 million barrels per day was due to summer demand and requests from customers. The statement indicates Riyadh is worried that oil prices could be heading back towards $40 per barrel or lower due to fears of oversupply. Prices in recent days were supported by renewed calls by some OPEC members to freeze production, a demand that non-OPEC oil-producing giant Russia was quick to dismiss. Some OPEC officials had said a revival of talks on a global oil production freeze could be discussed informally among OPEC and non-OPEC countries in Algeria if oil prices weakened. OPEC member Iran has been the main opponent of a freeze as it looks to raise its output to levels seen before the imposition of now-ended Western sanctions. Falih said in the statement the market is on the right track towards rebalancing but "the process of clearing crude and products inventories will take time". "But the large short positioning in the market has caused the oil price to undershoot. However, this is unsustainable. To reverse the declines in investment and output, oil prices have to go up from the current levels," he added. Forest fires ravage mainland Portugal, Madeira calmer after deaths By Andrei Khalip and Silvio Castellanos LISBON/FUNCHAL, Portugal, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Thousands of Portuguese firefighters struggled on Thursday to control nearly 200 forest fires after flames killed at least four people on the mainland and the island of Madeira the previous day. Prime Minister Antonio Costa cut short his holidays and flew to Madeira, where more than 200 buildings in the regional capital and popular resort Funchal had been destroyed or damaged and some 1,000 people including tourists evacuated. "We understand the dimension of this horrible tragedy that devastated various municipalities here in Madeira, and we also know about the calamities affecting other zones of the country that now have to be addressed," he told reporters. Some 260 people remained in makeshift shelters on Thursday, but the regional government said that all tourists were either back in their hotels or had been transferred to others. A five-star resort near Funchal had been completely destroyed by fire. "We have to move on to the next phase - to rebuild what's been destroyed, return to normalcy, rebuild the confidence in Madeira as a major tourism destination," Costa said. On mainland Portugal, over 4,200 firefighters backed by 30 aircraft, including several sent by Italy, Spain and Morocco, were trying to put out blazes that had been set off amid a heat wave and fanned by strong winds to scorch mostly the wooded north of the country. A Spanish pilot flying a water bomber in northern Portugal left an Instagram photograph of thick plumes of smoke surrounding wind energy towers on a hill below his wing, with a caption: "This is the largest inferno I have seen in my life." Police have said that various fires were lit by arsonists and they arrested several suspects, including one in Madeira. Provisional data from the Forestry Preservation Institute, cited by local media, showed that blazes destroyed about 260 square km (100 sq miles) of forests just in the first nine days of August, which is more than in some full years recently. Summer forest fires are common in Portugal, which in 2003 suffered its deadliest blazes, killing 19 people and destroying around 10 percent of the country's forests on over 2,100 sq km. Paperwork, rights concerns hold up U.S. aid for Central America By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress approved $750 million in aid last December to help El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras combat the violence and poverty that are driving migrants toward the U.S. border, but the money has yet to reach the struggling countries. In a departure from previous aid packages, the State Department first had to certify that the three nations had taken steps to reduce migration and human trafficking, bolster human rights and improve their justice systems. Eight months after President Barack Obama signed a spending bill that included the funds, congressional aides told Reuters they were still waiting for the State Department certifications needed to release the money, which was budgeted for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. State has not provided its paperwork and Central American governments have not taken the required actions, congressional aides said. Lawmakers have been particularly unhappy about Honduras because of the murder of a prominent environmental activist there. "The fiscal year 2016 funds have not been obligated because the State Department has not yet submitted a detailed plan as required by law, spelling out how, where and by whom the funds will be used, what their objectives are and how they will measure progress," said Tim Rieser, a foreign policy aide to Senator Patrick Leahy, the top Democrat on the Senate subcommittee that oversees foreign aid. The delay highlights the longstanding tension between Washington's desire to promote human rights and the government's responsibility to protect U.S. security, economic and other interests. In this case, American lawmakers are reluctant to send hundreds of millions of dollars to countries where human rights abuses remain common, despite the flood of migrants toward the U.S. border. They want to avoid a repeat of past aid programs, in which large amounts of money sent south yielded few results. "The results have been very disappointing. Programs were poorly conceived, the Central American governments did not do their part, and money was wasted," Rieser said. From October 2015 through January 2016, U.S. border patrols stopped some 45,000 Central Americans in the U.S. southwest, more than double the number during the same period a year earlier. Nearly half were unaccompanied children. None of the countries has yet to meet all the conditions, congressional aides said, although Guatemala is further along. Honduras faces harsh criticism about human rights from lawmakers, due in part to the killing of internationally acclaimed environmentalist Berta Caceres in March. Dozens of lawmakers have demanded an independent international investigation into her death, and Honduran authorities have arrested five suspects, including an Army officer and an employee of a company running a dam project she opposed. A spokesman said the State Department was working to obtain congressional approval for the fiscal 2016 funds. In the meantime, he said, the department and U.S. Agency for International Development are using money from prior years to support the U.S. "Strategy for Engagement in Central America." Guatemalan officials told Reuters they expected their funds to begin arriving between October and November. In Tegucigalpa, a foreign ministry official who requested anonymity said Honduras has made progress fighting corruption and combating smuggling and hoped the funds would start being released later this year or early in 2017. In San Salvador, a foreign ministry official said the government was awaiting word on the disbursement, also saying the government had made progress. U.S. calls for reducing tensions between Ukraine and Russia WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The United States is extremely concerned about tension on the boundary between Russia and Ukraine and calls on both sides to reduce tension and rhetoric, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said on Thursday. Russian troop build-up could reflect "very bad" intentions: Ukraine By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11 (Reuters) - A build-up of Russian military on Ukraine's border with the Crimean region, which has been annexed by Moscow, could reflect "very bad intentions," Ukraine's U.N. envoy warned on Thursday after the U.N. Security Council discussed the growing tensions. Ukrainian U.N. Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko, who requested the closed-door meeting of the 15-member council, said Russia had amassed more than 40,000 troops in Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014, and on the Ukrainian border. "These numbers may reflect some very bad intentions and this is the last thing we would like to happen," he told reporters. "My biggest hope is that this discussion (in the council) will help the Russian Federation to understand that they cannot really continue with this kind of behavior," Yelchenko said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine which he accused of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. Yelchenko called on Russia to produce proof of those accusations. Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin dismissed concerns about a Russian military build-up. He described the Security Council meeting as "useful" to explain the situation. "Instead of counting our military they should be bringing an end to the conflict in Donetsk and stop shelling civilians in Donetsk and Luhansk," Churkin told reporters after the meeting. Pro-Russian separatists are fighting the Kiev government's forces in the eastern Ukraine region despite a fragile ceasefire. Civilian casualties from shelling, mines and booby traps in eastern Ukraine are at their highest in a year, the United Nations' human rights chief has said. A peace plan for the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine, negotiated in Minsk between Ukraine and Russia by Germany and France some 18-month ago, has stalled for months. "There is chaos in Kiev, they don't know what to do about Donetsk," Churkin said. "We call upon all those who have influence on Kiev to make sure that they do what they are supposed to do (under the Minsk agreement)." The Security Council has discussed Ukraine dozens of times since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, but has been deadlocked on the topic as Moscow is one of the body's five veto powers. Email campaign asks McDonald's to take U.S. antibiotic curbs global By Lisa Baertlein LOS ANGELES, Aug 11 (Reuters) - A charity looking to fight the rise of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria on Thursday asked the public to help convince McDonald's restaurants around the world to stop serving meat and milk from animals raised with routine use of medically important antibiotics. A week after the world's biggest fast-food company took that step with poultry at its U.S. restaurants, U.K.-based ShareAction launched an online campaign enabling people to email McDonald's Corp CEO Steve Easterbrook. The group, which promotes socially responsible investing, wants Easterbrook to prohibit the use of antibiotics important to human medicine in McDonald's global chicken, beef, pork and dairy supply chains, for purposes other than disease treatment or non-routine control of veterinarian-diagnosed illness. "We hope this action will encourage McDonald's to supersize their ambition," ShareAction Chief Executive Catherine Howarth said. Scientists have warned that regular use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent illness in healthy farms animals contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant "superbug" infections, which kill at least 23,000 Americans each year and pose a significant threat to global health. McDonald's referred Reuters to an earlier statement that said it was premature to set a timeline for curbing antibiotic use in meats other than chicken, due to varying agricultural practices and regulations around the world. "We continue to regularly review this issue," that statement said. Rival Wendy's Co told Reuters last week that by next year, it would stop using chickens raised with antibiotics important to human health. It also said it would set specific goals for pork and beef production in 2017. Meanwhile, Yum Brands Inc's KFC fried-chicken chain is under fire for a policy that critics say effectively allows for routine use of antibiotics by its chicken suppliers. More than 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States and half of those used in the United Kingdom are given to livestock, ShareAction said. In April, an investor coalition with about $1 trillion under management, led by ShareAction and the Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return (FAIRR) Initiative, pressed McDonald's and nine other large food companies to set timelines for stopping the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics important to human health in their supply chains. Olympics-Beach volleyball-Brazil beat Latvia to reach knockouts RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Brazilian duo Evandro Junior and Pedro Solberg left it late to register their first win of the tournament, but squeezed into the last 16 of the men's beach volleyball by beating Latvia's Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Janis Smedins on Thursday. In front of a raucous crowd on Copacabana beech that cheered every Brazilian point and booed every Latvian serve, Junior and Solberg were forced into a third set but went on to win 21-16 20-22 15-7. That was enough to secure them automatic passage to the next round, finishing second in Pool D on points difference despite losing their opening two contests to teams from Cuba and Canada. "Today I served better than the other days which was good for us," Junior told Reuters after a match in which he hit serves reaching 99 kilometres per hour. The windy conditions, combined with Junior's pace, made things difficult for the Latvians who rued not defending better. "Now a new Olympics starts for us," Junior said about the last 16. Philippines seeks formal talks with China amid South China Sea tension - Ramos By Venus Wu HONG KONG, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The Philippines wants formal negotiations with China to explore pathways to peace and cooperation, the Southeast Asian nation's special envoy, Fidel Ramos, said on Friday, after a meeting with former Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying. Ramos was speaking near the end of a trip to Hong Kong undertaken in a bid to rekindle ties with China, which have been soured by a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. An arbitration court in the Hague ruled on July 12 that China had no historic title over the busy waterway and had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights there. The decision infuriated Beijing, which dismissed the court's authority. "Informal discussions focused on the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation," Ramos and Fu said in a joint statement on Friday. They added that China welcomed Ramos to visit Beijing as the special envoy of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in June and has signalled a greater willingness to engage with China than his predecessor. "It's not really a breakthrough in a sense that there is no ice here in Hong Kong to break but the fish we eat...are cooked in delicious recipes," Ramos, who had earlier referred to his visit as a fishing expedition, told reporters. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, believed to be rich in energy deposits. The statement added that both Beijing and Manila would seek to promote fishing cooperation, marine preservation, and tourism but made no specific mention of the South China Sea or the ruling, and did not set a timeframe for possible talks. Ramos said neither side asserted its own sovereignty over disputed areas in the South China Sea, such as the Scarborough Shoal and Mischief Reef. "There was no discussion on that particular aspect, except to mention equal fishing rights," said Ramos. The statement said the discussions were held in a private capacity, and Ramos said later other back channel talks with China were underway. "We hope this type of exchange can assist China and the Philippines in returning to dialogue and improving relations," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement on the ministry's website. China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, denying Philippine fishermen access, one of the factors that prompted Manila to seek arbitration. Series of blasts hit resort towns in southern Thailand By Prapan Chankaew and Andrew R.C. Marshall HUA HIN, Thailand, Aug 12 (Reuters) - A series of blasts hit three of the most popular tourist resorts as well as towns in southern Thailand on Thursday and Friday, killing four people and wounding dozens, days after the country voted to accept a military-backed constitution. Four bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin, about 200 km (125 miles) south of Bangkok, on Thursday evening and Friday morning, killing two people and wounding at least 24. Other blasts hit the tourist island of Phuket, a resort town in Phang Nga province, and Surat Thani, a city that is the gateway to popular islands such as Koh Samui in Thailand's Gulf. Hua Hin is home to the Klai Kangwon royal palace, which translates as "Far from Worries", where King Bhumibol Adulayadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, and his wife, Queen Sirikit, have lived in recent years. Neither were there during the attacks, as both are in hospital in Bangkok. Friday was a public holiday in Thailand to mark the queen's birthday, which is celebrated as Mother's Day. No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicion could fall on insurgents in Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. ATTACKS IN SEVEN PROVINCES Police detained two men for questioning over the attacks on Hua Hin on Friday, said Police Superintendent Sarawut Tankul of the tourist police at the resort. They were detained because CCTV footage showed them in the area "before, during and after the bombings", he said, declining to give more details. Preliminary evidence showed the bombs were low-explosive devices devised to "make an announcement" rather than cause maximum harm, he said. Ahead of the blasts, Police had intelligence an attack was imminent, but had no precise information on location or timing, national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda told reporters in Bangkok on Friday. "We just didn't know which day something would happen," he said. Since Sunday's referendum on the constitution, there have been attacks in seven provinces using improvised explosive devices and firebombs, Chakthip said. The devices were similar to those used by separatist groups in southern Thailand, but that did not conclusively show they were the perpetrators, he said. Police ruled out any links to international terrorism, as did Thailand's Foreign Ministry, which said in a statement on Friday: "The incident is not linked to terrorism but is an act of stirring up public disturbance." Bangkok-based analyst Anthony Davis, at security consulting firm IHS-Jane's, questioned the police assertion that the attacks were an act of local sabotage. The coordinated bombings were "designed to terrify and to blow a hole in the tourism industry", said Davis. "The tactics used were clearly intended to minimise casualties while maximising economic and political impact. It is worth noting that no foreigners died in the attacks." Thai authorities beefed up security at tourism spots, airports and on public transport in Bangkok. "Why now, when the country is getting better, the economy is getting better, and tourism is getting better? We have to ask why and who did it," Thai junta chief and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters. TRAVEL ADVISORY The attacks are bad news for Thailand's tourist sector, which has been one of the few bright spots in a sluggish economy. Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of gross domestic product and Thailand was expecting a record 32 million visitors this year. Australia issued a travel advisory saying Australians should "exercise a high degree of caution" and warned: "Further explosions in any part of Thailand are possible." Two blasts on Friday morning in Hua Hin came after twin explosions late on Thursday. The explosion that wreaked the most damage was near a bar in a bustling narrow alley in the town late on Thursday. It killed one Thai woman and wounded 21 people, Krisana said. The streets were spattered with blood and debris on Friday in front of the bar where the explosion took place. The blast peppered the bar with shrapnel and carpeted the road with those too badly wounded to flee, said Chayanin Seedee, 26, who manages the premises. "Right now, we're just very scared," she said. Ten of those wounded in the Hua Hin blasts were foreigners, Krisana said, and eight of them were women. Such twin blasts are common in the three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Thailand, where a long-running insurgency intensified in 2004, with more than 6,500 people killed since then. The three provinces, near the border with Malaysia, soundly rejected the referendum on the new military-backed constitution, which passed convincingly in most of the rest of the country in Sunday's vote. Violence has occasionally spilled over to areas outside the three provinces, which were part of a Malay sultanate until they were annexed by Buddhist-majority Thailand a century ago. Hua Hin, Phuket and Phang Nga are far from the usual conflict zone, where attacks are typically aimed at the security forces and government representatives, not tourists. In a separate incident on Friday, media reported two bombs had exploded in the southern province of Surat Thani, killing one person and wounding five. That came after a blast in Trang, also in the south, on Thursday, in which one person died and six were wounded. No one was killed or seriously wounded on Friday in two blasts in the beach town of Patong, on Phuket island, or the two explosions in the beach province of Phang Nga. Authorities also defused two explosive devices in Phuket on Wednesday, police said. The head of Interpol in Thailand, Police Major General Apichat Suriboonya, told Reuters it appears the bombs were meant more to send a message rather than cause death and destruction. "But the thing is, if you observe the bombs, they are not targeted to kill people but to send a message to some groups," he said. Small bombs have been used frequently for attacks during periods of unrest over the past decade of political turmoil, but have been rare since the military seized power in a 2014 coup. The latest bombings came almost a year after an attack on a Hindu shrine, crowded with tourists in central Bangkok, killed 20 people and wounded more than 120. Police have accused two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China for the Aug. 17, 2015, attack. Poland - Factors to Watch Aug 12 Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Friday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours): GDP The statistics office will publish its first estimate of Poland's second-quarter gross domestic product at 0800 GMT. FOREIGN TRADE The statistics office will publish foreign trade data for the January-June period at 0800 GMT. CPI The statistics office will publish July CPI data 1200 GMT. PGNiG Poland's biggest gas firm PGNiG said on Friday it booked a net loss of 115 million zlotys in the second quarter, 5 million zlotys smaller than the company's earlier estimates. LOTOS Poland's second biggest refiner will receive 2 million oil barrels from Iran on August 14 as part of a contract signed earlier this year, Puls Biznesu daily said. DEFENCE Poland's Defence Ministry plans to take a final decision on the delivery of 50 helicopters for the Polish army from France's Airbus Group by Sept. 15, Rzeczpospolita daily said quoting a deputy defence minister. ALIOR Poland's Alior Bank could tap the market for a potential capital raise in the second half of 2017 to obtain funds for further takeovers, Rzeczpospolita daily quoted the lender's CEO Wojciech Sobieraj as saying. Sobieraj also said that the Polish unit of Raiffeisen would fit Alior's business. ****Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.**** PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - Aug 12 SOFIA, Aug 12 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- Bulgarian border police have detained 40 foreign nationals attempting to cross the border into Serbia near the town of Bregovo, the interior ministry said (Trud, Standart, Monitor) -- Forty-seven percent of Bulgarian citizens oppose a hypothetical re-introduction of the death penalty in the country, while 33 percent support it, according to a new survey conducted by Gallup International New Mauritius Hotels reports wider Q3 pretax loss PORT LOUIS, Aug 12 (Reuters) - New Mauritius Hotels (NMH) 's pre-tax loss widened in its third quarter, hit by lower villa sales in Morocco, the company said on Friday. Among the Indian Ocean island nation's most-traded stocks, NMH said its pretax loss widened to 291.18 million rupees ($8.30 million) for the quarter to June 30 from 232.24 million rupees a year earlier. Losses per share widened to 0.65 rupees from 0.53 rupees and revenue fell to 1.83 billion rupees from 1.94 billion. The tourism sector is a key driver of the Indian Ocean island's $10 billion economy, with Europe traditionally its main source of visitors. "Hotel operations in Marrakesh continue to sustain significant losses," the company said, adding it was eyeing a partnership with an unnamed entity "with the aim of securing positive cash flows from its hotel operations." NMH said bookings for the next few months are encouraging and room occupancy should be higher than last year. However, the weakness of the British pound and other currencies in which the company conducts its business will put negative pressure on room rates, the firm said. Turkey working on new decree to hire air force pilots - defence minister ISTANBUL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Turkey's government is working on a decree to meet the demand for new air force pilots, Defence Minister Fikri Isik said on Friday, adding that the decree would be published very soon. As Earth swelters, global warming target in danger of being missed By Alister Doyle OSLO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The Earth is so hot this year that a limit for global warming agreed by world leaders at a climate summit in Paris just a few months ago is in danger of being breached. In December, almost 200 nations agreed a radical shift away from fossil fuels with a goal of limiting a rise in average global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times while "pursuing efforts" for 1.5C (2.7F). But 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, also buoyed by a natural El Nino event warming the Pacific, according to the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization. The first six months were a sweltering 1.3C above pre-industrial times. "It opens a Pandora's box," said Oliver Geden, of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "The future debate about temperature targets will be about overshoot." Many climate scientists say the Paris targets are likely to be breached in the coming decades, shifting debate onto whether it will be possible to turn down the global thermostat. Climate scientists will meet in Geneva from Aug 15-18 to plan a U.N. report about the 1.5C goal, requested by world leaders in the Paris Agreement for publication in 2018. Overshoot is among the issues in preparatory documents. Developing nations see overshoot as a betrayal of commitments by the rich and a recipe to worsen heatwaves such as in the Middle East this year or a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet that could swamp island states by raising global sea levels. "There is a risk that 'overshoot' is a slippery slope towards lower ambition," said Emmanuel de Guzman, secretary of the Climate Commission of the Philippines, which chairs a group of 43 emerging nations in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). OLYMPICS CAMPAIGN Backing that view at the Rio Olympics, some athletes have signs saying: "1.5 - the record we must not break" in a campaign partly run by the CVF, whose members includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Guatemala. Developing nations say overshoot lets world leaders pay lip service to 1.5C while failing to act on pledges made in Paris for a trillion-dollar shift from coal and other fossil fuels towards renewable energies. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump doubts climate change is caused by human activities and has said he will pull out of the Paris Agreement if elected. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton strongly backs Paris. The 1.5C threshold could be in jeopardy within five years on current trends of world greenhouse gas emissions, led by China and the United States, and 2C within about 25 years, according to U.N. calculations of the amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere. Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug, who will lead the Geneva meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said a "wholesale transformation" of economies and society will be required to achieve the Paris targets. The IPCC report will look at both the damage to nature from a 1.5C rise and ways to rein in rising temperatures. Many IPCC scenarios in recent years discuss ways to extract heat-trapping carbon dioxide from nature. If applied at a wide enough scale, such "negative emissions" could reduce temperatures after an overshoot. But there are many pitfalls. The simplest natural aid - planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the air to grow - would probably require too much farmland to be feasible. Industrial technologies for extracting carbon from the air are costly and in their infancy. Draft documents for the 2018 report by the IPCC also mention more radical solutions, such as spraying chemicals into the upper atmosphere to dim sunlight through "geo-engineering". "It's hard to avoid overshoot. It's more a question of the size," said Glen Peters, a scientist at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. The Paris text is vague about the temperature ceilings and does not say whether 1.5C or 2C refers to temperatures in one year, over a decade or longer. Zambia's president takes narrow early lead in election By Stella Mapenzauswa and Chris Mfula LUSAKA, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Zambia's President Edgar Lungu took a narrow early lead over his main challenger in a tight race for the presidency on Friday after the electoral commission delayed results twice and the opposition accused it of fraud. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said audits were taking longer than expected partly due to a large voter turnout. It had promised the first results by 1200 GMT and then 1600 GMT. The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) said that the ECZ was trying to manipulate the results in favour of Lungu's Patriotic Front (PF) by giving someone unauthorised access to ECZ computers. UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema said an ECZ official had given his identity card to a man so that he had access to ECZ's IT room and could tamper with results. The ECZ said the intruder had been detained and police were investigating. Data from three constituencies showed Lungu won 17,620 votes in Thursday's election, against 16,358 for Hichilema. Campaigning had centred on the economy, after months of rising unemployment, mine closures, power shortages and soaring food prices in Africa's No. 2 copper producer, and supporters of the two main parties clashed in the run up to Thursday's vote. Hichilema says the president has mismanaged the economy but Lungu blames weak growth in the major copper producer on plunging commodity prices. Lungu only narrowly won a vote 20 months ago after the death of president Michael Sata. If he fails to win an outright majority this time, he will be forced into a second-round rerun. The ECZ said it had met with political party leaders to address concerns including over the late results, and denied colluding with the ruling party. "It hurts the commission when allegations which are unsubstantiated are made. Don't set the house on fire," chairman Esau Chulu said. Final results would now not be ready for late Saturday or early Sunday as had been expected, he said. The possibility of a rerun, entailing a further four or five weeks of campaigning, would raise fears of more violence, NKC Africa analyst Gary van Staden said. "But ... given that Zambia does have strong democratic institutions, that it has a strong and robust civil society and a people with a long history of peaceful engagement, there is reason to remain optimistic," he said. Turkish sailors sentenced to 42 years for UK's biggest cocaine haul LONDON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Two Turkish sailors were jailed for a total of 42 years on Friday after their attempt to smuggle a huge haul of cocaine into Europe was thwarted, partly due to some swift international co-operation between Britain and Tanzania. Some 3.2 tonnes of cocaine, the biggest class A drug find ever made in Britain, was found on a ship intercepted off the east coast of Scotland last year. Drugs worth 512 million pounds ($664 million) were being shipped over to the Netherlands, prosecutors said, after travelling from South America via Guyana and Tenerife. British authorities intercepted the cargo off the coast of Aberdeen in April 2015 after the go-ahead from Tanzania, where the ship was registered, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. "Although there was strong intelligence that the boat was carrying a large volume of drugs, it could not be boarded in international waters by the UK authorities without the permission of the Tanzanian government - something they had never previously granted," the CPS said in a statement. But the CPS's Criminal Justice Advisor in Tanzania managed to obtain authority "from the highest political level" within 24 hours, it added. "Without the swift actions of our Criminal Justice Adviser there was a high risk that the vessel may have escaped and we would never have been able to bring these men to justice," said Sue Patten, Head of the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division. The traffickers had hidden the drugs, wrapped in 128 bales together weighing as much as a grown elephant, in a tank deep within the hull of the vessel. "This was one of the most intricate concealments we've ever encountered," said Tony McMullin, a regional director at Britain's Border Force. Captain Mumin Sahin, 47, and first officer Emin Ozmen, 51, from Istanbul were sentenced to 22 and 20 years in prison respectively at the High Court in Glasgow. Conjoined twins evacuated to Damascus, among 20 urgent cases - WHO By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Conjoined twin baby boys in Syria were being evacuated across lines from a rebel stronghold to Damascus Children's Hospital on Friday, the first of at least 20 patients who need urgent transfers to be saved, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Moaz and Nawras were born conjoined on July 23 in Zahra hospital in eastern Ghouta, a rebel bastion and rural suburb of the capital. Syrian doctors abroad sought help from the WHO, the United Nations health agency. "The hospital is under-supplied and unable to provide the twins with the surgery they need to survive," said a letter by the Syrian American Medical Society. "The twins, the mother and the aunt are now being evacuated to the Children's Hospital (in Damascus)," Elizabeth Hoff, WHO's representative in Syria, who has been based in Damascus throughout most of the country's five-year civil war, told Reuters on Friday: An ambulance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) was transporting them, she said. "We have been negotiating for medical evacuation for some days now," Hoff said by telephone. The WHO also wants to get seriously ill and wounded patients out of the divided city of Aleppo, where up to two million people are trapped. The eastern, rebel-held part of the city has been besieged by Syrian government forces with Russian support for months, but earlier last week rebel forces broke the siege and opened a corridor into the city. The United Nations said on Thursday it was talking to Russia about a "workable humanitarian pause" in fighting in Aleppo and that the three hours a day proposed by Moscow was "not enough". "WHO is calling for a pause for medical evacuations which are critical to make sure seriously wounded have the right to obtain health care and also people with chronic diseases needing regular care," Hoff said. In addition, WHO has received a list of 16 critical medical cases in the government-besieged town of Madaya who need evacuation and two adults in the opposition-besieged Foua and Kefraya area, in Idlib province, she said. "We haven't obtained permission yet to evacuate," she said, noting that Hezbollah fighters were part of the mix in the Foua area. Staffan de Mistura, U.N. special envoy for Syria, read out the names of the patients in Madaya and Foua, most of them young children, on Thursday to reporters in Geneva. "The UN is ready to evacuate them. They are in a desperate urgent medical emergency. Why on earth should this not be possible? "This should not be waiting for the Aleppo ceasefire or overall ceasefire, this should and can be done before it's too late," he said. In Foua, the Islamist rebel group Ahrar al Sham "can just by a decision of a minute allow the U.N. to evacuate them and bring them to a medical facility where they could be saved", he said. Torture, sexual violence on rise in Burundi - UN experts By Cecile Mantovani GENEVA, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Torture is on the rise against government critics detained in Burundi and security forces are using sexual violence against women during protests and searches, United Nations human rights experts said on Friday. The U.N. Committee against Torture voiced concern at the use of "genocidal rhetoric" by senior officials and at the ethnic nature of the year-long conflict in the central African country. "We have reports and information that indicates that the violence, the torture, is politically-motivated. And whether it also has an ethnic component, there are also indications for that," Jens Modvic, panel chairman, told a news briefing. "You could consider that systematic torture directed toward certain political and ethnic groups would be an early warning sign of a process that could deteriorate into genocide." More than 450 people have been killed since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term. Opponents said his move violated the constitution and a deal that ended a civil war in 2005. About a quarter of a million people have fled the violence, which has alarmed neighbouring countries in a region where memories of Rwanda's 1994 genocide remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority. The panel, composed of 10 independent experts, called on Burundi to exert rigorous control of its police and security forces and to halt crimes including extrajudicial executions, torture and disappearances. Investigations should be carried out and perpetrators prosecuted. Most torture occurs in the national intelligence services near the Bujumbura cathedral, but also in secret detention centres, the experts said after examining Burundi's record. Justice Minister Aimee Laurentine Kanyana told the panel at the start of the two-day review torture was prohibited in Burundi and perpetrators were tried and punished. The government delegation boycotted the session on the second day, the U.N. said. The panel, in a statement on Monday, said four Burundian lawyers who provided information to them about alleged torture face disbarment as retribution for their testimony. Vibrant Thai tourist sector braces for impact of deadly Mother's Day By Pairat Temphairojana and Khettiya Jittapong HUA HIN/BANGKOK, Aug 12 (Reuters) - On what should be a bonanza long weekend for the tourist industry in a seaside playground favoured by Thailand's royal family, shops and restaurants are shuttered, streets are empty and security forces are advising people to stay in their hotels. The resort of Hua Hin was rocked by four bombs less than 12 hours apart that killed two people and wounded 24, as thousands flocked to its hotels and beaches for a long weekend to celebrate the Queen's birthday, which is also Mother's Day in Thailand. "It's a ghost town now," said Irish tourist Tim Kelleher. "Usually this place is so popular." The bombings were part of a series of attacks on world-renowned seaside resorts in southern Thailand that may jeopardise the Southeast Asian nation's target of luring a record 32 million visitors in 2016. Tourism is one of the only growth sectors in Thailand, and accounts for 10 percent of an economy that has struggled under the stewardship of a military government that seized power two years ago. "It's bad for the economy, which is limping along on one leg, and now we have these incidents," Ittirit Kinglek, the president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, told Reuters. "It will definitely have an impact on tourism, but it's too early to estimate how it will affect tourist numbers and revenues." Other blasts hit the island of Phuket, a resort town in Phang Nga province, and Surat Thani, the jumping off point for travellers heading to the white sandy beaches of Gulf of Thailand islands such as Koh Samui. No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicion could fall on insurgents from Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. Police and security analysts said the small devices appeared to be aimed more at sending a message than causing widespread death and destruction. Embassies in Thailand warned their citizens to stay vigilant on Friday and some warned that there could be more attacks. Australia, the source of just over 800,000 visitors to Thailand in 2015, issued a travel advisory saying Australians should "exercise a high degree of caution", and warned that "further explosions in any part of Thailand are possible." China, the single biggest source of tourists to Thailand with nearly 8 million visitors in 2015, told citizens to avoid crowded areas and pay close attention to security developments. FREE REFUND The German units of tour operators TUI and Thomas Cook said customers booked on trips to Thailand departing before Aug. 15 could cancel or rebook to other destinations free of charge. TUI, which has about 2,000 customers in Thailand at present, said it would help any who wished to leave early. Thai Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the sector was resilient and would rebound from any impact fast, as it had in the past. "If anything happens, Thailand's tourism will be able to adjust and come back quickly," she told Reuters. The attacks are the latest challenge to an industry that has weathered more than a decade of political instability and bounced back from several major setbacks in the past two years. A bomb attack at a Hindu shrine nestled among luxury shopping malls and hotels in central Bangkok killed 20 and injured more than 120 in August 2015. Tourist arrivals dropped by more than half a million in the month after the blast, but Thailand still hosted a record 29.88 million visitors in 2015. A year earlier, months of sometimes deadly street protests paralysed the Thai capital before a coup in May 2014. The month after the military takeover, tourist numbers slipped to their lowest in more than two and a half years. The attacks would hurt business and consumer confidence, Thai Airways Chief Financial Officer Narongchai Wongthanavimok told Reuters. "To some extent, it should affect the Thai tourist industry and Thai Airways because confidence may be hit," he said. "But how much the impact will be, we need to monitor and assess the situation." Business at budget airline Thai AirAsia was so far unaffected, Chief Executive Tassapon Bijleveld told Reuters. Thailand's Erawan Hotel Group, one of the top five Thai hotel operators with a portfolio that includes two of the targeted resorts - Hua Hin and Phuket - has increased security at its hotels but not yet seen cancellations because of the blasts, group president Kamonwan Wipulakorn told Reuters. At the Erawan shrine in Bangkok on Friday, the location of the 2015 bombing, there were no security checks as tourists and Thais visited, a Reuters witness said. Australian tourist Vanessa Jamieson, at the shrine with 6-year-old twins on Friday, said the bombings in southern Thailand had made her rethink her holiday plans. "We stayed away from most public places today," she said "Frankly, if the bombings continue then we might as well jump on a plane and go somewhere else." Trump backs off ISIS comments; party head appears at rallies in show of unity By Steve Holland ALTOONA, Pa., Aug 12 (Reuters) - Republican Donald Trump on Friday backed away from comments calling President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton the founders of the militant group Islamic State, while the Republican Party sought to project unity behind their candidate. A new poll showed Trump, whose unfiltered speaking style has repeatedly landed him in hot water, losing ground in three crucial states ahead of the Nov. 8 general election against Clinton. In a surprise appearance, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who in private expressed fury over some of Trump's actions earlier this month, introduced the candidate at a campaign event in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the two hugged onstage. "We're so honored to be working with Donald Trump and the campaign," Priebus told thousands of Trump supporters. "And don't believe the garbage you read. Let me tell you something. Donald Trump, the Republican Party, all of you, we're going to put him in the White House and save this country together." Republican sources earlier this month said Priebus was furious over Trump's failure to endorse House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and his feud with the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq. Trump did endorse Ryan a few days later. Trump brought Priebus on stage later at another rally, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to thank him for the work he has done as he insisted there is great unity in the party. "I have to say we have great unification," Trump said. Trump on Friday told the rallies in Altoona and Erie that his remarks earlier this week calling Obama and Clinton the founders of ISIS, as Islamic State is also known, had been sarcastic. "I have been saying because it's true, but somewhat sarcastically, that he's the founder of ISIS and she's a close second," Trump said in Altoona. Trump first made the unfounded claim on Wednesday and repeated it through the week. Trump claimed sarcasm in July as well after he was heavily criticized for inviting Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time as U.S. secretary of state. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News/Marist poll released on Friday suggested support for Trump is eroding among voters in three battleground states. Such states are hotly contested because their populations can swing either to Republicans or Democrats and thus play a decisive role in presidential elections, which are ultimately decided by the state-by-state tally of the Electoral College. The poll found Clinton widening her lead in Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, while holding her advantage in Florida. Clinton released her tax returns on Friday, painting the move as a sign of transparency that her campaign says Trump lacks. U.S. presidential candidates are not required to release their tax returns, but it has become a common custom. Trump has cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service in refusing to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one's business and that they reveal little. Trump scheduled a speech in Warren, Ohio, on Monday that will focus on how he would handle the threat posed by Islamic State. Trump has said he would "knock the hell out of ISIS," without offering details. Trump has been mired in repeated controversies in recent days. He drew heavy criticism after he suggested gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was aimed at rallying votes against her. Nearly one-fifth of registered Republicans now want Trump to drop out of the race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday. Republicans frequently trace the birth of Islamic State to the Obama administration's decision to withdraw the last U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. But many analysts argue its roots lie in the decision of George W. Bush's Republican administration to invade Iraq in 2003 without a plan to fill the vacuum created by Saddam Hussein's ouster. It was Bush's administration that negotiated the 2009 agreement that called for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011. At his Erie event, Trump seemed to acknowledge he is facing a formidable opponent in Clinton as well as a difficult electoral path. "The Republicans have a tougher path - not my fault," he said. He said Clinton's campaign is smart to keep her out of the spotlight. "She doesn't talk to reporters very often. ... She doesn't expose what's going on up here, which isn't good," he said, meaning her brain. "She's doesn't expose her mind to questions. What they want to do is try to fake it through." Trump also said in Altoona that the only way he could lose Pennsylvania to Clinton is if "cheating goes on." He said he wants authorities to monitor the voting closely. "I know what's happening here, folks. She can't beat what's happening here." Pope visits Rome safe house for women forced into prostitution ROME, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, who has condemned human trafficking as a crime against humanity, on Friday made a surprise visit to a Rome safe house where a Catholic charity is protecting women freed from a life of forced prostitution. The Vatican, which did not disclose the exact location of the house, said the pope met 20 women from Romania, Albania, Nigeria, Tunisia, Ukraine and Italy. He encouraged them to "be strong" as they start new lives, a Vatican official said. The statement said the pope made the visit to the Pope John XXIII Community - started by an Italian priest to help free women from their pimps - in order to "appeal to consciences to fight human trafficking". Under his papacy, the Vatican has hosted a series of conferences bringing together international police organisations, legislators and religious groups to find ways to work together to fight human trafficking and modern slavery. Addressing one such group in 2014, he called trafficking an open wound for society and a crime against humanity. Using the promise of a job, traffickers bring women to Italy and other Western European countries from Africa and Eastern Europe and then force them into prostitution. U.S. drone kills Islamic State leader for Afghanistan, Pakistan -officials By Jibran Ahmad and Yeganeh Torbati PESHAWAR, Pakistan/WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The leader of Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed in a U.S. drone strike on July 26, a Pentagon spokesman said on Friday after the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan announced the news to Reuters. The death of Hafiz Saeed Khan is a blow to efforts by Islamic State - also known as ISIS or Daesh - to expand from its heartlands in Syria and Iraq into Afghanistan and Pakistan, already crowded with jihadist movements including the Taliban and al Qaeda. It is the second U.S. killing of a prominent militant in the region in months. In May, a U.S. drone killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a strike in Pakistan. Despite that, Afghanistan's 15-year-old war grinds on with no clear victory in sight. Taliban fighters have been threatening at least two provincial capitals this summer, in Helmand and Kunduz, and a U.S. government report said Afghan forces have lost 5 percent of territory this year. In terms of its own territory, Islamic State has been largely confined to a handful of districts in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, which borders Pakistan, where IS militants - mostly defectors from the Taliban - are blamed for raiding villages and government outposts. Still, worries that Islamic State might be expanding its operational reach heightened this week when the group took credit for an attack on a Pakistani hospital that killed at least 74 people in the southwestern city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility. A few weeks earlier, Islamic State claimed an attack on a rally in Kabul that killed more than 80 people. BITTER RIVALS Khan has been reported dead before. But a claim by Afghan intelligence agents last year that he had been killed was never confirmed. On Friday, however, Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal told Reuters he had seen confirmation from Afghan security forces. "I can confirm that ISIS Khurasan (Afghanistan and Pakistan) leader Hafiz Saeed Khan along with his senior commanders and fighters died in a U.S. drone strike on July 26 in Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangharhar province," he said. Pentagon spokesman Gordon Trowbridge confirmed Khan's death, and said in a statement that the air strike took place during joint operations by U.S. and Afghan special operations forces against IS in the southern part of Nangarhar province. Trowbridge said the airstrike was in Achin district, as opposed to Kot district. Khan - a longtime commander with the Pakistani Taliban - pledged allegiance in October 2014 to Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Taliban's various factions in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as their al Qaeda allies are bitter rivals of Islamic State's al-Baghdadi. The Taliban reject al-Baghdadi as leader of an envisioned worldwide caliphate. In Afghanistan, Taliban and Islamic State fighters have battled over territory in Nangarhar, though both have recently been more busy defending against U.S. and Afghan assaults. Between January and early August, American warplanes conducted nearly 140 air strikes against Islamic State targets in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. military. U.S. general calls on Russia to allow observers at military drills By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Russia should allow observers, including Western journalists, to attend upcoming military drills that could again put Ukraine on edge just as Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharpened his rhetoric, the commander of the U.S. Army in Europe told Reuters. The comments by Lieutenant General Ben Hodges came as Ukraine accuses Russia of amassing more than 40,000 troops in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula seized by Moscow in 2014, and on the Ukrainian border. Ukraine's U.N. Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko warned this week the Russian forces could reflect "some very bad intentions." Hodges declined to offer estimates of Russian forces or speculate about Putin's intentions ahead of pre-announced, large-scale exercises in Russia's south that are expected to include Crimea. But he said Russia could help address concerns by following the example of military drills led by the United States and its allies in Europe, to which Russia was allowed to send observers. "The Russians could really help alleviate and provide some stability if they had invited observers," Hodges said. "That would do a lot, frankly, to lower anxiety." A U.S. intelligence official called the absence of observers at the Russian exercises "a worrisome development that we hope is just an oversight." A spokeswoman at U.S. Army in Europe said Russia sent observers to the "Anakonda" exercises in Poland in June, which include some 31,000 forces from countries including Poland, the United States and other NATO allies and partners. The Russian Defense Ministry said in December that its main military exercise for 2016 would test its Southern Military District troops, which now includes Crimea and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. It said the drills - called Caucasus-2016 - would take place in September. The Russian Army's Red Star newspaper in January quoted Colonel-General Alexander Galkin as saying the exercise would check combat readiness and test how air, sea and land forces collaborated together. "There's nothing wrong with an exercise. It's ... the lack of transparency," Hodges said. RISING TENSIONS The September exercises appear poised to take place at a moment of rising tensions. Putin this week pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine after accusing it of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. At the Pentagon, spokesman Gordon Trowbridge dismissed Russian accusations about Ukrainian saboteurs, saying the United States had no information to support them. He added Washington was less concerned about Russian troop movements than about the rhetoric from Moscow. "We don't necessarily see any evidence of troop movements that are so large that we are concerned about those on their own," Trowbridge said. U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said they saw no firm indications of any new Russian military activity pointing to fresh intervention in Ukraine. One U.S. official noted a recent rotation of several divisions of Russian forces into Crimea to relieve an equal number, which have since departed. Pro-Russian separatists are fighting the Kiev government's forces in the eastern Ukraine region despite a fragile ceasefire. Civilian casualties from shelling, mines and booby traps in eastern Ukraine are at their highest in a year, the United Nations' human rights chief has said. A peace plan for the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine, negotiated in Minsk between Ukraine and Russia by Germany and France some 18-month ago, has stalled for months. The Pentagon voiced alarm this week about escalating violence, noting attacks by Pro-Russian separatists killed 40 Ukrainians and wounded 170 in July alone. Hodges cautioned that Moscow had "no incentive" on its own to see things stabilize in Ukraine. New suspect in French priest killing formally charged PARIS, Aug 12 (Reuters) - A man under arrest since Monday as part of the investigation into the killing of a French priest last month has been placed under formal investigation, a police source told Reuters on Friday. The 21-year old suspect is under investigation for collaboration with terrorists and was planning attacks on people, the source said. The man had been in telephone contact with Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean, who interrupted a church service in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, on July 26, and slit the throat of 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel. Both were shot dead by police. The suspect had traveled from his home town near Toulouse to Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray and spent the night there in the days before the attack, the source said. The young man, who has no criminal record, has acknowledged having spent the night there but told investigators that he had left the next day because he did not had a good relationship with Kermiche and Petitjean, the source said. Investigators are trying to establish whether Kermiche and Petitjean had accomplices in France and whether they had links with Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for the attack. U.S. general calls on Russia to allow observers at military drills By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Russia should allow observers, including Western journalists, to attend upcoming military drills that could again put Ukraine on edge just as Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharpened his rhetoric, the commander of the U.S. Army in Europe told Reuters. The comments by Lieutenant General Ben Hodges came as Ukraine accuses Russia of amassing more than 40,000 troops in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula seized by Moscow in 2014, and on the Ukrainian border. Ukraine's U.N. ambassador, Volodymyr Yelchenko, warned this week that the Russian forces could reflect "some very bad intentions." Hodges declined to offer estimates of Russian forces or speculate about Putin's intentions ahead of pre-announced, large-scale exercises in Russia's south that are expected to include Crimea. But he said Russia could help address concerns by following the example of military drills led by the United States and its allies in Europe, to which Russia was allowed to send observers. "The Russians could really help alleviate and provide some stability if they had invited observers," Hodges said. "That would do a lot, frankly, to lower anxiety." A U.S. intelligence official called the absence of observers at the Russian exercises "a worrisome development that we hope is just an oversight." A spokeswoman for the U.S. Army in Europe said Russia sent observers to the "Anakonda" exercises in Poland in June, which included some 31,000 forces from countries including Poland, the United States and other NATO allies and partners. The Russian Defense Ministry said in December that its main military exercise for 2016 would test its Southern Military District troops, which now includes Crimea and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. It said the drills - called Caucasus-2016 - would take place in September. Washington rejects Russia's annexation of Crimea. The Russian Army's Red Star newspaper in January quoted Colonel-General Alexander Galkin as saying the exercise would check combat readiness and test how air, sea and land forces collaborated together. "There's nothing wrong with an exercise. It's ... the lack of transparency," Hodges said. RISING TENSIONS The September exercises appear poised to take place at a moment of rising tensions. Putin this week pledged to take counter-measures against Ukraine after accusing it of sending saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist acts. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden urged Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday "to do his part" to avoid escalating tensions with Russia and told him in a phone call that the United States had asked Moscow to do the same. At the Pentagon, spokesman Gordon Trowbridge dismissed Russian accusations about Ukrainian saboteurs, saying the United States had no information to support them. But he appeared to downplay concerns about recent Russian troop movements, saying Washington was more focused on rhetoric from Moscow. "We don't necessarily see any evidence of troop movements that are so large that we are concerned about those on their own," Trowbridge said. U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said they saw no firm indications of any new Russian military activity pointing to fresh intervention in Ukraine. One U.S. official noted a recent rotation of several divisions of Russian forces into Crimea to relieve an equal number, which have since departed. Pro-Russian separatists are fighting the Kiev government's forces in the eastern Ukraine region despite a fragile ceasefire. Civilian casualties from shelling, mines and booby traps in eastern Ukraine are at their highest in a year, the United Nations' human rights chief has said. A peace plan for the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine, negotiated in Minsk between Ukraine and Russia by Germany and France some 18-months ago, has stalled for months. The Pentagon voiced alarm this week about escalating violence, noting that attacks by pro-Russian separatists killed 40 Ukrainians and wounded 170 in July alone. Hodges cautioned that Moscow had "no incentive" on its own to see things stabilize in Ukraine. In 2009, when the Swedish Nobel Committee announced the Nobel Peace Prize for US President Barack Obama, most analysts shrugged their shoulders and exclaimed: "Why Obama? What has he done?" The president himself was surprised; he said so in his acceptance speech and felt that there were other more deserving candidates. Seven years later, as his second term inches towards its finishing line, historians are looking for an appropriate epitaph for his presidency. Had he retired in early 2014, he would have joined the rank of presidents who completed their terms without any major mishap but achieved nothing much to write about. But what he has achieved in the last 1,000 days of his second term, has vindicated the faith of the Nobel Committee; he has not only proved to be worthy of the Nobel Prize, given somewhat prematurely, but taken bold steps in pursuing American foreign relations which are rewriting history. Diplomacy He has given dialogue and diplomacy a new chance, opened doors of friendship and normalcy with countries which long perceived the US as hostile and inimical, and refused to put American boots abroad. This is reducing tension, resolving long-standing conflicts and making the world a more peaceful place to live in. Not a small achievement by any yardstick. Iran is indeed his most lasting legacy. A decade ago, the media was buzzing with speculation about an imminent pre-emptive US/Israeli strike at Iran's nuclear facilities. The Islamic Republic of Iran was not very long ago branded as a member of the Evil Axis by George W Bush and accused of pursuing a programme of nuclear weapons, promoting international terrorism and supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Barack Obama and Iranian president Hassan Rouhani chipped off a little bit of the fossilised relationship between the two countries. Buoyed by the increase in its influence in Iraq following the fall of Saddam, Iran began propping up the beleaguered regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria with material and military support notwithstanding Obama's public demand that Bashar step down. Resisting the temptation of striking against Iran as egged by Pentagon hawks and Israeli lobby in America, Obama resolutely supported the ongoing negotiations between Iran and P5+1. Sometimes, seemingly simple gestures convey historic symbolism; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's Zewish New Year greetings on his Twitter and Obama's handshake with the Iranian foreign minister on the sidelines of the UN in September 2015, first since the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, proved game changers. They chipped off a little bit of the fossilised relationship between the two countries. Since Rouhani's election, the pace of negotiations has picked up; he and Obama showed great foresight, pragmatism and flexibility to accommodate each other's concerns which eventually resulted in the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between Iran and P5+1 on July 14,2015. In one stroke, Iran's nuclear research was put in a deep freeze for at least 10-15 years; the UN, US and EU sanctions were partially lifted, Iran's frozen assets were released, its crude oil was available in the market. The thaw in the US-Iranian relations not only facilitated Iran's international rehabilitation, it also ensured Tehran wasn't pariah anymore; it is suddenly perceived as a stabilising factor in conflict zones in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. History Cuba is another significant legacy. Since the Bay of Pigs invasion/missile Crisis in Cuba (1961-62) when the US and the erstwhile USSR pulled back from the brink of a nuclear war till 2016, Cuba claims to have suffered economic loss to the extent of $300 billion thanks to the US economic blockade. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US retained its sanctions against Cuba and kept it on the list of the states sponsoring terrorism. The US' strong Hispanic community, which plays an important role in its electoral politics, was a major stumbling block in normalising America's relations with Cuba. But in his second term, no more needing Hispanic votes for re-election, Obama authorised secret negotiations with Cuba, leading to the famous handshake between him and Cuban President Raul Castro in Panama on April 10, 2015. Besides, creating history, it is a win-win situation for both; the US companies hope to rake in billions of dollars in business in infrastructure, ITC and hospitality sectors, while Cuba will find lucrative market for its products in the US. Above all, families affected by the estranged relations will now be able to meet each other with ease. Partner Obama also visited Vietnam. This tiny, impoverished nation not only survived America's napalm bombs whose debris are still littered across the country, but also inflicted a humiliating defeat on the mightiest power in the world. While the normalisation process was initiated by President Bill Clinton, Obama, with an aim to counter an assertive China, during his visit to Vietnam in May 2016, lifted the arms embargo. Incidentally, the US is now Vietnam's major trading partner. Equally momentous was Obama's Hiroshima visit. Visiting Hiroshima in May 2016, where "on a bright cloudless morning death fell from the sky and the world was changed", must have been Obama's boldest decision. He didn't offer an apology but in his sombre speech expressed empathy with the families of the victims and stressed the need of "a moral revolution" and end of nuclear weapons. Last but not least, climate change. Global impact of climate change is too obvious to miss; it poses the gravest threat to humanity. The US never ratified the Kyoto Agreement. For years it demanded drastic reduction in carbon emission by emerging economies like China and India. But at the COP 21 Paris Summit in November 2015, Obama turned a consummate dealmaker, used diplomatic pressure/persuasion to nudge 190 countries to come on board. There would have been no agreement without Obama. A Nebraska state senator and others who have worked several years to legalize medical marijuana in the state say they are disappointed federal authorities won't lower the classification of the drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration said Thursday it will not remove marijuana from the highest Schedule I classification for medical purposes. Schedule I includes such exceptionally dangerous drugs as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. The classification means the drug is considered to have a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and that there is a lack of accepted safety for its use under medical supervision. Schedule II, which advocates hoped for as a reclassification, includes such drugs as oxycodone, fentanyl, opium and methamphetamine. Sen. Tommy Garrett tried to legalize marijuana for medical uses in the last legislative session but was unsuccessful. His bill (LB643) was filibustered on the second round of debate and went down when it got 30 of 33 votes needed to end extended debate. Garrett said Thursday he is disappointed by the DEA's decision. More than 1.4 million Americans are legally using medical cannabis and seeing positive effects, he said. Private institutions and universities have more than outlined its medical efficacy in their research. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia allow some form of medical marijuana use. "We have children suffering seizures, veterans fighting opioid addiction and still the federal government refuses to act, not because of any particular medical research, but because of a United Nations convention that took place over 55 years ago," Garrett said. "Reprehensible. Obama could have been brave, but he choked." Shelley Gillen, whose son Will has severe epilepsy and who helped Garrett in his campaign for legalization, wasn't surprised by the ruling. "But of course it's still very frustrating, because we know that it does have medicinal value," she said, "especially when you have several synthetic FDA-approved drugs of cannabis." Prolonged research is a slow and painful process for those who are waiting, she said. Josie Kranz, a board member of Nebraska Families 4 Medical Cannabis, was also disappointed. The group is raising money and unifying people to potentially put medical cannabis legalization on a 2018 ballot, Kranz said. A lot of research has already been done in other countries and at the University of Mississippi, she said. It's just a political mess that the DEA doesn't want to have to deal with, Kranz said. The DEA studied reclassification of the drug at the request of Govs. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island and Jay Inslee of Washington and psychiatric nurse practitioner Bryan Krumm of New Mexico. In a letter to them dated Thursday, DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg said that while it may strike some people as odd that marijuana is a Schedule I drug while seemingly more dangerous drugs are Schedule II, its inclusion is not about relative danger. "It is best not to think of drug scheduling as an escalating 'danger' scale, rather specific statutory criteria based on medical and scientific evidence determine into which schedule a substance is placed," he said. Since April 2014, Rosenberg said, the number of marijuana researchers registered with the DEA has more than doubled, from 161 to 354. The amount of marijuana available for research has also increased, he said. The University of Nebraska Medical Center launched a study this summer on cannabidiol use for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. If cannabidiol would prove to be safe and effective for treatment of certain medical conditions, Rosenberg said, "that would be a wonderful and welcome development." "But we insist that CBD research -- or any research -- be sound, scientific and rigorous before a product can be authorized for medical use," he said. That is the province of the Food and Drug Administration, he said. If the scientific understanding about marijuana changes, and it could, Rosenberg told the governors and Krumm, the decision could change. "But we will remain tethered to science, as we must, and as the statute demands," he said. "It certainly would be odd to rely on science when it suits us and ignore it otherwise." 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 of 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." Piedmont Virginia Community College offers Getting Started information sessions, providing an introduction to PVCCs degree and certificate programs, as well as information about placement tests, student services and other resources to help students get started at PVCC. A Getting Started session will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Back to School Bash at the Sprint Pavilion on the Downtown Mall and from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Fluvanna County Library in Palmyra. Additional sessions will be held at various locations through August. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275. Information sessions about the culinary arts associate degree program are held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Monday at the Jefferson School City Center at 233 Fourth St. NW. Attendance at one of the sessions is required for any new student wishing to pursue an associate of applied science degree in culinary arts in the fall 2016 semester. pvcc.edu/culinary. (434) 961-6581. SARTELL, Minn. The first archery range in a Stearns County park is opening at Mississippi River County Park north of Sartell, thanks to a 15-year-old Boy Scout and bowhunter who developed the plan for his Eagle Scout project. Brian Amundson, the third of four brothers to pursue the Eagle Scout distinction, will enter ninth grade this fall at Sartell High School with project management experience under his belt. He put in about 200 hours working on the range with his dad, Ben Amundson, an electrical contractor whos also the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 211, the St. Cloud Times reported. They got help from about 55 others including fellow Boy Scouts and members of the St. Stephen Sportsmen Club. The project got another boost from St. Cloud-area businesses. Ahead of the ranges official opening, Brian Amundson demonstrated his skills at a 20-yard target using a recurve bow with a 35-pound draw. For hunting, hell switch to a longbow. Hes been out to the 11-target outdoor range only a few times since crews finished work late last month. But his years of practice were apparent as arrows rarely landed far from the bullseye. My dad kind of got me started when I was a little kid. I always shot traditional bows, recurves and longbows. I just started getting serious about bowhunting three years ago, probably, Amundson said. Theres not many places around here to shoot your bow, except for St. Joe, which is kind of a trip out there. Behind him, a few other archers practiced on the range, which boasts tall, sun-filtering trees as a backdrop. Targets range from 10 yards to 80 yards that variety is part of the attraction, the elder Amundson said. Donated granite slabs mark the base of each of the 11 shooting stations, where theres room to hang two bows and to keep arrows in a PVC holder mounted to the post. When hes not target shooting, Brian Amundson bow hunts whitetail deer and wild turkeys. I havent gotten a deer with a bow quite yet, Amundson said. With a gun, hes had better luck grouse hunting and pheasant hunting. Visitors to Amundsons project will find a mowed range, a gravel parking lot, a wooden picnic table and posted rules. Smaller signs around the periphery warn people about the range. It just brings another user group to our parks, said Ben Anderson, Stearns County Parks operations coordinator. Anderson estimated the county spent $2,500 to build the parking lot, put up the signs and do a bit of landscaping more than its typical contribution toward an Eagle Scout project. Ann Wessel reports for The St. Cloud (Minnesota) Times. This story was made available by The Associated Press. Former SBI agent claims reports on crime lab were malicious, ruined her career The News & Observer of Raleigh claims it is being stripped of constitutional protections by a Wake County Superior Court judge's order in a libel case that blocked witnesses and key evidence that would support a longstanding defense that truthful statements and accurate evidence can be the basis of a party's defense in a defamation case.A hearing on the newspaper's appeal is scheduled today before Wake County Superior Court Judge Graham Shirley, who is presiding over his first trial involving freedom of the press - a case some court observers say is one of the biggest cases involving a state government employee in decades.State Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Beth Desmond claims that N&O reporter Mandy Locke, the N&O, and its parent McClatchy Newspapers libeled her with untruthful and damaging statements in an August 2010 four-part investigative series.The series highlighted widespread problems in the State Crime Lab, then under the supervision of state Attorney General Roy Cooper.media lawyer John Bussian, representing the N&O, wrote in a July 29 motion.In the pleading Bussian is asking Shirley to reconsider his ruling excluding as evidence a report that Bussian claimsIn May, Bussian contested a motion Desmond made barring a series of witnesses and other evidence, arguing those wereandat trial.Bussian wrote.he wrote, notingThe N&O's series about the Crime Lab's checkered history also called into question conflicting testimony Desmond gave in two trials involving a 2005 Pitt County murder case. A 10-year-old boy was shot dead, and an Ayden man was convicted of the slaying.Desmond's attorney claimed Locke falsely wrote 12 statements in her Aug. 14, 2010, story, and four more in a subsequent Dec. 31, 2010, story. The trial court rejected the newspaper's request for a summary judgment to dismiss the case.The North Carolina Court of Appeals in May 2015 ruling agreed with the N&O's attorneys to dismiss 10 of the disputed statements because they either were cloaked in the fair reporting privilege of judicial proceedings, were factually accurate, or not libelous. Six statements were returned to the trial court for further proceedings.Desmond contends in her court complaint she was defamed because Locke wroteabout her work as an SBI firearms examiner, and engaged inin the pursuit of a national writing award for which she and co-author Joseph Neff won $25,000.She claims the writers published the articles knowing they were false, or with reckless disregard as to whether they were false. That language is crucial to the "actual malice" standard needed to prove that a government official was libeled.Among other issues, Desmond claims severe emotional distress, mental anguish, injury to moral character and reputation, medical expenses, and said she was transferred out of the crime lab's firearms section as a result of the news articles. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.In her story, Locke wrote that Desmond examined bullets in the Pitt County murder. Desmond wrote in her lab report they were consistent with a specific type of gun, but cautioned not to rule out they could have been fired from another model of gun. Yet as a witness at trial, DesmondLocke wrote.That testimony of "absolute certainty" completely undermined the defendant's defense that he did not fire the fatal shot, that another shooter fired first at him, and that one of the other shooter's bullets could have struck the child.In a court filing, Bussian said thefor excluding from the evidence a report by American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board, the nation's largest accrediting board in that area, and testimony from Michael Grubb, the agency's board chairman.The accreditation agency performed an inspection of the SBI crime lab after concerns about its work were raised.According to its report, its inspection teamwhether the bullets in the Pitt County murder were fired from the same gun, case documentation lacked specific data that Desmond used multiple times in testimony, andThat suggests Desmond "falsified the evidence" by testifying in contradiction to her lab report, as written by Locke, Bussian wrote. That evidence supports the defendant's "substantial truth" claim, and should not be barred at trial, Bussian wrote.Similarly, Bussian contended in court filings that Lynn Garcia, general counsel for the Texas Forensic Science Commission, should be allowed to testify as an expert witness. In a deposition, Garcia said Desmond's "absolute certainty" testimonyShirley rejected those witnesses, and others, writing that their evidenceand some of the reports were done after the series was published.Bussian wrote that, in attempting to dismiss the evidence, Desmond CULPEPER Douglas Laycock, a University of Virginia law professor, was not surprised to learn that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether or not Culpeper County discriminated against a local Muslim congregation when it denied a septic system permit to serve a future mosque site. Both the Bush administration and the Obama administration have been pretty active about enforcing [the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000], said Laycock, a religious liberty expert. He also described the Board of Supervisors April decision as having very suspicious circumstances. The Islamic Center of Culpeper had requested a pump-and-haul permit to serve bathrooms at a planned mosque site. Justice Department spokesman David Jacobs declined to comment on the investigation. The Department of Justice notified the county of its investigation in a May 2 letter to County Administrator John Egertson. He provided a copy of that letter to the Culpeper Star-Exponent on Thursday. Our investigation will focus on how the countys zoning code treats religious land uses and, as part of our investigation, we will review the countys response to the Islamic Center of Culpepers efforts to obtain a pump-and-haul permit, reads the letter from Shina Majeed, acting chief of the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Our investigation is preliminary in nature and we have not made any determination as to whether there has been a violation of the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act by the county. Egertson said Thursday that he was very confident the review will find that the county pump-and-haul policy and our actions regarding pump-and-haul are in full compliance with RLUIPA. Laycock said the Justice Department is probably deciding whether to file a lawsuit against the county. Then theyll investigate, decide if there is a violation and see if they can negotiate a settlement, he said. Im sure this investigation is looking toward the question of whether they should demand corrective action from the county and file a lawsuit if they dont get it. Members of the county board who voted to deny the permit have said it was not about religion but because the request did not meet the countys hardship requirement for pump-and-haul, a system that does not treat or dispose of waste but collects it for periodic removal. Pumping and hauling is expensive and really only a stopgap measure to dispose of waste until a true treatment system can be implemented, Egertson wrote in an April email to the Star-Exponent. This is why our policy states that there should be a clear hardship situation involved and that they should be considered temporary. Others on the county board have said the request was denied because it was for an undeveloped lot. Laycock said thats typically the situation in Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act cases. The church or the place of worship isnt there yet and they are fighting for their right to locate it, he said. The law professor said there are no Supreme Court cases that found violations of the federal act but that various cases in the lower courts had been settled. Some of them look pretty flagrant like this and a lot of them involve Christian churches that are nondenominational or small denomination, Laycock said. A lot of them involve synagogues and mosques. In 2008, a jury in Maryland awarded $3.7 million in damages to a Seventh-Day Adventist congregation that had purchased property to build a church but was denied water-and-sewer permits, thus blocking the project, according to a lengthy paper by Laycock and Luke Goodrich, if the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. The large monetary award was an unusual outcome, Laycock said. Finding a violation for this sort of obstruction is not, he added. Building a place of worship is a First Amendment activity. [The Islamic Center of Culpeper] has a right to locate in the county, and if I were advising the county, Id be looking to settle this. Since 2000, the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act has become a pillar of civil rights protection for churches, according to the paper, and the Department of Justice has filed numerous cases challenging outright discrimination against religious groups. In the last three years, the Pew Research Center has documented community resistance to 37 different mosques or Islamic centers, according to Laycocks paper. Often, the resistance is phrased in terms of concerns about traffic, parking, noise or property values, but sometimes the resistance is overtly anti-Islamic. Culpeper County has routinely approved pump-and-haul permits through the years, including for various Christian churches. Following the recent controversy, the county board voted unanimously earlier this month to suspend the issuance of long-term pump-and-haul sewer system permits for 120 days and seems positioned to hand the permitting process over to the health department, which regulates short-term pump-and-haul systems. Islamic Center of Culpeper representative Mohammed Nawabe said recently that the mosque project had stalled and they were still waiting to resolve the utility issues on sight. We may get the temporary pump-and-haul or well just wait for the public sewer, he said. The public sewer system, however, is several years away from reaching the area outside of town, according to Egertson. The planned mosque site has soil that will not support a traditional septic system, according to the health department. WASHINGTON The man who made a daring ascent of Trump Tower in Manhattan this week was known for his strong anti-Muslim views and for his vocal support of Donald Trump's political stances, according to former classmates at his Northern Virginia high school. Michael Joseph Ryan, 19, became a national sensation Wednesday as he scaled the 5th Avenue landmark live on television using special suction cups to adhere to the skyscraper's glass windows. New York police arrested him after he reached the 21st floor. He identified himself to law enforcement as Stephen Rogata, and his dangerous stunt led his pseudonym and home state to become a trending topic on social media: Steve from Virginia. But former classmates at Langley High School in Fairfax County knew him as Michael, who they described as an intelligent outcast who left before graduating during his senior year. School system officials confirmed that Ryan attended Kilmer Middle School and Langley and had no record of him receiving a diploma from Fairfax County in 2015, the year he left. The classmates agreed to speak to The Washington Post anonymously, saying they did not want to be connected with the stunt and the attention surrounding it. Ryan's family members did not answer the phone at their Great Falls home, and it was unclear if Ryan was represented by a lawyer. To the teenagers who knew him as far back as middle school, Ryan had a reputation for engaging in passionate debates about topics such as immigration and religious freedoms. Ryan, who took Advanced Placement classes in economics and government, frequently drew attention with his comments, classmates said, and he at least once made derogatory remarks about Islam in the presence of Muslim students. In a government class, Ryan once advocated for the Transportation Safety Administration to exclusively screen Muslim male airplane passengers for possible terror ties. "He would make these very hateful comments," the classmate said. "But he believed he was just spouting facts." Classmates identified Ryan as the tower climber from a video posted to YouTube in which he claimed credit for the ascent and explained his reasoning for scaling Trump's eponymous edifice. Dressed in a black hooded sweat shirt, Ryan promotes Trump's campaign for presidency and offered his services to the candidate as a self-styled "independent researcher." In the video, Ryan says he attempted the climb to gain Trump's attention and a private audience with the real estate figure and presidential nominee. "I guarantee it is within your interest to honor this request," Ryan said in the one-minute video. "Believe me, if my purpose was not significant I would not risk my life pursuing it." Officials at the Fairfax County Republican Committee said Thursday that Ryan was once an intern for the local GOP group but that no one currently in the office knew him. Ryan's Langley classmates said that he has for years advocated for many of the policies that have become central to Trump's campaign. "He was a Trump supporter before that was cool or socially acceptable," the classmate said. WAYNESBORO Del. Richard P. Dickie Bell, R-Staunton, has filed legislation for the 2017 General Assembly session that would expand the reporting requirements for Virginia hate crimes to include police, firefighters and EMS personnel. The hate crimes reporting requirement in Virginia already includes crimes committed on the basis of race, religion and ethnic origin. Bell said he more closely considered the legislation in recent months after the shooting of police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas. There has been one thing after another. It troubles everybody, Bell said. Bell said that if you are killing somebody because of the uniform, its not about the person. Its about the uniform and that is no different than killing somebody because of their color or gender. In a news release, Bell noted that 41 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2015. First responders across the commonwealth make sacrifices for us each day and we must find better ways to keep them safe, he said. Virginia American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Claire Guthrie Gastanaga questions the need for the additional reporting requirement to include police, firefighters and EMS personnel. She points to the Virginia Code, which makes it a Class 6 felony to commit assault or assault and battery against a broad range of law enforcement members, such as judges, police officers, correctional officers, volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel. Conviction of the offenses would lead to an automatic six-month jail term. Under the code, a simple assault or assault and battery charge against someone because of race, religion, color or national origin is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which would result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days. If bodily injury occurs, the conviction becomes a Class 6 felony with up to a six-month confinement and a 30-day minimum of confinement. Gastanaga said already state law provides for a higher value on the lives of law enforcement. And the ACLU director said she is not aware of police assaults being unreported. There is no evidence of a systemic reporting problem in Virginia, she said. The 20th District includes the cities of Waynesboro and Staunton, portions of Augusta and Nelson counties and all of Highland County. Many families who have been served poorly by their district public schools have choices, thanks to forward-looking reformers. There are many reasons for North Carolinians to be proud of the statewide education reforms implemented over the last five years. The state has made massive investments in K-12 education with a focus on grade-level proficiency in reading. Accountability is stronger. We pay teachers better. School districts have unprecedented budgetary flexibility. The list goes on and on.But no achievement is more impressive than the remarkable expansion of school choice in North Carolina. Today, around 17 percent of school-age children in North Carolina attend a home, private, or charter school.In 2013, the General Assembly made changes to the state's homeschool statute that gave parents the option of using online schools and cooperative arrangements to supplement conventional, parent-led instruction. Since then, homeschool growth has been phenomenal. In 2015, homeschool enrollment eclipsed the 100,000-student mark after adding nearly 8,700 students, compared to the prior year estimate. This year, North Carolina had an estimated 118,268 homeschooled students, a staggering increase of 11,415 students - or nearly 11 percent.While not as impressive as homeschool growth, private school enrollment inched up by roughly 500 students this year. After years of enrollment declines and only negligible increases over the past two years, private school enrollment finally exceeded the pre-recession enrollment peak of 97,656 students. At last count, North Carolina private school enrollment totaled 97,721 students.The Opportunity Scholarship and Disability Grant programs, which provide private school vouchers to eligible low-income and special-needs students, are likely responsible for the recent uptick in the private school population. The General Assembly just approved substantial funding increases for both programs, so total private school enrollment may soon surpass 100,000 students.More than 800 students received a voucher through the Disability Grant Program in 2016. The most recently passed state budget boosted funding for the program by 137 percent to $10 million. Thanks to that change, hundreds of additional special needs children will have access to $8,000 private school vouchers.Lawmakers also created a reserve fund for the Opportunity Scholarship Program that will add $10 million a year to the $34.8 million program budget over the next decade. More than 6,000 low-income children will receive an opportunity scholarship next year, well over five times the number of students who received a scholarship during the program's first year of operation. By the 2026-27 school year, the program will have a total budget of $134.8 million, allowing thousands more to receive a $4,200 voucher to attend a private school that better meets their needs.In recent years, the General Assembly has chipped away at unnecessary restrictions on charter school growth. In 2011, lawmakers removed the 100-school cap and further authorized charter enrollment to grow by as much as 20 percent a year. Subsequent statutory changes permitted charter schools to add one grade per year without approval from the State Board of Education and implemented a fast-track replication process for outstanding charter schools. In 2014, lawmakers approved legislation that allowed two virtual charter schools, N.C. Virtual Academy and N.C. Connections Academy, to begin operating in North Carolina.Thanks to these forward-thinking changes, there are more charter schools now than at any time since passage of the charter law in 1996. Enrollment in the state's 158 charter schools had grown to nearly 82,000 students, an increase of 83 percent over the previous five years.Too many families are not satisfied with the academic quality or social environment of their assigned public schools but do not have the means or opportunity to give their children an alternative. One day soon, household income and zip code no longer will correlate to the quality of education in North Carolina, and the leadership of the General Assembly will be the primary reason why.Terry Stoops is director of research and education studies at the John Locke Foundation. Honda's R&D team in Brazil is working on a sub-4 metre SUV which will be based on the same platform as that of the Jazz. The vehicle was earlier spotted in March, but it's the first time that the front profile has been spied. However, Honda hasn't given any official statement regarding the SUV, even the name hasn't been confirmed as of yet. According to reports, it's called the 'Honda WR-V' and is expected to be showcased in November at the 2016 Sao Paulo International Motor Show. Speaking of the design, the side profile is unmistakably Jazz, as evinced from the doors, the window line, and the front vent glass. The front and rear profile are, however, entirely different compared to the hatchback. The front features a squared high-set bonnet and a bold set of headlamps. The grille appears similar to that of other Honda SUVs such as the HR-V and the BR-V. If you look at the pictures closely, the wheel arches are pronounced, courtesy to the all-around body cladding, which also encloses circular fog lamps. The WR-V shares its platform and most of the components with the Jazz. So theres the possibility that Honda might launch it in India early next year after its Brazilian debut. It will compete with other sub-4m SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and others. Source: CarDekho.com Beleaguered real estate firm Unitech Ltd expressed its inability to refund money to the home buyers over its two delayed housing projects in Noida and Gurgaon. (Representational image) New Delhi: Beleaguered real estate firm Unitech Ltd on Friday expressed its inability before the Supreme Court to refund money to the home buyers over its two delayed housing projects in Noida and Gurgaon. "We don't have money. If we had money, we would have constructed the flats and buildings and given to them," senior advocated A M Singhvi, the counsel for Unitech Ltd, told a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit said. The bench indicated to Singhvi that the firm will have to pay the money back to investors and asked the flat buyers to furnish details of those interested in seeking refund and how much amount from the builder. The counsel for some flat buyers of Unitech's Burgundy project in Noida and Vistas in Gurgaon told the bench that they don't want their money back but they want their house. The bench asked the flat buyers to furnish their details by August 17. Another builder, Parsvnath Developers Limited, conveyed to the bench that it has prepared a schedule for refunding the money to 70 of its home buyers of a Greater Noida project. More than two dozen home buyers of Unitech's housing projects in Noida and Gurgaon have approached the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) after the builder failed to give them possession of the flats as per the scheduled. The consumer forum has asked the real estate firm to refund the money to home buyers with interest. The apex court had last month asked the company to deposit an interim penalty of Rs 5 crore with the court registry after the firm challenged an order of the consumer forum which had asked the developer to pay Rs 5 crore penalty to three buyers of its Burgundy project. The court had said that the penalty deposited with the court will be awarded to the buyers or returned to Unitech, depending on the outcome of the case. New Delhi: The State Government of Chattisgarhs request for a revision in royalty rates on coal to 30 per cent will push up the cost of electricity by 7 per cent or 10-12paisa/kWh, estimates India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The government has constituted a study group to consider the revision in the royalty rates based on the request from the State Government of Chattisgarh for a royalty hike to 30 per cent from the existing 14 per cent ad-valorem. Ind-Ra believes the royalty hike looks quite steep at 30 per cent, and if accepted, it will lead to coal attracting the highest ad-valorem duty compared to all other minerals. Assuming a pithead price of RS 720/t for coal, the royalty increase will also lead to higher contribution towards district mineral foundation (DMF) at 30 per cent of royalty and National Mineral and Exploration Trust (NMET) at 2 per cent of royalty, which translates into a higher cost of electricity generation by around 10-12paisa/kWh. Since January 2015, coal consumers have been hit by rising prices. due to the imposition of DMF and NMET (effective January 2015) taking the effective royalty rate up to 18.48 per cent from 14 per cent. Additionally, if the royalty rates were to increase to 30 per cent, the effective royalty rate would be 39.6 per cent including DMF and NMET contribution. Furthermore, the clean energy cess increased to RS 400/t from RS 200/t in the Union Budget 2016. During May 2016, Coal India Limited (CIL) increased the run-of-the-mine prices for the most widely supplied grades of coal to the power sector by an average of 16 per cent. Similarly from 1 April 2015, freight charges for coal were hiked by 6.3 per cent. Therefore, the variable cost of generation for a plant situated 500kms from the mine which used to receive grade G13 coal, has increased by 24 per cent to RS 1.69/kWh. If the revised royalty rates were to be accepted as proposed by Chhattisgarh, the variable cost of generation can increase by another 7 per cent. On the positive side, coal linkage rationalisation for companies has led to a decline in the transportation costs thus easing some impact. Industrial power rates are a critical pre-investment consideration for manufacturers and given that bulk of the coal based capacity in India is on a cost pass-through basis, the ultimate impact of such hikes is passed on to the consumers. Such regular hikes in one form or the other is not a healthy sign for the thermal power generators. Ind-Ra believes that as alternate sources of power namely solar see further reduction in tariffs, the competition between thermal and solar will intensify, with a high probability of solar winning. These price hikes have played out at a time when the all India power situation continues to improve and CIL is looking at a coal surplus situation, with the possibility of coal also being exported. Even after the hike, the coal supplied domestically by CIL continues to be cheaper than the imported coal. In the past coal has seen a change in royalty rate in 2012, with the royalty being changed to ad-valorem basis at 14 per cent for coal from the earlier system of tonnage based and ad-valorem with royalty on Grade D/E coal being RS 70/t +5 per cent of the CIL run of the mine price. The states will benefit at the expense of consumers paying more for electricity. Ind-Ra estimates that the increase in royalty up to 30 per cent for the top three states could result in additional income between RS 5bn-RS 39bn, depending on the final royalty rate. The additional royalty income receivable by the state under different royalty rate assumptions is as follows: The TRS had extended complete support for the passage of GST Bill in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Hyderabad: TS is aiming to become one among the first 10 states in the country to ratify the GST Bill. The state government is planning to convene a special session of Legislative Assembly either in the last week of this month or first week of September to ratify the Bill. Assam became the first state in the country to ratify the GST Bill on Friday. The GST Constitutional Amendment Bill needs to be ratified by at least 16 of the 31 states, including the Assemblies of Union Territories Delhi and Puducherry, before it can receive the Presidents assent. Following this, the empowered committee of states' finance ministers would turn into the GST Council to draft the subsequent Central GST, Integrated GST tax rates. Sources said Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa and Maharashtra are likely to ratify the Bill by the first week of September taking the total to six states. The sources added that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had already discussed the issue with ministers and officials in this regard and asked them to make arrangements accordingly. Mr Rao is planning to convene a Cabinet meeting on August 19 or 20 to approve the draft GST Bill besides finalising the schedule for special session of Legislative Assembly. Since the police machinery in the state would be busy with security arrangements for Ganesh festival from September 5 till September 15, Mr Rao wants to close the special Assembly session before these days. The TRS had extended complete support for the passage of GST Bill in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha recently and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had thanked Mr Rao during his public meeting address in Gajwel last Sunday. Mumbai: Earlier this week, Bollywood stars such as Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur flew off to Houston for their Dream Team Tour. While we spotted the entire team leaving together from Mumbai international airport, teams fellow member, Varun Dhawan was missing from the scene. However, later it was found out that the actor along with filmmaker Karan Johar had a chance encounter with Shah Rukh Khan in Dubai. Enroute to Houston #dreamteam. Look whose blessings we got @iamsrk. We got his energy now! Are you ready houston?? pic.twitter.com/yEBtW1ZMnn Varun dhawan (@Varun_dvn) August 11, 2016 It seems like Varun and Karan were enjoying SRKs company far too much as they lost track of time and ended up missing their flight to US. We missed our flight but @karanjohar and me are on our way. Houston wel see you on the 12 th #dreamteam pic.twitter.com/CkwClyfnaO Varun dhawan (@Varun_dvn) August 11, 2016 After a little delay, Karan and Varun finally made it to their desired destination just in time for the Dream Team Tour! On their way to Houston, the travel junkies, Varun and KJo even had a pajama party. Enroute to houston. Pajama party to dance party in Houston #dreamteam #traveljunkies. pic.twitter.com/R7sOvhgjgj Varun dhawan (@Varun_dvn) August 11, 2016 Meanwhile, the team has reached their destination as well. Alia Bhatt, who is part of the Dream Team, shared a selfie from her hotel. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. New Delhi: Seems like Pokemon Go has made Shah Rukh Khan go gaga over it as even detention by the US immigration department officials at the Los Angeles airport could not stop him from "catching 'em all". The 50-year-old actor took to his Twitter handle to say that he spent his time at the airport catching the Pokemons. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he wrote The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 In the earlier tweet, the 'Dilwale' actor shared the news of his detention, saying, "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks." I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 This is, however, not the first time that SRK has been detained by US immigration officials. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list. The actor is leaving no stone unturned to have a memorable vacation. Mumbai: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and in order to charge up, our Jack, we mean, Ranveer Singh has taken off with his boys for a much needed break. The actor, who was in Budapest shooting for an ad, wrapped up his work, packed his bags and flew off to Switzerland for a vacation with his boys. Wasting no time, the actor set out for some thrill and went tobogganing at Mount Pilatus. Ranveer even shared the video with his fans. Speed Demon ! ! ! #Tobogganing #MtPilatus #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND @myswitzerlandlive A video posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 12, 2016 at 3:46am PDT Last few months were a hectic period for the star as he was busy shooting for his next Befikre with Vaani Kapoor in Paris. After wrapping up Aditya Chopras film, the actor got busy with an advertisement and as soon as Ranveer got some free time on his hands, the actor sketched a holiday plan with his boys. Earlier, it was said that the rumoured couple, Ranveer and Deepika were planning a trip to Europe. With 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' and 'Befikre', both the actors were apart from each other for quite some time as they were busy shooting their respective films. Now Ranveer has taken off but we dont see his ladylove by the actors side. Inside, actors friends accompanied him on this trip. We are not saying that the two cant take off on a holiday separately, but what happened to Deepika and Ranveers entire Europe trip plan? Ranveer shared his excitement on Instagram by writing, Off for a Howl-iday w my homeboys...So friggin' excited!!! Chal...can you guess where I'm going?? #euro #trippin. Off for a Howl-iday w my homeboys...So friggin' excited!!! Chal...can you guess where I'm going?? #euro #trippin A photo posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 11, 2016 at 7:20am PDT Welcome to Switzerland !!! #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND @myswitzerlandlive A photo posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 11, 2016 at 11:44am PDT Room with a view! #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND #Lucerne @myswitzerlandlive A photo posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 12, 2016 at 1:32am PDT The woods are lovely, dark and deep , But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep... #serenity A photo posted by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Aug 12, 2016 at 5:58am PDT Ranveer also visited Mt. Pilatus and shared a picture on his Twitter account. The actor was also spotted with his fans. Many compared it with the Dilwale star's intolerance statement which he made last year. Mumbai: Bollywood's King Khan, Shah Rukh is famous, rich and 'not a terrorist'. But then, why does the actor often get detained at American airports? The actor was detained today at the Los Angeles airport for which the US state department eventually apologised. Hours after Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Los Angeles airport by the US immigration department, Twitter went abuzz with jokes on the Bollywood superstar. Users of the micro-blogging site posted their views using the hashtag #ShahRukhKhan, which soon became a top trend. "Why always #ShahRukhKhan gets detained at USA airports. The officials this time must have watched his recent movies," a Twitter user wrote. Why always #ShahRukhKhan gets detained at USA airports. The officials this time must hv watched his recent movies Amit A (@Amit_smiling) August 12, 2016 "Don Ka Intezaar To 11 Mulko Ki Police Kar Rahi Hai... But US is Not Included in those 11 Mulk!," posted another citing the 50-year-old actor's famous dialouge from 2006 movie Don. Many compared it with the Dilwale star's intolerance statement which he made last year. "So,.... How do you rate the.. "Intolerance"... There in US, Mr Khan?," wrote a Twitter user. "#ShahRukhKhan detained at US airport ? Again ? One more time sing that #Intolerance song baby!," tweeted another. "#ShahRukhKhan Global star but every country has its own rules. No celeb bigger than National Security. SRK should not complain. Be Tolerant," another Twitterati wrote. Here are more tweets: King Khan in India and #ShahRukhKhan in US pic.twitter.com/wSLLud3pJo Prakash Sharma (@India_Policy) August 12, 2016 US Immigration still doesn't know who is #ShahRukhKhan even after detaining him for several times earlier. Ruchi Sharma (@tweetruche) August 12, 2016 Dear #ShahRukhKhan, It's not India where you can simply cry intolerance to get away with tax frauds. It's USA, law is above all. Enjoy Supriya Simran (@SupriyaSimran) August 12, 2016 US police detained #ShahRukhKhan at airport and Indian police can't even detain an actor on Footpath. Chandra Prakash (@cp_1402) August 12, 2016 The last few months have been hectic for Ranveer Singh, who has been busy shooting for his next Befikre, with Vaani Kapoor in Paris. After wrapping up the Aditya Chopra film, the actor got busy with an advertisement. The actor sketched a holiday plan to Switzerland with his boys as soon as he finally got some time-off. Previously, it was said that the rumoured couple, Ranveer and Deepika Padukone were planning a trip to Europe. With xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Befikre, both the actors were apart from each other, as they were busy shooting their respective films. Now Ranveer has taken off but we dont see his lady love by the actors side. Inside, the actors friends accompanied him on this trip. We are not saying that the two cant take off on a holiday separately, but whatever happened to Dippy and Ranveers Euro-trip plan? Andrea Jeremiah, who was last seen as STRs romantic interest in the much-delayed Idhu Namma Aalu, will be playing an important role in Vetri Maarans gangster trilogy Vada Chennai, featuring Dhanush and Amala Paul in the lead roles. Sources close to the actress confirmed her inclusion in the film and added, We were told that Andreahs part would be shot starting from September. She is paired opposite Vijay Sethupathi and it will be a noteworthy character in the film. The rumour mills are doing the rounds claiming that the actress will be essaying the role of a sex-worker in Vada Chennai. However, the source refrained from divulging details about her character in the film. Earlier, Dhanush also announced that Vijay Sethupathi would be doing an extended cameo in the film. Currently, the shoot of Vada Chennai is underway at a grand jail set erected in the city. This gritty film follows the life of a gangster played by Dhanush. Actors Kishore, Subramaniam Shiva, Samuthirakani, Daniel Balaji, Karunas, and Pawan have been roped in to play crucial roles. Rating: Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Suhasini Mulay, Kabir Bedi, Arunoday Singh, Nitish Bharadwaj, Sharad Kelkar Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Historical movies will never go out of vogue as long filmmakers and I am referring to both Hollywood and Bollywood continue to weave credible romance into chunks of history in their storytelling. But occasionally, a crank theory comes along that may be original and weird enough to amaze you with audacity. Ashutosh Gowarikers Mohenjo Daro is one such film. After the brilliant Lagaan,, Gowariker seems to have created a template of period films (Jodhaa Akbar, Jeete Hain Shaan Se) that would, by his logic, entertain. If not inform much. He goes on to choose larger-than-life subjects and adds his own drama that we should have nothing against; after all, he must take cinematic liberty to tell stories in his unique way. In Mohenjo Daro, Gowariker plays it safe amid controversies surrounding inaccuracies in the film: not much is known about many aspects of that era, and he carefully lets speculation from all quarters lead to his artistic freedom. He is not breaking any new grounds here; he uses many cliched problems to allow a humble farmer to rise against all odds in this epic canvas: greed, taxation, corruption, love, betrayal, etc. But while telling us some fundamental stuff, would it not have been more interesting to give us something more than trite and formula-ridden narrative? Set in 2016 BC at the height of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the tale of doings that take place in the land of Mohenjo-daro is presented to us from the perspective of Sarman (Hrithik Roshan). Poor and hardworking indigo farmer Sarman whose fascination for the city of Mohenjo-daro leads him to flee to the place, has often dreamed about the richness of this place, much to the disappointment of his uncle and aunt (Nitish Bharadwaj and Kishori Shahane), who seem to be burying some truth from him. The film is richly rooted, with splendid trappings, including some breathtaking VFX and visuals. What it lacks is all that could have made it into a moving film heart. What could have been a story of extraordinary circumstances and the triumph of the human spirit thrust upon ordinary people, or fortitude and dignity facing adversity and injustice facing, ends up being yet another foreseeable tale. Gowariker and his producer (Siddharth Roy Kapur) have smartly laid emphasis on the powerful and meaningful personal conflicts that are strong in this old heroic tale of a single mans charisma, but have failed to flesh out characters. The only thing that one wonders is: has any movie ever been quite so long-drawn-out and flat to destroy interest in history? Because for all its high-budget pomp, Mohenjo Daro is slow more of a languorously animated coffee-table book than a gripping drama. While uninformed viewers not familiar with history might find bits of it intriguing, most of them would look for some animated action that could spring a few surprises. Alas there isnt any! The writer is a film critic and has been reviewing films for over 15 years. He also writes on music, art and culture, and other human interest stories. Rating: Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana DCruz, Esha Gupta Director: Tinu Suresh Desai Much before our generation was born, a murder rocked the nation: the Nanavati case. It generated so much interest and aroused so much curiosity that we, as schoolchildren, have been privy to some hush-hush conversations centring round the sensational murder in 1959, and hankered to know more. Obviously, the unbelievable case of a man getting killed over an alleged love affair was grist to a great masala entertainer. It still is. Isnt it? Rustom is not so much about the conventions of a typical bored housewife falling for a handsome dude with disastrous results story, but plumbs depths of how the lead male star could be made to look heroic in a role that has substance to up his chances of carving out a formidable niche for himself. The crime-mystery film written by Vipul K. Rawal and directed by Tinu Suresh Desai kicks off with a decorated officer Akshay Kumar and Ileana DCruz playing Naval Commander Rustom Pavri and Cynthia (Ileana DCruz), and Rustom returning to Bombay after a trip to England, only to discover Cynthia having an affair with his friend and colleague Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa). An enraged Rustom confronts his wife about her affair and heads straight to Vikrams house to find out more. An argument between the two leads to an ensuing scuffle and Vikram gets killed. The film clearly is designed to showcase Kumars still-in-demand status. On its own terms, it is wrong-headed. If the storys signal virtue is supposed to be its subversive exhibition of how sexuality bridles at deadening routine and spousal neglect, why not go the whole hog? I do not endorse infidelity, but then I do live in a society where such behaviour is rampant. . When Rustom is brought before the judge (a stern Anang Desai) the film turns unwillingly funny, the court room scenes remind you of the 60s drama. But the funniest is Esha Gupta who plays Vikrams sister. Sporting skirts that possibly belonged to a very minuscule section of the Indian society in the 60s, she tries hard to look seductive. If only Rustom could have been a good blend of precision and subtlety with betrayal at his naked best. Amanda Friedland, left, surrounded by friends and family adjusts her friend Betsy Davis's sash as she lays on a bed during her "Right To Die Party" in Ojai, California in early July. (Photo: AP) San Diego: In early July, Betsy Davis emailed her closest friends and relatives to invite them to a two-day party, telling them: "These circumstances are unlike any party you have attended before, requiring emotional stamina, centeredness and openness." And just one rule: No crying in front of her. The 41-year-old artist with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, held the gathering to say goodbye before becoming one of the first Californians to take a lethal dose of drugs under the state's new doctor-assisted suicide law for the terminally ill. "For me and everyone who was invited, it was very challenging to consider, but there was no question that we would be there for her," said Niels Alpert, a cinematographer from New York City. "The idea to go and spend a beautiful weekend that culminates in their suicide - that is not a normal thing, not a normal, everyday occurrence. In the background of the lovely fun, smiles and laughter that we had that weekend was the knowledge of what was coming." Davis worked out a detailed schedule for the gathering on the weekend of July 23-24, including the precise hour she planned to slip into a coma, and shared her plans with her guests in the invitation. More than 30 people came to the party at a home with a wraparound porch in the picturesque Southern California mountain town of Ojai, flying in from New York, Chicago and across California. One woman brought a cello. A man played a harmonica. There were cocktails, pizza from her favorite local joint, and a screening in her room of one of her favorite movies, "The Dance of Reality," based on the life of a Chilean film director. As the weekend drew to a close, her friends kissed her goodbye, gathered for a photo and left, and Davis was wheeled out to a canopy bed on a hillside, where she took a combination of morphine, pentobarbital and chloral hydrate prescribed by her doctor. Kelly Davis said she loved her sister's idea for the gathering, which Betsy Davis referred to as a "rebirth." "Obviously it was hard for me. It's still hard for me," said Davis, who wrote about it for the online news outlet Voice of San Diego. "The worst was needing to leave the room every now and then, because I would get choked up. But people got it. They understood how much she was suffering and that she was fine with her decision. They respected that. They knew she wanted it to be a joyous occasion." Davis ended her life a little over a month after a California law giving the option to the terminally ill went into effect. Four other states allow doctor-assisted suicide, with Oregon the first in 1997. Opponents of the law in lobbying against it before state legislators argued that hastening death was morally wrong, that it puts terminally ill patients at risk for coerced death by loved ones and could become a way out for people who are uninsured or fearful of high medical bills. Marilyn Golden of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, said her heart goes out to anyone dealing with a terminal illness, but "there are still millions of people in California threatened by the danger of this law." Davis spent months planning her exit, feeling empowered after spending the last three years losing control of her body bit by bit. The painter and performance artist could no longer stand, brush her teeth or scratch an itch. Her caretakers had to translate her slurred speech for others. "Dear rebirth participants you're all very brave for sending me off on my journey," she wrote in her invitation. "There are no rules. Wear what you want, speak your mind, dance, hop, chant, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me. OK, one rule." During the party, old friends reconnected and Davis rolled in and out of the rooms in her electric wheelchair and onto the porch, talking with her guests. At one point, she invited friends to her room to try on the clothes she had picked out for them. They modeled the outfits to laughter. Guests were also invited to take a "Betsy souvenir" - a painting, beauty product or other memento. Her sister had placed sticky notes on the items, explaining each one's significance. Wearing a Japanese kimono she bought on a bucket-list trip she took after being diagnosed in 2013, she looked out at her last sunset and took the drugs at 6:45 p.m. with her caretaker, her doctor, her massage therapist and her sister by her side. Four hours later, she died. Friends said it was the final performance for the artist, who once drew pictures on a stage with whipped cream. "What Betsy did gave her the most beautiful death that any person could ever wish for," Alpert said. "By taking charge, she turned her departure into a work of art." Her guests agreed to meet again on her birthday in June to scatter her ashes. It wont be farfetched to say that photo shoots celebrating relationship milestones like engagements, marriages, and anniversaries are pretty much de rigueur. But then one could also argue that the amount of time people spend on their jobs requires the level of commitment that some may choose not to put in conventional person-to-person relationships nowadays. Perhaps this is why a Californian woman decided to pose for a romantic photo shoot on the beach with her job offer letter. Benita Abraham from Long Beach, California, shared the funny snaps on her Facebook account with cheesy hash tags like #employed #myboo #loveatfirstinterview #careergrowth #perfectmatch and #workin9to5. She even went on to describe her job offer as her soul mate, perfect match, and her boo. Abraham wrote: After 7 long months, I found the perfect job with a company that truly cares about its employees and one I will learn so much from. In one of the pictures, Abraham is even seen holding up a pair of stilettos, maybe as a way of mimicking pregnancy photo shoots in which soon-to-be mothers hold up baby shoes. There seem to be plenty of workaholics on social media as her photos have been shared around 18,000 times since they were first posted on Sunday. Check out the hilarious photos below: BENGALURU: The Kadugodi police have solved the mysterious murder case of a software engineer and have arrested his Facebook friend who administered cyanide to kill him and escaped with his valuables. The accused, Karthik, 30, a resident of Rajajinagar, had completed BE in Telecommunications and a habitual offender with three cases against him. He has been accused of murdering, Sohan Haldar, 35, who hails from West Bengal, at his flat in Prestige Shantiniketan near Whitefield on last Friday. According to the police, Haldar had posted an advertisement in a group on Facebook to sell his KTM bike. Karthik was also a member of the group and noticed the advertisement. He hatched a plot to murder Haldar and rob him of his valuables. He contacted Haldar on Facebook and became friends with him on the pretext of buying the bike Karthik visited Haldar 2-3 times under the pretext of negotiating the price. The duo had also gone to hotels and had become friends. On August 3, Karthik went to Haldars flat saying that he would give the money and buy the bike. He went in the afternoon and while they were talking he pushed him down and forcibly administered cyanide in his mouth. As Haldar died in a few minutes, the accused escaped with his mobile phone, purse that had his debit and credit cards, and his bike. Three of Haldars flat mates found that he had not gone to work since Wednesday and checked on him only on Friday night. They found him dead in his room and had alerted the police, the police said. It was a mysterious death as there were no external injuries on his body, but the post mortem report revealed it was a murder. Also, the preliminary probe had revealed that he had posted an advertisement to sell his bike and the CCTV footage recovered from the apartment had revealed Karthiks visit. Based on these clues, Karthik was traced and nabbed on Wednesday. He confessed that he committed the murder to make money and lead an easy life. Though he had worked in many companies earlier, he could not stick for more than six months with any company and was not keen on taking up any employment. Thus he committed crime, the police added. Further, it is learnt that he purchased Silver Potassium Cyanide (SPC) at Peenya Industrial area by claiming that he wanted SPC to make electroplate and had paid Rs 2,700 for it. After committing the murder, he had managed to withdraw Rs 27,000 from Mr Haldars account and was trying to sell his bike. He has a background of making friends with strangers and robbing them. His family members were fed up of him as he was an habitual offender. Thane: A woman from Wada taluka here was allegedly raped repeatedly over the past three years by a 53-year-old man from Vasai in neighbouring Palghar district, police said on Friday. According to PSI Arjun Shelke of Ganeshpuri police station, the victim is a labourer with two children and her husband passed away in the recent years while her sexual exploitation was still on. The accused Dileep Sridhar Patil from Binar in Vasai, also a labourer, had repeatedly abused and threatened the victim stating that he would reveal their illicit relations to her husband, police said. Even after the death of her husband, he continued to exploit her and forced her to give into his demands or else he will reveal all to her children, the official said. However, the woman mustered courage and filed a complaint against Patil on Wednesday after police have launched a manhunt for him. Over the years, the accused took the victim to various lodges in Akloli and Vajreshwari and repeatedly raped her, the complaint said. Based on complaint by the victim, police registered an offence and booked Patil under sections 376(2)(n) of the IPC. New Delhi: A 35-year-old man was stabbed to death allegedly by a sanitation worker in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area following an argument over spitting, police said for . Mukesh, 40, who worked as a sanitation worker, objected to him spitting on the floor, leading to a heated argument after which he was stabbed at around 10 am yesterday, said a police officer. The accused was caught by those present on the spot and handed over to police. Victim Murshid lived at Gautam Nagar in Hauz Khas. A case of murder was registered at the Hauz Khas police station and the accused arrested, said the officer. Hyderabad: Former Maoist, Tech Madhu, the brain behind rocket launchers developed by the Maoists, was part of Nayeems gang. He has been named as accused A-16 in the case by the Vanasthalipuram police of Cyberabad. Sources said Tech Madhu alias Thota Kumara Swamy alias Ashok has now been taken into custody by officials and is being interrogated for his links with Nayeem. The remand report of Vanasthalipuram police said that Nayeems driver Nella Sridhar Goud, a resident of Bhavani Enclave in Injapur and native of Samastha-narayanapur in Nalgonda, procured newborn babies and handed over to A-16 Tech Madhu to give to A-1 Nayeem, who would use the babies as cover for avoiding police checking. Police had earlier arrested the driver and P. Balaram of Saroornagar in this case. A top intelligence official said, Tech Madhu had teamed up with Nayeem a year ago. Nayeem usually would approach former Maoists and make them join his gang by luring them or by force. Madhu might have helped Nayeem in procuring and maintaining weapons like AK-47s. But there is no evidence to prove that Nayeem was using him to make weapons. As a Maoist, Tech Madhu had made 1,600 rockets and launchers in Chennai. He had surrendered before the Warangal police in 2006. In 1990, he had joined Peoples War and later became the technical wing of the Maoist central committee. The Tamil Nadu Q Branch had tried to nab him after they found that he had supervised an organised arms procurement network and was running seven foundries including his own Bharath Fine Engineering to make spare parts to assemble rockets and launchers. In 2002, he had got his Engineering diploma in Ambatthur, Chennai. Later he returned to Nallamalai and was in touch with top ranking Maoists like Shakamuri Appa Rao to design rockets. Brother Naeem and his wife surrender in court Renegade Naxal Nayeems brother Faheem aka Taimur and his wife Sajeeda Shaheen surrendered before the Rajendra Nagar court on Friday evening. They were sent to judicial remand for 14 days. Faheem has been named second accused and Shaheen eighth in the FIR filed by the SIT. The charges against Faheem are of assisting Nayeem in his illegal activities of arms procurement, extortion etc. Shaheen is accused of helping Faheem. Sources said SIT had seized cash and arms from the house used by the couple during raids and they had been absconding. To avoid arrest, they appeared before the court with a lawyer. Earlier, his wife was arrested and sent to custody. His younger sister Ayesha Begum and mother Thahera Begum have not been arrested as the police has not come up with any charges against them. Two realtors and aides of Nayeem arrested Special Operation Team (SIT) officials from Cyberabad East arrested two associates of Nayeemuddin on Friday. The accused, realtors Modi Ramesh (35) and Md Nawab (45), used to help Nayeem in land settlements on the citys outskirts. They also used to carry out their own settlements and earn crores. In one single deal with a businessman named Jaya Reddy, they extorted more than Rs 1. 4 crore. One of the suspects was also a private financier, who extorted huge interest from poor people. They used Nayeems name to threaten their rivals. According to police, Nawab had a real estate business in Maheshwaram mandal of Ranga Reddy district. He became friends with Nayeems close aide Bhongir Shakeel (who has since died of a heart attack), and later met Nayeem through him. Shakeel and Nayeem had an eye for the real estate business in Maheshwaram mandal and they instructed Nawab to find out cases wherein there were disputes between parties. During one business transaction, Nawab met Ramesh, who then joined the gang, said additional DCP E. Ramchandra Reddy. In one case, they settled a land dispute between an RMP doctor named Yadaiah from Maheswaram and a businessman named Jaya Reddy. They called up Jaya Reddy and threatened to kill him if he didnt settle the matter. They took Nayeems name and asked him to pay up. On two occasions they collected a total of Rs 60 lakh from Jaya Reddy. During the same period, Jaya Reddy sold his 21 acre of land in Porandla to his neighbour Ravi Teja for a hefty price. When Ramesh came to know about this, he informed Nawab who immediately contacted Jaya Reddy and demanded a large sum as he had made good profits in the land sale. Capitulating under the threats, Jaya Reddy paid Rs 80 lakh to Nawab and the money was shared by Nawab, Shakeel and Ramesh, said the additional DCP. Officials said that Nawab also took money from an NRI relative of his and started lending it to needy people on high interest. He also extorted money from those victims taking Nayeems name. Jihadis will force you to convert to Islam or face death Women will be forced to wear burkas and forbidden to leave their homes without an escort Petty crimes will be punished with barbaric methods like amputation and beatings The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has declared war on the West with one primary goal: to impose Sharia law throughout the globe, according to Joel Arends, founder and president of Veterans for a Strong America.In an email statement, Arends claims that since Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton refuse to stop them - some may claim they even help them - it's up to proud Americans to save the United States.said Arends a U.S. Army combat veteran.He believes America needs leaders like GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump; leaders who understand if we don't turn back radical Islam now, we'll have more to worry about than lone-wolf terror attacks. The alternative to a true leader is someone like Hillary Clinton, who leads a political party that views air-conditioners as a bigger threat than ISIS. She also claims that Republicans - especially Trump - are more of an enemy than radical Islamists or murderous drug cartels.said Michael Snopes, a former police detective working in an intelligence task force.Snopes noted.said Arends.In his statement on Friday, Arends alleges that the evil known as Sharia law will be the most brutal, hateful, and dominant ideology on the planet:warned the former American warrior.It's become a known fact that Hillary Clinton promised to bring at least 65,000 unscreened Syrian "refugees" to U.S. communities as soon as she is inaugurated as President of the United States.noted Arends, who continues his service as a major in the U.S. Army Reserves and won the Bronze Star for combat in Iraq.A shocking 1,200 women were sexually assaulted and beaten by unscreened Syrian refugees on New Years Eve. That is because there is no decency under Sharia law, say critics.said Iris Aquino, a former cop and private investigator.While Hillary Clinton and her campaign, President Barack Obama, the Democratic Party political machine and the once-independent news media attack and denigrate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, most military and law enforcement current and past members claim he is the only one talking about taking steps to destroy the enemy, protect the homeland and reinvigorate U.S. sovereignty.Arends believes that In this file photo, an Indian Air Force's (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft releases chaff as it flies past the IAF Day Parade in New Delhi, India. (Photo: AP) Visakhapatnam: The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) on Sunday alleged that Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities have been violating norms by ferrying the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) civilian employees in their aircraft. Talking to the media, general secretary of AIDEF, C. Srikumar said that the safety of NAD civilian employees seems to be danger as IAF have been filling civilian personnel in the military courier transport aircraft by violating the norms citing emergency and other reasons. The IAF should only take senior officers in the aircraft, while other employees are supposed to travel in ships or flights after the authorities pay the travelling charges. This is the rule to be followed but since the last two years, NAD staffers have been travelling on aircrafts during emergency. Eight persons among the 29 on board the IAF's transport plane AN-32 which went missing on its way from Chennai to Port Blair on July 22 were Vizag NAD civilian personnel. If IAF continues its unlawful activities, the safety of civilian employees is in a risk, he added. Civilians should not be taken on aircraft for any operations. However, the employees are being taken in aircraft to Port Blair during emergencies. If the staffers express their fear that they could not travel in aircrafts, they are being threatened by the senior officers, members of AIDEF pointed out. Retired Employees Union President of Naval Dockyard and District vice-president AITUC S.M. Moula Ali said that in case of untoward incident the officers will receive Rs 50 lakh insurance, an ex-gratia of Rs 25lakh and other benefits. But when it comes to normal civilians, they will get Rs 1.2 lakh as group insurance, Rs 10 lakh as compensation. The families of the deceased persons, who were charred to death in the NAD fire mishap, are yet to receive any compensation due to the apathy of the NAD authorities, he added. BENGALURU: It's going to be a year since the assassination of Dr M.M. Kalburgi on August 30 in his house in Dharwad and there has been no significant headway in the case by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is investigating the case despite the agency putting in its maximum effort and resources in the complex investigation, said an official source. The CID is now hoping that they might get some leads from Virendra Tawade, the ENT surgeon from Panvel in Navi Mumbai, who was arrested in June by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the 2013 murder of Pune-based rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. The CID has applied for Tawades custody, but it may take some time as the Special Investigation Team, Kolhapur had earlier applied to the court for his custody in the 2015 Govind Pansare murder case, the officer added. Tawade is a member of Sanatan Sanstha (SS) and the chief coordinator of the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS), which are under the scanner in all the three sensational murder cases. The CBI, SIT Maharashtra and CID Karnataka are probing Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi murder cases and have been sharing information on need to know basis because of striking similarities in the three target killings. The CBI on court permission had sought the opinion of Scotland Yard in the ballistic reports of the murders since there were differences in the analysis by Forensic Science Laboratories in Bengaluru and Mumbai. New Delhi: Hours after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khans detention at the US immigration at Los Angeles airport, Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khans application for a British visa has been rejected, the musician tweeted on Friday. The 70-year-old celebrated artist took to Twitter to express his displeasure. Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. Scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep, Khan tweeted. He also tagged his message to External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, the Indian high commission in London and the British High Commission in India. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace, he said in a second tweet. My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 Khan was to perform next month at the Royal festival Hall in London and had applied for a permit to visit the country. He said he had been performing abroad almost every year since the early 1970s. Asked about the reason for the rejection of visa application, a UK High Commission Spokesperson merely said that the mission does not comment on individual cases. Expressing disappointment over the UK denial, Amjad's son Amaan Ali said, "This has never happened before. In our country this is not cool. "It is very sad that it has happened to him. He is someone who has worked all his life for the country and peace. The government should take interest why they (UK) are doing this." Earlier in the day, Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles airport by immigration officials. The actor took to Twitter to express his anger. He tweeted, "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks." This is the second time the actor has been stopped at US airport. Large amounts of ammunition, an AK-47 and two 9mm pistols were found from the crime scene. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) New Delhi : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brijpal Teotia and six others were shot at by unidentified assailants, who allegedly fired more than 100 rounds at his convoy at Muradnagar in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh late Thursday evening. Teotia, who received five bullet injuries, had been rushed to Fortis Hospital in Ghaziabad along with other injured. Their condition is said to be critical. Large amounts of ammunition, an AK-47 and two 9mm pistols were found from the crime scene, said police. "Police have seized sophisticated arms and ammunition from the crime scene. The Ghaziabad Police have launched an investigation at the spot, while Special Task Force and senior police officers will reach there soon," said the ADG, adding that their priority is to arrest and bring the assailants to justice. Meanwhile, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, who visited Fortis, Noida, where Teotia and the other six have been admitted, confirmed they were in critical condition, said, "Doctors are saying that they are trying to save his life. It is a matter of investigation, and police will look into it." According to information available, the BJP leader was accompanied by 20 private gunners, in spite of that the assailants attacked his convoy. Teotia is said to be a confidante of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has purportedly inquired about the incident from officials of the UP Police. Sonia Gandhi was admitted under the care of Dr Arup Basu, Senior Consultant at Department of Pulmonology and Chest Medicine of the hospital. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi, undergoing treatment at a private hospital for the last nine days after after taking ill during a roadshow in Varanasi, is running fever and doctors have advised her to extend her stay by a few days. Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram hospital, where she was admitted on August 3 with fever, dehydration and a shoulder injury, said 69-year-old Gandhi still has mild fever which delayed her discharge. "Today morning, a team of doctors has examined Mrs Gandhi." "They have advised her to remain in hospital on account of fever due to infection in the body. She is on antibiotics and is showing signs of improvement from the infection," said Dr DS Rana, Chairman of Board of Management of the hospital. Mrs Gandhi was admitted under the care of Dr Arup Basu, Senior Consultant at Department of Pulmonology and Chest Medicine of the hospital. She underwent a surgery on her left shoulder on August 3 and doctors said she almost recovered from the injury. Mrs Gandhi was shifted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital from the Army Research and Referral Hospital, where she was rushed soon after her arrival from Varanasi around midnight of August 2. The Congress president had to cut short her roadshow in Varanasi after she was taken ill. She had fractured her left shoulder during the roadshow. New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday alleged that Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has "taken away" the powers of CM and ministers to appoint even their peons and clerks by issuing an order, the move that comes days after High Court stamped the primacy of the LG in administration of Delhi. The Lt Governor's office has clarified that the order is in only restricted to the transfer and postings of IAS, DANICS officers and said that Civil Services Board has been constituted by the LG to ensure "transparency" in bureaucratic reshuffle. The Deputy CM has also requested Jung not to transfer government's two top officials - PWD Secretary Sarvagya Srivastava and Health Secretary Tarun Seem - as they are looking after government's ambitious projects including setting up of mohalla clinics and construction of new school buildings. "After the LG's order, elected Chief Minister and ministers don't have power to appoint their peons and clerks. "There is no confusion after the High Court which states that services come under the LG. In today's meeting, I have requested not to remove PWD and Health Secretaries as both officers are engaged in projects like mohalla clinics and construction of new school buildings," Sisodia told reporters here. In his order dated on August 9, Jung said," All services matters, including transfers/postings of IAS/DANICS officers, with the recommendations of Civil Services Board in case of IAS officers, will be placed through Chief Secretary, Delhi directly before Lt Governor for his consideration and orders." Sisodia said that mohalla clinics and schools are the best initiatives that they have been undertaking and hence requested LG to let them work. "Even if we have to beg or request LG, we would do it but we would not let the work stop for the benefit of the national capital. Delhi government has initiated the process of appointing professionals as secretaries which motivated people in these departments," he also said. "Chief Ministers has also directed all ministers to work even for 48 hours but people's works should not be affected. It doesn't matter if we have been deprived of all powers, we will still continue to work," Sisodia further said. Rejecting the Deputy's CM claim that ministers don't have power to appoint peons and clerks, the LG office clarified that the Lt Governor constituted 'Civil Services Board' on August 9 to look into transfers and postings of IAS and (Delhi, Andaman Nicobar Island Civil Services) officers. "The order to constitute Civil Services Board to be headed by Chief Secretary was also endorsed by the Deputy CM in the August 9 meeting with LG. There is no mention in the order that ministers don't have power to appoint their peons and clerks," an official from the LG office said. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that exhumation and autopsy of the body of a 26-year-old man, who was killed allegedly by police at Tengpora in Batamaloo area of Srinagar on July 10, would be carried out under the supervision of the District and Sessions Judge. Abdul Rehman Mir had alleged that his son Shabir Ahmad Mir was killed by police at his home on July 10 while the Jammu and Kashmir Police had claimed that he died during protests in the Valley. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi assured the court that the probe would have the highest level of transparency and that the authorities would leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the case. The bench comprising justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy said that the District amd Sessions Judge of Srinagar would be at liberty to have the assistance of officers of his choice for the impartial exercise of carrying out the exhumation and autopsy. It said that all steps would be taken in accordance with the law and ordered that the entire exercise be completed within three weeks before posting the matter for further hearing on September 5. The bench observed that it is a serious matter and such a situation should be handled with humane approach and extreme sensitivity. The court passed the order after perusing the report submitted by the state police on the circumstances leading to the killing of Shabir Ahmad Mir. The report, which was filed in a sealed cover, also contained the order of the District Magistrate who had directed exhumation and autopsy of the body of the victim. The Attorney General requested the bench that the matter be taken up after the postmortem report comes out and also that the father of the victim should join the investigation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the victim's father, said that the detailed FIR was lodged within 20 minutes of the incident which is an unlikely thing to happen. He said that the autopsy will determine whether the victim was killed as a result of pellet firing or the gun shot. The Attorney General said the state government was ready for imposition of any conditions for carrying out the exercise of exhumation and autopsy as it was not treating the case as an adversarial matter and there will be a fair and impartial enquiry into the incident as Sibal has sought. Sibal said the incident was not a case of "one transaction" as depicted in the FIR. While Sibal said that the transparency and fairness in the probe would send the right message, Rohatgi submitted that probe would have the highest level of transparency. The bench had earlier stayed contempt proceedings initiated against the Senior Superintendent of Police and Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range) for not lodging an FIR against the police men, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) allegedly involved in the killing of Mir. It had also issued notice to Mir's father on the plea of the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, had on July 18 directed the SSP to file an FIR against DSP Yasir Qadri and others on an application of Mir's father. Later, contempt proceedings were initiated by the CJM on account of non-filing of the FIR against the police officers in connection with the incident. The family of the deceased has contested the state's plea, claiming the killing to be a separate incident which had nothing to do with the FIR registered by the police. Chairman of the legislature committee on encroachment of lake beds, K. B. Koliwad is all for evicting such encroachers on a war-footing, even if they are politicians or major builders. After firing the first salvo against the encroachers, the BBMP has a long road ahead in clearing the debris, razing structure on lake beds and creating a buffer zone around water bodies where builders should dread to tread. Its only after sewage treatment plants are set up to prevent the giant foam explosion at our lakes and rainwater has an easy passage into rivers instead of flooding the citys vitals that the Palike can sit back and claim credit for a job well done. And what about compensating all those who were taken for a ride by corrupt babus and builders and are now on the streets? Demolitions to stop for four days over weekend Day six of the BBMPs demolition drive saw its bulldozers raze buildings over about 600 meters of encroached drains to recover land worth Rs 100 crore in Doddabommasandra on Thursday. Around 40 commercial and residential structures were brought down along 2.4 kms of a raja kaluve on Vidyaranyapura main road, taking the tally of buildings razed to 110 at the end of the two- day drive in the area. We have cleared around 600 metres of encroachments so far and reclaimed 65,000 sq ft of land worth about Rs 100 crore, said BBMPs assistant executive engineer, Shivakumar of the Vidyaranyapura sub-division, adding that the demolitions would continue on Friday as well. Many of the people on Vidyaranyapura Main Road, who have lost a large portion of their properties for encroaching on the raja kaluve here, fear they could lose even more once the civic agency embarks on road widening in the area. We have lost 33 feet of our property to the drain and could lose whatever is left during the proposed road widening under Transferable Development Rights (TDR), said ne upset property owner, K. R. Muniraju. As angry property owners and traders cursed the government and their fate, neighbours offered sympathy and provided them food and space to dump their goods."My house is on the second floor and I cannot access it as the stairs have been demolished. Neighbours offered me food and allowed me to use their toilets, said one property owner, Padmavathi. A few residents, who lost their homes, were able to salvage their windows, grills, door frames and other detachable parts as the demolition stopped mid-way and the earthmovers were called to a different location to bring down a three-storied residential structure on the drain. Reclaim, secure, preserve Chairman of the legislature committee on encroachment of lake beds, K. B. Koliwad is all for evicting such encroachers on a war-footing, even if they are politicians or major builders. Active demolition of encroachments on lakes is just the beginning.The BBMP has a herculean task before it and a long way to go before it can channel the rain water effectively and arrest flooding, he said, adding, Reclaiming, securing and preserving should be the mantra of the government. After reclaiming the lakes and drains they should be secured to ensure that the encroachers dont return after a few days. As far as the lakes are concerned they should be fenced and revived. Noting that a drafting committee had given some valuable suggestions on improving the condition of lakes and to ensure flow of treated water, he said t the legislature committee had environment experts on board who too could give their scientific inputs for reclaiming wetlands. Mr. Koliwad revealed the legislature committee was currently taking stock of the STPs functioning across the city and a meeting had been convened with the BWSSB to get more details about them, such as the money required to set up more of them across the city and keep its lakes safe from sewage. Demolish, restore, rejuvenate Did encroachers care about the distress they were causing hundreds and thousands of people ? Then why should people sympathise with them? demanded Mr T. V. Ramachandra of the Indian Institute of Science, categorically stating that encroachments on Storm Water Drains (SWD), the buffer zone and lakes should be mercilessly demolished irrespective of who they belonged to in the interest of preventing flooding in the city and giving its lakes a fresh lease of life. It is necessary to go about things methodically to ensure that government land and water bodies are reclaimed. The first step is to clear encroachments on Storm Water Drain (SWD), and the second should be to secure the restored areas and finally the authorities must act to rejuvenate the lakes by installing Sewerage Treatment Plants (STP), he suggested. The entire city knows that encroachments of drains and lakes are causing all the flooding and so no encroacher, be it a builder, a poor man, politician or immigrant from Indonesia, should be spared. Of course, there are a few innocents ,who have been taken for a ride by builders, but officials too are guilty of allowing these encroachments. Demolition is the only solution as pointed out by the report submitted by the IISc, the scientist added. Even encroachments by politicians should be reduced to a rubble. We have heard them and elected them. Being custodians of our natural resources, it is their duty to protect them and not loot them, he stressed. Besides setting up STPs, he suggests construction of algae ponds to remove impurities and metals from lakes. This is a natural remedial process, he explained. The demolition drive will come to a halt between Friday and Monday owing to the coming government holidays. People, whose buildings have been marked for demolition, have been given the three days to salvage their belongings , according to BBMP officers. St. Philomenas school declared a half day holiday for its students as the entire area was engulfed in dust from the demolitions taking place close by. Debris from the demolished buildings was carried in trucks and dumped in the Bellahalli quarry. The man who lost his cotton and the homeless banker A mattress trader lost cotton bales worth lakhs as the BBMP brought down his shop without giving him time to remove them on Vidyaranyapura Main Road Thursday. Mr Raju Kulayappa got yelled at by the BBMPs task force officials when he tried to hastily shift sacks of cotton bales in the morning as the earthmovers had already reached his shop by then. They abused me for not having removed them on Wednesday and did not allow me to carry the 85 or so sacks of cotton bales worth Rs 2 lakh to safety before they began the demolition, complained Mr Kulayappa, explaining that having taken loans to buy the cotton bales for making his mattresses, he had presumed that some portion of his shop would be spared and so did not remove the sacks on Wednesday. But the authorities not only bulldozed my entire shop, but also my cotton bales, he lamented. State Bank of Mysore employee, K.R. Muniraju, 53, sent his family away to his father-in-laws house in Munireddypalaya as he got ready for the BBMPs bulldozers to arrive. With the demolitions temporarily halting as the earthmovers were called away to a different spot, Mr Muniraju used the opportunity to hurriedly salvage windows and door frames along with grills and detachable items of his house. Later, both he and his mother, Jayalakshmi sat with tear- filled eyes taking a last look at their house , which they built in 1999 with dreams of making a secure future for themselves. But sadly, their hopes have literally come crashing down. BMTF registers complaint against 20 officials for plan violations Following directions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) has registered First Information Report (FIRs) against 20 officials of BBMP and BDA for sanctioning building plan and khatas for houses and apartments against the law and allowing them to build on raja kaluves. Owners of the buildings which had encroached storm water drains too have been named in the FIR. Deccan Chronicle has access to the copies of the FIR where BBMP commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad has lodged complainant against erring officials. The tainted officials have been booked under various sections, 192 (A) & (B) of Karnataka Land Revenue (KLR) Act section 436 (A) of Karnataka Municipal Corporation (KMC) Act and sections 217, 432, 434, 441, 427, 420 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Section 192-A of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 deals with the offences relating to the Government lands while Section 436 (A) of KMC pertains to penalty for unlawful buildings. Further, Section 217 of IPC deals with public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture. Kochi: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandeya Katju's blog 'Who are the real Indians' has become a roaring hit in Malayalam dailies and gone viral on social media. In his lengthy blog, Katju, also former chairman of the Press Council of India, says he regards "Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India." Noting that ancestors of perhaps 95 per cent people in India today came from abroad and the original inhabitants are pre-Dravidian tribals known as Scheduled Tribes, he said, "So to live united and in harmony we must respect every group of people." "In my opinion the Keralites do this the best and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. I regard Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India." "As I said, India is broadly a country of immigrants. The essential quality of Kerala is its openness to external influence - Dravidians, Aryans, Romans, Arabs, British, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Marxists, etc," he said. Katju said Keralites are great travellers and everywhere in the globe one will find Keralites. "There is a joke that when American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969 he found a Keralite there offering to sell him tea," he said. "Keralites are hard working, modest, and intelligent. They are broad minded, liberal, cosmopolitan and secular in their views (though no doubt there are a few exceptions). All Indians must learn from them," Katju said. He concludes his blog with "Long live the Keralites!". Katju recalled his roots as a Kashmiri, whose ancestors migrated to Madhya Pradesh and later shifted to Uttar Pradesh where he grew up. Major Malayalam dailies carried Katju's comments on the front page and the social media saw thousands of Malayalees clicking 'likes' for his piece. Following is the full text of his blog post: Who are the real Indians? I am a Kashmiri, so I would like to call Kashmiris as the real Indians. My ancestors migrated from Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh about 200 years back, and were in the service of the Nawab of Jaora ( in Western Madhya Pradesh ) for several generations. So I would like to call Madhya Pradesh as the real India. My grandfather Dr. K.N. Katju shifted to U.P. as a lawyer, first to the District Court, Kanpur in 1908, and then to the Allahabad High Court in 1914. I was born in Lucknow in 1946, and grew up in Allahabad, which I regard as my home town. So I would like to call the people of U.P. as the real Indians. I have close connections with Bengal, Orissa ( where my grandfather was Governor ) and Tamilnadu ( where I was Chief Justice ). So I would like to call the people there as the real Indians But these are only my emotional opinions. Thinking rationally, I believe that the real Indians are the Keralites, because they have in them the quintessential qualities of Indians. As I have explained on my blog ' What is India ? ', ( see justicekatju.blogspot.in ), India is broadly a country of immigrants, like North America, and that explains the tremendous diversity here---so many religions, castes, languages, ethnic and regional groups, etc. The ancestors of perhaps 95% people living in India today came from abroad ( the original inhabitants are the pre Dravidian tribals known as the Scheduled Tribes e.g. Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Todas, etc ).. So to live united and in harmony we must respect every group of people. In my opinion the Keralites do this the best, and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians, and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. I regard Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India. As I said, India is broadly a country of immigrants. the essential quality of Kerala is its openness to external influence--Dravidians, Aryans, Romans, Arabs, British, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Marxists, etc. The Christians of Kerala belong to the oldest Christian group outside Palestine. It is said that one of the disciples of Jesus, St. Thomas, came to Kerala. Jews came here and settled down in Cochin when they were persecuted by the Romans after demolition of their temple in 72 A.D. Islam came here through traders, and not through armies, as in the north. The Scheduled castes never suffered the discrimination that they suffered in the rest of India. One of their sages Sree Narayan Guru, who was an Ezhava, is venerated by all communities in Kerala. Adi Shankaracharya ( whose home town Kaladi in Kerala I have visited ) travelled throughout India and established the 4 well known centres of Hinduism, Sringeri in the South, whose first head was Mandan Mishra ( renamed Sureshwaracharya ) whom he defeated in a famous debate, Puri in the East, Dwarka in the West, and Jyotirmath in the North. In the Badrinath temple in the Himalayas the head priest is always a Namboodri Brahmin from Kerala, who is called the Rawal, and his deputy, the Naib Rawal, is also from the same community. The Rawal has a tenure of 5 years, after which the deputy Rawal becomes the Rawal. The Keralites had trade relations over 2000 years ago with Carthage, Rome ( many Roman coins have been found in Kerala ), Arabs, etc Kerala has produced great artists, mathematicians ( the great mathematician Aryabhatta is said to be from Kerala ), martial arts, handicrafts. enlightened Kings, and sages, etc. Keralites are great travellers, and everywhere in the globe one will find Keralites. There is a joke that when the American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon on 1969 he found a Keralite there offering to sell him tea. There was never any tradition in Kerala against travelling abroad, nor of ritual defilement for crossing the 'kala pani ' as among many communities in North India. Keralites abound in the Middle East. I was invited to Qatar last year by some Keralite Muslims, and found that in Qatar.there are more Keralites than local Arabs. In Dubai too I found numerous Keralites. In Bahrain there are more Keralites than Bahrainis. When I was a University student and lawyer in Allahabad I would often go to the Coffee House. I found that most of the waiters there were Keralites, and I became friends with many of them. In many hospitals in India and abroad the nurses are Keralites. I believe there is no illiteracy in Kerala. Keralites are hard working, modest, and intelligent. They are broad minded, liberal, cosmopolitan and secular in their views ( though no doubt there are a few exceptions ). All Indians must learn from them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and former PM Manmohan Singh and other leaders at the all-party meeting in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: An all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir is underway in the national capital. Political parties are hopeful that a way-out will emerge and peace will return to the Valley, which is on the boil since Hizbul Mujahideen Posterboy Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8. The meet was held right after the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution on the Kashmir situation, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country's integrity and security. In the resolution read out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the House appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. The House "conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the House "is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter by a joint team of the special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and 19 Rashtriya Rifles at Bumdoora village in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8. The all party meet chaired by Modi is likely to stress on a dialogue with all stakeholders including exploring possibilities of opening up of communication channels with the separatist in a bid to contain the ongoing turbulence in the Valley. "Everybody will come, hold discussions and put forward their views. But, the situation in Kashmir is grime, curfew has been imposed for over 30 days, people are defying it and coming out on the streets. Besides, there are attacks on our jawans, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said before attending the meet. The Opposition had been relentlessly attacking Modi for failing to make any statement on the ongoing Kashmir unrest in the Parliament till date. "Prime Minister Modi tweets on events across the world, but he was silent on Kashmir crisis. When something happens in Africa, the Prime Minister tweets about it. But when the Taj of India is burning, the heat is not reaching the central government," Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad had said on Wednesday. The Congress leader had said that an All Party Delegation needs to be formed to be sent to J&K and that it should be announced in the Parliament. On Monday, in the midst of her presidential campaign complete with her claims of "short circuiting" and continued deception regarding the FBI's email probe, the Democratic Party's presidential heir apparent found herself the defendant in a federal court case.On Monday morning, appearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the heartbroken parents of Benghazi victims (Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith) Charles Woods and the outspoken but ignored Pat Smith, filed lawsuit against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Woods and Smith are seeking justice against Clinton for her allegedly causing the death of their sons at the hands of Libyan Islamic terrorists. They are also charging her with defamation as well as intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.Besides her allowing former Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who served as a contract security agent in Libya, and Sean Smith, a foreign service officer with the State Department, to be killed by Islamists, the plaintiff claim Clinton blamed the attack and the killings on a U.S. filmmaker's movie denigrating the Muslim religion and its leader Mohammed. She later denied she told the family members about a film and insinuated they were liars.The lawsuit was filed on their behalf by a well-known lawyer and former Justice Department prosecutor Larry Klayman. The nonpartisan government watchdog is the founder of Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch. (The complaint (Case No. 1:16-CV-01606), can be found at www.freedomwatchusa.org. Upon filing suit, Klayman made a statement to the news media on behalf of the aggrieved parents of the brave men who died for their country in what the survivors call The Battle of Benghazi. "Having used a secret private email server that we now know was used to communicate with Ambassador Christopher Stevens with confidential and classified government information, and which we also now know was likely hacked by hostile adversaries such as Iran, Russia, China and North Korea aligning with terrorist groups, it is clear that Hillary Clinton negligently and recklessly gave up the classified location of the plaintiffs' sons, resulting in a deadly terrorist attack that took their lives," said Klayman.Klayman noted that It's no coincidence that covert State Department/CIA operations were being run out of Benghazi. According to Clinton emails released to the public by Judicial Watch, the CIA station in Benghazi was sending Libyan weapons collected by the CIA from their installation to the so-called rebels in Syra who are fighting against President Bashar al-Assad. Eventually these freedom fighters announced their name" Islamic State of Iraq and Syria."To add insult to deadly injury, Hillary Clinton told the plaintiffs that their sons were killed as the result of a video mocking the Islamic prophet Mohammed when she knew that they were murdered by Muslim terrorists. When the families exposed her lies, she called them liars to protect her reputation and to further her own presidential ambitions. She thus defamed the parents of fallen heroes Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith, as well committed other wrongful acts, as alleged in the complaint.But some observers aren't so sure about the lawsuit. They believe that it's difficult these days to find an honest federal judge who puts integrity ahead of partisanship. Most of the federal judges use legalese to throw out cases, while they allow trivial cases to take up their time on the bench.said former New York police detective Sidney Franes. Hyderabad: Police and Child Welfare Committee authorities have confirmed, as had been first reported in this newspaper, that gangster Nayeemuddin used children and adolescent girls as human shields. Around 18 children nine from Cyberabad and nine from Mahbubnagar who were rescued in the past three days, have been lodged at child welfare homes. However, they havent said anything so far regarding sexual abuse by Nayeemuddin. According to Child Wefare Committee members, there is no evidence that Nayeem was a paedophile, as had been suspected initially. However, cops said that the sexual abuse angle is still being probed. Shamshabad DCP Sunpreet Singh said, We have rescued nine children and adolescent girls from the Alkapuri house of Nayeemuddin. No children or girls were found at his Goa guesthouse. When asked about the sexual abuse angle, Mr Singh said, We are still checking it. Mahbubnagar superintendent of police Rema Rajeswari said, Nine children including girls were rescued from the Millennium Township house where Nayeem was taking shelter. I havent got a chance to talk to the kids yet. Whatever little interaction I had, they barely opened up. I have heard that CWC officials have spoken to them. We have started working on the sexual exploitation angle. The SIT will take it up. Ranga Reddy Child Welfare Committee authorities have recorded the statements of the nine children. RR CWC chairperson Ms V. Padmavati, however, refused to comment on the issue. When contacted, Mahbubnagar Child Welfare Committee chairperson G. Chandrasekhar said, None of these nine kids in Mahbubnagar were employed by Nayeem. There is an infant of 40 days to a 17-year-old girl among those rescued. Out of the nine, only one is a boy. The children are not revealing anything concrete. They are still in shock. They dont know why they are here. Some of them are still crying. They had different relations at different times with Nayeem. We are trying to spend more time with them. When asked about the paedophile angle, Mr Chandraskehar said, We havent been told about any abuse like that so far. They are not tribal girls. They belong to a minority community. They said they all belong to the Bhongir area and had come for some function to the house. Nalgonda SP Prakash Reddy said no children were rescued during raids on the various dens in Nalgonda district. Allahabad: In a snub to the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a CBI inquiry into the Bulandshahr gangrape case observing that it was "not satisfied" with the police investigation so far. The high court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the July 29 incident, also said it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case". A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order a day after the state government submitted a status report on the investigation into the incident in a sealed cover. "We are not satisfied, neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record," the court said and directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims' medical reports and statements of witnesses by the next date of hearing on August 17. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with details of the social background, criminal records and political affiliations - if any - which had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated August 8, which was the first date of hearing on the matter. Significantly, the court had made it clear at the outset that it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case" and not dispose of the matter which is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation, titled "In the matter of rape of mother and daughter at NH 91". The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP. At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. Expressing its anguish over the incident, the court had also sought to know from the state government what steps it was taking to prevent such incidents in future while pointing out that the state was duty-bound to ensure safety and security of those who travel on highways in its territory after paying toll tax. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Karan Singh during an all-party meeting on Kashmir unrest at Parliament in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: At the all-party meeting held in New Delhi on Friday to discuss Kashmir unrest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of Jammu and Kashmir and said that dialogue must be initiated with PoK expatriates around the world. "There cannot be any compromise on national security, but we have to win confidence of the people in Jammu and Kashmir," said Modi at the meeting, which lasted for 4 hours. "We are ready to address the grievances of all sections under the Constitution," the Prime Minister said. The meeting chaired by Modi was called to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir, which is on the boil since Hizbul Mujahideen posterboy Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8. Over 50 people have been killed and more than 5,000 injured in clashes between protestors and security forces. The meeting, which was attended by NDAs ruling ally PDP and opposition parties, also termed cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan as the root cause of turbulence in the valley. In the meeting, the Opposition supported governments attempt to restore peace in the Valley and demanded that immediate confidence building measures be initiated like discontinuation of pellets guns and lifting AFSPA from civilian areas. The Opposition also advised the government to initiate talks with stake holders, including separatists. Read: Start political dialogue with all stakeholders in Kashmir: Sitaram Yechury During the recent protests in the Valley, over 100 people have been blinded by pellets used by security forces to curb protestors. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who spoke first for the Congress, said the Centre must show it is a caring government. Another Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, We will be satisfied only when the ground situation improves and the government takes steps. This is the second time in less than a week Modi has reached out to the people of the state and shown willingness towards dialogue with all stake-holders there. Modi also used the platform to hit out at Pakistan for its screwed human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Balochistan and said it will have to answer to international community for the atrocities it was committing there. Sharing the main points of his government's Kashmir policy, Modi asked the External Affairs Ministry to try to contact citizens of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, living in different parts of the world, to get details of the area's pitiable condition and share them with the international community. The government's efforts include reaching out to the civil society and speed up measures to integrate Kashmir's youth with the state's economic activities. Seeking support of all political parties, the Prime Minister said, "When terrorism is on the rise across the world and when we are encircled by terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country, then we will have to be united in this fight. The government expects constructive support from all opposition parties on this." "I have complete confidence that with the dedication of the state government and with your total cooperation we will soon restore normal life in Jammu and Kashmir again," he said as he praised Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's government for its "careful handling" of the issue despite odds. Like every Indian, he also felt "deep pain" over the events in the state, he said, adding it was painful that students were unable to study, apples produced in large quantity in the valley were not reaching markets and government offices were unable to carry out public welfare works. "Whoever be killed, whether civilians or security forces, we all feel the pain. I have full sympathies with their families. We are committed to providing good health care to the injured and also towards restoring peace in the valley so that people could live their normal lives..." he said in his concluding remarks. Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee again, he said his government would follow the path shown by him, a reference to the former Prime Minister's offer to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. Noting that Kashmiris of different religions are living in various states, the Prime Minister said the governments there should reach out to them and ensure that they share with their relatives and acquaintances back home the stories of progress and development in those areas. After the meeting, Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced a development package of over Rs 80,000 crore for overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people. On Oppositions demands, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that security implications of banning pellet guns will be considered and decision will be taken after expert committee evaluation. Jaitley further said that security forces have been asked to maintain utmost restraint. However, no decision has been taken on all-party delegation to Jammu and Kashmir as of now. On talks with separatists and Hurriyat, Jaitley said decision on talks to be evaluated by government according to the prevailing situation. There will be no lowering of guard as far as security is concerned. Terrorism and violence to be dealt with effectively, says Jaitley. The meet was held right after the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution on the Kashmir situation, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country's integrity and security. In the resolution read out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the House appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. The House "conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the House "is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. The Opposition had been relentlessly attacking Modi for failing to make any statement on the ongoing Kashmir unrest in the Parliament till date. "Prime Minister Modi tweets on events across the world, but he was silent on Kashmir crisis. When something happens in Africa, the Prime Minister tweets about it. But when the Taj of India is burning, the heat is not reaching the central government," Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad had said on Wednesday. Eight CCTV cameras have been set up in and around the entrances of the Chennai International Airport to monitor movement of people and vehicles. (Representational Image) Chennai: Security has been beefed up at the airport ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with police taking various measures, including installation of CCTV cameras at the main entrances. In addition to the measures announced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), such as a five-layer security and ban on visitor's entry, police on Friday said powerful focus lights would be installed at the main entrances on the outer periphery of the airport. Eight CCTV cameras have been set up in and around the entrances to monitor movement of people and vehicles. Also, 50 police personnel in plain clothes would keep vigil on the national highway outside the airport and the main entrances, they said. The AAI has announced that armed CISF personnel would be on round-the-lock patrol in the airport complex. Visitors' entry has been banned at the international terminal till August 20. Priests immerse idols in River Krishna to mark the start of the 12-day Krishna Pushkaralu in Alampur of Mahbubnagar district on Friday. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, along with his wife K. Shobha and other family members, ministers and officials took a holy dip in the river on the occasion. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday slammed rulers of undivided AP, accusing them of wanton neglect of Telangana temples and Pushkaralu. He promised to take up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Archaeological Survey of India the development of the 7th Century Sri Jogulamba Balabrahmeshwara Swamy temple, fifth of the 18 Shaktipeethas in the country in Alampur of Mahbubnagar district, 200 km from here. I am lucky to be here to take a holy dip and have darshan of Jogulamba. Of the 18 Shaktipeethas, Jogulamba takes panchama sthanam (5th place) in the country. Most people are unaware of this. And the reason is Andhra rulers, he said. In undivided AP, the rulers did not treat our Gods as Gods, our rivers as rivers. They never organised Krishna pushkaralu in Alampur despite being a Shaktipeetha, Mr Rao said. Stating that the government was reviving Telangana traditions and culture, he said that the state successfully organised Godavari pushkaralu. Mr Rao, along with wife Shobha and other family members, took a holy dip at Gondimalla Pushkara Ghat at Alampur of Mahbubnagar district at 5.58 am on the first of the 12-day Krishna pushkaralu. They had darshan of presiding deity Jogulamba and other deities. On the request of MLA S.A. Sampath, Mr Rao promised to take up development of temple and the backward Alampur Assembly constituency after puskaralu. During T-movement and when RDS issue cropped up, I undertook padayatra from Jogulamba temple to Gadwal. Thanks to Ammavaru, Telangana has been achieved. We will provide irrigation to 87,500 acres under RDS, he said. Mr Rao announced establishment of a 100-bed hospital at Alampur so that people would not have to go to Kurnool. State Bank group says it is trying to identify loans given to homes in the areas that have been targeted by the BBMPs bulldozers. Bengaluru: With the BBMP being on a mission demolition, over 1,940 properties are set to bite the dust in the city. Besides property owners, who have paid a heavy price for encroaching on lakes and storm water drains, several banks, which have advanced loans for these homes, are now gripped by uncertainty as recovery could prove difficult. A top executive of the State Bank group says it is trying to identify loans given to homes in the areas that have been targeted by the BBMPs bulldozers. We have a set of legal advisors, who scrutinise the papers and check the financial credentials of the applicants through Cibil before we sanction the loans. We are very particular about the A khatha as we dont give loans for B khatha (revenue) sites. Bengaluru being a difficult market with 75 per cent of the properties having no marketable legal papers, we go by the legal counsels, who take the A Khata as the deciding factor. But to our utter shock we have now learnt that A khathas have been issued for illegal properties as well, he said, revealing that the bank had now decided to go slow on loan applications in new zones irrespective of the type of khathas the applicants produced. While legal experts say most banks make sure loan applicants sign carefully drafted agreements covering situations such as the one now faced by several property owners in the city, they acknowledge they could end up losing all the money loaned should the borrower declare bankruptcy in these circumstances. Even if the building is demolished the borrower has to pay back the loan taken from the bank. There is no escaping this. But in the eventuality of the applicant going bankrupt, the bank will have no means to recover the money as the site, which is taken as collateral, is itself now declared illegal, explained Mr Selvakumar, a leading advocate, who is on the legal empanelment of 21 banks in the city. The worst is yet to come, in his view, as the real estate sector has taken a beating in Bengaluru, especially after the order of the National Green Tribunal(NGT) on buffer zones. With the Koliwad committee also looking into lake encroachments, next on the list of evictions could be IT parks, malls and massive apartment complexes. Thousands of crorers of rupees have been pumped into these projects through capital investments and loans. I know of a mall in Whitefield , which took Rs 400 crore to build. A large portion of the money came from a bank loan. Though the mall has been completed, the BBMP has refused to give it an Occupancy Certificate as it does not satisfy the buffer zone criteria set by the NGT. . The investor is therefore running out of money merely by paying the interest on the loan, as he hasnt been able to lease out the shops, he said. As for the NGT order, he says there is a lot to be explained still. Does it apply with retrospective effect or from the date of the order? Does the 75 meter buffer zone apply to all lakes irrespective of their size? Will the government demolish thousands of buildings that have come up on lake beds, which were converted into layouts by its own agency, the BDA? There is so much lack of clarity on all this . Its a mess, he regretted, warning, from the banks and realty perspective there could be a bloodbath in the near future and ultimately it will be the home buyers who will bear the brunt. Rehabilitate demolition hit: SHRC The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) registrar has shot off a letter to state chief secretary to provide food and accommodation to the distressed citizens, who have lost houses during a demolition drive by the BBMP to clear encroachments. Following a complaint by T. Narasimhamurthy, the SHRC has directed the state government to rehabilitate and make basic amenities to them, instead of abruptly throwing them to the streets. This is the duty of the state or local self government, the letter stated. While the entire city was celebrating Varamahalakshmi festival, the mood was somber at Doddabommasandra, Kasavanahalli and Avani Sringerinagar where BBMP had carried out demolitions. Those who are set to lose the houses avoided any festivities. BBMP has stopped demolition drive until Monday owing to government holidays. Sleuths said the legal aspects relating to the filing of charges against students and parents are also being pursued. (Representational image) Hyderabad: As the CID probe into Eamcet-2 question paper leak scam coursed itself into the fourth week, the number of arrests of main suspects has reached 13. Kingpin Iqbal and a few brokers are still evading arrest but officials say they are into the final stage of the investigations. We are on the trail of the absconding men and their arrest is just a matter of time, after which the investigation report will be prepared, said a senior CID official. Sleuths said the legal aspects relating to the filing of charges against students and parents are also being pursued. So far, over 200 students and most of the rank-holders have been quizzed. The list of these students will be finalised once the absconding brokers are also arrested, said an official. The investigation revealed that the gang operated in a hierarchical manner at three levels of local agents, brokers and kingpins. The men at the top level stole the question papers from a press in Delhi. They then made deals with the brokers, who were mostly educational consultants, to get students with money. The brokers directly contacted many students and took help from local agents to get papers across to the needy students and parents. Due to the complicated structure of cash transactions and gang structure, the CID is yet to confirm how much money was involved in the scam. But sources say it will run into dozens of crores. The state police DGP ordered a probe into the scam on July 20 following a tip-off. When the arrests and confessions confirmed the leak, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao directed on August 2 the cancellation of Eamcet-2 and issued a new date for re-examination. Only the Eamcet-2 candidates can participate in the re-exam, which will be conducted on September 11. Islamabad: Pakistans top diplomat Sartaj Aziz said on Friday that Islamabad would soon write to New Delhi for talks on Kashmir. Addressing a news conference here, Mr Aziz Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs said foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry will send a letter to his Indian counterpart Indian S. Jaishankar for dialogue over the Kashmir dispute. Sartaj Aziz said under the decisions made during this months Envoys Conference in Islamabad, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry would formally be writing to his Indian counterpart for a dialogue on Kashmir. The Advisor said the Envoys Conference had deliberated for three days on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan and to make recommendations which were then presented to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on August 3. Sharifs government wanted to resolve the Kashmir issue, he added. He said the envoys held in-depth discussions on the global and regional issues and agreed that the key elements of the foreign policy of Pakistan were pointing in the correct direction. The advisor said the envoys noted that in the face of phenomenal changes on the global scene, new alignments were taking shape. Hyderabad: The Telangana state government will bring in a special Act to provide 12 per cent quota for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes in education and employment. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said a special session of the Legislature would be convened for the purpose. Mr Rao was speaking after the commissions of inquiry constituted by the state government in March 2015 to look into the issue of increasing reservations to Muslims and STs to 12 per cent submitted their report. The Chief Minister said the government would pass a law along the lines of the one in Tamil Nadu to provide legal protection to 12 per cent quota since the overall quota in the Telangana state would surpass the 50 per cent limit prescribed by the Supreme Court once this was done. Panels find communities lagging behind Mr Rao expressed confidence that the quota increase would pass legal scrutiny since there was a Constitutional provision to give reservations in proportion to the ratio of population. Both the commissions are learnt to have stressed on the urgent need to increase the quota since their studies have found that these communities are lagging way behind other castes in jobs and education. These reports are expected to be approved in the Cabinet meeting likely to be held next week, following which a special Act will be passed in the Assembly session likely in the last week of August or first week of September. At present, Muslims have 4 per cent quota under the BC-E category and STs have 6 per cent quota. The overall quota of 50 per cent in the state will increase to 64 per cent once the Act is passed. The Tamil Nadu government had brought the special Act to enable it to implement 69 per cent reservations two decades ago. The 76th amendment to the Constitution brought the TN reservation law into the 9th Schedule of Constitution, to protect it from judicial scrutiny. However, the TN law too is before the Supreme Court and a final verdict is awaited. The TRS had promised to provide the 12 per cent quota in its 2014 election manifesto and after coming to power in June 2014, the CM had set up two commissions, in March 2015, to prepare a comprehensive report on social, educational and economic status of Muslims in the state and give their recommendations on increasing reservations. Retired IAS officers G. Sudhir and S. Chellappa headed the respective commissions on Muslims and STs. While the commissions were supposed to give their reports within six months, it was extended by an year to enable them to tour all the districts extensively, conduct public hearings to assess the socio-economic and educational condition of these sections. Hyderabad: Congress MP and chairman of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Rajya Sabha) T. Subbarami Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting sufficient funds for the Polavaram project and also the construction of Amaravati. Dr Subbarami Reddy has also requested for grants and special benefits for Rayalaseema and three other backward districts of AP on the lines of Koraput- Bolangir-Kalahandi of Odisha and Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh. In his letter, Dr Subbarami Reddy stated that under Section 90(1) of the AP Reorganisation Act, the Polavaram project had been declared a national project to compensate for the loss incurred by AP to some extent due to bifurcation. He said under Section 90(2) of the Act, the Central government was mandated to take under its control the regulation and development of the Polavaram project. He pointed out that as on date the project cost was about Rs 16,000 crore and if it was to be completed in time, Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore had to be provided by the Union government every year in the Budget. However, Dr Subbarami Reddy said that only Rs 850 crore had been disbursed by the Centre till June 2016 whereas the state government had already spent Rs 1,804 crore. He brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that the water resources minister had also made a request to the Union finance minister to provide Rs 3,035 crore in the supplementary Budget for the current financial year. Dr Subbarami Reddy added that under Section 46 (3) of the AP Reorganisation Act, the Central government was supposed to give grants and also ensure adequate benefits and incentives in the form of special development packages to backward districts of AP on the lines of Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi and Bundelkhand region. But till today the Centre had not issued any order or direction for providing benefits and incentives. He said Section 94(3) of the Act also stipulated that the Centre shall give financial support for the creation of essential facilities in the new capital of AP at Amaravati. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange implied in an interview that a murdered Democratic National Committee staffer was the source of a trove of damaging emails the rogue website posted just days before the party's convention.Speaking to Dutch television program Nieuswsuur Tuesday after earlier announcing a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Seth Rich's killer, Assange said the July 11 murder of Rich in Northwest Washington was an example of the risk leakers undertake.The 27-year-old man who worked for the Democratic National Committee was shot and killed as he walked home in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C., police and his family said.Seth Conrad Rich died after he was shot multiple times three blocks east of Howard University Hospital, said members of the Metropolitan Police Department on Sunday, July 11.The victim's mother, Mary Rich, said police told her family her son may have been the victim of an attempted robbery.DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued a statement on Monday mourning the death of Rich, who worked as voter expansion data director."Our hearts are broken with the loss of one of our DNC family members over the weekend. Seth Rich was a dedicated, selfless public servant who worked tirelessly to protect the most sacred right we share as Americans - the right to vote," she said. "He saw the great potential of our nation and believed that, together, we can make the world a better place," said Wasserman Schultz, who is having political problems of her own thanks to a Wikileaks document dump.Meanwhile, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton spoke about Rich:she said.Clinton added, even though police didn't identify the weapon in the few news reports on the killing.said police forensic expert Saul Levinson.He was talking on the phone with his girlfriend when she heard noise on Rich's end of the line, Mary Rich said. Her son told his girlfriend not to worry about it.she said.said LevinsonMary Rich said during a press briefing.Rich lived in the neighborhood, Acting Capt. Anthony Haythe of the Metropolitan Police Department's homicide branch said at a news conference Monday morning.police said.When police arrived on Flagler Place, they found Rich suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Police have no witnesses and are searching the area for surveillance video footage, Haythe said. The acting captain said he could not comment on whether the killing was related to recent robberies in the area.Rich worked for the Democratic National Committee, his father said. He graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and previously worked on Democrats' campaigns, for the U.S. Census Bureau and as a boating instructor at a summer camp, according to his LinkedIn page.Rich wrote on the page. Seth Conrad Rich was the Voter Expansion Data Director at the DNC and had been working on exposing the recent cases of election fraud and voter suppression during the recent primaries around the country, according to his LinkedIn.com listing. Some Internet web sites that cover politics have said Rich was a whistleblower who discovered irregularities in Democratic Party voting patterns. New Delhi: The British High Commission in New Delhi refused to comment, with top British diplomatic sources saying they cant comment on individual visas. The Union ministry of external affairs did not respond. Even external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who responds to tweets promptly, was silent. The development comes even as British Cabinet Minister Priti Patel, the UK's International Development Secretary of State in new British PM Theresa May's Cabinet, is in New Delhi and scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. It is unclear whether India will raise the matter with Britain on Saturday at the highest levels of government. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A meeting convened by ADGP South zone B. Sandhya here on Thursday decided to make advance arrangements for the Sabarimala pilgrimage by assessing the estimated flow of pilgrims from various regions. It was also decided to strengthen the community policing activities at the hill shrine. We are planning to make an advanced assessment of the pilgrim flow likely from various parts of the state as well as from other states. Based on such an assessment, the available police force could be deployed more effectively, said Ms Sandhya. Community policing activities like distribution of medicated water would be enhanced during the upcoming season, she said. Ms. Sandhya, who recently took over as the south zone ADGP, also reviewed the security arrangements during the previous years. She said that the virtual queue system would be retained as it had been found to be very effective in crowd management at the hill shrine. IG Thiruvananthapuram-range Manoj Abraham and district police chiefs of southern districts were present at the meeting. Imphal: After breaking her 16-year-old hunger strike against AFSPA, civil rights activist Irom Sharmila has been asked by doctors to continue staying in the hospital for a few more days. "Her health is fine now but there is no precedence in medical history of how someone's body would react if he or she starts eating after a break of 16 years. So she needs to be under medical supervision," doctors at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital said. It was at this hospital where the 'Iron Lady' of Manipur was kept under police detention and forcibly nose-fed till she broke the world's longest-running fast on August 9. Doctors said the 44-year-old, who broke the hunger strike with a dab of honey, is now gradually taking semi-solid food like oats besides boiled rice and milk shakes and juices. "Her body is responding well so far. But we have to be very slow because her digestive system, which was inactive so far for absorbing solid food, will not be able to immediately start accepting all kinds of food," they said. A team of doctors from different specialities like gastroenteritis and gynaecology are monitoring her health. Sharmila's brother Singhajit said she will stay at the hospital till her health condition improves in the next few days. Babloo Loitangbam, one of her associates, said the day Sharmila broke her fast some locals were very angry at her sudden decision. "There was a meeting yesterday with the women activists of Sharmila Kanba Lup where she explained that she has chosen to take a different path but her goal remains the same repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). Things were then sorted out," he said. They have advised Sharmila to start a process of reintegration with the society as she has been living in isolation from the rest of the world for the last 16 years. "She needs a reality check. The world is not the same as it used to be when she began her fast. Now she needs to first start meeting people and see the present day Manipur," Loitangbam said. Ballari: While the government is still trying to persuade people in villages to build toilets, way back in the 14th century, kings of the Vijayanagara empire had palaces with sophisticated latrines linked to covered drains. The toilets have been found in the ruins of a palace that is believed to have belonged to Harihara Raya II (1377-1404 CE), the third king of the Vijayanagara empire, who hailed from the Sangama dynasty. Harihararaya II , also known as Vira Harihara II, ruled in the latter part of the 14th century. The palace is a part of the royal enclosure, which forms the nucleus of the Hampi ruins and is spread over 59,000 sq.mts. The enclosure is believed to have once housed over 45 buildings used by the royal family, say officers of the Archeological Survey of India, Hampi mini circle. It appears that architects of Vijaynagara empire were aware of sanitary engineering as there are private latrines with connected drains, private and public baths, and drinking water supplying aquaducts in the ancient city of Vijayanagar, they said. The ASI now plans to restore the ruins of the palaces of Krishnadevaraya and Vira Harihara, including their private latrines and public baths, the residential quarters of their ministers, the royal treasury, the Hajara Rama temple and an exclusive temple of the royal family discovered during the excavation work undertaken 15 years ago under the Hampi Project, going by the officers. Though not much is known about the superstructure of the palace, it is believed that the palace architecture made extensive use of wood and other perishable material. He said that truth is beauty And the other way round. But reading his verse constantly I have naggingly found That one from the earthly trinity Is surely and sadly missing Though Keats, like most of humanity Wasnt averse to kissing, Yes truth fits beauty A hand in a glove But isnt there a third? The Wing of a Dove? From Khali Pilli Bom by Bachchoo On Tuesday last in a Glasgow court, Tanveer Ahmed was convicted to a life sentence of 27 years for the murder of one Asad Shah in April this year. Tanveer Ahmed is a taxi driver who lives in Bradford, two to three hundred miles away from Glasgow. He travelled to Glasgow searching for Shah who ran a grocery and general store, confronted him and stabbed him to death. Ahmed was unrepentant when arrested and at his trial. He said he had punished a blasphemer in the name of Islam. He didnt know his victim but had picked up some Facebook and other Internet tosh which Asad Shah had posted and said he was incensed by the postings and motivated to punish what he regarded as the sin of blasphemy. Asad Shah, the alleged blasphemer, was from the Ahmadia sect of Islam and over the last Christmas had posted Facebook entries greeting all his Christian friends and clients. Shah also posted a curious entry saying he had had a dream that he was a prophet. At the trial both, his greeting to his Christian friends at Christmas and the brief description of his dream, were quoted as evidence of blasphemy and the provocation to murder. Shah was a very popular figure in the community and literally hundreds of people, Muslims, Christians and others turned out at his funeral and demonstrated against the murderer outside and in the court where the trial was taking place. Shahs family stayed away from the court for fear of reprisals from the murderers handful of supporters, who proclaimed to the press and to TV cameras that they supported Ahmed in stabbing Shah. These people even chanted Islamist slogans in court. As the case progressed Ahmeds supporters in Brad-ford were interviewed on TV and said that Ahmed was an admirer of a Pakistani murderer called Mumtaz Qadri who was hanged for the 2011 shooting of Salman Taseer the governor of Pakistans Punjab province. Taseer, father of my friend Aatish and schoolmate of another friend Tariq Ali (in the chummy world of power in Pakistan!) had supported a Christian woman who was accused by her neighbours of blasphemy. Taseer publicly asserted that Pakistans blasphemy laws were used to persecute minorities for random reasons. Qadri, who was a policeman on security duty to protect Taseer, murdered him instead . Throughout history there are instances of this alleged crime of blasphemy being used as a weapon in a battle for political allegiance and factional struggle for power. In the 15th century, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for blasphemy, the Bishop of Beauvais having declared her a heretic. The stated motive for her execution was her heretical claim to have spoken with saints who passed on to her messages from God. This may have gone against the beliefs and conscience of the good Bishop, but her execution was a political act by the English enemies of Charles VII of France whom she supported. So also, during the late Tudor tussle between the Catholics and the Protestant followers of Henry VIII (Jihadi Henry the wife-beheader) when both sides, having gained power, executed the theological leaders of the opposition, such as Thomas More, to prevent them gaining a threatening following. In the late 15th century in Italy, Savonarola was burnt at the stake by the soldiers of the Medici and the then Pope Alexander for blasphemy and heresy following a long political struggle between his followers and theirs. In all the monotheistic religions, this concept of blasphemy and heresy, the insult to prophets and God, and the contradiction of eschatological beliefs, is used as the motive for executions. In the Sassanian period of Zoroastrianism in Iran, two significant heresies arose, gathered a following, challenged the power of the ruling priestly class and threatened to develop into revolutions. The perpetrators of these heresies, Mani and Mazdak, both of them claiming to be priests, were executed for heresy. Blasphemy is the verbal avatar of heresy. In the Western world, the laws of blasphemy have been abolished or relaxed. No one will be burnt at the stake, lashed or jailed for any statement against a prophet or any belief that the Pope or the Archbishops may consider contrary to biblical orthodoxy. The blasphemy laws came into direct conflict with the ideals of freedom of thought and freedom of speech and the latter won. I have no doubt that the murderers Ahmed and Mumtaz Qadri, whom he admired, were acting out of some deep disturbance of their religious conscience. And yet this conscience and their subsequent violent acts are consistent with supporting a now-global orthodoxy against a manifestation of contemporary liberal belief. In the case of Qadri, his assassination of Taseer is one bloody episode in the war for the soul of Pakistan; the war in which the first shot on the other side was fired by Muhammad Ali Jinnah when he declared you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed In the case of Ahmed, since the British state has no interest in prosecuting Shah or anyone else for statements on Facebook, he decided to take what he thinks of the law into his own hands. One can say he acted out of conscience but I would rather say he acted as a perpetrator of a globalised faction which feels God has licenced them to kill those who dont share their medieval convictions. Ive learnt much more during my four years in jail than in my whole lifetime, confessed Surinder Khanna to me during one of my visits to Tihar Jail, Delhi. During seven years when I weekly visited Tihar inmates to do a spot of teaching and counselling, I always felt that I learned so much befriending prisoners like Surinder and scores of others. Thereafter, Id often ask myself: What really is a prison? And, who truly is free? This weekend Christians celebrate Prison Ministry Sunday and Monday is Independence Day. Christian involvement with prisoners originates in the life and teachings of Jesus who proclaimed: Gods spirit is upon me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor and to set prisoners free. Moreover, he promised that those who visited prisoners would inherit the heavenly reward. The Bible tells of some prisoners who were unjustly jailed for their stand against evil, injustice, falsehood and unrighteousness: Joseph, Daniel, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul and others. Jesus himself was held captive on the night before his crucifixion. Though these were physically held captive, their inner spirits were supremely free to confront their captors and critique crimes of their times. Although one is not imprisoned, one might feel fettered on account of being enslaved by bad habits or sin. Guilty of murder and adultery, King David prayed, God, set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. By thinking that one is free when one compulsively acts according to ones whims and fancies, one ironically imprisons oneself since bad habits and evil inclinations steadily stifle ones freedom. The whole world is a prisoner to sin, writes Paul. Though this statement paints a rather pessimistic view of our world, deep reflection will make us aware that there are so many snares and prisons that entrap us. For example, there are the prisons of the past when one nostalgically looks back to some golden era of ones life and yearns to replicate it in the present. Or, prisons of the future can make us daydream about some illusory pie-in-the-sky while the here-and-now is wasted. True freedom lies in living in right relationship with God, others, and the whole cosmos, here-and-now. In jail Id often meet prisoners whom I least expected locked in Tihar: statesmen, doctors, professors, distinguished officials of the armed forces, religionists and scientists. Many swore that they were innocent, others confessed to crimes they could have avoided. Who are we to judge and condemn? Finally, the Bible also speaks of God as judge and jailor. So be it. As we prepare for Independence Day lets treasure our freedoms and pledge to shatter our own prisons and set prisoners free. According to paleontologist, Sebastian Apesteguia, this is the largest footprint found as compared to the earlier meat-eating dinosaur, measuring around 110 cm, in New Mexico. Scientists have recently discovered one of the biggest footprints from a dinosaur in Bolivia, South America. This footprint is one of the biggest prints from a carnivorous dinosaur discovered till date, worldwide. Reported by the CNN, this is the largest footprint found as compared to the earlier meat-eating dinosaur, measuring around 110 cm, in New Mexico, according to paleontologist Sebastian Apesteguia. A tour guide stumbled upon the foot print while trekking through the Maragua Crater Apesteguia told the CNN that Grover Marquina, a tour guide, stumbled upon the fossilized footprint on July 19, when he was trekking through the Maragua Crater around 65km from the capital Sucre. The footprint exceeds 115cm. He added that the dinosaur footprints usually range between 85cm to 100cm. The indentation of the foot print exceeds 115 centimeters and is nearly 4 feet wide. A scientist based out of Argentina, Apesteguia explains that the footprint is likely to belong to a large dinosaur species, possibly a part of the Abelisaurus genus, which were two-legged beasts and lived around 70 million years ago. These creatures feature a powerful jaw, a 40-foot stature and stunted arms. The newly discovered footprint has set a new record for its size and also challenges the former belief about prehistoric creatures that existed in South America during the age of the dinosaurs. The newly discovered foot print has set a record for its size. Finding similar dinosaur prints in the region is fairly common, Apesteguia said. Fossilized footprints dating back to the early Cretaceous period have been unearthed across Bolivia, and smaller ones have been spotted in Chile, Brazil and Argentina as well, reported the CNN. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Google Fiber is Alphabet Inc.'s fiber-to-the-premises service in the United States, providing broadband Internet and cable television to a small and slowly increasing number of locations. In an effort to explore new technology for delivering fast internet conveniently, Google Fiber is conducting a set of experimental trials in major US states including California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia among others. "We are working to test the viability of a wireless network that relies on newly available spectrum," a Google spokesman told Business Insider. "The project is in early stages today, but we hope this technology can one day help deliver more abundant Internet access to customers." While, the FCC filing does not reveal how exactly Google will be making use of technology to give birth to their ambitious wireless concept; we can certainly take a judgment on the essential requirements for the same. First off, Google will need to make use of a much higher spectrum - something that would need frequencies between 3.3 and 3.8GHz. They would also need a running fiber-optic cable to individual houses. If this program were to be approved and well-functioning, it would mark another step towards a fast-speed, wireless future. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Google Now will soon receive a new update, likely to be called Explore Interests. Google could soon release a new feature for its personal assistant software, known as Google Now. Introduced in the year 2012 for the Android platform, the software offers various functions, including real-time daily requests, communicating pre-set reminders and also a complete active response to the user requests. Reported by Android Police, the feature is likely to be called as Explore Interests, which will allow users to choose accordingly (as per their interests), based on which theyll receive regular feeds. According to the reports, the interests have been categorised as the following: Sports, Movies, TV, Musicians, People and Stocks. In a statement to TechCrunch, a news website, Google confirmed that the feature is still at a testing stage. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Based on the information received, police believed an attack was possible "within the following 72 hours" in an "urban center," Cabana said. (Representational Photo) Ottawa: A Canadian man who had pledged allegiance to the ISIS group in a video was shot dead in a taxi after setting off an explosive device, police said Thursday. Aaron Driver, 24, was killed on Wednesday after a tip to Canadian authorities from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who had intercepted the video, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told a press conference. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana said that early Wednesday they had received information from the FBI, including "a martyr video that had been prepared by an individual who at that time was unknown to us but who was clearly in the final stages of preparing an attack using homemade bombs." Based on the information received, police believed an attack was possible "within the following 72 hours" in an "urban center," Cabana said. Police and counter-terrorism experts quickly identified the man in the video as driver. Meanwhile, Toronto's transit system was alerted about a "credible terrorist threat," and security was beefed up along its network of subways, bus lines and street cars used by 1.8 million people a day. The RCMP said they intercepted driver in Strathroy, Ontario, about 220 kilometers (135 miles) southwest of Toronto, outside the home where he lived with his sister, at about 4:30 pm local time Wednesday. He had just gotten into the back seat of a taxi that had just arrived. When police approached, driver detonated an explosive device in the back seat of the cab, causing minor injuries to the driver, before he was shot dead by officers, authorities said. "If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there the scenario would have ended differently, I'm confident of that," commented RCMP commander Jennifer Strachan. She said the incident could have resulted in "significantly greater loss of life." Driver first come to the attention of authorities in June 2015. He had been arrested and released under court supervision after police received complaints of extremist posts on social media. He was ordered to undergo counseling from a religious leader, wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and stay off the internet, but was not be surveilled, police said. Those restrictions were gradually loosened and were scheduled to expire this month. In interviews with Canadian media that year, he appeared to support two separate lone wolf attacks by suspected jihadists in October 2014 in rural Quebec and Ottawa. Two soldiers died in those attacks. He also expressed a desire to travel abroad to join the ISIS group. In a video released by the RCMP, driver said: "You have a heavy debt which has to be paid and you have Muslim blood on your hands, and for this we will have your blood." The RCMP also revealed that driver had been in regular contact with several jihadists around the world. They included a British youth arrested for his involvement in a terror plot targeting Australia, two members of the ISIS group, and Elton Simpson -- one of two Americans who launched an attack on a Texas exhibition of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed last year. Donald Trump's Temperament to be Commander-in-Chief Does Donald J. Trump truly have the temperament to be President of these States United? Possibly not so much to some people's elitist tastes, however, I proffer another series of questions: Is Donald J. Trump a pathological liar? Does he sell access to America's power, for personal gain, to misogynistic, bigoted, racist regimes? Has Donald J, Trump ever destroyed the public record (obstruction of Justice), a public record improperly and illegally maintained to evade detection for felonious activities against his nation for personal gain? Did Donald J. Trump ever leave over 30 Americans, poorly defended by his intent, to die in a foreign nation, so that his secrets would die with them? Once again, is Donald J. Trump a pathological liar? Does Donald J. Trump promise to sell an extra-eased path to citizenship to illegal aliens, to suck on the public teat (that some of you actually pay for) of the welfare and Education Industries, providing that they vote Republican? Does Donald J. Trump promote a failed Socialized medicine plan built on a continuum on Obama lies, and pledges to continue it? Does Donald J. Trump promise to add more partisan Democrat justices to the Supreme Court to hasten the deaths of more fetuses, allow Democrat presidents to usurp the originally prescribed power of congress, and basically do the bidding of Liberals with no true intellectual consideration as to the Constitution's original intent? Is Donald J. Trump a proved traitor? There is a math to this issue of running for president: If you have ever considered yourself a Republican or an Independent and you sit out this election, or vote for someone who has no chance to win, you have then cast a one half vote for Lying Hillary Clinton, a proved traitor. There is a simple math to this whole equation of the suitability or temperament of Donald J. Trump, and I don't make the rules here. Math is a pure science and it stands on its own. I don't like Trump as my first choice, far from it; however, I don't like Jeb Bush, Lindsey Graham, and don't much care for Mitt Romney right now, or even John McCain ever. Yet, I voted for John McCain in 2008, I voted for Mitt Romney in 2012, and I would have vote for Jeb or Lindsay now, Mitt and John again should they be the nominee. Why? I understand the math, and I am a patriot. It is that simple. It is also true that our nation may not survive another presidency of a lying, corrupt Socialist of limited intelligence and honest experience. Trump appeared to be mimicking the argument that the US troop withdrawal from Iraq under Obama, with Clinton serving as secretary of state, created a vacuum that allowed the Islamic State group to emerge and flourish in Iraq and Syria. (Photo: AP) Washington: Donald Trump backtracked on Friday from his assertion that President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton founded the Islamic State group, saying he was just being sarcastic. As he often does, the Republican presidential nominee accused the news media of misconstruing something he said. In this case he targeted CNN, although his comments on the jihadist group and the president were picked up across the news spectrum. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?," Trump wrote in a tweet. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 Trump first made the accusation Wednesday at a rally in Florida, and repeated it in interviews Thursday. He appeared to be mimicking the argument that the US troop withdrawal from Iraq under Obama, with Clinton serving as secretary of state, created a vacuum that allowed the Islamic State group to emerge and flourish in Iraq and Syria. But Trump did not explain fully what he meant. He also said he considered Clinton, his Democratic rival for the presidency, to be the co-founder of the Islamic State group. The Clinton team responded Thursday by calling the assertion outlandish. "Anyone willing to sink so low, so often should never be allowed to serve as our commander-in-chief," Clinton wrote in a tweet. And the Democratic National Committee on called on the real estate mogul to "apologize for his outrageous, unhinged and patently false suggestions." Trump tends to stand pat by his often freewheeling accusations and assertions. However last week he did acknowledge an error, which was very rare for him. Trump acknowledged August 5 he was wrong in claiming to have seen secret Iranian footage of $400 million in cash being delivered to Tehran as payment for the release of US prisoners. Trump raised eyebrows when he made that claim and gave many details of what he said he saw in the film. But that widely viewed footage is believed instead to show the moment in January when three of five American prisoners freed by Iran get off a plane in Geneva. In a tweet last Friday, Trump said this is indeed what he saw. Washington: The US Department of State on Friday apologised to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan following his detention at the US immigration at Los Angeles airport and offered a clarification, saying that even 'American diplomats' were pulled over security issues. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, US Department of State said in a tweet. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma also posted an apology on Twitter. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," Verma wrote on Twitter. The actor replied to his apology, saying, "No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern". Khan had tweeted his displeasure earlier saying that it "sucked" to be detained at the US immigration every time. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," he said. Read: 'Every damn time' tweets fuming SRK as authorities detain him at US airport However, Former Indian Foreign Secretary, Ambassador to the U.S Nirupama Rao came out in support of the security measure at LA Airport saying that one cannot question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. "The US post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt," she said in a series of tweets. Meanwhile, former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain Haqqani has called for updated equipment for Customs and Border Protection officers so that such incidents can be avoided. "Time to give @cbp officers better computers and advise them to check on individuals with other branches of US govt," he tweeted. This is, however, not the first time that SRK has been detained at a US airport. The same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he went there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list. 'Will cut off your heads. Do you understand me? All of you,' the caller was heard saying. (Representational Image/AP) Watauga, Texas: Amid increasing hate crimes and lone wolf attacks, a popular mosque in US has been receiving threats on voice mail and its answering machine from an unknown caller. The messages were often ignored and deleted by Watauga Masjid authorities, however, in the last message the caller introduced himself as Christian army veteran and threatened to cut off the heads of Muslims, calling their faith as 'violent religion'. According to a report in The Washington Post, while threatening the mosque, the caller claimed that Muslims were trying to import their Islamic Sharia law to the US. 'Will cut off your heads. Do you understand me? All of you,' the caller was heard saying. Simon Vincent, in charge of the mosque's security, contacted the law enforcement authorities and handed over the video recording to them. "We are fed up with such activities. Even during Ramadan, we encountered an incident when someone tried to shine a laser sight at the mosque from his rifle," said Vincent. Authorities said that they are investigating the matter and trying to establish the caller's identity. The Watauga Masjid has been provided with additional security since the last threat. Frequent mosque visitors said that they did not believe that the potential attacker was a Christian. "Christians don't do this. This is a form of terrorism," a visitor was quoted as saying. US has witnessed an increase in hate crimes, especially against Muslims and Sikhs in the recent times. Moreover, US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump had called for a complete shutdown on Muslims entering the United States until the country's representatives figured out what was going on. Kabul: Afghanistan's chief executive has castigated his ally Ashraf Ghani as "unfit for the presidency", in a public outburst highlighting bitter internal divisions that threaten their US-brokered power sharing agreement. Abdullah Abdullah's comments come ahead of a September deadline for the government to honour the fragile agreement signed after the fraud-tainted presidential election in 2014, which both leaders claimed to have won. By then the government is expected to enact sweeping election reforms and amend the constitution to create the position of prime minister for Abdullah. Observers say that deadline is unlikely to be met, effectively tipping Afghanistan into a political crisis. "Electoral reforms were one of the promises made when the National Unity Government was formed. Why weren't these reforms brought?" Abdullah told a small gathering in Kabul late Thursday. "Mr President, over a period of three months you do not have time to see your chief executive face-to-face for even an hour or two? What do you spend your time on? There are arguments in every government but if someone does not have patience for discussion, then he is unfit for the presidency, Abdullah said. The acrimony comes as Taliban insurgents are threatening to overrun Lashkar Gah, capital of the strategic poppy-growing southern province of Helmand. Abdullah also accused Ghani of monopolising power and not consulting him over key government appointments. Divisions between the two leaders are an open secret in Kabul but Abdullah's public outburst is a prelude to what analysts are calling "political fireworks" if the agreement brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry is not honoured. Aside from election reforms, under the agreement the government is also expected to hold parliamentary elections by the end of September. Political opposition groups, including former president Hamid Karzai, are mounting pressure to hold a grand assembly of elders from around Afghanistan to decide the government's legitimacy. "The National Unity Government deal is in danger," Jawed Kohistani, a Kabul-based political analyst, told AFP. "Electoral reforms, parliamentary elections, loya jirga (grand assembly of elders) will almost definitely not happen anytime soon. This could plunge the government into crisis." The potential crisis could destabilise the government at a time when it is struggling to rein in an emboldened Taliban insurgency. Fighting has been raging in Helmand as Afghanistan rushed military reinforcements to beat back Taliban insurgents advancing on the besieged capital of the province. The US and Afghan officials insist they will not allow the city to fall, but the fighting has sent thousands of people fleeing to Lashkar Gah, sparking a humanitarian crisis as officials report food and water shortages. Ghani's office declined to comment on Abdullah's remarks. But Hamidullah Farooqi, a senior Ghani advisor, said Abdullah's outburst had left him "very disappointed". "There are differences in every administration but lashing out publicly at the president at such a sensitive time will damage the public perception about the government," he told AFP. The injured are helped after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin. (Photo: AP) Hua Hin, Thailand: A string of bomb attacks targeting Thailand's crucial tourism industry have killed four people, officials said Friday, sending authorities scrambling to identify a motive and find the perpetrators. Twin bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including nine foreign tourists, and were followed by two more on Friday morning that killed another person. A further two blasts struck Friday in the popular tourist town of Phuket, while two more bombs were reported in the southern provinces of Trang and Surat Thani, in each of which one person was killed. Read: A timeline of recent explosions in Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha called for calm and said he did not know who was behind the attacks. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," he told reporters. "We should not make people panic more." "Why the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism -- and who did it -- you have to find out for me," he added. The two bombs that went off in Hua Hin on Thursday evening were hidden in potted plants and went off within 30 minutes of each other in the bar district of the popular beach town. While small bombings are common in the kingdom during periods of heightened political tension, there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists to be targeted. Read: Thai police say blasts are 'local sabotage', rule out terrorism Hua Hin is home to the summer palace of Thailand's revered royal family and the blast came on the eve of Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday and just ahead of the first anniversary of a Bangkok shrine bombing that killed 20. Authorities were searching for leads on the attackers and a motive behind the latest blasts. Hua Hin's district chief, Sutthipong Klai-udom, said that the bombs on Thursday evening were detonated by mobile phone. According to staff at local hospitals, German, Italian, Dutch and Austrian nationals were among the wounded. "It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated. "I was just surprised that it happened here... now I'm thinking if it's worth staying," he said. Record tourism Hua Hin is an upscale resort town about 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Bangkok, popular with both local and foreign tourists. It is also home to a palace for years favoured by Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. The 88-year-old is currently hospitalised in Bangkok for a myriad of health complications, a pressing source of anxiety for many Thais and a key factor in the kingdom's past decade of political turmoil. Thailand's reputation as the "Land of Smiles" has suffered in recent years from crimes against foreigners and political unrest. But tourists continue to flock to its white, sandy beaches and Buddhist temples. The kingdom is expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016, with the tourism industry a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre economy. The latest blasts came just days before the first anniversary of the last major attack on tourists in Thailand -- an August 17 bomb that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists. The blast ripped through a crowded Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok and stunned the kingdom as the deadliest assault in recent history. Two Uighur men from western China have been accused of the attack and are due to go on trial later this month. Both deny any involvement in the bombing and mystery continues to swirl around the case, with authorities failing to catch a number of other suspects or offer a thorough explanation for a motive. Thailand's military junta, which seized power in 2014 after a decade of at times violent political unrest, has touted an increase in stability in the kingdom as a major accomplishment of its rule. Yet the generals have failed to quell a long-running Islamic insurgency in Thailand's three southernmost provinces -- a region far from Bangkok or Hua Hin. The conflict is largely contained to the far south but violence has occasionally spilled into other areas. Zachary Abuza, an expert on militants in Southeast Asia, said it would be "very unusual" for the insurgents to target Hua Hin. If southern rebels were behind the recent blasts, "it is almost definitely a small cell operating on their own initiative", he said. Libba Patterson hugged Ban Ki-moon and later had tears in her eyes when she spoke about how 18-year-old Ki-moon became her fourth child and part of her family during his eight-day visit in 1962. (Photo; AP) Novato: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon embraced the 99-year-old woman he calls his "American Mom" Thursday on a nostalgic visit to her home, where as a high school student from war-ravaged South Korea he spent his first days in the United States - experiencing culture shock at the country's riches. Libba Patterson hugged the U.N. chief back and later had tears in her eyes when she spoke about how 18-year-old "Ki-moon" became her fourth child and part of her family during his eight-day visit in 1962. "He's still my kid," she said in an interview with The Associated Press, her voice breaking. "He was just like our own, and to me, today, underneath all the glory and names and what have you that he's achieved, he's still Ki-moon, our son." Ban responded saying, "Yes, I'm still her kid and she's still my American mom." "I have two moms, one in Korea and one here. More than half a century, I've been keeping contact. She's still very alert, good memory, and I'm very happy," he said. Ban, whose family was forced to flee their home during the Korean War, reflected on how he got to the United States and the crucial role the month-long visit had in shaping his life. Both the Red Cross and the United Nations were instrumental in helping all Koreans during the war, he said, so in high school he participated in many Red Cross activities. In his senior year, he entered a Red Cross English essay competition to win a place in its program for international students to visit America and he won. Libba Patterson, whose official first names are Mary Elizabeth, worked for the American Red Cross at nearby Hamilton Air Force Base and had a 17-year-old son Michael - close to Ban's age, so that's how the family was chosen to host him. Ban said everything in the US was new and shocking for a "very young, poor country boy from Korea." He was dazzled by the beauty of nearby San Francisco - the first American city he saw and shocked at the modern living conditions for Americans compared with those at home. America seemed "a sort of paradise," Ban said. The 120 students from about 40 countries who came to the US under Red Cross auspices spent their final week in Washington. "The most life-changing moment came when I was invited to the White House on Aug. 29, 1962," Ban recalled. "We were received by John F. Kennedy, the most admired leader at that time." He said one thing that Kennedy said had a huge impact on him. The president told the students that "world leaders do not get along well but you do since you are young people, and there are no boundaries among the countries. The boundaries have no meaning. What is important is whether you are ready to provide your helping hand to other people," Ban said. As he traveled in the United States, he said he thought about those words and his future. He decided that "the best way for me to contribute to my home country which was war-torn, devastated, very poor" was to "be a diplomat." When he returned home, Ban applied to the Department International Relations at Seoul National University, which only took 20 students. Competition was intense but he won a place, and that led to his career as a diplomat starting in 1970, rising to ambassador, foreign minister and secretary-general of the United Nations for the last 9 1/2 years. Visiting his American Mom for the last time as U.N. chief before his term ends on Dec. 31, he recalled getting on an airplane and flying across the Pacific Ocean for the first time. "It all happened unexpectedly, but I think looking back many, many decades there must have been something which led me to become secretary-general, and to have known her," Ban said. "So there must have been something greater which has been guiding me." A portrait of Ban Ki-moon has pride of place in the Patterson living room and there are photos of the secretary-general and his American Mom, including in South Korea where she visited when he was foreign minister. With four generations of the Patterson family in the room, Ban presented her with an engraved silver tray saying: "Mrs. Libba Patterson, my American Mom with the deepest appreciation and heartfelt affection." She will celebrate her 100th birthday next May and Ban said he hopes to come back for the party. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for areas close to the quake. (Representational Image) Sydney: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck about 535km (330 miles) southeast of the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, triggering a local tsunami warning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for areas close to the quake, although there was no Pacific-wide threat of a tsunami, the Hawaii-based centre said. The shallow quake was measured at a depth of about 10km (6 miles). The prefecture razed the southern half of the Calais camp in July, after a court gave the green light - but barred the destruction of houses of worship and schools. (Photo: AFP) Paris: A French court rejected a demand Friday to close 72 eateries and shops in the makeshift migrant camp in the northern port city of Calais, but the prefecture said it will continue legal action against what it calls a dangerous underground economy. The Lille court turned down the demand of the Prefecture of the Pas de Calais region, the state representative, to permanently close the operations which humanitarian organizations contend are a lifeline for the estimated more than 7,000 migrants in the camp, commonly known as "the Jungle." A statement by the prefecture said the installations don't respect sanitation rules, risk fires and are a source of public disorder. "Administrative inspections of the underground commerce and judicial actions will be continued," the statement said. Thousands of free meals are legally handed out daily to migrants by a state-backed association at the camp and others. However, humanitarian organizations contend that this is not enough food for the growing number of migrants in the camp, and migrants can stand in line for hours for a meal. The prefecture sent inspectors into the camp in July to check shops and restaurants, including hairdressers, seizing and destroying numerous products and detaining 19 people. Shops and restaurants were then closed - though some reopen quietly at nightfall. Maya Konforti of Auberge des Migrants, or Migrants Shelter, a mainstay aid association for migrants, said the court decision allows aid groups and migrants to buy time. "We're going to see, how we can improve things," she said by telephone. But, she added that "a restaurant in the jungle will never be legal." The court action, she said, is "sheer harassment." The prefecture razed the southern half of the Calais camp in July, after a court gave the green light - but barred the destruction of houses of worship and schools. Most migrants in Calais, from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa, travel to northern France to try to sneak across the English Channel to Britain. Moscow: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday Russia could break diplomatic ties with Ukraine over reported security incidents in Crimea, something it didn't even do after annexing Crimea or throwing its support behind separatist rebels in the east. State news agencies on quoted Medvedev as saying that he wouldn't like the ties to be severed but "if there is no other way to change the situation, the president could take this step." Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. Despite that and the conflict in the east, which has killed more than 9,500 people, Kiev and Moscow didn't break diplomatic ties. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin earlier this week also spoke of that possibility but said Kiev wouldn't want that because it would mean abandoning 4 million Ukrainians who live and work in Russia. Medvedev's announcement comes after Ukraine put its troops on combat alert Thursday along the country's de-facto borders with Crimea, amid an escalating war of words with Russia over Crimea. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday appealed to Russia and Ukraine to avoid a further escalation in tensions after Moscow accused Kiev of sending "saboteurs" to conduct attacks in annexed Crimea. He said in comments published by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that Germany is in contact with both countries, and he plans to speak with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a previously planned visit to Russia on Monday. Two officials working in Bangladesh had fled to the United States after being recalled while another returned to the ministry in Turkey. (Photo: AP) Ankara: Turkey on Friday said 32 Turkish diplomats were still missing despite being recalled by Ankara in the wake of last month's failed coup seeking to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Thirty-two of the 208 diplomats recalled to Turkey did not come back to Turkey," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters during a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Ankara. He said Ankara had information that some had fled to other countries using different means including air travel in the weeks after a rogue military faction tried to remove President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from power on July 15. Cavusoglu said that two officials working in Bangladesh had fled to the United States after being recalled while another returned to the ministry in Turkey. Some officials asked to remain in the countries where they were working, the minister said, adding the ministry had given permission for some to stay. The minister also confirmed that a Turkish rear admiral had gone missing in the United States in July. Rear Admiral Mustafa Zeki Ugurlu working on a NATO base in Virginia had sought asylum in the US after he was dismissed from the armed forces for links to the putsch bid, according to state-run news agency Anadolu earlier this week. Weapons from the former Libyan military's stockpiles were shipped from the port of Benghazi, Libya, to the Port of Banias and the Port of Borj Islam, both in Syria. The weapons shipped during late-August 2012 were Sniper rifles, RPG's, and 125 mm and 155mm Howitzers. The deadly and shocking attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission that saw four Americans - including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens - slaughtered by jihadists occurred just weeks after the weapons shipment. With the news media's band of Hillary Clinton sycophants and cohorts looking to destroy any chances for a Trump presidency, Donald Trump is still charging President Barack Obama this week with being the de facto creator of what became the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) during his campaign rallies. Trump also called Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton the group's "co-founder" since her fingerprints are all over U.S. operations in Libya.Trump said during a campaign stop in Fort Lauderdale.Last week, Trumps campaign attempted to discover financial links between the Clinton Foundation and the terror group, but the Attorney General announced that there would be no investigation into what many believe is a political operation rather than a "charity."according to a report on the Fox News website on Thursday.Although the news media and Democrats believe government control of guns owned by Americans is politically necessary, what is more important is the investigation into the President Barack Obama-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton illegal weapons deal in Libya that helped to arm ISIS. The thinking in 2012 was that the fall of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad made a U.S.- radical Islamic alliance worth the few negative news stories or Republican criticisms.said former military intelligence operative and police counter-terrorism unit member, Josiah Mallensky.he added.U.S. intelligence documents released to a government watchdog has confirmed the suspicions that the United States and some of its so-called coalition partners had actually facilitated the rise of al-Qaida in Iraq (AQII) which became ISIS as an effective adversary against the government of the Syrian dictator President Assad.In addition, ISIS members were initially trained by members and hired contractors from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) at facilities in Jordan in 2012. The original goal was to weaken the Syrian government which had engaged in war crimes against their own people, according to a number of reports The non-profit, non-partisan Judicial Watch - a group known for its investigation of government corruption and abuse - had obtained more than 100 pages of previously classified documents from both the US Department of Defense and Hillary Clinton's poorly run State Department through a federal lawsuit.One of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) documents declared that President Obama and his counterparts within the anti-Assad coalition considered the establishment of a Salafist organization in eastern Syria in order to hasten the downfall of the Assad regime. "And this is exactly what the supporting powers to the (Syrian) opposition want, in order to isolate the Syrian regime," said the DIA report, which had been formerly classified until its release.The contents of that document had been submitted by the Obama White House to the U.S. Central Command (CENCOM), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its directorates, as well as to the State Department.Military intelligence officials had also warned that any further damage caused by the Syrian civil war might have an adverse effect on the fragile government in neighboring Iraq. The intelligence analysis predicted that such a situation could lead to al-Qaida in Iraq (AQII) returning especially in the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Ramadi.The DIA report also predicted that ISIS would declare a caliphate through its affiliation with other terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria, including members of what the Obama administration terms "core al-Qaida." to differentiate it from offshoots such as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which is creating havoc in Yemen and North Africa.The now declassified documents appear to confirm that the U.S., the European Union and other nations viewed Muslim extremists in ISIS asAs a result, parts of Iraq have been in chaos since ISIS began to cross the Syrian border in early June 2014.The documents obtained by Judicial Watch also provide the first official documentation that the Obama administration was well aware that weapons were being shipped from Benghazi to rebel troops - including members from ISIS, the Al-Nusra Front and other Islamist terror groups - in Syria. An October 2012 report confirms:said political strategist Mike Baker.Baker noted. Burned incubators for newborn babies are dumped outside a maternity ward after a fire at Yarmouk hospital in western Baghdad, Iraq. (Photo: AP) Baghdad: Barely two days after a huge fire broke out at a hospital in Baghdad, the traumatised parents of new borns who were burnt to death said that they had tried to rescue their babies but the door of the maternity ward was locked and the staff was unable to find they keys. The fire tore through the maternity ward of one of Baghdad's largest hospitals killing at least 12 premature babies, medical and security officials said. The power was cut off, and then the doors got locked on us, and there was no man in the newborn section, and we could not save any babies, a devastated mother of new born who died was quoted in The New York Times report. We asked the help of one of the employees, but she said, I cannot help you with anything, because its a fire, she added. Security services sealed off the area as forensic teams searched the gutted ward and angry relatives massed outside, waiting for information from the authorities. Charred incubators could be seen outside one of the entrances to the hospital, access to which was strictly controlled by the police. The grief of the bereaved parents and relatives was compounded by the fact that the babies' young age and the effects of the fire made it very difficult to identify the bodies. Umm Ahmed came to Yarmuk on Tuesday when a close relative of hers gave birth. The baby died in the inferno and the mother suffered burns, she said. "I am looking for our child, they told me 'go find him in the fridge'," said the middle-aged woman. An official at Iraq's interior ministry confirmed the death toll from the fire, adding that three other babies were being treated for smoke inhalation. Many of Baghdad's public hospitals are poorly maintained and offer sub-standard healthcare, forcing a number of Iraqis to seek private treatment or travel abroad. The lack of adequate public services, such as quality medical care, electricity and water supply, has angered the public and led to a series of protests over the past year. "The hospital is very old and doesn't have fire equipment," Karkh said. The authorities were criticised in the aftermath of an attack in the Karrada district of Baghdad last month that left at least 323 people dead. The truck bomb blast claimed by the Islamic State group sparked fires in shopping arcades on either side of the street that accounted for a significant proportion of the casualties. Witnesses complained that the fire brigade was unacceptably slow in responding to the emergency. Iraq is one of the world's top oil producers but conflict and endemic graft have prevented that wealth from translating into better living conditions for Iraqis. Most IS fighters from the former jihadist stronghold of Manbij last week, but a small number remained. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Beirut: Islamic State group fighters on Friday seized around 2,000 civilians as they fled the former jihadist stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, US-backed forces and a monitoring group said. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most IS fighters from the town last week, but a small number remained. "While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians," the SDF said. Islamabad: Pakistan plans to invite India for a dialogue on Kashmir issue, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Friday, days after India insisted that it would discuss only PoK with Pakistan. "Our Foreign Secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard," Aziz said as he briefed the media about the Pakistans Envoys Conference held on August 1-3 to deliberate on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan and make recommendations. He said the conference spent considerable time on the "grim situation" in Kashmir. The conference emphasised that Pakistan should continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self-determination. Read: Talks with Pakistan only on PoK, says Rajnath Singh He said that the conference discussed a number of diplomatic initiatives being taken and it was decided that Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on Kashmir issue. "As for India, the Envoys Conference noted that Indias policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia," said Aziz. His comments came two days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed Parliament on the Kashmir issue and said that India was willing to discuss only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with Pakistan, and that the question of discussing Jammu and Kashmir with Islamabad just does not arise. "I can safely say that no power on earth can snatch Kashmir from us. If there will be any talks with Pakistan, it will be on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and not Kashmir, Rajnath Singh had said. An aerial view of some of the disputed islands in the East China Sea. Japan calls them Senkaku, and China calls them Diaoyu. (Photo: AP) Tokyo: Japan is searching for eight Chinese crew members missing after their fishing boat collided with a cargo ship off disputed islands in the East China Sea. The Japan Coast Guard's search on Friday came one day after six other crew members were rescued. The Chinese boat apparently sank after colliding with a Greek-flagged ship on Thursday off the Japan controlled Senkaku islands, which China also claims. The collision occurred as hundreds of Chinese fishing boats have been swarming around the islands since early August with the start of the mackerel season. Up to 15 Chinese coast guard vessels four times the usual number were also in the area, prompting a Japanese protest. Officials said some of the Chinese ships left following the accident. A suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital on Monday had killed at least 74 people, many of them senior lawyers, targeting the legal community in the troubled southwestern region. (Photo: AFP) Islamabad: Pakistan Thursday blamed foreign elements for the recent Quetta suicide bombing that killed 74 people, mostly lawyers, in the restive Balochistan province. Claiming that India was fomenting instability in Pakistan, Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Nafees Zakaria said, Indian intelligence agencies have remained involved in subversive activities in Pakistan especially in Balochistan and Karachi. Zakaria said that Pakistans stand on Indian hand in militancy had been vindicated by the confessional statement of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadav, arrested earlier this year in Balochistan for allegedly running a network to carry out terrorism. Zakaria also rejected the Indian allegations that Pakistan military aided infiltration attempts by militants along the LoC. We have a firm position on it and we will not allow our land to be used against any other country, he said. He further said that Pakistan has made no distinction between terrorist groups and was targeting them through a sustained military effort. The spokesperson also expressed concern on the continuous human rights violations in Kashmir and asked the international community to raise voice against it. We have condemned the Indian atrocities in Kashmir at the highest level and also asked the UN Human Rights Commission to send a fact finding mission to Kashmir, he said. A suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital on Monday had killed at least 74 people, many of them senior lawyers, targeting the legal community in the troubled southwestern region. India wants to spread chaos and anarchy in Pakistan, alleges Pakistan army commander. (Photo: Representational Image) Islamabad: A senior military commander of Pakistan's army on Friday accused India of launching an 'unconventional war' against Pakistan by supporting militant groups. Lt-Gen Aamer Riaz, Commander Army's Southern Command based in Quetta, made the remarks while talking to reporters. "The arrest of Kulbhushan Yadav, a RAW agent, from Balochistan is an indication that India has mounted an unconventional war on us. India wants to spread chaos and anarchy in Pakistan," he claimed. Pakistan said the alleged Indian spy was arrested in March. In a video, he had confessed planning to carry out subversive activities in Balochistan and Karachi. General Riaz said people opposed to progress of Pakistan were hatching conspiracies. "Conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan and foreign elements are aiding local militants to fuel unrest in the country," he said. Pak Taliban is planning to attack parade at Wagah Border in Lahore, Pak's counter-terrorism agency said. (Photo: Representational Image) Lahore: Pakistan's top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The National Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab Director General of Pakistan Rangers, the Home Department and the Punjab police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. "Tehreek-i-Taliban's Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15," the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. Read: Pak issues terror alert over possible Taliban attack along border with India "Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," it says. The Punjab Home Department has also issued a separate alert saying "at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province" who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. "Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas," Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI. He said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistan's Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. "We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur," Lahore police chief Capt (R) Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. "The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation," an official said. o: In this photograph taken on March 22, 2015, Independent civil society activists carry the coffin of slain Afghan woman Farkhunda through the streets of Kabul, after her lynching by a mob following a dispute over alleged blasphemy. (Photo: AFP) Islamabad: The US State Department's annual report on International Religious Freedom has expressed concern at the increase in the number of blasphemy cases in Pakistan and the use of such charges as 'justification for mob justice' in the country. The report pointed out that the armed sectarian groups connected to banned terror organisations continued to stage attacks on Christians and Shias, including the predominantly Shia Hazara community, reports the Express Tribune. It added that incidents of forced conversions have also continued. The reports which was released on Wednesday report takes a comprehensive look at the situation in more than 200 countries in 2015. Noting that several individuals were arrested by the police on charges of blasphemy, it said that that numerous individuals involved in well-publicised blasphemy cases from previous years including Sawan Masih, Shafqat Emmanuel, Shagufta Kausar, and Liaquat Ali remained in jail awaiting appeal. The reports also quoted data provided by civil society organisations, saying three new cases under the blasphemy laws were registered during 2015, down from 12 cases in 2014. It added that, as per the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), more than 40 people remain on death row for blasphemy in Pakistan. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will soon start implementing its smart classroom project in its schools. The work is likely to begin in the first week of September. The project will be implemented across 444 classrooms. The company which will carry out the project will be finalised in the next council meeting. The concessionaire has been zeroed on in. Once the council approves of the concessionaire chosen, the council will hand over the project to it. The work will start by the beginning of September, said a senior NDMC official. The smart classrooms will be equipped with CCTV cameras and LED TVs. Principals will also have LED TVs in their chambers. The other elements of a smart classroom will be speakers or full audio system, LED projectors and computers. The NDMC has looked at models of private schools to come up with this model. The project will be completed within a span of four months. The work will be completed by December and the students will be able to be a part of the smart classrooms by early next year, said the official. The project will be implemented across 30 schools in the first phase. The council will provide smart classrooms from classes 6 to 12 in both Hindi and English medium sections so that students across sections are on par with one another. Under the smart classroom project, materials as per the syllabuses of NCERT, CBSE and Directorate of Education will be uploaded digitally so that students can read online. Teachers to benefit According to NDMC officials, teachers are also likely to be benefited from the smart classrooms as the training modules will be uploaded online. After the concessionaire is finalised, the company will be training teachers and students on how to use the multimedia digital content at the designated schools. The company which will hand over the project will be responsible for running and maintaining the smart classrooms for a contract period of three years. A Class V student was allegedly sexually assaulted by her teacher at a municipal corporation school at Kirari in outer Delhis Aman Vihar. When her parents went to the school to complain, her father was thrashed by teachers who threatened to implicate him in a false case, according to a complaint he later lodged with police. The incident took place on Saturday at the MCD Girls School in Kirari and the family informed police on Monday. Police registered a case and ordered a medical examination of the girl, which normally should have taken place within two days of the crime. The examination did not reveal any use of force. The 13-year-old girl was going home from school when the teacher Manoj Rathi asked her to come to the staff room, according to the police. When she went to the room, only Rathi was there. The teacher allegedly made her sit on his lap and touched her in an appropriate manner. The teacher told her that if she spoke about the incident with anyone, he would make sure that her parents are arrested on false charges. On Sunday, the girl cried the whole night at her home. Her parents then persuaded her to tell them what had happened. The next morning, her parents went to the school where the authorities did not pay any heed to their complaint. Instead, they allegedly harassed her father. Teachers there told her father that if he tried to file a complaint, they will get him arrested on charges of sexually assaulting his own daughter. The teachers allegedly kicked and slapped him so much that he fell off his chair, he told police. The school hasnt taken any action against Rathi yet, police said. A case has been filed against Rathi under section 354 of Indian Penal Code. The section relates to assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. In a snub to the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court today ordered a CBI inquiry into the Bulandshahr gangrape case observing that it was "not satisfied" with the police investigation so far. The high court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the July 29 incident, also said it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case". A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order a day after the state government submitted a status report on the investigation into the incident in a sealed cover. "We are not satisfied, neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record," the court said and directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims' medical reports and statements of witnesses by the next date of hearing on August 17. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with details of the social background, criminal records and political affiliations - if any - which had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated August 8, which was the first date of hearing on the matter. Significantly, the court had made it clear at the outset that it intended to "monitor the investigation into the case" and not dispose of the matter which is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation, titled "In the matter of rape of mother and daughter at NH 91". The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP. At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. Expressing its anguish over the incident, the court had also sought to know from the state government what steps it was taking to prevent such incidents in future while pointing out that the state was duty-bound to ensure safety and security of those who travel on highways in its territory after paying toll tax. A London schoolgirl who had fled her home in Britain to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria is feared to have been killed in a Russian air strike on the terrorist-held region. Kadiza Sultana's family lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told BBC last night that they heard a report of her death in Raqqa, an ISIS stronghold in Syria, a few weeks ago. "The family are devastated. A number of sources have said that she has been killed and she has not been in contact with the family for several weeks. Over a year ago, she had been talking about leaving. There was a plan to get her out," Akunjee said. Sultana, believed to be of Bangladeshi-origin, was 16 when she joined two other school friends, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, both 15 at the time, to flee to Syria in February 2015. All three were pupils of Bethnal Green Academy in east London and had told their parents they were going out for the day. "We were expecting this, in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place," Sultana's sister Halima Khanom said in a statement in reference to her feared killing. Akunjee said though Sultana had expressed a desire to return to the UK but feared of "brutal" consequences from ISIS. He said: "In the week where she was thinking of these issues, a young Austrian girl had been caught trying to leave ISIS territory and was by all reports beaten to death publicly, so - given that that was circulated in the region as well as outside - I think Kadiza took that as a bad omen and decided not to take the risk. "I think she found out pretty quickly that the propaganda doesn't match up with the reality." The schoolgirls are among more than 800 Britons who are believed to have left the UK to join ISIS or other militant groups in Syria and Iraq. All the girls had reportedly been married off as so-called "jihadi brides" to ISIS fighters, including an Australian and a US national, and two became widows within months of arriving in Syria, their families were told earlier. In March last year, the Scotland Yard commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said the teenagers could return home without fear of being prosecuted for terrorism, as long as no evidence emerged of them being engaged in violence. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: "The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria. As all UK consular services there are suspended, it is extremely difficult to confirm the status and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria. "Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger." Making a strong pitch for "healing the wounds" of Kashmir, Congress today pitched for talks with mainstream and non-mainstream parties and "other stakeholders" to defuse the "extremely tense and tragic" situation. After an all party meeting on the issue chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "We assure the government that for any positive step to resolve the issue in Kashmir, they will have our full co-operation." Significantly, the Congress leader emphasised that there can be no talks with Pakistan at the "moment" when it is "waging a war of words". Senior Congress leader and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the meeting that the "most important thing" at the moment was to defuse the present situation, Azad said at a press conference. What is important is to "heal the wounds and not to close the doors of dialogue. Win the hearts and minds of people in general and youth in particular," Azad said. This, he said, should be done by "cajoling,.... (through) love and affection as we cannot win over by confrontation" The Congress pushed for dialogue with mainstream and non-mainstream parties and "other stakeholders", Azad said. Responding to questions, he, however, did not specify who the mainstream, non-mainstream parties and "other stakeholders" are, saying "This has to be decided by the Centre and the state government." Manmohan Singh, who was the first speaker at the meeting, said it is for the government of India to come up with a roadmap for defusing the situation. He said during 10 years of UPA rule, efforts were made to find "practical and pragmatic" solution to these issues. Asked whether he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and the assurances from the government, Azad remarked "I will be satisfied once we succeed in retrieving the situation". He said the meeting saw all political parties making it clear that there cannot be any compromise on unity and integrity of the country. "Pakistan is waging a war of words. You cannot talk to them at this moment," he said in reply to a question. Rajyalakshmi Rao wears many hats and shoulders immense responsibilities in her various positions. She is the executive committee member of the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC), management committee member for Indian Merchants Chamber and executive committee member for IMC Ladies Wing. Thats not all, she is also the director at three major companies, namely Tech Mahindra Ltd, Mahindra Aerospace Pvt Ltd & Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd. Whats more, she is the sole initiator and the chairperson of the All India Foundation of Deaf Women. But the subject close to her heart is consumer redressal, she reveals. My actual passion is to help the aggrieved consumers who are cheated by various sectors of service industry and business. With a Bachelors degree from Osmania University and an MS from University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA, Rajyalakshmi eventually found her feet in the consumer court and became a member and worked at the National Consumer Dispute Commission for 18 years. She also has the distinction of working in all three forms of customer redressal courts at senior respectable positions. Moving beyond the court chambers, Rajyalakshmi also initiated the legal literacy programme for women in Indian Merchant Chambers. She also spearheads a movement called Rajya Raksha for protection of women, through which she gave away over 1,000 pepper sprays and started self-defence classes for women. Apart from her ambitious nature, Rajyalakshmi was also sensitive towards the underprivileged from a young age. Very early on in her life, she realised that she was made for social service. I have always believed that life is a beautiful gift which should be nurtured by making the lives of the underprivileged beautiful. I feel we should not be selfish and every privileged person should make utmost use of his abilities and serve the less-privileged ones, she asserts. To serve others Rajyalakshmis efforts got a big boost when the small-scale programmes of Pranay Milan Sammelan and Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women graduated to the bigger All India Foundation of Deaf Women (AIFDW). Through this platform, we have started interstate competitions to boost the self-esteem and confidence of deaf women so that they can lead a normal life too. We get them married in mass congregational wedding ceremonies by finding the right partner for them. All these make for really memorable moments to cherish for a long time, she points out. Dealing with any kind of disability is hard and testing. And when disabilities plague women, a section which is already put down constantly, the situation gets harder. The main challenge has been to make people understand that hearing impaired can be as normal as other people, only if they are provided with the right kind of help. This particular sector needs very little help. If you help them for few years and get them married, they can transform themselves from negative humans to positive and cheerful ones. You just have to invest some time, she maintains. Rajyalakshmi believes in the collective power of women and wishes women would help each other out. Everyone talks about empowering women but people should also talk about empowering the deaf people. Its the women who need to help each other out, she avers. A tough woman, Rajyalakshmi draws her inspiration from Bill Gates and Narendra Modi. She also feels that parents have an equally important role to play in this healing process. Every parent should realise that deaf children are normal kids who need to be taught skills and values and not kept hidden at home. Their gender shouldnt come in their way of healing. Such young girls should actually be empowered so that they can take on the world with gusto tomorrow and become self-sufficient, she says. In the country, its a very common thing to see families treat boys and girls differently. This patriarchical attitude affects a womans life in more ways than one. Rajyalakshmi agrees and believes mothers can help set this situation right, Mothers must treat both boys and girls equally and not make the boy feel that he could do anything and get away with it. Women must instill some core values like empathy, consideration, care and love in their children so that tomorrow, when they come across people in need, they wont hesitate to offer a helping hand. Rajyalakshmi loves to write in her free time and she counts her first books publication as the most memorable moment in her life. I had the honour of releasing my book in a gathering that comprised of seven former Chief Justices of India, the then Supreme Court judges and Delhi High court judges, lawyers and friends. I never thought I would reach this level in my life but my passion has driven me there, she states. So, where does this ambitious woman see herself 10 years down the line? My dream is to live a day in which deaf children are heard and their families realise and boost their immense talent and bring out the best in them. Also, I would like to see AIFDW in every city of the country, says a confident Rajyalakshmi. Her benevolent work and professional acumen has earned her several awards and accolades such as the Dr Ambedkar Ratna Award, The Hind Rattan Award by Bahrain government and the Award of Professional Excellence by FICCI FLO. So, what is the secret of making a successful impact in the tough world of social service. One should always keep learning, evolving and innovating for the inner wellbeing and to help the society, she ends. Amidst war of words between existing telecom firms and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the government will continue to work without any bias or discrimination against anyone. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) delegation came to meet me and they have expressed some concerns. I told them that the government does not work with bias... Our work is not to stop anyone or allow anyone... For us, consumer is most important, Sinha said. The telecom sectors history has been glorious and it has been a success story, and the industry will continue to grow in the future as well. The government will work without any bias or discrimination, he added. Earlier in the day, COAI Chairman Gopal Vittal (MD and CEO India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel), Vice Chairman Sunil Sood (MD and CEO Vodafone India) and Himanshu Kapania, MD of Idea Cellular and COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews met the minister. Emerging out of the meeting, Mathews said, The minister and the Telecom Secretary J S Deepak highlighted that it is not good for the industry to be seen fighting with the regulator. We understand the point going forward and this is not the way we would like to resolve it. He added that the positive message from the government is that they are keen to settle the issue. COAI, in which incumbent telecom operators including Airtel, Idea and Vadafone members have accused Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) of being biased and adopting unfair policies to favour new entrants, including Reliance Jio. It has also sought the intervention of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on the issue, and questioned the regulators urgency in initiating the process of interconnect review, claiming that it favours new entrants and discriminates against the existing mobile operators. The move comes at a time when allegations are flowing thick and fast between cellular operators and RJio, with COAI terming the latters testing of network as bypass of regulations, and RJio denied it and said the charge is a bid to block its full rollout. We asked the government to clarify the grey areas of testing (RJios trial connections comprise 1.5 million users), how long the testing can last, etc, Mathews said. Mathews said that the Department of Telecom has assured existing operators that it will have a conversation with the telecom regulator to clarify matters such as the requirements of testing, the duration of tests, and the protocol to be followed and will try to resolve it. Asked if operators would be willing to have a dialogue with the regulator on the outstanding issues, he said, Yes. We will continue to respond to the discussion papers, to have a dialogue with TRAI, and to engage with them. Member of Legislative Council Veena Achaiah on Friday said a delegation will be taken to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to celebrate forthcoming Madikeri Dasara with pomp and gaiety. Participating in an interaction organised by Kodagu Press Club, Veena said efforts will be made to seek additional funds for Dasara in a grand manner. The government is expected to give its assent and lets prepare for Dasara, she added. On her vision for the development of her native district, Veena felt that one should keep politics aside, especially after the election and work unitedly for development. Mincing no words, Veena took a dig at Madikeri City Municipal Council, currently ruled by the Congress party she belongs to. There is a lack of willingness in taking up development works of the private bus stand. The mistakes committed by the BJP is already visible, so also the Congress that wrested power from the saffron party. As said, there is a lack of coordination among ruling party members and it is evident with the pending issues. The Mahadevpete Road is riddled with woes and there is no or little efforts to set them right. Though there is no dearth of funds, development has remained a mirage, Veena charged. BJP MLC Sunil Subramani, who echoed Veenas words of Veena, blamed some CMC members for being egoistic in their behaviour and coming in the way of development works. However, there are also some members who oblige, he noted. He claimed to have written 70 letters to respective ministers to redress the grievances of the district. Besides, the issues have been raised in Legislative Council, he claimed. Defending his stand on Congress-free Kodagu, Subramani said, Organisational tactics differs from party to party, though all are united in terms of development. Subramani also said that he would meet Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai to find out a permanent solution to check the increasing man-elephant conflict. I have visited 25 Gram Panchayats and have verified that every Gram Panchayats is demanding Rs 2 crore annual grants. It may not be possible and Panchayats should bring reforms in their administration and generate revenue on their own, he remarked. Veena said Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa is expected to visit the district in September. The minister has also promised to discuss the row over Jamma Bane lands with the officials to arrive on a consensus. Besides, tahsildar of Madikeri has been transferred and his successor will be given six months time to take corrective measures in the set up, he added. Reacting to a query, Veena said she has directed officials to drive back the pachyderms that have strayed into the villages. Keshav Kamath and B C Dinesh were present. The proposal for cutting down of trees on the German Press premises in Siddhartha Nagar here, for the construction of the new deputy commissioners (DC) office evoked mixed response from people during a public hearing, organised by the Forest department on Friday. The Public Works Department (PWD) had proposed to cut down 220 trees on 2.5 acres of land but the Forest department has trimmed it to 72, with certain modifications in the plan. While, several people, including the residents of the area and environmental activists opposed the move, a few individuals welcomed it. Some individuals suggested alternative places like the premises of the Government Guest House and Mysuru Race Course. But, many people asked the authorities concerned to strengthen the existing building to avoid huge investments on construction of a new building. At one point in time, an argument broke out among the people, due to difference of opinion. Retired professor P V Nanjaraj Urs said, It is an unscientific and an unhealthy development. I will object to the cutting of trees. The authorities should strengthen the existing building. Opposing the cutting of trees, Krishna, a resident, said that the proposed building could be constructed on other locations, where trees are less. He suggested the premises of Government Guest House in Nazarbad for the new building. The place is more suitable than the German Press premises as it is near the sub-urban bus stand. Representatives from Lets Do it and Mysuru Grahaka Parishat (MGP) opposed cutting of trees under the guise of development, he added. However, a few people backed the PWDs proposal to cut the trees as it is for a development activity and criticised the people opposing the move. Manikanta of Siddhartha Nagar said, No activist was bothered to oppose the storage of drainage water on the land. Criminal activities like chain-snatching are rampant on the premises. If the DCs office is constructed on the proposed land, the area will see some development. M Yogesh said, Before constructing the building, the Mysuru-Bannur Road, located next to the premises should be upgraded. At present, various offices of the district administration are scattered at various places in the city. With the construction of the new office, all offices can come under a single roof, benefitting the people. According to the Forest department, a majority of the 72 trees marked for felling are acacia and gliricidia, and they have been evaluated. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) V Karikalan said, The Revenue department has handed over 15 acres of the land on the premises to the PWD for the construction of the building. Karikalan said that being a tree authority, his decision will be based on the peoples opinion. If any individual is not satisfied with the DCFs decision, they can approach the higher-ups, he said. PWD Executive Engineer (EE) (Special Division) Ramachandra, EE Ravi Kumar among others were present. You love the blog, so subscribe to the Beervana Podcast on iTunes or Soundcloud today! The state government is planning to file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the recent order of the Mahadayi river water disputes tribunal. Sources in the state Water Resources Development department said the head of the legal team representing Karnataka in the Supreme Court on river water disputes Fali S Nariman has suggested filing the petition in the apex court. Water Resources Minister M B Patil had recently met Nariman in Delhi and discussed the issue. The tribunal had in its interim order rejected the states plea, seeking 7 tmcft of Mahadayi river water. Police are yet to arrest a Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer, who has been booked for driving his wife to suicide. Chaitra, the 21-year-old wife of Niranjan Babu, was found hanging in a paying guest accommodation at RMV Extension, north Bengaluru, on Wednesday. A senior police officer said efforts were under way to trace Babu, who is assistant commissioner (land acquisition) in the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Investigation revealed that the couple had met when Chaitra was as a stenographer in Food Corporation of India while Babu was a senior official there. Chaitra had left her parents around two years ago and moved in with Babu. The couple were living in Jayanagar. Chaitra told her friends about her marriage and posted about it on Facebook. Her parents, however, disputed her marriage. In a complaint to the jurisdictional Sanjaynagar police, they said the couple were not married, but living together. According to them, Babu was harassing her. Unable to bear the torture, Chaitra left him. But he wooed her back and arranged for her stay in a paying guest accommodation, the officer said. With water levels in the Cauvery basin reservoirs remaining low, Karnataka is unable to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as specified by the tribunal. For Karnataka, this is a distress year. The total capacity of reservoirs in the Cauvery basin is 115 tmcft, but at present, the availability is only 62 tmcft. It was 82 tmcft in the corresponding period last year. The state requires 103 tmcft for irrigation and another 50 tmcft to meet drinking water needs of Bengaluru alone, according to Water Resources Minister M B Patil. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with top officials of water resources and agriculture departments on Friday to discuss the consequences of deficient rainfall in the Cauvery basin which had resulted in low storage levels in the four major reservoirs in the region -- KRS, Kabini, Harangi and Hemavathy. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Patil said Karnataka will convey its position to the Centre. Karnataka wants both the riparian states to go by the distress formula as mentioned in the final award by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. However, water resources experts said applying the distress formula is a tricky issue as there are no specific parameters to arrive at the final calculations. According to the tribunals final order, Karnataka should have released 34 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu in July but the state was in a position to release only 15 tmcft. The state requires to release 50 tmcft in August but has managed to release only 2.8 tmcft so far this month, the minister said. Patil said farmers in the Cauvery basin will be requested to switch from paddy and sugarcane to less water-intensive crops like oilseeds, pulses and millets. Priority would be given to drinking water, he added. The state Cabinet on Wednesday had decided not to release Cauvery water for paddy crops. However, Siddaramaiah is learnt to have told the meeting on Friday that a solution should be worked out at least to protect standing crops. A similar situation is seen in Tungbhadra reservoir. The total storage capacity of the reservoir is 100.86 tmcft but the present water level is only 48.87 tmcft. No cloud seeding The state government has dropped its plans to take up cloud seeding over the Cauvery catchment area to make up for deficient rainfall in the region. Water Resources Minister M B Patil said the government has decided to go by the recommendation made by an expert panel. The panel headed by R V Sharma, a retired top official of the India Meteorological Department had stated that September was not the right time to take up cloud seeding. If we start now, necessary procedures required like getting clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation would take at least 45 days. Cloud seeding can only be taken up in September, which is not feasible, Patil said. None could have better captured the richness and diversity of the land and people of Karnataka than Mario Miranda did in his illustrations for the book The Open Eyes. An exhibition titled Karnataka as seen by Mario at the Indian Cartoon Gallery here, showcases the illustrations which the internationally acclaimed Goan cartoonist made to support the writing by Dom Moraes for the book commissioned by the Department of Information, Government of Karnataka. Miranda travelled across the state for the purpose, often accompanying the author Moraes and his wife Leela Naidu. Through simple lines and strokes, Mirandas illustrations have captured in black and white the diverse colours of the state. A Yakshagana performance in Udupi, ruins of the Kittur fort, Lambani women dancing in the Yellamma temple in Dharwad are a few of the images that Miranda has immortalised in ink. He has drawn caricatures of personalities such as Kuvempu, Mallikarjun Mansur and K M Cariappa. Ordinary scenes such as - of a crowd in Mangaluru watching a cock-fight, people in Dharwad standing in a queue to buy the famous Babusingh peda and workers toiling in the INDAL factory in Raichur, show how different life was as one moved from one part of the state to another. The book, published in 1976, was the first in the series commissioned by the state government. During the Emergency, it was common for governments to publish full-page advertisements in newspapers, extolling the culture and heritage of their own states. It was during this period that Chiranjiv Singh, who then headed the Government of Karnatakas Information Department, thought of commissioning books to document the diversity of the state. The then chief minister Devaraj Urs remarked that most MPs in Delhi think all people in south India are Madrasis. In this context, we felt that it was necessary to have literature to establish the identity of the state of Karnataka, Singh explained. Two other books- The Emerald Route by R K Narayan and R K Laxman and Exploring Karnataka by H Y Sharada Prasad and photographers T S Satyan and T S Nagarajan- were also published as part of the project. The exhibition which is on till August 27 is presented by the Indian Institute of Cartoonists. V G Narendra, managing trustee of the institute, recalls how Miranda patted him on the back for establishing the platform. Miranda had a very unique style of cartooning. Young cartoonists should make an effort to adopt it and take it forward, he added. Principal Advisor to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation E Sreedharan (in pic) on Friday said extension of Namma Metro to Kempegowda International Airport is not viable. Instead, the state government should look into the possibility of providing a high-speed rail connectivity to the airport. The high-speed rail can be built without burdening the government. Whereas, the Metro has to be funded by the government and acquiring land will be a big challenge, Sreedharan, widely known as Metro Man, said, interacting with reporters. Sreedharan is in Bengaluru to inaugurate the Karnataka chapter of the Foundation of Restoration of National Values (FRNV), a non-government organisation, scheduled on Saturday. He is the national president of FRNV, which is working in the field of electoral reforms, police reforms, solid waste management and values in education. He further said the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had in 2008 prepared a detailed project report on the high-speed rail link to the airport. It was planned to be a 35-km line between BRV Grounds, off MG Road, and the airport with only two stops en route. It was also proposed from the Palace Grounds to the airport. Late Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar of Mysuru royal family had even agreed to give a part of the Palace Grounds for the project. The promoters of KIA too had agreed to cooperate...But unfortunately, it (the project) did not take off, he added. He said the high-speed rail link project is feasible and the government should conduct a fresh study in this regard. The project can be implemented under the public-private partnership model, he added. Sreedharan said he took a ride on the Namma Metro from Vidhana Soudha to Mysuru Road two days ago and expressed satisfaction with the work done by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL). I was involved in the project at the planning stage. I am satisfied with the work, he added. He, however, refused to comment on the delay in implementing Namma Metro and the huge escalation in the project cost. But he said the cost escalation will pose a problem to the BMRCL in repaying loans taken to implement the project. Thick clouds of smoke enveloped the area around the Bellandur lake in east Bengaluru for a few hours after fire broke out at the highly polluted water body on Friday. Local residents said that they noticed the fire around 12 noon in the middle of the lake, off National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), towards Yemalur. Soon the area was engulfed in thick smoke. Fire and Emergency Service personnel arrived around 1 pm but could not douse the flames as they were unable to reach the spot. Srinivas R, a resident of Yemalur said: "The smoke increased towards evening due to strong winds. There are a lot of factories which let chemicals into the lake. Due to this, methane gets accumulated in the lake water eventually resulting in a fire. This is not the first such incident at the Bellandur lake. We have seen many such cases in the past. Residents of Yemalur and Ambedkar Nagar were affected by the smoke. A few locals claimed that some unidentified people might have set fire to the garbage dumped into the lake. A fireman told Deccan Herald that the smoke reduced later in the evening and the situation is now under control. When contacted, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairman Lakshman said officers from the Board visited the area. They informed me that the fire broke out in an island in the lake area. Some farmers had apparently set fire to the dry grass near the lake. Lakshman said the BWSSB is likely to complete the project of installing four sewage treatment plants (STPs) by 2020. The STPs will come up at the Hulimavu, the Sarakki, the Chikkabegur and the Agara lakes, all connecting the Bellandur lake. Once the STPs become functional, foaming at the Bellandur lake will come down, he added. Based on directions from the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to provide temporary shelter to those who lost their dwellings in the ongoing demolition drive. In this regard, BBMP commissioner N Manjunath Prasad held a meeting on Friday where he directed officials to abide by KSHRC guidelines. After the meeting, the commissioner called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Mayor B N Manjunath Reddy and Congress leader in the BBMP Council R S Sathyanarayana, where he furnished details about the ongoing demolition drive. The chief minister directed the commissioner to intensify the drive in areas which were severely affected by rain. The chief minister has directed us to ensure that engineers alone are not punished but revenue officers and registrars should also be penalised, said Prasad. The civic body is all geared up to start the demolition drive afresh from Tuesday besides initi-ating action against erring officials, said the commissioner. Commissioner's directions Based on KSHRC's guidelines, the BBMP is making arrangements for shelter, food, water and toilets at relief camps. Notices will be served to all those whose houses are located on the stormwater drains. The KSHRC's guidelines were based on a petition filed by social activist T Narasimha Murthy in the wake of displacement of many families. In his petition, Murthy said that these families had obtained all necessary khathas, registration documents and were paying property taxes promptly. Houses on which lifetime savings were invested and bank loans were taken have been flattened. These property owners are now on the streets and are facing a hand-to-mouth existence due to lack of shelter, food, water and toilets. This crisis has a negative impact on the children as their studies will be badly affected. The state government is primarily responsible for this situation, said Murthy in his petition to the human rights commission. Halt to operations till Tuesday The BBMP has decided to put its demolition drive on hold till Tuesday in the wake of a series of holidays starting from Varamahalakshmi on Friday. The drive will resume on Tuesday. In a major relief to the Isha Yoga Centre, the Madras High Court on Friday dismissed a petition, which alleged that the foundation was forcing two girls to stay there against their will. A habeas corpus plea, filed by one Sathyajothi, wife of retired lecturer Kamaraj, stated that her two daughters were held captive at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. The court had directed the principal judge of Coimbatore to conduct an enquiry about their willingness to stay there. Following the courts order, a three-member team led by Coimbatore judge R Pongiappan, who is also the chairman of District Legal Services Authority, submitted a report stating that the two girls in the Isha Yoga Centre confirmed that they were staying of their own volition. After looking into the report, the bench comprising justices S Nagamuthu and V Bharathidasan dismissed the petition and said they were satisfied that the girls were staying of their own volition. Observing that no criminal intimidation was involved, the judges said that no relief could be granted as prayed in the petition. The judges also concluded that there is no record to believe that the two girls were detained illegally. However, they gave the freedom to the parents to meet their daughters in the Isha Yoga centre without disturbing the activities of the foundation. The petitioner had said that her daughters, Latha (31) and Geetha (34), were forced to stay against their will in the centre. Before the dust could settle over Irom Sharmilas decision to end her fast and contest the elections in the 2017 Assembly polls, a 32-year-old Manipuri activist has said she would sit on fast-unto-death from Saturday. Robita Leima, a social activist leading an NGO called Indian Women Against Crime (IWAC), announced at a press conference on Friday about her decision to go on a hunger strike demanding repealing of AFSPA and introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime for outsiders to enter Manipur. Sharmila has done a great service to the people of Manipur. People are sad that she gave up the fight at a crucial time, Robita, known for her agitations against AFSPA and in support of ILP, told DH over phone from Imphal. I want to carry her work forward. Either I will achieve the goal or I will die but I will go ahead with this. If I succeed, the credit goes to Sharmila for inspiring me, she added. Following her announcement, students organisations and the Emas (mothers) met Robita to convince her against fasting. The states civil society feels any future agitations after Sharmilas 16-year fast should take a different course. Sources said the Emas told Robita that they would not support her fast and would not allow her to hold it. The major student groups, Emas and other civil society groups have asked her to give up the idea (of fasting). She has two daughters and husband. Her family would suffer if she goes ahead with the idea. But she is adamant, Robitas close aide and legal council Tezkumr Singh said. Till Friday evening, dialogues have been on to talk her out of the fast, though Robita stuck to her plans of beginning her fast at 10 am on Saturday at Imphals busy Kaishampat locality. Manipur police added they would review the situation and increase security cover if Robita decides to hold a hunger strike. AAP offers ticket to Sharmila Even as civil society groups continued their consultation with Irom Sharmila Chanu on Friday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) offered her a ticket and also promised her to make chief ministerial candidate, reports DHNS from Guwahati. Sharmila, however, turned down the offer and said that she would contest as an Independent candidate. The Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a CBI probe into the gang-rape of a minor and her mother on a highway in Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahar district, about 500 km from here, last month. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashwant Verma passed the order after expressing displeasure over the police investigation in the matter so far. The court had earlier observed that the women were not safe in Uttar Pradesh and lambasted the police for not being able to ensure safety of the people on highways. Earlier the court had sought status report from the government. Armed bandits had waylaid the family near Dostpur village in the district while they were on the way to Shahjahanpur to attend a function on the night of July 29. The bandits then overpowered the occupants and took them a few metres away from the highway into a muddy sugar cane field, where they tied the three male members and gang-raped the minor and her 35-year-old mother. The police had claimed to have cracked the case and arrested six people, including the main accused Saleem Bawaria, member of the Bawaria gang, a notorious criminal nomadic tribe. As the incident triggered a massive outrage, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav suspended seven police personnel, including the then district police chief. Prime Minister Narendra Modis assertions at an all-party meeting on Kashmir on Friday was to underscore the Centres two-pronged approach for normalcy to return to the Valley, his aides said. One, there will be no lowering of guard as far as security is concerned. Terrorism and violence will have to be dealt effectively. Two, at the same time, steps will also be initiated to win the confidence of the people, officials said. The new policy will involve engaging different sections in the Valley, but decision to call separatists and the Hurriyat for talks is not an immediate possibility as the government will go by the prevailing situation. Modi wanted Home Minister Rajnath Singh to impress upon all Opposition leaders that the situation was aggravated not just by police action, but by a systematic plan by Pakistan-based handlers through rural as well as urban areas of Kashmir. In fact, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, too, was briefed in detail by Singh as well as by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar about the security challenges posed by Pakistan. Modis aides said, as assured by Singh, the security forces have been advised to act with utmost restraint and curfew will relaxed in several parts of the state as early as possible. But the tracking and neutralising of the suspected network of terror cells will be dealt with a firm hand. The five-week unrest in Kashmir has dealt a huge blow to its already fragile economy, which is still reeling under the effects of the 2014 floods. The tourism sector, one of the major contributors to Kashmirs economy, has been worst-hit as thousands of people associated with it have already lost their jobs due to the prevailing unrest. The hospitality sector has resorted to job cuts to contain losses as the tourist inflow has come down to zero since the protest erupted after the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. According to stakeholders, the tourism sector was doing well till July 8 with hotels recording sizeable occupancy. However, post July 8, the tourist flow came to zero with Kashmir remaining under curfew, restrictions and shutdowns continuously, they said. Till a month ago, a hotel in Srinagar that had 20 employees has only five left now. In view of closure of major avenues of the hospitality sector, the owners have to go for jobs cuts to curtail the losses, said Mudasir Ahmad, who owns a hotel in Srinagar. It is not possible for us to retain staff when there is no business. The situation we are going through, it seems that it may go a long way. So if things go like that, more layoffs will take place definitely, he added. As per insiders in the hospitality sector, the major brunt of job cuts is being felt by lower rung staff, including waiters, drivers and those doing menial job in hotels, restaurants and other places. As per reports many restaurateurs and cafe owners have also asked their staff to take unpaid leave till the situation improves. Apart from tourism, the major brunt of street protests has been borne by the daily wagers. Lal Chowk, the business centre of Srinagar has been deserted for the last five weeks. With all the shops shut, trading has come to a standstill. Srinagar alone has more than 1 lakh workers who have been jobless for more than a month. Cong admits failure on Kashmir front The Congress on Friday admitted that it did not fully succeed in its attempts to find practical and pragmatic solutions to the Kashmir issue extended full cooperation to the Modi government in any positive steps to defuse the extremely tense and tragic situation there, DHNS reports. At the outset, former prime minister Manmohan Singh asked the government at the all party meeting on Kashmir to come out with a roadmap to defuse the situation in the Valley. That alone will convince the people of J&K that we have a caring government at Delhi, Singh said. Opposition leaders also wanted the government to immediately start dialogue with all stakeholders and take a series of confidence building measures to restore normalcy in the Kashmir Valley. The Supreme Court on Friday ordered exhumation and fresh post-mortem of the body of a youth killed in Srinagar. Following allegations that Shabir Ahmad Mir, 26, was killed by a senior police officer, the Jammu and Kashmir government said it was ready to get to the bottom of the matter. A bench of Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy directed that the entire exercise should be carried out under the supervision of the district and sessions judge. The father of the deceased had claimed that DSP Yasir Qadri, along with a police team, had on July 10 entered his house and assaulted Shabirs mother. He alleged that when Shabir intervened, the DSP pumped two bullets into his body. The police, on their part, claimed that no such incident had taken place and Shabir was injured in a rally held two days ago in protest against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Appearing for the state government, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the probe would have the highest level of transparency and that the authorities would leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the case. The state government was not treating the case as an adversarial matter and there will be a fair and impartial enquiry into the incident, he said. The court directed that the process should be completed within three weeks and posted the matter for further consideration on September 5. The state police submitted a report in a sealed envelope containing the order by the district magistrate for exhumation and autopsy of the body of the victim. The bench observed that it was a serious matter and such a situation should be handled with a humane approach and extreme sensitivity. Appearing for the victims father, senior advocate Kapil Sibal questioned the alacrity of the police to register a detailed FIR within 20 minutes of the incident. He said the autopsy will determine whether the victim was killed as a result of pellet injuries or gun shots. The apex court had earlier stayed the contempt proceedings initiated against senior police officers, including the IGP (Kashmir range) for not lodging the FIR against the DSP as per an order by the magisterial court. Pak to invite India for dialogue Pakistan plans to invite India for a dialogue on the Kashmir issue, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Friday, PTI reports from Islamabad. Our foreign secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard, Aziz said as he briefed the media about the Pakistans envoys conference held on August 1-3 to deliberate on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan and make recommendations. He said the conference spent considerable time on the grim situation in Kashmir. The conference emphasised that Pakistan should continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri movement for self-determination. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet on the Antrix-Devas case has sparked an angry response from those named, with Devas Multimedia dubbing it a mala fide act of the Indian government. Devas chairman Lawrence Babbio on Friday called it a retaliation for the company exercising its legal right to contest the illegal annulment of the satellite spectrum deal with Antrix, the marketing arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro). Devas had approached the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal at The Hague, which ruled that the Indian government acted unfairly and had to pay compensation up to $1 billion. The CBIs chargesheet on Thursday was against Devas, its former CEO and three directors besides the then Isro chairman G Madhavan Nair and other officials. In a statement, Babbio noted that the chargesheet was issued just weeks after the PCA tribunal had unanimously found that the Indian government unlawfully expropriated the investments of Devas Mauritius-incorporated shareholders. He said that since 2011, when India annulled the Devas-Antrix contract, Devas had been subject to a range of unlawful measures from various parts of the Indian government, including the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate. The chargesheet, Babbio said, is a continuation of the governments campaign against Devas and its shareholders for daring to exercise their legal rights. Former additional secretary in the Department of Space, Veena S Rao who, too, was named in the charge sheet, called it shocking, laughable and ludicrous. Pick on the weakest of them without a shred of evidence, a woman of the highest integrity, but without any political or ideological cover, and thinks it has done a perfect investigation, she said in a Facebook post. The Antrix-Devas contract was approved at the Antrix board meeting held on December 24, 2004. I was not present at the board meeting, as I had not yet been appointed to the Antrix board, and therefore had no knowledge of it, she explained. Effective immediately, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is lifting the hoot-owl fishing restrictions on the Big Hole River from the North Fork Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge. Meanwhile in Region 3, the following stretches of river remain closed to all fishing until further notice: Big Hole River from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence of the North Fork Big Hole River and Big Hole River; Big Hole River from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Maiden Rock FAS to Notch Bottom FAS; Big Hole River from Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River; The entire length of the Jefferson River. The following sections of rivers remain closed to fishing daily 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve: East Gallatin River from Spring Hill Road Bridge (Highway 411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River; Gallatin River from Sheds Bridge (Highway 84) near Four Corners to the confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks; Madison River from Ennis Dam to the confluence with the Jefferson River; Ruby River from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River; Shields River from Daisy Dean Bridge Road to the confluence with the Yellowstone River. For up-to-date information on restrictions related to drought, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/. The Supreme Court on Friday slammed the Union government over the delay in appointment of judges in the high courts. It said the mistrust over the recommendations by the Chief Justice of India-headed collegium was not good for the country. A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Thakur said that this kind of logjam was not good. The court further said it would not fail in fixing accountability if the situation continued to remain so. About four million cases are pending before the high courts. So many criminal appeals are lying. Why is there mistrust? Where are the proposals languishing? The Centre is attempting to bring the judiciary to a grinding halt by not appointing HC judges, an angered CJI told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. Seventy-five names have been recommended for the appointment but there seems to be no response. Even the appointment of chief justices are pending. Transfer of judges are pending. The CJs who have been transferred are not being notified. We don't want all these, the bench which also comprises Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said. The court was responding to a PIL by retired Lt Col Anil Kabotra about pending appointments in the higher judiciary. In a warning to the government, the bench told Rohatgi; If this logjam continues, we will be forced to interfere judicially. We will ask for every file that was sent to you by the collegium. In response, Rohatgi requested the court not to issue a notice to the government on the PIL saying, I understand the seriousness of the matter. I will personally take up the issue at the highest level. The bench went on to add we don't have any problem if you have an objection over any name. The court said that if there is any problem with any candidate, that file can be sent back. But, this kind of logjam is not good, it said. The apex court further pointed out that several high courts were functioning with less than half of the sanctioned strength of judges. The court asked the Attorney General to file its response within four weeks and fixed the matter for consideration on September 13. The government began taking its own time in clearing the names sent by the collegium after the invalidation of the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act in October last year. The Memorandum of Procedure, the guidelines for the appointment of judges to be prepared by the government in consultation with the CJI has also been delayed. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had recently said 52 new judges have been appointed since January and 89 additional judges elevated as permanent judges. The Army and NDRF teams continued relief and rescue efforts in flood-hit areas of southeastern Rajasthan even as flood related deaths in the state touched 16. An elderly couple were found dead on Thursday evening at a guesthouse near Jodhpurs MDM Hospital after they were drowned in rainwater that flooded their room. District Collector VC Mallik said: The couple, 58-year-old Bulaki Das and his wife Kiran Devi, had come from Bikaner for treatment at the MDM Hospital and were staying in a room in the basement of a nearby guest house. On Tuesday, following heavy rain in the city, water entered the basement and the couple drowned. Water level receding Relief Secretary Rohit Kumar said in a statement that water level is receding in some parts such as Pali and Jodhpur, though the situation remains tricky in Bhilwara and Chittorgarh. In Sawai Madhopur district, 25 people were rescued and shifted to safer places. A column of army is also carrying out rescue efforts in the district. The situation in Chittorgarh and Bhilwara districts is improving, the statement said. No fresh rain was recorded in Jaipur, Barmer and Jodhpur, while Chittorgarh received 11 mm rainfall, Jhunjhunu 11 mm, Alwar 8 mm and Sawai Madhopur 5 mm. The Met department predicted moderate to heavy rainin eastern Rajasthan and in isolated parts of western Rajasthan. Actor Shah Rukh Khan was on Thursday detained at an US airport, the third time in seven years, by the immigration officials. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks (sic), Khan tweeted after he was detained at the Los Angeles airport. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons, the 50-year-old actor said in another tweet, referring to the widely popular mobile game. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal has apologised for the hassle Khan had to face at the airport. Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening, Biswal tweeted. Her Twitter account says that the tweets there are my own. US envoy to India Richard Verma on Friday apologised to Shahrukh Khan. Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US, Verma posted on Twitter. In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plains airport near New York for over two hours by immigration officials. Khan was in the US to visit Yale University and was accompanied by Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. While Ambani and the rest of their group was cleared, Khan was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. Yale University officials had to speak with officials at the Department of Homeland Security and Department of US Immigration and Customs in Washington. After the incident in New York, Khan had said: Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom. UK denies visa to Amjad Ali Khan Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khans visa application was rejected by the UK High Commission on Friday. The 70-year-old artiste, who was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall next month, said he is shocked and appalled at the rejection of his application. The Supreme Court on Friday lifted the ban on the registration of diesel SUVs and high-end cars with an engine capacity of 2,000cc and above in the National Capital Region (NCR). The apex court, however, ordered 1% of the ex-showroom price of the vehicle as green cess. A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Thakur modified its December 16 order passed as a measure to curb air pollution in Delhi and the adjoining cities like Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. On Friday, the bench said the environment protection charge, most likely to be passed on to buyers, would be a prerequisite for transport authorities in Delhi and the NCR to register any new diesel vehicle with a capacity of 2,000cc and above. The cess would be deposited in a separate account by the Central Pollution Control Board. Court clarifies The court clarified that the issue of diesel being a prime pollutant as well as imposition of a grees cess on diesel vehicles with a capacity of less than 2,000cc would be examined. A deposit of 1% of ex-showroom price of the vehicle as environment protection charge shall entitle manufacturers/ dealers to have cars registered in Delhi-NCR. Our order stands modified to that extent, the bench, also comprising Justices A K Sikri and R Banumathi, said. The court had earlier noted that diesel vehicles of a capacity of 2000cc and above and SUVs were more prone to cause higher levels of pollution. The courts order would now come as a relief to auto majors Mahindra, Toyota, BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz and others, including Society of Indian Automobile Industry, approached the court for lifting of the ban, saying they were willing to deposit a green cess. Appearing for the car companies, senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Gopal Subramanium, Mohan Parasaran and Gopal Jain submitted they were ready to deposit 1% of the ex-showroom price of a car as environment protection charge. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar lodged his objection stating that the government opposed the imposition of a cess by a court since it was an issue exclusively in the domain of the legislature. Senior lawyer Harish Salve, acting as amicus curiae in the PIL filed by environmentalist M C Mehta in 1985, contended that cess should be imposed on all diesel vehicles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a new front with Islamabad as he said Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) should be treated as one of the four regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Sending a strong message to the Nawaz Sharif government, which the Centre accused of stoking unrest in the Valley, Modi said Pakistans atrocities in PoK and Balochistan should be unmasked and wondered how a country, which bombs its own people, can talk about human rights. Speaking at an all-party meeting on Kashmir, the prime minister was firm that the neighbouring country be made accountable to the international community on human rights violations in PoK and Balochistan. He assured leaders during the four-hour meeting that the political process in Jammu & Kashmir will be encouraged democratically to restore normalcy, and said that he was equally pained like other countrymen to see the turbulence in the state. At the same time, he insisted that no compromise would be accepted on the countrys security. Elaborating on the NDA governments marked shift on the Kashmir policy, Modi told the gathering that the external affairs ministry should try to reach out to the expats from PoK living abroad, acquire information about the sad state of affairs and share them with the world. Though the Opposition rallied behind the government to tackle the problem in the Valley, the Left leaders said the Centre did not accept their demands for holding dialogue with stakeholders and stopping the use of pellet guns. The government neither accepted nor rejected our demands," CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters. Briefing the media after the meeting, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that an all-party delegation can only visit Kashmir after he speaks to the chief minister and preparations are made by the state. He, however, said that the issue of political leaders going there was not raised in the meeting. Reacting to the Oppositions demand, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said a decision on pellet guns can be taken only after a panel, set up to look into the issue, submits its report. The government has already resumed dialogue on the issue with locals during the home ministers recent two-day visit to Srinagar, Jaitley said. The government has come up with mass recruitment advertisements to absorb youth into the police and armed forces. Modi also said that despite attempts being made to give the impression that Kashmiris had joined the prolonged agitation, the percentage of youth hitting the streets was low. The slide in Montana coal production continues, with more than 7 million fewer tons mined through the first half of the year compared to 2015. Through June, mines in Montana lost roughly two months worth of production when compared to last year. The disparity was worst in the past two months. The main reason for the decline is natural gas, said Bud Clinch, of the Montana Coal Council, particularly in Midwest power plants where both natural gas and coal are burned. Once used as a spot fuel to generate electricity during peak demand, gas is now used more often because of its affordability, Clinch said. Coal accounted for more than 40 percent of the nations electricity production fewer than 8 years ago, but now accounts for just 29 percent and has been surpassed by natural gas in use by power plants, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The nations ability to generate power using coal has declined 15 percent since 2011. Natural gas has been cheaper than coal for 17 straight months, according EIA. The trend has cut into demand for Montana coal, of which the spot price has fallen to $8.50 a ton, four times less than the national average, as mines attempt to remain competitive, according to the EIA. It really is a distance-to-market ratio, Clinch said, explaining Powder River Basin's rock-bottom prices. You see this disproportionate rate to transportation, which is three times the cost of coal. In first half of the year, Montana saw more than 66 coal mining jobs lost and the bankruptcy of Arch Coal, which abandoned plans to develop a mine at Otter Creek, a project in which Arch had already invested $159 million and paid Montana an $86 million bonus for state-owned minerals involved in the deal. A $1.4 billion coal deal signed by the Crow Tribe with Cloud Peak Energy in 2013 has also languished, and declining royalties from another Crow mine has resulted in tribal government layoffs. State coal taxes are taking a hit because production is down. The 2016 fiscal year, which wrapped up in June, was $7.3 million lower in coal tax collections than the previous year, according to Montanas Department of Revenue. Losses started accelerating in January. On average, a train load of Montana coal produces $30,800 in federal and state taxes, according to the Coal Council. Montana coal severance taxes, which amounted to $54 million in the just-ended fiscal year, are split between the state coal trust and several government programs directly funded with coal money. Montana libraries receive roughly $500,000 a year in coal taxes and will cut spending on online research databases to cover losses. The state coal trust is worth roughly $1 billion. Its interest pays for infrastructure and economic development programs. While sizable, coal revenue is a small percentage of the $1.75 billion in state taxes collected last year. Alissa Snow thought there was no life beyond the addiction and poverty she was born into. But it turned out there was important work to be done like lobbying state legislators on behalf of Native American people across Montana. Snow and Marci McLean, her colleague at Billings-based Western Native Voice, spoke in front of more than 20 people Thursday as part of the Native American Race Relations and Healing conversation, put on the second Thursday of each month at the Billings Public Library. Part of their work is to convince Native voters that their vote counts. I didnt come from a voting family, and I had never voted, before beginning her work as a lobbyist and state field director for Western Native Voice, Snow said. As I convinced others, I realized I was convincing myself as well. Shes found that the best way to effect legislative change, including Medicaid expansion and anti-bullying legislation, is to encourage Native Americans to testify at House and Senate hearings in Helena. We had middle schoolers testifying about bullying, and their testimony had legislators in tears, Snow said. Natives need our legislators to know that we are still here, we have a voice and we will not remain quiet. We were told we would fail no matter what we tried, she said, so we thought, what the heck? Lets go anyway. Even if we fail, at least we tried. Racism is right out in the open in the capitol, she said. According to Snow, one legislator told a person testifying that if you spent your food stamps better, you wouldnt need (Indian Health Service). McLean, Western Native Voices executive director, said the nonpartisan organization is working to boost voter turnout at each of Montanas seven reservations, with an organizer placed at each one and others in Billings, Great Falls and Missoula. Our job in the policy world is to show that connection between voting and getting the bills passed important to Native voters, she said. McLean, whos 43, said shes voted only six times in her life. We are trying to partner with high schools and tribal colleges to talk about the power of the vote, especially in school board elections, which have smaller turnouts than other municipal elections, she said. "We are thankful for non-Native allies," she told the crowd. "Without you, we can't accomplish what we want to in as short a time as we can." Next week, Western Native Voice will begin polling many of its 6,000 members both people who vote regularly and those who dont. According to McLean, the organization hopes to learn more about barriers to voting and who are the messengers in our communities. More than half the respondents will be contacted the old-fashioned way: knocking on doors and taking down answers to questions in person. McLean said its the first time this kind of poll has been conducted among Native populations. We are excited about this poll, and we want to do this right, she said. We want to use it to mobilize people in the coming elections and help people testify before the 2017 Legislature. Theres only 89 days until election day but whos counting? she said with a laugh. The Billings North Elevation neighborhood, a charming collection of Craftsman Bungalow, Pioneer and Tudor-style homes, is poised to become the citys first residential historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board has completed its 118-page application and submitted it for a Sept. 21 review by the Montana Historic Preservation review board. The review is part of the Montana History Conference being held in Hamilton. Once the board has approved the application, its off to the National Parks Service for final review. Lora Mattox, the city and countys historic preservation officer, said the federal review process can take up to six months. North Elevations first filing boundaries are 12th Avenue North, Ninth Avenue North, N. 32nd Street and the alley between N. 31st and N. 30th streets. It includes 109 property owners. Billings already has two districts on the historic register, the Billings Townsite Historic District along Montana Avenue and the Old Town Historic District along Minnesota Avenue. To date, 36 properties or districts within Yellowstone County are featured on the register. Kevin Kooistra, community historian at the Western Heritage Center, led a walking tour Friday for 16 people eager to learn more about North Elevation's first filing. "That's a good turnout for an inaugural tour," he said. The historic designation for North Elevation wont free up historic preservation funds, but it also wont limit property owners who wish to remodel or expand their home, Mattox said. Property owners within the historic commercial districts who wish to alter their buildings exterior must receive approval from the Yellowstone Historic Preservation board, but homeowners in North Elevation are free to renovate or remodel, even if the neighborhood passes with the National Register of Historic Places. It is more of an honorary title, Mattox said of the historic designation that North Elevation property owners seek. Its come about because of the dedication of the property owners. This has been in the works for 10 years or more. The application includes dozens of photographs, some submitted by property owners. According to Mattox, many homeowners took the time and trouble to research their homes history as part of the evaluation process. Kooistra also gave credit to Elisabeth DeGrenier, the center's volunteer and outreach coordinator, who spent the last six months photographing and documenting the history of dozens of homes within the district. This has been pushed by the residents of the district, Mattox said. Its been thousands of hours of volunteer time. An unexpected boost from the state helped to complete the application. Leftover state historic preservation funds allowed the Western Heritage Center to finish the nomination and photograph additional properties. Mattox said that most applications for districts considered for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places are approved. If that happens for the North Elevation proposal, some signage will be added to point visitors toward the historic district, which is being designated on the register solely for its architecture. She said she envisions the day when a smart phone app similar to one that describes downtown Billings' historic places is developed. People love that kind of tourism, she said. Its a tree-lined, shady, safe neighborhood, perfect for a walking tour. Kooistra said McKinley Elementary School will probably be submitted individually for inclusion on the register, followed by Pioneer Park and the triangle of properties southwest of the district now under consideration, ranging from Avenue B north to Parkhill Drive. There's potential for Southside neighborhoods to be included as well, Kooistra said. "Some may be in disrepair, but they're beautiful homes," he said. "There are several Billings neighborhoods that could easily qualify." Indonesian market leader Telkomsel may have to allow smaller operators to share important sections of its network following new regulatory proposals. The countrys regulator is looking to open up the telecoms sector in order to push the deployment of broadband over the next three years. Telkomsel leads the market with a 44% share or connections, while its coverage is the most widespread across the archipelagic nation. However, particularly with regard to the low average income, its prices are considered somewhat high especially in rural communities. The strategy has to be built in a more efficient way, which is to allow active sharing, said Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara. He noted that if Indonesia continued using its current model for deploying fixed and mobile networks, it would find a $15 billion black hole in its funds. The countrys other operators, including Hutchison 3 Indonesia, Indosat and XL Axiata, have all called for spectrum sharing. However, since the matter is tied to national security, the government has been cautious about rewriting the rules. Of Indonesias state-owned businesses, Telkom is a major source of revenue for the Indonesian government, bringing in $2.4 billion for the state last year. The network-sharing proposals could be part of a strategy to support President Joko Widodos goal of extending connectivity to every Indonesian island by 2019. Two days ago, Facebook announced that it would bypass Adblock filters so that users can see sponsored posts. Two days after, Adblock Plus, the leading ad blocking plugin, has already found a way to block those advertisements. You can do it manually, or by simply clicking a button. As Adblock Plus explains in its blog post, you need to go to the Settings tab on Google Chrome, navigate to the extensions tab, and click Options below the Adblock Plus extension. Here, youll get the option to press Update Now or add the new filter manually using this code. facebook.com##DIV[id^="substream_"] ._5jmm[data-dedupekey][data-cursor][data-xt][data-xt-vimpr="1"][data-ftr="1"][data-fte="1"] Just copy and paste it. You can find directions for other browsers, here. AdBlock Plus does allow some ads to pass through its filters, but it charges for the same, and has guidelines that these ads must follow. Unlike Facebook, Google has actually adhered to these norms. Facebook, instead, allowed users more control over the kind of ads they see on the social network. The war between web publishers and ad blockers has been brewing for a while now. While one side wants users to see ads, the other, of course wants an ad free Internet. Between them, Facebook and Google own about 64% of the advertising industry online, according to The Guardian. Publishers on the world wide web, including Indian giants, such as The Hindustan Times, Times of India and many others, have taken to blocking ad blockers on their website. They dont allow users to view content unless their ad blockers are disabled. Facebook, Google and other web publishers actually depend on advertising for the better part of their revenues. Hence, it isnt surprising that Facebook is trying to bypass their filters and passing the control to its users. This way, the social network still earns from ads, and users see only those adverts that are relevant to them. Tools like AdBlock Plus, on the other hand, allow users to block almost all forms of advertising online. The contest is similar to the anti-piracy war that has suddenly become more intense over the past few years. Facebooks concerns over ad blocking are similar to Netflixs concerns against torrent hosting websites. As the Internet becomes the chief form of content distribution, ranging from news to movies, the so called freedom of the net will be curbed. Maersk Group launched a strategic review after posting what the company itself described as "unsatisfactory results" in the second quarter, amid low growth and price falls in almost all its markets. Underlying profit at the shipping group came in at $134m for the latest three-month stretch. The company reiterated its previous forecast for an underlying result in 2016 "significantly below last year". Cost reductions and optimisations of its operations helped to cushion the impact of those market conditions, the company said in a statement. Maersk Line cut costs to their lowest ever, to below $2,000 per forty-foot-equivalent. In parallel, overheads at Maersk Oil were slashed by 25% with the company upholding a break-even level of profits at between $40 to $45 per barrel of crude. The Copenhagen-based firm added that its financial position remained strong, with liquidity reserves standing at $11.5bn at the end of the reporting period. As of 12:28 BST shares in the company were 3.64% higher to 9,395 kroner. The FTSE climbed on Friday as investors shrugged off disappointing UK construction data. UK construction output fell 0.9% in June from May, more or less in line with consensus expectations for a 1% drop, according to the Office for National Statistics. Compared to June 2015, construction output was down 2.2%, which was a touch steeper than the 2.1% drop forecast by economists and worse than the 1.6% decline the month before. The data came during a period of uncertainty leading up to the UKs vote to leave the European Union on 24 June. Pantheon Macroeconomics said: Junes official data confirm that the construction sector re-entered recession in the first half of this year, as public sector cuts and Brexit risk took their toll. The downturn looks set to deepen in the third quarter; Julys construction PMI broadly is consistent with output falling by about 3.5% quarter-on-quarter. Meanwhile, Brexit negotiations will be protracted, so businesses will hold off committing to major capital expenditure for a long time to come. Elsewhere, Eurozone gross domestic product rose by 0.3% in the second quarter, confirming preliminary estimates and in line with economists forecasts, according to data released by Eurostat. Compared with the same quarter last year, seasonally-adjusted GDP was up 1.6%, also as expected. Dennis de Jong, managing director at UFX.com, said: While the eurozone may have grown during the second quarter, a sharp drop from the first three months of the year reflects the uncertainty that gripped Europe ahead of Junes Brexit vote. Eurozone industrial production rose 0.6% in June from May, versus expectations for a 0.5% increase, separate Eurostat data showed. On the year, industrial production for the euro bloc was up 0.4%, missing expectations of a 0.7% increase. Data out earlier on Chinese industrial output and retail sales for July came in below expectations, although Asian markets seemed to ignore the figures with equities closing higher. The rate of growth in fixed asset investment year-to-date slowed to a 8.0% year-on-year clip versus expectations of 8.9%. That might be indicative of investment slowing in July by the most in over 20 years, Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics said in a research note. "A further sharp slowdown in investment growth means that unless the government steps up policy support, it is only a matter of time before the economy begins to slow again," Evans-Pritchard said. Industrial production in China slowed to a 6.0% year-on-year pace in July, compared to expectations of 6.2% and down from 6.2% in the month before. Still to come, US retail sales data will be released by the Commerce Department at 1330 BST with analysts expecting a 0.4% increase in July. Business inventories and the University of Michigans consumer confidence index are also due at 1500 BST. Company-wise, shares in The Restaurant Group gained after the pub and restaurant chain announced that after 15 years with the company, and two years as CEO, Danny Breithaupt will step down. Coca-Cola continued to fizz higher a day after it posted an 11% jump in first-half operating profit and sounded an upbeat note on the full-year outlook. Going the other way, mining stocks were under the cosh on lacklustre China industrial data and a drop in metal prices. Fresnillo, Rio Tinto and Randgold Resources were in the red. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 6,919.92 0.08% FTSE 250 (MCX) 17,938.08 0.73% techMARK (TASX) 3,535.14 0.20% FTSE 100 - Risers Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 351.30p 2.87% easyJet (EZJ) 1,088.00p 2.74% Coca-Cola HBC AG (CDI) (CCH) 1,727.00p 2.74% Whitbread (WTB) 4,045.00p 2.41% Tesco (TSCO) 160.00p 2.20% Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 237.60p 2.11% Dixons Carphone (DC.) 367.00p 2.06% Next (NXT) 5,495.00p 2.04% Travis Perkins (TPK) 1,555.00p 1.90% Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) 9,470.00p 1.66% FTSE 100 - Fallers Rio Tinto (RIO) 2,415.50p -2.95% Antofagasta (ANTO) 518.00p -2.63% Anglo American (AAL) 862.80p -2.50% Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 8,450.00p -2.26% Fresnillo (FRES) 1,932.00p -2.03% Glencore (GLEN) 196.75p -1.63% BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,040.50p -1.42% 3i Group (III) 634.00p -0.94% Merlin Entertainments (MERL) 476.40p -0.81% Informa (INF) 709.50p -0.77% FTSE 250 - Risers Restaurant Group (RTN) 424.70p 12.71% Ibstock (IBST) 173.00p 7.79% Pagegroup (PAGE) 371.60p 6.45% Polypipe Group (PLP) 280.50p 5.33% AO World (AO.) 155.30p 5.00% Tullow Oil (TLW) 231.70p 4.70% Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 260.30p 4.54% Sports Direct International (SPD) 309.20p 4.25% Sophos Group (SOPH) 240.90p 4.15% Debenhams (DEB) 59.10p 4.14% FTSE 250 - Fallers Genus (GNS) 1,734.00p -10.53% Hochschild Mining (HOC) 293.50p -3.14% Barr (A.G.) (BAG) 511.00p -2.94% Lancashire Holdings Limited (LRE) 610.00p -2.09% Beazley (BEZ) 395.90p -2.05% Auto Trader Group (AUTO) 383.10p -1.97% Ocado Group (OCDO) 296.00p -1.89% Acacia Mining (ACA) 586.50p -1.84% Evraz (EVR) 172.40p -1.49% Indivior (INDV) 297.20p -1.33% Montanans love our public lands, streams, and rivers. They are the backdrop for fond memories and the foundation for our livelihoods. My daughter isnt even two years old yet and weve already made memories on public lands and rivers that will last a lifetime for our family. Odds are, you have many of those sorts of memories with your family as well. Public lands and waterways also represent a major part of our economy, with over 60,000 jobs and almost $6 billion generated through outdoor recreation every year. Unfortunately, one candidate for Montanas Supreme Court, Kristen Juras, is trying to hide her background and true beliefs on public access to our streams and rivers. Montanas Constitution says, all surface waters within the boundaries of the state are the property of the state for the use of its people. The Montana Legislature confirmed that statement by passing laws in 1985 and again in 2009 with a bill I carried, guaranteeing and clarifying our ability to access Montanas streams and rivers. The Legislature acted within the Constitution and the Montana Supreme Court has upheld our stream access law as recently as 2014. With Juras on the court, there is no doubt she would be a foe to the average sportsman and woman and do everything in her power to chip away at our public access laws. Juras recently penned a guest opinion (July 20 Billings Gazette) in which she seems supportive of stream access. However, in a law review article she previously wrote, Juras argued that Montanas law goes too far to protect our right to access streams and rivers. She wrote that landowners should have more rights to block off access to Montanas streams and rivers. In her law review article, she advocated for what she dubbed the right to exclude. Indeed, Juras is well known in the legal community for advocating an aggressive, anti-public access agenda. Attempting to whitewash your record and your stance on public access just because you know its popular among us voters is unacceptable. Montana doesnt need a member of the Supreme Court who advocates for eroding our right to access streams and rivers. Our outdoors are why many of us stay and live in Montana and why others want to live or visit Montana. Not only is water a vital part of our outdoor heritage, but it also drives our economy by helping to create jobs, support small businesses, and increase tourism. Juras offers a skewed view on our stream access laws. Please join me in supporting Judge Dirk Sandefur, who has a reputation as being fair and balanced and has no agenda on this important issue of public access, because the law truly is on our side. Business groups voiced concerns about the government's decision on Friday to go ahead with the apprenticeship levy on large companies, which would help pay for training. The government will help fund employer apprenticeship schemes to address the growing skills shortage, by imposing a 0.5% payroll tax on all employers with an annual wage bill over 3m, in a policy initially announced by former Chancellor George Osborne. The state will bear 90% of the costs of training for about 98% of companies with a wage lower than 3m. There will be 2,000 of extra support for every trainee between 16-18 years old or if they are a young carer. In companies with less than 50 employees, the government will cover the entire cost. Skills minister Robert Halfon said: "Our businesses can only grow and compete on the world stage if they have the right people, with the right skills. The apprenticeship levy will help create millions of opportunities for individuals and employers." The levy encroaches on traditional Labour territory as the Conservative party aims to gain ground with the working class vote, by promoting manufacturing after the Brexit vote. Halfon added: "Apprenticeships give young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a ladder of opportunity." The plans are under consultation until 5 September, will be confirmed in October and implemented in April 2017. However, leading business organisations said the levy needs more thought as it only covers one type of training and businesses need time to prepare. Carolyn Fairbairn, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said: "The governments announcement provides business with much needed information which shows some progress, including support for smaller firms, but fundamental problems remain. The levy is too narrowly defined. It covers only one type of training and employers can only reclaim off-the-job costs. As a result, valuable forms of training risk being cut back, with quantity put ahead of quality. "The April 2017 start date will not give firms sufficient time to prepare, so we urge the government to delay implementation. Though business understands the fiscal challenges, it would be a great mistake to rush ahead before a viable scheme is ready." This was also echoed by Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, the manufacturers organisation, who said: Question marks still remain over the design of the new levy system. Employers will want to see a commitment from government that the system will evolve and respond to employer needs not just in the lead up to the implementation date but, importantly, also afterwards. Delaying the introduction of the levy would buy the government some much-needed additional time to work closely with industry to iron out some of the major wrinkles. This will be vital if the levy is to support the creation of more high quality apprenticeships. Other business groups wanted the tax delayed in order for companies to deal with the impact of the Brexit vote from the referendum, as economists had predicted the UK could dip into a recession and the growing uncertainty over trade terms and access to the single market. "It is irresponsible for the government, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty in the aftermath of the referendum, to simply press ahead with a policy that is not fit for purpose," Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) told Reuters. Its seems like the special relationship is paying off as the UK is the largest single investor in the US and supports over 1m jobs across the country, according to a business organisation. Over 70 years since prime minister Winston Churchill coined the phrase, the economic relationship between the two nations has grown. By the end of 2014, the UK had invested $449bn in the US according to the report by the Confederation of British Industry. This is greater than Japan in second place with $76bn and $200bn more than Canada. The $449bn investment represents about a 15% share of the $2.9trn of direct foreign investment in the US, greater than Indian and Chinese investment combined to about 1%. British companies employed over 1m people in the US. Nearly a quarter worked in the manufacturing industry, in which Britain invested about $180bn in 2014. US exports to the UK was $123bn in 2015, which made Britain the fourth largest destination for US exports for a second year running, and the largest within the EU. American services exports to the UK rose to $66.9bn in 2015 up from $63.2bn in 2014, while US imports of British services increased to $53bn from $50bn in 2014. CBI international director Ben Digby, said that due to the Brexit result from the European Union referendum and the presidential election in the US, we need to everything we can to make it easier trade, invest and drive prosperity. Digby said: As the government negotiates our exit from the EU, a clear strategy will be needed to boost trade with partners, old and new, across the globe. Markets should be carefully prioritised, in consultation with business, to lay the foundations for deep and comprehensive future trade and investment relationships, and the USA must be at the top of that list. However this remains to be seen as before the referendum president Barack Obama said on state visit in April, the UK would be at the back of the queue in any trade deal with the US if the country voted for Brexit. I think its fair to say that maybe some point down the line there might be a UK-US trade agreement, but its not going to happen any time soon because our focus is in negotiating with a big bloc, the European Union, to get a trade agreement done . The UK is going to be in the back of the queue. The bilateral trade agreement the US is negotiating with the EU is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which would reduce regulatory barriers to trade for big businesses on food safety law and environmental and banking legislation, which is thought to have been derailed by the UKs decision to leave the EU. Digby said the UK would be about 10bn a year better off by TTIP so the government should also explore the possibility of joining the final deal, as a third party as the UK seeks to leave the EU. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Jobs or no jobs, developers kept city property-tax abatements Columbus routinely offers tax abatements to businesses pledging to create jobs, but when those promises aren't kept there are usually no consequences. BUTTE A 3-year-old girl was found unresponsive at her grandmothers home in Anaconda early Thursday and later died at a hospital, authorities said. Anaconda-Deer Lodge Police Chief Tim Barkell said he does not suspect foul play. Barkell said the girls 66-year-old paternal grandmother, who was not identified, had taken her to the Community Hospital of Anaconda at 7 p.m. Wednesday due to a fever and was given two types of liquid medication by hospital staff. The woman and her boyfriend, 66, checked on the toddler about 5:30 a.m. Thursday. She was not breathing and her skin was blue, the chief said. The girl was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. There was no apparent trauma, according to Barkell. The girls body was transported to the Montana State Crime Lab on Thursday. Barkell said the woman has taken care of her granddaughter since she was born. She and her boyfriend have no criminal history. The location of the toddler's parents was unknown. Barkell said the girls medical records are being sought. Detectives were conducting interviews with the grandmother and the man. Additional crew members arrived Thursday to join the 125 people fighting a growing fire in northwest Wyoming. The Hunter Peak fire was mapped at 1,347 acres, located 30 miles northwest of Cody and south of Cooke City. While an estimated 95 structures were threatened by the fire, crews planned to assess the danger. The areas along County Road XUX at Squaw Creek were evacuated, according to information from the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team. Crews also started working on constructing lines around the developed areas. Additional personnel were assigned to start containing the fire. There was zero percent containment on Thursday. Trails in that area of the Shoshone National Forest were closed, as well as parts of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The waterway was previously closed for another fire closer to Cody. The speed limit for roads along the reservoir was limited to 45 mph. Whit fire Crews are working to secure the area and begin closing the line around the Whit fire, which was 84 percent contained Thursday. The fire has burned 12,387 acres just 12 miles west of Cody but no evacuations remain in place. The Green Creek, Twin Creek and Sheep Mountain Trails were still closed Thursday. Aircraft use of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir caused its closure west of the line between Eagle Point and Spring Creek. On Thursday, crews expected to clean and patrol the hand lines from Whit Creek south toward Cow Camp, as well as residential areas in the Slack Creek Drainage, Bear Creek Drainage and South Fork. They also kept watch on structures from Timber Creek to Cow Camp. Yellowstone National Park Officials were watching two lightning-caused fires in the park on Thursday. The Fawn Fire has burned 930 acres south of Gardiner. It has caused the closure of backcountry trails and campsites in the area. The Maple fire was estimated at 10 acres and is located a mile east of the Gneiss Creek Trail, just inside the park's western boundary. It started on Monday and has not caused trail or campsite closures. The Fawn and Maple fires don't pose risks to visitors, and all roads remain open, park officials said. Three smokejumpers were called in on Wednesday to battle a new, smaller fire that started between Pocket and Shoshone Lakes. Dubbed the Pocket fire, it sparked about five miles southeast of Old Faithful. A helicopter assisted the smokejumpers with water drops for a full-suppression effort, according to park officials. On Thursday, three more smokejumpers were summoned to assist. The fire is less than an acre. Subscriber content preview Deepwater Wind is building the five-turbine wind farm to power about 17,000 homes. By JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press AP Photo/Steven Senne [enlarge] Partially assembled sections of wind turbine towers stood at a staging site last month at the Port of Providence in Rhode Island. PROVIDENCE, R.I. The nation's first offshore wind farm is set to open off the coast of Rhode Island this fall, ushering in a new era in the U.S. for the industry. . . . Subscriber content preview By WARREN LEVINSON and DEBBIE GALANT Associated Press Photo by Debbie Galant via AP [enlarge] A lighthouse tour in Port Clyde, Maine, includes a demonstration of lobstering with third-generation lobstermen. NORTHPORT, Maine We left for Maine with three bicycles on the back of the car. One for him, one for her, one for any house guest who cared to ride along. There were other modest recreational plans for our three-week vacation on the coast. Twice-weekly yoga at a local community center, a little kayaking, a little hiking maybe, and certainly walking the hilly streets of Bayside and admiring its gingerbread-house architecture. . . . A string of bomb attacks have hit popular tourist towns across Thailand, leaving four dead and many injured, with authorities today ruling out terrorism despite suspicions that insurgents in the kingdom's deep south are responsible. In the normally peaceful resort town of Hua Hin, blood-spattered tourists were given first aid by rescue workers as forensics teams picked through the rubble, with police in Bangkok scrambling to reassure visitors the situation was under control. "This is not a terrorist attack. It is just local sabotage that is restricted to limited areas and provinces," national police deputy spokesman Piyapan Pingmuang told reporters in Bangkok. Analysts said Muslim insurgent groups in the south could be behind the attack, and warned that coordinated bombings targeting tourists would mark an unprecedented escalation in a simmering conflict largely contained in the border region. Twin bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including nine foreign tourists. They were followed by two more explosions on Friday morning that killed another person and left injured and bleeding people lying on pavements as emergency workers rushed to the scene. A further two blasts struck Friday at Patong Beach on the popular tourist island of Phuket while three more were reported further south - two in the southern town of Surat Thani, killing one, and one more blast in Trang, which also left one person dead. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha told reporters as he called for calm. Small bombings are common in the kingdom during periods of heightened political tension but there have been few such incidents in the past year and it is rare for tourists to be targeted. Britain and Australia reacted by advising their nationals to avoid public places. Hua Hin is home to the summer palace of Thailand's revered royal family, and the firsts blasts came on the eve of Queen Sirikit's 84th birthday. "It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist staying in a guest house close to where one of bombs detonated. "I was just surprised that it happened here ... now I'm thinking if it's worth staying," he told AFP. The first two bombs that went off in Hua Hin on Thursday were hidden in potted plants and exploded within 30 minutes of each other in the bar district of the popular beach town. Popular resort Hua Hin, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Bangkok, is popular with both local and foreign tourists and has for years been favoured as a retreat by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. The 88-year-old is currently hospitalised in Bangkok for a number of health issues, a source of anxiety for many Thais and a key factor in the kingdom's past decade of political turmoil. Due to the city's royal connections, "the attack on Hua Hin seems like a direct affront at the Kingdom of Thailand", said Paul Chambers, an expert on the Thai military. He added that "the culprits are most likely Malay-Muslim insurgent groups fighting the Thai state in the deep south". Thailand's ultra-royalist military rulers, who seized power in 2014 after a decade of at times violent political unrest, have touted an increase in stability in the kingdom as a major accomplishment of their rule. The junta on Sunday saw its new version of the constitution approved in a referendum, although the three insurgency-hit provinces rejected the controversial statute. Political unrest Thailand's reputation as the "Land of Smiles" has suffered in recent years from political unrest and a number of high-profile crimes against foreigners. But tourists continue to flock to its white, sandy beaches. The kingdom is expecting a record 32 million visitors in 2016 - a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre economy. The latest blasts came just days before the first anniversary of the last major attack on tourists in Thailand a 17 August bomb that killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists at a crowded Hindu shrine in Bangkok. Two Uighur men from western China have been accused of the attack and are due to go on trial this month. Both have denied any involvement. Canadian police have shot dead a suspect in an anti-terror operation in the province of Ontario. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a suspect was fatally shot in a police operation. Canadian media said police had raided a property in Strathroy, about 225km south-west of Toronto. They named the suspect as Aaron Driver, 24, who was arrested last year for openly supporting so-called Islamic State on social media. A senior police official told the Canadian Press news agency the suspect had allegedly planned to carry out a suicide bombing in a public area. An internal government memo seen by the CTV network said his alleged plan was to use a homemade bomb to create mass casualties. An earlier RCMP statement said it had received "credible information of a potential terrorist threat". "A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public's safety," it added. "As this is still an unfolding matter and the investigation is still under way, we are not able to provide further comment at this time." CBC News said Aaron Driver's family had confirmed his death. It said police had told the family Driver had detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and another person. Driver had been intending to detonate a second device and that was why police had shot him, the report said. Leonard Tailleur, Driver's former lawyer, said it was "absolutely shocking" to hear about what happened. Tailleur, who represented Driver in 2015 and early 2016, said his client had never indicated he would engage in terrorist activities. "He was such a passive individual. He was not an aggressive person," he told the Globe and Mail. Driver, a Muslim convert, came to the authorities' attention in 2014 for tweeting in support of IS, using the alias Harun Abdourahman. He was taken into custody and interrogated by police in July 2015 over concerns he would become involved in planning an attack. He was not charged but released on bail and had to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and undergo religious counselling, according to the CBC. The electronic tag was removed in February when he agreed to the terms of a court order limiting his activities because there were reasonable grounds to believe he might aid a terror group or terrorist activity. He was not allowed to have a computer or mobile phone until the end of August and was banned from social media sites and from contacting IS or any other militant groups, the Winnipeg Free Press reports. All the conditions of the bond were due to expire in December - and no trial was planned. While the country watched in hope as events unfolded on the waters at Lagoa Stadium in Copacabana this afternoon, a housing estate in Letterkenny was holding its own event - how many people can you fit into a house! The house in question, the family home of Olympic finalist Sinead Jennings (now Lynch), was packed for a very special reason, as the Jennings family threw open their doors to neighbours and friends to watch with them as Sinead and Claire Lambe made their bid for glory in the double sculls final. The word had gone out this morning that friends and neighbours and members of the wider community were invited to join the Jennings family in Hawthorn Heights to watch the race, and there was a party atmosphere in the full house as race time approached. Sineads sister Catriona, an Olympian herself in London 2012, and her parents Mick and Teresa were joined by huge numbers of people; every vantage point in the house from where a TV screen was visible was taken. As the race unfolded it was apparent early on that there would be no medals to celebrate, but family and friends all spoke of their pride in Sinead and Claire, and the womens achievement in becoming Irelands first Irish womens crew in an Olympic final. Former Olympian Danny McDaid, among the many who called in to be with the family, spoke of the sense of pride there was in Donegal and Ireland. Our pictures show Catriona Jennings, Sineads sister, willing her sister on and the huge crowd who filled the living room at Hawthorn Heights to watch the race.. Photos by Brian McDaid. Candidates for Eufaula City Council convened on the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce Monday night in a political forum covering topics from industry to quality of life. The forum also drew a large crowd of interested residents hoping to hear what the candidates had to say on important issues. Approximately 175 people attended the event. Mediated by John Savage, the forum featured 13 of the 16 candidates qualifying for city council races. Candidates Drewery Watson for District 3, and Robert Vickers and Jeremy Carroll of District 5 did not attend. The forum featured three rounds of questioning in which each district was given a different question to answer. Each candidate had two minutes on each question. On a question regarding unemployment rates in Eufaula, Jason Bennett, incumbent for District 1, said there are many resources available for the unemployed to get back to work in Eufaula and in Alabama. Major employers like Keystone Foods is hiring, and the Eufaula Police and Fire Departments are always looking for good employees. Bennett said the challenge facing Eufaulians is desire to work. People need to step up and apply, he said. His District 1 opponent Tony Robertson said its important to make sure everyone has a chance for education. There are a lot of programs at Wallace to help you if you just get out and want to do it, he said. Any time you get a job its good. Tim Owens said that education is the key factor to getting people to work, but as a businessman, Owens said he realizes a substantial pay rate is also important for motivating people to give up their unemployment benefits and apply for jobs. Its hard to justify giving up government assistance to go work for $7.50 an hour, he said. You have to make it worthwhile for people to get out and work. In District 2, candidate Steve Rodgers said of industry being an asset and the need for recruitment, I think small businesses are an even greater asset. There are so many here not being supported. Rodgers added that regulations make it difficult for some small businesses to operate effectively and that the city should go after grants that would help small businesses. Dot Weathers, District 2 candidate, said Eufaula has an excellent engine for industry recruitment. Can it be better, though? Yes. Anytime you get satisfied, youve done the wrong thing. District 2 candidate Peggie Thomas said, We need more jobs. I do think we need more industry. She added that she did not have any suggestions regarding industry recruitment. District 3 incumbent Lucious Cobbs was asked about recruiting and retaining quality public safety personnel. Pay and money would solve the whole issue, he said. But we get our money through taxes. If we dont raise taxes, people dont get a raise. He later added, Theres one option and nobody likes that option. Nobody likes taxes. From District 4, Bob Powers and Linda Grice were asked whether Eufaulas education system provides the tools needed to put people to work. Powers outlined some of the collaborations and programs happening in Eufaula such as Communities of Transformation, that is giving mentorship to families that need it. There are programs out there; we just arent capitalizing on them as much as we can. Grice, an educator for more than 40 years, said Eufaula has quit teaching many skills that are needed. Some of these skills were replaced with college prep, she said. We need to get back to developing some of those (skilled workers). We just need to do better. Finally in District 5, candidates had thought-provoking responses on a number of topics. When asked how Eufaula could enhance its relationship with existing industries, Wes Register said, I would go to the existing industries we have now and ask them What do we need to do to help you grow? Because the best thing these industries can do for our community is grow. He added that this would also make it easier to recruit new industries to the area. When asked what is Eufaulas most underused asset, Barbara Flurry responded, The Lake. We have the fishing tournaments and thats good for Eufaula, but we dont have enough stuff on the lake. We need to push it more for the everyday person. On a question about whether the city should continue to fund their contribution to the public school system, Chris Jackson said, You can never give too much to the schools, in my opinion. But if we cant afford that right now, I say we see if we can use that money to give more to our first responders. Then we might be about to keep officers here. I know a lot train here and then transfer somewhere else they can make more money. Maybe we can use that money to keep some great people here in our community. A man who crashed his motorcycle into a bear on Thursday near Reed Point suffered a fractured skull, broken clavicle and cracked ribs, among other injuries. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Hagenbuch said that he had been in contact with family members of the 25-year-old Washington man. Hagenbuch said the man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The injuries didn't appear to be threatening his life, Hagenbuch said. The man remains in a Billings hospital, where family arrived to join him. The man was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Interstate 90 west of Reed Point when a bear jumped out onto the road. The bear was chasing a fawn, and the man had little time to react. The motorcyclist was taken from the scene by HELP Flight helicopter. The bear died. The fawn became caught in a fence, but it was released and ran away. Fed up with conservative investment professionals leaving a trail of broken dreams, a trio from South Australia has launched an online platform to help would-be start-up founders and other entrepreneurs nurture their ideas. Co-founded by Kalif Auditore (CEO), Nick Boniciolli (COO) and Joshua White (CTO), Joey Crowd is being billed as the worlds first crowdfunding platform driven by social media. Like other crowdfunding sites, Joey Crowd provides incentives for people to fund campaigns such as product pre-sales and other exclusive rewards. In addition, the platform enables established businesses to raise money through equity and lending. According to Joey Crowds founders, what really distinguishes it from other alternative finance platforms is its three-pronged USP specifically, KnackMap, Street Team and Future Store. Developed by Joshua, KnackMap is the software powering Joey Crowds in-built social media dashboard. It enables users to control their social media accounts, develop and grow their fan base and automate campaign post (and thus drive campaign traffic) all from one spot. Meanwhile, Street Team was conceived as a means of helping entrepreneurs promote their offering to people outside of their immediate network. The feature, which is still being developed, will enable users to tap into a pool of influential bloggers and pay them to spread the word about their campaign on social media so that it builds momentum and gains traction. Once a users campaign has been successfully funded on Joey Crowd, they can continue to sell their offering through the platforms Future Store, eliminating the need to set up their own e-store or retail using an Etsy or Ebay account. Critically, its a channel through which users can sell their wares to the late adopters who didnt participate in the initial crowdfunding campaign. Dynamic Business recently had the opportunity to speak with Kalif and Nick two-thirds of the Joey Crowd C-Suite about the genesis and growth of their platform as well as their mission statement and plans for the future. People shouldnt have to give up their dreams Kalif and Nick met at Adelaide Universitys Entrepreneur Challenge in 2013. When their respective teams failed to show up, they struck up a conversation and became friends, ultimately winding up as finalists in the competition. They conceived the idea for Joey Crowd soon after, the aim being to establish a platform that democratises finance and removes barriers to entrepreneurs raising capital. People who have fantastic ideas and are business savvy should be able to raise funds, Kalif said. They shouldnt be forced to give up their dreams for lack of opportunities around finance. However, the angel investors, venture capitalists and institutional investors have a monopoly on start-up investments. Yes, they understand the intricacies of due diligence but theyre only a small fraction of the human race. What about everyone else? Nick and I saw an opportunity to create a crowdfunding platform that takes the complexity out of investment decisions, thus allowing anyone to confidently invest in deserving start-ups. We wanted to empower people to invest with their heart, as well as their heads, and to help give life to projects that mean something to them. We also wanted to show younger generations how much fun it is to create and invest small amounts of money in new businesses that have the potential to change lives, perhaps on a global scale. Its important to sustain and support creativity because it leads to social evolution and progress. Nick added that Joey Crowds distinctive name and mascot a kangaroo joey with a jetpack were selected not just to distinguish the business from other crowdfunding platforms but to really capture their mission statement. We wanted to convey our support for early-stage visionaries, come across as a bit rebellious and harness the popularity of an iconic Australian animal, he explained. The joey is well known around the world. Our joey doesnt like to follow the crowds we gave him a jetpack because hes creative and adventurous, he has his own dreams. Seeking finance overseas, building a two-sided market In 2014, Nick and Kalif encountered Joshua while searching for someone with the necessary experience in software production and digital marketing. They hit it off with Joshua, who shared their vision, and quickly brought him into the fold. Finding early-stage investors for Joey Crowd was initially an uphill battle for the co-founders. Rather than being deterred, Nick said the experience affirmed the trios shared belief that the traditional process of raising capital was outdated and needed to be revolutionised. When we pitched the idea to investors in South Australia in 2014, they laughed at us, Nick explained. The concept of crowdfunding was still largely unfamiliar, especially in Australia where investors had a very risk-averse attitude when it came to funding tech start-ups. By sheer determination, we found success overseas. We were able to build our platform with the $50,000 provided to us as seed capital by an investor in Texas, USA. Our next funding round, in mid 2015, closed within five days. To date, weve raised funds from 4 different countries Italy, Singapore, Australia and the US. According to Kalif, the biggest challenge he and his partners have faced since raising the capital necessary to develop their vision for Joey Crowd has been building a two-sided marketplace. Nick, Josh and I are constructing a platform that will help creative entrepreneurs find the necessary means to build their project and make them successful, Kalif said. At the same time, we also cater for investors. We want to make the process of investing through Joey Crowd a positive one and to give investors the best chance of turning a profit. Understanding both users the entrepreneurs and the investors has been incredibly important. In fact, we strive to know them so well that we can identify what they want before they do! Ultimately, we want to build a bridge between these two different users and help them to communicate and trust each other. In five years, the platform will look completely different Since the soft launch of Joey Crowd in April, Kalif, Nick and Joshua have been hard at work developing a sophisticated investor matching system and otherwise optimising the platform for users. In addition, theyre having discussions with interested third parties who see real value in the USP. In terms of what people can expect in the next few months, Kalif said the partners are launching some innovative projects and that the Future Store will soon feature a range of extraordinary products from around the globe. Beyond the next few months? Outside of Australia, were focusing on establishing a presence in China and Singapore, Kalif said. Ultimately, we want to be a global platform. We have a five-year production plan, which will see us continue to grow the community and evolve the platform despite being the only social media orientated crowdfunding platform in the world, its still just an early version of our vision. Five years from now Joey Crowd platform will look completely different from what it is now. What wont change is our core objective to support anyone who has an idea or a business they would like to test or take to the next level. While a majority of business owners are pleased with the return of the Turnbull Government, only one in four (27%) are confident the SME policies the Coalition brought to the election will pass, according to new research from MYOB. The latest MYOB SME Snapshot confirmed that many of the policies the government took to the election are popular with small business, but the close election outcome has raised fears that these policies wont see the light of day, said Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB. The government needs to work quickly and effectively with the Labor Party and cross benches, to build confidence in the SME sector. Other findings from the SME Snapshot a monthly online survey of a section of MYOBs 1.2 million customers included: The suggestion from one in two small businesses that the government address the risk of increased dissatisfaction by making the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off permanent (52%) and accelerating the company tax rate cut proposals for small business (49%). While 77% of SMEs felt the Coalitions campaign had been impacted by, 71% didnt believe the Coalitions election vote was boosted by Brexit. SMEs were divided as to whether the focus on a strong economy, jobs and growth resonated with voters (38% agreed and 28% disagreed with this statement); Two-thirds of SMEs (66%) felt the Coalition needed to do more for the average working Australian. Dynamic Business had the opportunity to speak with Tim Reed, who provided insight into the survey findings, while touching on the recent decision to remove the small business minister form the cabinet. DB: Why are so few business owners confident the governments SME policies will come to fruition? TR: SMEs appear to be waiting to see how the government can implement policies that work for the sector. A quarter believe that they will be able to see these critical policies become legislation, but over 40% are not confident this will happen. Given the government has the numbers in the lower house, it is probably the fact the Labor Party has said they will oppose the increase in the definition of what is a small business, from $2m in revenue to $10m in revenue, combined with the number and diversity of cross-bench Senators which is driving the low level of confidence. I believe there is a real opportunity for the government to work with the cross bench Senators and gain support for this legislation. My own read on their comments gives me reason to believe they understand the critical nature of small businesses to our economy, and Im therefore hopeful they will support this legislation. DB: Why, in the eyes of business owners, didnt Brexit appear to have an effect on the vote? TR: Despite Turnbulls focus on messages of stability during the unfolding of the Brexit result, our results suggest this didnt impact the SME vote. I think this is likely to do with the fact that small businesses are looking for strong policies first and foremost to help them ease operational pressures. SMEs see legislation that the Government can realistically impact such as making the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off permanent as more important to their vote than the governments stance on global issues that they cannot necessarily control. DB: How have SMEs reacted to the decision to remove the small business minister from the cabinet? TR: In my conversations with small business owners, there have been two responses to the changes in the small business portfolio. First, they are thrilled when they learn the Minister for Small Business spent a decade running his own business. They often feel the level of empathy they get from politicians is full of goodwill, but short on true experience, so theyre pleased to learn there is a true understanding. Many then dont understand the difference between a Minister inside and outside of Cabinet. Once they do theyd prefer the Minister to be in Cabinet, but do appreciate that the last two years small businesses have been front and center of the governments economic policy, so are waiting to see if this diminishes, before judging the impact of this change. We know that many SMEs were disappointed, as were we, at seeing that the small business portfolio is no longer in cabinet. We hope this unexpected choice doesnt represent a missed opportunity for the Government to bring small businesses into the central innovation agenda. Lame Deer resident Tawnya Bearcomesout admitted on Friday that she stabbed her common-law husband to death in 2014 after a fight in which he was beating her up. During a hearing before U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in Billings, Bearcomesout pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the Nov. 22, 2014, death of her common-law husband, identified as B.B. A plea agreement calls for a second charge of voluntary manslaughter to be dismissed at sentencing. Also, the agreement calls for a joint sentencing recommendation of 18 months to 24 months, with a 17-month reduction for the amount of time Bearcomesout has been in tribal custody on essentially the same charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said evidence would show that Bearcomesout fatally stabbed B.B. in the chest outside of their Lame Deer residence. Earlier in the day, the couple, along with B.B.s brother and his wife, were drinking together. Later that evening, B.B.s brother and wife went to B.B.s and Bearcomesout's residence to borrow some movies, Sullivan said. Bearcomesout approached from a hallway, crying and looking bloody and dazed, Sullivan said. Bearcomesout said several times she thought she had stabbed B.B. B.B.s brother found the victim at the base of the stairs behind the residence, Sullivan said. B.B. was not breathing and was pronounced dead at the Lame Deer clinic, he said. BIA law enforcement also responded and found Bearcomesout bleeding from the head and passed out. She was treated at the clinic for a black eye and cuts on her face and head. Law enforcement served a search warrant on the house and found a bloody short green and white knife under a television stand in a bedroom, Sullivan said. Photographs of the interior also indicated that a struggle occurred in the kitchen and blood splatters leading to the back porch and down the stairs ending where B.B. was found. An autopsy determined B.B. died of a stab wound to his heart and that he had multiple scratches to his face, right arm and hands and bruises on his left arm. Bearcomesout told her mother in a call from the local jail that she and B.B. got into a fight and that he hit her head against the sink, Sullivan said. She explained that she stabbed B.B. because he was beating on her and nobody was helping her, he said. Bearcomesout faces a maximum of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Watters set sentencing for Nov. 10. Bearcomesout remains in custody. Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said the protesters were not staying within bounds set by law enforcement and getting in the way of surveyors working on the pipeline. "We are working with local law enforcement on this situation to ensure the safety of our employees and the safety of those who live and work in the area. To that end, we will press charges against anyone who interferes in the construction of the pipeline. Construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline will continue across all four states along the route," the developers of the pipeline said in an emailed statement. If U.S. Department of Agriculture predictions stay true come fall, this years corn and soybean crop will be the largest harvest in U.S. history. We were expecting big numbers, but its even bigger, said North Dakota State University crop economist Frayne Olson. With the publishing of its latest outlook Friday, USDA sent markets spiraling downward. While farmers usually pride themselves on having a bumper crop, the high yields are adding to a global surplus already in place. Soybean prices dropped as much as 21 cents per bushel, and corn fell to the lowest level in almost seven years. For the first time, USDA sent crop surveyors into fields to gather data for crop estimates rather than relying on historical data. What they found points to record-breaking yields 175.1 bushels per acre for corn and 48.9 bushels per acre for soybeans. With that in mind, Olson said the price drop was not as much as he expected: I was looking at worse. But that doesnt ease the pain being felt by grain producers. No room in the bin The biggest short-term issue for farmers is going to be storage capacity, Olson said. While there will be enough space to hold the crop nationwide, on an individual basis, some producers arent going to have the bin space. A lot of farmers are going to be short on storage, Olson said. Most have cleaned out their soybeans, according to Olson, who said the problem will be primarily with wheat and corn. Olson said he has heard from farmers that many were able to aggressively pre-price soybeans, contracting them during the price rally in mid- to late June. The corn rally at that time was not as big. (Farmers) made some (corn) sales at those levels, but not enough, Olson said. For those that have to sell at harvest because they dont have room, hauling straight to the elevator rather than storing in bins, the futures markets are telling them to sell soybeans first, Olson said. If they can store corn and wheat, futures markets price get higher. By holding off until December, farmers can get $3.30 per bushel for corn based on the current market conditions. By March, they could get $3.40 per bushel, $3.47 in May and $3.54 in July. Olson said theyll likely never get all their money back but buyers are willing to pay them more later. Soybeans futures, on the other hand, go from $9.84 per bushel at November harvest down to $9.78 in March. Marketing strategies Once the crop is in the bins, the strategizing starts. Those with cash flow issues can take out Commodity Credit Corporation loans with the crop as collateral through USDAs Farm Service Agency, according to Olson. They can use that money to pay back the bank for their operating loan or other bills. It allows you some time to make some decisions, he said. Weather issues are the most likely events to cause a price rally, and, for those that didnt have to sell straight off the field, soybeans hold the most promise though the windows of opportunity will be short. For the big soybean producing regions of Brazil and Argentina, hot and dry weather led to smaller yields in late harvest soybeans and second planting corn, Olson said. They had a good crop, but it was not monster as we expected, he said. As North Dakota farmers are harvesting, Brazilians will start to plant. The dry weather, coupled with economic issues making it hard to get a loan, could have an affect on the region. Meanwhile, demand for soybeans in the international market is strong, and, with a good stock but no surplus, that commodity market continues to be the most volatile. Any hiccup could quickly affect it, Olson said. For corn, it will take a bigger problem to create a price surge. Olson said there are other grains that can be used for animal feed. In particular, sprout damage in the European wheat crop has flooded the market with low quality feed wheat. Wheat woes I hate to say it, but marketing wheat this season is going to be a challenge, Olson said. Its going to be harder to get a good rally out of wheat. There are lots of places to go, but, if youre looking for really high quality wheat, the amount out there is less. In places, such as Russia, where farmers raise winter wheat, there have been large yields with good milling characteristics but the protein levels are below average dropping from a 12 percent average to 11 percent. Theres going to be a premium paid for spring wheat with high protein, said Olson, explaining millers will need it to mix with the winter wheat to up protein content. The standard protein rate for spring wheat is 14 percent. What qualifies as high protein will vary on what this years average protein count comes out to be. Canada, the other large grower of hard red spring wheat, will make its crop report in a couple of days. They have had a lot of rain near harvest, Olson said, which could lead to some quality issues. As the Canadian harvest starts to roll in around Sept. 1, if there are quality issues, it could gradually add more strength to the spring wheat market. Farmers should look to export sales and the type of wheat being bought on the international market, according to Olson. Once they realize there is this low protein problem, if Canada has problems, countries will come to the U.S. to buy spring wheat, Olson said. But if Canada has no problem, there will be a lot of competition between the two countries for export sales. Uber just celebrated its two-billionth trip in a 147-way tie, according to CEO Travis Kalanick, who shared the information in a Monday post on Facebook. Each of the drivers and riders who began their trip at 4:16 a.m. GMT on Saturday, June 18, got a US$450 gift from Uber the number is significant because Uber now operates in 450 cities across the globe, Kalanick said. The companys growth trajectory is impressive. It took five years for Uber to notch its first billion, the CEO noted, but just another six months to hit the 2-billion ride mark. Ubers billions can be counted in other ways than by rides, though. The company has raised close to $15 billion in cold cash and has a market valuation of $68 billion. The French Disconnection Despite its successes, Ubers road to success has not been entirely smooth. The company has faced severe opposition from local labor unions in Europe and many U.S. markets, as well as severe scrutiny from local governments that are concerned about the long-term impact of the new ride-sharing business model. A criminal court in France last month fined uberPop about US$900,000 (800,000 euros) for operating an illegal ride-sharing service. The court also fined two executives of the service, which was shut down last summer after violent protests erupted in France over what local taxi drivers considered unfair competition. We stopped uberPOP last summer and we are disappointed by this judgment, an Uber spokesperson said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by company rep Manon Guignard. The European Commission has just published guidelines that support such services. Heetch, a rival ride-sharing service that targets late night partygoers, faced almost identical charges, the company noted. The judgment in France followed a court decision that banned uberPop in Frankfurt, Germany, earlier this year. Uber had appealed a 2015 ruling against its German low-cost operations, which reportedly were shut down after a complaint was filed by rival service Taxi Deutschland. Uber last fall shut down its ride-sharing service in Frankfurt after 18 months of operation. It also shuttered its services in two other German cities, Dusseldorf and Hamburg, after two years of operating in those markets. Both the French and German cases targeted certain unlicensed Uber services, noted Bruegel scholar Georgios Petropoulous. The company itself has developed licensed services that operate without problem, and in fact they became more popular after such court decisions, he told the E-Commerce Times. Uber itself has the capacity to accommodate such decisions and adjust its business model so that it will minimize the potential damage. Although the judgment against uberPop had no bearing on Ubers current French service, which connects more than 12,000 professional drivers with 1.5 million passengers, the company said, it nevertheless planned to appeal. Growing Pains Ubers global ambitions mean that the company faces the same fundamental challenges that any business deals with as it expands into foreign markets, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. The company must navigate complex legal, cultural and social issues at it enters new territories with their own local politics and historical relationships between business and government, he told the E-Commerce Times. The problem is that the company hasnt shown much talent so far for effectively dealing with these situations. The fact that Uber is operating with a new business model that throws out traditional forms of job security, service delivery and community relationships has led local governments to cast a wary eye toward the company. A lot of judges are concerned about jumping in and supporting a disruptive industry like Uber, Kelley Blue Book Senior Analyst Rebecca Lindland told the E-Commerce Times. The Home Front Uber has faced a series of labor and legal challenges in the U.S. in recent months. Local officials in Austin, Texas, essentially blocked the major ride-sharing services from operating there. In New York, local drivers won the right to organize into a guild affiliated with the International Association of Machinists. The legal setbacks apparently have not seriously inhibited the companys rapid expansion and new development. Uber reportedly is in negotiations with Fiat Chrysler and possibly other auto makers to establish a partnership involving self-driving cars. A deal could be completed by the end of the year. A number of technology companies and major auto makers, as well as ride-sharing fleets, have been in hot pursuit of self-driving vehicles. Self-driving cars are a potentially lucrative market for ride-sharing services to transport seniors, disabled persons, or other people who can not drive. The potential market could be huge if self-driving cars should become convenient alternatives for customers who dont want to own a vehicle, for whatever reason. By Don Lieber There are many reasons to reject fossil fuels now, after 200 years of their reign as societys primary energy source. History will articulate both the benefits provided to human society derived from fossil fuel energy technologies from 1750 to the presentand the extensive costs. In addition to transportation, electricity, industrial power, military and medical applications; fossil fuel technologies are also a core element behind war, political unrest, human rights abuses, extreme and permanent environmental degradation and human disease. The production of major fossil fuels each use hundreds, if not thousands, of chemicalsoften not disclosedmany of which are highly dangerous to human health. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Perhaps the most important historical legacy of fossil fuels, however, will be their collective role as the chief protagonist behind what may be the most urgent long-term global crisis in human history: greenhouse gasinduced climate change. It is my hope that this list, focusing on immediate public health risks (apart from climate change), serves as an adjunct to the myriad other reasons to end the use of fossil fuelsall of themcompletely. The ten ingredients listed in this article are not intended as an exclusive list. The major fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) each use hundreds, if not thousands, of chemicalsoften not disclosedmany of which are highly dangerous to human health. Attempting a comprehensive list of all the harmful chemicals used willingly by the oil, coal and gas industries would be far beyond the scope of this blog series. This article, rather, represents some of the more commonly cited toxic ingredients in the public literature; a starting point in reviewing the overall public health dangers inherent across the spectrum in all three major fossil fuel extraction industries: oil, coal and natural gas. 1. Benzene Fossil Fuel Use: Oil, Coal and Natural Gas Benzene is a well-established carcinogen with specific links to leukemia as well as breast and urinary tract cancers. Exposure to benzene reduces red and white blood cell production in bone marrow; decreases auto-immune cell function (T-cell and B-cells); and has been linked to sperm-head abnormalities and generalized chromosome aberrations. Benzene is one of the largest-volume petrochemical solvents used in the fossil fuel industry. It is a major component in all major fossil fuel production: oil, coal and gas. People are exposed to it from inhaling automobile exhaust and gasoline fumes, industrial burning such as oil and coal combustion, and exposure to fracking fluids. Studies linking Benzene from fossil fuel combustion to cancer and other severe health problems are increasingly reported from around the world. In Atlanta, scientists from Emory University earlier this year reported a significant increase in non-hodgkins lymphomas in regions close to oil refineries and plants that release benzene. In Canada, scientists reported unusually high rates of leukemia and non-hodgkins Lymphoma among residents living downwind from the tar sands fields in Albertacorresponding with high benzene levels found in the same locations. In Calcutta (India) researchers recently linked sudden spikes in certain cancers to a corresponding rise in Benzene emissions since 2007. The Colorado School of Public Health last year published a report which warned that the benzene from fracking operations gives local residents higher long-term cancer risks. Benzene is the major contributor to lifetime excess cancer risks for people living near fracking wells, said Lisa McKenzie, Ph.D., MPH, lead author of the study. The damage benzene inflicts on the human body, however, often takes many years to developbut those effects are catastrophic. As the fossil fuel industry blankets the U.S. and Canada with recently invented, highly profitable extraction methods such as fracking gas and tar sands oil production, long-term consequences have not been well considered. The story of Camp Lejune is worthy of study: Over a period of thirty years from the 1950s to the 1980s, troops stationed at the U.S. military base at Camp Lejune, NC, unknowingly drank and bathed in highly contaminated water containing benzene (and a host of other toxic chemicals, originating from leaked fuel tanks and other commercial sources both on and off the base). Starting in the 1970s, unusual forms of cancers associated with long-term exposure to benzene became rampant among the camps residents. Mary Freshwater was a military wife who lived on the base for many years. I was very active with the Officers Wives Club. We were at a party at one of my friends house one night. There were five of us in different stages of pregnancy. Every one of us lost their baby to a birth defect, she told ABC news in this 2012 report, part of which Ill repost here: On Nov. 30, 1977, Freshwater gave birth to a son, Russell Alexander Thorpe, but the baby was born with an open spine. He died one month later. At the time, few people were aware of the chemicals in the drinking water, nor the long-term health effects of those chemicals. Doctors suggested to Freshwater that she try to get pregnant againand she did. Her second son, Charlie, was born without a cranium, and died the same day. Today, Freshwater is 68 years old and has been diagnosed with two different kinds of cancers, acute myeloid and acute lymphoma. She says doctors told her the diagnosis was consistent with exposure to chemicals such as benzene, which she was exposed to during her time at Camp Lejeune. The full story of the contaminated water at Camp Lejune is told in the documentary, Semper Fi: Always Faithful. The use of benzene, like other toxins used in oil and gas, is particularly insidious because the effectsas seen in the children of the military families at Camp Lejunetake many years to manifest. And due to lax regulations, these products have been rushed into use long before any long-term testing has been possible. It takes about 20 years, lets say, for solid tumors to develop after exposure to a chemical, said Brian Schwartz, an environmental epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. The fossil fuel industry actively suppresses benzene disclosure and regulation. In April 2001, the Koch Petroluem Group (now Flint Hills Resourcesstill owned by the Koch brothers) pleaded guilty to a felony charge of lying to the government about its benzene emissions. The Koch brothers reported 1/149th of their actual benzene pollution to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. The company was fined $10 million and ordered to fund an additional $10 million in costs for environmental cleanup in South Texas. 2. & 3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Fossil Fuel Sources: Oil, Coal and Gas Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are two primary examples of particle-forming air pollutants (particulate matter) from coal power plants. Particulate matter is known to contribute to serious health problems, including lung cancer and other cardiopulmonary mortality. SO2 and NOx are both highly toxic to human health, and contribute directly to thousands of hospitalizations, heart attacks and deaths annually. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health, for example, labels sulfur dioxide extremely toxic. At high concentrations, it can cause life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema); and it is linked to to respiratory ailments including chronic lung disease and asthma, as well as heart disease. It can be fatal upon inhalation at high exposure rates. SO2 is particularly dangerous for children. Studies correlate SO2 emissions from petroleum refinerieseven in lower exposure levels over time to higher rates of childhood asthma in children who live or attend school in proximity to those refineries. Similarly, small particles of NOx can penetrate deeply into sensitive lung tissue and damage it, causing premature death in extreme cases. Inhalation of such particles is associated with emphysema and bronchitis. The largest sources of combined global SO2 and NOx emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities. The American Journal of Public Health published reports in 2009 that high levels of sulfur dioxide, associated with oil refining, was found indoors in residential homes in Richmond, CAa community which straddles four major oil refineries, including the massive Chevron oil refinery. The refinery processes up to 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. In 2010 alone, it released some 575,669 pounds of chemicals, including SO2, into air, water and waste facilities. It may be no surprise, then, that residents of Richmond suffer statistically significant higher risks of dying from heart disease and strokes and are more likely to go to hospitals for asthma than any other nearby county residents. Conversely, one study in France reported a significant reduction in hospital visits related to SO2 exposure during the period of a national oil-refinery strike in Francewhen oil production ceased temporarily, and SO2 emissions dropped. SO2 and NOx emissions represent a known and significant health risk from routine oil, gas and coal productionyet these emissions from oil and gas accidents pose additionaland unforeseenrisks. Worse, many oil- and gas-related accidents are not reported to the public at allsuch as the 300 oil pipeline spills in North Dakota, which, since 2010, have never been reported. Accidents, whether reported or not, are a significant contributor to SO2 contamination and represent a serious public health risk. More than 42,000 tons of SO2 were released from oil and gas accidentsin Texas alonebetween 2009 and 2011. This raises the question: just how much SO2 and NOx is emitted from fossil fuel sources, and exposed to the public, without anyone ever knowing about it? 4. Petroleum Coke (Pet Coke) Fossil Fuel Source: Oil (particularly tar sands bitumen) Pet coke is an increasingly abundant by-product of tar sands bitumen oil processing. It is a heavy dust which resembles coal. It contains dozens of dangerous chemicals and heavy metals, including chromium, vanadium, sulfur and selenium. Research on its risks to public health have been scant; the little research so far is inconclusive. As explained by Chris Weisener, a researcher at the University of Windsor: there is not much information about pet coke available, so its effects are not conclusively known. Does, in fact, pet coke represent a public health threat? From the air perspective, as long as its not being burned, the only concern would be fugitive dust, said Chris Ethridge of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. (As if fugitive dustlaced with toxinswould be perfectly harmless floating freely in the air.) In fact, it is burned. The huge expansion of the tar sands oil mining in Alberta has created an unprecedented abundance of pet coke, which is now being used instead of coal in coal-powered power plants. It has become a huge export commodity in its own right. From Jan. 2011 to Sept. 2012, the U.S. exported more than 8.6 million tons of pet coke to China, most of which was likely burned in coal-fired power plants. (The largest pet coke trader in the world is Oxbow Corporation, owned by William Kochbrother of known fossil fuel industrialists David and Charles Koch.) The burning of pet coke not only poses significant health risksit is also an egregious contributor to global climate change. When burned, pet coke emits five to 10 percent more CO2 even than coal. But pet cokes dangers are hidden from the public. The industry classifies it as a refinery byproduct, which allows it to be excluded from most assessments of the climate impact of tar sands oil productionignoring completely its dangerous end-use effects. As tar sands oil production in Alberta has increased exponentially in the past decade, its waste stream can no longer be hidden away in the remote Canadian hinterland. Piles of pet coke this year turned up in Detroit and Chicago, exported from the tar sands production fields in Alberta, where it is now stored for subsequent export. Dark, rising clouds of pet coke have sparked public protests in Detroit and Chicago, lawsuits (the Koch brothers are accused of illegal pet coke storage, to nobodys surprise), health complaints and charges of environmental racism (its dumped, like much industrial waste, in low-income, mostly non-white neighborhoods). Nevertheless, as an increasingly abundant by-product of the expanding tar sands oil industry, it is becoming a profitable fossil fuel product in its own right, even spawning its own own industry support groups: the 13th annual Petcoke Conference is being held in San Diego in Feb. 2014, hosted by The Jacobs Groupone of the leading pet coke service industries. The industry ignores the public health dangers, the environmental hazards and the dramatic climate implications of pet coke; it is instead presentedas seen in the industry website snapshot below, as an exciting element of an expanding new energy industry. In truly Orwellian language, climate-killing pet coke is presented in attractive terms with these words: amid accelerating change, standing still is not an option. 5. Formaldehyde Fossil Fuel Source: Natural Gas Formaldehyde is a carcinogen with known links to leukemia and rare nasopharyngeall cancers, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Formaldehyde is highly toxic regardless of method of intake. It is a potent allergen and genotoxin. Studies have linked spontaneous abortions, congenital malformations, low birth weights, infertility and endometriosis to formaldehyde exposure. Epidemiological studies link exposure to formaldehyde to DNA alteration. It is also contributes to ground-level ozone. Formaldehyde is commonly used in fracking although, the industry does not report the details of its use. In 2006, the fracking industry was granted waivers from federal clean air and water regulations (known as The Halliburton Loophole) since then, it has operated with few, if any, reporting requirements regarding the chemicals it uses. (The waiver was promoted by the Bush-Cheney White House; Cheney, of course, was the former CEO of Halliburton). Independent studies, however, have detected dangerous levels of formaldehyde in both wastewater and ambient air emissions from fracking operations. One researcher, with the Houston Advanced Research Center, said reading from one test site in north Texas, astoundingly high, and, Ive never heard of ambient (formaldehyde) concentrations that high except in Brazil. The designation of formaldehyde as a dangerous ingredient in fossil fuel production has been vigorously contested by both the fossil fuel industry and by the members of the U.S. Congress who receive huge funds from the industry. In 2009, Koch Industries, one of the nations largest fossil fuel companies, lobbied against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) proposed declaration that formaldehyde should be treated as [a] known human carcinogen. The largest recipients of oil and gas industry contributions in the U.S. Congress, including Sen. Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Vitter (R-LA), also lobbied extensively against the designation. Sen. Vitter, indeed, accepts money directly from the formaldehyde industry. According to Talking Points Memo, his election campaign received about $20,500 in 2009 from companies that produce large amounts of formaldehyde waste in Louisiana. His preferences for the people of Louisiana are clear, and they arent the avoidance of cancer. 6. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Fossil Fuel Sources: Oil and Coal In actuality, this is not a single listingpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is an entire class of toxic chemicals, linked together by their unique chemical structure and reactive properties. I include them on this list because they are frequently cited collectively as a primary fossil fuel pollutant. Many PAHs are known human carcinogens and genetic mutagens. In addition, there are particular prenatal health risks: prenatal exposure to PAHs is linked to childhood asthma, low birth weight, adverse birth outcomes including heart malformations and DNA damage. Additionally, recent studies link exposure to childhood behavior disorders; researchers from Columbia University, in a 2012 Columbia University study, found a strong link between prenatal PAH exposure and early childhood depression. Infants found to have elevated PAH levels in their umbilical cord blood were 46% more likely to eventually score highly on the anxiety/depression scale than those with low PAH levels in cord blood. The study was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The rapid development of the Alberta tar sands oil fields in Alberta, Canada, has coincided with both the discovery of dangerous levels of PAHs in the region and multiple reports of significantly higher rates of cancer and other diseases in the adjacent communities. As reported in one local newspaper: More women in the community are contracting lupus. Infant asthma rates have also increased. During the summer months, it is not uncommon to find mysterious lesions and sores after swimming in Lake Athabasca. When you look at what is happening in the area, it cant not be related to development, says Eriel Deranger, a spokesperson for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Too many times, we see things in the animals and health that the elders have never seen before. The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 provides another window into the previously hidden dangers of PAHs in oil production. Following the massive spill, scientists found PAH levels to be 40 times higher than before the spill. Local fisherman, normally accustomed to some of the most abundant and healthy fisheries in the U.S., subsequently reported finding horribly mutated shrimp with tumors on their heads, some lacking eyes and eye sockets, clawless crabs with shells that look like theyve been burned off by chemicals. An increasing number of scientists from diverse specialtiesbiologists, fish physiologists, environmental toxologistsfrom Louisiana State University, North Carolina University, North Texas University and others cite PAHs from the spill as the most likely culprit. The effects of PAHs to wildlife in the Gulf waterscoming to light several years after the spillmay merit attention across the American heartland as U.S. domestic oil production increases dramatically. Will North Dakotans, for example, soon begin to see a sharp rise in rare cancers, due to the hundreds of unreported PAH-infused oil pipeline spills in that state since 2012, like their unfortunate northern neighbors in Alberta are now experiencing near the tar sands fields? Is this what we mean by energy independence? 7. Mercury Fossil Fuel Source: Coal Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin. It damages the brain and the nervous system either through inhalation, ingestion or contact with the skin. It is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and children. It is known to disrupt the development of the in-vitro brain. In low doses, mercury may affect a childs development, delaying walking and talking, shortening attention span, and causing learning disabilities. High dose prenatal and infant exposures to mercury can cause mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness. In adults, mercury poisoning can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and can cause memory loss, tremors, vision loss and numbness of the fingers and toes. Coal-fired power plants are the largest single source of airborne mercury emissions in the U.S. The mercury emitted from such plants can travel thousands of miles; scientists recently linked the chemical fingerprint of mercury found in fish in deep portions of the Pacific Ocean to coal power plants thousands of miles away in Asia. Here in the U.S., many of the largest coal-powered power plants are located within 50-100 miles of some of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Austin. One out of every six women of childbearing age in the U.S. have blood mercury levels that could be harmful to a fetus, according to EPA reports. The EPA estimates that 300,000 children are born each year at risk for significant development disorders due to mercury exposure. You may not hear references to mercury in the television ads speaking about clean coal. But its in there, too. 8. Silica (Silicon Dust/Fracking Sand) Fossil Fuel Source: Natural Gas Crystalline silica (frac sand) is a known human carcinogen; breathing silica dust can lead to silicosis, a form of lung disease with no cure. Silica is commonly used, in huge amounts, during fracking operations. Each stage of the process requires hundreds of thousands of pounds of silica quartzcontaining sand. Millions of pounds may be used for a single well. The presence of silica in fracking operations, simply put, is a major safety risk with a high likelihood of dangerous exposure. Case in point: researchers from the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently collected air samples at 11 fracking sites in five different fracking states (CO, ND, PA, TX and AR) to evaluate worker exposure to silica. Every single site had measures higher than the NIOSH threshold for safe exposureso high, in fact, that about one-third of the samples collected were even above the safe threshold for wearing a safety respirator mask. This was reported in May 2013 in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. The natural gas industry and its political allies have lobbied extensively against safety regulations and chemical disclosure laws; there are no federal or state standards for silica in ambient air, despite the high risks involved in acquiring lung disease. In 2006, the natural gas industry was given a waiver from the Clean Air and Water Act, granting the industry free reign in using the chemicals it needed without the strict rules of disclosure and/or regulation which other polluting industries were beholden to. (The waiver, of course, was an executive branch rulingthat is, approved only with the permission of the Bush/Cheney White House.) The industry exerts considerable influence in state policies as well, with particular influence in the main fracking states: North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Wisconsin. The relationship between the former Governor of Pennsylvania and the gas industry is a strong example: Gov. Corbett (R-PA), over his political career, received more than $2 million dollars in campaign contributions from the fossil fuel industries (oil, coal and gas). Their support, arguably, was a crucial factor behind his 2010 election victory. In that election, the industry favored Corbett over his opponent, Dan Onorato, by more than 10:1, giving the Corbett campaign $1.3 million while only contributing $130,300 to Ontorato. Corbett, ever the gentleman, said thank you to his benefactors two years later when he pushed a law through the state legislature which restricted the rights of doctors from discussing with their patients potential links between symptoms and chemicals used in nearby fracking operations adjacent to residential property, for example. (This was at the same time that numerous studies, including this one from the National Academy of Sciences, were reporting these very same links). This gagging law by Gov. Corbett was cited by the New England Journal of Medicine, which accused the gas industry of infringing on clinical practice and the patient-physician relationship in Pennsylvania. The fracking industry, in fact, is increasing its use of silica. New fracking techniques are currently being developed (using shorter and wider fracks) which will use significantly higher volumes of silica dust than ever before. The industry, expecting a period of growth, is ignoring the high risks of lung cancer and, instead, touting the expected rise in frack sand stock value. 9. Radon Fossil Fuel Use: Natural Gas Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas which causes lung cancer. It is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after cigarette smoking. About 20,000 people per year die from lung cancer attributed to radon exposure according to the National Cancer Institute. Further, there is no known threshold below which radon exposures carries no risk. Radon exposure can come from a variety of natural sources. However, the newly-developed fossil fuel extraction methods collectively known as fracking (natural gas) represents a significant new and increased source of radon exposure to millions of citizens. Radon is released into local groundwater and air during fracking operations. It also travels through pipelines to the point of usebe it a power plant or a home kitchen. The science behind radon release and exposure is complex but explained well here by Christopher Busby, the Scientific Secretary of the European Committee on Radiation Risk, who warns that radon dangers from fracking have not been addressed properly (or at all) by the environmental impact statements published by the operators, or by the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA. The proliferation of fracking in the U.S. has raised increased concern that the long-term public health consequences of radon exposure are being ignored in favor of the perceived short-term economic advantage of using fracked gas. In New York City, for example, Mayor Bloomberg has promoted the increased use of newly fracked natural gas from the Marcellus Shale region fields in Pennsylvania: the Spectra Pipeline, for example, is a massive new gas pipeline which, on Nov. 1, went on-line and is now transporting up to 800 million cubic feet of fracked gas into the center of Manhattan every day. The industry (and NYC Mayor Bloomberg) touts the development of fracking as an achievement for clean energy and American energy independence. The laws of chemistry and biology, however, tend to ignore patriotic soundbites, and Mayor Bloomberg is not doing New Yorkers any favors from importing newly fracked gas from Pennsylvania: the radon levels from wells in the Marcellus Shale are significantly higher than elsewhere in the U.S. This fact, combined with the short travel distance to end use in New York means that citizens throughout the most populated city in the U.S. will now be exposed to more amounts of this highly carcinogenic gas than ever beforein their homes, at work, in schools and yards above the highly pressurized pipelines running throughout the not-so-invulnerable New York City underground power grid (remember Sandy?), on the very streets of Manhattan. City and state leaders have failed to think through the consequences of promoting radon-laced natural gas, and they failed to heed clear warning signs that gas from Pennsylvania represents a major threat to the public health of New Yorkers, said Albert Appleton, former commission of the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection and senior fellow at the Cooper Union Institute of Sustainable Design. Another industry expert, Marvin Resnikoff, a PhD physicist and international radioactive waste consultant, put it more succinctly. Using fracked gas from Marcellus, he said, will directly lead to thousands of new cases of lung cancer in New York. Long-term studies from diverse science, research and public health organizations, such as this one from the Federal Office of Public Health, provide evidence to take these warnings seriously. Many of these studies provide evidence that indoor radon causes a significant number of lung cancer cases in the general population. Dr. Resnikoff cited the the lack of attention, however, given to radon dangers by the New York State Department of Conservations Environmental Impact Statement on the use of Marcellus Shale fracked gas. In the entire 1400 page statement there is only one sentence containing the word radon and no consideration of this significant public health hazard. Read his full report here. Such government apathy runs contrary to the findings by the worlds leading public health and science organizations who have published very clear warnings. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Cancer Institute, all articulate a definitive, well-established connection between radon and lung cancer. and yet, like the tobacco industry in years past, todays fossil fuel industry denies the science. Thus, a spokesperson for the Marcellus Shale Coalition, a gas industry trade group, recently disputed the findings of the world scientific community about the dangers of radon: Their claims are unsupported by facts and science, says MSC spokesman Travis Windle. The Marcellus Shale Coalitions website, it should be noted, makes no mention of the bloody lungs and painful bone metastases which, eventually, occur in end-stage lung cancer resulting from radon. Instead, it refers to the promise of clean, job-creating American natural gas. (Yes, the website actually says clean.) 10. Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) / Hydrogen Fluoride Fossil Fuel Source: Oil and Gas Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is one of the most dangerous acids known. HF can immediately damage lungs, leading to chronic lung disease; contact on skin penetrates to deep tissue, including bone, where it alters cellular structure. HF can be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin. The senior laboratory safety coordinator at the University of Tennessee said, Hydrofluoric Acid is an acid like no other. It is so potent that contact with it may not even be noticed until long after serious damage has been done. Hydrofluoric Acid is a common ingredient used in oil and gas extraction. Numerous studies, including recent ones conducted by both The Center for Public Integrity (CPI) and the United Steelworkers Union (USU) cite the oil industrys abysmal safety record as a high risk factor for a major HF accident; over the past decade, more than 7,600 accidental chemical releases from refineries have been reported by the industry. In the past three years alone, a total of 131 minor accidents involved HF. One major refinerys experience speaks volumes about the fossil fuel industrys disregard for safety and public health: the BP Texas City refinery. This single refinery has accumulated more than 600 safety violations, which, inevitably, led to tragedy: in 2005, a series of explosions at the refinery killed 15 people and injured hundreds more. This tragedy, however, was not entirely unforeseen by BP. Internal BP memos subsequently revealed that, in the days before the explosion, refinery managers in Texas lamented that safety is not viewed as the #1 priority (by company executives in London). Indeed, the memos discussed the likelihood that the refinery would kill someone. (This is the same BP which federal investigators found responsible for numerous safety failures leading to the massive 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill.) And it isnt only the workers who are at risk. Public health officials have long warned that HF accidents at oil refineries have a high likelihood of causing mass casualties. within the civilian population at large. 50 U.S. refineries use HF, many in close proximity to highly populated urban areas such as Houston, Memphis and Philadelphia. THE CPI study estimates some 16 million people are within dangerous range of an accidental HF releaseHF travels easily in the air, at great distance. And theres more: the Center for American Progress listed HF as the nations second most dangerous industrial chemical vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The fossil fuel industry is subject to little regulatory oversight. Federal rules for the use of HF in oil and gas refining are almost non-existant; there is no mention of the topic in the Bureau of Land Managements recent draft rule for well stimulation methods with HF use (including fracking). The oil and gas industry spends considerably on lobbying and political campaign contributions to ensure the rules remain lax. In 2013, so far, it has spent more than $100 million in federal lobbying, ranking third among all U.S. industries in federal lobbying. In the past 15 years, the oil and gas industry has spent approximately $1.4 billion in federal lobbying. The energy exercises further influence through additional massive contributions to the political campaigns of friendly U.S. congresspersons. It has contributed millions of dollars to the campaigns of Sen. Inhoffe, Sen. McConnel (R-KY), Sen. Vitter, Sen. Boehner (R-OH), Sen. Cruz (R-TX), Sen. Blunt (R-MO) and others, all of whom have proven loyal to the industry by consistently voting against proposed new safety and public health oversight and regulations. The lack of regard to the enormous risks to the public posed by HF in fossil fuel production was summarized by a spokesman for the Western States Petroleum Association, one of the largest oil industry lobby groups in the nation, who, when asked to respond to questions about HF safety, simply said: We use HF acid because its effective. Visit EcoWatchs ENERGY page for more related news on this topic. While countries have dragged their feet for years on meaningful climate action, many cities around the world have forged ahead with sustainability efforts. In July, about 60 mayors pledged to fight climate change at a two-day conference hosted by Pope Francis. Several cities have even made impressive strides to ditch fossil fuels in favor of renewables. Two recent reports have confirmed that 100 percent renewable energy is possible. Earlier this summer, professors out of Stanford and U.C. Berkeley laid out a plan for the U.S. to convert to 100 percent renewable energy in less than 40 years, and Monday Greenpeace published its Energy Revolution 2015 report, which proposes a pathway to a 100 percent sustainable energy supply by 2050. A report issued last week by CDP, a a U.K.-based nonprofit, and AECOM shows that 96 citiesone third of cities participating in CDPare already taking action to decarbonize their electricity supply. And 86 percent of these cities say taking action on climate change presents an economic opportunity. This year, 308 cities reported to CDP. Nearly half a billion people call these cities homeequivalent to the combined population of the U.S., UK and France. The report found that currently over a third of cities get more than three quarters of their electricity from non-fossil fuel sources, showing that cities are actively using cleaner energy sources. Theres huge potential here: Power generation is the single largest carbon emitter in the energy market globally, producing 12.6 gigatons of CO2 in 2015, says CDP. With cities consuming 78 percent of energy globally, establishing renewable power sources for them can have a major impact on global emissions. One of the biggest challenges for cities is often their lack of direct control over their electricity or energy generation, said Conor Riffle, director of cities and data innovation at CDP. Despite this, cities have been finding ways to shake up their energy mix and inspire a move away from fossil fuels. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to mount, it is more important than ever that we seize the opportunities of a low-carbon future. Cities are well placed to lead this transition. Do you know how green your city's energy mix is? Check out our interactive map http://t.co/X4AVCQtr23 #CDPcities pic.twitter.com/LHgF7ffxTH CDP (@CDP) September 21, 2015 U.S. Cities The city of Aspen, Colorado announced earlier this month that it will be running on 100 percent renewable energy by the end of the year, making it the third city in America to do so. Burlington, Vermont and Greensburg, Kansas, which decided to make the move after it was devastated by a powerful tornado in 2007, have also gone 100 percent renewable. Other U.S. cities, including Santa Monica and San Francisco, have set targets to transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Austin and Los Angeles set targets of 55 percent by 2025 and 33 percent by 2020, respectively. It looks like Austin will hit its goal four years ahead of schedule thanks to the plummeting cost of solar and wind. Los Angeless goal is part of Californias renewables portfolio standard, which requires all utilities in the state to source 33 percent of their electricity sales from renewable sources by 2020. Another noteworthy state is Hawaii, which has enacted the nations first 100 precent renewable energy standardmandating that all of the states electricity comes from renewable sources no later than 2045. Worldwide Worldwide, 109 cities have set renewable energy or electricity targets. Latin American cities are the least reliant on fossil fuels to power their electricity, though many rely on high amounts of hydro. The cities average 76 percent of their electricity from renewables. Brazil alone has at least 15 fully fossil fuel-free cities, and several others that are close to 100 percent renewable. European cities are next. Participating cities there averaged 59 percent. Asia Pacific cities are the most dependent on fossil fuels, while North America and Africa fall somewhere in between Europe and Asia Pacific. Participating Asia Pacific cities receive, on average, 15 percent of their electricity from non-fossil fuel sources. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Curitiba, Brazil are some of the cities worldwide that have already met the 100 percent renewable energy goal. Stockholm, Sweden has pledged to be free of fossil fuels by 2040. I have set the ambitious goal for Stockholm to benot just climate neutralbut fossil fuel free by 2040, said Karin Wanngard, the mayor of Stockholm. I am fully aware that the city must excel in all aspects to reach this goal. Stockholm is already an acknowledged global climate leader, where energy consumption decreases, as do emissions and waste. Measuring and reporting our progress are extremely important tools in helping us succeed and to ensure that the city of Stockholm continues to be a frontrunner when it comes to fighting climate change. Canberra, Australia has committed that by 2020, 90 percent of its electricity supply will be from large-scale renewablesdelivering a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Sydney, Australia is aiming for 30 percent renewables by 2030. There are a number of islands taking the plunge as well. Samso in Denmark became the first island in the world to go 100 percent renewable. Tokelau in the South Pacific, El Hierro in Spains Canary Islands and Kodiak Island in southern Alaska have all eliminated fossil fuels from their electrical supply. Aruba, St. Lucia, Grenada, the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and San Andres and Providencia, and Belize all participate in the Ten Island Challenge, which was created by Virgin founder Sir Richard Bransons climate group the Carbon War Room, now partnered with Amory Lovins think tank the Rocky Mountain Institute, to encourage islands in the Carribbean to tap into their abundant supply of sunshine and wind to transition to renewable energy sources. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE 100% Renewable Energy Possible by 2050, Says Greenpeace Report Governor Undermines Climate Action Plan in Colorado Join National Day of Action Oct. 14 and Demand Leaders Tackle Climate Change With the renewable energy sector growing leaps and bounds in the U.S., many criticsahem, Donald Trumpargue that a transition to clean power would lead to the displacement of workers in the fossil fuel industry. Coal and coal mining is a major threat to our environment Flickr Admittedly, these naysayers are not exactly wrong. Coal workers are genuinely worried as mines close and high-profile coal companies declare bankruptcy. Coal jobs are indeed on the decline, with the total number of employees at U.S. coal mines dipping to 74,931 employees in 2014, a decrease of 6.8 percent from the year prior. The Obama Administrations carbon cutting policies that takes direct aim at coal plants, alongside a drop in natural gas prices are only fueling these concerns of job security. But what if the coal industry could adapt? In a new study published in the journal Energy Economics, researchers from Michigan Technological University and Oregon State University found that a relatively minor investment in retraining would allow most coal workers to switch professions to the booming and job creating solar energy sector. Our study found that this growth of solar-related employment could benefit coal workers, by easily absorbing the coal-industry layoffs over the next 15 years and offering full-time careers, Joshua Pearce, the studys co-author and associate professor of materials science and engineering at Michigan Technological University, wrote in Harvard Business Review. The investment would cost between $180 million to $1.8 billion to switch the vast majority of U.S. coal miners to solar jobs, based on best and worst case scenarios, the authors estimated. In the best case scenario, employees who have non-coal specific positions, such as secretary and electrician, could find jobs outside of the PV industry. In the worst case scenario, all employees in coal mining will be absorbed into the PV industry. Surprisingly, the researchers found that a coal CEOs annual salary would be more than enough money to retrain every company employee to work in solar, as Green Tech Media explained from the study: The study noted that the CEO of Consol Energy earned about $14 million in 2012, more than enough to retrain all of the companys employees for jobs in the PV industry. Arch Coal, which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, paid its executives and directors more than $29 million in the year leading up to its bankruptcy filing, according to The Wall Street Journal. Heres how the team came to the studys conclusion, as Pearce explained: Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we looked at all current coal industry positions (from engineers to mining and power plant operators to administrative workers), the skill sets required for each (for example, specific degrees and amount of work experience), and their respective average salaries. For each type of coal position, we determined the closest equivalent solar position and salary. For example, an operations engineer in the coal industry could retrain to be a manufacturing technician in solar and expect about a 10 percent salary increase. Similarly, explosive workers, ordinance handlers, and blasters in the coal industry could use their sophisticated safety experience and obtain additional training to become commercial solar technicians and earn about 11 percent more on average. Our results show that there is a wide variety of employment opportunities in the solar industry, and that the annual pay is attractive at all levels of education, with even the lowest skilled jobs paying a living wage (e.g., janitors in the coal industry could increase their salaries by 7 percent by becoming low-skilled mechanical assemblers in the solar industry). In general, we found that after retraining, technical workers would make more in the solar industry than previously in coal. However, managers and particularly executives would make less. The paper found four ways to fund coal to solar job training: Coal workers fund their own retraining Coal companies pay for retraining of their own workers Individual states provide coal to solar transition programs The federal government funds retraining The study noted that the second option would only cost 5 percent of coal companys revenue from a single year to provide solar scholarships to workers. Companies would also have the feel-good factor of taking care of their workers while diversifying their energy portfolios at the same time. From a public and environmental health perspective, switching from a polluting energy source to clean, green solar would improve worker health and be better for the planet. As EcoWatch mentioned previously, coal-fired power plants are responsible for about 40 percent of the countrys emissions and collectively constitute the nations single-largest source of greenhouse gas pollution. Naturally, this study paints a very optimistic view that a coal CEO or an entire industry would want to make such drastic changes. Green Tech Media pointed out that it would be an impressive feat to convince coal companies or government bodies to take up the studys suggestionsespecially for industry-backed politicians who promote coal as a political platform. #Trump Promises an 'Energy Revolution': Roll Back Env Regs, Bolster Coal Industry & 'Cancel' Paris Agreement https://t.co/PxObkkHKbq @NRDC EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) August 9, 2016 Additionally, as Green Tech Media mentioned, workers who live in states such as West Virginia and Kentucky, which do not have robust solar markets, would be forced to move to a different, solar-friendly state. Training employees for some solar-specific jobs would also require a new degree and several years of study. However, as Pearce noted, The writing on the wall for the coal industry is clear. Price pressure from natural gas, wind and solar has been relentless, he wrote. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations to curb pollution continue to raise the costs of coal, and public perception of the industry continues to fall. The growing threat of liability due to inherent greenhouse gas emissions that come from coal combustion may climb to the hundreds of trillions of dollars. Young coal workers, in particular, should consider retraining for a job in solar now. On that note, Hillary Clinton, who has no plans to reverses President Obamas climate mandates, has called for a $30 billion initiative to revive coal country partly through clean job transitions. And, in a speech Thursday in Michigan said, Some country is going to be the clean energy superpower of the 21st century and create millions of jobs and businesses. Its probably going to be either China, Germany or America. I want it to be us! Harvey Shilling will provide music at 12:30 p.m. followed by the event kick off at 1 p.m. by Bruce Hagan, president of the Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors' Mansion, with the national anthem and call to order. Musical performances and presentations include speakers and musicians, such as Perry Hornbacher, Claudia Berg, who is director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, Chuck Suchy, Family Folk, Stan Wright and Gordy Patten. Around the same time pilgrims were trying to make it on the colony of Jamestown, a young shark was swimming around the Arctic seas. This special female sharkborn approximately 400 years agomight be the worlds oldest vertebrate, according to a new study published in the journal Science. The ancient and mysterious Greenland shark is likely the worlds oldest animal with a backbone. Flickr As it turns out, the Greenland shark species can live longer than any animal with a backbone, marine biologist Julius Nielsen of Copenhagen University and his team discovered. We had our expectations that we were dealing with an unusual animal, but I think everyone doing this research was very surprised to learn the sharks were as old as they were, Nielsen told the BBC. The previous longest-living vertebrate was the bowhead whale which can live more than 200 years. This sharks age is even within striking distance with the worlds oldest animal. An ancient ocean quahog clam (an invertebrate) was 507 years old when it was found. Unfortunately, as The Independent pointed out, the four-century-old shark was accidentally killed not long ago by fishermen. In fact, the only way the researchers were able to pull off this study was because they had obtained 28 female Greenland sharks that were unintended bycatch from 2010 to 2013. Greenland sharks grow at an incredibly slow growth rate of less than a centimeter per year on average, Gizmodo noted. The sharks that were studied ranged in sizes between 2.6 feet to 16.4 feet. There has not been a lot of prior study on the Greenland shark. To determine the age of these mysterious sharks, researchers used radiocarbon dating on the sharkss eye lens. The study said that this large yet slow-growing species do not even reach sexual maturity until they are about 150 years old, when they are about 13 feet long. The largest shark was born about 392 years ago, but could have been aged between 272 and 512 years old. Even with the lowest part of this uncertainty, 272 years, even if that is the maximum age, it should still be considered the longest-living vertebrate, Nielsen said. The Greenland shark lives in the icy, deep waters of the North Atlantic and are a near threatened species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Once hunted for its liver oil, the current population is now threatened due to it being accidentally hauled by fishing operations. The authors of the study have raised concerns about species conservation due to the commercial fishing industry. Our estimates strongly suggest a precautionary approach to the conservation of the Greenland shark, because they are common bycatch in arctic and subarctic groundfish fisheries and have been subjected to several recent commercial exploitation initiatives, the study states. https://twitter.com/seashepherd/statuses/764069100788133888 Additionally, as the The Independent described from the study, these sharks have had to bear the brunt of a lot of human activity: Some of the sharks bore signs of humans impact on the planetsuch as the radiocarbon signature left by open-air nuclear bomb tests in the mid-20th century and possibly a chemical time marker caused by emissions of fossil fuels, which has been detected in the marine food chain since the early 20th century. The story of the Greenland Shark also highlights the importance of conservation. Nielsen described how it might be difficult for its population to rebound. When you evaluate the size distribution all over the North Atlantic, it is quite rare that you see sexually mature females, and quite rare that you find newborn pups or juveniles, he told the BBC. It seems most are sub-adults. That makes sense: if you have had this very high fishing pressure, all the old animalsthey are not there any more. And there are not that many to give birth to new ones. There is, though, still a very large amount of teenagers, but it will take another 100 years for them to become sexually active. Nielsen told Gizmodo that he does not consider the sharks threatened, but I do consider them vulnerable. This definitely advocates for a precautionary approach in terms of exploitation, and for minimizing bycatch, he said. https://twitter.com/SharkAdvocates/statuses/763821148631080961 Sonja Fordham, president of Shark Advocates International, seconded the opinion. While scientists may continue to debate absolute longevity, it is clear that the Greenland shark is exceptionally slow growing, late to mature, and long-lived, even by shark standards, she told Gizmodo. As is the case for most sharks, these life history characteristics make Greenland sharks particularly susceptible to overexploitation and slow to recover once depleted. What is fracking? Fracking is a process of blasting water, chemicals and frac sand deep into the earth to break up sedimentary rock and access natural gas and crude oil deposits. The fracking industry, which has sought to promote the practice as safe and controlled, has preferred the term hydraulic fracturing. Fracking emerged as an unconventional, relatively new and extremely popular technique only about 20 years ago in the U.S., after advances in technology gave it an unprecedented ability to identify and extract massive amounts of resources efficiently. Fracking is one of the most important environmental issues today, and its a prime example of how a new technology that offers immediate economic and political benefits can outpace (often less obvious) environmental and health concerns. Why is fracking so controversial? Modern fracking emerged so quickly, faster than its impacts were understood. Just as importantly, once scientists, health experts and the public started to object with evidence of harm it was causing, business and government succeeded in perpetuating a message of uncertainty, that more research was necessary, further enabling the full speed ahead fracking juggernaut. How does fracking impact the environment? Frackings supporters have pushed an environmental angle, insisting that natural gas can be a bridge fuel, a cheaper, cleaner option than coal before we have a large-scale transition to renewable energy. This claim has some merit, as natural gas does emit much less carbon dioxide than coal or oil. However, it is still a fossil fuel, adding harmful emissions while the climate crisis worsens. Moreover, fracking wells leak methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25 times more potent than CO2. Water In order to break up rock formations one to two miles deep, a fracking operation requires millions of gallons amount of water. After its used, the resulting wastewater, which contains chemicals is pumped back into injection wells, sent to treatment plants, or can be dangerously dumped or spilled. In 2016 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report skewed friendly to industry in its language: Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States. The EPA acknowledged that drinking water contamination was possible, but ultimately came to this conclusion: Data gaps and uncertainties limited EPAs ability to fully assess the potential impacts on drinking water resources locally and nationally. Earthquakes According to the U.S. Geologic Survey, disposal of wastewater has caused an increase in earthquakes in the central U.S. Seismologists have reported that frackings initial blasting process can trigger earthquakes. Air Pollution In addition to methane, fracking releases many toxic contaminants into the air. EPA has acknowledged the public health threat, but a lack of urgent political pressure has sidelined the agency into advising on ways to control and reduce, rather than eliminate, the danger. Toxic Chemicals Fracking fluids contain unknown chemicals and known carcinogens such as benzene. Fracking companies havent been required to disclose their proprietary formulas, however. This is yet another example of how uncertainty serves as an enabling force. The EPA has identified more than 1,000 different chemicals used in fracking fluid. Wildlife Fracking can destroy wildlife habitats, pollute rivers and fisheries, poison birds, and use up water supplies that animals need to survive. How does fracking affect the economy? The fracking boom made the U.S. the worlds largest producer of oil and gas, reducing its energy imports from 26% to less than 4%. It has lowered oil and gas prices and created thousands of industry jobs. While fracking companies profited greatly at first, as prices dropped their margins collapsed. Many are now going bankrupt. How is fracking regulated? Congress has enabled the oil and gas industry to be exempt from such regulations as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Fracking surged during the Obama administration, which moved to protect water from fracking on federal lands in 2015. Subsequently, the Trump administration sought to roll back protections and expand fracking on federal lands. Key Examples of Fracking in the United States Pennsylvania Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale is the source for about 40% of shale gas production in the U.S. New York While the Marcellus Shale also runs through New York, the state has banned fracking. Texas Texas produces more crude oil than any other state. North Dakota The Bakken Shale in North Dakota has been one of the main sites for the fracking boom and subsequent bust, leaving behind extensive environmental damage. A recent report found that all 50 states could provide 100% (or even greater) in-state renewable energy. Other Countries Outside the U.S., only Canada, China and Argentina have commercial fracking operations. A UN report in 2018 said that other countries were highly unlikely to produce at such a large scale as the U.S., due to political and cultural factors, and existing infrastructure. The Future of Fracking While renewables were considered a solution for peak oil only a decade ago, fracking changed the terms of the debate, with a new focus from environmentalists to keep it in the ground starting in 2015. The Biden administration now stands at a pivotal moment in the climate crisis. Bidens stance on fracking is not yet entirely clear, but he has rejoined the Paris agreement and appears to take climate seriously. At the same time, he is sympathetic to workers in fossil fuel industries, was vice president during the fracking boom years under Obama, and may be more inclined to seek a gradual transition than one fast enough to help solve the crisis. What Is Climate Change? Is It Different From Global Warming? Climate change is actually not a new phenomenon. Scientists have been studying the connection between human activity and the effect on the climate since the 1800s, although it took until the 1950s to find evidence suggesting a link. Since then, the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases) in the atmosphere have steadily increased, taking a sharp jump in the late 1980s when the summer of 1988 became the warmest on record. (There have been many records broken since then.) But climate change is not a synonym for global warming. The term global warming entered the lexicon in the 1950s, but didnt become a common buzzword until a few decades later when more people started taking notice of a warming climate. Except climate change encompasses a greater realm than just rising temperatures. Trapped gases also affect sea-level rise, animal habitats, biodiversity and weather patterns. For example, Texas severe winter storms in February 2021 demonstrate how the climate isnt merely warming. Related: What Are The Top States For Solar Incentives? Why Is Climate Change Important? Why Does It Matter? Marc Guitard / Moment / Getty Images Despite efforts from forward thinkers such as SpaceX Founder Elon Musk to colonize Mars, Earth remains our home for the foreseeable future, and the more human activity negatively impacts the climate, the less habitable it will become. Its estimated that Earth has already warmed about one degree Celsius, or two degrees Fahrenheit, since the start of the Industrial Revolution around the 1750s, although climate change tracking didnt start until the late 1800s. That warming number may not sound like much, but this increase has already resulted in more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts and winter storms, to name some examples. Environmental Impacts Then theres biodiversity loss, another fallout of climate change thats threatening rainforests and coral reefs and accelerating species extinction. Take rainforests, which act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But as rampant deforestation is occurring everywhere from Brazils Amazon to Borneo, fewer trees mean that rainforests are becoming carbon sources, emitting more carbon than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, coral reefs are dying as warming ocean temperatures trigger bleaching events, which cause corals to reject algae, their main food and life source. Fewer trees, coral reefs and other habitats also equate to fewer species. Known as the sixth mass extinction, a 2019 UN report revealed that up to a million plant and animal species could become extinct within decades. Human Impact It can be easy to overlook climate change in day-to-day life, or even realize that climate change is behind it. Notice theres yet another romaine lettuce recall due to E. Coli? Research suggests that E. Coli bacteria are becoming more common in our food sources as it adapts to climate change. Cant find your favorite brand of coffee beans anymore? Or that the price has doubled? Climate change is affecting that too. Climate change is also worsening air quality and seasonal allergies, along with polluting tap water. Not least, many preliminary studies have also drawn a line between climate change and the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that is still gripping much of the world. Future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently until the root causes, such as deforestation, are addressed. Speaking of larger-scale issues, global water scarcity is already happening more frequently. The Caribbean is facing water shortages due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall; Australias dams may run dry by 2022 as severe wildfires increase and Cape Town, South Africa has already faced running out of water. As touched upon earlier, its one thing to be inconvenienced by a lack of romaine lettuce for a couple of weeks or higher coffee bean prices, but reports warn how climate change will continue to threaten global food security, to the point of triggering a worldwide food crisis if temperatures surpass two degrees Celsius. Many of these factors are already contributing to climate migration, forcing large numbers of people to relocate to other parts of the world in search of better living conditions. Unless more immediate, drastic action is taken to combat climate change, future generations will have to contend with worst-case scenario projections by the end of the 21st century, not limited to coastal cities going underwater, including Miami; lethal heat levels from South Asia to Central Africa; and more frequent extreme weather events involving hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, droughts, floods, blizzards and more. Related: What Are The Best Solar Companies? Whats Happening and Why? Fiddlers Ferry power station in Warrington, UK. Chris Conway / Moment / Getty Images The Earths temperature has largely remained stable until industrial times and the introduction of greenhouse gases. These gases have forced the atmosphere to retain heat, as evidenced by rising global temperatures. As the planet grows warmer, glaciers melt faster, sea levels rise, severe flooding increases and droughts and extreme weather events become more deadly. The Greenhouse Effect In the late 1800s, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius studied the connection between the amount of atmospheric carbon and its ability to warm and cool the Earth, and while his initial calculations suggested extreme warming as carbon increased, researchers didnt start to take human-induced climate change seriously until the late 20th century. But proof of human-led climate change can be traced to the 1850s, and satellites are among the ways that scientists have been tracking increased greenhouse gases and their climate impact in more recent years. Climate researchers have also documented warmer oceans, ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets, decreased snow amounts and extreme weather as among the events resulting from greenhouse gases heating the planet. Numerous factors contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, known as the greenhouse effect. One of the biggest causes involve burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, to power everything from cars to daily energy needs (electricity, heat). From 1970-2011, fossil fuels have comprised 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Big Ag is another greenhouse contributor, particularly beef production, with the industry adding 10 percent in 2019. This is attributed to clearing land for crops and grazing and growing feed, along with methane produced by cows themselves. In the U.S. alone, Americans consumed 27.3 billion pounds of beef in 2019. Then theres rampant deforestation occurring everywhere from the Amazon to Borneo. A 2021 study from Rainforest Foundation Norway found that two-thirds of the worlds rainforests have already been destroyed or degraded. In Brazil, deforestation reached a 12-year-high in 2020 under right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. As it stands, reports predict that the Amazon rainforest will collapse by 2064. Rainforests are important carbon sinks, meaning the trees capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere. As rainforests collapse, the remaining trees will begin emitting more greenhouse gases than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, a recent study revealed that abandoned oil and gas wells are leaking more methane than previously believed, with U.S. wells contributing up to 20 percent of annual methane emissions. Not least is the cement industry. Cement is heavily used throughout the global construction industry, and accounts for around eight percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural Climate Change Granted, natural climate change exists as well, and can be traced throughout history, from solar radiation triggering the Ice Ages to the asteroid strike that rapidly raised global temperatures and eliminated dinosaurs and many other species in the process. Other sources of natural climate change impacts include volcano eruptions, ocean currents and orbital changes, but these sources generally have smaller and shorter-term environmental impacts. How We Can Combat Climate Change Participant holding a sign at the climate march on Sept. 20, 2020, in Manhattan. A coalition of climate, Indigenous and racial justice groups gathered at Columbus Circle to kick off Climate Week with the Climate Justice Through Racial Justice march. Erik McGregor / LightRocket / Getty Images While the latest studies and numbers can often feel discouraging about societys ability to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening, theres still time to take action. As a Society In 2015 at COP 21 in Paris, 197 countries came together to sign the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty agreeing to limit global warming in this century to two degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels; its believed that the planet has warmed one degree Celsius since 1750. Studies show that staying within the two-degree range will prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. Achieving this goal requires participating parties to drastically slash greenhouse gas emissions sooner rather than later. However, there have already been numerous setbacks since then, from former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in 2020 to world leaders, such as China, the worlds biggest polluter, failing to enact aggressive climate action plans. Yet many of the treaty participants have been slow to implement changes, putting the world on track to hit 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century even if the initial goals are met. However, its worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021, and pledged to cut greenhouse gases in half by 2030. Then theres the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that were commonly used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and aerosols. Recent studies show that parts of the ozone are recovering, proving that a unified commitment to combatting climate change issues does make a difference. On a smaller scale, carbon offset initiatives allow companies and individuals to invest in environmental programs that offset the amount of carbon thats produced through work or lifestyle. For example, major companies (and carbon emitters) such as United Airlines and Shell have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in part by participating in carbon offset programs that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The problem is that these companies are still producing high levels of fossil fuel emissions. While individuals can make a small impact through carbon offsets, the greater responsibility lies with carbon-emitting corporations to find and implement greener energy alternatives. This translates to car companies producing electric instead of gas vehicles or airlines exploring alternative fuel sources. It also requires major companies to rely more on solar and wind energy for their energy needs. In Our Own Lives While its up to corporations to do the heavy lifting of carbon reduction, that doesnt mean individuals cant make a difference. Adopting a vegan lifestyle, using public transportation, switching to an electric car and becoming a more conscious consumer are all ways to help combat climate change. Veganism Consuming meat relies on clearing land for crops and animals, while raising and killing livestock contributes to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization. By comparison, choosing a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas footprints by as much as 70 percent, especially when choosing local produce and products. Public Transportation Riding public trains, subways, buses, trams, ferries and other types of public transportation is another easy way to lower your carbon footprint, considering that gas-powered vehicles contribute 95 percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Electric Vehicles Electric cars and trucks have come down in price as more manufacturers enter the field, and these produce far lower emissions than their gas counterparts. Hybrid vehicles are another good alternative for lowering individual emission contributions. Conscious Consumption Buying locally produced food and items is another way to maintain a lower carbon footprint, as the products arent shipped or driven long distances. Supporting small companies that are committed to sustainability is another option, especially when it comes to clothes. Fast fashion has become a popular option thanks to its price point, but often comes at the expense of the environment and can involve unethical overseas labor practices. Not least, plastic saturates every corner of the consumer market, but its possible to find non-plastic alternatives with a little research, from reusable produce bags to baby bottles. Climate Activism Those interested in becoming even more involved can join local climate action organizations. Popular groups include the Sunrise Movement, Fridays for Future, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club, to name a few. Voting, volunteering, calling local representatives and participating in climate marches are additional ways to raise your voice. Takeaway Its taken centuries to reach a climate tipping point, with just a matter of decades left to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. But theres still hope of controlling a warming climate as long as individuals, companies and nations make an immediate concerted effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. As the world already experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid unified response can make all the difference. Meredith Rosenberg is a senior editor at EcoWatch. She holds a Masters from the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in NYC and a B.A. from Temple University in Philadelphia. All those senators currently debating in Washington D.C., calling the Keystone XL pipeline approval bill an urgent jobs creation bill, are looking for jobs in all the wrong places. Solar installation alone added more jobs in 2014 than both the oil and natural gas sectorsjobs that cant be outsourced. Photo credit: The Solar Project They should be perusing the National Solar Jobs Census 2014, the fifth annual such report compiled by the nonprofit Solar Foundation. What theyd find there puts the pipeline project to shame. Despite attacks on clean, renewable energy around the country, creating uncertainty in the sector, job creation grew dramatically. It outperformed the slowly improving U.S. economy, creating jobs at nearly 20 times the rate of the overall economy. Last year, jobs in solar increased by 21.8 percent, adding up to 31,000 new jobs in 2014 and bringing the total number of solar-related jobs in the U.S. to 173,800. Thats an increase of 86 percent since 2010. The vast majorityapproximately 157,500 work 100 percent on solar activities. The solar industry has once again proven to be a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation, said The Solar Foundations president and executive director Andrea Luecke. Our Census findings show that one out of every 78 new jobs created in the U.S. over the past 12 months was created by the solar industrynearly 1.3 percent of all jobs. It also shows for the fifth consecutive year, the solar industry is attracting highly skilled, well-paid professionals. That growth is putting people back to work and strengthening our nations economy. And despite attacks in states like Ohio, which froze its renewable energy standards last June and is talking about permanently eliminating them, The Solar Foundation projects that growth will continue. Its employer survey, which collected data from more than 7,600 U.S. businesses, found that the next year solar is likely to see a similar increase of almost 21 percent, bringing the total number of workers in the industry to 210,060. Demand for clean renewable power is growing, said Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley. Solar exists at the critical intersection between energy, the economy and the environment. As the nations fastest growing energy source, solar is adding thousands of new jobs each year. Its growth will almost surely continue to be robust in coming years. The survey also found that installation remains the largest source of domestic solar employment growth, more than doubling since 2010 and that those workers are more and more diverse, with more African-Americans, Hispanics, women and veterans than in the 2013 report. Solar installation jobs have already blown past employment in the shrinking coal industry, which is now down to only 93,185 jobs. And while the oil and gas pipeline construction and extraction added 19,217 jobs in 2014, the solar installation sector created almost 50 percent more jobs. Those jobs are that cant be outsourced, wont disappear in two years like the Keystone XL construction jobs and dont come with negative health impacts or harmful impacts on the environment. The tremendous growth in the solar industry last year is further evidence that we can clean our air and cut climate pollution while also growing the economy, said former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The more data we have about the renewable energy industry, the better positioned policymakers and investors will be to make informed decisions. The Solar Jobs Census has the potential to help make that possible. And with jobs in the wind sector increasing rapidly as well, supporting fossil fuel industries at the expense of renewables seems like bad economic as well as bad environmental policy. Americans want greater clean energy deployment, and conventional electricity generation is among the largest sources of air and water pollution in the U.S., said Lyndon Rive, CEO of Solar City, the largest solar employer in the U.S. As the Census underscores, solar is providing a tremendous boost to our economy while meeting public demand for choice, competition and cleaner, more affordable energy. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Top 10 States Leading the U.S. in Solar Energy Growth 25 Top Companies Investing in Solar The World Is Going Solar (Photo: Peter Kenny / Ecumenical News)Staffan de Mistura, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, in Geneva, Switzerland on Oct. 12, 2015. Pope Francis has shared lunch with 21 Syrian refugees at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, exchanging gifts, toys and drawings with the children whose homeland stays mired in an intractable conflict. The Syrian families were those brought by the Pope after his day-trip to Lesbos, Greece in April, Vatican Radio reports as the conflict the conflict in Syria is intensifying to the deep concern of U.N. officials trying to facilitate an end to it. Pope Francis brought the first group back to Rome with him on his flight April 16, and the second group arrived to Rome in mid-June. During the Aug. 11 meal, "both adults and children had an opportunity to speak with Pope Francis about the beginning of their lives in Italy," the Vatican said. The Pope presented the children with toys and gifts and the children gathered around the Pope to give him a collection of their drawings. As rebel factions continue fighting Syria's government of Bashar al-Assad for control of Aleppo, Christians in the country's second largest city prayed and fasted for peace. "We don't know what's going to happen. We announced to all the priests , since yesterday, and we've also told the people, that we want to fast and pray the next 72 hours so that the will for peace always prevails and so that it wins over the will for war," Father Ibrahim, a pastor in Aleppo, told Vatican Radio Aug. 9. Rebels in the city claim to have broken government siege of Aleppo, where some 250,000 people live in rebel-held areas. Air strikes on rebel positions in the city have intensified in recent days, Catholic News Agency reported. 'BATTLE FOR ALEPPO' "There have been a lot of new developments this week in terms of military activities and militarization of the conflict and that the so called 'battle for Aleppo' is becoming again one major issue," Staffan de Mistura, United Nations Envoy for Syria, told journalists on Aug. 11 "Next week frankly is going to be crucial on that. Regarding what we sadly start looking at as the 'battle for Aleppo,' it is currently proving one thing once again, and I did refer to that when I spoke to the Security Council two days ago, no military sustainable solution is possible in Aleppo or nowhere else in Syria. De Mistura said, "It seems that this is sometimes forgotten, but what has happened and what has been happening in Aleppo the last few days, with attacks and counter-attacks is once again proving it. "Secondly, that in all of this, again, civilians on both sides of the conflict, on both sides of Aleppo, are in danger, of being surrounded and affected by shortages and bombings." Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o... Two UN human rights experts have called upon schools to ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship of unhealthy foods in schools.The calls made by Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights, and Dainius Puras, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health marked International Youth Day, which is being celebrated today.Such commercial messages have the potential to shape childrens long-term consumer and financial behaviour, and they are growing in number and reach, they said.We call upon States to ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship by manufacturers of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods in schools and in the context of childrens sporting events and other events that could be attended by children.They went on to urge the creation of guidelines that either restrict or minimize the impact of the marketing of unhealthy foods, alcohol and tobacco in general.More broadly, we urge States to regulate advertising directed at children, in conformity with the duty of States to protect children from material injurious to their well-being, they said.The UN human rights experts warned that child-directed advertisements may cause unhealthy consumer behaviour that becomes ingrained at an early age.For example, children may over consume unhealthy foods that cause severe health consequences; they may also pressure their parents to purchase items that are neither budgeted nor educationally necessary, hence, making family private debt a serious problem.Moreover, according to a recent UNICEF International Youth Day report, children do not become happier by just acquiring more and more goods.Many countries therefore have prohibited television advertising at certain hours or in connection with childrens programmes. The UN World Health Organization ( WHO ) has also recommended that settings where children gather should be free from all forms of marketing of unhealthy foods.Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.Facing a global epidemic in childhood obesity with the number of overweight children under five on track to jump from 42 million to 70 million over the next decade, a United Nations report today called on governments to reverse the trend by promoting healthy foods and physical activity. Misdemeanor charges have been filed against 11 people arrested Thursday during protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in Morton County. Nine are charged with disorderly conduct, according to court records. Two are charged with criminal trespass. The protesters are scheduled to make initial appearances on Sept. 13. Of the people charged Friday, most were from out of state. Two have North Dakota addresses, according to the records. Others came from Colorado, South Dakota, Maryland and Hawaii. They were transported by van to the Morton County jail, where they were booked and allowed to post standard bonds, Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said. Capt. Dave Psyck said everyone arrested Thursday was able to make bail, which is $250 for a B misdemeanor and $500 for an A misdemeanor. Four more people were arrested Friday morning, Kirchmeier said. 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. Kelly, Pastore debate inflation, energy policy in congressional race Kelly and Pastore went head-to-head in a debate Tuesday that was organized by WQLN and Erie News Now, which first aired the taped debate Thursday. 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. 14:55, 28 OCT 2022 Apologies after Manx meat mix up Shoprite has blamed a mix up in the labelling of Manx meat on being "short supplied" by Isle of Man Meats. The company has apologised after it was revealed a small number of meat products had been incorrectly labelled and displayed as Manx when they weren't. The issue was brought to light following a complaint from the Manx National Farmers' Union - it contacted the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture which began an investigation. Issues with five items were highlighted including packets of minced steak which although imported were labelled with a 'Ballacushag Farm' label and rump steak which was imported but labelled as 'Manx Premium Beef'. In a statement Shoprite said it was 'disappointed' when it became aware of the problems which it says were "due mainly to a failure of the local supply route for red meat". It says despite having placed a 52-week order with the meat plant it was left short after TT and had to increase its imports saying this was "disruptive and challenging" to the business. The company says it's worked "openly and transparently" with environmental health to "understand, explain and remedy" the situation. DEFA says it's satisfied the errors have been resolved and will work with all parties to ensure "integrity in the supply chain" is maintained. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring overreacted this week when he criticized the Humane Society of the United States for holding law enforcement training on how to handle animal cruelty cases. Goehring is concerned the Humane Societys training encourages law enforcement to seize animals without consulting with a veterinarian. In the long run, Goehring thinks the Humane Societys goal is to end animal agriculture. Thats a big jump from helping law enforcement identify and deal with abused animals to taking animals out of farming and ranching. TJ Jerke, the Humane Societys director for North Dakota, disagrees with Goehrings arguments. Jerke said the society favors humane and environmentally sustainable animal agriculture. During training sessions the field guide used for law enforcement officers contains references to seeking a veterinarian's expertise, according to Jerke. There has been only one training session held in North Dakota. On May 12, training was provided at the Southwest Crime Conference in Dickinson. Officers from Bismarck and Dickinson got instruction from a police officer from Kettering, Ohio, who serves as a consultant to the Humane Society. Jerke said the Humane Society was invited to the conference. He has contacted North Dakota sheriffs to let them know that the training is available. The Humane Society provides the training with the National Sheriffs' Association and last year 54 seminars were held nationwide. North Dakotans worry about outside interference in agriculture. Efforts to weaken the states ban on corporate farming failed in the June primary. There are laws restricting the sale of agricultural land to nonprofits. In November 2012, voters rejected a Humane Society-backed measure that would have made it a felony to maliciously and intentionally harm a dog, cat or horse. At the same time voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices. The Legislature in 2013 made animal cruelty a Class C felony and established a felony offense for animal abuse on a third or subsequent offense. So North Dakota law protects many aspects of farming and ranching. Its a lifestyle ingrained in the state, but sometimes we go too far in seeing it threatened. The Humane Society remains devoted to protecting animals and helping those that have been abused. Offering to help law enforcement identify animal abuse cases shouldnt be seen as a threat to agriculture. Goehring told the Forum News Service that he was "shocked, appalled and disturbed" to learn about the training and has a "great deal of concern" about a politically active group like the Humane Society saying it can assess animal abuse. Goehring thinks law enforcement should rely on veterinarians. Goehrings concerns are a stretch. The Humane Society can be a useful tool for law enforcement and should be used. Just as officers should continue to ask veterinarians for help. North Dakotans should be protective of agriculture but at the same time we should be sensible. Goehrings complaints go beyond sensible. A former government official of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from a construction contractor has pleaded guilty to federal charges in North Dakota. Randall Phelan was an elected representative of the governing body of the Three Affiliated Tribes from the end of 2012 to the middle of 2020. Investigators say Phelan used his official position to help the contractors business by awarding contracts, fabricating bids and managing fraudulent invoices. His trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday. Phelan and two others were originally charged with receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from the bribery scheme on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The contractor has pleaded guilty to bribery. Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault was arrested Friday afternoon at a protest rally where the Dakota Access Pipeline is headed toward the Missouri River just north of the reservation boundary. Archambault was booked into the Morton County Jail and released on bond late afternoon. He was charged with disorderly conduct for pushing back on a police line formed when protesters tried to prevent pipeline workers from leaving the site. Tribal councilman Dana Yellow Fat was also arrested Friday as were four others who attempted to block pipeline workers trying to reach the work site early this morning. Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said a total of 18 men and women have been arrested over the two-day protest, most for disorderly conduct, and two for a more serious charge of criminal trespass. Protesters also surged toward the pipeline when word spread through the crowd that human bones had been uncovered by pipeline workers. Tribal historian and protest organizer LaDonna Brave Bull Allard confirmed that no human remains were found, though it's possible what was found will be investigated as a cultural site though it is not on the reservation. Kirchmeier said Friday's number of protesters appeared to be about the same as Thursday, when about 225 to 250 people gathered alongside Highway 1806 to sing, pray and draw attention to the pipeline. They fear it will rupture and contaminate their water, downstream water and disrupt sacred sites. Pipeline construction started in late May but it was only this week that it moved onto location near the reservation where it will be bored very near the confluence of the Missouri and Cannonball rivers. The protesters were joined Thursday by Shailene Woodley, the heroine of a major movie series Divergent, a futuristic film based in an apocalyptic world. Woodley said she shares worries about clean and available water and has been involved in the Standing Rock protest since February. She helped with the protest petition delivered to Washington, D.C., ran two days with the petition runners and told the Bismarck Tribune she plans to stay with the cause until they (Dakota Access) pack up and leave. I stand in solidarity with these people. Archambault and the tribal council have sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in federal district court, seeking an injunction that will be heard Aug. 24. The tribe hopes to delay the project for an expanded environmental review. The corps issued easements for two Missouri River crossings after conducting a less rigorous Environmental Assessment. Archambault was unavailable for comment. The pipeline will be an underground artery of Bakken crude, pulsing nearly a half-million barrels daily from the oil patch to near Chicago. The 1,100-mile delivery will pass through North Dakota and South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. Pipeline organizers say the number of protesters will keep growing and they expect busloads from regional reservations to join them in coming days. Jim Roumasset comments on my Adam Smith picture: Looks cold. Valentina Zharkova suggests that the cold summer in Great Britain may be a harbinger of her forecasted return of the (1645-1715) Maunder Minimum (low solar activity), a Granger cause of the Little Ice Age. Since Granger causation is not actual causation, we are left with solar physicist Phil Goodes summary: "There are large poorly understood contributors to the Earth's temperature changes independent of greenhouse gasses." I don't know if climate change is real or not. But if 90%+ scientists believe it is real then I feel like it is my job to do the appropriate sort of environmental economics (i.e., discuss incentive-based policy and suggest it should be implemented). Plus, it was warmer later in the week. Here I am hiking up Salisbury Crags: Bottom Line: Patients whose acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) had relapsed or was resistant to chemotherapy and those who were deemed unable to tolerate chemotherapy experienced responses to the selective BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Venclexta), with complete remissions in some, according to phase II clinical trial data. Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Authors: Senior author: Anthony Letai, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in Boston, Massachusetts; Lead author: Marina Konopleva, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Leukemia and the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Background: Venetoclax is a small molecule that belongs to a class of drugs called BH3 mimetics. It binds with great affinity and selectivity to BCL-2, an antiapoptotic protein that plays a role in many blood cancers, Letai said. BCL-2 proteins keep the AML cells alive by binding to proapoptotic proteins. Venetoclax binds to BCL-2 and frees the proapoptotic proteins, thus rapidly and irreversibly forcing the AML cell to undergo apoptosis, he explained. In April 2016, venetoclax was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of certain patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). How the Study Was Conducted: The study investigators recruited 32 patients with AML with a median age of 71 years to this multicenter, single-arm trial evaluating 800 mg daily oral venetoclax. Twenty-six patients received at least four weeks of therapy. The investigators performed cytogenetic analysis, BH3 profiling, and next-generation sequencing to look for AML-related genetic mutations in the patients' samples collected at study entry and found that 12 patients had mutations in IDH genes, and six had a high BCL-2-sensitive protein index. Results: The overall response rate was 19 percent; two patients had complete response (CR) and four had complete response with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi). The median duration of therapy in responders was 144.5 days, and the median duration of CR was 48 days. All patients discontinued therapy due to progressive disease or an adverse event, or for other reasons. The four patients who had CRi had IDH mutations in their cancer cells. Response to the drug correlated with biomarker results, including indices of BCL-2 protein expression and BH3 profiling, Letai said. "This is significant as it supports the mechanism of action of venetoclax as an on-target inhibitor of BCL-2. Moreover, it offers the possibility of using BH3 profiling as a potential predictive biomarker for clinical use of BH3 mimetics," he added. Adverse events were as expected and included nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, febrile neutropenia, and hypokalemia. Authors' Comments: "There has been research into apoptosis [cell death] for decades now. It has long been a goal of the field to see the work translated into actual improved care of cancer patients. AML is a disease in which new therapies are desperately needed, and based on published preclinical work, this type of cancer seemed to be an excellent target for the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax," said Letai. "In this clinical trial, we found that even among pretreated patients whose AML was refractory to intensive chemotherapy there was evidence of exceptional sensitivity to selective BCL-2 inhibition, even to the point of complete remissions. This could be accomplished by a single oral dose of venetoclax daily and demonstrated the potential clinical activity of BCL-2 inhibition in AML," he added. "It is also worth noting that in this age of precision medicine, dominated by genomics, this is an example of the importance of functional precision medicine. CLL and AML lack genetic abnormalities related to BCL-2. Instead, their vulnerability to BCL-2 inhibition was identified using functional studies. This is support that functional studies need to be part of any mature precision medicine project," Letai noted. "Marina and I both identified evidence that AML would be a good target for BCL-2 inhibition some years ago. When we realized that we were working on the same idea, we made the conscious decision to collaborate rather than compete," Letai said. "Combining our work made progress more rapid, and provided more material to convince AbbVie to initiate a program of venetoclax in AML." Konopleva said, "We believe that venetoclax will soon become an equal partner to standard-of-care chemotherapy in elderly patients with AML when used in combinations with hypomethylating agents and other approaches. Planned studies will test the hypothesis that venetoclax may likewise improve outcomes in younger AML patients when combined with high-dose chemotherapy." Limitations: As limitations to the study, most patients did not meet the criteria of a clinical response, and in those who did respond, the response was not as durable as expected, Letai said. Further, the predictive biomarker assays were performed retrospectively. Subsequent studies will need to perform biomarker studies while blinded to clinical data, he added. ### Funding & Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie in collaboration with Genentech/Roche. Letai has been an advisor to, and his laboratory has received research funds from, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Tetralogic, and XrX. Konopleva has been a consultant to, and received research funding from, AbbVie, Genentech, Stemline, Eli Lilly and Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Calithera, and Cellectis; she is also a stockholder in Reata Pharmaceuticals. Follow us: Cancer Research Catalyst; Twitter @AACR; and Facebook About the American Association for Cancer Research Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 35,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 104 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with nearly 19,500 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit http://www.AACR.org. Alexandria, VA - In 2010, trans-Atlantic airspace was shutdown, and international travel halted, when Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull erupted, spewing ash into the air. This was an expensive decision, triggered by the threat ash posed to aircraft, crews and passengers. When ash enters an aircraft turbine, which typically can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, the ash can melt, damaging the engines in midflight. For decades, sand has been used to simulate the effects volcanic ash may have on aircraft, but in a new study covered by EARTH Magazine, scientists used samples of real volcanic ash from volcanoes of different eruptive styles from around the world. The experiments demonstrated big differences between the compositions and melting points of sand versus ash. To find out what this means for geoscience and the airline industry, read the August issue of EARTH Magazine: http://bit.ly/2aWMYxr. EARTH Magazine brings you the science behind the headlines. In its 60th year, EARTH Magazine is still the premier magazine for all geoscience news. This month's issue includes stories on how geoscience is being used to track down Hannibal's route over the Alps, new research into how vibrations give landslides water-like properties, and a primer on the most influential images in the field of geology. Additionally, Travels in Geology takes you all over the world to experience the science for yourself, either on vacation or from your favorite reading chair. Read all this, and more in EARTH Magazine. ### Keep up to date with the latest happenings in Earth, energy and environment news with EARTH Magazine online at: http://www.earthmagazine.org. Published by the American Geosciences Institute, EARTH is your source for the science behind the headlines. The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment. Experts suggest that complex decisions of whether to help someone or not could have led to the disproportionately large human brain Humans have evolved a disproportionately large brain as a result of sizing each other up in large cooperative social groups, researchers have proposed. A team led by computer scientists at Cardiff University suggest that the challenge of judging a person's relative standing and deciding whether or not to cooperate with them has promoted the rapid expansion of human brain size over the last 2 million years. In a study published in Scientific Reports today, the team, which also includes leading evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford, specifically found that evolution favours those who prefer to help out others who are at least as successful as themselves. Lead author of the study Professor Roger Whitaker, from Cardiff University's School of Computer Science and Informatics, said: "Our results suggest that the evolution of cooperation, which is key to a prosperous society, is intrinsically linked to the idea of social comparison - constantly sizing each up and making decisions as to whether we want to help them or not. "We've shown that over time, evolution favours strategies to help those who are at least as successful as themselves." In their study, the team used computer modelling to run hundreds of thousands of simulations, or 'donation games', to unravel the complexities of decision-making strategies for simplified humans and to establish why certain types of behaviour among individuals begins to strengthen over time. In each round of the donation game, two simulated players were randomly selected from the population. The first player then made a decision on whether or not they wanted to donate to the other player, based on how they judged their reputation. If the player chose to donate, they incurred a cost and the receiver was given a benefit. Each player's reputation was then updated in light of their action, and another game was initiated. Compared to other species, including our closest relatives, chimpanzees, the brain takes up much more body weight in human beings. Humans also have the largest cerebral cortex of all mammals, relative to the size of their brains. This area houses the cerebral hemispheres, which are responsible for higher functions like memory, communication and thinking. The research team propose that making relative judgements through helping others has been influential for human survival, and that the complexity of constantly assessing individuals has been a sufficiently difficult task to promote the expansion of the brain over many generations of human reproduction. Professor Robin Dunbar, who previously proposed the social brain hypothesis, said: "According to the social brain hypothesis, the disproportionately large brain size in humans exists as a consequence of humans evolving in large and complex social groups. "Our new research reinforces this hypothesis and offers an insight into the way cooperation and reward may have been instrumental in driving brain evolution, suggesting that the challenge of assessing others could have contributed to the large brain size in humans." According to the team, the research could also have future implications in engineering, specifically where intelligent and autonomous machines need to decide how generous they should be towards each other during one-off interactions. "The models we use can be executed as short algorithms called heuristics, allowing devices to make quick decisions about their cooperative behaviour," Professor Whitaker said. "New autonomous technologies, such as distributed wireless networks or driverless cars, will need to self-manage their behaviour but at the same time cooperate with others in their environment." ### Notes to editors 1. For further information contact: Michael Bishop Communications & Marketing Cardiff University Tel: 02920 874499 / 07713 325300 Email: BishopM1@cardiff.ac.uk 2. Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities and is a member of the Russell Group of the UK's most research intensive universities. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework ranked the University 5th in the UK for research excellence. Among its academic staff are two Nobel Laureates, including the winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine, University Chancellor Professor Sir Martin Evans. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, today the University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research. The University's breadth of expertise encompasses: the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; and the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, along with a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. Cardiff's flagship Research Institutes are offering radical new approaches to pressing global problems. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk While the more than 5 meter long Greenland shark is one of the world's largest sharks, it is also one of the least understood animals on our planet. The Greenland shark's general biology and way of life have been a mystery to biologists for many years. However, marine biologists at the University of Copenhagen have now deployed an epoch-making method to unveil one of the greatest of the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic shark - and have come to an amazing revelation: with a life expectancy of at least 272 years, the Greenland shark has the longest life expectancy of all vertebrate animals known to science. More than 50 years ago, Danish fishery biologist Paul Marinus Hansen reported that Greenland sharks only grow a few centimeters over several years. Since then, researchers around the world could only speculate upon the lifespan of Greenland sharks. The question remained unanswered because the age of Greenland sharks cannot be determined using the traditional methods to determine the age of fish. Carbon-14 dating of shark eye lenses An international team of researchers, led by marine biologists at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology, has revealed one of the enigmatic shark's many secrets. Through carbon-14 dating, they have found a method to estimate the lifespan of Greenland sharks. Their dramatic results have now been published in the distinguished American scientific journal, Science. The sharks' eyes have hidden the main clue to their life expectancy all along. The article's main author is PhD student Julius Nielsen of the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology. He performed the study in close cooperation with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Arctic University of Norway and Aarhus University. "Our lifespan study is based on the carbon-14 dating of Greenland shark eye lenses. As with other vertebrates, the lenses consist of a unique type of metabolically inactive tissue. Because the center of the lens does not change from the time of a shark's birth, it allows the tissue's chemical composition to reveal a shark's age. We use well-established radiocarbon methods, but combine them in a new way. This approach, along with the extraordinary ages for these sharks makes this study highly unusual," according to Julius Nielsen. Archaeological methods used to produce revolutionary results The unique aspect of eye lenses has previously been used to discover the age of whales, but it is the first time that the carbon-14 dating of eye lenses has been used to estimate the life expectancy of fish. Carbon-14 dating is primarily heard about in relation to archaeological dating. However, due to the incredible life-expectancy of Greenland sharks, it can also be used with them as well. The study also marks an important milestone for the establishment of sustainable management plans for Greenland sharks. Julius Nielsen continues: "Greenland sharks are among the largest carnivorous sharks on the planet, and their role as an apex predator in the Arctic ecosystem is totally overlooked. By the thousands, they accidentally end up as by-catch across the North Atlantic and I hope that our studies can help to bring a greater focus on the Greenland shark in the future." Interdisciplinary collaboration Aarhus University researchers were responsible for the carbon-14 analyses, and the study is a good example of the synergistic effect that occurs when different research fields collaborate and make use of each other's competencies. The analyses based on these results are anchored in the complex interactions between atmospheric physics and fish biology. According to Jesper Olsen, of Aarhus University: "This study of the Greenland shark's lifespan has been made possible due to the close cooperation between University of Copenhagen and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources biologists, with their knowledge of sharks, and Aarhus University researchers, with their carbon-14 dating expertise. While measuring the carbon-14 was unproblematic, the model used to date the longest and oldest of the Greenland sharks was challenging." The Greenland shark lifespan study is part of a PhD project addressing the Greenland shark's general biology and runs for a period of 3 years. As such, the project also examined other aspects of Greenland shark's biology. The collection of Greenland shark specimens used in the study has been conducted over a number of years mainly from accidental by-catch during the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources annual fish survey but also from UiT Norway's Arctic University, DTU Aqua and University of Copenhagen research vessels. The international team of researchers behind the article in Science also includes researchers from National Aquarium Denmark/ Den Bla Planet, Oxford University (UK), Indiana University South Bend (US), and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (US). ### MANHATTAN, KANSAS -- Chicago communities with poor air quality can soon be more involved in air pollution monitoring with help from Kansas State University. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded three Kansas State University researchers and seven Chicago organizations a $750,000 grant to investigate if giving communities access to low-cost portable air pollution monitoring devices could help improve air quality, which is directly related to human health concerns. The project, "Shared Air/Shared Action: Community Empowerment through Low-cost Air Pollution Monitoring," is one of six similar EPA Science to Achieve Results research grants awarded across the nation and will involve Chicago's environmental justice communities -- areas that share a disproportionate amount of the risk in contamination and pollution from industrialization and modern society. The researchers will do a pilot study in winter 2016 and will launch the full study in spring 2017. "In a crowded city, many people end up living next to landfills, major highways or industrial areas," said Wendy Griswold, the project's principal investigator and Kansas State University's Center for Hazardous Substance Research project manager. "Studies have shown that people living in environmental justice, lower-income, minority communities adjacent to such pollution sources have historically experienced higher pollution levels." Chicago's industrialized history and repeated air quality citations make it an ideal area to test the researchers' hypothesis that communities will become more engaged in improving their environmental surroundings if they are provided with relevant scientific and technical tools. According to the grant proposal, 17-25 percent of children in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood have asthma. Griswold said that this neighborhood and other similar neighborhoods could benefit from closer ambient monitoring stations. "When you involve people in a significant way in addressing or defining their problems, then the solutions are much more sustainable and actually address the problem," said Griswold, who has a background in public education and outreach services. The project will involve the Chicago area's Little Village, South Loop, East Side and Riverdale communities, all next to coal ash repositories, metal shredders, vehicle diesel emissions, landfills or other pollution sources and all lacking adequate ambient air monitoring stations. The researchers and their organizational partners will provide appropriate technical assistance and low-cost portable sensors for the communities. "Chicago-based Respiratory Health Association has noted that vehicle exhaust, particularly from older diesels, is a significant health threat to many at-risk communities in the Chicago region," said Larry Erickson, the project's co-principal investigator, Kansas State University professor of chemical engineering and the Center for Hazardous Substance Research's director. "Many people die each year because of poor air quality, so if you improve the air quality, there will be health benefits." The project will educate adults and facilitate cross-community collaboration, which the researchers think will encourage beneficial policy decisions and improve environmental surroundings. According to Erickson, if more people have access to monitoring devices, they can make better-informed decisions -- such as the best transportation to reduce pollution and to improve local conditions. "Transportation is one of the significant sources of pollution for these inner-city communities," Erickson said. "In an urban area, the air is generally much better on Sunday morning than when people are going to work during the weekdays. If communities can understand the dynamics, they can take precautionary measures to reduce the risks they face." The researchers have four objectives for the project: Investigate if research by residents can improve understanding of pollution concentrations and develop strategies to monitor pollutants and analyze and communicate results. Investigate cross-community coalition building related to communication and environmental health infrastructure. Investigate the ability to leverage resources and create action plans to reduce exposure and mitigate health risks. Evaluate and document the process so future researchers can learn from the study. Erickson and Griswold, who also has a dual appointment at the University of Memphis, will work with Kansas State University's Ronaldo Maghirang, professor of biological and agricultural engineering. The seven organizations in the Chicago area participating in the project are the Alliance for a Greener South Loop, Delta Institute, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, People for the Community Recovery, Respiratory Health Association, Southeast Environmental Task Force and the University of Illinois, Chicago. ### The low pressure center that has been gyrating over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico for days has now dropped very heavy precipitation over southeastern Louisiana. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission, or GPM, core satellite gathered rainfall data on the system and looked at it in three dimensions. Up to 10 inches (254 mm) of rain since Thursday, Aug. 11, has already caused flooding in parts of the state. Today, Aug. 12 the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for many parts of southeastern Louisiana. Much of the New Orleans area is under a flood watch until Saturday morning, Aug. 13. The GPM core observatory satellite flew directly above some very intense Louisiana storms on Aug. 11 at 10:26 p.m. EDT (Aug. 12, 2016, at 0226 UTC). Rainfall estimates in these storms were calculated using the satellite's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments. GPM's radar (DPR Ku band) measured rain falling at a rate of over 3.9 inches (100.1 mm) per hour in one intense downpour. At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, a 3-D image and animation were created using the GPM data. The 3-D structure of rainfall within the Louisiana thunderstorms during the evening of Aug. 11 was measured by GPM's Radar (DPR Ku Band). DPR found that a few storm tops were reaching heights of over 9.9 miles (16 km). The GPM core observatory satellite gave further evidence of the power within these storms when it found that radar reflectivity values of over 53 dBZ were returned by some intense showers. GPM is a joint mission of NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. For updates on the area forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website: http://www.weather.gov. ### Minorities' psychiatric and behavioral problems often result in school punishment or incarceration, but rarely mental health care, according to nationwide study Black children and young adults are about half as likely as their white counterparts to get mental health care despite having similar rates of mental health problems, according to a study published today [Friday, Aug. 12] in the International Journal of Health Services. Hispanic youth also get only half as much mental health care as whites. The study used data on children under 18 and young adults 18-34 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey covering all 50 states for the years 2006-2012. It found that minorities received much less of virtually all types of mental health care, including visits to psychiatrists, social workers and psychologists, as well as substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling by pediatricians and other doctors. The research was led by Dr. Lyndonna Marrast, who was a fellow at Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance when she initiated the study. Marrast is currently assistant professor of medicine at the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine in New York. The study's co-authors are Drs. Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein, professors at the City University of New York at Hunter College and lecturers at Harvard Medical School. Their findings include the following: Black and Latino children made, respectively, 37 percent and 49 percent fewer visits to psychiatrists, and 47 percent and 58 percent fewer visits to any mental health professional, than white children. Black children's low use of services was not due to lesser need. Black and white children had similar rates of mental health problems, and similar rates of severe episodes that resulted in psychiatric hospitalization or emergency visits. Hispanic parents reported less mental health impairment among their children, but analyses that controlled for this lesser need for care continued to show underuse compared to non-Hispanic whites. Racial/ethnic disparities were even larger among young adults. Whites received about three times more outpatient mental health services than blacks and Hispanics in this age group. The substance abuse counseling rate for black young adults was strikingly low, about one-seventh that for whites. While poor children and young adults had lower rates of care, differences in income and insurance did not account for the racial/ethnic disparities in care. Among children, girls got less mental health care than boys. The gender difference was reversed among young adults, with women having more visits. Groups at highest risk for incarceration - black and Hispanic young men - had particularly low mental health visit rates. According to Department of Justice data, at least half of inmates suffer from mental illness, most of which had been untreated when they were arrested. The authors write: "The under-provision of mental health care for minority children contrasts starkly with the high frequency of punitive sanctions that their behaviors elicit. Black children suffer excessive rates of school discipline such as suspensions and expulsions starting at preschool ages. Minority teens also have disproportionate contact with the juvenile justice system, with higher arrest rates for nonviolent, low-level offenses such as drug possession, as well as for non-criminal misbehaviors such as truancy and curfew violations. Youthful transgressions that might result in referral for treatment among non-minority children more often incur criminal sanctions for minorities." The authors also observe that minorities' very low substance abuse treatment rates contrast with their high rates of arrest for substance abuse. Dr. Marrast commented: "It has become increasingly clear that minorities are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and underrepresented in the receipt of mental health care. We need to look closely at how equitably our health care institutions are serving all segments of society." According to Dr. Woolhandler: "Minority kids don't get help when they're in trouble. Instead they get expelled or jailed. But punishing people for mental illness or addiction is both inhumane and ineffective. The lack of care for minority youth is the real crime." Drs. Woolhandler and Himmelstein co-founded Physicians for a National Health Program, a nonprofit group that advocates for universal, comprehensive health coverage through a single-payer plan. PNHP played no role in financing or otherwise supporting the study. ### "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care for Children and Young Adults: A National Study," by Lyndonna Marrast, M.D., M.P.H., David U. Himmelstein, M.D., and Steffie Woolhandler, M.D., M.P.H. International Journal of Health Services, published Online First, Aug. 12, 2016. Abstract available here: http://joh.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/08/11/0020731416662736.abstract Copies of the full study are available to media professionals upon request. Contact Mark Almberg at mark@pnhp.org or 312-782-6006. Physicians for a National Health Program is a nonprofit research and education organization of more than 20,000 doctors who support single-payer national health insurance. PNHP had no role in funding or otherwise supporting the study described above. Tomsk Polytechnic University has signed an agreement on scientific cooperation with the Deutsches Elecktronen Synchotron (DESY), Germany - one of Europe's largest accelerator centers. Among the most important projects of DESY is the creation of the European X-ray Free Laser (European XFEL). The development will expand the capabilities of modern medical diagnostics - with its help you can investigate the slightest changes in body at the molecular level. The task of polytechnicers in the joint project will be to develop equipment for the continuous monitoring the diagnostic station parameters of European XFEL amplified beam, that will make the operation of the X-ray free laser as accurate as possible. Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University and DESY have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will expand the already existing collaboration between TPU physicists and one of the leading German accelerator center. One of the major projects currently being implemented by DESY physicists is the creation of European XFEL. According to the head of the TPU scientific group participating in the project, a leading researcher at the Department of Applied Physics Alexander Potylitsyn, X-ray and laser radiation is now used in modern medicine, but separately from each other. X-rays allow you to scan the patient's body, however superficially. It is impossible to see inside a biological object, for example, blood vessels near the heart. The problem of medical x-ray sources is related to their scattering processes in the objects, therefore, only a small part of energy reaches the targeted area of the body, significantly reducing diagnostic capabilities. In turn, laser is a focused energy flow, which is not dissipated. However, lasers can't penetrate the object thickness more than 30 cm, this radiation is of high temperature, there is a danger during its using to damage objects such as human body tissues. "The idea of the European X-ray Free Laser is to combine the advantages of X-ray and laser radiation. The intensity and direction of X-rays will be focused, like laser. Thus, the flow will not be scattered, and X-ray diagnostic capabilities will increase by several times, - the scientist explains. - With the help of the X-ray free laser it can be conducted, for example, scanning on the molecular level and learnt how drugs affect cells in our bodies - which their components have a useful, and which, on the contrary, harmful effect". This technology will be useful in materials science as well. For example, in studying properties of nanomaterials. It is assumed that the European X-ray Free Laser will be the most powerful of the existing facilities of synchrotron radiation. With it, you can get a X-ray monochromatic beam with energy up to 25 keV and an intensity greater than 10 orders of the intensity of synchrotron radiation on the most powerful source of such radiation - SPring-8 Storage Ring (Japan) to date. "To get a powerful X-ray source, it is necessary to accelerate electrons to energy of 17.5 GeV in superconducting accelerator and run them through a special magnetic system - an undulator. The length of these superconducting accelerator modules is 3.4 km. They are now housed in a specially designed tunnel, their setting is run,"- says Alexander Potylitsyn. In order to provide X-ray beam with required parameters, you need to control the characteristics of the accelerated electron beam with high accuracy. For this purpose, physicists from Tomsk Polytechnic University proposed a new method for the diagnosis of such beams, and the leadership of a DESY's instrumental department adopted this proposal for an experimental verification. During joint experiments in 2011-2015 it was shown that the proposed method can be used to diagnose XFEL beams. In 2017, with the participation of the polytechnicers it is scheduled to create a diagnostic station for continuous monitoring the parameters of accelerated electron beams. In the memorandum the parties agreed on a joint research programme in 2016-2018. The European XFEL project cost exceeds 1 billion euro and is funded by a consortium of a number of countries including Russia. The Russian contribution to the European XFEL is 250 mln. euro, the second after Germany. ### Irvine, Calif., Aug. 12, 2016 - The world's leading atmospheric scientists overwhelmingly deny the existence of a secret, elite-driven plot to release harmful chemicals into the air from high-flying aircraft, according to the first peer-reviewed journal paper to address the "chemtrails" conspiracy theory. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, the Carnegie Institution for Science and the nonprofit Near Zero organization asked 77 atmospheric chemists and geochemists if they had come across evidence of such a large-scale spraying program, and 76 responded that they had not. The survey results were published Wednesday in Environmental Research Letters. Heat from aircraft engines produces condensation trails that can be clearly seen from the ground. A small but vocal segment of the population firmly believes that these are composed not merely of condensed water vapor but of chemicals and elements such as strontium, barium and aluminum that powerful, high-level entities have been intentionally and covertly releasing into the atmosphere for decades. They find the increased number and lingering presence of these aerial streaks suspicious and claim to have identified toxic substances in soil and water samples. "The chemtrails conspiracy theory maps pretty closely to the origin and growth of the internet, where you can still find a number of websites that promote this particular brand of pseudoscience," said study co-author Steven Davis, UCI associate professor of Earth system science. "Our survey found little agreement in the scientific community with claims that the government, the military, airlines and others are colluding in a widespread, nefarious program to poison the planet from the skies." The belief in chemtrails parallels increasing public distrust of elites and social institutions, according to earlier social science research. To those convinced, the chemicals are sprayed to regulate the food supply, control human population and/or manipulate weather patterns. In recent years, the theory has expanded to include government-sponsored geoengineering to mitigate climate change. Some of the surveyed specialists suggested that global warming may in itself be a cause of longer-lasting condensation trails from aircraft engines. Another contributor, outlined in the study, is the steady growth of air travel in recent decades, which leads airplanes to fly higher, where contrails are more likely to form and remain in the sky. "Despite the persistence of erroneous theories about atmospheric chemical spraying programs, until now there were no peer-reviewed academic studies showing that what some people think are chemtrails are just ordinary contrails," said Carnegie investigator and co-author Ken Caldeira. "Contrails are becoming more abundant as air travel expands. Also, it is possible that climate change is causing contrails to persist for longer than they used to." The survey's respondents - many of them currently active in research on atmospheric dust and pollution - stressed that methods of collecting samples of water, snow and soil recommended by chemtrails-focused groups may be to blame for faulty results. Obtaining and transporting samples via Mason jars with metal lids, for example, was cited as a poor practice that could lead to erroneous outcomes. One of the experts questioned wrote: "The jar will contaminate the sample, as will the metal lid, particularly if you shake it. I cannot imagine a worse protocol for collecting a sample; the data would be totally worthless." Another said, "To analyze metals in environmental samples, glass needs to go through an acid wash to remove any residual metals. Otherwise, plastic should be used." UCI's Davis said: "We don't imagine that we're going to sway the beliefs of hardcore adherents to the chemtrails conspiracy theory with this study. But we thought it was important to go on the record with fundamental scientific facts to refute claims that the government is deliberately spreading harmful chemicals from aircraft." ### About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists. PITTSBURGH, Aug. 9, 2016 - Identifying and treating metabolic deficiencies in patients with treatment-resistant depression can improve symptoms and in some cases even lead to remission, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine published online today in the American Journal of Psychiatry. This research is funded through a 2014 Pitt Innovation Challenge Award from Pitt's Clinical and Translational Science Institute. "What's really promising about these new findings is that they indicate that there may be physiological mechanisms underlying depression that we can use to improve the quality of life in patients with this disabling illness," said David Lewis, M.D., Thomas Detre Professor and Chair of Pitt's Department of Psychiatry. Major depressive disorder, also referred to simply as depression, affects nearly 15 million American adults and is one of the most common mental disorders. Unfortunately, at least 15 percent of patients don't find relief from conventional treatments such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, explained lead study investigator Lisa Pan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, and clinical and translational science, Pitt School of Medicine. Depression also is the cause of more than two-thirds of suicides that occur annually. The groundwork for the current study was laid five years ago when Dr. Pan and David Brent, M.D., Endowed Chair in suicide studies at Pitt, treated a teen with a history of suicide attempts and long-standing depression. "Over a period of years, we tried every treatment available to help this patient, and yet he still found no relief from his depression symptoms," she explained. Searching for answers, Dr. Pan contacted Jerry Vockley, M.D., Ph.D., chair of genetics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and David Finegold, M.D., professor of human genetics at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, and through a series of biochemical tests, the three discovered that the patient had a cerebrospinal fluid deficiency in biopterin, a protein involved in the synthesis of several brain signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters. After receiving an analogue of biopterin to correct the deficiency, the patient's depression symptoms largely disappeared and today he is a thriving college student. The success prompted the researchers to examine other young adults with depression who were not responding to treatment, explained Dr. Pan. In the published trial, the researchers looked for metabolic abnormalities in 33 adolescents and young adults with treatment-resistant depression and 16 controls. Although the specific metabolites affected differed among patients, the researchers found that 64 percent of the patients had a deficiency in neurotransmitter metabolism, compared with none of the controls. In almost all of these patients, treating the underlying deficiency improved their depression symptoms, and some patients even experienced complete remission. In addition, the further along the patients progress in the treatment, the better they are getting, Dr. Pan added. "It's really exciting that we now have another avenue to pursue for patients for whom our currently available treatments have failed. This is a potentially transformative finding for certain groups of people with depression," said Dr. Pan. ### Additional collaborators on the study are Jerry Vockley, M.D., Ph.D., David Brent, M.D., David Finegold, M.D., David Peters, Ph.D., Petra Martin, B.S., Thomas Zimmer, B.S., Anna Maria Segreti, B.S., Sivan Kassiff, B.S., Brian McKain, R.N., M.S.N., Cynthia Baca, R.N., M.S.N., Manivel Rengasamy, M.D., Nicolette Walano, M.S., Marion Hughes, M.D., Steven Dobrowolski, Ph.D., Michele Pasquino, B.S., Rasim Diler, M.D., and James Perel, Ph.D., all of Pitt School of Medicine; Robert Naviaux, M.D., Ph.D., of University of California, San Diego; Keith Hyland, Ph.D., of MNG Laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia; and Robert Steinfeld, M.D., of University Medical Center Gottingen in Germany. This research also was supported by funding from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a Brain and Behavior Research Foundation NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Additional funding from the Beck and Lohman families through the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation is supporting the testing and follow up of additional patients with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal behavior, and allowing the researchers to begin to understand the underlying biological changes. About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support. Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu. http://www.upmc.com/media Contact: Ashley Trentrock Phone: 412-586-9776 E-mail: TrentrockAR@upmc.edu Contact: Allison Hydzik Phone: 412-647-9975 E-mail: HydzikAM@upmc.edu Acknowledge scientific disagreements; explore controversy and different perspectives. Unless the subject is evolution. In the Wall Street Journal, Steven Poole reviews Idiot Brain: What Your Head Is Really Up To, by neuroscientist Dean Burnett. I have not read the book, but Pooles review mentions that it covers various controversial theories, delves into consciousness and the brain, and ultimately concludes that the brain is a simpleton. But then in the middle of his review, Poole surprised me with an off-topic swipe at skepticism about evolution. He writes, It is a shame that teaching the controversy has become code for antievolution activism, because the phrase has a useful meaning, which is exemplified by this books approach. He goes on to discuss how Burnett covers many different perspectives on the brain, including disagreements about intelligence testing, personality research, or particularly the findings of neuroscience. He notes that Burnett emphasizes throughout the limitations of current tools and the vagueness of even the best theories. But this same type of controversy exists over evolution! Ive written here before: 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, 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 weaknesses and 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. Origins science, no less than neuroscience, is beset by controversy. Explicating scientific disagreements in a biology classroom serves to educate, and doing the same in a book would likewise advance knowledge. Of course, we recommend teaching the controversy over evolution, and we oppose mandating intelligent design in public schools. But Pooles conclusion links well to the research side of design. He objects to characterizing the brain as dumb. The brain is, after all, by far the smartest system we know of in the universe, he notes. Well, then why not consider the possibility of design? Here in a review of a book on the brain, Poole highlights Burnetts discussion of controversies over how the brain works, noting how teach the controversy describes the authors approach. At the same time, Poole discounts skepticism on evolution then delves into the books exploration of the brain, takes issue with the authors statement that the brain is an idiot, and extols human reason. Is it such a stretch to recognize that products of human creativity (machines and code) have remarkably close parallels in nature (molecular machines, DNA code) and therefore to consider the possibility that they all have their origin in purposeful, intelligent agency? Photo credit: Grzegorz Jereczek from Gdansk, Poland (Uni Karlsruhe) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons. LA Times Errs on Western Wall, Still Silent on Stolen Aid | Main | AFP Headlines Conceal Egyptian, Lebanese Bad Sportsmanship at Olympics August 11, 2016 AFP Headline on Stabbing Says Less With More The shirt belonging to the 18-year-old Jew injured in a Palestinian stabbing attack today (Photo from Israel Police) Poynter Institute, a leading journalism organization, has noted that headlines are "often the most important element on a page." Many hurried readers never get beyond the headlines, and so the headline may be the only information they learn about the story. For these reasons, accuracy and clarity is particularly vital when it comes to headlines. Headlines from two leading wire services, the Associated Press and Agence France Presse, about a Palestinian stabbing attack today in Jerusalem demonstrate how different headlines about the same event can provide more or less information, and give a clear, or less informative, snapshot of events. Wire service headlines are particularly influential because newspapers and websites around the world reproduce them. AFP's headline is: "Jewish man stabbed in suspected Jerusalem 'terror' attack: police" AP's headline states: "Palestinian stabs, wounds Israeli teen in Jerusalem" The differences between the two are striking. 1) AFP's headline does not identify the perpetrator. AP's does (Palestinian). Therefore, AP gives more basic information critical to the story. AFP gives less. 2) AFP uses the passive voice ("Jewish man stabbed"). AP uses the active voice ("Palestinians stabs"). Passive voice obscures the perpetrator. 3) AFP's headline is nine words. AP's is just seven. AP uses less to say more. AFP wastes words. The headline identifies police as the source of the information that a Jewish man was stabbed, so it is redundant to label the stabbing as a "suspected" terror attack. Moreover, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was definitive in his characterization of the attack as terror. He did not refer to a "suspected" terror attack. (In addition, the scare quotes on the word "terror" aren't necessary, because, again, the headline already attributes the information to the police.) Posted by TS at August 11, 2016 02:40 PM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Mixed Ahead of Key US Reports The US Dollar tanked across the board on Friday afternoon's foreign exchange markets, even against the limp Pound, as Julys retail sales figures came in well below expectations. Sales were projected to grow at 0.4% in July, but instead stagnated at 0.0%. News that Junes retail sales score of 0.6% had been revised up to 0.8% didnt improve USD exchange rates sentiment. Eurozone sentiment was solid after the days data indicated that the Eurozone blocs growth was proceeding on track, alongside better-than-expected growth for Germany. As a result, the USD/EUR exchange rate dropped considerably and the Euro advanced against both other majors. There was no surprise from the second quarter Eurozone GDP report, which saw the strong performance of Germany moderated by a lack of growth in both France and Italy. Nevertheless, the USD/EUR exchange rate continued to trend lower despite the slightly disappointing nature of the results with the potential for further downside pressure on this afternoons domestic data. With the weekend rapidly approaching the US Dollar (USD) was putting on a mixed performance against the Pound (GBP) and Euro (EUR). The last domestic data out of the US came yesterday, when the continuing jobless claims results for July rose while initial jobless claims for August fell marginally. Adding to the instability generated by US data, national export and import prices fell on the year while on the month continually positive figures were seen. Latest Dollar/Pound Exchange Rates On Saturday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1 Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1. Today finds the pound to euro spot exchange rate priced at 1.165. At time of writing the pound to canadian dollar exchange rate is quoted at 1.58. NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 29th 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. Major Shift in USD Exchange Rates could come after Sales and Confidence Stats Friday afternoon will bring with it two significant US economic announcements, starting off with the early afternoons retail sales results for July. For this high-impact field, a decline from 0.6% to 0.2% is expected on the month while a more supportive rise from 2.7% to 3.1% is predicted for the annual outcome. Closing off the USs contributions will be the University of Michigan confidence index for August, which has a preliminary drop from 90 to 89.2 as the forecast result. Pound Sterling FX Rates Open Low on Potentially More Negative UK Data The Pound has made a half-hearted recovery against its peers lately, though still remains at lows of 1.16 against the Euro and 1.29 against the US Dollar. Elsewhere, marginal gains have been seen. Yet another piece of poor UK news has concerned the Eurostar rail service, which has seen a number of workers strike. In spite of this, Eurostar is reporting that services will (mostly) be running as usual. What may be the last nail in the coffin for Sterlings value this week is coming shortly, in the form of the annual construction output result for June. This has been predicted pessimistically. Euro (EUR) Exchange Rates Firm after German GDP Flash Betters Forecasts The Euro has managed to appreciate considerably against its peers of late, having seen moderate gains against a healthy majority of its peers. The latest support has come from Germanys Q2 GDP growth rate flash for the year, which has risen from 1.5% to 3.1%; a much smaller advance to 1.9% had been expected. There is still major Eurozone data to come, with the Eurozone-wide GDP growth rate second estimate for Q2 being announced in the near-term. This has a fall forecast on both the year and the quarter. Investec Chief Economist sees EU Referendum Fears as Causing Long-Term GBP Unrest Regarding the incoming UK construction output result, Investec Chief Economist Philip Shaw has forecast that this and other results close to and after the Brexit vote will have a major impact on confidence in the UK economy and the Pound. Commenting on the construction sector in particular, Shaw said; Of course the main interest will be in the economic data for all sectors for July onwards, following the result of the referendum. In this respect anecdotal indicators are not encouraging with, for example, the construction PMI edging down to a new seven year low of 45.9 in July. This would tend to suggest that output in the sector declined at a faster pace than before the referendum, with a possibility that the economy as a whole has begun to contract as well. If anyone can shed some light on this I'd be very thankful...My wife and I have been reading the pages on the government website about sponsoring a spouse but it doesn't seem like the different options apply to us. Here are the essential details:- I'm a Canadian citizen, we got married in NY, she's American- We are currently living in Paris, France- We were here on a three year visa, its renewal was rejected and we have 30 (now 27) days to leave the country. Needless to say, things for the move are already underway.- I have as of right now no job lined up when I get back to Canada nor enough money personally to provide for my wife at this moment. We live on shared finances.So, if you read through all the info it asks you to decide if your spouse is outside the country or inside. But "outside" implies, by the questions it asks, that the spouse is outside and you're not. And inside implies that you're both inside which isn't the case here either. I wrote to the Paris visa office and they sent basically the info about how to proceed but it doesn't clear up this question about the two of us being outside together, I'm guessing the person didn't fully read or get the details of my request.I've replied to them again for clarification but does anyone happen to know what our proper path would be here?Our main concerns are:1. we don't want to not do something now that we'll be told we should've done later that could have expedited things2. we've heard it's faster to do this from outside rather than in. But with both of us outside, how does that work? Because they say, paraphrasing, "show proof you've been corresponding and keeping in touch" ...well, we haven't been apart!3. the person that replied from the visa office said you don't need to show a minimum amount of money or proof of income or job to support your wife. But then the forms suggest you do. I don't understand.If anyone could help us get our head around this while we pack up our lives and get out of here in an unreasonable 30 days, we'd be very appreciative.Thanks! Hi - me againIs anyone able to recommend an agent in Cyprus for a long term rental in Pafos district? I have noted that a company called Cyprus Flowron seem to have quite a few properties in the area.Looking online there are dozens and I would definitely prefer to take a personal recommendation if at all possible.Thanks for looking Hey all, We have been planning to buy either a 2 bedroom apartment or one of the 1 bed Townhouses in JVT and convert the space upstairs to a second room if not already converted, usually in Marina service charges include chiller fees however those service charges are quite high so kind of absorb the chiller fee, My question was what are the usual DEWA bills in JVT 1 bed townhouses? I have heard around 900 in "winter" months and then up to 2000 in summer months not sure if this is for the 2 beds or 1 beds , the 2 beds are huge at roughly 4-5k square foot and above, the 1 beds are 2k plot size, I would really appreciate if people can tell me the usual bills they get from DEWA, and if you it's not too much to ask how much of the bill is water, electricity and housing fee? I believe the housing fee for owners is now 5% of the rera rental index on the area. I would really appreciate the help! Many thanks There was a scam mentioned on here a while back. Cooker turns up, heavily wrapped in shrink wrap. The driver insists on cash there and then saying he's only the truck owner, nothing to do with the seller or the sale. Takes the money and gone by the time the buyer cuts through a load of wrap to find out the cooker is junk. I'm guessing if you insist on inspecting it first, you'll have a irate driver that insists on payment continuously and if you make him wait and refuse to take it at the end, will insist you pay the "delivery" charge at least. Carrefour or Union Co-Op have the cheapest white goods in Dubai or find a genuine expat leaving. Ayon said: Electrical Plugs & Outlets in France Hey I ask myself same questions before moving in ... I found this old website very useful to understand some electrical issues : Click to expand... Perhaps good for very small items, but really, that site is not very good for permanent movers, more for transient visitors and tourists.As long as you're aware that the plug issue is only safely used for small electrical items - the earthing pin or points are there for a reason - your safety. Similarly just plugging a 110v item into a 220v socket, will, unless the item has variable voltage, will likely cause the magic blue smoke to escape from said item.If you are used to using anything from coffee-machines to dryers to digital clock-radios, is likely that their clocks will be wrong very quickly and they cannot be readjusted as the power frequency in Europe means the clocks will always run at the wrong speed.If you use an appliance that draws anything more than a couple of hundred watts, a voltage converter won't do - it will burn out. It still won't change the frequency either, but if the item does not have a clock and draws more power than that, you will need a heavy, awkward (and normally expensive) transformer.Although annoying, better to consider leaving everything at home - and buy new, get new warranties, and most likely get more efficient appliances too, which may reduce your power costs. Hi Hope someone has an answer or guidance, we have these friends they grew up and married had kids in SA. She also has British citizenship, so she went this year april to uk with the kids and hubby needs to follow. what i dont understand is if she is already a citizen why can he not join here immediately, i mean they are married. They talking about she has to show earnings for 6 months and prove she can look after the family. this doesnt make sense. Regards Brad Hot car daycare photo Amy Bryant of Brandon pulled up at this daycare on May 11 to pick up her daughter. After being told by staff that she never dropped her daughter off that morning, Bryant ran out and found her daughter still buckled into her child seat, deceased. On Thursday, a Madison County grand jury declined to indict her in the hot car death of her daughter. (WLBT) MADISON, Miss. - The Madison County woman who left her 2-year-old daughter in a hot car in May will not face any charges after a grand jury decided not to indict her. In early May, Bryant went to Little Footprints Learning Center to pick up her daughter, Caroline Bryant. After daycare workers told her she had not dropped her daughter off that morning, Bryant immediately ran to her car and found her daughter in the back seat, deceased. Cause of death determined the toddler died from hyperthermia, according to Madison County Coroner Alex Breeland. Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker depicted Bryant leaving her daughter in her hot car as a "tragic accident." After deliberation, the grand jury released the following statement Thursday morning: "The grand jury, after having heard testimony and prolonged deliberations, declined to bring charges against the mother of the child." Thursday's decision to decline to indict Bryant in her daughter's death has sparked outrage on social media because of a similar situation which took place in Grenada, Miss. Joshua Blunt left his 8-month-old daughter, Shania Rihanna Caradine in his hot car after forgetting to drop off her off at his grandmother's before heading into work. According to Blunt's attorney and Moss Point native Carlos Moore, Blunt headed into work to pick up an extra shift. Blunt was originally scheduled to be off of work on that day, however, he instead went in to work forgetting his daughter in the back seat of his vehicle. After he and a co-worker stepped outside, the co-worker noticed the child in the back seat and took her inside of the restaurant to try vigorously to cool Caradine down. She was later transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Hospital in Grenada where she passed away. Blunt was indicted by a Grenada County grand jury and is looking at 20 years in prison if found guilty for manslaughter. On Wednesday, Shanice Caradine, mother of Shania signed an affidavit saying she truly thought the death of her daughter was a tragic accident and that she felt Blunt should not face charges. Grenada County District Attorney Doug Adams said in response to Caradine's signed affidavit that he would continue to move forward with prosecuting Blunt based on the grand jury's ruling. According to Moore, Thursday's ruling in Bryant's case did not surprise him. "I cannot say that I was shocked that Ms. Bryant was not indicted by a grand jury," Moore said. "I fully expected her to be exonerated because we do live in Mississippi and race is still a factor as is evident in 2016." "I find it reprehensible that under a similar set of circumstances, one individual could be indicted on manslaughter after being immediately charged with second-degree murder, while the other individual had failed to be arrested, had their picture scattered across the country and failed to be indicted under the same circumstances in which my client faced. This is just another example of blatant racism in Mississippi," Moore said. Friday, August 12, 2016 Prelude I gave an ethics training session for a local non-profit yesterday. At the end of the two hours, a staffer who was pursuing U.S. citizenship was obviously stimulated by the various issues and principles we had discussed and had many provocative questions, which he struggled to articulate in his second language, for he was North Korean. Why is it right for me to pay taxes to assist illegal immigrants? he asked. In North Korea, they say we are decades behind the US is democracy, but Korean laws are enforced no matter who the law-breaker is. I see that law-breakers in the US who are rich and powerful or famous get special dispensations from the law. Doesnt that mean that Korea is ahead of the U.S., at least in that respect? (Gee, I wonder who he was referring to) He had incitement observations, as recent immigrants to the U.S. so often do. Finally he said, Do you agree that political correctness is a great threat to liberty and democracy? Yes. Yes I do. I thought so the first time I heard the term politically correct in the Seventies, and was so certain that the concepts loathsomeness (and the parallel loathsomeness of its advocates, frankly), ensured that it would be a short-lived phenomenon. Which shows how smart I am *** Shortly after the July 7 massacre of five police officers in Dallas, Rohini Sethi, the vice-president of the University of Houstons Student Government Association, posted this on Facebook: The student governing body suspended her from her office and the group. From the Houston Chronicle Student body vice president Rohini Sethi has been suspended by the SGA and is temporarily barred from participating in group activities. She is also due to attend a diversity workshop per the ruling.The University of Houston issued a statement this week that said the move is not a university action and doesnt impact Sethis academic standing. The University of Houston continues to stand firm in support of free speech and does not discipline students for exercising their constitutional rights, the statement said. The action came after minority student groups on campus condemned her statement as racist or insensitive,and demanded her removal. The accommodating president of the SGA complied. For her part, Sethi apologized and agreed to take a three-day cultural sensitivity workshop, though she wrote several Facebook posts defending her actions. Ultimately she was brought to heel, made a public statement along with the SGA head, and like a brain-washed prisoner of war, grovelled.. I have chosen to take these steps on my own because of the division Ive created among our student body. I may have the right to post what I did, but I still should not have. My words at the time didnt accurately convey my feeling and cause many students to lose their faith in me to advocate for them. I will always continue to learn and be ready to discuss these issues. Observations: 1. Little by little, bit by bit, American youth is being taught by episodes like this that official sanctions and penalties will result from non-conforming political and social policy viewpoints. This weakens the cultures commitment to free speech and thought, and is a vile and un-American form of oppression. It is easy to separate the heroes from the villains in this matter. The heroes are those who condemn the speech-repressing responses like those of the University of Houstons student government, the lazy cowards in the universitys leadership, which will not defend free speech, and any groups that regard censorship and chilling the freedom of expression as an appropriate or ethical tool of discourse. The heroes are those who refuse to submit to this totalitarian trend, and who speak out against it. 2. Facebook comments are pure personal expression, and except in cases of true threats or libel, neither a college, nor a high school, nor any school, nor any organization supported by these educational institutions, should punish, threaten or intimidate students based on what they say on-line. To permit this is to chill free speech. Students who disagreed with what Sethi wrote were free to confront her, debate her, argue with her, vote against her and unfriend her. What the various students and the student groups chose to do was bully her and intimidate her, and in doing so threaten all free speech. 3. If the university administrators had any courage, integrity, sense of responsibility or common sense, they would take punitive action against the SGA for acting like the Communist Party under the Soviets or Mao. The university funds these anti-speech tyrants, and is complicit in everything they do. The official statement that the school continues to stand firm in support of free speech and does not discipline students for exercising their constitutional rights is outright falsehood. How does allowing organizations funded by and overseen by the school to punish free speech constitute standing firm? Yechhh. University administrators should be recruited directly from the population of annelid worms, since clearly spinal columns are superfluous to their jobs. 4. Rohini Sethi is a little better, I will say grudgingly. However, those who lack the courage to defend their own rights to freedom of speech fail their fellow citizens and the nation as well as themselves. If one is not prepared to fight back when others try to censor you, then consider shutting up, or just allowing the politically powerful to script what you say in public or private. Sethi should not have apologized; she should not have agreed to re-education and indoctrination training, and her statement was capitulation, showing me that her own commitment to freedom of expression and diversity of opinion was weak already: I have chosen to take these steps on my own because of the division Ive created among our student body. A typical brainwashed prisoner of war statement, this. I decided this on my own, and the threats, abuse, isolation and punishment had nothing to do with it. Now we know shes a liar, but a liar for the cause. A private message on social media doesnt divide anyone or anything, unless they decide to divide themselves. The minority groups made the post divisive: make them be accountable. I may have the right to post what I did, but I still should not have. That is, I should not exercise my rights when powerful forces dont want me to. My words at the time didnt accurately convey my feeling The Pazuzu Excuse! and cause many students to lose their faith in me to advocate for them. ..because only people who toe the ideological line, follow partisan cant, and fold in the presence of disagreement can advocate for them. I will always continue to learn and be ready to discuss these issues. Translation: Tell me whats RIGHT, O Ye Wise and Righteous Ones, and I will comply. 5. Law prof/blogger Jonathan Turley is increasingly troubled by these types of episodes, which he has exposed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Of this one he writes, The controversy of University of Houston shows how schools are now instilling speech regulation as an accepted part of academic environments. The result is a new generation of students taught that they must conform to majoritarian or official views if they want to be educated or avoid sanctions. The primary responsibility for this rollback on free speech rests with the faculty and administrators of our schools, who have often supported such notion of speech as microaggressions or hostile acts under school codes. 6. Turley also unfortunately fell into the current unethical trend of misleading headlines. University of Houston Student Suspended And Required To Attend Cultural Events For Writing All Lives Matter' is just plain false: she wasnt suspended by the school, not did the school require her to attend anything. She was free to attend classes, and could have, as she should have, told the SGA to go suck eggs. And though its a minor point, she was under fore more for the Forget #BlackLivesMatter part of her message than the All Lives Matter statement. 7. She was 100% right that we should forget #BlackLivesMatter, however. The movement is based on a lie (Hands Up! Dont Shoot!) and asserts a lie, which is that any rational person of any race believes that black lives dont matter. The group advocates racism and hate; its methods are coercive and divisive, and its rhetoric has been responsible for many deaths, with more to come. They are exactly the wrong advocates for policing reform and justice reform, as their narratives reject core justice principles like due process, equal treatment under the law, probable cause and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Forget BlackLivesMatter indeed. 8. Even if the sentiment wasnt fair and accurate, however, Rohini Sethi should not have been punished for expressing it. Lifesaving Resources, in cooperation with the York County Fire Chiefs Association, will be conducting a 4.5 hour WATER RESCUE AWARENESS course (September 24); a 9-hour WATER RESCUE TECHNICIAN course (September 24), and an 18-hour SWIFTWATER RESCUE TECHNICIAN course (September 24-25) in Kennebunkport, Maine. These extensive and intensive training programs will include practical sessions conducted in a variety of venues, including aswimming pool, the Kennebunk River, the ocean, and the Saco River. The Water Rescue Awareness course is classroo-based only, so no swimming prequisites are required to participate. Those wishing to participate in the full-day Water Rescue Technician course must be in good physical condition, and must be comfortable in deep water while wearing a lifejacket, and must be able to propel themselves through the water comfortably and proficiently. Those wishing to participate in the Swiftwater Rescue Technician course must be strong and proficient swimmers. These course curriculums are specifically designed for First Responders to provide them with the skills and/or knowledge required to safely and effectively respond to incidents in, on and around the water. These courses meet/exceed NFPA 1670 Standard for Technical Rescue, and certification is valid for 5 years from the course completion date. Gerry Dworkin will be the lead instructor. Gerry is a Kennebunkport Firefighter and EMT, and has conducted training both nationally and internationally. Gerry also regularly consults as a Forensics Expert in drowning and aquatic injury litigation. He has also appeared as a subject matter expert on numerous television news programs on the subject of drowning prevention, lifeguard operations, submerged vehicle rescue, water rescue, or ice rescue. For information, please access the Lifesaving Resources' website at www.lifesaving.com, or call 207/967-8614. (NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - Like many people, you may have dreamed of winning the lottery and being financially secure for life. However, you don't need to win the lottery to obtain financial security. In fact, that security might just be available through the benefits offered at your job. In addition to your salary and health insurance, your employer may offer other benefits that will help you address your financial challenges. One is a retirement plan. It could be an IRA, a 401(k) or a similar plan that allows you to save and grow your savings. You won't pay taxes on the savings until you withdraw them in retirement. Some employers will match your contributions to your retirement plan up to a certain amount. The earlier you start saving, the more you'll have when you retire. Life insurance is another important employee benefit. It offers a safety net for your family if something should happen to you. Financial security comes from knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of when you're gone. Your employer may offer coverage, which generally pays beneficiaries one or two times your salary if you die while your policy is in effect. In some cases, you can purchase more protection through a special arrangement between your employer and a life insurance company. Another workplace benefit an employer may offer is disability income insurance. Often called paycheck protection, these policies replace some of your income if you are unable to work because of an injury or illness. A disability happens more than most people think. The Social Security Administration estimates that 1 in 4 20-year-olds in the workforce today will suffer a disability before they retire. Disability income insurance benefits help cover rent or mortgage, buy groceries and take care of other necessities while you are out of work. Your employer also may work with an insurer to offer long-term care insurance. It helps pay for the high and rising cost of long-term care services. Today, the median cost of a one-year stay in a nursing home is more than $90,000. The median cost of a one-year stay in an assisted living facility is more than $40,000. Most people cannot cover these expenses on their own. Health insurance and Medicare generally don't cover these costs. Check with your employer for benefits offered at your work. More information about employee benefits is available on the American Council of Life Insurers' website, www.acli.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A former sergeant for the Texas Mexican Mafia pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit racketeering crimes, including drug trafficking and the murders of a Balcones Heights police officer and another man. Court records show Jerry Spooks Idrogo, 35, admitted that, acting under orders, he lured Officer Julian Pesina to an ambush in May 2014. Two fellow gang members shot Pesina outside his tattoo shop. Gang leaders wanted him dead because they had found out he was a police officer who falsely represented himself as a member of the gang, the documents say. RELATED: The Texas Mexican Mafia, explained Idrogo also admitted to the August 2013 killing of Billy Mares Padilla, 41, who was shot inside his West Side home. Idrogos plea deal said Padilla was shot because he did not pay the dime a street tax the gang imposed on drug dealers. Idrogo faces up to life in prison when U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentences him Nov. 16. While working for the Balcones Heights Police Department, Pesina also ran the tattoo shop, Notorious Ink, and held himself out as a carnal, or member of the Mexican Mafia, dealing drugs to actual members, according to court records. Pesina was under investigation by the FBI. After being alerted by a drug dealer that Pesina was a police officer, Idrogo told a gang lieutenant, Ruben Menace Reyes, 37, who then told superiors. The upper leaders ordered Reyes that Pesina be killed, the plea deal said. Reyes ordered Idrogo to give the job to Alfredo Freddy Low Cardona, 38, a gang prospect at the time, and Jesse Jay Santibanez, 27, who needed to redeem himself with the gang, the plea documents said. RELATED: Killing of Balcones Heights cop was caught on video, feds say On May 4, 2014, Idrogo lured Pesina to the tattoo shop to pay the street tax. When Pesina walked up to the car Idrogo was in to pay up, Santibanez shot Pesina with a shotgun and Cardona shot him with a handgun, the plea deal said. The murder was captured on both an FBI pole-mounted camera that the agency had set up to watch Pesinas tattoo shop and on Notorious Inks own surveillance system. Afterward, the plea documents said, the trio drove to Cardonas girlfriends apartment, where they changed clothes, broke down their weapons and placed everything in plastic bags. The clothes were burned and the guns were given to Reyes, the plea deal said. Last month, Reyes pleaded guilty to racketeering-related crimes that included five murders, including passing down the order to kill Pesina. A trial date of Oct. 17 is set for Cardona and Santibanez. gcontreras@express-news.net OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- An Ocean Springs woman has been charged with grand larceny after investigators say she stole more than $6,000 in horse saddles and tack (accessories) from her employer. According to Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell, 25-year-old Jerricah Ann Pierron of Seahorse Avenue in Ocean Springs stole the items belonging to Ginny Harrison of Covington, La., who had hired Pierron to serve as a caregiver for the horses. Harrison told investigators the items were stolen from a storage trailier on Old Ft. Bayou Road and that Pierron had access to the trailer. After Harrison reported the theft, investigators found the stolen items in a trailer on Lakeridge Drive in Ocean Springs. The trailer is owned by Pierron's grandmother. Pierron is free on a $1,000 bond. I attended the Ohio Agricultural Councils Hall of Fame Breakfast Aug. 5 at the Ohio State Fair to honor this years four inductees: Jack Fisher, who just retired after 20 years as executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; Dick Isler, who served more than 40 years as executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council; Dr. Keith Smith, who retired last year as director of the Ohio State University Extension, a role he held since 1992; and Tim White, who started his career in ag journalism at Ohio Farmer, then wrote for Successful Farming, and the Columbus Dispatch, before rejoining Ohio Farmer in 1991 as editor. He retired in 2015. These men helped build a better ag world over the course of their careers, and weve all benefited. As I skimmed the booklet that listed the previous inductees and their area of expertise, I was struck by the enormity of what these people collectively contributed to agriculture in the Buckeye State and beyond. They were farmers, educators, researchers, horticulturists, administrators, communicators, government leaders, veterinarians, conservationists, inventors and geneticists. Farm and Dairys own Elden R. Groves, who was editor for more than 40 years, was enshrined in 1979. (As an aside, if you get a chance to visit the state fairgrounds, be sure to go inside the new Cardinal Hall, home to the ag hall of fame. Its a beautiful facility that has a new interactive, electronic display of the hall of fame winners over the years. You can touch a screen to read more about an individuals accomplishments. Very cool.) Earlier this summer, I had the honor of writing the biographies of the Columbiana County Agricultural Hall of Fame enshrinees for 2016, a task Ive willingly done since the HOF was created in 2000. This years inductees were Jim Baer, Walter Boyd, Wilma Lippincott and Art Rudebock two farmers, an auctioneer and a conservationist and tree farmer. Again, very different roles within agriculture, but each contributed hugely. There are many in your own counties just like them. There is no one path to a career in agriculture. No matter what an individuals skill set is, there is some job within the industry the community that matches it. We need engineers, food scientists, bug fanatics, lawyers, teachers, marketers, policy gurus, even community activists. Theres a wonderful world of agriculture out there that students can jump into, said hall of famer Keith Smith in his video acceptance speech. And hes right. This morning, I also picked up the August issue of the Jersey Journal, and read some of the highlights from their recent annual meeting. During the meeting, Charles Ahlem, dairy farmer and co-founder of Hilmar Cheese Co. in California, received the breed associations Distinguished Service Award, and some of his comments emphasized what Im trying to say: I see a lot of the youth out here tonight, a lot of you uncertain of your future. You can be just as important or more valuable than being on the farm to the Jersey breed by being that chemical engineer finding those new uses for the proteins that we have. Or being a professor teaching new ideas to develop, like genomics. When I came home, we had a guy named Dennis Erpelding who was our Jersey Cattle Club field man. Hes now worldwide leader for Elanco in governmental affairs. Hes one defending the industry to preserve our use of antibiotics. That could be any one of you. Maybe youre not on a farm, but you can serve a much more valuable role if you have that ability to serve. Dont get me wrong, we need growers and farmers. We need the boots out in the barns and in the fields. They are the most important link in the food and farm chain. But they cant do it alone never have, never will. We need the best and brightest in all of ags connections. *** By Susan Crowell Scottish farming union NFU Scotland has undertaken in a 'shelfwatch' to highlight retailers who regularly stock Scotch beef. And with a heatwave promised, people in Scotland are hoping to enjoy some end of summer barbecues. The latest shelfwatch undertaken by Union members and staff found that clearly labelled Scottish burgers were available in the majority of large supermarket chains. The secret shoppers identified that Tesco and Aldi are the two retailers in which shoppers were guaranteed that any burgers they bought would be Scottish. A field of Aberdeen Angus cattle Scotch beef burgers were also on offer in Morrisons, the Co-op and Lidl. While not labelled as Scotch, all burgers in Sainsburys, Waitrose and Marks and Spencers were British. The majority of burgers in the Asda store surveyed were not marked with any clear country of origin, but British ones were also available. Those buying their burgers from their local butcher, farm shop or farmers market can just about be guaranteed that it will be Scottish that is going on the grill. Scottish burgers are on the menu Speaking after looking at the results, NFU Scotland Livestock Committee Chairman Charlie Adam said that farmers and the Scottish general public will be hoping the forecast of fine weather for next week comes true. "If people are digging out their barbeques, we want to help to make sure it is Scottish burgers on the menu," Mr Adam said. "While many will use their local butcher or farm shop to source their meat, it is encouraging for anyone planning a barbie that the vast majority of large retailers in Scotland also offer Scotch beef burgers. "All burgers available in the Tesco and Aldi stores are Scottish and this commitment to provenance and clear labelling is positive. "It was unfortunate that the origin of some of the burgers available in Asda was not apparent from the label something we have raised with the retailer - and this is why we think it is important for shoppers that we see clear Country of Origin Labelling for processed meats introduced in the UK. "I would urge all of those retailers who do not currently offer Scotch Beef Burgers to go back to their own supply chain and make sure they offer burgers from Scotland in their Scottish stores." Dairy farmers across the continent have been protesting about the unfair returns many are experiencing. Dairy farmers in Shropshire blockaded Muller's site over milk price freeze. About 80 farmers joined the blockade of the Muller site in Shropshire on August 7, organised by Farmers For Action. The action was prompted by Mullers announcement to hold its standard non-aligned liquid milk price for September at about 18p/litre (ca. 21 cents). In Germany, there has been protests and demonstrations following intense discussions with State Secretary for Agriculture Bleser in Sullingen, Lower Saxony on August 3. "Farmers are dying like flies!" dairy farmers chanted, blaming Mr Bleser personally for their desperate situation. And in East Frisia, in Germany, the children of farmers dump milk from their toy tractors. On August 1, a spontaneous tractor rally of 50 dairy families took place in Aurich, East Frisia. The farmers protested against the continuing disastrous milk price and claimed a quick solution through a European production cut-back. The Farmers Union of Wales will meet with the Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths on Monday (August 15) to discuss importance of agriculture. A delegation of Farmers Union of Wales officials will meet with Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths to discuss the wider economic and social importance of agriculture to the rural and urban economy as well as the impact of Bovine TB. The meeting will be held at Llwyncelyn Lan farm, Llanfyrnach home of FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas who has been farming here since 1988. The delegation will then visit Mansel Davies & Son Ltd to discuss the history and nature of the business and its interrelationship with the agricultural industry and rural economy. Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary, Lesley Griffiths Brian Thomas, who farms 280 acres, 30 acres of which is woodland, in North Pembrokeshire, runs a herd of 100 beef shorthorn cattle and a flock of 300 ewes, with cereals also being grow. He was elected as the Unions Deputy President in 2015 at the Annual General meeting. Brian is a past County Chairman of the FUW in Pembrokeshire and was elected South Wales Member of the Central Finance and Organisation Committee in 2011. Brian's herd went down with the disease in the late 1990s Risks to jobs and local economy Speaking ahead of the meeting about why farming matters to our rural economy, FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: "Much political and media attention has recently been focussed on risks to jobs and the local economy in and around the M4 corridor in south Wales and quite rightly so. "But you may be surprised to learn that there are almost as many people engaged in the milk industry in Pembrokeshire as there are people making a living in our Welsh steel industry. "Yet there is a clear imbalance in political focus for supporting these two very important industries an imbalance which also extends to all our agricultural sectors. "We want to see the value and importance of the rural economy truly recognised, and to build a visible and valued Rural Powerhouse. "The Rural Powerhouse we envisage will take all that is valuable in our rural economies and maximise their outputs and impact. "It will recognise the interactions that exist in rural Wales, the communities that work and live together, the networks that support each other and of course the importance of rural Wales to our culture." Consequences of Bovine TB Bovine TB is also a subject which Brian is passionate about. When his herd went down with the disease in the late 1990s he commented in interviews that the disease would be more of a problem than BSE would ever be if it was not tackled. Unfortunately, for many he has been proven right and currently he sits on the local working group for the Assemblys Bovine TB Intensive Action Area in North Pembrokeshire, representing farmers in the area. "We know that our current rates of bovine TB will pose a significant threat to our exports once we are outside the EU, unless we make significant inroads towards eradication. "The FUWs longstanding policy on proactively managing the wildlife disease reservoir has been well publicised. "If we do not change our policy on the wildlife vector, our exports to the European Union, in a post-Brexit world, are under considerable threat. "I look forward to welcoming the Cabinet Secretary here to the farm to discuss these issues with her in more detail and highlight that we need to nurture our farming sector to ensure that money keeps flowing through the rural economy so that we can protect and improve domestic food security," said Brian Thomas. Freedom Food, also known as RSPCA Assured, is to demand the installation of aerial perches in free range egg production units and some producers could be required to install them this year. The requirement for aerial perches, which were previously the subject of a political battle between Westminster and the European Union, is included in Freedom Foods new standards, which come into force on October 7 this year. The insistence on raised perches will not take effect until October next year, but producers putting flocks in later this year will need to have perches installed beforehand if the birds are to remain in production beyond October 7, 2017 the deadline for the new perch rule. In England and Wales free range egg producers are allowed to class floor slats as perches under an interpretation of European Union welfare rules adopted by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The European Commission threatened to take legal action if the Government did not adopt an interpretation requiring aerial perching, but subsequently abandoned the threat. However, in Scotland, where agriculture is a devolved responsibility, raised perches are required. Freedom Food is now adopting the Scottish interpretation in its rules. Producers are expected to be compliant with the standards by October 2017 15 centimetres of raised perching per bird "Producers in Scotland and Ireland already successfully provide 15 centimetres of aerial perch space per hen," said Mia Fernyhough, senior scientific officer with the RSPCA, when asked about the changes to the Freedom Food standards. The new standards will require 15 centimetress of raised perching per bird in all new and refurbished units from October 7, 2017. Existing units will need eight centimetres of aerial perching from that date and 10 centimetres from October 7 the following year. "We decided on a gradual introduction for existing units to give producers time to make the changes," said Mia. The subject previously led to a political battle between Westminster and the European Union FarmingUK asked whether these changes would apply to flocks housed after October 7, 2017 or whether the rules would apply to all birds housed on that date, including those introduced later this year and still in production. Compliant by October 2017 She said: "We would expect all producers to be compliant with the standards by October 2017. "The three month notification period, together with the one year lead-in time, should be sufficient for producers to prepare for the new standards, for example at their next flock turn around," said Mia. "Many producers will already be providing some aerial perching, for example over drinker lines. "We therefore do not anticipate eight centimetres causing significant issue, particularly given that producers in Scotland and Ireland already successfully provide 15 centimetres of aerial perch space per hen," she said. The new requirement in the standards reads: "From 7th October 2017, all new builds and buildings being refurbished must provide a minimum of 15cm raised perch space per hen." On current units, it reads: "In existing buildings (built before 7th October 2017) raised perches must be provided at not less than 15cm per hen, unless combined with slatted or mesh flooring." However, the standards go on to say that, where slatted or mesh flooring is included in perching space, "at least 8cm of raised perch must be provided per hen from 7th October 2017" and "at least 10cm of raised perch must be provided per hen from 7th October 2018." Additionally, a guidance note with the new standards warns: "Existing members may, in future, be required to provide 15 cm of raised perch space per hen. "It is therefore recommended that producers increasing their perch provision consider this likely future requirement when designing their perch provision." Defra versus Brussels The issue of raised perches was the subject of a lengthy dispute between Defra and the European Commission. At one point Brussels threatened to haul Defra before the European Court unless it complied with the Commission's interpretation, but Defra refused to back down. It insisted there was no definition of a perch in the laying hen directive and it said there was some scientific evidence to suggest that welfare may be compromised by the use of aerial perches in non-cage systems. Defra also pointed to the financial and practical implications for the egg industry of having to install aerial perches. Whilst Defras interpretation of the perching rules will remain unchanged for other free range egg producers, those who are part of Freedom Food will now have to find the funds to carry out the changes required by the news standards. These new Freedom Food standards cover a wide range of issues involving the management of commercial laying hens. Requirements on litter Freedom Food says litter must cover the floor within 24 hours of birds being placed in the shed, there must be a minimum depth of five centimetres for the first two months and a minimum depth of 10 centimetres thereafter. It says that birds must not be held on slats for more than 24 hours after placement and must have access to well maintained litter at all times after this period. Clauses on lighting requirements insist on a minimum illumination of 20 lux in the open areas of the house. An explanatory note reads: "Research demonstrates that increased lighting levels within the house can encourage birds to range by reducing the contrast between the indoor and outdoor areas. "Improved ranging is associated with lower levels of plumage damage from injurious pecking. "Increased light levels are also associated with improved activity, reduced eye abnormalities and reduced fear and stress. The new standards replace the previous version, which has been in place since September 2013. 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. The National Farmers Union will meet with Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, next month to seek clarification on how this new department will help British farming. NFU President Meurig Raymond has said the Government must not forget British food and farming, as it is "cruicial in post-Brexit international trade talks." The Government have failed to appoint a minister with specific responsibilities for agriculture within the trade department. Mr Raymond said he is concerned about the notable omission of agriculture and the food and drink sector from the Departments portfolios. "Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth 108bn and farming underpins its success," Mr Raymond said. "Members can be assured that wheels are in motion on this issue; were in contact with the Department, an NFU meeting with Liam Fox is already confirmed for the beginning of September and were actively seeking clarification on where this important responsibility lies." Last week, the Country Land and Business Association also expressed its alarm at the situation. Its director general, Helen Woolley, said the new department had got off to a terrible start. The concerns have been raised at a time when many farmers are working around the clock to bring in the nations harvest. With some farming sectors, such as horticulture, relying heavily on non-UK seasonal and year-round workers throughout their grower businesses the NFU has called for access to labour to be a key consideration in the on-going talks to shape a new domestic agriculture policy. The highly successful pig industry scholarship scheme is now open to recruit students for its fourth year. The scheme involves students from Harper Adams University and is facilitated by AHDB Pork. There are seven sponsoring companies registered this year, all returning, showing their continued support for bringing new talent into the industry. The scheme was set up to establish long term relationships between industry and students and its very positive to see companies continuing their support either year on year or as and when it is necessary to the business. The scholarships include a year-long placement and the sponsoring firm may even be able to find a post for the student after they qualify. The next step is for those seven companies to attend the scholarship fair in October, where they will, hopefully, find the students they need. Chairman Nick Major said: "In common with all industries, one of the key challenges for the pig industry is to attract and retain talented people. "The Scholarship scheme was established to demonstrate the wide range of career options available in the industry. "I am delighted we are now about to start the process for the 4th year and would like to thank AHDB Pork and Harper Adams University and of course the sponsoring companies, without whom we couldn't run the scheme. The scholarship opportunities on offer represent important areas from across the whole industry, such as nutrition, engineering and equipment, animal health and practical pig production. A team of scientists studying fungus in barley, which has caused farmers yields and quality to decline, have now sequenced and explored its genome. Since the late 1990s, UK farmers growing barley have seen the yields and quality of their harvests hurt by an emerging disease called Ramularia leaf spot. The disease is caused by the pathogenic fungus Ramularia collo-cygni. Now a team of scientists studying this fungus have sequenced and explored its genome. Their work helps to illuminate how the fungus causes disease in barley, and enables future studies to investigate why Ramularia leaf spot has become a threat to barley production and a serious economic problem. The leaves die prematurely, reducing photosynthesis, and causing yield losses of up to 70 percent The scientists performed the work at Scotlands Rural College (SRUC), the University of Edinburgh's Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Edinburgh Genomics facility, and Rothamsted Research. The fungus Ramularia collo-cygni can live between the cells inside of barley plants without causing symptoms for many weeks. However, when conditions change inside the plant, the fungus becomes aggressive. It secretes plant toxins that produce brown, rectangular lesions within a yellow ring, which are visible on both sides of the leaves. The leaves die prematurely, reducing photosynthesis, and causing yield losses of up to 70 percent. Toxic chemicals and proteins Rothamsted Research How the fungus makes these toxins, and the role the toxins play in colonising the plants, remain largely unknown. But the new study has identified a large number of genes involved in secreting potentially toxic chemicals and proteins. The recent emergence of the disease as a major problem for barley-growers may be due to recent genetic changes to the fungus or to barley plants, or mary result from other changes to farming practice. UK farmers produce about 7.3 million tonnes of barley each year, worth around 1 billion. Roughly a quarter of the barley is used to produce beers, whiskeys and other drinks, and the remainder is predominantly used as animal feed. Complex arsenal of toxins Professor Kim Hammond-Kosack, a senior scientist at Rothamsted Research and one of the studys authors, said: "It is probable that this fungus produces a complex arsenal of toxins to help it to colonise barley plants. "By studying the expression of genes at different stages of the life of the fungus and in various environmental scenarios, we may be able to discover toxins that we dont yet know about, and find out more about the mechanisms that regulate the formation of disease symptoms." The genome also supports current ideas about how the fungus evolved. The scientists confirmed the classification of the fungus within the same group as other plant pathogens, and as a close relative of Zymoseptoria tritici, the cause of Septoria tritici (leaf) blotch in wheat. They found common genes thought to play a role in concealing the fungus from the plants immune system. UK's second most common crop after wheat Dr Jason Rudd, a senior scientist at Rothamsted Research and another of the studys authors added: "Barley is the UKs second most common crop after wheat. "Ramularia leaf spot has big consequences for farmers here as well as in other important barley growing regions across Europe and South America. "The large overall similarity in the genome sequences between Ramularia and Zymoseptoria suggests they may both be open to a common future disease-prevention strategy. "The bits which differ will most probably explain why they are particular for barley and wheat crops, respectively. "We hope our data will provide the foundation for scientists to try new approaches to treating these diseases." More than 125 veterinary practitioners have attended events across the country over the summer to discuss how to launch Flock Health Clubs for their sheep farmer clients. An overwhelming level of interest has resulted in further training being provided over the coming weeks to widen the tools available to sheep-interested vets. A Flock Health Club is a vet-facilitated sheep farmer business discussion group that allows farmers with smaller numbers of sheep to share the cost of veterinary advice while maintaining regular, good quality contact with sheep-interested vets within a practice. Fiona Lovatt, Flock Health Ltd Director, established the concept and delivered the training events, in collaboration with Sheep Veterinary Society and National Sheep Association. She says: "I have been so encouraged to see the enthusiasm of so many keen sheep vets at these events. "Feedback has been really positive with delegates most enjoying brainstorming sessions to share ideas. "There are plenty of sheep farmers who would love to have a close relationship with their vet they just need to know that their vet is interested in their sheep and prepared to provide robust, cost effective and independent advice." Benchmarking flock performance Vets were encouraged to go back to the practice, gather together a team of similarly enthusiastic personnel, to include both veterinary and support staff, and invite farmers to an introductory meeting to launch the concept of a Flock Health Club. Appropriate resources for this introductory meeting have been made available and a further round of meetings is planned to help vets utilise benchmarking tools within their clubs. Dr Lovatt explains: "Benchmarking flock performance between farms within the group is a key aspect of Flock Health Clubs and one of the tools available to veterinary practitioners is AHDBs Stocktake Lite, an online beef and lamb costings and physical performance comparison tool. The Stocktake Lite sessions are planned in Tiverton on Wednesday 31st August, Barnsley on Wednesday 7th September, Penrith on Monday 12th September, Dorking on Wednesday 14th September and Malvern on 15th September. Each event will start with a light lunch at 1pm and finish at 5pm. The cost is 97 per person or 82 for Sheep Veterinary Society members UK pork exports continued to increase into June with volumes up 26%, to 18.4 thousand tonnes, on the year earlier, according to AHDB Pork. Chinese shipments continued to be the main driver behind this growth, with volumes up 81%. Exports to Ireland were also up 28%, while shipments to Denmark, largely for re-export, increased 30% on June 2015. While smaller in absolute volume, higher value US exports more than doubled. The value of UK exports increased ahead of volume, up 30% to 45.9 million, on June 2015. Exports to China accounted for over half of the volume, and grew by 11% A growth of shipments to China capitalising on the strong pig price, coupled with increased shipments of higher value cuts to the US, assisted this value growth. Offal shipments continued to grow, up 11% to 5.9 thousand tonnes, on the year earlier. Exports to China accounted for over half of the volume, and grew by 11%. Although from a smaller base, shipments to the Philippines almost trebled versus June 2015. 'Considerable inroads' to world markets The National Pig Association has said that British pork has made "considerable inroads to world markets" over the past two years. "We are confident this will continue, as a result of British pork's premium characteristics," the NPA said. Key among British pork's sales assets in global markets, particularly in China, are its rigorous safety and regulatory credentials, its high welfare characteristics, and its ability to provide different genetics for different price points ranging from modern indoor production to straw-barns to outdoor-reared and outdoor free-range. "British pork's safety and regulatory credentials are underpinned by regular Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured audits. "And its unique welfare proposition includes no castration, no gestation stalls, and independent Real Welfare audits where vets score pigs for welfare indicators," the NPA said. All farmers in Wales who have waste on their land have two months to register or renew an exemption with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This ensures waste on their land is dealt with in a way that doesnt harm people or the environment, the NRW states. Many last registered for an exemption in 2013, but these are now about to expire and need to be re-registered. One month into the campaign, more than 750 farmers have already registered, significantly up on the same time in 2013. However, many thousands still need to register and NRW is urging them to do so as soon as possible, rather than wait until the deadline at the end of September. Exemption to burn green waste One who has already done so is Andrew Wigley, a dairy farmer living near Welshpool. Andrew needs an exemption to burn green waste, import recycled waste paper for cattle bedding and to use building waste to create tracks, for example. Farmer Andrew Wigley registering Waste Exemption with NRW online After hearing that he could register online he visited the NRW website and registered. Andrew said: "Three years ago I registered for a waste exemption by post. "But this time I thought Id register online to save myself the trouble of completing a form by hand and posting it. "I was very happy to find how easy it was it took me less than 10 minutes. "Its good to tick this off my long list of things to do and I know that I am now OK to deal with my waste on the farm without a permit for the next three years." Not registering or complying with waste exemption can lead to farmers facing penalties. And NRW also reminds farmers that they would be committing a criminal offence if they carry out a waste operation without having an exemption or a permit. Simple as possible Caroline Hawkins Customer Care Manager for NRW said: "Weve devised the online system to try and make it as simple as possible for people to register and the evidence from July suggests that the people who are using it agree. "It really shouldnt take long to complete and wed encourage farmers to do so as soon as possible rather than wait until the end of the three month period. "Our environment provides us with our basic needs, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. "Registering for these exemptions demonstrates that farmers understand what they need to do to help protect these valuable natural resources." Third series of Clarkson's Farm in production, Amazon confirms Elephants are one of the many animals our victories this week will help -- and we couldn't do any of it without your continued support and action on behalf of animals. Photo by iStockphoto 693 shares Ive said before that theres no group like The HSUSoperating on a global scale, advocating for all animals, using every reasonable avenue and approach, and doing it with remarkable impact and force. Yesterday alone provides a great example, with progress on multiple fronts. I wrote in yesterdays blog about an announcement from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)the latest advance in a series of government actions, driven by the work of The HSUS, that have ended the use of chimps in invasive experiments and prompted their transfer to sanctuaries. NIH announced specific plans for the transfer of government-owned animals, starting with chimps housed at a military installation in New Mexico. The chimps now held at this and a variety of other sites will immediately start making their way to Chimp Haven in Louisiana. We were at the forefront of the actions that produced this result, and well stay the course until all of the chimps involved are safe and in sanctuary. Yesterday, we conducted a raid on a large-scale cruelty case in Appalachiain one of the southernmost counties in Ohio. With local law enforcement officials, including the dog wardens office, we partnered to rescue nearly 70 dogs. Were treating them now at an emergency shelter. Also yesterday, the National Marine Fisheries Service released a rule requiring nations selling seafood to the U.S. to comply with higher standards for protecting whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals from being killed in commercial fisheries. Specifically, these importing nations will be required to meet standards equal to what is required of U.S. fishermen under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Were optimistic about the effects this rule could have on the survival of imperiled marine life. Finally, the California State Senate gave final approval to a bill to ban the use of bullhooks in the handling of captive elephants. That bill now goes to the governor, Jerry Brown, and if he signs it, California will become the second state to ban these cruel implements used to strike and cause harm to elephants. This striking series of gains occurred just yesterday. Earlier in the week, we filed a petition against 17 clothing retailers that we caught selling real fur as faux. And I reported on a separate intervention we did with local law enforcement agencies to rescue 120 animals from a horrid circumstance in Lincoln County, Montana. The work of our organization never ends, but its heartening to see gains, made in so many different places on a wide range of issues. We succeed with your support, and with your continuing engagement. Were grateful to you, we depend on your generosity, and we hope you know that The HSUS and its affiliates are working full-tilt to deliver on the promise of an early HSUS slogan, working in every field of humane work, everywhere. Please consider making a donation to help us continue to protect animals everywhere. Wheat: Net sales of 607,600 metric tons for 2016/2017 were up 86 percent from the previous week and 49 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Mexico (130,100 MT), Indonesia (94,200 MT, including 30,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), unknown destinations (91,300 MT), Japan (63,200 MT), Guatemala (46,000 MT, switched from unknown destinations), and Chile (44,200 MT). Exports of 405,800 MT were down 30 percent from the previous week and 11 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Indonesia (104,200 MT), Colombia (79,800 MT), Mexico (61,000 MT), Chile (44,200 MT), South Korea (34,900 MT), and the Philippines (32,400 MT). Exports for Own Account: The current exports for own account outstanding balance is 24,900 MT, all Canada. Corn: Net sales of 594,900 MT for 2015/2016 were up 80 percent from the previous week and 34 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for South Korea (198,200 MT, including 60,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Saudi Arabia (137,800 MT, including 130,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Egypt (127,200 MT, including 60,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Mexico (88,700 MT), Taiwan (73,600 MT, including 65,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), and Japan (71,200 MT, including 58,000 MT switched unknown destinations). Reductions were reported for unknown destinations (352,400 MT) and Malaysia (12,000 MT). For 2016/2017, net sales of 1,015,600 MT were reported primarily for unknown destinations (583,000 MT), Mexico (282,500 MT), and Chile (90,000 MT). Exports of 1,444,200 MT were up 27 percent from the previous week and 16 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Mexico (254,900 MT), Japan (198,100 MT), South Korea (196,300 MT), Saudi Arabia (137,800 MT), Egypt (122,200 MT), and Colombia (118,000 MT). Optional Origin Sales: For 2015/2016, decreases in optional origin sales totaling 58,000 MT were reported for unknown destinations. The current outstanding balance is 394,800 MT, all unknown destinations. For 2016/2017, the current outstanding balance is 65,000 MT, all Taiwan. Barley: There were no sales or exports reported during the week. Sorghum: Net sales of 60,400 MT for 2015/2016 were reported for China (49,600 MT, switched from unknown destinations), unknown destinations (8,000 MT), Colombia (2,500 MT), and Mexico (400 MT). For 2016/2017, net sales of 55,500 MT were reported for unknown destinations. Exports of 241,400 MT were up noticeably from the previous week and from the prior 4-week average. The destinations were China (213,000 MT), Colombia (27,500 MT), and Mexico (1,000 MT). Rice: Net sales of 76,200 MT were reported for 2016/2017, which began August 1. Increases were reported for Venezuela (30,000 MT), Panama (29,600 MT), Haiti (7,300 MT), Mexico (5,100 MT), and Turkey (2,800 MT). A total of 244,900 MT in sales were outstanding on July 31 and carried over to 2016/2017. Accumulated exports in 2015/2016 totaled 3,359,600 MT up 3 percent from the prior years total of 3,267,000 MT. Exports for 2015/2016 totaled 59,100 MT and were primarily to Venezuela (30,000 MT), Haiti (21,600 MT), Mexico (2,600 MT), and Japan (1,100 MT). Exports for Own Account: The current exports for own account outstanding balance is 100 MT, all Canada, and is carried over to 2016/2017. Soybeans: Net sales of 308,000 MT for 2015/2016 resulted as increases for China (500,800 MT, including 335,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Vietnam (70,800 MT, including 65,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Spain (67,500 MT, including 65,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), the Netherlands (66,600 MT, including 70,000 MT switched from unknown destinations and decreases of 3,400 MT), and Pakistan (66,000 MT, including 65,000 MT switched from unknown destinations). Reductions were reported for unknown destinations (613,800 MT). For 2016/2017, net sales of 2,792,200 MT were reported primarily for China (1,844,000 MT), unknown destinations (743,000 MT), Mexico (153,000 MT), Japan (40,000 MT), and Taiwan (10,500 MT). Exports of 1,074,200 MT were up 49 percent from the previous week and up noticeably from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were China (496,100 MT), Vietnam (75,800 MT), Spain (67,500 MT), the Netherlands (66,600 MT), and Pakistan (66,000 MT). Optional Origin Sales: For 2015/2016, the current optional origin outstanding sales balance is 423,000 MT, all China. For 2016/2017, the current outstanding balance is 63,000 MT, all China. Exports for Own Account: The current exports for own account outstanding balance totals 500 MT, all Canada. Soybean Cake and Meal: Net sales of 47,900 MT for 2015/2016 were down 36 percent from the previous week and 57 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Mexico (8,900 MT), Guatemala (8,500 MT, including 8,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Venezuela (7,000 MT), Morocco (6,000 MT), and El Salvador (4,600 MT, including 3,600 MT switched from unknown destinations). Reductions were reported for unknown destinations (8,500 MT). For 2016/2017, net sales of 50,400 MT were reported primarily for unknown destinations (45,000 MT), Nicaragua (2,000 MT), Burma (1,000 MT), and Cambodia (1,000 MT). Exports of 79,200 MT were down 62 percent from the previous week and 59 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were the Dominican Republic (14,100 MT), Mexico (11,000 MT), Canada (10,700 MT), the Philippines (9,300 MT), and Colombia (8,400 MT). Optional Origin Sales: For 2015/2016, the current optional origin outstanding sales balance is 36,000 MT, all unknown destinations. Soybean Oil: Net sales of 11,400 MT for 2015/2016 were down 35 percent from the previous week and 49 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Peru (7,000 MT), Mexico (3,000 MT), Canada (900 MT), and the Dominican Republic (500 MT). For 2016/2017, net sales of 1,000 MT were reported for Mexico (500 MT) and the Dominican Republic (500 MT). Exports of 20,300 MT were down 53 percent from the previous week and 31 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Algeria (14,700 MT), Mexico (4,500 MT), and Canada (1,000 MT). Cotton: Net sales for 2016/2017, which began August 1, totaled 132,000 RB. Increases reported for Turkey (30,600 RB), Vietnam (23,100 RB), South Korea (18,000 RB), Indonesia (13,600 RB, including 500 RB switched from Japan), and Taiwan (12,600 RB), were partially offset by decreases for El Salvador (400 RB). A total of 680,800 RB in sales were carried over from the 2015/2016 marketing year, which ended July 31. Exports for the period ending July 31 of 85,600 RB brought accumulated exports to 8,419,600 RB, down 20 percent from the prior years total of 10,535,100 RB. The primary destinations were Indonesia (32,800 RB), Vietnam (26,100 RB), South Korea (4,500 RB), Mexico (3,500 RB), and China (3,400 RB). Exports for August 1-4 totaled 111,800 RB, with Vietnam (23,600 RB), Pakistan (17,900 RB), India (11,300 RB), Turkey (10,000 RB), and Mexico (9,900 RB) being the primary destinations. Net sales of Pima for 2016/2017 totaled 9,000 RB. Increases reported for India (6,600 RB), Pakistan (1,700 RB), Vietnam (500 RB), and South Korea (200 RB), were partially offset by decreases for Japan (100 RB). A total of 55,400 RB in sales were carried over from the 2015/2016 marketing year, which ended July 31. Exports for the period ending July 31 of 1,700 RB brought accumulated exports to 513,300 RB, up 30 percent from the prior years total of 394,000 RB. The destinations were India (1,100 RB), Japan (300 RB), and Thailand (100 RB). Exports for August 1-4 totaled 6,000 RB, with India (3,700 RB), China (1,900 RB), and Peru (300 RB) being the primary destinations. Exports for Own Account: New exports for own account totaling 869 RB were reported to India (522 RB) and Indonesia (347 RB). Exports for own account totaling 23,545 RB to Indonesia were applied to new or outstanding sales. Decreases totaling 33,943 RB were reported to China (33,943 RB). The current outstanding balance of 522 RB is for India and is carried over to 2016/2017. Hides and Skins: Net sales of 314,700 pieces for 2016 were down 32 percent from the previous week, but up 4 percent from the prior-4 week average. Whole cattle hide sales of 306,500 pieces were for China (193,200 pieces), South Korea (44,000 pieces), Thailand (33,100 pieces), Mexico (14,600 pieces), and Vietnam (6,900 pieces). Exports of 408,700 pieces, all whole cattle hides, were down 6 percent from the previous week, but up 10 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were China (243,700 pieces), South Korea (86,200 pieces), Mexico (35,600 pieces), Taiwan (14,400 pieces), and Thailand (12,300 pieces). Net sales of 103,300 wet blues for 2016 were down 24 percent from the previous week and 7 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Italy (82,800 unsplit), China (34,000 unsplit and 4,500 grain splits), Vietnam (7,600 unsplit), and the Dominican Republic (7,200 unsplit). Reductions were reported for Thailand (20,500 grain splits and 200 unsplit), Japan (12,500 unsplit), and Hong Kong (1,200 grain splits). Exports of 141,700 wet blues were up 24 percent from the previous week and 14 percent from the prior 4-week average. Exports were primarily to China (41,200 unsplit and 17,000 grain splits), Italy (29,700 unsplit and 3,600 grain splits), and the Dominican Republic (14,200 unsplit). Net sales of splits totaling 17,200 pounds for 2016 resulted as increases for Italy (11,800 pounds), Hong Kong (7,700 pounds), South Korea (4,700 pounds), and Taiwan (1,200 pounds), were partially offset by reductions for China (6,400 pounds) and Vietnam (1,900 pounds). Exports of 663,300 pounds were reported to Vietnam (284,800 pounds), China (255,300 pounds), Hong Kong (119,300 pounds), and South Korea (4,000 pounds). Beef: Net sales of 23,300 MT for 2016 were up noticeably from the previous week and up 60 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Japan (13,600 MT), Hong Kong (3,100 MT), South Korea (3,100 MT), Mexico (1,300 MT), and Taiwan (900 MT). For 2017, net sales of 300 MT were reported for South Korea. Exports of 14,300 MT were down 3 percent from the previous week, but up 4 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Japan (4,900 MT), South Korea (3,600 MT), Mexico (1,800 MT), Hong Kong (1,200 MT), and Taiwan (1,200 MT). Pork: Net sales of 17,400 MT for 2016 were up 20 percent from the previous week and 63 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Japan (4,500 MT), Mexico (3,400 MT), Hong Kong (2,100 MT), Canada (2,000 MT), and Australia (1,500 MT). Exports of 17,300 MT were down 8 percent from the previous week and 5 percent from the prior 4-week average. The primary destinations were Mexico (6,000 MT), Japan (4,000 MT), Canada (1,700 MT), China (1,300 MT), and South Korea (1,200 MT). Source USDA "A lot of information is out there but it is very scattered. This model will integrate all the different disciplines to do with integrated disease management (IDM) and put it in one spot so it can be accessible to everyone,"she said. What was it like to be an Oath Keeper? John Zimmerman can tell you Houston-based Key Energy Services, Inc. agreed to disgorge $5 million to settle Foreign Corrupt Practices Act offenses caused by bribes from its Mexican subsidiary to an employee at state-owned Pemex. The SEC Friday charged Key Energy in an internal administrative order with violating the FCPAs internal controls and books-and-records provisions. In May, Key said the Justice Department told the company it had closed its FCPA investigation and wouldnt bring an enforcement action. In 2014, Key said it was investigating allegations of possible bribery involving its Mexico operations. Key accrued $5 million earlier this year to pay for the SEC settlement. The company provides onshore energy production services. Pemex, formally known as Petroleos Mexicanos, is Mexicos state-owned oil and gas monopoly. The SEC said Friday Key Mexico paid the Pemex contract employee in exchange for inside information and help landing Pemex contracts. Between 2010 to 2014, Key Mexico made 58 payments to a purported consulting firm totaling about $561,000. At least $229,000 went to the Pemex employee. Key Mexicos then-country manager arranged and approved hiring the consulting firm. The manager concealed from Key Energy the connection between the consulting firm and the Pemex employee. Key Mexico improperly recorded the transfers to the consulting firm as legitimate business expenses in Key Mexicos books and records, which were consolidated into Key Energys books and records, the SEC said. The Pemex employee used his influence to add $60 million to a contract between Pemex and Key Energy. The SEC found no evidence the Pemex employee or the consulting firm provided any legitimate consulting services for Key Mexico. Instead, the consulting firm was used as a conduit through which the Pemex employee received payment from Key Mexico, the SEC said. The country manager resigned from Key Mexico in February 2014. Key Energy learned about the consulting firm at least as early as 2011. Key Mexico hadnt done any due diligence and didnt have a written agreement. But weak internal controls at Key Energy allowed the relationship with the consulting firm to continue and payments to be made, the SEC said. In 2014, Key Energy ultimately uncovered the consulting firms relationship to the Pemex employee . . . when Key Energy began an investigation into other allegations concerning the country manager. The SEC said Key Energy cooperated and took remedial action. The company said it would wind down its Mexico business and exit the market by the end of 2016. In determining the [$5 million] disgorgement amount and not to impose a penalty, the SEC considered Key Energys current financial condition and its ability to maintain necessary cash reserves to fund its operations and meet its liabilities. Key Energy has about 8,500 employees. It serves customers across the Americas, Russia and the Middle East, according to its website. Key Energy Services, Inc. trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol KEG. * * * The SECs Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Release No. 78558, Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Release No. 3794, and Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-17379 (all dated August 11, 2016) In the Matter of Key Energy Services , Inc. are here (pdf). _____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hell be the keynote speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016. At 88 he's awarded his bachelor's degree This morning, 88 year old veteran William Carey graduated with applause from the College of Staten Island with a BA in History. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) (Staff-Shot) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's never too late to fulfill your dreams. But it's easy to get caught up in life ups and downs, lose focus of aspirations for the future -- and sadly, those passions and goals are sometimes never, ever, realized. Not the case for William Carey. Veteran, William Carey, 88, center smiles with his sister deputy Borough President Ed Burke as he graduates from the College of Staten Island with a bachelor of arts degree in American studies. According to Ken Bach, communications and marketing director/film locations manager at CUNY College of Staten Island, William's mission was accomplished. Ken explains, life got in the way for William near the end of World War II when he put his plans for a college degree on hold and enlisted into the US Army as an Infantryman. After decades of service to his country, and with the help of the Military Services Scholarship awarded to him by the College of Staten Island Veterans Support Services program, William's journey to a bachelor's degree came to fruition on June 2 when he earned a degree in American Studies at the age of 88. The journey has been filled with many pitfalls and adventures. After a severe injury during cold weather military training in Colorado, William was honorably discharged from the US Armed Forces and became an officer with the city Police Department, retiring after 22 years. He has worked as a US Deputy Marshal, a real estate broker, and docent at Carnegie Hall. A musician for 76 years, William learned to play mandolin, moved on to guitar, and then found his love with the piano. Today, he plays a large electronic theater organ which he has in his house. City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) and veteran, William Carey, who graduated from the College of Staten Island with a bachelor of arts degree in American studies. William was the student speaker at the Veterans Commencement Luncheon, and was recipient of The Richard Gid Powers Award in American Studies (2016) from the College of Staten Island. During the summer of 2014, with an eye on his baccalaureate, William toured the College of Staten Island campus. He visited the Veterans Support Services Center and enrolled for CSI's Winter Session. William traveled from Brooklyn via Access-A-Ride through all types of weather -- even during the harsh winter storms that emptied campus, William was present and ready to learn. He even hand wrote all of his papers since he is unable to use the computer, and attended Summer Session classes this past year to ensure a 2016 commencement. Along with awarding William with the Military Service Scholarship, which is administered by the CSI Foundation, Veterans Support Services collaborated with his professors and staff to ensure that Bill had full access to the resources he needed to complete his mission. They also aided him with getting his textbooks, printing copies, as well as filling out all necessary forms, Bach goes on to explain. The Military Service Scholarship is awarded yearly to a military veteran who was honorably discharged and is no longer eligible for state or federal benefits to attend college. The student must be enrolled full time and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have served at least three years. In a recent statement William noted: "As a recent graduate, as of June 2, 2016, I have to say that I've enjoyed being a student here very much. One of the pleasurable things I've enjoyed looking at were the benches on the campus with their markers on them signifying the graduating class that was responsible for them being there. If possible I would like my donation used for the perpetuation of this custom concerning a bench. I think it would be a very nice thought to know and possibly see a bench erected by my class. Thank you for being there. Your presence I am sure has added to the beauty of our college. Best wishes to all, William P. Carey, Class of June 2, 2016." Congratulations, William on a job well done both in the military and in the classroom! CELEBRATIONS: AUG. 14 AND 15 Happy birthday Sunday to Rich Stancavage, Thomas Rutherford, Olympia Mitzie Marino, Edward Guerra, and Sue Smith. Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Donna and Rick Klein. Monday is birthday time for Linda Niekrash, Jillian Lisi, Christopher James Theurer, who turns 5, Fran Legato, John Ryan Jr., Nicole Ann Rosati, Gail Trapani, Mark Mondi, Luann Rutherford, Mary Alice Dachille and Victoria Dimino who turns 13. Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Esther and Jim Richards. Tyga has reached a settlement with his former landlord. Tyga A bench warrant was issued for the 26-year-old rapper's arrest earlier this week after he failed to show up for a hearing in relation to the fact he allegedly owes Gholamreza Rezai $480,285.00 in damages for his old rental property, which he vacated "sometime prior to" October 31, 2012, but now he won't be facing arrest after reaching a confidential agreement with the owner of his old home. Gholamreza's attorney, Danny Abir, told People magazine: "There has been a settlement reached to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, the terms of which are confidential. "My law partner, Boris Treyzon, will appear in court Friday morning to ask the judge to quash the bench warrant since a settlement has been reached and our client is satisfied." Boris Treyzon, the landlord's other attorney, previously insisted Tyga understood the significance of the case when he was served legal papers and was aware of the implications when he splashed out on a $189,000 Mercedes-Maybach for girlfriend Kylie Jenner's 19th birthday, which could have seen the vehicle seized. He said: "On the date the debtor [Tyga]'s notice is served, there is a lien that's created on all of his assets. [That means] he isn't allowed to do any transfers. "Once [Tyga was] served, the lien is created. Of course, we have an irate client who is owed half a million dollars and then the client reads that Tyga is giving a Maybach as a gift - that's in violation of two things. "There is a hold on him transferring any assets while there is a judgment outstanding - that's going to be a separate action to recover that car unless the judgment is satisfied - and he's to appear in court, be placed under oath and he needs to answer questions." Jack White is to release a double acoustic album - including a new White Stripes song. Jack White The 41-year-old star has announced he will drop a 26-track collection, entitled 'Jack White: Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016', on September 9, which will feature previously unreleased recordings as well as some of his classic material. Songs from his days in The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and tunes from his solo albums will feature on the double disc release. White Stripes fans are particularly excited to hear 'City Lights' on his upcoming record. The song is thought to have been originally left off the group's 2005 album 'Get Behind Me Satan', so is effectively the first tune released by the band since 2008. It's been a busy year for Jack already and last month, along with Third Man Records, he played the first ever record in space after launching a "space-proof" turntable attached to a balloon just outside Marsing, Idaho. The song on the turntable was Carl Sagan's 'A Glorious Dawn' - which features clips from 'Stephen Hawking's Universe' documentary - which the label released as a 7" single on the 9 November 2009 to celebrate what would have been the American astronomer's 75th birthday. The record reached 94,000 feet and floated up for 80 minutes before the balloon popped. Third Man Records announced the stunt on their website last month. A statement read: "On July 30th, in celebration of our 7th anniversary, Third Man Records will reveal our attempt to play the first phonographic record in space - a gold-plated 12" master of Carl Sagan's 'A Glorious Dawn' (a moving arrangement of Sagan's sagacious words culled from his magnificent Cosmos series, previously pressed and distributed as a 7" in their first year of operation, 2009). This record marks our 3 MILLIONTH RECORD PRESSED! The team will use "The Icarus Craft" - a space-proof turntable - to achieve their goal. The statement continued: "The vessel tasked with the mission -The ICARUS CRAFT - is a custom-built "space-proof" turntable attached to a high-altitude balloon designed by Kevin Carrico, who has NASA in his blood, and is responsible for assisting in the restoration of many of Third Man's machines (Third Man Recording Booth) to working order. Kevin and the Third Man team are aided in their endeavour by SATINS (Students and Teachers in Near Space). (sic)" Eastman Chemical has launched Avra performance fibres, the next generation of polyester fibres, enabled by a proprietary spinning technology for the performance apparel market.The performance benefits imparted by Avra include exceptional moisture management and a chemical-free 'cool to the touch' sensation, the company said. Eastman Chemical has launched Avra performance fibres, the next generation of polyester fibres, enabled by a proprietary spinning technology for the performance apparel market. The performance benefits imparted by Avra include exceptional moisture management and a chemical-free 'cool to the touch' sensation, the company said. According to Eastman...# According to Eastman, fabrics made with Avra dry quickly or up to 50 per cent faster than conventional polyester fabrics, helping wearers stay cooler during demanding physical activities.In addition, the highly flexible Avra fibre enables further enhance wearer comfort through the superior drape and remarkable softness they provide, the US based fibre developer added.Avra fibres are made in the US in collaboration with Unifi; a collaboration which Eastman feels will help provide the industry with the next level of performance-enhancing fibres. (AR) Fibre2fashion News Desk - India Centric Software, developer of the world's leading product lifecycle management software (PLM) for fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury, and consumer goods companies, is set to exhibit at Fashion Business Days, a business-oriented program created by the Swedish Fashion Council, to be held in Stockholm from August 17 to 18, 2016.The event brings together brands, buyers, and media to view new collections with inspirational seminars and network. The Swedish Fashion Council targets rising talents with mentorship programs and Fashion Business Days will emphasise the importance of accessible, affordable technology tailored to the needs of growing businesses. Centric Software, developer of the world's leading product lifecycle management software (PLM) for fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury, and consumer goods companies, is set to exhibit at Fashion Business Days, a business-oriented program created by the Swedish Fashion Council, to be held in Stockholm from August 17 to 18, 2016. The event brings...# Centric will discuss about how product lifecycle management can help speed up product development, cut down costs, and bring fresh products to the market faster.Centric will be on-hand at the Fashion Business Days to demonstrate its suite of mobile PLM applications including solutions for product presentation, improving fit, capturing inspiration, field testing prototypes and its robust Collection Management module for PLM, both designed to dynamically extend the power of PLM to merchandisers, marketing, sales, and field teams.Daniel di Benedetto, Centric Software's sales director for the region said, Both established and emerging brands are now looking beyond their domestic customers. But in order to succeed on the international stage, where product planning, costing, and improving margins are more complex, companies need to think digitally and compete on an even technological playing field.Chris Groves, president and CEO of Centric Software said, Swedish brands are incredibly strong locally and globally, and Centric is proud to be actively involved in the region, says. Our technologies are already used by some of the biggest fashion names on the planet to improve margins, improve transparency and sustainability , and drive business growth. Our commitment is to make the same innovative tools available to Swedish and Nordic brands. (GK) Fibre2fashion News Desk - India Even after a month since the terror attack in France, that shook the world, Jamie Dornan seems to be still living in the shock. The actor was filming for his movie Fifty Shades Darker, on the same day in Nice, where the incident happened and terms it as awful. "It was, as you can imagine, an awful situation.You'd be affected by it wherever you were in the world," Dornan said. The actor also mentioned that he and his family were extremely lucky to have escaped the attack, as they were very close to the place where the tragedy happened. "Most of the cast and crew were actually staying in Monaco, so there's a little bit of distance there, but my family and I wanted a little bit more space so we were actually staying in Nice," said the actor. Jamie found it very difficult to continue working on the film the very next day of the attack that took several lives, and says, "The first thing everyone has to work out was is everybody safe, is the whole crew and cast safe." "Then you have the strange thing of the next day still trying to make this movie that's costing millions of dollars to put together. There's this contractual obligation to work the next day, which is a very strange environment to work in." He added. Rating: 1.0 /5 Vikram Prabhu's Wagah, a cross-border love tale, directed by Kumaravelan of Haridas fame released today in theatres all over Tamil Nadu. Continue reading our movie review to know what Wagah has to offer. Wagah Plot: Vikram Prabhu joins Indian army just because he thinks serving the nation will bring to him his most favourite drink (liquor) at a cheaper price! After joining the army, he feels bored and doesn't find the inspiration to protect his own country. Then of course, he falls in love with a Pakistani girl, who visits her grandfather residing in Kashmir. Vikram crosses the border while trying to drop his girlfriend off in Pakistan and is imprisoned by Pakistani soldiers at an illegal camp. The hero suddenly becomes patriotic and once again saves the day! Performances: While Vikram is convincing as the guy who puts liquor and love above his country, his sudden transformation to save India is rather hilarious. With poor lip-sync and naive acting skills, actress Ranya Rao is a serious mismatch. Even her gorgeous appearance fails to distract one from noticing the flaws in her performance. Karunaas, Ajay Rathnam and Sathyan have done their respective bit well, which saves the blushes in the acting department. Technicalities: It is hard to comprehend what the director wanted to convey; A patriotic film or a movie that depicts an army man's personal interest. Had the director stood by his own belief to deliver a movie that talks about a soldier's human emotions and his delinquency, it would've been a completely different movie. But that's not the case here. Imman's songs and background score too, falls on the wrong side of things. The only saving grace in the technical department comes in the form of Sathish Kumar's cinematography. Overall View: Wagah is a half-baked product that ends up being unintentionally funny. Also Read: Actress Jyothi Lakshmi (68) Passes Away After Losing Her Battle To Blood Cancer TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - August 11, 2016) - Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX: GCM) (OTC PINK: TPRFF) announced today the release of its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. All financial figures contained herein are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Second Quarter and First Half 2016 Highlights Gran Colombia's adjusted EBITDA increased to $18.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 on the strength of improved gold production and reduction in total cash costs per ounce. This brings the total adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2016 to $29.9 million, double the adjusted EBITDA for the first half of last year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of this non-IFRS measure. The increased adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2016 led to improved operating cash flow which in turn enabled the Company to continue to reduce overdue local payables and to generate $2.3 million of Excess Cash Flow that has been deposited into the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. Gold production in the second quarter of 2016 totalled 38,229 ounces, up 34% from the second quarter of 2015, bringing the total for the first half of 2016 to 69,718 ounces, a 33% improvement over the first half of last year led by strong performance at its Segovia Operations. Following a record monthly total of 13,583 ounces produced in July, the Company is increasing its production guidance for 2016 to a total of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces of gold for the year. Gran Colombia successfully completed the comprehensive restructuring of its senior commodity-linked notes into senior convertible debentures on January 20, 2016 (the "Exchange Date"). Including holders' elections on the Exchange Date, to date a total of $28.9 million of 2018 Debentures and $0.9 million of 2020 Debentures have been converted by holders into common shares of the Company, reducing the aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2018 and 2020 Debentures by 16%. The Company launched Normal Course Issuer Bids ("NCIBs") on July 21, 2016 to use cash accumulated in the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures to repurchase the debt on the open market for cancellation. In the four trading days available prior to the second quarter earnings blackout period, Gran Colombia purchased a total of $0.2 million aggregate principal amount of its debentures for cancellation. At August 11, 2016, the Company has 252.9 million common shares issued and outstanding and the aggregate principal amount of the 2018 and 2020 Debentures was $53.7 million and $103.1 million, respectively. Revenue of $48.0 million in the second quarter of 2016, up 54% over the second quarter last year, reflects the increased gold production this year that contributed to a 47% increase in gold ounces sold, and the strengthening of spot gold prices in the second quarter of 2016. This brings total revenue for the first half of 2016 to $82.5 million, up 33% over the first half last year. Gran Colombia's total cash costs in the second quarter of 2016 decreased 13% from the second quarter a year ago to $680 per ounce helping to bring all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") down by 10% to $811 per ounce for the second quarter this year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of these non-IFRS measures. The net income attributable to shareholders was $0.01 million, or $0.00 per share, for the second quarter of 2016 compared with $3.0 million, or $0.13 per share, in the second quarter of 2015. For the first half of 2016, net income attributable to shareholders amounted to $10.9 million, or $0.09 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to shareholders of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the first half of last year. The adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $3.9 million, or $0.03 per share, in the second quarter of 2016 compared with $1.7 million, or $0.07 per share, in the second quarter last year. For the first half of 2016, adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $4.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per share, in the first half of last year. See the reconciliation in the Company's MD&A for the computation of this non-IFRS measure. The increase in adjusted EBITDA, net of an increase in income taxes, in 2016 was the primary driver behind the improved adjusted net income results this year. Lombardo Paredes Arenas, Chief Executive Officer of Gran Colombia, commenting on the Company's results for the first half of 2016, said, "We are very pleased to see the improvement in our adjusted EBITDA in the first half of this year, made possible through our production growth at Segovia and further reduction in our costs. The increased level of operating cash flow we are generating is being dedicated toward improving our balance sheet through reductions in our payables and to buy back our senior debt through the recently announced NCIBs. We also feel confident enough at this point in the level of monthly production we are seeing at Segovia to raise our gold production guidance for the year to a total of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces." Financial and Operating Summary A summary of the financial and operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2016 and 2015 follows: Second Quarter First Half 2016 2015 2016 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating data: Gold produced (ounces) 38,229 28,495 69,718 52,468 Gold sold (ounces) 38,902 26,523 68,588 51,855 Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) $ 1,216 $ 1,163 $ 1,185 $ 1,177 Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1) 680 779 682 801 All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1) 811 904 802 921 Financial data ($000's, except per share amounts): Revenue $ 48,014 $ 31,273 $ 82,484 $ 61,931 Adjusted EBITDA (1) 18,299 8,036 29,885 15,179 Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders 65 3,041 10,891 (274) Basic and diluted income (loss) per share 0.00 0.13 0.09 (0.01) Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to shareholders (1) 3,857 1,663 4,108 (153) Basic and diluted adjusted income (loss) per share (1) 0.03 0.07 0.04 (0.01) December June 30, 31, 2016 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance sheet ($000's): Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,978 $ 3,004 Cash in trust for Senior Debentures (2) 2,299 - Senior debt (3) 82,583 100,740 Other debt, including current portion 2,475 3,012 (1) Refer to "Additional Financial Measures" in the Company's MD&A. (2) Represents amounts deposited into sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. (3) Represents carrying amounts, which are at a discount to principal amounts, for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures at June 30, 2016 and for the Gold and Silver Notes at December 31, 2015. Refer to Company's Interim Financial Statements for additional details regarding the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. Segovia Operations Second quarter 2016 gold production totalled 31,884 ounces, up 23% from the first quarter of 2016 and up 41% from the second quarter a year ago. Gran Colombia processed an average of 771 tonnes per day ("tpd") with head grades averaging 13.8 g/t at Segovia in the second quarter of 2016, an improvement from 730 tpd at an average head grade of 12.9 g/t in the first quarter of 2016 and 534 tpd at head grades averaging 15.5 g/t in the second quarter a year ago. Improved recovery of gold from the mill circuit related to the Company-operated areas was also a factor in the increased gold production in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of 2016, gold production at the Segovia Operations totalled 57,883 ounces, up 41% from the first half of last year. With another 11,731 ounces produced in July, the Company now expects its gold production at Segovia to total from 111,000 to 119,000 ounces for the full year 2016, up from a total of 92,894 ounces produced in 2015. Segovia's total cash costs, which decreased to $627 per ounce in the second quarter of 2016, were positively impacted by the increased gold production from the Company-operated mining areas which helped to lower fixed costs on a per ounce basis. For the first half of 2016, Segovia's total cash costs averaged $641 per ounce, down 16% from the first half of 2015. Marmato Operations At the Marmato Underground mine, tonnes processed increased by 20% in the second quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter this year, to 987 tpd with head grades averaging 2.6 g/t. This resulted in gold production of 6,345 ounces in the second quarter of 2016, up 16% from the first quarter of 2016 and up 7% from the second quarter a year ago. For the first half of 2016, gold production at the Marmato Operations totalled 11,835 ounces, up 4% from the first half last year. With another 1,852 ounces produced in July, the Company expects to produce a total of 24,000 to 26,000 ounces at its Marmato Operations for the full year 2016. Additional operating costs associated with repairs and maintenance activities, the adverse impact of a lower mill recovery rate on the Marmato Underground mine's gold production and an increase in production taxes as a result of the increase in spot gold prices were the primary contributors to the increase in Marmato's total cash costs to $933 per ounce in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of 2016, Marmato's total cash costs averaged $900 per ounce, down 3% from the first half of 2015. Outlook With a total of 83,301 ounces of gold produced through the first seven months of 2016 and an expectation that the trend in monthly production from the Segovia Operations will continue for the balance of the year, the Company is increasing its annual gold production guidance for 2016 to a range of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces. The results for total cash costs and AISC per ounce for the first half of 2016 were better than expected due to the improved production performance at the Segovia Operations. However, for the full year 2016, the Company is maintaining its guidance for total cash costs which are expected to average between $700 and $750 per ounce, influenced by the exchange rate of the Colombian peso relative to the U.S. dollar and by production volumes during the balance of the year. Gran Colombia also anticipates that its average AISC for the full year will be between $850 and $950 per ounce, reflecting an expected increase in the level of capital investment in its Segovia Operations in the second half of 2016. The Company commenced a 10,000 meters drilling program at Segovia in May 2016 that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Company is currently conducting a further review of mine design options to improve mine access, material handling and ventilation at the Providencia mine at Segovia and expects to make a final decision in the second half of 2016 regarding its path forward. The ultimate decision and timing to commence the capital program associated with this initiative will have an impact on whether spending reaches the top end of the guidance range for sustaining capital expenditures for the full year. Webcast As a reminder, the Company will host a conference call and webcast on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. Webcast and call-in details are as follows: Live Event link: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/6swovr25 Toronto & International: 1 (514) 841-2157 North America Toll Free: 1 (866) 215-5508 Colombia Toll Free: 01 800 9 156 924 Conference ID: 42953910 A replay of the webcast will be available at www.grancolombiagold.com from Friday, August 12, 2016 until Sunday, September 11, 2016. About Gran Colombia Gold Corp. Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations. Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gran Colombia to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 30, 2016, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Colombia disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For Further Information, Please Contact: Mike Davies Chief Financial Officer (416) 360-4653 investorrelations@grancolombiagold.com MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/16 -- Major Drilling Group International Inc. (TSX: MDI) ("Major Drilling" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Mr. Denis Despres as Chief Operating Officer ("COO") of the Company in order to pursue another opportunity. Mr. Despres joined Major Drilling in 2010 and has served as the Company's COO since December 2013. The Board thanks Mr. Despres for his contributions to the Company during his tenure as COO. The Company has no plans to fill this position and the functions that were formerly the responsibility of the COO will be assumed by the Company's senior management team. Major Drilling Group International Inc. is one of the world's largest drilling services companies primarily serving the mining industry. To support its customers' varied exploration drilling requirements, Major Drilling maintains field operations and offices in Canada, the United States, Mexico, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Major Drilling provides all types of drilling services including surface and underground coring, directional, reverse circulation, sonic, geotechnical, environmental, water-well, coal-bed methane, shallow gas, underground percussive/longhole drilling and a variety of drilling-related mine services. Contacts: Major Drilling Group International Inc. Denis Larocque Chief Executive Officer (506) 857-8636 (506) 857-9211 (FAX) ir@majordrilling.com Heard the phrase from friend H about Trump supporters: "Without reservation, completely, Trump supporters swallowed his excuse hook, line, and sinker. " "What does that mean?" I asked. "Do you fishing? " Hey, stop; try to learn some new English here, ok ? ! ! ! Very true! if you check out the American expression, below Like last 48 hours, Trump double, triple down his comment - all his supporters came in helping him out. Now, he betrayed them all by saying this: Donald Trump on Friday attempted to walk back the widely criticized false claim he repeatedly made over the last two days that President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were "co-founders" of ISIS -- saying he was being sarcastic. Trump tweeted Friday morning that the media was missing his sarcasm. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Trump wrote Trump backs off his backpedal on Obama terror claim Hours after stating his claim of Obama as the founder of ISIL was "sarcasm," Trump says maybe it wasn't. Donald Trump put his foot on the gas pedal again, driving home the accusation he had reversed himself hours earlier that President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State. Trump had eased off the claim Friday morning, blasting the media for seriously reporting what he suggested was a sarcastic comment. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) the founder of ISIS, & MVP, Trump tweeted. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? He seemed to revel in the uncertainty his tweet created, boasting nearly 90 minutes later of pundits inability to figure him out. I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't! Trump declared. Story Continued Below But during an afternoon rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trump said his initial remark wasnt that sarcastic, to be honest with you. So I said the founder of ISIS, Trump recalled to the crowd, after accusing the president of being so weak and so bad that he allowed the Islamic State to grow. Obviously Im being sarcastic. Then but not that sarcastic, to be honest with you. The Republican presidential nominees swerving attempt at damage control came after doubling down, if not tripling down, on his founder claim Thursday. It also came ahead of what one person characterized as a come-to-Jesus meeting between Trumps campaign and Republican Party officials in Orlando, Florida, on Friday morning, as dozens of prominent members of the GOP pressed the Republican National Committee to dump Trump and redirect its funds downballot to save Republican majorities in Congress. Trump initially made the inflammatory comment during a Wednesday evening rally in Sunrise, Florida. ISIS is honoring President Obama. He is the founder of ISIS, Trump said. He is the founder of ISIS, OK? Hes the founder. He founded ISIS. And I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. But he didnt stop there. The real estate mogul escalated his incendiary rhetoric multiple times on Thursday, including during a speech to the National Association of Home Builders in Miami. Our government isnt giving us good protection. Our government has unleashed ISIS, he said. I call President Obama and Hillary Clinton the founders of ISIS. Theyre the founders. In fact, I think well give Hillary Clinton the you know, if youre on a sports team, most valuable player, MVP, you get the MVP award ISIS will hand her the most valuable player award. Her only competition is Barack Obama. Trumps founder comment is just the latest in a series of seemingly never-ending controversies that have erupted since he officially claimed the GOP nomination in Cleveland last month. The list includes a verbal battle with a Gold Star family and more recently a provocative remark about Second Amendment people stopping Clinton from appointing liberal Supreme Court Justices. His comments in Miami followed telephone interviews with CNBC and conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday morning. Trump told Squawk Box that Obama and Clinton deserve the Islamic States most valuable player award and slammed shut the opening Hewitt gave him to clarify his remarks. I know what you meant. You meant that he created the vacuum. He lost the peace, Hewitt told Trump, to which Trump responded: No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a top Trump surrogate, expressed frustration with Trumps imprecise language and shorthand speaking style. He sometimes uses three words when he needs 10, Gingrich told Fox News, adding that had Trump, for example, explained that Obama and Clintons decision to pull out of Iraq created the vacuum that allowed the emergence of the Islamic State, hed be 100 percent accurate. When you instead comprise them into Obama created ISIS I know what Trump has in his mind, but thats not what people hear, he said. He has got to learn to use language that has been thought through and that is clear to everybody and to stick to that language because otherwise the mainstream media is gonna take every possible excuse to pile on him. Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton, a Clinton supporter and Iraq War veteran, on Friday cast Trump as a clueless candidate with a hazardous temperament. I mean, what happens when he presses the nuclear button and then the next day says, Oh, Im sorry, I was just being sarcastic? Its ridiculous that were even talking about someone like this being our commander in chief, and its dangerous for our troops, he told CNNs New Day on Friday. But Trumps camp came to his defense. Senior adviser Sarah Huckabee Sanders pointed to the term founder as the point of sarcasm but maintained that the formation of the Islamic State is a result of Obama and Clintons failed policies. And that can't be disputed. ISIS didnt exist before the Obama presidency, she said on CNN. She also insisted that Trumps intention was to bring the conversation to the fore of the campaign and he did. I think the point that hes trying to make is the contrast that exists, and hes trying to bring out a really important issue and make everybody talk about it, and that's exactly what we're doing right now, she said. I bet that you guys will spend all day talking about whether or not Obama played a role in the formation of ISIS. Trump special counsel Michael Cohen repeatedly declined to try to explain Trumps rhetoric in a separate CNN interview, insisting to Chris Cuomo that Trump is the best person to clarify his remarks. But he also said Trump should be taken at his word for everything and eventually offered an explanation for his boss. Mr. Trump is claiming that, you know, President Obama and Secretary Clinton are the founders of ISIS. What he's referring to, and hes talked about it so many times, is of course the fact that ISIS grew and grew out of control and is now a threat to our national security, Cohen said. Trump also appeared to get a boost from RNC Chairman Reince Preibus, who introduced Trump at his Friday afternoon rally, despite the raw relations between the nominee and his party after the conventions. Dont believe the garbage you read, Priebus said. Let me tell you something: Donald Trump, the Republican Party, all of you, were gonna put him in the White House and save this country together. ~~~~~~~~~ hook, line, and sinker completely The public isn't swallowing the administration's policies hook, line, and sinker. They made up such a good story that we fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Usage notes: often used in the forms fall for something hook, line, and sinker or swallow something hook, line, and sinker (to be tricked into believing something without any doubts) Etymology: based on the idea of a fish so hungry it swallows the hook (the part that catches the fish) , the line ( the string) and the sinker (a weight attached to the line to keep it under water) ~~~~~~~~~~~ hook, line, and sinker Without reservation, completely, as in He swallowed our excuse hook, line, and sinker . This expression, first recorded in 1865, alludes to a fish swallowing not only the baited hook but the leaden sinker and the entire fishing line between them. See also: and , sinker ~~~~~~~`` hook, line, and sinker NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/16 -- Brookfield Investment Management Inc. announced today that the Joint Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") for each of Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: BOI), Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE: HTR) and Brookfield High Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: HHY), has been adjourned until 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 1, 2016. The Special Meeting has been adjourned to permit further solicitation of shareholders to consider the approval of the proposals described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. During the period of the adjournment, Brookfield will continue to solicit proxies from its shareholders with respect to the proposals set forth in the Joint Proxy Statement. If a shareholder has previously submitted its proxy card and does not wish to change its vote, no further action is required by such shareholder. Shareholders are strongly encouraged to vote. Shareholders of record as of May 18, 2016, may vote by visiting proxyonline.com, calling toll-free 1-888-227-9349 or by returning proxy cards. If you should have any questions regarding the proposals, or require duplicative proxy materials, please contact AST Fund Solutions at 1-800-330-5136. Information is also available at www.brookfieldim.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are referred to as "forward-looking statements" under the U.S. federal securities laws. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the historical experience of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and the Funds managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and its present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and the Funds managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. undertake no responsibility to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. Brookfield Investment Management (the "Firm") is an SEC-registered investment adviser providing listed real assets strategies including real estate equities, infrastructure equities, real asset debt and diversified real assets. With over $16 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2016, the Firm manages separate accounts, registered funds and opportunistic strategies for institutional and individual clients, including financial institutions, public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and high net worth investors. Headquartered in New York, the Firm and its affiliates also maintain offices in Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London and Toronto. Further information is available at www.brookfieldim.com. Brookfield Investment Management Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with $240 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2016. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com. Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc., Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc. and Brookfield High Income Fund Inc. are managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. The Funds use their websites as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding the Funds are routinely posted on and accessible at www.brookfieldim.com. Contacts: Brookfield High Income Fund Inc Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc. Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc. Brookfield Place 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor New York, NY 10281-1023 (855) 777-8001 funds@brookfield.com HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/16 -- Nexusguard, the worldwide leader in distributed denial of service (DDoS) security solutions, today announced the company was recognized in the Top 25 rankings on Cybersecurity Ventures' Q3 2016 edition of the Cybersecurity 500. The Cybersecurity 500 creates awareness and recognition for the most innovative cybersecurity companies -- ranging from the largest and most recognizable brands, to VC-backed startups and emerging players, to small firms with potentially disruptive technologies, to solution providers poised for growth around productized or vertically focused services. This is the sixth quarter in a row that Nexusguard has been listed, maintaining its No. 24 position as a global DDoS attack and prevention thought leader and the longest-standing member of the top 25. Cybersecurity Ventures evaluates a mix of criteria to determine the list of up-and-coming vendors, including company customer base, management team, notable implementations and feedback from chief information security officers (CISOs), value-added resellers (VARs), system integrators and other IT security decision-makers. The Cybersecurity 500's mission is to give a nod to security companies ranging from the largest brands to emerging startups, highlighting potentially game-changing technologies and solutions positioned for success in certain vertical industry areas. "Since all companies must now contend with cyberthreats to protect critical processes and preserve revenue, we anticipate record security spending on new technology, education and strategies within the next few years," says Steve Morgan, founder and CEO at Cybersecurity Ventures and editor-in-chief of the Cybersecurity 500 list. "As one of the most tenured members of our top 25, Nexusguard's adaptability and innovation continues to reinforce its strong standing among the leaders of the Cybersecurity 500." In Nexusguard's latest Q2 Threat Report, the company's researchers found worldwide DDoS attacks increased 83 percent compared to last quarter. With international attention on the Summer Olympics and the upcoming U.S. election season, the cybersecurity company's analysts predict Q3 will see continued growth in attacks. The cybersecurity industry is growing from $75 billion in 2015 to eclipse $1 trillion in 2020, according to consolidated estimates by IT research firms and analysts cited in the quarterly Cybersecurity Ventures Market Report. "For many cybercriminals, attacks on networks, IT departments and individuals have become a lucrative business, complete with tech support and research and development of new exploits in some cases," said Jolene Lee, chief executive officer of Nexusguard. "The Cybersecurity 500 guides and educates organizations on the impending and long-term risks to daily operations, and also highlights the expertise Nexusguard and other leaders are applying to address tomorrow's threats." To view the full Cybersecurity 500 rankings from Cybersecurity Ventures, visit: http://cybersecurityventures.com/cybersecurity-500/. Additional Nexusguard resources: Q2 2016 Threat Report: DDoS Reflection Attacks -- August 2016 Q2 2016 DDoS Threat Report Asia Pacific Region 2015 Internet Security Trend Report Company Logo http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5305 About Nexusguard Founded in 2008, Nexusguard is the global leader in fighting malicious Internet attacks. Nexusguard protects clients against a multitude of threats, including distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, to ensure uninterrupted Internet service. Nexusguard provides comprehensive, highly customized solutions for customers of all sizes, across a range of industries, and also enables turnkey anti-DDoS solutions for service providers. Nexusguard delivers on its promise to maximize peace of mind by minimizing threats and improving uptime. Headquartered in San Francisco, Nexusguard's network of security experts extends globally. Visit www.nexusguard.com for more information. For more information, please contact: Benjamin Yip Nexusguard +852 3526 0626 Email Contact Crystal Ngan Nexusguard +852 3910 0565 Email Contact CAMARILLO, California, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- All amounts are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated: SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS: Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 for the second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 General & administrative expenses decreased by 29% compared to the prior year quarter as the Company continues its cost cutting efforts initiated in 2015 Revenue, net of royalties was $2.4 million for second quarter of 2016 compared to $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 for second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production for the second quarter of 2016 was 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to second quarter 2015 production of 1,490 BOEPD due to the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter and a prior period adjustment which decreased second quarter 2016 production Average netbacks were $17.90 per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to $27.16 per BOE per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to per BOE Cash and working capital totaled $2.4 million and $5.3 million respectively at June 30, 2016 and respectively at In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the second quarter 2016 was $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The second quarter 2016 included an unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the average price of oil increased 40% from first quarter 2016 to the second quarter 2016. BNK's President and Chief Executive Officer, Wolf Regener commented: "Due to the success of our continued cost cutting efforts and the positive impact of our hedging program, the Company generated $1.6 million of positive operating cash flow during the quarter. Our global cost cutting efforts led to a decrease in general and administrative expense of 29% during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the prior year second quarter. I am very pleased to be able to say that we generated this positive cash flow even though the industry is still in this prolonged oil price downcycle. "The Company's hedging program enabled us to realize higher prices than current market levels for a significant portion of our production. The Company's commodity contract hedges generated $1.0 million in realized gains during the second quarter of 2016 as we had over 75% of our oil production hedged at $65.24. Going forward, we have a comparable percentage of oil hedged at $64.88 for the remainder of 2016 and $61.93 for 2017 based on our forecasted existing production. "In July, the Company made a $1.4 million paydown of its existing credit facility to reduce the outstanding balance to $21.2 million. The Company has now paid down $3.2 million on the credit facility during the year to reduce its ongoing interest payments. The $3.2 million remains available to borrow under the credit facility. "The Company is exploring options to accelerate its field development over what can be done using its existing borrowing capacity and current cash flow. "Our second quarter production decreased to 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year second quarter, due to the initial production volumes from the fracture stimulation of the previously drilled Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining stages in the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of last year. In addition, a prior period adjustment decreased our second quarter 2016 production. "Average netbacks for the second quarter 2016 were $17.90, a decrease of 28% compared to the prior year second quarter due to the 23% average price decrease. If we include the impact of the realized gains from the commodity contracts, our average netbacks for the second quarter would be $27.16, which is a decrease of 9% compared to the 2015 second quarter. "In the second quarter of 2016, the Company generated a net loss of $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The 2016 net loss included unrealized losses on commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the Company had to mark its commodity contracts to market as oil prices increased throughout the second quarter before falling down to their current levels subsequent to quarter-end." Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 % 2016 2015 % Net Loss: $ Thousands $(5,310) $(3,658) (45%) $(6,560) $(4,418) (48%) $ per common share $(0.03) $(0.02) (50%) $(0.04) $(0.03) (33%) assuming dilution Capital Expenditures $406 $4,248 (90%) $537 $8,566 (94%) Average Production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 (23%) 1,250 1,369 (9%) Average Price per Barrel $30.19 $39.35 (23%) $25.61 $38.15 (33%) Average Netback per Barrel $17.90 $24.88 (28%) $14.88 $24.21 (39%) Average Price per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $39.45 $44.31 (11%) $37.22 $44.38 (16%) Average Netback per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $27.16 $29.84 (9%) $26.49 $30.44 (13%) June 2016 March 2016 December 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,442 $2,885 $1,666 Working Capital $5,278 $7,950 $7,298 Second Quarter 2016 versus Second Quarter 2015 Oil and gas gross revenues totaled $3,157,000 in the second quarter 2016 versus $5,335,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Oil revenues were $2,592,000 in the quarter versus $4,519,000 in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 22% or $11.94 a barrel for the quarter while production decreased by 26%. Natural gas revenues decreased $184,000 or 52%, as natural gas production decreased 28% in addition to a 33% decrease in average natural gas prices compared to the second quarter of 2015. Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) revenue decreased $67,000 or 15% to $394,000 as average production decreased 8% in addition to an average NGL price decrease of 8%. Production and operating expenses decreased $101,000 between quarters. These costs declined from the prior year quarter due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $755,000 between quarters due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $441,000 between quarters due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $262,000 due to realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $1,727,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4,728,000 and interest expense of $499,000. FIRST SIX MONTHS 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $3.1 million for the first six months of 2016 compared to $3.8 million in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices for the first six months of 2016 compared to in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices General & administrative expenses decreased by 30% and operating expenses on a per barrel basis decreased by 1% for the first six months of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015 due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts Revenue, net of royalties was $4.5 million for first six months of 2016 compared to $7.2 million for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 for first six months of 2016 compared to for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production was 1,250 BOEPD for the first six months, a decrease of 9% compared to the prior year six months production of 1,369 BOEPD due to the initial production volumes from the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of 2015 Average netbacks were $14.88 per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than $11 /barrel to $26.49 per BOE per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than /barrel to per BOE In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the first six months of 2016 was $6.6 million compared to net loss of $4.4 million for the first six months of 2015. The 2016 amount included an unrealized mark to market loss on financial commodity contracts of $5.5 million as the average price of oil has increased from the 2015 yearend. First Six Months of 2016 versus First Six Months of 2015 Gross oil and gas revenues totaled $5,826,000 in the first six months of 2016 versus $9,451,000 in the first six months of 2015. Oil revenues were $4,639,000 in the first six months versus $8,119,000 in the same period of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 28% or $14.35 a barrel in addition to a decrease in oil production of 20%. Natural gas revenues decreased $259,000 or 36%, due to an average natural gas price decrease of 32% in the first six months of 2016 in addition to a decrease in natural gas production of 5%. NGL revenue increased $113,000, or 19%, due to an increase in NGL production of 34%, partially offset by an average NGL price decrease of 12% in the first six months of 2016. Production and operating expenses decreased 10% for the first six months of 2016 due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $895,000 due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $1,078,000 primarily due to the Company's global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $1,094,000 due to higher realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $3,546,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $5,520,000 and interest expense of $1,026,000. BNK PETROLEUM INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited, expressed in Thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil and natural gas revenue, net $ 2,443 $ 4,044 $ 4,507 $ 7,235 Other income 11 5 17 8 2,454 4,049 4,524 7,243 Exploration and evaluation expenditures - 12 - 44 Production and operating expenses 571 672 1,123 1,244 Depletion and depreciation expense 1,424 2,179 3,095 3,990 General and administrative expenses 1,077 1,518 2,485 3,563 Stock based compensation 326 178 368 358 3,398 4,559 7,071 9,199 Finance income 972 710 2,652 1,558 Finance expense (5,232) (3,505) (6,556) (3,010) Net loss and comprehensive loss from continuing operations $ (5,204) $ (3,305) $ (6,451) $ (3,408) Net loss and comprehensive loss from discontinued operations (106) (353) (109) (1,010) Net loss (5,310) (3,658) (6,560) (4,418) Net loss per share $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.03) BNK PETROLEUM INC. SECOND QUARTER 2016 ($000 except as noted) Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil revenue before royalties $ 2,592 4,519 4,639 8,119 Gas revenue before royalties 171 355 470 729 NGL revenue before royalties 394 461 717 604 Oil and Gas revenue 3,157 5,335 5,826 9,452 Cash flow from continuing operations 1,587 1,914 3,111 3,830 Additions to property, plant & equipment (406) (4,084) (537) (8,397) Statistics: 2nd Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Average Oil production (Bopd) 672 914 708 890 Average natural gas production (mcf/d) 1,181 1,637 1,441 1,518 Average NGL production (Boepd) 280 303 302 226 Average production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 1,250 1,369 Average oil price ($/bbl) $42.41 $54.35 $36.02 $50.37 Average natural gas price ($/mcf) $1.59 $2.38 $1.79 $2.65 Average NGL price ($/bbl) $15.45 $16.72 $13.04 $14.75 Average price per barrel $30.19 $39.35 $25.61 $38.15 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel $17.90 $24.88 $14.88 $24.21 Average price per barrel including commodity contracts $39.45 $44.31 $37.22 $44.38 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel including commodity contracts $27.16 $29.84 $26.49 $30.44 The information outlined above is extracted from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and the related management's discussion and analysis thereof, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. NON-GAAP MEASURES Netback per barrel, net operating income and funds from operations (collectively, the "Company's Non-GAAP Measures") are not measures recognized under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP. The Company's Non-GAAP Measures are described and reconciled to GAAP measures in the management's discussion and analysis which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: (a) The Company's natural gas production is reported in thousands of cubic feet ("Mcfs"). The Company also uses references to barrels ("Bbls") and barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") to reflect natural gas liquids and oil production and sales. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. (b) Discounted and undiscounted net present value of future net revenues attributable to reserves do not represent fair market value. (c) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. (d) The Company discloses short-term production rates. Readers are cautioned that such production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release contains forward-looking information including information regarding the Company's commodity contract hedges, anticipated results from the Company's cost reduction measures, the proposed timing and expected results of exploratory and development work including production from the Company's Tishomingo field, Oklahoma acreage, availability of funds from the Company's reserves based loan facility, the effect of design and performance improvements on future productivity, the Company's European projects, planned capital expenditure programs and cost estimates, planned use and sufficiency of cash on hand and cash flow from operations and the Company's strategy and objectives. The use of any of the words "target", "plans", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information is based on management's expectations and assumptions, including that the Company will achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company will achieve the results anticipated by management from its cost reduction measures, that the Company's geologic models will be validated, that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that previous exploration results are indicative of future results and success, that expected production from future wells can be achieved as modeled, declines will match the modeling, future well production rates will be improved over existing wells, that rates of return as modeled can be achieved, that recoveries are consistent with management's expectations, that additional wells are actually drilled and completed, that design and performance improvements will reduce development time and expense and improve productivity, that discoveries will prove to be economic, that anticipated results and estimated costs will be consistent with managements' expectations, that all required permits and approvals and the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, provided or available, as applicable, on terms that are acceptable to the Company, when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, credit facilities, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, that funds will be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that the Company will not be adversely affected by changing government policies and regulations, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in the countries in which it operates and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business and its ability to advance its business strategy. Forward looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that anticipated results and estimated costs will not be consistent with managements' expectations, that the Company will not achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company's geologic and reservoir models or analysis are not validated, that the Company will not achieve the results anticipated by management from the Company's cost reduction measures, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, risks and uncertainties associated with securing the necessary regulatory approvals and financing to proceed with continued development of the Tishomingo Field and other shale basins in the United States and Europe, the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that funds will not be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve and the other risks identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form under the "Risk Factors" section, the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and the Company's other public disclosure, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to take into account important factors that could cause actual costs or results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause actual results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. The forward-looking information included in this release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. About BNK Petroleum Inc. BNK Petroleum Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company focused on finding and exploiting large, predominately unconventional oil and gas resource plays. Through various affiliates and subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates shale gas properties and concessions in the United States and Spain. Additionally the Company is utilizing its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional unconventional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol BKX. For further information: Wolf E. Regener, President and Chief Executive Officer, +1 (805) 484-3613, Email: investorrelations@bnkpetroleum.com, Website: www.bnkpetroleum.com CALGARY, AB -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (TSX VENTURE: XOP) (LSE: COPL) TSX-V: XOP Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited Reports Second Quarter 2016 Results and Stock Options Grant Calgary, Canada, August 12, 2016 - Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited ("COPL" or the "Company") (XOP: TSX-V) & (COPL: LSE), an international oil and gas exploration and development company focused on offshore West Africa, announces its second quarter results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company continued to identify, evaluate and pursue exploration and development opportunities in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and other West African countries. The Company is focused on offshore opportunities that its seasoned technical team has strength in evaluating and developing. Arthur Millholland, President & CEO, commented: "The Company's strategy is to grow our international oil and gas business offshore sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere in the world by farming into, and/or acquiring interests in, exploration, unappraised and/or undeveloped assets as well as in producing assets using the expertise and experience of our senior management team. COPL's short-term operations will focus on working with ExxonMobil to progress the activities on the future drill locations in Liberia and working towards successfully concluding a variety of new opportunities available to the Company in sub-Saharan Africa." The Interim Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter can be viewed on the Company's website at www.canoverseas.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the COPL listing. The Company also wishes to announce its Board of Directors also approved the granting of 4,400,000 Share Options of the Company effective August 11, 2016. The Share Options were granted under the Company's Share Option plan at a price of $0.115 per share. Click on the associated PDF to view the full announcement. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/9984G_1-2016-8-11.pdf Contacts: RNS Customer Services 0044-207797-4400 rns@londonstockexchange.com http://www.rns.com 12 August 2016 Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited (the 'Company') NEW LETTING AT ST. JOHN'S RETAIL PARK IN BEDFORD Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited, the actively managed UK-focused REIT, announces further progress in executing its strategy of repositioning St. John's Retail Park in Bedford, in order to attract higher quality retailers at increased rents. The Company acquired this asset in May 2015 for 31.8 million. TJX UK Limited ('TJX'), trading as Homesense, has exchanged an agreement to lease a 12,100 sq ft unit on a fifteen year lease at a rent of 250,000 per annum. The lease has a tenant only break option after 10 years and the tenant will receive a 12 month rent free period. The agreement is conditional on the receipt of planning permission for a trading mezzanine and external improvements. The unit is currently let to DSG Limited ('DSG'), trading as PC World, at 225,720 per annum on a lease that expires in September 2020. DSG also occupies a separate 14,800 sq ft unit at the retail park, paying 265,500 per annum until September 2020 and has consolidated the PC World brand into this unit alongside its Dixons and Carphone Warehouse brands. Simultaneously with exchanging the TJX agreement the Company has: Entered into an agreement with DSG to vacate the 12,100 sq ft unit in return for paying the Company 400,000; and Entered into a separate agreement with DSG to modify their retained unit lease for a ten year term at 280,000 per annum with no rent free incentive. There is a tenant only break option at year five subject to a penalty of 250,000. All agreements are conditional on planning which is expected in the final quarter of 2016. The combined agreements increase net income by 8%, with the 400,000 payment from DSG used to carry out the landlords works to TJX's new unit. This latest asset management activity enhances the tenant mix, increases the potential to attract additional high quality retailers to the park and consolidates a higher rental tone which will be used as part of ongoing rent review negotiations. The TJX letting follows recently completed asset management activity that will on completion result in a yield on cost of over 7%. - ENDS- For further information: BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Destatis releases German CPI for July and GDP data for the second quarter at 2:00 am ET Friday. The euro showed mixed trading against its major counterparts before these reports. While the euro declined against the pound, it held steady against the greenback, franc and the yen. The euro was worth 1.1141 against the greenback, 1.0860 against the franc, 0.8584 against the pound and 113.68 against the yen as of 1:55 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. MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - The Restaurant Group plc. (RTN.L) said that after 15 years with the Company, and 2 years as CEO, it has been agreed that Danny Breithaupt will step down from the Board and leave the Company with immediate effect. The company also announced the appointment of Andy McCue as CEO. He will start with the Company and join the Board on 19th September 2016. Andy recently served as Chief Executive at Paddy Power plc. Prior to that, he led the Paddy Power UK and Irish retail businesses, having transformed the profitability of the UK business and overseen its development over 8 years. Prior to his ten years with Paddy Power, Andy was a Principal with OC&C Strategy Consultants and a Manager at Andersen. Andy is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of Hostelworld plc, a recently listed digital, international travel business. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The present press release has been established and submitted to the review of the French financial market authority ("Autorite des marches financiers," "AMF") under Article 231-24 of the AMF general regulation. This press release is neither an offering document pursuant to U.S. securities laws and regulations, nor an information memorandum ("note d'information") within the meaning of French securities laws and regulations. The present press release is solely addressed to Procter Gamble shareholders whose shares are registered with Euroclear France. Regulatory News: The Procter Gamble Company ("Procter Gamble") (Paris:PGP) and Coty Inc. ("Coty") announced on July 9, 2015 a proposed acquisition of Procter Gamble's global fine fragrances, salon professional, cosmetics and retail hair color businesses, along with select hair styling brands ("P&G Beauty Brands") by Coty. Description of the transactions For the purposes of the proposed transactions, Procter Gamble, an Ohio company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and on the professional segment of Euronext Paris, would separate certain specified assets and liabilities related to P&G Beauty Brands, excluding specified excluded brands (the transferred assets and liabilities are referred to as "Galleria"), by transferring Galleria to Galleria Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Procter Gamble ("Galleria Company"). Procter Gamble expects to distribute all the shares representing the capital of Galleria Company to its shareholders in an exchange offer as described below. Pursuant to the exchange offer, Procter Gamble would offer to each of its shareholders the right to exchange its shares of Procter Gamble common stock for shares of Galleria Company common stock. Following completion of the exchange offer, Galleria Company would merge with and into Green Acquisition Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Coty established specifically for the purposes of the contemplated transactions ("Merger Sub") and each share of Galleria Company common stock received by Procter Gamble shareholders in the exchange offer would automatically convert into the right to receive one share of Coty class A common stock. Terms of the Exchange Offer Procter Gamble shareholders residing in France who wish to tender their Procter Gamble common stock and whose shares are accepted in the exchange offer would be entitled to receive shares of Galleria Company common stock, which would be automatically converted upon the consummation of the merger into the right to receive shares of Coty class A common stock. Coty shares are only listed on the NYSE and will not be listed on Euronext Paris. The exchange offer would be governed by U.S. law and would be submitted to the sole supervision of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Upon the launch of the exchange offer, Procter Gamble would inform its shareholders residing in France about the specific procedures applicable to them if they choose to tender their shares in the exchange offer. Procter Gamble will be issuing French language translations of each U.S. press release issued in connection with the exchange offer (launch, end of VWAP period, expiration, etc.). The exchange offer is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2016 and to remain open for a period of at least 20 business days. The exchange offer period may be extended by Procter Gamble. The timetable of the exchange offer would be published by Procter Gamble on the date the exchange offer is launched. Shareholders residing in France who wish to participate must do so early in the process in order to ensure that their shares are submitted by the expiration date of the exchange offer. Should the exchange offer be extended, it is possible that, because of the settlement-delivery timing of the Procter Gamble shares in the United States, shareholders in France may not be able to participate in the exchange offer beyond the initial expiration date. The settlement of the exchange offer and the merger of Galleria Company and Merger Sub would occur as soon as practicable after completion of the exchange offer. The exchange offer would allow holders of shares of Procter Gamble common stock to exchange their shares for shares of Galleria Company common stock at a discount to the Coty stock price. The Coty stock price is used as a reference to determine the value of the Galleria Company shares because each share of Galleria Company common stock would automatically convert into the right to receive one share of Coty class A common stock upon consummation of the merger. The amount of the discount would be determined by Procter Gamble shortly prior to the launch of the exchange offer. The exchange ratio set for the exchange offer, i.e. the number of shares of Galleria Company common stock, and as a result the number of shares of Coty class A common stock, that a tendering holder would receive for each share of Procter Gamble common stock accepted in the exchange offer would be announced by press release no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the trading day immediately preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer. To determine the exchange ratio of the exchange offer: (i) the value of the shares of Procter Gamble common stock would be calculated by Procter Gamble on the basis of the price determined by reference to the arithmetic average of the daily volume-weighted market price ("VWAP") of shares of Procter Gamble common stock traded on the NYSE during the period of three consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer (such three day period, the "Averaging Period"); and (ii) the value of the shares of Galleria Company common stock would be calculated by Procter Gamble on the basis of the price determined by reference to the arithmetic average of the daily VWAP of shares of Coty common stock traded on the NYSE during the Averaging Period. Upon consummation of the exchange offer and the automatic conversion of the shares of Galleria Company common stock into the right to receive shares of Coty class A common stock, tendering shareholders would be entitled to receive only a whole number of shares of Coty class A common stock. If the number of shares tendered would give rise to a fractional number of shares of Coty class A common stock, the fractions would be settled in cash by payment of a sum equal to a pro-rata portion of the net proceeds of the sale of all fractional shares in the open market. Procter Gamble is not required to complete the exchange offer unless the number of shares of Galleria Company common stock that would be distributed in exchange for shares of Procter Gamble common stock validly tendered in the exchange offer and not properly withdrawn exceeds a specified percentage, to be calculated based on the relative prices per share of Coty class A common stock and Procter Gamble common stock and the relative number of shares of Coty class A common stock and Procter Gamble common stock outstanding as of the expiration date of the exchange offer. At any time prior to such expiration date, Procter Gamble, in its reasonable judgment and after consultation with Coty, may increase the specified percentage by the minimum amount necessary to ensure that the exchange offer would benefit from certain favorable United States tax law provisions. If the exchange offer is completed but not fully subscribed, the balance of Galleria Company shares held by Procter Gamble upon completion of the exchange offer would be distributed as a dividend to Procter Gamble shareholders (including French shareholders) holding Procter Gamble shares after completion of the exchange offer, on a pro rata basis to their respective shareholdings in Procter Gamble. If the exchange offer is oversubscribed, Procter Gamble would accept the number of shares tendered on a pro rata basis, by multiplying the number of shares validly tendered and not withdrawn by each Procter Gamble shareholder by a factor determined by dividing the total number of shares that Procter Gamble is able to accept in connection with the exchange offer by the total number of shares validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offer. Shareholders owning less than 100 shares of Procter Gamble who tender all of their shares would not be subject to the proration mechanism. Procter Gamble shareholders residing in France who wish to tender their shares would need to comply with specific procedures. Because of the exchange offer timeline, as well as specific internal procedures and deadlines imposed by financial intermediaries to their clients in order for such financial intermediaries to comply with the regulatory timeline for the offer, it is possible that Procter Gamble shareholders residing in France who decide to participate in the exchange offer might not know the exchange ratio of the offer when they tender their shares and might not be granted the opportunity to withdraw their order within the set deadlines. Tax Procter Gamble shareholders who are individuals and who are residents of France for tax purposes, and who are acting in their capacity as individuals for the purposes of managing their personal assets, should qualify for the rollover regime under Article 150-0 B of the French tax code provided that (i) the exchange of shares of Procter Gamble common stock for shares of Galleria Company common stock is deemed to result from an exchange offer within the meaning of such provision and within the meaning of applicable rules and regulations in the United States, (ii) the exchange of shares of Galleria Company common stock for shares of Coty class A common stock constitutes a "merger" or a "contribution in kind of securities" from a United States legal perspective and (iii) the overall amount of cash received by such shareholders, if any, does not exceed 10% of the nominal value of the shares of Coty class A common stock received. Provided these conditions are met, the exchange would not constitute a taxable event and the taxable capital gain realized upon the future sale of the shares of Coty class A common stock would be calculated by reference to the acquisition cost of the Procter Gamble shares tendered in the exchange. The foregoing represents a general tax analysis and should not be solely relied upon by Procter Gamble shareholders in determining whether to participate in the exchange offer. Procter Gamble shareholders resident in France are encouraged to consult their tax advisors before deciding to participate with respect to the foregoing and to consider their specific situation. Conditions The merger would be consummated as soon as practicable following completion of the exchange offer and would be subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, including the receipt by Procter Gamble of an opinion from tax counsel regarding certain aspects of the contemplated transactions. The board of directors of Coty has approved the contemplated transactions. Holders representing more than a majority of the voting power of Coty have approved, by written consent, the issuance of shares of Coty common stock in connection with the contemplated transactions. The board of directors of Procter Gamble has also approved the contemplated transactions. The contemplated merger will also be approved by Procter Gamble as the sole shareholder of Galleria Company. Important information regarding this press release This press release is only for use in France, and more particularly, for Procter Gamble shareholders residing in France. This press release must not in any circumstances be delivered, distributed or sent outside of France. The distribution of this press release, the acceptance of the exchange offer and the settlement of the Procter Gamble shares tendered in the exchange offer may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain jurisdictions. This press release is not an offer to sell or an offer or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in any country where such an offer or solicitation is illegal. Any exchange offer will be made only by means of the Offer Documents (as defined below). Any exchange offer will not be made, and will not be available, to any persons who are directly or indirectly subject to such offer or selling restrictions, and tenders of Procter Gamble shares will not be accepted from any country where the exchange offer is restricted. Persons in possession of this release should inquire about, and comply with, all restrictions that may be applicable in their jurisdiction. Procter Gamble shall not be liable for any breach or failure to comply with applicable law or regulations by any person. Before deciding to tender their shares in the exchange offer, shareholders of Procter Gamble should ensure that they have carefully reviewed all information prepared and provided by Procter Gamble relating to the exchange offer and to the contemplated transactions. Pursuant to U.S. securities laws, the following documents (the "Offer Documents") have been or are expected to be filed with the SEC in connection with the expected exchange offer: Galleria Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4/S-1, Coty has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 and Procter Gamble will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO. The registration statements, when declared effective by the SEC, and the Schedule TO, when filed with the SEC, will include a description of the terms of the proposed exchange offer and of the contemplated merger. A copy of the final Offer Documents, when available, can be obtained at no cost by shareholders of Procter Gamble upon oral or written request to the information agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc., located at 48 Wall Street, New York, New York, 10005, or at +1-212-269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or 1-877-297-1747 (for all others). In order to receive timely delivery of these materials, shareholders of Procter Gamble resident in France must make a request no later than five business days prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. The final version of the Offer Documents will also be made available on the website of the SEC: www.sec.gov. Procter Gamble shareholders considering tendering their Procter Gamble shares in the exchange offer would be informed by Euronext Paris, upon the launch of the exchange offer, of the specific procedures applicable to them as well as of the steps required for participation in the exchange offer and of the potential fees they may incur, should they elect to participate. Centralization Centralization of the exchange offer will be done by Euronext Paris. For technical reasons of delay of transfer of Procter Gamble shares to the United States, Euroclear France affiliates must deliver the Procter & Gamble shares tendered by their clients in the exchange offer to Euronext Paris on its Euroclear France account n500. Shareholders may withdraw their tendered shares from the exchange offer provided they inform their intermediary in due time before the delivery of the shares to Euronext Paris. Please note that due to specific procedures in France: it is unlikely that Procter Gamble shareholders will know the final exchange ratio prior to tendering their shares and, in the event the exchange offer is extended, French shareholders may not be able to participate in the exchange offer during the extended period or withdraw shares previously tendered. Euronext Paris will publish as soon as it has been informed: the final exchange ratio the possible proration the date of settlement and delivery of shares of Coty class A common stock to intermediaries the average price of shares of Coty class A common stock for the payment of fractional shares and the date of this payment to intermediaries. Delivery of shares of Coty class A common stock payment of fractional shares As a reminder, shares of Coty class A common stock are only listed on the NYSE and will not be listed on Euronext Paris. Following completion of the exchange offer, after reception of shares of Coty class A common stock (ISIN US US2220702037) on its Euroclear France account, Euronext Paris would deliver such shares to intermediaries and such shares would be temporarily admitted in Euroclear France. Cash payments will be made by Euronext Paris in euros on the basis of the prevailing exchange rate on the date of receipt of the funds from the exchange agent for the exchange offer and conversion into euros by such agent. French shareholders of Procter Gamble whose shares are held through Euroclear France are not individually identified as shareholders of Procter Gamble. As a result, Euronext Paris will receive in a single transfer the shares of Coty class A common stock and payment for the fractional shares owed to French shareholders who tendered in the offer. The shares of Coty class A common stock and the payment for the fractional shares owed to French shareholders who tendered their shares in the exchange offer will be distributed prorata to the number of shares tendered in the offer. About Procter & Gamble P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com (in English) or http://www.fr.pg.com (in French) for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. About Galleria Company Galleria Company, a Delaware corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Procter Gamble organized on June 25, 2015 for the purpose of effecting the separation of Galleria from Procter Gamble. Galleria Company has no material assets or liabilities of any kind other than those incident to its formation and those acquired or incurred in connection with the contemplated transactions described in this press release. About Coty Coty, a Delaware corporation, is a leading global beauty company. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is a pure play beauty company with a portfolio of well-known brands that compete in the three segments in which Coty operates: Fragrances, Color Cosmetics and Skin Body Care. Coty currently holds the #2 global position in fragrances, the #4 global position in color cosmetics and has a strong regional presence in skin and body care. Coty's top 10 brands, which Coty refers to as its "power brands," generated 72% of its net revenues in fiscal 2015 and comprise the following globally recognized brands: adidas, Calvin Klein, Chloe, DAVIDOFF, Marc Jacobs, OPI, philosophy, Playboy, Rimmel and Sally Hansen. Coty's brands compete in all key distribution channels across both prestige and mass markets and in over 130 countries and territories. Some of the statements and assumptions included in this release regarding Procter Gamble, Galleria Company and Coty contain "forward-looking statements", or are founded on such statements, and involve risks and uncertainties. These statements concern in particular the outcome of the contemplated exchange offer or merger, and can be identified by the use of such terms as "plan," "intend," "believe," "will" and "expect." By their very nature, forward-looking statements speak to risks and uncertainties, since they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and which may be beyond control of Procter Gamble, Galleria Company or Coty. Actual results and outcomes may be materially different from those presented or suggested in such statements because of various factors, in particular the outcome of the contemplated exchange offer and the merger as well others factors identified in the Offer Documents relating to the contemplated transactions filed with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005098/en/ Contacts: P&G Damon Jones, +1-513-983-0190 Jones.dd@pg.com SANTIAGO, CHILE -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 --ITAU CORPBANCA (NYSE: ITCB) (SSE: ITAUCORP) announced today its Management Discussion & Analysis Report for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 and the Audit Review Report of Quarterly Financial Statements. In order to allow for comparison with previous periods, historical pro forma data of the consolidated, combined results of Banco Itau Chile ("Itau Chile") and CorpBanca deconsolidating our subsidiary SMU Corp S.A. (which is no longer considered strategic as of this quarter) and excluding non-recurring events for the periods prior to the second quarter of 2016 is presented in the Management Discussion & Analysis report. The pro forma income statement has been calculated as if the merger of Itau Chile with and into CorpBanca occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma information presented here is based on (i) the combined consolidated historical unaudited Financial Statements of each of CorpBanca and Banco Itau Chile as filed with the "Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras" ("SBIF"), (ii) the deconsolidation of SMU Corp unaudited Financial Statements as filed with the SBIF and (iii) the exclusion of non-recurring events. The pro forma combined financial information included in the MD&A Report is provided for illustrative purposes only, and does not purport to represent what the actual combined results of Itau Chile and CorpBanca could have been had the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2015. For more information, please refer to the following link: http://www.capitallink.com/press/2016_Q2_Earnings_Release.pdf About Itau CorpBanca ITAU CORPBANCA (NYSE: ITCB) (SSE: ITAUCORP) is the entity resulting from the merger of Banco Itau Chile with and into CorpBanca on April 1, 2016. After the merger, the resulting ownership structure is: 33.58% owned by Itau Unibanco, 33.13% owned by CorpGroup and 33.29% owned minority shareholders. Itau Unibanco is the sole controlling shareholder of the merged bank. Within this context and without limiting the above, Itau Unibanco and CorpGroup have signed a shareholders' agreement to determine aspects related to corporate governance, dividend policy (based on performance and capital metrics), transfer of shares, liquidity and other matters. The merged bank has become the fourth largest private bank in Chile and will result in a banking platform for future expansion in Latin America, specifically in Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Central America. Itau CorpBanca is a commercial bank based in Chile with operations also in Colombia and Panama. In addition, Itau CorpBanca has a branch in New York and a representative office in Madrid. Focused on large and medium companies and in individuals, Itau CorpBanca offers universal banking products. In 2012, the bank initiated a regionalization process and as of the date hereof has acquired two banks in Colombia -- Banco CorpBanca Colombia and Helm Bank, becoming the first Chilean bank having banking subsidiaries abroad. The merger with Banco Itau Chile and the business combination of our two banks in Colombia, represent the continued success of our regionalization process. As of June 30, 2016, according to the Chilean Superintendency of Banks, Itau CorpBanca was the fourth largest private bank in Chile in terms of the overall size of its customer loan portfolio, equivalent to 12.0% market share. As of May 31, 2015, according to the Colombian Superintendency of Finance, CorpBanca Colombia was the sixth largest bank in Colombia in terms of total loans and also the sixth largest bank in Colombia in terms of total deposits, as reported under local regulatory and accounting principles. At the same date, its market share by loans reached 5.9%. Investor Relations Itau CorpBanca +56 (2) 2660-2555 IR@corpbanca.cl CHENGDU, China, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Airlines will officially launch a direct scheduled flight from Chengdu to Prague on August 12. The flight schedule is one flight on every Tuesday and Friday. Airbus A330 aircraft are used for the airline, and the flight number and flight times are: Departure trip: 3U8295, taking off from Chengdu at 12:45 and arriving in Prague at 17:15; Return trip: 3U8296, taking off from Prague at 19:15 and arriving in Chengdu at 10:45 (the above times are both local times). The flight time of the departing trip is 10 hours and 30 minutes, and the flight time of the return trip is 9 hours and 30 minutes. Passengers can visit Sichuan Airlines's official website www.sichuanair.com or call the hotline +86-28-8888-8888 for consulting and purchasing tickets. According to Sichuan Airlines, the flight segment from Prague to Chengdu can be easily engaged with the air routes starting from Chengdu to Western China and other parts of the country, and international transit passengers can go to other major cities in China by transferring in Chengdu according to the 72 hours transit visa-free policy. Following the direct flight from Chengdu to Moscow, the air route directly from Chengdu to Prague is a second European route offered by Sichuan Airlines. Sichuan Airlines will focus on these two CEE destinations to design more convenient air travel products for consumers. On February 25 this year, Sichuan Airlines launched the direct route from Chengdu to Prague, and the route will be officially begin flights from August 12. Sichuan Airlines regards safety as the brand's core value, and has been safely flying for 27 years. It has 108 Airbus planes and more than 240 operating routes covering Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America, providing superior air services for more than 21 million people every year. Sichuan Airlines is headquartered in Chengdu. Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province, centered in Western China. Chengdu has been regarded as the "land of abundance" since ancient times. Chengdu, featuring long history and many attractions, is the hometown of giant pandas and the starting point for the Southern Silk Road, and it is "China's Best Tourist City", "the world's excellent tourist destination city" and "gourmet capital of the world". Lawyers should not break law by stirring up trouble Zheng Yongnian, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Attorneys should not use cases to violate country's laws, or will be penalized in any country, a leading China studies expert said on Friday. "Lawyers have lost their status by stirring up social activism," Zheng Yongnian, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, told China Daily, adding that when these activities violate the country's laws, the government will act against them, regardless of their status, he said. Zheng's comments come after Zhou Shifeng, a lawyer formerly managing the Fengrui Law Firm, was convicted of subverting state power and sentenced to seven years in prison on Thursday. According to a statement from Tianjin No 2 Intermediate People's Court, Zhou, 52, had long been influenced by anti-China forces and was plotting to overturn the country's political system, especially after 2011, when he met Hu Shigen, the leader of an illegal organization. Zhou used his law firm as a platform to manipulate public opinion by encouraging like-minded attorneys and residents to make noise over sensitive issues, the verdict said. "Lawyers could take part in political activities, as they do in the US or elsewhere, but they should not change the cases to political affairs, especially those affairs that violate laws," Zheng said. Zheng said these lawyers were not carrying out activities for the country and the society, but were doing them out of private interests. Zhou said activities such as disrupting judicial orders caught the interests of some overseas forces. "They've been actively wooing me, and want to use us to challenge court hearings and China's entire judicial system, making trouble for the Chinese government," he confessed, adding that these outside forces want to overturn the leadership of the Communist Party of China. When foreign influences were behind the activities attacking a country's political and judicial system, causing chaos and social instability, any country would not sit idly, Zheng said. The US and Singapore will not do so either. Foreign media and governments have double standards on Zhou's case, Zheng said. They do not allow these kinds of activities to happen in their countries, but they support such ones to overturn the ruling of Communist Party of China. Zheng warned those who want to change China's political system of color revolutions. "What the consequence of color revolutions will be? Look at what happened in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia." Zheng said that what happened in those regions did not really represent people's interests, but the opposite. Chinese government held a public trial on Zhou's case, which shows the country's progress in the rule of law governance, Zheng said. Zheng also suggested that China should mull and improve regulations for judicial system. "China's some regulations are too abstract, macroscopic and nonspecific," Zheng said, adding that "China should define what is rule of law and establish its own discourse. In Singapore and Western countries, associations of lawyers have detailed regulations to ban lawyers to take illegal ways to achieve their purposes. Learning from previous lessons, he suggested that China needs to know how to improve its governance under the guidance of rule of law, how to make people understand rule of law, and most importantly, how to educate lawyers and judges of rule of law. "If lawyers and judges, who should know law best, do not understand the spirit of law and abide by law, the whole society will not obey laws and lead to a chaotic state," Zheng said. Lawyers have their advantages in interpreting laws and should play a positive role in achieving the rule of law, he said. "Zhou and other lawyers know law but still break it," Zheng said, adding that they can only attract people knowing little of law and discontent with the government and society, but can't confuse those who have basic law knowledge. Western countries take several centuries to establish rule of law and China has started to do it for decades. "Rome is not built in one day, and so is rule of law, Zheng said. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 4:30 am ET Friday, the Office for National Statistics releases U.K. construction output. Economists forecast output to fall 1 percent on a monthly basis in June following a 2.1 percent drop in May. Ahead of the data, the pound retreated from early highs against the other major currencies. The pound was worth 0.8610 against the euro, 132.14 against the yen, 1.2620 against the franc and 1.2951 against the greenback as of 4:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Online fashionretailerRosegal is announcing the launch of its "Get It Free" program, which encourages shoppers to share Rosegal products through their social media pages (ex. Facebook and Twitter). For each person that signs up and buys that product Rosegal will give the sharer that same product free. The customer who signs up and buys the product will also be rewarded with up to USD50 in Rosegal coupons. The Get It Free program has now been active for a month, and Rosegal has seen major success. Currently there has been over 2,000 links shared, of those 2,000 shares 150 people have gotten others to buy the product, thus receiving that same product free. Rosegal has started an activities discussion group to get user opinion about the Get It Free Program and all other programs going forward. Users who provide valuable feedback that is used will be provided with USD20 cash coupons. To better assist all deliveries, Rosegal has begun to offer more logistic options for priority direct mail. Customers will continue getting the same low prices that they love from Rosegal, but will also have more options for priority direct mail.This should keep delivery costs competitive while not increasing the prices as much for speed. Rosegal will be monitoring the new logistic options closely and will be looking to add more in future, with the aim of providing customers as many options as possible. Rosegal is a subsidiary of Globalegrow. Visit the other websites from Globalegrow such as Zaful and Sammydress for more fashion clothing. SANTIAGO, CHILE -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 --ITAU CORPBANCA (NYSE: ITCB) (SSE: ITAUCORP) announced today its Management Discussion & Analysis Report for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 and the Audit Review Report of Quarterly Financial Statements. In order to allow for comparison with previous periods, historical pro forma data of the consolidated, combined results of Banco Itau Chile ("Itau Chile") and CorpBanca deconsolidating our subsidiary SMU Corp S.A. (which is no longer considered strategic as of this quarter) and excluding non-recurring events for the periods prior to the second quarter of 2016 is presented in the Management Discussion & Analysis report. The pro forma income statement has been calculated as if the merger of Itau Chile with and into CorpBanca occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma information presented here is based on (i) the combined consolidated historical unaudited Financial Statements of each of CorpBanca and Banco Itau Chile as filed with the "Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras" ("SBIF"), (ii) the deconsolidation of SMU Corp unaudited Financial Statements as filed with the SBIF and (iii) the exclusion of non-recurring events. The pro forma combined financial information included in the MD&A Report is provided for illustrative purposes only, and does not purport to represent what the actual combined results of Itau Chile and CorpBanca could have been had the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2015. For more information, please refer to the following link: http://www.capitallink.com/press/2016_Q2_Earnings_Release.pdf About Itau CorpBanca ITAU CORPBANCA (NYSE: ITCB) (SSE: ITAUCORP) is the entity resulting from the merger of Banco Itau Chile with and into CorpBanca on April 1, 2016. After the merger, the resulting ownership structure is: 33.58% owned by Itau Unibanco, 33.13% owned by CorpGroup and 33.29% owned minority shareholders. Itau Unibanco is the sole controlling shareholder of the merged bank. Within this context and without limiting the above, Itau Unibanco and CorpGroup have signed a shareholders' agreement to determine aspects related to corporate governance, dividend policy (based on performance and capital metrics), transfer of shares, liquidity and other matters. The merged bank has become the fourth largest private bank in Chile and will result in a banking platform for future expansion in Latin America, specifically in Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Central America. Itau CorpBanca is a commercial bank based in Chile with operations also in Colombia and Panama. In addition, Itau CorpBanca has a branch in New York and a representative office in Madrid. Focused on large and medium companies and in individuals, Itau CorpBanca offers universal banking products. In 2012, the bank initiated a regionalization process and as of the date hereof has acquired two banks in Colombia -- Banco CorpBanca Colombia and Helm Bank, becoming the first Chilean bank having banking subsidiaries abroad. The merger with Banco Itau Chile and the business combination of our two banks in Colombia, represent the continued success of our regionalization process. As of June 30, 2016, according to the Chilean Superintendency of Banks, Itau CorpBanca was the fourth largest private bank in Chile in terms of the overall size of its customer loan portfolio, equivalent to 12.0% market share. As of May 31, 2015, according to the Colombian Superintendency of Finance, CorpBanca Colombia was the sixth largest bank in Colombia in terms of total loans and also the sixth largest bank in Colombia in terms of total deposits, as reported under local regulatory and accounting principles. At the same date, its market share by loans reached 5.9%. Investor Relations Itau CorpBanca +56 (2) 2660-2555 IR@corpbanca.cl TSX-V:ELY VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Ely Gold & Minerals Inc. ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") (TSX-V: ELY, OTC: ELYGF) is pleased to announce its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Select Royalty, Inc. ("Nevada Select") has executed a purchase agreement (the "Agreement") for certain royalty interests from Golden Predator US Holdings Corp. ("Golden Predator") and Resource Re Ltd. ("RRL"). Golden Predator and RRL are wholly owned subsidiaries of Till Capital Ltd. ("Till"). RLL owns a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on the Uduk Lake property in British Columbia. Nevada royalties owned by Golden Predator include a 3% gross production royalty ("GPR") on the Bolo property, a .5% GPR on the Wood property and a 2% NSR on the Mina Gold property. Nevada Select currently owns 100% of the claims covered by the Mina Gold royalty. Terms of the Agreement include: Purchase by Nevada Select of RLL's Uduk Lake (2% NSR) royalty interest; Purchase by Nevada Select of Golden Predator's Atlanta (3% NSR), Bolo (3% GPR) and Wood (.5% GPR) royalty interests; (3% NSR), Bolo (3% GPR) and Wood (.5% GPR) royalty interests; Termination by Nevada Select, and Golden Predator of the Mina Gold (2% NSR); As total consideration, Nevada Select will pay US$75,000 to Till. Royalty Overview Mina Gold The Mina Gold royalty property includes five patented claims that were purchased by Nevada Select from Nevada Eagle LLC (refer to news release May 4, 2016). Mina Gold is located in Mineral County, Nevada. The property was explored by Glamis Gold in the 1990's and is typical of the epithermal gold/silver type deposits on the Walker Lane Trend. Nevada Select also purchased eight unpatented claims from Nevada Eagle LLC and staked 35 additional claims, this year, thus consolidating the property for future exploration. The termination of the Golden Predator royalty will leave the Mina Gold property royalty free, except for a .5% NSR on four of the unpatented claims. Bolo/Wood The Bolo royalty property is northeast of Tonapah in Nye County, Nevada and the deposit at Bolo is a Carlin-style, sedimentary rock-hosted, gold deposit similar to many deposits that occur in the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend. The Bolo royalty includes two unpatented claims currently 100% controlled by Columbus Gold Corp. ("Columbus"). The Wood royalty includes 81 unpatented claims to the north of the Bolo claims, also 100% controlled by Columbus. Columbus drilled the Bolo property from 2007 to 2013. A 43-101 technical report was filed by Columbus on October 9, 2013. Atlanta The Atlanta Gold project is located in Lincoln County, Nevada and is currently controlled by Meadow Bay Gold Corp. ("Meadow Bay"). The Atlanta royalty includes 136 unpatented claims. Atlanta was mined as an operating open pit mine from 1975 - 1985. The Project continues to benefit from historical infrastructure - power, water and roads - all of which remains in place. In March 2013, Meadow Bay filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report, which included an initial resource estimate. Uduk Lake The Uduk Lake royalty includes two mining tenures that are 100% owned by Canarc Resource Corp. ("Canarc"). The project, now called Windfall Hills, is in the same geological belt as the Blackwater/Davidson project. Windfall Hills is 90 kilometers northwest of Blackwater, which is now a flagship development project for New Gold Inc. Trey Wasser, President and CEO of Ely Gold stated, "This transaction strengthens our growing royalty portfolio in Nevada. More importantly, it completes the consolidation of our Mina Gold property making it one of our most valuable assets. This transaction will allow us to sell or option Mina Gold while retaining a significant royalty interest. We believe that the royalties in this Agreement include some excellent exploration properties that are owned by important emerging junior gold companies." About Ely Gold Ely Gold is focused on developing recurring cash flow streams through the acquisition, consolidation, enhancement, and resale of highly prospective, un-encumbered North American precious metals properties. Ely's property development efforts maximize each property's potential for acquisition, while reserving significant royalty interests. Additional information about Ely Gold is available at the Company's website, at www.elygoldinc.com Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Trey Wasser, President & CEO Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements concerning Ely Gold and Mineral's acquisition, development, and marketing of North American precious metal resource properties and the Company's intent to sell or option portfolio properties, while reserving any royalties. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Although Ely Gold and Minerals believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with geological, geometrical and geophysical interpretation and analysis, the ability of the Company to obtain financing, equipment, supplies and qualified personnel necessary to carry on exploration, exploitation or acquisition of properties and the general risks and uncertainties involved in mineral exploration and analysis. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company 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 policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information please contact: trey@elygoldinc.com, 972-803-3087; ir@elygoldinc.com, 647 964 0292 EDMONTON, ALBERTA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- (TSX: STN) (NYSE: STN) Global design firm Stantec has signed a letter of intent to acquire Edwards & Zuck, a 120-person, New York City-based firm with a history of pioneering engineering technologies to create efficiency, stability, and beauty in buildings along the east coast. In addition to its 80-person New York City location, Edwards & Zuck has offices in Stamford, Connecticut, Morristown, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida. The acquisition, which will continue to strengthen Stantec's Buildings business line in the US, is expected to close in September. Edwards & Zuck provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design across diverse market sectors, including: corporate workplace, education, hospitality, gaming, and high-rise residential, retail, and commercial office development. The firm's expertise includes commissioning, telecommunications, security, and sustainability consulting. "Edwards & Zuck is widely respected for engineering sophisticated building systems in demanding urban environments," says Bob Gomes, Stantec president and CEO. "Their embrace of innovation and their commitment to community engagement will further elevate our presence in key markets and geographies." Peter Sposato, Edwards & Zuck's president and managing partner, replied, "We are building on a heritage that dates back to 1929, and look forward to continuing this journey as part of Stantec. Both firms share a strong commitment to engaged, inspired employees who embrace new opportunities and who bring that energy and talent to our clients every day. I am certain that our employees and clients will benefit from the combined expertise of both firms." From hardening of mission critical facilities to illuminating a soaring hotel lobby, Edwards & Zuck's expertise is reflected in landmark buildings, including: -- the award-winning renovation of the historic Rainbow Room at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center after a five-year absence from the New York City skyline -- the International Gem Tower in the heart of midtown Manhattan with its 360-degree views and floor-to-ceiling glass -- the renovation and development of the Aqueduct Racetrack into the Resorts World Casino in Queens -- Miami's Brickell World Plaza, a Class A LEED platinum-certified high- rise building on the eastern seaboard The planned acquisition aligns well with Stantec's well-established design practices in New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Detroit, and Chicago. About Stantec We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents. Our work-engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics, from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning-begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media. Contacts: Investor Relations Sonia Kirby Stantec Director, Investor Relations (780) 917-7114 Cell: (780) 616-2785 sonia.kirby@stantec.com Media Contact Marti Mueller Stantec Media Relations (585) 319-3052 Cell: (585) 355-9107 marti.mueller@stantec.com Media Contact Peter Sposato Edwards & Zuck President & Managing Partner (212) 330-6220 or Cell: (917) 734-8723 pjsposato@edzuck.com ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR and NOVI, MICHIGAN -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") (TSX: FTS) and ITC Holdings Corp. ("ITC") (NYSE: ITC) announced today the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR Act") in respect of Fortis' proposed acquisition of ITC. The waiting period under the HSR Act expired on August 10, 2016. "Expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act is seen as continued progress toward the completion of the transaction," said Barry Perry, President and CEO of Fortis. "We remain on track to close the deal by the end of the year." Fortis and ITC Shareholders approved the acquisition in votes held on May 5 and June 22, 2016, respectively. The approval required from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was received on July 8, 2016. The closing of the acquisition of ITC is subject to receipt of certain other regulatory authorizations, including State approvals. About Fortis Fortis is a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business, with total assets of approximately CAD$29 billion and fiscal 2015 revenue of CAD$6.7 billion. The Corporation's asset mix is approximately 94% regulated (69% electric, 25% gas), with the remaining 6% comprised of non-regulated energy infrastructure. The Corporation's regulated utilities serve more than 3 million customers across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov. About ITC ITC is the largest independent electric transmission company in the United States. Based in Novi, Michigan, ITC invests in the electric transmission grid to improve reliability, expand access to markets, allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. Through its regulated operating subsidiaries ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission facilities in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, serving a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along approximately 15,700 circuit miles of transmission line. ITC's grid development focus includes growth through regulated infrastructure investment as well as domestic and international expansion through merchant and other commercial development opportunities. Additional information can be accessed at www.itc-holdings.com or www.sec.gov. Fortis and ITC include forward-looking statements in this press release within the meaning of applicable securities laws including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements included in this press release reflect expectations of Fortis and/or ITC management regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipates", "believes", "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "might", "plans", "projects", "schedule", "should", "target", "will", "would" and the negative of these terms and other similar terminology or expressions have been used to identify the forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation: statements related to the acquisition of ITC, the expected timing, and conditions precedent to the closing of the acquisition, including regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain material factors or assumptions have been applied in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements. These factors or assumptions are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, including those identified from time to time in the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors or assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the ability to obtain regulatory approvals in connection with the acquisition and the timing and terms thereof, risks relating to failure to complete the acquisition and the timing thereof and the risk that conditions to the acquisition may not be satisfied, and risks relating to the potential decline in the Fortis share price negatively impacting the value of the consideration offered to ITC shareholders. Fortis and ITC caution readers that a number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, reference should be made to the continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time by Fortis or ITC with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fortis and ITC disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional Information and Where to Find It Fortis filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a registration statement on Form F-4 including a proxy statement of ITC and a prospectus of Fortis, and other documents in connection with the acquisition by Fortis of ITC, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 16, 2016. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Fortis and/or ITC has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the acquisition. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF FORTIS AND ITC ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER FILINGS THAT MAY BE MADE WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUISITION. The registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus containing the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Fortis and/or ITC with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, on Fortis' website at www.fortisinc.com or by contacting Fortis' Investor Relations department. Copies of the document filed with the SEC by ITC can also be obtained free of charge from ITC upon written request to ITC at ITC, Investor Relations, 27175 Energy Way, Novi, MI 48377. You may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by Fortis and ITC with the SEC at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) 732-0330 or visit the SEC's website for further information on its public reference room. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the 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 appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Contacts: Investor Enquiries: Ms. Janet Craig Vice President, Investor Relations Fortis Inc. 709.737.2863 Media Enquiries: Ms. Karen McCarthy Director, Communications and Corporate Affairs Fortis Inc. 709.737.5323 Investor Inquiries: Ms. Stephanie Amaimo Director, Investor Relations ITC Holdings Corp. 248.946.3572 Media Inquiries: Mr. Whit Clay, Managing Director Sloane & Company 212.446.1864 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. MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Beaufield Resources Inc. ("Beaufield") (TSX VENTURE: BFD) (OTC PINK: BFDRF) is pleased to report it has acquired 139 new claims totaling 7,284 hectares in Baie James, Quebec. The claims are located along the interpreted extension of the Eleonore-Cheechoo gold corridor, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of the Sirios Cheechoo project. The majority of the 100% owned claims were acquired by map staking and 13 of the claims where purchased from vendors for an amount of $20,000 in cash, and are subject to a net smelter return of 2%. Several gold occurrences have been identified on the property but data indicates that the property has never been drilled. Companies actively exploring the area, include Osisko, Midland Exploration and Sirios Resources as indicated on the adjoined map: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/eleonore%20map.pdf. Qualified Person This news release has been prepared by Mathieu Stephens, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and Corporate Development for Beaufield, the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Beaufield: Beaufield is a well financed mineral exploration company currently drilling in Urban and with its exploration activity focused in Quebec. Please refer to Beaufield's website to view the company's properties in Urban, Eleonore-Opinaca, Troilus and elsewhere. The Corporation is actively exploring, well financed with approximately $3 million in cash, has no debt and has excess work credits on its properties. The information set forth in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on assumptions exposed to major risks and uncertainties. Although Beaufield deems the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, the Corporation cannot provide any guarantee as to the materialization of the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements. The Corporation expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. Contacts: Jens E. Hansen President and CEO 514.842.3443 Mathieu Stephens VP Exploration and Corporate Development 613.721.2919 info@beaufield.com www.beaufield.com Investor Relations Europe Kai Hoffmann, Soar Financial Partners +49 69 175 54832 0 bfd@soarfinancial.com Wir sprechen Deutsch DUBLIN, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Hybrid Cloud Services Market 2016-2020" report to their offering. The analysts forecast the global hybrid cloud services market to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% during the period 2016-2020. Commenting on the report, an analyst from the research team said: One of the key trends for market growth will be vendors foraying into the market space. The exponential growth of cloud-based services has encouraged startups to enter in the cloud domain through the adoption of on-premise services. Earlier, companies faced rigorous challenges in terms of costs, monitoring, and migration to the cloud. However, by implementing hybrid cloud services, SMEs can still continue with their legacy applications with majority of the services hosted over the cloud through backup and high availability. As cloud services continue to mature, cloud management services face more advanced problems related to performance, availability, data latency, and costs. Now, a large number of vendors are shifting to hybrid solutions due to promising opportunity of these solutions, which is also driving product innovation. According to the report, rising dependency of mid-sized enterprises will be a key driver for market growth. Hybrid cloud offers a strategic way to consume IT solutions across on-premise and the cloud. These cloud services are increasingly gaining popularity among enterprises of all levels. Through hybrid cloud, companies can make use of best practices from traditional on-premise IT infrastructure that includes governance, management, and standardization regardless of location. It provides an extended platform combining public and private clouds with dedicated servers to deliver seamless performance in a customized manner. It helps reap maximum benefits with enhanced performance from each component, thereby allowing companies to focus on core businesses. Questions Answered: What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? Companies Mentioned: AWS Microsoft Rackspace Vmware Avnet BMC Software CA Technologies Cherwell Software Cisco Dimension Data Hornbill Services HP IBM LANDesk Mulesoft NTRGlobal Oracle Unisys Report Structure: PART 01: Executive summary PART 02: Scope of the report PART 03: Market research methodology PART 04: Introduction PART 05: Market landscape PART 06: Market segmentation by application PART 07: Geographical segmentation PART 08: Market drivers PART 09: Impact of drivers PART 10: Market challenges PART 11: Impact of drivers and challenges PART 12: Market trends PART 13: Vendor landscape PART 14: Key vendor analysis PART 15: Appendix PART 16: About the Author For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2xv7jr/global_hybrid Media Contact: Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 12 August 2016 COINSILIUM GROUP LIMITED? ("Coinsilium" or the "Group") MEXBT ANNOUNCES A TEMPORARY SUSPENSION TO REVIEW ITS OPERATIONS MeXBT, a company in which Coinsilium Group Limited (ISDX:COIN), the ISDX quoted blockchain technology investment and development company, has a 17.64% equity interest in, has announced a temporary suspension to conduct a review of its exchange operations. As of August 12th 2016, the management of MeXBT has posted a message in Spanish language on its home page which is translated into English below: "Dear Users: We are making a temporary suspension for a review of the operations of the meXBT exchange. All accounts of our users will remain on the same terms and we will resume consultations, deposits and withdrawals as soon as meXBT operations are restored. All questions from our users may be directed to informes@mexbt.com." The management of meXBT has not disclosed the motives for the review but has assured to update the meXBT stakeholders as soon as the review is complete. The Directors of Coinsilium take responsibility for this announcement. Notes to Editor About meXBT MeXBT has launched in November 2014 as a digital currency exchange in Mexico and has since then expanded its operations internationally through deals and partnerships with other exchanges in Latin America and in Asia. MeXBT has recently been focusing on cross-border transfers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets and participated earlier this year to an accelerator program in Shanghai, China. About Coinsilium Group Coinsilium is a London-based blockchain technology focused investment and development company, supporting early-stage blockchain companies through investment, acceleration, development and education. Coinsilium is the world's first blockchain technology focused company to be admitted to trading on an Exchange Regulated Market and has a portfolio of interests in blockchain companies and projects. In addition to pursuing its investment strategy Coinsilium is able to offer a suite of services including corporate/business advisory, CPD accredited training & education, investment solutions, in-house development and other professional services to blockchain/fintech companies and major corporates wanting to learn more about blockchain technology and its implications to the way the world transfers value over the internet. For further information please visithttp://www.coinsilium.com/ Or please contact the following: February 3, 2013 Kimberly Lee, Recruiting Manager Boston Consulting Group 6663 Avenue of the New York 13th Floor Dear Ms. Lee, I am a first year MBA student at Harvard Business School. I was extremely impressed with Boston Consulting Groups approach to management consulting after attending the presentation given by your firm earlier this quarter. I also learned more about your firm by talking with William Heather and several other summer interns. My discussions with them confirmed my interest in Boston Consulting Group, and I am now writing to request an invitation to interview for a summer associate consulting position. After graduating from Northwestern with a degree in Economics, I worked as an associate in the Finance department of Honda Motors, a well-known automotive manufacturer. I gained solid analytical and problem solving skills there. I was responsible for identifying and resolving financial reporting issues, as well as generating innovative methods to improve our processes. I also fine-tuned my communication and consensus building skills, as I often needed to present and market my work to middle and upper management. Finally, during my last year of employment, I took on a team leadership role, managing the daily work of five junior members of our team and taking an active role in our training for new hires. I am excited by the strong potential fit I see with Boston Consulting Group. I feel that the analytical, leadership and teamwork abilities gained through my employment and academic experience have provided me with the tools and skills necessary to perform well in a consulting career, and will allow me to make a significant contribution at your firm. I am particularly intrigued by the shareholder value focus of Boston Consulting Groups methodology, since it fits well with my experience in finance. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you when you recruit at SBS for summer internships later this month, and I would greatly appreciate being included on your invitational list. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Wordvice Haley 3142 Broadway, Apt. 135 New York, NY 10007 edit@wordvice.cn | | Academic proofreading | Admission proofreading | | | FAQ | Wordvice | ALBANY, New York, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled "Cosmetic Skin Care Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2016 - 2024 The opportunity in the global cosmetic skin care market was pegged at US$127.1 bn in 2015. Expanding at a 5.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2024, the market is projected to be worth just over US$200 bn by the end of the forecast period. By type of product, the market is led by anti-aging products and this segment is likely to retain its position throughout the forecast period, amounting to over US$44 bn by 2024. Cosmetic skin care market is fairly consolidated, with the top five players accounting for a share of over 45% in 2015. Transparency Market Research finds in a new report that these companies, namely L'Oreal S.A., Unilever Group, Procter & Gamble, Beiersdorf AG, and Avon Products, have been focused on research and development, acquisitions, and new product development as their key growth strategies in the cosmetic skin care market. Unilever's acquisition of leading professional skin care brand, Dermalogica, in June 2015, for instance, is one among the many strategic alliances and acquisitions companies have been engaging in in recent years to shape their brands into more premium offerings. "The potential of 'natural' and organic cosmetic products is huge as an increasing number of consumers are becoming more aware of the ingredients in skin care products. The inclusion of this product segment in the portfolio can prove to be immensely lucrative for players," the author of the TMR study recommends. Get Sample Report Copy or for further inquiries, click here:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=13724 Consumer Base for Anti-aging Skin Care Products Widening An increasing number of consumers have been contributing toward the demand for anti-aging creams and skin care products to fight various signs of aging. The growing global geriatric population, as a result, is one of the key factors driving the global market for cosmetic skin care. The number of people aged 65 and above has been reportedly increasing in China, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the U.S. and this trend is likely to benefit the demand for cosmetic skin care products. "Interestingly, the demand for anti-aging products is not restricted only to the aging consumer group," the author of the study finds. "Women over the age of 30 have also been contributing significantly to the demand for anti-aging creams and lotions." A growing focus on new product innovation and an improvement in the quality and functions of various cosmetic skin care products is a key factor boosting the global market. "The cosmetic skin care market is built on the principle of new product innovation," the TMR analyst states. "An increasing number of players have been investing huge capital in research and development to improve the effectiveness of products such as skin whitening cosmetics, anti-aging creams, sunscreen products, and multi-utility skin care products." Browse In Detail Regional Analysis:http://www.europlat.org/global-cosmetic-skin-care-market.htm MEA Providing Lucrative Options for Players in Cosmetic Skin Care Market Cosmetic skin care products to minimize wrinkles were the key revenue generators in 2015, with multi-utility cosmetics expanding at the fastest pace during the forecast period. By region, Asia Pacific is the leading contributor to the cosmetic skin care market, while the Middle East and Africa is emerging as the most rapidly expanding regional segment in the forecast period. "Players have been expanding their operations in the MEA region owing to the growing product awareness of consumers and a booming retail sector," states the TMR analyst. Browse the Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/cosmetic-skin-care-market.htm Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Product Anti-Aging Cosmetic Products Skin Whitening Cosmetic Products Sensitive Skin Care Products Anti-Acne Products Dry Skin Care Products Warts Removal Products Infant Skin Care Products Anti-Scars Solution Products Mole Removal Products Multi Utility Products Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Application Stem Cells Protection against UV Flakiness Reduction Rehydrate the skin's surface Minimize wrinkles Increase the viscosity of Aqueous Others Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Geography - North America U.S. Rest of North America - Europe Germany Italy U.K. France Rest of Europe - Asia-Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific - Middle East and Africa UAE Quatar South Africa Rest of MEA - Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Related Research Reports by Transparency Market Research: Cosmetics Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetics-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetics-market.html Beauty Devices Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/beauty-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/beauty-devices-market.html Cosmetic Packaging Market:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetic-packaging-market.html About Us: Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement. US Office Contact Transparency Market Research 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH)(OTC: SYHBD)(FRANKFURT: SC1N) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of a non-brokered private placement of $2,468,655 and the Company has been granted exchange acceptance for the option to acquire 100% of Moore Lake uranium project from Denison Mines (TSX: DML). Further to Skyharbour Resources' two news releases both dated July 14, 2016, it has closed its non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of CDN $2,468,655. Due to strong response from investors, the Company increased its non-brokered private placement financing to $2,468,655 from the initially targeted $1,950,000. The amended financing will be completed through the issuance of up to 16,457,700 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.15 per unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), with each whole Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share for a period of five years at a price of $0.27 per share. In connection with the financing, Skyharbour issued a total of 575,169 units to finders (the "Finder's Units") who introduced certain subscribers to the private placement. Each Finder's Unit will entitle the finder to purchase, for a period of two years, a Finder's Unit on the same terms as the private placement Unit. The Company also paid to finders a cash total of $86,275.35 in connection with this financing. The Unit Shares and Warrants issued under the private placement and any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the Warrants and Finder's Units are subject to a four month and one day hold period under applicable securities laws and imposed by the TSX Venture Exchange. Skyharbour has been granted exchange acceptance, as announced in the July 14, 2016 news release, on securing the option to acquire 100% of Moore Lake uranium project from Denison. The 35,705 hectare Moore Lake Project is an advanced uranium exploration property strategically located in the eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, which is known for its large scale and high grade uranium deposits and producing uranium mines. Previous exploration efforts on the property discovered high grade uranium mineralization highlighted by drill hole ML-61, which intersected 4.03% eU3O8 over 10 metres at the Maverick Zone. The depth to the unconformity on the property is relatively shallow and significant additional discovery potential remains over several conductive trends. As part of the Option Agreement, Skyharbour has issued 4,500,000 common shares to Denison, subject to a four month and one day hold period under applicable securities laws and imposed by the TSX Venture Exchange. Skyharbour will also make staged cash payments over five years totaling $500,000 to Denison as well as incur $3,500,000 in exploration expenditures over five years to complete its acquisition of a 100% interest in the property. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with five drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines to acquire 100% of the Moore Lake Uranium Project which is located 20 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River mine. Moore Lake is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with over $30 million in historical exploration, 370 drill holes, and a high grade zone known as the Maverick Zone with drill results including 4.03% e U3O8 over 10 metres at a depth of 265 metres. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point (formerly Way Lake) Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which hosts an NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high grade surface showing with up to 68% U3O8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. Skyharbour also has a 50% interest in the large, geologically prospective Preston Uranium Project proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco with partners Denison Mines and AREVA, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com. SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. Jordan Trimble, President and CEO 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: Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Jordan Trimble President and CEO 604-687-3376 OR Toll Free: 800-567-8181 604-687-3119 (FAX) Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Nick Findler Corporate Communications 604-687-3376 OR Toll Free: 800-567-8181 604-687-3119 (FAX) info@skyharbourltd.com www.skyharbourltd.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The euro was trading higher against its major counterparts in European deals on Friday, as Eurozone economy expanded as estimated in the second quarter and industrial production recovered at a stronger than expected pace in June. Flash estimate published by Eurostat showed that Eurozone economy grew as initially estimated in the second quarter. Gross domestic product rose 0.3 percent from the first quarter, when it climbed 0.6 percent. A similar slower growth was last seen in the third quarter of 2015. On a yearly basis, GDP advanced 1.6 percent after rising 1.7 percent in the first quarter. Separate data showed that Eurozone industrial output climbed 0.6 percent on a monthly basis in June, reversing a 1.2 percent fall in May and slightly bigger than the expected 0.5 percent increase. Year-on-year, growth in industrial production rose slightly to 0.4 percent from 0.3 percent in May. Nonetheless, it was slower than the 0.7 percent expansion economists had expected. Meanwhile, European stocks are trading mixed, as traders digest domestic economic news on GDP. The currency was weaker against its most major counterparts in the Asian session. The euro, having fallen to a 4-day low of 1.0852 against the franc at 5:00 pm ET, reversed direction and bounced off to 1.0888. Further gains may lead the euro to a resistance around the 1.10 mark. After falling to a 2-day low of 1.1131 against the greenback at 8:45 pm ET, the euro rebounded to 1.1159 in subsequent deals and held steady thereafter. The euro is likely to challenge resistance around the 1.13 level. The euro reversed from its previous low of 0.8584 against the pound, edging higher to 0.8621. The next possible resistance for the euro-pound pair may be located around the 0.88 area. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that U.K. construction output declined at a slower pace in June. Construction output dropped 0.9 percent in June from May, when it decreased 2 percent. Economists had forecast a 1 percent fall for June. Extending early rally, the euro hit a 10-day high of 114.03 against the yen. This may be compared to Thursday's closing value of 113.52. On the upside, 116.00 is possibly seen as the next resistance level for the euro. The single currency climbed to a 2-day high of 1.5514 against the kiwi and a 3-day high of 1.4535 against the aussie, reversing from its early lows of 1.5397 and 1.4457, respectively. Further uptrend may take the euro to resistance levels of around 1.58 against the kiwi and 1.47 against the aussie. The euro traded in a positive territory against the loonie with the pair trading at 1.4475. The next possible resistance for the euro may be found near the 1.46 mark. Looking ahead, U.S. producer prices and retail sales for July, University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for August and business inventories for June are due to be released in the New York session. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de JSC Halyk Bank / Miscellaneous - High Priority JSC Halyk Bank:Announcement of Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting (absentee voting) 12-Aug-2016 / 14:12 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EquityStory.RS, LLC - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. *Joint-Stock Company 'Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan'* *(109V, Abay Ave., 050008, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan)* *Announcement of Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting (absentee voting)* *of JSC Halyk Bank * In accordance with provisions of Article 37-3-3)-2-1), Article 41 and Article 49-4 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On Joint-Stock Companies (hereinafter - the 'Law on Joint-Stock Companies'), the Board of Directors of JSC Halyk Bank informs that the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of JSC Halyk Bank by absentee voting will be held on 29 September 2016 . The list of shareholders entitled to participate at the General Shareholders' Meeting will be determined based on the shareholder register of JSC Halyk Bank as at 10 August 2016. *Agenda of* *the General Shareholders' Meeting:* 1. Approval of the agenda of the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of JSC Halyk Bank by absentee voting. 2. Approval of the amendment to the Charter of JSC Halyk Bank. In accordance with part 3 of Article 43-4 of the Law on Joint-Stock Companies, when General Shareholders' Meeting is held by absentee voting, the agenda of the General Shareholders' Meeting cannot be amended and (or) supplemented. For getting more information and materials related to the items on the agenda and holding of the General Shareholders' Meeting, please call: 8 (727) 259 07 77, 8-8000 8000 59 or follow the links: https://halykbank.kz/ru/about/shareholders/materials-to-shareholders [1] (in Russian); https://halykbank.kz/kz/about/shareholders/materials-to-shareholders [2] (in Kazakh); https://halykbank.kz/en/investor-relations/information-for-shareholders [3] (in English). The shareholders of JSC Halyk Bank are invited to participate at the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of JSC Halyk Bank by absentee voting. The shareholders of JSC Halyk Bank are kindly requested to take note of the following procedures for the absentee voting to be held. Participation at the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of JSC Halyk Bank by absentee voting will be carried out by filling in the absentee ballot (voting card) in accordance with Article 49-4 of the Law on Joint-Stock Companies. Please be informed that it is necessary to fill in all of the fields in the absentee ballots (voting cards) with information about the shareholder and his personal data before voting on the items of the agenda of the General Shareholders' Meeting. In order to vote on the items of the agenda of the General Shareholders' Meeting, please tick or sign in the one of the tick boxes with voting options 'for' or 'against' or 'abstain' in the absentee ballot (voting card) on each item of the agenda of the General Shareholders' Meeting. According to the Article 46-3 of the Law 'On Joint-Stock Companies', on 29 September 2016 the Ballot Committee: shall determine the validity of received absentee ballots (voting cards) and count the number of valid ballots (voting cards) and indicated in these ballots votes on each item of the agenda; determine the presence of the quorum for the General Shareholders' Meeting; make the minutes on the voting results at the General Shareholders' Meeting. In accordance with Article 51-6 of the Law 'On Joint-Stock Companies', the results of absentee voting shall be brought to the information of the shareholders by their publication in mass media. According to the second part of the Article 45-4 of the Law 'On Joint-Stock Companies', in the absence of quorum for the General Shareholders' Meeting by absentee voting, reconvened General Shareholders' Meeting shall not be held. *Special note to the holders of Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) intending to vote at the extraordinary general shareholders' meeting by absentee voting* Details of the procedure for voting of shares represented by GDRs are specified in Article 12 of the Terms and Conditions of the GDRs. Copy of the Terms and Conditions on the GDRs is available on the website of JSC Halyk Bank and also from Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 60 Wall Street, New York NY, 10005 U.S.A. (the 'Depositary'). Items of the above agenda proposed for voting together with supporting materials, absentee ballot (voting card) and voting instructions will be provided through the Depositary in due course. Please be informed that in order for the votes to be accepted, holders of GDRs shall send via mail or air courier the following documents to be received by the Depositary on or before September 9, 2016: 1) Original copy of signed certification (disclosure) form This form shall include information on the identity and the country of registration of beneficial owners of GDRs. It should also include the aggregate holding of GDRs by such beneficial owners as per Condition 12 ('Voting of Shares') of the Terms and Conditions of GDRs. Note: In the event a holder is not authorized to confirm compliance by the shareholders (participants) of a beneficial owner with the requirements of the Kazakhstan Law On Banks and Banking Activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan related to the country of registration of such shareholders (participants), respective certification shall be issued by the beneficial owner itself (as per attached Beneficial Owner Certification Form) in addition to certification (discloser) form. 2) Original copy of absentee ballot (voting card) The absentee ballot (voting card) shall be signed by chief executive officer of the holder of GDRs. and sealed (if available). 3) Original copy of the beneficial owner's state registration certificate (or any other analogous document) The certificate shall include the name of the holder, official registration number/registration number in the trade register, the date of registration and the name of registering authority. 4) Copy of documents confirming the right to sign the absentee ballot (voting card), including the identity documents of the person signing the absentee ballot (voting card), which shall be apostilled/legalised if necessary in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the country of residence of the holder. Holders of GDRs are advised that failure to provide the above documents and comply with the above requirements by September 9, 2016 (including mailing original documents) will void any instructions provided. For further information please contact: *Depositary* Ms. Beverly George Telephone: +1 212 250 1504 Fax: +1 212 797 0327 E-mail: beverly.a.george-ny@db.com Ms. Duewa T Brooks Telephone: +1 212 250 1305 Fax: +1 212 797 0327 E-mail: duewa.t.brooks@db.com *JSC Halyk Bank* Financial Institutions and International Relations Fax: + 7 (727) 259 04 64 Telephone: +7 (727) 259 04 30 E-mail: mirak@halykbank.kz *The Board of Directors * *JSC Halyk Bank* The EquityStory.RS, LLC Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de/ukreg Language: English Company: JSC Halyk Bank 109V, Abay ave 050008 Almaty Kazakhstan Phone: +7 727 259 04 27 Fax: +7 727 259 04 64 E-mail: halykteam@halykbank.kz Internet: http://halykbank.kz ISIN: US46627J3023 WKN: A0LF36 Category Code: MSCH TIDM: HSBK Sequence Number: 3310 Time of Receipt: 12-Aug-2016 / 14:12 CET/CEST End of Announcement EquityStory.RS, LLC News Service 492427 12-Aug-2016 1: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=ff017756ddf21a576e45072b9c7dec69&application_id=492427&site_id=vwd&application_name=news 2: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=338109a8c4e48734603dc868b96ed523&application_id=492427&site_id=vwd&application_name=news 3: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=5d262378225c5f7354dd70d057703f4f&application_id=492427&site_id=vwd&application_name=news (END) Dow Jones Newswires August 12, 2016 08:12 ET (12:12 GMT) DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- AirTest Technologies (TSX VENTURE: AAT) President George Graham is very pleased to announce the hiring of Paul D'arrigo as Ontario Sales Manager. Mr. D'arrigo has extensive experience in the Ontario retail food industry, a major target market for AirTest. Following his introduction to AirTest, Paul quickly saw great potential in growing the sales of AirTest products in Ontario by leveraging his deep regional relationships. His management experience in retail and food facilities makes him ideally suited to interface with senior decision makers in commercial property management and present how AirTest Cleantech/Green technology products can save energy, provide an impressive return on investment, and significantly increase property value. "Paul is uniquely suited to ensure widespread penetration of AirTest's energy saving products to the very attractive market conditions that currently exist in Ontario" said George Graham. Ontario is an important market for AirTest as the company has a number of major customers who are actively installing AirTest control products into a wide variety of building types. For example AirTest CO2 control products are currently being used for ventilation control in most Canadian Tire and Shoppers Drug Mart stores in Ontario. Ontario is also a prime market for growth of green and energy savings technologies due to very generous utility incentives and the Ontario Climate Change Action Plan that will commit up to $8.3 billion as part of its five year plan where improving energy efficiency of buildings is a major target. AirTest has a number of products that can contribute to substantial reduction of energy use in new and existing buildings. About AirTest: AirTest Technologies (www.airtest.com) is a Green-Tech company specializing in sensors that improve commercial building operating efficiency and at the same time create energy savings. These sensors are all based on technical innovations developed in the last ten years, and comprise a growing second wave of energy saving technologies that will make a significant contribution to Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Sustainable Buildings Programs. AirTest offers its products to leading-edge building owners, contractors and energy service companies targeting the buildings market. AirTest also provides energy cost reduction solutions to building equipment and controls manufacturers who incorporate AirTest sensor components into their products. Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward looking statements". The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbours created thereby. Since these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results. The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: AirTest Technologies Mr. George Graham President (604) 517 3888 (604) 517 3900 (FAX) ggraham@airtest.com www.airtest.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Group Ten Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE: PGE)(FRANKFURT: 5D31) (the "Company" or "Group Ten") announces that Jody Bellefleur has resigned from the position of CFO. The Company has commenced a search for a new CFO. About Group Ten Metals Inc. Group Ten Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration for deposits of gold, platinum group metals (PGM), nickel, and copper and in emerging districts with proven world-class potential. The Company holds the high-grade Black Lake / Drayton gold project in the Rainy River district in northwest Ontario, and also controls a premier land position in the Kluane Ultramafic Belt in the southwest Yukon Territory where it adjoins Wellgreen Platinum Ltd's Wellgreen deposit. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, GROUP TEN METALS INC. Michael Rowley, President & Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Group Ten Metals Inc. Michael Rowley President & Director (604) 681 1568 Regulatory News: Kahrs Holding AB Strong sales development and increased profit second quarter 2016 Second quarter, April-June 2016 Net sales totalled SEK 755 million (681), an increase of 11 per cent compared with the same period in 2015. Continued solid growth in the Nordics and Europe segments, combined with a strong increase in sales in the Resilient Global segment contributed to the performance during the quarter. Organic sales growth was 13 per cent, including a currency impact (net) of SEK -14 million Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and non-recurring items (adjusted EBITDA) was SEK 84 million (76), corresponding to an operating margin of 11.1 per cent (11.2) Operating profit before non-recurring items (adjusted EBIT) for the second quarter increased by 17 per cent to SEK 61 million (52), corresponding to 8.1 per cent (7.6) Consolidated profit for the quarter was SEK 35 million (24) and was positively affected primarily by an increase in operating profit and lower financing costs compared with the same period in 2015 President and CEO Christer Persson comments: "Kahrs Group continued its stable performance during the second quarter and as a result, the Group's sales and profitability both developed positively in the period. In the Nordic region, the Swedish market reported the most favourable performance, though we also saw good sales growth in the US and in most of our major markets in Europe such as Germany, UK and Switzerland. The Resilient Global segment demonstrated robust growth during the quarter and rose 42 per cent with strong underlying sales in the US and Germany. In early June, the Board approved the new business plan formulated in the spring, which states that Kahrs Group is to be perceived as the innovative and design-driven flooring manufacturer in Europe, while being integral to leading design and interior design concepts." About Kahrs Holding AB (publ) Kahrs Holding AB (publ) is a world-leading flooring manufacturer in hardwood and resilient flooring with a number of strong brands in its product portfolio, including Kahrs, Karelia and Upofloor. The Company's innovations have shaped the industry throughout history and Kahrs Group is dedicated to providing the market with innovative new flooring solutions. Kahrs Group, which delivers products to more than 70 countries, is the market leader in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Russia and holds a strong position in other key markets, such as the UK and Germany. The Group has approximately 1,600 employees and annual sales of EUR 300 million. www.kahrsgroup.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005352/en/ Contacts: Kahrs Holding AB Christer Persson, President and CEO tel: +46 70 271 20 14 or Jonas Back, CFO tel: +46 70 510 61 43 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After reporting much stronger than expected U.S. retail sales growth in the previous month, the Commerce Department released a report on Friday showing that retail sales were unexpectedly flat in the month of July. The Commerce Department said retail sales were virtually unchanged in July after climbing by an upwardly revised 0.8 percent in June. Economists had expected sales to rise by 0.4 percent compared to the 0.6 percent increase originally reported for the previous month. The flat retail sales came despite a jump in sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers, which surged up by 1.1 percent in July after rising by 0.5 percent in June. Excluding the spike in auto sales, retail sales fell by 0.3 percent in July after advancing by an upwardly revised 0.9 percent in June. Ex-auto sales had been expected to rise by 0.2 percent compared to the 0.7 percent increase that had been reported for the previous month. The drop in ex-auto sales was partly due to a 2.7 percent slump in sales by gas stations, which fell amid lower gasoline prices. Sales by sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores also tumbled by 2.2 percent in July after jumping by 1.7 percent in June. The report said closely watched core retail sales, which exclude autos, gasoline, building materials and food service, were unchanged in July following a 0.5 percent advance in June. Paul Ashworth, Chief U.S. Economist at Capital Economics, said the flat core sales is genuinely disappointing but noted it follows a run of very strong gains between April and June. 'As things stand now, we still think that third-quarter GDP growth will be close to 3%, but driven by positive contributions from inventories and investment,' Ashworth said. He added, 'We expect consumption growth to slow to nearer 3% in the third quarter, not least because real income growth has slowed sharply in recent quarters.' The Commerce Department noted that total retail sales in July were up by 2.3 percent compared to the same month a year ago, reflecting a notable slowdown from the 3.0 percent jump in June. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo has said that the US Central Command's most senior intelligence leaders manipulated the command's intelligence products to downplay the threat from ISIS. A congressional joint task force investigating allegations of intelligence manipulation at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding the fight against ISIS released its report on Thursday. This report comes after a several months investigation by the task force, which was comprised of Pompeo, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA). Commenting on the report, Pompeo said it is very clear that from the middle of 2014 to the middle of 2015, U.S. Central Command's most senior intelligence leaders manipulated the command's intelligence products to downplay the threat from ISIS in Iraq. As a result, consumers of those intelligence products were provided a consistently 'rosy' view of U.S. operational success against ISIS. That may well have resulted in putting American troops at risk as policymakers relied on this intelligence when formulating policy and allocating resources for the fight, Pompeo said. 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. Contemporary and unexpected twists in store for UK's longest running poetry festival Readings from acclaimed actors Paapa Essiedu and Natalie Simpson Hip-hop poetry by Birmingham rapper, Juice Aleem Shakespeare in Space, an intergalactic musical poetry workshop for all the family Unexpected encounters with our poets-in-residence The UK's longest running poetry festival returns to Stratford-upon-Avon from 18 25 September with an exciting line-up of readings, performances and workshops featuring world-class poets and artists. Organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the 63rd Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival (http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/poetryfestival) celebrates 400 years of Shakespeare's creative legacy with an enthralling programme of contemporary, diverse and inspirational poetry. Launching on 18 September, this year's highlights include readings from acclaimed Shakespearian actors Paapa Essiedu and Natalie Simpson, an experimental evening of Hip-hop, poetry and performance with Birmingham-based rapper Juice Aleem, bookbinding and creative writing workshops, a poetry choir with a programme of classical and contemporary choral work, an open-mic night, and a cheese and wine evening with a reading of Venus and Adonis in Shakespeare's Schoolroom the very place where he probably first thought of one of his most witty and sophisticated works. Children and the young at heart can also join in the fun, with a lively, 'intergalactic' musical poetry workshop featuring Shakespeare in Space! Poetry can happen anywhere, at any time. This year ten, world-class poets have been invited to be poets-in-residence at venues across Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Unexpected Encounters programme. Supported by Arts Council England and the Danish Arts Council, Unexpected Encounters features a diverse range of distinguished poets including Jo Bell, Matt Black, Roy McFarlane, Gregory Leadbetter and Arjunan Manuelpillai, taking inspiration from observations and interactions with people and their surroundings to produce compelling new pieces. Special guest poet-in-residence (in partnership with the Hosking Houses Trust) is Danish poet Cindy Lynn Brown, who will be writing poems inspired by Hamlet. At the end of the festival the poets will perform their work and share experiences at a special showcase evening on 24 September. Dr. Paul Edmondson, Poetry Festival Director and Head of Research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said, "We're really excited by the variety and diversity of this year's programme, bringing a fresh, contemporary approach to poetry for the enjoyment of people of all ages. Featuring works by established artists alongside plenty of new writing from up and coming talents, there will be plenty of opportunity for people to take inspiration and try their hand at creative writing. We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to enjoy this fantastic celebration of poetry in the hometown of one of the greatest poets of all." The 63rd Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival runs from 18 25 September 2016. For the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/poetry-festival. Ends. Notes to Editors: Members of the media are welcome to attend any of the events and workshops taking place during the festival. For press accreditation, please email pressinfo@shakespeare.org.uk. About the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the independent charity that cares for the world's greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare's works, life and times all over the world. Established by Act of Parliament in 1847, the charity runs formal and informal educational programmes for people of all ages. It holds the world's largest Shakespeare-related museum and archives open free to the public, a collection which is designated as being of international importance. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust receives no public subsidy or direct revenue funding; it depends on income generated through the support of visitors, donors, volunteers and Friends. For more information, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005395/en/ Contacts: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Alisan Cole PR Public Affairs Executive 01789 207132 alisan.cole@shakespeare.org.uk Ohios state auditor is calling for a change in the way the state funds online charter schools, according to the Columbus Dispatch . At a statewide charter school summit, Dave Yost, a Republican, said that virtual schools should be compensated based on what their students learnsuch as the courses they completerather than whether they simply log into school. The current law is not clear on this issue, he said. Full-time online charter schools nationally have been pummeled by a series of critical reports recently, starting with a study released by Stanford Universitys Center for Research on Educational Outcomes last October, which found that virtual charter school students, on average, made dramatically less progress academically than their peers in traditional district schools. Those results were echoed in another study put out last week that focused on Ohio and was commissioned by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a right-leaning think tank that supports school choice. Yosts proposal was applauded by the National Alliance for Public Charter schools, an influential national charter advocacy group. We urge Ohio lawmakers to work with Auditor Yost and the states charter school community to design and implement learning-based funding for full-time virtual charter schools in a way that leads to improved results in these schools, Nina Rees, the president and CEO of the National Alliance, said in a statement. Rees organization released a report in June calling for moreor at least differentregulations for virtual charter schools . Meanwhile, Ohios largest online charter school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, is currently locked in a legal fight with the states education department over its student enrollment and attendance records. The state wants to check whether its been overcharged by ECOT. A review conducted earlier this year found that most of the students reviewed were not logged in the recommended five hours a day. Yosts proposal is not without precedence. Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Utah pay schools based on whether students have completed courses or proven theyve mastered the material, according to the report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Related stories: After three days of amendments and grandstanding by members of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), the regulatory body has issued a ruling which preserves net metering in the territory of UNS Energy - for now. In a 4-1 ruling, the commission passed a modified version of a proposed decision by an administrative law judge which says that UNS must wait for the conclusion of a value of solar study before it can modify the basic net metering arrangement, impose solar-specific rates or impose demand charges. It also says that any changes cannot be retroactive, a point which was emphasized by Attorney Court Rich, who represented the Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC). "Their commitment to grandfathering is a great thing for the solar industry and for all Arizonans," Rich told pv magazine. "I think that is a very important outcome." Rich sees the ruling overall as a victory. "I think it is a win for the process, and a commitment to having a data-driven analysis, instead of the rush to judgement that some of the utilities were proposing." Vote Solar Initiative agrees. "Overall I am pleased with the outcome," Vote Solar Program Director of DG Regulatory Policy Briana Kobor told pv magazine. "I think what the commission did is affirm the need to have a data-driven analysis, prior to making decisions about when and how we modify net metering." While UNS serves only 93,000 electric ... Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ... WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Business inventories in the U.S. rose by slightly more than expected in the month of June, the Commerce Department revealed a report released on Friday. The Commerce Department said business inventories edged up by 0.2 percent in June, matching the uptick seen in May. Economists had expected inventories to inch up by 0.1 percent. Retail and wholesale inventories climbed by 0.5 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, while manufacturing inventories dipped by 0.1 percent. The report also said business sales surged up by 1.2 percent in June after rising by 0.3 percent in the previous month. The increase was partly due to a 1.9 percent jump in wholesale sales, although retail and manufacturing sales also climbed by 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. With sales increasing by much more than inventories, the total business inventories/sales ratio slipped to 1.39 in June from 1.40 in May. Compared to the same month a year ago, business inventories were up by 0.5 percent but business sales were down by 0.6 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Donald Trump campaign has alleged that Hillary Clinton has lied wildly about the GOP Presidential nominee's proposed childcare reforms. Clinton in a speech on Thursday had criticized Trump's economic policy. She said Trump's tax deduction for working families is designed for rich people like him and would provide no benefit for others. But in a statement issued Thursday, Stephen Miller, National Policy Director for Trump, refuted the allegation saying that the reforms are to benefit the working and middle class families, and lower-income workers can fully deduct the average cost of childcare spending from their payroll taxes. He announced that it is just the first in a series of reforms the campaign will outline in more detail in coming days to provide targeted relief to low and middle income families, especially those most in need. Miller made it clear that every parent, whether they itemize deductions or use the standard deduction, will be able to subtract the average cost of childcare from their income when determining tax liability. He claimed that this 'above-the-line' deduction or exclusion from income will provide the greatest relief to middle class families who struggle to pay childcare costs that sometimes exceed $1,000 per month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A JetBlue Airways (JBLU) flight from Boston to Sacramento experienced rough turbulence Thursday evening, causing injuries to 22 passengers and two crew members. JetBlue Flight 429 took off from Logan International Airport at 5.25 pm enroute to Sacramento. Following the turbulence, the aircraft was diverted and forced to land in Rapid City, South Dakota at about 7.30 pm. Passengers flew out of their seats, with several of them hitting their heads into the ceiling and overhead compartments as the plane dropped violently. Bad weather conditions are believed to have played a role in causing the turbulence. JetBlue provided water for the passengers after the aircraft landed in Rapid City and the airport provided blankets. A spokesperson for the Rapid City Regional Hospital said 24 people from the flight were treated and released, all with minor injuries. The passengers able to continue to Sacramento boarded a replacement aircraft later to finish their journey. JetBlue apologized to the passengers on flight 429 and offered them a service credit in the amount of the round-trip fare paid or $200, whichever is greater. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign released a new web video on Friday attacking likely general election opponent Donald Trump for his refusal for release his tax returns. The ad features footage of several prominent Republicans urging Trump to release his returns, including 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Romney, who has been critical of Trump, says in the video that seeing his tax returns will be the only way to know if the billionaire is 'a real deal or a phony.' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., and former Trump challenger Senator Ted Cruz, R-Tex., are also shown in the ad arguing that Trump should release his returns. Trump has steadfastly refused to release his tax returns, repeatedly citing an ongoing audit by the Internal Revenue Service. However, the ad also includes audio from Trump in which he suggests there would be 'something wrong' if you didn't see a candidate's tax returns. The Clinton campaign has indicated that the former Secretary of State will release her tax returns in the coming days. (Photo: Lorie Shaull) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Regulatory News: In connection with AP Alternative Assets, L.P.'s ("AAA"; Euronext Amsterdam: AAA) equity investment in Athene Holding Ltd. ("Athene"), AAA, the largest shareholder of Athene, informs its investors that Athene plans to release its GAAP financial results for the second quarter of 2016 on August 16, 2016, prior to the start of trading on Euronext in Amsterdam. A summary of these results will also be included in an Athene presentation that will be posted on AAA's website at www.apolloalternativeassets.com. In addition, AAA will host a conference call on August 16, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. CEST (Amsterdam) 3:00 p.m. BST (London) 10:00 a.m. EDT (New York). During this call, members of Athene's senior management team will review information relating to Athene. All interested parties are welcome to participate. The call can be accessed by dialing 20-717-6857 within the Netherlands or +31-20-717-6857 outside of the Netherlands. Please dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to the call. When prompted, callers should reference "Athene". A presentation including a summary of Athene's financial results will be referenced during the conference call and will be available on AAA's website at www.apolloalternativeassets.com prior to the call. An archived replay of the conference call will be available until September 16, 2016, via AAA's website at www.apolloalternativeassets.com. About AP Alternative Assets AP Alternative Assets was established by Apollo Global Management, LLC and its subsidiaries ("Apollo") and is a closed-end limited partnership established under the laws of Guernsey. Apollo is a leading global alternative investment manager with 26 years of experience investing across the capital structure of leveraged companies. AAA is managed by Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P. For more information about AP Alternative Assets, please visit www.apolloalternativeassets.com. This announcement does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from the historical experience and expressed or implied expectations of AAA. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and AAA does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements unless required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005586/en/ Contacts: AP Alternative Assets, L.P. Gary M. Stein (New York), +1-212-822-0467 "There are decades when weeks happen, and weeks when decades happen." While no one is sure of the source of this quote, popularly attributed to V.I. Lenin, it is certainly true that there are times of more rapid change in the world, and the solar industry is no exception. This week was a particularly intense one in the U.S. solar industry, with important developments on the regulatory front, a ton of second-quarter financial results, a new direction for SolarCity, and some bad news about coming losses and layoffs in Denver. Topping the list: After dragging the matter out for three days, late last night Arizona regulators approved a proposed ruling that will allow net metering to continue to exist in the territory of UNS, with only minor modifications to rate structures, until a value of solar study concludes. UNS is not a particularly large utility, but the case was closely watched as a potential precedent for other rate cases at larger utilities including TEP and APS. Advocates have described the ruling as a win for the industry and evidence-based policymaking. ... 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. TEMPE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 --American Green, Inc. (OTC PINK: ERBB) announced today that Mr. Jonathan Miller's position as American Green's CEO has been terminated. The company will be guided by its executive chairman, Mr. David Gwyther, who has been, over the years, very familiar with the organization's various initiatives. "A change was necessary and the time was right for informal restructuring from the top down, with the goal of better aligning the company's short and medium-term initiatives with the day-to-day activities of its top manager," says Mr. Gwyther. Over the next several weeks, the company will be evaluating each of Mr. Miller's uncompleted initiatives. American Green will begin providing shareholder updates on its initiatives next week and remains confident in its position as a thought leader in the industry, prepared to embrace a future that continues to grow in spite of its many inherent challenges. Be sure to visit the company's website at www.americangreen.com and sign up for the company's emails alerts to stay current on news. Shareholders and interest holders may also stay current with American Green Updates: Twitter: @American__Green (two underscores), or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americangreenusa NOTES ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission reports and filings. Certain statements contained in this release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by that Act. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as estimates, anticipates, projects, plans, expects, intends, believes, should and similar expressions and by the context in which they are used. Such statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which they are made. About American Green, Inc. American Green, Inc. became one of the first publicly traded technology companies in the medical cannabis industry in the world, beginning in 2009, with the introduction of the ZaZZZ machine for automated, age-verifying dispensing of cannabis-based medicines. Now, with over 50,000 individual shareholders, American Green's mission is to be the cannabis & industrial hemp industry, seed-to sale innovator, leveraging our team of professionals, as well as value-added companies and products -- spanning cultivation, manufacturing and extraction, retail, and community outreach. We strive to develop sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value, and awareness beyond our industries. American Green, Inc. Investor Relations 1221 W Warner Rd, Suite 103 Tempe, AZ 85284 480-443-1600 X555 Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal ball bearing marketreport until 2020. This research report also lists eight other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. Competitive vendor landscape According to the report, the global ball bearing market is a mature market characterized by the presence of a small number of manufacturers occupying large market shares. Efficiency of ball bearings is the main area of focus for manufacturers as it forms the major means to upgrade product offerings in the market. The market is highly capital-intensive and has low asset turnover. It is difficult for new players to enter the market. Cartelization is a major challenge in the market. "In order to restrict any new competition, key vendors are involved in cartels to avoid undercutting each other's prices, thereby keeping the existing supply stable. The threat from counterfeit products is another key challenge faced by vendors," says Anju Ajaykumar, a lead tools and componentsresearch analyst from Technavio. The vendors in this market should concentrate more on entry of counterfeit products, especially into APAC. Consumer awareness programs are being conducted by players such as SKF to educate consumers as well as retailers about counterfeit ball bearings. Request sample report: http://goo.gl/8zdD8Y Top five ball bearing market vendors NSK NSK was incorporated in 1916 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures automotive products, precision machinery and parts, and bearings. It provides a range of products like ball bearings, spindles, roller bearings, and steel balls to various industries. NSK products and services cater to various industries, including steel, mining and construction, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, wind turbines, and others. The company provides various services like maintenance and repair, training, and troubleshooting services to its customers. The company offers various solutions under this market, which find applications in industries such as steel, papermaking machinery, mining and construction, wind turbines, semiconductors, machine tools, gearboxes, electric motors, pumps and compressors, injection molding machines, office equipment, motorcycles, and railways. NTN NTN was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The company mainly manufactures and sells axle bearings, constant velocity joints and precision equipment for automobile, industrial machinery and repair commercial markets. Its product portfolio includes mechanical components like bearings, ball screws, sintered members and others, and peripheral components like gears, motors (drive circuits), sensors, and others. NTN ball bearings are available in various sizes ranging from 10 to 320 mm outside diameters. It offers a variety of configurations of seals, shields, lubricants, internal clearances, and cage designs. Schaeffler Schaeffler was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The company develops, manufactures, and sells rolling bearings, plain bearings, spherical plain bearings, and linear products for the automotive industry. It offers engine, transmission, and chassis systems and accessories. The company operates through two segments: automotive and industrial. The company's automotive division offers products such as clutch systems, torsion dampers, transmission components, valve train systems, electric drives, camshaft phasing units, and bearing solutions in transmissions and chassis. The company's industrial division offers rolling and plain bearings, maintenance products, linear technology, monitoring systems, and direct drive technology. SKF SKF was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company supplies bearings, mechatronics, seals, lubrication systems and services that offer technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. It offers products through several categories such as condition monitoring products, measuring equipment, coupling systems, bearings, and others. SKF operates mainly through three business areas, including industrial market, automotive market, and specialty business. SKF ball bearings come in a variety of types, designs, sizes, series, variants, and materials. Depending on the bearing design, SKF ball bearings are available in four performance classes. These superior quality ball bearings have a long service life. SKF standard bearings are used in applications that must accommodate higher loads while reducing friction, heat, and wear. Timken Timken was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, US. The company is a global manufacturer of engineered bearings, alloy and specialty steel, and related components. Its product portfolio includes tapered roller bearings that are applicable in passenger cars, light and heavy trucks, and trains, and a range of industrial applications like small gear drives and wind energy machines. Radial ball bearings consist of an inner and outer ring with a cage containing a complement of precision balls. The standard Conrad type bearing has a deep groove construction capable of handling radial and axial loads from both directions that permit relatively high-speed operation. The company also offers other special designs, including a maximum capacity series and an extra-large radial series bearing. The radial ball bearings size ranges from 3 to 600 mm (0.12 to 23.62 in.) bore. These ball bearings are engineered for use in high-speed, high-precision applications for agriculture, chemical, automotive, general industrial, and utilities. Browse Related Reports: Global Anti-Friction Bearings Market 2015-2019 Bearings Market in India 2015-2019 Global Self-Lubricating Bearings Market 2015-2019 Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160812005167/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com With the fall semester around the corner, its an opportune time to ask if hospitals have something important to teach public schools. Recognizing that even the best new medical school graduates have little clinical experience with patients, hospitals are beginning to implement formal escalation-of-care policies (A Better Safety Net for Young Doctors , The Wall Street Journal, Aug. 9). What these policies aim to do is to reassure new residents that calling for help from senior physicians is no indication of their incompetence. In fact, it is just the opposite. I maintain that a similar approach needs to be taken in public schools for new teachers in particular. Whatever they have learned in their student teaching as part of the requirements for a license is rarely enough to prepare them for the realities of the classroom. The trouble is that new teachers are reluctant to ask for help from veteran teachers. Theyre afraid that doing so will be held against them during their pre-tenure year evaluations. When I was working on my California teaching credential in the mid 1960s, my training teacher happened to be the English coordinator at UCLA. He was an outstanding mentor during that period, and continued to be a source of great support during my first few years in the classroom. I was extremely fortunate to have had him in my corner. I think all new teachers need someone similar. Its not that veteran teachers cant also profit from the same resource persons, but theyre more likely to have built friendships among their colleagues during their many years in the classroom. In light of the high teacher turnover rate during the first five years, the need is urgent. It would be interesting to design a study comparing turnover rates between teachers with mentors and teachers without them. Just as patients have benefited from escalation-of-care policies, I think students will also benefit. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has sought to downplay the controversy over his remarks linking President Barack Obama and the terrorist group known as ISIS, claiming that his comments were sarcastic. 'Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) 'the founder' of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?' Trump said in a post on Twitter. The tweet from Trump comes after the real estate tycoon repeatedly referred to Obama as the 'founder' of ISIS and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as the 'co-founder' of the militant group. Trump doubled down on his comments during a Thursday morning interview on CNBC, saying Obama was 'absolutely' the founder of ISIS. 'He gets the most valuable player award. Him and Hillary, she gets it too. I gave her co-founder if you really looked at this speech,' Trump said on CNBC's 'Squawk Box.' Trump argued that the uproar in response to his comments suggests that political pundits just can't figure him out. 'ISIS gained tremendous strength during Hillary Clinton's term as Secretary of State,' he tweeted. 'When will the dishonest media report the facts!' Trump claimed last month that his comments calling on Russian hackers to find 30,000 emails missing from Clinton's private server were also sarcastic. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) 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. DUBLIN, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Cocoa Market 2016-2020" report to their offering. The global cocoa market to grow at a CAGR of 3.14%, in terms of volume, during the period 2016-2020. Global Cocoa Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. The governments of most cocoa-producing countries are developing infrastructure and encouraging cocoa cultivation to increase trade. Infrastructure in terms of warehousing facilities and roads for transportation in regions such as Africa are expected to improve. Political stability can greatly affect the supply potential of cocoa and hence is crucial for steady market growth. Rising demand for dark chocolates will be a key trend for market growth. Dark chocolates contain flavonoids, compounds that play the role of antioxidants. Flavonoids are useful in protecting cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals. They also lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol, i.e., low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, by about 10%. Dark chocolate has attracted health-conscious consumers, and the sales of dark chocolate are increasing significantly worldwide, but particularly so in the US, China, the UK, Russia, and Brazil. According to the report, one of the key drivers for market growth will be demand for origin-specific cocoa. The use of origin-specific cocoa, which is made from high-quality cocoa beans obtained from one specific region, has seen increased demand over the last few years. Mondelez International's Cadbury Bournville emphasizes that the rich cocoa of this fine dark chocolate comes from villages in Ghana. This kind of origin-specific production can reach the emotional touchpoints of consumers. Further, the report states that fluctuating cocoa prices will be a challenge for the market. Cocoa prices have been fluctuating for the past decade. The cocoa prices depend heavily on growing conditions and can vary significantly from month to month. The volatile price of cocoa makes chocolate production costs more volatile. Marketers of confectionery items are concerned about the fluctuating cocoa prices as they are left unable to estimate their production costs on a yearly basis. As chocolate is the largest selling confectionery item, accounting for 56% of the overall market value, the volatile cocoa prices have become a major challenge for the confectionery market. Key vendors - Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) - Barry Callebaut - Blommer Chocolate Company - Cargill - Cocoa Processing Company - Olam Other prominent vendors - CEMOI - Daarnhouwer - Dutch Cocoa - Newtown Foods - Puratos - The Hershey Company - United Cocoa Processor Key Topics Covered: Part 01: Executive summary Part 02: Scope of the report Part 03: Market research methodology Part 04: Introduction Part 05: Market landscape Part 06: Market segmentation by product Part 07: Market segmentation by application Part 08: Geographical segmentation Part 09: Key producing countries Part 10: Market drivers Part 11: Impact of drivers Part 12: Market challenges Part 13: Impact of drivers and challenges Part 14: Market trends Part 15: Vendor landscape Part 16: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4h3q4n/global_cocoa Related Topics: Chocolate and Cocoa Products Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 STUDIO CITY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- Tix Corporation (the "Company") (OTCQX: TIXC), a leading provider of discount ticketing services, is pleased to announce the results of two proposals voted on by stockholders at today's annual meeting of stockholders, held at Sportsmen's Lodge Events Center, 12833 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California 91604. Proposal 1 relating to election of directors - Stockholders elected all five board nominees to serve until next year's annual meeting of stockholders. The individuals that were elected are Aaron S. Bregman, Norman Feirstein, Mitch Francis, Andrew Pells, and Steven L. Zelinger. Proposal 2 relating to ratification of independent registered public accountant - Stockholders ratified the appointment of Weinberg & Company, P.A. as the Company's independent registered public accountant for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. About Tix Corporation Tix Corporation (OTCQX: TIXC) provides discount ticketing services. It currently operates ten discount ticket stores in Las Vegas under its Tix4Tonight marquee, which offers up to a 50 percent discount for same-day shows, concerts, attractions and sporting events, as well as discount reservations for dining. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the historical information contained herein, certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's various historical filings with the OTCQX. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. A copy of the Company's report for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 can be found on the Company website at www.tixcorp.com or at www.otcmarkets.com. Contact: Steve Handy CFO 818-761-1002 TSX:ORV #11-2016 TORONTO, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Orvana Minerals Corp. (TSX:ORV) (the "Company" or "Orvana") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's press release dated July 27, 2016, it has closed the US$12.5 million copper concentrates and gold dore prepayment agreement (the "Facility") with Samsung C&T U.K. Ltd. ("Samsung C&T"). The Company has drawn down the first installment under the Facility of US$8 million. The Company expects to use the proceeds of the Facility to fund planned development and infrastructure investments at its El Valle Mine in Asturias, Spain and working capital requirements for the short-term re-start of Carles Mine, located in close proximity to El Valle Mine. Orvana will sell copper concentrate from its Don Mario Mine and gold dore from its El Valle Mine to Samsung C&T, as agreed under the terms of the Facility. The first shipment of copper concentrate to Samsung C&T will occur this month, while the first shipment of gold dore is expected to occur in October 2016. About Orvana Orvana is a multi-mine gold and copper producer. Orvana's operating assets consist of the producing gold-copper-silver El Valle mine in northern Spain, and the producing gold-copper-silver Don Mario mine in Bolivia. Additional information is available at Orvana's website (www.orvana.com). Cautionary Statements - Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this information constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, potentials, future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "believes", "expects", "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "are projected to" be taken or achieved) are not statements of historical fact, but are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein relate to, among other things, Orvana's ability to achieve improvement in free cash flow; the potential to extend the mine life of El Valle and Don Mario beyond their current life-of-mine estimates; Orvana's ability to optimize its assets to deliver shareholder value; the Company's ability to optimize productivity at Don Mario and El Valle; estimates of future production, operating costs and capital expenditures; mineral resource and reserve estimates; statements and information regarding future feasibility studies and their results; future transactions; future metal prices; the ability to achieve additional growth and geographic diversification; future financial performance, including the ability to increase cash flow and profits; future financing requirements; and mine development plans. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates and assumptions of the Company contained or incorporated by reference in this information, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in Orvana's most recently filed Management's Discussion & Analysis and Annual Information Form in respect of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year (the "Company Disclosures") or as otherwise expressly incorporated herein by reference as well as: there being no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage to equipment or otherwise; permitting, development, operations, expansion and acquisitions at El Valle and Don Mario being consistent with the Company's current expectations; political developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations; certain price assumptions for gold, copper and silver; prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; production and cost of sales forecasts meeting expectations; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; and labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Orvana's current expectations. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include fluctuations in the price of gold, silver and copper; the need to recalculate estimates of resources based on actual production experience; the failure to achieve production estimates; variations in the grade of ore mined; variations in the cost of operations; the availability of qualified personnel; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain all necessary regulatory approvals and licenses; the Company's ability to use cyanide in its mining operations; risks generally associated with mineral exploration and development, including the Company's ability to continue to operate the El Valle and/or Don Mario and/or ability to resume operations at the Carles Mine; the Company's ability to acquire and develop mineral properties and to successfully integrate such acquisitions; the Company's ability to execute on its strategy; the Company's ability to obtain financing when required on terms that are acceptable to the Company; challenges to the Company's interests in its property and mineral rights; current, pending and proposed legislative or regulatory developments or changes in political, social or economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates; general economic conditions worldwide; and the risks identified in the Company's Disclosures under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties". This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's Disclosures for a description of additional risk factors. Any forward-looking statements made in this information with respect to the anticipated development and exploration of the Company's mineral projects are intended to provide an overview of management's expectations with respect to certain future activities of the Company and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions and, except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this information are intended to provide an overview of management's expectations with respect to certain future operating activities of the Company and may not be appropriate for other purposes. For further information: Jeff Hillis, Chief Financial Officer , T +1 (416) 369-6275, E jhillis@orvana.com; Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer, T+1 (416) 369-6275, E jjobin@orvana.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/12/16 -- All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated ONCAP today announced it has agreed to acquire Tecta America Corporation from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P. ("Oaktree") for $280 million. Tecta America is the largest provider of commercial roofing services in the U.S. offering installation, replacement and repair services. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Tecta America services both local and national accounts across a spectrum of industries and end markets including industrial, retail / office, non-government institutional, government, multi-family and other. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, the company has over 2,500 employees and 37 local operating units comprised of 52 locations nationwide. "Tecta America is an industry leader with an exceptional reputation for best-in-class responsiveness and a depth of resources that is unmatched in the sector," said Evan Hershberg, a Managing Director with ONCAP. "We are excited to partner with Tecta America's management team to support its next phase of growth." "ONCAP has a strong investment track record and we're delighted to work with its experienced team to further build on our solid foundation," said Mark Santacrose, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tecta America. "We greatly value the support and commitment Oaktree provided over its ownership, as well as its confidence in our people and our future." "We believed in Tecta America's value from the start and were excited to support Tecta America's return to its core strategy," said Cass Traub, Managing Director at Oaktree. "The entire Tecta America team - from senior management to field operations - is outstanding, and we think the future for the company is very bright." ONCAP III, related entities, other investors and management of Tecta America will make an equity investment of approximately $130 million. This is expected to be the last investment for ONCAP III. About ONCAP ONCAP is the mid-market private equity platform of Onex. ONCAP, in partnership with operating company management teams, invests in and builds shareholder value in North American small and mid-size companies that are leaders in their defined market niche and possess meaningful growth potential. For more information on ONCAP, visit its website at www.oncap.com. Onex is one of the oldest and most successful private equity firms. Through its Onex Partners and ONCAP private equity funds, Onex acquires and builds high-quality businesses in partnership with talented management teams. At Onex Credit, Onex manages and invests in leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and other credit securities. The Company has approximately $23 billion of assets under management, including $6 billion of Onex proprietary capital, in private equity and credit securities. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex invests its capital through its two investing platforms and is the largest limited partner in each of its private equity funds. For more information on Onex, visit its website at www.onex.com. About Tecta America Tecta America is the nation's premier commercial roofing contractor with operations located from coast to coast. Our unyielding commitment to quality, expertise and professionalism is what makes us the industry leader. Installation, repair, emergency damage response, sustainability options and more-we offer the responsiveness of a local roofing contractor backed by the resources and stability you need from a commercial roofing solution. For more information, visit our website at www.tectaamerica.com. About Oaktree Capital Management Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $98 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2016. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in distressed debt, corporate debt (including high yield debt and senior loans), control investing, convertible securities, real estate and listed equities. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm has over 900 employees and offices in 18 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree's website at www.oaktreecapital.com. This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Onex is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: Onex Emilie Blouin Director, Investor Relations 416.362.7711 www.onex.com Tecta America Corporation Robin Hollerich 507.385.4420 rhollerich@tectaamerica.com www.tectaamerica.com Greenqloud, a Reykjavic, Iceland-based software company focused on developing advanced on-premise IaaS cloud software, received a $4m investment from CB Technologies Founder and CEO Kelly Ireland. With this investment, Ireland also joined the Greenqloud Board of Directors. She joined such investors as Keel Invest, New Venture Fund and Novator, along with smaller private investors, founders and employees. Founded in 2010 and led by Jonsi Stefansson, CEO, Greenqloud provides advanced on-premise IaaS cloud software, Qstack to global companies in Finance, Gaming, Healthcare, IT Services and Biotech. Qstack features a self-service web console and advanced API controls for full automation of IT services. It supports a wide range of hypervisors such as VMWare, KVM, HyperV and Xen, is customizable, can be deployed as a stand-alone private cloud with hybrid cloud features to manage multiple datacenter locations or public clouds, and combines proprietary software with open-source components. The company, which also has a US-based office in Seattle, Washington, has a Board of Directors including: Ireland; Gudmundur Ingi Jonsson (Chairman); Birgir Mar Ragnarsson; Thorlakur Traustason; and Egill Masson. FinSMEs 12/08/2016 Wales Environmental, a South Wales, UK-based liquid waste management and drainage company, received 3.75m in financing. Business Growth Fund made a 2m investment alongside an additional 1.75m of funding from HSBC. The capital will be used to support the continued geographical expansion of the business across Wales and England. Founded in 1980, Wales Environmental provides liquid waste removal and drainage services to commercial and domestic customers across Wales and the South West of England. Led by Chief Executive Llyr Williams and Chairman Owen Sennitt, the business has recently expanded its presence with the acquisition of Cardiff Drain Cleaning Company, Drainology in Devon and Drains Direct in Deeside. The business generates revenues close to 7m and employs more than 80 people. FinSMEs 12/08/2016 Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles airport for questioning by the US immigration department. Again. Seems like a severe case of deja vu for us, so one can imagine how Shah Rukh Khan must be feeling. The witty superstar's tweets about the matter went intensely viral on Twitter: I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 While this time Shah Rukh Khan whas not disclosed why he was heading to the US, he did happen to meet Varun Dhawan and Karan Johar at the airport: Enroute to Houston #dreamteam. Look whose blessings we got @iamsrk. We got his energy now! Are you ready houston?? pic.twitter.com/yEBtW1ZMnn Varun dhawan (@Varun_dvn) August 11, 2016 Upon tweeting about his airport ordeal, US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal tweeted an apology to Shah Rukh Khan: Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 This very incident has happened two times in the past with the Dilwale actor. In 2009, Shah Rukh Khan was detained at US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey because his name came up on a computer alert list. He was visiting the country in order to promote his film, Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan. Khan, at the time, told CNN IBN, "They kept on telling me that my name is common to some name that has popped up on the computer, so they need to follow procedure. It took them an hour and a half, two hours; they kept on asking me questions, if I could give them any ... numbers in America that they can contact and vouch for me and who I am." However, in New Delhi the US Ambassador Timothy Roemer issued a statement at the time describing SRK as a "welcome guest" and a "global icon". He also said that many Americans love him and his films and they were trying their best to understand what was going on. Telegraph reports, Khan later said, "I think it's a procedure that needs to be followed, but an unfortunate procedure," he told reporters on Saturday in suburban Chicago." This isn't where the story ends. In 2012, again, Shah Rukh Khan was detained at White Plains airport near New York. He had travelled on a private plane and was en route to Yale University for a talk when he was stopped. He was invited to deliver a lecture at Yale, and was travelling with Nita Ambani. Her daughter Isha was a Yale student and also president of the South Asian society. This Hollywood Reporter article claims Khan's fellow travellers were cleared immediately by immigration but he was stopped. "Yale University officials had to contact the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Department at Washington, when they came to know about his detention," said a source to THR. It is during this incident that Shah Rukh Khan had said his famous one-liner: "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom." BBC reports, he additionally said, "They always ask me how tall I am and I always lie and say 5ft 10 inches. Next time I am going to get more adventurous. [If they ask me] what colour are you, I am going to say white." The one draw to take from this whole issue is, no matter what happens to Shah Rukh Khan at US airports, he never loses his wit. Here's what Twitterati had to say: One side @BarackObama says "celebrate success of Shah Rukh Khan" on the other side their security personnels always disturb him Ravi Rajesh Ft SRK (@IAMRAVIRAJESH) August 12, 2016 #ShahRukhKhan is lucky that #Trump is not yet in power otherwise he would have been shot directly without detention Ashok Garekar (@DrGarekar) August 12, 2016 Simple! When US movie stars visit India, detain them and question them on their visit rather than going gaga over them! #ShahRukhKhan Ramesh T (@hereiam_hi) August 12, 2016 Liberal Politics from the Heart of Bluegrass Country New Delhi: Back in December 2015, well before politics over bovines took centre stage in India, the late Rohith Vemula, the Dalit scholar from University of Hyderabad, wanted cow vigilantes to be declared terrorists and sent to rehabilitation, according to his online diary published by Juggernaut Books. In the book "#CasteIsNotARumour: The Online Diary of Rohith Vemula", collated and edited by journalist Nikhila Henry, Vemula, comes down heavily on cow and caste politics in the country. If any organised movement has claimed lives like these Gau-dals, those organisations would have been declared terrorist sects by now," says a Facebook post on 12 December, 2015. Vemula, the face of the ongoing Dalit agitation across the country, committed suicide on 17 January, 2016 following his expulsion from the hostel and public spaces on university campus. The book, a compilation of his Facebook posts from 2008 to 2016, serves as a critique on Indian politics. People who believe that cows are their mothers and kill people who eat beef should immediately be declared a national threat and must be sent to rehabilitation asylums, he wrote. The book gives a glimpse of the political ideology, wit and the romantic side of the 26-year old scholar, who found beauty in female company, loved campus explorations and hummed the "Jungle Book" theme song. Pulling no punches against the left, right and the centre, Vemula's dark humour could take on the mightiest, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, On the lines of Mussolini, the Indian loony is living up to his expectations, he wrote on 26 May, 2015. With his sarcastic comments on Independence Day, the student leader paints the sorry state of an unequal India. Even after 67 years of Independence there are class differences and caste discrimination but we should Love our Nation'. If you are a Muslim, it is better to not get into an argument with a Hindu and if you are a Dalit, never look at any Savarna personh eye-to-eye. All this might trigger massive communal violence. Independence Day Greetings!'. You should love your country and your love for the country is gauged with your hatred for other countries. Just curse a fellow Pakistani and you will be regarded as nationalist, reads his post on 15 August, 2013. From nationalism, patriotism, and marxism to feminism, Vemula voiced his fearless opinion on every issue on his Facebook wall. A staunch critic of the right wing politics, he tore apart its cultural chauvinism and the politics of hatred. Today, Saffron blankets are spread over our conscience and we are doomed to believe that light is impossible. But the truth will come out like a shining RED sun in the BLUE sky and on that day, at that moment, the saffron darkness will have to die, he wrote. From Modi to then HRD Minister Smriti Irani and Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders Prakash Karat and Sitaram Yechuri, Vemula criticised everyone from US presidential nominee Donald Trump to former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam. Vemula was also vehement in his criticism of the 'impassivity' of the Indian Left parties and he questions their failure to address the caste reality of the country. The Left severed ties with the masses long ago and had no voice in movements for social change because it had ignored the Dalit conscience for decades, Vemula argued. It had become the other side of the Hindu nationalist coin. He questioned the CPI-M caste Hindu leaders of ignoring Dalit communists. Vemula fumed at the fact that the Indian Left, though it was questioned repeatedly by Ambedkar, never acknowledged caste as an important social question", says the book. A few of Vemula's posts in a section titled "Caste is not a rumour", shows that how he believed that only a debate on the manifestation of caste in modern times will lead to its annihilation. On Asura festival: Because the Asura group is my family, reads a post on 1 October, 2013. Another post on 5 December says: Black Panthers is a guiding inspiration for Dalit Panthers movement of oppressed classes in Maharashtra. Ideas can't be killed. Other sections of the book, like Of love, romance and the self", "The romantic", "Broken and buried" and "Musings of life" reveal the romantic in Vemula, who loved life, beer, music and cigarettes with equal passion. For example, "We are made of Stardust and Dewdrops. We are amazing, even without worldly accomplishments. Because we are not ordinary." Here was a young man who saw tomorrow, but tomorrow never saw him.... Canberra: An Australian government agency in charge of the ongoing search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has reportedly retracted a published theory that the aircraft crashed into the sea after a "death dive". Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely that the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean, Xinhua news agency reported. ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian daily that the agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the US National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on 8 March, 2014. Allahabad: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday filed a status report on the investigation into the Bulandshahr gangrape case before the Allahabad High Court. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma decided to resume the hearing in the matter on Friday, after perusing the status report. The court has taken suo motu cognisance of the gang rape of a minor girl and her mother on a highway passing through Bulandshahr in western UP on 29 July. Based in Noida, the girl and her mother were on their way to Shahjahanpur along with four other members of their family when their car was stopped by criminals who sexually assaulted them. 10 August, 2016, Gunnaur, a village in Uttar Pradesh: Thirteen-year-old Sudha is helping her father Charan Singh plough his field. Thirsty, she goes to a hand pump in front of a temple nearby. The moment I touched the pump, the temple priest screamed I had polluted the water, she tells the media later. She is, of course, a Dalit. Sudha runs back to her father, crying. Charan Singh instantly goes and confronts the priest, only to be beaten up roundly and with a trident too by the priest and his lackeys. Sudha raises the alarm and other Dalits only a handful as its mainly a Yadav village intervene. Sudhas father is not cowed. He goes to the police to lodge an official complaint. The police try to persuade him to compromise, but neither he nor his fellow Dalits relent. At last a case is registered against the priest and his aides under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Has this tale left you depressed? One more in the never-ending catalogue of atrocities against Dalits, you feel? That too, less than a week after the prime ministers earnest plea, If you want to attack, attack me and not Dalits. If you want to shoot, shoot me and not Dalits. Are you wringing your hands and wondering, is there any hope for this country at all? Well, take heart, there is hope; a great deal of hope in fact. Both the prime minister and you should be exhilarated by Sudhas story. And similar tales that have been flooding the media in the last few months. The Dalits are rising and they are doing so peacefully, non-violently, on their own steam and not under the aegis of any particular political party. Rohith Vemula did not die in vain, the quartet in Una can find some solace in the mindless cruelty inflicted on them by Hindutva goons. Sudha or her fathers torment is nothing compared to the fate of Dalit women, who are routinely raped and murdered (at times even for just being the sister of a man who had eloped with a caste Hindu), or Dalit children who are burnt alive, or Dalit boys who can call themselves fortunate for living to tell the tale of their being thrashed to an inch of their lives by their teachers for touching the mid-day meal plates in school, or Dalit men for just being what they are by birth, Dalits. Crimes that went mostly unreported, un-investigated and, needless to add, untried in any court of law. They certainly did not become national news unless something particularly dastardly happened mass killings, say, or gangrape, or the flogging of four scavengers in Una, but that too because the perpetrators had filmed and broadcast their achievement in full technicolour. Yet, Sudha and her fathers run-in with the local priest, something that would hardly have raised eyebrows till recently, did. Sudhas farm-labour father refused to be browbeaten by so-called superiors, the police did take note of his complaint, the local ANI stringer reported it in a series of tweets, the media across the country picked it up, it was news even amidst such blockbuster headline grabbers as GST and Kashmir. Dalit atrocities, of whatever nature, cannot be dismissed lightly any more. If this is not an occasion to rejoice, what is? The National Crime Records Bureaus (NCRB) data shows a significant increase in crimes against those belonging to the Scheduled Castes community. The Centre itself has flagged the anomaly and sudden increase in crimes against people belonging to Scheduled Castes in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh and sought details from the local administration. Gujarat and Chhattisgarh have reported the highest crime rates of 163.30 percent (6,655 cases) and 91.90 percent (3,008 cases) against members of SC community during the last year. It could be of course that Dalits are being targeted more as they are becoming more and more aware and assertive of their rights and entitlements. Especially in an atmosphere where certain ruling party elements have appointed themselves protectors of the majority religion, even if that means a throwback to practices that are long past their sell by date and definitely against current legal and humanitarian concepts. It could also be that more and more Dalits are feeling emboldened enough to seek justice, forcing the police to take their cases and pursuing them further just as with women and rape. Not just that, in their determination to announce to the country that Dalit lives matter, the most disadvantaged and derided sections of our society have come up with unusual methods to do so. The decision to leave dead cows untouched, not just in Una but in several part of the country, is one such no violence, no harsh words even, only satyagraha. Gandhigiri at its best. Leaving civic bodies gasping for breath. Similarly, have the Sarvaiyas of Gujarat. According to a report in Thursdays The Telegraph, this 14-member family of a 27-year-old burnt alive in his village near Una in Gujarat by members of the dominant Koli Patel community four years ago, have decided to go on a fast unto death at the foot of the Ambedkar statue in infamous Una from 12 August, so as to be heard. Politicians, even Dalit politicians of mainstream parties, especially the BJP, which boasts of having the largest number of representatives from the Dalit and backward communities and which has the most at stake in the electoral battles ahead, have been caught unaware by this upsurge. And are clueless as to how to tackle it. The BJP has reportedly asked its Scheduled Caste MPs to visit five constituencies each and make voters "aware that for the first time there is a government for the backward classes, tribal people and Dalits That Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati took time out to go to Una in Gujarat, but have no time for the family of Jisha [a Dalit student, who was raped and murdered] in Kerala, and remain silent on atrocities on Dalits in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. A hackneyed approach to a novel situation, to say the least. The Dalit has had enough of being defined by others; he now wants to define himself. And the BJP with its strident Hindutva platform, despite its various outreach programmes, remains the party of the other, where one of its Dalit MPs, Udit Raj, has been openly heard saying, what to do, nobody listens to me. The Dalit today no longer fits the timorous, hapless image that even the Una videos portray. As Dalit intellectual Chandrabhan Prasad says in an interview to BW BusinessWorld, Dailt youths are discussing these [post-Una] issues over Facebook and WhatsApp. The smartphone-wielding Dalit youth doesnt respect the hierarchies of yore. I was told during a research study that no one can dare touch a Dalit girl who uses a smartphone. Such is the degree of empowerment. India, take note. A Mumbai court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of two doctors in connection with the case of alleged kidney transplant racket at Hiranandani hospital. Doctors Suvin Shetty and Veena Swelikar had moved the sessions court seeking pre-arrest bail on Thursday. Both had claimed that they followed the rules while screening the donor and the recipient before kidney transplant procedure. Operation on Brijkishor Jaiswal, the recipient, was stopped at the last moment after police found that the woman, who was donating him the kidney was not his real wife, contrary to the papers submitted by the duo. Police later arrested hospital CEO Sujit Chatterjee, medical director Anurag Naik, Mukesh Shete, Mukesh Shaha, and Prakash Shete on 9 August, under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act on the basis of a report by the director of State Health Services Department. Meanwhile, nephrologists across the state have decided to stop conducting kidney transplants until the release of Shete, reported The Indian Express. Shrirang Bichu, a nephrologist with the Bombay Hospital, was quoted by The Indian Express as saying, "We will only conduct scheduled surgeries. After that, no nephrologist is going to participate in kidney transplants." Doctors associated with the Mumbai Nephrologist Group demanded that they should not be given the responsibility of verifying documents as they are not experts in identifying forgery. They also claimed that arresting doctors without enough evidence puts them at risk. The report added that members of the Mumbai Urology Society will also discuss their future course of action to safeguard their interests. This decision of the urologists and nephrologists is likely to affect patients suffering from chronic renal failures. When the resident doctors of Delhi had gone on strike in June 2015, the AAP-led Delhi government decided to impose Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma) to end the strike so that patients don't suffer. "Emergency services have been affected due to the strike and so the government has imposed Esma. Patients in the hospitals cannot be left to die, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said. However, in this case it might be premature to consider invoking the Esma. Giving details about the about the investigations, police said that the arrested doctors were also attached with other hospitals in Mumbai and that they wanted to probe if the racket is run in other hospitals as well. Police also wanted to find out if there was any exchange of money among the doctors, agents and the donors in alleged illegal transplant of kidneys. They are studying the Call Detail Record (CDR) of the doctors and the racketeers arrested earlier. "After studying the (Director of State Health Services) report we arrested them. They (the doctors) are accused of negligence for not verifying the documents and not following the protocol involved in transplantation," police spokesperson DCP Ashok Dudhe said. With inputs from agencies Former Bollywood actress Renuka Shahane on Thursday posted on Facebook a status update inviting the Iron Lady of Manipur, Irom Sharmila to move in with her in Mumbai if no one is willing to accommodate her. In the status update, Shahane writes that it would be an honour to serve the Iron Lady. She goes on to berate "'human rights amd anti-Afspa 'activists'," who were happy and supportive only when 'you had a tube attached to your nose for force-feeding or only when you were facing the wrath of the State with courage, are not worth a second thought'. She further criticises all those who 'stand against all those forces who want to force their opinions; right, left or centre, on any adult woman who has chosen her form of protest, suffered the consequences of her choice, chosen a boyfriend who is "inconvenient" for people close to her and is yet again willing to take on the challenges of her choices'. Sahane was moved at the sight of Sharmila 'being sent back to the hospital bed' that was her 'prison for 16 years but has now suddenly become' her 'home'. Earlier, on 9 August, after breaking her 16-year-long hunger strike on, Sharmila decided to not to clip her nails, comb her hair, go to her house and meet her mother till Afspa was repealed. On 5 November, 2000, when she took a vow to start an indefinite hunger strike till the government repeals Afspa, which gives armed forces immunity against prosecution for their actions, her protest had multiple dimensions which went beyond not taking food and water. The toughest one was not to go home and meet her 84-year-old mother Shakhi Devi till achieving her goal of getting Afspa revoked. But the public animosity to a woman who for years was considered an icon and earned the sobriquet "Iron Lady" has stunned many. Finally, the Manipur branch of the Red Cross Society decided to give her temporary shelter till the time Sharmila finds a more permanent residence in Imphal. Ever since the Supreme Court ordered the nation's voting authorities to get their act together in 2002 in the wake of Bush v Gore, tech companies have been flogging touchscreen voting machines to willing buyers across the country, while a cadre computer scientists trained in Ed Felten's labs at Princeton have shown again and again and again and again that these machines are absolutely unfit for purpose, are trivial to hack, and endanger the US election system. Felten has moved on to the White House, where he's deputy CTO, while his grad students have fanned out across the country to take positions at some of America's top universities, where they and their students continue to mercilessly attack the unsound computers that America has put its democracy inside of. Ben Wofford's comprehensive account of the war on shitty voting machines in Politico is by turns frightening and enraging, and even though the touchscreen voting era appears to finally be drawing to its inevitable close, the remaining machines in the field are, if anything, even more vulnerable to remote attacks, and, worryingly, many are clustered in hotly disputed districts in key battleground states for the 2016 presidential race. It's not for lack of trying to raise alarms. Felten's team and proteges have gone to far as to meet mysterious whistleblowers in dark New York alleys to take receipt of smuggled-out voting machines to run tests on, and then produced some of the most mediagenic, easy-to-understand videos and articles detailing their findings that you could ask for. Combine this indifference with North Korea's attack on Sony, China's attack on the Office of Personnel Management, and Russia's (presumptive) attack on the DNC, and you've got a situation where it's all-too-plausible that the coming election will be hacked, and where it's certain that any irregularities will be blamed on hackers, domestic and foreign. After all, Virgina took 13 years to ditch its wifi-connected Winvote machines, whose crypto key is now known to be "abcde," and which runs a version of Windows that hasn't been updated since 2005. Jeremy Epstein, the whistleblower who fought for the machines' removal for all that time, says of the elections that were balloted on Winvote systems, "If these machines and elections weren't hacked, it was only because no one tried." To make things worse, many of the same vendors who denied, threatened, and obfuscated when caught selling defective voting machines are now trying to sell online voting systems that will have every problem of the worst voting machines, times a thousand. The Princeton group has no shortage of things that keep them up at night. Among possible targets, foreign hackers could attack the state and county computers that aggregate the precinct totals on election nightmachines that are technically supposed to remain non-networked, but that Appel thinks are likely connected to the Internet, even accidentally, from time to time. They could attack digitized voter registration databasesan increasingly utilized tool, especially in Ohio, where their problems are mountingerasing voters' names from the polls (a measure that would either cause voters to walk away, or overload the provisional ballot system). They could infect software at the point of development, writing malicious ballot definition files that companies distribute, or do the same on a software patch. They could FedEx false software to a county clerk's office and, with the right letterhead and convincing cover letter, get it installed. If a county clerk has the wrong laptop connected to the Internet at the wrong time, that could be a wide enough entry window for an attack. "No county clerk anywhere in the United States has the ability to defend themselves against advanced persistent threats," Wallach tells me, using the parlance of industry for highly motivated hackers who "lay low and stick around for a while." Wallach painted an unseemly picture, in which a seasoned cyber warrior overseas squared off against a septuagenarian volunteer. "In the same way," continues Wallach, "you would not expect your local police department to be able to repel a foreign military power." In the academic research, hacks of the machines are far more pervasive; digitized voting registrations or tabulation software are not 10 years old and running on Windows 2000, unlike the machines. Still, they present risks of their own. "There are still plenty of computers involved" even without digital touch screens, says Appel. "Even with optical scan voting, it's not just the voting machines themselvesit's the desktop and laptop computers that election officials use to prepare the ballots, prepare the electronic files from the OpScan machines, panel voter registration, electronic poll books. And the computers that aggregate the results together from all of the optical scans." "If any of those get hacked, it could could significantly disrupt the election." The digital touch screens, even with voter verified paper trail, will still be pervasive this election; 28 states keep them in use to some degree, including Ohio and Florida, though increasingly in limited settings. Pam Smith, the director of Verified Votinga group that tracks the use of voting equipment by precinct in granular detailisn't sure how many digital touch screens are left; no one I spoke with seemed to know. Nor is it clear where they'll be deployed, a decision left up to county administrators. Smith confirms that after 2007, the number of states that adopted the machines plateaued, and has finally begun to shrink. The number of states using paperless touch screensand nothing elseis five: South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey and Delaware. But the number of states with a significant number of counties with the easily hacked machines is much larger, at 13, including Indiana, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. For hacking purposes, there's little difference: In a close election, only a few precincts with paperless touch screens would be required to deflate vote totals, says Appel, even if the majority of counties are still in the Stone Age. Many of Felten's mad-scientist experiments were designed to metastasize the nefarious code once it gained entry into a machine system. How to Hack an Election in 7 Minutes [Ben Wofford/Politico] (via Memex 1.1) (Image: Andrew Appel, by Alex Halderman) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday said that exhumation and post-mortem examination of the body of Shabir Ahmed Mir would be conducted under the supervision of the Srinagar's Principal District and Sessions Judge. Shabir Ahmed Mir, 26, was allegedly shot dead by Deputy Superintendent of Police Yasir Qadri during a police raid on his residence in the wake of ongoing protests in Kashmir Valley over the killing on 8 July of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Recalling their observation in the course of the hearing of the matter on 9 August that there should be healing touch in the handling of the matter, a bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy said that all work should be done with love and affection. Directing the next hearing of the matter on 5 September, the bench said that it would be a decision of the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Srinagar on who would be present at the time of exhumation and post-mortem of the body. The bench also sought report on the compliance of its orders as it went through the report by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the incident ordered by it in the last hearing on 9 August. The bench said this as senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for the deceased's father Abdul Rehman Mir, urged the court that Deputy Superintendent of Police, who has allegedly killed the 26-year-old youth, should not be present. Agreeing with Sibal that effort should be to get at the truth, the Attorney General said, "We should get at the bottom of the truth. I agree it should be free and impartial." As the Attorney General said that he was ready for any condition that the court may impose, Sibal said that "transparency and confidence will send the right message". The Jammu and Kashmir government has moved the apex court challenging the state High Court's order directing initiation of contempt proceedings against the state Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for their failure to lodge fresh FIR against the Deputy Superintendent of Police as ordered by the Srinagar Judicial Magistrate. The apex court had on 9 August put on hold the contempt proceedings against the IGP and SSP. The government on Friday reasserted that cross-border terrorism harboured by Pakistan is at the root of the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley and that no part of Kashmir, including the Pakistan occupied territory, can be negotiated upon. "Kashmir Bharat ka abhinn ang hai (Kashmir is an integral part of India)," Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said at a press conference while briefing the media on the minutes of the all-party meet on Kashmir unrest in New Delhi. The home minister along with his colleague Finance Minister Arun Jaitley jointly addressed the press to inform about the key take-aways from the all-party meet. All major political parties met in a four-hour-long session soon after the conclusion of Monsoon session in Delhi to discuss the ongoing Kashmir crisis. Speaking to the press after the meet, Singh blamed Pakistan-sponsored terror groups for fueling the situation in Kashmir. However, he said that the percentage of miscreants, who are brainwashing the youth in the valley, is low. The home minister said that Kashmiris by and large want peace and believe in democracy. He also expressed satisfaction that irrespective of the difference in approach and opinion, all parties unanimously voiced their support to resolve the current crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present in the meeting. Singh, while quoting the Prime Minister for the press, said that there is a pressing need to expose the human rights violations in Pakistan. He said that while pointing fingers at us, Pakistan forgets that it has a habit of bombing its own citizens in Balochistan and PoK. Singh told reporters that the Ministry of External Affairs should reach out to the people of from PoK living abroad and bring to light the pathetic living conditions in the area with their help. Apart from the unrest, the Union Minister also commented on the development plans in the valley. Singh said that the Centre has cleared an economic package of Rs 80,000 crore for the all-round development of the valley. He pointed out that the government is following a five point agenda to address the Kashmir issue which not only targets security concerns but includes parallel action on comprehensive development to stem discontent among the people. This includes connecting the Kashmiri youth with the economic development in the valley by creating opportunities. The Home Minister said that the states will reach out to Kashmiris living in other parts of the country so that their Kashmiri brethern can witness the scope of growth and prosperity in India. Singh said that maintaining law and order is a priority and national security cannot be compromised upon. The government talked tough on the Pakistani interference in Indian administered Kashmir by needling the neighbouring state on the Balochistan issue. However, Jaitley clarified to the press that the Prime Minister's comment came only in the backdrop of Pakistan's repeated attempts to interference in our internal matters and did not reflect on the Indian policy on Pakistan. Despite the show of unity among all parties and the overall attempt to infuse positivity in the Kashmir discourse, the government chose to keep mum on several core issues regarding the state. When asked about CPM leader Sitaram Yechury's appeal to send an all-party delegation to reach out to the people, Jaitley said that the government is yet to take a decision on the issue. Similarly, the ministers deflected questions on imposing a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. Jaitley said that the government will only reach a decision after the expert committee submits its report. Although the finance minister said that India is determined to resolve the conflict through peaceful means as prescribed in the Indian Constitution, he refrained from giving a concrete answer on whether Hurriyat Conference and separatist leaders will be included in the dialogue process in Kashmir. The Prime Minister had earlier appealed for unilateral dialogue on Kashmir issue urging all stakeholders to come to the table. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the NDA-government is committed to restoring normalcy in the Kashmir Valley and is reaching out to the civil society to deal with the situation. The PM was addressing an all-party meeting convened to discuss ways to address tension in the Valley erupted after the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani. Here are the highlights of PM's speech at the all-party meet: 1) Cross-border terrorism, supported by Pakistan, is the root cause of turbulence in the valley 2) Like every Indian, I am deeply pained that students are unable to study (in the valley). (Even) the apples produced in large quantity in the valley are not reaching markets and government offices are unable to carry out public welfare works. 3) The government is ready to address "grievances" of all sections of people in Jammu and Kashmir as per the Constitution. But there cannot be any compromise with the nation's integrity. 4) We will speed up the political process to protect our democracy, the PM said. 5) Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a part of Jammu and Kashmir. India will fight terrorism with full might and commitment, PM said. The government's efforts include reaching out to the civil society and speeding up measures to integrate Kashmir's youth with the state's economic activities. 6) External Affairs Ministry should contact citizens of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, living in different parts of the world, to get details of the area's pitiable condition and share them with the international community. 7) Seeking support of all political parties, the prime minister said, "When terrorism is on the rise across the world and when we are encircled by terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country, we will have to be united in this fight. The government expects constructive support from all opposition parties on this." 8) "I have complete confidence that with the dedication of the state government and with your total cooperation, we will soon restore normal life in Jammu and Kashmir again," Modi said as he praised Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's government, in which BJP is a partner, for its "careful handling" of the issue despite odds. 9) Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said his government would follow the path shown by him, a reference to the former Prime Minister's offer to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. 10) "Whoever get killed, whether civilians or security forces, we all feel the pain. I have full sympathies with their families. We are committed to providing good health care to the injured and also towards restoring peace in the valley so that people could live their normal lives...," Modi said. With inputs from agencies Hong Kong, Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos said on Friday that he had met with a senior Chinese official during a trip to Hong Kong aimed at improving ties between Manila and Beijing, with both sides working towards formal discussions. Relations have cooled since a UN-backed tribunal ruled last month that China's claims over most of the South China Sea were invalid, in a sweeping victory for the Philippines which brought the case. Ramos - a longtime advocate of closer Philippine-Chinese ties - was sent as a conciliatory envoy by current Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. In a two-day meeting in Hong Kong, Ramos said he had discussions with Madam Fu Ying, chair of the foreign affairs committee of the National People's Congress - China's communist-controlled legislature. Fu Ying is a former ambassador to Manila. He also met with Wu Shichun, president of China's National Institute of South China Seas Studies. In a statement signed by Ramos, Fu Ying and Wu, the meeting was described as between "old friends" and had taken place "in a friendly atmosphere". It listed seven topics that had been covered, including marine preservation and co-operation on crime-fighting and smuggling. Ramos told reporters they had not discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but had talked about fishing rights. "They discussed, in their private capacity, the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation between the two countries," the joint statement said. It added that all parties "looked forward" to the start of formal talks which it said would be continued in Beijing and Manila. Ramos said there would be a second round of discussions soon. "As to where this will take place we don't know yet. We have to go back to Manila to find out the latest developments on the official side," he said. Ramos took his characteristic informal approach to the press conference, asking reporters to stand beside him to ask questions and pose for the cameras, and telling one journalist to hold his stomach in while he spoke. Philippine-Chinese ties have frayed in recent years due to tensions over Beijing's claims to almost all the South China Sea. Auto refresh feeds "I will not accept that this problem is just one created by Pakistan or separatists," he said. "You cannot escape the issue by just blaming Pakistan for the problems in Kashmir," he said. "Just because of good tourism in one season in Kashmir, you cannot think you solved the problem. If you do not pay attention to this problem, it will turn into a law and order problem." "There must be a conspiracy being hatched by Pakistan. But you have to look at the measures you are taking to counter it," Yechury told the government in Rajya Sabha. In response, a beleaguered Arun Jaitley said that BJP will take strict action against Dayashankar Singh. "I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her...I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati," he said. "This is not only a woman's issue. This is a man's issue," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury stressed on the fact that the man making such remarks was none other than the vice president of the UP unit of BJP and demanded that he be arrested. "A man speaks with such language on the day both houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits?" she said. "The nation will not forgive BJP for this, especially with what is going in Gujarat," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying. "There are wars of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," she said. "The insulting words used against me are against all of womankind," said Mayawati. "Dayashankar Singh should be arrested. Otherwise, if in response to this people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. UP BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh's cheap remark against BSP chief Mayawati created uproar in the Parliament as Opposition leaders attacked the Modi government over the issue. In response, a beleaguered Arun Jaitley said that BJP will take strict action against Dayashankar Singh. "I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her...I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati," he said. "This is not only a woman's issue. This is a man's issue," said TMC MP Derek O'Brien. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury stressed on the fact that the man making such remarks was none other than the vice president of the UP unit of BJP and demanded that he be arrested. "A man speaks with such language on the day both houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits?" she said. "The nation will not forgive BJP for this, especially with what is going in Gujarat," ANI quoted Mayawati as saying. "There are wars of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever," she said. "The insulting words used against me are against all of womankind," said Mayawati. "Dayashankar Singh should be arrested. Otherwise, if in response to this people get violent, it will not be on my conscience," she added. UP BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh's cheap remark against BSP chief Mayawati created uproar in the Parliament as Opposition leaders attacked the Modi government over the issue. "On one hand, BJP did a lot of things to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti and assured Dalits that they will do a lot to celebrate it. On the other hand, Dalits still do not have reservation rights in the private sector," she added. "The legal rights which Ambedkar created for the backward sections of the society will only reach the society when honest work is done for providing those rights to them," she said. "Even after the country got independence, whether it is Congress rule or BJP rule, the sad truth is that the Dalits are still suffering," Mayawati said in the Rajya Sabha. "There is an urgent need to change the mindset of the major political parties of the country towards Dalits," she said. "I have to tell the Union government that this is a serious matter. I ask the government to give justice to the Dalit victims in Gujarat. It is not enough to just send the Gujarat CM to meet them. Action needs to be taken against authorities which were negligent. They should be arrested," she said. "In the name of protection of cows, a lot of unfair things are being done. Injustice against Dalits is being done in the name of protection of cows," said Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. Crimes against Dalits being done in the name of cow protection, says Mayawati "Instead of making Dalits a political weapon, Congress, BJP and other parties should be reminded that they should rise above petty politics and work for the development of backward sections," she said. "The victims often do not get justice in case of a CID probe," said Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha. "Gujarat government did not act quickly enough. It was only when the media picked up this issue that some action was taken." "This Una incident case should run in a fast track court. We also demand that one of the judges should be a Dalit," Mayawati said. "Forget about Dalits getting justice, even their FIR is not filed many times and the latest example is the Una (Gujrat) incident," she also said. Deputy Chariman PJ Kurien denies that the House is taking the subject lightly. Rajya Sabha is currently debating Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Bhagwant Mann's video of him entering Parliament by crossing several security layers. Mann then posted it on social media, inviting attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. In the video, which went viral, Mann was seen showing entry gate through which MPs enter Parliament House and saying how strong is the security. "The car is registered with the Lok Sabha. It has a censor, which has the vehicle details. As soon as so you come near the gate, the censor identifies the car and announces the name and number of the car," Mann says in the video with him crossing several layers of the security. On the fifth day of the Monsoon Session (Friday), Aam Aadmi Party MLA Bhagwant Mann's filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers, which eventually caused uproar in both the Houses. Mann, who posted it on social media, invited attack from MPs across party line, who termed his act as a security breach. As soon as the House assembled, she informed it about the action being taken on the issue which had led to the adjournment of Lok Sabha proceedings on July 22. "The inquiry committee shall inquire into the serious security implications and related aspects.... (and) suggest suitable remedial measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future and recommend appropriate action in the matter," the Speaker said. The member is "advised not to attend the sittings of the House" until a decision is taken in the matter, Mahajan said. Mann was not present in the House. The panel has also been asked to "suggest remedial measures" so that such episodes are not repeated. Mahajan has formed the nine member panel headed by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya which includes Anandrao Adsul (Shiv Sena), Meenakshi Lekhi, Satya Pal Singh (both BJP), B Mahtab (Biju Janata Dal), Ratna De Nag (Trinamool) and K. C. Venugopal (Congress) and other members. Therefore, the "act of the member" has put the security of the Parliament in peril, she said. Mahajan said she had consulted leaders of all political parties and everyone supported her actions on this issue. Describing Parliament as "sanctum sanctorum" of democracy, Mahajan recalled that on 13 December, 2001, security personnel had sacrificed their lives protecting the parliament and after that entire security system was reviewed and overhauled. It put "security of the parliament in peril", Mahajan added. Mann has been asked to appear before the panel by 10.30 am tomorrow and make his submission. Addressing the Lok Sabha as soon as it reassembled after the weekend break, Mahajan said taking audio video footage of security zones in the parliament by Punjab's Sangrur MP Mann on July 21 and putting them on social networking site was improper. "The act of the member of audio-visual recording of the Parliament and posting it on the social media puts the security of Parliament in peril," the Speaker said, adding that several members had expressed concern over the issue on Friday last. The panel, chaired by BJP member Kirit Somaiya, has been asked to submit its report by August 3, while Mann has time till tomorrow morning to submit his explanation to the committee. Acting tough, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said AAP MP Bhagwant Mann's videography of the Parliament House complex had put its security "in peril" and asked him not to attend the House till a decision is taken on the matter while setting up a nine-member panel to probe the issue. The Lok Sabha is likely to discuss The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill today. Apart from this, the Lower House is also slated to discuss The Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill. Sasikala Pushpa began crying in the House over the issue of attacks on women in the country. She has alleged that she was harassed and was being forced to quit her post. "So what if we disagreed with you? This is not the country we are used to living in," O'Brien said. "The Prime Minister needs to come in the House and say that we can live in the India we know, the India of unity and diversity." "For Rs 15, they (Dalits) are being killed because they are Dalits. I am a gau sevak. But in the name of gau sevaks, don't cross the line. This is a sitaution which has gone beyond the border of this country. Since they are taking these decisions, they must listen to what the UN had to say about this country," he said. "The curb on religious fundamentalism, this is a dangerous situation. If it happens and happens and happens, it is a decision. This is a decision of this government. Otherwise, the Defence Minister would not have said what he said yesterday," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said, referring to Parrikar's remarks that Aamir Khan needs to be taught a "lesson" because of his remarks on intolerance. An angry Parrikar responded by saying that he did not take the name of any person in the video. "Since the BJP government came to power, they targeted Muslims first. Now, they are committing atrocities against the Dalits. The Prime Minister should come to the Parliament and clarify on what is happening," Mayawati said. CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury responded to Parrikar and said, "What he said is objectionable. That cannot be acceptable. Tomorrow, are you going to threaten me? If he is raksha mantri, kiska raksha ho raha hai?" Defence Minister Parrikar responded to the uproar in the Rajya Sabha over his remarks against Aamir Khan and said, "Let them see the video themselves and make up their minds." "We should think about the respect for women. In Bareilly, a teacher was abducted during daytime. This is not right. The government should speak. Why is the government silent?" she said. "There are rapes taking place against Dalit women everywhere in the country. The government should take this matter seriously," Mayawati said. Naqvi agreed with her and said the government was ready for a discussion. "I am really embarrassed for standing here and talking about the same issue once again, even after the Nirbhaya gangrape...I want a discussion on women's protection. I do not care which place. I do not want politicising of this issue," Jaya Bachchan said in the Rajya Sabha. An emotional Jaya Bachchan got up in the Rajya Sabha and demanded a discussion on the issue of safety of women. "In view of seriousness of matter, Bhagwant Mann is further advised not to attend the sessions of Parliament for further two weeks," she said. "The chairperson (of the committee) has sought extension of time for further two weeks. I have accepted the request for extension," Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said. On the issue of AAP MP Bhagwant Mann being barred from the Parliament for making a video of the Parliament House complex, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the committee probing this issue had asked for more time. "This legislation will only be passed after a serious discussion. I hope the Finance Minister passes the Bill not on the strength of his numbers, but on the basis of logic," Chidambaram said. "Government tried to pass the GST Bill without the support of the principal Opposition and I am happy they failed," he said. "Many issues are still outstanding issues and still need to be resolved. We had earlier tried to pass the GST Bill with the support of the Opposition and we failed," he said. "I welcome the friendly tone of the Finance Minister's speech. I think the tone and approach has changed over the last few weeks," Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said. "People of India expect low indirect taxes. There are many voices in the government which speak for the corporate, but someone must speak for the people. I am doing that," Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha. "When this Bill is passed today, we will prepare for the next stage of the debate, which is the Central GST Bill. I want an assurance from the Finance Minister....This is a very important legislation. I want an assurance that when that Bill is brought, that will be brought as a Financial Bill and not as a Money Bill," Chidambaram said. "Persuade all parties and sections of the people that a standard of 18 percent is the most appropriate," he added. "The worry that we have is creeping taxation. But that is what Parliament is for. Taxation is the exclusive power of the Parliament. It is ultimately Parliament which calls the shots in taxes," he said. "I, on behalf of my party, loudly and clearly demand that the GST rate should not exceed 18 percent," Chidambaram said in the Rajya Sabha. Bill in next stage of GST debate should be brought as a Financial Bill: Chidambaram Chidambaram warns that a rate too high, something like 23 percent, will be inflationary. He insists that the Bill needs to be passed as a finance Bill. The critical point we shouldnt be miss here is that the Congress is pitching for 18 percent standard GST rate and isnt ready to give up on this point in any case. This comment is crucial since the NDA government has not yet arrived on a single rate. Chidambaram attacks the Narendra Modi government, saying it does not care about the problems of the common people. Chidambaram stresses on the point that the rate should be changed only with the permission of Parliament, and thus makes Congress compromise formula that the GST rate should be included in the GST Bill, though his party is willing to compromise on the earlier demand that the rate should be included in the constitution. According to Firstpost Financial Editor Dinesh Unnikrishnan, P Chidambaram has hit the core point in his speech the final GST rate. Chidambaram positions Congress as the voice of poor and emphasises on the fact that standard GST rate should not exceed 18 percent on the lines of what governments chief economic advisor, Arvind Subrmanian, suggested. "It (GST) violates states' autonomy. It results in permanent revenue loss to the state of Tamil Nadu. We strongly oppose this Bill," AIADMK MP A Navaneethakrishnan said in the Rajya Sabha. "We have moved an amendment that the compensation should be for at least 5 years," he added. "Tamil Nadu will lose Rs 9270 crore because of GST. This is not a small amount," he said. "Till date, the revenue-neutral rate has not been fixed by the government," he said, adding that this was a problem in the GST Bill. "Petroleum and petroleum products must be kept outside GST permanently. We can save our people only then," he said. "It is a well-known fact that Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing state. It is also known that this method of taxation is destination-based. We strongly oppose that," he said. He then went on to elaborate on the changes which AIADMK wanted in the GST Bill. "The composition of the GST Council is not fair. The weightage of each state's vote should be in proportion to their representation in the country," said the AIADMK MP in the Rajya Sabha. "Now let me tell you about the ping pong match," O'Brien said "I'm feeling like a teenager in the presence of these senior lawyers," O'Brien said. "There is the politics of the Bill. GST can also be interpreted as the Girgit Samjhauta Tax," TMC MP Derek O'Brien said in the Rajya Sabha. TMC MP Derek O'Brien has always been dramatic in his speeches, and his speech during the GST Bill is a perfect example. The money has to first come from Centre to states and then from states to local bodies. If the availability of funds to local bodies gets delayed, that can seriously hamper functioning of local bodies, Patel cites. In a larger context, this problem is not for MCGB alone. It would apply to all big and small local bodies across the country in the GST regime. Patels remarks suggest the magnitude of challenge the Modi government has while implementing the revolutionary tax regime. Patel raises the challenge of GST implementation. Under the GST regime, when various indirect taxes including sales tax, VAT and Octroi get consolidated in one uniform tax rate, will large local bodies such as MCGB get funds on time for its daily functioning? Patel asks. Firstpost Financial Editor Dinesh Unnikrishnan says that NCP Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel raises an interesting case of states within the states, citing the example of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGB), which under Octroi alone garners about Rs 8000 crore to Rs 9000 crore per annum. "The Prime Minister should come to the House apologise to the nation. If he cannot come, we will be happy even if Finance Minister Jaitley apologises," Budania said. "It was Congress which forced you to follow the right path of this Bill." "At that time, the then Gujarat CM had said that this Bill is against the welfare of the nation. Today, the same man who is now PM, said that this Bill is benefitial for the nation," he said. "When the Congress had brought this Bill to the Parliament, then BJP had protested against it," said Narendra Budania, Congress MP from Rajasthan. PM Modi should apologise to the nation for his U-turn on GST Bill: Congress in Rajya Sabha "We have given this notice for discussion to wake up the government. It is unfortunate that the Taj of Hindustan is burning but the central government cannot feel the heat. Which kind of heat will wake up the Kashmir government?" Azad said. "Today, it has been 30 days since curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. I do not think that any state in India has seen curfew for 30 days since Independence," Congress leader Azad said. "Please call for an all-party meeting and send a delegation to Kashmir," he said. "This cannot be solved through law and order machinery," he said. "The silence of the Prime Minister is more eloquent than words. He is sending the message that the government does not care about the situation in Kashmir." "This is one of the most grave situations I have risen in to speak. I have not seen continuous curfew for 30 days in my life. How can we remain silent? More than 1000 incidents of firing have been reported in a month. More than 8000 have been injured. 60 are dead. It is inhuman and criminal. Why are we using pellet guns? I am told that even Israel does not use pellet guns against Palestinians," CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury said. "If you (BJP) were not opposing this Bill at that time, this Bill would have been passed two years ago. So, you are actually responsible for delaying the Parliament passing this Bill, but we are taking the blame," he said. "Why was it that in 2011, some ministers who are sitting on that side were opposing this Bill?" Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said in the Lok Sabha. "Today, the Parliament is going to take a big step for the freedom from tax terrorism," he said. "Some people will know the condition of taxation in our country," he added. "Today is 8 August. On this day many years ago, Mahatma Gandhi had moved the nation with 'Bharat choro' slogan," PM Narendra Modi said in the Lok Sabha. "Therefore, who won and who lost is not a matter of debate," the Prime Minister further said. "But the credit for this Bill does not belong to one party. It belongs to the culture of Indian democracy," Modi said. "It is true that someone created this Bill while someone else nurtured it," he said. "Just as someone gave birth to Krishna and someone else raised him," he said. "The most important requirement was the creation of trust between Centre and the states. The most important thing was to not decide this on the basis of sheer numbers. That is why I have earlier said that democracy is not just about numbers," he said. "We were successful in taking care of a lot of flaws with the GST Bill. 'Ek manch, ek manth, ek marg, ek manzil' is the mantra behind GST which all of us have experienced," the PM said. "Sometimes, there were doubts about the GST. When I was the CM, even I had doubts about GST. And today, because of seeing GST continuously as a CM, my viewpoint changed when I viewed it as Prime Minister," Modi said. "All Centre and states need to unite to create a mechanism for Ek Bharat," PM Modi said in the Lok Sabha. I had different view of GST because I looked at it earlier from the point of view of a CM: PM Modi in Lok Sabha "A message will go to the people through GST that the consumer is the king," Modi said. "GST gives a guarantee of security to small traders and businessmen. It will result in economic growth." "Despite our differences, we made efforts to take GST forward," he said. "A uniformity in the processing of taxation will come through GST." "In the entire discussion of GST, none of us used it as a platform for politics. We rose above politics for the welfare of the nation," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Lok Sabha. GST will send the message that the consumer is the king: PM Modi in LS "Even during the all-party meeting, I had said that the credit for the GST Bill goes to all political parties," the Prime Minister said. "It is a matter of great strength for Indian democracy that all of us are making efforts to take this forward together," he said. "It is also true that we need to have IT-preparedness and legal preparedness. In the world, even the countries which are praised for their democracy find it tough to deal with Bills," he said. "Because of GST, the taxpayer will realise that he will benefit from honesty. Therefore, we will succeed in bringing down the generation of black money," Modi said. "There will be data integration. Because of a strong cross-checking mechanism, a seamless method which will help in catching any wrongdoing will be created," the PM said. "GST will help in curbing corruption and black money," Modi said. "Corruption will move towards zero because of GST," he said. "When something happens in Africa, the Prime Minister tweets about it. But when the Taj of India is burning, the heat is not reaching the central government," he added. "We were told that he spoke on Kashmir issue in Madhya Pradesh because the CM told him to do so. This shows that the Parliament means nothing to the PM and he would not have spoken on the Kashmir issue if the Chief Minister had not asked him to do so," he said. "This is the fourth time we are asking the Prime Minister to provide a statement in the House," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. PM spoke on Kashmir in Madhya Pradesh just because the CM told him to do so: Azad in RS "When you truly feel pain from the heart, it will reach Kashmir," he said. "When you say Kashmir is an integral part of India, it should not only be on paper. There should be integration of hearts and minds. What about the integration between federal and state government?" said Azad. "Law and order in Kashmir in not just in the hands of Jammu and Kashmir police, but also in the hands of paramilitary forces," Azad further said. "If someone says that Mehbooba Mufti should alone solve the problem in Kashmir, that is not possible for her," he added. "Kashmir is secular. The destruction of Kashmiriyat and insaniyat is not happening because of democracy but because of the pellet guns," he said. "There is a difference between communalism and separatism. Militants are also targeting Muslims. Militancy has no religion," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. "You can only keep Kashmir in India when you treat Kashmiris as equals," he said. "Shoot the people but do not use pellet guns. Pellet Guns are worse than live bullets. It is worse than killing people," he further said. "The Prime Minister said that the people of the country love Kashmir. But the people of Kashmir should also love the country," JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav said. "Merely repeating what Atal Bihari Vajpayee said is not going to create that trust. Create that trust by stopping the communal polarisation that is taking place in the country," he said. "If everyday you talk about abrogating Article 370, you talk about love jihad, ghar wapsi, are you creating trust?" said Yechury. "Unless you address the central question of the promises made to the people of Kashmir at the time of independence, this problem will not be solved," he said. "The problem today can only be solved if you initiate a political dialogue. I have urging this government that this can only come through with an atmosphere of trust. "The trust deficit exists (in Kashmir) because of the string of betrayals of the promises made," said the CPI(M) leader. He also took a dig at the government's foreign policy and said, "When you want to wish Happy Birthday, you go to Pakistan." "If other governments have engaged in dialogue in the past, what is preventing this government from initiating the political dialogue?" Yechury said. "The threat we face today is not a mere question of autonomy. There is also an orchestrated terrorist threat in Kashmir," he said. "Today, there is an attempt to create dual power in Kashmir," Dasgupta further said. "Let us remember that dialogue cannot be done if we are going to tie the hands of the executive." "While I agree with Sitaram Yechury that we need a form of political approach, the form and time of that approach should be different," he said. "We have been talking about development and healing hearts and unfortunately, we have come across a rather big emotional divide. At an earlier time, it was thought that Article 370 would facilitate the process of integration. But we may have actually hardened the emotional divide," he said. "A lot of the people who have taken to the streets may be spontaneous. But there is also a large degree of pre-meditation in the protests," he said. "That was the death of Burhan Wani. The death of any Indian should be a source of anguish. But Burhan Wani never considered himself an Indian. And what do you say about a person who glamourises terrorism?" Dasgupta said. "The problem we face in Kashmir today is somewhat different from the problems we have faced earlier," he said. "Three months ago, Kashmir was peaceful. We had a unique political experiment. It was an alliance between the Valley and Jammu, something which was unique and encouraging. And then something broke loose," he added. "While we try to evolve a consensus on this issue, we should sometimes be brutally frank about what we are dealing with," Swapan Dasgupta, nominated MP, said in the Rajya Sabha. "I wish people in this Parliament talked about sending a delegation to AIIMS, where a girl injured by pellet guns is admitted," he said. "Why do we only remember Kashmir when it is burning? Guns will not solve any problem," he said. "The people of this country should understand what the problem in Jammu and Kashmir is." "Why wasn't there any problem in Kashmir until 1987?" said a dramatic PDP MP Nazir Ahmad Laway in the Rajya Sabha. Why do we remember Kashmir only when it is burning? asks PDP MP in Rajya Sabha Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia: When we are talking about Swachh Bharat, we should first clean our minds. Fringe elements have now turned into the Centre today. Why the Home Minister didn't visit Rohith Vemula? PM made a strong statement: Shoot me, not the Dalits. But why he didn't include Muslims? Muslims can never be part of Hindu nationalism but they are a part of Indian nationalism. Sexual violence against Dalit women has increased. About eight lakh Dalits are dependent on selling skins, bones of dead cows, what will they do now? AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi: No democracy in the world has prioritise animal life over human life. But the Indian democracy has. Why do gua rakshaks have come to power? The credit goes to the idealogy of ruling party. What right do so-called gau rakshaks have to look at what I eat? NK Premchandran, RSP MP from Kollam: The attrocities against the Dalits is politics. Educational, economical and social upliftment is the need of the poor. We all should work together and committ ourselves in taking action in order to stop the atrocities on Dalit. Also, I would appeal all the state governments to take strictest action against anti-social elements who try to disrupt the harmony of secular fabric of the country. It is pointless to blame the other government. Why did we celebrate Ambedkar's 125th anniversary with such genuinty? Respecting Ambedkar is like respecting India. Seva Bharati, an RSS organisation, is one of the organisations which has been majorly active at the grassroots for the upliftment of Dalits. Dalit community has contributed a lot towards Indian heritage. When India was under the British Rule, no matter how atrocities were inflicted on them, still they stood by India. They never demanded a separate country. We in the government emphathise with the Dalits. On PM Modi's silence, Singh said, "Has any PM spoken during all discussions in Parliament? When PM spoke on the atrocities, and gau rakshaks, I issued an advisory that strict action should be taken against such gau rakshaks. Our biggest challenge is to counter the twisted mentality of the perpetrators. What happened in Una was extremely condemnable. "This is rumour that after BJP came to power that the atrocities on Dalit have increased. Just ask yourselves if this is true. Show me the data records. I don't want to point fingers at any political party. But following figures would explain: In 2013, 39,346 cases were registered against atrocities, 40,300 and 35,564 were registered respectively," Singh said. "We can make India world's best country if we consider humanity above all. There are many articles in our Indian constitution for Dalits. But there is a need for effective laws to act on these articles. Our government is working at socio-economic development of the Dalits." "It is painful that even after 70 years of independence we are still discussing atrocities on Dalits. We cannot deny that there are people from several castes and religion. We should not politicise the atrocities on Dalits," Singh said. On Friday, 12 August, 2016 the bills for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha are Mental Health care Bill,2016 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016. Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the government should not be hypocritical. He said, "When administrators have high salary, MLAs have a good rise, why don't we get the same treatment?" Ram Gopal Yadav, SP, Uttar Pradesh raised the issue of the low wages of the members of Parliament. He said, "The pay of the MP's is only a fraction of ministers in Telangana Assembly or Delhi Legislative Assembly. We are asked to reduce our expenditure but we cannot do that when we have to entertain people of our constituency. The rising inflation also makes it difficult for us to sustain ourselves." In the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha Congress leader Shashi Tharoor raised the issue of failing start-ups in India. He said, "The government has given tax incentives to the start-ups but everyone knows that they don't make any money in the first few years. Hence the tax incentives should be given to the angel investors." After GST this is the second resolution which has been adopted unanimously. She added, "This house earnestly appeals to all sections of society in India to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony. This is to restore confidence in people and youth in general. The resolution is adopted unanimously." Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan announced that the resolutions proposed on the Kashmir issue has been passed. She said,"This house expresses serious concern over the violence in Kashmir Valley. Everyone here conveys loss of life caused by the deteriorating situation. The house is of the firm view that there cannot be a compromise on security." Dubbing passage of the GST Constitution Amendment Bill as historic, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that manufacturing taxes and VAT will come down with the new national sales tax but the same for services tax will be decided by states and Centre. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will subsume over a dozen central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT, is "perhaps the most important" tax reform, he said soon after Rajya Sabha overwhelmingly voted for the legislation. "Today is a historic day for the reason that Rajya Sabha has passed the GST bill which have been held up for a very long time. All members present at the time of voting, voted in favour of the bill," Jaitley told reporters in Parliament House. Thanking Congress and other opposition parties for supporting the legislation, he said proceedings in the Upper House demonstrated to the world that this is a great day for Indian democracy and Indian federalism. "In fact Indian democracy and Indian federalism are at there very best in as much as all national political parties and regional parties, state governments have come together to usher a major taxation reform.. The government wanted to build a larger consensus, which we succeeded in doing," he said. Asked if the implementation of the GST would mean rise in cost of air travel, mobile bills and eating out because of incidence of service tax going up in the new regime, he said that tax rate would be decided by the GST Council, comprising of the Centre and the states. "Manufacturing taxes will certainly will come down, VAT will come down. What level services taxes are to be kept is a discretion of GST Council. It will depend on what states along with Centre will decide," he later told Times Now. On Congress demand for not converting the supporting GST legislation as Money Bill, Finance Minister said he has not pre-decided on bringing the Bills as Money or Finance Bills. "Once the GST is implemented, it will bring basic changes as far as the Indian tax structure is concerned, it will converge India into one unified market, with one unified tax in the country, it will improve the base of taxation, it will make evasion extremely difficult. "The central and state governments have to work together to make this a great success. Overall, I think we had an excellent debate," he told reporters. He said although every state government is on board in order to implement one of the most important taxation reform in India, the fact is that it has been passed unanimously all regional and national parties have actively supported it. Congress hoped that subsequent legislations for its implementation like CGST and IGST bills would be brought in the Winter Session as financial and not money bills. Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said he was only half satisfied with the Finance Minister's promise made in the Upper House in this regard. "It's a half promise. Therefore, I am half satisfied," he told reporters after the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill. Chidambaram said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured that he will hold discussions with the Congress party before bringing the bills. Senior Congress leader and former Law Minister Kapil Sibal cited the example of Aadhaar Bill to claim the new legislations could be converted into Money Bills to block voting. "We have seen the Aadhar Bill was converted into a money bill and we were not given the right to vote on it. We have doubt that this GST bill will also be turned into a money bill whereby a discussion on it will take place in Rajya Sabha but members will not be allowed to vote on it. We are concerned over it," he said. "We hope that it will be a financial bill and there will be a discussion on it and we will be given the right to vote on it," he said. Another Congress member Renuka Chowdhury said, "They have considered many of our aspects. Have to wait and see what happens in the winter session." NCP leader Praful Patel said it is very good that the Constitution amendment bill to bring GST was passed with general consensus. "It is good for the country and states will also benefit, especially those which considered themselves as backward as they will get more revenue. "We hope that the Bill to be brought by government in November will also be passed with general consensus. Finance Minister has given an assurance that whatever bill will be brought, it will be honoured," he said. Earlier in the day, Congress had made it clear to the government that firm assurances for keeping the GST rate capped at 18 per cent and bringing subsequent legislations needed for its rollout as financial bills alone could ensure its support to the long-pending Constitution Amendment bill. "We also demanded an assurance that the CGST and IGST should not be moved as money bill. The Central GST and Integrated GST are bills which will apply on taxpayers, on common man. They must be debated and voted upon by both Houses of Parliament. We hope to get assurance from the Finance Minister. If these assurances are forthcoming, we will be able to support," Chidambaram told reporters. The GST Bill will finally be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha. India Inc had said it is looking forward to introduction of the much-awaited Goods & Services Tax (GST), saying it would be a very significant step in the field of indirect tax reforms in India. The government has circulated official amendments to the GST bill to drop 1 percent additional tax and include a definite provision in the statute for compensating states for revenue loss for 5 years as it gears up to discuss the long-pending bill in Rajya Sabha. The eleventh day of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday began with AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa's statement where she said that she was facing a "life threat" and was being "compelled to resign". Sasikala, who hit the headlines for slapping DMK leader Tiruchi Siva at the airport on Saturday, said: "I am receiving an unconditional apology from Tiruchi Siva. Something was spoken against my party leader and I behaved like that." The parliamentary proceedings over the day saw the passage of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that provide for putting the NEET in place for admission to medical and dental courses across the country from next year; and National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Rajya Sabha. The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws Amendment Bill 2016 was moved in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing. Key proceedings/issues discussed in Lok Sabha: Supplementary demands over additional spending The government sought parliament's nod for additional spending of Rs 1.03 lakh crore, though the cash outgo will only be Rs 20,948.26 crore. Presenting the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2016-17 in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sought parliament's approval for a transfer of Rs 5,000 crore towards National Employment Guarantee Fund and Rs 1,000 crore for providing funds to Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves for Sovereign Strategic Crude Oil Reserve at Vizag, Mangalore, and Pudur. Bill for speedier recovery of bad loans passed The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws Amendment Bill 2016 was moved in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing. Piloted by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the bill seeks to amend four laws the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002; the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993; the Indian Stamp Act, 1899; and the Depositories Act, 1996. Special status: TDP MPs protest in Parliament Unhappy over the Centre's stand on special status to Andhra Pradesh, TDP, a partner in NDA government, staged protests both inside and outside Parliament. Seeking immediate announcement for special status, the MPs of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) tried to disrupt the proceedings in the Lower House. Holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands, the TDP members in the Lok Sabha began the protest as soon as the house met for the day. They rushed to the speaker's podium, demanding that the government fulfill its commitments under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan repeatedly appealed to members to return to their seats but they continued the protest. The Speaker conducted the proceedings amid the uproar before adjourning the proceedings till 2 pm. Attack on Dalits and Muslims Opposition members expressed concern over growing attacks on Dalits and minorities and called for stern action against cow vigilante groups which have been targeting them. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay underlined the need for action against those targeting the Dalits and Muslims to uphold secularism and communal harmony. Key proceedings/issues discussed in Rajya Sabha: GST Bill listed for Wednesday The government has listed the GST bill for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, hoping it will be passed through consensus, but the opposition Congress said that consultation is still on over the issue and an agreement is not yet finalised. In view of the development, the BJP has issued whip for all its Rajya Sabha members to be present in the house for the next three days. "The GST bill is listed for Wednesday. We hope it will be passed through consensus," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said. Bills to put in place NEET passed The Rajya Sabha passed by voice vote the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that provide for putting the NEET in place for admission to medical and dental courses across the country from next year. The bills provide for a Constitutional status to the 'National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and seek to amend the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and the Dentists Act, 1948. Responding to a debate on the bills in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda said the whole exercise was aimed to stop multiplicity of examinations, to bring transparency to curb corruption and to stop exploitation of students. Uproar over Manohar Parrikar's comments on Aamir Khan Rajya Sabha witnessed a brief uproar by opposition members over alleged remarks by Manohar Parrikar against actor Aamir Khan even as the Defence Minister denied having said what was been quoted to him. During the Zero Hour, Derek O'Brien (TMC) raised the issue of "dangerous" rise in religious fundamentalism in the country, saying the government, ministers and people associated with the ruling party were "shooting their mouths off every day". "The Prime Minister needs to come and say these are in fact mistakes, this is not thinking of the government. Prime Minister come here and assure us that we can live in the India we know Unity in Diversity". As soon as he finished his Zero Hour mention, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted a report which said 'Parrikar takes a swipe at actor Aamir; those who speak like this must be taught a lesson'. "So may I ask him (Parrikar who was sitting in the House) what lesson he is going to teach us...The entire nation should be told what type of action and lesson he is going to teach the minorities of this conuntry," Azad said. To this, Parrikar said: "I would only say one thing. Let the members see the video...and make up their mind". However, this did not pacify the agitated opposition. Dallas: Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has accused her Republican rival Donald Trump of faking a connection to the working class while advocating policies that would work for him and his rich friends at the expense of everyone else. "There is a myth out there that he'll stick it to the rich and powerful because, somehow, at heart, he's really on the side of the little guy," 68-year-old Clinton said. "Don't believe it," Clinton said at an election rally in the city of Detroit which is considered as the auto capital of the world. Clinton was referring to the tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations that Trump presented in a speech in Detroit on Monday, saying he "wants to give trillions in tax breaks to people like himself," which would lead to broad cuts in spending on education, health care and environmental protection. "Donald Trump wants America to work for him and his friends, at the expense of everyone else," Clinton said. "He's offered no credible plans to address what working families are up against today," she added. "Not when he pledges to rip up basic rules that hold corporations accountable. When he wants to scrap regulations that stop polluters from poisoning the air our children breathe and the water we drink," Clinton said, three days after Trump laid out his economic vision for the country in which he announced a number of tax incentive for the middle class and common people. "Let insurance companies write their own rules again. Trump would roll back the tough rules that we have imposed on the financial industry. I'll do the opposite. I think we should strengthen those rules so Wall Street can never wreck main street again," Clinton said as she hit hard at her Republican rival, who is trailing behind in all major national polls. She shared her plan to drive economic growth and support working families, making the American economy work for everyone. Clinton blasted Trump's economic agenda which she said is centered around the failed theory of trickle-down economics, this time with a unique Trumpian spin - outlandish ideas that will benefit himself at the expense of working families. Clinton said she wants to bring Americans together to tackle the big challenges facing the country. On the other hand, she alleged Trump is temperamentally unfit to lead and would tear the country apart with his alleged dangerous ideas, divisive rhetoric, and history of harming hard-working Americans. Editor's Note: The International Documentary Association has released a petition that asks the Department of Justice to investigate the arrests of citizen journalists who videotape police killings of citizens in marginalized communities. Boing Boing asked documentary filmmakers Laura Poitras and David Felix Sutcliffe to share with our readers why the fight to protect the rights of these amateur documentarians matters so much for all of us.Xeni Jardin Citizen journalists are reporting from the frontline of police violence in the United States. Using camera phones, they recorded the final moments of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Freddie Gray, and Eric Garner. In each case, the police retaliated by arresting those citizens either in the immediate aftermath of the killings, or within 24 hours of the deaths being ruled homicides by medical examiners. Kevin Moore, who documented Freddie Gray as he was arrested and dragged into the back of the police van, was taken into custody the night before charges were announced against 6 Baltimore officers. Though Moore was released without charges, he says that law enforcement continue to harass him. "Police sit outside my son's school. And they ride past taunting me with their phones up." Mainstream media publish and often exploit the images recorded by these individuals. Unfortunately, it has overlooked the consequences for (and courage of) those who document police brutality, many of whom are people of color and vulnerable to the same violence they've captured. Today, dozens of award-winning documentary filmmakers are launching a petition, asking the Department of Justice to investigate this pattern of abuse, and for the journalistic community to stand in solidarity with citizens risking their personal freedom to document police violence. We invite all individuals be they filmmakers or just concerned citizens to show their support and add their name to the petition. STATEMENT BY THE INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY ASSOCIATION: "We, the documentary community, call upon the Department of Justice to investigate a troubling pattern of abuse of power: the pervasive harassment of citizens who use cameras and social media to document and distribute footage of law enforcement. Whether they identify as citizen journalists, activists, or civilians, it is vital we defend the rights of these individuals to use video as a means of criticizing unjust police activity. We ask for a full investigation into any and all actions taken against them by police departments, and the larger pattern of abuse that has emerged on a federal, state, and local level, and the threat it poses to free speech and a free press. We also call upon our peers in the journalistic community to investigate and report on these abuses. Chris LeDay, Abdullah Muflahi, Diamond Reynolds, Kevin Moore and Ramsey Orta are just a few of the names of the individuals who have used personal cameras and social media to shine a light on police brutality. By investigating other instances of police violence captured on video by citizens, and what consequences they may have faced, we can expand our awareness of the problem and take stock of the damages." Click here to sign the statement. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Laura Poitras is a filmmaker and co-creator of Field of Vision. Her film CITIZENFOUR received an Oscar for best documentary. She is on the board of the Freedom of the Press Foundation. David Felix Sutcliffe is an independent documentary filmmaker. Most recently, he co-directed (T)ERROR, which premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival where it won a Special Jury Prize for Break Out First Feature. Along with (T)ERROR co-director Lyric R. Cabral, David was honored by the International Documentary Association with the 2015 Emerging Filmmaker Award. TOP PHOTO: Clockwise from top left: Diamond Reynolds, Chris LeDay, Abdullah Muflahi, Ramsey Orta (r), Kevin Moore (l). Diamond Reynolds (top left) was arrested while livestreaming the aftermath of the police shooting of her fiancee Philando Castile. Chris LeDay (top right) uploaded a video of police officers shooting Alton Sterling in the chest and was arrested 26 hours later by a dozen armed officers. Abdullah Muflahi (bottom right) documented the police shooting of Alton Sterling and was arrested immediately afterwards. Ramsey Orta (bottom left, in black shirt) documented the death of Eric Garner, who was asphyxiated by police and was arrested the day after Garner's death was ruled a homicide. Kevin Moore (bottom left, in blue shirt) filmed Baltimore police officers as they dragged Freddie Gray into the back of a van where he subsequently suffered fatal spinal injuries. Moore was arrested the night before charges were announced against 6 Baltimore police officers). Colombo: On Thursday Sri Lanka's Parliament unanimously approved a bill to set up an office to help find some 65,000 people reported missing during the country's armed conflicts, including a brutal civil war with the LTTE, and clarify the circumstances under which they disappeared. The draft bill to establish an Office on Missing Persons (OMP) was passed with amendments in Parliament without a vote. The bill was adopted despite objections raised by the joint opposition which alleged that the bill will betray the military. Mangala Samaraweera, the foreign minister, was continuously disturbed by the opposition members who had forced the suspension of sittings when the bill was taken up for debate. They claimed that the government was betraying the security forces through the legislation on the Office of Missing Persons. "This legislation will be very important for all communities to look to the future as citizens of Sri Lanka," Samaraweera said. The Marxist JVP parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake who spoke in support of the bill said the new office would be important for his party. "We know that mere action of setting up this office would redress the affected. But we want to know the truth before delivering justice," Ratnayake said. The government said the bill was needed to facilitate access to services and benefits offered by the State to the families of the missing persons in the absence of a Death Certificate, a mechanism to issue a 'Certificate of Absence' has been approved by cabinet and the relevant legislation is due to be approved by the Parliament later this month. The government had earlier said there have been strong requests for providing true information on disappeared or missing persons to their relatives to know their actual fate. "It will enable such families to reunited, closure with regard to such disappearance, or granted with reparations and other relief and support," officials said. A proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to establish a independent institution as office on missing persons by a Parliament act, was approved recently by the cabinet. The Office on Missing Persons will help search for and trace missing persons and submit recommendations to authorities to take measures on missing persons, protect the rights of missing persons and their relatives, identify channels that missing persons and their relatives can obtain reliefs and inform them the same. Sri Lanka has one of the largest case-loads of missing persons in the world. In fact, since 1994 alone, the government commissions have received over 65,000 complaints of missing persons. These include people who went missing during the government's nearly three-decade-long war with Tamil separatists and a Marxist uprising. Hua Hin: A wave of coordinated explosions rattled multiple cities across southern Thailand, killing at least four people and wounding dozens more, police said Friday. Among the injured were 10 foreigners in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. It was not clear who was behind the attacks, but police said the violence was not linked to Islamic terrorism. The timing and scope suggested the bombs were set off by opponents of the Southeast Asian nation's ruling junta, which last weekend organized a successful referendum on a constitution that critics say will bolster the military's power for years to come. The explosions all occurred south of Bangkok and several of the blasts including one on Patong beach in the tourist resort of Phuket appeared designed to hit the tourism industry. Thailand's economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup, but tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with more than 14 million people visiting in 2016 so far up from 12.5 million the year before. The first two explosions occurred overnight on a busy street in the tourist city of Hua Hin, which was hit again by another blast on Friday morning. The city is home to a swath of beachfront resorts as well as a royal palace. Police and Thai media reported other blasts the southern cities of Phuket, Trang and Surat Thani. Royal Thai Police official Col. Krisana Patanacharoen said it was too soon say who was behind the attacks, but "we are sure that it is not linked to terrorism." Friday's blast took place on the birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit. The junta has repeatedly said that defending the monarchy is a top priority, and the army and its allies are keen to ensure a smooth succession for ailing 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is the world's longest reigning monarch. Tourist Shane Brett told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. from his hotel room in Hua Hin that there was panic after the first explosion, which police said killed one Thai woman and wounded about 20 others, half of them foreigners. "I was at a bar in the main bar district in Hua Hin right outside the Hilton Hotel and at first I heard kind of a bang ... and everyone kind of panicked," Brett said. He looked outside the bar and said saw people running. Half an hour later, he made it back to his hotel. On the way, he said he saw "a good few people injured and the whole area just panicking ... the whole area was just shut down with police cars, ambulances." The bombs Thursday were set off by remote control, half an hour apart, according to Pol. Gen. Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, the superintendent of police in Hua Hin, and his deputy, Lt. Gen. Samer Yousamran. Sithichai said both devices were hidden inside plants on a street filled with restaurants, bars and food vendors that is popular with tourists and local residents. He said a Samsung cell phone had been recovered that they believe was used to detonate at least one the bombs. The fatality Thursday was described in Thai media as a female street food vendor. Several of the injured were in serious condition, the reports said. Pol. Lt Chaiyot Tisawong, an officer in Hua Hin, said 10 of the injured were foreigners. Their nationalities were not immediately known. On Friday morning, two more bombs exploded in Hua Hin, killing one person and wounding four, according to police. Another pair of bombs exploded in front of two police stations half an hour apart in Surat Thani in southern Thailand. Earlier Thursday, another bomb blew up in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six, according to Thai press reports. Trang is on the fringes of Thailand's deep south, where a low-level Muslim separatist insurgency had killed more than 5,000 people since 2004. Almost all the violence has been in the three southernmost provinces. Thailand has been plagued by political violence, including several bombings, since the populist billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a 2006 military coup after demonstrations accused him of corruption, abuse of power and insulting King Bhumibol. Thaksin's ouster set off sometimes bloody battles for power between his supporters and opponents, who include the military. The government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011, was ousted in the country's last coup in 2014. On Sunday, Thai voters approved a referendum on a new constitution that is supposed to lead to an election next year. Critics say it is undemocratic and is fashioned to keep the military in control for at least five more years even if a free election is held. In a speech Wednesday night, junta chief and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha took credit for bringing stability back to Thailand after an extended period of unrest. Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a junta spokesman, said Prayuth "expressed his sadness over the unexpected and tragic incident (in Hua Hin)" and said ordered police and soldiers in the area to step up security measures. Moscow: Ukraine put its troops on combat alert on Friday along the country's de-facto borders with Crimea and separatist rebels in the east amid an escalating war of words with Russia over Crimea. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued the order after Moscow accused his country of sending several groups of "saboteurs" to carry out attacks in Crimea and said that two Russians died while fending off their incursions. Ukraine has denied the claim. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 following a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. The conflict in the east has killed more than 9,500 people and is still raging. Russia's domestic security agency known by its Russian acronym FSB said in Thursday's statement that one of its officers was killed in a gun battle with a group of "saboteurs" from Ukraine over the weekend. It said the intruders carried an arsenal of bombs, ammunition and mines. The agency also said that two more groups tried to force their way into Crimea early Monday, supported by Ukrainian artillery and armor. One Russian army soldier died in that clash, the FSB said. Russian media reports say at least five members of a sabotage group were captured. One of the captured suspects, identified as Yevgeny Panov, told FSB investigators in remarks released by Russia's REN TV television that he was part of a group preparing to conduct acts of sabotage at a ferry crossing, an oil depot and a chemical factory and to blow up Russian military equipment. He said the group was directed by Ukrainian military intelligence and included some of its officers. Poroshenko rejected the Russian claims as "fantasy" and "a provocation." Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced what he described as Ukraine's "stupid and criminal" action and called a session of his Security Council on Thursday to discuss boosting security in Crimea. He also said on Thursday that it makes no sense to discuss the implementation of the Minsk peace deal for eastern Ukraine with leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany at the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting in China next month as had been planned earlier. The Russian Foreign Ministry followed up on Friday by warning that if Poroshenko had been involved in "criminal decisions to stage armed provocations" in Crimea, "he could claim the role of the grave digger of the Minsk process." "And if he had been unaware of these decisions, it's even worse," it said. Poroshenko, in his turn, ordered Ukrainian troops to go on combat alert not only on the de-facto border with Crimea but also along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine, where the warring sides have continued to routinely exchange fire despite a 2015 truce. Scope: The work generally consists of construction of Work under this contract will be for the removal and replacement of a failing 20" DIP gravity sanitary line, with approx 2,300 LF of 16" DIP sanitary forcemain. This construction requires the installation of new DIP, fittings, valves, and connections with existing forcemains, bypass pumping, dewatering, removal of existing manholes, 20 gravity sanitary pipe, and grout filling 150 LF of the last existing 20 gravity sanitary pipe. Work includes 1.5 AC clearing & grubbing, 1 LS sewer force main bypass, 2,150 LF remove & dispose of existing gravity sewer pipe, 50 VF remove & dispose of existing manholes, 150 LF grout fill existing gravity sewer, 500 CY borrow fill material in place, 2,280 LF 16" DIP (Class 350 w/p-401) including restrained joints, 6 ea 16" gate valve & valve box w/restraints, 20 LF 16 " C-905 (DR-25 PVC pipe) including restrained joints, 1 ea 12" gate valve & valve box w/ restraints, 1 ea 12" connect to existing sanitary force main, 6,400 SY sodding, 1 LS cordrill manhole with boot, 1 ls pipe pigging, flushing, cleaning & pressure testing w/ perm. Pig launch. See attached file. Scope: Rehabilitation of existing wastewater automatic backwash filters to include media, underdrains, pumps, piping, electrical and instrumentation. Work includes 1. Remove media (sand and anthracite) and dispose of properly. The filters will remain as dual media filters and utilize 11 inches of sand media and 11" of anthracite media. 2. Remove the underdrain components that consist of: a. Porous plates, b.Sealant, c. Retaining angles, d.Hardware. 3. Properly dispose of the items that are not being reused and other construction debris. 4. Furnish and install sluice gates and stop log systems to prevent water back flow into the filter bed area during repair. 5. Furnish and install new porous plates, retaining angles, sealant and associated hardware. 6. Provide for 7 days curing time on the caulk. 7. Provide a temporary sun shade to protect the caulk, while curing, from rain, sunshine and heat. 8. Install stainless steel divider caps and threaded rod spacers. 9. Install new sand media. 10) Install new anthracite media. 11. Remove and replace the festoon power system cable wire, the signal cable wire, and trolleys. Level the support square tube which holds the trolleys. 12) Replace the skimmer pump system. 13) Replace the backwash pump system. 14) Replace the washwater pump system. 15) Replace the spray wash system. 16) Replace the backwash shoe assembly including upper and lower tensioning springs. See attached file. Two years ago Shannon Morgan of New Jersey ordered a vanity license plate that read 8THEIST. State officials denied her order, explaining that it might be considered offensive. She sued and won. The state Motor Vehicle Commission will also have to pay Morgan $75,000 to resolve her claim. They don't give a damn, because it's taxpayer money that they'll use to pay for their foolishness. Everyone in the chain of command who rejected the license plate request should be fired and barred from working for the government ever again, and forced to wear a colander on their head for the term of their natural lives, if you ask me. Bonus: as a result of the lawsuit, the DMV must also issue the following vanity plates or "combinations that are substantially similar": SECULAR, RATIONL, HUMANST, ATHEISM, GODLESS, HEATHEN, HERETIC, SKEPTIC, BLASFMR, REASON, EVOLVE, TRANS, LGBTR.TS, LGBTQ, PRIDE, QUEER, GAYPOWR, LGBTALY, FEMINISM, FEMINST, EQUALITY and 4WOMEN. [via] What: Units of Energy Transfer Equity (ET 0.72%) bounded higher last month, ending up 20.2% thanks to a bevy of positive comments by analysts. So what: Barclays started the analyst parade in early July by reinstating its overweight rating and $20 price target. Its analysts believed that the company's units were trading at a discount due to leverage concerns as well as litigation overhang resulting from its failed merger with rival Williams Companies (WMB 0.52%). Barclays, however, thought Energy Transfer Equity's leverage was manageable because the company would be generating a lot of excess cash thanks to its preferred unit offering earlier this year. Furthermore, while it believes the distribution will remain flat through 2017, analysts expect the payout to grow by 22% per year from 2018 to 2020 as a result of the project-driven cash flow growth at its master limited partnership, Energy Transfer Partners (ETP). Credit analysts at S&P Global, likewise, agreed with the assessment that Energy Transfer Equity's credit is improving. Its analysts affirmed the company's BB credit rating and took it off credit watch negative while moving their outlook to stable. They believe the company will be able to maintain a stable distribution while keeping its stand-alone debt-to-EBITDA ratio below 4.0 times through 2018. Shortly after that, analysts at Goldman Sachs reinstated their rating on the company at neutral with a $17 price target. While its analysts thought the company's fundamentals were solid, that outlook was already baked into the unit price. Also, they noted that there were still several negatives to the story, including its high leverage and high costs of capital at some of its subsidiaries. That said, Credit Suisse was a bit more bullish, with analysts reinstating their outperform rating while setting a $20 price target. Now what: With its ill-fated deal to buy Williams Companies in the rearview mirror, analysts and investors are refocusing their attention on Energy Transfer's stand-alone potential. For the most part, they like what they see because the company avoided the potentially overwhelming weight of the added debt required to take over Williams. Instead, the company is positioned to cut its debt in the near term before returning to growth mode in 2018. There has been a storm of criticism for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after it told petrol station owners they would be responsible for tracing drivers who do not pay. Letters were sent to petrol stations in two districts Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Ards and North Down in July notifying them of the change, which came into effect at the start of August. Police said research showed up to 85% of drive-offs are genuine mistakes that do not require their input. PRA chairman Brian Madderson said the initiative contrasted with the way forecourt crime was being treated on the mainland, and gave a green light to criminal activity. Drive-offs are at record levels, he said, so I will be asking the PSNI to share the research data on which they have based their assessment that 85% of drive-offs are genuine mistakes. That is not what we are finding in Great Britain. I will be writing to the PSNI chief constable and to Justice Minister Claire Sugden to express our concern at this initiative and to seek a meeting with them to ensure they are aware of the steps being taken on the mainland to address this growing problem. He added that he hoped to meet with both of them when he was in Northern Ireland next month. The PRA was instrumental in persuading the Home Office to set up the Forecourt Crime Senior Steering Group last year. Madderson said it had helped retailers to report crime in a consistent way that was most useful to the police, and to ensure the police were engaging with forecourt crime in a consistent manner. David Cardwell, who runs a petrol station in Portavogie, County Down, told the BBC that the PSNI were washing their hands of the issue. The new process means retailers will have to send a letter to the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) to get the information on the car, for which there is a 2.50 fee, and tell them that theres been a criminal act, he said. Retailers will then have to write to the driver to ask them if they were in the petrol station on the date and to ask them to pay for the fuel. If the person responsible does not pay up, retailers will have to take civil action through the courts, he added. If someone drives off with 10 of fuel then we have to add 2.50 onto it. Its not worth chasing someone up for that, well probably just have to write it off. Jenny Palmer, a member of the Legislative Assembly, called for the pilot to be scrapped. This is quite frankly a disgraceful scheme and it can only lead to an increase in theft as petty criminals will take advantage of the huge amount of red tape which petrol retailers will have to trawl through to get their money back," she said. The PSNI said that in the vast majority of such cases, their role was to help petrol stations recover civil debts, which was placing a substantial but preventable burden on police resources. The purpose of this pilot is to remove much of that burden and free up local police time to deal with criminality, identify and apprehend offenders and keep people safe, said a police statement. It said the scheme would be subject to an ongoing review to assess the impact on policing in the districts where it is being piloted. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has postponed a scheme to make petrol station owners responsible for tracing drivers who do not pay, after a storm of criticism. Letters were sent to petrol stations in two districts Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Ards and North Down in July notifying them of the change, and saying it would come into effect at the start of August. Police said research showed up to 85% of drive-offs are genuine mistakes that do not require their input. However, superintendant Brian Kee announced: Following feedback and additional consultation with stakeholders, police in B and C district have postponed the introduction of a pilot scheme to deal with drive-offs from local petrol stations. "Police will now discuss and review the introduction of this pilot project." PRA chairman Brian Madderson said the initiative contrasted with the way forecourt crime was being treated on the mainland, and gave a green light to criminal activity. Drive-offs are at record levels, he said, so I will be asking the PSNI to share the research data on which they have based their assessment that 85% of drive-offs are genuine mistakes. That is not what we are finding in Great Britain. Madderson said he hoped to meet both the PSNI chief constable and justice minister Claire Sugden when he was in Northern Ireland next month. The PRA was instrumental in persuading the Home Office to set up the Forecourt Crime Senior Steering Group last year. Madderson said it had helped retailers to report crime in a consistent way that was most useful to the police, and to ensure the police were engaging with forecourt crime in a consistent manner. David Cardwell, who runs a petrol station in Portavogie, County Down, told the BBC that the new process meant retailers would have to send a letter to the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) to get the information on the car, for which there is a 2.50 fee, and tell them that there had been a criminal act. Retailers would then have to write to the driver to ask them if they were in the petrol station on the date and to ask them to pay for the fuel. If the person responsible did not pay, retailers would have to take civil action through the courts. He said: If someone drives off with 10 of fuel then we have to add 2.50 onto it. Its not worth chasing someone up for that, well probably just have to write it off. Jenny Palmer, a member of the Legislative Assembly, called for the pilot to be scrapped. This is quite frankly a disgraceful scheme and it can only lead to an increase in theft as petty criminals will take advantage of the huge amount of red tape which petrol retailers will have to trawl through to get their money back," she said. Prior to the postponement PSNI said that in the vast majority of such cases their role was to help petrol stations recover civil debts, which was placing a substantial but preventable burden on police resources. The purpose of this pilot is to remove much of that burden and free up local police time to deal with criminality, identify and apprehend offenders and keep people safe. It said the scheme would be subject to an ongoing review to assess the impact on policing in the districts where it was being piloted. Hire Heroes USA CEO and Marine Corps. veteran Brian Stann appeared on the FOX Business Network Friday to discuss his companys efforts to help veterans become successful in the civilian workforce as well as in their communities. Stann weighed in on the challenges for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. The hardest thing veterans have, even myself included as a Naval Academy graduate, is communicating our value and our skill set to a civilian employer. We use a lot acronyms, our jobs are a little bit different so we dont know how to communicate what our skill set is and market ourselves. In the military we use we and they, we never use I and me. So interviewing for a job, creating a resume, a phone interview, a LinkedIn site, these are all foreign to us, Stann told Maria Bartiromo. Stann added that another obstacle for veterans is overcoming misunderstandings on the part of potential employers. A lot of times if the employer is not familiar with the military when youre looking to hire for a position and turnover costs money, you want to hire the right person. If youre not familiar with them, if youre not necessarily comfortable and you dont understand them, then [you] may not hire them. But according to Stann, proper communication of veterans skill sets can overcome any misunderstandings and reach a common ground between veterans and their potential employers. He then explained that Hire Heroes USA employs many seasoned veterans that can empathize with what new vets are going through and are particularly suited to assisting them through the transition. For this company, over 70% of us are veterans ourselves. So, its men and women who have served, who have family who have served, that are helping these men and women overcome these obstacles. But Stann also views veterans qualities as important models for their communities in addition to their careers. The thing for us is that these men and women, with the sacrifice theyve made serving during a time of two wars, we dont want them to just come home and find a job. At a time in our county where our morality and our values are eroding, now is a great time for military personnel not just to come back and be leaders in their professional life, but also in their communities. Honor, courage, commitment, all these things, these are all things we want to rub off. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy Ford's Fiesta is one of the best-selling cars inthe U.K. Brexit might put a damper on its success -- but overall,Ford's Europeanbusiness islooking very strong. Image source: Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) second-quarter earnings report was a mixed bag. On the one hand, overall profit was off 9%, and Ford shares sold off sharply following the report on concerns about China and a slowing U.S. market. But there was also some good news for shareholders in the report. One very bright spot: Europe, where Ford has been restructuring since 2012, is now a solid source of profits for the Blue Oval. Ford's European restructuring effort is now paying off It's a happy story. Ford's pre-tax profit in Europe rose to $467 million in the second quarter, up from $161 million a year ago. Rising sales have helped, as have cost cuts. Former CEO Alan Mulally's 2012 restructuring plan for Europe is mostly complete, and now Ford Europe chief Jim Farley is making additional changes to help boost profit margins further. It's all working. As you can see from this slide from Ford's earnings presentation, nearly every important metric for its European business was up, with the exception of market share. Image source: Ford Motor Company. Ford CFO Bob Shanks attributed the slight dip in market share to what he called "market mix." "The Southern European markets grew disproportionately [during the quarter]," he said. "Our share performance there is a little below the average of what it is in Europe [overall], so that affected us." But that small dip in market share was more than offset by other factors. This next slide shows what factors helped and hurt Ford Europe's second-quarter result versus its performance a year ago. Image source: Ford Motor Company. Ford's wholesale shipments in Europe were up 11% in the second quarter, and that had a big positive impact on its results. Ford also saw a gain from "mix," as it's selling more higher-profit upscale models now than it was a year ago. But cost cuts also helped. "Contribution cost" is Ford's term for costs that vary with its production volumes, such as raw materials and the costs of shipping vehicles to dealers. Within contribution costs, the company generally separates swings in the market prices of commodities such as steel from other materials costs -- for instance, if it reduces its use of a particular material, or gets a better deal from a supplier. That's what we see here. Lower materials costs were offset somewhat by an increase in Ford's warranty reserves, but overall gains in contribution costs boosted Ford's result by $173 million. There is one worrying note on this slide: the $66 million unfavorable swing in "exchange" costs. That's where Ford began talking about its expectations for the effects of "Brexit." A note of caution from Ford's CFO about Brexit "This is the first time that you'll see us talking about Brexit," Shanks said. But, Shanks said, Brexit will affect Ford in another way: The company is anticipating weakness in the U.K.'s new-car market, where Ford is a leading presence. "We are expecting to have headwinds of about $200 million this year associated with Brexit," Shanks said. There may also be some unfavorable exchange-rate impacts after this year, as Ford isn't (or at least wasn't as of the conference call) fully hedged against the British pound for 2017 and 2018, Shanks said. The upshot: A good underlying story regardless of Brexit The takeaway for shareholders is that while Brexit might have an impact on Ford's results in Europe in the near term, the good news is that the underlying business is looking quite strong. The restructuring effort started by Mulally has turned out to be a success, and Ford is now well-positioned to generate sustainable profits in Europe over the longer term. A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early, in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here. John Rosevear owns shares of Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. 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. In a recent Seeking Alpha post, Fernando Posadas shared some insights about the oil output in Latin America, where major producers have witnessed declines of almost 400K bpd year-over-year. Moreover, this figure still reflects the strong influence of Brazil, which has helped maintain output levels. As of June, Argentina had seen a 6 percent year-over-year decline in production; Colombia, a 12 percent tumble; Mexico, a 3 percent slip; and Venezuela, an 11 percent plummet. Production across the sub-continent only grew in Brazil (6 percent) and Ecuador (2 percent). Taking rig count as a forward-looking indicator, we can say that Latin America will stop declines in the best-case scenario, but in the medium term, the author concluded. South Africa Is King Again South Africa has managed to regain its position as Africas largest economy, following a two-year Nigerian tenure. According to IMF data, the swap can be mainly attributed to currency issues: while the South African rand has gained almost 20 percent over the past six months, the Nigerian naira has lost more than 38 percent most of it during Junes devaluation. Per IMF data, South Africa's economy is currently worth roughly $301 billion, while Nigerias economy reaches $296 billion. But look behind the league table and the light-hearted jostling about who has the largest economy in Africa and things, economically speaking, are a little bleaker. Both economies contracted in the first quarter. Another contraction and they'll both be in recession, BBC said. Why Indian Equity Markets Beat The Chinese Indian equity markets have performed a lot better than Chinese markets over the past few years. For instance, over the past year, the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (ETF) (NYSE:FXI) has lost 8.6 percent, while the iShares S&P India Nifty 50 Index Fund (NASDAQ:INDY) slipped just 2.74 percent. Over the last five years, the former fund tumbled 4.44 percent, while the latter gained 13.36 percent. In a recent Forbes article, Panos Mourdoukoutas shared some of the reasons behind Indias outperformance. First, Indias market is opened to foreign capital. China isnt, he said. Indian stocks move up and down more closely in sync with the global emerging market average than the stocks of most other countries do because its emerging markets are deep and diverse. Other reasons include the pace of financial reform (steadier in India), the diversity of profit-oriented companies in the Indian equity market, and the accelerating Indian growth versus Chinas decelerating pace. 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. John Rhys-Davies, best known for his role as Gimli in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is perhaps just as well known for his outspoken views. The actor came under fire in 2015 for an interview he gave in which he slammed political correctness, saying "we have lost our moral compass completely. Davies told FOX411 his views have cost him friends in Hollywood. "I know there are certain people in Hollywood who would not work with me because I have said things that are not PC," the 72-year-old actor told us. "I have lost friends and that saddens me." Davies said he feels it is the responsibility of actors to explore others' beliefs and to constantly question. Instead, he said many of his actor friends believe their opinion is the only right one. "I love my fellow actors but sometimes I think that their opinions are wrong. True art asks uncomfortable questions and if you find yourself agreeing with everyone around you all the time, you should wonder what your significance as a citizen and as an artist is." He added, "But that's not really important. What matters is that a civilization is kept alive and vital by debate." The British-born actor said he is worried for our civilization. "The world is a dirtier and darker place now than it has probably been for 200 years," he said. "Western civilization is profound and tolerant and we are now confronted with a far more vital and energetic civilization...[that is] completely antithetical to our beliefs, and how we cope with that is going to be the big challenge for the [21st] century [because we] will lose it if we don't defend it in the right way." Davies most recently starred in the film "Peter: The Redemption" alongside Stephen Baldwin. He said he was attracted to the role because of its faith-based message. "I think [the film] touches on something fairly important -- whether you're a Christian or not, we are all heirs to Western European Judeo-Christian civilization, and your right to have your own views and opinions directly comes from the Christians." Criminal Minds star Thomas Gibson has been fired from the CBS series after news broke that he allegedly kicked a screenwriter during a creative dispute. "Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds, ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios said in a statement sent to FOX411. Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date." The actor told us in a statement, "I love 'Criminal Minds' and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won't be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have." According to TMZ, the actor had a creative dispute with a writer a few weeks ago and allegedly kicked the writer in the leg during the spat. Sources on set told TMZ the writer complained to his agent who then contacted the CBS executives, and the network initially suspended Gibson. FOX411's Diana Falzone contributed to this report. What is old, is nude again. Treats magazine is partnering with photographer David Bellemere to launch a 1970s' Pirelli-inspired calendar for 2017. But instead of famous naked people, they're setting out to find the next generation of top models for their 2017 NU Muses calendar. Treats president Steve Shaw told us earlier this year that his nude-heavy magazine differs from old-school Playboys because Playboy is for men. I do this for women. Apparently he thinks the calendar is, too. We need to get back to showcasing timeless and classic nudity where women, as well as men, feel comfortable and inspired by these images of the female body," Shaw said in a press release announcing the calendar. "Women will want to be a part of this project because it's a beautiful piece of art." Models can submit pics online or in person at open casting calls in Los Angeles and New York. The lucky 12 will each get $10,000, and a month. So again, kind of like Playboy, but not. I just read a wonderfully obscure paper entitled Factors in the Selection of Surface Disinfectants for Use in a Laboratory Animal Setting, published in the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science in March, by Michael Campagna and colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles. They studied, well, disinfectants. Various kinds are used in labs, and the scientists examined, among other things, which ones have odors that lab mice find aversive. Why study that? Because its a small piece of a big issue related to genes and behavior: the role of the environment. Suppose scientists want to know what a genelets call it Gene Zhas to do with behavior. Using genetic-engineering wizardry, they generate a line of mice lacking Gene Z (knockout mice), plus another line with an extra copy of Gene Z (transgenic overexpression mice). Then they see if theres something different about the behavior of either group when compared with unmanipulated control mice. So a lab discovers that Gene Z is pertinent to, say, anxiety. Knock out the gene, and mice dont get anxious; overexpress the gene, and theyre more prone to anxiety. (How can you measure mouse anxiety? Mice, being nocturnal, are afraid of light. Researchers might put food in the middle of a brightly lighted arena and see how long it takes for a hungry mouse to leave a comforting, shaded corner to get the food.) With the results in, other labs get some of the Gene Z mice, eager to study different aspects of anxiety. And surprisingly often, something disquieting occurs. Another group confirms the link between Gene Z and anxiety, but they dont see as big of an effect. Then another lab reports that the gene has no effect on anxiety. Yet another finds that Gene Z decreases anxiety. Yikes. Everyone wonders if the scientists dont know what theyre doing, or if the test is reliable. But research started in the 1990s by neuroscientist John Crabbe of the Oregon Health and Science University suggests a different explanation. Click for more from the Wall Street Journal. A growing number of surgeries performed with only local anesthesia create new challenges for surgeons, according to interviews with U.S. doctors. Surgeries using new local anesthestics that numb an area of the body but leave patients awake, tend to have a shorter recovery time, but can also cause distress and anxiety for patients, researchers write in the American Journal of Surgery. These "awake surgeries" also raise new issues for surgeons, who must balance the needs of operating room staff and patients, the authors found. "The surgeons that we interviewed told us that having an 'awake' patient changed the way they communicated with their team," senior author Dr. Alexander Langerman told Reuters Health by email. These changes, including using code words and limiting trainees' involvement with awake patients, were strategies surgeons developed on their own. "None had formal training in surgeon-patient communication during awake procedures," said Langerman, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Langerman's team interviewed 23 surgeons in various specialties about their experiences operating on awake patients. The surgeons talked about many surgical procedures, ranging from biopsies to abortions to cataract surgery. They said that awake surgeries tended to be more efficient and satisfying overall and that patients were able to help with certain check-ins during procedures. The doctors also noted some disadvantages, including the difficulty of addressing patients' pain during surgery and the possibility of patients making risky movements during the procedure. Surgeons also found it harder to teach surgical trainees because patients were uncomfortable with the idea of a student operating on them. Many doctors found themselves less likely to let trainees participate in procedures, a change that could have a negative long-term effect on trainees' learning, they said. The most common type of communication between surgeon and patient that the doctors mentioned was to manage patients' expectations, including warning patients about any upcoming changes in what they might feel. Doctors noted that they needed to choose their words more carefully and have code words for mistakes rather than saying "oops." Surgeons were aware of the fact that operating rooms can be uncomfortable for patients. Some tried to change this by playing music or limiting the number of people moving in and out of the room. Some doctors offered patients the option of taking sedative medications, which would not keep them unconscious like general anesthesia, but might help them relax or go to sleep. Most surgeons had never learned how to communicate with awake patients and many felt insecure about their techniques and were interested in learning new strategies. Dr. Lashmi Venkatraghavan, a professor at the University of Toronto who studies communication during surgery, noted the importance of reducing patient's anxiety. "All the negative events will be remembered forever by the patients and it does have a long lasting psychological effect," she told Reuters Health by email. Venkatraghavan, who was not involved in the study, recommends that surgeons give patients full explanations of what to expect during the surgery. Surgeons should also tell patients about their options for how to manage pain or discomfort during surgery, such as how to get additional pain medicine or local anesthesia, she said. "I think all patients, no matter (if they're) awake or asleep, should discuss with their surgeons the plans for the operation and how trainees will be involved in their care," Langerman said, adding that patients should specify how many details they want to hear about what is happening during the surgery. "You should ask for what you want and be prepared to negotiate with your surgeon as to what will help him or her perform at their best and keep you comfortable and satisfied during surgery," Langerman said. SOURCE: bit.ly/2bgOTlt American Journal of Surgery, online July 29, 2016. A Los Angeles Police Department officer is being celebrated after raising tens of thousands of dollars for two children whose mother is in hospice care after a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Inside Edition reported officer Ken Lew had been patrolling an unfamiliar neighborhood when he approached a parked car and found 17-year-old Ariel Carmona sobbing inside. Lew asked him why, and Ariel shared his familys story. After his mother, Marcela, was diagnosed with cancer, she had to quit her job and was eventually moved into hospice care. Meanwhile, Ariel and his younger sister, Yairad, were evicted from their home, and Yairad went to live with another family while Ariel moved in with a friend in Englewood, California. Marcelas medical bills proved to be too much for Ariel, who is a college student, Inside Edition reported. I knew there was a reason I met Ariel, Lew said after hearing the boy's story, according to the news website. I told him I was going to take care of him and his family. I didnt know how but I was determined to help. After starting a GoFundMe.com page, he received an outpouring of support for Ariel and his family. He quickly raised $50,000, Inside Edition reported. As of Friday morning, the account had raised $60,300 of its $75,000 goal. Lew, who lost his mother to cancer, has since become a father figure to Ariel and Yairad. The family's tragedy also inspired him to start a nonprofit, Badge of Heart, to help victims of abuse. We know we cant save the world, Lew told the news website. We just want to save families and their kids. J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park. Health officials in Central Ohio are warning residents not to ingest water at public swimming pools after a diarrheal infection has sickened at least 107 people. WHIO.com reported that this year three counties in the region have received reports of more cases of the pool-linked gastrointestinal illness cryptosporidiosis, or crypto, than the last three years combined. In 2016, Ohio overall has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of reported cases. The microscopic, chlorine-resistant parasite that causes sickness is most commonly spread through water. Public health nurse Amy Schmitt told the news website the best way to prevent infection is for sick people to stay out of the water and for people, particularly children, to avoid ingesting pool water. We want to make sure that if theyre sick, particularly with diarrhea, they really shouldnt be swimming, Schmitt told WHIO.com. And if theyre diagnosed with this infection called crypto and thats done by lab test they should not swim for two weeks after the diarrhea has stopped. The website reported crypto is also spread at streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, as well as splash pads and water parks. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In early July, Betsy Davis emailed her closest friends and relatives to invite them to a two-day party, telling them: These circumstances are unlike any party you have attended before, requiring emotional stamina, centeredness and openness. And just one rule: No crying in front of her. The 41-year-old artist with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, held the gathering to say goodbye before becoming one of the first Californians to take a lethal dose of drugs under the state's new doctor-assisted suicide law for the terminally ill. For me and everyone who was invited, it was very challenging to consider, but there was no question that we would be there for her, said Niels Alpert, a cinematographer from New York City. The idea to go and spend a beautiful weekend that culminates in their suicide that is not a normal thing, not a normal, everyday occurrence. In the background of the lovely fun, smiles and laughter that we had that weekend was the knowledge of what was coming. Davis worked out a detailed schedule for the gathering on the weekend of July 23-24, including the precise hour she planned to slip into a coma, and shared her plans with her guests in the invitation. More than 30 people came to the party at a home with a wraparound porch in the picturesque Southern California mountain town of Ojai, flying in from New York, Chicago and across California. One woman brought a cello. A man played a harmonica. There were cocktails, pizza from her favorite local joint, and a screening in her room of one of her favorite movies, The Dance of Reality, based on the life of a Chilean film director. As the weekend drew to a close, her friends kissed her goodbye, gathered for a photo and left, and Davis was wheeled out to a canopy bed on a hillside, where she took a combination of morphine, pentobarbital and chloral hydrate prescribed by her doctor. Kelly Davis said she loved her sister's idea for the gathering, which Betsy Davis referred to as a rebirth. Obviously, it was hard for me. It's still hard for me, said Davis, who wrote about it for the online news outlet Voice of San Diego. The worst was needing to leave the room every now and then, because I would get choked up. But people got it. They understood how much she was suffering and that she was fine with her decision. They respected that. They knew she wanted it to be a joyous occasion. Davis ended her life a little over a month after a California law giving the option to the terminally ill went into effect. Four other states allow doctor-assisted suicide, with Oregon being the first, in 1997. Opponents of the law in lobbying against it before state legislators argued that hastening death was morally wrong, that it puts terminally ill patients at risk for coerced death by loved ones and could become a way out for people who are uninsured or fearful of high medical bills. Davis spent months planning her exit, feeling empowered after spending the last three years losing control of her body bit by bit. The painter and performance artist could no longer stand, brush her teeth or scratch an itch. Her caretakers had to translate her slurred speech for others. Scientists say the semen of an Italian man who contracted Zika tested positive for the virus six months after he exhibited symptoms about twice as long as previously reported cases. For couples planning a family, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends men whove traveled to a Zika-afflicted region wait to have unprotected sex for at least eight weeks after the man returns, regardless of whether he is symptomatic. If the man is diagnosed with Zika, experts recommend waiting to have unprotected sex for at least six months after he begins exhibiting symptoms. In April, the CDC confirmed Zika causes microcephaly, a severe birth abnormality marked by underdeveloped heads and neurological problems, and new research suggests the infection is linked with a joint disorder and temporary paralysis. Although mosquitoes primarily transmit the virus, Zika can also be contracted through sex. The new findings, published Thursday in the journal Eurosurveillance, may compel groups like the CDC to revise their recommendations, researchers said. Study authors detailed the case of a man in his early 40s who presented with a fever and rash after returning from a two-week trip from Haiti to Italy in January 2016. Nine days after he began exhibiting symptoms, his plasma tested positive for Zika. Tests also detected the virus in his urine and saliva 15 and 47 days, respectively, after symptom onset. Researchers noted that 181 days after the initial symptoms showed, the mans semen still tested positive for Zika. "The results of this study confirm that the virus could replicate specifically in the male genital tract and may persist in semen," the researchers, from the University of Padova and Padova University Hospital, in Italy, told the BBC. The longest time Zika registered in semen previously was 93 days after symptom onset in a 27-year-old Frenchman. Researchers detailed those findings earlier this month in the August edition of the journal The Lancet. Donald Trump is tearing up the GOP playbook and sparking chaos within his own party in turn, handing Democrats the opportunity to sway Republican voters and to court the business sector. After the worst recession in 80 years, we fought our way back, President Obama said in his prime time speech at the Democratic National Convention, uncharacteristically appealing directly to the business set. Weve seen deficits come down, 401(k)s recover, an auto industry set new records, unemployment reach eight-year lows and our businesses create 15 million new jobs. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton vowed in her nomination acceptance speech to build an economy where everyone who wants a good paying job can get one. The 2016 Democratic Party platform caters to business and job creation, too. We will cut the red tape that holds back small businesses and entrepreneurs. We will open up access to credit because we know that small businesses are some of the best job creators in our country. We will provide tax relief and tax simplification. But among our 2,200 members -- 80 percent are small businesses and startups -- we have heard countless complaints that Washington has ranged from unhelpful to harmful over the course of Obamas two terms in office the result of government overregulation. Here are five policies that have hurt entrepreneurs and small businesses since Obama entered the White House: 1. Startups and entrepreneurs no longer have access to the best global talent. Every foreign-born graduate with an advanced STEM degree is associated with an average of 2.6 jobs for American workers. But our current immigration laws restrict how foreign-born, U.S.-educated science, technology, engineering and math graduates can work in the U.S. For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. maxed out its H-1B visa cap over five business days. This year, the U.S. received more than 233,000applications for just 85,000 H-1B visas. In the past seven years, the closest Congress has come to immigration reform was legislation during Obamas first term to boost the number of available H-1Bs, but the bill was voted down by Democrats. And theres no sign of relief if the Democrats hold on to the White House in November. In a recent interview, Clinton displayed rare and troubling political candor when she said the crux of immigration reform for her and for the Democratic Party was, and is, a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants in this country illegally. Clinton has effectively told the tech industry it shouldnt hold its breath waiting for a much-needed increase in the number of H-1B high-skilled visas despite the fact that the tech industry is a key player in the coalition advocating for immigration reform. 2. Employee health care costs have skyrocketed. Thanks to ObamaCare, startups with more than 50 employees must now provide health care benefits or pay a penalty of $2,000 per full-time employee. Employers already providing health care face higher costs and are penalized for giving better benefits or cash for employees to purchase health care. And employees have higher deductibles, reduced benefits and fewer choices in doctors. 3. Interns and recent grads face new barriers to employment. Two new rules governing internship and overtime pay are having a chilling effect on business. Students were once able to gain experience, and employers were able to test-drive potential employees, through internships. But this has been more difficult since Obama took office. The Obama administration almost completely banned unpaid interns, except in government. And paid interns must receive health care benefits if they stay more than a few months. And a new Department of Labor rule that will go into effect later this year says every salaried employee making less than $47,476 per year must be paid overtime for extra work. This rule more than doubles the threshold for overtime eligibility, and means fewer graduates in STEM fields will join startups, since every new tech business asks its existing employees to do what it takes to get the app, service or new product launched before the competition. Together, these two rules translate into costly barriers for startups. They also translate to fewer opportunities for recent graduates and deny them the opportunity to do what so many in past generations did; namely, graduate and begin a career by working hard to immerse themselves in the essentials of their chosen profession. 4. Patent trolls meritless lawsuits are financially crippling entrepreneurs. In the past seven years, the legalized extortion of small businesses has soared. Today, it drains $1.5 billion from the U.S. economy every week. To be fair, most Democrats, including the president, supported legislation that would have curbed this disgusting extortion racket. But Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid responded to the fat-cat trial lawyers and killed the proposal. Every dollar spent by an entrepreneur or small business paying off patent trolls is a dollar that cannot be spent to hire someone or get a new product or service into consumers hands. 5. Thousands of new rules and regulations create new costs for small businesses. Almost every entrepreneur and small-business person laments the new federal rules they are forced to deal with, understand and pay lawyers to help them navigate. The Obama administration is responsible for six of the top seven all-time highest total number of pages of rules and regulations published in a given year in the Federal Register. Obama has added an average of 78,785 pages annually, up more than 2,000 a year from the 76,783 pages issued annually by his predecessor. While all these new rules are well-intentioned and have a purpose, they are killing smaller businesses, such as community banks, independent health care providers, manufacturers and service providers. More, these rules give bigger companies a competitive advantage, because they can afford the lawyers necessary to stay compliant with federal law. Democrats say they like jobs, but for some, their actions at the federal level are hurting employers, especially startups and smaller businesses. If Democrats truly believed that those businesses create jobs, and acted accordingly, then our nation would be more competitive globally, and we could get closer to the healthy economic growth and full employment necessary to allow government to be funded to do its job. Former Hewlett Packard CEO and 2016 presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina is reportedly eyeing up a new political run this time to replace Reince Priebus as chair of the Republican National Committee although some fear her refusal to back Donald Trump may hurt her chances. Fiorina, who was largely seen as an unlikely candidate for the GOP nomination when she announced her candidacy last year, surprised many commentators with a strong run. In particular, a moment at the September debate in California, in which Fiorina implored President Obama and Hillary Clinton to watch leaked videos that described controversial practices at Planned Parenthood, resonated with Republican voters and saw her briefly surge near the top of the pack in some polls. Her numbers later fizzled and she dropped out after a disappointing showing in the New Hampshire primary in February. Fiorina has been spending the time since then campaigning for Republican House and Senate candidates, and has not endorsed Trump. A number of outlets, including Time and Politico, reported Tuesday that the Fiorina is mulling a bid to replace Priebus after the November election and is reaching out to state party chairs offering to help in any way as a way of laying the groundwork for a run. Time reported that domain names CarlyForChair.com and CarlyForRNC.com were bought up at the same time in July. Priebus has not yet announced if he will seek another term as party chair. Should Trump win the White House in November, he would have considerable say over who becomes chair, and so would be unlikely to recommend Fiorina. But should Hillary Clinton win the White House, her chances look much stronger. While Fiorina has never held elected public office, she does have some experience in party leadership. After her unsuccessful 2010 California Senate bid, she served as vice-chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and later the chair of the American Conservative Union Foundation. Her background in management and technology industries could also help her clinch the role. Some Fiorina supporters say it would be the right move for her, and for the party. She has proven herself to be an outstanding, eloquent spokeswoman for conservative principles and the Republican Party, as someone who had been on the front line implementing those principles in the real world and in the private sector, Keith Appell, former senior adviser to the CARLY for America Super PAC, told FoxNews.com. One of the things she did well as a candidate was getting a lot of people to nod their heads and say yes when she explained the practical applications of conservative policies and principles. Thats something the party has needed, Appell said. However, some believe her refusal to back Donald Trump could be fatal, even if the billionaire loses. Fiorina briefly became Ted Cruzs running mate before he dropped out, and said of Trump in March: he does not represent me, he does not represent our party. Former Iowa Republican Party chair Craig Robinson told FoxNews.com that while Fiorina is a good candidate for the job, her apparent gamble that Trump will lose shows she is not a team player. Where I have questions is on the timing of all this. It seems she is plotting her next personal step at a time when Republicans at large should be doing what they can to help their nominee win the White House, Robinson, who also runs The Iowa Republican blog, said. Shes out there running for RNC chair instead of helping the team elect Donald Trump president. Robinson said that although I cant think of anyone who does a better job of communicating the message against Hillary Clinton, he said that putting herself above the party may cost her the job. I think she really misplayed this. I think shes going to turn off certain elements within the RNC committee that shes going to need for support, he said. They want to win and theyre supporting Donald Trump. If shes not doing that I dont see how these individuals say shes right to lead the party. Fox News' David Lee Miller contributed to this report. A dozen Alaska state legislators face challenges from within their parties during Tuesday's primary election. In an unusual move, the Republican and Democratic parties -- generally reluctant to pick sides during a primary -- have gotten involved in some of the races. All 40 House seats and half of the Senate's 20 seats are up for election. Two senators, Republican Bert Stedman of Sitka and Democrat Donny Olson of Golovin, are unopposed this year. Seven House Democrats, six of whom are in the minority, and Republican House Speaker Mike Chenault also face no opposition. It is still possible for someone to run as a write-in candidate, however; the deadline for doing so is five days before the November election. Republicans control both chambers. The races will be held against the backdrop of a multibillion-dollar deficit that lawmakers have yet to close. In all, nine legislators are giving up their seats, either because they aren't seeking re-election, or -- in the case of Reps. Lynn Gattis, Craig Johnson and Shelley Hughes -- they've opted to run for the Senate. Earlier this year, state GOP leaders took the unusual step of endorsing George Rauscher over incumbent Republican Rep. Jim Colver of Palmer. Rauscher made a failed bid for the seat in 2014. State Republican Chairman Tuckerman Babcock said the action wasn't taken lightly. But he thinks Colver is a Democrat who would organize with Democrats at the first opportunity. Colver is part of the "Musk Ox Coalition," a loose affiliation of moderates in the Republican-led House who on a handful of issues have bucked leadership or aligned with minority Democrats. Another "musk ox" facing a primary challenge, Republican Rep. Paul Seaton of Homer, is being targeted by a third-party spending group. Colver, on his website, defends his voting record as one of the most conservative in the Legislature and said he works for his constituents -- not "party bosses." In an interview, Colver said he's a proud member of the Republican-led majority and said there's nothing wrong with having some independence and different points of view within that group. He pegs his troubles with party leaders to his vote against a bill that would have put legislators on a gas line board. The bill passed the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Bill Walker. Colver saw the bill as unconstitutional -- a conclusion also reached by the attorney general's office. "I guess the lesson is, if you don't go along with the flow and do what you're told, you might get thrown under the bus," Colver said. The state Democratic party, meanwhile, has donated to the challengers of fellow Democratic Reps. Bob Herron of Bethel and Benjamin Nageak of Barrow. Herron and Nageak are among four Democrats in the House majority. Herron is a leader within the majority who expressed frustration that pieces of the governor's plan to address the deficit weren't sent to the House floor for a vote. Nageak is a co-chair of the House Resources Committee. State Democratic Party Chairwoman Casey Steinau said there was no formal decision by the party to back Herron challenger Zach Fansler and Dean Westlake, who made a failed run against Nageak in 2014. Fansler and Westlake asked the party for its support, Steinau said. She said her party's goal is to get a "true bipartisan coalition" in the House that holds shared power. Dozens of Republicans including ex-lawmakers and former party staffers have signed a letter urging Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus to suspend funding for Donald Trumps campaign and divert all resources to congressional races, in the latest rebuke of the nominee from inside the party. The letter, which is in draft form and expected to be sent next week, urges Priebus to focus RNC resources on saving the Republican majority in the House and Senate effectively casting Trumps campaign as a lost cause dragging congressional candidates down. Given the catastrophic impact that Donald Trumps losing presidential campaign will have on down-ballot Senate and House races, we urge you to immediately suspend all discretionary RNC support for Trump and focus the entirety of the RNCs available resources on preserving the GOPs congressional majorities, the letter says. The letter, obtained by Fox News, cites a litany of complaints ranging from his controversial comments on the trail to his suggestion he might balk on NATO treaty obligations to his refusal to release his tax returns. To date, however, Priebus has stuck by his public support for the nominee. He delivered a full-throated endorsement at last months Republican National Convention, where he declared: With Donald Trump and Mike Pence, America is ready for a comeback after almost a decade of Clinton-Obama failures. The letter, signed by over 70 Republicans and first reported by Politico, is just the latest flare-up from Trumps detractors inside the party. Fifty former security and diplomatic officials from Republican administrations signed a letter earlier this week opposing Trump, while other prominent Republicans have either come out against him or gone a step further and endorsed Hillary Clinton. One of those figures was former Connecticut Rep. Chris Shays, who also signed the forthcoming letter. Other co-signers include former New Hampshire Sen. Gordon Humphrey; former Missouri Rep. Tom Coleman; former RNC communications director B. Jay Cooper; and former RNC chief digital strategist Mindy Finn. Trump has brushed off the intra-party tensions. After the security-official letter went public, he said those officials are the ones the American people should look to for answers on why the world is a mess, and we thank them for coming forward so everyone in the country knows who deserves the blame for making the world such a dangerous place. Fox News Nick Kalman contributed to this report. If you think the television networks are biased toward Hillary Clinton in the current presidential race, a media watchdog wants you to know that newspapers are even worse. The conservative Media Research Center first compared TV news networks coverage of two recent controversies involving Clinton and Republican rival Donald Trump. Clintons appearance at a Kissimmee, Fla., rally with the father of Orlando terrorist Omar Mateen seated prominently behind her earned a fifth of the amount of coverage that Trumps ambiguous suggestion that Second Amendments advocates could do something about a Clinton administrations Supreme Court justices got. But when MRC looked at how the two controversies were handled by print journalists, the discrepancy was even more stark. The nations top newspapers were even worse in demonstrating a double standard on these two bad-news moments from the campaign trail in their Wednesday editions, the center wrote in a post on its Newsbusters vertical. The New York Times printed a 1,287-word article at the top right of the front page headlined TRUMP SUGGESTS GUN OWNERS ACT AGAINST CLINTON: ALARM AT HIS REMARK,MRC reported. Just to the left of that on top of the front page was an article headlined G.O.P. Women Are Retreating From Nominee. The Times also wrote a scathing staff editorial leading that page with the headline Further Into the Muck With Mr. Trump. The only mention by the venerable paper that has long boasted of conveying all the news thats fit to print was a short story headlined Clinton Campaign Plays Down Appearance at Rally by Orlando Gunmans Father." And that article was only to be found in online editions. The Washington Post similarly played up the Trump controversy with a lengthy Page 1 story headlined Trump decried for gun remark: Critics see his comments on 2nd Amendment as a threat against Clinton. The story was augmented with an editorial, calling Trumps comments An ugly call to Second Amendment people. The Post completely ignored the presence of Seddique Mateen, an Afghan who has expressed support for the Taliban and hatred of gays in the past, and offered equivocal condemnation of his son, who pledged allegiance to ISIS during a rampage at a gay nightclub in which he killed 49 people. The Clinton campaign has insisted Mateen was not an invited guest, though some experts have expressed skepticism that he could have been seated so prominently without the campaigns knowledge. Mateen told Florida television station WPTV that he had been "invited by the Democratic Party." USA Today, the nations largest paper by circulation, also ran a front-page story on Trumps Second Amendment remarks, but only carried the Clinton story in a blog on the editorial page by the conservative writer Glenn Reynolds, known as "Instapundit." Click for more from Newsbusters. One of Americas top defense attorneys was deemed too controversial to host an event for President Obama, according to newly surfaced emails, mainly because of one particular client a jet-setting billionaire accused of trafficking underage girls, who also happens to be close friends with Bill Clinton. Famed attorney Roy Black, 71, represented Jeffrey Epstein, 63, a Palm Beach finance mogul accused of trafficking for himself and his powerful friends nearly three-dozen underage girls for sex. Black, and his co-counsel Alan Dershowitz, secured a remarkable deal in 2008 in which Epstein pleaded guilty to one count related to prostitution with a minor, registered as a sex offender, and served, partly in home detention, just 13 months of a 19-month sentence. A May 12 email chain posted on WikiLeaks showed Democratic National Committee leaders fretted that Black had hosted a fundraiser for Obama in 2007, and had been initially cleared in February to host a second fundraiser at his Miami Beach mansion, listed earlier this year for $17 million. But negative subsequent publicity as a result of representing Epstein gave party officials pause. We were also asked to vet the following for POTUS hosting. The only issue is Roy Black. New issues have come up since his last vet in February 2016, wrote Kevin Snowden, deputy compliance director at the DNC. I lean no to (Black) hosting but could be ok with (him) attending, wrote back Alan Reed, also a deputy compliance director with the DNC. Black has been accused of no wrongdoing regarding Epstein, and was doing his job when he represented him. But while merely working for Epstein hurt Blacks standing with the party, current Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has a much closer association to Epstein. The email chain was last updated, the week FoxNews.com reported that former President Bill Clinton flew across the world on the billionaires private jet, dubbed the Lolita Express because of its reputation for orgies that reportedly took place on board. Clinton took more than 26 flights with Epstein across the world, including five trips for which flight logs show Clinton dismissed his U.S. Secret Service detail. Attorneys for Epstein have touted his close friendship with Clinton, claiming the billionaire helped start Clinton's family foundation and also hosted a trip to Africa in 2002 on his private Boeing 727 for the foundation, which Clinton himself attended, purportedly for an anti-AIDS and economic-development mission. Other articles detailing Blacks representation of Epstein were sent through the DNC email chain, including a February 2016 Miami Herald report in which a former federal prosecutor on the case alleges government lawyers were cowed by Epsteins high-powered attorneys, including Roy Black, leading to Epsteins substantially reduced sentence. His only conviction was for abusing one 14-year-old girl, despite initially being accused by the FBI of victimizing 34 underage girls. A March 30, 2011, Palm Beach Daily News article reported Black disputed claims that he and other attorneys representing Epstein pried into federal prosecutors' personal lives in attempting to disqualify them from investigating the billionaire sex offender, and "negotiated in bad faith," while attempting to reach an agreement with federal prosecutors. The allegations, made by former U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta against Epsteins defense team, were contained in a three-page letter first published by The Daily Beast. In the letter, Acosta said Epsteins legal team looked for personal peccadilloes of prosecutors, and informed him "the office's excess zeal in forcing a good man to serve time in jail might be the subject of a book if we continued to proceed with this matter, all during "a yearlong assault on the prosecution and the prosecutors. DNC officials also circulated articles on Blacks other high-profile, controversial clientele, including conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis, William Kennedy Smith of Kennedy family fame, Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and pop star Justin Bieber. A 2010 article in Page2Live.com reviewed the annual galas that Black, and his wife, Real Housewives of Miami star Lea Black, throw for charity, noting Black kicked off the open bar, three-course fiesta with this announcement to the 1,000-plus guests who'd paid up to $1,000 each: If you guys don't get drunk and dance on the tables, then this party has failed!" The DNC emails were addressed to Robert "Bobby" Schmuck, special assistant to the president and deputy director of the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach at The White Houses Executive Office of the President, via his government email address, and included members of Obamas campaign strategy team as well as a number DNC officials. Schmuck ultimately agreed with DNC officials on Blacks status, writing No hosting, fine to attend. A fresh report that federal prosecutors are probing the Clinton Foundation revived speculation Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton may not be past her email problems, but the Justice Department on Friday declined to confirm the account. Despite the official decline, The Daily Caller reported that several investigations were being launched including one led by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Civil Frauds Unit that will focus on Clinton Foundation in New York. Were declining to comment, a spokesperson told FoxNews.com about the claims. The FBI had investigated the Clinton Foundations relationship with the State Department during then-Secretary Hillary Clintons tenure, according to officials at the time. On Friday, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch asking questions about a report that says the Justice Department turned down new requests to investigation the Clinton Foundation for possible wrongdoing. As the press have reported widely and emails released over the past few days confirmed, representatives of the Foundation repeatedly sought special treatment for its donors and associates from senior officials at the State Department, Cornyn wrote to Lynch. This kind of conduct is unacceptable, and reflects the worst concerns harbored by the public about the abuse of government office to benefit the powerful at the expense of the American people, he added. A new batch of emails released earlier this week seemed to show donors got preferential treatment during Clintons tenure at the department. Conservative watchdog Judicial Watch released the 44 new email exchanges which it says were not in the original 30,000 handed over to the State Department, despite the Democratic presidential nominee's claims she turned over all work-related emails amid the now-closed probe into her private server use. The documents, produced as a result of the group's FOIA lawsuit, challenge Clinton's insistence that there is "no connection" between her family foundation and her work at the department. Though the campaign is downplaying the emails, Republican opponent Donald Trump, suggested the emails reveal potentially illegal activity. Its called pay for play, Trump said. In one email exchange released by Judicial Watch, Doug Band, an executive at the Clinton Foundation, tried to put billionaire donor Gilbert Chagoury -- a convicted money launderer -- in touch with the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon because of the donors interests there. Media outlets reported this week that FBI officials wanted to investigate whether there was a criminal conflict of interest with the State Department but that the Justice Department pushed back. At a State Department briefing on Thursday, spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said the department is not aware of any actions that were influenced by the Clinton Foundation. There were also claims that Cheryl Mills, Clintons top deputy at the State Department, interviewed two executives for a top position at the Clinton Foundation in 2012. The State Department again denied there was a conflict of interest and said a trip Mills took to New York to conduct business for the Clinton Foundation complied with ethics laws. The Department can confirm that the trip in question was for personal travel and was not paid for with government funds. Federal employees are permitted to engage in outside personal activities, within the scope of the federal ethics rules, the State Department said in a statement. Calls to Clintons campaign by FoxNews.com were not immediately returned. A coalition of technology groups and conservatives wants Congress to sue to stop the Obama administration from handing over control of Internet domain names to an international board, charging it could give authoritarian regimes power over the web. Since 1998, an arm of the U.S. Commerce Department called the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) has handled domain names. However, in September, the Obama administration plans to allow the U.S. governments contract to lapse so the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will be run by a global board of directors with the domain-naming responsibility. Many fear this will allow governments such as Russia, China and Iran to have a stake in Internet governance and the de facto power to tax domain names and stifle free speech. Congress twice included riders in appropriations bills to expressly prohibit tax dollars from being used for the transition, which President Obama signed into law. So, if the Obama administration allows the contract to lapse in September it could mark yet another questionable executive action by the administration. Thats part of the reason the tech groups and conservatives are asking House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., and other congressional leaders to support litigation, similar to that which the House took against the Obama administration regarding unauthorized spending on Obamacare in a 2014 lawsuit. Suing to enforce the appropriations rider and extending it through FY2017 are amply justified by the extraordinary importance of the constitutional principle at stake, the coalition letter says. The letter also says that the Obama administration has not ensured the United States will maintain ownership of domain names .mil or .gov for military and government websites. Without robust safeguards, Internet governance could fall under the sway of governments hostile to the freedoms protected by the First Amendment, the letter says. Ominously, governments will gain a formal voting role in ICANN for the first time when the new bylaws are implemented. Speaker Ryans office referred questions on the matter to the House Judiciary Committee, which did not immediately respond to FoxNews.com for this story. TechFreedom spearheaded the letter signed by 26 organizations, including Protect Internet Freedom, Center for Financial Privacy and Human Rights and Americans for Tax Reform; and 11 individuals such as TechFreedom President Berin Szoka; National Bloggers Club President Ali Akbar and Cliff May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Congress twice told the White House to pause the transition, yet the Commerce Department is blatantly ignoring the law, Szoka said in a statement. Congress cannot just let this slide. It must defend the Constitutions separation of powers, which gives the power of the purse to the House. That means making clear to the administration that the House will sue if NTIA does not extend the contract. However, the Obama administration contends it isnt bound by the appropriation bills. The law prohibits NTIA from using appropriated funds to relinquish the responsibility during fiscal year 2016, with respect to Internet domain name system functions, NTIA spokeswoman Juliana Grunewald told FoxNews.com. However, the law does not prohibit NTIA from evaluating a transition proposal or engaging in other preparatory activities related to the transition. In fact, Congress directed NTIA to conduct a thorough review of any proposed transition plan we receive and to provide Congress with quarterly updates on the transition, which we have done. Gruenwald noted that a number of organizations have supported the transition, such as Freedom House, the Internet Society, the Internet Association, Computer and Communications Industry Association and the Internet Infrastructure Association. The Obama administration announced in 2014 it planned to let the contract between the Commerce Department and ICANN expire at the end of fiscal year 2016, allowing the operating of the Internet absent the U.S. government. The coalition letter continues by warning that the ICANN structure will have a tough time holding board members and staff accountable. ICANN has already morphed from the technical coordinating body set up in 1998 into something much more like a government: It has the de facto power to tax domain names, the letter says. It adds, There are good reasons to worry about what it may do with this power absent the incentive for self-restraint created by its contract with the U.S. Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah and James Lankford of Oklahoma have sponsored the Protecting Internet Freedom Act to prevent the transition. In June, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., the chairmen of the Judiciary Committees of their respective chambers, wrote to Assistant Commerce Secretary Larry Strickling, stating the transfer would be illegal. As we are sure you are aware, it is a violation of federal law for an officer or employee of the United States government to make or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation, the letter says. It is troubling that NTIA appears to have taken these actions in violation of this prohibition. In a letter of response on Aug. 10, Strickling told the lawmakers they had a misunderstanding of the transition. Free expression exists and flourishes online not because of perceived U.S. government oversight over the [domain name system], or because of any asserted special relationship that the United States has with ICANN, Strickling said in the letter. It exists and is protected when stakeholders work together to make decisions. Some 13 states led by Texas will ask a federal judge Friday to halt the Obama administration's order to allow transgender students in U.S. public schools to use the restrooms of their choice. The hearing in Fort Worth is the latest in the battle between the federal government and various states opposed to the policy change. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor will hear arguments over the states request for a preliminary injunction to halt the Obama directive just weeks before school re-opens for the fall. It is not knowwn when the judge might issue a ruling. The White House in May told the nation's public school districts that they must allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their chosen gender identity or risk losing federal funding. States responded with a joint lawsuit challenging the order. "We will not yield to blackmail from the president of the United States," Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said at the time. "This goes against the values of so many people." The other states involved are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Meanwhile, other states last month launched a similar suit to stop the new bathroom policy in public schools. They are: Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The Obama administration's order followed a Justice Department lawsuit against North Carolina, which had passed a law requiring people in the state to only use public restrooms that correspond with their gender at birth. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement that there is "no room in our schools" for discrimination. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court put on hold a lower court's order that would have allowed a Virginia high school student who was born female but identifies as male to use the boys' restroom. The head of the national security division at the Justice Department was among the agencys senior officials who objected to paying Iran hundreds of millions of dollars in cash at the same time that Tehran was releasing American prisoners, according to people familiar with the discussions. John Carlin, a Senate-confirmed administration appointee, raised concerns when the State Department notified Justice officials of its plan to deliver to Iran a planeful of cash, saying it would be viewed as a ransom payment, these people said. A number of other high-ranking Justice officials voiced similar concerns as the negotiations proceeded, they said. The U.S. paid Iran $400 million in cash on Jan. 17 as part of a larger $1.7 billion settlement of a failed 1979 arms deal between the U.S. and Iran that was announced that day. Also on that day, Iran released four detained Americans in exchange for the U.S.s releasing from prisonor dropping charges againstIranians charged with violating sanctions laws. U.S. officials have said the swap was agreed upon in separate talks. The objection of senior Justice Department officials was that Iranian officials were likely to view the $400 million payment as ransom, thereby undercutting a longstanding U.S. policy that the government doesnt pay ransom for American hostages, these people said. The policy is based on a concern that paying ransom could encourage more Americans to become targets for hostage-takers. At a press conference last week, President Barack Obama described the controversy as the manufacturing of outrage in a story that we disclosed in January, when the U.S. settled a number of outstanding issues with Iran. He added, We do not pay ransom for hostages. A Justice Department spokesman has said the agency fully supported the ultimate outcome of the administrations resolution of several issues with Iran, including the settlement of the long-running arms case, as well as the return of U.S. citizens detained in Iran. The department has declined to discuss interagency deliberations. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. The media masses are buzzing about a comment by Donald Trump that they think may mean he is preparing to lose. Trump sees his role as telling the truth, he told CNBCs Squawk Box, and and if at the end of 90 days, I've fallen short ... it's OK. I go back to a very good way of life. Aha! Hes looked at the polls! He knows hes toast! Uh-uh. To me, its not just a candid remark, but a very human one, reflecting the fact that Trump gave up an exceedingly comfortable life as a wealthy businessman to make his improbable run. Arent we all sick of politicians who blindly predict victory the day before the election when they know full well theyre about to get wiped out? Besides, while the media consensus is captured by the new Time covera melting orange face, with the headline MeltdownTrump could still win this thing. Hes down in the polls, ricocheting between controversies and at war with the media, but hes also within striking distance in the key states, such as Florida and Ohio, that he would need to win. But lets say Hillary Clinton, who ripped Trump while offering a laundry list of economic programs yesterday, comes out on top. Could she push through her agenda? The Washington Post has an intriguing piece that concludes: probably not. For starters, the Republicans will almost certainly hold the House, and even if the Democrats take the Senate, they would control no more than 54 seatsshort of a filibuster-proof majority. Plus, James Hohmann writes, many Republicans will insist Clinton has no mandate to govern. They will try constantly to de-legitimize her and do everything in their power to make sure shes a one-term president. He cites a Philip Klein piece in the Washington Examiner: Given where the race is headed, the most likely outcome of the election is this: Clinton wins as Americans reject Trump. But, despite a victory, she will still remain broadly unpopular and distrusted among a public that probably won't have paid much attention to her actual policy proposals. And then theres the undeniable fact that little has gotten done inside the Beltway for a very long time. Congress couldnt even agree on funding to fight the Zika virus before leaving town. Bigger picture, and perhaps most importantly, a new president will not be able to break the gridlock that grips Washington without systemic change, Hohmann writes. Interestingly, Steve King, the very conservative Iowa congressman, said yesterday that while he supports Trump, Ive sat across the table with Hillary Clinton eye-to-eye, and when youre working outside of staff and outside of the press, she is somebody I can work with. Well, maybe. Clinton would obviously preserve the liberal gains made by President Obama. But where shes moved further left to coopt part of the Bernie Sanders agenda, even a divided Congress isnt likely to play along. But first shes got to get to the White House. And thats hardly a sure thing, even if Trump might enjoy lounging around Mar-a-Lago. This story has been updated with additional information on the items up for auction. A painting taken from the wall of Adolf Hitlers headquarters in the Bavarian Alps by a U.S. soldier is up for auction in the U.K. later this month. The oil painting by Ernst Friedrich was recovered from Hitlers Berghof residence in May 1945 by Sgt. Herson Whitley of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division. He obtained it by taking it off a wall in Hitlers [sic] retreat in Berchtesgaden at the end of the war, explained Whitleys daughter, in a letter that accompanies the painting. Note there is a crack along the upper corner which my father said occurred during shipping it home from Europe. Measuring 18 inches by 13 inches, the artwork depicts Wawel castle and cathedral in Krakow, Poland. The painting, which has a pre-sale estimate of $7,777 to $12,962, will be auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, U.K., on Aug. 20. Whitley was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the French Croix de Guerre for his wartime service. In addition to the letter from Whitleys daughter, the provenance package accompanying the picture includes the soldiers medals, Dog Tags, patches and letters from his time serving in Europe. The painting and other artifacts in the lot are being sold by a collector who purchased them from Whitley's family. To be offering a piece of World War Two history of this calibre that hung in the residence of Adolf Hitler that was recovered by a decorated war hero with such superb provenance represents a rare opportunity for a collector, auctioneer Andrew Aldridge of Henry Aldridge and Son, told FoxNews.com. It is not clear how the painting came into Hitler's possession. The auction house notes that Krakow was the administrative center of Nazi-occupied Poland. Hans Frank, Hitlers lawyer and friend, was Governor General of Occupied Poland and lived at the Wawel castle. Frank was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials and executed. Other artworks recovered from the Nazis during World War II have sparked controversy recently. Earlier this year research alleged that when artworks rescued by the famous Monuments Men were returned to the Bavarian state after the war, they were sold, including to some Nazi families, instead of being returned to the original Jewish owners. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers In an experiment fit for a horror movie, researchers glued shark teeth to a power saw and ran them through hunks of raw salmon all in the name of learning how these ferocious predators attack and devour their prey, a new study reports. Though unconventional, the "toothy" saw did the trick, and helped the scientists examine the cutting abilities of differently shaped shark teeth. The sharp teeth of tiger, sandbar and silky sharks dulled quickly, whereas the less sharp teeth of the bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus) showed less dulling over time, the researchers said. [On the Brink: A Gallery of Wild Sharks] The findings suggest there may be a trade-off between tooth-cutting ability and wear among sharks, said study co-author Stacy Farina, a postdoctoral fellow of organismal and evolutionary biology at Harvard University. "Some teeth might be more optimized for cutting [prey] really well, but they wear quickly, " Farina told Live Science. "And some might not cut as well, but they don't wear as quickly." Most sharks lose and replace their teeth quickly, she noted. It's possible that sharks with sharper teeth actually lose and replace these teeth more frequently than sharks with duller teeth do, she said. But more research is needed to say for sure, because little is known about the rate at which different sharks lose their teeth, Farina said. Toothy saw For their experiments, Farina and her colleagues created four saws: one for the bluntnose sixgill, another for the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), a third saw for the sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and a fourth for the silky shark (C. falciformis). When sharks hunt, they often rush up to the prey, strike with an open mouth, dig their teeth into the prey and shake their head side-to-side to tear through the prey's body, Farina said. Adult sixgills, which eat fish and marine mammals, are not known to display this head-shaking behavior, the researchers wrote in the study. These sharks have teeth that aren't as sharp, perhaps because they eat their prey whole and use their teeth to restrain, rather than to cut, the researchers said. [7 Unanswered Questions About Sharks] Yet, having duller, longer-lasting teeth may be an advantage: Sixgills live in cold water and have slower metabolisms, and likely don't replace their teeth frequently, meaning they would need the teeth to last longer, Farina said. The other sharks the tiger, silky and sandbar "cut their prey to pieces before eating it, and tiger sharks, in particular, are known to engage with very stiff prey tissues, like the carapace [shell] of sea turtles," the researchers wrote in the study. To mimic this behavior, study contributor Jeffrey Brash, a metalworker at Valley Steel & Stone in Friday Harbor, Washington, built an apparatus with a fulcrum. This setup allowed the saw to fall onto the salmon carcass, much like a shark would clamp down on its prey, Farina said. Then, the researchers ran the shark-tooth saws at different speeds to measure their properties, Farina said. Some experts have questioned the study's methods, however, asking if the transformed saws accurately model a shark attack. The study reveals interesting facts about the relative mechanical strength of different shark teeth, said John Maisey, a curator of vertebrate paleontology who specializes in fossil fishes at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and who was not involved with the study. But, he told Live Science in an email, "I am particularly concerned about the side-to-side motion of the teeth, which (as far as I know) is not something sharks would do; it would require the upper and lower jaws to move sideways relative to each other, whereas most shark jaws generate their cutting action by the vertical 'chomp.'" The study was published online Aug. 10 in the journal Royal Society Open Science. Editor's note: This story was updated to say that the researchers didn't run the saws at three different speeds. Rather, they used teeth from three shark genuses. Also, sharks don't hunt with open mouths, but rather rush up to the prey and then strike with an open mouth. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. While the upcoming iPhone 7 is expected to have some welcome improvements, the iPhone that Apple is planning for 2017 could be really different. First, lets review whats expected for the iPhone 7. Two recent reports from Bloomberg lay out a lot of the details. Its expected to debut at an Apple event less than a month from now on September 7, but be physically similar to the iPhone 6/6s, a design first introduced in September of 2014. That means Apple will break from its past practice of doing a physical makeover every two years. The iPhone 7s improvements and changes are expected to include a dual-camera system (possibly similar to Huaweis P9 smartphone) on one model, a redesigned pressure-sensitive home button, and no headphone jack. Headphones would be connected via the charging port or Bluetooth. Wait for the iPhone 8? The iPhone 8 should be the device that moves Apple into the future. It may not be a coincidence that 2017 will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. So, it's conceivable that Apple is waiting for that date to bring out an overhauled iPhone. So far, speculation points to a 2017 iPhone that could be based on a glass body, according to a report this week from Nikkei, Japans largest business newspaper. Apple is expected to redesign the iPhone, including giving it a glass chassis, Nikkei reported. That glass casing could be made by Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn, Nikkei said, citing a source with knowledge of Apple component suppliers in Taiwan. "Foxconn has been trying [to develop a] glass chassis since last year," Nikkei quoted the source as saying. But probably the most stunning part of the redesign would be the rumored move from the current LCD (liquid crystal) display to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, which is a rumor repeated by Nikkei. That would theoretically enable Apple to revamp the iPhones physical look-and-feel and as one possibility offer a curved display with higher resolution and more vibrant colors. A major redesign along those lines is practically necessary for Apple because Samsung already offers the highly-praised Galaxy S7 Edge with an OLED display that's curved along the two lengthwise edges of the phone. That gives Samsung a clear technological advantage over Apple. Right now, the Galaxy Note 7 is far more advanced than what Apple offers and, my bet, more advanced than what the iPhone 7 will offer, Todd Haselton, a writer for tech media site TechoBuffalo, told Foxnews.com in an email. Several rumors have suggested Apple is moving toward an OLED display next year, which will be a good first step [toward closing the gap], he added. Apple could also combine hardware improvements with new software and services, Rushabh Doshi, an analyst with market researcher Canalys, told FoxNews.com. "We expect Apple to focus strongly on service innovation. Artificial Intelligence would take center stage in the coming years as the smart phone becomes a true assistant to the user," Doshi said. "[The] recent acquisition of Turi continues to underline the importance of AI for Apple," Doshi said. Neither Apple nor Foxconn would comment on the Nikkei report. A New York City woman who was killed while running near her mother's Massachusetts home may have injured her attacker as she was fighting for her life, authorities said Thursday. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said the male assailant likely suffered scratches while struggling with Vanessa Marcotte, a 27-year-old Google account manager. We believe that there was a struggle between Vanessa and her killer that may have resulted in her killer receiving injuries, and her assailant, we know, was a man, Early told a press conference. These injuries, specifically, were scratches, scrapes and/or bruises. Early added that investigators have refined the timeline of Marcotte's death to between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, and are asking the public to contact authorities if they noticed any vehicles parked on a nearby road during that time. Marcotte was found dead Sunday night hours after she went for a run near her mother's home in Princeton, a rural town west of Boston. A law enforcement source told Fox 25 that investigators are examining the possibility that Marcotte was sexually assaulted and then set on fire. A restaurant in Princeton was at one point an area of interest for investigations, Fox 25 reported. A manager at the Mountain Barn restaurant, located near a cell phone tower, told the television station that Massachusetts State Police detectives came to the restaurant Sunday evening to question employees. On Thursday, investigators focused on an area a half mile south of the woods where Marcotte's body was found. Police told Fox 25 they have received at least 250 tips from the public. Anyone with information is asked to call the Vanessa Marcotte tip line at (508) 453-7589. Click for more from Fox25Boston.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Businesses are increasingly embracing freelancers, realizing the many benefits of using contract workers for their projects. With more than 20 million people expected to leave the workforce to become freelancers in the next five years, businesses will find themselves dealing with a talent shortage. Unfortunately, half of all businesses are still not prepared to bring freelancers onto their teams. Their hiring processes are set in stone, with new employees recruited, chosen and promised an annual salary. It was quite shocking for us to see how few companies are actually well-equipped to work with tech freelancers, said 10x founder Rishon Blumberg. Some companies have great practices in place, while others require a lot of hand holding to help ensure a freelance project runs smoothly. Part of our mission is to help modernize the way companies engage with freelancers, especially strategic freelancers like the ones we represent. Related: 4 Ways Enterpreneurs Can Prepare to Engage With Today's Freelancers To accommodate a new freelance-driven marketplace, businesses must shift the way they think of their teams, and put processes in place that make it work. Here are a few things you should do to prepare your businesses for freelancers. 1. Have a recruiting strategy. Finding talented freelancers can be complicated, but if you have a network in place from the start, its easier. Ask colleagues for referrals, and use online job boards to build a core group of reliable freelancers that you can turn to every time you need work completed. If you need highly-specialized workers at an affordable rate, consider working with a specialist who matches freelancers with the businesses that need their skills. Set aside at least a few minutes to speak one-on-one to each freelancer before making a hiring decision. This can help avoid freelancers who dont follow through. 2. Know your budget. Pay can be a sticking point when trying to line up freelance workers. Many professionals have a set rate for each project, so one of the first questions about any potential job should be about pay range. If you set your offering prices too low, youll have difficulty attracting experienced talent, but if your rates are too high, youll quickly run through your budget. Calculate the amount you can afford to pay before you start your search. If you notice you cant win workers at that rate, consider increasing it. Related: 5 Tips for Hiring Freelancers Who Will Boost Your Business 3. Assign a manager. Someone on your team will need to manage freelance workers, which can be complicated if theyre working remotely. Coordinating on-site team members and telecommuters, whether theyre salaried or contract, can be challenging, so its important to find someone who will take the responsibility seriously. The manager should at least have a working knowledge of the duties that will be assigned to freelancers -- which isnt always possible, especially if a business needs specialized work such as application development or data analytics. 4. Set up paperwork. Before beginning your freelancer search, youll need to have paperwork in place that will address all of the regulatory requirements for working with contractors. Make sure each worker knows the scope of the work, as well as the methods through which work should be transmitted to you. Youll need to have a completed W-9 form on file for each freelancer, as well as a bookkeeping process that tracks each dollar you pay for reporting to tax authorities. If in doubt, you should have a bookkeeper and HR expert review your forms, accounting processes and paperwork to ensure youre above board with everything youre doing. 5. Choose technology. Your workers will need tools on hand to do their work and communicate with your management team. Youll likely need online collaboration software that lets team members work together no matter where they are. Youll also need a way to communicate face-to-face with those workers, especially if getting together in person is out of the question. Related: Remote Control: The Tools and Tactics You Need to Manage a Far-Flung Workforce A video chat service for multiple meeting participants is essential when working with freelancers and salaried employees who arent in the office. Finally, consider how youll pay freelancers and put resources in place that will make it easy to ensure contractors get paid in a timely manner. Freelancers will soon become an essential part of operating a business. It's important that companies start preparing for the trend now. By researching as much as possible about what your business needs to legally work with freelancers, you can start to ready your environment for a new way of hiring. Police on Hawaii's Big Island are trying to identify human remains that were found near personal items belonging to a Canadian woman who has been missing for about 15 years. Local hunters found partial human skeletal remains last month in a remote area of the island's Puna district. The remains have been sent to a mainland forensic laboratory and it could be a month or two before an identity is confirmed, Hawaii Police Department Lt. Greg Esteban said Wednesday. When police went to investigate the remains, they found weathered clothing and what appeared to be a sleeping bag. One of the items had a name: Jessica Urbina. The name led police to a missing person's report for her from 2001 at the Honolulu Police Department. Urbina, of Montreal, Quebec, came to Hawaii on vacation in November 2000 when she was 21 years old, police said. Family members told police she traveled alone, Esteban said. She would be 37 now. Police are getting DNA samples from her family, he said. Hawaii county police have also opened a missing person case. "We just want to emphasize: Until a validation is made, these are two separate investigations," Esteban said. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Heavy downpours pounded parts of the central U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday, forcing the rescue of dozens of people stranded in their homes by waist-high water and leaving dead one man who was trapped by floodwaters. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency as rescue workers in the southeastern part of the state braced for more precipitation through the weekend. Numerous rivers in southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi were overflowing their banks and threatening widespread flooding after extreme rainfall that began late Thursday, the National Weather Service reported. A spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said one man died Friday after slipping into a flooded ditch near the city of Zachary. Casey Rayborn Hicks identified the victim as 68-year-old William Mayfield. His body was discovered around noon Friday. Dr. William "Beau" Clark, the parish coroner, ruled the death "an accidental drowning." Mike Steele, a spokesman for the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said requests were coming in for high-water vehicles, boats and sandbags. Tangipahoa Parish alone requested tens of thousands of sandbags. A flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning across most of south Louisiana. The weather service said in a statement that an additional 3 to 5 inches could fall over the area. In south Alabama, a flood watch was in effect Friday as rain continued in the Mobile area. The Comite River near Baton Rouge and Amite River near Denham Springs, both in Louisiana, were predicted to set record crests over the weekend. Forecaster Alek Krautmann said both rivers could flood many houses in suburban areas near Baton Rouge. He also said that flooding downstream in Ascension Parish is a threat, as those swollen rivers will be slow to drain into Lake Maurepas. The Tickfaw River, just south of the Mississippi state line in Liverpool, Louisiana, was already at the highest level ever recorded at 9 a.m. Friday. Rescuers were still plucking people from floodwaters in Amite and Wilkinson counties in southwest Mississippi. Leroy Hansford, his wife and stepson were among those rescued earlier Friday near Gloster. Hansford, 62, says waters from Beaver Creek, which is normally more than 400 feet away from his house, rose quickly overnight. He said another stepson who lives nearby alerted him. "We woke up and the water kept on coming," Hansford said. "It came up to my waist." His wife told Hansford that it's the highest she's seen the creek in the 48 years she's lived there. Hansford said he and his family members all have disabilities, and he's the only one who can swim. Hansford said emergency workers rescued all three in a large military-style truck and took them to the fire station in Gloster, where they were sheltering Friday. Krautmann said flooding is "quickly becoming widespread" as heavy rains continue, saying officials are considering evacuation orders. Krautmann says one observer near Livingston reported 13.75 inches of rain from midnight to Friday morning. Krautmann said the ground was heavily saturated by rainfall since Wednesday. Heavy rain and street flooding prompted the rescue of residents from their homes in Tangipahoa Parish and the cancellation of classes in five school districts, authorities said. Parish President Robby Miller said authorities rescued 72 people and seven pets stranded by high water. Shelters have been opened in the town of Amite and the city of Hammond to house those who were evacuated. "They will be allowed to return home once the water starts to recede," he said. In the Tangipahoa Parish city of Hammond, close to two dozen streets were closed because of high water, and sandbags were made available for pickup by residents hoping to keep water out of homes and businesses. "The last major flood we had was in March," said city administrator Lacy Landrum. "This one is on track to be a similar event." In Mississippi, Harrison County Emergency Manager Rupert Lacy said steady rain continued on the Gulf Coast. He said a handful of houses were reported as flooded Thursday, but none have been reported so far Friday. Keith Townson, manager of Shopper Value Foods in Amite, has lived in the area for 40 years. "I've seen water in some places I have never seen before," Townson said, "and it's still coming down." A young Muslim woman on Thursday sued Chicago police who mistakenly identified her briefly as a potential "lone wolf" terrorist as she was leaving a city subway station last year on the Fourth of July wearing a headscarf, face veil and carrying a backpack. Itemid Al-Matar says officers violated her civil rights by pulling off her religious garb as they arrested her on subway station stairs, then strip-searched her later at a police station, according to the federal lawsuit filed in Chicago on her behalf. "Several (officers) ran up the stairs and grabbed the Plaintiff and threw her down upon the stair landing, then pulling at her and ripping off her hijab," it says. Security-camera video made public shows several minutes of the arrest in the subway. Several officers can be seen pushing through a crowd on a stairway to reach Al-Matar, but soon move out of view of the camera. The fact that Al-Matar was wearing a headscarf, known as a hijab, and the face veil, called a niqab, "was the impetus behind the actions" of the officers, the court filing alleges. In a statement Thursday, Phil Robertson, a lawyer for the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, and a co-counsel in the civil case, argued that "blatant xenophobia, Islamophobia, and racial profiling" underpinned the officers' actions. A police report filed the night of the incident says officers had been "on high alert of terrorist activity" on the Fourth of July holiday when they spotted Al-Matar exhibiting what they believed was "suspicious behavior," including walking at "a brisk pace, in a determined manner." It also says officers saw what they thought could be "incendiary devices" around her ankles and were also suspicious of her backpack, which was clutched to her chest. "(Officers) believed that subject might be a lone wolf suicide bomber and decided to attempt to take subject into custody," it says. A K-9 unit searched for explosive materials, the report says, "with negative results," while "the objects strapped around arrestee's ankles" turned out to be "ankle weights." But Al-Matar was still charged, including with obstructing justice after police accused her of resisting and refusing to comply with orders. She was acquitted on all charges at a state trial earlier this year. Thursday's lawsuit names six officers and the city of Chicago as defendants, accusing them of excessive force, false arrest, violation of freedom of religious expression and malicious prosecution. A police spokesman declined to comment specifically on the suit, saying the department doesn't comment on pending litigation. But police issued a brief written statement that says "officers work hard each day to investigate suspicious activity and fight crime and we strive to treat all individuals with the highest levels of dignity of respect." The city's law department, which represents officers in civil litigation, declined comment. The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of city police. The release last year of a video showing a white officer fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times sparked weeks of protests and led to an ongoing Department of Justice investigation of Chicago Police Department practices. A thrice-widowed woman was convicted Friday of second-degree murder in the death of her second husband in 2006 -- a complex case that prosecutors in New Orleans said is linked to the unsolved death of her third husband in 2011 in Mississippi. The verdict came after prosecutors said Emma Raine plotted Ernest Smith's killing with her future third husband, James Raine, who was later shot to death himself in their Poplarville, Miss., home. No arrests have been made in James Raine's 2011 death, although authorities say Emma Raine is a suspect. James Raine's adoptive brother, Alfred "Terry" Everette is serving a life sentence as the trigger man in Smith's death. The jury's decision was unanimous. Emma Raine faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. "This is the woman who is destroying the lives of every man around her without a care," Assistant District Attorney Laura Rodrigue told the jury, referring to the two dead husbands and Everette. Another death -- that of Emma Raine's first husband -- has also been deemed suspicious, but the jury didn't hear any testimony about it. In Everette's 2014 trial, Rodrigue said there were suspicions about Leroy Evans' 1994 death while he was receiving medical care following an automobile accident. Testimony from that case was not allowed in Raine's trial. Lead defense lawyer Martin Regan at times sounded as though he were defending Emma Raine for two killings, stressing to jurors that no one has been charged in James Raine's death. Prosecutors say James and Emma Raine arranged for Everette to shoot Smith for a $10,000 share of $800,000 in insurance money. Relatives of Raine testified that Everette told them as much, tearfully and anxiously confessing his role after James Raine turned up dead in 2011. Everette was convicted in 2014. He's appealing that second-degree murder conviction, which carries a life sentence. In one of the trial's more dramatic moments, a shackled Everette was brought into the courtroom but refused to approach the witness stand and defiantly refused to answer questions as the jury watched. Regan argued that James Raine and Everette plotted Smith's death without involving Emma. He called no witnesses, instead choosing to attack elements of the prosecution case. He noted that no eyewitnesses or physical evidence connected Emma to Smith's death in an all-but deserted eastern New Orleans apartment complex months after Hurricane Katrina. He also noted that witnesses said Everette told them he was never paid from the insurance proceeds. Regan argued that James was afraid to ask his wife for the money because he didn't want to tell her it was for her second husband's killer. Regan cast Smith and James Raine as less-than-ideal mates, saying both were adulterous, that James had seduced Emma during her troubled marriage to Smith and that he plotted with Everette -- without Emma's involvement -- to kill Smith. Rodrigue said there was no evidence introduced of Smith's adultery. Prosecutors said Emma Raine (who, public records show, was married a fourth time prior to her 2013 arrest in Missouri) was devious. Jurors also heard that Emma Raine, upon learning that Smith's daughter, Queentene Jefferson, was in line to receive some of Smith's insurance benefit, had her own daughter forge documents, using Jefferson's name, to make Emma the beneficiary. Last week, officials of World Vision, an internationally known humanitarian organization, were indicted in Israel for secretly aiding military activities of Hamas, designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terror Organization. This week, Israeli security officials swooped down on officials of a much larger humanitarian organization which openly operates Hamas military activities. That organization is United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, the agency that hosts descendants of Arab refugees from the 1948 war in refugee facilities for perpetuity. Knesset Member Avi Dichter, former head of ISA, the Israeli Security Agency, who now chairs the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, pointed an unusually harsh finger at UNRWA, warning from the rostrum of Israels Knesset Parliament that almost 100 percent" of UNRWA workers in Gaza are active in the Hamas terrorist organization. UNRWA operates with a budget of more than $1 billion, provided by more than 40 western nations. The U.S. is the leading donor to UNRWA, at $400 million each year. Working with an Israeli-Palestinian team of journalists over the past few years, I have documented and filmed how UNRWA allocates cash from donor nations to conduct military training for children in the UNRWA classroom along with weapons training camps which Hamas organizes for UNRWA children. Al-Kutla al-Islamiya, a division of Hamas, runs military activities, which attract UNRWAs younger students, paving the way for recruitment in al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. UNRWA education teaches children how to fight, shoot lethal weapons, use hand grenades and climb through various spaces all in preparation for war. After exposure to al-Kutla, elementary and middle schoolers join a week-long war games program, held in a military campment, where they study jihad, determination, to trust Allah and other Islamic values in addition to military tactics. Here is a case where a UN agency actually violates the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, which states children should not be forced or recruited to take part in a war or join the armed forces. Yet all this occurs in the public domain, without a peep from 38 nations that donate more than a billion dollars each year to UNRWA, with the notable exception of Canada. Ottawa suspended aid to the UNRWA general fund in 2008, in response to a report commissioned by the European Parliament, which documented how Hamas was elected to run the UNRWA teachers association and the UNRWA workers association. Now there is a move in the new Canadian government to restore Canadian tax dollars to the general fund of UNRWA. Yet binding legislation passed by the U.S. Congress requires UNRWA to vet personnel to see determine if there are terrorists on their payroll is ignored. UNRWA simply refuses to vet personnel in the UNRWA facilities, which operate in the areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority, and no one is asking them to do so, including the U.S. After the March 2009 election, when Hamas was again elected to run the UNRWA workers union and UNRWA teachers association in Gaza, Congress asked the newly appointed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for comment on whether she would demand the removal of terrorists from the payroll Of UNRWA. Amazingly, Clinton told Congress that there was no evidence of Taliban activity in UNRWA even though Taliban have never played a role in that part of the Middle East. It wasn't the Taliban people were concerned about, it was Hamas. In her four years as secretary of state, Clinton did nothing to impede Hamas domination of U.S.-funded UNRWA facilities. The U.S. Congressional Research Service reports that the U.S. has never asked if UNRWA humanitarian funds wind up in the hands of HAMAS or if HAMAS is present in UNRWA. Yet UNRWA remains in violation of US penal code 2339B - providing material support or resources to a designated FTO. On the record, the Hamas Minister of Religion told us on camera Hamas relationship with UNRWA is good, very good! We assist UNRWA and Hamas cooperates with UNRWA on many levels. Now a direct connection exists between UNRWA and Hamas. The writer, author of Roadblock to Peace How the UN Perpetuates the Arab-Israeli Conflict: UNRWA Policies Reconsidered has been active in efforts to reform UNRWA for the past 28 years. He runs the Israel Resource News Agency and the Center for Near East Policy Research, which produces books, monographs and movies shot on location in UNRWA refugee facilities. David Bedein is director of the Israel Resource News Agency's Center for Near East Policy Research A schoolgirl who left the UK to join Islamic State in Syria is feared to have been killed in an airstrike in the country. Kadiza Sultana was one of three teenage girls who fled east London and entered Syria via Turkey last year. The 17-year-old was living in the terror group's stronghold city of Raqqa and is feared to have been killed a few weeks ago, her family's solicitor has told Sky News. Her family says they were hoping to get her across the border and into Turkey before she died, after she became disillusioned with life in Syria. Shamima Begum and Amira Base were both 15 when they left Bethnal Green with Kadiza in February 2015. They had told their families they were going out for the day. All three were feared to have married other foreigners who were in Syria to fight for IS, but little is known about their movements since. Click for more from Sky News. The leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed by a U.S. drone last month, a U.S. defense official confirmed to Fox News Friday. Pentagon spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said that Hafiz Saeed Khan died July 26 from an airstrike in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. "Khan was known to directly participate in attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorized Afghans, especially in Nangarhar," Trowbridge said. The spokesman added that ISIS had been active in the region since last summer and used the area to train and equip militants and provide a "continuous supply of enemy fighters." The State Department last year designated Khan a global terrorist, saying he is the leader of the Islamic State in Khorasan, which includes former members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Khan had previously been a Tehrik-e Taliban commander, but last year pledged loyalty to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Khan was reported killed last year but the death was never confirmed. U.S. and Afghan leaders have been concerned about the growth of ISIS in Afghanistan. They were targeted by a U.S.-backed Afghan military offensive last month, in which five U.S. commandos were injured. In January, President Obama authorized U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Afghanistan. Officials believe there are between 1,000-1,500 ISIS in eastern Afghanistan. Khan is the second prominent jihadist to be killed in the region in three months. Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed by a US airstrike strike in Pakistan in May. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from SkyNews.com. Auntie Annes Proudly Announces Reopening of Dickson, Tennessee, Store Company taking over from independent franchisee and reinstating all employees August 12, 2016 // Franchising.com // LANCASTER, Pa. Auntie Annes , the worlds largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, today announced plans to take ownership of, and operate, the Dickson, Tennessee, Auntie Annes location, effective Friday, August 12. Earlier this week, an employee at the franchise location in Dickson made an accusation of discrimination against a potential franchisee of that location, which was scheduled to be transferred from the current owner on August 10. That potential franchisee will no longer be purchasing the store. Under corporate ownership, Auntie Annes intends to offer employment to all of the stores former employees, including Kami Watkins Tucker and Keri Watkins, subject to normal hiring practices. Auntie Annes is deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, said Heather Neary, president of Auntie Annes. We have a long, proud history of supporting everyone, without exception, in the communities in which we operate. It is vital that all of our franchisees and associates uphold our brand standards and values. The store, located inside of the Walmart at 175 Beasley Drive in Dickson, is scheduled to reopen this Friday at 10:00 a.m. CT. Ms. Neary will be on hand at the location to welcome back Kami Watkins Tucker, Keri Watkins, and the entire store crew. Guests are invited to stop by this store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy one free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel. Auntie Annes began nearly 30 years ago as a company founded on the principle of caring for others. We have proudly and sincerely continued that tradition ever since, and will continue to do so, Ms. Neary said. About Auntie Annes At its more than 1,600 locations around the world, Auntie Annes mixes, twists and bakes pretzels from scratch all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Annes can be found in malls, outlet centers, and Walmarts, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, travel plazas, amusement parks, and military bases. In addition, it has extended the brand onto retailers shelves and also serves as a distributor for fundraising products. Available at select retailers nationwide, pretzel fans can enjoy Auntie Annes prepare-at-home products, from frozen Classic and Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Nuggets, to frozen Pretzel Dogs and Pretzel Pocket Sandwiches, to a versatile Pretzel Baking Kit. For more information, visit www.auntieannes.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Auntie Annes Media Contact: Chas Kurtz Public Relations Manager ckurtz@auntieannesinc.com (717) 435-1612 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Business / Companies by Bianca Mlilo THE Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion has postponed a business trip to China after receiving an overwhelming response from all provinces.The trip has been pushed from July to early September.In Bulawayo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Eunice Sandi Moyo's office had availed 15 slots for business people willing to travel to China only to receive more than 100 applications. The delegation is going to survey potential investment opportunities in China.Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu, will lead the business delegation."The China delegation will now travel early next month (September)," said an official who cannot be named due to protocol.The delegation will comprise officials from various local authorities, provincial ministers, as well as members of the business fraternity.The visit will provide a platform for the ministers, public and private sector players to interact and share ideas and experiences on Special Economic Zones. It will also provide an opportunity for business to business interface between Qingdao companies and their Zimbabwean counterparts.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce-led trade trip to South Africa has been postponed to a yet-to-be advised date.The trip was postponed due to technicalities that need to be addressed first before leaving.It had initially been slated for July 18-22, 2016.The Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Chiratidzo Mabuwa, is expected to lead the delegation that comprises executives from the manufacturing, mining, infrastructure, tourism and services sectors."The trip to South Africa is still on but it was rescheduled due to health reasons after I travelled excessively. Also, I don't have a counterpart. The person who was supposed to host us was one of the mayoral candidates (in the just-ended South African municipal elections)," said Minister Mabuwa.The objectives of the mission will be to scout for joint venture partnerships, credit lines as well as find markets for Zimbabwean products in South Africa.South Africa is Zimbabwe's major trade and investment partner with the two countries enjoying cordial bilateral relations that date back to the pre-independence period.In June another trade delegation also led by Minister Mabuwa went to Japan to cement business and investment relations. They also invited Japanese companies to explore business opportunities in Zimbabwe. Business / Companies by Staff reporter Government has taken full control of troubled drug-maker, CAPS Holdings, after buying out former major shareholder, Frederick Mtandah. President Robert Mugabe's government is also finalizing discussions with potential local and foreign investors to partner it in reviving the business, which ran into problems a few years ago after battling to forestall high gearing.One of its key properties came close to being auctioned to pay off debts last year, only four years after the CAPS board had de-listed the pharmaceutical group from the domestic bourse.CAPS is the parent company of a chain of drug-making and distribution units that include QV Pharmacies, Caps Pharmaceuticals and Geddes Limited. It used to run St Anne's Hospital but was kicked out this year after the property's owners refused to renew the lease. It also has a footprint in South Africa and Botswana.Manufacturers and distributors in the pharmaceutical industry are calling for more detailed and clearer guidelines on advertising and promotion of medicines in Zimbabwe, particularly in light of the current influx of unregulated drugs.While advertising medicines to the public is illegal, the players in the sector are asking for some flexibility in the regulations, which have been described as too prohibitive.Poor regulatory frameworks have previously been blamed for the loopholes, which has resulted in unsanctioned drugs finding their way onto the streets. MCAZ in June this year released a draft of guidelines on advertising and promotions of medicines, but those in the industry have said they fell short of their expectations. Entertainment / Celebrity by Staff reporter Rising comedian Baba Tencen, who shared the stage with popular Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime at the Harare International Conference last night, says he will never incorporate English into his comedy skits.The South Africa-based comedian says using English will take away his competitive edge."I will stick to my Shona language because I am not very fluent in English. Apart from that, I became a celebrity through doing Shona jokes."I will never switch into English because there are a lot of good and talented actors in the world such as South Africa's Trevor Noah whom I cannot compete with," said Baba Tencen.The stance of Baba Tencen, whose comedy skits on social earned him R100 000 from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, is at variance with Kansiime.In the run-up to last night's show, Kansiime who has close to two million followers on Facebook, urged local artists including Baba Tencen to use English which will expose them to a wider audience."I encourage local actors to try to hit their punches in English as it is a universal language and by this, they can break into the international arena. It will be easier for them to reach a wider audience," the African queen of comedy told journalists a day before her Harare International Conference Centre show.Clearly, the use of English has made Kansiime one of Africa's most travelled artists but despite that Baba Tencen- who has become a national icon thanks to a series of riveting video clips that include Kuripwa Kugara, Kuripwa Zvihuta and Kuripwa Kugara muinformal settlement- has refused to be swayed by her advice."People love me as I am, not only in Zimbabwe but even in South Africa where I am based. I perform in packed venues in South Africa and my audience includes people of all races, some of them who do not understand Shona but they follow me whenever I perform."One only needs to be good at whatever one does regardless of the language used. People love and follow me because I am good when it comes to making them laugh despite my Shona," he said.The Chivi-born Baba Tencen, who reportedly crossed into South Africa a few years ago in search of work, says his success is triumph over big challenges."I grew up as a single-parented child in Chivi.Who have imagined that a rural boy like me would make waves both at home and in foreign lands? I recorded my first skit in 2006 using my phone and it went viral after I posted it on Facebook. As a result I began to make more skits with the help of my manager Joe Tendai," he said before last night's show which was his maiden show in his homeland. Nancy Julia Pates Atkins passed peacefully in the comfort of her children on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, at the age of 89. Nancy grew up in Fredericksburg and attended Fredericksburg City Schools. She graduated from Mary Washington College with a Bachelor of Science and earned her Masters in Education from the University of Virginia. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, Christian and educator. She taught in the public school system for 42 years. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James Alvan Atkins. She is survived by her three children, Dean Jefferson Atkins (Wanda) of King George County, Debbie A. Thompson (Wink) of Fredericksburg and Dr. Kaye Wigginton (John) of Keller, Texas. In addition, she was blessed to have shared her life with her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and enjoyed socializing with her family and numerous friends, which included many former students. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A graveside service will immediately follow in Oak Hill Cemetery at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or to the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, Box 444 Fredericksburg, VA 22401. The family is grateful for the love, care and compassion that she received at Hughes Home as well as from Mary Washington Hospice. Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com. More than 100 Cocaine Labs Destroyed in Columbia, Miami Drug Rehab Comments ( August 08, 2016 ) Miami, FL -- According to UPI, the Colombian government recently destroyed 104 cocaine production labs hidden within the jungles of Guaviare as a part of a five day operation to fight drug trafficking within the country and internationally. These cocaine labs were operated within the territory of the FARC rebels who have claimed not to be associated with the labs as they negotiate peace talks with the Colombian government. Officials from Colombia have stated they are turning their focus on drug cartels and illicit drug producers rather than impoverished farmers who grow the cocoa plant from which cocaine is derived. The labs destroyed during this operation reportedly had the ability to produce 100 tons of cocaine per year. Addiction treatment in Miami caters to the thousands of people in South Florida and across the country affected by substance abuse disorders. In order to end the epidemic of drug abuse, illegal drug trafficking and manufacturing must be ended. By shifting focus to those directly responsible for the black market drug trade in Colombia, the government is taking steps toward ending undue pain and suffering around the globe. A representative of Miami Drug Rehab comments: "Illegal drug production and trafficking is harmful to everyone, regardless of if they partake directly. Drug trafficking promotes violence and other harmful activities, destroying families, communities, and lives. Addressing the problem of at the root with those directly responsible for supplying illicit substances around the globe is key to ending the undue suffering caused by the substance abuse epidemic. While the steps taken here are effective in this moment, long-term solutions are needed to improve the quality of life for the people of Colombia in order to negate the draw of drug trafficking as a viable or necessary form of income." About Miami Drug Rehab #15257: Miami Drug Rehab is a facility offering addiction treatment in Miami. The rehabilitation center services all of the U.S. and Canada and features both holistic and traditional treatment methods. Patients of Miami Drug Rehab receive comprehensive, individualized treatment while also enjoying the numerous amenities the facility has to offer. The dedicated, compassionate, and professional staff of Miami Drug Rehab is devoted to the success of each client to enter its doors. For more information, visit www.miamidrugrehab.org or call (305) 928-2144. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) Multiple Arrests in Ohio Drug Bust ( August 09, 2016 ) Miegs/Gallia County, Ohio -- There were seventeen individuals taken into custody in Meigs and Gallia counties under drug charges. Law enforcement's took down multiple people with a search warrant for domestic location in Middleport, OH. It is reported that there were 43 drug allegations that led to the arrests of 17 people causing more than 100 counts of illicit drug involvement. Mike DeWine, an Attorney General in Ohio, said: " Those bringing drugs into our communities must be stopped. By working with the Major Crimes Task Force of Gallia Meigs Counties, we are working together to hold drug traffickers responsible." A representative from Drug and Alcohol Rehab Columbus says: " More drug rings are being shut down in communities where I'm sure there are lots of children at play or going to school during the day. There are also multiple arrests taking place more in the news because of course not just one person is going down for these types of crimes anymore. Drug dealing is a dangerous activity that has lead to many fatal outcomes. Luckily, police are on top of the illicit actions and they quickly shut them down." About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Columbus 46215: Drug and Alcohol Rehab Columbus is an organization offering detox and rehabilitation services to Ohio residents and all other U.S. citizens. The drug rehab in Columbus, Oh proudly serves all those in need of help overcoming their substance abuse disorders. Clients are in control of their own recovery with choices in the type of program they undertake and the method of treatment: inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization.With a staff dedicated to empowering each client and providing them the skills and tools necessary to end their addiction,is a rehabilitation center like no other. For more information, please visit http://drugandalcoholrehabcolumbus.com/ or call (614) 945-4163. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) North Carolina Man and Woman Arrested in Drug Bust ( August 10, 2016 ) GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Teldrick Darnell Spencer and Kelly Kishor Patel are facing numerous drug charges after the conclusion of an investigation that lasted for a couple of months. Spencer and Patel are being charged with selling and appropriating marijuana. Spencer is expected to receive a count for acquiring marijuana and planning on selling and transporting the drugs to customers. During a traffic stop Spencer was involved with, police found four ounces of weed on his person. After, he was arrested and appointed a $20,000 bond. Kelly Patel was allocated two counts of occupying the drug in addition to having intentions on selling and delivering and possessing a vehicle for the use of sale and delivery. After a home investigation, law enforcement found a large amount of marijuana and over $5,000 in cash that has since been taken from her residence. Patel was incarcerated but bonded out soon after her booking date. A representative from Drug and Alcohol Rehab Charlotte said: " With such a large scale investigation that took place, it is a great success that both offenders were caught and brought into custody. Ms. Patel must have been making a fortune off of this business if she had the means to bond herself out of jail so quickly. On the bright side, Patel's inventory and money have been confiscated by the police so hopefully she, as well as her accomplice, has learned from this experience," About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Charlotte 28816: Drug and Alcohol Rehab Charlotte is an organization offering detox and rehabilitation services to North Carolina residents and all other U.S. citizens. The drug rehab in Charlotte proudly serves all those in need of help overcoming their substance abuse disorders. Clients are in control of their own recovery with choices in the type of program they undertake and the method of treatment: inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization.With a staff dedicated to empowering each client and providing them the skills and tools necessary to end their addiction,is a rehabilitation center like no other. For more information, please visit http://drugandalcoholrehabcharlotte.com/ or call (704) 586-9353. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) Philadelphia Man Arrested After Crash, Drug Rehab Philadelphia Comments ( August 11, 2016 ) Philadelphia, PA -- After crashing his car into a Northeastern Philadelphia home, a man is getting charged with driving under the influence. According to police reports, a middle aged man was driving his car early in the evening at an accelerated speed when he lost control and collided into the residence. There was no one in the house at the time of the accident. But the house has suffered damages from the crash. The driver suffered slight trauma and was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. A representative from Drug Rehab Philadelphia said: " no matter how many infomercials about intoxicated driving show on television, people will still drive under the influence. It almost always ends the same way, it's lethal or someone gets arrested. The man who lost control of his car and crashed into a house should definitely get a wake up call after this." About Drug Rehab Philadelphia 19192: Drug Rehab Philadelphia is an organization offering detox and rehabilitation services to Pennsylvania residents and all other U.S. citizens. The drug rehab in Philadelphia proudly serves all those in need of help overcoming their substance abuse disorders. Clients are in control of their own recovery with choices in the type of program they undertake and the method of treatment: inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization.With a staff dedicated to empowering each client and providing them the skills and tools necessary to end their addiction,is a rehabilitation center like no other. For more information, please visit http://www.drugrehabphiladelphia.net/ or call 267-351-8139. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) Man Gets Caught Attempting to Move Drugs from Colorado to Florida ( August 11, 2016 ) Colorado Springs, Co -- Manuel Menendez is a Florida native who was arrested in Colorado Springs for attempting to move over 10 pounds of marijuana out of the state. The Colorado Springs Police Department obtained information on Menendez's location in an unadorned hotel. The Colorado Springs Police Department arrived at the hotel sometime around 11 p m. When Menendez was located, officials found him with a firearm and he was heavily intoxicated. He was instantly arrested and is now awaiting trial in a Colorado jail. The police department's Gang Unit and Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division secured search warrants for Menendez's car and hotel room. In conclusion of the search, officials found an excessive amount of marijuana, a few grams of cocaine and almost $30,000 in cash. A reporter from Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver said " How could Menendez have thought that this plan would work. It is obvious that he had intentions on moving the drugs to Florida in order to make a profit. Is it possible that he didn't think someone would catch up to him and his now failed attempt. Thankfully, law officials have taken him into custody so more drugs will not be trafficked in the Floridian communities." About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver 85123: Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver is an organization offering detox and rehabilitation services to Colorado residents and all other U.S. citizens. The drug rehab in Denver proudly serves all those in need of help overcoming their substance abuse disorders. Clients are in control of their own recovery with choices in the type of program they undertake and the method of treatment: inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization.With a staff dedicated to empowering each client and providing them the skills and tools necessary to end their addiction,is a rehabilitation center like no other. For more information, please visit http://drugandalcoholrehabdenver.com/ or call (720) 726-1681. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) China Digital Camera Industry Growth And Forecast Report By Radiant Insights, Inc This market research report is a detailed and a professional study of the digital camera industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report offers a basic overview of the market including its definition, classification, technologies used and so on. -- Digital cameras are one of the most common and popular sectors of consumer electronics market and has benefited extensively from the digitization of the consumer electronics products. The worldwide economic recession over the last few years hindered the growth of the digital camera industry; however, with the recovery of this economic downturn, the global industry is anticipated to experience a rapid growth with a number of consumers buying digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. Increasing competition and rising consumer income levels are equally accountable for driving the demands for digital cameras. Technological advancements like the advent of touch screen technology and High-definition (HD) quality in cameras are also said to contribute towards the rise in the compact digital camera sales. Browse Full Research Report With TOC: http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/research-and-forecast-of-china-digital-camera-industry-2013-2017 This market research report is a detailed and a professional study of the digital camera industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report offers a basic overview of the market including its definition, classification, technologies used and so on. It also analyzes the major participants in the market and provides important data about company profiles, product specifications, product pictures, costs, sales channels, business performance contact details and so on. Some of the major players in the Chinese digital camera industry are Samsung Group; Canon inc.; Sony Corp.; Panasonic Corp.; and Nikon Corp. At last, the research report provides the SWOT analysis of the new projects, analysis of the investment feasibility, analysis of the investment return, analysis of the development trends & plans of the market along with the overall market research conclusions. See More Reports of This Category by Radiant Insights: http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/retail Table of Contents: - Overview for Digital Cameras - Foreign Digital Cameras and Brands - China's Environment for Digital Cameras - Status Quo of China's Digital Camera Industry - Market Supply & Demand and Forecast of China's Digital Cameras - Imports and Exports of China's Digital Cameras - Overall Development of China's Digital Camera Industry, 2009-2012 - Major Players in China - Development Trends and Investment Opportunities of the Digital Camera Industry Request A Sample Copy Of This Report at: http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/research-and-forecast-of-china-digital-camera-industry-2013-2017/request-sample About Radiant Insights,Inc Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/research-and-forecast-of-china-digital-camera-industry-2013-2017 Contact Info: Name: Michelle Thoras Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Organization: Radiant Insights, Inc Address: 28 2nd Street, Suite 3036, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/china-digital-camera-industry-growth-and-forecast-report-by-radiant-insights-inc/127507 Release ID: 127507 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Wood Grinder Market Global Size, Share, Trends and Development Analysis and Forecasts to 2020 Asklinkerreports.com adds yet another resourceful report to its database The Global Wood Grinder Industry 2016 Market Research Report that provides a complete and informed review of the organization of the Wood Grinder Market. -- This exceptional Global Wood Grinder Industry 2016 Market Research Report provides a calculable and qualitative analysis of the development and status of the market and concentrating on the market size and trends, supply and future prospects. 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Wholly, the report provides a detailed understanding of the global Wood Grinder industry covering all vital factors. 2016 Market Research Report on Wood Grinder Industry Part I Wood Grinder Industry Overview o Chapter One Wood Grinder Industry Overview Part II Asia Wood Grinder Industry o Chapter Two Asia Wood Grinder Product History of Development o Chapter Three Asia Wood Grinder Key Manufacturers Analysis o Chapter Four 2011-2016 Asia Wood Grinder Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis o Chapter Five Wood Grinder Industry Development Trend Part III North American Wood Grinder Industry o Chapter Six North American Wood Grinder Product History of Development o Chapter Seven North American Wood Grinder Key Manufacturers Analysis o Chapter Eight 2011-2016 North American Wood Grinder Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis o Chapter Nine Wood Grinder Industry Development Trend Part IV Europe Wood Grinder Industry Analysis o Chapter Ten Europe Wood Grinder Product History of Development o Chapter Eleven Europe Wood Grinder Key Manufacturers Analysis o Chapter Twelve 2011-2016 Europe Wood Grinder Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis o Chapter Thirteen Wood Grinder Industry Development Trend Part V Wood Grinder Marketing Channels and Investment Feasibility o Chapter Fourteen Wood Grinder Marketing Channels Analysis o Chapter Fifteen Wood Grinder Development Environmental Analysis o Chapter Sixteen Wood Grinder SWOT Analysis and New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis Part VI Global Wood Grinder Industry Conclusions o Chapter Seventeen 2011-2016 Global Wood Grinder Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis o Chapter Eighteen Wood Grinder Industry Development Trend o Chapter Nineteen Global Wood Grinder Industry Research Summary Inquire for Discount at http://www.asklinkerreports.com/contacts/discount/4178. About Us AskLinker Reports is an aggregator of market research and industry intelligence reports providing data analysis of sectors including chemical, medical, machinery, food, energy, automotive, environmental protection, transportation, electric power, light industry, petroleum, electronics and other categories. For more information, please visit http://www.asklinkerreports.com/4178-wood-grinder-market Contact Info: Name: Ritesh Tiwari Email: Sales@asklinkerreports.com Organization: AskLinkerReports.com Phone: + 1 888 391 5441 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/wood-grinder-market-global-size-share-trends-and-development-analysis-and-forecasts-to-2020/127328 Release ID: 127328 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) West Palm Beach Drug Rehab Comments on Boynton Beach Police Bust ( August 12, 2016 ) West Palm Beach, Florida -- In four days, Boynton Beach police have been able to arrest 13 drug dealers. These dealers have been arrested on charges ranging to drug trafficking to drug sale. Agents were able to set up controlled drug deals by using sources to purchase drugs from them. Among the purchased drugs were marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. With the "Operation Dope Death" , the Boynton Police Department have been able to stop the growth of the sale of drugs across the community. West Palm Beach Drug Rehab asserts that the operation has allowed the community to feel safe against the growing drug deals in their community. By eliminating the amount of drug dealers, people in the community have began to feel more protected against illegal drug activity. People living in the community hope to remove the amount of drug crime on the streets of Boynton Beach, especially with the rise of heroin overdoses. An associate from West Palm Beach Drug Rehab comments: "This program has proven to be a source of community recovery in Boynton Beach. By removing the ever-growing threat of drug dealers in the community, people in the community will be able to be safe. Boynton Beach is making a great effort in addressing the problem of the increase in drug dealers before it becomes a larger problem in the community. With the continued growth of the Boynton Beach Police Department's "Operation Dope Death", the threat of a drug outbreak in the community will become lowered until it has diminished completely." About West Palm Beach Drug Rehab 33801: West Palm Beach Drug Rehab is a drug treatment facility in West Palm Beach that provides clients with treatment programs such as therapy. This facility also offers alcohol rehab in West Palm Beach and heroin rehab in West Palm Beach. These programs allow a recovering addict to grow to be responsible, full-functioning members of society. By attending this facility, patients will be able to obtain their personal needs to reach sobriety. For more information visit http://westpalmbeachdrugrehab.org/ or call (561)513-5749. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver Comments on Arrest of More Than 30 people in Denver Drug Bust ( August 12, 2016 ) Denver, Colorado -- 32 people were arrested on Thursday morning on drug charges in 17 locations in Denver. These takedowns were centered in locations in the counties of Adams and Arapahoe. Authorities taking part in this takedown found several pounds of drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine along with eight firearms. Sgt. Jim Gerhardt of the North Metro Drug Task Force reported that the illegal drug activity was taking action in the metro area of Denver. With this new drug bust, residents and neighbors in these homes will be more protected against any illegal activity linked to the illegal drug activity. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver asserts that, with this recent drug bust, the communities of Denver will now be safer and more protected against large amounts of drug use in their area. By wiping the residential area free of drug activity, residents will now feel safer. As the investigation continues, authorities in Denver expect to make more arrests, preventing the illegal drug activity from spreading further into Denver. An associate from the drug rehabilitation center comments: "After this year-long investigation, authorities have finally taken down the threat of a potential drug outbreak in denver. This drug bust will allow the communities and people in Denver to feel more protected against the outbreak of drug use. This new bust will make it easier for individuals to make the correct choices in maintaining their health by abstaining from drug use. It will allow and promote the prevention against drug use in Denver to flourish." About Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver 80883: Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver is a treatment center that promotes sobriety through heroin rehab and drug rehab in Denver. The center provides individuals with the necessary means to maintain abstinence from drugs and sobriety in one's life through emotional and psychological growth. By providing each patient with the correct attention and treatment through therapy and other recovery services, clients are able to grow stronger against addiction to continue on their path toward addiction recovery. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Denver provides treatment programs that provide drug detox in Denver services to promote addiction recovery. This facility allows both inpatients and outpatients to grow as stronger individuals toward sobriety. For more details about the rehabilitation center, visit their website http://drugandalcoholrehabdenver.com/ or call (720)726-1681. For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) News / Education by Staff reporter As pro-democracy groups and ordinary citizens ramp up pressure on President Robert Mugabe to right the stuttering economy, rural-based teachers have announced they will hold a staggering 200km march next week to register their displeasure with the nonagenarian's failed 36-year leadership.The 10-day march - organised by the Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (RTUZ) - will start on Monday from Maramba-PFungwe in Murewa to Harare.This comes as radical pressure group - Tajamuka/Sesjikile - spreads its wings into the rural areas which have been traditionally the heartland of both Mugabe and Zanu-PF.Mugabe is facing rising public anger over his policies which critics say are responsible for causing the suffering by ordinary citizens.RTUZ said the teachers will also protest against poor salaries and government failure to improve rural education facilities."We call upon all teachers and parents based in the areas to join us and march for the betterment of rural education," the union said.The RTUZ is also demanding a monthly pay adjustment of between $700 and $800, a 100 percent increase of teachers' rural allowances as well as restoration of maternity leave for those on probation.Over and above that, the union also demands infrastructural development in rural schools and communities as well as an end to all forms of violence against rural teachers and dissolution of the government if its demands are not met.RTUZ president, Obert Masaraure, also told the Daily News that the organisation will petition the ministry of Education over their demands.This comes as anti-Mugabe protestors, Tajamuka/Sesjikile; last week said they are spreading their campaign against the 92-year-old leader's misrule to the rural areas.The pressure group's spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, told the Daily News that they were now targeting the rural constituencies after satisfaction that urban Zimbabweans were now on board."We are done with mobilising the urban constituencies ...we are, through our affiliate organisations, targeting our rural counterparts so that we will confront government with one voice," he said.The rural constituencies have been the fulcrum of Mugabe's 36-year-old reign, with opposition parties finding it difficult to make headway in the areas.Mugabe, in power since independence, is facing the biggest challenge to his long and uninterrupted rule.His government is struggling to pay civil servants on time as the economy continues to die leading to reduced revenues which have been hit by company closures and job losses.Last month, civil servants went on strike over delayed salaries while thousands of workers stayed away from work as they heeded a call to stage a general strike by clergyman Evan Mawarire and Tajamuka/Sesjikile.Mugabe is blaming sanctions and western governments for the current wave of protests. Josh Alpert Announces Formation of Financial Advisory Firm ( August 12, 2016 ) Detroit, MI -- Josh Alpert, a leading local financial advisor, has recently completed formation of Alpert Financial Group. The firm will be operating under the name Motor City Retirement Advising. Mr. Alpert has created the firm in order to best implement his detailed methodologies refined by over 15 years serving as a prominent financial advisor, as highlighted in the following from the firm website: "Painstaking attention to every single detail goes into each and every custom-designed plan. Our clients have put their trust and confidence in us for over 15 years, tasking us to help them invest tens of millions of their hard-earned dollars. Very few financial professionals can make such a claim. We are genuinely happy to have been able to assist them on their road to financial prosperity, and we can surely help you as well. " Mr Alpert commented on the formation of his new firm: "After 15 years of selfless dedication to the financial advising industry, I have been looking forward to this day for my entire adult life. I am confident the new firm will be of unique benefit to investors in this area." About Josh Alpert: (source; http://www.motorcityra.com/attorneys.html) "Josh has been a licensed insurance agent since 2001 with a focus on providing cutting-edge wealth management recommendations to help protect hard working Michigan residents from the havoc of an unprepared retirement plan. Josh is a life-long Michigan resident, a graduate of Michigan State University, and currently lives in Royal Oak. Josh is the principal financial plan architect at Motor City Retirement Advising. His vast knowledge of retirement planning, accumulated over 15 years as an independent adviser, allows him to tackle more complex plans with ease. He is licensed as both an insurance agent as well as a fee-based adviser. He presents a unique perspective on personal finance, and will always take the time needed to answer all of your questions." Firm Services The firm offers 3 pillars of service Income Creation Wealth Preservation Estate Planning About Motor City Retirement Advising 48834: "It is common knowledge that you receive significantly better service from small businesses. It is the very essence and desirability of working with a family owned and operated business which separates it from every other larger company. Motor City Retirement Advising provides a level of service you would come to expect from such a company, including direct access to Josh Alpert, our principal financial planning architect. No phone systems, no waiting on hold, just the service you expect and the utmost respect of you and your time." For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Matteson Partners Taking On New In-House Legal Recruitment Clients (Mon 29th May 17) Huong Nghiep A Au Vocational Guidance School Launches New Major (Thu 25th May 17) FSP unveils new Industrial and Gaming power solutions at COMPUTEX 2017 (Wed 24th May 17) The Best Free Keylogger of 2017 Has Been Announced by the Official Remote Keylogger (Tue 23rd May 17) The Remote Keylogger Development Team Announces An Update to the Official iPhone Keylogger (Thu 11th May 17) CaptureStream Announces its New Streaming Video Recorder and Downloader (Mon 8th May 17) MedCareer News Launches 30 60 90 Sales Plans for Job Seekers Getting Interviewed MedCareer News have launched 30, 60, 90 day sales plans in their bid to help those seeking a career in medicine and medical fields get hired faster. Applicants can greatly improve their chances of getting hired with these downloadable sales plans. -- MedCareer News have recently added 30, 60, 90 day sales plans to their repertoire of products geared towards helping individuals seeking a career in medicine. They come in the form of beautiful, downloadable templates and are designed to help potential medical and pharmaceutical sales reps gain an edge over other applicants vying for the same position. These days, bringing along a cover letter or resume is not enough to get a job. It might be enough to score an interview, but to gain that additional leverage needed to stand out from the pack and increase their chances of getting hired, job seekers need to present a plan for the first 3 months of their employment. MedCareer News notes that a 30, 60, 90 day sales plan indicates an applicant's understanding of the hiring company's missions and goals. It also denotes the applicant's ability to foresee the challenges on the job that lie ahead and prepare adequately to cross those bridges and keep crossing them for as long as is necessary. All these are qualities a good employee exudes and applicants that come along with this plan to their interview have a higher chance of getting hired than those who don't. The sales plans MedCareer News offer are delivered as beautiful, customizable, and downloadable templates. The templates also include full step-by-step instructions on how to use the sales plan and prepare for the interview during which the sales plan will be presented. In addition to that, they come with professionally designed PowerPoint slides. Since the plans are customizable, all the applicant has to do is fill in the blank spaces with their details. The sales plan has been well received by many since the digital product was launched, mainly due to the fact that they're written by experts in medical sales and recruiting, with more than 50+ years of combined experience in the aforementioned fields. MedCareer news are positive that they can help individuals seeking medical and sales reps positions get hired faster with their 30, 60, 90 day plans. These plans (for medical and pharmaceutical device sales reps) are currently available for purchase on their website at low prices. About MedCareer News: MedCareer News is composed of a team of top medical recruiters sharing a major goal of helping and assisting individuals interested in starting a career in medicine. They regularly publish the latest news on medical careers, new job openings, career advice, and produce various products to substantially improve the success rate of job seekers. For more information, please visit https://www.medcareernews.com/ Contact Info: Name: Lisa Manley Organization: MedCareer News Address: 38 Kent Street Newburyport MA , USA Release ID: 127207 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) 20 Top Digital Marketers Convene For 2016 Netpreneur Summit In Narita, Japan 20 amazing digital marketers will get together for the four-day Netpreneur Summit at the Radisson Hotel in Narita Japan from September 10 to 13. The Summit will discuss and exchange ideas on various topics such as digital marketing, social media & eCommerce. -- Some 20 amazing digital marketers will get together for the four-day Netpreneur Summit at the Radisson Hotel in Narita Japan from September 10 to 13. The conference will bring together some of the most prominent online entrepreneurs and business leaders who will discuss and exchange ideas on various topics such as digital marketing, social media & eCommerce. Special mastermind groups or peer advisory boards will gather, networking of business topics and the delivery of actionable workshops each day. There will be three remarkable mystery speakers coming from a selected group of chief executive officers; entrepreneurial experts; online marketing specialists; public relations strategists; financial planners; thought leaders; and, many more. Each speaker will also conduct workshops for the participants. Full details on the event can be found on the company website at http://netpreneursummit.com/. James Brown, graduate and former mentor from the Australian College of Natural Medicine and College of Traditional Healing Arts, is the director and co-founder of Netpreneur Summit. The summit was set up in 2013 as a revolutionary type of training for start-up entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners engaged in web-based marketing for small enterprises. "This can prove to be the one of the most effective strategies that can help enterprising individuals develop their online marketing platforms and grow their respective business ventures," Brown explained. The summit will teach participants techniques such as no sales pitches from the stage, effective and easily implemented tactics that work, and techniques in developing new business connections, friendships and successful deals. Netpreneurs belong to a unique generation of entrepreneurs who espouse the principle of "Ready-Aim-Fire" which is said to work well in markets where there should be a strategy of adding value and more attributes to goods or services which are considered highly competitive. The netpreneur is capable of discerning products that will sell better and those that will not sell. The workshop, which will be held after each lecture, to reinforce the topic right away and help every participant to integrate everything that he or she learned from the talk. Aside from this, attendees can expect to get insights from what works in each of the lecturer's business and marketing programs as well as the frame of mind and understanding of their reasons for doing these things. A masterminding session is also scheduled at the end of every session. The Netpreneur Summit website has full details about the sessions at this year's event. Interested parties can visit the website at: http://netpreneursummit.com/. During the last three years, organizers of the Netpreneur Summit was able to form a massive global community of professionals who support and depend on each another, share contacts and conduct appropriate business with one another. The summit provides an opportunity for an entrepreneur to socialize with some of the most illustrious and smartest personalities in business and marketing. All participants become members of the Summit's FaceBook Group. They will be given exclusive access to relevant reports and case studies as well as become entitled to webinars. In other words, each one becomes a member of the select Netpreneur community and obtains the support of dependable colleagues and support network. Netpreneurs can share unique concepts, resources and strategies freely with each other. About Netpreneur Summit Netpreneur Summit is an Internet Business, Marketing and Networking Event established in 2013. It focuses on different strategies and methodologies the world's top marketers are using right now to make a fortune worldwide using only laptops and internet connection. Check out http://netpreneursummit.com/ for more details and information. For more information, please visit http://netpreneursummit.com Contact Info: Name: James Brown Email: info@netpreneursummit.com Organization: Netpreneur Summit Address: Suite 341 K-1bldg 3F, 7-2-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 160-0023 Phone: +1.800.571.0238 Release ID: 127662 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) WP Profit Triggers 2016 Neil Napier Software Released WP Profit Triggers a new software released in 2016 by Neil Napier helps website owners dynamically target specific videos with specific content and product offers. -- A new software for 2016 by Neil Napier has been released making it easy for WordPress platform site owners to specifically target visitors to their sites with content and product offers that meet their interests. More information is available at http://letsgolook.at/WPProfitTriggers. Even though technology and tracking of visitors online has reached a high level of sophistication most websites have not taken advantage of these advances still using websites that have static content that doesn't adapt to the needs and desires of specific visitors. The bounce rate from most websites is still very high and this results in dissatisfied users and lower rankings in the world's leading search engine Google which includes bounce rates as part of its algorithm for selecting websites that rank higher. Targeting content and product offers to visitors based on the search they use to arrive at a site can help increase rankings on Google (by reducing bounce rate), the satisfaction of users who arrive at a website and the sales made directly on that site. The new WP Profit Triggers software has been designed to make this type of sophisticated targeting largely automatic. The new software segments the visitors to a site based on where they come from and how they arrive at a site. Using a simple interface it allows the website owner to decide in advance exactly what actions the website provides for each different type of user. Website owners can choose from a variety of "triggers" and then choose actions they want to deliver to the specific visitors who have displayed those triggers. This gives a website owner a wide range of options that will both satisfy different visitors needs for content and allow the website owner to target those visitors with very specific product offers that appeal to those specific visitors. Once the original choices have been made by the website owner the software will continue to target visitors automatically delivering content and product offers and other targeting options like asking for an email address from visitors. More information on WP Profit Triggers can also be found at http://muncheye.com/neil-napier-wp-profit-triggers. For more information, please visit http://letsgolook.at/WPProfitTriggers Contact Info: Name: James Peterson Organization: Muncheye.com Release ID: 127346 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. News / Local by Staff Reporter A renowned Zanu-PF apologist Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki has branded Pastor Evan Mawarire as a "harlot" and a "fraudster".According to the Herald, the #ThisFlag frontman is abusing the national flag and soiling the country's image.Said Mupepereki "Mawarire is a sponsored hollow instrument into which some propaganda against Zimbabwe are being churned out."He has nothing meaningful to contribute to the well-being of Zimbabweans and I liken him to a harlot. He is just looking for money and has no ideological standing."He is a religious charlatan masquerading as a man of God yet he is a devil's advocate. All that he is saying is about destroying Zimbabwe. The moment you start to denounce the President you are also attacking the people of Zimbabwe who elected him."The Herald claims that after making "his political stunts" Mawarire sneaked out of the country and found himself enjoying a lavish life in Sandton South Africa.He is currently in the USA. Property funds hit the headlines in July, as one after another fund management group imposed temporary suspensions on their daily-dealing funds in the weeks after the UK voted to leave the European Union. But there were other property funds which did not suffer such short-term outflows, and many commentators called for calm consideration of the virtues of having property in some form or another within a diversified portfolio. This guide discusses the situtation which occurred immediately post-Brexit vote in UK commercial property funds; analyses the pros and cons of using open-ended property funds within portfolios; considers what role real estate investment trusts and other closed-ended funds can play within a retail investment portfolio; and how advisers can navigate the various legal, regulatory and suitability issues to put an appropriate investment strategy in place. Contributors of information to this guide: Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell; Mark Harris, chief executive of SPF Private Clients; Adrian Lowcock, investment director for Architas; Rob Gleeson, head of research for FE; Laith Khalaf, senior analyst for Hargreaves Lansdown; Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management; Hamish Pound, senior investment manager, and Elizabeth Chu, head of investment for IP Global; James Carthew, head of research for QuotedData; Doug Millward, director of Lowes Financial Management; Ben Willis, head of research for Whitechurch Financial Consultants; Jonathan Wilcocks, global head of retail sales at M&G; Phil Clark, head of property investing at Kames Capital; Adrian Gaspar, multi-asset investment specialist for the Prudential Portfolio Management Group; The British Property Foundation; the Property Industry Alliance; Morningstar; and the Financial Conduct Authority. simoney.kyriakou@ft.com As we slid into the summer silly season it looked as if the news cycle was slowing down; then Aegon splashed the cash and those of us not on holiday had something to talk about again. Of course, other things went down this week, so here is our Friday round-up of what you couldnt afford to miss over the last five days: After many months of speculation - we called it back in February - finally someone put their hand in their pocket to buy the UKs biggest investment platform. As the Lang Cats chief banter merchant Mark Polson noted, 17,000 Cofunds users woke up yesterday (11 August) with the prospect of moving to Aegon, after Legal & General agreed a 140m pricetag for the fund supermarket. The sale came after L&Gs results earlier in the week showed Cofunds was hit by outflows of 700m during the first six months of the year, and many have warned of the technology upgrades required to keep the beast ticking over following three years of L&G ownership. The analysis began, with several advisers grumbling about the inevitable integration troubles on the horizon, accusing Aegon of arrogance and shoehorning in its client move communications. The Dutch-owned provider confirmed it will be moving Cofunds assets over to its own technology provider GBST and promised an advisory board to smooth the transition. Aegon UKs chief distribution officer Mark Till also promised no change in its strategy towards advice businesses, stating it was very clear the provider is an intermediated business first and foremost. 2) Waspi split turns nasty Following last weeks revelations that the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign had formed an interim working group to help recruit new staff following a split in the leadership, on Tuesday (9 August) some of the ousted founding members accused those who are left of organising a meticulously planned military-style coup. The so-called Waspi 3 only heard about the decision to form an interim working group when it had been announced publicly on Facebook. This wasnt a hastily put together plan or a knee jerk reaction by one person, but a military-style coup, meticulously planned and executed over many months ... and implemented without discussion or agreement, they said in a statement. The following day, the newly unshackled former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann revealed she fought behind the scenes for the Waspi cause when in government; a stance which jeopardised her position and was met with total intransigence within her department. Speaking to FTAdviser, she predicted the governments absolute determination not to grant the campaign any concessions would continue. 3) Property fund saga continues While the initial panic appears to have died down somewhat, property fund managers are clearly still feeling the strain, with the last few days seeing a few more announcements from embattled groups looking to placate investors. On Monday (8 August), Canada Life confirmed it has not restricted withdrawals from its life assurance bonds, even if investors have some of their investment in suspended UK property funds; an important message given the fact Standard Life stopped some of its customers from cashing in any investments from their life bonds, despite only a small proportion of the money being held in property. It has been a tumultuous year for the platform arm of the 128-year-old investment firm Alliance Trust (plc). Or in the words of Patrick Mill, its chief executive: It has been mad. Indeed, Alliance Trust Savings (ATS) status quo was torn asunder in the second half of 2015 when it split from Alliance Trust and became a standalone business with its own board, chaired by the ex-chief financial officer of Lloyds Bank, Tim Tookey, an independent team of executives and its own cost base. There has been growing speculation that the platform has been primed and readied for sale following the governance restructure. That [sale] is not going to happen. That is not a conversation we have had. The trust views ATS as a valuable investment. It was always the plan for ATS to become a standalone business when I took over. The trust seemingly bowed to pressure from activist investor Elliott Capital amid concerns over the platforms financial performance. It also lobbied for a wider reform programme to address a range of issues it had over shareholder returns and the remuneration of senior board members. The ensuing governance reshuffle led to high-profile depatures, including that of Karin Forseke, Alan Trotter and Katherine Garrett-Cox as chairman, chief financial officer and chief executive of the trust, respectively. Mr Mill said: We have a warm and very good relationship with the plc. If we wanted to make an acquisition we would go to the plc, and they would make an evaluation of that potential acquisition as they would have before. There is no difference in the process. Alliance Trust has injected 92.9m into ATS since the business was established in 1986, but the platform been plagued by underperformance and losses over the years. Despite a 7 per cent rise in net revenue to 13.7m, the platform made a 5.2m loss, down from 3.9m in 2014. ATS attributed much of the loss to expenses incurred on new technology, the cost of implementing a revised management board structure and lower than anticipated revenue. Mr Mills said: In any business you have growing pains so you have to be investing in the business to make it attractive, but there is a balance between how much you can invest. To be profitable, platforms need two things: one is scale, the other is to have good technology and efficient operation. In 2015, Alliance Trust spent 37.1m on ATS, which included the conversion of an existing 7.1m loan which was used to fund the acquisition of Stocktrade, the execution-only stockbroking business formerly owned by Brewin Dolphin, for a total sum of 14m. The merger has swelled ATSs assets by 4.6bn to around 12bn and nearly doubling its total customers to 105,000. It also dished 3.8m to outsource the underlying technology of its platform to GBST. The platform for advised clients, which launched three years ago and has around 2bn of assets under administration (AUA), is now powered by the tech firm, with its direct-to-consumer offering due to follow suit by 2017 according to Mr Mill. News / National by Thobekile Zhou President Robert Mugabe has been ordered to stop being a cry baby and act like a grown-up person.Former Zanu PF activists Acie Lumumba told a court on Thursday that "the strong man" should stop "wailing" or sending the State to "wail".He said Mugabe was having a test if his own medicine.According to reports, he was making his second application for the matter to be referred to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) after his former lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, renounced agency.Lumumba was asked why he felt the case should be referred to the ConCourt, to which he responded: "This charge is an infringement of my constitutional rights and I want the Constitutional Court to strike off the section under which I am being charged."This section of the law lacks fairness because it protects the President at the expense of the citizens; it is not even clear how it is supposed to be applied."The President is an employee accountable to people's scrutiny and we cannot, surely, have a law applicable to one person and not to another.""What I am alleged to have said must be encouraged and supported I only used a strong word, a strong and dramatic expression," he said.Lumumba told the court at one point Mugabe, himself, uttered serious remarks, but went on to explain them as a political joke."In 1979, he was interviewed by one Angly Cartter. He was with his wife Sally and Carter directed a question at his wife, asking how she felt when people commented about her husband. He (Mugabe) hijacked his wife's response and said this is politics and in politics one must develop shock absorbers. He went on to say a good imperialist was a dead one. He did not think this comment would not incite violence and instead said it was an expression of political drama. In this regard, Mugabe should stop wailing or send the State to wail on his behalf. I have full regard of the law and what applies on me should apply on him," Lumumba said.The case was postponed to next Tuesday. Kames Capital has hired Asian equity specialist Robin Black as the fund house looks to strengthen its credentials in Japan. Mr Black joins Kames Edinburgh-based equities team as an investment manager from Macquarie, where he worked as a managing director in the companys Hong Kong division, focusing on global sales of pan Asian equities. He has previously worked for Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, Merrill Lynch and Martin Currie. At Kames he will report to equities head Stephen Adam and working in the global team with particular focus on Japan. Mr Adams said: The appointment of Robin adds strength and depth to our equities team, as we look to further develop our capabilities both in the UK and in continental Europe. Robins extensive experience in Japanese equities in particular will allow us to strengthen our credentials in the region. In my first week as a reporter for Financial Adviser back at the start of this century I was sent to a conference and told traditional financial services providers would be dead within 15 years. Companies that had risen from writing a few insurance policies for certain professions when Queen Victoria was on the throne to become financial services giants at the start of the Millennium by expanding to offer investments, advice, insurance, mortgages and pensions would soon be as dead as a dodo, a top legal mind told a small room of advisers on a cruise liner heading towards Jersey. Lots of eyebrows were raised by the prediction. The lawyers views were far from unique at the time. Providers are far from dead but perhaps the age of most traditional financial services providers trying to be all things to all people is over. Several reports of the era from analysts highlighted the threats facing traditional financial services providers as we moved into the 21st century. I highly recommend reading a report produced by Charles Freedman and Clyde Goodlet for the Bank of Canada in 1998. The report states: The financial services industry has been undergoing significant change in recent years. The rapid pace of this change has left many financial service providers struggling to determine an appropriate strategic direction for the next few years. Many of these financial service providers think they are at a particularly critical juncture and are concerned a wrong choice could result in their becoming a declining part of the industry. If I hadnt told you that report was produced almost 20 years ago I am sure you would have believed it was produced yesterday. Back at the end of the 20th century and start of this one, financial services providers were convinced the way to survive as the world spun seemingly faster than ever before was to gobble up competitors and grow even bigger. Whenever I spoke to a chief executive of a financial services provider to discuss why they had taken over a rival or merged, I was told big was best for survival. Everyone seemingly wanted to be an Aviva or HBos and achieve economies of scale and competitive pricing to continue to go from strength to strength in the same way they had for 100 years. However, your clients dont just want big and the last 16 years have shown for every Aviva there is a HBos size alone wont see you soar in the 21st century. Your clients expectations for the way services are provided, the instruments used to provide services and the nature of the financial service providers differ greatly from 10 years ago. Factors driving these changes include technological developments, the changing role of competition and demographically led changes. I dont believe traditional financial services providers are dead and buried. But I do believe they must evolve. Providers that will survive and thrive are the ones that understand being the biggest isnt everything and evolving and reshaping to deliver what your clients want, need and expect today and tomorrow is vital. News / National by Staff reporter The battle of attrition within Zanu-PF is getting uglier by day with the ruling party faction against Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa claiming that those rallying behind Mnangagwa were being led like lambs to the slaughter without realizing it.Minister of state for Manicaland, Mandi Chimene said she and other Zanu-PF bigwigs linked to G40 were unmoved by perceived threatening utterances emanating from the military.Chimene said the moves by certain elements to silence her sentiments on the former liberation movement's succession ructions would be in vain.This comes after Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Constantino Chiwenga questioned the war credentials of some Zanu-PF bigwigs and freedom fighters. 'Power Rangers' Release Date, News & Update: Cast Reveals Major Spoilers! Reboot To Follow Darker & Bloodier Plot? "Power Rangers" is a 90s kid TV series that will be rebooted in 2017. Now, new reports are claiming that the cast had revealed some spoilers for the upcoming movie. Speaking to Den of Geek, Becky G and Dacre Montgomery had recently revealed that they had finished the four-month filming period for the "Power Rangers" movie. The two has also revealed that the movie is currently in post production. Becky G and Dacre Montgomery has admitted that the "Power Rangers" movie is a coming of age movie for five individuals who are chosen to defend the Earth from Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks). The stars have also divulged that the setting of the upcoming movie is going to be different from the 1993 TV series. It has been added that the storyline will also tackle social media and the perils it could bring to the teenagers of today. Becky G, who is playing Trini, the yellow ranger, has revealed that, even with gifts, their characters are still on the verge of adulthood. She even stated that they have demons in their life to face in everyday despite being superheroes in the "Power Rangers" movie. Additionally, Becky G has added that the setting will adapt with today's lifestyle. Hence, fans should expect that the "Power Rangers" their characters will reflect the problems and insecurities of the present teens have to overcome. In real life, most teens deal an array of problems that can affect their general well-being such as bullying and cyberbullying. Hence, the people behind the "Power Rangers" movie are said to cover this social issue to teach youngsters the things they should do if they experience such situation. Meanwhile, in an interview with Bryan Cranston, he revealed that the new "Power Rangers" movie will have a darker storyline. Also, it has been said that the movie is nothing than the 90s TV series as it has a more updated, much improved and a reimagined approach in telling this superhero story. The "Power Rangers" movie hits theatres on March 14, 2017 in cinemas. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more "Power Rangers" news and updates! Xbox One Tops PS4 on Console Sales this July Even Xbox head Phil Spencer believes, the PS4 is somewhat unbeatable when it comes to console wars, but that doesn't mean Microsoft will give up without a fight. In a recent revelation by Xbox Games head of marketing Aaron Greenberg, he shared on twitter the apparent dominance of the Xbox One console over its rival PS4. Greenberg based his revelation on the latest research made by the NDP Group report. Unfortunately, Greenberg did not disclose the number of Xbox One units solved, so that means we won't know just how much was the margin between the rival consoles. This should be expected given how Microsoft's Xbox One backwards compatibility feature massively attracted fans to return to the Xbox platform. The backwards compatibility feature allows Xbox One gamers to play selected Xbox 360 on their current gen consoles. Microsoft continues to develop the said feature that is considered as one of their main and major selling factor in the market. Microsoft also bundles the Xbox One console with popular games whenever they hit the market, so this makes sense; that fans either truly support the console, or the curiosity to see the difference urges them to buy the Xbox One. The Xbox One has been the underdog for quite sometime and in the past months, Sony, with the PS4 console remained confident on the top spot. The month of July however, showed a different path for the Xbox One console. According to the Windows Central, another factor that may have affected the increase on sales is the price drop on the Xbox One 500GB version to only $249 in the tech market. Take note that the new Xbox One S is also now available in the market. Are you a fan of the Xbox One console? What is your favorite feature of the console? Share us your thoughts by commenting on GamenGuide.com. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Samsung Galaxy S7: Which is Better? Specs, Features & Price Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 have some similarities. With huge similarity in the design and specs, avid fans are now having a hard time what device they should be choosing. To help you choose what phone to buy, here are some things you need to know. Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Specs and Features Both Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 are powered with the company's Exynos 8890 processor coupled with 4GB RAM. While the Samsung Galaxy S7 has the base memory of 32GB, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has arrived with a 64GB base memory. However, these models can both expand up to 256GB. In terms of size, the Samsung Galaxy S7 has a smaller screen display that features a 5.5 inch with QHD, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has a slightly bigger screen with 5.7 inches of display. Additionally, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is the first of the Galaxy flagships to have a HDR mode enabled display to offer better contrast ratio and wider color range. Both Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 have the same curves and design. Moreover, the latest Samsung flagships have the same accessories. Also, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 are both waterproof with VR system and fingerprint scanners. However, only Samsung Galaxy Note 7 features the new Iris scanner that lets the phone scan the eye of its users to unlock the phone, the apps and even authorizing banking transactions. Another feature the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is the S Pen. With the S Pen's responsiveness, users of the variant can easily glide and work of the screen of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and the S Pen comes with three new features, namely: Translate, Magnify and Glance. Take note that these features are normal to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 as it is more of a Note rather than a smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S7, as Sctimes reported. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Price and Release Date Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be release in Sept. 2, 2016 with a price of $849, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 is available in the market for only $680. Stay tuned to Gamenguide for more Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 news and updates! Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair Release Date, News & Update: Who Will Be The Next Eustace Scrubb? After more than five years of silence, the top-grosser series of "Chronicles of Narnia,"will soon be coming to your number one movie house with an adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Silver Chair." Eustace Scrubb, Lucy and Edmund's loveable but irate cousin, will return to Narnia with his classmate Jill Pole, just a year after Eustace's unexpected adventure in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." For some reasons, both wanted to escape adversaries in their school. A year in England is tantamount to decades in Narnia. Interestingly, in "The Silver Chair," Prince Caspian, who is in his day an elderly king, is looking for his missing son, Prince Rilian. Eustace and Jill will be seen putting back a puzzle as commanded by the golden lion in "Chronicles of Narnia," Aslan. Despite the fact that the movie was based on the Lewis' series, producer Mark Gordon said that it is not a sequel of "Chronicles of Narnia." Movie goers can expect new cast and different teams but he did not make any announcements yet as who will cast in the upcoming "The Silver Chair" movie. Lewis' seven series of the novel "The Chronicles of Narnia" have satisfied more than 100 million readers globally. Readers might be apprehensive if the reboot "The Silver Chair" screen play will have a different or new character not found in the novel. The producer assured that all characters will still be based on the original Narnia world; hence, no worries for the avid fans. The series of "Chronicles of Narnia" includes "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" in 2005, "Prince Caspian" in 2008 and lastly, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" in 2010. All three movies were produced by Walden Media, with gross sales of $1.6 billion, but in 2011 it lost its rights to the book. Lewis and Gordon announced their new partnership in 2013. David McGee will write the script while Ang Lee will direct the movie. McGee and Lee worked together harmoniously in "Life of Pi," which is an impressive best-seller adaptation of the novel of Yann Martel back in 2012. Doing so will allow the airport to comply with Long Beach's noise ordinance. June 12, 1927 July 31, 2016 Edward Shideler was born June 12, 1927 in Manson, Iowa, to Jessie Irene Ulfers and Elbert Merritt Shideler. He married Bonney Jean Wilson in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 27, 1947. He died July 31, 2016 in Bend wrapped in Bonneys love and surrounded by three generations of the family they created. Ed and Bonney began their 72 years together at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs. After graduation, Ed enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving at Chanute Field in Illinois before taking early discharge to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Iowa State University. During college he served in the Army-Air Force Signal Corps ROTC, followed by six years in the Army Air Corps Reserve. Even in retirement, Ed honored love of country, raising the Stars and Stripes early each morning outside his home, carefully furling it at dusk. After Iowa State, Ed joined his fathers crystal electronics firm, Scientific Radio Products, launching a career that led in the 1960s to commercial semiconductor fabrication with companies in Silicon Valley and New England. In 1966 Ed joined the Hewlett-Packard Company, contributing to the development of integrated circuit technology while general manager of an HP division in Loveland, Colorado, later heading the integrated circuit division in Corvallis. Ed was a gifted engineer, problem-solver and team-builder and looked back on his work life with well-earned satisfaction. But above all, Ed was the real deal, a quiet, principled man who found his greatest achievement, deepest pleasure and lasting legacy in his wide-ranging, ever-growing family. His abiding Christian faith and belief in God were lived in the unselfish care, companionship, compassion and wisdom that helped us each hope to be ourselves an ever-better person. Ed met any experience and any person with an open mind, warm heart, good will and gentle humor. His strong opinions were matched by an intellectual honesty that acknowledged a world of differences Ed relished a good tussle of viewpoints. Courteous, thoughtful, kind, independent, broadly curious about the world around him, he was a pilot, a sailor, a woodworker, a traveler, a reader, a life-long learner, a believer in the powers of duct tape, of just-in-case planning, and of an evening glass of The Famous Grouse. When he proposed to her, Ed asked Bonney what she wanted from life. She answered A great love, a great family, and to travel. He said If you marry me, youll have all three. He kept his promise. Ed is survived by Bonney and their children, Linda (Richard) Steven, Cindy (Doug) Wise, Mark (Lee Ann) Shideler, Brett (Marla) Shideler, Sandra Wadman, Pam (Mel) McConnell and Dana (Ben) Sheppard; 20 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Norma McKone. He was preceded in death by son Scott Shideler and grandsons Ryan Shideler and Cameron Wadman. Eds family thanks the staff of Partners In Care Hospice House in Bend for their care during Eds last days. A private memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to: Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Ct., Bend, OR 97701. March 26, 1924 Aug. 9, 2016 George Francis Horning, 92, was born March 26, 1924, to George Edwin Horning and Nancy Rose Horning in Corvallis and grew up on the family farm. George was the eldest and surviving twin of seven siblings: Ivan (Pat), Julian (Noreen), Viola (Clarence Morrison), Nancy Ann (Harold Howard), Betty (Lehrl Conn) and Sandy (Herb Hull). He passed away on Aug. 9, 2016, at home on the family farm he and his brother, Ivan, started over 70 years ago. He was a farmer, a World War II veteran, a devoted husband and beloved father and grandfather. He attended Eureka Grade School and graduated Monroe High School in May 1941. He went to work on a turkey ranch in Irish Bend until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when he worked at Camp Adair as a carpenter apprentice. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in September 1942, he trained in San Diego on torpedoes and received an award for expert rifle and pistol marksmanship. He was stationed in Papua, New Guinea, and was cut by shrapnel when the USS Mount Hood exploded in November 1944 near Manus Island while he was on deck of another ship in the blast zone. When the war ended, he had earned the rank of Specialist (X) Second Class. George retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve in April 1984 with the rank of First Class Petty Officer. Georges military service was a source of great pride, and in October 2014, he made an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. On a weekend leave in December 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Loretta Bailey, with whom he accumulated over 500 pages of wartime correspondence and 71 years of rich memories. They raised six children on their farm and dairy, along with cattle and turkeys. Even after closing the dairy in 1985, George always kept a few cows. As a boy, George had loved working with the horses that pulled the farm implements, and after the war in 1946, he and Ivan bought 30 acres from their father and started farming. Over the years they grew sweet corn, table beets, peppermint, wheat, squash, field corn, and beans. In the early years of growing pole beans, George bought some retired school buses and had a route to pick up the bean pickers and hoeing crews every morning, employing many young people and creating great memories. He was generous with his time and has a long record of community service and civic-mindedness, serving on the board of directors of many organizations: Eureka and Irish Bend grade schools, 20 years on the Monroe High School Board, the Agri-Pac Board of Directors, the Benton County Draft Board, as well as 35 years on the Consumers Power Board, 17 of them as chairman. George enjoyed organizing community events such as pet parades, talent shows, and movie nights at the Monroe Methodist Church, where he and Eleanor were lifelong members. He was also active with the Monroe Cemetery Association and the VFW. In short, he loved bringing people together and organized many family gatherings and reunions over the years. Even George and Eleanors greatest vacation was a nine-day community rafting trip floating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. George is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; children George Clifford (Kathleen) and Loretta Susan; two grandchildren, Lydia Marie Horning and Zachary Cook; and brothers Ivan and Julian. He wrote that the greatest reward of his life is my family, and he leaves behind a loving clan who will miss him dearly: children Kathy Freeman (Paul Kafoury), Diana Gamache (Bill), Eric (Christine) and David (Dan Ogle); 14 grandchildren, George Earl, Ted, Lance, Susan, Kenneth, Terri, Kimberly, Jennifer, Errin, Nathan, Nicholas, Connor, Reid and Montessa; 27 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Monroe High School gymnasium, followed by a graveside service at Monroe Cemetery. The casket will be open for one hour prior to the service. There will be a dessert social at the high school commons following the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to South Benton Historical Association of Monroe, the Monroe Cemetery Association, or a charity of choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330. ROSE (roz) n. One of the most beautiful of all flowers, a symbol of fragrance and loveliness. Often given as a sign of appreciation. RASPBERRY (razbere) n. A sharp, scornful comment, criticism or rebuke; a derisive, splatting noise, often called the Bronx cheer. We hereby deliver: ROSES to news that the 2016 fire season is off to a relatively calm start, with considerably fewer acres burned on Oregon Department of Forestry lands to this point than the last three years. To date, 470 wildfires have burned 2,685 acres on state forest land; by contrast, the acreage burned on state land last year at this time was nearly 18,000. That's good, but it could change in a hurry, and the fact is that fire season in Oregon usually runs into October. In that spirit, we have to deliver RASPBERRIES to weather forecasts calling for hot conditions conducive to fresh fires this weekend; in fact, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will be in effect from noon today to 6 p.m. Saturday. We can't do much about the weather, but we can be mindful of our activities when we're outdoors. Remember that 87 percent of all fires started on Department of Forestry lands are started by people. So be careful out there this weekend and obey all the fire restrictions in place at your preferred recreation spot. Speaking of the weather, it was terrific during the four-day run of the Benton County Fair, so ROSES to the fairgoers who responded by flocking to the event. Fair officials last week pointed to preliminary numbers that suggested fair attendance was up nearly 50 percent over last year, when a heat wave scared off potential patrons. Final tallies still need to be completed, of course, but this is encouraging news for anyone who has worried about the long-term trend of decreasing attendance at this fair (and county fairs across the nation). We never would pretend that the results from one year suggest that we've solved all the problems that have plagued the fair for years, but the turnout this year certainly offers Lynne McKee, the new fairgrounds manager, a nice foundation from which to build. ROSES to Adair Village, which this week held a "virtual" groundbreaking ceremony for a project that should help that community finally get a handle on its long-running water woes. On Tuesday, Adair officials gathered at the town's City Hall to celebrate the start of a $2.8 million project to improve its water systems. The original idea was to have the ceremony at the site of two new 1-million gallon tanks, but recent rains left that area too muddy for the festivities. No matter: This still is a big deal for the community. Adair's water system long has been notorious for an outrageously high rate of water loss; some estimates have pegged the loss in previous years at 75 to 80 percent. With the upgrades, officials hope to reduce that amount to about 30 percent, which still seems high, but it's closer to the average water loss in Oregon cities of about 15 percent. (Presumably some bright engineers are at work at ways to reduce that amount, which still seems high.) In any event, the project in Adair also could help to unlock that town's growth potential. With affordable housing in Corvallis at such a premium, Adair could be on the cusp of something big. ROSES to state Sen. Alan Bates of Medford, the longtime legislator who died unexpectedly last week, and to his mourning family, friends and colleagues. We hear so much about partisan squabbling among the state's legislators that it's easy to forget that these men and women, largely citizen legislators, actually get along reasonably well with their counterparts on the other side of the aisle. So it was no surprise that when news broke about Bates' death, both Republicans and Democrats paid tribute to the veteran legislator. The 71-year-old Democrat died while fishing with his son. Officials said Bates appeared to have suffered some sort of "medical event." Before he started his legislative service in 2000, Bates served on a local school board for 10 years. Bates, a physician, also worked as the chairman of the Health Services Commission, which played a major role in creating and rolling out the Oregon Health Plan (the name Oregon gives to its Medicaid program). Like many members of Oregon's Legislature, Bates, a family practitioner for more than 30 years, held onto his day job. He sometimes would see patients on Saturdays after a full week working at the Capitol. On at least two occasions, Bates offered diagnoses to lawmakers and lobbyists; the Republican legislator who got Bates' medical attention credited the doctor's intervention with saving his life. Bates served his community and Oregon (and at least one Republican) well during his decades of public service. That commitment to public service is a characteristic that unites every legislator who chooses to make a run for the state Senate or House. For that matter, it's the same sort of commitment that drives everyone who decides to run for their city council or local school board. The hours are lousy and the pay pretty much nonexistent (although legislators do get a negligible salary). The issues you grapple with are getting harder and harder, it seems, with each passing year. And it's not as if a seat in the state Legislature is a ticket to a lucrative position in state or federal government. No, people who decide they want to take a shot at these positions do so because they want to give something back to the state, to their communities, their wards. We are grateful to everyone who weighs the pros and cons of taking that leap and then, ignoring the preponderance of evidence, decides to toss their hats into the ring. As we mourn Sen. Bates' death, we offer thanks to him, and to all of his colleagues, regardless of where they serve. News / National by Staff reporter ATTEMPTS by government to register a plane belonging to convicted mercenary Simon Mann arrested in Harare in 2004 with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have failed after aviation authorities could not prove they had legally acquired the plane.Mann's plane was impounded in March 2004 after landing at the Harare International Airport with 70 mercenaries enroute to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where they wanted to stage a military coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The mercenaries intended to pick up weapons in Zimbabwe.The Zimbabwean government, however, arrested Mann and his 69 colleagues before impounding the Boeing 727 aeroplane valued between US$3 million and US$5 million. The plane has been parked at the airport since 2004.Sources close to the developments said government has failed to produce the requirements needed by IATA in the registration of the plane since 2005.Amongst others requirements, IATA requires proof of ownership for registration of an aeroplane."Because the forfeiture of the plane was unlawful AITA has refused to register it, moreover government or the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) could not justify ownership of the plane," said the source.Government, the source says, intends to fly the plane to Equatorial Guinea but is being hindered by the failure to get a licence.The Zimbabwe Independent understands that Mann initially wanted to sell the plane to Zimbabwe, but the government failed to raise the required funds.Prior to his arrest, Mann had lawfully bought firearms from the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (Pvt) Ltd (ZDI), hence the landing in Zimbabwe. He has not yet been refunded for the firearms which he did not receive. Furthermore, government is still in possession of the US$180 000 found inside the plane. ZDI reportedly sold the mercenaries a consignment of AK-47 assault rifles, mortars and 30 000 rounds of ammunition for US$188 000.The mercenaries were charged and found guilty of violating the country's immigration, firearms and security laws.In his 2011 book, Cry Havoc, Mann confirms that the intention of their journey was "to remove one of the most brutal dictators in Africa in a privately organised coup d'etat."As reported by this paper then the Zimbabwean state security services laid a trap for the arrest of the mercenaries. It was said that then ZDI general manager retired Colonel Tshinga Dube was aware of the trap.Sources say Mann wants to appeal as he feels the order for forfeiture was not justifiable. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe should reprimand the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Constantino Chiwenga, for threatening to "opposition elements and Zanu-PF infiltrators", whom he accused of causing turmoil and seeking to destroy the ruling party, a peace lobby NGO, Heal Zimbabwe Trust, has said.According to Heal Zimbabwe, General Chiwenga's comments this week are a "direct antagonism" of peace building. Chiwenga also threatened members of the public who are using the social media to air their socio-economic grievances.In a statement, Thursday, Heal Zimbabwe Trust said Chiwenga should be brought to order because his threats antagonise fundamental human rights freedoms which are also guaranteed in the country's new constitution."This (Chiwenga's behaviour) threatens Constitutional provisions on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms such as freedom to petition and demonstrate, freedom of expression and access to information and also by threatening social media users with jail he is violating these fundamental human rights," said Heal Zimbabwe."Members of the Security Services should be reminded that it is constitutional for citizens to enjoy fundamental human rights where they are free to express themselves and are free to petition and demonstrate peacefully," said the peace lobby trust.Chiwenga's remarks come at a time when the country is witnessing peaceful protests with ordinary citizens demonstrating daily against the deteriorating socio-economic conditions, corruption, high unemployment and the impending introduction of bond notes by the government.Heal Zimbabwe Trust also said that Chiwenga was opposing his boss President Mugabe who, during the Heroes holidays, called for peace in the country.The NGO said if Mugabe was sincere about promoting peace in the country he should stop Chiwenga from threatening peaceful Zimbabweans."Heal Zimbabwe notes that while the President's call for peace is applauded, such calls should be followed by swift action that ensures that security forces respect and promote fundamental human rights. The President in accordance with section 90 of the Constitution must promote unity and peace in the nation for the benefit and well-being of all Zimbabweans."At a press conference on Tuesday, Chiwenga said the army was fully behind Mugabe and was not going to sit back while Zimbabwe was being thrown into turmoil by what he claimed were illegal activities of local protestors. He said government was going to introduce laws to control people who used the internet to "scold leaders" and "destabilise" the country. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Wachtberg Culture Weeks : A unique festival of local artists Foto: Municipality Wachtberg Wachtberg A local festival with music, art and more has been growing during the past ten years in Wachtberg. Visitors are invited again this year to stroll around and experience the artsy atmosphere. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Music and vocals from gospel to jazz, brass bands, paintings, unique jewelry, art graphics, interior accessories, unusual photography and colorful quilts - it all began in the Summer of 2007 and now the Wachtberg Kulturwochen (Culture Weeks) has grown into an exceptional cultural festival. The tenth annual Wachtberg Culture Weeks begins on August 26th and will run until September 11. Local artists will open up their ateliers, work spaces and yards to the public. Organizers say they have experienced growing numbers of visitors for the past ten years. Once again this year, there will be the popular community exhibits in Arzdorf, Gimmersdorf, Niederbachem, Villip and Villiprot. New artists will be on hand along with the ones who are more well-known from past festivals. Mayor Renate Offergeld said, Theres something to meet everyones different tastes. She recommends to look through the brochure and make a plan of what and where and when to visit, but if you dont read German, you can still experience and see many displays by just walking around in the participating villages. Entrance to the festival is free of charge. For three events, seating is reserved only: Friday, August 26 - Borea Baroque Orchestra, September 9 - Spanish song book and trio reminiscence on September 11. One can call (0228) 9 54 40 to reserve seats. All of those performances will be at the Atelier Michael Franke in Gimmersdorf, Lieemer Str. 3. For those who want to have a look at the brochure, it can be found at: www.wachtberg.de 649th Putzchens Markt : Biggest fair in the region coming up: security controls addressed Putzchen It is a centuries old traditional fair attracting a million visitors each year. Police addressed security concerns in light of recent terrorist attacks. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Anyone new to Bonn will soon be hearing lots of buzz from the locals about the Putzchens Markt and wondering just what that is. Its not a word that easily rolls off an anglo tongue and it is definitely a regional tradition, having taken place now for over 600 years in the town of Putzchen. The huge fair in an amusement park-like atmosphere will get underway on September 9 and run until September 13. Around a million visitors are expected for the biggest fair in the Rheinland. Because of recent terror attacks in Nice, Wuerzberg and Ansbach, police addressed security concerns. Gerd Mainer, director for the police station in Ramersdorf spoke at a press conference at the city hall. He said that backpacks and handbags would still be allowed at the fair but visitors should expect that their bags would be screened by security. Bonn police will work together with the Ordnungsamt (bureau enforcing public order) to ensure security at the fair; more than 100 patrols will be on duty there each day. Still, there will be no street closings or individual turnstiles for visitors to pass through, and police will be armed as normal but carry no extra weaponry. Anyone who causes trouble or disruptions, however will face punishment. Fines of 250 to 500 euro may be issued to those who are involved in vandalism or cause bodily injury to others. In advance of the event, police will issue bans on known offenders. Opinion / Columnist "General Chiwenga to be Mnangagwa's vice president before Christmas!" screamed the headlines!This is the thing about Zimbabwe; we are in a serious political and economic mess because we have not taken the business of electing competent leaders with the seriousness the matter demands. President Mnangagwa assisted by Vice President Chiwenga, my point exactly because these two will not help us get out of the mess but drag us even deeper into the abyss. Their respective political elevation will mark their victory over the Grace Mugabe led G40 faction in the on-going succession dog fight in Zanu PF, but this is a mere skirmish in comparison with the fight to revive the national economy.My bet is that President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga will NOT hold on to their respective post after the 2018 general elections; the two have no clue of the seriousness of the current economic meltdown much less what will be demanded of the new regime to effect meaningful economic recovery.Whether President Mugabe is able to hang-on as president to serve his full five-year term ending in July 2018 (assuming he does not kick the bucket) or is forced by death or whatever to handover to someone else within his own party to finish the five years is largely an internal party matter. The on-going dog-eat-dog fighting to decide who succeed Mugabe is clearly not for the faint hearted.The Zanu PF factional war antagonists have completely ignored the country's worsening economic meltdown. What they have failed to appreciate is that unemployment level of 90%, 76% of the people now living in abject poverty, etc. is socially and politically unsustainable millions forced. The increasing social arrest sweeping the nation is people demanding an end to the economic hardships brought on by the economic meltdown.President Robert Mugabe has shown that he does not have the political will, intellect and vision to implement the tough economic reforms demanded to end the cancers of gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and lawlessness that is killing the Zimbabwe economy. Indeed the country would not be in this mess if he has the will, etc.Whilst President Mnangagwa has shown some initiative showing he will be his own man, he will probably scrap Mugabe's stupid and unworkable Indigenisation Act. Still he will have to do a lot more than that to get to the root of the mismanagement and corruption, he will have to completely dismantle the Zanu PF dictatorship from the top right down to the village level and the only convincing way to do this is by allowing the implementation of all the democratic reforms agreed in the 2008 Global Political Agreement followed by free, fair and credible elections.I do not see President Mnangagwa and his VP Chiwenga agreeing to free, fair and credible elections in 2018; their Zanu PF fault setting would be to rig the next elections just as President Mugabe has done in the past. If President Mnangagwa was naive to concede the implementation of democratic reforms, I cannot see him winning free and fair elections.Zanu PF politicians have made themselves unelectable and President Mnangagwa will have to move mountains to make the voters change their minds. Time is running out for him before the next elections, he has only two years to move those mountains.The problem for Zanu PF, it does not matter whether President Mugabe or VP Mnangagwa is the party's candidate for the 2018 elections, it that rigging these elections will do nothing to revive the national economy. The people of Zimbabwe are fed up with Zanu PF's empty promises and worsening economic situation by the time of the next elections, if the regime lasts that long, the people's position will have hardened to the same level as in 2008 when they risked life and limp to get change.Yes it is quite possible we might have President Emmerson Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga by Christmas but I will bet my bottom dollar they will not be in office after the 2018 elections regardless; if elections are free and fair they will lose if they try rigging the elections they will not get away with it - not this time! 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. clarajancita at 12-08-2016 09:44 AM (6 years ago) (f) A manager with Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Ejigbo branch, 41-year-old Ikechukwu Aghanenu, has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a suspected fraudster, Anthony Okpala, to defraud two customers of N14m. The customers are Mrs. Oluremi Egunjobi (now late), and one Rabiu Lawal, who is based in the United Kingdom. A manager with Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Ejigbo branch, 41-year-old Ikechukwu Aghanenu, has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a suspected fraudster, Anthony Okpala, to defraud two customers of N14m. The customers are Mrs. Oluremi Egunjobi (now late), and one Rabiu Lawal, who is based in the United Kingdom. Naijapals that the suspects arrested on Wednesday, reportedly diverted N4.014m from the deceaseds bank account 5323007058, while N10m was said to have been fraudulently withdrawn from Lawals account, 2741128259. 34-year-old Okpala and one other suspect at large, had presented themselves to Aghanenu as the relatives of the deceased with some forged documents authorising the bank to release the sum between September and November, 2015. Within the same period, the police said Okpala paraded himself as a business partner of Lawal and allegedly collaborated with Aghanenu to withdraw N10m from Lawals account in tranches. A police source said, The bank reported the fraud to the police and in the course of investigation, it was discovered that the fraudulent transactions were carried out by Okpala with the knowledge of the ex-manager and others at large. Naijapals that the suspects arrested on Wednesday, reportedly diverted N4.014m from the deceaseds bank account 5323007058, while N10m was said to have been fraudulently withdrawn from Lawals account, 2741128259.34-year-old Okpala and one other suspect at large, had presented themselves to Aghanenu as the relatives of the deceased with some forged documents authorising the bank to release the sum between September and November, 2015.Within the same period, the police said Okpala paraded himself as a business partner of Lawal and allegedly collaborated with Aghanenu to withdraw N10m from Lawals account in tranches.A police source said, The bank reported the fraud to the police and in the course of investigation, it was discovered that the fraudulent transactions were carried out by Okpala with the knowledge of the ex-manager and others at large. Quote Okpala presented himself and another suspect at the Ecobanks branch in Ejigbo as relatives of the late Oluremi (Egunjobi) and instructed the bank to liquidate her account, which was done through the help of the ex-manager. But he (Aghanenu) denied knowing Okpala. The other victim, Lawal, works in UK and saves money at the bank with the hope of using the money to invest when he relocates to Nigeria. It was when he checked his account balance that he discovered the withdrawals and complained to the bank. Aghanenu and Okpala were arraigned in an Igbosere Magistrates Court on Thursday on five counts bordering on fraud and forgery by a police prosecutor, Friday Mameh. Mameh told the court that the offences contravened sections 287, 361, 409 and 378 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The counts read in part, That you, Ikechukwu Aghanenu, Anthony Okpala and others now at large, between September 2015 and November 2015, at the Ecobank Nigeria Plc, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: forgery and stealing. Aghanenu and Okpala were arraigned in an Igbosere Magistrates Court on Thursday on five counts bordering on fraud and forgery by a police prosecutor, Friday Mameh.Mameh told the court that the offences contravened sections 287, 361, 409 and 378 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.The counts read in part, That you, Ikechukwu Aghanenu, Anthony Okpala and others now at large, between September 2015 and November 2015, at the Ecobank Nigeria Plc, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: forgery and stealing. Quote That you did forge the instruction of one Oluremi Egunjobi, a deceased and an account holder of Ecobank Nigeria Plc, fraudulently liquidated the customers investment in account number 5323007058 of the sum of N4.014m property of Ecobank Nigeria Plc. That you, and others at large, did fraudulently convert the sum of N10m in tranches from Ecobank account number 2741128259 belonging to Rabiu Lawal to account number 53220002455 with the name Okeneme Samuel. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts before the magistrate, Mr. P. A. Adekomaya. They were granted bail in the sum of N3m each with two sureties in like sum, while the case was adjourned till September 6, 2016. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts before the magistrate, Mr. P. A. Adekomaya. They were granted bail in the sum of N3m each with two sureties in like sum, while the case was adjourned till September 6, 2016. Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 12-08-2016 09:44 AM (6 years ago) | Hero Lenovo Teases Bendable Devices, Moto 360 Smartwatch, and More in the New IFA Teaser News oi -Chakri Kudikala Lenovo has released a new IFA promotional video that teases the bendable devices, the Moto 360 Smartwatch, a Lenovo Keyboard and more. Many of you might remember that the company already released a video of the bendable device back in June at the Lenovo Tech World. It is very early to expect a bendable device from the company, but the teaser at least confirms that the company is seriously working on the project, which might turn the tech world. The teaser also shows off the Moto 360 smartwatch by Motorola and the company might release a new smartwatch in the same lineup, maybe the Moto 360 (3rd Gen). SEE ALSO: 5 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Smart TV The video also has some of Moto Mods, which is acceptable. The much anticipated Moto Mod is the 'Hasselblad camera module' which was earlier leaked and Lenovo might launch it at the IFA 2016 along with some other mods. Lenovo is also working on something related to tablets as the video shown a Keyboard and we may see a keyboard with some special capabilities. The IFA event is scheduled to kickstart on September 1 in Berlin. Also, Lenovo will showcase the products before the event, i.e, on August 31. Best Mobiles in India 'Feels Like Home Season 2' offers something real and tangible to think about; takes home a pertinent point - if your intentions are good, there is nothing in life that isn't achievable. Opinion / Columnist The 2016 local government elections results show that the anti-Zuma faction of the ruling party is responsible for the main losses suffered by the ANC. The result of the three Gauteng metropolitan cities, that is, the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane are a serious indictment on those who have led the province.The result of these metros show an interesting trend-- the losses are promotional to the anti-Zuma sentiment within the ruling party. It is known that Ekurhuleni is not as virulent anti-Zuma as the Coj within the ANC. The results have come back kinder to Ekurhuleni compared to the Coj.Tshwane and the Nelson Mandela Bat metros also suffered because of the anti-Zuma factor from within the ANC itself. The intervention of the ruling party was too little too late to turn the voter tide.The narrative that Zuma costed the ANC votes and therefore he must be recalled is not supported by evidence. On the contrary, evidence shows that the pro-Zuma provinces have done well in the election. If the so called premier league was to be used as a yardstick, then a different truth emerges. Mpumalanga, Free State and the Northwest registered no losses. Zuma's stronghold in kwaZuluNatal had posted not just a stunning victory, but also an increased majority.If the narrative that Zuma caused the ANC votes is false, why is the media peddling it? This is a narrative invented by the forces of regime and white owned media which is pushing the same agenda. The opposition parties beholding to the regime change program have latched onto the narrative so much so to a point that now, some are making the removal of Zuma a condition of coalitions.The imperialist forces which control the South African economy and their local allies, which are monopoly white capital, want Zuma gone because he is seen as a threat to their interests primarily because of his association with members of the BRICS.The "Zuma Must Go" campaign is essentially about weakening the BRICS process. The democratically elected president of Brazil has been toppled illegally by the same forces which seek to illegally and manipulatively remove Zuma on invented lies.The province that embarrassingly suffered the most losses for the ruling party is Gauteng. This means that the call for the removal of the provincial chairperson Mr. Paul Mashatile and his cohort of leadership is the most justifiable decision. The loss of the metros means about 85% of municipality budget has been surrendered to the opposition. This is not small matter.President Zuma should now assume his negotiation skills and offer small parties like the EFF offers that they cannot refuse in order to avert these metros from falling into the hands of parties of racism such as the Democratic Alliance (DA). The president can use the electoral disaster in these metros by crafting a deal that answers the big policy questions the ANC has avoided to date; such as land expropriation without compensation, nationalisation, free education, compensations for Marikana, minimum wage and an income grant.The losses induced by Gauteng could be turned into an opportunity to tower above neo-liberal policy arrangements and break the back of white racism in South Africa. The other option, which is too ghastly to contemplate, is to surrender such strategic metros as Coj and Tshwane to the racist DA. AF leaders discuss budget, operations during State of the Air Force By Tech. Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts and Staff Sgt. Alyssa C. Gibson, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information / Published August 10, 2016 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff of the Air Force David L. Goldfein discussed the State of the Air Force during a press conference Aug. 10 at the Pentagon. In her first update with Goldfein, the 21st CSAF, James praised his work so far, and said she looks forward to working with him in leading Airmen and the Air Force. The senior leaders then provided an update on current Air Force operations and budget challenges. James pointed out Airmen are busier than ever with the oldest fleet in its history before talking about the potential impacts if Congress does not pass a budget. "We certainly hope a long-term CR (continuing resolution) won't be the case," James said. "But we are hearing either a six-month or a one-year CR is at least a possibility, and I want to explain why this would be a very bad deal for the United States Air Force." Stating the Air Force is still dealing with the difficult choices it was forced to make during sequestration, James said if Congress doesn't act, and if the Air Force is faced with a long continuing resolution, it could see a delay of over 60 acquisition programs. James then listed the production of joint direct attack munitions, better known as JDAMS, the production of the KC-46 Pegasus air refueling platform and B-21 bomber funding as some of her top concerns. Presenting an update to the Air Force's rejuvenation of the remotely piloted aircraft program in an RPA get-well plan, James noted some of the program's milestones. "We're well on the way to now having 100 percent manning at our training units and of course we are going to be producing more RPA pilots," James said, "which means more pilots in cockpits and better quality of life for our RPA Airmen." She then announced by Oct. 1, an approved $35,000 pilot retention bonus will go into effect for all eligible RPA pilots. Also, the Air Force is working with Congress to update the retention bonus for all pilots as well as ensure all Airmen retain their basic allowance for housing. While the current hiring rate of commercial airlines could negatively impact the Air Force's pilot retention rate, the Air Force's focus on quality of life and service have the potential to rebalance the scales. The past has proven if financial burdens are removed, the force will respond, Goldfein said. "We've been through this before, when airlines were in the hiring business," Goldfein said. "This (time) is no different other than the fact that the force has been involved in 25 years of combat." However, James said money is important, but it is not everything. "It is not the be-all, and end-all," James said. "As you've heard me say repeatedly, quality of life, quality of the work environment -- these are also important factors, and so to that end we will soon announce ways that we will reduce assigned additional duties." The conversation then turned to current operations. According to Goldfein, the Air Force is fully engaged in providing airpower solutions to counter aggressive activity from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and violent extremists, and working with its sister services to carry out missions as directed by combatant and joint task force commanders. "Airpower has become the oxygen the joint force breathes," Goldfein said. "Have it and you don't even think about it. Don't have it, and it's all you think about. Air superiority, ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), space and lift are but a few examples. We do all of this despite financial uncertainty and the risk of sequestration still looming on the horizon." Air superiority is not an American birthright, it has to be fought for and maintained, he said. Retaining the Air Force's experienced pilots is critical to its ability to continue supporting the joint force through air and space exploitation. "Despite the uncertainty ahead however, I am optimistic about the future of the Air Force for one reason -- our Airmen -- who continue to deliver 24/7/365," Goldfein said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve and Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office August 10, 2016 Department of Defense Press Briefing by Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: OK, good morning. General, I want to make sure you can hear us and we can hear you. GEN. MACFARLAND: I can hear you. CAPT DAVIS: OK. And Tom, if we can have just a tiny bit more volume out here. Ladies and gentlemen, we're joined this morning from Iraq by Army Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland. General MacFarland is commander of Combined Joint Task Force Inherent Resolve, and he has been commander of the CJTF since October of last year. General, we'll turn it over to you for opening remarks, and then we'll take questions. LIEUTENANT GENERAL SEAN GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, thank, Jeff, and hello everybody. And just a minor correction, Jeff, I actually took command at CJTF in September of last year. So, I want to get full credit for my tour over here, OK? Anyway, I am the commander and will be for about another week and a half. As most of you know, the CJTF is the operational level headquarters that oversees the campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. It has been seven months since the last time I did a press conference like this. But I've gotten to see a lot of you as you come through Iraq with our senior leaders. And since this is my last Pentagon press conference, I'd like to just make a few parting observations. And then I'll be glad to take your questions. So, 11 months ago on September 19, the third U.S. armored corps assumed the mission of leading Combined Joint Task Force OIR from the 3rd U.S. Army. The year prior, 3rd Army had stood up the CJTF headquarters in response to Daesh advances from Syria into Iraq. To their great credit, they were able to stop the enemy onslaught and even rolled it back in some areas. But Daesh still controlled the Euphrates River Valley from the Syrian-Turkish border almost to the edge of Baghdad, to include the recently fallen city of Ramadi. The enemy held all the major population centers in Ninawa province in the north, and along the Tigris River valley from Mosul down to the oil refineries down at Baiji. Our Syrian opposition partners were hanging on along the Mara line by their fingertips in northwest Syria. The Kurds in both Iraq and Syria had ceased advancing. Many observers characterized the situation then as a stalemate. You don't hear the word "stalemate" anymore. That's because over the past year with our partners, we were able to seize the initiative. We now talk about maintaining the momentum of the campaign in both Iraq and Syria. In other words, we spend more time thinking about what we will do to the enemy than we spend thinking about what the enemy might do to us. But even success can beget problems and we've heard concern from quarters that the military campaign is moving too fast. Well, from my perspective, that is not a bad problem to have. Eleven months ago, there were questions about our strategy, the capacity and the will of our partners. When we took over the fight, we found the ISF, which had been trained primarily for counterinsurgency, unable to eject the enemy from Baiji. In Anbar, the Iraqis were making frustratingly slow progress toward the outskirts of Ramadi. Some wondered whether we could defeat Daesh working by, with and through our partners or it we needed to take a more direct role. Still others questions whether the Kurds would cooperate with Arab forces to fight Daesh beyond their own traditional region. Since then, all these questions have been answered, not by words, but by deeds. In some ways, the progress against Daesh in Iraq and Syria has been remarkable. Yes, we modified the type and level of support we provided over the course of the past year, but we have not fundamentally altered the paradigm of train and equip, advise and assist. And our approach is paying off. The enemy is in retreat on all fronts. The ISF proved that they can conduct complex and decisive operations. To seize the operationally important airfield of Qayyarah West, for example, the Iraqi army conducted an attack by the largest Iraqi armored force since 1990, although this time the M1 tanks and the coalition were on their side. The ISF also conducted the first opposed bridging operation by any Arab army since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, for which the Kurds provided important cooperation and support. But the turning point in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq I think was the liberation of Ramadi, just as it was a turning point in 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Here, the Iraqi counterterrorism service and Iraqi army, with our support, won a hard-fought victory. In the process, they broke the back of enemy resistance in Anbar province by inflicting massive casualties, cutting off Fallujah, dealing a huge blow to enemy morale, and proving to themselves that they were better than Daesh. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, the liberation of Ramadi was the end of the beginning of the campaign against Daesh. The beginning of the end will be the liberation of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Once it is recaptured, the enemy in Iraq will be reduced to scattered pockets of resistance and that is now our focus. Ramadi also taught us important lessons about how to train and equip the ISF for urban combat, which will pay dividends as we prepare for the battle of Mosul. We've shifted away from counterinsurgency towards combined arms maneuver training, teaching the Iraqis how to integrate infantry, armor, artillery, engineers, aviation and other combat multipliers to achieve an overwhelming advantage at the right place and time on the battlefield. Individually, we've trained more than 13,500 members of the Iraqi security forces including over 4,000 Iraqi Army soldiers, 1,500 counter terrorism service solders, 6,000 Peshmerga, almost 1,000 Federal police and 300 border guards. These Iraqi security forces have liberated almost a quarter of a million civilians in Iraq. We also stepped up our emphasis on police training and recruiting travel forces, adding 5,000 trained local police and over 20,000 tribal fighters enrolled. These men will be key to holding the gains that we've already achieved in protecting these newly liberated Iraqis, soon to be joined by over a million additional citizens of Mosul. Across the border, we have supported our various partnered forces in the North, the Northwest and Southeast Syria. While the forces on the Marea line have indeed held against Daesh advances, they've even made some progress south of the Turkish border. The Syrian Democratic forces have made significant progress elsewhere. The SDF pushed the enemy out of the towns of (inaudible), Shaddadi, Hasakah and Tishreen and soon will finish the fight in the important city of Manbij, which will set the stage for the eventual attack to seize Raqqa and that will mark the beginning of the end for Daesh in Syria. During these operations, coalition aircraft have conducted about 50,000 sorties against Daesh in the past year. During those sorties we've dropped more than 30,000 munitions on the enemy with approximately two-thirds of those in Iraq and about one-third in Syria. Our artillery has conducted more than 700 fire missions. And although it's not a measure of success and it's difficult to confirm, we estimate that over the past 11 months we've killed about 25,000 enemy fighters. When you add that to the 20,000 estimated killed prior to our arrival, that's 45,000 enemy taken off the battlefield. I only tell you this number to provide a sense to the scale of our support and perhaps explain why enemy resistance is beginning to crumble. And whatever the true number of enemy casualties may be, there's no question that our strikes have enabled the liberation of more than 25,000 total square kilometers from Daesh. That's nearly half of what the enemy once controlled in Iraq and 20 percent of what they once controlled in Syria. So let's take a look at the map, here, I have on display down there. And I just want a caveat and say this is my assessment. This is not necessarily the agreed assessment of the entire intelligence community. But the dark red areas indicate progress over the past 11 months. You'll note that we used a different color to denote progress by the Syrian regime and their Russian partners which we don't include in our totals. The Russians, as you may know, showed up shortly after third corps arrived and have certainly caused us a number of challenges. But we haven't let them distract us from our objective in Syria. We've also conducted more than 200 strikes against oil and natural gas activities of the enemy, destroying more than 640 of their tanker trucks but more importantly a number of critical facilities such as gas oil separation plan critical nodes, which reduce their oil revenue stream by perhaps 50 percent. We've also hid more than 25 bulk cash sites, destroying at least a half a billion dollars. And we vigorously attacked enemy leadership, command and control and weapons manufacturing capability. Sadly, success has not come without cost. We lost three great Americans during our time here: Army Master Sergeant Josh Wheeler, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin, and a Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Keating. But I also have to acknowledge the loss of our Iraqi security forces and other partner forces in Syria. They too have sacrificed. They've lost hundreds of killed and many more wounded as they've borne the brunt of this fight against our common enemy. And they too deserve to be honored and remembered. As I wrap up, I'd like to register a note of caution. Military success in Iraq and Syria will not necessarily mean the end of Daesh. We can expect the enemy to adapt, to morph into a true insurgent force and terrorist organization capable of horrific attacks like the one here on July 3rd in Baghdad and those others we've seen around the world. Fortunately, I'm about to be succeeded by just the right person to ensure we stay one step ahead of the enemy. As third corps completes its time as the CJTF headquarters, I'd like to welcome the 18th Airborne Corps and its commander, Lieutenant General Steve Townsend. While the 18th Airborne Corps is almost as good as the third armored corps, its commander is better. As a brigade commander, my unit fought in and liberated Ramadi which gave me an invaluable perspective on that decisive battle. When Steve Townsend was here as a brigade commander, he fought Mosul. So he's the perfect choice to lead the coalition as they support the most decisive fight on the campaign in Iraq. He will bring about the beginning of the end for Daesh in both Iraq and Syria. So with that, I'll be glad to take your questions. CAPT DAVIS: Sure, we'll start with Tom Bowman from National Public Radio. QUESTION: General thanks for doing this. You talk about the beginning of the end with Raqqa and Mosul. Could you give us your sense of when Mosul, the city itself, will be taken? Some people I talked with here in the Pentagon say it's a 50 / 50 chance that Mosul will be retaken by year's end. Would you agree with that estimate or do you have different figures? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, Tom, you probably know I'm always reluctant to give time estimates because you're almost bound to be wrong about it. So I would just say this, we're going to try to get Mosul back as fast as we can. It's one million people living under an oppression rule under terrible conditions and we're going to push to get it back as fast as possible. The Iraqi security forces around Qayyarah are in a position now to begin that process and we'll try to hurry that along as fast as we possibly can but putting an exact time on it, I'd rather not. CAPT DAVIS: Next to Tony Capaccio with Bloomberg. QUESTION: Sir, last week the president was here, and among the things he said that were largely ignored by the press, was that we're far from freeing Mosul and Raqqa. He also said that ISIL's inevitably going to be defeated. Can you translate the president's remarks and when he says far from being freed? Was that based on a military assessment he got recently and are we talking months and months away? And then the concept of inevitably being defeated. I think that's again a timeline question. Can you give us any sense of what inevitably may mean in terms of years or months? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, I can tell you what inevitably means in the sense of probability. And I agree with the president that I am 100 percent certain that Daesh will be eliminated as a governing entity in Iraq and Syria. As far as how far away it is, just like I told Tom, I'm reluctant to make estimates of how long it can take. We have helped the Iraqis get close to the city. They have additional forces that are in training that will also assist in the -- upcoming operations. And the enemy gets a vote, its action, reaction and counteraction once the battle is joined. And I would say that anybody who thinks they know how fast or slow this could go, should come and work for me, because I'd love to know, too. QUESTION: Now, when he says, "We are far from freeing Mosul and Raqqa," was that based on input he received last week in the briefing in the Pentagon, and maybe input that you gave via VTC or something? GEN. MACFARLAND: I would have to refer you back to the president and ask him, because I didn't actually see that remark, and I don't know the context it was given in. So, not quite sure what his precise meaning was there. CAPT DAVIS: Next to Courtney Kube with NBC News. QUESTION: Hi, General. Just two quick things from your opening statement. And I know this is asking you to look forward, pretty far forward, but you talked about the importance of holding the gains that are -- that the military makes. What's the estimate for how many Iraqis it will take to hold Mosul once it's retaken? And have any of those Iraqis already been trained, or is that a force that needs to be trained up? GEN. MACFARLAND: Thanks. Actually, some are already in existence. We have plans to train quite a number of the additional forces for that mission. And we are working with the government of Iraq and the governorate of Nineveh to refine the numbers for the whole force. It's always a little bit of a work in progress. What we estimated for Ramadi and Fallujah were a little bit different than what we actually required. So, we'll try to make sure that we have enough on hand to follow in immediately after the city is cleared. And that's the real key is that you have enough forces to go in. And what will happen is, typically, if you don't have enough of the so-called hold forces ready, then the clearing forces will stay a little bit longer until there are enough follow-on hold forces. So, we'll make sure that we don't pull those clearing forces out too soon, and we'll try to get as many hold forces in there as quickly as we can. But we want to make sure that they have the training and the equipment that they require to succeed. QUESTION: But tens of thousands, or -- can you give us any estimate for how many you think it will take? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, if you kind of go back to pre-2014 and you look at the size of the police force up in Mosul and Nineveh, that's a pretty good starting point for the number of forces. So, yeah, that's in the thousands. And -- but we'll probably need a little bit more than that until we've ensured that the surrounding areas are completely secured as well. QUESTION: And then, if I could just ask you one other thing? You mentioned in your opening statement that there are some people who the military campaigns are moving too fast. You'll have to forgive me, because I've never heard that argument made. Who is saying that, and are there any specific areas that they're talking about this? GEN. MACFARLAND: I'll tell you, it tends to come from some of the humanitarian folks who are trying to make sure that they have all of the humanitarian assistance lined up for internally displaced personnel, IDPs, as we call them. They're trying to make sure that there is no humanitarian crisis as a result of our successes. CAPT DAVIS: Let's go to Carla Babb with Voice of America. QUESTION: Thank you, General, for doing this. You mentioned that Russia had caused a number of challenges. I was hoping you could detail some of those recent challenges. And then also with the recent connections between Vladimir Putin and Erdogan, are you all concerned about Turkey's commitment to the coalition in Syria? And if I may follow up with one last question, can you give us your assessment of the situation in Aleppo with regards to the coalition? GEN. MACFARLAND: Yeah. Well, first of all, Turkey is a NATO ally. They provide us with all sorts of important support for this campaign. And I would anticipate that that will continue. As far as the Russians go, I'll give you an example of a challenge that they presented, and that was bombing a camp full of Arab resistance fighters that we were working with in southern Syria. QUESTION: And then the situation in Aleppo? GEN. MACFARLAND: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, it's a little fluid right now. And the concern, of course, there is, as I mentioned to an earlier question, was the humanitarian situation. That fight is urban. It's densely populated. People there are suffering. And to me in many ways, Aleppo is a model of how I don't want to fight in Mosul. So, you know, we're watching that fight pretty closely. But there are a number of different parties to that battle over there in western Syria, and it's pretty, as I said, fluid. We watch it day by day because the advantage shifts back and forth. QUESTION: How do you want to fight in Mosul? Do you feel that it -- do you feel the coalition should send forces that close to the Syrian regime, backed by Russians? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, what I meant by that is we don't want to inflict that level of suffering on the people of Mosul. We want to conduct the campaign to liberate Mosul in a way that leaves the city largely intact and its people in good health. That does not seem to be the overriding consideration in the fight for Aleppo. CAPT DAVIS: Next, Phil Stewart with Reuters. QUESTION: Thank you, General. Just to follow on that. I mean, has there been any decision by -- do you believe that there is a role for the Iraqi Shiite militia in the liberation of Mosul? That's been a big concern from a lot of the folks for humanitarian reasons. GEN. MACFARLAND: Yeah, well here's the thing. The government of Iraq is in charge of this war. We're here to support them. So, who they -- the campaign is really their decision. I would say that if you're going to bring Shia militia into a predominantly Sunni-Kurdish-Turkomen-Christian-Yazidi type of an area that some political groundwork would need to be done to ensure that their presence is acceptable to the citizens that they're there to assist and liberate. QUESTION: Can you give us an update on -- I know you said that Manbij was during liberation, could you give us a update on where that stands and you know, short of being a staging ground for -- leading to a bigger fight in Raqqa, what does that mean, you know if war -- what happens? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, you know Manbij is pretty well invested now and most of the city is now in the hands of the Syrian Democratic Forces. The pocket of enemy resistance shrinks on a daily basis in Manbij and the enemy resistance is getting weaker by the day. So I don't give it very long before that operation is concluded and that will deal a decisive blow to the enemy because Manbij was a stride, a key line of communication that leads to Raqqa. And that will disrupt the enemy in of itself. But also, Manbij was a node that the enemy is for foreign fighter training and facilitation for external operations attacks outside of Iraq and Syria. So they may re-locate or try to re-constitute that capability elsewhere but it won't be as convenient for the enemy if they do that and it won't be as effective. So Manbij is an important objective for us and it would be one more nail in the enemy's coffin. QUESTION: Could you just declare a day or two from the operation or how many... GEN. MACFARLAND: So I always like to say, cite it, and I would say we'll -- it won't be months it will be weeks maybe, maybe less than that, a week, two weeks. It's hard to say, the enemy always gets a vote, they can fight to the last man, or they could do as they did it in Fallujah and try to run for it in a big ol' convoy. And I think that some of them might may decide the former, some may decide to do the latter, and that will determine the pace of the clearance of the rest of the city. CAPT DAVIS: Ryan Brown? Do I have that right? Okay with CNN, go ahead. QUESTION: Hello General and thank you for doing this I actually just -- I had a question about there's a recent report about a congressional investigation and to CENTCOM's intelligence on the early days of the ISIS campaign. And that analysts said they were felt pressured to provide optimistic assessments. Do you have any comments on that and have you or any of your staff ever felt pressure to provide optimistic assessments? GEN. MACFARLAND: I haven't seen the investigation I don't know that's it's completed, finalized or anything like that so I have no comment at something on that. QUESTION: If I could follow up on another -- you talked about shifting the training a little bit away from counter-insurgency towards combined arms but there's also this big concern about holding ground and the kind of whole coalition -- when they here in Washington say that was a real strategic concern, was the ability to kind of hold territory and that ISIS will shift into a terrorism insurgency mode. So can you talk about how do you decide how to balance that training between the two competing demands? GEN. MACFARLAND: That's a great question, so some forces are supposed to be counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and some are supposed to be tailored -- a word for this combined arms maneuver, decisive action type of fighting. And so, the units that we're using for clearing places like Ramadi and Mosul are the ones getting that tailored type of training. Other forces are getting the counterinsurgency training. The police forces in particular are getting the hold -- the type of training they need to be a hold force. And the counterterrorism service, it's right in their name, what they're actually supposed to be doing. So, right now they're being used as light infantry assault troops and we want to get them back into their counterterrorism role as soon as we can. QUESTION: Thank you, General. CAPT DAVIS: And next, we'll go to Cory Dickstein with Stars and Stripes. QUESTION: Thanks, Sir. I want to go back to Manbij for a second. Can you talk about how difficult -- that fight's been going on for a while. Can you talk about how intense the fighting has been in Manbij? And I guess, you know, you talked about Fallujah. They had just kind of turned and run. What kind of lessons have you learned from that fight, particularly in Manbij, that may be you can project forward for Mosul and Raqqa? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, I can tell you Manbij must be pretty important to the enemy, because there are a lot of foreign fighters there and they haven't cut and run, at least not many of them. So, they're fighting pretty hard in that city. So, and you've got to remember, Manbij is being fought by the Syrian Democratic Forces, not the Iraqi security forces. So they're not rolling down the streets with M1 tanks and heavy D7 bulldozers that are clearing the rubble and pushing through. So it's a different type of fight. Manbij will inform us as to how we're going to fight in Raqqa, as Ramadi has informed how we'll fight up in Mosul. Different forces, different methodology, and quite frankly, different enemy perspectives on how they would fight. I would expect Mosul will have some of the characteristics of the Fallujah, some of the characteristics of the Ramadi fight. And Raqqa will resemble Manbij in many respects. So we look at it. We study it closely and we'll apply those lessons going forward to make sure we have the right capabilities, the force levels, and shaping efforts around that operation to ensure success. QUESTION: Just following up. Can you talk about how successful the SDF has been? Have they been as good as you had hoped? Is there still a lot of room for improvement? GEN. MACFARLAND: Actually, yes. They have been successful. And they have really gone a long way to assuring us that they can be the defeat mechanism for the enemy in Syria, at least around Raqqa; that they have the wherewithal, the capacity, the will to close with and defeat the enemy in a dense, urban fight. And they're doing a very good job of it. Now, they're taking some pretty significant casualties. They've lost dozens of their own fighters killed and several hundred wounded. But they've inflicted massive casualties on the enemy, who are in the defense. But we estimate well over 2,000 enemy killed so far. So, they've -- they are actually a pretty respectable fighting force, and they only have to be better than the enemy and they have shown that they are. QUESTION: I have just one last quick one. Do -- you see the -- do they need more equipment than what they have now? Is what they have sufficient? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, what they've had was obviously -- has been sufficient for Manbij. We'll take a look at what they need for Raqqa. CAPT DAVIS: Next to Andrew Tilghman with Military Times. QUESTION: Thanks, General. Could you tell us about what the situation on the ground is in the places that -- on the Iraq side, in the places that ISIS has lost while you've been there: Ramadi, Fallujah, maybe even Tikrit. Who is holding those? Have the clearing forces entirely left and a group of holding forces moved in? Are there enough holding forces there, and to what extent are you seeing pockets of resistance? GEN. MACFARLAND: Yeah. Actually, around Ramadi, the -- it has been a success story. The holding forces have done well, and they're actually continuing to expand the secure zone out into the Iraqi desert, push the enemy ever farther away. And this has been a mix of Iraqi army, CTS, local police and tribal forces. So, the model seems to work well. Now, the challenge is, the enemy -- and particularly in Ramadi -- left behind a huge number of what we call explosive remnants of war, ERW. That's going to take a great deal of effort to clear out. Now, that process is underway, but it's going to be a while, because the number of explosives left behind is incredibly dense. And from time to time, there are some casualties as a result of that, just like every now and then, somebody and some farmer in Belgium will turn up a shell from War World I. That's probably going to happen in places like Ramadi for quite a while, too. QUESTION: And if I could just follow up. What is that experience indicate about what you expect to see in Mosul? Would you expect to see in Mosul a situation similar to Ramadi? A lot of damage, a lot of these explosive remnants of war and kind of a very slow clearing process? GEN. MACFARLAND: I think there will be parts of the city or the surrounding areas that are like Ramadi. But I don't think any of them will be exactly the same. Keep in mind, the thing about Ramadi was, the vast majority of the people, like 90 percent of the population evacuated the city when Daesh rolled in. That's not true in Mosul. In Mosul, the vast majority of the people are still there. So, it's kind of hard to rig a house as a house-borne IED when people are in it. It was a lot easier to do it in Ramadi. In Fallujah, there weren't as many of those house-borne IEDs and obstacles built into the city. There are number of them, quite a few, but not as dense as Ramadi. But that was another city where a lot of the population remained behind. So, I think that it kind of depends on what the density of the population is, maybe inversely proportional to the density of the obstacles. Now, that's a -- that's a theory. It is yet to be proven out. We'll find out when we get to Mosul. CAPT DAVIS: Next, we'll go to Gordon Lubold with the Wall Street Journal. QUESTION: Hi, General. Two questions. You spoke to the challenges of working in the same kind of battle space as the Russians battle those kind of challenges are currently? How many missions are they flying over in Syria and have there been any other kind of close calls similar to the ones that have been reported in the last couple of weeks? And then I have a second question. GEN. MACFARLAND: OK, well the answer to your first question is the number of close calls has dropped dramatically once we established the de-conflicting line at the -- our air operations center down in Al Udeid uses -- with the Russians. That said, the Russians do fly in and conduct attacks on very short notice in Syria but it has not in any way hindered our operations. We continue to go after the enemy where we need to go after the enemy. The thing is, that we do, is we obviously -- we keep an eye on it. And we have told the Russians in very clear terms following their strike on the tribal fighter camp in Southern Syria, "hey we don't want you to strike here anymore" and they've respected that since then. But we watch them. QUESTION: When are they flying and striking ISIS? GEN. MACFARLAND: They're mostly flying and striking, as they always have, against the Syrian opposition. QUESTION: And then the separate question is, I think we were told last week that kind of some of the pre-kind of softening approach in Mosul had been kind of assessing the number of fighters and what they're doing and I think that ISIS had turned off the internet, as it were, inside there to kind of isolate the people there. I'm wondering if you can just kind of expand a little bit on what are you guys able to do in Mosul pre-Mosul if you will, and what's the challenge of having this kind of information isolated population that you're ultimately going to try to protect? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, you're asking me about a cyber kind of a question and I'm really not going to talk about that. So I will just say that we are active in the cyber domain and we will be active in the cyber domain in the Mosul operation. CAPT DAVIS: Next to Bill Hennigan with the Los Angeles Times. QUESTION: Hey General, in your opening statement you mentioned that there were 45,000 fighters, ISIS fighters killed since the beginning of the campaign. And then we've also heard that the flow of foreign fighters has been staunched largely. So I was wondering what the current assessment was of ISIS's -- the number of ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria, and I was also wondering how that compares to two years ago when the campaign kicked off? GEN. MACFARLAND: Yes, and you know the thing about these numbers is they're pretty soft, pretty squishy. It's why we don't typically close them a lot. But what I do believe is that the number of fighters on the front line has diminished. They've diminished not only in quantity, but also in quality. We don't see them operating nearly as effectively as they have in the past, which makes them even easier targets for us so as a result they're attrition has accelerated here of late. You know, we had this big engagement of this big convoy that tried to escape from Fallujah and they kind of made themselves easy targets for us. I don't think they would have made that mistake a year or two ago. So, I think that the -- overall, the flow of foreign fighters has been reduced as well. And that contributes to the decline in the effectiveness of the enemy on the battlefield. QUESTION: Do you still believe that their fighting capacity is still in the neighborhood of 30,000, as we've been hearing for, you know, the last year or so? GEN. MACFARLAND: Well, here's the thing. They can grab a bunch of people minding their own business off the street, throw them in the back of a pickup truck, and drop them off at a checkpoint with some AKs and say, "defend this checkpoint." And they've done that. We've seen them do that in places. So, how many of those people are there against their will? How many of them are trained? How many can you really call a fighter? We know that they've taken a lot of their administrative folks and pushed them out to the front lines. They're not really supposed to be there. It's not their number one function within the so-called caliphate. So, they are able to make good some of their losses. That said, even in -- even with doing that, in the aggregate they've lost the ability in a number of places. For instance, by losing the whole lower Euphrates River valley, obviously they can't do that between Haditha and Baghdad. Now, they have to go get somebody and bring them all the way across the desert to reconstitute somebody who gets killed fighting near Ramadi or Haditha or someplace like that. And there's a good chance we'll spot them long before they get there. And as soon as they demonstrate hostile intent, then we'll take them out. So there is a cumulative effect, I think, that is really accelerating in our favor and against the enemy. So how many fighters do they have on any given day? I've seen estimates that are up and down the scale, from the number you cited to somewhere in the neighborhood of half of that. I don't know. All I know is when we go someplace, it's easier to go there now than it was a year ago. And the enemy doesn't put up as much of a fight. CAPT DAVIS: OK. Kevin Baron with Defense One. QUESTION: General, thanks. I wondered if you could just take a step back. You know, you say you were there the first time around in the Iraq war. You've been through it again this time. What's different as you leave, as the war commander, that the American people should think that this time it will hold? That a post-conflict peace will hold, that Iraqi politics will hold, that the U.S. commitment will hold? In your mind, how do you -- how do you leave? What's your feeling? GEN. MACFARLAND: So, I'm not going to speak to the political stuff because I'm not wearing a tie. That's not my place to talk about. But what I'll say is on the military side, the Iraqi security forces and the Peshmerga have proven that they can fight and defeat the enemy with really a fairly light touch from us. We're only doing advise and assist at a remove and in specific locations. In the vast majority of the battle space, they're on their own for the most part. So, can they do this? Sure, they can do this. And it's up to -- it'll be up to them to not allow their grievances with one another to prevent them from holding onto the gains that they've hard won. QUESTION: A follow-up. Earlier, you mentioned Manbij being week -- weeks away and then Raqqa comes next. So as you leave, do you think the U.S. and the coalition will get to Raqqa before the Russians and the Syrians? GEN. MACFARLAND: I always bet on the United States, so I'll put my money on the nose of Uncle Sam. CAPT DAVIS: We're almost out of time. But David Martin with CBS News. QUESTION: General, you said that Iraqi security forces in Qayyarah are in position to begin the process of the liberation of Mosul. Does that mean that Qayyarah has now been fully converted into the logistics hub that you envision it to be and that all it's waiting for the operation to liberate Mosul is a political decision in Baghdad? GEN. MACFARLAND: No. No, we still have to -- we still have quite a bit of work to do in Qayyarah Air Base. So -- and in the -- in the neighborhood as well, so not quite. Not quite there yet, but it'll get here. QUESTION: The -- what's the status of U.S. personnel at Qayyarah? GEN. MACFARLAND: I am not going to go into exact locations of U.S. personnel right now, but we have freedom of movement. I'll just leave it at that. CAPT DAVIS: OK. We can do one more quick one here from Kristina Wong of The Hill. Excuse me. QUESTION: Thanks, General. Thanks for your efforts out there also. First can you tell us the number of troops on TDY in Iraq and Syria. And then on the 400 U.S. troops deploying to Iraq soon, will they be advising the Iraqi forces during Mosul -- the Mosul offensive? Or are they just setting up Qayyarah? GEN. MACFARLAND: Most of the 400 are part of the package that are intended to create this logistics space that David was asking about. So when you talk about advise, we advice and assist with logistics as well as with combat operations, so I guess the answer is yes. But the -- let me see. What was the first part of your question, again? Sorry. QUESTION: The number of U.S. troops on TDY in Iraq and Syria. GEN. MACFARLAND: There's probably a reason why I blocked that question out from my memory. Yeah, that we don't typically talk about numbers of TDY forces. It's a small fraction of the number of FML forces. It fluctuates. But as a matter of policy, we don't talk about that because those are folks that just kind of come in for a little while and then go back out again. But we operate within a very clear-cut set of business rules that we adhere to rigorously and report daily up to CENTCOM on how many of each type we have on hand. So I would defer that question to my higher headquarters. CAPT DAVIS: And General, I know we're out of time, here. We want to thank you for joining us today. Did you have any closing comments for us? GEN. MACFARLAND: No. It's been a privilege to command the coalition forces here from all of our partner nations to -- and of course, including our own services -- Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Always a privilege to lead America's sons and daughters and I am grateful for the opportunity and it's been a truly humbling experience. Thank you very much. CAPT DAVIS: Thank you, sir. Thanks, everybody. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/911009/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein August 10, 2016 Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary James and Gen. Goldfein on the State of the Air Force in the Pentagon Briefing Room STAFF: Secretary James and General Goldfein, our new chief of staff, will make a few comments, and then we'll jump right into questions. Secretary James? SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, DEBORAH LEE JAMES: Thank you very much, General Thomas. And good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us on these dog days of August. I am so delighted to be here with our 21st chief of staff of the Air Force, General Dave Goldfein. I think we actually won the lottery when he agreed to be our chief of staff and he's certainly hit the ground running. And I'm going to yield to him in just a couple of moments to share some of his thoughts from his first month on the job and also about our globally engaged Air Force. But first I want to touch upon a few issues that are affecting us right here at home in Washington, specifically some of the budget challenges associated with a long-term continuing resolution. And then I also want to give you a quick update on our RPA, Remotely Piloted Aircraft "get well plan," and as well as a couple of other initiatives. First, a long-term CR I want to say we certainly hope that is not the case. We know the congressional staff is working hard, even while their members are back at home this summer. But we are hearing that either a six-month CR or a one year CR is a possibility, and I want to explain why this would be a bad deal for the U.S. Air Force. First of all, more than 60 Air Force acquisition new starts and upgrades could be affected, including those to existing platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper, and the C-130, and the B-2, and the B-52, all of these systems require upgrades. Number two, the production of Joint Direct Attack Munitions known as JDAMs, would be limited to the FY16 quantity, which we feel is unacceptable, particularly in light of current operations against Daesh and other extremists around the world. Number three, KC-46 production would be capped at 12 aircraft, vice the 15 in our 17 budget, which would delay operational fielding of this platform. Number four, the B-21 would be capped at FY16 levels, which would slow everything down and risk a long-term deterrent capability, which we hope to have in the 2020 decade time-frame. Number five, there are many MILCON projects that would be affected, including projects associated with the down of the F-35, a new recruit dormitory, and important missile maintenance facilities. So overall, a long-term CR would fund the Air Force at about $1.3 billion less than the amount we requested in FY17, and would cause as you can see many, many perturbations in our system. Let me now shift to the number one capability that our combatant commanders ask of the United States Air Force combatant commanders all around the world and that is the role of ISR; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. Specifically, what we are doing in the world of our RPA's to try to lessen some of the strain and improve quality of life. General Goldfein and I were just recently at the Creech Air Force base, and the bottom line I would share with you with respect to our "get well plan," is that it is proceeding at pace. It is not all done yet, but there is a lot going on a lot in process. We are well on the way to having 100 percent manning at our training units. And of course, having all of those instructors in the schoolhouse means that we are going to be producing more RPA pilots, and, indeed, we already are. We have roughly doubled the undergraduate and graduate pilot output in this arena from FY15 to FY17, so that's a good start. Producing more pilots of course means a better quality of life for all of our RPA airmen because it will give them more family time and more opportunities to pursue developmental opportunities. Meanwhile, we have mobilized additional guard units, and they are flying right alongside their active-duty and Reserve counterparts, with an additional three air combat controls which the Guard is now providing. We are also providing more contractor support for non-strike missions. This fall, we will release candidate bases for locating a new wing of RPA airmen, at up to two locations. One will host an operations group with mission control elements, and the other will potentially host a full MQ-9 wing. Because you see, building additional locations where our people can rotate to is another aspect of our "quality of life plan." Finally, we are pleased to announce that no later than October 1, we will pay a $35,000 RPA pilot retention bonus for those who are at the end of their active-duty service commitment, and who of course agree to stay with us. Now, this $35,000 per year level is up from the current $25,000 per year level, and all RPA pilots who are flying today will be eligible for this bonus. And there will be more details to follow on this one. Turning to our other pilots for a moment, we are still working with the Congress to update the retention I just reported on was the RPA pilots, but we need additional authority for other pilots as well. We need this authority now specifically because we need to address a number of shortfalls, the most important of which at the moment is the 700 fighter pilot shortfall that we are facing by the end of this year with 1,000 fighter pilots which we are projected to be short in just a couple of years from now. Why is this so? Well, the airlines are forecasted to be hiring a lot more. They already are. We also need to increase our pilot production, and soon we will announce the standup of new F-16 training units. We expect to select candidate locations for us to two new training locations by the end of December 2016. And in the meantime, we intend to augment up to two of our existing training units to jumpstart pilot production by the end of September 2017. So, back to compensation now for just a moment. We're working with Congress also to ensure that basic allowance for housing, which is a key factor in total compensation for military members, that this remains robust and does not change substantially for our airmen. There is a proposed change on Capitol Hill that could reduce overall compensation and disproportionately affect our dual military couples and members who are living together. And we really think we need to get that fixed for all of our airmen. Finally, I want to say, money is important, but it is not everything. It is not the be all and end all. As you've heard me say repeatedly, quality of life, quality of the work environment, these are also important factors. And so, to that end, we will soon announce ways that we will reduce assigned additional duties to give airmen some of their precious time back. This, I want to emphasize will be a first step, and it's going to be followed up by a review of computer-based training and other ancillary requirements that take up a lot of our airmen's time at present. And with that, I am very pleased to yield to General Goldfein. GENERAL DAVID GOLDFEIN, AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF: Thank you, ma'am. I learned to work side-by-side with you as we lead the 660,000 Active, Guard and Reserve and civilian airmen that make up the world's greatest Air Force. Also, thank you to the Pentagon press corps. This is the first of, I hope, many engagements with you to help tell the story of your Air Force and the incredible who deliver global -- global vigilance, reach and power for the joint team every day. In the five weeks since Secretary James swore me in as the 21st chief of staff, I've had the opportunity to travel to the U.K., Hawaii, seven U.S. bases to meet airmen and their families. Along the way, we've promoted new commanders of Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and welcome General Steve Wilson as the 39th vice chief of staff. Tomorrow, I get the opportunity to promote our newest four star, General Tod Wolters, as he takes command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and becomes NATO's air chief. Followed by an extensive visit across the Middle East to see our warriors in action as they lead the fight against Daesh. Your Air Force is fully engaged in providing air power solutions to counter aggressive activity from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and violent extremists, while we simultaneously stand watch over the nation's nuclear enterprise, manage space constellations, operate in cyber, and set strip alert to defend the homeland from attack. We operate from a capsule below the surface, to a combat controller on the surface, to a cockpit above the surface, to the outer reaches of space. We're everywhere. Air power has become the oxygen the joint team breathes. Have it, you don't even think about. Don't have it, it's all you think about. Air superiority, ISR, space, lift are just a few examples. As Secretary James outlined, we do all of this despite financial uncertainty and the risk of sequestration still looming on the horizon. Make no mistake, we will be unable to execute the defense strategic guidance and perform these missions to the level the nation requires if we return to a sequestered budget. Despite the uncertainty ahead, however, I'm optimistic about the future of the Air Force for one reason. Our airmen, who continue to deliver 24/7, 365. I'm proud to serve as their Chief and I'm honored to work side by side with Secretary James as the 21st Chief in the 21st century. Thank you. Q: Hi, thanks for doing this. A question about how some of this that you some of the concerns you talked about is affecting the operations that are ongoing? Recently, the president authorized new, more sustained air operations in Libya. Can you talk about how these budget and other shortage concerns are affecting your day to day operations? How is the pilot shortfall of 7000 affecting this and where do you see the impact most strongly? Is it Iraq, is it Syria, is it more reliance off ships and the Marines for Libya? Where is the more specific impact on the daily airstrike operation? SEC. JAMES: So, maybe I could begin and then, chief, please jump in. So, the first thing I want to say, Lita, is I am so extremely proud of our airmen because regardless of how much strain there is, regardless of what they're asked to do, they step up time and time again. The types of strains that we are speaking of are frequent deployments, a lot of family separation, and then even when they come home, frequently, they immediately have to go off to a major exercise to try to train up again for the high-end fight. So, it's the busiest Air Force that I have certainly ever seen in my 35 years of working on defense matters, but they are doing it. In terms of what is the specific impact on operations of Libya, I will tell you that we have known for some time that we were going to go wherever the cancerous ISIL and other violent extremists would spread. And, particularly in areas of failed states or lawless states. And Libya certainly counts in that category, this is not surprising, at least not to those of us who are tracking this very closely. We have done some strikes in Libya before and so this is an opportunity to give a push to some of those ground -- local ground forces on the ground as they attempt to contain and, hopefully, snuff out the forces near Sirte. So, they are doing it, there is strain, the ammunition, all of that is holding because we put our best forces forward. GEN. GOLDFEIN: And I'll just add, if I could, I'll give you a vignette. This is what two weeks in the life of the Lakenheath Wing Commander looked like, not so long ago. So, week one, he deployed a squadron on short notice to Incirlik and 24 hours after arrival, they were attacking Daesh in northern Syria. In the second week, he actually employed the second squadron against a strike in Libya against a high value target. 24 hours after the aircraft returned to home, a nuclear surety inspection team arrived to give them a major nuclear surety inspection team arrived to give them a major nuclear surety inspection. That's the kind of OPTEMPO, at the point of, where do we absorb those impacts and very often to be able to get the level of readiness we need forward to be able to engage where the combatant commanders need us the most and the quickest we end up absorbing that risk in home station. And for the Secretary and I, to build on her point, it's our ability to ensure that we are simultaneously ready for not only the continual fight that we're involved in against violent extremism. But also as the secretary of defense has laid out, there are four other global challenges that we have to ready for as an Air Force: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and that's where we absorb some of our risk. Q: As a follow-up, do you see though the Libya fight being absorbed more by the Navy and Marines than the Air Force, or do you think the Air Force will be more involved there, both in terms of strikes and also that additional ISR that and maybe you can update with what are the caps there and sort of caps for the Air Force strength? GEN. GOLDFEIN: Yes, ma'am, I would say it's going to be a combined arms it is a combined arms engagement, which means that all services are engaged. The combatant commander and specifically the joint task force commanders, use all four components as required. Sometimes together, sometimes individually, as all that's part of his campaign plan. So I don't predict that you're going to see one particular component that will be more or less engaged now. And in fact, we're the most joint force that we've been in our history, today. And in terms of where we're operating out of, that would be a detail that I wouldn't get into. Q: How many caps? GEN. GOLDFEIN: Oh, that we have right now? Q: Yes sir. GEN. GOLDFEIN: Right now we've got depending on how you measure we've got approximately 60 that we're at. But you know we've also supporting some government owned contractor operated CAPS as well. And right now we've got four of those and we're growing towards 10. Q: To follow-up, you mentioned Incirlik. I mean how confident are you that you'll continue to be able to operate out of Incirlik given all the political turmoil in the wake of last month's failed coup? SEC. JAMES: Well, I would say Phil that there certainly has been a lot of turmoil but we certainly condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempted coup. We're beyond that now, of course many thousands of people have been arrested and we of course defer to the government of Turkey as to who needs to be arrested, who needs to be punished for this action. Incirlik is a key location. Turkey overall is a very, very important ally. I would simply report within the first week or so, I had the opportunity to speak with the base commander and he reported to me that our team at Incirlik had been treated with the utmost of professionalism. In fact, we spoke to one of the even higher level commanders just the other day and he reiterated that point that that has been ongoing. Turkey has been a good ally. They have an effective air force but of course it's concerning because with so many members of the leadership gone, it's going to take them time to grow new leaders and replace so it remains to be seen what happens next. But obviously they're our ally, we stand with them, they're an effective air force and Incirlik is an important location for our joint fight. Let me see if we can come over here, how about back in the back there, please sir? Yes. Q: Yes. I'm interested in the fighter pilot short fall. If you can talk a little bit about, what is the universe of fighter pilots in the air force now? So 700 short fall would be what percentage and what needs to be done in terms of pay or other benefits to retain them? How much does a what are the real incentives for the fighter pilots to leave? Is it just pay, how much are they getting in the private sector and what can you do in conjunction with the airlines above them? SEC. JAMES: I'm going to yield to my chief fighter pilot for this one. (LAUGHTER) GEN. GOLDFEIN: So for me it's a combination of quality of service and quality of life. And the reality is we've been through this before. Airlines have been in hiring mode before, and we've had to work our way through that, so this one is no different. But what's added to this is we're coming out of, for the Air Force, 25, 26 years of continual combat, and so the force has been engaged at a much higher level. That translates to a lot more time from home and all of the uncertainty that goes with that. So in terms on how the secretary and I are looking to attack this, it is really is a combined quality of service, quality of life. Quality of life has to do with what the secretary talked about, which is aviation bonus, how do we get that up to the point to where if we can remove some financial burdens and provide some incentive, our studies have shown that the force will respond. But we do need to change the levels that we're authorized to pay because we haven't changed those in years. In fact, we've got to make sure that we remain competitive. There's another part of quality life that's equally important and that's the Air Force is a family. And we take care of each other and there's a culture in the Air Force such that when an airman is deployed, we take care of that family and that doesn't happen always in the private sector. And so, ensuring that we continue to take of each other with those non-kind-of financial issues are really important. I add those two up to as quality of life. But quality of service is about being the very best you can be at whatever profession you've chosen within the Air Force or any other service. And the reality is, pilots who don't fly, maintainers who don't maintain, controllers who don't control are not going to stay with the company because we're not allowing them to be the very best they can be. So for me, as a new chief, it's about a balance between quality of service and quality of life, and that the secretary attacked those both together, I'm confident we'll be successful. Q: Pat Host from Defense Daily. Secretary James, the Air Force put out its latest RFI for excess ICBM motors last week. I'm wondering if you have received permission from the president to move forward with this effort? SEC. JAMES: We have not. So this is a request for information, so we literally are requesting information. We have been asked to look at this arena of the excess ICBM motors by the Congress, and although the bills have not yet become law, we're getting a jump start on the task. But no, we do not have any change in law or policy which would swing it one way or another, we're simply trying to become better informed. Tony? Q: Speaking of ICBMs, can you give a status of the ground based strategic defense deterrence program? There's a DAB last week, August 3rd, that is, was very short. Apparently, they went back to the Air Force and said, "Try to find a way to fund this." Can you give a sense what some of the issues are? And when is a current cost estimate of the program? Two years ago, it was pegged at $62.3 billion, what is it today? And for General Goldfein, back in March, General Carlisle said you had a shortage of about 511 pilots. So it's now it's grown to 700, it's going to grown to a 1,000 in a year or so. Is there a crisis here in morale in the the pilot the manned aircraft community? I mean, it seems like a major jump. You said you've done you've been there before. It just seems like a large jump. But first on the ICBM. SEC. JAMES: Well, I would say, Tony, that with respect to the the exact cost estimate of today and whatnot, we we're going to have to get back to you on that one because I don't have that off the top of my head. But I will say this, if there was something that we learned at the DAB when we recently went through it, is that the magnitude of this type of ICBM work, we have not collectively done it for more than 40 years. And so there is a level of complexity that has to be worked through. And so to that end, we are now engaged working with OSD offices to try to ensure that we all have a common understanding of the assumptions that we have to put down on paper in order to properly cost out the GBSD service cost position. So as to the actual new service cost position, we don't have one yet. We're working that through. As to verifying the number that you said a moment earlier, I'd have to get back to you, because I don't have that off the top of my head. Q: But in laymen's language, does that mean the program is on hold right now? Milestone A triggering it is on hold while you come up with better fidelity in terms of dollars and the requirements? SEC. JAMES: The RFP, I will remind you, has gone out. So, the program is not on hold. We owe some additional information. We all have to get on the same page as to how what are the assumptions and how do we cost this going forward. Again, we haven't done such a thing in 40 years, and so, we're all getting on the same page. That's the effort that's ongoing. But the the program is moving forward. The RFP went out. Q: But shouldn't that should it have waited until DAB was completed until you sent out an RFP? It doesn't make sense in a way. SEC. JAMES: Well, this is TMRR, Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction. And so, this was well within the the laws of acquisition that we sent the RFP out. Yeah. GEN. GOLDFEIN: Yeah, so the secretary and I actually penned an article, and then we simply stated that it is a crisis. Now, having said that, here's the reason I believe it's a crisis: air superiority is not an American birthright. It's actually something you have to fight for and maintain. And so, when we take a look at the number of the what the Air Force does for the nation, which at the at the foundational level is to gain control of and then exploit air and space for the joint team, we've got to have all of our aviators that are able to do that, and specifically fighter pilots because they're the ones that are leaving at a higher rate. So, it is a crisis. The secretary and I are fully engaged; I do believe that quality of service will be equally important to everything we can do in quality of life. And so, if we take a balanced approach, I'm hoping that we can get these folks to stay. SEC. JAMES: Let's see. Please. Q: Hi, (inaudible) Flight Global. SEC. JAMES: Please. Q: Thanks. The Air Force just released the sources sought for Lot 23 of JDAM, and it said that the Air Force is surveying the market for alternative sources for JDAM. And Lockheed recently had their dual-mode plus LGB or sorry, guided missile, sorry and they're positioning that as a possible JDAM alternative. So, I'm wondering is the Air Force seriously considering an alternate source for JDAM right now, or are you confident that Boeing will be able to supply the number of JDAMs that you need through Lot 23? SEC. JAMES: We're keeping our options open, Leigh. This is a matter of getting more information, this is a matter of the high demand for the precision weapons. And so, information can be power here. We want to know what else is out there, and then we'll make a final judgment call after that after that time comes. Q: Can you elaborate real quick on those negotiations with Boeing earlier this year? I understand there was some conversation about getting more production capacity out of existing facilities? SEC. JAMES: We are working with Boeing actively on that. We're we're working with other industry partners who are involved with ammunition and and precision weapons as well. But that's not to say that more couldn't also be helpful. And so, that's why we're at least exploring these other options. Please, Brian. Q: Hi, Brian Everstine with Air Force magazine. In a couple of weeks, it will be about six months since B-52s deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations. And when that deployment was announced, it was said that B-1 would come back in once they have received their upgrades. But since then, B-1s have started the rotation in the Pacific, and General Brown, when he had AFCENT, said, it took a while for infrastructure to build up, for B-52s to start to operate at a high operations tempo. Is the plan still for B-1s to come back in on the short-term, or will this be a B-52 operation for the foreseeable future? GEN. GOLDFEIN: So, I was the air component commander in CENTCOM from 2011 to 2013, and was actually working with countries over there to be able to support the B-52. This issue, of course, was the wider wingspan -- sort of required widening the taxiways, widening the runways. Once that was complete, we began rotations of B-52s in the country. Our plan right now is to is to continue having a bomber presence, and it will be a combination of a B-1 and B-52 rotation. And so, General Rand, who is our air our global strike command commander is working now in terms of with CENTCOM and General Votel to ensure that we have a continual presence there. And you'll see both B-1s and you'll see B-1s rotating it with B-52s. And you'll see that happen as we manage the bomber force, not only in CENTCOM, but also what we're doing in the Pacific. You know, right now, we have all three bombers in Guam for the first time, exercising there in the Pacific. So, we're managing the bomber force not only for what we push forward, but also what we do from a global strike perspective from the United States. Q: So, there's all three in the Pacific. Is there a possibility of all three in CENTCOM? GEN. GOLDFEIN: I doubt it. And I say that only based on what the bomber contributes to the joint fight. And I don't see in the current operational tempo the requirement for more than one bomber squadron to be there at one time. SEC. JAMES: I see Gordon in the back there. Q: Thank you. Back to the CAPs and the drones. It's a real quick question. One is, General, you said that I think with the GOCO, I think with the CAPs, you you're at four CAPs now on top of the normal 60, get to 10 . Can you update us on when you think you'll get to the 10? But the broader question also is, you know, obviously, we all hear about the kind of, you know, rotation with the manned four, these things. If OSD comes back to the Air Force and says, "hey, can you do more than the 60 plus the 10, are you as a community kind of stabilized? Are you in a position to even consider doing that? GEN. GOLDFEIN: So, right now, we're in accordance with the get well plan, which was built. As as you may know, you know, from 2001 until now, we have been in a continual surge operation. And just about the time we thought were going to stabilize and and get the community a little bit healthier, we got requests from a combatant commander for adding more CAPs. And so, it was in it has been in pretty much full after-burner the entire time. So, now, based on the fact that we ended up with a challenge of water in, water out. Meaning we had folks locked up in the enterprise for so long, our projections were if we didn't stabilize and get this to a mature weapons system, we were going to have more folks leave the the enterprise than we can train to bring in. So, the secretary of defense supported us to cap us and stop at 60 CAPs, and allow us to then build up the instructor force, that they could double like the secretary says the number of the pilot force. And he has been very supportive of allowing us to stay on track. We get to that point at approximately 19, and then at 19, given the demand sitting on the COCOMs, I predict we will get additional demand for more CAPs. But between now and then, we're hoping to hold the line to get this weapons system healthy. Q: (Inaudible) I'm sorry. So this 70, then, 60 plus 10 by 2019? GEN. GOLDFEIN: Right. SEC. JAMES: OK. Let's see please. Q: Thank you. I want to get back to some of you comments on the home station training. One of the things you've noted is that the a reason pilots might leave is because pilots don't fly; they don't get the chance to fly. Could you talk about non-deployed training availability right now for pilots? How many hours are they getting a month in the air, and some of the F-16, F-15 platforms? GEN. GOLDFEIN: Yeah, I'll put in perspective of just what Captain Goldfein flew when when I was growing up as a young F-16 pilot. On average, I would go to three flag exercises a year, plus I would do a rotation with the National Training Center with the Army. And that would be a normal battle rhythm. That all played out for me personally on the first night and the first day of Desert Storm, when I, along with all my rest of my fellow fighter pilots got into combat for the very first time. And our leader at the time was a combat veteran from Vietnam, and he was the only one in the formation that had ever flown combat. The rest of us were green. And so we were a little uncertain about how we were going to perform. And I remember him calling out like it was a walk in the park, you know, "there's triple-A" the anti-aircraft fire, and we all stared at it. And he said, "Yeah, there's a surface-to-air missile," and we all just stared at it. And then we heard splash, MIG-29, and I saw an aircraft hit the dirt, and I thought, well, I'd not seen that before. But here's what I had seen. Every radio call, every visual in the formation, everything I saw I realized I'd seen it all before, at Nellis this is just like Red Flag. And that moment, I can tell you, the confidence that came over my cockpit and so many others that says, OK, we can do this; we know how to do this. And we went in and we destroyed the target. Today's pilot, based on the size of the force, the age of the force, and the continued OPTEMPO demand in Central Command, is getting about half of that. And so that's why I say, you know, we're able to maintain a higher state of readiness forward where the combatant commanders need it, but the bill-payer is the home station. And so that's where I'm I'm a believer that morale and readiness are absolutely linked. And where we have high readiness, we have reasonably high morale. The quality of service is high. And where we have low readiness, we have our largest morale issues. So that's where the secretary and I are committed to make sure we attack this from both fronts. Q: (inaudible) available of how many flight hours a month that the nondeployed units are getting? GEN. GOLDFEIN: I don't, because it would be specific to weapons systems, but we can get you that. Q: (inaudible) a few questions. First of all, you rolled out a should schedule last year during AFA. It's been almost a year now. Can you give us just a quick update on how you think that initiative is going? What lessons you've learned? And how you can apply that moving forward on programs like GBSD, LRSO, even something like TX? And then my second question, KC-46. When are we going to see a milestone C decision? SEC. JAMES: So, let me start with KC-46. The KC-46 -- the key meeting for that is going to happen later on this month. So, we believe that the aircraft has met all of the wickets that are required to meet milestone C, but of course it remains to be seen. So I'll say stay tuned on that. And with respect to should schedule, if you'll permit me, let me come back to you on that, and also perhaps a fuller update on those bending the cost curve initiatives that we announced a year ago. Q: (inaudible) followup on KC-46, then. What if you've met all the wickets for KC-46 production decision, what what are you waiting on then in the meeting? SEC. JAMES: Well, we have to go through the formal meeting. We have to present it to Mr. Kendall. He has to have the opportunity to ask questions. Others may have input. So, we'll see how that goes, and then hopefully we will shortly thereafter get the decision. Please, back here. Q: Courtney Albon with Inside the Air Force. I had a quick followup and then a question on (inaudible) earlier question. First, you were talking about some of the C.R. implications, and you mentioned the KC-46. Have you done any analysis to determine how a lesser production rate would impact the RAA decision? Would that push the schedule back even further on RAA? And then separately, I know Congress in FY15 and FY16 fenced off some funding for the weather system follow-on program. And you wrote a letter last month to the Senate Armed Services Committee asking that that funding be released even before some of the reporting requirements are met, so that you can meet some of the contractual requirements that you have for WSF development. Can you talk about have those funds been released? I know there is some urgency there. And what are the implications there if they're not? SEC. JAMES: I believe the funds have been released but please just permit me to make sure that the action that I think has been taken has in fact been taken, and that would permit partial funding on the pathway to the weather system follow-on. So that's the first question. With respect to the KC-46, I have not done the in depth analysis. I'll have to go back to my acquisition people. But I believe that if certainly the quantity were to be delayed, that couldn't help but push back the RAA and the other thing that concerns me, would such an approach also reopen the contract? In other words if we couldn't purchase the same number that contractually we're supposed to, would that reopen the contract? That's a serious question because of course we do have favorable terms and we do not want to reopen the contract, change requirements in any way. So again, I will have to go back and double check all of those matters. But the point being, a CR would cause us multiple perturbation and we really hope we our bills on time or nearly on time. Yes sir? Q: (Inaudible). My question is, there is some new reports comparing the Chinese new fighter jet J-20 to the U.S. F-35 and end of the (inaudible) T-50 and how would you evaluate the new Chinese fighter jet, like J-20, and the J-31; and whether you know you saw how would development of this new fighter jet change the situation in South China Sea and the East China Sea? GEN. GOLDFEIN: So I would tell you that as a first generation low observable pilot who flew the F-117, it's that's a more relevant comparison with first gen than fifth gen because the first generation low observable technology F-117 was reasonable one for one comparison against a J-20 or other aircraft because it was a platform centered discussion. When I took off in the F-117 I actually had a switch creatively named the stealth switch and when I pushed it, all my antennas stowed, all my radios turned off and the last thing I did before crossing the line was lower my seat to become a smaller target. But the reality is that it was single domain, it was a closed system and it was a sequential way of applying air power because I was always going to be out in front of anybody else on the ground or at sea. The F-35, now since you're asking about F-35, J-20 is a completely different mindset. It starts talking in the network before the pilot even climbs the ladder. It starts comparing information, it starts placing symbology on the visor of the pilot. That symbology is replicated not only in the displays but across the network of everywhere it's joined. So when we apply fifth generation technology, it's no longer about a platform, it's about a family of systems and it's about a network and that's what gives us an asymmetric advantage so that's why when I hear about an F-35 versus J-20, it's almost an irrelevant comparison because you really got to think about a network versus a network. This is combat in the information age. So you're I think you'll see us focusing far more on the family of systems and how we connect them together and far less on individual platforms. SEC. JAMES: One more, all right. There it is, please. Q: Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News. North Korea's launched a series of ballistic missiles and the last one went over 600 yards and I was wondering are you all seeing an increase in North Korea's capability? SEC. JAMES: We are certainly seeing an increase in missile launches and an increase in investing and testing, that's our belief based on our sources and based on what we know to be a fact. And although these missile launches certainly appear to be in many cases, failures, meaning they don't actually reach a target and whatnot, I will tell you that technologists learn from even attempts that appear to be failures. So this is very worrisome activity we believe in the United States. GEN. GOLDFEIN: And all I would offer is we've certainly seen an increase in the claims of increased capability. I'm not so sure the intelligence would bear that out. Q: Are you surprised by the how well the Russian Air Force has been able to perform in in their year-long deployment to Syria? GEN. GOLDFEIN: No, and I'll tell you why. For 50 years, we've been intercepting each other in international air space and one might ask why would we allow each other to close long you know well inside of the lethal radius of a of a missile with people in the back end end of a large airplane on both sides that can't defend themselves? Why in the world would we allow ourselves to do that? It's because we've had standard rules of behavior that we've adhered to over time and so it's not surprising at all that Russia has a capable air force. I will tell you I am concerned, very concerned about recent Russian behavior in a couple of occasions where they're not showing themselves as the professional air force I have seen over the years. And you've seen the examples of that, low passes over our ships, aggressive acts over our aircraft. You know, my message to my counterpart is I've seen the Russian Air Force in action, it's a professional force, and they're far better than that. Q: Have you had conversations with your counterpart? GEN. GOLDFEIN: No. Q: OK, thank you. SEC. JAMES: Thank you. --END-- http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/911083/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pentagon acknowledges US ground forces active in Libya Iran Press TV Wed Aug 10, 2016 9:23PM The US military has acknowledged that its Special Operations troops are active in Libya, following a report which revealed their presence in the war-torn North African country. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that a number of US forces are providing direct, on-the-ground support to forces loyal to Libya's unity government in a fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge said on Wednesday a "small number" of American forces are going "in and out" of Libya. "As with any military operation supporting another force, coordination and synchronization of effort is essential. To that end, a small number of US forces have gone in and out of Libya to exchange information with these local forces in established joint operations centers, and they will continue to do so as we strengthen the fight against [ISIL] and other terrorist organizations," Trowbridge said. The spokesman claimed that the forces are stationed in joint operations rooms, which are away from the front line, to facilitate coordination among pro-government forces fighting against Daesh terrorists. American troops are operating out of a joint operations center established on the city's outskirts and their role is only limited to supporting pro-government forces, US officials told the Washington Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the Pentagon has not announced the deployment publicly. The Pentagon announced on August 1 that it had expanded its air war against Daesh, conducting airstrikes in Libya to target the ISIL stronghold of Sirte. At the time, US military officials did not acknowledge that American forces were on the ground supporting the air operations. The acknowledgement came following the Washington Post report. "I can tell you those [reports] are not true," Trowbridge insisted. "They are not on the front lines, nor are they on the ground in Sirte." He said the forces are rather providing "unique capabilities." "Notably intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes that will help enable GNA-aligned forces to make a decisive, strategic advance," the Pentagon spokesman stated. "These strikes are targeting key ISIL military infrastructure such as tanks, high-caliber weapons, and command and control nodes using precision ordnance," Trowbridge said. Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) has announced the strikes, but has denounced the presence of foreign troops as "violation" of the country's sovereignty. Sirte, the major stronghold of Daesh outside Iraq and Syria, fell to the Takfiri terrorists in February 2015. The full recapture of the city would be a major boost to the unity government, which has come to office through support from the United Nations. Daesh has been taking advantage of the chaos embroiling Libya since the NATO-backed overthrow and death of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. According to Africa Command, the United States has conducted 29 airstrikes against Daesh positions in Libya since August 1. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CENTCOM Reviewing Congress Report on Alleged Daesh Intelligence Manipulation Sputnik News 19:11 11.08.2016(updated 19:28 11.08.2016) The US Central Command is looking into the report by the US House of Representatives Joint Task Force alleging that the command manipulated intelligence on the fight against Daesh, CENTCOM spokesman US Navy Cmdr. Kyle Raines told Sputnik on Thursday. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The report made public on Thursday revealed that CENTCOM manipulated intelligence reports and public statements on the fight against Daesh terrorist group to portray events on the ground as being more positive than they were. "US Central Command has seen the Congressional Joint Task Force initial report and we appreciate the independent oversight provided," Raines said. "We are reviewing the findings of the initial report; since the Joint Task Force investigation is ongoing, as is the DOD IG's [Department of Defense Inspector General] investigation, we will refrain from further comment at this time." House of Representatives committees convened the task force after a whistleblower claimed in May 2015 that CENTCOM leaders were engineering intelligence products to present an unjustly positive outlook on US efforts to train Iraqi Security Forces and fight Daesh. Additionally, CENTCOM press releases, statements and testimony in front of the US Congress were significantly more positive than the events on the ground, the Joint Task Force explained. Despite the whistleblower complaint, neither CENTCOM nor the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence took steps to improve the analytic problems, the report pointed out. The Joint Task Force along with the US Department of Defense is continuing to investigate the whistleblower allegations, and the findings are only preliminary, the report stated. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address How the Islamic State Militant Group Was Founded, Gained Influence By Sharon Behn, Jeff Seldin August 11, 2016 Known as Islamic State, the group of hard-line jihadists that once dominated large areas of Iraq and Syria is infamous for its sheer brutality, including beheadings, drownings, burning people alive, rape, and the promotion of slavery. Initially a largely Sunni Arab group, IS grew out of the terrorist organization known as al-Qaida in Iraq (AQ-I) led by Jordanian Abu Musab al Zarqawi in 2004. AQ-I fed off the deep sense of Sunni disenfranchisement after the United States decided to disband the Iraqi army and Saddam Hussein's powerful Ba'ath party. AQ-I began terrorizing the Iraqi population, both those Sunnis who refused to join them and Shi'ites, bringing the country to the brink of civil war in 2006-7. Sunni Arab tribal leaders, tired of the brutality, finally turned their back on the group in 2007 during the U.S.-backed "Awakening." Zarqawi was killed in a U.S. airstrike, and for a while there appeared to be peace in Iraq. But AQ-I had merely gone underground, and it soon emerged again under the leadership of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. A former U.S. detainee in Iraq, Baghdadi discarded al-Qaida as too meek, and channeled his radical ideology into creating Islamic State. The group flourished under Iraq's sectarian Shi'ite led governments and also rapidly gained power and territory in the war-created power vacuums in neighboring Syria under the name al-Nusra. Internal divisions led al-Nusra to formally split with IS in April 2013 and pledged its allegiance to al-Qaida. But IS maintained a strong presence in Syria, capitalizing on an unprecedented flow of tens of thousands of foreign fighters to join the conflict. In 2014, IS declared its "caliphate's capital" in Raqqa, Syria, and launched a major military push across Iraq, seizing the key cities of Mosul, Ramadi, and Fallujah. Baghdadi has called for Muslims around the world to recognize its supreme authority, and exploited its brutal notoriety to launch an international social media campaign to recruit new fighters and to expand it's self-declared caliphate, claiming provinces in at least nine countries across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Western intelligence officials say IS has also created a well-developed external operations wing with cells in Europe, blamed for carrying out high-profile attacks in Paris and Brussels, while enabling and inspiring terror attacks from the United States to Southeast Asia. The U.S. fight against both AQ-I and IS has spanned two administrations, but ramped up in 2014 after shocking scenes of IS militants beheading American citizens, mass executing Iraqi soldiers and civilians, and capturing and enslaving thousands of Yazidi women. U.S. military officials say about 45,000 IS fighters have been killed in the past two years as the militant group has steadily lost ground in Iraq and Syria. But the U.S. intelligence community estimates the group can still muster 18,000 to 22,000 fighters in the conflict zone. There are also concerns that the underlying local political and sectarian grievances that allowed the group to take hold in Iraq and Syria have yet to change, and that even if IS loses its self-declared caliphate it will persist both as an insurgency and as a global terror threat. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Opinion / Columnist Alarm bell of security sector reforms have started ringing once again as top brass in the Army and Police step up the threat of using violence to silence legitimate demands for democratic change."Which part of the army and whose army will he deploy against citizens and his opponents?" asked Ibbo Mandaza. He was responding to General Chiwenga's reported threats against opposition and Zanu-PF infiltrators plotting chaos."Is it his army? Is it proper for a defence chief to threaten the population with military force and is it proper for him to talk politics the way he has? He has openly breached the constitution and the law."It should be noted that Zimbabwe had the opportunity to implement the far reaching democratic reforms when Mugabe got his hands tied behind his back after signing the 2008 GPA. SADC forced the tyrant to accept the implementation of wide ranging democratic reforms which would have end the partisan bias of the Army, Police, public media, etc. and thus ensure future elections were free, fair and credible amongst many other things.Sadly Morgan Tsvangirai ignored repeated calls by SADC to implement the agreed reforms and failed to get even one reform implemented in the five years of the GNU. Mugabe went on to blatantly rig the 31 st July 2013 elections and from that day on the nation has felt the consequences of MDC's betrayal."Simbi inorohwa ichapisa!" (Hit the iron whilst it is hot!) as the saying goes. We failed to reform the Army, Police, etc. whilst we had the chance to do so and now face the prospect of Army and Police behaving as Zanu-PF party thugs!"According to Knox Chitiyo, an academic and former University of Zimbabwe War Studies and Military History lecturer, Chiwenga and his colleagues' lack of professionalism is a generational product of their participation in the 1970s liberation war that bred "an uneasy and uneven duality between professionalism and politicisation within the security sector," reported Bulawayo 24."The post-Independence aftermath bred what Chitiyo described as an "adherence to the ideology of (black) African liberation the increasing melding of the party, state and government; and the close 'liberation alliance' between the party and the military", Chitiyo wrote in a 2009 article titled The case for Security Sector Reform in Zimbabwe."I would beg to differ with Chitiyo's analysis; Zimbabwe is not the only African country whose independence was brought about following a bitter armed struggle; many of SA's Army, Police and Intelligence Agency are ex-uMkhonto we Sizwe, African National Congress (ANC)'s armed wing for example. Yet none of SA's security top brass have ever behaved as rogues as contrast to our own who have all time and time again pledged their undying allegiance to Mugabe and Zanu-PF when the democratic norm is for them to be apolitical and to up hold the rule of law.Whilst SA's founding father, Nelson Mandela, was committed to freedom, liberty and democratic rule the same cannot be said of our Robert Mugabe. Whereas Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately called, went out of his way to build strong democratic institutions our murderous tyrant in Zimbabwe has worked hard to corrupt our institutions to serve his selfish political interests. Before independence the security sectors were structured to maintain white colonial supremacy above all else. After independence Mugabe remodelled them to maintain the de facto Zanu-PF one-party cum Mugabe one-man dictatorship above all else.Zimbabwe had the great misfortune of having a corrupt and murderous tyrant for founding father assisted by a coterie of some of the most corrupt and incompetent individuals in human history. Margaret Dongo has described Zanu-PF bigwigs in cabinet, parliament, Army, Police, etc. as "vakadzi vaMugabe" (Mugabe's subservient concubines); she got that one right, because over the last 36 years no one has ever challenged Mugabe's outrageous and murderous excesses! No one!The lack of professionalism by General Chiwenga, Police Commissioner Chihuri, etc. is because they vakadzi vaMugabe. How did the liberation war turn all of these Zanu-PF men and women into subservient concubines?!!!----------Nomusa Garikai FM: lifting sanctions not one and only goal of nuclear talks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Aug 11, IRNA -- Removal of sanctions was not one and only goal of nuclear negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday. In a meeting with the Iranian journalists, he praised the role of people and guidelines set by the Leader, adding that they were the people who gave the negotiators power to engage in nuclear talks. Zarif referred to the advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear deal for Iran and other sides of talks and said it was a deal and this is the nature of deals to give something in exchange for taking another. The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action removed pressures on Iran which have been imposed on the country to frustrate the country's strategic power, he said. The official said that Iran negotiated with the G5+1 to guarantee its national dignity. The JCPOA helped recognition of Iran's peaceful nuclear program by the world and helped preserving the nuclear, scientific and technical achievements, the foreign minister added. He said that the JCPOA prevented shutdown of nuclear facilities and in the meantime led to cancelation of the UN Security Council resolutions against the Islamic Republic. Zarif said that ending the unsubstantial claims against Iran's peaceful nuclear program was another goal of nuclear talks. He pointed to efforts done for relating the JCPOA to defensive and regional issues and said that the nuclear negotiators did their best to prevent relating the deal to defensive and regional affairs. Without the nuclear deal and under sanctions, Iran's oil export could be as low as 294000 bpd, Zarif said, adding that despite sabotages of certain states, the UN removed Iran from provisions of chapter seven. Iran's top diplomat also said that the main problem of certain states is Iran reaching its full strategic capacity. And that is why they are doing everything to stop Iran achieving this end, Zarif said. 'We are too engaged with our internal issues that we have forgotten the fact that we are in the middle of a regional strategic game,' he warned. They are busily trying to shape the public opinion in some Arab countries in the region and that is why we are witnessing the citizens of these Arab countries never stop tweeting against Iran, Zarif said. That is why they try to capitalize on every possibility to change the opportunities to threats. No surprise if they have tried to unite themselves with Israel, Zarif said. 'If necessary they will even enter talks with the Satan himself, not to mention, they have for long been devoted to Israel,' he said. 9191**2044 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 7 Myanmar soldiers on trial admit to killing villagers: Witnesses Iran Press TV Thu Aug 11, 2016 1:42PM Seven Myanmarese soldiers have acknowledged during a rare court martial hearing that they were involved in the June killing of five villagers in northern Shan State, witnesses say. On Thursday, villagers attending the closed-door proceedings, held two days earlier in the northern city of Lashio, said the soldiers had confessed to their role in the killings that took place in the remote village of Mong Yaw. "The judge read the murder case reports and asked for confessions from the soldiers, who admitted they were responsible," said Sai Kaung Kham, a Mong Yaw villager who has been helping the families attending the military trial. He was invited by the army along with 14 other villagers to witness the court martial. The military has yet to officially comment on the witness account. The army accepted in July that it was responsible for the crime. Intelligence chief Mya Tun Oo has vowed that the perpetrators would be prosecuted. In June, Mong Yaw residents said army troops had rounded up dozens in the village and took five people away. Their corpses were later found in a shallow grave. According to the villagers present at the court session, three officers and three lower-ranking soldiers said the five villagers had been detained and interrogated on suspicion of having links to local armed groups. The soldiers said two of the villagers were found to have been members of an ethnic armed group, adding that they were ordered by their superior to kill them all. "They were worried that if they let the three villagers go back, they would tell others they had been tortured," the soldiers told the court martial, according to Sai Kaung Kham, one of the villagers at the trial session. The seventh soldier, the highest-ranking of those on trial, however, denied having ordered the soldiers to "kill" the villagers, adding that he only told the six to "clear them out." Myanmar has been grappling with internal struggles from countless ethnic minority armies battling for greater autonomy since the end of the British colonial rule in the country in 1948. Bordering China, Shan State is home to several armed ethnic armies. Myanmar's army has often been criticized by human rights bodies for abuses during decades of conflict with ethnic armed groups in the country's lawless border zones, which has displaced thousands of people. Rights campaigners such as Amnesty International say it is extremely rare for soldiers to be held to account for their crimes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian army forces recapture several areas in southern Aleppo Iran Press TV Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:43AM Syrian army soldiers and allied popular defense groups have gained more grounds in Aleppo as they are trying to flush Daesh terrorists and other foreign-sponsored militants out of the strategic city. A military source told the official SANA news agency on Thursday that Syrian forces had established full control over five blocks in the 1070 Apartment Project area of the city. Syrian soldiers and pro-government fighters, the source said, also thwarted a major militant onslaught on southern Aleppo last night, killing or injuring scores of extremists. A number of cars rigged with explosives and pickup trucks equipped with heavy machine guns were also destroyed in the process. Russian and Syrian fighter jets on Wednesday bombed four command centers of the terrorists in southern Aleppo, killing dozens of them and destroying their vehicles. The United Nations has warned that two million people could be trapped in Aleppo as government forces and foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants are gearing up for a decisive battle in the city. Last week, the head of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami Abdel Rahman said some 2,000 fighters have joined the ranks of government troops in Aleppo. According to the pro-government Arabic-language al-Watan daily, the Syrian army has also received "the necessary military reinforcements to launch the battle," saying "a crucial attack on the terrorists was imminent and inevitable." Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Back in 2014, the UN said it would no more update its official death toll for Syria because it could not verify the figures that it received from various sources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria: UN refugee agency 'gravely concerned' by attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons 11 August 2016 The United Nations refugee agency has expressed grave concern at the dire situation of civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo and at attacks on internally displaced people (IDP) settlements in its Idleb Governorate. Over the last 10 days, IDP settlements in Idleb have suffered a series of attacks, as have other IDP settlements and civilians elsewhere in the country, resulting in civilian casualties and further displacement, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted in press release today. "The attacks indicate a shocking disregard for civilian life," the agency said in the press release, calling for "a durable and sustainable solution to this conflict." Drawing attention to the situation in Aleppo city, the agency also urged all parties to the conflict in Syria, "To ensure, first and foremost, the safety and dignity of civilians, including families and vulnerable groups trapped in Aleppo city who are facing constant bombardment, violence, and displacement." Underscoring the importance of allowing access to safety, and respect for the civilian and humanitarian character of IDP settlements, UNHCR reiterated its call for ensuring the protection of civilians based on international humanitarian law, international refugee law, and human rights law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Considers Extending Humanitarian Pause in Aleppo By Lisa Schlein August 11, 2016 Russia is willing to discuss the lengthening of its three-hour daily suspension of military action in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo, according to U.N. officials who are also investigating reports that a bomb containing chlorine gas was used by the Syrian military in the area. The Russian military was set to begin Thursday a daily, temporarily pause in hostilities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time in order to allow humanitarian aid workers to bring in much needed supplies. But Mohammed Rasheed, a spokesman for one of the rebel groups fighting the Syrian government, told Reuters the Thursday ceasefire had not been upheld. Instead, he said, there had been an "escalation in Russian warplanes," and government forces had tried to advance on the Ramousah district of Aleppo. A witness in Aleppo and another rebel official corroborated Rasheed's claims, Reuters reported. The U.N. has said the three hours would not be enough, and is trying instead to negotiate a 48-hour ceasefire to deliver aid to some two million people trapped in the city. Barrel bombs dropped Late Wednesday, a Syrian military helicopter reportedly dropped four barrel bombs -- one of which was filled with chlorine gas -- on Aleppo, killing at least three people. In response to a question from VOA, U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said he is unable to confirm reports that a gas was used in the attack but there is a lot of evidence that it took place. "We have a special U.N. and other organization that are addressing that. But if it did take place, it is a war crime. And, as such, it would require everyone, all co-chairs and everyone else to address it immediately. I think the investigation is still taking place ... But, your point is well taken. That is a war crime," he said. The Syrian Civil Defense, a volunteer rescue organization based in Aleppo, said Thursday that 24 people were injured in the attack along with the three dead -- a mother and her two children. The British non-profit group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the barrel bombing. It did not mention chlorine, but said that several people were having trouble breathing after the bombing. Supplies running low The United Nations says food and medicine stocks are running dangerously low in east Aleppo, where an estimated 300,000 people have been cut off from humanitarian assistance since early July. In addition, escalating fighting between government and rebel forces in recent weeks has severely damaged Aleppo's electric and water infrastructure, leaving some two million people with no access to running water and power. U.S. General Sean MacFarland, the top commander for the coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, told reporters Wednesday that the humanitarian disaster in Aleppo is "a model of how I don't want to fight in Mosul [Iraq]." "We want to conduct a campaign to liberate Mosul in a way that leaves the city largely intact and its people in good health," MacFarland said. "That does not seem to be the overriding consideration in the fight for Aleppo." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey, Russia agree on military hotline to avoid 'incidents' Iran Press TV Wed Aug 10, 2016 9:37PM Ankara says that an emergency hotline between the offices of the Turkish and Russian army commanders is to be established to avoid "unwanted incidents" similar to the last year's downing of a Russian jet by Turkish fighter planes. "We have agreed to be in close contact in order to avoid such incidents. In this frame, our chief of general staff and the Russian chief of general staff have re-established a direct line. They are in talks on this," Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News quoted the country's presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kaln (seen below), as saying during a live televised broadcast on Wednesday. The announcement comes hot on the heels of a trip by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Russia for direct talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid a thawing of relations between the two countries. "The Russian army chief and our army chief were participating in a phase of yesterday's negotiations. They have still been in contact over creation the direct phone line," the Turkish Yeni Safak daily quoted Kaln as saying. He noted that the army chiefs are currently in close contract over regional issues of mutual interest, especially the crisis in Syria. Relations between the two countries strained after Turkey downed a Russian jet close to the Syrian border in 2015. One of the two pilots of the Russian Sukhoi Su-24M was killed by anti-Damascus militants on the ground after parachuting out of the targeted jet. "They want the mechanism to begin its activities immediately," Kaln added. Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (seen below) announced that a Turkish delegation, including Foreign Ministry, military, and defense officials, would travel to Russia later in the day for follow-up talks. He also said that Ankara and Moscow shared the same views concerning the need for a ceasefire in Syria and the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilians affected by the conflict there. "We are doing it for our interests, for regional interests. We are actually issuing our messages to the West in a clear way," he added. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO has no right to dictate Turkey's foreign policy: Ambassador Iran Press TV Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:41AM Turkey's ambassador to Russia says NATO is in no position to dictate to Ankara which country it can build relations with. The remarks by Umit Yardim on Thursday came amid reports that the Western alliance was seriously concerned about recent contacts between Turkish and Russian leaders. "In no way can NATO limit our contacts with other countries... It means NATO has no right to dictate its terms and tell us who we should or should not meet and communicate with," Yardim said in Moscow. Yardim also said Russia and Turkey had agreed to step up their contacts on Syria, where they support opposing sides in the ongoing conflict there, as well as develop their bilateral relations. The ambassador described a Tuesday meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as "very successful." He said relations between Moscow and Ankara are beneficial to the region and the world at large. "Russia and Turkey are very important countries for the region. Our contacts affect the entire region. It will be no exaggeration to say that they are important for the whole world as well," Yardim said. On Wednesday, NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu tried to sweet-talk Turkey into maintaining its relations with the military alliance amid reports that Ankara was angry with the West. Turkey has been critical of the way its Western allies in NATO have reacted to the failed July 15 coup attempt. Erdogan believes US and the European governments have failed to show enough support for Turkey in the aftermath of the botched putsch. There have even been reports in the Turkish media of possible NATO and US intelligence involvement in the failed coup. Turkey is NATO's second largest military power after the United States, with Lungescu trying to dispel speculations that their ties might be on the rocks. Turkey's NATO membership is "not in question" following the historic meeting between Erdogan and Putin, he said. In Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the visit to Russia had no wider agenda but did warn of the possible consequences if relations with Europe did not improve. "Our relations with Russia are not a message to the West," Cavusoglu said, but he blasted the European Union for having "encouraged the putschists." "If the West one day loses Turkey whatever our relations with Russia and China it will be their fault," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US needs to choose either Gulen or Turkey: Erdogan Iran Press TV Thu Aug 11, 2016 4:32AM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States to extradite US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen blamed by Ankara for the failed military coup in the country last month. Addressing thousands of government supporters outside the presidential palace in the capital Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan said Washington must make a choice between Turkey and Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of having led a "terrorist" organization of putschists in Turkey. "Sooner or later, the United States will make a choice. Either Turkey or FETO. They will either choose the putschist terrorist FETO or Turkey, the democratic country. They need to make a choice," Erdogan said. He said that Turkey has sent "eighty five boxes of files" to Washington to prove Gulen's alleged role in the failed coup. Washington has so far refused to return Gulen to Turkey, saying it needs evidence of his involvement in the military revolt. Gulen has repeatedly denied any role in the coup and warned that the blame game could be a ploy by the ruling Justice and Development Party to cement its grip on power. At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,100 others sustained injuries when an army faction, using hijacked helicopters and tanks, clashed with government troops and people on the streets of Ankara and the city of Istanbul on July 15. Turkey has launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged coup plotters. Over 60,000 people have been sacked from their jobs, detained or put under investigation for suspected links to the coup or the Gulen movement. Last week, an Istanbul-based court issued an arrest warrant for Gulen, with prosecutors accusing the opposition figure of having ordered the coup attempt. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian president puts troops on alert near Crimea, in Donbass amid Kiev-Moscow tensions Iran Press TV Thu Aug 11, 2016 1:41PM Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has put all military troops and units near Crimea and in the east of the country on the highest level of alert, amid growing tensions and fears of military confrontation between Kiev and Moscow. Poroshenko said on Thursday that he had ordered all Ukrainian army units near Crimea and in the easterly Donbass region to stand at the highest level of combat readiness. Earlier in the day, Oleh Slobodyan, the spokesman for the Ukrainian border guards, alleged that Russia was in recent days amassing further troops equipped with more modern equipment on Ukraine's border with the Crimean region. "We can unequivocally say that Russian troops who were there since March are now being replaced with others," Slobodyan told a briefing, adding, "These troops are coming with more modern equipment and there are air assault units. In recent days, we see a strengthening of the units that are at the border. Their number increased." Also on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin moved to ramp up security on the Crimea peninsula, after accusing Ukraine of attempting armed incursions into the region, allegations denied by Kiev. The Kremlin said in a Thursday statement that Putin held a meeting with his security chiefs to discuss "additional measures for ensuring security for citizens and essential infrastructure in Crimea." "Scenarios were carefully considered for anti-terrorist security measures at the land border, in the waters and in the airspace of Crimea," the statement added. Russia's Federal Security Service said on Wednesday that it had thwarted an incursion by the Ukrainian military into Crimea over the weekend, saying two Russians were killed in the incident. Putin blamed Ukraine for "practicing terror" and said, "This is very alarming news. In fact, our security services prevented an incursion into the territory by a sabotage-reconnaissance group from Ukraine's Defense Ministry." Ukraine's defense intelligence rejected Russia's claim over the incursion, saying it was based on "fake information." The developments have ratcheted up tensions and prompted fears of a possible wider conflict. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council will discuss growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia in a closed door meeting on Thursday, diplomats said. The Ukraine mission to the United Nations said it had requested the meeting. Russia-Ukraine tensions People in Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea voted for rejoining the Russian Federation in a referendum in March 2014. The move angered the West which branded it as Moscow's annexation of the territory. Additionally, the United States and its allies in Europe accuse Moscow of having a hand in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia, however, strongly denies the charges. The crisis in eastern Ukraine has left nearly 9,500 people dead and over 21,000 others injured, according to the United Nations. Despite ceasefire efforts, sporadic fighting between Kiev troops and pro-Russia forces continues to claim more lives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Envoy: There Is No Going Back on Crimea By Margaret Besheer August 11, 2016 Russia's U.N. envoy said Thursday the issue of Crimea's annexation "will never be revisited." "The reunification of Crimea with Russia was done two years ago after a referendum which was conducted in Crimea 93 percent of the population expressed their wish to rejoin Russia; this is what has happened," Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters at the United Nations. Russia has accused Ukraine of plotting attacks in the disputed peninsula. Churkin called the alleged plots a "clear act of sabotage and terrorism." The U.N. Security Council met Thursday in an emergency closed-door session at Ukraine's request to discuss the tensions. Ukraine currently holds a seat on the council. Ukraine's envoy, Volodymyr Yelchenko, dismissed the Russian accusations and invited Moscow to present evidence. "If their allegations on what happened this so called terrorist attempt of Ukraine across the border with Crimea if it happened in reality, where are the proofs? Statements, pictures, photos, videos, whatever. There are only words," he said. He said Moscow has amassed 40,000 troops in eastern Ukraine, in Crimea and along the two countries' border. "This is not a coincidence," Yelchenko said. "This number may reflect some very bad intentions, and this is very last thing we would like to happen." NATO concerned Both diplomats said they hoped tensions would cool down, but at the same time they expressed doubt that the other side would facilitate that. Earlier Thursday, a NATO official told VOA that the alliance is closely monitoring "with concern, the heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine." "We are reassured by Ukraine's resolute condemnation of terrorism in all its shapes and forms," the NATO official said, noting that Kyiv was "devoted" to diplomacy in Crimea. "Russia's recent military activity in Crimea is not helpful for easing tensions. We call on Russia to work for calm and de-escalation," the official said. Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, a military move that has continued to be condemned by world leaders and fuel conflict between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Alan Burkitt-Gray speaks to Don MacNeil, chief operating officer of GTT, about its company restructuring after coming out of Chapter 11 and its strategic roadmap for the next 12 months. Chantal Akerman, A Reluctantly Feminist Filmmaker: 52 Weeks Of Directors Chantal Akermans death, an alleged suicide, colors how many people will view her work. But she was much more than her struggle with depression and her form of death. Perhaps most important was her work, which varied from the commercial to artistic to avant-garde filmmaking. A Belgian film director, her influence on feminist filmmaking and avant-garde cinema was substantial. Akerman was born in Brussels to Holocaust survivors. Her mother, Natalia, survived Auschwitz, where her own parents (Akermans grandparents) died. ADVERTISEMENT At age 15, upon seeing Jean-Luc Goddards Pierrot le fou, Akerman decided to make movies. At 18, Akerman began studying at the Institut National Superieur des Arts du Spectacle et des Techniques de Diffusion, a Belgian film school, but dropped out to make her first short, Saute ma Ville. To subsidize the films costs, Akerman traded diamond shares on the Antwerp stock exchange. Shortly after Saute ma Ville, Akerman moved to New York, where at the Anthology Film Archives, she was impressed with the work of Stan Brakhage, Jonas Mekas, Michael Snow, Yvonne Rainer, and Andy Warhol. In 1972, she released two shorts, La Chambre 1 and La Chambre 2, as well as her first feature film, Hotel Monterey. These works reveal the influence of structural filmmaking through these films usage of long takes. The protracted shots serve to oscillate images between abstraction and figuration. Her films from this period also signify the start of her collaboration with cinematographer Babette Mangolte, who worked on La Chambre, Hotel Monterey, Hanging Out Yonkers, Jeanne Dielman, and News From Home. Akerman returned to Belgium in 1973 and received critical recognition for her 1974 feature, I, You, He, She (Je Tu Il Elle). Perhaps her most significant film, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels, was released in 1975. The film allows three days in the life of a seemingly ordinary housewife, Jeanne Dielman, to play out for the audience in almost real time. The day to day activities of Ms. Dielman are so hypnotizing, an audience might not notice at first that Ms. Dielman is also a prostitute. She only takes one client per day, going to bed with a man in between her everyday chores of shopping and cooking her sons dinner. Upon its release, The New York Times called it the first masterpiece of the feminine in the history of the cinema. Akerman, who was 25, has said she was able to make a film about a womanan older, widowed womanbecause, at that point, everyone was talking about women and that it was the right time. The film took five weeks to shoot. Akerman used an all-female crew for the film, which she claims did not work that well. Not because they were women, but because I didnt choose them. In his profile of Akerman, The New Yorkers Richard Brody points out that during Jeanne Dielmans filming, she was younger than Orson Welles when he made Citizen Kane or Jean-Luc Goddard when he made Breathless. Brody insists Jeanne Dielman deserved to mentioned together with those film greats, noting, Akerman presented monumentally composed, meticulously observed, raptly protracted images of a womans domestic routineJeanne (Delphine Seyrig) preparing cutlets in her kitchen, for instance. These images prove cinematically that the domestic lives of women are the stuff of art; that womens private lives are as ravaged by the forces of history as are lives lived on the public stage of politics; and that the pressures of womens unquestioned, unchallenged, and unrelieved confinement in the domestic realm and in family roles is a societal folly that leads to ruin, a form of violence that begets violence. ADVERTISEMENT Feminist film critics praised the film. B. Ruby Rich said, Never before was the materiality of womans time in the home rendered so viscerally...She [Akerman] invents a new language capable of transmitting truths previously unspoken. However, Akerman was reluctant to be seen as a feminist filmmaker, saying, I dont think womans cinema exists. Akerman seemed to avoid anything that could categorize or ghettoize her filmmaking in a particular way. Although she was a lesbian filmmaker, she avoided labels and refused to have her work featured in LGBT film festivals. Directors like Todd Haynes, Sally Potter, and Michael Haneke have credited her as a major influence. J. Hoberman, a former film critic for The Village Voice, likened her to Goddard and to German director, Rainer Werner Fassbinder. She sought to break free of linear narratives and direct explication in both her cinematic essays and her documentary work, preferring to leave essential things unsaid. The trauma of the Holocaust was a continuing theme in her work, but one which remained below the surface. Only recently, as she began working on a documentary about her mother, No Home Movie, did she wish to discuss the Holocaust explicitly. However, her mother was not willing to recount her experiences. More broadly, No Home Movie is a documentation of a relationship with an older relative as they grow older and sicker. Many say Akerman was in a dark emotional state after her mothers death and suffered breakdowns for which she was hospitalized. Its hard not to view Akermans last work in the context of her death, but instead, we must remember her legacy and filmography, rather than one small part of her life. This post originally appeared onlaurencbyrd.wordpress.com. More from BUST Amy Schumer Dropped Details About Her New Movie With Goldie Hawn And We Can't Wait To Watch It This Announcement About 'Ocean's Eight' Makes Us Want To Genderswap Every Movie Ever The Burlesque Movie We've All Been Waiting For Is Coming And We Have The Scoop Lauren C. Byrd is a freelance writer and blogger. After leaving Tennessee post-college, she has lived in Los Angeles, update New York, Queens, and Los Angeles again. She loves to talk about women in film, but also cares about good TV, documentaries, podcasts, true crime, journalism and social justice. Candidates for the 5th District Democrat Jane Dittmar and Republican Tom Garrett will participate in a debate in Danville later in the election season, campaigns for both candidates said Thursday. Were excited about the opportunity, Garrett said. The debate is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Danville, with time and location to be announced later. The debate is being organized by the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, according to Dittmars campaign. The candidates attended their first debate in Charlottesville on Wednesday, where they talked the economy, gun rights, public safety and other election issues. Both candidates said they were pleased with their performance in the debate. It was our first debate together, Dittmar said. I didnt know what to expect, but it was a terrific experience. Garrett said the debate was a great chance to compare the candidates records on job creation and other issues. Dittmar and Garrett announced their campaigns after U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th District, announced his retirement from Congress in late 2015. Dittmar is a former member of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and a professional mediator. Before serving in the Virginia Senate from Buckingham County, Garrett was the commonwealths attorney for Louisa and is a U.S. Army veteran. Another worker has died at the Goodyears Danville plant. "We regret to report that early this morning, a death occurred in the Goodyear-Danville manufacturing facility," Goodyear spokeswoman Laura Singleton said in a statement Friday morning. While the company has not released the worker's name, The Gazette-Virginian newspaper in South Boston reports that a family member confirmed that William Billy Scheier of Halifax County -- a maintenance worker at the plant -- was the Goodyear worker who died Friday morning. Goodyear's on-site emergency response team and local emergency personnel responded immediately and all parties are cooperating in the investigation into the cause of the incident, Singleton said. The company has reported the incident to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and will cooperate with the organization, Singleton said. "Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the employee during this very difficult time," Singleton said. Singleton did not release the name of the employee who died, but it marked the fourth worker death at Danvilles largest private employer in a year. On April 12, Greg Cooper, 52, a maintenance mechanic at the plant died on the job. He had worked at Goodyear for 18 years. On March 31, Kevin Edmonds, 54, of Penhook, died during his work shift. And in August 2015, Jeanie Lynne Strader, 56, of Chatham, died in an accident at the plant. Danvilles Goodyear plant also had a fatality in 2007. COLLINSVILLEA Henry County judge denied bail this week for a man charged with first-degree murder and robbery. At a bond appeal hearing Wednesday in Henry County Circuit Court, Judge Jonathan Apgar denied bond for Adrian Lewis Purcell, of Reidsville, North Carolina, who is charged in the March 8 shooting death of 20-year-old Damien Anthony Ferrell of Fieldale. In addition to first-degree murder and robbery, Purcell is charged with use of a firearm in committing a felony and firearm possession/transportation by a convicted violent felon. Anna Hill, Purcells fiancee, who lived with him in Reidsville, requested that bail be set for him, as did his lawyer, Harold Chip Slate II. Hill said that if Purcell were released on bond he would live at their home on Windemere Court in Reidsville, but that he would be at home without supervision on weekdays when she was at work. Hill said she and a brother of his would try to make sure that Purcell would comply with any restrictions the court would set and that she would notify law enforcement if Purcell did not comply. Hill indicated she doesnt think Purcell is a flight risk, and she is willing to put up a cash bond. Hill said Purcell has not worked in several years, that he doesnt have a drivers license, and that she would provide transportation to make sure he gets to work. She said there is no alcohol, drugs or firearms in the home. Slate suggested that a bond of $50,000 would be appropriate. Henry County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jessica Henson argued that the commonwealth has several witnesses who say Purcell was the shooter in the murder. Henson also noted that Purcell is charged with offenses that carry a presumption against bail, and that Purcell has a very lengthy criminal history, including a number of breaking and entering-type offenses. She also said he lives roughly 45 minutes away out of state and would be home unsupervised during weekdays. Purcell was one of four men originally charged with murder, robbery and related weapons charges in the shooting death of Ferrell. In May, Judge Larry Gott found probable cause to move forward with the case against Malik Davon Galloway, of 45 Vera Drive, Collinsville, on charges of first-degree murder, robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of murder and possession/transportation of a weapon by a violent felon. At that time, Gott found no reason to move forward with the cases against co-defendants Kerry Marcel Scales Jr. of Bassett and Sean Demetrus Goddard of Martinsville. Both had been charged with first-degree murder, robbery and use of a firearm during the commission of murder. At the time of the May court hearing, Purcell was incarcerated in North Carolina. He later was extradited to Henry County. Also in Henry County Circuit Court on Wednesday: Barry Lee Tucker of Martinsville pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone/acetaminophen and conspiracy to distribute oxycodone/acetaminophen. According to the commonwealths evidence and a video, Tucker set up a drug deal and counted out 20 pills that contained oxycodone and acetaminophen for a drug runner on Aug. 17, 2015. Tuckers lawyer argued Tucker should be convicted of lesser offenses, contending that Tucker did not profit from the deal. However, Judge Apgar ruled that Tucker was a willing partner. Apgar found Tucker guilty as charged of distribution of oxycodone/acetaminophen and conspiracy to distribute oxycodone/acetaminophen. Apgar ordered a presentence report, ordered that Tucker be evaluated for eligibility for alternative punishment to traditional incarceration, and set the next court hearing for Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Mary Magaline Allen of Bassett, who was charged with distribution cocaine, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of accommodate sale of cocaine. She and another woman allegedly distributed $100 worth of cocaine on Nov. 12, 2014. Allen said that since that time, she got saved and has been going to church more than a year. Her lawyer said she got clean before she was indicted. Judge Apgar sentenced Allen to five years in prison, all suspended on conditions of two years of supervised probation, five years of good behavior, payment of $100 restitution, and loss of her driving privilege for six months. The commonwealth dropped a charge of conspiracy to distribute a schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance against Allen. Bradley Keith Evans of Stoneville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to a charge of eluding police at a speed of more than 20 mph. Judge David V. Williams sentenced Evans to five years in prison, of which he must serve 1 years, with the balance suspended on conditions of two years of supervised probation, five years of good behavior and permanent revocation of his drivers license. According to the commonwealths evidence, Evans led law enforcement officers on a 41.5-mile chase in Henry and Franklin counties on Feb. 23, 2014, including 7.1 miles in the wrong lane of Route 220. At times, the chase reached more than 100 mph.Henry County Commonwealths Attorney Andrew Nester said Wednesday that luckily no one was killed during the chase. He also pointed out that Evans has a lengthy criminal history. Evans testified that he fell in 1996 and went through brain surgery. Ever since he has tended to over-react to things, and he over-reacted that night, he said. Joshua Shane Nelson of Martinsville, who pleaded guilty to distribute schedule 3 controlled substance and distribute oxycodone, was sentenced by Judge Williams on each charge to five years in prison, of which he must serve two months of incarceration (for a total of four months). Williams suspended the balance of each sentence on condition of two years of supervised probation five years of good behavior, payment of restitution and suspension of Nelsons drivers license for six months, with a restricted license allowable for certain purposes. According to the commonwealths evidence, on June 4, 2015, Nelson sold pills containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (schedule 3) to an undercover agent, and on June 12, 2015, Nelson sold pills containing oxycodone (schedule 2) to an undercover agent. Nelson testified Wednesday that a friend kept asking him for pills for pain, that Nelson didnt want to do it, but the friend kept begging and insisted on paying him for the pills. Nelson said he has never been in trouble before. Paul Collins reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at paul.collins@martinsvillebulletin.com. Two Republican state delegates and former prosecutors on Thursday pressed Tim Kaine to explain why, near the end of his term as governor, he agreed to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to approve the transfer of double murderer Jens Soering to a German prison. The issue arose during the 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in which Kaine defeated Republican George Allen. The GOP revived it in a conference call Thursday in an effort to raise doubts about Kaine, now the Democratic nominee for vice president. In January 2010, at the end of his governorship, Kaine agreed to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to approve the transfer of Soering, a former University of Virginia student convicted of the 1985 murders of his girlfriend's parents, to prison in Germany, where he could have applied for parole after two years. Soering was given two consecutive life sentences for murdering Derek and Nancy Haysom, who were stabbed in their Bedford County home. Kaine's successor, Republican Bob McDonnell, opposed the transfer to Germany and the U.S. Justice Department left Soering in a Virginia prison to serve out his punishment. Over the years Kaine has cited the German government's promise to confine Soering for at least two years. He has asserted that he thought Germans should be paying the costs of Soering's incarceration after Virginia had done so for more than 20 years and that - given the assurances of the German government - he thought getting Soering out of Virginia would be "good riddance." On the conference call Thursday, Dels. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah and Robert B. Bell, R-Albemarle, both members of the Virginia State Crime Commission, said such explanations are inadequate. Kaine "knew that this effectively meant that this double-murderer was going to get released," Gilbert said of the proposed transfer of Soering to Germany. "Look, we have lots of foreign nationals in our prisons in Virginia - lots of foreign nationals that have done horrible things that are similarly supposed to be there for the rest of their lives," Gilbert said. "Why Jens Soering was any different than those other murderers is an unanswered question to this day. And Senator Kaine has never given a good answer." Bell said what he called Kaine's "extraordinary step" raises questions about his judgment. Clinton's campaign says Kaine always has been willing to address questions about the issue. Kaine spokeswoman Amy Dudley said in a statement Thursday: After receiving assurances from the German government that Jens Soering had been convicted to a life sentence in Germany, and would never be allowed to enter the U.S. again, then-Governor Kaine recommended the Department of Justice consider transferring him into the German penal system where his own country could pay for his life imprisonment rather than Virginia taxpayers. He has had no involvement in the case since January 2010." Kaine's successor as governor, McDonnell, told the U.S. Justice Department three days after he took office that it was imperative that Soering serve his time in Virginia and not in Germany. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in July 2010 that he would not consider transferring Soering, the son of a German diplomat, to a prison in his home country without the state's "clear and unambiguous" consent. Soering is serving his sentence at the Buckingham Correctional Center. Evidence at the trial showed that Soering, angry because girlfriend Elizabeth Haysom's parents wanted him to stop seeing their daughter, killed the couple after an argument at dinner. Kaine's action irritated the family of Nancy Haysom. "It is incredible that this governor would take that on himself without letting the family of the deceased know. I don't get it," Risque Benedict of Edgewater, Md., Nancy Haysom's brother, said in January 2010. Elizabeth Haysom pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the murders and is serving a 90-year sentence. Gordon Hickey, then Kaine's spokesman, said in January 2010 that Soering's lawyers sought the transfer. Kaine told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in a telephone interview on Jan. 19, 2010 - days after he left the governorship - that he had turned down a similar request from the German government the year before, but that the proposal received in December 2009 included the promise to hold Soering for at least two years. Kaine said that after he rejected the German request in July 2009, "they . . . did something very unusual in the German court system, which is to get an order from the German courts imposing life sentences on Soering." He noted that German authorities also promised to keep Soering confined for at least two years. "With those stipulations I felt like, OK, at this point . . . let the German government assume the burden of incarcerating Soering rather than Virginia's," Kaine said. Kaine said he had no doubts about Soering's guilt. In 2011, Kaine cited the fiscal consideration. "I basically decided, look, Virginia taxpayers have borne the cost of this German citizen's incarceration for 20-plus years. I thought it was time for German citizens to bear the cost of his incarceration," he said. "I did not believe that it would be popular, but I thought it was the right thing to do." In December 2011, during a debate at the state Capitol with Allen, his Republican rival for the U.S. Senate, Kaine said he initially rejected the request from the German government until he was assured that Soering would never set foot on U.S. soil again and would serve at least two years in Germany. "With those guarantees, my attitude was 'good riddance,' " Kaine said. "If somebody is in this country, and they're not a citizen, and they commit a horrible crime, we ought to kick them out as soon as we safely can." The owner of a Loyal Street building in the River District wants to restore a faded historic Coca-Cola sign on the structures south wall and add a slogan. The restoration, if approved by the River District Design Commission, would include a slogan such as Welcome to Historic Danville or Historic River District. The building is at 729 Loyal St. Emilie Nicholls, communications manager for public affairs at Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated in Charlotte, North Carolina, estimated the existing ghost sign or faded sign at the south side of the building dates from the late 1930s. The building is owned by Thomas Moore, Nicholls said during an interview Thursday. Nicholls submitted an application for a certificate of appropriateness from the commission which was scheduled to consider it during its meeting Thursday afternoon for the sign restoration and slogan. The meeting was canceled due to lack of a quorum. She would be administering a grant for the project with the grant likely to be from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the buildings condition and additional work needed, Nicholls said. A muralist will clean the building and get rid of flaking paint, she said. The project will also include application of sealant, pencil sketching of the restored sign, addition of outdoor paint and another coat of sealant, Nicholls said. Nicholls said possible slogans include Welcome to the Historic River District or Welcome to Historic Danville. She hopes the project would be complete by mid-October, with a community celebration held when its finished. The event would include catered food and possibly live music, she said. According to guidelines for historic buildings in the River District, murals should be placed on a blank [or mostly blank] side or back walls of commercial or industrial buildings, not on primary facades. Guidelines for restoring ghost signs call for avoiding gaudy colors, since part of the charm of such signs is their faded appearance. According to city staff, repainting the ghost sign is considered routine maintenance and does not need the commissions approval. The applicant provided the city with a sign permit application requesting to paint the wall and add a slogan. City staff hopes to reschedule the meeting and consider the application and other agenda items next week. GRAND JUNCTION, CO--(Marketwired - Aug 12, 2016) - Bullfrog Gold Corp. (OTCQB: BFGC) ("Bullfrog" or the "Company") corrects its press release of July 12, 2016 to the average grade of its mineral estimates at 0.89 grams/tonne, rather than 0.89 ounces per tonne. The press releases of April 11, 2016 and July 6, 2016 stated the correct grade. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including those with respect to the objectives, plans and strategies of the Company and those preceded by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "given," "targets," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "forecasts" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures and may not result in the discovery of sufficient mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no resources or reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Additional information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations is disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA / TheNewswire / August 12, 2016. - Northern Iron Corp. ("Northern Iron" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NFE) (FRANKFURT: N8I) today announced the closing of the previously announced acquisition of three lithium projects in Nevada and Arizona for an aggregate purchase price of approximately 40 million NFE common shares and $390,000 in cash (see press release dated July 28, 2016), subject to any post-closing adjustments. The Company issued 2,650,000 common shares as finder's fees in connection with the transaction. The property shares and finder's fee shares are subject to a four month hold period expiring December 11, 2016. Two of the projects that the Company has acquired are brines and the other lithium project is hosted in volcanic clays. Approximately two-thirds of global lithium production are derived from brines, salts and clays. While brines are considerably lower grade in lithium than spodumene, the saleable products (lithium carbonate, lithium chloride and other lithium compounds) are generally of higher grade and purity and are subsequently used in battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and polymers. The lime soda or solar evaporation process simplistically involves the pumping of lithium-bearing brines out of a reservoir and into a series of shallow ponds where the brine is left to evaporate. NEVADA Northern Iron Corp. has acquired 140 mineral claims comprising 2,800 acres in Clark County, Nevada. The contiguous 'Jackpot Lake' claim group is located 39 miles NE of Las Vegas. Highlights/Geology - Jackpot Lake The USGS conducted a survey in 1976 taking 129 core samples, all of which encountered lithium with values up to 550 ppm and an average of 175 ppm. The geological and structural setting as well as the weathering history and brine at Jackpot Lake is highly analogous to the Clayton Valley, where Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) has its Silver Peak lithium-brine operation. Albermarle has been in continuous production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide products from Clayton Valley brines since 1967. The Jackpot Lake property is ideally situated to take advantage of, amongst other things, the solar energy zone in Nevada, and immediate highway access, with associated logistical and infrastructural advantages. Jackpot Lake claims cover the entire dry lake bed. Click Image To View Full Size ARIZONA The Company has also acquired two land packages in Arizona, consisting of 1,434 acres in the Wilcox Playa Basin; a large dry lakebed in southeastern Arizona, and 289 acres in the Little Rock Target in Yavapai County, Arizona. Highlights/Geology - Wilcox Playa Click Image To View Full Size The combination of a gravity survey showing a closed gravity low coincident with the zone of high electrical conductivity reinforces the concept that an accumulation of brine is present beneath Willcox Playa and that no hydrological outlet allows the accumulated brine to escape. High evaporation rates relative to precipitation in this desert environment allows any brine to become increasingly concentrated over time. A likely source area for lithium is located to the south, up the hydrological gradient from Willcox Playa in the felsic volcanic rocks at Three Sisters Buttes. Hot spring activity at Sulphur Springs, three miles up the hydrological gradient from the Arizona land permits, provides an ongoing mechanism for alteration and leaching of lithium-bearing felsic volcanic rocks. Subsurface drainage of this hydrothermal discharge will flow directly to Willcox Playa in the vicinity of the Arizona land permits. Highlights/Geology - Little Rock The Little Rock target was first identified serendipitously during a helicopter-borne VTEM electromagnetic survey conducted by Bell Copper Corp. in 2007 while searching for massive copper sulfide deposits. A large, highly electrically conductive body at the south end of the survey area was checked on the ground and found to be a strongly clay-altered rhyolite tuff mostly concealed by a basalt flow. Geological mapping to the west shows a similar bimodal rhyolite-basalt volcanic association that has been dated between 12 Ma and 8.8 Ma (Late Miocene, Moyer, 1990). Recognizing that the clay body had potential to be a lithium clay deposit, a reconnaissance sampling campaign was done to understand the extent of the target and the presence, if any, of lithium. Clear evidence was found of a closed, lacustrine paleoenvironment, including thinly bedded rhyolitic claystone and ripple-marked rhyolitic sandstone. Prior to emplacement of the capping basalt flow, hydrothermal fluid controlled by the basin bounding fault altered the rhyolitic glass to lithium-enriched clay, and then probably discharged into a shallow lakebed. In order to capture the projected basin-bounding fault and the potential volume of hot spring discharge into a closed basin beneath the capping basalt flow, 14 unpatented lode mining claims were staked. The conceptual dimensions of the target are about 2500 meters along the strike of the basin-bounding fault, about 300 meters perpendicular to the fault, by about 20 meters thick. Hectorite clay (LR-6) from an active bentonite mine located in the same late Miocene lacustrine and volcanic strata 40 kilometers to the east carries over 2700 ppm lithium. Timothy Marsh PHD, P. Eng, a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, prepared the disclosures reports related to the above three projects. NI-43-101 reports have not been prepared on these properties; and the Company has not verified the geological statements referred to above, which are based on historical data. About Northern Iron Corp. Northern Iron is the owner of five iron (magnetite) properties in the Red Lake District in the Province of Ontario. The Red Lake District is an established mining area in Ontario where Northern Iron has two near term development projects, the past producing Griffith mine and the Karas property. Northern Iron is currently working towards the production of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI), a transportable form of direct reduced iron. HBI is complementary and a viable metallic supplement to scrap steel. Quality scrap is a critical raw material in the steel making process. With the diminishing supply of quality scrap steel and ever increasing market demand, steel producers around the world will be looking to secure alternative supplies of metallic products. As part of the business plan, Northern Iron has acquired the past producing Griffith mine, which produced pellets and sponge iron (Direct Reduced Iron/DRI) from 1968 to 1986. The mine was owned and operated by STELCO and supplied pellets and sponge iron to the Hamilton and Nanticoke steel mills in Ontario. Transportation infrastructure is currently in place to ship produced HBI into the North American market via rail and lake barges and into Asian markets via rail through the port of Prince Rupert. Existing infrastructure includes all weather roads, 115kV power line, natural gas line, rail bed and port facilities. To date, Northern Iron has focused on de-risking the project by seeking out potential joint venture partners, off-take agreements or a combination thereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. For further information, please contact: Basil Botha President & CEO Northern Iron Corp. Tel: 604-566-8570 Fax: 604-602-9868 Email: bbotha@northernironcorp.com Website: www.northernironcorp.com For up to the minute news, industry analysis and feedback follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus and YouTube. Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO--(Marketwired - Aug 12, 2016) - Azarga Uranium Corp. (TSX:AZZ)(FRANKFURT:P8AA)(OTC PINK:PWURF) ("Azarga Uranium" or the "Company") has issued 2,139,715 common shares, as described below, to settle outstanding obligations. The issuance of the common shares to settle outstanding obligations is consistent with the Company's strategy of preserving cash. Further to the Company's news releases on 19 May 2016 and 8 July 2016, the Company has issued: 56,995 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.60 per common share and 66,015 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.30 per common share to settle deferred compensation owing to three non-insider employees and one consultant in the amount of US$44,400; 1,140,626 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.60 per common share to settle US$532,800 of interest owing on the Company's US$1.8 million convertible loan with certain shareholders. Two of the three shareholders are insiders of the Company, while the other shareholder has an arm's length relationship with the Company; and 812,500 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.29 per common share as a bonus payment to certain insiders, employees and a former employee, who was an employee when the bonus payment was earned, of the Company. In addition, the Company has issued 63,579 common shares at a deemed price of C$0.60 per common share to settle insider debts of US$29,699. The issuance of the common shares is subject to final approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. Of the common shares issued, 1,229,205 common shares are subject to a hold period expiring on December 13, 2016. About Azarga Uranium Corp. Azarga Uranium is a mineral development company that controls six uranium projects, deposits and prospects in the United States of America (South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado) and the Kyrgyz Republic. The Dewey Burdock Project in South Dakota (the "Project"), which is the Company's initial development priority, has received its Nuclear Regulatory Commission License and the Company is in the process of completing all other major regulatory permit approvals necessary for operation of the Project, including those from the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Dakota Department of Natural Resources. Follow us on Twitter at @AzargaUranium. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's strategy to preserve cash and the Company's continued efforts to obtain all major regulatory permit approvals necessary for operation of the Project. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: (1) the risk that such statements may prove to be inaccurate and (2) other factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Company's most recent MD&A filed with Canadian security regulators. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News Release. When Kerby Craig ran his first burger pop-up nearly two years ago, the entire menu sold out within 45 minutes. In fact, whenever he staged one of these events from Ume, his hatted restaurant in Surry Hills, there would be lines down the block. And in June, when his last pop-up coincided with intense storms that caused flooding across the state, there were still massive queues and, despite all the severe weather warnings, it was a record-breaking success for him. So perhaps it's no surprise that Craig has turned his fine-dining restaurant into Bar Ume, which focuses on Japanese-style burgers - with a drinks menu of Japanese beers, whiskies and sakes to match. It's also a forerunner to the Ume Burger outlet he'll be opening at Barangaroo next month. Sydney is in no danger of running out of burger joints - in fact, we've even started importing outlets, such as Ze Pickle and Brooklyn Depot Burgers and Brew from Queensland and Royal Stacks from Melbourne - but Bar Ume stands out for many reasons. The koji fried chicken. Photo: Lee Tran Lam It's not serving cliched fries and patties - and the standard-setting menu is by a team of one-hat talent (remember that Craig famously got a chef's hat tattooed to his neck after he first scored the honour at Koi restaurant and continually maintained that status at Ume). Here, he has collaborated with award-winning pastry chef John Ralley (from Textbook Patisserie) on the bread, to create the Hokkaido-style milk bun. The pickles, tartare and special sauces are all house-made and there's a strong Japanese accent shot through the menu (don't worry, that doesn't mean there are questionable sushi and sashimi burgers on the menu, though). Craig has retained popular items from his pop-ups, such as the signature Ume burger ($15) and the top-selling Ebi burger ($15), made with prawn katsu wedged between slathered Japanese tartare sauce and shredded cabbage. Don't assume that bacon cheese burger ($17) is a carbon copy of the classic American staple; here it holds rice vinegar pickles and a special sauce bolstered with Japanese mayo and other Asian ingredients. The vegetarian kakiage burger. Photo: Lee Tran Lam His head chef Joe Siahaan is experimenting with a variety of vegetarian burgers, using kakiage tempura (which is ridiculously good, by the way) or broccoli cheese instead of bun-fattening patties; there's also a sweet potato curry and provolone flavour that Craig would like to resurrect from an early pop-up. Other menu items include koji fried chicken ($9), ultra-addictive hot chips with umami salt ($5) and the Japanese approach of bumping up your burger menu with lots of interesting sides - such as Brussels sprouts with sake lees vinegar dressing ($8), fried Jerusalem artichokes with nori mayo ($8) and Japanese-style potato salad ($5). Craig will be working across Bar Ume and the about-to-open Ume Burger at Barangaroo's Wulugul Walk, which will have some menu cross-over (as well as special items, like a tonkatsu burger). It's no doubt that either outpost is worth attending, even during a severe storm (but you don't need a weather warning to go - just bring your appetite). Open Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, 02 9380 7333, umeburger.com Address 239 Victoria St Abbotsford, VIC 3067 View map Opening hours Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm Features Cheap Eats, Breakfast-brunch, Vegetarian friendly Prices Cheap (mains under $20) Chef Tanpapat family Payments eftpos, Cash, Visa, Mastercard Phone 03 9041 1525 "Jinda Thai is a family business. We have eight family members working in it," says Prem Tanpapat of the Abbotsford institution. So when a Jinda person married, and the family grew, it seemed like time to expand the business too. The new cousin-in-law, Phon, brought Melbourne cafe experience and baking skills with her. "We mixed her cafe skills with our Thai restaurant skills to bring something different to the Melbourne cafe scene," Tanpapat says: and so Oneyada Cafe was born, a Melbourne-Thai hybrid breakfast thing. If you're having trouble imagining what Thais eat for breakfast, think of the kind of food you'd find in one of Bangkok's early-morning wet markets rice soups and grilled roti mixed with Vietnamese-influenced dishes from Thailand's north-east. Asian-style brekkie: Kaya toast with Thai coffee served at Oneyada Cafe. Photo: Jesse Marlow One of the stand-outs from that wet market selection is the jasmine rice soup, a big bowl of steamed rice swimming in clear chicken broth and topped with pieces of sweet, steamed barramundi. The flavours are clean and pure, lifted with fresh ginger, spring onion and coriander: delicious, soulful and very south-east Asian. Guay jub yuan is another go-to dish. This soup comes from the north-eastern Thailand province of Nakon Panom; Tanpapat's grandmother was born in Vietnam and migrated there after theVietnam War. Grandma Jinda still cooks it for Sunday family breakfasts. It's a lovely bowl of glutinous rice noodles in a pork broth topped with minced pork and Vietnamese-style pork loaf, made all the better if you add an optional onsen-style egg, and a few drops of a house-made chilli oil that must be Melbourne's spiciest. Cousin Phon shows her baking skills in the kaya bread: two soft white rolls in that familiar Asian "pan" style, with two little dishes of kaya sauce made from coconut milk and condensed milk flavoured with pandan and pumpkin. This is a treat with the Thai-style filter coffee, made from imported Thai grounds brewed with brown sugar and served with condensed milk on the side ("Thais like their sweets," Tanpapat says). Guy job yuan soup (with egg) at Oneyada Cafe. Photo: Jesse Marlow Roti prata is a common street food in Thailand, where it's usually a simple affair of grilled roti slathered with condensed milk. Oneyada adds house-made coconut ice-cream and fresh fruit for a sweet Melbourne breakfast edge, while Tanpapat describes the kai toon tom yum, egg custard served with tom yum soup, as a "fusion dish that we created". "Thai customers love it," she says. "They have never tasted anything like it." We love the kai gra ta, a north-eastern dish of eggs baked in the pan with slices of cocktail sausage, Chinese sausage and minced pork, topped with an enoki tempura-type thing and served with a hunk of crusty toasted white bread. It comes to the table with a caddy of sauces Worcestershire, ketchup and Maggi. Hybrid? You bet. But bring us one of everything. It's all in the family here. Vibe: Rice soups and grilled roti: Bangkok-style market breakfasts add to Melbourne's cafe scene. Pro Tip: Espresso coffee from one of Melbourne's best (but least known) speciality roasters, Maker Fine Coffee Go-to Dish: Guy Guay jub yuan Contributed photo Charlie Gemora prepares to put on his gorilla suit. SHARE Contributed photo Charlie Gemora in "The Chimp" with Laurel and Hardy - 1932 Contributed photo Gemora gets help putting on the Martian suit for "The War of the Worlds" 1953. Contributed photo Diana and father Charlie Gemora circa 1952 Contributed photo Charlie Gemora, in his last outing as a gorilla, watches Abner Biberman (left) and George Zucco in "The Monster and the Girl" - 1941 By Nick Thomas Movie databases would suggest makeup genius Charlie Gemora worked on about 100 films. "More likely it was over 1,000," said his daughter, Diana, from her home in Oregon. "He began creating sculptures for film sets in the 1920s, which evolved into designing and wearing gorilla suits. From there, he became a successful makeup artist." Born in the Philippines in 1903, Charlie was the youngest of nine children. After his father died, Charlie ran away only to be found by his family and placed in a monastery for several years, where he immersed himself in art books. Yearning for a better life, the young teenager stowed away on a ship bound for San Francisco. Arriving in America, Gemora found work at a fruit farm and later a dairy on the West Coast. After winning an art contest in 1922, he headed to Hollywood in search of employment as an artist. "Universal was making 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1923) and hired Charlie as an extra," Diana said. "Someone from the art department saw his sketches and said if he could draw, he could be a sculptor, and that's how it all began. When an ape suit was needed for 'The Lost World' (1925), Charlie helped design it." Standing just over 5 feet tall, Gemora went on to design Hollywood's most realistic gorilla suits and wear them in films alongside notable comedy stars such as the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, and Hope and Crosby, as well as in dramatic movies such as "Murders in the Rue Morgue." An artist herself today (see westgate-works.com), Diana said that despite her father's busy schedule, he found time for his family. And at home with her friends, she says Gemora was entertaining. "He didn't dress up in the gorilla suits but was a great storyteller. He would corral my teenage friends and was like a pied piper telling them funny stories from his career. He was always a great practical joker on movie sets." Like the time he played the gorilla on the set of "Island of Lost Souls." "The Promotion Department wanted the public to think a real gorilla was being used and kept Charlie in the cage for several days while in public view. They were on location at a wharf in Long Beach using real longshoremen, and one sailor taunted Charlie relentlessly." Never revealing his identity, Gemora submitted to the abuse while plotting his revenge for the last day of shooting, when he secretly loosened the bars of the cage. "Charlie lunged at the sailor, who burnt rubber on his shoes running away and never even came back for his pay!" Many more stories from Gemora's career can be found in J.L. Barnett's detailed 2016 documentary "Charlie Gemora: Uncredited" (see charliegemora.com). Although he went on to become a first-class makeup artist and prop designer creating such iconic costumes as the Martian in 1953's "The War of the Worlds" Diana believes years of wearing hot gorilla suits took their toll. Gemora died in 1961 at age 58. "It killed him before his time," she said. "He had to have oxygen tanks nearby while wearing the suits and after making 'The Monster and the Girl' (1941) had a major heart attack. He continued to work, but it was his last solo gig as a gorilla and (he) only did the head close-ups and a little body work afterwards." Although rarely seen on film out of makeup, Gemora will always be remembered for creating early Hollywood magic on the big screen. "King Kong might have died for love of his lady," Diana said, "but Charlie died for love of a gorilla." Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 600 magazines and newspapers. See tinseltowntalks.com. Patrick Dove/Standard-Times file Doctors Tom DeMeester (left) and Pat Gibson spend a moment talking to patient Renee Spieker before her surgery this summer to implant a new device to help Spiekeras severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gibson, a surgeon at Community Medical Center, was one of only six doctors in Texas trained to implant the LINX system. SHARE By Anne Flippin Anne.Flippin@Gosanangelo.Com 325-659-8250 Dr. Patrick E. "Pat" Gibson embraced West Texas as home when he transplanted his family from the eastern part of the state in 1986. His death surprised and stunned many of his co-workers and friends like a sharp blow. Several friends confirmed that Gibson's body was the one San Angelo Police Department officers found in a 2007 Toyota SUV at Santa Rita Park on Thursday night. It appears Gibson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 61. Friends remember the surgeon as reliable and conscientious, but mostly as a gracious and gregarious member of the community. "He could tell a tale," said Brian McDaniel, a friend of Gibson's since they were 10. He said Gibson was also good at listening, "It was an approach he learned from his medical training: listening to try to learn," McDaniel said. Gibson was sociable, McDaniel said, and loved San Angelo. He had a Texas drawl pronounced enough that "he couldn't hide in a New York bar and have people not know where he was from," McDaniel said. He often wore western boots and western wear, McDaniel said, even to formal affairs. Gibson grew up knowing from childhood what his career path would be, McDaniel said. Gibson would follow his father's footsteps. Gibson's father, Dr. Louis E. Gibson, was a respected surgeon in Corsicana, where the boys grew up, McDaniel said. Gibson, the youngest sibling of two sisters and a brother, would accompany his father to the operating or emergency room of the Medical Arts Clinic, a hospital his father helped start. McDaniel said that in eighth grade, his own science fair experiment "had something to do with prisms and light refraction," but Gibson presented a project in which he performed a heart transplant on a rabbit. That was the kind of drive that Gibson had, McDaniel said. Gibson and his wife, Alicia, often were at the forefront of community efforts supporting the arts and schools, including the San Angelo Symphony, Angelo Civic Theatre and Feast of Santa Angela. Debbi Meads, chief operating officer of the San Angelo Schools Foundation, said Alicia was an important supporter of program and Gibson always emceed the foundation's events. He went above and beyond by interviewing honorees before presentations to find out more about them for his introductions. Meads said some people "listen beautifully," and that's how Gibson was. "I'm going to miss him," she said. Gibson also served as a director of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and as a member of then-U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm's Rural Health Care Task Force, according to a news release from San Angelo Community Medical Center. Gibson was a board-certified general surgeon. He graduated from Baylor University and received his medical degree at Southwestern Medical School, Dallas. He did his general surgical residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and his vascular residency at Baylor University Hospital, both in Dallas. Gibson joined San Angelo Community Medical Center in 1986 and served as director of trauma and chairman of the SACMC Board of Directors from 1995-2003. He continued to serve as a SACMC director until his death. Earlier this year, Gibson was one of six selected esophageal surgeons in Texas to introduce a new bracelet procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. "Dr. Pat Gibson was an icon at the hospital and in the broader community," said Eric Becker, CEO of SACMC in a news release from the hospital. "He was a professional's professional, who was always upbeat, positive and a pleasure to work with. Dr. Gibson will be sorely missed as a colleague, a leader and a friend." Shawna Ward, RN, who served as Gibson's office and surgical nurse, said in the news release, "Dr. Gibson was a rarity. He had exceptional hands for surgery and an exceptional heart for people. He was compassionate, empathetic and engaging. He was everything you want your doctor to be." Gibson grew up in a family that enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, McDaniel said. A trophy room in the surgeon's home is a testament to Gibson's skill hunting with a bow. One wall holds trophy heads from a trip to Africa, a large caribou head sits over the fireplace, and another wall showcases the heads of a number of bucks with at least 10-12 points, "all shot within the city limits of San Angelo," he said. Gibson prided himself on knowing areas just within the city limits, but still "pretty far out there," where he could hunt. "Pat was an avid sportsman, who savored every moment he spent in the outdoors, whether it was in Texas, Alaska or Africa," said Dr. Stephen Boster, a hunting companion and emergency room physician at Shannon Medical Center, in a SACMC news release. "He was energized by the camaraderie, by the majesty of nature and by the chance to live beyond the routine." McDaniel said he and Gibson formed a rock ?n' roll band in 1965 with three other young men. They called themselves The Others and won the State Fair of Texas Battle of the Bands in the early 1970s. The band members stayed in touch and had played together occasionally in the years since graduation. McDaniel said it was difficult because Gibson lived in West Texas and the others lived in the Dallas area, but they came together to perform for their 20th high school reunion and even recorded two CDs. Local musician Terry Mikesa also said Gibson loved music and asked him to learn to play "MalagueAa," a song written by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. Mikesa said that was Gibson's favorite song. Gibson played guitar, Mikesa said, and held an occasional get-together with other doctors to play music in his garage. Friends also said Gibson was strong in his faith. McDaniel described Gibson as a devout believer with strong family values and "as true a person as you would ever know." Survivors include his wife and two adult children. No funeral service information is known at this time. The Standard-Times does not normally report on suicides except those that occur in public areas. Jacoby Thompson is 14 years old. He wrote a special letter to his great-granddad, Raymond Paul Dehnel, who turns 100 this Friday. Jacoby's great-granddad was born Aug. 12, 1916, in San Angelo. He was the first of 11 children. Jacoby's great-granddad, Raymond, was born to Paul and Ava Lee Dehnel at their home on Randolph Street in San Angelo. The Dehnels owned the Dehnel Grocery Store on Oakes Street across from where Troy Laundry still stands. "The store had the first soda fountain in San Angelo, something we can now find almost anywhere," Jacoby wrote. Jacoby's great-grandad "used the store as a tool, to help teach his children and to give them life skills they could really use," Jacoby said." "He also taught them much about generosity and helping those in need," Jacoby wrote. Jacoby said his great-grandfather was taught reading, writing and arithmetic by his parents, so when he started school at Fort Concho Grade School, he began in second grade. Jacoby said in that time the school was in the middle of the parade ground at the fort and just down the street from the family's store." In 1918, the Dehnels moved the store to 1413 S. Chadbourne St. While the store was being built the family lived on Avenue K. A little while later they moved to 5 E. Avenue J. Some of Raymond's responsibilities at the store were to help sweep the floors, stock the shelves, take the deposits to the bank and write the checks to pay the bills. Each day he wrote the Stock Market changes on a chalkboard in the back of the store. "You could not just look them up on your cellphone in those days," Jacoby wrote. Raymond's sister, Margarete, recalled a story about the store from 1929. "Two men came into the store to check on their stocks only to find out that the market had crashed that day." Jacoby said. "Both men left the store weeping as they had lost all their investments; this day is now known as Black Monday," Jacoby wrote. There was a time that Raymond bought a boxcar full of canned tomatoes. Raymond's father fired him because he thought they would never sell all those canned tomatoes. But soon afterward there was shortage of canned tomatoes in town and they sold all the tomatoes quickly, even selling them to other grocery stores. Raymond never went back to work at his father's store. As the Great Depression started in the 1929, Raymond started at San Angelo High School. When he graduated in 1933, his was the only class not to have a yearbook, as no one had the money to pay for one. In 1934 he decided to attend San Angelo College (now Angelo State University), which stood where the Central Freshman Campus is now, and he graduated in 1936 with a major in accounting. As Raymond and his brothers grew up they would walk, sometimes barefoot, to the Church of Christ at Harris and Irving streets on Sunday mornings. With the influence of several of his friends, Raymond accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church in San Angelo. "This was a very important decision that would be evident throughout his life," Jacoby, said. Jacoby said Raymond went to work at a local wholesale house for several years to make money so desperately needed by the family. In 1939 Raymond started attending Texas Tech in hopes of receiving an engineering degree. At Tech he joined the Signal Corps ROTC as he previously had been a part of the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club lead by Wilbur Anderson, the man who started Western Towers. Raymond decided to come back and spend the summer of 1940 in San Angelo. While he was in town he helped Hillcrest Baptist Church go out and witness to people. He was paired with a young lady named Novella Jones. When Raymond returned to Tech he wrote back and forth with Novella for two years. On Sept. 15, 1942, they were joined in marriage by the Rev. Wade Campbell, minister at Lake View Baptist Church. Raymond and Novella started a family that would grow to seven children five girls and two boys. In 1938, war clouds began to overshadow the world. "Raymond enlisted in the Army and went to officer training school in Monmouth, New Jersey," Jacoby wrote. Then one day Raymond was called before several officers and ordered to report to Camp Crowder, Missouri, thinking he had flunked out of officer training. Soon afterward he was sent to Hawaii until the end of the war. In 1947 Raymond took a position with Shell Oil Company, so the family moved to Colorado City. They moved seven years later to Midland and then 10 years later to McCamey. Their children all graduated from high schools in Midland or McCamey. Raymond started a small tax accounting service on the side. He delivered packages in McCamey and the surrounding towns for Tex-Pac. He led the singing and was a deacon at Eastside Baptist Church. Raymond and Novella lived in McCamey for 25 years until he retired from Shell in 1987 at age of 70. Shortly thereafter they moved back to San Angelo. In San Angelo Raymond continued his accounting service from his home until he was 87. He served as deacon and trustee at Belmore Baptist Church. Sadly, his wife passed away in November 2014, just two months after their 72nd wedding anniversary. Raymond hummed Christian hymns while he went through the day. He loved to tell stories about his time in the Army in Hawaii. He would tell the stories over and over to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or anyone else who had the time to listen to them. Raymond also could point out the constellations in the night sky and tell you about the stars. Unfortunately we can no longer hear those stories as he has lost most of his ability to speak, the result of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. "Raymond Dehnel lived and saw the last 100 years, and it is amazing all the things he has seen in his life," Jacoby said. "As we prepare to celebrate my great-granddad's birthday I reflected on his life," Jacoby wrote. "He never rose to any high position of leadership nor had any great claim to fame. Most of those reading this article may have never heard his name. Yet, my great-granddad loved his family, worked hard to provide for the them, gave generously to others, and walked faithfully serving the Lord Jesus Christ. "That is 100 well-lived years." Rick Smith is a local news and community affairs columnist. Contact him at 325-659-8248 or rick.smith@gosanangelo.com. SHARE By Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune (TNS) CHICAGO Nearly 100 people have been shot in Chicago in less than a week, pushing the number of shooting victims so far this year to more than 2,500 about 800 more than this time last year, according to data kept by the Chicago Tribune. Between last Friday afternoon and early Thursday, at least 99 people were shot in the city, 24 of them fatally. At least nine people were killed on Monday alone, the deadliest day in Chicago in 13 years, according to Tribune data. Among the wounded that day was a 10-year-old boy shot in the back as he played on his front porch in Lawndale. The number of shooting victims in Chicago stood at 2,514 Thursday morning. At this time last year, 1,725 people had been shot. The city has not seen this level of gun violence since the 1990s, a trend the department has blamed on lax gun laws and feuding gang factions. Over eight hours from Wednesday evening through early Thursday, three people were killed and at least 10 others were wounded in the city. A 45-year-old man was killed and two others were wounded when someone walked up to their van in the Gresham neighborhood around 1:55 a.m. Thursday, yelled "Hey" and started shooting, police said. The three two men and a woman had been stopped at a stop sign in the 8000 block of South Marshfield Avenue when the gunman opened fire, police said. The van took off, made a left turn on 78th Street and stopped, police said. The 45-year-old man was shot in the back and forearm. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and was pronounced dead, police said. The other man was shot in the right forearm and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. The woman was struck in the hip and back. She was also taken to Stroger Hospital, where her condition was stabilized, police said. About 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, a 22-year-old man died after being shot in the head in the West Pullman neighborhood on the Far South Side, police said. Officers responded to a call of shots fired and found Stephon Triplett lying on the parkway in the 12400 block of South Lowe Avenue, police said. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:13 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Triplett lived two blocks away in the 12400 block of South Emerald Avenue, the office said. The third fatal shooting occurred around the same time, at 10 p.m., in the Near West Side neighborhood, police said. A 22-year-old woman was in a car traveling west on Adams Street near Oakley Avenue when a black Hyundai sedan pulled up and someone got out and fired shots, police said. The gunman ran away as the Hyundai sped away, police said. The woman was hit twice in the chest. She was driven to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said. Other shootings: Around 4 a.m. Thursday, a 31-year-old man was wounded in the 5200 block of West Quincy Street in the Austin neighborhood, police said. The man was shot in the lower back, and he was taken in fair condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, police said. Around 12:20 a.m., a 34-year-old man was critically wounded in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side, police said. The man was shot five times in the 4200 block of West Grenshaw Street. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, police said. About 11 p.m. Wednesday, a 27-year-old man was wounded in the Marquette Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side, police said. The man was in the 7200 block of South Artesian Avenue when he was shot in the right foot. He was taken to a hospital but his condition was not known. About 10 p.m., a 20-year-old woman was wounded in the Longwood Manor neighborhood on the Far South Side, police said. The woman was in the 9600 block of South Wentworth Avenue when she was shot in the right foot. She was taken to Roseland Community Hospital, where she was listed in good condition, police said. Police said the woman was being uncooperative. About 9:20 p.m., a 24-year-old man was grazed in the South Chicago neighborhood on the South Side, police said. The man was walking in the 2400 block of East 82nd Street when someone sitting on a park bench took out a gun and fired, police said. The man was grazed and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in good condition, police said. Paramedics were called to the 5600 block of South Wolcott Avenue about 8:55 p.m. and found two shooting victims, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Jeff Lyle. One person was shot in the arm, the other was shot in the leg, Lyle said. One of them was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, and an ambulance remained to treat the other person, Lyle said. About 8:25 p.m. on the Far South Side, a 32-year-old man was shot in the back in the 700 block of East 105th Place in the Roseland neighborhood, said Officer Thomas Sweeney, a police spokesman. The man went to Roseland Community Hospital, Sweeney said. SHARE By Staff Report A San Angelo man has been charged by the federal government with defrauding investors in an oil and gas drilling scheme. Stanley Jonathan Fortenberry, 50, of San Angelo, was charged with three counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of obstructing an official proceeding. Fortenberry was arrested Thursday morning and made his initial appearance in court Thursday afternoon, according to a statement released late Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. The statement alleged that during 2013 and 2014, Fortenberry ran Wattenberg Energy Partners, which raised funds for oil and gas drilling projects in northern Colorado. Fortenberry allegedly set up the company in his son's name because Texas and Pennsylvania state securities regulators had previously ordered Fortenberry to not sell unregistered securities in oil drilling projects. The indictment alleges that Fortenberry used a network of salespeople to call and solicit individuals to invest in drilling projects. Rather than designate investors' funds for drilling projects as promised, the indictment alleges that Fortenberry spent the vast majority of the funds on himself and the company's fundraising operation. The indictment also alleges that to make Wattenberg more appealing to investors, Fortenberry misled investors into believing that Wattenberg had substantive control over the drilling projects when, in reality, Wattenberg was merely a fundraising operation that passed along funds to other companies that actually had control. From 2010-12, the U.S. Attorney alleges, Fortenberry also ran a separate fraudulent scheme conducted through Premier Investment Fund. According to an indictment, Fortenberry through Premier raised funds from investors for social media projects run by another company connected to the country music industry. The indictment alleges that Fortenberry misrepresented to investors the profitability of the company and how he would be compensated. The company earned no profits and Fortenberry spent approximately half of the funds raised on himself, according to the indictment. The total amount lost by investors from both schemes was estimated to be $900,000, the U.S. Attorney said. In October 2014, Fortenberry allegedly gave false and misleading testimony in an administrative proceeding before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which was investigating Fortenberry at the time on suspicion he was misusing funds that investors had entrusted to Premier. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John R. Parker of the Northern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Class Sr. of the FBI's Dallas Office made the announcement. The FBI's Dallas Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney William E. Johnston of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The SEC has provided assistance in this matter, the announcement said. The charges in the indictment are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. As Elon Musk takes over, will some Twitter operations move to Austin? With Tesla and the Boring Company already based here, having some Twitter operations in Austin would make sense, analyst says. Standard-Times file Local shops such as Sassy Fox as well as big box stores are trying to keep up with trends as the new school year nears. Many local retailers began clearing out summer items in July. SHARE Back-to-school shopping keeps stores such as Office Depot busy restocking. The retailers also have to do their research By Becca Nelson Sankey, Special to the Standard-Times Students headed back to school after summer break aren't the only ones facing homework; retailers, too, have to do their research sometimes through trial and error regarding local clothing and apparel trends for children, teens and young adults who will resume classes later this month. Many local retailers began clearing out summer items and bringing in back-to-school items such as classroom supplies and clothing last July. "It felt like there were back-to-college purchases earlier this year," said Susan Westfall, store manager at Target in San Angelo. "It came a little early; when the dorms open around the end of the month is when you will typically see that. It could be indicative of events and extracurricular activities that are starting now, which maybe are bringing in students earlier than in the past. I don't know how that's going to play out with the traffic through the rest of the month. We'll have to wait and see on that one." College students also comprised much of the traffic at Target during tax-free weekend Aug. 5-7, Westfall said. "The biggest volume was dorm-room purchases, ironing boards and vacuums and comforters," she said. "You would see a college-aged kid with two parents making very large purchases." Barbara Strain, owner of Jessie Rose Mercantile and Sassy Fox Boutique in downtown San Angelo, said she, too, has noticed customers stocking up. "The traffic is not as heavy as it was, but the people who are coming in are buying bigger than they were, spending a little more money than usual," Strain said. "Nobody's coming in and buying just one shirt. They're buying six, seven, eight pieces and more." Sassy Fox carries sizes small through 1X, as well as children's clothing in sizes toddler to girls size 14. Jessie Rose, a plus size women's boutique, has sizes 1X through 6X. Both boutiques see back-to-school shoppers, Strain said. "We have young people who are plus size as well, and they like to dress like the girls at Sassy Fox," Strain said. "Mainly what we're buying is the skinny jeans, and booties my goodness, people can't get enough of booties (and) the big plaid scarves, just a lot of solid-color shirts this year. We have a lot of back-to-school (clothes) for teachers as well. They like to get comfortable, easy- to-wear tops that are easy care." Other popular items include cross-body purses, knit dresses, leggings, and ruffle-bottom pants for girls, Strain said. Hailey Myers, owner of local children's boutique Fancy Pants, said personalizing items is a big trend this year. "The monogramming has been out of control," Myers said. "That's probably one of the most popular things. They're also vinyling all their school supplies. We don't do vinyling, but we refer customers to Sarah Menges with Salvage Sisters; we've used her for years. (Personalization) keeps the stuff you pay good money for with your kiddo." Hair bows in every color of the rainbow also are fashionable with young girls, Myers said, along with team spirit shirts that children can customize themselves. "Specific brands, I haven't noticed one (being more popular) than another," she said. "Kids are loving the neon and bright, fun colors, but that's kind of an every year thing." Strain said she keeps a finger on the pulse of trends by visiting the Dallas market and following clothing and shoe lines. "Right now I'm seeing tons of vests and plaid and olive and camo," she said. "When I see those things I kind of know that's the direction I need to go. At market a lot of these vendors come from New York and Chicago, and so we try not to buy the West Texas and cowboy and western (type apparel). San Angelo they always say is like two years behind, so we try to buy the trendy new things." Because of the heat and students' tendency to dress casually and cool, back-to-school time isn't what it once was for retailers, Strain said. "It's good for teachers," she said. "Teachers are buying more back-to school clothes than the kids are. We have back-to-school for teachers." Store managers see shoppers taking advantage of tax-free weekend Coupled with back-to-school sales, tax-free weekend Aug. 5-7 provided savvy shoppers ample opportunity to save in San Angelo. Theyre on budgets, said Beth Riebschlager, general manager at Sunset Mall. I think they knew what they needed and watched for the sales and took advantage of the sales at the same time as tax-free weekend. Because sales figures for last weekend were not immediately available for the retailers the Standard-Times interviewed, most could only speculate as to whether they experienced an increase in business over last year. I know we were busy and we stayed busy, Riebschlager said. It was a good traffic flow. I think it was a little busier than last year. It picked up earlier and stayed late in the evening. Susan Westfall, store manager at Target, said, It was better than we expected, and were very pleased. Molly Blakeman, Walmart representative, said in an email to the Standard-Times that the franchise, which has three supercenters and two neighborhood markets in San Angelo, is excited that it was able to get customers back to class for less. We know the savings they see during sales tax holidays can mean an extra shirt or a backpack for many families, she said. That, combined with our everyday low prices (think 300 items available for less than $1, 600 items for less than $2, more than 1,000 items for less than $3) means that our customers were able to get the items they needed with more money left in their pockets. H-E-B in San Angelo saw ample movement of school supplies and back-to-school basics, but sales were not better compared to last year, said Lynn Shipley, unit director. Were looking at an economic impact from the petroleum business (downturn) coupled with the competitors, he said. We have three new competitors. Customers dont have to drive all over the city now to find the items they need. Consumers nowadays are being more frugal with their money, Shipley said. Theyre being much more cautious with it, he said. Not knowing what the future economic conditions are going to be in an election year also plays a part in that. Becca Nelson Sankey Study Finds That Tinder Hurts Men's Self-Esteem Trending News: Tinder Is Bad For Your Self-Esteem, Study Finds Why Is This Important? Because hooking up in real life might be better for your confidence. Long Story Short Tinder hurts men's self esteem more than women's, a new study claims. Researchers were stunned by the findings. Long Story Tinder makes guys feel unhappy about their looks, a new study reveals. Single men who use the hook-up app are more likely to feel "body shame" and "emotionally vulnerability," according to University of North Texas researchers. Single guys are roughly three times more likely to swipe right on Tinder than women opening them up to "rejection and ghosting," according to the first-of-its-kind study. Straight guys are simply at a disadvantage, gender-wise, on Tinder, according to the studys co-author Jessica Strubel. One possible factor is that there are more male Tinder users than female Tinder users. Men also swipe right more than women, so they face rejection more often, which could affect their self-esteem, she told the New York Post. Researchers surveyed roughly 1,300 college students about the psychological effects of the app, according to a press release from the university. They found a strong correlation between Tinder and self-worth indicators, such as self-esteem, feelings of body shame, and internalization of cultural beauty standards. RELATED: How to be more confident And they were shocked to learn male users suffered more negative effects than women. The findings contradict past research, which has shown that women's self-perceptions are most affected by visual media, researchers said. "When it came to self-esteem, men had significantly lower self-esteem if they were Tinder users. When you think of the negative consequences, you usually think of women, but men are just as susceptible, Strubel said. Short guys end up feeling the worst about themselves, some users told The Post. It seems like all the women online were going for guys 6-foot-1 and above, said Ben Ellman, a 26-year-old (and presumably short) journalist from Brooklyn. For every 50 women he liked on Tinder, only one swiped right on him, he admitted. Its such a meritocracy for hot people People swipe left or right based on your profile picture, and that can make you feel bad about yourself, he told the paper. Some people are like, Well, if he only checks off three out of the seven things, that isnt enough, so Im gonna look for someone who checks off more things on my list [It] can make people feel disposable, Ellman added. Some women, by contrast, said they felt better about their looks after using Tinder, the paper reported. Ive always been confident, but when you use this tool and get 50 people wanting to see you, it can definitely be a confidence boost, Taylor Costello, a 24-year-old bartender said. People should go into online dating already feeling good about themselves, Julia Bekker, who owns the matchmaking firm Hunting Maven, told The Post. My advice is not to look for a confidence boost from dating apps and [to] go into the online-dating world already knowing your worth, she said. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question If guys were required to post their salaries on Tinder, would it change things? Disrupt Your Feed At least now we can say we kind of understand what women deal with everywhere else. Drop This Fact Male users swipe right on 46 percent of Tinder profiles. In contrast, women only swipe right 14 percent of the of the time. Graphic Illustration SHARE Michelle Kretzer, The PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Va. The hunter who was interviewed for "Romance, adventure ... and bow hunting" in Sunday's Standard-Times should remember that "the early morning stillness" she cherishes is shattered when hunters' gunfire turns animals' homes into war zones. Since she places a high value on maintaining a strong relationship with her husband, the next time they set out to hunt doves, perhaps they should think about the fact that doves also mate for life, and killing them likely means killing someone's lifelong companion. As the couple probably already knows, for every deer killed outright by a bow hunter, at least one other deer is shot but escapes. A study by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department found that the "wound rate" for bow hunting exceeds 50 percent. The escaped deer are left to suffer and die slowly from their injuries or struggle to survive with a disability. Hunting means hurting and killing animals and tearing their families apart, and there is nothing romantic or adventurous about it. The mayor of Rosemont has been cleared to get a 53 percent raise to $260,000 next year.Village trustees approved the hike Wednesday for Brad Stephens to take effect in May, if he is re-elected in April, as expected.Though Stephens is an elected official, he works like a full-time village administrator, Rosemont spokesman Gary Mack said. In a community of about 4,200 residents, Stephens oversees a staff of more than 200 full-time and 500 part-time employees, with a budget of $182 million, the village reported. He also serves as de facto economic and community development director, traveling nationwide to attract hotels, restaurants and other businesses to the village, Mack said."Rosemont is an anomaly in terms of its economy and the size of the village and what it does," Mack said. "His job goes far beyond mayor."The new mayor's salary includes $25,000 the town leader earns for also being the local liquor commissioner -- a figure that remains unchanged from the current pay.Including the liquor commissioner stipend, Stephens currently makes $170,000, similar to the average salaries of village administrators in 39 comparable municipalities, according to a 2012 study by the village. A village committee had recommended a raise in 2012, but Stephens declined, Mack said. A village committee recommended the raise and said it concluded that Stephens was "substantially under-compensated" when all his duties were considered.The increase will make the mayor more highly paid that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who city records show earns $216,210. Among other high-paid elected officials in Illinois, state Supreme Court justices earn about the same as Emanuel. Gov. Bruce Rauner, after taking office, announced he would accept just $1 a year for his service; Pat Quinn before him earned about $179,000 in his last year in the governor's office.Stephens is the son of Donald Stephens, who was Rosemont's mayor for more than 50 years and established the village as an economic powerhouse with a convention center, stadium, hotels and restaurants next to O'Hare International Airport. Several other family members are on the village payroll: Brad Stephens' nephew Chris Stephens earns $250,000 as head of the convention center, and Donald Stephens III, another nephew of the current mayor, makes $180,000 as head of the police and fire departments.Earlier this year, the village erected a statue of Donald Stephens atop a fountain, which cost it about $800,000.Mack said the village also generates a property tax refund to residents worth about $4,200 per property owner this year. 400-Year-Old Greenland Shark Becomes Oldest Vertebrate Animal Trending News: This Shark Lives For 400 Years, But Has To Wait 150 To Have Sex Why Is This Important? Because what a tortured life these sharks must lead. Long Story Short The Greenland shark has been given the title as the vertebrate that lives the longest after scientists discovered it can live for an estimated lifespan of four centuries. Another interesting fact scientists discovered about these northern predators: they live to over 150-years-old before having sex. Long Story For many-a-high schooler, waiting to lose your virginity can be a tortuous several years after puberty. But if these frustrated teens think they have to wait a while for someone to pop their cherry, try being a Greenland shark. When fully grown at five meters long, these sharks will have been on Earth for a whopping 400 years, according to a study published in Science. That age absolutely destroys the previously known lifespan of a bowhead shark, which is said to be 211 years. Humans, incase you were wondering, have only been able to make it to 122, in the case of French woman Jeanne Louise Calment. And finding out how long a shark lives for isn't as easy as, say, finding out how long a tree has been growing. You can't simply cut a piece of bone to find out their age it just doesn't work that way. So after spending decades trying to figure out how long these predators live, someone had the genius idea of looking at their eyeballs to see how much carbon content they've racked up. That turned out to be the key to determining these sharks' age. The scientists were also able to determine that the shark grows about 0.39 inches (1 cm) a year after starting at 15 inches (39 cm) at birth. Judging by the size of the sharks that were caught by the scientists, it was determined that they could live to 400 perhaps even 500. These scientists used the word "astonishing," to describe this unfathomably long lifespan. But during those centuries roaming the ocean being a total badass, the Greenland shark spends a good chunk of it without getting it on. The sharks only become able to reproduce when they get to 13 ft. (400 cm) long. That means it could take up to 150 years for the sharks to be primed and ready for sex. Damn, I guess being nearly immortal has its downsides. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Would you want to live for 400 years? Disrupt Your Feed If you pick these sharks' teeth you might find some explorer bones. Drop This Fact When scientists discovered a glow in the dark shark, they awesomely named it 'ninja lanternshark'. SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Lottery is using data analytics to drive operational efficiencies and grow an enterprise designed to funnel much-needed money into public education.From the selling of physical products, lottery tickets, to how they select their retailers, data analytics is bridging many of the gaps between mountains of data and actionable intelligence.During a panel discussion at the Aug. 11 California Technology Forum, Lottery CIO Chris Riesen explained that data was doing more than simply identifying when and where potential players might be, it is also helping to move the larger enterprise toward its strategic goal of becoming the largest lottery in the country.By mapping revenue growth over the course of the last several years, officials are confident they will be able to claim the top rank relatively soon. Riesen said revenues have increased from roughly $5 billion in 2014-15 to an unaudited $6.3 billion in 2015-16, and are expected to reach a projected $8 billion by 2018-19.And thats not a small jump to make. Its not easy to sell lottery products to necessarily the same people and keep growing it. We have to come up with new ways and think about what we do differently, he said. Weve done the math. We use analytics to support the thinking that we can be the largest lottery and we are using analytics to actually take us to that place.As Riesen sees it, the numbers only reinforce the fact that California is nowhere near meeting its potential for sales and growth. By leveraging historical data and context with business goals and operations, lottery officials are able to tackle a number of issues that they previously relied on people to track.We have a predictive model for scratchers in terms of them going out of stock or out of inventory at retailers, he said. And weve got a model to forecast or predict how well we believe a retailer will perform when it comes to selling lottery products.In the larger effort to move product, analytics is also removing some of the human suppositions that once played heavily into which retailers were selected to sell lottery tickets and scratchers, as well as predicting when those products would likely run out. Riesen said empty retail shelves equate to millions in lost revenues.If we dont have a product there that someone wants to come in and buy, thats lost revenue for us, lost profit for education, Riesen said, who added that the agency estimates that figure is in the millions of dollars every year.The organization has pushed past the old days of manually produced outage reports and has focused on identifying when product is likely to go out of inventory. The CIO said that in the near future, the predictive solution coupled with the product ordering system could help automatically allocate product to meet demand.But the California Lottery is not the only government agency leaning on the business potential of data analytics. Kevin Mergruen, vice president of Vertical Solutions for business intelligence provider Information Builders, said many sectors of government are turning to the technology for actionable intelligence that drives positive outcomes but this is not without challenges.Part of the challenge when we look at most government agencies is that we see a lot of data across the organization. There tends to be a lack of information consistency, a lot of redundancy, a lot of dirty data; there is not a consistent model for maintaining and making sure we have accurate information, he said.Disjointed and inaccurate data is one of the major hurdles to conquer before the data becomes useful and can be translated into actionable intelligence for the business side of the enterprise.One of the case studies Mergruen pointed to as a success was the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. A 40 percent staff reduction across the organization forced the tax collection agency to focus on running as efficiently as possible, which was achieved through the careful consolidation of 14 disparate systems.Similarly, public safety agencies have also leveraged the technology effectively. The Michigan State Police and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are using data analytics to look at traffic safety and incidents across their respective jurisdictions and improve collective public safety. (TNS) -- Internet search engine Google and Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate on Thursday announced a partnership to get the states small businesses on the map for consumers.The partnership, launched at the Iowa State Fair, is designed to help small businesses grow their online presence by assuring location and contact information is up to date.Four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information, yet only 37 percent of businesses have claimed their listing on a search engine, said Whitney Cox, small business outreach at Google, during a conference phone interview.Small businesses are the economic engine of local communities in Iowa. When they succeed, our communities do as well.Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said the partnership with Google is part of an ongoing effort to promote and encourage entrepreneurship in Iowa.Last year, we had a record number of new business filings in the state, surpassing the 20,000 mark, Pate said. This partnership with Google will help these businesses get online and reach more customers.Pate said Googles Lets Put Our Cities on the Map program helps businesses get found on Google Search and Maps, secure domain names and build websites.Pates office is listed as an official partner of Googles program. Businesses can find a link to small business resources on the secretary of states website, sos.iowa.gov, or at gybo.com/iowa-business.Lisa Shimkat, Iowa director of Americas Small Business Development Centers, said representatives will be available in the secretary of states booth throughout the run of the Iowa State Fair to help business owners learn how to use the online resources that are available.This partnership is a great opportunity to show the strong collaboration within our state to bring small businesses the best assistance to help them grow and thrive, Shimkat said. (TNS) -- Google's plan to at least temporarily suspend its fiber program and experiment with high-speed wireless internet delivery in Silicon Valley is the latest sign of how the search giant is playing a key role in jump-starting cheaper, faster service around the country.Google has done that, in part, by pushing competitors like AT&T and Comcast to move faster in boosting internet speed.While Google may be coming out ahead in this clash of titans -- faster and more widespread internet service means more clicks on Google ads -- the clear winner is the public, as the best and most affordable internet service is delivered to more and more customers across the U.S., analysts said."You really have to take your hat off to them," said analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics. "They're doing everything really, really well. Google can gently or directly make other companies move in the direction that benefits (Google)."In a filing last week to the Federal Communications Commission, Google revealed that the firm plans to secretly test wireless delivery of ultra-high-speed internet in San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto and other U.S. locations. The revelation followed news that Google's plan to roll out super-speedy fiber service in cities across the country has largely been put on hold, after it successfully pressured Comcast, AT&T and others to accelerate their own plans for lightning-fast internet."It's a very big deal," said Blair Levin, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "From a public policy perspective, this is a great game. We're doing more on the internet and because of this we'll be able to do it better and faster and cheaper."And that plays right into Google's advertising-based business model."The faster the internet connection that the customers have, the more money Google makes from selling advertising," Entner said. "So they are building these networks first with fiber to basically get everybody else moving."In a statement, Google said it is testing "the viability of a wireless network that relies on newly available spectrum. The project is in early stages today, but we hope this technology can one day help deliver more abundant Internet access to consumers."In its FCC filing, the company said it was keeping its workforce generally in the dark about the wireless program, with involvement only on a "need to know" basis. Third-parties working on the project have had to sign "robust" nondisclosure agreements, Google said. The firm also asked the FCC for redactions to public filings to protect information of "significant commercial value."Google blew the starting whistle on the great internet-service race by rolling out superfast Google Fiber in Kansas City in 2012 and inviting other cities to apply for the program, Levin said. More than 1,000 cities wanted in. The move by Google shook up the telecommunications and cable companies, which had for several years been simply harvesting users rather than improving internet service, Levin said.A year later, when Google Fiber moved into Austin, Texas, AT&T and Time Warner responded by announcing increases to internet speeds in Austin."In 100 percent of the cities where (Google has) announced a fiber build the telco (telecommunications company) has announced an upgrade to fiber and almost 100 percent of the cable guys have said they're going to do it as well. In this game, Google is a likely winner no matter what," Levin said.Cable operators including Comcast have reacted to Google's moves by using new technology that allows them to boost data-transmission speeds tenfold with modifications to cable hardware and distribution of new modems to customers, Entner said.Some analysts questioned whether Google ever wanted to get in the business of laying fiber."Digging up streets is definitely not Google's thing," Joel Espelien of The Diffusion Group said earlier this week. "Wireless is definitely much more kind of up their alley."Google's experimentation with wireless internet delivery is intended both as a means for the company to more cheaply reach users with its own high-speed service, as well as an incentive to its competitors to extend ultra-high-speed internet to areas where fiber deployment is cost-prohibitive, such as rural regions, Entner said."They want to provoke exactly the same response so that the high-speed internet is not just in the big cities but everywhere," Entner said. "For Google, it doesn't matter who provides the fast service."But purely in terms of internet speed, wireless remains inferior to fiber, Entner said. "One strand of fiber has more capacity than the entire wireless spectrum," he said.The three Silicon Valley cities were chosen for wireless testing because those sites will allow Google to use its own employees for the experiments and more effectively manage the tests, Entner believes.Google, said Levin, has been the "single most important force" in improving internet speed, access and price for Americans. On Aug. 10, a federal appellate court ruled against a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plan that would have allowed municipalities to build their own broadband networks, despite state laws explicitly prohibiting such buildouts. Such laws limiting government entry into the commercial broadband market exist in varying forms across 19 states. The ruling is seen by many broadband advocates as a blow to the vision of a future broadband market brimming with competition, and that provides cheap and equal access.While the ruling represents a milestone in the long-running debate of how the nations infrastructure ought to be managed, there are more immediate consequences too. Wilson, N.C., and EPB in Chattanooga, Tenn., intended to use the FCCs now-overturned power to build or extend their networks in competition with existing broadband providers. These buildouts are now illegal, as the FCCs claim that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 granted implicit power to supersede states rights were deemed illegitimate by United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The three-judge panel ruled that such power must be explicitly granted somewhere to be legally tenable."While we continue to review the decision, it appears to halt the promise of jobs, investment and opportunity that community broadband has provided in Tennessee and North Carolina," FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement, adding that he will "consider all our legal and policy options to remove barriers to broadband deployment."Many broadband advocacy groups criticized the courts ruling, including Next Century Cities (NCC), which called the decision a blow to communities fighting for more accessible, affordable Internet access for their residents. Groups like NCC are built around the philosophy that broadband networks are indispensable for the success of a communitys businesses, education systems and residents, and therefore its the right of communities to take their future into their own hands and build a network themselves if they believe the private sector isnt doing a sufficient job providing access.This ruling is problematic and anti-consumer, said NCC Executive Director Deb Socia.The issue here is whether or not people who really need broadband can receive that broadband from a willing provider, Socia told. In the case of EPB and Wilson, there are people across the street from their electric utility boundary on dial-up and satellite, paying exorbitant amounts, who would love to have that service. And on the other side, EPB is saying they are happy to provide it, and current law prevents them from doing this. Its just nonsensical to me that this continues to be the case.As a non-lawyer, Socia said she cant argue the legal decision the court made, but looking at the impact of the decision is enough for her to know its not right.Ive spoken with so many people who are struggling mightily to run their businesses, she said. I spoke with one woman [outside of Chattanooga] who has to drive 5 miles so she can get free Wi-Fi so she can manage her business. That kind of story is just heartbreaking. Its anti-consumer, but its also problematic for economic development and education and public safety and all the things we know we benefit from when we have access to high-speed broadband.Theres a possibility the decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court, Socia said, or that Congress may grant the FCC the explicit power the courts say it needs to circumvent state laws. Another option available to the FCC is to request an en banc review in front of all the Sixth Circuit judges. Or states could overturn the laws preventing municipal rollouts themselves.Debates in the technology world, and especially on the topic of broadband, often devolve into a narrative of good versus evil. In this case, the FCC is painted as a shining champion of the people and the court is the cowboy wearing the black hat, with no motive other than to prevent progress and further his own devious, nihilistic designs. Putting aside the fact that its the courts job to make a legal interpretation of the existing laws and precedents not to moralize or make planning decisions about the nations infrastructure the issue is not so simple, argued Doug Brake, telecommunications policy analyst at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).We filed with the FCC for them not to encourage municipal overbuilds, Brake explained. Setting aside the ideological or political concerns about the government competing with private industry, we think there is a legitimate concern where a municipality essentially cherry-picks the lowest cost to serve users where customers are most densely located within cities, more cheaply than in rural areas, they end up taking away customers from the larger network that serves both urban and rural customers. I think absolutely in an area where a community is legitimately not served, its a great model for municipal networks. But in general, states have a legitimate interest in blocking that.ITIF is a think tank whose concerns lie in analyzing the market economics and identifying models that are healthiest for innovation in the long term, Brake explained. And overbuilding networks in the name of increased competition is not the panacea that many believe it to be. It would probably be favorable to allow Chattanooga to expand their network, Brake said, but to redraw the boundaries of authority for all cases is to miss the big picture.Our position is that competition is not an unalloyed good in these sorts of markets, he explained. In industries like broadband, you have extremely high fixed costs and relatively low marginal costs. We think that competition follows an inverted U where either too many competitors or too few competitors is problematic. We dont like monopoly, but imagine there are four or five competitors in a market. Then everyone has the same fixed costs of building the network and there are more competitors, so theres less revenue per network to go around. So thats less money that gets put into actual research and development investment or upgrades to improve network speeds or performance. Theres a sweet spot in-between there with the ideal number of competitors.Municipal broadband advocates are typically more interested in efficiencies around price or service, but theyre not looking at the business side that these companies have to contend with to keep the technology moving forward. Theres also another option,Gig.U or Google Fiber, where a company uses existing infrastructure and its own technological prowess to further local access, without putting the onus on a community that may not have the resources to compete effectively in the market, while also continuing research and development.Municipal networks are not in the best position to be keeping up with the rapid change of different access technologies, Brake said. You get folks like [Harvard Law School's] Susan Crawford who think you should just get dark fiber in the ground and unbundle it, and get service competition on top of that, and she literally says thats future proof. We think that technology will continue to amaze us and want to have the incentives in place to develop the new forms of technology. Fiber isnt necessarily the end game." Benefits to government can be quick Hybrid infrastructure facilitates health-care delivery Resolving digital inclusion challenges Despite the fact that AT&T and Verizon stores are abundant in many neighborhoods, it doesnt take much to show that large incumbents do not adequately serve urban communities . Many cities such as Columbus, Ohio; Santa Monica, Calif.; and Longmont, Colo. build better, faster, cheaper networks and offer better customer service.Tom Spear, CEO of network infrastructure services provider enfoPoint Solutions, said he believes boosting competition can help.As soon as Google announced they planned to provide gigabit to Nashville," he said, "that was the first time Comcast indicated they could provide a gig to their business customers.And Google's recent news about its move into the wireless world highlights how Google, municipalities and others can bring stronger competition to incumbents.Many elected officials and community leaders in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities get righteously giddy about the prospect of becoming the next gig city until they get the estimated price tag.If cities were to step back from their conventional fiber-centric way of thinking, they could build infrastructure with a fraction of the cost of traditional fiber and still deliver gigabit service citywide, said Derick Lee, CEO of PilotCity . The innovations in wireless are phenomenal.Building a hybrid fiber/wireless infrastructure can go a long way to quickly get community broadband benefits to urban and rural areas.In 2004, Philadelphia estimated it could have saved $2 million a year by replacing incumbents cellular services for its 2,000 mobile city government workers and 300 remote offices. The city would have instead paid $20 per month to lease wireless services from Wireless Philadelphia (now defunct), a nonprofit created by the city, as well as eliminated T1 lines to the citys remote facilities.Also at that time, Houston contemplated purchasing smart parking meters. But rather than paying $80,000 each month to buy cellular wireless access for the meters to work, the city figured it could build a Wi-Fi network and eliminate those recurring costs. Officials estimated that payback would happen in eight months, and the savings beyond that could underwrite the networks operations costs.Fast forward to 2016. Wireless-enabled mobile city employees, remote offices and smart parking meters can yield similar results. New smart city services or products manage and distribute transportation, energy, parking, public safety, wastewater management and other resource management data using hybrid infrastructure.Columbus has installed 400 square miles of fiber cable, including a fiber cable going to every traffic light. Its easy to imagine adding access points capable of delivering 100 or 200 megabytes of speed to its mobile workers. The city of Austin, Texas, plans to convert its park-and-ride system into a central hub for a variety of smart transportation options such as buses, car sharing, automated taxis and bike sharing. Vendor Olidata Smart Cities and the city of San Leandro, Calif., use an Internet of Things app and a microgrid to manage carbon emission reductions and energy security.In hospitals, patients' initial examinations could be conducted by doctors in different cities who view high-definition online video via fiber networks. Family and friends could visit wirelessly with a loved one who's admitted to a hospital in a neighboring state. And patients' rehab and recovery could be improved using Internet-based software to access medical personnel, online content and patient-to-patient collaboration.For resource management in medical facilities, broadband, sensors, RFID systems and Wi-Fi are key and the data for thousands of patients must be kept secure on fiber networks. Wireless functionality increases hospitals ability to manage everything from beds to wheelchairs to heart pumps, preventing theft and ensuring the productive use these resources. This helps health-care facilities financial sustainability and quality of care.Some of these same technologies also are critical for patient management.Jory Wolf, former CIO for the city of Santa Monica, Calif., said he sees broadband helping injured people at accident scenes to receive doctor-supervised treatment. A nurse can schedule surgery facilities in several hospitals, and put people and resources in place while waiting for the final decision on where the patient will end up.We could use wireless to transport data from the ambulance, he said. Patients when they arrive would get through the ER faster or actually go directly to their ultimate hospital treatment area.The innovation that is driving wireless makes it a great tool for digital inclusion efforts. Sometimes it is the skillful use of technology and ingenuity when developing business models that can help to close the digital divide.Mobile hot spots from Mobile Beacon offer average download speeds of 8 to 10 Mbps and have no data caps. Nationwide, 75 libraries are pilot-testing them, letting patrons borrow the units for several weeks or up to a year before having to return them. The New York Public Library, for example, ordered 10,000 hotspots to distribute in its 92 locations.Ron Deus, CEO of Cleveland's WISP NetX, offers 1 gig wireless, and said he finds that with Wi-Fi or point-to-point/multipoint, wireless infrastructure is cheaper than fiber. His business customers can make his ROI numbers, and at the same time, he can service low-income customers at a price they can afford.Given this flexibility, we are experimenting with different business models, different pricing, maybe even different service levels, to figure out which variables works," Deus said. "We look at online funding options, public partnerships, potentially free access for some, pay-as-you-go type of service for others.Whether a community networks customers are individuals, companies or organizations, give them gigabit wired or wireless, and they will be happier, more productive users.Gigabit wireless technology that lowers capital and operating costs while raising power efficiency, operating distance and connection security will accelerate the deployment of gigabit speed broadband throughout San Leandro and America, said San Leandro Chief Innovation Officer Deborah Acosta. If NASA can operate the Mars Land Rover from Earth, we should be able to figure out how to deploy this technology here on Earth! French City Outlaws Burkinis Trending News: A French City Just Banned These Women's Bathing Suits Why Is This Important? Because this certainly feels like the wrong way to attack a problem. Long Story Short The city of Cannes, France has banned "burkinis," swimwear that allows practicing Muslim women enjoy the beach or pool. The ordinance was passed in light of France's recent terrorist attacks. Long Story For as much as the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution is in the news lately, it's easy to forget about another, much more important amendment: the 1st. Among other things, it prohibits any law that inhibits the free practice of (any) religion. Aside from a few oddballs, we don't often think about it. And that's kind of the point by being in effect, we can go about our lives not having to think about it. But freedom of religion is not a universal tenet, as the citizens of Cannes, France recently learned. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard has issued an ordinance banning something called a "burkini" from being work in public. A portmanteau of "burqa" and "bikini," the swimsuit allows adherent Muslim women to enjoy the pool or beach while remaining covered in accordance with their religious beliefs. Yes, it could still be considered regressive by non-Muslims, but given the freedom it affords it's by and large a positive invention. Lisnard, however, has banned the burkini amid backlash stemming from France's series of recent, horrible terrorist attacks. Recently, a "burkini pool party" in Pennes-Mirabeau was cancelled after locals protested and the mayor voiced his desire to shut down the event. Mayor Lisnard's ordinance would appear intended to avoid such scrapes. "Access to beaches and for swimming is banned to any person wearing improper clothes that are not respectful of good morals and secularism. "Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order," the ruling says. It's a little odd to blame a bathing suit for "disrupting public order" rather than the people who do the actual disrupting, but it's not unheard of for France: in 2011 they became the first country in Europe to pass a law banning full-face veils in public. In fact, that 2011 ruling is the crux of the new rule because the law only addresses full-face veils, it's unclear whether the ordinance banning burkinis (which only cover the head, not the face) has any legal standing. More damning is that, according to Time, other religious clothing items (like Jewish kippahs and Christian crosses) will still be allowed at the beach. How they are somehow less "ostentatious displays of religious affiliation" is unclear. Predictably, people have taken to social media to voice their disapproval of the ban, which will last throughout August. Burkini beach ban in Cannes is a gift for ISIS recruiters: Mayor of Cannes David Lisnard claimed the swimsu... https://t.co/WZxQHckCu7 Gordo Selvagem (@PedroAlvinho) August 12, 2016 @juristeenherbe8 qd tu es plus indispose par un Burkini que pr la presence d'un pervers c'est juste que t'es islamophobe au plus haut point! Jaouad (@jaouad_naser) August 12, 2016 "QD you are more upset by a Burkini pr the presence of a pervert it's just you're Islamophobic at the highest point!" Ceux qui interdisent le burkini sur les plages sont les memes que ceux qui nous interdisaient le monokini il y a 40 ans. suzanne coulet (@suzannecoulet) August 12, 2016 "Those who prohibit the burkini on beaches are the same ones that prohibited us the monokini 40 years ago." https://t.co/TuAUMqiMdG I'm very right wing and this is asinine. If I want to dress like a carrot on a beach what difference would itmake. John E. Power (@TheJohnPower) August 12, 2016 People caught violating the ban face a fine of up to 38 euros ($42). Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Is this the right thing to do, or an overreaction? Disrupt Your Feed They can't see the forest for the trees. They may have problems with Islamic terrorism, but a stupid bathing suit isn't one of them. Drop This Fact British food personality Nigella Lawson has been known to swim in a burkini, not out of religious affiliation but to cover and protect her skin. A woman accused of abusing a child, who was her ward, was placed on one year of probation. Malonie L. OToole, 47, of Green River appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Richard Lavery at a sentencing hearing to three counts of child abuse. In exchange for OTooles guilty plea to a reduced misdemeanor charge of reckless endangering, all of the other charges were dismissed. OToole was given a one-year suspended jail sentence and placed on one year of unsupervised probation. According to court documents, on Feb. 23, 2016, a Green River Police officer spoke with a Lincoln Middl... Last week, was a flurry of activity for Sweetwater County children who attended Wyoming's Big Show. Children had so many things to choose from, most were pretty tired by the end of the day. They could walk through the 4-H barns, looks at exhibits and booths, have their face painted or get a temporary tattoo, plays game or watch various performers. They could also ride a variety of rides or play games at the carnival. A popular informational booth at the fair was by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. As part of their highway safety program and safe kids program, children were encourag... Deciding what to take and enter at the fair is a difficult decision, but what can make it ever harder is deciding what to bring for the first fair competition. For Green River resident Mariska Smith this was what she had to decide in the spring. Mariska, who is a member of the 4-H club Project Hope, said she picked pigs, drawing, vegetables, herbs and a quilt to take to Wyomings Big Show. For her first time, Smith didnt know what to expect. Her step mother Camie Paumer said she thought her daughter may have set her goals a little too high for her first year of competing because she w... Making sure every hair is in place and shining for the judges is just one of the things Kamilyn Lloyd does. Well, for her goat anyway. Kamilyn, a 13-year-old Green River resident, was getting excited to show her 8-month-old boer cross goat Katlyn at Wyomings Big Show last week. For Kamilyn, this was her second year showing a goat at the fair. One of the most stressful parts of the entire fair week was making sure her goat was prefect for showmanship and market 4-H competition. Kamilyn, who is a member of the 4-H club Project Hope, was trimming her goats hooves, washing her and shaving... Funnels cakes, corn on the cob, deep-fried curly fries, navajo tacos, corn dogs and lemonades were spread out on the checkered table-cloth covered tables. While some of the residents at the Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center were eating, others were still waiting for their food or drinks. I have the most awesome place to work because we get to do this kind of stuff with the residents, CRRC social services director Marilyn Dockter said. On Thursday, a group of 17 CRRC residents and all of employees and volunteers helping them were gathered around tables at Wyomings Big Sho... Guilford County officials hope to have a final decision on the location of a new animal shelter within the next six weeks. The timeline is hopefully by the end of this month, and no later than the end of September, Deputy County Manager Clarence Grier said Thursday at a meeting of the countys Animal Services Advisory Board. The proposed relocation site, at 3000 Burlington Road, is owned by the county but would require rezoning approval from the city of Greensboro. City Council members who represent that area have said they do not support the project, which could complicate the zoning process. County staff is in the process of determining the specifics of the rezoning request, including whether the project would require a special-use permit. That research should conclude this week, Grier said, and then staff will decide if and when to take the matter to the council. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RIDGEFIELD Congressman Jim Himes got a sneak peak at what will be the new Ridgefield Supply Co. during a visit to the lumberyard on Friday afternoon. Himes, D-4, met with personnel from the company to tour construction of the new site and to discuss the Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut and legislation that impacts the lumber industry. Its a great small business and growing. They just added three more hires, the four-term Democrat said. The Lumber Dealers Association of Connecticut is a good organization for highlighting issues that are important for them. Ridgefield Supply Co., which employs about 50 people, is currently building a new site adjacent to the existing one. Its current home will be leveled and another building will go there, as well as additional parking. Logistically its a big improvement for us, Craig Sinclair, of Ridgefield Supply Co., said. Whats interesting about this investment is that its happening a lot in this industry. Its costing a lot but thats all part of the process. Himes said he is happy to visit small businesses throughout Fairfield County because he doesnt always get to hear their concerns and successes. A lot of the big businesses in the district have people who show up at my office fairly regularly, Himes said. I need to get out of my office and visit some of the other companies. The mom and pops dont have lobbyists coming to Washington. Michael Sonderman, operations manager for Ridgefield Supply Co., led Himes on a tour of the facility. He continually pointed to the work his company does for the the local area. It was nice to show him what we do for the community, Sonderman said. He gets to see why he needs to keep doing things in Washington to help small businesses. The new Ridgefield Supply Co. is slated to open next spring. It will include a room with fixtures, architecture, windows and hardware from the original train station in Ridgefield. cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More Living 11 odd things to know about Connecticut Snopes is the land where urban legends go to die. Among their most popular urban legends right now are articles debunking the theory that Americans are immune to the Zika virus and a story reassuring anyone who fell for the "Mr. T is dead" hoax circulating on the internet. Snopes tackles some Connecticut myths like Milford banned Halloween and UConn is segregating its students. Click through the slideshow above to check out some Connecticut legends and myths - both true and false. While most myths are all in good fun, unfortunately, Connecticut has been targeted by hurtful conspiracy theories that the Sandy Hook tragedy never happened. Many people know all too well that the events of December 14, 2012 were real and continue to cause pain. Thankfully, Snopes debunks all theories of the shooting being a hoax. GREENWICH Donald Trumps visit to Connecticut Saturday arrives amidst a rising tide of opposition from party mainstays who say they do not support the Republican presidential nominee. The ranks of GOP members to come out against Trump grew in the past couple of weeks by former Connecticut Congressman Christopher Shays, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, major Republican donor Meg Whitman and others. They join a long list that includes the Bush family, former nominee Mitt Romney, senators and former cabinet members. Calls for Republicans to repudiate Trump reached a fever pitch this past week after Trump remarked that second amendment people could stop Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton from appointing Supreme Court justices. The Trump camp said the candidate was referring to gun enthusiasts collective political might. But many others took the remark as a direct incitement of violence against Clinton. They included local Democrats, who have called on Republican representatives from Greenwich to speak up. Donald Trump has demonstrated yet again with undisciplined and even threatening remarks his unsuitability to be our president, Democratic state Senate candidate John Blankley said. But he is not just the Republican candidate for president, he is the de facto leader of his party. We must therefore assume that down ballot candidates support his candidacy and they must tell us whether they do or do not. Blankley, a member of the towns Board of Estimate and Taxation, is challenging incumbent Republican State Sen. L. Scott Frantz in the 36th District, which covers Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan. Noting that Frantz has been closely allied with Romney in the past, he said Frantz should follow Romneys lead and publicly denounce Trump. This is as clear a case as I suspect any of us have seen where duty and patriotism demand the candidates put country before party, completely repudiate Donald Trump and tell the voters they will not vote for him, Blankley said. Leading into Aprils Republican presidential primary, which at the time was down to Trump, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Frantz declared himself to be neutral. This week Frantz, who has held fundraisers at his Greenwich home for Romney and President George W. Bush, remained non-committal, criticizing both Trump and Clinton. The presidential campaign of 2016 is one of the more bizarre and disappointing political processes I have witnessed in my lifetime, he said, leaving Americans with two far less than optimal candidates. One with a very serious credibility and corruption problem and one, who although he espouses solid pro-growth and other important traditional American principles, has had to date a reckless way of communicating with the American voters. Frantz said he was focused on his work in the legislature and the fiscal issues that are facing the state without letting the presidential race distract him. When asked who he would vote for in November, he did not tip his hand. Its early with still three months to go, Frantz said. Frantz is not the only local Republican on the ballot in November. Incumbent state Rep. Fred Camillo, R-151st, is facing a challenge from Democrat Dita Bhargava. Echoing Blankley, Bhargava also urged Republicans to denounce Trump. I am disappointed that any leader in our highly educated community would support a presidential candidate whose rhetoric is not only hateful but extremely dangerous, Bhargava said. Good leadership should entail putting party lines aside when making decisions that are in the best interest and safety of society. Camillo said this week he liked that Trump was talking about issues like trade imbalances, illegal immigration and the economy. Camillo said he wanted to see Trump stay focused on those issues and not get bogged down in squabbles every time he is criticized. Camillo called Trumps remarks about the second amendment reckless even if he was joking. In todays world, candidates have to think hard before speaking, Camillo said. I am not speaking about being politically correct, which I think Trump is spot on about, but am referring to using common sense that the standard bearer for a major political party should possess and exhibit when speaking. Camillo said voters in his district are more concerned about the direction of the state under Democratic control, which he said makes it harder for them to remain in Connecticut. He said he plans to vote for Trump, but his ballot is not an open-ended pledge of support, which should be true of everyone in every race. Yelling fire in the political theater, to quote former Connecticut GOP Chairman Chris Healy, is not a plan to restore the pride, prestige and productivity of our country that has been lacking the past several years, Camillo said. I have felt that we at least have a shot with Trump, whereas it will be a continuation of the Obama record if Mrs. Clinton is elected. Still, he must focus on the issues that need to be intelligently discussed and end the side show if it wants to compete in November. The country needs this debate. State R ep. Livvy Floren, R-149th, who is running for re-election unopposed, declined to speak about Trump, stating, As the adage goes: Sometimes you have to be silent to be heard. State Rep. Michael Bocchino, R-150th, also running unopposed, said he was focused on the countrys struggling economy and the future of the Supreme Court. Bocchino said he is incredibly frightened by the possibility of Clinton becoming president, saying her performance during the Benghazi attack in 2012 should be disqualifying and adding she should have been indicted for her use of a private email server while secretary of state. It is true that it has been a bit disappointing that Mr. Trump has not committed lately to staying on point regarding the economy, security and immigration in the United States, Bocchino said. However, no one can question his love for this country and the pride he takes in its people. As someone new to the political arena Im certain he finds that it is very difficult to continue to remain politically correct when every media outlet has a bulls eye target on him even though he continues to give 10 times more press conferences then his opponent. Bocchino said his vote will be as simple as A-B-C for anybody but Clinton. kborsuk@scni.com GREENWICH Greenwich Library is the busiest public library in Connecticut and has rated a five-star ranking from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for seven of the past eight years. It provides services as varied as craft workshops, movies, concerts and art exhibits. And it supplies a range of data and the technology to research any question. Pew Research has found that people trust libraries about as much as they trust any institution in the U.S. because its a very neutral source of information, Greenwich Library Director Barbara Ormerod-Glynn said. The collections for public libraries are designed to be well-balanced. We buy both sides of view on a topic. Its one of the busiest public libraries in New England and is one of the top ranked libraries in the country, she said. I think its because it has a long history in the community and we never rest on our laurels. Ormerod-Glynn spoke of Greenwich Library in a Digital Age, explaining the differences between libraries of the past and the present to nearly 150 people at the most recent discussion provided by the Retired Mens Association of Greenwich. Ormerod-Glynn spoke of the librarys role as a community center, recalling how much use Greenwich Library got after 2012s Superstorm Sandy left many people without power for days. It was the library that so many people came to because there was power and there were outlets and there was food and heat and water, Ormerod-Glynn said. We had the auditorium showing movies. We had our childrens room. It was a time when we could really see the library becoming a gathering place. The director spoke of the changing focus of libraries as they modernize while still meeting the diverse needs of the town. That means rethinking the physical collection, how best to use space and staffing, moving toward more digital material while still hanging onto the physical parts of the collection people want, she said. There have been changes: more digital and electronic books and music available for download, self-checkout, renewing or reserving material online and reserving books or movies in advance of their official release. Using data from its most recent user survey, Ormerod-Glynn said, the library is working on ways to increase meeting space and better use of space in general within the confines of the present building. On the horizon are a larger digital collection, the use of credit card processing to pay library fines and bringing in 3D printers. The library also hopes to be able to live stream events from concerts to author discussions. There will also be more diverse educational programs, Ormerod-Glynn said, including increased audio and tactile offerings for children and a partnership with the AARP and the towns Commission on Aging for programs for local seniors. We remind ourselves all the time that we must stay flexible because we dont know whats coming down the pike, Ormerod-Glynn said. Full video footage from Ormerod-Glynn and other RMA speakers is online at www.greenwichrma.org . kborsuk@scni.com GREENWICH Two recent graduates of Convent of the Sacred Heart and their science teachers are heading off to Washington, D.C., for a national environmental honor. Madison Miles of North Salem, N.Y., and Katherine Siciliano of Stamford, will receive the Presidents Environmental Youth Award on Tuesday for creating a food waste compost that can do the job of a chemical fertilizer. The students carefully tested and studied plant waste to create a formula that helps protect people and the environment from potentially harmful runoff and chemical waste while still helping plants grow. Theyre dedicated. Theyre very curious, interested, responsible, said Mary Musolino, an upper school science teacher at Sacred Heart who oversees the three-year science research program and will attend the ceremony with her former students. Theyre just for me a dream; theyre exactly what you want in a research student. Both Miles and Siciliano participated in Musolinos science research program: As sophomores, they developed their research idea and conducted research, as juniors, they experimented and tested and as seniors, they showcased their work at science competitions and fairs. Miles and Sicilianos project, Nutrasafe: Creating an Eco-Friendly Plant Food for the Environment, was a joint project they pursued after completing their individual research projects during their senior year. Musolino encouraged them to apply to the Environmental Protection Agencys Presidents Environmental Youth Awards because their work demonstrated a love for the environment and a willingness to take action to solve environmental problems. This competition really looks for students wanting to make a difference in the environment and also being involved in the community, said Musolino. Their plant studies and their fertilizer studies were thorough and really demonstrated that they were onto something. In April, Miles and Siciliano were named New England PEYA winners for their project. On May 10, the EPA recognized the two Sacred Heart Greenwich seniors with an Environmental Merit Award at a ceremony in Boston. Their entry was judged against submissions from high school students throughout New England. On Tuesday, Miles, Siciliano and Musolino will gather with PEYA award winners from other regions to receive their presidential plaques at the White House. After the ceremony, they will have a chance to discuss their projects with the other students. This is an opportunity for students to learn from other students and gather new ideas for future projects, said Ryan M. Robison, special projects adviser, Office of Environmental Education at the EPA. The White House and EPA will host a catered lunch in honor of the students and teachers, and students will have a chance to tour the Library of Congress in the afternoon. Both Miles and Siciliano plan on pursuing science research in college. Miles will attend Cornell University and Siciliano will attend Boston University. emunson@hearstmediact.com; @emiliemunson Malia Obama was caught on camera allegedly smoking "something," and social media is getting a high off her adolescent antics, overwhelmingly praising her for having fun before she starts college at Harvard in a year. "If she's not careful, she might end up winning 21 Olympic gold medals or becoming president of the USA," wrote comedian Chris Rock on Twitter. The scene of the crime. Photo: Facebook In the latest instance of wine dealers ripping off their rich customers, a California wine seller has pleaded guilty to what one judge deemed to be a wine Ponzi scheme. On Thursday, 66-year-old John Fox admitted to defrauding customers out of a minimum of $45 million at his Berkeley wine store, Premiere Cru, and spending at least some of that money on high-end cars, an Alamo home, and women he met online. The scheming had been going on for a remarkably long time: Fox admitted in his plea agreement that he had started the practice of fraudulent purchases back in 1993 or 1994. Founded in 1980, Premiere Cru filed for bankruptcy in January and listed $70 million in debts and $7 million in assets. While in business, the store specialized in wine futures, an advance sale that allows consumers and retailers the opportunity to prebuy fancy vintages for less than they would cost after bottling. But prosecutors claim Fox collected money for wine he hadnt acquired or was contracted to purchase, bought wine he couldnt pay for, and embezzled funds from the business. Years of fraud evidently gave Fox the confidence to be more brazen with his scheme. According to an April court filing, former employee Brian Nishi said company records demonstrated there were no bottles in storage for wine orders from 6,6000 customers totaling almost $45 million. Fox admitted in his plea agreement to selling $20 million of wines he knew he couldnt deliver and, in a bit of Ponzi scheming, said he used customer money to buy wine for previous customers. Though the fraud charge carried a maximum 20-year sentence, Foxs plea deal got him six and a half years in prison. Hell also have to pay back at least $45 million to Premiere Cru customers as well as $6.5 million to lenders, though he clearly doesnt have the money for that. Sony has said that fixes for the recently-disclosed QuadRooter flaw will be made available "within normal and regular software maintenance." The Japanese company, however, didn't provide any specific time-frame for the roll-out. Here's the complete statement from the company: Sony Mobile takes the security and privacy of customer data very seriously. We are aware of the Quadrooter vulnerability and are working to make the security patches available within normal and regular software maintenance, both directly to open-market devices and via our carrier partners, so timings can vary by region and/or operator. Consumers are recommended to continuously upgrade their phone software in order to optimize performance of their Xperia smartphone. Users can take steps to protect themselves by only downloading trusted applications from reputable application stores. In case you missed, QuadRooter is basically a set of four vulnerabilities affecting mobile devices running Android and powered by Qualcomm chipsets - said to be nearly 900 million in total. For what it's worth, there's a free QuadRooter Scanner app on Google Play that tells you whether or not these vulnerabilities exist on your device. Via For HTC, the troubles never seem to stop. The last blow to the Taiwanese smartphone maker comes from T-Mobile. It turns out that the magenta carrier only sold the HTC 10 for around two months before giving up on it. The handset was available at T-Mobile from May 18 to mid-July, and hasn't been in stock at least since July 20. Any trace of the phone has disappeared from TMo's website, and while some stores might still have some leftover stock, most don't. So if your carrier of choice is T-Mobile and you want an HTC 10, the only way to get one is unlocked, which means you need to pay its full price upfront. The device is now $100 less than before, so that may help. Also, if you purchase straight from HTC in August you get a free pair of JBL headphones worth $199 and an additional $100 credit to buy any other accessories you may want. T-Mobile's move probably has everything to do with how many HTC 10 units it managed to sell in those two months (read: not a lot). Hopefully the two upcoming Nexus devices that HTC has been rumored to be working on will help the company see some better times in the future. 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In a declaration adopted unanimously, the Council called on "appropriate Haitian authorities to take the decisions on provisional governance, in accordance with Article 7 of the February 5th 2016 Accord, so as to promote the holding of general elections at the established dates." "That, consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and at the request of the authorities in Haiti, the Permanent Council will remain seized of the situation for strengthening the electoral institutions and processes in that country," concluded the declaration. OAS Declaration : (Adopted by the Permanent Council at its meeting held on August 11, 2016) "THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES, CONSIDERING: The provisions of the Charter of the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, in particular the articles of Section IV on the strengthening and preservation of democratic institutions and of Section VI on the promotion of a democratic culture; The necessity for free, fair and transparent elections to elect democratically a President and members of legislative and other representative bodies according to the electoral calendar as set out by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP); RECALLING: The Declaration CP/DEC. 53 (1965/14) and CP/DEC. 55 (1985/14) and CP/DEC. 58 (2000/15) previously adopted by the Permanent Council on the electoral process in Haiti; The Decision of the Permanent Council of January 27, 2016 to send a special mission of the OAS Permanent Council to facilitate a political agreement in Haiti following the suspension of the electoral process; TAKING INTO ACCOUNT: That the successful conclusion of the electoral process is essential for the preservation of Haitis democratic system and the installation of a government that can focus on overcoming the long-term serious economic and social difficulties faced by the Haitian population; The observations and recommendations resulting from previous OAS electoral observation of presidential and parliamentary elections, including in particular the observations of the last Electoral Observation Mission of the OAS; The signing on February 5, 2016, of a political agreement referring to the relaunch by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) of the electoral process and which grants a 120-day mandate to the interim President to ensure the continuation of the electoral process in Haiti; That this mandate has expired on June 14, 2016, so far without either an extension by the National Assembly or the election of a new interim President; That it has not been possible to complete the electoral process before the end of the 120-day mandate of the Interim President as stipulated in the agreement of February 5, 2016; The decree issued on July 19, 2016, establishing that, in accordance with the calendar set by the CEP, that the first-round presidential elections be held on October 9, 2016, and that, if necessary, a second round be held on January 8, 2017; The Haitian Foreign Ministers presentation on the political situation in Haiti during the July 20, 2016 Special Session of the Permanent Council, DECLARES: 1. That all Haitian political and social actors should fully assume their responsibilities and take all necessary measures to conclude the electoral process by holding free, fair and transparent elections in October 9, 2016 and, if necessary, a second round be held on January 8, 2017; 2. To urge the appropriate Haitian authorities to take the decisions on provisional governance, in accordance with Article 7 of the February 5th 2016 Accord, so as to promote the holding of general elections at the established dates. 3. That, consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and at the request of the authorities in Haiti, the Permanent Council will remain seized of the situation for strengthening the electoral institutions and processes in that country." Note : Let's recall that Haiti is one of the founding members of the OAS, whose origin dates back to 1948. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/08/12 | Source Added episode 7 captures for the Korean drama "W" (2016) Advertisement Directed by Jeong Dae-yoon Written by Song Jae-jeong Network : MBC With Lee Jong-suk, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Eugene, Lee Tae-hwan, Park Won-sang, Cha Kwang-soo,... 16 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00 Synopsis A mysterious melodrama about a parallel universe which depicts a man and a woman who live in the same Seoul but in different environments. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2016/07/20 More How to increase school funding without raising taxes by Aaron Lief, Grassroot Institute, Aug 11, 2016 What if there was a way to provide more money for education in Hawaii without raising taxes? Sounds too good to be true? Well consider this a new program called Education Savings Accounts has accomplished this elsewhere, and provided more educational options for families. How does this work? Well, lets start by taking a look at the situation today. In Hawaiis current system, every student is assigned a dollar amount $11,823 as of 2016 which follows the student to his or her public school; this is known as per-pupil funding. However, Education Savings Accounts could make this money available to families who leave the public school system in the form of a restricted-use savings account. The money can then be spent on private education, textbooks, tutors, home-based learning, educational therapies any educational goods or services that the parents deem fit. At this point, one might think, How does giving parents money increase Hawaiis per pupil spending? The answer is simple. As more students leave the public school, that school receives more money per student. For example, Nalu goes to Wahiawa Elementary School, which is a public school. His parents decide to withdraw him and send him to Hoala School, a private school. With an ESA law in place, Nalus parents would get $8,867 to pay for the tuition. Meanwhile, Wahiawa Elementary School will keep $3,000 even though Nalu is no longer going to school there. With his absence, the school gets more money to spend per student. Public and private schools could both benefit from Education Savings Accounts This phenomenon happened in Nevada. They recently launched an ESA program in which 96% of students are eligible. Students who opt out of public education receive 90% of the per-pupil funding while public schools retain the other 10%. That means each public school has more money for less students. The program may be more beneficial to Hawaiis public education system than that of any other state. This is due to Hawaiis high per-pupil funding and relatively low cost of private school. Because of Hawaiis high per-pupil spending, an ESA program could offer a lower percentage of the money to island families somewhere around 75%. Families who would never consider alternative education due to cost would now have the means, and local public schools would gain $3,000 for every student that left. Under this system, ESA students would receive $8,867 per year, which would fully cover tuition at half of Hawaiis private schools. This would greatly help low-income families. While ideological arguments can be made on both sides of the Education Savings Account debate, the fact of the matter remains: ESAs could provide more money per pupil in public schools, while still providing Hawaiis keiki the opportunity to choose an alternative form of education. ---30--- Full Court of the Federal Court has upheld a prior decision ordering the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) to pay $215k in penalties and compensation after material describing certain workers as scabs was handed out at a 2011 workers strike at Fremantle Port.The union, together with the assistant secretary of the MUAs Western Australian branch William Tracey, handed out posters branding workers refusing to picket as scabs.No one had a right to SCAB to long as drowning or hanging was an option, the posters said, adding that those branded scabs were marked for life.In response, the Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action. In 2014, Federal Court Justice Antony Siopis found that the distribution of this material breached adverse action provisions in the Fair Work Act.Siopis described it as an act of vengeance which meant targeted workers feared for their safety and that of their families.The MUA was penalised $80k while Tracey was ordered to pay a further $15k. The court also ordered an additional $120k to be paid to the five workers described as scabs for the emotional distress they suffered.While the MUA and Tracey appealed this decision, they were rejected by the Federal Court. Justices Richard Tracey, Robert Buchanan and Mordecai Bromberg upheld both the ruling and penalties.It is apparent that the intent of distributing the posters, quite apart from their natural tendency to engender fear for the personal safety of the persons concerned, and the safety of their families and even their property, was to severely diminish the standing of the targets with their fellow employees, then and in the future, Justices Tracey and Buchanan wrote in the final judgment.In addition to generating emotional distress and a feeling of marginalisation, the posters also created a fear in the workplace that violence would be meted out upon the branded employees, the judges found.Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the decision to dismiss the appeal sent a clear message against this type of action."The law protects the right of workers to choose whether to take industrial action and or not to," she said."Punishing a worker for exercising that choice, whether that be an employer terminating or otherwise negatively impacting them in their job or a union calling for members to shame or exact vengeance against them is completely unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated. Scientists from Appalachian State University have captured images believed to be those of the elusive Brown Mountain Lights . Regular sightings of the mysterious lights hovering above Brown Mountain date back more than a century. But as often as the lights are seen, theyre rarely captured on film or video. Then on the night of July 16, a round glowing light was captured simultaneously by two time-lapse digital video cameras near the mountain , which is located just north of Morganton. The cameras are operated by Dr. Daniel Caton and colleague Lee Hawkins of the physics and astronomy department at Appalachian State. Caton has worked to capture evidence of the lights since participating in a symposium about the natural phenomena that was hosted by the Burke County Tourism Development Authority in February 2011. However, time-lapse video cameras on Jonas Ridge yielded no conclusive imagery during the last five years and Caton was considering pulling the plug on the study when he noticed an anomaly while reviewing footage from late July 16 and early July 17. This is the first time weve had a dual detection (on both cameras). It was something out there. It came on and went back off virtually instantly four times over several minutes, Caton explained. Weve eliminated all the things that are likely man-made natural sources, so were left with no real explanation other than its whatever the lights might actually be. Theories of what causes the lights range from ball lightning which Caton considers a possibility to naturally-occurring gases rising from the mountain to more cosmic possibilities. Burke County tourism director Ed Phillips, who has taken a particular interest in the lights and put together the two symposia, sees this development as a major breakthrough. Those who have seen the lights over Brown Mountain are ecstatic that a team of scientists has finally captured a mysterious light in the same location, Phillips said. These images give credibility to the many people who have seen lights over the mountain . Ever the cautious scientist, Caton wants to gather more data on the lights . But he admits this has been a very interesting development. Its intriguing. I was about ready to give up, so this was one of those moments when you look at the screen and go, What was that? said Caton. Its the first time weve captured something that we cant easily explain. Phillips applauds the efforts of Caton and his team of researchers, knowing that it will likely result in an increased interest in the Brown Mountain Lights . This is significant. We hope to host a symposium in the future that focuses on the science behind the lights and the research into their cause, said Phillips. Does this verify the Brown Mountain Lights ? I believe it does. Do we have an explanation? No, we dont. To watch time lapse videos from both cameras the night of July 16-17, click these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5Nf9bmLrOG8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=WU88gWGVDV0 Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket (HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a stockbroker and his friend with participating in an insider trading scheme to profit in advance of two major announcements out of a pharmaceutical company. The SEC alleges that Paul T. Rampoldi coordinated the insider trading with two other brokers at his firm as well as a then-IT executive at Ardea Biosciences. The Ardea employee tipped one of the brokers ahead of the companys announcement of an agreement to license a cancer drug and later tipped him in advance of its acquisition by AstraZeneca PLC. The SEC charged the other two brokers and the Ardea employee last year. According to the SECs complaint filed in federal court in San Diego today against Rampoldi and William Scott Blythe III, they made approximately $90,000 in illicit profits by trading ahead of those announcements based on nonpublic information that flowed to them through one of the fellow brokers who learned it from the other after he was tipped by the IT executive. It was decided that in order to evade detection by the compliance department at the brokerage firm where Rampoldi and the others worked, Blythe would fund the purchase of Ardea call option contracts in a brokerage account he held at a different brokerage firm, and they would subsequently divide the profits among them. As a stockbroker, Rampoldi should have known better than to allegedly trade on tips about significant corporate events before they were announced, said Sharon B. Binger, Director of the SECs Philadelphia Regional Office. We further allege that Rampoldi and Blythe tried to evade detection by hiding their trading elsewhere, but to no avail. In a parallel action, the U. S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California today brought criminal charges against Rampoldi and Blythe. The SECs complaint charges Rampoldi and Blythe with violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions as well as disgorgement, interest, and penalties. The paperboard manufacturer states in a press release that due to a decline in global demand it no longer regards wallpaper base as one of its core products and will shift its focus to paperboard. Metsa Board has revealed that it is planning on shuttering its wallpaper base machine and completely pulling the plug on its loss-making wallpaper base manufacturing operations in Hameenkyro, Finland, putting roughly 100 of the 250 employees at the Kyro mill under the threat of axe. The Kyro mill reported an operating loss of 5 million on net sales of 50 million euros last year, according to the press release. Also other operations of the loss-making mill will be adjusted in an attempt to boost competitiveness. Metsa Board also announced yesterday that its second-quarter net sales fell by some 100 million year-on-year to 423 million as its operating result, excluding non-recurring items, fell by some 11 million to 35.8 million euros. Metsa Group, as a whole, posted a second-quarter operating result, excluding non-recurring items, of 119 million euros, signalling a decline of 35 million from the corresponding period one year earlier. Its net sales similarly fell by approximately 145 million year-on-year to 1,184 million euros between April and June. Metsa Group's second quarter in 2016 was as we expected, Kari Jordan, the chief executive of Metsa Group, says in a press release. The operating result compared to the previous year was affected by the lower market price of pulp and the start-up phase of the new folding box-board production line at Husum [an integrated board and pulp mill in Husum, Sweden]. This article was re-published after being deleted in a server update on 5 August, 2016. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Kimmo Syvari Koski Syvari / Metsa Board We won't be making additional spending cuts even though our debt burden will grow marginally, he commented on the 55.2 billion euro proposal that shows a deficit of roughly 5.9 billion euros and would raise the national debt burden to an estimated 111 billion euros in 2017. Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Minister of Finance, shed light on his budget proposal in a press conference on Thursday. There is light at the end of the tunnel despite the admittedly difficult economic conditions, assured Orpo. I'm confident that the Government's decisions will bring about the economic growth and improvement in the employment situation needed to avoid additional spending cuts, he stated. He also conceded that with the near-term focus being on efforts to support the budding economic growth, the objective of reversing the debt trajectory of the country is unlikely to be met before 2017. We've seen a clear increase in the number of working hours. We must now boost the budding growth that's at the end of the tunnel, said Orpo. The Ministry of Finance reveals in a press release that the proposal would reduce tax rates for wage earners across income brackets by 0.5 percentage points and offer equivalent concessions to pensioners and low-income earners. The Taxpayers' Association of Finland has estimated that the income tax cuts will boost the purchasing power of the average earner by 150 euros in 2017. We'll also look after the purchasing power of pensioners. We'll target a tax concession at them that'll guarantee them the same tax concessions as wage earners, said Orpo. Because earners in the lowest income groups don't pay taxes, a cut in contributions worth 30 million euros will be targeted at the lowest income groups. How it'll be carried out requires some further preparation. Orpo estimated that the competitiveness pact that was reached after painstaking negotiations earlier this year will reduce the taxation of labour by 125 million euros. The Government will also target another tax concession, worth roughly 290 million euros, at small and medium-income earners that'll allow us to get to 0.5 percentage points in almost all income groups, he stated. We'll boost purchasing power, spur domestic demand, tear down obstacles to employment [and] reduce the tax wedge. That's a good thing. The income tax concessions, he underlined, will more than compensate employees for the decision to transfer of certain social security contributions from employers to employees. The Government also announced that it will proceed with the cuts in social security benefits, unemployment security and student financial aid agreed upon before Orpo began his tenure as the Minister of Finance. The Government will discuss the proposal in its budget session on 31 August1 September and will unveil its final budget draft on 19 September. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Jussi Nukari Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Dublin has less office space and higher commercial rents than Frankfurt, making it a less attractive option for business looking to relocate from post-referendum London, a German think-tank has claimed. As EU countries ramp up efforts to carve up the Brexit spoils from the City of London, the Cologne Institute for Economic Research has suggested Dublin is also too far down the global financial centre ranking to be a competitor. Investment It claimed the city wasn't as internationally accessible as both Paris and Frankfurt, the two other locations suggested as potential beneficiaries from post-Brexit financial services investment. The loss of "passporting rights" could see some finance houses move operations out of London. Doubt has already been cast on the extent to which Dublin can benefit from increased foreign investment following the June 23 vote because of infrastructural constraints, including a shortage of housing, and the high personal tax rates. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the German think tank believes Frankfurt is "likely to be the main profiteer of Brexit". "Dublin is only ranked 39 in the global financial centre ranking, which measures financial flows, the number of banks and other financial indicators, and it has also deficits in international accessibility, at least compared to Frankfurt and Paris," the report said. The report also stated that Frankfurt scored strongly in the most recent Mercer Quality of Living Ranking, coming in at seven. That compares with a score of 33 for Dublin and 37 for Paris. "Of course, quality of living is in particular a question of preferences and without doubt some bankers will prefer Paris and Dublin over Frankfurt, but at least the analysis of Mercer hints at some of the amenities of Frankfurt," the report adds. Frankfurt, the report states, can attract business which needs knowledge about regulation, as it hosts the European Central Bank and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority is located in Frankfurt, while Paris has the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), although this is less relevant for banks. Dublin, however, is attracting interest. Insurer Prudential has confirmed it is considering shifting funds from its asset management wing to Dublin and Luxembourg as it moves to deal with the fallout from the UK vote. The boss of Prudential's M&G fund arm, Anne Richards, said the company could boost the number of funds it already has based in the two cities, depending on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. There is no such thing as a sex offenders' register here. At least, not in the sense that you might understand what a register should be. While the term "sex offenders' register" is routinely used in Ireland, there is nothing you can access yourself. You, as a member of the public, can't just google it or pop into your local garda station and ask to have a look. If, for example, you're a parent or teacher and feel uncomfortable about the fact that an individual, who has no children, is hanging around a playground, you can't find out their history. If the way he acts, what he does, the way he looks, makes you feel uneasy, the best you can probably hope for is to ask a garda who you know personally if he knows anything about this guy. There is, however, the Sex Offenders Act. This law means that those who are convicted of certain sexual offences are obliged to provide their name and address to the gardai following their release from prison. This is the "register". There's all sorts of arguments against these types of registers. Many say when it comes to stopping sex assaults, these measures do more harm than good. Some criminologists, academics and judges are challenging their effectiveness in reducing sexual assault. (Most sex offenders for example, never become part of the criminal justice system and therefore aren't affected.) Right now almost 1,500 people here sign on and give their name and address to gardai. More than 100 sex offenders are expected to be released from Irish prisons this year. Another man who is expected to be released in the near future is the man who murdered and raped Joyce Quinn in 1996. Kenneth O'Reilly pleaded guilty to murdering Joyce but he was never charged with sexual assault and rape. He had stabbed her in the heart and drove her car to a secluded location before raping her and stabbing her in the neck. The State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy told the inquest that the injuries to her body were consistent with "forced penetration". But because he wasn't charged with a sex crime he won't be flagged as a sex offender. Then there's Brian Hennessey. He raped and murdered Sharon Whelan on Christmas Day in 2008 and also murdered her two daughters, seven-year-old Zara and two-year-old Nadia. Pain When he's released, he won't be registered as a sex offender either. The State didn't proceed with a rape prosecution. So neither of these men underwent sex offenders' treatment in prison and neither will be subject to the sex offenders act. They will have served their sentences and are free to live life as any other citizen. Imagine the pain of the families of these women. Imagine how they must feel as the release date of their loved one's murderers approaches. The families of the women and children killed in these horrific crimes say their pain is made even worse by the fact that they won't be recognised as sex offenders. The close associates of a man suspected of involvement in a number of feud-related murders were last night being questioned in relation to the seizure of an "assassination kit" in the capital. The two criminals, who are aged in their late 20s and early 30s, were arrested and detained by detectives from Finglas Garda Station on Tuesday and Wednesday night. One of the men, who is 26 years old, is being questioned for the unlawful possession of a firearm, while the second individual, who is 31, was arrested for withholding information. Officers recovered a Nissan Pulsar on Saturday afternoon in Casement Park. In the vehicle were two handguns, ammunition and a canister of fuel. Both men being detained are from Dublin's north inner city and are known to gardai. They are closely linked to a man who is suspected of being involved in a number of feud- related murders. The man has come to the attention of gardai over the last number of years for drug related-offences and assaulting gardai. However, gardai were surprised when he was suspected of involvement in feud-related murders linked to the Kinahan cartel. The Herald previously revealed how a mob from the Crumlin area, which specialises in stealing high-powered vehicles, are the chief suspects in the theft of the Nissan Pulsar. The car was stolen from Donaghmede three weeks ago. This Crumlin-based gang is led by a 29-year-old criminal who has survived at least three attempts on his life in the past two years. Gardai have estimated that the gang is stealing up to three cars every week. The 29-year-old mobster is considered a main player in the "fishing" burglary gangs. They use fishing rods to snatch car keys through letterboxes and then steal vehicles. It is believed he has become a gangland target because of his involvement in drugs. In March last year, however, he was arrested by officers investigating a murder. Jammed As late as last month gardai foiled a suspected hit on his life in Crumlin. Last year a gunman's gun jammed when he attempted to shoot the criminal. His "business relationship" with a close associate of gangster Fat Freddie Thomson is also under scrutiny by gardai. The Californian senator championing new laws to help prevent a repeat of the Berkeley tragedy has praised the heart-wrenching testimony of Aoife Beary, who survived the balcony collapse. Senator Jerry Hill said there "wasn't a dry eye in the room" when Aoife (22) spoke in the California State Senate about the accident that killed six of her friends. Aoife's testimony came as California moved a step closer to introducing tougher laws for building contractors. Powerful Mr Hill put forward a bill after it emerged that the balcony was built by a firm with a history of legal claims against it. However, the company was not required to disclose these to the state licensing board. Irish students Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke, Niccolai Schuster, Lorcan Miller, Eoghan Culligan, all aged 21, and Irish-American Ashley Donohoe (22) died in the tragedy on June 16 last year. Speaking yesterday as his bill to strengthen disclosure requirements for contractors passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, Mr Hill told the Herald the testimony of Ms Beary was key. "I don't think the members of the committee were quite ready for that. I mean, we notified the chair about the testimony, but I don't think they were ready for just how powerful it was," he said. "It has passed mainly because of the testimony of Aoife and her mother. There was also the powerful testimony of Jackie Donohoe, who lost her daughter Ashley and niece Olivia Burke in the tragedy." Mr Hill said he was upset even recalling the speech. "My life has been changed forever. I cannot believe that you are even debating this bill. People died," Aoife said, in an emotional submission to California lawmakers on Wednesday. "You should make sure that balconies are scrutinised in this state to prevent this happening again." The group of friends were celebrating Aoife's 21st birthday when the tragedy happened. She spoke of how it will from now always be marked on her birthday. "I miss my friends so much. I have known them since we started school together at four years of age," she told the Senate. "We had grown up together and now my birthday will always be their anniver- sary. "While I have to deal with the loss of my friends, I also have to deal with all my own injur- ies which included a trauma- tic brain injury, open heart surgery, broken arms, hands, pelvis and jaw along with losing all my teeth." Lobbying Mr Hill said the tragedy had not only impacted on the people of Ireland, but on everyone in California. "I'm so pleased and delighted we've been able to bring this law forward. It will save lives in the future and hopefully prevent more tragedy," he said. The bill was previously defeated after lobby- ing from the construction industry in California. It underwent a number of amendments and nobody spoke in opposition to it this time around. It passed committee stage yesterday, and it is hoped the law will have passed all stages and be enacted by January. In April, the state board found that "poor workmanship" in the waterproofing of the balcony resulted in water damage that caused it to rot and eventually fall. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. Those who have nearly completed a graduate degree from any institution are invited to attend the East Tennessee State University Thesis and Dissertation Boot Camp. The four-session camp will emphasize time to spend writing in a library computer lab plus options for mini-workshops on such topics as Getting Started and Staying on Track, Organization: Physical and Virtual Workspaces, Review of Writing Mechanics, The Review and Editing Process and Databases: Content and Usage. The cost is $150 and each enrollee should attend all four sessions, which are held on Friday evenings from 5-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The fee includes catering for Friday evening meals and Saturday breakfasts, lunches and afternoon snacks. For an additional fee, participants can receive one-on-one tutorial sessions with a writing tutor from the Center for Academic Achievement and editorial services by an expert thesis and dissertation reader. ETSU employees may use their employee audit opportunity to pay for the course. The workshops will be conducted Aug. 26-27, Sept. 9-10, Sept. 23-24 and Oct. 21-22 in ETSUs Charles C. Sherrod Library. Online registration is available by visiting http://etsuaw.etsu.edu and going to Dissertation Boot Camp. For further information, call 800-222-3878 or visit the online registration site at http://etsuaw.etsu.edu, then click on courses and education. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346. Suspect who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband facing attempted homicide, other charges Paul Pelosi, 82, suffered blunt force trauma to his head and body. The suspect was in search of the speaker, calling out "Where is Nancy?" Can you imagine a world without children? Unfortunately, many seniors housed in eldercare can go months without a visitor of any age. Thanks to a recent grant from the Cherna Moskowitz Foundation, the Jewish Pavilion has created a pilot, intergenerational program for elders housed in long-term-care, appropriately titled From Generation to Generation. This program will bond the generations through a series of regular visits. Newly hired Intergenerational Program Director Jane Edelstein is helping grow this new program in partnership with local synagogues, youth groups, Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, families (affiliated or not), as well as individuals, with the goal of building a deeper youth-senior connection. Edelstein noted, "As society continues to change rapidly, one of the realities is that young people have grown up with their faces in front of a screen (computer, iPad, etc.), and many are actually more comfortable this way. As a result, many young people don't have basic social skills that help ease them through the world. This is especially distressing in the Jewish community where our core values are passed from one generation to the next (L'Dor V'Dor) through shared traditions, memories, and love." Edelstein is joining a nationwide trend of bonding the generations by bringing young people together with seniors. "In the past, youth were placed with seniors primarily for the benefit of the older generation. Now, it goes both ways," said Edelstein. "The seniors need young people to keep them vibrant, active and excited, and young people need older people just as much. Young people need seniors to explain what the world was like when they were young, as well as how to look at the world with a perspective that comes from a different time." "From Generation to Generation will foster intergenerational relationships throughout the 2016-2017 school year through regular visits between the two groups for their mutual benefit," explained Jewish Pavilion Executive Director Nancy Ludin. "Jane has excellent leadership and people skills, and her devotion to Jewish causes makes her the right person to coordinate and develop this new program." "We are thankful for the support from the Cherna Moskowitz Foundation, and are excited about partnering with them because of their understanding of the importance of providing children with the skills to strengthen connections with family and community," Ludin stated. "Additionally, our elder-care population will equally benefit from the attention and affection of the visiting youth, who will grow to become more compassionate." The intergenerational program officially launched on July 18, when Edelstein met with her first prospective student, 12-year-old bar mitzvah student Josh Zeffren. The seventh grader from Congregation Ohev Shalom reached out to the Pavilion, enquiring about the possibility of interviewing a senior and sharing his or her life history for his upcoming bar mitzvah project. Zeffren had just returned from St. Louis, where he had spent time with his own grandparents. That experience motivated him to spend time with local seniors. Edelstein recently completed a project with college students from the University of Miami on the successful building blocks to young adulthood. Once again, Edelstein pulled out her 'mentor hat,' in her first meeting with Zeffren. Edelstein asked him about questions he had asked his own grandparents, and together, the pair came up with an inventory of questions to ask the older generation. Zeffren shared his great interest in history, and expressed excitement about learning about the past from people who lived through periods of history that he had only seen through video and read in textbooks. Edelstein shared that many seniors have no local family, and would very much appreciate the opportunity to share their life with an eager listener. The former general manager of the Cleveland Jewish News, Edelstein is looking forward to using her communication skills to reach out to local groups that would like to work with seniors. "Our seniors benefit from every kind of visitor," noted Edelstein, who has served on the Pavilion's Friends Board for the past two years. "But our intergenerational volunteers relate to our seniors in a special way." Synagogues, youth groups, bar and bat mitzvah students, families (affiliated or not), and individuals who would like to spend time with seniors can email Edelstein at janejewishpavilion@gmail.com or reach her at the Jewish Pavilion offices at 407-678-9363. Baltimore jeweler Noam Efron holding a copy of the portrait he found of Siegfried Lamm at an estate sale for $9. The "Seeking Kin" column aims to help reunite long-lost friends and relatives. BALTIMORE (JTA)-Noam Efron popped in to an estate sale here recently he just happened across hoping to purchase some watches or gold to resell in his jewelry business. Instead he walked out with a paper treasure: a 12-by-17-inch black-and-white studio photograph of a uniformed soldier he didn't know but realized immediately had fought for Germany in World War I. He paid $9. Within a few weeks Efron, who had become newly fascinated by the World War I era, had identified the man and mailed the picture to the soldier's cousin in California. The photo was of Siegfried Lamm, a 25-year-old Jewish infantryman killed in battle on Oct. 12, 1915, near Ville-sur-Tourbe, France. He was the oldest of four children of Jacob and Giedel Lamm of Kirtorf, in Germany's state of Hesse. Siegfried's younger brother Leopold moved to America with his family in 1938. Efron found the photo in the brick ranch-style home of Leopold's son, Walter, in the basement amid a box of paperwork and bills sitting on a ping-pong table-detritus to be disposed of after everything of value was sold. Efron, 36, of Baltimore, just happened to be driving by when he saw the sign for the estate sale. That weekend, Efron said, he was "obsessing" over the picture, wondering about the soldier and the meaning of just why he found it. He soon returned to the home in the Pikesville neighborhood and, back in the basement, snapped photos of documents in the box seeking clues to the soldier's identity. Efron found envelopes addressed to Walter Lamm at the address there. He went online and located Walter's U.S. draft records for World War II. Efron also came across a family tree, where the birth and death dates for a young German man led him to suppose that Siegfried Lamm was the soldier. He contacted Linda Silverman Shefler, a retired interior designer in Cupertino, California, who had posted the Lamm branch of her tree-one of 17 branches she has compiled online using MyHeritage, an Israel-based genealogy company. "I was dumbstruck," Shefler said of receiving Efron's email. "More than anything, I was amazed by the effort he put in to trace this picture and find me. I was very touched that he did that. He is a mensch for doing that-just something special. "He could have kept it. But he traced the history until he found a home for it. I'm very proud to have this picture." Shefler had seen the image in "The Way It Was: The Jewish World of Rural Hesse," a book published in 2000 by her late cousin, Mathilda Wertheim Stein. According to the book, Siegfried Lamm served in the 10th Reserve Infantry Regiment and was wounded by a shell in a trench. He lingered in agony for three days and begged his comrades to shoot him, which they apparently did. Perhaps to soften the blow, the official letter to the family said the shell killed Siegfried instantly. Growing up in Rhode Island, Shefler knew nothing about Siegfried Lamm or others in the Baltimore branch of her family, which included Siegfried's father, Jacob. In '38, by then widowed, Jacob Lamm immigrated to the United States with Walter and Leopold; a daughter, Bertha, and others. Siegfried Lamm is one of 21 fatalities among the "four or five dozen" of Shefler's relatives who fought for Germany in World War I, she said, adding that their service and sacrifice belie charges at the time by some Germans that the Jews there were not patriotic. Many of those relatives would be killed in the Holocaust, so "as much as they loved their country, it didn't do them any good," she said. Besides the book, Shefler learned a bit about Siegfried by speaking with Walter Lamm several times by telephone a few years ago. As far as she knows, Walter, 90, is still living, although his wife, Edith, died in September. Given the chance to speak with Siegfried, Shefler said she would ask how he died and inquire about "his dreams-what he wanted to accomplish and whether he was in love." Siegfried's image, now contained in a frame whose decorative rivets echo his uniform's buttons, occupies a place of honor on Shefler's dining room wall along with her other deceased relatives. "I keep looking at the picture in awe," she said. "It's something I never could have imagined having. I can preserve it and pass it down in the family. I'm happy he's not forgotten." Shefler's embrace of a second cousin, twice removed, is all thanks to the sensitivity of Efron. Before locating Shefler, Efron considered framing the picture and hanging it in his own home. He thought better of it. "I felt I froze time and reunited this man with his family," said Efron, an animated and friendly man, as we met over coffee. He marvels at the path leading to Lamm and Shefler. His newfound interest in World War I was prompted by a photo in a book-a ditch at the Passchendaele battlefield in Belgium. It prompted him to read more and watch documentaries. "Maybe my whole interest in this time period," he said, "took me to this picture." Please email Hillel Kuttler at seekingkin@jta.org if you would like "Seeking Kin" to write about your search for long-lost relatives and friends. Please include the principal facts and your contact information in a brief email. "Seeking Kin" is sponsored by Bryna Shuchat and Joshua Landes and family in loving memory of their mother and grandmother, Miriam Shuchat, a lifelong uniter of the Jewish people. PHILADELPHIA (JTA)-Amanda Renteria, the national political director for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, was running through the campaign's messages for minorities and women: immigration for Hispanics, land use for Native Americans, various policies for defending children and women. She didn't mention Jews in her briefing Tuesday morning for specialty media, and there's a reason for that: There wasn't a Clinton issue that was unique to the Jews. When I asked her to mention some, Renteria looked to Sarah Bard, who directs Jewish outreach for the campaign. Bard acknowledged that targeted messaging was a challenge for Jewish voters, particularly young Jewish voters. "The Jewish millennial community is tremendously diverse," Bard said. Whereas older Jewish Democrats once coalesced around Israel as an issue, that's a harder sell for younger Jewish Democrats, who increasingly question the actions of its hawkish government. Hence the Democratic Jewish message relies on Jewish terms for familiar vague themes-Bard cited "kehilla," or the Hebrew word for community. "One of the strongest Jewish values is the value of kehilla," she said before acknowledging "We do have work to do with millennials." Bard also spoke to the power of personalities. "We had Sarah Silverman on the stage last night," she said, referring to the headline-making moment when the Jewish comedian told staunch Bernie Sanders backers who were disrupting the Democratic National Convention, "You're being ridiculous." Sanders and the following he has acquired among younger Democrats is emblematic of the challenge facing Bard and the Democrats among younger Jews. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a 17-year-old student at the liberal Orthodox SAR Academy in Riverdale, New York, sported a "Jewish Americans for Bernie" button on Tuesday. "In light of the recent Debbie Wasserman Schultz scandal, the model for Jewish Democrats should be Bernie Sanders, for transparency and integrity," he said. Wasserman Schultz, a Florida congresswoman, was ousted this week from her post as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee after hacked DNC emails revealed animus by her and her staff to the Sanders campaign. Kestenbaum was attending a breakfast for the Virginia delegation to the convention to hear about the rollout of a new political action committee, Jews for Progress. Virginia is one of six or seven swing states that Democrats plan to target, where Jewish turnout could make the difference. By contrast, Brianne Nadeau, 35, a member of the Washington, D.C., municipal council and a Clinton delegate, said Jewish women like herself had looked to Wasserman Schultz for inspiration. She was wary of Sanders-driven talk of dismantling existing structures. "As a member of the next generation, I want to challenge people who came before me as well as respect them," Nadeau said. The Clinton campaign recognizes the challenge. Xochitl Hinojosa, who handles minorities media, noted the campaign's first major hire from Sanders' winding-down campaign is Kunoor Ojha, who will be handling campus outreach. The Jewish campaign also will include a campus component, Bard said, with a staffer headed to Ohio next week to work campuses there. She and Renteria, the political director, described an intensely active Jewish campaign, with phone banks for rabbis and community leaders who call one another for support and ideas, and then report back to the campaign on successes and setbacks. There are Jewish house parties for Hillary and meetings of Jewish women. Debra Messing, the "Will and Grace" star who was scheduled to speak to the convention Tuesday night, has appeared at campaign sessions with Jewish women. Going forward, there would be appeals asking Jews in "safe" states to campaign in swing states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. But the elusiveness of a single unifying message was evident Tuesday afternoon at a Jewish Round Table organized by Bard. Speakers focused on "tikkun olam," repairing the world, a phrase that has become a catch-all for the Democratic social justice agenda. "Donald Trump is not a tikkun olam kind of guy," said Pennsylvania State Sen. Daylin Leach. "He's more a destroy olam kind of guy." In Bard's opening remarks, it was clear that Israel, a unifying factor for Jews in earlier elections, was not going to cut it anymore. "We have no greater ally in keeping the world safe than Israel," she said, using a one-time surefire applause line that this time was met with silence. Much of the session focused on the threat posed by Trump's broadsides against minorities and its recent echoes for Jews. "This is a scary election cycle," said Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo. "We have a candidate nominated by a major party who retweets quotes from neo-Nazis from Aryan Nation, who uses divisive quotes our people have heard throughout histories." Speaking earlier at a J Street session, journalist Peter Beinart, who has written extensively about the drift away from Israel among millennials, said Jewish leaders needed to retool. He said the ethos of facing down threats that motivated earlier generations no longer inspire a generation of Jews distant from the Holocaust and born after Israel's defining wars of defense. He lauded J Street, the liberal Middle East lobby, and American Jewish World Service, which fights global poverty and defends LGBTQ rights abroad, for tailoring their missions along lines that could appeal to younger Jews. Their approach, Beinart said, recalls the threats Jews once faced and makes them relevant to a generation that has grown up in relative safety and affluence, and with Israel viewed as a regional power. "They say to young American Jews, 'You have been given power and privilege because of what your parents sacrificed. Are you going to use that ethically?'" he said. JERUSALEM (JTA)-"Lone wolf" terrorism in Europe is making headlines around the world. But in Israel, the phenomenon of angry or troubled individuals taking up arms is old news. Since October, Israelis have endured a wave of violence that has been carried out largely by individual Palestinians without backing from terrorist groups-so much so that some have called this the "lone wolf intifada." As of the end of June, 38 people had been killed and 298 injured by attackers, according to the Shin Bet security service. Yet the violence appears to be winding down, at least for now. In October, when the wave of violence is said to have started, the number of attacks against Israelis spiked to 620. In June, there were 103 attacks, lower than in September, before the wave of violence began. A large majority of the attacks-some 1,500 out of 2,000-were in Judea and Samaria, where the Israel Defense Forces is responsible for protecting Israelis. Here are five key methods the army used to turn the tide of violence. Keep the terrorist groups out of it The wave of violence may be considered a lone wolf intifada, but that's because the army has put a lid on the terrorist groups, a senior IDF officer told reporters during a briefing this week. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the nature of his job. Since the second intifada, the last major Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s, the Israeli army has managed to largely dismantle the networks run by Hamas and other terrorist groups in the West Bank, according to Shlomo Brom, a retired brigadier general and an analyst at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies think tank. "Basically the terror networks are dismantled, and basically the security forces are dealing with maintenance," he said. But that doesn't mean terrorist groups have stopped trying to launch attacks against Israelis. In the past three months, the army has thwarted dozens of attempted attacks by Hamas alone in what the senior official called the "old war" against organized terror. "We're still having day-to-day indications of them trying to find people in the West Bank, fund them, give them weapons, give them explosives and tell them to shoot Jews," he said. "This hasn't changed." Predict the unpredictable A new war is being waged against the lone wolves. Their attacks started last fall in Jerusalem, sparked by Palestinian fears of Jewish encroachment on the Temple Mount. But the center of the lone wolf intifada quickly shifted to the Judean city of Hebron, with attacks on soldiers and settlers in the area, as well as across Israel. Around that time, at the end of last year, the army began building a system to deal with the new threat that was emerging, the senior officer said. The goal was to predict the unpredictable: when, for example, a particular Palestinian youth might grab a knife from his mom's kitchen and take to the streets to spill Israeli blood. Motives can range from nationalism to family problems, he said. "Unlike terrorists who belong to Hamas or the Islamic Jihad, if you get to their house the week before the attack, the kid doesn't know that he's a terrorist yet," the senior officer said. "So that's the main challenge." Based on what was known about previous attackers, the army created an alert system that is constantly being tweaked. These days, army analysts feed huge amounts of intelligence information into that system-a combination of "social media, human intelligence, signal intelligence," according to the senior officer, who declined to provide further details about intelligence gathering. In return, he said, the system produces a small number of alerts about potential future attacks. "One of the ways you produce an alert is, what are the last actions that a specific individual did," the senior officer said. "For example, if he's exposed to incitement and right afterwards he rents a car, maybe an unregistered car, this raises questions." In response to an alert, options include arresting a suspect, monitoring his or her actions, intervening through the family or deploying troops to a potential target area. When attackers are arrested or killed without managing to cause carnage, future attackers are thought to be deterred. "The attacks are decreasing because of their ineffectiveness, because most of them fail," said Brom, the Institute for National Security Studies analyst. "There is a limit to the number of even frustrated young people who are willing to give their life and to achieve nothing. So it makes sense that over time, the numbers of attacks are fewer and fewer." Go after the inciters Incitement to violence can occur in person, through traditional media or over social media. Hamas is responsible for a large portion of the incitement of Palestinians against Israel, the senior officer said. "They create some of the memes of the high-level incitement, or the incitement which is very powerful that you see on the web," he said. "So when you handle most of the Hamas incitement, or when you stop some of the incitement from getting to social media, you also have less incitement by private people that are just sharing a specific post or adding incitement." Get guns off the streets Despite Israel's control of the West Bank's borders, weapons manufacturing in the territory has "increased drastically" in the past couple years, according to the senior officer. He estimated there are hundreds of production centers there. In recent months, he said, the army has launched an organized crackdown, including closing some 20 locations producing homemade Carl Gustav submachine guns, or "Carlos," like those used last month by two Hebron-area cousins in a deadly shooting at the upscale Sarona market in Tel Aviv. "They paid for their suits more than they paid for the weapons," the officer said of the Sarona shooters, who wore dress suits during the attack. "And our logic is very simple... If not everyone can get a weapon with 2,000 shekels [about $500], the price will go up and they'll have to make all sorts of arrangements and meet more and more people in order to get the weapon they want, we will see fewer attacks with weapons because people will make more mistakes." Limit blowback At the same time, the army tries to minimize its footprint on Palestinian society. That starts with trying to arrest rather than kill attackers and would-be attackers, the senior officer said. According to Brom, the army also pushes to limit collective punishment, like the withholding of taxes that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, or revoking permits to work in or visit Israel. "The more you can separate between the public from the perpetrators, the better," he said. When the army does implement measures with punitive effects, like refusing to return the bodies of Palestinians killed during attacks or destroying attackers' homes, it aims only to target the attackers' supporters, according to Brom. Col. Ido Mizrachi, the head of engineering in the Central Command, which is responsible for the West Bank, acknowledged in another briefing with reporters that demolishing Palestinian homes causes resentment, but said he thinks the deterrent effect is stronger. To maintain that balance, he said, his engineers work quickly and use techniques to ensure that surrounding homes, or even adjoining apartments, are not damaged. While the senior officer downplayed the Palestinian Authority's security cooperation with Israel, Brom said the partnership is one of the main factors that enables the army to limit wider tensions. "If the Palestinian Authority stopped cooperating, the Israeli security services would be in a situation in which they would have to do themselves what the Palestinian Authority is doing," he said. "The problem is, that would create much more friction with population at large. And more friction with population at large means more motivation for more youngsters to join terrorist groups." Overall, the army believes this combination of tactics has helped to change the mentality of Palestinians in the West Bank, reducing the number of people willing to risk their lives to attack Israelis. "We saw more and more people not becoming pro-Israeli or pro-Zionist, but understanding that they don't achieve anything from this escalation, that it hurts them economically, that it doesn't help the life conditions, that it doesn't achieve anything on the national level," the senior officer said. Beginning with the bloody July 14 Bastille Day terror attack in Nice, France that left 84 people dead, Western Europe has seen an unrelenting wave of violence mainly perpetrated by individuals with connections to or sympathies with the Islamic State terror group. These attacks on European soil are now occurring with a near daily frequency, with five different lone-wolf shooting and stabbing terror attacks in Germany in late July, at least three of which were claimed by the Islamic State, as well as the slaying of a Catholic priest in northern France on July 26. Amid the shock and confusion that many Europeans are grappling with over the unprecedented wave of terrorism, European media organizations are similarly confounded over how to report on the violence that conflicts with the values of liberalism and humanism that have long defined Europe. After the attack in Nice, the BBC tweeted an article with the headline Frances President Holland returns to Paris for crisis meeting for Nice lorry attack. This headline, which used quotation marks to cast doubt on whether the incident was a deliberate attack, and did not use the word terror, was followed by other headlines in the BBC, and in other European news organizations, such as Syrian migrant dies in German blast, or Bomb-carrying Syrian dies outside German music festival; 12 wounded, and others. In a June article, JNS.org reported on how many international media outlets have come under fire for initially reporting misleading information about the attack at the Sarona market in Tel Aviv, and in some cases not describing the shooting as terrorism. Representatives from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in France and Germany reached out to by JNS.org confirmed this, and indicated that after the terrorist attacks in Brussels, the French media devised a comprehensive map of the Islamist terrorist attacks that had taken place across the world. Twenty countries were affected between the November 13 attacks in Paris and the Brussels attack, but Israel was not included. In addition, they said, both when it comes to news coverage of terror in Israel, and at times when it comes to European terror attacks, there is often short-lived public outrage and sparse political consequences. Media headlines on occasion reflect a reluctance to call terror by name, instead trivializing the severity of the attacks and obscuring the hateful motives of the perpetrators by referring to problems with depression and mental illness. Daniel Schwammenthal, the director of AJCs Transatlantic Institute in Brussels, also told JNS.org that when these terror attacks first take place, there is a tendency on the part of European news organizations to be careful and not jump to conclusions, and play down the obvious connection to radical Islamic terrorism. Generally I think there is a tendency in Europe to avoid the hard truth, particularly the fact that there are as many as 5,000 European Islamic State fighters, some of whom may have returned to Europe from the Middle East and pose a serious risk to security, he said. Germanys open-door policy has also allowed a large influx of Mideast refugees to enter its borders, many of whom are fleeing the Syrian civil war. At the same time, at least three of the recent terror attacks in Germany were committed by such refugees. Although Europe tries to differentiate between individual bad apple perpetrators and the whole Muslim community, opinion polls and studies suggest that a considerable segment of the Muslim community share at least some radical ideas and values, Schwammenthal said. Schwammenthal pointed to an article in the German newspaper Die Welt, whose headline Bremer Einkaufzentrum wegen Verdachtigem Evakuiert translates to Bremer mall evacuated because of suspicious (person). The article refers to an incident on July 27 where German police pursued and eventually arrested a 19-year-old Algerian asylum seeker who escaped a psychiatric hospital after threatening to blow people up. The man had previously praised the Islamic State terror group. A bolded first paragraph underneath the article headline stated: Due to danger posed by an Algerian who escaped from a psychiatric hospital, a Bremen mall has been evacuated. He previously expressed sympathy for the Islamic State. The police arrested him. While this paragraph does acknowledge the mans history of praising the Islamic State, the terror group is not mentioned in the headline. When it is mentioned in the first paragraph, it is stated only after it is explained that the man escaped an asylum, thus downplaying the mans connection to radical Islamic terrorism. While Schwammenthal called the motive to protect innocent Muslims from hostility as noble, he also believes this kind of thinking has led to an opposite result. People are obviously making a connection between radical Islam and terrorism, but they see this attempt in the media and by some political leaders to obfuscate or play down this connection, and Im afraid it may make people much more likely to turn to (extreme right or populist) radical parties, he said. However, he also acknowledged that this tendency to blame the society at large rather than individual, is of course much worse when it comes to European media coverage of the terror situation in Israel. Analysis by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA) and from BBCWatch have also shown that overall the number of articles and headlines misrepresenting terror attacks in this manner does still apply more greatly to European news coverage of Palestinian terror attacks in Israel, than to Islamic State-inspired attacks on European soil. CAMERA analyst Marcelo Wio, who analyzed Spanish media as an example, told JNS.org that in Spanish, to refer to terror attacks, we have a special word atentado terrorista. So, atentado is a word that immediately makes a reader think terrorism. This word is almost never used in for Palestinian attacks. Only when unavoidable. This is just a consequence (or even a necessary element) of a deliberate policy to frame Israel not only as the responsible for the (Israeli-Palestinian) conflict, but as responsible for the situation in the Middle East. Thus, Israel is portrayed, in news after news texts, as an archetypical of evil or oppressor. When it comes to news coverage of the Middle East, this tends to happen only with the Jewish state. Not even the war in Syria has produce such headlines, he said. The average European reader has incorporated the difference of coverage as a natural (and even necessary) thing, as Israel is different from the rest, and the attacks against its citizens is something evidently justified (oppression, etc.). In this way, the Palestinians have become the archetypical victim, whereas back in Europe, they see the attacks against them as attacks against culture, liberty, progressivism, enlightenment. Israel is the opposite of this representation, according to the medias portrait, Wio said. Nevertheless, Israeli-Arab journalist Lucy Aharish recently expressed awe at the wording of several recent headlines of articles about the European attacks on Israels Channel 2 on July 26. Its amazing. Were speaking about four occurrences that happened in a row in Germany, she said in a conversation with a reporter, as translated from Hebrew. They (Germans) dont even know how to digest it, she said. Whenever theres a terror attack in Israel, were usually really shocked over the headlines (about the attack) that exist abroad, but then you realize that even when this happens over there, they dont know how to explain it, translate it, or actually use the words man killed so and so (number of) people. No, (they write) that the poor guy (the terrorist) died, she said. AJCs Transatlantic Institutes Schwammenthal said that the fact that Islamist attacks in Europe are now occurring more frequently and causing mass casualties, makes it more likely that more European authorities will increase security and toughen legislation, as they already have in France and Belgium. But given the true dimensions of the problem, he is not as optimistic. Its very difficult to keep track of so many people, who often become radicalized much earlier than people believe during their early upbringing at home and in institutions where things like anti-Semitism, or other radical ideas are seen as completely normal. As Israels Aharish said about the news headlines, You dont know whether to laugh or to cry. They live in La La Land. In each and every generation they rise up against us to destroy us, Israeli MK Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid) reminded a packed Knesset hall last month during the premier joint meeting of the Knesset Caucus to Fight Delegitimization of Israel and the Christian Allies Caucus. The focus of the event: Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and how Jewish and Christian supporters of Israel can work together to quash the economic warfare movement against Israel. MK Lavie did not complete the quote from the haggadah, Josh Reinstein, director of the Christian Allies Caucus, told JNS.org with a smirk. It ends that The Holy One, blessed be He, rescues us from their hands. That is why we came together. Lavie, who co-chairs the delegitizamtion caucus with MK Michael Oren (Kulanu), told nodding heads that BDS is just a type of anti-Semitism. Coalition and opposition members shared the floor alongside their Christian supporters in what was a rare display of Israeli unity. As one member of Knesset said, We are divided about many issues. But we are all on the same page when it comes to defending our state. While keynote addresses by the U.S. Director of the Israel Allies Foundation Joseph Sabag and Prof. Eugene Kontorovich, a teacher at the Northwestern School of Law and a senior researcher at the Kohelet Policy Forum in Jerusalem, did not reveal anything particularly new about the BDS movement, it did offer a chance to unpack some of the latest and most dangerous reports, as well as discuss the next steps for pro-Israel parties in Israel and the U.S. Israeli criminologist and politician Dr. Anat Berko (Likud) said revisionist historyeradicating Judeo-Christian roots in Israel and replacing them with a false Palestinian narrativeis the freshest effort by anti-Israel activists. Jesus is called a Palestinian in some circles, Berko said with a sigh. This has left a real clash of what is the truth in Israel. It is funny to say Jesus was a Palestinian. He spoke Hebrew. The battle heats up most when it comes to the Temple Mount, Berko said. The claim that no Jewish Temple ever existed in Jerusalem, and that Jews have no rights whatsoever to the Temple Mount is part of what Berko termed a temple denial doctrine that has been increasingly internalized in Palestinian academic, religious and political circles, including a recent UNESCO resolution that views the Temple Mount as a solely Muslim site. The other challenge is the Western worlds tendency to ignore the roots of terrorism, Berko said. They pretend it doesnt exist; that is not a good way to be, Berko warned. We are all in the same pot now. To combat BDS, two efforts were discussed: anti-BDS legislation and combatting lies. The former has seen tremendous success in the last year, largely due to Kontorovichs efforts. He spent two years researching how to move such legislation forward, resulting in 12 states passing anti-BDS laws since May 2015, when South Carolina adopted modern legislation regulating against commercial discrimination of Israel. Sabag said he expects to see another 15 to 20 states pass similar legislation by this time next year. In his address, Kontorovich explained there are two kinds of anti-BDS laws: those that will disallow local and state governmental bodies to conduct any kind of business with companies that actively support BDS, and those that set up a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and require the states pension funds to divest from those companies. He said these laws are intended for companies already doing business with Israel and are being harassed for it. They can tell the protestors, There is no reason to have a die-in in front of our shareholders meeting. They might be annoyed [about Israel], but they will be more annoyed if they cannot do business with 12 or 13 other States because of a decision not to do business with Israel. We see these laws as a lifejacket. However, Sabag said legislation is a starting point. Given the ugly rhetoric and falsehoods that BDS activists spew, the pro-Israel community should waste no time in efforts trying to reason with these enemies. Rather, he said, We need to expose the lies. MK Oren said how people often attack Israel through the BDS movement for its relationship with the Christian community. He recalled how in 2012 60 Minutes spent millions of dollars proving a blood libel when it broadcast a segment reporting that the Israeli occupation has led to the evaporation of Jerusalems and the West Banks Palestinian Christian communities. Israel has the only growing Christian community in the Middle East, said Oren. Israeli Arab Christians are more affluent and educated than Israeli Jews. We have to intersect these points to defend ourselves. Kontorovich called on the Israeli government to take action, too. Israel cannot be protected without the action of the Israeli government, he said, noting that no one can legitimize Israel better than a well-run, democratic Israeli parliament. BDS might have started with the Jews, but it will not end with the Jews, said Berko. BDS is not about Judea and Samaria or the Bekaa Valley. It is about our right to exist. Nonetheless, with a room of people offering to help, MK Nachman Shai (Labor) said that he believes, In the end, BDS will pass. There is cause for optimism, added MK Lavie. Look at this conferencethese people coming together. The most important thing is to be united against BDS. ORMOND BEACH-The Rabbi Transition Committee has announced the appointment of Rabbi Courtney Berman as the new rabbi of Temple Beth-El, as of July 1, 2016. "I am delighted that Rabbi Berman will be joining us at Temple Beth-El," said Co-President Rodd Gould. "We are committed to fostering a thriving Jewish community and are an inclusive and respectful community for all our congregants. Her leadership and full-time presence on will enable us to continue building the strong and vibrant environment we envision." "The choice to come to Temple Beth-El is one I made in partnership with my husband, Jeffrey. We were both impressed with the community when we visited for the first time, and we both felt that coming to Temple Beth-El would provide many opportunities both for me as a rabbi and for us as a couple passionate about building and strengthening the Jewish community," said Rabbi Berman. "Going through the rabbinic placement process was quite emotional," Rabbi Berman continued. "For each congregation I considered, I had to ask myself if my particular personality and my particular strengths would be a good fit for that congregation. I chose Temple Beth-El because, after much deep reflection, I had reason to believe that I could be the right fit for this community, and that this community could be the right fit for me. I had reason to believe that, together, we could grow and work toward common goals of making this already wonderful community even better. Now that I am starting my job, I get to begin the sacred work of partnering with Temple Beth-El, working to create a vision, and then working to realize that vision. It is exciting." Now that she is getting settled, Rabbi Berman is looking forward to meeting the people here and listening to their stories, their hopes and dreams, and also anything else they would like to share. "I believe strongly that building a strong community starts with relationships, and I am looking forward to forming meaningful relationships," she said. Rabbi Berman was ordained on May 17, 2015, and her position at Temple Beth-El will be her first full-time pulpit. Before coming to Temple Beth-El, she served as rabbi for a small URJ congregation in Sherman, Texas. Though she lived in Los Angeles, Calif., she flew to Texas for the High Holidays and for a couple of other holiday/Shabbat observances. She enjoyed her time with the Jewish community of Sherman, and it gave her husband an additional year to build his career at the Law Firm for which he was working in Los Angeles, but is thrilled I have the privilege of serving a congregation full-time now. JERUSALEM-Love him or hate him, Republican candidate for president Donald J. Trump is doing it his way, ignoring what the American professional political world believed was the only way to become a party's nominee and win "the Oval." No issue is more imbued with slogans and adherence to conventional wisdom than is the Middle East. Two-state solution, occupied territories, illegal settlements, incitement and even terrorism-the list is long. Yet, notwithstanding the extreme sensitivities of the regional players and the long history of seasoned diplomats failing to broker anything that even remotely resembles a lasting peace deal, Trump, the first-time-out candidate, has selected gatekeepers for Israeli-Palestinian issues whose loyalties undeniably lie on the side of the Jewish state; who are personally and professionally erudite and successful, but who are also noticeably lacking the political trial-by-fire one would expect of a senior adviser on a lightning rod issue in a presidential campaign. Nevertheless, both of the two lawyers tapped for this delicate representation qualify for the position by virtue of what Trump himself was quoted as saying he looks for in an adviser on Israeli affairs: "people who truly love Israel." Jason Greenblatt, 49, who has worked for Trump for almost two decades and who is religiously-observant, told the Jewish news agency JTA that he stays apprised of issues by accessing a number of pro-Israel sources and advocates along with members of the Israeli government. His colleague-in law and in the Trump campaign-is 58-year old David Friedman, a native New Yorker whose father, a prominent rabbi, became the first Jewish clergyman to host a sitting president for a Shabbat meal when President Reagan joined the Friedman family for lunch in 1984. David Friedman, thank you for speaking with The Media Line. TML: Who is David Friedman and why has Mr. Trump made you the gate keeper on policies relative to Israel? Friedman: Well, first and foremost I'm somebody who loves Israel and someone who has Donald Trump's trust. We've known each other for 15 years. I've worked with him in some challenging circumstances and have gained his trust and I would hope his respect. When he was called upon to select advisers in various areas, one of those areas was the relationship between the U.S. and Israel and he wanted to select advisers who he knew had a deep love and commitment to the state of Israel. TML: Are you going to tell us that one of the first acts is to move the embassy to Jerusalem? Friedman: I think one of his first acts is going be to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I think the movement of the embassy to Jerusalem is logistically something that can't be done on the first day [but] I think that will happen in due course. TML: Why do you think Donald Trump should be the next president? Friedman: The president is the chief executive of the United States. He's not a legislator, he's not a committee member, and he's not an adviser. Donald Trump has outstanding executive skills. He is a terrific decision maker. His heart is in the right place. Contrary to what people say about him, he's not impulsive. He is someone who listens to his advisers, and when called upon to make decisions, actually exhausts material on the subject. He's also the right person at the right time because in America, we are very much hungering for non-tele-prompted leadership and authentic leadership actually accessible to the press. If you compare Donald Trump to any other candidate in history, he dwarfs the field in terms of his accessibility to the media and being on TV every night. I think he's what the country needs and I think his message is resonating with people who feel that globalism has failed them. And it's a fairly large constituency in this country. TML: Many believe that a candidate who doesn't utter the mantra of a two-state solution won't be taken seriously. Is the Trump position on a two-state solution a one state solution? Friedman: His position is not a one-state solution. His position is that he's observed the obvious, which is that a two-state solution over the past generation has been attempted over and over again and has been a failure. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result-and he's not insane. To blindly embrace a two-state solution because it's been an American policy for the past 25 years is not something he's going to do, any more so than one would have expected a president in the 1970s embrace the Vietnam war because it was a 20-year policy of the United States. Policies are only good if they work. TML: So what's his answer? Friedman: I don't think this is an area which is susceptible to jingoism. It's a very complex issue. The conventional wisdom is that Israel has to be a Jewish state or a democratic state, but can't be both. It's essentially a demographic assessment, which I think is wrong. With the removal of the Gazan population from the denominator, I think a one-state solution would reduce Israel from about 75 percent of a Jewish state to maybe about 65 percent. I don't think it's existential to do that. Ultimately, the issue is one of reducing tension and improving quality of life. That ought to be the first step, not the geography. The geography will follow if appropriate advances are made in quality of life. TML: A good chunk of the world uses the word "illegal" before the word "settlement" when speaking about Israel. You don't. Will President Trump? Friedman: I think it's almost silly to talk about settlements in terms of legal or illegal. I'm saying that as a lawyer who has actually studied the issue. My experience has been that the legal conclusions follow the political views. I can make an argument for legality; I can make an argument for illegality. I happen to be the view that the settlements are not illegal. I think they were captured in a defensive war from a country that no longer wants them back. You could obviously make an argument for why they are legal but it's a waste of time to debate the issue. TML: The United States is part of the Quartet, which has again condemned Israel for its expansion of Jewish communities in post-1967 areas. Would a President Trump change minds and policies of the European Union, United Nations, and Russia-its partners in the Quartet-or withdraw from the Quartet? Friedman: It's a good question. I haven't really given it enough thought as to whether he'd withdraw from the Quartet and what the consequences would be. He would certainly use his influence within the Quartet to have a significant change of direction. The recent criticism of Israel in regards to Gilo and Ma'aleh Adumim [Jerusalem neighborhoods which the Palestinians claim for their state-in-waiting and object to Israeli building in those areas-Ed.] I think is just ridiculous. These are significant Israeli population centers. There is no scenario under any peace accord where Gilo or Ma'aleh Adumim would ever be evacuated or become part of a new Palestinian state. I think it jeopardizes the credibility of the Quartet and it jeopardizes the credibility of the United States when they focus on these types of issues. It's really a mistake. TML: France is planning to throw a bash for Middle East peace before the end of the year: an international conference the Palestinians support and Israel says is a bad idea. How is David Friedman advising candidate Trump? Friedman: My advice is that it's a bad idea. The international community should not be dragging Israel against its will to a conference. I don't think France has the type of gravitas in the world community to be making that demand in any event. A Trump perspective is to support Israel and its approach to the peace process. Trump policy first and foremost is to trust Israel that they know what they are doing. Israel has now been independent for 70 years. They're a grown up country. They are not a client state of the United States. They are a partner with the United States in a global war on terrorism. We trust our partner and we want our partner to be secure and safe. We trust them to do the right thing. TML: Assume rumors are true and Donald Trump decides to fly Trump Force One to Israel before the election. To maintain his status as honest broker would he meet with Palestinian Authority President Abbas? Friedman: I think he might. I don't know. I haven't had that discussion with him. I think there are good reasons not to and I think there are some reasons not to do it. I'm not sure what the decision will be. I personally think putting the Israeli leadership on a common level with Abbas is a mistake. In one case you have a sovereign nation that is democratic, and in the other case you have a leader who is hanging on by a thread, who does not have an actual mandate and who funds stipends to pay to families of terrorists while they are in jail. These are difference types of governments-if you even want to call the Palestinian leadership a government. That doesn't mean that you don't have a meeting. The answer is, I don't know. We haven't had the discussion. TML: What is Trump's message to Abbas and the Palestinians who fear another pro-Israel president in the White House? Friedman: The message to Abbas is that you have a burden that you have to carry to be taken seriously as a potential nation state. You haven't met that burden yet. That includes renouncing violence, recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, creating infrastructure where money and funds are handled in a non-corrupt manner. TML: What will Trump do to prevent Iran from creating nuclear weapons? Friedman: This is at the very height of his foreign policy concerns and what he's going to try to do is re-engage with the other significant players in the region to try and re-assert leverage with Iran. The situation is absolutely untenable right now. TML: Hillary Clinton has just about everyone suggesting she is the most qualified person ever to be president. Where did she go wrong with the Middle East-if she did? Friedman: I don't think she has made a right decision. I think she said some helpful things when she was the senator from New York when she had a Jewish constituency. As soon as she became secretary of state, the first thing she did was to embrace a unilateral settlement freeze. I think it completely poisoned the environment. I'm not aware of anything she did that is particularly good. I can name off the top of my head things that were nasty, like ripping up the letter from George Bush to Ariel Sharon, which I think was the only thing Israel got from evacuating Gaza. I don't think she particularly likes Israel. I think she likes the kind of elite left among the Jewish people of Israel and in America like the Max Blumenthals, the Sidney Blumenthals and the people of that ilk who would like to turn Israel into a sort of Singapore. I think she's terrible for Israel. TML: American Jews have shown little interest in voting foreign policy in a Presidential election. How will you change that? Can you change that? Friedman: Look, it's a great disappointment to me that the Jewish Left doesn't support Israel as a priority. I'm hoping that as the American Jewish community recognizes the stark differences between a Trump administration and a Clinton administration on Israel that they will reprioritize Israel in their voting calculus. I think for a lot of the Jewish Left that does not prioritize Israel, it's because they assume that Israel no longer faces existential threats. A strong Israel untethered to American pressure is essential to Israel's ongoing survival. TML: Will Donald Trump become "45"? Friedman: I hope so. At the core, the American people are very much ready for a change. He is obviously the change candidate. Hillary Clinton is the antithesis of change. She's been around for 25 years. It will come down to that. In many of the battlegrounds states, people feel tremendously neglected. I don't know if you saw a very good piece done by [Israel's] Channel Ten here on the rust belt. It is extraordinarily depressing. These are good people who served in the military, supported the country and never really asked for much. They've been abandoned by multiple administrations. They are very much in large number supporting Donald Trump. Its been a long time since I saw a gesture this desperate. At the recent Arab Summit in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, the Palestinian Authority (PA) foreign minister, Riyad al-Maliki, announced that his boss, PA President Mahmoud Abbas, had asked the Arab states to prepare a legal case against Britain in retaliation for the Balfour Declaration of 1917. The Balfour Declaration, which took the form of a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to the Zionist leader Lord Rothschild, confirmed Britains favorable view of a national homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine, which came under British control toward the end of World War I. For that reason, the PLOs National Covenant dates the beginning of the Zionist invasion to 1917any Jews who arrived in the land after that date are considered to be illegal settlers. These days, thats basically every Jew in Israel. Of course, Abbas has been able to get away with this kind of incitement many times in the past, so there was no reason for him to expect any moral condemnation from Western leaders. Had he stuck to denying the link between Jews and the city of Jerusalem, or named another public square after a terrorist, he would probably have been spared the ridicule which has greeted his tactical error of going after the Britishand therefore going too far. Similarly grandiose gestures by Abbas in the past, for example his failed campaign for international recognition of a Palestinian state outside of negotiations, have also gone south, so it should be no surprise if his threat to sue the Brits comes to naught. Within a couple of days of Malikis Nouakchott announcement, British diplomats were reporting their Palestinian counterparts telling them that there was no substance behind it. Yet given that Abbas has been fixated on gesture politics for several years now, substance may not be the point here. Rather, its to remind the world that the Palestinian question has not been resolved, and no matter what happens in the coming yearsa Donald Trump presidency, thousands more refugees fleeing the atrocities in Syria, terrorist attacks in Europe on a weekly basis, Iran flouting the nuclear dealthe peace the world craves will not come without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Abbass woes are compounded by the fact that among the Arabs themselves, never mind the rest of the world, the worthiness of the Palestinian cause is diminishing. The combined threats of Iranian ascendancy and Islamist barbarism have drawn Arab states from Egypt to Saudi Arabia further into Israels orbit. One senior Israeli army office even volunteered to a reporter for The Economist: The Egyptians now are more anti-Hamas than even we are. Theyre actually pressing too hard now on Gaza. Even if this remark is slightly overstated, the Arab drift away from the Palestinians is unmistakeable. Abbass PLO fears that Israels ultimate goal is formalize peace with the Arab states without creating a Palestinian one in the process. This view seems to be shared in the Palestinian street. A recent poll among Palestinians found 78 percent of them acknowledging that their cause is no longer the leading priority in the Arab world, with another 59 percent angrily accusing the Arab states of allying with Israel against Iran. But much the regional balance tilts against the Palestinians, there is precious little internal reckoning going on. The implications that accompany the difficult truth that they could have achieved meaningful statehood in the last days of Bill Clintons presidential administration, were it not for the intransigence of the late Yasser Arafat, are still to be grasped. The West Bank and Gaza are still split between Fatah and Hamas, with both factions gaining in unpopularity. And yet rather than tearing up the old playbook, the Palestinians persist in advancing initiatives that question their own commitment to the two-state solution they insist the Israelis are wrecking. Like the BDS campaign and the other campaigns ostensibly focused on securing justice for the Palestinians, Palestinian diplomacy has become just another vehicle for sullen grievance politics that bear little correspondence to the historical record. Anyone who examines British policy in Mandatory Palestine will find numerous episodes that undermined the Balfour Declarations intentions towards the Jews. Pressure from Arab leaders meant that in 1939, at just the time that the need for a Jewish national homeland had never been greater, Britain decided to limit Jewish immigration to 75,000 during the next five years, with any future immigration requiring explicit Arab consent. In the years immediately after the Holocaust, British soldiers imprisoned, beat, and deported thousands of Jews who had escaped from the killing fields and concentration camps of Europe. When the British finally threw in the towel on their mandate, the Arab states faced the choice between diplomacy and war. They chose the latter, and the consequences are still with us today, feeding the notionexpressed here by Sir Vincent Fean, a former British consul-general in Jerusalem, in an interview with The Guardianthat Abbass threat to sue the British was a cry of anger and despair rather than a statement of intent... the problem is that the two-state solution that he has advocated and argued for for so long is rapidly drifting away. But depicting the Balfour Declaration as a crime against the Palestinians suggests the opposite: that Abbas still cannot stomach the idea of legitimizing Zionism. As Maliki, his foreign minister, put it, the Balfour Declaration gave people who dont belong there something that wasnt theirs. There we have it, a tired staple of Palestinian propagandadenying Jewish indigeneity recycled yet again. The conclusion that the Palestinian leadership prefers continued Israeli occupation over an independent state is becoming inescapable. Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower.org & The Tower Magazine, writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is the author ofSome of My Best Friends: A Journey Through Twenty-First Century Antisemitism (Edition Critic, 2014). Israels parliament this week took action in response to an Arab Knesset members public support of a terrorist who murdered an American-Jewish peace activist. But if you read the account by New York Times correspondent Isabel Kershner, you wouldnt know anything about the terrorist or his victimall you would learn is that Israels rulers are suppressing dissent and might be infected by budding fascism. Its as if Kershner and her editors are living in some kind of alternative universe, in which Israel is always guilty, Arab extremists are always innocent, and the 141 Americans who have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists simply dont exist. The current controversy began in February, when Haneen Zoabi and two other Arab Knesset Members (all from the Balad Party) paid a solidarity visit to 10 families of Palestinian terrorists who were involved in recent attacks. One was the father of Baha Alyan. For those who dont recognize Alyans name, let me refresh your memory. In October 2015, Alyan and fellow-terrorist Bilal Ghanem armed themselves with guns and knives, and boarded a bus in Jerusalem. One of the passengers was 78-year-old Richard Lakin, a civil rights veteran from Connecticut. Lakin taught English to Israeli and Palestinian children in Jerusalem and never missed a peace rally, according to his rabbi. The cover photo on Lakins Facebook page featured a Jewish child and a Palestinian child under the heading Coexist. Of course, none of that matters to Palestinian terrorists. They kill left-wing Jews, they kill right-wing Jews. Its all the same to them. Nor were Alyan and Ghanem deterred by the fact that Lakin was obviously an elderly man. They stabbed him in the face and chest. But that wasnt enough. They also shot him in the head. How does Haneen Zoabi feel about the murderer of an American-Jewish peace activist? She made her feelings very clear during her visit to the terrorists families. The purpose of the visit was to dramatize their demand that Israel surrender the bodies of the dead murderers. Alyans father, Muhammed, was the leader and spokesman for the families. According to the Palestinian news agency Maan, the meeting began with a moment of silence, evidently to honor the dead terrorists. That was followed by a reading from the Koran, by Muhammed Alyan. Zoabi and her colleagues emphasized their Palestinian identity, Maan reported, and said they will do all they can to pressure Israeli decision-makers so that the bodies will be buried...The [Knesset members] saluted the families strong stance and their endless struggle against [Israeli] aggression. Afterwards, Zoabis Balad Party posted a description of the meeting on its official website. The report referred to Alyan and the other dead terrorists as shahids, or martyrs, the highest term of Islamic religious honor. Balad also posted a video message by Alyans father, according to Palestinian Media Watch. In his message, Alyan called the visit by Zoabi and company warm and productive, and praised them for listening to the suffering and pain of the shahids families. He also said Zoabi et al planned to meet with the terrorists families again. In response, Micah Lakin, the bereaved son of Richard Lakin, called on Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to remove the Balad Knesset members parliamentary immunity, so they could be prosecuted for praising terrorists. Balad denounced Lakin and other critics of Zoabi as the trumpets of fascism inciting against us. Balad secured a temporary reprieve, when Edelstein announced that he did not have the authority to take away Zoabis immunity. That prompted other Knesset members to introduce the legislation which the Knesset passed this week, and which so outraged Isabel Kershner and the New York Times. Its actually a very mild law. It permits the removal of immunity only if 90 out of the Knessets 120 members vote to do so. Even the New York Times grudgingly conceded that the rules make the process difficult to carry out. But that did not stop Kershner from assertingin what was allegedly a news storythat the law has added to the sense (whose?) that Israels conservative government is pushing questionable measures (questioned by Kershner, that is) that some say are indicative of budding fascism. There are so many troubling elements to this episode. There is the disturbing specter of an Arab Knesset member exploiting her parliamentary immunity to endorse terrorists. There is the grotesquely misleading coverage by the New York Times. And then there is the perplexing indifference of many American Jews. U.S. Jewish organizationsespecially Richard Lakins old friends in J Street and Americans for Peace Nowshould be speaking out loudly against those who praise Richards killer. Why are they silent? Stephen M. Flatow, an attorney in New Jersey, is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. Dear Editor: Centuries ago, there were followers of Judaism and Christianity, specifically zealots and crusaders, who supported or committed violence and conquest in the name of religion. Nowadays, however, due to the reformation of Judaism and Christianity, it is extremely rare for acts of terror to be committed by Christians or Jews in the name of either religion. Sadly, the opposite is true for Islam, which has been hijacked by millions of followers, who support violence in the name of Allah. Most perpetrators of this violence and those who support it, follow Sharia law, a legal code based on the Quran and other Islamic scripture. Islam, the worlds second largest religion, is the fastest-growing religion. What Muslims believe and how they behave have enormous impact on the world. Co-opted by extremist religious leaders who seek political world-domination, Islam has become a vehicle of violence, intolerance, and hatred. In this decade, millions of human beings, mostly Muslims, have been displaced from their homes and dispossessed of their belongings, millions more have been injured and maimed, and hundreds of thousands have been killed, often dying horrible deaths, in the name of Allah. Millions of these displaced persons, most of whom follow Sharia law, have migrated to neighboring countries, including the nations of Western Europe, causing the stability of democratic governments to be shaken, and basic concepts of freedom and democracy to be threatened, because of the incompatibility of Sharia law with the concepts of individual liberty and gender equality practiced by their host nations. Growing acceptance and support among Muslims for a distorted interpretation of Islam, which teaches hatred of others, intolerance, and violence, presents a daunting challenge for reformation, which must be brought about by Islams adherents. However, it is heartening that a brave, small, but significant number of Muslim reformers has emerged. Through humane interpretation of the Quran, Muslim reformers believe that reform is possible by transforming Muslim communities, so they will be free from the dictates of fanatic fundamentalists. It is incumbent on the non-Muslim community to provide full and enthusiastic support for these courageous Muslim reformers who seek to reform Islam based on three principles: peace, human rights and secular government. If peace is to be restored to our planet, Islam must reform. Robert I. Lappin, president Lappin Foundation, Salem, Mass. The world has a serious problem, that of the massive number of refugees fleeing Middle Eastern war-torn countries. The vast majority of these refugees are Syrian and Iraqi Muslims while non-Muslims constitute less than three percent. Some countries refuse to admit refugees. Lebanon and Jordan shut their borders to Syrians in 2014. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United-Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman will not take a single refugee because of the crime and violence threat to their safety, as jihadist terrorists hide among those fleeing. After the Paris attacks, Poland said, Forget about taking in refugees. Turkey has ended its open door policy of admitting Syrian refugees. Last autumn, Hungarian soldiers sealed their border with barbed wire. By refusing to issue visas, Egypt effectively closed its borders to Syrian refugees. Switzerlands motto pertaining to Muslims is If you reject our customs, we will reject your application. On the other hand Slovakia is Ok taking in Syrians - as long as theyre not Muslim. The massive migration is due to warring Islamic factions with ISIS as the main aggressor. ISIS has declared that it is restoring the Islamic Caliphate naming Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as Caliph and designated him as political leader. ISIS is attempting to establish itself, by force if needed, as the leader of one Islamic world, worldwide Muslim movement, with no national boundaries. Islamic jihadists continue attacking around the world, spreading terror while murdering dozens and maiming thousands of innocent civilians, recently in Turkey, Germany, France, California and Florida. Many countries see the danger. Yet it appears government leaders such as our president and former secretary of state are more interested in protecting thousands of Syrians, with practically no vetting, rather than protecting Americans. In 2012, the Electronic Intifada, an online anti-Zionist media outlet that aggressively promotes the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, ran a lengthy article suggesting that allegations of anti-Semitism create a real climate of fear that is silencing pro-Palestinian student activists on U.S. campuses. I couldnt stop laughing when I saw the article, not because of the absurd nature of the chargesthat Jewish students were somehow intimidating and silencing pro-Palestinian student activists just by virtue of speaking up about the intimidation, and silencing they themselves were experiencing at the hands of those same activistsI laughed because of the accompanying photograph set beneath the headline. In one concise image, it revealed the utter disingenuousness of the thousand words that followed. The photo, credited to Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at University of California Berkeley, depicted a large pole on campus that was covered from top to bottom with multiple layers of promotional flyers. However, the only ones that were fully visible because they had been affixed directly on top of the others were the SJPs flyers demonizing and delegitimizing Israel and urging the university community to support BDS. The juxtaposition of the photo with its caption, Students face a climate of intimidation on several California campuses, practically begged the reader to think: Which students are facing a climate of intimidation? Certainly not the members of SJP, whose bold and brazen freedom of expression to demonize and delegitimize Israel and promote efforts to harm it is literally smothering everyone elses! In the four years since that article was published, the smothering of speech depicted in the articles photo has not improved. In fact for one group of students, it has gotten worse. Much worse. A study of anti-Semitic activity in 2016 on more than 100 campuses, which our organization released earlier this week, revealed that over the past year the number of incidents involving the suppression of Jewish students freedom of speech and assembly by members of SJP or other anti-Zionist student groups had approximately doubled. For example, in April of this year, more than two dozen members of the General Union of Palestine Students at San Francisco State University disrupted and ultimately shut down a Jewish student event featuring a speech by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. A few minutes after Barkats speech had begun, protestors stormed into the hall and loudly chanted slogans such as Get the hell off our campus, Long live the Intifada, and From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free, until the speech was prematurely terminated. Similar disruptions and attempted shut-downs of Jewish student events unfolded on campuses across the country. It is telling that in our study we found a strong correlation between incidents involving the suppression of Jewish students freedom of speech and assembly and those involving the expression of anti-Semitic tropes that demonize and delegitimize Israel or promote its destruction: in 2016 all 12 of the schools at which the speech and assembly of Jewish students were suppressed played host to one or more incidents of anti-Zionist expression, and the greater the number of these incidents, the higher the likelihood that Jewish student expression would be suppressed. Not only does this strong correlation suggest that anti-Zionist expression may incite conduct that harms Jewish students, it also underscores the breathtaking hypocrisy of anti-Zionist activists on campus, who vigorously exercise their own freedom of expression but deny Jewish students that same right and freedom. In addition, the increase in incidents which trample on the civil rights of Jewish students indicates the growing success of a tactic known as anti-normalization, which members of SJP and similar anti-Zionist groups routinely employ to aggressively stifle all pro-Israel expression. For example, in one of its founding documents the SJP group at Binghamton University outlined strategies for harassing Jewish students and disrupting or shutting down their Israel-related events in a section entitled: Tactics and Strategies Used to Counter Zionist Normalization. Adherents of anti-normalization target not only pro-Israel students, but anyone presumed to support Israel, first and foremost Jewish students, regardless of their actual personal feelings on Israel. As a result, Jewish students engaging in Jewish activity having nothing to do with Israelwearing their Jewish sorority or fraternity letters, displaying Star of David necklaces, walking to Hillel for Sabbath dinnerreport fearing for their safety and well-being. In addition, because of their support, or even just presumed support, for Israel, Jewish students report being rejected from progressive social justice activities such as pro-choice rallies, anti-rape demonstrations, Black Lives Matter events and racial justice conferences. The situation has become intolerable for many Jewish students. This past spring, the University of California system took a critical stand against the rising anti-Semitism plaguing its 10 campuses. Its Board of Regents issued a Statement of Principles Against Intolerance acknowledging that anti-Zionism is a form of anti-Semitism which incites additional Jew hatred and, like other forms of discrimination, has no place at the University of California system. The Regents statement also singled out actions that physically or otherwise interfere with the ability of an individual or group to assemble, speak, and share or hear the opinion of others, stating that they impair the mission and intellectual life of the University and will not be tolerated. Universities across the country must follow suit. Rossman Benjamin is faculty at the University of California and the director of AMCHA initiative, a non-profit that combats anti-Semitism on college campuses across the U.S. Johnny Small, 43, said he looked forward to a hot bath and getting used to an amped-up world full of cellphones he never knew now that he's left prison after nearly three decades Thursday evening. After prison cots, he said he preferred the sofa in a big, open room to a private bedroom. "There's a lot I've got to adapt to," Small said after arriving at his cousin's manufactured home just before nightfall. "I don't know how to function. I mean, when I came into it (prison) I was still a kid and in a way I still got a kid's state of mind." Hours earlier, Superior Court Judge W. Douglas Parsons ruled there was not enough evidence to justify Small's conviction for the 1988 murder of Pam Dreher in Wilmington. She was shot in the head at point blank range while lying on the floor of her tropical fish store. Parsons determined it was physically impossible for a supposed eye witness to be at the murder site at the time as she reported seeing Small leaving the shop. Police also withheld key evidence, Parsons said. The judge said he didn't see proof of Small's innocence, but was persuaded to free him until prosecutors decide if there was enough evidence to put him on trial again. "What I'm here to decide is, did he receive a fair trial?" Parsons said. "It is more than abundantly clear that he did not." Small will be under electronic house arrest while charges are pending. District Attorney Benjamin David said in a statement that his staff will meet with Wilmington police and the state attorney general's office "to determine whether any additional investigation should be conducted or additional charges should be filed." The statement offered no timeline on a decision and a spokeswoman did not respond to an emailed question. Small, wearing a tan jail uniform, was led from the courtroom before the judge finished speaking. His attorney, Chris Mumma, said he was hyperventilating as he realized he was about to be freed. About 150 people falsely convicted of crimes were exonerated in 2015, a record number, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The registry is a project of the University of Michigan Law School and has documented more than 1,850 such cases in the U.S. Parsons' decision came after Small's teenage buddy said he was pressured by police to testify at the murder trial that both he and Small were at the scene. David Bollinger says a Wilmington homicide investigator made up the story and his grandfather pressured him to lie on the witness stand. Bollinger said he could no longer keep quiet and was ready to face the chance of being prosecuted for perjury on the witness stand nearly three decades ago. State attorneys argued that Small deserved neither a new trial or to be freed from prison. Bollinger, 47, said he testified falsely at Small's trial because prosecutors promised charges he faced would be dropped in exchange and threatened the death penalty if he didn't cooperate. Bollinger said he was driving to an automobile auction in South Carolina with his boss about the time Dreher was killed and didn't drive Small to the scene, as he testified at the 1989 murder trial. He said he lied then because he was afraid that since he was an adult he could get the death penalty, and a Wilmington police detective told him Small could get out of prison after turning 18. Bollinger said he confided to his grandfather, a former police officer and FBI agent, about the lie police told him to tell and was told he should stick to the story. Small's attorneys said without Bollinger's testimony, prosecutors never could have convicted Small of a crime that would have required planning by a more mature mind than the drug-taking, car stealing, juvenile delinquent Small admitted to being at age 15. No gun, fingerprints or blood-spattered clothing tied Small to the crime. Also, Nina Raiford said she was walking past Dreher's shop when she saw Small exiting, then saw a news report about the slaying the same night. She didn't report what she saw until after Crime Stoppers offered a reward and she spoke to a school counselor two months later, Small's attorneys said. Punch-clock records from the fast-food restaurant where Raiford worked show she didn't quit work the night of the slaying until after she described spotting Small. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ Stand-up comedians and talk show hosts in the US could not have asked for two better presidential candidates than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. When news came that Hillary may throw her hat in the presidential ring, a popular television show ran a spoof with the real Hillary as a bartender talking to an imposter Hillary who made fun of the former secretary of states fondness for a drop. In another late night show, the host described The Donald as a tangerine coloured Godzilla. US politicians, at least the majority of them, know how to take it on the chin. But our story here is a bit different. Our politicians are quite capable of fairly sharp witticisms. RJD leader Lalu Prasad comes to mind immediately. His famous one-liners used to keep Parliament in splits at one time though with the passage of time, they became less funny and a little worn. Of course, the sophistication of Nehrus wit or the searing humour of Gandhi has never quite been seen again on the political firmament but now and again we do see a spark of humour in many of our politicians. Union minister for urban development Venkaiah Naidu is known for his alliterative humour, though some of it is often lost on many of us. The PM himself is known to get in a jab every now and again at his political opponents, which raised a titter in the US and also in his election rallies. Read: The politics of humour But, try and make fun of our political worthies and you will find that the collective political funnybone is missing for the most part. In fact, we are expected to assume a certain air of respect when it comes to our politicians. We have heard outrage when someone or the other has made a humorous reference to them. In fact, even the threat to the fabric of our nation and the foundations of our civilisation are invoked to hit out at the offender. This is easing up ever so slightly and today there are cartoons that poke fun at the great and powerful. But, no doubt the producers of such cartoons or shows are treading on eggshells because you never know when the ever delicate sensibilities of someone or the other can be offended. The Sikhs and Malayalis have perhaps been most at the receiving end of parochial jokes. Why did the Malayali cross the road? Simbly. This has been the foundational joke when it comes to the Mallu accent. In fact, my lack of a Malayali accent is often commented upon by people I come across almost as though this were offensive to them. But the Sikh and Malayali political class are not quite as prone to seeing the humour in jokes about them. In fact, if you sail too close to the wind in Kerala, you mind well find yourself in the clink, cooling your heels until your humorous urges vanish. Read: How Prince William hit Sachin for a six and joked about it British politicians are famous for their droll sense of humour, Churchills rapier-sharp wit had decimated many an opponent. The debates in the British parliament often underscore the effectiveness of humour as a way of scoring political points. The US President hosts an event at which, among other things, he pokes fun of himself. I cannot quite see any of our august presidential personages doing that, though on an occasion, Pranab Mukherjee is known to be able to raise a laugh or two. Finance ministers do make a stab at humour in their budget speeches though not too many have been able to get them rolling in the aisles. At one time, politicians like Morarji Desai, a humourless man if there ever was one, were known for their quips. The word quip would imply that there was a funny element to their observations but this was not the case. The inappropriately termed quip was almost always an observation which was as dull as ditchwater. Read: Modi must grit his teeth and smile at the same time But, all is not lost. Social media has put some of the fun back in life. Of course, if you were to make fun of the gau rakshaks or the self-styled commissars of Hindutva, be assured that the response will not be funny at all. But still, people emboldened by the relative anonymity of social media are pushing the envelope. Perhaps, it is too much to hope that the kind of merciless ribbing that American politicians face both in their workplace and in the media will happen here. But, sooner or later, our worthies will have to learn to take themselves a little less seriously. That way, I think, they will actually become more interesting in the eyes of the people and prove that they have not all undergone a humorectomy. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON She was much more than a wife of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Avadh who was defeated by the British and then banished to Bengal in May 1856. After the poet-nawab was deposed, Begum Hazrat Mahal took charge with impressive valour. Like Rani Laxmibai, she was one of the few women who challenged the British during the revolt of 1857. Read more: Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, through the eyes of a travelling priest After the recapture of Lucknow by rebel forces led by the Begum and her allies, she crowned her 11-year-old son as the ruler of Avadh. The Begum ruled for ten months as regent and it was under her leadership that the British were confined to the Lucknow Residency, events that became famous as the Siege of Lucknow. But the rebel forces were eventually defeated and the Begum took political asylum in Nepal, rejecting a life of comfort and privilege offered by the British. She died on 7 April 1879 in Kathmandu. A painting of Begum Hazrat Mahal. (Courtesy Mohi-ud-Din Mirza) A documentary by filmmaker Mohi-ud-Din Mirza, Begum Hazrat Mahal: The Last Queen of Avadh, which will be screened in Delhi for the first time this Sunday, celebrates the legendary journey of one of the unsung heroines of the first war of independence. We speak to the director of the short film: How did you get interested in a topic like Begum Hazrat Mahal? This character came to the front during my research in India House Library in London for a film on Madame Bhikhaji Cama. There were many cross references about Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and hence Begum Hazrat Mahal. She was regarded as a formidable leader. Read more: 69 artists to recount 69 years of India post independence Who was Begum Hazrat Mahal and what makes her an important historical figure? Begum Hazrat Mahal was an intuitive politician. She was praised for her military and administrative ability. She personally led the famous Siege of Lucknow Residency. This Queen fought the British tyrants of the East India Company and later, Queen Victoria herself. She would have been successful had the British usurpers not purchased help from the Nepal king. She led a peasants in uniform military rebellion in Avadh. In no time it turned into a general uprising of the people. She established social equality between people of all castes and religions. Her militant activities against the English were not only to secure freedom for Avadh but freedom for India. Sir Henry Lawrence (the chief commissioner of Avadh) conceded defeat in a decisive Battle at Chinhat fought on June 30, 1857. Begum Hazrat Mahal died on April 7, 1879 in Nepal. Her grave in Kathmandu. (Courtesy Mohi-ud-Din Mirza) Any interesting story that you discovered while making your film? I found that all across Avadh the unity and integrity in society is intact. I saw the insignia of Avadh kings being held in great reverence by people everywhere, especially by those of the river Ghagra area. Recently, several films have been made on historical figures. Do you think there is an increased interest in Indian history today? Do you intend to expand the documentary into a longer format? Unusual, uncompromising characters have always inspired screen authors. The challenges lie in selecting those who enthral the audience. My research is on and I have an undying desire to make a full-length film on Begum Hazrat Mahal. Begum Hazrat Mahal: The Last Queen of Avadh When: 7pm, August 14 Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road Call: 24682002 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Revisit the earliest chapters of industry in India through 10 chromolithographs (multi-coloured prints used as textile packaging labels). 1. Morarjee Goculdas S & W Co. Ltd. Mills, Bombay, 1930s Established in 1871, it was the oldest textile company in India. This label dates back to the late 1930s, when the mill joined the Swadeshi Movement and set up a khaki department. The flag that Hanuman is hoisting has deshi written on it to symbolise the movement. 2. Young India, The Union Mills, Bombay, 1930s The label dates back to the early days of the Indian National Congress. So, you see the Congress flag with the charkha (spinning wheel) in the centre. 3. Warranted Best Turkey Red, WM Stirling & Sons, Glasgow Radhi Parekh, gallery director and owner of the collection, had seen several dye labels of Turkey red at her house. My interest in chromolithographs piqued when I came across Turkey red dye labels in an antique store in 2011, she says. Also read: Know all GOT sigils, not of Indian royal families? Learn here 4. F Steiner & Co Manchester, 1880s, Chromolithograph F Steiner and Co was a reputed textile mill. It participated in the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1888. Labels of the mill are also found in the British Museum, London. 5. The Aryodaya Spinning and Weaving Co Ltd, Ahmedabad, 1930, Offset Labels printed around the late 1930s feature geometric borders, symmetrical patterns, and other Art-Deco motifs. Also read: Relive early days of photojournalism in India in these pics 6. Congo Red, Made in Switzerland Congo red was a chemical dye used extensively in the textile mills. Indian gods and goddesses were a recurring motif in the labels made for Indian companies. 7. Shipper ticket, Nathumal Shoorimal, Ahmedabad Since bales of clothes were imported from the UK, consignments were labelled with these tickets. The quantity or the number of yards would be written in the blank boxes at the bottom, Parekh says. 8. Best wishes from Bombay, Made in Liverpool, UK During festive occasions, merchants would exchange greeting cards. Chromolithograph prints were also used as greeting cards. Here, you can see New Year greetings from Meghji Damji and Co, printed in Liverpool. 9. Mahabharata In another label, also made in Liverpool, you can see a scene from Mahabharata Krishnas fight with Kaliya Naag. 10. Lady of the Lake, The Aryodaya Spinning and Weaving Co Ltd, Ahmedabad You see an Indian woman rowing a boat. But she has not draped the sari in a traditional manner. Also, her headgear looks more Red Indian. Its safe to say that the artists abroad were confused about the attire, says Parekh. What are chromolithographs? Back in the 1870s, the first phase of mass-scale production of consumer goods spread across the world. The need to advertise was felt, and thats when chromolithography large-scale printing came into being. One of artist Raja Ravi Varmas technicians, Fritz Schleicher, helped him start chromolithograph printing at his press. However, most prints were made in bulk in Britain and in other parts of Europe. These prints were used in the textile industry as packaging labels, advertisements and calendar art. Real vs fake: how you can tell We have seen postcard-sized artwork being sold for meagre prices on Colaba Causeway and at other antique stores. Parekh shows us a pile in the gallery thats fake. Its possible to tell the difference. Chromolithographs were last made in the 1930s. Ageing is the obvious giveaway. You cannot replicate the discolouration, and natural wear and tear. Moreover, the advanced machines leave a sheen on the image, she says. Dont Miss What: Ephemera 2016 - An Exhibition of Vintage Textile Labels and Chromolithographs is on till August 17, 11am to 7pm. Where: Artisans Gallery, Kala Ghoda Call: 098201 45397 The play 1857 Indias War of Independence, based on the travelogues of a young Brahmin priest, offers a unique perspective on the 1857 rebellion and an important eye-witness account of the events around Jhansi and Rani Laxmibai. When Vishnu Bhatt of Versai (a small village in Maharashtra) set out with his uncle in search of wealth, little did he know the adventures he would document. Written as a memoir, in old-style Marathi in the traditional Modi script, the document titled Mazha Pravas or My Journey is about the charged atmosphere of Indias first war of Independence as documented by Bhatt. Read More: 69 artists to recount 69 years of India post independence The play focuses on the heroic young Rani of Jhansi and Tatya Tope, the general of Nana Sahib who fought the British forces and later came to the relief of Laxmibai. It also puts the spotlight on Bhatt, who witnessed what transpired at rebel strongholds like Jhansi (under Laxmibai), Bithur (Tatya Tope) and Kanpur (Nana Sahib). We did the same play with children in our summer workshop. It worked, so now were doing it with our senior student actors, says JalabalaVaidya, director of the play. There have been several films made and stories written about Laxmibai but there has been no focus on Vishnu Bhatt and the notes he kept. That is an important historical point. Mutinying soldiers in a scene from the play 1857 - Indias War of Independence (Courtesy Akshara Theatre) Bhatt was initially reluctant to write his memoirs, but after much coaxing by one of his associates, he eventually did do so. It was in 1881, 24 years after the mutiny, that he finished Mazha Pravas in Marathi. The first translation in the modern Marathi script was published in 1948 by the Bharatiya Itihas Shodhak Mandal. The English translation was done by Mrinal Pande in the book 1857 The Real Story of the Great Uprising and was published decades later in 2011. 1857 Indias War of Independence When: 7pm, August 13 and 6pm, August 14 Where: Akshara Theatre, 11B, Baba Kharak Singh Marg Call: 23361075 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day before the release of his Bollywood crime-mystery film Rustom, actor Akshay Kumar visited John Lobo, former deputy commissioner of police, crime branch, who was in-charge of the infamous Nanavati case, on which the film, that released on August 12, is based. As Akshay entered Lobos house in Bandra, Mumbai on Thursday, and walked over to the 95-year-old, his family greeted him with gleaming eyes. The photo of Akshay adorning the white navy uniform, as a part of the film, was shown by the actor to an impressed Lobo. Akshay showing a photo of himself dressed as a naval officer to John Lobo. (Satish Bate/ HT Photo) At the age of 95, it is astonishing that he (Lobo) remembers every case that he had investigated; including the one my film is based on. It is unbelievable that he was able to recall which investigating officers were part of the case and sequence of events, said Akshay, adding that playing the character of naval commander Kawas M Nanavati was tough initially but with time, became smooth. It is now for the audience to choose again, whether Nanavati was innocent or not, said the actor. Read: Akshay, Ileana, Esha promote Rustom at HT House On meeting Akshay, Lobo said that the actor is as tall as Nanavati. He (Akshay) is much like the fine, tall specimen I had met almost 60 years ago, said Lobo. On April 27, 1959, Lobo was in his office at the Mumbai police headquarters at Crawford Market. It was around 5.30 pm, when a striking looking man walked in. A tall, handsome gent in a white shirt and slacks walked in. He had a perplexed look on his face until he let go off the following words, I shot a man, said Lobo about KM Nanavati. John Lobo narrated the dramatic story that developed on the summer evening, a few days before he was planning to go on a holiday to Ooty. (Satish Bate/HT Photo) Nanavati had murdered his family friend, Prem Ahuja, a businessman after he learnt from his wife, Sylvia, about an affair between the two. I distinctly remember telling Nanavati that there were other ways of dealing with this individual. I rebuked him for taking law into his hands. This was the only conversation I had with him, before asking him to hand over his murder weapon, said Lobo, adding, Indignation gave way to a desire for revenge but the law took its own course and convicted the naval officer. Read: Akshay Kumars secretary helped him prepare for Rustom As Lobo sat on his chair near the window of his sea-facing apartment, he narrated the dramatic story that developed on the summer evening, a few days before he was planning to go on a holiday to Ooty. A police officer who firmly believed in the rule of law, he had no sympathies for Nanavati. If I were in his shoes, I would never have carried out such a rash act, he said. Lobos conviction in the supremacy of the rule of law was staunch in the face of a personal tragedy. In 1997, he lost his wife, Stephi, to a car accident, a stones throw away from his residence. He maintained his poise and professionalism, said Amelia Correa, his daughter. Lobo narrates a story of 20 years after the murder John Lobo, former deputy commissioner of police, crime branch in-charge of the infamous Nanavati case. (Satish Bate/HT Photo) Twenty years after the murder, lawyers and investigating police officers involved in the trial accidentally came together in the same room during a conference in New Delhi. From 1959 to 1979, John Lobo, who was deputy commissioner of police, crime branch was promoted to director, Central Bureau of Investigation and then became chief security liaison officer for prime ministers - Indira Gandhi and Morarji Desai. Karl Khandalawala, the defence lawyer became a top-rung criminal lawyer in Mumbai, then young lawyer and prosecutor in the case Ram Jethmalani moved up the ranks to become a Supreme Court lawyer and YV Chandrachud, then government pleader became the Chief Justice of India. Read: The jury declares Akshay Kumar a patriotic actor When all of us were in the same room, we knew in our heads how we had all met in the past but not a word was spoken about the case apart from Jethmalani making a passing comment that they knew each other, said Lobo. A shadow of doubt still looms over what actually transpired in that room when Nanavati decided to pull the trigger on Prem Ahuja but all of us had the satisfaction of a fair trial. He added that after then Governor of Maharashtra, Vijay Laxmi Pandit pardoned Nanavati in 1962, Lobo had no personal reaction. I had done my duty and so had the state. Integrity and truth had been held up and the accused had done his time, he said. Lobo, the disciplined man Even at the age of 95, John Lobo lives by a schedule. Apart from diligently completing the daily crossword and reading the newspaper, he makes his way to a church adjacent to his apartment building every day. While his hearing ability has reduced, his memory is sharp. Retired at 58, he is surrounded by a large family comprising of three sons, two daughters, their children and great grandchildren. He now lives a peaceful life accustomed to his chair facing the endless sea at Bandstand Bandra (West), reminiscing his many cases over the last six decades. Follow @htshowbiz for more. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On Friday, we woke up to Shah Rukh Khans tweet on being detained at the Los Angeles airport. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks (sic), wrote the actor, who was earlier detained at Newark airport (2009) and New York airport (2012). I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons (sic), he added. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Kamal Haasan Actor Kamal Haasan was also detained at a US airport. (IANS) SRK, whom Kamal Haasan is very fond of, would be pleased to know he has undivided support from senior actor Kamal Haasan, who too has faced a similar ordeal. We dont need to over-react just because this Khan is a Shah Rukh. I dont think Shah Rukh himself minded the detention. I know the gentleman (that he is). He would never say, I am Shah Rukh Khan, so I should be treated differently from other Khans. He had earlier said, Each time I want to feel normal, I visit the US . His fans might feel injured on his behalf, but it cant be helped. US is an injured nation.The Americans are just being careful. This happened to me, too, and I had to miss my flight.There was no great apology or anything.Its just rules theyre following, says Haasan. Read: Shah Rukh Khan again detained at US airport, says it really sucks The actor says he was detained and questioned at an airport in Canada recently, as his name sounded distinctly Muslim. My father did a very mischievous thing, maybe because I was born when he was 50, and by then he had developed a sense of humour about human quirks and contradictions. He gave me a Muslim-sounding name. And the ambiguity of my name does confuse the Americans. I enjoy that, says the actor. My father too enjoyed the ambivalence. My brothers Charu Haasan and Chandra Haasan dont have to face this. In fact, my father was keen that I spell my name Kamal with Q in a very Islamic way.I had almost listened to him. Then I backtracked. But I feel I should go for it just to show a sense of solidarity with my Muslim brothers,including Shah Rukh. It doesnt matter whether I am really Muslim or not. If I have to suffer for my name Im willing to do so, he adds. Read: Was Akshay Kumar detained at Heathrow Airport? Haasan frequently gets into the suspicious segment of the US immigration department. Sometimes they take me aside and ask me questions.Just because we do business with America they think we are questionable. If were so touchy about immigration rules in America, we shouldnt be doing business with them, says the actor, who feels racial and cultural suspicion exist in every society. Talk to an Afghani who comes to visit India . Afghani students cant get rooms to stay in India .Theres resistance to Afghani passports in India. Why are we so touchy about American treatment? Theyve a 9/11 to caution them. India should stop acting paranoid about racial profiling, he adds. Irrfan Khan Actor Irrfan Khan has been detained twice in the past. (Pramod Thakur) Actor Irrfan Khan faced interrogation on two occasions at American airports. More than the physical torture, its the wounds of humiliation that never heal after you undergo such a horrific experience. I was detained in New York and Los Angeles airport for secondary interrogation. I was outraged. I was told to quietly come into a room for questioning and identification verification. I wasnt allowed to talk. When I tried to ask why I was being treated this way, I was told to keep quiet. I wasnt allowed to use my phone. They said, No, you just sit down. All because my name was Irrfan Khan. You cant argue or rationalise, Irrfan had said in an earlier interview. Kabir Khan Filmmaker Kabir Khan was held up for talking in a strange language Hindi. (Yogen Shah) Filmmaker Kabir Khan had to face the brunt of Islamophobia in the US. I was accompanying my wife in the US along with the Morani Brothers. It was a flight from LA to Washington just 15 days after 9/11. So the fear and paranoia were not totally unjustified. We were waiting for the flight to take off talking to each other in Hindi when some passengers complained that we were talking in a strange language. Within no time, two burly FBI agents came on board and took me and my co-passengers to the front of the plane. When they got to know my name, they questioned me for more than two hours, googled my name for terrorist links and then finally allowed me to fly. They asked me if I had been to Pakistan. I told them no. If I had told them that I had been to Afghanistan, theyd have freaked out. Two other passengers on board refused to fly with us. So they were asked to deboard. So you see, post 9/11 persecution comes with its inbuilt safety measures. But I honestly think a part of the global fear is justified. We cant blame people for being paranoid after what had happened, Kabir, who was questioned again at an American airport, had said earlier. Read: US ambassador apologises to Shah Rukh for detention, SRK says thank you On a second occasion, this time in New York I blew my top when I was detained. I told this big black American guy, Please clear the confusion about my identity once and for all. Or dont provide me with a visa. I dont want to come back to the US. The guy wanted to know if it was a threat. I was taken aback. (Filmmaker) Mira Nair had to intervene. She advised me to never counter-question them. This is the free spirit of America. This 90-minute detention changed me completely. Can you imagine what a 90-day detention can do to an innocent man thrown into jail, said Kabir. Iqbal Khan Foreign travel is no longer a hassle for television actor Iqbal Khan. Not every Khan is unhappy with the treatment at American airports. Foreign travel is no longer a hassle for television actor Iqbal Khan. Till recently, he was denied a visa to the US because of his surname. My foreign trips, especially the trips to the US, are no longer a hassle. After the media took up the issue of my visa, I received a call from the American consulate.Now Ive a ten-year visa to the US, says Iqbal, who was deeply embittered by the religious cultural and racial segregation that he witnessed while applying for a visa to the US. He, however, felt good to see that US airports have a prayer room for the devotees. I pray five times a day. And Im happy to say theres prayer room on the American airports. It makes travel to America all the more pleasant, says Iqbal. Follow @htshowbiz for more. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khans troubles with the US immigration department do not seem to end. He was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday. Though the actor understands the need for such procedures for security purposes, he also doesnt appreciate how he is pulled up by the officials every damn time. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Previously, he was detained for over two hours at the New York Airport in 2012 after arriving from India in a private plane with Nita Ambani, to address students at Yale University. While Nita, wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, and the rest of their group were cleared immediately, Khan was stopped and was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. It has been four years since the incident and we wonder how much has changed. In 2012, India summoned a top American diplomat after external affairs minister SM Krishna said "detention and apology" have become a habit with the US, which cannot continue. Read: Shah Rukh detained - 10 famous Indian personalities who faced racism Asserting that "mechanical apology" from the US was not adequate, New Delhi also asked its ambassador in Washington, Nirupama Rao to take up the issue with the highest authorities. According to the sources, the US Deputy Chief of Mission Donald Lu was summoned by Joint Secretary (Americas) Javed Ashraf and was conveyed India's "concern" over the issue. United States also apologised to Shah Rukh Khan for "an inconvenience" experienced by him at the White Plains airport in New York while on a visit. Khan was in the US on the invitation of Yale University, which honoured him. But before reaching Yale, Khan was detained for one-and-half hours at White Plains for secondary security checks by the US Customs and Border Patrol agency. SRK in dialogue with Yale students in 2012. (Yale website) The US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement apologising for the incident. "Please allow me on behalf of our diplomatic mission in India to apologize if Mr. Shah Rukh Khan experienced an inconvenience or delay yesterday in White Plains, New York, on his way to Yale University," the US embassy spokesperson, Peter Vrooman, told reporters in New Delhi. The US immigration authorities apologised for the incident, but that did not seem to pacify New Delhi that reacted sharply, telling Washington this habit of detention and then apology won't do. The immigration authorities allowed him to go only after his hosts intervened and took up the issue with the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, said sources. Sensing public outrage in India, the US customs and border protection authorities later expressed profound apologies over Khan's detention. Khan's name was "flagged" in the system and airport people needed approval of senior authorities to clear him, it clarified. India was upset, specially as this was the second time Khan was being detained at a US airport in the last three years, and told the US off, telling that it must this pattern of detention and apology. In August 2009 also, Khan was stopped at the Newark Airport and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate in New York. Watch: SRK at Yale Unfazed by his detention at a New York airport by US immigration authorities for a couple of hours, Shah Rukh Khan, joked about the incident later at Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. Later talking to students, Khan, dressed in a chic black suit thanked Ambani for getting him to the US after a long flight. Then he was "detained at the airport as always", said Khan adding with a smile, "It was nice, as it always happens." "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom," he said. But he always has his "small victories" even in such circumstances, said Khan, who was detained at New York's Newark International airport in August 2009 too when he arrived to take part in an Independence Day event in Chicago. "They (immigration officials) always ask me how tall I am and I always lie and say 5 feet 10 inches. Next time I am going to get more adventurous. (If they ask me) What colour are you, I am going to say white," he said. Read: Shah Rukh Khan again detained at US airport, says it really sucks However, he made no mention of the incident during a press conference or his lecture to a capacity crowd as he spoke to them about success and failure and how to live life to the fullest. Encouraging young people to find fulfilment in creativity, to learn to laugh at themselves and to never become cynical about their lives, he said: "Failure is a fiendish friend that can lead to success by teaching one to be pragmatic, to work harder, and to be true to oneself." But sources said Khan's detention at White Plains airport had caused "tense" moments for Khan and his team as they were "struggling" to get the situation sorted out. There was much anger in India over what Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rajiv Shukla called inappropriate and uncalled for, detention of Khan. "I think whether it is Shah Rukh or former president of India (A.P.J. Abdul Kalam), if you know the identity of the person and if you have already established the identity of the person, then it is completely uncalled for and inappropriate," he said. It has become a policy of the US that first they do it and then they apologise, said Shukla, while asking the US to review its security system. However, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tried to play it down on Twitter, saying: "Honestly what's the big deal? This airport detention thing happens all the time and to all sorts of people. Get over it." Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport by the US immigration department on Thursday. According to sources, he was cleared within an hour despite the alarm raised and so he has not filed a complaint with the authorities in India. A US Department of State official has tweeted an apology to the actor saying, Sorry for the hassle at the airport, Shah Rukh Khan. Even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Read: Did Shah Rukh Khan get a tattoo on his chest? Khan said he understood the concerns of security establishments across the world, but pointed out that it sucks when such incidents happen frequently. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 However, SRK managed to see the humorous side to the sticky situation and made a hilarious joke about it on his Twitter handle. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 In 2012, Khan was detained at New York Airport for over two hours by immigration officials after arriving from India --- in a private plane with Nita Ambani -- to address students at Yale University. While Nita, wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, and the rest of their group were cleared immediately, Khan was stopped and was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. He was also detained at the Newark airport in New Jersey in 2009. Read: Airport detention - 10 famous personalities who faced racism He told PTI in an interview in February this year that he holds no grudges against the US immigration department for doing their job. Instead, he would support any such measures in India if it meant strengthening the security of the country. God forbid if there was a problem in India, I would be the first to say that we have to strengthen our security. One has to see it in a larger context, its a sign of the times. The world is that kind of place you cannot hold grudges against people. We have to live with it and just be prepared for some of this stuff, he had said. Sikh Indian-American actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia was also barred from boarding an Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to New York in February because he refused to remove his turban. According to agencies, Waris Ahluwalias feet and bag were searched and swabbed at Mexico Citys international airport and he was told to remove the sweatshirt. But when they asked him to remove his turban, the 41-year-old actor refused to budge. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shah Rukh Khans detention at the Los Angeles airport may have outraged many in India but popular actor Kamal Haasan thinks the US authorities were following rules and were correct in not giving the Bollywood star special treatment. We dont need to overreact just because this Khan is a Shah Rukh. I dont think Shah Rukh himself minded the detention. He would never say, I am Shah Rukh Khan, so I should be treated differently, the legendary Tamil cinestar said. Haasan said Shah Rukhs fan may feel injured on his behalf but the US was an injured nation that was just being careful. Read: SRK detained at LA airport, US state department says sorry on Twitter It happened to me and I had to miss my flight. There was no great apology or anything. Its the rules theyre following. Haasan doesnt recommend a separate treatment by the US immigration to Shah Rukh. Id recommend that they be kind to all Khans. They cant generalise about all Khans. Its as awful as saying all Americans are stupid. Another actor, Irrfan Khan, has gone through the ordeal of being detained on two occasions in American airports and dropped the Khan from his name. Read: Shah Rukh Khan detained again at US airport. Twitter throws major shade Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan says people often think of him as a Muslim because of his name. But Haasan said he was willing to go the other way and change his name from Kamal to Qamal. Im often mistaken for a Muslim and I dont correct the misconception. My brothers Charu Haasan and Chandra Haasan dont have to face this, he said. Please remember the fabric of our nation is woven with saffron, white and green. We cant pull out any of the colours. We have to co-exist. The crusades are over. Irrfan told me that more than physical torture, the wound of humiliation never heals after a horrific experience. It happened to me on two occasions. I was detained in New York and Los Angeles airport for secondary interrogation. I was outraged. I was told to quietly come into a room for questioning and identification verification. I wasnt allowed to talk. When I tried to ask why I was being treated this way, I was told to keep quiet. I wasnt allowed to use my phone. They said, No, you just sit down. All because my name was Irrfan Khan. You cant argue or rationalize, the actor said. Read: US State Dept official apologises to Shah Rukh Khan for trouble at LA airport Irrfan told Kamal Haasan that more than physical torture, the wound of humiliation never heals after a horrific experience. (Shivam Saxena/HT Photo) Director Kabir Khan, known for his blockbusters Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, also had to face the brunt of what he called Islamophobia in the United States. He said when he was flying from Los Angeles to Washington and talking to a co-passenger in Hindi when others complained they were talking in a strange language. Within no time two burly FBI agents came on board and took him and his co-passengers to the front of the plane. When they got to know my name, they questioned me for more than two hours, googled my name for terrorist links and then finally allowed me to fly, he said. We were flying just 15 days after 9/11 so the fear and paranoia were not totally unjustified. He said he was asked by the FBI agents if he had been to Pakistan. I told them no. If I had told them that I had been to Afghanistan, theyd have freaked out. He said two other passengers on board refused to fly with them and were asked to de-board. Read: SRK detained | 10 Indian personalities who were detained/frisked at airports Kabir Khan too faced a problem when he was travelling to the US just 15 days after 9/11. (HT Photo) So you see post 9/11 persecution comes with its inbuilt safety measures. But I honestly think a part of the global fear is justified. We cant blame people for being paranoid after what had happened. However, when Kabir was questioned again at an American airport he refused to take it lying down. On a second occasion in New York, when I was detained, I blew my top. I told this big Black American guy, Please clear the confusion about my identity once and for all. Or dont provide me with a visa. I dont want to come back to the US. The guy wanted to know if it was a threat. I was taken aback. Mira Nair had to intervene. She advised me to never counter-question them, he said. This is the free spirit of America. This 90-minute detention changed me completely. Can you imagine what a 90-day detention can do to an innocent man thrown into jail. Haasan too is a defiant mood and thought at one point to change his name to a more pronounced Islamic-sounding Qamal Haasan. Read: Has anything changed in 4 years? What happened when SRK was detained in 2012 I thought of it just to show a sense of solidarity with my Muslim brothers, including Shah Rukh whom I am very fond of. It doesnt matter whether I am really Muslim or not. If I have to suffer for my name Im willing to do so, said Haasan. The actor said his father did a mischievous thing because of his quirky sense of humour and gave him a Muslim-sounding name. And the ambiguity of my name does confuse the Americans. I enjoy that. My father too enjoyed the ambivalence. In fact he was keen that I spell my name Kamal with Q in a very Islamic way, he said. I almost listened to him. Then I backtracked. But I feel I should go for it. While he was alive he would often ask me if I was mistaken me for a Muslim. Haasan said he is frequently taken aside by the US immigration department and asked questions. Just because we do business with America they think we are questionable. If were so touchy about immigration rules in American, we shouldnt be doing business with them. Haasan felt racial and cultural suspicions existed in every society, even in India. Talk to an Afghani who comes to visit India. Afghani students cant get rooms to stay in India. Theres resistance to Afghani passports in India. And why are we so touchy about American treatment? Theyve a 9/11 to caution them. With 9/11 Australia is hostile to Indians. India should stop acting paranoid about racial profiling. However not every Khan is unhappy with the treatment in American airports. Foreign travel is no longer a hassle for television actor Iqbal Khan. Till recently, he was denied a visa to the US because of his surname. But that has changed. TV actor Iqbal Khan says not everybody is unhappy with the treatment in American airports. My foreign trips, specially trips to the US, are no longer a hassle. After the media took up the issue of my visa, I received a call from the American consulate. Now Ive a 10-year visa to the US, Iqbal said. He said he was deeply embittered by the religious, cultural and racial segregation he witnessed while applying for a visa to the US but is now happy to report American airports have a prayer room. I pray five times a day. And Im happy to say theres prayer room on the American airports. It makes travel to America all the more pleasant and welcome, he said. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday evening, the third time in seven years, possibly for a match with an entry on any of the many US terror watch-lists. An exasperated Khan tweeted the detention really really sucks, drawing an apology from senior US state department official Nisha Biswal and the US envoy to India, Richard Verma. The reasons for the actor running into trouble with US immigration and airport authorities were not clear to Indian officials. The US has multiple watch-lists. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks, Khan tweeted. He added in another tweet, The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Khan, whose 2010 film My Name Is Khan dealt with racial profiling in the United States, was allowed to go after the Indian embassy intervened with the state department and the department of homeland security, which oversees security at all entry points. No formal complaint was lodged with the US as Khan had not complained of harassment, sources said. While there was no response yet from the US department directly responsible, US ambassador Richard Verma tweeted: Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Khan responded by thanking Verma for his concern. Biswal, the assistant secretary for south and central Asian affairs, earlier tweeted to Khan she was sorry for the hassle but added that even US diplomats get pulled for extra screening. Khan was detained by US immigration at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey for about two hours in 2009 after his name came up on a terror alert list. He was travelling to the US at the time to publicise My Name Is Khan, ironically about the racial profiling of Muslims. He was then detained in 2012 at Westchester County airport near New York while travelling in a private jet with Nita Ambani, wife of business magnate Mukesh Ambani. At the time, the star had been invited to deliver a lecture at Yale University and he had reached three hours late as a result. Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America, he had said in his address. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom. Read | US official says working to ensure SRK detention doesnt happen again Secondary screening is a standard procedure followed by most countries. A secondary screening is done if a passenger triggers an alarm of any kind during the first-stage primary checking. He or she is asked to step aside for a secondary check. Former Indian defence minister George Fernandes was strip-searched at Dulles International Airport in Washington DC twice, in 2002 and in 2003. Indian officials dont know the cause of Khans troubles. But they said there is a procedure by which individuals in a similar situation can seek redress, and get themselves off a list. There was no response from the department of homeland security or Customs and Border Protection, which directly runs entry points into the US, till the filing of this report. Read | Smooth passage for SRK at US airports? Theres a plan for 2,000 Indians The United States ambassador to India, Richard Verma, apologised on Friday to actor Shah Rukh Khan for his brief detention at the Los Angeles airport that sparked outrage in India. Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 The bollywood star thanked the US ambassador, saying he didnt mind following protocol but called the detention a tad inconvenient. No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The exchange came hours after a US State Department official Nisha Biswal also tweeted to Khan saying she was sorry for the hassle but pointing out that US diplomats also faced such situations. No hassle mam.Respect the protocol,not expecting to b above it. Appreciate ur graciousness, its just inconvenient. https://t.co/7QFatghuuu Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Indian government sources expressed frustration at Khan being stopped again without any reason but it wasnt clear whether the actor was let go after government intervention. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A US Department of State official apologised to Shah Rukh Khan after he was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday. Nisha Biswas, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, took to Twitter to apologise to the Bollywood superstar. Read: Shah Rukh detained - 10 famous Indian personalities who faced racism Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 Shah Rukh tweeted early Friday that he was detained at the LA airport and was not particularly happy about it. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 According to reports, even though an alarm was raised, he was cleared in an hour by the US immigration department officials. Shah Rukh has also not filed any complaint with the authorities in India about the same. Read: Shah Rukh Khan again detained at US airport, says it really sucks In 2012, Khan was detained at New York Airport for over two hours by immigration officials after arriving from India --- in a private plane with Nita Ambani -- to address students at Yale University. While Nita, wife of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, and the rest of their group were cleared immediately, Khan was stopped and was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. The US Embassy in New Delhi later issued a statement apologising for the incident: Please allow me on behalf of our diplomatic mission in India to apologize if Mr. Shah Rukh Khan experienced an inconvenience or delay yesterday in White Plains, New York, on his way to Yale University, the US embassy spokesperson, Peter Vrooman, told reporters in New Delhi. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Arshad Warsis film Jolly LLB (2013) had won the National Award for being the best feature film. While its still unclear if he will make an appearance in its upcoming sequel or not, Arshad has no qualms with it being completely an Akshay Kumar film. Read: Arshad Warsi set to return with Ishqiya 3? Its entirely his film. (Actor) Akshay Kumar is doing it, says Arshad. Will he play a part in the sequel? It depends on how Im placed at that time because I have projects lined up. But, I might just do a cameo, adds Arshad. New day with a new look for a new film, let the mayhem begin! #JollyLLB2 it is! Judgement day 10th February, 2017. Till then send in your wishes and love A photo posted by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Jul 18, 2016 at 4:05am PDT Ask him why is he taking up less work now, and the 48-year-old says, My problem is I do things that excite me. If it doesnt excite me, I have no qualms about not working. I like spending time with my family. All the films Ive chosen so far, had a certain quirk to it and I like that kind of stuff. Arshads upcoming projects include films from the Dhamaal, Golmaal and Munna Bhai series. Read: Arshad Warsi reveals why Akshay Kumar replaced him in Jolly LLB 2 The actor also blames lack of good writers in Bollywood. Unfortunately what happens is there arent too many great scripts being written. So whatever one gets, they try to filter the best from that and then do it and thats the sad part, says Arshad. Follow the author @TorshaSen In an unprecedented move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action against 63 SpiceJet pilots more than ten per cent of its total pilot workforce for operating flights beyond the maximum flying hours permitted by the safety regulator thereby putting passenger safety at risk. Hindustan Times had first reported on July 20 that a probe by the DGCA had revealed that nearly 40 SpiceJet had violated the flight duty time limitations (FDTL) the maximum hours a pilot can fly in a day prescribed by the safety regulator. Non-stop flying can result in fatigue and result in the pilots to doze off. Exhausted pilots are a sensitive issue with regulators worldwide and have been the cause of several fatal air crashes. During surveillance and subsequent scrutiny of records it has been revealed that 63 pilots of Spicejet had operated flights exceeding flight duty period, Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for aviation, told Lok Sabha on Thursday. Pilots who have exceeded flight duty period more than once have been suspended for 15 days. Warnings have been issued to pilots who have exceeded flight duty period only once, he said. SpiceJet refused to comment. The violations had been found on SpiceJets Amritsar-Dubai and Dubai-Kozhikode flights operated by the same set of pilots in a single day. To operate the morning flight from Amritsar, pilots were found to be taking the early morning flight from Delhi, which is also added up in the duty hours. They were reaching Kozhikode from Dubai late at night, said an official. Kozhikode is one of the 11 airports designated as critical by the DGCA. Sleepy pilots have been blamed for several air crashes such as the Colgan Air crash in February 2009. In the Mangalore Air India Express crash, that claimed 158 lives, the captain had slept through most of the flight. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lal Bahadur Shastri: Its absolutely wonderful to see the old country from up here, what? Mahatma Gandhi: Yes, after all these years, its great to watch the 69th anniversary of Independence from so high up. Sardar Patel: Youre the father of the nation. Youve got roads all over the country named after you. Jawaharlal Nehru: You arent doing too badly yourself Sardar, what with having the worlds tallest statue. Patel: Oh yes, completely forgot that. Anyway, were in a movie called Gandhi they screen every year on Independence Day. See in pics| Readying for Independence Day parade Subhash Bose: It won eight Oscars. So did Slumdog Millionaire. Shastri: Dont squabble, its great meeting you all again. Subhash, Im so glad youre here. There was some confusion about you being alive or dead. Wheres Jinnah? Nehru: Hes in the other place, the very hot one. Patel: Deservedly so. Wheres Bhagat Singh? Bose: He said hes not interested in bourgeois ceremonies. Gandhi: I can see the entire country from up here. Everything is so different. I seem to be father of a nation of lunatics why is everybody talking to himself? Patel: No, no, theyre talking into things called smartphones. Gandhi: Is that Bombay? Its become huge. Nehru: Best call it Mumbai, one never knows if some Shiv Sena chaps are up here. Patel: They also have Google, Facebook, Twitter. I tweeted, Nehru is a pseudo-secular socialist last evening and got 10,000 retweets. Gandhi: Stop twittering, Patel. I cant see a single charkha. Nehru: Thank God. Instead, were making smartphones in my temples of modern India. Shastri: Actually, theyre being made in the sweatshops of modern China. Nehru: China beat us again? What do we do? Read | Smart cities a far cry, cries Infys Murthy Patel: Were an information technology superpower. It enables our boys and girls to go in droves to the West. Gandhi: Good God. Has nobody told them the Quit India Movement is over? Shastri: Those shiny shopping malls down there are the temples of modern India. You loved curd, Bapu? You can get 30 varieties of flavoured yogurt down there. Gandhi: You forget one eats to live. What do the headlines say? Nehru: The front pages are all about things called Amazon and Flipkart. Shastri: Those are ads. Amazon and Flipkart are modern deities. Patel: The headlines are mostly about cows and atrocities against Dalits. Ambedkar: Told you so. Patel: Theres trouble in Kashmir and the northeast and upper castes trying to get reservations. A war of words with Pakistan. Nehru: Some things never change. Gandhi: How are my precious Indian villages doing? Nehru: Distressed farmers committing suicide. Mass migration to urban slums. Bose: Look on the bright side, Bapu. If we kicked the British out, fixing all this is childs play. Chin up, I hear they might name their next missile the Mahatma Gandhi Intercontinental Ballistic Destroyer, in your honour. Gandhi: Hey Ram. Manas Chakravarty is consulting editor, Mint. The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON That, on occasion, were dreadful hypocrites is undeniable. Indeed, there are times when were quite shamelessly two-faced and, even, unrepentant when publicly exposed. I guess thats just the way we are. However, the display of hypocrisy last Saturday at the prime ministers first town hall was not just astonishing but almost unbelievable. Lets see if you agree with me. On the one hand we dont disguise our contempt for politicians. In fact were almost proud of it. We believe its a quality that proves how free our speech is and, therefore, underwrites our democracy. Yet last Saturday the young men and women summoned on stage to shake the prime ministers hand couldnt resist bowing down to touch his feet. Try hard as he did to stop them, they persisted. Their enthusiasm suggested they were determined to do so. Read | As it happened: Modi addresses town hall event in Delhi What greater proof can there be of our inconsistency? That, by the way, is a polite euphemism. For this is not inconsistency, its shameless two-facedness. Im sorry if thats harsh but its the truth. In our conversations we hold politicians in contempt, censure them on most occasions and doubt them all the time. We disbelieve them and even, metaphorically, spit on them. So one would imagine the act of touching their feet would be not just abhorrent but impossible to conceive of. Yet on Saturday the gesture came so naturally and automatically you might think we are a nation in love with politicians! I have nothing against touching ones elders feet. I was brought up to touch my grandmothers twice a day. This is a traditional form of respect for those we love and treat as special. Its as much reverence as affection. Read | Over 8% growth rate for 30 years will give India the best of world: PM Modi Thats why its out of place with politicians. Not just the prime minister but all of them. In a democracy they are our chosen representatives. We elect them and we have the right to defeat them. Their longevity or their termination is determined by us. We are the masters, they are our servants. So to touch their feet is not just to invert the relationship but get it badly wrong. It puts them on a pedestal when, in fact, they should be in the dock. It inflates them when, in fact, they should be questioned. And, therefore, it exaggerates their importance when, in fact, they should be treated like one of us. How different is the practice in the worlds major democracies and, yes, Im deliberately excluding India from that category. In Britain they mock their politicians. They satirise and parody them. In America they expose their private lives to full public scrutiny. Often they humiliate them. In Canada they expect them to sit on the floor in gurudwaras and dance the bhangra! And everywhere theyre heckled on television, often shouted at, but they grin and bear it because they have no option. Read | Saffron brigade divided over PMs remarks Now look at us: Our lot stops the traffic so they can whizz past. They have special electricity and water connections while were left in the dark and our taps run dry. They behave like lords and we respond like serfs and servants. So my advice to young Indians is stick to shaking hands or doing namaste. Whether its the PM or an MP, treat them as equals. Not supermen. In fact, treat them with scepticism, not admiration. Dont make them heroes and certainly not icons. Your own self-respect requires you do this. Otherwise theyll simply take you for a ride. The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the Europe of the 18th and 19th centuries, people of a particular territory were brought together (sometimes forcibly) to constitute a nation. Most often, the basis for unity was a common language and a common enemy. Thus, to be French meant you spoke French and hated the English. To be English meant that you spoke English and hated the French. Sometimes, a dominant religion became a third key pillar of national identity. Hence Protestants were regarded as more authentically English than Catholics. In France, on the other hand, Catholics were privileged and Protestants persecuted. Likewise, to be a good Pole meant you spoke Polish, were Catholic, detested Jews (even or especially if these were born and raised in Poland), and disliked either Russia or Germany, depending on which was posing a greater threat to Polands national existence. In its conception Pakistan was a perfect European nation. Language and religion were both key to the constitution of Jinnahs nation. And so was a common enemy. To be truly and properly Pakistani meant that you spoke Urdu, were a Muslim, and hated India. Read: From IS to RSS: Drawing parallels between Islamism and Hindutva Mahatma Gandhi, on the other hand, refused to define Indian-ness in terms of either religion or language. Although Hindus were a majority, India was not constituted as a Hindu country. Muslims and Christians and Sikhs and Parsis were given rights of equal citizenship. Although a plurality of Indians spoke Hindi, if one preferred to speak, write, or be taught in another language that was entirely acceptable too. Gandhi knew that the nation could be brought together and held together only on the basis of pluralism and diversity. He was right. For it was the imposition of Urdu on East Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh. It was the denial of equal status to Tamil and Tamils that led to a bloody civil war in Sri Lanka. Unlike its neighbours, India encouraged and promoted linguistic diversity, and was the luckier for it. Remarkably, Gandhi refused even to demonise the nation which ruled India. He detested imperialism, yet recognised that individual officers and proconsuls were often honourable men. He thought the British had many virtues (tolerance, moderation and punctuality among them) that Indians would do well to adopt. He repeatedly said that once the British departed and India became free, the two countries would forge friendly relations (as they indeed have done). This insistence on a nationalism that was positive rather than adversarial extended to Gandhis views on Pakistan. He opposed Pakistans invasion of Kashmir, but refused to let this lead him into a spirit of vengeance. He insisted that the Government of India transfer the money it owed to the Government of Pakistan. Had he not been murdered in January 1948, he would have continued his peace mission across the border, in West Punjab and in Sindh. Where Gandhis model of nationalism was innovative and original, other Indian thinkers and organisations were more derivative in their approach. Even before Jinnahs Muslim League had pledged itself to a Muslim Pakistan, VD Savarkar and his Hindu Mahasabha had demanded a Hindu India. Since they had seen European nations consolidate themselves on the basis of a shared language, some Indian politicians wanted us to do likewise. Among the most fervent proponents of imposing Hindi on all of India were the conservative MS Golwalkar and the socialist Rammanohar Lohia. Finally, since many Pakistanis hated India and Indians, some ideologues wished us to return this hatred, preferably in an intensified form. Read: The Sanghs new clothes: RSS has changed the uniform, not its views Since the nation was born, 69 years ago this week, Hindutva and Hindi ideologues have sought to unite citizens on the basis of a common religion, a common language, and a common enemy. Fortunately, this project has been resisted for as long. Secularists, pluralists, atheists, and plain old-fashioned democrats have come together to thwart the Hindutva agenda of fusing faith with state. Hindi chauvinists have been opposed with equal vigour, especially in South India. And although their stoking of the conflict in Kashmir and the four wars they have fought against us have not endeared Pakistan to India, most Indians have not equated national pride with the hatred of Pakistan or Pakistanis. The Republic of India has failed many of its citizens, by not providing them decent education and health care, or by not protecting them from violence and discrimination. On the other hand, its record of regular and freely contested multi-party elections is unparalleled for a country of its size and complexity. Its commitment to, and more or less successful fulfilment of, linguistic pluralism is similarly unequalled. Its record on religious pluralism is more mixed; even so, that in a neighbourhood so dominated by Islamic fundamentalism we are not yet a Hindu Rashtra must be reckoned a modest achievement. Read: Theres more to democracy than holding elections The Republic of India is still a work in progress. It may yet forget or deny its original, plural and tolerant model of nationalism, and instead adopt the more aggressive, adversarial and homogenising model of nationalism first invented in Europe and later taken further in countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Indeed, with the BJP in power, the RSS in the ascendant, and the airwaves dominated by channels whose TRPs depend on stoking jingoism, there is an increasing tendency to submit ordinary Indians to a series of coercive loyalty tests. Read: Five lessons for Indian democrats This must be rejected. For to be a good or patriotic Indian one does not have to be a Hindu by birth, religious practice, or cultural affiliation. One does not need to know or speak Hindi, either. And one does not even have to hate Pakistan. Ramachandra Guhas most recent book is Gandhi Before India. The author tweets as @Ram_Guha The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON GHAZIABAD/LUCKNOW: A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sustained severe injuries after four unidentified assailants opened fire at his SUV with AK-47 assault rifle in Rawli Road area on Thursday night. Police said BJP leader Brij Pal Teotia sustained at least 4-5 gunshot wounds after his car was attacked around 8pm in Murad Nagar. An officer said Teotia was travelling with five others, including his bodyguards, in the car, all of who sustained bullet injuries. Teot ia was coming from Mu rad Nagar to Ghaziabad when the men travelling in a Fortuner SUV intercepted him. They then opened indiscriminate fire and fled the spot, said Rakesh Kumar Pandey, superintendent of police (rural). T he BJP said Teotia was rushed to a hospital in Ghaziabad from where he was later shifted to Fortis, Noida, for better treatment. Doctors said Teotias condition was critical. Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav rushed ADG (Law and Order) Daljit Singh Chawdhary and IG, STF Ram Kumar to Ghaziabad to oversee the operation launched by the district police to nab the attackers. The police recovered an AK47, two pistols, one rifle and large cache of ammunition used in the attack on the BJP leader, Chawdhary told HT. The Special Task Force (STF) has been directed to assist the local police in the operation to nab the attackers, Chawdhary said. This is the condition of law and order. Everyone in the car sustained bullet injuries. Calls were made to emergency number 100, but police arrived after 30 minutes, alleged Ajay Sharma, city president, BJP. KS Emmanuel, SSP, said, Four teams of the Ghaziabad Police and one from the crime branch are looking for the suspects. He further said two of the suspects, Manoj and Shekhar, had rivalry with the BJP leader. In 1999, there was triple murder in Ghaziabad, in which Teotia had gone to jail, he said. NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested an alleged gangster involved in over 35 cases of burglary and robbery. Nizam (36) reportedly disappeared after he was granted bail by the Rohini Court in 2009. After he did not turn up, he was declared as a proclaimed offender. The police received information that Nazim would visit his associates in Ramlila Ground, Jahangir Puri, where they were to plan another burglary. Following the tip off, a police team went to the spot and laid a trap. He was spotted by the police team and cornered. He tried to flee, but was overpowered and apprehended, joint commissioner of police (crime) Ravindra Yadav said. He is involved in more than 35 cases of burglary and robberies in northwest and outer Delhi and had become a terror among the residents, he added. During questioning, Nizam said he was born in a slum in Jahangirpur. Nizam started rag-picking for a livelihood. He was unable to make enough money and started stealing. In 2008, he formed a gang with the budding criminals of Jahangir Puri, Delhi. They called it the Nizam gang. Initially, this gang used to commit daytime burglaries ... But in 2010, they started robbing people fearlessly , Yadav said. GURGAON: A group of parents staged a protest at Gurgaons Presidium School in Sector 51 on Thursday, over alleged security flaws in the schools transport system. The protest came after the molestation of a four-year-old girl by an attendant inside a school bus came to light. Around 50 parents reached the school premises to complain about security issues, like teachers not remaining in the bus till the last student got off, replacing buses with SUV vehicles and missing CCTV cameras and GPS systems. Parents said they had repeatedly informed the school about lapses in the safety of the children, who travelled to and from school everyday, but there was no response. In the bus in which my child travels, the teacher gets down before all the kids have been dropped at their bus stops. How safe is my kid in the hands of a conductor and driver? Shouldnt there be a teacher in-charge ensuring safe commute? said a parent at the protest. Parents said on several routes, school buses had been replaced with cars without CCTV cameras or lady attendants or teachers to accompany the children. A number of school buses were replaced by SUVs a year back. We only got to know when suddenly instead of the school bus, a Chevrolet Tavera came to pick up my child. My husband wrote to the school about missing CCTV cameras but no one responded, said another parent. Parents said the school was violating the Haryana governments policy for safe transportation -- the Surakshit School Vahan Policy. Under the policy, school buses should install two CCTV cameras -- one each in the front and rear of the school buses -- with digital video recorded (DVR), monitor and cables to ensure safer transport facility for students. It must be fitted with a speed governor, and the words, School Bus, must be written on the back and front of the vehicle. The school bus should also have a conductor and lady attendant. The buses might have lady attendants or CCTV cameras but the cabs do not. Even the teachers do not stay inside the vehicles till all the children have safely reached their home. We cannot trust drivers or conductors to take care of our child. The school needs to ensure that at least one teacher is in the bus until the end, another parent said. The school authorities made a list of the issues being faced by parents. They promised swift action but pointed out that installing CCTV cameras in SUVs might not be possible since the cars were not owned by the school. Some parents met the principal after reading the news. The parents were assured by the principal that the school is totally equipped and is also taking all the safety measure, said GS Matharoo, CEO, Presidium Group of Schools. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: Eight out of every nine parliamentarians on Thursday skipped a crucial Lok Sabha debate on alleged persecution of Dalits, an issue that has sparked a political slugfest between a combined opposition and the BJP-led government at the Centre. The proceedings, which started behind schedule, did not attract more than 60-65 MPs at any time during the five-hour debate and the attendance rose marginally only when home minister Rajnath Singh spoke on the issue. The biggest embarrassment for the BJP came when minister of state Arjun Ram Meghwal was absent when his name was announced to address the House. Junior minister for parliamentary affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy tried to defuse the awkward situation as a chhoti ghatna (small issue). Almost five minutes into the Oppositions protests, Meghwal rushed in. In the 540-member House, the ruling BJP has 280 members excluding the speaker. The opposition parties, that had demanded, the debate did not fare any better. The debate was held against a backdrop of mounting opposition criticism of the government over what they said was rising incidents of atrocities on Dalits and other lower caste people under the NDA government. Opposition parties are also trying to pin down the BJP in poll-bound states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh where Dalits form a sizeable chunk of the electorate and could decide the results in many constituencies. Senior UP BJP leader Brij Pal Teotia and his aides suffered serious bullet wounds when gunmen opened fire at his car with automatic weapons on Delhis outskirts. Teotia is said to be in a critical condition. Rajnath Singh, who admitted to atrocities on Dalits, mounted a spirited defense of the government in response to Congress chief whip Jyotirad it ya Scindias charge that a climate of fear has been created in the country of 20 crore Dalits. We have to accept the truth that the atrocities against Dalits are going on. We have to stop it and this is a challenge for all of us, the home minister said, regretting that the House had to discuss the issue even 70 years after Independence. Countering the oppositions charge of not doing enough for Dalits, he said, What you could not do in 55 years, our government did in last two years. He said the problem will not be solved just by accusing the Centre. If anyone says we have made a Dalit Speaker (Meira Kumar) of Lok Sabha, it is not right. They have come in their own rights. He also said, The Congress never had a Dalit president. We had one. He was referring to former BJP president Bangaru Laxman. Information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu and food minister Ram Vilas Paswan also intervened in the debate. You did everything possible to humiliate BR Ambedkar, the messiah of Dalits, Paswan, a Dalit leader, told Congress MPs who protested vociferously. Jyotiraditya Scindia said a Dalit becomes a victim of a crime every 18th minute and three Dalit women are raped and two Dalits murdered every day. The fringe has become the centre and the centre has become the fringe. The government is protecting such elements otherwise it would have taken action against them, he said, days after four Dalits were publicly thrashed in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state Gujarat by cow protection activists. Opposition MPs also attacked the government over the suicide of Dalit student Rohit Vemulla in Hyderabad University. During the first three hours, only four union ministers Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Ramkripal Yadav, Harshvardhan and Hansraj Ahir -- were present in the House. In the Congress bench, chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia, KV T homas, KC Venugopal and a few leaders were sitting. As the (monsoon) session will end on Friday, many MPs left Delhi to head back to their constituencies on Thursday, said an MP in defence. NEW DELHI: A government panel called this week for a reduction in the upper-age limit of candidates for Indias civil services examination, prodding the NDA administration to ditch a decades-long practice of raising the ceiling under political compulsion. The government indicated it is likely to accept the recommendation, with Union minister Jitendra Singh asking Lok Sabha on Wednesday to evolve a consensus on reducing the upper-age limit. I do not know whether the House is aware that the last cutoff (age) for appearing for civil services today is 47 years, and at 50 years they are eligible for retirement, the minister of state for personnel told MPs. The age went up due to pressure from political sections, not on merit. The panel headed by former education secretary BS Baswan submitted its report on Tuesday to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) that conducts the examination. A decision will be taken by the government in consultation with the UPSC, a senior government official told HT. Baswan was unavailable for comment. The current upper-limit for general, able-bodied candidates is 32. The committee recommended it be reduced to 27 over five years after a two-year freeze. This suggestion was made because thousands of students who spend years preparing for the examination might find their careers jeopardised if suddenly declared ineligible. The examination is conducted in three stages preliminary, main, and interview to recruit officers to 23 civil services including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Four years after the December 16, 2012, gang-rape of a physiotherapy student that India knows as Nirbhaya, the administrative overhaul promised is fading, according to our investigation of the reform process that was to make women in Indias capital safer. The holes in police reform, and the slow progress to fill them One of the important changes to the law recommended by the Verma Commission tasked with reforms post Nirbhaya was that female officers should record crimes against women and handle their statements. Since that meant more female officers, the government had to allow the hiring of more women, so that they fill 33% of what are called non-gazetted ranks, from constable to sub-inspector. That approval came in March 2015. There has been some progress: the female constabulary of the Delhi police grew from 3,572 in 2011 to 4,582 in 2015, according to the Data on Police organisations reports 2011-2015 of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD). But, as we said, women are less than 9% of the Delhi Police and 6.4% of the police force nationwide, according to 2015 BPRD data. This 2014 BPRD study on national police working conditions suggested that nearly 20% of female representation would lead to better policing. Training on gender-sensitivity has been slow, although police officers said there has been progress. The first nationwide advisory on such trainingwhich includes making police aware of discrimination and violence against women, family structures, case law, legal provisions, scientific aids and methods to handle victimswas issued in 2009, according to this 2014 reply to the Rajya Sabha, parliaments upper house. Such training was part of the curriculum of Indias police force at all levels, according to this 1993 report by the National Commission of Women and Kishan Kumar, special commissioner of police (training), Delhi Police, emphasised that gender sensitisation is an integral component of police training. But there are no special funds set aside, no separate head for budget allocation and utilisation for gender sensitisation, as Varsha Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Unit for Women and Children, Delhi Police put it. Gender-sensitisation programmes aim to bring in help-desks staffed by women, training in schools, neighbourhoods and ensuring the police immediately resistor crimes against women, said Sharma. The programmes are conducted not only by police training colleges but by non government organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations as well, she said. There are 161 helpdesks for women across Delhi, and this response to a right-to-information (RTI) request by the writer revealed that between 2012 and 2015, the Delhi Police ran 65 courses on gender sensitisation. In terms of crimes against women, none of this has helped. Rapes reported have tripled. Better reporting or more rapes? As the chart below indicates, rapes reported in Delhi have increased 200% since 2012, the year Nirbhaya was raped, setting in motion mass protests, political promises and efforts at reform. A comparison of Delhi police reports from 2014 and 2015 revealed a rise in the rape cases withdrawn, from 81 to 104, possibly indicating a lack of faith in the criminal-justice system, especially as cases fail judicial scrutiny. There is a definite need to have a steadfast and robust investigation rather than obsessing over solving cases within a week or a fortnight, said Rebecca Mammen John, a supreme court lawyer. There is an increase in instantaneous registration, but we need to ask how far the investigation process remains as shoddy as it was before 2012. The language used by the police officers is as perverse as before. There is a dire need to follow basic protocols for investigation. An important weakness in the investigative process is the lack of forensic evidence, said John. For instance, when raped women tend to urinate or wash themselves, making medical proof difficult. But an investigative process that is sensitive and robust would pay heed to evidence from fingernails (where a rapists skin might be stuck), DNA tests markings and torn clothes. Many of the victims are forced to sit for hours in bloodied clothes, even after an examination, without being allowed to change/shower, said this 2013 Reuters analysis, quoting Human Rights watch report, 2010. In most cases, no trauma counselling is given. Other crimes against women rose 50% over the same period, from 208 to 1498, according to Delhi Police data. Growing violence in a city of 18 million people and 866 women for every 1,000 males may be inevitable, but it is clear the police need to do more to protect women. Women help desks are working, but many question quality of help While the Delhi Police now have 161 help desks staffed by female officers, overwork is evident, with 70% of female officers reporting for over 8-hour shifts per day, according to this 2014 BPRD study on national police working conditions. Those who deal with these help desks question their competence. Women help desks are generally manned by new recruits, rarely having training on legal and social aspects, Shikha Chibber, a New Delhi-based human rights lawyer told IndiaSpend. The view is disputed by DCP Sharma. Women help desks are manned by lady constables who are given training as police officers and frequent training rounds. These include trainings of literacy, legal awareness, soft skill development and gender sensitivity. Trainings sessions are conducted by the police training colleges and SPUWAC. We have conducted two rounds of trainings with women help desks since January 2016 and one more round is scheduled in September. Women help desks are like an interface for the registration of complaint, they dont function as investigative agencies. Since they have been started recently, they will gain experience with time. The training lacunae might only grow as training expenditure falls. Between 2011 and 2015, Delhi Police expenditure remained largely the same, but the money spent on training declined from 6.42% in 2011peaking in 2013 at 9.35%to 2.57% in 2015. In spite of the shocking and frightening picture, the police response to violence against women remains grossly inadequate and inappropriate, according to this 1993 NCW report. The police officers hold several stereotypes like rape is victim-precipitated, male sexuality is an uncontrollable force and women should not arouse it. Chibber, the lawyer, said NGOs provide the gender-sensitivity training in police training schools and there is no standard plan or curriculum, and officers do not take it seriously. For many of them, it is a relaxation time or a leisure time activity, said Chibber. The biggest failure is that there is no impact assessment exercise, no follow-up mechanism and no agency to monitor the trainings. There is an imbalance in such training, said Pratishtha Arora, a trainer at the Centre for Social Research, an advocacy. Lower ranked women are not as empowered as their male counterparts to voice themselves, said Arora. Thus, training itself depicts a deep patriarchal bias. Arora said male officers often complain, during training sessions, that female colleagues do not work as hard. A peculiar patriarchal statement we often get to hear is, why pay them equally when they are not even hard working. Nirbhaya fund: A promise of quick response winds its way through the bureaucracy After the Nirbhaya outrage, geo-positioning satellite (GPS) technology was supposed to be used to set up a computer response system that would locate women in distress, according to this reply in the Lok Sabha in August 2014. The Nirbhaya Fund, started in 2013, was to fund other measures, according to this report to the Lok Sabha (parliaments lower house), including helplines, hiring professional counsellors for police stations (Rs 6.2 crore) and a building (Rs 23.5 crore) to house a special unit to address crimes against women and children. Rs 322 crore was set aside for the nationwide emergency response project in 114 cities and crime-prone districts, but three years after approval, bidding for the project continues, according to this 2015-16 reportthe latest availablefrom the union ministry of home affairs. While Delhi already has a helpline, the new system was supposed to be an universal emergency response for women in distress. While the special unit has its building, there are four helplines available for women in distress: The police control room (100), an anti-stalking helpline (1091), another to report obscenity (1096) and yet another (181) to help women in distress. Complaints to these helplines declined 21% from 74,944 in 2014 to 58,956 in 2015, according to this answer to the Rajya Sabha in 2015. We can use as many as innovative terms but the actual reform will take place when there is rehabilitation of the victim, counselling and emotional support for the victims family, said John, the supreme court lawyer. The state has largely failed in the follow up mechanism. Allocation of huge funds with bleak implementation is like paying lip-service to the law, to a moment that created history. A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, agreed. While the contours of the policy seem exemplary, at the implementation level, it has slowed down badly.in other words, failed. (Chachra is an MPhil student at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University. She has previously worked at Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative) The story was first published by IndiaSpend. Vasant Kunjs E block is struggling with the severe water shortage as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) refused to take the responsibility of providing water to the colony. The water utility says it is DDAs responsibility to construct a tank. But the land for the construction could not be handed over to DJB because of legal issues. According to official documents, a copy of which is with HT south Delhi, the DDA has paid around Rs 90 lakh out of Rs 1.20 crore sanctioned to DJB to ensure water supply. The remaining amount has to be paid after the water availability is assured. Residents of the locality have held several meetings with the officials of DDA and DJB in the last six years but to no avail. The E block of Vasant Kunj, a colony of 795 houses, was set up by DDA in 2008 and the units were sold to people in 2010. Initially, there were seven borewells in the area which were used by the residents to meet water needs. Eventually, these borewells stopped working and now just two borewells work. The water requirement of the area is partially fulfilled by water tankers that fills the underground reservoir in the locality and two borewells. This, however, is not enough for 4,000 people living in the area as often the tankers dont reach on time. President of the RWA Bharat Singh, said , We have had multiple meetings with DDA and DJB officials but they keep blaming each other. RWA secretary Mukesh Verma said, DJB officials say that DDA is not handing over the area to them while DDA says that DJB is not taking its responsibility. In the process we are being made to suffer. Before the construction of a society an approval has to be obtained from DJB. If DJB was unable to provide the approval should not have been given for construction, he added. The residents have also written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in which they have written that the water they get is not fit for consumption causes diseases . Charanjeet Singh Arora, resident, said, In Delhi, even unauthorised colonies are being provided potable water and 20,000 litres of free water, but a colony built by DDA in an affluent area does not have these facilities. A senior official of the DDA said, We had identified an area that had to be given to DJB to build tanks so that water could be supplied to this locality. But the land is disputed and it cannot be handed over to DJB. We are trying to identify an alternate site to be given to DJB. The residents say that it is an excuse as the sector has its own Underground Water Reserviour (UGR) of 4.5 lakh litre capacity which could be linked to the pipeline which supplies water to Sarita Vihar and is passing just 500 metre away from Sector E2. We are tired of hearing excuses from DJB and DDA, said Verma. A senior official of Delhi Jal Board said, DJB provides water to other Vasant Kunj colonies. If a particular locality isnt getting water, it means there is a problem with the water source. Since its a DDA colony, the civic body has to make arrangements. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The photograph of a man dying on the streets of Delhi after suffering injuries in a motor accident was disturbing enough. What made it worse was people passing by and not stopping to help one stole his mobile phone. This raises the question of where public responsibility to help someone in danger or distress begins or ends. In India, the Supreme Court has sanctioned the guidelines issued by the Centre to protect those who help good Samaritans from harassment by the police and in creating a supportive legal and ethical environment. Harassment by the police and possible involvement in legal cases are major reasons why people chose not to get involved in helping a person in need on the streets. Read | Man bleeds to death on Delhi road after hit-and-run, gets robbed as well The latest case shows that the revised guidelines have not created a greater urge to help; rather people would still prefer to leave well along. The Law Commission has said at least 50% of those killed in road accidents could have been saved if they had got help in time. For this bystanders or those passing by play a crucial role. In past studies, we have seen that three out of four people dont come forward to help fearing legal hassles. This raises the issue of whether or not India should consider following the practice in some countries where the failure to help a person in distress is actually a punishable offence. In France, for example, the failure to render assistance to a person in danger attracts a fine and imprisonment and the payment of pecuniary compensation to the victim. The photographers at the site of the crash where Princess Diana died were investigated for non-assistance to a person in danger. Read | SC approves guidelines to protect saviours of accident victims In Denmark a person has to comply with all reasonable requests for assistance by a public authority when a persons life or well being is at risk. The the major countries which prescribe penalties for failure to help are Belgium, Austria, Germany, Greece, Russia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Brazil and Argentina. Of course, in all these countries there is the proviso that the person rendering assistance should not, by doing so, put himself in a position of danger. In addition to considering such a law, which will of course require much debate and discussion here, efforts also must be made wherever possible to reduce the risk factors. In most cities, pedestrians are at risk as there are no footpaths. Traffic rules are usually observed in the breach. People are resistant to wearing protective gear like helmets and the authorities are not strict enough about wearing seat belts. These if strictly enforced will lessen deaths and injuries. Many of these issues should be looked at again, especially the one regarding a punitive law if our roads are to be made a little safer. For want of a few hundred rupees, a baby has died in Baraich in Uttar Pradesh. He was only 10 months old and his poor parents were not able to pay the bribe that was demanded by the hospital staff. As always the state administration has swung into action too late asking for a report. Instead of a report into this particular case, it might be more useful for patients if there was a probe into the vast mafia of touts and medical workers who hold patients to ransom in return for the health care that they are entitled to. In Kolkata, a man died because his family could not pay yet another bribe on top of the several already paid to government hospital staff. Read: Baby dies in UP hospital, family says staff demanded bribe for medical aid But why go as far as Baraich. The medical worker-touts nexus operates in government hospitals in Delhi right under the noses of our law makers. It is a shame that even basic healthcare is not available to millions of Indians until they grease the palms of unauthorised and often unqualified workers. The patient who does not have clout in the public health system pays for admission. The list then becomes endless. He has to pay bribes for a doctors attention, for tests, for a hospital bed and for medicines. If he cannot pay up, chances are this hospital visit literally becomes a choice between life and death for him. Read: WHO report questions qualification of doctors in India In a country where there is only one doctor to 1,681 people by the Medical Council of Indias own admission, those without power and money fall through the cracks. In fact, for the disadvantaged a medical crisis is enough to push them into abject poverty, the provision of free healthcare notwithstanding. It must be asked how touts are allowed to roam around freely within hospital premises and collude with medical workers. Read: Seven charts that show why Indias healthcare system needs an overhaul The horrible conditions in government hospitals often force people to seek private health care. There too, they are subject to rapacious medical workers and substandard care in many cases. We have often heard about probes being ordered into malpractices in the public health system, but somehow things dont seem to improve. The only chance that this babys parents have of getting justice is the fact that UP is poll bound and the administration may act so that it does not th e issue to become a political weapon in the hands of the Opposition parties. A really bitter pill to swallow for India at 70. @lalitapanicker SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hindu College was set up in 1899 as an alternative to St Stephens college t hat catered to the elite. It first started functioning from Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk with just about 13 boys. The number of students increased to 93 when it shifted to Kundewalan in Ajmeri Gate in 1902. It was affiliated to Delhi University in 1922 and shifted to the present location only in 1953. The unique feature of the college was its parliament. This was started in 1920 and gave an opportunity to students to improve their leadership and oratorial skills. It was designed on the lines of the British House of Lords and Commons. While the upper house consisted of professors, the lower house constituted students. Most discussions in the parliament centred around the freedom movement. The principal was addressed as Your Majesty. Senior professors at the college say that the college can be called the cradle of nationalism and the college parliament played an important role in fanning nationalism. Its logo until 1932 was Vande Mataram. Mahatma Gandhi visited the college premises on January 25, 1930, for which the students collected Rs 500 and presented it to Mahatma Gandhi. The college magazine The Indraprastha chronicled the occasion and Gandhis evening meeting with the students and teachers, according to an account in a book on the college by Dr Kavita A Sharma, former principal of the college. The book is titled Hindu College Delhi: A Peoples Movement. The book has several accounts of students actively involved in the freedom movement. In August 1942, five students from the college were arrested for having formed a procession of 100-150 people behind Jama Masjid and shouting anti-government slogans. They were convicted and sentenced with a bond of `300 each under section 562 of the CrPC for six months. Three girls, one from Hindu and two from Indraprastha, were arrested in September 1942 for picketing the house of JP Srivastava, a member of the Viceroys executive council. Other accounts said a number of chemistry students from the college formed a bomb squad for disruptions in public places by underground activists. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The senate of Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) on Thursday gave chance for re-admission to 18 students of first year B.Tech, who were expelled after they failed to secure cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 5 or more, a prerequisite to clear the semester. Out of the 18 students, 10 belonged to reserved category. The reserved category students approached the union human resource ministry and sought their intervention. The ministry forwarded a communication to IIT-R, following which, the senate met on Thursday. The meeting, which lasted for four hours, concluded around 9pm. Registrar Prashant Garg told HT that the senate discussed the issue under any other item. The senate considered matter of 18 expelled students under any other item. Senate on the mercy appeal (of students) decided to re-admit them all the registrar said. Read more: 73 expelled IIT-Roorkee students may get a second chance SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Madhya Pradesh government has blamed the cash-for-jobs Vyapam scam for the worst scenario of school education in the state, where 17,874 schools have one teacher each. Minister of state for school education Deepak Joshi said, A large number of teachers were found guilty in the Vyapam scam. There is a vacancy of 40,000 teachers but the scam delayed the recruitment. The MP Professional Examination Board is conducting online exam for fair selection. We are hoping that all the posts will be filled by December. His comment comes days after union minister of state for human resource development Upendra Kushwaha tabled a report in Parliament on schools having one teacher. The report said there were 105,630 schools across the country where there was one teacher. Madhya Pradesh is the worst performing state followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In the Vyapam scam, 175 people were arrested for clearing the Contractual School Teachers Eligibility Test of Grade-2 and Grade-3 conducted in 2011. The Professional Examination Board (PEB) fraud also known as the Vyapam scam from the boards Hindi acronym involved multiple rackets that helped candidates rig the examinations for money, including employing imposters to write test papers, manipulating sitting arrangements as well as supplying forged answer sheets. The Supreme Court has asked the CBI to probe the multi-crore scam. Experts, however, said there was a problem in the government policy and it has nothing to do with the Vyapam scam. Vikas Samvads MP convener Sachin Jain said, The Vyapam scam broke out a few years ago but the problem of shortage of teachers is 25 years old. An attempt to take education towards privatisation is the reason behind this shortage. The quantitative decisions related to school education are the second priority of the government. The crises are being created to give advantage to private institutes, he said. He said school teachers should be free from deputation. Teachers also feel that there was an urgent need of using teachers only for educational purpose. A teacher, on the condition of anonymity, said, Due to shortage of teachers, especially in rural areas, we are overburdened. Many times, we get involved in different works like promoting any scheme of the government and election duties. Due to shifting of focus, students suffer hard. Promoters of Gurgaon-based realty major Unitech were told to be personally present in a meeting proposed on August 17 in Chandigarh to discuss a turnaround plan for the ailing company. Additional chief secretary (ACS) of the town and country planning (TCP) department P Raghavendra Rao also directed Unitech representatives to share their financial details and project-wise inventory in the meeting. The directions were issued during the third meeting of the allottees grievance redressal forum (AGRF) meeting held in Gurgaon on Friday. We want the owners to be present on August 17 to discuss how the projects that are stuck can be restarted. Only they can give an undertaking that will be binding for the company, he said, after hearing a number of complaints from buyers of the companys different projects. The buyers complained that despite assurances from the builder, there was no progress in the projects. Beside Unitech owners and government officials, a representative each from the buyer groups of each project of the company that is delayed will be invited to the meeting. It was also proposed that a government nominee should be appointed to monitor every project of the company. Deputy commissioner of Gurgaon TL Satyaprakash, who heads the AGRF, told the company, We want to know how much money the company has for each project and why is it dependent only on bank loans. Where is your money, and where is the money given by buyers?, he asked the company. The representatives of the developer said the directions of the forum will be followed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tom Cruise, one of the worlds biggest stars and infamous Scientologist, hasnt seen his daughter Suri in 3 years, and according to some reports, he isnt even trying. According to a report in Fox News on Wednesday, the Mission Impossible star last saw his daughter when she was 7. She is now 10 years old, living with her mother Katie Holmes in New York while Cruise lives across the country in Los Angeles. If he wanted to see her, he could see her, one source told New York Post in June. Even people in prison have a right to see their children. Scientology, the cult-like religion Cruise infamously associates himself with, has been blamed for the growing distance between him and Suri. It was also the primary reason for his separation from Katie Holmes, to whom he was married from 2006-2012. Read: Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes left baby Suri sobbing during wedding The Church forbids any connection to non-believers, which Suri and her mother would qualify as. A source cited in the New York Post story says that Holmes could be categorised as a SP (suppressive person) in Scientology terms, and Suri as a PTS (potential trouble source). But Fox News suggests Suri isnt too affected by this. Shes thriving. Shes got lots of friends and a nice, normal life. This is his loss, his issue, his problem, said a source in the Fox report. He must be really brainwashed. Read: Katie Holmes is not pregnant with Jamie Foxxs child Cruise was recently heavily featured in the tell-all Scientology documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief which went into great depth about the stars involvement with the group. Read: Going Clear is a disturbing documentary on Scientology and the prison of belief Follow @htshowbiz for more The Allahabad high court on Friday ordered a CBI probe into the Bulandshahr gang rape because it was not satisfied with the investigation undertaken by the state police. The court passed the order after examining a status report filed by the government in connection with the case, where a woman and her minor daughter were sexually assaulted by a group of men late last month. We are not satisfied... neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record, it said. The bench, comprising chief justice DB Bhosale and justice Yashwant Varma, then directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims medical reports, and the witness statements by August 17 the next day of hearing. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with information on the accuseds social background, criminal records and political affiliations if any that had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated August 8. The incident had occurred on July 29, when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling by car to Shahjahanpur in western UP. The accused allegedly waylaid the vehicle at the national highway, and dragged the woman and her 13-year-old daughter to a field nearby. They were reportedly raped for three hours. Expressing anguish over the incident, the court enquired about the steps being taken by the state government to prevent such incidents in the future. It pointed out that the state was duty-bound to ensure the security of those who travel on its highways after paying the toll fees. (With PTI inputs) Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will arrive on Friday for a three-day visit to take stock of the bilateral ties, even as New Delhi continues to work on the neighbour for its support for becoming a member of the nuclear suppliers group (NSG). The visit comes amid bilateral tension between the two countries. Wang will arrive in Goa, the venue of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in October, which President Xi Jingping will be attending. He will meet the local leadership including Governor Mridula Sinha and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. He is also scheduled to visit the BRICS venue. On Saturday, he will hold talks with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. He will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Significantly, Wangs visit also comes after Chinese troops transgressed the land border and violated Indian air space in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand last month. India is still engaged in discussions to get Beijings support to become a member of the NSG. China had stonewalled Indias bid for NSG membership at the plenary meeting of the 48-nation grouping in June on the ground that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Indian officials said the NSG membership remains an important part of conversation between the two sides. We are continuing with our efforts to be full member of the NSG. We are engaging the Chinese. This will figure again when he meets the Indian leadership, an official told HT. India will also raise the issue of China scuttling its efforts for a UN designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a terrorist, sources said. The two sides will also discuss economic cooperation, the forthcoming G-20 summit in China that Prime Minister Modi will be attending in September and people-to-people contacts. The South China sea issue will also come up for discussions. It is significant that en-route to G 20 summit, Modi will be visiting Vietnam which is one of the countries involved in the South China Sea territorial dispute. Earlier, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said the leaders will discuss various issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming multilateral meetings--the G-20 summit in China and the BRICS summit. On whether India will raise the recent incident of transgression in Uttarakhand at the meeting, Swarup said, all international, regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest will be discussed. But he pointed out there are mechanisms, including at army-to-army level, to take care of such incidents. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The time has come to expose Pakistans brutalities in Balochistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, blaming cross-border terrorism for a violent phase in Kashmir that has left nearly 60 people dead since July. Modi asked the external affairs ministry to contact expats from PoK to gather information about the pitiable conditions in the region and apprise the global community. The PMs comments at an all-party meeting to discuss the volatile situation in Kashmir are being seen as an escalation of rhetorical hostilities between the two countries over the violence in the Valley. Pakistan has forgotten that it bombards its own citizens from fighter planes, Modi said in an apparent reference to Islamabads allegation of excesses by Indian security forces battling violent mobs in Kashmir since the killing of a Hizbul commander on July 8. A section in the Indian establishment favours a counter-offensive by New Delhi over human rights violations in PoK and Balochistan, where Pakistans security forces are accused of extra-judicial killings in a crackdown on groups seeking greater autonomy for the resource-rich province. Modi said the government will reach out to the Valley but added that Jammu, Ladakh and PoK should also be talked about in the same breath when discussing Kashmir, underlining the governments approach of taking care of the entire state and not just one region. While Modi said the government was ready to talk to all in Kashmir, finance minister Arun Jaitley told reporters later that a decision to engage with the separatist Hurriyat will be taken keeping in view the prevailing circumstance. Home minister Rajnath Singh told the meeting that an all-party delegation to the Kashmir will be considered after grounds were prepared in consultation with chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. All the parties barring the Shiv Sena favoured a ban on the use of pellet guns, which have injured a large number of civilians including children. Many of them have lost partial or full eyesight. CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury and some others sought lifting the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives unfettered powers to security forces, from civilian areas in the Valley. Read| All-party delegations to commissions: Delhis attempt to engage with Kashmir Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was the first to speak, said the UPA government made sincere efforts for a practical and pragmatic solution to the problem but failed. The government should be seen as caring, he said. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj informed that the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has sought a visit to Kashmir but added that India will not allow interference in its internal matters. The home minister said he had called up National Conference leader Omar Abdullah to invite him to the meeting, but the former chief minister expressed his inability citing time constraints. NC was unrepresented in the meeting. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that curfew -- which completed 35 days on Friday -- was hindering normalisation of the situation and demanded fixing accountability against those responsible for deterioration of the situation. TDPs YS Chowdhury floated the idea of using drones to keep a tab on trouble-makers in Kashmir. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a leader of the ruling PDP, said the unrest was different from 2010 when too the state had seen days of violence on the streets of Srinagar. People from rural areas coming to the streets, he said. Read| Like the 2010 all-party delegation, will this one soothe Kashmir unrest? The Supreme Court lashed out at the government on Friday for allegedly stalling high court judges appointment and threatened to pass orders to clear the logjam, potentially triggering the latest episode in a string of clashes between the executive and judiciary. Chief Justice of India TS Thakur read out a list of 75 names sent to the Centre for appointment as HC judges since February but lamented that there had been no progress. The Centre is attempting to bring the judiciary to a grinding halt by not appointing high court judges, Thakur told attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, who promised to get back on the status of the list by September 13. The court asked the government to send back the names in case of a problem but to not hold up the appointments. If this logjam goes on, well be forced to judicially interfere with the government and ask for every file sent to you by the collegium. The strongly worded comments came roughly four months after the CJI broke down and criticised successive governments for not increasing the number of judges to a number sufficient to deal with millions of pending cases. Read: No new judges appointed to higher judiciary for 8 months: Govt Indias judicial system is crippled by a shortage of judges and cases often take several decades to reach a verdict, especially in the lower courts. Indias 24 high courts have nearly four million cases pending before them while another 30 million cases clog trial courts. But clearing this backlog is considered virtually impossible with the current strength of judges in the high courts, 434 posts out a sanctioned strength of 1,056 remain vacant. Even in Indias top court that was originally set up in 1951 to oversee 1,215 cases by eight judges, now 31 judges have to decide on a staggering 60,000 cases annually. The CJI has said in the past that the country needed to double the number of judges from its current strength of 21,000. Read: Burden on judiciary: What forced CJI Thakur to break down before PM But the proposal of passing orders to clear the backlog might spark a face-off between the government and the judiciary. In the past, senior ministers have asked the SC to draw a lakshman rekha to not intrude into the executives jurisdiction. The comments had come after the apex court came down heavily on the Centre and state governments for not responding adequately to drought conditions. In the past, a government attempt to set up a national judicial appointments commission to appoint judges was quashed by the top court, which said the independence of the judiciary would be compromised by a body that was proposed to have ministers on it. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Member of Parliament L. Rajagopal has escaped punishment for his pepper attack in the Lok Sabha in 2014 during the debate on the bill for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, as the matter referred to the committee of privileges by the then Speaker Meira Kumar lapsed with the dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha. A reply by Lok Sabha secretariat to a RTI query reveals that the matter which was pending before the committee of privileges lapsed with the dissolution of Lok Sabha on May 18, 2014. On 14 February, 2014, Honble Speaker, Lok Sabha under the powers conferred under Rule 227 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha had referred the matter relating to contempt of the House committed by L. Rajagopal, MP for spraying pepper and also by some other members for indulging in unruly acts/behaviour on 13 February, 2014 in the House to the committee of privileges for examination, investigation and report, said the Lok Sabha secretariat in reply to a RTI query by Satyanarayana Vallabhaneni, a resident of Vijayawada. Due to dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha on 18 May, 2014, all matters pending before the committee/ House lapsed. Consequently, this matter referred to the committee of privileges also stands lapsed, it added. The Lok Sabha was dissolved just three months after the pepper spray incident was referred to the committee of privileges. Satyanarayana wanted to know if an inquiry was ordered into the pepper episode and if any action was taken. Rajagopal, who was representing Vijayawada, had used caused sensation in the Lok Sabha by spraying pepper when it was debating the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill to carve out separate Telangana state. Rajagopal, who was suspended by the Congress earlier that month for defying the party leadership, brought a canister from which he sprayed pepper. Some MPs and journalists were affected. The next day Speaker Meira Kumar had suspended 17 MPs from Andhra Pradesh including Rajagopal from the house for a week for their unruly behaviour. All political parties had demanded action against Rajagopal and the Congress-led UPA Government had said it would not oppose whatever decision the Speaker takes in this regard. Meira Kumar had termed the incident as a blot on democracy and referred it to the committee of privileges, which has got punitive powers. Rajagopal, who was opposed to division of Andhra Pradesh, had defended his action saying he sprayed pepper in self-defence. Rajagopal who is also an industrialist later resigned from Parliament to protest the passing of the bill to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. Before the Monsoon Session of Parliament comes to a close on Friday, lawmakers are knocking on every door to get a pay hike. In the past three days, they have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and senior ministers. But the government remains non-committal, apprehending adverse public reactions. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal boldly defended the four-fold hike of the MLAs salary last year, saying that if they still indulge in corruption, dont spare them. A decent salary, a section of the political class argues, incentivises honesty and integrity in public representatives. It might not prevent many from falling for the lure of the lucre, but it would help a conscientious few to resist temptations such as taking cash for asking queries in Parliament. When BJP MPs raised the issue at the parliamentary party meeting last Tuesday, senior leaders were guarded. They wanted opposition parties to be on board. The MPs then met Congress Mallikarjun Kharge. He was sympathetic, but wary. Talk to Left parties, he advised. Comrades lead a Spartan life, many still believe. The government said it is considering it. But we are not demanding it, CPI(M) MP Tapan Sen told HT. He wouldnt say whether he is in favour or against the proposal. A parliamentary committee had recommended a 100% hike in MPs salaries and allowances. The monthly compensation of an MP includes Rs 45,000 as basic salary, Rs 45,000 as constituency allowance, Rs 30,000 to pay his staff and Rs 15,000 for stationary items and postages. In addition, he or she also gets Rs 2,000 per day for attending parliament. Other entitlements include rent-free accommodation in the capital, 1.50 lakh free phone calls a year, and 4,000 kilolitres of water and 50,000 units of electricity per annum. Read | From Re 1 to Rs 2 lakh: How much do our politicians earn? MPs dont find it good enough. What comes in my account every month is Rs 1.09 lakh (including Rs 15,000 meant for office expense). Hundreds of people from my constituency visit my office every day. I must offer them tea, biscuits, food and even money if some poor people need medical treatment. Whats left for me and my family? rues Mysore MP Pratap Simha. When he needed prosthetic legs for his wife, he was told that under the central government health scheme (CGHS), he was entitled to Rs 10,000 only. I had to borrow money to get those artificial legs which cost me more than Rs 3 lakh. Last month, a former BSP MLA in Punjab was found living with his family on pavements under tarpaulin sheets and sleeping on iron cots. He claimed he was honest when he was an MLA in 1990s and so, couldnt buy a house. A few years back, a Left MLA in West Bengal resigned to work in the private sector as his salary was not good enough to pay for his brothers education and support the family. Read | If parliamentarians want a better pay, let them perform A US Congressman gets Rs 9.70 lakh as basic salary, about Rs 4.30 lakh more than what a member of the UKs House of Commons gets -- that is, excluding the perks and allowances. A Pakistani lawmakers monthly compensation is around Rs 80,000, while Chinese parliamentarians dont get any salary at all. Its another matter that National Peoples Congress, the Chinese Parliament, is a billionaires club. A politician in India might spend half of his life trying to enter Parliament and might not get elected for a second term. He would then be left to fend for himself with a monthly pension of Rs 20,000. There are, of course, parliamentarians belonging to political dynasties and running business empires. As per profession-wise data of MPs, there are 28 businessmen, 12 industrialists and 4 builders in the current Lok Sabha. But there are also 77 political and social workers and 44 farmers/ agriculturists. Is Rs 1.09 lakh a month enough for an MP, confronting uncertainties in the next elections? Its nobodys case that Indian MPs pay package should be at par with their American or European counterparts. Nor does one surmise that good salaries to legislators would end the scams and scandals involving politicians. But there is no harm in incentivising probity in public life. Read | Maharashtra lawmakers get monthly salary hike with immediate effect SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON More than two years after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) urged the government to legalise undercover operations for its sleuths, home minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre is working on the proposal. Addressing a conference on investigating agencies, Singh said, We are considering legal protection for undercover operation, use of intelligence collected as evidence, and an entire gamut of issues relevant to combating terrorism. The NIA has been asking the government to make changes in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the NIA Act that governs the working of the federal anti-terror agency in order to improve the countrys anti-terror legal framework. The NIA wants legal protection to carry out an undercover operation by infiltrating a terrorist organisation; at the moment, the law does not differentiate between an undercover operator becoming part of a criminal conspiracy to unravel it and a real conspirator. Both can be charged with the same offence, said an NIA official on the condition of anonymity. In USA and UK, undercover operators who penetrate terrorist or criminal gangs to gather evidence are provided legal protection. The CBI probe into the Ishrat Jahan encounter brought this issue to the fore. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) said its officials were not involved in the killing of the 19-year-old Mumbai girl but lured two alleged Pakistani terrorists to Gujarat under a counter-terror operation. The NIA also asked the government to incentivise truthful and voluntary confessions from accused in terror cases by offering them plea bargains wherein their probable death sentences can be reduced to life imprisonment if they cooperate with investigators. The Lashkar-e-Taiba agent David Coleman Headley entered into a plea bargain with the US authorities by offering confession in order to avoid death sentence. The NIA officials have argued that the provision of plea bargain may eradicate the problem of coerced confessions in terror cases. Besides, the NIA will also ask for extra-territorial jurisdiction to probe terror attacks on Indians or their properties outside the country. This will help the agency probe cases like the May 2014 attack on the Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanistan. The agency has also asked the government to allow the Inspector rank officials to be designated as Investigation Officer (IO) in cases being probed under the UAPA. At the moment, only deputy superintendent of police rank officials can be designated as IOs in a UAPA case. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gujarat assembly is all set to ratify the Constitution Amendment Bill on the goods and service tax during its two-day session beginning August 22, also the first sitting of the House after Vijay Rupani took over as chief minister. Apart from other business, the Constitution Amendment Bill on goods and service tax (GST) will be tabled in the House for ratification, BJP chief whip in assembly, Pankaj Desai said on Friday. The two-day monsoon session of legislative assembly will take place on August 22 and 23. The bill will be introduced on first day, whereas the discussion and voting, if necessary, will take place on the next day, he said. Implementation of GST, said to be the biggest tax reform after liberalisation of Indian economy, is still hanging fire, though the Central government recently cleared a major hurdle in its rollout by managing to bring opposition Congress on board. The government has set a deadline of April, 2017 for the rollout. The GST bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament during the monsoon session, needs to be ratified by at least 15 state legislatures before the President can notify the GST Council, which will decide the new tax rate and other issues. Assam, another BJP-ruled state, became the first state in the country after its legislative assembly unanimously ratified the Constitution Amendment bill on Friday. Ahead of the session, the BJP legislative party will hold a meeting on August 21 to welcome the newly-appointed Rupani who took over the BJP-ruled state from Anandiben Patel, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel and other cabinet members, Desai said. Since our Speaker Ganpat Vasava and deputy Speaker Atmaram Parmar have been inducted in the new cabinet, the House will elect a new Speaker and deputy Speaker during these two days. It is expected that the state government may also table some bills in the House during the monsoon session, Desai said. There cannot be any compromise on national security, but leaders have to win the confidence of people in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a closed-door meeting in New Delhi on Friday. He blamed Pakistan for the troubles of the militancy-hit state, saying: Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour. The government held the meeting with all parties to discuss the unrest in Kashmir Valley, which has been under rolling curfew since the killing of a popular militant leader last month. At a press conference, home minister Rajnath Singh told reporters that the PM asked participants to expose Pakistans atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. Modi said India should reach out to the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir living in various parts of the world. The remarks came in response to the Samajwadi Partys demand for a discussion on PoK, a source said. Congress Karan Singh said PoK is an integral part of India. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said security forces will act with restraint, but terrorism will be dealt with properly. He said the decision to call Kashmiri separatists and Hurriyat for talks will be taken based on the prevailing situation. The government said no decision was taken on sending an all-party delegation to Kashmir. It added such a move depends of the preparedness of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose Peoples Democratic Party is in an alliance with Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Read | All-party delegations to commissions: Delhis attempt to engage with Kashmir The National Conference, the opposition party in J-K, did not attend the meeting. Home minister Singh informed that he had invited NC leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed inability due to the paucity of time. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said the government had received from the United Nations Human Rights Commission a letter seeking a visit to India. Indias stated policy has been not to allow any country, even the UN, to interfere, Swaraj said. All parties supported her. Close to 60 people died and thousands wounded in protests after security forces gunned down Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8. Kashmiris have alleged atrocities by Indian armed forces during street demonstrations, and the use of pellet guns has been under the scanner. Pakistani leaders have criticised India over the unrest even as New Delhi accused Islamabad of interfering in New Delhis affairs and backing terrorism. The governments move to hold the all-party meeting is seen aimed at blunting the growing criticism by opposition parties. The home minister assured that suggestions of all parties will be considered to end the unrest, CPI(M) general secretary Yechury said after the talks. He said the Centre should do away with pellets guns and withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa), which gives security forces the right to shoot and kill suspected rebels and to arrest suspected militants without warrants in troubled areas. Start the dialogue process with all stakeholders. We have done it in past and weve to do it again, he said. Read | Like the 2010 all-party delegation, will this one soothe Kashmir unrest On Tuesday, PM Modi invoked his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayees moderate vision to outline his governments stand on dealing with the protests in Kashmir, in his first remarks on the month-long unrest. In 2003, Vajpayee paved the way for the Centres first-ever talks with Kashmiri separatists and laid down three principles to deal with the regions political crisis -- Insaaniyat (humanism), Jamhooriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmirs legacy of amity). His government initiated a dialogue process with Kashmiri separatists and political parties. Read | Not development, but a direct dialogue with youth of the Valley can bring peace The Haryana vigilance bureau has disclosed to the court that as per the disclosure statement of the accused in the Rs 48-crore National Highways Authority of India scam, beneficiaries included whistleblower, an officer at par with district revenue officer, NHAI officials and private individuals, who were ineligible for land compensation payments. The accused opened multiple accounts in Delhi. Land compensation money was diverted in these and reverted to original accounts without interest. The second chargesheet against the two other accused, former Panchkula DRO Naresh Sheokand and his alleged tout Chandershekhar, suggests where the money went, but investigation is pending in this regard. Chandershekhar was allegedly the messenger for Sheokand in Delhi and was a part of the dealings. The chargesheet against Sheokand and Chandershekhar claimed that according to Chandershekhars disclosure statement, Rs 50 lakh went to a former Panchkula DRO and Rs 28 lakh to another DRO, who was the whistleblower in the case. Both DROs are serving with the Haryana government. The chargesheet claims that it was disclosed that Rs 5 lakh was paid through cheque that the man collected from a Sector-8 branch of Punjab National Bank. Besides payments to DROs, the sums of Rs 50 lakh Rs 10 lakh were paid to NHAI officials. They have not been chargesheeted for the same as investigation is pending. The chargesheet also mentions Shamshad, Madhu Aggarwal, Dhanush Aggarwal, Surbhi Aggarwal, Banke Bihari Lal Aggarwal, Ramit Ahuja, Amit Ahuja, Ashok Ahuja, Pritam Ahuja, Gopal Kwatra, Mayank Kwatra, Shashi Vasan, Urmila, Devendra Singh and Ramrati who still need to be interrogated. The state government has sent a reference to the Central Bureau of Investigation to take over the case because it involves inter-state ramifications. The investigating agency is yet to take a decision in this regard. THE SCAM According to the vigilance report, in 2012, when Sheokand was posted as DRO Panchkula, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and NHAI acquired land in the district. To disburse money to landowners, HSIIDC opened an account with IndusInd Bank, Panchkula, and another with HDFC Bank, Barwala. These accounts, opened in the name of the DRO had Rs 203.5 crore in them. Sheokand, however, also opened an account with PNBs Jangpura Extension branch in New Delhi on December 26, 2012. It was in the name of DRO-cum-LAC (land acquisition collector), Panchkula. Five days later, Sheokand issued the first cheque, seeking a transfer of Rs 20 crore from IndusInd Bank to the Jangpura PNB branch. The transfer was declined due to the insufficiency of funds. But he tried once again, this time issuing a cheque of Rs 19 crore on January 5, 2013. Apart from these accounts, Sheokand had opened another account with PNB in Sector 8, Panchkula, on December 27, 2012. From the Rs 19 crore transferred to the Jangpura branch, he transferred Rs 1 crore to this account and gave away the rest as compensation for land, only that the beneficiaries were not real ones. At that time, the HSIIDC stood at a loss of Rs 18 crore. HSIIDC compensated at NHAIs cost The NHAI, which wanted to compensate landowners for the Panchkula-Yamunangar highway in 2012, had also opened a joint account in the name of DRO-cum-LAC (Sheokands name) and project director NHAI, at the Sector-8 PNB branch. This account contained more than Rs 500 crore - Rs 495 crore deposited on March 28, 2013, and Rs 6.58 crore on June 6, 2013. Now this is where PNB manager Bhim Singh came into play. On March 30, 2013, Bhim, without permission of the account holders and his bosses, transferred Rs 250 crore to the PNB Jangpura branch, which Sheokand had opened. On the same day, Rs 80 crore was transferred to some accounts in New Delhi and Chandigarh, and the rest was either converted into FDR (fixed deposit receipts) or deposited in another account at the same branch. The entire money, Rs 250 crore, was brought back in the original NHAI account (PNB Sector 8), but without interest, thus causing losses to the highway body. The two accused, however, made up for the losses (of Rs 18 crore) the HSIIDC had incurred. They got two FDRs worth Rs 22.09 crore transferred from the NHAI account to the HSIIDC account in the same branch on July 17, 2014. Bhim also transferred six FDRs from the Sector-8 PNB branch to various accounts opened in the name of the DRO-cum-LAC Panchkula without permission. Of these, two worth Rs 20 crore were encashed and given away to illegal beneficiaries, causing more loss to NHAI, which pegged its losses at Rs 48.35 crore SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON He could easily be Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses biggest fan. Fifteen years after retiring from the army, Robin Gopalakrishnan Nair is riding across the length of the country on his motorcycle to enlighten people about Boses contribution to Indias independence. He is convinced that Bose was the pivotal figure of the independence movement. Nair claims that the founder of the Indian National Army (INA) was the sole reason why joined the army as a 19-year-old and served for 17 years before retiring as a Naik. But even after retiring from the army, his urge to repay Netaji continued to gnaw at him. Nair wanted to do more. Netaji got us independence. Im clear on that. Yes, others played their roles. But his intelligence freed us, says the soft-spoken man from Kerala. I wanted to do something for him since I retired in 2001 but I didnt know how to go about it. Robin Gopalakrishnan Nair with his Royal Enfield bike in front of the Rastrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO) Fifteen years after his stint in the army, Nair is now a bank employee. The 51-year-old former soldier had married off his daughter and saved enough money for his sons education, but his wish to spread awareness about his hero remained unfulfilled. Three months back, Nair, who was also a stunt rider in the army, decided to travel across India on his two-wheeler, and preach about Boses contribution to the countrys independence. When I told my wife, she just said one thing - dont jinx it by telling anyone. First let the day come and then lets inform, Nair laughs. And the day did come. On August 1, Nair straddled his Royal Enfield Bullet and started his patriotic mission from Indias southernmost tip Kanyakumari. His final destination is Jammu. A board fixed on the back seat proudly asserts his motive - Gopalakrishnan Nair on Bharat Yatra to salute Subhas Chandra Bose. Two flags that resemble the tricolour with Boses picture on them are fixed on either side of the board. He travelled across eight states in 11 days and reached Delhi on August 11. Robin Gopalakrishnan Nair with his Royal Enfield bike in front of the Rastrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO) I stopped wherever I could and educated people on Bose. I got huge response and people listened to me intently and agreed with my ideas. I visited many villages where people were completely unaware of Bose. Their knowledge about Bose was very minimal, but no one disagreed with what I tried to convey, he said. Nair is convinced that history has not been fair to Bose. History books should be rewritten, he says. I told the people that we should remember and celebrate Netaji on the same lines as we celebrate Bapu. And while mystery still surrounds Netajis death, Nairs opinion is clouded by his hero worship. I also educated them on how Bose didnt die on a plane crash. Im happy the government has started to make his files public. I hope one day the truth will be out, says the former soldier. Nair claims he was stopped on highways by curious commuters, many of whom wanted to click pictures with him. Once an army man stopped me, and asked me to park my bike. With tears in his eyes, he saluted. The respect was not for me, but the man behind, on the flag and in my heart and soul. My hero Netaji, Nair says. But nowhere he was respected more than in West Bengal, where he took a detour to visit Boses house and his relatives. Children know about Bose in Bengal and that made my mission simple. They received me like a war hero returning after a battle. Clad in camouflage pants and grey T-shirt, Nair puts on his helmet for his onward ride to Jammu. The nation should not forget what Netaji did. His legacy should be saved. I dont know what is next in life for me, but Ill continue on my mission till my last breath, is his parting shot as the guns the bike to life. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an all-party meeting on Friday as part of the Centres effort to once again find a solution to the cycle of violence in Kashmir, where at least 60 people have died and thousands injured following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Since the onset of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989-90, the Centre has made numerous efforts to resolve the issue. The first time an all-party delegation visited Kashmir to assess the situation was in January 1990. It was headed by the then deputy prime minister Chaudhury Devi Lal and included among others the then leader of opposition Rajiv Gandhi. The visit came against the backdrop of the kidnapping of the then Union home minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeeds daughter Rubiya Sayeed and the subsequent release of militants in exchange for her freedom. After spending two days in Srinagar, the all-party delegation returned to Delhi. One of its suggestions included the appointment of political advisors to the then governor Jagmohan and accordingly George Fernandes was made a minister for Kashmir affairs. Prior to that, General KV Krishna Rao resigned as the governor and was replaced by Jagmohan. Soon after, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah resigned as the chief minister. During the tenure of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Centre held its first ever talks with Kashmiri separatists. The meeting on January 22, 2004, saw five separatist leaders shake hands with the then deputy PM LK Advani to find a solution to the Kashmir issue. Vajpayee too had a photo-op with the Hurriyat leaders. Read | Like the 2010 all-party delegation, will this one soothe Kashmir unrest The second round of talks between Advani and the Hurriyat Conference was held on March 27, days before the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government was voted out of power in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. But before that, the Vajpayee government in February 2003 appointed former home secretary NN Vohra as the Centres interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir. The mandate of Vohra, who is the current governor of the state, was to hold dialogues with different shades of opinion in the state to hammer out a solution to the Kashmir issue. Throughout his tenure, Vajpayee laid special focus on the troubled state and also appointed former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief AS Dulat as his advisor on Kashmir affairs. The first major initiative by the United Progressive Alliance-I government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh was the announcement of a roundtable conference in Delhi in February 2006. While all mainstream political parties attended, the separatist camp boycotted it. The second roundtable was held in Srinagar in May 2006 and the separatists again boycotted it. In May 2006, Singh announced the setting up of five working groups to resolve the issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir. The groups were assigned for improving the Centres relations with the state, furthering the relations across the Line of Control (LoC), giving a boost to the states economic development, rehabilitating families of militants and reviewing the cases of detainees and ensuring good governance. All the groups gave their recommendations but none has been implemented yet. One group, headed by the now vice-president of India Hamid Ansari, recommended the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa) which has now become a bone of contention. Former diplomat MK Rasgotra was the chairperson of the group on simplifying procedures to facilitate travel across the LoC. Former Reserve Bank of India governor C Rangarajan headed the group on economic development, employment generation, balanced regional and sub-regional development while the former chief justice of India AM Ahmadi was the head of the working group on matters related to J-Ks special status. The fifth group on good governance was headed by NC Saxena. After a brief lull, Kashmir erupted again in June 2008 over the alleged transfer of forest land to the Amarnath shrine board to manage the annual pilgrimage. An all-party meeting convened by the then PM Manmohan Singh appealed for calm after weeks of violence in which more than 60 people died. Later, an all-party delegation headed by the then home minister Shivraj Patil toured Kashmir to douse the fire. Read | Mainstream J-K parties yet to be invited to Centres all-party meet today Again on September 20, 2010, a 39-member all-party delegation visited Kashmir to assess the situation in the wake of violence that claimed more than 120 lives in three months from June. The delegation gave eight suggestions, including appointing a team of interlocutors. The interlocutors journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former information commissioner MM Ansari were appointed in October 2010. They were tasked to begin a process of sustained uninterrupted dialogue with all sections of people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially with youths and students and all shades of political opinion. In their report submitted to the then Union home minister P Chidambaram in October 2011, the interlocutors laid down a road map for the government to address all issues pertaining to the state. Among the recommendations included regional councils for all three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to address local aspirations apart from improving governance with a focus on women and children. Their recommendations, that also contained suggestions to announce financial packages in terms of jobs, rehabilitation of families of victims of violence and reducing the number of troops in civilian areas, are yet to be implemented. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It was a cold, grey September morning in 2010 when CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ramvilas Paswan and some other leaders from Delhi walked into the house of Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The leaders were a part of the all-party delegation that went to Srinagar with a message of peace and solidarity, to end the three month-long clashes between security forces and stone-pelters that had claimed more than 50 civilian lives. When Yechury asked for tea or coffee, an angry Geelani retorted, How can I give you tea? Theres no milk and sugar for the last one month. A witty Yechury quipped, We can have it plain and started speaking in Urdu to build a bridge. After an hour, when the delegation walked out of Geelanis home, they had with them an assurance that the Hurriyat hawk will not provoke the situation any further. After six years, the central government -- this time led by the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) -- is on the verge of sending another all-party delegation to Kashmir to reach out to the valley. This time, the situation is worse: Kashmir has erupted in violent protests after Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was killed on July 8. Security forces bullets have killed people in all seven districts of Kashmir. This has never happened before, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Rajya Sabha. Apart from the almost 60 deaths, unconfirmed reports suggest, 3,000 civilians have been wounded with pellets, many of them have lost their eye sights forever. Read | Mainstream J-K parties yet to be invited to Centres all-party meet today After the two Houses of Parliament are adjourned, the all-party meeting will be held at the Parliament House on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the meeting where party leaders from both Houses have been invited. Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma, Janata Dal(United)s Sharad Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Md Selim from Communist Party of India (Marxist), Sudip Bandopadhyay and Derek o Brien of Trinamool, Communist Party of Indias D Raja, Bhartruhari Mahtab of the Biju Janata Dal, Naresh Gujral of Shiromani Akali Dal, Paswan and senior ministers like Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh will attend the meet. However, the crucial meeting to discuss steps to restore normalcy in violence-hit Kashmir will not be represented by prominent mainstream parties, including the states principal opposition party National Conference. We have not been invited, Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister and NC president, told Hindustan Times on Thursday. The PM is likely to thank all parties for speaking in one voice in the House of the Kashmir problem. Although he was accused of skipping the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Modi is likely to back a political dialogue. But it is still unclear if this government will allow political leaders to meet separatists when they go to Kashmir, as they had done in 2010. The 2010 all-party delegation had the soothing effect and the situation had improved drastically. But many of the recommendations of that delegation, like removing army outposts from civilian areas, remained unanswered. These teething problems may hurt the all-party delegation when it visits the Valley after the Independence Day. Read | Rajnath says govt will talk to all about Kashmir, all-party meet today SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir, Lok Sabha unanimously passed a resolution on Friday, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the Valley and asserting that there can be no compromise with the countrys integrity and security. In the resolution read out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the House appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people. The House conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation, it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the House is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people, it said. The resolution was read out by the Speaker after opposition parties suggested that she, instead of home minister Rajnath Singh, should propose it. Earlier, leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the House pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said. The suggestion was promptly agreed to by Singh. Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singh, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. Earlier this week, the Rajya Sabha too had passed a resolution, expressing its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in Kashmir. The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the Speaker. It seemed a plot straight out of a Bollywood potboiler: an abduction, four conspirators, each with a different post-abduction plan to pocket the maximum share of the ransom amount (Rs 10 lakh) and then the gruesome murders of two of the conspirators. But the script went awry as the killers made the mistake of using the slain conspirators ATM cards, in a massage centre at the airport, that helped the cops to arrest them after stopping a Mumbai-bound flight at Amausi airport which was about to take off. Mohd Imran and Jeetesh Ashok or we, who were arrested from the flight on Wednesday night, were the key conspirators behind Jal Nigam engineer Abdul Salim Faridis kidnapping from Lucknow on Monday and the brutal murders of two co-conspirators Sandip Singh and his paramour Nutan Ojha alias Neetu, whose bodies were found in different places in Allahabad on Wednesday, said Amit Pathak, SSP of Special Task Force (STF), who played a crucial role in solving the case. Sandip Singh and Neetu, who were known to the engineer, had initially planned to kidnap him and demand ransom of R 2 crore. Sandip roped in his two friends Imran and Jeetesh, who stayed in Mumbai and had committed similar crimes earlier, additional SP (ASP) of STF, Arvind Chaturvedi told HT. Chaturvedi said Imran and Jeetesh had planned to eliminate Sandip after getting ransom from the engineers family to bag the maximum share and then release the victim. He said Sandip, however, had a plan to eliminate his paramour and the engineer after getting the ransom and he had briefed Imran and Jeetesh separately. Neetu on her part planned to eliminate the engineer and live peacefully with Sandip. In the end, the different plans of four conspirators ended up with murders of Sandip and Neetu while the engineer came out of the drama safe, he said . As per the initial plan, Neetu called the engineer to meet her in a restaurant on Shahnajaf road on Monday evening. The engineer immediately reaches the venue as he had known Neetu for two years . All four then kidnapped the engineer, t ook him t o Allahabad i n Sandips SUV and kept him captive at a place. The ASP said the kidnappers finalized the deal at Rs 10 lakh after the engineer expressed his inability to pay Rs 2 crore. The engineers friend Rajesh Pandey transferred the ransom amount to Sandips bank account after a call from the former. Chaturvedi said there was a twist in the tale when Neetu asked Imran to kill the engineer but he shot her dead as per the deal with Sandip. Thereafter, Imran had a brawl with the Sandip over murdering the engineer. Sandip wanted to eliminate the engineer, as he believed he would expose him if left alive. Imran had a different plan. He freed the engineer on Tuesday afternoon and held Sandip captive. He later murdered Sandip with the help of Jeetesh and a local help Jameel, said the ASP. He said Imran and Jeetesh returned to Lucknow to fly to Mumbai after disposing of the bodies. The duo was held at Amausi airport after stopping the flight, which was about to take off. The police traced them when they used Sandips ATM card at a spa on the airport. ALLAHABAD AIDES ALSO IN POLICE NET Imran had also roped in three more Allahabad locals Asif, Jameel and Amjad in executing the plan . They have also been arrested . The police said the engineer was held hostage at Asif s place in Kareli area of Allahabad while Jameel and Amjad helped him in murdering Sandip and Neetu and disposing of their bodies. They are being quizzed about their criminal nexus. NEETU WAS KILLED IN FRONT OF THE ENGINEER Engineer Abdul Salim Faridi was in deep shock, as Neetu was shot dead in front of his eyes. He had lost hope of getting free of the kidnappers captivity alive but Imran kept his promise . He did not share these details with the police even after his release and was trying to cook a different story. He did not even want further police probe in the matter, said SSP of STF, Amit Pathak. FOUR OTHER KIDNAPPINGS Before the engineers kidnapping, Imran and Sandip had committed three other similar kidnappings in Allahabad and one in Lucknow but the only incident reported to Civil Lines police station in Allahabad was when they kidnapped a trader and released him after taking ransom of Rs 6 lakh last year. Every time, they targeted people familiar to them. They called a trader of Rajasthan for a business deal and held him captive in Lucknow. They released him after getting ransom of` 3 lakh, said ASP Arvind Chaturvedi. CONNECTING LINKS Imran, along with Jeetesh, worked as a bouncer in Mumbai after he failed in real estate business in his home district Allahabad. Imran and Sandip were in touch only through real estate business and the duo belonged to Allahabad. Sandip knew the engineer through Neetu who was introduced to the latter through an Allahabad based Jal Nigam contractor Wasim. Private mobile networks were suspended late on Thursday night in Kashmir amid fears of clashes between civilians and security forces on Friday even as curfew and restrictions continued across the valley for the 35th straight day. The network was snapped sometime after 11pm on Thursday and only state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limiteds (BSNL) post-paid numbers are functioning fully. Non-BSNL phone services were blocked across Kashmir for 12 days from July 14 to July 26. Mobile internet services, which were clamped across networks throughout Kashmir hours after the death of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani on July 8, continues to remain so. The suspension of mobile services came as authorities prepared for a volatile Friday with apprehensions of intense clashes. Last week, three people were killed in firing by security forces after Friday prayer protests erupted. A crucial all-party meeting to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take place on Friday to discuss steps to restore normalcy in violence-hit Kashmir. However, it will not be represented by prominent mainstream parties, including the states principal opposition party National Conference. The all-party meeting was announced by Union home minister Rajnath Singh in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday during an impassioned discussion on the volatile situation in Kashmir, aggravated by a high number of civilian injuries caused by pellet guns used by security forces. The state police issued an appeal Thursday evening, urging parents to not allow their children to take part in protests and religious leaders to not deliver provocative speeches. It has been observed for last few Fridays that after the culmination of Friday prayers miscreants force the people to assemble on the Chowks and roads; thus obstructing the normal traffic. Many a times these gatherings are manipulated to pelt stones upon the police/security force deployments, the statement said. In order to avoid such situations, the parents are requested not to allow their children to take part in such activities. Youth is advised not to fell prey to such machinations. The Imams and Khateebs are also requested not to deliver provocative speeches so that the situation is not exploited by vested interests. Local media reports said that Srinagars hospitals have prepared for the day by keeping extra units of doctors in case the situation deteriorates and injuries or casualties occur in large numbers. On Thursday, top separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, were arrested as they attempted to lead a march towards the martyrs graveyard at Eidgah in Srinagar to pay tributes to the slain Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz and those killed during the civil unrests in 2008 and 2010. However, according to the Hurriyats call for a relaxation of shutdown after 6pm on Thursday, most shops and eateries across Srinagar had opened up. According to the separatists protest programme, people have been asked to hold protests in their localities after prayers on Friday. The fresh calendar issued on Thursday extended the shutdown till August 18 and called for a Referendum March in Lal Chowk on August 13 and 14. On August 14, Pakistans independence day, there is a call for special prayers for the stability of Pakistan and on August 15, Indias independence day, there is a call for civil curfew and black day. Parents are directed not to send their wards for participation in these [I-Day] celebrations. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centres and local chowks, wear black dresses or black bands on this day, the programme said about August 15. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Indian envoy to the US Nirupama Rao said on Friday Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was detained briefly at the Los Angeles airport on Thursday, was deal with according to set rules and protocols. Khans Thursday detention, the third time in recent years, was possibly for a close match with an entry on the United States terror watchlist. The actor, whose 2010 film My Name is Khan dealt with racial profiling in the US, was eventually allowed to go after which he tweeted his reaction. The ground level staff, who handle the security, are trained to follow the set rules and protocols. And they usually do just that and dont make a distinction among various passengers. That is how they are trained. Nor would they are expected to know the status of every passenger, Rao told Hindustan Times. Unless they are forewarned about the arrival of Shah Rukh Khan, the security staff wouldnt know about his status. There is a difference between the standing a person enjoys in his home country and when he visits the US, she said. SRK detained at LA airport, US says working to ensure doesnt happen again The former foreign secretary added that unfortunately Muslims have come under greater scrutiny in the US though she doesnt think the Khan episode so far smacks of anything like security staff personally targeting the actor. Passengers, who are subjected to extra security screening, are often selected randomly, she added. Rao said airports across the world, all the more so in the US, are on a heightened security alert following the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York. She said the Los Angeles airport is an entry point for passengers entering the US from many countries, and that would naturally warrant the high alert. There is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to following security measures. Thats how it works. SRK detained: 10 Indian personalities who were detained/frisked at airports Khan was detained by US immigration at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey for about two hours in 2009 after his name came up on a terror alert list. He was travelling to the US at the time to publicise his movie My Name Is Khan, ironically about racial profiling of Muslims in the US. He was then detained in 2012 at Westchester County airport near New York while travelling in a private jet with Nita Ambani, wife of business magnate Mukesh Ambani. At the time, the star had been invited to deliver a lecture at Yale University. Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America, he had then said in his address to students at Yale. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a marked shift from the days of disruptions, the Parliament witnessed a smooth monsoon session as the Opposition and the ruling side came together to push reforms even as they crossed swords on key issues. In the session, which ended on Friday, decks were cleared for Indias biggest tax reform the Goods and Services Tax ending a five-year wait for the constitution amendment bill. Altogether, Lok Sabha cleared 15 bills and Rajya Sabha 14. Both Houses cleared 13 proposed laws for Presidents assent, in a stark contrast from last years monsoon session when an aggressive Congress allowed only 4 bills to be cleared by both Houses. Read | GST is the highlight as a productive monsoon session ends Even as the Upper House, where the government is in minority, ran smoothly, the Opposition found opportunities to corner the Centre on the mishandling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, price rise and atrocities on Dalits. In both Houses, Opposition parties regained a fragile unity to criticise the Modi government on the rising incidents of attacks on Dalits. Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar and his junior minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, however, thanked the Opposition for cooperation in passing bills and hoped for the same in the next session. The session went smooth as the Prime Minister had reached out to the Opposition at the start, Kumar said. After wasting many hours in earlier sessions, the Congress changed its floor strategy. We decided to attack the government through debates on crucial issues, but did not become a stumbling block for key bills, a senior Congress leader said. The improvement in the House performance, with negligible disruptions, helped the government pass a handful of reforms bills, in contrast to earlier sessions when reforms were victim to bipartisan politics. Read | No storm in monsoon session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha make full use of their time Parliament cleared the long-pending Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill and two bills on higher education. The labour bill amendment, to allow children up to 14 to work in family-run establishments, was also passed. Both Houses approved the law on compulsory afforestation or the Campa bill, barely two months after the Congress refused to pass it citing violations of forest right laws. Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu put it aptly: There has been a good monsoon and also a good monsoon session. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A civilian and a policeman were shot dead by militants in South Kashmirs Kulgam district on Friday. Confirming the incident, superintendent of police, Kulgam, Muhammad Irshad, told to Hindustan Times, In the evening, shops had opened in Chamsar village when militants attacked people. Police constable Manzoor Ahmad Parray and a civilian Farooq Ahmad Dar, both residents of that area, were killed. The deaths are the latest in the spate of violence that has gripped the Kashmir Valley since July 8 when security forces killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Considered a hero among many locals, Wanis death triggered a series of protests that led to clashes between security forces and civilians, conflict that has left close to 60 dead and hundreds injured. For the 35th day, curfew remained in place. However, dozens of people were injured in protests post Fridays prayers. A police statement on Friday evening said more than three dozen incidents of stone pelting were reported from different districts of the Valley including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara and Bandipora. Many police/security force men have been reported injured during these clashes. Private mobile services were snapped after 11pm on Thursday and only the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limiteds (BSNL) post-paid numbers remained effective. On Friday evening, users of non-BSNL broadband services told Hindustan Times that their internet connections were also not working. The local daily Greater Kashmir reported on its website that authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have asked the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to stop internet services in Kashmir immediately. Hindustan Times could not verify this order independently. The developments come on a day the Centre held an all-party meet regarding the situation in the Valley. However, no mainstream party from the state was invited for this discussion. Read| Kashmir all-party meet: Modi discusses atrocities in PoK, Balochistan The Supreme Court lifted a ban on the registration of large diesel cars across the national capital region on Friday but imposed a 1% cess aimed at cleaning up Delhis foul air. SC will decide later if cess shd be imposed on small diesel cars too @htTweets bhadra sinha (@BhadraSinha) August 12, 2016 The SC also indicated that it will create a broader mechanism to check air pollution by diesel vehicles, saying it will decide later on whether to increase the cess or impose it on smaller cars. Central Pollution Control Board to open a bank account to receive green levy @htTweets bhadra sinha (@BhadraSinha) August 12, 2016 SC to decide later if the green can be more than 1%of ex-showroom cost of the vehicle @htTweets bhadra sinha (@BhadraSinha) August 12, 2016 The decision came four days after German carmaker Mercedes told the top court that it was ready to charge 1% environment cess on the cost of its vehicles to get rid of the ban on registering vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 2,000 cc. Last December, the apex court had clamped the ban, one among a raft of judicial measures to clean up the Capitals air that is among the worst in the world. The ban was to remain in place for three months but was extended indefinitely. Major car manufacturers and the Centre had sought relaxation from the Supreme Court, which on July 4 reserved its order, indicating that such vehicles may be allowed to be registered again on payment of 1% of the ex-showroom price as environmental cess. . SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday said that the exhumation and post-mortem examination of the body of Shabir Ahmed Mir would be conducted under the supervision of the Srinagars Principal District and Sessions Judge. Mir, 26, was allegedly shot dead by Deputy Superintendent of Police Yasir Qadri during a police raid on his residence in the wake of the ongoing protests in Kashmir over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The bench set Sept 5 for next hearing in the matter, saying the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Srinagar would decide on who would be present at the time of exhumation and post-mortem of the body. The bench also sought report on the compliance of its orders as it went through the report by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The bench said this as senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for the deceaseds father Abdul Rehman Mir, urged the court that Deputy Superintendent of Police, who has allegedly killed the 26-year-old youth, should not be present. Agreeing with Sibal that effort should be to get at the truth, the Attorney General said, We should get at the bottom of the truth. I agree it should be free and impartial. As the Attorney General said that he was ready for any condition that the court may impose, Sibal said that transparency and confidence will send the right message. The Jammu and Kashmir government has moved the apex court challenging the state high courts order directing initiation of contempt proceedings against the state Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for their failure to lodge fresh FIR against the Deputy Superintendent of Police as ordered by the Srinagar Judicial Magistrate. The apex court had on August 9 put on hold the contempt proceedings against the IGP and SSP. Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan said on Friday he was shocked and appalled that his application for a British visa to perform at a festival in London had been rejected. The 70-year-old celebrated artist tweeted he was to perform next month at Londons Royal Festival Hall and had applied for a British visa. He tagged foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and the Indian high commission in London, among others, in his tweet. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace, he said in another tweet. He said he had been performing abroad almost every year since the early 1970s, and the rejection of his visa application had upset him. In London, hectic efforts were on to resolve the issue related to the refusal of a visa to Khan, with organisers of the music festival where he is scheduled to perform hopeful that he would be able to appear as planned. Khan, who has performed in Britain many times, was due to appear at the Darbar Festival to be held in the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, on September 17 and 18. Tickets have been sold for the events. A spokesman for Southbank Centre told Hindustan Times: It is extremely unfortunate that Amjad Ali Khan has been refused a short-term visa to come and perform at Southbank Centre, which we understand is due to a recent change in the visas guidelines. We are working closely with the high commission to try to rectify this situation and are hopeful that he will be able to perform on September 17 at the Royal Festival Hall as planned. The spokesman said Khan is one of many international artists that Southbank Centre is bringing to London in partnership with the Darbar Festival. My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 According to the programme, Khan was to reflect on his 50-year career during the festival. His wife, Subhalakshmi Barua Khan, is scheduled to join the programme billed as a candid conversation. Several prominent Indian artistes are due to perform at the festival, including Shubha Mudgal. The Darbar Festival is dedicated to Bhai Gurmit Singh Ji Virdee (1937-2005), a tabla teacher who was born in India and in whose memory the event was launched in 2006. The news came a day after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained for two hours at the Los Angeles airport, triggering a Twitter storm and apologies from US envoy to India, Richard Verma, and senior US state department official Nisha Biswal. Incidents such as the detention of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at an American airport could be averted once India and the US begin implementing an MoU for expedited clearances of select travellers that was signed in June. The MoU was signed days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis latest visit to the US, and Indian security officials have said that they are drawing up a list of some 2,000 key personalities who could initially benefit from the US Customs and Border Protections Global Entry programme. We have signed the MoU with the US on June 3. Now we are completing the necessary procedures and formalities before it kicks in, an official who did not want to be named told Hindustan Times. The official said it could take at least eight to 11 months for things to be finalised. During discussions with their US counterparts last year, Indian officials had suggested that several former presidents, prime ministers and ministers, top businessmen like the Ambani brothers, actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan could be among the initial beneficiaries of the Global Entry scheme. The US Customs and Border Protection is part of the Department of Homeland Security and the Global Entry programme allows the expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers on arrival in the United States. Read | SRK detained: 10 Indian personalities who were detained/frisked at airports Around 2,000 prominent Indians are expected to be included initially in the list, which will be gradually expanded as ordinary citizens will also be eligible to apply for the programme. After joint scrutiny and clearance by both countries, approved Indian travelers can gain expedited entry into the US through automatic kiosks at select airports. Any individual with a criminal record or connected with a money laundering case will not be eligible for the programme. US authorities will have the final say on admitting an Indian citizen into the Global Entry programme. India is the eighth country to enter the Global Entry programme, which is available at 40 US airports. Nearly 2 million people are currently enrolled for Global Entry. Former Indian envoy to the US Nirupama Rao said on Friday Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was detained briefly at the Los Angeles airport on Thursday, was not personally targeted by security staff and that they were just doing their job. Khans Thursday detention, the third time in recent years, was possibly for a close match with an entry on the United States terror watchlist. The actor, whose 2010 film My Name is Khan dealt with racial profiling in the US, was eventually allowed to go after which he tweeted out his reaction. The ground level staff, who handle the security, are trained to follow the set rules and protocols. And they usually do just that and dont make a distinction among various passengers. That is how they are trained. Nor would they are expected to know the status of every passenger, Rao told Hindustan Times. Unless they are forewarned about the arrival of Shah Rukh Khan, the security staff wouldnt know about his status. There is a difference between the standing a person enjoys in his home country and when he visits the US, she said. The former foreign secretary added that unfortunately Muslims have come under greater scrutiny in the US though she doesnt think the Khan episode so far smacks of anything like security staff personally targeting the actor. Passengers, who are subjected to extra security screening, are often selected randomly, she added. Rao said airports across the world, all the more so in the US, are on a heightened security alert following the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York. She said the Los Angeles airport is an entry point for passengers entering the US from many countries, and that would naturally warrant the high alert. There is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to following security measures. Thats how it works. Khan was detained by US immigration at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey for about two hours in 2009 after his name came up on a terror alert list. He was travelling to the US at the time to publicise his movie My Name Is Khan, ironically about racial profiling of Muslims in the US. He was then detained in 2012 at Westchester County airport near New York while travelling in a private jet with Nita Ambani, wife of business magnate Mukesh Ambani. At the time, the star had been invited to deliver a lecture at Yale University. Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America, he had then said in his address to students at Yale. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom. Two people were killed and seven others injured when militants opened fire at two houses in Parbatipur village in Assams easternmost Tinsukia district on Friday evening. Police said that the attackers, suspected to be part of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa -I) fired at the houses where people had gathered for the evening Kirtan. Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned the incident, which occurred under Doomdooma police station area, and directed officials to all that was necessary in nabbing the culprits. The Friday evening incident in Doomdooma is an act of cowardice. Culprits involved in the attack will not be spared, he said. Security forces began combing operations to secure the area. The deceased were identified as Kishori Shah and Rajesh Shah. The injured were taken to a local hospital in Doomdoom, and later shifted to Tinsukia civil hospital. Those grievously injured were taken to the Assam Medical College hospital in Dibrugarh. The incident is the second attack on civilians this month; militants suspected to be from a breakaway faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland had opened fire on a market in Kokrajhar on August 6, killing 13. However, this isnt the first time Hindi speakers have been targeted in the state. Ulfa (I) insurgents have in the past attacked Hindi Speakers in upper Assam, particularly in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh district. Police say the faction have lost support in recent times, with group members leaning towards terrorism. The banned Ulfa (I) faction has seemingly stepped up its activities in upper Assam ahead of Independence Day celebrations in the state. Last Thursday, suspected Ulfa (I) members triggered an IED blast in front of tea estate in Philobari in Tinsukia district. Police said the perpetrators had snuck in to the district from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh with the objective of creating disturbance. The outfit also appealed to people to boycott the Independence Day celebrations. Who is the poorest Indian? The government has no idea and it cannot find out either, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) told a retired school teacher from Rajasthan who last year donated Rs 1 lakh to be given to the countrys poorest person. In February, the government gave Deep Chand Sharma a refund after he insisted that the money go to either the poorest, or at best, one among the 100 poorest. The PMO said that also was too much of a task. The wealth of the richest is annually measured. Forbes magazine listed 84 Indian billionaires on the 2016 list led by Mukesh Ambani, the 58-year-old chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd, with a net worth of $19.3 billion. But there is no data on the poorest yet. Official data from 2012 put the number of poor Indians at an estimated 363 million or 29.5% of the total population, the highest number of poor people in any country. Sharma, 63, told Hindustan Times on Friday that he wanted his hard-earned money to go to someone who really needed it. But a month after he sent the money to the PM in June 2015, he was given a receipt for a donation to the PMs relief fund, a reserve pool used to help the needy. The angry Sikar resident promptly filed a right to information application, to know why the money meant for the poor went into the fund. When he didnt get the answers he was looking for, Sharma moved the central information commission (CIC) in November: he not only wanted the information but also a token penalty on the PMO official who violated a 30-day deadline to provide information. The phone call from the PMO came soon after. I told them to return the money if they couldnt even locate one of the 100 poorest Indians, said the Sikar resident, who claims to get a Rs 13,000 pension for being jailed during Emergency. He gets another pension for the years he spent as a teacher. At a hearing presided by chief information commissioner RK Mathur this week, the PMO indicated that nobody paid much attention to Sharmas letter accompanying the cheque and asked for the case to be closed since they had already refunded the money. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 15-year-old girl from Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr town has written to chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in blood alleging non-responsive attitude of the police in connection with her mothers murder and has demanded justice. Elder of two sisters, Latika said in her letter that her mother was burnt alive in front of them on June 14 because she could not bear a son. You talk about Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, Educate the girl child)b ut a daughter was burnt alive in your area just because she had two daughters. And now we are getting life threats and the police is not helping us but the accused, she wrote. Latika sent this letter to chief minister Akhilesh Yadav demanding action against her mothers killers. (HT Photo) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a government campaign that aims to generate awareness about the declining child sex ratio (CSR), education of girls and other issues of women empowerment. She has accused her father Manoj Bansal and other family members of killing her mother. They (family members) locked us sisters and set my mother on fire, Latika said. Latika and her sister Tanya, 11, now live with their maternal grandparents in Devipura locality of Bulandshahr town. I am sure the chief minister would respond to my appeal and ensure justice for my mother, Latika told Hindustan Times over the phone from Bulandshahr. This isnt the first letter that I wrote to the CM. I wrote one in July too... Perhaps my blood on the letter would make him understand my trauma and appeal for justice, she said adding that she posted the letter on Facebook on Wednesday after sending it to the CM through fax. Though police arrested Latikas father a day after the incident and sent him to jail, she said that other members of his family, named in the FIR, should also be arrested. Latika blamed the police for not acting against all the accused despite repeated appeals. Bulandshahrs senior superintendent of police Anees Ansari said an investigation into the case was on and appropriate action will be taken on the basis of evidence. The Congress once again took potshots at the chief minister over the death of hundreds of bovines at Hingonia Cow Rehabilitation Centre (HCRC), located on the outskirts of the state capital. Party workers and councillors gheraoed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Friday to express discontent over the slow pace of work to clear sludge at the centre and threatened to gherao the residences of the chief minister and governor with rotis (breads) if the situation at the cow rehab centre was not improved within 72 hours. District Congress committee president, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, also took a swipe at the chief minister for not visiting HCRC despite over 500 cows deaths. The BJP, which does politics in the name of Ram and cow, today is feeling no pain to see cows die. Across the state, hundreds of cows are dying at government gaushala (cow shelters) and the only reason behind it is corruption in the expenditure on cow heads, he said. The Congress leader claimed the government had earmarked crores for the purchase of fodder, water, medicine and other facilities for cows, but not a single penny was being used for the welfare of the animal. (The) government policy is anti-cow and people who played politics in the name of cows are now trying to suppress the issueIf the situation at HCRC is not improved in 72 hours, and deaths of cows do not stop then, the chief ministers and the governors residences will be gheraoed with one lakh rotis (breads) collected from city households to put pressure on the government, said Khachariyawas. The district Congress president also urged the government to simplify the process of releasing cows from rehab centres. There are around 10,000 cows at HCRC, of which 8,000 are healthy and should be registered and handed over to cattle rearers to save them from dying, he said. Accusing the mayor, chief executing officer and other senior leaders and officials of corruption in the municipal body, Khachariyawas said: The Congress councillors will hold a 15-minute demonstration at 11am at the JMC office daily till the situation of the HCRC is improved. Senior party leaders, including Archana Sharma, Sanjau Bapna, Jyoti Khandelwa, ex-MP Mahesh Joshi, were also present at the agitation. Wagah Director: GNR Kumaravelan Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Ranya Rao, Karunas Rating: 1/5 Wagah amply illustrates how badly a film can be made, and how irresponsibly. Tamil cinema seems to be obsessed with numbers, and we are told that over 200 movies will be out in theatres before 2016 bids adieu -- the year witnessing the fastest 50 and the fastest 100 for the first time ever. So, filmmaking has begun to ape factory-line production in which quality is flung out of the window. Wagah is a personification of this mad speed. What is even more reprehensible is its content. At a time when India-Pakistan ties have hit a new low, and when the bone of contention between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Kashmir, is burning, Kumaravelan produces a movie that tips over the top in its grossly exaggerated presentation of Pakistani soldiers -- who are shown as degradingly inhuman. They are caricatured beyond belief. Read: Thirunaal review | This Jiiva-Nayanthara starrer is a romp of rowdies Vikram Prabhu plays a Border Security Force soldier in Wagah. Razzak Ali Khan (Shaji Choudhary) heads a border camp inside Pakistan where he humiliates and torments Indian prisoners, often forcing them to fight each other in do-or-die battles on marshy land. Does this resemble Roman gladiators who had to fight beasts? Or, does it take us back to Nazi torture camps? And one of the prisoners is our hero, Vasu (Vikram Prabhu) -- a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, stationed in Kashmir and who is captured not heroically chasing rebels into Pakistani territory, but escorting his lady love, Kanoam (but Vasu calls her Kajal, essayed by debutant Ranya Rao). On a brief visit to meet her grandfather -- who had elected to stay back in India after 1947, although his wife and others had gone away to the other side -- Kanoam falls in love with Vasu, a love at first sight, done to death in Tamil cinema. Watch the trailer of Wagah here: Troubled and traumatised in Khans camp, Vasu begins to feel the first stirrings of patriotism -- something he never felt before. Even his decision to join the BSF was for such juvenile reasons as little work and the availability of free booze! But after the severe beating he receives in the camp, Vasu is a different man -- who is desperate to get back to his love and also to free the other Indian inmates. Kumaravelans script seems as messy as Vasu does in the opening scenes of Wagah. The director is completely at a loss -- unable to decide whether his work should be an epic romance or a lesson in patriotism. There is one sequence when Vasu is fisting (every time he gets hold of a gun, he throws it away!) the Pakistani soldiers to the background score of Vande Mataram. Clearly a case of trying to force patriotic fervour out of the audiences. In this muddle, Wagah begins to look like an awfully amateurish effort. Read: Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum review | An important subject handled with inanity Vikram Prabhus character transforms from young man with juvenile reasons to join the forces like free liqour to becoming a different man altogether. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Acting on a petition filed by a disciple of spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh, the Bombay high court on Friday said that the Pune police should try to trace and bring back the original will of the guru to India. The petitioner, Yogesh Thakkar, had alleged that the existing will of Osho is a forged one. The division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and Justice Prakash Naik felt that in order to properly investigate the matter, the police should try and retrieve the original will to compare Oshos signature the purportedly forged will with his admitted signatures. The bench also allowed the petitioner to join the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to as party respondents to the petition. The order came after the petitioners counsel, advocate Pradeep Havnur, pointed out that the petitioner had informed the RBI about siphoning off millions of dollars from the Osho foundations account to Switzerland, the United States of America and Europe. The RBI had, however, merely informed the petitioner that it had forwarded the complaint to ED, which is empowered by law to investigate transactions involving siphoning of funds out of India, said Havnur. The petitioner alleged that the Koregaon police have not obtained the handwriting experts report yet although the FIR was registered on December 8, 2013 on the basis of complaint lodged by him. In the complaint, Thakkar had alleged that that the will, which surfaced 23 years after the spiritual gurus death, was fake. The FIR also alleged that the six beneficiaries of the will Michael Byrne, DArcy Byrne, Philip Toelkes, Dr John Andrews, Mukesh Sarda and Llaus Steeg were siphoning off money from Osho International Foundation to Zurich, Switzerland by using private companies set up by them. In his petition, Thakkar has also raked up the issue of Oshos suspicious death on January 19, 1990. He claimed that those close to the guru did not let a doctor present there examine him but asked him to issue a death certificate. In support of his claim, the petitioner has annexed an affidavit by Dr Gokul Gokani, who was present in Osho ashram on the day of his death. Dr Gokani, who was Oshos disciple since 1973, has stated that he was not allowed to see Osho before he died and was asked to issue his death certificate only after the spiritual guru had breathed his last. The Powai police, investigating the kidney transplant racket, are checking the claims of alleged whistleblower Sundar Singh, who is said to have helped expose the racket after agents persuaded him to sell his kidney in March. Singh, who claims he was operated upon at Hiranandani hospital, Powai, said he was promised a better life by agents and doctors. Instead, they used his poverty to rope him into the racket as well. It was he who tipped off Mahesh Tanna about an illegal kidney transplant on July 14 that the police managed to halt, and which helped expose the wider racket. The police said that if they find evidence to back his allegations, they will file a new first-information report (FIR) in the case. But it is not yet clear whether Singh will be named as an accused or a witness if a new FIR is registered. Speaking to HT on Thursday, Singh said he didnt go to the police himself as he feared being made an accused. He said Bijendra Bisen, an agent and the alleged kingpin, first met him in 2014 through agents Bharat Sharma and Iqbal Ahmed Khan. Sharma was also Singhs employer; he had been working at Sharmas video game parlour near Girgaum since 2008. Sharma, Khan and Bisen have been arrested and are in judicial custody. Singh said, In 2014, Sharma introduced me to Khan, who convinced me to sell my kidney. For an entire year, he made me run around and undergo several tests. Finally in January 2016, Khan introduced me to Bisen, who introduced me to doctors Mukesh Shetye and Mukesh Shah. Both doctors conducted tests on me at two private hospitals in Mulund. I was made to undergo 10 to 12 tests, said Singh. Singh, who dropped out of school after Class 5 and earns Rs 200 a day, added, They gave my kidney to a woman I didnt know. I posed as her brother. They made me memorise some address but I forgot it during the meeting. However, the operation took place anyway. The doctors told me that a new kidney would grow in 18 months. They promised me a better life, saying they would take care of my family, get me a good job and also repair my house in my village. But they went back on their promise. After he was cheated, Singh helped Suresh Gupta, a politician, and Tanna expose the racket by providing fake documents that he and Bisen had allegedly forged. Singh said he helped Bisen forge documents for four illegal transplants, including his own, which took place on March 16 and 17. The other three operations never took place as Singh leaked the documents. Vinayak Deshmukh, deputy commission of police, zone 10, who is monitoring the probe, said, Singhs case is under scrutiny and his papers have been sent to the DHS. If we find he claims are true, we will register new first-information reports (FIR). Deshmukh said a separate FIR will be registered for each case. He confirmed that Singh had helped Tanna expose the racket but didnt approach the police directly. He had nothing to do with our present case till now. He has not approached us. We have learnt he helped Tanna, said Deshmukh. Singh told HT on Thursday, I come from a poor family in Jalaun, UP. I earned Rs 200 a day in Mumbai. My sister died and I have two brothers who are mentally ill. My parents are senior citizens and I used to send them money from Mumbai. We live hand-to-mouth. I got married in 2013 and was desperately needed money to survive. Since my kidney was removed, I feel weak and get vomiting sensations if I eat too much. I feel a constant pain in my stomach if I work more or eat more. Life has become hell for me, he added. With the Rajya Sabha passing the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, on Thursday, all working women in the country will soon be entitled to six months maternity leave. Until now, women were granted a maternity leave of three months. However, the six months maternity leave has left school managements worried. With women forming 90% of the workforce, stakeholders fear that like the aviation industry, schools will insert clauses in the teachers contract to not get married or conceive for a stipulated period. Read: RS passes bill to raise maternity leave period My talks with a few principals of private schools about changes to their recruitment process in the light of the bill were scary. Screening of teachers based on their marital status, quizzing them on their private lives during job interviews might become the norm if the government doesnt ask schools to budget, said Francis Joseph, director, RMinds Education, a school consultancy. We all might have to ask teachers not to plan pregnancies in the middle of the academic year or hire older women who already have kids, said Lina Ashar, chairperson, Kangaroo Kids Education Limited, adding that the bill puts additional pressure on schools when they are already struggling to make ends meet. Read: Amendments to the Maternity Benefits Act 1961: Millions still left out It is a catch-22 situation. Being a woman, I understand that women need to have time-off, but you have to think about the ramifications of that many paid leaves for an organisation and the child who develops an emotional bond with the teacher, she said. According to Ashar, investment in the education sector has already trickled down because of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and School Fee Regulation Act. Schools are going to lose money and shut shop if this continues, she said, adding, We do not get anything at subsidised rates, neither land, nor electricity. She added that her company allows staff to work from home, on compassionate grounds for three months in cases where women have no support systems at home. While some educators said that schools must revise their budgets and make alternative arrangements such as hiring substitute teachers for six months, others fear it will put a strain on their resources. If a teacher goes on leave and we bring in a substitute, we will have to pay two salaries, said Vandana Lulla, director and principal, Podar International School, Santacruz. Finding a substitute is tough. Some schools will rope in parents or teachers from other institutes to share the workload for primary classes. Substitute teachers dont cost as much as a regular teacher, but there is a crunch of good teachers, especially to teach the secondary classes, said Freny Mehta, principal, Alexandra Girls English Institution, Fort. The school has been granting its staff six months maternity leave from the past three years. Frequent teacher changes might be unsettling for smaller children as they are extremely sensitive, said parents. My daughter is in pre-school. It took a while for her to adjust to her class teacher. If a replacement is brought in, it will disrupt her studies, said Malika Acharya, a parent from Navi Mumbai. + Schools dont allow teachers to merge their maternity leaves with the school vacations. Three months leave is allowed on paper, but often, they have to attend school at least for a month, said Kasturi Prabhu, a Spanish teacher, adding that teachers cant work-from-home. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai suburban services has been severely affected twice in less than a week. This time it is not the rains that has stalled trains, because of heavy rains but due to agitating mob which brought the trains to standstill by protesting at Badlapur station. An agitating mob of around 5,000 commuters stopped two trains one going from Thane to Karjat and the other, from Karjat to CST and protested about the regular delay in trains. Services beyond Ambernath continued to remain affected and long-distance trains were diverted via the Karjat-Diva-Panvel route. Suburban passengers coming to CST complained that the trains were running 15 -25 minutes late. The incident brings to mind that Diva railway protest that had paralysed the suburban railways for nearly 24hours in January 2015. The crowd awaits trains at Thane station. (Praful Gangurde/ HT Photo) Meanwhile railway minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted an appeal to commuters, asking them to stop agitating and directed the general manager and divisional railway manager to Badlapur station. A K Sing, public relation officer for central railways, said, A Karjat bound local reached Badlapur station around 5.45am, 20 minutes later schedule. It was stuck at a signal at a level crossing near Bhivpuri station. There was no technical snag. However the commuters at Badlapur station halted the train and refuse to let it go. The train is still stuck there, three hours after the incident. Rajesh Ghangav, president of Kalyan-Kasara and Karjat Passengers Association said, Most days, we suffer taunts in office for being late because of the problems with the train. There are problems with the signals, snapping of overhead wires or technical snags, however passengers on this line are the ones who bear the brunt. Many of our co passengers in Karjat have demanded that the station authorities give them in writing that trains will not be late henceforth. The railway DRM is supposed to meet the passengers to resolve their issues. . The area of Chedda Nagar, Nallasopara (W) wore a deserted look on Friday morning, after the fire brigade recovered all four bodies of the teenagers who met their end at Rajodi beach on Thursday. Arnala Coastal police had registered a missing case and a case of accidental death has now been lodged. The bodies have been sent for post mortem. All four bodies were recovered from the same spot where they had gone missing in the Arabian Sea, said inspector K Kolhe of Arnala police station. The boys have been identified as Sunny Arun Palav (15), Rohan Jadhav (16), Sujit Vishwakarma (16) and Chetan Kalap (16). All were residents of Laxmi Chheda Nagar, Nallasopara (W). The boys had come to the beach on Thursday afternoon and went into the sea. It was high tide and they were washed away by the tide after a while, said Kolhe. The locals were first to reach the spot and dived into the sea to rescue the remaining three. The survivors, Sachin Ravi Malekar (16), Anikit Uttam Sharma (18) and Nama Vinod Sharma (18), are all residents of the same area. The bodies were found,within four hours. The residents had positioned themselves on the beach to sight the bodies. According to Kolhe, none of the boys had informed their parents about the trip to the beach. Sunny Palav the youngest victim had just returned home from school and had lied to his parents about going to study at a friends place. Kolhe said nothing had been found in the postmortem report. We did not delay handing over the bodies to the boys relatives, he said. The United Nations is honouring MS Subbulakshmi by issuing a stamp on Independence Day to mark the birth centenary of the Queen of Music. This year is also the 50th anniversary of Subbulakshmis legendary concert in 1966 at the UN. AR Rahman will perform here as a tribute to her on August 15. As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day, the event will emphasize that the wisdom of Indian traditions remains relevant to current global thinking, the Indian Mission to the UN said in a statement on Thursday. Read: AR Rahman to perform at UN on Indias 70th Independence Day The musical evening will provide a glimpse of gaiety and dynamism of India on the occasion of India@70. During the Independence Day celebrations here, an exhibition on the life and music of Subbulakshmi is also to be held. Listen to Bhaja Govindam by MS Subbulakshmi here: Subbulakshmi, hailed by Jawaharlal Nehru as The Queen of Music, was the first Indian to perform here when she was invited by then Secretary General U Thant to give the UN Day concert on October 23, 1966. Her visit, which also included a concert at New Yorks Carnegie Hall, was arranged at the initiative of CV Narasimhan, who was a UN Under Secretary General then. Read: Hope I work in MS Subbulakshmi biopic soon, says Vidya Balan The highlight of the UN concert was Subbulakshmi singing a hymn in English -- a rare occurrence. It was written by C Rajagopalachari, the freedom fighter and the first Governor General of independent India. It was set to music by Handel Manuel of All India Radio. It was a prayer for gathering all nations under this Uniting roof, the General Assembly, and it was accompanied on the piano. Mondays events are being organised with the support of Sankara Nethralaya, an India-based civil society organisation, the Indian Mission said. Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar is to attend the celebrations. The police are investigating if BJP leader Brijpal Teotia had any rivalry with anyone. The police are probing seven murders. Three took place in Ghaziabad in 1984, three in Dasna Jail in 1997, and one in 1999. Their prime suspect is Manoj of Mehrauli village, whose uncle Suresh Diwan was murdered in 1999. Teotias name had cropped up in the case. We suspect a long-standing rivalry between the two groups over a piece of land in Ghaziabad. Manoj is one of the suspects. The attack was planned, said Rakesh Kumar Pandey, superintendent of police (rural). The four houses belonging to Manoj and his family remained locked ever since the incident and only cattle and a pet dog were found. Police teams are deployed outside the houses and villagers are not allowed to move nearby. Villagers from Mehrauli remained tight-lipped about the previous murders and said there was no enmity between the two groups. Even Teotias brother denied any rivalry with anyone. The caretakers at Teotias old house in village denied the allegation. Police sources said some injured persons told them they saw Manoj during the Thursday incident at Murad Nagar. After Thursdays attack, the police said they questioned Sunita, the wife of Rakesh Hasanpuriya, who was gunned down at Kavi Nagar in 2003-04. Officials said, Teotia had possibly informed the police about Hasanpuriya. Read: BJP leader Brij Pal Teotia shot at in Ghaziabad, in critical condition Sunita was questioned on late Thursday night. She is a constable with UP police and posted at Baghpat, officials said. After being suspended, she was reinstated recently. The police are questioning her to get leads in the case. She also has rivalry with Inderpal Singh, a former chief of Hasanpur village. Inderpal was also in Teotias car that was attacked on Thursday, said SSP KS Emmanuel. After the questioning, the police claimed Sunita and Manoj knew each other well. They pay each other visits. We are probing if they are involved in the attack. The constable is cooperating in the investigation, Pandey said. The police are also probing if Teotia has any business rivalry as he was into property dealing. We are probing all angles. However, we have failed to make any headway so far, the SSP said. Teotia, a former Delhi police constable, is said to be close to BJP leader Rajnath Singh. He was roped in the party by former Ghaziabad MP Ramesh Chandra Tomar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Three builders have expressed interest in buying 1,26,000 square metres of prime housing land in Sector 43 that the Noida authority wants to sell. The land had been under litigation for the past 20 years and was freed earlier this year. The land, located in Sector 43 off Dadri road, is worth Rs.1,000 crore, according to an authority estimate. Officials said this allotment would be one of the biggest in Noida. On Friday, the authority opened the technical bids of each of these three builders. Three realty firms, Shipra Group, Saya Homes and Vibhor builders, have submitted technical bids expressing their intention to buy our prime housing land. We will now examine their details to establish whether they are eligible for such a big project. We are likely to examine their technical qualifications by August 16, said Vipin Gaur, general manager, Noida authority. After examination of technical qualifications, the authority will allot the land to whoever has quoted the highest price. We are upbeat that three builders have applied to buy the land at a time when there is a slowdown in the realty market. We had thought builders would not show much interest because developers are already failing to sell completed housing units, said Gaur. The authority had on July 13 floated a tender to allot this group housing land, which had been under litigation for 20 years. The Kendriya aur Rajya Karamchari Society (Central and state employees society) had gone to Allahabad high court against the Noida authority on the grounds that the land belongs to them. The high court had ordered a stay over the land. Now the land is completely litigation-free because the societys secretary has submitted an affidavit in the court, which has been accepted. Therefore, the high court vacated its stay and the authority can allot the land, said another authority official. However, another member of the society said, We will go to high court against the affidavit filed by our secretary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias Manish Singh, who was competing for an elusive medal for India at the Rio Olympics, made a respective 13th-place finish in the mens 20 km race walk ahead of the Olympic record holder, Ding Chen here in Pontal on Saturday . Manish Singh was setting the pace in the early stages, but he started falling behind at around 14-km mark to complete the race with a time of 1:21:21. Manish finished two minutes and seven seconds behind the gold medal, which went to Chinas Wang Zhen. Cai Zelin, the other athlete from China, won silver with a time of 1:19:26 while Australias Dane Bird-Smith bagged bronze in a tightly contested race. Meanwhile, it would be a race to forget for two of the three Indian walkers who were disqualified in the early stages of the race. Gurmeet Singh was the first to be disqualified when he had not even reached the 6-kilometre mark. He was given three warnings, two for loss of contact and a third for a bent knee leading to the disqualification. Ganapathi Krishnan, on the other hand, gave India another blow when he was disqualified before the 10-kilometre mark. The 27-year-old received all the three warnings for loss of contact. As heavy rains left the city waterlogged on Thursday, chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu took a jibe at the deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and posted pictures of waterlogged roads with vehicles stuck on them on Facebook. Her post read Pilot project of Sukhbir Badal-Floating Cars without petrol. The pictures revealed shameful civic conditions of the city that is getting worse due to the ambitious BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) project started two years ago by the deputy CM. Here is her Facebook post: The holy city is under construction due to various ongoing development works, multiplying the woes for the people. City residents expressed their unhappiness about the hassles they are being put through by the government during the ongoing BRTS project. Jaswinder Kaur, a student who commutes from the walled city to Amritsar, said, Only time will tell how fruitful is BRTS project is but as far as the construction period is concerned, we are extremely upset with the way things have been approached. With roads dug-up all around the city, it has led to sewerage woes, waterlogging and traffic bottlenecks besides making roads accident prone. Now, the three-hour heavy rainfall on Thursday left the city inundated and the residents inconvenienced. The two-wheeler riders were spotted pushing their vehicles in knee-deep water. Many vehicles also broke down while plying on the water-filled roads. Rishab Jain, a baker, said, I have been in this city since a few years now and there has not been seen any change in the civic conditions here. It seems the MC is turning a blind eye to the residents problems. During rains, the city turns into a pool and authorities are sleeping. Moreover, the Amritsar municipal corporation (MC) has also failed to react to this long pending problem. The MC has also not ensured that the desilting is done properly in every part of the city, especially before the rainy season. During the general house meeting, the MC had passed the resolution of allocating Rs 12.10 crore for the project of sanitation and de-silting sewerage and drains, so that these drains could incorporate the rain water. SUPER-SUCKER MACHINES A FAILURE Even though the MC has put on job super-sucker machines to clean the sewerage after mayor Bakshi Ram Arora had claimed that people of Amritsar will see a change with these machines, but that too seems to be not working as desired as the sewers remain choked. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Punjab and Haryana high court has allowed the Punjab government to effect promotion orders of 2,200 teachers issued in July 2016. The high court bench of justice Jaswant Singh, however, said these promotions would be subject to the outcome of petitions pending on the issue before the court. Further, it also directed the state not to issue more promotion orders against vacant posts in state schools. The order came on the resumed hearing of a bunch of petitions, wherein around 1,000 teachers of Punjab, who were superseded by their juniors, were not promoted as they had acquired their postgraduate degrees through distance education from some universities which had examination centres outside their jurisdiction. The government had not given promotions citing the UGC communications that such degrees were illegal. Read: Punjab vigilance wants FIR: Hiring of 1,150 teachers under cloud On the petition of aggrieved teachers, the high court had stayed the promotions on July 14. In its reply, the UGC reiterated that such degrees from universities with examination centres outside their jurisdiction were illegal. However, court did not accept the argument and asked the UGC to submit a comprehensive reply again observing that it is for the first time that the public notice of July 19 has surfaced indicating that for the degrees being valid, even the examination centres have to be within the state. A perusal of the same reveals that it has prospective application, the high court bench said in its order, asking the UGC to submit a comprehensive reply by October 5. Read: Dont offer distance courses through private players, UGC warns PTU Universities that have awarded such degrees include Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Annamalai University and Madu Rai Kamraj University, Tamil Nadu. The universities are yet to respond to the notices issued by the high court. Its after his death that Karamat Rahi, 70, who had remained in a Pakistani jail for 17 years on the charge of spying, has been able to get a written assurance from the government, promising financial relief to his family and job for his son. Rahi died at an Amritsar hospital after prolonged illness on Wednesday, but his family refused to bury his body till the government fulfilled their demand. Earlier, even courts had rejected Rahis plea for compensation and a job for his kin as he had failed to provide proof of engaging in covert activities across the border. Following the familys protestation, however, the district administration finally produced a written assurance on Thursday, and last rites of Rahi, who was a converted Christian, were performed at his native village, Khera Kalan, in the evening. Rahis wife and son at their village on Friday. (HT Photo) Rahi came into contact with an intelligence agency in 1983 and after two years of training, he was sent across the border a number of times, his son Ranjeet told HT. The last time this Indian spy infiltrated into Pakistan was in 1988. On July 26 that year he was caught by the army in Lahore, while stealing secrets from a cantonment, and subsequently sentenced to 14 years in jail, said Ranjeet. Despite serving his term, my father was not released. It was after the then chief minister Capt Amarinder Singhs intervention that he returned home in 2005, he said. After his return, Rahi kept fighting to get recognition and compensation for his sacrifice, but to no avail. Feeling betrayed by the government, he filed a petition in the high court, but it was rejected. Adding salt to his wounds, he was asked to pay a fine for wasting the courts time. A fresh appeal in the Supreme Court, too, bore no result, as he was asked to provide proof of his covert activities in Pakistan. Intelligence agencies recruit spies selling them dreams of getting prosperous. They are promised both money and security, but once a spy gets arrested, everything is forgotten, said Ranjeet. Rahis widow, Surinder Kaur, said she used to get a monthly allowance of `300 after her husband was arrested, but that too stopped within 10 months. For the past couple of months, Rahi was not keeping well and he was undergoing treatment at various hospitals at Batala and Amritsar. I borrowed more than `1.5 lakh from my relatives for my fathers treatment. On Wednesday, he breathed his last at Guru Ramdas Hospital in Amritsar, said Ranjeet. When Batala sub-divisional magistrate Saurav Arora got to know about the familys refusal to perform the last rites, he rushed to their house on Wednesday, but couldnt convince them. The deadlock was broken when additional deputy commissioner (general) JS Grewal reached their house and gave them a written assurance about financial relief to them and a government job for Ranjeet. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will focus on Punjab, while his deputy Manish Sisodia and ministers Satyender Jain and Kapil Mishra will look after poll-bound Goa and Gujarat, states on the electoral radar of the party. Sources said the decisions were arrived at during a meeting at Kejriwals residence, a day after the Delhi CM returned from a 10-day-long Vipassana session from Dharamkot near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Also read | Sukhbir preparing ground to eliminate our leaders in Punjab: AAP While senior leaders Ashutosh and Mishra will look after Gujarat, Jain and Sisodia will work towards making the AAP click in Goa. Kejriwal has visited the two states multiple times in the recent past. There is nothing official as to what their nature of work would be. These were some of the points which we discussed informally at a meeting and a decision will be taken soon, sources said. AAP is locked in a triangular contest against the BJP-SAD alliance and the Congress in Punjab while it has made major splashes in Gujarat and Goa in the past few months. All three states are going to polls next year. PTI The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announce plans for the eighth annual National Treasures event on Thursday, Aug. 25 at Point Park. "This years party at Point Park marks the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916 and celebrates the importance of our local national park," organizers said. "From 5:30-8:30 p.m., guests will gather atop Lookout Mountain to stroll along the parks breathtaking paths on the brow, enjoy the music of the Power Players underneath the iconic New York Peace Monument, and toast the centennial of the National Park Service. Chattanoogas first tourist destination Umbrella Rock will be exclusively open for this event, allowing guests to take photographs and 'selfies.'" National Treasures Chair Becky Browder said, This years National Treasures event is even more special as it is occurring on the National Park Services Founders Day the day the agency is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its establishment. Each year, National Treasures honors our local National Park and commemorates the important role it plays in our community. This year is especially significant, as we also celebrate the importance of the National Park Service that manages 407 sites across the country, maintaining Americas natural and historic treasures. "Along with great music, the Centennial Picnic promises to be an evening of food, fun, and facts about our national parks as guests enjoy living history re-enactments of Civil War activity and a special 100th Anniversary presentation on the creation and history of the Park Service. This casual evening in Point Park only happens once a year, and the Friends of the Park invite all National Park Service fans and supporters to attend National Treasures 2016: Centennial Picnic in Point Park," organizers said. Tickets are available for purchase through Aug. 22 online at www.friendsofchch.org, or by contacting Tricia Mims, executive director, at (423) 648-5623. Presenting sponsor is First Tennessee Foundation and hospitality partner is ShopRite Super Markets. Additional support is courtesy of Morning Pointe Assisted Living; Waterhouse Public Relations; Heritage Funeral Homes and Cremation Services; East Tennessee Specialty Builders; Rhonda Nunley; Sandra and Duane DeVore; Ruby Falls; March Adams and Associates: TAG Manufacturing; Shelley and Jack Deaton; Reliable Building Solutions; Ringgold Telephone Company; Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union; Auntie Annes; Capital Bank; PDM Engineering; Bank of Lafayette; Ft. Oglethorpe Kiwanis Club; The Barn Nursery; Carter Distributing Company; Coca-Cola United; The Meeting Company; Kay Parish Design; and Chattacakes. Making a U-turn on his statement about a possible foreign hand behind the attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Jagdish Gagneja, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday said there was no evidence on the involvement of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the case. When asked about his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badals statement on the ISIs role in the attack and other law-and-order setbacks in the state, the CM said it was just a suspicion. Speaking on the sidelines of a sangat darshan at Kapoor Pind in Adampur assembly segment, Badal said the state has also not found any evidence of a foreign hand in the last years sacrilege cases, including the Bargari desecration. There were 14 sacrilege incidents last year and 13 were solved. We didnt find any evidence of a foreign link, said the CM. On Sukhbirs claims that Sikh radical groups from abroad were financing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Badal said: We have no information about it. Sukhbir, however, stood by his Wednesdays statement on the ISI hand. On the sidelines of a function to inaugurate a sewa kendra at Begowal in Kapurthala district on Friday, Sukhbir told mediapersons that he has already said the Pakistani agency is behind unrest in the state. The deputy CM said the arrest of militants in Amritsar and Hoshiarpur is the proof of ISI-backed groups being active in the state to destroy its peace ahead of the assembly polls. Questioned on his fathers statement denying any such evidence, Sukhbir clarified: I am saying we have information, not evidence that the ISI is active in Punjab. Later, avoiding any other media query, he immediately left the press conference. CAPT WANTS EVIDENCE OF RADICALS FUNDING AAP SBS NAGAR: Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday asked deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal to share evidence on the AAP allegedly getting funds from radical Sikh organisations. On the sidelines of a programme here, the former CM said Sukhbir is making an attempt to put the blame for the complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab on Pakistans ISI. Taking a dig at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal as well, he said both the Delhi CM and Sukhbir are trying to blame others for their own failures. Read: Sukhbir blames Pakistans ISI for crime spate in Punjab In a letter to State Bank of Indias chairman, local MLA Preneet Kaur raised apprehension of Centres recent decision to merge all the associate banks, including State Bank of Patiala (SBoP) with the SBI. She said that Centre must have taken a conscious decision behind the merger. But I am not sure if anybody has ever given a thought as to what would be the post-merger impact at the ground level and what necessary measures need to be initiated to reduce its shock as far as Patiala town, the beneficiaries and bank employees are concerned, she said. She told Arundhati Bhatacharya that it would help reduce the impact of the merger if SBoPs existing head office is retained as SBIs local head office. THE PRECEDENT This arrangement has been allowed in the case of the State Bank of Travancore, she said. She cited that when erstwhile state of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) was merged into Punjab in 1956, it was decided that the head offices of the Punjab Public Service Commission, the Punjab State Electricity Board, State Languages Department, PEPSU Road Transport Corporation and those of the chief engineers of PWD, would be retained in Patiala, so that the sanctity of the royal city could be maintained. NOT EASY She stated that the proposed merger would not be a simple an exercise and would affect businesshouses and farmers. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has spurned the Punjab government offer for providing police security to its leaders and office-bearers after the attack on Sangh leader Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja (retd) in Jalandhar last week. Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal, who holds the home portfolio, and police top brass have sought a list from the RSS of its leaders who need security. Read: Post attack on RSS leader, PMO kept Punjab top brass on its toes The government has deputed cops in our offices in Punjab districts and asked us to provide a list of RSS leaders who need security. But there should be no need for police security. People of Punjab should be safe. The sequence of events in the past few months -- from attack on a RSS shakha in Ludhiana to murder of Namdhari sect matriarch Chand Kaur to attack on Gagneja -- have all shown that divisive forces are trying to vitiate the atmosphere of the state before elections. The Punjab government is blaming foreign hand but it is also a law and order failure, Punjab BJP organisational secretary, Dinesh Kumar, an RSS representative, told HT. Kumar was part of the Punjab BJP delegation that met Union home minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi on Tuesday. He said the Sangh has never felt the need for security in any state of the country and nowhere else are political leaders and VIPs seen flaunting security like in Punjab. The cops have been deployed for securing individuals rather than the people of the state. So instead of maintaining law and order, they are guarding VIPs. During our meeting with Rajnath, we flagged the deteriorating law and order situation in the state which has seen a spate of such attacks, he added. Read: Attackers untraced, bike had fake registration number Facing the heat, Punjab Police claims Gagneja had been intimated about the threat perception two weeks ago and allotted two guards. But he refused security when the Jalandhar police commissioner visited him. We cant be blamed if someone refuses security, a top police official said. But the RSS questions why police could not prevent the attack if it knew about the threat to Gagnejas life. Why did police fail to prevent the attack despite being aware of a possibility. There was a police post nearby where Gagneja was attacked. The police took 45 minutes to reach there, Kumar said. Read: Docs say marginal improvement in RSS leader Gagnejas condition THREAT PERCEPTION TO RSS NOT HIGH: COPS Though police have alerted all SSPs to step up security around RSS shakhas in districts, sources say the threat perception to RSS is not high as it maintains a low profile unlike leaders of various factions of Shiv Sena in Punjab and the All India Hindu Suraksha Samiti (AIHSS) who give provocative statements against Sikh radicals. A Punjab Police intelligence report in December 2011 ahead of assembly polls in January 2012 -- too had alerted on higher threat to RSS and AIHSS leaders following attack on Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara inside the premises of district courts in Chandigarh in November that year. But the list of seven leaders that the report said needed security were factions of the Shiv Sena and AIHSS and none of the RSS. One of these seven, Manish Sood, president of the Punjab unit of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti was killed by his security guard at his residence in Sirhind Mandi of Fatehgarh Sahib in August last year. Others continue to remain under high threat perception category despite some of them now turning towards cow vigilantism such as Ramesh Kumar Dutt, an AIHSS leader of Mohali. Dutt, who has got two cops on security duty, however denies he uses his security for cow protection. Claiming that his organisation cares for cows at many gaushalas in Mohali, Dutt says they inform the police about cow smugglers and help them in the rescue operation. Punjab director general of police Suresh Arora says the security is provided to leaders of organisations based on threat perception. The cops are for ensuring security and in case they are misused, they will be withdrawn. We would review the security provided to leaders of these outfits and make the mandate very clear, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rakhi Sawant, after wearing that sensational, albeit controversial, dress with Narendra Modi motifs all over it, has now released a video explaining why she did what she did. The actor, reality TV star, politician and a deliverer of justice (remember Rakhi Ka Insaaf on NDTV Imagine?), tells her fans in the 50-second video that she wore the dress because Every Indian has a right over their Prime Minister. No Rakhi PLEASE PLEASE don't wear Modi Ji as a two piece suit@AmitShah is this dress BJP approved as she claims?? pic.twitter.com/3QHOzmvWSl Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee) August 11, 2016 Unapologetic and brash as ever, she ensured that the dress was lying right behind her on a bed in the video. In her defence, she says that every girl in the US gets a two-piece (bikini) made out of their flag, and she merely got cut outs of our respectable PMs face and pasted them on the dress. Read: Rakhi Sawants Narendra Modi dress gets her the reaction she wanted Rakhi claims she loves BJP, loves Modi Ji and also got the approval from Amit Shahs assistants to wear the dress. The fashionable artwork was chosen by Rakhi to be worn for a pre-Independence Day party in Chicago. Heres how our countrymen and women came together to appreciate Rakhi and her dress: The placement of Modi's hand upon Rakhi Sawant's bottom is either a hilarious joke or an unfortunate coincidence. pic.twitter.com/A6OICcarHL Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) August 10, 2016 Rakhi Sawant's #MakeInIndia Costume is declared as the Best Costume in the world by *UNESCO and Textile Ministry. pic.twitter.com/FiTQR6h3zi Amman Sheikh (@amman_sheikh) August 10, 2016 Mera Desh badal raha hai... .@narendramodi pics on Rakhi sawant dress. pic.twitter.com/ZQderdPd2w Sadikk (@iSadikk) August 10, 2016 There are now two people who've worn clothes with Narendra Modi on them - Narendra Modi and Rakhi Sawant. https://t.co/kmg1ijmeJ7 Vinay Aravind (@vinayaravind) August 12, 2016 .@iamsrk It's ok, you're only detained by the airport authorities..Modi was detained by Rakhi Sawant Kavita Manek (@Kavita_Jawahar) August 12, 2016 Move over Smriti Irani. Presenting BJP's real daughter in a Modi dress. #gottaloveRakhiSawant https://t.co/5AjlYNPuuP Paroma Mukherjee (@ParomaMukherjee) August 12, 2016 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Friday released her latest annual tax returns as well as of her husband Bill Clinton as she pressurised her Republican rival Donald Trump to disclose his tax returns, alleging that he is hiding behind fake excuses by not making them public. According to the returns, in 2015 the Clintons paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2% and an effective state and local income tax rate of nine per cent for a combined federal, state and local effective tax rate of 43.2%. They donated 9.8% of their adjusted gross income to charity. Clintons vice-presidential running mate Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia and his spouse also released their tax returns of the last 10 years. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency as she releases her 2015 personal tax return and builds on the Clintons tradition of making their returns public since 1977 and Kaine releases 10 years of his returns, said Hillary for America communications director Jennifer Palmieri. In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns. He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide? Palmieri said. Donald Trump says it would be fine to try Americans suspected of terrorism at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre if possible. The Miami Herald asks Trump whether hed approve new detentions at the prison if hes elected president. The Republican says he wants to ensure the US has a safe place to keep a radical Islamic terrorist. Trump says President Barack Obama is releasing terrible people from the prison. After extensive security reviews, Obama has transferred dozens of detainees to other countries as he works to close the prison at the US base in Cuba. Trump criticises Obama and others who want to try terrorism suspects in traditional courts. Asked specifically about US citizens, Trump says if they could face trial in military commissions at Guantanamo Bay, thatll be fine. More than 70 influential Republicans have signed a letter urging the party to stop spending money on Donald Trumps presidential campaign and direct it instead to Novembers congressional races, a news report said on Friday. We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, read a draft text of the letter to Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, which was obtained by the Politico newspaper. It called for an immediate shift of party funding Senate and House races, to aid down-ballot Republicans whose own election prospects have been harmed by Trumps unpopularity. This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trumps chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day, the letter said. The letter cited various actions by Trump that the signers said have alienated millions of voters of all parties. Those recent outrages have built on his campaign of anger and exclusion, during which he has mocked and offended millions of voters, including the disabled, women, Muslims, immigrants, and minorities, the letter said, according to Politico. He also has shown dangerous authoritarian tendencies, including threats to ban an entire religion from entering the country, order the military to break the law by torturing prisoners, kill the families of suspected terrorists, track law-abiding Muslim citizens in databases, and use executive orders to implement other illegal and unconstitutional measures. So far, the letter has been signed by a number of key former party staff members and officials. Politico reported that it began circulating this week and is expected to be sent to Priebus next week. Donald Trump talks about winning all the time, and tells supporters the US will win so much when he is president they will have to beg him to stop. To consider defeat must be painful. At the end, its either going to work or Im going to, you know, Im going to have a very, very nice long vacation, he said during an interview on Thursday. Talk of his campaign being in serious trouble has picked up in recent days, with many Republicans calling on the party to either dump him or divert resources to congressional races. A group of 70 Republican officials told the party in a joint letter on Thursday that money it spent on Trump was donor money wasted on the losing effort of a candidate undermining the party. Trump is trailing his Democratic party rival Hillary Clinton by a widening margin in polls by more than 6 points in the RealClearPolitics average nationally and in some crucial swing states that could determine the race. He is trailing Clinton in Pennsylvania, by double digits, Virginia and other states, and her campaign is even talking about putting solidly Republican-voting states in play. Trump acknowledged these setbacks in a speech to religious leaders in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, and said even a state like Republican-voting Utah was slipping out of his reach. His poll woes have been compounded by his incendiary rhetoric, which excites the Republican partys core voters, but who alone cannot carry him through to the White House. Trump is not able to expand his appeal, mostly on account of his remarks. His public spat with Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a fallen Muslim soldier, outraged even Republicans. He was then seen as inciting violence against Clinton, which he has stressfully denied, and went on to call her and President Barack Obama co-founder and founder of the Islamic State. He stood his ground, when presented with opportunities to scale down that claim to say, as have many Republicans, that Obama and Clinton were responsible for the rise of IS. Behind these claims and factually incorrect remarks is Trumps widely presumed desire to dominate the news-cycle, no matter how even bad press would work. When he gets bad press, he lashes out. Trump said in a Tweet on Friday: I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They cant! Pope Francis on Friday surprised 20 former prostitutes by knocking on their door in Rome and popping in for a chat. The Argentine, who has repeatedly described the human trafficking behind much prostitution as a crime against humanity, sat down with the group, including four women from Albania, seven from Nigeria and six from Romania. The other three hailed from Italy, Tunisia and the Ukraine, according to a Vatican statement. The women, all aged around 30, are being sheltered by a Catholic association in an apartment in the Italian capital after being rescued from their pimps. The 79-year old listened for over an hour to the stories of the former sex slaves, all of whom suffered serious physical abuse and live under protection, the Vatican said. The visit fell under what have been termed Franciss Fridays of Mercy, whereby he carries out one unscheduled act of mercy a month on a Friday, mainly in or near Rome, throughout the popes Jubilee year, which started in December and runs to November. In January, he visited a care home for the elderly and people in a vegetative state, while in February he went to a community for drug addicts. In March he toured a refugee centre before visiting asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos in April. The pontiff then spent time with the seriously mentally ill in May before visiting old and ill priests in June and dedicating his July Friday of Mercy to sick children in Krakow after praying for the victims of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. China is a preparing a welcome befitting a head of government for Aung San Suu Kyi, democracy icon and Myanmars first state counsellor, when she reaches Beijing next week. During her four-day visit beginning on August 17, Suu Kyi will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, reports said. Since becoming Myanmars first state counsellor after the new government was formed in March, this will be the third country that Suu Kyi is visiting, after Laos and Thailand. She was in China last year as leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in a high-profile visit. Suu Kyi is also Myanmars foreign minister and is considered key to the gradual transformation of her country as it opens up to the world. Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that during the visit, which comes about a month ahead of her trip to the US, economic cooperation will be at the top of the agenda. Myanmars government released a long-awaited but vague economic policy paper last month, pledging support for agriculture, industry and infrastructure development. But there were few details on how it will boost the nations economy, the report said. According to state-controlled tabloid Global Times, Suu Kyi has calibrated her stance on China over the years. Suu Kyi used to be the most intense critic of the Myanmese junta, and she also raised objections to Chinese investment projects during that time. But since she was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, Suu Kyi has started to recalibrate her policy, stating on many occasions that she expects an improvement in Myanmar-China relations. In media interviews, Suu Kyi also expressed her expectation for a visit to China in an official capacity, the newspaper said in a comment piece. Here is the weekly road construction report for Hamilton County: U.S. 27 (I-124) widening from I-24/U.S. 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Work on this project continues. The speed limit on U.S. 27 in the construction zone has been lowered to 45 MPH. The contractor may have temporary lane closures on U.S. 27 between 7 p.m.-6 a.m. As the project progresses, there may be short term temporary lane closures for the safety of the traveling public on city streets within the project area. Flaggers will assist with these closures and they will be properly signed in accordance with the Federal Highway Administrations Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. During Phase 1 of the U.S. 27 project, the contractor will be working on the northbound side of U.S. 27 on the bridges. Work will consist of demolishing and reconstructing the outside sections of the bridges along U.S. 27 North. Also on U.S. 27 South, they will be constructing a large retaining wall between the Olgiati Bridge and 6th Street. At least one lane will remain open in each direction on U.S. 27. THP will assist with traffic control on the project as necessary. Estimated project completion date is July 2019. For more info, visit the project website http://www.tn.gov/tdot/topic/US27-reconstruction-chattanooga. [Dement Construction Co., LLC/JM/CNP230] SR 317 (Apison Pike) the grading, drainage and paving on from Old Lee Highway (LM 5.58) to SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) (LM 7.84): Work on this project continues. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion date is May 2017. [Wright Brothers Const. Co. /Pruett/CNN279] SR-320 (East Brainerd Road) grading, drainage, installation of signals, construction of seven retaining walls and paving from east of Graysville Road to east of Bel-Air Road: Work on this project continues. During this report period, the contractor will have intermittent lane closures between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This work may affect either direction of East Brainerd Road or side streets from Graysville Road to Hamlett Drive as the contractor installs road crossings and borings. The contractor may have short-term lane closures to perform various operations on an as-needed basis. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion is June 2017. [Mountain State Contractors, LLC /Pruett/CNN383] Shepherd Road over SR-153 construction of a rolled steel girder bridge from West Shepherd Rd. to Shaw Avenue in Chattanooga, including grading, drainage and paving: Work on this project continues. The bridge has returned to two lanes of traffic. Traffic has now been shifted onto the south side of the new bridge. During the project, there may be intermittent nighttime lane closures as necessary in both directions on SR-153 between 8 p.m.-6 a.m. THP will assist with traffic control as necessary on the project. On weekdays during this report period, the contractor will be doing asphalt paving on the Airport Connector Road west of the Shepherd Road Bridge and at the ramp intersections. The work will take place during daytime hours and traffic will be maintained through the work zone with flaggers and lane shifts. This paving will allow the contractor to shift traffic onto the concrete ramp pavement in the coming weeks so that they can construct phase 2 of the ramps. Please anticipate short delays and use extra caution though the work zone. Estimated project completion is October. [Jones Brothers Contractors, Inc./Micka/CNP105] Britain may be home of the mother of parliaments but the countrys democratic foundations are being undermined by electoral fraud in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi-origin, a strongly-worded government report said on Friday. Commissioned by former premier David Cameron in the wake of electoral fraud in the London borough of Tower Hamlets in 2015, the report by Eric Pickles, former communities secretary, called for unprecedented reforms to counter malpractices in the communities. Politically correct over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion are responsible for state institutions turning a blind eye to such electoral fraud, the report said, detailing several instances in which courts had convicted people between 2005 and 2015. "Evidence was presented of pressure being put on vulnerable members of some ethnic minority communities, particularly women and young people, to vote according to the will of the elders, especially in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi background," the report said. In Tower Hamlets, with a large population of Bangladeshi origin, sitting mayor Lutfur Rahman was removed from office in April 2015 and his election declared void after he was found guilty of electoral fraud. Pickles said: Last years court ruling in Tower Hamlets was a wake-up call that state bodies need to do far more to stamp out corruption and restore public confidence. It was local residents who lost out from the crooked politicians who bullied them and wasted their money. The report mentioned evidence of people in the two communities facing intimidation and threats of burning in hell, or that they were not a good Muslim if they did not vote for preferred candidates, or according to directives issued by spiritual and religious leaders. The report said: Bullying a voter by asserting that they will burn in hell for not supporting a candidate is ultimately no different from threatening physical violence or from an employer threatening to sack a worker. It added, Freedom of worship and the right to vote are important and hard-fought British liberties. Britons should be able to exercise both those liberties without injury or intimidation. A political campaigning style unique to South Asia has been evident among people of Pakistani-origin: Voting according to the biraderi system of family and tribal patronage with roots to clans in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, from where many people of Pakistani-origin in Britain hail. Clan and religious leaders from Pakistan also reportedly travel during elections to extend support to candidates of their choice in places such as Bradford, Rotherham and Birmingham. However, some opposition has been building up to the biraderi system among young Pakistani-origin Britons. Pickles said: I believe electoral malpractice is far more common than one isolated London borough, thanks to the states collective state of denial. We should never be frightened to look under the rock when what crawls beneath threatens us all. Its time to take on the electoral crooks and defend Britains free and fair elections. He added: My work in the department for communities and local government during the previous Parliament highlighted some shocking issues and revelations: our well-respected democracy is at threat from unscrupulous people intent on subverting the will of the electorate to put their own candidates into power, and in turn, manipulate local authority policy and funding to their own self-centred ends. That is something that we must do our utmost to guard against and to have measures in place to discourage and prevent. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Treasure hunters on Friday relaunched their search for a lost Nazi gold train allegedly loaded with loot and buried in southwestern Poland, despite there being no scientific evidence it exists. The train isnt a needle in a haystack, if its there, well find it, project spokesman Andrzej Gaik told AFP. The story sparked a global media frenzy last August when two men claimed to have discovered an armoured Nazi-era train using ground-penetrating radar near the city of Walbrzych. At the time, Piotr Koper, a Pole, and German national Andreas Richter said they had discovered several train carriages measuring a total of 98 metres (320 feet) which were buried some eight to nine metres (26 to 28 foot) underground. They said they believed the contents were mostly weapon prototypes, though local legend spoke of artwork, jewels and gold stolen by the Nazis. The Nazis made prisoners of war dig a network of tunnels in the area, and some locals have claimed the Germans tried to spirit the gold away as Russias Red Army closed in. But so far there has been little to back up the claims, with geologists from Krakows prestigious AGH University of Science and Technology finding no evidence for the trains existence during tests run in December. Professor Janusz Madej said at the time he was 100 percent sure there is no train... maybe a tunnel based on magnetic, gravimetric and geo-radar studies. Digging starts Tuesday It has done little to dampen the treasure hunters enthusiasm. Even if we find a tunnel, thatll also be a success. The train could be hidden in it, Gaik said on Friday. As the search began, Koper said he hoped to have answers within a week. It should all be clear by Thursday next week, he told Polands TVP public news channel as his team began clearing the area of vegetation. He said they would sweep the area with geo-radar on Monday before diggers move in on Tuesday. Well dig down six metres in three areas along a 100-metre stretch of the old railway tracks, Gaik said. News about the alleged discovery of the gold train made headlines around the globe last year, triggering an influx of treasure hunters to the site. The intrigue has been further fuelled by the sites proximity to a massive network of secret underground tunnels built by the Nazis, some of which are around the massive Ksiaz Castle where legend has it the Third Reich stashed looted valuables. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he cares more about the Palestinian people than their leaders do, in his first response to allegations of aid theft by Hamas. I, the prime minister of Israel, care more about Palestinians than their own leaders do, Netanyahu said in a video posted online, which provoked outrage from the Palestinians. Israel cares more about Palestinians than their own leaders do, he added. The Israeli leader said his comments were in response to allegations that the militant Islamic Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, stole aid from a major charity and the United Nations. An Israeli court on August 4 charged World Visions Gaza head Mohammed al-Halabi with funding terror, while a UN engineer was indicted Tuesday on allegations of working with Hamass military wing. Hamas, the terrorist organisation that runs Gaza, stole millions of dollars from humanitarian organisations like World Vision and the United Nations, said Netanyahu. Innocent and impoverished Palestinians were denied vital aid supplied from nations around the world, he added. Saeb Erekat, secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, said the hate that Netanyahu has against the Palestinian people makes him invent a parallel history. Netanyahu is convinced that Palestinians should be thankful for living under an apartheid regime and in exile, he said in a statement to AFP. Netanyahu, for his part, said Israel treats wounded Palestinians in its hospitals and compared with Hamas, that prevents injured Palestinians from getting help. The two accused humanitarian workers have yet to be tried, and Halabis lawyer denies the charges. World Vision, while taking the allegations seriously, has said it has seen no evidence presented by Israel and has poured scorn on numbers presented by the Israeli security services that said more than $7 million (6.2 million euro) a year was stolen. It said in a statement the cumulative operating budget in Gaza for the past 10 years was approximately $22.5 million (20 million euro), which makes the alleged amount of up to $50 million (44 million euro) being diverted hard to reconcile. A 2014 war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas left more than 2,200 Palestinians dead, the majority of them civilians and including over 500 children, according to the United Nations. Israel has maintained a tight blockade on Gaza for a decade, restricting access of many basic goods. Thirty-eight percent of Palestinians in Gaza are unemployed, according to the World Bank. The leader of Islamic States branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan was killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan on July 26, a US defense official said on Friday on the condition of anonymity. The Afghan ambassador to Pakistan had said earlier on Friday that a US drone strike had killed Hafiz Saeed Khan, in what would be a blow to efforts by Middle East-based Islamic State to expand its control over territory and its jihadist brand into Afghanistan and Pakistan. The strike took place in the Kot district of Afghanistans Nangarhar province, the US official said. Islamic State this week took credit for an attack on a hospital that killed at least 74 people in the Pakistani city of Quetta. A Pakistani Taliban faction also claimed responsibility. Read | Suicide bomber targets Quetta Civil Hospital, 63 killed, dozens injured Khan has been reported dead before. Last year, Afghan intelligence agents claimed he had been killed, but the report was never confirmed. Afghan forces, backed by the American military, killed an estimated 300 Islamic State fighters in an operation mounted two weeks ago, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan said on Wednesday, calling it a severe blow to the group. . One of three schoolgirls who left London in February 2015 to join the Islamic State (IS) has died, her family lawyer told Reuters on Thursday. Attorney Tasnime Akunjee said the family of Kadiza Sultana learned of her death in Raqqa, Syria, a few weeks ago. She was believed to have been killed by a Russian air strike in Raqqa, ITV News reported earlier on Thursday. Sultana was making plans to return to Britain and her family was communicating with her to discuss her possible escape from Raqqa, according to an interview published by ITV with Sultanas sister, which includes recordings of purported phone calls between the sisters. Sultana, 16, along with two other friends, flew from Londons Gatwick Airport to Turkey on Feb. 17, 2015. The British home office and British interior ministry could not be reached immediately for a comment. The door to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) hasnt been slammed shut for India, China said on Friday as it pointed out that New Delhi had wrongly blamed Beijing for being kept out of the elite club in June. The NSG door was not tightly closed for India, China said, adding the entry would depend on safeguarding the global non-proliferation regime. The remarks in a commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency came as foreign minister Wang Yi began a visit to India. This is probably the first time since June that China has cautiously indicated India could become a member of the NSG, which controls trade in sensitive nuclear technology. The commentary by Xinhua which functions under the State Council or cabinet also indicated China could have softened its hard tone on Indias entry to the NSG. So far, there is no precedent for a non-NPT signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party, the commentary said. However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed. But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake. The plenary meeting of the 48-member NSG at Seoul in June had ended with India being kept out of the group. Reports said China was the most vocal opponent to Indias entry. Chinas stand has been that Indias membership could not be considered because it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Beijing was backed by nearly 10 other countries while New Delhi was backed by the US, Britain, France and a majority of countries in the NSG. China also put forward its point that India was wrong to blame it for being kept out. What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the NSG, the commentary said. The commentary also referred to the South China Sea and said it is part of Beijings core interests and that India should appreciate Chinas concerns. In a joint communique issued by the foreign ministers of China, India and Russia after they met in Moscow earlier this year, India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned. It added: Given that the South China Sea correlates with Chinas vital national interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijings concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. Wangs visit will help smoothen the rough edges of Sino-India relations, the commentary said. Many believe the trip aims to help rasp off the rough edges of the relationship between the worlds two leading developing countries, and build up consensus ahead of two important summits, the Group of 20 meeting in China and the BRICS gathering in India, to be held in the coming months, it said. As Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check. The commentary ended with advice on handling bilateral ties: China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world. Ice cream thieves are on the rampage in New York and one billionaire has had enough. A supermarket tycoon on Friday offered a $5,000 reward leading to the arrest and prosecution of the miscreants. John Catsimatidis, who owns the Gristedes chain of grocery stores, tweeted out the reward, saying ice cream bandits are wreaking havoc on NYC supermarkets quoting a headline in the New York Post. Gristedes $5000 Dollars Reward arrest & Prosecution of Ice Cream Thieves Below see NY Post Story email jac@ragny.com pic.twitter.com/3fyEI2jqfH John Catsimatidis (@JCats2013) August 12, 2016 The reward comes at a time New York is in the grip of a heatwave, expected to last through August 14 with heat index values expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius. Police confirmed 250 complaints of ice cream theft and 130 arrests so far in 2016. We are working closely with the retailers to combat the thefts of ice cream, a spokesman said. According to the Post, a Bonnie-and-Clyde styled duo raided a Gristedes store in Chelsea, making away with 80 cartons of Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerrys ice cream in four bags. They keep stealing it because its an easy item to sell.. . The bodegas buy it, they encourage it, the Greek tycoon told the publication. Catsimatidis, a self-made businessman who migrated from Greece to New York with his family as a baby, is valued at $3.4 billion by Forbes. The 67-year-old philanthropist is also a Republican donor who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York in 2013. Gristedes operates more than 30 stores throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and the Westchester suburb. Pakistan will invite India for a dialogue on the Kashmir issue as New Delhis policy of not engaging in talks is not conducive to peace in the region, the countrys foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz said on Friday. Briefing reporters about an envoys conference held in Islamabad during August 1-3 to discuss Pakistans major foreign policy challenges, Aziz also said Pakistan is ready to sign an agreement with India on a bilateral moratorium on nuclear tests. Azizs remarks came two days after Indias home minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that India is willing to discuss only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with Pakistan, and the question of discussing Jammu and Kashmir does not arise. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all parties meeting in New Delhi that Pakistan would have to answer to the world community for atrocities being committed in PoK and Balochistan. Aziz, the adviser on foreign affairs to the prime minister, said the envoys conference discussed several diplomatic initiatives and decided Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on the Kashmir issue. Our foreign secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard, he said. As for India, the envoys conference noted that Indias policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia, he added. The conference, he said, spent considerable time discussing the grim situation in Jammu and Kashmir. It also decided that Pakistan should continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. Referring to Pakistans proposal for a bilateral moratorium on nuclear tests, Aziz said: We have declared a unilateral moratorium on further testing. Pakistan is prepared to consider translating its unilateral moratorium into a bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India. The envoys conference noted Pakistan had consistently supported the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and voted for it when it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996. The conference also held detailed discussions on regional nuclear stability and Pakistans application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and issue, Aziz said. While Pakistans formal application for NSG membership was submitted on May 19, 2016, we had been preparing for it for quite some time. Our efforts to upgrade our export controls, nuclear safety and security long pre-date our application, he added. Pakistans candidacy is based on a desire to strengthen global non-proliferation regimes, the need for strategic stability and a level playing field in South Asia, priority for socio-economic development and technological advancement, and the capability to supply items on NSG lists Part 1 and 2. Our strong lobbying efforts have yielded positive results. Our arguments for criteria-based approach, and the impact of any India-specific exemption on strategic stability in South Asia and on the future of non-proliferation regime have been accepted by several NSG countries, Aziz said. Pakistan is confident of the merits of its application as its export controls are harmonised with those of the NSG, Missile Technology Control Regime and Australia Group, he said. Read| National security, PoK figure in Kashmir all-party meeting Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was briefly detained at the Los Angeles airport on Thursday, the third time in recent years, possibly for a close match with an entry on the United States terror watchlist. An exasperated Khan tweeted that the detention really really sucks, drawing an apology from a US State Department official. In a second tweet, Khan said he played Pokemon while awaiting his clearance. The actor, whose 2010 film My Name is Khan dealt with racial profiling in the United States, was eventually allowed to go after which he tweeted out his reaction. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 As the news quickly circulated on social media, US ambassador Richard Verma apologised to SRK on Twitter for his detention at the airport. The actor responded by thanking him for his concern. Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 Nisha Biswal, US State Departments assistant secretary on south and central Asian Affairs, also tweeted to Khan that she was sorry for the hassle, adding that US diplomats too faced such situations. Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 Indian government sources expressed frustration at Khan being stopped again without any reason. Read | SRK detained: 10 Indian personalities who were detained/frisked at airports It was not immediately clear how he was cleared finally on his own, or after the intervention of authorities. Officials refused to share details. Sources said the actor had not escalated the matter to the government of India or US authorities. Despite his unenviable situation, Khan displayed his funny side when he tweeted how he spent the time during his detention. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Read | Shah Rukh Khan detained again at US airport: Twitter throws major shade He was detained by US immigration at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey for about two hours in 2009 after his name came up on a terror alert list. He was travelling to the US at the time to publicise his movie My Name Is Khan, ironically about racial profiling of Muslims in the US. He was then detained in 2012 at Westchester County airport near New York while travelling in a private jet with Nita Ambani, wife of business magnate Mukesh Ambani. At the time, the star had been invited to deliver a lecture at Yale University. Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to America, he had then said in his address to students at Yale. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom. Pakistans top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The National Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab director general of Pakistan Rangers, the home department and the Punjab Police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. Tehreek-e-Talibans Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15, the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident, it says. The Punjab home department has also issued a separate alert saying at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab Police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas, Lahore police spokesperson Niyab Haider said. Haider said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistans Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur, Lahore police chief capt (R) Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation, an official said. Blair Waddell Mard has joined the Herman Walldorf Commercial Team as an affiliate broker after six years as a retail recruiter for the River City Company, downtown Chattanoogas economic development engine. In her new role, Ms. Mard will capitalize on her retail recruitment experience providing sales, leasing and consulting services to buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and developers. While initially focusing on retail, Ms. Mard will also work in the office, industrial and investment sectors of the Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia real estate markets. While at River City Company, Ms. Mard cultivated relationships with area brokers, realtors, land owners and potential retailers and helped fill nearly 100,000 square feet of space in downtown Chattanooga with local, regional and national tenants. Kim White, president and CEO of River City Company said, It has been an honor to have Blair Mard part of the River City Company for the past six years. Blairs love of our city and her passion for its growth, coupled with her ability to build strong relationships has greatly increased the awareness of retail opportunities downtown. We wish her much success in her new role as an affiliate broker for Walldorf. They are fortunate to have her join their team. We know she will continue to be a strong advocate for bringing quality tenants downtown. Managing Broker Rudy Walldorf said, We are thrilled to have Blair join our professional team at Herman Walldorf Commercial. She is very knowledgeable about the local market, and her retail match-making expertise will help us continue our excellent service to our clients. Ms. Mard joined River City Company from CreateHere, where she played a part in the community visioning project, STAND, which gathered feedback from over 26,000 area residents and made the resulting data available to the public to promote community-based action. Ms. Mard is a founding board member of Rotaract and also serves on the board of the Downtown Council for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. She also serves with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the Junior League of Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Ms. Mard has served as the past-president of the Chattanooga Ballet and as a former board member of The Nightingale Network of the Women's Foundation and the Junior League. She is a graduate of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce program Leadership Chattanooga and the Allied Arts Ruth Holmberg Leadership Institute. Ms. Mard graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Science in government from Wofford College. Ms. Mard and her husband, Brad, live in Riverview with their son Paxton (2) and are members of St. Pauls Episcopal Church. Two people were seriously injured in a shooting near a shopping centre in the northeastern Spanish city of Zaragoza, local media reported on Friday. The shooting took place around 9:00GMT outside a bar close to a shopping centre, regional newspaper El Heraldo said. The gunman had fled the scene and the causes were still unclear, the Efe news agency reported, citing police sources. Police could not immediately confirm the information when contacted by Reuters. An Indian-origin surgeon is being sued by 57 of his former patients in the UK over claims he carried out unnecessary operations on them. Dr Arackal Manu Nair, who it is alleged gave prostate cancer treatment to patients who did not have the disease, is also being investigated by the UKs General Medical Council (GMC), it emerged on Friday. The consultant urologist is also alleged to have given some patients laser treatment - a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) - which was yet to be approved by the UKs National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice). The GMC has placed a number of restrictions on the doctors license until July 2017. Around 170 men who had their prostate removed have been contacted by the Heart of England NHS Trust which runs Heartlands NHS Hospital in Birmingham, where Nair used to work, according to local media reports. The surgeon, who also worked at Spire Hospitals in Solihull, near Birmingham, resigned from the NHS Trust in July 2015. We would like to unreservedly apologise for any distress this has caused, a spokesperson for the trust said. Lawyers representing former patients are now urging anyone who fears they may have suffered medical negligence to come forward by September 30. Nair has also appeared on a television show in the UK called Embarrassing Bodies as a medical expert. He has not made a comment on the allegations so far. US military leaders painted an overly optimistic picture of American efforts to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, a damning government report released on Thursday found. The interim report stems from a congressional task force investigating whistle-blower allegations that intel bosses cherry-picked information that soft-pedaled the risk of IS while overstating US efforts to train local forces to fight the jihadists. From the middle of 2014 to the middle of 2015, the United States Central Commands (CENTCOMs) most senior intelligence leaders manipulated the commands intelligence products to downplay the threat from IS in Iraq, Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo said in a statement, using an IS acronym. The result: consumers of those intelligence products were provided a consistently rosy view of US operational success against IS, he added, noting this may well have put US troops at risk. Task force investigators surveyed dozens of CENTCOM analysts, with many viewing the leadership environment at the time as toxic. Forty percent of analysts respond(ed) that they had experienced an attempt to distort or suppress intelligence in the past year, the report states. Additionally, CENTCOM disseminated press releases and gave public statements that were significantly more positive than reality, investigators found. Further, senior CENTCOM leaders violated regulations, tradecraft standards, and professional ethics by modifying intelligence to present overly positive assessments of initial US efforts to train Iraqi security forces to fight IS. The Pentagons inspector general is currently running an internal investigation into the matter so officials could not comment directly on Thursdays report. The intelligence community routinely provides a wide range of assessments based on multifaceted data related to the current security environment, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Patrick Evans said. These assessments and the expert analysts who develop them are absolutely vital to our efforts, particularly given the incredibly complex nature of the multi-front fights that are ongoing in Iraq and Syria. Experts sometimes disagree on the interpretation of complex data, and the intelligence community and Department of Defense welcome healthy dialogue on these vital national security topics. Congressman Brad Wenstrup said it remained unclear why the intel had been skewed. We still do not fully understand the reasons and motivations behind this practice, and how often the excluded analyses were proven ultimately to be correct, he said. CENTCOM officials must be held to account if they pressured analysts to distort or suppress information in the anti-IS fight, said Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. A successful strategy to defeat the scourge of radical Islamist terrorism must be based on facts -- not rosy assessments manipulated to support a political narrative, she said in a statement. CENTCOM is responsible for military operations across the Middle East and Afghanistan. WASHINGTON: Hillary Clinton has accused her Republican rival Donald Trump of inciting violence against her, which in some quarters was seen as anassassination threat . Words matter, my friends, Clinton said, addressing supporters at a rally in Iowa on Wednesday .And if you are running to be president or you are president of the United States, words can have tremendous consequences. Yesterday, we witnessed the latest in a long line of casual comments from Donald Trump that crossed the line, she said, citing his casual inciting of violence. Addressing a rally in Florida on Tuesday, Trump told supporters that if elected president, Clinton will nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. And, there is nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I dont know, he said, referring to gun activists and supporters of a constitutional provision that guarantees the right to bear arms. Clintons supporters called it an incitement to violence, and one Democratic senator, Chris Murphy, said it was an assassination threat. Trump has denied it was a call to violence. I said pro-2A citizens must organize and get out vote to save our Constitution! he said in a Tweet. TORONTO : An Islamic State supporter was shot dead by police in a township in the Canadian province of Ontario on Wednesday after he set off an improvised explosive device. Aaron Daniel Driver, 24, was trying to detonate another device when he was killed in the confrontation in Ontario, reports said. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it acted after receiving credible information of a potential terrorist threat.A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the publics safety , it said, adding this was anunfolding matter and investigation is still underway. Police swarmed the residence of Driver, who was arrested and released after signing a peace bond last year. According to C TV News, an internal government document said Driver had planned a suicide bombing in a public area. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WASHINGTON: Many conservatives blame President Barack Obama for the rise of the Islamic State but Donald Trump went a step further, calling him the founder of the group. The Republican nominee, who was addressing supporters at a rally in Florida on Wednesday, also called Hillary Clinton the co-founder of the group, as Obamas secretary of state during 2009-12. And during an extended rant on the Russian takeover of Crimea, at the same rally, Trump went on to refer to the president by his full name, Barack Hussein Obama. He has done that before, and for a long time, to question Obamas faith as part of his larger argument that he was not born in the US and was thus not qualified to be president. In many respects, you know, they honour President Obama, he said. Hes the founder of ISIS (another name for IS). Hes the founder of ISIS. Hes the founder. He founded ISIS. A day after making remarks that were widely seen as calling for violence against his Democratic rival, he added, I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Trump has denied he was inciting violence, but he doubled down on his founder and co-founder remarks, and explained himself in a television interview on Thursday morning. He was the founder of ISIS, absolutely, he said. The way he removed our troops you shouldnt have gone in. I was against the war in Iraq. Totally against it. Republicans such as Senator John McCain have long accused Obama of exiting Iraq in a hurry, to deliver on an election promise, leaving the country vulnerable. Clintons campaign responded by calling the Republican nominee a presidential candidate with an aversion to the truth and said he was echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries. Trumps remarks are being seen as an escalation in attacks on Clinton, whom he is trailing badly not only in countrywide polls but in crucial swing states that will determine the race. In late 1862, while suffering through continuing Union military disasters, handling a contentious cabinet and wrestling with the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln had to agonize over another matter. He had to decide whether to allow the execution of more than 300 Indians convicted of war crimes in Minnesotas Great Sioux Uprising. One of the first and bloodiest Indian wars on the western frontier, the Great Sioux Uprising (today called the Dakota-U.S. Conflict) cost the lives of hundreds of Native Americans, white settlers, and soldiers. After the U.S. Army suppressed the uprising it established a commission that condemned 303 Dakota men in trials that were patently unfair. Federal law, however, required the presidents approval of the death sentences. Anxious to not act with so much clemency as to encourage another outbreak on the one hand, nor with so much severity as to be real cruelty on the other, Lincoln ignored the howling of a white populace thirsting for revenge and began the arduous task of reviewing the trial records and deciding the fates of hundreds of men. The Dakota had existed for generations on the land surrounding the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, site of the present-day cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Translated roughly into English, Dakota means the allies, and they were a group of seven Indian bands that lived mostly in harmony in the regions bountiful river valleys. Their only enemy was the Chippewa to the north. The first European explorers there had done little to alter the Indians way of life, although the French dubbed them the Siouxa mutation of the Chippewa word for snake. Real change began after 1819, when federal soldiers built Fort Snelling, a sprawling outpost above the mouth of the Minnesota River. After that the stream of white traders and settlers became a flood; land treaties in 1837 and 1851 and Minnesota statehood in 1858 pushed the Dakota off their native lands westward to a narrow, 100-mile-long reservation on the harsh prairie along the Minnesota River. The exodus also forced the Dakota to change their way of life. Government agents on the reservation favored those Dakota who settled on plots, learned English, cut their hair, and took up farming. Yet the crops failed year after year, and the Dakota grew dependent upon government gold annuities that were promised by the land treaties, and upon the foods and sundries peddled by white traders. The Dakota were often left with little after government agents paid annuity moneys first to the traders who had given credit to the Dakota for goods purchased at highly over-inflated prices. Those Dakota who refused to give up their traditional ways were in an even worse position and spent many winters in near-starving conditions. The situation reached its flashpoint in the summer of 1862. The financial cost of the Civil War was bleeding the government dry, and rumors flew that there would be no annuity gold for the Dakota. Traders who had liberally given credit in the past now slammed the door. One trader named Andrew Myrick announced that if the Dakota were hungry they could eat grass. Tensions mounted until four Dakota led by an Indian named Killing Ghost murdered five white settlers on August 17. Some Dakota leaders sensed this was an opportunity to strike back at the U.S. Government, and they pressed Chief Taoyateduta, or Little Crow, to strike at the whites while many soldiers were fighting in the Civil War. Little Crow initially wanted no part of a war with the whites, recognizing the calamity that would surely follow. But when faced with a challenge to his authority, he reluctantly relented. Ironically, the annuity gold shipment had left St. Paul that same day. GET HISTORYS GREATEST TALESRIGHT IN YOUR INBOX Subscribe to our Historynet Now! newsletter for the best of the past, delivered every Wednesday. Close Thank you for subscribing! The Dakota raged across the countryside with a fury. Four to eight hundred white settlers were butchered during the first four days of the rampage, while their farms and fields burned. The Dakota hit first and hard at the reservation agency, killing dozens. One of the victims was trader Myrick. His killers stuffed his mouth with grass. The Dakota also struck at the regions army outpost and towns. They annihilated a detachment of soldiers dispatched from nearby Fort Ridgely before being repulsed in two assaults on the garrison itself. They twice attacked and burned most of the town of New Ulm but failed to capture it from its armed residents. Panic surged throughout Minnesota. Tens of thousands of terrified settlers fled and virtually depopulated the states western regions. Governor Alexander Ramsey dispatched 1,200 men from Fort Snelling under the command of Henry H. Sibley, a former fur trader, politician and friend of the Dakota. Sibley was not regular army, but he heeded Ramseys call and accepted a commission as colonel. Unsure of his authority, Sibley failed to declare martial law and moved excruciatingly slowly. He did not engage the Dakota until early September 1862, when Indians surprised and butchered a 150-man reconnaissance detail at Birch Coulee. The debacle slowed Sibley even more, and he did not meet Little Crow in full force until September 22, when he won a decisive victory at Wood Lake. The Dakota scattered over the prairie. Sibley finally managed to capture about 1,200 men, women, and children, but Little Crow was not among them. Sibley intended to prosecute as war criminals those Indians who had participated in the rebellion. Sibley ordered a commission of five military officers to try the prisoners summarily and pass judgment upon them, if found guilty of murders or other outrages upon the Whites, during the present State of hostilities of the Indians. Major General John Pope, recently banished to Minnesota by President Lincoln after Popes humiliating defeat at the Civil Wars Battle of Second Bull Run, saw an opportunity to redeem himself at the Dakotas expense. He immediately approved Sibleys plans. The horrible massacres of women and children and the outrageous abuse of female prisoners, still alive, call for punishment far beyond human power to inflict, Pope wrote. It is my purpose utterly to exterminate the Sioux if I have the power to do so They are to be treated as maniacs and wild beasts. The commission began the hearings on the reservation on September 28 and tried 16 men that day alone. This breakneck pace continued, and by November 3a mere five weeks laterthe commission had conducted 392 trials, including an astonishing 40 in one day. Observer Reverend J.P. Williamson noted that the trials took less time than the state courts required to try a single murder defendant. The accused were hauled before the commission, sometimes manacled together in groups, and were arraigned through an interpreter. The charges ranged from rape to murder to theft, although most Dakota were accused of merely participating in battles. The defendants entered a plea, and those who pleaded not guilty had an opportunity to speak. The commission then called and examined its own witnesses, but it did not permit the Dakota to have counsel for their defense. As one man who assisted in gathering evidence against the Indians noted, [T]he plan was adopted to subject all the grown men, with a few exceptions to an investigation of the commission, trusting that the innocent would make their innocence appear. The commission received testimony from eyewitnesses to some of the murders. Most of the evidence turned out to be hearsay, with witnesses declaring what they heard others say about particular killings. Some witnesses said they merely saw a defendant whooping around or bragging about killings. The commission relied heavily on six witnesses, each of whom offered evidence in dozens of trials. The most damning of these was Joseph Godfrey, a mulatto who had lived among the Dakota and taken a Dakota wife. He was one of the first tried and convicted of engaging extensively in massacres, but the commission, impressed with Godfreys courtroom presence, recommended imprisonment instead of hanging because he was willing to testify against other defendants. The court reporter noted that Godfreys observation and memory were remarkable. Not the least thing had escaped his eye or ear. Such an Indian had a double-barreled gun, another a single-barreled, another a long one, another a lance, and another one nothing at all Godfrey testified in more than 50 trials. In a remarkable irregularity the commission even allowed him to question particular witnesses. The Dakota quickly dubbed him Otakle, or One Who Kills Many. Most defendants admitted to participating in some sort of warfare, whether in battles, attacks on armed settlements, or skirmishes with settlers. After news of the first few death sentences spread among the prisoners, however, many defendants then claimed they did not shoot at settlers or soldiers, or they did not hit them because of poor aim, or their weapons did not fire. Some testified they merely watched others fight or commit atrocities. Others offered evidence that they had saved the lives of whites, but the commission largely ignored it, even when the accounts were corroborated. Sibley and Pope desperately wanted to begin the executions immediately, but the sentences required presidential review. On November 7 Pope telegraphed the names of the condemned to Lincoln, at a cost of $400. The editors of the New York Times berated Pope for his profligacy and suggested the amount be deducted from his salary. Lincoln responded three days later, asking Pope to send the full and complete record of these convictions and to identify the more guilty and influential of the culprits. Lincoln pointedly added, Send all by mail. Pope grudgingly complied but said, The only distinction between the culprits is as to which of them murdered most people or violated most young girls. All of them are guilty of these things in more or less degree. Popes opinions were only the tip of the iceberg. As Lincoln began his deliberations, people on both sides of the issue bombarded him with letters and telegrams. Politicians, army officers, and clergy called on the president at the White House, each adding his take on the situation and offering advice. Lincoln dutifully and patiently listened. One of his own secretaries, John Nicolay, had been in Minnesota at the time of the conflict, and he told Lincoln that from the days of King Philip to the time of Black Hawk, there has hardly been an outbreak so treacherous, so sudden, so bitter, and so bloody, as that which filled the State of Minnesota with sorrow and lamentation . . . . Nicolays words must have struck a chord with Lincoln, for the president had been a militia volunteer during the 1832 Black Hawk War in Illinois and Wisconsin. Governor Ramsey telegrammed Lincoln, It would be wrong upon principle and policy to refuse the executions. Private revenge would on all this border take the place of official judgment of these Indians. Two congressmen and a senator from Minnesota warned Lincoln that, should he grant clemency, the outraged people of Minnesota will dispose of these wretches without law. These two peoples cannot live together. A resolution from St. Paul residents declared, The blood of hundreds of our murdered fellow citizens cries from the ground for vengeance . . . . The Indians nature can no more be trusted than the wolfs. Pope chimed in again as well, warning Lincoln that the indiscriminate massacre of all Dakota would occur if the president was too lenient. One man stood almost alone with a voice of moderation. Bishop Henry Whipple, head of the Minnesota Episcopal Church, spoke often of the hypocrisy of federal Indian policies. In a newspaper editorial he wrote, [I]f . . . vengeance is to be more than a savage thirst for blood, we must examine the causes which have brought this bloodshed . . . . Who is guilty of the causes which desolated our border? At whose door is the blood of these innocent victims? I believe that God will hold the Nation guilty. Whipple was a cousin to Henry Halleck, Lincolns general-in-chief, so the bishop gained an audience with the president in November and urged clemency. Lincoln was impressed. He came here the other day, Lincoln said later, and talked with me about the rascality of this Indian business, until I felt it down to my boots. The timing of the Dakota crisis could not have been worse for the president. On a personal level, he and his wife, Mary, still grieved over the death, nine months earlier, of their 11-year-old son, Willie. On a political level, the administration faced one crisis after another. The war effort was in tatters. Major General George McClellans Army of the Potomac lay no closer to Richmond after the ill-conceived Peninsula Campaign and the bloody draw at Antietam. McClellan tolerated precious little advice from the president and sometimes even refused to meet with him. Finally the exasperated president dismissed the insolent general and replaced him with Ambrose Burnside, soon to be responsible for the Union disaster at Fredericksburg. As the blunders mounted, Lincoln also faced a challenge to his leadership from disgruntled cabinet members. Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase, perpetually jealous of Lincoln and furious that the president did not turn to him for military advice, sulked and plotted behind the presidents back. Lincoln knew of these designs and only tolerated them because Chase was a supremely able leader of his department. Slavery issues preoccupied Lincoln as well. Somewhere between the bad tidings and bouts of depression the president managed to work on the final drafts of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that would free the slaves in most of the South, even as he was being called upon to suppress the Dakota. The Minnesota business weighed heavily on Lincolns mind. Three hundred Indians have been sentenced to death in Minnesota by a Military Commission, and execution only awaits my action, he wrote to Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt. I wish your legal opinion whether if I should conclude to execute only a part of them, I must myself designate which, or could I leave the designation to some officer on the ground? Holt answered, I am quite sure the power cannot be delegated. So Lincoln began reviewing the trials. The president first reviewed them as the expert lawyer he truly was. His political fortunes had often risen and fallen, but Lincolns brilliant legal career had remained a constant. Largely self-taught, he gained a formidable reputation as both a defense lawyer and court-appointed prosecutor known for his piercing cross-examinations and folksy, countrified manner. He continually asserted he was not an accomplished lawyer, but Lincoln appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court more than 200 times and made a small fortune as one of the principal lawyers for the Illinois Central Railroad. The president often utilized his legal skills when called upon to review the hundreds of Civil War military court verdicts appealed to him. By law and practice, there were basically two types of military courts at the time: courts martial and military commissions. Courts martial were comprised of a dozen officers and were generally held to try officers and enlisted men for dereliction of dutysleeping while on sentry duty, cowardice, desertion, conduct unbecoming an officerand for crimes such as rape and murder. Military commissions usually consisted of less than a dozen officers and were convened in areas where martial law had been declared, to try civilians accused of military crimesspying, smuggling, conducting guerrilla actions against Union troops, and recruiting for the Confederacy. The law allowed the convicted to appeal to Lincoln in most cases, and in capital cases it was a matter of right. In the midst of the havoc wrought by the war, Lincoln spent many hours of many days reviewing transcripts and receiving visits from the pleading family members of convicted men. Lincoln could easily see the defects of the Dakota trials. Most importantly, the Dakota defendants had not been allowed representation by counsel. Defense lawyers would have raised objections to the jurisdiction of the commission in an area where martial law had not been ordered, as required by law. They would have questioned the impartiality of the five officers on the commission, all of whom fought against the Dakota and undoubtedly harbored ill will toward them. Defense lawyers would have cross-examined the commissions witnesses, pointing out inconsistencies in their testimony and exposing their biases, particularly thosesuch as Godfreywho turned governments evidence and likely testified falsely in attempts to curry favor with the commission and save their necks. Without counsel, the defendants already trapped behind a language and cultural barrierdid not have anyone to help them understand the proceedings, offer credible mitigating evidence, or develop and practice their own testimonies. The president could also see how the trials rapidity prevented a full and fair analysis of the facts. The weight and impact of evidence simply could not be properly processed in a few minutes, especially in capital cases with their ultimate stakes. Undoubtedly the brevity of the trials resulted from the absence of defense counsel. The president could also see how the commission convicted many men with insufficient evidence. Lincoln, a master politician, also reviewed trials with a political perspective. On December 1 he gave the requisite nod to those who had pressured him against clemency by telling Congress, The State of Minnesota has suffered great injury from this Indian war. While he did not tip his hand about his imminent decision, it was a signal he would offer some satisfaction there. Yet he also knew how the rest of the world, especially Britainstill considering whether to recognize the Confederacy as an independent nationwould perceive the mass execution of some 300 men. As Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles noted in his diary: When the intelligent Representatives of a State can deliberately besiege the Government to take the lives of these ignorant barbarians by wholesale , it would seem the sentiments of the Representatives were but slightly removed from the barbarians they would execute. Nevertheless, Lincolns compassion played the largest role in the predicament. In their lengthy debates over Civil War military court verdicts, Judge Advocate Holt often urged execution. Lincoln usually demurred, saying, I dont think I can do it, or I am trying to evade the butchering business lately. Holt said Lincolns constant desire was to save life. John Hay, the other of Lincolns personal secretaries, wrote in his diary, I was amused at the eagerness with which the President caught at any fact which would justify him in saving the life of a condemned soldier. Statistics confirm these observations. In his review of death sentences for desertion, Lincoln disagreed with the trial courts at a rate of 75 percent initially, increasing to 95 percent by the middle of the war. He rarely approved execution for cowards because it would frighten the poor devils too terribly, and he never allowed execution for those who slept on sentry duty. In reviewing the death sentences of civilians handed down by military commissions, Lincoln disagreed with 60 percent of the trial courts. He was only merciless in cases involving cruelty or sex offenses. Any death sentence for rape or murder, whether from courts martial or commission, stood a 50- to-80 percent chance of being upheld upon presidential review. Lincoln issued his decision in the Dakota cases on December 6, 1862. He later explained his rationale to the Senate: Anxious to not act with so much clemency as to encourage another outbreak on the one hand, nor with so much severity as to be real cruelty on the other, I caused a careful examination of the records of trials to be made, in view of first ordering the execution of such as had been proved guilty of violating females. Contrary to my expectations, only two of this class were found. I then directed a further examination, and a classification of all who were proven to have participated in massacres, as distinguished from participation in battles. Lincolns order to Sibleyin his own handwritingallowed the execution of only 39 of the 303 condemned Dakota. Of these, 29 had been convicted of murder, three for having shot someone, two for participating in massacres, and one for mutilation. As Lincoln told the Senate, only two had been convicted of rape. Curiously, the president allowed the executions of two men who were convicted merely for participating in battles. Lincoln spared Godfrey, as the military commission requested, and two weeks later spared another man due to newly discovered exculpatory evidence. The other condemned prisoners, Lincoln ordered Sibley, you will hold subject to further orders, taking care that they neither escape, nor are subject to any unlawful violence. With his massacres versus battles standard, Lincoln offered clemency to 265 of the condemned Dakota, or 87 percent of them. Some analysts have argued that jurisdictional defects in the proceedingsnamely, that the commission lacked authority because martial law had not been declared, and that the Dakota were not tried for military-type violations, but the common-law crimes of rape and murdernullify Lincolns well-intentioned efforts. While these arguments are probably true in theory, the reality of the situation was different. This was wartime; Lincoln could not have reversed the convictions wholesale, either ordering new trials or disapproving the proceedings entirely. The former would have caused great delay and the latter great outrage, either of which could have led to mob violence in Minnesota. Such actions would not necessarily have prevented the Dakota from being tried in state courts, where they would have received little sympathy from citizen juries. Lincoln had to make a final decision on the matter, and he did: his massacres versus battles standard recognized all legal and political issues and encompassed all reasonable solutions. His standard presented a plausible, practical effort to correct the verdicts and assign more appropriate standards of responsibility. On December 27 President Lincoln received a telegram from Sibley: I have the honor to inform you that the thirty-eight Indians and half-breeds, ordered by you for execution, were hung yesterday at Mankato, at 10 a.m. Everything went off quietly, and the other prisoners are well secured. The politicians and citizens of Minnesota had taken the presidents order with a smoldering reserve, and there were no acts of vigilantism or mob law. The Dakota plunged simultaneously to their deaths on one giant gallows before thousands of spectators. It remains the largest mass execution in American history. In the next year Sibley led a punitive expedition against those Dakota who had escaped after the conflict. A settler killed Little Crow after the Indian had sneaked back into Minnesota. After spending a freezing, disease-ridden winter at Fort Snelling, the remaining Dakota were banished to an inhospitable reservation in South Dakota. All, that is, except one man named Chaska. In an example personifying the trial defects, Chaskawho had saved the lives of captive white womenwas errantly hanged instead of one Chaskaydon, convicted of shooting and mutilating a pregnant woman. The marshal of the prison had gone to release Chaska: [B]ut when I asked for him, the answer was You hung him yesterday. I could not bring back the redskin. Thoughts on History At the end of a 1980 interview with William R. Wilson, which begins on page 48 of this issue, the late General James H. Jimmy Doolittle declared: Id never want to relive my life. I couldnt possibly be that lucky a second time. Doolittle and collaborator Carroll V. Glines used a variation of that remark as the title of the famed aviators autobiography, I Could Never Be So Lucky Again, published in 1991. The luck that General Doolittle was referring to involved such things as his survival of numerous plane crashes; his outstanding wartime record; his 71-year marriage to his beloved wife, Joe; and his ability to overcome those adversities that did come his way. There are those who might have argued with General Doolittle about whether or not luck was responsible for his good fortune. But that philosophical debate notwithstanding, it struck me, as I looked at each of the principals featured in this issue of American History, that one of the most interesting things about the study of history is discovering the unexpected twists of fate that led people to their ultimate destinations in life. On page 16, Elbert B. Smith describes the thankfully unsuccessful attempt by two Puerto Rican nationalists to assassinate President Harry S. Truman, the haberdasher-turned-politician from Independence, Missouri, who was catapulted into the presidency by the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945. The tragic murder of another president, Abraham Lincoln, profoundly affected the life and career of sculptor Vinnie Ream. Beginning on page 22, Ethel Yari recounts how this teenage girl made her way from a log-cabin in Wisconsin to the White House and how her work came to stand in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol as a monument to the slain president. James Henry Hallas tells us about the search for the remains of John Paul Jones, the so-called Father of the American Navy, who died in Paris in 1792 (page 28). Born in Scotland, Jones offered his considerable naval skills to the Americans in their fight for independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. Today his body rests in an impressive chapel in the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, but for more than a century it lay in an obscure Paris cemetery, which by the end of the nineteenth century had been all built over. In an article by Anne B. Allen, we read of Estevanico, a young, black Moor from North Africa who had a particularly intriguing life journey that took him from the west coast of Morocco to the New World as a slave during the sixteenth century (page 36). There he survived shipwreck, Indian attacks, and other hardships; was acclaimed as a healer by natives in the American Southwest; became the first man from the Old World to set foot in what is now Arizona; and died at the hands of the Zunis during a search for the Seven Cities of Cibola. And, Michael D. Haydock relates a pre-Civil War, international incident involving a pig and disputed territory in the Pacific Northwest that brings us into contact with George Edward Pickett, then a captain in the U.S. Army, but who, as a Confederate general a few years later, would lead the disastrous charge at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which eclipsed everything else in his career. Margaret Fortier is the editor of Womens History and American History magazines and a historian with extensive experience in research and writing for historic sites and museums. Devil Dan Sickles ruined his reputation long before his misadventures at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Devil Dan Sickles was notorious and controversial long before his ill-advised sorties imperiled the Union army at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His sensational murder of his wifes lover within earshot of the White House not only cemented his rakish reputation in Washington society but also set a legal precedent that is still in force today. At the beginning of 1859, Sickles was a 39-year-old U.S. representative from New York with a seemingly limitless future. A wealthy and well-connected lawyer, Sickles had prospered in the shady machinations of the Tammany Hall ring, rising to posts as a state legislator, corporation counsel and European diplomat before being re-elected to Congress in 1858. With his patron James Buchanan in the presidency, Sickles was on the fast track in Democratic Party circles. Unfortunately, Sickles was also on the fast track of life. His dapper good looks, free-spending wealth and overweening fondness for liquor, gambling and pretty women were well-known to Washington insiders. His fashionable home on exclusive Lafayette Square was the scene of glittering partiesbut also of frequent absences by Sickles himself. His beautiful young wife, Theresa, languished at home, neglected and betrayed, while Sickles played the part of a dashing roue. Stepping into the void left by her neglectful husband came family friend Philip Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key of Star-Spangled Banner fame. The younger Key, a widower himself, was said to be the handsomest man in Washington. Ironically, Key owed his position as U.S. attorney to Sickles, who had urged his appointment by President Buchanan. Even more ironically, Sickles had introduced Key to Theresa at Buchanans inaugural ball in 1857. From that moment, the young people became increasingly close. How close Sickles would not learn for another two years. Unknown to Sickles, Key had rented a house at 383 15th Street, two blocks away from the Sickles mansion on Lafayette Square. There, he regularly met a young woman who carefully wrapped her face in a shawl whenever she entered or left the house. The woman was Theresa Sickles. She and Key had worked out a simple signaling system by which her lover would walk through the square and wave a white handkerchief at her house when he wanted to meet. This transparent ruse continued for two years, while Sickles unsuspectingly entertained himself and his political cronies in Washington and New York. The situation came to a boil in February 1859, after Sickles received an anonymous note telling him of the house on 15th Street and his wifes frequent visits there. After a tearful confrontation with Theresa, Sicklesever the attorneydemanded that she confess in writing, before witnesses, of her affair. The next morning Sickles, seized with paroxysms of sobbing, summoned two friends to his home to tell them the news. Pacing the floor, the distraught congressman suddenly stopped at a downstairs window and stared out in disbelief. Across the street, Key had chosen a distinctly bad time to be waving his white handkerchief at the Sickles house. That villain, Sickles shouted, is out there now, making signals! Grabbing a revolver, Sickles dashed out of the house before his friends could stop him. Key, you scoundrel! he cried. You have dishonored my bedyou must die! With that, Sickles fired at Key and missed. The terrified paramour dashed behind a tree, crying, Dont shoot! and hurled his opera glasses at Sickles. Sickles fired again, this time hitting Key and dropping him into the gutter. As Key begged for mercy, Sickles coolly walked up to him and fired twice more. By this time, Samuel Butterworth, one of Sickles friends, managed to take his arm and lead him away from the mortally wounded Key. Is the damned scoundrel dead yet? Sickles wanted to know. After an electrifying 22-day trial, Sickles was acquitted of the murder by reason of temporary insanitythe first time such a defense had been admitted in a U.S. court of law. Sickles eight-man defense team was headed by Washington lawyer Edwin McMasters Stanton, soon to become secretary of war under Abraham Lincoln. In yet another irony, Sickles political career initially was helped by his murder of an unarmed man. The prevailing sentiment of the day was that a wronged husband had every right to revenge himself upon his wifes despoiler, even if the wife had acquiesced. But public opinion turned against the congressman after he announced, perhaps sincerely, that he had forgiven his wife her transgressions. His star waned, and Sickles returned to New York to escape the whispers of the Washington society he had briefly led. He was still in New York when the coming of the Civil War gave him yet another stage on which to enact his seemingly endless compulsion for controversy and scandal. Roy Morris, Jr., Editor, Americas Civil War Guerrilla Mythmaker Exraordinaire As the years passed by and Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War lost their immediate hold on peoples hearts and minds, a professional journalist and former Confederate cavalryman named John N. Edwards waged a one-man war to refurbish the image of the Missouri guerrillas. How well he succeeded can be seen in his extraordinary influence on subsequent historians of the war in the West. Edwards, who had served under Brig. Gen. Jo Shelby during the war, set about in the mid-1870s to change the publics perception of wartimes Bushwhackers from wanton killers to nobleif improbableknights of a gallant brotherhood. In his book Noted Guerrillas, Edwards concentrated on the much-maligned historical figure of William Clarke Quantrill, portraying his as a bashful and timid youth who knew nothing of the tiger that was in him until death had been dashed against his eyes in numberless and brutal ways, and until the blood of his own kith and kin had been sprinkled plentifully upon things that his hands touched. Disregarding Quantrills rather unsavory prewar life, Edwards excused the guerrilla leaders undoubted excesses as mere self-defense and acts of honor. He lifted the black flag in self-defense, wrote Edwards, and fought as became a free man and a hero. Other guerrillas also found themselves recast in the heroic mold. Fletch Taylor, a Clay County Bushwhacker, was depicted as a low massive Herculesbuilt like a quarterhorse, knowing nature well, seeing equally in darkness and light, rapacious for exercise, having an anatomy like a steam engine, impervious to fatigue like a Cossack, and to hunger like an Apache, he always hunted a fight and always fought for a funeral. Quantrill, in Edwards recounting, was a living, breathing, aggressive, all-powerful realityviligant, merciless, a terror by day and a superhuman if not a supernatural thing when there was upon the earth blackness and darkness. But even Edwards could not totally refurbish Quantrills image. With a notable lack of apology, the writer noted that Quantrill and his men, when faced with captured Union soldiers who begged for mercy upon their knees, heeded the prayer as a wolf might the bleating of a lamb. Despite such lapses, however, Edwards book proved influential, making Quantrill the focal point of nearly all subsequent historical accounts of the Kansas-Missouri fighting, at the expense of other, often times more successful guerrillas like Bloody Bill Anderson and George Todd. And the whitewashed image of Missouri Bushwhackers as Southern cavaliers, whatever the true historical facts, had proved irresistible to a certain segment of writers and apologists in the 115 years since Edwards book. Cowan Brew [ Top | Cover Page ] The state veterinarians office is investigating an outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) in a group of racing Quarter Horses in Tennessee. EP is a blood parasite that affects equines. Although it can be transmitted through infected ticks, today it is more commonly spread by blood and blood products through the sharing of needles, syringes or improperly cleaned and disinfected dental, tattoo, surgical or blood product equipment between infected and uninfected horses. Seventeen horses have tested positive for EP in Middle Tennessee. All are connected to the same location in Rutherford County. The investigation is ongoing. It may take as long as 30 days for an infected horse to test positive for the disease after exposure. Early clinical signs can range from weakness and lack of appetite to swelling of limbs and labored breathing. Horses that survive the acute phase continue to carry the parasite for an extended period of time. Horses that test positive for the disease are quarantined and may be euthanized. Horses will not transmit the disease to other horses through casual contact. However, it is critical that horse handlers practice good biosecurity. If a needle is required, use a new sterile needle and syringe on every horse and clean and disinfect all equine equipment that may be contaminated with blood. Some states and equine competitions require EP testing for entrance. If you plan to travel with your horse, check with the receiving state for current import requirements. The state veterinarian is responsible for monitoring for and preventing the spread of animal disease, as well as promoting animal health in Tennessee. The office works with private veterinarians, animal pathologists and disease diagnostic laboratories to identify diseases and determine the cause of animal deaths. IN APRIL PRESIDENT OBAMA shook hands with Raul Castro, president of communist Cuba, at the Summit of the Americas in Panama. The two later sat down for a discussionthe first such meeting between American and Cuban leaders since the revolution led by Rauls older brother Fidel in 1959. Days after the Panama summit, the White House announced that the State Department would remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. President Obama explained that he was trying to surmount a troubled past. Im not interested in having battles that, frankly, started before I was born, he said. Obama might not be interested in them, but battles over Cuba have run through American history for almost 200 years. For most of that time the United States favored Cuban independence, so long as Cuba was stable and friendly. Yet numerous invasions of Cuba have been launched from American soilby private adventurers, disgruntled Cubans and the U.S. government itselfand Cuba has been occupied several times by American troops. Cuba, the closest Caribbean island to the United States, may be too close for comfort. Columbus claimed Cuba in 1492, the first building block of Spains New World empire. But by the early 1820s most of Spains possessions had won their independence. What would become of Cuba? In a letter to President James Monroe in 1823, Thomas Jefferson said he considered the island the most interesting addition which could ever be made to our system of States. Monroes secretary of state, John Quincy Adams, agreed: There are laws of political as well as of physical gravitation. . . .Disjoined from its own unnatural connection with Spain, [Cuba] can gravitate only towards the North American Union. These early designs on Cuba became entangled with the politics of slavery. Southerners coveted Cuba as a potential slave state. Some Cuban sugar planters, fearful that a weak Spain might succumb to abolitionist pressure from Britain, were willing to be annexed by a stronger slaveholding power. But the U.S. government was worried about violent upheaval in Cubain the chaos of a pro-American revolution or an invasion, local slaves might rise up as they had in Haiti in 1791so Democratic presidents from Polk to Buchanan tried instead to buy it, offering Spain as much as $130 million. Reckless souls in both the United States and Cuba nevertheless hoped to settle Cubas future by force. Narciso Lopez, a rebellious Spanish general, plotted a private invasion of the island by Cuban and American adventurersan action known in the early 19th century as filibustering. (The meaning of filibuster as a long, obstructive speech is a later one.) Lopez offered the command to three veterans of the Mexican War: Robert E. Lee, Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis and Mississippi governor John Quitman. When they refused, he led the operation himself. In 1851 loyal Spaniards captured him west of Havana, and he was executed. All that remains of his efforts is the flag he designeda visual riff on Old Glory with a white star in a red triangle, and blue and white stripeswhich flies over Cuba to this day. The United States remained interested in Cuba after the Civil War. Cuban patriots, backed by exiles in New York, launched a war of independence in 1868. President Ulysses Grant offered to pay Spain $100 million to let Cuba go free; Spain countered by asking for $125 million. Nothing came of the negotiation because American sympathies were mixed: Both sides in the war were committing atrocities, and the Cuban rebels had no clear policy on slavery (some were abolitionists, others were slave owners). Grant was also distracted by a vain effort to annex the Dominican Republic as a home for American freedmen. The Cuban war dragged on until 1878 and ended with Spain still in charge. Cuban patriots rebelled again in 1895, supported by exiles in New York and Tampa. Slavery was no longer an issue; Spain had abolished it in 1886. The new rebels were welcomed by a new breed of American expansionist led by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts; Lodges former teacher, the historian Henry Adams; and Theodore Roosevelt, who became assistant secretary of the Navy in 1896. The expansionists wanted secure approaches to a Central American canal. That, they believed, meant ending incompetent and despotic Spanish rule in Cuba. Our own direct interests in Cuba were great, as Roosevelt put it. But even greater were our interests from the standpoint of humanity. President William McKinley tried, like Grant, to buy Cubas freedom, offering as much as $300 million. But in February 1898 the USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 sailors. Blaming the explosion on Spanish sabotage (a 1974 Navy study concluded that the explosion was accidental), an enraged America declared war in April; Cuba was conquered by August. The United States did not intend to stay. Its declaration of war had been accompanied by an amendment promising self-rule to Cuba, and American troops left in 1902. But it also wanted self-rule to be orderlyand, given the nature of Cuban politics, that seemed to require frequent intervention. Theodore Roosevelt, now president, sent troops back to Cuba after a 1906 revolution. His cousin Franklin, president in 1933, foreswore big-stick diplomacy, promising instead to be a good neighbor to Cuba and other Latin American countries. Yet even FDRs ambassadors massaged a series of Cuban revolutions until a government acceptable to the United States came to power. Cuban politics stabilized around two dictators. Fulgencio Batista, a leader of the military coup that deposed the government in 1933, was in and out of office until 1959. Batista was first elected with the support of Cubas Communist Party, though he soon became pro-Ameri-can. Fidel Castro was a radical activist who drove Batista from power. Castro initially denied that he was anti-American or a communist, but a year after coming to power, he gave Anastas Mikoyan, deputy premier of the Soviet Union, a heros welcome in Havana. President Dwight Eisenhower authorized a CIA plan to train Cuban exiles, and in 1961 the CIA landed 1,400 of them at Cubas Bay of Pigs. The United States did not give these green troops air cover, however, and Castros army mopped them up. Cuban-American relations for the next 30 years were subsumed in the Cold War. And now? The Cold War ended with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, but the Castro regime marches on. In 2008, 81-year-old Fidel was succeeded as president by his younger brother Raul. Among modern political dynasties, only the Kim family of North Korea has ruled longer, and they span three generations. Obama has opened a new chapter in Cuban-American relations, but not necessarily the final one. As has been true since the days of Narciso Lopez, the government of Cuba has powerful American critics. Three senators who blasted Obamas rapprochementRobert Menendez, D-N.J.; Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; and Ted Cruz, R-Texashave Cuban roots: Menendezs and Rubios parents and Cruzs father all fled Cuba for the United States in the 1950s. Both Rubio and Cruz hope to succeed Obama in the White House. John Quincy Adams was right: The North American Union exerts a powerful pull on its island neighbor. But the goals of Cuban independence and stability as the United States defines them do not always align. America intervenes in Cuban affairs, often ham-handedly, which provokes Cuban resentmentvirulent in the case of the Castro brothers. Solid Cuban-American friendship seems as elusive as Cuban freedom. A REBEL BATTERYS FIRST SALVO WAS THE PRELUDE TO A STORM THE UNTESTED CANNONEERS COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED JON G. STEPHENSON A Confederate artillery captain peered through his field glasses, calmly studying the distant tree line. It was a lovely day. A breeze ruffled the budding branches of the oaks that bordered the field, and sunlight filtered through the canopy. On the ground, however, the peaceful sunlight turned menacing, glinting from the muzzles of four 24-pounder field howitzers. At once, the big guns across the way rocked back, and an impenetrable bluish haze obscured the captains view. A few seconds passed, then the rumble of the howitzers discharge washed over the hilltop where he stood. The earth shook as a flight of shells detonated all around him. Limbs were torn from the trees covering his position, and hot, jagged shards of iron showered the captains men, waiting at their six cannon. One of the gun team drivers screamed as a shell fragment ripped his torso, nearly tearing him in half. Lowering his glasses, the captain turned. By section! he said, just loud enough to be heard over the din of the exploding shells. By section! echoed three lieutenants. Fire! the captain shouted. The number four men on the leftmost pieces leaned into their lanyards, and the guns spoke. Seconds later, the center section fired, then the right. The captain again raised his glasses to trace the flight of the projectiles as their unearthly shriek filled the air. Just as he brought the glasses into focus, the soil around the enemy guns leaped into the air, and some of the men near them fell. Behind the captain, the cannoneers bent again to their tasks, reloading the guns and raising a throaty shout as they worked. It was a cry of both satisfaction and surprise; these men, the gunners of Stanfords Mississippi Battery, had just heard the sound of their guns for the first time. Here, on the green fields around Shiloh Church, near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, they had received their baptism by fire. Less than a year earlier, the men of Stanfords battery had been strangers to things military, farmers and tradesmen living a familiar and peaceful routine. With the coming of the Civil War, they were recruited for Confederate service by a respected tinsmith from Blackhawk, Mississippi, named Thomas Jefferson Stanford. On May 17, 1861, Stanfords Mississippi Battery was accepted into state service at Grenada and, in November, into the Confederate army. On November 9, the battery arrived with its two 12-pounder field howitzers, three bronze 6-pounders, and one 3-inch rifle, at Columbus, Kentucky. It was just two days after the Battle of Belmont, in which Confederates were attacked by Federal forces under Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant. Stanfords men had missed this fight, but they would get another chance at Grant and his troops. The battery spent the winter in drill. As the weeks passed the men grew restless, fearing that the war would end before they saw action, according to Sergeant William Brown. We had not learned to read the signs of the times, Brown wrote, for while we were expressing dissatisfaction at our inaction, movements were going on around us which later in the War would have told us very plainly that a move of some importance was about to take place. General Albert Sidney Johnston, given command over Confederate forces in the Western Theater by his longtime friend, Confederate President Jefferson F. Davis, had constructed a thin defensive line stretching across southern Kentucky from Columbus to Bowling Green. In early 1862, however, the still unproven Grant drove the Confederate garrisons out of Forts Henry and Donelson in Tennessee, just south of the center of Johnstons line. Other Federal troops under Brigadier General John Pope captured Southern strongholds at New Madrid and Island No. 10, south of Johnstons western flank on the Mississippi River. Johnston abandoned his Kentucky line and regrouped his forces at Corinth, the rail center of northern Mississippi. From there, he could advance his newly reorganized armyfour corps, commanded by Major Generals Leonidas Polk, Braxton Bragg, and William J. Hardee, and Brigadier General John C. Breckinridge. In late February, the Confederates began to move south. Stanfords Mississippians, assigned to Polks corps, entrained some of their cannon, hitched up the others to their horse teams, and, recalled Brown, on the evening of the first of March we left Columbus to the keeping of the Yankees. Like the rest of Polks men, they were bound for Corinth. Johnston planned to attack Grants 48,000-man Army of the Tennessee, then encamped on the west bank of the Tennessee River at Pittsburg Landinga little more than 100 miles south of Forts Henry and Donelson. After his and Popes victories over the Confederate river forts, Grant pictured the Western Rebel armies as nearly beaten and badly demoralized. One more decisive victory, he believed, might lead to the collapse of Confederate military resistance in the West. The final push, Grant decided, would be against Corinth. He chose Pittsburg Landing, about 20 miles to the northeast in Tennessee, as the staging area for his assault. Steep bluffs fronting the river greeted Grants arriving troops, bluffs that yielded to cultivated farm fields and gently rolling woods interspersed among deep, jagged ravines. There was adequate forage for the Union armys horses and ample space for the encampments that would be needed while the army prepared its assault. More importantly, there were two roads leading from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth. Grant ordered Brigadier General William T. Sherman to establish the Federal base of operations, so Sherman advanced his 5th Division two miles inland from the rivers west bankfar enough to guard both roads. The remainder of the Army of Tennessee would camp between Shermans line and the river. Johnston was under pressure to strike Grant before Major General Don Carlos Buells Army of the Ohio, then on the march from Nashville, could bolster Union forces with its 35,000 men. The pressure increased when Major General Benjamin F. Cheatham, commanding a Confederate detachment at Bethel Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad 23 miles northwest of Corinth, learned from captured Union pickets that at least three Federal brigades were concentrated around Adamsville, 15 miles from Bethel Station and just northwest of Pittsburg Landing. Reports of unusual activity in and around that Federal camp worried Cheatham, who feared the movements might be the prelude to an attack on his position at Bethel Station. General Pierre G.T. Beauregard, Johnstons second in command, strongly supported an immediate attack on the Federal concentration around Pittsburg Landing, but Johnston wanted to wait for the nearly 20,000 Confederate reinforcements coming from Arkansas with Major General Earl Van Dorn. Generals Polk and Bragg joined Beauregard in urging an instant attack, but it was not until cavalry operating north of the Tennessee River reported Buells vanguard within 35 miles of Grants headquarters at Savannah, Tennessee, that Johnston gave the order to advance. The troops of Stanfords Mississippi Battery, remembered Ser-geant G.W. Jones, were told to ready themselves for a fight. About tomorrow will come the tug of war, Jones wrote. I am beginning to feel pretty weak about the knees already. I can almost smell powder in the air. Unaccustomed to the discipline necessary for large troop movements and frustrated by torrential rains and muddy roads, the newly organized Confederate army took three days to get into position for attack. The army spent the night of April 5 camped within two miles of Shiloh Church, a small log meetinghouse around which Grants troops had spread their tents. Hardees corps bivouacked in line of battle only a mile southwest of Shermans division. A strange mixture of anticipation and fear came over the mud-spattered Southerners as they awaited their first view of war. We all look like shaking Quakers, wrote Sergeant Jones. We have several bowlegged boys in line, and you ought to see their knees knocking together. Sergeant Brown recalled that many a whispered prayer was uttered that night. Federal pickets at Pittsburg Landing had been reporting parties of Confederates before the Union camps since April 3. These reports increased in frequency and urgency on the afternoon and evening of the 5th, but Union commanders largely dismissed them. One notable exception was Colonel Everett Peabody, commander of Brigadier General Benjamin Prentisss 6th Division. Unhappy with his superiors lack of concern, Peabody sent five companies of infantry to reconnoiter the woods fronting his camps. This patrol was crossing a large field belonging to a family named Fraley on April 6 at about 5:00 a.m. when it ran up against the advance pickets of Brigadier General Sterling A.M. Woods Confederate brigade. The fight started slowly, wrote Sergeant Brown, beginning with a shot now and then, but warming up as things became more distinct, until [the volleys] followed each other in rapid succession. Brigadier General Alexander P. Stewarts 2d Brigade, to which Captain Stanfords battery was attached, advanced along the Corinth-Pittsburg road. As the men filed past two farm cabins that were then serving as Johnstons headquarters, Johnston pulled Stewart aside and instructed him to take his brigade to the east, toward the right of the rapidly developing battle line. The brigade turned onto a small farm lane known today as Reconnoitering Road. Soon we came to more impressive marks of the battle, Brown recalled, the trees pitted by minie balls and the [wounded] scattered through the woods. The spirit of battle was around us. By this time, the battery had drawn very near to the front. We for the first time heard the soft fluttering sound peculiar to a rifled cannon shot, Brown wrote. Captain Stanford called Browns attention to this eerie wail, pointing to the battle lines struggling at the far end of a long and narrow tract known locally as Rea Field. The columns of dirt thrown into the air explained it all, the sergeant continued, and [another shot] crashing through the timber just over our heads shortly after informed us that we were now under fire. Stewarts brigade continued along the farm lane until it reached a patch of open woods in front of a camp hastily abandoned by the 25th Missouri Infantry, of Colonel Peabodys Federal brigade, the tents standing and everything left as though the troops had only gone out on review, remembered Brown. Corporal John Magee saw clear evidence that the Yanks had been caught completely by surprise: All of their canteens and haversacks lay in wild confusion as though they had no time to get them. In the Yankee tents, the Confederates found things more precious than gold to hungry soldiers. There were cheese, soft bread, fruits, potatoesmanna from heaven, as the Confederates saw it. They had long since consumed the three days rations they had prepared at Corinth, and their supply wagons were a long way to the rear. We finished our breakfast at their expense as we passed through, Brown wrote. As the men rummaged through the abandoned campsite, General Stewart was, he later reported, approached by one of Johnstons staff officers, who directed me to move to the left and then forward. As the infantry turned off the road, it left Stanford and his battery behind. Owing to the fact that there were no distinct roads through the woods, and the undergrowth being quite thick, I found it quite impossible to follow the course taken by the brigade, Stanford recalled. The captain prodded his men back into line and got them moving along the farm lane. The cannoneers had traveled no more than a quarter of a mile when an excited Brigadier General Thomas C. Hindman galloped up and, according to Sergeant Brown, announced with a flourish of language something like a school boys speech, that we were gaining a glorious victory, the enemy giving way at all points. It was just before 10 a.m., and the Federals were being driven from the battle lines they had hastily thrown together among their campsites. Hindman led Stanfords battery to a slight elevation in front of some Yankee tents. This spot, in the southwest corner of a small area known today as Lost Field, was the camp of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, of Shermans division. The Mississippians unlimbered amid the bedlam. Stewarts infantry lay on the ground in line of battle a short distance to the front, heads down in the face of a thunderous Federal cannonade. Captain Stanford positioned his guns as soon as possible in the face of a fire that was telling both on men and horses with terrible effect. One of the enemys batteries, seeing us take position, opened at once, wrote Brown. This battery, described in many soldiers accounts, was actually a cluster of Federal batteries, among them Battery D of McAllisters 1st Illinois Light Artillery, armed with four 24-pounder field howitzers and emplaced some 600 yards away on the corner of Review Field, a large open plain the Federals had used as a parade ground. Firing from the same area were Burrowss 14th Ohio Battery, Dressers Battery D of the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Mortons 6th Indiana Battery, and Schwartzs Battery E of the 2d Illinois Light Artillery. In all, 27 Union cannon bore on the Confederate front at this position. Before we could fire, a shell blew up one of our ammunition chests; another one cut off the splinter bar of the third detachment; William Jones had his right arm shot off. Another [shell] almost cut one of our riders in two, Sergeant Jones remembered. Sergeant Brown stood very near the unfortunate rider. The lead rider of my gun, John J. Bowen, who was standing by, holding his horses, was hurled some ten feet from where he stood by a cannon shot striking him just below the hip, tearing the leg nearly entirely away from his body. I started to him, but at a glance saw his condition; being but a few feet from him I could hear his cries of, O Lord! O Lord! rising above the sound of battle. I heard them but a moment and they died away, as he passed from time to eternity. Even before another man could get to [Bowens] horses to take charge of them, one was down, a shot through his back and the other with his leg shot off above the knee. The air seemed to be full of missels. Jones was mightily impressed with his first sight of the war. Oh, how I wish I was a dwarf, just now, instead of a six-footer, he exclaimed. My hair, good heavens, is standing on end like the quills of a scared porcupine.' The captain gave the order to fire, and for the first time, Stanfords Mississippi Battery heard the sound of its own guns. According to Sergeant Brown, the battery fired by section, and three deep tunes went rolling over the field of battle for the first time. Though this was our first firing, we were well drilled in the manual of the pieces, and the boys worked sharp, quick, and with a will, every man at his post. Our opponents replied with no less spirit and most ungratifying precision. It was clearly a trial of mettle and skill between ours and the enemys battery. The batterys performance drew the attention of corps commander Polk, who wrote in his official report of the battle that Captain Stanford and his men, from the scarcity of ammunition, had never before heard the report of their own guns. Yet, from that facility which distinguishes our Southern people, under the inspiration of the cause which animates them, they fought with the steadiness and gallantry of well-trained troops. The Yankee projectiles tore through the underbrush near Stanfords position. A shot struck a tree standing a few feet from us, striking me with the bark and splinters, remembered Brown. Looking to the right, I saw a horse have his leg taken off below the shoulder by a cannon ball. Stanfords battery doggedly kept at its task. Our firing soon began to tell on the enemy, and they began to be less accurate in their aim, and to slacken their fire, wrote Brown. Observing this, we exerted ourselves, if possible, still more and, I think, in not more than ten minutes from our first shot the enemys guns had ceased to reply, and we were ordered to cease firing. The battery enjoyed a momentary lull as the Confederate infantry, eight brigades with three more following close behind, advanced on the Federal line on the Hamburg-Purdy road. The 4th Tennessee of Stewarts brigade seized one of McAllisters 24-pounders and drove off the other three. The other Federal batteries and their infantry supports were overwhelmed by the massive Confederate assault. Seventeen Federal cannon were captured. In all likelihood, it was the need to meet the huge Rebel infantry attack that had caused the Union artillerists to cease firing at Stanfords battery. In any case, the lull gave Stanfords men a chance to pull themselves together, to start their wounded to the rear, and to say a last good-bye to their dead comrades. The respite, however, was all too brief. Ordered to advance, the Mississippians moved forward through the carnage of war. Brown described the horror: The dead almost covered the ground, being across each other and in every position, Rebels and Yankees together. Horses had fallenthe reins still grasped by cold, pale hands. Troops still held their guns in the various positions in which death had found them. One team of six horses, all dead, lay still harnessed to the limber of a gun. Although firm documentation of Stanfords position at this point in the battle is lacking, Browns vivid description indicates the battery probably advanced through the position once occupied by Burrowss 14th Ohio Battery. Captain Jerome B. Burrows lost all his guns, 70 of his horses, and 30 of his men in the crushing Confederate assault. The Mississippi cannoneers were deeply impressed by the terrible sights they beheld, and any doubts about their enemys bravery evaporated. But there was little time to ponder these things, Brown remembered, as the Mississippians drew nearer to the heavy fighting in their front. There was no intermission. True, at times, the fighting would be heavier, generally preceded by a cheer. These cheers were sure to be followed by such crashes of musketry and roar of artillery as to tell of a death struggle or a charge and then quieting off to an almost monotonous rattle. The battery most likely participated in the fighting that swirled around the intersection of the Hamburg-Purdy and the Pittsburg-Corinth roads. It was in this area that Sherman and Major General John McClernand attempted to gather enough of their stunned troops to halt the still-advancing Confederate battle line. Captain Stanford reported that during this part of the day he occupied positions under orders from General Beauregard until a crisis growing elsewhere on the field made it necessary for the battery to move to the east. A little more than a half-mile east of the crossroads, Confederate generals sent regiments in twos and threes against a stubbornly resisting mass of Federal forces drawn up in a curving line of battle behind a rail fence separating the Duncan farm field from a narrow, sunken road. Beyond this road was a thick stand of timber, a heretofore nameless piece of real estate soon to be known as the Hornets Nest. Grant had ordered the position to be held at all costs. As the battery drew near this fierce contest, it encountered Brigadier General Daniel Ruggles, a grizzled old man with a long, flowing gray beard. Ruggles, commander of Braggs 1st Division, ordered Stanfords battery to unlimber next to Edward P. Byrnes Kentucky Battery, so the massed cannon could add their weight to the effort to break the Union line. Observing the effect of the artillery fire, Ruggles determined that more guns were needed. He sent his staff officers to gather every battery they could find. Beauregard assisted in this effort, shifting infantry and artillery from the Confederate left after the withdrawal of Shermans and McClernands divisions at about 3:00 p.m. Soon, eight more batteries and one section had drawn up into what would become known as the Ruggles Line. In all, some 53 field cannon took aim at the beleaguered Federals in the Hornets NestUnion troops from Brigadier Generals Benjamin Prentisss, Stephen A. Hurlbuts, and W.H.L. Wallaces divisions. It was about 4:30 p.m. when the massive gun line opened fire. Shot and shell tore into the trees sheltering the Union battle line, sounding to one Federal lieutenant like a mighty hurricane sweeping everything before it. A blaze of unearthly fire lit the scene. A captain remembered, the shells and shot passed over us terrifically at about the height of a mans head from the ground while setting down. The Confederate infantry stepped out into the field as the artillerymen paused to reload. One of those wild shouts went up, wrote Brown, followed by the sharp crackling of thousands of [muskets], and the enemy was swept from his last stronghold. Some 2,000 Federals were captured, along with General Prentiss. Wallace lay mortally wounded near the Pittsburg-Corinth road. The Confederates, too, had paid a price; while overseeing the advance of the Rebel right flank, General Johnston was struck in the leg by a minie ball. Not realizing the seriousness of his wound, he had continued to direct the assault. Minutes later, he reeled from his saddle and collapsed. Carried to a nearby ravine by his staff officers, Johnston died of blood loss as his battle line encircled the Hornets Nest. As the Hornets Nest gave way, hundreds of bluecoats broke and ran for Pittsburg Landing, to the cover of a line of defense hastily assembled by Grant. This last line was anchored by a half-mile array of cannonbetter than 50 gunsrunning from the bluffs near the Tennessee River along the lip of a deep ravine that stretched inland from the mouth of a stream known as Dill Branch, to the south of Pittsburg Landing. Grants last-ditch defensive line was a convex arch stretching a mile and a half west-northwest from the Tennessee to the bluffs overlooking Owl Creek about two miles west of the landing. Stanford limbered up his guns and followed the Confederate infantry as it pursued the Yankees, rolling through the shattered cabin and barns of the Duncan farm. The acrid smoke of burning cotton bales filled the air. Small arms discarded by the fleeing Federals littered the ground, remembered Sergeant Brown. Passing to the left and going perhaps half a mile, he wrote, we fell in with our line of infantry, lay down and our guns were placed in battery or in fighting attitude. Shells began to burst around the battery. By the time we had got our guns ready for action, recalled Brown, the shelling became terrific. The Mississippians soon learned that the shells were being fired by Union gunboats anchored in the Tennessee River a short distance away. The boats were concealed by the trees, wrote Brown, but the heavy smoke rising from every discharge showed where they were. The battery was ready to return fire, but Stanford was ordered to wait, Corporal Magee recounted, for fear they could easily get our range, it now being dark, [and] they could easily see the flash of the cannon from the river. Finally an order came that perhaps determined the outcome of the Battle of Shiloh. Feeling that his men were too exhausted to continue and that victory was certain to follow the next day, Beauregard, now in command of the Confederate army, ordered his men to disengage and camp for the night. The wheels of Stanfords cannon jolted over hundreds of discarded muskets as the battery rolled back through shattered Federal campsites, which our men now occupied, and began to light up with their camp fires, wrote Brown. The bodies of the slain lay as thick as autumn leaves. Lights were moving in every direction as the living hunted for the lost friend. Sad groups stood here and there around the still white faces of the loved and honored. The battery pulled up near a campsite once occupied by Schwartzs 2d Illinois Light Artillery, one of the batteries with which the Mississippians had dueled that morning. Here, General Stewarts surgeons had established a field hospital. The gunners, exhausted, slumped to the ground near a campfire whose light revealed many torn and mangled bodies lying nearby. The moans and cries of the wounded being treated at the field hospital filled the evening air, and all were shocked and saddened by the news that Johnston had been killed. It was a gloomy night, Sergeant Brown remembered. Rummaging through an abandoned Federal tent, Private Edmond Buck discovered a Testament. Buck sat down near the campfire in the drizzling rain, seeking comfort in the pages of the Bible. All this terrible day he had managed to concentrate on his duties, to avoid thinking of the carnage surrounding him. In the quiet of Sunday morning, it all caught up with him. I could not help but cry and pray for a merciful God to console the suffering and spare the living, he wrote. As work parties buried the dead, a heavy rain began to fall, much to Sergeant Joness distaste. At midnight, after standing guard for two hours in the downpour, he wrote: The lightning is flashing and the thunder is roaring. But Oh! It is sweet music compared to the artillery thunder we have had all day. I am now going to lie down on the soft side of a plank and rest, for I am certainly used up. All through that wet and dreary night, Buells Army of the Ohio disembarked from troop transports moored at Pittsburg Landing and marched up the bluffs to bolster Grants last line. These fresh soldiers had to push their way through hundreds of men who had been shattered, physically and mentally, by the Confederate assault. Many of the battles weary veterans refused to fight any further, but far more of them were revived by the sight of reinforcements. Unaware of these developments, Beauregard and Bragg bedded down for the night, sharing Shermans personal tent. At daybreak, the reinforced Federals struck. The Confederates farthest away from the river were roused from their fitful sleep when the sound of the first volleys of musketry rippled across the hillsides and fields. Very soon, wrote Sergeant Brown, an officer came up and ordered us to the support of Genl Breckinridge, as the enemy was concentrating in his front. One of Stanfords guns, disabled the day before, had been sent from the field, leaving the captain with five working pieces. He quickly had his battery rolling toward the front. We went about a mile, and took a position near the centre, Magee remembered. The battery unlimbered amid a battle line drawn up at almost the same spot from which they had fired as part of the Ruggles Line the day before. The Mississippians were about a mile and three-quarters southwest of Pittsburg Landing. Stanfords Mississippians took a position supporting Colonel Winfield Stathams and Colonel Robert Trabues brigades of Breckinridges corps. As the fighting intensified, Stanfords battery was sent forward into a clearing known as Duncan Field to counter a Union battery that had opened fire on the Confederates. Beyond Duncan Field, shielded from view by the trees beyond the Sunken Road, was Captain Joseph Bartletts Battery G, 1st Ohio Light Artillery. The only sign we could see of them was the smoke rising from the bushes where they hid, wrote Sergeant Brown. Captain Stanford opened fire on the Union guns at once. This, Brown recalled, drew an immediate response. The Rebel battery found itself enveloped in a hellish maelstrom. From those bushes came such a succession of deafening peals of thunder as I had never heard before, seeming to almost lift us from the ground, Brown remembered. A mad storm of shot, shell, and canister swept by us. The flash, the roar, and the iron storm continued to come without intermission. This firestorm stiffened the Mississippians resolve, according to Brown: We were far from submitting quietly from the fierce torrent of their anger, and I have no doubt that our guns made their position nearly as disagreeable as ours. Raising a lusty battle cry, the Confederate infantry passed through the artillery line and charged. An unbroken roar of musketry greeted the grayclad troops as they drew near the woods beyond Duncan Field. The storm that swept through the thick undergrowth could not be withstood, Brown wrote. The line that charged came back in confusion, so deadly was the reception they had met, and so demoralized by the shock, they could not rally around our battery. Captain Stanford stood amid the chaos, Brown continued, and called on [the infantry] in vain to rally, and not let his guns fall into the hands of the enemy, telling them we could drive the Yankees back with the battery if they would stand by us. Unwilling to join in the infantrys retreat, Stanford calmly ordered his men to prepare to give the enemy a warm reception. This we did as soon as their front was unmasked, and for thirty minutes we held them in check, their ranks broken and wavering in many places, showing plainly that but a little better support from infantry, which was not given us, would have sufficed to have routed them completely. Suddenly, it grew ominously quiet. The firing from the enemys guns had ceased, wrote Brown. We knew what it meant. The infantry was advancing. Stanfords battery renewed its fire, sweeping the underbrush with canister, but still, on came the Yankee infantrytwo full, fresh brigades from Buells army. They were Brigadier General Jeremiah T. Boyles 11th Bri-gade of the 5th Division and Brigadier General Lovell H. Rousseaus 4th Brigade of the 2d Division. They filed past in four ranks, with the intention of flanking us, Stanford wrote. It was then the grape had the most terrible effect upon them. Large gaps were made by every gun at each discharge. Three regimental flags being in full view, I gave orders to point at them, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing two of them fall to the ground, both being raised again. One was again cut down. Being hard pressed, and almost surrounded by their large force, I determined to withdraw my command, or such part of it as I could move. All our guns limbered up, remembered Brown. My gun having an open way moved out first. Brown took his cannon back a short distance to the edge of Review Field, just southwest of Duncan Field, where he discovered Stanfords other four guns were not behind him. He turned his gun around to await them, and still finding himself under fire, Brown decided to unlimber again. Just as Brown was about to open fire on the pursuing Federals, General Breckinridge rode up along with his son. The general ordered Brown to hold his fire for a moment, because he thought his infantry was still in the woods in Browns front. A moment later, however, the intensity of the musketry from the woods changed Breckinridges mind. The little jets of smoke darting out from the bushes, and the zipping of balls left no doubt in our minds as to who occupied that side of the field, wrote Brown. With only four men left to operate his gun, Brown set to work. [William W.S.] Rondeau dealt out the ammunition and John Sledge brought it to the gun and placed it in the muzzle. I rammed the charge down, withdrawing the rammer and throwing it down, stepped to the trail to see that the gun had the proper range and then fired, full into the bushes. All this time, Brown was in plain view and completely unprotected. Why I was not killed I do not know, unless there was a power that turned aside the balls, for the others being in the rear of the gun. I was certainly a fair target. The remainder of the battery was in similarly dire straits. The captain had unlimbered his other four guns a short distance to the right of Browns piece and resumed his fire, believing he could stem the blue tide. Our boys stood bravely at their posts, Sergeant Jones wrote. The loud peals of artillery fairly shook the earth with their incessant roar, while the more deadly clang of musketry rolled in peal after peal across the woods. It was almost too much for Jones. Never, never do I wish to be in such a hot place again, he wrote. But the Union assault struck with renewed fury. On, on they came, lamented Jones. We were pouring it into them by well directed and rapid firing. They were falling thick and fast. The weight of the Federal onslaught was just too much. The enemy, remembered Corporal Magee, came upon the battery like an avalanche. We stood firm, pouring the canister into them until they got within 75 yards. At this point, the guns were ordered to fall back. With most of the horses dead, however, three cannon had to be left behind. These, however, we did not abandon until the last moment, Stanford wrote, making [the Yankees] pay dearly for their purchase. Browns gun, too, was lost. The sergeants surviving men were trying to limber up when a storm of minie balls cut down several of their horses. As soon as we saw the horses down, we dropped the trail of the gun and all hands put off through the bushes at something better than a double quick, Brown wrote. Brown himself was shot in the leg as he attempted to mount his horse. The sensation was like that which I suppose would be caused by a man striking a double handed blow, with a handspike across the thigh, he said. The ball passed through his thigh, caromed off his saddle, and slid into his boot, where it was later discovered by a surgeon. In terrible pain and unable to contribute further to the fray, Brown edged his mount away from the front. As Stanford and his men withdrew, Beauregard pulled his remaining troops together for a last attempt at stemming the Federal counterattack. Establishing a line centered on a small pond known today as Water Oaks Pond, near the Shiloh meetinghouse, the Confederates gamely waded across the pond only to be knocked back by the revitalized Union line. Beauregard was watching this last, forlorn assault when his adjutant general, Thomas Jordan, approached. Jordan did not mince his words: General, would it not be judicious to get away with what we have? Beauregard nodded sadly; I intend to withdraw in a few moments. Soon, the order was given. By 3:30 p.m., the retreat had begun. So ended the first battle fought by Stanfords Mississippi Battery. The blaze of victory, wrote Brown, was lost in the gloom of defeat. Stanford led his badly shaken command back toward Corinth, satisfied that he had done his best on Shilohs field. The effect of my determined stand, after all support had left me, though disastrous to my immediate command, was certainly beneficial to our common cause, as it gave commanders of infantry regiments time to rally their forces before getting into a complete rout. As he made his way from the field, Brown came to a field hospital, where he was helped from his saddle and his wound was treated enough to allow him to continue to Corinth. After lying for what seemed an interminable time surrounded by the wounded of every class from the slight to the mortal, some crying out under the examination of the doctors, others already dead, Brown was loaded into an ambulance containing several of our wounded boys in charge of [Lieutenant Ansell A.] Hardin. After camping the night of the 7th in the same spot where they had bivouacked on the evening of the 4th, Brown, with one or two other wounded men, was placed in a wagon containing tents and tent poles, cooking utensils, picket rope, and various other articles equally comforting to a wounded man. I was placed in this irregular mass with only a blanket spread under me. None of the uninjured men around Brown seemed to have any thought for the comfort of the wounded. The only thing that made the conditions endurable was the thought of getting away from the Yankees, he wrote. The wagon neared Corinth by nightfall, but with only two miles left to go, the driver refused to continue, saying his team was too tired. Spending another dreary night with only a tattered tent and a wet blanket for warmth, Brown slept fitfully. In my dreams, I was on the field of battle crawling among the killed and wounded dragging after me my painful and helpless leg, he remembered. Early the next day, Brown reached Corinth, where he was treated for his wound and granted a convalescent furlough. Stanfords uninjured cannoneers trudged back to Corinth along a roadway strewn with discarded supplies, a road Corporal Magee described as the worst he had ever seen. In one sink hole, he wrote, a mule was mired half way up to his back, and I do not think he ever got out. As they walked, the men picked through the refuse of battle, retrieving useful items like candles and soap. Reaching Corinth about April 10 or 11, Magee and the rest of Stanfords Mississippi Battery set out to reorganize for the fighting that lay ahead, all of them veterans now. Four of their comrades had been killed during the two-day battle at Shiloh. Another 14 had been wounded, and two captured. The battery had lost 50 horses to Federal fire, forcing the gunners to leave four of their cannon and six caissons on the field. Stanfords Mississippians would fight again. After a rest and refit at Corinth, the battery rolled across the storied fields of the Civil Wars Western Theater with the Army of Tennessee. Stanford and his men made themselves felt again and again, at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Stones River, Chickamauga, and Atlanta, earning for their unit the sobriquet Ol Reliable, because it could be counted on when the going was rough. At Resaca, Georgia, on May 15, 1864, Stanford fell to a sharpshooters bullet. His battery continued for another six months under Lieutenant Hardins command, refusing to yield until a cold day outside Nashville, Tennessee. That dayDecember 16, 1864, the second day of the Battle of Nashvillethe battery anchored Lieutenant General Stephen Dill Lees line on Overton Hill, just off the Franklin Pike. Unable to dislodge the battery with infantry, the Federals brought up five batteries of their own. One of these was Captain Adam P. Baldwins 6th Ohio Battery. In his official report, Baldwin claimed that his battery alone placed 696 rounds onto Overton Hill during the duel. Stanfords Mississippi Battery was shattered, escaping with only a caisson and two limbers, which were used to pull away some guns from another nearby battery. Stanfords unit was not refitted, but sent to garrison an earthen emplacement known as Fort Stonewall, on the Alabama River. There, they quietly spent the last days of the war, before being surrendered by Lieutenant General Richard Taylor at Citronelle, Alabama. Receiving their paroles at Cuba, Alabama, in late May 1865, the tired survivors of Stanfords Mississippi Battery started home. As Sergeant Jones put it, they were not whipped, but outpowered. CWT Jon G. Stephenson, a freelance writer and graphics designer, has published several Civil War-related articles. He serves as adjutant of Stanfords Mississippi Battery, a living-history group. The Colorful 44th New York Regiment Colonel Joshua Chamberlains 20th Maine may have won the most fame during the grueling fight for control of Little Round Top, but the largest regimental monument on the battlefield today commemorates a brother regiment that fought alongside the 20th Maine that desperate afternoonthe 44th New York, the Peoples Ellsworth Regiment. The New York regiment was raised to pay tribute to the first Union martyr, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, a former law partner of Abraham Lincolns who was shot dead after hauling down a Confederate flag in Alexandria, Va., in May 1861. Ellsworth had won fame before the Civil War as the founder of the National Guard Cadets, later re-named the U.S. Zouave Cadets of Chicago, an organization that he patterned after Frances colonial troops, down to the baggy pants, sashes, short jackets and fezzes worn by French Zouaves in Algeria. The Zouave Cadets toured the East the summer before the war, performing crack drill maneuvers before rapt audiences from New York City to Washington. When the war began, Ellsworth traveled to New York to raise a regiment of Union volunteers. Recruiting heavily among the citys fire departments, he clothed the volunteers in his favored exotic regalia and dubbed the colorful regiment the 1st New York Fire Zouaves in honor of their origin. Renamed the 11th New York, the regiment subsequently saw action at First Bull Run (Manassas). Following Ellsworths martyrdom, the state of New York authorized the organization of a new regiment, the Peoples Ellsworth Regiment. The regiment was to be an elite organization, composed entirely of unmarried men between the ages of 18 and 30. Each man was to be at least 5 feet, 8 inches tall and of good moral character; recruits were raised from each town or ward of the state, and each recruit had to personally contribute $20 to the regimental fund. Many of the regiments officers transferred over from the Fire Zouaves. At Little Round Top, fighting alongside the 20th Maine, the New Yorkers picked up 90 Rebel prisoners following the melee on the ledges. (A 91st prisoner fell before Captain Nathanial Husted, shot from behind by one of his fellow Confederates.) Another regimental captain, Lucius S. Larrabee, a former Fire Zouave, was himself fatally wounded in the fighting after having told two fellow officers that he had a premonition he would die that day. The commander of the 44th at Little Round Top, Colonel James C. Rice, was later promoted to brigadier general. Rice was fatally wounded 10 months later at the Battle of Spotsylvania. His last thoughts were of his old regiment. With his dying breath, Rice asked: Tell the 44th I am done fighting. Turn me over and let me die with my face to the enemy. Today, the memorial to the 44th New York stands at the southern end of Little Round Tops crest, the largest regimental monument at Gettysburg. [ Top | Cover Page ] W ith a vibe that ranges from hippy-dippy casual to coolly sophisticated, Ibiza has become the party island where Londoners want to buy a home. Year-round accessibility is key. BA has started flying from Stansted airport, where the White Isle is the number one destination on the board. This new service means the airline now operates up to seven flights a day from four London airports to Ibiza. Its a good indicator of how the Balearic Island has extended its season to become a serious contender to its sister, Majorca. There are flights every day of the year between Ibiza and London now, and that is a massive change for us, says Cathy Ouwehand of Savills. It has opened up new opportunities for the island. Club openings are getting earlier each year and stretching out for longer. Ibiza used to be abandoned in the winter but these flights, along with high-speed internet and good international schools, have made it much more liveable. From 309,000: resale flats at Cala Tarida, a small scheme on a family-favourite beach in the west of the island, including two-bedroom homes with a garden (Savills) SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE INCLUDING LEO DICAPRIO At only 21 miles by 12, Ibiza is one sixth the size of Majorca, but its charm lies in its great variety. The north is laid-back, while the south offers body-beautiful beach clubs. The youngest party crowd still head to clubs in San Antonio but walk around Ibiza Town on a summers evening and most striking are the restaurant tables filled with multi-generation family groups. The private jet terminal is being extended to cope with demand, marina berths in Ibiza Town are oversubscribed and you have probably already left it too late to get a Saturday night table at Lio, the coolest cabaret ticket in town where Hollywood A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio partied last summer. NEW BUILD IS HOT The Balearics in general and Ibiza in particular have seen property prices bounce back since the recession, outperforming the Spanish mainland and led by demand concentrated at the top of the market. New-build homes typically account for 30 per cent of the international market, Savills figures show, but are in short supply. Spanish developers and hoteliers OD Group launched The White Angel in 2012, with 67 off-plan flats and a communal pool plus full concierge service in Ibiza Town, all now completed and sold. This summer OD Group launched its next project, The White Angel Talamanca, five minutes drive east along the coast close to its new hotel, OD Talamanca. The White Angel Talamanca will have 54 three-bedroom flats in 10 low-level blocks, five minutes walk from the beach. The plot is full of pine trees and has views to Ibiza Old Town and across the Med to the island of Formentera. The flats are priced from 1 million to 1.5 million for 1,940 square feet. Some have roof terraces and private pools, many have sea views and all share two pools, a spa, gym, and kids play area. A full concierge service from the nearby hotel will make these easy lock up-and-leave homes for overseas buyers. Nowhere on Ibiza is more than 15 minutes from the sea, says Ouwehand of Savills, but most international interest still centres on Ibiza Town and the south coast. At ABC SOlivera due north of Ibiza Town Savills is selling 69 two- or three-bedroom flats from 180,000 to 308,000, of 721sq ft to 970sq ft. These have a communal pool and great views of Ibiza Town. Service charges are 85 a month and homes could achieve a monthly rent of 1,255 on a long-term contract. News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits. Tuesday, October 25, 4:30 7 p.m. Orr Area EMS Open House Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798. Orr Fire Hall 4540 Lake St., Orr Tuesday, October 25, 12 6 p.m. Essentia Health Job Fair Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org. 901 9th St. N., Virginia On the first day of March in 2011, I received a phone call from a reporter from a local paper to let me know that the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in King's Cross was going to open its doors to the public soon and he asked me if I could write a feature on this iconic building for his newspaper. I was in Mumbai when I picked up the call, travelling in an auto-rickshaw outside the Victoria Terminus now known as CST - a building that bore an uncanny resemblance to the one housing the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel except that it was made of sandstone whereas the one in London was made of bricks. I'd like to have been back in London to tour the building that had intrigued me for years whenever I visited the British Library. I didn't know the reason for it being left empty. The clock tower of this Victorian Gothic building actually dwarfed that of the recently-built British Library. It was Robert the Concierge who told me one day that the landmark building at King's Cross was going to be restored and would open as a 'Renaissance' hotel. It could take years of painstaking work, he said, to bring this building, which was originally built as the Midland Grand Hotel during the golden age of the railways, back to its former glory. The name King's Cross invoked images of a grungy part of London before the regeneration of the area started 20 years ago. An acquaintance of mine from Punjab liked to drop the possessive and called it King Cross. When I cycled through the back roads of King's Cross for the first time and saw the rusty giant gasholders, it was like drifting into an industrial wasteland. I shunned the area until the British Library moved to Euston Road from Great Russell Street in 1999 and I often visited one of its reading rooms. The first high-speed train arrived in 2007 when the Eurostar moved from Waterloo to St Pancras Station. In 2008 the Guardian newspaper moved its office from 119 Farringdon Road to a swanky new glass building in the area and King's Cross became the biggest transport hub in Europe. I often went to St Pancras station to meet a friend for coffee who commuted on a high-speed train to Kent; and I once attended the wedding of another friend in the Town Hall in Judd Street. I visited the Town Hall again when my son was born to get a birth certificate for him and sat with a registrar of births, a good-natured Bengali lady, in an office overlooking the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. When Robert broke the news of the new Renaissance Hotel to be opened in King's Cross, the landmark building in Midland Road looked somewhat spooky. Whenever I took a Eurostar train from St Pancras during the next few years, I found a lot of construction work going on around the building while it was being restored to open more than a century and a half after it was purpose-built as a hotel. I passed by the hotel many times after it opened, noticing a doorman in a bowler hat and waistcoat standing outside, but couldn't find an excuse to go inside. I found myself closer to the hotel while standing in the Arcade of St Pancras Station and caught sight of the enormous bronze statue known as The Lovers plus a gilded Dent clock. Sometimes someone would break into a tune on the piano in the Arcade, causing brisk walkers to come to a halt during their daily commute. I had wondered what the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel looked like from the inside until quite recently when I happened to meet its new GM, Anne Legrand, by chance in our hotel and she suggested that I pay a visit. I cycled through Camden as usual to get there and saw the futuristic new building of the Francis Crick Institute standing tall in Midland Road before I reached the British Library, which is hosting a Shakespeare in Ten Acts exhibition until September. I locked my bike in a rack outside the British Library and walked up the driveway of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to be welcomed by the doorman in his bowler hat and waistcoat. A white Rolls Royce parked in the forecourt had 'WISHS X' as its number plate. But walking into the lobby of the hotel was like travelling back in time. I was transported to an era when Queen Victoria was the Empress of India. There is a hall behind the Reception known as Booking Office, which has been turned into a bar and restaurant. Anne Legrand had very kindly asked one of her staff, Maria, to show me around. She took me through the Booking Office and through a door at the back that opened directly into St Pancras station where a Eurostar train was standing at the platform. It was surreal to see a high-speed train a marvel of modern engineering in front of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which was built when trains were powered by steam engines. My host also showed me the ladies' smoking room which must have caused a scandal during Victorian times when you couldn't even mention the word 'trousers' in front of a lady. George Gilbert Scott, son of a clergyman, had designed the Midland Grand Hotel like a cathedral. There are images of seven Christian virtues painted on the wall at the top of its spiralling staircase and when you lower your gaze from the landing it induces vertigo. I was shown a room named after Queen Victoria. It has a very high ceiling and one of the walls is painted in emerald green. It's a most spacious room, as befits a Queen. The St Pancras Hotel is aptly named 'Renaissance', since its opening has played a role in the rebirth of King's Cross. I can imagine guests arriving in the horse-drawn vehicles known as Hansom cabs when it was called the Midland Grand Hotel. Today travellers can enjoy afternoon tea in the Hansom Lounge of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It has two identical miniature statues of The Lovers on display in a Perspex box. Iqbal Ahmed London Marriott Regents Park 0044 7939 3428 00 Marriott EDINBURGH, Scotland and MCLEAN, Va. -- Hilton Hotels & Resorts today announced the official opening of Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, marking the 16th property in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands in Scotland and the eighth Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel in the country. More than four million tourists visit Edinburgh yearly1 and they can now be welcomed with Hilton's brand of hospitality in the heart of the city centre. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton showcases the rich history of Edinburgh and is within walking distance of myriad attractions, from the famous Royal Mile, which it overlooks, to the beautiful St. Giles' Cathedral. The hotel is owned and operated by Amaris Hospitality and is part of their 73-hotel portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Andreas Lackner, vice president, area brand management, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a chic hotel experience in a prime Edinburgh locale with its sleek design, top-notch amenities and all the benefits and high-quality service expected from Hilton Hotels & Resorts. We are delighted to be extending our footprint in Scotland and to welcome guests from all over the world, especially with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival taking place this month, attracting thousands of visitors." The hotel offers 211 stylish and spacious guest rooms, including junior suites and executive rooms, all designed with comfort and convenience in mind to provide a place to relax and unwind or to catch up on work. All rooms are equipped with a desk, 40-inch TV and modern bathroom. Guests staying in executive rooms can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks in the hotel's Executive Lounge throughout the day. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton also boasts a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, offering local produce and a classic dining menu, along with signature dishes and drinks for guests to sample. With seven dedicated meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is a superb venue for events and occasions. The main event room, the Highland Suite, offers panoramic views across the city and natural daylight with high arch windows and ceilings. The hotel also offers bespoke dining options for private events along with dedicated breakout spaces. John Brennan, CEO of Amaris Hospitality said, "The Carlton Hotel is an iconic Edinburgh institution and today's transition marks the completion of a 17 million complete refurbishment program that has transformed this unique and seminal hotel. With this significant investment and upgrade, Amaris Hospitality hopes to restore and transform this illustrious Grade B listed building for the enjoyment of our guests from around the world. We look forward to working in conjunction with our partners at Hilton Worldwide and seeing the Carlton return to its position as one of Edinburgh's preeminent hotels." Located less than 10 miles from Edinburgh Airport, and just a short stroll away from iconic attractions, guests can visit the many luxurious boutiques and array of restaurants and bars that Edinburgh has to offer. The hotel is also a half-mile from Edinburgh Castle and the lively Princes Street, along with some of the UK's top companies making it an ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton participates in Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide. In celebration of the hotel's opening, Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels will receive 5,000 bonus points for a three-night minimum stay (valid through October 31, 2016) along with instant benefits including an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital check-in. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is located at 19 Northbridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1SD, United Kingdom. For more information or to make reservations, please visit the hotel's website on Hilton.com or call +44 131 472 3000. Media may learn more about the hotel and download high-resolution images at news.hilton.com/carltonedinburgh. More information on recent and upcoming Hilton Hotels & Resorts openings is available at news.hilton.com/openings. About Amaris Hospitality Amaris Hospitality was established by Lone Star in July 2015 and brought together a unique portfolio of hotel properties, from four separate portfolios acquired by Lone Star over the last three years. Last year, Amaris Hospitality unveiled its plans to rebrand 23 hotels from its portfolio as part of a 100 million strategy and investment programme aimed at accelerating the growth and development of the Group's hotel portfolio. On completion of the programme, Amaris Hospitality's three key business divisions will comprise 73 hotels trading under eight leading hotel brands. Currently, the Group has over 13,000 rooms, employs over 5,400 people and its business divisions have combined sales totalling more than 400 million, making Amaris Hospitality one of the largest hotel owners and managers in the UK. 1 According to Invest In Edinburgh 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. Jacqueline Toppings Hilton Worldwide +1 703 883 5381 Hilton VILNIUS, Lithuania & MCLEAN, Va. -- Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) and Viciunai Group today announced the signing of a franchise agreement to bring the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Lithuania for the first time. Construction of DoubleTree by Hilton Vilnius City Center is to begin this year, in the heart of the Lithuanian capital. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said: "Having announced our first Lithuanian property just last month, we are pleased to be reaffirming our commitment to the market through this agreement with Viciunai Group to develop our first full service hotel in the country. International upscale brands account for less than 6% of hotel rooms in Vilnius so introducing DoubleTree by Hilton to the city will help the city cater for the growing number of business and leisure travellers seeking higher quality accommodation." The 175 guest room hotel forms part of a wider project, in to which Viciunai Group has invested over 20 million, which will also create new public spaces, designed to attract residents and visitors to the city. Alongside the hotel, a modern outdoor terrace will be built to connect the property to the Vilnius Energy and Technology Museum, which will also benefit from a modern new 1000 sqm exposition hall. "Viciunai Group is diversifying its portfolio with the construction of this development. The project's calling card is high quality accommodation at the very heart of Vilnius. Standard DoubleTree by Hilton guest rooms will be even more spacious than most of the business-class rooms currently offered in other leading hotels in the capital", - said Sarunas Matijosaitis, CEO of Viciunai Group. Set to open its doors in 2019, the hotel will also host a conference center and spa, swimming pool, a restaurant, and a rooftop Sky Bar overlooking Gediminas Castle, the Cathedral and the Old Town. Once the hotel is operational it will create approximately 100 new full time jobs in Vilnius. The new hotel, will be designed by architect Algirdas Kauspedas, and built by Viciunai Group-owned real estate development company, "Sunrise Kaunas" Having joined Hilton in announcing its first project in Vilnius at a press conference last month, the capital's mayor Remigijus Simasius Vilnius greeted the news. "I am very pleased that the negotiations with the Energy Museum on this project were successfully completed, and Viciunai Group has committed to invest in the new premises of the museum and a modern public space for residents, which we all are eagerly anticipating" - said R. Simasius. Dianna Vaughan, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said: "This hotel will be a fantastic addition to our portfolio in Eastern Europe which already boasts properties in Moscow, Warsaw and will soon include Minsk. We look forward to providing travellers to Vilnius with the welcoming comforts and hospitality common to all DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in." DoubleTree by Hilton Vilnius City Center will be located at Rinktines Street 2, LT-09312, Vilnius. 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. Huw Harrow Hilton Worldwide - EMEA Hilton It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home Here is the Chattanooga Business Calendar for Aug. 15-19: Tuesday Aug. 16 Ribbon Cutting for Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians 9:30-10 a.m. Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians: 6101 Enterprise Park Dr. Tuesday, Aug. 16 Red Bank Chamber Council Meeting 12-1 p.m. Red Bank Community Center: Tom Weathers Dr., behind Erlanger North Speaker: Elaine Harper, Red Bank High School Principal $10 Wednesday, Aug. 17, Ooltewah/Collegedale Chamber Council Meeting 9:15-10:30 a.m. Collegedale City Hall: 4910 Swinyar Dr. Speaker: Daniel Meyers Topic: The Future of Entrepreneurship in Chattanooga Free. Wednesday, Aug. 17 Hixson Chamber Council Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. North River Civic Center: 1009 Executive Dr. Speaker: Marty Dunagan, Martys Center $10 Thursday, Aug. 18 North Hamilton County Chamber Council Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Budweiser: 200 Shearer St. Speaker: Donna Van Natten $10 Thursday, Aug. 18 Small Business Orientation 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. TN Small Business Development Center: 100 Cherokee Blvd. Speakers: Josh Brown/Ivette Rios/Lynn Chesnutt, SBDC Small Business Advisor Free. Counselor discusses basic business planning including financial projections and legal entity. Registration required at tsbdc.org. Thursday, Aug. 18 Ribbon Cutting for Dr. Austin Roberts Family and Implant Dentistry 4-4:30 p.m. Dr. Austin Roberts Family and Implant: 6107 Ooltewah Georgetown Road Thursday, Aug. 18 Leadership Chattanooga Reception for New Class 5-7 p.m. 2 on the Roof, 313 Manufacturers Road Join us as we welcome the 2016-17 Leadership Chattanooga class. Sponsored by the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association, enjoy complimentary beverages and light hors douevres. LC grads and guests are welcome. RSVP to dscott@chattanoogachamber.com Thursday, Aug. 18 Business After Hours sponsored by The Peyton 5-7 p.m. Stratton Hall + The Peyton: 3146 Broad St. Business After Hours brings an average of more than 75 area business people together for networking and refreshments. Business After Hours in August is sponsored by Stratton Hall + The Peyton. RSVP for this free event here. Thursday, Aug. 18 Owner, Owner How Does Your Business Flow? 5:30-8:30 p.m. BrightBridge Womens Business Center: 535 Chestnut St. Effectively managing and operating a business, being more profitable, reducing business frustrations. Linda Murray Bullard, LSMB Business Solutions and BrightBridge Womens Business Center. Free. Reserve at 648.9251 or contact@brightbridgewbc.org Friday, Aug. 19 Ribbon Cutting for Main Street Climate Storage 10-10:30 a.m. Main Street Climate Storage: 1420 Carter St. Friday, Aug. 19 Ribbon Cutting for Weichert, Realtors - Yerbey Realty 2-2:30 p.m. Weichert, Realtors - Yerbey Realty: 3861 Hixson Pike Adidas will be rolling out 19 new colorways of the beloved NMD, including the NMD XR1 and two reflective pairs, next week. Additionally, theyll be releasing this very limited Red Apple NMD in honor of their new Brooklyn flagship store. As a tribute to the citys Big Apple moniker, the primeknit upper of the NMD is doused in an eye-catching red with hits of black strewn throughout as well as New York branding on the heel tab. Each pair of the $170 kicks will be tagged with a # 1-200. Unfortunately for the non-New Yorkers, this 200-pair run will only be available on August 15th via the Adidas Confirmed App for those located in the five boroughs. If youre one of the lucky winners, youll be invited to the new Adidas flagship store, located at 115 Spring Street in Brooklyn, to pick up your pair on August 17th when the doors officially open for business. And if you strike out, dont throw a fit because there are a TON of NMDs releasing shortly thereafter; check out the full list right here. Item #1 Brendan Dassey, one of the main subjects of Netflixs hit series Making A Murderer just had his conviction (a life sentence) overturned and is scheduled to be released. Dassey, now 27, was originally convicted of helping his uncle, Steven Avery, in the murder of Teresa Halbach but a federal judge has ruled that his constitutional rights were violated when he was grilled, without a parent or his lawyer present, at the age of 16. Federal U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin explained his decision: These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision to the contrary was an unreasonable application of clearly established federal law, Duffin wrote. According to TMZ, the judge added, Dasseys borderline to below average intellectual ability likely made him more susceptible to coercive pressures than a peer of higher intellect. Wisconsin prosecutors have 90 days to decide if they want to retry Dassey, but as of now it finally looks like hell get to enjoy SummerSlam and Wrestlemania like he always wanted. Season 2 of Making A Murderer is currently in the works. [Via] Item #1 After watching Marvel make a fortune by giving each of its extensive cast of superheroes their own movie, Lucasfilms is now doing the same with Star Wars. In addition to Episodes 7-9, they are producing a Han Solo spinoff currently scheduled for a May 2018 release. They are in the process of casting the film, and according to BirthMoviesDeath, their first choice for young Lando Calrissian is none other than Donald Glover. As you might recall, Billy Dee Williams aka Gale Sayers portrayed Calrissian in the first Star Wars trilogy. Calrissian was a former pilot and administrator of Cloud City who ultimately assisted the Rebel Alliance in their quest to overthrow Imperial Forces. Glover as Calrissian is far from a done deal, but intriguing to consider. His FX show Atlanta premieres on September 6th. Donald Glover G Herbo and Lil Bibby are two rappers at the forefront of the next Chicago wave. Theyve known each other forever, and theyre currently touring the country as a unit. Thursday night, their show at Toads Place in New Haven, Connecticut ended in acrimony, as a fight broke out in the crowd and quickly escalated into a full-out brawl. In the footage below, Bibby and Herbo can be seen standing among a small circle of people. Bibby hands his chain to an associate immediately before a physical altercation breaks out just feet away. Oh shit, bro. A fight!! exclaims the videographer. Calling the footage blurry would be generous, but it still offers a clear account of the incident. Watch it all go down below. G Herbo & Lil Bibby Though fans have had to watch another Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight release date come and go, Travi$ Scott did debut some new music on the inaugural episode of his .Wav radio show on Beats 1. He kicked off the show with a new BITTSM track, The Hooch, produced by Boi-1da. He went on to play his remix of Ushers No Limit as well as his and Kanyes remix of Alicia Keys Common. Also during the show, he revealed some of the artists who are set to appear on his upcoming album. The most surprising BITTSM guest whom Travis revealed today has got to be Kendrick Lamar. The styles of the two artists are completely different, though their collab will surely be one of the albums most anticipated tracks. Travis also said that his sophomore album will feature Kid Cudi, his longtime idol, burgeoning Oakland rapper Kamaiyah, and Cashmere Cat, the Norwegian producer who has worked with Kanye West, Miguel, A$AP Ferg, Tory Lanez, and more. During a conversation with guest Seth Rogen, the Rodeo rapper revealed that he gets his stage name from his favorite uncle (Travis) as well as the first name of his favorite artist, Kid Cudi (Scott). He also hyped up a free event that hes putting on with his .Wav co-host Chase B tonight in LA. The party will include an art installation from James Turrell, who inspired Drakes Hotline Bling, and it will supposedly mark the commencement of BIRD SZN. Travis Scott has been a busy man today. He dropped off a pack of new music including a new single, Hooch, his remix of Ushers No Limit, and his and Kanyes remix of Alicia Keys In Common on the inaugural episode of his new Beats 1 radio show, .Wav. And he also unveiled his new website. Go to TravisScott.com and youll be greeted by a rotating CGI image of an eagles head. There are four links on the homepage, one on each corner: Tour, Shop, Music, and Video. The Shop section is currently empty, though its likely that some new BITTSM merch is on the way. The Tour page shows a new list of concert dates, starting with his appearance yesterday (Aug. 11) at the Szgiet Festival in Budapest, Hungary. The next show is in Dublin, Ireland on the 22nd, and Travis then moves around the UK for five more shows before the month is up. He comes back stateside for a show in Vegas on Sept. 3, and then heads to Philly the next night. The final concert listed goes down in San Antonio on Oct. 27. It has just been revealed that Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight is due out on August 26, though keep in mind this is far from the first release date that La Flame has promised. When the album is out, more tour dates will likely follow. Travis is already back from Budapest, as he plans to host a free party in LA tonight that will include the video premieres of both Pick Up the Phone and 90210. Here is Travis Scotts current tour schedule: Aug. 11 | Budapest, Hungary | Szgiet Festival Aug. 22 | Dublin, Ireland | Academy Aug. 23 | Glasgow, UK | ABC Aug. 24 | London, UK | Shepherds Bush Empire Aug. 25 | London, UK | Shepherds Bush Empire Aug. 27 | Reading, UK | Reading Festival Aug. 28 | Leeds, UK | Leeds Festival Sep. 03 | Las Vegas, NV | Marquee Sep. 04 | Philadelphia, PA | Made In America Oct. 29 | San Antonio, TX | Mala Luna Music Festival Travis Scott You Want It Darker - great title! - is dropping during the autumn The 82-year-young Leonard Cohen has confirmed the fall thats autumn to you, squire release of the playfully titled You Want It Darker. The Canadians 14th studio album, its produced by his son and fellow musician Adam Cohen. Along with the title-track, youll be able to feast on Treaty, On the Level, Leaving The Table, If I Didnt Have Your Love, Traveling Light, Seemed The Better Way, Steer Your Way, and String Reprise/Treaty. We dont want to be greedy, but some Irish shows would be lovely too! This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The nation's first offshore wind farm is set to open off Rhode Island this fall, ushering in a new era in the U.S. for the industry. Developers, federal regulators and industry experts say the opening will move the U.S. industry from a theory to reality, paving the way for the construction of many more wind farms that will eventually provide power for many Americans. Deepwater Wind is building a five-turbine wind farm off Block Island, R.I., to power about 17,000 homes. The project costs about $300 million, according to the company. CEO Jeffrey Grybowski said the Block Island wind farm enables larger projects because it proves that wind farms can be built along the nation's coast. "I look at Block Island as sort of the key to unlocking the code of how to do offshore wind in the U.S.," he said. This comes as other states have "suddenly woken up" to offshore wind's potential, Grybowski added. Areas suitable for offshore wind farms have been identified off seven states and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has already awarded 11 commercial offshore wind energy leases for sites in the Atlantic Ocean. Developers have requested commercial wind leases for areas off California and Hawaii. And a lease sale is planned for 81,000 acres off New York for commercial wind energy this year. "There's a tremendous amount of activity and I think this will be viewed in history as the year that changed everything for the U.S. offshore wind industry," said Kit Kennedy, an energy and transportation expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Offshore wind farms are being proposed near population epicenters that lack the space to build on land. Abigail Ross Hopper, director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, said climate change is driving interest in offshore wind, and she expects to see more wind farms being built in about three to five years. Indeed, several states are pushing ambitious clean energy goals, which include offshore wind. Among them is California, which has a target of generating 50 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2030. Vermont hopes to hit 55 percent by next year, and Hawaii has called for 100 percent renewable power by 2045. Massachusetts decided to ramp up its reliance on renewable and alternative sources of energy under a bill signed into law just this week. The law, in part, requires utilities to solicit long-term contracts with offshore wind farm developers to bring at least 1,600 megawatts of wind energy, enough to power about 240,000 homes, to Massachusetts in the next decade. New York state recently committed to generating half its power from renewable sources by the year 2030. Many other states have set more modest goals. But offshore wind is not without its growing pains. Cape Wind would've built the nation's first offshore wind farm, had the 130-turbine project off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts not stalled. The company faced a series of legal challenges brought by project opponents, largely funded by billionaire businessman William Koch. Last month, a New York utility was set to approve a different Deepwater Wind project, this one a 15-turbine wind farm off eastern Long Island. But the vote was put on hold after officials said they wanted to wait until after the state's offshore wind master plan is released, sometime in the next several weeks. Deepwater Wind is looking to sell power for approximately 50,000 homes to the Long Island Power Authority. It's considered the first phase in the company's ambitions to eventually build turbines producing 1,000 megawatts of power in the waters between eastern Long Island, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Catherine Bowes, a climate and energy expert at the National Wildlife Federation, said it has been hard for some people to think about offshore wind as a real, viable option - until now. She sees the Block Island wind farm coming online as a "springboard" for the industry. "It's a shift from offshore wind being something that might happen in the future, to being a here and now clean energy opportunity," Bowes said. The Tow Truck Parade, celebrating 100 years of the commercial tow truck in Chattanooga where it all began, will be held through downtown on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m., which will be capped with a Christmas-themed Tow Trucks for Tots float. The 100-Year Tow Truck Parade will end at Ross's Landing, where a fireworks show sponsored by Ooltewah-based Miller Industries is planned. Chattanooga, the birthplace of the first commercial tow truck a Holmes wrecker built on a 1913 Cadillac will play a central role in the events to be a marked with celebrations at the annual Tennessee Tow Show Sept. 8-10 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Tow Trucks for Tots is a non profit effort organized by Worldwide Equipment Sales LLC of Rockdale, Ill., which each year cheers up thousands of girls and boys with a Christmas gift. Now in its eighth year, Tow Trucks for Tots attracts towing operators from as far away as Indiana, Missouri, Michigan Wisconsin and other adjoining states to Illinois for the annual event, which includes a 42-mile tow truck parade. Tow Trucks for Tots currently holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest tow truck parade. The 100-Year Tow Truck Parade will begin at the Convention Center and end at Ross's Landing, and is sponsored by truck manufacturer Jerr-Dan Corp., an Oshkosh Corporation headquartered in Hagerstown, Md. Tennessee Tow Show attendees and Chattanooga residents may donate to the toy collection, which will benefit Chattanooga-area girls and boys. New and unwrapped toy donations may be dropped off at the Tow Trucks for Tots tent at Ross's Landing on parade day or at the Worldwide Equipment Sales booth 1208 at the Tennessee Tow Show. The Tennessee Tow Show, entering its fifth year, is hosted by Tow Times magazine, the towing and recovery industry's leading publication. For more information on Tow Trucks for Truck, visit towtrucksfortots.com. Contact founder Pat Winer at Pwiner8304@aol.com or 815.725-4400. Visit TennesseeTowShow.com for more about the tow show. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Police are searching for a man suspected of robbing a check-cashing store earlier this year in northwest Houston. The heist occurred about 3:10 p.m. May 9 in the 5300 block of W. 34th Street, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said the man walked into the store pretending to be a customer but left. He returned a short time later with a pistol stuffed in his pants waistband and demanded money. He threatened to use the gun if the workers didn't follow his orders. When he was given an undisclosed amount of cash, the man left. The man is described only as wearing a blue baseball cap with the letters "TX" on it and a camouflage jacket. He had a goatee. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 and tip to CRIMES. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or charges being filed against him. All tipsters remain anonymous. Before the 2016 Legislative Session concluded in May, the General Assembly presented the governor with a balanced budget. The budget for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 2017), which runs July 1, 2016 June 30, 2017, was $27.2 billion, but after recent budget withholdings from the governor, the FY 2017 Budget is now $115.5 million lower than before, following the announcement of temporary cuts. The budget cuts will affect 131 programs and state agencies. Withholdings from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education include: $5 million, which comprises all of the allotted funding for the Foundation School Transportation increase. This program would have provided transportation for students across the state. $537,750, which would have been the total increase in the amount of Legislature-approved funding for the Parents as Teachers Program. $50,000, the total in approved funding for the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Pilot, was withheld. $1 million increase in funding for the Missouri Preschool Program was also witheld; and $100,000 of the approved $700,000 funding for an increase in active shooter trainings at our schools. The budget does include a $70 million increase for K-12 classrooms, and a more than $50 million increase for Missouris colleges and universities. Budget withholds from other departments include: All of the funding for the Department of Agricultures new program, Missouri Agriculture Product Promotion, was cut. All of the $1.63 million grant to the Department of Public Safety for county sheriffs to issue conceal and carry permits was withheld. The $1.5 million increase in funding for the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency disaster payments was also withheld. An increase of $200,000 to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program was cut. This program would have appointed a third-party to work with children who are involved in the court system through no fault of their own. The governor also withheld the $750,000 increase for a section of the highly successful drug court program in our state. The Department of Mental Healths $200 million increase in funding remains intact. Keep in mind, however, in previous years, the governor has cut funding at the beginning of a fiscal year and then restored the funding later, so some of these programs may see the return of some, or possibly all of their funding. Mike Cunningham is a Republican member of the Missouri State Senate, representing District 33. Contact him at 573-751-1882 or www.senate.mo.gov/cunningham Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Ooltewah Elementary School (OES) has been teaching German lessons to German and American children since the 2014-2015 school year. This year, in an attempt to integrate both cultures, they will also be implementing a German tradition for Kindergartens first full day of school. Each Kindergarten student will receive a Schultute (a school cone) on their first day with their entire class. In Germany students receive a very colorful cone full of school supplies and treats on their first day of school. The students carry this cone with them to a short ceremony and then to school. Picking out the perfect cone and exhibiting it around school is a very big event that new students look forward to each year. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Protecting Retirement Plan Fiduciaries (Including Your Boss) from Liability A variety of factors have contributed to the stunning rise in litigation against retirement plan fiduciaries. This problem for employer/plan sponsors is compounded by two other facts. First, ERISA imposes personal liability on plan fiduciaries. Second, many corporate officers, employees and even board members serve as ERISA fiduciaries. Some knowingly. Some not. As in many other areas of the law (and American society) the courts have rapidly expanded the remedies available to sympathetic plaintiffs and the possible claims against deep pocket defendants. For a fiduciary accused of breaching his or her duties under ERISA, the stakes are high. The federal courts have uniformly held that ERISA's fiduciary duty is "the highest duty known to the law." ERISA authorizes lawsuits against a plan fiduciary by plan participants, beneficiaries, the plan administrator, other plan fiduciaries, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Both civil and criminal penalties can apply. And it gets worse. ERISA Section 206(d) provides for the forfeiture of a participant's account balance or benefit by the amount the participant is required or ordered to pay to the plan in connection with a lawsuit relating to a breach of fiduciary duty, including pursuant to a settlement agreement. Did I mention that ERISA imposes personal liability on a fiduciary who breaches his/her duty? However, there are strategies to protect plan fiduciaries from potential liability. The surprising thing is how many employers/plan sponsors fail to take full advantage of these strategies. Human resources professionals should act to protect their officers, employees, board members and others who serve as ERISA fiduciaries. By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s). a released today has revealed New Zealands recruitment sore spots, identifying the areas which remain frustratingly hard-to-fill for HR professionals.According to figures from leading recruitment site SEEK, ICT was the top advertising industry across New Zealand, followed by trades & services then administration & office support.The most in-demand skills on SEEK for the ICT industry at present are developers/programmers, business/systems analysts, programme & project management and help desk & IT support, revealed general manager Janet Faulding.NZ companies are now tapping into the overseas markets to grow their businesses, plus investing in new technology and infrastructure to be competitive, and consequently they require ICT talent to help them thrive, she explained.In contrast, Faulding said demand had cooled for team leaders, hardware engineers, technical writers and computer operators.The online recruitment giant confirmed that 4.8 per cent more jobs were advertised on the site this July compared to 12 months ago with Auckland and Wellington job ads up by 5.4 per cent and 4.5 per cent respectively.Nationally, the employment index points to favourable conditions for job seekers as they face less competition for more positions. However, the same cant be said for Canterbury, which resolutely remains a hirers market.Job ads are down 12.6 per cent year on year and for each role advertised in the region, there is a higher than average number of candidates applying, creating more competition for job seekers but providing hirers with a larger pool of candidates to choose from.The Canterbury labour market has been subdued since March 2015, almost 18 months, said Faulding. The job market in this region was supported by the earthquake rebuild, however with that slowing weve seen low year on year job ad volumes. of New Zealands leading unions has praised Labours latest employment incentive but says the plan may need more work before its viable.The political party wants to wipe student debt for anyone taking up public service jobs in smaller centres Labour leader Andrew Little says the move would encourage people to move to regions which are struggling with job shortages and could even extend to the private sector.PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay said any scheme that helps students deal with debt is a good idea but said the union would have to see more detail before it gave its unqualified support."Over recent years, the government has moved to centralise the way public services are delivered - which has stripped regional offices to a skeleton staff, he said."Any scheme like this would need to be supported by a government commitment to maintain public service roles in the regions and to make sure those jobs are fulfilling and sustainable, he continued."If this proposal means Labour will retain public service jobs in the regions, we would welcome it."Barclay also said Labour would need to restrict the relocation scheme to jobs or regions where there are no local qualified workers available."Where there are hard to fill vacancies, Labours proposal could help revitalise our struggling regional towns and cities - and give tomorrows public service workers valuable experience." First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will host a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship this Sunday. All children will be invited to bring their backpacks to worship, where our pastors will lead the congregation in a special blessing for the beginning of the new school year. Educators (active or retired!) are also encouraged to attend, to receive a blessing on their good work with the entire community's children. If you parent a child, care for a child, are an educator, or care for an educator, you are encouraged to attend! Located at 650 McCallie Avenue, across from UTC, all are welcome at First Christian Church. Email Rev. Brandon Gilvin at brandon@firstchristian-chat.com or call 423-267-4506 for more information. The 1977 Disney classic Petes Dragon has been magically remade with Bryce Dallas Howard as the leading lady. In honour of the latest films release on Aug. 12, HuffPost Canada caught up with the 35-year-old star to talk about what the film means to her. Watch the video above to hear Howard discuss this beloved childhood film and what shes learned from her famous father, director Ron Howard. Hint: her dad has a lot to do with the reason she brought her kids to New Zealand to film the movie. Calgary Humane Society A Calgary cat breeder is facing multiple charges after 89 cats were removed from her home. Calgary Humane Society peace officers visited a home in the West Hillhurst neighbourhood on April 17, where they found 89 Maine Coon cats that were suffering from various medical issues. "It is uncommon to see such a volume of animals in a residential setting, even in a cattery. Over and above the environmental conditions, many of these cats were suffering from serious communicable disease," Brad Nichols, senior manager of animal cruelty investigations, said in a statement. Advertisement "It is important that fanciers of any species know their limits concerning space, time and finances. Potential legal consequences aside, there have already been serious, irreversible consequences to the cats and the home. On August 8, charges were laid against Ruth Sogz, 57, for allowing the animals to be in distress. Just days before the cats were seized from Sogz' home in April, she appeared on Global News promoting a Calgary cat show. About a third of the cats were treated and able to be adopted but 60 were so sick they had to be euthanized, The Edmonton Journal reported. Advertisement Also on HuffPost: Deep in the heart of the jungle, wild creatures show their spots in this imaginative pole act from #LUZIA #CirqueduSoleil A photo posted by Cirque du Soleil (@cirquedusoleil) on Jul 28, 2016 at 2:47pm PDT Ariel Skelley via Getty Images Close up of lettuce The Canadian government is urging grocery-goers to check the source of their produce after a recent outbreak of cyclospora was reported in four provinces. According to the CBC, 51 cases of the microscopic single-celled parasite have been documented in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta between the months of May and July. Advertisement The intestinal illness, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), is passed through human feces and can infect individuals if it comes in contact with food or water. The parasite is commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries including Peru, Cuba, India, Nepal, Mexico, Guatemala, Southeast Asia and Dominican Republic, according to PHAC. CBC notes that since washing the produce doesn't eliminate the parasite, the government recommends cooking produce from the countries where the parasite can be found. In the past, cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, pre-made salad mixes, berries and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Advertisement The Public Health Agency of Canada adds symptoms of the parasite include watery diarrhea, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, gas, fatigue and a loss of appetite. PHAC recommends washing fresh fruit and vegetables before eating them, cleaning counters and cutting boards and washing hands regularly to reduce the risk of infection from foodborne illnesses. When you're shopping, keep raw food away from other types of food, check the "best before" date and when cooking, use soapy water to clean kitchen tools and cutting boards that have been in contact with food. Advertisement And lastly, always refrigerate perishable food/dishes within two hours of cooking and consume leftover meals within four days. Around the same time last year, 92 cases of cyclospora were investigated across Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported two people were hospitalized as a result. People travelling in tropical or subtropical regions, older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems are at the most risk, the agency adds, but most people recover fully after several weeks of taking antibiotics. ALSO ON HUFFPOST: The Little Brown Church, at 3209 Spring Ave. on Signal Mountain, will host a Community Hymn Sing Saturday, Aug. 20, from 6-8 p.m. The community is invited to bring a hymnal and sing along. There will be a guest appearance by the Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band as well. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 423-664-3280 or email mhcrna@aol.com. Brendan McDermid / Reuters Canadian singer Michael Buble poses for a portrait while promoting his new album 'Michael Buble: To Be Loved' in New York April 25, 2013. Picture taken April 25, 2013. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) Michael Buble knows the struggle is real when it comes to work-life balance, especially since he's a father to two boys: two-year-old Noah and seven-month-old Elias. But when the Canadian crooner discussed the topic in a recent interview with People, one of his statements struck a nerve with parents. When speaking about how he and his wife Luisana Lopilato help support each other, the 40-year-old declared that he babysits his kids while the Argentine actress is away filming. Advertisement I'll fly back, and for the three weeks that she's making a movie, I'm the babysitter, I'm Mr. Mom or whatever you call it, he said. So it allows us both to be fulfilled within our professional lives, but at the same time, we feel like we haven't lost control of the balance. We built a tent made of bed sheets and camped outside our house today !! This is my idea of roughing it !!! #naptime #therevenant #home A photo posted by Michael Buble (@michaelbuble) on Jun 21, 2016 at 3:51pm PDT At the end of the day, what defines us is the fact that we are parents, the dad-of-two continued, that were brothers and sisters and mom and dads and sons and daughtersnot what we do. While we're guessing Buble wasnt trying to stir controversy, his statement did not sit well with some of his fans. A few quickly took to Twitter to set Buble straight. Advertisement We're pretty sure the word is 'parenting' : "Ill fly back, and for 3 weeks Im the babysitter. Im Mr Mom or... https://t.co/ifxyWQPGXF Nurse Purse (@Thenursepurse) August 12, 2016 It's not called BABYSITTING when it's your own fucking kid. https://t.co/iTyCarg37L Rhinny (@rhinnyw) August 12, 2016 Really @michaelbuble you babysit your own kid? What is it called when your wife does it? #sexismhttps://t.co/4tVnck9vvG via @pagesix Tara Zed (@streetsaheadliv) August 12, 2016 Calling dads babysitters has been a touchy topic among parents because it perpetuates the gender stereotype that moms do the parenting, while dads just help out. Back in April, a T-shirt reading Dads dont babysit. (Its called parenting) made the rounds on Reddit and started a healthy discussion around the sexist stereotype. Advertisement One Redditor perfectly summed up the negativity of the babysitting statement, saying: It's a mentality (whether intentional or not) that diminishes the role fathers play in the lives of their kids. They're not seen as an equal in parenting, they're the babysitter who only steps in occasionally when mom needs a break or something. ALSO ON HUFFPOST: World, meet your newest superwoman: 19-year-old Reshma Banoo Qureshi. Qureshi was 17-years-old when her brother-in-law attacked her with acid, disfiguring her face and body. She even lost one of her eyes. But despite all of this, Qureshi has refused to hide behind closed doors. A photo posted by Make Love Not Scars (@makelovenotscars) on Oct 5, 2015 at 4:56am PDT Advertisement The Indian-born icon began working with Make Love Not Scars (MLNS), an NGO focused on providing acid attack victims with the "opportunity to regain their life on their own terms through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration." And soon, Qureshi will be walking in New York Fashion Week as the official face of MLNS. "It has been a journey of discovery that led us to Make Love Not Scars, the most recognized entity supporting survivors of acid attacks in India," Ilaria Niccolini, producer of New York-based FTL Moda, who will help organize the show, said in a statement. "We want to give voice to these amazing women, who have been silently suffering, hiding, and too often depriving themselves of the opportunity to declare how beastly, and cruelly they have been attacked." And Qureshi, who has never left India, appears to be equally excited about the opportunity. Tears filled her eyes when she learned she would be taking part in one of the biggest fashion events in the world. Advertisement "Today I realize that beauty is not just about how we look in the mirror," Quershi shared with the Hindustan Times, HuffPost Style U.K. reported. "Its more important to have a beautiful heart." Qureshi is definitely not a victim of her circumstances. She's a survivor. Follow Huffington Post Canada Style on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Also on HuffPost By Si Si Penaloza August 25 marks 100 years of America's National Park Service. With this auspicious centennial upon us, it's the summer to celebrate outdoor adventure. What better way to usher in the second century of America's National Parks than by getting fit with your pet at your side? Of course, we can't really celebrate much of anything without our fur mates getting in on the action. We've outlined many of the legendary, pet-friendly trails below, where you can spend quality time with your best friend safely. The upcoming centennial inspired us to compile a "greatest hits" list of America's most dog-friendly national parks, enjoy! Acadia National Park Advertisement Acadia wins major points for the sheer spectacle of its geographical bounty and beauty. It is the grand peacock of the national park collection. A dog-friendly national park on the coast of Maine, it's an absolute gem of unraveling inlets. Acadia welcomes dogs on all 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads in the park -- with the exception of a handful of trails that require iron rungs or ladders. One simple dog-friendly rule for Acadia's dog-friendly areas includes using a leash that's no more than six feet long. Our favourite Acadia camping spots that welcomes dogs? We can't get enough of the Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds, and the off-leash area adjacent to the park at Little Long Pond. Great Sand Dunes National Park Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado wins the Oscar for most cinematic splendor. These are the tallest dunes in North America, set within a spellbinding matrix of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests. Think pristine alpine lakes and rolling tundra. Your sporting dog will be in heaven. If you head there in the summer, the sand can get blazing hot, so outfitting Fido with booties to protect sensitive paws is the responsible thing to do. Take a brisk splash in Medano Creek to cool off! Grand Canyon National Park Advertisement The grandfather of them all, the Grand Canyon is very welcoming to pets. Next time you're in northern Arizona, save a day for you and your pup to enjoy all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail trail at the Grand Canyon. Pets are not permitted below the rim of the Grand Canyon as safety is a major concern; pets must be leashed and restrained at all times. You'll traverse the edge of the canyon, but be mindful that the high elevation and dry climate quickly dehydrates the body. No matter how casual the stroll, bring at least a litre of drinking water and a travel bowl for pooch. Cuyahoga Valley National Park There's no better companion in the great outdoors than your trusty four-legged sidekick. A more recent addition to the U.S. national park collection, the dog-friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland, Ohio was designated in 2000. The lush forests and rolling meadows are simply sublime. For the best Instagram opportunities, head for Bradford Reservation. This five-mile trail crosses the Tinkers Creek Gorge, Ohio's most impressive canyon, known for its hemlock forests. Alternatively, follow the scenic Cuyahoga River, where dogs are welcome to join you on all of the 125 miles of trails through woodlands and wetlands. Mammoth Cave National Park Sure, cave and grotto junkies make pilgrimages to this national park for the main attraction of 336 miles of underground passages. Trust us, there's such a wow factor to seeing so much geological eye candy in one park. Resist counting Fido out; over 70 miles of pet friendly trails puts Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park firmly on our dog-friendly national park radar. With the exception of designated service animals, dogs aren't allowed in the caves; however, pooches love the park's above-ground hiking trails and woodland cottages. If you're up for a longer trek, the North Side Trails provides dramatic waterfalls and cuts through one of the last remaining old growth forests in the region. Advertisement North Cascades National Park North Cascades is truly a national treasure. This park is a real calorie burner to boot! While pets are not permitted throughout most of this park, they are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the park's most physically demanding and spectacularly rewarding scenic routes. The Pacific Crest Trail is indeed epic, stretching all the way down to Southern California. This sprawl inspires many sporty pet parents to take Scout on a soulful overnight backpacking trip. Shenandoah National Park Oh hello Shenandoah! Skyline Drive may be the most photographed vantage point at this dog-friendly national park in Virginia, but with Fido along you'll definitely want to pull over and go for a adrenaline spiking hike. Peaceful wilderness and hypnotic waterfalls will thrill your pup - it's a great day trip, just 75 miles from Washington, DC. A majority of the Shenandoah trails are great for dogs of all sizes; of the more than 500 miles of trails in the park, only 20 miles are off limits to dogs because they feature challenging rock climbs or have tricky passages. Yosemite National Park Advertisement Yosemite may seem like the strictest park of the bunch, but such no-nonsense regulations protect both pets and wildlife from disease and each other. The Wawona Meadow Loop is the only trail at Yosemite National Park to welcome dogs, but pups are permitted on the park's many roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. Leashed pets can bunk down with you at all of Yosemite's campgrounds, with the exception of walk-in and group camps. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: CP There was some welcome news on the West Coast this week. On Monday in Vancouver, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, officially reopened the coast guard's Kitsilano Station. It was the ceremonial completion of a promise the Liberal government fulfilled last May, when it reversed the former Harper government's decision to close the station in the heart of Vancouver, Canada's busiest harbour. Advertisement In the three months since, the station has made 100 rescues and 13 environmental calls, more than proving Kitsilano's worth to the country's well-being. LeBlanc also announced more than $23 million in upgrades to the station, including expanded emergency environmental response, emergency response training for coastal residents and an incident command post. With $187 billion worth of goods being shipped through the Vancouver harbour, the decision to close the station was always foolhardy. Any harbour that busy needs a coast guard station to ensure the safe movement of all that commerce, especially with so many pleasure craft plying those same waters to take advantage of British Columbia's beautiful coastline. The oil spill in English Bay last year showed how important it is to ensure fast action in environmental emergencies. But while the reopening of Kitsliano is a clear signal that the Liberals are interested in marine safety on the west coast, they have so far missed one vital piece: re-opening the Comox Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre. Advertisement Their loss has left a void of vital local knowledge and experience. The Comox centre on Vancouver Island closed last May, despite more than 15,000 signatures on a petition to keep it open and concerns raised by Unifor Local 2182 and even managers in the coast guard about safety. Technical issues still exist with new equipment now being used, and detecting calls for help has become more difficult. More than 200 years of coast guard communications officers experience was lost when Comox closed, and cannot be replaced. The Comox Centre had the most stable and experienced officers on the west coast. Their loss has left a void of vital local knowledge and experience. This is what it has come to: the US Coast Guard has detected calls for help in Canadian waters that normally the Canadian Coast Guard would have detected. This rarely happened under the old system, and should never happen. The Comox location provided an emergency back-up for Victoria and Prince Rupert MCTS centres. It was the only centre located outside the tsunami hazard zone and was built to post-disaster standards. As such, it was a vital piece of the puzzle needed to keep both commercial and pleasure craft safe in the waters off British Columbia, and its loss undoubtedly makes the area less safe and more vulnerable to environmental disaster. Advertisement At times, radio transmissions received in Victoria and Prince Rupert are impossible to understand. Have a listen for yourself, and see if you can understand what this recording of a transmission is trying to say. Now, imagine if you were on the ocean, in distress and your life depended on it. By monitoring traffic, MCTS centres are the first line of defense for mariners in distress or when an ecological disaster strikes. And yet, over the last two years, nine of the 22 MCTS Centres have been closed without consulting industry, mariners, the public, or the union. This is inexcusable, and puts our mariners and our environment at risk. The reopening of Kitsilano is a good start to ensuring the safety of Canada's west coast, but only a start. There is much more that needs to be done to repair the broken links in our vital coast guard network. Our safety and our environment depend on it. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Brandon College and Clark Hall buildings. (Photo: Abbeywood/WikiMedia Commons/CC 3.0) Brandon University student Catherine Dubois does not allow herself to be bullied. Nor is this business administration student one to give up easily when adversity continues year after year. Last week, Catherine and two other students, Kyle Coffey and Silas Lee, filed a court application against the Brandon University Student Union (BUSU). Asserting their free speech rights on campus, Catherine, Kyle and Silas are leaders of Brandon University Students for Life, a student club which BUSU has banned from campus. BUSU's hostility towards the expression of pro-life opinion dates back to August of 2012, when BUSU claimed that the topic of abortion was already being "addressed" by the Brandon University Women's Collective. This is like banning the campus NDP club by stating that politics is already being "addressed" by the campus Conservative club. Advertisement To designate one individual student club (e.g. the Women's Collective) as the only official spokesperson on a topic (e.g. abortion) effectively kills debate. Sadly, this student union does not understand the very purpose of the university: to facilitate frank discussion and vigorous debate on controversial issues. Brandon University should be a safe space for diversity of opinion. BUSU claims that the pro-life message makes some students feel "uncomfortable." After banning Students for Life from campus for the duration of the 2012-13 school year, BUSU finally changed its mind in September 2013, in response to a legal warning letter. Since then, the campus club has organized several events and activities on campus to generate debate and discussion about euthanasia, abortion, suicide and other issues. But Students for Life were not able to enjoy their campus free speech for long. BUSU revoked the club status of Students for Life in November 2015, without informing the club of its intentions to do so, and without providing any opportunity for the club to defend itself against the proposed revocation. The removal of student group recognition means that Students for Life can no longer book meeting rooms from either BUSU or Brandon University for clubs days and events, unless the club pays booking fees that no other campus clubs are required to pay. Students for Life are precluded from effectively engaging students during student clubs days, in which recognized clubs are permitted to set up tables in the Mingling Area to engage with fellow students. The club cannot apply for event reimbursement from BUSU or access other BUSU services. Nevertheless, Catherine and her fellow club members must still pay mandatory fees to BUSU. Advertisement There's no need to read any dystopian novels in English Literature class; all you have to do is start up a socially conservative campus club and you can experience the real thing. The student union is now being sued because it continues to insist on banning the peaceful expression of pro-life opinion at Brandon University. BUSU claims that the pro-life message makes some students feel "uncomfortable." This is probably true, but so what? What's a university for, if not to challenge conventional thinking and encourage people to question their assumptions? Without discomfort, there can be no intellectual growth. Rather than respecting students as having strong minds that can think through difficult issues and weigh the merits of competing arguments, the student union treats its members as young children who must be protected from unconventional opinions. As Catherine explains it: "We feel marginalized, censored and discriminated against by BUSU simply because we want to host events, share our views, and have discussions about life and death issues such as abortion and physician-assisted suicide." But of course it doesn't have to be this way. BUSU has graciously stated that Students for Life can have its club status back if only the members would "change their views." As a gesture of their willingness to tolerate Students for Life, BUSU has even offered to help members of the club to change their pro-life views once they are ready to embrace the campus-approved views. Advertisement At Brandon University, there's no need to read any dystopian novels in English Literature class; all you have to do is start up a socially conservative campus club and you can experience the real thing. Calgary lawyer John Carpay is president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (www.jccf.ca), which acts on behalf of Students for Life in this court application. This column previously ran in the Brandon Sun, August 6, 2016. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: Dan Barnes via Getty Images Expansive aerial view of a pit mining project in Alberta's Oilsands near Fort McMurray. On June 8, in a rocky, arid and remote corner of Western Australia, a copper-gold mine owned by Sandfire Resources, a mid-tier firm, witnessed the commissioning of an adjacent 34,080-panel photovoltaic (PV) solar installation. It was a milestone: With Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) financing, the DeGrussa mine uses one of the world's largest off-grid solar PV systems and one of its biggest solar plants providing peak power load to a mining operation. In Queensland, in another isolated spot 2,000 miles away, Rio Tinto pursued a different angle: Along with Arizona-based First Solar and help from ARENA, the Anglo-Australian multinational outfitted a bauxite mine with an 18,000-panel PV farm. While conserving 600,000 liters of fuel annually, it also shares electricity with a nearby township -- a first for both industries. Advertisement Mining and clean energy don't share obvious common ground. Take centuries of environmental devastation -- add coal -- and mineral extraction has a dirty reputation. Indeed, profit-driven boardrooms seldom prioritize climate change considerations. But with an estimated $13.5 trillion needed for commitments made at COP21, the global mining sector, which consumes 38 per cent of industrial energy, offers unique opportunities to reduce carbon emissions -- while addressing energy insecurity -- writ-large. Motivations aside, the collapse of the emerging market commodities boom of the 2000s has miners scrambling to reinvent themselves - and since 2010, clean energy is recognized for its multi-billion dollar savings potential. In all, Navigant, a consultancy, estimates alternative energy use by the mining industry will surge to 8 per cent -- or $3.9 billion -- by 2022 - up from 1.8 percent today. And while no mine is 100 percent renewable, battery storage breakthroughs -- accompanied by solar PV costs having plunged 80 percent since 2008 -- mean a fossil fuel-free future is all but imminent. The subsector has flourished most in Chile, home to the world's leading copper industry, where, in recent years, costs and logistics have rendered coal-fired plants, gas pipelines and diesel trucks incompatible with some of the planet's most extreme geographies. Advertisement At its Gabriela Mistral mine in the Atacama Desert, for instance, Codelco has a project generating 51,800 thermal megawatt Hours (TMh) annually, offsetting the need to truck 67,000 barrels of diesel to one of the planet's highest elevations. Similar projects abound. Next year, a 110-MW concentrated solar power (CSP) plant will supply power to an Antofagasta Minerals complex, also in the Atacama. One of the world's largest CSP plants, it will use thermal molten salts for storage. In fact, while frequently overlooked outside the country, Chile's miners have been key in sparking an alternative energy ripple effect nationwide: Now, 18,000 megawatts are in the works - alongside government plans to boost the overall renewable energy mix to 70 percent by 2050. Africa, replete with wind and solar resources, offers other compelling scenarios: During the boom, that is, an exhaustion of existing ore bodies catapulted supplies, equipment and people to far-flung places with few, if any, roads or infrastructure. This means that, as the subsector for mining and clean energy grows, some 80 per cent of new African mines will be at least partially clean energy-dependent by 2026, according to the International Finance Corp. (IFC). This casts a light on South Africa, the continent's top mining nation. In isolated Limpopo Province, Germany's Cronimet Mining-Power Solutions set up a 1.6 Mw solar mini grid to meet 60 percent of its needs, while saving 450,000 liters of diesel. The Rocky Mountain Institute-Carbon War Room's Sunshine for Mines initiative, partly founded by Sir Richard Branson to promote 15 per cent alternative energy use industry-wide by 2025, meanwhile, helped the Johannesburg-based Gold Fields for a 40 Mw solar project at its South Deep asset, one of the world's largest gold mines. Subarctic Northwest Canada is feeling the winds of change, too. In 2013, Rio Tinto installed four massive wind turbines at its Diavik diamond mine to conserve $5 million needed annually to ply diesel trucks across ice-covered roads stretching more than 340 miles. In 2014, Swiss-based commodities giant Glencore installed a 3-Mw turbine at its Raglan nickel mine in the northern Quebec tundra; this year, a micro grid will be installed onsite, including a lithium-ion battery and hydrogen station system. Advertisement But it's Rio Tinto's Weipa bauxite project, the only mining operation to share power with a local community, which offers the most intriguing precedent -- to expand renewable energy across a planet where 1.2 billion struggle without electricity. Last year, moreover, the World Bank issued a report calling for mines to serve as "anchors" for power distribution in Africa, where energy poverty afflicts some 600 million people. Despite a slow start, the U.S. government seeks to double energy access in sub-Saharan Africa through renewables and other energy sources with new connections to 60 million households and businesses; since 2013, the global public private-sector initiative has raised $43 billion. Other movement is afoot. In April, the Rockefeller Foundation launched its own decentralized anchor network encompassing telecommunications towers to provide clean energy to 1,000 villages in rural India by 2017. Back in Chile, meanwhile, a 1,900-mile transmission line is being constructed to expand the power distribution system by connecting renewable energy from its mines to the national grid. The international climate change agenda is one of trillion-dollar promises and progress alike -- yet apart from high-profile signatures and sprawling frameworks, its newness leaves businesses, governments and investors in need of a definitive core. On the other hand, our planet's 2,200 mechanized mines -- many with life cycles surpassing 50 years -- are steadfast and elemental to the world around us. To counter the existential threat facing our planet, while lifting millions from energy poverty, the potential of these sprawling mines to become clean energy resources cannot be underestimated. Advertisement Joseph Kirschke is a consultant who advises mining companies on sustainability and renewable energy and a former editor at Mining Media International, a Jacksonville-based publishing house franckreporter via Getty Images http://blogtoscano.altervista.org/tee.jpg This time last year, young Canadians embarked on a journey of change that saw them shatter the stereotypical label of apathy and cynicism. As young people headed to the polls in record numbers, the weight of their decision felt heavy as they cast their ballots. The cry of a generation was heard loud and clear. It was clear that Canadian youth wanted to be listened to, and more importantly, they wanted to be given the opportunity to act as agents of change in their lives, and equal partners in their nation. On July 19th, Prime Minister Trudeau delivered on his campaign promise by officially launching the Prime Minister's Youth Council. Since the launch, there has been an astounding response from young Canadians from all corners of our country. Thousands of people have put up their hands, wanting to be active participants in our government, and more continue to do so every day. Advertisement This presents a challenge: how can we effectively engage with everyone that wants to contribute and serve their communities? It is also an opportunity that is welcome, and long overdue: how can government incorporate youth participation in policy development, engagement, and in the design of its services in a meaningful and authentic way? Effectively -- creating a government for the 21st century. This is the challenge of our generation. I am living proof that investing in young Canadians is investing in the future of our country. As a new father, and someone who has worked both with and alongside young Canadians for the majority of my life, not only do I appreciate, but I fully support the prime minister and this government's interest in meeting these challenges, including providing youth with greater opportunities, as well as giving them a more powerful voice within the walls of government. This appreciation stems primarily from my personal experiences. Having grown up in a single-parent household, I developed a keen understanding of the importance of social investments made by various levels of government in those most vulnerable. I, to this day, continue to be grateful for those investments made into making post-secondary education more affordable, which allowed me to be the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, to providing support to struggling families, and to making quality investments in health care that serves all Canadians. The latter of these important programs saved my life twice, most recently at the age of 29, when I was diagnosed with cancer. To be able to share these experiences with Canada's top decision makers, I believe, would not only have been of great value to me but also useful to those very decision makers. I am living proof that investing in young Canadians is investing in the future of our country. Advertisement My story is not unique. Indeed, the positive result of these long-term investments in our collective future is that today's young Canadians are part of the most educated and connected generation of youth the world has ever seen. They are also the world's first digitally native generation. Even so, they still face challenges. They face more challenges entering the labour market; many live the idea of a stable career and job security vicariously through their parents. Many will marry later, face higher living costs, and require more credentials to get a job. The rules of climbing the career ladder have changed, many weighed down by high student debt and an unforeseen retirement with troubling pensions. In fact, the ladder has disappeared for many. Young people are looking for genuine opportunities to learn, contribute and to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Government plays a role in addressing these issues and in the instances of student debt and pension plans, our government has stepped up by making loans not repayable until recipients earn at least $25,000 a year. In a historic moment, our Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau worked with his provincial counterparts to deliver CPP changes that will affect generations to come. In other areas, youth, for the most part, have made strides in recovering from the recession. However, today's youth do not represent a homogenous group or entity; they are not simply a special interest group. They are tied by some shared values and experiences -- as is any generation -- but digging deeper into particular demographics, and the policy challenges vary. The government must continue to deliver help and relief to those that need it the most. Today is a special day: International Youth Day. Young people are looking for genuine opportunities to learn, contribute and to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Impressions about this cohort fuelled by generalizations, such as "a sense of entitlement", assuming social media equals engaging youth, are concepts that are just not true. Together we must work to change this narrative. Imagine for an instant if we began generalizing generations based on one simple interaction? My experience talking to young people and those who work with them says otherwise, and as responsible decision makers, we must shift our focus to building the capacity of, and opening doors for them to grow and prosper. Advertisement As we celebrate International Youth Day, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the leadership and abilities of all young people who inspire and have taken action. The challenges that we face as a society, and particularly as a government, are not issues that will be solved in one or two terms but challenges that we must continually strive to address. So today, please take the opportunity to think of an impressive young person you have come across recently. Is it your colleague, your neighbour, or a friend? As the prime minster has said so many times before, youth are not the leaders of tomorrow but today. So go ahead and share your story of #leaderstoday. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Plan International Canada's Youth Advisory Council in the summer of 2015. Shrida Sahadevan pictured fourth from right (Photo: Plan International Canada). Tomorrow's leaders - but also today's Many people acknowledge youth to be the leaders of tomorrow and understand that we are the voices of the future; however, this International Youth Day (August 12), the world must recognize that youth leadership is also key to tackling the biggest issues facing the world today. Youth leaders are gradually being incorporated into various decision-making bodies. Advertisement Incorporating the voices of youth leaders will help to ensure that we are planning an inclusive, sustainable future for our country. Just a few weeks ago, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of the Prime Minister's Youth Council, which will be comprised of 30 youth who will "provide non-partisan advice to the prime minister on national issues such as employment, access to education, building stronger communities as well as climate change and clean growth." This is a stark contrast to many other places in the world, where youth are denied even the most basic necessities, let alone a say in the leadership of their community or nation. The formation of this council demonstrates the shift in thinking towards incorporating youth leadership, and the understanding that youth are uniquely situated to provide valuable insights on issues that Canada faces at a national level. As a young leader with experience on a youth council, I can appreciate the unique opportunity this will provide, not just for the youth participating, but also the beneficiaries of their perspectives and leadership -- namely, Canadian citizens. Incorporating the voices of youth leaders will help to ensure that we are planning an inclusive, sustainable future for our country. Advertisement Unique perspectives for the problems we face Through my experiences as a member of the Plan International Canada's Youth Advisory Council, I have encountered and worked with many types of youth leaders. We all have different reasons and drives for why we do what we do, but we are united by our passion for changing the world for the better. In my time on the Youth Advisory Council, I have learned that youth are uniquely positioned to address the big issues that dominate our world. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a plan for tackling these big issues, providing a list of 17 international development goals for the next 15 years. Goal #5 is of particular interest to me, and speaks to the global need to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. Making this goal a reality will require the eventual participation of everyone, regardless of age or gender. However, the impact of not achieving this goal will disproportionately affect young people because girls are the ones subjected to some of the worst inequalities (including lack of access to sanitation, education and health resources). Simply put, my generation will bear witness to the long term effects of inaction on the global development priorities outlined by the SDGs -- so we should have a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions that will affect our futures. Advertisement Members of Plan International Peru's first National Meeting of Child and Youth Advisory Councils (Photo: Plan International/ Adrian Benites). Becoming a youth leader Being on Plan International Canada's Youth Advisory Council has allowed me to express my opinions, and bring my ideas to fruition. I have been able to advocate for gender equality, and to inspire new conversations among youth on international development issues that impact young lives worldwide. I first became interested in international development when I began to understand the differences in rights and living conditions between Canada and my parents' home country. I believe a vital key to successfully becoming a youth leader is not to let fear -- of rejection, judgment, or ridicule -- drive our actions. As a second-generation Canadian, I have close relatives who have been subjected to inequality in their access to education, health and rights as a result of their gender. This revelation motivated me to truly understand the reality of gender inequality both internationally and domestically, and subsequently to educate others on this topic. To raise awareness of these issues, I have participated in several advocacy initiatives, including assisting with the development of Plan International Canada's youth advocacy resources, which support youth who aspire to create their own advocacy movements. I have also given a seminar at my university, raising awareness of the negative impact of gender inequality not only on girls and women, but also on boys and men. Advertisement Advice for Canada's new Youth Council I believe a vital key to successfully becoming a youth leader is not to let fear -- of rejection, judgment, or ridicule -- drive our actions. We must not let our voices be silenced for fear of how our opinions might be received by adults who are more experienced and more confident in their opinions. For youth who are just starting to become confident in their ideas, the fear of not being accepted can shape our actions and motivations. In my experience, once I gained confidence in the possibility of my ideas being a vehicle for addressing important issues, I was able to fully embrace my position as a leader and an advocate for change. I believe that youth are uniquely able to address the issues that face our world and future. International Youth Day celebrates the accomplishments of current youth leaders, but should also encourage future youth leaders to raise their voices to support and inspire others, and encourage positive change. Shrida Sahadevan (BSc (Hon) '15) is a recent MSc in Rehabilitation Science graduate and holds a BSc Honors in Neuroscience degree from the University of Alberta, Canada. Shrida has been involved with Plan International Canada since 2013, as a member of the Girls Speaker's Bureau, Youth Journalist Program and as a member on the Youth Advisory Council. An avid volunteer since the age of thirteen, she has immense passion for issues concerning health, education and gender inequality, at both domestic and international levels. In her spare time, she loves exploring her creative side through writing, dancing, reading and appreciating the arts. TanawatPontchour via Getty Images Industrial pollution nature disaster concept, double exposure. While the scientific community has increasingly implicated human actions -- especially greenhouse gas emissions -- for the industrial epoch warming, the skeptics have continued to denigrate the numerical models (GCMs) and complain that the data is biased. A typical skeptic explanation adorns a "Friends of Science" billboard: "The sun is the main driver of climate change. Not you. Not CO2." thus exhorting us to believe that global warming is simply a (solar-induced) giant natural fluctuation (GNF). Up until now, skeptics have only invoked GNFs: they have refrained from proposing concrete GNF models, making their position difficult to criticize. All this changed last November thanks to the publication of a sample of 1,000 series from a "trendless statistical model, which was fit to a series of global temperatures" by British statistician and skeptic Doug Keenan. Advertisement Following Keenan's 2014 presentation to the British House of Lords, the model outputs were proffered as part of a statistical brainteaser with a $100,000 prize, purportedly demonstrating "... that virtually all claims to have drawn statistical inferences from climatic data are untenable. In particular, there is no demonstrated observational evidence for significant global warming." Now, in Geophysical Research Letters (July, 2016), our research group at McGill University has published a detailed analysis of Keenan's model showing that while it may indeed be compatible with the globally, annually averaged industrial temperatures since 1880, that it is quite incompatible with our extensive knowledge of preindustrial temperatures. In particular, the GNF theory falls apart when tested against multiproxy temperatures spanning the four centuries from 1500 to 1900. Multiproxy temperatures are estimated from data obtained from thousands of tree rings, bore holes, ice cores, lake sediments, pollen and other indicators of past temperatures. Our analysis shows that the variability of Keenan's model over periods of centuries is so strong that even mild extrapolations imply that the earth would go in and out of an ice age roughly every 1,000 instead of 100,000 years. What's more, while the typical global-scale, preindustrial century to century temperature change is about 0.20 degrees Celsius, in Keenan's model it is three to five times larger (depending on which variant of the model is considered). Finally -- for those interested in the money -- in a supplement, the paper shows how to (nearly) win the contest. Advertisement Ironically, even at inception Keenan's contest was superfluous: in 2014 our group at McGill had already published an analysis showing that the probability of the industrial epoch warming being a GNF was less than 0.1 per cent. The 2014 analysis even generously took into account the possibility of extreme "black swan" temperature fluctuations that had never before been considered: in comparison, conventional "bell curve" statistical assumptions yield probabilities of less that one in a million. Keenan aimed to publicize his criticism of a specific uncertainty analysis assumption adopted by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Fifth Assessment Report (2013). The technical issue is whether one assumes that the residuals (what's left over after a trend has been removed from the data) have weak or strong correlations. The IPCC adopted the conventional weak correlation assumption, whereas Keenan's model involves strong correlations, and the resulting trends (and their uncertainties) do indeed depend somewhat on this. However, the GRL paper shows that while the weak versus strong issue may be scientifically important, that the consequence of these assumptions for statistical analysis of anthropogenic warming is relatively marginal. Helped by statistics, the GNF model can easily be scientifically rejected. These blog piece has also been published in French on HuffPost Quebec. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook CP The Aaron Driver case has led Canadians to ponder many complex issues. The top issue in my opinion should be how to counter Islamist extremism. Unfortunately, our law enforcement institutions and politicians are mainly focused on violent extremism, which is the last stage of the extremism cancer. But we need to pay more attention to Islamist extremism before it becomes violent extremism. In fact, extremist ideology is a breeding ground for any potential violent extremism. Sadly, in our environment of political correctness, the phrase of "Islamist extremism" may offend many from my own Muslim community. Advertisement On one hand, they may feel disgusted by hearing a phrase such as "Islamist extremism," but they can't ignore the fact that the majority of terror incidents in today's world are related to Islamist ideology. So let's face this reality and address Islamist extremism within. A fundamental question that often arises here is what's Islamist extremism? The roots of Islamist extremism stem out of the concept of armed Jihad, which endorses the idea of domination of Islam through armed struggle. The very same concept is being adopted by ISIL. A Canadian white convert to Islam, Aaron Driver, was one of the followers to this extremist ideology. Mainstream Islamist groups such as Muslim Brotherhood, Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizb ut Tehrir also adhere themselves with the path of armed Jihad. Canada's leading Islamic Group, The Muslim Association of Canada, openly claims its association with "the writings of the late Imam Hassan al-Banna and the movement of the Society of Muslim Brothers (commonly known as the Muslim Brotherhood)." Advertisement The writings of Imam Hassan Al-Banna suggest, "it has become an individual obligation, which there is no evading, on every Muslim to prepare his equipment, to make up his mind to engage in jihad, and to get read for it until the opportunity is ripe and God decrees" The Muslim Association of Canada apparently condemns some acts of terror but still adheres itself with the ideology of Muslim Brotherhood. This group claims to have more than 20 Islamic schools across Canada and several Mosques as well. Similarly, ISNA, ICNA and NCCM, other influential Islamic groups in Canada don't distance themselves from the ideology of Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat-e-Islami's founder Maududi writes in his book Al Jihad fil-Islam ("Jihad in Islam"): "Islam wishes to destroy all states and governments anywhere on the face of the earth which are opposed to the ideology and program of Islam, regardless of the country or the nation which rules it." Jamaat-i-Islami is the Asian offshoot of Muslim Brotherhood. Although the major Islamic groups in Canada denounce ISIL-style violent extremism, they don't seem to distance themselves from the extremist ideology of Muslim Brotherhood, jamaat-e-Islami and alike. And thousands of Canadian Muslims follow these major Islamic groups, many not knowing about their adherence to certain ideology. Advertisement There is a dire need of an open discussion amongst journalists, islamic centres, politicians and law enforcement agencies on issues of Jihadi mindset in Canada. We have about 10 members of parliament from Muslim background. They should play a role in these talks. Unfortunately, some Muslim Canadian parliamentarians happened to be intolerant to dissident ideas in the past. They should abandon such attitude and should respect different ideas. Without candid talks that will bring people with diverse ideas together, it would be harder for Canadians to confront Jihadi ideology like Aaron Driver's in Canada. The Walker County Chamber of Commerce will host their Tuesday, Aug. 23 One-Walker Membership Luncheon at The Lookout Mountain Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain at which time Chamber Chair P R Cook will give an overview of the One-Walker Initiative. One-Walkers purpose is the Facilitate venue and discussions for the cities, county and Chamber to identify best opportunities for collaboration. During his portion of the event, Chair P R Cook will discuss how the One-Walker initiative came about, how the group has operated to date, and how they will continue to work towards a brighter future for Walker County. "Along with other speakers, one of the highlights of the luncheon will be Mike Pollock of Lula Lake Land Trust speaking on an exciting new collaborative. Lula Lake Land Trust and Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute will Partner for Ridges to Rivers Initiative! Mike will also discuss the other exciting things going on with Lula Lake and future happenings," officials said. The cost to attend is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Registration includes a seated meal provided by The Lookout Mountain Fairyland Club. Those wishing to attend must register online; registration will end on Sunday at midnight prior to the event and no walk-ins will be accepted. Non-Chamber members are required to pay by Visa or MasterCard at the time of registration. Refunds for cancellations will not be accepted after noon on Friday, Aug. 19. For more information on the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, call 706-375-7702 or visit www.walkercochamber.com. Recently, a white friend of mine expressed his surprise at the fact that brown people own dogs here in Canada. He even stated "you guys are so scared of them." I was confused. Countries like India and Sri Lanka have dogs everywhere and people are usually not fearful of them. So, I thought I'd share some of my experiences with my puppy as a way to let people know that there are brown people out there who do own, and love, dogs. I was blessed to finally get a Golden Retriever (I named him Bheema) back in January. This fat, fluffy puppy, who was 11 weeks old, came waddling into my life. Advertisement Everyone in my life knows about him by now. There's no way they could miss it -- not a day goes by without me talking about him or posting a picture of him on social media. Even now, as I type this article, I'm smiling, thinking of how he was sad that I left for school in Waterloo on Sunday. Sappy stuff aside, here are some real-life lessons that I have learned from my puppy Bheema: 1. Be curious about life and just get out there! Wherever I go with my puppy, he is always fascinated; be it the tree that is a metre away from the current tree he is sniffing, or even another person who is walking by. He gets so happy and just wants to be happy. With this, he taught me that I should greet everything with a smile and always have an open mind, even when things seem scary. Bheema used to run away from the vacuum, now he chases it around. Also, get out there! Meet new people and try new things. Life is all about your experiences and my puppy sure taught me that. He is always up for making new puppy friends. Humans, too. 2. Respect others' boundaries My puppy does not know what personal space is at all. I could be reading a book, or studying, and he'd come stick his face in mine or lick my cheeks to just say "Hey, what's up." Advertisement His behaviour taught me that I should probably respect other people's boundaries. I used to be a person who would hug everyone and be overly affectionate in general. I've backed off, learned to read their body language and have given them space. Some people need more space, some people need less space. Either way, it's important to gauge and respect their boundaries. 3. Follow your gut Dogs just seem to know who to trust, and who not to trust. Bheema often barks when he feels a stranger come near me who doesn't feel safe, and he gets into a protective mode around me. The same applies for humans too! Follow your instincts about that guy who took you on a date -- does he seem sketchy? Avoid him! Or maybe it's that troubling multiple choice exam question, usually your gut knows. When in doubt, don't just pick C, trust your instincts. 4. Love life Show your love to everyone on the daily. My motto: #KeepSmiling. Of course, we all have grumpy days, but that doesn't mean you should rain on someone else's parade! Make sure to smile and show little tokens of appreciation to those around you. I for one sometimes write notes to people around me or send them loving snapchats to make sure they smile. Bheema doesn't need help in this department. He will use any opportunity he can get to sit on my lap or kiss my face or use me as a pillow. Advertisement His love was an excellent healing tool for my parents when my father lost his mother abruptly this past April. I don't know what it was, but Bheema knew that everyone was sad in the house and at times never left our side during those tough months. He has been a blessing for sure. Dogs just know. 5. Embrace unconditional love I don't know about you guys, but whenever I come home he's the one that goes buck wild running around kissing my face. He doesn't stop for a good 30 minutes. Does any other human or toddler even do that? Everyone has these moods and grudges when upset and they don't show happiness or love when it's needed. My dog would get in trouble for ripping up a shoe, and five minutes later, he'd be giving me puppy eyes to just be petted. That love he has shown me has taught me to always treasure those near and dear to me. Treasure them because you never know when they may no longer be in your life. This is something I really learned with the recent passing of my grandma. This puppy has brought so much joy to my life, and even if a dog is termed a "man's best friend," he is definitely this girl's best friend. Do you have a pet? Do you agree with the above thoughts I shared? Let me know by commenting below! This blog post was originally published on TamilCulture.com by Kaavia K. -- article link. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: Brian Caissie via Getty Images Reflections of trees and snow covered mountain on Garibaldi Lake Dear Garibaldi Lake Hikers and Campers: The other day, you killed a bear. You have been coming up to the lake for weeks this summer. You leave trash beside the lake and on the trail. You drop food on the ground and leave it there. You cook in your campsite. You leave spills on the picnic tables. You abandon leftover food and garbage in the kitchen shelters. You sleep with food and toiletries in your tent. You leave your backpack and snacks unattended while you take photos. A couple weeks ago a juvenile bear wandered into the Garibaldi Lake campground. It was hungry and alone, likely spending its first season without Mom. The bear was scared of the people in the campground, but it smelled your garbage, your dropped food, your careless mess and it couldn't resist. Advertisement The rangers chased the bear away, put up signs warning there was a bear in the area and tried to talk to you about cleaning up, not cooking in your campsite, and storing your food in the shelters. But you didn't listen. You kept making a mess. You kept leaving your garbage on the ground and in the shelter. You kept cooking in your campsite. You kept storing food in your tent and in your backpack. And the bear still couldn't resist. It was hungry and alone. And it kept coming back. "You killed that bear. Maybe you thought you were just on a camping trip or going for a hike. But in the process, you also killed a bear." Last Saturday was a beautiful sunny summer day at Garibaldi Lake. There were hundreds of day hikers and backpackers at the campground enjoying the view, taking photos, and eating lunch. And in the afternoon, despite all those people, the bear could not resist coming through the campground to look for something to eat. The bear was no longer scared of people. Advertisement The rangers chased the bear away again but they knew it would be back. The bear had learned that you weren't scary and that you would continue to leave food and garbage out for it. Eventually, the bear might have attacked a hiker or ripped open a tent with sleeping campers inside. The rangers knew they only had one option: The bear was sentenced to death. And on Sunday morning a B.C. Conservation Officer flew into the campground by helicopter. You killed that bear. Maybe you thought you were just on a camping trip or going for a hike. But in the process, you also killed a bear. If you don't want to kill any more bears, please read up on bear safety. B.C. Parks Bear Safety Guidelines In memory of this lonely and hungry little bear, please consider sharing this post with your fellow hikers using the social media share buttons below. Let's get the word out about bear safety. By Chelsea Maclachlan As athletes descended on the Olympics armed with nets and repellent, pregnant women living in a Zika stronghold face an epidemic they have no choice but to be exposed to. World Vision Brazil staff in a community where stagnant water allows mosquitoes to breed. (Photo: World Vision) Advertisement For Rio, the lead up to the Olympics were far from easy. Preparations were deemed the "worst ever" by the International Olympic Committee. To make matters worse, Brazil is in the midst of a Zika outbreak, which no doubt puts a damper on the Olympic spirit for both contenders and tourists. Many athletes were faced with the difficult decision to go for gold against the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne virus that has taken hold of 60 countries in the past year. For women of child-bearing age, that risk is heightened by the virus' link to the birth defect, microcephaly, a neurological condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than others their age. Facing Zika was a choice for athletes and tourists, but not for those living in Brazil. While contenders like American cyclist Tejay van Garderen chose to opt out of the Olympics, others chose to attend but were vocal about their concerns. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams said she "wasn't taking Zika lightly," while Team South Korea announced that they would wear "Zika-proof" uniforms that are treated with repellent. Afforded the world's best solutions, participants posted pictures of their nets, screens and masks on Twitter under hashtags like #fightzika and #zikaproof as they arrived in Brazil. Advertisement A battle they never asked for Facing Zika was a choice for athletes and tourists, but not for those living in Brazil. If only Zika was a two-week stint like the Olympics. Sadly, after Olympians go home and the buzz in the Olympic village dissipates, mosquitos carrying the Zika virus will remain, and those living in their midst have no choice but to stay. The neighbourhood of Recife in Brazil is struggling with an influx of Zika infections. (Photo: World Vision) Raana first learned about Zika when she was two months pregnant. And unlike those of us who have supportive health-care systems, Raana had to wait until her second trimester before she was eligible for an ultrasound that would determine her baby's health. You can only begin to imagine what those first few months of pregnancy felt like. "The period between my second and fourth months of pregnancy was very scary," she recalls. As someone who lives and works on the outskirts of Recife, Brazil's second largest city, Raana's odds weren't looking good. It is in Recife where the highest number of Zika cases have been recorded and where the suspected link between Zika and neurological disorders was first discovered. Advertisement A perfect breeding ground In Raana's neighbourhood indoor plumbing is rare and many people are forced to store water for washing and bathing in large barrels. For mosquitoes, the stagnant water coupled with warm weather present the ideal breeding ground. This is why experts believe the Zika outbreak has been concentrated in poor neighbourhoods without running water. For Raana, facing Zika is not a two-week battle but a permanent lifestyle shift to ensure the health of her baby and her community. At the nearby health clinic, Zika isn't the only mosquito-borne virus health-care workers see every day. Raana's neighbours have contracted Dengue and Chikungunya, too. The clinic's doctor, Marcia Loureiro, says that there has been a 100 per cent increase in all three diseases since last year, but that the real challenge is telling them apart. Without rapid testing at the local health centres, doctors can only make educated guesses based on the symptoms. The community warrior After going through what must have felt like personal purgatory, Raana was relieved when she was finally able to have her ultrasound. "I couldn't imagine what we would have done as a family if our baby was born with microcephaly," she says, recalling the experience. "I don't know where we would have found the strength, either emotionally or economically." The news that Zika had not affected her baby was a relief, but Raana had to be careful -- she still had five months to go. Advertisement Protecting her unborn baby was one part of the battle, but Raana was compelled to do more. Armed with a mosquito net and special repellent she received from World Vision, Raana decided to educate her community and raise awareness about the danger that mosquitoes pose. A pamphlet that World Vision distributed to help communities learn how to combat Zika. (Photo: World Vision) As a social educator with World Vision, Raana encourages her neighbourhood to cover their water containers and ensure that garbage piles are cleared away despite the lack of regular municipal collection -- discarded plastic bottles are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos. Education saves lives Raana's story is only one example of what millions in Brazil are facing all the time, which is why World Vision's programs enable communities to develop a self-sustaining approach to fighting the outbreak. Advertisement Through text messaging World Vision gives prevention guidance which has benefited almost 50,000 people already. Overall, more than 100,000 women the most Zika-affected areas were reached. Six thousand repellent flasks were distributed to children, teenagers and pregnant women, and 1,500 mosquito nets to future mothers like Raana. Raana with a Zika-fighting mosquito net. (Photo: World Vision) With Brazilian authorities estimating 1.5 million Zika cases in the country, fighting the virus can seem overwhelming, which is why World Vision believes that education needs to be on the front lines. If people receive mosquito nets but don't understand the importance of using them, they not only risk their own health, but also that of the communities by not sharing their knowledge. For Raana, facing Zika is not a two-week battle but a permanent lifestyle shift to ensure the health of her baby and her community. While #fightzika might garner awareness in Canada, actually fighting Zika involves long-term programming that educates communities to protect themselves against mosquitos. As Zika drops off the headlines with the end of the Olympics, the silent struggle against this outbreak continues. And the power to put an end to the virus doesn't necessarily start in Rio, but with people like Raana. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook dnberty via Getty Images woman cooling herself Written by Elisa Krovblit It's hot. It's not just hot, it's very hot. It's a mid-summer heat wave and it's relentless. And when it gets this hot, many people start to ask whether the landlord has an obligation to keep residents cool. Is there a maximum permitted temperature in apartment buildings and rental homes? What is the landlord's obligations as far as comfort and air conditioning go? It would stand to reason that, since the Residential Tenancies Act requires a minimum temperature during winter months that it would also include a maximum temperature in summer months. While it might seem reasonable to some, it's not as clear cut as that. Advertisement Summer heat really only affects Canadians for about two months -- even less in some areas. Out of those two months, heat waves don't last the entire time, maybe coming in chunks of a few days to a week at a time. Legislation to require such expensive equipment for such a short period of time would be unreasonable. Many rental buildings were built long before central air conditioning was a luxury of life. Ultimately, it depends on whether a rental unit includes air conditioning as a term of the lease. Residents in a building with air conditioning will be happy to know that there is a maximum temperature. If you've chosen a building with consideration for requiring or desiring relief from the heat, you're entitled to that amenity. For example, if you have air conditioning in Toronto, the landlord is obligated to keep the temperature at or below 26C -- but this only applies to properties with air conditioning as a part of the rental package. If your rental building doesn't have air conditioning, you're going to feel the heat. Many rental buildings were built long before central air conditioning was a luxury of life. They'd be extremely hard and expensive to retrofit, so this isn't the solution. There are a few reasonable options for those who live in rentals without air conditioning. Buy an air conditioner. There are both portable and window-mount air conditioning units that you can buy to help keep your apartment cool. Your landlord is not responsible for the cost of a unit. Second-hand ones may be significantly cheaper, but older models will use more energy. You are responsible for safely installing the unit (window mount) without doing any damage to the window, window sill or any other part of the landlord's property. If you don't install it safely you are liable for any issues that may arise. Advertisement Generally, you're allowed to get an air conditioner, but check your lease. Some rental specifically exclude them. This is often the case where utilities are included in the rent. Air conditioning units can be expensive to run and the landlord may have a specific clause prohibiting them or expecting a supplemental payment should you opt to use one. This seems fair as it's a significant expense, and they're only passing on the expense to building residents who want air conditioning -- not to all residents. Modify your activities. Use a fan, keep the lights off, don't add more heat by cooking big, hot meals in the oven or on the stove-top. Create a cross breeze with the windows open. Pull the blinds to reflect the sunlight. Leave. You will need to get out of your home to cool down. Swimming pools, malls, cooling centres, coffee shops with air conditioning -- all temporary solutions, but they'll work. Move. You didn't consider air conditioning when you chose your current place. If you feel that it's a necessity, you may want to consider finding something specifically with central air for your next place. The elderly, the very young and those with compromised health may be in greater need for air conditioning than others, but it's one of those things that renters will need to consider as part of their housing needs. There are lots of other solutions that may help, but being upset with the landlord isn't one of them, so don't lose your cool over it during a heat wave. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Today, on International Youth Day, we're celebrating the world's largest ever youth population - now 1.8 billion strong, and the amazing impact that young people are having. 2016 has been a huge year of challenge, change and opportunity, especially here in the UK. Never has the energy of young people more relevant. For me this week also marks a personal change as I leave my UK Director position and start up as the new International Strategy Director at Restless Development. To make this moment, I'm sharing the stories of 10 amazing young people in the UK who have driven change and whose stories need sharing. Oscar Advertisement Oscar, 15, is a refugee from war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where he witnessed first hand atrocities that most of us here in the UK will thankfully never have to experience. Now he's passionately speaking up to support children like him by fundraising and campaigning for children caught up in conflict with War Child. Whether it's sharing his story at schools across the UK, rubbing shoulders with Take That on stage at fundraising gigs or convincing government ministers of the importance of education for children affected by conflict ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit - Oscar is an inspiration to us all. He's also just proudly become Deputy Head Boy at his school - go Oscar! Takyiwa Danso Takyiwa from Tottenham, London is nothing short of a super-activist. The 23-year old kick started her passion for changing the world when she volunteered with VSO on the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme in Kenya. Advertisement Since then she's been one of Restless' most energetic change-makers, lobbying No. 10 making the Global Goals famous and speaking up for the planet at last years COP21 climate talks in Paris. Back in the UK Tatch has helped young people with diverse backgrounds access the same opportunities she's had and volunteer with ICS. As if that's not enough, we recently selected Takyiwa as the UK's Youth Delegate to the next United Nations General Assembly in September. I can't think of a better young women to be joining the DFID Ministers for the Global Summit. Nazzy Amin Nazzy from Halifax, West Yorkshire is a passionate campaigner for climate change, women's rights and young people. Nazzy gave our New Year Message in 2015. She's represented the UK Youth Climate Coalition's international team, been a delegate at DFID's Girls Education Forum and is an Accountability Advocate for Restless Development. What does being an Accountability Advocate mean? Well basically it means she's developing the tools and strategies to make sure politicians keep their promises. Now she's making her voice heard worldwide by demanding young people be put at the heart of delivering the Global Goals at the UN's High Level Political Forum and that No Young Person is Left Behind. Advertisement Josh Babarinde Cracked It supports young people to engage with employment by demonstrating that the alluring elements of offending - income, belonging and self-worth - can be found through legitimate work. He now advises the government on the employment of ex-offenders. George Hankers George, 21, is from Hammersmith and is a professional dancer. He is one of the most courageous and inspirational young people I met this year. George was diagnosed with HIV at 19 and after struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis,has used his own personal experience to advocate for the rights of all young people affected by HIV. His story has touched the hearts of the many who heard him as he toured the UK with the Youth Stop AIDS campaign, Advertisement Now George is continuing his journey to help other young people living with HIV. He has set up a blog called Still Human, which aims to give all the reassuring facts about HIV a young person needs to know. Minhaz Abedin Who said being young means you can't be experienced? Minhaz lobbied his first MP aged just 10 years old and now at 18 he can count years of engaging young people in the big issues locally and regionally. From speaking at the Dispatch Box in the House of Commons as a Member of Youth Parliament to coordinating just under 400 young people to attend the UN via the Merti360 programme - Minhaz has achieved so much. He's not finished there though. Minhaz has also been selected as the UK's official youth delegate to the UN summit. He'll be joining Takyiwa this September in New York. Lucy Gavanah Advertisement Animal welfare champion Lucy, 14 years old and from Sheffield, hit the headlines earlier this year after she persuaded supermarket giants Tesco to stop selling eggs from caged hens. As reported by HuffPost UK, after writing several letters to stores proved unsuccessful she decided to start a change.org petition. She managed to get over 280,000 people to support the cause and after this victory, is now setting her sights on the UK's over major stores. Jess Hardy & Samina Begum, Send My Friend Jess and Samina, are both Young Ambassadors for the Send My Friend to School campaign, which is fighting for all children to have a quality education. Ian Forsyth via Getty Images "We need to properly fund and resource the Prevent agenda." Words by Owen Smith during the second Labour leadership election that left many of us in the Muslim community, and the student movement, furious. Prevent is part of the Government's counter terrorism bill which claims to attempt to prevent radicalism and terrorism, with particular focus on universities. The Government is implementing this through training of staff members, in the public sector, on how to spot 'radical ideologies' (including Islamic extremism and anti-capitalist agendas) and legally binds them to report these to the authorities. These authorities can then question friends and family, seize any and all academic work by the suspected student, as well as monitor and investigate other aspects of their public and private lives. Advertisement While the government postulates itself to be fighting homegrown terrorism through Prevent, groups such as Human Rights Watch are frequently coming out and saying that the anti-radicalisation strategy is becoming a "significant source of grievance" among British Muslims and propagating a deep sense of mistrust between minority communities and the state. There are many of us who see the strategy as a far more problematic. To us it is as simple as state sponsored Islamophobia and racism. It is therefore particularly concerning to have heard a potential leader of labour party, the party that Muslim communities have most identified with historically, claim allegiance to this strategy. A strategy that Unions such as the National Union of Students, National Union of Teachers and the University College Union have strongly condemned in the last 12 months. I was disappointed not only as a labour party member and activist, but also as a young Muslim man with a particular interest in the political world. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people like me to engage in the political discourse, and the distribution of such ideas only serve to drive people like me out of civil society. This isn't just theoretical, we are seeing it in practice as the cases of Prevent are growing every day. Cases such as that of Mohammed Umar Farooq. A student at Staffordshire University studying Terrorism, Crime and Global Security whowas questioned by library security about his views on homosexuality, Isis and Al-Qaida after reading a textbook on terrorism. Library staff told security that "there is a man, who is Asian and with a beard, who is not a student and is reading book on terrorism" and to "check him out". Advertisement The student found the incident deeply affecting and he withdrew from his course as a consequence of the experience. Staffordshire University said that the Prevent duty guidance issued by the government "contains insufficient detail to provide clear practical direction in an environment such as the university's" and was to blame. A young man with all the potential in the world lost to a counter-productive, counter-terrorism strategy. Cases like the president of a college Student Union being asked to pass on the names of all members of the college's Islamic society to the police. No other society, just the Muslims. Or the cases like the parents of schoolchildren who were questioned because their children were using 'inappropriate language' in school, such as the Arabic word Alhamdulillah - 'Praise be to God' These are not just fringe cases, Owen. They are the real practical applications of a government strategy that creates and propagates a narrative of suspicion around an entire community. When we are seen as potential extremist simply because of our religion, our way of life and the colour of our skin; we need our leadership to stand up for us not throw us under the bus in a rabid attempt to unseat a leader. Advertisement My family have been Labour party voters for years. I believe that Labour is the party that best represents me and my community. But many of us in the Muslim community had lost faith in the party following the wars on Iraq and the disastrous foreign policy of Blair. I have met hundreds of Muslims in the past year that are just now finding their way back, believing again in the labour vision. Comments like this are only going to hurt these communities and drive them further away from the party that we both love. Last Sunday marked 500 days since Saudi Arabian forces intervened in the Yemeni civil war. In that time, Saudi air strikes have killed thousands of people, destroyed vital infrastructure and unleashed a humanitarian crisis on the civilian population. Advertisement This was the most recent in a long series of devastating aerial assaults. 500 days of bombs being dropped from the skies has ensured that almost nowhere is safe, with a refugee camp, a wedding and a market having all been hit in the bombardment. More than 2.5 million people have been displaced, while schools, hospitals and cultural heritages sites have been destroyed. Of those who remain in Yemen, millions have been left without access to clean water or electricity, and 80% of the population has been left in need of aid. There is no question that atrocities have been committed on all sides of the conflict, although the UN has accused Saudi forces of killing twice as many civilians as all other forces. Despite the carnage, the response of governments like the UK has been to fuel the destruction with arms sales and an uncritical political support. The UK specifically has provided training and political support, while licensing billions of pounds worth of arms to the Saudi regime. Advertisement These arms sales haven't just been immoral, they have also been illegal. Arms exports control regulations are very clear: a licence should not be granted in the circumstances where there is a "clear risk" that it "might" be used to violate international humanitarian law. In spite of this, the UK has licensed over 3.3 billion worth of arms sales to Saudi Arabia since the bombing began, including fighter jets, bombs and missiles. There is no doubt that UK-made arms have had a devastating impact, with a recent investigation by Human Rights Watch linking Paveway IV bombs, made in the UK, to attacks on businesses and civilian targets. A recent UN report accused Saudi forces of deliberately bombing a house, killing four children in the process. "It is almost certain that the civilian house was the deliberate target of the high explosive aircraft bombs," said the report. It concluded that the coalition had failed to take precautions and "thus violated international humanitarian law." At the same time, the Saudi-led coalition published its own report into accusations of war crimes. Needless to say its findings were largely an exercise in self-justification and evasion, but even it had to acknowledge what it referred to as 'shortcomings' in the conduct of the bombing. One of the cases it cited as a 'mistake' was the bombing of a residential compound that killed 65 people. The language is distasteful and the regrets feel forced and superficial, but the fact that even the Saudi authorities feel the need to concede hitting civilian targets is a sign of how overwhelming the evidence has become. Advertisement In the last hours of the last day of the most recent session of parliament, the government performed a major U-turn by publishing written corrections that reveal, contrary to earlier claims, that there has been no oversight of how arms are being used. At best it represented staggering incompetence on the part of government ministers-- at worst it was a cynically timed admission of how they had previously distorted the truth. Either way, it underpins the point that the Saudi government hasn't just bought arms and military support, it has also bought silence, compliance and a seal of political approval. For decades now, successive UK governments have worked hand in glove with the arms companies and Saudi authorities, continuing to sell arms and provide political support while choosing to ignore the grotesque human rights abuses that are being carried out every single day. The arms sales themselves are now subject to a Judicial Review, following an application by Campaign Against Arms Trade, with a full three-day investigation scheduled to take place in front of two judges no later than February 1st 2017. This will be the first time that UK arms export policy has been put under the spotlight and scrutinised in this way. It is an unprecedented step that is likely to focus on not just the extent of UK arms sales to Saudi, but also the scale of collusion and government support that goes with it. Advertisement In the meantime, there is no question that the government will pull out all stops to continue arming and supporting its most shameful ally. Time and again, and particularly over the last 500 days, it has proven that it will go to any length (or sink to any low) in order to maintain a terrible status-quo. lara_zanarini via Getty Images Elephants face a major poaching crisis, and their populations are falling dramatically across the African continent, with an astonishing 61% decline in the last three decades. Between 30,000 and 40,000 elephants are poached for their ivory every year in Africa, that's around 100 African elephants killed every day, or one elephant gunned down every 15 minutes. At this present killing rate and with fewer than half a million elephants left across Africa, they could be extinct from the wild in just a few decades. It's that simple. Either we act now, or we could lose them forever, and we can't claim that we didn't see it coming. The good news is that we have a clear opportunity coming up to do something about it; implement a total global ban on the ivory trade. The bad news is that the European Union - the largest exporter of legal ivory - is opposing the ban. Advertisement In a few weeks' time, an important meeting will take place in South Africa - world leaders will gather at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to decide what protections, or otherwise, traded species should be afforded. Elephants are one such species. Despite the obvious threat to the elephant's very survival, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are advocating to legalise the international commercial trade in ivory. Not only does this proposal completely disregard the precarious survival of the African elephant and undermine concerted global efforts to combat wildlife crime, but it directly contradicts the wishes of the majority of African elephant range States. The African Elephant Coalition, comprising 29 countries, is opposing these disastrous proposals, and instead wants to see African elephants given the highest level of protection possible under CITES, called Appendix I listing. It is this Appendix I listing that the European Union, the largest voting block at CITES, is currently opposing. Disaster for elephants History shows us that legalising ivory trade is a really bad idea, risking an expansion of the ivory trade and incentivising even more poaching. In 1999 and again in 2008, CITES authorised one-off ivory stockpile sales, and research shows that they had a direct detrimental impact, including a 66 percent increase in illegal ivory production and a 71 percent increase in ivory smuggled out of Africa. Quite apart from killing elephants for ivory being morally wrong, it's clear that their populations can't withstand even current levels of poaching, let alone an increase in the killing. Giving Appendix I protection to all of Africa's elephants is an imperative option that makes sense if we want to save this magnificent species. Elephants are migratory and cross State boundaries that currently give them conflicting levels of protection. Whilst elephants in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are on Appendix II, elephants in the rest of the African continent are on Appendix I. Some 60 percent of Namibia's elephants are in the north eastern part of the country where they move freely between Namibia, Botswana, Angola and Zambia with the latter two on Appendix I listing. Having different levels of protection for the same animals depending on where they roam makes no practical sense. Advertisement A death sentence for elephants Unbelievably, the European Commission argues that the elephant populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe don't meet the criteria for transfer to Appendix I, and that closing domestic ivory markets is unjustified. Virtually every esteemed elephant conservationist on the planet disagrees with that conclusion. The EU is the world's largest exporter of legal, pre-CITES ivory - ivory obtained prior to 1976, when African elephants were first listed under CITES. However, the EU's position is looking increasingly embarrassing on the world stage - the United States has introduced a near complete ivory trade ban and both China and Hong Kong have pledged to end the trade, too. Yet the European policy- makers are condoning the elephant-decimating, wildlife crime-fueling trade. For as long as ivory can be sold, elephants will continue to die. Elephants are majestic animals and should not be reduced to trinkets. If the EU's position doesn't change, it really could be a death sentence for elephants. The EU holds the key to their future survival, so when Humane Society International's delegation heads to South Africa for the CITES meeting, we hope to see an EU common position that reflects the urgent need for the highest international levels of elephant protection. This World Elephant Day on August 12th, we need to ask ourselves how many more such days will we have left before these magnificent animals are extinct in the wild, unless CITES and world governments take decisive action? When newspaper articles were emblazoned with headlines that the UK unemployment rate was its lowest in nearly 10 years to 5.2% in December 2015, the issues surrounding the UK economy from the migration crisis to income inequality seemed to slowly dissipate and seemed less worrying than a few months ago. After all, this was all that mattered right? When the complacency of the top bankers resulted in the global financial crisis in 2008, unemployment peaked at almost 2.7 million at the end of 2011 and pressure had been put on the government to reduce these unemployment figures to make the global perception of the UK economy stronger. Despite high economic growth and high employment rates pre-recession, the reckless and detrimental actions of bankers could not at all be rationalised to explain why the income inequality within the UK was incredibly vast which still remains an outstanding issue in today's society. An indication of how unfair the UK system is the fact that the poorest 1% of households have a negative net wealth of more than 16,000 yet on the other end of the spectrum, the top 1% of households have a net wealth of more than 2.4 million. In an endless cycle of debt, these households struggle to not only find sufficient money to live on but to find employment too thus highlighting the inefficiency of the UK economy to deal with such issues. With the Tories promising to cut welfare benefits by 12 billion by 2017/18 in a bid to reduce the deficit, we seem to be under the impression that the government has chosen to cut all areas in general to increase the likelihood of the budget decreasing yet the government is still able to invest 6% of its GDP on Trident, therefore indicating that there is indeed room for the UK to still provide funds for these welfare benefits to an extent. Advertisement From a left-wing point of view, in a bid to reduce income inequality, the UK should implement progressive tax reforms, such as a Land Value Tax, which would help address inequality at root and redistribute power. At a glance, although Land Value Tax may seem popular amongst economists with Adam Smith stating that "nothing (could) be more reasonable" and Milton Friendman saying that it was the "least bad tax", they happen to be so rare. Given that land value taxation does not distort decision-making, there will not be a response in the supply side of the economy given that the amount of land is fixed. Unlike taxing labor directly which results in the discouragement of people from consumption and investment, a tax on land values is payable regardless of how the land is actually used. Thus, these payments (based on current market value) will raise the government's tax revenue resulting in the government being able to redistribute this money to those at the bottom and closing the gap between the rich and the poor. The fact that LVT is impossible to pass on in the form of higher prices, lower wages or higher rents enables the economy to still have substantial economic growth since it does not impact the components of aggregate demand (consumption, investment and spending) within the economy. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire Earlier this week, Shadow Home Secretary, Andy Burnham was named as Labour's candidate to become the new Mayor of Greater Manchester. Over the coming weeks he will begin to set out a vision for the region. This will inevitably focus what he would do with the plethora of new powers that have been passed down to the local level as part of the 'Northern Powerhouse' agenda. By far the most radical and financially substantial element of Manchester's devolution deal is the region's 6bn annual NHS budget described by Simon Stevens as 'the greatest act of devolution... in the history of the NHS'. These new powers - along with Manchester's record as one of the areas in the country with the poorest health - should ensure that the NHS and health is placed at the heart of Burnham's campaign. Advertisement Top of his list should be reversing some of the complexity and fragmentation created by the calamitous 2012 Health and Social Care Act. Following the Lansley reforms, we now have more healthcare commissioners than providers across England - with a particularly problematic split be-tween health and social care. This fragmentation makes delivering coordinated and integrated care almost impossible. Burnham and local NHS leaders should therefore start by consolidating the alphabet soup of commissioning bodies in the health system into one 'system leader' able to drive integration within health and between health and social care, as well as shift care into the community. Another priority should be getting serious about prevention and health inequalities. There is a stag-gering 20-year gap in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor in Greater Manchester and the region has one of lowest life expectancies in the country. Some of this variation can be addressed within the NHS, but much of it cannot. This is because ill health stems from everything from the level of skills and education we have, to the type of jobs we do and the accommodation we live in. Estimates suggest social and environmental factors account for up to 80% of variation in health outcomes. This means that to really get to grips with health inequalities, health policy needs to be joined up with a range of other public services. The 'northern powerhouse' project provides Manchester with a unique opportunity to do this because health is being 'devolved' alongside a range of other public services. For example, Burnham could use new powers over welfare policy to start getting people with long term health issues back into work by implementing a welfare earn back approach as set out by IPPR. Or he could follow in the footsteps of Sadiq Khan and use his new transport powers to introduce regulation to phase out the use of diesel cars which produce toxic pollutants that cause lung conditions, stokes and cancers. These bold actions would both save lives and reduce costs for NHS. Taking control of Manchester's health budget will not be easy. Funding will be a big headache - as the region faces a 2billion black hole in the finances over the next five years. Finding the necessary efficiency savings will be no mean feat given that many of the easy savings have already been made over recent years. However, if Andy Burnham gets this right, he could transform the health and wellbeing of the region and point the way towards a new health and care system for the whole country. Advertisement Mayor Andy Berke will lead a discussion of the key issues facing Chattanooga at the Elder Scholars September meeting Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 1-2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at UTC's University Center in the Signal Mountain Room. Born and raised in Chattanooga, Mayor Berke served Hamilton and Marion Counties in the 10th District as state senator from 2007-2012 and became the 65th mayor of Chattanooga in 2013. He will speak on the work of his administration, including efforts to grow the local economy, make streets safer, provide every child with the opportunity to succeed, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure a high-performing government. Mayor Berke will highlight a few of his key initiatives, including Chattanooga's Innovation District, Tech Goes Home, and Baby University, to name a few. Because of these initiatives and many more, Mayor Berke was recently named 2015's Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine. Membership in Elder Scholars is free to everyone over 55. Parking is free at UTC in Lot 7 at the corner of Douglas and East 5th Street or in the Fifth Street parking garage (high rise parking). When parking in either of these locations, place a copy of the Elder Scholars meeting flyer in the window of the car. For more information contact Jane Elmore at 51jelmore@gmail.com or Connie DeLetis at cdeletis@gmail.com or visit http://utc.edu/elderscholars. Now, in this summer of our discontent made riotous by our sons of Tottenham, I have been sat, for some time, looking at a clean white page with the pure intention of writing clear black letters to form the right legacy of words that can best express the depths of my emotions in regard to being. In regard to being me. In regard to being 'Black'. In regard to being 'Black British'. It is not easy. And even though I am a poet, whose words have earned themselves a place in the British Library Sound Archive, it is hard for me to define myself with mere words for I am constantly being defined by others in preordained ways that I did not get to choose nor have much power to change. Advertisement Indeed, the British Library will define me as a 'Black British Poet' whereas, from my point of view, I am a poet. Or here, in this publication, am I a journalist or a black journalist? At university was I elected as President of my Students' Union or, as often described at the time, the first black president of the Students' Union? Am I an artist or a black artist? Am I an activist or a black activist? And what does it matter? In being alive, in existing in this place and time, by being born, educated and accommodated in this country does it matter that I am black, dear reader? Well, of course it matters. But I did not make it so. If I philosophise and apply the reductionist Cartesian principle to my own existence, if I deconstruct my knowledge of reality as Descartes once did to the 'cogito ergo sum' or the 'I think, therefore I am', then when replacing the building blocks of reality, that I will seek to stand upon with true knowledge of my self, then it is not me but society that applies the differentiator of my skin colour to my experience. Thus it is society that makes my skin colour matter to me. Advertisement Or when I know myself to be infinite awareness having a physical experience then, once again, it is my awareness of external phenomena, of how other people treat me, that makes my blackness relevant to my day to day physical experience and something that I can never assume to forget. My empirical first hand experience of existence informs me, daily, that my skin colour makes a difference to how other people behave towards me and that my blackness can imperil me. Even if I did not want it to it still matters. It is impossible for me, particularly in Western society, to not be externally and involuntarily defined as black. Whether this be negatively or positively it is incumbent on me. So it matters to me. It matters to me that in 1993 a young black man named Stephen, who was just a year younger than me, was murdered in a racially motivated attack at a bus stop in Eltham by a gang of white youths. It matters to me that the Metropolitan Police (allegedly) shielded his killers and (allegedly) employed undercover police officers to spy on his grieving family. It matters to me that the family are still seeking justice and peace. It matters to me that a young black man named Mark, who was eight years to the day younger than me, was shot and killed by Metropolitan Police officers in August, 2011. It matters to me that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) put out a false statement that Mark died in a shootout with police when he was not even carrying a piece. It matters to me that this lie still persists. It matters to me that we only know his killer as V53. It matters to me that the family are still seeking justice and peace. Advertisement It matters to me that I could write similar paragraphs to the two above about Sheku, Sarah, Christopher, Smiley, Jimmy, Michael, Leon P, Leon B, Ricky, Brian, Joy, Sean, Cynthia, Cherry, Derek, Kingsley, Roger, Azelle, Habib, Faruk, Adrian, Jean Charles, Demetre, Aston, Seni, Anthony, Rocky, Alton, Jermaine and Mzee. It matters to me that these families are still seeking justice and peace. It matters to me that no police officers have ever been found culpable for these tragedies. It matters to me sufficiently for me to get out on the streets to support the families and also to put black words on this blank white sheet so that others can understand my anxieties. On July 11th 2016 Theresa May, in her first speech as Prime Minister , said this: "If you are black you are treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you are white." And it matters to me, and it should matter to her, that she had been the Home Secretary for eight years and oversaw these injustices. There are strange and worrying things happening in Russian occupied Crimea. The Russian Military has been building up its forces on the de facto border between Russian and native controlled Ukraine. There has also been a blocking of ISPs in the border area apparently by 'executive order' and military vehicles and equipment has been recorded travelling from Russia to Crimea earlier this week over the Straits of Kerch. Anyone who witnessed the events of spring 2014 that led to the Russian occupation of parts of Ukraine would already be uneasy at these developments. This disquiet would only be increased by Russian claims to have engaged Ukrainian Special Forces who had breached Russian lines into Crimea which Ukraine denies. Given that the Putin regime has what can be called an unconventional and flexible relationship with the truth, behaving dishonestly about everything from geopolitics to sport, it's not unreasonable to be concerned that the stage has been set for another Russia military infringement of Ukrainian sovereignty. This is a view that is given further weight by Putin's former Ukraine based lackey-cum-warlord and now critic Igor 'Strelkov' Girkin claiming this is exactly the case. There have been some arguments that this is merely to set the scene for a purge in Crimea of pro-Ukraine elements, though if this is so, then one must question the increased military movement from Russia to Crimea when there are probably already enough troops in the peninsula to carry out a purge unaided. This activity in Crimea comes at a time where there is fear over Russian military advances and claims in the Times that the Russian military has developed an advantage over British forces in technology and tactics. Although fatal imperial overstretch coming from overconfidence and hubris is a possibility with any superpower, it's probable though not certain that that the Baltic States and other NATO powers will be safe for now. If Russia did openly invade Ukraine, the militarily complications arising from such an endeavour combined with Russian involvement in a worsening situation in Syria, would make a war with NATO practically impossible. Advertisement Make no mistake, Ukraine will be no walkover for Russia in the same way Iraq or Afghanistan weren't for America. According to Newsweek in November 2014, over four thousand Russian soldiers are believed to have died (and had their deaths covered up) in Ukraine contesting the southern halves of two of Ukraine's twenty-four oblasts. Fighting to conquer the remaining twenty-two oblasts, through the urban landscapes of the Central and East and the forests and mountains of the West would likely lead to tens of thousands of deaths, rivalling the death tolls of the Russian Federation in Chechnya and the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. This before the guerrilla warfare stage begins though, as it is one thing to defeat a country's army, but quite another to defeat its people. Russia in its many guises over the centuries has had to deal with insurgencies and uprisings from Poland and Finland in the West to Central Asia in the East. The usual Russian way of counterinsurgency is to defeat through massacre and atrocity, but what might work in the small and isolated rebel province of Chechnya is unlikely to work among forty-two million Ukrainians with a memory of independence, extensive links to the outside world and ready access to arms and explosives. It's not the initial invasion that is the hardest aspect as America found out in Iraq, but maintaining the peace. If Russia were to escalate its aggression in Ukraine, it would be an intense embarrassment and humiliation for Donald Trump who pushed for pro-Russia, anti-Ukraine changes to be made to the Republican Party policy platform. Trump looks at three months out to be extremely unlikely to win the election, so one of the deciding factors for the timing would be to start a conflict before Hillary Clinton, who has the exact opposite views on Russia and Ukraine to Trump, inevitably wins. The reason for this is because Clinton has the exact opposite views on Russia and Ukraine, and would take a stronger line on the matter than the current Obama administration. ERIC THAYER / Reuters The comparison between Brexit and a Trump victory at first seems apt, the demographics of the base of Vote Leave and Trump share many similarities, with the *average* Brexiteer and Trump supporter no doubt older, whiter and on the whole less likely to be degree educated than the opposition they faced. Whilst there were many solid reasons to support Brexit, like regaining sovereignty, it is unfortunately clear that immigration coupled with a chance to kick the establishment fuelled Vote Leave. It's naive to dismiss the majority as 'bigots' primed for right-wing populism, for some (not all) surface hostility is rooted in deeper problems. These were the voters that globalisation forgot, who lost jobs as uncompetitive manufacturing moved overseas or saw communities change beyond recognition, without seeing the benefits of inward skilled labour or investment like London. Meanwhile, elites ran riot in the UK and the US, the political class that the Clintons' so perfectly embody, grew richer from 'public service', alongside the already wealthy and seemed at best ignorant and at worst apathetic to the problems faced by ordinary voters. No doubt many of these voters will come out for Trump in November the same way they came out for Brexit. Advertisement Past the protest-voter base, the similarities end. Whether you were a Brexiteer or Remainer, Brexit was always a jump into the void, a path not previously travelled in which Britain faced an uncertain future in terms of economic and national security. Brexiteers were optimistic of a brighter future whilst Remainers were fearful of decline. The same can simply not be said about Trump, a known quantity who has revealed his ugly character and economic and global outlook. The sometimes harsh anti-immigration rhetoric of Vote Leave, has nothing on the brazen racism and vulgarity of the Trump campaign. The mislabelling of Latinos as 'rapists and thieves', the 'build a wall' nonsense, the complete dismissiveness on sexual harassment (when the question was framed around his own daughter), and the idiocy of attacking the family of a dead soldier who dared to speak out against him. To vote for a thin skinned xenophobe is in no way a vote for hope, anyone who thinks so is delusional. Any concerns for a process of globalisation that is not working for many are invalidated and overshadowed by mindless support for divisiveness. This divisiveness is already taking hold if footage of violence and racial slurs from supporters at many rallies is anything to go by. As Donald Trump knocks down any remaining pillars of the modern Republican Party (although sadly not commitment to trickle down economics), abandoning commitment to free trade and a strong, clearly defined role for America in the world, there is no doubt of a future of economic and national insecurity. Trade barriers, fractures in NATO, lack of understanding on Ukraine, endorsement of torture 'worse than waterboarding' and cosying up to Putin paints a terrifying picture. The summer months provide the perfect time to walk the hills and roam the valleys of our outstanding British countryside. But last week's research that the average person walks for less than half a mile a day has been playing on my mind. In addition to the physical benefits of exploring the outdoors, the freedom that comes from escaping the everyday hustle and bustle only ever has a positive effect on my mental state. In fact, I believe that spending time out in the open is essential for our overall wellbeing. It's amazing how a walk, run or cycle can clear even the busiest of minds. The notion of getting outdoors isn't new to anyone who has achieved their Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award. We're passionate about getting young people from all walks of life out in the countryside and equipping them with the tools and confidence to safely enjoy the natural habitat around them. Every year thousands of our participants explore the fields, forests and parks of the UK and abroad, as well as sleeping under the stars as part of their DofE expedition. For many young people, this is the first experience they have with the great outdoors. Advertisement As CEO of the DofE Charity, it is my continued mission to give today's young people opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. In large part, this comes from encouraging them to spend more time out of their comfort zone - turning off the telly, switching off the mobile and engaging with the outdoors and wider community. By leaving their comfort zones, our young people grow through the challenges they take on, build their self-confidence and often form strong and lasting friendships. While I've been lucky enough to see first-hand the life-changing impact achieving a DofE Award can have on a young person's general wellbeing, the DofE's positive impact doesn't just stop with those young people taking part. The effect ripples out into the surrounding communities and countryside, especially through the volunteering projects young people take on to complete their DofE programmes. To help us celebrate our Diamond Anniversary this year, we are challenging people of all ages to do something adventurous and get out of their comfort zones with the DofE Diamond Challenge. People like Katie Mcleod, who became a DofE Leader after completing her Gold Award to help more young people experience the same benefits she had. To further support the Charity, Katie and her friends undertook their own challenge in Scotland, where they climbed Ben Nevis, canoed the Great Glen and cycled to Edinburgh. BBC's Countryfile even joined the group for the canoe leg of their journey - inviting presenter and DofE alumnus Joe Crowley to take on this part of the challenge with them. Although more than a hundred years ago, the summer of 1914 has many similarities with now. In particular, it was a time of rapid technological change. The wireless telegraph, invented in 1896, had transformed communications - messages that once took days to convey could be transmitted instantaneously. But that speed had a cost. "There is abundant evidence", Stephen Kern, history professor at Ohio State University, notes "that one cause of World War I was a failure of diplomacy, and one cause of that failure was that diplomats could not cope with the volume and speed of electronic communication". Diplomats, trained in the ponderous era of slowly-exchanged letters, were ill-equipped to deal with the demands new technology placed on them. After the assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand they simply didn't have the necessary time to generate solutions that would appease both parties. The result - a disastrous escalation of tensions. Advertisement This culminated in Austria-Hungary issuing a list of demands to Serbia on the 23rd of July giving them a mere 48 hours to respond. When Serbia's response to the tight deadline was deemed unsatisfactory by Austria, war was declared and the calamity of WWI began to unfold. 'We shape our tools and then they shape us' This example shows that the pace of technological development sometimes outpaces our ability to adjust to it. And it's not just a historical concern. There is a similar disjuncture between knowledge and technology in marketing, caused by the volume and variety of data that is available to marketers. The key problem is over-confidence. An increase in the volume of data sources has been shown by Paul Slovic, professor of psychology at the University of Oregon, to develop an unjustified certainty in the predictive power of the data. He ran an ingenious experiment with professional horse-racing handicap setters in which they were given a list of 88 variables that were useful in predicting a horse's performance. They then predicted the outcome of races using either 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 of the variables. The results were illuminating. Accuracy was the same regardless of the number of variables used. However, over-confidence grew as more data was harnessed. Experts over-estimated the importance of factors that had a limited value. It was only when five data points were used that accuracy and confidence were well calibrated. Advertisement An unbounded enthusiasm for data is dangerous and advertisers should avoid harnessing data merely because it exists. Instead, as much time, energy and effort should be expended in choosing which data sets to ignore as which to use. In this age of nigh on instantaneous global communications it's hard for us to imagine a world in which it took at least 10 days to convey messages across the Atlantic Ocean. That changed on 27 July 1866 when a transatlantic telegraph cable was landed at Heart's Content in Newfoundland and Labrador, today a province of Canada. At 11.00am local time, the operator at the Heart's Content Cable Station sent a Morse code message to Valentia Island, off the west coast of Ireland, 3,071 kilometres away across the Atlantic Ocean. Advertisement Precisely 150 years later--27 July 2016--the two historic telegraph stations were again in contact, via Skype, to re-enact the transmission of a message that historians see as a watershed moment in the evolution of global communications. I was there to witness that moment, part of a week of commemorations in Heart's Content, a community with 418 inhabitants. A blue banner was hung on the painted red facade of the neatly maintained, brick-built cable station that is now a museum displaying instruments and information about the era of communication by telegraph. The banner informed bypassers, in the unlikely case that they did not already know, that the waterfront town played a major role in accelerating global communications a century-and-a-half ago. Advertisement A wooden stage stood by the shoreline, enabling musicians to entertain the people gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the landing of the cable. Few of the places I've visited gave me the impression of enjoying live music with quite the ubiquity of Newfoundland and Labrador--perhaps only the pubs of Cork and Dublin have come close. A number of the people I spoke to from Heart's Content and nearby communities spoke with a brogue inherited from Irish ancestors. The telegraph cable running beneath the Atlantic is by no means the only connection between Ireland and Canada's most easterly province. In some places being a stranger bearing a camera means being shunned. That was by no means the case in Newfoundland and Labrador. Locals quickly engaged me in conversation and talked of their fondness for England and of ancestors from the country's south-west. They wasted no time in inviting me to a kitchen party, the local term for a house party with live music and plentiful drinks. Advertisement The outdoor stage was also used by actors to perform. They told the story of the short-lived transatlantic telegraph cable of 1858 and subsequent failed attempts to lay a cable in 1865--it snapped off the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline. The lighthearted, cleverly written script made the tale accessible to a broad audience, including children. It conveyed how the SS Great Eastern, then the world's biggest ship, was converted to carry and lay the submarine telegraph cable that would eventually be landed at Heart's Content. The actors involved onlookers while telling a story featuring the historical figures of Ezra Weedon, who became the superintendent of the cable station, and Cyrus Field, an American businessman whose vision and stubborn determination were factors in seeing through the project successfully. Field raised capital and formed the Anglo-American Telegraph Company to finance the project of 1866. Advertisement After the cable was successfully laid the SS Great Eastern sailed eastward to recover the cable lost in 1865. It was found, spliced and connected. By early September 1866 two transatlantic telegraph cables were operating between Heart's Content and Valentia Island. More would be added in the years that followed, increasing capacity. I often curse the price of sending messages from my mobile phone while roaming. Yet even the steepest charge I've ever been hit with pales in comparison with the astronomical price of sending transatlantic telegrams immediately after that cable was laid. In 1866 20 was charged to send a short message (in an age when workers, perhaps with the exception of journalists, earned far less than today). Yet the demand to communicate via telegraph was high. Just eight words a minute could be transmitted along the cable, in marked contrast to the rapid data upload and download rates possible now. A section of that now frayed and exposed original cable can be seen running between the stony shoreline to an embankment leading to the Heart's Content Cable Station. Stripped of its gutta-percha insulation and open to elements it is a rusted, tangible piece of history from the Victorian era. Advertisement In 1965 Heart's Content Cable Station ceased operating. I chatted with Art Tavenor, who worked at the station until its closure, about what it was like to work at the premises and took his photograph. Within minutes I'd transmitted that image, along with several others from the day, to a news agency based in London. Communications technologies have changed markedly in recent years and continue to evolve. Perhaps if I hadn't been in Heart's Content I wouldn't have paused to give that even a second thought. Further information Heart's Content Cable Station is one of Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Historic Sites. The station's website holds up-to-date information regarding admission prices and opening times. Advertisement The municipality of Heart's Content is a 130-kilometre drive from downtown St. John's. Discover more about the attractions of Newfoundland and Labrador on the province's website, www.newfoundlandlabrador.com. Find out more about travel and tourism in Canada by looking at the www.explore-canada.co.uk website. Getting to Newfoundland and Labrador Air Canada offers direct flights between London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) and St. John's International Airport (YYT). Westjet flies direct between London's Gatwick Airport (LGW) and St. John's Outbound flights from London to St John's take approximately five hours 30 minutes. Inbound flights, from St John's to the London airports, take just five hours. It's all due to Nancy. She started it, we work in prison because of the power of her words. Prof Nancy Loucks is from the charity Families Outside, she said that approximately 50% of men lose contact with their families once they go into prison. We were at a conference at the time and Nancy spoke about the great work that Families Outside carries out across Scotland. The figure of 50% really was a red flag to us, we were blown away by the sheer scale of this, the fact that so many families fall apart is scandalous. We saw a real opportunity to do something about it. The idea of doing something stayed with us as time went on. We looked around at what was currently being done to support families in prison and it seemed, well patchy to say the least. There were some examples of really great positive work, but there are lots of prisons where there is little focus on the family. Advertisement I say families in prison as I do believe that when either parent/grandparent is in prison it involves the whole family, and they all need to be seen and heard. We came up with a plan to take our award winning playgroups into the prison setting, we applied for funding and spoke to some local prisons. We've been lucky enough to have been working in HMP Addiewell since October 2015, we're now ten months in and it's been truly amazing to be there. It has it's challenges and certainly keeps you on your toes, which has been good for us. We hoped that we would build good relationships with the dads and their children, and to be honest as we were so focused on the dads, we didn't think too much about the mums. In a similar way to our playgroups in the community, the prison playgroup needs the mums. They are our champions, if they see the benefit they help the dads to understand why it's good to play alongside your children. Advertisement I don't know if you've ever been in prison, I'll work on the basis you've not. The process of going into prison to visit someone is a bit like going for a flight at an airport. There is a lot of waiting involved and patience is vital! So in a similar way to waiting for your flight, there's time to chat as we wait to go upstairs to the visitors hall. The same happens when we're coming out of prison, there is a wait to move from room to room. Whilst this happens it gives you time to talk, and build relationships. So what's happened since we've been working in prison is that we've grown to know the mums, children and dads. It's been an absolute privilege to be part of their lives and I'm pleased to say there has been some truly amazing playing by the dads. As for the children, they are fantastic. Children as we know have great resilience and find joy in the smallest of moments and simplest of pleasures. One dad said to me this week, 'I've played along with my kid more in here than I do outside'. Another dad said to me 'it's brilliant to be able to do stuff with my kids'. We've seen dads feed their babies and children, play alongside them, sing to them, read to them. Working with families in prison has changed us, and challenged us. How families survive and indeed thrive whilst still being in prison is testament to their resilience. There is clear research that states if a father has a good relationship with his family he is less likely to re-offend. The staff that work in prisons are key to the success of any project and we've been fortunate that there has been a great amount of passion from the staff for our project. Our main contact at the prison understood from day one why it's important for dads to have time with their children. Advertisement Time and time again research shows us that children need their fathers, their grandfathers. Where there is love there is hope and the ability to continue to have strong, positive relationships no matter what barriers are in place. I see the love and hope every week, it flows through the barred windows and the cast iron doors. There is humour, there is tension, there is opportunity for the dads to be more and be better. It's heartening to see that in its highly critical report on Baltimore's police department, the U.S. Department of Justice excoriated the police for ignoring sexual assault complaints by minority women, including sex workers and transgender women. The DOJ report not only concluded that the force had systematically violated the rights of African-Americans, but it also highlighted a police culture that was downright toxic toward sex workers and transgender people, according to the New York Times. Specifically, sex workers interviewed by DOJ investigators complained that officers often ignored their reports of being sexually assaulted by clients and that some cops actually coerced sexual favors from these women in exchange for not arresting them. I'm delighted the feds and mainstream media are finally spotlighting this issue, but as I documented in my recent book, Getting Screwed: Sex Workers and the Law, the Baltimore police's treatment of sex workers is far from unique. Indifference and outright harassment of sex workers have been found in police departments from Alaska and California to New York City and Washington, D.C. For my book, I interviewed a number of transgender sex workers who told me that the police not only ignored their reports of sexual assault but sometimes victimized the workers themselves. Take, for example, Kimora, an African-American transsexual whom I met at an outreach center for sex workers in Washington, D.C. Kimora said she was brutally raped by a john near the Trinidad area of D.C. and decided to press charges. But when she went to the 5th precinct police station to file a complaint, the police officer told her that she was to blame, because of the way she was dressed. "He wouldn't take the report," she says. Advertisement Ironically, Kimora said she and other street walkers are more afraid of the police than they are of johns. She knew of one D.C. cop who patrolled the streets and pretended to arrest street walkers. "Instead, he'd take the girls to an alley and rape them himself," she says, adding: "The laws don't protect people like me." And then there is the story of Jennifer Reed, a former sex worker who is now a PhD candidate in sociology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Reed, whom I interviewed for my book, said that she and her family were harassed by a police officer in Ohio when she was a divorced single mother doing sex work to make ends meet. When Reed refused to have sex with this cop, he threatened to have her children arrested. One day, she got a call from both her children's schools; police were there searching her 13-year-old son, then in middle school, and 11-year-old daughter for drugs. "I went to my son's school first and talked to the principal who was female," Reed says. "She knew my son wasn't a problem, he was a good kid, and she understood what was going on." Then, Reed went to her daughter's elementary school. When she walked into the principal's office, the same cop who had pressured her for sex was there, "grinning from ear to ear." He held up a bag of what he claimed was marijuana and said he had found in her daughter's school locker. "It turned out to be a bag of spices and it had been planted," Reed said. "My daughter is an honors student, but the principal said my daughter would either get suspended or be sent to an alternative school." Reed was forced to pull her children out of their schools and home school them until she could move out of the neighborhood. As she notes, most police officers are not like that, but the minority who harass sex workers and other vulnerable women tend to be habitual offenders - just like the Ohio cop who harassed her family and Daniel Holtzclaw, the Oklahoma cop who was convicted of using his badge to sexually assault low-income and minority women, some of whom were sex workers. Advertisement Some call it "housewife" wine; others call it "gulping wine." No matter how you shake it, a great rose is as tasty as it is pretty, thirst-quenching, satisfying, and easy-drinking- and sometimes even packed with personality. (Perhaps that's why the category is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. wine industry.) And the world's most iconic rose-producing region is Provence, France -- a region that consistently produces roses that are pale pink/salmon-colored in nature, often with notes of stone fruit (nectarines, peaches) and wild strawberry, and somehow wet stone in the mix. You can always count on Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah as the dominant grape varieties that comprise these roses. As such, here are three delicious Provencal roses to enjoy in the three weeks of summer before Labor Day. Advertisement 1) The Obvious Choice: Chateau D'Esclans, Cotes de Provence Rose "Whispering Angel" 2015 ($24.95) Find it here. Most things that invoke a whispering angel inspire feelings of being tickled or romanced. Whispering Angel achieves both. Chateau D'Esclans now produces its signature, pale-pink, pretty, lively, and delicious roses from the region, which is both delicate and delicious. Hints of pink grapefruit pair beautifully with signature strawberry flavors. 2) Celebrity Pick: Chateau Miraval 2015 Cotes de Provence Rose "Pitt-Jolie Perrin" ($26.95). Find it here. Advertisement The world watched on as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased the estate known as Miraval as their summer residence, and estate they assert to be dedicated to the arts--music, cinema, theatre, local food and fine wine. Since 2012, Pitt-Jolie's have partnered with well-established winemakers of "Famille Perrin" on all things viticulture, winemaking and wine distribution. Like most Provencal roses, Chateau Miraval's is primarily a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. Atypically, it arrives in a distinctive, square-ish bottle that is bottle pretty and somehow daring. This classic rose will pair beautifully with almost anything grilled or any summer salad on an upcoming afternoon or evening. 3) The Value Choice: MiMi en Provence 2015 Grande Reserve Rose ($14.95). Find it here. "Les Vins Breban" (the wines of the Breban family) count over 7 million bottles a year, many to export markets such as Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Japan, and the United States. So these are not boutique and estate selections. Bahrain's Sunni-led government continues to attack the country's leading Shia clerics. In a new development yesterday, Sheikh Maytham Al Salman has been summoned for questioning to the Ministry of Interior on Sunday August 14.Al Salman an internationally-recognized interfaith leader, and an expert at Columbia University's Global Freedom of Expression initiative. He has already been targeted several times this year by the authorities, charged with politically-motivated, defamation-related offenses. His passport has also been withheld, which acts essentially as a travel ban that prevented him from a fellowship program due to start in June at Stanford University, awarded in recognition of "the significant contributions that he has made to build more tolerant societies to counter violence and extremism in the Middle East." Sheikh Al Salman coordinates a group of clerics and other religious leaders from across the Middle East to counter hate speech and sectarianism, a project that has been encouraged by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He's exactly the sort of civil society leader Bahrain needs to be playing a major role in finding a way out of its political crisis.But this work is not without significant danger. There are real fears that Al Salman will face arrest on Sunday and a period of prolonged detention. The United States should speak up about his case before then, and outline what consequences there will be should Bahrain's leaders continue down the self-destructive path of recent weeks. Advertisement Also on Sunday Bahrain's most senior Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim, whose citizenship was recently stripped, is due to stand trial. He is accused by the government of money laundering. His supporters have mounted a sit-in protest near his house in Duraz. This targeting of Shia religious leaders clearly fuels Bahrain's polarization and undermines efforts to combat sectarianism. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom report for 2016 noted "an increase in the number of interrogations, detentions, and arbitrary arrests of Shi'a Muslims, including clerics, for peaceful protests and criticizing the government's human rights and religious freedom record." The Obama Administration should be doing more to prevent this. The country's military is armed, equipped, and trained by the United States yet remains virtually an exclusively Sunni force. The State Department should withhold further support for the security forces until significant progress has been made to integrate the country's majority Shia population into the police and army. Absent consequences from its powerful international allies the Bahraini regime seems bent on smothering political opponents, human right activists, and Shia clerics. The U.S. government should be horrified at what's happening and react publicly and forcefully. A visa ban for any official credibly linked to human rights abuses would be a start. Support for the bipartisan legislation in Congress proposing a ban on the sale of small arms to Bahrain until a series of reforms to address religious discrimination and other human rights issues have been fully implemented would be helpful too.Sheikh Al Salman rightly notes how "human rights defenders, activists and media professionals remain at risk of stigmatization, intimidation and even reprisals by State and non-State actors, including for their work on the promotion of tolerance and non-sectarian policies." Advertisement A preview of the 2016-17 commercial fishing proclamations is among the agenda items at the August meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. The meeting will be held in the Cumberland Room of the Art Circle Public Library in Crossville. The TFWC Budget Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18. Other committee meetings will begin at 1 p.m. The regular TFWC meeting will start at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. The public is invited to attend all the meetings. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fisheries Division will present proposed changes in the commercial fishing and mussel regulations for next year. The TFWC will vote on the commercial fishing proclamations at its September meeting to be held at Pickwick Landing State Park. A preview of the 2017-18 sport fish proclamations will be made at the September meeting. The winners of the drawing for the 2016 Tennessee elk hunt will be announced on Friday morning during the August meeting. This will include the four main drawing winners, the youth elk hunt tag winner, the five winners in the archery-only hunt, and the winner of the tag auctioned by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. Chuck Yoest, Wildlife and Forestry Division assistant chief, will present TWRAs recommendation for cervid deer carcass importation restrictions. There will also be an update on cooperative efforts between TWRA and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Due to flooding on the Mississippi River which forced a TFWC to close youth deer hunt in January, the TWRA is making a recommendation to avoid instances where future emergency TFWC meetings have to be called for a similar action. The TWRA is recommending a blanket closure of deer seasons when the Mississippi River reaches 34 feet at the Caruthersville (Mo.) gauge and will remain closed until the river falls to 32 feet at the Memphis gauge. The closed lands will include from the western border of the state east to the end of the Mississippi River bluff. As requested by TFWC Chairman Harold Cannon, Property and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jeff McMillin will give an update on the status of field trial areas across the state. Much of the discussion will focus on Pooles Knob on Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area. The agency will also present its fiscal year 2017-18 budget recommendations to the commission. On the night of July 15th, I was sitting in front of my laptop, making some final corrections to a post I was ready to upload on my Huffington Post blog. The post had the same title as this one, and was about the verbal and physical abuse of some youngsters from a group of fanatic Muslims in Istanbul. Their "crime" was that they were listening to the rock band Radiohead's new album. My post was about the tolerance that the current Turkish administration shows for such incidents and I concluded that they do so in order to have more efficient penetration to religious fundamentalists that comprise the core of the Turkish president's supporters. Suddenly the hot, dizzy, summer night took historic dimensions when I switched on the TV. My first thoughts, when I started watching the news about what was an ongoing coup attempt in Turkey, were very specific. The whole story, as the news emerged with unusual speed and with no obvious obstacles, seemed suspicious. The moment I saw the face of President Tayip Erdogan on a Facetime (!) communication, one name came to mind and I just sat waiting to see how fast that name would be thrown out there: Fethullah Gulen. What did we watch happening that night and on subsequent days? What made most of the Western media characterize this coup attempt an "operetta"? Which are the elements that complete the whole story of this historic drama? A drama that could be a starting point for Turkey's future, but for sure it is a significant moment in the country's modern history? And most importantly, what will be the interpretation of the international community of all those factors and what the consequences will be for Turkey? Advertisement First of all, what we witnessed that night was a small segment of the Turkish army making random and unexpected moves. That made clear that there was a lack of guidance. We watched all the media, social media, and telecommunications functioning with minimum problems that lasted only a few hours. We actually witnessed something that looked more similar to a group of anarchists with guns trying to occupy the Pentagon than a coup attempt. Or to be more specific, the restaurants and retail stores around Pentagon. The following hours we saw President Erdogan announcing the "evil mind" behind this. This was the same President who claimed he did not have a clue about what was about to happen or the threats to his country and him personally. Yet he was able to announce publicly, a few hours later, the responsible individual. We witnessed police, but mostly ordinary civilians (!) stopping military vehicles, disarming, and arresting members of the proud Turkish army. The same powerful army that has as a mission to protect Turkey from internal dangers (Kurds, terrorism) and to participate along with international community on matters that need military supervision and interference (Syria, ISIS). In less than a day, we witnessed the beginning and development of a pogrom that targeted dozens of thousands of members of Turkish army, judges, and even academics (!). Thousands of people were accused of a so-called coup attempt--of course, in the case of some, it's clear that they participated--under express procedures. Thousands were arrested and accused by an administration that theoretically didn't have a clue of what was happening but was somehow fully prepared to arrest participants within few hours (!). Over the following days, we also watched the declaration of a state of emergency for the whole country for the next three months and the cancellation of 3 million (!) passports of Turkish citizens to prevent them leaving the country. Naturally, all the above generated suspicions that the attempt was orchestrated by Erdogan's administration itself or that the administration was aware of what was going on and let it happen--of course, after taking the necessary precautions so that the coup attempt would a fast and fatal end. As it did. The reasons why Erdogan acted this way? Obviously to bolster his popularity and proceed, with a good excuse, to eliminate his internal possible enemies. And with the approval and blessing of his supporters. Erdogan's political intentions became clearer over subsequent days. In the beginning, very quickly and without evidence, one factor that took away any sense of reliability was that President Erdogan demanded the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, who has been living in self-exile in Pennsylvania for the last few years. In this way, Erdogan made the problem he created also a problem for the US. When a leader of a nation characterizes a person as the head of a terrorist organization and when the country that is receiving this demand for extradition won't fulfill it, it is more than obvious that this will have a negative effect on the relations of those two countries. What the long-term impact will be is unpredictable. And we should care about it, especially as relations between Turkey and the US have traditionally been friendly for decades, specifically at the military level, from their collaboration in the region to the American nukes at Incirlik army base. Advertisement Afterward, Erdogan addressed the European nations that he claims are calling him a dictator. He stated that his country is suffering because over the last 53 years Europe has ignored his nation's intentions of officially becoming a part of Europe. That means that according to President Erdogan, the periods when Turkey was under military dictatorship are included as are the same years of its invasion of Cyprus that run counter to any meaning of international rules and thus create a divided nation. Finally, President Erdogan also made clear that he is thinking of bringing back the death penalty. I do not know which is the biggest shame for Turkish society. This attitude about the death penalty or the fact that the victims from the army side attempting the coup will be buried in a separate cemetery without a religious ceremony. Hearing Erdogan's words, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he holds a referendum on the death penalty. This, of course, will increase even more his popularity, which is already high as a result of recent events. It has to be very clear and understandable. It is more than obvious that Erdogan is one of the most dangerous politicians and a threat for the future of his country and for the stability of that very fragile region to which Turkey belongs. His unpredictable maneuvers and the Machiavelian politics that he follows harbor dangers and impact all phenomena and social movements leading the region into even greater instability. It is also clear that Erdogan's politics are no longer in US interests. Indeed, what immediately comes to my mind is George Friedman's book The Next 100 Years and the prediction he made seven years ago that Turkey will try to project itself as a leading nation of the Islamic world and would be one of the biggest threats to US foreign policy. Let's not fool ourselves. Fethullah Gulen --if we accept that he is behind the coup attempt--is no better than Erdogan. Actually, he represents the same dogma. The makeover of the secular Turkey, as established by the modern state's founder Kemal Ataturk, into a state that is closer to Islamic fundamentalism. What we are seeing are power games around the throne. Of course, not even a military dictatorship could offer the stability needed by a country with so many issues, especially when the Turkish army was totally depreciated in the eyes of Turkish society and the international community after the latest incidents. That, in a country like Turkey where the army was the core of the nation's foundation, may open a kind of vendetta. Advertisement President Erdogan is a great actor. But can he convince anyone outside Turkey? Unfortunately though, the real victims are the common-sense citizens and all those millions manipulated into supporting a government that is leading the country down dangerous paths. This past Saturday was the 51st anniversary of signing of the historic Voting Rights Act (VRA). It was signed into law in 1965, by President Lyndon Johnson, with bipartisan support. The Voting Rights Act outlawed discriminatory and racist voting restrictions, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, that were established in the South soon after the Civil War to deliberately make it harder, and in some cases impossible, for African Americans to vote. While we are celebrating this historic civil rights victory, unfortunately the power of the VRA has been limited. The 2016 election will be the first election without the full protection of the VRA. In 2013 the Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the VRA. States that had a long history of intentionally suppressing the vote of African Americans and all communities of color, no longer had to have their state voting laws approved by the Department of Justice. Within hours of the Supreme Court's decision, states with a long history of discrimination passed sweeping laws that limited entire communities from accessing the ballot box. But recently, we had some good news. In the last two weeks, courts have struck down 6 different restrictive and racist voting laws. North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Kansas. All of these laws had been put in place by Republican-controlled legislatures and targeted African-American voters, Latino voters, college students, and low-income Americans. Advertisement In North Carolina, a federal court struck down the state's restrictive voter ID law that unfairly targeted African Americans and college students. The court also reestablished an entire week of early-voting, allowed for same-day voter registration and out-of-precinct voting, and assured that young people could pre-register to vote. Both Texas and Wisconsin experienced victories limiting their strict voter ID laws. Under Texas' voter ID law, almost 600,000 Texans did not have the proper ID to vote. You could use a gun license to vote, but not a university-issued college ID. In Wisconsin, a federal court ordered that student IDs were considered legitimate identification when voting and, if no identification could be obtained before the elections, voters are allowed to sign an affidavit. Whether it's a young person in North Carolina or a college student in Texas, every person deserves the right to vote and the right to clean air and water. Sadly, many of the same low-income communities of color that are targeted with voter suppression tactics are simultaneously impacted by environmental injustice. They are often home to disproportionate environmental hazards such as toxic waste sites, landfills, coal plant emissions and their consequent health risks. To make matters worse, many of these communities lack job opportunities, quality education, and tend to be targets of racial profiling and police brutality. By restricting the people of these communities access to the ballot box, their voices are being silenced. Their ability to stand up to these other injustices and call on their elected officials to protect their families and communities is restricted. Advertisement For the last three years, the Sierra Club has mobilized our 2.4 million members and supporters alongside our allies at the NAACP and across the civil rights community, organized labor, and a swath of organizations calling on Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the Voting Rights Act. While our federal courts have taken action to strike down some of the most discriminatory and racist voting laws, there are still 15 states with new voting restrictions in place for November. Plus, the landscape will continue to change as challenges move up through various courts. We need a strong Voting Rights Act now more than ever. Join us in demanding Congress take action. Sign the petition here. Studies show that the voting public grasps a problem really only when politicians and the media talk about it repeatedly and with urgency. Climate scientists say that the window of opportunity is closing, and the important decisions to avoid dangerous [global] warming must be made in the next four to eight years. Desi Doyen of the nationally syndicated Green News Report, August 2, 2016 Politicians may not be discussing climate change with the necessary urgency, and mainstream media entities have yet to "wake up and smell the carbon" (to quote environmental journalist Betsy Rosenberg), but as Desi Doyen suggests, powerful voices can indeed direct public attention to the issue of climate protection--and a new study reaffirms this reality. As the Washington Post's Chris Mooney reports: Earlier this year, a team of researchers documented that when Charlie Sheen told the world that he had HIV, media attention to the virus -- which had been in long decline -- spiked massively. And now, many of the same researchers are back with another demonstration. They find that when Leonardo DiCaprio used his Oscar speech earlier this year to exhort action on climate change, tweets and Google searches about the topic were enormous and, at least in the case of tweets, appear to have set a new record based on analyses between 2011 and the present. Advertisement "A single speech, at a very opportunistic time, at the Oscar ceremony, resulted in the largest increase in public engagement with climate change ever," says John Ayers of San Diego State University, who completed the work with colleagues from the University of California San Diego, the Santa Fe Institute, and other institutions. Their study was just published in the open access journal PLOS One.... The authors add that when DiCaprio spoke, the total number of Tweets that contained the phrases "climate change" or "global warming" "were at the highest recorded value in our database with more than 250,000 tweets on that day." And then there were the Google searches. These, too, spiked, so much so that it represented the "third-highest point ever recorded for climate change or global warming on Google trends." Shortly after DiCaprio's Oscar win, Suzanne Goldenberg of The Guardian chronicled DiCaprio's two decades of dedication to action on climate. DiCaprio has worked with nationally-syndicated radio host Thom Hartmann on a series of compelling short films about the need to combat carbon pollution, as well as a longer documentary on our planetary peril that was recently acquired for distribution by National Geographic Channel (which will also broadcast the follow-up to the acclaimed 2014 series Years of Living Dangerously beginning October 30). Advertisement On June 28, 2016, President Obama's Special Envoy to the counter-ISIL coalition testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Islamic State as an organization is undergoing its most treacherous time on the battlefield. "The trajectory is positive," Brett McGurk commented in his opening statement. "ISIL has not had a major battlefield victory in over a year. It has lost 47 percent of its territory in Iraq, and 20 percent in Syria. More important than percentages, however, is the strategic nature of the territory that ISIL has lost." Islamic State fighters have been on the back-foot in Syria and Iraq ever since Iraqi security forces and U.S. air-power retook the Anbar provincial capital of Ramadi in December 2015. Indeed, since that time, it has been all downhill for the self-proclaimed caliphate: the Iraqi army is improving in capability and getting more professional with its tactics and strategy; ISIL's oil production has decreased by 50% and its oil profits have declined by 30%; and the group's leadership has witnessed an exponentially lower number of foreign fighters crossing the Turkey-Syria border, thereby limiting its recruitment and ability to defend its territory. Advertisement John Brennan, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, had a somewhat different assessment of the situation. Speaking to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Brennan painted a more dire picture of ISIL's overall strength. While U.S. airstrikes have pummeled ISIL's checkpoints and strategic positions over the past two years, Brennan argued that the group is still very much able to plan, orchestrate, and inspire terrorist attacks around the world. "[D]espite all our progress against ISIL on the battlefield and in the financial realm," the CIA chief said, "our efforts have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach. The resources needed for terrorism are very modest, and the group would have to suffer even heavier losses of territory, manpower, and money for its terrorist capacity to decline significantly." Brennan's views have proven to be prescient over the past several months. And yet the conventional wisdom dominating Washington remains unchallenged: that to wipe ISIL out for good, all the United States needs to do is strike a spear at its center of gravity in Mosul and Raqqah. In fact, this continues to be the central objective of the global coalition: isolate the group's fighters in both cities, conduct shaping operations, and squeeze ISIL to the point where local forces will have a much easier time retaking the area. The conventional wisdom, however, is misplaced. Why it is always useful for terrorist organizations to possess a safehaven to recruit young men to their cause and plan large-scale, coordinated operations, the simple fact is that the Islamic State doesn't need Mosul or Raqqah in order to kill innocents around the world. This is exactly why fighting international terrorism is such a difficult endeavor - capturing territory is not necessarily a good indicator or metric for determining success or failure. Advertisement ISIL has demonstrated this vividly over the past two years and most significantly in Western Europe over the past seven months. Since the first U.S. bombs were dropped on ISIL targets in Iraq in August 2014, terrorism attributed to the group has not only continued, but has gotten deadlier. The list of ISIS-inspired or directed attacks on civilians in the Middle East, Afghanistan, South Asia, Europe, and the United States is nearly endless: a storming of the Canadian parliament building; a man attacking New York City police officers with a hatchet; a takeover of a cafe in Sydney, killing two hostages; the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christian missionaries in Libya; coordinated bombings and attacks against Egyptian security forces in the Sinai; an attack on a museum in Tunisia, killing 22; an attack on a tourist resort in Tunisia, killing 38 tourists; a series of suicide attacks on Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia; a double suicide bombing in a Beirut shopping district; suicide and shooting attacks on restaurants and a concert hall in Paris, claiming the lives of over 100 people; a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California that killed 14 office workers; a series of suicide attacks an an airport in Brussels; a massive truck bomb in a Baghdad shopping district, killing nearly 300; a series of suicide attacks at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul; a man plowing through large crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France; and just last week, a suicide bombing of a peaceful rally in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in more than 80 people murdered. Many of these attacks were not directed from Syria or Iraq nor required millions of dollars and expert bomb-makers to carry out, but were rather executed by a single individual or a small group of conspirators who never traveled to Syria or Iraq in their lives. The point of rehearsing this list of doom and gloom is not to highlight ISIL's strength or to portray it as 10-feet tall. Rather, it is to illustrate that whatever happens in Raqqah and Mosul in the future, it is highly likely that ISIL will continue to call for attacks on soft targets in the west and in the region - and that a small faction will remain, however minute, that will feel compelled to answer the call. On September 20, 2001, nine days after Al-Qaeda destroyed the World Trade Center towers and damaged a section of the Pentagon, President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and declared a worldwide war against terrorism. "Our war on terror begins with Al Qaeda, but it does not end there," Bush told the American people that day. "It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated." Ever since that time, the United States has been expending an enormous amount of blood and financial treasure on that war. By declaring a war on terrorism, President Bush set a precedent that President Barack Obama largely followed; taking the fight to the enemy with the sole objective of destroying terrorist groups that threaten the United States and its allies. Unfortunately, we have yet to recognize that terrorism cannot be defeated; it can only be contained, rolled back, and mitigated to an extent that allows people to live their lives without fear. U.S. policy over the past fifteen years has rested on a faulty assumption that full and complete victory was actually in the cards. Advertisement Whether we like it or not, the Islamic State will continue to survive and international terrorism will continue to be utilized by fanatical, ideological, or extremist individuals who believe it is effective to get a political point across by putting killing innocent people and paralyzing whole societies with fear. Even a quick and painless route of ISIL in Mosul and Raqqah will not alter that basic piece of common-sense. Politicians and national security officials in Washington need to start giving the American people the hard truth instead of setting up false expectations that not even the world's greatest superpower can meet. Fascinating live chat yesterday with Martin Koppelmann, an Ethereum development expert and founder of the Gnosis prediction market, which is built atop Ethereum. Can the decisions of millions of strangers predict next week's weather, or the next Super Bowl champ, or even whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will be spending the next 4 years in the White House. I had met Koppelmann in San Francisco at a recent weekend dev meet-up and was intrigued by his explanation of several crypto concepts, so inviting him on was a no-brainer. In the clip, which you can watch uninterrupted below, he explains how Gnosis would allow for the masses to place "bets" on which presidential candidate wins. It's fascinating stuff at the cutting edge of what the blockchain can do for society. Watch our chat: And at about 10 minutes in, you'll hear from Jordana Seguin, who is helping overhaul the newsletter. As I mentioned in the video, not going to be promoting the sign-up link until the new pretty version of the newsletter launches next week, but you're welcome to follow on Twitter--I'll tweet out the sign-up page as soon as it's ready for the world to see it. Advertisement Also, hack.ether.camp now has more than 400 coders signed up to compete. Designed to promote blockchain innovation, coder teams ("hackers") will be competing for a grand prize of $50,000 in Bitcoin or Ether. A varied expert panel of judges drawing from some of the best firms in crypto will decide on the winning project. The U.S. Department of Education yesterday took a momentous step, deciding that the CollegeAmerica / Stevens-Henager / CEHE chain of colleges, despite formally converting from a for-profit to a non-profit enterprise, is still acting like a self-interested business corporation, rather than a charitable institution, and thus should remain subject to the handful of rules that apply only to for-profits. These rules include the bare requirement that for-profit colleges, to demonstrate their worth, get no more than 90 percent of their revenue from the Department of Education itself; many for-profit chains have been coming perilously close to that line. Advertisement The Department of Education has been giving temporary provisional participation agreements to these for-profit colleges as they convert to non-profit status and then taking its time toward a final decision; College America/ Stevens-Henager CEO Eric Juhlin thus complained that yesterday's decision came 44 months after his chain submitted its change of ownership application. The Department has not issued similar final determinations regarding Herzing and Ultimate Medical Academy. The Department did take steps toward approving the Keiser (2011) and Remington (2103) conversions. But comparing the terms of their conversions to the substance of the Department's findings yesterday, all these schools might have reason to be worried. It was fairly asked yesterday what College America/ Stevens-Henager / CEHE and the others are supposed to do now if they want what they had expected -- to get the regulatory advantages of a non-profit college. That seems clear to me -- start acting like a non-profit college. Swap out your board of directors for one that is independent and uncompensated, instead of highly compensated. Spend more on education and stop engaging in predatory, deceptive recruiting. It's also quite possible to undo the self-interested structure of your conversion: End all the self-dealing, all the leasing of buildings and planes by the former owners to the new non-profit. And the former owner can say, I've done well, I have enough money, name some buildings after me, I will convert my multi-million dollar loans for the sale of the school into charitable grants. Once again Donald Trump has shocked the foreign policy establishment and caused weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth around the world. He suggested that maybe the U.S. should no longer defend its prosperous, populous allies in Europe. Disagreeing with Trump is easy. Often he's wrong, imagining that Americans are incapable of competing with other nations economically. Sometimes his argument is overwhelmed by specific insults and general incivility. Even when he's right, he's usually incapable of nuance. Advertisement In the case of NATO it's the latter. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization made sense when created in 1949. War-ravaged Western Europe faced an aggressive Soviet Union which had swallowed several Central and Eastern European states. The American defense shield allowed Washington's allies to recover and rebuild. Even then, however, Dwight Eisenhower warned against making U.S. force deployments permanent. Alas, nearly seven decades later the alliance has become an end rather than a means. Europe recovered and nothing changed. The Cold War ended and nothing changed. The U.S. lost much of its economic dominance and nothing changed. Washington continues to guarantee the security of its 27 (soon to be 28) NATO allies (as well as Japan, South Korea, and others). Yet only four European nations bother to devote even two percent of GDP to the military, barely half America's level--the United Kingdom (which fudges its figures), Greece (which worries mostly about fellow "ally" Turkey), Poland (which only recently fulfilled the standard), and Estonia (which spends little in absolute terms). The U.S. also is providing the bulk of the new forces being deployed: prepositioned equipment, thousand-member brigade for Poland, and armored brigade for Central Europe. Yet among Europeans a feeling of entitlement reigns. Explained the AP's Vanessa Gera, "Polish leaders have sometimes lamented feeling like a second-class member given that there have so far never been NATO bases or significant troop numbers on its territory." Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said gaining an allied garrison allows his country to become the kind of NATO member "that we have always very much wanted to be, one that the Poles have waited 70 years to be. We will be fully protected by a joint force." Which, in practice, means from America. Advertisement Trump sees this as just a free-riding problem. He said he'd like to keep the alliance, but doesn't know if it's possible. "Many NATO nations are not making payments, are not making what they're supposed to make," he complained." You've got to be prepared to walk away, he said. He "would prefer not to walk," but if the Euro-wimps don't "fulfill their obligations to us," perhaps Washington shouldn't defend them. He apparently expects other states to do more than spend more. He wants them to pay America for its efforts: "If we cannot be properly reimbursed for the tremendous cost of our military protecting other countries," then "I would be absolutely prepared to tell those countries, 'Congratulations, you will be defending yourself'." A predictable firestorm erupted about America keeping its word and reassuring allies. U.S. officials rushed to calm the Europeans' fears. "In good times and in bad, Europe can count on the United States," declared President Barack Obama. White House press secretary Josh Earnest opined: "There should be no mistake or miscalculation made about this country's commitment to the transatlantic alliance." The Clinton campaign claimed that both Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman "would be ashamed." Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) called Trump's remarks "dangerous." James Stavridis, former NATO commander and dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts, said Trump's position was "deeply destabilizing." The Trump campaign appeared to retreat ever so slightly: aide Sam Clovis downplayed the candidate's remarks: "We just want people to follow the rules. We're putting a marker out there." Trump told the Washington Post: NATO is a "good thing to have" and "I don't want to pull it out." Advertisement Failing to honor a commitment in the midst of a crisis would be, shall we say, bad form. It wouldn't do much for American credibility and the value of treaties. Moreover, Trump fundamentally misperceives the real problem. The issue is not burden-sharing, getting the Europeans to do more. It is burden-shedding, turning responsibility over to the Europeans. We should not keep the present military arrangement, irrespective of how much they spend on their armed forces. Whether European nations spend slightly above or below two percent of GDP on the military--the official NATO objective--is of little consequence. There no longer is any geopolitical justification for America to defend Europe. At least the continent is important for the U.S. The Baltic States, which view themselves most at risk, are not. Washington should wish them well, but not risk nuclear war to protect nations without the slightest security value to America. And which, as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich put it, are essentially in "the suburbs of St. Petersburg." Defense should not be confused with charity. The only potential serious threat facing Europe is Russia, and even that fear is overblown. Vladimir Putin's behavior is egregious, but nevertheless rational and controlled. He's shown no interest in dominating or conquering distant territories peopled by non-ethnic Russians. That Moscow is theoretically capable of conquering the Baltics does not mean it would be in Moscow's interest to do so. Military build-ups and maneuvers on both sides appear to be mostly political posturing, useful in justifying the opposing side's build-ups and maneuvers. Trump was almost alone among presidential candidates to recognize that it is U.S. interest to accommodate rather than confront Russia. In any case, Europe enjoys a population advantage approaching three-to-one and economic lead of nearly ten-to-one over Russia. Europe has a larger population and economy than America. Even today Europe spends two to three times as much as Russia on the military. The ever-hawkish Foreign Policy Initiative complained that Moscow has devoted $700 billion over the last decade to military modernization--but that's only a little more than America alone spends every year on the military. Advertisement Relative economic parity doesn't mean America and Europe should share equal responsibility for protecting Europe. It means Europe should protect Europe. Why should the U.S. maintain the status quo? For some, all that matters is preserving the alliance. Complained Ojars Kalnins, a Latvian parliamentarian: "This won't be good for NATO unity." Jens Stoltenberg, the former Norwegian prime minister who now serves as alliance secretary general, declared "Solidarity among allies is a key value for NATO." But so what? America gets a lot out of the alliance, argue representatives of the countries being defended. Stoltenberg claimed that "we defend one another," pointing to European contributions in Afghanistan--far less than America's role in that nation, and far less costly than bearing most of the burden in confronting nuclear-armed Russia. The U.S. is interested in the continent's security and stability, it is said. Of course, but the Europeans have an even greater interest. Yet they lack an incentive to act if America promises to take care of their problems. Moreover, there's an even better case for the Europeans to subsidize America's defense. After all, the continent is vitally interested in U.S. well-being, more so, frankly, than the other way around. Why don't the well-heeled Europeans subsidize American security? Washington uses bases in Europe for its misbegotten activities in the Middle East, contend some NATO enthusiasts. But America would be much more secure if it didn't intervene so promiscuously and disastrously. Anyway, it's possible to negotiate base access without promising to inaugurate nuclear war on behalf of the host country. Which could be the ultimate outcome of fulfilling NATO's Article 5 commitment. Advertisement U.S. officials should stop whining about European nations which won't fulfill their promises to do more. As long as Washington insists on defending its well-off friends, U.S. officials declare the commitment to Europe to be absolute, and American presidents jet off to "reassure" the Europeans, the latter would be stupid to spend more on the military. As for Trump's complaints, increasing Europe's outlays would not suddenly make it in America's interest to defend that continent. Nor would any increase be sustainable. Most Europeans perceive little threat, and thus little justification, for additional military outlays. Even if a few European governments responded to Trump by bumping up expenditures, there likely would be little long-run change. Both their fear and Washington's interest almost certainly would lag over time. Even President Trump would be unlikely to drop allies because their military spending per GDP dropped from 2.01 percent to 1.97 percent. The better policy would be to kick Europe off of America's defense dole. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have now legalized marijuana in some form. And the trend continues unabated: this year could see marijuana being legalized for recreational use in an additional 10 states and for medical use in an additional six states. The march toward legalization has brought a dramatic change in attitude. Once perceived as a serious threat to public health and safety - if not a downright evil - marijuana is now considered by most to be safe - on the order of drinking alcohol, but safer. Many even consider it to be good for them. Fifty-four percent of American registered voters support full legalization, and 12.5 percent of American adults use marijuana, including a third of high school seniors. In some ways, this swing in attitude is understandable given that since 1970 marijuana has been lumped in the same category as heroin and cocaine as a schedule I drug. The drugs placed in this category were defined as drugs that had a high potential for abuse, no accredited medical use, and a lack of accepted safety. This designation was supposed to be based on scientific evidence but in the case of marijuana little research existed. As a schedule I drug, it then became much more difficult for researchers to get funding to research marijuana's potential benefits and dangers. This lack of science left a vacuum between the official government position on marijuana and the common sense of the general public that could see that marijuana did not have the same addictive liability as cocaine or heroin. Not surprisingly, some began to question the strict prohibition of marijuana because of the perceived health benefits of marijuana and harsh sentencing laws that were enacted in the 1980s. This disconnect between policy and conventional wisdom has left many people dubious of claims by government leaders and health professionals that marijuana does pose some health risks. These risks are especially pronounced for young people under the age of 25 whose brains are still maturing and therefore are at an increased risk of the neurologic consequences of marijuana. Advertisement These young marijuana users are also more likely to be exposed to newer, more potent forms of marijuana including a dangerous marijuana extract called "dabs" that is rapidly gaining in popularity. The vulnerability to the dangers of dabs is enhanced by the fact that this highly potent, distilled version of marijuana is barely a blip on the radar screens of the health, education and law enforcement authorities who are often the first bulwark of defense against harmful drug trends. This is important because when a young person admits to using marijuana, it is crucial that parents and educators learn more about the type and potency of the marijuana that is being used. In our times, not all marijuana is created equal. Also known as butane hash oil (BHO), honey oil, budder (or butter), crumble, shatter and wax, dabs are a highly concentrated extract of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - marijuana's psychoactive ingredient. While the typical joint is 11 to 21 percent THC, a dab can be 80 percent or more. The result is a high that has been described as "ferocious." And therein lies the danger - or part of it. In fact, dabbing can be dangerous in a number of ways: Adverse health effects - Dabbing can lead to rapid heartbeat, blackouts, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations, as well as to accidents and falls. Some are also concerned about the potential for abuse posed by a drug that delivers such a rapid, potent high. In one study, researchers found that users viewed dabbing as a more dangerous form of cannabis consumption because of the tolerance that is developed - ever-larger doses are required to produce the same effect. Also, although many proponents would repudiate the idea of marijuana as a gateway drug, the immersion in a dabs drug culture holds the potential to lead to the abuse of other substances, especially among the emotionally or genetically vulnerable. Indeed, while dabs are similar to marijuana flowers because they contain the same psychoactive ingredient (THC), they are about as similar in potency as regular beer (~5% alcohol by volume) is to Everclear vodka (95% alcohol by volume). Advertisement Consumption - Dabs are typically consumed in an "oil rig" consisting of a glass water pipe and a hollow metal rod called a "nail." The nail is heated with a blowtorch, the dab is placed on the hot surface and the vapors are inhaled through the water pipe. In addition to the risks associated with inhaling off-gasses from the oil rig and contaminants in the dab, there are the risks associated with heating the nail to hundreds of degrees. One study in experienced users found no increased risk of accident or injury, but John M. Stogner, the co-author of an article on dabbing in "Pediatrics," noted that the situation may be different for novice users who are more likely to be cognitively impaired while using the dangerous equipment. Dabs can also be consumed in an e-cigarette-like "vape pen." While use of a vape pen eliminates the dangers associated with an open flame, it increases the appeal because of the getting-away-with-it factor. Users are brazenly dabbing on the street, at sporting events and even in school, within full view of clueless authority figures. Manufacture - The production of dabs is a dangerous process in which butane gas is used to extract the THC. The butane is then burned off, leaving only the thick concentrate. Amateurs can accidentally ignite the volatile butane vapors, leading to fires, burns and explosions so severe that they have destroyed homes. Law enforcement authorities are concerned that dabs' increasing popularity will prompt more people to try making their own, especially given the ease with which it is made and the ready availability of instructional videos on the Internet. While more research is needed on the risks of dabbing, it is likely that the accepting attitudes fostered by the legalization trend are increasing the rate of experimentation with this new form of marijuana. Health, education and law enforcement authorities need to educate themselves about the dangers and get the word out that dabs are not "just pot." Indeed, the increased popularity of dabbing is worrying even the most hardcore of marijuana proponents. In the words of a writer for "High Times," which describes itself as the "definitive source for all things marijuana," "... the fashionability of a form of cannabis consumption that does lead to people passing out and getting wheeled away on stretchers should give us pause." Congolese refugee children play on wooden fencing erected to secure the Nyakabande refugees transit camp in Kisoro district, 491 km (305 miles) west of Ugandan capital Kampala November 9, 2013. REUTERS/James Akena (UGANDA - Tags: SOCIETY IMMIGRATION POVERTY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY CIVIL UNREST) There are over 1.8 billion people on this planet between the ages of 10 and 24 -- the most at any time in history. This figure is a positive sign, for, in all the societies and countries of the world, young women and men are a group that actively looks for opportunities to generate unprecedented change and renewal. But today's youth are disproportionately concentrated in the poorest and most conflict-impacted countries on Earth. In the world's 48 least-developed countries, children and youth make up a majority of the population. The dangers of this disparity are profound. These conditions create vicious cycles where poverty and inequality -- affecting millions of young people -- severely dim their societies' futures. What's more, poverty and inequality in one generation lead to conflict within and between nations in the next, which opens the door to a future of chronic fragility, causing further poverty and violence, and so on. Violence has always had a major impact on the lives of young people -- they are often among the first to be targeted as victims or recruited to join armed forces -- but for too long, decision-makers have seen youth as being only those things, victims or perpetrators, and not as partners, as equals, with the capacity to be voices for hope and forces for lasting peace and sustainable development. Advertisement Fortunately, the need to promote youth as key players in addressing the challenges of our times is increasingly acknowledged around the globe. For example, last year, the leaders of the world adopted the 2030 Agenda, which both places transformative change at the center of the national and global stages and recognizes the potential and power of youth in all countries. Therefore, in placing the 2016 International Youth Day under the theme "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production," the United Nations decided to stress the leading contribution of young people in making concrete the universal aspirations contained in the 2030 Agenda. With its 17 crosscutting goals, the 2030 Agenda will help the world take important steps toward achieving universal education, improving access to information, ending the use of child soldiers, and reaching other outcomes that will empower youth to participate in the political and peacemaking processes. And just last December, the UN Security Council passed its first ever resolution on the role of young people in ending armed conflict. The Security Council is calling on nations to do more not only to protect and empower youths living in areas impacted by conflict, but to engage them as leaders and decision makers who have an important part to play in shaping the future of their countries. This is exactly what WPDI has been working toward since our founding in 2012 and with the support of such partners as UNESCO and Ericsson. We envision a world where young people everywhere are empowered with the education, the technology, and -- most of all -- the belief in themselves that they need to come together in staggering numbers to overwhelm their societies' most-pressing challenges. Because when we give young women and men the tools to become leaders and change makers, they are capable of remarkable things. In South Sudan, a nation torn by violence, two of the youth peacemakers we work with are currently serving in their nation's parliament, bringing to the national debate a message of reconciliation and dialogue across ethnic divides. Others have received mandates from their governor to mediate long-standing conflicts between local tribes. In Uganda, former child soldiers are working together with small loans from WPDI to start businesses and community-building projects in their villages. From the ashes of war, they have become entrepreneurs and role models for the other young people in their communities. Advertisement The Promise and the Challenge Here's the promise: There is a cure, a complete cure in a short 12 weeks, for hepatitis C virus (HCV), which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates afflicts between 2.7 and 3.9 million Americans, and which is a leading cause of liver cancer and other devastating health complications. This new class of HCV drugs, which are much easier on the human body and virtually free of side effects, attacks the virus directly and can reduce the viral load to zero when taken correctly. As with so many things in healthcare, this promise comes with challenges. First, the price tag can be steep--nearly $100,000 for a full 12-week course. But weigh this against the down-the-line medical and lost-productivity costs, not to mention human toll, associated with hepatitis C (HCV) infection, which can cause chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, cancer and the need for a liver transplant. In 2014, there were nearly 20,000 deaths in the U.S. with HCV infection as an underlying or contributing cause. And, although treatment often comes in the form of a single pill taken once a day--simple, right?--people's lives are complicated. Medicine is only as effective as an individual's ability to take it properly, and Americans in general have a poor record here. Nearly three out of four people in the U.S. report that they do not always take their medication as directed. If the HCV regimen is started and abandoned, a great deal of money is being wasted--something the healthcare industry can ill afford. Advertisement For those suffering from HCV infection, many obstacles can stand in the way of taking medications as directed. What if you don't have stable housing and have nowhere to store the pills? What if you are elderly, asthmatic, live in a fourth-floor walk-up and cannot get to the pharmacy to fill your prescription? What if the medication interacts poorly with the HIV medication that is sustaining your life? Or, what if, fearing stigma of a disease often contracted by sharing needles, you secret the medication away and fail to refill it? Collaborating Towards a Cure Here's a question: How can we ensure that if we use such a costly medicine to treat people with HCV infection, including some of society's most vulnerable, they will follow the regimen day in and day out--and emerge disease-free? A novel partnership in New York City, where an estimated 150,000 people have HCV infection, is aiming to find out and provide a blueprint for others. The effort, called Project INSPIRE* NYC, is funded by an almost $10 million Health Care Innovation Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It focuses on collaboration, integrated care and care coordination that is so crucial for a population often burdened with other chronic illnesses and medications, and living without a strong social or family safety net. Now in the second year of a three-year HCIA award, the project reaches out to patients at risk for HCV infection in the Bronx and Manhattan, using an integrated model of care in which primary care providers collaborate with specialized care coordinators, and peer navigators to enroll people with HCV infection, then educate and guide them through the treatment process. This government-provider-payer collaboration is a terrific example of what needs to be done to sustain comprehensive and effective care for a vulnerable population. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developed this project to target communities with the highest prevalence of HCV infection. The Health Department is working in partnership with Montefiore and the Mount Sinai Health System, which administer the treatments and provide care coordination, to implement the project. Partners also include two not-for-profit health insurance companies--including my organization, VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans, through its SelectHealth Special Needs Plan--which cover the cost of treatment, recognizing that the true value of the treatment lies not just in delivering the medication but in ensuring that it is taken appropriately. Advertisement Those covered by our plan, SelectHealth, are Medicaid-eligible New Yorkers with HIV, and, while they are used to being compliant with therapy regimens, they are often living in vulnerable circumstances and can be overwhelmed by adding another medicine to their already long list. "Our Medicaid population includes a sizeable number of people with psychosocial challenges that make it difficult to stick to a three-month medication protocol," explains Dr. Jay Dobkin, SelectHealth's Medical Director. SelectHealth has already had over 400 of its members successfully complete treatment with new HCV drugs. These successes are made possible by care coordination and other supportive services, as is being demonstrated by Project INSPIRE. Our Pharmacy Services program actively encourages robust communication among the patient, care provider and the patient's dispensing pharmacy to ensure that prescriptions are being filled and refilled in a timely manner and that contraindications (including with certain HIV and OTC medications) are observed. For homebound patients, we encourage and monitor home delivery. We have fielded questions from patients accustomed to older HCV therapies that had to be refrigerated, on how to store new meds (answer: at room temperature). And, we recognize the need for patient education, including for patients who have tried older, injectable medications, and fear that regimen's same tremendous commitment and wide array of difficult-to-manage side effects. Creating a Sustainable Model Project INSPIRE offers a model that is right for the times in this era of value-based purchasing in healthcare--focusing the financial equation on health outcomes rather than individual encounters. The cure's $100,000 price tag, then, must be justified by the outcomes determined and achieved by Project INSPIRE. That includes making sure each person who begins the treatment completes it, , and carefully studying the costs offset by achieving a complete cure--including the considerable costs of liver transplants and treatments for liver cancer and end-stage liver failure. Advertisement "Paying for medical and pharmacy costs is a good investment in the long-term health of our members--and also a Medicaid requirement," says Eli Camhi, Vice President & General Manager of SelectHealth. "We're modeling a new way of reimbursing that pays not only for the medication, but also helps the patient with medication adherence and provides the care coordination services needed to support this vulnerable population. The HCIA dollars get you off the ground and allow evaluation of the intervention, but when the award funding goes away, CMS doesn't want to see the initiative end. They want to know that there's a financial commitment through understanding what this partnership has learned, in order to make sure that the model can be sustained." Eli notes that if the project's positive early reports hold up, it can lead the way on a model that may eventually be adopted across the country. CMS could recommend that Medicare and Medicaid plans cover the cost of care coordination for patients undergoing treatment for HCV infection. "We know the new treatments work," he notes. "Our goal is to be sure our members complete the treatment and get cured." *INSPIRE stands for Innovate & Network to Stop HCV & Prevent complications via Integrating care, Responding to needs and Engaging patients & providers. Looks like the Obama administration is trying to push through the awful Trans-Pacific Partnership after all, just publishing an official Statement of Administration Action to that effect. There had been some speculation - and hope - that soaring public opposition to the pact had put it on indefinite hold, but no. Hillary Clinton, despite pretenses to the contrary, fairly clearly supports this thing, so this is no surprise. Advertisement Donald Trump, whatever else you may think of him, doesn't. Neither did Bernie Sanders. This looks to be done in the lame-duck session of Congress, when members can vote to defy their constituents without fear of electoral repercussions. (Why do lame-duck sessions even exist, by the way? Am I the only one wondering about this end-run around democratic accountability?) This agreement includes Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam to start. Eventually, its advocates hope, it will include every nation on the Pacific rim, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and China. Yes, you read that right. China. America is on track for a free-trade agreement with its most voracious mercantilist trade rival. Advertisement If the purely trade-specific aspects weren't bad enough, the TPP is also a profoundly anti-democratic agreement which signs away our right to govern our own economy. Despite being nominally a "trade" agreement, it contains provisions which interfere with areas well beyond the bounds of trade. To wit, it would (credit to Lori Wallach): Limit how U.S. federal and state officials could regulate foreign firms operating within U.S. boundaries, with requirements to provide them greater rights than domestic firms. Extend the incentives for U.S. firms to offshore investment and jobs to lower-wage countries. Establish a two-track legal system that gives foreign firms new rights to skirt U.S. courts and laws, directly sue the U.S. government before foreign tribunals and Demand compensation for financial, health, environmental, land use and other laws they claim undermine their TPP privileges. Allow foreign firms to demand compensation for the costs of complying with U.S. financial or environmental regulations that apply equally to domestic and foreign firms. Advertisement Taken to its logical conclusion, this all ultimately amounts to the idea that the profitability of investments must be the supreme priority of state policy--overriding health, safety, human rights, labor law, fiscal policy, macroeconomic stability, industrial policy, national security, cultural autonomy, the environment, and everything else. So what's the alternative? What would a reasonable trade agreement, the kind Obama promised us as a candidate, look like? It would probably embody the following principles (credit to the Coalition for a Prosperous America): 1. Balanced Trade: Trade agreements must contribute to a national goal of achieving a manageable balance of trade over time. I.e. no more chronic $500 billion-a-year deficits. 2. National Trade, Economic and Security Strategy: Trade agreements must strive to optimize value added supply chains within the U.S.--from raw material to finished product--pursuant to a national trade and economic strategy that creates jobs, wealth and sustained growth. The agreements must also ensure national security by recapturing production necessary to rebuild America's defense industrial base. 3. Reciprocity: Trade agreements must ensure that foreign country policies and practices as well as their tariff and non-tariff barriers provide fully reciprocal access for U.S. goods and services. The agreements must provide that no new barriers or subsidies outside the scope of the agreement nullify or impair the concessions bargained Advertisement 4. State Owned Commercial Enterprises: Trade agreements must encourage the transformation of state owned and state controlled commercial enterprises (SOEs) to private sector enterprises. In the interim, trade agreements must ensure that SOEs do not distort the free and fair flow of trade - throughout supply chains - and investment between the countries. 5. Currency: Trade agreements must classify prolonged currency undervaluation as a per se violation of the agreement without the need to show injury or intent. 6. Rules of origin: Trade agreements must include rules of origin to maximize benefits for U.S. based supply chains and minimize free ridership by third parties. Further, all products must be labeled or marked as to country(s) of origin as a condition of entry. 7. Enforcement: Trade agreements must provide effective and timely enforcement mechanisms, including expedited adjudication and provisional remedies. Such provisional remedies must be permitted where the country deems that a clear breach has occurred which causes or threatens injury, and should be subject to review under the agreements' established dispute settlement mechanisms. 8. Border Adjustable Taxes: Trade agreements must neutralize the subsidy and tariff impact of the border adjustment of foreign consumption taxes. Advertisement 9. Perishable and Cyclical Products: Trade agreements must include special safeguard mechanisms to address import surges in perishable and seasonal agricultural product markets, including livestock markets. 10. Food and Product Safety and Quality: Trade agreements must ensure import compliance with existing U.S. food and product safety and quality standards and must not inhibit changes to or improvements in U.S. standards. The standards must be effectively enforced at U.S. ports. 11. Domestic Procurement: Trade agreements must preserve the ability of federal, state and local governments to favor domestic producers in government, or government funded, procurement. 12. Temporary vs. Permanent Agreements: Trade agreements must be sunsetted, subject to renegotiation and renewal. Renewal must not occur if the balance of benefits cannot be restored. 13. Labor: Trade agreements must include enforceable labor provisions to ensure that lax labor standards and enforcement by contracting countries do not result in hidden subsidies to the detriment of U.S.-based workers and producers. Advertisement Casper von Koskull Chief Executive Officer, Nordea Bank Inclusive capitalism is about recognising that business is an integral part of society. This is becoming increasingly evident in our interaction with customers, employees, the media and society at large. It is true across the board but especially so for banks, following the financial crisis and the debate over tax payer-funded bailouts and financial sector credibility, and given the key role that banks play in supporting the economic recovery. By embracing their role in society at large, corporates and institutions are able to forge stronger relationships and create more sustainable business models. To be successful in doing this they need to be engaged: engaged in identifying customers' preferences and meeting their needs, and engaged with employees. Indeed, management is becoming increasingly valuesbased; this is the only way to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. It is also the best way to attract and retain talent. We do, however, tend to forget the time and persistence required to become a values-based company. Advertisement One of the greatest challenges that our societies face is the tendency for capitalism to be very short sighted. That said, companies with a proven track record of delivering on value creation are able to earn from stakeholders greater freedom to take a longer-term view of business development. We also lack the kind of effective performance indicators that are required to help steer us in the direction of inclusive capitalism. It is essential that we develop these over the forthcoming years. On a hill outside Dakar, Senegal, stands the African Renaisance Monument, unveiled in 2010. This massive bronze statue stands some 50 meters tall, depicting a man, woman and child, looking out to sea. The idea of Africa's renaissance is very much a dynamic reality. Across the continent, I see powerful trends of renewal and leadership to overcome the challenges of poverty, exclusion, and conflict. Africa is on the move, and the motor driving this is education - education for inclusion, for empowerment, and for peace. Africa's renewal is starting on the benches of schools. I saw this last week at the Al Azhar Centre of Excellence in the town of Mbao, not far from the Senegalese capital. This Centre allows students leaving Arab-Islamic schools to learn skills that will open new opportunities for decent work and foster new forms of solidarity. This is a first motor of renewal. Living together must be taught - this is as much about values and skills for dialogue as skills for jobs. Teaching peace is key to prevent violent extremism, and a force for renewal. Another is inclusion. In Derkle, Senegal, there is a centre that provides literacy classes for girls and women with disabilities - teaching them to read and write in Wolof, and arithmetic. These classes are another frontline of Africa's renaissance. Educating girls and women -- especially those most marginalised -- is a human right that empowers all society and drives economic growth. It lays the foundation for healthier societies, affecting maternal health and child mortality. For instance, if all girls in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia had secondary education, child marriage would drop by 64% and early births by 59%. Our goal must be to keep girls in school for as long as possible, because this is essential to success across all the Sustainable Development Goals. This is why I welcome the new laws in Chad and Niger to retain girls in school at least to the age of 16 years old. As with the Al Azhar Centre of Excellence, the Derkle centre is the work of partnership, with UNESCO supporting the National Collective for Alternative and Popular Education and the Women's Commission of the Association of Disabled Persons of Senegal. This is another face of renewal - governments working hand-in-hand with civil society, backed by international organisations. This is why Senegal was awarded this year's UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, in recognition of its efforts to advance literacy through new technologies and mobile phones, linking this with income-generation, especially for women. Africa's renaissance must also be environmental. Lake Chad embodies all current challenges - from environmental degradation due to climate change to poor management of natural resources, creating a cycle of poverty, migration and extremism that holds back the whole region. Tackling these challenges points to the importance of an international conference on Lake Chad, as proposed by Nigeria. Managing resources sustainably and inclusively is essential - this requires building capacity at every level, including with rising generations, to protect the unique treasures of Africa's natural environment for the benefit of all, today and tomorrow. Africa's immense cultural wealth is another motor driving the continent's renaissance, and this must also be taught. The cradle of humanity is today a powerhouse of cultural heritage and diversity. This is a wellspring for the continent's rising cultural sector - we see this in Nigeria's outstanding film industry, and the decision of Niger to launch an ambitious strategy for cultural renaissance, with a focus on youth mobilisation. Culture provides a foundation of belonging and confidence that is essential for meaningful development. It is also a force for dialogue and reconciliation. I saw this in July 2015, when I attended the ceremony marking the rebuilding of Timbuktu's fabled mosques and mausoleums, with UNESCO's backing, after their destruction by violent extremists. In Mali, I see the power for peace that is embodied by Africa's millennial history of exchange and dialogue around faith and knowledge. This great past must be taught in schools and universities, to remind women and men on the continent and across the world of the history they share, and as the basis for a better future for all. In 2013, the African Union celebrated its 50th anniversary under the theme of 'Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.' I was honoured to attend the summit in Addis Ababa, when the Agenda 2063 was adopted, and my message then was clear -- UNESCO's cooperation with the African Union builds on shared values, on common objectives, on a vision of the future of the continent as a dynamic global leader. This must start with Africa's young women and men. More than 60% of the continent's population is under 35 - empowering them means educating them, giving them tools to reach their dreams, to protect their environment, to build peace and live together. This is happening today. In classrooms and literacy centres, in communities across the continent, Africa's renaissance is on the move, nurturing humanity's most powerful force for change, through education. This is the face of Africa's renaissance. When she was a teenager, Lauren Adams' father took her to see a show of artist Cindy Sherman's work at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. that would open her eyes and determine her path in life. What Adams came to realize that day at the Hirshhorn was that Sherman and other artists like her were, "Speaking a truth that I very much wanted to be a part of. Prior to that, I had considered myself a fairly good draftsperson, in so far as I could paint and draw what I saw really well. But after that trip to the Hirshhorn, I became a truth seeker, which is what art ultimately is all about for me." Lauren Adams was born in Snow Hill, North Carolina, a rural farming community where, for generations, her family raised pigs. From this community and her family she would develop a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Her work on the farm, for example, would contribute to a heightened political awareness of animal rights and to clarification of the role of the South in any contemporary understanding of the United States as a whole. "I am not a Southern apologist," Adams told me, "but when people not from the South talk and think about the South, their ideas often don't quite compute with the South that I know and grew up in. I oftentimes feel the burden to clarify that the South I know, and knew, was and is a very diverse place of African Americans and white southerners. This diversity has only been enriched in recent years by the addition of a rising Hispanic population. Yes, it is true that with the South there is an incredibly important history, fraught with racial conflict that is tied up to how our country came to be, but I oftentimes feel that it is too easy for people not from the South to dismiss the South." Advertisement Adams would attend public high school in North Carolina before making her way as an undergraduate to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she would eventually graduate with a dual major in studio art and art history. As an undergraduate, Adams reports taking amazing classes at UNC, and spending long hours in the University's gorgeous art library. At UNC, Adams would end up studying colonialism and gender and feminist art which would have a long-lasting impact on her work. These interests expressed themselves forcefully in her senior year when the artist along with two other undergraduate students took over and mounted two shows ('Loom' and 'Loom II') at an old abandoned textile factory where they invited artists to make work for the site. This experience would lead Adams to start making site specific and interdisciplinary work, of which her undergraduate thesis exhibition, consisting of a series of self-portraits that would not include any images of herself, is an example. "I was looking at how female artists used the absence of the body to describe the presence of the self. In my thesis, there were oyster shells on the floor where I was riffing on Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus'. I also had a huge, blue old cabinet that was lit from within when you opened up the doors. There were also mason jars filled with bathwater and pork fat. I was thinking then of the saying in the South that oil and water don't mix, and I guess what I was doing in this work was trying to understand myself as a woman and my place in the South." What Lauren Adams' undergraduate thesis work underscores is the parallel practices of painting and installation that would become dominant in her work. Advertisement Following her graduation from the University of North Carolina, Adams would do a series of odd jobs before she got a grant to go on a three-month trip to Europe. While abroad, she came to understand that European artists seemed more comfortable working in an abstract language while Americans tended to use a more figurative and allegorical language. Returning to the United States after her time in Europe, Adams enrolled in the MFA Program at Carnegie Mellon University, a three-year-long MFA program which attracted all kinds of artists because of its focus on technology and social practice. At Carnegie Mellon, her practice would become increasingly site specific and community based. Following what she calls a terrible thesis review Lauren Adams would go on to mount, via a graph that showed the American GDP level, a show that foreshadowed the 2007-08 economic crash in the United States. Says the artist, "My MFA thesis work examined the relationship between capitalism and communism by looking at the way both capitalism and communism is propagandized. In effect what I was trying to do was understand the American project. In one of the pieces in my show, for example, I utilized a dry gourd and had a former phone sex worker read from a transcript of conservative radio show host, Rush Limbaugh, to show the intermingling of femininity, popular culture, conservative thinking and the American economy. In my show, someone could pick up this decorative item that can be found in so many homes in the South that was repurposed as a phallic, bulbous and sexual symbol in the same way that I feel that capitalism can still be today. Capitalism is very attached to the body." Labor and the decorative, as well as interrogating history, remain ongoing investigations in her more recent work where current projects involve Elizabethan colonialism and the legend of the Lost Colony. These preoccupations can also be seen quite strongly in the work she has done with what is popularly called chinoiserie -- objects of decoration in Western art that imitate Chinese motifs and techniques. What she aimed to show in this work is how the whole concept of chinoiserie is a Western European concept not based on the reality of the East but aiming to speak for and about the East. In this work, Adams tries to show that Western chinoiserie "is not about Asian anything". She does this by inserting hand-painted protest signs sourced from women in the textile industry into the chinoiserie wall paper that she is making. In other works, Adams has critiqued colonialism in the United States by engaging such questions as why Americans speak English; and looking at the ways in which British culture is inherently capitalist. She has also looked at early American myth-making and critiqued specifically the American dream and the ethic of "just pulling one's self up by your boot straps" that remains part of the American ethos. As such, there is a strong element of appropriation and intervention in her work. Looking at Lauren Adams' amazing body of work, a viewer is clearly engaging with an artist at the heights of her intellectual and art-making powers as well as an artist with a sharp critical mind. Her work, at first blush, might appear decorative and decidedly simple, but is conceptually rigorous and resonant. Lauren Adams does not shy away from the difficult questions of how Americans and Western Europeans think of themselves and the faulty logic that can oftentimes be implicated in this thinking. So, what advice then would Lauren Adams offer to a young woman who is contemplating a career as a visual artist? "Work really, really hard, yes," the artist offers, "But make your art your play. Rule breaking is very important. Do not always listen to the advice you are given because no one person will have the right path for you. Your path might very well be circuitous and part of the joy of being a visual artist is figuring out your path yourself. This figuring out is part intuition and part gut so it is important that as an artist you learn to trust yourself!" Until next time. Founded in 2001 to bring together progressive activists to discuss ideas and strategies for building a better world, the World Social Forum was held in Montreal, Canada this past week in its North American debut. Montreal was chosen because of the "Maple Spring" protests in which tens of thousands were mobilized against tuition hikes and budgetary cuts, and which led ultimately to a tuition freeze and change in provincial leadership. On Tuesday August 9th, conference participants staged a march from Lafontaine Park in the city's east end to Place des Arts in the downtown core, followed up by cultural events and concerts by artists promoting a social justice message. Hundreds of panels over the next three days addressed topics ranging from the militarization of Canadian foreign policy and dangers of a new nuclear arms race, to climate change, to the Quebec and Cuban revolutions, NATO, the ravages of neoliberal capitalism, women and sustainable development, fair trade, indigenous peoples' rights, mining exploitation, the need for banking and monetary reform, the Syrian civil war, forgotten Yemeni war and Arab Spring and its legacy and many, many more. Green Party leader Jill Stein and former democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders were supposed to give talks at the forum and gave their endorsement though couldn't make it. A main source of controversy centered on the Canadian governments' refusal to provide visas to dozens of speakers and the handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. On the eve of the event, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, co-chairman of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) penned an editorial in the English language Montreal Gazette denouncing the bias against Israel and claiming the conference gave a forum to 9/11 conspiracy theorists and anti-semites. Allegedly one of the panels was accompanied by offensive imagery which was removed from the programs' website and included a speaker who blamed Israel for causing ISIS. Advertisement The Gazette focused most of their coverage on the Israeli issue with articles quoting local representatives who echoed Poupko's critique. The Thursday August 11th and Friday August 12th issues had no substantive coverage of the forum's opening march, film screenings or panels. The lone article focused on minor protests involving ten or twenty pro-Israel advocates and supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement who were active at the forum. While the controversy about Israel and BDS was worthy of attention and I believe the organizers should have made the effort to draw Jewish groups to the conference, The Gazette's coverage subscribes quite well to Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman's argument about the "Manufacture of Consent." It had the effect of stereotyping left-wing activists while underplaying or ignoring the substantive social criticism and tremendous energy and idealism guiding the conference and its featuring dedicated human rights and social justice and environmental activists from around the world, none of whom were profiled in The Gazette. The panels I personally attended were very informative. A session on nuclear weapons at McGill University included a talk by Dr. Joseph Gerson of the American Friends Services Committee, who emphasized that the U.S. nuclear weapons buildup is designed not actually for deterrence, but provides a "strategic umbrella" that enables the U.S. to carry out covert actions and other aggression around the world. Discussing Obama's trillion dollar nuclear weapons modernization program, Gerson invoked the memory of Dr. Joseph Rotblat, a Nobel Prize winner and the lone scientist to quit the Manhattan project for moral reasons who said that nuclear abolition was the only way to human survival. Another session featured an Egyptian-Canadian rights activist and the head of Ottawa's Rideau Institute think tank discussing Canada's military support for Saudi Arabia and General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who has perpetrated wide human rights atrocities while presiding over Egypt's counter-revolution. Economic interests appear to be overriding as el-Sissi recently granted a contract to the Canadian company Bombardier to build a $1.5 billion mono-rail through Cairo. Advertisement Thursday morning I attended a talk focused on mineral exploitation in the Eastern Congo and efforts by young activists to challenge the political ruling class and international interests which have contributed to the civil war that has caused millions of deaths. A highlight of the WSF was a film screening of Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis' This Changes Everything: Capitalism and the Climate, followed by a Q&A session with the directors. The inspirational documentary centers on the struggles of local activists fighting back against mega-projects and the fossil fuel industry and its political backers in Canada and around the world. The screening was followed by a panel which included testimony from a Syrian refugee based in Paris who spoke of the brutal repression of the 2011 pro-democracy uprising by the Assad government and hijacking of the revolution by jihadi elements. The dividing lines of the civil war were recreated when a Tunisian man who had spent five years in Habib Bourguiba's prison critiqued two of the other panelists for representing solely the viewpoint of the Syrian opposition. Emphasizing Saudi Wahhabist and Western intelligence services support for the opposition, he said that Assad, however brutal, was a nationalist as he had stood up to the U.S. empire and Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, and had taken measures to industrialize Syria's economy. (The exchange got heated, Tunisian man shouted down one of the speakers and had to be removed.) In this time of rampant global inequality, climate change, mass shooting and terrorism, right wing nativism and endless war, we need the WSF and many other exchanges of its nature to educate the public and foster public dialogue and ideas for solving our pressing societal crises. Advertisement In the future, organizers should take pains to be as inclusive as possible, which means offering the opportunity for groups on different sides of conflicts to be involved in open dialogues so that mutual understanding could be fostered. When is a bailout not a bailout? When the value of what's being supported far outweighs the cost of the alternatives. And when it comes to assessing the value of nuclear power, the Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) in New York's newly approved Clean Energy Standard (CES) appropriately recognizes the many contributions our nuclear fleet makes--not only to environmental protection, but also to economic security. The seriousness of the environmental stakes we face was emphasized in the December 2015 Paris Agreement to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the spirit of this world policy milestone, Governor Cuomo set a goal for New York to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent (from 1990 levels) by 2030, making our state a world leader in fighting climate change. The ZEC in the CES recognizes that nuclear is crucial to meeting this ambitious benchmark and helps to assure that we can protect our planet for future generations. The ZEC preserves nuclear as New York's largest provider of clean energy, generating fully 60 percent of our clean energy statewide. Those who object to supporting nuclear and look to wind and solar to reduce greenhouse gas emissions fail to recognize reality: despite the billions of dollars we've poured into the Renewable Portfolio Standard, wind and solar account for just four percent of New York's energy production--and, unlike nuclear facilities that operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these technologies only produce energy when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. Advertisement Not only that, but the firmly entrenched culture of opposition to new energy projects in "No York" assures that scaling renewables up to baseload capacity will take many years, if it ever happens at all. Yet our nuclear fleet has, for decades, served the needs of our communities, businesses, and industries without adding to greenhouse gas emissions. The support for nuclear provided in the ZEC will therefore yield immediate benefits at a relatively modest direct cost--and, indirectly, at an enormous savings relative to environmental cost, because the loss of any of our nuclear facilities would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to realize the CES. Given the limitations of renewables, we'd have to replace any lost nuclear plants with fossil fuels, and according to the white paper drafted by the Public Service Commission in support of the ZEC, our nuclear fleet prevents the emission of 31 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Indian Point, New York's largest nuclear facility, alone prevents the release of 8.5 million metric tons of carbon, the equivalent of keeping 1.6 million cars off the road, every year, similarly, upstate's, Ginna, FitzPatrick, and Nine Mile Point prevent a collective 15.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions. The value of our nuclear facilities extends significantly beyond our environment, given all that they contribute to our economy. Statewide, our nuclear fleet accounts for 24,800 jobs directly and indirectly, with 600 workers employed at FitzPatrick, 1,400 at Ginna and Nine Mile Point, and more than 1,000 at Indian Point. All those jobs are accompanied by nearly $2.5 billion in economic activity, according to a 2015 study by the Brattle Group. Burdens on upstate taxpayers are relieved by $47 million paid by Ginna and Nine Mile Point and $97 million by FitzPatrick, while downstate communities benefit from Indian Point's $340 million in tax revenues. The ZEC's support for our nuclear plants is clearly met by ample rewards in jobs and revenues for New York. Advertisement Since General Dwight D. Eisenhower's reelection, Republicans have been winning the college-educated white vote, a trend that enabled the GOP to not only break the New Deal coalition, but to propel the party toward dominance in presidential elections. But if the election were held today, Donald Trump would lose the white college-educated vote, and all college graduates, to Hillary Clinton, a group Romney handily won four years ago. In confirming how Democrats are winning the key GOP demographic, David Lauter with the Los Angeles Times, writes of Trump "His style, and the issues he has focused on, appeal to blue-collar, white voters - a shrinking part of the electorate - but threaten to turn off college-educated voters, whose ranks are increasing." In addition to citing the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll revealing Clinton's seven-point lead among white college educated voters nationwide, Lauter adds evidence from a Franklin & Marshall College poll from the swing state of Pennsylvania, where college educated voters favor Clinton by a thirty-point margin. At the same time, whites whose education ended at high school back Trump by a double-digit margin. Advertisement Salon's Simon Maloy found that Trump trailed all other candidates in the race among voters under the age of 30. That meant he was behind Clinton, Libertarian Gary Johnson and Jill Stein of the Green Party. In fact, Trump's support could only be registered in single digits. Maloy noted that with an ethnically diverse younger crowd and polarizing positions on issues, Republicans were damaging their party for future elections, not just 2016. Even among College Republican groups, ABC News' Meridith McGraw found that the GOP standard-bearer is turning off many of these groups who normally support the party. Some have refused to endorse Trump. She cites GOP pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson as saying such damage from Trump's campaign has the potential to hurt Republicans for decades. True, a historian could note that the white college-educated "egghead" crowd's support for Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson didn't help him much against Eisenhower back in 1952. But winning the white college-educated vote did benefit the GOP, who won a majority of presidential contests since then. No doubt, Republicans will claim that this is the work of college professors, who have been anti-GOP. Such arguments that liberal academics are responsible aren't supported by the evidence. The campus activism of the 1960s and 1970s did not lead white college graduates to vote Democratic. Napp Nazworthy from Christian Post reported that all voters with a college degree supported Romney by double-digits, citing Gallup and NBC/Wall Street Journal polls. Advertisement 2012 Data From Gallup Polls, 2016 Data From Bloomberg Polls Furthermore, a Bloomberg poll revealed that Clinton is prevailing among white college educated voters, 48 percent to 37 percent. That same demographic supported Mitt Romney by 14 percentage points just four years ago, according to Bloomberg's John McCormick. And Clinton leads among all college educated voters by 22 percentage points in that Bloomberg poll. As Trump appears to sink GOP presidential hopes in 2016, there is a real concern among Republicans that such losses will pull down party advantages in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as costing the party in future contests. This week, right after the Sabbath, comes the fast of the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, commemorating the devastation of Jerusalem and the destruction of its Temple, by Babylonia in 586 BCE, and again by Rome in 70 CE. The sorrowful day features the reading of the biblical book of Lamentations. In Jewish tradition, segments of scripture are named for their first distinctive words, and so Lamentations in Hebrew is called "Eicha" - literally, the book of "How" - "How does the city sit solitary that was full of people, how is she become like a widow" (Lamentations 1:1). The traditional cycle of Torah readings and the Jewish calendar conspire to ensure that we always begin the book of Deuteronomy on the Sabbath just before the 9th of Av - and so, on this unusually mournful of Sabbaths, we always hear another "How" - Moses despairing, "How can I bear alone your strife and your cumbrance and your bickering?" (Deuteronomy 1:21) In traditional Jewish thought, these two hows are closely related to one another. For all that enemies from without wreak the devastation, Jerusalem ultimately is destroyed, in the understanding of classical rabbinic tradition, because of baseless hatred among Jerusalemites, because of factional strife and enmity within the nation. How to recover from such hows? The prophetic reading paired with the start of Deuteronomy suggests a way - and, in fact, quite poignantly, this entire, doleful Sabbath is not named in the usual manner, for the first distinctive word of its reading from the Torah, but rather for the first word of its prophetic reading. This is Shabbat Chazon - literally, the Sabbath of Vision - "The vision of Isaiah son of Amotz, which he envisioned concerning Judah and Jerusalem..." (Isaiah 1:1). And, after some of the harshest rebukes in all of scripture (Isaiah 1:1-15), the prophet relays this divine invitation: "Come, and let us have it out, says the Eternal One - though your sins be as scarlet, they shall become as white as snow, though they be red as dye, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). How? "Cease to do evil. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Aid the oppressed. Protect the orphan. Defend the widow" (Isaiah 1:16-17). (If you are looking for biblical values, there they are.) "If then you are desirous of this and heed," says the prophet in the divine name, "you shall feast on the best bounty of the land; but if you refuse and spurn, you shall be consumed by the sword, for the mouth of the Eternal One has spoken" (Isaiah 1:19-20). And then, after that glimpse of possibility, the vision turns from redemption and darkens into yet another mournful "How" - "How is the faithful city become a prostitute - it was full of justice, righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. Your silver is become dross. Your wine is cut with water. Your rulers are rogues and companions of thieves. Every one loves bribery and chases after rewards. They do not judge for the orphan, and the cause of the widow never comes before them." (Isaiah 1:21) It might have been fitting, says another ancient rabbinic teaching associated with the start of Deuteronomy, for the rebukes to have been spoken by Balaam [the foreign prophet who was featured several readings ago, back in the book of Numbers] and for the blessings uttered by Balaam to have been spoken by Moses. But, had Balaam spoken the rebukes, the teaching continues, Israel might have said, 'It is our enemy who rebukes us.' And had Moses spoken only blessings, the nations of the world might have said, 'It is their lover who blesses them,' and both might have been discounted. Therefore, the teaching concludes, it was ordained that Balaam, the enemy, speak blessings and that Moses, the lover, speak rebukes - so that the blessings and the rebukes both could resound clearly in their being delivered to Israel. In this season of strife here, within this country, when one candidate for the highest office goes so far as to intimate that the other, or her judicial nominees, might be eliminated by way of the right of the people to bear arms - when a proponent of that candidate says that the other party prevails in elections because "Americans are being outvoted by foreigners" - and when proponents of the other candidate in turn look upon the broad swaths of the populace desperate enough to defend and excuse such bluster in their champions with incomprehension and dissociation spilling easily into derision and even hatred of fellow countrymen - Moses', and Isaiah's and indeed the Eternal One's words, as recounted by scripture, ring all too truly. This is how a nation is weakened to the point of fatal vulnerability and self destruction. One waits for the voice with sufficient prophetic force to say efficaciously, Enough. Meanwhile - since the fast of the 9th of Av is a time of dirges and mournful chants, and since I cannot express the sorrow and the urgency any better in the English language - Isaiah's parable of the vineyard (Isaiah 5) as translated in the soulful and lamenting voice of Sinead O'Connor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yALdekgbUZs) While a movie needs a strong story and distinct characters to be good, it's often the addition of a sense of time and place that makes a movie great. Think of New York in Woody Allen's Manhattan, Santa Barbara wine country in Sideways, the Los Angeles of Pulp Fiction, or the Minnesota accents and tundra of Fargo. In the case of Hell Or High Water, the place is West Texas and the time is now as two brothers embark on a weeklong bank-robbing spree with a Texas Ranger trying to guess their next move. But don't for a second think that Hell Or High Water is just another crime thriller. Because it's that sense of time and place -- along with tack-sharp dialogue, distinct characters, and excellent performances -- that elevates Hell Or High Water to be the best film of 2016 so far. Watch the trailer for Hell Or High Water below. Advertisement Hell Or High Water starts with brothers Tanner and Toby Howard (Ben Foster and Chris Pine) committing back-to-back bank robberies. But investigating Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) notes that the curious specificity of these robberies -- where only Texas Midlands bank branches are targeted during early morning hours for small scores -- does not seem to be the work of gang members or desperate drug addicts. And he's right -- while the older Tanner is a career criminal/screw-up who revels in the rush of power he feels through lawlessness, Toby's goals are much nobler. Having nursed Toby and Tanner's sick mother through her last months, Toby now seeks to pay back Texas Midlands' predatory loans that threaten to claim the family ranch in a week. That land (and the oil beneath it) may be the only way for Toby to finally lift his family out of poverty, providing a future for his two sons while making amends with his estranged ex-wife (Marin Ireland). As a film, Hell Or High Water is near flawless. Giles Nuttgens' cinematography captures the stark beauty of Texas' flat landscape and big skies, as well as the sunbaked emptiness of small towns that are being slowly emptied of businesses and inhabitants. The spare score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis -- with additional songs by Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, and Colter Wall -- aptly reflects this beauty and loneliness. And despite being British, director David Mackenzie confidently handles the film's every Texas-specific nuance like a corn-fed native. As a crime thriller, Hell Or High Water is extremely effective. The robberies are tense and unpredictable, especially when combined with Toby's inexperience, Tanner's irascibility, and the wannabe-cowboy gun culture of West Texas, where any bank patron could be armed and ready to take the law into their own hands. While it's somewhat of a cliche that the Howard brothers are Marcus' last case before his impending retirement, it's Marcus' decades of experience and insight into human nature and the criminal mind that makes him a compelling detective, giving him a chance to guess the brothers' motives and head them off at their next score. And when the film arrives at its final showdown, it has the intensity and fireworks of a smaller-budget, country-fied version of the closing shootout in Michael Mann's Heat. Advertisement From the smallest role to the biggest, every character in Hell Or High Water is so well-written and well-acted that you get a sense of every character's personality and the life story that informs it below the surface. Chris Pine gives what is likely the best performance of his career so far as the quiet, determined, yet penitent Toby, showing how capable Pine is of transcending his movie star looks when given a great script and director to work with. Ben Foster manages to be both loathsome and likable as Tanner, balancing the menace of an unrepentant criminal with a psychopath's charisma and screw-the-world attitude. Jeff Bridges gives his best, most likable performance in years in spite of the constant racist jabs he delivers to his long-suffering Mexican/Native-American partner, Alberto, played by a terrific Gil Birmingham. But it's the attention given to the film's smaller characters, and dozens of other details, that helps give Hell Or High Water it's sense of time and place, thus elevating it from a great movie to one of the year's best. Every role -- whether it's an aging bank patron (Buck Taylor), some wanna-be cowboy vigilantes, or possibly the most ornery waitress in America (Margaret Bowman) -- tells you unequivocally that you aren't just in Texas, but West Texas, where the cowboy ethos and distrust of authority and outsiders runs particularly strong. Nearly everything in Hell Or High Water seems to be about ways of life disappearing, primarily because of the economy, and the resignation of those seemingly powerless to stop it. From the film's first frames, as Toby and Tanner's car creeps towards their first job, we see graffiti reading "3 tours in Iraq but no bailout for people like us". This is just the first of many signs -- including billboards reading "Debt Relief", "Closing Soon", and "In Debt? Fast Cash!" -- that illustrate how the post-bailout recovery has left many small towns in shambles. For too many, making a decent living in a small town now seems like a thing of the past. Advertisement And there are other indicators that the world West Texans know may soon be gone for good. A man mounting a horse tied outside a gas station. A rancher driving cattle who acknowledges that his children are smart to flee the family business. A witness who observes that the concept of robbing banks and getting away with it seems antiquated in the 21st century. A Comanche casino patron who ruefully admits that his people no longer rule the plains. And virtually everything that Marcus is and symbolizes is going away. Not only is old age forcing him into retirement, but even the idea of an old, grizzled Texas lawman/cowboy seems to no longer have a place in the modern world. And while Marcus still considers the racist jokes he lobs at Alberto to be politically incorrect displays of affection, it's clear from Alberto's reactions that he doesn't take them lightly or find them funny. But unlike the supporters of Donald Trump, these West Texans don't blame their misfortunes on Mexicans, Muslims, or Hillary Clinton. They know that the real villains are the banks, which Alberto notes are now snatching up land from white people the way white people once stole the land from the American Indians. The Howard brothers are willing to fight the bank for their land, but everyone else can only cling to a sense of white racial superiority ("You ain't even Mexicans!" a bank patron tells the brothers during a robbery) or, more importantly, their guns. It's through guns that so many characters in Hell Or High Water are able to hold onto their macho cowboy identities, their belief in frontier justice, and a feeling of control and capability in an increasingly uncertain America. Hell Or High Water has gotten a lot of comparisons to the Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men, another crime thriller set deep in the heart of Texas that's full of quirky supporting/bit roles (including the aforementioned Margaret Bowman). But while lacking the pedigree of a Coen brothers film shot by Roger Deakins, I believe Hell Or High Water's focus on realism and topical sociopolitical issues puts it in another category. No Country For Old Men is great, but Hell Or High Water is both great and important right now. Growing up, I have fond memories of Disney movies. One that doesn't stand out from my 1977 movie-going mind would be Pete's Dragon. Disney is turning many of my childhood favorites into live action movies. It's something I love and it appeals to my children, making them great movies for the entire family. This week, I visited Los Angeles, where I attended the World Premiere of Disney's Pete's Dragon at the historic El Capitan Theatre. I went with few expectations. After all, my memory couldn't recall anything beyond the green and pink animated dragon named Elliot. As I sat watching this new version, which shares with the original only the title, a dragon named Elliot and an orphan named Pete, I found my heart touched, my spirit lifted and my need for my family so much more than when I entered the theatre. Directed by "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" David Lowery, Pete's Dragon suddenly breathes fire. This movie has a furry dragon, that though larger than life, has a cat-like playfulness, and a cast that makes the story one to remember. Advertisement The musical numbers have vanished, making the star the love between the boy and his gigantic, furry dragon take center stage. Elliot has an animated face that melts the heart, and will have you forgetting he's enormous. He looks soft and cuddly, perfect for young children. He can fade to invisible, but needs a running start to take flight. Within the first five minutes, I was committed. Tears streamed down my face as I was introduced to Pete and the moment he became an orphan. In a smooth transition, we meet him again as a feral 10-year old (Oakes Fegley), in the woods, accompanied by his dragon Elliot. They are a family unit, looking out for each other as loggers encroach the woods where they call home. As you'd expect creature as large as Elliot, hidden in the woods all these years has become somewhat of a folk legend, no doubt started from Mr. Meacham's (Robert Redford) tales to the neighbor kids of his encounter with a dragon. Mr. Mecham's daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) is a forest ranger and as her dad describes her, doesn't see much around her. Grace meets Pete in the forest. As the story unfolds, he shares that his home includes his friend, Elliot, a dragon. Advertisement Before long, the events that happen like dominoes falling, have Elliot and Pete at risk to lose everything. While I believe Pete's Dragon is a great family film, there is a scene where Gavin and his logging crew shoot Elliot with tranquilizer guns. It is a dramatic scene, though I feel the scene implied more than it actually showed. It is still something to consider. In the end, I found Disney's Pete's Dragon a movie with soul. I thought it was well told, with likable characters and a theme of family and friendship that fills the soul and had me believing love can conquer all. Pete's Dragon Synopsis: A reimagining of Disney's cherished family film, "Pete's Dragon" is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales...until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete's descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham's stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Like Follow Follow Visit the official Disney's Pete's Dragon opens in theaters everywhere August 12th. ---- Find out more about Julee Morrison on Facebook 2016 Julee Morrison, as first published on Mommy's Memorandum 6-Year-Old Shot In Head, Uncle Killed On Thursday Afternoon By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 12, 2016 3:22PM A 22-year-old man was fatally shot and his 6-year-old niece was shot in the head on Thursday afternoon in Park Manor. An offender walked up to the scene and fired shots at around 2:30 p.m. in the 6800 block of S. Calumet Ave., police told Chicagoist. The male victim, identified by reports as David McCray, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. He was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His niece, Zariah Muhammad, was wounded in the head and transported to Comer Childrens Hospital, according to police. Her condition is reportedly improving. Police do not have any suspects in custody as of Friday morning. Muhammad was playing with water balloons with friends when the shooting occurred, ABC7 reports. McCray was one of two people killed by gun violence between Thursday and Friday mornings in Chicago, according to the Tribune. At least 11 victims were wounded in addition to Muhammad during that same timeframe. Shootings in Chicago have taken an alarmingly high toll on children this year. Recent young victims include a 10-year-old boy who was shot in the back in North Lawndale on Monday and a 6-year-old girl who was wounded in mid-day last month in Englewood. Traditional book publishers. They were once known as the titans of the book publishing industry. In the Baby Boomer era, self-publishing was an unknown concept. You needed a traditional publisher if you wanted the best chance to succeed with your book. During that time, there was significantly less competition for publishers and authors, meaning more book sales for both parties. Over time, traditional publishers (especially The Big 5) gradually started to exploit authors by offering lower royalties and seizing the author's publishing rights. Advertisement Fast forward, it is a common standard among these publishers today. Signing with a traditional publisher will often limit you to a 10% royalty for print sales and 25% royalty for eBook and audiobook sales. The truth is that you would need to sell a lot of books to be successful as an author. What if you sold a combined total of 5,000 books (i.e. half eBooks, half print books)? Although, how much money would an author earn from selling 5,000 copies in a year? About $6,000. Living on a $6,000/year salary would classify you as poor in developed countries. How about earning a $30,000/year salary as an author? Well, with a traditional publisher, you would need to sell 25,000 books. Advertisement How about $60,000/year salary? You would need to sell 50,000 books. These findings may startle you, but it is the unfortunate reality. Moreover, this is why I strongly believe this Generation Y era marks the beginning of the end for traditional book publishers. These publishers are getting desperate because their exploitative tactics are not working as effectively as they did in the past. It is no surprise why they are offering six to seven figure book deals to bestselling self-published authors. Traditional publishers are so desperate that they are trying just about anything to stay relevant and in business. For several years, Penguin-Random House owned Author Solutions, the parent company of many self-publishing companies and imprints. Perhaps, you may have a book or considered signing with one of the following: Self-Publishing Companies AuthorHouse iUniverse Xlibris Self-Publishing Imprints Archway Publishing (Simon & Schuster) Westbow Press (Thomas Nelson) Balboa Press (Hay House) Abbott Press (Writer's Digest) I am almost certain that you are familiar with one or more of those self-publishing companies or imprints. Can you now see the eagerness and involvement of traditional publishers in this alternative arena? Harper Collins recently launched an imprint to attract indie authors. Their new imprint, Harper Legend, is seeking fiction manuscripts from eBook authors about topics related to spirituality, self-help, and fantasy . Several months ago, Hachette entered a binding agreement to buy Perseus Books (an indie publisher with 10 imprints). Although, Penguin-Random House recently stepped away from the self-publishing arena with the sale of Author Solutions several months ago. Is Penguin-Random House convinced that they can thrive without having an indie or self-publishing imprint? Or will they (at least) grant favorable contract terms that are more reflective to indie publishers' contracts? We will find out eventually. The definition of a traditional publisher will definitely change within the next 15 years. This is indeed a good thing, especially for authors. Advertisement In today's era, a traditional publisher cannot do much for you. Moreover, they probably will not do much for you unless you are a big name like J.K. Rowling or Jack Canfield. So, why give more of your profits to a publisher who will not do much for you? Most traditional publishers have excellent international distribution. Although, what if the majority of your sales were based in the United States? You would not need a publisher to establish contractual agreements with Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Ingram, or indie bookstores. All of these outlets work with self-published authors. Besides international distribution, I invite people to explain why traditional publishers would still be the best choice. The credibility argument is dying nowadays. Publishing with Penguin-Random House may give you credibility, but it will not necessarily give you as much credibility as your competition. If a self-published author sells 30,000 books and you (as a traditionally published author) sold 5,000 books, who is more credible in the public domain? The fans are voting in the form of book sales. Advertisement By 2030, traditional publishers will die or be predominantly run by imprints that favor indie and self-published authors. My advice to you: Do not be the average author. Learn the art of sales. After all, that is what matters in the end. Focus on selling more books. We all have to do them - Joe jobs. They're not fun, and definitely not glamorous, but the important thing is that you're willing to do them. When my husband and I were building our house in Nova Scotia, and it came time to paint the interior I wanted to help because it's something that I am really good at. My husband said, "You don't need to help, it's OK - it's a messy, dirty job and we've got guys to do it. You can help if you want, but you don't have to." I chose to help because, as we all know, many hands make for light work. When I arrived on the job site a friend of ours was there with his 9-year old son. While our friend was helping us, his son took on the job of scraping drywall mud off of the floor and sweeping it all into little piles. Later on, when his Dad brought a shop-vac in, he went around the whole house and vacuumed up all of the piles of dirt he had created. Advertisement He was willing. That 9-year-old was at a dirty construction site and he stepped up to do one of the dirtiest jobs that needed to be done. He got filthy, and he was smiling the entire time - not a word of complaint, he was just happy to be helping. This reminded me of when I was a little girl. Once a year, my Aunt would pay me $5 to take everything out of her kitchen cupboards, wipe the cupboards down, and then put everything back in a neat and tidy fashion. Also, my Uncle would pay me $5 to shovel his driveway. I was a little girl shovelling yucky, cold, wet, snow for $5. But, I was willing and I wanted to make money. I was willing to do the job because my mom taught me that I'm not too good for hard work. And, there is no shame in working hard. As new business owners, everyone wants to be wildly successful and well known right off the bat. But it doesn't work that way. You've got to put in the hard work - those Joe jobs are necessary for business success. Why is it that we think entrepreneurship is glamorous? What I see all too often is that we are not willing to show up and do the hard work it takes for business success. We are not willing to make the calls to get more sales. We are not willing to take risks and put ourselves out there because we're afraid that we might fail. Advertisement So, my question for you is, are you willing? Are you willing to do the really hard work that it takes to be crazy successful? Any Time with Vin Forte Episode 27: "Rocket Launches and Writing Retreats" Guest: Nicole Perlman Vin Forte, host of Any Time with Vin Forte, celebrates the first year of his podcast and welcomes screenwriter Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) to talk about her experiences as a writer in Hollywood. And while being a female writer in Hollywood is nothing unusual these days, being one that has broken the testosterone ceiling is. She talks about how she was passed on projects specifically because producers couldn't see how a woman was going to be able to bring the pain to a movie in genres like sci-fi and comic books. They started to catch a clue when she was brought in to punch up characters on Thor but once Guardians came together she's been heavily pulled into other Marvel projects since. (She's a writer on the upcoming Captain Marvel project, and did the treatment for the in-development Black Widow movie.) Perlman talks about an amazing childhood of being exposed to big thinkers in the science community, and how that association has continued to this day by way of a group that brings Hollywood writers and scientists together. Advertisement She talks a bit about how she's discovering that having broken into the boys' room of sci-fi, along with a handful of other women, is proving to be inspirational to other women who hadn't thought it was even possible. And Perlman can only give the barest of tantalizing hints of what's in store for comic book fans awaiting the release of the Gamorra series she's writing which comes out this winter, which is based on Zoe Saldana's character in Guardians. "Always leave 'em wanting more," goes the quote attributed most often to showman P.T. Barnum. It could also be the tagline for the You Better DON'T! podcast from Steven Shehori and Lisa Schwartzman. Each episode of this "weekly-ish" show runs about seven minutes, and it's funny to think of the hosts gearing up, firing up the equipment and sitting down to record, only to finish up in less time than it takes to cook breakfast. This week's installment, "Ubermensch", has Shehori recounting an recent incident in his part-time gig as an Uber driver, wherein he picked up a passenger with a Russian accent and was driving him to Union Station. Along the way, he got a call on his cell phone and a Russian-accented voice told him he was going the wrong way and needed to drop the passenger at a hotel across town. Advertisement You have to hear the show to understand how the story twists -- no great hardship with a running time of just six minutes -- and Schwartzman ends up doing her best to talk her co-host out of the notion that the passenger was NOT a time traveler bent on wide-scale destruction. Podcasts I'm also listening to this week: Found -- Episode 3: Found Baby; and Harmontown -- Episode 208: Kraton Barrel Today, the Earth got a little hotter, and a little more crowded. Saving BUB, beautiful unique biodiversity, like this painted bunting that lives in southern US woods, is another reason to conserve carbon storing forests. Credit B. Hoag Forests: the cheapest way to store carbon OO Zombie Forest Carbon Emissions Haunt The Planet-Deforestation has several long-lasting effects on climate and biodiversity. Decomposing trees release a huge volume of lagging CO2, killing species and hobbling efforts to fight global warming, shows a new study. Takeaways: Deforestation starts off long term climate-changing emissions Extinguishes species in the short and long term Replaces the habitat with a warmer, drier, degraded one. An acre of forest is lost every second. Half the world's forests are already gone. With the continuing loss of natural carbon storage systems, "We're losing the ability to really solve the climate crisis," said Jeff Horowitz, the founder of the nonprofit Avoided Deforestation Partners. When we harm forests, we harm ourselves. * * VISUALIZE GLOBAL WARMING... These videographics show how our fossil fuel burning is leading to an 'out of control' climate via (left to right) using up our carbon budget, increasing levels of CO2, and increasing surface temperature. That last one shows how heating has accelerated especially in the last decade. OO Perfect Illustrations Of How The Climate Is Spiraling 'Out Of Control' * * GOOD IDEAS Credit Randy Scott Slavin How Much More Space Is There For US? OO Clean Energy Won't Save Us - Only A New Economic System Can - time to pour our creative energies into imagining a new global economy. Infinite growth is a dangerous illusion. Daily Climate Editor Pete Myers notes: The "energy density of renewables is insufficient to substitute for current uses of fossil fuels. We can live on 100% renewables, but society will be on a different operating system." Advertisement An eco village in Amsterdam. Source EFFEKT at ReGen OO How Eco-Friendly Communes Could Change The Future Of Housing - An increasing number of US landowners want to build commune-style villages that are completely self-sufficient and have a low carbon footprint. OO Engineers Work To Cut Costs And Emissions In Geothermal Power where the US leads the world with 3+ gigawatts. Takeaways: There is far more US geothermal potential; The US Department of Energy is spending11+ Million On projects to improve geothermal prospecting And develop underground carbon storage. OO US Company Launches a Corporate Clean Energy Research Network - Schneider Electric created the online network to help other businesses accelerate the adoption of renewables in the U.S. and abroad. The New Energy Opportunities (NEO) Network helps corporate end users, solution providers, banks, law firms and others get the resources they need to accelerate renewable energy investments. Advertisement Drinking Water Is Endless - If You Desalinate ItThe Sorek desalinization plant in Israel. Courtesy of IDE Technologies OO Israel Ups Its Water Efficiency driven by dry necessity. Researchers at the Zuckerberg Institute: have pioneered new techniques in drip irrigation, water treatment and desalination. have developed resilient well systems; and biological digesters than can halve the water usage of most homes. While the Middle East is drying up, "The only country that isn't suffering acute water stress is Israel" says an institute researcher. * * SOCIAL REPERCUSSIONS Credit Vadim Ghirda at AP OO Climate Change Increases The Risk Of War, Scientists Prove The heatwaves, droughts and other natural disasters expected to increase because of global warming are helping to push countries into armed conflict, particularly those already split along ethnic lines. Advertisement A statistical analysis of conflict outbreaks and climate calamities between 1980-2010 showed that nearly 25% of conflicts in ethnically divided countries coincided with "climatic calamities." OO The Flood Next Time: Warming Raises The Risk Of Disaster OO Rising Seas Threaten To Swamp U.S. Military Bases By 2050 along the East and Gulf Coast. OO Baltimore, MD: Heavy Rains Cause Flash Flooding, Stranding Drivers And Knocking Out Power To Thousands Coming To Puerto Rico, and the rest of the US? Climate change has enabled zika carrying mosquitoes to spread. OO Puerto Rico: Zika Could Affect 10,000 Pregnancies By Year's End says the US Center for Disease Control, putting hundreds of babies at risk of catastrophic birth defects. OO Los Angeles, CA: Wildfire Chases 20,000 People From Homes Nearby as it continued to rage through nearby drought-parched canyons and foothills. Advertisement Justice Is Calling OO World's Largest Carbon Producers Face Landmark Human Rights Case - the world's largest oil, coal, cement and mining companies have been given 45 days to respond to a complaint that their greenhouse gas emissions have violated the human rights of millions of people living in the Philippines. OO India: 1+ Million People Hit As Floods Worsen In Assam Tea Region submerging hundreds of villages, and inundating large swathes of farmland and damaged roads, bridges and telecommunications services recently. * * A SWEET SPOT IN CREATING SUSTAINABLE POPULATIONS Triple Win: Using Profits to Provide Needed US Family Planning - Medicines360.org is key to creating a sustainable US population and bright futures for women - AND saving taxpayers many billions yearly in community costs by preventing unintended pregnancies. Source medicines360.org * * CLIMATE CHANGE COSTS Wikimedia Commons OO Southern Africa: Herdsmen To Central Bankers Count Drought Cost For Years To Come as drought wiped out livestock, pushed up food prices and caused power shortages and protests. OO France To Support Grain Farmers After Crops Hit By Torrential Rains and lack of sunshine in late spring. * * FIXING CLIMATE CHANGE Advertisement @@ A Simple And Smart Way To Fix Climate Change given by Dan Miller in 2014 at a Ted talk suggests a way to profit as we tackle climate change, by finally charging those who sell and use fossil fuels - and distributing the revenues back to all of us. The strategy is sure to speed transition to clean renewable energy. What's not to like? Check it out! * * NATURAL REPERCUSSIONS Changing Seas Are Changing Fish like this Ocellated Wrasse. Credit Natascia Tamburello, University of Palermo OO Climate Pollution Can Change Fish Mating Behaviors - exacerbating stresses on entire ocean ecosystems, already stressed by overfishing, warming, acidifying waters and plastic and oil pollution. Source www.roverpass.com OO Lake Tahoe, CA, Is Warming At Alarming Rate, Reflecting Rapid Sierra Climate Change and is showing some severe impacts from the changing climate. Advertisement * * MELTDOWN Climate Change in Action - runoff from a melting Tibetan glacier. Credit Wayne McAllister OO Melting Tibetan Ice Sheet Threatens 1+ Billion People in Asia - Takeaways: the largest ice sheet outside the North and South Poles; aka the Third Pole, it is the source of Asia's 10 largest rivers, and their fertile deltas. It is also a major engine of global weather. Those rivers and deltas support 1+billion people in China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Measuring the Melt Chinese scientists have bee monitoring the area for several years. Credit Wayne McAllister The Third Pole has heated 1.5 C (3 F) in 50 years; 500 glaciers have disappeared and the largest are melting rapidly, Far faster than expected. Watering Desert Oases Tibetan glaciers are also supplying water to 56 million people along part of the historic silk road in China. Credit Wayne McAllister Advertisement Initially, the melt will provide more water, but Over the next 30 years it will decrease, Drastically affecting agriculture in Asia, And affecting weather globally. * * FOSSIL FUEL FOLLIES Got Enough Pipelines Yet? This is a 2012 US pipeline map. Source US Dept of Transportation OO Pipeline Expansion Threatens US Climate Goals, Study Says - pumping natural gas from the Appalachian fracking hub to consumers throughout the eastern U.S., commits the country to high carbon emissions. OO Texas: Big Coal's Tax Dodge Puts Schools, Hospitals In Dire Straits * * SPEAKING OUT Following the Coal Pollution Sierra Club kayakers have been protesting it for years. Source www.commercialappeal.com OO Environmentalists Blast TVA Plan To Leave Coal Ash At Power Plants OO Environmentalists Target Another TransCanada Proposed Pipeline that could send hundreds of supertankers laden with crude oil down the Atlantic coast to refineries in Texas and Louisiana. Keeping It Beautiful A Colorado-based nonprofit, the Conservation Lands Foundation, has helped the Bureau of Land Management, the nation's largest landlord, conserve and maintain its holdings. Advertisement OO Western Nonprofit Is Changing The Face Of BLM - The 18 member staff of the Conservation Lands Foundation has: helped push President Obamas to create 4 million, mostly BLM acres of National Monuments; created several "friends" groups to help BLM conserve its lands; helped market BLM's National Conservation Lands help distract BLM from acceding to commercial exploitation of its resources helped up donations to the BLM Not bad, guys - what a model for other nonprofits! Bob Inglis Source www.pri.org OO Ex Republican Congressman: His Party's Denial of Climate Science is 'Courting Disaster' With Voters says Bob Inglis of South Carolina. The position is "out of step with where the science is and where the smart money is [which] is already moving to act on climate." * * GOOD CLEAN NEWS OO European Offshore Wind Investment Hits 14 Billion In 2016 OO Rockefeller Fund Divests From Fossil Fuels, Now Invests In Renewables - providing $10 million to Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. to expand renewable energy in Africa.. The investment will help finance as much as $1.9 billion for green energy in Africa. OO Chicago, IL: RedWave Energy Raises $5.5 Million to Turn Heat Into Electricity <><> OO Molten Storage and Thermophotovoltaics Offer New Solar Power Pathway - by capturing heat from thermal solar plants and storing it in liquid metal, for ultimate conversion to electricity. The estimated costs would be a magnitude lower than turbine conversion systems, suggests a new study. Advertisement * * CLIMATE LEADERSHIP OO GOP And Democratic Platforms Highlight Stark Differences On Energy And Climate - Takeaways: Republicans embrace fossil fuels, Democrats push for climate action. Legislators tend to hew to party platforms. A Stark, Clear Difference in the two major candidates: one will act on climate change, the other's policies will contribute to it. Related Headlines: OO Climate Change Divide Bursts To Forefront In Presidential Campaign - Hillary Clinton highlights her plans to combat global warming. Donald J. Trump dismisses the science as a hoax. OO Clean Energy Groups See Opportunities In Clinton's Jobs Plan <> OO EPA Finding Clears Way For Limit On Aircraft Climate Changing Emissions * * ELECTION YEAR: If You Don't Vote For Climate Action, You Can Forget The Rest - in a climate-changing world of famine, drought, rising seas, giant storms and heat waves, there will be no security in jobs, health, wealth, or national safety. There will be chaos ensuing from increasing crises and disasters. Vote. OO Global Warming Policies We Set Today Will Determine The Next 10,000 Years - of global warming, a new study shows -- and whether our civilization survives or not: history shows that harmful climate change has destroyed civilizations before. Advertisement This time, it could be worldwide. Let's keep "The Hunger Games" in the realm of fiction. If we do not grow sustainably, Our children will die inhumanely. @@ The Cost of Unintended Pregnancy: Too Young Teen childbearing cost US taxpayers $9+ Billion in 2010 And the costs of raising a child usually ensures decades, if not a life, of poverty for its mother. - US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WHAT YOU CAN DO Help prevent unintended pregnancies in your community: publicize where women can access affordable contraception. They can go here to find locations: And there are many more actions you can do, right here. * * * SOLAR KEEPS FLYING Spanish Eagle Patrol Salutes Solar Plane Source Solar Impulse OO Sun-Powered Airplane Completes Historic Trip Around the World using only solar power. Although mechanical setbacks meant the entire trip spanned over a year: The plane flew 23 days in 17 stages nearly 27,000 miles; Solar powered by day, it glided by night. "I'm sure that within 10 years we'll see electric airplanes transporting 50 passengers on short to medium haul flights," said co-pilot Bertrand Piccard. Advertisement OO Minnesota: 'Value of Solar' Gains Another Foothold "Value of Solar" approach (VOS) includes external factors like: Avoided transmission investments, Positive health and environmental impacts of clean energy Helping the grid on sunny days when extra power is often needed. The state is the first to adopt a VOS approach for determining how much community solar customers will be paid for the power their projects produce. Check it out here, right now! * * * WHY WE SHOULD ACT NOW: RISING RISKS Daily Climate Change: Global Map of Unusual Temperatures, Aug 11, 2016 How unusual has the weather been? No one event is "caused" by climate change, but global warming, which is predicted to increase unusual, extreme weather, is having a daily effect on weather, worldwide. Looking above at recent temperature anomalies, much of the US and the waters surrounding it are experiencing warmer than normal temperatures: despite cool surface temperatures, the drought continues in California. Much of the areas surrounding the North Pole are experiencing much warmer than normal temperatures - not good news for our Arctic thermal shield of ice. Hotter than usual temperatures continue to dominate human habitats. Advertisement * * * There is, of course, much more news on the consequences and solutions to climate change. To get it, check out this annotated resource list I've compiled, "Climate Change News Resources," at Wordpress.com here. For more information on the science of climate change, its consequences and solutions you can view my annotated list of online information resources here. To help you understand just what science does and does NOT do, check this out! On Tuesday, August 9th, while campaigning in Wilmington, North Carolina, Donald Trump committed one more gaffe for the ages, appearing to implicitly suggest that supporters of the Second Amendment might want to assassinate Hillary Clinton, lest she attempt to overturn the amendment's protections via her picks for the Supreme Court. After repeatedly hammering home former Secretary Clinton's intentions to strengthen regulations on firearms, Trump lamented, "If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks." Amidst the boos, the Republican nominee, added: "Although the Second Amendment people -- maybe there is, I don't know." Media response was swift and unforgiving, with figures such as Dan Rather citing Trump's remarks as a new low in his campaign, if not in the history of American politics. Though the Donald's campaign machinery quickly responded, suggesting that the candidate was merely calling for supporters of the Right to Bear Arms to organize and vote, few have bought into this, the latest attempt to explain, qualify and rework his words by a candidate who claims to say what he means and mean what he says. That Trump is being widely condemned for his remarks is not surprising or unique. What is surprising, however, is how few media outlets have put the nominee's words into context, how little has been said about what it means that Trump suggested all this in Wilmington, North Carolina. Advertisement On November 10, 1898, Wilmington experienced what NPR has referred to as "the only coup d'etat in U.S. history," when a mob of nearly 2,000 armed white supremacists attacked the Wilmington City Hall, and overthrew the elected local government. Also attacked were a number of African-American run businesses and the state's only African-American run newspaper, The Daily Record. Storming predominantly black neighborhoods, these insurgents destroyed massive amounts of property. The Wilmington Light Infantry and Federal Naval Reserves called in to put down the insurrection, quickly joined in the violence themselves, mowing down black citizens as they fled. While there is no formal death toll, it is estimated that between 60 and 90 black Americans were killed. As NPR notes, this was not a random or sudden act of violence. Rather it had been carefully planned by the white supremacist politicians, who, in 1894, had lost control of North Carolina to the then-progressive and bi-racial Republican party. That, at the time, Wilmington was a prime example of a multi-racial community, composed of white, black, and indigenous Americans only made the city a more perfect target for white supremacist violence. In the lead-up to the November 8, 1898 elections, white supremacists made a concerted and coordinated effort to keep African-Americans from voting, as the newly enfranchised black voters had been largely responsible for ousting conservative white leaders in the state. This involved a number of white supremacist rallies, and the building of smaller lynch mobs and militias composed of so-called "Red Shirts" who could use violence to keep African-Americans from the polls. After the 1898 election restored the Southern Democrats to power, the militias went to work "fixing" the government of Wilmington (the city council of which was itself biracial), and forcibly instating Col. Alfred Moore Waddell as mayor -- a man, who, prior to the elections had promised to fill the Cape Fear River with the bodies of so many black men and women that it would "choke the current." Advertisement All of this violence was supported and encouraged by one Josephus Daniels, who owned the Raleigh News and Observer. In 2006, the paper acknowledged its role in the insurrection in a piece entitled "The Ghosts of 1898." In this piece, reporter Timothy Tyson wrote: On Nov. 10, 1898, heavily armed columns of white men marched into the black neighbor-hoods of Wilmington. In the name of white supremacy, this well-ordered mob burned the offices of the local black newspaper, murdered perhaps dozens of black residents -- the precise number isn't known -- and banished many successful black citizens and their so-called "white nigger" allies. A new social order was born in the blood and the flames, rooted in what The News and Observer's publisher, Josephus Daniels, heralded as "permanent good government by the party of the White Man." It wasn't until a hundred years after the events in Wilmington that a conversation about it began, and the insurrection is still excluded from most discussions of American history. Still, the specter of this violence -- of the racialized nature of conservative white rebellion -- hangs heavy over the city. The Wilmington Insurrection is a reminder of something that we as a nation rarely acknowledge about the Second Amendment: it has always been a discriminatory provision, and the rebellion that its most ardent supporters seem to believe it protects has always been rooted in anti-black violence. Recent events and history both make this clear. While during the 2016 RNC, Cleveland paid host to white men proudly brandishing assault weapons, Philando Castile was killed by police less than a month prior, while following police protocol and informing the officer that pulled him over that he had, in the vehicle, a licensed firearm he had no intention of using. Young black Americans are treated as "thugs" and animals when they make any reference to weapons, in music or in photographs, but white Americans openly carry high powered guns into fast food restaurants simply to show they can. And though defenders of the Second Amendment will gleefully remind critics that it was local militias who helped America gain her independence, following this nation's founding, the most notable use of armed insurrection was the American Civil War, when white Americans took up arms in order to defend their right to own black Americans, to deny them personhood. Historically, the Second Amendment is steeped in anti-black violence, and armed rebellion in America is never more passionately embraced than by white men who have stopped getting everything they want. For a presidential candidate, Trump's coded call for violence against a progressive whose policies champion the further enfranchisement of African Americans may be unprecedented. But it is far from unprecedented for Wilmington, and it is far from unprecedented for America. America's history is unabashedly the history of a nation trying to deal with race, and the history of the Second Amendment is of a coalition of predominantly white Americans attempting to hold their nation hostage to the precepts of race from which they benefit most. If the Republicans truly want to consider themselves the party of Lincoln, then they might consider being more wary of what happens when a white sore loser gets his hand on a gun. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses supporters during a campaign rally at Silver Spurs Arena inside the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida on August 11, 2016. / AFP / Gregg Newton (Photo credit should read GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images) So, let's get things straight. In an increasingly rare occurrence, Donald Trump stuck to his script a few days ago unveiling his economic plan. There were no overt insults about Hillary Clinton and, because of that, we should forget his past statements and lies? CNN commentator Matt Lewis said as much, indicating that if Donald Trump continued like this he would have a good chance of winning. Advertisement Even as many noted economists lambasted Trump's plan as likely to continue to increase our debt by around $10 trillion and fact check organizations have shown many of his stated statistics to be untrue, and charges about what Hillary actually said to be false or skewed as to their context. However, in the unlikely scenario that Donald Trump never said another repellent word about Hillary and simply stuck to conservative policy would that mean Hillary is so undesirable as a presidential candidate that she would suddenly be shunted aside? No one would pay attention to her similarly even tone, backed with years of experience and spouting policies appealing to an increasing number of Americans? Apart from the impossibility of Trump's conversion to a reasonable presidential candidacy (more about that in a moment) that would presume former sound bites of his "greatest hits," whether about his Republican primary opponents or Barack Obama or Hillary, or his politically incorrect pronouncements about ethnic groups, disparagement of women and those with disabilities, not to mention a fallen serviceman's family, would be forgotten or at least pooh-poohed against a hated Hillary, whether or not she creamed him in the debates in a respectful manner. This is wishful thinking to the extreme by Fox News types like Sean Hannity, who try to clean up what Trump says, even as he misleads us about Hillary. But even those in the Media with a balanced perspective strive to maintain the race is winnable by Trump in order to keep their ratings high, in spite of what Trump says or does. In spite of the polls. In spite of the continual abandonment or dissociation of his candidacy by many in his party, a fact that cannot be said about Hillary. Indeed, what major Democratic Party figure has denounced her or taken a powder from her campaign? Advertisement To the more recent point, after the supposed "new Trump" and his economic speech, he quickly reverted to his uncomfortable and familiar form as many people (using his favorite reference point) were outraged at his North Carolina remarks warning people about Hillary's likely Supreme Court nominees, suggesting 2nd Amendment devotees might do something about Hillary or her appointments. He said, regarding her appointment of judges if elected, " Nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know." Almost everyone criticized him. Paul Ryan said it was "a joke gone bad," even as this supposedly honorable political leader reaffirmed his support of Trump/Pence over Clinton/Kaine. At what point will GOP chieftains reluctantly throw in the towel after not challenging Trump in Cleveland, not attempting to save the party and the country from a candidate who conned so many Republican voters and only yesterday accused Obama and Clinton of having founded ISIS? And apart from the most generous notion that what Trump meant was 2nd Amendment supporters were a powerful bloc he was rallying to get out the vote against Hillary (while spreading the lie she wanted to get rid of or strongly weaken the 2nd Amendment, which she's never advocated), the strongest indication his intent was benign is belied by the addition of his added shrug "I don't know" at the end of the comment. If he was sincerely energizing a large voting group to work hard to defeat Hillary, why did it have to be only the 2nd Amendment contingent? Weren't there many people in other factions who wouldn't like her Court nominations affecting abortion, affordable care, the environment, gay marriage, etc? Why not exhort all Americans on his side to prevent the possibility of President Hillary doing so instead of singling out the 2nd Amendment firearm loving bunch, which presumably could be motivated to clean up such a mess? And furthermore, if it was just a legitimate mistake to single out that group for the purpose of registering people to vote, etc., why add "I don't know" to the end of a comment that said, and I'll repeat, "Nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know," if it was obvious he was talking about votes and not murder? Why, indeed? Maybe because he wanted a shield of ambiguity to "prove" it was not something he advocated. After all, this is a man who the media has FINALLY started talking about regarding his propensity to use "Many people have said" or "Other people have said" when making charges about someone, which in most cases are untrue. This was the case when he talked about Ted Cruz possibly being ineligible to run for president because he was born in Canada, even though his mother was an American, thus making him a natural born citizen. David Gergen, a politically moderate CNN commentator who worked in both Reagan and Clinton White Houses, dismissed former Trump Campaign Manager, Corey Lewandowski, who attempted to defend Trump's usage in countless situations, informing him his excuses were absurd. Gergen asserted that by saying "Many people said," Trump was cleverly getting deniability after damaging charges were debunked. But using his vast audience the injuries are disseminated as he often retells his lies, perhaps as a fan of Joseph Goebbels, who supposedly said "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." So, Trump has only himself to blame for his decline, yet Hillary is not totally unblemished in that, while her sins pale next to Trump, she has sometimes shot herself in the foot with casual comments or denials about charges brought against her, which sometimes are true or at the least indicate she has not done the right thing. After she regained her lead, her unfortunate careful wording with Chris Wallace of Fox News implying FBI director James Comey essentially confirmed everything she said about her email servers, which was so easily disproved, put a stain on her recovery and boggles the mind. It was similar to when she initially talked about her server a year and a half go, making a joke about wiping the drives and wondering whether they were talking about using a rag. Advertisement She should just stick to her long-awaited admission that it was a mistake to have a server at home, she wouldn't do it again, perhaps add that Secretary Colin Powell had used a private email account and reaffirm that there has been no evidence of hacking and thus no damage to national security. She should have acknowledged Comey strongly admonished a careless process, reminding truthfully he said it didn't appear she lied to the investigators. To blanketly suggest that she'd been cleared by Comey in all senses undercut her credibility and gave her opponents and possibly those on the fence a chance to say, in effect, she's a liar. Just tell the entire truth, Hillary, admit when things were not always done in the best fashion and you will find that, in particular alongside Trump, you will come out smelling like a rose. More than thirty years ago, in response to disastrous effects of its development projects, the World Bank Group (WBG) instituted the first of eight safeguard policies designed to "prevent or mitigate adverse impacts of its projects on people and the environment." These policies formed the bedrock of a rules-based, "do no harm" approach to development that "improved significantly" the WBG's ability to mitigate social and environmental risks, according to its Independent Evaluation Group (IEG). Yet because these policies were decades old, all agreed that they required significant updating. Beginning in the summer of 2012, the World Bank undertook a process to review and update the safeguards. After a four-year process of consultation, protest, and compromise, the World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a new, comprehensive, Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) that many see as a shift away from the rules based approach and a threat to the ability to effectively manage the significant risks posed by Bank projects. The Bank argues that a more flexible approach will modernize the policies and bring the Bank in line with the Busan Partnership on Effective Development Co-operation, which highlights the importance of cooperation and country ownership of development efforts. Such an adaptive model moves the Bank away from a top down, donor driven model towards a locally driven model with the capacity to respond to individual country context--a fundamental premise of good development practice. Advertisement However, the lynchpin of a successful, adaptive model is genuine understanding of local context, which requires the voices of civil society and communities to be at the heart of the development agenda. Context--in all its complexity--is not something that the Bank can understand based solely on engagement with its client governments, and the Bank has not excelled in listening to these alternative voices. When the World Bank plans and implements projects based upon faulty assumptions of local context, those projects frequently cause significant harm to local communities, including, in particular, the poor and marginalized among them. This type of harm was tragically manifested in the Bank's Uganda Transport Sector Development Program (TSDP). The Uganda project was cancelled in December 2015 after reports were substantiated that workers were sexually abusing teenage girls. The cancellation of the project, and the presence of more than two dozen new teenage mothers in a rural community in Uganda, cannot be seen as effective development. The situation could have been avoided had the Bank designed the project to respond to local context, but there was no open channel of communication between the Bank and the local community that would have brought these issues to light when they first arose. Ironically, the Bank's independent Inspection Panel sent the Bank's Board of Directors its investigative report of this project on the same day that the new "flexible" safeguards were approved. Similarly, at a time when civil society, the European Union, the United States government, and numerous United Nations bodies were condemning the Uzbek government's systematic use of forced and child labor for the harvesting of cotton, the World Bank, following the lead of the Uzbek government, promoted an agriculture project that contributed to the forced labor system. In project documents, the Bank dismissed the possibility of contributing to child labor through the project. Rather, the Bank stated that the risk was that "NGOs will continue to raise the issue of child labor." As long as NGOs are seen as part of the problem rather than part of the solution, the Bank will fall short in catalyzing the institutional and societal reform that is critical to generate growth and reduce poverty. Advertisement In the absence of effective citizen engagement, it was the rules-based system of the safeguards, with the World Bank's Inspection Panel ready to hold management accountable, which provided a remedy for those harmed. Under the new, more flexible approach of the ESF, it is unclear how the Bank will ensure that communities do not continue to suffer the same harms as those in Uganda, Uzbekistan and elsewhere. The Bank has not performed any better in listening to outside voices at the policy level, as evidenced by the final draft of the ESF that was approved yesterday. While the Bank has touted the unprecedented number of consultations held, individuals who participated, and input received, this is not the appropriate measure of inclusivity. The critical question is: how are those contributions taken into account? The final ESF does not appear to have taken on board the vast majority of the input provided by civil society, with Bank management instead clearly prioritizing the desires of client governments. For the new, more flexible approach to be successful, the views of communities and civil society must be prioritized. It is participation by communities and civil society that ensures adaptive learning is "citizen centric," leading to change that benefits the poor and marginalized. The Bank must address its internal issues and incentive structures to ensure that all projects emphasize the importance of meaningful engagement with communities and civil society. The foundations of this new level of communication are present in the new ESF under Environmental and Social Standard 10--the first safeguard policy on stakeholder engagement--and it is clear that many within the Bank genuinely see citizen engagement as a critical element of effective development. The Bank can start demonstrating this commitment now by better integrating the participation of civil society and communities, along with those of think tanks, International NGOs, and UN bodies, in the process of implementing the new ESF to ensure it is responsive to the needs of those it seeks to protect. The constant drip, drip, drip of Hillary's and her staff's emails being released by hackers is simply a distraction from the real issues of the campaign. It appears Russian hackers are responsible and conspiring with the criminal who founded WikiLeaks to help Republicans distract voters from the deranged, sexist, misogynist, bully who is their candidate. Unfortunately and apparently to hype ratings and sell newspapers the media is buying into the distraction hook, line and sinker. Inaccurate or hyped reporting of what turns out to be nothing, make it impossible for people to fully comprehend the reality Hillary Clinton's complex network of extensive contacts, both here in the United States and around the world, is really a good thing for America. Those contacts built up over decades of public service have led to her proven ability to work successfully across the aisle and pass legislation in Congress; and to successfully develop broad coalitions on a myriad of issues at home and abroad. Hillary has been in the public eye since giving the student graduation speech at Wellesley in 1969. Close to fifty years ago. Her resume and experiences are extensive as is her list of activities and accomplishments. Her email contact list naturally includes everyday people, constituents, community leaders and activists, society figures, politicians, Hollywood celebrities, campaign donors and world leaders; and those world leaders are also on her speed dial. All the people she has worked with over the years. So yes people will send her and her staff emails with ideas and suggestions on everything from vacation spots and restaurants, to how to handle the world's problems. They will want favors ranging from jobs for themselves and friends to invites to the White House to having a birthday card from Hillary sent to their 100 year old mother. Advertisement Hillary's use of a private email server was a mistake and she has apologized over and over and said she wouldn't do it again and she has learned from her mistake. What is clear when looking at Hillary's accomplishments is that her wide range of contacts have made her more effective in every role she has had. She talked with poor parents wanting a better education for their children when she successfully led the task force to improve education in Arkansas while at the same time having access to leaders in the education field; teachers, education strategists and union presidents. She could reach out to an Israeli educator, Avima Lombard, she first heard of and contacted in 1985, about a successful reading program which Hillary eventually introduced to educators and parents in the United States. When Hillary took on the healthcare issue nationally and wasn't successful she changed her focus to providing healthcare for poor children. She was able to talk to the mothers of children in need of healthcare as well as presidents of pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. She used all information she gleaned from those conversations to help design the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). A program that today still serves about eight million children. People having access to and contacting Hillary for help, to give her ideas, or just pass on their thoughts, shouldn't bother anyone. If we are honest each of us uses the people we know when needing help with something. Hillary just has more friends and a much wider contact list than most of us. Advertisement Every time the news media tries to implicate Hillary for doing something wrong when they get their hands on a hacked email either she or her staff sent or received from one of her contacts my first thought is to ask them 'did you ever call a friend to get your child an internship, or an interview'? Did your contacts ever ask you for something? Which contacts do you use to get a story and how do those contacts try to use you? Why is that different? The real issue isn't the request; it's how the request is handled. It has never been shown that when Hillary has helped someone get a job, helped them get health insurance, put someone in contact with another person, or simply passed on suggestions she received that it has hurt our country or someone else in any way. In fact the ability she has to access her incredible network gives her the chance to hear the widest possible opinions before she makes a decision. One can criticize her final decision, but it is insane to attack her ability to reach out or have people reach out to her with their thoughts. Maybe it's time we asked the news media to publicly release their emails. Who knows the sleazy and questionable sources for their stories? We could even see which pompous commentator a TV host gave a leg-up to by having them appear on their show. Maybe it's time the media asked every politician they interview who wants to talk about Hillary's emails to first release their own. We could find out which people Governors and Members of Congress communicate with; see who they listen to and who they grant favors too or ask favors from. If that happened and the public saw who other politicians deal with they may well recognize Hillary's contacts are so much more valuable and far reaching and would begin looking not just at the email that was sent or received; but rather what Hillary did with the request or suggestion. Advertisement I trust Hillary's breadth of experience and intelligence give her the ability to handle email requests and suggestions, from any source, in the appropriate way. One thing is becoming increasingly clear; emails be damned; people across the country including Democrats, Republicans and Independents are recognizing our nation's future and that of the world will be in much better hands if Hillary Clinton is President. Based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 Pygmalian and Gabriel Pascal's 1938 film, the Lerner and Loewe musical My Fair Lady gets a smart revival under Michael Arden's expert direction at Bay Street Theater. You know the story: a lowly flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, morphs from guttersnipe to goddess aided by the elocution lessons of one Henry Higgins and his sideman Pickering, to familiar songbook classics. But even in the best fairy tales, transformations have consequences both good and bad, as we learn from this thoroughly entertaining chestnut. Especially coming from Shaw whose original work features his trademark philosophical discourse on class and morality, with neither the rich and well placed nor the poor and powerless any the superior. A sight to behold, Eliza sheds her rags and shines in rented jewels. Transformation complete, Eliza must now contemplate where exactly does she belong? In the end, she seems caught in the middle of two men of means who can't seem to live without her. My husband wanted to know, why not marry both? Simply: neither one is worthy, or anywhere near being her equal. For all his erudition Henry Higgins (Paul Alexander Nolan, fresh from Bright Star on Broadway) is an obnoxious, narcissistic elitist, Freddy Eynsford-Hill (Bobby Conte Thornton with perhaps the most wonderful voice in the company) is simply a child man, even when he croons "On the Street Where You Live," a song that squarely situates him as a stalker. The music is, well, "loverly:" Accompanied by a pair of pianists, the first-rate ensemble delivers the signature songs: "With a Little Bit of Luck," "The Rain in Spain," and I Could Have Danced All Night." Advertisement In the supporting role of Eliza's father, ruddy-faced John O'Creagh is excellent, with speeches that most reflect Shaw's stance on social status. A common street drunk, he comes to rue the middle class' insistence upon morality, when, through the enterprise of Higgins, he has respectability dumped upon him. And as Higgins' mother Carole Shelley knows her son's shortcomings, not suffering fools gladly. The women are deliciously modern even when their circumstances put them in the second class. Kelli Barrett's Eliza is exceptional, and by suggesting her life to be a singular frontier that she herself will forge--(think Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own), she is Shaw's vision of the new woman. Paradigm Shifters is a series of interviews with a select group of women and men from eclectic walks of life. It will highlight unspoken, real-life insights on how they have been able to turn weakness into strength. A naked soul point of view of how their breakdowns were really a preparation for breakthroughs. They are your quintessential paradigm shifters; internal shifts converted into genuine change. Everything I have ever done has been focused on this underlying theme of shifting the paradigm because, "What we think determines what we feel and what we feel determines what we do." Hence, why Empowered by You takes lingerie, which has traditionally been seen merely as a tool of seduction and redirected that energy as a tool of empowerment. I hope from these stories you will look at your own situations, struggles and accomplishments through a different lens. At the very least you will be more equipped with real life tools to change your own paradigm. At the end of the day, we are our own Alchemist turning the silver we were born with into the gold we are destined to become. Advertisement Founder & CEO of Diamonds Unleashed by Kara Ross Tell me about your family. I grew up on the Mainline outside of Philadelphia. I am the oldest of five. We are all within 7 years and very, very close. My father is a surgeon and my mother is a stay at home mom, but she went back to get her Masters of Library Sciences. In my family, we're all about education. My brother and I went to Georgetown, two of my siblings went to Harvard, and my other sibling went to the University of Pennsylvania. We all did really well in school; there wasn't really an option to do poorly. My parents set this standard of excellence, which I also enforce in my own household. Some people view it as harsh, but I see it as an affirmation. It confirms that they're smart enough to get the grades I expect because they should expect them as well. Important message someone has taught you? I must have been twelve. I was with my mother getting groceries at the A&P. There was some promotion going on where if you got a specific amount of receipts you would get a watch. I really wanted the watch and we didn't have enough receipts. The women purchasing groceries in front of us had many receipts from her groceries. My mom told me to go ask her and I was so hesitant and uncomfortable with it. My mother turned to me and said, "the word 'no' doesn't hurt." That one line from my mother, has served me well my whole life. You hear the word "no" a lot, and so what? Regardless, you just have to keep going. How did you start in the jewelry business? I always loved fashion and loved fashion magazines. Growing up I always thought I wanted to get into magazine publishing. After college, I worked at Harpers Bazaar. I did that for a year then left to work at Ms. Magazine. I went to Model magazine after that. I spent some time thinking about what was I going to do; I contemplated getting another job at a magazine. It would've been easy, but I decided to go for my dreams because if not now, when? So I left and I went to GIA, the most renowned gem laboratory in the world. Frankly, I thought it was going to be easy but it was very challenging. However, I soaked it in and I really loved it.. After, I went to work at one of the largest pearl companies. We sold to Tiffany, Harry Winston--I got the best education on pearls and began to really love them, especially the Tahitian pearl and the South Sea pearl. I did that for a year and then I began meeting and forming relationships with diamond cutters and dealers. After that I began designing engagement rings, I did so many I can't even count. You just have to be open to every experience. Advertisement How did you start your company? I started my company as a single mom, supporting my two daughters. I had no employees for five or six years. I sold to Neiman Marcus under my maiden name. I was selling to five Neiman Marcus', I was doing my own designs, and I was doing everything (sourcing, marketing, design, invoices, trunk shows etc). It just came to the point where I couldn't maintain what I was doing with such large volume for department stores. I then focused on exclusive private clients and began making custom, incredibly expensive pieces. This is where I really learned about the model making and the stone setting. It was all about quality and precision--the aesthetics had to be perfect. I did that for a while before putting together another collection. Eventually, that collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman. I have designed more engagement rings than I can count. Tell me about diamonds as a symbol for love and marriage to empowerment for women and having profits with a purpose...How did you redefine a business model in every way possible? I've been in the jewelry world, as well as the handbag world, for quite some time. I understand design and distribution. Fine jewelry is usually "sold" in department stores or fine jewelry stores on memo or consignment. It didn't used to be that way, the product used to be purchased. Basically in the model thats happening today, fine jewelry designers are financing someone else's inventory. Someone takes it from you and if it sells that's when you receive payment. If you can have your designs at a store like Neiman's or Harrods it's worth it, because it provides great exposure for the brand. I believe the model direct to consumer is the best way to go and it is what I follow. Redefining the business model just kind of organically happened. I had decided to reset my engagement ring and I wanted to do something very cool. Diamonds and engagement rings are locked into this formulaic aesthetic. When I was working with the model maker he made something small and pretty. I made him re-do it two times; I wanted it to be in your face and aggressive. I purposefully wore it on my right hand, because it just looked better, and I started getting all these compliments. People thought it was so cool, and wanted to know why there aren't more unusual diamond rings on the market. I also got a lot of questions about why I was wearing it on my right hand. Advertisement This feedback got me thinking and I began doing research on diamonds and how people perceive them. I found that the diamond business has really pigeon-holed itself. For the most part diamonds are currently bought by men for women in the association of love, marriage, and engagement... and there is nothing wrong with that, but we are saying it symbolizes strength. It kept coming back to this old, antiquated notion. I knew this was something that could be turned on its head. I began thinking about the words that describe a diamond: unbreakable, multifaceted, beautiful. That's a woman. I wanted to come up with something that shed light on that. Our goal was to transform the diamond from a passive gift one receives to this authoritative possession. For example, Serena Williams' example of "my diamond is a trophy I gave to myself." I wanted to create a symbol for this authority and possession and that is where this came from. This idea could be seen, pulled, and stretched in so many directions. There is nothing wrong with a diamond symbolizing love and marriage, but we're saying, lets extend that so diamonds can symbolize women's strength. It was just this very organic paradigm shift that resulted from questioning the status quo. Why can't we think about something like diamonds in a much bigger way? How do we create a global symbol like a peace sign? How do you translate that model into something that is a luxury? I decided to create a business where all NET profits go back to non profit partners & microfinance opportunities focusing on women's education. This is where I found my passion. I wanted to focusing my energy solely on Diamonds Unleashed, and had such a wonderful ground swell of support from high profile women (ambassadors), various well known retail partners, and more. The opportunity seemed HUGE and warranted 100% of my attention. I had to restructure my business and start fresh. In doing this, I created this very clear vision and am able to focus completely on this business. Why education? There are so many issues surrounding women: sexual violence, abuse, homelessness, the list goes on and on. Education was very natural to me because it traced back to how I grew up and it is so incredibly powerful. You can grow up impoverished, but if you get an education you can change your life. Once we finally found the right non profit partners and micro-finance opportunities, we continued on this trajectory. I'm really excited to follow my passion and make a difference doing something I love. Advertisement Difficulties? I only have one voice but when you put your collective voices together it's much more powerful, especially when those voices include high profile women. I'm on the board of CFDA, Georgetown, Women Moving Millions, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Women in Public Policy. This enables me to reach out to all these different women in all these different sectors. This takes so much time though and was only one of the platforms that needed to be lined up before I could really start. The most difficult aspect of launching Diamonds Unleashed was lining up meaning partnerships and platforms such as: retail partnerships, manufacturing partnerships, marketing/pr/social media and the most exciting partnership CANADAMARK, Dominion Diamond Corp. When you have a company called Diamonds Unleashed, it's very important to know that these are conflict free diamonds. We are not telling women to go out and buy diamonds. We are telling them to think about themselves as diamonds, and the characteristics that a diamond has; beautiful, strong, unbreakable, multi-faceted and brilliant. To that extent, we have done partnerships with other brands and translated the symbol on to ready to wear, accessories, and beauty. One of the things that I am most excited about right now is a children's wear micro-finance capsule collection we did with women from two townships based in Capetown, South Africa. We custom printed the Diamonds Unleashed symbol on traditional South African fabric called Shwe Shwe, which was then made into the most beautiful baby clothing available today. We are bringing beautiful, desirable product to market, and at the same time we are keeping women in South Africa employed and spreading the symbol for women's empowerment. Everyday is a beautiful challenge, it's exciting and I enjoy putting all of the pieces together of this large puzzle. What was most rewarding? The whole thing. I enjoy getting up everyday and thinking about what I need to do. I really feel like I have a purpose. I've always worked in my life; I've been working since I was fifteen years old. But now, I feel so good. I feel like I'm on a mission with this great purpose and I'm very excited about it. Breakdown to breakthrough? In my life I've had quite a few. You always hit a roadblock and that is a breakdown. Then it's just about figuring out how to get through it. A big breakdown was earlier in my life when I was a single mom, going through a divorce, with two kids and remaining the sole provider. But I made sure they had a roof over their heads, I sent them to private school, and I got a babysitter--because I had to. Yeah, maybe you can be depressed for a day or two but then you have to get over it. You've got to suck it up and carry on. Advertisement Legacy? Having the Diamonds Unleashed symbol be the worldwide symbol for women's empowerment. As that becomes the case, we'll be driving more and more funds for education and microfinance, which will help other women. It's a huge aspiration, but I feel like with the right partners it can happen. It's not about me, it's about we. As of now, there is no uniting symbol like the peace sign or the pink ribbon. And it's not just about the symbol, it's about women being united to work toward a better world. It's World Elephant Day! Celebrate By Joining The Conservation Effort By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 12, 2016 5:00AM In case you haven't noticed, or maybe there were no elephants on hand to remind you, but today is World Elephant Day! How does one celebrate this joyous occasion? Well, you can snack on some peanuts, sure, but here's a better use of your time: join Conservation Nation in their mission to save Asian elephants from extinction. Did you know that Asian elephant populations have been reduced by 70 percent because of habitat loss, conflicts with farmers, illegal capture, and poaching for ivory and hides? It's estimated that fewer than 1,850 wild Asian elephants remain in Myanmar. We know that elephants may seem a world away, but conservationists refuse to sit idly by, letting this beautiful creature disappear. Saving elephants from extinction is an important fight, and Conservation Nation is committed. With your help, they can reach their goal of $25,000 and fund the purchase of five satellite tracking collars. These collars will enable Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) scientists to track Asian elephants in the wild and mitigate poaching and human-elephant conflict. $35. That is the amount of money a poacher receives for the hide of an Asian elephant, just $35. Today, on World Elephant Day, will you pledge $35 to help save them? Trying to save an entire species from extinction seems like a monumental (dare we say elephant-sized) task, but with your help, the community can make a real difference. Join the herd today by uniting with Conservation Nation. You can donate directly to the cause, or start your own personal fundraising page to save elephants. Whatever you do, know that every action brings the world closer to a reality where elephants are no longer in danger. Learn how you can help at FONZ.org/give. This post is brought to you by Conservation Nation. As prospects for peace appear dim in places like the Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan and now with a renewed bombing of Libya, the President of the United States (and his heiress apparent) continue to display an alarming lack of understanding of the responsibilities as the nation's highest elected officer. As has been unsuccessfully litigated, Article II of the Constitution does not give the President right to start war; only Congress is granted that authority (See Article I, Section 8). So for the nation's Chief Executive Officer to willy-nilly arbitrarily decide to bomb here and bomb there and bomb everywhere in violation of the Constitution might be sufficient standard for that CEO to be regarded as a war criminal. Surely, consistently upping the stakes with a strong US/NATO military presence in the Baltics with the US Navy regularly cruising the Black and Baltic Seas, accompanied by a steady stream of confrontational language and picking a fight with a nuclear-armed Russia may not be the best way to achieve peace. In 1980, there was strong opinion among liberals that Ronald Reagan was close to, if not a direct descendant of the Neanderthals and that he stood for everything that Democrats opposed - and his eight years in office confirmed much of that sentiment. In those days, many lefties believed that the Democrats were still the party of FDR and JFK but today, the undeniable illusion is that the Dems are now the party of war and big money and not the political party some of us signed up for as new voters. Advertisement Ronald Reagan (R) was elected President as an ardent anti-communist who routinely referred to Russia as the 'evil empire', a fierce free market proponent of balanced budgets who in two terms in office never balanced a budget, a President who dramatically slashed domestic social programs even though his family benefited from FDR's New Deal and whose foreign policy strategy was to 'build-up to build-down' (a $44 billion.20% increase in one year, 1982-1983) so as to force the Russians to the table. Reagan, who was ready to engage in extensive personal diplomacy, was an unlikely peacemaker yet he achieved an historic accomplishment in the nuclear arms race that is especially relevant today as NATO/US are reintroducing nuclear weapons into eastern Europe. After having ascended to the USSR's top leadership position in March, 1985, an intelligent and assertive Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev was eager to improve relations with the United States but thought Reagan a "political dinosaur" who was regarded by much of the American public as a 'trigger-happy cowboy". Even before the American President and Russian leader met, NATO ministers in 1979 had unanimously adopted a strategy that included arms control negotiations and a modernization of its current missile system as Russia deployed its updated, most lethal generation of the SS 20 Saber missiles. With an improved maximum range, an increased area covered by multiple warheads and a more improved accuracy than earlier versions, it was a missile that could easily reach western Europe with terrifying results. As formal talks began between the US, Russia and NATO in 1981, massive anti nuclear weapon demonstrations were taking place in the US and Europe adding a political urgency for both countries to initiate discussions. Advertisement At that time, Reagan announced a proposal to abandon the Pershing I missiles in exchange for elimination of the SS 20 which Gorbachev rejected. By 1983, the Soviets walked out and there were no talks in 1984 until a resumption in March, 1985. US Secretary of State George Shultz had continued to meet with Russian Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin since 1983. Shultz suggested that the President meet with Dobrynin who had expressed his frustration to Shultz that they were not dealing with the 'big issues" and was rumored to be leaving his diplomatic post due to the Americans unwillingness to negotiate. Two weeks earlier Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko had publicly suggested a summit between the two nuclear power countries. According to published reports at the time, while most of the White House staff opposed the Dobrynin meeting, Reagan gave Shultz the green light. By the time Reagan first met Gorbachev in 1985 in Geneva, the President was already driven by a deep instinctive fear that modern civilization was on the brink of a biblical nuclear Armageddon that could end the human race. According to Jack Matlock who served as Reagan's senior policy coordinator for Russia and later US Ambassador to Russia in his book, "Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended," one of Reagan's pre-meeting notes to himself read "avoid any demand for regime change." From the beginning, one of Reagan's goals was to establish a relationship that would be able to overcome whatever obstacles or conflicts may arise with the goal of preventing a thermonuclear war. Advertisement The meeting began with a traditional oval table diplomatic dialogue with Reagan, who had no foreign policy experience, lecturing on the failings of the "despised" Russian system and support for the SDI (Star Wars) program. Gorbachev, who arrived looking like a spy complete with KGB-issue hat and overcoat, responded by standing up to Reagan ("you are not a prosecutor and I am not the accused") and was visibly irritated "why do you repeat the same thing (on the SDI); stop this rubbish." After a lengthy personal, private conversation, it became obvious that the two men had struck a cord of mutual respect with Reagan recognizing that the youthful articulate Gorbachev was not the out- moded Politburo politician of his predecessors. At the conclusion of Geneva, a shared trust necessary to begin sober negotiations to ban nuclear weapons had been established. Both were well aware that the consequences of nuclear war would be a devastation to mankind, the world's greatest environmental disaster. At the end of their Geneva meeting, Reagan and Gorbachev agreed that "nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought." During their October, 1986 Reykjavik meeting, the real possibility of a permanent, forever ban on all nuclear weapons appeared possible until Gorbachev insisted on the elimination of SDI's (Star Wars) from the final agreement and Reagan walked away. Gorbachev relented; saving the potential long range treaty from failure and ultimately, the SDI sunk under the weight of its own impossibility. While the summit ended with measured progress, Reagan's stubbornness on SDI represented a significant lost opportunity that would never come again. In April, 1987 with Secretary Shultz in Moscow, Gorbachev proposed the elimination of U.S. and Soviet shorter-range missiles and by June, NATO foreign ministers announced support for the global elimination of all U.S. and Soviet intermediate-range and shorter-range missile systems. In June, all the participating parties were in agreement as Reagan agreed to eliminate all U.S. and Soviet shorter-range missile systems. As high level negotiations continued, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl added icing to the cake, in August, 1987 by announcing that Germany, on its own, would dismantle all of its 72 Pershing I missiles that Reagan-Gorbachev had earlier been unable to eliminate. Advertisement In December of 1987, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev arrived in Washington DC to sign the bi-lateral Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (including Short Range Missiles) known as the INF Treaty. The Treaty eliminated 2,611 ground launched ballistic and cruise missile systems with a range of between 500 and 5500 kilometers (310 -3,400 miles). Paris is 2,837 (1,762 miles) kilometers from Moscow. In May 1988, the INF Treaty was ratified by the US Senate in a surprising vote of 93 - 5 (four Republicans and one Democrat opposed) and by May, 1991, all Pershing I missiles in Europe had been dismantled. Verification of Compliance of the INF Treaty, delayed because of the USSR breakup, was completed in December, 2001. At an outdoor press briefing during their last meeting together and after the INF was implemented, Reagan put his arm around Gorbachev. A reporter asked if he still believed in the 'evil empire' and Reagan answered 'no." When asked why, he replied "I was talking about another time, another era." After the INF Treaty was implemented, right wing opponents and columnists like George Will attacked Reagan as a pawn for "Soviet propaganda" and being an "apologist for Gorbachev." Some things never change. Whether the Treaty could have been more far-reaching is questionable given what we now know of Reagan's mental deterioration and yet despite their differences, there is no indication that during the six year effort the two men treated each other with anything other than esteem and courtesy. In 1990, Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev won the Nobel Peace Prize while President Reagan, largely credited with ending the Cold War and bringing nuclear stability to the world and back from a nuclear confrontation, was not nominated. Advertisement As the current US President and Nobel Peace Prize winner prepares to leave office with a record of a Tuesday morning kill list, unconscionable drone attacks on civilians, initiating bombing campaigns where there were none prior to his election and, of course, taunting Russian President Vladimir Putin with unsubstantiated allegations, the US-backed NATO has scheduled AEGIS anti ballistic missile shields to be constructed in Romania and Poland, challenging the integrity of INF Treaty for the first time in almost thirty years. In what may shed new light on NATO/US build-up in eastern Europe, Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov denied US charges in June, 2015 that Russia had violated the Treaty and that the US had "failed to provide evidence of Russian breaches." Commenting on US plans to deploy land-based missiles in Europe as a possible response to the alleged "Russian aggression" in the Ukraine, Lavrov warned that ''building up militarist rhetoric is absolutely counterproductive and harmful.' Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov suggested the United States was leveling accusations against Russia in order to justify its own military plans. In early August, the US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration authorized the final development phase (prior to actual production in 2020) of the B61-21 nuclear bomb at a cost of $350 - $450 billion. A thermonuclear weapon with the capability of reaching Europe and Moscow, the B61-21 is part of President Obama's $1 trillion request for modernizing the US aging and outdated nuclear weapon arsenal. masked man points a gun If you look at the gamblers scattered across the floor of a casino, there is no clear method of telling which will go home winners and which will not. Despite that fact, we can predict with remarkable precision how well the casino will fare over the course of the evening. Further, we know that how much they win will be with considerable precision determined by how much money is gambled. In some respects, this is analogous to the new and highly successful battle strategy of the Islamic State. Despite the fact that for more than a year, the once feared army of extremists has been faring badly on the battle field and has more recently seen a number of their prepositioned networks of trained attackers in Europe and elsewhere rooted out and broken up by law enforcement, their capacity for terror seems to have increased. Advertisement ISIS has a new army -- not one trained at ISIS camps in Syria, Iraq or Libya. The soldiers in this army don't wear ISIS uniforms or carry ISIS issued weapons. Further, ISIS commanders don't know the names of these soldiers, where they are located or whether any single individual in this so-called army will follow orders or launch an attack. They do know, however, that around the world there are hundreds of millions of disaffected individuals of which some small percentage are susceptible to the ISIS world view. They know that as is true of any population, a significant percentage of these individuals will suffer from mental illness and, as is also true of any population, a small percentage of those with mental illness will be prone to violence -- some capable of extreme violence. Just like the profits of a casino owner, the success of this stealth army is not about the performance of any individual, it is a matter of probability. If ISIS can use its notoriety to reach enough sick and potentially violent people with the right message the probability becomes very high that horrific attacks of terror will be committed. Enrico Fermi of the Manhattan Project along with other physicists spent a great deal of time in the 1930s examining what they called the Monte Carlo method of analyzing random probability statistics. Others have called such analysis "stochastics". More recently, some have begun to refer to the tactic that ISIS has successfully deployed (using mass media to stimulate violent acts by disturbed individuals) as "stochastic terrorism." A 2011 blog post described the term as: The use of mass communications to incite random actors to carry out violent or terrorist acts that are statistically predictable but individually unpredictable. In short, remote control murder by lone wolf. The 1998 book, Murder in the Name of God, makes a strong case that Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was a result of "stochastic terrorism." As Tom Friedman quite recently noted in The New York Times, Rabin's opponents, "kept delegitimizing him as a 'traitor' and 'a Nazi' for wanting to make peace with the Palestinians and give back part of the Land of Israel." Freidman observed: There are always people down the line who don't hear the caveats. They just hear the big message: The man is illegitimate, the man is a threat to the nation, the man is the equivalent of a Nazi war criminal. Well, you know what we do with people like that, don't you? We kill them. On November 4, 1995 someone finally acted on the rhetoric polluting Israeli public discourse. Yigal Amir, a right wing Israeli extremist opposed to Rabin's signing of the Oslo accords, fired three shots into Rabin's head with a semi-automatic pistol while Rabin walked to his waiting car. Exploiting the weaknesses of the mentally and emotional disturbed as a method of murdering your political opponents is a particularly heinous means of carrying out the most heinous of crimes. It seems an oddly perfect modus operandi for a group as dedicated to evil as ISIS, but it also seems unthinkable as a tactic in the political process of the world's greatest democracy -- at least until this week. At a rally in Wilmington, N.C. on August 9th, Donald Trump told a packed house, "Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment... And if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know." Advertisement I have tried to find a more benign interpretation to those words than what they appear to say on the surface. I have looked at the Trump campaign's explanations in the wake of the event claiming that he was simply calling for the unification of voters who oppose stricter gun rules and for a higher turnout at the polls for such voters. I don't want to think any politician in America would intend the meaning that seems to me to be the obvious interpretation of the Wilmington comments. In the end, I can't ignore the fact that he appears to be calling on "Second Amendment people" to act in a way that other groups of people can't. That's not including voting but rather by using the weapons that they are advocating be protected from government regulation. As former Air Force General and CIA Director Michael Hayden told CNN's Jake Tapper, "If someone else had said that outside the hall, he'd be in the back of a police wagon now with the Secret Service questioning him." Even if you disagree with my interpretation of the comment you have to agree with Hayden's observation that as a presidential candidate, "You're not just responsible for what you say. You are responsible for what people hear." With so many hearing the words as a call to violence, it is clear that Trump has a compelling responsibility to actively go about convincing those who not only heard the words of that message, but might be inclined to act on it; that he fervently and sincerely did not intend such a message and would find it catastrophic if anyone were to wrongly make that interpretation. To date, Trump has failed to make such an effort. Whether the words were willful or merely reckless, they put at risk far more than an individual life. They endanger the orderly passage of power within society and as such they endanger society itself. Violence in our political system has enormous and long lasting consequences. In this country that has not historically inured to the benefit of the person or party associated with the violence. To the contrary, the individual or party targeted by that violence tends to benefit greatly. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 was in part responsible for the "Great Society" programs that Republicans still abhor. The attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan's resuscitated his administration at a point of serious weakness. Trump's unwillingness to acknowledge the terrible risks these comments create, not only for his opponent but our political system in general, and the wellbeing of his political coalition in particular should be viewed with astonishment even by those who support his position on guns and believe his intent was nothing more than a plug for stronger voter turnout. Regardless of what anyone thinks of the other controversies concerning Trump's rhetoric, these comments should not stand. No decent human being should support his candidacy until he has fully, completely and energetically repudiated them. Elected national Children's Government of Kenya for 2016. Photo credit: UNICEF Kenya\2016\Gakuo. Co-authored with Werner Schultink, UNICEF, Kenya Consider this: in 1956 Sweden and Kenya's population was roughly at 7 million. Today Sweden has about 9.8 million, while there are about 44 million Kenyans. Fertility levels are declining gradually and Kenyans are living longer. It is estimated that there will be 85 million people in Kenya by 2050, with three quarters of these being below 35 years. While Kenya's median age is 19, Sweden's is 42. Kenya's mushrooming population presents an extraordinary opportunity and several challenges. The opportunity lies in the potential for a so-called demographic dividend of sustained rapid economic growth in the coming decades. There is reason for optimism that Kenya can benefit from a demographic dividend within 15 to 20 years. It is estimated that Kenya's working age population will grow to 73 percent by year 2050, potentially bolstering the country's GDP per capita 12 times higher than the present, with nearly 90 percent of the working age in employment. (NCPD Policy Brief: Demographic dividend opportunities for Kenya, July 2014.) Advertisement But Kenya's demographic dividend is not guaranteed by its changing demographics alone. Key actions are required if children of today - who will be entering the labor force a decade's time - are skilled, dynamic and entrepreneurial. Unemployment among Kenya's youth is now estimated to stand at 17.3 per cent compared to six per cent for both Uganda and Tanzania. A World Bank report says mass unemployment continues to deny Kenya the opportunity to put its growing labour force to productive use, thereby "denying the economy the demographic dividend from majority young population". Investment in children is Kenya's best hope to set the right pre-conditions for this potentially transformative demographic dividend. Properly harnessed, the potential of the youth could propel the country forward as a dynamic and productive engine of growth in all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out last September. At the beginning of this year, UN member states started the long journey to implement the SDGs and they all have 169 targets to achieve by end of December 2030. Some countries have already made good progress on the localization and mainstreaming of the SDGs in their development plans and budgeting processes. In fact, 22 of the 193 Member States that endorsed the SDGs voluntarily reported on their progress at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) held last month in New York. Advertisement The Government Kenya played a very important role in the design of the global development agenda. About 20,000 Kenyans participated in the MyWorld Survey, in which they voted on the kind of world they wanted after the MDGs. Kenya was also one of many countries that commissioned consultations at national, regional and community levels to discuss the Post-2015 development agenda, and these culminated into a position paper that was presented for inclusion into the post-2015 development agenda. The global development agenda dovetails with Kenya's Vision 2030 in terms of timeline and key strategic focus and seeks as well to make Kenya globally competitive and prosperous for all citizens. Kenya Vision 2030 does capture the three dimensions of sustainable development including economic, social and environment. This makes it much easier to align the national development plan of Kenya to the SDGs. However, as was evident with the millennium development goals (MDGs), the work of translating SDGs into results requires strategic actions. It requires that countries exploit fully the resources within in order to make the giant leaps needed to meet the targets. Experts agree that for Kenya and the rest of Africa, these giant leaps will come through the youthful human resource, but only when the working age population becomes larger than people of non-working age. In Kenya, there are about eight dependents for every working person, meaning that the state faces very high costs associated with economically unproductive populations. It means that Kenya must invest to create jobs, and invest in the young people with the skills to fill those jobs. A society that wants to diversify its economy, achieve industrialization and socio-economic transformation and the SDGs must invest heavily in a strong, dynamic and empowered youth and women to drive this agenda. Kenya's children will need quality learning that leads to educational attainment that is relevant to their lives, and gives them with the skills needed for the country's changing labor market. Protection from ill health, malnutrition, violence, conflict, abuse and exploitation are also crucial for children - and their nation - to prosper. Advertisement In Kenya, the youth constitute an important segment of the country's population, accounting for 35.4% of the total population and 66.7% of the adult population in 2009. The proportion of the youth category is expected to remain relatively high at 35.4% of the population in 2015, 34.8% in 2020, 34.6% in 2025 and 35.2% by 2030. This means that at least one in every three Kenyans will continue to be young. Therefore, if Kenya and all other developing countries must successfully implement the SDGs, it is very important that young people, both boys and girls, no longer remain passive beneficiaries of development but must become equal and effective partners for development. This means that the problem of youth must be addressed as a policy and development issue, which must be mainstreamed in all planning and budgeting processes. In addition, strong political commitment and leadership must be demonstrated at both national and local levels to address the problems of youth in Kenya. High growth rates must be translated into skills and jobs for the increasing young population and workforce in Kenya. Such actions will indeed help to keep young people away from being targets of youth radicalization and violent extremism. Investing in youth is not only an investment in the future but also fundamental for the successful implementation of the SDGs. I found this book to be very informative and motivational. Packed with informative information on how to prevent, treat, and overcome food addiction including a beautifully written epilogue empowering people with food addictions to take the next step to overcoming their addiction. Dr. Vera Tarman's book, "Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction" gave me the insights to understand food addiction. The easy-to-follow guide is a clear, concise book providing the reader with detailed information about food addiction including advice and support to help someone overcome this disorder. One important factor I learned from this book is that you need to understand the facts about addiction. In order to overcome a disorder you need to learn about what it is and if you have it you then need to take the next step by accepting that you have an addiction to food. Once those two steps are achieved then you can take the next step by learning how to overcome food addiction and go on by creating a healthy, happy and productive lifestyle. Vera Tara provides all this information in her book. Advertisement It is critical for someone with food addiction or a family member who lives with him or her to read this book. Even if you do not suffer from the disorder by learning about it you can support your loved one or friend who suffers from this disorder. Food addiction is not something that goes away and never comes back. It is an addiction just like drug and alcohol addiction. You must cope with it and learn how to live with it for the rest of your life. Dr. Tarman shows you how in her book. Understanding the complete issues of food addiction and learning the seriousness of the disorder can, "wake you up," to take control. The advice and guidance provided in this book, highlights what you can do to live with and overcome food addiction. Dr. Vera Tara's natural approach helped me realize that WE control our bodies. We can change our behavior by providing changing ourselves. Change is hard, but if one is willing to change then anything is possible as Tarman explains in her book by using stories from others and her own battles with food addiction. Advertisement I enjoyed how the book provides you with the stepping-stones and techniques to prevent, treat, and overcome food addiction the natural way. Dr. Vera Tarman the author, provides the reader with extraordinary tools and techniques that help you achieve all your goals both long and short-term goals. As the book unfolds, you surprisingly begin to see how you can achieve your goals and overcome food addiction. This book on food addiction and the advice and techniques that were provided were remarkable. The book captured my interest and it has motivated me to not eat just to eat, but to seriously consider the food I am eating and reasons why I am eating those foods. In addiction, through reading this book I realize no matter what age you are you need to care for your body. If you feel you have a problem with food then you need to learn about food addiction and what you can do to overcome it. Addiction is a reality and if you are not careful, you could be a victim. If you are one of the millions who have this condition, and are looking for an expert to guide you through all the positive steps you can take to overcome food addiction, this is the book for you. "This book will get anyone who struggles with food on the right track." Advertisement Dr. Tarman's book is an excellent book to help learn, diagnosis, prevent, treat and overcome food addiction. It is packed with phenomenal advice. I was also honored to have the privilege to listen to Dr. Vera Tarman's audible version of the book, which just came out and is available to purchase. Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction - the audible version I found this book to be informative, motivating and was enjoyable to read. This book may be just what the doctor ordered for anyone who has a quest to learn about and overcome food addiction. I recommend this book to others. Available as a paperback, kindle, ebook and an audible; ISBN 978-1-45972-859-2, $24.95 256 pages About Dr. Vera Tarman, MD: Vera Tarman is a medical practitioner who focuses on addictions. She is the medical director of Renascent, an addictions treatment centre. Dr. Tarman conducts workshops and speaking engagements on the science of food addiction and "comfort food" abuse. She has reached audiences across the world. She lives in Toronto. For more information on "Healing the Body Naturally" visit the complete herbal guide website. For more information about Stacey Chillemi, click here. Become a fan, follow, like, comment and share the link.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-chillemi/ Freeimages.com content license Have you noticed that No Kill communities tend to occur in clusters? Take Austin, which achieved a 90%+ live release rate in 2011. Williamson County just to the north achieved No Kill around that same time, and in the years since then we've had the nearby towns of Georgetown, Pflugerville, and Taylor all going No Kill. And San Antonio, a big city about an hour away from Austin, has gone No Kill along with its nearby town of Kirby. Then there's Jacksonville, which has helped other towns and counties in the First Coast region. Charlottesville, Virginia, has seen an explosion of No Kill neighbors, including Lynchburg just to the south, which in turn has been helping its neighbors. The shelter serving Duluth, Minnesota, made Superior, Wisconsin, a No Kill city. On the west coast, San Francisco has helped Stockton to dramatically improve its live release rate. The Nevada Humane Society in Washoe County has made nearby Carson City into a No Kill community. Brother Wolf in Asheville is reaching out to other communities. And in what may be the most dramatic example of all, South Carolina shelters are embarking on an ambitious plan to make the entire state No Kill by setting up five hubs that will offer No Kill help throughout the state. Advertisement The assistance that No Kill communities offer their neighbors takes many different forms. Dr. Ellen Jefferson helped San Antonio with the creation of San Antonio Pets Alive!, which was modeled on Austin Pets Alive! The San Francisco SPCA pulls at-risk animals from the Stockton shelter and finds homes for them. Jacksonville includes its neighbors in its gigantic mega-adoption events. Personnel from Charlottesville and Jacksonville have become successful shelter directors in Lynchburg and Tampa, respectively. Other factors may be at work too in spreading No Kill. When a city goes No Kill, government officials in nearby communities will take notice. It's much easier to commit to an idea that has already been proven successful by your neighbor than it is to be the first one to try it. It's natural to trust a neighbor more than someone from hundreds of miles away. If a nearby neighbor has gone No Kill, it tends to take away the excuses that climate, terrain, or community demographics make No Kill too difficult or impractical. Defeatism is replaced with the idea that "if they can do it, we can do it too." And in purely practical terms, boots-on-the-ground help is much easier from one neighbor to another since travel is not a problem. Mentors can help with one major problem that shelter directors face in trying to go No Kill, and that is taking the plunge. Animal shelters are fast-paced, working organizations. They are like a police department or a hospital in that they have to function every day. A director cannot just shut the shelter down for a couple of weeks to retool. A traditional shelter director may be afraid to institute managed admission for fear of creating chaos, or reluctant to try a community cat program for fear it will take too much time or money, or cause complaints. An experienced No Kill director from a neighboring city who is there with step-by-step guidance and encouragement can make all the difference in getting those programs underway. Most traditional shelter directors these days seem to be interested in shelter reform, but they may be reluctant to take advice from No Kill advocates who do not work or volunteer at the shelter and have little hands-on shelter experience. Shelter directors may resist engaging with local No Kill advocates because they have heard of cases where shelter directors have been unfairly attacked by advocates. If a traditional shelter director gets to know a neighboring No Kill director as a person, they can build trust that can lead the traditional shelter director to a more sympathetic consideration of new ideas. Advertisement Even shelter directors who do not have any nearby No Kill neighbors can get help, but they may have to take the initiative in finding it. National conferences provide a great way to network. There are more and more shelter consultants, and they are becoming more specialized and effective. Consultants may work in teams that can include a building specialist, a behaviorist, a community cat expert, etc. Most consulting organizations have access to a wide variety of specialists who can be called on as needed. Animal shelter federations may be an under-used opportunity for No Kill mentoring. These federations are usually at the state level. Although historically the federations have been conservative, things are changing. Virginia is an example of a state federation that actively offers help to its members. Since animal control is in most respects a state function, with delegation to the local level, the state federation is a natural place to look for regional mentoring. By Ahmad Naveed Noormal and Karina Y. Valenzuela In the wake of recent ISIL attacks in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Turkey, France, Germany and several other countries that claimed many innocent lives, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter were part of a meeting held between the ISIL coalition defense and foreign ministers to hasten the multi-faceted approach to counter the terrorist group. John Kerry started the meeting by saying "We are engaged in a historic effort. Nothing like this coalition has ever before been assembled. And we're not following a manual on antiterrorist coalition building, we're writing it." Forming a coalition and writing such a manual seem like positive steps towards fighting ISIL, however, several academic papers, formal declarations and international agreements clearly state terrorism as one of the major threats to the world. To date, none of these documents has helped the world to fight the safe havens of terrorism and give a tangible outcome to those communities that lose lives on daily basis to terrorist acts. Advertisement Counterterrorism doesn't mean killing a few members of Taliban or ISIL. If we are sincerely committed to fighting this phenomenon, we ought to fight the supporters of these groups, identify their financing sources and safe havens and target them irrespective of our political interests in those countries. Terrorism does not only target the citizens of a single country, it targets humanity. According to Akbar Ahmed, chair of Islamic Studies at American University, one of the main reasons that immigrant youths are vulnerable to recruitment by ISIL is they're not fully absorbed as citizens in their host countries. With the amount of youth displaced by violence in host countries reaching unprecedented numbers, their susceptibility to joining these terrorist groups is higher than ever before. If you are living in a country with no means to support yourself or your family and someone offers you the means, you will be more likely to take it. The marginalization of Muslim communities, especially immigrants and refugees, leaves already vulnerable populations even more at risk of joining terrorist groups. When terrorist groups are able to exploit the grievances of youth with the idea of shared anger, it gives people a sense of control in their lives. This control creates a sense of community where there would otherwise be none, and for that they can commit terrible acts. Furthermore, with the advancement of social media, groups like ISIL are able to reach more people all over the world in a way they never could before. Today, if we are writing papers and strategies to fight terrorism, we are one step behind terrorist groups who are ready to take action. Writing strategies today cannot predict or stop their plans for tomorrow. If we are to fight terrorism, we need to target the right people, at the right time in the right place. Lingering and waiting for strategies to instruct the governments to take action against terrorism strengthens the terrorist group, giving them a chance to victimize more civilians. Governments need to be held accountable to take actions based on those strategies, otherwise they are just words on paper. Advertisement The fight against ISIL should have two parts, the grassroots level and the international level. So far, the strategies that have been put into practice have been largely unsuccessful; in fact terrorist attacks have been on the rise. Currently the U.S. is leading the coalition against ISIL along with regional and Western allies. The entire international community has voiced opinions that ISIL must be defeated. Why then with all this support does there seem to be no change? The answer is mostly because ISIL is not an enemy that can be defeated with traditional military combat. The current strategies are very limited, and with so many actors in play the situation grows more complex. We have seen with the examples of Iraq and Afghanistan that it won't work to just send troops on the ground, to lose countless more lives and in the end have even more unstable countries when those troops leave. In order to fight ISIL the international community should cut off the financial sources of the group, this means placing sanctions and ending financial support to the countries that are known for providing safe havens and funding terrorist groups. The coalition should work with local governments and legitimate military forces to prevent ISIL from gaining more territory, and regain territory controlled by them. In addition to efforts made to fight ISIS in the world, we must empower the most vulnerable countries. Supporting the efforts of these countries can enable them to identify terrorist resource channels, safe havens and major supporters. Information sharing and taking immediate action against these groups can deteriorate them. However, while conducting any operation to fight ISIL, countries should fully consider humanitarian code, do no harm principles, and the principles of International Humanitarian Law. Irresponsible action, instead of weakening the terrorist groups, can further enhance the number of people fighting for them. It is not enough to sit in rooms and hold meetings and discuss strategy. It is not enough to condemn attacks on social media, change profile pictures and create hashtags. There are a number of online campaigns and Twitter feeds against extremism, but that is not enough. Create safe community spaces where people feel like they belong, hold open discussions on the true meaning of Islam, promote projects that make immigrant and refugee populations feel included. By taking tangible steps and starting from the ground up, that's where the real impact will be made. Every day that no action is taken, more civilians are killed and more people are forced to flee their homes. Naveed Noormal is an Afghan diplomat currently working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan at the Office of the Deputy Foreign Minister in Political Affairs. He is a Fulbright Fellow with a master's in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence, specializing in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Management from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. He can be reached at noormaln@brandeis.edu. Advertisement The story of two boys - an Egyptian and an Israeli - united in their convictions but separated by circumstances. Egyptian war correspondent Yehia Ghanem continues his series of stories on the wars he has covered and the people he has met along the way. Here he compares the lives of two children, Egyptian Mohamed and Israeli Mordechai. Read the rest of the series, Caged, here. Israel - September 1994 A year after I first encountered a 12-year-old Egyptian boy called Mohamed in the offices of the newspaper where I worked and listened as he appealed to me to take him to war-torn Bosnia so that he might "help free our brothers", I met another child who was growing up in vastly different circumstances but whose bravery and sense of conviction so greatly resembled Mohamed's. Advertisement I had been sent to Israel on assignment at a time when the mood was particularly tense. The then-prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, was contemplating holding a referendum on negotiations with Syria over the occupied Golan Heights. But not everyone was in favour. One evening, after a long day at work, I was waiting on Hanasse Avenue in Haifa for some friends who were Palestinian citizens of Israel. We were going to attend a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, in which a 20th-century Romeo would be an Arab and Juliet a Jew. The sentiment of the show stood in stark contrast to the mood on the street, where protesters were demonstrating against negotiations with Syria. Noticing that I was Egyptian, some members of Gush Emunim, a right-wing extremist group committed to the establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights, began harassing me. Advertisement But no sooner had I brushed that aside than I felt a small hand tugging at the sleeve of my shirt. It belonged to an Israeli boy. He was holding a sign that read "Peace Now", the name of a moderate movement established during the 1978 Israeli-Egyptian peace talks. He urged me not to be upset by what he described as the "crazy" behaviour of the extremists. His name was Mordechai, and he, too, was 12 years old. He shared Mohamed's striking facial features and so much more. As he spoke animatedly, memories of Mohamed kept returning to me - a child so full of promise who stood so little chance of seeing it fulfilled under a dictatorship that had stifled any possibility of a vibrant and politically engaged society. READ MORE: Meeting Mohamed - The children's war report reading club "The Golan Heights, as well as all other territories occupied during the 1967 war, should be given back to Arab countries," Mordechai told me. "The only thing which should be feared are the intentions of those Arab countries after their territories are returned; are they going to continue warring with us?" he asked. He stood there bravely voicing his opinions just as Mohamed had his desire to help the besieged and massacred Bosnians. But while Mohamed had to be fearful of the security forces in the dictatorship in which he was born and raised, Mordechai, whose parents were demonstrating for peace on the same street, did not have to fear the extremists or the police who surrounded him. Advertisement He was free to voice his opinions and to act on his beliefs. I felt as proud of Mordechai as I had been of Mohamed. But I felt great sorrow that, despite all their similarities, Mohamed would likely never feel us uninhibited as Mordechai. I realised then that the greatest crime committed against us by our dictatorships has been to instill such fear of our own thoughts that even a child who was unafraid to give up their childhood, comforts and, perhaps, even their life to protect others, would have to fear talking to a journalist at the office of a state-owned newspaper. Our rulers had brainwashed us into believing that submitting to such totalitarianism was the only way to confront the threats posed to us by the West and the Israelis, and that our only defence was to be found in military dictatorships. For years, I thought of Mohamed and Mordechai, hoping that Mohamed could one day become as free as Mordechai and that, perhaps, they could find a just and lasting peace with one another. New Theater Co. Would Stage Shows In The Back Of A U-Haul By Gwendolyn Purdom in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 12, 2016 5:58PM Between the tiny house craze visiting our city this week and plans for microapartment complexes popping up around the city, its clear that small is chic. Truck Truck Theater is taking that concept and literally rolling with it. The new start-up from Chicago theater scene vets Fareine Suarez and Cory OBrien aims to bring theater to the masses by putting on their low-tech productions from the back of a U-Haul truck. The two launched a Kickstarter campaign to support Truck Truck's mission in mid-July and have since already surpassed their modest $1,000 funding goal. The idea struck O'Brien back in April, according to Suarez, when he realized a set he'd built for another production would go to waste after the production's one-time performance. He and Suarez decided to get creative with repurposing the pieces. Suarez says Truck Truck's model is designed to accomplish two main goals: cutting traditional production costs so actors and crew can receive payment (unfortunately not always a given in the theater community), and offering free performances to communities that don't usually have access to theater. "Theres an entire segment of the population, especially here in Chicago, who cant go to shows because that money could go to groceries," Suarez told Chicagoist Friday. Suarez, who works full-time for the city's Grant Park Music Festival, says she was inspired by Chicago's summer schedule of free outdoor events and loves the idea of being able to put on a show in a neighborhood or an alley without sacrificing its quality. For Truck Truck's debut production, the company's chosen Jean Paul Sartre's "No Exit," a story about a version of hell that consists of just a room (or truckbed, in this case) and three people locked in it. The show is set to premiere in September in Jefferson Park. Suarez says if funding continues to come in, they hope to put on an encore performance within a week of the first. From there, she says, the new company will evaluate what's needed moving forward. If all goes well, next summer Truck Truck plans to put on a new show with a longer run. "A lot of the project right now is kind of a test to see what we need to focus on," Suarez said, "and what people respond to." The first US Zika travel advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month is exposing a significant insurance coverage gap that puts hundreds of businesses on track for large losses.Deterred by fear of the mosquito-borne illness, many travelers and part-time residents are canceling plans to visit the Miami area and Florida in general leaving businesses open to depressed revenue. At greatest risk is the states $82 billion tourism industry.In two days, travel agency Ovation Vacations registered 38 canceled Florida reservations while Atlanta-based KK Travels Worldwide noted an uptick in canceled trips by pregnant women and young couples. Miami restaurateur Ivette Naranjo has also pointed to Zika as the cause of a recent dampening effect on her business.Usually we have from 250 to 350 people a night in the summer, and we had about 40 people come in, Naranjo said of a recent Saturday night her worst ever.Yet traditional business interruption insurance policies require physical property damage as a trigger for coverage, and even more inclusive policies are contingent on official quarantines and other governmental restrictions. So what coverage if any responds to simple fear?Most civil authority coverage within business interruption property policies requires a covered or non-excluded peril and physical damage most likely to trigger coverage, Marsh said recently of the Zika virus. However, some hospitality and gaming companies or others in related industries have a version of this coverage for loss of attraction with notifiable disease as one of the triggers.Such a loss of attraction extension can be defined in many ways, and can be worded to indemnify against losses arising from a number of triggers potentially including Zika. Yet very few businesses are likely to have it, an Insurance Information Institute spokesperson said, and brokers would likely have to revisit coverage in order to guarantee such protection.At the same time, some major insurance companies are already writing Zika exclusions into certain policies. Several major business conferences in the Miami area have been canceled over Zika fears, and business travel is expected to suffer nearly as much as travel for pleasure and potentially without redress.Several insurance companies confirmed to Reuters that they are including exclusion clauses in cancelation coverage for events in Zika hot beds like Brazil. Such clauses can affect anything from rock concerts to trade shows and exhibitions.We do consider applying Zika-specific exclusions when we see events taking place in certain areas of the world like South America, said Jeremy Cooke, contingency underwriter at ProSight.In general, many insurers also include blanket exclusions for communicable diseases a precaution borne of concern over the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Britain and SARS in Singapore and Toronto.The only potential element of doubt for existing policyholders is how insurers and perhaps eventual courts define Zika. Much about the disease is still unknown, including whether it can be classified as a communicable threat as it is transmitted by mosquitoes.I personally would always view it as a communicable disease, despite some wordings referring to airborne pathogens or other characteristics that do not fit the Zika virus, said Cooke.Cover may still be available for Zika cancelations, but insurers say it would come with a significant premium. And even when in place, its likely unhelpful for the fear-based cancelation decisions seen in the US.It must be a necessary cancellation [for cover to apply], said Elizabeth Seeger, contingency underwriter at Hiscox . An insured cant choose to stop their event. Medical, workers compensation and liability insurance companies are likely on alert today as a JetBlue flight was forced to divert in South Dakota after severe turbulence.Two staff members and 22 passengers were injured when the cross-country flight, from Boston to Sacramento, began experiencing turbulence eventually plunging suddenly and sending people flying.The captain had said that we were going to be hitting [turbulence]. You could tell there were storm clouds outside. It was just normal if you fly a lotit just kind of shakes and then its okay, one passenger of Flight 429 told South Dakota Public Broadcasting Station 429. And then all of a sudden there was quite a big shake. And then right after that there was a drop.Dr. Alan Lee, who treated several passengers after the incident, said he was working on my laptop when the plane began to plummet. His laptop almost hit the ceiling and several other passengers hit their heads, including a flight attendant in the galley during the incident.Passengers described the incident as like a bad dream.There is no word yet on insurance procedures, but JetBlues workers comp provider will likely have to attend to injuries of staff members. The airline may also be in trouble if any passengers sue something that has happened following turbulence on JetBlue before.In 2011, a flight from San Juan to Boston suddenly dropped without any warning to passengers and some were left with what they called permanent physical injuries. At least two, Deborah and Scott Simmons, filed a lawsuit against the airline saying it had neglected to alert passengers to the rough weather ahead.Deborah Simmons suffered injuries to her head, neck and back, and also said she suffers from PTSD.The incident comes following several aviation-related loss events, though until recently, none had occurred in the United States. Wang Chao will make his China debut in September with solo piano recitals in Beijing and Shanghai. Wang Chao will make his China debut after studying abroad for many years.[Photo provided to China Daily] The audiences will hear the 26-year-old pianist's interpretation of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt's masterpiece Annees de pelerinage (Years of Pilgrimage). "I thought I might perform the work when I am older," says Wang, who is a Beijing native and now lives in Berlin. "But I want to perform it now because it tells the story of my own life as well." He made the decision after watching a performance of the same piece last year by the acclaimed German pianist Markus Groh in Berlin. Groh is the first German pianist to win the top award at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, one of the world's most prestigious classical music contests, which was initiated in Brussels in 1937. He is known for his interpretation of Liszt's music. Overwhelmed by Groh's performance, Wang says he could understand Liszt's expressions through the work. "It touched my heart. I want to play this work again and again as a reflection of the different stages of my life," he says. Annees de pelerinage is a set of piano pieces Liszt composed during his two-year stay in Italy and Switzerland in the late 1830s. Drawing inspiration from a novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, titled Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, Liszt's composition mixes elements of visual art and poetry. In an introduction to the work, Liszt wrote: "Having recently traveled to many new countries, through different settings and places consecrated by history and poetry; having felt that the phenomena of nature and their attendant sights did not pass before my eyes as pointless images but stirred deep emotions in my soul, and that between us a vague but immediate relationship had established itself, an undefined but real rapport, an inexplicable but undeniable communication, I have tried to portray in music a few of my strongest sensations and most lively impressions." During his travels for concerts, Wang says his questions about life and places are similar to those Liszt asked. Wang has given recitals with such orchestras as the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, the Lorraine Symphony Orchestra, the Santorini Chamber Orchestra in Greece and the Chinese Youth Symphony Orchestra. Wang has experienced different cultures while being immersed in pursuing his musical career all these years. Growing up in Beijing, Wang was introduced to the piano by his parents, who are big fans of classical music. He started piano lessons at the age of 4. Two years later, he won a contest in the city. The early years of his career were dedicated to arduous practice. "Being a professional pianist is a tough job, but I don't want to give up," he says. At 12, he started learning the instrument with established Chinese musician Jin Aiping, who taught at the Central Conservatory of Music. Wang eventually enrolled at the affiliated primary school in Beijing. He won awards at several international piano competitions like the Grand Prix at the European Piano Competition in France in 2013. His first album, Liszt & Chopin, under the German record label, Acousence Records, followed soon after. In 2008, Wang moved to Germany to study at Hochschule fuer Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. He enrolled at Universitaet der Kuenste Berlin in 2011 to continue his studies with Klaus Hellwig. Hellwig is a well-known German pianist, whose solid techniques and rigorous attitude influenced Wang. "He broadened my vision as a pianist. He let me listen to and imitate the sounds of other instruments, such as the violin and the cello," says Wang. Like his teacher, Wang also prefers to play pieces that tell stories. If you go 7:30 pm, Sept 3. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, 1380 Fuxing Zhonglu, Shanghai. 7:30 pm, Sept 18. Forbidden City Concert Hall, Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Beijing. 400-615-5111. Newcomer Michael Bloomberg debated incumbent Tricia Farley-Bouvier at Berkshire Community College on Thursday night. State Rep Candidates Make Case For Democratic Nomination During Debate PITTSFIELD, Mass. What has the incumbent done for Pittsfield in the last five years? What has the challenger done in the last 30? The two candidates for the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Berkshire District exchanged parting shots at each other's history to wrap up a 40-minute debate at Berkshire Community College. Newcomer Michael Bloomberg is challenging state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier for the state House of Representative seat and in an effort to separate themselves, the two took aim at each other's resumes. "He's only lived here for a few months and it appears he came back to Pittsfield for the sole reason to run for state rep," Farley-Bouvier said of Bloomberg, adding that he has an "absence of any such experience or commitment" to the city. Farley-Bouvier framed the election as a job application. She boasts of 30 years serving the city in a number of capacities from being a teacher, running a non-profit, sitting on the City Council, working in the mayor's office, and as state representative. She said she's built coalitions to be effective. Then she compared her experience to Bloomberg's Linked In page of "red flags," saying he hasn't retained employment in the last eight months and has a large employment gap from 2011 until today. "Think of this election as a job interview. I invite you to put my resume and my opponent's resume side by side," Farley-Bouvier said. Bloomberg refuted her claims that there was a gap in employment, saying he was working in Manhattan, N.Y., for a startup hedge fund Kora Management and then Bridgewater Associates, another financial company. He said he took a number of unpaid internships early in his career and has most recently been studying urban revitalization at the University of Massachusetts. He returned to his hometown, he said, because he could see it was suffering. Bloomberg said he wants to help bring more opportunities to the city within which he was raised and educated. "The number one thing I can see right now is that it's not working," Bloomberg said. "You have brought back less money to this district than any one of your legislative colleagues in five years." Bloomberg is a calling for a change in representation and feels he is the right person to bring that about. He urged those in the audience to vote for him because the signs of financial troubles for Pittsfield are grim as it currently stands. "This city needs new energy, new ideas, a fresh face ... We need change because we've seen what happens without it," Bloomberg said. "Right now, we need more from the state representative because we need more from Boston." Farley-Bouvier said she has been able to bring results to the district by working with local officials as a team. She cited the state's Transformative Development Initiative program as something that grew out of her work with the Gateway Cities Caucus. She worked with City Hall staff to win two grants, one of which brought in a fellow for three years to oversee a redevelopment of Tyler Street. "For it is all about and always has been about the team," she said. "In the Legislature, teamwork is everything." The two did hash out some other differences on issues though they stood fairly close in viewpoints on most. Williams College professor James Mahon moderated the debate, which was sponsored by the Berkshire Brigades. The debate is the only one between the two candidates for the Democratic nomination and the winner of Sept. 8 primary will face off against independent Christopher Connell. The first question asked about the upcoming ballot initiative to raise the cap on charter schools. "I oppose raising the cap on charter schools. I believe it doesn't help the city of Pittsfield and my job in Boston is to represent the needs of the city of Pittsfield in Boston," Bloomberg said. He said Pittsfield's educational system is already underfunded and income levels are some $25,000 below the state's median income. He said a third of the city's school-age children are living under the poverty line. "The No. 1 thing we can do to lift up this entire community would be to invest in education," Bloomberg said, and that means not taking funding away from public education and sending it to charter schools. Farley-Bouvier also opposes raising the cap and said those pushing it are often from out of state looking to funnel money to privately-owned schools. "I am a strong and active opponent of raising the cap on charter schools. Ballot question 2 is a bad idea," Farley-Bouvier said. "There is a tremendous amount of what we call 'dark money' by the proponents of this ballot question." Bloomberg pointed out that Farley-Bouvier in 2014 voted to raise the cap to expand charter schools. Farley-Bouvier said it was part of a bill that reached a compromise between the charter school proponents and the teachers unions. That bill ultimately failed when the charter school proponents backed off. The compromise discussion came back a few questions later when the candidates were asked about working with House leadership and the governor. Farley-Bouvier said she has been able to show Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo that the progressive caucus can be counted on to deliver good information and get bills passed, including the recent transgender rights bill. "We have proven to him that we are reliable, that we can get reliable information, and we can deliver votes when we need them," Farley-Bouvier said. Bloomberg took aim at her phrase of "deliver votes" saying that's not how the Legislature should work. He said it shouldn't be about trading votes but instead be about proving something works and putting funds and bills to good use in the district. "You have to show that it works and that's how you get things passed. That's how we need to function in Boston," Bloomberg said. Page Content  Montreal and Seoul, 12 August 2016 A shortage of skilled human resources and training capacity globally will threaten the safe, secure and orderly expansion of international air transport, the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) remarked in Seoul today. Dr. Fang Liu further stressed that the urgency for human resources development action is particularly great in high growth areas like the Asia-Pacific Region. Her comments came during an address to over 200 advanced aviation students at the Incheon Airport Aviation Academy, where Dr. Liu outlined the UN aviation agencys strategic objectives, agenda priorities and efforts in support of ensuring sufficient numbers of highly-skilled aviation personnel through its Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) programme, and commended the Korean Government for its efforts for the development of the next generation of aviation professionals. The more than 100,000 daily flights now managed by air transports global network will surpass 200,000 in just the next 14 years, Dr. Liu highlighted to her young audience. This is why your decision to pursue a career in aviation is so important, and why it is just as critical that everyone in aviation, from organizations like ICAO to airlines, airports and others, do everything possible to attract more young and talented candidates to follow your example. ICAO began to highlight projections relating to pilot, controller, and maintenance staff shortages in 2009. It initiated its NGAP programme as a rapid response, and the next year launched its TRAINAIR PLUS programme. This was followed by the establishment of its GAT office in early 2014, in order to consolidate and coordinate all of ICAOs training-related activities. The work of the NGAP programme is undertaken both by ICAO and an extensive voluntary workforce that is composed of industry experts, aviation technical and training experts, as well as educational professionals. This team works together to raise awareness and support outreach activities around the world, most recently for instance in the inaugural Student Education and Careers in Aviation stream at the latest World Aviation Training Conference and Tradeshow (WATS) in Orlando, Florida, and the first ever Youth Aviation Forum last February in Cameroon. The aviation community needs to analyse future growth, determine its specific needs, and collaborate on identifying, educating and retaining the next generation of skilled professionals who will help citizens and businesses benefit from the truly global connectivity which aviation provides, Dr. Liu commented. Determined collaboration amongst governments, industry, labour and educational organizations in the years ahead will be critical to ensuring that there will be enough qualified candidates to keep our network running safely, securely and efficiently. While in Korea, Dr. Liu also conducted bilateral meetings with Mr. KANG HOIN Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Cho Tae-yul Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Jongmoon Choi Deputy Minister for Multilateral & Global Affairs. From the aviation industry, she met Mr. Chang-Hoon Chi President of Korean Air, Mr. Sung.IL-HWAN President & CEO of Korea Airport Corporation and Dr. Il-Young Chung President & CEO of Incheon Airport. Resources for Editors ICAO's Next Generation of Aviation Professionals programme Contacts Anthony Philbin Chief, Communications aphilbin@icao.int +1 (514) 954-8220 +1 (438) 402-8886 (mobile) Twitter: @ICAO William Raillant-Clark Communications Officer wraillantclark@icao.int +1 514-954-6705 +1 514 409-0705 Twitter: @wraillantclark Famous Chinese director Lu Chuan's new film 'Born in China', a wildlife drama, will hit theatres on Friday, August 12th. Chinese actress Zhou Xun (left) and film producer Roy Conli (right) attend a press conference ahead of the premiere of a wildlife drama 'Born in China' on August 4, 2016 in Beijing. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com] Before its release, it's already in the spotlight due to a strong collaboration between Chinese and international filmmakers that may ensure the quality of this upcoming 9th Disney nature film. Lu Chuan directed several films last year, including a controversial adventure fantasy film "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" or Gui Chui Deng Zhi Jiu Ceng Yao Ta in Chinese. However, according to the director, his latest film 'Born in China, or "Wo Men Dan Sheng Zai Zhong Guo" in Chinese required a longer period of time in shooting. At the film's premiere, Lu Chuan recalled how he embarked on this project. "When Disney approached me with this idea of making wild animals into real movie characters, I got stunned by this crazy idea. Personally, I'm very fond of wildlife, so I wanted to try this brave endeavor, but unexpectedly, three years have gone by for this project." 'Born in China' is a wildlife drama that follows the families of endangered animals and it also marks collaboration between the Disneynature Company, Shanghai Media Group and a team of cinema photographers from the U.K. as Lu Chuan explains: "Three teams of people, from China, U.K. and Disney nature, have cooperated in filming Born in China. Roy Conli is a top-level producer from Disney nature, who understands the storylines, and the process of artistic production. The U.K team is composed of cinema photographers who are professionals in shooting wildlife. The Chinese team made arduous efforts in terms of our collaboration with local nature reserve authorities as well as the delivery of all filming equipments." It has also been disclosed at the premiere that the film will showcase the spectacular wildlife and natural beauty of China. Three animal families in the remote wilds of China - panda bear, golden monkey and snow leopard are the protagonists. Meanwhile, it also includes rare footage of endangered snow leopards. Roy Conli is the film producer. "We were looking for real imagery. We are not in any way trying to get the animals to act. For instance, in Dava's story, it wasn't until the last day of a three-month stay in Qinghai did Shane Moore actually catch the first footage of Dava (Dava is the snow leopard.) so there are conversations about 'Do we abandon this? Do we stop looking for snow leopards, because they are the most difficult thing in the world to film! But I'm happy to say we kept going." Another noticeable feature about this film 'Born in China' is the dubbing from famous Chinese actress Zhou Xun. Zhou Xun also appears as the poster child for the upcoming Disney-nature film. Lu Chuan explains why Zhou Xun was selected to do the dubbing. "We chose Zhou Xun because she has a masculine voice, but is still mellow and pure." Born in China kicked off a first-ever cooperation between the two heavyweights in China's film industry. Becoming an indispensable part of the film now, Zhou Xun said she actually felt incredible after watching the film. "I couldn't believe the film was shot by director Lu Chuan after I watched it. 'Born in China' shows the director's deep affection for wildlife." The wildlife drama centers on the epic stories of animal families, depicting how they lead their lives with love and mutual assistance from birth to growth and how they confront their most dangerous enemies. The wildlife drama is another milestone from Chinese filmmakers to arouse public concern on the protection of wildlife, particularly wild pandas and snow leopards in China, as well as the environment in which they live in. Earlier, The Mermaid, by veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow, also aimed to call for increasing efforts in marine environment protection. In addition, Disney has announced "Born in China" will open in U.S. theaters Earth Day 2017. You are here: Home Sales of iPhones continue to fall in urban China and now trail Chinese brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi, an industry survey showed Thursday. In Q2, Apple accounted for 17.9 percent of smartphone sales in urban China, 1.8 percentage points less than a year ago, according to a survey conducted by Kantar Worldpanel. "The decline has pushed Apple behind Huawei at 25.7 percent and Xiaomi at 18.5 percent," said Tamsin Timpson, strategic insight director at Kantar Asia, although iPhone 6s and 6s plus remain the top sellers. With the iPhone SE in short supply, the model made little impact, accounting for only 2.5 percent of total sales. In contrast to the decline in China, iPhones returned to growth in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and the United States. In the United States, Apple's sales grew 1.3 percentage points year-on-year, accounting for 31.8 percent of all sales. Kantar Worldpanel ComTech carries out monthly panel surveys among Chinese urban mobile phone users to monitor the market share of various brands. People visit the Google exhibition booth at the CeBIT IT fair in Hannover of Germany, March 6, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua] Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said Thursday it has fined industry giant Google 438 million rubles (US$6.7 million) for violating competition law. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) said Google had forced mobile device manufacturers to preinstall its applications on mobile devices using the Android system. Google was also accused of placing its applications at priority positions on the home page of mobile devices to the detriment of alternative software. Google's software also prevented the installation of applications of other developers, the FAS said in its statement. "The Competition Law must be observed by all the companies that supply their products to the Russian Federation, including multinational corporations," Yelena Zayeva, head of the Communications and Information Technologies Department of the FAS, said in the statement. The FAS said Google must pay the fine within 60 days after the order becomes effective. The Russian side is still discussing related issues with the company. The FAS ruled against Google last September over the company's abuse of its dominant market position, following a complaint filed by Yandex, one of the leading Internet technology firms in Russia. Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces $150,000 Grant from the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation for Back on TrackLA Los Angeles, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced that the Roy & Patricia Disney Family Foundation has awarded the California Department of Justice $150,000 in grant funding for Back on TrackLA, a recidivism reduction pilot initiative led by the California Department of Justice, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD), Los Angeles County Probation Department, and other public and private-sector partners. To be smart on crime, we must build upon innovative approaches that reduce recidivism and keep our communities safe by helping former offenders rebuild their lives, Attorney General Harris said. With this generous funding, my office will continue our efforts to connect participants in the Back on TrackLA program with comprehensive resources, both before and after they are released from jail to help them avoid reentering our criminal justice system. I thank the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation for its support. The Back on TrackLA program delivers a continuum of reentry services needed for a seamless transition from in-custody to out-of-custody life, focusing on the period in which offenders are most likely to commit another crime. The grant funds will allow the program to continue providing comprehensive case management services to participants, as well as to providing critical reentry kits, which contain clothing, shoes, and toiletries, to participants who are being released from jail often without any resources. Participants in the pilot program consist of non-serious, non-violent and non-sexual crime offenders between the ages of 18 and 60 years old, and with an average age of 37. The program includes four training tracks: cognitive behavior training, education (academic and career-technical), life skills and reentry training. The program also provides participants with individualized case management services, child support services, family reunification services, health services, and assistance in obtaining necessary government-issued documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and California identification cards. Five Keys Charter School and the Los Angeles Community College District specifically, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Santa Clarita Community College Districts College of the Canyons teach educational and cognitive behavior courses to program participants and offer certification courses in welding, construction and maintenance. Credits inmates earn while in custody can be transferred to any California community college. The out-of-custody program comprises three main components: employment, housing, and continuing education opportunities. As part of the program, an Employment Advisory Board has been created to assist inmates with job placement post-release, and the Los Angeles County Probation Department provides transitional housing for participants for up to 120 days. Participants are also afforded the opportunity to continue their high school and/or college studies post-release. In October 2014, Back on TrackLA received a $750,000 federal grant, the Second Chance Act grant, from the U.S. Department of Justice to assist with funding the pilot program. Back on TrackLA was one of only four Second Chance Act awardees in the country. The Ford Foundation, the California Wellness Foundation and the Rosenberg Foundation provided additional funding for the program. The Roy & Patricia Disney Family Foundation invests in innovative solutions and community leaders to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world in which all people thrive. The foundation is guided by a deep respect for every persons social, economic, and cultural identity, for every persons human rights, and for every persons sense of dignity. Back on TrackLA was identified as an innovative model that aligns with the foundations mission and vision to ensure that the inherent dignity of formerly incarcerated individuals is supported through opportunities both in and out of prison to turn their lives around. In November 2013, Attorney General Harris created the Division of Recidivism Reduction and Reentry, an initiative designed to reduce recidivism in California by partnering with counties, law enforcement agencies, and the community on best practices and policy initiatives. The division has developed a statewide definition of recidivism, identified grants to fund the creation and expansion of innovative anti-recidivism programs and uses technology to facilitate more effective data analysis and recidivism metrics. In 2005, then-San Francisco District Attorney Harris created a reentry initiative called Back on Track, which aimed to reduce recidivism among certain low-level, non-violent drug offenders in San Francisco. Over a two-year period, the program reduced recidivism among its graduates to less than 10 percent. Back on Track was designated as a model for law enforcement by the U.S. Department of Justice. Scientists Determine How Birds Soar to Great Heights San Diego, California - Migratory birds often use warm, rising atmospheric currents to gain height with little energy expenditure when flying over long distances. Its a behavior known as thermal soaring that requires complex decision-making within the turbulent environment of a rising column of warm air from the sun baked surface of the earth. But exactly how birds navigate within this ever-changing environment to optimize their thermal soaring was unknown until a team of physicists and biologists at the University of California San Diego took an exacting computational look at the problem. In this weeks online version of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the scientists demonstrated with mathematical models how glider pilots might be able to soar more efficiently by adopting the learning strategies that birds use to navigate their way through thermals. Relatively little is known about the navigation strategies used by birds to cope with these challenging conditions, mainly because past computational research examined soaring in unrealistically simplified situations, explained Massimo Vergassola, a professor of physics at UC San Diego. To tackle the problem, he and his colleagues, including Terrence Sejnowski, a professor of neurobiology at the Salk Institute and UC San Diego, combined numerical simulations of atmospheric flow with reinforcement learning algorithmsequations originally developed to model the behavior and improved performance of animals learning a new task. Those algorithms were developed in a manner that trained a glider to navigate complex turbulent environments based on feedback on the gliders soaring performance. According to Sejnowski, the reinforcement learning architecture was the same as that used by Googles DeepMind AlphaGo program, which made headlines in 2016 after beating the human professional Go player Lee Sedol. When applying it to soaring performance, the researchers took into account the bank angle and the angle of attack of the gliders wings as well as how the temperature variations within the thermal impacted vertical velocity. By sensing two environmental cuesvertical wind acceleration and torquethe glider is able to climb and stay within the thermal core, where the lift is typically the largest, resulting in improved soaring performance, even in the presence of strong turbulent fluctuations, said Vergassola. As turbulent levels rise, the glider can avoid losing height by adopting increasingly conservative, risk-averse flight strategies, such as continuing along the same path rather than turning. In the two, three dimensional color graphs (shown above), the scientists illustrate how an untrained glider (at left) takes random decisions and descends, while the trained glider (at right) learns to employ the characteristic spiraling patterns in regions of strong ascending currents, as observed in the thermal soaring of birds and gliders. (The colors indicate the vertical wind velocity experienced by the glider. The green and red dots indicate the start and the end points of the trajectory, respectively.) The researchers write in their paper that, based on their study, torque and vertical accelerations appear to be the sensorimotor cues that most effectively guide the most efficient soaring path of birds through thermals, rather than differences in temperature. Temperature was specifically shown to yield minor gains, they write adding that a sensor of temperature could then be safely spared in the instrumentation for autonomous flying vehicles. Our findings shed light on the decision-making processes that birds might use to successfully navigate thermals in turbulent environments, said Vergassola. This information could guide the design of simple mechanical instrumentation that would allow autonomous gliders to travel long distances with minimal energy consumption. The high levels of soaring performance demonstrated in simulated turbulence could lead to the development of energy efficient autonomous gliders, said Sejnowski, who is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Other members of the research team were Gautam Reddy, a physicist at UC San Diego and the first author of the paper, and Antonio Celani of the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy. The study was supported by a grant from the Simons Foundation. President Obama's Participation in the Second U.S.-Africa Business Forum Washington, DC - The President will participate in the second U.S.-Africa Business Forum, hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies, on September 21, 2016 in New York City. Building on the progress made during the first U.S.-Africa Business Forum in Washington, D.C. in 2014, the Forum will once again bring together African heads of state and government and U.S. and African CEOs. It will be an opportunity to forge new partnerships to continue to address the continent's most pressing challenges and to build a stronger, more sustainable future for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. The crippling debt that medical graduates are burdened with must be addressed by the Government urgently, the NAGP has said, citing the findings of a UCC 2014 study, which found that medical students who graduated with debt were less likely to become GPs. According to the findings of the study, student debt is contributing to the current critical shortage in general practice, with medical graduates in particular struggling to repay loans of up to 100,000 on a basic internship salary of approximately 2,583 per month. Many of these students are thus forced to emigrate for higher-paid working opportunities abroad. NAGP CEO Chris Goodey said: Government representatives made assurances that the issue would be addressed in the 2015 budget. It is difficult to identify any progress which has been made to alleviate this crisis. Graduate medical students continue to pay approximately 15,000 in fees per year and are not eligible for any State financial aid. The NAGP has called on the Government to take action to address the medical graduate debt crisis. The Government must put in place supports to reduce medical graduate debt, Goodey added. As long as this financial burden exists the shortage of doctors in general practice will not be addressed. We know that 915 GPs have declared their intention to retire, or emigrate, in the next three-to-five years. Action must be taken now. lloyd.mudiwa@imt.ie This Isnt Our Last Love Letter Dear Don Don, Way back in 92 I walked into the room and knew Never felt this way before I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes And the feeling grew As I took a seat I knew A love that would have my heart Forever I knew Way back in 92 They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true We were the exception to that rule Our love had no where to hide A spark set fire As if this is how the universe started I never doubted our love or what we could do Together we grew Forming a bond everlasting That became our glue My euphoria was YOU Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared For how fortunate we were : to have and to hold through sickness and in health Til death do us part Until we are together again This isnt our last love letter I love you with all my heart and soul Yours forever, Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow) Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus. A True American Hero I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus. I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years. I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years. But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us. In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about. Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle. I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life. I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life. No one will ever do what he did. I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO David Jurist IMUS IN THE MORNING FIRST DAY BACK! WATCH: This Restaurant in Pune Are Run by Speech and Hearing Impaired People Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Summer's blockbusters may have whizzed past, but in their dust arises a formidable shadow: Star Wars season looms on the horizon. NBC's Olympics coverage brought a fuller look at this year's celestial offering, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which follows a wayward band of Rebel fighters brought together for one improbable mission: steal the plans for the Death Star. These events, of course, directly link into the first scenes of A New Hope; when Princess Leia is seen concealing the plans in R2-D2 before she's captured by the Galactic Empire. The centre of interest here, though, is inevitably our very first glimpse at the return of a cinematic icon: none other than Darth Vader. Though it's only the back of his head revealed in the trailer's final shot, that's still strangely enough to send any dedicated Star Wars fan into fits of untameable excitement. So what exactly can learn from this trailer that's a little more educational than merely gawping at how downright incredible it all looks? Here's a shot-by-shot breakdown to obsessively pour over for clues as to what the first of the planned Star Wars anthology films may bring. This trailer opens with a stunning shot of a new territory; the desert landscape hinting this is the planet Jedha, described by Gareth Edwards as, "a holy land for those who follow the Force". However, what's key here is the smattering of Imperial fighters in the sky; as Edwards also revealed, Jedha is under Imperial occupation during the events of Rogue One, as "theres something very important in Jedha that serves both the Jedi and the Empire." If the rumours are true, this could very well turn out to be a source of Kyber Crystals; used both in lightsabers, and more tellingly to power the Death Star's superlaser. We're also starting to get a better focus on Rogue One's main players; with the trailer narrowing in on Jyrn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna)'s growing camaraderie. "If you're really doing this, I want to help," Cassian tells Jyn; with a later admittance, "I've been recruiting for the rebellion for a long time." There's definitely a vibe that Jyn's not much of a team player initially, but perhaps it's in learning to trust Cassian and his motivations that she starts on the journey to becoming a true leader and hero. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen)'s, "You destroyed our home", line provides some telling backstory on both him and compatriot Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen). It's a little uncertain which planet Baze is actually talking about; yet, it's clear Rogue One is out to put a more brutal lens on Imperial occupation, with the character revealed at Comic-con - Edrio Two Tubes - also joining the Rebellion after the occupation of his own planet. Chirrut's sense of spirituality - and the blind warrior's belief in the Force - takes centre stage during this moment; one that plays in contrast to Baze's own skepticism, which should make for some interesting interplay between the two characters. The Rogue One panel at Star Wars Celebration may have also accidentally let slip a pretty huge spoiler about the pair, too. Celebration's panel also highlighted how new droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) is filling in for comic relief in this movie; an Imperial droid reprogrammed by Cassian, he's looking to be a mixture of C-3PO and Marvin the Paranoid Android from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. "There is a 97.6% chance of failure," he later chimes in. All together now - never tell me the odds! Oh no. This doesn't look good - is this the Death Star in orbit around Jedha? "There isn't much time," Jyn worryingly utters; before cutting to a shot of the planet's sun blacking out, and Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) looking disturbingly determined. Adding to the general threat of Jyn's team being captured by the Empire in their attempt to steal the Death Star plans, it looks as if Jedha's entire fate may also hang in the balance, potentially arising directly out of the Rebellion's actions. There's not much to learn here - except for highlighting the vastly different tone that's been a focus of so much of Disney's promotions for the film, with the Celebration panel pushing the idea this is the gritty war film entry into the Star Wars universe. Things are definitely not looking good for Jedha, with what appears to be Jyn and Cassian making an escape from the planet's destruction by jumping into hyperspace? Okay, so it's just the back of his head - but what a head, right? ((Lucasfilm)) Here we go - the moment everyone was waiting for, Lord Darth Vader himself. What's interesting here, however, is the fact this is a slightly different shot from that seen in the Celebration trailer, though they appear to both take place in the same location - some sort of mission control centre for the Death Star's construction. That may not say much, though it's probably important to adjust expectations, as Vader's role will likely not be much more than a brief - but nicely sinister - cameo. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits UK theatres 16 December. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Prophets of Rage, a new politically conscious supergroup formed from members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Cypress Hill, have been forced to cancel a show at a state prison in Norco, California because right-wing nuts threatened a rebellion. Tom Morello and co were supposed to play for 800 inmates on Wednesday night in support of nonprofit organisation Jail Guitar Doors, but the California Department of Corrections were forced to shut the concert down at the last minute. We were denied at the last minute because apparently they got some calls from right-wing nuts in Sacramento who said they were going to foment rebellion, Morello told CBS Los Angeles. What we meant to do is come here to play a great show. Jail Guitar Doors co-founder Wayne Kramer said he believed the protesters werent happy about prisoners getting to see a show. They didnt want to see good things happen for what they consider to be bad people, when in truth, theyre just people, he said. We play for those on the lowest rungs of the ladder, Morello added. We play for the underclass, those who do not have a presidential candidate who presents them. America has a rich tradition of jail concerts, with Johnny Cash having famously played in several. Undeterred, Prophets of Rage ended up playing outside the prison walls, loud enough for the inmates to hear. The barbed wire cannot keep the music out, Morello said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Tens of thousands of people want the slain gorilla Harambe to be turned into a Pokemon. A petition with 27,000 signatories at the time of publication asks Nintendo to commemorate the dead gorilla by turning him into a Pokemon. The petition was set up by a man calling himself Eric CreamyMemes and says that it will be delivered to Nintendo and the Pokemon Company, the company that it owns along with two other firms and was set up to look after Pokemon. The best of Pokemon Go on social media Show all 10 1 /10 The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media The best of Pokemon Go on social media Harambe deserves to live on forever in our hearts, the description reads. Support this petition if you want Harambe to become a Pokemon. The petition was started just two days ago and has already received tens of thousands of supporters. Before its first day was out it had attracted 12,500 supporters, and those numbers are rising quickly. The letter itself even includes a picture of what Harambe might look like in Pokemon form. It says that he would begin as Mambo and then be evolved into Harambe and that both forms would have the ability Meat Shield. Spanish Pokemon Go Player Claims to Have 'Caught 'Em All' The request is the collision of two of the most powerful memes of the year: mourning the the death of Harambe, who was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo, and catching creatures in Pokemon Go, which the slain gorilla was never able to see. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A federal judge has overturned the conviction of Brendan Dassey, whose trial was spotlighted in the hit Netflix true crime series, Making a Murderer. Dassey was convicted with his uncle, Steven Avery, for the murder of Teresa Halbach. While Avery always maintained his innocence, Dassey had confessed to participating in the rape and murder of the victim after a series of interrogations. However, the overturning of the conviction calls into question the circumstances under which Dassey confessed. Why was Dassey convicted? Prosecutors relied heavily on video of a confession 16-year-old Dassey gave to investigators. However, Making a Murderer made a case for the then learning-disabled teenager, suggesting that interrogators coerced a confession. Dassey was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilating a corpse in 2006. He was 17. Making A Murderer- Where are they now? What did Dassey confess? While Dassey was a sophomore in high school, detectives interrogated him for hours. He lived on the same property as his uncle, Avery, and admitted to helping rape and murder Halbach, during which he cut her throat. He also said he watched his uncle shoot her in the head. He then said they burned her body in a fire pit on the property. The documentary pointed out that there had been no DNA evidence that placed Dassey at the scene. He was also shown in the video as relatively disoriented by the interrogation, and in some instances the detectives appeared to lead him to their own conclusions. How did he recant his confession? In an interview following his conviction, Dassey maintained that he did not aid his uncle in Halbachs murder. He was sentenced to life in prison and told he would be up for parole after 41 years. The just kept like asking the questions over and over until they got the answer [they wanted], he told GM Today. I was at the fire where Avery was said to have burned the body, he admitted, but I didnt see any bones or anything. Why did the judge throw out Dasseys conviction? US Magistrate Judge William Duffin issued a 91-page ruling that said investigators had made a series of false promises in exchange for a confession, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, Mr Duffin wrote. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision to the contrary was an unreasonable application of a clearly established federal law. Prosecutors now have 90 days to appeal the judges ruling and retry Dassey. If prosecutors decide not to appeal, Dassey will be released from prison. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump must be really looking forward to the weekend. The Republican nominee cheerily told crowds in Kissimmee, Florida, how great it was to be there on a Friday evening - twice- despite the fact it was Thursday, according to those at the rally. A New York Times reporter said Mr Trump thought crowds correcting him by shouting Thursday were simply cheering him on, so he responded with a thumbs-up. It has been a long week for the outspoken billionaire property mogul, who called President Obama the founder of Isis - twice - and branded Hillary Clinton the co-founder. He was also admonished for suggesting second amendment people could be the people to stop Ms Clinton from abolishing the right to bear arms, a comment the US Secret Service said it is "aware of". 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 Mr Trump could be feeling fatigued by the strain of the battle for the White House. At a gathering of evangelical ministers on Thursday, he made a rare acknowledgement of his campaigns difficulty in Utah and the challenges it could face because of his provocative views on a range of issues. We're having a problem, he admitted. It could cost us the Supreme Court. The ramifications of some of his more controversial statements were highlighted by a Bloomberg poll which found that of the actions raised by his political opponents, his mocking of a reporter with a disability proved the most jarring. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The young man who featured in the hit Netflix series Making a Murderer has secured a crucial legal victory after his conviction was overturned. If prosecutors do not appeal the decision, he will be freed from prison within 90 days. Brendan Dassey, 26, a vulnerable young man, had been jailed for 41 years after being convicted of the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach. He and his uncle, Steven Avery, who was also convicted of the killing, became the subject of public outrage after the documentary suggested they had been framed, with the police coercing confessions out of Mr Dassey and allegedly planting evidence to snare Mr Avery. The show also highlighted how Mr Dassey's lawyer failed to properly defend his client. Mr Dassey, who was aged seventeen-and-a-half at the time of his 2007 conviction for the 2005 killing, was told at his trial that he could not apply for parole until 2048. The ruling says that prosecutors have 90 days to appeal the decision But a federal judge in Milwaukee on Friday overturned the conviction, and also criticised the lawyer who was portrayed in the documentary as someone who had performed badly, and even colluded with prosecutors. According to the judge, Mr Dasseys confession was obtained by investigators who gave the teenager false promises. The rulling said that investigators repeatedly claimed to already know what happened on October 31 and assured Dassey that he had nothing to worry about. The judge said that this, along with Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, meant the confession was involuntary. Brendan Dassey's confession was a crucial part of the case against his uncle (YouTube) Especially when the investigators promises, assurances, and threats of negative consequences are assessed in conjunction with Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, lack of experience in dealing with the police, the absence of a parent, and other relevant personal characteristics, the free will of a reasonable person in Dasseys position would have been overborne, said federal judge William Duffin. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Justice, which was handling the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment, according to the Associated Press. The federal ruling comes after Mr Dasseys appeal was rejected by state courts. The case's original prosecutor, Ken Kratz, who had defended the case after the series was broadcast, could not be contacted. Making A Murderer- Where are they now? At the teenagers trial in Dane County, Wisconsin, the jury deliberated for four hours, finding Dassey guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse. The 10-part series followed Averys 1985 wrongful conviction for rape and attempted murder, which landed him in prison for 18 years until he was exonerated. After his release in 2003, he sued the local authorities for $30m in damages. It was at that point that he was accused of murdering Ms Halbach, a photographer who had photographed his car for Auto Trader magazine. The series covered the controversy surrounding both arrests and subsequent convictions. Steven Avery is one of two convicted murderers featured in the Netflix documentary (AP) Fridays ruling said the state has 90 days to appeal the federal order or else Mr Dassey must be released from prison. He is currently being held at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin. Calumet County prosecutor Ken Kratz led the cases against Avery and Mr Dassey (AP) Avery was tried and convicted separately in the killing. He is seeking a fresh trial and has secured the help of a leading defence lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, who is working with the Midwest Innocence Project. On Friday, Ms Zellner said in a statement that Avery was thrilled to hear of the ruling for his nephew. We know when an unbiased court reviews all of the new evidence we have, Steven will have his conviction overturned as well, Ms Zellner said. Earlier this year, she said on Twitter she had obtained a new DNA sample that she believed was crucial to Avery's case. She also used social media to attack the prosecutor, Mr Kratz, who led the prosecution of both Mr Dassey and his uncle. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Teen Wolf actor Colton Haynes has recalled how he was blamed for his father's suicide by a relative who claimed he killed himself after finding out his son was gay. Haynes grew up in a small town in Kansas and came out publicly as gay in an interview with Maxim magazine in May. His sexuality had been the subject of much speculation after photos of a shoot where he was kissing another man resurfaced years after publication. I'm happier than I've ever been, and healthier than I've ever been, and that's what I care about," he said at the time. In an interview with Out Magazine, he described how coming out to friends at the age of 14 led to bullying so severe his brother had to meet him from classes to protect him. 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 He eventually ran away from home and was later contacted by an estranged relative, who said his father had taken an overdose. I was told that my dad killed himself because he found out I was gay. So, of course, I lost it and was like, How could you say something like that? And no one will ever really know the truth. But my brother and my mom went to pick up my dads stuff, and the only picture on his fridge was my eighth-grade graduation picture. So I was just like, f**k. The 28-year-old has suffered from anxiety throughout his life which he says was exacerbated by hiding his sexuality. Like many actors before him, Haynes said he felt obliged to stay closeted in order to succeed in Hollywood, particularly after landing his breakthrough role on Teen Wolf in 2011. He added: I think just having enough nerve and guts to come out in any way is a lot." Anyone in need of confidential support can contact the Samaritans 24/7 for free on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The iconic London dance club Fabric will close for one weekend after two young men died of drug overdoses. Two 18-year-old men died over a six week period during June and August, police confirmed. The deaths are being treated as non-suspicious and unexplained. A teenager became ill outside the infamous club on Saturday morning and was taken to hospital, but died shortly after. Another 18-year-old collapsed and died in June after police were called to the nightclub at 2am. The Islington venue said the deaths were due to drug overdoses. "For the past two years fabric has operated without incident, it said in a statement on its website, but tragically in the past nine weeks two 18-year-old boys have died as a consequence of drug overdoses. In order to understand how this has happened we have agreed with the police and other agencies to suspend our operation whilst we investigate. The club will therefore be closed this weekend. The venue has had a fraught relationship with Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police. In 2014, the police had asked the council to consider revoking the club's licence after four drug-related deaths in three years. The council imposed strict licensing conditions on the club. The venue was ordered to use sniffer dogs on the door, but later won an appeal against the decision. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 9 September 2022 King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort wave after viewing floral tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace Getty UK news in pictures 8 September 2022 A screen commemorating Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in Piccadilly Circus, London Britain EPA Drug use fell significantly over the past decade, according to the annual Crime Survey of England and Wales. But figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre demonstrated the number of deaths from drugs was at its highest since 1993. The number of people arriving at hospitals with drug related poisoning was up 57 per cent on the previous decade. A study in 2015 revealed the use of ecstasy by young adults had risen sharply in the two years previously. Fabric said it will refund tickets bought for events due to take place over the weekend. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} After the death of a British teenager in Syria, mystery surrounds the whereabouts of dozens of women and girls who have joined the so-called Islamic State. Kadiza Sultanas family were told she was killed in a Russian air strike in May but the two friends she travelled to Raqqa with are reportedly alive. The trio, from Bethnal Green in east London, are among at least 56 young women and girls who travelled from the UK to join Isis in Syria last year. They were the subject of an international police operation as their families made emotional appeals for the girls to return home. But the names of many others remain unknown and their families face increasing difficulties maintaining contact as military operations against the terrorist group intensify. Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16 and Amira Abase, 15, fled to Syria in February 2015 (Metropolitan Police/EPA) The three friends, aged 15 and 16 and the time, fled to Syria via Turkey after disappearing during the Easter holidays in 2015. The schoolgirls, who attended Bethnal Green Academy, are believed to have been radicalised online and encouraged to join Isis. They had been questioned by police in December 2014 after another girl from the school travelled to Syria but were not found to be at risk. Kadizas family said she became disillusioned after her arrival in Raqqa and the death of her husband, an American Isis fighter of Somali descent. Her parents were told she was killed in a Russian air strike on the city in May. Tasnime Akunjee, who represents all three families, told The Independent that Amira and Shamima had also married jihadists but that Amiras husband had also died. The two girls are known to be alive but Mr Akunjee would not disclose any further details for their safety. Aqsa Mahmood An undated picture of Aqsa Mahmood issued by Aamer Anwar & Co Solicitors (PA) The 21-year-old travelled to Syria from her family home in Glasgow in November 2013 and has since become prolific for spreading Isis propaganda online. The former university student was known for her blog and social media accounts under the name Umm Layth which has since been removed where she praised terror attacks in Tunisia and France. She frequently called for other young British women to travel to the so-called Islamic State and was suspected of helping the Bethnal Green trio reach Syria. Mahmood married an Isis fighter and reportedly rose up the groups ranks to become a leading figure in the al-Khansaa brigade, the feared all-female force tasked with enforcing the groups interpretation of Sharia law with women and children. Punishments have included arrests and beatings for women going outside without a male chaperone, lashes for wearing form-fitting abayas and floggings for not being meek enough. In September 2015, she and Sally-Anne Jones (below) were put under sanctions subjecting them to a global asset freeze and travel ban in an attempt to prevent further radicalisation. Grace Khadijah Dare Dare with her husband Abu Bakr (Channel 4) The 24-year-old was one of the first British women to travel out to Syria, leaving in 2012 to join the jihadist cause with her baby son Isa. Dare, who was brought up in south London as a Christian but converted to Islam in her teens, attended the same mosque as the men who murdered Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich. She fled London for Syria in 2012 and resurfaced the following year in a Channel 4 documentary on British women joining the jihad. Giving her name as Maryam, she was filmed alongside her Swedish husband, a militant known as Abu Bakr who has since been killed. The couple were reportedly expecting their first child, while Isa was seen as a toddler, and Dare vowed to remain in Syria to raise her children. She became prolific on Twitter under the name of Muhajirah fi Sham, which means immigrant in Syria, where she celebrated the beheading of James Foley and vowed to be da 1st UK woman 2 kill a UK or US terorrist!(sic). She also gloried in gruesome Isis public executions and called for British Muslims to travel to Syria, as well as posing pictures of Isa with weapons. In February her son, now aged around four, was featured in a propaganda video wearing combat gear and an Isis headband. We will kill the kuffars (infidels) over there, he was shown saying, before appearing to blow up a car containing three Syrian prisoners. Sally Jones Sally Jones in her Twitter photo as Umm Hussain al-Britani, right, and in a edited photo posted online Also known as Umm Hussain al-Britani, the 47-year-old has issued repeated terror threats against the UK, US and Europe and called for supporters to carry out attacks. She was married to Junaid Hussain, the Isis hacker who was killed in a drone strike last year. In a Twitter post she claimed she was proud my husband was killed by the biggest enemy of Allah, may Allah be pleased with him. A Muslim convert from Kent, Jones is another prolific propagandist for Isis and has published kill lists of targets and announced her wish to behead Christians online. Before fleeing to Syria with her 10-year-old son in 2013, she worked as a perfume saleswoman, previously claiming benefits and playing guitar in a punk band. She is also on a drone target list drawn up by the US and Britain. The Dawood sisters (From left) Sugra Dawood and her sisters, Khadija and Zohra (PA) Khadija, 30, Zohra, 33, and Sugra, 34, left Bradford last summer with their nine children to join Isis. After making a pilgrimage to Medina in Saudi Arabia they boarded a flight to Istanbul and crossed into Syria instead of taking their scheduled journey home. The sisters were reported to be joining their brother Ahmed Dawood, who had been fighting with Isis for more than a year when they left. They were prevented from travelling out of the UK months earlier after being stopped and questioned attempting to board a flight from Manchester to Jeddah in March 2015. Their five girls and four boys were aged between three and 15 when they left. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} I dont have a good feeling, I feel scared. Those were Kadiza Sultanas words to her sister as she plotted her escape from Isis in Syria. But the 17-year-old never managed to leave the terrorist groups territory, being killed in a suspected Russian air strike in May. Her family said she quickly became disillusioned with life as a jihadi bride in the so-called Islamic State and told them she wanted to get out. They discussed plans to get a taxi and be smuggled out of Isis de-facto capital of Raqqa and into Turkey but as the border closed and restrictions increased, Kadizas hopes dwindled. You know if something goes wrong, that's it. I will never be with you, she told her sister Halima Khanom in a phone call filmed by ITV News. You know the borders are closed right now, so how am I going to get out? When Ms Khanom asked her what she felt her chances of escape were, her sister replied: Zero. The familys lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said Kadiza became too frightened to attempt leaving Isis after another young jihadi bride was murdered. Samra Kesinovic, a 17-year-old Austrian, became a poster girl for the terrorist group after joining them in 2014 but was reportedly beaten to death when she was caught trying to escape last year. Samra Kesinovic, 17, pictured before her departure for Syria, and after, in a burqa We know she was influenced by it, Mr Akunjee told The Independent. "She was considering leaving in earnest and thats when the incident took place. "Its something she talked about, she wanted confirmation it was true and then she didnt want to entertain the idea of taking that risk." Kadiza was just 16 when she travelled to Syria with two friends from Bethnal Green Academy in London, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase. Their families and the police made desperate appeals for them to return home after they disappeared over the school Easter holidays in 2015. They were believed to have been married off to Isis fighters almost immediately, but Kadizas husband an American national of Somali origin was killed. CCTV of 15-year-old Amira Abase, left, Kadiza Sultana,16, centre, and Shamima Begum, 15, walking through Gatwick airport (AP) The girls were most probably radicalised by Isis propaganda on the internet and travelled out of the UK and onwards to Syria via Turkey untroubled, sparking criticism of the security forces and the Governments anti-radicalisation strategy. They are among more than 800 British citizens believed to have joined Isis and other extremist groups in Syria and Iraq. At least half are believed to have returned and there are fears that some could be used to carry out terror attacks. Isis has suffered a wave of recent defeats, losing control of cities including Manbij in Syria and Fallujah in Iraq, prompting a crackdown on defectors. Raqqa is expected to be the next key target of military operations, with at least 20 civilians reported dead in another round of Russian air strikes on Thursday. Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP Anti-Isis activists in Raqqa have reported public executions of people accused of trying to smuggle people out of the groups territories in the past month. A former Isis fighter who grew up in London told The Independent he met several foreign recruits, including British militants, who were desperate to escape. Harry Sarfo, who risked his life to flee Raqqa last year and was jailed after returning to Germany in July 2015, said others had been jailed or killed. Many have tried (to flee) but they are either dead or in jail waiting for executions, he said. Among them are a handful of British citizens. I spoke to some of them who wanted to leave many say it is impossible. When you make it, you will get a life sentence in jail. Many have already been involved in fighting so they said there is no hope for them. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A senior lecturer convicted of beating a former student he was in a relationship with was allowed to continue teaching, despite the protests of his traumatised victim. Dr Lee Salter, a media and communications lecturer at the University of Sussex, remains employed by the institution after being found guilty of assaulting Allison Smith, a 24-year-old student he met during an induction day at the university. Salter was convicted of assault by beating and causing criminal damage to belongings at Brighton Magistrates Court on 13 July this year. Ms Smith had been punched in the face, knocked out and stamped on, and said she had salt poured into her eyes and ears. Salter was charged on 20 June and, despite repeated complaints made to the university, was allowed to continue teaching as normal. When The Independent contacted the university two weeks ago, a spokeswoman said Salter remained an employee. The Independent understands that as such he could have been able to teach in the coming term. It was only when The Independent continued to pose questions that a source involved in the trial said his employment status had "changed" in that he has now been suspended from teaching. Allison Smith, after the attack (Allison Smith) Sussex University was unable to confirm this in writing. Salter pleaded not guilty at court, but received a 22-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and issued with a restraining order not to contact his victim. He has since lodged an appeal against the conviction. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Smith described the extreme physical and emotional trauma she experienced during her one-year relationship with the senior member of staff. Salter threw a container of salt at Ms Smith's face, the court heard, chipping her tooth and causing her nose to bleed (Allison Smith) Ms Smith was left with bruises to her side after she was stamped on (Allison Smith) She said that Sussex University knew of the relationship, but advised the pair be discreet since they were both consenting adults. Following the attack, Ms Smith sought guidance from student support officers, but said she received no response from the university itself. Counsellors who supported Ms Smith through the trial said the university had displayed a concerning lack of care for the safety and welfare of its students. Lee Salter (Youtube) (dialecticalfilms/Youtube) Gail Gray, chief executive of RISE, Brighton and Hoves specialist domestic abuse service, said: This is not a romantic Educating Rita scenario. This is about a man who has abused and exploited his position of power and authority to perpetrate domestic abuse. During the 10-month period between his arrest and conviction, Salter continued to teach, the university has admitted, while Ms Smith said she remained so traumatised she was afraid to leave the house. This is despite regulations laid out on the universitys own website which say staff and students are subject to disciplinary procedures that, amongst other things, proscribe violent behaviour. The policy reads: The University will take disciplinary action in accordance with its procedures against anyone who behaves in a violent manner including, should it be necessary, the immediate exclusion of the perpetrator from the campus. The University may also seek injunctions to exclude the perpetrators of violence from University premises in order to protect staff and students from further violent incidents. Violence is defined in the same university policy document as: Any incident in which a member of the University community is abused, threatened, subjected to overly aggressive behaviour or language or assaulted, in circumstances arising out of the course of their employment of studies or not any damaging or hurtful effects either physical or emotional result. Anti-women laws that still exist in 2016 Domestic violence campaigners have argued that by failing to exclude Salter, or introduce any repercussions, the university risks putting other vulnerable students in danger. Ms Gray, whose charity assisted Ms Smith and attended the trial on her behalf, said: It is concerning that the university appeared to take no action to minimise his contact with students prior to his conviction. This is at odds with an educational establishments first priority which is their duty of care to their students, many of whom may be vulnerable young women and men. Their actions conveyed a message to their students that domestic abuse is acceptable and that university staff will not be held accountable for their behaviour. Described by Ms Smith as a "manipulative and cruel man, Salter alluded to her of having previous relationships with former students. She said he attended his court sentencing accompanied by another young student from the University of Brighton. The court heard that Salters relationship with that student would be closely monitored as part of his sentencing. 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 On the night of the assault, Salter had become angry and violent in reaction to Ms Smith's attempts to comfort him, the court heard. Salter knocked Ms Smith out with a punch to the face. When she came round, he threw a container of salt at her face, which damaged her nose and chipped her tooth. She chose not to attend the trial and described experiencing flashbacks to the night of the assault, as well as being unable to attend job interviews, sleep or socialise as a result of the trauma and anxiety caused. She said in her victim statement: The assault, the trial and the anxiety that has come from all of this has changed my life. It has completely put my life on hold. I feel as though he not only so freely stamped on me physically but stamped out my confidence. I have graphic nightmares about what happened, I can see his foot coming down on me, salt being poured over me, and I wake up shaking and sweating. I often fear that another young woman will have to endure what I have with him and I fear that I wont have closure for a long time. The shock of what happened; the patterns of manipulation, the disturbing physical and verbal abuse will never leave me. The Independent contacted Dr Salter but he was unable to provide a comment. Responding to the actions taken by Sussex University, the National Union of Students said the union did not believe Dr Salter should be able to remain in his post and called on the institution to adopt a strict strategy in dealing with assault and violence. Hareem Ghani, NUS womens officer said: What happened to Allison is truly appalling, yet unsurprising. This case is indicative of wider issues around sexism, domestic assault and how we tackle violence against women within universities and society as a whole. Universities also need to be aware of the precedent they set when they allow convicted criminals to retain their posts and target other vulnerable women. The message from Sussex University is clear: we do not care for the welfare of our women students. A spokeswoman for Sussex University said: The University had been following the court case closely and our thoughts are with our former student. A senior member of the Universitys management team has been in regular contact with her throughout and they continue to support her. The University does not tolerate violence of any kind and it is important that such matters are dealt with by the police and the courts, which takes precedence over employment procedures. The University has established disciplinary procedures and we are responding to the court's findings, however we are unable to comment on individual employment matters. We provide a wide range of support for students including a 24 hour service delivered by a team of professional support staff and a dedicated team of counselling professionals who provide support on campus as well as referring students to a range of other national and local services. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Student welfare campaigners have called for the University of Sussex to be held to account after it was revealed that a senior lecturer found guilty of assault was allowed to continue teaching. Dr Lee Salter remains employed by the institution and has been able to continue in his post for ten months after he assaulted his girlfriend and former student, 24-year-old Allison Smith. He was convicted of assault by beating and causing criminal damage to belongings at Brighton Magistrates Court in July this year. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Smith described the extreme physical and emotional trauma she experienced during her relationship with the senior lecturer. She sought guidance from student support officers following the attack, but said she received no response from the university itself. Responding to the events exposed by The Independent, The National Union of Students made demands for the university to apologise for what it called a total disregard for womens safety and called for a full review of its welfare policies. Domestic abuse charity Refuge pointed to claims Ms Smith was not offered the degree of support listed as available in the universitys own policy statement. Anti-women laws that still exist in 2016 Chief executive Sandra Horley said: It is one thing for a university to have a policy in place for students whose safety is at risk, it is another thing to implement it and develop a safety management plan. Regulations laid out on the universitys own website state that: staff and students are subject to disciplinary procedures that, amongst other things, proscribe violent behaviour. The University will take disciplinary action in accordance with its procedures against anyone who behaves in a violent manner including, should it be necessary, the immediate exclusion of the perpetrator from the campus, the policy reads. The University may also seek injunctions to exclude the perpetrators of violence from University premises in order to protect staff and students from further violent incidents. Allison Smith was punched, stamped on and had salt poured in her eyes and ears by her former lecturer (Allison Smith) Hareem Ghani, NUS womens officer said: We need to ensure the University of Sussex is able to move forward from this so a similar situation never arises again. For one, the university needs to offer a much-needed apology to Allison and secondly, they seriously need to reconsider their decision to allow a convicted criminal to continue on in his post. It is also vital the university reviews its protocol concerning harassment and sexual violence and the survivor support that is made available to students and staff. The strong response to Allisons story has only highlighted that the University of Sussex is disconnected from its student body and women students across the country. The universitys actions show a complete misunderstanding of students concerns, as well as a total disregard for womens safety. Lee Salter, 40, a senior lecturer in media and communications at Sussex University (dialecticalfilms/Youtube) Ms Horley added: Dr. Lee Salter has been convicted of a violent assault on a young student. Is it right that someone who has inflicted such a vicious and degrading attack upon a female student remain in such a position of trust, power and influence?" "I would be very concerned about any student being taught by anyone with such a propensity towards violence," she said. "Why do we have criminal records checks if, once in post, crimes of this type can be committed without any meaningful consequence to someone in this position. A violent lecturer is not a good role model and potentially puts other students at risk." Salter, 40, pleaded not guilty in court but received a 22-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and issued with a restraining order not to contact his victim. Recommended Read more Lecturer allowed to carry on teaching after beating student girlfriend He has since lodged an appeal against the conviction. Described by Ms Smith as a manipulative and cruel man, Salter alluded to her of having previous relationships with former students. She said he attended his court sentencing accompanied by another young student from the University of Brighton. The court heard that Salters relationship with that student would be closely monitored as part of his sentencing. A spokesperson for Womens Aid said: A responsible educational institution should not turn a blind eye to domestic abuse. Robust action should have been undertaken by the university to demonstrate to perpetrators that violence against women is never acceptable. If it is not, we will never drive the culture change we need to keep women safe. The University said in a statement: "The University had been following the court case closely and our thoughts are with our former student. A senior member of the Universitys management team has been in regular contact with her throughout and they continue to support her." "The University does not tolerate violence of any kind and it is important that such matters are dealt with by the police and the courts, which takes precedence over employment procedures. We are responding to the courts findings, however we are unable to comment on individual employment matters." "The welfare of our community is paramount and we encourage any student who is experiencing abuse or has concerns about a friend to contact our Student Life Centre, without delay. We provide a wide range of support for students including a 24 hour service delivered by a team of professional support staff and a dedicated team of counselling professionals who provide support on campus as well as referring students to a range of other national and local services." Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britain First could be finished as it faces an attempt to ban it from entering any mosque in England or Wales for the next three years. The injunction, which has been requested by Bedfordshire Police, could also ban the group from entering Luton town centre or its predominately Asian neighbourhood, Bury Park, without permission. The terms of the order, seen by The Independent, means it would also be banned from directing its activists to the area or publishing images or films showing any member of the group inside the exclusion zone. The far-right group claims Luton is a hotspot for Islamic extremism. The injunction would mean they would not be allowed to enter a mosque in England or Wales "without written permission". The application comes after Britan First was widely criticised for its "mosque invasions". Group members have filmed themselves going into mosques to confront imams or worshippers. They have also previously handed out Bibles outside mosques. But Britain First said the decision could spell the end of the group as they cannot afford to continue to fight legal actions. In a video message last month the groups leader, Paul Golding, said the group risked being bled dry by endless court appearances and injunctions. He condemned the injunction saying: What we are dealing with here is a direct challenge to exist as a political party. Why do I say that? Its simple. The case will be heard at the High Court next month (Getty) If Luton police can achieve an injunction against a legally registered party then whats to stop then whats to stop every other town obtaining similar injunctions. Separately, Golding and his deputy, Jayda Fransen, have faced legal trouble of their own. Last week, Golding was fined 450 for wearing a uniform with political objectives after the Britain First fleece he wore during a rally in Luton in January was deemed intimidating. In a separate case Fransen is facing charges of alleged religiously aggravated harassment during the rally. The case is still ongoing. Recommended Read more I went undercover at the Britain First conference Bedfordshire Polices Chief Constable Mike Colbourne defended the order. He told the International Business Times: "The injunction is being sought due to concerns that their presence in these areas could increase the possibility of disorder and anti-social behaviour. "I would like to be clear that it is not our intention to ban any demonstration and we will always facilitate peaceful protest where possible." Britain First has claimed it is defending the country from creeping Islamification and has been widely criticised and derided for its Christian patrols. Britain First controversies Show all 8 1 /8 Britain First controversies Britain First controversies 20 November 2014: Britain First claims credit for success of Ukip campaign With the Tory defector Mark Reckless forecast to win the hotly-contested by-election in Rochester and Strood, Britain First suggested they only campaigned to bolster the Ukip campaign. Prior to the start of the vote some bookmakers had Nigel Farages party as huge 1/100 favourites to take the seat, which would make Mr Reckless their second MP at the expense of the Conservative Party. And with things going so smoothly for Ukip, the far right-wing group Britain First has tried to claim some of the credit Britain First controversies 5 November 2014: Britain First accused of hijacking the poppy as Remembrance Day approaches to promote its own agenda The far-right group used the symbol, which is a registered trademark of the Royal British Legion, on its website masthead and in Facebook posts driving more people to its page. It is seen alongside Britain Firsts logo telling people to take our country back and crudely superimposed into the centre of the European Union flag with a message about national sovereignty. Members of opposition group Exposing Britain First believe many Facebook users are sharing poppy posts without realising who it comes from or what they stand for Britain First controversies 28 October 2014: Britain First accuses Ukip of 'playing political game' with snub over Rochester photo Britain First accused Ukip of playing the political game after Nigel Farages party reprimanded its campaigners for posing for a picture with members of the far-right group. A spokesperson for Ukip said the picture, taken while both parties were campaigning for the Rochester by-election on Saturday, was a mistake would not happen again Britain First controversies 25 October 2014: Britain First starts 'direct action' on Mail and Sun journalists over Lynda Bellingham post Britain First encouraged its followers to boycott the Daily Mail and The Sun after it was accused of using actress Lynda Bellingham's death to boost support. The party has threatened to launch "direct action" on the journalists after they said that the group used the cancer victim's death as a way to gain more attention on social media. Britain First posted a photograph to their Facebook subscribers of Mrs Bellingham with co-star Christopher Timothy, above the caption: "RIP actress Lynda Bellingham. Britain First", which garnered more than 6,000 'likes' and 500 shares Britain First controversies 28 July 2014: Britain First founder Jim Dowson quits over mosque invasions and 'racists and extremists' The founder of Britain First resigned from the far-right group over its provocative and counterproductive mosque invasions. James Jim Dowson, a former British National Party (BNP) member and anti-abortion campaigner, announced his departure on 27 July 2014. While Britain First blamed media pressure and family issues for the decision and said he would be missed enormously in a saccharine post, Mr Dowson publicly shamed the groups tactics as unacceptable and unchristian Britain First/Facebook Britain First controversies 15 July 2014: Britain First 'battalion' invades mosque demanding removal of 'sexist' entrance signs A self-styled battalion of the far-right group Britain First invaded a mosque in south London. The stated aim of the altercation was to demand the removal of sexist signs outside the Crayford Mosque. The signs designate separate entrances for men and women, so they can enter for segregated worship as is the custom in most mosques. Men and women also sit apart in Orthodox Jewish synagogues and some Sikh gurdwaras. A film of the encounter was posted on Facebook, set to dramatic drumming music and ending with the slogan: "Britain First Defence Force. No fear. No retreat. No surrender." Britain First/Facebook Britain First controversies 27 June 2014: Britain First's Facebook page taken down for 'hate speech' Britain Firsts Facebook page was taken down for hate speech only to be restored again an hour later. Facebook claimed the extremist groups page was taken down by mistake but a screenshot posted by anti-fascist campaigners Hope Not Hate seemed to show the social media site had removed Britain First in response to a complaint. With almost 500,000 likes Britain Firsts page has a following that far outstrips the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, arguably making it the UK's biggest political site Britain First controversies 27 April 2014: Inquiry over far-right Britain First party's use of Lee Rigby slogan on voting slip The election watchdog faced an inquiry over its decision to allow a far-right party to use a slogan referencing the murdered soldier Lee Rigby. The Electoral Commission apologised for allowing Britain First to use the description Remember Lee Rigby on voting slips for next months European elections but Jenny Watson, the chair of the commission, said on Sunday that an immediate and full independent investigation would follow to prevent this from ever happening again PA A hapless protest organised outside the East London Mosque in Whitechapel was caught on camera in March. Fransen and two others were the only people to show up while spectators quietly laughed at them. They have also been criticised for their attempts to align their cause to the armed forces. A photo taken with two young Sea Cadets in Nottingham was removed from Facebook in November last year after one of the girls mothers and the organisation complained. They have also been attacked by the family of Lee Rigby, the soldier killed by Islamist terrorists in Woolwich in 2013, for using their sons image without their consent on multiple occasions. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Sir Eric Pickles has described the lack of criminal prosecution over electoral fraud in Tower Hamlets as "astonishing". The Former Communities Secretary made the criticism as he released his report into the scandal, concluding that authorities had turned a blind eye to corruption due to concerns over political correctness. Commissioned by David Cameron, Sir Eric's year-long review also suggested fraud may have been overlooked because of over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion. The review states that politically correct sensibilities meant that voting irregularities in Pakistani or Bangladeshi communities in particular often went uninvestigated. Tower Hamlets in East London is among the most ethnically diverse constituencies in the country. Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, said there had been major issues in Tower Hamlets which authorities lack the confidence and expertise to confront. The communities affected are often the victims, being targeted by unscrupulous individuals, she said. In his report, Sir Eric said he had seen evidence of an anecdotally well reported problem of pressure being put on vulnerable members of some ethnic minority communities, particularly women and young people, to vote according to the will of the elders, especially in communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi background. There were concerns that influence and intimidation within households may not be reported, and that state institutions had turned a blind eye to such behaviour because of 'politically correct' over-sensitivities about ethnicity and religion. The report makes a number of recommendations, including banning political activists from handling postal ballot papers, and the abolition of the system of 'permanent' postal votes, which are often sent to the same address for years after the voter named on them has left. He also called for the National Crime Agency to have an expanded role intackling complex electoral fraud cases. Last year, the former mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman was found guilty of election fraud in an Election Court hearing, and was forced to step down> He was accused of using corrupt and illegal practices. During the trial Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey said during the trial that he had evidence to suggest grants had been given to Bangladeshi or Muslim groups in return for support. But a Metropolitan Police investigation concluded it had found insufficient evidence that any criminal offences were committed. Sir Eric said: Last year's court ruling in Tower Hamlets was a wake-up call that state bodies need to do far more to stamp out corruption and restore public confidence. It was local residents who lost out from the unscrupulous politicians who bullied them and wasted their money. Our nation has a proud heritage as the 'mother of parliaments', yet the worrying and covert spread of electoral fraud and state of denial by some bodies threatens that good reputation. It is time to take action to take on the electoral crooks and defend Britain's free and fair elections. Sir Eric called the Metropolitan Police's claims of insufficient evidence a surprising statement. It is astonishing that no criminal prosecution has been brought by the Metropolitan Police," he said. "No further action has been taken against the disqualified individuals or the (now-disbanded) political party. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Labour officials will later learn whether their appeal against a High Court judgement, overturning a ban on the right of new members to vote, has been successful. UPDATE: New Labour members will not be able to vote in leadership election Three Appeal Court judges will decide whether the High Court was right to rule that the recent recruits should be given a vote. Labours governing body, the national executive committee (NEC), are appealing against the judgement that they were wrong to block 130,000 new members from voting in the leadership contest by introducing 12 January as a freeze date for supporters. On Thursday the partys barrister argued that the NEC, not the courts, was the ultimate arbiter of Labours rule book. Speaking to The Independent, an ally of Mr Corbyn was unsure what the outcome of the appeal would be. But, they said: I wouldnt be surprised if it didnt go our way. Its a coin toss. Meanwhile, a source on the partys side, said: You cant possibly know - no one has got the faintest idea. Rev Edward Leir, one of the five members who won the legal challenge on Monday, said Labour's decision to appeal was "madness". He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "This wasn't a spurious action, it's not been politically motivated. It's been about people holding on to their promises." Mr Leir, who revealed he had campaigned for David Cameron in the 2010 election but had been won over by Mr Corbyn, added: "My heart leads towards Corbyn. In my youth for two decades I was a supporter of the Conservative Party," he said. "I actually canvassed for them the election before last. Found myself deeply disappointed with the direction they were going in and surprisingly found myself really agreeing with the way Jeremy Corbyn was trying to bring change to politics. So what are the potential outcomes of the case? Labour loses the appeal and takes appeal to the Supreme Court If the party's barrister has failed to convince the three Appeal Court judges and they decide the NEC are not the ultimate arbiter of Labours rule book then the party could continue with its legal action. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the United Kingdom. It is likely, however, that the party would have to be granted permission by the Court of Appeal to pursue this avenue. It would be seen as a controversial decision too, as members would again see this as party officials spending their membership fees to block them from voting. Sources on the party's side, however, told The Independent that it would be unlikely for the party to take this route. Labour loses the appeal and throws in the towel If the party decides not to take any further legal action then approximately 130,000 supporters will be added to the people eligible to vote in the Labour leadership contest. The decision by the NEC, the party's governing body, will be overturned and a ban on these new members voting will no longer be justified. Many in the party believe that these new supporters have flocked to Labour's ranks to bolster Mr Corbyn and hand him victory in the contest. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has, however, rejected the idea that allies of Mr Corbyn support the ruling only because it could benefit the incumbent. He said when people joined they were told "very clearly" that they would be able to vote in the leadership contest and "to deny them that democratic right flies against all the traditions of our party". Mr McDonnell insisted his support for the ruling was not because it could improve Mr Corbyn's chances of victory. Labour wins the appeal and the members challenge the decision If the appeal judges decide that is for the National Executive Committee to be the "ultimate arbiter" of the party's rule book and overturn the High Court judgement then the members could also pursue further legal action. However, they would have to again crowdfund their barristers' costs, which could prove a difficult task. The crowdfunding page, at the time of writing, had raised 35,474. Organisers claim: "Last week, the Labour Party's National Executive Committee decided to retroactively disenfranchise all Labour members by changing the rules to exclude any members who joined since 12 January 2016 from voting in the forthcoming leadership election. "When we joined the Party, the website said, 'As a member, youll be a key part of the team. Youll be eligible to vote in leadership elections.' "Not only can we not vote in this election according to the current procedures but we do not feel like a valued part of the Labour team." Labour wins the appeal and the members do no get a vote If party officials, however, emerge successful and the five members who brought the original case are unable to gather the funds, then members who joined after January 12 will likely be excluded from voting in the leadership contest. Appearing outside the High Court on Monday Christine Evangelou, a 41-year-old fitness instructor from Enfield, said she was disgusted that they are trying to take away my vote and added she had only recently joined the Labour party because she wishes to support Mr Corbyn and his Labour values. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Nigel Farage was proud at the height of Britains far right movement that his initials NF also stood for National Front, according to a close school friend who after years of silence says he now wants the public to understand more about the man. He also claims the teenage Mr Farage sang gas em all, gas em all, a neo-Nazi song about Jewish people. The former friend attended fee-paying Dulwich College in south London with the ex-Ukip leader in the late Seventies and early Eighties and says he has kept quiet about his memories until now, in part out of a sense of loyalty. For many years, he observed the rise of the politicians career proud they had shared schooldays together. At times he even cheered Mr Farages trademark onslaughts in the European Parliament by saying good on Nigel. But over the past several months the successful professional has become alarmed by divisions he believes are being created in Britain partly as a result of the rhetoric and imagery used by the MEP. When he saw him standing in front of a Leave.EU poster of refugees with the words Breaking Point during the latter stages of the Brexit campaign, he thought it was time to speak out. At that moment, he remembered the teenage Nigel who he says would provoke and enchant teachers and pupils alike and supported the British 1930s fascist Oswald Mosley. His former friend initially planned to identify himself, but after the killing of MP Jo Cox in June he claims he is fearful of potential repercussions from fanatics. Farage's school friend says ex-Ukip leader used to draw a version of the National Front logo on his college books He has now written an open letter to Mr Farage in The Independent. In it, he says he does not believe his former classmate and confidant has any sympathy with fascist views today but he has been considering how much his views have evolved between his youth and middle age. He argues it was wrong of their former headteacher, the late David Emms, to brush off his extreme views as naughtiness and that there are lessons to be learned for how schools deal with extreme behaviour today. He said were a Muslim pupil were to express extreme Islamist views at school now, they would be dealt with immediately and referred to mentoring programmes. He said it is to be hoped the same applies to non-Muslim extremism. Lets hope schools are now taking action on the kind of comments you made at school, he writes in his letter. He says they were close friends in their teenage years. Dulwich College, near Brixton, south London (Creative Commons) I remember the way you enchanted people at school senior teachers and fellow pupils alike, he writes. Your English project on fishing enthralled everyone. I remember mine being particularly boring. You were and are a great speaker, for sure. But I also remember other, darker things about you. There was a time when I used to look back and dismiss much of them as the amusing naughtiness of teenagers as we were, much like our old headmaster David Emms did. I havent chosen to write before, but I simply have to now. I now wonder if there is a connection between you at 16 and you at 52. There are things that tell me your views might not have changed that much despite the many years. It is not the first time Mr Farage has faced accusations of holding fascist views at school. In 2013, a letter emerged from a former Dulwich College teacher, Chloe Deakin, to then headteacher Mr Emms, who died earlier this year. According to the letter written in June 1981 two months after the Brixton riots a couple of miles away she pleaded unsuccessfully with Mr Emms to reverse his decision to make Nigel a prefect. She said colleagues had told her he held publicly professed racist and fascist views and that he had once marched through a Sussex village singing Hitler Youth songs. When confronted by these accusations in 2013, Mr Farage said: I don't know any Hitler youth songs, in English or German . Any accusation I was ever involved in far right politics is utterly untrue. Of course I said some ridiculous things, not necessarily racist things. It depends how you define it. Other former pupils of the school told Channel 4 in 2013 that Mr Farages views were merely Thatcherite. Another man who also knew him at school has told The Independent Mr Farage became a target for some Left-leaning teachers because he would embarrass them in pupils versus staff debates. 5 of the worst things Nigel Farage has said about immigration However, Mr Farages former friend now suggests there may have been more to the story. He writes today: But I do remember you singing the song starting with the words gas them all, gas em all, gas them all. I cant forget the words. I cant bring myself to write the rest of it for it is more vile than anything the teachers at Dulwich would ever have been aware of. He said the lyrics were sung to the George Formby tune 'Bless em all'. He adds: We hear much of due diligence in today's financial world, but had the teachers and headmaster of Dulwich investigated the concerns around your appointment as a prefect with your peers - as they would hopefully today in similar circumstances - they might have made a very different decision. They might not have brushed them under the carpet; they might have made you think a little more about your rhetoric; history might be a little different today. For I vividly recall the keen interest you had in two initials of your name written together as a signature and the bigoted symbol that represents from the many doodles over your school books. Nigel Farage, NF, National Front. I remember watching you draw it. Just a laugh, eh, Nigel? In April 1981, we had the Brixton riots. They happened just up the road from our school. The images of rioting people, many of them from the racial minorities, made it easy to discriminate; many people did back then. The National Front was hugely popular by comparison to today. So, turbulent times back then but have you not moved on? National Front leader Martin Webster leaving Kingston Crown Court with his followers, where he was given a suspended sentence for publishing material likely to incite racial hatred, 1979 (Getty Images) The neo-Nazi National Front was at its peak during the years Mr Farage was at school in the mid-late Seventies when it had 14,000 paid-up members. They were frequently involved in violent clashes with the police and the organisation had developed sister groups in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Canada. It had also campaigned against Britains membership of the EEC. Mr Farages former friend told The Independent his decision to speak out was not motivated by any anger over Junes vote to leave the EU. He said although he voted Remain, he was a reluctant Remainer and that he sympathised with some of Mr Farages concerns on immigration. However, he writes: From being a real fan, I found myself thinking more and more with every appearance of yours on television that we must be aware of false prophets. Notably, the image of a desperate line of refugees, photographed not even in England, showed me that Nigel Farage has perhaps not changed that much. These people were used as live currency to further your cause to represent Britain being at breaking point from European immigrants although those people were from outside of Europe. The imagery of a loss of control, hopelessness, of our own politicians not caring for us is the stuff of two world wars. I can hear you say useless in the way you used to. As I have said, the immigration issue surely needs fixing, but you have shamefully used this picture. Seeing your gloating display post referendum at the European Parliament just rammed home the point: it seemed here we had a bit of the Nigel I knew at school. Yes, youve fought 20 years and no one took you seriously but let us have some humility. Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Show all 12 1 /12 Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he unveiled that 'breaking point' poster during the referendum Mr Farage was accused of deploying Nazi-style propaganda when he unveiled a poster showing Syrian refugees travelling to Europe under the next Breaking point. Users on social media were quick to compare the advert to a Nazi propaganda film with similar visuals and featuring Jewish refugees. The poster was particularly controversial because it was unveiled the morning of the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox Rex Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said hed be concerned if his neighbours were Romanian In May 2014 Mr Farage was accused of a racial slur against Romanians after he suggested he would be concerned living next to a house of them. I was asked if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned? And if you lived in London, I think you would be, he told LBC radio during an interview. Asked whether he would also object to living next to German children, he said: You know the difference Bongarts/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the EU campaign was won 'without a bullet being fired' Nigel Farage has said the next Prime Minister has to be a Leave supporter AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he resigned as Ukip leader and came back days later After failing to win the seat of South Thanet at the general election, Nigel Farage stepped down as Ukip leader as he had promised to do during the campaign. Days later on 11 May he un-resigned and said he would stay after being convinced by supporters within the party. Well see how long his resignation lasts this time AP/Matt Dunham Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he blamed immigrants for making him late Mr Farage turned up late to a 25-a-head meet the leader style event in Port Talbot, Wales in December 2014. Asked why he was late, he blamed immigrants. It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four, he said. That has nothing to do with professionalism, what it does have to do with is a country in which the population is going through the roof chiefly because of open-door immigration and the fact that the M4 is not as navigable as it used to be Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he wanted to ban immigrants with HIV from Britain Mr Farage has used his platform as Ukip leader call for people with HIV to be banned from coming to Britain. Asked in an interview with Newsweek Europe in October 2014 who he thought should be allowed to come to the UK, he said: People who do not have HIV, to be frank. Thats a good start. And people with a skill. He also repeated similar comments in the 2015 general election leadership debates Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he defended the use of a racial slur against Chinese people Defending one of Ukips candidates, who used the word ch**ky to describe a Chinese person, Mr Farage said: If you and your mates were going out for a Chinese, what do you say you're going for?" When he was told by the presented that he honestly would not use the slur, Mr Farage replied: A lot would Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said parts of Britain were like a foreign land The Ukip leader used his 2014 conference speech to declare parts of Britain as being like a foreign land. He told his audience in Torquay that parts of the country were unrecognisable because of the number of foreigners there. Mr Farage has also previously said he felt uncomfortable when people spoke other language on a train Screengrab Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the British army should be deployed to France At the height of trouble at Britains Calais border Mr Farage proposed a novel solution. The Ukip leader called for the British army to be sent to France to put down a migrant rebellion. In all civil emergencies like this we have an army, we have a bit of a Territorial Army as well and we have a very, very overburdened police force and border agency, he said. If in a crisis to make sure weve actually got the manpower to check lorries coming in, to stop people illegally coming to Britain, if in those circumstances we can use the army or other forces then why not AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said breastfeeding women should sit in the corner Mr Farage sparked protests from mothers after he told women to sit on the corner if they wanted to breastfeed their children. I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isnt too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious, Mr Farage said. He added: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the gender pay gap exists because women are worth less At a Q&A on the European Union in January 2014 Mr Farage said there was no discrimination against women causing the gender pay gap. Instead, he said, women were paid less because they were simply worth far less than many of their male counterparts. A woman who has a client base, has a child and takes two or three years off - she is worth far less to her employer when she comes back than when she went away because that client base won't be stuck as rigidly to her portfolio, he said Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said he actually couldnt guarantee 350m to the NHS after Brexit During the EU referendum campaign the Leave side pledged to spend 350 million a week on the National Health Service claiming that this is what the UK sends to Brussels. Nigel Farage didnt speak out against this figure and also pledged to spend EU cash on the health service and other public services himself. Then the day of the election result he suddenly changed his tone, saying he couldnt guarantee the cash for the NHS and that to pledge to do so was a mistake Getty Mr Farage stepped down as Ukip leader days after the victorious Brexit campaign in June. He is due to start a tour of European countries next month when he will advise other Eurosceptic parties on how to follow Ukips lead. His former friend writes today: Im sure the neo-Nazis in Golden Dawn in Greece will cheer you loudly. The people of Greece, beware. I think youre a troublemaker. You were at school, you are now. But we need to beware of whats being whipped up. Mr Farage did not directly respond to the claims made by his former friend. Instead, he said: To say that this is going over old ground is an understatement. The period during which I was at Dulwich was highly politically charged with the rise of Thatcherism to the Brixton riots just down the road. There were many people of that time who were attracted to extreme groups on both sides of the debate. He added: Whoever sent you this must be a little of touch to say that I supported Oswald Mosley as he believed in a United States of Europe. Some people need to get over Brexit. Dulwich College did not respond to a request for comment. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Dear Nigel, I wont give my name my family isnt even aware Im writing this and I wish to protect them. But I have a funny feeling youll know who I am. At school, at Dulwich College in the late Seventies, we were close friends in our teenage years. I stayed at your house once your mother did do a fantastic great British breakfast for us. I remember the way you enchanted people at school, senior teachers and fellow pupils alike. Your English project on fishing enthralled everyone. I remember mine being particularly boring. You were and are a great speaker, for sure. But I also remember other, darker things about you. There was a time when I used to look back and dismiss much of them as the amusing naughtiness of teenagers as we were, much like our old headmaster David Emms did. I havent chosen to write before, but I simply have to now. I now wonder if there is a connection between you at 16 and you at 52. I dont believe you have fascist sympathies now, but there are things that tell me your views might not have changed that much despite the many years. I think there comes a time however difficult it may be when enough is enough. I remember those school days in the UK. As you know, teachers were concerned. Youll remember being confronted three years ago by journalists who had a letter from the school teacher Chloe Deakin to Mr Emms. Youll remember she was concerned about fascist views. Other teachers also had concerns, but none of them would have known you like your own peers, the friends you used to spend time with. Nigel Farage attended Dulwich College in the late Seventies (Creative Commons) We hear much of due diligence in today's financial world, but had the teachers and headmaster of Dulwich investigated the concerns around your appointment as a prefect with your peers - as they would hopefully today in similar circumstances - they might have made a very different decision. They might not have brushed them under the carpet; they might have made you think a little more about your rhetoric; history might be a little different today. For I vividly recall the keen interest you had in two initials of your name written together as a signature and the bigoted symbol that represents from the many doodles over your school books. Nigel Farage, NF, National Front. I remember watching you draw it. Just a laugh, eh, Nigel? As the son of an immigrant family, your frequent cry of Send em home and mention of the name Oswald Mosley didnt mean much to me either until much later when I learnt of the British Fascists. The former friend says he saw Nigel Farage draw a version of the National Front logo on his college books I remember you spending hours with spit and polish producing what were unquestionably the brightest pair of CCF (Combined Cadet Force) army boots in school. I also remember your snuff tobacco that you kept hidden from unwitting teachers. But I also remember something altogether more alarming: the songs you chanted at school. In her letter Chloe Deakin mentioned reports of you singing Hitler Youth songs, and when you were confronted by that, you denied it. But I do remember you singing the song starting with the words gas them all, gas em all, gas them all. I cant forget the words. I cant bring myself to write the rest of it for it is more vile that anything the teachers at Dulwich would ever have been aware of. I too think that things can be in the past and that people grow up from being naughty schoolchildren. Heaven help us if they didnt, let's face it, but heaven help us if we believe all children do. Nigel Farage: 'Let today be our independence day' As someone wanting the EU to be challenged more robustly, I found myself thinking Good on Nigel for the amusement your speeches in the European Parliament gave us. Let's face it, mass migration and its management by the EU has been a consistent mess of mixed messages. Youre absolutely right to challenge the EU its just people need to see the full picture before aligning themselves to strangers, however charming their messages are. From being a real fan, I found myself thinking more and more with every appearance of yours on television that we must be aware of false prophets. Notably, the image of a desperate line of refugees, photographed not even in England, showed me that Nigel Farage has perhaps not changed that much. These people were used as live currency to further your cause to represent Britain being at breaking point from European immigrants although those people were from outside of Europe. The imagery of a loss of control, hopelessness, of our own politicians not caring for us is the stuff of two world wars. I can hear you say useless in the way you used to. As I have said, the immigration issue surely needs fixing, but you have shamefully used this picture. Ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage's use of refugees in the Breaking Point poster appalled his former friend (Reuters) Seeing your gloating display post-referendum at the European Parliament just rammed home the point: it seemed here we had a bit of the Nigel I knew at school. Yes, youve fought 20 years and no one took you seriously but let us have some humility. We now learn you will start touring other EU countries, beginning in Athens in September, to encourage them to follow your lead. Im sure the neo-Nazis in Golden Dawn in Greece will cheer you loudly. The people of Greece, beware. Oh, for the record, Im not a blind Remainer. Im more a 51 per cent reluctant Remainer. Yes, I see the many 21st century challenges with which the EU has failed to deal immigration and over-involvement being the most obvious. Who cannot see that having no common policy to deal with hundreds of thousands of immigrants is going to strain the most robust of institutions to its limits? Who cannot see that criminal elements within those hundreds of thousands are not going to use the cover of desperate people for their own personal gain or distorted beliefs? But then again, dont some politicians use the cover of peoples strife for their own gain or beliefs? Would we as a nation not be alarmed if we were to find out that a Muslim politician or teacher for example had made reference to forced repatriation or joked about beheading all non-Muslims as a teenager at school? Lets hope schools are now taking action on the kind of comments you made at school. Ukip leader Nigel Farage hits back at 'fascist' hecklers in Edinburgh pub Show all 3 1 /3 Ukip leader Nigel Farage hits back at 'fascist' hecklers in Edinburgh pub Ukip leader Nigel Farage hits back at 'fascist' hecklers in Edinburgh pub faragenew.jpg PA Ukip leader Nigel Farage hits back at 'fascist' hecklers in Edinburgh pub 08-farage1-pa.jpg PA Ukip leader Nigel Farage hits back at 'fascist' hecklers in Edinburgh pub 08-farage2-pa.jpg PA Im also not a perfect person. I too couldnt help thinking must we have quite so many people coming to Europe. But let me indulge you in a story. On a recent trip to Berlin, I found myself in a wonderful park in Spandau on the banks of the Havel. It was a windy day and a chap next to me was meticulously laying out some papers on a bench. But then a gust of wind sent them a few metres, happily straight into my hands. He was incredibly grateful and strangely offered me some orange juice and a banana. I felt a little embarrassed. And then I realised the papers on the bench were in fact asylum papers and the orange juice and banana in a park in Berlin meant more to him than I could ever imagine. He was a teacher of physics or something similar; it was the only thing I could deduce from his broken English. I tried a little German but to this he just shrugged his shoulders and gave a hopelessly lost smile. He was a Syrian filling out papers for his family and, had my appointment contact not have arrived a few minutes later, I could have spent all day right there. Perhaps he was in that infamous Leave poster you exploited to such effect? Its easy to tar everyone with the same brush just because of a few criminals. But neither am I someone with rose-tinted spectacles. Although this meeting in Berlin was a wake-up moment for me, I also know there are serious issues for Europe to solve. We really have been let down by our European leaders. Perhaps people found no other way to represent their dissatisfaction with Europe and the very many things that need fixing other than embracing you? Is it our fault? No, sorry, theres never an excuse for whipping up some racial animosity as a means to an end. I think youre a troublemaker. You were at school, you are now. But we need to beware of whats whipped up. In April 1981, we had the Brixton riots. They happened just up the road from our school. The images of rioting people, many of them from the racial minorities, made it easy to discriminate; many people did back then. The National Front was hugely popular by comparison to today. So, turbulent times back then but have you not moved on? Nigel Farage's schoolfriend believes East Germans celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was true 'independence' (Getty Images) I agree with you there are historic dates that change lives. I stood on the Berlin Wall on that wonderful day in 1989 and have 8mm cine film I took that never fails to choke me: the images of euphoria, loud noise and waving flags of all colours. Those are real celebrations and for good reason. I congratulate the German people on their achievement in integrating two by then divergent cultures. It has taken decades rather than the few years Helmut Kohl predicted, but from mutual animosity and envy on both sides, today the country bears little evidence of physical or societal difference. After the referendum vote, you called for an independence day to mark the result. Its an insult those good people in the real world who have died fighting real struggles for independence. I hope the nation sees just as I do that we have allowed ourselves to be enchanted by the charismatic and populist against plainly obvious EU failings without any real thought as to the background and objectives of the people delivering the messages. Deja vu, I'm afraid. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Texas is leading the charge with a dozen other states to block a federal directive from Barack Obama to allow bathroom access to transgender students based on their gender identity. Recommended Read more Obama orders schools to allow transgender students access to toilets The states will appear before a federal judge in Fort Worth on Friday to argue that the Obama administrations directive presents unlawful changes in US law. Mr Obama issued the directive in May amid an ongoing movement in mostly Southern states to require people to use bathrooms based on the gender that appears on their birth certificates. States that fail to comply with the order could face a cut in federal funding. Defendants have conspired to turn workplaces and educational settings across the country into laboratories for a massive social experiment, flouting the democratic process, and running roughshod over commonsense policies protecting children and basic privacy rights, the complaint said. However, the Department of Justice says states have no legal standing to request an injunction against the guidelines, as they do not have the force of law, Reuters reported. Accusing the Obama administration of enforcing at a micro level, sowing the seeds for macro results, the 13 states fear losing billions of dollars in educational funds from the government. The other states standing alongside Texas are Alabama, Arizona, Maine, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia. They join 10 other states in suing over the guidelines. Transgender soldiers can serve Plaintiffs have identified no enforcement action threatened or taken against them as a result of defendants interpretations, nor have they established that the guidance documents have any binding legal effect, the Justice Department said ahead of the hearing. Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick immediately fired back at the White House for the May directive and repudiated what he saw as federal overreach into state issues. We will not yield to blackmail from the president of the United States, he said. This goes against the values of so many people. This has everything to do with keeping the federal government out of local issues. The federal directive came after the the Justice Department filed a complaint against North Carolina one of the first states to pass a law to restrict the bathroom usage of transgender people accusing the state of violating federal gender discrimination laws. This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms, said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. 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. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} In reaching his decision to overturn the controversial conviction of Brendan Dassey, Judge William Duffin paints a devastating picture of a broken legal system that worked against a confused and vulnerable 16-year-old defendant. In particular it singles out for criticism the conduct of Dasseys lawyer, Len Kachinsky, and the way two investigators went about obtaining a crucial confession. Recommended Read more Making a Murderer Brendan Dassey homicide conviction overturned Viewers of Making a Murderer will remember how Mr Kachinsky gave a string of media interviews after being appointed to the case and immediately suggested his client would co-operate with the prosecution and help provide evidence against his uncle Steven Avery. Mr Kachinsky helped arrange for two investigators to interrogate Dassey in May 2006. Dassey was interviewed alone, without his lawyer or his mother present, and confessed to his role in the murder of Teresa Halbach. Mr Kachinsky was removed as counsel soon after. In his written ruling Mr Duffin, US district court judge in Wisconsin, accused Mr Kachinsky of misconduct. Making A Murderer- Where are they now? Although it probably does not need to be stated, it will be: Kachinskys conduct was inexcusable both tactically and ethically, he wrote. It is one thing for an attorney to point out to a client how deep of a hole the client is in. But to assist the prosecution in digging that hole deeper is an affront to the principles of justice that underlie a defence attorneys vital role in the adversarial system. The centre piece of the trial was an earlier interrogation conducted on March 1, 2006 when Dassey was questioned by two investigators, Mark Wiegert and Tom Fassbender. Given Dasseys low IQ, young age and absence of lawyer or guardian, Mr Duffin found, the subsequent confession was unreliable. The investigators repeatedly claimed to already know what happened on October 31 and assured Dassey that he had nothing to worry about, he wrote in his order. Especially when the investigators promises, assurances, and threats of negative consequences are assessed in conjunction with Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, lack of experience in dealing with the police, the absence of a parent, and other relevant personal characteristics, the free will of a reasonable person in Dasseys position would have been overborne. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One of the first Californians to die under the states new doctor-assisted suicide law held a party before ending her life. Betsy Davis, a 41-year-old artist, who suffered from ALS, a neurodegenerative disease, held a gathering of 30 friends in the mountain town of Ojai in southern California. She then took a cocktail of drugs, prescribed by her doctor, which killed her. Ms Davis ended her life the month after the California law went came into force. The law allows adults who are terminally ill and have less than six months to live to be given aid-in-dying drugs by a doctor. The California End of Life Option Act makes the state the fifth in America to legalise doctor-assisted dying. Writing in online news site Voice of San Diego, Kelly Davis said her sister wrote to her last year about wanting to end her life. She quotes her sisters email: I dont want to live out my life paralyzed, eating through a tube in my stomach and communicating through a machine. Id rather be free than entombed in my body. Ms Davis allowed guests to take souvenirs from her house and asked people not to cry at her party, AP reported. Ms Davis called her friends 'brave' for attending her 'right to die' party (AP) You are all very brave for sending me off on my journey, she wrote in her invitation email, thank you so much for traveling the physical and emotional distance for me. These circumstances are unlike any party you have attended before, requiring emotional stamina, centeredness, and openness. Disability rights groups were opposed to California's new law, citing fears terminally ill people could be coerced into ending their life. Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Show all 10 1 /10 Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Actor Sir Patrick Stewart Getty Images Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Actor Hugh Grant Getty Images Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Author Sir Terry Pratchett Getty Images GETTY IMAGES Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Stephen Hawking Getty Images Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Cilla Black PA PA Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Lord George Carey Getty Images GETTY Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne Getty Images Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Actress Kim Cattrall Getty Images Getty Images Ambassadors For Assisted Dying Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan PA The Catholic Church opposed to the introduction of the new law. Pope Francis invites all of us to create our good society by seeing through the eyes of those who are on the margins, those in need economically, physically, psychologically and socially, the California Catholic Conference said in a statement. In August, actor Lord Brian Rix called for assisted dying to become legal in the UK, after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A man who claimed to be a Christian and a military veteran threatened to decapitate Muslims in a voicemail message left at a mosque in Texas. The Watauga mosque, about 20 miles west of Dallas, said it receives threatening phone calls almost every week but they have never been as extreme as until recently. Well start just cutting off the heads of you mother f***ers. Huh? How would you like that? the man said in the voicemail. Recommended Read more Muslims sue town that refused permission to build a mosque Maybe we need another Christian crusade, which I think we do. Vincent Simon, a mosque member, encouraged people to visit the mosque and talk to Muslims. We just want to worship freely without the threat of violence, he told Fox News. Local police investigated the incident but would reportedly not name the message as a direct threat to the mosque. The Watauga police could not be immediately reached for comment. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said the call was from a local number and was at least the fourth threat against a mosque in northern Texas this year which was serious enough to alert the police. Alia Salem, executive director of the CAIR Dallas Fort Worth chapter in Texas, said that when the unnamed man threatened to cut off peoples heads, that was scary and presented an actionable threat. The Muslim community has no animosity against the Christian community but we do ask the Christian community to stand up against this kind of hatred, said Ms Salem. The voicemail was left on 30 July but was not picked up until a week later. No arrests have yet been made. The news follows various attacks against Muslims places of worship and businesses in the last month, including the vandalization of a Muslims car repair workshop in Minnesota and a Rhode Island mosque that was vandalized and had its windows smashed. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An American student who sexually assaulted a woman will avoid prison, a judge has ruled. Austin James Wilkerson, 22, was convicted for assaulting a "helpless" woman a year his junior after she reportedly refused to go along with his sexual advances. Despite a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years for the offence, the judge ruled that Wilkerson would instead serve two years of "work release" and 20 years to life on probation. The court heard that Wilkerson "isolated and raped the half-conscious victim" after telling friends he would look after her. He was said to have "digitally and orally penetrated" her after "not getting much response". Prosecutors added that the rejections pissed off Wilkerson and that he called her a f*****g b***h. The woman reportedly told the court she suffered from panic attacks and nightmares after the assault, adding that her own mother partially blamed her for the attack. The judge's ruling means Wilkerson, who has been suspended from the University of Colorado, will spend his nights at a county jail but will be able to work or go to school during the day. Boulder District Judge Patrick Butler reportedly told the court: Ive struggled, to be quite frank, with the idea of, Do I put him in prison? I dont know that there is any great result for anybody. Mr. Wilkerson deserves to be punished, but I think we all need to find out whether he truly can or cannot be rehabilitated. The decision not to sentence Wilkerson to prison has sparked an angry reaction on social media, with users saying they are "utterly disgusted" at the ruling. The ruling comes months after the case of Brock Turner, a former Stanford student who was sentence to six months for sexually assaulting a drunk woman in June. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} At least 22 passengers and two crew members had to be taken to hospital after a JetBlue flight ran into severe turbulence. Flight 0429 was flying from Boston to Sacramento, California, when it was forced to land at Rapid City, South Dakota, on Thursday evening. Passengers described chaotic scenes on board as the plane bucked up and down. Rhonda Renee told CNN said the turbulence was like a bad dream. People were flying out of their seat belts and hitting their head on the ceiling; it was very scary, she said. Derek Lindahl said a woman in front of him rose two feet into the air above her seat because she wasnt strapped in. I literally grabbed her out of the air to hold her to the seat, said Mr Lindahl, a software engineer from Sacramento. Terrifying video of turbulence Weather forecasters said the turbulence was the result of a front and its associated bad weather moving across the central plains. Casey Corcoran, who was travelling with two young children, told WCVB: It was almost like a bang, like we hit a wall and just dropped straight down. There was stuff in the aisles, you had people crying. The plane made a safe landing at about 7.30pm and the passengers were taken to hospital for check-ups before being released. In a statement, JetBlue said the passengers were being transferred to another plane to continue their journey. JetBlue care team members are being sent to assist injured customers, and a replacement aircraft is en route to Rapid City for customers continuing on to Sacramento, it said. Earlier this year a United Nations report predicted that climate change would increase incidents of turbulence, as well as engine-threatening dust storms. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} "I don't resent you, or hate you, or hold anything against you. I guess, well, I'm just curious in a way. If you cross my mind every day then I'm hoping I cross yours every day." These words form part of an emotional appeal by a woman attempting to track down her birth mother who abandoned her as a baby in a toilet. Kathleen Ann OShea, named "Jane Doe" by social services, believes her birthday is 18 June 1991. Recommended Read more Man arrested after baby found abandoned in Wigan hospital toilet She was just a few days old when a worker at the Baystate Medical Hospital in Massachusetts found her in the women's bathrooms. Ms OShea was adopted at three months old. Now 25, and with two young children of her own, Ms OShea said she wants to meet her birth mother and find out what happened to her. She said she tried to research her story through local newspapers, but did not manage to find details of her mother, except that she was a minor when she gave birth and she turned herself in to the police. "I've been putting this off for years and years, putting this out there," Ms O'Shea wrote in a Facebook post. "I don't really know what took me so long, I guess the fear of the unknown; what if she doesn't want to meet me, what if she has a family of her own as I do, and I'm tucked away in her memory? "Or worse, what if she's not even alive?" Even if her mother does not want to meet her, Ms O'Shea said she wanted to know her medical history. Ms OShea still lives locally and has two siblings who were also adopted. She said that having her two children, three-year-old Chevy Allen and four-month-old Olivia Margaret, helped her to truly understand the "heartache and decisions" that her mother might have gone through. She gave birth to her children at the same medical centre where she was left as a baby. Her post on social media has been shared more than 6,000 times. As the post has been shared and she has received a large number of Facebook notifications, Ms O'Shea told Western Mass News that she was always wondering whether one of them might be from her mother. "I'm finally putting this out there and I just can't go on not knowing. Maybe the power of social media will work in my favour," she wrote. Despite reported negative feedback by some social media users, Ms O'Shea said she had been positive for 25 years and would not use the word "abandoned". Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A young Muslim woman is suing police after she was mistakenly identified as a potential lone wolf terrorist during Fourth of July celebrations because she was wearing a headscarf and veil and carrying a backpack. Itemid al-Matar said officers from the Chicago police force violated her civil rights by pulling off her religious garb as they arrested her on subway station stairs, then strip-searched her at a police station. Several [officers] ran up the stairs and grabbed the plaintiff and threw her down upon the stair landing, then pulling at her and ripping off her hijab, says a federal lawsuit filed on Thursday. Itemid al-Matar was apprehended on the subway during Fourth of July celebrations (YouTube) CCTV footage from the incident last year that has been made public showed several minutes of the arrest in the subway. Several officers could be seen pushing through a crowd on a stairway to reach Ms Matar, but soon move out of view of the camera. The fact that Ms Matar was wearing a hijab and niqab was the impetus behind the actions of the officers, the court filing alleges. In a statement issue can d on Thursday, Phil Robertson, a lawyer for the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and a lawyer involved in the case said blatant xenophobia, Islamophobia, and racial profiling underpinned the officers' actions. A police report filed on the night of the incident says officers had been on high alert of terrorist activity on the Fourth of July holiday when they spotted Ms Matar exhibiting what they believed was suspicious behaviour, including walking at a brisk pace, in a determined manner. It also says officers saw what they thought could be incendiary devices around her ankles and were also suspicious of her backpack, which was clutched to her chest. [Officers] believed that subject might be a lone wolf suicide bomber and decided to attempt to take subject into custody, it says. A K-9 unit searched for explosive materials, the report says, with negative results while the objects strapped around her ankles turned out to be ankle weights. But MS Matar was still charged, including with obstructing justice after police accused her of resisting and refusing to comply with orders. She was acquitted on all charges at a state trial earlier this year. Thursday's lawsuit named six officers and the city of Chicago as defendants, accusing them of excessive force, false arrest, violation of freedom of religious expression and malicious prosecution. A police spokesman declined to comment specifically on the suit, saying the department did not comment on pending litigation. But police issued a brief written statement that said: Officers work hard each day to investigate suspicious activity and fight crime and we strive to treat all individuals with the highest levels of dignity of respect. The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of city police. The release last year of a video showing a white officer fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times sparked weeks of protests and led to an ongoing Department of Justice investigation of Chicago Police Department practices. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} New York is in the grip of a heatwave and the citys crooks have come up with a dastardly new way of making money. Gangs of ice cream thieves are targeting supermarkets and upmarket grocery stores, stealing dozens of tubs and then selling them on to corner shops for a fraction of their value. Things have got so bad for Gothams best known grocer that John Catsimatidis, whose businesses are thought to be worth three billion dollars, is offering a $5000 reward Recommended Read more Pokemon Go saves struggling ice cream shop from closure He said he had lost about $400,000 to the thieves in the past six months. "It's been happening all over New York City," he said. "There are these gangs who go in with bags and load up with Haagan Dazs, $700 to $800 at a time. "One distracts the manager while the others do it." The gang are targeting expensive brands and are thought to be selling them for as little as a tenth of their value to unscrupulous store owners. Earlier this week police said a couple stole 80 tubs of ice cream - 49 of Haagen Dazs and 31 of Ben and Jerrys - from Catsimatidis Gristedes store in the smart neighbourhood of Chelsea. Overall, police confirmed there had been 250 complaints of ice cream theft and 130 arrests so far this year. "We are working closely with the retailers to combat the thefts of ice cream," said a spokesman. Mr Catsimatidis owns more than 30 stores throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and parts of New York state. Ice cream is in particularly high demand this summer as New York sweats in the humid August heat. On Friday the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning, forecasting temperatures soaring to 43C. Things have been so bad that last month New York state ordered municipal swimming pools and parks to extend their opening hours to help residents keep their cool. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Police chief Eric Watson made no bones about posting religious messages and greetings on the Facebook page of his Tennessee department. When I campaigned for the office of sheriff, and before that, the office of state representative, I never made any effort to hide or deny my strong, personal Christian faith, he told a local reporter this spring. But not everyone appreciated his comments. One anonymous resident, with the help of a national atheist organisaion, filed a lawsuit accusing Mr Watson of violating the US Constitution A lawsuit claimed that police had breached the US Constitution This week it was announced that as part of a settlement, officials in Bradley County will pay out $41,000 and Mr Watson will undertake not to post any such messages on the polices new Facebook page. Mr Watson will, however, be allowed to maintain his own page, where he can post his personal views and opinions. The lawsuit against the Bradley County Sheriffs Office was brought with the help of American Atheists, a New Jersey-based organisation that fights for the rights of atheists. This settlement is a clear win for the plaintiffs, whose First Amendment rights to free speech and to be free of government establishment of religion were infringed upon, said Amanda Knief, the group's National Legal and Public Policy Director. We are pleased the sheriff has agreed to do the right thing by no longer using this official government social media account to promote religion. She added: What is unfortunate, is that it took a lawsuit and more than $40,000 in taxpayer money for the county and sheriff to put this common sense policy in place. preach3.png, by Andrew Buncombe (Facebook) The controversy erupted earlier this year when Mr Watson posted a series of Easter messages on the departments social media page in which he quoted the bible. Living today is best done with a lot of prayer, he said in another message, while he also talked about his horror that old tyres had been dumped in a church parking lot and said that a man of God he knew had died recently. At the time, Ms Knief asked the sheriff refrain from making statements promoting Christianity in his capacity as sheriff. She claimed that the 2010 US Census data showed at least 40 per cent of people in the county were non-religious making them the single largest religious community after Evangelical Christians. As part of the settlement, the county will pay $15,000 in damages to American Atheists and the local plaintiff, who has not been identified. They will also pay $26,000 in lawyers fees. The money will come from the authority's insurance company and not Mr Watsons own pocket. However, neither the county or Mr Watson has admitted any wrongdoing. Nobody from the sheriffs office was immediately available for comment, but in a statement issued on Mr Watsons behalf he said it was the duty of the department to act without regard to anyones personal faith, ethnicity, or national origin. The case filed against Bradley County and I have been time consuming and reflect the inevitable clash between three clauses of the First Amendment, he said. I maintained my denial of responsibility for any violation of the rights of the plaintiffs. The anonymous resident who had been part of the lawsuit said: I have always said that Constitutional rights are worth fighting for, and I am proud that when tested, I stood by that principle. It was not easy to stand up to the county sheriff and some people in my community who disagreed with me. In one of his recent posts on his own Facebook page, which dates from July 21, Mr Watson makes clear his support for Republican Donald Trump. Trump is doing great. I love the law and order plan and the support for our law enforcement officers, he said. Ive never heard a Presidential Candidate mention so many positive things about Law Enforcement like I have tonight. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with India's PM Modi Recent strains in the relationship between China and India, made worse by New Delhi's failure to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) - officially attributed to Beijing's opposition - has aroused keen interest in Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit beginning today. This is the first high-level bilateral interaction after the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tashkent. Although the SCO summit was a landmark event which saw India joining the SCO as a full member, the thunder was stolen by the Xi-Modi meeting, which was not limited to the issue of NSG membership. Thereafter, India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited China, but that was for a meeting of the board of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Wang's visit is being invested with much significance because this is the first face-to-face between the two foreign ministers after India's NSG fiasco. Wang, who arrives in India today, is scheduled to hold talks with his counterpart, External Affairs Minister Mrs Sushma Swaraj on August 13. In fact, Wang's visit from August 12 to 14, as announced in Beijing, is at the invitation of Swaraj. The last meeting of these two foreign ministers was in Moscow during the Russia-India-China trilateral summit in April. Since then tensions between the Himalayan neighbors have increased. On the issue of terrorism, China's technical hold in a UN committee on Masood Azhar, the proclaimed "terrorist" in Pakistan, has upset New Delhi. India's position on the South China Sea, even before the Netherlands-based tribunal's ruling, had caused unease in Beijing. Then came the 48-member NSG's plenary in June in Seoul, which rejected India's membership bid on the grounds that it was not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the weeks since then, China, for the first time, expressed concern over the "casualties" and violence in India-administered Kashmir, which was seen in New Delhi as a needless provocation. And, last month, Chinese troops had "transgressed" the border on land and by air in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand State. By then both sides seemed to have decided not to raise tensions - as borne out by India's Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar playing down the issue when it came up in Parliament. And, Wang's visit comes close on the heels of this "border incident." Given the backdrop of these issues, terrorism, South China Sea, the reference to Kashmir and India's NSG membership are bound to figure in the talks between Wang and Swaraj even if these are not explicitly acknowledged to be on the agenda. At the same time, these are issues that would not be allowed to deflect attention from the larger agenda of the foreign ministers meeting, which is the upcoming G20 Summit in Hangzhou in China in September, followed by the BRICS Summit in Goa in October. So it was only to be expected that while announcing the visit, External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary and Spokesman Vikas Swarup said the leaders will discuss various issues of mutual interest including the upcoming multilateral meetings with G20 Summit being held in China and the BRICS Summit being held in India. He brushed aside a question on the Uttarakhand "transgression" saying that the defense minister has already made a statement; and, that there are mechanisms, including at army-to-army level, to take care of such incidents. Swarup said that the "visit of Foreign Minister Wang to India is part of the regular high level dialogue between the two countries." Clearly, both New Delhi and Beijing are keen to move on from the tensions that have affected the relationship in recent months, and the three-day visit of Wang is expected to set the tone for going forward in that direction. The focus of the visit, according to official sources in New Delhi, is to lay the groundwork for the G20 meeting scheduled in China next month. As part of the preparatory work, foreign ministers Swaraj and Wang are expected to discuss the joint statement. They would also be going over the diplomatic details of the BRICS summit to be held in Goa, which need to be worked out and finessed. These two summits would also be occasions where Prime Minister Modi and President Xi would be meeting for the first time after the prickly issues came up in the relationship in recent months. The foreign ministers would be looking to ease the path ahead for bilateral relations, restore the focus on economic development and sustain the centrality of economic cooperation and growth in the G20 and BRICS summits. Shastri Ramachandaran, an independent Indian political and foreign affairs commentator, is Senior Consultant and Editor of China-India Dialogue published by China International Publishing Group (CIPG). Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It is called down-ticket anxiety. Republican senators and congressmen are so concerned that Donald Trump could undermine their chances of being re-elected, they are demanding that party money be diverted to their races from the presidential campaign. According to Politico, more than 70 Republicans have signed an open letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus urging him to stop spending any money to help Mr Trump win in November and shift those contributions to Senate and House races. The Republican presidential nominee speaks at a National Association of Home Builders event in Miami Thursday (Reuters) The move comes amid growing criticism of Mr Trump and his wild, faltering performance, not just from Democrats, but from members of his own party. Last week, a group of 50 Republican national security officials spoke out against Mr Trump and said his ascent to the White House could threaten the nations safety. Meanwhile, a former CIA operative launched a campaign as an independent, hoping to attract conservative voters who have lost patience with the New York magnate. The concern among senators and congressmen and women about the impact of Mr Trump on their own races, has been apparent for some time. Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House and the most senior elected national Republican, has played a difficult juggling game, seeking to keep distance between himself and his partys candidate. Indeed, such has been Mr Ryans reluctance to be seen to embrace Mr Trump, thereby damaging his own chances of a presidential run in 2020, he took several weeks before he saying he was ready to endorse him. Trump Compares United Nations to 'Country Club' We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck, says the letter from Republicans to Mr Priebus. This should not be a difficult decision, as Donald Trumps chances of being elected president are evaporating by the day. Among those whose names are attached to the letter are former Senator Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire, former Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut, Tom Coleman of Missouri and Vin Weber of Minnesota. Rich Galen, a Republican strategist, told The Independent that senators and members of the house worked to insulate themselves against any negative impact by focussing on local issue and declining to comment to the media about the latest controversial comment the presidential candidate had made. They tell the local press corps they only want to talk about local issues, about this bridge, or this road. They say If you want to ask about Mr Trump you need to call Trump Tower, he said. Mr Galen said such a technique was adopted, and mastered, by the Clinton administration in the aftermath of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He said press secretary Mike McCurry told reporters he would not talk about the issue, but was prepared to talk about any government business. The press complained for a couple of days but then they got on with it, he said. In any election year, the top of the ticket plays a huge role in determining the outcome of down-ticket races. In 2012, 94 per cent of congressional districts elected representatives from the same party as the one the majority of their voters chose for president. This year, 34 Senate seats, 24 of them currently held by Republicans, and all 435 House seats, 247 of them held by Republicans, will be decided at the ballot box. Experts believe it would require a landslide for the Democrats to reclaim control of the House of Representatives, but that the Senate is well within grasp. An average of polls collated by Real Clear Politics currently places Mr Trump anywhere up to ten points behind of Ms Clinton. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two men have been detained for questioning over a series of blasts that hit the upscale seaside resort of Hua Hin in southern Thailand, police said. Four people were killed and dozens wounded in the blasts on Thursday and Friday. More follows... For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An amateur musician has said she was stopped from carrying her cello on board a British Airways flight as the instrument needed a visa to travel in the extra seat she had booked for it. Jane Bevan, 35, based in Switzerland, was attempting to board a flight from Zurich to Baltimore, where she was attending a course with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, when she was stopped at check-in and told she needed a USA ESTA travel visa for her cello. I booked a seat for both myself and the cello using a flight comparison website GoToGate, which shows you the best value options, Ms Bevan told The Independent. She said she informed GoToGate about the instrument, which was booked in its own seat under the name Chuck Cello, who told her to contact BA directly about the booking. I rang BA about a month before the flight and spoke to a customer service agent in one of their call centres. They told me the second seat booked for the cello followed airline policy, that there was nothing further for me to do and I should check-in as normal, said Ms Bevan. When I arrived at the airport I was told by a BA steward there was a problem with the booking. I waited for half an hour while she spoke with her supervisor and was then told the check-in for the extra seat could not be completed because the system needed an ESTA visa. She spoke to GoToGate, but they repeated that it was something for BA to solve directly. Ms Bevan says she waited for 2.5 hours in the airport after which she was told that the flight had closed, but could rebook the flights at a cost of CHF 4,592.80 (3,600). The incident happened on 16 June. She says she has not received any form of compensation from British Airways and instead flew out the following day with American-based United Airlines who offered her flights at half the price quoted by British Airways. I had no problems with United Airlines, she said. The staff were very friendly and even offered to put my cello in first class! Ive flown with my cello before using Easy Jet and Swiss Airways. Im used to the situation being unfamiliar to staff and having to wait for them to speak with their supervisors, but Ive never experienced anything like this before. The strangest airplane patents Show all 4 1 /4 The strangest airplane patents The strangest airplane patents The saddle seat, proposed by Airbus Operations in 2013, in which the customer sits in a fold down seat more akin to a bike seat than a chair. Back and neck support free, of course. Airbus Operations The strangest airplane patents Proposed in 2014 by Zodiac Seats France, an aeroplane seat manufacturer, the Economy Class Cabin Hexagon makes passengers sit in alternating backward and forward facing seats in an attempt to maximise space and minimise the chance of avoiding eye contact. Zodiac Seats France The strangest airplane patents Filed for patent in 2013 by The Boeing Company, the Upright Sleep Support System is deployed from a backpack that sits on the chair and is designed to allow passengers the chance to lie face first onto it, with a massage table esque cut out for your face. The Boeing Company The strangest airplane patents Airbus Operations GmbH British Airways said in a statement: This was a highly unusual incident which arose after the customer booked a seat for her cello as a named passenger. This is what triggered the requirement for an ESTA from the US government. The ticket the customer booked through a third party website was non-refundable. We offer musicians a discounted rate to book a musical instrument seat, and on ba.com, we advise customers to contact us to discuss arrangements. Ms Bevan has said there appeared to be no such option when she booked the flights. On their website British Airways say it is possible to purchase an extra seat for your cello, depending on availability. It adds that passengers must notify the airline at least 24 hours before flying. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The mayor of Cannes has introduced a ban on burkinis to ensure security, the French authorities confirmed. The local mayor, David Lisnard, introduced the ban at the French Riviera resort to prohibit beachwear ostentatiously showing a religious affiliation while France and places of religious significance are the target of terror attacks. The ruling says: Access to beaches and for swimming is banned to anyone who does not have (swim wear) which respects good customs and secularism. Mr Lisnard said of the ruling: I dont have the time nor do I want to stir up controversy. I took this decision among several other rulings to make sure my city is safe in the context of the state of emergency. In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman arrives with a toy and a bouquet of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A woman reacts as she places flowers in front of the memorial set on the 'Promenade des Anglais' where the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People gather to view the floral tributes near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts near bouquets of flowers as people pay tribute near the scene where a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores and injuring more who were celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday, in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Floral tributes are laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A child's toy is placed among the floral tributes laid out near the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Investigators continue at the scene near the heavy truck that ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores who were celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Crime scene investigators work on the 'Promenade des Anglais' after the truck crashed into the crowd during the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice EPA In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert examines dead bodies covered with a blue sheet on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A forensic expert evacuates a dead body on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera city of Nice, after a gunman smashed a truck into a crowd of revellers celebrating Bastille Day Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man reacts as he sits near a French flag along the beachfront the day after a truck ran into a crowd at high speed killing scores celebrating the Bastille Day in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Discarded items are left on the beach, not far from the site of the truck attack in the French resort city of Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bullet holes in the windscreen of the lorry that was driven into the crowd at high speed Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks through debris on the street in Nice, France, the morning after a lorry ran into a crowd, killing at least 84 and injuring 50 Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Rescue workers help an injured woman to get in a ambulance AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Authorities investigate a truck after it plowed through Bastille Day revelers in the French resort city of Nice, France AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Celebrations of Bastille Day were targeted by the lorry driver AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack People cross the street with their hands on thier heads as a French soldier secures the area after at least 84 people were killed along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A paramedic attends one of the dozens of people injured in the Nice Bastille Day attack In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Soldiers march on street where the lorry crashed into the crowd REUTERS In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man sits next to a body seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Bodies are seen on the ground after at least 84 people were killed in Nice, when a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Children were among the 84 killed in the atrocity, with around 50 more hospitalised Reuters In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (2nd L) speaks to the media in Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack A man walks with his hands up as police officers carry out checks on people in the centre of French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack With injured people laying in the street police and onlookers react near to a truck in Nice AP In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers, firefighters and rescue workers are seen at the site of the attack AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police officers speak with a soldier after a truck that ploughed into a crowd leaving a fireworks display in the French Riviera town of Nice AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bastille Day Nice attack Police shine a light into the cab as they approach the driver's cab of a truck, in Nice AP Cannes is just 18 miles from Nice where Islamist Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel ploughed a lorry through a crowd watching fireworks on Bastille Day in the Riviera resort, killing 85 people. Thierry Migoule, Cannes head of municipal services told AFP: We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach ... but ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us. The ban comes just one day after a womens burkini event in Marseille was cancelled by the local government after the organisers received death threats. France has had a full burqa and Niqab ban since 2004. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A French court has refused proposals by Calais authorities to demolish more than 70 shops and restaurants in the Jungle camp, which hosts thousands of refugees. Over the past year, those living in the camp have built makeshift plywood shelters that have become hairdressers, convenience stores, grocers, cafes and restaurants. The prefecture in Calais had planned to demolish the shops on the basis they did not pay tax or conform to health and safety requirements. French police had already seized stock and arrested at least 13 shopkeepers in a series of raids. The authorities accused store owners of running illegal businesses. The judge at Lilles administrative court said the authorities' concerns were totally understandable, but there was no legal basis for destroying the market stalls. Judge Jean-Francois ruled the stores were a much needed resource for residents of the camp, who were living "in extremely precarious conditions". They provided vital "calm meeting places between migrants and volunteer workers", he said. Some of the stores are used as emergency accommodation for new arrivals at the camp, where the number of residents has swelled to over 9,000. Leading charity, Help Refugees, said the decision to keep the shops would help protect the dignity of the people in the camp. With our latest census showing 9,106 residents in the camp, and with food resources already so limited, this ruling means that people's dignity and hunger will not be exacerbated even further than they already are," they said in a statement. A petition to save the Jungle Book Kids Cafe in the camp, which provides 200 meals every day as well as schooling and asylum advice, had reached 170,000 signatures prior to the ruling. Harri Reed, who set up the petition, told The Independent the cafe's future remained uncertain. It's not a hundred per cent set in stone that the cafe is going to be back up and running, but for now it's an absolute success," she said. Ms Reed, who teaches English and Music at the Calais camp, said the Kids' Cafe had been out of action since the police raids, but after the judgment she hoped they would be up and running within the week. Calais and Dunkirk camps Show all 16 1 /16 Calais and Dunkirk camps Calais and Dunkirk camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A portrait of an Afghan man wearing a traditional Perhan Turban in the Calais Jungle (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two Gendarmes guard the main entrance to the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One Kurdish Iraqi mans reminder to himself (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two young boys in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Iranian hunger striker stands outside the only remaining shelter in the South Side of the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A church in the South Calais camp, on of the the only structures not demolished in the South Side of the camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man gets a hair cut in the Calais camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Night falls on the Calais Jungle. Fires burn in the distance (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps The containers provided as alternative accommodation for the people in the camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A young boy in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man listens to music inside one of the shipping containers (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps The awful living conditions in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Afghan man in the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One of the Iranian hunger strikers (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A family in their wooden shelter in the new Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Speaking about the health and safety concerns raised, Ms Reed said: You can't pick and choose the laws you apply. If you're going to enforce health and safety laws you need to apply laws of child protection. There are 865 children currently in the Jungle camp, according to Help Refugees. Almost 80 per cent of the children are alone. After the southern section of the Calais camp was demolished in March, 129 unaccompanied minors went missing. Threats by the Mayor of Calais to destroy the remainder of the camp have been met with warnings from refugee groups of the severe consequences for the children there. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A man has shot his ex-wife and attempted to shoot his daughter before turning the gun on himself outside a shopping centre in the Spanish city of Zaragoza. The shooting took place at around 11 am local time on Friday after the woman and her daughter left a garage in their car, regional newspaper El Heraldo reported. The man was reportedly waiting in another car from which he opened fire. According to witnesses, the man then turned the weapon on himself. Police raced to the scene after reports of shots being fired, and found two people suffering severe injuries. Earlier reports said a gunman had opened fire injuring two people before fleeing the scene. But police have now said the man shot his ex-wife in front of her daughter before shooting himself. According to Spanish news agency Europa Press, the husband and wife had recently separated and the man had no previous criminal record. A bartender told Reuters he heard shots outside the bar and then saw a man with a gun in his hand lying on the ground. We heard seven or eight shots and then I heard a car drive away fast, he said. National Police spokeswoman Pilar Fornies told the Associated Press the man opened fire on his ex-wife as she drove out of her house garage with their daughter. He then apparently tried to kill himself. She said police are treating the shooting as domestic. According to the AP report, the woman managed to drive herself to a city hospital while the man was taken there by ambulance. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Both are said to be in a serious condition. The daughter was not hurt. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian campaigners after saying he cares more about Palestinians than their own leaders do. The Israeli Prime Minister made the claim while detailing allegations that Hamas was siphoning off funding from humanitarian groups in the Gaza Strip. I'm going to say something now that some of you will not believe. But I'm going to say it anyway because it's true, Mr Netanyahu said in a video released on Thursday. Benjamin Netanyahu making a speech aired on 11 August I, the Prime Minister of Israel, care more about Palestinians than their own leaders do. "Israel cares more about Palestinians than their own leaders do. Following the arrest of two aid workers from World Vision and the United Nations, he said stolen funds had been used for terrorist activities. Innocent and impoverished Palestinians were denied vital aid supplied from nations around the world, Mr Netanyahu added. Hamas stole critical support for Palestinian children so that they could kill our childrenI express my deepest sympathy with innocent Palestinians and those well-meaning nations who generously donated money to help them. His speech drew particular ire for saying that Israel facilitates humanitarian aid in Gaza and treats wounded Palestinians, with opponents citing the countrys decade-long blockade of the territory and recent shootings at protests and clashes. A Palestinian woman hangs clothes in a section of a damaged apartment block in Beit Lahiya, Gaza Strip (AP) Shawan Jabarin, director general of the Al-Haq Palestinian rights group, told Al-Jazeera that Mr Netanyahu was aiming to discredit international groups operating in the enclave and consolidate Israels control of financial aid. They are trying to undermine the work of international aid organisations, he said. Al-Haqs representative to the Hague, Nada Kiswanson, has recently reported death threats over her submissions to the International Criminal Courts inquiry into the 2014 Gaza war. Mr Netanyahus statement came after Israeli authorities announced the arrest of a UN Development Programme worker and World Vision manager in Gaza for allegedly using their positions to aid Hamas. Both agencies said they would investigate the allegations and called for the men to receive a fair trial. World Vision, whose Gaza manager Mohammad el-Halabi stands accused of funnelling millions of pounds to Hamas, has temporarily suspended operations in the area but cast doubt on the allegations. Palestinian Mohammad El Halabi (C), a manager of operations in the Gaza Strip for World Vision (Reuters) A spokesperson said Mr el-Halabi was accused of stealing $50 million (38 million) but had only handled the budget since October 2014. Based on the information available to us at this time, we have no reason to believe that the allegations are true, he added. It is tragic that this issue is taking us away from our work on important issues of injustice and poverty affecting billions of children around the world. Hamas has also denied receiving funds or help from aid workers, saying the cases were a fabrication and threatening serious consequences. These (allegations) are par for the course of an Israeli plot to restrict the work of international relief agencies operating in Gaza in order to tighten the Gaza blockade, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said. Israel has imposed movement restrictions on the Strip since the early 1990s, intensifying the measures in 2007 after the Islamist group Hamas seized control. A land, air and sea blockade has been in place ever since, driving unemployment, food insecurity and dependency on aid according to the UN. Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy Show all 7 1 /7 Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273877.bin EPA Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273878.bin HEIDI LEVINE Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273879.bin HEIDI LEVINE Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273880.bin Amal Samouni, aged 10, holds photos of her father and brother, both killed by Israeli troops HEIDI LEVINE Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273881.bin Zeinat Samouni leans against a wall decorated with pictures of her husband Atiya and four-year-old son Ahmad, killed when Israeli troops stormed their home HEIDI LEVINE Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273882.bin HEIDI LEVINE Gaza one year on: The aftermath of a tragedy 273883.bin HEIDI LEVINE The 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas killed more than 2,200 Palestinians, including 500 children, the majority of them civilians. Hamas is an Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip and is part of unity government with the Fatah party in the Palestinian Authority. Its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, is designated a terrorist group by the UK, US and EU but the organisation in its entirety is not proscribed by the British Government. Tensions in Israel and the West Bank have been hitting boiling point in recent months, with a string of attacks by Palestinians sparking a security crackdown that has sparked concerns over the excessive use of force and collective punishment. Palestinian stabbings, shootings, bombings and car rammings have killed 34 Israelis and two Americans since September, while more than 200 Palestinians have been killed in the same period. Israeli authorities said the majority were carrying out or attempting attacks but others were shot dead at protests and clashes, and an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldier is currently on trial for shooting a disarmed Palestinian man in the head as he lay injured on the ground. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has been urged to use his influence as Foreign Secretary to help a 10-year-old girl receive urgent medical attention after she was shot in the leg by a government sniper. Ghina Ahmad Wadi was on her way to buy medicine for her mother when she was shot in her left thigh at a checkpoint in the besieged Syrian town of Madaya ten days ago. Her aunt Fadah Jassan, a British citizen who lives in London, has launched a desperate appeal to the government to help evacuate Ghina from the town, where there is no access to critical medical equipment and expertise. Trapped in Madaya under the control of government forces backed by fighters from the Hezbollah militia, Ghina is in unbearable pain and needs surgery on a complex bone fracture and severed nerve in her leg. With support from Amnesty International, Ms Jassan has called on Mr Johnson and the UK Foreign Office as a key member of the International Syria Support Group to spark action from US and Russia and help evacuate Ghina. With Ghinas desperately-worried aunt here in the UK, wed like the UK Government to step in to offer its immediate assistance, said Kristyan Benedict, Amnestys campaign manager for Syria. We hope the evacuation can take place as soon as possible ideally in the next 24 hours, Mr Benedict told the Independent. The UN say they are ready to evacuate children like Ghina from Madaya." "The UK can and should explore every option to see that this happens. Last week Syrian President Basha al-Assads denied multiple requests from Ghinas familys to allow her to be moved to a better-equipped hospital in the capital Damascus or neighbouring Lebanon, according to Amnesty. The UN estimates half a million people are living under siege in Syria and NGOs say around 65 people in Madaya have died of starvation and malnutrition since it was pinned down by government forces using starve or surrender tactics over a year ago. In April, relief agencies evacuated around 250 wounded people from Madaya and nearby Zabadani and 250 more from other besieged Syrian towns in one of the largest humanitarian operations so far in the five-year conflict. Recommended Read more Children and hospital workers killed in Syria air strikes Fadah Jassan, Ghinas aunt, has lived in the UK all her life and used to visit her mothers side of the family in Syria every summer before the war began. Its breaking my heart to think of little Ghina suffering like this, Ms Jassan told Amnesty. If the UK government can help my niece, then Id beg them to do so. I know Ghinas just one among many thousands of children in Syria whore going through things they shouldnt have to, but she can be helped relatively easily and we need to do all we can to make that happen. In its December 2015 report on the war-torn nation, the UN said only 10% of its requests for aid convoys to access hard-to-reach and besieged areas in Syria had been granted in the past year. Amnesty is putting pressure on the US and Russia, one of the main backers of the Syrian government, to provide safe transit for a Red Cross medical vehicle to reach Ghina and other injured children in future. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (AFP/Getty) Mr Johnson said Britain must not become inured to the desperate suffering of millions of people across Syria just because the conflict there has become so intractable and difficult to solve. We must secure sustained humanitarian access and an end to the indiscriminate regime and Russian attacks on civilian areas, including medical centres, he said in a statement released to the Independent regarding the humanitarian situation in Aleppo and across Syria. Yesterday I spoke to Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, and urged him to do this. Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Show all 11 1 /11 Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey's two million Syrian refugees There are already over 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, but their current camps can only hold 200,000 people ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish citizens protest a new deal, also criticised by human rights activists, which will see refugees who arrived in Greece after March 20 be sent back to Turkey AP Photo/Emre Tazegu Turkey's two million Syrian refugees An estimated 80% of Syrian refugee children already in Turkey are unable to attend school BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Refugee children beg for water near the Turkey-Syria border. Turkey has been accused of illegally deporting asylum-seekers back to Syria BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees In Turkey, no-one from outside Europe is legally recognised as a refugee, meaning the 2016 deportations may not meet international legal standards for protecting vulnerable people BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A refugee child cries as she is searched by police at the Syria-Turkey border, where 16 refugees (including three children) have been shot dead in the last four months BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Many refugees are living rough on the streets of cities such as Istanbul or Ankara (pictured) ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish soldiers use water cannon on Syrian refugees BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Syrian refugees shelter from rain in the streets of Istanbul BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A derelict building housing Syrian refugees in Istanbul Carl Court/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey houses around half of all the refugees who have currently fled Syria Carl Court/Getty Images In response to Ghinas plight, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: The UK has consistently called for full and unhindered humanitarian access, and as a first step to support the UN proposal for 48 hour pauses. We have also led the way in responding to the Syria crisis since day one and we are supporting the UN to deliver aid in hard to reach and besieged areas of Syria. While greater progress is needed, more than 500,000 civilians have been reached during the cessation of hostilities, and hundreds have been medically evacuated from several besieged areas. UK will continue to push for greater humanitarian access." The World Health Organisation said today that two conjoined twin boys, born three weeks ago, were being evacuated across rebel stronghold lines to Damascus Children's Hospital the first of at least 20 patients who need urgent transfers to be saved, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Moaz and Nawras were born conjoined in Zahra hospital in eastern Ghouta, a rebel bastion and rural suburb of the capital. Syrian doctors abroad sought help from the WHO, the United Nations health agency. The hospital is under-supplied and unable to provide the twins with the surgery they need to survive, said a letter by the Syrian American Medical Society. The twins, the mother and the aunt are now being evacuated to the Children's Hospital [in Damascus], Elizabeth Hoff, WHO's representative in Syria, told Reuters on Friday. An ambulance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent was transporting them, she said. We have been negotiating for medical evacuation for some days now. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Children and medical staff were among at least 18 civilians killed in air strikes that hit a hospital, market and village as the Syrian regime continues attempts to dislodge rebels from Aleppo province. Rescue workers said the only hospital for women and children in the town of Kafr Hamra was partially destroyed in a new bombing on Friday, killing two members of staff including a nurse. The Syrian Civil Defence group said it pulled 10 injured people from beneath the rubble, which provided vital medical services for the surrounding area. Children were given emergency treatment and oxygen masks after a suspected gas attack in Aleppo on Thursday (Mahmoud Rashwani) Hours later, air strikes hit a market in Urum al-Kubra, to the west of Aleppo city, killing at least six people according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Children were among at least 10 other people reportedly killed in the bombing of the village of Hayan, where footage taken by opposition activists showed residents scrambling to recover the bodies of men, women and children strewn alongside a partially destroyed road. No party in the conflict admitted the strikes but suspicion turned to Bashar al-Assads forces and their Russian supporters. All three of the areas hit lie on strategic roads through opposition-controlled territory, linking Aleppo with the Islamist stronghold of Idlib and running north towards the Turkish border. The attacks came as the United Nations started its investigation into a reported chemical attack by the Syrian regime on opposition areas of Aleppo city on Thursday. UN says Russias three-hour daily truce is not enough for Aleppo At least seven civilians, including two children and their mother, were killed and scores more injured and left with breathing difficulties as doctors described a poisonous gas and the strong smell of chlorine. President Assads government has repeatedly denied the use of barrel bombs and chemical weapons despite numerous reports throughout the civil war. Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, said experts were investigating Thursdays attack after receiving a lot of evidence. If it did take place, it is a war crime and as such it would require everyone to address it immediately, he added. Doctors said the bombardment of health facilities was becoming so frequent that civilians were becoming afraid of going to hospital. In July alone, aid organisations reported 43 facilities in opposition areas partially or totally destroyed. Dr Hussein, who works in a hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo, said essential services like paediatrics had been cut because of the number of civilians wounded in the war. In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo The hospital has been damaged three times by bombings, he added, listing attacks in July and on 3 and 6 August. The hospital is running at the moment but is able to care only for the most urgent cases. People are scared to go to hospitals they see them as potential targets. They only come to us now if it is an absolute emergency." The UN has repeatedly called on all parties to comply with obligations under international law to protect civilians and vital infrastructure but, despite promises of a regime-backed ceasefire, the violence continues in Aleppo. The city, divided between government and opposition control, remains the scene of fierce fighting after predominantly Islamist rebels fought through regime lines to break a two-month siege last week. Jaish al-Fath, an alliance headed by former al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, is being targeted by the Syrian regime and its Russian allies as a designated terrorist organisation. Elsewhere in Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces rebel group was continuing an offensive to push Isis back along the Turkish border after driving militants out of their former stronghold of Manbij. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The largest hotel in the world is set to open in Mecca next year. The building, called Abraj Kudia, will contain 10,000 rooms and span 1.4 million square metres. As well as hotel rooms, it will contain 70 restaurants, a large shopping mall and a lavish ballroom. The construction of the hotel is set to amount to around 2.7 billion. The hotel's construction is being funded by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and was designed by the Dar al-Handasah group, an international project design consultancy. The grand construction will be situated two kilometres from the world's largest mosque, the Masjid al-Haram, which attracts around five million Muslims each year as they embark on the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages. Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower Show all 10 1 /10 Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631583.bin AFP/GETTY IMAGES Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631868.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631872.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631871.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631863.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631870.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 631867.bin Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 634560.bin Getty Images Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 634572.bin Saudi billionaire to build world's tallest tower 634576.bin It will be open to the public, but five floors will be reserved for the Saudi royal family as holiday accommodation. Meccas building spree last year prompted the director of the UK-based Islamic Heritage Research Foundation to describe the city as Mecca-hattan. You are here: Home Flash Australia's iconic Sydney Opera House is set to undergo its largest facelift since its inception in 1973, with wide scale renovations set to improve accessibility and acoustics. "The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia," New South Wales state deputy premier and arts minister Troy Grant said in a statement on Thursday. "It is our responsibility as custodians of this extraordinary place to maintain and renew it for all Australians." The iconic Sydney Opera House is Australia's premier tourist destination attracting 8.2 million visitors each year, worth over 775 million Australian dollars (597 million U.S. dollars) to the domestic economy. Audiences however have consistently decried the venue's acoustics, failing to live up to the world-wide recognition of its iconic sail like structure. The government will spend up to 202 million Australian dollars (155 million U.S. dollar) on the renovations, which include not only improving accessibility, but also the acoustics of its opera theater and concert hall. "For the first time the Concert Hall will deliver the true ambitions of the original creators of this incredible building, and the real winners will be the audiences," Sydney Symphony Orchestra managing director Rory Jeffes said. Authorities have pledged the sail like structure won't be affected. "The Opera House, a masterpiece of human creative genius, belongs to us all and is central to our identity as Australians," Sydney Opera House chief executive Louise Herron said. The upgrades will begin from mid-2017, but will be staged over a five-year period not to interrupt the ongoing performance schedule. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Travel is an opportunity to experience different cultures, meet new people, taste weird and wonderful foods and for many get close to wildlife you may have only seen in books or David Attenborough documentaries. Who doesnt love to see elephants during their travels? Their majesty, their walk, their amazing trunks, their intelligence and the delightful antics of baby elephants. In recent years, a whole industry has developed around travel companies offering holidaymakers an elephant "experience". Sadly, many tourists are unaware of the cruelty going on behind the scenes. People often think that an elephant in captivity is domesticated, and so somehow its OK to have it under human command. But the reality is that they never have been domesticated like dogs or horses. Even if born in captivity, they are still wild animals, and need to be "broken" to take tourists on rides or perform in shows. This process is exceptionally cruel and painful. So what happens in captivity? Elephants will often be chained so they have very limited movement, controlled with sticks or sharp hooks and forced to perform unnatural and stressful activities. In these conditions, elephants often develop health and behavioural problems. Recommended Read more A different kind of safari in Malawi They can become prone to sudden outbursts of aggression towards their handlers, leading to injuries and fatalities. The tragic story of a British tourist who was killed by an elephant in Thailand in February was a stark reminder of this. When tourists go on a ride or take a selfie with an elephant, they often dont realise that the animal is suffering. Thats why in 2014, Intrepid Travel abolished elephant rides from its trips. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We find that travellers appreciate being better informed and knowing that their travel choice is not causing harm to these extraordinary animals. We are also pleased to have seen many other tour operators follow in our footsteps. My hope is that in another 25 years time, well be able to travel and only experience these beautiful animals in the wild, living as nature intended. Geoff Manchester is the co-founder of Intrepid Travel. A free guide to ethical elephant tourism in Asia has been released by Horizon Guides for World Elephant Day (intrepidtravel.com/elephants-asia-ethically) Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} This month heralds an opulent new era of rail travel in Ireland with the inaugural journey of the Belmond Grand Hibernian on 30 August. With 20 cabins accommodating up to 40 passengers, this luxury touring train will hit the tracks of the Emerald Isle from April to October each year, whisking passengers north and south of the border with a trio of two-, four- and six-night itineraries. The two-night Realm of Giants travels from Dublin to Belfast and on to Portrush, visiting sights like the Giants Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery, while the six-night Grand Tour of Ireland also visits Cork, the Lakes of Killarney, Galway, Connemara and Westport. Two-night journeys start from 3,160 (2,729) per person, based on two sharing with full-board accommodation on the train and all excursions (belmond.com). The Belmond Grand Hibernian's maiden journey is from Dublin to Portrush With around 2,300km of track, Irelands rail network connects Dublin with most of the major cities and towns of the Irish countryside, with the notable exception of the north west of the country. In the Republic of Ireland trains fan out from Dublins Heuston and Connolly stations and are operated by Iarnrod Eireann (irishrail.ie) also called Irish Rail the route between Dublin and Belfast is run jointly with Northern Irelands Translink NI Railways (translink.co.uk). As an example, a return fare between Dublin and Cork costs around 85. Trains for Belfast, Sligo and Rosslare depart from Dublins Connolly Station north of the River Liffey, while all other trains leave from Heuston Station on its south bank. The scenic Dublin Area Rapid Transit (Dart) commuter train skirts the edge of Dublin Bay from Howth to Greystones in County Wicklow and despite its prosaic connotations, treats passengers to some superlative seaside vistas. Part of the Darts path was the first rail line in Ireland, built in 1834 from Dublins Pearse Street station to Kingstown, as the seaside suburb of Dun Laoghaire used to be called. The worlds first commuter line, it was masterminded by the exceptionally talented and largely self-taught engineer, William Dargan, who is often referred to as the Father of Irish Railways. Over the next 30 years, Dargan went on to build over 1,200km of railway line two spectacular examples of his expertise are the Dublin-to-Wexford line that skirts its way along the coast, and the 18-arch Craigmore Viaduct, just north of Newry between Dublin and Belfast. You can also see a statue of him in the grounds of Dublins National Gallery of Ireland (nationalgallery.ie). This year marked 100 years since Irelands tumultuous Easter Rising of 1916. If you are setting off from Heuston station, spare some time to see the exhibition 1916 & The Railways on Platform 1, which is dedicated to the role the railways played in these historic events. It continues until the end of the year (irishrail.ie). The former Westport to Achill line has become a popular biking trail (Gardiner Mitchell/Tourism Ireland) The railway boom continued into the 20th century and at one point there was more than 5,500km of track all over the country. The breakup of the railways following Irish Independence, the rise of the car and the Second World War brought a gradual and much lamented decline of some of the smaller lines. A few of these have been sensitively repurposed as recreational amenities like the former Westport to Achill line, which was only open for 42 years before it closed in 1937. Its route is now the Great Western Greenway (greenway.ie), which has become a hugely popular, car-free hiking and biking trail. Hoping to emulate its success is the soon-to-open Deise Greenway (visitwaterfordgreenway.com) a 45km stretch of scenic, disused railway line between Dungarvan and Waterford in the South East. Earlier this year, Tourism Ireland launched a major campaign called Irelands Ancient East, to do what the Wild Atlantic Way did for the west, shining a light on this part of the countrys fascinating heritage, spanning over 5,000 years. Just over two hours from Dublin and founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, Waterford is the oldest centre of continuous settlement in Ireland. A celebration of all things gourmet, The Waterford Harvest Festival (waterfordharvestfestival.ie) takes place from 9-11 September. Waterford Harvest Festival (Patrick Browne/Tourism Ireland) You could also sign up for a Hook Island Safari (hookheadsafaris.com) to see the 800-year old, Hook Lighthouse on the stunning Hook Head Peninsula. This is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world that was originally maintained by an order of monks. Trips depart from Waterford at 9am and 2pm and cost 30 per person. The community heritage project, the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway (wsvrailway.ie) also takes visitors on a short but scenic jaunt along 17km of the former Waterford Dungarven line. Fares cost 8.50. Once run by monks, Hook Lighthouse is still operational (Failte Ireland) Recently nominated as a European Capital of Culture for 2020, Galway is one of Irelands largest cities but it really feels more like a village. Where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay, at the citys heart is a captivating jumble of medieval streets. Although its cultural credentials are well known, the city has also been garnering a serious international reputation as one of Irelands newest gourmet hotspots with a burgeoning abundance of standout places to eat. Theres everything the Michelin-starred Aniar (aniarrestaurant.com) and Loam (loamgalway.com) to Ard Bia (ardbia.com) and Kai Cafe and Restaurant (kaicaferestaurant.com). Galway is a gastronomic hotspot (Tourism Ireland) Rub shoulders with some of the worlds most exciting culinary wizards and thinkers like Massimo Bottura and Virgilio Martinez at the second annual Food on the Edge (foodontheedge.ie), a two-day symposium of discussions, held in the Town Hall Theatre on 24 and 25 October. One-day tickets cost 200. It doesnt go anywhere, but the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel (glenloabbeyhotel.ie) on the edge of the city is a novel dinner location vintage carriages from the 1920s that featured in the 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express. Two courses cost 56 per person. In its Edwardian heyday The Gobbins in County Antrim attracted more visitors than the Giants Causeway nearby. Catch the train from Belfast or Larne to Ballycarry, just one mile from The Gobbins (thegobbinscliffpath.com) in Islandmagee. Reopened last year having been closed for 60 years, this exceptionally dramatic, two-mile coastal path of walkways, stairs and gantries is edged by towering, black basalt cliffs on one side and the swirling sea on other. The Gobbins Cliff Path (Arthur Ward/Tourism Ireland) It was originally opened in 1902, masterminded by Berkeley Deane Wise, chief engineer of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company to lure more visitors to the region. Accessible only by guided tour, it costs 8.50 per adult. It's temporarily closed for maintenance but is due to reopen imminently. Where to stay The building boom of the 19th century also extended to a number of railway hotels purpose-built by the Great Southern & Western Railway. Despite subsequent sell-offs, several have flourished. Kerrys Park Hotel Kenmare (parkkenmare.com) is one of the most luxurious with a state-of-the-art spa and views out over tranquil Kenmare Bay. Doubles start at 190 per room, B&B. Park Hotel Kenmare is an old railway hotel With an enchanting setting outside the tiny village of Sneem, the nearby Parknasilla Resort & Spa (parknasillaresort.com) was designed in 1894 for the railway company and is a classic Irish seaside retreat. Doubles from 105 per night B&B. Right on the Wild Atlantic Way, steps from the beach and beautiful Clew Bay, The Mulranny Park Hotel (mulrannyparkhotel.ie), built in 1897, remains enduringly popular with and has the Great Western Greenway on its doorstep. Doubles start at 180 per night B&B. More information ireland.com Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A helicopter whirred overhead as I stood in shock on the golden floodplain. All around, elephants were falling, their legs collapsing under the weight of their extraordinary bulk. Id been briefed it would be like this, but no briefing could have prepared me for the sheer visceral impact of seeing such powerful yet vulnerable animals, one by one, flopping suddenly to the ground. Over the past century, Africas elephant population has declined from around 10 million to just 450,000, resulting from a combination of human wildlife conflict, habitat loss and poaching. But these elephants werent victims of callous criminals after their ivory: rather, they were being immobilised by a wildlife vet shooting darts from the helicopter above. It was July, and I'd been invited to Malawis Liwonde National Park to see the first day of the worlds biggest elephant translocation operation. African Parks (AP), a non-profit organisation transforming the continents reserves by battling poaching and restocking parks, was starting the complex process of moving 500 elephants from Liwonde and Majete Wildlife Reserve, both in the south of the country, to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in central Malawi. Today, Id see Group A moved from Liwonde. Peter Fearnhead, APs chief executive, told me these parks are islands in a sea of humanity, explaining Malawi is so densely populated, there are no corridors between wildlife areas hence the need for this huge operation. Tranquilised elephants lie motionless in Liwonde National Park (Will Whitford) But AP is accustomed by now to answering big asks. It was in 2003 that the organisation took on the management of Majete, which had been decimated through poverty and poaching. The parks transformation into a thriving wildlife destination is phenomenal. Its a beautiful reserve of verdant woodlands and gentle hills. AP acquired Liwonde and Nkhotakota last year, aiming to make them similar success stories, transforming Malawi into a major safari destination and rendering the parks both ecologically and socially sustainable. Liwonde is a park dominated by the Shire River, which teems with crocs and hippos as it twists across vast floodplains. Elephants, too, are prolific in Liwonde. On a morning walk, our group spotted an 80-strong herd dashing through dappled mopani woodland. Later, we took to the river, where we were mesmerised by a family of 10 with a frisky calf drinking just two metres from our boat. Even from the relaxing wood-and-thatch lounge of Mvuu Lodge, which overlooks the river, we could see elephants wading in the water. Both this lodge and nearby Mvuu Camp support nearby communities; most staff are local and I could tell they had a true sense of pride in their work. The wildlife seems happy here, too. From the decking of our luxury tented room, we watched kudus, hippos, elephants, impalas and baboons wandering the lagoon. Rhinos can be tracked with researchers and the river hosts fabulous birdlife, including rare African skimmers elegant black and white birds with striking bright orange beaks, that seem to dance over the water. Spotting African skimmers in Liwonde is a highlight for birdwatchers (Will Whitford) Liwondes a special place, according to Andrew Parker, APs operations director, whose energy and passion for the project is tangible. Once weve curbed poaching and brought lion, leopard and cheetah back, this will be one of Africas greatest wildlife regions. Liwonde is special, but AP has its work cut out. Poaching is rife here: rangers have recovered thousands of snares since last August and in a single day found 16 elephant carcasses. The human cost is staggering too: in four years, elephants have killed 60 people, usually in conflict situations when elephants raided much-needed crops. To help protect both communities and wildlife, AP is building a perimeter fence around the park. Moving 250 of their 800 elephants to Nkhotakota will also help. Poaching is rife here: rangers have recovered thousands of snares since last August and in a single day found 16 elephant carcasses

On that first morning on the floodplains of Liwonde, a young elephant had run away, frightened and confused at seeing her mum collapse. As she rushed towards woodland, the vet feared he might lose her, but darted her just in time. If the little one had escaped, Peter told me, we would have woken up the whole family and let them go. Its a mark of the compassion and professionalism of these conservationists, and the importance of family groups for elephants. Led by matriarchs, they bond together through generations, communicating in a language of rumbles, and even mourn their dead. Family life is important to elephants; they communicate in rumbles and mourn their dead (Will Whitford) With all nine of Group A elephants darted, the team sprung into action, numbering and monitoring each one. Sue, check A3s breathing, Peter instructed me. It should be around six breaths a minute. If it falls below four, shes in trouble. Sitting beside A3, with one hand at the end of her trunk, I counted her long, warm and fuggy breaths, staring intently at my watch. My role was miniscule in this giant operation, yet I felt intensely responsible for her. I saw the wiry hairs on her trunk, the mud encrusted on her huge ears, and stroked the smooth, slightly wonky tusks for which poachers would mercilessly kill her. As the crane winched her up, A3 looked dead, a grey lump suspended in mid-air

With webbing tied around her feet, I watched A3 lifted upside-down by crane onto a lowloader. It looks awful, Peter had briefed us, but it doesnt harm them. The capture stress they feel is minimal and well managed with tranquilisers. He was right, it did look awful. As the crane winched her up, A3 looked dead, a grey lump suspended in mid-air. Once Id helped lift her heavy trunk on to the truck, the tears welled up and I had to walk away, even though I knew the bigger picture. I knew her family would have the space they needed at Nkhotakota and their chances of survival were now stronger than ever. Far better to be shot by a dart from a vets gun than a bullet from a poachers. Sue monitors a female elephant (Will Whitford ) (Will Whitford) Nkhotakota, their new home, is a wild, hilly reserve with verdant miombo woodlands fringing the Bua River. I first came here in 2011, to the newly opened Tongole Wilderness Lodge. With a combination of community involvement and understated luxury, this laid-back lodge has remained one of my favourite places in Africa. You can hike, fish and canoe, sleep under the stars, or simply chill on the decks overlooking the river, a popular spot for the reserves resident elephants. Tragically, only 80 survive from a population of 1,500, the park having been under siege by poachers. But Samuel Kamoto, APs park manager, told me Nkhotakota will be unrecognisable when APs work is done. Its here that I once again saw A3, easily identified by those precious wonky tusks, sauntering casually into the sanctuary. Under sedation, Group A had travelled 350km overnight in 30-ton trucks, and this was their first morning in Nkhotakota. Calm and relaxed, and seemingly oblivious to the historic journey both she and AP had just made, I watched as she started to explore a new home abundant in food and space and hope for the future. Travel essentials Getting there Expert Africa (expertafrica.com; 020 8232 9777) offers a six-night trip to Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve costing from 3,576 per person based on two sharing. This includes international return flights to Lilongwe via Johannesburg with South African Airways, three nights at Tongole Wilderness Lodge in Nkhotakota, three nights in Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde, all transfers, all safari activities, all meals and some drinks. British visitors need a visa for entering Malawi, at a cost of $75 per person on arrival or 65 per person from the Malawi High Commission in London (malawihighcommission.co.uk; 020 7421 6010). More information 500elephants.org malawitourism.com Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One million British tourists visit Thailand each year, and despite the political turmoil that has characterised the country for several decades, the South East Asian nation is seen as safe especially compared with holiday locations such as North Africa and Turkey. A bomb attack a year ago at the Erewan Shrine in the capital, Bangkok, killed 20 people, including a British citizen. But the event was seen as an isolated incident, and once again Thailands tourist industry appeared to shrug off the tragedy. But the latest series of explosions that took place as the nation celebrated the birthday of the Queen of Thailand represents an alarming escalation of the bloody Islamist insurgency that has cost several thousand lives in the far south of the country where martial law still prevails. Recommended Read more At least four killed in bombings at Thailand tourist resorts Early reports suggest that these attacks were not aimed directly at tourists, unlike massacres in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia. But now Patong, the main tourist draw on the island of Phuket, as well as the resort of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, are in the headlines. If this marks a fresh campaign of violence, Teflon Thailand may not be able to brush off tragedies as easily as it has in the past. More widely, the sense that travellers worldwide are under attack is deepening, even if the risks to the individual tourist remain extremely low. This week the worlds biggest holiday company, Tui (owner of Thomson and First Choice) reported lower demand due to geopolitical events in Europe and beyond. In pictures: Thailand bombings Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: Thailand bombings In pictures: Thailand bombings An injured person is helped after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin on 11 August AP In pictures: Thailand bombings An injured person lying on the ground after a bomb blast in Hua Hin, Thailand, 11 August 2016. EPA In pictures: Thailand bombings An injured man being helped after twin bombs exploded in the resort of Hua Hin, Thailand, on 11 August AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Thailand bombings Thai rescue workers rush an injured bomb victim to a hospital following a bomb attack at the city clock tower in the center of Hua Hin, Thailand, 12 August 2016. A EPA In pictures: Thailand bombings Injured people receive first aid after a bomb exploded on August 11, 2016 in Trang, Thailand. Reuters In pictures: Thailand bombings A damaged street food vendor stall is seen where a small bomb exploded in Hua Hin on August 12, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Thailand bombings An injured man receives first aid after two bombs exploded in the Thai seaside resort of Hua Hin on 12 August Reuters Destinations from Turkey to Thailand are heavily dependent on tourism. Egypt and Tunisia in particular have been traumatised by the downturn triggered by terrorism. It remains to be seen if a combination of tougher security and resilience among visitors will be sufficient to maintain the appetite for travel that sustains hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has hit the headlines again for yet another ridiculous comment. Only a day after seeming to encourage the assassination of Hilary Clinton, he has upped the ante on his Obama-based rhetoric, calling the outgoing President the founder of Isis. He went on to suggest that Clinton was its co-founder at a rally in Sunrise, Florida. On first inspection, his comments appear to be part and parcel of the Trump propaganda machine, just another hiss of libelous sulphur from the business mogul. Indeed, his suggestion that Obama is a terrorist sympathiser is at best farcical, at worst heinously racist. Yet behind the smog of dirty American election politics belies a harsh truth: America and the rest of the West is responsible for the creation and rise of Isis. Republicans have always held that the Obama administration is responsible for the instability in the Middle East. Donald Trump has merely gone a step further with shocking, attention-grabbing comments; nothing new, one might say. The instability of the Middle East transcends Democrat-Republican or Labour-Tory divisions. Bush, Blair, Obama and Cameron all have blood on their hands, as the recent Chilcot inquiry showed. Indeed, while a multitude of factors contributed to the creation and rise of Isis, its roots lie in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The fall of Saddam Hussein sparked an era of instability, the optimum conditions for jihadist opportunism. A whistle-stop tour of Iraqi history since the invasion in March 2003 is a painful reminder of the Wests responsibility. On 9th April, Saddams government was overthrown; George Bush declared, Mission accomplished. Well, darling, I dont think it was. A few days later, Bush decreed the dissolution of the Iraqi Army. Overnight, at least 250,000 Sunni Iraqi menarmed, angry, and with military trainingwere suddenly humiliated and out of work. As Saddams statue fell to its knees in Baghdads Firdos Square, one man in particular was filled with elation: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a militant Islamist, who would go on to lead AQI, the Iraqi arm of Al-Qaeda and the predecessor to Isis. When he was killed by allied airstrikes in June 2006, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the man now at the helm of Isis as we know it, took charge. The letters signed by Donald Trump Show all 5 1 /5 The letters signed by Donald Trump The letters signed by Donald Trump The letters signed by Donald Trump The letters signed by Donald Trump The letters signed by Donald Trump The letters signed by Donald Trump A Shia government came into power headed by Nuri Al-Maliki. Bear in mind that Iraqis had lived under a Sunni dictatorship for 24 years. The power dynamic went through a sea change: the oppressed became the oppressors. Fast forward to 2011 and we encounter the Arab Spring. Of course, the best time for America to withdraw their troops: smack bang in the middle of a widespread revolution. Between 2011 and June 2014 when Isis took charge of Mosul one single US Cabinet Minister visited Iraq. To that end, Obama is to blame. In January 2014, Isis claimed Raqqa, declaring it as the capital of their Islamic State. A symbolic moment for the caliphate, you might say. But in an interview with The New York Times in the same month, Obama downplayed the threat posed by Isis, comparing them to junior varsities who put on a Lakers shirt and go around thinking theyre Kobe Bryant. To that end, again, Obama is culpable. Of course, this is a very brief account of a much more complicated issue ( ISIS: The State of Terror is a highly recommended longer read.) But these events alone highlight that the West left a power vacuum in the Middle East and, in the words of Ryan Crocker, US Ambassador to Iraq from 2007 to 2009, subsequently withdrew its influence and its interest. The West was reckless, be it Republicans, Democrats, Labour in the form of Tony Blair, or the Conservatives in the form of David Cameron. 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 Of course, no one foresaw the emergence of Isis; that is an unintended consequence of the war. But the causal connection between invasion and the rise in Isis cannot be downplayed. 380 terrorist attacks were carried out all over Iraq in the two years after the invasion. Jihadism and Isis gave hundreds of thousands of angry, young, futureless men a cause to fight for. In short, the invasion made an entire class of people feel like they had nothing left to lose or, perhaps, everything left to gain. One might say that Trump has said something fair, just and reasonable for once. Almost. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Kadiza Sultana, like the two friends who travelled with her, was 15 when she left the UK. These bright teens from Bethnal Green were radicalised and recruited online, joined Isis in Raqqa and quickly became jihadi brides (or, just as fast, jihadi widows). As news emerges that the schoolgirl, Kadiza Sultana has almost certainly been killed in an airstrike in Syria, so much of the online reaction to this seems to be along the lines of: well, she had it coming and good, now theres one less of them. Almost as bad as her death is the idea that she got what she deserved. If the idea that one of these girls is now dead, or the thought of her devastated family doesnt break your heart in two, then, presumably, neither will the phone conversation Sultana had with her sister, Halima Khanom, months ago. Recorded by ITV news, the call revealed that Sultana was scared, wanted to escape but had zero hope that she ever could. Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Show all 9 1 /9 Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Policemen outside Rouen's cathedral during the funeral of Jacques Hamel, the priest who was killed in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy on 26 July during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two jihadists, both 19, slit Hamel's throat while he was celebrating mass in an attack that shocked France as well as the Catholic Church Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Muslims place flowers and hold a minute of silence in front of the church if Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on 26 July Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two people hold each other by the new makeshift memorial in Nice, in tribute to the victims of the deadly Bastille Day attack at the Promenade des Anglais Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck attack that killed 84 people in Nice on France's national holiday. Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31, smashed a 19-tonne truck into a packed crowd of people in the Riviera city celebrating Bastille Day Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police work at a site where a Syrian migrant set off an explosive device in Ansbach, southern Germany, on 25 July, killing himself and wounding a dozen others Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis A Syrian migrant set off an explosion at a bar in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others in the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week. The 27-year-old, who had spent a stint in a psychiatric facility, had intended to target a music festival in the city of Ansbach but was turned away because he did not have a ticket Friebe/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police officers walk along train tracks in Wuerzburg southern Germany on 19 July, a day after a man attacked train passengers with an axe. German authorities said they had found a hand-painted IS flag among the belongings of the man, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, who seriously injured four members of a family of tourists from Hong Kong in his rampage Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis German police killed a teenage assailant after he attacked passengers on a train in Wuerzburg, southerg Germany with an axe and a knife on 18 July, seriously wounding three people Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AFP/Getty Images Whats so troubling about some of the reactions to these teenagers is the inability to see them as vulnerable children who were victims of highly effective grooming campaigns. Indeed, the grisly truth is that Isis, in so ruthlessly targeting such teenagers, seems to understand their vulnerability better than we do. To some extent, this is horribly familiar terrain. Remember, for instance, the grooming case in Rochdale, where teenage girls were sexually exploited by a gang of men. A report into this case found there had been a shocking inability to protect the girls involved, by agencies set up to protect children. One of the many disturbing questions around this grooming case is why such terribly abused girls, when they spoke of what was happening to them, were simply not believed. They werent even viewed as vulnerable, much less credible. Its as though being Muslim is the bit that attracts the blame and hatred, making these teenagers somehow more knowing, more complicit and less deserving of sympathy. Why should we feel sorry for people who willingly go and join such a grotesquely murderous group? Its as though fears over such violent atrocities carried out in the name of Islam have blinded us to the fact that British Muslim teenagers are still teenagers, still in need of support and protection. Campaigners are now expressing the wish that Kadiza Sultanas killing might help deter others from joining the death cult Isis, which is about the only grain of hope that can be extracted from such a desperately pointless curtailment of a young life. Much of the work of stopping others joining Isis is about developing resilience among those most vulnerable to extremism, providing powerful counter-narratives that inoculate against the potential to be recruited. These are measures for which counter-extremism workers on the ground have long sought help and resources. But this work is reliant upon wider societies for support. It is made effective through cohesion and a capacity to see extremism as a collective problem, rather than the fault and responsibility of any particular group. For that to happen, we need to see Sultanas death as an avoidable tragedy in the first place, not as something she brought upon herself. Her life, as a British teenager, was as a part of our society and so, too, is her cruel death. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Did you miss Lewis Hamiltons latest snapchats? Me too let me fill you in. A few days ago, the Formula One racing driver visited the Black Jaguar White Tiger foundation in Mexico, and the results are plastered all over his social media accounts. In one picture Hamilton clings onto a jaguar like a child whos just won a massive prize at the fair. In a close-up his hands are placed on a tigers cheeks (do tigers have cheeks?) and their faces pressed together. Then, lying on his back he poses next to the tiger, his finger in the animals mouth. A lot of internet-people were very much impressed. The pictures were labelled epic, and Hamiltons attitude of yeah my hands in a tigers mouth, big deal was much applauded. Everyone involved seemed to have forgotten the fact that tigers arent big cuddly toys theyre incredibly dangerous wild animals. Animal rights organisation Peta had their say, criticising Hamiltons actions as foolish. Theyre completely right anyone whos seen a David Attenborough documentary (that being 100 per cent of the population) is well aware that a tiger can chew your leg off. However, the conversation so far has focused on Hamilton. Weve been forgetting something. The exotic animals which pop up in your news feed arent props to liven up holiday pictures. Whether someones sitting on an elephant, splashing about with a dolphin or cuddling a tiger, chances are its funding an illegal poaching or breeding trade. Even if not, the animals used to tick something off your bucket list are often kept in terrible conditions and lead miserable lives. The foundation which Hamilton visited claims to rescue tigers and jaguars from circuses, breeding facilities and petting zoos. However in reality theyre just swapping one form of exploitation for another. How is the constant pawing they have to endure from invited members of the public and celebrities different from life in a petting zoo? The conditions are also questionable there are claims that the centre has overcrowding issues due to animals not being spayed or neutered. The foundation states that they exist to provide these animals with the best food and medical care available, and a life of dignity and love for the rest of their lives. They obviously have a pretty strange idea of dignity, as the tigers and jaguars are handled by a stream of strangers and included as a novelty in hundreds of selfies. If the centre was a legitimate rescue operation, they wouldnt allow tourists to enter the animals enclosures the policy would be safety first. Black Jaguar White Tiger claim to use celebrities and social media to raise awareness of animal welfare, but these images only further promote the idea that animals are ours to use as we see fit. 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 There are two possible situations whereby the sanctuary owners would feel that it is safe to allow humans into close contact with the animals. One scenario is that they believe the animals are so used to human company that there is no risk of them attacking, in which case they are being treated as huge pets. This would make it impossible for them to ever be released back into the wild. The other option is perhaps worse. In the exotic animal selfie industry, animals are very often drugged to keep them placid. It seems very unlikely that the foundation would feel comfortable with sending Lewis Hamilton in to play-wrestle with grown big cats unless they were drugged. Surely that knowledge would take the edge off your holiday memory? My twitter profile picture currently shows me at an animal sanctuary scratching a cows head, so Im clearly not against interacting with animals if theyre safe and well cared for, and able to wander off and munch some grass if they like. Its the attitude towards the animal that is the issue. Hamiltons desire to raise awareness of animal rights is laudable but unless its done right he risks contributing to their exploitation. Elena Orde is the Editor of The Vegan magazine Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of killing Russian servicemen in terrorist attacks in Crimea and warns that the deaths will not be ignored. The Ukrainian president, Petro Poroshenko, orders his countrys military to be in a state of combat readiness. Talks over the Minsk agreement, which established a ceasefire of sorts in the vicious conflict, have been put on hold. There are dire predictions that Ukraine is sliding back into war. The upsurge of this particular episode of violence, and its venue, has come as a surprise. There has been low intensity, but rising, strife in separatist Donetsk and Luhansk in the east over the last few months, but Crimea has not experienced serious military action since it was annexed from Ukraine by the Kremlin in the chaotic aftermath of the Maidan protests. That is not to say that Crimea has been entirely calm. Tartar and Ukrainian activists had claimed systematic persecution by the Russian dominated government in Simferopol. Some of those we met while reporting from there at the time have fled, some are in prison. On the Ukrainian side of the border pipelines carrying electricity into the peninsula have been blown up, creating severe power shortages: groups of Tartars have blocked roads at the de-facto border, stopping supplies from getting in. Inside Story - Is the conflict in Ukraine about to escalate? The reason for the timing of this flashpoint remains unclear. Some of us covering the fighting in eastern Ukraine were surprised that the Russians consented to the first Minsk agreement before taking the city of Mariupol which would have helped open a land corridor from the Donbas to Crimea. The Azov Sea port was vulnerable at the time: most of the Ukrainian forces had withdrawn and its defence was reduced to a few hundred increasingly disillusioned fighters from nationalist militias. Eastern Ukraine, despite periodic flare ups, has been a frozen conflict since then; a state of affairs which should suit Moscow. No one seriously believes that Crimea, which was part of Soviet Russia until 1954, would ever revert to Ukraine. Kiev, backed by the West, continues to claim suzerainty, but the Ukrainian government also admits that it cannot make that happen by military means. Russias opponents hold that the Kremlin has always wanted to reactivate military action and what better time to do that than when world attention is distracted by the Rio Olympics? Mr Putin, they repeatedly point out, has form for this; the war between Russia and Georgia took place in 2008 at the time of the Beijing Olympics. But there is evidence that on that occasion it was Mikheil Saakashvili who had begun hostilities by sending troops into the rebel enclave of South Ossetia, albeit he may have fallen into a well-prepared Russian trap by doing so. The Georgian president had believed that the US would come to his aid if necessary, despite a senior American diplomat warning him this would not happen. In the event we saw the American forces training the Ukrainians head off fast to Tblisi airport along the George W Bush Boulevard when the fighting started. Moscow has claimed that an officer in its intelligence service, FSB, and a Russian soldier were killed in two separate fire fights at the weekend. It is also claimed that weapons, including explosives for 20 bombs, and grenades, intended for use in an insurgency campaign, have been discovered. A terrorist ring has been broken up, and one of those arrested, say the FSB, is Evgeny Panov, a 39-year-old agent of Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR). The authorities in Kiev confirmed that he was a Ukrainian citizen but refused to make any further comments for data protection reasons. President Poroshenko described the charges as absurd and cynical and a pretext for the latest military threats against Ukraine. But are the Russians really preparing for military operations against Ukraine from Crimea? Those of us there at the time of the Russian takeover in 2014 were convinced that a plan already in place was in play. A demonstration in the capital, Simferopol, was followed by soldiers in unmarked uniform, the little green men, seizing strategic locations; marine infantry from the Russian Black Sea fleet quickly surrounded Ukrainian bases while the government in Kiev dithered. This time the Ukrainian forces, some trained by the West, are prepared. And, more importantly, it makes little logistical sense for the Russians to carry out an invasion, needing armour, through one bridge and very few crossing points across the isthmus. An amphibious assault would be a massive and risky undertaking. The Donbas remains the logical point of any further intervention, but would the Kremlin even contemplate another military mission with no discernible geo-political advantage while still heavily engaged in Syria? The Ukrainians themselves are divided over what will happen next. Pointing to Russian military build-up in Crimea Col Andriy Lysenko, spokesman for the presidential administration, maintained that a new offensive could take place next. But Anton Gerashchenko, an MP and advisor to interior minister Arsen Avakov, who is notably hawkish towards Moscow, declared I can say openly that we do not anticipate war by the Russian Federation on Ukraine in the near future Putins strategy relies on bargaining with Ukraine over the return of Donbas provided that we abandon all attempts to ever regain Crimea. Even Ukrainian military intelligence, accused by Moscow of plotting terrorism in Crimea, seems to be relatively relaxed. Vadim Skibitsky, its spokesman, said the Russian movements were in preparation for an annual exercise, Kavkaz-2016 (although he also pointed out that a Russian exercise was held just before the Georgia war) and added that fresh Russian troops in the Dzhankoy area are part of a regular six monthly rotation. The EU and US have extended sanctions against Russia over Crimea and the Donbas, but some European states want to see them relaxed in the future. But the Ukrainian government has also been accused of failing to fulfil some of its obligations under the Minsk agreement, such as holding local elections in the areas it holds in the Donbas. Furthermore, there continues to be irritation in the West over the failure of the Poroshenko government to combat widespread corruption. What is happening in Crimea now, as some officials in Kiev realise, is much more likely to be manoeuvres to place the Kremlin in a stronger position in a coming diplomatic campaign of attrition. It is not to pave the way for Ukraine to plunge back into war. Dublin has less office space and higher commercial rents than Frankfurt, making it a less attractive option for business looking to relocate from post-referendum London, a German think tank has claimed. As European Union countries ramp up efforts to carve up the Brexit spoils from the City of London, the Cologne Institute for Economic Research suggested Dublin is also too far down the global financial centre ranking to be a real competitor. And it claimed the city wasn't as internationally accessible as both Paris and Frankfurt, the two other locations mooted as potential beneficiaries from post-Brexit financial services investment. The potential loss of 'passporting rights' could see some finance houses move operations out of London. Dublin has been talked up as a possible contender for some increased investment in the wake of the Brexit vote, despite being of a smaller scale than some other European locations. But there are doubts about the extent to which it can benefit because of a shortage of housing and the high personal tax rates. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the German think tank believes Frankfurt is "likely to be the main profiteer of Brexit". "Dublin is only ranked 39 in the global financial centre ranking, which measures financial flows, the number of banks and other financial indicators, and it has also deficits in international accessibility, at least compared to Frankfurt and Paris," the report said. The report also states that Frankfurt scored strongly in the most recent Mercer Quality of Living Ranking, coming in at seven. That compares with a score of 33 for Dublin and 37 for Paris. "Of course, quality of living is in particular a question of preferences and without doubt some bankers will prefer Paris and Dublin over Frankfurt, but at least the analysis of Mercer hints at some of the amenities of Frankfurt," the report adds. Frankfurt, the report states, can attract business which needs knowledge about regulation, as it hosts the European Central Bank and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority is located in Frankfurt, while Paris has the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), although this is less relevant for banks. Dublin, however, is attracting interest. Insurer Prudential has confirmed it is considering shifting funds from its asset management wing to Dublin and Luxembourg as it moves to deal with the fallout from the UK vote. The boss of Prudential's M&G fund arm, Anne Richards, said the company could boost the number of funds it already has based in the two cities, depending on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. And international law firm Pinsent Masons is reportedly looking for office space here. The sale of docklands building is described as a significant milestone for the Irish markets The PwC building in Dublin's Docklands has been bought by London-based AGC Equity Partners in a 242m deal. The acquisition of One Spencer Dock represents one of the first big investments by a major institution since Britain's decision to leave the European Union. Joint receivers Luke Charleton and David Hughes announced the sale of the 21,000 sq m premises yesterday. The Nama-secured building is occupied in its entirety by financial services company PwC. One Spencer Dock was developed by Treasury Holdings in 2007 and comprises nine storeys excluding a basement. Mr Charleton said the deal reaffirms international investor interest in Dublin office space. "We are very pleased to announce the sale... following significant interest from domestic and international investors, which is a testament to the potential and value of a major development such as this," the EY receiver said. The deal was brokered by agents Savills and CBRE who sold it on behalf of both its joint receivers and Davy Real Estate. The building is let to PwC under three separate leases that have the same terms. PwC signed a 25-year lease for the office block back in 2007 with a total rent of 11.78m per year. Around 1,800 employees are based in PwC's Spencer Dock head office with another 1,000 across the country. Savills' Fergus O'Farrell described the sale as a "significant milestone" for the Irish market, reflecting strong investor confidence. The biggest standalone block in Dublin City went on sale last year with a market price of around 240m. A deal for the building with propert giant Hines fell through earlier in the year. The collapse of the deal led to accusations that Nama had overreached on the deal. A group of Dublin 4 residents are trying block plans by a property firm backed by Irish businessman Denis O'Brien from constructing a new 50m luxury apartment block development in Donnybrook. Last month, Dublin City Council gave the go-ahead to Gibraltar-registered Purleigh Holdings Ltd to construct 71 apartments in five standalone white pavilion blocks at Greenfield, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. The development consists of five four-storey block apartments with wrap-around balconies made up of 56 two bed, 14 three-bed and one four-bedroom apartments. In 2010, it was reported that the 3.3 acre Greenfield site was swapped with UCD for land beside UCD's Belgrove student residences and a reported 12.5m in cash. After leaving the site untouched for years, Mr O'Brien's firm is now well placed to capitalise on Dublin 4's booming luxury apartment market. The City Council gave the go-ahead for the scheme in spite of 18 separate objections lodged against the plan including three objections from residents' groups. The council granted planning permission after its planner in the case concluded that the development would not unduly materially detract from the amenities of either adjoining properties or the character of the area. However, the 30 residents of the adjoining Nutley Square have appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala through their management firm, Nutley Square Management Company. In a submission to the council, consultants for Purleigh Holdings stated that providing apartments at the site will contribute to the alleviation of the housing shortage pressure in Dublin. It said the scheme would also provide accommodation on serviced land, within close proximity to shops/facilities and with good public transport connections. The consultants state that the proposal "is representative of a carefully considered residential scheme, which has been the subject of an in depth analysis of urban character, environmental amenity and an appropriate urban design and landscaping design response". However, in its appeal, the Nutley Square Management Company claims that the proposal "seriously contravenes" the Dublin City Council Development Plan "in relation to character, height and density and is totally incompatible with the existing developments in the area". The appeal continues: "The proposed development behind Nutley Square due to its size, depth, width and height will truly have an unacceptable adverse impact on the houses in Nutley Square." The firm argues: "House owners in Nutley Square will find that they are overlooked by the proposed apartments and balconies due to a loss of privacy, in addition to having a visually overbearing impact". AIB has promised no customers will be left out of pocket after it latest IT crash. (Stock picture) AIB has promised no customers will be left out of pocket after it latest IT crash. The bank said all its services were back up yesterday evening after a major technical issue frustrated customers trying to carry out transactions. The technical issue meant online banking was affected, and customers were unable to withdraw money in branches. Mobile banking had also been affected. But the bank insisted its ATMs were not affected by the breakdown. In a statement yesterday evening, the bank said: "All services are now operating as normal. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers today while we experienced some technical issues. We want to assure customers that they will not be out of pocket as a result of this." Earlier in the day, the bank experienced technical issues which hit its branch and telephone banking services. But it insisted that ATMs were working. Hundreds of customers had been reporting problems accessing the AIB website. Customers expressed annoyance on social media that the bank's systems were not working properly. Both Bank of Ireland and AIB have been hit by repeated IT crashes, despite both banks insisting that they have spent millions of euro updating their electronic systems. The latest IT problem at AIB comes less than a month since the bank's internet and tablet banking broke down. At the start of July AIB admitted that some of its business users were not able to access its online systems for more than 24 hours. Deputy chairman of the Consumers' Association Michael Kilcoyne called on retail banks to invest more in their IT systems. "Investment in IT systems seems to be a long way down the list of priorities at the banks that we rescued," Mr Kilcoyne said. He said customers expected better service. "It is quite simply not good enough that we have so many systems failures when banks are charging so much," he added. Insurer FBD has slashed its losses in the first half of 2016 as a reduction in the firm's broker business caused written premiums to slip 2pc. FBD posted a 3.7m loss for the fist six months of the year, representing a massive decline from the 96.4m deficit the company reported in the same period last year. Gross written premium at the company fell to 180.8m during the opening half. Net assets per share at the company increased to 607c. The company said the slip in written premium was down to a 10m reduction in business through its brokers. FBD chief executive Fiona Muldoon said the results demonstrate the company is returning to profitability. "There is increasing stability in our reserves with no further prior year development recorded since the strengthening that occurred one year ago. As expected, there was a net loss of 3.7m in the first half of 2016. "We are firmly on track to deliver full year profitability in 2017. We remain focussed on our customer base in the Irish farm and small business sectors, backed up by a single brand consumer strategy. We will continue to serve that market in difficult trading circumstances," Ms Muldoon said. The company also announced the appointment of Orlagh Hunt to the board as an independent non-executive director. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, who backed a Brexit vote, has denied she's done a u-turn after she warned British Prime Minister Theresa May that the North's economy and farming sector is now vulnerable to a loss of EU funding and tariffs on trade. In a joint letter with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to Ms May, the two leaders pointed out the importance to Northern Ireland of EU funds. Political opponents have rounded on her, with the SDLP accusing her of performing a "reverse ferret". But Ms Foster told the BBC that she was listening to the public and setting out the north's special circumstances. "Brexit means Brexit, and our Prime Minister is very clear about that and I support her in that," she said. It comes as campaigner Raymond McCord lodged papers at the High Court in Belfast yesterday seeking a judicial review of the British government's move towards Brexit. His lawyers claim it would be unlawful to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without the Westminster parliament voting on the move. They also contend it would undermine the UK's domestic and international treaty obligations under the Good Friday Agreement and inflict damage on the peace process. Ireland is at risk of "another devastating housing market crash", a former deputy governor of the Central Bank has warned. "After having endured the collapse of its housing market less than a decade ago, Ireland has lately been experiencing a blistering recovery in prices, which already have risen in Dublin by some 50pc from the trough in 2010," says Stefan Gerlach. "Is Ireland setting itself up for another devastating crash?" Mr Gerlach, who stepped down as a Central Bank director to become chief economist at BSI Bank in Zurich last January, fears that Ireland's banking regulator is coming under undue pressure to relax lending rules. His views are contained in an article, 'The return of Ireland's housing bubble' for the global think-tank Project Syndicate'. He blames the construction industry and politicians who have "jumped on the bandwagon". "In January 2015, the Central Bank sought to protect financial institutions from another catastrophic bubble by restricting their lending to high-risk borrowers. "As a result, annual growth in property prices fell from a little over 20pc to just below 5pc," Mr Gerlach said. "But the construction industry, worried about its profits, has been harshly critical of the rules, as have ordinary people who have been denied credit, and thus must struggle to find suitable housing in a small rental market. Politicians, no surprise, have jumped on the bandwagon, to capitalise on the popular mood. "As the pressure on Irish regulators to relax lending rules intensifies, so do concerns that they will succumb to it. One hopes that they will continue to resist. Would-be borrowers do indeed face genuine challenges as a result of these regulations; but that is nothing compared to the pain that a collapsing bubble would cause," he said. Reflecting on his years at the bank, Mr Gerlach - deputy governor from 2011-2015 - said: "It's no secret that the collapse of asset bubbles carries massive financial and social costs. "With construction activity and investment spending grinding to a halt, sharp recessions - which cause tax revenues to fall, even as surging unemployment demands increased social spending - are unavoidable. "Taxpayers may even be asked to shore up financial institutions' capital base. The last time that happened in Ireland, it cost more than 60bn, or about 40pc of GDP." "The obvious question is why nobody stepped in before it was too late. The answer is simple: while the bubbles are inflating, many people benefit. With the construction sector thriving, unemployment falling, and banks lending freely, people are happy - and politicians like it that way." In a damning analysis of property bubbles such as the one that hit Ireland in 2008, he says: "The process is simple. Rising prices trigger a surge in building activity, which creates job opportunities for young, low-skill workers, whose employment options are otherwise limited, and generates large profits for property developers and builders. "Banks' profits rise too, because there is plenty of demand for mortgage lending, which is viewed as almost risk-free. After all, steadily rising property prices mean that, if a borrower defaults, the property can be resold at a profit. (The inevitable market correction remains too remote to be taken seriously at the height of the boom.) "Taking advantage of this lending, ordinary people, from taxi drivers to hairdressers, can become millionaires by playing the market on the side. "All of this benefits elected leaders, who win the support of voters who feel wealthier, the formerly unemployed who find jobs, and the homeowners whose houses are rising in value. "Endearing politicians to voters further are new spending increases and tax cuts that can be undertaken, as accelerating economic growth causes the debt-to-GDP ratio to fall." Daniel O'Donnell supefan Molly-Kate Sloan finally met her idol. Do you remember Molly-Kate Sloyan? The girl whose disappointed face launched a thousand memes back in February. When Ryan Tubridy introduced Rosenstock as O'Donnell on the Late Late Show Valentine's Special, Molly-Kate leapt from her seat in the audience with excitement. Expand Close The real Daniel O'Donnell will join this week's Late Late Show line-up / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The real Daniel O'Donnell will join this week's Late Late Show line-up However, when she realised it wasn't her idol, she was overcome with disappointment and could be seen frowning at the imposter. Her reaction was captured on camera and the 23-year-old became an internet sensation overnight. Expand Close Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell But she finally got to meet the real deal when Daniel O'Donnell invited her to his sold out gig in the INEC, Killarney today. The Donegal crooner kept good on a promise he made to her back in February when he reached out to Moilly-Kate with an invite to his sold-out concert. Expand Close Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell "I hope you'll be able to come to Killarney to one of the shows in August and it will be lovely to meet you. Good on you. You have great taste," he told his overjoyed fan. The events worker, who had been holidaying in Spain, flew home especially for tonight's gig. Expand Close Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Molly-Kate Sloan and Daniel O'Donnell MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Miriam OCallaghan and husband Steve Carson, who is based in Belfast. Photo: Tony Gavin Miriam O'Callaghan has revealed she has always regretted letting her husband leave the BBC to join her in RTE. The Prime Time presenter is married to TV director and producer Steve Carson. Carson, who is the current head of BBC Northern Ireland, previously left the company to join his wife in RTE. Although he left Montrose three years ago to take up his current position, that has not stopped Miriam from having pangs of remorse. Expand Close Miriam O'Callaghan and husband Steve Carson / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Miriam O'Callaghan and husband Steve Carson "When I first met him, he left the BBC to join me and I always regretted that and wanted him to go back to the BBC," she told the Herald. Carson has been rumoured to be the top choice to take over as managing director of RTE News and Current Affairs following the departure of Kevin Backhurst. Future When asked what the future has in store for her husband, she insisted he is content in his current role. "Don't believe everything you read. I love my husband, but he is his own person," she said. "I would say, quite loudly, that is he very happy in the BBC. "I'm very happy he's there and he's very happy he's there. I want him to be wherever he is the most happy at work." When asked if she thinks Carson may be happier to work closer to home in RTE, the TV host insisted she will support him in whatever decision he makes. "I have to say, I think at the moment he's very happy but it's his own life. We don't run each other's professional lives," she said. Video of the Day The Foxrock native is busier than ever as her summer months are filled with hosting Saturday Night with Miriam. "We've got the best figures in years, it's fabulous," she said. Show Although she does not worry too much about getting good ratings, Miriam said she's always conscious of putting on a good show for the audience. "I don't worry about the ratings," she said. "I think if you're a television presenter you should care that people want to watch you so you're not broadcasting to nobody." Flash Russia's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that talks were underway with the United Nations and the United States on humanitarian aid to Syria's Aleppo. "We support the UN proposals on establishing joint control of humanitarian aid to Aleppo delivered using the Castello road," which is the last rebel-controlled supply route into eastern Aleppo, the ministry said in a statement. More than 50 tons of food, basic necessities and medical supplies, as well as 93 tons of bottled water, have been delivered to Aleppo by Russia, the ministry said. It added that more than seven corridors were opened, allowing civilians and militants willing to surrender to leave the city. The ministry noted that all interested humanitarian organizations would be provided with security guarantees in their aid deliveries to Aleppo. The promise reaffirmed Defense Ministry's announcement on Wednesday about opening a three-hour humanitarian window with a full end of hostilities. According to Sergei Rudskoy, chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff, starting Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time (0700 to 1000 GMT), all hostilities, airstrikes and shelling would be ceased to support the humanitarian window. The Foreign Ministry hoped regional and international partners would literally engage in helping Syria overcome the crisis through political ways. Meanwhile, Russia is open to constructive dialogues with any party interested in settlement of Syrian crisis based on respect for Syria's sovereignty and independence, the ministry stressed. The situation in Aleppo flared up last month, when government forces unleashed an offensive in the north of Aleppo, triggering a violent retaliation from the rebels. The UN has been calling for a 48-hour truce to be set up to cater to the pressing needs of the two million people living in Aleppo. The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura on Thursday iterated his intention to resume Syrian peace talks towards the end of August seeking to broker a political end to the five-year conflict. The UN-mediated negotiations have been on hold since April this year. Drivers at Dublin Bus's biggest union are set to back industrial action in pursuit of a 15pc pay rise in a ballot today. The prospect of strikes that could cause chaos for up to 334,000 passengers a day will draw closer as Siptu's 1,161 drivers are predicted to vote in favour of work stoppages. It comes as Transport Minister Shane Ross denied he had been silent on the dispute and insisted it would not be helpful if he intervened right now. Siptu, which has 1,686 members at Dublin Bus, including drivers, supervisors, craft and clerical workers, will finish balloting all seven grades of staff next week. The Siptu drivers' expected decision will follow a ballot by the second-largest union, the National Bus and Railworkers Union, in favour of industrial action. It wants a pay rise at least as high as the 3.8pc annual increase achieved by Luas drivers. Siptu has balloted members on industrial action, which would take the form of 24- or 48-hour stoppages or an indefinite strike. "The feedback from our shop stewards is that it is likely workers will vote in favour of action," said Siptu divisional organiser Owen Reidy (pictured below). "People are determined to bring this to a just solution. They've suffered cuts in earnings up to 5pc." He said passenger revenues rose by 30pc while the State's subsidy fell by 24pc between 2010 and 2015, but the company still made a profit last year. Read more: Members of small Dublin Bus union back strike action over pay dispute Read more: Once bombastic Ross has made scant progress at Transport However, the Labour Court has said it is too early in the company's recovery to support substantial pay increases. Mr Reidy said he could understand why the court would say this, but the issue came down to State underfunding. "It should be investing when passenger numbers are growing," he said. "Workers aren't going to subsidise subsidy cuts." The ballots come after the unions rejected a Labour Court recommendation for a 2.75pc-a-year pay rise over three years. Bus drivers' wages are roughly 39,000 a year including premium payments, but tram drivers stand to make up to 53,000 when they get the full benefit of the pay rise. Minister Ross said it was up to the State mediation bodies to resolve the dispute. Dublin Bus has said it will wait for the results of the ballots of the remaining unions before considering the outcome. California is one step closer to new laws aimed at preventing a repeat of the Berkeley balcony collapse tragedy - and it is thanks in large part to the heart-wrenching testimony of Irish survivor Aoife Beary. State senator Jerry Hill put forward the bill after it had emerged that the balcony was built by a firm with a history of legal claims and settlements against it. However, the company was not required to disclose these to the state licence board. Irish students Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke, Niccolai Schuster, Lorcan Miller, Eoghan Culligan, all aged 21, and Irish-American Ashley Donohoe (22) all lost their lives in the tragedy last year. Speaking yesterday as his bill to strengthen disclosure requirements for building contractors passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, Mr Hill told the Irish Independent that the testimony of Ms Beary (22) was key. He said: "I don't think (the members of the committee)were quite ready for that. I mean we notified the chair about the testimony, but I don't think they were ready for just how powerful it was. "It has passed mainly because of the testimony of Aoife and her mother. There was also the powerful testimony of Jackie Donohoe (who lost her daughter Ashley and niece, Olivia Burke in the tragedy)," he said. Mr Hill said "there wasn't a dry eye in the house," as Aoife spoke, holding back her own tears, about how the event had changed her life. The senator said he was upset even recalling the speech. Read more: 'We failed these kids by allowing this' - Mothers of Berkeley tragedy victims give harrowing testimonies Watch: 'I miss them so much' - Berkeley victim Aoife Beary describes losing her life-long friends In her emotional submission to California lawmakers on Wednesday, Ms Beary said: "My life has been changed forever. I cannot believe that you are even debating this bill. People died. "You should make sure that balconies are scrutinised in this state to prevent this happening again." The group of friends were celebrating Aoife's 21st birthday at the time of the tragedy. She spoke about how their loss will now always be marked on her birthday. "I miss my friends so much. I have known them since we started school together at four years of age. "We had grown up together and now my birthday will always be their anniversary," she told the California senate. "While I have to deal with the loss of my friends, I also have to deal with all my own injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury, open-heart surgery, broken arms, hands, pelvis and jaw, along with losing all my teeth." Mr Hill said the tragedy had not only affected the people of Ireland, but also California. "I'm so pleased and delighted that we have been able to bring this law forward. It will save lives in the future and hopefully prevent tragedy," he said. Friends The bill, number 465, was previously defeated after lobbying from the construction industry in California. It underwent a number of amendments and nobody spoke in opposition to it this time around. It passed committee stage yesterday and it is hoped that the law will have passed all stages and will be enacted by January next year. In April, the state board found that "poor workmanship" in the waterproofing of the balcony resulted in water damage that caused it to rot and eventually fall. Angus Buchan will be sharing his views in The Hub venue in Kilkenny on August 24. A controversial preacher who has been criticised for his views on homosexuality and the treatment of women will be speaking at an event in Kilkenny later this month. Angus Buchan, a South African Christian evangelist whose rhetoric bears similarities to the American Religious Right, will be sharing his views at The Hub in Kilkenny on August 24. Buchan, who has a newsletter on his website which states that "Christianity is not for sissies", is described on the venues website as a man of a humble farming background who will be an encouragement for all on their journey with god. This is despite suggesting in a 2008 press conference that prayer could change a person's sexuality, when he said: I love (homosexuals) though, but they need help. We have prayed for them and God has changed their hearts. Buchan is also due to share his views at several conferences in the UK, despite protests from UK LGBTI groups. Speaking with KaleidoScot, Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of The African Human Rights Coalition knocked Buchan's preaching, by saying: Countries which respect LGBTI rights and womens dignity should deny Buchan a platform for the hate that so often incites abuse and violence. The High Court has ordered the extradition to the United States of a Wicklow man alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website that dealt with illegal drugs and hacking software. Gary Davis, aged 27, of Johnstown Court, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, is wanted for trial by US authorities on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Mr Justice Paul McDermott in a detailed judgment on Friday ruled that Mr Davis be surrendered to the US. The judge rejected all grounds of Mr Daviss opposition to the request including that his Constitutional rights and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights would be breached. After the verdict Davis embraced friends and family in the court. He was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison and can apply for bail in the event an appeal being lodged. Davis, who claims he suffers from a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome and depression, had opposed the request. Among his points of objection he says that if extradited he will be detained in an inhuman and degrading manner. If convicted in the US Mr Davis could receive a life sentence. Davis also claimed the extradition request was flawed, lacked clarity and the details of the charges against him were vague. It was also argued Davis should have been charged with corresponding offences he is accused of by the US in Ireland. In his judgment Mr Justice McDermott said the central issue in the case was the objections to the request based on Mr Davis's health. The evidence before the court, the Judge said, did not establish the high threshold of ill health and risk to life required to justify a refusal to extradite him. He said it was not the law that a person suffering from health conditions could not be imprisoned in Ireland or extradited to another country simply because imprisonment would give rise to changes in environment or disturbance in routine or removal from family. Persons suffering from Aspergers could be tried and sentenced for a criminal offence in Ireland and the courts had imposed sentences on elderly persons, young people with serious psychological or addiction problems and people who were otherwise ill. Judge McDermott said Mr Davis had argued that if surrendered to the US he would not be able to cope because he has Aspergers, depression and severe anxiety. He had claimed he would commit suicide in those circumstances. The judge said this assertion was something that must be regarded as "a manifestation of Mr Davis's illness" which may be taken into account should he receive a custodial sentence. It was not something that could stop a trial, and needed to be managed by prison authorities. Judge McDermott said he was not satisfied that there were substantial grounds for believing that Mr Davis would be exposed to inhuman and degrading treatment while detained in the US prison system. The court was satisfied that the US authorities would act to protect Mr Davis's mental and physical well being and take appropriate steps to address any symptoms of depression and anxiety. He would be accommodated as person with AS within the prison system. In his ruling the Judge noted the concerns expressed by Mr Davis about conditions at the facility in New York City, known as the Metropolitan Correctional Centre (MCC), where Mr Davis was likely to be held following his extradition. Mr Davis had claimed because of his medical condition his mental health would deteriorate and his life would be at risk if he were to be held in isolation at a special housing unit within the MCC. Judge McDermott told barrister Remy Farrell, S.C., counsel for the State, that there was a heavy burden on prison officials to assess and monitor those prisoners who were at risk of self harm. The court was satisfied that procedures were in place for the evaluation, treatment and assessment of persons arriving at MCC in respect of their mental health. He said that while there was "undoubtedly a great deal to criticise in the penal system of the United States as there is in the Irish system" he was satisfied that during any pre-trial detention of Mr Davis "reasonable and adequate provision for his problems would be made. The Judge also expressed his concern that Mr Davis was not in receipt of any ongoing medical provision or treatment for depression and that he had failed to engage with people who could provide therapy. The Silk Road, which was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2013, was an underground website that hosted a sprawling black market bazaar on the internet. Mr Davis is accused of acting as a site administrator on the Silk Road website using the name Libertas. It was launched in 2011. It was created and run by American Ross William Ulbricht under the pseudonym 'Dread Pirate Roberts' (DPR). Ulbricht had been charged and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The site offered anonymity to its users, where trades were conducted in the on-line currency bitcoins. The US' authorities claim between June 2013 and October 2013 Mr Davis was a site administrator of the Silk Road website and had an "explicit knowledge of the items for sale on the website". The drugs available on the site included heroin, LSD, cocaine and amphetamines. It was claimed that as part of his role, Davis dealt with queries from the site users, and had re-organised into different categories certain items that could be purchased on the website. Gary Davis pictured at the Four Courts. Pic: Courts Collins An Irishman who is to be extradited to the United States for allegedly acting as an administrator on the online black market previously boasted on social media that he was looking forward to his "three hot meals a day". Gary Davis of Johnstown Court, Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, is alleged to have been an administrator of the Silk Road website, which facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and hacking software. Last month, Davis (27) posted a message on his Facebook page after his extradition hearing was postponed. Was Kinda looking forward to my 3 hot meals a day handed to me to recover from Knockan [music festival], he posted on the 26th July. Judge obviously has it in for me. Silk Road, which operated in the dark web, was shut down by the FBI in October 2013 after more than two years of operation. The websites creator, American Ross William Ulbricht, was arrested and charged with money laundering, trafficking drugs and hacking offences. He was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole. If convicted in America, Mr Davis, who claims to have Asperger's Syndrome and depression, could receive a life sentence. 'The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, August 1 of this year in the vicinity of Frederick Street, Ashbourne, Co Meath.' (stock photo) Three Dublin men have appeared in court charged in relation to an assault which left a number of people injured and one man fighting for his life. Leroy Howard, Daniel Delaney and Declan Byrne, all with addresses in the north-inner city, were before Dublin District Court Thursday morning in relation to the incident. The court heard that CCTV footage of the alleged assault was available, and that gardai were awaiting directions from the DPP. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, August 1 of this year in the vicinity of Frederick Street, Ashbourne, Co Meath. All three men, who are aged in their early 20s, were granted bail on the condition that they abide by strict terms. Leroy Howard, with an address in Oriel Hall, Dublin 1, must sign on at his local garda station three times a week, observe a curfew between 10pm and 7am and stay out of Co Meath apart from for employment purposes and future court dates. When asked if he understood the conditions of his bail, he replied: I do indeed. Daniel Delaney, of Mariners Port, Dublin 1, is also required to sign on at Store Street Garda Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and be at a given address between 10pm and 6am every day. He was also instructed to stay out of Co Meath, but is allowed into the area for work. Applying for bail, the court heard that Declan Byrne, of Spencer Dock, Dublin 1, had a sibling as well as nieces and nephews living in Co Meath, and asked for more lenient bail conditions so he could visit them. Were not here to facilitate your social life, the Judge replied. However, similar bail conditions were also granted to Mr Byrne, who works in Ashbourne. The three accused will appear before Dublins District Court on October 18, as authorities in Co Meath were unable to secure a sitting in Trim District Court for that day. The three men had been detained by local gardai on Thursday morning, and were questioned under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. A total of five males and one female were injured during this incident, with three of the injured men removed by ambulance to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. One of the men, who is aged in his early 30s, suffered a fractured skull and other serious injuries. Daniel Kinahan, who is linked to the Kinahan gang Close associates of a man suspected of involvement in a number of feud-related murders were last night being questioned in relation to the seizure of an 'assassination kit' in the capital. The two criminals were arrested and detained by detectives from Finglas garda station on Tuesday and Wednesday night. One of the men, aged 26, is being questioned about the unlawful possession of a firearm, while the second, who is 31, was arrested for withholding information. Officers recovered a Nissan Pulsar on Saturday afternoon in Casement Park. In the vehicle were two handguns, a quantity of ammunition and a canister of fuel. Both of the men being detained are from Dublin's north inner city and are known to gardai. They are closely linked to a man who has been linked to a number of feud- related murders. The serious criminal has come to the attention of gardai over the last number of years for crimes including drug-related offences and assaulting gardai. However, gardai were considerably surprised when it emerged that he had progressed so far in the Kinahan cartel. Read more: Gardai foil hit after 'assassination kit' complete with guns, bullets and petrol found in car It had previously been reported that members of a gang from the Crumlin area, which specialises in stealing high-powered vehicles, were the chief suspects in the theft of the Nissan Pulsar recovered in Finglas. The car was stolen from the Donaghmede area of the capital almost three weeks ago. This Crumlin-based gang is led by a 29-year-old criminal who has survived at least three attempts on his life in the past two years. Detectives have established that he works closely with two other criminals. The three are among the top targets for the Garda's Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit. They have also been investigated as part of Operation Creeper, which targeted Dublin's burglary gangs. Gardai have estimated that the gang are stealing up to three cars every week from across the capital, as well as from rural locations. The 29-year-old mobster who is the perceived leader of the gang is considered a main player in the 'fishing' burglary gangs, which have been using fishing rods and other implements to snatch car keys through letterboxes and then steal vehicles. However, it is believed that he has become a gangland target because of his involvement in drugs. Last month, gardai arrested a gunman in the Crumlin area who it is believed was on his way to murder the man at his apartment complex. Dylan Byrne was killed in the Co Roscommon car crash A CRIMINAL who is a major player in the country's biggest car theft operation was arrested after a horror fatal car smash following an attempted armed robbery of a 74-year-old man. The crash claimed the life of a 20-year-old Dublin man who was a rear-seat passenger when the car left the road and struck a ditch near Boyle, Co Roscommon. Dylan Byrne, who is from Crumlin and is not known to gardai for involvement in crime, was taken to Sligo University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Herald can reveal that the two other occupants of the vehicle, aged 31 and 37, were arrested at the same hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries. They were held in relation to a terrifying crime which had happened in nearby Sligo town around half an hour before the fatal car accident. target Expand Close The road close to the scene Credit: Google Maps / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The road close to the scene Credit: Google Maps The 31-year-old suspect from Crumlin who was arrested is a major target for the garda's Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit and the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. He is being investigated in relation to a spate of car thefts and burglaries. He is considered the "right-hand man" of a Crumlin-based gangster who is one of the capital's most active criminals. The crash occurred after a garda alert had been issued about a red Renault Megane involved in the attempted robbery in Sligo. Officers suspect that the same car was involved in the fatal smash in Co Rosommon. Despite the alert, the car was not being pursued by gardai at the time of the crash. Earlier that evening, two criminals approached the owner of a Chinese takeaway at his home in Sligo town and threatened him with knives. The criminals managed to steal house keys from the 74-year-old Chinese man and attempted to break into his home. The man escaped from the gangsters, but they were not able to gain entry to his house as they dropped the keys which they had stolen. No money was taken. They then fled the scene. Half an hour later, their car was involved in a fatal road collision which claimed the life of Dylan Byrne. The crash occurred near Boyle in Roscommon. Detectives investigating the robbery believe that the businessman may have been betrayed by someone who had knowledge that he kept large sums of money at his home, and that this information was passed on to local criminals. These in turn are suspected of informing the Dublin criminals. The two men arrested in the hospital - who were the front seat passengers in the same car as Dylan Byrne - are well-known to gardai for involvement in crime. They were questioned for a number of hours at Carrick-On-Shannon Garda Station, in Co Leitrim, before being released without charge. A file on the case will now be prepared for the DPP. Yesterday, friends of Dylan Byrne posted a number of tributes on Facebook to the young man. "How can you go from being one of your happiest points to being absolutely heartbroken, can't even describe how I feel, brings tears looking at this picture. RIP brother you'll never be forgotten love ye, sleep tight." Another friend said: "Why is God so cruel, he's taking away everyone. RIP Dylan Byrne. Can't believe it." "My heart is absolutely broken," another wrote. The crash is the second in recent weeks in which the car involved was also suspected of being involved in a robbery. collided On July 27, two young men were killed in a car crash in Donegal when the car they were driving on the wrong side of the road collided with a van. Garda sources said a cash register was found in the rear seat of that car and the pair were suspected of being behind the robbery of a pub minutes before the accident. Barney McGinley (28), and Dermot Boyle (19) died at the scene of the accident on the Letterkenny to Derry dual carriageway. The targeting of the local businessman is similar to previous unrelated crimes in the recent past. Sources say that there have been a number of instances of owners of Chinese restaurants being targeted by burglars, including a 100,000 robbery in Mulhuddart, west Dublin in 2014. Gardai say there is nothing to link this week's attempted robbery to these other crimes. Recruitment for cancer trials in Ireland needs to be boosted. Stock Image/Getty Images Recruitment for cancer trials in Ireland needs to be boosted, a new study has concluded. Research conducted by the Medical Oncology Unit of the Mater Hospital revealed that 5pc of cpatients enrolled in a cancer clinical trial. But it stressed that the majority of such patients (71pc) did not have a cancer trial option available that met their needs. In those cases, the trials which were open did not meet their specific cancer type, the stage of their disease and their line of treatment. The study, featured in the 'Irish Medical Journal', reviewed the anonymous files of 140 cancer patients who attended the Mater. During the study, 19 cancer trials were available, covering 10 different cancer types. The study, supported by Cancer Trials Ireland, also found that six patients who were eligible to take part in a cancer trial declined. Dr Cathy Kelly, one of the study's authors, said the uptake of cancer trials had improved. "Over the past 10 years, the number of patients participating in cancer trials in Ireland has doubled and the number of trials opened has tripled," she said. Fellow author and oncologist Dr Ciara Kelly said reassuring cancer patients who were eligible for trials was also highly important. "It's about taking away any misconceptions that patients may have about the trials. A lot of patients may think they might be a guinea pig. "They may not understand that the trial is conducted in a really rigorous manner and their safety is a priority." You are here: Home Flash Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that China will strengthen its cooperation with Uganda in industry sector. "We stand ready to support the development of infrastructure, the construction and operation of industrial parks in Uganda. It is China's hope that Uganda will take the lead among African countries to realize industrialization," Wang said while meeting with his Ugandan counterpart Sam Kutesa. Wang said there is need to work together to implement the pledges made by China during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held late last year in Johannesburg. China pledged over 60 billion U.S. dollars aimed at fast tracking the continent's development. The money will, among others, fund infrastructural development and construction of industrial parks. China will roll out industrial cooperation programs in line with Uganda's development, share its experiences on industrial park construction, and encourage more Chinese enterprises to participate in the country's infrastructural development, Wang added. Kutesa thanked China's support for Uganda and Africa's development. He said Uganda hopes to accelerate its industrialization process, and deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing sector. Uganda would build more industrial parks, and create conducive policy and business environment to attract more Chinese investors, he said. Figures from the Chinese embassy in Uganda show that China's accumulated investment in Uganda totaled to 4 billion dollars. Signed agreements are worth over two billion dollars. Kutesa said China has been influential in financing critical transport and energy infrastructure projects aimed at fast tracking the country's economic development. Home insemination with donor sperm is occurring in significant numbers in Ireland Home insemination with donor sperm is occurring in significant numbers in Ireland, with some 75 shipments to home addresses from the world's biggest sperm bank in two years. The Cryos clinic in Denmark despatched the shipments to Irish homes during 2014 and 2015, according to the 'Medical Independent'. Figures show that the 20 orders in 2015 consisted of nine orders of anonymously donated sperm and 11 orders of non-anonymously donated sperm. In 2014, there were 55 shipments, of which 20 were anonymous donors and 35 were non-anonymous. The chief executive of the Danish clinic, Ole Schou, said many Irish people may not be inclined to inseminate in their homes as they can undergo the procedures at clinics in Ireland. Heterosexual couples usually choose anonymously donated sperm, while single women and female couples tend to select non-anonymously donated sperm. The 'Medical Independent' said Irish legal provisions that have not yet come into force stipulate that donated sperm used in donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) procedures in Ireland must have been donated non-anonymously. Banned The provisions in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 would apply to DAHR procedures conducted in DAHR facilities and do not cover home insemination, according to the publication. In states where the selection of anonymously donated sperm was banned, people often went abroad, said Mr Schou. Other couples turned to the "grey market" where unauthorised persons offered their "services". The Danish sperm bank is licensed under the EU Tissue Directive and screens donors for a range of infectious and hereditary diseases. One of the seven new African painted dogs plays in his enclosure. Photo: Patrick Bolger Seven painted dog pups are Dublin Zoo's latest addition. African painted dogs are an endangered species, so the arrival of so many pups is of "great significance", according to care team leader at the zoo, Helen Clarke. Expand Close The proud parents keep a watchful eye on their new brood. Photo: Patrick Bolger / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The proud parents keep a watchful eye on their new brood. Photo: Patrick Bolger The dogs were born five weeks ago, but have only just been taken out into the open by their mother after spending a number of weeks underground. As the mother prepared for the birth she created a deep burrow in the ground, which made it difficult for the care team to assess the situation. Newborn pups don't open their eyes for around three weeks and it is only at that point the mother will bring them above ground. African painted dogs have a unique coat pattern that makes them easily recognisable. Jonathan Peden and wife Roisin on their wedding day last month A heartbroken bride is in mourning after her husband of four weeks was killed in a tragic workplace incident yesterday morning. Jonathan Peden (33), who was described as "one of the most amazing people", died after an incident at Little Electrical Engineering in Lurgan, Co Armagh where he worked as a buyer. He married Roisin (nee Greene) at the beginning of last month at a ceremony in Craigavon Civic Centre. Speaking briefly to the Belfast Telegraph last night, grieving Roisin said she was "shattered" by her new husband's tragic death. Family members described the pair as a "happy and perfect" couple. Jonathan, a keen runner, was a former student of Banbridge High School and originally from the Donaghcloney area. It is the second tragedy to hit the Peden family in recent months. His brother, Andy and his wife were left homeless when a fire destroyed their Rathfriland home three days before Christmas last year. Andy, Rebecca and their two-year-old daughter Daisy fled their burning house in the early hours of the morning, barefoot in their pyjamas, and were forced to leave everything they owned behind. His parents and two brothers, including Jonathan, rallied round the family after they lost precious mementos. The heartbroken family are now planning for the newlywed's funeral. His brother Adam described him as the "first idol" in his life. "My amazing older brother's life was taken away this morning. The most shocking news I have ever received", he posted on Facebook. "Jonathan was one of the most amazing and kindest people, and for his life to be took just like that is heartbreaking. "Never will he not be in my thoughts, my friend, my oldest brother, my first idol in life. I love you big bro, just wish I could tell you that". The company where he worked said it had been left in a state of shock and paid tribute to "a much loved and respected member of staff". "A very tragic accident occurred resulting in the death of a very valued and long standing member of our team. Little Electrical Engineers is a small, closely knit family business which has been established for many years at Queen's Place, Lurgan. The accident has left us all in a state of shock. "This is the first time an accident of this nature has occurred and it is all the more painful because it is the death of a much-loved and respected member of our staff. "We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and assure them that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. "We are co-operating fully with all of the statutory authorities in investigating the tragic circumstances of this accident." The community has been devastated by the news of the death of the popular man. Assembly member Carla Lockhart said: "My thoughts and prayers are very much with the Peden family circle as they grieve the loss of a much loved son, brother, uncle, husband and step-dad killed in a tragic accident." Upper Bann MP David Simpson added: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the incident in Lurgan this morning where a young man has lost his life. "I know the man's family very well and my thoughts and prayers are with them." The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is investigating the workplace incident. Tatiana Prochukhan with her daughters Nadia (centre) and Maria at home in New Ross after they got the good news An asylum seeker who got anonymous donations totalling 20,000 to pay for her first year at Trinity College Dublin has been granted the right to remain in Ireland. Nadia Prochukhan (20), from New Ross, Co Wexford, shot to national acclaim in 2014 when she achieved 615 points in her Leaving Certificate. Money from kind-hearted donors enabled her to fulfil her dream of studying Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin. Mum Tatiana, who lectured in a university in Moscow, left Russia with her two daughters after she spoke out against Vladimir Putin. Nadia's case - along with another girl's - helped lead to a change in Irish law last year when then-Educatin Minister Jan O'Sullivan announced third-level student grants would be available to asylum seekers for the first time. Nadia, her mother Tatiana and her younger sister Maria were sent a letter recently informing them that their asylum application, which was submitted in September 2011, was finally approved. "People I never met donated money for me to attend my first year of college and that is why I've been able to get where I am today. I am so grateful to everyone," Nadia said. Tatiana said the family had spent the past five years living with no income due to their asylum-seeker status. Nadia's mother led a campaign for her daughter to be treated like her Irish peers. Tatiana feared the family would have had to survive indefinitely through donations and support from the people of New Ross and her 78-year-old mother in Russia. She said being approved to remain in Ireland was one of the greatest moments in her life. "The letter said we have permission to stay in Ireland for three years so we are entitled to everything an Irish citizen is entitled to, apart from being able to vote. We can become Irish citizens in five years, which would be amazing. We love New Ross and Ireland and I can't imagine living in anywhere else. The people are so good here," she said. Her family had endured five years of suffering with the constant threat of deportation hanging over them. "I have been fighting for my children's lives. Often there was no bread on the table. All our money was stolen before we arrived here. We had to wait for the decision because the Government changed the law twice. We were another cog in the wheel. When we got the letter and saw the words we were overjoyed. We have been through hell. We had no work permits and no means to make money." She said Nadia was one of the top performers in her class at Trinity, where in May she completed her second year of her four-year course. The Prochukhans are hopeful Nadia will be awarded a grant for her third and fourth years, because the fees come to 8,000 per year at Trinity. Tatiana said: "We have completed all the forms and we are waiting word from the social welfare office. My mother Nina has been paying our rent. She is 78 and works three jobs." Tatiana said the most difficult thing to witness in recent years was that her daughters never felt equal to their Irish peers. Tatiana moved here with her daughters Nadia and Maria in 2006, living here until 2009 when they had to return to Russia because her father was very ill. In summing up the last five years, Tatiana said: "Never give and don't forget to thank the people who help you." The wife of a civil engineer has made a desperate plea to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for lifesaving treatment for her husband, who has been told he has only months left. Natasha Carey (nee Healey) lives in Portglenone, Co Antrim with her husband Kevin, who was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Kevin's last hope is pioneering immunotherapy treatment - but it costs over 200,000 (232,800), as it is only available privately. Natasha and Kevin, who have been married for over six years, were on a trip to Portstewart in July last year when he became unwell and suddenly took a number of seizures. Expand Close Kevin with wife Natasha on their wedding day / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kevin with wife Natasha on their wedding day He was rushed to hospital where he was misdiagnosed with sudden onset epilepsy. But after arranging their own MRI scan Kevin, a former GAA player, was given the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma - an aggressive grade four terminal brain tumour. He underwent gruelling treatment involving major brain surgery in September last year. This was followed by six weeks of radio-chemotherapy, then six months of full strength chemotherapy to blast the last remaining cancer cells. The Portglenone man, who is described by Natasha as "wonderful, kind and funny", remained positive and determined throughout his treatment. Then in June this year medics told the couple the treatment worked and to book a holiday. However, days before they were to jet off Kevin fell ill again, and a year to the day he was first diagnosed, Kevin was given the heartbreaking news that the treatment hadn't worked. Natasha, who works as an optician for the NHS, said the tumour was growing so aggressively it had wrapped itself around major arteries, making it's way higher up into Kevin's brain. Expand Close Kevin shows the large scar from his operation / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kevin shows the large scar from his operation "Two weeks ago we were told Kevin had a three-month life expectancy, even with more chemotherapy," she said. "Kevin had to make a rapid decision to choose whether or not to undergo risky specialist neurosurgery away from home in London to try again to remove the bulk of the tumour. He is the bravest, most fearless man I know and replied to the three-month life expectancy news with: 'I won't be beaten, I want to fight'. "We got on the next flight to London, where Kevin had fully awake, local anaesthetic, brain surgery, which lasted a gruelling five hours. His head was put in a metal clamp and a saw was used to open the skull. "They gave him a few sedatives to calm his nerves and that was it. The surgery was a horrific experience for Kevin. "One experienced neurosurgeon said it was one of the hardest things she has ever had to witness. Kevin has taught them, and me, what strength really means." The neurosurgeons managed to remove almost 97% of the tumour. But the remaining 3-5% is still aggressive, and it's a race against the clock now to try to halt its growth. Their only hope at a chance to prolong his life, and put an end to this horrific ordeal, is pioneering immunotherapy in London. Natasha explained: "Immunotherapy teaches the immune system to find and attack the brain cancer cells, however it is only available privately and will cost 205,000 (238,580). We are putting all our personal finances, every penny we have, into funding this treatment, plus travelling back and forth to London, but we can't meet it alone." Last night, almost 40,000 (46,548) had been raised for Kevin on his fundraising page on the first day. An emotional Natasha said she was "overwhelmed and amazed" by the response. Donate here The proposed strikes would affect up to 334,000 Dublin Bus passengers a day and may take place towards the end of the month DRIVERS at Dublin Bus largest union have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in pursuit of a 15pc pay rise. SIPTU said a 95pc majority of its over 1,160 drivers backed industrial action and strike action. The union will complete a ballot of its members in seven grades, including supervisors and clerical workers, next Tuesday. SIPTU Divisional Organiser for Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction, Owen Reidy, urged Dublin Bus to return to the bargaining table immediately to avoid the "real prospect" of 24 hour and 48 hour stoppages and the possibility of an indefinite all-out strike. He said the result demonstrates the determination of members to bring the pay dispute to a fair conclusion. "Drivers and other workers at the company have not had a pay increase for eight years, have suffered reductions in earnings over the recessionary period and have been through three comprehensive restructurings during that time," he said. He said the company returned to profitability in November 2014 and, over recent years, passenger numbers and revenue have increased. "It is now past time for the pay of Dublin Bus workers to increase," he added. He said union officials will meet members next week to discuss and plan a "sustained" campaign of action. Dublin Bus urged workers not to engage in any action that will have a negative impact on customers and its finances. It said it is extremely disappointed with the majority of its employees' rejection of the Labour Court recommendation. "Dublin Bus has noted the outcome of the ballots and is available to engage with the trade unions with a view to seeking a way forward," it said. SIPTU clerical members also voted to support industrial action and strike action by 87pc and 80pc, respectively. Strikes at the company would cause chaos for up to 334,000 passengers a day. The ballot follows a vote by members of the National Bus and Railworkers Union in favour of industrial action. SIPTU said industrial action could take the form of 24 or 48 hour stoppages or an indefinite strike. The ballots were conducted after the unions rejected a Labour Court recommendation for an 8.25pc pay rise, or 2.75pc a year, over three years. They had lodged a claim with the court for a 5pc per year increase for three years from January this year, as well as a payment in lieu of a national wage deal increase of 6pc that was not paid. Bus drivers wages are roughly 39,000 a year including shift and premium payments but tram drivers stand to make up to 53,000 when they get the full benefit of the pay rise they achieved two months ago. Dublin Bus has said it will wait for the results of the ballots of the remaining unions before considering the outcome. According to its latest annual report, the companys operating profit was 10.2m last year compared to 11.6m in 2014. It said this was driven by a growth in customers, a continued focus on its costs and adjusted customer fare levels. It employs 3,400 people and its 2,500 drivers operate a fleet of 980 buses. A Nigerian woman, who was brought to jail after she lashed out at gardai in what was described as a ploy to avoid her imminent deportation, has lost a legal challenge into the legality of her detention. Mr Justice Bernard Barton said the woman, who is a failed asylum seeker and cannot be identified, claimed her arrest by the Garda National Immigration Bureau to be deported had been illegal and therefore, her detention in prison was unlawful. She had issued proceedings under Article 40 of the Constitution. Judge Barton said the womans daughter, who has always lived in Ireland and was due to go back to Nigeria with her, has been placed into the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, on foot of a court order, while the mother is being detained. Members of the GNIB had arrested the woman on foot of a deportation order issued against her almost 10 years ago. The State had argued the daughter had not been arrested and had been in the care of her mother at all times until the woman was brought to prison. Judge Barton said the gardai had been concerned for the health and welfare of the daughter as the mother being in jail, she would not be in her care. They had contacted the agency in accordance with the law and the child had been handed over to a social worker. Through her mother, the daughter had also initiated proceedings under Article 40 of the Constitution. She claimed that although she had not been arrested by the GNIB members, she had needed to follow her mother to the Airport and had therefore been detained. The woman claimed that four officers came to her place of residence to give effect to the deportation order and entered her house with the help of a security guard who had a key. She had been shocked to see the gardai in her house but had cooperated with them and arrangements had been made to bring her and her daughter, who was in her bedroom, to the airport. The woman claimed that only the arresting officer had the right to enter her house and the presence of the three other members rendered her arrest illegal. The State had argued that the three other officers were present to assist, if needed, the arresting garda. It denied the arrest had been unlawful. Judge Barton said the woman had cooperated until minutes before she was due to board the plane. She had then refused to get on the flight and had started shouting and screaming and had lashed out at gardai with her hands and feet before lying down on the floor. The gardai told the court the woman was informed that she would not be going on the plane but would be detained in prison pending the deportation proceedings, while her daughter would be placed into care. Judge Barton found the arrest of the mother at her home was lawful and her actions at the airport had led to her incarceration. He also found that the daughter had been in her mothers care at all time until she was brought to prison. It was the mothers behaviour which frustrated her and her daughters lawful deportation from the State. I find her arrest and detention at the prison is in accordance with the law, Judge Barton said. It is her arrest and detention which had the effect of separating her from her daughter and in my view, the childs placement in care is also lawful. It is a legitimate aim of the State to maintain its own borders and operate a regular system of control, the judge said. Flash Turkey and Russia agree that the next Syrian regime should be all inclusive, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. Speaking in an interview with local NTV, Cavusoglu noted that Syria should have an administration which allows everyone to practice their beliefs freely. "We think the same as Russia on Syria's future. The next administration in Syria should be inclusive and cover everyone," he said, adding the new administration in Syria "should be a secular one." "We always say only a political solution (in Syria) can be permanent, in terms of not hurting civilians, separating moderate opposition from terrorist groups and (ensuring) humanitarian aid," Cavusoglu stressed. "We are on the same page with Russia that Syria should have an administration under which everyone can live with their beliefs," he said. A Turkish delegation held talks in Russia on Thursday aiming at coordination on Syria and other bilateral issues following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane last year. Cavusoglu also called on Russia to carry out joint operations against the Islamic State, adding that the proposal was still "on the table." Cavusoglu said that cooperation between Russia and Turkey on politics, military and intelligence will pave the way to put bilateral relations on a solid ground and help resolve problems in Syria. During President Erdogan's visit to St. Petersburg on Tuesday, the two leaders agreed to set up a joint committee on Syria, which consists of military and intelligence officers and diplomats from both Russia and Turkey. 'Batman' Ben Farrell has jetted off to America in search of potentially life-saving treatment in Washington. Five-year-old Ben, from Finglas in north Dublin, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on Christmas Eve 2015. He has a stage IV Wilms tumour, which doctors here are struggling to treat, despite 19 rounds of radiotherapy. Expand Close Batman Ben / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Batman Ben Vigorous fundraising campaigns are helping Ben and his family pay for a clinical trial at the Children's Hospital in Washington, costing an estimated 260,000. The family arrived in Michigan four weeks ago, knowing Ben had progressive tumours and hoping American doctors could provide life-saving treatment. Bens mum Valerie told Independent.ie that all their hopes and fears for their young son lie in the treatment. Finally the drugs we have been wanting for so long, researching endlessly, fighting so hard for are being administered by our nurse who has come into the room dressed like someone ready to address an atomic bomb. The protection she wears is to protect herself from the toxic chemo she is administering to my baby, she told Independent.ie. To begin this trial Ben needed to have a biopsy of his right lung to remove the live tumour. What the doctors do next pushes the boundaries of modern science. Based on Bens genetics and whats driving his tumour, the doctors will make an innovative decision on how to fight the cancer. Ben has been through so much and I just feel like crying, the relief, the fear, the what ifs set in and we feel as well this immense pride. Valerie said shes proud of her young son for going through the treatment for the past year, going through things that would make most grown-ups want to faint. Read More She said she was amazed by the strangers in America who have helped the Farrell family during their stay. When people ask where we are from while here, I'm very proud to tell them 'Ireland' and we see a look of shock as it sinks in that we came all this way for our boy to join a trial. People have been very kind and welcomed us with great warmth. Everyone we meet has an Irish Granny. Even thousands of miles from home that Irish scenes of warmth and community is helping us. Words cannot describe how grateful we are to have that support. Valerie said she lives in the present and tries to fill her days with normal stuff and brought Ben and his younger brother Jack to Lake Michigan. Ben had a moment where he asked 'mammy when I grow up will I be able to swim like all those big boys or will I still have Freddy?' (Freddy is his Hickman line which is used to give him chemo and other medicines, draw bloods, give transfusions.) Freddy is an amazing asset but it is a big drawback to a five year old boy who wants to play in water. Sitting watching these boys swim almost broke me. But, of course my answer was 'yes of course you will Ben'. As much as we try our very best to keep everything 'normal' for Ben and Jack, it is not always possible. But, it is our normal now. Keeping busy allows Valerie to take her mind of what is actually happening to her family. Getting to this point makes me reflect and that is tough. Some days when I do allow myself to think I am more than shocked that we are here, that this is our life. Most days I don't think at all. A huge amount of fundraising has been done to help the family with their treatment in the US, with communities rallying together to support the family. I'm proud of our family, friends and communities who have got us this far, as well as the many strangers who have shown so much compassion. We are terrified when we see the hospital bills that money will run out. Every unexpected stay in hospital costs thousands and with cancer treatment comes a lot of unexpected hospital stays. On this first trip we have already had an unexpected stay which will add thousands of dollars onto our expected costs. The family miss their home, family and friends who rallied around them and supported them during this tough time. We miss the distractions of visitors at home, the endless stream of family and friends that hold us up. Ben tells me he misses our dog Belle the most and his best friend Jake. We all crave home. However, we are willing to stay as long as it takes because while being here we know Ben is getting the best care possible and that is a fantastic feeling. But, it comes with fear. You can donate to Bens cancer treatment here at: https://www.gofundme.com/batmanben Cup marks the spot: USA Olympian Michael Phelps was pictured with cupping marks after swimming to gold in Rio this week. Photo: REUTERS/David Gray All eyes were on swimming legend Michael Phelps as he climbed out of the pool after the 4 x 100m freestyle relay this week in Rio - and on the large, purple dots all over his shoulder. He hadn't fallen asleep on his medals, as one wit mused. The bruises were left by cupping, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that has taken this summer's Olympics by storm. Social media accounts have been buzzing with pictures of athletes displaying the marks, caused by blood capillaries rupturing under the skin. Cupping - where glass cups are either pumped with air or heated inside by a flame and then applied to the skin to improve blood flow, promoting healing and muscle recovery - is proving particularly popular with the US team (the bruises were clear on gymnast Alex Naddour and swimmer Natalie Coughlin), but the technique has been used by Chinese Olympians for years. Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston and, of course, Gwyneth Paltrow are also fans of this alternative therapy, but the fact that top athletes are embracing it is giving the practice a new buzz. "It doesn't surprise me at all that Olympics athletes are using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)," says Maria Maher of the AcuWell Acupuncture Clinic, which has branches in Athlone and Dublin. "These athletes have huge teams of medical practitioners so it's not unlikely that TCM practitioners travelled to the Olympics with them." Roscommon-born Tom Shanahan, who has a Professorship from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and is the founder of the Irish College of TCM (ICTCM), agrees. "One quarter of the world's population uses TCM," he says. "And there is a huge demand for these modalities." TCM is becoming increasingly popular and, nowadays, cupping is also used by some physiotherapists, alongside more mainstream techniques. In one session of cupping, neck and shoulder pain can be reduced. It can also be effective in the treatment of conditions like lower back pain. "In Chinese Medicine, our bodies are seen as one entire energy system," explains Maher. "The energy is called 'qi' and it flows along channels called 'meridians'. "If there is a blockage in that system, that blockage manifests as pain. The aim of cupping - or acupuncture - is to get the energy flowing there again." The treatment involves forming a vacuum using hollow devices and applying these to acupuncture points. This vacuum is created with either heat (fire) or suction. "The Chinese typically use bamboo," explains Shanahan. "We use bamboo too, although a lot of clinics use glass jars. The trouble with glass is that if you're not quick with your flame, you can heat the glass and hurt the client." The cups are left on the skin for 5 to 15 minutes and the vacuum effect sucks up the skin, drawing muscle and soft tissue to the surface, as well as blood capillaries that rupture slightly. It promotes healing by drawing blood to the affected area and relieves tensions, sprains and tenderness in the muscles and tendons. "Cupping treatment is never used on the face or a part of the body that is visible to the public," adds Shanahan. "If you leave it on for more than one or two minutes, it can leave what looks like a bruise. This can run the spectrum from rosy pink to red to dark red to purple - even to aubergine. If it's left on for too long - and has strong discolouration - it can take days to go down." "They usually disappear in a few days," adds Maher. "However, I always ask women if they're attending a black-tie event or going on holiday in the days afterwards." Shanahan advises that cupping is best used on "superficial complaints". "It affects the skin and the muscles. It is not systematic and it is not deep. It is specifically used for more recent injuries, the more recent the better. For example, it's an ideal treatment for a stiff neck in the morning, but not whiplash." Meanwhile, experts advise that cupping be performed with caution on pregnant women or people taking aspirin or warfarin to thin their blood. It should also be noted that not everyone is convinced about the benefits of cupping. Rigorous scientific studies around the therapy is lacking and anecdotal reports and professional athlete testimony does not constitute evidence of an effect. As Dr Martin Jones, a lecturer in sport psychology at the University of Exeter, puts it: "We don't fully understand the mechanisms by which it works and what the long-term effects could be. "If I was working with an athlete and they wanted to try cupping, I'd advise them that they were delving into the unknown." Telegraph Researchers at the University of Utah suggest that tying the knot between the age of 28 and 32 is the recipe for a successful partnership. Millennials are marrying much later than their parents but new research has suggested the age at which the best marriages are made. Researchers at the University of Utah suggest that tying the knot between the age of 28 and 32 is the recipe for a successful partnership. The study analysed more than 10,000 divorced couples and quizzed them on the breakdown of their relationships. According to the research, the longest-lasting marriages occurred between those who married after turning 28 and before the eve of their 33rd birthday. Partners who wed between those birthdays were less likely to split within the first five years, according to the study. Meanwhile, a recent study also found that partners are more likely to cheat ahead of a significant birthday. A new study conducted by adulterer's website IllicitEncounters.com shows the average person has an affair at the age of 39 as people tend to cheat when they're in an age ending in 9 as they see themselves at a turning point in their lives. It starts at 19 and continues to 29, 49 and 59. A spokesperson for the site said: "Our research shows that some people cheat to get their partners attention. If their partners a workaholic or unavailable to them, being caught with someone else is a way of saying: Hey, if you love me, pay attention to me!' "Payback cheating is also common. If youve cheated in the past or done something else to hurt your partner, they might retaliate to get even." The weekend that she crossed the finish line of the Great Pink Run is one that will always stick in Sinead Gaskins memory, as just hours after achieving the feat, the primary school teacher would discover a lump in her own breast. Sinead was 37 when she discovered a suspicious lump in the shower after running the annual race in memory of her fathers partner Elizabeth who died in 2010, just five weeks after she was diagnosed with the illness. The primary school teacher from Dublin admitted that Elizabeths death sent a lightning bolt through her family and revealed that her short illness encouraged Sinead to be proactive about her own care. Elizabeth had been feeling unwell and was complaining of stomach pains and fatigue. Unfortunately tests were carried out in September 2010 and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our family had such little knowledge of cancer, we had had no first hand experience with it until Elizabeth but we really though she would be okay. However, it had spread all over her body and she never really had a chance. She died five weeks after she was diagnosed, which was a real lightning bolt through our family. Expand Close Sinead Gaskin discovered a malignant lump in her breast days after running the Great Pink Run. Here she is pictured with her husband David after the race in 2015 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinead Gaskin discovered a malignant lump in her breast days after running the Great Pink Run. Here she is pictured with her husband David after the race in 2015 My husband David and I decided to run the Great Pink Run in memory of Elizabeth in 2012 in the Docklands. We were mindful of her and just wanted to do something to remember her, and raise some funds for Breast Cancer research. But that weekend is one that will stay in my brain forever. After we came home from the race I went for a shower and by a skim of my hand I discovered a lump in my breast. Since Elizabeths death I had been more conscious of my body, but I wasnt being as vigilant as I should have been, she said. After seeking the opinion of her GP, Sinead was sent for further tests in St Vincents Hospital. The teacher, who lives in Wicklow, was diagnosed with breast cancer days later. It was one of those moments where everything shuts down. All I heard was the words You have cancer. Of course I asked, Am I going to die? The hardest thing was telling my dad. He had lost my mum in 1999 and then Elizabeths death knocked us all for six. However, he was a fantastic support to me throughout treatment, and if he was upset or worried, he never showed me, she said. Because Sineads cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy were the prescribed course of treatment, and doctors advised that a mastectomy was also necessary to battle against the disease. Despite her illness, Sinead was determined to run the Great Pink Run after finishing her treatment in April 2013, even though people thought she was mad. I knew I wouldnt be able for the 10km but I knew the 5km was achievable. I just wanted to finish the race considering the previous year, it was the beginning of everything. My husband is super speedy and he did his 10km and when I reached 4km I could feel someone tapping me on the shoulder. It was David. It was so emotional, crossing the finish line together. Im so glad he came to find me. Throughout this experience I would have been so lost only for him. Hes been with me every step of the way. The pair have taken part in the race every year since 2012. The breast cancer survivor urged runners to sign up to the race taking place in September and supported by Avonmore Slimline Milk. Had I never done the Great Pink Race I dread to think what would have materialised, she said. The Canary Islands are set for record visitor numbers in 2016, with Irish visits surging in the past six months. 14 million holidaymakers visited between January and June of this year, according to the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (ISTAC) - a rise of 740,000 on 2015. 238,000 Irish have visited in the first six months of 2016 alone, a rise of 8pc as alternatives like Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey flounder due to terror attacks. Terrorism appears to be impacting tourism figures in France too, where hotel occupancy rates in Paris halved this July, according to the country's tourism ministry. Irish trips to destinations perceived as safe, however, are booming. According to the latest CSO Household Travel Survey, Irish residents took over 1.5 million overseas trips in the first quarter of 2016, up 12.8pc on last year. What's more, they spent a cool 1.2 billion in the process. "Spain remains a top choice for Irish people due to its excellent tourist facilities, year-round sunshine and fantastic cultural attractions," says Cormac Meehan, President of the Irish Travel Agents' Association (ITAA). "This year, it also offers a safe and secure destination following months of unrest throughout Europe and beyond." One downside to the boom in Spanish holidays, of course, has been a rise in crowds and prices - with few late deals available on package breaks. For savvy travellers, autumn and winter may make a better bet. As school returns, and with air capacity to the Canaries set to jump by some 17pc this winter, bargain hunters may yet get the vitamin D they crave. Read more: Premium Your personal finance questions Should I give up my tracker mortgage now that interest rates are rising fast? Q I am on a tracker mortgage so my mortgage bills have gone up twice since last July as a result of the two European Central Bank interest rate hikes. The interest rate on my tracker mortgage was 1.5pc before the ECB started to increase its rate in July. Now it is almost twice that at 2.75pc. Tracker mortgages have always been considered gold dust but I am now considering fixing my mortgage as I am worried the ECB may increase its rates again in the coming months, which would push my mortgage bills even higher. Would it be a good idea to give up my tracker and fix my mortgage? Our new Health Minister, Simon Harris, gave a speech this week at the Parnell Summer School in which he attacked those who attack political correctness. He said: "Whenever you hear the question 'Has political correctness gone too far?' be afraid. Be very afraid. Because, underpinning that ostensibly reasonable question runs a sewer of squalid assumptions, like that it's OK to use filthy terms to describe women, black people, Travelling people, disabled people or - at its simplest - politically opposed people." If this is all political correctness aims at, then we need not worry too much about it. In reality, however, political correctness has become the leading threat to free speech and open debate today. Let's provide him with some examples of this. Take what is happening in a growing number of universities for a start. There we see the growth of 'safe spaces', 'no-platforming' of speakers, 'trigger warnings' and accusations of 'micro-aggressions'. All of these are designed to 'protect' students from hearing opinions they find offensive or 'oppressive'. All offending opinions are excluded from 'safe spaces'. Speakers with 'oppressive' views are denied speaking platforms. 'Trigger warnings' are provided by lecturers to students as they introduce a subject the students might find offensive. 'Micro-aggressions' are remarks you and I might think are benign but someone else finds insulting, for example, the opinion that the human race consists of two genders only, male and female. (What about the 'gender-fluid'?) Recently, leading feminist Germaine Greer was subjected to a 'no-platforming' campaign. She was accused of being 'trans-phobic' because she does not believe a person with a penis can call himself a woman and be recognised as such simply based on his say-so. Two journalists, Brendan O'Neill and Tim Stanley, were to speak on opposing sides of the abortion debate at Oxford University. They were 'no-platformed' because the very title of the debate, namely that "This house believes Britain's abortion culture hurts us all" was deemed to be "anti-choice" in and of itself. The event was cancelled. Not so long ago, Mr O'Neill took part in a debate at Trinity College Dublin about the "right to offend". He is in favour of that right. Mr O'Neill has taken part in debates of this sort in numerous universities. He said the audience at Trinity was the most hostile he has ever encountered. Is Mr Harris even aware of these incidents? There are many more like them. Taken together, they mean that our universities, which are supposed to promote the free and open exchange of ideas, are increasingly dedicated to shutting down that vital exchange. Here in Ireland, we have had journalists investigated for so-called hate crimes, including Brenda Power. In an article, Power was very strongly critical of aspects of Traveller culture. Does Mr Harris think it is acceptable to investigate journalists for so-called 'hate crimes'? In Britain, a journalist was investigated recently by the British Transport Police following a minor scuffle he was involved in on a train. The other person involved in the incident accused him of "homophobic" abuse and assault even though the subject of homosexuality never arose in the incident, something attested to by a number of eye-witnesses. Nonetheless, the British Transport Police pursued the case relentlessly. In the end the journalist, Kevin O'Sullivan, was cleared. But the case showed how easy it has become to press a charge of 'hate' against someone. As it is, the legal fight cost O'Sullivan 15,000 (17,400). Political correctness seeks to suppress any viewpoint it believes 'oppresses' a minority. If you are against open-door immigration, you are a 'racist'. If you oppose gay marriage, you are a 'homophobe'. If you believe someone with a penis is necessarily a man, you are a 'transphobe'. If you oppose abortion, you wish to 'oppress' women. If you supported Brexit, you probably hate everyone who is not ethnically British. If you express nervousness about the size and scope of immigration from Muslim countries, you are an 'Islamophobe'. Furthermore, if you are accused of any of these things, then you deserve to be expelled from polite society, 'no-platformed' at universities and, if need be, charged with a 'hate' offence, your life reduced to a smoking wreck. It doesn't occur to those who espouse political correctness that opposition to it can be motivated out of concern for other goods, in the case of abortion, the right to life, in the case of open immigration, for social cohesiveness, in the case of gay marriage, concern for the rights of children. To the extent that political correctness aims to prevent genuine racism, genuine misogyny and so on, we can all support it. But when it tries to shut down debate about the right-to-life, the nature of marriage, immigration etc, it becomes an extremely serious threat to free and open debate and therefore to free and open societies. Paradoxically, it turns into an instrument of oppression in the name of fighting 'oppression'. The next time Mr Harris addresses the issue of political correctness, he ought to consider some of the above examples and offer a more informed view on the subject, one that is more attentive to the facts and is not simply a lazy exercise in 'virtue-signalling'. Old Bishop Daly was a hero of mine. In an age when the Catholic Church was betrayed by its own child-abusing priests, he was a man of great courage - in facing his own mortality after a terrifying stroke, just as he was when he waved a blood-soaked handkerchief in the face of British paratroopers, carrying the dying Jackie Duddy on Bloody Sunday. Duddy was 17 when he was murdered by a British soldier of the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment on January 30, 1972. Edward Daly was 82 when he died this week. And he was a man whom I always associated - for all the right reasons - with death. Less than two weeks earlier, Father Jacques Hamel (three years older than Daly) died before his altar outside Rouen, his throat cut by two men who claimed to be adherents of Isil, the very cult of death. They were killed by the police. But what of the other hundreds - thousands - of Isil followers in the Middle East who have hacked off the heads of their enemies, cut their throats, burned them alive, lowered them into well-filled swimming pools, cut them down in a blizzard of sub-machine gun fire? Do they have no conscience at all, even in their last years (always supposing they survive that long), decrepit and bald and waiting for the end? Do they forever "see through a glass, darkly"? I put such a question to Bishop Daly some years after he retired. We were sitting one evening in his room close to St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry. Did IRA men find their consciences in old age, I asked him, when they could see death coming for them? "No Robert, you don't understand," he said to me sadly. "The time the reality comes crashing in on them is when their first child is born. They have participated in the creation of a life and three months later young men come to me with problems because they have killed someone. This hits them while they are still young and not at such a remove from the act of killing. Some of them have sat here and wept." But, re-reading my 1997 interview with Daly, I am drawn back to a moment scarcely six weeks ago when I was standing on the stage of the Roman theatre at Palmyra alongside a Syrian army captain, not long after the city's liberation from Isil. "They made 25 of our soldiers kneel here on the stage after they captured Palmyra last year, beside each other with their hands tied," he said. "Then our soldiers were shot in the back of the head, one by one." Had the killer been found, I asked? The captain smiled at my stupidity. Again, I did not understand. "The executioner was a small boy," he said. "He was about 10 years old. When the terrorists left, they took him with them." Somehow, Isil - far less militarily dangerous than the al-Qaeda lookalikes that now pose under the name of Fatah el-Shams - had gone a step beyond the mournful scenario which Bishop Daly spoke of: the broken killer-father, driven to remorse by the birth of his own child. And yes, that Syrian captain's story was perfectly comprehensible. There is videotape in Syria of a child hacking away at a prisoner's neck with a knife, another of a seven-year-old boy - the son of an Australian fighter, now dead, named Khaled Sharrouf - holding a severed human head in his hands. I was much struck a couple of years ago when the French police found two Facebook accounts on the laptop of a teenage girl who had travelled to Syria. One was filled with school parties and music, the other contained an image of ruined Aleppo and a prayer that she might help to save the women and children of the city. Which was the "real Facebook", the cops wanted to know? The answer was surely simple: both of them. I was even more amazed by the remark of a French judge this year, who noticed that the mother of a suspected jihadi was bringing him, during court breaks, the food he liked to eat when he was a schoolchild. The judge remarked on the juvenile nature of this behaviour. Yes, mummy was bringing his favourite school ice cream to him. And there is, is there not, a faint connection between this and the pathetic email messages from teenagers already in Syria as they reassure future jihadis of equal immaturity that they can buy their favourite food in Raqqa. Armed Isil men have appeared on videos to extol their much-loved chocolate hazelnut spread, their enthusiasm for kittens and their hatred for 'Star Wars' (too violent, naturally). All this suggests that the "television terrorists" of Isil have not been radicalised at all, as Western terror experts and Scotland Yard claim. They have been infantilised. Isil has broken down the precious wall which separates childhood from adulthood, innocence from guilt. This - far more than mass murder - is their final dark achievement. Our "moderate" Arab dictators have been doing it for years, of course; turning their oppressed populations into children who will cheerfully obey any order to please the headmaster, prepared to vote 98pc - even 100pc - for their leader's cause. Hosni Mubarak's last appeal for his political survival in Egypt began with the words: "My children, my children" But where does that leave our own internal barriers to violence? A Derry caseworker with bereaved families reminded me, a couple of days after Bishop Daly's death, of Marie Newton, whose husband John Toland was murdered by the Protestant UDA (possibly with the collusion of the security forces) in 1976. Marie was left with seven children to care for. She remembered telling them after John was killed, however, that she was lucky she'd been their murdered father's wife, not the wife of the man who pulled the trigger. It was a sentiment Bishop Daly would have admired. In his biography, he speaks of Bloody Sunday - he was 39 then - as "the day when I lost any romantic notions or ambivalence that I may have had about the morality of the use of arms as a means of resolving our political problems." Armed conflict, he wrote, "brutalises both those who participate in it and the society in which the warriors [sic] engage" In 2003, Derry relatives of the 14 Catholic men killed by the British army tried to twin their city with Fallujah in Iraq after American paratroopers killed 16 Muslim Arab men there, all apparently unarmed. But such gestures scarcely approach a Middle East where the ceremony of innocence has now been so deeply drowned. I last saw Daly in 2002 when the Bloody Sunday families invited me to give their annual memorial lecture in Derry - the first Brit to be asked to do so - and I approached the Bishop beforehand as he sat among the audience. He was chatting quietly in the third row. I had no intention, I told him, of talking about my meetings in Afghanistan with Osama bin Laden. I was bored with repeating them at public talks and interviews. Daly shook his head in amused wonderment. "No!" he roared. "They will want you to tell them all about him." If I was to address the same audience today, however, I doubt if they'd be so keen to hear my words. Nor would Bishop Daly. Bin Laden's legacy in the Middle East has turned into something even he might not recognise today. Nihilism has begat infantilisation, where the schoolchild and the murderer have become one, as innocent and guilty as the other. Those who have "participated in the creation of a life" can no longer be relied upon to feel any conscience - when the only reality which will come "crashing in on them" will be the young child so soon to be contaminated by the father's acts. ( Independent News Service) Bernard Lee (26), who is originally from Greystones, Co Wicklow, has been living and working legally in Western Australia for the past seven years Bernard Lee is enjoying a holiday in Greece with his siblings and girlfriend after he spent 10 days in an Australian detention centre. 'We are absolutely delighted,' said his mother Una. 'We are very pleased with the fact that he got released so quickly which is unprecedented. We think it's because of diplomatic and legal intervention, and perhaps even more so because of publicity and media pressure both here and in Australia.' He has reunited with his partner Amal Michelle on the planned family trip to Greece. Una, and Bernard's father Norman, met the Grestones man at Dublin airport on Saturday night. He was escorted to the country by three security officers from the private company which runs the detention centre, said Una. Bernard is 26 and has lived in Australia since he was 18. He was arrested at his home in Perth by armed guards and brought to the Yongah Hill centre. His application for residency had been refused and his existing visa cancelled. Bernard and his lawyer both said that they received no notification from the authorities regarding his status. The tiler and bodybuilder has convictions in both Australia and Ireland including drink-driving, driving without a licence and obstructing police. 'What we want to do is highlight that Bernard is not the only one,' said Una. 'Lots of other people get caught up in the immigration system and it's such a tough system,' she said. Una said that her son did not intentionally break the immigration laws. 'He just didn't know,' she said. She said that they are not questioning the fact that his residency was denied on the grounds of his previous convictions, but that he was simply not made aware of the fact that he was no longer legally entitled to be in the country. She said that the convictions he has were from when he was much younger. 'The fact that they were a factor in the refusal of his application is very harsh in itself, but that's the way it is.' She said that Bernard had been given the same treatment as someone who would have been given a custodial sentence for, for example, a violent crime. 'But immigration is entitled to make whatever decision they wish to about a person and he accepts that,' said Una. 'Any hope he had of living in Australia is gone. He loved Australia and worked really hard as a tiler. He wanted to settle down and build up a life there. But now we just want to close the line under that and start a new chapter.' She said that Bernard's Irish cellmate had been in the centre longer than him. 'We heard that he was to be released on Sunday and he believes that is because of the media pressure both in Ireland and Australia.' Mrs Lee said that this is a cautionary tale for young people travelling to Australia. 'We don't really understand when our young people go off to Australia on their working holiday visas, as so many have done, that culturally Australia is very different from Ireland. There is zero tolerance on driving offences.' She explained that, for example, an unpaid speeding fine will keep multiplying until eventually the person's driving licence is suspended. Flash South Sudan expects to improve its food production this year to cover up the wide food deficit that has left more than 4.8 million people food insecure, an official said on Thursday. The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Cooperatives, Udo Mathew, told Xinhua that despite experiencing hunger in some parts of the country due to drought and conflict, they expected an improved harvest this rainy season. "In some places there is improvement in food security especially during this rainy period from July to this time. In some places you find there is reduction in food availability due to several factors like drought," Mathew said. He said in 2013 the government plan was to produce 1.5 million metric tons of produce but that was unfortunately affected by the political crisis. "And now in our Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan, our intention was to increase production level to the proposed 2.5 million tons of produce," Mathew revealed. The civil conflict in South Sudan since late 2013 has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than two million people from their homes. And there was renewed fighting in early July between troops loyal to ousted Vice President Riek Machar and those led by President Salva Kiir. Mathew said the recent crisis is definitely going to have an effect on food security this year. "Our plan is at least to expand earlier production. This is being done by the government by distributing 1,000 tractors to all the 28 states. And there is production going on in some states especially in areas where insecurity is mild," he disclosed. He added that Juba officials had told local authorities in the states to encourage the ongoing production. He also said that in a bid to ensure food security at households they planned to recruit annually over 503 agricultural extension workers to help boost production. "We have technicians but they aren't enough. Our plan was to train 503 extension workers annually," he said. Based on the latest 6.6% increase in the GDT (Global Dairy Trade) auctions and the milk prices being quoted on European spot markets, there is growing evidence to suggest that the lift currently underway in dairy markets will continue, according to Gerald Quain Chairperson of ICMSA's Dairy Committee, who continued to say that these increases must be reflected "at the first opportunity" in the prices paid to farmers - most specifically by those Co-ops currently paying less than 23 cents per litre. Mr Quain said Dutch Dairy quotations have rebounded in the last number of months with butter/SMP returns up 21% since their lowest point in March and WMP up 20% since its lowest point in mid-April. While acknowledging that these percentage increases are from a low base Mr Quain observed that they nevertheless represented an increase of 5 cents per litre up to 25cpl at farm level inclusive of VAT. He said that a number of factors were combining to indicate that better returns are already achievable: a tightening occurring in the global supply situation across Europe and New Zealand, lower milk production in Australia due to adverse weather, and a 'pick-up' in demand coming from markets. All this was moot, according to the ICMSA Chairperson, if farmer-suppliers were left wondering why the positive indicators are not feeding back into their milk price. "The last 18 months of low market returns were inflicted on all dairy farmers regardless of the increased quality base and the much hyped diversification of products sold by processors and Co-ops. Farmers had hoped they would, to some degree, be insulated from rock bottom prices by that high-profile diversification program engaged in by our processors but prices received by Irish farmers are only one to two cents per litre higher than that of New Zealand who traditionally sell base commodity products and who are a great deal further geographically from major markets than we are. The latest LTO price comparison shows Fonterra paying 20.11 Euro per Kg while the Irish processor returns a mere 0.89 eur/kg above them at 21 eur/kg. This makes a mockery of the much touted move to value added products when we see our farmer prices are on par with the main producer of commodity dairy products in the world and one, moreover, who must transport these product huge distances to reach market access", stated Mr Quain. The introduction of the voluntary production reduction scheme - which ICMSA was alone in advocating - has given farmers' options and Mr Quain said that if Co-ops want milk supplied in the last three months of 2016 they are going to have to respond with higher prices. With the option now of a payment that might cover all overhead costs for those months, farmers will think long and hard about producing milk at a time when direct costs can be significantly higher than other months. "The Co-ops are going to have to do two things immediately if they want to be able to count on anticipated supplies of milk in the last quarter: they're going to have to get more hard-nosed in their deal-making and really get the best prices in a rising market and, secondly, they're going to have to pay a price to their farmer-suppliers that makes it worthwhile to pass on the voluntary reduction production programme. In short, they're going to have to 'Up their game' - and very considerably at that", concluded the ICMSA Dairy Spokesperson. The woman at the head of the housing department in Fingal has a massive job on her hands and faces perhaps the biggest crisis in housing provision this county has ever been up against with social housing waiting lists of around 10,000 and too many families seeking emergency accommodation and facing homelessness. Margaret Geraghty does bring a wealth of experience to the role though with more than 30 years working in local authorities and more than a decade's experience working in various housing roles, first with Dublin City Council and now with Fingal County Council. Talking about her background, Ms Geraghty told the Fingal Independent: 'I worked in Dublin City Council for 31 years and for a good third of that or more was spent in different housing roles. I worked on setting up the affordable housing scheme back in 2005 when we had a previous housing crisis and we had to deliver quickly and I've also worked in Ballymun when the new Ballymun was built and I worked in the Finglas area where we did a very significant regeneration of Finglas South, which was one of those big estates that was built in the 60s and 70s. So, I'm a long time knocking around the housing area and I'm very fond of it and very passionate about it.' The Fingal housing director added: 'I've worked in many roles but one of the things about working in housing is that you are actually talking about and giving people a place they can call home and that is the big thing you really have to keep at the centre of everything you do. Out of that then, when people have that base, that's when we can all build our futures - when you have a place to call home. 'So for me, and it might sound a bit trite but it's a really important function that the local authorities deliver. You always have to think about what you are doing and why you are doing it and how that will work in the future because you are talking about people's lives and trying to support them to have a house and home in which to build their life, so I never underestimate the importance of it.' Asked if the current housing crisis is the most difficult problem she has faced in her time in the local authority housing sector, Ms Geraghty said: 'I think none of us who have worked in the housing sector for a long time have worked in a situation where the family homelessness need is as great as it is and that is very difficult and very new. There are a lot of people who have found themselves needing to access homelessness services for the first time. 'We would all have had experiences of homelessness where people have complex needs around addiction or otherwise, or broken family relationships but what we are dealing with now in terms of family homelessness is a very big and challenging thing for anyone working in the housing sector. 'The four Dublin local authorities, because we have the greatest number of families in emergency accommodation, work very closely together on that. It is very frustrating on the one hand, trying to move people on quickly out of emergency accommodation - it's difficult while you are waiting for supply to come into the pipeline. But it's also working very well as a joint role across the four Dublin local authorities because we are all working towards the one objective. 'All of the multiple parts of the trying to deal with the crisis are being dealt with in a co-ordinated way. So on the one hand, it's really the most difficult challenge I've faced in terms of housing and my housing experience but it also, out of it has grown a very co-ordinated approach across the Dublin authorities to work to solve the problem.' The housing department is based in the council's Blanchardstown offices and over there on the ground floor there are a row of hatches where people with often dire housing needs arrive to have their first face to face meeting with council staff and the housing director praised her staff for how they deal with that first, difficult meeting, as they try to help someone facing homelessness, find a place to call to home. Ms Geraghty said: 'I have to say, I'm coming up to one year working in Fingal and I can safely say that the staff working in the housing office on the public counters and otherwise, are extraordinarily committed - housing staff generally are because you know what you are trying to do and you know how important it is to yourself to have a roof over your head. 'So, it is difficult for them and they are dealing with people who are worried and upset and in different circumstances. We do all we can from a management perspective, with my senior people, to support our people on the counters and to help them to deal with difficult decisions and to mind themselves, as well as being compassionate about the people that they meet on a day-to-day basis. 'It is very, very challenging and I think from the chief executive down, that is acknowledged and it's actually appreciated as well as acknowledged in terms of recognising the great work that is done by the people at the counter and in fairness, the councillors have always acknowledged that as well. It is about being there and being available and being able to guide people through the maze that you have to go through to try to address your housing need.' Asked if the growing demands on the housing department means it will need more front-line staff, the housing director said: 'We have been fortunate so far in that we did get an increase in our resources and our budget to meet the targets that we have been set already and I think that both the Taoiseach and the Minister have been very strong on their commitment to provide the resources to us to continue to deliver on our targets and meet the new targets that will be set for us. 'So, I'm confident that resources won't be an obstacle to delivery but again, that's something we have to manage on an ongoing basis and we would have a very good dialogue with the Department of Housing and Local Government in that regard. They would be very hands on in knowing where our housing list is that and we would have very good communications with them in terms of where there might be obstacles to get around or otherwise. 'You will never have enough, probably and local authorities have lost a lot of experienced staff over the last number of years and that is a challenge. People have retired and left the system who were very experienced and new people have come in and that is a challenge that you have to deal with. 'Sometimes it is good to have people who have worked in it before alongside people who are new to housing. It's not just a question of resources and numbers, it's about the people you have and how you support and develop the people you have along with getting in any additional resources you might need.' With her experience in the housing sector, Ms Geraghty went into this role with her eyes open and knowing the depth of the challenge she would face in addressing Fingal's massive needs for social and affordable housing - so why did she take on a role that many might have viewed as something of a poison chalice? She said: 'In applying for the role in Fingal, if you go for a job in the public sector you don't know what specific role you are applying for. You know the level you are being recruited at is at director level. So, I was just applying for a role in Fingal and I was very interested in coming to Fingal because Fingal has a really good reputation as a proactive county. 'It's a very diverse county with a great mix of urban and rural and it has a really young population and it seemed like it has great assets and I saw it as something very worthwhile to do, to gain experience working in another local authority. Whatever the role I was asked to do, I would do it but when Paul Reid, the chief executive, said I was getting the housing brief, I have to say I was genuinely delighted. I've always enjoyed working in housing. It's not a single issue, it's very complex, you are dealing with people all the time and you are dealing with building the future of the local authority in any are and housing has a fundamental party to play in that. I was delighted to get the opportunity.' The issue of puppy farms continues to make news headlines. Last month, a man was fined 4000 for the illegal export of 88 puppies, seized at Dublin Port in February 2015. And just last week, fourteen puppies were seized by Gardai after being found in metal containers in the boot of a car. The dogs did not have access to water or fresh air, and had no valid documentation. They were seized because of alleged cruelty, with DSPCA reporting that this was the fourth seizure of its type in the last three weeks. And who knows how many pups are leaving the country illegally without being detected by the authorities? In recent years, there has been a tightening up of the laws controlling the export of puppies to the UK. All dogs now require a pet passport signed by a veterinary surgeon, they must be microchipped and registered with an approved database, and they need appropriate vaccinations, including rabies. Furthermore, dogs being exported to be rehomed or resold need a certified health check prior to departure, to confirm fitness to travel. If people break these rules, they leave themselves liable to penalties including a fine of up to 250,000 and/or a five year prison sentence. These laws are very specific and fair: they are designed to ensure the welfare and safety of puppies. Even animal welfare group that rescue stray dogs in Ireland have to comply with the laws if they are transferring animals to the UK for rehoming. Yet some puppy farmers - who are in the business to earn as much cash as possible - blatantly ignore the laws. It probably costs over 100 per puppy to comply with the legislation: for 88 puppies, that makes over 8800. When you compare this cost to the 4000 fine, you can see why some unscrupulous dealers are tempted to cut corners. Ireland used to be known as the "puppy farm capital of Europe", and in response, the government brought in legislation to control the mass breeding of dogs. The Dog Breeding Establishment 2010 introduced minimal standards for any premises that houses six or more breeding bitches, with compulsory inspections and licensing by local authorities to ensure compliance. The legislation has not stopped puppy farming: there are currently 73 registered puppy farms, producing around 30000 puppies per year. While some animal welfare groups feel that any production of puppies in a "farm" environment is wrong, the laws at least insist that the welfare of the animals is safeguarded as far as possible in the circumstances. The challenge for puppy farmers is that Ireland is a small market, and as well as the officially registered breeders, there are probably another 70000 puppies being produced by smaller breeding outfits (if there are less than six breeding bitches, the law does not apply) and by illegal puppy farms (it can be difficult to know what, exactly, happens behind the closed doors of rural premises). This means that there's a total of around 100000 puppies produced every year in this country, which is far too many for our own needs. At current levels of production, export to the UK is inevitable, and that's why puppies are being smuggled out. The UK market also attracts puppies from Eastern Europe, where there are less controls than in Ireland. While the Irish puppies tend to be breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and "white fluffy dogs" (such as Bichon Frise), most of the pups from the east are "designer breeds", with Pugs, Dachshunds, English and French Bulldogs making up 82 per cent of those smuggled into the UK. It's likely that some of these dogs are also making their way in to Ireland. The market for puppy-farmed dogs is driven entirely by the puppy-buying public, and as well as legislation, the best way to control the issue is for the public (that means you) to stop buying them. There are some clear clues that a pup is likely to be from a puppy farm: 1. If you are being pressured to come and look at/buy a puppy within the next 24 hours. Responsible breeders would want to meet you several times before letting you take one of their pups 2. If the seller can offer you multiple breeds and dog types. 3. If the seller refuses to allow you to meet the litter "Mum" and ideally, the "Dad". Excuses such as "she's out for a walk" or "she died in labour" should ring alarm bells, 4. If you are asked to meet a breeder in a lay-by, or if a breeder offering to deliver the puppy to your house. Some may ask: "what's wrong with a puppy farmed dog?" The main issue is that to be successful long term pets, dogs need to be well socialised during a critical time frame. It's vital that between three and twelve weeks of age, a puppy needs to encounter a wide variety of people, situations and other animals. If a pup is kept in social isolation during this period, there can be lifelong consequences, including nervousness, fear and aggression. This is the reason why many people believe that puppy farming is always wrong, even when done in compliance with the law. I have said before that my preference for most people is to choose a rescue dog, but if you are determined to get a pedigree puppy, remember to do everything possible to avoid a puppy-farmed dog. Parents don't need to wait until they are in financial difficulty before they seek advice regarding school expenses. This is the message that Money Advice Coordinator with Wexford MABS Nicky Rossiter wants to convey to the people of Wexford. MABS offer financial advice to people from all backgrounds and began their back to school campaign in June. They offer parents in various situations advice on how to cut education costs, and steer those who need extra assistance in the right direction. 'We're not just about getting people out of trouble. We are about stopping people from getting into trouble in the first place,' said Mr Rossiter. Mr Rossiter said that one of the first things that they do is encourage people to apply for any allowances that they are eligible for, saying that it can provide some relief for parents struggling to make ends meet in the face of a new school year. 'The allowances aren't near enough unfortunately but it helps a bit. Some schools are not as expensive and in those cases, it can go a long way,' he said. Measures can be taken to reduce the cost of school supplies according to Mr Rossiter, who said that MABS can offer some tips to parents facing a hefty bill. 'You need to look at what you have to get. For things like copies and pencils, they should look to the pound shops or buy in bulk with friends and relations. Substantial savings can be made,' he said. 'In terms of uniforms, there is a bit of a stigma surrounding buying second-hand ones and those in charity shops. Irish people in particular seem to think that when they buy in charity shops, they are the charity whereas in fact, they are being generous to the people who are being supported by that charity. This is a mindset that needs to change.' Voluntary contributions crop up in almost every school across the country and something that can pile more pressure on already cashstrapped parents. Mr Rossiter said that parents shouldn't be afraid to speak to the school principal about their concerns. 'As difficult as it may seem to talk to principals, it can be done. The rules come from the boards at the end of the day. It's not that principals are trying to get money from parents,' he said. 'If there is a reasonable amount that a parent cannot pay, they should just talk to them. If they are embarrassed about it, perhaps they could arrange to let the child bring in an empty envelope or maybe even one with less money in it.' Mr Rossiter acknowledged that, even through taking these measures, educational costs can be a hardship for parents. He said that, in dire cases, people should seek the support of St Vincent de Paul or in some scenarios, seek a loan. 'We would never send anyone into credit unless they understood it,' said Mr Rossiter. 'If things get very tight and people know how to use a bit of credit, some loans might be worth considering.' Although they are available to provide financial advice to people in any situation, MABS usually only receive calls from those who are in trouble. Mr Rossiter said that they sometimes receive calls from people who are struggling to pay bills as their money is going towards school supplies. He advises anyone in this situation to contact their bill provider and explain their circumstances. 'The most important thing to do is talk to who they owe the money to and explain the situation. This is much better than simply just not paying them,' he said. Discussing their issues with the school itself is another thing that MABS advises. 'People should talk to their boards of management and parents councils if the costs are too high. They are your representatives,' he said. 'If the cost of uniforms is too expensive, use your voice.' Enda Furlong, Ferns Community First Responders; Mary Gethings, Ferns Community First Responders and her mother Bridie Ryan of Coolbawn Square, Ferns A volunteer in a Community First Response Scheme in Ferns never dreamed that she would be called out to help save her own mother's life. Bridie Ryan (69) of Coolbawn, Ferns was having a heart attack when her daughter Mary Gethings who was on duty at the time, calmly rushed to the rescue. Mary is a member of a new ambulance support scheme established just a month ago and had the responder phone and a defibrillator and emergency medical bag in her car. She received a distressed phone call from her father Tommy to say that her mother Bridie had taken seriously ill without warning. On arriving at the family home, she realised her mother was having a heart attack and she immediately administered 300mg of Aspirin after assessing that it was safe to do so. Mary dialled 999 on a landline while using her mobile phone to summon fellow on-duty responder Enda Furlong who relayed details of the emergency to the National Ambulance service. Co-incidentally Mary then received a text alert to attend to the incident at her mother's. Mary and Enda managed to relax Bridie and make her comfortable while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance which took 25 minutes. The ambulance paramedics then took over. Bridie spent 13 days in Wexford General Hospital where doctors infomred her she was very lucky to have been part of a chain of action that prevented her from suffering serious heart damage. 'The early administering of Aspirin increased her chances of survival and minimised muscle damage to her heart by slowing down clotting and preventing blood clots,' said Mary who is one of 18 trained CFR volunteers now operating in the Ferns, Camolin, Ballyduff, Clologue and surrounding areas. The group supports the national ambulance service by providing emergency first response in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, chest pain, stroke and choking. 'During our training we were told that one day one of us may be called out to an emergency situation involving a close relation,' said Mary. 'But never in a million years did I think that within just four weeks of going live I would get the call to attend to my own mother. I was able to stay calm because of the training.' 'If I wasn't a volunteer with the Ferns CFR I wouldn't have had access to Aspirin for my mother. I dread to think what the outcome would have been without it.' Bridie is now recovering at home and is 'so happy to be alive', said Mary. Since the Ferns response scheme started on June 27, volunteers have received 11 text alerts from the National Ambulance Service to attend to incidents where people are suffering chest pains and stroke within the 5km radius that the group covers. 'Because the Ferns CFR volunteers live in the area themselves, they are on hand to provide lifesaving care before the arrival of ambulance paramedics,' said Mary. 'It's not just about the patient. It's also an emergency situation for the patient's family. The first responders can offer them reassurance and support until the ambulance arrives.' It is estimated that 5,000 people die each year in Ireland from a sudden cardiac arrest. Of those who died in 2013, 66% of the incidents happened at home. Early emergency assistance increases a person's chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Northern Ireland-born actress Roma Downey has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Emmy-nominated performer and producer who hails from Londonderry played an angel in US television series, Touched by an Angel. Her name has been installed next to her husband Mark Burnett's on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. She said she was touched. "This is a great day, a great day for the Irish - 25 years ago I came to America from Ireland looking for the American dream. "I came with my heart full of hope. The American dream meant to me freedom and opportunity and like many immigrants before me this great country has offered the opportunity to make my dreams come true." When she first moved to New York she worked in the cloakroom of an expensive restaurant on the city's Upper West Side. She recalled: "I could have only dreamed about affording to buy dinner in that restaurant. "I maybe got a quarter a coat and I met my very first celebrity, (television host) Regis Philbin. "I checked his coat and when he was leaving he gave me 20 USD and I thought I'd died and went to heaven." Video of the Day A few years later when Touched by an Angel was on television she was asked onto his talk show and recalled the encounter. "Only in America could that happen," she said. "That one year you're checking coats and the next minute you are starring on television." Downey has performed on stage with Dublin's Abbey Theatre Company and on Broadway. She has played JFK's widow Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Mary, mother of Jesus. Dolphins have long been renowned for their phenomenal intelligence. Dolphins never cease to amaze with their intelligence. However, a new study has found that they are even more like us than we previously thought. Just as humans speak to their babies before they are born - and some very keen parents play their unborn children Mozart - dolphins have been found to 'sing' to their unborn calves. Scientists have found that mother dolphins teach their babies signature whistles before they are born. Researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi observed mother dolphins performing a signature whistle for the baby in the months running up to the birth and up to two weeks after. "It's been hypothesised that this is part of an imprinting process," Audra Ames, a doctoral student at the university told 'Live Science' at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association. Calf She explained: "We actually do see that human babies develop a preference for their mother's voice in the last trimester. "We don't know if that's something that's going on here, but it could be something similar." It has been shown by earlier studies that mother dolphins start whistling a signature whistle much more in the days before giving birth. But scientists had never previously studied signature-whistle rates not only before and after birth but in the same mother. Ms Ames and her colleagues did just that by studying a baby dolphin, Mira, who was born to a nine-year-old mother at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California. The researchers captured 80 hours of recordings of the mother, the calf and the five dolphins with which they lived. Signature It was important to study the five dolphins too in order to understand whether the communication was exclusive to the mother and her child. Scientists found that the mother started increasing her signature-whistle production two weeks before birth - seemingly speaking to the unborn calf. Similar behaviour has been found in humans, according to Ms Ames. "We actually do see that human babies develop a preference for their mother's voice in the last trimester," she said. "We don't know if that's something that's going on here, but it could be something similar." ( Daily Telegraph, London) Mr Trump has regularly taken aim at Mr Obama and Ms Clinton for pursuing Middle East policies that critics claim created a power vacuum in the region that was exploited by Isil. Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci Donald Trump went on the offensive yet again on Wednesday night, stating that President Barack Obama was the "founder" of the Isil terrorist group. In an extraordinary attack on the commander-in-chief, the Republican presidential nominee said that the terrorists "honour" Mr Obama. He used the president's full name - Barack Hussein Obama - which is a tactic used by opponents of Mr Obama to imply he is a secret Muslim. "In many respects, you know, they honour President Obama," Mr Trump said at a campaign rally outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "He is the founder of Isis," he said, repeating the claim three times. He has previously accused his presidential rival, Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, of being responsible for Isil, but on Wednesday night said that "crooked Hillary Clinton" was actually the group's "co-founder". "And I would say," he continued, "the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Co-founder! Crooked Hillary Clinton! And that's what it's about!" The crowd chanted "lock her up" in agreement. Mr Trump has regularly taken aim at Mr Obama and Ms Clinton for pursuing Middle East policies that critics claim created a power vacuum in the region that was exploited by Isil. He criticised the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq that was completed under Mr Obama in 2011, claiming "he made a mess". "We should never have gotten out the way we got out," he said. "We unleashed terrible fury all over the Middle East. "Instead of allowing some small forces behind to maybe, just maybe, keep it under control, we pulled it out." The White House declined to comment on Mr Trump's latest claims. In June, when a shooter who claimed allegiance to Isil killed 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Mr Trump seemed to suggest that Mr Obama was sympathetic to the group when he said the president "doesn't get it, or he gets it better than anybody understands". On Wednesday night he said: "People don't like saying [radical Islamic terrorism]. Our president refuses to use the term. Every time another event happens, I keep saying, 'I wonder if he's gonna say it this time.' And he doesn't say it." "And Hillary won't say it either," he said. "She doesn't wanna say it, cause she doesn't wanna offend the president, because then bad things could happen to her if she offends the president. Bad things could happen to her. "So she's afraid to say it. Hillary's afraid to say it. [If] she did say that she would say it because of me, but she's afraid to say it. "But we have a real problem with radical Islamic terror. It's what it is. It's terror." In the past, Mr Trump has also falsely suggested that Mr Obama was a Muslim or was born in Kenya, where the president's father was from. Mr Obama is a Christian, who was born in Hawaii. Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) official inspects the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV A damaged public telephone booth is seen at the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV Investigators work at the scene of an explosion in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Investigators work at the scene of an explosion in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Injured people receive first aid after a bomb exploded on August 11, 2016 in Trang, Thailand. Picture taken August 11, 2016. Injured people receive first aid after a bomb exploded on August 11, 2016 in Trang, Thailand. Picture taken August 11, 2016. Rescuers and medical officers push an injured person on a gurney at the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV A policeman is seen at the site of one of two bomb blasts which occurred on August 11, 2016, in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV The site of one of two bomb blasts which occurred on August 11, 2016, in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. In this Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, photo, the injured are helped after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police are investigating a series of bomb blasts in Hua Hin and other cities in Thailand. (Daily News via AP) In this Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, photo, rescue workers help an unidentified woman after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police are investigating a series of bomb blasts in Hua Hin and other cities in Thailand. (Daily News via AP) In this Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, photo, an injured person is helped after a bomb blast in the southern resort city of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand. Police are investigating a series of bomb blasts in Hua Hin and other cities in Thailand. (Daily News via AP) A wave of co-ordinated explosions have hit cities in Thailand, killing several people and wounding dozens more. Among the injured were 10 foreigners in the seaside resort town of Hua Hin. It was not clear who was behind the attacks but the timing and scope suggested they were carried out by opponents of the ruling junta, which last weekend organised a successful referendum on a constitution that critics say will bolster the military's power for years to come. The violence took place on the birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit. The junta has repeatedly said that defending the monarchy is a top priority and the army and its allies are keen to ensure a smooth succession for ailing 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch. Expand Close Rescuers and medical officers push an injured person on a gurney at the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rescuers and medical officers push an injured person on a gurney at the site of a bomb blast in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, Thailand, in this still image taken from video August 12, 2016. REUTERS/REUTERS TV The first two explosions occurred overnight on a busy street in the tourist city of Hua Hin, which was hit again by another blast on Friday morning. The city is home to a swathe of beachfront resorts as well as a royal palace. Police and Thai media reported other blasts the southern cities of Phuket, Trang and Surat Thani. Tourist Shane Brett told Australian Broadcasting Corporation from his hotel room in Hua Hin that there was panic after the first explosion, which police said killed one Thai woman and wounded about 20 others, half of them foreigners. "I was at a bar in the main bar district in Hua Hin right outside the Hilton Hotel and at first I heard kind of a bang and everyone kind of panicked," Mr Brett said. Expand Close Injured people receive first aid after a bomb exploded on August 11, 2016 in Trang, Thailand. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Injured people receive first aid after a bomb exploded on August 11, 2016 in Trang, Thailand. He looked outside the bar and said saw people running. Half an hour later, he made it back to his hotel. On the way, he said he saw "a good few people injured and the whole area just panicking ... the whole area was just shut down with police cars, ambulances". Thailand's economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup, but tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with more than 14 million people visiting in 2016 so far - up from 12.5 million the year before. Expand Close Investigators work at the scene of an explosion in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Investigators work at the scene of an explosion in the resort town of Hua Hin, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Thursday's bombs were set off by remote control, half an hour apart, according to General Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, the police superintendent in Hua Hin, and his deputy, Lt Gen Samer Yousamran. Gen Sithichai said both devices were hidden inside plants on a street filled with restaurants, bars and food sellers that is popular with tourists and residents. He said a Samsung mobile phone had been recovered that they believed was used to detonate at least one the bombs. Thursday's fatality was reported to be a woman street food seller and several of the injured were in a serious condition. Lt Chaiyot Tisawong, an officer in Hua Hin, said 10 of the injured were foreigners. Their nationalities were not immediately known. On Friday morning, two more bombs exploded in Hua Hin, killing one person and wounding four, police said. Another pair of bombs exploded in front of two police stations half an hour apart in Surat Thani in southern Thailand. Earlier on Thursday, another bomb blew up in the southern province of Trang, killing one person and injuring six, according to Thai news reports. Trang is on the fringes of Thailand's deep south, where a low-level Muslim separatist insurgency had killed more than 5,000 people since 2004. Almost all the violence has been in the three southernmost provinces. Thailand has been plagued by political violence, including several bombings, since the populist billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a 2006 military coup after demonstrations accused him of corruption, abuse of power and insulting King Bhumibol. Mr Thaksin's removal set off sometimes bloody battles for power between his supporters and opponents, who include the military. The government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011, was ousted in the country's last coup in 2014. On Sunday, Thai voters approved a referendum on a new constitution that is supposed to lead to an election next year. Critics say it is undemocratic and is fashioned to keep the military in control for at least five more years even if a free election is held. In a speech on Wednesday night, junta chief and prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha took credit for bringing stability back to Thailand after an extended period of unrest. Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a junta spokesman, said Mr Prayuth "expressed his sadness over the unexpected and tragic incident (in Hua Hin)" and said ordered police and soldiers in the area to step up security measures. "It is too early to say who is behind this attack," Col Sansern said. "But I am confident that authorities will be able to find those who are responsible and bring them under the justice of the law." Col Krisana Patanacharoen of the Royal Thai Police said it was too soon say who was behind the attacks but "we are sure that it is not linked to terrorism". Hafiz Saeed Khan died in southern Nangahar Province on July 26, the officials said An American drone strike in July killed a top Islamic State group leader in Afghanistan, US officials have said. Hafiz Saeed Khan died in southern Nangahar Province on July 26, the officials said. The US state department last year designated Khan a global terrorist, saying he was the leader of IS in Khorasan, which includes former members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Khan had previously been a Tehrik-e Taliban commander, but last year pledged loyalty to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. US and Afghan leaders have been concerned about the growth of IS in Afghanistan. The group was targeted by a US-backed Afghan military offensive last month, in which five US commandos were injured. AP The French Riviera city of Cannes has banned religious full-body swimsuits known as burkinis from the areas beaches. Following concerns over recent attacks in France, Mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard this week announced the ban, labelling the outfit as a symbol of Islamic extremism. Under the new policy, introduced at the end of July, women will be prevented from wearing the outfit which imitates the traditional Islamic Burka. The ban sets out that: Access to beaches and for swimming is banned to any person wearing improper clothes that are not respectful of good morals and secularism. Beachwear which ostentatiously displays religious affiliation, when France and places of worship are currently the target of terrorist attacks, is liable to create risks of disrupting public order which it is necessary to prevent. Head of municipal services for the city, Thierry Migoule said of the new policy: We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beachbut ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us. Women wearing the controversial outfit at a beach in the city will first be asked to change their clothes or leave the area. If they fail to comply with either a fine of 38 could be issued to them. Traditional symbols from other religions will not be forbidden under the rule, which has also led the League of Human Rights in France to announce it intends to challenge the ban. The move to ban the burkini follows attacks throughout France in July, which left 85 dead in Nice and saw an elderly priest killed in northern France. Not long after Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic and a few years before Henry the VIII became king of England, a very special shark just might have been born in the icy waters of the Arctic. According to a new study, this Greenland shark was alive until recently when it was accidentally caught in a fishing boats net after, possibly, a life-span of more than half a millennium. The precise age of the five-metre-long female is rather uncertain. Researchers estimated it was born about 392 years ago in 1624, when the Palace of Versailles was first built as a hunting lodge but they added it could be anything between 272 and 512 years. This means it potentially lived through the time of Shakespeare, the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and the arrival of the Nuclear Age. The latter two events appear to have made their mark on the sharks. What is clear is that the Greenland shark now holds the record for the oldest known vertebrate animal on the planet by some margin. It might even have an outside chance of being the oldest animal ever found with a clam called the ocean quahog currently holding that record at 507 years. Writing in the journal Science, the researcher said: Our results demonstrate that the Greenland shark is among the longest-lived vertebrate species, surpassing even the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus, estimated longevity of 211 years). The life expectancy of the Greenland shark is exceeded only by that of the ocean quahog (Arctica islandica, 507 years). Our estimates strongly suggest a precautionary approach to the conservation of the Greenland shark, because they are common bycatch in arctic and subarctic groundfish fisheries and have been subjected to several recent commercial exploitation initiatives. According to the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species, the Greenland shark is classed as "near-threatened", although its current population is unknown. It was once hunted for its liver oil with 32,000 a year killed in the 1910s in Greenland alone. The researchers, led by Julius Nielsen, of Copenhagen University, radiocarbon-dated the eye lens nuclei of 28 female Greenland sharks. The sharks, ranging in size from 81cm to 502cm, were all bycatch caught by fishing boats. They estimated that the sharks have a prolonged period of "childhood", only gaining sexual maturity at the age of about 156 plus or minus 22 years. Some of the sharks bore signs of humans impact on the planet such as the radiocarbon signature left by open-air nuclear bomb tests in the mid-20th century and possibly a chemical time marker caused by emissions of fossil fuels, which has been detected in the marine food chain since the early 20th century. Germany will strip dual nationals who fight for militant groups abroad of their citizenship and make it much easier to deport foreigners under new anti-terror measures. But Thomas de Maiziere, the interior minister, has rejected calls for a ban on burkas or an outright end to dual citizenship. "No one can guarantee absolute security, but we have to do all we can," Mr de Maiziere said, announcing the new package of measures, which has been prompted by two terror attacks in Germany last month, claimed by Isil. The measures include a commitment to create thousands of new police posts and changes to make it easier to deport asylum-seekers and foreign nationals involved in crime or violence. "I propose that German citizens who fight for terror groups in other countries and take part in combat operations, if they have a second nationality, and only then, should lose their German citizenship," Mr de Maiziere said. But he stopped short of demands from senior figures in his and Angela Merkel's Christians Democrat party (CDU) to end dual citizenship altogether. And he rejected outright calls for a ban on women wearing burkas or full-face veils. The rules under which asylum-seekers and foreign nationals can be deported will be radically changed under the measures announced by Mr de Maiziere yesterday. For the first time, those considered a "danger to public safety" will face deportation even if they have not been found guilty of any crime. The authorities will also be able to detain those under a deportation order until they can be removed from the country. Mr de Maiziere stopped short of announcing an expected relaxation of medical-confidentiality laws to make it easier for doctors to report patients who might be a danger to the public. But he said he would discuss with doctors ways to make this possible. He also said he would increase monitoring of the so-called 'dark net' area of the internet after a teenage far-right gunman who killed eight people in a shooting in Munich last month obtained an illegal gun there. Meanwhile, Belgium has announced that police may be given greater freedom for off-duty officers to carry weapons amid growing concern for their safety after an Islamist attack on two policewomen on Saturday. Under the new proposals, officers would be allowed to carry "more efficient" weapons with them at all times. Police unions have pressed the government to do more to ensure their safety, given terror attacks in Belgium and elsewhere. A number of guidelines will also be issued to better protect police stations. The proposal has not yet been formally approved by royal decree but is expected to be in place within the next six months. In Saturday's incident, a 33-year-old Algerian attacked two female police officers with a machete, inflicting serious head-and-neck wounds on one of them. The attack was the latest in a barrage of terror incidents in Europe in recent months. Judge Lynch jailed Hennigan for 18 months for insulting and making racist slurs to a black mother in Harlow, Essex. (Stock picture) Complaints have been made against a judge in the UK who called a racist thug a "bit of a c***" after he launched a foul-mouthed tirade at her in court. Judge Patricia Lynch QC was sentencing John Hennigan at Chelmsford Crown Court in England for his ninth breach of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) in 11 years when the exchange took place. The 50-year-old was in the dock when he told her she was a "bit of a c***", to which she responded: "You are a bit of a c*** yourself. Being offensive to me does not help." Hennigan shouted: "Go f*** yourself", to which the QC replied: "You too." The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) handles complaints made about judges. A spokesman said: "The JCIO has received complaints regarding Patricia Lynch's comment, which will be considered." Judge Lynch jailed Hennigan for 18 months for insulting and making racist slurs to a black mother in Harlow, Essex. The court heard that Tanisha Ford, a black Caribbean woman and her two children, aged eight and six, and also black Caribbean, were in Harlow. She asked Hennigan for directions, which he gave her. He then told her: "I don't agree with inter-racial relationships. I like natural." Ms Ford asked what he meant and Hennigan replied: "I prefer white children." Ukraine's president has put the country's armed forces onto combat alert amid renewed reports of a Russian troop build-up in the disputed region of Crimea. The order came a day after President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of launching cross-border raids into the Russian-controlled peninsula that killed two servicemen. "I ordered a high-level alert of all units in the region of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and along the entire contact line in Donbass," Mr Poroshenko said after meeting with his national security council yesterday afternoon. Earlier, Mr Putin chaired a meeting with Russian security chiefs to discuss "additional measures for ensuring security for citizens and essential infrastructure in Crimea," the Kremlin said in a statement. Russia annexed Crimea before supporting a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine in 2014, sparking a war that has killed over 9,500 people. Crimea itself has previously been unaffected by the violence in eastern Ukraine. Moscow and Kiev have accused one another of dangerous troop build-ups in recent weeks, raising fears of a return to the all-out warfare that tore Ukraine apart in 2014. Russia's Federal Security Service said one of its officers and one soldier were killed in a series of fire-fights on Crimea's frontier with Ukraine between Saturday night and Monday morning. Three Ukrainians captured during the skirmishes confessed to planning a series of explosions in the region's resorts in a bid to sow panic and destroy the Crimean tourism industry, security sources told Russian media. Meanwhile, both government and Russian-backed separatists have reported a surge in violence in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with nightly battles erupting along the line of contact despite a nominal ceasefire. Mr Putin said the weekend attacks made French and German-brokered talks with Mr Poroshenko at the G20 summit in China next month pointless. Cancellation of the meeting would raise serious concerns about the viability of a peace road map Mr Putin and Mr Poroshenko agreed in Minsk in February 2015. Ukraine's border guard service said on Wednesday that Russia was massing modern equipment, including armed assault units, in Crimea and on Ukraine's eastern border. . Earlier on Thursday the Ukrainian armed forces announced scheduled exercises in the south of the country. "The events are developing according to a pretty negative scenario," Alexei Makarkin, deputy head of the Moscow-based Center for Political Technologies, said. "The tensions will remain or even escalate." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday backed away from repeated remarks labeling President Barack Obama and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as the founders of Islamic State, saying they were sarcasm. A new opinion poll showed Trump losing ground in three crucial states. Trump used the unfounded description of Clinton and Obama on Wednesday night and all day on Thursday during campaign appearances in Florida, including in an interview on Thursday with radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt. "I meant he's (Obama) the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player," Trump said, using an acronym for the militant Islamist group, adding that Clinton also deserved the MVP award. But in a tweet on Friday, he called the comments sarcasm. It was the same tactic he used to try to quell criticism after he invited Russia in late July to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time as U.S. secretary of state. He tweeted, "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) 'the founder' of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Trump's accusation against Obama and Clinton went well beyond a charge made in the past by him and other Republicans: that the president and former secretary of state helped create the conditions for the rise of Islamic State by withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011. But a Wall Street Journal/NBC News/Marist poll released on Friday suggested support for Trump is eroding among voters in three battleground states. Such states are hotly contested because their populations can swing either to Republicans or Democrats and thus play a decisive role in presidential elections. The poll found Clinton widening her lead in Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, while holding her advantage over Trump in Florida. Clinton released her tax returns on Friday, painting the move as a sign of transparency that her campaign says Trump lacks. While U.S. presidential candidates are not required to release their tax returns, it has become a common custom, and Clinton's tax returns have been made public, in some form, every year since 1977. But Trump has cited an audit by the Internal Revenue Service in refusing to release his returns. Trump also has said his taxes are no one's business and that they reveal little. Trump scheduled a speech in Warren, Ohio, on Monday that will focus on how he would handle the threat posed by Islamic State. Trump has said he would "knock the hell out of ISIS," without offering details, and would persuade Gulf states to bankroll safe zones for Syrian refugees so they would not have to be brought to the United States. Trump, a New York businessman who has never held elected office, has been mired in repeated controversies in recent days. He drew heavy criticism earlier this week after he suggested gun rights activists could take action against Clinton, a statement he later said was aimed at rallying votes against her. He trails Clinton in opinion polls ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Many establishment Republicans, alarmed by a steady flow of controversial remarks that have distracted from the campaign battle against Clinton, have distanced themselves from Trump in recent weeks. Nearly one-fifth of registered Republicans now want Trump to drop out of the race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday. On Monday, 50 prominent Republican national security officials, including a former CIA director, called Trump unqualified to lead the country and said he would be "the most reckless president in American history." Trump has blamed the U.S. news media for taking many of his comments out of context, and on Thursday night some of his supporters heckled and cursed reporters who covered the rally in a large arena in Kissimmee, Florida. Trump campaign officials were scheduled to meet with Republican National Committee officials in Orlando for what was described as a routine meeting to discuss operations in Florida, a battleground state that Trump needs to win. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus had privately expressed frustrations at Trump's delay in endorsing House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan in his primary contest for re-election. Trump was scheduled to hold rallies in Erie and Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Friday. Republicans frequently trace the birth of Islamic State to the Obama administration's decision to withdraw the last U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. But many analysts argue its roots lie in the decision of George W. Bush's Republican administration to invade Iraq in 2003 without a plan to fill the vacuum created by Saddam Hussein's ouster. It was Bush's administration, not Obama's, that negotiated the 2009 agreement that called for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011. Donald Trump has insisted his description of Barack Obama as the founder of Islamic State was simply sarcasm. At a rally, the under-fire Republican presidential candidate said Mr Obama was "the founder of Isis", repeating the claim in two subsequent interviews. But in a Twitter message on Friday criticising CNN's coverage, he said the network had reported his claim "so seriously". Trump tweeted: "THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" His initial comments were seen as accusing Mr Obama of creating conditions that allowed IS to thrive but, asked about that on Thursday, he seemed to go further, telling conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt: "No, I meant that he's the founder of Isis, I do." Meanwhile, Mr Trump has acknowledged that his presidential campaign faces challenges and could ultimately fall short. It was a rare show of humility as the boastful billionaire strayed from his signature bravado in the battleground state of Florida. He told a gathering of evangelical ministers he is "having a tremendous problem in Utah". The same day, the reality show star acknowledged that his lack of political correctness could cost him the election if Americans reject his blunt approach. "We're having a problem," Mr Trump told the ministers, adding that the next president could get to nominate up to five high court justices. "It could cost us the Supreme Court." After trouncing 16 challengers in the Republican primary, Mr Trump is encountering worrying signs as his campaign moves into the general election. Democrat Hillary Clinton's lead over him in national polls has widened in recent days, while a growing number of fellow Republicans have declared they will not support their own party's nominee. Mr Trump's exercise in self-awareness is a marked departure from his usual tenor on the campaign trail, where for months at rallies he would tick through poll numbers showing him winning. "We're going to win so big," he told a roaring crowd at the Republican National Convention a month ago. Yet on Thursday, he was reduced to citing a poll that showed him a few points behind Ms Clinton and arguing that the race was close. Asked how he planned to reverse her advantage, Mr Trump said he would do "the same thing I'm doing right now". "At the end, it's either going to work, or I'm going to, you know, I'm going to have a very, very nice, long vacation," he told CNBC. Even while working to restore confidence in his campaign, Mr Trump appeared to court fresh controversy when he said late on Thursday that he was open to trying Americans suspected of terrorism at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre in Cuba. Asked specifically about US citizens, he said he did not like that President Obama and others wanted to try them in traditional courts rather than military commissions at Guantanamo Bay. "I would say they could be tried there," Mr Trump said. "That'll be fine." In Utah, typically a reliably Republican state, Mr Trump's challenges have been particularly striking. The state's large Mormon population has voiced serious scepticism about him, though the state's Republican governor has endorsed him. "We've really been given a false narrative," Mr Trump said of his struggles in Utah. Yet in other traditionally Republican states, like Arizona and Georgia, party officials are concerned that Mr Trump's unpopularity could give Democrats an improbable victory. Those concerns are compelling enough that dozens of worried Republicans gathered signatures on Thursday for a letter urging the party chairman to stop helping Mr Trump and focus on protecting vulnerable House and Senate candidates. Mr Trump said he was not worried that Republicans would cut him off - and threatened to stop fundraising for the party if they do. AP Russia has warned it could break diplomatic ties with Ukraine over reported security incidents in Crimea, something it did not do even after annexing the disputed territory or throwing its support behind separatist rebels in the east. State news agencies quoted prime minister Dmitry Medvedev as saying he would not like the ties to be severed but "if there is no other way to change the situation, the president could take this step". Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 after a hastily called referendum, and a conflict between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces flared up in eastern Ukraine weeks later. Despite that and the conflict in the east, which has killed more than 9,500 people, Kiev and Moscow did not break diplomatic ties. Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin earlier this week spoke of that possibility but said Kiev would not want it because it would mean abandoning four million Ukrainians who live and work in Russia. Mr Medvedev's announcement comes after Ukraine put its troops on combat alert along the country's de-facto borders with Crimea, amid an escalating war of words with Moscow. German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier appealed to Russia and Ukraine to avoid a further escalation in tensions after Moscow accused Kiev of sending "saboteurs" to conduct attacks in Crimea. He said in comments published by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that Germany is in contact with both countries, and he plans to speak with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a planned visit to Russia on Monday. AP SHARE By Ray Chandler, Special to Independent Mail Races will be contested for two of the three seats on the Oconee County school board up for election in November. When the two-week period to file to become a school board candidate closed Thursday, Steve Moore of Walhalla and Joe Rukat of West Union had filed to run for the District 2 seat. Patrick James of the Clearmont community had filed to run against District 4 incumbent Denise McCormick. District 5 incumbent Buddy Herring will seek a third term unopposed. The names will appear on the November general election ballots in the three districts. School board seats are nonpartisan, and board members serve four-year terms. Qualifying for the nonpartisan elections opened on July 28, with the school district establishing the filing period and handling the qualifying process instead of the county registration and elections office. A spokesman for the school district said Thursday that the paperwork of the qualifiers must be filed with the South Carolina State Election Commission by Aug. 15. The District 4 race will pit the newcomer James against the three-term incumbent McCormick. James has said he is running because he wants to bring a more socially conservative approach to the school board and oppose what he described as immoral laws. The Bible, he said, will be his guide. McCormick could not be reached for comment. The winner of the District 2 race will fill the seat now held by Rosemary Bailes of Walhalla, who chose not to seek a third term. Rukat is a retired 44-year employee of the School District of Oconee County. He was formerly a math teacher, but at the time of his retirement was the school district's information technology director. A main reason for his running, he has said, is "to continue serving the students and teachers in Oconee County." Moore served as the District 2 representative on the Oconee County Council from 2000 through 2006. He served as the District 2 school board member before seeking the County Council seat in a special election. Moore is running on a platform of bringing about more open communication between the school board and the public and bringing more fiscal responsibility to the school board's management. Nihar Info Global applies for trademark registration for 'ONVO' Nihar Info Global Limited informed to the exchanges that it has successfully applied for Trademark registration of its private label "ONVO" under the 'Trademark Classes 18 and 21. ... October 28, 2022 | 28-10-2022 2:37 pm Rupee rises 4 paisa to 82.29/$ Early on Friday, the rupee strengthened against the US dollar by 4 paise to 82.29, helped by a weak US dollar in the international market and strong local equities. The influx of new fore... October 28, 2022 | 28-10-2022 2:30 pm PNB Housing Finance's net profit increases by 12% PNB Housing Finance announced on Thursday that its September 20222023 quarter net profit increased by 11.7% to Rs 262.63 crore, thanks to a little increase in core income. In the same period... October 28, 2022 | 28-10-2022 2:25 pm Dhanuka Agritech soars ~8% as board to consider buyback Dhanuka Agritechs stock surged as much as 8% in Fridays intraday session and touched a high of Rs742. The company stated in its filing with the exchanges that at its ensuing ge... October 28, 2022 | 28-10-2022 2:18 pm Markets trade flat amid volatility; Nifty below 17,800 dragged by metals Domestic benchmark indices in a volatile session and trading flat after a gap-up opening on Friday. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks are in the green during the afternoon market session ami... October 28, 2022 | 28-10-2022 2:00 pm The Lakota Food Summit drew hundreds of us to talk about how to eat, how to cook, how to pay attention to the environment and how to engage in plantings and harvesting of foods that sustained our ancestors for centuries. Some were born seekers. Reshel Shah Kapoor is one of them. A British Asian filmmaker, she had a comfortable job, a lovely family, a home in London and many more blessings and yet, she felt the need to seek something else. She travelled to Mumbai to explore the lives of the transgender community in India and seek inspiration from them. She had documented her incredible journey from London to India and her days with the members of transgender members in a documentary called Black Sheep. Reshel Shah Kapoor During the promotions of the documentary, she spoke to Indiatimes about why she refers to the community as 'female transgenders'. "A female transgender is a person. Its insane how a persons identity needs to have a label and that was the whole point of Black Sheep, if we take away a label what are we left with? A person! If I am talking about what gender they are, they are all female and its beautiful, if anything the women I was with are more woman than I will be,"she says. "You see its not just the visual appearance its the emotions, the way we love, the way we think thats why god put both men and women on this planet, so yes they are all women. Sure they are considered the third gender but thats because they can biologically not have children but thats it." A graduate from Bournemouth Arts University, Kapoor feels that she has been as much a black sheep as these women are considered by the society. A little more empathy and compassion will help the transgender community live with dignity. Reshel Shah Kapoor Apart from the heartwarming moments captured in the documentary, she has given the issue its much needed impetus. Although she feels that she should have done more. "There are a lot of things we did not put in the film, mainly because we wanted to show a person. In regards to taboos I think its more on how they are treated and the unfair lives they live because of inequality. Firstly they are looked down upon everyday, its a shame people do not see a person and all they see is misconceptions. I had heard so many stories when their lives have been at risk. Their need for jobs is serious, I dont understand why people dont give them actual work!" Most importantly, the stories that are attached to them are hilarious! "The idea they can bless people, if you ask them they will tell you it doesnt exist, but it pays the bills and secondly how they are feared. It amazed me how many people fear them, I spent a month with them, when I went back 8 months later they picked me up from the airport and we hugged and laughed, there is nothing scary about them, but there is everything lovable about them!" Reshel Shah Kapoor The Supreme Court's decision to give them third gender identity is a step forward but a lot more needs to happen. "Even after the court has given them rights its not enough. Its really simple accept them!" Within the community, Reshel Shah Kapoor talks about finding every occasion to celebrate togetherness and family, values that are being lost in many other communities. "These women adore the Indian culture and live for it, so even though they are considered outcasts by many, they still celebrate every bit of the Indian culture. Diwali is really important to them as its a time for love, hope and blessings of a home. Honestly, they celebrate most of the occasions even if its Eid or Christmas because there are so many religions between them all that instead of celebrating them separately they celebrate them all together like a family." "I remember when we came during July time to do some prep work and they had just finished celebrating Eid and there were Christians, Hindus and Muslims all together." Reshel Shah Kapoor 1. Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Los Angeles airport, again! Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Los Angeles airport early this morning for questioning by the US immigration department. And this is not the first time that this has happened to SRK. 2. Deepika Padukone talked about how her Hollywood journey hasn't been easy. instagram Deepika has now revealed that her journey in Hollywood hasnt been easy. She also spoke about how she waited for the right offer to sign a Hollywood flick. 3. Priyanka Chopra revealed details about her character of Victoria in Baywatch. Priyanka recently spoke to a popular magazine about her role as 'Victoria Leeds' in the movie, and she had several interesting things to say about her! 4. MS Dhoni and Sushant Singh Rajput talked about interesting stuff at the Dhoni biopic trailer launch! Dhoni talked about how during his research for the film, Sushant would ask him a lot of questions. And that after a few minutes he had to take a break from talking about himself! 5. Sonam Kapoor shared her ravishing looking pictures on her Instagram account! In @sandramansour shoes @louboutinworld earrings @suhanipittie styled by @shehlaakhan @thehouseofpixels A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Aug 11, 2016 at 9:18pm PDT A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Aug 11, 2016 at 10:48pm PDT There's no doubt about the fact that Sonam Kapoor is a style diva. And she recently took to her Instagram account to share her pictures dressed up as a diva! The impact of the recent Bulandshahr gang rape has compelled a clutch of Baghpat villages to review their women's security. In a panchayat held in Baraut, the elders of various villages came together to announce the formation of an indigenous `force', Dehat Suraksha Bal, that will not only safeguard the honour of its women but also solve daily problems faced by the villagers. BCCL/representative image The panchayat decided that the `force', which will wear a uniform, will also have a network of informers and patrol the roads and highways. "Policing system has completely collapsed while our netas simply try to politicise such unfortunate incidents," the panchayat said. Elaborating on the constituents of the force, Rajender Rathi of Taawa village told TOI, "We will develop a force comprising youths and responsible citizens to protect our villages. Even women will be included in the force to deal with victims. A dozen people will be selected from every village who will work in coordination with such teams in other villages. Its primary task will be to provide security to girls and women in villages, problems of other villagers will also be looked into." BCCL/representative image Ashok Chaudhary of Kandera village said, "The Bulandshahr gang rape incident got highlighted in media. Rape cases keep happening in UP. In most of the cases, police do not even file complaints. We have lost our confidence in the system." BCCL/representative image When asked how the force will deal with armed gangs that often perpetrate crime in villages, Chaudhary said, "We are not going to roam around with weapons as we don't want to be labelled as a bunch of terrorists by the government. We will be more of a vigilant force that will alert villagers in case of a threat and gather them in no time. Dehat Suraksha Bal will patrol streets and will be in close contact with the rest of the villagers who can assemble at a short notice. No matter how big a criminal is, he cannot confront a crowd." According to village elders, the formation of the force will take shape and recruitment will begin soon after monsoon in Baghpat, Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts. Later, other districts will also be included. Assam has become the first state in the country to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST). The state assembly unanimously passed the Bill on Friday following its passage by both Houses of Parliament. BCCL "I declare the Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, to be ratified unanimously by Assam Assembly," Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass announced in the House. Though opposition Congress and AIUDF MLAs supported the Bill, they had earlier sought a discussion in the Assembly to evaluate GST's impact on Assam and people. But they were turned down by the Speaker. BCCL "A historic resolution was passed in Assam Assembly as Assam became the 1st State to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST," Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted. "I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth & better revenue collection," Sonowal said in another tweet. A historic resolution was passed in Assam Assembly as Assam became the 1st State to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 12, 2016 Following ratification of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, Dass and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who introduced it in the House, exchanged sweets. Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Goods And Services Tax Bill, The Biggest Tax Reform In India Sarma said chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal wanted that Assam becomes the first state to pass the amendment as this would send a positive signal to the industry. BCCL "We have always lagged behind, but want to be the first in passing this Bill. This is a historic proposal. I thank the Speaker for allowing us to introduce it today after we informed him just last night," said Sarma, who introduced the bill on behalf of the chief minister. The Lok Sabha had unanimously cleared amendments made to Bill by Rajya Sabha on August 8. BCCL The GST Bill, seen as single biggest tax reform in a long time, needs to be ratified by at least 15 state legislatures before the President can notify the GST Council which will decide the new tax rate and other issues. The government has set a deadline of April, 2017 for its rollout. Sarma said in the House that "of the central GST portion, 42 per cent tax will be given back to the state again." The GST will also have a special concession option for NE and Himalayan states if they request reduction of taxes for any reason, he claimed. A senior BJP leader, Brijpal Teotia has been admitted to a Noida hospital in critical condition after he came under attack in Ghaziabad in the outskirts of Delhi late on Thursday. TOI According to police nearly four attackers in a Fortuner SUV opened fire at Teotia's vehicle injuring him and five others, including four private gunmen. screengrab At least 100 rounds were shot using AK-47 rifles and Teotia was hit by at least five bullets. "We have seized one AK-47, two 9 mm pistols and another rifle from the spot apart from a huge cache of used and live cartridges. Preliminary investigations suggest some old enmity. We are investigating all angles," ADG (Law & Order) Daljit Singh Chawdhary said. ANI Minister of State Mahesh Sharma, who met Teotia in the hospital said, "His life is in danger. He has been taken to operation theatre." Teotia, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2012 UP assembly elections on a BJP ticket from Muradnagar constituency, was on his way to Ghaziabad when his convoy was attacked. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju is a proactive voice on a number of issues through his Facebook page and has come up with an interesting observation on 'who are the real Indians.' BCCL According to the former Press Council Chairman, it is Keralites. "They have in them the quintessential qualities of Indians," Justice Katju explains his reason. This is what he posted. Who are the real Indians? I am a Kashmiri, so I would like to call Kashmiris as the real Indians. My ancestors migrated from Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh about 200 years back, and were in the service of the Nawab of Jaora ( in Western Madhya Pradesh ) for several generations. So I would like to call Madhya Pradesh as the real India. My grandfather Dr. K.N. Katju shifted to U.P. as a lawyer, first to the District Court, Kanpur in 1908, and then to the Allahabad High Court in 1914. I was born in Lucknow in 1946, and grew up in Allahabad, which I regard as my home town. So I would like to call the people of U.P. as the real Indians., I have close connections with Bengal, Orissa ( where my grandfather was Governor ) and Tamilnadu ( where I was Chief Justice ).. So I would like to call the people there as the real Indians But these are only my emotional opinions. Thinking rationally, I believe that the real Indians are the Keralites, because they have in them the quintessential qualities of Indians. As I have explained on my blog ' What is India ? India is broadly a country of immigrants, like North America, and that explains the tremendous diversity here---so many religions, castes, languages, ethnic and regional groups, etc. The ancestors of perhaps 95% people living in India today came from abroad ( the original inhabitants are the pre Dravidian tribals known as the Scheduled Tribes e.g. Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Todas, etc ).. So to live united and in harmony we must respect every group of people. In my opinion the Keralites do this the best, and therefore they are symbolic and represent the whole of India. So they are the real Indians, and all of us must try to emulate them and imbibe their spirit. I regard Kerala as the real India because it represents a microcosm of India. As I said, India is broadly a country of immigrants. the essential quality of Kerala is its openness to external influence--Dravidians, Aryans, Romans, Arabs, British, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Marxists, etc. The Christians of Kerala belong to the oldest Christian group outside Palestine. It is said that one of the disciples of Jesus, St. Thomas, came to Kerala. Jews came here and settled down in Cochin when they were persecuted by the Romans after demolition of their temple in 72 A.D. Islam came here through traders, and not through armies, as in the north. The Scheduled castes never suffered the discrimination that they suffered in the rest of India. One of their sages Sree Narayan Guru, who was an Ezhava, is venerated by all communities in Kerala. Adi Shankaracharya ( whose home town Kaladi in Kerala I have visited ) travelled throughout India and established the 4 well known centres of Hinduism, Sringeri in the South, whose first head was Mandan Mishra ( renamed Sureshwaracharya ) whom he defeated in a famous debate, Puri in the East, Dwarka in the West, and Jyotirmath in the North. In the Badrinath temple in the Himalayas the head priest is always a Namboodri Brahmin from Kerala, who is called the Rawal, and his deputy, the Naib Rawal, is also from the same community. The Rawal has a tenure of 5 years, after which the deputy Rawal becomes the Rawal. The Keralites had trade relations over 2000 years ago with Carthage, Rome ( many Roman coins have been found in Kerala ), Arabs, etc Kerala has produced great artists, mathematicians ( the great mathematician Aryabhatta is said to be from Kerala ), martial arts, handicrafts. enlightened Kings, and sages, etc. Keralites are great travellers, and everywhere in the globe one will find Keralites. There is a joke that when the American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon on 1969 he found a Keralite there offering to sell him tea. There was never any tradition in Kerala against travelling abroad, nor of ritual defilement for crossing the 'kala pani ' as among many communities in North India. Keralites abound in the Middle East. I was invited to Qatar last year by some Keralite Muslims, and found that in Qatar.there are more Keralites than local Arabs. In Dubai too I found numerous Keralites. In Bahrain there are more Keralites than Bahrainis. When I was a University student and lawyer in Allahabad I would often go to the Coffee House. I found that most of the waiters there were Keralites, and I became friends with many of them. In many hospitals in India and abroad the nurses are Keralites. I believe there is no illiteracy in Kerala Keralites are hard working, modest, and intelligent. They are broad minded, liberal, cosmopolitan and secular in their views ( though no doubt there are a few exceptions ). All Indians must learn from them. Long live the Keralites ! This is not the first time Justice Katju has 'admitted' his admiration for Keralites. In a previous post, he had claimed that he found Malayalee girls beautiful! Did you know that Indian elephants are an endangered species? WWF India says that there are only 20,000-25,000 Indian elephants. It is surprising to see how we, humans, have failed to keep our end of a historic friendship with elephants. Our mythology and story books are full of examples of the unusual friendship between man and elephant. Here's a look at some of the stories and the legendary elephant references that we have grown up with... The Ganesha Experience Among the best-loved Gods from Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is depicted as the auspicious one who is revered before all else in ceremonies and is also credited to have written the Mahabharata, narrated by Maharishi Ved Vyas. Akshardham Also borrowed from Hindu mythology, Lord Indra's ride - Airavat - is a five-headed white elephant with ten tusks. He sure makes a formidable force when Indra calls for battle! Airavat is also considered the king of all elephants. Everrite The year Prophet Muhammad was born is also marked by the elephant Mahmoud who refused to let its master destroy Mecca. Superiorpics Susmita Mukherjee This legendary mural of an elephant ferrying Lord Krishna and his friends is on the verge of being lost due to lack of conservation efforts. Housed in Shekhawati, India's open air art gallery, it is the oldest of its kind. Pinterest The famous Mughal emperor, Akbar, was known to love animals and his favourite pet was an elephant. The Emperor and his pet had many incredible adventures together and after the elephant's death, Akbar even had a monument constructed in his memory at his palace in Fatehpur Sikri. Caters News Agency The swimming elephant of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands who passed away last month was not unknown to the world either. His struggle to live his life with dignity has inspired many fans around the world. BCCL The oldest living elephant in India is fondly called Grandma in Kerala. She is believed to have never caused anyone any harm in her 86 years of life. However, she has a mind of her own and cannot be budged to do something she dislikes. The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission ( MPHRC) has taken suo-motu cognizance of an alleged discrimination against Dailt family in Morena district. ANI Babloo Kori, a Dalit man from Parashar Kee Gadhi, was forced to perform the last rites of his wife Sangeeta near his house after they were rejected entry into the nearby cremation ground. ANI Sangeeta had died on Wednesday of tuberculosis in Gujarat's Surat, where the family worked as labourers. When they reached the cremation ground they were stopped by a group of men who have allegedly encroached the land, forcing the husband to perform the funeral in front of his house. ANI Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has asked for a probe from Morena Collector over the incident and a report to be filed within seven days. 52 years ago, Indian Army had managed to fight its way into the outskirts of Lahore. India first captured Dograi, less than 1 km from Lahore on September 6th and had to withdraw because reinforcements could not reach in time. Again on the night of Sept 20th and 21st Indian Army's Jat regiment trampled Pakistani defenses and recaptured Dograi. The very next day cease-fire was announced and the forces were ordered to return. Dograi is one of the many opportunities India has had since Independence to finish the Pakistan conflict once and for all, each time its practice restraint. The Battle of Dograi, one of the bloodiest battles in Indian military history, was fought at the town of Dograi near Lahore - first with guns and grenades, then with bayonets, and finally with bare hands on the dark night of September 21/22, 1965, between the soldiers of the Indian Army's 3 Jat and Pakistan's 16 Punjab. Indian Army Facebook Page 3 Jat battalion with 550 men took on 16 Punjab, double in size with the support of tank squadrons. But the valour of the Jats led by an adamant and maverick CO, Lt Col Desmonde Hayde annihilated 16 Punjab by capturing its Commanding Officer, Col Golwala, along with his Battery Commander, two more officers, five JCOs and 108 soldiers alive, in addition to killing 308 Pakistani soldiers. In the clashes, 86 Indian soldiers were martyred. The Battle of Dograi The attack was launched at 0150 hrs on 22 Sep 1965. In a fierce hand-to-hand battle with the Pakistan Army, Indian soldiers wiped out the Pakistani company and forced them to surrender. The objective was secured by 0530 hours on 22 Sep 1965 and pockets of resistance were cleared in Dograi," reads the official Facebook page of Indian Army. The fierceness of the battle can be fathomed by the gallantry awards won by 3 Jats for their heroics. The battalion received four Mahavir Chakras, four Vir Chakras, seven Sena Medals, 12 Mention in Dispatches and 11 COAS Commendation Cards. Ichhogil Canal, Dograi's natural defence against India Indian Army Facebook Page Dograi was a township that stood on the East bank of the Ichhogil Canal. The canal itself was a defence potential for the enemy and had harmed Indian interests and shielded Lahore from Indian offensive thrusts. Grand Trunk (GT) Road, connecting Amritsar and Lahore, cut across it near Dograi. The capture of Dograi and the bridges on the canal were very important for the Indian Army to reach Lahore. 3 Jat had won Dograi on September 6 itself, but were asked to vacate On September 6, 1965, 3 Jat crossed the international border from the north of Wagah, approached Gosal-Dial and cleared all enemy resistance by 0700 hrs the same day, killing more than 35 soldeirs and taking many as prisoners. Pakistan Air Force (PAF), however, was striking GT Road, causing significant damage to 3 Jat reserve echelons. But despite the casualties, the battalion advanced further up to Ichhogil canal and captured its East Bank by 1130 hours. The unit then headed towards the South and captured the town of Dograi and were just miles away from the outskirts of the city of Lahore. Sainiksamachar.nic.in To cash in on the success of 3 Jat, two other companies also crossed the canal over the remnants of the demolished bridge and secured the areas of Batapore and Attoke Awan after repulsing enemy counterattack. But a lack of logistic support forced 3 Jat to vacate Dograi Despite scoring a sensational success, 3 Jat was under immense pressure as the enemy was closing in after getting reinforcements from Chamb sector in Jammu. Meanwhile, PAF was showering bombs. Lack of radio communication with the artillery was preventing much needed fire support, enemy pressure was intensifying and the demolished bridge was crumbling away threatening to isolate troops ahead of the canal. Due to a lack of logistical support, whatever had been achieved by 3 Jat on September 6 slipped from their hands as they were ordered to vacate their gains by abandoning Batapore, Attoke Awan and Dograi and withdraw to Gosal Dial, which they did by 1715 hrs on September 6, 1965. A brilliant success was allowed to slip away unexploited. Other attempts to capture Dograi failed Several attempts were made by Indians to capture Dograi up to September 12th, but the Pakistan army, after getting reinforced, countered all attacks. Meanwhile, PAF made the advance of the Indian soldiers difficult. The night of September 21/22 'Ek bhi aadmi pichhe nahin hatega! (Not a single man will turn back!), 'Zinda ya murda, Dograi mein milna hai! (Dead or alive, we have to meet in Dograi!), shouted CO Hayde before the final attempt to capture Dograi. Pakistanis, by September 20, had reinforced Dograi completely. Dograi and approaches leading to it were strongly held with two coys at Mile 13 and another two at Dograi, comprising troops of 16 Punjab, 3 Baluch, 8 Punjab and 18 Baluch. Indians planned to launch an offensive in two phases on the night of 21/22 September. In Phase 1, 13 Punjab was given the task of capturing Mile 13 by 2359 hours September 21. In Phase 2, 3 Jat was to make a wide outflanking detour of 6000 yards to take Dograi from the North. Indian Army Facebook Page 13 Punjab scored a partial success which wasn't enough to execute the plans of Phase 2. But an adamant Hayde didn't think even once before launching attack. 'Even if all of you run away, I shall continue to stand on the battlefield alone,' shouted Hayde, writes Rachna Bisht Rawat in her book on the men and battles of the war of 1965, Stories from the Second Indo-Pak War. 3 Jat, after a most creditable night advance, fell upon the flank and rear of the enemy positions at Dograi. Jats took the Pakistan defender by surprise and the battle that started with grenades, guns and bayonets soon turned into a hand-to-hand fight in which 550 Indian soldiers took on almost twice the number of men. The hide and seek game was played in the deserted houses of Dograi in which it was difficult to differentiate between fellow and enemy soldiers. By 0300 hours Dograi was captured after 86 Indians and 308 Pakistani soldiers had died. Sainiksamachar.nic.in The success at Dograi made the enemy position at Mile 13 untenable. The two enemy companies located in this area fled across the canal. By September 22, 13 Punjab had secured their objectives and four enemy counter attacks had been beaten back at Dograi by 3 Jat. Ceasefire came into effect on September 23. But much like September 6, whatever was achieved by the Jats on the battlefield was given back by the Indian Establishment in Tashkent. Later CO, Lt. Col Hayde was quoted in Sainik Samachar 1966, "It was from here that we really started getting it. A whole machine gun complex, along the eastern bank of the Ichhogil Canal opened up. They must have been in the area in which myself, my intelligence officer and a few others were. We must have been under the fire of at least eight machine-guns at every step we took. We had a lot of fresh young troops. But we had made it very clear to them, that there was only one aim, and that aim was to close the gap from the FUP, on the objective from where the enemy was firing, as quickly as possible, whether it be in the open, whether it be through cover, whether it be at the run, whether it be on your belly. There was to be no stop until they had made the built up area on the north-eastern and northern edge of Dograi. And this, I am really proud so say, my young Jat Jawans did with full valour, with full vigor, under the terrific and dynamic leadership of my company commanders, platoon commanders and junior leaders. Once my boys closed in with the enemy on the objective, very intense and severe hand-to-hand fighting had to take place, because it was difficult to get the enemy out of their trenches. The enemy for obvious reasons was not very keen to leave their trenches and we for very obvious reasons had to get in there and push them out". Later, Maj Gen Mohinder Singh, GOC 15 Inf Div, Lt Col Desmond E Hayde, Commanding Officer, 3 Jat, Maj AR Tyagi (Posthumous), 3 Jat, Capt Kapil Singh Thapa (Posthumous), 3 Jat were awarded Mahavir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award. The Indiatimes Frontlines team is at the Attari Border today. Follow their journey here At least four people have been killed in eight bomb blasts that have hit across Thailand in the past 24 hours, in the resort town of Hua Hin and southern provinces. BCCL BCCL "Twin bombs at the clock tower killed one and injured three," said Hua Hin district chief Sutthipong Klai-udom, referring to two new blasts in the town on Friday that followed twin bombings there the night before. BCCL BCCL In addition to the four blasts in Hua Hin, there were two on the tourist island of Phuket on Friday along with one in the island gateway town of Surat Thani, and one in southern Trang on Thursday, officials said. Even though no group has claimed responsibility of the attacks, it is suspected to be the done by Muslim separatist insurgents. The explosions also come days after the country voted in favour of the new constitution drafted by the military after it seized power in a coup in 2014. Today, from the world of crazy, comes this bizarrest of bizarre stories about a woman who was raped by a Pokemon monster. Or so she says. The woman, who is a resident of Moscow, fell asleep while playing the hugely popular game. According to Bloknot, she awoke with a start to find the monster raping her. The fictional character disappeared, she claimed - no duh! - but after using the app on her phone, she was able to find it sitting on her bed. SWNS Her spouse - definitely the saner of the two - thought the entire incident to be just plain "sick". But wait! It gets better. She even went to the police to file a complaint! The police rejected her plea - obviously! - and finally convinced the woman to seek psychiatric help. And guess what? A friend of this Jane Doe - a man named Ivan Makarov - even tried to marry his favourite Pokemon. He requested for a marriage certificate which was, no guesses here, rejected. *dies* Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. Political Assassination - the American Way By Finian Cunningham August 11, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Sputnik " - Donald Trump has entered a political kill zone. And the American establishment is lining up to take him out. We are talking here in virtual terms - at least thus far. Nowadays, political assassination by US powers-that-be does not necessarily involve physical liquidation of the individual deemed to be an enemy of the state. Who needs all that blood and controversy? Especially when character assassination achieves the same desired end result that is, elimination of target from the public domain. The fierce media crossfire that the Republican presidential contender is being subjected to leaves little doubt that this is a concerted effort to destroy this politician. In the past week, we have seen a fusillade of vilification fired at the New York property tycoon-turned presidential hopeful. Everything, it seems, has been thrown at him, from his Slovenian-born wife's alleged US visa violations, to his bullying of crying babies at rallies, to his serving as an unwitting agent for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. It's so transparent and preposterous, it is almost hilarious. Evidently, the US corporate news media are out to bring Trump down in spite of his stubborn support among ordinary Republican voters. It is obvious that the Washington establishment has determined that Democrat rival Hillary Clinton is the preferred choice to protect their privileged interests as the next occupant of the White House. And the US media as a pillar of the establishment is doing its bit to eliminate Trump from the supposedly free presidential election due in November by aiding and abetting in assassinating his character in the eyes of the public. It is ironic really given that there is so much more sordid stories to be reported on Clinton, given her involvement in warmongering, clandestine regime-change operations and abuse of state secrecy for her own self-aggrandizement with foreign sources of money. The latest sign that the secretive US Deep State Pentagon, CIA, FBI, Wall Street financiers is moving to install their White House candidate is the letter published this week by some 50 senior Republican "national security experts" who endorsed Clinton while eviscerating Trump. Yes, that's right, Republicans backing a Democrat. Which just goes to show the uniformity of interests. The signatories included former CIA director Michael Hayden, ex-chief of homeland security Michael Chertoff, both of whom served in the George W Bush administration, as well as John Negroponte who was a former director of national intelligence and alleged purveyor of death squads in Central America during the 1980s. The joint anti-Trump letter followed the publication only days ago of an oped piece in the New York Times by another ex-CIA head, Michael Morell in which he lambasted Trump as a Russian stooge. All of these figures are intimately connected to the US Deep State and all are unanimously pillorying Trump as a "dangerous threat to American national security". For his part, Trump rebuffed the latest volley of vilification by saying that the list of national security "experts" are responsible for creating the Iraq war, the loss of American troops' lives and the rise of terrorism across the Middle East. Cheekily, he thanked them for all going public with their names so that the American people can hold them to account for foreign policy disasters. However, the point here is that the campaign to discredit Trump is not just some haphazard run of bad luck on the candidate's part for mis-steps and mis-speaks that he may have issued on the hustings trail. The intense, concerted nature of the campaign to destroy Trump demonstrates how the Washington power structure, including the corporate media, is setting him up for character assassination. This is the kind of political liquidation that the American plutocracy excels at. A few decades ago, American "executive action" or "termination with extreme prejudice involved, more often than not, literally murdering the individual target. The most notorious case is that of President John F Kennedy who was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas. Around that time, several other foreign political leaders were also killed by American state agents, including Patrice Lumumba of Congo, Rafael Trujillo of Dominican Republic and Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam. Political murder was, still is, par for the American course. The late New Orleans attorney, Jim Garrison, who probed the JFK assassination, said that the primary reason for his murder was that the president was working to end the Cold War with Russia. Kennedy was quietly using backchannels with Russian counterpart Nikita Krushchev to implement ambitious plans for nuclear weapons disarmament. JFK had also flatly rejected secret proposals presented by the Pentagon for a pre-emptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union. He was in addition closing down CIA-sponsored terrorist operations in Cuba and he had declared a withdrawal of US troops from the nascent Vietnam war. In this way, Kennedy had entered the political kill zone, as far as the powerful, unelected Deep State was concerned. His policies were threatening huge vested interests of military manufacturers, Big Oil and Wall Street financiers. Hence, the CIA and its contract killers were deployed to eliminate the "problem". Donald Trump shares two aspects with JFK. Like Kennedy, the business magnate is independently wealthy, which allows him to speak his mind without apparently having to ingratiate himself with powerful sponsors. Secondly, and more importantly, Trump has repeatedly pitched his election platform against the relentless build up of the US-led NATO military alliance in Eastern Europe, as well as overseas deployment of American forces, and, in particular, Washington's policy of hostility towards Russia. Trump has called for the normalization of relations with Russia. His foreign policy position is anathema to the Washington establishment which requires as an absolute necessity the demonization of foreign countries as "national security threats" in order to maintain the gargantuan US militarized economy. In short, the American Deep State thrives on continual war-making. War is a permanent function of bankrupt American capitalism. This systemic dysfunction is what the Cold War with Russia was and continues to be about the pumping of trillions of dollars into corporate and financial elites, who get away with the scam because of their lackeys among the political and media channels. Anyone who defies these powerful American interests is liable for termination. They have entered the kill zone. In former times, the American methods of termination with extreme prejudice routinely involved physical elimination. Five decades after JFK, the US methods of political assassination have evolved to become more sophisticated. Character assassination may suffice most of the time. No need for contract hitmen or messy public enquiries. Media hitmen will do. The target just needs to be placed in the crossfire of a media barrage, with no let up in negative shots. Any foreign leader who likewise becomes a "problem" for US power interests is also targeted similarly. Russia's President Putin being perhaps the best example of this. As the US presidential election approaches over the next three months, just watch how the shadowy powers in Washington mobilize to take Trump out of the race. For taking out political enemies with extreme prejudice is the American way. The Battle for Aleppo and the Hypocrisy of US War Propaganda By Bill Van Auken August 11, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " WSWS " - This week marks two years since President Barack Obama initiated the latest US war against Iraq and Syria, launched in the name of combating the Islamic State militia. The American president cast the new military intervention as not only a continuation of the global war on terrorism, but also a crusade for human rights, invoking the threat to Iraqs Yazidi population and insisting that he could not turn a blind eye when religious minorities were threatened. The toll of this supposed humanitarian intervention has grown ever bloodier. According to a report released this week by the monitoring group Airwars to mark the anniversary, more than 4,700 civilian non-combatant fatalities have been reported as a result of the US-led Coalitions air strikes (95 percent of which have been carried out by US warplanes). More innocent Iraqi and Syrian men, women and children have been slaughtered by American bombs in the course of two years than the total number of US soldiers who lost their lives during the eight years of the Iraq war launched by President George W. Bush in 2003. All of Washingtons lies and pretexts about its latest war in the Middle Eastas well as the decade-and-a-half of wars waged since 9/11have been exploded in the course of the past several days as the US government and media celebrated purported victories by rebel forces in the battle for control of Aleppo, Syrias former commercial capital. That the rebel offensive has been organized and led by an organization that for years constituted Al Qaedas designated Syrian branch, and the operation was named in honor of a Sunni sectarian extremist who carried out a massacre of captured Syrian Alawite soldiers, gave none of them pause. So much for the hogwash about terrorism and human rights! The scale of the military gains made by the Al Qaeda-led forces in Aleppo are by no means clear. They have, however, apparently succeeded in placing under siege the western part of the city, which is under the governments control and where the overwhelming majority of the population lives. The rebels have killed and maimed hundreds of people with mortar and artillery rounds. Washington and its allies, the Western media and the human rights groups that accused the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad of crimes against humanity for bombing the jihadists in eastern Aleppo are now indifferent when these imperialist-backed terrorists are killing civilians in the western part of the city. Sections of the Western media have gone so far as to celebrate the exploits of rebel suicide bombers for providing a strategic advantage for the Western-backed militias. Among the most dishonest and duplicitous accounts of the recent fighting are those that have appeared in the pages of the New York Times, whose news coverage and editorial line are carefully tailored to serve the predatory aims of US imperialism. In a Monday article on Aleppo, the Times wrote that the challenge to government control had been mounted by rebels and their jihadist allies. The article continued: A vital factor in the rebel advance over the weekend was cooperation between mainstream rebel groups, some of which have received covert arms support from the United States, and the jihadist organization formerly known as the Nusra Front, which was affiliated with Al Qaeda. The newspaper reports this as casually as if it were publishing a report on the late artist formerly known as Prince. The Nusra Front changed its name to the Fatah al-Sham Front and announced its formal disaffiliation from Al Qaedawith the latters blessingjust one week before it launched the offensive in Aleppo. There is every reason to believe that this rebranding was carried out in consultation with the CIA in an attempt to politically sanitize direct US support for an offensive led by a group that has long been denounced by Washington as a terrorist organization. The Times never names any of the mainstream rebel groups it says are fighting alongside the Al Qaeda militia, suggesting that they constitute some liberal progressive force. In point of fact, one of these groups recently released a video showing its fighters beheading a wounded 12-year-old child, and virtually all of them share the essential ideological outlook of Al Qaeda. The Financial Times of London carried one of the frankest reports on the Aleppo rebel offensive, noting that it may have had more foreign help than it appears: activists and rebels say opposition forces were replenished with new weapons, cash and other supplies before and during the fighting. It cites reports of daily columns of trucks pouring across the Turkish border for weeks with arms and ammunition, including artillery and other heavy weapons. The newspaper quotes one unnamed Western diplomat who said that US officials backed the Al Qaeda-led offensive to put some pressure back on Russia and Iran, which have both provided key military support to the Assad government. The Financial Times also quotes an unnamed military analyst as stating that the character of the fighting indicated the Al Qaeda forces had received not only massive amounts of weapons, but also professional military training. Significantly, even as the fighting in Aleppo was underway, photographs surfaced of heavily armed British commandos operating long-range patrol vehicles in northern Syria. Similar US units are also on the ground. These are among the most likely suspects in terms of who is training Al Qaedas Syrian forces. They would only be reprising the essential features of the imperialist operation that gave rise to Al Qaeda 30 years ago, when the CIAworking in close alliance with Osama bin Ladensupplied similar support to the mujahedeen fighting to overthrow the Soviet-backed regime in Afghanistan. While the blowback from that episode ultimately gave us September 11, the present operation in Syria holds far greater dangers. In what is now openly described by the corporate media as a proxy war in which Al Qaeda serves as US imperialisms ground force, Washington is attempting to overthrow Russias key Middle East ally as part of the preparations for a war aimed at dismembering and subjugating Russia itself. The frontrunner in the US presidential contest, Democrat Hillary Clinton, has repeatedly signaled that she intends to pursue a far more aggressive policy in Syria and against Russia, making neo-McCarthyite charges of Vladimir Putins supposed subversion of the US election process a central part of her campaign. Whether Washington can wait till inauguration day next January to escalate its aggression is far from clear. The rebel gains in Aleppo may be quickly reversed and the fighting could end with the US-backed Al Qaeda militias deprived of their last urban stronghold. US imperialism is not about to accept the re-consolidation of a Syrian government aligned with Moscow. Pressure will inevitably mount for a more direct and more massive US intervention, threatening a direct clash between American and Russian forces. Fifteen years after launching its war on terror, Washington is not only directly allied with the supposed target of that warAl Qaedabut is preparing to unleash upon humanity the greatest act of terror imaginable, a third world war. Copyright 1998-2016 World Socialist Web Site - All rights reserved Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter Christianity and the Nagasaki Bomb Though Christianity began as a religion of peace, it soon became a cloak for genocidal violence, such as the incineration of defenseless civilians in Nagasaki, including many Japanese Christians, 71 years ago, writes Gary G. Kohls. By Gary G. Kohls August 11, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Consortium News " - Seventy-one years ago, on Aug. 9, 1945, an all-Christian bomber crew dropped a plutonium bomb on Nagasaki City, Japan, instantly vaporizing, incinerating, irradiating and otherwise annihilating tens of thousands of innocent civilians, men, women and children. Very few Japanese soldiers were affected. In a nation whose citizens are historically non-Christian (Shintoism or Buddhism are the major religions), a disproportionately large number of the Nagasaki victims were Christian (see below for the history of that reality). The bomb mortally wounded uncountable thousands of other victims who succumbed to the blast trauma, the heat trauma and/or the radiation trauma. In 1945, the U.S. was regarded as the most Christian nation in the world. The bomber crew, as were the two Christian military chaplains of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki crews, were products of the type of Christianity that failed to teach what Jesus taught concerning violence (that it was forbidden to his followers) which has been the case for the vast majority of Christians, both clergy and laity, for the past 1,700 years. For the first three centuries of its existence, Christianity was a pacifist religion. Ironically, prior to the bomb exploding directly over the Urakami Cathedral, Nagasaki was the most Christian city in Japan, and the massive cathedral had been the largest Christian church building in the Orient. Those Christian airmen, following their wartime orders to the letter, did their job, and they accomplished the mission with military pride. Most Christian Americans would have done what they did if they had been in the shoes of the crew. And, if those Christians had never seen, heard or smelled the suffering humanity that the bomb caused on the ground, most of them would not have experienced any remorse for their participation in the atrocity especially if they had been blindly treated as heroes in the aftermath. Some of the crew did admit that they had had some doubts about what they had participated in afterwards. But none of them actually witnessed the horrific suffering of the tens of thousands of victims up close and personal. Orders are orders and must be obeyed, and disobedience in wartime was known to be severely punishable, even by summary execution. So the bomber crew had no alternative but to obey the orders. Even the two chaplains had no doubts before they finally understood what they had participated in. Hard for Japan to Surrender It had been only three days since the August 6th bomb had incinerated Hiroshima. The Nagasaki bomb was dropped amidst massive chaos and confusion in Tokyo, where the fascist military command was meeting with the Emperor Hirohito to discuss how to surrender with honor. The military leadership of both nations had known for months that Japan had already lost the war. The only obstacle to ending the war had been the Allied Powers insistence on unconditional surrender (which meant that Hirohito would have been removed from his figurehead position in Japan and perhaps even subjected to war crime trials). That demand was intolerable for the Japanese, who regarded the Emperor as a deity. The USSR had declared war against Japan the day before (Aug. 8), hoping to regain territories lost to Japan in the humiliating (for Russia) Russo-Japanese War 40 years earlier, and Stalins army was advancing across Manchuria. Russias entry into the war had been encouraged by President Harry Truman before he knew of the success of the atom bomb test in New Mexico on July 16. But now, Truman and his strategists knew that the bomb could elicit Japans surrender without Stalins help. So, not wanting to divide any of the spoils of war with the USSR, and because the U.S. wanted to send an early Cold War message to Russia (that the U.S. was the new planetary superpower), Truman ordered bomber command to proceed with using the atomic bombs against a handful of targets as weather permitted and as atomic bombs became available (although no more fissionable material was actually available to make another bomb after Nagasaki). Decision to Target Nagasaki Aug. 1, 1945, was the earliest deployment date for the Japanese atom bombing missions, and the Target Committee in Washington, D.C. had already developed a short list of relatively un-damaged Japanese cities that were to be excluded from the conventional USAAF (US Army Air Force) fire-bombing campaigns (that, during the first half of 1945, had used napalm, augmented by high explosives, to burn to the ground over 60 essentially defenseless Japanese cities). The list of protected cities included Hiroshima, Niigata, Kokura, Kyoto and Nagasaki. Those five cities were to be off-limits to the terror bombings that the other cities were being subjected to. They were to be preserved as potential targets for the new gimmick weapon that had been researched and developed in labs and manufacturing plants all across America over the several years since the Manhattan Project had begun. Ironically, prior to August 6 and 9, the residents of those five cities had considered themselves lucky for not having been bombed as had the other large cities. Little did the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki know that they were only being temporarily spared for an even worse carnage from a revolutionary experimental weapon that could cause the mass annihilation of entire cities and their human guinea pig inhabitants. The plutonium bomb that had been field tested at Alamogordo, New Mexico, was identical to the one that was dropped at Nagasaki. It had been blasphemously code-named Trinity (a distinctly Christian term) and had been detonated in secrecy three weeks earlier on July 16, 1945. The results were impressive, but the blast had just killed a few hapless coyotes, rabbits, snakes and some other desert varmints. Trinity had produced large amounts of an entirely new type of rock that was later called Trinitite. Trinitite was a man-made radioactive molten lava rock that had been created from the intense heat that was twice the temperature of the sun. Samples of it still exist in the desert at Alamogordo. At 3 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 9, 1945, a B-29 Superfortress bomber (that had been christened Bocks Car) took off from Tinian Island in the South Pacific, with the prayers and blessings of the crews two chaplains. Barely making it off the runway just yards before the heavily loaded plane could have gone into the ocean (the bomb weighed 10,000 pounds), it headed north for Kokura, the primary target. Bocks Cars bomb was code-named Fat Man, partly because of its shape and partly to honor the rotund Winston Churchill. Little Boy, first called Thin Man (after President Franklin Roosevelt), was the code name of the uranium bomb that had been dropped on Hiroshima three days earlier. Japans Supreme War Council in Tokyo, scheduled to convene their next meeting at 11 a.m. on Aug. 9, had absolutely no comprehension of what had really happened at Hiroshima. So the members had no heightened sense of urgency. The council was mostly concerned about Russias declaration of war. But it was already too late, because by the time the War Council members were arising and heading to the meeting with the emperor, there was no chance to alter the course of history. Bocks Car flying under radio silence was already approaching the southern islands of Japan, heading for Kokura, the primary target. The crew was hoping to beat an anticipated typhoon and the approaching clouds that would have delayed the mission. The Bocks Car crew had instructions to drop the bomb only on visual sighting. But Kokura was clouded over. After making three failed bomb runs over the clouded-over city and then experiencing engine trouble on one of the four engines (using up valuable fuel all the while) the plane headed for its secondary target, Nagasaki. History of Nagasaki Christianity Nagasaki is famous in the history of Japanese Christianity. The city had the largest concentration of Christians in all of Japan. St. Marys Urakami Cathedral was the megachurch of its time, with 12,000 baptized members. Nagasaki was the community where the legendary Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier planted a mission church in 1549. The Catholic community at Nagasaki grew and eventually prospered over the next several generations. However it eventually became clear to the Japanese that the (Catholic) Portuguese and Spanish commercial interests were exploiting Japan. It didnt take very long before all Europeans and their very foreign religion were expelled from the country. From 1600 until 1850, being a Christian in Japan was a capital crime (punishable by death). In the early 1600s, Japanese Christians who refused to recant of their new faith were subject to unspeakable tortures including crucifixion. After a well-publicized mass crucifixion was orchestrated, the reign of terror stopped, and it appeared to all observers that Japanese Christianity was extinct. However, 250 years later, after the gunboat diplomacy of U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry forced open an offshore island for American trade purposes, it was discovered that there were thousands of baptized Christians in Nagasaki, living their faith in secret in a catacomb-like existence, completely unknown to the government. With this revelation, the Japanese government started another purge; but because of international pressure, the persecutions stopped and Nagasaki Christianity came up from the underground. By 1917, with no financial help from the government, the re-vitalized Christian community had built their massive cathedral in the Urakami River district of Nagasaki. So it was the height of irony that the massive Cathedral one of only two Nagasaki landmarks that could be positively identified from 31,000 feet up became Ground Zero. (The other identifiable aiming point landmark was the Mitsubishi armaments factory complex which had run out of raw materials because of the successful Allied naval blockade.) At 11:02 a.m., during Thursday morning confessions, an unknown number of Nagasaki Christians were boiled, evaporated, carbonized or otherwise disappeared in a scorching, radioactive fireball that exploded 500 meters above the cathedral. The black rain that soon came down from the mushroom cloud also contained the mingled cellular remains of many Nagasaki Christians as well as many more Shintoists and Buddhists. The theological implications of Nagasakis Black Rain surely should boggle the minds of theologians of all denominations. Nagasaki Christian Body Count Most Nagasaki Christians did not survive the blast. Six thousand of them died instantly, including all who were at confession that morning. Of the 12,000 church members, 8,500 of them eventually died as a result of the bomb. Many of the others were seriously sickened with a highly lethal entirely new disease: radiation sickness. Located near the cathedral were three orders of nuns and a Christian girls school. They all disappeared into black smoke or became chunks of charcoal. Tens of thousands of other innocent non-Christian non-combatants also died instantly, and many more were mortally or incurably wounded. Some of the original victims (and their progeny) are still suffering from the trans-generational malignancies and immune deficiencies caused by the deadly plutonium and other radioactive isotopes produced by the bomb. And here is one of the most important ironies: What the Japanese Imperial government could not do in 250 years of persecution (i.e., to destroy Japanese Christianity) American Christians did in mere seconds. Even after a slow revival of Christianity after WWII, membership in Japanese Christian churches still represents a tiny fraction of 1 percent of the general population, and the average attendance at Christian worship services across the nation is reported to be only 30 per Sunday. The decimation of Nagasaki crippled what at one time was a vibrant church. Father George Zabelka was the Catholic chaplain for the 509th Composite Group (the 1,500-man USAAF group whose only mission was to deliver atomic bombs to Japanese civilian targets). Zabelka was one of the few World War II clergy leaders who eventually came to recognize the serious contradictions between what his modern church had taught him and what the early pacifist church believed concerning homicidal violence. Several decades after Zabelka was discharged from the military chaplaincy, he finally concluded that both he and his church had made serious ethical and theological errors in religiously legitimating the organized mass slaughter that is modern war. He eventually came to understand that (as he articulated it) the enemy of me and the enemy of my nation is not an enemy of God. Rather my enemy and my nations enemy are children of God who are loved by God and who therefore are to be loved (and not killed) by me as a follower of that loving God. Father Zabelkas sudden conversion away from the standardized war-tolerant Christianity changed his Detroit, Michigan ministry around 180 degrees. His absolute commitment to the truth of gospel nonviolence just like Martin Luther Kings commitment inspired him to devote the remaining decades of his life to speaking out against violence in all its forms, including the violence of militarism, racism and economic exploitation. Zabelka travelled to Nagasaki on the 50th anniversary of the bombing, tearfully repenting and asking for forgiveness for the part he had played in the crime. Likewise, the Lutheran chaplain for the 509th, Pastor William Downey (formerly of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota), in his counseling of soldiers who had become troubled by their participation in making murder for the state, later denounced all killing, whether by a single bullet or by weapons of mass destruction. Wars That Ruined Their Souls? In Daniel Hallocks important book, Hell, Healing and Resistance, the author described a 1997 Buddhist retreat that was led by the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. The retreat involved a number of combat-traumatized Vietnam War veterans who had left the Christianity of their birth. The veterans had responded positively to Nhat Hanhs ministrations. Hallock wrote, Clearly, Buddhism offers something that cannot be found in institutional Christianity. But then why should veterans embrace a religion that has blessed the wars that ruined their souls? It is no wonder that they turn to a gentle Buddhist monk to hear what are, in large part, the truths of Christ. Hallocks comment should be a sobering wake-up call to Christian leaders who seem to regard as important both the recruitment of new members and the retention of old ones. The fact that the U.S. is a highly militarized nation makes the truths of gospel nonviolence difficult to teach and preach, especially to military veterans (particularly the homeless, psychologically tormented, spiritually-depleted, malnourished, over-diagnosed, over-medicated, over-vaccinated, homicidal and suicidal ones) who may have lost their faith because of horrors experienced on the battlefield. I am a retired physician who has dealt with hundreds of psychologically traumatized patients (including combat-traumatized war veterans), and I know that violence, in all its forms, can irretrievably damage the mind, body, brain and spirit. But the fact that the combat-traumatized type is totally preventable and oftentimes impossible to cure makes prevention work really important. An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure when it comes to combat-induced PTSD. And where Christian churches should and could be instrumental in the prevention of the soul-destroying combat-type PTSD is by counseling their members to not participate in it (which should be obvious when considering the ethical message of the nonviolent Jesus, a message that guided the pacifist church in the first three centuries of its existence) Experiencing violence, whether as victimizer or victim, can be deadly, and it can run through families like a contagion. I have seen violence, neglect, abuse and the resultant traumatic psychological and neurological illnesses spread through both military and non-military families even involving the third and fourth generations after the initial victimizations. And that has been the experience of the hibakusha (the long-suffering atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki), whose progeny continue to suffer disease which has likewise been the experience of many of the progeny of the warrior-perpetrators who participated in the act of killing in every war. Years ago I saw an unpublished Veterans Administration study that showed that, whereas most Vietnam War-era soldiers were active members of Christian churches before they went off to war, if they came home with PTSD, the percentage returning to their faith community approached zero. Daniel Hallocks sobering message above helps explain why that is so. Therefore the church at least by its silence on the critical issues of war and war preparation seems to be actually promoting (rather than forbidding) homicidal violence, contrary to the ethical teachings of Jesus, by failing to teach what the primitive church understood was one of the core teachings of Jesus, who preached, in effect, that violence is forbidden for those who wish to follow me. Therefore, by refraining from warning their adolescent members about the faith- and soul-destroying realities of war, the church is directly undermining the retention strategies in which all churches engage. The hidden history of Nagasaki thus has valuable lessons for American Christianity. Bocks Car Crew and Chain of Command The members of the Bocks Car bomber crew, like conscripted or enlisted men in any war, were at the bottom of a long, complex and very anonymous chain of command whose superiors demand unconditional obedience from those below them in the chain. The Bocks Car crew had been ordered to pull the trigger of the lethal weapon that had been conceptualized, designed, funded, manufactured and armed by any number of other entities, none of which would feel morally responsible for doing the dirty deed because they didnt have literal blood on their hands. As is true in all wars, soldier trigger-pullers are often the ones unjustly singled out and blamed for the killing in the combat zone, and therefore they often have the worst post-war guilt and shame that is often the most lethal part of combat-induced PTSD (other than the suicide and violence-inducing aspects of many psychiatric drugs and the chronic illness-stimulating aspects of the over-vaccination schedules to which all military recruits are subjected). However, the religious chaplains that are responsible for their spiritual lives of their soldiers, are also at the bottom of the chain of command and may share their guilt feelings. Neither group usually knows the real reasons their commanders are ordering them to kill or participate in the killing operations. The early church leaders, who knew the teachings and actions of Jesus best, rejected the nationalist, racist and militarist agendas of whatever passed for nationalism 2,000 years ago. And by following the Sermon on the Mount, true Christians of today similarly reject the homicidal agendas of the national security state, the military-industrial-congressional complex, the war-profiteering corporations, the mesmerizing major media, and the eye-for-an-eye retaliation church doctrines that have, over the past 1,700 years, enabled baptized and confirmed Christians to, if ordered to do so, willingly kill other humans in the name of Christ. Gary G. Kohls is a retired physician from Duluth, MN, USA. He writes a weekly column for the Reader, Duluths alternative newsweekly magazine. His columns mostly deal with the dangers of American fascism, corporatism, militarism, racism, malnutrition, psychiatric drugging, over-vaccination regimens, Big Pharma and other movements that threaten the environment or Americas health, democracy, civility and longevity. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter For Email Marketing you can trust Donate Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. The Criminality of American and British Illegal Immigrants in Syria Its really 19th century behavior in the 21st century. You just dont invade another country on phony pretexts in order to assert your interests. Secretary of State, John Kerry, Meet the Press, March 2nd, 2014 August 11, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Dissident Voice " - Were it not so serious it would be hilarious. The British have voted to leave the European Union on the basis of the combination of a pack of lies by Government Ministers backing the out campaign and a whipped up xenophobia about all those foreigners taking jobs, homes, places on public transport etc. A truly shameful throwback to the era of hotels and boarding houses exhibiting signs saying: No dogs, no blacks, no Irish. Now they would add and no Europeans, no Arabs, no Muslims only UK passport holders, were the garbage in the media and spewed by the Outers is to be believed. Targets of especially vicious denigration are illegal immigrants. Never mind many have fled for their lives, risking their all, from regions the UK has enjoined in destroying, hardly in a position to garner the right paperwork, renew or apply for a passport, thinking they will at least find a safe haven on entry. They are treated like criminals and sneered at by a swathe of politicians. They threaten our way of life is the political mantra. RIP humanity. Actually our way of life is kept going by those who surmount the bureaucratic hurdles. Before their arrival there were no shops open from 6 a.m., to midnight, take-away food outlets of every culinary culture, ditto restaurants. High streets across the country where immigrants have staked their all to somehow buy a premises and gradually build it, working all hours to create a pharmacy, food store, appliance store with handymen on call to fit your choice of item and numerous creative enterprises. Post Brexit the xenophobia has been targeted at all these, as indeed the surgeons, doctors and nurses who staff the hospitals with dedication twenty four hours a day from all over the world, now wondering if the life they have built from their dedication in and to the UK will survive. We want our country back is the political-led cry, by Minsters and politicians who are served by a waiter from another country, whose food is cooked by a chef from elsewhere, whose expensive hotel room is cleaned, sheets changed by another prepared to work hours, often for minimum wage, few Britons would even consider. So contrast this with the UK government considering it has the absolute right to send illegal immigrants carrying an arsenal of equipment including sniper rifles, heavy machine guns and anti-tank missiles to another country approaching four thousand kilometres away to threaten their way of life. The illegals are UK Special Forces, in Syria to assist the moderate head chopping, hand chopping, child-decapitating rebels. This gang, known as the New Syrian Army (NSA) have reportedly been trained by the US and UK in Jordan and are fighting US and allied spawned and funded ISIL. Note the surely US inspired name, the The New Syrian Army the US-friendly terrorists formed by the US in 2015 surely intended to replace the States national, multi-ethnic, Syrian Arab Army (SAA.) Let it never be forgotten that the entire fake uprising was engineered by the US Embassy in Damascus in 2006. In June this year, according to The Telegraph a presumably self-styled First Lieutenant Mahmoud al-Saleh, of the NSA told The Times that he was being assisted by Special Forces: They helped us with logistics, like building defences to make the bunkers safe, he said. Back in May, when an ISIL armoured vehicle packed with explosives killed eleven NSA members and injured seventeen others: The wounded were flown in American helicopters to Jordan. The suicide attack damaged the structure of the al-Tanf base, with British troops crossing from Jordan to help them to rebuild their defences. According to The Telegraph: The New Syrian Armys spokesman refused to comment on the pictures of the Special Forces but acknowledged that they are helping. He told the BBC: We are receiving special forces training from our British and American partners. Were also getting weapons and equipment from the Pentagon as well as complete air support. Note the British and American partners. Was perfidy ever more perfidious? If in doubt, note the following also from The Telegraph: The NSA emerged from a $500 million Pentagon programme aimed to create a well-trained rebel force to take on ISIL. However the project was abandoned after the first trained unit sent into Syria was kidnapped by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front. A second batch of trainees defected and gave their weapons away. Yet another Pentagon own goal. Interestingly, The Guardian reminds that the BBC: images depict British special forces sitting on Thalab long-range patrol vehicles as they move around the perimeter of a rebel base close to the Syria-Iraq border. The Thalab (Fox) vehicles are essentially modified, militarised and upgraded Toyota 4x4s used for long distance reconnaissance and surveillance missions, which were developed jointly in the middle of the last decade by a state-backed defence company in Jordan and the UK company Jankel. The vehicles are surely, coincidentally, not unlike like the long convoys of 4x4s so memorably depicted being driven by ISIL/ISIS. US Captain Scott Rye denied that a number of the NSA, paid up to $400 a month by the Pentagon had left for contractual reasons. He said that, while U.S. officials had been clear the program was to train fighters to combat Islamic State, the only document participants had to sign was one committing them to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, a mandate issued by the U.S. Congress. (Emphasis added.) This from the military representative of a nation to whom human rights and the rule of law has become a distant memory. Yet another from the you could not make this up file. The UK with its State xenophobia against immigrants, especially illegal, whatever the circumstances, the US with its 930 kilometres (580 miles) of barriers blocking their Southern neighbours from entry send illegal immigrants on official US-UK government business into another country to murder and to train people to murder and to overthrow yet another sovereign government. When someone invents better words than criminal, hypocrisy, mass murder, please let me know. Felicity Arbuthnot is a journalist with special knowledge of Iraq. Author, with Nikki van der Gaag, of Baghdad in the Great City series for World Almanac books, she has also been Senior Researcher for two Award winning documentaries on Iraq, John Pilger's Paying the Price: Killing the Children of Iraq and Denis Halliday Returns for RTE (Ireland.) Hillary Clinton Short-Circuited? By Judge Andrew P. Napolitano August 11, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - When former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was asked last week if she has misled the American people on the issue of her failure to safeguard state secrets contained in her emails, she told my Fox News colleague, Chris Wallace, that the FBI had exonerated her. When pressed by Wallace, she argued that FBI Director James Comey said that her answers to the American people were truthful. After Clinton recognized that even her strongest supporters doubted her statement, she attempted to walk it back. In doing so, she repeatedly lied again, but offered as an excuse a bizarre claim that she had "short-circuited" her answer. Who knows what that means? She claimed that she and Wallace were talking over each other and her answer had been misunderstood and misconstrued. Yet, Clinton said that Comey exonerated her as being "truthful" to the public when in fact he stated that she had been truthful during her three-hour, closed-door, unrecorded interview with the FBI. Clinton told a group of largely pro-Clinton journalists that she had short-circuited her remarks. Then, she acknowledged that Comey had only referred to whatever she told the FBI as being truthful. Then, she lied again, by insisting that she told the FBI the same things she has told the press and the public since this scandal erupted in March 2015. But that cannot be so, because she has issued a litany of lies to the press and to the public, which the FBI would have caught. In her so-called clarifying remarks, she again told journalists her oft-stated lie about returning all work-related emails to the State Department. She could not have told that to the FBI because Director Comey revealed in July that the FBI found "thousands" of unreturned work-related emails on her servers, some of which she attempted to destroy. On the state secrets issue, she has told the public countless times that she never sent or received anything marked classified. She could not have said that to the FBI, because even a novice FBI agent would have recognized such a statement as a trick answer. Nothing is marked "classified." The markings used by the federal government are "confidential" or "secret" or "top secret." When Director Comey announced last month that the FBI was recommending against indictment, he revealed nevertheless that his agents found 110 emails in 52 email threads containing materials that were confidential, secret or top secret. The agents also found seven email chains on her servers that were select access privilege, or SAP. SAP emails cannot be received, opened or sent without knowing what they are, as a special alphanumeric code, one that changes continually, must be requested and employed in order to do so. SAP is so secret that the FBI agents investigating Clinton lacked access to the code. Could Clinton have legally received, opened, stored or sent a secret or top secret email without knowing it, as she has claimed? In a word: NO. That's because, on her first day in office, Clinton swore under oath that she recognized her legal obligation to recognize state secrets and treat them according to law that is, to keep them in a secure government venue whether they are marked as secrets or not. This past weekend, we learned how deadly the consequences of Clinton's failure to secure secrets can be. Last Sunday, Iran executed a scientist who sold Iranian nuclear secrets to the U.S. The secrets were eventually passed on to Secretary of State John Kerry for his use during the negotiations that led to the recent U.S.-Iran nuclear accord. But the sale of the secrets and the U.S.'s payments for them (several million dollars) were consummated under then-Secretary Clinton's watch. The scientist was lured back to Iran, fearing harm to his family. Upon his return, he was arrested, tried and convicted of treason. One email sent to Clinton, from Richard Morningstar, a former State Department special envoy for Eurasian energy, referred to this scientist as "our friend." The fact that Clinton's aides referenced this spying scientist as "our friend" shows a conscious awareness of their duty to hide and secure state secrets his name and what he had done for the U.S. Yet, at the same time, Clinton put these state secrets at risk by having them sent to her via her nonsecure home servers. This "our friend" email was a top-secret email, which Clinton failed to keep secure. It was either one of the 110 that the FBI found on her servers or one of the work-related emails she did surrender. Could this email have been used as evidence in the treason trial of the now-executed scientist? That is not an academic question. Most of the intelligence community seriously mistrusts Clinton, as her recklessness has jeopardized their work. Some feared that many of their undercover colleagues were compromised or even killed due to Clinton's emails. Hillary Rodham Clinton has established a clear and unambiguous record of deception. Her deceptions are not about the time of day or the day of the week; they are about matters material to her former job as Secretary of State and material to national security. Do you know any rational person who continues to trust her? A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame Law School, Judge Andrew P. Napolitano is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey. He sat on the bench from 1987 to 1995, during which time he presided over 150 jury trials and thousands of motions, sentencings and hearings. He taught constitutional law at Seton Hall Law School for 11 years, and he returned to private practice in 1995. Judge Napolitano began television work in the same year. Putin, Erdogan Hold Press Conference in St. Petersburg Video & Transcript Erdogan is on his first foreign visit since the attempted military coup in Turkey. Posted August 11, 2016 (Kremlin.ru August 9, 2016) President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, We have just completed the main part of the talks with President Erdogan. Naturally, this meeting is very important for the future of Russian-Turkish relations. We had a meaningful and, I would like to emphasise, constructive conversation on the entire range of bilateral issues and the international agenda. The history of our relations includes different periods, sometimes very com[p]licated and even dramatic ones, but the logic of mutual respect inevitably wins out. First of all, I would like to note that despite the complicated domestic situation in Turkey, Mr Erdogan found the time to come to St Petersburg, and this step certainly shows the interest of our Turkish partners in restoring cooperation with Russia. Today we met first in a limited format and then in an expanded group with the participation of the heads of ministries and departments and CEOs of large companies and mapped out the future actions and initial tasks that are required to effectively restore the multifaceted ties between our countries. Our priority is to reach the pre-crisis level of bilateral cooperation. And this is really an urgent task because just in the first five months of this year Russian-Turkish trade fell by 43 percent. Considering that last year the decline was 23 percent, 26 percent, this trend is very regrettable. We have painstaking work ahead of us to revive our trade and economic cooperation. We have already begun this process but it will take time. The visit of a Turkish delegation of Government economic officials and their talks with Russian colleagues in late July was an important step in this context. We intend to pay special attention to building up investment, commodity flows and the implementation of promising projects. It is very important that we have the support of our business communities in these efforts. After the news conference we will have an opportunity to hold a detailed discussion with heads of major companies of the two countries. I am referring to the phased lifting of the special economic measures restrictions introduced earlier with respect to Turkish companies. The Russian Government is working on a draft mid-term programme of trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation for 2016-2019. President Erdogan and I have agreed to steadily resume the work of the main mechanisms of cooperation. A session of the mixed Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is scheduled for September. The relevant departments of both countries have been instructed to conduct a meeting of a joint strategic planning group in the first half of 2017. I would like to note in this context that the energy industry has long occupied a key place in trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Turkey. We discussed major joint projects in this field, the continuation of which will require concrete political decisions. Incidentally, Turkey has already made decisions on a number of large projects that we discussed earlier. I am referring to such projects as the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and the Turkish Stream gas pipeline system. Bringing our tourists back to Turkish resorts is also on our agenda. The ban on selling package tours to Turkey to Russian citizens was lifted in late June. I believe reaching pre-crisis tourist levels is only a matter of time. Most importantly, the Turkish side must ensure safe conditions for Russian citizens, and we have received such assurances from our partners. In this regard, we considered the possibility of resuming charter air service. This is, perhaps, also a technical issue that can be resolved quickly. We touched on the issue of lifting restrictions on hiring Turkish citizens and companies in our construction projects. We are working on it, and we will resolve this issue soon. Notably, bilateral cooperation on certain large-scale projects didnt stop at all. For example, the opening of the central portion of the Western High-Speed Diameter Highway here in St Petersburg is scheduled for late 2016. It is being built jointly by a Turkish general contractor and an Italian company. We had a detailed exchange on pressing international issues. By the way, we agreed that following the news conference we will have a separate discussion of all issues related to the Syrian settlement. There is a general understanding. I am confident that fighting terrorism is a critical element of our joint efforts, and well discuss this in more detail later. In closing, I would like to thank President Erdogan for a candid conversation we have had today. The talks have confirmed that our countries have every opportunity to restore normal, full-fledged relations, which would help bolster stability not only in our region, but also throughout the world. Russia is ready to work toward this. Thank you. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated): Mr President, my dear friend, ministers, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my heartfelt greetings and respect to you and, above all, to thank my dear friend Vladimir Putin for his invitation and for the warm welcome he gave me. Today, President Putin and I had meaningful and substantive talks. As you know, these were the first talks after the incident, and this is our first face-to-face meeting in a long time. In addition, my visit to Russia is the first I have made since the attempted coup on 15 July in Turkey. We are determined to restore our relations to the pre-crisis level and beyond. We have the political will to do so. I think that our respective societies expect us to do just that. As a result of todays talks, political, socioeconomic, cultural and humanitarian relations between Russia and Turkey will finally be restored to their rightful level of before the crisis. In addition, it is imperative to resume charter flights between our two countries, lift the restrictions on Turkish agricultural products, and open the way to Turkish building contractors. I hope that, step by step, we will do everything necessary to reach this goal. Of course, I would like to note that we are willing to designate the Akkuyu Project as a strategic investment project. We have reached agreement on this matter. We plan to expand our cooperation in the defence industry. With regard to regional issues in Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, we have launched a trilateral format, which we appreciate greatly. Furthermore, large-scale projects, such as the Akkuyu NPP, are important to us, and we should actively promote them. I hope that the Moscow-Ankara axis of friendship will be restored as a result of these steps. Speaking about friendship, I cannot ignore one fact. On July 15 and 16, our country lived through one of the most despicable and bloodiest coup attempts. Members of the Fethullah Gulen terrorist group carried it out with the intention of overthrowing our Government. This was an attempted coup aimed at our democracy. We will continue to fight back in solidarity with our friends. In addition, the Turkish Stream will be completed. Together with the relevant ministries and departments of our countries, we will take the necessary steps to ensure Russian gas supplies to Europe via this gas pipeline. On the day after the attempted coup detat, President Vladimir Putin called us, which was really important for us psychologically it was a kind of moral support and a display of Russia-Turkey solidarity. Esteemed members of the press, Turkish-Russian relations are not limited to trade and economic ties. We are also hoping that their restoration and normalisation will bring peace and stability to the region, which is very important. In addition, we will soon meet in a very narrow format where we will have an opportunity to discuss these issues as well. Owing to the political will of the leaders of Russia and Turkey and the support of public opinion in both countries, our bilateral relations have indeed reached a level in the past few years that could serve as an example for other countries. We have a shared vision and potential for cooperation. These are our achievements. Today, my dear friend Vladimir Putin and I have confirmed the similarity of our positions on normalising relations. We should use the capabilities of our countries to enhance regional stability. We believe Russian-Turkish relations are now much more stable than any time before and will help us counter all kinds of crises. In conclusion, I would like to thank my dear friend Vladimir Putin personally and on behalf of the Turkish delegation, and to express my love and respect to all members of the press and everyone listening. Question (retranslated): My question is for both presidents, first the President of Turkey, then Mr Putin. In terms of resolving the situation in Syria, there have obviously been some differences of opinion between the two countries, between the two leaders. However, both countries are in favour of democratic changes in that country, and you talked about this. How much did you focus on Syria today? Will both countries perhaps develop a road map to resolve this issue? Recep Tayyip Erdogan: First of all, I would like to say that we have not yet discussed this issue during todays talks. Following the news conference, we plan to discuss it thoroughly. Therefore, I cannot say anything, since we did not discuss this issue. Vladimir Putin: I can confirm what our guest, the President of Turkey, has just said. Everyone knows that our views on a Syrian settlement have not always been aligned. We agreed that following this meeting we would meet separately with foreign ministers and representatives of special services, share information, and look for a solution. You mentioned democratic reforms. We believe that democratic change can only be achieved by democratic means. This is our principled position. With regard to harmonising our views and approaches, I think this is also possible, if only because we have a common goal, which is to resolve the Syrian crisis. I think that based on this platform and this general approach, we will start looking for a mutually acceptable solution. Question: Mr Putin, you spoke about the need to revive trade and economic relations between the two countries and, in part, about some of the agreements on major projects that have already been reached. If I may, I would like to ask you to specify which project is more important for Russia the South Stream, considering Sofias statements, or the Turkish Stream, considering your discussion today and the general character of Russia-Turkey cooperation at the moment. Or is there a possibility of compromise on these two projects? And Mr Erdogan, you expressed interest in implementing the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project and even intend to grant it a new status. However, as far as I know, its continuation requires the adoption of several laws in Turkey and the acquisition of a number of permits. When will practical steps be taken to this end? Thank you. Vladimir Putin: We have never politicised economic cooperation. In proposing the South Stream project initially, we assumed that our gas would go directly to EU consumers in southern Europe. However, at first the European Parliament made a decision that prevented the implementation of this project and then the European Commission sent a letter to the Bulgarian Government demanding that preparations for it stop, and ultimately we did not receive the permission of the Bulgarian authorities to enter Bulgarian territory. Yes, now we see that Bulgaria would like to resume this project, but we incurred some losses due to the refusal of our European partners to carry out this project. So now we will not settle for just intentions and need absolutely rock solid legal guarantees. They have not been forthcoming. Initially we regarded the Turkish Stream not even as an alternative to the South Stream but as an opportunity to expand our gas cooperation both with Turkey and Europe as a whole. One part of the Turkish Stream was designed exclusively for Turkeys domestic consumers given the growing economy of the Republic of Turkey. This is how we discussed the issue today. This part is beyond any doubt and its implementation may be launched very soon. The second part related to routing our energy to Europe depends, of course, on a third party. We should work out these issues with European countries and the European Commission in Brussels. Together with our Turkish partners and friends, we are prepared to work toward this, but again we need to have an agreement with all the participants. With regard to all manner of permits, we should give credit to our Turkish colleagues. Unlike the South Stream project in the past, even despite the crisis in our relations, the Turkish side has been working on it, and basic permits and issues related to the Turkish Stream have already been processed and issued. There are still some issues that require more work to obtain permits. We discussed individual issues today. As for the Akkuyu NPP, three Turkish laws have been amended. We raised the issue of designating it a strategic investment project, which met with a positive response today. All of this suggests that these major projects and we are talking about projects worth tens of billions of dollars are quite feasible. I hope they will be seen to completion. Recep Tayyip Erdogan: With regard to the Akkuyu project, what we were expected to do is designate the project a strategic investment. From this perspective, we talked with our friends, our colleagues, and we plan to adopt a decision and designate the Russian project as a strategic investment as soon as possible. That will allow Akkuyu to take its place among other projects in our country and enjoy all the necessary benefits that come with this status. With regard to other issues, in particular, the Turkish Stream, as you may know, we buy 28 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia: 18 billion are bought by state-owned organisations and 10 billion by privately owned businesses. So, we plan to implement this project in two areas, one of which includes supplies of Russian gas to Europe, and to speed it up. This is one of our current tasks, and I believe it is the right thing to do. Thank you. Vladimir Putin: I would add that our cooperation is not limited to energy, gas, or a power plant. It is quite diversified and includes mechanical engineering, metallurgical industry, and trade. We discussed at length the resumption of agricultural supplies. We will do all of that as part of the plans that we articulated today. Question (retranslated): A question for both leaders. First, Mr Putin, as we understand, you are resolved to restore relations to the pre-crisis level. Will this take time and if so, what timeframe do you have in mind? In addition, you mentioned the need to simplify visa requirements between the two countries. Are you going to return to this issue? I also have questions for the President of Turkey. We see that relations have entered a new stage but you also said you were very pleased and grateful to Mr Putin for calling you on the phone after the attempted coup. So I would like to ask a question in the context of US-Turkish relations: is it possible to describe relations between Turkey and Russia as strategic? Have you entered a new stage of strategic relations? Vladimir Putin: Regarding the full restoration of relations do we want it or not? Yes, we want it and will do this. Life moves very quickly. Certain changes were caused by the introduction of restrictions. We must consider these changes as we implement plans to restore our trade and economic ties. In this context we adopted a Government decision to draft a medium-term programme of trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation for 2016-2019, which I have just mentioned. I am hoping this programme will be adopted very soon. We will do this in the next few weeks on the issues that do not require much time for coordination between our departments. As for those issues that take longer to coordinate, we will include them in this medium-term programme. So I would advise you to follow the work of our Intergovernmental Commission and relevant departments. We have just agreed that our colleagues will continue contacts on a daily basis without red tape. Decisions on some issues will be made in the near future. As for visa issues, yes, they should be resolved as well, considering that they are related to economic cooperation. We have quoted our Turkish colleagues today as saying that visa restrictions are causing economic problems in the field of transport both for train and air travel. We should take all this into account as we unblock our economic cooperation. Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Thank you very much, Mr President, in particular. You are suggesting that I draw a comparison, but I can tell you this: in Russian-Turkish relations, in economic terms, we achieved a turnover of $35 billion. We are the two countries that managed to do this. Of course, after last years incident, trade fell to about $28 billion, and then even lower. We have a High-Level Cooperation Council in place, which provides for this kind of strategic cooperation. We have worked together within this mechanism. We hope to be able to hold another meeting of the council next year and to resume our partnership from where we left it here in St Petersburg. You may recall that we had a goal of reaching $100 billion in trade, and we will strive to achieve this goal. As of today, we are resuming the process, and we are moving towards this goal. Another conclusion I have made: from the point of view of tourism, Turkey did derive substantial income from Russian tourists, and tourism brought our peoples closer. I believe we should not leave this process unattended. During todays talks, the President said that the process of resuming charter flights between our two countries will be sped up. This process is an important sign that our rapprochement will go even faster. Thank you. Question: Mr Putin, recently the foreign media again raised the issue of the Americans paying Iran $400 million in cash. Officially, this money was supposedly paid for arms supplies in 1979. But some claim that it was ransom for the release of four Americans from Iranian prisons. I recall your recent meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry at which you said that you had fulfilled Barack Obamas request to secure the release of Americans. Could you describe the details of this special operation and clarify whether aircraft with millions of dollars in cash have flown from Washington to Russia as well. Vladimir Putin: Your irony is understandable to an extent. I would like to say that we do not deal with exchanges and ransom, but indeed, several months ago the United States asked us to help secure the release of an American citizen who wound up on the territory of the Syrian Republic. We did this after some work. This was not a special operation. We simply reached an agreement with the Syrian authorities on this issue, received the man and transferred him to the US of course, without any money or ransom. We were motivated exclusively by humanitarian considerations. Thats all. If there is an opportunity to help people in such difficult circumstances as was the case with that American citizen, we will be ready to do this in the future as well for citizens of any country. We hope that our partners will reciprocate with our citizens. In conclusion I would like to thank representatives of the media and the President for his visit, for bringing such a representative delegation, and to express my gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the business community. I would like to say that we indeed went through a very difficult period in our relations but we would very much like and we feel our Turkish friends would like this as well to overcome these difficulties in the interests of Turkish and Russian citizens. The supreme interests of our nations and countries demand the restoration of relations between our countries and not only out of pragmatic considerations but also in the name of the long-term neighbourly ties and friendship between the peoples of Turkey and the Russian Federation. Thank you very much. Justice seems to be coming the way of the Uzoamaka Chukwu, the teenage girl who was molested and dehumanized by some men in Ebonyi state.According to reports, the Ebonyi state command of the Nigerian Police has conducted the orderly trial of three police officers involved in the torture, dehumanization and abuse of the teenager. According to reports, the Ebonyi state command of the Nigerian Police has conducted the orderly trial of three police officers involved in the torture, dehumanization and abuse of the teenager. Read below what was shared by Linus Abba who has been following the case closely; The Ebonyi state command of the Nigerian Police earlier today conducted the orderly trial of three police officers involved in the torture, dehumanization and abuse of teenager Uzoamaka on July 15, 2016 at Uburu, Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi state. The accused officers are: 1. Cpl Paulinus Nwodom 2. Cpl Monday Nweke, and 3. Cpl Obinna Ironsi. While the outcome of the trial had not been announced as at the close of work, it is widely expected that the three may be sanctioned and put to civil trial along with the Coordinator, his younger brother-Enekwachi and one other-Martin who are also in police custody. The police was also reported to have identified about five witnesses to the crime including three young girls who witnessed the sexual assault and torture of Uzoamaka and the two men that the teenager was allegedly forced to name as her sex partners who were respectively fined N30,000 and two crates of beer and a bottle of whiskey. With this development, it is expected that police investigations are nearing a close and a report is expected early next week. Whether the case shall be charged immediately thereafter to court or the case file sent to the state DPP remains to be seen. While thanking all for the steadfast support for the quest for justice for the traumatized orphan, we still appeal for vigilance till the right things are timely done. Meanwhile, I must seize this opportunity to initiate a call on the Ebonyi state government (especially the House of Assembly) to take advantage the publicity around Uzoamakas case to domesticate the VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS PROJIBITION ACT and the CHILD RIGHTS ACT if not already in place. That would be a befitting honour to Uzoamaka and am enduring deterrence against similar atrocities in the state. I call on all friends and activists to help push this laudable proposition. Source: National Helm Nigerian Air Force personnel in Kaduna have recovered 665 cows and 141 sheep/rams from rustlers during one of their official duties in the Birnin Gwari area of the State. The recovered cattle have been handed over to the State Security Coordinator, Col Yusuf Yakubu. This surprises a lot of Nigerians as Kaduna suffered a serious Fulani Herdsmen invasion killing hundreds of people recently yet no task force has been created to address this loss of lives.This fate of Fulani Herdsmen Killings has also befallen many individuals in surrounding states such as Benue,Plateau,Kogi,Adamawa,Niger with no task force formed by the FG to combat this.People expect the FG to respond as proactively as it did and killed the Individuals said to be Millitants terrorizing the waterside areas in Lagos. This makes some Nigerians wonder if indeed the President values Cows and Rams over human life. Source: Facebook Majority of the 38 officers compulsorily retired by the Nigerian Army two months ago were sent away without recourse to the military rules of disengagement, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today. The army had in June announced the compulsory retirement of 38 officers on different ranks on the grounds of alleged professional misconduct during the 2015 general elections, as well as involvement in the $2.1 billion arms procurement scandal. The affected officers include Major-Generals F. O. Alli, E.J. Atewe, I. N. Ijoma, L. C. Ilo, TC Ude, Letam Wiwa, SD Aliyu, M.Y Ibrahim, LC Ilo and O. Ejemai. Others were Brigadier-Generals D. M. Onoyeiveta, A. S. O. Mormoni Bashir, A.S.H Saad, A. I. Onibasa, D. Abdusalam, L.M. Bello, KA Essien, B. A. Fiboinumama and I. M. Lawson. Also affected were Cols. I. O. Ahhachi, P. E. Ekpenyong, T. T. Minimah, O. U. Nwonkwo, and F. D. Kayode, Lt-Cols C. O. Amadi, K. O. Adimogha, T. E. Arigbe, O. A. Baba Ochankpa, D. B. Dazang, O. C. Egemole, Enemchukwu, A. Mohammed, A. S. Mohammed, G. C. Nyekwu, T. O. Oladintoye, C. K. Ukoha and Major A. T. Williams. In the June 9 letters, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, to the affected officers, their compulsory retirement was hinged on provisions of Paragraph 09.02c (4) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised). The referenced section 09.02c (4) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised), shows the officers were laid off on disciplinary grounds i.e. serious offence(s). Emphasizing service exigencies and that the military must remain apolitical and professional at all times, Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a colonel,on June 10, released a statement, disclosing what could have constituted the serious offences which warranted the 38 officers to be compulsorily retired. It should be recalled that not too long ago some officers were investigated for being partisan during the 2015 general elections, the statement said. Similarly, the investigation by the Presidential Committee investigating Defence Contracts revealed a lot. Some officers have already been arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Colonel Usman said. Although, some of the officers, who were shocked by their sudden retirement, had alleged ethnic cleansing, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, said the army embarked upon the exercise to remove those who in one way or the other jeopardized the fight against insurgency and other issues bordering on national security. He also said that there was no better time to send the officers away than the time they were retired. But PREMIUM TIMES investigations revealed that the Army breached its own rule by retiring most of the officers without query or indictment by any panel, thereby raising question of arbitrariness. However, contrary to the claim by the Army, our investigations showed that only a few of the affected officers were queried, tried and indicted. Others had their careers abruptly cut short for reasons that smacks of high-level arbitrariness, pettiness, witch-hunting and partisanship by authorities of the Army. While officers cleared by either arms procurement panel or election panel were retired, others who were not questioned at all were also sent away. Our findings revealed that nine officers, holding the rank of Major General, 11 Brigadier Generals, seven Colonels and 11 Lieutenant Colonels, amounting to 38 officers in sum, were laid off. Highly placed sources in the Army told PREMIUM TIMES that out of the Major Generals, only one E.D. Atewe (N/7674) faced a panel and was indicted. Mr. Atewe was indicted by the presidential arms probe panel, and he is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Although S.D. Aliyu (N/7711); M.Y. Aliyu (N/8114) GOC 7 Division; Fatai Alli, (N/7914) a former Director of Operations in the Army, also faced presidential arms panel but they were cleared. Yet they were laid off for serious offence, our investigations revealed. Other five Major Generals L. Wiwa (N/7665), who is late Ken Saro-Wiwas brother; I.N. Ijeoma (N/8304); T.C Ude (N/7866); L.C. Ilo (N/8320); O. Ejemau (N/8340) were neither queried nor indicted by any panel. On June 9, they received letters via emails, directing them to proceed on compulsory retirement. Brigadier Generals had to go because of their loyalties The cases of the affected Brigadier Generals are not different; only one of them A.I Onibasa (N/9072) was indicted by the presidential panel on arms procurement. Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the remaining 10 officers were simply retirement because they were suspected to be have failed to help this regime to power. For instance, two officers were laid off because of their ties to the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, our sources said. The two officers A.S.H. Saad (N/8392), who was at the Directorate of Military Intelligence; and Mormoni Bashir (N/8396), former principal staff officer to Mr. Dasuki were retired without indictment. Although, Mr. Saad faced a panel, he was not found to have engaged in any wrongdoing. For his alleged close ties to a former Army Chief, Kenneth Minimah, D. Abdulsalam (N/9169) was sent away. Koko Essien (N/8794), a former Brigade Commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, faced the election panel but was cleared. Mr. Essien was laid off nonetheless, like Bright Fibioinumana (N/8399); L.N. Bello (N/8799), former Brigade Commander, 34 Brigade Owerri; and M.G. Alli Moundhey, former Director, Campaign Planning in the North East Operations, who were even not queried in the first place. Although, the Nigerian Army said the affected officers were retired for either involvement in the 2015 general elections or arms procurement fraud, our investigations showed that officers who were not in Nigeria at the time of the elections were also sacked. That was the case of I.B. Lawson (N/8812) and G.O. Agachi (N/9363) who were Defence Attaches at Nigerias missions in China and Benin Republic respectively. According to a document seen by this newspaper, they retired for allegedly committing serious offence. But they were never informed of their offences nor were they invited to face any panel of inquiry, army insiders say. They aided PDP to get votes Many Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels who were laid off on June 9 were merely suspected of failing to cooperate with the All Progressives Congress to garner votes in the 2015 elections, sources told PREMIUM TIMES. In one instance, T.A Williams (N/11469) a Major; and A. Mohammed (N/10659), a Lieutenant Colonel, both attached to the 195 Battalion, Agenebode, Edo State, with the latter as Commanding Officer, were said to have been flushed out because of complaint of not cooperating with the APC, brought against them. But Mr. Mohammed was said to be away in the North-East at the time and played no role during the election. Yet he was retired. Similarly, in Rivers State, Army insiders said, APC officials accused four officers attached to the 332 Air Defence Regiment (B. Odiankpa N/10417) and ; 5 Battalion, Elele (A.S. Mohammed -N10662); 2 Brigade Garrison, Port Harcourt (A.Adimoha N/10421); 29 Battalion Port Harcourt (T.O. Oladuntoye (N/10338) of aiding the PDP in the state. Our findings revealed that these officers, accused of partisanship, were not queried or investigated before they were asked to forced to leave the army. In one curious case, documents seen by this newspaper revealed that Lt. Col A. Mohammed was in the North East, not Agenebode, but somehow his name was among those listed for alleged partisanship. The former Commanding Officer, 93 Battalion, Takum, O.C. Egemole (N/10423), who was also compulsorily retired, was also accused of not doing enough to avert APC loss in Taraba State. He was also neither queried nor investigated. Seven colonels on the list of the compulsory retirees had no formal charge issued to them nor did they face panel before they were laid off. For instance O.U. Nwankwo (N/9678) was studying at the University of Ibadan while M.A. Suleiman (N/10030) was in Chad as Defence Attache before they were suddenly retired. Then, C.K. Ukoha (N/10319) was in Abuja during the elections, insiders told us, but was accused of taking part in electoral fraud in Benin and was retired. Also, without probe or indictment for any offence, T. Minimah (N/10185), brother to former Army Chief, Kenneth Minimah, was also removed from his post in Benin and retired. Did the retirements follow due process? PREMIUM TIMES checks indicated the army violated its own rules in the ways the officers were disengaged. The Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers whose paragraph 09.02c (4) was relied upon to remove the officers, originates from the Armed Forces Act. The section cited by the Army provides that an officer may be compulsorily retired on disciplinary grounds i.e. serious offence(s) without defining what constitutes serious offences. But the principal law the Armed Forces Act establishes all actions that constitute offences in the Military. The Act prescribes steps to be taken in punishing offences, and a review shows no section empowers the Army Council to arbitrarily punish or compulsorily retire officers for any offence. In fact, the Army Council, in Section 11(a-f) of the Act, has no power to retire any officer on disciplinary ground without compliance with the steps prescribed by law. Army did no wrong; affected officers can seek redress The spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, a Colonel, however insisted the officers were properly retired. Those that were compulsorily retired had one problem or the other that warranted their compulsory retirement from the Army, Mr. Usman told PREMIUM TIMES. Basically thats it. And whoever is not satisfied with that should please seek redress. They are quite familiar with the terms and conditions of service. None of them was arbitrarily retired and they know. Army cant just retire you without any offence or because the Chief of Army Staff does not like your face. It is not for them to go to newspaper. They were advised to write the Commander-in-Chief through the Chief of Defence Staff to seek redress. Their records are there and they will be given cogent reason why they were asked to retire compulsorily. Mr. Usman was evasive when asked whether all the affected officers were queried or formally indicted before they were forced out of service. Source: Premium Times Multiple bomb blasts in Thailand left four people dead and several others injured. Thailands prime minister also called for calm hours after Thursdays bombing and authorities have now arrested two men in connection with the incident. The bombings targeted tourist resorts and the identity of the two men who have now been detained have not been revealed. Initial investigations reveal that two types of bombs were used, which are fire bombs and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, said Royal Thai Police Col Krisana Patanacharoen. Comedian Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has apologised to former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for insulting him. Basketmouth had earlier blamed Jonathan for the present situation of the country. In an Instagram post, He wrote: Truth of the matter is that I would have voted anyone that could speak two words of English against Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and thats strictly based on the amount of greed and selfishness we witnessed from members of his (Jonathans) administration in the 6 years that he sat on the rock. I have said it numerous times that I am not a politician hence I try not to dabble in politics. However I think a few people interpret crying out against injustice by the one as campaign for the other. Barely 24 hours after making that post, Basketmouth apologised for disrespecting Jonathan. He wrote: I have to sincerely apologize at this point that in expressing my opinion in my last post which was primarily to clear the air about who I campaigned, supported or rooted for or didnt, I was disrespectful to a man I have nothing but respect. The last President may have had some wrong advisers and consequently decisions were made that will eventually impact on the economy, however I am sorry if it came across as an attack on the man Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. We all desired a CHANGE, majority voted for it, now we have it, it is definitely a process, a tough one because I know the hustle is realbelieve me, I know. I trust it can only get better, lets just try to be patient, he added. SEE ALSO: Give Your Life To Christ: Freeze Shades Basketmouth In a move to prevent a recurrence of factors that encouraged the spread of Boko Haram ideology, the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has set up a regulatory body to censor Islamic teachings in the state. Shettima, who spoke at the inauguration of the body, named Borno State Islamic Preaching Board, said its task is to help prevent history from repeating itself. The governor said the boards major task is to monitor and spy on the preaching of all Islamic clerics especially those in the remote areas of the 27 local government areas of the state. The Board is to be headed by the Chief Imam of Borno State, Imam Zannah Laisu Ibrahim Ahmed. Mr. Shettima urged the board to monitor the proliferation of traditional Islamiyya, Tsangaya or Almajiri and Arabic schools for the purpose of protecting noble schools from the infiltration by others which may have hidden motives aimed at teaching violent doctrines. All members of the board were present during the inauguration yesterday at the Government House, Maiduguri. The governor said Borno and its people must learn from the history of the Boko Haram, which he noted, keeps re-surging despite being defeated at various times by the military. There is a famous saying made by Winston Churchill more than 50 years ago that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, he said. Majority of us in Borno State have expectedly been enthralled by the successes of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Multi National Forces in the evident debasing of the devilish Boko Haram terror group. While we celebrate, we however seem to be paying less attention to history. If we cast our minds back as short as ten 13 years ago, we would realize that the Boko Haram group has got the history of being defeated, going underground for some years, regrouping themselves and coming back through different forms. When the Boko Haram, then known as Taliban, migrated from Borno and launched attacks in Kananma, a border village in Yobe State around December, 2003, they were defeated by the military. They disappeared completely only to regroup and attack Bama and Gwoza police divisions in 2004. Again, they were defeated by the military. They disappeared in 2004 only to resurface in 2007 somewhere in Panshekara, an industrial area in Kano State. For the third time, they were defeated by the military. But they regrouped as Yusufiyya movement in 2009 with mass followership and high presence in Maiduguri, Bauchi and Potiskum. They were defeated after the July 2009 crisis only for them to regroup in December, 2010. When they were chased out of Maiduguri between 2013 and 2014, they shifted their horror to local government areas. The chronicle of Boko Harams death and resurrection is one piece of history that should prompt us to remaining totally focused towards ensuring that we do not make the mistake of others in allowing the group to ever return to our midst. At all instances of their regrouping, the Boko Haram sect recruited new members, mostly through open preaching to spread their misguided ideology, targeting teenagers. They had leaders who openly preached in mosques and at special gatherings, without showing violence at initial levels. We must take firm, consistent and knowledge-based steps to continuously separate between those clerics who preach in the name of Allah and those who kill innocent souls in the name of Allah. Often times, preachers with violent attention start on normal note, they tend to start by being nice, they exhibit friendship to gain acceptance before they systematically begin to share misguided ideologies in their true colours. The job of the Borno State Islamic Preaching Board is not only to set preaching standard but importantly, to be alert in spotting unusual and suspicious preaching among Islamic clerics. The board must take special attention on new comers into the existing group of preachers in all parts of Borno State. The Board has to make deliberate efforts to work with community sources across the 27 local government areas of the State in getting information about any form of suspicious preaching not only in urban centres but in villages. We shouldnt expect Boko Haram to come back using a familiar identity. If they will try to return, they may apply different forms. The Board has to be alert and has to encourage preachers who will use knowledge to change the Boko Haram narrative, the governor said. There will be no sanctions for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and former Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin, over the alleged budget padding scandal, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday. The APC, which waded into the controversy that is threatening the fragile peace in the green chambers, directed the lawmakers in the eye of the storm Messrs. Dogara and Jibrin who incidentally are its members, to desist from a media war but latest developments point to the fact that the ceasefire order was disobeyed by both parties, prompting calls for sanctions against the errant party members. But the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the APC, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, told reporters at the partys national secretariat in Abuja that its constitution empowers it (APC) to take certain steps, but it would not do so in order not to unsurp the functions of law enforcement agencies. He said: Article 7 (5) of the APC constitution gives us the power to do certain things. So, you see, what we are doing is the right thing. But only we dont want that in the public gallery. Shuaibu asked what is padding? saying the party would not sanction anybody for that. What is of concern to us is where any member contravenes the party constitution in his conduct, he stressed. That is why I referred you to Article 7 (5) of our party constitution. We are not a law enforcement organisation. We dont enforce law. We only ensure that the constitution is complied with. All members of the party are answerable to the party and answerable to their constituencies. The two members that are subjected to this are elected or appointed members of the party including those that are holding public office. So, you expect the party to sit down and watch. No. We have to do our work. So, the question of sweeping anything under the carpet does not arise at all. But we dont want to do it in the market place, in the party secretariat. On the funding of the party, Shuaibu said: We have a credible source of funding. Every member of APC in this country pays N100. So far on our data base, we have 12.7million registered members. Others are still waiting for us to just open our portal to do their membership registration. Assuming those on our data base paid their membership levies, just calculate N100 of 12.7million members for you to know how much we can get. So we have our way of sourcing for fund. Speaking on the hues and cries of hardship by Nigerians, the former senator said: You are talking of hardship. This government is just one year old. Sixteen years of destruction and you want the magic in just only one year? Nobody is talking of 16 years of the destruction that brought the hardship. But when the destruction was going on, people were praying for somebody who could correct all these things and reconstruct the country. But nobody said it will just happen overnight. It is not possible. I think if you have a scratch on your hand now, it will take some time to heal. But the system destroyed so many things. It was an atmosphere where impunity was officially recognised. On filling vacant party positions, he said: There is a committee looking into our constitution, we are waiting for them. It will be a mini-convention. What we want to do is to amend some parts of our party constitution after operating this one for about two years. Where it is inadequate we want to perfect it. The bodyguards of President Muhammadu Buhari, who participated during the campaigns, have lamented that they have been pushed to the corner. The bodyguards claimed they have been excluded by those they tagged as cabals in the government. According to them, apart from the N20, 000 they got on two occasions in January and February 2015, we had never and were never given anything. Speaking at a press briefing addressed by their spokesperson, Olabiyi Balogun, and three other members, Audu Odemeho, Abdullahi Hassan and Zubairu Idris, the group lamented that those who did not even work for the victory of Buhari were now reaping from where they did not sow. Balogun said, Right now, we need Mr. President to appreciate our hard work for him. We need Mr. President to recognise the fact that we have lost everything because we championed the change agenda. Definitely, it is not just our exclusion that is a security threat to the country. Anything that will deny any man his dues and legitimate rights can be concluded to mean a security threat because when you dont get your dues and what is rightly due for you, then you are opened to a lot of temptations. So, we are indeed a security threat. Members of the Presidential Bodyguards, put at over 100 personnel, were said to have been drawn from the security and protocol departments and the Buhari Support Organisation. During the electioneering campaign, we served the current President, Muhammadu Buhari, as his personal bodyguards. That was who we were and that is what we are till now. One would have expected that having worked hard tirelessly and relentlessly for the President to assume the office he had desired all these years, the people that were in the forefront deserved to be recognised, compensated and remunerated, considering the volume of work and gravity of the sacrifices we had to make, he added. Source: Dailypost Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, on Thursday, alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was briefed before the clampdown on Shiites in Zaria by the Army between December 12 and 14, 2015. While claiming that about 1,000 of its members were killed in the clampdown by soldiers, Kaduna State government insisted it buried only 347 corpses in a mass grave in Kaduna. The group, which also dismissed the findings and recommendations of the Kaduna State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, JCI, as pre-determined, claimed that Buhari arrested its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and detained him at Alagbon Close for 18 months when he was Military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, in the same manner he is currently being detained. Chairman Free Zakzaky Campaign Committee of IMN, Abdulraham Yola, claimed Buhari had accused the group of forming a parallel government during his maiden media chat and repeated the same as reason for the clampdown on IMN while fielding questions on a TV channel in Qatar. He said: It was the clearest indication that the President was not only briefed, he sanctioned and ordered it. The governor (Nasir el-Rufa of Kaduna State) similarly levelled the same allegation during his state broadcast on the incident when he said Government also received reports that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria acted like a parallel state, with total disdain for the formal structures of the Nigerian government. Neither Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky nor any of IMN members has ever renounced their citizenship of Nigeria. They hold Nigerian passports as bonafide citizens. IMN has not claimed any part of the country as its territory. It does not have its own anthem, flag or currency. Many members of the IMN are tax payers and IMN-owned groups or associations are registered with relevant Nigerian regulatory bodies. Furthermore, IMN always resorted to law to seek redress whenever they felt aggrieved. Clearly, all these do not suggest a parallel state with total disdain for formal structures. Source: Vanguard A strange misunderstanding between a Chinese family on vacation and San Diego police late Sunday night led to an unprecedented car chase. The incident began when a San Diego police patrol vehicle attempted to pull over a Honda CR-V. The SUV carrying a family of three initially came to a stop in the middle of the freeway, police said, but then sped up and continued for another few minutes before pulling off on the shoulder near a major road. Officers surrounded the SUV with their guns drawn as a female passenger exited, clearly confused. Officers then asked the male driver to come out as a little boy was also brought out of the SUV. After engaging the family, officers learned they were on a vacation from China and did not realize they needed to pull over when the patrol vehicle turned on its lights and sirens. Following the ordeal, one of the officers gave the little boy a high five and an SDPD sticker. Police then sent the family on its way with no citations. There are two types of people; those who keep making money by working till they die and those who keep making money by having their assets work for them. Many Nigerians invest in different asset classes but the most popular among Nigerians for decades have been equity-based instruments, real estate and commodities. The crash of the Nigerian stock market in 2008 hit many Nigerians who have invested so much in equities. Although, the market became bullish afterwards, the market is currently not enjoying its best moments, with the market suffering frequent losses. If the Prospect theory (during Bullish period, the investor remains risk averse while the attitude of investor in bearish period remains risk seeker) is anything to go by, many investors will have high appetite for risk during this period of economic recession in the country as they look for investment opportunities. Making the right stock investment choice An investor who wants to receive a steady income should consider investing in established companies which are mainly concerned with keeping their shareholders happy with dividend payments. Investors also regard dividend payment as a sign of a companys strength. To them, it shows that a companys management has positive expectations for future earnings, making the stock more attractive. With improved demand comes increase in stock price. However, this does not mean stocks of companies that do not pay dividends are bad. For growth companies whose expenses from growth initiatives may sometimes exceed their net earnings, paying dividend would be difficult. Other firms have even decided not to pay dividends under the principle that their reinvestment strategies will lead to greater returns for the investor. Therefore, non-payment of dividend may not necessarily mean the stock is bad. Investors should also look out for growth prospect and performance of companies they plan to invest in. For example, Wema Bank Plc. reported an 11 percent rise in its pre-tax profit to N1.30 billion. It also has plans to raise new capital to fund growth and expansion. Its shares could be perfect for the future. When the Managing Director of the bank Segun Oloketuyi spoke after the bank was granted a national banking license in 2015, he explained the banks growth trajectory. Six years ago, we took a decision to refocus the banks operations in its areas of strength and build a sustainable institution. We took advantage of the new licensing regime and applied for a regional authorisation with a pledge to expand in the near future once the turnaround project was completed. Mr Oloketuyi said that the banks transformation was implemented in three phases to stabilise the bank, prepare the building blocks for growth and to go for growth. The bank is now in the third phase of the transformation project. He added that the bank would focus on areas where return on investment would be maximised and shareholder value enhanced over the medium to long- term. How bad can non-payment of dividend be for companies? The reason why companies will find it difficult to raise money from the capital market is not just because of economic downturn but their inability to declare dividend for several years, Vanguard quoted Mr. Boniface Okezie, Chairman of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN) to have said. Some of these companies have not declared dividend for many years, so there is lack of confidence in their managements ability to meet shareholders expectations. For instance, Wema Bank has not paid dividend for more than four years. So, how can investors be encouraged to invest in such a company especially in this present economic downturn?Okezie asked. Wemas growth prospect and performance answer Okezies question. More so, Wema Bank is not raising capital from the equity market. The lender is planning to issue N20bn in bond once it gets regulatory approval. Heres the difference: Bonds are a form of debt security. They are generally less risky than equity investments (stocks). However, they offer lower potential returns. With the current market uncertainties and the promise shown by Wema Banks performance, risk averse investors are expected to see the Wema Bank bond as a safe investment option. One important thing about Lagos is that if you are ever lost in the city, you just need to find your way to one of these bus stops and youll be home in no time. We made a list of the most popular bus-stops in the city. 1. Oshodi Oshodi is undoubtedly the most popular bus-stop in Lagos. It is on the mainland and is divided into Oshodi Oke (Upper Oshodi) and Oshodi Isale (Lower Oshodi). It houses a lot of shops and market space, as well as buses for people who need to travel to other neighboring states. 2. Ojota For first-timers to the city particularly our brothers from the East, Ojota is your first point of action. A lot of buses from other states have Ojota as their final bus-stops too. Ojota has a market space and also a bus terminus. 3. Ojuelegba Ojuelegba may just be the only bus-stop a Non-Nigerian knows because of Wizkids hit song. On one side of Ojuelegba, there is Yaba and theres Surulere on the other side. 4. Obalende If you live/work on the island, then Obalende is that place for you. There are buses going to Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island and places on the mainland too. The name Obalende when literally translated to English from Yoruba means The king chased me to this point. 5. Mile 2 Mile 2 serves as the intersection of Lagos-Badagry and Apapa Oshodi Express way which are 2 major roads in Lagos. It connects vehicles coming from or heading to Apapa take to by-pass Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Which other bus-stops do you know? Tell us in the comment box The Federal Government has broken its silence on the fresh outbreak of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in Gwoza and Jere local government areas of Borno State, blaming the infections on activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. Two children were affected in the latest outbreak of the virus, which has caused a setback for Nigerias progress towards attaining a polio-free status. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who confirmed the cases yesterday in Abuja, described it is an unfortunate development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently de-listed Nigeria from the list of polio endemic nations and was waiting till next year to be certified polio-free but this development has thrown spanner in the works of the countrys chances of being certified polio free by 2017. The last time a polio infection was recorded in Nigeria was in June of 2014. The health minister, however, assured the country that government was on top of the situation, adding that an emergency plan would be marshaled out in 48 hours. As an immediate response, Adewole said a team will be deployed to Borno to begin immunization, even as he assured that there was enough funding to tackle the virus. About one million children will be immunized in four local government areas in Borno under the immediate response plan. Children in neighbouring Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe will also be immunized, bringing the number to about five million in the four states. The minister said: It is unfortunate that we have the development; it has set us back, but I can assure you that we will do everything possible to address the situation. We are meeting again today; we had a meeting yesterday to assess the situation; we will be drawing out an emergency plan and in the next 48 hours, a team will be dispatched to start immunization. We would do three rounds of special immunization campaigns to make sure that we contain the situation. One of the cases is from Gwoza, which is close to the border; the other is Jere. We suspect that both are linked to the insurgents eclipse. Mr. President had last week observed that as we liberate more areas, we should expect challenges, but we did not expect there would be polio; we were expecting nutritional and other challenges. As a nation, we will rise up to the challenge. We are assured by our international partners and we will launch a robust response. We had a meeting with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners yesterday; we are meeting again today; we are in touch with the Borno State Governor as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Though we have degraded the insurgents, there are a few hit and run cases which have endangered security in the area. We have also set up a special team to monitor the Lake Chad basin. We have enough funding for immunization in the 2016 budget. We have more projections for 2017 and 2018. We are robustly supported by international partners and we have signed on to a World Bank loan to ensure that we have enough funding. So money is not the issue; the issue has to do with the access and the insurgency operations. The Federal Government is set to create 6,000 direct new jobs as parts of efforts to commemorate the 2016 International Youth Day (IYD). The Senior Special Assistant President Muhammadu Buhari on Youth and Student Affairs, Nasir Saidu Adhama, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja. The IYD is an awareness day designated by the United Nations to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth all over the world. The theme of this years celebration is The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production. Speaking on the theme of the 2016 IYD, Adhama said government was establishing textile clusters within the six geo-political zones where 1,000 unemployed youth from each geo-political zone will be trained and provided with facilities like sewing machines, fabrics and other equipment. The training, which is set to take off in the next 60 days, seeks to engage a total of 6,000 youths who will be trained, while those with prior training, will be retrained. What we are looking at is after the training, state governments will provide the beneficiaries with opportunities to sew school uniforms for primary and secondary school students in the states. This will take away negative thoughts and idleness from them, he said. He, therefore, enjoined all stakeholders to focus on the role of youths in ensuring implementation of the theme of this years celebration. He said towards achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, and in line with the UN, the development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency and consumption of all, and minimise waste and pollution, must be encouraged. Music star, Jidenna has signed a groundbreaking deal with three giant music houses for the launch and distribution of his debut album Long Live The Chief. The three music houses that will push his album to ensure a global experience are Epic Records, Sony Music West Africa and Sony Music South Africa. The Classic Man will also tour Africa for a series of exclusive performances, album release parties and the filming of a BBC documentary, which will chronicle his homecoming journey to Nigeria. Speaking on the album, Jidenna says The record as a whole represents all my experiences of the many worlds Ive lived in and traveled through from Lagos to Los Angeles. A 47-year-old man, Emmanuel Magbati, who was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly defiling an 18-month-old baby, has blamed the devil for his misdeeds. Magbati was said to have committed the offence by penetration on the 3rd of August at No 23, Adebayo Owotu Street, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The mother of the victim, who filed a complaint at the police station, said on the day of the unfortunate incident, her daughter went to play in the accuseds room as usual, but when she went to pick her up, was shocked to stumble upon him (Magbati) fingering the 18 month old baby. Counsel to Magbati, Barrister Ayodele Osunkanya, prayed the court to admit the accused to bail on the ground that he was a family man and would be available to face subsequent trial of the matter. The plea for bail was, however, rejected by the prosecutor, Simeon Imhonwa, who argued that the act was degrading to humanity. Mr. Imhonwa, an Inspector of Police, said the accused needed to be denied bail for him to realize the gravity of his offence Presiding magistrate Layeni Lateef Kayode granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, and fixed September 22, 2016 for further mention. Five-time Ballon DOr winner and the captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi has announced a return to the national team. Messi earlier announced his retirement after a humbling loss to Chile in the Copa America final denied him of the trophy at his second try. SEE ALSO: Messi Fails To Make UEFA Best Player Shortlist An emotional Messi who couldnt hide the pain, declared he was retiring from the National team. It was a move that disappointed many, as many Argentines called on him to reconsider his retirement. Messi is the Albacelestes all-time leading goal scorer and theres very little doubt that the team is worse off without him. After reports this week stating that Nigeria has suffered a setback in its campaign to eradicate polio after two cases were reported in Borno state, the United Nations Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has come out to state that conflict poses a major threat to children. UNICEF also said that the sobering news underscores the urgency of eradicating the disease in conflict-affected areas. The Nigerian Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of wild poliovirus in conflict-ridden Borno state, where children are also already facing dangerously high levels of malnutrition. The two cases were discovered in parts of Borno that have recently become accessible. Nigeria had its last confirmed polio case two years ago and was within a year of being certified polio-free. SEE ALSO: Buhari Bags Polio Eradication Champion Award We cannot deny the connection between conflict and the continued threat of polio. The two new cases mean children across the Lake Chad region are now at particular risk. With our partners, we will not stop until we reach every child with polio vaccination, said UNICEF Polio Eradication Director Reza Hossaini. SEE ALSO: Fresh Polio Outbreak Unexpected, Says Health Minister The Nation House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara insisted yesterday that budget padding is not an offence, saying no lawmaker can be investigated or tried for it. New Telegraph The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has indicted former Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, and 117 others as perpetrators of electoral fraud in the 2007 and 2011 general elections. Punch PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buharis decision to revisit corruption cases involving former state governors represents a bold move to refocus the ongoing anti-graft crusade to embrace a vital segment that has been seemingly overlooked over the years. Up to this moment, corruption cases against governors have mostly attracted tepid responses. However, the success of this reanimation, as with other corruption battles, will depend largely on the sincerity of purpose by the judiciary, especially the willingness of judges to sanction established treasury looters. So far, this has been lacking Vanguard Rep. Odeneye Kehinde represents Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu and Ijebu North East in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) In this interview, he speaks on allegations of corruption made against the institution of the National Assembly among other issues. The Sun The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has said that he is contesting to right the many wrongs of the last seven and a half years by the All Progressives Congress(APC) government in the state. Thisday The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 10 September 2016. Tribune The Enugu State Controller of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Mr Isaiah Amariri, said, on Thursday, that six of the inmates that escaped from Nsukka Prisons on Tuesday night, have been rearrested. Daily Trust Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the ousted chairman of the Appropriation Committee of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumini Jibrin, will not be sanctioned over the budget padding controversy, the Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), North, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, has said. Leadership The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the global principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as an important tool for governance of Nigerias oil, gas and mining industries. Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced that he is open to negotiations with the federal government to end the agitation for secession of the people of Biafra from Nigeria. Kanu made this declaration through his lawyers led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Amoebi Nzelu, in a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. Nnamdi Kanu is not averse to political solution in resolving his present politically orchestrated ordeal. He welcomes genuine political solution to this case. Nnamdi Kanu has people of proven integrity and impeccable character that will negotiate on his behalf, based on his demands when communication on this effect is established, one of the lawyers said. Meanwhile, the lawyers have debunked the claims by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), who have both named the self acclaimed Biafra leader as part of their conditions for negotiations. It is on that note that we wish to inform the general public that Nnamdi Kanu has no connection, contact, ties or any kind of relationship with members of the MEND, the lawyers said. Mend has no implied, direct or express authority of Nnamdi Kanu to represent him or IPOB in any purported negotiation going on between mend and the federal government. Recall that Mr. Kanu and two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, who have been in detention since October, 2015, are standing trial on a six-count charge of treasonable felony, managing unlawful society and concealing goods. At the last hearing, the lead prosecution counsel was absent in court, and the case was adjourned to September 26 29, 2016. The leader of IPOB, Mr. Kanu and two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi have been in detention since October, 2015, and are facing trial for alleged treason. Mr. Nnamdi Kanu has however said that the group is willing to negotiate with the Buharis Federal Government to end the agitation for secession. Kanu made this known through his lawyers led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Amaobi Nzelu. He said this while reacting to the governments decision on Thursday to release some members of the group who were arrested in February. He said they were not opposed to talks with the government. He welcomes genuine political solution to this case. Nnamdi Kanu has people of proven integrity and impeccable character that will negotiate on his behalf, based on his demands when communication on this effect is established. his lawyer said. The lawyer however refuted claims that the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger delta, MEND, was negotiating on behalf of Kanu and IPOB. He said In the past few day, the media was awash with news on negotiation going on between the Federal government and members of MEND, where our clients name (Nnamdi Kanu) conspicuously featured. It is on that note that we wish to inform the general public that Nnamdi Kanu has no connection, contact, ties or any kind of relationship with members of the MEND. As such MEND has no implied, direct or express authority of Nnamdi Kanu to represent him or IPOB in any purported negotiation going on between MEND and the Federal Government. The general public is accordingly advised to ignore, discountenance and disregard the falsehood been peddled by MEND, he submitted. North Korean workers areallegedly being given a methamphetamine-based drug in the hope it will speed up a major construction project. Project managers in the citys capital of Pyongyang are said to be under so much pressure to finish the job on time that they have resorted to openly providing builders with the drug. Hundreds of thousands of North Korean citizens have been roped in to finish the project, which consists of a 70-floor skyscraper and more than 60 apartment blocks. It was approved earlier this year by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Project managers are now openly providing drugs to construction workers so that they will work faster, a construction source in Pyongyang told Radio Free Asia. (They) are undergoing terrible sufferings in their work. Human rights workers in Asia said the working conditions amounted to slave labour and urged the UN to take further action against Kim Jong-un. On this day in 2015;Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state in Nigeria, accused members of the Presidential Task force Implementation Committee on the alienation of Federal Government Landed Properties of not working in the interest of Federal Government nor the state. He therefore, urged that it be disbanded. The task force began its operations during the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathans administration. HP has dabbled in many operating systems over the last few years, but the company always seems to come back to Windows. The company is building a mobile device strategy around Windows 10 Mobile and is slowly cutting its reliance on Android, once high on the company's list for tablets and PCs. HP has discontinued low-cost Android tablets, and two remaining enterprise tablets feature aging hardware and an old version of the OS. Company executives have said future mobile devices will be built around Windows 10 unless there's significant new demand for Android. HP is following the lead of Dell, which has cut Android devices to focus on Windows. Lenovo, meanwhile, still sells Android tablets and smartphones but is cutting its number of Android tablets and increasing its number of Windows 2-in-1s. The goal for HP is simple: to unify products around one OS, much like Apple. That's a challenge facing Samsung, with its PCs on Windows, tablets and smartphones on Android, and wearables and smart TVs on Tizen. Samsung is still working to put the pieces together to ensure all devices communicate flawlessly, but the company claimed progress during the recent launch of Galaxy Note 7. HP is re-entering the smartphone market its Elite X3 handset, which runs Windows 10 Mobile. The company is building its smartphone strategy around Windows 10 Mobile, which had just a 0.7 percent market share in the first quarter, according to Gartner. In an ideal world, HP could have made Windows 10 Mobile and Android smartphones, but Windows aligns better with the company's PC, virtual reality, and augmented reality strategy, said Michael Park, vice president and general manager of mobility at HP, in an interview. Park recognizes Windows 10 Mobile doesn't have a giant market share, which could make smartphone sales a challenge. But HP wants to provide a high-margin, premium product for office workers already running Windows PC apps. HP says Elite X3 can be a PC replacement with help from cloud services and accessories. Users will be able to run Universal Windows apps on PCs and smartphones. HP also plans to bring augmented reality apps on HoloLens to the Elite X3. "We're not trying to hit the volumes and scales of Android," Park said. "We're going after IT shops. There are a lot of people in the commercial domain who are not using Pokemon Go." HP has said it doesn't want to sell low-cost devices and has cut many Android devices in the process. But the same strategy doesn't apply to Windows -- this week it announced low-cost Stream notebooks running Windows 10 starting at $199. Windows 10 is also at the center of HP's tablet and PC strategy as the OS glues together all product lines, said Mike Nash, vice president of customer experience and portfolio strategy at HP, in a recent interview. "It's very difficult to build differentiated $99 Android tablets," Nash said. If there's an interest in Android, it's through Chromebooks. HP offers a handful of Chromebooks -- which run Chrome OS -- and those devices will be able to run Android apps. As customers "upgrade the OS on Chromebooks over time, they will run those [Android] applications on that device," Nash said. HP has dabbled with Android in PCs under the Slate product line. In 2014, the company shipped an Android laptop/tablet hybrid called Slatebook. That year, the company also shipped the Slate 21, an Android all-in-one desktop PC. The company has even put Android in printers. HP has worked on mobile printing for Android and iOS devices, and those efforts should continue. Wireless printing is becoming a standard feature in HP's printers, and mobile printing is growing. While Android seems to be off HP's map for now, it has an open-door policy for software and technologies. If a customer needs an Android device, HP will offer the OS, Nash said. Hogs Rebound into Weekend Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT Lean hog futures ended the Friday round with 32 to 97 cent gains to fade the triple digit losses from Thursday. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price was $90.54 in the PM update, down by $1.15. The... HEZ22 : 86.100s (+1.15%) HEJ23 : 92.700s (+0.62%) KMZ22 : 96.125s (+0.37%) Cotton Falls Triple Digits Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT December cotton ended the day locked limit lower on the 3c loss. The March contract worked back off the limit for the bell, but still went home down by 274 points. For the week, Dec cotton closed 702 points... CTZ22 : 72.11s (-3.99%) CTH23 : 72.07s (-3.66%) CTK23 : 72.30s (-2.99%) Cattle Market Fades on Friday Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT Live cattle futures ended the weeks last trade day down by 35 cents to $1.02 with soon to expire October down the most. Cash trade picked up later in the week with some Friday catch up sales mostly... LEV22 : 150.375s (-0.68%) LEZ22 : 153.000s (-0.28%) LEG23 : 156.325s (-0.33%) GFX22 : 177.875s (-0.14%) GFF23 : 180.375s (-0.04%) Loss for Friday Wheat Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT Wheat futures faded on Friday with the front month contracts going home 6 1/4 to 9 1/4 cents lower in SRW. For the December contract that completed the week with a 21 1/2 cent loss. KC futures closed down... ZWZ22 : 829-2s (-1.10%) ZWH23 : 849-0s (-1.05%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.6281 (-1.18%) KEZ22 : 925-0s (-0.78%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.8324 (-0.81%) MWZ22 : 945-0s (-0.58%) Corn Closes Red on Friday Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT Front month corn futures settled the Friday session with fractional to 1 1/2 cent losses. The December contract saw a tight 7 1/2 cent range from -6 cents to +1 1/2 cents on the day. It was also down for... ZCZ22 : 680-6s (-0.22%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.7193 (-0.15%) ZCH23 : 686-6s (-0.15%) ZCK23 : 686-2s (unch) Soy Futures Close Mixed on Higher Beans and Meal Barchart - Fri Oct 28, 4:39PM CDT Soybean futures ended the day with the deferred contracts above the $14/bu mark on 5 1/2 to 8 cent gains. November contracts stayed 12 cents under the mark but closed near the top end of the 20 cent range... ZSX22 : 1387-6s (+0.40%) ZSPAUS.CM : 13.4825 (+0.51%) ZSF23 : 1400-2s (+0.48%) ZSH23 : 1409-0s (+0.50%) Grain Spreads: Corn Strangle Walsh Trading - Fri Oct 28, 3:32PM CDT Wedge Formation Intact According to the United Nations, around 66 percent of the worlds population will live in urban areas by 2050. If those projections hold, that means an additional 2.5 billion people will be living in cities, with 90 percent of them in Asia and Africa. With this predicted expansion of human populations toward cities, funders are feeling the pressure to get ahead in all manner of global health and development challenges. The Gates Foundation has its eye on meeting the growing need for urban reproductive health programsa matter in which the foundation and its partners have been looking into since 2009 with its Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (URHI). Related: Gates Foundation: Grants for Global Health Armed with funding from Gates, the URHI pilot program was launched in 2009 in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and India. The overarching principle of the program was to increase womens access to modern contraception. Implementing partners in each country then expanded on that basic principle. For example, URHI in Senegal worked with project partners to develop cost effective family planning programs, increase awareness for family planning in local communities, and inform policy making related to family planning. The pilot ran from 2009 to 2015. Now, the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, which is based at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is launching a new urban reproductive health program, called The Challenge Initiative, or TCI. The Gates Foundation has made a $42 million grant to support TCI which aims to scale the tools and approaches developed and lessons learned in URHI to more cities and geographies. TCI will focus its work on cities that demonstrate a high need for modern contraceptives, family planning information, and sexual and reproductive health services. Given that TCI is taking a demand-driven approach, it asking participating cities to self-select and work with in-country partners to develop full proposals that include family planning and reproductive health interventions that are cost effective and accessible. From there, chosen cities will have access to a chunk of Gates $42 million. Family planning and sexual and reproductive health isnt just about women having increased control over their own sexual and reproductive health choices. Expanding choices, education, and accessibility here can have a significant impact on a variety of global health and development challenges such as economic security, education, poverty alleviation, and womens empowerment. The Gates Foundation is a key funder in the global family planning spacelast year, it committed nearly $300 million to related programsbut there are a few other big names here, like the Hewlett and Childrens Investment Fund foundations. Of course, also, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is a major player here. Hewlett is a heavy funder of projects related to reproductive health rights advocacy and research to inform policymaking, rather than those focused on health care delivery services. This funder has been committed to helping women gain autonomy over their bodies, and their sexual and reproductive health choices for decades. Related: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: Grants for Global Health Hewlett's International Womens Reproductive Health program aims to decrease unwanted pregnancies, increase access to basic reproductive health services, and ensure that no woman or girl dies from unsafe abortions. Recent grants coming out of Hewlett include a $1.25 million give to Pathfinder International for its work which includes providing sexual and reproductive health services including maternal health, HIV prevention, and safe abortion provision. Pathfinder is also committed to strengthening national and international health systems, advocating for increased policy making in the sexual and reproductive health arena. Hewlett, like most funders in this space, connects family planning and reproductive health into broader global health and development goals. The Childrens Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) takes a bit of a different funding tack than Hewlett and Gates, focusing squarely on adolescent reproductive health. To date, the UK-based funder has invested $75 million in projects related to HPV vaccinations for adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. HPV is currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in the region. Other major grant include a $13.5 million to prevent unwanted teen pregnancy in Kenya, and $14.2 million to scale and increase access to the contraceptive, Sayana Press. Incidentally, earlier this year, CIFF and partnered with the Gates Foundation earlier this year to launch Adolescents 360. The program which was funded by a multi-year, $16.5 million grant from the CIFF and matched by Gates for a total give of $33 million aims to reinvent sexual and reproductive health services, with a focus on girls at the center of the programs development and design. Related: Two Mega-Funders Take Aim at Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Africa Upon making the $42 million announcement, Christopher Elias, president of the global development program at the Gates Foundation. "Meeting the growing demand for voluntary family planning, particularly among the urban poor, will allow more women and couples to plan their futures and break the cycle of poverty." And hes not wrong. Multiple reports have found that when women have fewer children or wait longer before having more children, their families are able to invest more in their education, nutrition, and healthcare. Also, women who wait longer to get married or at least have babies, are more likely to continue their educations, which then leads to not only increased economic security, but improved gender equality. In other words, there's a lot at stake here. As you might be able to tell from Inside Philanthropy's past coverage, we love giving circles. In unconventional ways, they have been addressing the unmet needs of women and minority groups lately, offering grant opportunities where they simply dont exist from established funders. As weve covered in the past, giving circles have really exploded in California, empowering philanthroactivists to put their money and efforts towards economic justice and equal opportunities. But we're also seeing them elsewhere. Again and again, women have been the key drivers here. Take the Asian Women Giving Circle, based in New York City, which is the first and largest of its kind, using arts and culture to raise awareness about critical issues. Related: Today, we highlight another giving circle movement that addresses the needs of a community that very few funders are paying attention to: LGBT Asian Americans. A woman named Alice Y. Hom has been a passionate leader in this effort, ever since discovering that an infinitesimal amount of foundation money was going towards this cause. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) connected with Funders for LGBTQ Issues to determine exactly how much foundation money is flowing here just $648,000 nationally in a past year. You can check out the @LGBTfunders report and infographic about global LBGT funding on Twitter. Since 2009, AAPIP has created a network of giving circles to serve the Asian American LGBT community. Hom and her boss, Peggy Saika, established the Queer Justice Fund (QJF) through AAPIP to raise awareness, largely with the support of the Arcus Foundation. Hom said: We knew foundations weren't going to be the answer. That is AAPIP's long-term goal and we're not going to give up just because we're in a for-profit world. But we also know that's going to take a long time and in the meantime our communities are in need. That's why AAPIP had this other strategy of having giving circles to harness community philanthropy. People come together to have a bake sale or a fundraiser, and they donate to nonprofits. That's how organizations have already been supporting themselves. When APPIP recently celebrated the end of its National Giving Circle Campaign, they had helped create 51 giving circles. These giving circles are located all over the U.S. in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, and many other places. But regardless of location, Asian Americans in this industry are really capitalizing on the momentum of giving circles and realizing that they hold a lot of promise for groups that identify with this culture. "I realized there had to be a bigger movement in philanthropy," Paul Ocampo, of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus and Lacuna Giving Circle, told NBC News. "Something that was more grassroots and a little more driven by people like us people who work in the communities." For now, it looks like giving circles may offer the best opportunities for minority groups within minority groups, like LGBT Asian Americans. With all of the LGBT-related hate and violence happening these days, community-focused giving circles that arent even LGBT specific have been showing direct support for LGBT groups nearby. For example, APIs RISE in Sacramento, California started raising awareness about the AAPI LGBT community to address gaps in support. Shortly thereafter, API Queer Sacramento was formed. Giving circles has also been popping up in New York, including The Dinner Guys, which simply started out as a dinner club and has since transformed into a giving circle. Yet one of the biggest hurdles to overcome with this model of giving is getting people in the community to step outside their busy lives and become engaged as members. Leaders like Ocampo believe the key here is to provide unique ways to make bigger impacts that are visible and relevant. Slowly but surely, the growth and prominence of giving circles are changing peoples perceptions about their roles in the community and reinforcing the fact that you dont need to have millions of dollars to make a difference. In severely underfunded population groups, like LGBT Asian Americans, giving circles fueled by pooled dollars from passionate individuals can make all the difference in the world. We've written about the ways in which campus giving sometimes happens in an escalating fashion. Donors, happy with the way their money is being spent, double down, refinining and deepening earlier efforts. Consider the Lannan Foundation and Georgetown alumnus J. Patrick Lannan, who's strongly focused on supporting creatives in his philanthropy. A poetry series created at Georgetown in the late 1980s, is now the full-blown Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice, on the heels of committed, long-term giving. Related: Behind a Poetry Gift: Alumni Loyalty Still Matters, Even When a Funder Is Into a Lot Sure, full-fledged centers can be created from this kind of heightened giving. But this kind of philanthropy can also support the work of professors and researchers through the years, and also help attract more stars. Let's take a case at University of Kansas where in 2001, alumnus Luther Fry and his wife Ardis gave $1 million to establish the Luther L. and Ardis Fry Professorship in Ophthalmology at KU. The Frys both grew up in Kansas. Luther received a bachelors degree from KU in mathematics in 1963 and a medical degree from KU School of Medicine in 1967. Luther completed his residency in ophthalmology at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit and settled in Western Kansas to work. Today, Fry Eye Associates includes a part-time optometrist and three full-time ophthalmologists, including the couple's son Eric, who's also a KU School of Medicine graduate. Now comes recent news that Luther and Ardis have given another $1 millionto elevate the endowed professorship they created last decade to an endowed chair in ophthalmology. As Luther puts it, The training I got at KU and the Department of Ophthalmology allowed me to do very well in my own practice, and we want to give a little of that back." Dr. John Sutphin is an important figure in this story, and someone who fulfilled Fry's goal of hiring top-notch professors. Sutphin, current ophthalmology department chair, will take on the endowed chair position. As Luther explains, "elevating the professorship to an endowed chair will hopefully encourage Dr. Sutphin to stay, and when he does retire it will be helpful in recruiting someone as good as he is for the next chair. Luther also noted that exceptional faculty can also help attract exceptional students. Funny how there's a ring to all of this. It's worth emphasizing how University of Kansas positioned themselves to receive more support from the Frys by hiring the right faculty. As well, even though Luther graduated from KU years ago, his son left KU School of Medicine last decadeyet another force that helped keep KU on the family's orbit. Handy, an online booking business that specializes in connecting consumers with housecleaning and handyman services, has launched valet self-storage service in New York Citys borough of Manhattan. The company uses a mobile app and online platform that allows customers to schedule item pickup, maintain a visual catalog of stored bins and bulky items, and schedule delivery of items to their home. Handy Storage differs from many similar valet-storage services in that customers pay only for the space they use, according to the source. A 5-by-5-foot space costs $99 per month, while a 10-by-10 is $249 per month. Smaller and larger standard space, as well as customized options, are also available. We really wanted to offer a better product, Alex Levin, vice president of expansion, told the source. We designed it completely with the customer in mind. The customer just picks a time, and Handy moving professionals show up for free, and we photograph and inventory every item in storage, and then the customer can request any items delivered on demand. Launched three months ago, the service has attracted business and residential customers, including a clothing designer that is using Handy as its company warehouse, the source reported. Handy reportedly chose to store items in New Jersey due to truck-route efficiency and more affordable lease space to keep customer rent lower than competitors. New York City has seen the rise of several valet-storage businesses over the last three years. There are at least four other operators with service in the metropolitan area including Box Butler, Clutter, MakeSpace Labs Inc. and RedBin. In the long run, theres large enough market for a few players, Levin told the source. Once we really do a good job in New York City, theres a possibility well bring this to other markets. Founded in 2012, Handy offers on-demand household services in 35 local markets in Canada, the United Kingdom and United States, including 30 in the U.S., according to its website. In addition to cleaning, services offered include electrical, furniture assembly, painting, plumbing and relocation assistance. It has received nearly $111 million in investment, including a $50 million Series C funding round in November, the source reported. This content is from: Opinion Cryptos descent into hell, rather than sending institutional investors straight for the exits, has triggered a hunt for the next big bet.(Part of the crypto column series.) 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Our cookie policy Former insurance broker Timothy Charles Pratten has been permanently banned from providing financial services and from engaging in credit activities by ASIC.Pratten, who was found guilty of fraud in September 2015 , was sentenced to five years in jail with a two-year non-parole period in April 2016 for seven counts of fraud.Prattens conviction followed an investigation by the Australian Taxation Office which found that Pratten had failed to declare approximately $5 million of income from 2003 to 2009.Under the Corporations Act and National Credit Act, ASIC may ban anyone who is convicted of a fraud offence, ASIC said in a statement.Mr Pratten has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of ASICs decisions.As a result of Mr Pratten's conviction, he is automatically disqualified from managing corporations.He has been removed as a company office-holder of Practical Insurance Claims Administration Pty Limited and Australian financial services licensee, Rural & General Insurance Broking Pty Limited.The ATO investigation into Pratten uncovered a four-seater Robinson helicopter, worth over $250,000, a 45-foot yacht worth more than $260,000 and private school education for Prattens daughter worth nearly $100,000.Pratten was originally found guilty in 2012 and was sentenced to three years six months in prison however a retrial was ordered after the trial judge failed to properly direct the jury, the AFR reported. Zurich has announced the appointment of a new CEO for the business in Asia Pacific.Jack Howell has been appointed to the role, effective September 1, and will report to global group CEO Mario Greco.American Howell joins the business from Generali , where he was regional officer for Asia since early 2015 and brings more than two decades worth of experience to the insurer.Jacks extensive experience coupled with his leadership capabilities make him the ideal person to strengthen our position in Asia Pacific, where we see exciting potential to develop our business, Greco said.He will continue to build our presence in the region and drive profitable growth.Howell, who will be based in Hong Kong, has worked throughout the Asia Pacific region with stints in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia with AIG and Prudential.Current CEO ad interim of the Asia Pac business, Stuart Spencer, will remain in the region working closely with Howell Zurich said in a statement. Prosecutors in Philadelphia, Penn., say theyve charged 32 people and three corporations for their participation in whats being described as a theft and insurance fraud ring that stole and resold 45 vehicles. District Attorney Seth Williams announced the charges, accusing the defendants of a scheme that used fake inspections, reused vehicle identification number plates and more than 100 fraudulent insurance cards. Most of the stolen vehicles had belonged to national car rental chains branches in the Philadelphia area. All but one of the defendants have been arrested. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Fraud Pennsylvania Swiss Re announced the appointment of Tavaziva (Tava) Madzinga as its new reinsurance managing director & market executive for Middle East and Africa. His appointment is effective Nov. 1, 2016, subject to appropriate regulatory and board approvals. Madzinga will join Swiss Res EMEA Reinsurance Executive Committee and report directly to Jean-Jacques Henchoz, Swiss Res CEO Reinsurance EMEA. He replaces Frank ONeill who was recently appointed as CEO Swiss Re UK. Madzinga joins Swiss Re from leading South African insurer Old Mutual, where he was most recently regional CEO for South & East Africa. His previous roles during his 16-year career at Old Mutual include COO for East & West Africa, CEO for Old Mutual Kenya and head of Strategy for Kenya. He will lead the continued growth of Swiss Res Property & Casualty and Life & Health portfolios across the Middle East and Africa, the company said in a statement. His appointment is a further demonstration of Swiss Res commitment to the region, following the expansion of Swiss Res Cape Town office and the launch of a long-term Sub-Saharan Africa strategy, which is yielding results for Swiss Re and its clients, the company added. The MEA region is a strategically significant high growth market for us, having enjoyed double-digit growth in recent years and we are well-positioned to further expand our market share with innovative products, knowledge-led transactions and a clear focus on our clients, commented Henchoz. Tavas wealth of experience and understanding of emerging markets, their clients and regulators, make him the ideal person to champion our ambitious growth plans, he went on to say. Source: Swiss Re Topics Reinsurance Swiss Re Climate scientists have long warned of a rise in sea level as global warming melts the worlds glaciers. But while the level has been increasing at about 3.5 millimeters a year, the rate of increase itself has fluctuated, leading some people to doubt the warnings and the broader impact of rising carbon emissions. Fresh evidence, in a study published today in Scientific Reports, suggests the scientists were right, and that satellite measurements have been distorted by the eruption in 1991 of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The volcanic eruption, the second-largest of the 20th century, is estimated to have spewed almost 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, lowering global temperatures by about 1 degree Fahrenheit from 1991 to 1993, as gas and dust particles blocked solar radiation, and causing sea levels to drop. The researchers, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Old Dominion University, used models to calculate the impact of the Pinatubo eruption and found that sea levels fell about six millimeters. The confusion lies in the timing. The six-millimeter drop took place right after satellite measurements of the sea level began, in 1993, followed by a bounceback in the sea level. From todays vantage, that makes it look like the rate of increase hasnt risen over the past few decades. In fact, it makes it look as if its fallen. If you take the eruption out, the satellite surveillance would show a clear acceleration in the rate, the researchers conclude. Pinatubo doesnt affect the overall trend between the two endpoints, but it does affect how you estimate the acceleration, because of the pattern of rise during that interval, said NCAR scientist John Fasullo, who led the study. Funded by NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation, the study used historical tide gauge records, employed before satellites to estimate sea levels, and ran NCARs Community Earth System Model 40 times with various starting conditions. To assess the impact of Mount Pinatubos eruption, the researchers used a separate set of model simulations that omitted particles sent into the atmosphere by volcanoes. Then they compared the two. Other recent volcanic eruptions havent had a major impact on sea levels because of the specific conditions needed to lower global temperatures, said Benjamin Horton, a professor in Rutgers Universitys Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, who wasnt involved in the study. Horton is an author of a study published in February showing that the rise in sea level in the 20th century was faster than in any of the previous 27 centuries. It has to be a violent enough eruption to send the aerosols and dust high into our atmosphere. It has to be the right type of aerosols and dust to reflect incoming solar radiation, Horton said. The eruption has to take place in the tropics so upper atmosphere circulations spread the aerosols throughout the globe. Sea-level rise is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, threat to the socioeconomic prosperity of our planet, he added. In the coming decades we could see eruptions similar in environmental impact to Pinatubos, Fasullo said. None occurred between 1920 and 1960, but three happened between 1960 and 2000, so the rate of increase could very well shift again. Nor are volcanoes the only events that can muddy the pictureand fuel arguments against the science showing the impact of carbon emissions from human activity on climate change. Between 2010 and 2011, ocean levels fell drastically because of La Nina and Australias unique surface characteristics. But without irregular events like Pinatubo, Fasullo said, the rate of sea-level increase is not only rising, threatening coastal regions. Its going to start increasing exponentially. It sounds like a small number, he said of the 3.5-millimeter annual increase in sea levels, but when you have exponential growth, that can quickly become a big number. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Trends Pricing Trends In a letter addressed to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, 46 global business groups spanning finance, information technology, insurance and manufacturing urged Beijing to revise its draft cyber rules which they said would hamper trade. The signatories include industry associations from Asia, Australia, the United States, Mexico and Europe, according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters. Foreign industry groups have made no secret of their concerns over Chinas draft cyber security law, which in June underwent a second of three parliamentary readings typically required before being adopted. They say the draft regulations, as well as cyber rules from Chinas insurance regulator, include provisions for invasive government security reviews and onerous requirements to keep data in China. Trade-inhibiting security reviews for information and communications technology products and services under the rules may weaken security and constitute technical barriers to trade under the World Trade Organization, the groups said in the letter. Broad data residency requirements would impede economic growth and create barriers to entry for both foreign and Chinese companies, they said, urging China to revise the rules. The current drafts, if implemented, would weaken security and separate China from the global digital economy. Chinas Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the letter on Thursday. Chinese officials have said the cyber security rules, along with internet restrictions including the blocking of popular foreign sites like Google and Facebook, are needed to ensure security against growing threats such as terrorism. The first draft of the cyber security law, published more than a year ago, toughened user privacy protection from hackers and data resellers, but also boosted the governments powers to access and block dissemination of private information records that Chinese law deems illegal. It is not clear when the law may be adopted, but it could undergo a final reading by the standing committee of the National Peoples Congress, or parliament, later this year. The petition from the industry groups came as China prepares to host world leaders at the G20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou in September. Beijing hopes it will be a platform to address slower economic growth and rising protectionism, even as it struggles to make difficult reforms at home. Foreign businesses in China are becoming increasingly pessimistic, in part due to rules that companies think could make it harder to operate there. The cyber rules have added to problems between China and its trade partners, from overcapacity in the steel sector to worries about Beijings Made in China 2025 plan, which calls for a progressive increase in domestic components in sectors such as advanced information technology and robotics. (Reporting by Michael Martina; editing by Ryan Woo and Mike Collett-White) Related: Topics Cyber China A state representative from North Dakota, who serves on the Workers Compensation Insurance Committee at the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), says hes concerned about reserves for paying claims in workers compensation opt-out plans. During a July 2016 meeting of the NCOIL workers comp committee, North Dakota state Rep. George Keiser, a Republican from Bismarck who has served as vice chair of the legislative Workers Compensation Review Committee and is chairman of the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee, questioned where the reserves would come from if a company that had opted out of a states workers compensation system was hit with a high-dollar claim from an injured worker. The July meeting in Portland, Ore., focused on workers compensation alternatives, such as the opt-out programs that exist in Oklahoma and Texas, and have been proposed in bills in South Carolina and Tennessee. According to the minutes of that meeting, Keiser posed the following question to Gregory Krohm, director of research for Workcomp Strategies and former executive director of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC), and a speaker at the meeting: Where is the reserve for an opt-out company in Oklahoma on a $15 million exposure? Krohm, who authored Understanding the Op-Out Alternative to Workers Compensation, published by the IAIABC in May of this year, described two possibilities: If insured, the insurance company carries the reserve as they are obligated to pay the benefit; if self-insured, the Oklahoma insurance commissioner establishes, at his discretion, what the security deposit has to be and that may or may not be adequate. Frank OBrien, with the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), also spoke at the NCOIL meeting. He said while opt-out systems save employers money, the costs are still there. Some costs will likely be shifted to the states safety net if the employer doesnt have the ability to pay claims or if the employers plan excludes certain injuries or illnesses that would typically be covered under the traditional workers compensation system, OBrien said. Krohm noted that the Texas and Oklahoma opt-out programs vary. In Texas injured employees retain the right to sue non-subscribing employers over workplace injuries. Oklahomas system is exclusive remedy, so there currently is no remedy in circuit court. Disputed claims must go through an administrative review process in Oklahoma. Lowest Rates North Dakota has the lowest workers compensation insurance rates in the country and thats because the legislature designed it that way, according to Keiser. The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services biannually issues a comparison of workers compensation insurance rates in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Its 2014 Oregon Workers Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Summary shows that North Dakota had an index rate of 0.88, which represents 47 percent of the study median. By comparison, California, which has the highest rates in the country, had rate index of 3.48 or 188 percent of the study median in the 2014 summary. Rep. Keiser of North Dakota told his fellow committee members at the July meeting that states dont need opt-out programs like those in Texas and Oklahoma in order to achieve positive results in a traditional workers comp system. Legislators have the authority to design a system that works and they have to accept the responsibility to do just that, he said. Contrary to the opinion of some that North Dakota premiums are low because the benefits are inferior, Rep. Keiser asserted that his states back to work record is very good and noted that the maximum average weekly wage replacement is $1,247 in North Dakota, compared to the average of $700 in Oklahoma. Rep. Keiser recommended that states look at North Dakotas system, which has an early intervention program and an automatic co-pay for every injury starting at $250 per claim. The co-pay is waived if the injury is reported within 24 hours or by the first workday after a holiday or weekend. He also suggested that North Dakotas system provides benefits that other states dont have, such as college tuition for a spouse or children of a worker who suffers a fatality or permanent disability. Related: Topics Legislation Texas Workers' Compensation Oklahoma Two people have sued Sioux City, Iowa, over its ordinance banning pit bulls. The Sioux City Journal reports the lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Sioux City. In it, Jennifer Frost and a woman referred to as Jane Doe ask the court to bar the city from enforcing the ordinance and to outlaw it as a violation of their constitutional right to due process. The lawsuit says the ordinance, passed in 2008, is enforced in an inconsistent and arbitrary manner, and bans animals that are not harmful. The ban prohibits residents from having dogs that are at least 51 percent pit bull. The Sioux City Council passed the ban because at that time a high number of dogs that had been declared vicious or at risk in the city were pit bulls or mixed breeds. In 2010, the council voted to retain the ban. Frost said that she placed her dog Jake, a purebred Staffordshire bull terrier, with family in New York to comply with the ordinance. Frost said in the lawsuit that shes concerned the city could impound and euthanize her other dog, which is a mixed breed. Jane Doe said in the lawsuit that her dog looks similar to Jake, and that she is afraid her dog could be subject to the pit bull ban ordinance. The ordinance describes a pit bull as an American pit bull terrier, an American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or any dog that looks like or has characteristics of one of those breeds. City officials declined to comment about the lawsuit. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A federal appeals court in Chicago gave a thumbs-up this week to an obscure regulatory practice that helps the U.S. government account for projected costs of climate change. The decision comes less than a week after the White House issued guidance to all federal agencies about how they can build carbon accounting into their decision-making. Although not as splashy as the economywide cap on climate pollution President Obama proposed in his first term, the intensely wonky social cost of carbon is gradually making its mark. The seismic effect of bureaucrats at every level of government adding a new line to their balance sheets cannot be overstated. The three-judge panel held that the U.S. Department of Energy acted in a reasonable and fair manner when, in 2014, it issued two rules promoting energy efficiency in commercial refrigerators. Multiple lawsuits against the agency were consolidated into one case, which eventually landed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago. Unsurprisingly, the decision doesnt read like a potboiler. U.S. Senior Circuit Judge Kenneth Ripple, a Ronald Reagan appointee, methodically addressed the plaintiffs arguments, moving from questions about the public availability of an engineering spreadsheet, to the thickness of insulation foam, to the industry trend toward high-efficiency compressors. But beyond the facts of the case, the decisions broader impact on U.S. climate change policy is that it allows the government to incorporate the social cost of carbon. To understand what it does, lets step into the shoes of a resource economist. From this vantage point, the climate problem isnt all that complicated to describe: Scientists know that greenhouse gas pollution is disrupting the planets climate and causing economic damageand that the worst of both is yet to come. The costs of these projected damages to society are not reflected in todays fossil fuel prices. Using the social cost of carbonor estimates of those future damages in todays dollarspolicymakers can design a fix that builds in the empirical cost of climate change over time. Agencies like the Department of Energy use it in cost-benefit analyses of regulation. The social cost of carbon isnt a particularly sonorous moniker. One way to think of it would be as a kind of bridge to the future and back. Its a way to express the net-present value of climate chaos, for every additional metric-ton emission of carbon dioxide. The Obama administrations estimateabout $36 a ton in 2015 (PDF)was developed by an interagency group in 2010 and revisited last year. The estimates are based on physical science and projections of energy use, population, and economic growth. Its complicated, rigorous, and imperfect. The carbon cost estimates triggered congressional oversight hearings last summer, when the House Committee on Natural Resources questioned the administrations transparency and methodology. The social cost of carbon also cropped up last week. On Aug. 2 the White House Council on Environmental Quality issued guidance for federal agencies to use when studying the potential environmental impact of their decisions. Guidance is as legally flimsy as it sounds: Its a reversible way for a president to introduce new practices into federal agencies, including unifying their approach to counting carbon. Footnote 86 on page 33, however, explains that when conducting cost-benefit analyses, agencies can include the social cost of carbon in their calculations. Theres the beef. Its a shadow price, a tool many companies have had for some time (PDF). State and national governments consult these estimates when writing climate policy. Politicians, researchers, companies, diplomats all spar over what the best estimate for the social cost of carbon is. None who are engaged in serious policy argue that the best estimate is the current rate of $0. Soon, we may start to see exactly how much money climate change will cost us. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics USA Agencies Climate Change Pollution Records indicate that the railroad crossing where a woman and her three sons died Sunday in eastern Oklahoma had been flagged for safety improvements since at least 2011. Thirty-seven-year-old April Goines and her sons were killed when the car they were riding was struck by a train in Poteau. Her daughter was injured. The Tulsa World reports that a 2015 application for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation says the crossing was one of 12 in the state that was in great need of improvements. We felt there is a need there (for improvements), so it was part of a list of crossings that was put forth in the TIGER grant application in 2015, Oklahoma transportation department spokeswoman Lisa Shearer-Salim said. We did not get an award at that time. The application indicates that an inspection team reviewed the crossing in August 2011 and had recommended adding crossing gates. Funds needed to make the crossing safer werent approved by the state Transportation Commission until last month at its board meeting, when official announced that the transportation departments Rail Crossing Safety Initiative Program was eligible for funding from the Federal Highway Administration. The Poteau crossing needed $313,000 for safety improvements, including pedestal-mounted flashing light signals with gate arms and the addition of 8 feet of surface to the track area that will be used to build a crosswalk for pedestrians. Mayor Jeff Shockley said he wasnt notified until January that the transportation department had identified the Poteau crossing as one that was in great need of an upgrade. The crash is being investigated by the Federal Railroad Administration. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Oklahoma A police shoot/dont shoot demonstration in Florida went shockingly awry when an officer shot and killed a 73-year-old former librarian with what police said was real ammunition used by mistake at an event designed to bring police and the public together. Authorities didnt immediately say how a gun with a live round came to be used at Tuesday evenings demonstration, noting blank rounds are typically used in such classes. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. We were unaware that any live ammunition was available to the officer, Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis said at a news conference Wednesday. The officer involved is grief stricken. Weve got officers assigned to him to make sure hes psychologically stable. Mary Knowlton, a well-known community volunteer, was shot after being randomly selected to take part in the role-playing scenario illustrating the split-second decisions an officer must make about firing. It was part of a popular citizens academy attended by 35 people, including her 75-year-old husband, and the police chief. Her son, Steve Knowlton, said his father was devastated. The younger Knowlton said in an interview Wednesday at his parents home that, on his mothers behalf, he was forgiving the officer who fired. Theres too much hate in this world, in America, we always feel like we need revenge and it doesnt solve anything, he said. I obviously cant say its easy to forgive, but it needs to be done. Shes watching me now. Punta Gorda Police Lt. Katie Heck said officers in such demonstrations normally use simunition guns, which are real-looking weapons that fire a non-lethal projectile with reduced force. But Knowlton was mistakenly struck with a live round, officials said. Later Wednesday afternoon, Heck identified the officer as Lee Coel and said he has worked for the department since 2014. She said Coel frequently gave department presentations and tours, specifically role-playing in these shoot/dont shoot scenarios. The class put on by the Chamber of Commerce and the Punta Gorda police station, was just one stop during the weeks-long curriculum. Officer Oscar Vasquez of the Jacksonville, Illinois Police Department, who is president of the National Citizens Police Academy Association, said he had never heard of anyone taking part in such courses being fatally shot. He said most departments do not use weapons in shoot/dont shoot scenarios that are capable of firing a live round. When we run scenarios, we will use starter pistols, Vasquez told The Associated Press. You cant even put live ammunition in them. Some departments use video simulators or other non-lethal devices, he said. Officers involved in most citizen academies dont typically even bring service weapons into classes, he added. Citizens are told beforehand that live weapons wont be used. We put them in the shoes of the officers so they can see, real time, the decisions we have to make and the time frame we have to make them. With suspicions running high between police and many citizens in recent years, particularly in minority communities, Vasquez said, a death like the one in Punta Gorda is extremely unfortunate. It just breaks my heart. Its such a tragedy, he said. Mary Knowlton attended the class with her husband and it was supposed to be a fun night, her son said. Steve Knowlton tearfully told reporters Wednesday that he used to tease his mother about how much she worked in retirement. She helped with the local Chamber of Commerce, was active in a program for at-risk kids, loved the library and spent hours there volunteering. Mary Knowlton moved to Florida after living for years in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Books and magazines lay scattered on tables of the home she shared in Florida with Gary, her husband of 55 years. The couple split their time between Minnesota and the small Gulf Coast community. She had two sons. Steve said that his father hadnt yet been able to see his wifes body, more than 12 hours after the shooting. To see your wife shot and killed, and not be able to see her Steve Knowlton said, his eyes filling with tears. And yet, Knowlton said his mother would have wanted him to forgive the officer who pulled the trigger. I forgive him. My mom was very spiritual. She brought us up right, he said. Carolyn Hartwigsen, of Edina, Minnesota, told The Associated Press she was a longtime friend of Knowlton, adding she loved books and sought to instill that in young readers. So much is on the internet now. But, books are so important to have in childrens hands. That was important to her, Hartwigsen said. Hartwigsen said Mary and her husband would come back to Minnesota periodically to visit. She was the salt of the earth, a beautiful soul and the kindest woman you would know, she said. ___ Associated Press writer Curt Anderson contributed to this report from Miami. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Law Enforcement Minnesota An investigation by the Georgia Department of Insurances Fraud Division has resulted in the arrest of an agent in Gwinnett County insurance for fraud, according to a statement from Commissioner Ralph Hudgens. Julia Cruz, 37, of Norcross, has been charged with two counts of insurance fraud and one count of theft by conversion. She was arrested August 11 and transported to the Gwinnett County Jail. Fraud investigators allege that Cruz, who owns and operates Platinum Agency & Services in Lilburn, Ga., allegedly pocketed a cash payment of $3,695 from her client for workers compensation and liability insurance and issued him a bogus certificate as proof of coverage. Cruz violated her clients trust when she took his premium and didnt bind the coverage said Hudgens. My office will continue to investigate and arrest dishonest agents. Hudgens said anyone who has purchased insurance from Cruz or Platinum Agency & Services to verify their coverage with the insurance company listed on the policy or contact the Consumer Services Division for assistance. Insurance fraud is a felony with a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Source: Georgia Department of Insurance Topics Agencies Fraud Georgia Even six years after the Panama Papers leaked a confidential list of offshore accounts held by the global elite, tax morality is still very much on the table. Reports claim that North Korea sold its fishing rights in both East and West Sea to China for an amount of $75 million, intelligence sources revealed last Thursday. Furthermore, according to report, intelligence officials believed that North Korea sold its fishing rights as its "resources have not dried up under the pressure of international sanction." Chonsunilbo reported that the money bagged after the deal all went to the North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un's regime. The National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that North Korea got $30 million from China just last month to allow Chinese fishing boats to operate in the West Sea. However, this will be the first time such a move has been reported in the East Sea according to reports. "The country has been handing out such rights in the East and West seas to Chinese fishermen through brokers although it is speculated that North Korean authorities will engage in sales directly in the future," a source said. However, it was not clearly stated whether the fishing rights granted temporarily or permanently. North Korea has purportedly been allowing Chinese trawlers to operate in the said area since 2004. However, reports said that with an estimated 1,000 Chinese boats, China has gained additional fishing rights from North Korea. "It's uncertain whether the agreement is still effective. Still, we've spotted about 900 to 1,000 Chinese boats near the NLL in the East Sea lately, and it was found that they purchased the right to work there," a source said. Meanwhile, Mong Sang-gyun, the defense ministry spokesman of South Korea confirmed that there are spotted Chinese vessels in the area but refused to share further information about it. An expense ratio reveals the amount that an investment company charges investors to manage an investment portfolio, a mutual fund, or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The ratio represents all of the management fees and operating costs of the fund. The expense ratio is calculated by dividing a mutual funds operating expenses by the average total dollar value of all the assets in the fund. Expense ratios are listed on the prospectus of every fund and on many financial websites. Key Takeaways The expense ratio is the annual cost paid to fund managers by holders of mutual funds or ETFs. Competition has led expense ratios to fall dramatically over the past several years. A reasonable expense ratio for an actively managed portfolio is about 0.5% to 0.75%, while an expense ratio greater than 1.5% is typically considered high these days. For passive or index funds, the typical ratio is about 0.2% but can be as low as 0.02% or less in some cases. High and Low Ratios A number of factors determine whether an expense ratio is considered high or low. A good expense ratio, from the investor's viewpoint, is around 0.5% to 0.75% for an actively managed portfolio. An expense ratio greater than 1.5% is considered high. The expense ratio for mutual funds is typically higher than expense ratios for ETFs. This is because ETFs are passively managed. The assets held in them are selected to mirror an index such as the S&P 500, and changes to the selection rarely need to be made. A mutual fund, on the other hand, is actively managed. The assets in them are constantly monitored and changed to maximize the performance of the fund. Mutual funds tend to carry higher expense ratios than ETFs because they require more hands-on management. The average expense ratio for actively managed mutual funds is between 0.5% and 1.0%. They rarely exceed 2.5%. For passive index funds, the typical ratio is about 0.2%. Factors Affecting Expense Ratios Expenses can vary significantly between types of funds. The category of investments, the strategy for investing, and the size of the fund can all affect the expense ratio. A fund with a smaller amount of assets usually has a higher expense ratio due to its limited fund base for covering costs. International funds can have high operational expenses because they may require staffing in several countries. Large-cap funds, with an average expense ratio of 1.25%, are typically less expensive than small-cap funds, which average 1.4%. The Impact on Investor Profit Fund expenses can make a significant difference in an investor's profit. If a fund realizes an overall annual return of 5% but charges expenses that total 2%, then 40% of the fund's return is eaten by fees. That's why investors should always compare expenses when researching funds. A fund's expenses will be listed in its prospectus and on the company's website, and can be found on many financial websites. How Index Funds Paved the Way for Lower Expenses As index funds have become more popular, they have encouraged lower expense ratios. Index funds replicate the return on a specific market index. This type of investing is considered passive. Their portfolio managers buy and hold a representative sample of the securities in the target indexes, and then leave them alone unless the index itself changes. Thus, index funds tend to have below-average expense ratios. What Active Management Means The managers of funds that are actively managed may increase or reduce the fund's exposure to individual stocks or entire sectors. They undertake considerable research and analysis when considering stocks and bonds. This additional work means that investments under active management are more costly. Actively managed portfolios tend to be wider-ranging. Their managers look at stocks with varying market capitalizations as well as international companies and specialized sectors. Managing the assets requires more expertise. As a general rule, mutual funds that invest in large companies should have an expense ratio of no more than 1%, while a fund that focuses on small companies or international stocks should have an expense ratio lower than 1.25%. The Bottom Line Like most things, you often get what you pay for. In the world of investing, however, there is ample evidence that low-cost passive funds that employ an indexing strategy often outperform active management, especially after accounting for fees and taxes. For active funds, expense ratios that are high need to be justified by extraordinary returns, or must confer some other benefit to investors since competition has made management fees decline so sharply over the past decade. After his attempt at a dot-com company failed, Nicholas Woodman traveled to Australia and Indonesia. While he was abroad, he realized that he could sell waterproof cameras. In 2002, Woodman founded Woodman Labs, the parent company of GoPro (GPRO). GoPro makes some of the most versatile cameras in the world. These products are capable of fitting into small spaces, attaching onto helmets, and surviving harsh environments. The company also develops mobile applications and video editing tools that allow users to create high-quality videos captured on their tiny cameras. This article looks at the company's five largest individual shareholders. Key Takeaways GoPro is a maker of some of the most versatile cameras in the world. The company was launched in 2002 by Nicholas Woodman, who serves as GoPro's CEO. GoPro reported revenue of $1.16 billion for the 2021 fiscal year. The top individual shareholders of GoPro are Nicholas Woodman, Brian McGee, Kenneth Goldman, Peter Gotcher, and Dean Jahnke. Fidelity, The Vanguard Group, and BlackRock are GoPro's three largest institutional investors. GoPro: An Overview In September 2004, GoPro developed and sold its first camera, the 35-mm HERO, which brought in sales of $350,000. Woodman continued to innovate his product and led GoPro through a Series A financing round in 2011. GoPro ended 2011 with over $200 million in revenue. Revenue more than doubled in 2012, and hit $985.7 million in 2013. The company reported revenue of $1.16 billion for the 2021 fiscal year. GoPro has been focused on developing innovative camera technology, accessories, lifestyle gear, applications and subscription services. The company's shares have dropped significantly since its initial public offering (IPO) in 2014. But the five largest shareholders are still keeping a tight grip on their investment. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B shares are entitled to 10 votes per share. 1. Nicholas Woodman Woodman is the company's chief executive officer (CEO) and GoPro's largest shareholder. Woodman owns 25.2 million Class B shares, as of March 31, 2022. He holds 64% voting control of the company. He also owns 179,117 Class A shares as of that date. Since Woodman's humble beginnings in his 1971 Volkswagen bus, in which he drafted up patents and legal documents for Woodman Labs, he's helped GoPro grow into a billion-dollar technology company. Woodman and his wife Jill are co-trustees of the Woodman Family Trust, which owns roughly 25.2 million Class B shares of GoPro. 2. Brian McGee Brian McGee is GoPros executive vice president, chief financial officer (CFO), and chief operating officer (COO). Prior to joining the company, he served in various positions at Qualcomm, Atheros Communications, and Intellon. McGee owns a total of 426,267 class A shares. 3. Kenneth Goldman Kenneth Goldman has served on GoPro's board of directors since December 2013 and as a lead independent director of the company's board since April 2017. Goldman has been the president of Hillspire LLC, a wealth management service provider, since September 2017. From 2012 to 2017, he was the CFO of Yahoo!, and oversaw company's global finance functions including financial planning and analysis, controllership, tax, treasury, and investor relations. Goldman owns 241,920 Class A shares and 95,000 Class B shares. 4. Peter Gotcher Peter Gotcher has been on the company's board of directors since June 2014 and is an independent private investor who focuses on investments in digital media technology companies. Gotcher was a venture partner with several private investment firms, including Redpoint Ventures from September 1999 to June 2002 and Institutional Venture Partners between 1997 and 1999. In 1984, he founded Digidesign, a manufacturer of digital audio workstations, serving as its chair, president, and CEO. His company was acquired in the mid-1990s by Avid Techonology, where he served as the executive vice president from 1995 to 1996. He is also on the board chair of Dolby Laboratories. Gotcher owns 268,191 class A shares and 17,234 class B shares. 5. Dean Jahnke As of February 2019, Dean Jahnke is the senior vice president of global sales, channel marketing and retail experience. He's a familiar face at GoPro, having served in a variety of positions since March 2014. He's worked in the sales management space for a number of years, including as senior merchant at Best Buy between 2000 and 2008. Jahnke owns 306,297 Class A shares and 9,600 Class B shares. Institutional Shareholders Individual shareholders aren't the only ones highlighted on the company's proxy statement. GoPro filed paperwork listing the top four institutional investors as of March 31, 2021. Fidelity (FMR, LLC) held the most shares, with almost 12.5 million Class A shares. This represents 9.55% ownership. The Vanguard Group was the second-highest institutional shareholder, with almost 12 million or 9.15% of the company's Class A shares. BlackRock was the third-largest, holding about 11.7 million or 8.96% of the total Class A shares issued. The fourth largest shareholder, Prentice Capital Management, holds less 6% owvership with about 7.2 million shares. Top News - Investor Idea REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit. Top Cleantech News - Investor Idea Breaking EV Stock News: Pre-orders for Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) FIVE Electric-SUV Crossover Exceed Expectations as the FIVE 'Strikingly Different' Tour Begins BREA, Calif. - October 28, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE "Strikingly Different" EV Crossover Tour which began yesterday, in Pasadena, California, is off to a great start with first day reservations exceeding expectations and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. Top Health and Wellness News - Investor Idea Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures Third Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA Worth Approximately $1.5M in Revenue for First two Fiscal Quarters of 2023 CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - October 27, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-derived, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured three key significant orders for its newly acquired, non-nicotine plant-based vape product, HYLA. Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore. Check out our Podcasts for great investor ideas: Get new posts by email: Subscribe Powered by Investorideas.com Newswire: Subscribe to Investor Ideas Newswire Corruption case against Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri by Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi has been turned downed down by the court, citing lack of evidence. Last week, at Iraqi parliament, Obeidi accused Jabouri and five other MPs of lobbying for businesses seeking contracts to sell overpriced planes, vehicles and other goods to the armed forces. He also accused them of blackmailing him. However, all accusations are denied by the court. The spokesman, Judge Abdul Sattar al-Bayraqdar, told that lack of evidence is the major reason. A travel ban imposed on Jabouri because of the accusations was lifted on Tuesday, the speaker's spokesman, Imad al-Khafaji, said. Obeidi made the accusations while appearing before parliament on Aug. 1 to respond to separate corruption allegations at his ministry. He called his summons to address MPs a "conspiracy by the corrupt." The Defense Ministry has been accused by lawmakers of wasting billions of dollars in public funds and weakening the armed forces to the point where they collapsed in 2014 in the face of the threat from Islamic State militants, under the previous government, led by Nuri al-Maliki. Islamic State captured one third of Iraq, but Iraqi forces have successfully regained their territory partially with support from US-led coalition. The armed forces are preparing to try to recapture Mosul, Islamic State's capital in Iraq. Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi has made the fight against corruption a priority but his efforts have been met with resistance and caused major disruption to Iraqi politics. Iraq ranks 161 out of 168 on Transparency International's Corruption Index. | Soruce: Business Insider | By S.Seal Iraqi forces prepares for fresh attacks again IS to regain its territory from the militants. A few residents inside the city of Mosul, captured by IS militants. They have expressed their relief after escape. But they also warned that if the assault is successful, the city's Sunni-majority population would refuse to return to what they called the repressive yoke imposed by the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad in the past. Iraqi army will lead the offensive are gradually taking up positions around the city 400 km (248 miles) north of Baghdad, from whose Grand Mosque in 2014 Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate spanning regions of Iraq and Syria. Hisham al-Hashimi, who works for the government as a consultant on IS affairs and is author of the book "The World of Daesh" (IS), stated that the offensive is slated for late September. Eight Mosulite men, contacted secretly by phone on the outskirts of the city, said signs of dissent are increasing ahead of the expected assault. They all spoke on condition of not being identified for fear of retribution. Walls have been daubed with the Arabic letter M, for "muqawama", or resistance, or two parallel stripes, one red and one black, representing the Iraqi flag, said a resident who spoke from one of the rare areas that still gets mobile telephone coverage. The Iraqi national flag was raised twice in public squares, once in June and again in July, infuriating the militants who tore them down the next morning, as reported by the local residents. They also said that an unknown number of people were arrested after the July incident, among them former army officers. According to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, with a population at one time as large as two million, Mosul is the largest urban center under the ultra hard line militants' control. Iraq's defense minister Khaled al-Obeidi said that many IS leaders have fled Mosul for Syria with their families ahead of the planned offensive. Residents also reported that as Iraqi forces tighten the noose, the militants have grown increasingly paranoid. The militants have always kept tight control on communication to preempt hostile propaganda and prevent informants from passing on information to the Iraqi forces or the U.S.-led anti-IS military coalition that is carrying out most of the airstrikes on their positions. They blocked mobile networks in 2014 and banned satellite TV earlier this year, allowing home internet access only through a server they controlled. As of a month ago they restricted internet access further to a handful of official Wifi centers manned by supervisors who monitor content over users' shoulders. Younis, a high school teacher of Arabic literature in his 40's, fled Mosul with his family in May. His biggest fear was that his son, just eight years old, was being indoctrinated into the group's extreme interpretation of Islam. "We escaped from Mosul and risked death for my sons sake; I wanted to rescue him from turning into a jihadist," he said, speaking in a flat in Baghdad, holding his boy in his arms. "How can I stay silent and Im seeing Daesh brainwashing my son and teaching him how to become a suicide bomber?" he said. He showed a photocopy of the cover of a fifth grader's textbook featuring a boy with an AK-47 machine gun on his shoulder. "I know its risky to keep this paper with me but I decided to hide it and show it to anybody who asks me how life was under Daesh," he added, puffing on a cigarette, which is banned by IS. He expressed frustration that his wife has continued to wear the full veil, or niqab, after moving to Baghdad. The niqab is compulsory under the IS in Mosul, even on store mannequins, and women are forbidden to walk outside without a male guardian. "Dont cover your face please for God's sake," he pleaded with his wife. "No need to be afraid anymore, youre a human being and not a slave." Younis said he paid a taxi driver $5,000 to help them flee Mosul via the Kurdish Peshmerga lines east of the city, taking advantage of the confusion that ensued after advances made by the Kurdish and Iraqi forces in May. The army progressed further in July, capturing the Qayyara airfield 60 km (35 miles) south of Mosul, which will serve as the main staging post for the expected offensive. Once the fighting intensifies, up to one million people could be driven from their homes in northern Iraq, "posing a massive humanitarian problem for the country", the International Committee of the Red Cross said last month. More than 3.4 million people have already been forced by conflict to leave their homes across Iraq, taking refuge in areas under control of the government or in the Kurdish region. The Peshmerga fighters have been deployed to the north and east of Mosul with their back to their Kurdish region that hosts a base of U.S.-led coalition troops assisting Iraqi forces. Local Sunni fighters will also join the offensive. Mosul residents and politicians said they dread the participation of these militias, known as Popular Mobilization, or Hashid Shaabi in Arabic. They cite abuses in Sunni cities retaken from Islamic State, like the looting in Tikrit last year and reports of torture, revenge killings and kidnappings in Falluja, a historic jihadist stronghold near Baghdad. Although Sunnis are predominant in the northern and western provinces under militant control, Shi'ites are in the majority overall in Iraq. The Sunnis in Mosul were mostly indifferent to the IS offensive of 2014 and some even supported it if it would end the oppression of the security forces under former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, an ally of Iran. Maliki has since been succeeded by Abadi, another Shi'ite, who has taken a conciliatory approach toward the Sunnis and softened the alliance with Tehran. Abadi has yet to decide whether the Shi'ite militias will take part in the offensive. The former governor of Mosul, Atheel al-Nujaifi, a Sunni, said that the local administration of the city should have more autonomy after the militants are dislodged. A police force reflective of the city's complex ethnic and religious make-up should be in charge of security, not the army, added Nujaifi, who leads a Sunni militia that plans to take part in the offensive on Mosul alongside the army. "The sweeping advance of Daesh in Mosul created a new reality," he said. Younis, the teacher, and Mosulites who still live in the city said even though IS rule was much worse than government rule under Maliki, the population won't accept to return to the previous situation. Younis said, "Berlin after Hitler couldn't possibly be like before and so should Mosul be after Daesh." | Soruce: Reuters | By S.Seal The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Iraq has officially endorsed a project that has been aimed to end water problem of the country. Lise Grande, the UNs Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, said, The United Nations is here today to endorse a very special project for the Dukan Lake. Grande added that they have signed an agreement and the UNDP is going to start with the repair of the pumping station for Dukan Lake. And because we are going to be doing that, water is going to be able to start flowing from the Lake into the pumping stations as quickly as possible. He also informed that the concept came from a meeting between the Sulaimani governor and the UNDP where the governor requested help resolving water problems across the province. Sulaimani province has faced water shortages several times in the past. She also stated, The governor reached out to the United Nations in July and said that he needed help with a number of infrastructure projects. United Nations Development Program discussed those problems and weve stepped forward as the first project with Dukan River. Sulaimani Water administrator Sarbast Osman said that the UNDP organization is funding the project. The UN has always endorsed water projects in Sulaimani. Osman added that the Kurdistan Region is also providing funding to address the provinces water problems and has so far allotted the sum of four billion dinar. Osman remarked, Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister endorsed this sum and he sent it to us which could solve part of the water problems in the province. The UN coordinator, in her speech, also thanked the people of Sulaimani for their response to the crises facing the region in hosting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled war-torn areas and sought sanctuary in the Kurdistan Region. We have also come to Sulaimani, because on behalf of the international community, we wanted to thank the governor, we wanted to thank the government, we wanted to thank the people of Sulaimani for the generosity and the kindness that they have shown so many displaced families, welcoming them into their homes, helping them for the last year. We wanted to come and say on behalf of the international community, thank you. | Soruce: RUDAW | By S.Seal Abdel Hussein Abtan, Iraqi Minister of Transportation, stated that Iraqi Airways will restart its flight services to Europe from upcoming Sunday. In a statement, he mentioned that Iraqi Airways will start flight booking from Basra, Baghdad and Najaf to Copenhagen. Direct flights to London and Frankfurt will also resume soon. Minister of Transportation of Iraq has also appealed to lift ban on Iraqi Airways completely. | Soruce: IRAQI NEWS | By S.Seal We will now officially know which country has the highest percentage of redheads, thanks to the Redhead Map, a project from MC1R Magazine which aims to pinpoint every single redhead in the world. You may remember MC1R as the very first magazine devoted to redheads. It was started by Germany-based Tristan Rodgers in 2015. Building on the success of the flame-haired readership, the magazine is now working in collaboration with location-based technology specialist onbyrd, Redhead Days and Ginger With Attitude to find more accurate figures on the number of redheads worldwide. Its believed that 0.6% of the worlds population has red hair (this jumps to 10% in Ireland with thanks to our cloudy climate), but with the help of onbyrd, the new map will track the percentages for every nation in the world and give a better estimate of how many people on the planet share the red-hair causing MC1R gene mutation. Anybody with red hair, anywhere in the world, is asked to submit their location, age, and sex (which will only be used for these research purposes) so the map can track the spread of this extremely rare hair color. Afterwards we can see the movement of all redheads with the locations on the map. The history of wanderings and cultural migrations between countries may reveal some interesting facts weve never heard about before, their website reads. I dont know, I wouldnt think it all wrong, said Rodgers of the data that already exists, but why shouldnt we use the chance of the internet to get some more data about this. Id love to see if we can get some recent estimates about where all redheads live worldwide. Maybe it could be possible to backup some theories or smaller researches so we can work with them together. I would also hope the people from some countries we didnt expect will contact us so we can get more background information about their life as being a redhead in these special parts of the world! Read more: Take a look inside the worlds first magazine devoted to redheads (PHOTOS) Although the project is now just a few days old, the map has already seen check-ins from countries such as Vietnam, Argentina, South Africa and Singapore. The hope is that they will locate redheads in other unexpected countries once word spreads to all parts of the world. For me personally its important to support the networking around the 'Redhead Days,' so these peaceful festivals and gatherings can grow more with a better communication between the redheads, Rodgers continued. The Redhead Days and Irish Redhead Convention are already supporting this project. I think we all can get an additive value of information out of this. Named MC1R, for the gene mutation Melanocortin 1 Receptor that causes red hair, Rodgers' fiery-hair positive magazine is the first print magazine for redheads worldwide. Read more: Calling all redheads! Annual Irish Redhead Convention this month in Co. Cork (VIDEO) The magazine already works closely with the Irish Redhead Convention, which will convene for the 7th time next weekend in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Running between August 19 and 22, the convention will elect its king and queen while raising money for the Irish Cancer Society. If youre a redhead, you can help the research at http://redheadmap.com or send the map onto all you red-head friends. Jamie Dornan isn't just a celebrity, he's a bona fide superstar, but don't imagine he's ever going to let the adulation go to his head. This week he stars alongside Cillian Murphy in the tense World War II thriller Anthropoid. Cahir O'Doherty asks him about new film, his global fame, and whether he still finds time to have the craic between all the premieres, shoots and red carpets. As Jamie Dornan walks into the AMC Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York in a grey sharp suit with a white shirt open at the collar last week, it's a bit like watching the slow moving eye of a hurricane arrive. That's because Dornan's found himself at the center of something immense, a white hot level of fame of the kind that doesn't happen very often, and it's hard to tell if he's the cause or the symptom. Unable to get anywhere near him or the celebrity filled red carpet, young women -- let's call them Dornan's worshipers, because fans seems too small a word for the desperate passion in their eyes -- press up against the glass walls outside hoping for a glimpse of their Northern Irish idol. Row after row of film actors that no one has heard of yet arrive and stand in front of the paparazzi's flash bulbs. Helpfully, we've all been given a tip sheet of their headshots to let us know who's who, and the photographers are already calling out their names. But although no one says it out loud, today really belongs to the man of the moment, Mr. Fifty Shades of Grey himself. The other young arriving actors are mostly minnows, trailing in the reflected glory of the great white whale. There's no way for them to compete with the global zeitgeist which Dornan, 34, is riding like a practiced surfer. Read more movie news on IrishCentral here Earlier on this morning Doran touched down at JFK (wearing a designer white t-shirt, slim fit black designer jeans and some stylish Nikes) and within a few short hours he's had his very discreet makeup done for the TV cameras, taped an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and is here at the Lincoln Center AMC for his latest film's premiere. The film is called Anthropoid, a tense World War II drama about the real life events that led to the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich (the third highest ranking Nazi in Hitler's cabinet and the man who the Fuhrer called old iron heart). It's a carefully planned step away from the romantic, or at any rate hunky, lead role that made him world famous in Fifty Shades of Grey. Co-starring the dependably brilliant Cillian Murphy, Anthropoid tells the true life story of how two Czechoslovak resistance fighters are airlifted into their occupied country to kill the man given overall charge of the Final Solution and the Holocaust of the Jews in Europe. Shaking Dornan's hand, as he's stared at open mouthed by women and men who look stunned to find themselves in his gorgeous presence, I ask him if he sometimes feels like he been dropped behind enemy lines in his own life and for the first time onscreen or in real life, I hear Jamie Dornan laugh. Where are you from? he asks me, noticing the accent. I tell him that I'm from Donegal and we instantly fall into the what-about-ye shorthand that any two Irish people from the north fall into wherever they happen to meet in the world. A little bit, he admits, as the cameras follow him. But above everything else I feel so privileged to be working as an actor. I've probably been an actor a lot longer than people think and not really working. There's some awful statistic about actors that only about five percent are ever employed at one time. That's disgusting. Why would you want to work in that industry? So I just feel very lucky. He's not going to take the bait and reveal anything of his inner life. As if to underline that point his PR agent leans in and taps his shoulder as though to say stay on message. Nowadays these press opportunities are as tightly scripted as a Chinese trade delegation visit, so it's getting harder and harder to tempt an actor off message, which must be as boring for them as it is for the rest of us. I'm lucky to be doing something and at the moment doing things where I have an element of choice over what I do, he continues. I don't take that for granted, I know that's a very cool thing. This is Dornan's way of saying that I'm a superstar and I know it, but it could all end tomorrow and I'm very aware of the fact. You just try and enjoy it and keep yourself excited about it and you know hopefully the work keeps happening. And he gives another hearty laugh, the second one I've seen him give when he's on company time. Read more: Looks like 2017 is going to be Liam Neesons Oscar year I tell him his co-star Charlotte Le Bon told me that he and Murphy, the two Irish cut-ups, kept the cast and crew laughing between takes. Is that true I ask, hoping to find out that he's good craic. Well yeah, probably me more than Cillian I'd imagine. Looking around the red carpet for Murphy, who is talking to Vogue, Dornan leans in and whispers, I will never work with him again. The he arches an eyebrow and leaves it for me to decide if he's joking or not (for the record, I think he's joking). Cillian is not very funny, he deadpans. The playful Belfast scorn is coming out at last and I'm delighted to have finally broken through his wall of chilly professionalism. So I don't know why she said that. This time he may not be joking. Anthropoid is a heavy war story with a sickeningly high body count, so I imagine the opportunities to let loose on set were treasured. The film is very serious work and very serious subject matter and we're all trying to make the most of that, but you still want to have a bit of fun as well, he says. Dornan came on board after watching director Sean Ellis' previous film Metro Manila, which he thought was one of the best films he'd ever seen. I'd been saying to my wife I'd love to work with this guy and serendipitously three weeks later this script arrived. My agent emailed it to me. As soon as I knew it was by Sean it could have been about anything and I would have wanted to do it, he said. Dornan's regular speaking voice is middle class Belfast, northern, clear and cultivated. It's a very centering echo of where he's from, if not exactly typical of where he finds himself now. Just steps away from us the paparazzi flashbulbs continue to pop and the celebrities standing in their glare (hello Bono's daughter Eve Hewson) look slightly intoxicated by all the attention, as if they've just had a glass of very fine champagne. Ordinary people call this glamorous, but actors at Dornan's level call this work and he's here to convince us to see his new film. It's one of the lesser known events within the Second World War. I didn't know anything about it myself, he confesses. But I think both Cillian and I had a good grip on who these guys (our characters) were and why they found themselves in the position they did. I found it very relatable in terms of the vulnerability and panic that would set in for a normal person in such an abnormal situation. They're true heroes because they're just young men and they respond the way any of us would. There's nothing superhero about them and that's why I think the story is so relatable. Anthropoid opens August 12. Democratic Senator Cory Booker has issued an open invite to the Irish to emigrate to the United States. The New Jersey politician said his party wants to make a change to United States immigration law. Booker, was speaking from Hillary Clintons election campaign bus when he said he said the Democratic Party wants to make changes to immigration laws by making them more rational and to make it easier for Irish people to emigrate to the United States. Speaking to Newstalk, an Irish radio station, Booker said I think we need more Irish immigration, so I'd like to send a message out to folks in Ireland. "You've a great country, but if you want to come to the United States, we love the Irish here. "[New] Jersey has a lot of Irish blood. So I don't need to insult your nation, it's probably a beautiful, wonderful place, but come to America, guys. "Emigrate here. We're going to change the immigration laws, make them rational. "It's what makes America great, we need to return to that tradition as opposed to what we have right now." On Thursday Clinton said she wanted to make our economy work for everyone, not just those on the top. Since the start of her campaign, one year ago, Clinton has voiced her opinion that immigration reform in the United States is an economic issue. As the New York Times editorial recently put it rather than demonize undocumented workers, Mrs. Clinton acknowledged their work and their payment of taxes, and said their goal was to end their exploitation. Read more immigration news from IrishCentral here Currently there are an estimated 50,000+ Irish living in the United States without documentation. Since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 it has been increasingly difficult for the Irish to emigrate to the United States with only limited number of visas available through the Diversity Visa Lottery and other highly restricted visa options. Booker is only of Hillary Clintons top fundraisers and was tipped to be a contender for the position of Vice President before the Secretary of State candidate named Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate. In his interview with Newstalk Booker was frank in his critique of the Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. He told the Irish radio station that he believes that if Trump is elected as President of the United States American citizens abroad could be put at risk. He said Every week were reminded why this person should not be president, why it would be dangerous. Read more: Trumps repulsive assassination threat to Hillary Clinton Obliquely referring to Trumps comments early this week, when the presidential candidate suggested that those who believe in the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms) stop Clintons campaign, Booker said When a president speaks, it has ramifications throughout the globe, so for him to make irresponsible comments could plunge us into greater peril, put Americans overseas into danger, cause conflicts with allies or unnecessary conflicts with adversaries. Booker also criticized Republican politicians who voted down efforts to expand background checks and ban gun sales to terrorist suspects. Two months ago Booker took part in the 15-hour filibuster alongside Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy and many others following the massacre of 49 people at the gay nightclub Pulse, in Orlando, FL. Read more: Senator filibusters for 15 hours to kick start debate on US gun law reform Booker said This isn't about basic Second Amendment rights, about law-abiding access to guns, We have a nation right now where you can be a suspected terrorist, go into gun show and buy a truckload of weapons, no questions asked. We have people blocking common sense gun laws that keep families, neighborhoods and schools safe. A High Court judge has granted temporary High Court injunctions compelling former winners of Irelands Fittest Family on RTE to hand over possession of their Co Cork farm to bank-appointed receivers, writes Aodhan OFaolain. The orders were made against Peter Kingston, his wife Tracey Kingston and son Richard Kingston in respect of their 170-acre farm at Nohoval. The orders, granted on an ex-parte basis by Mr Justice David Keane, require the Kingstons to hand over possession of the farmland to the receivers; prevent them from interfering with the receivers work and prevents them from having any cattle on the lands. The interim injunctions were sought by Kieran Wallace and David Swinburne of KPMG. They were appointed receivers by ACC Bank over the Kingstons farm land last September and took possession in December. James Doherty SC, for the joint receivers, told the court in recent days the Kingstons had unlawfully re-taken possession of the farmland. This was something they were not entitled to do and there was no basis for their actions, counsel said. They were now trespassers, counsel added. There was also a concern the Kingstons would also put cattle onto the land, counsel said, adding such a measure had been threatened. Counsel said the receivers were appointed by ACC Loan Management Limited which is owed 2.4m by Peter and Tracey Kingston, arising out of two mortgage agreements the parties had entered into in 2007 and 2008. The land was put up as security for the mortgages. After a demand for repayment was not satisfied, ACC secured a High Court judgement against the couple. After possession was secured, counsel said the farm and the cattle were found to be in a poor state. The receivers, after going to considerable expense, rectified the problems. The Kingstons had not challenged the receivers appointment in the courts but had, in recent days, re-entered and taken back possession of the farm. The Kingstons, counsel said, had taken the law into their own hands. Counsel said, in correspondence following the repossession, the Kingstons threatened to bring private criminal prosecutions against ACC and the receivers if they brought injunction proceedings against the family. While a promise of undertakings to hand over possession, promised by a third party purporting to represent the Kingstons, had been made to the receivers solicitors, none had been forthcoming, counsel said. After considering the matter, Mr Justice Keane said he was satisfied from the evidence put before the court to make the orders sought. The judge adjourned the matter until Tuesday of next week. This story first appeared in the Read More: Irish Examiner. Two people have been injured in a shooting incident near a shopping centre in Spain. Local media say it happened at around 11am in the city of Zaragoza in the north east of the country. A man seeking "a private audience" with Donald Trump by climbing the Republican presidential candidate's skyscraper has been taken to hospital after his arrest a day earlier on charges of reckless endangerment and trespassing. The New York Police Department identified the climber as 19-year-old Stephen Rogata, of Great Falls, Virginia, though his legal name is Michael Joseph Ryan. Rogata spent three hours scaling the glass facade of the 68-storey Trump Tower in Manhattan on Wednesday using large suction cups before officers hauled him to safety through an open window. A day before the ascent, police said, the climber posted an online video addressing Mr Trump. He called himself an "independent researcher seeking a private audience with you to discuss an important matter" and said he was willing to risk his life "to get your attention". Police were treating the tower climb as a potentially dangerous stunt, saying there was no indication Rogata wanted to hurt anyone. According to a police report in Fairfax County, Virginia, the climber's parents reported him missing in November 2014 after he ran away from home - with plans to live on the streets of Miami - before he agreed to return the next day. His parents told police that Ryan, then 18, became angry when they took away his internet privileges for spending too much time on a "blog on government issues in the United States" and neglecting his school work. "His entire life focus is on that blog," his mother, Gina Ryan, told police, according to the report. The tower on Fifth Avenue is headquarters to Mr Trump's presidential campaign and his business empire. Mr Trump also lives there but was not there at the time. The improvement in the number of loans drawn down was signalled earlier this week in industry figures which raised analysts hope the moribund market was at last stirring. KBC Ireland chief executive Wim Verbraeken said the outlook was increasingly more optimistic with the number of enquiries having risen across its 15 outlets, including those in Dublin and Cork. He said the mortgage market appeared to be coming to terms with the Central Banks new mortgage lending rules-the Macro-Prudential restrictions based on household income and property values brought in early last year. Mr Verbraeken said the bank understood the reasons the Central Bank had brought in the mortgage lending rule, and it was up to the Central Bank to determine whether the rules were working as planned. The bank was optimistic about the level of mortgage business it would write through the rest of the year even though activity in the Irish market plagued by shortages of housing supply was still 30% below normal levels. Its second-quarter earnings report showed the Irish bank had substantially decreased the number of distressed mortgage loans, but that 4.6bn of its 12bn home loan book was still categorised as being impaired. Net profit of the Irish unit more than doubled to 39.5m in the quarter from a year earlier, boosted by a lower level of loan-loss provisions. Parent KBC Group reported an overall profit of 721m in the quarter. Mr Verbraeken said the home loans book was in better shape than the figures might imply because over half of all impaired mortgage loans was in the lowest level of distress, which would likely in time be classified as performing loans. More jobs, an increase in wages and the now steady improvement in house prices provided customers the potential to dig themselves out of negative equity, he said. The Independent Alliance TDs who entered Government and opposition politicians had highlighted the high number of impaired mortgage loans on the books of all the banks here eight years after the onset of the financial crisis. Mr Verbraeken said the bank would continue to offer market-leading mortgage and deposit rates and was determined to defend and grow its market share of 10% of the mortgage market, but wouldnt comment whether the bank would contemplate further rate cuts to fend off any new and existing lenders. The investigation at the bank into tracker mortgages part of an industry-wide redress probe by the Central Bank was still going on, he said, but without providing new details. The review of the Irish operation by its KBC Group parent would be completed at the very latest in early 2017. That review would determine whether the unit was generating sustainable profits. Rutherford Institute Comes to the Defense of a Pro-Life Protester Cited for Violating Overly Vague Noise Ordinance Banning Sounds that Annoy or Disturb Contact: Nisha Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute , 434-978-3888 ext. 604, nisha@rutherford.org NORMAN, Okla., Aug. 12, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- The Rutherford Institute has come to the aid of a pro-life protester who was cited for violating a noise ordinance banning sounds that annoy or disturb. In coming to the defense of activist Toby Harmon, Rutherford Institute attorneys plan to argue that the City of Norman, Oklahoma's "noise disturbance" ordinance is too vague and overbroad in violation of the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression. If convicted, Harmon faces a sentence of 60 days in jail and a $750 fine. Affiliate attorney Andrea Worden of the Worden Law Firm in Norman is assisting The Rutherford Institute in its defense of Harmon's First Amendment rights. "It may seem trivial to be debating the merits of free speech at a time when unarmed citizens are being shot, stripped, searched, choked, beaten and tasered by police for little more than daring to frown, smile, question, challenge an order, or just breathe. However, while the First Amendment provides no tangible protection against a gun wielded by a government agent, nor will it save you from being wrongly arrested or illegally searched, or having your property seized in order to fatten the wallets of government agencies, without the First Amendment, we are utterly helpless," said constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead (photo), president of The Rutherford Institute and author of Battlefield America: The War on the American People . "The unspoken freedom enshrined in the First Amendment is the right to think freely and openly debate issues without being muzzled or treated like a criminal. Free speech zones, bubble zones, trespass zones, anti-bullying legislation, zero tolerance policies, hate crime laws, overly vague noise ordinances, and a host of other legalistic maladies dreamed up by politicians and prosecutors have conspired to corrode our core freedoms. No longer are we a nation of constitutional purists for whom the Bill of Rights serves as the ultimate authority. Instead, we have litigated and legislated our way into a new governmental framework where the dictates of petty bureaucrats carry greater weight than the inalienable rights of the citizenry." At least two to three times a week over the course of several months, activist Toby Harmon situated himself near the Abortion Surgery Center in the City of Norman, Okla., to preach the Christian gospel to the public and urge women entering the Center not to terminate their pregnancy. Harmon, a member of the Abolitionist Society of Norman, routinely used a small amplification device without incident in order to be heard without having to shout or scream. On March 4, 2016, Harmon was assembled near the Center along with 50 other protesters, some of whom were gathering signatures relating to state legislation, when police officers cited him for disturbing the peace. Although the City of Norman has an ordinance that regulates noise by setting specific decibel limits for sound, the officers did not measure the decibel level of Harmon's protest activities and did not charge him for exceeding those levels. Moreover, while Harmon was originally charged with disturbing the peace, that charge was later changed to a charge of using amplifying equipment in a public place to cause a "noise disturbance." City law defines a "noise disturbance" as "any sound which annoys or disturbs" persons or which "endangers the comfort, repose, health, hearing, peace or safety of other persons." Harmon is scheduled to be tried in October. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 60 days in jail and fined $750. Share Tweet Uncertainty on Brexit, the depreciation of sterling against the euro and weaker global demand appear to be holding Irish manufacturers, Davy Stockbrokers chief economist Conall Mac Coille noted yesterday. However, Mr Mac Coille said the recovery in the domestic economy can keep Irelands GDP growth above or close to 3% this year and next. The San Francisco-headquartered company cut the ribbon on its 4m Limerick base in January but has encountered regulatory roadblocks in its efforts to launch its ride-sharing service since entering the Irish market. New accounts filed for Uber Technologies Ltd highlight the uncertainty its regulatory battle has created for the company here. The significant risks and uncertainties impacting the business of the company relate [to] the acceptance by customers of the companys products which is dependent on general market conditions and the positioning of those products, the directors state in their report. However, they say they expect the business to expand here. The company recorded a profit for the financial period to the end of December 2015 of 33,271. Its turnover for the year arising from the provision of services to another Uber group company amounted to 579,229 while Uber Ireland incurred administrative expenses of 534,413. Uber Ireland general manager Kieran Harte said the accounts paint a positive picture of the companys future in Ireland, saying it remains fully committed to its Limerick operations. These latest accounts show that as a business we have grown, so were confident about our future here, said Mr Harte. Were fully committed to Limerick and the team on the ground there are doing a fantastic job. Uber allows unlicensed drivers to carry passengers who hail a lift via its app. In this way, it differs from competitors like Hailo which utilises the existing network of taxi drivers. While Uber is operating a limited version of its service in Dublin using taxi drivers, it has been unable to gain approval for unlicensed drivers to join its network of drivers. Briefing documents prepared for transport minister Shane Ross in May advised that facilitating Uber would require a complete overhaul of existing taxi, hackney and limousine regulation. Mr Harte said that Uber remains engaged in positive discussions with all stakeholders with regards to the framework needed to scale the business in Ireland. Norwegian Air International (NAI) is facing accusations it will drive down wages and working conditions on transatlantic routes if it is allowed fly between Cork and Boston. In a letter to the US department of transportation in June last year, however, the companys chief executive Bjorn Kjos, stated: NAI is now in a position to commit to use only European and US pilots and crews on NAI transatlantic flights. An exception would be made only if compelled by extraordinary and unforeseen operational reasons. He referred to the commitment in a letter sent this week to European transport commissioner Violeta Bulc, who has decided to refer the dispute for international arbitration. He addressed claims by US congressman Peter DeFazio, who has led the campaign to block NAIs plans. He said Mr DeFazios assertion that other airlines in the Norwegian Group used Bangkok-based crew for transatlantic flights out of other European countries was false. He said the Bangkok-based crew were used on flights between Asia and Europe and to use them on transatlantic routes would be folly. Were Norwegian to base crew members operating transatlantic operations in Asia, we would have to fly them half-way round the globe (blocking revenue generating seats), pay salary, hotel and per diem expenses and allow them to complete mandatory rest periods, all before they could even commence their active duty. It was previously disclosed Mr DeFazio received campaign funds of $140,000 from members of the US Airline Pilots Association since 1989, but Mr Kjos advised Ms Bulc further disclosures revealed funding from associated unions, bringing the total figure from within the airline sector to $882,000. Mr DeFazio has claimed that, by registering in Ireland rather than the US, NAI wants to circumvent stricter US labour laws. The US department of transportation provisionally approved NAIs licence to fly into Boston in April, subject to an open-ended appeals process. NAI welcomed the European Commissions move to seek arbitration but it too has no deadline. Niall MacCarthy, managing director of Cork Airport, called for the immediate granting of the licence to NAI. We hope for a timely conclusion of the arbitration process but it should have been unnecessary, he said. The former politician, who failed to be elected to the Dail after leaving Fianna Fail last summer, confirmed her intention as she was announced as chief executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland. Half a year after losing out in the race for a Dublin Bay North seat just months after her sudden departure from Fianna Fail in the aftermath of the marriage equality campaign, Ms Power was yesterday appointed to the high-profile position. However, despite the fact it will allow her to continue to be a prominent media presence and to lobby politicians on key health issues, the ex-senator told the Irish Examiner she has no intention of using her new patients representative role as a platform to return to politics. Will I ever go back to politics? Id say never say never, but I wont be running in the next general election and probably not for the next 10 years, she said. I wouldnt want to take on a role like this, something that is very challenging, without giving it 100%, and I dont see how I could give it 100% if I was out canvassing or dropping leaflets in the evening. Ms Power confirmed her new role comes with a 95,000 salary a figure higher than the average TD salary but said this was because the income level was set by an independent panel and that she had to go through an open interview process to be appointed. She said the significant salary also comes from a merger of two positions in the charity namely the chief executive position and the lead fundraiser position and that combining these roles is saving the Asthma Society of Ireland money. Ms Power said she applied for the charitys CEO position in early summer in part because of her personal experience of being an asthma sufferer. She said she had her first asthma attack when she was in PE class in secondary school and had to be hospitalised a number of times due to the serious lung condition. Asked what her priorities will be in terms of changing Government policy to support the estimated 470,000 people in Ireland with asthma, Ms Power said there is a need to reduce the cost of pre-asthma attack inhalers from their current 70-100 a month rate and to ensure the condition is placed on the long-term illness scheme. I remember how frightening those [asthma] attacks were and I think it is shocking that over 50 people die every year in Ireland from preventable asthma attacks, she said. In a statement announcing Ms Powers appointment, Asthma Society of Ireland chairman Oliver Carroll said the charity is delighted to welcome someone of such a high-profile to the role as Ms Power has a deep personal commitment to the Asthma Society. Further information is available at www.asthma.ie and the Asthma Advice Line 1800 44 54 64. The boy is accused of motor theft and driving without a licence or insurance in connection with the incident on April 15, at Rossmore Road in Ballyfermot in Dublin. A book of evidence was served on him yesterday when he appeared at the Dublin Childrens Court. Judge John ONeill made an order sending the boy forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he will face his next hearing on October 14. Earlier, the boy who cannot be named because he is a minor faced a preliminary hearing to determine if his trial should take place in the juvenile court or go forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has tougher sentencing powers. In an outline of the allegations, the Childrens Court heard that an elderly man had got out of his car to open his gate. It was alleged the teenager then got into his 2015-reg car and was approached by the victim who was pushed onto the pavement. The court heard that it would be claimed that the teenager drove away in the car which was subsequently recovered. The defence had asked for the teenagers young age to be noted and that he lacked support and had a chaotic lifestyle. However, it was held that the case was too serious for the Childrens Court and jurisdiction was refused. The boy, who was accompanied to the hearing by his mother, has not yet entered a plea and was remanded in custody. The teenager was warned that if he intended to use an alibi in his defence, he must tell the prosecution within 14 days. Fine Gale senator Tim Lombard said the badly needed 56-house project at Beechgrove in Clonakilty is on hold due to the presence of the plant at the site. The resulting financial consequence is high, he said. The estimated cost of construction for the Clonakilty housing project is 8.7m which will only increase due to these eradication delays. To save the future cost, which will only increase incrementally the longer the problem is left, action must be taken now. Cork County Council officials confirmed they have been receiving reports of knotweed infestation on a near daily basis and are finding it increasingly difficult to destroy the weed with their own resources. Very few towns and villages in Cork are reportedly free of the plant which, if cut, multiplies rapidly. Treatment processes can take as long as four years to destroy the knotweed which can destroy buildings. A special working group has been established by the council to tackle the issue. However, it has been estimated that invasive species, including knotweed, cost the Irish economy around 260m yearly. Mr Lombard said local authorities have struggled to deal with the issue. He blames the current strategy where the efforts of state agencies working on an individual basis are not extensive enough to eradicate such invasive plants. Invasive plants, especially Japanese knotweed, have become very prevalent in Ireland over the last few years, he said. It is presently a substantial financial and labour-intensive burden that will continue to endure and will only accrue a much larger future obligation if not dealt with now. To give an international example of the cost involved, 70m was required to clear Japanese knotweed from the Olympic village site in London in 2014. Appreciating the magnitude of the issue, the UK has allocated a national budget of 5bn per year towards addressing this problem. In Britain, knotweed on private land seriously damages prospects of a sale. Mr Lombard said the responsibility of dealing with invasive plants comes under the Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. Instead, he said the issue needs to be dealt with directly by the Department of Environment which would have the ability to co-ordinate the local authorities, the NRA, the Inland Fisheries, and Iarnrod Eireann in a national taskforce. A tidy towns group in Glounthaune, in East Cork, has spent significant money and man hours trying to eradicate more than 80 knotweed plants in its area. It purchased special injection guns in Britain and injected an estimated 120,000 stems with a special weedkiller in an effort to kill off the plants. A study just published argues for a greater volume of trials and for champion physicians to increase participation. It found there was no cancer trial option for 71% of patients because the trials that were open did not meet their particular cancer type; the stage of their disease; and line of treatment. The authors said that low recruitment to cancer clinical trials is hampering continued progress in cancer care. It is also important to establish why eligible patients turned down an opportunity to participate in a trial and to overcome this problem, clinical research needed to be embedded into the culture of hospitals. The study by the Mater Hospital in Dublin, together with Cancer Trials Ireland, found one quarter of patients had an option to cancer trial but did not enrol. The study, published in the Irish Medical Journal, involved a retrospective anonymised reviews of the files of 140 patients with cancer who attend the Mater. There were 19 cancer trials available to patients when the four-month review began in November last year. The range of treatments covered 10 different cancer types at different stages. The treating doctor considered the cancer clinical trial option in most cases (63.4%) but only discussed the possibility of participation in just over half (54%) of them. Among the reasons given for failing to consider the trial option included physicians discretion and patient ineligibility. Another reason was that patients had declined a previous trial option. Consultant medical oncologist at the hospital, Dr Cathy Kelly, said the availability of trials was not unique to Ireland: In the United States, studies show that between 60% and 77% of patients do not have a cancer trial option available to them. Over the past 10 years, the number of patients participating in cancer trials in Ireland has doubled, and there has been a trebling of the number of trials that have opened. Dr Kelly said the infrastructure developed by Cancer Trials Ireland has attracted international research groups and pharmaceutical companies to open trials in Ireland. While we found that 5% of patients enrolled in a cancer trial, which is in line with international figures, it is imperative to safeguard continued improvement in cancer outcomes that continue to recruit more patients on more trials, she said. The standard treatments for cancer that we use today were once examined in the setting of a cancer trial and the treatments of tomorrow rely upon the completion of high-quality trials. A solution would be to open more trials, but the authors point out that the availability of funding is crucial. Cancer Trials Ireland, previously known as the All Ireland Co-operative Clinical Research Group, co-ordinates cancer clinical trials in Ireland. The study stressed that ongoing governmental and philanthropic support is needed to continue to increase the number of trials with a target recruitment rate of 10%. The number of patients joining a Cancer Trials Ireland trial increased from 409 in 2006 to 1,897 last year. There were 68 trials in 2008 and 155 in 2015. The orders were made against Peter Kingston, his wife Tracey Kingston and son Richard Kingston in respect of their 170-acre farm at Nohoval. The orders, granted on an ex-parte basis by Mr Justice David Keane, require the Kingstons to hand over possession of the farmland to the receivers; prevent them from interfering with the receivers work and prevents them from having any cattle on the lands. The interim injunctions were sought by Kieran Wallace and David Swinburne of KPMG. They were appointed receivers by ACC Bank over the Kingstons farm land last September and took possession in December. James Doherty SC, for the joint receivers, told the court in recent days the Kingstons had unlawfully re-taken possession of the farmland. This was something they were not entitled to do and there was no basis for their actions, counsel said. They were now trespassers, counsel added. There was also a concern the Kingstons would also put cattle onto the land, counsel said, adding such a measure had been threatened. Counsel said the receivers were appointed by ACC Loan Management Limited which is owed 2.4m by Peter and Tracey Kingston, arising out of two mortgage agreements the parties had entered into in 2007 and 2008. The land was put up as security for the mortgages. After a demand for repayment was not satisfied, ACC secured a High Court judgement against the couple. After possession was secured, counsel said the farm and the cattle were found to be in a poor state. The receivers, after going to considerable expense, rectified the problems. The Kingstons had not challenged the receivers appointment in the courts but had, in recent days, re-entered and taken back possession of the farm. The Kingstons, counsel said, had taken the law into their own hands. Counsel said, in correspondence following the repossession, the Kingstons threatened to bring private criminal prosecutions against ACC and the receivers if they brought injunction proceedings against the family. While a promise of undertakings to hand over possession, promised by a third party purporting to represent the Kingstons, had been made to the receivers solicitors, none had been forthcoming, counsel said. After considering the matter, Mr Justice Keane said he was satisfied from the evidence put before the court to make the orders sought. The judge adjourned the matter until Tuesday of next week. The application was made in respect of a prisoner, who cannot be identified by order of the court, who it is claimed lacks the mental capacity to accept treatment. In a brief application before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys on Wednesday evening the hospital, which the judge has also ruled cannot be identified, sought an order allowing it to administer treatment to the man. The court heard that the man may suffer from a mental illness and is currently at the hospital. He refuses to be treated for an infection that could become septic and cause his death. A lawyer for the hospital said the prisoner lacks capacity to make a decision on his medical treatment and had failed to accept his infection could deteriorate. The hospital said given the mans refusal it would not administer treatment including anti-biotics unless it had a court order. The mans condition was of concern to the hospital but it is understood that despite his refusal his life is not currently in danger. The court heard the man, who is serving a lengthy sentence, had an aggressive nature and could cause difficulty in the hospital. The prisoner, who was not present in court, was represented by his legal guardian. She told the court the prisoner had told her he was hearing voices in his head. He had also told her brain jackers were telling him his life was at risk. The guardian said she supported the hospitals application. Mr Justice Humphreys said he was satisfied to make an order allowing the hospital to administer whatever treatment it deemed necessary. Following the order, lawyers for the hospital said it was hoped that the matter would not trouble the court any further. home World Blasphemy and apostasy laws curtail religious freedom in Pakistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Mauritania - report The U.S. Department of State revealed Wednesday that blasphemy and apostasy laws in countries such as Pakistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Mauritania served to repress their people's religious freedom. The "2015 Annual Report on International Freedom (IRF)" examined the state of religious persecution in several countries "in which entire communities are in danger of being driven out of their homelands based solely on their religious or ethnic identities." The latest report brought to light the concerned countries' "chilling" and potentially fatal blasphemy and apostasy laws as crucial tools employed by repressive governments to persecute religious minorities while upholding a favored religion of the state. It accounted almost a quarter of the countries around the world with blasphemy laws while more than one in 10 have apostasy laws. "These government failures weaken trust in the rule of law, creating an atmosphere of impunity for those who would resort to violence or make false claims of blasphemy," said David Saperstein, ambassador-at-large for the IRF. The predominantly Muslim country of Pakistan oftentimes puts to death, including extrajudicial killings, those charged with blasphemy. Enraged Muslim villagers assaulted and burned to death a Christian couple two years ago. Minority Rights Group (MRG) also urged the Pakistani government back in May to take action on the targeted violence against Christians and the use of blasphemy law as a religious persecution tool. The report also noted that Sudan enforces both blasphemy and apostasy laws yet only against those desecrating Islam. The country amended its penalty for non-Muslim blasphemers last year to five-year imprisonment and 40 lashes. Saudi Arabia continues to be a repressive state as it recognizes Sunni Islam its official religion. Open Doors, a Christian non-profit organization, ranks the Arab country as 14th among countries with the most rates of Christian persecution. United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also reported that Saudi Arabia "remains uniquely repressive in the extent to which it restricts the public expression of any religion other than Islam." Similarly, Mauritania recognizes Sunni Islam as its sole religion and sentenced to death apostates and blasphemers of the Prophet Muhammad. The former tanaiste though also criticised the media for interfering in politicians private lives and said coverage of his own family would be something he would not forgive. Mr Gilmore described his new work as the EUs special peace envoy involved in the peace process in Colombia. The former Dun Laoghaire TD said he was working flat out on the agreement and had travelled to Cuba, Colombia and Brussels as part of his work. The work was a world away from what he had done previously in Leinster House, he said. Mr Gilmore, who stepped aside as leader after Labours disastrous 2014 election, remains an active member within the party. Speaking to RTE, he said he supported the current leader and former cabinet colleague, Brendan Howlin, and still felt strongly on issues. These included calls to abolish the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution which protects the life of the unborn. Mr Gilmore said he expected to be involved in any upcoming campaign on changing the amendment. He was also critical of the media and said there had been a very negative turn and that political figures or their families, including his own, were fair game. It is something I dont forgive. The former TD said he was considering writing a second book but, unlike his memoirs, it would not be about his time in Government. Labour activist and communications guru Pat Montague said the party had made a number of mistakes in the last general election where it was reduced to just seven TDs. But the root of the collapse of support for Labour dated back to the 2011 to 2014 period in Government, he claimed, when it should have fought harder against the rushed introduction of water charges and the orders of the bailout troika. The charity believes the funding loss was accumulated over the past five years in Cork City and county alone. The clothes-thieving gangs continually target around 100 clothes banks operated by SVP throughout Cork. Evidence shows the thieves used angle grinders to cut open steel containers. They also had keys cut to fit locks and deliberately blocked clothes banks by stuffing them with duvets so people were forced to leave items in plastic bags close to the containers. There are also known cases involving children being forced into the containers to help empty them. The situation reportedly became so serious recently in Cork that some SVP volunteers kept watch throughout the night at some clothes bank sites. Brendan Dempsey, one of the charitys senior figures in the region, said on one night volunteers followed two men who were taking the clothes. They were later questioned by gardai on the northside of the city. We use the good second-hand clothes to sell in the 33 charity shops we have in the city and the county. The money helps us to aid needy families, he said. Clothes in very good condition are segregated by volunteers and community employment scheme workers. Other items not suitable for resale are sent to the North where they are shredded and later sold as hand wipes or for wall insulation. Mr Dempsey said he was aware of other charities operating clothing collections which were being similarly targetted by the gangs. Other charities have reported gangs are going to houses and taking clothes which are put out in special bags with the charities name clearly visible on them. At this stage, nearly all of our clothing bins have been targeted at one time or another and it doesnt seem to matter even if they are in built-up areas. These gangs are brazen, said Mr Dempsey. Paul Hughes, who manages the Irish Cancer Societys charity shops and who is also spokesman for the Irish Charity Shops Association, said gangs are still robbing clothes, but not to the extent they once did. His association estimates that in 2010/2011, gangs stole around 11m worth of clothes destined for charities. Mr Hughes said textile prices had dropped in eastern Europe and Africa since, so the trade was now not as lucrative for gangs. Nevertheless, he said, many gangs continue to steal bags which have been left outside houses for the Irish Cancer Society. They also do leaflet drops themselves saying they are collecting for charities. They are bogus charities. I had in my possession at one stage 300 different leaflets which were all bogus, he said. Jim Walsh, national spokesman for the SVP, said there had been a few incidents in other parts of the country, most notably in the north-east. However, he added: There seems to be a particular issue in Cork. Meanwhile, Mr Dempsey said his charity was also losing around 2,000 a month in Cork having to dispose of household waste which was being thrown into the clothing bins by unscrupulous people trying to avoid pay-by-weight refuse charges. Rubbish is being thrown into them regularly, he said. We found a dead terrier in one and kitchen waste crawling with maggots. We have to pay for this waste to be disposed of properly and that, like the theft of the clothing, is preventing us from being able to spend even more helping the needy. Fergus Finlay from Barnardos said the charity he represents did not have any problems as people took clothes directly to its shops. The ISPCC uses clothing bins but a spokeswoman for the charity said it was not experiencing the same difficulties as SVP. Joint receivers Luke Charleton and David Hughes confirmed the sale of One Spencer Dock to AGC Equity Partners Ltd. The 21,000sq m office block was sold by joint selling agents Savills and CBRE on behalf of the receivers and Davy Real Estate. One Spencer Dock, which was developed by Treasury Holdings in 2007 and was designed by Scott Tallon Walker architects, is fully occupied by professional services firm PwC. It has made it its Irish headquarters and employs 1,800 people there. PwC signed a 25-year lease from April 2007 which expires in April 2032. The total rent is 11,779,241 per annum. Luke Charleton of EY, who were appointed as receivers to the Nama-secured property, said: We are very pleased to announce the sale of One Spencer Dock following significant interest from domestic and international investors, which is a testament to the potential and value of a major development such as this. This is a successful outcome which reaffirms the international investor interest in Dublin. The statement announcing the sale said Spencer Dock and the wider docklands area is gearing up for the next phase of development which will see new office, retail, and residential developments transforming the skyline. This will, in part, come from the future development of the remaining Spencer Dock site, the Project Wave site, City Quay and the Exo Building adjacent the 3 Arena, it said. This future development will further strengthen the area as a destination for top class occupiers and provide a mix of uses to create an energetic city district. Fergus OFarrell of Savills said the sale of One Spencer Dock marked a significant milestone for the Irish market, adding it reflected investor confidence in the office market, supp- orted by continued strong occupier demand in the city centre, leading to further rental growth. Three men subsequently stood trial for the murder, but all were acquitted. Finian Fallon, who was just four when his father was murdered, is appealing for a public inquiry into his fathers murder. Both he and his brother Richard requested Gsoc to investigate concerns that vital evidence in the case had gone missing. Following a review, Gsoc has now told the Fallons that the only pieces of evidence located are four bullet casings recovered from the scene of their fathers murder. The original fingerprint tape lifts cannot be found, although the empty file jacket was located in the Garda archives and original documentation from the murder investigation was never located. In a letter to the family, Gsoc said there had been a flood at the technical bureau and material may have been destroyed as a result. But as there is no record that the fingerprints were destroyed as a result of the flood, it cannot definitively say how they came to be missing. In the letter, senior investigating officer Jon Leeman said: It is a wholly unacceptable state of affairs that the material from the original Garda investigation cant be located. Even though three men were tried and acquitted, although it would not be possible to re-try the three men, the material should have been available to preserve the possibility that other persons who may have been involved. It is not possible to state when the material went missing and responsibility cant be attributed to any individual. The letter also added that it cannot be definitively said as to why the original fingerprint tapes cant be found and why the file jacket in the Garda archives office is empty. Senior officer Leeman stressed in the letter that standards regarding the investigation of crime, the losing and maintenance of crime files and the storage of exhibits have evolved over time. It is not possible to judge by the standards of today. The standards in the Garda investigation must be looked at through the prism of the standards of the time. Nonetheless, in the case of a murder such as this, the evidence in the case should be locatable. Today, all documentation generated or obtained as part of such an investigation would be logged and registered. That was not the practice in 1970, and accordingly it is not possible to supply you with a definitive list of every item that was created and which can no longer be found, he said. Speaking to the Irish Examiner , Mr Fallon said he was extremely disappointed that the only exhibits remaining in his fathers murder investigation are four bullet casings. Mr Fallon told of how his mother Deirdre, who died at the age of 56 in 1994, was devastated by the death of her husband. I am not happy with the conclusion. There should be a public inquiry, there are too many questions,said Mr Fallon. His family were notified of his death the next day by his psychiatrist, Dublin Coroners Court heard. Denise Campbell, who carried out supervisory and housekeeping duties at the five-bed Blanchardstown house, said there were four residents at the time. The deceased mans father, Noel OHanrahan, told coroner Myra Cullinane he thought there was no staff at the facility on the day of his sons death. Ms Campbell confirmed this: There was no weekend staff available to work that weekend. It happens every now and then. As a young cleric, the future Bishop of Derry waved a blood-stained white rag as a symbol of ceasefire as he led a mortally injured teenage civil rights protester to safety under British army fire in January 1972. The peacemaker and staunch opponent of all violence died on Monday aged 82. President Michael D Higgins and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness were among mourners at a Requiem Mass at St Eugenes Cathedral in Derry. Former SDLP leader John Hume and Ivan Cooper, a Protestant who fought for civil rights and helped found the party, were also present. A message from a spokesman for Pope Francis said: Recalling Bishop Dalys generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of peace and justice, His Holiness joins you in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and in commending his soul to the merciful love of God Our Father. Several thousand Derry people, both inside and outside the Cathedral, joined more than 120 members of the clergy to pay their respects. The current Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, paid tribute to Bishop Daly as a man of peace who opposed violence from all quarters during the Troubles. His ministry was marked by total dedication to the people he served, wherever he was called to minister. That dedication was visible in outstanding courage. He showed physical courage on Bloody Sunday and his moral courage was evident in his passionate struggle against violence and injustice from all quarters. Bishop McKeown said the thousands of people who had filed past the coffin of Bishop Daly in the past four days showed they value loving, courageous, generous spiritual leadership. Bishop Daly, he said, would not seek praise for himself. He would ask that more young people dedicate their lives to his sort of service to God and his people. He said his first encounter with Bishop Daly was when he visited the Irish College in Rome in 1974. He was a young bishop and we were studying theology. He asked us to do one thing he said please pray for me. This was not merely a pious expression. Rather they seemed to come from a heart which knew the maelstrom that was Northern Ireland in those awful years. He knew about murder and loss. He knew that the years of conflict followed upon decades of terrible poverty and discrimination as well as heroic generosity. He knew the enormous resilience of people who could face almost anything together. Archbishop Eamon Martin, speaking at the end of the Mass, said Bishop Daly was a wonderful priest and bishop with charisma that made him so uniquely suited to service in this time and place. He added: There was never any doubt that Edward Daly was a great priest, a caring and compassionate pastor, a man of prayer and peace, a courageous and fearless leader, a special person. As a young priest, Bishop Dalys use of a white handkerchief during the Bloody Sunday massacre of innocent civil rights protesters by soldiers in Derry became an enduring image of the conflict. He had famously led the brave group bearing fatally injured Jackie Duddy, 17, to safety. Paratroopers had opened fire and killed 13 people. Fourteen were injured and another was to die later. Bishop Dalys untiring advocacy for the Birmingham Six, the victims of Bloody Sunday, and for the families of those murdered by paramilitaries earned him respect from some, suspicion from others. Dr Daly was Bishop of Derry from 1974 until 1993, stepping aside after suffering a stroke. In recent years he had battled a long-term illness. Katie Clack, 23, became depressed after developing the condition in 2009 and jumped to her death from the top of a multi-storey carpark in Peterborough in September 2014. Her narcolepsy had led to her sleeping for up to 19 hours per day on occasions and her mental health worsened. An inquest in Stamford heard that the Peterborough woman did not want the vaccine but was required to have it for her job. Last month public representatives voted to include the so-called no-fry zone in the Wicklow County Development Plan. Councillors will make a final vote on the ruling in September, following the closing date for public submissions on August 26. If, as expected, it gets the green light, it will mean takeaway outlets will be prohibited from operating within 400m of schools and playgrounds. The move follows a popular campaign, led by the No Fry 4 Kids Committee, which was formed to oppose the opening of a McDonalds restaurant in Greystones in close proximity to three schools. However, despite twice being granted planning approval, the fast-food giant eventually abandoned its plans for the Blacklion site, after site owner Lidl pulled out of the deal. Supporters of the long-running campaign have argued that the proximity of fast-food outlets close to schools and playgrounds is likely to fuel Irelands already soaring childhood obesity problem. According to a recent report, one in four Irish children is overweight, while a quarter of 11-year-olds are now clinically obese. Documents seen by the Irish Examiner show Mr OLeary and his company repeatedly warned that the lobbying attempt should not be made public and should have been censored out of Freedom of Information (FOI) act responses. In late February, a Sunday newspaper reported that Mr OLeary and Ryanair lobbied Finance Minister Michael Noonan to prevent airport passenger charge increases by the Dublin Airport Authority. The article related to a November 23 letter to the Fine Gael TD in which the businessman described the charges increase as price gouging and said the move - which would bring in additional money for service improvements would damage both passengers use of the airport and his own firm. The letter was not responded to by Mr Noonan. However, after it was released under a FOI request in late February, Ryanair began a six-month battle with the Government over the fact the lobbying attempt was made public and to keep future attempts secret as they are strictly confidential. In a letter to the Department of Finance on February 25, Ryanairs chief legal and regulatory officer, Juliusz Komorek, said the letter should not have been released as it was commercially sensitive and as there had been a failure to engage in consultation. In early March, the department responded to say that neither issue prevented the release of the record and that all information must be made public under a FOI request unless there is a clear reason to not do so. On March 29, Mr Komorek again wrote to the Department of Finance saying Ryanair was making a formal complaint about the improper release of a record belonging to Ryanair adding that the department should be investigated and sanctioned by Irelands Information Commissioner, Peter Tyndall. Describing the departments actions as riding roughshod over the companys rights, Mr Komorek said public interest would not have favoured its [the lobbying attempts] release and that it was sending the matter to Mr Tyndall to investigate. However, after just two days, the Office of the Information Commissioner responded to say the FOI act is designed to allow greater openness and that despite Ryanairs dissatisfaction there was no need for an investigation to take place. On April 8, Mr Komorek again wrote to the commissioner to say the initial response was inadequate and warning a worrying precedent will be set if the department was not tackled. However, despite two further letters, Mr Tyndall specifically told Ryanair there was no case to answer. Ryanair sent the full correspondence to the Dails finance committee on July 1. The move resulted in the correspondence becoming a publicly available file. Nadezda (Nadia) Prochukhan, 20, shot to national acclaim in 2014 when she achieved 615 points in her Leaving Certificate. Anonymous donors enabled her to fulfil her dream of studying chemistry at Trinity College Dublin. Her case was one of two which helped lead to a change in Irish law last year when ex-education minister Jan OSullivan announced that third-level student grants would be available to asylum seekers. Nadia thanked everyone for their support: People I never met donated money for me to attend my first year of college and that is why Ive been able to get where I am today. I am so grateful to everyone. Nadia, her mother Tatiana, and her younger sister Maria were sent a letter recently informing them their application for asylum, submitted in September 2011, was finally approved. Tatiana said the family spent the past five years living with no income due to their asylum-seeker status. The mother had led a campaign for her daughter to be treated like her Irish peers. Tatiana said being approved to stay in Ireland was one of the greatest moments in her life. She had feared the family would have to survive indefinitely through donations and support from locals in New Ross and her 78-year-old mother in Russia. The letter said we have permission to stay in Ireland for three years so we are entitled to everything an Irish citizen is entitled to, apart from being able to vote. We can become Irish citizens in five years which would be amazing. We love New Ross and Ireland and I cant imagine living in anywhere else. The people are so good here. She said her family endured five years of suffering from a constant threat of deportation. I have been fighting for my childrens lives. Often there was no bread on the table. All our money was stolen before we arrived here. We had to wait for the decision because the Government changed the law twice. We were another cog in the wheel. When we got the letter and saw the words we were overjoyed. We were hugging each other. She added: We have been through hell. We had no work permits and no means to make money. Someone stole a lot of money from us but we are strong and we remained positive and the people of New Ross and Ireland were amazing to us. Her daughter Nadia is one of the top performers in her class at Trinity College Dublin, where she completed 10 exams in May in her second year of a four-year course. The Prochukhans are hopeful Nadia will be awarded a grant for her third and fourth years, as the fees come to 8,000 per year at Trinity. We have completed all the forms and we are waiting word from the social welfare office. My mother Nina has been paying our rent. She is 78 and works three jobs. She said the most difficult thing to witness over recent years was her daughters never felt equal to their Irish peers. Tatiana moved to Ireland with her daughters Nadia and Maria in 2006, living here until 2009 when they had to return to Russia as her father was very ill. They returned in 2011 and several business people and townspeople have been helping them since as they have no income. They do now. As a mother all you want to see is your children happy. Nadia is an example to everyone. Even though she didnt have the native language and even through she went through a lot of hardship with no money in her family, she was able to achieve her dream. She showed what you get when you fight for your rights. We are really proud of her. Younger daughter Maria, meanwhile, completed her Leaving Certificate in June and is hoping to study art at the National University of Galway, where she has been offered free tuition and assistance once she achieves more than 450 points. Tatiana thanked the people of New Ross for their support. Without the kindness of the people of New Ross and the New Ross Standard we would never have won these rights. People were so good. One lady put 600 through our door. Nobody forced her to do this, it was her good heart. We also got so many kind words on the street and still do and that keeps you going. We feel part of the family in New Ross and now we want to give some- thing back. home Tech Huawei Mate 9 release date, specs news: Phablet's features revealed The highly anticipated release of Huawei's Mate 9 has recently been spotted on a benchmarking site, which revealed significant information about the phablet's specs. Previous rumors suggested that the Chinese tech manufacturer has been working on the successor of its popular Mate 8 handset. According to reports, the upcoming device will be launched at the IFA 2016 event. The company also has a scheduled Sept 1 event, in which many have speculated that Huawei might provide concrete details about the new phablet. The new reports appeared to have contradicted the statement from Huawei's Mobile Product manager Bruce Lee, who confirmed that the September event is too early for the Huawei Mate 9 launching. Nevertheless, the recent revelation of its specs through a benchmarking site indicates that the release of the device will happen anytime soon. Dutch publication Telefoonabonnement first spotted the GFXBench listing of the Huawei Mate 9. If rumors prove to be true, the new Huawei smartphone will come out with a 5.9-inch Full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The benchmarking site allegedly revealed that the device will run on an octa-core HiSilicon Hi3660 processor with a speed of 2.6 GHz. The new processor is said to be more powerful than the Kirin 955. The powerful processor will be paired with 4 GB of RAM. It will also carry a 64 GB of internal storage capacity. Other features include an 11-megapixel rear camera that has 4K recording capabilities. The front facing snapper of Huawei Mate 9 will be at 7 MP. According to earlier speculations, the device will carry a dual 20 MP main camera. Meanwhile, there are rumors suggesting that the device may run on Google's latest operating system, the Android Nougat. However, this has yet to be confirmed by the smartphone manufacturer. As of the moment, no release date has been reported yet. However, tech observers expect the company to provide an official announcement anytime soon. Driven by demand from parents, and research showing how technology can have a negative impact on children, UnPlug is launching Unplug4Kids at the end of the month The family festival celebrating all things unplugged will be held on August 28 at SPORTCO Gym, Ringsend, Dublin. Young people are out and about more since the release of Pokemon Go, which uses GPS and a camera to combine the digital realm with the real world. Some parents are delighted that their children are getting lots of fresh air and exercise, but others want their children to look around instead of burying their heads in their phones. Co-founder of UnPlug, Chris Flack, said anyone caught using a smartphone at the festival will get hit with a squeaky hammer by the UnPlug police and asked to donate money to their charity partner the ISPCC. UnPlug isnt anti-tech, we love tech. Our focus is to raise awareness of the overuse of tech and to encourage a tech/life balance encouraging using tech for good, said Mr Flack. Model and parenting columnist, Ali Canavan, has worked with the UnPlug team of psychologists and neuroscience experts to develop a programme that she follows with her six-year-old son, James. James still plays Minecraft, but he and his mother have developed a middle ground in which he also spends a lot of quality time with friends and family. The festival will have a number of activity zones children from aged three upwards to chop with an axe and saw wood and to build stuff using recycled products and to join fun dance workshops. They can also get fun tips on using technology in a healthy way. Ali Canavan and son James supporting Unplug4Kids. UnPlug aims to raise awareness of the over-use of tech and to encourage a tech/lfie balance. Picture: Peter Varga Co-founder of Family Friendly HQ, a website promoting Unplug4Kids, Jane Flood, said parents needed to focus on their children. Your attention is the greatest gift you can give your children. We know that we often need to reply to messages from work, but we need to remember we are role models for our children and if we give time to our phone children will see it as more important than them, said Ms Flood. The festival will be followed by a series of Unplug4Kids parenting workshops starting in October. Catherine Farrelly from Gracepark Meadows, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, died on February 16, 2015. The mother of four sons had a few drinks before she took her book upstairs to the bathroom around 7.45pm. Dublin Coroners Court heard that her husband had died in 1999 after suffering a heart attack at the ALSAA swimming pool at Dublin Airport. Ms Farrelly knocked on her sons bedroom door and asked if he wanted to use the bathroom before she ran herself a bath. She was in good overall health, said her son, Conor Farrelly. She liked a few drinks. She had a few that evening but she was grand. It was nothing unusual for her, her form was fine. Louise Burke, a friend and neighbour, said she called around most days to see Ms Farrelly: I would go around most days to visit her. I was minding my mum, we were a support to each other. She sent a text to her friend at 7.40pm and when she got no reply, she felt she should pay a visit. Something inside me told me I should call around, she said. Ms Burke said she arrived at the house at 7.55pm. She looked around the house but could not find Ms Farrelly and began to get worried when her friend did not answer her calls. When she pushed opened the bathroom door she found her friend submerged in the bath. She was under the water, said Ms Burke. It was quite a deep Jacuzzi-type bath. Her book was there and some cigarettes. Emergency services were called as Mrs Farrellys son and his girlfriend, a nurse, performed chest compressions in a bid to save her life. She was brought to Beamount Hospital by Dublin Fire Brigade where she was later pronounced dead. Ms Farrellys behaviour had been normal on the day of her death, the court heard. She made dinner for her sons, who lived with her, and had a few drinks before going upstairs to soak in the Jacuzzi, the court heard. The cause of death was drowning, with elevated blood alcohol level as a contributory factor according to a post-mortem report. There was no evidence of a heart attack or stroke or sudden collapse, said coroner Myra Cullinane. She had suffered seizures in the past, according to her son. Its impossible to know if she had a seizure as we cannot prove that at post-mortem. Either falling asleep and sliding down or having a turn, we cannot prove either, Dr Cullinane said, returning a verdict of death by misadventure. FOR Harry Potter star Emma Watson, a big party is too much stimulation. Which is why I end up going to the bathroom! I need timeouts. Im terrible at small talk. This example of a famous persons introverted personality style is just one of many cited in Quiet Power, Growing Up As An Introvert In A World That Cant Stop Talking. (Others are Beyonce, J. K. Rowling, Einstein and Gandhi). Emma Watson claims to retreat to the bathroom at parties, the classic sign that she is an introvert, which remains different to simply being shy With her latest book directed at kids and teens as well as their parents and educators US author Susan Cain is continuing her mission to make quiet people feel they can be themselves. She started in 2012 with Quiet, The Power Of Introverts In A World That Cant Stop Talking, a New York Times bestseller for over three years. Then came her Ted Talk on Quiet Power viewed over 13 million times. A self-confessed introvert (I prefer listening to talking, reading to socialising, and cosy chats to group settings), Cain says the main difference between introverts and extroverts is in how they respond to stimulation, including social stimulation. Extroverts crave large amounts of stimulation, whereas introverts feel their most alive, switched on and capable, when in quieter, more low-key environments not all the time but most of the time. There are other differences. Introverts have great concentration and tend to focus on one task at a time. Extroverts tackle assignments quickly, make fast decisions and like multi-tasking and risk taking. Kevin Quigley, research and innovation psychologist at Dublin-based Seven, Psychology at Work, says introverts tend to think, talk and then think whereas extroverts tend to talk, think and then talk. If you dont know what an extrovert is thinking, he says, you havent listened. If you dont know what an introvert is thinking, you havent asked. Susan Cain, Quiet Revolution LLC co-founder, speaks onstage at The New York Times New Work Summit on March 1, 2016 in Half Moon Bay, California. Cain says extroverts add life to a party they tend to be assertive, dominant and in great need of company while introverts may have strong social skills and enjoy parties but after a while wish they were home in their pyjamas. Introverts like people but prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues and family. And theyre not necessarily shy shyness is about fearing social disapproval, while introversion is a preference for non overly-stimulating environments. Cain wants to champion introverts in a world that often doesnt. So she founded Quiet Revolution to raise awareness of introvert skills and to introduce in schools and workplaces initiatives designed to harness those talents. She sees introvert skills as ability to reflect, listen, build relationships, think before acting and stay calm in tense situations. According to Cain about one-third to half of us are introverts. She cites other stats too: 50% of the US workforce self-identifies as introverts. Sixty-four percent of workers believe their organisation doesnt fully harness talents of introverted employees. Meanwhile, 96% of leaders/managers self-identify as extroverts. Which means leadership teams are often imbalanced and dont fairly represent a diverse workforce. This might, to some extent, explain findings from recent research conducted by Sutton Trust, a UK charity dedicated to improving social mobility through education. Their study found extroverted adults 25% more likely to earn over 40,000 annually than their quieter counterparts. Cain sees a bias against introverts in most workplace cultures because from embracing teamwork to brainstorming to open-plan offices theyre set up to suit extroverts. Companies can demand a tremendous amount of face-to-face interaction, in the form of team-building exercises and retreats, shared online calendars that announce employees availability for meetings and physical workplaces that afford little privacy. She says the amount of space per employee shrank from 500 square feet in the 1970s to 200 by 2010. Yet, a mountain of recent data on open-plan offices finds they reduce productivity, impair memory and are associated with high staff turnover. Theyre often subject to loud uncontrollable noises significant when considered alongside another study, cited by Cain, which finds being interrupted one of the biggest productivity barriers. Nor is brainstorming all its cracked up to be. Referring to 40 years of research, Cain says studies show performance gets worse as group size increases. Reasons why range from some individuals sitting back and letting others do the work, to fear of looking stupid in front of peers. She points to organisational psychologist Adrian Furnhams recommendation that talented, motivated people be encouraged to work alone when creativity or efficiency is the highest priority. Cain isnt saying face-to-face contact isnt important or that colleague interaction doesnt matter. But what gives companies the edge is maximising the strengths of all workers, introverts included. If its creativity youre after, ask employees to solve problems alone either electronically or in writing before sharing their ideas. Arrange for people to interact one-on-one or in small, casual groups. As part of Quiet Revolution, Cain co-founded the Quiet Leadership Institute, which works with executives at organizations like NASA, Procter & Gamble and General Electric to help them better understand the strengths of introverted employees. After a one-day course that looked at how to tap into introverts natural strengths, Roger Forsgren, director of NASAs Academy of Program/Project & Engineering Leadership, said: Extroverts learned their co-workers were not anti-social. "They just need quiet time for reflection and prefer to listen closely in meetings and digest what they hear before deciding to speak. "Introverts learned that extroverts operate differently theyre stimulated by group settings and discussions and sometime need to speak out loud in order to gather their thoughts. Already expected to be mindful of employee difference across gender, culture and religion, employers might be forgiven for asking where does it all end? when advised about introvert/extrovert personality types, says work psychologist Patricia Murray. Im not saying its another legal obligation, but its in employers best interest to know their employee [personality] tendency. Personality type isnt something anyone can put on hold nine-to-five. If they do, theres a psychic cost. Most people instinctively recognise having a chatty, outgoing personality working in a lab on their own doesnt fit. Similarly, its unwise to force too much society on the quiet reader-type, who likes people but spends lots of time alone. Theyll feel overpowered and over-stimulated. What works better for introverts is to be in groups of two, coming up with ideas, says Murray. Theres nothing intrinsically wrong with teams going off to the woods to do activities together, but you have to give people choice. You cant force fun on people. Fun for one could be agony for another. Sometimes theres competition with these activities best and worst prizes. "This can be humiliating not only does the situation not help an introvert to grow [in workplace], it alienates them. Employers need to motivate workers, but were not all motivated by the same thing. Murray points to certain jobs attracting introverts (IT, engineering) and others attracting extroverts (sales, marketing). What makes people attached to their jobs, she says, is how much they can be themselves in that space. If they have to pretend, its fatiguing. Theyll look for another job or engage in presenteeism there in body but not in mind. If work atmosphere motivates just one personality type, it unwittingly discriminates against the other. And while many large IT companies here, like Google, have little pods on the landings which individuals can go into for 10 minute thinks this isnt replicated too much otherwise, says Murray. What seems to be happening in Ireland is employers are just cottoning onto the notion that people should be doing brainstorming, team-building. Kevin Quigley emphasises the need for balancing introvert and extrovert workplace needs. If the office is solely open-plan with no space for spending time alone, no space for reflection or deep thinking, this is difficult for introverts. Vice versa is also true. Having a lot of people working alone with little room for social interaction is difficult for extroverts. He agrees theres an extrovert bias in Irish workplaces. Yet he sees awareness starting to happen, across a range of sectors, of the need for quiet spaces the library in the office, the couch in the corner. When the leadership finger is on the pulse always asking employees what they like about the company, what could be improved theyll be on the ball and realise some staff like quieter space. "Theyll adapt. But a company, very focused on this is the way we are, mightnt listen much to staff, might only recruit people like themselves. In her book, Cain says middle and high school years (age 10-18) are difficult for introverts. Hundreds of kids crammed together in a single building it can feel as if the only way to gain respect and friendship is through vivacity and visibility. But she doesnt let introverts off the hook. You can stretch like a rubber band. You can do anything an extrovert can do, including stepping into the spotlight. Working with others in a group is, after all, an essential life skill. Cain launched a pilot programme for schools that want to quietise their curricula and school culture (visit www.Quietrev.com; also www.Parenting.quietrev.com). Yet, she encourages introverts to go to the edge of their comfort zone: in a group, find the right role (eg taking notes) or be quiet but not silent (opt for one-on-one conversations with key group members). But, you should return to your true self when youre done, she says. Introverts need restorative niches. Just as Batman needed a Batcave and Superman a Fortress of Solitude, introverts need zones of quiet. Outgoing or not? Try our test Where do you fall on the introvert/ extrovert spectrum? Answer true or false, whichever answer applies more often than not. 1. I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities. 2. I often prefer to express myself in writing. 3. I enjoy solitude. 4. I seem to care less than my peers about wealth, fame and status. 5. I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me. 6. People tell me Im a good listener. 7. Im not a big risk-taker. 8. I enjoy work that allows me to dive in with few interruptions. 9. I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. 10. People describe me as soft-spoken. 11. I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until its finished. 12. I dislike conflict. 13. I do my best work on my own. 14. I tend to think before I speak. 15. I feel drained after being out and about, even if Ive enjoyed myself. 16. I often let calls go through to voicemail. 17. If I had to choose, Id prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled. 18. I dont enjoy multitasking. 19. I can concentrate easily. 20. In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars. The more often you answered true, the more introverted you probably are. This is an informal quiz from Susan Cains Quiet, The Power Of Introverts In A World That Cant Stop Talking, not a scientifically validated personality test. Many people are familiar with hepatitis viruses A, B and C; but hepatitis E officially named as such in 1990 - is relatively unknown. For example, a report in the British Medical Journal (12 November, 2014) quoted hepatitis E expert and consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Dr Harry Dalton as saying that of 122 cases of acute hepatitis E infection he had treated, not a single patient had ever heard of it before diagnosis. HEV is widespread among pigs. For example, Irish researchers reported in the Irish Veterinary Journal last year that they had detected HEV antibodies in 27% of 330 pigs tested, concluding: Hepatitis E virus is present in most Irish pig herds and in many animals within these herds. In the UK, the prevalence of HEV antibodies in pig herds is estimated at 85%. According to the World Health Organisation, each year worldwide there are 20 million HEV infections; over 3 million acute cases of hepatitis E; and 57,000 hepatitis E-related deaths. In developing countries HEV infection is typically associated with large waterborne epidemics, due to poor sanitation and is usually transmitted by the faecal-oral route. In recent years, however, evidence has shown that HEV infection occurs in developed countries, although compared to developing countries the modes of transmission have not all been established. Evelyn Ring reported in the Irish Examiner (29 July 2014) that a study undertaken by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service showed that 5% of blood donors have been exposed to HEV. Dr Lelia Thornton, a Specialist in Public Health Medicine in the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, told the paper: In Ireland there have been 64 cases of HEV infection notified since 15 December 2015, when hepatitis E infection became a notifiable disease, and since January this year all blood donations in Ireland have been screened for evidence of HEV infection. Most people in developed countries do not develop symptoms following HEV infection, but when they do they occur more often in middle-aged and elderly men whose symptoms include jaundice, fever, nausea and abdominal pain. HEV infection, however, can be a particular risk for pregnant women and those with pre-existing liver disease. Dr Thornton explained: In some developing countries, pregnant women with hepatitis E, particularly those in the second or third trimester, are at an increased risk of acute liver failure, foetal loss and mortality. However, the high mortality associated with hepatitis E infection in pregnancy in developing countries is not seen in developed countries, perhaps due to differences in genotypes of the virus occurring in developed countries compared with developing countries. There are four strains, or genotypes, of HEV. Genotypes 1 and 2 occur in Asia and Africa; genotype 3 is found worldwide, including Europe and Ireland; and genotype 4 occurs in China and Japan. Although a small proportion of those people exposed to HEV in Ireland could be attributed to travel or migration from regions where HEV is endemic, there seems to be an indigenous source of infection. What could the source be? The title of a 2014 report published in the medical journal Epidemiology and Infection was unequivocal: Hepatitis E virus in England and Wales: indigenous infection is associated with the consumption of processed pork products. In this study of 25 cases of HEV infection and 75 controls, researchers found that the consumption of pork pie, ham and sausages bought from a major UK supermarket chain was associated with HEV infection. The researchers also cited a study published in 2012 in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases which showed that 10% of pork sausages sampled at point of sale from UK retailers contained detectable HEV ribonucleic acid, supporting pork sausages as a potential vehicle for HEV transmission. There is further evidence implicating pigs as a major reservoir: a high prevalence of HEV antibodies in pigs; studies which have shown a high prevalence of HEV antibodies in pig handlers, abbatoir workers and vets caring for pigs; the genomes of HEV from pigs and humans are closely related; porcine HEV is transmissible to non-human primates; and human HEV can be transmitted to pigs. In April 2010 the Irish Association of Pigmeat Processors published its 2020 Strategy Irish Pigmeat Sector document, stating: National output can continue to grow beyond 2015 and reach 5 million pigs by 2020. Considering the anticipated growth in Irelands pig industry, combined with the prevalence of HEV in its herds, what are the best steps to take to avoid the consumption of HEV-infected pork? Dr Thornton said: The best advice is to cook meat and meat products thoroughly, particularly pork products. Avoid raw or undercooked meat. And ensure that hands are washed carefully before preparing and eating food. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recommends that pork and pork-containing products, such as sausages, should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 75C at the centre of the thickest part. The FSAI also advises: Normal grilling or frying of sausages until they are well browned and firm inside with no traces of pink meat, usually results in centre temperatures in excess of 85C. However, it is not recommended to rely on visual cues alone for determining thorough cooking and it is better to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of cooked meat and meat products before consuming them. Yet the fact remains that many foodies prefer their cooked pork to be pink, perhaps encouraged by some chefs who are well-qualified in cookery, if not in microbiology. For example, Jamie Olivers website offers this advice on cooking pork fillets: Marinate or tenderise the fillet, then cook it quickly at a high temperature until slightly blushing pink in the middle for extra-juicy results. Cooking it for too long will dry the meat out Such advice leaves Dr Harry Dalton unimpressed; he told me: What doesnt help is the trend of some celebrity chefs who suggest that pork tastes better when its undercooked and still pink in the middle. This is potentially very hazardous to human health. However, its worth noting that while the main reservoirs and sources of HEV infection in Europe are domestic pigs and wild boar, a recent review published last year in the journal Future Virology noted that several animal reservoirs have been described for HEV, including rats, deer, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, dogs and cats. And the review cites shellfish as a further risk factor in HEV transmission. For example, HEV has been detected in commercial mussels sampled in Greece, Finland and Spain, and in 2009 there was a report of a hepatitis E food-borne outbreak on a cruise ship associated with shellfish consumption. It seems clear that whatever the attractions of pink pork for the palate, its possible undercooked porcine delights may be a vehicle for HEV. AMATEUR psychoanalysts have put Donald Trump on the couch, calling him a sociopath, unhinged, a narcissist. But one group of people isnt talking as much: the professionals. Ethics dictate that psychiatrists and psychologists avoid publicly analysing or diagnosing someone they have never examined, but there is a new, vocal dissension against this gag rule, because of what some of them think they hear and see in Trump. The result is a juggling act of propriety, politics, and ethics. Armchair psychology exploded into social media and op-ed columns, after Trump called on gun-rights supporters to stop Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Trumps political opponents have spoken out. President Barack Obama called the Republican presidential nominee unfit and a Democratic congresswoman started a petition to force Trump to undergo a mental health evaluation. Members of the American Psychiatric Association are bound by a 43-year-old ethics regulation, the Goldwater rule. It stems from mistaken public concerns about the mental health of the 1964 Republican presidential nominee, Senator Barry Goldwater. Psychiatrists can be reprimanded or removed if they violate that rule. But some are ignoring it, saying they feel obligated to speak out about Trump. Others see those analyses of the candidate as dangerous false conclusions. The Associated Press spoke to eleven psychiatrists and psychologists for this story and they were split about whether they should talk publicly about candidates mental health. Donald Trump denies advocating violence against rival Hillary Clinton https://t.co/acSMWohYqc (GM) pic.twitter.com/vdZI9AC7uf Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 11, 2016 Analyses and diagnoses without meeting a patient, and without medical records, are so likely to be wrong, so likely to be harmful to that person, and so likely to discourage people from seeking psychiatric treatment that psychiatrists should not engage in that behaviour, said Columbia Universitys Dr Paul Appelbaum, a past president of the American Psychiatric Association. This month, the association posted a warning on its website, reminding professionals to keep mum: The unique atmosphere of this years election cycle may lead some to want to psychoanalyse the candidates, but to do so would not only be unethical, it would be irresponsible. But a few experts do discuss Trump publicly, dancing the fine line between diagnosis and merely describing what they see in his public appearances. The University of Minnesotas Dr. Jerome Kroll is one of them. He co-wrote an academic journal commentary, calling for the end of the Goldwater rule. I am a citizen, he said. If I have something to say, what I say might be stupid. What I say may embarrass psychiatry, but its certainly not medically unethical. I think he (Trump) comes as close to the narcissistic description as one would find. I think that would disqualify him. I am breaking the Goldwater rule as we speak. The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Trump and his supporters have levelled their own accusations at Clinton. She is unhinged, Trump said last week, shes truly unhinged, and she is unbalanced, totally unbalanced. Polls show that voters lack trust in Clinton, and her marriage has for years been the subject of amateur analysis, centred around why she stays with a philandering husband. None of the psychologists or psychiatrists interviewed raised mental health issues about Clinton. Donald Trump: Barack Obama is the founder of IS https://t.co/FfDJOMZTq6 pic.twitter.com/NBAsRhUrNp Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 11, 2016 Katherine Nordal, the American Psychological Association executive director for professional practice, and interim ethics chief, considers it inappropriate behaviour for psychologists to diagnose people they havent examined. To be throwing around diagnoses willy-nilly, Nordal said, is just kind of a dangerous thing to do. A group of mental health professionals, in a petition signed by more than 2,000 therapists, has warned about the dangers of Trumps ideology. They dont suggest a diagnosis, instead concentrating on what he says and does. They say his rhetoric normalises what isnt normal: the tendency to blame others in our lives for our personal fears and insecurities. Experts say narcissistic personality disorder, which involves an inflated sense of self-worth, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others, is a behavior rather than a mental illness that can be diagnosed, like schizophrenia. He talks about himself all the time, said Northwestern University psychology professor, Dan McAdams, who wrote an Atlantic magazine article on Trumps personality. Even at his fathers funeral, he talked about himself. He cant quit talking about himself. Small firms back Donald Trumps tax plan https://t.co/But8rdpnkp (GM) pic.twitter.com/Rz1pzm111I Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 10, 2016 For some professionals, speaking out is a matter of warning the public of impending danger. We recognise certain patterns of behaviour to be potentially dangerous and if a mental health professional feels compelled to warn, they should be able to do it, said Philadelphia psychiatrist, Dr Claire Pouncey, president of the Association for the Advancement of Philosophy and Psychiatry and co-author, with Kroll, of the anti-Goldwater rule commentary. I think he is dangerous and erratic, but it doesnt take a psychiatrist to point that out, she said, noting that she isnt diagnosing Trump, just commenting on what he says and does. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault, and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. However, immigration minister Peter Dutton said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country, Mr Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio. Some people have gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations. Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments. Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australias offshore detention policy and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an absolute insult to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand, said Ms Ballinger. Interior minister Thomas de Maizieres plans also include creating several thousand jobs at federal security services over the coming years and making promoting terrorism a criminal offense. Four attacks last month included two carried out by asylum-seekers and claimed by the Islamic State group. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany will not be deflected from giving shelter to people who deserve asylum, but she also pledged to do everything humanly possible to keep the country safe. A lot of people ... are worried about further attacks. That is understandable, Mr de Maiziere told reporters. No one can guarantee absolute security, but we must do what is possible. He said Germany will consider joining other countries in screening the social media profiles of people being admitted to the country under formal resettlement programmes and would start a pilot project to judge its effectiveness. Mr de Maiziere also wants to strengthen German authorities ability to probe the darknet, an area of cyberspace invisible on the open internet. He proposed making it easier to take foreigners who have committed crimes or otherwise are deemed to be dangerous into pre-deportation custody, making endangering public security a ground for jailing them. Thats meant to make it easier to ensure people who are obliged to leave the country actually do so. Mr de Maiziere said it is already possible to strip German citizenship from dual nationals who fight for foreign armies, so it is reasonable to apply the same rule to those who fight for a terror militia abroad. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to toughen German and particularly European Union weapons laws. Mr de Maiziere said he that was limiting himself to proposals that could be implemented quickly, and said he considered them politically reasonable for the centre-left junior party in the conservative Merkels governing coalition. De Maiziere is a member of Ms Merkels party, the Christian Democrats. His co-host Chris Evans quit the show after one series, saying he gave it his best shot but it was not enough. After he resigned, Evans said LeBlanc is the captain that the show needs going forward. Asked by television critics in Los Angeles if he would come back to the BBC programme, LeBlanc said: I dont know. Id like to. Theres nothing officially happening yet. Follow the BBC. Radio 2 DJ Evans has previously said the motoring show and the former Friends star were made for each other and heaped praise on LeBlanc for his dedication to the programme. Evans described working on Top Gear as an honour, privilege and a pleasure and he had tried his best, but said it was not meant to be. The BBC has said it has no plans to replace Evans when Top Gear returns for a 24th season. Facing questions from critics, LeBlanc said his favourite part about appearing on the series was probably the travel, adding that he visited places including South Africa, Morocco, and Ireland. He added: That show has a pretty broad demographic. Everybody can relate to an automobile. LeBlanc was promoting his new show Man With A Plan on American network CBS, in which he plays a father who cares for his children after his wife takes a full-time job. He said: This is a new thing, a new character for me, a whole new side of me and Im looking forward to it. LeBlanc added that his tenure on sitcom Friends had made him critical of comedies, saying: Im a joke snob. I dont love what you call low-hanging fruit. I dont like that kind of stuff. I tend to go for a smarter joke, and if theres a discussion about a joke that not everyone will get it, that doesnt scare me away from the joke... Id rather do jokes that take a little bit of thought. ENGLAND: Pallbearers dressed in Sgt Pepper outfits bade a final farewell to one of Liverpools first Beatles tour guides. Phil Coppell, 66, who died on August 1, had led countless Magical History Tours around the city, which he knew like the back of his hand. At the service, mourners were asked to wear bright ties in homage to his collection of Beatles design ties. The service was held at St Marys Church in Little Crosby and saw mourners transported in a psychedelic Magical Mystery Tour bus. Licence low ENGLAND: Organisers of a cannabis festival which attracted 700 visitors are being investigated by police for not having the right music licence. Campers at an event organised by Teesside Cannabis Club in Redcar enjoyed a weekend of food, music and although the organisers did not encourage it smoking the class B drug. Alcohol was banned and police made no arrests, but officers from the Licensing Support Unit went to Redcar Rugby Club to make inquiries about a potential anomaly with the licence. Club founder and event organiser John Holliday was interviewed, but said there had been no arrests at any of the organisations 200 events. Bringing Bella home USA: Two police officers drove 1,046km from New Jersey to South Carolina to reunite a dog with its owner. Wall Township Patrolman Frank Kuhl last month responded to a call from a man from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in a disabled vehicle who needed medical attention. The man also had a basset hound named Bella. Mr Kuhl took the dog to the Monmouth County Humane Society, which could only hold Bella for seven days before placing her for adoption. Bellas other owner could not make the trip to New Jersey, so the patrolman made arrangements to keep the dog with his family for two weeks. Mr Kuhl and another patrolman then reunited Bella with her family. Erroneous call CYPRUS: Police are investigating how an officer mistakenly telephoned a Serbian who was suspected of being the ringleader in a mafia-linked assassination plot. Police spokesman Andreas Angelides said the officer intended to call his counterpart at Interpols office in Serbia in March this year, but erroneously called the suspect instead. An investigation found it was a genuine mistake and not corruption-related. Police said the error happened after they were informed by Belgrade about a planned assassination attempt . Taste sensation AUSTRIA: A 500-year old Austrian vine has yielded its first batch of wine and experts say it is a taste sensation. The bad news is the supply is very limited. State-run broadcaster ORF said vintners have produced 300 litres from offshoots of a solitary vine they identify as an ancient form of white wine grape gruener veltliner. But it took a while. The vine was discovered 16 years ago near the eastern city of Eisenstadt. Cuttings had to be cultivated before the first harvest last autumn. Regional vintner Hans Moser describes the wine as interesting and very spicy and says colleagues from as far away as the US are impressed. He hopes for greater future yields through efforts to spread the vine to new slopes. Mr Assange is wanted for questioning about a rape allegation from his visit to Sweden in 2010. He has not been charged and denies the rape claim, and other allegations made against him by two women. In June, 2012, he sought shelter in Ecuadors embassy, in the English capital and has been there since. Ecuador announced last year that it had agreed to a Swedish proposal to interview Mr Assange at the embassy, but it has not happened yet. Ecuadors foreign ministry said a date would be set in the coming weeks. It is alleged to have been a chlorine gas attack, on the citys eastern Zabadieh neighbourhood. At least four barrel bombs were dropped on the area, one of which purportedly released the chlorine gas. A father recounted gasping for breath and cowering with his family on the top floors of their apartment building, as a choking gas filled the hallway. It came hours after the Russian military, which is fighting alongside Syrian government forces in the civil war, promised a daily three-hour ceasefire for Aleppo for humanitarian aid to be brought into besieged areas. Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi, of the Russian militarys general staff, said the cease-fires would be observed from 10am to 1pm local time to facilitate the distribution of aid. The Netherlands-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said that reports of chemical weapons being used in Syria are of great concern, and reprehensible under any circumstances. Khaled Harah, a first responder in the rebel-held part of Aleppo, said that a government helicopter had dropped four barrel bombs on Zabadieh and that one of them had released chlorine gas, killing a mother and her two children. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group that tracks the civil war in Syria, also reported that government barrel bombs struck the neighbourhood. It had reports of two killed and several people suffering breathing difficulties. The Observatory made no mention of chlorine gas in its report. Abdelkafi al-Hamdu, a resident of Aleppo, said he saw two airstrikes from his in-laws balcony, about 30 metres away. He said the first blast released a gas that he identified, by smell, as chlorine, but the wind was blowing in the other direction, lessening the odour. He took cover in the apartment, but had severe difficulties breathing, so he took his wife and daughter with him and tried to leave the building. However, the odour grew stronger as they descended the stairs, so they returned to the higher floors to wait out the effects. Accusations involving use of chlorine, and other poisonous gases, are not uncommon in Syrias civil war, and both sides have denied using them, while accusing the other of doing so. Last week, the Syrian government and the opposition traded accusations of using chlorine, also in Aleppo. Chlorine gas is a crude weapon, fatal in high concentrations. In lower doses, it can damage lungs or cause severe breathing difficulties, and other symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. Burma KNU Chairman Urges Military Readiness on Karen Martyrs Day On Karen Martyrs Day, the chairman of the Karen National Union reminds the group that military preparations must be carried out amid ongoing political negotiations. On the occasion of Karen Martyrs Day on Friday, the chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU)whose military wing is Burmas longest running ethnic armed organizationreminded the group that military preparations must still be carried out amid ongoing political negotiations. Mutu Say Poe, chairman of the KNU, said in a statement that while KNU leaders are negotiating political issues through peaceful means, military leaders must remain prepared in the case of an attack by the Burma Army. In order to protect ourselves from the attacks of military bullies, there must still be preparations while we attempt to solve political problems peacefully, said Mutu Say Poe. Because we are a liberated nationality, it is our duty to protect our people from danger. Nothing can stop us, he said. Friday is the 66th anniversary of Karen Martyrs Day, the day when the charismatic Karen leader Saw Ba U Gyi and his comrades were killed by the Burma Army in a remote village in Kawkareik Township. The event is celebrated every year on August 12 by Karen people both inside and outside of Burma, to commemorate the fallen leaders and soldiers of an armed struggle that began more than six decades ago. Mutu Say Poe said that leaders and soldiers had sacrificed their lives for the Karen people to be liberated from oppressors and able to live in peace and with dignity. Despite decades of conflict, the chairman stressed that the rights Karen people and other ethnic minorities have not yet been realized. Karen people, as well as other ethnic minorities, do not fully receive the rights of freedom, equality and self-determination in accordance with the law. These basic rights need to be granted in the Constitution. It is necessary to achieve these rights in political negotiations, he added. In attempting to achieve its objectives during ongoing political negotiations, the chairman noted that the KNU faces challenges regarding unity, cooperation and leadership. KNU leaders and members, along with Karen people, should build unity in an effort to achieve the expectations and goals that our martyrs sacrificed for, he said in a statement. The KNU signed a ceasefire agreement with the previous quasi-civilian government in 2012 and was one of the eight ethnic armed groups that signed last years Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). The KNUs military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), is one of the longest-running armed organizations in Southeast Asia, and has been struggling for autonomy since 1949. Karen Martyrs Day is remembered by Karen people around the world as one of the key events in their long struggle for autonomy. Born in 1905 in a village in the Irrawaddy Division, Ba U Gyi studied and practiced law in England for several years before returning to Burma and becoming involved in the Karen Central Organization in 1942. He became a cabinet minister in the Burmese government, led by the Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League, in 1946. He was later involved in the Battle of Inseina conflict predominantly between Karen rebels and the Burmese government that lasted more than 100 days. Ba U Gyi laid down four principles that the KNU still use as guidelines for armed struggle today. Those principles are: surrender is out of the question; the Karen State must be recognized; we shall retain our arms; and we shall decide our own political destiny. Burma New Commission to Decide Fate of Myitsone Dam in Kachin State President Htin Kyaw forms a new commission to evaluate all proposed hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River prior to their going ahead. President Htin Kyaw on Friday formed a new commission to evaluate all proposed hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River prior to their going ahead. The committee formation comes a week before State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis trip to China as Burmas foreign minister. Since the installation of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government in April, China has been lobbying for the resumption of the multi-billion dollar Myitsone Dam, which was being constructed with Chinese backing just downriver of the confluence that forms the Irrawaddy, in Kachin State, prior to a government suspension order in 2011. The Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament T Khun Myat chairs the 20-member commission. Its vice chair is State Counselors Office Minister Kyaw Tint Swe. The commission is tasked with assessing the potential environmental and social effects of any proposed projectboth up- and downstreamits possible impact on foreign investment and the wider economy, and potential losses in water resources set alongside public access to electricity. The halt order on the China-backed Myitsone Dam, issued by former President Thein Sein in September 2011, followed widespread public protest against the projectled partially by Suu Kyi, then opposition leader, in her calls to save the Irrawaddy. Protests against the dam were fueled by a variety of fears and misgivings: that the lions share of electrical power generated would go straight to China, that its location near a seismic fault line posed a flooding risk to large swathes of Burma downriver in the event of an earthquake, and the general lack of public consultation undertaken beforehand. Since assuming office, Suu Kyi and the NLD government have been tight-lipped on the subject of the Myitsone Damaware of pervasive public opposition to the project, but also the need not to upset relations with China, Burmas biggest trade and investment partner. However, an editorial in state-run newspaper The Mirror in July called for the cancellation of the Myitsone Dam, echoing a line taken by most of Burmas private media. The newly formed commission must send its first assessment report to the President no later than November 11 this year. A member of the new commission, Cho Cho, who is also on the advisory board of the National Water Resources Committee, told The Irrawaddy they would be assessing proposals against international standards, as well as consulting with local communities and incorporating their voices and concerns into their recommendations. The public has already expressed concern over the Myitsone project and we will be referencing that in our assessment, he said. He added that a full study on the effects of the dam, including on areas and communities downstream, would require three to four years. The Presidents Office will take care of the commissions administrative needs, according to the presidential order, which also charged relevant ministries and the Kachin State government to work with the commission. Burma Who Is The Head Of The Country? If one were to ask who is ultimately in charge in BurmaState Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi or army chief Min Aung Hlaingthey might find no clear answer, writes Lawi Weng. One country run by two persons: this is Burma. On the one hand, there is State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi; on the other, there is army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. If one were to ask who is ultimately in charge, they might find no clear answer. Suu Kyi is Burmas de-facto political leader, with her power coming from the people who elected her partythe National League for Democracy (NLD)in the countrys 2015 general election. But among the checks on her authority is the capacity to make decisions relating to the Burmese army. Only Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has that privilege. The senior general has shown support for almost every action taken by Suu Kyi since the NLD took office earlier this year. Yet, in his own arena, it seems that Min Aung Hlaing has taken little initiative to rein in his military: fighting has recently broken out against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State and against the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State. Additionally, Min Aung Hlaing will not allow three of the countrys non-state armed groupsthe Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the TNLAto join Burmas upcoming Union Peace Conference starting on August 31. These groups are currently under pressure over demands to disarm, which they so far have continued to resist. As can be expected in a country arguably run by two people with different visions, there is a divide. Suu Kyis earlier stated plan was to invite all ethnic armed groups to join her 21st century Panglong conference, modeled after one held in 1947 by her father, independence leader Aung San. With that aim not shared by the Burma Army, what will Suu Kyi will do next, given that she has said she wants an all-inclusive event? In the latest attempt to bring all of the stakeholders together, the NLD governments National Reconciliation and Peace Centers (NRPC) delegation met twice with the three armed groups in the region of Mongla, in June and again in August. During the first meeting in June with the AA, MNDAA and the TNLA, there was reportedly high tension when the NRPCs Khin Zaw Oo, a former Burma Army general, allegedly pointed his finger at the leaders of the armed groups, saying, you guys have to disarm. He asked the groups to issue an initial statement to the effect that they intended to give up their weapons. In an informal conversation with an Irrawaddy reporter, Tar Bong Kyaw, the TNLAs general secretary, recalled his annoyance at Khin Zaw Oo in the meeting. He disrespected our chairman by pointing his finger at him. His action was not appropriate, he said. Dr. Tin Myo Win, the head of the NRPC delegation, did not attend the most recent meeting with the three armed groups. Instead he sent Aung Kyia former army general like Khin Zaw Oo. Again, no agreement was reached. At an ethnic armed group summit in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State in late July, organizations who opted out of signing the 2015 nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA)and are members of the ethnic armed alliance, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)said that they remain unsure about whether to participate in the upcoming Union Peace Conference. No concrete decision about their attendance emerged from that gathering. No decisions emerged about any future signing of the NCA, either. Nai Hong Sar, vice chairman of UNFC, went as far as telling reporters at a press conference on July 29 that if it were made clear that the groups did not have to sign the NCA in order to participate in the conference, they would happily attend. The conference is a step preferable to the NCA, he said. Which brings us back to how we began: who is in charge here? And is it not time for the Burma Army to give fresh thought to the issue, namely who is the head of the country, Aung San Suu Kyi, or Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing? Suu Kyi may know some things about how to bring peace to this country, based perhaps partly on the ideas of her father Gen Aung San. But those ideas and plans could fail again, if she is not permitted to put them into action. Economy Parliament Appoints New Member to Central Banks Board of Directors The Union Parliament appoints Bo Bo Nge, a member of the National League for Democracys economic committee, to the board of directors of the Central Bank of Myanmar. Warner Brothers has announced that they will be making a reboot of the star-studded film, "Ocean's 11", with an all-female cast. They have confirmed earlier that Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock will be in it together with Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling and rapper and actor Awkwafina. Just recently, Rihanna and Anne Hathaway have been added to the cast making them seven. Rumors say it might be Elizabeth Banks who is going to complete the cast. However, the production is still searching for the last female lead to complete the eight in "Ocean's 8". Deadline reported that Gary Ross, known for The Hunger Games and Seabiscuit, will direct the movie. Steven Soderbergh, who directed the 2001 remake of the 1960 original, will produce the movie. Also, Ross co-wrote the script with Olivia Milch. According to The Guardian, the movie will have a similar tone with the original. "Ocean's 11" is part of a trilogy that has a star studded cast with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. Ross said he will just continue the story of "Ocean's 11". He also said that he is thrilled and excited to have this project and work with the cast. The news of the spin-off got many criticisms and backlash. Fans of the original movie were upset that Hollywood is making another all-female cast reboot from an all-men original film. Ghostbusters, which was also a reboot, did not sit well in the theatres. Several people are thinking this one will end up the same. Fans, especially men, mostly tweeted negative reactions like "I don't think sexy women will save a horrible script in a genre appealing mainly to men. Ocean's 8 will bomb harder than Ghostbusters." However, USA Today collected tweets supporting the reboot. Women were mocking the reactions of adult men who were enraged with the news of the reboot. Some of them tweeted "The female version of Ocean's 11 is Ocean's 8, because it takes fewer women to get the job done." All of this will be solved once the movie is out. Fans will have to wait for next year to find out. The newest number announced by Samsung, the Galaxy Note 7, excited the tech world for weeks prior to its official launch. Now that the public has gotten their first look at the unit, it is only natural to compare it to its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 5. As Tech Times notes, both Samsung units share the same 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. Both units also run on 4 GB of RAM and sport fingerprint sensors. However, this is pretty much where the similarities end. For example, the Galaxy Note 5 is a straight edged device, while the Galaxy Note 7 has a slight curve on the edge. Another added quality in the newer device is that it has an Always-On feature. With this, users no longer need to unlock the handheld when checking for notifications or even taking notes with the S Pen. The Galaxy Note 7 is also a more powerful unit as it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor underneath its shell, as well as a 3500mAh battery. The rear and front cameras are 12 megapixels and 5 megapixels respectively. Meanwhile, the older variant is powered by the Exynos 7429 processor and a 3000mAh battery. The rear camera of the Galaxy Note 5 is 16 megapixels, while the front camera is also 5 megapixels. In addition, the Note 7 also has an iris scanner for unlocking. Reportedly, the newer feature is much faster and more reliable. Furthermore, the unit runs on the newer Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, while the Note 5 runs on the Android 5.1 Lollipop. The S Pen also received a major upgrade in the new generation, according to Forbes. For example, users can now easily create and customise GIFs, as well as a translate feature, where users can highlight texts and have them translated. One very notable development as well is that the Galaxy Note 7 is waterproof. Its IP68 rating allows for 30 minutes under the water for as deep as five feet. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is arguably reigning the Android market. The newest release from the Korean tech giant may just be the most coveted phone as of late. But if Google has anything to do with it, the Note 7's reign will come to an end in the coming months. Google's Nexus line has been a relatively big contender in the market ever since its first release in 2012. Despite the project's young years, the units produced from the same have been battling it out well with the rest of the competition. This year, there are two expected devices that will reportedly give the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 a run for its money. HTC will be manufacturing this year's devices, which are called the HTC Sailfish and HTC Marlin. According to Mobile Syrup, the Sailfish will be the smaller option, with its 5-inch screen. Meanwhile, the Marlin will have a 5.5-inch screen. However, both 2016 Nexus units will share a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. As BGR points out, these specs match those of the Galaxy Note 7 exactly. However, both of the 2016 Nexus devices have a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. Meanwhile, the Note 7 has a 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel rear and front camera respectively. Moreover, the HTC Sailfish and HTC Marlin will both run on the upcoming Android Nougat operating system, while the Note 7 is running on the current Android Marshmallow. The Android Nougat is expected to be released within the month of August. Respectively, the HTC Sailfish and HTC Marlin are expected to hit the market on October 4th. Of course, none of these have been confirmed by either Google or HTC. However, multiple sources have confirmed the same. Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog has fined Google for violating its competition laws. Google was fined a total amount of $6.8 million. Though that is nothing for a tech giant like Google, the legal battle will surely exhaust Google's resources. It was said that Google has violated some of Russia's anti-monopoly law. Specifically, it has violated the law against bundling, or pre-loading, a suite of apps on mobile phones for sale on the Russian market. Wall Street Journal reported that it started when Yandex, Google's competitor in Russia, has filed a suit against them. Just last season, Google was ordered to end its violations against the anti-trust laws in Russia. However, these lawsuits are just the tip of the iceberg for Google. In many parts of Europe, telecom companies are complaining about how Google is forcing them to install their apps. Telecom companies want more freedom in choosing which apps to install. Google was charged by the European Commission, the European Union's executive arm in April. Google explained their side that they were not forcing the telecom companies. Those apps were included if the manufacturers wants them to be. Google is not only facing these lawsuits but also employees and founders resigning. With all of these problems they are encountering, a report from Tech Crunch is now comparing Google to Yahoo. Yahoo was known to be like Google during the booming of internet. The reason for Yahoo's downfall may not be identified with just one reason but many tech companies have learned from Yahoo and its failures. Tech Crunch also explained that searching things is not the trend anymore. Facebook has defeated Google with generating traffic because people have been into discovering things lately and Facebook provides them that. However, Google is aware of the trends and things they have to improve. They may be in slump with other things but they do know how to market themselves and to create new innovative things to catch up with their competitors. A report unveils that, in the year 2015, Twitter's CEO asked its media team to censor abusive tweets directed towards President Barack Obama. According to a report from BuzzFeed News, the abusive and hateful tweets were part of replies to President Obama during a question-and-answer session. Costelo ordered employees to deploy an in-house built algorithm able to filter out abusive language, according to a former senior Twitter employee. Another source said that Twitter's public quality-filtering algorithms were inconsistent and therefore the media partnerships team also manually censored tweets. Two different sources told BuzzFeed News that from fear that senior company employees would object, the censorship decision was kept secret. According to sources, there were some senior employees inside Twitter who strictly supported the company's long-standing commitment to free speech and they were upset by the decision to censor the tweets. According to The Hill, this revelation came as part of a larger investigation into Twitter's controversial history with handling abuse. The former Twitter CEO, Costolo, denied the report Thursday, August 11, calling it "sensationalist nonsense." On his Twitter account, he added that the report about Twitter censorship is "total nonsense" and false. The social media network, Twitter, also issued a statement on Thursday, August 11, declaring that this story has "inaccuracies." It is known that Twitter took numerous public stands against censorship in its early years. Twitter senior executives published in 2011 a blog post titled "The Tweets Must Flow." According to Fast Company, Twitter was even fighting a secret government order asking to provide "WikiLeaks" account information. While it is understandable that Twitter removes illegal tweets and spam, users are expecting that the social media network is committed to making efforts to keep these exceptions narrow. Removing tweets on the basis of their content is pure censorship and it is against the image of Twitter as a supporter of free speech. Russia plays the cybervictim card while authorities say that Russian hack of Democrats' accounts was more serious than first estimated. According to The New York Times, officials with knowledge of the case declared on Wednesday, August 10, that the Russian cyberattack that targeted Democratic politicians has breached the private email accounts of more than 100 groups and party officials and it was much bigger than it first appeared. The FBI had to broaden its investigation, prompted by the widening scope of the attack. FBI agents have begun informing many Democratic officials that the Russian hackers may have compromised the security of their personal accounts. The main targets of the Russian hackers attack appear to have been the personal email accounts of a number of party organizations as well as Hillary Clinton's party operatives and campaign officials. Officials have been informed of the security break that made the Russian hackers to gain access to the fund-raising arm for House Democrats, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, as well as to the Democratic National Committee. Hackers also gained access to a D.N.C. voter analytics program that is used by the presidential campaign of Mrs. Clinton. Now it seems that the hack have extended well beyond those groups. The Democratic Governors' Association and other organizations appear to have been also affected, according to Democrat officials who are involved in the investigation. However, in a statement made on Thursday, August 11, the governors association denied that their analytics data has been compromised as part of the D.N.C. breach affecting the Clinton campaign. According to Tech News World, faced with the hack attack scandal, Russia is trying to play the cybervictim card. On its official website, the Federal Security Service (FSB) recently reported that a cyberspying virus has been found in the computer networks of more than 20 defense contractors and state authorities. The claim came in the midst of accusations that Russia is trying to impact the U.S. presidential election and it has engaged in cyberattacks against U.S. targets. According to FBS, the attack was aimed at Russian state authorities' information resources, the defense industry, scientific and defense companies and other infrastructure operations. Seagate, better known for its spinning disks, has stunned delegates at the 2016 Flash Memory Summit with its announcement of a 60TB, SAS, SSD and an 8TB Nytro XP7200 NVMe SSD both at the extreme cutting edge of flash technology and usage. Of course the 60TB, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) unit is for data centre use as is the Nytro, but we may see the latter in professional use soon. The explosion of data can translate into more value for enterprises if they have the right means to accommodate that data, said Brett Pemble, Seagates general manager and vice-president of SSD products. If anything is certain, it is the fact that across industries, the limits of data growth are boundless. Seagate is committed to providing new and varied technologies to help customers stay ahead of the data management curve. New products like the 8TB Nytro XP7200 NVMe SSD and 60TB SAS SSD are a testament to that. Given the demands on todays data centres, optimal technologies are those that can accommodate an immense amount of data as neededand without taking up too much space. As such, we are constantly seeking new ways to provide the highest density possible in our all-flash data centre configurations, said Mike Vildibill, vice-president, advanced technologies and big data, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. Seagates new 60TB SAS SSD offers an exciting possibility for customers to achieve higher server storage performance and capacity configurations never seen before. The 60TB SAS SSD features twice the density and four times the capacity of the next highest capacity available SSD sufficient capacity for 400 million photos or 12,000 DVD movies. Its single controller architecture also delivers the lowest cost per gigabyte for flash available today. It simplifies the process of accommodating hot and cold data, enabling data centres to use the same enterprise HDD 3.5 storage form factor. The drives flexible architecture provides a pathway from the current 60TB capacity to grow to 100TB or more, all in the same form factor. It is currently a demonstration technology anticipated for commercial release in 2017. The 8TB Nytro XP7200 NVMe SSD accommodates hyper-scale needs commonly seen in applications involving high-performance computing, scale-out databases and big data analytics, such as scientific research and weather modelling. It features a single PCIe interface for high-speed data transfers and four separate controllers, providing processing power up to four times faster than comparable drives, but without the higher cost, power levels and latency of a PCIe switch or bridge. Applications can process more transactions faster using the industrys highest bandwidth through one PCIe slot, and without having to invest in more hardware. Additionally, the technology easily integrates into all-flash system arrays. The Nytro will be available through channel partners in calendar Q4, 2016. Comment To have 60TB in a single 3.5 form factor drive is amazing. It will change the way data centres think about storage, power requirements, cooling and so much more. Seagate also says that it believes it can get 100TB into a single drive. Seagate doesn't make flash memory I suspect it wishes it did. The memory is from Microns 3D NAND, and the controller comes from TSCM. This means we will see other assemblers not much later. Samsung and Toshiba are also major contenders in this space, making 64-layer V-NAND and have said 100TB flash SSD drives will be here in a few years. What this portends is the not-so-slow demise of spinning disks as memory prices continue to fall, and manufacturing costs of physical hard disks remain static. It is far easier to make a solid state device over a spinning disk. Microsoft has extended its enterprise support policy for Windows 7 and 8.1 running on Intels sixth generation Skylake processors to January 2020 and 2023 respectively. The driver was stubbornly high levels of enterprise use of Windows 7 and 8.1 (still 47.01% and 7.8%). Microsoft typically offers 10 years of product support for Windows. The support is broken into two five-year phases, called "mainstream" and "extended." As Windows 10 is Microsoft's last product brand name for the Windows client, support policies become irrelevant. Microsoft does, however, have a point, and that is that the hardware and operating system are closely coupled and it is getting hard to support Windows 10 on older hardware especially on machines which may not have UEFI (software bios) or devices on which rootkits and malware can hide in firmware. The extension makes sense as it allows enterprise time to depreciate their existing investments and still run standard operating system environments like Windows 7/8.1 on modern hardware. Future silicon platforms including Intels upcoming 7th Gen Intel Core (Kaby Lake) processor family and AMDs 7th generation processors (Bristol Ridge) or later will only be supported on Windows 10, and all future silicon releases will require the latest release of Windows 10. The head of performance at a prominent Australian software testing company has expressed surprise that a more graceful failover of the census site was not planned, given the size of the task at hand. Joel Deutscher of Planit, a 19-year-old Sydney-based company, told iTWire that he could not understate the importance of operational testing when launching a site such as the census website. "Performance testing aims to simulate the load that will be placed on a system by real users, though performance testing is only a small part of the operational readiness testing that should have occurred as part of the delivery," he said. "This includes graceful failover, something that commercial sites have been using for a long time. If you have ever tried to purchase tickets to a concert, you will notice you are often placed in a virtual queue on the website. It's unclear why something like this was not implemented given the risks involved." The census websiteon Tuesday night and the fallout is continuing. iTWire has plenty of coverage.w Deutscher (seen below) was willing to answer questions at length and an edited version of the Q and A with him is below. iTWire: While it would not have been possible to estimate the _actual_ load, any software tester should have had some idea about the approximate load. Revolution IT was paid to do testing. What did they do wrong? Joel Deutscher: I don't think we know enough at this stage to really pinpoint what went wrong, though we can likely narrow it down to a few possible options. The first is that the requirements for building and testing the eCensus website were too low. It's been pointed out multiple times these levels do not seem high enough to support the expected number of submissions, though we all hope that if anyone has a good understanding of statistics, it's the ABS. It is of course possible that this was pointed out by Revolution IT during their engagement, though as a consultancy, they can only advise their clients. Another alternative is that the testing was insufficient due to a misunderstanding of the requirements. Different news articles have quoted both one million users on the site at the same time and others are quoting one million form submissions per hour. While it may seem like a minor difference in wording, the result could result in a massive difference in the effectiveness of the test. It is much easier for a system to handle people quickly logging in, entering their details and logging off, and this is an approach often taken in performance testing to reduce the tool licenses required. In a system such as the ABS's eCensus, the website is required to keep the state of each active user. So the real question is, was this raised as a risk and was it ignored or was it a poorly planned or executed test? It's up to the ABS to provide full disclosure here on exactly what happened, the numbers tested and the volume during the outage. It would be even better if the ABS released the performance test plan and results. Do you buy into the claim of DDoS attacks when there is no proof anywhere that one took place? The motivation for a DDoS attack is certainly there; in terms of visibility, it's a high-profile target so it can't be ruled out, although there doesn't seem to be any clear evidence or any group claiming credit for doing so. Assuming that a DDoS attack did happen, this should definitely have been considered, and there are methods to reduce the impact of such an attack which were either not in place or not effective. A more logical explanation seems to be that more people than expected logged on at a single instance and that blocked the website from any further access. How does that explanation stack up? The most logical explanation is that the website was simply overloaded. How would you have gone about testing the set-up at the ABS to ensure that things were foolproof to the extent that one make them foolproof? Performance testing aims to simulate the load that will be placed on a system by real users, though performance testing is only a small part of the operational readiness testing that should have occurred as part of the delivery. This includes graceful failover; this is something that commercial sites have been using for a long time. If you have ever tried to purchase tickets to a concert, you will notice you are often placed in a virtual queue on the website. It's unclear why something like this was not implemented given the risks involved. What kind of software would you have used? The testing tool in this case is less important than the planning. While commercial tools provide an excellent platform for performance testing, their cost can become prohibitive as licensing is based on the number of concurrent users. This can result in less accurate performance tests such as reducing the concurrent sessions on the site to save money. What kind of redundancy would you have looked for? Given the high-profile security risks here, I can see why the ABS avoided a number of commercial services that provide redundancy. What I would have expected to see, though, is a more graceful failover of the site. I can't understate the importance of operational testing when launching a site such as this. Where does the blame lie: IBM? ABS? Revolution IT? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this, and I don't think we know enough yet to point the finger at a particular organisation. How would you go about convincing the public about the technological integrity of a system such as this, in the face of what has happened? How would you have done it before the census was held? Designing a system to handle this type of traffic is difficult, and there are lots of things that can go wrong. I don't think that this has helped the confidence level of the public. I certainly would have highlighted that the census could have been completed until mid-September, and played down the reports of fines for not completing it. The fear associated with not completing the census on "census night" certainly helped contribute to the issue. Any other comments? The best thing the ABS can do now is publish their performance test plan and results to help convince the public they did everything possible to ensure success. This will be the only way we will really know what happened. On Wednesday, it was Greg Jennett. On Thursday it was Jake Sturmer. Both continued to spread the fiction that the failure of the census website on Tuesday was due to a distributed denial of service. Neither of these two, who are paid by the taxpayer, had a shred of evidence to prove this. The ABC appears to have completely forgotten that journalists should be sceptical about unproven claims. One thing that has become clear in the wake of the great Australian census debacle is how similar the mainstream media is to the government: one follows in the wake of the other. Any government-speak that is out there is repeated ad infinitum by these organisations. Jennett seemed absolutely sure that blame should be levelled at "foreign hackers" for the meltdown. One has rarely seen him in a more earnest mood. For good measure Jennett, who is supposed to be a serious political reporter, also threw in the theory that the attack on the site could have been carried out by Chinese citizens who were miffed at the way some of their athletes had been badmouthed by Australians at the Olympics. iTWire contacted Arbor Networks, a company that specialises in DDoS and advanced threat protection, to check, again, if they had observed anything like a big DDoS attack aimed at Australia on Tuesday. Tony Scheid, senior consulting engineer at Arbor Networks Australia, responded: "Arbor Networks collects data on thousands of DDoS events every day on a global basis. "When referring to the digital attack map, this is a visualisation of the top 2% of DDoS events observed globally. Whilst the map doesnt show activity specifically directed towards, or within Australia on 9 August, it doesnt rule out that there were any attacks, it implies they were not large enough to make the top 2%." I think I might repost this tweet every time #CensusFail takes a huge dump on Australians. #auspol pic.twitter.com/dIEgfAxpAo Sean Arthur (@filthydancer) 11 August 2016 But Sturmer's news clip was embellished by graphics of streams of data moving towards Australia. Nothing of the sort happened. Why do they use such stupid gimmicks to try and hype up things? Why cannot these highly paid journalists take the time to get their heads around some basics of technology? Or else, why not stay quiet in the face of ignorance? Leaks and DDoS incidents are only going to get more common in the future. What better evidence do we need of the lack of professionalism at the national broadcaster that receives a billion dollars of your taxes and mine? The logic behind the Logitech ZeroTouch is solid: Build a device that will mount almost any Android phone in a car and let it be controlled solely by voice, so that you can get directions, make a call or answer a text without having to touch -- or even look at -- the display. The execution, however, leaves a lot to be desired. There are two versions of the ZeroTouch. One runs a little under $80 (Amazon price), comes in black and sticks to the top of your dashboard or to your windshield via a suction cup. A second costs about $60 (Amazon price) and is available in black, red or white; you clip it to the slat of an air vent. I reviewed the latter, although they're functionally the same. The air vent mount is a small cylindrical device 1.5 in. in diameter and 1.2 in. deep. It has one flat end and tapers to a duckbill that grabs onto the louvers of an air vent. The flat end of the mount contains a strong magnet; the product package includes a separate metal plate that you can either stick onto the back of your phone or, if you use a case (it has to be reasonably thin), attach to the inside of that case. (Note: I found that I needed to jam the ZeroTouch mount pretty forcefully onto one of the air vent's louvers in order to attach it. If your louvers are curved or deeply recessed, you may need to buy the version with a dashboard mount. And even if it does fit, you may find, as I did, that you can't aim the louvers in any direction but straight ahead, and a docked phone may block a significant amount of airflow.) All in all, this is similar to dozens of other mounts out there. The difference with the ZeroTouch is that the mount has a Bluetooth radio in it that senses when your phone is attached, and starts the ZeroTouch Android app on your phone. (There is currently no iOS app available.) You can set the ZeroTouch to be a Bluetooth Trusted Device, so attaching the phone to the gadget bypasses your lock screen. OF course, Android already has native voice controls, and some vendors -- Motorola being the best of them -- have added extensions that allow you to use a variety of voice control tools. Where the ZeroTouch tries to differentiate itself is by giving you a wider choice of apps you can use. For example, Google's controls limit navigation to Google Maps, but the ZeroTouch also lets you pick Waze or Navigon. Google's voice control steers you to Google Play for music; ZeroTouch lets you use Spotify or Deezer. ZeroTouch also lets you reply to incoming messages on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or Google Hangouts (although you can only initiate messages over SMS). You trigger the software by waving at the front of your phone, near the proximity sensor that is usually located near the earpiece. The ZeroTouch app chirps; you can then tell it to call or text someone, play music or navigate to someplace on a list you've already saved. If there there is more than one person or place with that name (or with a similar name), the ZeroTouch app will say the names in question and understand your response. That's the theory. The practice was something else altogether. Cars are difficult and noisy environments, and I found that the ZeroTouch had significant problems understanding me above the road noise beyond the four core commands of Call, Text, Play and Navigate. For example, I told the ZeroTouch to "Call Jeremy." It correctly found the two Jeremys in my phone book and asked which one I wanted to call. But when I told it which to call, the ZeroTouch seemed unable to process the request. Worse, if nothing immediately happened, there was no feedback -- audible or visual -- about whether the device hadn't heard me, didn't understand what I said, or was simply thinking about it. And all too often, the ZeroTouch app would give up entirely and reboot the phone -- not something you want to happen while you're driving, especially if you're getting instructions about where to go. Bottom line As far as the physical mount is concerned, the ZeroTouch is entirely reliable. Even on rough city roads during construction season, the magnet held the phone fast during my test drives. The software, however, is not fully baked. The idea of a $60 gadget approximating what expensive built-in car systems can do is tempting. But the ZeroTouch programmers need to go back and spend some more time on their app before they declare it ready. A new organization that will perform key internet domain name system functions has been formed, suggesting that a proposed transition to a global governance model could be completed this year despite opposition from some U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups. Following the filing and receipt of the incorporation documents for the new organization by the California Secretary of State, Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) has been formed as a nonprofit public benefit corporation and controlled affiliate of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN 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. In March 2014, the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency located in the Department of Commerce, said it planned to let its contract with ICANN expire in September 2015, passing the oversight of the agency to a global governance model. The Department of Commerce said last year that the transition was being delayed to September this year, to give the Internet multi-stakeholder community time to finalize a transition plan. That plan would have to convince critics that the transition would not hand over control of the internet to governments, including some of them that have a reputation for censorship and other ways of stifling online activity. The Department also kept the option of extending the contract beyond 2016 for three more years. ICANN submitted a transition plan in March this year, which the NTIA said in June met its criteria, including maintaining the openness of the internet. NTIA's current contract with ICANN over the IANA functions end on Sept. 30. Demands for replacing the multi-stakeholder model with a multilateral government-run approach "will only grow louder if the U.S. government fails to complete the transition," and may also lead to some governments forming regional domain name systems, NTIA said. Although it exists as a legal entity, PTI will not perform any services under the IANA functions contract with the NTIA. It will start performing those functions on the completion of the transition under contracts with ICANN, the agency said Thursday. Twenty-five advocacy groups and some individuals have told leaders in the Senate and the House of Representatives that key issues about the transition are "not expected to be fully resolved until summer 2017." Without robust safeguards, Internet governance could fall under the sway of governments hostile to freedoms protected by the First Amendment, wrote the groups, which include TechFreedom, Heritage Action for America and Taxpayers Protection Alliance. Ominously, governments will gain a formal voting role in ICANN for the first time when the new bylaws are implemented. The groups want Congress to use riders it has passed on prohibiting spending of taxpayer money on IANA transition. Congress should make clear that it will sue to enforce the funding prohibition, the groups said. Republicans in Congress have been critical of the IANA transition plans. 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. Also of concern to Cruz is that the U.S. should secure 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. The Republican Platform for 2016 is critical of the transition and accuses U.S. President Barack Obama of throwing the internet to the wolves, and they Russia, China, Iran, and others are ready to devour it. Most startups and small businesses cannot afford to hire an advertising or PR agency. They dont have the money for glossy ads in magazines, or radio or TV commercials or to even create online ad campaigns. However, thanks to the internet and social media, startups and small business dont have to spend a lot of money (or even any money, in some cases) to generate positive buzz about their products and services. They can just use one or more of the following 10 cost-effective digital PR strategies. 1. Sign up to be a source on Help a Reporter Out (HARO). Subscribe to HARO, says Kyle Peterson, partner at Clement|Peterson, a tech PR agency. The free service will send you three emails per day listing articles that journalists are currently working on and the sources theyre seeking to complete the story. Just be sure to respond quickly when a request fits your area of expertise (and HARO covers just about all industries), since there could be plenty of competition. 2. Reach out to social media influencers. Ask them to hold a giveaway with you, become a brand ambassador or [write about your products or service], says Alice Williams, communications specialist, Frontier Business Edge. This has proven to be an effective and inexpensive way of generating buzz time and time again. Influencer recommendations carry 22 times more weight than recommendations from the average customer, she says. Its an especially effective way to generate buzz amongst millennials, according to a joint study by Twitter and Annalect. Forty percent of respondents stated that they bought something online after they saw an influencer use it. [ Related: 11 ways to build your online brand ] 3. Join the conversation on Twitter. Twitter is an easy and cost-effective method for building brand awareness, creating buzz and establishing yourself or your brand as a leader in your industry, says Kathleen Rose, owner, SCENE.digital. To get the most out of the platform, she suggests companies develop a branded Twitter page, follow at least 50 members of their target audience per month and consistently post valuable content that their targets will find useful. Companies should also monitor [Twitter, using Hootsuite or a similar service,] for relevant keywords and hashtags, says Malcolm J. Gray, social media manager, Live Nation. Monitor the conversations people are having about your [business,] products and industry and jump in if or when appropriate. Searching [for] relevant keywords and hashtags for even 10 minutes a day can help you gain insight into industry trends, [discover] what consumers like and dont like about your product and identify media opportunities and prospective customers. Companies can [also] get their brand name out there and reach their niche customers directly by participating in Twitter chats, says Jane Callahan, president, JKC Communications. Companies can co-host a Twitter chat (an ask-an-expert type thing) or they can promote their own. Creating a unique hashtag also helps brands create a space on Twitter, she says. For example, there are tons of teacher-oriented Twitter chats that ed-tech companies can get in on, like #satchat. If you create your own tag, do something around it get people to use it, like a [contest] for free (branded) swag, [where people] just use the hashtag to enter the contest. 4. Use Facebook Live. Use Facebook Live livestreaming to share free content and get your message out, says Jamie Broderick, founder, Network Now, a womens business network. Facebooks algorithm currently gives more exposure to video, especially livestreaming, and its free. To drive viewers to your website, include a call to action [in your Facebook Live video]. Nothing beats video [especially live video] for building rapport and, eventually, revenue for small businesses, says Kristi Brown, cofounder, Significantly Successful, a marketing & consulting firm. And Facebook has made it super easy for both those filming and those watching, making [Live] gain in popularity very quickly. Plus, video beats out anything other than paid ads on Facebook for visibility. The trick is to promote your Facebook Live by scheduling the topic, time and date in advance. This way your fans know when you will be live and to look for the replay if they miss you. [ Related: Facebook, Snapchat and the future of live video ] 5. Boost your Facebook posts. Use Facebooks very specific audience demographics tool [to] boost posts, says Kelsey Goeres, social media & marketing associate, MyCorporation. Youll get your message out to exactly the right people for anywhere from $10 to $300. 6. Post on Pinterest and Instagram. One thing Id recommend small businesses [do is] use infograhpics and Pinterest, says Ashley Haugen, content strategist, brightpeak financial. Using our in-house designer and copywriter, we put together an infographic on the 50/30/20 method of budgeting. The 60-6 defeat highlights the standards that Storm need to reach to be competitive in Rugby League's flagship amateur competition. Storm started brightly enough and for the opening quarter they matched their more experienced opponents, but Sharks gradually took control and Storm were unable to stem the steady flow of tries. As against Oxford the previous week, Storm's points came late in the game. A kick-on at the sixth tackle went unclaimed by the Sharks' defence and scrum-half Lee Mason-Ellis pounced to score a consolation try which was converted by Rod Love. Coach Graeme Harker said: "Again our defence let us down. We just didn't move up fast enough, giving West London all the space they needed to work the ball. In attack we were too predictable and played too much one- man rugby! "On the plus side, the spirit is still there, as was proved by our late try when we down to twelve men. It's only our first season, so we know we must work hard to get up to the level of the likes of West London and Oxford." The Storm's under 11s finished second in a festival at Kingston. They defeated Ham Warriors 28-12 and St Mary's 28-20 after being 20-8 down at half-time before losing 32-8 to the host club in the final. While the under 13s defeated Oxford Cavaliers 34-10 and Cambridge Eagles 30-0, but then came unstuck against eventual winners Kingston Warriors 24-16. And the under 15s defeated West London 52-16. This Saturday, the U13s entertain Oxford Cavaliers in a London Broncos Junior League fixture, while on Sunday the U15s travel to Oxford to play in a six-team festival. South London Storm are looking for players of all ages. If you are interested, call either Graeme Harker 020 8680 7844 or Dave Bold 020 8650 0691. Teams still have time to enter the competition, with qualified referees being used to officiate the event which is being played at Chislehurst Recreation Ground. Squads which finish first, second, third or fourth in each age group will be presented with trophies and the entry fee is 17 per team. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. 08/12/2016 Shells of red-rimmed melania snails. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons. by Katie Cline Lori Tolley-Jordan, an assistant professor of biology at Jacksonville State University, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to study an invasive snail species in Florida waters. Tolley-Jordan, who is referred to as Dr. TJ by her students and colleagues, will partner with Michael Chadwick of Kings College in London and Jessica Wooten of Centre College in Danville, Ky. to study the Asian red-rimmed melania snail. This species of snail is what biologists refer to as invasive, non-native or introduced, because it migrated to America from another place in this case, from Southeast Asia. Invasive species have a reputation for being dangerous to humans or native plants and animals. Snails, however, dont seem to be a particularly fierce creature. Many invasive species are not dangerous or harmful to people directly, explained Tolley-Jordan, but oftentimes an invasive species can really reek havoc on an ecosystem as they compete with other native species, disrupt food availability for other species, bring in pathogens that make other species sick, or all of the above. In the case of the red-rimmed melania, this snail is host to about 50 different flatworm parasite species, including several human pathogens. The red-rimmed melania is a warm-water species that has flourished in the tropical waters of Florida, possibly due to the accidental or intentional introduction of these snails into waterways through aquarium dumpings. They are very common now in Florida waters, said Tolley-Jordan. Interestingly, it only takes one snail to establish a population, as they are female clonal. We very much stress to the public to not dump aquaria into waterways. Tolley-Jordan and Chadwick will travel to Florida for two weeks in September to collect specimens from freshwater bodies of water and ditches along the states east and west coasts. They will travel from Tampa to Miami before ending up in Jacksonville, Fla. They will study the species distribution as well as whether certain habitats support the growth of dangerous parasites. The individual snails and any parasites they harbor will be frozen and sent to Wooten in Kentucky, where she and two Centre College students will conduct genetic analysis on the specimens. Tolley-Jordan and her colleagues hope to determine if habitat plays a role in the snails developing harmful parasites, determine the exact parasites that infect Florida red-rimmed melania and determine whether the influx of the snails in Florida is due to natural dispersion or human disturbance. The team will then create a pamphlet that can be distributed by state and federal agencies to the public at state and national parks and areas with water access. This pamphlet will warn residents and visitors about potential dangers of exposing themselves or their pets to infected water sources. Tolley-Jordan is an aquatic ecologist from Texarkana, TX who has been at JSU since January 2011. She holds a bachelors degree in biology from the University of Arkansas, a masters in biology from Texas State University and a Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in aquatic biology from the University of Alabama. Reddit Email 0 Shares By William J. Astore | ( Tomdispatch.com) | The United States is now engaged in perpetual war with victory nowhere in sight. Iraq is chaotic and scarred. So, too, is Libya. Syria barely exists. After 15 years, progress in Afghanistan has proven eminently reversible as efforts to rollback recent Taliban gains continue to falter. The Islamic State may be fracturing, but its various franchises are finding new and horrifying ways to replicate themselves and lash out. Having spent trillions of dollars on war with such sorry results, its a wonder that key figures in the U.S. military or officials in any other part of Americas colossal national security state and the military-industrial complex (the Complex for short) havent spoken out forcefully and critically about the disasters on their watch. Yet they have remained remarkably mum when it comes to the obvious. Such a blanket silence cant simply be attributed to the war-loving nature of the U.S. military. Sure, its warriors and warfighters always define themselves as battle-ready, but the troops themselves dont pick the fights. Nor is it simply attributable to the Complexs love of power and profit, though its members are hardly eager to push back against government decisions that feed the bottom line. To understand the silence of the military in particular in the face of a visible crisis of war-making, you shouldnt assume that, from private to general, its members dont have complicated, often highly critical feelings about whats going on. The real question is: Why they dont ever express them publicly? To understand that silence means grasping all the intertwined personal, emotional, and institutional reasons why few in the military or the rest of the national security state ever speak out critically on policies that may disturb them and with which they may privately disagree. I should know, because like so many others I learned to silence my doubts during my career in the military. My Very Own Star Wars Moment As a young Air Force lieutenant at the tail end of the Cold War, I found myself working on something I loathed: the militarization of space. The Air Force had scheduled a test of an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile to be launched at high altitude from an F-15 fighter jet. The missile was designed to streak into low earth orbit to strike at the satellites of enemy powers. The Soviets were rumored to have their own ASAT capability and this was our answer. If the Soviets had a capability, Americans had to have the same or better. We called it deterrence. Ever since I was a kid, weaned on old episodes of Star Trek, Id seen space as the final frontier, a better place than conflict-ridden Earth, a place where anything was possible maybe even peace. As far as I was concerned, the last thing we needed was to militarize that frontier. Yet there I was in 1986 working in the Space Surveillance Center in Cheyenne Mountain in support of a test that, if it worked, would have helped turn space into yet another war zone. It wont surprise you to learn that, despite my feelings, which couldnt have been stronger, I didnt speak up against the test. Not a peep. I kept my critical thoughts and doubts to myself. I told myself that I was doing my duty, that it wasnt my place to question decisions made at high levels in the administration of then-President Ronald Reagan. You cant have a disciplined and orderly military if troops challenge every decision, can you? Orders are to be obeyed, right? Ours not to reason why, ours but to do or die especially since we were then at war with the Soviets, even if that war fell under the label of cold. So I buried my misgivings about facilitating a future shooting war in orbit. I remember, in fact, hoping that the ASAT test would go well and that Id be seen as effective at my job. And in this I think I was probably pretty typical of military people, then and now. The F-15 ASAT program was eventually cancelled, but not before it taught me a lesson thats obvious only in retrospect: mission priorities and military imperatives in such a hierarchical situation are powerful factors in suppressing morality and critical thinking. Its so much easier, so much more natural, to do ones job and conform rather than speak out and buck a system thats not made for the public expression of dissenting views. After all, a military with an ethos of were all volunteers, so suck it up or get out is well suited to inhibiting dissent, as its creators intended. To those whove been exposed to hierarchical, authority-heavy institutions, that lesson will undoubtedly come as no surprise. Heck, I grew up Catholic and joined the military, so I know something about the pressures to conform within such institutions. In the Church, you learn or at least you did in my day that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and the old guard priests and nuns I encountered were more than ready to encourage that fear. In the military, you learn from day one of basic training that its best to put up and shut up. No grumbling in the ranks. No quibbling. Yes, sir; no, sir; no excuse, sir. Cooperate and graduate. That conformist mentality is difficult to challenge or change, no matter your subsequent rank or position. Theres a sensible reason for all this. You cant herd cats, nor can you make a cohesive military unit out of them. In life and death situations, obedience and discipline are vital to rapid action. As true as that may be, however, America doesnt need more obedience: it needs more dissent. Not only among its citizens but within its military maybe there especially. Unfortunately, in the post-9/11 era, weve exalted and essentially worshipped the military as our greatest national treasure (the words of former Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta at the recent Democratic convention). The military has, in fact, become so crucial to Washington that aspiring civilian commanders-in-chief like Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump lean on retired generals to anoint them as qualified for the job. (For Trump, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn did the honors; for Hillary, General John Allen.) The Pentagon has, in a very real sense, become Americas national cathedral. If were going to continue to worship at it, we should at least ask for some minimal level of honesty from its priests. In militarized America, the question of the moment is how to encourage such honesty. Call it patriotic dissent. By dissent I mean honest talk from those who should know best about the hazards and horrors of perpetual war, about how poorly those conflicts have gone and are going. We desperately need to encourage informed critics and skeptics within the military and the Complex to speak their minds in a way that moves the national needle away from incessant bombing and perpetual war. Yet to do so, we must first understand the obstacles involved. Its obvious, for example, that a government which has launched a war against whistleblowers, wielding the World War I-era Espionage Act against them and locking away Chelsea Manning for a veritable lifetime in a maximum security prison, isnt likely to suddenly encourage more critical thinking and public expression inside the national security state. But much else stands in the way of the rest of us hearing a little critical speech from the fourth branch of government. Seven Reasons Why Its So Hard to Break Ranks As a start, its hard for outsiders to imagine just how difficult it is to break ranks when youre in the military. So many pressures combine to squelch dissent everything from feelings of loyalty and patriotism to careerist concerns and worries about punishment. I wasnt immune from such pressures, which is why my story is fairly typical. As Ive said, I had my criticisms of the military, but I didnt begin to air them until 2007, two years after Id retired. Why the delay? I can offer explanations but no excuses. Unless youve been in the military, you have little idea how all-enveloping and all-consuming such a life can be. In a strange way, it may be the closest thing to true socialism in America: base housing provided and tied to your rank, government doctors and socialized medicine for all, education for your children in base schools, and worship at the base chapel; in other words, a remarkably insular life, intensified when troops are assigned to Little Americas abroad (bases like Ramstein in Germany). For Star Trek: The Next Generation fans, think of Ramstein and similar bases around the world as the Borg cubes of American life places where youre automatically assimilated into the collective. In such a hive life, resistance is all but futile. This effect is only intensified by the tribalism of war. Unit cohesion, encouraged at all times, reaches a fever pitch under fire as the mission (and keeping your buddies and yourself alive) becomes all-consuming. Staring at the business end of an AK-47 is hardly conducive to reflective, critical thinking, nor should it be. Leaving military insularity, unit loyalty, and the pressure of combat aside, however, here are seven other factors Ive witnessed, which combine to inhibit dissent within military circles. 1. Careerism and ambition: The U.S. military no longer has potentially recalcitrant draftees it has volunteers. Yesteryears draftees were sometimes skeptics; many just wanted to endure their years in the military and get out. Todays volunteers are usually believers; most want to excel. Getting a reputation for critical comments or other forms of outspokenness generally means not being rewarded with fast promotions and plum assignments. Career-oriented troops quickly learn that its better to fail upwards quietly than to impale yourself on your sword while expressing honest opinions. If you dont believe me, ask all those overly decorated generals of our failed wars you see on TV. 2. Future careerism and ambition: What to do when you leave the military? Civilian job options are often quite limited. Many troops realize that they will be able to double or triple their pay, however, if they go to work for a defense contractor, serving as a military consultant or adviser overseas. Why endanger lucrative prospects (or even your security clearance, which could be worth tens of thousands of dollars to you and firms looking to hire you) by earning a reputation for being difficult? 3. Lack of diversity: The U.S. military is not blue and red and purple America writ small; its a selective sampling of the country that has already winnowed out most of the doubters and rebels. This is, of course, by design. After Vietnam, the high command was determined never to have such a wave of dissent within the ranks again and in this (unlike so much else) they succeeded. Think about it: between warriors and citizen-soldiers, who is more likely to be tractable and remain silent? 4. A belief that you can effect change by working quietly from within the system: Call it the Harold K. Johnson effect. Johnson was an Army general during the Vietnam War who considered resigning in protest over what he saw as a lost cause. He decided against it, wagering that he could better effect change while still wearing four stars, a decision he later came deeply to regret. The truth is that the system has time-tested ways of neutralizing internal dissent, burying it, or channeling it and so rendering it harmless. 5. The constant valorization of the military: Ever since 9/11, the gushing pro-military rhetoric of presidents and other politicians has undoubtedly served to quiet honest doubts within the military. If the president and Congress think youre the best military ever, a force for human liberation, Americas greatest national treasure, who are you to disagree, Private Schmuckatelli? America used to think differently. Our founders considered a standing army to be a pernicious threat to democracy. Until World War II, they generally preferred isolationism to imperialism, though of course many were eager to take land from Native Americans and Mexicans while double-crossing Cubans, Filipinos, and other peoples when it came to their independence. If you doubt that, just read War is a Racket by Smedley Butler, a Marine general in the early decades of the last century and two-time recipient of the Medal of Honor. In the present context, think of it this way: democracies should see a standing military as a necessary evil, and military spending as a regressive tax on civilization as President Dwight D. Eisenhower famously did when he compared such spending to humanity being crucified on a cross of iron. Chanting constant hosannas to the troops and telling them theyre the greatest ever remember the outcry against Muhammad Ali when, with significantly more cause, he boasted that he was the greatest? may make our military feel good, but it wont help them see their flaws, nor us as a nation see ours. 6. Loss of the respect of peers: Dissent is lonely. Its been more than a decade since my retirement and I still hesitate to write articles like this. (Its never fun getting hate mail from people who think youre un-American for daring to criticize any aspect of the military.) Small wonder that critics choose to keep their own counsel while theyre in the service. 7. Even when you leave the military, you never truly leave: I havent been on a military base in years. I havent donned a uniform since my retirement ceremony in 2005. Yet occasionally someone will call me colonel. Its always a reminder that Im still in. I may have left the military behind, but it never left me behind. I can still snap to attention, render a proper salute, recite my officers oath from memory. In short, Im not a former but a retired officer. My uniform may be gathering dust in the basement, but I havent forgotten how it made me feel when I wore it. I dont think any of us who have served ever do. That strong sense of belonging, that emotional bond, makes you think twice before speaking out. Or at least thats been my experience. Even as I call for more honesty within our military, more bracing dissent, I have to admit that I still feel a residual sense of hesitation. Make of that what you will. Bonus Reason: Troops are sometimes reluctant to speak out because they doubt Americans will listen, or if they do, empathize and understand. Its one thing to vent your frustrations in private among friends on your military base or at the local VFW hall among other veterans. Its quite another to talk to outsiders. Wars sacrifices and horrors are especially difficult to convey and often traumatic to relive. Nevertheless, as a country, we need to find ways to encourage veterans to speak out and we also need to teach ourselves how to listen truly listen no matter the harshness of what they describe or how disturbed what they actually have to say may make us feel. Encouraging Our Troops to Speak More Freely Perpetual war is a far greater threat to democracy in our country than ISIS, Russia, or any other external threat you want to mention. To again quote former President Eisenhower, who as supreme commander of Allied forces in World War II had learned something of the true nature of war, Only Americans can hurt America. The military and the entire apparatus of the burgeoning national security state should exist for a single purpose: to defend the country that is, to safeguard the Constitution and our rights, liberties, and freedoms. When it does that, its doing its job, and deserves praise (but never worship). When it doesnt, it should be criticized, reformed, even rebuilt from the ground up (and in more modest, less imperial fashion). But this process is unlikely to begin as long as our leaders continue to wage war without end and we the people continue to shout Amen! whenever the Pentagon asks for more weapons and money for war. To heal our increasingly fractured democracy, we need to empower liberty and nurture integrity within the institution that Americans say they trust the most: the U.S. military. Dissenting voices must be encouraged and dissenting thoughts empowered in the service of rejecting the very idea of war without end. Some will doubtless claim that encouraging patriotic dissent within the military can only weaken its combat effectiveness, endangering our national security. But when, I wonder, did it become wise for a democracy to emulate Sparta? And when is it ever possible to be perfectly secure? William J. Astore is a retired lieutenant colonel (USAF) and a TomDispatch regular. He taught history for fifteen years at military and civilian schools and blogs at Bracing Views. Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts latest book, Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. Copyright 2016 William J. Astore Via Tomdispatch.com Ring of Fire: Obamas Drone Papers Dont Explain Abnormally Large Civilian Death Toll Reddit Email 2 Shares by Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The interventionist temptation, muted since the Iraq imbroglio, is now returning. Sec. Clintons team are already talking about taking steps to remove Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad from office as soon as they get into the White House. An excellent and principled NYT columnist called the non-intervention in Syria President Obamas worst mistake. I understand the impulse. Who can watch the carnage in Syria and not wish for Someone to Do Something? But I beg to differ with regard to US intervention. We forget now how idealistic the rhetoric around the US intervention in Vietnam was. Johnson wanted to save a whole society from the Communist yoke. Our idealist rhetoric can blind us to the destruction we do (the US probably killed 1 to 2 million Vietnamese peasants, recalling Tacitus (d. after 117 CE) remark about the Pax Romana, and where they make a desert, they call it peace.atque, ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.) 1. There was no UN Security Council consensus on intervention in 2011 and after, and so no authorization for the use of force. In 2012 at a policy meeting, I pressed a French diplomat whether there wasnt a way to interdict weapons shipped to the regime (which was using heavy military weapons on peaceful protesters in 2011 and 2012). He said that given the lack of authorization for the use of force, arms-bearing ships headed to Latakia could only be boarded if they were foolish enough to come into the territorial waters of a state willing to take them on (none have). Every time the US intervenes in a country with no UNSC authorization and no issue of self-defense, it further degrades the rule of law. Other countries still cite Bushs invasion of Iraq as justification for their acts of aggression. 2. Civil wars like that in Syria are forms of micro-aggression. Fighting happens in back alleys and neighborhoods where no outsider understands the terrain. The US had 160,000 troops in Iraq in 2006-2007 when Iraqis fought a civil war that ethnically cleansed hundreds of thousands of Sunnis from Baghdad and turned it into a Shiite city. So many thousands of people were killed each month that Baghdad police had to establish a morning corpse patrol. If Iraq was occupied and run by Americans but it still had excess mortality of hundreds of thousands, why does anyone think that a much more limited US intervention in Syria could forestall death on this scale? I am a little afraid that the widespread underestimation of civilian excess mortality in Iraq is producing the wrong impression here. Its death toll was similar to that of Syria. I also think it isnt realized that US troops dont know the language and cant tell one player from another unless they are specially trained small special forces units. And, they are targets for suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices. When the US troops stopped patrolling major Iraqi cities in summer of 2009 the number of bombings and civilian casualties actually went down, because their patrols had been a target. 3. Short of US troops, people have advocated the establishment of safe zones for displaced civilians. But those zones would not stay safe from regime troops or fundamentalist militias unless they were protected by military force. So safe zones are actually a prescription for the insertion of infantry battalions to guard them. The no-fly-zone over the Kurds in Iraq only worked because the Kurds had a military force, the Peshmerga, that could take advantage of US air cover. Without US military protection on the ground, the so-called safe zones would be car-bombed or subjected to artillery barrages or bombed from the sky. 4. Hillary Clintons call for a no-fly zone in Syria was impractical because of no. 1 above no UNSC authorization for the use of force. Moreover, the Syrian military had good anti-aircraft systems. Unless you bombed all those batteries intensively at the start youd just be shot down. So a no-fly-zone is not a minor intervention but a very major one. Now that the Russian air force is flying in Syria, a no-fly zone for regime planes is completely impractical. 5. I supported the UNSC no-fly zone in Libya in 2011, but was dismayed to find that it soon became a NATO mission and then it soon became replaced by another policy entirely bombing Tripoli and trying to change the regime. Critics forget that the initial resolution just wanted to protect civilians in places like Zintan from Gaddafis helicopter gunships. I perceived that once the no-fly zone was implemented, there were enormous political pressures on NATO generals to achieve a tangible victory hence the bombing of Tripoli (which isnt exactly the same as a no-fly zone). Then because the mission was transmogrified into regime change from above, the militias never demobilized. That there were no foreign ground troops was a plus in some ways, but it did also mean that no one was responsible for training a new army and incorporating the militias into it. Despite promising democratic elections, militia demands gradually undermined the civilian government, taking the members of parliament more or less hostage and leading to Libya having two or three governments, each with its own militia backers. And then some fighters declared for Daesh (ISIS, ISIL). So the intervention in Libya went from being a humanitarian one to a method of regime change to having a legacy of civil war. Why exactly would Syria be different? 6. Bashar al-Assad is a war criminal and his regime is known for mass torture of prisoners. It would be better for everyone if he stepped down. But if he were removed abruptly with the help of US airstrikes, then wouldnt what happened to Libya happen to Syria? What would stop al-Qaeda operative Abu Muhammad al-Julani from sweeping into Damascus and taking over? What would stop Daesh from picking up the pieces in Syria? As horrible as it is to contemplate, a Daesh or al-Qaeda victory in Syria is even worse than regime stability. 7. We cant trust US intervention because Washington power elites are amoral and have been perfectly willing, under Saudi influence, to back fundamentalist militias. Most of them have the ethnic cleansing of Alawis, Druze, Christians and secular Sunnis on their minds. The CIA is nevertheless using Saudi Arabia as an intermediary to supply them with arms. Washington is also so tied to Tel Aviv that you cant assume any US intervention in Syria would be for the sake of Syrian civilians. Some US policy makers, including former NSC, have suggested that it benefits the US and its allies to have the Syrian civil war continue. And some US policy-makers favored breaking up Iraq when they were running it. (Partitions just create smaller states that go on fighting with one another; see: South Sudan). Washington elites are also greedy and implemented policies in Iraq aimed at enriching themselves or their buddies. In Syria, theyd be carpetbaggers again. Americans are practical people and they incorrectly believe that all problems have relatively simple solutions. Contemporary civil wars at the level of back alleys, fought between neighbors of different ethnicities or religions with suicide bombings and Kalashnikovs, are an unsolvable calculus problem. International law can be a hindrance to timely action but flouting it can undermine what little order and norms the international arena has. The US military is far too blunt an instrument to be deployed successfully in this case, and US policy-makers cant be trusted to do what is good for the Syrians. As bad as things in Syria have been, they would have been as bad or worse if the US intervened more heavily. (I except the actions taken against Daesh, because they are plausibly self-defense and not condemned by anyone on the UNSC. But the aerial bombardment hasnt been effective.) In the 1820s when the Greeks rose up against their Ottoman government, President Secretary of State John Quincy Adams got enormous pressure to intervene on the Greek side. He declined, saying of the USA, Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. We need to get back to that policy and recognize that American wars not fought in self-defense are American imperialism and American quagmires. The most effective thing anyone has done to tamp down violence in Syria was the Kerry-Lavrov ceasefire of the past spring and early summer. If someone wants an intervention, lets try to get that one back on track. Related video: France24: War in Syria: Russia says daily ceasefires starting today in Aleppo TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - August 11, 2016) - Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX: GCM) (OTC PINK: TPRFF) announced today the release of its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. All financial figures contained herein are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Second Quarter and First Half 2016 Highlights Gran Colombia's adjusted EBITDA increased to $18.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 on the strength of improved gold production and reduction in total cash costs per ounce. This brings the total adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2016 to $29.9 million, double the adjusted EBITDA for the first half of last year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of this non-IFRS measure. The increased adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2016 led to improved operating cash flow which in turn enabled the Company to continue to reduce overdue local payables and to generate $2.3 million of Excess Cash Flow that has been deposited into the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. increased to $18.3 million in the second quarter of 2016 on the strength of improved gold production and reduction in total cash costs per ounce. This brings the total adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2016 to $29.9 million, double the adjusted EBITDA for the first half of last year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of this non-IFRS measure. The increased adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2016 led to improved operating cash flow which in turn enabled the Company to continue to reduce overdue local payables and to generate $2.3 million of Excess Cash Flow that has been deposited into the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. Gold production in the second quarter of 2016 totalled 38,229 ounces, up 34% from the second quarter of 2015, bringing the total for the first half of 2016 to 69,718 ounces, a 33% improvement over the first half of last year led by strong performance at its Segovia Operations. Following a record monthly total of 13,583 ounces produced in July, the Company is increasing its production guidance for 2016 to a total of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces of gold for the year. in the second quarter of 2016 totalled 38,229 ounces, up 34% from the second quarter of 2015, bringing the total for the first half of 2016 to 69,718 ounces, a 33% improvement over the first half of last year led by strong performance at its Segovia Operations. Following a record monthly total of 13,583 ounces produced in July, the Company is increasing its production guidance for 2016 to a total of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces of gold for the year. Gran Colombia successfully completed the comprehensive restructuring of its senior commodity-linked notes into senior convertible debentures on January 20, 2016 (the "Exchange Date"). Including holders' elections on the Exchange Date, to date a total of $28.9 million of 2018 Debentures and $0.9 million of 2020 Debentures have been converted by holders into common shares of the Company, reducing the aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2018 and 2020 Debentures by 16%. The Company launched Normal Course Issuer Bids ("NCIBs") on July 21, 2016 to use cash accumulated in the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures to repurchase the debt on the open market for cancellation. In the four trading days available prior to the second quarter earnings blackout period, Gran Colombia purchased a total of $0.2 million aggregate principal amount of its debentures for cancellation. At August 11, 2016, the Company has 252.9 million common shares issued and outstanding and the aggregate principal amount of the 2018 and 2020 Debentures was $53.7 million and $103.1 million, respectively. of its senior commodity-linked notes into senior convertible debentures on January 20, 2016 (the "Exchange Date"). Including holders' elections on the Exchange Date, to date a total of $28.9 million of 2018 Debentures and $0.9 million of 2020 Debentures have been converted by holders into common shares of the Company, reducing the aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2018 and 2020 Debentures by 16%. The Company launched ("NCIBs") on July 21, 2016 to use cash accumulated in the sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures to repurchase the debt on the open market for cancellation. In the four trading days available prior to the second quarter earnings blackout period, Gran Colombia purchased a total of $0.2 million aggregate principal amount of its debentures for cancellation. At August 11, 2016, the Company has 252.9 million common shares issued and outstanding and the aggregate principal amount of the 2018 and 2020 Debentures was $53.7 million and $103.1 million, respectively. Revenue of $48.0 million in the second quarter of 2016, up 54% over the second quarter last year, reflects the increased gold production this year that contributed to a 47% increase in gold ounces sold, and the strengthening of spot gold prices in the second quarter of 2016. This brings total revenue for the first half of 2016 to $82.5 million, up 33% over the first half last year. of $48.0 million in the second quarter of 2016, up 54% over the second quarter last year, reflects the increased gold production this year that contributed to a 47% increase in gold ounces sold, and the strengthening of spot gold prices in the second quarter of 2016. This brings total revenue for the first half of 2016 to $82.5 million, up 33% over the first half last year. Gran Colombia's total cash costs in the second quarter of 2016 decreased 13% from the second quarter a year ago to $680 per ounce helping to bring all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") down by 10% to $811 per ounce for the second quarter this year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of these non-IFRS measures. in the second quarter of 2016 decreased 13% from the second quarter a year ago to $680 per ounce helping to bring down by 10% to $811 per ounce for the second quarter this year. See the Company's MD&A for the computation of these non-IFRS measures. The net income attributable to shareholders was $0.01 million, or $0.00 per share, for the second quarter of 2016 compared with $3.0 million, or $0.13 per share, in the second quarter of 2015. For the first half of 2016, net income attributable to shareholders amounted to $10.9 million, or $0.09 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to shareholders of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the first half of last year. was $0.01 million, or $0.00 per share, for the second quarter of 2016 compared with $3.0 million, or $0.13 per share, in the second quarter of 2015. For the first half of 2016, net income attributable to shareholders amounted to $10.9 million, or $0.09 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to shareholders of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the first half of last year. The adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $3.9 million, or $0.03 per share, in the second quarter of 2016 compared with $1.7 million, or $0.07 per share, in the second quarter last year. For the first half of 2016, adjusted net income attributable to shareholders was $4.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per share, in the first half of last year. See the reconciliation in the Company's MD&A for the computation of this non-IFRS measure. The increase in adjusted EBITDA, net of an increase in income taxes, in 2016 was the primary driver behind the improved adjusted net income results this year. Lombardo Paredes Arenas, Chief Executive Officer of Gran Colombia, commenting on the Company's results for the first half of 2016, said, "We are very pleased to see the improvement in our adjusted EBITDA in the first half of this year, made possible through our production growth at Segovia and further reduction in our costs. The increased level of operating cash flow we are generating is being dedicated toward improving our balance sheet through reductions in our payables and to buy back our senior debt through the recently announced NCIBs. We also feel confident enough at this point in the level of monthly production we are seeing at Segovia to raise our gold production guidance for the year to a total of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces." Financial and Operating Summary A summary of the financial and operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2016 and 2015 follows: Second Quarter First Half 2016 2015 2016 2015 Operating data: Gold produced (ounces) 38,229 28,495 69,718 52,468 Gold sold (ounces) 38,902 26,523 68,588 51,855 Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) $ 1,216 $ 1,163 $ 1,185 $ 1,177 Total cash costs ($/oz sold) (1) 680 779 682 801 All-in sustaining costs ($/oz sold) (1) 811 904 802 921 Financial data ($000's, except per share amounts): Revenue $ 48,014 $ 31,273 $ 82,484 $ 61,931 Adjusted EBITDA (1) 18,299 8,036 29,885 15,179 Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders 65 3,041 10,891 (274 ) Basic and diluted income (loss) per share 0.00 0.13 0.09 (0.01 ) Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to shareholders (1) 3,857 1,663 4,108 (153 ) Basic and diluted adjusted income (loss) per share (1) 0.03 0.07 0.04 (0.01 ) June 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Balance sheet ($000's): Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,978 $ 3,004 Cash in trust for Senior Debentures (2) 2,299 - Senior debt (3) 82,583 100,740 Other debt, including current portion 2,475 3,012 (1) Refer to "Additional Financial Measures" in the Company's MD&A. (2) Represents amounts deposited into sinking funds for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. (3) Represents carrying amounts, which are at a discount to principal amounts, for the 2018 and 2020 Debentures at June 30, 2016 and for the Gold and Silver Notes at December 31, 2015. Refer to Company's Interim Financial Statements for additional details regarding the 2018 and 2020 Debentures. Segovia Operations Second quarter 2016 gold production totalled 31,884 ounces, up 23% from the first quarter of 2016 and up 41% from the second quarter a year ago. Gran Colombia processed an average of 771 tonnes per day ("tpd") with head grades averaging 13.8 g/t at Segovia in the second quarter of 2016, an improvement from 730 tpd at an average head grade of 12.9 g/t in the first quarter of 2016 and 534 tpd at head grades averaging 15.5 g/t in the second quarter a year ago. Improved recovery of gold from the mill circuit related to the Company-operated areas was also a factor in the increased gold production in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of 2016, gold production at the Segovia Operations totalled 57,883 ounces, up 41% from the first half of last year. With another 11,731 ounces produced in July, the Company now expects its gold production at Segovia to total from 111,000 to 119,000 ounces for the full year 2016, up from a total of 92,894 ounces produced in 2015. Segovia's total cash costs, which decreased to $627 per ounce in the second quarter of 2016, were positively impacted by the increased gold production from the Company-operated mining areas which helped to lower fixed costs on a per ounce basis. For the first half of 2016, Segovia's total cash costs averaged $641 per ounce, down 16% from the first half of 2015. Marmato Operations At the Marmato Underground mine, tonnes processed increased by 20% in the second quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter this year, to 987 tpd with head grades averaging 2.6 g/t. This resulted in gold production of 6,345 ounces in the second quarter of 2016, up 16% from the first quarter of 2016 and up 7% from the second quarter a year ago. For the first half of 2016, gold production at the Marmato Operations totalled 11,835 ounces, up 4% from the first half last year. With another 1,852 ounces produced in July, the Company expects to produce a total of 24,000 to 26,000 ounces at its Marmato Operations for the full year 2016. Additional operating costs associated with repairs and maintenance activities, the adverse impact of a lower mill recovery rate on the Marmato Underground mine's gold production and an increase in production taxes as a result of the increase in spot gold prices were the primary contributors to the increase in Marmato's total cash costs to $933 per ounce in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of 2016, Marmato's total cash costs averaged $900 per ounce, down 3% from the first half of 2015. Outlook With a total of 83,301 ounces of gold produced through the first seven months of 2016 and an expectation that the trend in monthly production from the Segovia Operations will continue for the balance of the year, the Company is increasing its annual gold production guidance for 2016 to a range of 135,000 to 145,000 ounces. The results for total cash costs and AISC per ounce for the first half of 2016 were better than expected due to the improved production performance at the Segovia Operations. However, for the full year 2016, the Company is maintaining its guidance for total cash costs which are expected to average between $700 and $750 per ounce, influenced by the exchange rate of the Colombian peso relative to the U.S. dollar and by production volumes during the balance of the year. Gran Colombia also anticipates that its average AISC for the full year will be between $850 and $950 per ounce, reflecting an expected increase in the level of capital investment in its Segovia Operations in the second half of 2016. The Company commenced a 10,000 meters drilling program at Segovia in May 2016 that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Company is currently conducting a further review of mine design options to improve mine access, material handling and ventilation at the Providencia mine at Segovia and expects to make a final decision in the second half of 2016 regarding its path forward. The ultimate decision and timing to commence the capital program associated with this initiative will have an impact on whether spending reaches the top end of the guidance range for sustaining capital expenditures for the full year. Webcast As a reminder, the Company will host a conference call and webcast on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. Webcast and call-in details are as follows: Live Event link: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/6swovr25 Toronto & International: 1 (514) 841-2157 North America Toll Free: 1 (866) 215-5508 Colombia Toll Free: 01 800 9 156 924 Conference ID: 42953910 A replay of the webcast will be available at www.grancolombiagold.com from Friday, August 12, 2016 until Sunday, September 11, 2016. About Gran Colombia Gold Corp. Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations. Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gran Colombia to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 30, 2016, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Colombia disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Toronto, Canada / TheNewswire / August 12, 2016 - Savary Gold Corp. (TSX-V: SCA) ("Savary" or the "Company") has increased the size of its private placement financing announced on August 8, 2016 to up to $3,000,000 due to investor interest (the "Offering"). Accordingly, Savary will issue up to 27,272,727 units at a price of $0.11 per unit ("Unit"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.15 per common share for a period of 30 months following the closing date of the Offering. In the event that the common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange at a volume weighted-average price of $0.30 or more for a period of at least twenty (20) consecutive trading days from that date which is 9 months following the closing, the Company shall be entitled to accelerate the exercise period to a period ending at least thirty (30) days from the date notice of such acceleration is provided to the holders of Warrants. The proceeds from the financing will be used to fund an exploration program on the Karankasso project, Hounde belt, Burkina Faso, with partner Sarama Resources Ltd. and for general corporate purposes. All securities issued by Savary will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or before August 19, 2016 and is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, receipt of all regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the Offering, Savary may pay cash finder's fees up to 7% and finder warrants of up to 7% of the proceeds to eligible finders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Savary Gold Savary Gold is a Canadian exploration company, along with partner, Sarama Resources Limited, are focused on exploring the Hounde South and Serakoro 1 Gold Properties in Burkina Faso. The properties are in the Birimian age Hounde Greenstone Belt, which hosts Semafo's Mana mine and additional gold deposits that are presently subject to extensive exploration efforts (including Endeavour Mining's Hounde Project, Roxgold Yaramoko Project and Sarama's South Hounde Project, which is adjacent to Savary Gold's property). For additional information please visit our website at www.savarygold.com and follow us on Facebook, Linked-In and Twitter: @SavaryGold. Don Dudek, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. SAVARY GOLD CORP. On behalf of the Board "Don Dudek" President & Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Notes Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the proposed use of proceeds and the expected closing date of the Offering. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. 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 "1933 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 U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 11, 2016) - Timmins Gold Corp. (TSX:TMM)(NYSE MKT:TGD) ("Timmins Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 ("Q2 2016"). The comparative period is the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 ("Q2 2015"). All results are presented in United States dollars ("US Dollars") unless otherwise stated. Readers should refer to the Q2 2016 management discussion and analysis and condensed interim consolidated financial statements for complete information. "Q2 2016 was a strong quarter operationally as we continue to see the benefits of the mine plan adopted late last year," stated Interim CEO Mark Backens. "Our cash costs for the quarter of $681 per ounce and all-in sustaining cash costs of $761 per ounce were particularly strong and were respectively 30% and 33% lower than the comparable period. We were able to eliminate all of our secured debt to Sprott Resource Lending Partnership ('Sprott'), Goldcorp Inc. ('Goldcorp') and the Lundin Group. "We are raising production guidance for 2016 from 75,000 - 85,000 ounces to 90,000 - 100,000 ounces, and lowering our cash cost guidance to $750 to $800 per ounce. Due to the higher sustained gold price, we will be continuing operations at San Francisco past 2016. We are in the final stages of the engineering work to determine the optimum mine plan for continued operations. We expect to release full details before the end of this month." Q2 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Financial performance Metal revenues were $33.1 million, compared to $27.8 million during Q2 2015. This represents a 19.0% increase from the prior year. The primary factor for the increase was an increase in gold ounces sold to 26,474 ounces during Q2 2016 from 22,869 ounces during Q2 2015. This represents a 15.8% increase from the prior year. The average London PM Fix price was $1,260 per gold ounce, compared to $1,192 per gold ounce during Q2 2015. This represents a 5.6% increase over the prior year and further contributed to the increase in metal revenues over Q2 2015. Earnings from operations was $8.7 million, compared to a loss of $1.9 million during Q2 2015. The difference was primarily due to an increase in metal revenues of $5.3 million, a reduction in cost of sales of $4.3 million and a decrease in corporate and administrative expenses of $1.0 million. Earnings and total comprehensive income were $6.4 million or $0.02 per share, compared to $0.6 million or $0.00 per share during Q2 2015. Cash provided by operating activities was $11.5 million or $0.04 per share, compared to $4.6 million or $0.02 per share during Q2 2015. This represents a 149% and 100% increase, respectively, from the prior period. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2016 were $12.4 million. During Q2 2016, the Company received $6.75 million in deposits from the sale of the Caballo Blanco Property ("Caballo Blanco"). The Company paid $10.2 million and $1.5 million to settle the loan facility and debenture, respectively. The Company invested $0.2 million on expansion programs, $0.2 million on exploration and evaluation projects, and $3.0 million on the Ana Paula gold project ("Ana Paula"). Also, the Company received $5.0 million of its VAT receivable in cash during Q2 2016. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2015 were $21.6 million after investing $1.0 million on exploration, $0.1 million on sustaining capital, $2.0 million on expansion programs, and $5.5 million on deferred stripping. Also, the Company received $7.5 million of its VAT receivable in cash during Q2 2015. Operating performance The Company produced and sold, 25,863 and 26,474 ounces of gold, respectively, compared to 22,869 and 22,869 ounces of gold, respectively, during Q2 2015. The change from the prior year was due to an increase in average processing grade of 0.60 g/t Au, compared to 0.53 g/t Au in Q2 2015. The Company's cash cost per ounce on a by-product basis was $681 (all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce on a by-product basis - $761), compared to $968 (all-in sustaining cash cost per ounce on a by-product basis - $1,134) during Q2 2015. This decrease in cash costs over the prior year is primarily driven by a decreased strip ratio and by an increase in produced ounces during Q2 2016. Key developments On May 11, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Candelaria Mining Corp. ("Candelaria") to sell the Caballo Blanco Property. Total consideration to be paid was $12.5 million in cash and the assumption of the $5.0 million (present value - $4.6 million) contingent liability payable to Goldgroup Mining Inc. This equates to a fair value at June 30, 2016 of $17.1 million. The transaction closed on July 20, 2016 ("Closing Date"). As at June 30, 2016, the Company received $7.0 million from Candelaria in up-front execution payments. Subsequent to June 30, 2016, the Company received an additional $2.25 million. Remaining cash payments are to be received as follows: $0.75 million following the completion of negotiations and settlement with a local party related to land access and rental payments owed by the previous owner; and, $2.5 million at the earlier occurrence of Candelaria receiving permits or one year following the Closing Date. The cash proceeds received prior to the period end were used to settle secured debt. On June 14, 2016, the Company repaid the $10.2 million loan facility, including the bonus and accrued interest. Sprott and Goldcorp optioned to receive $0.2 million and $0.1 million cash bonuses, respectively, with Goldcorp receiving an additional 550,000 common shares of the Company, valued at $0.1 million, in lieu of a portion of its cash bonus. With repayment of the secured loan facility complete, the lenders released its security on the Company's assets and all other obligations pursuant to the amended and restated loan facility agreement dated January 26, 2016. On June 29, 2016, the Company settled the C$2.0 million ($1.5 million) debenture with the Lundin Group and all remaining common share interest payments were settled. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OPERATING RESULTS US dollars (thousands) except where noted Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 Gold ounces sold 26,474 22,869 Silver ounces sold 14,884 13,041 Metal revenues $ 33,075 $ 27,805 Production costs, excluding depreciation and depletion $ 18,296 $ 22,352 Earnings (loss) from operations $ 8,704 $ (1,860 ) Earnings and total comprehensive income $ 6,395 $ 629 Earnings per share, basic and diluted $ 0.02 $ 0.00 Cash flows from operating activities $ 11,485 $ 4,608 Total cash and cash equivalents, end of period (including restricted cash) $ 12,350 $ 21,563 Total assets, end of period $ 137,983 $ 379,614 Total cash costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis $ 681 $ 968 All-in sustaining cash cost per ounce gold $ 761 $ 1,134 Average realized gold price per gold ounce $ 1,232 $ 1,216 Reminder of Q2 2016 results conference call: The Company's senior management will host a conference call Friday August 12, 2016 at 11am (ET) to discuss fiscal 2016. Participants may join the call by dialing 416-340-2220 or 866-225-2055 (Canada and U.S. toll-free number) or via webcast on link: www.gowebcasting.com/7748. A replay of the call will be available until August 17, 2016, by dialing 905-694-9451 or 800-408-3053 (Canada and U.S.). The passcode is 2825149. A live and archived audio webcast will also be available at www.timminsgold.com. About Timmins Gold Timmins Gold is a Canadian gold mining company engaged in exploration, development and production exclusively in Mexico. Its principal assets include the producing San Francisco mine in Sonora, Mexico and the development stage Ana Paula project in Guerrero, Mexico. The Company also has a portfolio of other exploration properties, all of which are located in Mexico. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) nor the New York Stock Exchange MKT accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements which relate to future events including projected production (and estimated cash costs). Such statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, receipt of the requisite approvals for business and financial prospects, financial multiples and accretion estimates, future trends, plans, strategies, objectives and expectations, including with respect to liquidity, working capital management and to production, possible capital savings and estimates, and continuing operations at the San Francisco Mine. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans, "anticipates", believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggestions herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [official website] denied requests [responses, PDF] Thursday to remove marijuanas classification as a dangerous drug. The DEA denied two separate requests by former state governors to re-classify marijuana as a Schedule II drug or lower, saying HHS concluded that marijuana has high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in the United States, and lacks an acceptable level of safety for use even under medical supervision. Despite refusing to reclassify marijuana, the DEA did propose a new policy that would allow universities, public and private, to apply to grow marijuana for research. Until now, the University of Mississippi had a monopoly on growing and studying the drug. This decision has major implications for dispensaries and marijuana growers in states that have legalized marijuana in some form, making them potentially culpable under federal law. This decision has already drawn ire [Reuters report] from some including US Representative Earl Blumenauer who said patients and marijuana businesses trapped between state and federal laws. In April Pennsylvanias governor signed a bill [JURIST report] legalizing medical marijuana. In February the Utah Senate voted to advance a bill [JURIST report] that would legalize the use of medical marijuana in various forms such as vapor or edible form. In December Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a decree [JURIST report] fully legalizing medical marijuana in the country. Last November New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed two bills [JURIST report] in order to expedite the distribution of medical marijuana to citizens with critical health conditions. Earlier that month New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed [JURIST report] a bill into law that would allow for the administering of edible medical marijuana to sick and disabled children on school grounds without triggering the arrests of parents or educators. In June of last year the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a law restricting the use of medical marijuana was unconstitutional [JURIST report]. The National Assembly of Pakistan [website] on Thursday approved the controversial Electronic Crimes Bill 2015 [text, PDF]. The law has received negative attention [HRW press release] in the past from human rights activists for the role it could play in hindering the free speech and privacy of Pakistani citizens. Particularly, activists warn about the broad and vague language contained in the Act which gives officials unqualified discretion to block and remove information. The bill was designed to help the Pakistan government combat terrorism and other cyber crimes. Balancing the prevention of cyber crime while maintaining human rights has become a challenge for nations across the globe. In June China announced that search companies must abide by internet regulations [JURIST report] in line with national interests and must clearly distinguish normal results from paid ads which may display illegal and misleading information. In March Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] expressed concern [JURIST report] over the conviction of journalist Alaa Brinji in Saudi Arabia on charges of violating Article 6 of the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. All of the charges are based on tweets by the journalist expressing opposition views. In January tech companies Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo submitted evidence of possible conflicts that may arise from the UK governments proposed Investigatory Powers Bill [text, PDF]. Should the bill pass, tech companies would be required to perform bulk data collections [JURIST report] of all user activity within a 12-month period in order to help prevent terrorism, cyber bullying, and organized crime. Several pastors in Illinois sued the state [complaint] Thursday claiming its ban on the practice of gay conversion therapy on minors violates free speech and religious rights. Illinois is one of five state in the nation to ban such practices, a legal implementation supported by President Barack Obama [JURIST report]. The Illinois law, The Youth Mental Health Protection Act [materials], prohibits pastors from portraying homosexuality as a mental disorder in relation to sexual orientation change efforts. The law also bans therapists and counselors from trying to change the sexual orientation of minors. The practice of gay conversion therapy has been criticized as scientifically questionable. In 2015 Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner [official website] signed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act into law [JURIST report]. State Senator Daniel Biss [official website], one of the sponsors of the legislation, released a statement [statement] calling the bill an important step in protecting young people and explained that many medical professionals believe conversion therapy can cause depression and risk of suicide. The bill became effective on January 1, making Illinois the fourth state after California, Oregon and New Jersey to ban similar therapy. [JURIST] The Swiss Federal Tribunal on Thursday rejected an appeal by Israel, ordering Iran to be paid approximately USD $1.1 billion in a decades-old dispute over the Eliat-Ashkelon Pipeline. Switzerlands highest court rejected [Reuters report] Israels appeal for lack of due process, and also awarded close to USD $460,000 in court costs and lawyers fees. Despite the ruling, it is uncertain whether Israel will actually acquiesce to the court order. Israels Trading with the Enemy law could be a potential stumbling block to Iran receiving its court mandated award. The Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Co. (EAPC) [corporate website] was a joint venture between the two countries set up in 1968 to transport Iranian oil to Europe, primarily the Mediterranean. Following the Iranian Revolution, however, the relationship collapsed and Iran began seeking its share of revenues and assets from the EAPC through arbitration beginning in 1994. This order marks a victory for Iran at a time when the country has faced heightened international scrutiny for its nuclear program. Iranian leaders have repeatedly claimed [JURIST report] that the developing nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the international community, Israel in particular, worries that Irans enrichment program was designed for military purposes. The US and France agreed [JURIST report] in March to strengthen nuclear talks with Iran to persuade the nation to restrain its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions and in April Iran agreed [JURIST report] to a framework deal to restrict its nuclear plan. Developments in this regard were largely positive and resulted in subtle improvement in ties between the US and Iran. A report obtained by the Associated Press in July from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [official website] showed [JURIST report] that Iran has been keeping its commitment as part of a preliminary nuclear deal from 2013 barring Iran from expanding nuclear programs during negotiations. The Iranian Parliament accepted [JURIST report] the nuclear agreement in October and moved the process on to the Guardian Council [BBC backgrounder], which determined [FRE/RL report] the legislation was consistent with the constitution and Islamic law. And as little two days ago, Iran agreed to release [JURIST report] four US citizens in exchange for seven Iranians being held in the US for violating former US sanctions. In a statement released on Thursday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al Hussein [official profile] expressed concern [press release] over Bulgarias criminalization of migrants leaving and entering the country. Zeid stated Bulgarias practice of arresting migrants for both entering and leaving Bulgaria irregularly places many of them in an invidious Catch-22 situation and calls into question the countrys compliance with international law. While Zeid stated he and his team were pleased with the positive steps the country has taken in integrating international asylum standards, he is upset with the countrys practice of arresting migrants who do not fall within the category of refugee, despite having legitimate reasons for being unable to return to their home country. The high commissioner was particularly displeased with the disregard for due process and fair trial guarantees. Finally, Zeid stated that he was worried the current detention regime will continue to expand, and called for leadership to create a pro-human rights environment for these migrants and put an end to intolerance. The rights of migrant populations has emerged as one of the most significant humanitarian issues around the world, as millions seek asylum from conflict nations. Last week the ECJ ruled that non-EU immigrants who illegally enter the Schengen area across an internal border should not be jailed [JURIST report] solely on that basis. In March the ECJ ruled that Germany may place residence conditions [JURIST report] on refugees. In February the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said that new measures put in place by many European countries are too restrictive and place undue hardships [JURIST report] on refugees and asylum-seekers. Also in February Amnesty International warned Austria that they are violating human rights through their daily cap on asylum applications [JURIST report]. In January Danish lawmakers approved a controversial bill that will allow Danish authorities to seize assets [JURIST report] from immigrants seeking asylum in order to cover their expenses. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights [official website] Zeid Raad Al Hussein called upon Ethiopia Wednesday to allow international visitors into the region where 90 protesters were shot and killed by security forces this past weekend. Saying the excessive use of force in the Oromiya and Amhara regions needs to be investigated, the high commissioner expressed concern [Reuters report] that there has been little, if any, genuine attempt at investigation and accountability. A necessary consequence to investigating the recent violence, Zeid asked the government to allow access for international observers into the Amhara and Oromiya regions so that we can establish what has happened and further encourage security forces to abstain from using excessive force. Zeid also called for the release of all protesters. This most recent attack on peaceful, anti-government protesters comes less than two months after Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] reported that more than 400 citizens have been killed [JURIST report] by Ethiopian security forces since November. In January several Ethiopian rights groups called on the international community to address the killing [JURIST report] of protesters. In December HRW reported that activists had witnessed security forces firing into throngs of protesters [HRW report]. That report came a day after Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn [BBC profile] warned [IBT report] of merciless legitimate action against any force bent on destabilising the area. Ethiopian officials have been claiming that the demonstrations are a front for those involved in the protests to insight violence and threaten the stability of the nation. Ethiopia has used its broad anti-terrorism laws to detain political opposition before. In October five Ethiopian bloggers were acquitted of terrorism charges [Zone9, in Amharic] relating to publications on their website. The publications, critical of the government, landed nine bloggers in jail [JURIST report], and one charged in absentia, in April 2014 for violation of the laws. That same month UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights Ben Emmerson [official profile] expressed concern [press release] over the rising use of counter-terrorism measures [JURIST report] around the world. Many nations have used counter-terrorism as an excuse to restrict public assembly and stop the activities of public interest groups, Emmerson said. Maldives President Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday signed into law a controversial bill criminalizing defamation with fines and jail terms despite widespread criticism. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression [official website] David Kaye issued a warning [press release] Wednesday condemning the bill approved by the Maldives parliament. Kaye cautioned that the Protection of Reputation and Good Name and Freedom of Expression Bill has the potential to limit exercise of free expression to the degree that the right is eliminated altogether, especially due to the vague wording of the bill. The bill criminalizes statements or comments deemed defamatory against any tenet of Islam, or that threaten national security or to contradict general social norms, and violation can elicit fines and jail time of up to six months. Bills limiting freedom of expression and punishing religious dissension have been widespread across the world and have led to international concern. Earlier this year, a sharia high court in Nigeria sentenced cleric Abdulaziz Dauda and nine others to death [JURIST report] by hanging for committing blasphemy against the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. In January UN human rights experts called for a review of the UKs draft Investigatory Powers bill fearing that the present draft of the bill could threaten freedom of expression and association [JURIST report]. In February a Pakistani man was executed for his part in murdering a politician [JURIST report] who supported a Christian who had been convicted of blasphemy. Later that month, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Indonesian Parliament to reject proposed amendments to its law on the eradication of terrorism [Law No. 15/2003]. HRW asserts that the proposed amendments are too vague [JURIST report] and would limit the exercise of free expression and directly conflict with Indonesias obligations to international human rights, leading to fundamental rights violations. And in 2010 HRW urged the repeal of all such laws [JURST report]. NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Drinks Daily News The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Drinks Weekly News A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Drinks Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter Photo Credit: Viking River Cruises In Part One of our Mekong Viking river cruise series, we discussed the ship itself, what to expect in Cambodia, and some of our favorite aspects of the trip. This article meets back up in Vietnam, the second portion of the trip, which highlights the best of the journey and insights into life aboard the ship. The Magnificent Mekong cruise starts and ends in Vietnam. During the first portion you'll make your way through Cambodia before venturing back through Vietnam. Once in Vietnam, you'll head to the French-conceived, former capital city of Hanoi which is filled with cultural sites, Buddhist temples, pagodas and a lively Old Quarter. For accommodations, we took up residence at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, a historic luxury landmark since 1901, which combines Vietnamese hospitality with colonial grandeur. During the war years, it was a hub for press and diplomats. Todays guests can sign up for Sofitels new Path to History tour based on the hotels recently rediscovered bomb shelter hidden in its basement. Photo Credit: JRN Here youll make stops at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for an interesting overview of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam and the infamous, barbed wire enclosed Hoa Lo Prison which held American POWs during the Vietnam War. We also made our way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnams oldest university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. For an iconic culinary treat, head to Cha Ca Thang Long for their Hanoi turmeric fish with dill, served alongside rice noodles, peanuts and fresh herbs. Leaving the hustle and bustle of big city behind, youll head back to the ship to explore the backwaters of the Mekong Delta, Vietnams food basket. Streams of ferries, tankers, bamboo rafts, hand carved canoes and fishing boats decorate the river all at once. In Sa Dec, guests can venture on land to see the ornate home of the aristocratic Chinese family featured in Marguerite Durass autobiographical novel, The Lover based on her ill-fated affair. Sa Decs bountiful street market is filled with colorful produce, as well as local delicacies such as snakes or specially raised, vegetarian rats. Before making your way to Ho Chi Minh City, youll visit the sleepy town of Cai Be which offers one of the few remaining floating markets. Photo Credit: JRN Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is home to 10 million people and was originally designed by the French to be a miniature Paris. Today many of the classic French colonial buildings including the Notre-Dame Basilica and the neoclassical Saigon Central Post Office are cheek by jowl, with towering steel and glass skyscrapers and incense-infused temples creating an exciting urban hodge-podge. Landmarks include an energetic Chinatown, Ben Thanh Market (better for photos than shopping), an ornate City Hall and Opera House, and the Reunification Palace, which brings to life the famous scene captured by so many photojournalists in 1975 of North Vietnamese tanks crashing through the wrought-iron gates. During a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can experience firsthand the struggles of life in wartime Vietnam while exploring the labyrinth of underground passages used as hideouts and living quarters by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. For a great foodie tour, consider the Saigon Street Eats excursion. Photo Credit: JRN The intimate size of this 60-passenger, French colonial riverboat feels more like youre an invited guest aboard a very wealthy friends yacht rather than a huge, impersonal cruise ship. The staterooms are one-size-fits-all and offer 168 square feet of space, floor-to-ceiling sliding French doors and balconies. There are no TVs on board, so be sure to bring a laptop or iPad should you wish to catch up on your favorite television shows while cruising. Photo Credit: Viking River Cruises Public areas include a bright dining room, a petite but serviceable spa, roomy main bar, and the movie room for nightly lectures or films. The sound of a gong announces mealtimes, which are all open seating. There is a continental breakfast offered for early risers before the 6:30 a.m. Tai Chi class, and a full buffet complete with a wide array of fresh tropical fruit and made-to-order omelets from 7-9 a.m. Dinner is slightly more formal and served at 7 p.m., along with free-flowing wine. Expect regional specialties such as coconut based fish curries or stir-fried chicken with morning glory, as well as a fixed roster of international classics if you arent feeling adventurous. Vikings Magnificent Mekong cruise starts at $3,669 per person and includes 14 guided tours within the two countries. All-inclusive roundtrip air and transfers are offered from 29 major cities around the US. On August 10, Agents assigned to the Sheriffs Office Metro Division closed an investigation that resulted in 3 arrests involving the manufacture of synthetic marijuana in Alexandria. Agents received complaints and anonymous tips that led them to open an investigation in early January. During that investigation, surveillance began with a vehicle description and an area of frequent sales. Agents maintained surveillance until suspects and a residence were identified and confirmed. After obtaining probable cause, a search warrant was issued for 6104 Deerfield Drive. On August 10, Agents served the warrant, finding Wahbi Zeidan, Ahmed Zeidan and Sonia Zeidan in the home. Approximately two pounds of vegetable material, sometimes referred to as potpourri, was located, along with five ounces of a white powder suspected to be one of the active chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic marijuana. Numerous other bottles of flavoring compounds, vinegar, solvent and digital scales were also located. Agents also seized numerous smoking pipes, grinders an AK-47 type rifle, a .357 revolver and another semi automatic handgun. Wahbi, Ahmed and Sonia Zeidan were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center where they were later released on $12,750.00 bonds. Every week our deputies respond to calls of subjects who are under the influence of this alleged legal weed said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. It is not legal and it is not weed; it is a mixture of chemicals that are frying the brains of the people who smoke it. Each time we respond to one of these calls, the people that are under the influence of this substance are paranoid, delusional and aggressive and that can be a very dangerous situation if a weapon is involved, for the deputy as well as the offender. Wahbi Zeidan, 24, was charged with: possession of CDS I to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearms/drugs, and creation/operation of a clandestine lab. Ahmed Zeidan, 22, was charged with possession of CDS 1 to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of firearms/drugs. Sonia Zeidan, 52, was charged with possession of CDS I to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearms/drugs, and creation/operation of a clandestine lab. LINCOLN A higher-than-normal error rate in collecting signatures sank the latest effort to let Nebraskans decide whether to legalize casino gambling. Secretary of State John Gale announced Thursday that a proposed constitutional amendment to allow casino games at the states Thoroughbred horse racing tracks came up well short of qualifying for the November ballot. The problem: too many invalidated signatures, including signers who either werent registered voters or had signed the petition in a county where they were not registered. It was quite stunning, Gale said. About 35 percent of the roughly 120,000 signatures submitted by the pro-gambling group Keep the Money in Nebraska were rejected, which is more than double the rate of past petition drives. The high rejection rate left the effort with only 77,956 valid signatures, well short of the number needed: 117,188, or 10 percent of the total number of registered voters as of July 7. County election officials tossed more than 41,000 signatures. Similar rejection rates could sink the two other initiative petitions submitted by the pro-gambling group, even though they need fewer signatures. Those petitions propose state laws that would regulate casinos at racetracks and spell out how tax revenues from the casinos would be divided. Without constitutional authorization, however, those laws could not be implemented, even if they made the ballot and were approved by voters. I wont say its highly likely, but it looks probable that there will be the same problem with them, Gale said. Scott Lautenbaugh, a former state senator from Omaha and a spokesman for the pro-gambling group, said he was disappointed but could not say why the rejection rate was so high until he got more information. Were going to review what they did and decide what to do next, he said. Lance Morgan, head of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, said he is seeking information from the company hired to collect signatures about the ridiculously high error rate. We dont plan to give up, he said. The people we talk to think its about time Nebraska allowed casino gambling. The most recent campaign finance report showed that all but $33,000 of the $1.3 million spent on the petition drive came from Ho-Chunk. Lautenbaugh said one of the reasons the effort was hampered was because of its complexity: Circulators had to carry three petitions instead of one. The Keep the Money in Nebraska drive was the first in several years to be allowed to pay petition circulators by the signature, and some have speculated that such circulators might be less attentive to the rules if they were paid that way. Lautenbaugh said he didnt know if that was the case. Pat Loontjer, executive director of Gambling with the Good Life, had another explanation. She said the petition drives failure shows yet again that Nebraskans do not want expanded gambling. If they couldnt do it with 10 months and $1 million, I dont know how they could do it, she said. Loontjer cheerfully admitted that she had been wrong in predicting that the petition drive would succeed. She said her group didnt even try to stop the petition drive and had been preparing instead to fight the anticipated ballot measures. Nebraskas been spared once again, she said. God gave us another miracle. Nate Grasz, a policy analyst for the Nebraska Family Alliance, called Thursdays announcement good news for Nebraska. He expressed confidence that voters would have defeated the measure if it had made the ballot. The last time that Nebraskans voted on expanded gambling was in 2006, when voters rejected a proposal to allow video keno devices. In 2004 voters defeated two measures that would have legalized casinos in the state, one proposed by the Legislature and one put on the ballot by petition. Morgan said pro-gambling forces have 10 days in which to contest the decision by Gales office. If it sticks, he said Ho-Chunk would likely downsize its $30 million to $40 million plan to renovate the former Atokad racetrack in South Sioux City, Nebraska, into a casino complex. We think that long-term gaming will happen at the tracks, Morgan said. Maybe my kids will live to see it. The total number of signatures fell short, but the petition drive did meet the requirement for collecting signatures from at least 5 percent of voters in at least 38 counties. Based on a preliminary analysis, Gale said the largest number of rejected signatures were from people who were not registered to vote in Nebraska or in the county indicated on the petition sheet. That accounted for more than 24,000 signature rejections, he said. Nearly 4,600 additional signatures were duplicates, and more than 3,000 signatures were rejected because the signers voter registration had been removed from the system for inactivity. In some counties, such as Banner, Kimball and Sheridan, the number of accepted signatures equaled the number of rejected. No counties had less than a 50 percent validity rate. The county with the highest validity rate was Grant County, with nearly 91 percent of signatures accepted. The average validity rate among all counties was just over 65 percent. Gale said he had requested that county election officials verify signatures for the constitutional amendment before checking signatures for the proposed state laws. The final decision on whether the two remaining gambling petitions qualify for the ballot is not expected for at least two weeks. This Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 photo provided by Rhonda Lynam shows a crew member in a neck brace being removed from a JetBlue aircraft after it landed at the airport in Rapid City, S.D. JetBlue says passengers and crew members were injured when turbulence rocked their flight from Boston to Sacramento, forcing the aircraft to be diverted to South Dakota. (Rhonda Lynam via AP) FILE - In this Aug.4 2016 file photo made from video, Nissrine Samali, 20, gets into the sea wearing traditional Islamic dress, in Marseille, southern France. The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns. A City Hall official said the ordinance, in effect for August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. (AP Photo, File) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy COLUMBUS The national election, state budget and trade were topics Gov. Pete Ricketts touched on during a town hall meeting Thursday morning in Columbus. A crowd of about 50 people was invited to ask questions during the hourlong event at the Columbus Community Center. Ricketts, who has backed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said the election boils down to the U.S. Supreme Court. The next president will choose the ninth member of the Supreme Court and that could impact what Ricketts calls the overreach of the federal government. I can say with the current administration and how its dealt with the states, its attitude has been its my way or the highway. We receive very little flexibility from the federal government on a lot of issues, he said. The Environmental Protection Agency is a prime example of the federal government expanding its power, the governor said. He pointed to regulations under the Clean Water Act that allow federal oversight of most bodies of water, down to small ponds and ditches. Nebraska is one of 13 states to sue over the water rules. Weve taken them to court and weve actually been successful in getting the court to say, No, you cant implement those rules. But ultimately that will be decided by the Supreme Court, Ricketts said. When asked about trade, specifically the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Ricketts said he supports the deal. He also said he had a discussion with Trump a couple of months ago on the importance of trade to the state, which sends about 27 percent of its agricultural products overseas. Ricketts said Trump seems like he would be open to discussion and advice on trade, although he hasnt shown support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. On another note, Ricketts also spoke about the states $95 million revenue shortfall last fiscal year, something he attributed mainly to a slumping agricultural economy. Weve seen farm incomes come down quite a bit and that is hitting us in the sales and income tax area, he said. State agencies are being asked to tighten their budgets and spending allotments are being reduced to address the issue. Another topic was the Nebraska Department of Corrections, which Ricketts said is in dire need of reform. We are working on how we are going to be able to manage our corrections system and improve upon the operations and protect the public safety while being respectful to taxpayers as well, he said. About 93 percent of people in the state corrections system will eventually re-enter society. Ricketts said programs like jobs training, education, work release and counseling need to be in place so these people don't end up back in the system. 5K Shares Share A few years ago, I missed a diagnosis. I know thats not earth-shattering, but the stakes are high for a cardiologist. Ms. A was an 82-year-old woman with chest pain. She underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. The pre-procedure coronary angiogram showed no coronary artery disease and the echocardiogram post TAVR was perfect. However, a few months after the procedure, she reported arm pain. It was odd, and specific: if she used her arms too much, like folding clothes, they would feel achy and only improved if she rested and drank cold water. Otherwise, she was as active as her arthritic hips allowed, shuttling her grandchildren to school through Los Angeles traffic and caring for her aging husband. I reassured her that her pain was not cardiac because her symptoms were not triggered with exertion and relieved by rest, and because she had a normal angiogram just a few months prior. I suppose the first time she came to see me, that was understandable. But she came back a few more times over the next few months with worsening symptoms. Her echocardiogram was normal. I shrugged, reassured her, and moved on. Then, her husband passed away, and she presented 4 days later with shortness of breath. Echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 25 percent with apical ballooning consistent with a stress cardiomyopathy. Her minimally elevated troponin fit this picture. But since stress cardiomyopathy is a diagnosis of exclusion, she underwent coronary angiography. The angiogram showed that her coronary arteries were perfect, just as they had been 16 months prior except for a 99 percent ostial left main stenosis that appeared mechanical and related to TAVR placement. This is a zebra of a diagnosis with just a few case reports in the literature. But I should have known something was amiss, that her vague and atypical symptoms were a sign of something ominous. I lay awake at night thinking about the ischemia that led to myocardial stunning and a reduced ejection fraction, and the grandkids that she drove to school every day. Los Angeles freeways are harrowing enough, even if youre not over 80 with a critical left main coronary artery stenosis. I missed a rare diagnosis because I focused just on the symptoms and not on the context. Here are my 5 tips on what to consider, besides what the patient actually says, so maybe this wont happen to you. 1. Personality. Some patients will report every symptom to you, while others mention nothing unless prodded. This patient fell into the latter category. I should have realized that it was not in her nature to come back to me for multiple visits after I had already reassured her and I should have delved more deeply into her complaints. Family members can be a great resource. Speaking to her daughter after the fact, it turns out her symptoms were absolutely exertional, though the patient for whatever reason did not describe them as such. 2. Location. Most people dislike the emergency department. Its noisy and chaotic, and you have to wait a really long time to see a doctor. So a patient who doesnt call their doctors office for an appointment, or go to urgent care, but goes to the ED, is really worried. I take patients more seriously when they show up in the ED. If a 60-year-old man has burning chest pain after dinner and presents to the ED that night and not to your office a week later, it probably means he needs more than a proton pump inhibitor. 3. Trajectory. Patient stories have a rhythm: symptoms get better, or get worse, or wax and wane. Have the palpitations been going on for 10 years, occurring three nights a week right before bed for a few seconds, triggered mainly by alcohol use with dinner? Probably benign premature beats. Does the heart race abruptly for minutes accompanied by near-fainting and, over the past week, shortness of breath? Maybe a re-entrant tachycardia with cardiomyopathy. We all know that the longer a symptom has been going on for, the less likely it is to be life-threatening. But the caveat to this is worsening symptoms. A symptom that progresses should be respected. 4. Trigger. In relation to #3, sometimes a patient has had a symptom forever, but something triggers them to seek medical attention. So, when the trajectory is flat but the patient is concerned, the trigger can offer insight. Was their next-door neighbor with the same symptoms was just diagnosed with cancer? Did a friend prod them to finally seek medical attention? Or is the symptom now interfering with their activities? Knowing the trigger may help differentiate between anxiety and something serious. 5. Your state of mind. Thats right: Im convinced that our skills as physicians are impacted by the kind of day were having. Are you running 30 minutes behind, did you forget to drop off your kids art project at school, was your paper just rejected on the second try? Although we all know how to put our game faces on, we cant control the competing thoughts in our heads. Being aware of this is one way to control it. So, if youre about to go into an exam room, and youre feeling frazzled because youre running late and there are three other patients standing outside their exam rooms looking inpatient, take a deep breath. Remember that it might be just one in a long string of visits for you, but for the patient waiting in the exam room, its the one visit of their day. For Ms. A, its an alls well that ends well kind of story. Her left main stent went in without a hitch. Her ejection fraction normalized. She went back to shuttling the grandkids around. But I still wake up at 2 in the morning and think about this close call, and what I can do to prevent it from happening again. Michelle M. Kittleson is a cardiologist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 1K Shares Share Sometimes, I wish I was a nurse. As a nurse, my work-life balance would greatly improve because my three 12-hour shifts would constitute a rewarding and flexible full-time medical career. I would care for all kinds of patients, not just stick to one medical specialty. Maybe Id go for an advanced nursing degree; I would enroll in school full-time and also maintain a paid full-time job. Like many nurses, my hospital employer would pay for my tuition. If I wanted to take time off and pursue other interests, I wouldnt worry about risking my entire career. And if I was interested in health care leadership, Id move up the ladder, one position at a time. But, none of the above applies to me. Because, you see, Im not a nurse. Im a female doctor. Throughout medical school and residency, Ive wondered why most of my mentors were male. It puzzled me why there were few women in hospital leadership. But, then I learned how wrong I was. There are actually many women in medical administration, but theyre nurses not doctors. How have nurses made it to the top and with accompanying lower rates of burnout? I believe that physicians have a lot to learn from our nursing colleagues. Heres why: Burnout As a full-time radiation oncologist, my work-life balance teeter-totters on the seesaw fulcrum. Why does a full-time nursing job entail three 12-hour shifts per week? Because nurses like it this way. Most nurses are female, and many are mothers. If youre working full time while raising children, its great to have a flexible work schedule. Its not better for patients to have a new nurse every day, which is required if their nurse only comes in three times a week. Arguably, patients would rather have the same nurse every day (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5). Yet, nurses have won this battle and have good patient outcomes to prove its OK. If a nurse wants to change her work environment, she can transfer to another specialty. On the other hand, there are no real options for doctors to continue their training. For example, if I wanted to practice cardiology instead of oncology, I cant. In fact, there is no pathway even for residents to switch to another training program, whether in another field or in different hospital. And this certainly doesnt exist for doctors who have completed their training. Doctors experience high rates of burnout. A great way to prevent burnout is to take time to reflect and pursue other interests. I recently met a nurse who joined our department for 3 months. She worked for an agency that places nurses in short-term positions. After her current placement, she was going to tour Europe for 6 months. Afterwards, shed return to a new position at a new medical department. Can doctors take time off? Not without risking their entire careers. Some physicians work as locum tenens and provide temporary coverage. But a doctor who does this for too long or who takes time away from medical altogether may be unable to find a stable position within Medicine again. The prevailing culture believes, Doctors arent supposed to need time off. And why would a doctor have any other interests aside from medicine; dont doctors devote their entire lives and entire beings to medicine, and medicine alone? Leadership Medical leadership is commonly composed of: 1. Male physicians 2. Female nurses How have nurses made it to the top? Nurses have a strong desire to lead and the nursing lobbying groups have supported this goal very effectively. Over the past century, nurses have consistently insisted their voices be heard, and they have won the battle. For example, in many states nurse practitioners can practice solo without the historically required physician oversight. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognizes hospitals with nursing excellence and quality patient care with its prestigious Magnet Award. To apply for this designation, hospitals must complete an extensive application. Part of the required documentation is to show support for their hospital nurses professional development. You see, part of a nurses career identity is professional development. Another component of the Magnet Award application is recognition of nursing. Its incredible how the acknowledgment of nursing contributions has become a must. So you wont be surprised that National Nurses Week was designated in 1974. It took 16 years for physicians to get their one day of recognition, National Doctors Day, which was established in 1990. Do top hospitals ask their doctors how supported they feel in regards to their professional development? No such responsibility exists for physicians, whether real or theoretical. Nurses have won a seat at the table and have broken through the glass ceiling in medicine. These women professionals enjoy high levels of job satisfaction while maintaining flexible work schedules. Working side-by-side with nurses, in the same hospitals and caring for the same patients, female physicians (arguably all physicians) have a lot to learn. Lets learn from our nurses and make medicine great again. Miriam A. Knoll is a radiation oncologist. She can be reached on Twitter @MKnoll_MD. This article originally appeared in the Huffington Post. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 4K Shares Share We were the consummate lovebirds. We studied together, exercised together, and went grocery shopping together. When she started medical school, I took a summer job in the schools maintenance department, just so we could eat lunch together. We couldnt fathom being separated an entire day. It was a magical time. We worked hard, played hard, and talked late into the night yet rose early the next morning, energized and ready to go. We lived all year on the income from that minimum wage summer job, plus a small stipend from my graduate school. I realized the Beatles were right: All You Need Is Love! For most couples, Camelot ends gradually, but for us, it happened overnight literally! only a year after we married. January 3, 1980, was to be her first day of clinical rotations, her first day to wear the white coat, the day she would begin fulfilling her lifes calling of caring for sick and suffering humanity. She arose early and stuffed her pockets with a stethoscope, a reflex hammer, index cards summarizing everything she learned in basic sciences, a Hersheys bar, and 35 cents. I wanted to mark the occasion, so I came home early that afternoon to cook a celebration dinner. At 5 oclock the phone rang, and there was panic in her voice: Go ahead and eat without me. No way, I said. I can wait. They told me Im on call. I think that means Im supposed to work all night. No problem, I said, Ill come to you. Well celebrate in the hospital cafeteria. I dont have time to eat. I have 14 patients, theyre all really sick, and I dont have the foggiest idea what Im doing. Next came a click, followed by silence. I was stunned. She had never cut me off before. I rallied, rose early the next morning, and cooked a hot breakfast. I covered the plate with tin foil, got on my bicycle, and started peddling to the Texas Medical Center. I steered with one hand and held the hot plate in the other. It was a cold morning, so I kept switching hands, using the hot plate to thaw out my frozen fingers. From my summer job experience, I knew the students on the internal medicine rotation passed by the maintenance office every morning at precisely 8 oclock, returning to the hospital from a lecture in the med school auditorium. So I stood there in the hallway and waited, chatting with my buddies from maintenance and feeling good about myself and what I was about to do. The train of students began, and we remarked how they all looked alike in their unisex scrubs. After a minute or so, it dawned on us that the last student had passed, and I was still standing there holding the hot plate! My buddies made jokes about how, after just one night of separation, my bride and I no longer recognized each other. I stopped feeling so magnanimous. I ran down the hallway, plate in hand, and somewhere in the pack, I saw a face that looked vaguely familiar. (Actually, is was only part of a face. She had donned a ski cap to cover her uncombed hair and coke-bottle glasses to replace the contact lenses shed worn all night.) She looked beyond tired and almost robotic. I showed her the hot plate and suggested we sit down somewhere. She repeated her mantra from the previous evening: Ive got 14 patients, theyre all really sick, and I dont know what Im doing. She took the plate, thanked me, then turned and disappeared into the hospital. It seems like shes been there ever since. Over the next few years, I came to realize that my love was not enough for her. The Beatles were just plain wrong. In addition to love, we need a meaning and a purpose beyond ourselves and each other. I learned this by seeing the joy and satisfaction on her face when she came home from work each night. Exhausted, yes, but also aware that her efforts had made a difference in her patients lives. Later, when I began my career in community health, I got a chance to experience this joy and satisfaction as well. All this is true, but it doesnt change the fact that love hurts. Sometimes I resent having to share my wife with her patients, with her call schedule, and with her pager at all hours of the night. With her endless hours of paperwork and electronic recordkeeping. With callbacks on lab reports and prescription refills. Its not just the pleasure of unencumbered love that I miss. Its the pain I feel from the grief of losing her, even to something as important as her lifes calling. When she was in training, then trying to establish herself early in her career, we took comfort in the belief that, one day, medicine would no longer demand so much of her time and energy. Shed be able to find a balance between her career and her life and, at least to some extent, wed rediscover our Camelot. If anything, the reverse has happened. Quantity of care has replaced quality of care as the measuring stick of success, hoisting physicians like my wife by the petard of productivity quotas and assembly-line medicine. The demand for physicians far outweighs the supply, so there are always more patients for my wife to see than there is time to see them. And Americas leaders have lacked the courage to confront the forces that drive up the cost of health care without improving the quality. It falls on physicians to make up the difference. So, like most physicians of her generation, my wife works harder than ever. Looking on the bright side, at least her life has plenty of meaning. As far as Im concerned, way too much meaning. Now all we need is love, but theres so little time for that! Maybe the Beatles were right after all. Warren Holleman is on the editorial staff, Pulse: Voices from the Heart of Medicine. He blogs at Work Well. Be Well. Image credit: Shutterstock.com We're less than 90 days into the election, but a political sign has already been vandalized. Albert Torres is a candidate for District Four City Council, and he says one of his signs was vandalized less than a day after it was installed. The sign, located on Clark and Tapeyeste, had a cut-out and the posts that it was hung from were missing. Altogether, the damage was about $60 dollars - but the consequences for those responsible would be much higher than that. "It not only hurts the campaign, because each sign costs us about $50, and each t-post costs us $5 to $6, but it is punishable by law," Torres said. "It is a Class C Misdemeanor, and they can be fined up to $500." Torres has filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if someone is found to have committed this crime. 1 of 5 In pics: Incredible fortress like village of Yemen Access to this village on one side requires visitors to be world-class rock climbers. Haid Al-Jazil in Yemen sits on top of a huge rock with vertical sides in a dusty valley - and looks for all the world like a settlement in a fantasy film. Read More... Gold Awaiting Today's Data (Kitco News) - Gold continues to struggle, as it tries to hold on to the $1,338 level against the backdrop of stronger equity values and a stable dollar. Fed speak yesterday again urged an increase in rates, which put the lid on golds early- morning advance. This morning all eyes will be on retail sales to gauge the strength of the U.S. economy. A strong number will again put pressure on the metals, as flows will continue into the US$ and equities. A weak post will generate buying with a possible target of $1,348, as the initial reaction. A break of the $1,338 level ushers in a potential $1,330 test. By Peter Hug, Kitco Metals Global Trading Director; phug@kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. kitco news U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a speech at a Michigan factory on Thursday that her jobs and tax plans would better help middle-class Americans than the plans released earlier this week by Republican rival Donald Trump. Democratic nominee Clinton ran through many of the policies she has outlined over the last year to contrast herself with Trump, who has given far fewer details about his plans, as the presidential campaign heads toward the Nov. 8 election. Trump delivered an economic speech in Detroit on Monday. He publicly named his economic advisers last week. "He's offered no credible plans to address what working families are up against today," Clinton said, shortly after touring Futuramic, a hangar-like, high-tech factory in Warren, Michigan, that makes parts for the aerospace industry. Workers' anxiety over trade deals has become a central theme in the 2016 election, and Clinton rejected the portrait Trump has painted that she is only pretending not to favor the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a planned deal which she had praised when she was secretary of state in President Barack Obama's first term but has opposed as a candidate for the presidency. "It's true that too often past trade deals have been sold to the American people with rosy scenarios that didn't pan out, Clinton said. Clinton had also previously supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was signed by former President Bill Clinton, her husband, and which Trump routinely disparages as bad for American jobs. Clinton now says she would renegotiate it. "The answer is not to rant and rave, or cut ourselves off from the world," she told a crowd of factory workers. "That would kill even more jobs. "The answer is to finally make trade work for us, not against us," Clinton said. "So my message to every worker in Michigan and across America is this: I will stop any trade deal that kills jobs or holds down wages, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership." She promised unequivocally to not support TPP even as president. After Trump named an all-male group of economic advisers earlier this week, Clinton mocked it as "six guys named Steve." On Thursday, Trump released a list of nine additions to the council, eight of whom are women. New members included roofing billionaire Diane Hendricks, investor Carla Sands and hedge funder Anthony Scaramucci. (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson and Amanda Becker; Editing by Leslie Adler) Saudi Arabia To Keep Sept Crude Supply To Asia Steady -Sources Aug 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, will supply full contracted volumes of crude oil to at least two Asian term buyers in September, unchanged from August, industry sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. The move was expected as the OPEC kingpin has supplied full contractual volumes to most Asian buyers since late 2009. (Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Richard Pullin) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. kitco news Lyft Rebuffed Acquisition Interest From Gm-The Information Aug 12 (Reuters) - Ride hailing company Lyft rebuffed acquisition interest from General Motors Co GM.N and will raise a new funding round instead, technology website The Information reported on Friday, citing two people familiar with the situation. Lyft solicited other potential strategic acquirers before opting for the new funding round, said The Information, which did not report GM's offer price. (Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. kitco news 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. SHARE Douglas Schulze By Tad Sooter Special To The Kitsap Sun Douglas Schulze might have a moment of dAjA vu when he takes over as Bainbridge's city manager in November. Sixteen years ago, Schulze went to work as city manager of a not-so-different waterfront community with a police department under fire. During his decadelong run in Medina, Schulze made police reform a priority and helped restore credibility to a department rocked by internal scandals. He'll face a similarly daunting task on Bainbridge. One of Schulze's first charges will be hiring a police chief to replace Jon Fehlman, who retired from his post earlier this month, ending a controversial four-year tenure. Schulze, currently manger of Normandy Park, said he's had encouraging discussions with Bainbridge city staff, members of the police officers union and island residents. "I'm looking forward to bringing my experience and skills to help the community, the city and the guild move forward," Schulze said last week. "I'm confident that it can be done. The people I've met are good people." The Bainbridge City Council picked Schulze for its city manager position Sept. 19 after interviewing three finalists for the job. The council will consider a $150,000-a-year contract for Schulze at Wednesday evening's meeting. He expects to start work Nov. 5. Schulze said he fielded a number of questions on his experience with police departments during his interview with the council, which was held in closed executive session. Council members declined to discuss the interview itself this week. Councilwoman Kirsten Hytopoulos said, in general, Schulze's calm demeanor and background in cities similar to Bainbridge won her over quickly. He seemed capable of bringing stability to the island's police force, she said. "He has the experience and he highlighted it right up front," Hytopoulos said. Normandy Park Chief of Police Chris Gaddis said Schulze is an easy boss to like, a manager who supports the department while letting police make "police decisions." "I've been very lucky to work with him," Gaddis said. "Whoever the next Bainbridge chief is will be lucky as well." MEDINA Schulze received his first law enforcement briefings around the dinner table. His father was a cop in the prairie town of Flandreau, S.D., when Schulze was growing up. Schulze wasn't interested in a career in policing, but his dad's small-town service stuck with him. "Especially at a young age, it was something that made a big impression," he said. In college, he took an internship in a Minnesota city hall, and decided he liked working in government. By 25, he was an assistant city administrator. He had eight years of experience under his belt when he landed a job as manager of Medina, a very small Lake Washington enclave with very rich residents. Schulze's new bosses on the Medina City Council let him know police reform was a top priority, Schulze said. "It was similar, in a lot of ways, to the situation on Bainbridge," Schulze said. "There was concern about the service being provided." His description is diplomatic. A string of lawsuits by employees had eroded trust in the department since the early 1990s. In 1991, a female Medina corporal sued the city, claiming the manager had passed her over for a promotion to sergeant based on her sex, according to Seattle Times reports. The suit snarled the city in a tangled web of litigation. The corporal later settled with the city, was promoted, then fired and sued the city again. The former police chief, Joe Race, was disciplined but claimed the city was retaliating against him for supporting the corporal. The city manager, Pat Dodge, attempted to have Race ousted, according to the Times reports, but ended up resigning herself. The wounds were still fresh when Schulze joined the city in 1996. Race retired the following year, allowing Schulze to launch a nationwide search for a new chief. He hired Michael Knapp, an FBI veteran to head the Medina Police Department. Knapp, now the chief of police in Ferndale, declined to be interviewed for this story. Schulze said he and Knapp changed the way the department made hires, putting an emphasis on educated, "polished" officers, with good communication skills. They also increased training for officers already on the force. "It was a focus on improving the professionalism of the department," Schulze said. Their overhaul of the department was acknowledged in 2002, when Medina police received accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The review committee coincidentally included Larry Dickerson, now the interim chief of Bainbridge police. Dickerson said he recalled examining the Medina department 10 years ago, but not the details. "I've probably done 40 of those reviews," he said. Several Medina council members who served in the late 1990s could not be reached for comment, but former Councilman Bob Rudolph said the police department seemed to be running smoothly when he was elected in 2002. Rudolph remembered Schulze as a quiet but efficient administrator, who didn't take sides when the council was warring. "Doug tread a line between them," Rudolph said. "He was always very professional." Knapp retired in 2003 and Schulze moved south to take the helm of Normandy Park in 2006. Since then, Medina police have been back in an unwelcome spotlight. Jeffrey Chen, who was promoted from captain to chief by Schulze after Knapp's retirement, was fired from Medina in 2011. Chen countered with a federal lawsuit early this year, according to the Seattle Times. Schulze said he hasn't followed the latest controversy closely. "I've caught bits and pieces," he said. NORMANDY PARK Schulze enjoyed the luxury of a relatively stable police force in Normandy Park. Chief Rick Kieffer had been on the job for more than 30 years before retiring this spring. Chris Gaddis, a six-year Normandy Park police veteran was promoted to replace him this month after serving as interim chief. Instead of dissension, Schulze's challenge in Normandy Park was money. The city of 6,500 had suffered from low tax revenue since the economic downturn began and continues to slash budgets, said Councilman Clarke Brant, who serves as mayor. Schulze has shouldered more responsibility, taking on the mantles of public works director and community development director as the positions were slashed to save money. "He had very few people to help him," Brant said. "We're down to the bare bones here in Normandy Park." Despite the financial constraints, the police department of about a dozen commissioned officers has compiled a strong training record and made strides in community outreach. Normandy Park officers completed 13 training courses last year, according to a department service report. Every officer has received 40 hours of crisis intervention training, a course that became of focus on Bainbridge following the 2010 shooting of a mentally ill islander. Eight of Bainbridge's 20 officers have received CIT training. Gaddis said he takes advantage of as many grant funded or free courses as he can. Opportunity for professional growth is one of the few incentives his cash strapped city can offer. "Training is a priority here in Normandy Park," he said. "I can't pay these guys as much as surrounding jurisdictions, but what I can do is send them through as much training as I can." Schulze and a citizen communications committee have expanded the city's outreach efforts over the past few years. That includes the police department, which loads its website with statistics and information, including blotter entries, crime maps, lists of lost and found items and performance updates. Good communication also requires beating the streets, Gaddis said. He and his officers have gone door-to-door on their days off, handing out fliers with information on the city's newsletters and social media accounts. "The last thing we want people to tell us is, 'I didn't hear about that,'" Gaddis said. Schulze said he's not sure how he'll approach Bainbridge's communications needs yet but he'll strive for transparency. "Trust is kind of our capital," he said. "If you don't have trust, everything you do is going to be difficult." Mayor Brant doesn't blame Schulze for seeking out a city with more resources, but he is sorry to see him go. He has no doubt Schulze will bring change to the island. "He's capable of doing it," Brant said. "It's our loss." SHARE By Chris Henry PORT ORCHARD ? Bethel Animal Hospital is closed but its staff has remained largely intact after an April foreclosure. The practice continues as Cedar Creek Animal Clinic with new owners and a new location. Bethel Animal Hospital had operated for 30 years, with the last 20 owned by Dr. James Wempe. Wempe in January 2011 used the property at 3584 Bethel Ave., to secure a $1,381,078 loan from Liberty Bay Bank in Poulsbo for a major remodel of the clinic. Wempe fell behind in payments a year later, according to court documents. Wempe and Sandra Carol Ringstead are listed as co-debtors on the loan, doing business as Ringstead & Associates LLC. They declared bankruptcy in September 2012. By April, court documents show Ringstead & Associates behind nearly $60,000 in back payments and fees on the loan. The bank gave notice that the property would be sold in foreclosure. "Despite a thriving practice, a dedicated staff and loyal clients the financial burden of Bethel Animal Hospital's recent expansion was too heavy to carry," reads a statement on Bethel Animal Hospital's website. "We hope to continue to offer the highest quality of care to our patients in a new facility under new ownership, but with all the same doctors and support staff you have come to know and trust." On April 8, Bethel Animal Hospital's Facebook page gave details on the new arrangement. Dr. Kristin Kelsey, an associate at Bethel Animal Hospital for 13 years, and her husband, equine veterinarian Dr. Mike Alberts, opened Cedar Creek Animal Clinic on Mile Hill Drive in Port Orchard, bringing with them many of the staff at Wempe's clinic, including Wempe himself. The fourth veterinarian at Cedar Creek is Dr. Tomoko Kiyonaga. Patients of Bethel Animal Hospital had records automatically transferred to Cedar Creek Animal Clinic, the Bethel clinic's website noted. "What has kept this group together is their common passion for helping animals and their sincere commitment to providing the very best patient care possible," reads a statement on the Cedar Creek site, which also explains the transition. On Aug. 23, Liberty Bay Bank repossessed the property, making the sole bid at a trustee's sale in front of the Kitsap County Courthouse for $1,364,221, the amount owed on the loan. Wempe, according to his biography on the new clinic's site, grew up the son of a large animal veterinarian in South Dakota. He received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Iowa State University, and he traveled to Bethel, Alaska, to practice medicine, where he cared for Iditarod sled dogs. Neither Wempe nor representatives from the bank returned requests for comment. CEDAR CREEK ANIMAL CLINIC WHERE: 2950 SE Mile Hill Dr., Port Orchard HOURS: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday INFO: 360-876-9009 SHARE By Rob Woutat "The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General." This is how American writer Kurt Vonnegut began "Harrison Bergeron," a short story satirizing the idea that not only should we all be equal but that equality should be enforced by government to ensure no one would be better than others. In this story, beautiful people are required to wear hideous masks. Graceful dancers must wear heavy weights that make them as clumsy as everybody else, and the fleet-of-foot are similarly slowed to ensure they are no faster than anyone else. People of exceptional intelligence must wear devices in their ears that scramble their thoughts. Soon after that story was published I was teaching high school students at a college preparatory school where every graduate since the school was founded had gone to a college or university, many of them to schools like Harvard, Stanford and Yale. It was easy duty in that the students were quick to learn, easy to teach, mostly ambitious, and like their parents believed in a rigorous program calling for at least an hour of homework each night for each subject. One of the biggest challenges in working with these young people was getting them to question the then-popular notion of egalitarianism, the doctrine that all humans are equal in fundamental worth and that all opinions were of equal value. Despite my attempts, I'm not sure I was able to convince them that opinions are not all equal, that an informed opinion was superior to an uninformed opinion and should therefore carry more weight. "That's just your opinion," they thought. It was exasperating. So, I asked, is a hair-brained notion with nothing to support it equal in value to a fully reasoned opinion backed up by abundant evidence? Is that what you're saying? "Well, yes." Heaven help us. If I hadn't had faith that one day they would recognize their youthful folly, I might have done something drastic to myself. But their idea is still in the air today in a slightly different form. If you want to denigrate someone you know to be smarter than you, or better educated than you, someone whose speech is more elevated than yours and a little beyond your grasp, you call him an "elitist." In that context the word is derogatory, denoting "wealthy, overly-educated and overly privileged, unlike us." Maybe it's a hint of status-envy. It's certainly an implication that we'd be better off without elites. On the other hand, if we needed a complicated surgery, we'd certainly prefer an elite surgeon to do the job, wouldn't we? We certainly enjoy watching elite athletes perform. If we could, we might like to send our children to an elite school or university, or have some elite pick up the check after an expensive dinner. It's mainly in the realm of government where we're suspicious of elites, i.e. people superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities. We prefer our leaders to be regular people, no smarter than we are, men and women we can identify with, maybe go bowling with, rather than people with imposing knowledge and expertise in government, history, political philosophy, science and the arts. In the beginning of this country, our government was formed and run by elites in the denotative sense: people of exceptional knowledge and intelligence. Unlike government in ancient Greece, where lawmakers were chosen by lot, our leaders were much better educated than other Americans (and also wealthy landowners). The right to vote was reserved pretty much for these elites. As we became more democratic, more egalitarian, each citizen's vote was equal to the vote of the richest American's, at least in theory. Despite the overwhelming influence of the wealthy in government, we're still fond of the illusion that our solitary vote (an opinion) is the equivalent of any man's. Maybe it's that illusion that forestalls an uprising. SHARE A strange thing happened when I married a soldier. Whenever I mentioned my husband's occupation, my subsequent words, whether controversial or trite, would be greeted with the wide eyes and reverential nods Americans now reflexively offer members of the military community. Sometimes I'd even get an awkward, earnest "Thank you for your service," or "That must be so hard." Our worshipful national attitude toward the military has been on full display during this presidential campaign season, and both major parties have been eager to exploit it. The Republicans trotted out retired Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn to tell Americans they should vote for Donald Trump instead of Hillary Clinton. The Democrats countered with retired Marine Gen. John Allen, who urged Americans to do the opposite. Then came the Gold Star family episode. Trump has spent the entire campaign season insulting one group after another Women! Immigrants! Democrats! Muslims! African-Americans! without apparent consequence. But when he spoke slightingly about the parents of a Muslim American Army officer killed in Iraq, he instantly found himself on the receiving end of bipartisan public condemnation. To GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump's comments were "beyond the pale"; to former Republican contender Jeb Bush, they were "so incredibly disrespectful of a family that endured the ultimate sacrifice for our country." A coalition of military support and advocacy groups signed an open letter calling on Trump to apologize, declaring, "Nothing is more sacred or honored than our Gold Star parents." "We work in a sacred space," explained one of the signatories. A Gold Star family is "a sacred family," added another. This is the language of theology, not civics. And while only someone with a heart of stone could belittle the grief of parents who have lost a child, our national sanctification of the military makes me deeply uneasy. To call something "sacred" is to insist that it's beyond the realm of politics. But the military and the wars we ask it to fight, and the human pain that inevitably accompanies those wars can't be placed wholly outside the political realm. Nor should it be, if we wish to retain the ability to debate the questions most essential to a democracy: What wars should we fight? Why, how, and at what cost? At the same time, placing the military into the realm of the sacred paradoxically turns it into the ultimate partisan prize. The military is the only public institution still trusted by a large majority of Americans, which is why both parties now routinely seek endorsements not only from generals but also from veterans and military families, hoping the military's consecrated aura will blind us to the tawdriness of campaign season attack ads and sound bites. These endorsements are effective: Recent studies have found they can help a candidate or cause. But how long will that be the case? As former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey has pointed out, partisan military endorsements can erode the very professionalism that makes people respect and trust the military in the first place. I also worry that treating the military community as sacred tempts us to undervalue other forms of service and sacrifice. When well-meaning strangers tell me that being a military spouse "must be so hard," I often want to tell them that being married to an Army officer wasn't that hard not really, not compared to what plenty of other people go through. Yes, there were lonely times: separations and deployments when I had only his distorted FaceTime image on the computer screen. But I know dozens of families who've gone through similar separations, not because of military assignments, but due to the ordinary vagaries of life: a new job; a sick parent to care for; a loved one who can't get a green card. All over America, families are separated. And all over America, men and women make sacrifices and take risks. Some, like my husband, choose the risks and rewards of a military career. Others choose less recognized but equally important public service careers, becoming police officers and social workers, emergency room nurses and public school teachers, firefighters and Peace Corps volunteers. And others still don't choose at all, but have sacrifice and sorrow thrust upon them: a child killed in a school shooting or a drive-by shooting, or a maybe just a traffic-stop gone terribly wrong. There are many kinds of service, and many kinds of loss. Surely America can find ways to honor them all. Rosa Brooks is the author of "How Everything Became War & the Military Became Everything." She wrote this for the Los Angeles Times. The Herald reports: More than 12,000 Kiwis have repeatedly breached court orders to stay away from their victims, and one person has been convicted for doing so 14 times. Ministry of Justice figures released to the Herald paint a disturbing picture of family violence in New Zealand, showing 12,157 people have been convicted for 20,864 protection order breaches in the 11 years to December 31, 2015. A protection order is a court-imposed sanction to keep an offender away from their victims, and those at the front line believe the data is the tip of the iceberg as victims are too scared to report the crimes. Released to the Herald under the Official Information Act, the data shows some offenders repeatedly flouting the orders. One person in the Manawatu/Wairarapa area was convicted 14 times for breaching an order, and another in the Bay of Plenty/Coromandel area has been convicted for 13 breaches. Three people were convicted for 12 breaches, two for 11 breaches and 10 for 10 breaches. The date show 129 convictions for six breaches, 237 for five breaches, 486 for four, 1075 for three and 2654 for two. If you want to catch up on the upcoming events, here is what you should look forward to- After the grand success of its property carnival, The Great Indian Property Bazaar held a few months back, Mahagun is now geared for hosting the second season of the same event by popular demand, called The Great Indian Property Bazaar. The event is scheduled to begin on 13th August2016 at its project site Mahagun Mezzaria Sector 78, Noida and will extend up to 11th September2016. Keeping its tradition of bringing together all industry leaders and realty experts from India and across the globe, National Association of Realtors - India (NAR-INDIA) once again is all set to host the 8th Annual Convention, the Largest Real Estate Event in India. The two day convention that is scheduled for 13th and 14th August, 2016 at Pullman, Aerocity, New Delhi will hold a series of rich programming, educational sessions, valuable insights, and o?er an abundance of networking opportunities. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI) Hyderabad, an active City Chapter of the countrys apex body of private real estate developers in the city, announced the 5th edition of CREDAI Property Show 2016 at Hitex Exhibition Centre, Madhapur. The 3-day property show, from August 13th to August 15th, 2016 will bring together 115+ realtors from across the city, manufactures of building materials, consultants and financial institutions from various parts of the country on to one single platform to showcase their properties, products and services for the convenience of the buyers, customers and investors to make their choices for purchase or for investment. Rajya Sabha overwhelmingly passed Constitution Amendment Bill on Wednesday to facilitate rollout of GST, after Finance Minister introduced it in the Rajya Sabha and here is a comprehensive take on what the real estate sector feels about it. Click. The RBI maintaining status quo has also been big news. You may want to check out what the industry has to say about it. This Independence Day, you may be in for a surprise. Hawelia Group is coming up with a special offer for buyers! The group is offering a special additional discount of Rs. 70,000/- for both of its projects- Hawelia Valenova Park and Hawelia Valencia Homes at Greater Noida West. Meanwhile, Oberoi Realty has been recognised as the Most Aspiring Real Estate Brand India and Best Residential High-Rise Architecture Brand India by Global Brands Magazine Awards 2016. Looks like India is gearing up for business opportunities. The trade and investment opportunities will only grow in India with the recent changes in government policies, said Scott Ferguson, CEO, World Trade Centers Association. Ferguson, who was on a three-day visit to the city, met key partners Verbind and Viridian RED and visited World Trade Centre NOIDA. While addressing the media at the Lalit Hotel he said, I congratulate WTC NOIDA for becoming the first operational facility in north India, delivering its first two towers which are completely leased and hope to see great results for the next phase as well. Viridian group is our main partner in India. Mahindra World City welcomed a government delegation from Bangladesh. As the delegation toured MWC Jaipur, studying its design and scope with respect to infrastructure solutions and IT facilities, Hosne Ara Begum, Managing Director, BHTPA, commented, I am delighted to see how well-planned, world-class infrastructure, when combined with favourable conditions for business and industry, can successfully drive holistic growth for all stakeholders in a PPP-driven industrial ecosystem. MWC Jaipur is a unique model of sustainable urbanisation, a strong testament to the foresight of the Govt. of Rajasthan and the Mahindra Group, and their combined vision for the creation of an integrated business city focused on improving the lives of stakeholders. The BHTPA will take the relevant learnings as considerations in our plans to cater to opportunities that Bangladesh has to offer and consider best model for benefit of Industry. Looking for an investment opportunity? As independent luxury floors rising popularity in realty sector, Jindal Realty Pvt. Ltd., one of the renowned real estate developer has announced the launch of its first of its kind independent floors christened as PRANAVA Floors in Sonepat. Sonepat is a growth corridor of Delhi NCR. A gateway to Haryana and a prominent region in Delhi-NCR is all set to become the paradise for residential and commercial real estate. At a time when the Delhi real estate is saturated and prominent regions in the NCR like Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad have already exhausted their realty development potential; Sonepat with all its advantages is shining bright and offering umpteen opportunities for growth, said Gaurav Jain, Managing Director & CEO of the company. After having successfully delivered many Group housing projects to its clients like Tulip Petals, Tulip Grand, Tulip Orange, Tulip Ivory, Tulip White where clients have taken possession and are cherishing their stay, Tulip Infratech one of the leading Real estate development organization in NCR Gurgaon under the aegis of its CMD Parveen Jain has again come up successfully with its brand new Group Housing project- Tulip Violet. Tulip Violet is spread across over an extensive land area of around thirty nine acres at Sohna Road Badshahpur in sector-69 Gurgaon. Ganga Ishanya is all set to unveil three special towers of 21 storeys are all set to shine on the skyline of Pune Satara Road. Get the full picture. Another project by the same developers, Ganga Acropolis could very much be the dream smart home you are looking for. Subhash Goel, managing director, Goel Ganga Developments, says, "Our present digital-age generation requires everything at an instant rate. A smart home that is equipped with an intelligent interface is what we have created for them and we are calling this creation -Ganga Acropolis. A city of tomorrow, Ganga Acropolis- 2 & 3 BHK homes- is furnished with all the amenities one desires and even more. All this is now just a click away! Know more here. Manjeera Group, one of the South Indias leading real estate players with 3 decades of legacy in architectural excellence and providing smart space solutions, today forayed into Vijayawada by launching their premium luxury apartment project Manjeera Monarch in the city. The project is on the Vijayawada, Guntur Highway near the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile a joint development between Renaissance Holdings Pvt Ltd and Rohan Builders Pvt Ltd have come up with Avriti that promises lifestyle and convenience. Check out for yourself. Nature Walk by Renaissance Holdings Pvt Ltd is also offering luxury condominiums, located close to Hoodi Junction, in Whitefield which is a major business district. Know more. If you are looking at new and emerging corridors, consider Halol. Vishal Gupta, Managing Director, Ashiana Housing Ltd outlines the area for buyers benefit, read here. Owing to a huge response received for the recently launched project Shriram Grand City in Kolkata, the South Indian real estate major Shriram Properties organized a draw of lots at Science City on August 9, 2016. The project is an integrated township spread over 386 acre at Uttarpara. This was a one-of-a-kind event attended by over 1000 customers during the much awaited draw. The draw of lots, projected on a big screen electronic display, was unique as the entire process was done in a very Transparent and Credible manner, in the presence of all applicants who had submitted their applications. Conducted by an independent body of very high repute, out of 1000 apartments in the project, 850 were allotted at the event. Last but not the least! Magicbricks has acquired the station branding rights of Western Express Highway Metro Station. The station will now be called as Magicbricks Western Express Highway (WEH). Speaking on the occasion, Sudhir Pai, CEO Magicbricks.com said: The Metro station re-branding is a further step in our efforts to make the Magicbricks brand omnipresent and part of the everyday lives of our consumers. This initiative will go beyond branding and station visibility. An innovative experiential zone will be unveiled soon which will add utility value and convenience to the property buying process If you want to be featured in this space, write in to us at editor@magicbricks.com In this Wednesday, Aug. 3 2016, photo, Associated Press reporter Anne D'Innocenzio arranges frozen, deep-fried Twinkies on a tray before baking in New York. (Photo by Mary Altaffer/Associated Press) SHARE By Anne DInnocenzio, Associated Press NEW YORK The deep-fried Twinkie is jumping from the state fair to the home freezer. Hostess Brands, the maker of lunchbox treats like Ho Hos, is launching packaged "Deep Fried Twinkies" starting Friday that mark its first foray into frozen foods. The cream-filled snack in vanilla or chocolate is the result of a yearlong collaboration between Hostess and Wal-Mart, as both companies look to spark food sales with innovative products. Battered and partially fried before being frozen, the Twinkies need to be finished for a short time in the oven, toaster oven or frying pan. They'll cost $4.76 for a box of seven and for the first three months are available only at Wal-Mart. It has a "retro cool factor," says Ellen Copaken, Hostess' vice president of marketing. "It plays into the comfort food trend. And it's fun." The Twinkie, long one of Hostess' largest sellers, is a bigger business now than even right before the company filed for bankruptcy in 2012, Copaken said. Executives had considered developing a deep-fried version, like those seen at local fairs, but put the plans on hold until Wal-Mart approached them last summer. For Wal-Mart, which gets more than half of its sales from food and other groceries, the partnership is part of a strategy of working closely with suppliers to come up with new twists on existing foods or developing new ones, and getting them to the shelves faster. The company opened a food lab in June for that teamwork, a process that can cut costs and shave several months off a product launch, says Charles Redfield, executive vice president of food at Wal-Mart. The food lab at the company's Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters has 10 test kitchens and space to accommodate 12 individual taste tests at a time. Specific feedback from customers gathered there gets shared with suppliers to determine if an item needs more work. Being tested now: new flavors for its store brand sparkling water, frozen stuffed doughnut bites, and vacuum-packed Paleo meals. "Most of our customers have a desire to eat healthier," Redfield said. "But at the end of the day, it has to taste good. Great healthy things that don't taste good don't do well." Hostess has given a nod to the healthier options, reformulating its Mini Muffins with fruit, no artificial flavors and more whole grains. But the Deep Fried Twinkies and candy-topped brownies are among several new treats it hopes will excite shoppers. SHARE Stephen Minister training to begin The Pastoral Care Department at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center will present a Stephen Ministry information meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at 5:30 pm. Stephen Ministry provides Christian spiritual caregiving through one-on-one support to people who are hospitalized and to their loved ones. Training begins with workshops on Sept. 22-23, and continues with a weekly class held on Thursday evenings. Stephen Ministers complete 50 hours of specialized hospital-based classes and participate in ongoing continuing education opportunities. Graduates commit to serve with the hospital chaplains as volunteer Stephen Ministers in the hospital for one hour per week for two years. In addition to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Stephen Ministers also serve at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center and Thompson Cancer Survival Center. For information or to receive an application, contact Chaplain Randy Tingle at 865- 541-1235. 'Single Ladies' on stage Aug. 20 "Single Ladies," a play written by Sherineta Morrison of Knoxville, will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman St. Admission is $20 for adults and $13 for children 10 and under. Brielle, Anna, Yandi, and Kelise are four young ladies wanting true love. As they navigate through life, Ma Randy pours truth and wisdom into them to help them on their journey. As life throws all the ladies some unexpected changes, what will they choose? Other upcoming programs include: Zion United Methodist Church: Women's Retreat at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, with Tee White as the event speaker. Open to all. Refreshments served at each session; lunch provided on Saturday. 1807 Duncan Road. For more information, email contact@zionmethodist.org. First United Methodist Church: Church-wide garage sale 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 in the church fellowship hall. Items includes small appliances, kitchenware, lawn mowers, clothing, CDs, home decor and more. Hot dogs and drinks available. Proceeds go the mission projects of the church. 3316 Kingston Pike. For more information, call 525-0435 or visit Knoxville FUMC.org. Bentley Street Christian Church: 47th Gospel Chorus Anniversary will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14 and include musical selections by the Martha Davis Baptist Church Choir from Jefferson City; Young's Memorial AME Zion Church Choir from New Market; Annointed Praise directed by Brother Ronnie Brabson; Oak Grove AME Zion Church Choir and soloists Sherry Williams and Ronnie Cantrell. 417 Bentley Street. For more information, call 525-0231. Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church: The church's annual Murder Mystery Play will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, as a dinner play and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 as a dessert matinee. Tickets for "The Mismatching's of Madeline Matchmaker" are $20 each or $150 for a table of 8 for the Saturday dinner play and $15 for one to four people or $12 for five to eight people for the Sunday dessert matinee. All proceeds will go to the Adult Missions and Outreach. Family Life Center, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway. Call 865-680-7032 for tickets. Beech Grove Baptist Church: Special Singing with guest Children of Tte Promise, 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. Everyone is welcome. A love offering will be received. 2733 Tooles Bend Road. For more information, call David or Karen McCormack at 531-7797. Calvary Baptist Church: Kickoff of Catalyst, college ministry kickoff, at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 3200 Kingston Pike. Free breakfast, worship and Bible Study. Rides are available from UT campus. The group will go tubing in the Smokies on Aug. 16 and participate in the "College Water Olympics" on Aug. 21. Info: 865-523-9419 or go to knoxcalvary.com. Jamie Dornan, left, and Cillian Murphy in "Anthropoid." SHARE By Boyd Van Hoei, The Hollywood Reporter In 1942, Operation Anthropoid, piloted by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, successfully went after and killed Reinhard Heydrich, one of the main architects of the Final Solution as well as the de facto leader of Czechoslovakia. Of course, this heroic success in the face of evil speaks to the imagination; exiled auteurs Fritz Lang and Douglas Sirk made films inspired by the events that were both released barely a year later. That said, neither Lang's "Hangmen Also Die" nor Sirk's "Hitler's Madmen" were historically very accurate, because of propaganda needs and since it wasn't yet entirely clear at that time what exactly had happened. The episode remains largely unknown except to history buffs and scholars. So the arrival of "Anthropoid," by British director Sean Ellis ("Cashback"), is certainly welcome, even if the film itself is much too subdued. At least it is until a historically accurate! final siege in which seven men hold out against hundreds of Nazi soldiers in an Orthodox church in Prague for several hours. Much like Ellis' 2013 Sundance feature "Metro Manila," "Anthropoid" is a film that could have used more action to draw out the characters' dilemmas. But until the impressive final-reel shootout, Ellis' latest is more of a military/resistance procedural than anything else. It follows Slovak soldier Josef Gabcik (Murphy) and his Czech colleague Jan Kubis (Dornan) from the moment they are parachuted into the woods of Bohemia until the actual assassination and lengthy, bloody aftermath that followed. When they arrive in Prague, Jan and Josef contact the local resistance, led by Jan Zelenka (Toby Jones in a glorified cameo role). The men find not only a roof over their heads with a family presided over by a kindly matron (Czech veteran actress Alena Mihulova) but also two women they use as cover to be able to go outside without attracting too much attention. Rather predictably, it doesn't take long for Josef to take a shine to Lenka (local star Anna Geislerova, "Zelary"), while Jan falls hard for Anna (Quebec actress Charlotte Le Bon, "Yves Saint Laurent"). However, this is the kind of old-fashioned, whiskey- and tea-colored period piece in which longing looks have to do all the heavy lifting ("Fifty Shades" fans will be sorely no pun intended disappointed). It takes over an hour before the day of the assassination finally unfolds onscreen. Up until that point, "Anthropoid" is a calm, even stagnant affair, with rarely exciting scenes of preparation and planning alternating with domestic scenes and a few internecine struggles within the resistance (are people principally opposed to the assassination or could they be rats?). Indeed, for a feature about the highest-ranking Nazi official to be successfully assassinated during the entire war, it's rather odd that Ellis, who co-wrote the screenplay with former Kubrick assistant Anthony Frewin, can't come up with anything more action-packed or tension-filled in the first hour than a broken teacup. "Valkyrie" this is not. The leads, who speak English with vague accents, aren't much more exciting either, with Josef and Jan lacking in backstory or any specific motivation for agreeing to what could clearly turn into a suicide mission, beyond their vague love for their fatherland and a desire for change. The characters lack individuality and Dornan and Murphy can only do so much with the stick-figure outlines they've been given. Only Le Bon's Anna, who gets a good crying scene, manages to stir the audience's emotions somewhat before the film's impressively staged final battle sets the pulse (if not necessarily the heart) racing. This sequence, both the pic's and the characters' piece de resistance, is impressively staged and choreographed and captured in nervous, you-are-there camerawork courtesy of the director. But even as the stakes are raised and some blood finally starts coursing through the story's veins, it's impossible to keep from wondering whether this elaborate shootout is really of a piece with the rest of "Anthropoid" or whether we're suddenly watching a 1942 Czech edition of "The Raid" set in an Orthodox church. Greg Johnson, News Sentinel columnist. White trash. Redneck. Hillbilly. Words that flow freely in print, online, on YouTube and especially and regularly in emails from overwrought pseudosophisticates who take exception when your Appalachian-American columnist has written vigorously about certain issues or ideas. The "Liberal Redneck," Knoxvillian Trae Crowder not to be confused with Boyd Crowder, the self-proclaimed "outlaw" character from Harlan County, Ky., in the TV series "Justified" has made a name for himself by making fun of a socioeconomic group increasingly ignored. Your earnest scribe hasn't had the urge or the time to Google for Crowder's comedy, what with a couple of real jobs requiring me to do real work and all, but I did learn from a News Sentinel profile that the Liberal Redneck enjoys hearing from "other born-and-bred liberal Southerners telling me how much they appreciate me showing other people we're not just a bunch of inbred hicks down here." Ha! Ha! Ha! "Inbred hicks!" Old Trae sure is wicked witty, huh? Of course Crowder is referring to those who differ politically with him as a "bunch of inbred hicks" and apparently such comedy is fine, even if it is a good bit meaner than Jeff Foxworthy's routine, "You might be a redneck " if you participate in certain practices. ProPublica, the not-for-profit journalism outfit, copublished with the Atlantic a long piece headlined " 'White Trash' the Original Underclass," which examined a shift in tone and tenor when discussing the "white working-class voters, with whom Democrats, especially Barack Obama, were having such trouble connecting." Meanwhile, poverty and opiates ravage Crowder's "inbred hicks." "The 'white working class' (once) connoted virtue and integrity," ProPublica wrote. "A (political) party losing touch with it was a party unmoored." Times changed: "That flattering glow has faded away." ProPublica cited views from both sides of the political spectrum discussing the plight of the white poor. "The white American underclass is in thrall to a vicious, selfish culture whose main products are misery and used heroin needles," ProPublica quoted right-writer Kevin Williamson. "Donald Trump's speeches make them feel good. So does OxyContin." "So what is happening?" wrote Josh Marshall, a left-side commentator. "Let's put this clearly. The stressor at work here is the perceived and real loss of the social and economic advantages of being white." Would that it were so simple. Meanwhile, the words flow unimpeded unchallenged, demeaning, damning words, with a supercilious smirk barely below the surface. SHARE Josiah Jones (Scott County Sheriff Department) Shooter deemed not guilty by reason of insanity By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. There was plenty of blame to go around Thursday for the senseless shooting death of a Scott County homeless shelter director. A clinical psychologist blamed a Knoxville mental health facility. A defense attorney blamed the FBI. The shooter, Josiah Samuel Jones, blamed psychosis. Yet the sister of victim Gerald Ray Voiles, 48, was left with a feeling of injustice and a fear that one day Jones, deemed Thursday not guilty by reason of insanity, might go free to kill again. "It has just turned our lives upside down," Debbie Wolfeck told 8th Judicial District Judge Shayne Sexton at a hearing Thursday in Scott County Criminal Court. "There has to be consequences. The public needs to be safe." Three separate psychological evaluations of Jones, 33, ended with the same conclusion the Helenwood, Tenn., man was in the throes of a psychotic break when he walked into the Scott County Homeless Shelter and Food Pantry in May 2012 with a shotgun and fatally wounded Voiles with one shot. Eighth Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler, whose jurisdiction includes Scott County, told Sexton he had little choice but to agree with Assistant Public Defender Dale Potter's defense of insanity. "The state feels even if we were to go to trial and a jury rejected (insanity), such a conviction would never withstand (appellate) scrutiny," Effler said. Potter said Jones had sought help from Peninsula Hospital and the FBI. Clinical psychologist Vance Sherwood said Peninsula staff had received "warnings from other individuals working with Mr. Jones that he was in a dangerous, agitated and paranoid state" but "completely missed the diagnosis and did not do anything approximating appropriate treatment." Potter said Jones went to the Knoxville FBI field office four times before the shooting in which he made threats related to his belief Voiles had somehow wronged him and displayed clear signs of psychosis. "Instead of contacting anyone in Scott County, they ignored it," Potter said. The FBI did not return a call seeking comment. A representative of Peninsula Hospital was not immediately available. Jones returned to the FBI office after the shooting, according to a report by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Jerry Spoon, but no one would meet with him. He wound up fleeing to Alabama, where he was captured by a state trooper. "I just killed a (expletive) in Tennessee," Jones told the trooper. Jones will be housed at the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Nashville, the state's only lockdown facility for the criminally insane. Sexton said he would review any attempts by the facility, which has limited bed space, to release Jones. "There's a side of me that feels precisely like you do," Sexton told Wolfeck. "I recognize the pain you're in, and I will always factor that in. Under our current law, there is no way a conviction would stand." Eighth Judicial District Judge Shayne Sexton (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. With sex between jailers and inmates as the backdrop, a judge will tackle what could be a case of first impressions in Tennessee just who qualifies as an "appointed official" under a law designed to bar those in power from escaping convictions for misdeeds while in office. Three former Scott County Sheriff's Office jailers all women had been deemed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as eligible for a privilege known as judicial diversion for their respective roles in sexual escapades with inmates at the Scott County jail. But 8th Judicial District Judge Shayne Sexton on Thursday questioned whether a state law enacted after a pill-popping Knox County judge won diversion would apply. That law says "any elected or appointed person in the executive, legislative or judicial branch of the state or any political subdivision of the state" cannot be granted diversion for crimes committed "in the person's official capacity or involved in the duties of the person's office." Under a diversionary sentence, a criminal can walk away without a permanent conviction despite guilt upon completion of a probationary period with good behavior. The privilege is restricted to those who come into court with clean records and face nonviolent charges. Former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner received diversion in 2011 for official misconduct when he admitted buying prescription painkillers from a felon on probation in his court. The privilege spared his pension. Baumgartner's behavior upended several criminal cases, prompting new trials for two of the four defendants convicted in the January 2007 torture killings of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. Those upheavals prompted not only public outrage but the Legislature to enact the law barring offenders like him from getting diversionary breaks. A federal grand jury later indicted Baumgartner for lying to protect the drug dealing of his mistress, who also supplied him painkillers. He suffered felony convictions as a result, and his pension was stopped. He also served a short prison stint. Sexton said Thursday the three jailers Deana Shedara Keith, Marie Elizabeth Gilreath and Tabitha Wilson could well be considered "appointed" officials because they took oaths of office upon being hired. "The question really is, are these appointed officials per this statute," the judge said. "My first impression is, they are." Sexton's ruling, which he said will come by Sept. 2, could affect the breadth of the law, stretching it to include government employees and not merely officeholders. The state's appellate courts have not yet tested the law's reach. According to court records and statements of prosecutors Tessa Lunceford and Philip Kazee, Keith and Wilson each had sexual liaisons with male inmates while Gilreath helped Keith and her inmate lover carry out their sexual encounter by serving as a lookout. Wilson, a 28-year-old mother of two, had sex with an inmate on several occasions between June and October 2015, including once at her home when someone for whom the inmate was supposed to be working took the trustee there. Defense attorney Les Jeffress argued Thursday Wilson was separated from her husband and under stress at the time. He presented testimony from Wilson's pastor and her employer in seeking diversion. Lunceford resisted the move, noting Wilson held a position of public trust that she violated. Gilreath, 32, brought Keith's inmate lover to what Kazee called a guard "tower," from which access to open cell doors could be gained, in October 2015. Keith and the inmate had sex in a nearby bathroom. Kazee said the inmate was left alone in the tower. "This is an egregious offense to have sexual intercourse with an inmate, giving him access to every jail door," Kazee said. Defense attorney Kimberly Parton argued the inmate could not have opened the cell doors solely through the computer system in the tower. "It is a terrible mistake," Parton said, arguing "police officers, politicians and judges" have been granted diversion for similar sexual misconduct on the job. Gilreath already received diversion as a facilitator of Keith's crime. Sexton initially approved diversion for Wilson. But he recalled the law's change on diversion for officials as he pondered what to do with Keith. He said if he rules the law applies, all three could then withdraw their guilty pleas and start from scratch. (News Sentinel file photo) SHARE By News Sentinel Staff KNOXVILLE The final payout for the Hot Lotto jackpot ticket sold Wednesday night in Knoxville is $5.5 million, according to the Tennessee Lottery. The ticket was sold at Thumbs Up Market, 2561 East Magnolia Ave., which will receive $5,000 selling bonus, the lottery announced Friday. The lottery pays the federal and state withholding taxes on the Hot Lotto jackpot, which vary based on where the prize was won. The prize was estimated at $4.9 million. Tennessee has not state income tax, so the winner will receive more money. The lottery announced July sales of $137 million, 14.8 percent higher than the same period last year and the highest for any July since the lottery's inception. The Hot Lotto jackpot was launched in May 2013, and two friends from Dyersburg won a $2.2 million jackpot in October 2013. The Tennessee Lottery has raised more than $3.8 billion since Jan. 20, 2004, to fund designated education programs, including college grants and scholarships, after-school programs and the new Tennessee Promise initiative. Players have won more than $10.1 billion in prizes. An Aedes (Ochlerotatus) mosquito is pictured on human skin. Knox County now has at least four cases of Zika virus, carried by this type of mosquito, but all so far have been acquired overseas. (USDA/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Kristi L. Nelson of the Knoxville News Sentinel Knox County now has four confirmed cases of mosquito-borne Zika, all in people who traveled overseas where the virus is prevalent and acquired it there. More cases are likely in coming weeks, said Knox County Health Department spokeswoman Katharine Killen. "We're not releasing every new travel case," Killen said. "We expect to see more as people travel this summer." Knox County reported its first confirmed case of Zika virus July 23. Tennessee saw its first case Feb. 9; as of Aug. 1, there have been 23 cases statewide, all related to overseas travel. "We've had no local transmission," Killen said. So far, in the continental United States, only Florida has seen locally transmitted cases, where people were infected by being bitten by infected mosquitoes. The other 1,956 cases were linked to overseas travel. Those are only lab-confirmed cases; most people infected with Zika do not become ill, and those who do have mild symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis and may not seek treatment or be tested. No vaccine or medications are yet available to prevent or treat Zika. Symptoms are treated with plenty of rest, fluids and medicine to relieve fever and pain. Severe illness requiring hospitalization is uncommon, and deaths are rare. But the virus is dangerous to pregnant women because it's been linked to microcephaly and other fetal brain defects. The CDC recommends pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. The virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which feeds during the day, but can be transmitted through sexual contact also. Last month, Knox County began trapping Aedes mosquitoes, to get an idea of that species' local population, but it is not testing trapped mosquitoes for Zika. "It's also crucial for the public to know that they play a major role in preventing local transmission by taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites and by eliminating mosquito habitats on their properties and at their businesses" by dumping out standing water and using repellent, said Dr. Martha Buchanan, director of the health department. The Aedes mosquito can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water and generally stays close to where it lays its eggs. Because of this, health officials recommend homeowners inspect their property at least every two weeks and eliminate standing water in flowerpots, gutters, trash cans, toys, pool covers and other places water gathers. SHARE With a new academic year on the horizon, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is urging students to do their homework before signing leases on rental properties. "We encourage consumers to know their rights so they can make informed decisions when it comes to leasing residential property," said Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini. "Be familiar with the duties required of your landlord, as well as your responsibilities as a tenant." The department offers the following tips for people who are looking to rent residential properties: Know your rights. Many counties are covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Ask for a written rental agreement before moving in. This contract sets the expectations of both parties and can prevent future arguments about the duration of the lease and the amount and date that rent is due. Keep a copy of the signed rental agreement and document any repairs or renovations with the dates of completion. According to the Tenant Act, a tenant must allow a landlord to enter the residence for inspection, repairs, improvements or to show the property to potential buyers. A landlord must not abuse this right to harass the tenant. A landlord can enter the residence without consent if there is an emergency. A tenant shall not engage in illegal activity on the property. The landlord must provide working smoke alarms for rental units. A landlord must comply with any applicable building and house codes that may affect the health and safety of the tenant. For more information on the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, visit WeHelpConsumers.tn.gov. From the Not-So-Farfetched File: It was barely 5 in the afternoon when I ran into Conventional Wisdom at the Beltway Bar and Grill. He was not accompanied by his usual adoring entourage of pundits and reporters. Only a dutiful aide sat at a nearby table. Conventional Wisdom already had finished a bottle of tequila and the bartender was ignoring his exhortations for another. "Buddy, you don't look good," I said. "I'm sloshed because I'm stunned," slurred Conventional Wisdom. "How can anyone believe me again? I've been so wrong on everything." "Everything?" I asked. "Yup," he grimaced. "I laughed at the Bernie Sanders candidacy. He won 22 states, got 13 million votes and roughly 40 percent of the Democratic delegates." "OK," I admitted, "you missed that one." "It's one of my cardinal principles that you define campaigns by left and right and win in the center," explained Conventional Wisdom, "but Sanders' anti-corporate message was very popular, is in the Democratic platform and seems to be attractive to many people." "Current polls also could be a rejection of Trump," I suggested. "It's about time!" exclaimed Conventional Wisdom. "I wrote him off when he disrespected a tortured POW, repeated slurs against women, mocked a disabled reporter, got cozy with Vladimir Putin, was sued over Trump University and refused to release his taxes." "Maybe attacking a Gold Star family finally will offend the public," I said. "Possibly," shrugged Conventional Wisdom. "Geesh, Howard Dean got dismissed because of one scream. Remember the damage done from Mitt Romney's 47 percent comment. I just don't trust my instincts anymore." Just then Conventional Wisdom's assistant tapped him on the shoulder. "Good news, sir," the assistant said. "Chuck Todd from 'Meet the Press' called. He still wants to cite you. John King and Wolf Blitzer from CNN have been ringing all day, demanding Conventional Wisdom for their panels. George Stephanopoulos wants you for his Sunday show on ABC." "I'm not facing anyone!" bellowed Conventional Wisdom. "I'm hiding in shame," he said as he slowly stirred the ice cubes in his glass. Conventional Wisdom then looked up at me and asked, "You know Bill Kristol?" "Sure," I said, "he writes for the Weekly Standard and was very wrong about nearly everything associated with the Iraq War." "He's wrong about lots of things," bellowed Conventional Wisdom. "He said Barack Obama in 2008 wouldn't win a single state against Hillary Clinton. He saw Rudy Giuliani as the likely 2012 GOP nominee. He predicted President Obama would name Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Supreme Court days before he nominated Sonia Sotomayor. He said 1993 was the 'high-water mark' for the LGBT rights movement. There's been a lot higher water since then." Conventional Wisdom turned to his assistant and declared, "Tell them all to book Bill Kristol." "Yeah," I said. "Bill Kristol is frequently wrong, never apologetic about it and keeps getting covered sort of like Donald Trump." "Please," said Conventional Wisdom, "Trump's name is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me." "Maybe," I suggested, "you could change your approach and be unconventionally wise." "That's not a bad idea. I'll think about it," offered Conventional Wisdom. "In the meantime, could you buy me a pitcher of margaritas?" SHARE We are nine years and counting until the centennial anniversary of the famous trial in Dayton known officially as Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes and unofficially as "the monkey trial." No doubt there will be big plans to observe the time, when in July 1925 the forces of religious fundamentalism and those of religious modernism squared off to argue the constitutionality of the Butler Act. That was the Tennessee law that forbade the teaching of any account of the origins of humans that ran counter to the biblical story of creation. There is a historical marker outside the Rhea County Courthouse commemorating the trial. The basement of the courthouse is a museum dedicated to the event, and a play about the trial is presented in the courtroom. There is a statue of William Jennings Bryan, the former Nebraska senator, three-time presidential contender and secretary of state who served as a witness for the prosecution to testify on the validity of the Bible. Bryan died shortly after the trial; Bryan College in Dayton is named for him. There is no statue honoring Clarence Darrow, the famous lawyer who defended Scopes and many other lost causes in his long career. This is a mistake that at least one group is trying to correct. The American Humanist Association is raising money for the statue, the work of a Pennsylvania sculptor, Zenos Frudakis, who says that Darrow is too important to the story of the trial to be left out. Frudakis said he has permission from the county mayor to erect the statue opposite Bryan on the courthouse lawn as long as the county doesn't have to pay for it and the statue is similar in style and size to Bryan's. One Rhea County commissioner, however, said he doesn't expect the commission to go along with the idea. And so the struggle begun more than 90 years ago continues not over Bryan versus Darrow or over evolution versus creation but over control of the historical narrative. The Rhea County Commission should rise above whatever misgivings it might have and approve the statue for the sake of historical accuracy and balance. The trial is one of the most interesting and significant and sensational events of our nation's past, a history with a number of clashes between religion and science. Ignoring Darrow while remembering Bryan would be a distortion of the historic trial. For the record, Scopes was found guilty of violating the law, and the trial judge fined him $100. The Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the conviction on a technicality any fine over $50 should have been levied by a jury, not the judge. Moreover, while the justices had differing views on whether the Butler Law was constitutional, they agreed on one thing: "We see nothing to be gained by prolonging the life of this bizarre case." Bizarre or not, the case has been prolonged in American social, religious and historical thought. A statue of Darrow near the one of Bryan would provide a healthy touch of objectivity as we approach the event's centennial year. The statue also would help all Tennesseans find a sense of perspective for an event whose issues will be with us long after its 100th anniversary. Participants in the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop gather after planting mangrove seedlings at a shore of the Klong Klone Mangrove Forest near Khlong Khon, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, on Aug. 7. / Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Center ASEAN-Korea Center's workshop builds bridges between students from 11 nations By Nam Hyun-woo KHLONG KHON, Thailand Among environmentalists, mangrove conservation has been a longtime lingering agenda to protect vulnerable shores in low-lying South East Asian countries. The benefits of vegetation persuaded many of those indifferent to the issue to become propagators. However, planting mangroves is easier said than done a deeply felt lesson for not only this reporter but also for some 120 students from 10 ASEAN member countries and Korea who took part in the ASEAN-Korea Center's project to plant mangrove seedlings in the Klong Klone Mangrove Forest in Thailand. Opaque water, poking mud Lying on the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok, the Klong Klone Forest covers an area of approximately 7.2 square kilometers or 4,500 rai a Thai unit of area equal to 1,600 square meters near Khlong Khon, Samut Sonkhram Province, a two-hour drive southwest to Bangkok. The area is forested with mangroves, small subtropical trees occurring on the edges of sea and land, which oftentimes are in saline and waterlogged mud. The plant's existence is very important because it is a food resource for shellfish and monkeys, provides hiding places for fishes, nests for birds and serves as natural breakwaters. For residents near the area, the mangroves and the mud flats on which they grow have long been providers of wood to build floating huts called "Kra-Teng," fish and seafood to eat and sell, and a barrier to prevent land from being lost to storms. But excessive logging and trash adversely threaten not only human beings but also animal habitation there. The damaged environment harms the marine ecosystem, forcing the villagers about 70 percent of them are dependent on fishing for living to face setbacks in their livelihood. However, efforts were barely made until some two decades ago, when the Thai government and residents there recognized the serious condition of the forest and started to restore the area by picking up trash and planting mangroves. Planting a mangrove is not as easy as it sounds, especially for those outside the local community. To access the forest, the students on Aug. 7 visited a rural town in Khlong Khon, which local residents call "Village No. 2 in Klong Klone." The village stretches along the downstream of a narrow river linked to a small northwestern mouth of the Bangkok Bay, named Khon. There, the participants split into a number of 12-seater long tail motorboats and had 30 to 40 minutes of sailing on half-mud-half-water flats to approach the area where they were going to plant the seedlings. Since the boats could not proceed on the mud flats, the participants had to move some 30 to 40 meters toward the forest. Despite being a short distance away, this was the most challenging part of getting there. Before planting the mangroves, the participants found themselves stuck to their waists because the mud swamp was too soft to make secure footings, restricting them in the movements of their legs. They had to be cautious in making every step because a false step and they would sink into the muck and get stuck with many sharp edges assumed to be mangrove roots or plastic from the trash poking their legs inside the opaque dark gray water and the sticky mud. As they managed to get to the planting area after some 30 minutes of the struggles of walking, crawling, sledging or using whatever method they could, they started to plant "the babies." Fortunately, planting was very easy. As instructed, they dug shallow holes with their hands, placed the seedlings in the holes and covered the roots with mud. Since the mangroves are tolerant of saline water, waves and other harsh conditions, such a simple planting will do enough for the young trees, according to local residents. "It was different from what you would think. Going through the mud was the most difficult part," said Tung Nguyen, a participant from Vietnam. "You could find a lot of sharp things and plastic debris buried in the mud. Planting the trees was really a small thing but it was an extraordinary experience to do something for nature," he said. "It was really fun and meaningful, and I was surprised that the mud was so deep," said Cynthia Foo, 23, from Brunei. "Brunei has some mangrove forests, but I never had such an experience in my country." The project was not only a rare experience for these urban students, who were busy chattering about which Pokemon they caught last night in "Pokemon Go," but also helped to restore the forest and earn some extra revenue for the villagers, who mostly earn their livings catching fish or digging for clams on a mud sleigh. In 1991, the Thai government gave control of the forest to the villagers so that they could restore and use it as a revenue source. About 14 years ago, the villagers started to run a sightseeing program, comprised of tours to the forest where swimming monkeys come to the boats to beg for potatoes, serve the tourists a meal on Kar-Tengs and give them an opportunity to plant mangrove seedlings if the visitors want to. For some 800 residents of this village, the program became a "consistent source of revenue." The head of the village, Theera Dokmaijeen, 37, did not disclose the amount the villagers earned, but said that about 2,000 people visit the village in a week for the tour and the mangrove planting. Most of them are Tha (90 percent), but there are some foreigners from Japan and "Westerners" even from Israel. "For the 14 years of this program, the income from tourism has been consistent," he said through an interpreter. "Though most of the mangrove seedlings were planted by the villagers, income from the visitors also helps preserve the mangrove forest. I hope more Western visitors will help with the planting of mangrove seedlings instead of just watching from the boat." Sustainable youth development' From Aug. 1 to 10, the ASEAN-Korea Center's workshop has toured Korea and Bangkok and provided various on-site activities and lectures for participants from ASEAN and Korea under the theme of marine conservation. On the second leg of the workshop in Thailand, they also attended a lecture by Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in Chulalongkorn University, and visited Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center in Chanthaburi Province. The programs were participated in by students from various backgrounds, such as Chin How Zet from Malaysia, who is a 20-year-old college student and a personal assistant to Cheah Kah Peng, the Penang State Legislative Assemblyman. Since last year, Chin has participated into six ASEAN-related programs, including the ASEAN Entrepreneurship Summit 2015. "Having a chance to experience various social fields starting from the NGO, the Penang State Government and now in ASEAN has helped me to develop myself and empowered me to further develop the members of my local community in promoting sustainable youth development," he said. His view was echoed by Jung Su-bin, 24, a Korean participant. "Through the five-day program, the students of ASEAN and Korea cooperated and interacted to build networks, which was very impressive for me," Jung said. "We felt close to each other because there was something we share with each other as a citizen of Asia. And I believe these kind of programs should be continued." The ASEAN-Korea Center was established in 2009 to promote multilateral ties between ASEAN member nations and Korea. Since 2012, the center has been holding youth network workshops annually to help more than 300 students to build networks with each other. "It is truly meaningful that the future leaders of ASEAN and Korea share the same recognition on practical issues and suggest various solutions to that," said the center's Secretary General Kim Young-sun. "I hope that this program has served as a platform for students to have a global perspective," Kim said. By Choi Sung-jin Trade protectionism has been spreading around the world because of the global economy's protracted slump, which is most unwelcome news for the export-dependent Korean economy. Government and business officials are racking their brains to deal with the changing trade environment but what they can do appears limited, at least for now. Spearheading the revival of protectionism are the two biggest, until recently that is, advocates of free trade -- the United States and the European Union. On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department decided to slap 57.04 percent anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled steel sheets imported from Korea. As of July 30, 31 countries were restricting Korean imports in 179 cases -- import regulations in one way or another were already in motion in 132 cases and investigations were under way in the other 47. By type of regulation, antidumping duties accounted for 70 percent of the total. By country, India was the most active regulator of Korean imports with 32 cases, followed by the U.S. (23) and China and Brazil (11 each). By item, steel and metal products were the most frequent targets with 87 cases, chased by chemical goods (48). According to a report released by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) on Wednesday, 10 out of 15 industrial associations said they were "experiencing trade protectionism, directly or indirectly." The industry groups cited three major types of protectionism -- antidumping tariffs and other import restraints by the U.S. and EU, setting up of nontariff barriers by China, and intentional import controls by developing countries to protect their domestic industries. More seriously, most domestic industrialists expect the trend will deepen, not ease. In the United States, the two major presidential candidates are vowing to repeal or renegotiate free trade agreements and designate trade partners as currency manipulators. Experts here are concerned that Washington could increase the number of protective trade management items. With respect to the recent steps on Korea's steel imports, in particular, they stressed the need to watch the U.S. Commerce Department's ruling on countervailing duty. "Few know where and how the wind of protectionism will blow, and so we should step up monitoring," said Chung Hee-chul, manager of the trade cooperation department at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). In the U.S., officials seem to regard the Korean government's power supply to industrial consumers at low prices as a privilege that helps reduce their production costs and enhances their products' price competitiveness, industry sources said. As most large businesses have benefitted from low electricity prices, they can become targets of regulation, the sources said. Rep. Park Ju-min of the opposition Minjoo Party of Korea said, based on data he received from Korea Electric Power Corp., the state utility recorded losses of 724 billion won by supplying electricity to 20 large enterprises, including Samsung Electronics, POSCO, Hyundai Steel, Samsung Display and SK hynix, at below production costs. "If Rep. Park's allegations are right, foreign countries can levy countervailing duties on Korean products for reason of discounts in power rates," said Park Myung-deok, a fellow at the Korea Energy Economics Institute. "We cannot rule out the possibility the import regulations spread from steel to smartphones and semiconductors." Some trade experts say the government has taken a hands-off approach on trade frictions for too long. "The foreign ministry has said the Korea-U.S. relationship was best in history but the reality was somewhat different," said an expert wanting to remain anonymous, commenting on the U.S. atmosphere against the bilateral free trade accord. "Officials here seemed to think it was just a transient protectionist whiff in the run-up to elections." Most experts acknowledged it is realistically difficult for Seoul to intervene in other governments' steps on Korean companies but trade officials should have tried harder to explain the nation's industrial and trade policies to their foreign counterparts. An official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation closely and try to communicate better with foreign governments. Later in day, the ministry invited the representatives of major industries and decided to activate a government-civilian committee to cope with import regulations abroad. The participants also agreed to set up an advisory group, composed of trade lawyers and other experts, under the initiative of KITA, and activate task forces in major trading partners, including the U.S., India and China, to collect information and conduct bargaining if necessary. "As a country that lives on exports, the resurgence of protectionism poses a serious threat to Korea," said Eom Chi-sung, chief of the FKI's International Department. "Trade frictions require a lot of time and money to resolve, and therefore it is best to keep them from occurring." By Jhoo Dong-chan Ailing Hanjin Shipping is seeking to secure liquidity by selling its facilities at Long Beach, California, one of the company's core assets in its Asia-America operations route. According to sources, Friday, the Hanjin Group is considering taking over the shipper's terminal to provide breathing room for management over a liquidity deficit. In April, Hanjin Shipping said in its self-restructuring plan submitted to creditors, led by the state-run Korea Development Bank, that it planned to secure 100 billion won ($90.7 million) through selling its Long Beach terminal in California. The terminal is one of the largest on the west coast of the U.S. with an annual capacity of more than 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). In a bid to keep the beleaguered shipping company afloat, Hanjin Shipping sold its 21 percent stake in the Tan Cang Cai Mep International Terminal in Vietnam for 23 billion won to Hanjin Transportation, a parcel delivery company under Hanjin Group. It also sold a bulk carrier to H-Line Shipping for 14 billion won as well as its H-Line Shipping stake for 33 billion won. In June, it also sold its trademark rights to Hanjin Kal for 74.2 billion won and operating rights on eight Southeast Asian routes for 62.1 billion won. The company also sold its London and Tokyo offices for 32.2 billion won and 8.2 billion won, respectively. Through the selling spree, the company has so far secured some 267.7 billion won, likely to be used in managing its imminent liquidity crisis by the Sep. 4 debt relief deadline. The forecast for management normalization is, however, still dim. Hanjin Group, last month, requested financing for the deficits from creditors while offering to supply the ailing shipper with 400 billion won through capital increases by issuing new stocks. But its creditors immediately refused the group's offer, conditioning "at least 700 billion won" for such a request. "I don't think Hanjin Group has the financial room to reach the total of 700 billion won to help the shipper," said a creditor group official. "It is very likely that the shipper will enter receivership." Commerzbank headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany / Courtesy of Commerzbank AG By Jhoo Dong-chan Samsung Life Insurance's subsidiary specializing in commercial real estate investment and management has been selected as the preferred bidder to buy German Commerzbank's headquarters building in Frankfurt for about 900 billion won ($820 million), a Samsung Life Insurance official said Friday. Other Samsung Group affiliates, including Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and Samsung Securities, invested in the fund to buy the building led by subsidiary Samsung SRA Asset Management in a bid to take over Germany's tallest tower that has 56 stories and is 256 meters high. The Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and Korea Investment & Securities reportedly took part in the bidding to become preferred bidders for the takeover, but Samsung SRA Asset Management was chosen for its 900 billion won bid. Commerzbank invested 350 billion won to buy shares of Korea Exchange Bank in the wake of the 1997 IMF financial crisis. Germany's second-largest bank made a huge profit estimated at 600 billion won when it sold its shares to U.S.-based Lone Star Funds eight years later. Local media outlets reported that Samsung SRA Asset Management is expected to rent the tower to Commerzbank after buying it, but an official said nothing has yet been decided. "We have just been chosen as the preferred bidder to buy the tower," a Samsung Life Insurance official said. "So, it is too early to say what we will do with the tower." Samsung SRA Asset Management, established in December 2012 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Life Insurance, seeks high-risk, high-return investments in real estate asset management. It also took over German defense company Thales' Stuttgart headquarters for about 230 billion in June 2014 and invested over 100 billion won in an office building in Washington, D.C. in July 2014. Justice Party leader Rep. Sim Sang-jeung, second from right, speaks at a roundtable talk over the overhaul of the electricity rating system held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, downtown Seoul, Friday. Complaints have been increasing among consumers over the progressive electricity billing system amid the record-breaking summer heat. / Yonhap By Yoon Ja-young Though the government decided to temporarily cut electricity bills between July and September, consumers are demanding a fundamental overhaul in the billing system. Currently, the country applies a six-stage progressive electric rate system for households. For example, those consuming 100kWh of electricity are levied only 60.7 won per kWh, but the price goes up to 125.9 won for usage between 100 and 200 kWh. The progressively increasing price reaches 709.5 won for consumption exceeding 500 kWh, 11.7 times that of the minimum rate. The government decided to allow an extra 50 kilowatts to each energy consumption bracket this summer, amid increasing complaints that people can't afford to use air conditioning, despite the record breaking heat, due to their fears about their electricity bills. The government says the measure will benefit some 22 million households. A household consuming 500 kWh a month, for instance, will be charged 96,730 won, which is 17,850 won less than under the previous rate. However, consumers are demanding fundamental changes to the current progressive rate system. According to KEPCO, the system was adopted to protect those people with low income. "Following the 1973 oil crisis, the progressive system was adopted to induce people to save energy and protect people with low income," it explains on its Website. "With the expansion of home electronics, per household electricity consumption is increasing, leading to high fees for those consuming much." Experts point out that the current system has the possibility of causing severe hardship to low-income households. A high-income single-person household, which consumes less electricity, will benefit most, while low-income big families will be suffering from the snowballing rates. "As household electricity consumption has increased, there should have been changes in the rate system, but it hasn't been changed for the past decade," said Cho Seong-jin, a researcher at the Korea Energy Economics Institute. "It is because they were more focused on saving energy' than establishing rates that reflect the actual cost," he said. "However, it isn't clear whether the excessively progressive system has led to saving energy," he added. Consumers also complain that the rate system benefits industries while being disadvantageous for households. The progressive system is applied only to residential use, which accounts for only 13 percent of the nation's electricity consumption. Electricity used for commercial or industrial purposes, which takes 77 percent, is excluded from the progressive rate system. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, however, is being cautious, pointing out that KEPCO had been suffering deficits despite recent surpluses. Meanwhile, the temporary cut in electricity rates is expected to decrease KEPCO's operating profit by around 400 billion won this year. Analysts say it wouldn't lose much when considering that its operating profit is expected to reach 14 trillion won this year. Some analysts also point out that the rate cut will lead to increasing electricity sales, offsetting the loss. "Even if the average electricity rate declines by 5 percent, KEPCO's loss will be offset by 100 percent if electricity sales increase by 5.3 percent," said Yun Hee-do, an analyst at Korea Investment and Securities. KEPCO closed at 59,200 won on the stock market Friday, down 2.31 percent from the previous day when it fell 3.19 percent. "From Mt. Baekdu to Haeundae Beach." by Yang Wang-yong By Choi Yearn-hong Poet Yang Wang-yong is vice president of the Korean Poets and Writers' Association, representing 14,000 Korean poets, essayists, novelists and all other writers. Last month, he and poet Moon Hyo-chi, president of the association, led a delegation of Korean poets and writers to Washington, D.C. for a joint symposium on the internationalization of Korean literature, the first such symposium in the United States. At the symposium, Yang encouraged Moon to expand on the Korean literature in the United States, and which Moon gladly did. A bridge of cooperation was established at the literary event. I received a gift from Yang, his most recent poetry book, "From Mt. Baekdu to Haeundae Beach." I have known the distinguished poet and scholar of modern Korean literature at Busan National University for more than 30 years. The book is composed of five parts: the first on poems from his trip to Manchuria on the North Korean border; the second on poems from his current residences on Haeundae Beach and in Gyeongsang Province; the third on poems about his granddaughter; the fourth on poems about his critical views on the Korean literary world, such as overproduced poets and writers published in senseless literary magazines; and the fifth on his Christian poems about witnessing Jesus Christ. All his poems are easy to read, which I appreciate. As a young poet, he used to produce very sophisticated poems with the language of ambiguity and poetic tension. Now, he is a retired college professor and poet who takes his poetry and life easy. I like the transition from one stage to another. I looked at him as a more mature man and poet. As a matter of fact, he was a college student under the tutelage of famed poet Kim Choon-soo in the 1960s. I myself met Kim as a young army lieutenant in Daegu in 1963. Kim was Yang's mentor. Life is basically marching from the young to the old, a march toward maturity. Kim is now more appreciated for his series of scholarly articles and commentary on Korean poets in the United States, exploring Korean diaspora in literature. Kim is part of the overseas Korean literature. In the symposium, he compared the difference between the Los Angeles poets who were feeling nostalgia for their homeland and the Washington, D.C. poets who were accepting their American life. It was an interesting comparison between the Korean poets in the East and West of the United States. Let me start with Yang's most recent poems. The most touching poems were in the first part of the book, in which he was traveling in the cities and towns of the Goguryeo Kingdom in the 21st century and lamenting the division of the homeland under a war-like situation. He shared the Mt. Baekdu ridge with the Goguryeo people. I can imagine the same geography of the cities and towns two thousand years ago. The same mountains and rivers were there. The imagination of the poet made me return to the grandeur of the great King Gwangketo and his son, King Changsoo, who erected a stone monument to his father's achievements. The poet's imaginative power was priceless. At the same time, Yang saw the poverty-stricken North Korean people in the distance, over the Yalu and Tumen rivers. He could not approach them, and they could not even exchange a look with the traveling poet. How sad the situation was! His agony was mine and my fellow Koreans'. Ironically, history can be the major foundation of national unification. The poems in the second part from Yang's current residence at Haeundae Beach went to his hometown in Namhae, his school town, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, and his college town, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province. I shared his memories of poet Kim Choon-soo and of another poet, Chung Gong-chae, a famed Yonsei University graduate, both from Gyeongsang Province. My affection and admiration went to the two good poets. The poets are gone, but their memories remain in a young poet's heart and mind. His Haewoondae poems are the core of this part. The Silla poet Choe Chi-won named the beach Haeundae more than 1,000 years ago. Yang has produced a series of poems on Haeundae. In between, I found Choonwon's poem on Haewoondae. While Choonwon is known as great novelist in the beginning of the 20th century, he has also produced more than 100 good poems. I am glad to share Choonwon's poem, which I translated, here. "Haeundae* Bright moon on blue waves, Fresh wind in green mountains, Bright moon and fresh wind dwell on this seashore pavilion and my soul and body, dusted from the city, are cleansed. The sea alone is good. The mountain alone is good enough. The village, however, is blessed where the sea meets the mountain. Bright moon and fresh winds make this village a dreamland. Lying on the floor, I see the moon over the mountain. Sitting on the floor, I see the moon over the sea. Through the Five Islands, a passing fishing boat carries the moon on its mast. How can I leave this pavilion? How can I leave this fresh wind and bright moon? I will enjoy this scene until morning. Who dares to sleep tonight? *Haeundae is now a prosperous district of Busan, southernmost port city, Korea. The name means "sea cloud hill." The poems in the third part of the book were dedicated to his granddaughter's growth, starting with her birth. The personal and affectionate poems convey their grandfather-granddaughter relationship. The poems in the fourth part were striking to me, because there are now too many poets in South Korea. I don't know whether they are all decent poets. The overproduction of poets by so many mediocre literary magazines must be blamed. Yang declared that he no longer wants to be a poet, if the situation continues. This is Yang's serious poetic declaration. I don't mind millions of poets in Korea, as long as they deserve to be poets. The poems in the last part of his book were written about his Christian faith. He is serving his church as an elder. When I met him, I noticed his humble language and behavior. Christianity means one's humility and gratitude, constantly praying for placing his or her mind toward the almighty. I have come to know him more from the poems in this book. This poetry book has been chosen by the Ministry of Culture and Information to be distributed to all public libraries in Korea. I am glad to read this poetry book, which can be the best gift one can give to another. Dr. Choi is a Washington, D.C.-based poet and writer. The film site of South Korean hit television series "Descendants of the Sun" opened to the public in Taebaek on Friday, attracting tourists from home and overseas with the global popularity of the drama. The film site is a restoration of the Taebaek leg of the military romance-action series. The municipality of Taebaek in Gangwon Province poured some 270 million won ($245,000) into the project. Launched on local terrestrial broadcaster KBS on Feb. 24, the Wednesday-Thursday series tells the love story of doctor Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) and Army Capt. Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk. The Taebaek film site is the location where, in the 16-episode series, the medical camp led by Kang and the Taebaek military troop headed by Yoo were stationed. At the tourist site located 271 kilometers east of Seoul, visitors can browse the medical camp and military base wearing costumes with the same design as those worn by the cast. The military camp is equipped with combat uniforms and boots, bullet-proof helmets, military blankets and ammunition belts. Outside the camp are army trucks and a helicopter. The city is considering stationing a replica tank, too. Next to the Taebaek military camp is the Uruk powerhouse, destroyed by an earthquake. By 2018, Taebaek city aims to inject 13.1 billion won into building restaurants, storage for fermented food, replica mine facilities and a park there. (Yonhap) People pack the IFC Mall in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Shopping malls, department stores and movie theaters have become crowded by people seeking air-conditioned indoor facilities to avoid the heat. / Yonhap By Lee Kyung-min The scorching heat, which shows no signs of abating any time soon, is compelling people to change their daily routines. Those who are afraid of skyrocketing electricity bills for air conditioning at home are seeking alternative indoor venues where they can spend the day or the evening for an event. The heat has made some office workers early risers so that they can take refuge in their offices where the air conditioning is always on. "I wake up at around 6 a.m., about an hour earlier than in other seasons, to come to work before 8 a.m. It's only a one hour difference, but the temperatures and humidity during the early hours are bearable," an office worker said. "Also, I don't go home until long after the sun completely sets. After sunset, it's much better to go outside and walk home," she said. In the case of college students, many seek coffeehouses where they can study and spend time. But as shop owners only allow people to stay for two to three hours if they buy one cup of coffee, some students turn to motels they make reservations at motels to group study, watch television, and rest in a cool, dry and temperature-controlled room. Not only students but also young office workers are increasingly choosing motels where they can have small gatherings. CJ chairman on amnesty list By Yi Whan-woo President Park Geun-hye granted special pardons to 4,876 convicts, including CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun, Friday, on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day. The Park administration finalized the amnesty list during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting presided over by Park at Cheong Wa Dae. Lee is among the 14 businessmen on the amnesty list. Other convicted business tycoons who had been widely expected to be on the list were not pardoned. Among them were Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn, SK Group Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and former LIG Nex 1 Vice Chairman Koo Bon-sang. The government has offered pardons to only a small number of businessmen, considering public grudges about illegal business practices at corporations, particularly family-run conglomerates. Politicians and bureaucrats convicted of corruption and other felony charges were also excluded. The list included 742 small business owners, 303 farmers, 19 fishermen and other convicts who are to be released from prison. Many of them were convicted of nonviolent, petty crimes related to their livelihood and have served more than two-thirds of their jail terms. "I hope those getting pardoned will take part in reviving the economy and contribute to making our nation proud," Park said. The government said it has decided to release Lee after considering his ailing heath and opinions from business lobby groups and religious organizations. Chairman Lee, 56, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement, tax evasion and breach of trust in 2013. He recently cancelled his appeal to the Supreme Court. Lee has spent most of his term confined to a hospital as he was suffering from Charcot Marie tooth disease, a hereditary neurological disorder, and the side effects of a kidney transplant in 2013. "We hope Lee's return to his position will have a positive influence on society, the economy and the country," Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong said. He stressed that pardons this year were aimed at "alleviating the burden" of ordinary citizens. "The purpose of the government's leniency is to help small-business owners focus on their living again and that's why the pardon was made in a restrictive manner," he said. "There were a limited number of tycoons on the pardon list, while politicians, civil servants and those who were convicted of felony crimes were excluded. We hope the government's decision will lay the groundwork in bringing the people together and overcoming the economic crisis," he added. Meanwhile, Park will also parole 730 inmates who have faithfully observed rules in prison. The ruling Saenuri Party welcomed the President's decision, saying "It is seen as a message of reconciliation." Several activist groups described the special pardons as "well-balanced." "The special pardons have often been controversial because they usually included business tycoons and politicians," a senior official at the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice said. "Lee seems to be the only notable business figure this time and so there will be little dispute over whether privileged people stand above the law." This is the third time that President Park has granted special pardons since taking office in February 2013. She offered pardons in 2015 in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day and also in January 2014 to mark the Lunar New Year. National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, second from left, poses with floor leaders of the three major parties Rep. Chung Jin-suk, left, of the Saenuri Party, Rep. Woo Sang-ho, second from right, of the Minjoo Party of Korea and Rep. Park Jie-won of the People's Party before their talks about passing an extra budget bill at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. / Yonhap By Rachel Lee The ruling and opposition parties agreed Friday to pass the government-proposed supplementary budget bill later this month to invigorate the slumping economy. During a meeting arranged by National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, floor leaders from three parties Rep. Chung Jin-suk of the ruling Saenuri Party, Rep. Woo Sang-ho of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea and Rep. Park Jie-won of the minor opposition People's Party agreed to convene a provisional session of the National Assembly from Aug. 16 to 31 and will vote on the bill on Aug. 22. The Special Committee on Budget and Accounts will soon undertake the screening of the budget plan. Also, the lawmakers decided to hold parliamentary hearings over the troubled Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) at the National Assembly's strategy and finance and national policy committees from Aug. 23 to 25. The parliament will carry out an investigation into an unofficial meeting between financial officials accused of deciding to pump the taxpayers' money into DSME. They also agreed to extend the operation period of the Sewol Special Committee tasked with investigating the sinking of the ferry that left 304 dead or missing. The floor leaders will discuss details of the investigation later. The floor leaders, Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho, Education Minister Lee Joon-sik and chief policymakers from the three parties will also hold a meeting to discuss together the budget for free childcare. "This extra budget that opposition parties suggested was about public welfare, including measures to deal with unemployment and the creation of jobs," Chung said. "The bill should be passed as soon as possible so that it could at least ease frustrations among people in the boiling hot weather." The government submitted an 11 trillion won supplementary budget bill to the National Assembly to prop up the economy. But opposition parties demanded the government must decide on a budget for free childcare first in order to pass the bill. They also called for a parliamentary hearing regarding the suspicion that Cheong Wa Dae pressured policy banks to fund the ailing DSME. A recent audit found that the shipbuilder cooked its books to hide losses in an over 5 trillion won accounting fraud, while the Korea Development Bank (KDB) neglected its duty to check its finances. The KDB and the Export-Import Bank of Korea injected 4.2 trillion won into the ailing shipbuilder last year alone. By Jung Min-ho Chinese tourists' passion for visiting Korea has remained unaffected by the diplomatic standoff between Seoul and Beijing over the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense battery on Korean soil, data showed Thursday. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said 910,000 Chinese visited Korea in July, 32 percent up from a year ago. It marks a new monthly high in the number of Chinese tourists. Notably, after the Seoul government announced on July 8 that the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system will be deployed in the country, about 1.02 million Chinese visited Korea over the following five weeks. The number of visitors increased 15.9 percent from 881,000 between June 4 and July 7, the previous five weeks before the announcement. The KTO said it did not use 2015 data for comparison because that year was heavily affected by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak. "Exchanges between the two countries remain active in private sectors," a KTO official said. "We believe they have become important partners to each other in the tourism industry." In the first seven months of this year, 9.8 million foreigners traveled to Korea, 23 percent up from the same period in 2014. Among them, 4.73 million were Chinese. "We will keep trying to develop various programs to make Korea more attractive to Chinese tourists," the official said. Many Korean government officials and businessmen have concerns that the deployment of the THAAD system will trigger an economic backlash from the Chinese government, which has major influence over pretty much everything in the one-party state. Officials in the tourism, technology, retail and automotive industries have closely monitored how the escalating political tension between the two nations will affect their businesses targeting Chinese consumers. By Kim Hyo-jin Lee Jung-hyun Saenuri Party Chairman The election of the ruling Saenuri Party chairman is raising concerns from opposition parties that they may lose their faithful voters to the governing side en route to next year's presidential election. On Tuesday, Rep. Lee Jung-hyun was elected as the new Saenuri leader, marking the first time for a politician from the nation's liberal-leaning southwestern Jeolla provinces to take the helm of the conservative party. The three-term lawmaker is from Gokseong, South Jeolla Province. Political analysts predict the Saenuri Party could have room to woo voters in opposition parties' traditional strongholds on the back of the Lee election. Given that the previous presidential elections were close races, the opposition bloc is concerned that even a small numbers of voters turning their backs on them from the Jeolla provinces could deal a serious blow to their potential candidates. In the 2012 election, Moon Jae-in, a candidate from the Democratic United Party, the precursor of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), lost to then Saenuri Party candidate Park Geun-hye by a margin of 1.08 million votes. The Saenuri chairman has vowed to draw the support of 20 percent of the voters from the North and South Jeolla provinces in the presidential election, a scenario that the analysts believe is feasible, given that the Saenuri Party has been favored in recent polls by about 15 percent of respondents from the region. Twenty percent of votes from the Jeolla region is estimated to be 400,000, and assuming voters in Seoul and surrounding areas sympathize with their hometowns in the Jeolla region, the figure translates to 1 million. "It has been a tall order for the Saenuri Party to woo voters from the MPK's stronghold. However, now they have a chance, as the region's perception toward the Saenuri is changing," Ji Byeong-guen, a political science professor at Chosun University in Gwangju, said. In the April 13 general election, the Saenuri won two parliamentary seats in the region, with Lee getting reelected. Expectation is also rising among Saenuri Party lawmakers. "Lee's chairmanship has boosted our confidence in taking a step closer to Jeolla voters," Rep. Kim Tae-heum said. "We believe it will help us win the presidential race next year." The pundits say if U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is also considered a potential presidential candidate, launches his bid with the Saenuri Party, the odds will get even higher. "With Ban from North Chungcheong Province running as a contender under Lee's leadership, and with combined power of loyal voters from the Gyeongsang provinces, gaining extensive nationwide support is possible," said Choi Chang-ryol, a political science professor at Yongin University. Amid the escalating concerns, the opposition parties are shifting their focus on the Jeolla region to keep their voters. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the People's Party, visited North Jeolla Province, Wednesday, and laid out plans for economic development there. "We are determined to work hard in the parliament for the Jeolla region's benefits," Park said. The following day, Park called on the ruling party and Cheong Wa Dae to reform the employment of senior public officials that is lopsided in favor of the southeastern Gyeongsang region. Meanwhile, the MPK vowed to push for a revision bill that aims to punish those who slander and distort facts about victims of the May 18, 1980 democratic uprising in Gwangju. By Yi Whan-woo North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is strengthening his reign of terror, publicly executing some 60 people as of August, sources said, Friday. They said such a number surpassed the annual average of 30 people who were killed before the public since Kim took power in December 2011 The executions this year come amid a series of defections among people from various social classes in the wake of the U.N. Security Council's harshest sanctions imposed against Pyongyang in March. The sources said the young leader uses the executions to control the North's people amid growing complaints over him pocketing their cash and mobilizing them as forced labor in state-run campaigns. The latter included the "70-day battle" and "200-day battle," which were both aimed at boosting production and enhancing loyalty to the Kim regime. The 200-day battle lasts from June to December. It follows the 70-day battle, in which the people were mobilized in preparation for Pyongyang's 7th Worker's Party congress in May. Meanwhile, the sources said many of those executed included family members of defectors and brokers who helped North Koreans escape the country. Dozens of them were killed on charges of espionage in February. A separate group of 10 brokers were also shot in April after being arrested for helping defectors at Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, which borders China. "The defectors are considered a serious threat to the propping up of the regime, and North Korea has been frequently publically executing their family members as well as those who help them," a source said. Those who watch South Korean movies and soap operas as well as those who sell and buy drugs are also subject to execution. "People are complaining that such punishment for so-called ordinary crimes is too cruel," the source said. "The people also say Kim's reign of terror is making them too horrified to live there." In an annual report released in April, the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU) said North Korea beefed up its border security while bolstering a crackdown on the use of mobile phones. The KINU, which operates under the Ministry of Unification said Pyongyang's State Security Department ordered soldiers to tighten security checks, and set up barbed wire and surveillance cameras on the border with China to prevent its people from defecting to South Korea. The latest cases of defections included a teenage math prodigy who sought asylum at the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong after participating in the International Mathematics Olympiad there in early July. A top military officer and three diplomats also fled from North Korea in July while a construction worker and two employees at a North Korean restaurant in Malta also defected to South Korea. By Oh Young-jin Have you forgotten about the deathly panic that was triggered by the onset of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) last year? To jog your memory, it started in May and brought the nation to a standstill for fear of the insidious contagion. Thirty eight of 186 patients in the top-rated Samsung Medical Center and 15 other hospitals ended up dead. Here is one unreported case that will give you back your goose bumps. On one day in October, a virologist working for a joint venture research center, whose name you can easily recognize, boarded a flight departing from Seoul for a major European city. In her carry-on that she took to the cabin with her were three separate samples of the MERS virus. It was an official trip but she didn't tell her employer that she was carrying the samples. As a matter of fact, she stole the samples from her own lab, entering the storage area without logging herself in. Footage from the surveillance camera showed her inside. More importantly, she didn't declare it at Incheon International Airport or to the airline she was flying on. Under international regulations, she was required to have hazardous material carried by air cargo and to inform the airline about the contents. For this kind of hazardous cargo, the Korean authorities have to decide whether to allow it to travel outside the country and the authorities of the state of arrival should give their permission after being made aware of the materials and the travel itinerary. All the rules were broken. The result was the risk of immediately endangering the lives of passengers and the spreading the virus through secondary and tertiary contagions. It was not clear whether the samples were incapacitated or not. If the vials carrying the samples were ruptured, potentially she could have infected many passengers because the confined atmosphere of the cabin provides all the right conditions for the virus to be spread by air and phlegm. It has yet to be established whether any passenger from that flight or those whom she came into contact with later contracted the disease. The chilling thing is that the scientist who broke all pertinent rules is neither a mad scientist nor a novice. She is supposed to be a U.S.-trained virologist who worked at the U.S. National Institute of Health and was trained in handling deadly pathogens by the FBI and U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and led the pertinent safety committee in the institute in question. Her theft of the samples was made known after the probe started in January 2016. Her boss was lied to and misled to believe that all procedures were adhered to. She also acted very strangely when she arrived at her destination, the European lab. When her contact was not there, she left the samples with a secretary. It was not clear whether the secretary was told about the contents or if proper handling procedures were observed. Did the authorities in both countries come to know of this serious incident? There appears there was a cover-up attempt in Korea or in Europe. Two Europeans _ the head of the institute and his chief virologist _ didn't report this regulatory breach to the authorities and failed to carry out an investigation. The head of the European institute was being replaced for reasons that may or may not be related to the incident. The Korean virologist emailed her European counterpart about leaving the samples and copied it to her boss, ensuring that all procedures were followed to the letter. When the board of the Korean lab was informed of the incident, the chairman told the institute president to keep his mouth shut, telling him that if it was known to the outside, it would be like saying goodbye to any budget increase. After it was proved that she lied, the institute president, her boss, fired her and the Korean government sent investigators to the lab. The head investigator said that she should be in jail but no action was taken, obviously, considering that it was at the height of MERS crisis. This whistle-blower's account has been used in my column on two premises: the lessons of this incident are very important in handling any epidemics and key facts will be checked thoroughly about people, names of institutes and others that are not fully identified. The follow-up pieces with key information may be forthcoming, depending on further investigation. The whistle-blower is a virologist and claimed that the MERS virus in Korea had mutated during the MERS crisis, which was denied by the authorities at the time. Early this year, the government corrected itself and admitted that it had indeed mutated. In a way, the government has a need not to tell everything because, in the case of the MERS crisis, it could have caused greater panic. In the post-crisis follow-up measure, it is expected to come clean about the things they keep secret because it serves as an education process to inform the public, which is indispensable in making the right decisions in the future. By keeping the public in the dark, the government either thinks light of the taxpayers' ability to learn, or more regrettably, sticks to the anachronistic thought that it is not the servant of the people but their master. We want to break that presumptuous attitude of the government, and hope this case shows it. U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates winning gold in the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. / AP-Yonhap By Park Si-soo U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps claimed his 22nd Olympic gold medal and his fourth at the Rio Olympics by winning the men's 200-meter individual medley for the fourth straight Games on Thursday. Phelps beat 400-meter individual medley champion Kosuke Hagino into second with Wang Shun of China in third. American forces are in the process of carrying out a new series of attacks in the North African area that used to be Libya, focusing bombing raids and drone attacks on Sirte, allegedly the center of Islamic State forces' activity there. In principle, the U.S. air activity is supposed to soften up the Islamic State concentration in that port city, in preparation for a theoretical attack by forces of one of Libya's three governments on it, to be carried out with the again-theoretical goal of stamping out Islamic State activity in Libya. The problem is that the U.S. military activity primarily by air but supported on the ground in Libya by hundreds of U.S. Special Operations forces is that it does not make any sense in terms of U.S. objectives in Libya. They are, first, to establish a system of stable government on the ground, the first that would have been there since the United States, working with France, Italy, the United Kingdom and a few Arab states, overthrew the government of long-term Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The second objective, of more concern to the Europeans but to the U.S. interest as well in humanitarian terms, is to establish some sort of order on the ground. The goal is to put an end to illegal migration by boat to Southern Europe, which has resulted in hundreds or perhaps thousands of drownings, including of many children. U.S. attacks on Sirte by bombing and by drones are resulting only in the dispersion of Islamic State forces from Sirte, not in the actual elimination of Islamic State as a force and a presence in Libya. The working part of Libya is only the coastline; the desert interior is an area where no army has ever been able to eliminate any other army, including classic battles between German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and British forces in World War II. The Islamic State forces may leave Sirte if U.S. planes and drones hit it hard enough, but will by no means put them out of business with the forces involved or available. The second major problem with the new initiative in Libya by President Barack Obama is that it does not deal with Libya's current fundamental problem the fact that it has three contending governments, as well as many more independent armed contending militias. There is one government in Tobruk in the east, another in Tripoli, the former capital, and a third, backed by the United Nations, holed up also in Tripoli. Even if the Islamic State in Sirte were to be dispersed, there would be no party in place to pick up governance of the country, in abeyance for almost five years now. So why is Obama's government involving the United States more deeply in Libya's chaotic war? Prospects of taking out Islamic State centers in Iraq or Syria before the November elections in the United States are becoming less hopeful by the day. So, perhaps Sirte could be reduced, and that action be portrayed as a major U.S. victory against the Islamic State. The hefty U.S. Defense Department budget is still pending and, thus, a claimed U.S. military victory against IS wouldn't hurt. For U.S. defense industries, bombing and drone attacks in Libya run up the tab and enhance profits. This escalation of U.S. military involvement in the conflict in Libya simply does not make sense, and should be ended quickly before it proceeds further. Meaningless Middle East wars for no clear purpose, risking American lives and wasting taxpayer money, are simply bad policy. This editorial appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Farmers are strongly protesting against LG Group's latest agricultural venture. Its IT affiliate LG CNS plans to open the Smart Biopark, which has a high-tech greenhouse and facilities for processing, distribution and research and development. Last month, the company said it would invest 380 billion won into the smart farming project in the Saemangeum area in North Jeolla Province. Farmers are firmly against the chaebol's entry into farming. In a recent press conference by famers' organizations at the North Jeolla Provincial legislature, they asked the government to take measures to stop LG's smart farm project. The Korean Advanced Farmers Federation also protested in Seoul, demanding fundamental legislative measures to bar large companies from expanding into agriculture. North Jeolla Province has been desperate to attract big corporate investment in the vast area of reclaimed land and the Smart Biopark is exactly the kind of innovative venture that Saemangeum needs. It is regrettable that the project is hitting a snag because of the farmers' resistance. The farmers' reaction is understandable since it is natural to worry over their livelihood. But it is also true that farmers' short-sighted views are preventing Korea's agricultural sector from catching up with global standards. Smart farming is the future of agriculture in the connected world. It is time for farmers to break away from stereotypes that farming is only for those who have done it for generations. The aging in rural areas, in particular, highlights the need for rural communities to embrace smart farming more actively. The farmers and LG CNS need to find a win-win solution to resolve their differences. The company should offer projects that are beneficial to the farmers, such as providing consulting on smart farming. So far, the farmers have refused to take part in dialogue with LG or listen to LG's explanation that the tomatoes and peppers cultivated from the smart farm facility will be exported to avoid competition with homegrown produce. They should at least engage in negotiations with the company to find mutually beneficial solutions. The farmers should view the project as an opportunity to upgrade Korea's agricultural industry and make it more cost-effective, scientific and productive. Tokyo urged to show sincerity toward resolving historical conflicts Korea marks the 71st anniversary of liberation from the 1910-45 Japanese occupation on Monday. More than 70 years have passed since Korea achieved independence, but some historical issues stemming from the colonial era remain unresolved because Japan continues its attempts to whitewash history. In the past year, there were some notable occasions in Korea-Japan relations. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been heavily criticized here for his historical revisionism and hawkish policies, refused to offer a proper apology during his national address on Aug. 15, 2015 to mark the end of World War II. The speech had gained much interest among Koreans but failed a sincerity test. He angered many Koreans particularly by saying that future generations should not continue to shoulder the burden of apologizing for wartime crimes. Then a few months later, Korea and Japan reached a deal on the issue of the so-called comfort women, the central outcome being the establishment of a foundation for Korean women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army. Under the verbal agreement, Japan will provide 1 billion yen ($9 million) in funding to the foundation aimed at improving the lives of the victims and healing their emotional wounds. But this was not enough to convince Koreans that Japan's attitude toward its wartime wrongdoings had changed. If anything, the foundation has become a new source of conflict between the two countries because of the two countries' differences regarding its operation and how to use the money to be supplied by the Japanese government. The foundation opened last month but the victims only see it as an impediment to achieving their objectives, including a sincere apology from Japan and legal compensation at the government level. There is additional controversy regarding Japan's demand to remove a statue in honor of comfort women in front of the Japanese mission in Seoul as a prerequisite to releasing the fund. Just last week, Abe's nominations for some key cabinet posts sparked concern over relations with Seoul. New defense minister, Tomomi Inada, has called Dokdo Japanese territory and is an enthusiastic supporter of Tokyo's war criminal-linked Yasukuni Shrine. New education minister, Hirokazu Matsuno, is also a right-wing politician who has made inflammatory remarks regarding historical issues between the two countries. The discrepancy in perceptions of history among the peoples of the two countries is getting bigger. Japanese people are becoming weary about wartime apologies. In a survey by the Mainichi newspaper, 44 percent of the respondents said that Japan had apologized enough for the war and 13 percent believed Japan had no reason to apologize in the first place. This kind of view is unacceptable to many Koreans who believe that Japan has yet to sincerely apologize for its wartime atrocities and colonial rule. To close such gaps in perception and to promote mutual understanding, Japan should conduct proper history education that teaches their future generations about their past in an objective way. Also it is important for Japan's leaders to embrace peace-making gestures, such as meeting with some of the comfort women in Korea. Since the end of World War II, Japan has continued to show a lack of commitment and sincerity toward resolving historical conflicts. As President Park said in her speech last year marking the 70th anniversary of liberation, Korea and Japan should build future-oriented relations. For this, we urge Japan to become more forthcoming about admitting its wartime wrongdoings and offer a sincere apology to the victims. Lee So-ri By Lee Kyung-min Knowing Japan and its strengths in defending its territorial claims over Dokdo is the key to winning the argument over the issue, according to Lee So-ri, 53, a senior researcher at the Division of Dokdo Policy under the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government, Friday. Japan took control of Dokdo, Korea's easternmost islets in the East Sea, in 1905, when it forced the Joseon Kingdom to abandon its sovereign rights of diplomacy in a prelude to colonizing the Korean Peninsula in 1910. "Koreans tend to get instantly angry and verbally attack Japan, dominated mainly by emotions rather than a winning strategy to logically refute its claim point by point," said Lee, who began her work involving Dokdo in September 2005 at the provincial government. A more efficient and wiser way should be learning from Japan to better prepare counterarguments and follow-up strategies, she added. "Dismissing everything Japan only helps it further achieve its aim of claiming Dokdo. Accumulating accurate knowledge more than Japan does is the only way to successfully defeat it," she said. She made such points during her speech on the last day of Dokdo camp where more than 60 students participated to promote global awareness about Korea's sovereignty of the islets. Jointly organized by Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), a cyber diplomatic organization, and the provincial government that has administrative control over both Dokdo and nearby Ulleung Island, the annual camp was held on both islands between Aug. 3 and 5. Earning support from the international community is an aspect not to be overlooked, she said. "Korea is a relatively small country heavily influenced by other countries. But, continuing grassroots efforts to win support from people in foreign countries by offering fact-based persuasive arguments is the best way to turn the tide in our favor," she added. By Lee Min-hyung Lotte Homeshopping was fined 180 million won ($163,400) for selling customer data to three property insurance companies here, the nation's broadcasting watchdog said Friday. The Lotte Group's home shopping affiliate is accused of selling private information of 29,000 customers between February 2009 and April 2014, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) said. The 29,000 victims did not agree to terms of sharing their information to third parties, while most of its users agreed when creating new accounts to access the home shopping service. The regulator said the illegal activity helped Lotte Homeshopping accumulate undue sales of at least 3.73 billion won. Lotte Home Shopping is expected to face further investigation from the prosecution, after it acquires data from the KCC. The incident will come as a huge blow to the home shopping giant at a critical time when a series of its illegal activities are already tarnishing its brand image. The prosecution is launching an in-depth investigation into the company and also into CEO Kang Hyun-koo over his alleged creation of slush funds. The company also came under fire after it allegedly tried to offer bribes to government officials to evade financial audits. In particular, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) ordered the company to suspend its prime-time broadcasting for six months from Sep. 28, over falsifying documents regarding employees implicated in irregularities. Last year, Lotte Home Shopping reduced the number of company officials involved in corruption, seeking government approval to renew its business license. Following the incident, the company filed an administrative litigation against the ministry. When confirmed, the company would have it rights revoked to air any programs for six hours a day between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. The home shopping channel operator said the MSIP's decision will cause a sales loss of some 550 billion and cause hundreds of billions of won in operating losses to its small- and medium-sized partner firms. By Lee Min-hyung The labor ministry officially denied Associated Press (AP) reports on its role in Samsung Electronics' compensation plan for workers who became sick at the workplace. The years-long dispute involves former Samsung Electronics employees who developed incurable diseases, such as leukemia and other forms of cancer, after working at the firm's chip and display-manufacturing plants. The U.S.-based news agency reported Wednesday that Korean authorities, "at Samsung's request," have withheld from workers and their bereaved families crucial information about chemicals they were exposed to at the factories. Victims need the information to seek compensation from the government. AP released another article Friday that stated the Ministry of Employment and Labor is "taking the report seriously." But the ministry claimed that the Friday report does not "fully reflect" its position, and it only highlights some controversial parts. "The labor ministry is following legal steps to settle the issue, and we explained our detailed stance to the agency," said Ko Dong-woo, a labor ministry official. "But our detailed explanation was left out from the report which only highlighted that the ministry takes the article seriously.'" Samsung Electronics had previously agreed with Banolim, a group representing affected former Samsung workers and their families, over establishing an independent ombudsman to determine exact terms of compensation. On Friday night, Samsung Electronics also announced its official position over the issue. The company said in its online news room: "AP reports that Samsung did not provide crucial information for victims because of trade secrets are unilateral claims by Banolim." "That's why we formed the third-party ombudsman in this June," it added. "We express our regrets over the reports that came at a time when both parties reached an agreement to settle the issue. We request more accurate reports for an amicable settlement." An American Airlines flight en route to Columbus, Ohio diverted to Harrisburg International Airport because of concerns a passenger had a gun. American Airlines flight 3885 took off from Philadelphia at 7:30 Friday morning. According to a spokesman with HIA, a man on the plane was heard saying he always carries a gun when he flies. The plane landed safely at HIA at 8:19. The plane was searched and no gun was found. The plane has since been allowed to continue on its journey and has landed safely in Columbus. There is no word if the passenger who spoke of the gun is facing any charges. A spokesman with HIA says airport operations were not disrupted during the incident. A former high school teacher received a 10-year federal prison sentence on Wednesday for distributing child pornography. Stephen Strobel of Jefferson City pleaded guilty on April 18. Prosecutors say a woman in Wooster, Ohio, discovered in April 2014 that her 13-year-old daughter had engaged in a sexually explicit Internet chat with Strobel. Investigators contacted Strobel a month later at St. Elizabeth High School in the village of St. Elizabeth southwest of Jefferson City. Strobel admitted exchanging pornographic photos with girl and sending a video from the girl to another person. He also admitted trading photos of other underage girls with various people online but said he never asked the ages of the depicted children. Police are asking for the publics help to locate a person of interest in an armed robbery at John's Diner in Middlesex Township. Township police on Friday released a surveillance photo of the man identified as Jermaine Parker of Williamsburg, Virginia. They said Parker was in the restaurant and acting suspiciously several days prior to the robbery on July 27. Police suspect hes still in the Harrisburg area. Anyone with information is asked to call Middlesex police at 717-249-7191. The Federal Government has debunked recent negative reports by the U.S.Government about the safety of citizens in at least 20 of the 36 states of the federation. While receiving a delegation from the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said contrary to recent statements by the U.S. government, every state in the country was safe. We are in Nigeria. How can we believe the claim that 20 states in Nigeria are not safe.That is not correct. There is no state in Nigeria that is not safe today. Is there any week they are not killing people in the U.S., by either shooting in schools or driveways or people committing suicide or mass bombing? How many of these stories do their media celebrate? If they want to tell their people not to come to Nigeria, it is not for us to help them propagate it, he said. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at... Chamber retreat helps discover strengths in communication The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has proved that networking can come in many ways. It doesnt have to come at a luncheon or happy hour or Christmas party, but... Cumberland County is on pace to have nearly twice as many deaths due to drug overdoses this year than it did in 2015, and the county has already eclipsed the 2015 mark with nearly five months remaining in 2016. According to Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall, there have been 44 overdose deaths in the county so far this year. There were only 41 overdose deaths in the entirety of 2015. If the current trend holds steady, Cumberland County could see more than 75 overdose deaths by the end of 2016, a nearly 83 percent increase compared to 2015, and an almost three-fold spike since 2012. Deaths attributed to heroin are seeing similar trends, Hall said. In 2015, heroin accounted for 19 overdose deaths. So far in 2016, heroin use has resulted in the death of 20 people, according to Hall. We are seeing more and more synthetic opioids, Fentanyl, Norfentanyl, and Acetyl Fentanyl and one called U4777, Hall said. Hall said there have already been eight confirmed deaths where heroin was mixed with Fentanyl. Another 10 cases are currently awaiting toxicology, he said. He said synthetic opiates, like Fentanyl, do not show up on preliminary drug screenings and require laboratory testing to identify. The rising trend of drug overdoses appears in the increased use of the anti-opiate overdose drug, naloxone, according to Cumberland Goodwill EMS Assistant Chief Nathan Harig, who said naloxone was used on 87 patients in all of 2015. As of Aug. 10, the drug had been administered to 84 people, he said. Were seeing not only more patients who are suffering an overdose, but also patients who are requiring more naloxone to treat their overdoses, Harig said. This is most likely because of worse batches of heroin that tend to be laced with another narcotic or sedative. Some of these sedatives cannot be counteracted by naloxone, leading to patient death. Harig said naloxone is administered to patients who are unconscious. This can mean some patients who did not use drugs will have naloxone administered as way to rule out drug use. He said that for every overdose patient that his department sees, there are likely at least three more addicted to opiates. A lot of the public tends to feel that naloxone is enabling the opiate overdose problem, but research is showing its not, Harig said. Its a tool toward recovery, similar to a bandage, where at least now the patient is alive to get them to rehab. Thats the next step lawmakers have to take better recovery coverage, options and even considering requiring overdose patients to go to rehab instead of being able to sign themselves out of the hospital. We also need to make sure there is a path back to society, jobs and families for these people if they feel stigmatized and outcast they wont get the help they desperately need. More than half of all overdose deaths in 2015 involved victims who were between 20 and 39 years old. All but one victim, who was listed as Hispanic, were white, according to a report released by the Pennsylvania Coroners Association. Addiction is a sickness, it changes brain chemistry, and often we like to make up a fantasy about what an addicted person looks like, Harig said. Weve been to the overdoses, these patients are from every walk of life. They have jobs, they have families, they are rich, they are poor, they are white, they are black. What were seeing now is that, because of stigma, money, or health coverage, our patients overdosing tend to be white males around 25 to 35 years of age. Individuals with recent criminal charges made up nearly 60 percent of all overdose in 2015 and were more than 110 times more likely to die of an overdose death last year than those without recent charges, according to analysis of court and coroner records conducted by The Sentinel in January. We need to create an environment that promotes getting these people the right treatment- if a friend had cancer wed rally around and offer them our love and support to make sure that was the case, Harig said. Opiate addiction is a fatal epidemic, lets support those affected and let them know we want them to get better. Don Boose received his commission as an Infantry officer in the Regular Army in 1962. After his initial post in Korea, he was assigned to a training company at Fort Gordon, Georgia, providing Advanced Infantry Training and preparing troops to go to Vietnam. They all knew for sure that they were going to Vietnam," he said. "Not only that, they knew they were going to be replacements for Airborne units. We had soldiers who had been enlisted, and we had some who were drafted and turned out to have a real aptitude for soldiering and enjoyed it. "But we had a lot of guys who were not all that enthusiastic about going to an Infantry unit in Vietnam," he added. "There were some discipline problems, not widespread, but some. This was the '60s, but it was the pre-Tet '60s. So demonstrations had begun, but it wasnt until I came back that they became so intense and the anti-war sentiment became so strong. Before I went, it was just getting started. In 1966, word came down that he would be going to Vietnam as a military adviser. Surprisingly, Don did not receive extensive training for the job. This was the time of the big buildup in Vietnam," he said. "U.S. units were being sent to Vietnam, and the Army wanted to leaven those units with experienced Infantry captains. So they took 50 advisers who were in Vietnam and had experience as advisers and transferred them into those units. They took 50 random captains in the U.S. and said You guys are going to be advisers. Now the Army had an adviser course at Fort Bragg along with six months of Vietnamese language training. "We had one week in a compound in Saigon. At the end of the week I was flown down to the Delta and plunked into the middle of a Vietnamese Infantry battalion. We were in Vinh Binh Province, between two branches of the Mekong Delta. Don was assigned as an adviser with the 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment, 9th Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). 1st Battalion had the best commander and the best reputation. I had two absolutely crackerjack sergeants, both Korean War vets, Baker and Martin. "I was issued a .45 calibre pistol, two clips of ammunition, an M-1 Carbine, two banana clips, a paper sack of ammunition, and the regular web gear and steel pot and stuff like that. The Vietnamese troops had old World War II weapons and equipment. Down in the Delta the intensity was nothing like it was up north, this was nothing like the Ia Drang Valley. We were conducting counter-insurgency, so we were trying to avoid a lot of collateral damage. So I recorded a lot of helicopter 'assaults,' which, with one exception, means we went in in helicopters. The door-gunners did not prep the landing zone with machine gun fire, we were trying to avoid excess casualties. They might fire back if they took fire, which they often did. They would land, troops would get off, form up, move into the treeline, maybe not a shot was fired. Frequently there would be a couple of shots fired, but whether it was a one of our soldiers with an itchy trigger or a sniper in the treeline, we couldnt tell. Most of the casulaties over the course of the next year were mines or snipers. Onesies or twosies, a steady dribble. The two exceptions where when the battalion was guarding a bridge that had been blown up - we were hit hard and took heavy casualties - and Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday Don laughed when asked about his role as an adviser. Our battalion commander, Major Thanh, was very experienced. He had been a lieutenant in the French Army fighting in Vietnam when I was in junior high school, so I didnt have a lot of military advice to give him about running his battalion. Occasionally there were things Major Thanh and I could talk about, he didnt ignore me completely. But the main thing was I had a radio and could get gunships and medical evacuation helicopters dustoff so I was valuable to him as a liaison officer who could bring in the fire support that wasnt available to him. I could also direct close air support. That ability was critical during the Battle of Easter Sunday. We carried carbines for personal protection, and we also (did) on rare but important occasions for directing close air support. We had two clips, I think Baker and Martin had a few more. Thirty rounds in each clip. One was ball ammunition in case you ever had some target to shoot at, I never did. The other was full of red tracer bullets. On Easter Sunday, when we found out that the VC were in front of the treeline rather than in it like we thought, Baker and I got up on the rice paddy and fired our carbines at their position, and then the gunship came in and fired on them. On Easter Sunday, 1967, a Vietnamese unit went on a sweep and clear operation and ran into trouble. They got hit by the VC and barely got out. The next day they sent in another unit, and they ran into a buzz saw. They ended up with a U.S. helicopter down, and the U.S. adviser, Tom Mitchel, was killed trying to get to the crew. They sent in a dustoff ship, which was normal, except on this operation instead of a motley collection of snipers in the treeline, it was the 306th VC Main Force Battalion with machine guns and a lot of weaponry. The dustoff ship took an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) in the engine compartment and went down. Col. Dempsey, the commander of the 13th Aviation Battalion went down, and he was shot down and killed. The ARVN decided they needed some help, so they called for another Vietnamese armored cavalry unit. Those tracks would have gone right through the VC, but they never got there. So they called us. We had no idea, we werent on standby, we were on stand-down. I got woken up around dawn by the regimental adviser, Major Gary Riggs, Special Forces. He said Wake up, Boose. And honest to God he said, First battalion flies at dawn. We headed out to the airstrip and lined up, no idea what was going one. Major Thanh was on leave, so Lt. Xuien was acting battalion commander. He was asking me what was going on, and Im saying No, you tell me. Eventually the helicopters showed up, and as were getting in we see that theres brass (from the machine guns) on the deck. As I mentioned, we didnt prep the landing zones, so that meant they hit something bad. And I can still see Baker and Martins faces as they looked at each other. We board the chopper and fly north, and Im following along on my map. All of a sudden we drop down low below the trees, 25-50 feet above the ground. We cross the rice paddies, pop up, and Martin says Jesus Christ theres helicopters burning on the ground. Black smoke against the treeline and three burning helicopters. We drop down again, and because I havent been able to orient myself on the ground I have no idea where we are. So I go up between the pilot and co-pilot and say Can you show me where we are? The pilot says Get out of my God damned helicopter were taking fire! So we jump out, and things go quiet, as they do, except we now hear this continuous rumble. After sorting out the confusion about which way to go, 1st Battallion arrives on the battlefield proper. We came up out of the treeline and see all the smoke and flame, F-100s dropping cluster bomb units, and helicopters occasionally. Theyre still trying to figure out what to do because theyve still got guys on the ground. We found a dirt bunker and took shelter behind that. Were trying to figure out what to do and I remember saying to Baker, You know, at this moment, my little boy is hunting for Easter eggs. The next thing we heard (was) a .50 caliber machine gun. One of our great fears was always that the VC would get a hold of a .50. Turned out that the aviation unit had gone back to their base and put a .50 caliber sideways in one of their helicopters, mounted a smoke generator in another, and come back. With the smoke and the .50 firing they managed to get four birds on the ground and some of their guys out. Shortly after that Lt. Xuien started yelling 'We go!' So we all started trotting down to the next paddy dike, and thats the way we spent the day: one dike at a time. Finally we got to the point where we were about 100 yards from the treeline and we realized that the VC were not in it, they were in front of it. Thats when we fired the tracers. Finally sometime around twilight we got into the trees, and the VC broke contact and left. Don finished his tour in Vietnam and returned to the states to resume his military career. He left everything behind except his class A uniform and photographs. As he was leaving, Major Thanh gave him one last thing to think about. When I left Vietnam, Major Thanh, said to me, 'I want you to remember something: this battalion, when you arrived here, only 13 of those soldiers were here. All the rest have been killed or wounded over the course of the last year.' The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more Former mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa was married to Patricia Govea over the weekend at a hotel in San Miguel de Allende, the historic mountain town in central Mexico. The black-tie ceremony on Saturday night at the Rosewood Hotel was attended by about 100 friends and family, Associated Press says. "Two lives, two hearts joined together in friendship united forever in love," the couple's wedding website reads. "It is with joy that we, Patricia & Antonio, invite you to share in a celebration of love as we exchange our marriage vows." Villaraigosa, 63, is edging closer to a public announcement of whether he is running for governor of California. He had a small role at the recent Democratic National Convention. Not much has been reported about Govea except that she was born in Mexico, moved to the U.S. in 2004 and works in fashion. Villaraigosa, a former speaker of the California Assembly, was mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. Since leaving office he has held a few different positions in the business world and prepared to run statewide for the first time. The couple's website says the wedding was preceded on Friday evening by a cocktail reception and a mariachi procession through San Miguel. There also was a Sunday brunch with guests. In lieu of gifts, the couple recommended a donation to a scholarship fund for DREAMer immigrant students. Villaraigosa disclosed the couple's plans to marry in March. Villaraigosa's previous marriage to Connie Raigosa ended during his tenure as mayor after he was forced to acknowledge an affair with television reporter Mirthala Salinas. The name Villaraigosa is a blend of the former mayor's family name, Villar, and Raigosa. Previously on LA Observed: Villaraigosa acting more like a candidate Villaraigosa to host Clinton funder in Beachwood Canyon home Mirthala Salinas leaves TV anchor seat for her family Villaraigosa buys in Beachwood Canyon for $2.5 million PRESS RELEASE China Issues Major Program for Innovation and Scientific Discovery Aug. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)The State Council of China issued on Aug. 9 a new five-year plan for the development of the countrys science and technology, with the aim of becoming one of the top 15 science nations by 2020. It is presently ranked 18th in a global innovation ranking developed by the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development. In line with its policy of using innovation as the main driver of economic growth, China will spend 2.5% of its GDP to fund innovation. In 2015 it spent 2.1% on innovation. The government also intends to tap into the equity market as an additional source for funding innovation. High-tech services contributed 15% of the countrys GDP in 2015, and the government expects this to rise to 20% by 2020. China has made great headway in fields such as high-speed rail, global positioning technology, hybrid rice development, and fourth-generation telecommunication technology. The plan also calls for 15 major projects in the fields of quantum telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, cyberspace, and deep space. Xu Jing, director-general of the Department of Innovation and Technology at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the manned space program and deep-sea exploration are also priorities. "During the 13th five-year plan, we are also considering the start of Mars exploration, as well as a study on the overall development and utilization of aerospace, including the on-orbit and the Space-Air-Ground network," Xu said. PRESS RELEASE Ramos Invited to Beijing Aug. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)China Daily reports that Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday, the third day of former Philippine President Fidel Ramoss "ice-breaking trip" to Hong Kong on behalf of current President Duterte, that "China is sticking to an open attitude toward all means of contact between China and the Philippines, and welcomes Mr Ramos to China." It is not clear whether Ramos will travel on to Beijing on this trip, but this appears to be the official invitation he was waiting for. Hua called on the two sides to make joint efforts to improve bilateral ties, restore dialogue and cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-Philippines ties. Chen Qinghong, a researcher in Southeast Asian and Philippine studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) in Beijing, said that China and the Philippines can start communications on some easier topics first (i.e., not on sovereignty issues) to create an atmosphere for dialogue on sensitive issues. However, he added that Chinas stance on sovereignty will not be changed, since sovereignty is not a commodity to trade. The return to Deng Xiaopings approach, to "put the sovereignty issue aside," is essentially agreed by both sides, although Obama is doing all he can to force Manila to put the Hague ruling on the agenda, which China will not accept. PRESS RELEASE Risk of War in Ukraine Jumps Up Further Aug. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)The temperature of relations between Russia and Ukraine went up several degrees, yesterday, after the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia issued a statement reporting that it had rolled up two reconnaissance and sabotage teams dispatched into Crimea by Ukrainian military intelligence and detained 7 people in the process. Two Russians, an FSB officer and a member of the Russian military, were killed in the operations, which took place over the period of Aug. 6-8. "The aim of this subversive activity and terrorist acts was to destabilize the socio-political situation in the region ahead of preparations and the holding of elections," the FSB said, referring to Russia-wide parliamentary elections next month. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a joint press conference with the President of Armenia yesterday, said that the incident shows that a summit meeting of the Normandy Four on the sidelines of the G20 summit in China next month, no longer makes sense. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had suggested such a meeting just a couple of days ago. "Judging by the situation, those who seized power in Kiev back then and still hold it now, are not seeking... compromise solutions," Putin said. "I think it is now clear to all that the authorities in Kiev today are not looking for a solution to the problem through negotiations, but are resorting to terror." Ukrainian authorities have denied the Russian charge, even though one of the arrested confessed on Russian television today. Poroshenko also called for the matter of Crimea to be discussed at the UN Security Council, (which it was today), and ordered that all Ukrainian military units near the border with Crimea and in the Donbass region be put on the highest state of alert, Sputnik reports. "Russia has a record of frequently levying false accusations at Ukraine to deflect attention from its own illegal actions," said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt on Twitter, while a NATO spokesman told Sputnik that the Russian accusation is simply unproven. I had always assumed that the 60s were the time that the country was really in crisis. But the 70s were far worse, Jeffrey Toobin said when we reached him mid-book tour, traveling by train. There were a thousand bombings a year, skyjackings all the time, rampant crime on the streets of San Francisco, Watergate, the energy crisis. And the Hearst kidnapping was a defining movement of that crisis in the country. Toobin, a New Yorker staff writer, tells that story in his new book, American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst. In 1974, the kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was big news. Her grandfather, William Randolph Hearst, had been a larger-than-life pioneer, architect of todays tabloid journalism (and, famously, the inspiration for Orson Welles Citizen Kane). At the time she was taken, Patricia Hearst Patty to her parents was a rebellious middle daughter, a mildly depressed Berkeley student living with a fiance nobody liked. Advertisement Her kidnappers were a tiny group calling itself the Symbionese Liberation Army, one example of the madness of the 70s, Toobin said. The SLA spouted revolutionary rhetoric (its communiques ended, death to the fascist insect that preys upon the life of the people) but could barely keep its members fed, much less change the world. Imagine the worlds shock when, two months after her capture, Hearst announced her solidarity with her captors, and her new nom de guerre, Tania (a homage to one of Che Guevaras comrades in arms). She would live with them, helping to carry out two bank robberies and participating in one intense L.A. shootout, until her arrest in September 1975. Photographed wearing a beret and brandishing a machine gun, Hearst became an instant icon. Whereas Toobins previous books, including The Run of His Life: The People V. O.J. Simpson, expanded on cases and subjects hed reported on in person, he was just 13 when Hearsts kidnapping took place. This book was the first Ive written that is really at the border of journalism and history, he explains. It was while researching an article on a jailhouse gang that Toobin began learning more about the 1970s prison movement, which led him to the SLA. They saw themselves as part of a worldwide revolutionary movement....but they were a sort of tragicomic offshoot. Jeffrey Toobin on the SLA Nothings been written about it for decades, Toobin said. That was another reason to do it; I thought a story as big and dramatic as this one needed a new look after 40 years. Looking back at the Hearst kidnapping today, its startling how many of its key moments the use of security camera footage in one of the banks the SLA robbed, the new technology that allowed television stations to stream breaking news live to viewers, the participants angling for book deals even before bullets stopped flying feel like previews to our current media landscape. At one point I refer to the story as a trailer for modernity, a set of coming attractions, Toobin said. Immediately after kidnapping Hearst, the SLA demanded massive food donations throughout the state of California in lieu of a traditional ransom. It was a stance that had had a big impact on Patty, Toobin said. She saw that they werent asking for money for themselves, they were trying to feed the poor, and they told her that her father was being recalcitrant that was a big factor in her decision to switch sides. If the book has a moral center, its Randy Hearst, Patricias father. Until Feb. 4, 1974, he lived for duck hunting and red wine, Toobin said. After his daughters kidnapping, Randy tried to appease her captors by organizing an ambitious though bungled food donation program. He really put this heart and soul into trying to free his daughter, Toobin said, and that included trying to understand the world that she had been swept into. And that was a tremendous act of love for her, and an act of empathy for a guy who had led an enormously sheltered existence. :: Wednesday: Jeffery Toobin at Writers Bloc with American Crime Storys Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Where: Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 Admission: $25 Info: www.writersblocpresents.com :: Despite Hearsts testimony during her trial that she had gone along with SLA actions only because of coercion or fear, Toobin rejects that explanation, but not without compassion. At the time of her kidnapping, he points out, she was just 19 years old, an unformed, restless soul. She was trapped in an engagement to someone she didnt want to marry, but also didnt want to admit to her mother that shed made a mistake. She was developing a political consciousness, and she was ready for an experience vastly different from anything she had known before. At the same time, he added, her choices had disastrous consequences that could have been even worse. If you look at her conduct, to me there is no alternative explanation except that she was an enthusiastic participant in an extraordinary number of crimes, any of which could have taken multiple lives, and one bank robbery did take a womans life, Toobin said. I mean, shooting up a street in Inglewood its just a miracle she didnt kill a lot of people. At her 1976 trial, despite disavowing her SLA ties, Hearst was convicted for her role in a bank robbery. Initially sentenced to 35 years in prison, she served only 22 months before President Carter commuted her sentence to time served. President Clinton pardoned her on his final day in office. Rarely have the benefits of wealth, power, and renown been as clear as they were in the aftermath of Patricias conviction, Tobin writes. In 1982, Hearst published Every Secret Thing, her memoir of the kidnapping. It was a bestseller. She has worked in Hollywood, memorably appearing in the John Waters films Cry-Baby and Serial Mom. Despite Hearsts undeniable radical chic as Tania, its difficult today to see the SLA as anything but absurd. The revolutionaries railed against racist, imperialist oppression, but their eight-member group included only one black member, Donald DeFreeze, who took the name Cinque (after the courageous leader of the Amistad rebels, but resembling him in no other way). They saw themselves as part of a worldwide revolutionary movement, which included the Tupamaru in Uruguay, the Red Brigades in Italy, the Baader-Meinhof Gang in Germany, Toobin said. There was something going around in the world that they were part of, but they were a sort of tragicomic offshoot. They were not serious revolutionaries. At the same time, Toobin added, I also was conscious of the fact that as nutty as the SLA can appear to be, they also killed two people: bank customer Myrna Opsahl and Marcus Foster, the African American Oakland school superintendent whose murder appalled the local Black Panthers. We can be grateful that the SLA was so incompetent, because if theyd been effective, the death toll in this story would have been much, much higher. So this was serious business, he said. I tried to keep that ever present in my mind. Tuttle is a board member of the National Book Critics Circle and regular contributor to the Boston Globe; she is founding director of the Decatur Writers Studio. :: American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst Jeffrey Toobin Doubleday: 384 pp., $28.95 In 2014, Jacqueline Woodson won the National Book Award for young adult literature for an unusual book: a novel in verse, Brown Girl Dreaming, about a young girl moving with her family from a Southern town to New York. She returns to similar territory this time, writing for adults -- in Another Brooklyn. The novel traces the childhood of August and her three best friends in 1970s Brooklyn, framed by her return to the city after a 20-year absence. It passes to its readers the weight of growing up Girl in Brooklyn, much in the same way August, Sylvia, Angela and Gigi share that burden until tragedy and betrayal separate them. Adult August, an anthropologist, returns to New York to bury her father and runs into an old friend, Sylvia, on the subway. Already fighting the pull of memories, August succumbs to reliving her childhood and how much Sylvia, Angela and Gigi, meant to her. Advertisement The four of us together werent something they understood. They understood girls alone, folding their arms across their breasts, praying for invisibility Jacqueline Woodson, Another Brooklyn In 1973, when her mother began to hear the voice of her dead brother, Augusts father left their home in SweetGrove, Tenn., and brought them to Brooklyn. Through Augusts flashbacks, we learn about her transition from girlhood into young womanhood, with her three best friends filling the hole of her missing mother. On the first page, August warns the reader: I know now that what is tragic isnt the moment. It is the memory. Memory, as its threaded throughout the novel, is both permanent and changing, unreliable yet indelible. The girls all try to figure out who they are through their mothers: We came by way of our mothers memories. August holds on to memories of her mother yet her mother breaks under the pressure of grief and tries to relive memories of her own beloved brother, killed during the Vietnam War. August turns the trauma of losing her mother and uncle into a career of studying various cultures rituals of death. The many layers of Another Brooklyn have the poetic and vivid strength of Brown Girl Dreaming. The effects of the Vietnam War on black families, absent mothers, predatory men, religion as escape, white flight and gentrification, the epidemics of drug abuse and poverty, and the search for belonging all make their way into the novel without overcrowding. The novel reads like a series of prose poems, quick blocks of text separated by frequent spacing, which allows the reader to absorb the significance of each transition and have time to breathe before tackling Augusts next memory. Tragedy ultimately pulls at the tight weave of friendship, and the girls separate and fall apart. Adversity hits Angela first, then betrayal rocks Sylvia and August, before Gigi arguably suffers the worst, traumatized by an assault at age 12. August, even in adulthood, remains frustrated by Gigis outcome: But we remained on Earth. Believing ourselves wingless. Another Brooklyn is not another New York is the greatest city in the world story. Its about the fact that women are stronger together as friends than apart or as enemies. Augusts mother tells her women arent to be trusted: Keep your arm out, she said. And keep women a whole other hand away from the farthest tips of your fingernails. She told me to keep my nails long. But August, Sylvia, Angela and Gigi protected each other, at one point saving money to buy razor blades and teaching each other how to use them for future attacks. As they grew older and began developing figures that attracted boys and men alike, they stayed together: The four of us together werent something they understood. They understood girls alone, folding their arms across their breasts, praying for invisibility. Another Brooklyn joins the tradition of studying female friendships and the families we create when our own isnt enough, like that of Toni Morrisons Sula, Tayari Jones Silver Sparrow and Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde. Woodson uses her expertise at portraying the lives of children to explore the power of memory, death and friendship. Even when what was good turns sour, it can fuel the rest of our lives, in ways we never think to acknowledge. Perkins is a freelance writer based in her hometown of Nashville. :: Another Brooklyn Jacqueline Woodson Amistad: 192 pp., $22.99 Emma Clines The Girls is a gorgeous, disquieting spin on Manson family dynamics Yaa Gyasis Homegoing, a panoramic portrait of the slave trades legacy, is a blazing success Kate Vershov Downing is a lawyer working for a Silicon Valley technology firm, married to a software engineer. But even with two good jobs in the household, shes been driven out of the Palo Alto housing market, where the home she rents with another couple costs $6,200 in monthly rent and would cost $2.7 million to buy. The Downings are moving to Santa Cruz, where prices are somewhat less nuts. If professionals like me cannot raise a family here, then all of our teachers, first responders and service workers are in dire straits, she wrote recently in a regretful letter of resignation from the Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission. We already see openings at our police department that we cant fill and numerous teacher contracts that we cant renew because the cost of housing is astronomical not just in Palo Alto but many miles in each direction. Advertisement This governor has never seen a CEQA exemption he doesnt like. Kathryn Phillips, Sierra Club California Downings dilemma may be an extreme case, given the otherworldly housing market in Palo Alto and other Silicon Valley communities. But its replicated across the state, where more than one-third of homeowners and nearly half of all renters are spending more than a third of their household incomes on housing the official federal definition of affordable and the rate of homelessness easily outstrips that of the nation as a whole. One cause of the affordability crisis is that the state isnt building enough housing at any price. Construction in the state isnt keeping up with population growth, so housing costs rise across the board. That trend creates further ripples, driving up costs of goods, services and employment. A dollar buys less in California than in almost any other state, and housing costs are a major reason. California homebuilding has fallen well behind whats needed to bring costs into line with the rest of the country. (Legislative Analysts Office/Los Angeles Times ) So its proper that Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a solution to the crisis. But its unfortunate that his plan plays right into the concerns that many in the environmental and civic planning communities have with the governor, including his apparent willingness to sideline far-reaching policies for short-term or narrow gains. As my colleague Liam Dillon has explained, Browns plan essentially would grant housing developers a pass on environmental and local planning reviews if 5% to 20% of the units are reserved for low-income or affordable housing. The proposals would be eligible for fast-track approval if they met several other requirements: To be eligible for so-called by-right approval, they would have to be multi-family developments in urban neighborhoods and conform to local general development plans and zoning laws. In announcing the plan in May, Brown tied it to a promise of $400 million for housing subsidies. In a sense, the governors plan acknowledges that the state is out of ammunition for sparking the construction of new housing for middle- and low-income families. Bond issues approved by voters in 2002 and 2006 provided nearly $4 billion to build or rehabilitate more than 57,000 units for such households, but nearly all the money has been spent. Community redevelopment agencies were required to set aside 20% of their revenues for the same purpose, a mandate that yielded more than $1 billion statewide in 2009-10. But that source evaporated after 2011, when Brown eliminated the redevelopment agencies, which he said were wasteful and ineffective at fostering economic growth. The administration portrays the new proposal as a way to streamline local and environmental planning, reducing bureaucratic and nuisance delays in the teeth of the crisis. Some people who come and protest new development have owned their home since the 60s and 70s, says Downing. Theyre people who used to work as teachers, and now theyre drawing up the bridge behind them, driving up prices to the point beyond what they could have afforded themselves. Browns solution, she contends, does everything that needs to happen. The problem is that what looks like red tape and nuisance lawsuits to a real estate developer can serve as crucial and all-too-rare opportunities for input for neighbors and local officials. Local leaders question whether the streamlined process would give planners sufficient time to examine the impact of by right developments on traffic, light pollution, noise and civic services. Our residents expect to have a forum where they can express their views and try to mitigate these environmental issues wherever possible, says Dan Carrigg, deputy director for legislative affairs of the League of California Cities. Labor organizations see the planning process as an opportunity to ensure union-scale wages for construction workers. Without the ability to engage on wages, says Robbie Hunter, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, they would go straight to the bottom. Some environmentalists see the governors plan as another expression of his hostility to the far-reaching California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, which requires detailed environmental impact reviews of construction projects. Brown says CEQA is among the California conditions that make it easier to build in Texas, but is hard to change because of the political climate, as he told Jim Newton of the civic magazine Blueprint. The unions wont let you because they use it as a hammer to get project labor agreements, he said. The environmentalists like it because its the peoples document that you have to disclose all the impacts. Brown has attempted to deal with CEQA by advocating case-by-case exemptions; says Kathryn Phillips, director of the Sierra Club California, This governor has never seen a CEQA exemption he doesnt like. Carving housing projects out of the CEQA process, she says, would simply serve developers purposes in building as quickly as possible with as little oversight as possible. Even some affordable housing advocates who agree the approval process for housing is too prolonged question whether the governors proposal is entirely the right solution. We need 1.5 million affordable units in California, so we have to revisit the process so it moves faster, says Christian Ahumada, executive director of Clifford Beers Housing, a Los Angeles nonprofit that has 448 homes and 310 apartments built or in the planning stages, chiefly for disabled persons, veterans, seniors, families and homeless youth. We do need to streamline it, but we cant cut out community input. Some argue the proposed threshold for by right exemptions is too low and the definition of affordable too lax according to the federal government, it means housing that costs no more than 30% of household income, including utilities. That isnt necessarily the same as low-income housing. In Hollywood, where median household income is about $33,700, the affordable threshold in monthly rent or mortgage would be less than about $850. But in Santa Monica, where the median household income is nearly $70,000, an affordable home would rent for or carry a mortgage of about $1,750 a month. That mortgage payment could cover a home costing close to $500,000. Allowing developers to sidestep local planning reviews in return for a handful of lower-priced units would mean getting too little back for what were giving away, says Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. We get fooled because we call something affordable if its just not at the market rate. This is the worst way to get affordable housing. Yet this all avoids the question of what is the right way. A measure making its way through the Legislature would place a $3-billion affordable housing bond on the ballot as early as this November, but that money alone may not be enough to get housing where its needed. The burdensome permitting process for new construction should be streamlined, but not in a way that cuts local communities out of the loop to the extent Brown advocates. A good plan would recognize that laws like CEQA have helped make living in California as alluring as it is, and shunting them aside wont, in the end, get the state what it needs. The governors proposal is sound in principle, but its the first draft of a workable blueprint. 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. MORE FROM MICHAEL HILTZIK: How the criminal conviction of PG&E lets the real wrongdoers go free Its time for the government to play hardball with those whining Obamacare insurers Donald Trump just proposed repealing the death tax. Heres why thats a scam. Cable and telecom companies have made billions by selling mediocre Internet service to American customers who dont have anywhere else to go. The firms, which are monopolies or nearly so in many local communities, arent happy about municipalities that have taken matters into their own hands by launching their own broadband services. Thats especially so because the public systems typically are faster and cheaper than the crummy connections served up by the commercial providers. So theyve worked hard to get laws passed interfering with this form of competition. They just chalked up their biggest victory yet in a courtroom, not a legislative chamber. The 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Wednesday shut down an effort by the Federal Communications Commission to foster the spread of municipal broadband. The FCC, arguing that the public interest was served by more competition in the broadband market, had tried to overturn state laws in Tennessee and North Carolina blocking the creation or expansion of municipal systems. Advertisement A three-judge appellate panel rejected the commissions argument that federal law preempted the states ability to place limits on public broadband. In other words, no dice. State legislators talk about passing new barriers to public systems until its written about in the press. Then they get letters from voters. Chris Mitchell, public broadband advocate Whats intriguing about the ruling is that it accepted the FCCs reasoning that competition from municipal systems works well. The restrictions imposed by Tennessee and North Carolina were onerous, agreed Judge John M. Rogers, writing for the court. When Chattanooga, Tenn., launched its own fiber-based broadband service in 2009, Rogers observed, it was a near-instant success. By 2010, it was providing gigabit Internet connectivity, a speed almost unheard of in the cable and telecom broadband world, at least at an affordable price. Now the system has 63,000 customers. The network has received uniform praise, Rogers wrote. It has led to job growth and attracted businesses to the area, and turned the citys Internet-ready public library system into a national model. It has been such a moneymaker for Chattanooga that the citys credit rating went up. Most important, its introduction led established Internet providers to lower rates while increasing the quality of their services. Comcast, the local cable and Internet provider, stopped raising its rates which had risen sharply for years, and along with AT&T, vastly improved their Internet speeds. The gigabit service offered by the city of Wilson, N.C., is free to businesses in the downtown area and similarly successful cheaper than competitors, faster and profitable. Time Warner Cable felt the pinch; it held rates steady in Wilson while simultaneously raising rates in places without such competition and improving connection speeds. Both communities inspired envy among their neighbors. The communities around Chattanooga, Rogers noted are said to constitute a digital desert in which the Internet services are abysmal or nonexistent. In both cases, neighboring towns clamored for the expansion of the systems across the city lines. Thats where the state laws came in. Tennessee and North Carolina both forbid municipal utilities to operate outside the city limits except in limited cases. North Carolinas law, passed in 2011 plainly in response to the competition presented by Wilson, is the more stringent it not only restricts municipal broadband services to city limits, but requires municipal providers to pay the same taxes and fees a private Internet service provider would pay and to solicit partnership proposals from commercial providers before launching a public system. Theres no mystery about who pushes for these laws and those like them, enacted in about 20 other states. Its the cable and telecom companies, abetted by the infamous right-wing, business-funded American Legislative Exchange Council. ISPs, especially Comcast and AT&T, have lobbied for these restrictions all over the country, says Andrew Jay Schwartzman, a veteran telecommunications consumer advocate. In 2014, for example, a lobbying group that counted Comcast and Time Warner Cable among its members got a bill introduced in Kansas outlawing municipal broadband in that state. Earlier this year, Comcast and AT&T succeeded in killing a measure that would have allowed Tennessee municipalities to expand their broadband services to other communities, despite existing state law. ALEC has provided state legislators with model policies and a model state law favoring private broadband providers and filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Sixth Circuit. The rollout of broadband services in the U.S. is going phenomenally well, the group maintains, and is largely being done with private capital and without involving taxpayer dollars. Thats obviously not the case, since competition from municipal systems has goaded those private capitalists into cutting prices and improving their services. Even when that happens, the private firms compete begrudgingly. Last year, after Longmont, Colo., rolled out a gigabit municipal system, Comcast said it would increase speeds for most subscribers in the area to 150 megabits per second, one-sixth of the city services speed. Gigabit service would be available to Comcast customers, but for $300 a month; Longmont charges $50. Voters in nine Colorado communities voted in April to explore creating community systems, meeting a requirement in state law that mandates a local vote. Before then, 36 Colorado communities had already voted to explore launching a service, though only Longmonts is operational. Those votes underscore that voter discontent with the low quality and high cost of cable and telecom broadband has helped defeat the efforts of big companies to stifle municipal competition. Since 2005, only one such law has been passed, says Chris Mitchell, a community broadband advocate at the institute for Local Self Reliance North Carolinas restriction, in 2011. State legislators talk about passing new barriers to public systems until its written about in the press, Mitchell says. Then they get letters from voters. Thanks to this weeks appeals court ruling, supporters of community broadband will have to continue their work without the assistance of the FCC. But by providing lousy service, the cable and telecommunications industries may make their job easier. 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. Promoters of privatizing the U.S. Social Security system have never tired of holding up Chiles privatized program as an example of how this can make workers rich. The trick is that they never ask ordinary Chilean workers and retirees how they feel about it. That may be because they know what the answer would be. It was visible last month in the streets of the capital, Santiago, where crowds estimated at 100,000 to 200,000 marched to demand reform. We need to build a solidarity system that doesnt leave all responsibilities to the individual and that abandons them when theyre left behind. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Advertisement President Michelle Bachelet responded promptly in a televised speech this week, ordering up changes that include requiring employers to contributed to the system for the first time. As Bloomberg reported, Bachelet acknowledged workers rage that pension benefits have fallen well below what was initially promised when the system was created in 1981, under dictator Augusto Pinochet. That promise was that pensions would provide 70% of a workers final wages at work; the real figure is 38%, the lowest rate among developed countries other than Mexico. We need to build a solidarity system that doesnt leave all responsibilities to the individual and that abandons them when theyre left behind, Bachelet said. The Chilean program was promoted relentlessly by its creator, Jose Pinera, who got himself a sinecure at the Cato Institute out of the deal. From there he fed American conservatives fantasies of an obvious free market solution that works, he wrote for a Cato audience in 1997. (In that same article he declared that Americas Social Security system will go bust in 2010. Umm, no.) He boasted of how he single-handedly decided to undertake a structural reform [of Chiles bankrupt retirement system] that would solve the problem once and for all. Republicans lapped it up. Chiles supposed success gave impetus to President George W. Bushs misbegotten privatization scheme in 2005. During the last election, Herman Cain called for replacing Social Security with the Chilean model. The dream of privatized accounts still stalks American politics, with Chile still held up as a paragon. Pinera and his fans talked up the Chilean workers apparent gains during the systems early years, when it seemed to be delivering double-digit returns and lavish pensions to its lucky beneficiaries. What the promoters never much emphasized was how the program actually had been made to work. As I explained in a 2005 book, everyone entering formal employment after 1981 was required to deposit 10% of earned wages into individual accounts managed by a handful of investment companies appointed by the Pinochet regime. Workers enrolled in the old system were goaded into abandoning it by cuts in existing benefits. Chile financed the transition by draining its large government surplus. An unprecedented bull market in Chilean stocks did the rest. But the seams soon showed. The World Bank determined that fees charged by those favored investment firms consumed fully half the pension contributions of the average worker retiring in 2000. The government surplus disappeared, and those outsized stock market gains faded away. A series of reforms of the reform followed. But not enough. Many workers cant afford to pay the 10% minimum contribution, and others have been moved out of the system by a shift toward contract labor. The average pension for retirees is about $400 a month, Bloomberg reports, but 40% of retirees are getting less than $260. Remarkably, some supposed experts in America still argue that the system works just fine. Wharton economist Olivia Mitchell, who served on a Chilean reform commission in 2014-15, attributed some of the problems to Chilean workers widespread ignorance of how the system actually works and the citizenrys financial illiteracy. (Of course, as we demonstrated recently, despite her lofty academic perch, Mitchells grasp of her own countrys Social Security program isnt all that impressive.) Chilean workers undoubtedly know the most important fact about their program: Its not delivering the retirement security they were promised. The program now stands exposed as a simple-minded device to get the government out of paying for pensions by slathering risk onto the workers. The system was imposed during the dictatorship, economist Claudia Sanhueza, an advisor to President Bachelet, observed to Bloomberg. Given its origins and the results, the system has no legitimacy. Pinera is still talking as though the system he created works just fine. The evidence on the ground is all to the contrary, and the Chilean administration knows the facts are inescapable. Will the privatization lobby in the U.S. take the hint? 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. A federal jury decided Thursday that one of the Middle Easts most prominent banks did not commit fraud and steal technology from an Irvine firm that sued it for half a billion dollars in damages after their partnership collapsed. Orange County company InfoSpan had alleged that Emirates NBD ended a partnership for a mobile payment system because it didnt want to share revenue and stole InfoSpans technology to launch its own service. The Dubai-based bank, in turn, denied it stole or ever used InfoSpans technology. It argued that it cancelled the partnership because InfoSpan couldnt produce a working product and misled it into thinking it was an established company, not one with little to no track record. Advertisement After deliberating for a day, the jury sided with the banks version of events and decided InfoSpan did not prove its case of fraud and theft of trade secrets. An attorney for InfoSpan declined to comment on the possibility of an appeal. InfoSpan had asked for $540 million in damages. The verdict capped a two-week trial that involved dueling accusations of fraud levied by high-profile attorneys on both sides, including the former White House counsel to President Obama. Robin Feldman, a Hastings College of the Law professor who has reviewed court filings by both sides, said trade secret cases such as InfoSpans can be difficult to win because they tend to be very complex. While InfoSpan did not have to prove that its technology had been perfected, the company needed to prove it had a trade secret, took steps to protect it and show it was stolen which often involves technical issues. As a result, she said, the attorneys ability to craft a compelling story can play an oversized role in the decision. Jurors need something to grab hold of, and the lawyers are key, said Feldman, a specialist in intellectual property. Who can tell a story that has a ring of truth, and what image sticks in the minds of jurors? At the center of the high-stakes battle was San Juan Capistrano resident and entrepreneur Farooq Bajwa and a mobile payment system that he said would allow migrant workers in the Middle East to send remittances back home through text messages. Bajwa contended that InfoSpan, with support from outside investors, spent $87 million developing the business and technology. To launch the system, known as SpanCash, Bajwa partnered in 2007 with Emirates Bank, which is controlled by the United Arab Emirates sovereign wealth fund. It seemed the ideal collaboration for the Pakistani immigrant, who earned millions operating another Irvine company that manufactured computer components in the 1980s and 1990s The Gulf States rely heavily on migrants to work construction and other low-wage jobs, offering a ready-made market for SpanCash. InfoSpan aimed to allow migrants to transfer money back home far more cheaply than Western Union or hawala, a traditional Middle Eastern broker-to-broker money transfer system. A study from McKinsey & Co., cited in court records, projected annual revenue of $3.5 billion by the deals fifth year, with InfoSpan receiving more than $2.8 billion in fees. But the relationship between InfoSpan and Emirates Bank soured and the bank cancelled the deal in 2009. A few days later, Emirates filed a criminal complaint in Dubai against Bajwa and a partner alleging that they defrauded the bank and misrepresented InfoSpan as an established business with a working technology. Two years later, InfoSpan sued in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana and alleged that its technology was working and that it delivered its source code to the bank on servers. Emirates ended the deal, InfoSpan said, to launch its own mobile payment system after stealing InfoSpans technology. In court, an attorney for InfoSpan argued that Emirates torpedoed the InfoSpan relationship because it abhorred how much money it would have to share with the Irvine firm. They wanted SpanCash and they wanted the money, attorney William A. Isaacson said in his closing arguments Wednesday. Isaacson a partner with powerhouse law firm Boies Schiller & Flexner, chaired by high-profile litigator David Boies argued that the bank resorted to pure extortion in an attempt to get its way. As a result of the banks criminal complaint, InfoSpan alleged Bajwas partner, Larry Scudder, was detained at the Dubai International Airport and taken to a cell where he was locked in with 30 other men for 19 hours until he secured his release by turning over his passport. According to the lawsuit, Bajwa tried to resolve the situation but was told Scudders passport would be released and he could leave the country only if InfoSpan gave up ownership and control of SpanCash to the bank. Six months later, the bank withdrew the fraud accusations and Scudder got his passport back, but SpanCashs reputation was tarnished and it collapsed, Bajwa previously told The Times. The bank disputed that it acquired InfoSpans source code or used it at any time. Former White House counsel and an attorney for the bank, Kathryn Ruemmler, said that Emirates never would have acquired source code in a joint-partnership deal like the one reached with InfoSpan. She said such technology would instead be held by a third-party escrow company for the length of the partnership. In her closing arguments, the partner with global firm Latham & Watkins told the jury that Bajwa and InfoSpan sold the bank a bill of goods, arguing that despite promises to Emirates, the technology never worked and InfoSpan wasnt as big a company as it claimed. The bank cancelled the deal and filed a criminal complaint, not as a form of extortion but simply to regain the banks money after it was misled and doubts grew about the character of InfoSpans employees, Ruemmler told the jury. They concluded, definitively, that they had been defrauded, she said. Lubna Qassim, group general counsel for Emirates Bank, said in a statement after the verdict that Emirates Bank is gratified by todays decision and the opportunity to receive a fair trial in U.S. courts. Bajwa said the trial has taken a toll on him and he doesnt know his next steps. I am just beat up, he said. andrew.khouri@latimes.com Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter Phil Hirschkorn contributed to this report. ALSO Arianna Huffington leaves her post TMZ wins legal battle with Starline Tours, deputies raid tour bus offices to collect cash Olympics bans most brands from saying Olympics or Rio, even on Twitter. Snark ensues UPDATES: 2:46 p.m.: This article has been updated with comments from law professor Robin Feldman. This article was originally published at 7 p.m. Australian entrepreneur and film producer Andrew Banks, who appears on the television series Shark Tank Australia, is looking to hook a buyer for his estate in Beverly Hills. Hes put the 10,522-square-foot home on the market for $17.495 million, or nearly twice what he paid for the property four years ago: $9.18 million. Sitting on about half an acre of manicured grounds, the remodeled European-style mansion centers on a dramatic foyer off the front entrance. Two curving staircases sit on either side of the two-story entry, while natural light is filtered through clerestories and a modern chandelier. Advertisement Further inside, grand formal rooms include an elegant dining room with built-ins and arched French doors, a family room and a music room with a wet bar. The living room catches the eye with blue-hued walls and a gold-tinted ceiling. An office, a gym/yoga studio, a theater, an elevator, seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms complete the floor plan. The master suite, with a sauna, one of four fireplaces and a private terrace, takes in city light views. Outdoors, tall privacy hedges shade a swimming pool and spa, a pool house with a sauna and an outdoor kitchen. A guest house sits at the rear of the grounds, and a motor court fronts the double-gated property. James Harris, David Parnes and Marisa San Antonio, all with the Agency, hold the listing. Banks has appeared on Shark Tank Australia as a panelist since last year. He previously co-founded the recruitment company Morgan & Banks and the human resources company Talent2 International. He founded the production company Lila 9th Productions last year. neal.leitereg@latimes.com Twitter: @NJLeitereg MORE FROM HOT PROPERTY: Josh Groban sells his gated Malibu retreat for $3.75 million Comedian Russell Peters seeks $3 million for stylish home in Studio City The high price of living next door to Donald Trump in L.A.: $30 million Music exec L.A. Reids latest hit is a modern mansion on the Westside Among the multitudes of famous anecdotes about violinist Yehudi Menuhin whose centenary is being celebrated this year with tributes and a massive Warner Classics box set of 80 CDs and 11 DVDs is the one about his celebrated Berlin debut in 1929. Backstage after the concert, Albert Einstein told the 13-year-old American prodigy, who had just played concertos by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms with Bruno Walter conducting: Today, Yehudi, you have once again proved to me there is a god in heaven. Einstein wasnt the only one who felt that way. Menuhin had been widely hailed as a boy genius in the press and made his first recording a year earlier. And Menuhin had no bigger fan than my mother. My grandfather and Menuhins father were from the same Belarusian town. One of my uncles, Yehudis age, was a violin prodigy who drowned in a swimming accident in his early teens. I was named after him. I grew up on Menuhin recordings. My first concert was to hear Menuhin. Like any self-respecting American kid, I rebelled. I wanted to play percussion not, as expected, violin. (The compromise was clarinet.) I developed an early distaste for vibrato, of which Menuhin was an expressive master. I was made uncomfortable by his otherworldly stage presence and put off by the sound he produced, especially in his later years once his technique became shaky. I felt spoiled, having also grown up hearing the Apollonian Jascha Heifetz, who regularly performed at USC, where he taught. Advertisement In fact, Menuhins was my world, which I discovered when I heard his 1953 performance of Bartoks Second Violin Concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler. That is one of the most urgent performances ever captured on disc. As important is Menuhins 1968 recording of Bergs Violin Concerto with Pierre Boulez conducting the BBC Symphony. The French conductors luminous elegance irradiates Menuhins intense humanity; theres nothing else quite like it in the extensive discographies of either artist. French filmmaker Bruno Monsaingeon, who produced the big Warner set, considers Menuhin the greatest and quintessential 20th century musician. The boy wonder was first adored for his beguiling way with violin bonbons and the unbelievable maturity and direct expression he brought to the great violin concertos. But just as remarkably, he also proved a prodigy pioneer. Today, Yehudi, you have once again proved to me there is a god in heaven. Albert Einstein In 1932, the 16-year-old Menuhin became the first to record Edward Elgars Violin Concerto with the composer conducting, a recording that has never been out of print. At 18 and 19, Menuhin was the first to record Bachs complete solo violin sonatas and partitas, not then well known. He made them the center of the solo violin repertory, the example of everything a violin could be. And Menuhin did it by becoming, maybe more than any other before or since, everything a violinist could be. He had his limitations. His feet were not always on the ground, figuratively or literally (having become an exponent of yoga in the early 1950s and able to stand on his head, even when he reached 80). He was a visionary artist and thinker with exceptional near and distant vision, but not so much in the middle. He lived a pampered life from birth to death. He never had occasion to get into a physical fight, which he later said may not have been the greatest thing for character building. Yet he threw himself into the war effort during World War II, living with and entertaining soldiers on the field and the wounded men in hospitals. Menuhin and composer-pianist Benjamin Britten were the first musicians to visit a Nazi concentration camp to play for the survivors and witness firsthand the horrors. He then shocked many fellow Jews (Yehudi means Jew in Hebrew) by being the first musician from the Allied countries to play with Furtwangler, who had been music director of the Berlin Philharmonic during Hitlers reign. Menuhin hailed Furtwangler for having saved Jewish musicians in the orchestra. Menuhin also believed there needed to be healing. We never have stopped debating the Furtwangler dilemma, whether the high-minded conductor served the Nazi cause or undercut it by striving to continue an enduring good in German culture and Germany. Menuhin saw the good. His recordings with Furtwangler from the late 40s and early 50s of Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn concertos, along with the Bartok, have been excellently remastered on the Warner box set, The Menuhin Century. They are uniquely compelling sonic documents all the more so for the fact these performances caused Menuhin to be called a collaborator and not welcomed in Israel for years. What made Menuhin great? There is all the usual stuff about his ability to induce the violin to speak with immediacy; you almost feel as though he is communicating through telepathy. There is the ease of his playing. His instinct for phrasing and expression and form was such that his musicality was uncannily second nature. He brings to Bartoks Sonata for Solo Violin, which Menuhin commissioned, a quality I can only describe as holistic, a spiritual authority allied with corporeality. He was the musician who most embraced the duality of yin and yang. That didnt happen overnight. It was a lifelong quest, slowly gained. But therein is found Menuhins true greatness. Everywhere you find indications of that holistic marvel, listening to all the CDs and watching the videos of him on a gauzy 1947 Hollywood concert film, traipsing through Russia in 1987 or in conversation at his home on a Greek island in 1994, five years before he died. It might seem a natural progression from affectless boy to elegant young man to wise old man. Maybe it was a natural progression, but it was far from common. Born in New York and raised in San Francisco, Menuhin early on became a world citizen who ultimately settled in England. He seemed in his youth blessed with his talent, downright beatific. He spent but a single day in school. His education was traveling the world and meeting the greats in every field. Of course, his beatitudes were illusionary. He experienced the build-up and anguish of World War II. He was an odd family man, devoted yet frequently in the center of dysfunction he wasnt very good at dealing with, so he didnt deal. The Menuhin Century includes 20 CDs worth of recordings he made with his pianist sister Hephzibah, an excellent accompanist who did not chose to make a career in music, other than the lifelong collaborations with her brother. They are among the violinists most reliable performances in the collection, but they are also the safest. His sister knew him too well and supported him. Used to getting his own way, however, Menuhin thrived when challenged. Playing ragas with sitarist Ravi Shankar was about as uncomfortable as Menuhin could get. A trip to India in the 1950s opened Menuhins eyes to another world cultural, spiritual and physical. This resulted in not only rethinking everything Menuhin knew about music but also about violin technique. He had begun to develop technical difficulties, especially with his bow arm. His intonation wasnt as reliable as it had been, and raga is the essence of intonation. But in India, Menuhin discovered that purity is a much bigger concept than in the West. Pure intonation may be a way of communicating with the gods, but through improvisation, there is also the understanding that nothing is predictable, just as poverty on the streets of Delhi and the purity of the spirit are not always separable. His collaboration with Shankar, which began in India in the 50s, led to a concert at the 1966 Bath Festival in England and the American release of West Meets East in June 1967, the same month as Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Menuhin-Shankar recording was as successful on the classical music charts (selling faster than any classical release in history) as the Beatles were on the pop charts. The two projects were not unrelated. George Harrison followed in Menuhins footsteps to study with Shankar just before going into Abbey Road (Menuhins regular haunt) to record Sgt. Pepper. West Meets East is often hailed as, like Sgt. Pepper, revolutionary the start of the crossover phenomenon. But the real importance of the Menuhin and Shankar collaboration, which led to two more discs, was the magnificence of the playing. No Western musician ever matched Menuhin in working with the famed sitarist. The Warner set is a treasure chest but not a complete survey of Menuhin. Most, but not all, of his recordings were made by the British label EMI (Angel Records in America), now owned by Warner. Most of the famous ones are there, and some have never been heard, especially live performances and chamber music. Sony has put out a set of RCA recordings from the 1940s. Menuhin took up conducting late in his life. Most of those recordings have fallen by the wayside and would be worth reexamining. We also need more attention paid to the music written for Menuhin. The last time I saw him perform was at a Lincoln Center birthday tribute in 1996. Several composers wrote pieces in his honor. He had given up playing the violin, but he conducted, and a surprising collection of composers was on hand, including Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Greek avant-gardist Iannis Xenakis and British mystic John Tavener. Menuhin conducted brilliantly. A recording of many of these pieces was made shortly after Menuhins death, and some of the works show up on a new tribute recording beautifully played by Daniel Hope, who had studied with Menuhin. Near the end of the Warner DVD, Menuhin stands back and reflects on what he had experienced. He attacks capitalism. By putting a price on everything, the extremes of exploitation, Menuhin says, are imperative in the democratic system. Profits come from absconding with natures reserves, selling the coal, oil and gold we dont own. We need to guard against that, he warns. The other extreme, however, leads almost inevitably to corruption and autocracy. We have to guard against that, he warns. What Menuhin proposes is to understand limitations to every theory and every religion. Dogmatism, he further warns, always leads to untenable situations. Rather, Menuhin notes, life is the subject of great dichotomies. It is the embrace of dichotomies that led Menuhin to perform with Furtwangler or, in 1975, propose a Middle Eastern federation of cultures that would include Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Tunisia and Israel. We have no such federation, and look where we are today. But listen to Menuhins recordings, the heavenly early ones, the sour but unmistakably soulful later ones, and you can hear, as Einstein did, what a better world might sound like, a way apart from the vicious cycles of resentment and exploitation. mark.swed@latimes.com ALSO Pomp trumps polish at Dudamel-led Latin American music concert at Hollywood Bowl Mirgas majestic moments at the Bowl before her glass-ceiling breakthrough in Birmingham Dudamel and Wang deliver a Rhapsody in Blue for the Hollywood Bowl history books Andrew Manze ended his two-concert stint as guest conductor at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday night with an impressive rendition of Schuberts Great C-Major Symphony. The score runs nearly an hour, yet remarkably most of the 5,000 people in attendance seemed riveted to their seats. Indeed, Schuberts 1826 work emerged as somehow modern in Manzes rhythmically precise and lyrical account. With its warm colors, subtly interwoven textures and a gentle, organic approach to dynamics and tempo, the score sounded at times like a precursor to one of Morton Feldmans 20th century explorations in rhythm and pitch shadings. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter Advertisement Certainly, Schuberts symphony, which took more than a half-century to find a place in the repertory, was daring in its own time, not least for its technical difficulties. Strings had never been required to play 88 consecutive bars of triplet eighth notes, for example, and the trombones were asked to find new colorations. Listeners are still faced with the scores length and demands, which prompted some walkouts at the Bowl during the third movement Scherzo. For the most part, though, Manze and the Los Angeles Philharmonic maintained enough rhythmic drive to buoy the symphony, from its grand opening theme, performed with nobility by horn player James Nickel, to the other-worldly oboe solos in the Andante con moto, courtesy of Anne Marie Gabriele. But some energy and drive was lost in the concluding two movements. The Allegro finale, for instance, came in at a longish 14 minutes. In their highly regarded readings from the 1950s, Wilhelm Furtwangler and Josef Krips took under 12. Andrew Manze conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Thursday at the Hollywood Bowl. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times ) Another snag was the Bowls sometimes-anemic amplification system, which made it hard to tell whether the trombones were having intonation problems. And though the strings played well, heard outdoors they are never going to sound naturally warm and full. It didnt help that the camerawork for the Bowls big screens felt random, in one instance focusing on the second violins while the horns were featured. The Phil last performed the symphony in 2012, led by Christoph Eschenbach, and this performance with Manze will doubtless function as valuable early preparation for the upcoming Schubert symphony cycle led by Gustavo Dudamel in May in Walt Disney Concert Hall. The concert opened with an unaffected, alternately sparkling and passionately inward rendition of Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring Swiss pianist Francesco Piemontesi in his L.A. Phil debut. Piemontesi, 33, counts Alfred Brendel and Murray Perahia among his mentors. Although he shares Brendels insistence on musical integrity and attention to detail and Perahias Romantic spirit, Piemontesi showed an unpredictable temperament all his own, beginning the famous hushed opening bars in the first movement Allegro with a brief glissando. For a moment, it wasnt clear which concerto he was about to play. Perhaps intended as an attention-getter, Piemontesis gambit reduced any possibility of a too self-consciously poetic entrance before the orchestra replied. Using Beethovens dramatic cadenza, the pianist also displayed a fiery quality, playing in ways that felt both epic and intimate. Throughout, Manze and the orchestra proved sensitive collaborators in this most dialogue-intensive of Beethovens concertos. Piemontesi returned with an apt, evocative encore: a delicately rippling account of At Lake Wallenstadt from the first suite of Liszts Years of Pilgrimage, inspired by his travels in Switzerland. Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster. ALSO Exterminating Angel, the most important opera of the year, proves its here to stay Pomp trumps polish at Dudamel-led Latin American music concert at Hollywood Bowl Dudamel and Wang deliver a Rhapsody in Blue for the Hollywood Bowl history books On Friday the long-running British group Psychic TV will perform its 1982 debut album, Force the Hand of Chance, at the Teragram Ballroom as part of the annual Berserktown music festival. The project of artist, musician and iconoclast Genesis Breyer P-Orridge who is best known for his work as part of the influential industrial band Throbbing Gristle Psychic TV has since its inception in the early 1980s issued a curious blend of rock, Brit-pop, psychedelia, acid house and electronic dance music. As well, P-Orridge has become known for the ways in which s/he has manipulated and used her/his own body to explore ideas of gender, identity and sexuality. The artist, who in writing prefers to be identified with the gender-neutral pronoun s/he, has undergone a series of physical transformations to her/his body. In memory of her/his late partner Lady Jaye, P-Orridge uses the plural we pronoun instead of I or me. Advertisement The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Im curious about the events that led up to your first Los Angeles performance in 1976. You and your peer in Throbbing Gristle, Cosey Fanni Tutti, did a pretty disgusting performance piece at the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art (now LACMA) involving various bodily fluids and waste. Genesis Breyer P-Orridge: We started COUM Transmissions in 1969. It sounds awfully weird, but we had a series of visions in a car. We quit university, had gone to London and lived in a very extreme commune called the Exploding Galaxy that was all about breaking down all of the different habitual ways of behaving -- which, strangely enough, is what were still trying to do. Break down habits and formulae and try and actually live in the moment. You couldnt own anything. You had to justify it. If you wanted money, you had to say why you needed it and what it was for, and that was no other way that you would be able to complete the task, whatever it was, if you didnt have money. After that, it was a bit like Animal Farm. After eight months, it became obvious that there were double standards. All the people that were sort of the grunts were sleeping in a different place every night, struggling to survive and justify food. The girlfriend of the person in charge at the time turned up one day and we noticed she had these really beautiful leather shoes on. We said, Where did [you] get those shoes? Have you always had those? She went No, no, I got them this week. Even if the world outside is destroying itself ... the job of the artist is to embrace and hold people and say, Its OK. Be safe here. Genesis P. Orridge We were all living on rice and whole wheat bread. We of course called them on it, and there wasnt really a satisfactory answer, so we quit. We went back up north and dropped off at my parents house on the way and they took me for a drive into Wales. We were leaning out the window of the car with my eyes closed and suddenly we started seeing all of these incredible visions -- that actually, with hindsight, were all about quantum physics, particles -- and hearing voices. Later, we realized after meeting [writer and artist] Brion Gysin that weve had a flicker experience. The trees triggered the on-off. If you do flicker, you can have psychedelic visions. What led you to that Los Angeles performance? As we got more and more recognition, we were actually picked up by the British Council, who are in charge of proselytizing the best aspects of British culture. We actually ended up, by sheer intuitive following our pleasures, as a recognized artistic performance group. The British council would send us to festivals abroad as representatives of whats the most unique, new, radical work thats going on in England. They set up a tour for us in 1976, it was meant to be Canada and the United States. But in October, just a few weeks before we were meant to leave, we did a retrospective at the Institute of Contemporary Art, the ICA. We named it Prostitution because we were saying everybody is selling themselves. Everybody is selling their best skills in order to survive. There is nothing wrong with that. That is just the nature of things. Just because we used the word prostitution, everybody went crazy. There was a big general scandal in England. There were editorials and the newspapers that said literally things like we should put Genesis P. Orridge in a cage and put him in a dark room and throw away the key. We are reading the newspapers. Are they talking about me? Saying the entire country should be disgusted by me? We became what would be called, simply, an enemy of the state. We became what would be called, simply, an enemy of the state. Genesis Breyer P. Orridge Did that upset you or did you enjoy being put in that position? It was parallel. This happened to us maybe eight weeks before the Sex Pistols went on TV and freaked everybody out. In fact, we were on the same program as them about eight weeks in advance. The whole Thatcher, Reaganomics era was hitting. There was this new conservatism law and order and panic at the disintegration of the old, established values. Sound familiar? Isnt it ironic? It was almost like now. We were seen as the epitome of everything that was wrong with Great Britain, so much so that a member of Parliament famously said these people are the wreckers of civilization. It was incredible, but it was scary. Wed be on the subway and look down the carriage and see half the people in there reading the evening newspaper and youd be on the cover. And it would be saying, Lets chain them up. This is disgusting. Kill them all. No, no, thats me! And then, suddenly, after all the scandal, we got this phone call and it was the British Council foreign office. [They said] We are deciding where were going to allow you to go. We went, What do you mean? They go, Well, youre meant to go to Canada and then the United States representing Great Britain. You cant. They basically said, If you go to Canada, theyre not ready for what youre doing, To paraphrase, It would be too disturbing. It would actually shake the foundations of their popular culture and cause far too much trouble. Thats not how they wanted us to represent Great Britain. They said if you agreed to not go to Canada, we will still allow you to go to United States. If you dont agree, we will take away your passports and you wont go anywhere. In the end, we only went to Chicago and Los Angeles. With similar performances? Chicago was much more sedate. It was much more as aesthetic and cerebral. Youll be performing Psychic TVs first album, Force the Hand of Chance, on Friday, which was released after your aggressive work with Throbbing Gristle laid the foundations for industrial music. What memories do you have about making that record? In a way, Force the Hand of Chance was the first time we were in control of everything that happened to the record. That was the beginning of making music that was what we heard in our head since we were young, early teens. Wed always heard this music and never been able to actually make it because we did Throbbing Gristle, but that was a different project. This was my vision, a solo vision. I remember very distinctly when we were playing back Just Drifting, the first track, crying with laughter. We were thinking, Its a love ballad with orchestra, and everybody knows us for this harsh industrial music. What are they going to do when they hear this? The Throbbing Gristle fans are going to be so angry. That was a real revelation. It meant, OK, so doing a ballad with an orchestra can be more radical then grating, hard edged industrial sound. Because what youre really doing is breaking expectations. Youre saying to people, No matter what you expect or think is next, we are going to confound that. When in doubt, do the opposite. We wanted to teach people to listen differently. With Thobbing Gristle, that era from 75 to 81 was a period when the politics of the time demanded anger and rage. But that cant last forever. It becomes redundant. You have to at some point go, What can we do thats still positive? How can we unify those people who feel disenfranchised, angry and lost? How can we embrace them and make them feel safe? That was what Psychic TV was always for: To set up a safe place for people. It still is. As you were talking, I recalled that the first song that I ever heard by Psychic TV was a beautiful song called Babys Gone Away. Oh, I love that song! After I heard it, I went back and started listening more to Throbbing Gristle and I had a hard time bridging that disconnect. Weve always loved that song. [Starts singing] Babys gone away/ Shes got nothing to say/ So if you want to hear me crying ... [Interviewer joins in.] In the end, you can sing things that are really radical -- and you can encourage people to be more positive with the simplest form. In the end its all about putting intelligence into it. We always think very carefully about that. Do you still recognize the younger Genesis who wrote those lyrics? Well, yeah. Psychic TV has been very consistent and my personal view. There was that strange bit in the middle when we were doing acid house, but in the end its about writing poetry that touches people and they recognize themselves within it. Theres always a new way to do that. Theres always a way to say something that could seem really commonplace and make it special again. That song you mentioned, Babys Gone Away? We thought, This is a really simple phrase. Thats just pop music. Can we use that and make it special? Is there a way to put some extra information in there? We did and it works. That was one of the times when we realized we were on the right track. That doing something constructive, psychedelic, loving and joyous, celebrating the best things that happened to us day by day, is the right way to go. And we are still convinced of that, especially right now when the world is regressing into fear, paranoia and anger again. Its even more important to be positive and generous with the work that you make. We are looking forward to doing it. As Edley the drummer said, Its gone full circle. The first record, Force the Hand of Chance, said you do have ways of taking control of the life that you do have and improving it, no matter whether you have resources or not. And even if the world outside is destroying itself, and fragmented, and paranoid, and fearful, the job of the artist is to embrace and hold people and say, Its OK, be safe here. Theres a lot of terrible music out there. For tips on the stuff thats not, follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit Thomas Gibson has been fired from the CBS drama series Criminal Minds a day after a report surfaced that the actor was involved in an on-set altercation with a writer on the show. CBS Television Studios and ABC Studios said in a joint statement issued Friday that Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the characters exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date. Gibson has been with the series since it began airing in 2005. The actor plays FBI agent Aaron Hotchner in the law-enforcement show that follows a team of psychological profilers working for the FBIs behavioral analysis unit. Advertisement In a statement sent through a publicist, Gibson said Friday, I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that wont be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have. The shows 12th season is scheduled to begin in September. Gibson was directing an upcoming episode for the series when the altercation took place. Deadline cited an unnamed source on Thursday saying that Gibson kicked writer Virgil Williams, who has served as a co-executive producer on the series, during an on-set confrontation. On Thursday, Gibson said in a statement, There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have, and we always will. Gibson previously starred in the hospital drama series Chicago Hope and the sitcom Dharma & Greg. Its rare but certainly not unheard of for actors to be fired from TV series. The most high-profile example in recent years was when Charlie Sheen was dismissed from CBS Two and a Half Men in 2011, following wildly erratic public behavior and disagreements with creator Chuck Lorre. Isaiah Washington was dismissed from ABCs Greys Anatomy in 2007 after he reportedly used a gay slur while on set. But the actor returned to the medical drama several years later in a guest appearance. david.ng@latimes.com ALSO: Criminal Minds guest actor stole $60,000 from shows former star Shemar Moore The MacGyver creators on rebooting an 80s favorite and the long shadow of MacGruber CBS confident it will have more Big Bang Theory beyond the 10th season Kim Kardashian West, wife, mother of two and reality TV and social media star, told an audience of hundreds at a downtown Los Angeles conference for bloggers, Im really private. Oh, sure, shes serious. (Wink, wink.) Kardashian West joked and appeared to be at ease as she took a break from tweeting and posting on her social media to be the keynote speaker at last weeks lunch during the #BlogHer16: Experts Among Us conference for female bloggers. The conference was held at the JW Marriott hotel at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 5, and Kardashian West sat down for a chat with BlogHer co-founder Elisa Camahort Page to discuss her ultra-public life in an age when people post on social media about every aspect of their lives. Advertisement That social interaction is something Kardashian West knows about. Until she recently showed her son in posts, fans were concerned about Saint West, now 8 months old, and asked Kardashian West his whereabouts. Unlike his older sister, North, Saint West hadnt been seen in Kardashian Wests posts in months. Im really protective of my life with my kids, she said. To be clear, Kardashian West said that about 85% of her life is public, and that husband Kanye West maybe youve heard of him is a more private person than she is and has taught her to become more private, while shes taught him to be more public. Thats why you might catch a glimpse of the couples children on E!s hit Keeping Up With the Kardashians, but story lines on the show dont revolve around them, she said. Long before Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat made it easy to share everything, Kardashian West knew she wanted to live a public life. When she was 13 and MTVs reality hit The Real World was airing, she said she turned to her best friend and said, Oh my gosh, thats what I want to do. I want to be on a reality show. During her lunchtime chat, Kardashian West also touched on topics including critics, her body and why she doesnt mind showing herself naked. Just do whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever makes you feel good inside and happy. Kim Kardashian West Kardashian West said she used to care more about negative comments on social media, but now, in part because of her husband and two children, she has a thicker skin and doesnt have time to worry about the hateful things people have to say about her. Also, in response to criticism about her body particularly her tendency to show it off publicly Kardashian West said that she feels good about herself, especially after working to lose pregnancy weight. So posting a naked selfie might make her feel confident, she said. However, she doesnt encourage others to follow in her footsteps unless being naked makes them feel confident as well. I do what makes me feel comfortable. If youre not comfortable, dont do that, Kardashian West said. Just do whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever makes you feel good inside and happy. Ultimately, Kardashian West said she isnt bothered by people who underestimate her, her talent or business savvy. I think the easiest question to ask is, What does she do? What is her talent? said Kardashian West, who has about 80 million Instagram followers and about 47 million Twitter followers. To her credit, Kardashian West has a reality show and its spinoffs as well as other endeavors such as the mobile game called Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, her blog and Dash, the clothing store owned by Kardashian West and her sisters. With her long list of business ventures, she said she definitely has a full-time job one that allows outsiders to keep up with her and her family matters. She put her work life into perspective for the bloggers at the conference. To me, it would be the same thing as people saying [to bloggers], What do you do? Youre sitting at home at your apartment and youre just on the computer, she said. Alex.Golden@latimes.com Twitter: @alexgoldennews Its between the lunch and dinner rushes at Miro, a new Mediterranean restaurant in downtown L.A., and chef Gavin Mills is at the back of his kitchen, breaking down a hog. The chef gets two 110- to 120-pound hogs a week from Marin Sun Farms and Finley Farms, both in Central California. And half of that will be used to make charcuterie, the French word for smoking and curing meats such as salami and prosciutto. Mills, who has been making charcuterie for 15 years he had a charcuterie company called Mills & Co. Meat and Provisions for three years in Los Angeles before opening Miro takes a saw and starts separating the hogs front shoulder, which hell use to make sausage, pork ragu, bolognese sauce and salami. Then he uses a boning knife to separate the section that will eventually become coppa, a tender, fatty salumi (the Italian word for charcuterie; salami is one of the many salumi). Mills separates the belly from the animal, which hell use to make bacon and pastrami. Then he trims the back fat for pate, terrine and sausages, and dries the skin for chicharrones (crispy pork skin). And, finally, he uses the saw to separate the rear leg, which hell use to make prosciutto. After all this hard work, he wont know if the prosciutto hes cured in his meat locker downstairs is delicious, or even edible, for the next four to six months. Welcome to the world of charcuterie. Advertisement See the most-read stories in Life & Style this hour >> Before chef Chad Colby opened Chi Spacca in 2013, a member of the Mozza family of restaurants that serves as an elaborate ode to meat on Melrose Avenue, in-house charcuterie programs were near nonexistent. (Colby helped Mozza to become the first L.A. restaurant to be licensed to both cure and serve meat.) Colby has since left the restaurant, but he paved the way for chefs around the city to start curing their own meat. And in the last three years, boards covered in housemade sliced rounds of salumi, smears of pate and blocks of terrine (the French name for a formed meat loaf) have shown up on tables across the city. If youre looking for culatello (a cured portion of the large muscle in the rear leg of a pig) that melts on your tongue, rich chicken liver pate or salty duck prosciutto, here are some places making their own. Bestia At chef-owner Ori Menashes downtown restaurant, his charcuterie shows up on the chefs salumi board, but Menashe says its part of the layers that we add into many dishes on the menu. So the nduja, an Italian spicy salami spread, might make an appearance on a pizza or in a bowl of mussels and clams. Bits of salumi will be used to start sauces for a little extra umami. Each week its different Menashe says he likes to switch things up because I dont want to be boring. And his charcuterie is anything but. A recent slab of terrine was peppered with fresh mint and Thai basil. And his version of ciccioli (pressed fatty pork) is smoked, then served with lemon basil and opal basil, a sticky pomegranate molasses, pickled mustard seeds and chile. And everything comes with a couple slices of bread that Menashe bakes in his wood-burning oven. The charcuterie may make it hard to save room for a bowl of spaghetti rustichella (sea urchin pasta with squid ink bottarga), but ordering the board is an absolute necessity. 2121 E. 7th Place, Los Angeles, (213) 514-5724, www.bestiala.com. The charcuterie platter includes Singaporean candied pork, lamb ham, Vietnamese meatloaf and smoked red sausage. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times ) Cassia Bryant Ng, the chef of the Viet-French restaurant Cassia in Santa Monica, is making what may be the most eclectic charcuterie board in the city. I wanted to present different types of charcuterie that involved cooked charcuterie as well as dry-cured meats that would take a longer commitment, said Ng, who waits one and a half to three years for his Yunnan pork (a silky pork with a texture between prosciutto and lardo) to be ready. Itss like waiting to open a present during Christmas, only Christmas is still at least six months away. And each component is meant to mimic an item youd traditionally find in Southeast Asia (the chefs family is from Singapore, his wifes family is from Vietnam and his family once owned a Cantonese-Polynesian restaurant in Santa Monica). Theres a smoked red sausage inspired by the red sausages of northern China; Singaporean candied pork (a sweet, salty, charred bacon); smoked curried duck (similar to the stuff youll find in Saigon); and Vietnamese meatloaf similar to the baked egg found at some Vietnamese restaurants). And everything comes covered in a combination of herbs commonly found next to a bowl of Vietnamese pho. There are no rules as to how to eat the herbs or with which charcuterie item, said Ng. The idea is to try it all and to come up with what you like best. 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, (310) 393-6699, www.cassiala.com. Beef bulgogi with sesame, bean sprout, and apple jang is served at The Cannibal in Culver City. (Christina House / For The Times ) The Cannibal Francis Derby, chef at the Cannibal, a new meat-centric restaurant in Culver City, doesnt like to wait eight months to find out if a piece of salami is edible. So hes sourcing cured meats and limits the house charcuterie program to pate, terrines and sausages. He hasnt let that limit his creativity. For me, its a complete dish, rather than what I can pair with a certain sausage, Derby said. That kind of thinking leads to a cornbread and root beer sausage made with diced, frozen cornbread blended into a sausage with root beer seasoning; a chicken liver mousse; a Korean bulgolgi sausage served with sesame leaves so you can wrap the sausage and eat it ssam style; and a cochinita tostada (a pig head terrine head cheese flavored with cochinita pibil spices). We just have fun, Derby said. I take my job very seriously, but I dont take myself too seriously. 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, (310) 838-2783, www.thecanniballa.com. The Affettati Misti plate: Pork butter, Trotter Fritti, Trappist Salami, Joes Tocai Salami, Speck, Lardo wrapped grissini and Capocollo. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times ) Chi Spacca Ryan DeNicola, executive chef at Chi Spacca, has a pig delivered each week, and each week he and his team break down the animal, divvying up the rear legs for culatello or prosciutto, maybe a shoulder for coppa, the belly for pancetta tesa (flat instead of rolled Italian bacon) and the heart for a terrine. If he decides to make a culatello, DeNicola removes the most muscular part of a rear leg, rubs it with Lambrusco, garlic, black pepper and salt, stuffs it into a cows second stomach, then ties the entire thing up to be cured. Hell have to wait 15 months to try it, but its well worth it. The culatello is basically meat butter the strips salty and pungent with an umami similar to good, aged cheese. Hes also making trotter fritti (a breaded and fried crispy pork cake made with pigs feet). Not a lot of ways to make Americans eat pig feet, DeNicola said. These are the things that people in L.A. usually dont eat. Somehow, weve been very successful with it. 6610 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 297-1133, www.chispacca.com. Church and State charcuterie board, from left to right is head cheese, chicken liver mousse with apples on top, duck rillette, pickles, duck prosciutto, chicharron, whipped lardo and country pate. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times ) Church and State Chef Tony Ensault, who co-owns the downtown restaurants Spring on 3rd Street and Church and State in the Arts District, has a grande charcuterie board at Church and State it spans the length of the table. This impressive display of meat starts with slices of country pate; a dollop of whipped lardo pierced by a crispy, airy chicharron; slivers of duck prosciutto (which involves the laborious process of trimming, curing, rinsing and drying a duck breast); pickled vegetables; a mound of duck rillette; a quenelle of chicken liver mousse with apple; and a couple slices of head cheese (gelatinous squares of pork made by cooking a whole pigs head, de-boning it, pressing it overnight, then forming a terrine). Expect rabbit rillettes in the spring and summer, and blood sausage in the fall and winter. 1850 Industrial St., Los Angeles, (213) 405-1434, www.churchandstatebistro.com. Charcuterie from Gwen. (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times ) Gwen Curtis Stone is using his new butcher shop in Hollywood to build a charcuterie program to be reckoned with at the adjacent restaurant, Gwen. The restaurants tasting menu changes often, but a recent iteration included a plate of duck speck, a rustic pork and liver terrine and slices of an ash and porcini salami (dried and fermented, seasoned with porcini powder, leek ash and marsala) that will probably make you think of an Italian version of lap cheong, the sweet Chinese sausage. You are also served a small dish of spicy, spreadable nduja. The restaurant has been open only a month, but Stone said he now has a couple thousand pounds of charcuterie, including a dry age locker full of cured meat hanging from chains. The butcher shop is really the heartbeat of the restaurant, said Stone, who works with his house butchers Alex Jermasek and Daniel Roderfeld. Stone said the charcuterie program is also a way to eliminate waste and ensure the butcher case is always stocked with interesting items. If I want to have pheasants in the case or rabbit, they might not sell, but theres all this other stuff we can do with it. 6600 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 946-7500, www.gwenla.com. A charcuterie plate, counter clockwise from left to right, seven spice pate, coppa, lomo, finocchiona, chicken liver mousse (in the glass container), with peach mostarda, whole grain mustard, and house made pickles, at Miro Restaurant. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) Miro The charcuterie offerings at Miro change weekly, depending on what Mills and Harsha Parthirana, who does most of the butchering, feel like making. Parthirana happens to be from Sri Lanka, and when he comes back to the States from visiting home, he brings his mothers curry powder blend with him. Youll find it in a Sri Lankan-spiced lamb terrine seasoned with cumin, fennel, pepper, cardamom and cloves. And Mills is making one of the best chicken liver pates in town. He starts by slow-poaching chicken livers in butter for two hours before adding a wine reduction, some fresh herbs and eggs. He grinds the mixture, then puts it through a sieve, adds some cream, then sous vides the pate for four hours. If you dont think you like chicken liver, or youve been afraid to order it, this is the place to start. 888 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 988-8880, www.mirorestaurant.com. A plate of truffled chicken liver, terrine de campaign, rillettes, mustard, testa, liverwurst, andouille, smoked beef deckle, house pickles and olives at Terrine. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times ) Terrine When an order of charcuterie is presented at Kris Morningstars Beverly Boulevard restaurant, its quite the production. A food runner will arrive with a large, circular board full of little quenelles, shmears, slices and dollops of meat and mostarda. And the runner will stand there and name each one, explaining what it is and what it should be paired with. And whats on that board at the moment depends on everything else Morningstar has going on in the kitchen. Right now I have a lot of beef trim because we do our steaks in-house, said Morningstar. Some of it will be blended with some pork and turned into a knackwurst or savory meatloaf. Hes also working on a jellied consume made with anything from chicken to duck and pork (he describes it as a savory meat jelly). Half the fun of the board are the accouterments, including housemade pickles and mustard. Theres quite a variety each week, so whatever you do, just dont ask your food runner to name everything twice. 8265 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 746-5130, www.terrinela.com. ALSO Get caffeinated at these five new L.A.-area coffee shops Where to find Jonathan Golds favorite cold noodle dishes Three new happy hours you should know about: $20 bottles of rose, foie gras burgers and $1 oysters Cookbooks tend to divide into spatial categories: those that are close to home, essentially explorations of the authors kitchen or family cuisine; and those that roam further afield to examine the food and culinary traditions of other cultures. Samarkand: Recipes and Stories from Central Asia and the Caucasus is not only the latter, but a particularly expansive and ambitious example of the genre. Imagine a Lonely Planet guide to Uzbekistan and beyond, with a hundred recipes. The cookbook is by Caroline Eden, a travel writer and journalist, and Eleanor Ford, a food writer and recipe developer, and their voices combine with photography from Laura Edwards to make this read like the travelogue it is. Eden first came to the city of Samarkand, in what is now Uzbekistan, in 2009 and quickly got hooked on both the history and the cuisine. The project: to gather the food of the seven major groups of the region Tajiks, Russians, Turks, Jews, Koreans, Caucasians and Uzbeks into a book-length feast. The resulting banquet, of course, is not just on the tables; its a mash-up of stories and cities and people and history. Samarkand is no ordinary Silk Road city, but Asias greatest store window, writes Eden, a regular contributor to the Guardian, where everything from rare spices to yak-tail fly whists were bartered and sold. So the pages incorporate not only recipes both traditional and updated but side trips to Tbilisi and other places, Alexandre Dumas quotes, discussions of post-Soviet architecture, as well as the bazaars and mausoleums that Samarkand is known for, and a brief history of the 14th century ruler Tamarlane, who apparently liked to throw massive dinner parties. Advertisement Recipe: Spicy meatballs with adjika and yogurt As for the food itself, the recipes are directly written and friendly, with headnotes that sometimes give market tips and sometimes detour into history. A recipe for Koryo spicy carrots, for example, traces the dish to Koreans who arrived in Uzbekistan as deportees in the 1930s. As you turn the pages, youll find things like: a recipe for lamb kebabs, a consideration of samovars, an ode to mulberries, and a whole section on plov, the rice pilaf dish that, were told, is the undisputed king of Uzbek cuisine. So: if you like some backstory with your recipes and have always wanted to make a kulebyaka for your own next dinner party this is a very fun read. Cookbook of the Week: Samarkand by Caroline Eden and Eleanor Ford (Kyle Books, $39.95) ALSO: Cookbook of the week: Ingredienti by Marcella Hazan and Victor Hazan Cookbook of the week: The Wurst of Lucky Peach, plus your Lucky Peach book club update What an unusual vegetable; what is it? Flip open Michelle McKenzies Dandelion & Quince cookbook to find out Geographically, walking in Long Beach is like strolling along the Marina Peninsula near Venice, but with more affordable housing, friendlier people and plenty of free parking. The city of Long Beach even provides public restrooms and drinking fountains. 1. Begin this walk south of downtown Long Beach, near the intersection of East Ocean Boulevard and Claremont Place. Then stroll south, with the ocean on your right, past the Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center where gondolas and gondoliers are available to rent and the U.S. Sailing Center. 2. At 55th Place, turn left, walk toward a yellow gate, and find East Bayshore Walk as it begins paralleling the channel into Alamitos Bay and the island of Naples. Advertisement 3. The sandy beach, watched over by lifeguards, faces a waterway popular with kayakers, paddle boarders and hydrobikers, who look like theyre taking a spinning class on the sea. 4. At 65th Place, the sidewalk ends. Climb a short flight of steps and continue on the sand until yellow posts mark the end of the beach. Then turn right and follow the sidewalk to East Ocean. MORE great walks in and around L.A. >>> 5. Take a moment to walk to the waters edge. Here, sailing ships, fishing boats and pleasure cruisers are heading out to sea or returning to port. There are also picnic tables on a grassy lawn and public restrooms nearby. 6. Return by walking north on East Ocean. At 69th Place, turn left and walk a block to the sand. There, pick up East Seaside Walk, a wooden oceanfront boardwalk. To the left are dunes, breakwaters and the little floating oil derrick islands in the Pacific. Up ahead are views of Long Beach, the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific and cargo vessels putting in to port. 7. At 55th Place, follow the boardwalk as it turns back toward East Ocean. Turn left, and find your way back to the starting point. The stats Distance: 3.2 miles Difficulty: 1, on a scale of 1 to 5 Duration: 1 1/4 hour Details: Ample free and metered street parking. Dogs on a leash are OK. Nearest public buses run along nearby 2nd Street. Fleming is the author of Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles and Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles. Each month, he leads a free walk at one of his favorite spots in Southern California. Find out more at his Facebook page, Secret Stairs. He can also be reached at charles.fleming@latimes.com. READ ON! Why midnight snacking is the worst 7 reasons why you cant lose the weight Actress Sofia Vergaras secret? Lifting weights The offer was too tempting to refuse: Westlands Water District, the ethically challenged agency that often finds itself in the news for all the wrong reasons, invited me on an aerial tour of its watershed. From high above, I would be able to see the public works projects that have allowed the San Joaquin Valley to bloom, cities to explode and the natural environment to implode. As someone who spends every flight between Los Angeles and Northern California with her nose pressed against the window, checking out reservoir levels, snow lines and lately, plumes of wildfire smoke, how could I say no? The engineering of water is the ultimate California story. Advertisement On Monday morning, a small group of us met here at a private airport. We boarded a King Air 200, and flew into the east. Highway 49 crosses over the New Melones Reservoir in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. On Monday, the reservoir was just 24% full, 40% of its historical average. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) Soon, we were skirting the western edge of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemites granite peaks visible in the distance. Suddenly we were over Friant Dam, one of dozens of early- to mid-20th century federal dams, canals and reservoirs designed to transport Northern Californias abundant water to the dry but fertile San Joaquin Valley. Friant harnessed the flow of the San Joaquin River, which was great for farmers. But it was a disaster for the river, and its Chinook salmon, which will probably never recover. We flew over dams and reservoirs Don Pedro, New Melones, Pardee, Camanche and finally got to Folsom Dam, east of Sacramento, circling to get a good look at Folsoms new spillway, which will prevent the kind of flooding that happened when a gate failed in 1995, dumping half the reservoirs water into the American River. Shown is the confluence of the American River, left, and the Sacramento River, right, in Sacramento. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) We followed the American River to its confluence with the Sacramento River, then turned south for a birds-eye view of the massive Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, an ecologically fragile estuary that is the struggling heart of Californias complex water system. Every dammed river, every man-made lake, spoke volumes about the lengths we go to provide water to places that have none. Ninety minutes after takeoff, our pilot, Tim Brewer, put down in tiny Byron, at the southern edge of the delta. We drove over to the Jones Pumping Plant, site of those six infamous pumps whose 22,500-horsepower motors cause rivers to run backward, imperil endangered fish and, of course, bring fresh delta water to farmers and cities in the Central Valley and Southern California. Not much was going on here Monday. Only one pump whirred; the rest were idle. Bad news for farmers, good news for fish. After lunch, we headed south, following the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal, circled over the San Luis Reservoir near Los Banos, then returned to Fresno. :: Our tour was arranged by Johnny Amaral, Westlands deputy general manager, and a former chief of staff to Republican U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, who has often, and loudly, accused radical environmentalists of plotting to put an end to agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Johnny Amaral of the Westlands Water District is shown at the Jones Pumping Plant near Tracy, Calif. Only one of six pumps was working Monday, depriving San Joaquin Valley farmers, in his view, or their rightful water allotments. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) I like Amaral. He is warm and funny, though he has fully internalized his former boss suspicions toward people who, as he puts it, have a political ax to grind against agriculture, who would like to see us gone. He is well aware that Westlands, the biggest water agency in the country, has an image problem. Quite apart from larger, practical questions about how many of its water-challenged, drainage-challenged acres should even be cultivated, Westlands is beset by other self-inflicted wounds, ranging from an unprecedented Securities and Exchange Commission fine for what its manager called a little Enron accounting to the recent revelation that it spent more than a million dollars creating a Latino farmworkers group that posed as a grassroots organization. A tour isnt going to dispel that kind of bad press, but Amaral hoped it would at least function as a corrective to the idea that California does not have enough water to meet all of its needs. I like people to be able to see with their own eyes that the state is not out of water because of lack of rainfall or snow pack, he said. The state is out of water because its simply being mismanaged. Too much is being allowed to flow out to sea. Our tour guide for the day was Ara Azhderian, water policy administrator for the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. Azhderians knowledge of the water system is encyclopedic, and his mellow demeanor is a counterpoint to Amarals fervor. Ara Azhderian of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority explains how water gets from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the San Luis Reservoir, where it serves farm communities on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) Its a false choice to break things down between farmers and fish, said Azhderian, standing in front of a kitschy floor-to-ceiling papier-mache bas-relief of Californias water system at the Jones Pumping Plant. We can do better for fish and fishermen, and we can do better for farms. Both he and Amaral told me repeatedly that farmers should not be made to suffer for declining delta fish populations when invasive predators and lousy water treatment practices by cities such as Sacramento and Stockton have contributed equally to the problem. The stated reason they are curtailing the pumping is to protect the fish, but all the data shows that hasnt worked, Amaral said. Its absurd that we are even having this discussion. Or is it? :: Folsom Lake is a reservoir on the American River in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its auxiliary spillway was designed to provide enhanced protection for the flood-prone Sacramento region. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) On Tuesday, in a pointed though coincidental answer to Amaral, a trio of environmental groups sent a dire letter to the State Water Resources Control Board demanding it take emergency measures to prevent what they describe as the imminent extinction of the delta smelt. Far too little fresh water, the groups said, is flowing from the delta out to sea, allowing salty water to encroach on the habitat of the smelt, whose population has plunged from an estimated 112,000 a year ago to about 13,000 today. The letter, signed by officials from Defenders of Wildlife, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Bay Institute, urges the board to immediately curtail diversions of fresh water from the delta through the end of summer. This water we are calling for is essential for the delta smelt, said Rachel Zwillinger, water policy advisor for Defenders of Wildlife, but it would benefit countless other species that are struggling. So here youve got a rare area of agreement. Both sides believe the states water has been badly managed one to the detriment of farmers, the other to the detriment of fish. Im not sure I saw exactly what Amaral wanted me to see from the air. Yes, despite normal rainfall this year, there are many fallowed brown fields. And yes, the San Luis Reservoir, which supplies water to Westlands, looked perilously low. But farmers most of them anyway are hardly in danger of extinction. The same, by contrast, cannot be said for the fish. robin.abcarian@latimes.com Twitter: @AbcarianLAT ALSO State is years behind on projects to protect wildlife at Salton Sea, officials and activists say SoCal hit with worst smog in years as hot, stagnant weather brings surge in hospital visits Lawmakers weaken bill to ban behind-the-scenes communications at Coastal Commission Aug. 25, 2016, 10:40 a.m. Reporting from imperial beach, Calif. We made it, Oregon to Mexico, along an 1,100-mile beach The drive began at the Oregon border. It ended five weeks later at the Mexican border. Where I almost got arrested. OK, thats an exaggeration. When photographer Allen Schaben and I got to the border of Tijuana and Imperial Beach, the party was much better on the Mexican side. Families were in the water and on the sand, a Mariachi band played, and the whole scene was rather festive compared with two people strolling quietly on the Imperial Beach side. I thought briefly about defecting. One man stood at the fence on the Tijuana side, so I walked up to say hello. I asked why he wasnt swimming and he said he didnt have a bathing suit, then he stuck his hand through the fence to shake my hand. A Border Patrol agent sped toward me in an SUV and yelled for me to stand back from the fence. I hesitated, because what was the big deal? But then I noticed a sign warning against contact or the passing of narcotics through the fence, etc. So I stepped back from the fence because I didnt know if Id be able to write my last road trip columns from a jail cell. Im going to wrap up the series on Sunday, but that wont be the end of my coverage of the California Coastal Commission on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act. Theres lots to keep an eye on. Legislation to ban private meetings between commissioners and developers could move forward later today. A vote has been delayed on the controversial proposal for a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, a project that doesnt make a lot of sense in my opinion but has big money backing it. The ever-controversial Newport Banning Ranch project -- a massive hotel/housing development on the last undeveloped plot of privately owned coastal property in Southern California -- will be up for a vote in early September. And the City Council election in Pismo Beach has gotten very interesting because Erik Howell, a councilman and coastal commissioner who ticked off Pismo residents by supporting a development that will block ocean views, now has challengers in his reelection campaign. Howell, if youve forgotten, accepted a $1,000 campaign donation from the domestic partner and business colleague of the lobbyist who represents the Pismo development. If he loses his council seat, he loses his Coastal Commission seat too. So stay tuned. The Coastal Commission will have a new director soon, a new chair and at least two new commissioners, and we need to watch closely because whats at stake is the greatest 1,100-mile coast in the world. 10:25 A.M. reporting from san diego Lawmaker who led 72 coastal preservation bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego still has Schwinn that delivered win Former senator James Mills, 89, stands with the bike he rode from Sacramento to San Diego in 1972 to promote Prop 20, which created the Coastal Commission and led to the Coastal Act. The photo was taken overlooking the San Diego skyline from Mills Coronado apartment Wednesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The bike. I wanted to see the bike, and meet its owner. Arriving in San Diego meant our coastal trek from Oregon to Mexico was coming to an end, and it meant that it was finally time to pay a visit to Jim Mills. Mills, a state legislator from 1962 to 1981, was Senate president pro tempore in 1972 when he decided to support Proposition 20, the coastal preservation act. Without it, conservationists feared, coastal development would run amok, Highway 1 would be widened, and a string of nuclear power plants would spring up on some of the greatest beach fronts in the world. But there wasnt much money to fight Prop. 20s foes, said Mills, who had grown up wading in La Jolla Cove and has a deep appreciation of the states greatest natural resource. So in September 1972, he hopped aboard his canary yellow Schwinn Super Sport and led a bike rally from San Francisco to San Diego. The number of riders swelled at times, Mills said, and bikers were greeted each evening by locals serving plenty of carbs. We ate a lot of weenies and beans, and spaghetti too, he said. He recalled PG&E executives following the cyclists in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac, doing their own spin on Prop. 20. The bike rally drew lots of publicity, Mills said, and whether it made the difference is anyones guess. But Prop. 20 won 55% of the vote and led in 1976 to the Coastal Act that to this day protects the coast for the benefit of fragile marine and land habitats and the enjoyment of everyone. Mills was 45 when he rode down the coast, and 89 now. He greeted me and photographer Allen Schaben at his Coronado condo and said he hasnt done any riding lately, but hes doing a lot of writing. Mills has written several books and is working on another. He leads us down to the basement, and there it is. The dusty, canary yellow Schwinn that Mills rode in 1972, and for many years after the Prop. 20 campaign. He was an avid cyclist. Mills also kept the helmet he wore in 1972. We took the bike upstairs, where Mills put on his helmet and posed next to the bike that is a piece of California history. The Coastal Act has done a great deal of good over the years, Mills said, and the cause is no less important now than it was when he rode south from San Francisco. We need to preserve the coast for the benefit of future generations, he said, and I thank him for his contribution. Aug. 21, 2016, 10:50 p.m. Reporting from the Mexican border Steve Lopez reflects back on his 1,100 mile trek down the California coast 6:57 P.M. Sometimes the sausage is good enough to eat Two things will happen soon. The last column from my 1,100 mile road trip down the California coast will be done. And the reform bill banning private communications between California Coastal Commissioners and developers, as well as others, could finally emerge from the factory. As Ive been saying, Hannah-Beth Jacksons bill sailed through the Senate and should have done the same in the Assembly, but it got pushed off into a dark corner after a very fishy report claimed that reform costs money. The thing has come back to life, though, with amendments that arent as bad as the original amendments. I dont see why we need the amendments at all, or why the wrangling has to take place behind closed doors and out of public view. While I was thinking about that, a reader emailed me a clever idea about how to keep coastal commissioners honest -- make them strap on body cameras, like cops. I like it, and why not do the same with legislators, so we can all see whats going on? Having said all this, though, Im hearing from supporters of Jacksons bill that they think theres actually a chance the legislation is going to be OK, once all the cooks are done tweaking the recipe. Sausage is full of awful stuff, but just about all of it is good on the grill. So as much fun as Ive had telling you to ping Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, @Rendon63rd, and Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez, @LorenaAD80, and ask what gives, maybe we should try another approach. Im told that Rendon, Gonzalez and other Assembly leaders have done some decent work rescuing this much-needed bill from the trash. So go ahead and tweet them again, and tell them youre encouraged, and still watching -- to the extent thats possible -- and counting on them to do whats necessary to get the bill to Gov. Jerry Brown, which is when the real fun will begin. 8:46 A.M. When it comes to coastal protection, why does state Assembly have such a problem with transparency? The need to clean up the way the California Coastal Commission operates was obvious. Commissioners meet privately with developers more than with any other group, by far. They have repeatedly failed to fully explain the nature of those meetings, and have even failed to report them on occasion. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) penned a bill to ban such meetings. It cleared the Senate and bounced over to the Assembly, which nearly killed it, but finally decided this week to merely beat it to a pulp. The toothless mess that emerged from the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week would allow private meetings to continue under certain circumstances, and now Sen. Jackson has the task of trying to put some punch back into her bill. And heres the irony: We dont know which Assembly members, or higher powers, conspired to water down Jacksons bill because there is no transparency in the process. You cant peer through a window into the sausage factory. These amendments were hammered out privately. One can guess that the development lobby and labor groups did not like Jacksons reform bill because it would get in the way of a process that gives an advantage to those who want to build on the coast. One can even guess that the Brown administration shares their view. But we dont know, because a bill to shine a light on important decision-making got pummeled in a dark room, and the perps left no fingerprints. See Dan Weikels story at latimes.com. Ive sent in a request for an explanation to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). He has appointing authority for four coastal commissioners and itd be nice to hear what he thinks about the handiwork by his Appropriations Committee. If youd like to ping him or Appropriations Chair Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) to ask what happened, try @Rendon63rd and @LorenaAD80. Or you can drop a line to The Silent One @JerryBrownGov, but Ive tried, and despite months of turmoil and controversy on the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act he signed into law, the governor doesnt want to be disturbed. 7:36 A.M. Summer is in the rear-view mirror, end of journey just down the road The tide splashes up on the beach at sunset on a warm summer evening at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Carlsbad. Leucadia. Encinitas. Cardiff. Solana. Del Mar. Summer is disappearing in my rear-view mirror. Week Five of my trip from Oregon to Mexico will be over in just a few days, 1,100 miles after it began. Photographer Allen Schaben is farther down the road, waiting for me in San Diego. Soon well stand at the Mexican border and reflect on a deeper love of the California coast, a greater appreciation of the Coastal Act on the 40-year anniversary of protections that became law. Ill wish Id had a week to spend in places where I only had an hour or two. Ill thank the people we met along the way, and tell others well take up their offer the next time through. Californians are passionate about their coast. Theyre closely watching those in public office whose job is to protect fisheries and dunes, to limit development and maximize access. Ive got one eye on Sacramento myself. On legislative reforms that would serve all Californians. On coastal commissioners, some of whom seem to have forgotten their purpose. Im pulling into San Diego, where the air is warm, the water blue, Mexico in the near distance. 4:14 P.M. La Jolla The palm fronds of a palapa reveal a surfer, a couple and children taking in a warm summer sunset at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 1:07 P.M. newport beach Watts in a name? Find Amp-le answers in Newport Beach On Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Im driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway and spot the sign. The boat name of the week, it says, is Watt A Man. Thats not a mistake. This is the headquarters for Duffy, which makes the electric boats that are part of the culture in the Newport harbor. Many years ago, I wrote a column about a day of hobnobbing and bar-hopping, by boat, with local residents. I also wrote, at the time, about boat owners trying to out-do each other with clever names for the battery-powered boats. One of my favorites was Salt n Battery. So what are some of the newer ones? I walk into the office, and salesman Jim Drayton says one of the best ones this summer was Amp-ly Endowed. Not bad. Tyler Duffield, of the Duffy family, shows me a list with a few more recent winners. Your name here. (Steve Lopez / Los Angeles Times) Its a Ohm Run. Watt the Hey. Watta Yacht. Going back through the years, some of the better names include: Current Affair. Carry Us Ohm Watts the Hurry. Shock Cousteau. Ohmer Simpson. Knots and Volts. I could go on, but why dont you, instead? Send me your best names. Its not as easy as it looks, Duffield said. Its usually the hardest part, he says. Someone comes in and orders a boat, and they get the colors and everything figured out, and the last thing to do is come up with a name before the boat leaves the factory. Yeah, Its a Duff Life out here, where people are Ohm on the Watter, but It Is Watt It Is. 9:13 A.M. Going under in Laguna Beach A snorkeler looks for fish at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Garibaldi swim and feed on rocks at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2:41 P.M. Catching waves in Huntington Beach 10:53 A.M. On our way toward Mexico A view of the beach through a telescope at Pacific City, a new 31-acre mixed-use development in Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City U.S.A. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The site of the proposed Banning Ranch development now before the California Coastal Commission. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The tide rolls in at twilight at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station located on the border of San Diego County and San Clemente. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4:52 P.M. Laguna Beach 4:45 P.M. Laguna Beach 12:51 P.M. Dana Point A pod of dolphins leaps out of the water with a view of south Laguna Beach in the background on Aug. 12, 2016. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 10:37 P.M. sacramento Profiles in courage: Legislators soften Coastal Commission reform, leave no fingerprints A perfectly sensible bill to clean up the way California coastal commissioners do business has been getting the waterboard treatment. First, Santa Barbara Sen. Hannah-Beth Jacksons SB 1190 was submerged by a ludicrous report claiming it would cost too much money to prohibit private conversations between developers and commissioners. Then it was tossed overboard and dragged like chum. Then on Thursday, legislators pulled SB 1190 back into the boat so badly decomposed its barely recognizable. As my colleague Dan Weikel reports at latimes.com, five amendments gutted the good intentions. The most egregious one allows commissioners to meet privately with developers during on-site visits. This comes just weeks after reports that Coastal Commission Chairman Steve Kinsey met twice with developers of the massive Newport Banning Ranch development and failed to properly report those confabs. Environmental groups, however, would not be able to have such meetings in the bills current form. On my best day, I could not have come up with a more Alice in Wonderland outcome. Details were still emerging, and it wasnt clear which legislators were responsible for the hatchet job, or whether they caved in to political, development or union pressure, or all three. No fingerprints on the body, in other words. Three environmentalists I checked with were livid, and understandably so. Stay tuned for updates on the autopsy, and dont stop letting @JerryBrownGov know how you feel about whats happening to coastal preservation on his watch. #SaveYourCoast 7:46 A.M. Sunset at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages Children run along the beach at twilight near the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The sun sets over the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Isabella, 9, and Holden, 7, roast marshmallows over a beach fire with their parents, Steve and Amy Knuff, of Aliso Viejo at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Incoming tide rolls onto the beach at twilight at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 1:29 P.M. Column: Fighting for the California coast from a tiny office in her kitchen nook Susan Jordan, who created and runs the California Coastal Protection Network, is seen in her Santa Barbara office. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) If you were a coastal conservation activist in California, with 1,100 miles of shoreline to look after, how would you even decide where to begin? Theres always a battle somewhere, and let me give you just a couple of examples from one tiny section of the coast. Moss Landing is in the news again this week as the Surfrider Foundation and other activists try to stop Cemex, an international sand mining company, from trucking away the beach as it has done for decades, causing erosion that has begun to set off lots of alarms. Read more 8:49 A.M. Hermosa Beach Remember when you could spend a night at a California beach motel for less than a weeks pay? A third-generation motel owner in this seaside town tells me he gets an offer, about every other day, from someone who wants to buy his property, bulldoze it and rebuild. But hes hanging on because three generations of families have been staying at his low-budget, no-frills motel since the 1960s, and he doesnt want to end those summer vacation traditions. Elsewhere on the California coast, motels and hotels have been bought out by chains and developers, driving up the cost of affordable family vacations. Look for my column on the Hermosa Beach motel in the coming days. And if you know of good low-budget beach lodging, or if youve seen your motel go from cheap to chic, drop me a line at steve.lopez@latimes.com Over the next two days, photographer Allen Schaben and I will be in Hermosa and Huntington Beach, reporting on the proposed desalination plant there. And, by the way, we should find out in the next day or two whether legislation banning private meetings between coastal commissioners and developers is released from legislative prison and put up for a vote in the state Assembly. Theres still time to weigh in at #SaveYourCoast and be sure to give a poke to @JerryBrownGov and Assemblywoman, Lorena Gonzalez @LorenaAD80. Read more A stalled bill to prohibit behind-the-scenes communications at the California Coastal Commission survived in the Legislature Thursday, but lawmakers weakened it with amendments that would allow the controversial practice to continue for developers and elected officials. The Assembly Appropriations Committee decided to release a measure by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) from the suspense file where pending bills are shelved, at least temporarily, if they cost the state $150,000 or more a year. They created a negative bill that is hostile to the public but is pro-developer. Sara Wan, a former coastal commissioner Advertisement The bill, however, emerged from the committee with five amendments, including one that would in effect allow private ex parte communications to take place between developers and coastal commissioners during visits to project sites. Another revision would let commissioners continue to have ex partes with elected officials, who are acting in their official capacity. As amended, the ban would remain in place for environmental groups, government officials who are not elected, lobbyists and any other member of the public interested in a matter pending before the commission. I am concerned that several of the amendments may have departed from the intent and purpose of this bill, which was to curb lobbyist and developer influence, level the playing field for all Californians and restore transparency and trust in the Coastal Commission, said Jackson, who cautioned that she has not seen the final versions of the changes. The bill returns to the Assembly, but Jackson added that she will decide whether to withdraw the measure after reviewing the language of the amendments. The original legislation would have banned commissioners from having any ex-parte communication with developers, lobbyists, environmentalists or other interested person. Ex partes are private communications between a coastal commissioner and an interested party that could influence a decision. They can involve telephone calls, face-to-face meetings, emails or other written material. Jackson has said the ban is necessary to promote open government, remove the possibility of backroom deal-making and help restore confidence in the commission since Executive Director Charles Lester was fired in February with little public explanation. Her bill also would have prevented the coastal commissioners from trying to influence the agencys staff in the preparation of reports and recommendations related to commission business. The provision was designed to maintain the independence of the staff, which is supposed to objectively evaluate projects and proposals free of political influence. Members of the appropriations committee, however, amended the bill, eliminating the ban but requiring the commission to adopt a policy prohibiting undue influence. In another change, they called on the commission to provide telephone and video access so members of the public could testify during public hearings. They turned a good bill into a bad one that will be disastrous for the commission, said Sara Wan, a former coastal commissioner who supported the measure. They created a negative bill that is hostile to the public but is pro-developer. State officials say that its difficult at this stage in the process to identify who on the committee proposed amendments to any bill or why. Jacksons bill, which was endorsed by the coastal commission, passed the Senate un-amended earlier this year. It was placed in the Assembly suspense file on Aug.1 after a report by the state Natural Resources Agency concluded that the measure might cost the commission about $900,000 a year to hire additional staff needed to gather information from interested parties for commissioners. The report reached that conclusion although at least four other studies by the Legislature and the Coastal Commission indicated that an ex-parte ban would have no financial impact and, in some cases, might save money. The analysis by the resource agency also supported the argument by some commissioners that ex-parte communications are a valuable source of information for them and a way to make commissioners accessible to the public. However, some current and former coastal commissioners have questioned the value of ex-parte communications and the need for extra staff because the same information can be presented in staff reports and at the commissions public hearings. dan.weikel@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter at @LADeadline16 ALSO Gun and video may provide answers in Jesse Romero shooting, police say Probation statistics show increase in use of force at L.A. County juvenile halls State is years behind on projects to protect wildlife at Salton Sea, officials and activists say Health officials in Los Angeles and Orange counties are racing to vaccinate gay men for meningitis, as a growing outbreak in the region appears to be hitting them particularly hard. Orange County health workers launched evening pop-up clinics at gay bars, night clubs and LGBT centers. At the first one, at the Velvet Lounge in Santa Ana on Saturday, 31 people got a free shot at the bar against meningitis. The nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation put up billboards this week in Hollywood advertising free vaccines. Officials in L.A. County have been providing free doses to local clinics and LGBT organizations, reminding all gay men they should be inoculated. Advertisement Were trying to blanket the world with that information, said Dr. Franklin Pratt, medical director of the L.A. County Department of Public Healths immunization program. Since March, 24 people were found to have contracted meningitis in L.A. and Orange counties, 19 of whom were gay or bisexual men, according to state health officials. I find it extremely concerning, said Dr. Rachel Civen, a medical epidemiologist with L.A. Countys Public Health Department. Officials are unsure why the outbreak is disproportionately affecting gay men, but the cases are believed to be connected because patients were infected with the same strain of meningococcus bacteria, known as serotype C. Meningitis, which can be transmitted by kissing and sharing drinks, can kill in just a few hours. Two people infected in the current outbreak died. Public health officials are playing catch-up when it comes to understanding meningitis outbreaks nationwide. Over the past decade, gay communities in Chicago, New York, Berlin, Paris, Toronto and L.A. County have been disproportionately affected by the disease and no one knows why. Health officials speculated it might be due to HIV-positive patients who had weakened immune systems that made them more vulnerable, or that those affected had other risk factors, such as engaging in anonymous sex and using illegal drugs. But Civen said that two-thirds of those infected in L.A.s current outbreak didnt fall into either of those groups. So last month health officials began recommending vaccines to all gay and bisexual men. Yet some health advocates think thats not enough. With the cause of the outbreak still uncertain, as many people as possible should consider getting vaccinated, they say. Officials have so far been unable to find a geographic center for the outbreak or a social link between the cases. Five of the 24 people infected were not gay or bisexual men, and two were women, according to state health officials. This disease knows no boundaries, said Lynn Bozof, who heads the nonprofit National Meningitis Assn., an organization she founded after her 20-year-old son died of the disease. But meningitis is still so rare, with approximately 500 cases annually, that federal health officials dont recommend universal vaccination, said Dr. Amanda Cohn, executive secretary of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which develops the CDCs vaccine recommendations. Routine vaccinations would require a lot of resources for a relatively small public health impact, she said. Its really challenging with meningococcal vaccine in particular, because of how few cases there are, she said. We dont ever want to see any cases of meningococcal disease, however wed have to vaccinate millions and millions of people because we never know who its going to be. Plus, the meningitis vaccine only lasts about five years. You would just have to vaccinate so many people to prevent each case, Cohn said. The CDC does recommend the vaccine for certain groups considered high-risk, including teens, college students and military recruits. Meningitis tends to spread when people are living in close quarters. Civen said that even if L.A. County officials were to decide that all residents should be vaccinated against meningitis during this outbreak, its likely that few people would actually seek out the shot. Every year health officials recommend that all Americans over 6 months old receive the flu shot, she said, but how many people really do it? As doctors have seen with gay and bisexual men, its not an easy task to get adults who feel healthy and well and dont perceive that they have risk to get a vaccine, she said. Over the past month, the L.A. County Health Department distributed 3,300 doses of the meningitis vaccine, compared with almost none in a typical month, Pratt said. Thats likely a fraction of the total vaccines received by patients, since clinics can purchase them on their own, he added. Pratt said that people who are concerned about meningitis but dont meet the current vaccination guidelines should inquire with their physician, who can assess their risk factors. Since Dell Miller, 32, ended up in the hospital last year with meningitis, he has tried to warn people about happened to him. Both his legs were amputated because of the disease. His closest friends and family were inoculated against meningitis when Miller got sick, but some of his friends still have not sought out the vaccine, he said. Its hard to understand watching someone so close to you go through something so traumatic and still not feel that urgency to take care of it, said Miller, who works as a hairstylist and lives in West Hollywood. Even though he knows the official recommendations are limited to gay men, he wants everyone asks to ask their doctors about the vaccine. I tell everyone because it can get anyone, Miller said. soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com Follow @skarlamangla on Twitter for more health news. ALSO Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is again detained, this time at LAX Ex-L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca pleads not guilty to new obstruction charges California gang database plagued with errors, unsubstantiated entries, state auditor finds The Salton Sea is in big trouble and plodding state officials are to blame, local authorities and environmentalists say. The California Legislature appropriated money to start designing projects to restore wildlife habitat and control dust at the steadily receding salt lake in 2010. But lawmakers did not approve funding to actually begin construction on those conservation efforts until June of this year, when they included $80.5 million in the state budget for a few modest habitat projects scheduled for sometime next year, state officials said. Those projects comprise the first phase of a proposed long-term Salton Sea restoration effort estimated to cost about $3 billion. Advertisement The state has been dallying. Timothy Bradley, professor of ecology and director of UC Irvineas Salton Sea Initiative In the meantime, critics say, record-high salinity levels, die-offs of perch-like fish called tilapia, fewer birds and a bathtub ring of dusty playas stand as ecological emblems of what has not been accomplished. The state has been dallying, said Timothy Bradley, a professor of ecology and director of UC Irvines Salton Sea Initiative. And it would be unconscionable if it does not now shift into a very high speed to get something done. Cormorants at the Salton Sea on Aug. 8. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) Gazing at a squadron of brown pelicans gliding over the lakes hyper-saline waters, Valerie Simon, Salton Sea program manager at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, offered a similar view. If I was queen for a day, she said, Id make restoring this once magical place a top priority. The Salton Sea was created in 1905, when the Colorado River broke through a silt-laden canal and roared unimpeded for two years into a basin near Brawley known as the Salton Sink. It grew into a 360-square-mile lake straddling Riverside and Imperial counties, about 150 miles south of Los Angeles. Fishermen flocked to its shores, and the lake and the surrounding area became habitat for more than 400 species of birds half the entire number of species to be found nationwide. As conditions in the man-made body of water have changed, its fish population has been shrinking, leading to other species changing their habits. One of the most important wetlands along the Pacific Flyway, the Salton Sea supports nearly 90% of its American white pelicans and 90% of its eared grebes. Disputes with the state over the Salton Seas deteriorating environmental conditions began in 2003, when the Legislature promised to slow the shrinking of the lake. The promise was made as part of a successful effort to persuade the Imperial Irrigation District to sell some of its water to San Diego. Under the 2003 agreement, the district is required to send water into the sea until the end of 2017. Critics say that with the exception of three small habitat projects scheduled for construction next year, the state has failed to follow through on its promise. California officials acknowledge that state conservation measures are behind schedule, but say permitting requirements, complex federal environmental protection laws, and haggling over engineering, contracts and funding are to blame for the delays. This work should have started years ago, so its not unreasonable for people to be nervous, said Bruce Wilcox, who Gov. Jerry Brown appointed in 2015 as assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy at the California Natural Resources Agency to expedite restoration efforts. But we are now moving forward as fast as we can on restoration projects because they are critical. Those projects include a $3.5-million plan to restore 420 acres of Red Hill Bay on the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea, and a $30-million proposal to create a nearby network of estuaries to compensate for some of the fish and wildlife habitat that is being lost as the Salton Sea recedes and becomes more salty. Of course, well need more funding to finish the rest of the program, Wilcox said. Californias biggest lake could also be its biggest environmental headache, and the keeper of its data, Tim Krantz, argues why it needs to be saved. In 2010, salinity levels at the Salton Sea were about 50 parts per thousand parts of water, federal reclamation authorities said. Today, they are about 58.3 parts per thousand. By comparison, the salinity level of the Pacific Ocean is about 35 parts per thousand. Over the last five years, expanses of dry lake bed two miles wide have replaced shoreline where fishing enthusiasts once caught croaker, corvina and sargo. Today, the only fish in the Salton Sea are inch-long desert pupfish and tilapia, a tropical species that has somehow managed to adjust to salinity levels that should be lethal. In some places, the receding waterline has uncovered thermal fields studded with boiling mud pots spewing clouds of steam and sulfur dioxide gas that smells like rotten eggs. A thin sheet of water on the east side of the seas Mullet Island recently evaporated, allowing coyotes and raccoons to raid the breeding grounds of tens of thousands of cormorants, pelicans and herons. Chris Schoneman (right) and Aaron Eaton ride along the Alamo River. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) Chris Schoneman, manager at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge Complex at the southern end of the 35-mile-long lake, gunned the engine of his flat-bottomed airboat on a recent weekday and skimmed along the waterline, taking stock of bird populations that he said were unusually small. He attributed the dearth of birds to a die-off of tilapia this year. After the die-off, he said, grebes started washing up on shore. Necropsies determined that they had died of starvation. The thousands of Caspian terns and Western grebes we normally get around this time of year, he added, are no where to be seen. The states own scary predictions of more than a decade ago have come to pass but its conservation projects are still not up and running, said Michael Cohen, co-author of a 2014 Pacific Institute report titled Hazards Toll: The Costs of Inaction at the Salton Sea. Our patience with the state is largely evaporated. Antonio Ortega, spokesman for the Imperial Irrigation District, would not argue with any of that. By failing to make serious investments, he said, or even starting construction on its restoration projects, the state is sending out a risky message: Maybe the threat isnt as bad as we thought it was. Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com Twitter: @LouisSahagun ALSO SoCal hit with worst smog in years as hot, stagnant weather brings surge in hospital visits Lawmakers weaken bill to ban behind-the-scenes communications at Coastal Commission Courts overturn sentences for two California death row inmates and uphold another It was two years ago when Ezell Ford, a mentally ill black man, was killed by two Los Angeles police officers in South L.A., sparking protests and debate over the use of deadly force by police. A group of protesters on Thursday marked the second anniversary of the killing by gathering outside the downtown Los Angeles office of Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey, saying they were done waiting for her to decide whether to file criminal charges against the officers and calling on her to prosecute them. Standing outside the countys Hall of Justice, the protesters held a large yellow banner that read D.A. Lacey file charges now!. Advertisement Some held signs that read D.A. Lazy, time for Justice... and We demand charges... Organizer Keyanna Celina, a member of Coalition For Community Control Over The Police, a grass-roots group, used a microphone to address more than a dozen demonstrators. Its been two years, Celina said. Justice delayed is justice denied. Fords family, who was attending the event, also spoke out against the district attorney for not yet finishing the investigation. Its been two long, horrible years, said Fords great-aunt, Mahalia Clark, 68. Two years they have been investigating Fords death. Tritobia Ford, Ezells mother, broke down in tears as she expressed her frustration with the delay. She said she wants a decision to be announced so she can move on. Its not fair to have a justice system that wont let us know what is going on, Ford said. Let us know something, its not fair. The district attorneys office said in a written statement that it was dedicated to conducting an independent and thorough investigation into the shooting. The LAPDs investigation was turned over to prosecutors in May 2015. Since then, prosecutors have located and interviewed additional witnesses and consulted experts on a variety of forensic evidence. The district attorneys office intervened when lawyers for Fords family in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed depositions of witnesses who might not have been interviewed by police. The depositions were under seal, preventing prosecutors or the public from viewing them. In January, the district attorneys office asked a federal judge to unseal those records for prosecutors. A judge signed a protective order allowing the records to be turned over in late May, court documents show. That legal battle took almost six months, but the documents received are vital to our legal analysis, Lacey said in the statement. We must evaluate every witness account so that we may reach a fair result for all of the parties involved. Fords death became a local rallying cry against killings by police, particularly those of black men, and strained relations between police and African Americans in South Los Angeles. Ford, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, died two days after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., which prompted nationwide demonstrations and heated debates about race and policing. Ford was killed on Aug 11, 2014. According to the LAPD, Officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas got out of their car on West 65th Street to talk to Ford, but the 25-year-old continued walking and made suspicious movements before tackling one officer and reaching for his gun, prompting both officers to open fire. Last year, the Los Angeles Police Commission found that Wamplers use of deadly force violated LAPD policy. The commission found that his handling of the encounter was so flawed that it led to the fatal confrontation. Corley holds a child during the demonstration at the Hall of Justice downtown. Her son, Lionel V. Gibson Jr. was shot in May by Long Beach police. (Callaghan OHare / Los Angeles Times ) The panel disapproved of Villegas initial decision to draw his weapon early on in the confrontation but said he ultimately was justified in shooting Ford. The two officers recently sued the city, alleging they had been unfairly kept on desk duty because of the shooting. Watch the Los Angeles Police Commissions mixed ruling in the controversial killing of Ezell Ford, a mentally ill black man. ruben.vives@latimes.com For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter. ALSO Gun and video may provide answers in Jesse Romero shooting, police say Courts overturn sentences for two California death row inmates and uphold another Four injured when truck drives through MacArthur Park; the driver is released by police A California gang database maintained by law enforcement agencies is rife with unsubstantiated entries, names that should have been purged long ago and glaring errors, a state audit released Thursday found. As a result of poor oversight, the CalGang database, which includes the names of more than 150,000 suspected gang members and affiliates, contains questionable information that may violate the privacy rights of many individuals, according to the audit. In one of the most telling examples, auditors found the names of 42 people whose birth dates indicated they were one year of age or younger at the time they were entered into the database. Of those, 28 were entered for admitting to being gang members, according to State Auditor Elaine M. Howle. Advertisement Although state-funded, the CalGang database is overseen by an executive board and advisory committee made up of local law enforcement officials with no statutory authority. Howle noted that model means there is almost no public transparency or scrutiny of its work. Our review uncovered numerous examples demonstrating weaknesses in the user agencies approaches for entering information into CalGang, auditors wrote For decades the database has been a way for police officers to check on suspected gang ties and affiliations. A sample of data from four user agencies Los Angeles and Santa Ana police and Santa Clara County and Sonoma County sheriffs found they could not substantiate numerous CalGang entries they had made, demonstrating weaknesses in the processes for entering, evaluating and auditing the data in CalGang, the audit said. A review of 100 individuals placed in the database by the four agencies found 13 were inappropriately included. Auditors found more than 600 individuals who were still listed even though their files should have been purged because they hadnt been updated within five years. Many of those records were not scheduled to be purged for more than 100 years. In 2015, nearly 15,000 gang members or affiliates were added to the system while a little over 33,000 were removed. The database is overwhelmingly male some 93.1% and disproportionately minority 64.9% Latino and 20.5% black. Los Angeles and Santa Ana, the auditors noted, failed to fully implement a 2014 state law that requires juveniles and their parents to be notified before their names are added to the gang database so they could contest the decision. Of 129 juvenile records examined from the two agencies, 70% had been added without proper notification. The LAPD did not explain the reasons why some minors were being added to the database and in some cases did not notify the juveniles at all or only after they were added. Howle recommended that CalGang be overhauled with a new oversight structure, administered by the state Department of Justice. Other recommendations include conducting public hearings and adopting new entry, review and information-sharing requirements. The audit called for police agencies across the state to do a comprehensive review of their entries. Representatives of civil rights organizations said the audit confirmed what many have long suspected. CalGang is an ineffective tool full of inaccuracies that result in violations of peoples rights, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the ACLU of California. Many of the police agencies cited in the audit agreed with its recommendations. In a response to the draft report, LAPD Deputy Chief Matt Blake said the department is revising its standards and expects to complete reviews in the next couple of years of all its 40,000 entries. Blake, however, questioned the reports suggestion that the database entries had violated privacy rights, saying the accusation might harm public trust in law enforcement. He also praised his gang detail officers for their ability to identify gang members. Similarly, Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas in a letter questioned how the report could praise his departments work in notifying juveniles families but still be dinged for its overall performance on that issue. The Sonoma County Sheriffs Department disputed the audit findings, saying the department met state guidelines for entries. richard.winton@latimes.com Follow @lacrimes on Twitter ALSO Courts overturn sentences for two California death row inmates and uphold another Four injured when truck drives through MacArthur Park; the driver is released by police Demonstrators call on D.A. to decide whether to prosecute LAPD officers who shot Ezell Ford Current Affairs 2022 Welcome to the Adda247 Current Affairs website which provides you with the best compilation of the Daily Current Affairs 2022 taking place across the globe: National, International, Sports, Science and Technology, Banking, Economy, Agreement, Appointments, Ranks and Report and General Studies. Adda247 has been a fantastic buddy in assisting you in reaching your full potential in terms of knowledge and learning by providing you with the top academic information. Adda247 is one of the most popular Current Affairs website in India for UPSC, SSC, Banking / IBPS, IAS, NTSE, Railways, NDA, CDS, Judiciary, UPPSC, RPSC, BPSC, MPSC, MPPSC, and other state civil services / government job recruitment examinations in India. Current Affairs is a major part of the exams like UPSC, UPSC CSE, IBPS, SBI, RBI, SSC, Railway, UPPSC, RPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC, UKPSC, APPSC, MPSC etc. Many Govt job aspirants have benefited from our Current Affairs website now its your turn. This is the best current affairs site to find recent updates on Daily Current Affairs not only for competitive exams but also for interviews and updated with the latest information happening in nation and around the world. Current Affairs plays a vital role in all government examinations. To secure your selection with a vast margin, one needs to prepare this section in a holistic way. The current affairs section tests your awareness and how inquisitive you are. A basic understanding of current events will not only help you to secure a job, but will also help you grow in your job later. Check out the link below or visit www.currentaffairs.adda247.com to get daily current affairs updates. This post will provide you a general overview of how to prepare current affairs and several approaches you can utilise in your upcoming banking exams. The three main bank exams:- IBPS, RBI, and SBI are administered nationally each year and thousands of candidates sign up for them, raising the stakes in the race to the top. A significant portion of these bank exams is the GA Section, which contains the majority of the current events questions. This section is quite challenging because there is no set syllabus for it. This segment requires careful planning and continuous preparation on the part of the candidates. To get ready for the current affairs section, you can use the advice below: Candidates must first look at the previous years questions to understand what is asked in the exams. The previous years questions will guide what to read in newspapers. GA section requires consistency; one must read newspapers daily. Make crisp notes of important news. Revise the notes on regular intervals. Another method is to follow news channels or current affairs YouTube channels to remain updated with current affairs. If you do not have time to read daily current affairs, you can follow monthly magazines provided by various institutes. Such magazines are available online as well as in PDF form. It is very important to test your preparation on regular basis. Solve quizzes according to the exams you are targeting. NOTE : READ- NOTE- REVISE-TEST to ace current affairs. Why Adda247? Adda247 provides you with every kind of current affairs sorted under various sections like national, international, sports and awards to ease your preparations. The current affairs are divided into various sections and some of the important topics are depicted below: National Current Affairs: Every single essential piece of news on whats going on in the country is included in this section International Current Affairs: As for the banking exam, a candidate must prepare well for both national as well as international news going on since last year. Economic related issues: This section of economic current affairs will include every little news about the economy of India and the economic corridor with other countries. You can also find other relevant topics related to daily current affairs like product rate, economic growth, new economic frisking zone, and schemes indulged in the growth of the economy. Banking Current Affairs: All the recent changes in rules, policies of banking sectors will be discussed in this section. As you are preparing for the banking exam, you must be aware of stock market, and other banking activities for economic growth. Sports Current Affairs: This section covers all the tournaments and sports events held recently in the nation or outside the nation. Current Affairs Awards & Achievements : Current affairs on both national and international awards are included in this section for your preparation. Appointments Current Affairs : This section covers all the new appointments done in various departments of the government of India and other countries of the world. At Adda247, we provide detailed information with designation and name for your convenience to prepare for your bank exam. You can find the most relevant and updated current affairs for your bank preparation with us. Just join us and we will help you out with your preparation in the best possible way we can. Check SSC CGL 2022 Notification Current Affairs 2022: FAQs Q.1 What are the latest types of question asked in recent exams? Ans. In RBI assistant mains it was asked when Ramsar convention was signed. This is a static question in context of current affairs as India got new ramsar sites. Adda covers the static part with its current affairs. In SBI PO mains 2021, TIME Magazines Person Of The Year For 2021 was asked it was covered in current affairs. Q2. How to cover the static portion in context of current affairs? Ans. Candidate should look into political, historical background of the news. These aspects need to be prepared. Static portion is covered along with current affairs. Q.3 What aspects to cover while reading government schemes? Ans. For central level schemes: Amount allotted, ministry, year of launch, main characteristics are to be learnt. For state level schemes purpose and state is to be read. Q.4. What are the various sources of Adda247 current affairs? Ans. Adda 247 current affair sources are: PIB, NewsOnAir, RBI website, Various newspapers like Hindu, Indian express, financial express and many more. Q.5 Does Adda247 provide Current Affairs PDF? Ans. Yes, Adda247 provides weekly and month-wise current affairs pdfs in both Hindi and English languages. A 50-year-old crane worker was injured on the job in downtown Los Angeles and had to be airlifted from his 270-foot perch, fire officials said Thursday. The man reported he was injured about 1:20 p.m. while working in the 800 block of South Hill Street, Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said. The injury prevented him from climbing down the crane ladder to the ground, and his position was too high for firefighters to retrieve him. A crane worker is rescued Thursday. (Harrison Hill / Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement A fire department helicopter rescue team was sent in about 2:40 p.m., hovering above and eventually hoisting him for transport to a local hospital. The man was listed in fair condition, but officials would not specify the nature of his injury, Stewart said. Joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Instructor in deadly tandem jump lacked FAA license, skydiving group says Four injured when truck drives through MacArthur Park; driver in custody Tygas arrest warrant to be canceled after rapper and landlord reach settlement, lawyer says Top courts weighed in Thursday on three long-running capital murder cases in California, throwing out two death sentences while affirming a third. All three inmates had been convicted of murders that took place 15 to 35 years ago. On Thursday, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conviction and death sentence of James Edward Hardy, originally found guilty of stabbing a woman and her son to death in 1981. Thursdays court ruling called for a new trial, reversing the judgment of a district court that denied Hardys petition to challenge his conviction. Advertisement A previous court determined that Hardys defense lawyer failed to investigate and present evidence that the prosecutions key witness, Calvin Boyd, may have been the actual killer. The appellate court agreed. The panel wrote that had counsel properly investigated and presented evidence that Boyd the states key witness actually committed the murders, there is a substantial probability the jury would have come to a different conclusion, Judge Stanley Allen Bastian wrote in the opinion. Criminal justice experts said Thursdays decisions exemplify the extreme delays endemic in California death penalty cases and raise questions of whether justice is being served. There are such backups in the ability to appoint counsel for appeals, in scheduling and in hearing the appeals that defendants wait many years to have their appeals overturned, even cases like this when they very well may be innocent, said Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, a national nonprofit organization that provides analysis and information on issues related to capital punishment. Also Thursday, the California Supreme Court in a unanimous decision overturned the conviction and death sentence of Craigen Lewis Armstrong, finding that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Pounders discharged a juror during the guilt phase of Armstrongs trial without demonstrable reason to believe that the juror could not complete her duty. Armstrong was originally convicted in 2004 of killing three brothers in 2001. It doesnt mean the person is not guilty, but they have legitimate arguments for why their convictions should not stand, said Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson. In a separate ruling, the state high court affirmed the conviction and death sentence of Michael Ray Burgener, who was found guilty and sentenced to death for murdering a man during a convenience store robbery in 1981. Burgeners case has spent more than 30 years bouncing from trial courts to appellate courts. One reason for the long delay between crime and affirmance is that this is the fourth time the defendants case is before the court, David Ettinger, an attorney who frequently argues cases before the California high court, said in a blog post. The court affirmed Burgeners conviction in 1986, but reversed the death penalty. Then, in 2003 and 2009, the court reversed the penalty twice more after it had been reinstated. In addition, new lawyers and judges have repeatedly had to take over the 35-year-old case. The judge who presided at Burgeners penalty retrial died, as did the judge who replaced him. The attorney who defended Burgener is also no longer living. What is interesting about these three decisions is what they collectively show about Californias death penalty system, Dunham said. Whatever you think about the death penalty itself, these cases all show that the courts have a seriously hard time providing fair trials and fair hearings when the death penalty is involved. According to the Department of Corrections, there are 746 inmates on death row in California. There are a lot of people on death row, but when you have this many cases in one day, it is an indication that the courts are troubled about this, Levenson said. Here are repeated situations where the courts do not have confidence in the verdict. Thats a problem that should worry everybody because it shows we have people on death row who may not belong there. erica.evans@latimes.com ALSO Four injured when truck drives through MacArthur Park; driver in custody Tygas arrest warrant to be canceled after rapper and landlord reach settlement, lawyer says Injured crane worker hoisted from 270-foot high perch above downtown L.A. A heat wave is expected to smother Southern California this weekend and last into next week, with high temperatures elevating the risk of wildfire throughout the region. The mercury in downtown Los Angeles is expected to climb from the mid-80s Saturday to close to 90 on Sunday, while the valleys are in for triple-digit temperatures. Looks like were in for an extended period of hot and very dry weather, said National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Sukup. Elevated fire danger is going to be up the other concern, because of how dry the fuels are and then its also going to be very hot and very dry. Advertisement The peak of the heat wave is expected to last from Sunday through Tuesday, with the valleys experiencing temperatures between 100 to 108 degrees. The temperature in the Antelope Valley on Sunday could reach as high as 110 degrees. The downtown L.A. temperature is expected to hit 91 on Monday and Tuesday. Higher temperatures will bring an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, the weather service said, especially for the homeless, the elderly, infants and anyone participating in outdoor activities. Elevated temperatures, low humidity and very dry potential fuels will bring with them an extended period of fire danger that will run from Saturday to Wednesday, the weather service said. Mountain and foothill areas will be especially at risk for large fires, as the prolonged period of heat and low humidities increase the potential for fuel driven fire, the weather service said. The heat wave comes during a particularly active wildfire season. Firefighters this week made significant progress on a number of blazes, including the Pilot fire, which scorched 8,115 acres in the mountains of San Bernardino County and is now 80% contained. The Soberanes fire has scorched 70,615 acres along Californias Central Coast and is now 55% contained. High temperatures this summer have also contributed to air quality issues, resulting in Southern California experiencing its worst smog in years. The heat and stagnant weather have increased the number of bad air days and driven up ozone pollution to levels not seen since 2009, according to air quality experts. Los Angeles Times staff writer Tony Barboza contributed to this report. For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia ALSO Ex-boyfriend suspected in fatal stabbing of 16-year-old girl Gun and video may provide answers in Jesse Romero shooting, police say Courts overturn sentences for two California death row inmates and uphold another A Long Beach man was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday for the death of a Cal State Northridge student who met his killer on Craigslist. Agustin Rosendo Fernandez was convicted in June of first-degree murder for the stabbing death of Abdullah Abdullatif Alkadi, 23, whose body was found along the 10 Freeway in Palm Desert in 2014. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Hayden Zacky handed down the sentence to Fernandez, now 30. Advertisement Prosecutors also filed special circumstances alleging the murder happened during a robbery and a carjacking, and that Fernandez used a knife. Jurors found those circumstances to be true, according to a court officer. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office decided not to seek the death penalty against Fernandez. Prosecutors allege Fernandez met Alkadi, an engineering student from Saudi Arabia, on a social media site after Alkadi posted an ad looking to sell his Audi on Sept. 17, 2014. Los Angeles police said Alkadis brother told investigators he sold his car on Craigslist. Deputy Dist. Atty. Cynthia Barnes said Fernandez stabbed the engineering student to death that same day so he could keep both the $35,000 car and the money. Fernandez was taken into custody on Oct. 16, 2014, in downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles police arrest records show. Alkadis body was found that night along the 10 Freeway in Palm Desert, according to police. Alkadis car was later found parked at the defendants apartment in the 6800 block of Long Beach Boulevard, according to prosecutors. ben.poston@latimes.com Follow @bposton on Twitter. ALSO Driver killed after motorhome crashes into Sylmar house Glendale police arrest woman suspected in two kidnapping attempts Ex-boyfriend is sought for questioning in fatal stabbing of 16-year-old girl Long Beach officials and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are set to offer a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed a mother and her 4-year-old daughter in a city intersection Saturday. Carina Mancera, 26, and her daughter, Jennabel, were gunned down at the corner of Locust Avenue and 9th Street around 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 6, police have said. The victims were returning from a local grocery store, and the attacker also shot at Manceras boyfriend, Luis Anaya, police said. A motive for the attack has not been disclosed, and investigators have not said if Mancera and her daughter were the targets of the shooting or killed in a random crime. Police Chief Robert Luna said Friday that the grieving father has told police as much as he can, but cautioned that he may not remember much given the traumatic nature of the attack. Advertisement If I can put you in his situation for a minute of being shot at, and watching his girlfriend and daughter being murdered I dont know how many of us would remember many details after that, Luna said. Long Beachs City Council will vote on a proposal to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the killings at its August 16 meeting, and the county board of supervisors is set to vote on proposal offering a reward in the same amount, bringing the total to $40,000. Anaya and Mancera had been dating for nearly five years, and lived in an apartment less than a block from the intersection where the shooting occurred, friends said. Both grew up in Long Beach, and Anaya worked in construction. Residents said the neighborhood is relatively calm, and the sound of gunshots came as a surprise to people in the area on Saturday. How are you gonna see a family walking and go crazy? Gabriel Sanchez, 26, a longtime friend of Mancera, asked earlier this week. Why would you shoot a child? The child is just living life, innocent. Earlier this week, Long Beach homicide Sgt. Robert Woods said he was surprised that the department had not received more information from the community in the wake of the vicious killings, and Luna again pleaded for someone to step forward on Friday. Police are asking anyone with information about the killings to contact Dets. Scott Lasch and Michael Hubbard at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can alo be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT on Twitter for crime and police news in California. UPDATES: 2:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about the reward. This article first published at 2:20 p.m. The town of Val Verde, population 2,468, consists of a smattering of narrow roads and single-family houses nestled among the hills of Chiquita Canyon, and a dump named after that canyon that some nearby residents say needs to be shut down. The Chiquita Canyon Landfill is L.A. Countys second-largest site for burying the kitchen waste, packaging and other refuse discarded by residents. Last year, it took in more than a million tons of garbage. Six days a week, a steady stream of semi-trucks rumble up and down the roads to the dumps working face, a colored mosaic of mostly indistinguishable trash. As the trucks tip their waste, metals clank under the roar of Caterpillar bulldozers and compactors with studded steel wheels that push, crush and bury the garbage. Advertisement Twenty years ago, Chiquita Canyons owners and Val Verde residents engaged in a bitter fight over a proposal to expand the landfill. In 1997, the two sides settled on an agreement requiring the dump to close its gates when a certain number of tons of buried trash had been reached and to pay into a fund for community programs. The agreement left open an avenue for the landfill to apply for a renewed permit. Protesters outside Supervisor Michael Antonovichs office in Santa Clarita call for the closure of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) I thought we had an ironclad agreement. Im astounded. Im enraged, actually. Barbara Wampole, Val Verde resident and landfill opponent By the end of July, the landfill had surpassed the cap, according to a tally from public records and landfill officials. Waste Connections Inc., the landfill owner, is seeking another expansion permit, and that application is undergoing environmental review. In the meantime, the company quietly applied for and obtained a temporary waiver to keep operating, leaving some Val Verde residents feeling hoodwinked. I thought we had an ironclad agreement, said Barbara Wampole, who has lived in Val Verde for 42 years and fought the 1997 expansion. Im astounded. Im enraged, actually. Wampole was part of a group of about two dozen activists and residents who delivered a letter last week to L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, whose district includes Val Verde, demanding the dumps closure. The activists are worried about air and water quality in the area and the landfills effects on public health. They argue that the landfills managers acted in bad faith and broke the terms of the 1997 agreement. Company representatives and government officials say the landfill did nothing wrong. Last November, in anticipation that the dump would soon reach its maximum permitted capacity of 23 million tons, Mike Dean, Waste Connections division vice president for Southern California, wrote to Richard Bruckner, the countys regional planning director, and requested a waiver in order to continue operating while the company waited for a new permit. In March, Bruckner approved the waiver. Four days later, Dean accepted the terms. Antonovichs office became aware of the waiver in May, said planning deputy Edel Vizcarra. But no one notified the people living just beyond the dumps ridge, despite a written agreement that the landfill would forward all notices and reports from or to its regulatory agencies to the Val Verde Community Advisory Committee, the liaison body between the landfill, Antonovichs office and members of the community. Dean said the landfill only forwards reports of waste tallies and monitoring and inspection results because those are of greatest interest to the committee. Committee members and other activists say getting even those reports is a battle and it was unconscionable for the company not to share key information about getting permission to continue to operate. This is a big deal, said Lynne Plambeck, director of the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment, an environmental activism group. If you would have provided them [Val Verde] anything, you would have provided them that. Mitch Glaser, assistant administrator at the Department of Regional Planning, said the department grants up to four temporary waivers, known as clean hands waivers, at its discretion each year. Public notification is not always required and in this case consisted of only a notice filed at the county clerks office in Norwalk, nearly 60 miles from Val Verde. Vizcarra acknowledged that residents should have been informed about the waiver. As for sharing the news himself, I guess I could have, he said. But I didnt. Its like some sort of secret process, Plambeck said. Theyre supposed to be keeping the community informed about this. Dean and Chiquita Canyon Landfills director of public relations, John Musella, said they didnt inform the community when they sought and later obtained the waiver because it wasnt yet effective. They said they planned to inform the community once the landfill had surpassed 23 million tons, around August. Clean hands waivers are granted at the sole and final discretion of the director of regional planning and there is no way to appeal once a waiver has been granted. Some Val Verde residents say they would have liked the opportunity to object to the nuisance and possible health consequences of living near a dump. Mark Cezon bought his property on Lincoln Avenue, one of the streets closest to the landfill, in 2009. It didnt make me think twice until I started smelling it, he said. It smells like rotten garbage. Its nasty. Since 2007, Waste Connections, Chiquita Canyon Landfill, Musella and his public relations firm, have donated a total of $8,400 to campaign funds and an office holder account for Antonovich. Both Vizcarra in Antonovichs office and Dean at the landfill say the money has no influence on the supervisors approach to the landfill. So far this year, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which regulates air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin, has received 107 complaints about the landfill. Last year it received 233 complaints. It has issued the landfill only one notice, in 2015, for violating health and air quality codes that prohibit public nuisance. For comparison, the district received 1,795 complaints about Sunshine Canyon, the countys largest landfill, in 2015, but the two L.A. neighborhoods closest to it, Granada Hills and Sylmar, together comprise a population of more than 130,000. Sam Atwood, media relations manager for the district, said strong odors can affect an individuals health and well-being by causing issues such as headaches or nausea. But research findings about the long-term health effects of living near a landfill are mixed, said Dr. Cyrus Rangan at the Department of Public Health. Dean said a Waste Connections employee walks the streets of Val Verde at least once every day to monitor for smells and rarely does one observe an odor. He also said the landfills 24-hour hotline receives few calls. The landfill doesnt smell. Garbage smells, Dean said. Our job is to get it spread out, covered as quickly as possible and we do a very good job of that. ALSO SoCal hit with worst smog in years as hot, stagnant weather brings surge in hospital visits State is years behind on projects to protect wildlife at Salton Sea, officials and activists say Lawmakers weaken bill to ban behind-the-scenes communications at Coastal Commission T The number of infections caused by the Zika virus in Puerto Rico has surpassed 10,000, an official said Friday, a day after the White House said it would redirect funds from other efforts to help pay for research to find a vaccine. The moves come as Florida continues to spray insecticide in parts of Miami to kill mosquitoes that can transmit the virus. The spraying was launched last week after health officials identified cases of locally transmitted Zika. Previous infections reported in the U.S. occurred only among people who traveled abroad. Meanwhile, Italian doctors reported a case in which the virus was detected in sperm six months after a man showed symptoms of Zika. The virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, can cause microcephaly among children born to infected mothers. Newborns with microcephaly typically have brain irregularities and unusually small heads. In Florida, insecticide has been sprayed by ground crews and from airplanes in Miamis Wynwood area. Bit by bit, officials have declared that parts of the neighborhood appear to have been cleared of mosquitoes. On Thursday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced that an additional part of Wynwood was cleared. Health officials have now identified 25 cases of locally transmitted Zika in the state. Scott has asked for more federal money to fight the outbreak and criticized the federal government for lack of funding. Im very disappointed with the federal government; they have not been a partner, the GOP governor told Fox News. Ive allocated state resources, $26.2 million. Well allocate more if we need to. Were going to make sure that everybody that is pregnant in our state, if you want to be assessed, if you want a test, you can go to our health departments and do it, but the federal government has not been a good partner. Federal funding has been bogged down in Congress. The Obama administration said Thursday it would shift $81 million from biomedical research and antipoverty programs to pay for development of a Zika vaccine. Republican lawmakers balked at one spending measure, suggesting the funds could be shifted from other federal programs. In July, Democrats blocked a Republican measure to allocate $1.1 billion to fight Zika because provisions in the measure included banning funding for Planned Parenthood, a frequent target of conservatives because it provides abortion services. In Puerto Rico, 1,914 new cases of Zika were discovered in the last week, Ana Rius, the territorys secretary of health, said Friday. That brought the overall number of cases there to 10,690, with 1,035 involving pregnant women. Rius said 90 people have been hospitalized as a result. Zika is commonly transmitted by mosquito bites, but it also can be spread through sexual contact. The new report by Italian researchers suggests the time period for possible infection can stretch for months. Doctors at the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome wrote in the report that Zika could remain present in sperm for six months, suggesting the possibility the virus could reproduce itself in men. The subject of the report was an infected man, described to be in his early 40s, who returned to Italy after two weeks in Haiti, where he was bitten by mosquitoes. The man developed a fever and a rash in January. Christian Lindmeier, spokesman for the World Health Organization, told the BBC the report would be assessed: The Zika outbreak is a constantly evolving situation, and every new piece of evidence is looked into and evaluated as to whether or not guidelines will need to be revised. alexia.fernandez@latimes.com Twitter: @alexiafedz ALSO From 'shrines' to head-to-toe attire: How Miami is coping with the arrival of Zika Two babies in California born with microcephaly from Zika, officials say Zika fears causing bug-repellent clothes to sell out A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer. The U.S. District Court in Milwaukee overturned Brendan Dasseys conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Justice, which was handling the case, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Attorneys for Dassey also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Magistrate Judge William Duffin said in Fridays ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him he had nothing to worry about. These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, Duffin wrote. The ruling comes after Dasseys appeal was rejected by state courts. Dassey confessed to helping his uncle, Steven Avery, carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Avery and Dassey are serving separate life sentences. Dasseys case burst into the publics consciousness with the popularity of the Making a Murderer documentary that debuted in December. The filmmakers behind Making a Murderer cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Avery and Dassey, and their work has sparked national interest and conjecture. Armchair investigators have flooded Twitter and message boards, and key players in the case have appeared on national news and talk shows. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. ALSO Netflix orders more Making a Murderer Op-Ed: Are we making too much of Making a Murderer? For the Making a Murderer team, its all about examining truth and justice UPDATES: 1:45 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional details and comments. This article was originally published at 1:30 p.m. A 3-year-old boy fell from a roller coaster Thursday at the Idlewild and SoakZone amusement park in Ligonier but was conscious before being flown to a Pittsburgh hospital in a medical helicopter, officials said. There was no information available about the nature or extent of the boys injuries. He was talking, Idlewild spokesman Jeff Croushore said of the child. He was alert with his family, but he was airlifted to a local hospital. Advertisement Croushore addressed the media Thursday afternoon and said the boy was injured on the Rollo Coaster, a 78-year-old attraction for riders who are at least 48 inches tall or 36 inches tall accompanied by an adult. The Rollo Coaster is about 1,400 feet long and is 40 feet high at its highest point. It reaches varying speeds between 10 and 25 mph, according to Croushore. The boy fell from the coaster train somewhere in the middle of the ride, but authorities were still investigating how high up the ride was when the fall occurred. A Westmoreland County 911 dispatcher said the boy fell from the coaster. But a park statement addressed the injury by saying only that a boy riding the Rollo Coaster with his brother was injured while riding the attraction. During the news conference with reporters outside the park, Croushore did not provide any details but said the child was hurt during the middle part of the ride. The parks website says the Rollo Coaster consists of two trains that carry riders up and down along a wooded hillside then turn around in a swooping curve. Croushore said that rides at the park are inspected daily. Idlewild will remain open, but the Rollo Coaster will be shut down during the investigation. The state Department of Agriculture, which regulates amusement park rides, said the Rollo Coaster had passed inspection Saturday by a private certified inspector. Idlewild, which opened in 1878 as Idlewild Park, bills itself as the longest-operating theme park near Pittsburgh as well as in Pennsylvania, and the third-oldest in the U.S. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recognized Idlewild Park with a roadside marker. There have been several accidents at amusement rides across the nation this week. On Sunday a 10-year-old boy was killed in Kansas City, Kan., while on the Verruckt raft ride the worlds tallest water slide at the Schlitterbahn WaterPark. On Monday three children fell 30 to 45 feet from a Ferris wheel in Greeneville, Tenn., at a county fairground; all survived. Silver and Goldstein write for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. ALSO DEA ends its monopoly on marijuana growing for medical research Boy was decapitated on waterslide at Kansas park, source says Cash-strapped Baltimore expected to spend tens of millions on Justice Department police reform plan Bill Clinton defends Hillary Clintons honor Former President Bill Clinton gave an impassioned defense of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons trustworthiness on Friday, pointing to her support from prominent GOP national security experts. Its inconceivable all these prominent national security people who were active in other administrations, including Republicans, would have endorsed her if they did not trust her, he said in response to a question about his wifes email scandal. Im just telling you, there are people who spent their lifetime advancing national security who believe shes the only person left you can trust with it. Clinton was referring to a letter that was released this week and signed by 50 top officials who worked in prior Republican White Houses. The signers questioned GOP nominee Donald Trumps fitness for office and said he would make the nation less safe. Several also endorsed her, including former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft and veteran diplomat John Negroponte. The former president made the remarks in response to a question at a presidential forum hosted by the Asian American Journalists Assn. and Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote. Asian Americans are among the nations fastest-growing voting blocs and overwhelmingly vote Democratic. Political experts said at a panel earlier in the day that the communitys votes could make the difference for Clinton in November in crucial states such as Virginia. As he urged Asian Americans to participate in the election, Clinton marveled at how unusual this contest has become. I never dreamed when this election started that by this point I would do anything more than argue whos got the best trade plan, the best investment plan, he said. Instead, this is about what kind of country were going to be, about whether you and everyone else who lives here can feel at home in America. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein also addressed the groups, as did Utah Atty. Gen. Sean Reyes, who spoke on behalf of Trump. Parliament passes Central Agricultural University (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Published: August 12, 2016 Parliament has passed the Central Agricultural University (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to help the north-eastern state achieve higher growth in animal husbandry sector. The Bill proposes to amend the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992 to include Nagaland under the jurisdiction of Imphal Central Agriculture University (CAU). Key Facts The amendment will help Nagaland to reap the benefit of the Imphal Central Agriculture University which was established for the entire north eastern region. The CAU Act, 1992 provides for the establishment of University in the north eastern region for the development of agriculture and advancement of research in agriculture and allied sciences. It states that CAU is responsible for teaching and research in the field of agriculture for the north eastern states. Earlier, the Act had defined the north eastern region as comprising the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. Month: Current Affairs - August, 2016 Topics: Agriculture Bills and Amendments Nagaland National North East Parliament Latest E-Books China watchers in the West have been fruitlessly searching for signs of democracy for more than 25 years. But there has not been a sustained democracy movement in China since the tragic end of protests in Tiananmen Square and elsewhere in 1989. Most outside observers agree that the Peoples Republic remains what it has been since its founding in 1949: a one-party authoritarian regime. Most Chinese citizens do not see it that way, however. In a nationwide survey in 2014, more than 4,000 urban Chinese were asked how democratic they perceived China to be at different points in time. The vast majority view the level of democracy as increasing steadily since the late 1970s. Almost 60% believe China is already somewhat or very democratic today. Remarkably, more than 80% are optimistic that in the near future China will enjoy a level of democracy on par with the United States. How can this be? How can external assessments of Chinas government and the perceptions of people living under it be so radically different? Advertisement The answer turns on the meaning of the word democracy. Survey respondents were given the opportunity to define democracy in their own words. Most Americans would define it as a political system with free elections, competitive parties, rule of law and related institutions of liberal democracy. But less than 5% of Chinese pointed to those attributes. About 15% defined democracy in terms of rights: for example, people enjoy the right to information and the opportunity and right to tell the government their views. Another 15% identified equality and justice among citizens: Everyone is treated equally and to be more equal in terms of income, housing, and employment were typical responses of this type. In short, about one-third of urban Chinese defined democracy in terms of checks and balances or other ways that closely match Western notions. By contrast, a different 30% of Chinese described democracy in terms of how leaders should run the government, not how they are chosen. Comments such as the people and the government are interdependent and government policies reflect public opinion get at this notion. More importantly, these comments suggest that the publics interests and the states interests are fundamentally in harmony (or at least should be). The purpose of democracy, as seen by many Chinese, is to make the state strong so that it can better provide for the common well-being of the people and the nation as a whole. It is not a way to hold leaders accountable through elections, limit the states authority in order to protect individual rights and freedoms, or adjudicate between competing interests. Despite lacking political rights and freedoms that we take for granted here, many Chinese see their country as becoming more open. But by far the most popular definition of democracy given by a third of the urban Chinese respondents was I dont know! These differing definitions of democracy correlated with how satisfied people felt. Almost 65% reported they were satisfied or very satisfied with the level of democracy China has. Those who defined it in terms of elections, parties and rule of law were the least satisfied and rightfully so whereas by and for the people and dont know were at the high end of the scale. The most satisfied were those who defined democracy in terms of economic growth, but less than 3% did so. These popular understandings (or misunderstandings) of what democracy is help explain why there has not been a sustained democratization movement in China. People who are optimistic about the future are less inclined to support calls to fundamentally change the regime. The activists who promote Western-style liberal democratic reform face suppression from the state and indifference from much of society. Liu Xiaobo, for instance, was arrested in 2008 for his role in drafting Charter 08, a bold call for building liberal democracy in China. When he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, many in China were unfamiliar with him. Others doubted he had achieved anything worthy of the prize. Despite lacking political rights and freedoms that we take for granted here, many Chinese see their country as becoming more open. Even as the Communist Party continues to monitor and suppress any potential threats to its monopoly on power, most citizens still see the state is less intrusive than in the Maoist era or in the immediate post-Tiananmen years. Still, its hard to be sure that trend will continue. Since Xi Jinping became president in 2013, the scope of repression has increased. The party has tightened control over media content, arrested human rights lawyers and warned scholars against discussing topics such as universal values, civil rights, civil society, press freedoms and judicial independence. Xis ongoing anticorruption campaign has exposed the venal top echelons of the party, government and military, which may erode support for the regime. Growing economic inequality and social injustice may also lead people to be less satisfied with the status quo. But for the moment, besides the party itself, the major obstacle to Chinas democratization is the popular belief that the process is already underway. Bruce J. Dickson is professor of political science and international affairs and chair of the political science department at George Washington University. This article is adapted from his recent book, The Dictators Dilemma: The Chinese Communist Partys Strategy for Survival. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook It has been two months since a lone gunman opened fire on Orlandos Pulse nightclub, killing 49 and injuring 53 others in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Since that time, gay bars in New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Sacramento, Miami, New Orleans, and Phoenix have all expanded their security measures in response to the shooting. If youre LGBT in America, going out for a night out on the town has increasingly starting to resemble a trip to the airportcomplete with pat downs, handheld wands, and full-on metal detectors. Its the new normal, Cip Cipriano, manager of San Franciscos QBar, told the San Francisco Chronicle after his citys historic Castro district beefed up security for its 2016 Pride event, screening visitors with a metal detector for the first time ever. Black Lives Matter, the national activist group scheduled to grand marshal the San Francisco Pride event, pulled out due to concerns about increased police presence and the historically fraught relationship between law enforcement and racial minorities. As queer people of color, we are disproportionately targeted by both vigilante and police violence, the group said in a statement. We know firsthand that increasing the police presence at Pride does not increase safety for all people. Advertisement Queer people of color arent the only group that should be concerned about increased militarization. While it might make us feel better in the short term, theres little evidence that bringing TSA-style security to your local gay bar will do anything to stop future violence. You might have to wait longer to get a drink, but deepening Americas toxic relationship with surveillance isnt the solution our community needs. Following the September 11 attacks, the Bush administration created the Transportation Security Authority, better know as the TSA. The $9-billion-a-year entity was designed to make it safe to travel again amidst a climate of fear and anxiety about when terrorists might strike next. It has not done so. Despite employing 50,000 staffers, a 2015 report showed that it remains shockingly easy for those carrying deadly weapons to pass through TSA undetected. In 67 out of 70 cases, members of the governmental organizations Red Team, who disguise themselves in order to test the efficiency of safety protocol, got through security without being flagged. The fact that TSA fails to stop potential terrorists 95 percent of the time shouldnt be a surprise:In the first decade after its creation the organization still hadnt thwarted a single major attack. If youre LGBT in America, going out for a night out on the town has started to resemble a trip to the airportcomplete with pat downs and metal detectors. Security technologist Bruce Schneier, who has been highly critical of the TSA, calls the TSA security theater, meaning it only gives the illusion of safety. He believes that theres a reason that the measures instituted in the past fifteen yearsincluding taking off ones shoes at security checkpoints and passing through body-scannershave been so ineffective. Focusing on specific threats like shoe bombs or snow-globe bombs simply induces the bad guys to do something else, he told Vanity Fair in 2011. You end up spending a lot on the screening and you havent reduced the total threat. What these policies have actually done is put the burden of security on certain groups, who are disproportionately surveilled and harassed by TSA workers. Although TSA has a policy against racial and ethnic profiling, its workers are nonetheless encouraged to submit passengers from countries associated with significant terrorist activity to additional screening. Those guidelines have led to Muslims being frequently subjected random searches. Transgender people have also felt the weight of TSA protocol. In 2015, Shadi Petosky, a trans woman attempting to board a flight in Orlando, Fla., was detained for 40 minutes after a body scanner detected an anomaly in her groin. Petosky explained the situation but was harassed and humiliated by airport employees, who caused her to miss the flight. Despite backlash from the trans community, the TSA stood by its policy. If added security hasnt made airports safer, the same has been true for schools. After the Columbine shooting in 1999, high schools across the country rolled out metal detectors. But when a shooter armed with an AR-15 murdered 20 first-graders and six adults in Newtown, Conn., he didnt go through the schools securityas guests of the Sandy Hook Elementary School have to sign in at the front desk. He shot out the window adjacent to the lobby door instead. Since Sandy Hook, our schools have never been more heavily surveilled, outfitted with security cameras and armed guards. Currently, students in more than 236 schools in New York alone have to pass through metal detectors every single day, a majority of whom are youth of color. Some students have to wait nearly three hours just to get in the building. But despite that heavy emphasis on security, the rate of school shootings hasnt slowed: Since Dec. 2012, there have been an additional 186 attacks on campuses across the U.S. That averages out to one shooting every week. Everyone has the right to feel secure and protected, and there are things that gay bars can do to make our spaces feel safe again, including checking patrons bags and teaching staff how to swiftly respond to emergencies. But replicating the same mistakes as the TSA and public school administrators may have the opposite effect as what is intendedespecially considering that 80 percent of gay black men claimed in a 2015 survey that they had experienced racism in LGBT spaces. Any solution that puts people of color at additional risk for profiling isnt the answer. When I visited a gay bar in Philadelphia following the Orlando shooting, I was wanded and submitted to a thorough pat down, while a security guard asked me to clear my pockets. When he felt my wallet, he asked what was inside it. My money? I responded, confused about what was happening. I opened it to illustrate that I didnt pose a threat to the bar. I left upset and angry. For the first time since the tragedy at Pulse, I was scared for the future of my community. Nico Lang is the East Coast reporter for the Advocate. You can also read his work on Salon, Onion A.V. Club and the Guardian. Find him on Twitter @nico_lang. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Brad Schiller is correct. The economy is not where most Americans want it to be. ( Pretending the economy is OK, Opinion, Aug. 8) To go back to Reagan economic policies though, as he advocates, would be a big mistake. Kansas and Louisiana, two states that have been led by Republican governors and Republican dominated state legislatures, have tried to do just that. Advertisement Whats the result? Financial bankruptcy. To try to fix a problem with a strategy destined to fail is no solution. New ideas and policies are needed. Elliot Fein, Trabuco Canyon .. To the editor: Schillers article paints only one side of the economic equation. For six years, the Republican-controlled Congress impeded attempts to raise the minimum wage, reform student loans, provide equal pay for women, pass the jobs act, rebuild the infrastructure of roads, bridges, and telecommunications, hire more teachers, stop tax breaks for corporations that send jobs overseas and help for the long-term unemployed. The trickle down philosophy of the Republicans means that tax help goes to the wealthy, and they hope it trickles down to the rest of us. Democrats prefer a more equitable distribution of our national wealth. Elizabeth Keranen, Bakersfield .. To the editor: The composition of the top 1% is not changing as often as Schiller wants readers to believe. Social mobility is near this countrys all-time low. In the 1960s, the CEO to average worker compensation ratio was 20-1, whereas now the ratio is over 300-1. Schiller also mentions that the upward mobility of the minimum wage worker is extraordinary. A pay raise of nickels and dimes for workers at the minimum wage level is everything but extraordinary. Minimum wage workers struggle to support a family while the top earners make enough in a year to support their family for generations to come. Kyle Ause, Porter Ranch .. To the editor: Schiller has not included politics in his economic Rightward pandering. Politics and economics are an extremely dovetailed reality. (In a nation whose religion is capitalism and free markets this is absolute.) The Rights obstructionism of Obama is as much a part of todays economic reality as sugar is to candy. Reports absent this recognition (and instruction) are absent worthiness. D.J. Ponder, Torrance .. To the editor: It would have been more accurate to call this piece: Pretending The Donald is OK. Manuel Carrillo, Venice .. To the editor: Schiller needs to learn more about our consumer-driven economy before blaming the pretense on the Obama administration and /or Congress. Congress can only mandate a minimum wage (something no one can live on anyway) , and the GOP, as usual, fiercely opposes raising the minimum wage to a higher but still unlivable level. What drives a consumer-driven economy is consumption. What drives consumption is the consumer, and only when there is money left over after basic living expenses. What limits that? The wages paid to them, something exclusively controlled by employers who would rather pay obscene salaries and bonuses to executives who probably dont deserve it. They wont spend the millions obtained, unlike their workers who would. Hoarding cash is a bad idea inhibiting growth, money needs to be kept circulating. When the economic enslavement of American workers end, consumption will increase dramatically. Frederick J . Fisher, El Segundo .. To the editor: I love it when I read Op-Ed pieces from the discredited theory of supply-side, trickle-down economics. Schiller cherry picks years of the Reagan administration to compare with the economic situation we now face decades later. He ignores the years since Reagan, when corporations have continually outsourced jobs to other countries, replaced people with robots, all the while enriching at obscene levels the very few at the top of the economic ladder. He erroneously compares the poor economic situation Reagan encountered with that of the Depression-like crises Obama inherited from George W. Bush. Schiller also apparently is unaware that legitimate, non-partisan, studies have shown that raising taxes does not necessarily damage an economy, and that lowering taxes does not necessarily benefit an economy. Anything Schiller writes must be taken with a healthy dose of salt. Carl Falletta, Yorba Linda .. To the editor: Rather than cite a handful of selected statistics, Schiller should have provided a critique of the specific economic policies during the Obama years and how they were, in his opinion, unsuccessful. But that would have required him to address the elephant in the room: The Republican Congress. Since gaining a majority, the Republicans have stonewalled every subsequent move made by the administration, including the refusal to enact any type of jobs bill. Steven Codron, West Hills Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Pursuing a return to public service came at a cost to Hillary and Bill Clinton, as their considerable joint income dropped by nearly two-thirds last year when the former secretary of State began her run for president. The Clintons released their most recent tax filing Friday, as well as 10 years of tax documents from running mate Tim Kaine and his wife, part of a renewed call for Republican nominee Donald Trump to do the same. For more than a year, both Republicans and Democrats have pushed the billionaire real estate magnate to back up his boasts about business acumen and charitable giving by publicly disclosing federal and state tax filings, a customary gesture of transparency for presidential aspirants and one his rivals were confident could offer political ammunition. Advertisement Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns, Clinton campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement. He has failed to provide the public with the most basic financial information disclosed by every major candidate in the last 40 years. What is he trying to hide? But Clintons gesture was not without risk. It invited a fresh look at the sources of income for the candidate and the former president, which have invited political attacks before, particularly the seven-figure speaking fees both attracted. Hillary Clinton, who announced her candidacy in April 2015, made $1.48 million from speaking engagements in 2015, a sharp decrease from the nearly $10.5 million she generated the year before. Former President Clinton made $5.25 million in speaking fees in 2015, less than half of his earnings the previous year. The couple also generated income from book sales and Bill Clintons consulting business. Both listed the same occupation on returns signed in March: speaking and writing. Together they reported an adjusted gross income of $10.6 million in 2015, down from nearly $28 million the year before. Their combined payments in federal, state and local taxes amounted to an effective tax rate of 43.2%, the sixth time in 15 years it has exceeded 40%. In an economic speech Thursday, before this reminder of her familys wealth, Clinton sought to emphasize her more humble roots, calling herself the product of the American middle class. My dad was able to go to college, and eventually start his own small business, and then send me out into the world to follow my dreams, she said. No matter how far those dreams have taken me, I have always remembered, Im the daughter of a small-business owner and the granddaughter of a factory worker and proud of both. By comparison, the Kaines joint adjusted gross income was a far more modest $313,441, reflecting the vice presidential nominees income as a U.S. senator and his wifes as Virginias secretary of education. The average payout for a single Clinton speaking engagement exceeded the $174,000 annual Senate salary of her running mate. The Clintons made a combined $153 million from 729 paid speeches from 2001 to May of 2015, a CNN analysis found this year. With the latest release, the Clintons have disclosed nearly four decades of tax returns, dating to Bill Clintons first year as attorney general of Arkansas. The Trump campaign charged that Clinton has turned over only the records nobody wants to see from her. Instead of tax documents, said Trump spokesman Jason Miller in a statement, Americans want to see the 33,000 emails deleted from Clintons private server, transcripts of her paid speeches to firms with Wall Street ties and other documents from the Clinton Foundation. Hillary Clinton is at the center of an international corruption scandal that reveals her use of government authority and influence for personal gain, Miller said. His statement did not address Trumps tax returns. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders repeatedly called for Clinton to release the speech transcripts during the Democratic presidential primaries. Clinton in turn called for Sanders to release years of tax returns, something he eventually did for 2014. Candidates disclosure, or lack thereof, of tax returns has been a staple of presidential campaigns. In 2012, the top Senate Democrat, Harry Reid of Nevada, helped build pressure on Republican nominee Mitt Romney to release his returns by openly suggesting he had paid no taxes at all. Romney eventually released a single years filing and a summary of taxes paid for two decades. This year, while not a candidate himself, Romney demanded that Trump provide similar disclosure as part of an ultimately unsuccessful campaign to discredit the GOP front-runner during the primaries. Romneys comments saying the disclosure would show whether Trump was the real deal or a phony were included in a Web video by the Clinton campaign Friday morning that includes similar attacks from his GOP rivals. Trump has said he cant release his tax returns because they are under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, an explanation he repeated Thursday in an interview on Fox News. You dont learn very much, he said. I have been under audit now for, I think, 15 years straight, which is ridiculous because other people dont get audited. No law or rule prevents Trump from releasing tax information while under audit, according to the IRS, though tax experts have cautioned against releasing information from the years under audit. Democrats in particular have raised questions about whether Trumps filings might reveal connections between Trumps business empire and Russian interests. Appearing alongside Clinton at a recent campaign event in Nebraska, investor Warren Buffett, one of the worlds richest men, noted that he, too, was under audit but nonetheless issued a challenge to Trump. I would be delighted to meet him anyplace, anytime between now and election day. Ill bring my tax return; he can bring his, Buffett said. You will learn a whole lot more about Donald Trump if he releases his tax return, he added. michael.memoli@latimes.com For more 2016 campaign coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter. ALSO: Paul Manafort has guided dictators and strongmen, but can he manage Donald Trump? As Hillary Clinton goes after Donald Trump, her own email troubles undermine her attacks Donald Trump claims the election might be rigged. Heres how voting really works Of all the controversies that have cropped up during Donald Trumps presidential campaign, his assertion that the general election could be rigged inspired one of the swiftest rebuttals. A fundamental part of any election is widespread acceptance of the validity of the results, and if Trump were to lose and claim fraud without evidence, political scientists and others argued, he would undermine the electoral process. Trump, increasingly losing ground in polls, told supporters at a rally this month that hes afraid the election results wont reflect voters intent. He threw his support behind voter ID rules while campaigning in Wilmington, N.C., this week, saying they help protect against fraud. But an appeals court ruled last month that the states voter ID law was enacted with discriminatory intent against black voters. https://twitter.com/SopanDeb/status/763084335968821248 Some state legislatures have promoted voter ID laws as a way to prevent election fraud, while critics contend that the regulations target and disenfranchise minority voters, who tend to vote for Democrats. Some of Trumps supporters share his concern. According to a poll released by Public Policy Polling this week, 69% of Trump backers in North Carolina think a Hillary Clinton win would be the result of a rigged election. But an examination of how votes are cast and tallied in the U.S. shows that it would be extremely difficult for anyone to commit voter fraud at a scale that would tip an election or for election officials to rig balloting. This is how the voting process works: Who counts the votes and how? There is no national system or code that dictates how election votes should be tabulated. The Election Assistance Commission, a government board established after the close 2000 presidential election that went to the Supreme Court, notes that votes are aggregated and counted by local election officials as prescribed by state law in the countrys roughly 13,000 election jurisdictions. Lydia Harris, a temporary worker at the Sacramento Registrar of Voters, looks over a mail-in ballot before it is sent to be counted a week after polls closed in the 2014 election. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State election officials are responsible for certifying election results for races that cross jurisdictions, such as gubernatorial and senatorial races. State authorities also must certify election results for the presidency and vice presidency. The federal governments involvement comes when votes for president and vice president are certified by Congress. The losing candidate in a contested U.S. House or Senate race can appeal to Congress as well. The process helps minimize errors and instances of fraud, the commission says. Decentralization limits the opportunities for fraud or corruption, by making it extremely difficult to accomplish on a scale grand enough to be decisive without being detected, according to the commission. What about voter fraud? Investigations into voter fraud show it is extraordinarily rare, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice, which noted, There are surprisingly few sources recounting specific incidents of alleged voter fraud. An investigation into reports of voter fraud after Indiana passed a voter ID law in 2005 showed only nine cases out of 250 in which someone voted using another persons name, said Justin Levitt, an election law expert who conducted the investigation and was interviewed by the Associated Press. They identified a lot of fraud, but very, very, very, very, very, very little of it could be prevented by identification at the polls, he said. The instances of fraud identified including ballot-stuffing or vote buying would not have been prevented by voter ID, according to Levitt. Voter fraud is an issue that tends to fall along party lines. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 34 states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show a form of ID before they vote. Some states with strict photo ID laws, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas and Texas, have Republican governors or Republican majorities in their statehouses, or both. Court decisions have varied regarding the effect of these laws. In his decision last month declaring parts of Wisconsins voter ID law unconstitutional, U.S. District Judge James Peterson wrote, To put it bluntly, Wisconsins strict version of voter ID law is a cure worse than the disease. However, the 7th District Court of Appeals issued a stay on another ruling that would have allowed Wisconsin residents without photo IDs to vote by signing an affidavit saying they could not obtain identification. jill.ornitz@latimes.com Follow me: @Jill_Ornitz Paul Manafort has guided dictators and strongmen, but can he manage Donald Trump? As Hillary Clinton goes after Donald Trump, her own email troubles undermine her attacks Reality check: Manufacturers returning to U.S. may mean jobs for robots, not people On Aug. 6, 2012, the Twitter account @realDonaldTrump posted an important public announcement: An extremely credible source has called my office and told me that @BarackObamas birth certificate is a fraud. Who was the source? (Why was extremely credible source in quotation marks?) Donald Trump didnt say. Nor did he offer evidence to back up his claim. But out it went to his millions of Twitter followers and you can still retweet it from Trumps account, as Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintons official Twitter account did last weekend. Advertisement An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2012 Four years ago today, Clintons account tweeted of Trumps birther tweet, earning more than 11,000 retweets herself. The same day, Trump tweeted that Clinton was crooked and dangerous and asked followers to look up the definition of BRAINWASHED. That won him more than 14,000 retweets. As the real estate mogul wages his unconventional bid for president, a key element of that campaign remains his one-of-a-kind, often incendiary Twitter persona, which baffles political veterans, enthralls supporters and entices Democratic adversaries to use Trumps wildest tweets new and old as opportunities to inflict damage. Twitter seems suited to the Trump persona unfiltered and fast. Tweeting in 140 characters is not that different from the way he riffs at rallies, moving from subject to subject, often in the span of just a few sentences or words. Social media is growing more important in presidential campaigns as services gain popularity and traditional medias power wanes. A Pew Research Center study earlier this year found that more Americans learned about the presidential campaign via social media than from newspapers. A quarter of adults surveyed in July said they turned to social media posts by the Clinton or Trump campaigns. One of those Americans is Trump supporter Zoran Nikolic, 36, of Cleveland, who occasionally retweets Trump. Nikolic says it seems like other politicians have specialists managing their social-media accounts, and theyll tell you what you want to hear, and not the actual truth. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter But not Trump. The things he tweets I think what he says is what a lot of people think, but are afraid to say, Nikolic said. Whatevers on his mind, he says it, and I like that. Trump was popular on Twitter before he sought the Republican presidential nomination, and was known for critical political outbursts, endless battles with haters and losers, and barbed humor. Among his most popular tweets in recent years: As everybody knows, but the haters & losers refuse to acknowledge, I do not wear a wig. My hair may not be perfect but its mine. Trump has 10.9 million Twitter followers compared to Clintons 8.3 million, though as is common with many popular Twitter accounts, not all those followers are real people. More than a third of both candidates followers are probably fake accounts, according to the analysis service TwitterAudit, meaning many followers might be automated bots or spam accounts. For Trump, Twitter provides a free way of directly communicating with the public without interference from biased, disgusting media outlets (as Trump has called them in some tweets). But at last months Democratic National Convention, Clinton made clear that she sees Trumps unpredictable social media persona as a sign of weakness. A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons, she said. Risk-averse politicians tend to produce fairly boring Twitter feeds, but Trump often lobs tweets to attack perceived enemies large and small. Over the last week alone, Trumps Twitter account bashed Michael Morell former acting director of the Central Intelligence Agency who recently announced his endorsement of Clinton as a total Clinton flunky who made serious bad calls. Trump also slammed these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out, including ratings challenged CNN and low ratings MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. While many politicians tweets are written by their staff Clintons account says that tweets sent by Clinton herself are signed -H Trump has said he writes many of his tweets himself, or at least dictates them to his staff. During the day, when Im in the office, I just shout it out to one of the young ladies, who are tremendous, Trump said at a CNN town hall in April. During the evenings, after 7 or so, I will always do it by myself. Melania, do you ever want to say to him, Put the mobile device down? CNN host Anderson Cooper asked Trumps wife. That, like, Its 2 a.m., and youre still tweeting. Anderson, if he would only listen, Melania Trump said. I did many times. And I just say, OK, do whatever you want. Hes an adult. He knows the consequences. Trump has gotten in trouble several times for retweeting images linked to white supremacists. But Trumps addition of veteran communications advisor Jason Miller to his campaign in June has corresponded with a somewhat calmer-seeming social media presence. This has led outsiders to scour Trumps tweets to figure out which are sent by his staff and which are fired off by Trump himself. One of those digital gumshoes was data scientist David Robinson of New York, who admits hes not much of a political observer. But Robinson got curious about the seeming professionalization of Trumps Twitter feed, which he thought increasingly resembled that of a normal politician. A lot of Americans are fascinated with the raw Donald Trump, not the image the campaign puts forward, said Robinson, who decided to embark on a project to sort it back out. Compiling data from Trumps tweets, Robinson published a deep analysis this week that showed Trump tweets originating from difference devices both iPhone and Android and which showed that Android Trump is quite a bit more belligerent than iPhone Trump. Which is Trump? The moneys on the Android. When Trump wishes the Olympic team good luck, hes tweeting from his iPhone. When hes insulting a rival, hes usually tweeting from an Android, Robinson wrote. The Android and iPhone tweets are clearly from different people, posting during different times of day and using hashtags, links, and retweets in distinct ways. Operating on a similar theory, the irreverent news site Gawker which once baited Trump into retweeting a quote by Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini created its own Twitter account called @RealRealDonaldTrump. Its a bot that only tweets Trump tweets sent by an Android. Missing are the polite thanks to rally attendees in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., or the thanks to the New York Police Department for apprehending a man who used suction cups to climb Trump Tower. Remaining are the attacks on crooked Hillary and dumb as a rock CNN host Don Lemon. We may not know whos writing Melanias speeches, but at least we can know when Donald Trump gets tweetin, Gawkers Ashley Feinberg wrote. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the authorship of Trumps tweets. But maybe youll be able to read a response on his Twitter account. matt.pearce@latimes.com Twitter: @mattdpearce ALSO Heres how to tell if Donald Trump is doing his own tweeting As Hillary Clinton goes after Donald Trump, her own email troubles undermine her attacks Donald Trump claims the election might be rigged. Heres how voting really works Paul Manafort has guided dictators and strongmen, but can he manage Donald Trump? Two focus groups Tuesday night of women voters in Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix provided an important reminder about how few details of the presidential campaign actually attract the attention of average voters. Of the 20 voters in the two groups, most had only vague impressions of the Democratic and Republican conventions. A few knew that Donald Trump had quarreled with the family of a soldier who had died in combat, but they were hazy on the details. Almost none had even general impressions of either vice presidential nominee. Thats the good news for Trump: The headlines of the past month have passed many voters by in a blur. Thats about the only good news he can cling to, however. Advertisement Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in the presidential campaign and highlight some particularly insightful stories. IS IT OVER? Political reporters have a deep aversion to calling a race over before the end. We all have memories of campaigns that turned around in the final weeks. But its important to keep in mind that most of those come-from-behind upsets involved races other than presidential contests. Voters pay much less attention to senators or governors let alone members of the House or state legislators than they do to presidential candidates. Opinions are far less entrenched. In presidential contests over the past half century, we do have five examples of close campaigns where the lead changed notably during the final 90 days: In 1968, Richard Nixon had a big lead going into Labor Day, but Hubert Humphrey battled back, gained support among wavering Democrats and almost caught up. In 1976, Jimmy Carter had a big lead during the summer, but Gerald Ford gained steadily during the fall and almost won. In 1980, Ronald Reagan led Jimmy Carter by big margins for most of the summer, but Carter recovered in September and early October before fading at the close. In 1988, Michael Dukakis led at mid-summer, but George H.W. Bush got a big bounce out of his convention, united his party and never looked back. In 2000, Al Gore took a lead coming out of the conventions and held it until mid-September, when George W. Bush caught up. In the end, of course, Gore won the popular vote but lost the presidency. All those campaigns involve a similar dynamic: The candidate of the party in power started out behind, but during the late summer or fall, managed to rally his partys previously successful political coalition and catch up. In only one of the five cases, in 1988, was the candidate of the incumbent party actually successful, but in all five, they managed to make a race of it. In this years contest, by contrast, its the candidate of the party out of power who is trying to catch up. Hillary Clinton not only has a lead, but has all the advantages of political incumbency to help preserve her margin. The task facing Trump is made all the more difficult by the divisions in the GOP, which he has aggravated rather than trying to heal. Can Trump still turn the contest around? Perhaps. The first candidate debate in September will be an opportunity to reach a lot of those voters who, like the ones at the focus groups, pay only episodic attention to campaigns. But the task ahead of him is a difficult one with no recent precedent. TRUMPS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESS As our reporters discovered, Trumps most ardent supporters are sticking with him, despite all the controversy. A lot of what they like about him are things other voters dislike. At the top of the list of Trumps strengths and his weaknesses is his blunt, provocative rhetoric. His supporters revel in it. But it defies the conventional view that political candidates need to stick to a single message. This week, for example, Trump gave a speech about his views on the economy. He managed to stay focused on that for all of about 27 hours before setting off another conflagration this time with his remark that 2nd Amendment people might be able to stop Clinton from appointing Supreme Court justices. As Michael Finnegan wrote, Democrats, and some Republicans, immediately accused him of hinting at violence. Trumps remark was an example of how he has gotten in the way of his own efforts to reach the voters he needs to persuade, Cathy Decker wrote. Dont miss Lisa Mascaros richly detailed profile of Trumps campaign manager, Paul Manafort. Decker also took a look at Ohio, a must-win state for the GOP, where Trumps potential remains strong, but where his problems may prove stronger. Which Republicans are running with Trump, and which are running away? Check out our comprehensive list. CLINTONS PROMISES AND HER EMAILS Clinton has made a lot of promises. Which will be the top priorities if she wins? As Evan Halper wrote, advocates are doing their utmost to make sure their issue lands on the short list. Meanwhile, however, Clintons past emails keep getting in her way, as Halper and Del Wilber reported. One issue for Clintons campaign continues to be consolidating support among voters who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders in the primaries. Sanders wrote an Op-Ed urging his supporters to get over their disappointment and back Clinton. We asked readers to weigh in. Share what you think about Hillary Clinton. PLUS, TAXES Clinton on Friday released her tax returns, along with 10 years of returns for running mate Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. Were going through them now and will be posting live on Trail Guide. An early glance shows the Clintons each earned less on speaking engagements, an issue that has surfaced throughout the campaign. The release from the campaign pointedly notes the Clintons have made their tax returns public for every year dating back to 1977, keeping up another drumbeat Team Clinton has been leading: calls for Trump to release his returns. FOLLOW OUR TRACKING POLL The USC Dornsife/L.A. Times tracking poll has been tracing Trumps sharp decline over the past week. The poll shows a tighter race than many other surveys. Why is it different? I run through several of the reasons. You can always get a snapshot of the race by checking out the top of our politics page. DONT FORGET THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE The popular vote is all very well just ask Gore but gaining the presidency requires winning enough states to get 270 electoral votes. How to get there? Weve updated the electoral map with our best estimates. Now you get to play political strategist and try out as many scenarios as you like. QUESTIONS ABOUT TRUMP, CLINTON? WEVE GOT ANSWERS Where they stand on issues, what theyve done in their lives, their successes, their failures, what their presidencies might look like: Weve been writing about Clinton and Trump for years, and weve pulled the best of that content together to make finding what you want to know easier. So check out All Things Trump and All Things Clinton. WHAT WERE READING Many GOP officials seem to hope that if Trump loses, they can simply turn the page and return to the status quo. That may be unrealistic, Ron Brownstein writes in the Atlantic. Like Barry Goldwater and George McGovern, Trump could prove to be a losing candidate who ultimately reshapes his party, he wrote. LOGISTICS If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up. That wraps up this week. My colleague Christina Bellantoni will be back Monday with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in the 2016 campaign with our Trail Guide, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics. Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. If your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic. If you dont feel well, you consult with a physician. And if you worry about the Laguna Beach coastline, you ask Patsee Ober. Shes like an ocean bellwether. She swims in the ocean nearly every day as a certified open water swimmer all year round without a wetsuit. She tracks ocean life and notes unusual patterns for the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition. Advertisement And oh yeah, she free dives with a camera, takes photos of the beautiful marine life and exhibits them at the Sawdust Festival. Shes in booth 228 and her work can be seen at pophotography.com. A former My Hero winner, Ober downplays her achievements and instead likes to shift attention back to the water. Im in the water almost every day swimming around the coastline of Laguna Beach, she said. That has really opened my eyes to whats under the water. Now I want to expose people to whats under the water because a lot of people dont go down there in our Marine Protected Area. As a member of the Oak Streakers, those long-distance swimmers that dont blanch at swimming to Catalina, Ober has seen progress over the last few years because of the MPA. Its very noticeable to us because were in the water every day, she said. Theres a group of us that meet at 6 a.m. at Shaws Cove, every day of the week. So what has she seen? I have seen a huge amount of fish come back since the Marine Protected Area has come into effect, and its amazing, she said. Weve got abalone coming back, weve got lobsters coming back. Theres a school of barracuda by Seal Rock thats been hanging out. I saw a halibut the other day. I havent seen halibut for years. The fish resurgence also includes the sea stars, which are starting to come back after a massive die-off. First reported in late 2013, scientists say the densovirus killed millions of sea stars impacting two dozen species. From Alaska to Mexico, entire sea star populations were decimated. According to the National Academy of Sciences, given the range of the deadly impact and the number of species involved, the plague was the largest known marine wildlife disease in history. In a related effort, Ober is involved with an upcoming educational event on Catalina Island, Sept. 9-11, called Ocean Awareness Challenge, which will raise money for underserved youth. For more information visit wsaoc.org/oac. Meanwhile, Ober tries to remain positive about environmental impacts. At the very least, she gets eager about her swims, saying she gets antsy if she misses a day. Its like my zen. Its very peaceful. Springtime is my favorite time to shoot because everyones happy. Theyre all happy down there. Its spring; everyone is doing their thing. There are little babies cruising around. Right now the Garibaldis have their babies out. They are amazing. Theyre orange with neon blue dots on them. Obers booth at the Sawdust is filled with closeups of various fish and other marine life. She likes to keep things simple by free diving with just a snorkel instead of using scuba gear. While she does have a big digital camera with a waterproof housing, she also likes to use a simple, high-end point-and-shoot camera to get into smaller spaces in the reef. I float above the water with a snorkel and I look specifically for color and movement. When I see that Ill go down and Ill start shooting. A resident of Oak Street in Laguna, she grew up on Lido Isle in Newport Beach when she first got the water bug. So I was in the water since I was 3. And my dad used to take me to the tidepools all the time. Ive just had a love of the ocean my whole life. We used to swim the island and I would collect little specimens and take them to my microscope. Well now my microscope is a macro lens. Nowadays, she feels territorial about her ocean and gets dismayed if tourists or others disrespect nature. Most often, she said, its just ignorance. We want to be nice and educate people, but its hard. Were trying to spread the word. That was our biggest fear enforcing the rules of the tidepools. Weve got signs on every beach entrance, which of course people dont read. Theres always trash on the beach. Its just ignorance. Were dealing with it the best that we can. Her favorite place in Laguna remains Shaws Cove. Its a beautiful reef there and you can go north or south. Theres kelp there and that also brings the fish tons of those kelp bass around. If people resemble their dogs, Ober resembles her fish: colorful, spirited and happier in the water. -- DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com. Barbara and Lloyd Massey, residents of Newport Beach since 1957, recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends. The couple met 70 years ago in Glendale and had their first date as teenagers. They were married June 29, 1951. They have three three children and four grandsons. * Lions Club organizes fundraising trip to Del Mar The Newport Beach Hawaiian Lions Club is organizing a trip to the Del Mar racetrack in San Diego County on Aug. 20. Attendees are asked to meet by 10 a.m. at Fashion Island, behind Bloomingdales, in Newport Beach for transportation that will go to Del Mar. Tickets are $60 for the event, which will benefit veterans causes. The price includes a boxed lunch and clubhouse seating at the racetrack. The event will return to Newport by 6:30 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Sally Nockold at (949) 644-6105. * Banning Ranch group to host hike The conservation partner for the developer of Banning Ranch in Newport Beach is hosting an educational hike Aug. 20 form 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. It will be led by an adviser of the Newport Banning Land Trust, which says it seeks to keep 80% of the property as undeveloped, open space. Organizers said the hike will be moderately intense and be about a mile and a half. To RSVP, email robyn@newportbanninglandtrust.org. * Slater named to UCI management position The UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education has named Charlotte Slater as its course quality manager. She will be tasked with overseeing the divisions overall strategy to develop high-quality curriculum, according to a news release. Slater, a Stanford and San Diego State University graduate, has worked for universities in Florida and for the University of North Georgia. Newport Beach police have detained a Nevada man suspected in the death of a Balboa Peninsula resident. Anthony Thomas Garcia, 56, of Carson City was arrested July 28 in the Nevada capital by local deputies with help from Newport police. He is awaiting extradition to Orange County, where the district attorneys office will handle any criminal charges, Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said Thursday. Authorities said Garcia is a suspect in the death of Abelardo Abby Estacion, 81, who was found dead at his 16th Street home on April 11, 2015. Police said Thursday that the circumstances of Estacions death were suspicious, but werent immediately certain it was a homicide, Manzella explained. Detectives have been working on the case for 16 months. Police declined to give additional details, including Garcias alleged involvement. Until now, investigators believed that making details public would have comprised their efforts, she said. It was a really sensitive case with numerous complicating factors, Manzella said. Newport police are asking those with additional information to call Sgt. Ryan Peters or Detective Justin Morouse at (949) 644-3790. Anonymous tips can be left at (800) 500-NBPD. According to paid obituaries, Estacion was a longtime resident of Newport and member of the Santa Ana Elks Lodge. He is survived by his partner of more than 25 years and three sons. Estacion, a U.S. Navy veteran originally from the Philippines, co-started a foundation based in his native country but funded by American donors. The Estacion Educational Foundations mission was to create a better quality of life for Filipinos through college scholarships, according to BakitWhy, an online website with content related to Filipino-American lifestyles. In a 2012 interview with the site, Estacion credited the G.I. Bill he received after his Navy service with helping him get an accounting degree from Pepperdine University and a better lot in life. If I wasnt given the opportunity to go to college, I would probably still be in the Philippines, still vending pencils and chips and water on the streets at my age of 78, Estacion said. bradley.zint@latimes.com Twitter: @BradleyZint Making sense (and, sometimes, nonsense) out of Current News, Issues, Politics Panelists at a forum Thursday night in Costa Mesa discussed three different local medical marijuana measures slated for public votes in November, with one speaker saying a city-sponsored initiative could become a model for other cities. About 45 people turned out to the Halecrest Park clubhouse for the forum, presented by the Newport-Mesa Tea Party Patriots. One of the local marijuana measures was drafted by the Costa Mesa City Council to compete against two sponsored by residents. The citizen-backed initiatives would allow a small number of medical marijuana dispensaries either four or eight to set up shop in Costa Mesa. Knowing this was coming and it was going to be voted on, it was incumbent upon the City Council to say were going to put some rules in place, said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer, one of the three panelists at the forum. The citys proposal would allow businesses that manufacture and test some marijuana products, such as oils for pharmaceutical purposes, to open in the manufacturing zone north of South Coast Drive and west of Harbor Boulevard. They would be required to obtain permits from the city. Over-the-counter medical marijuana dispensaries would remain banned. Righeimer said he thinks the citys initiative is a good middle road that would fill an important niche by allowing research, processing and development of marijuana products but keep dispensaries out of town. Another panelist, Aaron Lachant a partner with the law firm Nelson Hardiman LLP said he thinks the citys initiative could become a model for other medium-sized cities who dont want cultivation, who dont want dispensaries but who do want to implement parts of the state law that allows medical use of marijuana. The city also would be able to exercise additional control over marijuana businesses through the permitting process, Lachant said. If the city-sponsored initiative passes, it doesnt mean these businesses are going to open as a matter of right; they still have to go through an intensive approval process, he said. Voters statewide will decide in November whether to give the green light to an initiative that would legalize recreational use of marijuana in California for those 21 and older. Should that measure pass, cities would retain authority to regulate certain marijuana uses within their borders. But possible kinks would need to be worked out, said Lisa Renati, the other member of Thursdays panel. One issue is how, or whether, legal marijuana businesses would be able to bank their money, since the drug remains illegal under federal law, said Renati, an advisor to Diane Harkey, vice chairwoman of the state Board of Equalization. Without access to banks, the businesses might have to pay their taxes in cash something Renati said the Board of Equalization isnt yet equipped to handle. Another concern, she said, is whether taxes and fees on legal marijuana could drive up prices to a point that customers turn to black market sources. Keeping out the illegal business will be something that will be very important to us, Renati said. Some who attended the forum said they were concerned that allowing recreational marijuana use could lead to an increase in local crime. Others said they dont support marijuana legalization because they believe it will lead to abuse of other drugs. No one will ever convince me that its not a gateway drug, one woman said. Voters will determine the fate of the statewide initiative and the three local medical marijuana measures on Nov. 8. Should more than one of the Costa Mesa measures pass, the one that receives the most votes would become law. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter: @LukeMMoney On a sparsely dressed set framed by large, cloud-painted geometric shapes, three actors and a dancer have just finished rehearsing an early scene from Fly, opening Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Pasadena Playhouse. Co-produced by the Playhouse and New Jersey-based Crossroads Theatre Co., Fly is based on the highly decorated World War II-era Tuskegee Airmen, the first African Americans to become Army Air Corps fighter pilots. NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in the 818 >> The Tuskegee Airmen preceded the Civil Rights movement, preceded Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, Dr. King, said Ricardo Khan, the plays director and co-writer (with Trey Ellis), and the founder and former artistic director of Crossroads, one of the countrys leading African-American theater companies. In the segregated 1940s, Khan said, they were breaking ground in a way that hadnt been done before. Its a story that needs to be told, he said to the small audience of media representatives and other guests who had been invited to watch the rehearsal, because there are so many negative stories being told nowadays that divide us. During the scene, three young pilots (played by Brooks Brantly, Damian Thompson and Terrell Wheeler) clash as they meet for the first time at the Tuskegee airfield in Alabama where they will be trained. Each comes from a different background the West Indies, Iowa, Chicago and each has his own motivation for being there, not yet realizing that they will have to learn to act as a team and depend on one another for success and survival. Sometimes we think that the challenge is somebody overpowering us, or keeping us out of the room, Khan said by phone the next day. In this situation, they have to overcome not just offstage enemies, the antagonists, but the fact that their egos are getting in the way. The emotions that the characters cant always freely express as members of the Army and as black men in a discriminatory world, are interpreted wordlessly through another character: Tap Griot, played by seasoned tap dancer Omar Edwards. The men are so confined by their situation, Khan said. And theyre young, so they have stuff just boiling and bubbling up, and they have to get that out. Tap Griot, he explained, is a nonrealistic character a contemporary Greek chorus, if you will, who bridges the worlds for us. His tap is his dialogue. (Edwards said later that his role in Fly allows me to be me. You want to find meaning in everything you do. The character of Tap Griot, he said, is an opportunity to paint, to create, with my feet. Its improvisation. Every night I can approach it a little differently.) Among those watching the rehearsal was Joan Williams, a notably stylish and youthful 83-year-old and the widow of Robert Williams, co-writer and co-producer of The Tuskegee Airmen, the 1995 award-winning HBO film based on his own experiences as a decorated black fighter pilot who flew 50 combat missions yet faced discrimination in the country he had helped to defend. Her husband, said Joan Williams, had spent decades trying to interest film studios in the story of the pilots whose heroic actions during the war went unrecognized at home. When he died in 1997, his dream had been fulfilled, she said. And while Fly is not her husbands own story, Williams is glad that theater audiences, too, are being exposed to this long-overlooked piece of history. It is important for this story to keep moving forward for new generations of young people, and for all people, black or white, she said. Its not just an African-American story. Its an American story. Im just grateful for the opportunity to do this play when some of the [Tuskegee Airmen] are still around, Khan said. The legacy that they leave to their widows and their families and for all of us as Americans is one that can never be disputed, and should always be lifted up as a shining example of all that we can do if we put our minds to it in spite of adversity, in spite of doors that seem to be closed. Fly was originally commissioned by the Lincoln Center Institute, and performed in 2005 before an audience of educators and students. The world premiere of a full-length production took place in 2009 at Crossroads. Its a story that needs to be told ... because there are so many negative stories being told nowadays that divide us. Ricardo Khan, director and co-writer of Fly When the play first began to come together, Khan noted, there was no Red Tails [the 2012 Lucasfilm production based on the fighter pilots] in the movie theaters, and in fact, when I started working on this, the Tuskegee Airmen had not yet received their Congressional Medals of Honor. (The Medals were awarded in 2007.) Trey Ellis came to the project several years after working with Robert Williams as a co-writer on the HBO film script; Khans first awareness of the Tuskegee Airmen, he said, was an eye-opening vintage photograph of some of the pilots in uniform. He didnt know who the men were, and I was amazed that I didnt know. I was just so impressed by the fact that they were black men, proud and sharp, and you could see the spirit that represented everything they did in their pursuit of excellence. Khan said that Tuskegee squadron commander Roscoe C. Brown, now 93, and the plays adviser from the beginning, told him that if Khan was really interested in doing this right, he should come to the next reunion of the Tuskegee pilots, and just go around and listen to their stories and take notes. Those notes, Khan said, became the foundation of the play. Described by the New York Times in 2009 as a superior piece of theatrical synergy, Fly has a wall-less set, designed by Beowulf Boritt. Projections are used to give you the feeling of flight, of being in the sky, being in your own world of emotion, Khan said, and there are minimal props and furniture. In one scene, a chair can be a sofa. In another it can be a plane. A trunk could turn into a store counter. A lot of times, he added, people look at theater as this thing that puts a room on stage and then people walk into the room and talk. I very much want people of all ages to turn on to the beauty and magic of theater the kind of theater that doesnt give you everything, but requires your imagination, requires you to be part of the dialogue. If anything, Khan said, the two things that I want from the play itself are, one, for people to experience this incredible story; and two, for them to experience the power and magic of live performance. Fly will play through Feb. 21 at the Pasadena Playhouse before going on to New Yorks New Victory Theater for its off-Broadway premiere in March, and a subsequent homecoming run at Crossroads in April. -- What: Fly Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. When: Opens 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. Runs 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. (No 7 p.m. performance Feb. 7.) Ends Feb. 21. Tickets: $25 to $77; premium seating, $125. More info: (626) 356-7529, pasadenaplayhouse.org -- LYNNE HEFFLEY writes about theater and culture for Marquee. Sixteen delegate votes that would have clinched a California Democratic Party endorsement for City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian in his bid for state Assembly were thrown out on Wednesday. A Compliance Review Commission voted 6-0 to negate the delegate ballots and sided with Kassakhians opponent, Councilwoman Laura Friedman, whose camp contested them because they were cast by ineligible individuals. Over the weekend, a caucus was held to determine who would get the partys endorsement in the race to replace Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) in the 43rd Assembly district. Kassakhian got 49 votes in his favor compared to Friedmans 20, a lead that would have put Kassakhian over the edge to secure the endorsement. However, Friedmans supporters contested 18 of Kassakhians votes, saying they were cast by people appointed after the deadline to become a delegate. In the end, 16 of those votes were tossed out, meaning neither candidate will get the endorsement. We still had far more votes than [Friedman] did, said Larry Levine, a consultant to Kassakhians campaign. That pretty much sums it up. He also said the commissions decision would disenfranchise the delegates involved. Theyre legitimate delegates, they pay their dues and they did everything before the deadline, Levine said. Levine said Democratic delegates appointed by elected officials such as State Supt. Tom Torlakson and Secretary of State Alex Padilla were asked to resign so they could appoint new ones who live in the 43rd district and thus be eligible to vote for Kassakhian. That practice is common, Levine added. What irked Friedmans camp was that the 16 new delegates were submitted at the last minute and some had even signed their votes before even being named delegates, said Parke Skelton, a campaign consultant for Friedman. The appropriate deadline, he says, was eight weeks before the first party caucus as outlined by party bylaws, which means the deadline was this past December, Skelton said. Were astonished [that] Ardy Kassakhian, a guy whos a city clerk and responsible for running elections, would stoop to attempting to steal this endorsement with a ballot-stuffing scheme, Skelton said. Levine said the delegates whose votes were thrown out can appeal the commissions decision, though his side wont push for it. -- Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com Twitter: @ArinMikailian It used to be that going to school on time every day was a given. Only truly sick children missed school. Not anymore. Six million children missed at least three weeks of school during the 2013-14 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Educations Civil Rights Data Collection report. That equates to 13% of all students. Think of a business that could operate effectively without 13% of its workforce. The bad habits students practice in kindergarten through 12th grade cannot simply be altered like a light switch once they enter the job market. Name one job where people get paid for not being there. Even the best teachers cant be successful with students who arent in class, Education Secretary John B. King Jr. told reporters last June. California has a Compulsory Education Law stipulating that every child from the age of 6 to 18 be in school on time, every day. A students education suffers when he is not in school. Period. There is a direct correlation between missing school and falling behind academically. According to the California Department of Education, First-grade students with nine or more total absences are twice as likely to drop out of high school than their peers who attend school regularly. Last December, President Obama signed into law a revision of the No Child Left Behind Act that requires for the first time that states report individual absences for all students. Its not just the learning that suffers when a student isnt in a classroom. Money is lost as well. Schools derive much of their funding based on Average Daily Attendance, or ADA. In Glendale, the ADA is $55 per student, per day. With an enrollment of around 26,000, that adds up to $1.43 million if all students are present. If 10% of students are absent for one day the entire year, that results in a loss of $143,000. Multiply that by 180 school days and you have $25.7 million. Quite a sum of money that could go toward hiring more teachers and funding more programs. Last semester, I tracked the number of students present over a 78-day period and here are the results: In my first period class, 25% of the time I had full attendance; second period, had 7%; third period, had 17%; fifth period, had 20%, and sixth period, had 12%. Looking at the numbers in a different way, 88% of the time I had at least one student absent in my sixth-period class. This makes it quite difficult for a teacher to maintain consistency in lesson planning as well as cooperative learning groups. I had 25 students who had double-digit absences, including one who had 24 (thats a loss of five weeks of instruction in a 17-week period), plus five students with double-digit tardies (the highest 16). When I returned to work last week, teachers were asked to do more to encourage students to get to class on time in order to decrease the number of tardies. However, the bulk of the tardies come at the start of school; in other words, due to kids arriving late. Unless teachers don Uber hats and pick up kids from their homes, the responsibility of getting children to school rests on the shoulders of parents. Parents need to model to their children good work habits and work habit No. 1 is getting to school every day and on time. -- BRIAN CROSBY is a teacher in the Glendale Unified School District and the author of Smart Kids, Bad Schools and The $100,000 Teacher. He can be reached at briancrosby.org. This is in response to Mike Gomez Aug. 5 letter to the editor, Are dogs now allowed in Galleria? First of all, as a dog lover, Im pleased that the dog policy at the Galleria has changed, but displeased that irresponsible dog owners make it tougher for the rest of us by not cleaning up after their dogs. Yet Mr. Gomez seems to feel the responsibility lies only with the Galleria and does not mention one word about the irresponsible dog owner. His disgust was aimed at the wrong party. But more than that, its dog poop for petes sake, why make such a big case out of it? Step around it, report it, and get on with your life. There are much more important things to write to newspapers about, like, oh I dont know, how about terrorism, lack of human rights, climate change, torture, child trafficking, the economy, political issues, and I could go on ad nauseam. But Mr. Gomez focus is on dog poop. Granted, it would seem that my focus is on what Mr. Gomez focused on, but his lack of focus on the truly life-important topics of the day is really my focus. Its emblematic of a self-absorbed society in a tailspin. Finally, just watch your step and dont let poop blind you to what is really important: like maybe, the irresponsible dog owner. Marlin Miller La Crescenta A broken gas line between Warner and Slater avenues is under control as of 1 p.m., Huntington Beach police said Friday afternoon, and its no longer necessary for people to avoid the area. Authorities earlier had asked people to avoid Nichols Lane in Huntington Beach while the Southern California Gas Co. attempted to repair the broken gas line between Warner and Slater avenues. A city steamroller with spikes punctured the line around 8:30 a.m., according to Huntington Beach Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Marlatt. Advertisement Children at the Oak View day-care center and preschool were taken indoors while the line was repaired, according to authorities. Southern California Gas Co. was still on the scene and working on the line as of Friday afternoon, Huntington Beach police said. Huntington Beach police are seeking the publics help in finding an elderly woman with dementia, who went missing Wednesday. Willie Jean Norman, 81, was last contacted Tuesday at about 10 a.m. by her daughter, according to a news release from the Huntington Beach Police Department. The daughter told police that Norman, who lives alone, did not show up for her usual workout on Tuesday at noon at the 24 Hour Fitness at Bella Terra off Center Avenue, police said. Advertisement She does not have a history of wandering from her normal routine, they added. Neither Norman or her car, a 2002 blue Jeep Grand Cherokee, were found at her residence, according to the release. The daughter told police her mother had been suffering from dementia for a few years but she has not noticed a decline in her cognitive abilities since taking medication for it. Her medication for dementia and high blood pressure were left at the home, police said. Authorities said Norman frequents the areas of Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue; Edinger Avenue and Gothard Street; and Beach Boulevard into Westminster. Police have found no record of her debit card or cell phone being used. They described the woman as African American, 5 feet tall and about 145 pounds. Her Jeep Grand Cherokee has a California license plate of 4VMR811. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Norman to call (714) 960-8800. Michael Jackson still lives in Las Vegas, sort of. The 10-foot statue the King of Pop created for his 1995 HIStory album cover was recently installed in the lobby of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Dancers from Michael Jackson ONE, the Cirque du Soleil production staged at the resort, performed at the unveiling on July 28. For the record: An earlier version of this post mistakenly said two pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia were located in the main lobby at Mandalay Bay. They are on display in cases adjacent to the Michael Jackson ONE boutique at the hotel-resort. Advertisement Fans will recognize the statue made by Diana Walczak. It depicts Jackson as a monumental warrior-like figure. Its the third piece of memorabilia to go on display at Mandalay Bay. The hotel also exhibits the military-style, red-and-and gold jacket Jackson wore at the 1984 American Music Awards, and a pair of his iconic black loafers, complete with crystal-encrusted white socks, in which he danced. They are on display in a case adjacent to the Michael Jackson ONE boutique. The items are on loan from the Estate of Michael Jackson indefinitely, a news release says. Whats next? As part of the resorts celebration of what would have been Jacksons 58th birthday he was born Aug. 29, 1958 a fourth item from the King of Pops collection will go on display Aug. 27. What that will be remains under wraps. Visitors can see the Jackson items on display in Mandalay Bay at no charge. MORE Remember the Age of the Showgirl? You can by perusing these Las Vegas exhibits Adult-themed Muppet-like Puppet Up! Uncensored comes to Las Vegas A kind of psychedelic Stonehenge in the desert near Las Vegas Flash floods gush every day at Las Vegas Springs Preserve The voice on the end of the line sounds nervous and alone. I dont have a good feeling, Kadiza Sultana can be heard telling her sister. I feel scared. The 17-year-old was one of three schoolgirls who left east London to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015 after being radicalized online. New details have now emerged of the teenagers desperate wish to return home and her familys attempts to help her plot an escape. But it was a dream that was never realized. This week, news emerged that Kadiza is believed to have been killed in a Russian airstrike in May. Advertisement Theres nothing worse than finding out that your sibling or your family member has been killed, the familys lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said. By all accounts, she was a young girl with a very, very promising future. Its a great loss to us all, really. Every effort was made from the very beginning to try and avoid this fateful news. Wheres Mom? I want to speak to Mom. British teenager Kadiza Sultana Kadiza, a British national of Bangladeshi heritage, was just 16 when she left her home with two 15-year-old school friends, telling her parents she would be back soon. They were all A students at Bethnal Green Academy, and their disappearance caused widespread shock. They first flew to Turkey and then were captured on a surveillance camera catching a bus to the Syrian border. From there, details about their lives became scarce. They were all reportedly swiftly married to Islamic State fighters. Kadizas husband, an American national of Somali origin, is believed to have been killed late last year. The girls made sporadic contact with their relatives in London, and at first said they were enjoying their new lives, though it appears they soon became disillusioned. The phone conversation between Kadiza and her sister, Halima Khanom, was filmed by British broadcaster ITV News. In it, the siblings can be heard discussing ways to smuggle Kadiza out of Islamic State-controlled territory in a taxi. When Khanom asks her sister how confident she feels about her chances of escape, she replies: Zero. You feel scared, Khanom says. Why do you feel scared? You know if something goes wrong, like, thats it, Kadiza replies. You know the borders are closed right now, so how am I going to get out? At one point, there is also a poignant reminder that Kadiza is still a teenager. Wheres Mom? she asks. I want to speak to Mom. Anyone who wishes to leave Islamic State territory faces a life-threatening choice. Last year, there were reports that Samra Kesinovic, an Austrian teenager who traveled to Syria, was beaten to death after being caught trying to flee. The fate of the other two girls with whom Kadiza traveled to Syria, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum, is unknown, but their loved ones have all made heartfelt appeals for information on their whereabouts. They are among more than 800 British citizens who are thought to have joined extremist groups in Iraq and Syria. Combating online grooming by extremist groups has become a huge challenge for the British government, which has implemented the Prevent strategy aimed at stopping radicalization. As part of the program, schools are now legally bound to report students who they think could be vulnerable to extremism or radicalization. But its efficacy has been questioned, as many believe it unfairly discriminates against the Muslim community and creates a climate of distrust. Labor lawmaker Rushanara Ali, who represents the district where the three girls lived, said she had deep concerns about the strategy and called for a proper assessment of it in the wake of Kadizas death. I know that certainly I felt, and I know others did, that it could have been anybodys child, and thats whats so shocking about it, she said. They came from loving families. They were highly articulate, highly intelligent, promising young women. There has been much soul-searching, and that needs to continue and we need to learn the lessons so that we can protect other young people from being targeted in this way. Boyle is a special correspondent. ALSO Missing British teens kin say they had no idea girls were radicalized Islamic State may soon lose its stronghold in Libya. Heres what might happen next Meet the Saudi cleric whos rallying Syrian rebels Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed his chief of staff and longtime ally, Sergei Ivanov, a hawkish ex-KGB spy with impeccable English who was once rumored to become his successor. His firing follows a string of recent dismissals and demotions of political heavyweights whose association with Putin often dated back decades. Analysts say Putin is trying to limit the clout of a close circle of his old friends and former colleagues in the Soviet-era KGB whose influence went far beyond their job descriptions. Ivanov, 63, was part of this circle in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, and relocated to Moscow shortly after Putin became head of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, the main KGB successor agency, in 1998. Two years later, Putin was elected president, and Ivanov held the jobs of deputy prime minister and defense minister. Advertisement He oversaw important structural changes in Russias military before the 2008 war with the former Soviet republic of Georgia that heralded Moscows comeback as a major military force that does not hesitate to take up arms against its former Communist-era provinces. Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, meets with the new chief of the presidential administration, Anton Vayno, right, and the outgoing Kremlin chief of staff, Sergei Ivanov, in the Kremlin on Aug. 12, 2016. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP ) In 2008, when constitutional limits did not allow Putin to be elected to a third consecutive term, the bellicose Ivanov was widely seen as Putins likely successor. But bookish and Western-leaning lawyer Dmitri Medvedev, another protege of Putins from St. Petersburg, was handpicked for the presidency instead, while Putin spent four years in the prime ministers chair. Ivanov yet again became a deputy prime minister in charge of the countrys military-industrial complex, a major source of Kremlin revenue and pride as Russian-made weapons won back the markets in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America that Moscow had lost after the Soviet collapse. He was appointed head of the presidential administration in late 2012, shortly before Putins return to the Kremlin. At the time, massive protests against presumed vote-rigging during a parliamentary vote were roiling Russias largest cities, leading to Moscows pivot to neoconservative, isolationist and belligerently anti-Western policies. Ivanovs dismissal was staged as a televised conversation between him, his successor and Putin -- a traditional way of announcing news from the Kremlin in a country whose residents still rely on state-controlled television networks for important information. Addressing Ivanov with a smile, Putin said he was appointing him as his envoy for transportation and environmental affairs, an sinecure apparently aimed to create an illusion of a promotion, another traditional way of reshuffling top Russian officials who then usually disappear out of public sight after assuming the new job. I do remember our agreement when you asked me not to keep you as head of the presidential administration for more than four years, and I understand why you wanted to choose another line of work, Putin said, as the three sat in an opulent Kremlin office. Analysts see Ivanovs dismissal as a court affair apparently rooted in Putins attempts to restrain or even remove the old allies he promoted at the dawn of his presidency. Anton Vayno, new chief of Russias presidential administration, at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow on Aug. 12, 2016. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP ) Putin is slowly getting tired of his old friends and acquaintances he brought [to the Kremlin] himself, Moscow-based political analyst Igor Korginyuk said in an interview. They are of little use, but their influence is far too big. In the last year, several key allies and longtime associates of Putin have been dismissed or transferred to sinecures similar to Ivanovs. The head of Russian Railways, Vladimir Yakunin, resigned amid a corruption scandal involving his familys holdings. Drug czar Viktor Ivanov saw his entire anti-narcotics agency dismantled, and a handful of longtime governors was fired in July. The old guard who put Putin on the throne are partially losing their positions, Gennady Gudkov, a former lawmaker and opposition leader, said in an interview. Although Ivanovs name never surfaced in corruption scandals, his son Alexander became a tabloid fixture in 2005, after he ran over a 68-year-old woman in Moscow, killing her. He was cleared of all charges -- and later drowned during a vacation in Dubai in 2014. Ivanovs successor is Anton Vaino, 42, his virtually unknown deputy chief of staff and a career diplomat who is widely seen as a Putin loyalist with no political ambitions of his own. Vainos grandfather, Carl Vaino, was a top Communist official in Soviet Estonia who resisted the Baltic nations drive for independence in the 1980s and was moved to Moscow shortly before the Soviet collapse. Mirovalev is a special correspondent. ALSO Tensions rise around Crimea: Putin accuses Ukraine of terror and Kiev beefs up military Shes old, for a woman: Media around the world condemned for sexist Olympics coverage Burkini day at French swimming pool canceled after outcry : , CCTV It has been 44 years since a World Bank president traveled to drought-stricken Upper Volta in West Africa today called Burkina Faso and encountered a startling and disturbing scene. Blind people were everywhere, with children often leading adults around. The cause of their blindness was a tiny worm, called a filarial nematode, transmitted by bites from black flies that swarmed the rivers and streams of Burkina Faso. Strangely, the worms do their damage by dying, which generates toxins that can create lesions on the skin and on the cornea of the eyes. Advertisement The buildup of cornea lesions from several years of exposure to the disease causes permanent blindness. Thats why, though technically known as onchocerciasis, its more commonly called river blindness. In the wake of that impressionable 1972 visit, the world mobilized to tackle the problem on a large scale. Fast-forward to the present, and river blindness is once again bringing disease experts back to Burkina Faso. But they are coming to mark a milestone in the global onchocerciasis control effort. Disease control has been so successful in Burkina Faso and other affected countries that were ready to move beyond merely containing the disease. Elimination of river blindness is the new goal both from its key strongholds in Africa, where 99% of the disease occurs, and from smaller pockets of infection in Latin America and Yemen. Completely eliminating onchocerciasis from all areas where it is known to exist would take the world to an extremely rare place: disease eradication. Disease experts dont use the term eradication lightly. The club of the eradicated human disease is supremely elite. It has only one member, smallpox. There are other candidates. Polio is perhaps closest to gaining entry into this club. But disease experts and policymakers are now considering how 40 years of work combating onchocerciasis in Africa has made eradication a plausible scenario. Before intensive control efforts were launched in the 1970s, 40 million people were infected with the disease and 160 million were at risk. Now in at least 10 West African countries, it is no longer considered a public health threat. Other areas are not far behind. An analysis published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases of Poverty found that in one large swath of disease hot spots outside West Africa, infections have plummeted to at or near zero. The battle against river blindness has been waged with two key weapons. Insect control is one factor, but the most decisive intervention involves treating entire communities repeatedly with the anti-parasite medication ivermectin. Merck, the drugs key manufacturer, has been donating the medication to the World Health Organization, allowing it to be deployed forcefully against river blindness in mass treatment campaigns in which everyone in an area at risk is treated regardless of symptoms. Repeating mass treatment over several years can eventually eliminate the disease from an endemic region. It does this by breaking the cycle of infection, the passage of onchocerciasis larvae from flies to humans and from humans back to flies. Mass treatment campaigns have reached well over 100 million people. Several weeks ago, in Ouagadougou, Burkino Fasos capital, I witnessed the administration of the 1-billionth tablet of ivermectin in the fight against river blindness. A nurse in Kouadioa-Allaikro, Ivory Coast, gives medicine against onchocerciasis, commonly called river blindness, in 2008. (Issouf Sanogo / AFP/Getty Images ) The success against onchocerciasis is having a profound influence on the broader effort to fight other neglected tropical diseases. It has prompted WHO to launch the new Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases. This initiative will continue the fight against river blindness while targeting several other diseases for elimination, including lymphatic filariasis (also known as elephantiasis) and debilitating helminth infections, which are transmitted through soil carried by parasitic worms. Also, these campaigns involve a significant effort to mobilize resources that empower local communities to strengthen their primary healthcare capabilities. The focus on developing integrated health programs at the local level is precisely one of the approaches that is needed as countries strive to attain universal health coverage. But fighting infectious diseases is like riding a bicycle. To move forward, you have to keep pedaling. It is extremely important that we keep pedaling against river blindness, all the more vigorously because we are entering what may be the crucial last mile that leads to eradication. By maintaining support for the battle against river blindness, we will continue to blaze a trail toward elimination for other neglected diseases to follow to a point in the not too distant future when the club of the eradicated disease may have several new members. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti is the World Health Organizations regional director for Africa. Hillary Clintons lead over Donald Trump among Hispanic voters has nearly doubled over the last three months and she now leads her Republican challenger by a staggering 48 points among that demographic. A new Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI) survey finds Clinton now tops Trump 66 percent to 18 percent among Hispanics, a 22 point increase over the 26 percent advantage she held back in May. Clinton's Edge Across the Board Researchers found among Democratic Hispanics, Clinton has now gained an 85 percent to 6 percent advantage and with independents she holds a 55 percent to 17 percent edge. Even among GOP Hispanics, pollsters found Clinton manages to snare nearly one-third of the vote at 56 percent to 31 percent. Clintons rising level of support among Latinos nearly puts her on par to match the grand levels of support President Obama benefited from in his 2012 takedown of Mitt Romney (71 percent to 27 percent), earning him his second term in office. "Clinton has taken some major strides to increase her support among Hispanics," said BEPI director Monica Escaleras. "Her efforts to win over many who said they were undecided a couple of months ago are paying off." A deeper analysis of the data reveals voters are convinced Clinton would be better than Trump on such key issues as the economy (62.5 percent to 23 percent) and keeping the country safe from terrorism (56.2 percent to 22.9 percent). Overall, Clinton has increased her favorable rating by more than 12 points since May, from 41.6 to 53.8 percent, while also decreasing her unfavorable rating from 31 to 25.5 percent. Meanwhile, Trump's overall rating has now plummeted to a -49.8 percent. Clinton's DACA, DAPA Support Clinton recently doubled down on her vow to defend DACA and DAPA and bring about comprehensive immigration reform. Branding her race against Trump "a referendum on immigration," earlier this month she revealed plans to create a new office of Immigrant Affairs if she is elected. "I have proposed an Office of Immigrant Affairs for the White House so that we are able to answer questions and provide information and help people." Clinton also pledged to take a long, hard look at the growing debate about deportation, adding that foreign-born moms and dads working in the U.S. now shell out more than $12 billion in annual taxes and should be free to live their lives without the threat of massive expulsions. In contrast, Trump has long taken a hard-line stance on immigration, which includes a vow to deport up to 12 million immigrants and build a wall along the Mexican border to further keep them out. A group of 13 states are expected in court on Friday to petition a federal court judge to block President Obama's plan to allow transgender students to use public bathrooms based on their gender identity. The proceedings are slated to take place in a Fort Worth courtroom, pitting the Justice and Education departments against the states of Texas, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Plaintiffs Led by Republican Lawmakers With the exception of Louisiana and West Virginia, all of the plaintiff states have Republican governors. Back in May, the Obama administration issued a directive alerting every public school district that they would be required to allow transgender students to use bathrooms based on their chosen gender identity. Violators of the order ran the risk of losing all federal funding. Led by Texas, a group of states immediately filed suits in protest of the proposed action. "We will not yield to blackmail from the president of the United States," said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "This goes against the values of so many people. This has everything to do with keeping the federal government out of local issues." Second Suit Filed Just last month, the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming all filed a similar suit in objection to the planned policy. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch has publicly argued that there is "no room in our schools" for discrimination. Earlier this month, the shorthanded Supreme Court put a federal judge's order on hold that would have allowed a Virginia high school student who was born female but identifies as male to use the boys' bathroom. Immigration reform has become on of the most highly visible talking points for the upcoming presidential election, but that debate focuses on future political policies as promised by our current candidates. In the meantime, the current administration has taken action in the 11th hour to make good on President Obama's long-held vows to assist immigrants seeking safety from persecution in their Central American homelands. As reported by The Atlantic, immigration reform was supposed to have been a major achievement of Obama's "legacy." Although initial attempts to bring about legislation in this area were halted by both Congress and the Supreme Court, the Obama administration has finally succeeded in its attempts to assist migrants coming from the Central American region. The Department of Homeland Security announced in late July expanded initiatives by the United States to address migration challenges faced by citizens living in the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, in a bid to address ongoing humanitarian challenges within that region. A joint venture between the United States, the Government of Costa Rica, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this new expansion of the existing "Central American Minors Program" will help vulnerable individuals fleeing dangerous regions to find a safe haven in the U.S. "Through the Central American Minors Program, the United States government offers an alternative, safe and legal path to the U.S. for children seeking protection from harm or persecution in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras," Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said in a statement. "Today, we are expanding these resettlement opportunities to additional vulnerable individuals within the region. This will increase the number of individuals to whom we are able to provide humanitarian protection while combating human smuggling operations." This newly updated initiative, while focused on humanitarianism, was also designed to ensure safe and orderly migration as well as border security, the Department of Homeland Security maintains. The Central American Minors Program, as it already exists, allows certain immigrants, including lawful permanent residents and those with temporary protected status to petition for their unmarried children (under the age of 21) living in the aforementioned countries to migrate to the U.S.for "in-country refugee processing." The newly expanded version of the program now allows for the petitioning of not only children under age 21 and current spouses (who reside with the children), but also sons and daughters of a U.S-based lawfully-present parent who are over 21 years old; the in-country biological parent of the qualified children; and caregivers of qualified children who are also related to the U.S.-baseed lawfully present parent. Earlier this year, Secretary of State John Kerry set the foundations upon which this newly expanded immigration reform plan were built. Working in conjunction with the United Nations, Kerry's original plan sought to identify residents of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras who may be eligible for refugee status and to offer these individuals protection from possible harm in their home countries. As defined under U.S. law by the DHS Department of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, a refugee is someone who is located outside of the U.S., is admissible to the U.S., and is of special humanitarian concern to the U.S. These individuals must demonstrate that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. "We can both maintain the highest security standards and live up to our best traditions as Americans by welcoming those in need of help to our great country," Kerry said during a speech at the National Defense University in Washington. "We dare not turn our backs on future generations seeking the same set of opportunities." "We have the ability to protect ourselves, even as we remain a country that welcomes migration," Kerry continued. According to a USA Today report, immigration activists applauded the new approach to reforming migration laws, lauded by the Secretary of State and the Human Rights First organization called it a "long-overdue development." The Perseid meteor shower is set to appear Aug. 11 through 12 this month, a peak time for avid stargazers. "The most active #meteor shower of the year is coming," Space.com posted to its Facebook page, along with a video. NASA TV described the Perseid meteor shower as a display of "shooting stars" lighting up in the sky. Live Stream of The Perseid Meteor Shower A live broadcast of the Perseid meteor shower will be available over night on Aug. 11 to 12, and Aug. 12 to 13 beginning each night at 10 p.m, EST. Watch the broadcast via USTREAM TV. The Live stream is great for people who are experiencing cloudy or polluted skies and would not be able to clearly see the meteor shower otherwise. Watch The Perseids Show Go outside between midnight and dawn on the morning of Aug. 12 to catch the Perseid meteor shower. NASA suggests that you give your eyes 45 minutes to adjust to the dark, lie on your back, and look straight up. About The Perseids Show Every August, the Earth goes through a trial of debris left behind from a comet. When the Earth is closer to the debris than usual, like this year, a meteor shower appears. Back in 2009, people saw the last Perseid outburst. An outburst is a meteor shower with more meteors than usual. "Forecasters are predicting a Perseid outburst this year with double normal rates on the night of Aug. 11-12," Bill Cooke, with NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office in Huntsville, Alabama, tells NASA TV. "Under perfect conditions, rates could soar to 200 meteors per hour." Comet Swift Tuttle The comet Swift Tuttle orbits the sun every 133 years, leaving debris each time it swings through the inner solar system. When Earth crosses the paths of Swift Tuttle's debris, specks of comet particles hit Earth's atmosphere making it look like flashes of light. "These meteors are called Perseids because they seem to fly out of the constellation Perseus," NASA writes. "Here's something to think about. The meteors you'll see this year are from comet flybys that occurred hundreds if not thousands of years ago," Cooke said. "And they've traveled billions of miles before their kamikaze run into Earth's atmosphere." The Mineral Area College Board of Trustees tackled a full agenda that included the swearing in of a new trustee, an update on current construction projects and an update on enrollment stats when it met in regular session Thursday afternoon on the school's Park Hills campus. Regarding construction activity on campus, Director of Facilities Barry Wilfong said, "In the Technology and Arts & Sciences buildings we have our flooring in. We have the wiring that close to being done for all classrooms and we're looking to receive furniture early next week so we'll be up and ready to go for school that Monday. We have a big week ahead of us next week on that. "The concourse area has been [demolished]. We have new flooring 90 percent of the way done. We ran out of some stuff but it is in. They just need to put it down. So we'll be complete. I've heard several good comments that the purple carpeting is gone. We are down to one classroom needing to be renovated in the Arts & Sciences building and it should be complete by next Friday, I think. The other three are ready to go. "In the theater, if you haven't seen it, we have walls up now so we're waiting for our flatwork. We hope to have the flatwork poured a week from tomorrow. It will be ready to go. The glass on the outside is not due in until the first of September. We hope to have that complete by the 15th. We still have the inside and by the first of October we're hoping to be completely ready to go in that area. It's all coming together. "We're down to the sealing and striping. Lot A is done. Parking lot C we started public safety. We think they should be close on getting it painted and striped. We're going to Fredericktown [Center] on Friday and this weekend, so they're going to get that taken care of and up-to-date. There are also a few areas left at North College and the field house." Also during the meeting, local pharmacist and Bonne Terre resident, Lisa Umfleet, was sworn in as trustee by Mineral Area College Board of Trustees President Scott Sikes. She is completing the term vacated by former trustee Sally Parker-Nashs resignation this spring. Umfleet will have the option of running for a full six-year term for Subdistrict 2 of MACs taxing district in April 2017. Umfleet is a 1991 graduate of North County High School, attended MAC from 1991-92, and graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1996. She is owner of Parkland Health Mart Pharmacy in Desloge and is co-owner of Parkland Health Mart Pharmacies in Fredericktown and Ironton. She has served as an adjunct faculty member for St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Umfleet served on the North County school board from 2004 to 2010, with a stint as vice president from 2007 to 2010. She has been a member of several professional pharmacy associations including the Missouri Pharmacy Association on which she served as a membership chairwoman. Also on the agenda, MACs Phi Theta Kappa chapter faculty members, Emily Murdock and Jenny Beck, were recognized at the meeting for what was described by Dr. Diana Stuart, dean of Arts and Sciences, as "a very successful year." According to Stuart, the previous years highlights included two large projects Honors in Action and College projects. College projects are determined by MAC administration, and last year the chapter put on a campus mini-conference featuring leadership development skills. Businesswomen, nontraditional careers, money managers and other speakers touched on topics like personality effectiveness and conflict management to bring out the best in student leadership. The conference featured 12, 20-minute sessions in 2-3 hours. Stuart said the local chapter also surpassed many regional and national averages in terms of activity and accomplishment. One area was in membership. While Missouri PTK membership increased 10 percent, and national membership increased 11 percent, MACs membership increased 15.9 percent. The chapter also won a number of awards last year in both regional and international categories. Registrar Pam Reeder reported a decline in both the school's summer census and fall enrollment figures. "For the school's summer census we finished with a headcount of 921 [students] and credit hours of 4,914," she said. "That's down from last summer. We had a spike last summer, so we're down about 7 percent in headcount and about 9 percent in credit hours this summer. "The headcount for our fall enrollment today is 2,764 [students] and 31,686 credit hours. It's down from last year which had a 3,000 headcount on the same day with 34,657 credit hours. I also wanted to make a note that last year at this time we already had our drop for non-payment. This year that won't happen until next week, so we're working feverishly to contact students to get them in to pay and hang on to as many as we can. Reeder said the drop in fall enrollment is 7.8 percent in headcount from last year and approximately 9 percent in credit hours. Finally, the board approved a fiscal year tax rate of 47.86 cents per $100 assessed valuation, as compared to 47.63 last year. This is a 1.56 percent increase over last year's tax rate. A Veterans Barbecue, sponsored by VFW Post 2426 in Desloge, will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at the post facility located at 399 W. Oak Street. The main event will be a barbecue and chili cook-off with veterans serving as judges. Other activities taking place during the day is a horseshoe tournament, sack races and egg toss. "Join us in paying our respects to our military veterans," said Robert Kelley, post member. Veterans are asked to bring proof of military service to enter. For more information call 573-667-0835 or 573-203-5506. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe A man shot Thursday afternoon in an Allentown home is expected to survive, a city police captain said. Harvey Carrasquilla, 37, was shot with a rifle in the back about 2 p.m. by Beth Ann Brady, 52, after a domestic dispute in their home in the 2800 block of South Street, Capt. Bill Reinik said. Carrasquilla was taken with life-threatening wounds to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township where he remained Friday morning in the Intensive Care Unit, Reinik said. Brady was arraigned before District Judge Jacob E. Hammond on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, court papers say. Bail was set at $500,000 and Brady was sent to Lehigh County Jail. It wasn't immediately clear what led to the argument or the shooting, Reinik said. Brady surrendered without incident at the home, he added. Her preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled 1:45 p.m. Thursday. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. We're sorry that the ministry you were looking for is no longer available on LightSource.com. However, below are some great ministries that offer related content. Enjoy the inspiration, encouragement, and Biblical challenge from these LightSource.com ministry partners! A RECORD 1,000 groups and individuals have objected to 10m plans by Irish Cement to burn tyres at its Mungret plant. Those objecting have written to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is deliberating on whether to award the company a licence to burn rubber tyres and other waste at around 1,500 degrees. A spokesperson for the agency says it is one of the highest responses it has ever received for any application, and as such, it is likely to delay any decision until after Christmas. Irish Cement is seeking permission to burn the tyres, instead of fossil fuels as it does at the moment, saying the move will secure the future of 80 workers on site in Mungret. But the plans have proven deeply unpopular with locals, who cite concerns the incineration will have on the local environment and public health. While it is the EPA which will decide whether to award the licence, Limerick City and County Council will decide on the physical nature of the project. Some 80 objections have been made to the planning authority, with the application currently on hold. Cllr Joe Leddin says the sheer number of objections and submissions is testament to the huge anxiety and worry that local residents have, and I hope the EPA will give careful consideration to the various comments and points raised by local residents as pat of their overall decision making process. The Labour member said in his political life, he has never received as many individual representations from members of the public on an issue of such concern to the surrounding community. I attended two meetings arranged by local residents who are genuinely concerned as to the potential health implications that may arise should a new revised license be issued. The granting of a new license would in effect enable Irish Cement to burn tyres instead of coal in the manufacturing element of the plant, he said. The Cement plant is located less than a mile away from the new Mungret Park which opened to visitors recently, which will also be the land for two proposed new primary schools. Over 600 people have signed a petition in opposition to the proposals, while more than 100 people in total have attended public meetings held by concerned locals. The Limerick Leader recently revealed that Mr Binman is also proposing to build a waste transfer plant nearby. The U.S. stamps that prove bold predictions for the future were wrong: U.S. Stamp Notes Aug 12, 2016, 2 AM Newspaper editor Horace Greeley wrote in an 1864 editorial that President Lincoln could not win re-election. Among the many stamps honoring Lincoln is this one from 1869. William H. Seward is pictured on the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition issue stamps. The purchase of Alaska from Russia while he was secretary of state was criticized at the time. In a pamphlet published in 1760, Benjamin Franklin wrote that the uniting of the Colonies against the mother country was more than merely improbable. This stamp from the 2006 Benjamin Franklin issue features his role as a statesman. Benjamin Franklin, honored on United States Scott 1, was described by John Adams in a diary entry as a man of very moderate abilities who knows nothing of philosophy. These two stamps, one about battling German U-boats and the other showing a U.S. submarine, prove that H.G. Wells was wrong in his prediction about them. Lucille Ball, star of stage, screen and television, was told by her drama school instructor, Try another profession. Any other. She has been honored on two U.S. stamps. Stamps in the United States World War II series of 1991-95 prove that some people had underestimated Adolf Hitler. By John M. Hotchner Its time for a new installment in my series on United States stamps that illustrate the folly of prediction and pronouncements that turned out to be wrong. This series of U.S. Notes columns began in 1998 and has extended over seven installments. This is the eighth in the series. Readers who would like the seven earlier columns can obtain them by sending $2.50 in mint U.S. stamps (which includes both copying cost and return postage) to me, John Hotchner, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Benjamin Franklin is well known today as a man of letters, science, philosophy and public service, as well as for his diplomatic skills and for other categories of endeavor. He was honored on the first U.S. stamp issue of July 1, 1847, given equal billing with George Washington. Franklin appears on the 5 stamp (Scott 1) in this issue, and Washington on the 10 (2). Yet no lesser a personage than our second president, John Adams, had this to say of Franklin in his diary entry for May 10, 1779: He has very moderate abilities. He knows nothing of philosophy, but his few experiments in electricity. Talk about damning with faint praise. And as a prediction of how Franklin would be appreciated by history, Adams was completely off the mark. As good as Franklin was, perfection is not given to any man. In 1760, while he was the agent in London for several of the American Colonies, he published a pamphlet titled The Interest of Great Britain Considered, With regard to Her Colonies, and the Acquisitions of Canada and Barbados. Included was his flawed assessment of the potential for the Colonies to rebel against the mother country. Franklin argued: If they could not agree to unite for their defence against the French and Indians can it reasonably be supposed there is any danger of their uniting against their own nation, which protects and encourages them, with which they have so many connections and ties of blood, interest and affection, and which tis well known they all love much more than they love one another? In short, there are so many causes that must operate to prevent it, that I will venture to say, a union amongst them for such a purpose is not merely improbable, it is impossible. As can be seen on numerous U.S. stamps, that impossible uniting of colonial sentiment is precisely what happened. And curiously enough, Franklin was a significant player in that process. In addition to Scott 1, many other U.S. stamps honor Franklin, including a 2006 block of four commemorating the 300th anniversary of his birth (Scott 4021-4024). The 39 stamps feature his roles as a statesman, scientist, printer and postmaster. Like Franklin, Abraham Lincoln has been commemorated on many stamps, including the 90 high value of the 1869 issue (Scott 122). As we know today, Lincoln ran successfully for a second term as president in 1864. With the Civil War dragging on, his popularity suffered and opposition candidates were relentless in their attacks. They must have been convincing as no less than Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune, stated on Aug. 14, 1864: Mr. Lincoln is already beaten. He cannot be re-elected. Willliam H. Seward, secretary of state under Lincoln and also under Andrew Johnson, was the subject of an article in another New York City newspaper, The New York World. On April 1, 1867, it reported that the acquisition of Alaska had been formalized March 30, 1867, when Seward and Edouard de Stoekl, the Russian minister to the United States, signed the Alaska Treaty. The editorial writers were not happy, stating that Russia has sold us a sucked orange. Whatever may be the value of that territory and its outlying islands to us, it has ceased to be of any to Russia. It went on to say, The purchase of the Russian territory renders it morally certain that we shall some day acquire British Columbia. Of course there are many some days in the future, but my own rash prediction is that I dont see it happening. Seward is commemorated on the 1909 2 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition issue (Scott 370). Prediction in statecraft is chancy under the best circumstances. During wars and even the run-up to wars, it can be folly. Nazi Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland in September 1939, the start of what would become World War II. However, seven years earlier, in 1932, William C. Bullitt, the U.S. ambassador to Germany, wrote in a letter to Presidentelect Franklin Roosevelt: Hitlers influence is waning so fast that the Government is no longer afraid of the growth of the Nazi movement. If the Americans were fooled, so was the president of Germany, Paul von Hindenburg, who said in 1931, Hitler [is] a queer fellow who [will] never become Chancellor; the best he [can] hope for [is] to head the Postal Department. Of course we know now that these were serious misreadings of the German political situation. Hitler rose to absolute power that allowed him to precipitate WWII, and to prove it, there are many U.S. stamps honoring the military services and legendary flag-rank officers and enlisted men, and there is the 1991-95 series marking the 50-year anniversaries of major events in the war. The first pane of 10 stamps in that WWII series was issued Sept. 3, 1991 (Scott 2559a-j). Finally, evaluation of technology is always something of a minefield, but a particular lack of vision was shown by British writer and historian H.G. Wells, when he wrote in 1902: [M]y imagination refuses to see any sort of submarine doing anything but suffocate its crew and founder at sea. This is an epic failure of imagination and a vote of no confidence in the ability of science to solve the problems. Jules Verne, 30 years earlier, had come closer to the truth in his novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea. Both American and German submarines (U-boats) are included on stamps in the aforementioned WWII series. In addition, the United States issued a set of five stamps March 27, 2000, devoted solely to submarines (Scott 3372-3377). And to end on a lighter note, an early assessment of the potential of actress and comedienne Lucille Ball proved wrong. In 1927, the head instructor of the John Murray Anderson Drama School advised her: Try another profession. Any other. Ball is featured on stamps in the Celebrate the Century and Legends of Hollywood series (Scott 3187l and 3523). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Photographs courtesy of Tom Pandi / Air Canada Centre. When this purported farewell Tragically Hip tour was first announced, it would have been easy expected, almost for the beloved Canadian band to stack their setlists with nothing but favourites amassed from thirty years of entertaining audiences at home and abroad. Who would dare blame them? Absolutely no self-respecting fan, especially considering what front (and perpetually centre) man Gord Downie has had to endure just to get through these fifteen summer dates. Feel free to award yourself a shiny gold medal if you were the only person to call that the Hip would take the opportunity on their first of three nights in Toronto to innovate, genuinely surprise and delight after all this time as a group. Mind the green Brazilian pool-tainting water though. Rio Olympics jab aside, August 10th at the usually soul-draining Air Canada Centre was a magical and emotional night, even for a cynic such as myself who needs more than two hands to count the number of times Ive seen the Hip live. Thats not me bragging, rather stating the fact I am smack-dab in the middle of a generation where it was literally a rite of passage to see the band whenever they passed through town. Or anywhere within the vicinity of the GTA. Downie, in particular, was always akin to that slightly older uncle you may have had. Yknow, the one who occasionally took care of you when your parents were out, lovingly turning a blind eye when you thought you were being cool by stealing a sip of beer. Gordie will forever be cooler than any of us, not as if he somehow owes anything to Canadians or has to prove himself while courageously facing a scary-as-hell future. But goshdarnit, he did anyway. Maybe it was because Mayor John Tory conveniently proclaimed August 10th as Tragically Hip Day in the city. Or perhaps Downie is simply getting used to his glistening neon suits and fabulously designed chapeaus by local millinery Lilliput Hats. Whatever the reason, the Hip flat out put on the best and most creatively structured show Ive ever had the pleasure of seeing them do. When they began huddled tightly together with The Luxury, Little Bones, Fiddlers Green and Three Pistols all off of Road Apples, I thought I was back at the since-redeveloped Barrie Molson Park in some sort of early-90s time warp. By the time I recognized Music @ Works Lake Fever (following a 4-pack of #ManMachinePoem tunes, plus My Music at Work), I realized I was experiencing something pretty special. As did everyone else at the sold out ACC when they werent cheering deafeningly for every single movement Downie made. In all, we heard consecutive cuts from Trouble at the Henhouse, Fully Completely, Day for Night and finally Phantom Power. The latter albums only featured three and two encore songs each, respectively. Those Hip heathens, I tell you I was proud of how long I stayed composed up until Gord stood alone onstage. He didnt say a word, but the way in which Downie soaked up the love Torontonians had been waiting to uncork like a celebratory magnum of champagne spoke volumes. Thats when the tears started flowing for me, and I had plenty of company. The epitome of not a dry eye in the house. I still stand by my list, as the absence of Up to Here or self-titled EP material leads me to believe theyre going to end it all, tragic as it may be, by coming full circle and tapping into their Kingston limestone roots. This said, I never thought Id be surprised the way I was; it goes without saying that itll be interesting to see what else they may possibly have in store for the remaining T.O. gigs and of course, August 20th at Rogers K-Rock Centre. A new self-destructing battery can power a simple electronic device for up to 15 minutes and then dissolve in water. It could pave the way for so-called transient power sources for scientific instruments or tools of espionage, according to a new study. Engineers have developed a novel variety of battery capable of powering a simple electronic device, such as a four-function calculator, and then dissolving in water in half an hour. The new transient battery represents a marked improvement in voltage and disintegration time over its predecessors, the researchers said. The lithium-ion battery, the first transient battery of its kind, is "very similar to a conventional battery," study co-author Reza Montazami, who heads the Advanced Materials Lab at Iowa State University, told Live Science. [Top 10 Inventions That Changed the World] The battery's polymer casing, made from a molecule that can form long repeating chains, swells and physically breaks itself and the other components into small pieces when exposed to water, the researchers said. Devices powered by this type of battery could serve their function or transmit data, and then be washed away in the rain. "Their mechanism relies simply on hydration," Christopher Bettinger, a polymer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh who was not involved with the new study, told Live Science. "That's a unique discovery." The newly developed battery takes about 30 minutes to dissolve, Montazami said, whereas other transient batteries relying on different chemical processes can take hours or days to break down. The battery can generate about 2.7 volts, which is similar to the electric potential produced by a pair of conventional AA batteries. This means the new invention can power devices that lower-voltage transient batteries cannot. However, the use of lithium makes the new battery unsuitable for biomedical applications, such as to power implants, Montazami said. Still, the invention could have other medical uses, in addition to being used for surveillance, military or environmental purposes, he said. Because the current battery can power a device for only 15 minutes, its applications right now are limited, Bettinger said, but "it will be interesting to see the limits on capacity, theoretical or practical." And Montazami said he has other immediate plans. "Our next step is to gain a better understanding of how these batteries break down." The research was published June 22 in the Journal of Polymer Science, Part B: Polymer Physics. Original article on Live Science. The old career-counseling advice about choosing a job that's a good fit for you is getting support from a new study: Job burnout may be caused by a "mismatch" between an employee's inner needs and the characteristics of his or her job, the study from Switzerland suggests. For example, a woman who works as an accountant and is an outgoing person who enjoys forming close relationships may be a poor fit in a workplace if her job gives her few chances to socialize and offers her little contact with her colleagues or clients. This type of mismatch between job demands and social needs makes a person more prone to burnout, the study revealed. In the study, the researchers defined burnout as a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job, said Veronika Brandstatter, a professor of psychology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and the lead author of the study published today (Aug. 11) in the journal the Frontiers in Psychology. The researchers found that it's important for a person to have a match between his or her needs for two key aspects of the persons job in order to prevent burnout, she said. One of the aspects is the amount of affiliation or the level of closeness in the job's social relationships and the other is power, which means the ability the person has to influence and take on responsibility for other people, Brandstattertold Live Science. [7 Ways to Reduce Job Stress] A person who has a strong affiliation motive should have a job that offers this individual an opportunity to interact in a friendly manner with other people, she said. A person who has a strong power motive should have a job that offers this individual the opportunity to take center stage and be in a leadership role, she said. On the other hand, a person who does not have a strong power motive would be more prone to burnout in a leadership position. Hidden stressors at work In the study, the researchers recruited 97 men and women ages 22 to 62 who were full-time employees and who had visited a Swiss website that provided information about job burnout. The participants filled out online questionnaires about their background, job characteristics and physical well-being. To determine the participants' motives, the employees were shown five different photos depicting people at work, such as an architect, women in a lab and trapeze artists, and were asked to write a short, imaginary story to explain each picture. The researchers analyzed the participants' stories looking for descriptions of establishing or maintaining social relationships (the affiliation motive), as well as indicating impact or influence on other persons (the power motive). The researchers found that when employees' personal needs and their job characteristics didn't match up, it acted as a hidden stressor. The researchers characterize the stressor as "hidden" because the employee isn't fully aware of it, Brandstatter said. [9 DIY Ways to Improve Your Mental Health] The mismatch may not only cause job burnout, but may also influence the number of physical symptoms that workers report, Brandstatteradded. Indeed, the researchers found that when an individual has a strong inner need to be in a position that involves having power and influence at work, but winds up in a job that does not offer these responsibilities, the employee experienced more physical health complaints, such as headaches, stomach pain, dizziness or sore throats. People in jobs that don't match their inner needs can work toward making changes to reduce their frustration level and possibly make the situation better, Brandstattersaid. For example, an employee who likes social contact and is strongly motivated by a need for affiliation, but who has little personal interaction at work, might find ways to handle his or her job duties in a more collaborative way that involves more teamwork, she suggested. Alternatively, an employee who is interested in taking on more responsibility, but is in a position where he or she has no influence on others, might seek out leadership training in order to apply for other career opportunities where this skill is needed. But not every work situation that may lead to burnout can be resolved, Brandstattersaid. If a person is in a management position but does not enjoy being in a leadership role, that employee will probably need to change jobs, she said. Originally published on Live Science. Drones. The mere mention of the word can incite a mix of terror, annoyance and fascination. Pranksters have flown drones over sporting events, paparazzi have used them to spy on celebrities' homes and activists have used them to place suspicious packages inside gated government facilities. But now, doctors at Stony Brook University Medicine have delivered on a promise of using drones for the good of humankind, to offer life-saving health care to villagers in a remote rural region in Madagascar. The concept is simple: Use a drone to fly to villages that aren't easily accessible by roads, in order to deliver medicine or pick up biological samples for analysis at a central medical center. For remote villages in Madagascar's Ifanadiana district, where there are no roads, drones can fly to and from a central region in about an hour, compared to a trip lasting upward of 10 hours each way by foot. In July, public health professionals led by Dr. Peter Small, a professor of global health at Stony Brook partnered with a startup drone company called Vayu Inc. to conduct what they claim is the first autonomous, long-distance flight of a drone to land and retrieve biomedical samples in this case, blood samples collected by a health care worker in the field. The drone flew from the central research facility and landed in the village. The health worker loaded it with real blood samples, and then the drone flew back to the facility. This was a test with real samples, and although this trip was just a one-stop round trip, with enough battery life, the drone could go location to location. Although the concept is straightforward, the devil has been in the details, Small told Live Science. First, he needed to obtain permission from three different Madagascan ministries, each with unique concerns about unmanned vehicles flying through their skies. [Photos from Madagascar: A Drone Carries Blood Samples from a Remote Village] His group also needed a drone that was capable of carrying large loads over long distances specifications that Vayu could meet. The drone that the company selected for this task is about the size of a picnic table, and has fixed wings. It can land and take off vertically, and fly autonomously as far as 40 miles (64 kilometers). But it was equally important to gain the trust of, and educate, the villagers about drones. Many of these villagers live as their ancestors have for hundreds of years and would be startled by flying vehicles. For this task, Small relied on his colleagues at Stony Brook's ValBio research station, on the edge of Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar, who regularly dispatch health workers (by foot) to these remote villages. [5 Amazing Technologies That Are Revolutionizing Biotech] The promise of drone-facilitated health care has been years in the making. Some university-based researchers have used drones to deliver medicine and other supplies, often using parachutes to drop packages from the drone to the ground because of the difficulty of landing and relaunching a drone from a great distance. In June, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published an article in the journal Vaccine describing the details of how a vaccine delivery and disease surveillance system via drones in rural Africa and Southeast Asia could be set up someday. "It's easy to say one could or will fly, but we actually did," Small said. The next steps in the researchers' plan are to use the drones for surveillance, he said. For example, a community health worker who notices an unusual disease beginning to emerge could call in drones to deliver help. These are definitely not the kinds of drones you want trained raptors to take down. Follow Christopher Wanjek @wanjek for daily tweets on health and science with a humorous edge. Wanjek is the author of "Food at Work" and "Bad Medicine." His column, Bad Medicine, appears regularly on Live Science. A newly discovered species of brilliant red songbird has almost certainly already vanished from its home in the Galapagos Islands, in what is the first known songbird extinction on the island chain in modern times. Using genetic techniques, researchers recently learned that the Galapagos vermilion flycatcher was once at least two species: Pyrocephalus nanus, which is still found across most of the island chain, and Pyrocephalus dubius, which hasn't been seen since 1987 but used to live only on San Cristobal Island. That island lends the extinct bird its common name, the San Cristobal Island vermilion flycatcher. Unfortunately, P. nanus, still known as the Galapagos vermilion flycatcher, is now also in decline, said study researcher Jack Dumbacher, the curator of ornithology and mammalogy at the California Academy of Sciences (Cal Academy) in San Francisco. [Flycatcher Gone: Photos of an Extinct Galapagos Native] "Maybe this is a call to arms so we can figure out what the problem is on the other islands," Dumbacher told Live Science. Genetic exploration The instigator of the research was Alvaro Jaramillo, a senior biologist at the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory and a birder who sometimes leads tours to the Galapagos. He'd noticeddifferences in the vermilion flycatcher populations on the islands, as well as the disappearance of the birds from San Cristobal Island. But scientists still lumped all of the Galapagos birds into the same species. The Cal Academy has the largest collection of Galapagos songbirds in the world, including vermilion flycatchers caught on an expedition in 1905 and 1906. "Every specimen that's in the collection is not only an example of that species, but also that time and place," Dumbacher said. Previously, researchers sampled the bodies of the birds in the collection to date the arrival of avian pox on the islands (around 1900, probably carried by someone's pet canary). By genetically sampling the DNA from the toe pads of the birds, the researchers were able to discover a new species, years after its extinction. "The genetics were very clear that the San Cristobal Island vermilion flycatcher was very distinct from nanus," Dumbacher said. There was even some genetic evidence that the living group, the Galapagos vermilion flycatcher, might also be split into two species, but the researchers elected not to push the data into controversial territory, Dumbacher said. What was perhaps most surprising to the team was that the Galapagos birds descended from a common ancestor nearly as old as the common ancestor of vermilion flycatcher species back on the Ecuadorian mainland. The researchers had expected to find that the island birds descended from the mainland birds; instead, they found the two populations to be sister groups, Dumbacher said. Threatened island ecosystem The San Cristobal Island vermilion flycatcher and the Galapagos vermilion flycatcher also show subtle differences in size, coloration and song, Dumbacher said. Though no one has looked systematically for the San Cristobal bird for many years, rumors of its extinction are probably true, he said the island is populated and developed, and there are many invasive species, like rats, that threaten native bird populations. Another threat to Galapagos birds is Philornis downsi, an introduced parasitic fly that hatches in bird nests and sucks the blood of nestlings, killing them. Avian pox or avian malaria may also have contributed to the loss of the San Cristobal Island vermilion flycatcher. "We may never know exactly what it was that wiped them out," Dumbacher said. But the discovery, published online in May in the journal Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, could spur a new interest in Galapagos songbird conservation, he said. "Maybe that's the silver lining in this story, that there are other populations that can still be saved," Dumbacher said. Original article on Live Science. More than 100 people in Ohio have been sickened with a diarrheal illness linked to swimming in local pools, causing health officials to declare an outbreak in several counties. Yesterday (Aug. 11), officials at the public health department in Columbus said there has been a recent rise in cases of cryptosporidiosis, an illness caused by a hardy parasite that can survive in chlorinated pools. Overall, 107 cases of cryptosporidiosis have been reported this year in Columbus, Franklin County and Delaware County, which is more cases than the area has seen in the last three years combined, Columbus officials said. Although public health officials regularly see cases of cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as "Crypto," "there has been a recent rise over the normal threshold of cases," Columbus Public Health said in a statement. Officials haven't tied the outbreak to any one swimming location. A number of the people who got sick went swimming multiple times at various recreational water facilities in the three counties, the statement said. [10 Bizarre Diseases You Can Get Outdoors] The Crypto parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorinated water for long periods of time, of 10 days or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The main symptom of the illness is watery diarrhea, but the parasite can also cause stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, the CDC said. People become infected with the parasite in swimming pools after swallowing contaminated water. Cases of Crypto have also been on the rise in the United States as a whole. In the mid-1990s, officials saw less than one case of Crypto per 100,000 people in the U.S., but by 2011, the rate rose to three cases per 100,000 people, according to a 2015 report from the CDC. From 2011 to 2012, there were more than 17,000 reported cases of Crypto in the United States, the report said. Rates of Crypto are particularly high in the Midwest. In 2011, there were six cases of Crypto per 100,000 people in the Midwest, the CDC report said. To prevent the spread of Crypto and other illnesses linked with swimming, the CDC recommended that people not swim if they have diarrhea, and stay out of the pool for two weeks after their diarrhea stops if they were diagnosed with Crypto. People should also shower before swimming, take their children on frequent bathroom breaks when swimming, change diapers in the bathroom rather than by the pool and avoid swallowing pool water, the CDC said. The agency also recommended that swimming water be treated with ultraviolet light or ozone to inactivate Crypto at pools where people may have contracted the disease. Original article on Live Science. The annual Perseid meteor shower peaked this week, but four daredevils were not to be outdone by the spectacular sky show. As meteors streaked across the night sky, the men jumped out of an airplane wearing LED wingsuits, transforming themselves, in essence, into shooting stars. The stunt, sponsored by energy drink maker Red Bull, was timed to pay tribute to the Perseids, which are also known as the "tears of St. Lawrence," the skydivers said in a statement. What's more, the men Joakim Sommer from Norway, Armando del Rey from Spain, and Marco Waltenspiel and Georg Lettner, both from Austria did the jump in one of the best areas in the Northern Hemisphere for astronomical observations: over La Palma in the Canary Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Africa. [8 Craziest Skydives of All Time] The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind from the Comet Swift-Tuttle. These cosmic objects streak across Earth's atmosphere, leaving ephemeral burning trails of light. This year's show has been particularly dazzling, with some skywatchers reporting up to 200 meteors per hour on Thursday night and Friday morning (Aug. 11 and 12) when the Perseids peaked, according to NASA. The four additional "shooting stars" over the Canary Islands didn't burn up like most meteors. Instead, the four daredevils jumped from an altitude of 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) out of an airplane above the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, home of the world's biggest optic telescope, the Gran Telescopio. Moreover, the jumpers pulled off the 105-mph (170 km/h) freefall in total darkness, using only the light from their LED wingsuits and the stars around them to guide the way. A long-exposure shot showing the wingsuit jumpers in their bright LED suits zooming across the night sky. (Image credit: Daniel Lopez Red Bull Content Pool) "The experience has been amazing," Sommer said in a statement. "It literally felt like I was in a video game. I was in this black tunnel, and there was nothing else besides all those billions of stars in my face. It was a really unique visual, because you could really feel the speed, but you have no other surroundings. You are just in pitch black; it is like you are out there in the outer space. It's crazy. It was literally crazy." Photographers captured the stunt for posterity with videos and pictures. Several long-exposure photos show the wingsuit jumpers streaking across the dark sky with stars in the background. The jump above La Palma, also known as "La Isla Bonita," happened from a T21 aircraft, courtesy of the Air Force, the Canarian Institute of Astrophysics and La Palma City Hall. The jumpers also paid their respects to firefighters battling a massive blaze that hit La Palma this past month. It's likely that the fire was started by a German tourist who was burning used toilet paper in a national park, according to U.S. News & World Report. Original article on Live Science. If you're thinking of buying a new iPhone right now, don't do it! You could save yourself a small fortune by delaying that purchase until September, when Apple is set to unveil the next models of its world-conquering smartphones. The iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus will almost certainly be unveiled in early September. The rumor mill has been grinding for months already, suggesting the new iPhones might be water-resistant, have Touch ID built into the screen, feature an updated home button, and come without a headphone jack. There's little doubt they'll sport improved cameras and faster performance, but it's best to take the rest of the rumors with a healthy pinch of salt. You always pay a premium to get the latest tech. But whatever Apple unveils this fall, last year's iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are still going to be great smartphones, and we're expecting to see a healthy discount for both. Saying that any new device gets cheaper the longer you wait to buy it may sound like stating the obvious, but we've also been digging into our research. We'll tell you when and how far the iPhone prices will fall, so you can get an idea of whether it's really worth waiting. After the Apple Announcement, It's Cheaper to Buy Last Year's iPhones When Apple unveils a new iPhone, it generally drops the prices of the earlier models by $100. It has a tier pricing system, so the latest phone is $649 to buy outright or $199 on a two-year contract, and you can buy last year's iPhone for a one-time payment of $549 or $99 on contract. The iPhone Plus models work exactly the same way, but start at $749 to buy outright and $299 on a two-year contract. When Apple unveils a new iPhone, it generally drops the prices of the earlier models by $100. If you want to buy a new iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, whether you buy on contract or pay the full price up front, it will be $100 cheaper as soon as the next iPhone is announced. T-Mobile has disrupted the standard two-year contract model by offering any iPhone model without any money down by simply splitting the cost of the handset across 24 months. So, you'll pay a higher monthly fee, but it will cover service and the iPhone's price tag. The other carriers have followed suit, but be careful to calculate the full price you'll pay on any deal before you pull the trigger. Older iPhones Are Cheaper Still In the past, Apple has also dropped an extra $100 off the next model down, so when the iPhone 6s was announced, the iPhone 5s was made available for no upfront fee and monthly installments totaling $450. However, the release of the iPhone SE has muddied the waters a little here. It effectively replaced the iPhone 5s and is being offered for a one-time payment of $399, or for nothing up front with an installment plan. SEE ALSO: 7 Things You Need to Know About the iPhone SE We don't expect to see any further price drops on the iPhone SE. The question is whether the iPhone 6 will drop to $449 and be made available for nothing up front with installments, which is a definite possibility. Retailers and Carriers Offer Deeper Discounts Retailers and carriers sometimes offer aggressive discounts to try and draw in customers, but iPhones tend to hold their value very well, so you have to watch out for them. Discounts of more than $10 or so are pretty rare in the first six months; however, we saw $90 knocked off the price of the 16GB iPhone 6s at Boost Mobile and $50 off the 64GB model from eBay sellers in February, five months after release. Discounts of more than $10 or so are pretty rare in the first six months; however, we saw $90 knocked off the price of the 16GB iPhone 6s five months after release. It was a similar story with the iPhone 6, which dropped about $40 after seven months and then fell by as much as $150 in September 2015, when the iPhone 6s was unveiled. In February of this year 17 months after release the iPhone 6 dropped to $380 at Boost Mobile, and by May this year it was $399 at Walmart. Plus-Sized Deals Are Harder to Find The iPhone 6 Plus was Apple's first larger smartphone, and it took a long while before we saw any discounting. It was eight months before we saw an eBay seller offering a $90 discount, but it dropped by over $200 after around 19 months. And by May this year, it was $499 at Walmart. We haven't seen any discounts of note for the iPhone 6s Plus yet. Some eBay vendors have dropped $50 and $150 off the price of the higher-capacity 64GB and 128GB models respectively, but that's it so far. (The 128GB 6s Plus still costs a whopping $800 even at $150 off.) These discounts might be slightly bested when the iPhone 7 debuts, but we probably won't see much deeper discounts than that for quite some time. Carriers Entice Consumers With Buy One, Get One Free Deals One eye-catching iPhone 6s deal that was available just three months after release was AT&T's buy one, get one free offer. It wasn't advertised for the iPhone 6s, though that was eligible. You had to add a second line and commit to 30 months, but it was possible to claim bill credits for the full price back after three months. (This deal is no longer available at AT&T.) Sprint is still offering a deal like this on the iPhone 6s or the iPhone 6s Plus, if you're willing to sign up for a second line with the carrier. Deals on the iPhone 7 If you're already an iPhone owner, then you'll find some attractive deals on the new iPhone if you're willing to trade in your old handset. It's also worth seeing what you can get in the secondhand market, because iPhones hold their value better than any other smartphone. You will generally make more by selling your iPhone directly than you will for trading it in, and you can put that extra money toward the new one. SEE ALSO: How to Really Erase All Personal Data From Your Laptop, Tablet, or Phone It's likely to be at least six months before we see any significant discounting on the new iPhone 7 or 7 Plus. But if you and your partner both want a new iPhone, then it's worth watching out for buy one, get one free offers. Readers, do you opt for the newest iPhone or buy discounted older models? What are the best iPhone deals you've found? Let us know in the comments below! The Government has been accused of 'letting Granard down' following confirmation the District is to be left without a full-time superintendent. Those were the stinging words left ringing in the ears of Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan by angry locals this week. Many hit out at the decision which was revealed by the Leader last week while others warned that crime rates could escalate as a result. Of course you would be concerned there is no superintendent in Granard because down through the years there has always been a superintendent here, said local postman Sean Kilbride. Id like to see him replaced for sure. That same unease was a sentiment a number of local business owners were keen to share. Long-established butcher Sean Quinn claimed the move was indicative of how financial cutbacks have continued to hit the force. Across the road, it was a similar story as shoppers told of their own disquiet. One woman who asked for her name not to be published said it was imperative, given the division's geographical reach, that a superintedent was in place. I would be concerned about the size of the area Granard covers, she stressed. It is a big district. I think its very bad. The reference to the district's size, which takes in parts of Co Westmeath, was an aspect William O'Connor and Thomas Maguire were likewise keen to pick up on. We have a serious division here, claimed Thomas. Granard over the years has become a major division and to be without a superintendent is not good for the community at all. Flanked by his two dogs as he embarked on a morning stroll, local man Mick Gaffney said had no idea incumbent Supt Se McCormack had been transferred. I didnt know that to be honest, he said, when approached by the Leader. Mick said the move highlighted the insignificance in which rural divisions like Granard are held by high-ranking garda chiefs. Granard has been let down, absolutely, he maintained, as he questioned the merit behind the decision. You would have to be very concerned, of course, he continued. We definitely need him. Its absolutely terrible. Perhaps the most noteworthy insight came from Lus Na Greine Project coordinator Eileen Finan. She praised the work of outgoing Supt McCormack and Community Garda Tracey Shanley in cementing closer ties with organisations such as their own. But, she said by not reinforcing Granard's status quo, Garda bosses were effectively turning their backs on rural towns like Granard. It is sending out the wrong message particularly when rural Ireland has been under such a threat with gangs coming around and putting fear in older people, she said. Despite reserving a special mention for the supports that resource centres like Lus Na Greine continue to receive from the Government, Ms Finan said plenty of work was still needed. Establishing and strengthening closer ties with the Gardai was one example of this, she noted. By removing key stakeholders like the local superintendent, suddenly those efforts would become much more arduous, she warned. We are delighted for government support for the retention of family resource centres but we need to work in collaboration with other statutory agencies like the Gardai and to have a superintendent here is essential, she added. Ms Finan said the results of the recent General Election underlined how out of touch many people now felt with the established political system. I think rural towns like Granard need to get more attention, she insisted. That was clear in the last election with the way people voted. We are disenchanted in Longford and I think this will only add to that feeling. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 A 2011 Babylon High School graduate and Babylon, NY native participates in the lengthy and rigorous training process that transforms new U.S. Navy Officers into Naval Aviators. Babylon, NY - August 11, 2016 - A 2011 Babylon High School graduate and Babylon, New York native participates in the lengthy and rigorous training process that transforms new U.S. Navy Officers into Naval Aviators. Ensign Christian Amelia is a student naval avaiator with the Rangers Training Squadron (VT-27), based in Corpus, Christi, Texas, that operates the T-6B Texan II aircraft. As a student, Amelia is responsible for learning to fly aircraft both effectively and efficiently so he can become one of the finest aviators in the Navy, I love that I am learning a unique skill, its an honor to learn from the best and fly for the Navy, said Amelia. The T-6B Texan is a training aircraft that is powered by a 1,100 shaft horsepower, free-turbine, turboprop single-engine, four-bladed propeller, with a cruising speed of 310 mph. VT-27s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy officials explained. Students must complete four phases of flight training in order to graduate, including aviation pre-flight indoctrination, primary flight training and advanced flight training. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted Wings of Gold. After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navys F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter jet, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron. Many of these pilots will fly aircraft which take off from and land aboard aircraft carriers and other aviation and air-capable ships, a unique capability which allows Naval Air Forces to operate integrally with surface forces anywhere on the worlds oceans. Recently, Navy strike aircraft operating from aircraft carriers sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and from Middle East waters have launched hundreds of missions against terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria. As a member of one of the U.S. Navys squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Amelia said he and other VT-27 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times. This command has a great tight-knit family environment, said Amelia. Not only do they care about making us successful pilots but a successful person both professionally and personally said Amelia. Sailors jobs are highly varied at VT-27, according to Navy officials. Approximately 60 men and women officers and 15 civilian employees, make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly -- this includes everything from training the new aviators, maintaining airframes and engines, processing paperwork, along with handling and flying the aircraft. What the men and women of this squadron accomplish every day is nothing short of miraculous," explained CDR Corbett Dixon, Commanding Officer of VT-27. The students are in the process of moving from just another college graduate in society, to someone who sacrifices their own time and effort for society. Thats what it means to serve in the Navy. Thats what theyre learning as they learn to fly. And the staff here, the instructor pilots and civilians, put in an amazing amount of effort day in and day out, to ensure that we send the best young men and women forward to serve our nation, with all the skills, dedication and integrity necessary to serve successfully. Serving in the Navy, Amelia is learning about being a more responsible leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities. "The Navy has instilled in me the needed confidence to push myself to new limits that I never thought were possible to overcome, said Amelia. By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sunday Sawyer, Navy Office of Community Outreach Family & Parenting, School & Education, Local News, National & World News, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 As parents and caregivers fill out a multitude of forms at the start of the school year, they may have questions about some requirements, including the vaccine schedule. FDA's online guide describes the types of routinely administered vaccines available for children, and answers many of the questions posed by parents and caregivers. Washington, DC - August 11, 2016 - As parents and caregivers fill out a multitude of forms at the start of the school year, they may have questions about some requirements, including the vaccine schedule. According to Marion Gruber, Ph.D., director of the Office of Vaccines Research and Review at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccines are integral to get children off to a healthy start. "Parents should know that vaccines protect children from many serious illnesses from infectious diseases. The risk of being harmed by vaccines is much smaller than the risk of serious illness from infectious diseases," she says. Gruber emphasizes that most side effects of vaccines are usually minor and short-lived. For example, a child may feel soreness at the injection site or experience a mild fever. Serious vaccine reactions are extremely rare, but they can happen. FDAs online resource, Vaccines for Children, A Guide for Parents and Caregivers, describes in more detail the types of routinely administered vaccines available for children, and answers many of the questions posed by parents and caregivers. Reducing Childhood Disease Vaccines have contributed to a significant reduction in many childhood infectious diseases, such as diphtheria, measles, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Some infectious diseases, such as polio and smallpox, have been eliminated in the United States because of vaccines. It is now relatively rare for American children to experience the devastating and often deadly effects of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Because immunization programs of the 20th century were so successful, many of todays parents have never seen many vaccine-preventable diseases and do not understand that the diseases could actually reemerge. If individuals choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children, some diseases that are now rare or nonexistent in this country may resurface, Gruber says. Steps to Take When Your Child Is Vaccinated Review the vaccine information sheets These sheets explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Healthcare professionals are required by law to provide them. Talk to your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of vaccines. Learn the facts about the benefits and risks of vaccines, along with the potential consequences of not vaccinating against diseases. Some parents and caregivers are surprised to learn that children can be harmed or die of measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Before vaccination, inform your healthcare professional of these conditions. This might include being sick or having a history of certain allergic or other adverse reactions to previous vaccinations or their components. For example, eggs are used to produce many influenza (flu) vaccines; therefore, it is important to inform your healthcare professional if your child is severely allergic to eggs. The packaging of some vaccines that are supplied in vials or prefilled syringes may contain natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals. Let your healthcare professional know about an allergy to latex. It is also extremely important to discuss with your healthcare professional which vaccines should or should not be given to children who have a weakened immune system. Report adverse reactions Adverse reactions and other problems related to vaccines should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is maintained by FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For a copy of the vaccine reporting form, call 1-800-822-7967, or report online. This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 Local children from the Three Village area (Stony Brook- Setauket) gear up for their annual lemonade stand! Stony Brook, NY - August 11, 2016 - Local children from the Three Village area (Stony Brook - Setauket) gear up for their annual lemonade stand! Please join on Wednesday, August 24th from 2pm-6pm for the "Spencer Lane (S-Section) Kids Annual Lemonade Stand" to raise money for the Stony Brook Children's Hospital. Last year these incredible kids raised a total of $3900! $2800 from lemonade sales + $1150 from 12 year old Joseph Mastriano who collected donations from family and friends instead of birthday gifts for this great cause. Funds to the hospital were matched by an anonymous donor, making the donation $7900. The kids were recognized by members of the hospital staff, as well Governor Cuomo who sent a proclamation to the children. Last year Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine joined the festivities and shared a glass of lemonade with us. Children from the surrounding neighborhoods of all ages (pre-school through high school) join in every year with their attempts at raising more money than the year before. It is an exciting day. Representatives from the Children's Hospital may be on hand. Plus they are known to have special visits from the local fire department. The lemonade stand was started 4-years ago when brother and sister Maddie & Joseph Mastriano wanted to sell lemonade for a good cause. Once the stand went up in front of their home, the neighborhood kids pitched in right away, eager to help. A small idea has grown into an annual event that the children, neighborhood and hospital staff look forward to every year. This year, the lemonade stand is already starting with a $5000(+) donation-collected by Maddie Mastriano as gifts from family and friends in honor of her Sweet 16. She chose to use her party to bring awareness to the hospital by raising money for the facility instead of receiving gifts for herself. *Rain date will be Thursday, August 25th. Date/Time: Wednesday, August 24th, 2pm-6pm Location: Spencer Lane (14) Reason: Lemonade Stand Fundraiser to benefit Stony Brook Children's Hospital All lemonade stand proceeds to benefit: Stony Brook Children's Hospital Local News, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 To date this year, 57 Culex pipiens-restuans mosquito samples and six birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. Zika virus has not been found in mosquitoes in Suffolk County. Suffolk County, NY - August 11, 2016 - Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James L. Tomarken announced today that mosquito samples (all Culex pipiens-restuans) taken from Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown (1), Connetquot State Park in Oakdale (1), and Girl Scout Day Camp Sobaco in Yaphank (1), on August 3 and August 4 have tested positive for West Nile virus. Suffolk County health officials have contacted park administrators and advised them to suspend activities in the parks between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. when the Culex pipiens-restuans mosquito is most active. In addition to those three samples, 17 mosquito samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, tested positive for West Nile virus. Those samples were collected on July 27 from Jamesport (1) and on August 3 and August 4 from Copiague (1), West Babylon (1), Selden (1), Setauket (1), Aquebogue (5), Huntington Station (1), Northport (1), Melville (1), Holbrook (1), and Holtsville (3). To date this year, 57 Culex pipiens-restuans mosquito samples and six birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk County this year. West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is important for residents to know that New York State is testing mosquitoes not only for West Nile virus but also for Zika virus, and to date this year, no mosquito samples in New York State have tested positive for Zika virus, said Dr. Tomarken. However, we dont know what may happen in the future, so we encourage residents to maintain their homes and yards and to continually eliminate standing water where mosquitoes may breed. To reduce the mosquito population around homes, residents should try to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed: Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. Remove all discarded tires on the property. Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Change the water in birdbaths. Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and keep shrubs and grass trimmed. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Video: Scott Campbell, PhD, shows home owners many of the places in your back yard where mosquitoes breed. According to Dr. Tomarken, most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to: Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Use mosquito repellent when outdoors, following label directions carefully. Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair. Dead birds found on area properties may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the West Nile virus hotline in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question. To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270. For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services website. Pets & Animal, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 Over 40 puppies and dogs rescued from Arkansas will be arriving in Port Washington on Friday, August 12th around 12 pm. Port Washington, NY - August 11, 2016 - Over 40 puppies and dogs rescued from Arkansas will be arriving in Port Washington on Friday, August 12th around 12 pm. North Shore Animal League America joined forces with North Little Rock Animal Rescue and Union County Animal Protection Society to save the lives of over 40 puppies and dogs facing euthanasia in the North Little Rock, AR area. The rescue puppies and dogs are being transported from Arkansas to Animal League Americas Port Washington, NY campus where they will be available for adoption. North Shore Animal League Americas ability to take in these animals, provide the necessary medical care to prepare them for adoption and find them loving homes is what makes this rescue possible. North Shore Animal League America is located at 25 Davis Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050. About North Shore Animal League America Animal League America has saved more than 1,000,000 lives. As the worlds largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isnt complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. Tech & Science, Family & Parenting, Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 Reality game presents serious, real world dangers with strangers young players may cross paths with, including sexual predators. Nassau County, NY - August 12, 2016 - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) on Friday released the third in a series of alarming investigative reports, Protecting Our Children: How Pokemon GO and Augmented Reality Games Expose Children to Sex Offenders, Nassau County. With children trying to catch em all, throughout neighborhood streets, the wildly popular augmented reality game presents serious, real world dangers with strangers young players may cross paths with, including sexual predators. Since its inception in early July, over 100 million people have downloaded Pokemon GO. In a third investigation in Nassau County, following one in New York City, and another in Westchester and Rockland Counties which exposed the dangers of Pokemon popping up directly in front of Level 2 and 3 sex offenders homes, the Nassau investigation again highlighted this major concern. The investigation found: Pokemon appeared 88 times directly in front of high-level sex offenders homes in Nassau County. Of 100 Level 2 and 3 sex offender addresses examined, 14 pokestops and gyms were found a half-block away. 74% of the time a Pokemon related item Pokemon character, pokestop or gym was near a high-level sex offenders home in Nassau County. Once again I found Pokemon popping up in front of dangerous sexual predators homes and we must protect our children from the real-life dangers of augmented reality. Catching a Pidgey or a Pinsir or a Pikachu is fun, but we do not want our children to be caught by a predator. This investigation illustrates why we must pass the IDCs legislation to ban in-game activity from within 100-feet of dangerous sexual predators homes. I again urge Niantic to remove this dangerous areas from their game and protect our children, said Senator Klein. In Nassau County Pokemon showed up 88 times: Pictured are some homes in Nassau County with Pokemon appearing. Photo: Office of State Senator Jeff Klein. Members of the Independent Democratic Conference introduced two pieces of legislation to keep children safe from sexual predators while they enjoy new technology. While Governor Andrew Cuomo took immediate steps to protect New Yorks children before the legislative session resumes, the IDC will codify language that prohibits high-level sexual predators from using augmented reality games to prey on children. The members of the Independent Democratic Conference introduced S.8174 which would ban sex offenders on parole or probation from downloading and playing these games. It is also incumbent upon game developers to ensure children enjoying its products are safe. Members of the IDC also introduced S.8173 which would require game developers to regularly consult the Division of Criminal Justice Services New York State Sex Offender Registry and remove all in-game objectives from within 100-feet of sex offenders homes. Non-compliance would result in fines of $100 a day. Senators Klein and Savino wrote to Niantic Inc.on August 1 asking that they be good corporate citizens and police their own game to protect young players from potential harm, before legislative steps are taken. Niantic Inc. has not responded to their letter. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: August 12 2016 Wilder Vladimir Merelan, of West Hempstead, 29, was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $733,999 in restitution. West Hempstead, NY - August 11, 2016 - A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with his role in a bogus lottery scheme in which the victims were told they had won millions of dollars in lotteries and must first pay the taxes in order for their winnings to be released to them. Wilder Vladimir Merelan, of West Hempstead, NY, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Mark L. Wolf to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $733,999 in restitution. In April 2016, he pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. From 2012 to 2015, Merelans Jamaican co-conspirators solicited victims, who ranged in age from 69 to 91. The victims were told that they had won millions of dollars in a lottery but had to pay taxes on their winnings to the IRS before the funds could be released to them. Victims mailed checks or wired funds to Merelan, who kept a portion for himself and then distributed the rest as directed by his co-conspirators. Merelan was described to these victims as a sub agent for the IRS. Approximately 16 victims, including a Massachusetts man, sent more than $830,000 to Merelan in an effort to secure their supposed lottery winnings. Some of the funds were stopped by banks or intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service. However, Merelan received $733,999. After depositing the checks and receiving the wire transfers into his bank accounts, Merelan withdrew cash, wired funds to individuals in the United States and Jamaica, and purchased reloadable prepaid cards, essentially draining his accounts of the funds he had received. United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the Postal Inspection Service; and Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Ortizs Economic Crimes Unit. Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com Columnists Press Releases Video showing Harakat al Nujabas preparation for the battles in southern Aleppo Iranian media reported the deployment of elite Iraqi and Lebanese militias in southern Aleppo proper on Monday to bolster the Assad regimes forces. On that same day, Harakat al Nujaba an Iraqi Shia militia backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released a video brandishing its forces parading in the area. The video (above) shows hundreds of Nujaba fighters from its Second Brigade marching through the countryside of southern Aleppo, where fierce battles have been raging between the Assad regime and its allies and a jihadist-led rebel coalition. In the convoys, at least one Russian-made BTR-80 can be seen, along with Iranian-made Toophan anti-tank missiles, which are copies of the American-made TOW missiles. Several Iranian Safir vehicles are also present in the convoys, along with more traditional technicals, such as armed pickup trucks. This comes just days after a Nujaba spokesman said that the militia was sending 2000 fighters to the frontlines of southern Aleppo. This number was reported by pro-Assad media outlets and seemingly confirmed by Irans Fars News. These forces have participated in many operations liberating areas of Aleppo province, according to Fars. Nujabas spokesman has said that it and Hezbollah are the twins of resistance that can never be loosened or separated. Both groups have acknowledged fatalities, including field commanders, during the latest battle for Aleppo. (See Threat Matrix report, Iranian media report deployment of elite Iraqi, Lebanese combatants to Aleppo.) In a video released by Ahrar al Sham, a jihadist group that models itself after the Taliban and has its own links to al Qaeda, Nujabas flag and several dead militants from the militia can be seen near the village of Amiriyah. Nujaba announced on Thursday that funeral ceremonies were held in Najaf, Iraq, for 13 fighters killed in Aleppo this past week (shown below). The dead included prominent militia figures and a commander. Harakat al Nujaba has long been active on the Aleppo front in the civil war in Syria. Weeks before the current battles in southern Aleppo began, the militia released a similar video showing large-scale parading in the area. In May, Nujaba acknowledged that several of its fighters were killed in battles near the town of Khan Touman. Last November, Akram al Kaabi, the US-designated terrorist leader of Nujaba, was spotted in Aleppo with Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. The two were spotted together during the Assad regimes counteroffensive on the Kweiris airbase, which was under siege by the Islamic State. Nujaba fought alongside Shia militants from Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Lebanon and reportedly Iranian troops. [For more information, see LWJ report, Assad regime, allies break Islamic States siege of air base in Aleppo and Threat Matrix report, Qods Force commander spotted with US-designated terrorist in Aleppo.] Another video showing Nujaba in Aleppo: Amir Toumaj is a Research Analyst at Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Caleb Weiss is a 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 spokesman of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Front (PMF) announced on August 6 that Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, will play a major role in the upcoming operations to take the city of Mosul from the Islamic State. The spokesman defended the presence of Iranian military advisors in Iraq. According to translations of his remarks published by IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency, the spokesman called Soleimani one of the most important military advisors from the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added that Soleimani and other Iranian advisors are in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government and that they provide important consultation. Soleimani is rumored to have arrived in Iraq last week to prepare for the battle of Mosul with the Iraqi government forces and PMF. An unnamed Iraqi parliamentarian claimed in an Asharq al Awsat article on August 3 that Soleimani arrived without a passport and visited Mosul, Kirkuk, and the Nineveh area. The claim about Soleimanis presence in Iraq could not be independently verified. Iranian media publicized on August 2 details of his visit to the family of a slain senior Afghan militia commander in Iran that had taken place few weeks ago. The Asharq article also quoted a high-ranking PMF official, Nizam Assadi, discussing Tehrans military assistance. He affirmed that the agreement between the two governments allows for Iran to supply the PMF, Iraqs ministries of defense and interior, and its counterterrorism agency with weapons, advisors and trainers for the war on ISIS. Soleimani directs IRGC operations in the Iraqi and Syrian theaters. The IRGC has deployed elite Iraqi and Lebanese proxies to Aleppo this past week to bolster the forces of Bashar al Assad, after rebels succeeded in breaking the siege of eastern Aleppo on August 6. 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. 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. Style / Beauty & Wellness Aug 12, 2016 | By AFPRelaxnews They may be known for their love of serpents hence the Serpenti collection but that has not stopped Bulgari from delving into the aromatic world of fragrances. With Egypts famous Cleopatra as a source of inspiration, the luxury brand brings us the Rose Goldea. To be precise, Bulgari drew from Cleopatras love life, to produce a fragrance that is feminine and sensual. If the tales of the Egyptian Queens love for snakes is true (and suicide by snakebite) then this pairing is one that was meant to be. With the help of master perfumer Alberto Morillas, the Italian brand has created a fragrance that not only brings to mind the love rituals of Egyptian women but also fabled passion of ancient times. Having helped create several iconic fragrances such as Calvin Kleins CK One and Lancomes Miracle, you can be rest assured that this creation is one that was created by a knowledgable nose. Moral las explained his creative process: The creation of Rose Goldea was an extraordinary adventure because we wanted to interpret the emotional dimension of a delicate flower: the highly prestigious Damas rose. The fraction that I used does not have the same scent as a classic rose: with this new fragrance, I wanted to illustrate the flowers true natural freshness, youth and luminosity with the most translucent notes of musk. The fragrance reportedly opens with sparkling top notes of rose petal extract, pomegranate heart and musk, combined with Damas rose and jasmine grandiflorum. The base consists of notes of sensual musks, creamy sandalwood and incense. In a gold and pink bottle, the shiny surface is a nod to the Serpenti design by Bulgari. To learn more about the Rose Goldea eau de parfum, visit Bulgari. The large amount of money that the United States 'owes' China is sovereign debt and is in the form of US Treasury bills, notes and bonds collectively referred to as Treasuries. Remember when you were a kid--maybe graduating from high school--and your Uncle Frank bought you a savings bond?? That's what we're talking about. China BOUGHT savings bonds. We the people did not run to China and beg for a loan, like it was a bank and we needed a mortgage. In fact, China now has $1.24 trillion in Treasuries, making it the largest foreign holder of US debt, with Japan close behind at $1.13 trillion dollars. Like all other savings bonds, they will mature and can be cashed....or they can accumulate till hell freezes over. And don't buy all this Trump crap about China 'calling in their debt'. That's not how bonds work. China can sell their bonds and they have, but that has no impact on our economy. Because she is the establishment. the Establishment of both parties want the establishment to remain in power, Outsiders need not apply is the moral of this election. In other words (sorry to mention the name) establishment Republicans rather have an establishment democrat is more intune with them than any outsider sanders Trump or Johnson. Siri, Apples voice-controlled virtual assistant, can be a wonderful tool. It can tell me what time it is, what the weathers going to be, and even perform some basic calculations. I can use it to set an alarm, start a timer, or open an app. But beyond those simple tasks, Apples virtual assistant doesnt make the grade for me. And Im not alone; Siri fails for a lot of people, even for simple questions. Apple touts Siri as a miraculous tool that can simplify your life and turn your iPhone into a personal butler. But it doesnt always work that way. It works fairly well with calendar events and emails, sends text messages efficiently, and calls people (if it understands their names). Siri is one of those features that looks good in Apples ads, but that doesnt always perform as it should. For example, it can perform simple mathwhats 15 percent of $37but for more complex calculations, it gets addled. Heres an example; I needed this calculation when I moved to a new house a couple of months ago: Siri isnt good at geometry. Siri is good at snark, though, and the internet is rife with Siris tetchy answers. For example, try and divide something by zero, and Siri, rather than just give an answer, gets smart: A simple answer would be fine. Siri is supposed to be good at sports-related information. And it can tell me who won last nights game by a given team, but it cant handle schedules very well. Here are two examples. I know the next Jets game isnt for a while, but still Its the Olympics this week, but Siri doesnt seem to realize that there are dozens of sports. A lot of Siri information is location-dependent. Ask for a restaurant, a bar, or a train station, and Siri should find your nearest places. I live just outside of Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Siri seems a bit confused about where I am. All these movies are a bit far from Stratford-Upon-Avon; theyre playing in Stratford-Upon-Avon And I asked where there were theaters nearby. Again, Siri didnt think that the theaters in this town were in this town. Perhaps Stratford-Upon-Avon has a doppelganger. Perhaps Sirior my iPhonedoesnt know where I am? No. If I ask how I get to Stratford-Upon-Avon, it shows me directions. My iPhone knows exactly where I am. What if I ask some questions about, say, buying an iPhone, or getting accessories for my phone? Siri directs me to the nearest Apple Store (17 miles away), tells me to check Apples website, but for the rest? Serious failure. Im not going that far for a cable. I dont think those places sell iPhone cases. So what about tourism? Say Im visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon, a town with a famous son who attracts millions of tourists. Siri thinks Im still in Kansas: No, Toto, were not in Kansas anymore. And if I want to see Hamlet, which happens to be playing at the local theater this evening? Um And I asked where I can get a beer, and Siri ignored the three pubs that are within walking distance of me, instead telling me to go three miles to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Sometimes I just want to get a beer. The thing is, a simple Google search in Safari gets just about all of these questions right. Even the hypotenuse. Whereas Siri is good at snark, but not very good at finding useful information. And Im not alone; lots of people report this kind of failure. Its not that Im saying it wrong, its simply that Siri isnt as useful as Apple would like us to believe. Apple has recorded all the questions people ask, and should be able to use this to fix Siri. The great Gold Rush Music Festival returns to the township of Waihi, with the first nuggets of gold dropping for the highly anticipated return of the 2023 festival. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Indias Economic Opportunities In Africa: Will Modis Visit Deliver? by Roshan Iyer As of 2015, Indo-African trade stands at $ 71.65 billion making up 10.6 per cent of Indias world trade. Prime Minister Modis four-day trip was a bid to expand Indo-African ties in two key areas: trade and investment, and greater diplomatic cooperation. The continent hosted four out of the 10 fastest growing economies last year and demand for investment and projects have ballooned by 300 per cent since 2009. Africas existing diaspora on the continent along with historic ties shared by the continent and India provide ample opportunity for greater economic ties. India must also keep in mind the Chinese influence in the continent, in particular on the investment front. This was Prime Minister Modis second tour to Africa after his visit last year to Seychelles and Mauritius. Indian Economic Presence: Breakup of Indian-owned Businesses in Africa The Indian community contributes substantially to the local economies comprising a large portion of the medium and small enterprise (MSME) sector of the economy. Most Indian-owned MSMEs in Africa operate in the manufacturing, textiles, chemical, and food industry. Out of a total of two million, around 1.4 million Indians, many of Gujarati origin, live in the four countries that Prime Minister Modi visited. A large number of Indian conglomerates also have a significant presence in Africa. The Indian private sector is spread across the following sectors. Source: Indo-Africa Business Companies Listing The majority of Indian owned firms in Africa are engaged in the manufacturing sector of the African economy. These firms are able to take advantage of the low labour costs in Africa. Africa also provides access to the Indian Ocean easing the export process. The miscellaneous sector was made up of trading firms and import export firms. Nature of Indo-African Trade: Who is Benefitting? In 2014-15 trade with Africa contributed around $71.65 billion or 9.4 per cent of Indias total trade. It made up 10.6 per cent of Indias total exports or $ 32.8 billion. While in terms of imports, India imported $ 38.8 billion or 8.7 per cent of its total imports. There has been tremen-dous growth since 2008 when trade stood at $ 35 billion and 1995 when it was at $ 1 billion. Within Africa, Nigeria, South Africa, Angola, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco account for 89 per cent of total African exports to India. Their exports are dominated by oil and gas (66 per cent), ores and gold (16 per cent). Outside these six African exporters, India runs a trade surplus with 40 out of the 54 African countries. Source: Brookings Source: UN Economic Commission for Africa The nature of trade between India and Africa is clearly inverted in terms of the breakup which is in favour of India. Raw materials are crucial to fuel industry production while Africa also provides sizeable markets for the secondary (manufacturing and processing industries) sector of the Indian economy. Indian Investment into Africa: Are there Opportunities? Indian investment in Africa, estimated at over $ 50 billion, is larger than that of Chinas but over 90 per cent of that goes to one countryMauritius, a popular tax haven for Indians. All the countries selected for Prime Minister Modis trip countries (Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania) are the largest importers of processed oil products explaining one aspect of their importance to India. Indias technology and capital investments will stimulate local productivity. Indias private sector has played a pivotal role in the expansion of trade relations. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have organised trade conclaves which provide a platform for the corporate sectors of India and Africa to interact and forge business ties. Source: CII Africa Conclave The opportunities demanded by the African nations have shown steady growth in both number and value since 2010. Since 2009, the average project value has grown by three times with an average of 34 per cent per cent growth each year. Indias Technical and Economic Cooperation programme (ITEC) and its associated programme, Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme (SCAAP), provide a platform for cooperation programmes conceived in regional and inter-regional context including training (civilian and defence) of select ITEC partners countries, projects, feasibility studies, and consultancy services. Lines of credit are also offered under ITEC and African nations have been the major beneficiaries. India has involved 50 institutions conducting more than 275 training courses on subjects which are of interest to working professionals in developing countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi have availed most of the benefit from the programme. ITEC and SCAAP also manage the Lines of Credit (LOC) that India extends to other countries. One major India-Africa project under ITEC is the Pan African e-Network project which connects India to the African states through a satellite and fibre-optic cables enabling India and Africa to share expertise, knowledge and data electronically. Results from PM Modis Trip India is the sole Asian member of the African Unions Capacity Building Foundation. The foundation funds development and capacity building projects and programmes submitted by member-countries and non-state actors at both the national and regional levels. The Indian and South African governments signed MoUs on IT, communication, tourism, science and technology innovation, and cultural cooperation. Agreements were signed between the industrial giants of both India and South Africa in the areas of mining and mining equipment, health care, water and waste management, defence technology and railway technology. The biggest agreement was signed between the Dube Trade Port and Cipla India, setting up a medical plant in the special export zone to produce cheaper drugs for both African and export markets. Both governments look forward to greater cooperation in renewable energy, water management and infrastructure development in the future. In Tanzania, the two nations signed four investment-related MoUs (out of five in total). An agreement between National Small Industries Corporation of India and Small Industries Development Organisation, Tanzania was signed. The two governments signed an MoU and agreed on a Line of Credit in the area of water resource management and development. India agreed to create a $ 92 million LOC to Tanzania for rehabilitation and improvement of the water supply of the Zanzibar (a semi-autonomous island territory of the country). Another MoU was signed for establishment of a vocational training centre at Zanzibar. The last MoU is a visa waiver for diplomatic/ official passport holders of both nations. In Kenya, India has agreed to extend a Line of Credit worth $ 44.95 million to be mainly used to encourage the development of small and medium enterprise as well as development of the textile sector. India also plans to fund the building of a cancer hospital and donate pharmaceutical and medical supplies to the country. The issue of terrorism and maritime security as common problems were also brought up by both sides. For Mozambique, the Union Cabinet approved a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to double the import of pulses either through private channels or state agencies. This should stabilise the supply and prices of pulses in India. South Africa and Tanzania were clearly the focus of the diplomatic visit. The private sector showed interest in South Africa with a large amount of technology sharing occurring in the areas of mining, defence and railways. South Africa has had substantial economic ties with India since 1994 and is a relatively developed country on the African continent. The visit allowed for expanded cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. The pharmaceutical deal is of substantial importance as both India and South Africa have stood together against developed nations on the issue of generic drugs. The continent is need of low cost medicines while the plant will benefit from lower labour cost and transport costs. The agreements involving Tanzania entailed much more aid and development related cooperation. The establishment of the vocational training centre is a small step towards bringing skill development to the country. The focus on Zanzibar may have to do with its free port area, which provides support services, storage facilities and other infrastructure to trading vessels on the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar also holds economic importance to India as it has two designated export-producing zones. The establishment of water management systems will pave the way for Indian firms to set up and utilise the island. The Tanzanian Government has in particular encouraged the development of offshore financial services on the island. There was also a focus on development and enterprise building rather than trade in Kenya. Dealing with China: Coexist rather than Compete? In 2015, Chinas trade with Africa at $ 300 billion dwarfed Indias presence in the African economy, the majority of which is in energy, mining, construction, and manufacturing. According to a 2012 announcement, Chinas investment into Africa is $ 40 billion, out of which $ 14.7 billion is direct investment. 70 per cent all Chinese investment is concentrated in Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Algeria, Zambia, Guinea, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia which are located more towards Central and West Africa. China also holds a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and has organised five summits since 2000. China has extended credit up to $ 60 billion and begun initiatives on food security, agriculture and infrastructure in Africa. This is not to say that opportunities do not exist for India. Africas heavy dependence on Chinese demand led to many previously rapidly growing economies slumping due to Chinas economic slowdown and its diminished demand for African raw materials. India provides an opportunity for African economies to diversify their market base. Encouraging investment into non-resource sectors through FDI and the creation of special economic zones would help diversify African economies. Mineral fuels account for 70 per cent of Africas exports to China and 80 per cent of exports to India. Chinese exports to Africa include industrial machinery, electrical and electronic equipment. Indias export basket to Africa has also undergone significant changes from cereals and food products to refined petroleum, automobiles and pharmaceuticals which includes an element of knowledge sharing and technology exchange. In terms of investment, India should not emulate Chinese investment focus on resource extraction in Africa. India should make sizeable investments in healthcare, education, and information technology sectors, areas that are Indias traditional strengths. India could set up an entity similar to the China-Africa Develop-ment Fund which has invested in 30 projects in Africa worth around US $ 800 million, focusing on industrial development and raw materials. Creating a dependence on raw material exports, will result in the African economy contracting the Dutch Disease; an over-dependence which will hamper growth in other industries and create an economy solely reliant on world demand and prices of raw materials. Investments in non-resource sectors would give India a unique advantage over Beijings investment into real estate and natural resources. Structural investments could give India its first foothold on the continents economy. What Next? With increased ties in both the private and government sectors, the next area of engagement between India and Africa should be on renewable energy technology. As Africa enters the modern Global economy with a growing manufacturing and export base, it will invariably butt heads with developed nations on the issue of climate change. India, which is already involved in these confrontations, will make a powerful ally for African nations in multilateral and inter-national institutions. Terrorism is also another global issue affecting both India and Africa. India has had a limited presence along the African coast line in the past, but both sides are increasingly concerned about piracy, drug trafficking and security of sea routes. India has deployed its Navy in the Gulf of Aden in the past to deal with the piracy challenge as most African navies are ill equipped to deal with these threats. Expanding coope-ration in African waters could also help combat terrorism issues rising from the presence of Islamic State in Libya and Al Shabaab in Somalia. India-Africa-China cooperation might be beneficial in this sector considering Chinas military presence in Djibouti. The visit by Prime Minister Modi should work to support the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit in Delhi. In addition to diversifying trade and investment flows, Africa has expressed the need for greater Indian involvement in health and environmental security. Both countries should also further expand cooperation on the Blue economy and maritime issues. Africa holds great promise for sustained growth and is hungry for investment. India should continue engaging with the East Coast countries in terms of investments and civic issues but slowly expand to the rest of the continent. The author is a Researcher, International Strategic and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIES), Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore. Amelia Diamond: So, where did it all start? Ron Silver, chef and owner of Bubbys restaurant in New York: I had this magical Santa suit that looked like a red velvet Versace tuxedo. Melissa Silver, co-owner: It did not look like that. It was a regular Santa suit. Ron: No, it was like a tuxedo. Amelia: Was there a cummerbund? Ron: Yes, I had a cummerbund. I would walk down the street and it was the only time in my life where I felt other people would notice me, especially girls. So I felt it was my magic suit. I only wore it on special occasions. Melissa: Around Christmas. Amelia: A holiday-specific Santa tux. Ron: Yeah. 11 years ago, we had our company Christmas party here, at Bubbys, and I was standing around and the bartender came over to me and said, That woman wants to go home with you right now, and I was like, Oh no. And when he stepped away this was all in slow motion I see the woman coming towards me, and so I grab another girl and say, Please just pretend to be talking to me for a minute. Melissa: I actually have a very fuzzy memory of that night. I lived right on Franklin St. and I went to Bubbys all the time because it was right here. I knew the bartender, he was this boy I was friends with and he was like, Oh, the restaurants going to be closed; its our Christmas party, come in! So I came in that night and sat at the bar. And he [signaling to Ron] was here, in what I would call a regular Santa suit. Ron: Yet magical. Melissa: And magical. And there was this older woman dressed very seductively. Ron: She was a regular. She would sit at the bar and talk about creepy things. Melissa: But did she approach you in that way before the Christmas party? Ron: Just that night. Melissa: So the only thing I remember was I was standing and talking, then he grabbed me and said, Pretend youre talking to me, so this other lady would go away. Ron: Then we ended up actually talking. Melissa: We did. Ron: I left to be a host at the party but then I saw that Melissa was putting her jacket on to leave. I wrote my phone number down real fast and was like, Call me in exactly ten minutes, and then I gave her my number and she left. Ten minutes came and the phone did not ring. So instead I asked Ryan, the bartender, for her number because I knew they were friends. I called her and I said, I know this is going to sound weird but I was wondering if I could sleep over there. And she goes, I dont think my boyfriend will like that. I dont think he would have. Melissa: Because I did have a boyfriend. Who I basically lived with! But then the boyfriend was on the outs, I guess, because I entertained your idea and we started emailing, right? Amelia: When did the emails start? Ron: Around Christmas. Melissa: And you were leaving for Rome. Ron: Yeah, I left for Rome on Christmas Day. Melissa: Like, the day after the party. We started emailing each other these very long, crazy, I dont know, romantic emails. A few years after, I went back and saved them and printed them out. Amelia: So wait, when he asked to sleep at your house were you like, What the hell kind of question is that?! Melissa: Totally. I was like, Whats up with this guy? Amelia: So how did you come to exchange emails? Ron: I mustve texted and asked. Melissa: Did we text back then? Either way, we started emailing with each other. I remember being on my Blackberry doing it. Ron: The whole time I was in Rome, we were emailing back and forth. Haley Nahman: And you were still with your boyfriend? Melissa: Yeah. Haley: So were you just entertaining a friendship? Ron: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then I smuggled a bunch of meat and cheese back from Rome and the day I got back, we had a meat and cheese night. Melissa: I went to his house. Haley: Alone? Melissa: Alone. Ron: No boyfriend. Melissa: We hadnt broken up yet. He just wasnt there. I was like, This is totally on the side. Because when I met you was I already like, I dont know what to do with this guy Ron: I assumed that. Because I said that to myself: I dont know what to do with this guy Melissa: I was with my boyfriend at the time for, I would say, three years. I was about three or four years older than him and it was clear that he wasnt ready to commit in any way. He lived at my apartment, had all his stuff at my apartment and I was like, Whats the next step? And he was like, I think we should move in together. And I said, We have been living together for the last three years! And hes like, But not really. And I was like, But, yeah, we have! It was kind of a mess and I knew it wasnt right. Then Ron came into the picture and it was very weird for me hes ten years older than me and, at first, I was like, Hes older. Hes been married before. He has a kid. I didnt know what to make of it. Anyway, we had this intense written courtship. Ron: I started sending you lunch every day. Melissa: I was going to say you were very aggressive with that. I worked at Steven Alan and he would send me lunch when I least expected it. He would send me pie and flowers and cupcakes. Amelia: He really courted you! Melissa: Oh my god, beyond. Ron: All those Bubby Dollars. Melissa: The Bubby Dollars! If I ever came here I never had to pay for anything here, he covered anything that I got. You bought me and engraved aniPod? Ron: An iPod. For your birthday. Melissa: I havent had an iPod since then. So I really was in a situation, at the time, that I had to get out of with this other guy. Like, I was in this transitional situation. Amelia: You had a man-child and then a man-man. Melissa: Yeah! Kind of. This was a leap for me, in a way. And you bought me A Course in Miracles. Do you guys know what A Course in Miracles is? Its by this womanits a very woo woo, spiritual, bible kind of book. Its pretty cool, actually. Ron: Its new age-y. Melissa: Its a big, giant, blue book. Ron: Which I was reading because I had just gotten divorced. So I was having all sorts of existential crises. Amelia: You were soul-searching. Melissa: A Course in Miracles is by this woman who believes that, basically, Jesus spoke through her. Give it a Google. So, at the time, we were just in our own transitions, and they were very different transitions, but we just had to bow out of these other things and come to a new place. Amelia: Yeah, you had to see it through. Melissa: Exactly. He had all kinds of shit going on, also. You had that crazy girlfriend that broke into your house and stole your guitar and camera. Haley: You both had significant others when you met? Ron: No, that girlfriend was gone by then. Melissa: She was gone for like a hot minute. Ron: No, like a hot hour, probably. Melissa: We each had our own junk going on. Ron: I was more entertained; I wasnt so emotionally distraught. Melissa: I was emotionally distraught. I didnt know how to break up with the guy I was with. I was tormented by it. I didnt want to hurt him but, on the other hand, it was so going nowhere. And as Ron and I continued talking, it got worse. I was thinking, Oh my god, what do I do, what do I do, what do I do? So finally, this whole A Course in Miracles bookI dont know, I had to get up the nerve to Ron: Did you get to the part of how to breakup with your boyfriend? Thats the best chapter. Melissa: So I did it, I broke up with my boyfriend on West Broadway in front of some bar. Ron: And I picked you up on Broadway. Then we went and got married. Melissa: No, that came later! Ron: Not much later. Melissa: Six months? Haley: Wow! Okay, wait. Melissa: Yeah, this was fast. Ron: We got married three weeks short of a year from the day we met. Haley: So when did the breakup happen, Melissa? Melissa: I would say the breakup happened maybe three, four months after Ron and I met. Ron: April or May. And our 10th anniversary is this year. Amelia: Congratulations! The official wedding anniversary? Ron: Yep, December 2nd. Melissa: December 2nd will be 10 years so, yeah, all this was 11 years ago. Isnt that weird? Amelia: Thats a big milestone. 10 years. Melissa: Its big. Its huge. Amelia: Lets rewind to that night when that lady may or may not have asked you to go home with her. What was it that night, Ron, if you remember, that made you think, I have to giver her my number, I have to know her? Ron: She was the cutest girl in the room. I didnt notice her until we were actually talking and making eye contact. We had a really good connection, immediately. Amelia: Had you felt that in a while? I dont want to get too personal but, you were just divorced. It must be weird when you feel that again for someone else weird in a good way. Ron: Yeah, it was great. I dont know if I ever really felt that. It might have been the first time ever. Melissa: I dont know if thats true. Ron: Its pretty true. Amelia: I mean he was spending Bubby Dollars Melissa: Yeah! Amelia: Did you have similar whoa-this-is-strange-feelings in that conversation or did it come a little bit later for you? When he referenced a smuggled meat and cheese night, I was thinking, Thats when I would know. Melissa: I was excited for that. And I think I did initially feel that, in a way, but I wasnt putting myself out there. I dont know if I necessarily Ron: Provoked the situation? Melissa: Yeah. But he was in the Santa suit and the way he was talking to meI was like, This is interesting. It grabbed my attention and I felt something. I walked home and I was in my apartment and my phone rang and when I hung up I thought, Huh, this is weird. Amelia: Because there are two courses it can take when a guy pursues you like that. Hes either a psychopath or a romantic. Melissa: I had a smile, you know what I mean? I wasnt opposed to it. Ron: You responded. Haley: But you didnt call him in ten minutes like he asked. Melissa: No. I was like, Im not going to do that! I wasnt going to do what he told me to do, it was too lame. Ron: Thats the cornerstone of our relationship. I just remembered this other funny story from right after we met. I have this thing, this sort of obsession, with being the first person at Russ & Daughters on Christmas day. I did it every year for many, many years. Amelia: By yourself? Ron: Yeah, Id say, Dont talk to me. I have to do this thing. And sometimes Id be #3 and be really, really bummed out for, like, the whole year. So this particular year, after Melissa left, the party continued on until 8 a.m. and I didnt wake up until 11:30 a.m. I was like, Oh God! Amelia: The line. Ron: I ran to Russ & Daughters in a panic. It was packed in there and I was like, No! My number! When they called #90, nobody answered. Then eventually they got to me, #92. But after, when they called #93, suddenly the guy next to me was like, I have #90! And the other guy next to me, with #93, was like, If you just found that on the floor Im going to knock the shit out of you. I was like, Boys, its Christmas! Easy. Amelia: Shit gets real around schmear. Ron: Yeah, it really does. So I told Melissa about that a few days later and it turned out #90 was her boss. I had to save him from getting the shit beat out of him at Russ & Daughters. Melissa: It was a weird coincidence that he was there. Ron: I think it was that moment when you realized I was a hero. Melissa: Oh yeah, of course. Amelia: It would have been so bad if you were the guy that tried to beat up her boss. Ron: Yeah, that would have been bad. Amelia: How early do you have to be at Russ & Daughters to be the first person? Ron: It opens at 9:00 a.m. so you have to be there at 8:47, really. Amelia: Thats such a New York thing, thats so great. So, when you got back from Rome, was wine and cheese night your first date? Melissa: Yes. Amelia: Pre-breakup? Melissa: Yes. Was that the same night as the snowstorm? Ron: Maybe that was a different night. Melissa: Yeah. We had another meet up a little bit later and there was this giant snowstorm. He was like, Spend the night, spend the night. And I was like, No way. I didnt want to sleep over at all. Ron: There was literally five feet of snow outside. Melissa: It was an actual blizzard. Ron: And she had this little jacket and Converse high tops. Melissa: I have this army jacket thats really thin Amelia: Where are you from? Melissa: Pennsylvania! Ron: She wears the same fucking clothes all year round. Melissa: I had Converse and this little jacket, and was like, Im not staying, Im going to go home, Im fine! I got outside and I could not walk. He lived on Broadway and Astor Place, so I was trying to walk down Broadway, but I couldnt even walk. And then a police car came and I was like, Help! The police car drove me home. Haley: Thats how much you didnt want to sleep over. Ron: Yeah. Haley: This was the weird time when you were still with your boyfriend? Melissa: I guess, it must have been. I was confused. I thought that would be awful. Amelia: Ron, were you just super patient? Melissa: He was. Amelia: Because it seems like you knew right away. Ron: Yeah, I was patient. Amelia: What do you think it was that made you want to wait? Ron: Cuteness. I dont know. It was the least important thing to me, really. I mean, we were having a great time. I wasnt even thinking about it. Amelia: You were just like, Lets continue this? Ron: Yeah. Im old, I was old then. I have always been old. Amelia: Same. Okay, so Melissa, then the breakup happened? Melissa: The breakup happened. Amelia: And was it, sort of, on? Melissa: It was on. Ron: I definitely wasnt seeing other people. Melissa: And I was already sucked in. Totally sucked in. Amelia: When was the first I love you? Ron: Probably within that first conversation. Melissa: I was going to say within a week! Amelia: Really? Ron: I knew I loved you from the beginning. Melissa: Awww! I actually dont know. I think it was soon. Do you think that? Well, he used to also say, Marry me and have my babies. Oh! Actually this is interesting when we first met, a few weeks after meat and cheese night, we had dinner. Remember that dinner at Momofuku? Ron: No. Melissa: Well, we used to go there all the time. We had dinner at Momofuku. I think this was our proper second date, like we didnt know each other at all. We were sitting at the little bar and we were talking and you said, Ill never get married again. We didnt know each other that well, and I was like, Oh. But in my head I was like, Fuck this, then. Like, why? And I hadnt even broken up with my boyfriend yet. Ron: Safety. Melissa: He was married two times before me. Ron: At least. Melissa: And his son is from his first marriage and he was married again in-between. And I knew that, whatever. But this was after a hard courting. Amelia: Had you always assumed you were going to get married? Melissa: Yeah. I wanted to be married and have a family, for sure. I mean, I knew it was a possibility that it wouldnt happen but it was something I hoped for. Ron: Guys just say shit that comes into their heads. And we dont really think about it. Melissa: Did you feel that way, at that time? You must have. Ron: Uhh, I have no idea how I felt. I was just happy to be with you, thats it. Melissa: I remember that specific moment of being like, Oh, maybe this is nothing. But then somehow shortly afterwards we launched into, Marry me and have my babies. So that turned around really fast. Amelia: Do you remember the moment when you knew and the fears dissipated? Melissa: I was scared. I was scared because hed been married two times and he was older than me and we came from very different backgrounds. I had him basically saying, I want to marry you. Lets do this. It was fast. In my head it was like, You have to live together for six years and then you get engaged. Haley: Are you an apprehensive type in general? Melissa: Yes. I cant make decisions. This was a totally new me and I was thinking, Is this something Im allowed to do? Do people do this? Do people meet somebody and get married six months later? Like, how does that work? And is this OK? You know what I mean? It was confusing for me. I was scared. And when he would say marry me and have my babies all that time, I was like, Oh my god does he really mean it? Ron: But now you know I meant it. We have three whole entire babies and were married. How more concrete could it be? Melissa: I felt like I was breaking all the rules. But on the flip side, I also felt super excited. I was like, Ive never felt like this about anybody before, and I had a long string of serial monogamy from age 18 to 34. Every three or four years I had a boyfriend, lived with them, thought we would get married and never did, met somebody else and did the same thing. All those times I remember thinking, Isnt this supposed to culminate with us wanting to spend all our lives together? But it never did. But this time he was like,I want to do this with you. And I was like, What? I want to do this with you, too. Its only been like, ten minutes, but why not? I just made the leap. Ron: I had already leapt. Amelia: Melissa, was there a moment or catalyst that made you jump? Melissa: I remember one specific walk down Greenwich Street. I was listening to this cheesy song and I really I just thought, I can do this. Amelia: What was the song!? Melissa: I know this is something he so doesnt want to hear. Hes like, Oh god Ron: Its probably some fucking Coldplay song. Melissa: Close. No, its called Let Go, and its from that movie Haley: Is it Frou Frou? Melissa: Yes! Haley: Such a good one! Melissa: Yeah, I remember listening to that song and walking down Greenwich Street and having this feeling of like, Youre gonna do this. Haley: Do you remember what time of year it was? Melissa: It was probably summer. It was warm. August, maybe September? Because when we got married, we didnt plan a wedding. You gave me that ring on Broadway, on your scooter. I just remember you had a ring in your pocket and you picked me up on Prince and Broadway. You came around in your scooter to get me and I got on but then you pulled the scooter over and you reached in your pocket. And, I dont know, you might have gotten down on one knee in the street. Ron: Its possible. Melissa: Right on Broadway. This was only a couple months before we got married, right? Ron: Yeah. Melissa: Im going to tell you something: I got pregnant. I guess it might have been in September. Which is not like a big deal. Is that weird to include? Ron: No. Amelia: Nope. Melissa: Yeah, I dont want to be secretive about it! I got pregnant and I was scared. But I was also excited because I wanted to get pregnant and he wanted to get pregnant. So, I got pregnant and I told my parents and they freaked out, per usual. Was that the catalyst for doing it right away? Ron: Yeah. Melissa: Yeah, we were already going do it, but when I got pregnant we were like, Alright, lets just do this! So he picked me up on the corner in the scooter with the ring and blah blah blah. And then I went to the doctor and they heard a heartbeat and we were like, Oh my god, were having a baby. And we told people, right? Ron: I think so. Melissa: We told a couple people. And then at eight weeks, I had a miscarriage. So we lost the baby. And, then I was like, Do you still want to marry me? I felt weird because we knew we wanted to do it, but wed rushed it because I was pregnant. Wed done all this planning around it like where we should get married and when we should get married. And then I lost the baby. And I felt soupset. You know, usually it happens earlier than when it happened with me. Often, once you see the heartbeat, youre kind of in the clear, so it was kind of a shock. And I was upset. But I also had this feeling of like, Do you still want to do this with me? You know what I mean? Amelia: It was a moment to reflect. Melissa: It was a moment to reflect and it was a challenge for me. But we did what we were going to do. Amelia: So you guys carried forward. Melissa: We carried forward. And I was happy. I guess I got scared for a hot second that Ron: I was gonna back out? Melissa: Well no, just that we didnt need to do it. I dont know. Ron: Yeah, I didnt think about any of that. Melissa: You still wanted to? Ron: I still want to marry you, even now. Melissa: So anyway, we kept going. We got married at St. Lukes. We had our wedding right here in this room with our friends and family. It was cute. The next day we went to Paris. And then I got pregnant on our honeymoon with our first child, Luc, which we spelled the French way as a joke because he was conceived in Paris. L-U-C. Amelia: Thats very nice for Tribeca. Melissa: Isnt that funny? Then Julian was next, six months later. Irish twins. He was between one and two when I got pregnant again with Milo, the third. Amelia: All great names. Ron: Julian named Milo. Melissa: Julians middle name is Milo, and he was like, I want to give the baby my name. And we said go ahead. Its hard to come up with boy names! And I was like, Ugh, I blew two of the names on the second one. Well just take your middle name and put it on the third one. Amelia: It also could have been worse if he named his own brother, like it could have been like Monster 500. Melissa: Right. Amelia: So, how much were you working at Bubbys during all this? Melissa: I worked until my first one. Until a couple months before he was born. And all I could do after that was take care of the children. Ron: But youve been working here a lot now. Im also starting a new business and Melissas been helping more with that one. Melissa: Yeah. Amelia: How do you navigate working together and then coming home? Melissa: Well, we dont work in the same physical space. Ron: I like it. It gives us something to talk about other than our kids. Melissa: Yeah, but you know youre not supposed to talk about work when you come home. Ron: Well, Ill keep that in mind. Melissa: Weve never not done that though. So, yeah, he works out of his office at the other restaurant and I have an office in our house. And the three children are in school even the little one goes all day now so I have time. But before this year Amelia: You were consumed by the three. Melissa: Oh my god. Its so hard, its really hard. I mean it still is. But when you have three babies you just cant even function. Youre like, Oh, have I eaten? Have I peed and will I sleep? In fact, just last month was the first time in eight years that I slept through the night. Until 6 a.m. Like, from the time I went to bed, nobody woke me up. In eight years. Isnt that weird? Yeah, so youre not really functional when you have that many small children. Amelia: Ron, do you work funny hours? Ron: Yeah. I work a lot and I also have a lot of different things to work on. Melissa: He has a very busy schedule. So we have a date night. Every Saturday night we go out to dinner. Amelia: Whats the hardest part of being in a marriage? Melissa: What would you say the hardest part is? Ron: I think the hardest part is going through difficult times and trying to remember that they eventually go away. Melissa: Yes. Leandra was actually saying this in her Monocycle episode with Abie: you have to always remember that theres no door to go out. Youre in a thing where you just have to figure it out. Ron: Theres no escape. It sounds very dire. Amelia: But it sounds comforting sometimes. Haley: Ira Glass had a similar line about marriage. That not having an out is what makes it beautiful. Melissa: Right. Sometimes things get hard and you think, Well never get through this. But then we have to think, Well, hold up. Were in this. We have to get over it. We have to get past it. We have to get through it. Someone has to break the Ron: Cycle. Melissa: Yeah. Whatever you want to call it: the argument or the silence or the anger. And each time its a different. Sometimes hell say, Lets not do this. This is stupid. Sometimes its me saying, I dont want to do this. This is a waste of time! Somebody has to pull themselves together, do you know what I mean? And once they do, it all kind of falls away. People say you can never want to get a divorce at the same time. The other person has to pick up your slack and say, Were good. Youre okay. Were gonna be fine. And then, of course, when you have children, it adds a whole other dimension. Because were a family. So not only are we just a man and a woman who are married, but we have such a responsibility to each other because of the kids, do you know what I mean? So if theres something going on between us and we dont fix it, were actually doing a huge disservice to them. Were harming them. Theres way less of an out when you have children, lets put it that way. But thats also what makes it nice. You know? Were a whole pack of people. Amelia: Youre a wolf pack. Melissa: Were a wolf pack. Amelia: Whats the best part of marriage and whats your favorite thing about each other? Melissa: I just find it to be a huge comfort. I dont know if thats the right thing to say, but just to know that you have someone whos gonna stand by you. A friend. A support system. And we have fun together. This is super cheesy and maybe its just because my days with the kids can be really grueling at times but I look so look forward to date night, when we just get to sit and hang out. It reminds me that I really actually like spending time with him. If I could choose anybody to hang out with, I would choose him. I have the most fun with him. Amelia: Thats such a nice thing to say. Ron: My favorite thing about being married is having a home. An actual home where everybody gets to be. All of the family. I think its just amazing to build that sense of home with someone. And my favorite thing about youI mean you have qualities that are amazing. Like your loyalty is shocking. And well, youre also the most beautiful woman Ive ever seen. I could look at you all the time. Melissa: Stop. Amelia: He called you 10 minutes after you left the party so Im believing that. Ron: Yeah, its a fact, I still believe it. Does that count? Or is that too Melissa: Surface-y? Ron: Yeah, I dont think so. Its all I care about. Melissa: My loyalty and my appearance? Ron: Beauty. Melissa: Are you talking about my inner beauty? Ron: Yeah. You are very beautiful. Melissa: Thank you. My favorite thing about you is your determination. Your inability to get knocked down and not give up. And youre just the person I always want to hang out with. I like your sense of humor. Youre fun to be around. You dont have a lot of hang-ups and youre up for whatever people want to do. And youre very generous. Amelia: What advice do you have for people in a relationship or looking to be in one? Melissa: Oh God. Amelia: The most broad question ever. Melissa: No, its a good one. I guess just from years of being in so many different relationships and now being in this relationship, I do think you kind of know when you meet someone, even if its just this little twinkle. I dont know how to explain it, exactly. But in terms of being in a relationship or meeting someone, I guess Id say: Nobody is going to be the exact right person for you. Its never going to be perfect and its not always what you think. The more you get to know someone, the more you see and notice what qualities you appreciate in them and that might not look like what you thought it would look like: this relationship doesnt look like what I thought it would look like, even when I first saw it and entertained it, do you know what I mean? But there was a certain kind of unnamable feeling that I had that it would be right. That we would be good together. Its a lot of work. I think you have to be at a place in life where you can kind of handle stuff. Where you have a wherewithal in yourself and about yourself that can move you through difficult situations that youre going to have with this significant other. How can you prepare yourself for thatIm not sure. Haley: Its losing a little bit of ego. Or self-indulgence. Melissa: Right. Because its not just about you. Theres another person who is half of the equation, so you have to step outside or yourself and think, What are they going through? You have to almost be more selfless I guess. Im not saying you should let people treat you like crap, but if youre not thinking about what the other person is dealing with or going through, then youre kind of screwed. Amelia: That make so much sense. Ron, what do you think? Ron: My advice would be to try to stay open-hearted and open-minded and be willing to take a lot of risks. Melissa: With your heart? Ron: Yeah, be willing to feel exposed. If youre in an intimate relationship, you see the most horrible things. And so you have to be cool with that. Melissa: Yeah, you see parts of people that you would otherwise never see. Even your closest friend. Ron: Somebody told me once that marriage is designed to bring the worst out of everybody. Then you love them at their worst. I think theres something to that. Melissa: Yeah. You cant hide. Its a very humbling or kind of frightening. Ron: Yeah, its sort of embarrassing in a way. Melissa: Totally. And I think it builds up over time. You both stick around. Youre both still here. Visit the Bubbys website here to find their TriBeCa and High Line locations and follow them on Twitter @Bubbys. Order a pie and follow @bubbyspieco on Instagram while youre at it! You can also follow Melissas personal Instagram @melissajsilver. Photographed by Krista Anna Lewis; pull quotes designed by Emily Zirimis. Greed is destroying America. It's destroying our politics. Wall Street knowingly destroyed our economy and housing market in search of excess profit. We have drug companies caught marketing drugs that their own hidden research shows caused strokes and heart attacks. We have the fossil fuel barons paying state legislatures to pass laws that make cleaner renewable fuels more expensive. We have auto companies that were found hiding defects in their cars that they knew were leading to deaths. We had a state that knew lead levels in the water in Flint Michigan were at dangerous levels and ignored the threat. We have colleges hiding player rapes and a coach's raping at Penn State to protect their football program's profits. I could go on and on but one would have to be a moron to deny that greed is spiraling out of control in this country. This years concentrated inspection campaigns (CICs) by port state authorities will focus on compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention and the vessels Cargo Securing Manual. Port state authorities have announced the following CICs, lasting three months from 1 September to 30 November 2016: Their CIC for 2016 is aimed at verifying compliance with relevant parts of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) and the campaign demonstrates the importance of decent working and living conditions onboard ships, as well as ensuring that seafarers rights are respected. The MLC entered into force on 20 August 2013 and sets out the obligations of shipowners and operators with respect to seafarers contractual arrangements, working hours, accommodation and recreational facilities, catering standards and their health and safety. Although the Convention has not been ratified worldwide, it has widespread effect because of its "no more favourable treatment clause which ensures that no advantage is to be gained from registering a ship in a state that is not a party to the Convention. According to Paris MoUs annual report for 2015, approximately 15 per cent of all registered deficiencies in the region in 2015 related to working and living conditions on board ships. Most deficiencies were found in the areas of health and safety and accident prevention (41%), food and catering (17%), hours of work and rest (12%), accommodation (9%) and seafarers employment agreements (6%). The Paris MoU press release dated 28 July 2016, includes a questionnaire containing 12 selected items to be used by Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) during their regular inspections. Gards Members and clients are encouraged to become familiar with the CIC criteria prior to the commencement of the campaigns. As most of the Maritime Administrations have delegated the certification of ships under IMO Conventions and Codes to the classification societies, we also recommend contacting vessels classification societies to obtain more detailed information on typical survey procedures related to the announced CICs. A self-inspection/assessment on board is recommended and all crew members should be provided with training prior to entering the port of inspection during the CIC period. When deficiencies are found, actions by the port state may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the Master to rectify it within a certain period of time, to detaining the ship until serious deficiencies have been rectified. The results of the CICs will be analysed and findings will be presented to the governing body of the MoUs for submission to the IMO. Two Turkish sailors were jailed for a total of 42 years on Friday after their attempt to smuggle a huge haul of cocaine into Europe was thwarted, partly due to some swift international co-operation between Britain and Tanzania. Some 3.2 tonnes of cocaine, the biggest class A drug find ever made in Britain, was found on a ship intercepted off the east coast of Scotland last year. Drugs worth 512 million pounds ($664 million) were being shipped over to the Netherlands, prosecutors said, after travelling from South America via Guyana and Tenerife. British authorities intercepted the cargo off the coast of Aberdeen in April 2015 after the go-ahead from Tanzania, where the ship was registered, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. "Although there was strong intelligence that the boat was carrying a large volume of drugs, it could not be boarded in international waters by the UK authorities without the permission of the Tanzanian government - something they had never previously granted," the CPS said in a statement. But the CPS's Criminal Justice Advisor in Tanzania managed to obtain authority "from the highest political level" within 24 hours, it added. "Without the swift actions of our Criminal Justice Adviser there was a high risk that the vessel may have escaped and we would never have been able to bring these men to justice," said Sue Patten, Head of the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division. The traffickers had hidden the drugs, wrapped in 128 bales together weighing as much as a grown elephant, in a tank deep within the hull of the vessel. "This was one of the most intricate concealments we've ever encountered," said Tony McMullin, a regional director at Britain's Border Force. Captain Mumin Sahin, 47, and first officer Emin Ozmen, 51, from Istanbul were sentenced to 22 and 20 years in prison respectively at the High Court in Glasgow. Reporting by Karolin Schaps Euroseas Ltd has announced its results for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2016 as well as certain fleet updates. Total net revenues of $7.3 million. Net loss of $19.2 million; net loss attributable to common shareholders (after a $0.4 million of dividend on Series B Preferred Shares) of $19.6 million or $2.42 loss per share basic and diluted. The results include an impairment charge of $14.0 million on our "Investment in joint venture". Adjusted net loss attributable to common shareholders1 for the period was $0.51 per share basic and diluted. An average of 11.4 vessels were owned and operated during the second quarter of 2016 earning an average time charter equivalent rate of $7,373 per day. Recently, the Company announced that it canceled one of its newbuilding contracts with the Dayang shipyard due to excessive delays in the construction of the vessel (Hull DY 160) as specified in the contract. The Company has demanded the return of its progress payments and other expenses of approximately $8.6 million as specified in the newbuilding contract and secured by refund guaranties. The parties have referred the matter to arbitration. Also the Company announced that it amended its newbuilding contract with the YSJ yard for the construction of a Kamsarmax vessel to provide the Company with the option until December 31, 2016 to change the type of the vessel to be built, buy another vessel built by the yard transferring any payments made under the newbuilding contract, or cancel the newbuilding contract without additional cost. Furthermore, the Company announces that it has agreed to purchase M/V Aegean Express, a 1997-built 1,439 teu fully cellular containership for approximately $3 million, to replace M/V Cpt. Costas, a 1992-built containership which was sold during the second quarter of 2016. Finally, the Company announces that the Company's Board authorized the establishment of an ATM offering of up to 15% of the Company's outstanding shares. Aristides Pittas, Chairman and CEO of Euroseas commented: "While the charter markets for both sectors we operate remain challenging, we have managed to improve the liquidity of the Company by restructuring or refinancing some of our loans. Our revised loan profile combined with certain developments in our newbuilding contracts have reduced the required capital expenditures and significantly improved the liquidity outlook of Euroseas." Aristides added:" We are now focused on how to take advantage of the low vessel price environment and find opportunities to expand and renew our fleet, as we have done with the replacement of M/V Cpt. Costas with a five year younger vessel for a marginally higher price. After considering 40 submitted designs, 13 of which came from Slovenia, the City of Albany has an official flag. The City Council on Wednesday night voted for their favorite of the five final designs, after the 40 entries were pared down through a month-long public voting period, during which 258 residents weighed in. The contest began when members of the Greater Unified Albany Vexillological Association at West Albany High School presented draft designs for an Albany City flag at the April 27 City Council meeting. As a result, The City Council suggested opening a contest for designs. Submissions were accepted from May 31 through July 5. After considering 40 submitted designs, a panel of six jurors selected five semi-finalists. "Now it's entirely up to you," offered city Public Information officer Marilyn Smith. "You can decide tonight, you can decide whenever you like, it's your flag." While considering each design, Councilor Rich Kellum offered his thoughts on the choice. "There's a part of me that just doesn't want to have anything to do with this," he said. "I don't see that any of these designs really represent Albany. It's a personal thing." Kellum allowed that he did not want to be the stick in the mud, but had to wonder how the flag would be received. "Flags are something that happen over time, he added. People like them because they like them." Councilor Ray Kopczynski, who put up $100 of his own money as a prize for the contest, took a more supportive tone. "I'm on record for saying we'll pay $100 for the winner," he said, "and the longer you look at these, the more representative of our community they become. I have no problem picking one of these. It will, to Rich's point, grow on us." Mayor Sharon Konopa praised the educational element of the contest. "We had a great education on what a proper flag design contains," she said. "Of course, if we pick a flag tonight, it can always be changed later." The council next discussed their favorite elements of each design. "You have the highway on this one," remarked Councilor Floyd Collins. "That's the river. Isn't that the river, the blue? There are two rivers," replied Konopa. City Manager Wes Hare made sure to remind the council, "We have actually invested a lot of time into this. My recommendation is to just do it." "I don't see any value in trying to prolong it," replied Councilor Dick Olsen. In the end, the council voted for the original design created by the Vexillological Association. West Albany High School math teacher and club leader Cole Pouliot accepted the award, announcing the club would donate the prize money. "Our intent was to design this flag for the community, not for any financial gain," he said. As such, the $100 dollars will be donated to the city. "We thought that all good flags should have a name, he continued. So you guys don't have to call it number three, we've named it Confluence and Crossroads." The official flag will fly at the Albany Veterans Day parade November 11. DNV GL has given IHI Corporation Approval in Principle (AiP) for its FLPS (Floating LNG Power Station) concept. The formal handover of the Approval in Principle took place in Tokyo on July 5. The design has been found to comply with DNV GL class standards and other relevant industry standards. The FLPS concept is a combination of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and a power plant. It is expected to be installed in locations where alternative onshore infrastructure is not feasible or commercially viable, while energy demand is rapidly increasing. The FLPS solution is also in line with the worldwide trend for decentralized power generation. It provides the opportunity for the receiving location to take advantage of the availability of natural gas as part of their power mix. The main functions of the FLPS are LNG loading from a visiting LNG carrier, regasification of the LNG, power generation using natural gas and export of electricity to onshore grid. The FLPS is designed to be capable of remaining on location for up to 25 years without dry-docking. The FLPS concept considered uses a single point mooring tower yoke for position keeping, if the jetty meeting the draft requirement for both LNG carrier and FLPS is not available. The LNG is stored in two SPB tanks (Self-supporting, Prismatic shape, IMO type B) developed by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), IHIs joint partner and contained within the hull of the FLPS. Regasification takes place in the topside facility located on the deck of the FLPS and the gas is then fed to the power generation system, which uses an energy-efficient combined cycle consisting of gas turbines with heat recovery steam generators and steam turbine. The power is supplied to the onshore electricity grid by high voltage subsea power cables. The FLPS concept has been developed based on IHIs long experience with onshore LNG receiving terminals and LNG containment systems, and JMUs long experience with shipbuilding, offshore and SPB technology. After carrying out studies of the design, DNV GL has been able to issue an Approval in Principle for the concept. We are pleased to be involved together with IHI in such a project, as it represents a move forward in developing technology which can be used to supply energy needs around the world. It has potential for many different applications, both short term and also long term, and will add a flexibility to the energy mix wherever it may be deployed. says Conn Fagan, DNV GL Vice President, Business Development, Offshore Gas Projects. Responding to reports that the governments Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Herakles was deployed to assist a tug experiencing trouble off the coast of Scotland, Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said, The incident highlights the vital work that the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) do in protecting life at sea. If the ETV had not been available then lives would have been at risk and the chances of environmental damage would have been greatly increased. The government only agreed to retain the use of Herakles in Orkney last month and this highlights how important that decision was. I hope the government looks closely at this incident and reconsiders the risk for other coastal areas of the UK not served by government-funded ETVs. 1898 - USS Mohican and USS Philadelphia (C 4) crew members take part in official ceremonies marking the assumption of sovereignty of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States. 1918 - The Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels approves the acceptance of women in the Marine Corps. The following day, Aug. 13, Opha M. Johnson becomes the first woman Marine. 1942 - USS Cleveland (CL-55) demonstrates the effectiveness of radio-proximity fuze (VT-fuze) against aircraft by successfully destroying three drones with proximity bursts fired by her five inch guns. 1944 - USS Pompon (SS 267) and USS Puffer (SS 268) attack Japanese convoys and damage and sink Japanese destroyers. 1957 - The first test of the Automatic Carrier Landing System is completed by Lt. Cmdr. Don Walker when he lands a F3D Skynight on board USS Antietam (CV 36). 1988 - USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) is commissioned at New York City. The cruiser is the third ship named after naval battle in a New York lake where Commodore Thomas McDonough defeated a larger and more heavily armed British squadron Sept. 11, 1814. (Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division) Best known for diving, lagoons and the island that gave the world the name for the bikini swimsuit, the Marshall Islands is now gaining attention as a top-five destination for U.S. crude exports despite the lack of a refinery to process the oil. The shipments to the Marshall Islands, a tiny atoll nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, are a quirk of U.S. regulations, providing a vivid example of how traders carry out arbitrage opportunities and how fuel is supplied to some of the world's most remote regions. Since the removal of restrictions on exporting U.S. crude in December 2015, the oil has gone to a rising number of countries, with an average monthly volume of over 500,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published this week. Among the top takers of U.S. crude are the Netherlands, Japan and Italy. But, ahead of France, at number five comes the Marshall Islands. "The Marshall Islands... is the fifth-largest non-Canadian destination for U.S. crude oil exports in 2016, averaging 14,000 barrels per day," the EIA said. They are an unlikely destination for crude exports, with a population of 50,000, located in the middle of the Pacific to the west of Hawaii and to the east of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Marshalls are best known for being a major shipping registry, a diving paradise, and for the Bikini Atoll where dozens of U.S. nuclear bombs were tested in the 1940s and the 1950s. French designer Louis Reard used the island's name for his two-piece swimsuit that he released in 1946 to capitalize on the explosive connection. The EIA says that the U.S. oil is unlikely to remain in the Marshall Islands. "With no refineries, the Marshall Islands are unlikely the final destination, but rather may be the location of ship-to-ship transfers for delivery to destinations in Asia, or a point at which a cargo of crude oil would await a buyer in Asia," the agency said. Traders said that the U.S. fuel mostly came from Hawaii and spread across the many tiny inhabited islands of the Pacific. Other suppliers of fuel to the vast but sparsely populated region are Japan and South Korea. Shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon showed that around a dozen small oil tankers ship fuel between Pacific Islands like the Marshall Islands, neighbouring Micronesia, Kiribati, and also Papua New Guinea. Traders said that the Marshall Islands were also being used to comply with U.S. regulations requiring exporters to specify a destination for their goods, even if in some cases the final destination changes en route due to arbitrage opportunities. The top destination of U.S. crude exports is another, small little-known country: Curacao, a Caribbean island state of 150,000 people. To oil traders, however, Curacao is well known, as it has been home to a large refinery for almost 100 years. By Henning Gloystein India's merchandise exports contracted 6.84 percent year-on-year to $21.69 billion in July, government data showed on Friday. The value of overseas shipments rose for the first time in June, after falling for 18 consecutive months. Imports in July dropped 19.03 percent year-on-year to $29.45 billion, the data showed. The trade deficit for the month came in at $7.76 billion. (Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh) Talks to explore pathways to peace and cooperation. The Philippines wants formal negotiations with China to explore pathways to peace and cooperation, the Southeast Asian nation's special envoy, Fidel Ramos, said on Friday, after a meeting with former Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying. Ramos was speaking near the end of a trip to Hong Kong undertaken in a bid to rekindle ties with China, which have been soured by a maritime dispute in the South China Sea. An arbitration court in the Hague ruled on July 12 that China had no historic title over the busy waterway and had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights there. The decision infuriated Beijing, which dismissed the court's authority. "Informal discussions focused on the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation," Ramos and Fu said in a joint statement on Friday. They added that China welcomed Ramos to visit Beijing as the special envoy of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in June and has signalled a greater willingness to engage with China than his predecessor. "It's not really a breakthrough in a sense that there is no ice here in Hong Kong to break but the fish we eat...are cooked in delicious recipes," Ramos, who had earlier referred to his visit as a fishing expedition, told reporters. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, believed to be rich in energy deposits. The statement added that both Beijing and Manila would seek to promote fishing cooperation, marine preservation, and tourism but made no specific mention of the South China Sea or the ruling, and did not set a timeframe for possible talks. Ramos said neither side asserted its own sovereignty over disputed areas in the South China Sea, such as the Scarborough Shoal and Mischief Reef. "There was no discussion on that particular aspect, except to mention equal fishing rights," said Ramos. The statement said the discussions were held in a private capacity, and Ramos said later other back channel talks with China were underway. "We hope this type of exchange can assist China and the Philippines in returning to dialogue and improving relations," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement on the ministry's website. China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, denying Philippine fishermen access, one of the factors that prompted Manila to seek arbitration. Ramos was president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, when China occupied the submerged Mischief Reef. Reporting by Venus Wu Japan and the Philippines have begun talks for the transfer of two large coast guard ships to Manila, to help patrol the disputed South China Sea, a Japanese foreign ministry official said on Friday, as part of a deal on defence equipment. The two brand-new 90-metre (295-ft) multi-role response vessels will be in addition to ten 44-metre (144-ft) mid-sized coast guard ships, worth 8.8 billion pesos ($188.52 million), that Japan is set to start delivering next week. "Both governments are looking into the possibility of getting two more vessels, this time the bigger ones," Masato Ohtaka, deputy spokesman of Japan's foreign ministry, told journalists in Manila. "We're in the middle of dialogue between the two sides, they are still discussing details and we need a little more time." The ship delivery figured in an 80-minute meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday in southern Davao City. "We talked about how Japan can help the Philippines in capacity building, particularly with regards to maritime security," Ohtaka added. China claims almost the entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims on the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but it is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea. China says it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the area it claims and has refused to recognise the court ruling handed down last month in a case brought by the Philippines. Japan urged China to adhere to the ruling, saying it was binding, prompting a warning from China not to interfere. "We are very concerned," Ohtaka said, adding that developments in the East China Sea could parallel those in the South China Sea, where Beijing has stepped up the constant presence of its coast guard ships. Japan last week reported a flurry of incursions by Chinese vessels into waters Tokyo sees as its own near the disputed East China Sea islands it controls. China is reported to have put up radar and surveillance facilities in the area. "It's not getting better in the East China Sea," Ohtaka added. Reporting by Manuel Mogato Oil prices were up about 1 percent on Friday, on track for their biggest weekly gains since May, after a short covering rally was triggered by comments from Saudi Arabia's oil minister in the previous session about possible action to help stabilize the market. The market, however, pared some gains after data showed U.S. oil drillers added rigs for a seventh straight week, the longest recovery in the rig count in over two years. They added 17 rigs, the biggest increase since December. Brent crude futures were 56 cents higher at $46.60 at barrel by 1:16 p.m. ET (1716 GMT) after touching a more than three-week high of $46.99 earlier. U.S. crude rose 66 cents to $44.15 after touching its highest level since July 22 at $44.57 per barrel. Brent crude is up about 5 percent on the week, on track for its biggest weekly gain since May while U.S. crude is 5.5 percent higher, on track for its biggest week since April. Crude soared nearly 5 percent on Thursday after Saudi Arabia's energy minister said that oil producers would discuss potential action to stabilize oil prices during a meeting next month in Algeria. The news spurred short covering, traders and brokers said, even though the likelihood of any deal being agreed upon remained slim. "Although we regard such an agreement, let alone its implementation, as unrealistic, it is dampening fears of a continuation of the OPEC price war," Commerzbank said in a note. Oil prices have recovered since U.S. crude fell below $40 last week, but are still more than 12 percent below their last peak in June, as brimming storage tanks and production that exceeds consumption weighs on markets. "Despite the recent bounce in prices, we continue to believe that the oil market remains in oversold territory," RBC Capital Markets analysts said in a research note. "As such, the price path forward will likely remain choppy and non-linear since price moves can and will often be exacerbated in either direction." Iran slashed its September official selling price for light crude to Asia by $1.30 a barrel, the latest sign that exporters are willing to accept discounts in return for market share. Traders said a drop of 8.1 percent in China's oil output in July, to a five-year low of 16.72 million tonnes, also lifted prices because it would mean Asia's biggest economy has to import more crude. "As both a consumer and a refiner of oil - the country's refineries processed 2.5 percent more crude oil than last year in July - China is thus contributing to the tightening of the oil market," Commerzbank said. (By Devika Krishna Kumar; Additional reporting by Julia Payne, Henning Gloystein; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Marguerita Choy) The Association of O&C Counties has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management over the agency's plan to manage some 2.5 million acres of federal forestland in western Oregon, including land in Linn and Benton counties. Linn County, which has filed a somewhat similar lawsuit against the state Department of Forestry over its management of forest trust lands, supports the association's lawsuit. Benton County is not a member of the association and is not be a party in the lawsuit. The Association of O&C Counties' lawsuit, another in a series of lawsuits involving the BLM plan, argues that the federal government has not lived up to its contractual obligations concerning timber sales and distribution of income from those sales to some 17 Oregon counties. Named as defendants were Neil Kornze, director of the Bureau of Land Management, and Sally Jewell, secretary of the interior. The lawsuit was filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Association of O&C Counties participating in the lawsuit are Klamath, Douglas, Curry, Coos, Lane, Linn, Polk, Yamhill, Marion, Clackamas, Multnomah, Columbia, Washington and Tillamook. Although Benton County includes O&C lands, it is not a member of the Association of O&C Counties, and is not participating in the lawsuit. The lawsuit charges that the federal government has failed to comply with mandatory legal obligations to manage about 2.1 million acres of forest lands in western Oregon for sustained yield timber production to produce revenue shared by rural communities. Plaintiffs charge that the O&C agreement requires that at least 50 percent of proceeds from timber sales must be paid to the affected counties. The recently enacted BLM plan sets aside 75 percent of its lands in reserves for fish, water and wildlife. The BLM said timber harvests would increase to about 278 million board feet under the plan, about 75 million board feet more than current levels. History of the lands The history of the Oregon & California lands dates back to the 1800s, when the federal government deeded land to railroads to entice settlement of the Western states and the building of a railroad from Portland to California. When the railroads failed, the lands reverted back to the federal government and are now managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Over the last 25 years, the BLM has reduced the amount of timber sales and allowable annual harvests, in part to meet expectations of the Endangered Species Act, especially for salmon and the northern spotted owl. The Department of the Interior has been in violation of federal law for decades now, said Linn County Commissioner John Lindsey. We want an injunction that gives relief to rural communities that entered into the O&C agreement. Lindsey represents the Linn County Board of Commissioners on the Association of O&C Counties. The law states the lands will be managed for timber production and even more importantly, the law puts a minimum cut level in there for sustainable harvest that has not been observed, Lindsey said. Lindsey said the federal government is required by the O&C contract to produce about 500 million board feet of timber annually. A board foot is 1 inch thick, 1 foot long and 1 foot wide. Lindsey said the association has talked about a potential lawsuit for at least two years. Also last week, the American Forest Resource Council and Earth Justice filed suits against the Bureau of Land Management. The American Forest Resource Council represents some 60 landowners and wood products manufacturers and, like the Association of O&C Counties, contends the BLM timber sales plan is too low. According to the Associated Press, the council also sent a letter to Oregon lawmakers that called the plan flawed, adding that it will threaten the fiscal solvency and public services of Oregons rural counties. Earth Justice is an environmental group that is based in Washington, D.C. An attorney for Earth Justice said the plan focuses too much on harvesting timber. When the BLMs management plan was released in April, it drew criticism from Tony Hyde, a Columbia County commissioner and president of the Association of O&C Counties. Said Hyde: The BLM refused to even consider revenues for counties as an objective in developing its plan. There are many ways the BLM could have balanced jobs and revenues for vital county services while creating habitat for endangered species, providing clean water, recreational opportunities, and improving fire resiliency. Once again, the federal government has failed the communities where these lands are located. The plan also drew criticism from both U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Peter DeFazio. DeFazio said the plan moves us further from a balanced sustainable plan based in modern forest science." In March, Linn County filed a $1.4 billion class action lawsuit charging the Oregon Department of Forestry with failing to meet timber harvesting contracts. Initial motions hearings have begun in that case in Linn County Circuit Court and will resume at 10 a.m. Wednesday. A new lease sale has been proposed for 122,405 acres for commercial wind energy leasing offshore North Carolina. The proposed lease, announced today by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Ross Hopper as part of President Obamas Climate Action Plan, is for the Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area, which BOEM identified in consultation with its North Carolina Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force and outreach with stakeholders. This is an important and exciting milestone in our ongoing efforts to tap the vast wind energy resources along the Atlantic Coast, said Secretary Jewell. The proposed lease sale is the result of thoughtful collaboration at all levels to identify areas offshore North Carolina with great wind energy potential, while minimizing conflicts with other important uses. We will continue to work with the North Carolina Renewable Energy Task Force, local communities and key stakeholders as we move forward with harnessing clean energy resources, generating jobs and stimulating local economies. The area proposed for leasing is the same as the Kitty Hawk Wind Energy Area (WEA) that BOEM announced in August 2014. This WEA begins about 24 nautical miles from shore and extends about 25.7 nautical miles in a general southeast direction. Its seaward extent ranges from 13.5 nautical miles in the north to .6 of a nautical mile in the south. It contains 21.5 Outer Continental Shelf blocks. BOEM has also announced the Wilmington East and Wilmington West WEAs, which, due to their proximity and shared attributes, have been coupled with the planning and leasing process for the South Carolina Call Areas. This is a great day for North Carolina and our country as we continue to make progress on diversifying our nations energy portfolio, said Director Hopper. With the completion of a successful lease sale, North Carolina will move closer to obtaining substantial contributions to the region's energy supply from offshore wind. Additionally, such supply will assist local governments in achieving their renewable energy goals. Navios Maritime Partners has reached an agreement with South Korean shipping company Hyundai Merchant Marine to cut the hire rate of five container vessels chartered out to HMM by 20%. Pursuant to the charter restructuring documentation executed on July 15, 2016, it has been agreed that the hire rate of five Container vessels chartered out to Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd. (HMM) will be reduced by 20%, as follows: With effect from (and including) July 18, 2016 until (and including) December 31, 2019, hire rate shall be reduced to $24,400 per day pro rata. With effect from (and including) January 1, 2020, hire rate shall be restored to the rate of $30,500 per day pro rata until redelivery. In exchange under the charter restructuring agreement, the Company received: $7.7 million principal amount of senior, unsecured notes, amortizing subject to available cash flows, accruing interest at 3% per annum payable on maturity in July 2024; and 3.7 million freely tradable shares of HMM. In August 2016, Navios Partners sold the 3.7 million shares of HMM generating net cash proceeds of approximately $21.3 million. In June 2016, Navios Partners agreed to sell to an unrelated third party the MSC Cristina, a 2011 South Korean-built Container vessel of 13,100 TEU, for a total net sale price of $125.0 million, with delivery expected by the first quarter of 2017, subject to signing of definitive documentation. Meanwhile, Navios Maritime Partners reported its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2016. Angeliki Frangou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Navios Partners stated, For the second quarter of 2016, we recorded $44.9 million of revenue and earned $11.8 million of EBITDA. Navios Partners is a unique platform in the dry sector. Since the beginning of 2016, we have fortified our balance sheet, having reduced our debt by $44.6 million. " Ocean Rig UDW Inc, the offshore drilling contractor, posted revenue of $452.6 million in the second-quarter, beating Wall Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $385.7 million. The company has reported second-quarter profit of $155.6 million. The company said it had profit of $1.83 per share. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 71 cents per share. "Despite the continued positive operational performance of the Company (fleet utilization for the second quarter of 96.3%) the market conditions remain extremely negative. Oil companies continue to reduce their offshore budgets and as more floaters come off contract in the next six months, an already grossly oversupplied market is expected to worsen," says a statement by George Economou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "In this current and anticipated poor market environment which we expect to persist for an extended period of time, we believe it is prudent to focus on maintaining liquidity and de-levering the Company," he added. On August 11, 2016 the company reached an agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) related to the construction of our three drillships which provides for the re-scheduling of certain installments, the postponement of the delivery of the first two of these drillships currently under construction and the amendment of certain other terms (including the contract price). The Leiv Eiriksson completed, as planned, its 15-year class survey and scheduled equipment and winterization upgrades related to its next contract, and on July 18, 2016 mobilized on location in Norway to commence its previously announced contract with Lundin Norway AS. On June 16, 2016, it reached an agreement with Repsol Sinopec to terminate the contract of the Ocean Rig Mylos operating offshore Brazil against full payment of the remaining backlog. On April 27, 2016, it reached agreement with ENI to settle the dispute related to the termination of the contract of the Ocean Rig Olympia against a total payment of $54 million and the extension by 81 days for the contract of the Ocean Rig Poseidon at a daily gross operating rate of $115,000. The Royal Navy sent six Sailors, from Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth, England, to integrate into Wasps flight deck operations to prepare them for their upcoming Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Her Majestys Ship (HMS) Illustrious was the last carrier in British service before being decommissioned in 2014 and will soon be replaced by its advanced counterparts HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The Royal Navy stopped working with fixed wing aircraft in 2010, so the reintroduction of carriers in the British Fleet requires personnel who can safely run a flight deck. The two new carriers are expected to operate the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, with flight trials expecting to start in 2018. Wasp is deployed with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. Chinas Academy of Space Technology in Beijing has launched a new high-tech satellite, called the Gaofen 3 high-resolution Earth observation satellite, which has been designed to protect its maritime interests, as well as warn of natural disasters, according to China Daily. The satellite was delivered by a Long March 4C rocket that blasted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province. Xu Fuxiang, Head of the Gaofen 3 project, said: considering China has a total of 32,000 kilometres of coastline, 380,000 square kilometres [38 million ha] of territorial seas and more than 6,500 islands that have an area of at least 500 square metres [0.05ha], satellites like the Gaofen 3 will be very useful in safeguarding the country's maritime rights and interests. "The satellite will play an important role in monitoring the marine environment, islands and reefs, and ships and oil rigs," the official China Daily newspaper said, citing project leader Xu Fuxiang. "Satellites like the Gaofen-3 will be very useful in safeguarding the country's maritime rights and interests," he added, according to the newspaper. The satellite was launched amid China's efforts to firmly establish its control over the South China Sea, after last month's tribunal verdict quashing Beijing expansive claims over all most all of the disputed area also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. In July, an international court in The Hague ruled against China's claims in the resource-rich South China Sea in an action brought by the Philippines, a decision stridently rejected by Beijing. China, which rejected the verdict has already launched air and naval patrols over the area to firmly establish control. Net profit below forecasts, operating figure above; group hit by low freight rates and low oil prices. A.P. Moller-Maersk's progress in cutting costs reassured investors on Friday after the Danish shipping and oil giant reported a sharp decline in quarterly profit and its new chief executive confirmed that earnings would fall this year. The Copenhagen-based company fired its CEO in June and replaced him with Soren Skou, head of its Maersk Line container business, indicating it could split it into separate companies and sell off part of the group, including its oil division. Skou, a company veteran who has to respond to a shipping industry recession and tough oil markets, is expected to present the results of a strategy review in late September. Maersk Oil is seen as a prime candidate for sale. In 2018, it will produce only half of what it does today after losing a major contract to operate Qatar's largest offshore oilfield. "Therefore we see less strategic rationale for having Maersk Oil in the Maersk Group going forward," analyst Espen Landmark Fjermestad from Fearnley Securies said. The group is fighting to remain the world's largest container shipping carrier as a wave of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Asia, creates new challengers. Earnings figures illustrated the problems faced by Skou, who has been with the company for three decades. Maersk's net profit fell 90 percent to $101 million in April to June, amid significantly lower container freight rates. It maintained a forecast for underlying profit this year to be significantly below last year's $3.1 billion. Although Skou called the results unsatisfactory, Maersk shares were 3.2 percent higher by 1150 GMT as investors focused on its progress in reducing costs and the fact that the oil business performed better than expected. "Cost reductions and operational optimizations...made a significant contribution to mitigating the impact of the negative market conditions," Skou said in a statement. Lower costs were mainly the result of 40 percent lower fuel prices, improved fleet utilisation and greater efficiencies. Maersk Line Makes Loss Maersk Line, the group's biggest business unit, reported a loss of $151 million while expectations had been for a loss of $67 million. "Maersk Line has reduced costs by 15 percent but it has not been enough to match a drop of 24 percent in freight rates," Skou said. Maersk Line has decided to stop services to and from 10 ports in China to help to reduce costs. Maersk is not alone in struggling with the industry downturn. German container shipping group Hapag-Lloyd said on Wednesday it made a first-half operating loss of 39.7 million euros ($44.2 million) as disappointing freight rates hurt its business. Around 150 container vessels are expected to be scrapped in 2016, but that will not be enough for an industry battling over- capacity, low demand and falling rates, consultancy firm Drewry said in July. Container shippers' poor results have sparked consolidation. "We believe consolidation is positive for the industry and we do think there is a change that the industry will significantly consolidate over the next decade," Skou said. He underscored that Maersk Lines will protect its market share which is estimated to be around 15 percent. Market speculation has focused on DSV as a potential buyer of Maersk's Damco logistics unit. Maersk could also pursue a takeover itself as peers including Hapag Lloyd and CMA-CGM have already acquired rivals to boost their market positions in core areas including Asia and South America. (By Ole Mikkelsen; Additional reporting by Teis Jensen; Editing by Alexander Smith and Keith Weir) How the Frankfurt School Changed American Culture Dear Parade-Goer, How many times have you heard someone lament how much the world has changed from the good old days? You know, the simpler pre-PC period when the world operated according to fairly predictable principles. But then we woke one day in a world with every bastion of what some might called normalcy under attack. Institutions that 100 years ago appeared unassailablemarriage, for exampleare increasingly seen as antiquated. Even the idea of a national character is viewed as wrong-minded and, in the successful societies of the West, as exclusionary and even racist. How did all this come about? Or, more colloquially, what was the number of the bus that hit us? In this weeks edition of The Passing Parade, Stephen McBridewith a bit of help from yours trulyshines the light on the Frankfurt School, an insidious movement that set down roots in the early 1900s. As youll read, it is at the feet of the Frankfurt School that we can lay much of the blame for setting the modern world culturally adrift. After reading, please pass this edition along. People need to understand the agenda behind much of what is now accepted as the new normal. Also, a reminder that at the end of this month well be closing the Charter Subscriber period for our premium service, Compelling Investments Quantified. While I am clearly biased, Im convinced our deep-value, long-term approach to investing can greatly increase portfolio returns while reducing risk, stress, and worry. In this months edition, well be telling subscribers about a cash-rich company with some of the best financial metrics Ive ever seen. That it currently pays a 5.77% dividend is a big dollop of icing on the cake. Theres a lot more to the story, and with the unconditional 100% money-back guarantee offer youll receive as a Charter Subscriber, youll have six full months to follow that story, and all our other picks, before deciding whether the service is as good as we say it is. Click here to learn more and to take advantage of our special introductory offer. And now, its on with the parade! How the Frankfurt School Changed American Culture The 1950s were a simple, romantic, and golden time in America. California beaches, suburbia, and style. Atlas Shrugged was published, NASA was formed, and Elvis rocked the nation. Every year from 19501959 saw over 4 million babies born. The nation stood atop the world in every field. It was an era of great economic prosperity in The Land of the Free. So, what happened to the American traits of confidence, pride, and accountability? The roots of Western cultural decay are very deep, having first sprouted a century ago. It began with a loose clan of ideologues inside Europes communist movement. Today, it is known as the Frankfurt School, and its ideals have perverted American society. When Outcomes Fail, Just Change the Theory Before WWI, Marxist theory held that if war broke out in Europe, the working classes would rise up against the bourgeoisie and create a communist revolution. Well, as is the case with much of Marxist theory, things didnt go too well. When war broke out in 1914, instead of starting a revolution, the proletariat put on their uniforms and went off to war. After the war ended, Marxist theorists were left to ask, What went wrong? Two very prominent Marxists thinkers of the day were Antonio Gramsci and Georg Lukacs. Each man, on his own, concluded that the working class of Europe had been blinded by the success of Western democracy and capitalism. They reasoned that until both had been destroyed, a communist revolution was not possible. Gramsci and Lukacs were both active in the Communist party, but their lives took very different paths. Gramsci was jailed by Mussolini in Italy where he died in 1937 due to poor health. In 1918, Lukacs became minister of culture in Bolshevik Hungary. During this time, Lukacs realized that if the family unit and sexual morals were eroded, society could be broken down. Lukacs implemented a policy he titled cultural terrorism, which focused on these two objectives. A major part of the policy was to target childrens minds through lectures that encouraged them to deride and reject Christian ethics. In these lectures, graphic sexual matter was presented to children, and they were taught about loose sexual conduct. Here again, a Marxist theory had failed to take hold in the real world. The people were outraged at Lukacs program, and he fled Hungary when Romania invaded in 1919. The Birth of Cultural Marxism All was quiet on the Marxist front until 1923 when the cultural terrorist turned up for a Marxist study week in Frankfurt, Germany. There, Lukacs met a young, wealthy Marxist named Felix Weil. Until Lukacs showed up, classical Marxist theory was based solely on the economic changes needed to overthrow class conflict. Weil was enthused by Lukacs cultural angle on Marxism. Weils interest led him to fund a new Marxist think tankthe Institute for Social Research. It would later come to be known as simply The Frankfurt School. In 1930, the school changed course under new director Max Horkheimer. The team began mixing the ideas of Sigmund Freud with those of Marx, and cultural Marxism was born. In classical Marxism, the workers of the world were oppressed by the ruling classes. The new theory was that everyone in society was psychologically oppressed by the institutions of Western culture. The school concluded that this new focus would need new vanguards to spur the change. The workers were not able to rise up on their own. As fate would have it, the National Socialists came to power in Germany in 1933. It was a bad time and place to be a Jewish Marxist, as most of the schools faculty was. So, the school moved to New York City, the bastion of Western culture at the time. Coming to America In 1934, the school was reborn at Columbia University. Its members began to exert their ideas on American culture. It was at Columbia University that the school honed the tool it would use to destroy Western culture: the printed word. The school published a lot of popular material. The first of these was Critical Theory. Critical Theory is a play on semantics. The theory was simple: criticize every pillar of Western culturefamily, democracy, common law, freedom of speech, and others. The hope was that these pillars would crumble under the pressure. Next was a book Theodor Adorno co-authored, The Authoritarian Personality. It redefined traditional American views on gender roles and sexual mores as prejudice. Adorno compared them to the traditions that led to the rise of fascism in Europe. Is it just a coincidence that the go-to slur for the politically correct today is fascist? The school pushed its shift away from economics and toward Freud by publishing works on psychological repression. Their works split society into two main groups: the oppressors and the victims. They argued that history and reality were shaped by those groups who controlled traditional institutions. At the time, that was code for males of European descent. From there, they argued that the social roles of men and women were due to gender differences defined by the oppressors. In other words, gender did not exist in reality but was merely a social construct. A Coalition of Victims Adorno and Horkheimer returned to Germany when WWII ended. Herbert Marcuse, another member of the school, stayed in America. In 1955, he published Eros and Civilization. In the book, Marcuse argued that Western culture was inherently repressive because it gave up happiness for social progress. The book called for polymorphous perversity, a concept crafted by Freud. It posed the idea of sexual pleasure outside the traditional norms. Eros and Civilization would become very influential in shaping the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Marcuse would be the one to answer Horkheimers question from the 1930s: Who would replace the working class as the new vanguards of the Marxist revolution? Marcuse believed that it would be a victim coalition of minoritiesblacks, women, and homosexuals. The social movements of the 1960sblack power, feminism, gay rights, sexual liberationgave Marcuse a unique vehicle to release cultural Marxist ideas into the mainstream. Railing against all things establishment, The Frankfurt Schools ideals caught on like wildfire across American universities. Marcuse then published Repressive Tolerance in 1965 as the various social movements in America were in full swing. In it, he argued that tolerance of all values and ideas meant the repression of correct ideas. It was here that Marcuse coined the term liberating tolerance. It called for tolerance of any ideas coming from the left but intolerance of those from the right. One of the overarching themes of the Frankfurt School was total intolerance for any viewpoint but its own. That is also a basic trait of todays political-correctness believers. To quote Max Horkheimer, Logic is not independent of content. Recalling the Words of Winston (Not That One) The Frankfurt Schools work has had a deep impact on American culture. It has recast the homogenous America of the 1950s into todays divided, animosity-filled nation. In turn, this has contributed to the undeniable breakdown of the family unit, as well as identity politics, radical feminism, and racial polarization in America. Its hard to decide if todays culture is more like Orwells 1984 or Huxleys Brave New World. Never one to buck a populist trend, the political establishment in America has fully embraced the ideas of the Frankfurt School and has pushed them on American society through public miseducation. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the beacons of progressivism, are both disciples of Saul Alinsky, a devoted cultural Marxist. And so we now live in a hyper-sensitive society in which social memes and feelings have overtaken biological and objective reality as the main determinants of right and wrong. Political correctness is a war on logic and reason. To quote Winston, the protagonist in Orwells dystopia, Freedom is the freedom to say that 2+2=4. Today, America is not free. Here Come the Clowns Canadian lawmakers vote to make the national anthem gender neutral. Because after all, folks, budget deficits are too much work, and well, its 2016. http://go.ggcpublishing.com/e/129401/ational-anthem-gender-neutral-/vb86p/122085564 Segregation is back! At this school, white children are taught about their privilege while black children are coddled and brought to dedicated spaces to voice their feelings. Thank God for their diversity director. http://go.ggcpublishing.com/e/129401/d-whites-shamed-over-privilege/vb86r/122085564 Thanks to reader David G. for sending this one in. Even 22 years after the end of apartheid, there is still racist architecture in Cape Town. http://go.ggcpublishing.com/e/129401/aphy-unequal-scenes-index-html/vb86t/122085564 Ever wish you were a child again? Well, now it is possible. Just attend adult playschool in NYC! Prices range from $333$999 per class. A bargain! http://go.ggcpublishing.com/e/129401/lt-preschool-story-id-29701836/vb86w/122085564 David Galland Managing Editor, The Passing Parade http://www.garretgalland.com Garret/Galland Research provides private investors and financial service professionals with original research on compelling investments uncovered by our team. Sign up for one or both of our free weekly e-letters. The Passing Parade offers fast-paced, entertaining, and always interesting observations on the global economy, markets, and more. Sign up now its free! 2016 David Galland - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. July 25, 1927 June 6, 2016 Diane Van Syoc was born in Ontario, Oregon, on July 25, 1927. At 1 year old her family moved to Beverly Hills, California, and then to Burbank, California, where she graduated from Burbank High School. After high School she went to Indianola, Iowa, and attended Simpson College where she met the love of her life, Ralph Van Van Syoc. They were married Aug. 9, 1947, in Burbank, California, where they made their home. In 1963, they settled in Corvallis with their daughters, Cheryl and Dawn. Diane enjoyed camping, crabbing, clamming, cooking, bridge, PEO and spending time with her family and friends. Diane was the founding member of PEO chapter DQ in Corvallis. She was preceded in her death by her husband, Van. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Fox (Jim) and Dawn Parr (Brad); grandchildren Paul Fox (Dana), Elizabeth Fox and Whitney Parr; and her brand new great-granddaughter, Harper Fox. Diane passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. At her request no service was held. Donations in Dianes behalf can be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Thousands of workers are expected to gather in Richmond on Friday and Saturday to push for a $15 per hour minimum wage a measure opponents say could backfire and force companies to eliminate jobs and hire fewer lower-skilled people. The first national Fight for $15 Convention is expected to draw 3,000 people each day to the Greater Richmond Convention Center. About 10,000 people are slated to attend a march down Monument Avenue and a rally at Gen. Robert E. Lee memorial statue, organizers said. We chose Richmond because its the onetime capital of the Confederacy, and we want to draw links between the way workers are treated today and the racist history of the United States, said Kendall Fells, national organizer for Fight for $15, an initiative backed by the Service Employees International Union, a labor union with 2 million members. Today, if you look across the country, we are really still fighting against the legacy of slavery and racism in a lot of ways. For example, wages for black and Latino working families are lower due to discrimination in hiring, underfunded schools, a biased criminal justice system, Fells said. The Saturday march is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. at Monroe Park near Virginia Commonwealth Universitys academic campus and continue for approximately 1 mile to the Lee statue on Monument Avenue, where a keynote address will be given by the Rev. William Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP. Barbers speech at the recent Democratic National Convention touched on many of the social justice issues embodied in the Fight for $15 movement. Across the country, minimum wage amounts vary and raising the minimum wage is controversial. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. States can raise that figure but cannot go below it. In states without a minimum wage law or with a stated lower minimum wage, the federal rate applies. Minimum wage has been an issue in the presidential election. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said the minimum wage has to go up but he has not been clear on whether he was referring to the federal rate. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has supported a $12 minimum wage and has backed the Fight for $15 initiative. Legislation introduced in Virginia General Assembly sessions in recent years to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour have failed. But a few states and localities have passed measures to gradually raise their minimum wage to $15. California has a $10 per hour minimum wage that is to increase incrementally to $15 by January 2022. The District of Columbias $10.50 minimum wage will gradually increase to $15 by July 2020. New York States minimum will increase from $9 to $15 effective December 2018. I think I can say on behalf of our small business members we certainly understand the intention and certainly understand the struggles that folks have in wanting to see their wages raised, said Nicole Riley, Virginia state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. Where our members disagree is with some type of mandate from the state or federal government that would essentially double the minimum wage. For small business owners, this type of mandate disproportionately affects them. They dont have as much of a profit margin to absorb the cost of labor increases, she said. Riley foresees companies forced to choose between cutting hours and cutting jobs if they are mandated to pay higher wages. What we have seen before, particularly, is that this can really affect those who are young and who have very little skills or not that much experience. That is kind of what the minimum wage was always intended to do to help those new and entering the workforce, Riley said. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce also opposes a $15 minimum wage. The chamber has opposed polices that make it more difficult to hire new employees and create jobs in Virginia, said Paul Logan, Virginia Chamber of Commerces spokesman. What we have seen in other parts of the country that have implemented similar policies is that employers are forced to cut hours, hire fewer people and increasingly turn to automation for a lot of those jobs, Logan said. Logan pointed to a 2014 Congressional Budget Office report that estimated raising the minimum wage to $9 and $10.10 per hour would reduce employment by 100,000 and 500,000 workers, respectively. The chamber has supported workforce training programs and early childhood education initiatives that would put people on the path to higher-paying jobs, he said. The CBO report also noted that raising the minimum wage would mean millions more workers would earn more, and as a result spend more, increasing the demand for goods and services. The Fight for $15 movement grew from efforts of fast food restaurant workers in New York City in 2012 to get better pay and respect, Fells said. I remember when the workers were organizing themselves to go on strike, he said. They were career fast food workers. Some had not received a raise in five, 10 years. They were getting burned up and down their arms. They were getting no respect. Fells said many big companies have responded to the initiative and raised wages. In addition, the movement has expanded to include low-paid workers in other job sectors. We are really proud that in Richmond the movement is growing to include retail workers from grocery stores and nail salon workers, said Mary Kay Henry, president of Service Employees International Union. Richmond has been a first in many things. We see Richmond as birthing the next moment of the movement, which is going to link the fights of racial justice and economic justice and expand to include more workers from other parts of the economy, she said. MARTINSVILLE Officials with the local chamber of commerce are trying to determine why a job fair that the organization sponsored on June 14 at Martinsville Speedway attracted a lot fewer people than expected. We were a little disappointed with the turnout of only several hundred people, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Witt told the organizations board on Thursday. Past community job fairs sponsored by the chamber have attracted roughly 800 to 1,000 people, Witt said. Perhaps the chamber did not advertise the June 14 event enough, she speculated. About 50 area employers participated in the event, and they had more than 1,000 vacant jobs to fill, Witt said. Even if the crowd had been as large as normal, essentially there was a job for every single person who wanted one, she said. Except for the low attendance, the job fair went well. Witt noted that employers filled many of their vacancies. Based on feedback from participating businesses, the (overall) quality of folks who came out this time was much higher than at previous fairs, said chamber Business Services Manager Robbie Knight. Witt said the location the speedways pit area had a lot of room in which to move around, and the weather on the day of the fair was great. In another matter, the board learned that the chamber will launch its 2016 Leadership Development Program on Sept. 13 at the speedway. The nine-week program aims to help area residents learn about community needs and leadership opportunities, as well as to become empowered to assume positions of leadership in the community and their professions. The future of our community is closely tied to the quality and commitment of our next generation of leaders, the individuals who are needed to serve on boards and commissions, in community groups or elected positions, or simply to excel in the workplace, she said. Last years program had 39 graduates, Witt said, noting that was many more than the average of about 25 per year. The fee is $250 for chamber members and $350 for nonmembers. Applications probably will be accepted until the day that the program starts, Witt said. For more information about the program, call Witt at 632-6401 or Kerry Walker of Berry-Elliott Realtors, a graduate of the program and its chairperson this year, at 656-1111. Victor Correa, the chamber boards vice chairman of membership services who works for CenturyLink and is on the Martinsville School Board, said he learned a lot about the community when he participated in the program after moving to the area about six years ago. March 30, 1937 Aug. 7, 2016 It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Leo Edward Gregory, age 79, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016. Leo is survived by his wife Brenda Gregory; children Kim Hanson, Edward Gregory, David Gregory and Angela Smith; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Leo was born on March 30, 1937, in Redlands, California, and raised in Sweet Home, where he graduated Sweet Home High School in 1957. Leo joined the Army in 1960 until 1962 and worked in the Mill Plywood Industry most of his life. Leo had great passion for his family and enjoyed camping and fishing. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. A viewing will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Fisher Funeral Home. At his request no service will be held. The family is accepting donations for funeral expenses. Online condolences for the family may be posted at www.fisherfuneralhome.com. BASSETT Forget Ancestry.com. Genealogy guru Pat Ross, the director at the Bassett Historical Center, uses thousands of paper files to uncover a clients past. Scouring 10,000 family files, 3,000 local history files and 1,500 picture files, Ross seldom encounters a story she cant crack. If we can get the parents and we can get the grandparents, we find it a lot easier to go back, Ross said. If people are from this area, it would be easy to find family members. Ross and her team pull information from census records, deeds, marriage records, obituaries and other documents. Looking through the information for the past three and a half decades, Ross noticed a pattern. A lot of the materials we have come from the Old Wagon Road, Ross said. The director discovered that people not only moved with their family members, but also with their neighbors. Wherever they settled, it became something that reminded them of home, Ross said. For example, people from Henry County, Virginia, could have settled in Henry County, Georgia. While the genealogical side of the museum fascinates Ross, one family heirloom expanded her interests. The piece that intrigues me the most is the basket, Ross said. Hans Jacob Koger, born in Baden, Germany, on July 24, 1710, sailed from England to America in the summer of 1728. Koger brought the basket with him and the family passed it down through the generations. Mrs. Ruth Fair Morris donated the basket to the Bassett Historical Center. Its the one that made me think, we need to accept donations from people with family information to go with it, Ross said. Morris donated 50 years worth of family history along with the basket. Its much easier for us to do research today, Ross said. And you think about the ladies who wrote their books in the 1920s. They couldnt get in the car and drive fifteen minutes to the courthouse. It was much harder to do it in those days. Morris donation sparked a fire in Ross, who started seeking out similar pieces. Now, the Bassett Historical Center is full of both genealogical records and local artifacts. People walking by, they think its a cold building filled with books, but thats not it, Ross said. Fran Snead, an employee at the historical center, could not select a single favorite artifact. I dont have a favorite because I probably havent seen everything in here. Theyre all unique and theyre all different, Snead said. The museum houses vintage and antique clothing that people in the area once donned. You see what they wore in the past. Its an actual piece of clothing. You dont have to look at it in a book or a magazine, Ross said. We have uniforms that local people wore, Snead said. Manikins wear uniforms in the War Room, a section with various artifacts and information about wartimes in America. Weve been told we have the third best Civil War collection in Virginia, Fran said. We also have a nice Revolutionary War collection. The Civil War collection includes bullets, canteens, a gavel made out of a tree General Robert E. Lee sat under and Confederate prisoner of war artifacts. The center also houses a copper still that curators believe is over 100 years old, along with Virginia government pieces. The Bassett Historical Center also displays Native American clothing, artifacts, and arrowheads. Its just like a house. You use the room you have and you fill it up really quickly, Snead said. The center also owns a mourning wreath with flowers made from real human hair. Its really heavily weighted with local history, Snead said. With so many items, Snead said she could not name them all. Free of charge to the public, Ross invited community members to see the pieces in person. Henry County abounds with so much history. Its important that we save it, Ross said. MARTINSVILLE The president of the local chamber of commerce has earned a major credential within her profession. Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Witt recently completed the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and now is entitled to use the letters IOM after her name. In a news release, Raymond P. Towle, the U.S. Chambers vice president who oversees the IOM, said graduates of the institute are recognized nationwide as leaders within their profession. These individuals have the knowledge, skills and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries, Towles said. The IOM bills itself as the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. Witt told the Martinsville-Henry County chambers board on Thursday that her new certification complements the chambers designation by the U.S. Chamber as a five-star chamber, the highest ranking that a chamber can receive through the national organization. In another matter, the chamber board dropped seven businesses from the organizations membership rolls but added five. The dropped members are Apex Transportation, Canteen, Dales Cafe, Stepping Stones, Tasty Creme Donuts, The Harvester Performance Center and Willow Oaks Plantation. Officials did not discuss the circumstances as to why the businesses no longer are members. The new members are Butchers & Brew, GS Industries, Insight Counseling, The Jewelers Edge and Therapeutic Intervention Services. As of Thursday, the chamber had 630 members. Chamber officials encouraged area businesses and residents to seek out, and take advantage of, services provided by the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The WIB oversees the areas Virginia Workforce Centers and provides training programs and other services for employers, job-seekers and young people. Its main funding source is the U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration, according to its website. Witt said companies of all sizes can benefit from WIB services, but smaller firms likely will benefit most. And, any training (that a person receives) gives you a competitive edge in the workforce, Witt said. The quality of the workforce is a factor that everyone (all businesses) focuses on now, said John Parkinson, chief executive officer of Drake Extrusion and the chamber boards vice president for economic development. The board learned that Dick Ephgrave, director of the Longwood Small Business Development Center office in Martinsville, has retired. Ephgraves office was in the chambers building on Broad Street uptown. Witt said she understands that a regional person from Longwood University will be providing assistance to small businesses in the area that request the help Hopefully, theyll keep the program up (and running) as best as they can locally, she said. Where should our money go? Thats a conversation that could last for hours, even days depending on whos doing the talking. I think we can all agree on the basics, as in paying for good schools, improved infrastructure and other needs. But what happens when you dont have enough money to cover those costs? Where do you find it? Or more importantly, what do you sacrifice, to get more? The argument got brought up again this week, as the Martinsville City Council signed a resolution endorsing the Lottery for Localities proposal that the General Assembly will look at next year. The idea is pretty simple. Some cities and counties are asking that 5 percent of the lottery revenue be given back to the localities where the tickets were purchased. In the last fiscal year, the lottery brought $1.844 billion to Virginia. Breaking that down, 5 percent means that cities and counties would split $92.2 million. Except its not that easy. It never is. There's a lot of space between requesting the money and actually getting it, to say nothing of the issues in the way. One problem is actually determining who gets what. These sales are tracked by zip codes and Martinsvilles zip code stretches into Henry County. The same goes for Danville and parts of Pittsylvania County. Its a problem spread throughout the commonwealth. How would we determine the amount each locality would pull in as a result of this 5 percent? It seems like the state would either have to hire people to determine that or divert workers from their regular jobs, in order to get an answer. Then you get into boundary issues. You think cities and counties fight now? Try putting a few million dollars on the table. If the lottery change passes, it's pretty safe to assume a few legal challenges will follow. We have to figure out how much we're willing to spend, what it's worth to get some of that lottery money coming in. Then we come to the money itself. Right now, it's supposed to be used for education funding. Weve all seen the ads promising that more than $5 billion made it to the schools, thanks to the lottery. Well, thats technically true, but with a tiny bit of fuzzy math. You see, it was originally promised as extra money for the districts, ways to help even the rural schools have the money to renovate, pay for new technology and so on. But then the recession hit. Suddenly, General Assembly members had the idea of using the lottery funds to fill the newly created holes in education. So while the money did trickle down to the districts, it wasnt the extra as promised. Thats something to consider before asking for a portion of the money to be reallocated. These arent extra dollars. Its money spent in a number of ways by the school districts, built into the budget. If you take 5 percent of that money, it does mean there will be less on the education side. It's simple. If you take 5 percent of something, then there's less to divide up from what's left. During the 2014-15 fiscal year, Martinsville schools received $2.431 million from the lottery and Henry County got $6.923 million. Those arent exactly small numbers and it's money both districts need. If the 5 percent gets approved, then how much will the districts be hit? It's another question we need answered. Now yes, the city council came out in support of the Lottery for Localities push with one caveat. They want to make sure no money gets pulled away from the school districts. But thats the problem once you ask for things to be changed. Theres no guarantee the money stays the same or even close. There's no promise the General Assembly even keeps the same allocation system in place. Once you ask the state government to change something, your control of the situation goes away. That's not to say there isn't some money that could be sent over to the cities and counties. In addition to education, the lottery dollars are used for administrative costs. After all, the operation isnt going to run itself. That includes paying for the salaries of 271 employees the Virginia Lottery employs, as well as equipment and other costs adding up to $18.07 million, including $161,917 for Executive Director Paula Otto. Looking through the rest of the salaries, more than 22 employees make at least $100,000, including $126,284 for the director of marketing and $134,126 for the director of sales. Its hard to believe running a lottery is so tough you need both of those spots, along with two marketing managers, at a salary of $110,000 each. Now even if you took the entire $18 million, it wouldnt be anywhere near 5 percent. But there are some places to cut, some salaries to trim, in order to keep the education funding from being impacted too much. Its also worth pointing out that Martinsville could use the money. This is a city with a long list of needs and not enough money to take care of them. At some point, its only smart to look for other revenue sources. But that leads to another question. How would the money be spent if the city gets it? Do you use it to replace existing taxes? If so, doesn't that just leave things the way they are now? Do you use it to do some one time projects? Where would it generate the most benefit? These arent simple questions, able to be addressed with a quick soundbite. But before we start altering where lottery money goes, we need answers. June 21, 1931 July 31, 2016 Dr. Richard A. Ohvall had a long and distinguished career in pharmacy academia. A native of Superior, Wisconsin, he worked in a neighborhood pharmacy while in high school, then graduated from pharmacy school with his bachelors degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1953. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration at the UW School of Business and his Ph.D. in pharmacy administration, also at UW, in 1960. Before his graduate studies, he enlisted in the Army Medical Service Corps where he served as a hospital pharmacist in a U.S. Air Force hospital in Germany. He joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 1961, but returned to his alma mater in 1964, as an assistant professor and eventually the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the School of Pharmacy. In 1971, he was named Dean of Pharmacy at Ferris State University where he stayed until becoming Dean of Pharmacy at Oregon State University in 1976. He retired from that position in 1998, having served 27 years as a pharmacy school dean, the longest tenure of any of the current pharmacy deans at the time of his retirement. Dr. Ohvall's leadership and influence extended beyond the college level to the national level where he served as the National President of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for the 1992 academic year. He also was the National President of Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honorary Society in 1989. He was honored by his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, by receiving a Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in 1993 and an Honorary Citation Award in 1999. During his academic career, he was involved in numerous studies involving the growing enrollment of women pharmacists and their positive influence on pharmacy practice. Nationally recognized and respected for his contributions to pharmacy education, he leaves behind many former students and colleagues who owe their success in pharmacy to his mentorship and support. By urging his students to "never let a lack of knowledge stand in your way," he led others to achieve things they initially didn't think possible. UNCASVILLE, CT - The legendary classic rock band Boston brought their highly anticipated 40th Anniversary tour to the main stage at Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, August 11th. One thing was most certainly clear from the start of the show to the finish, the 40 years that they have had together have not taken a toll on the band's massive sound, and, much like a fine wine the music has only gotten better with age. Belting out classic hits like "Rock & Roll Band", "Smokin", "Peace of Mind", "More Than a Feeling" and many more with the same energy, crisp guitar riffs, powerful vocals and driving rhythms, which left nothing to be desired by anyone in the arena. They were supported by Dennis DeYoung, original frontman for the classic rock band Styx, who performed a medley of Styx hits. DeYoung returns to Mohegan Sun to play the Wolfs Den later this year. This stop in Uncasville begins the "Finale" of their immensely successful 40th Anniversary tour, which began back on April 29th in Florida, and has carried them across the US. They continue on to play the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on Friday night before returning to where it started 40 years ago, Boston, for two nights back to back at the Wang Theater on Saturday and Sunday to close out the tour; the first of which quickly sold out. Check out photos from the show above and for more information about Boston, or Dennis DeYoung visit their official websites. SPRINGFIELD There's nothing quite like mom's cooking whether she's making a dinnertime favorite, a bowl of soup to cure a cold or a birthday cake. Melvin Lockett loves his mother's cooking and felt it was time other people got to try it. Lockett, along with his mother, Stephanie Buggs, both of Springfield, opened Khi & Eli's Food for the Soul in the summer of 2014 on lower Sumner Avenue in Springfield, but just recently moved to a larger location at 882 Sumner Ave. in the city's Forest Park neighborhood. Buggs describes the food as southern cuisine just like she learned from her mother, Barbara Buggs, her grandmother, Ruby Henderson, and her uncle, Michael Buggs. "I've been cooking half my life. I actually started cooking after school at my uncle's grinder shop on State Street called Grinders R Us," she said. "That's where I learned to make sandwiches, and we also served chicken and other dishes I still make now. I definitely learned a lot there." Everything else she learned from her grandmother, who was raised in Georgia, and her mother. "I started out just cooking for my family and on holidays, but this is always something I wanted to do," she said of working in a restaurant. Lockett does not know much about cooking, but he does know about business, having run a tattoo shop in Springfield for many years. Always in the back of his mind was the hope that one day he could open a restaurant for his mother. "She always really wanted to open a restaurant. She has a passion for cooking, so it was mostly for her," he said. The restaurant is named after Lockett's two sons, Malachi Lockett Jones, 7, and Elijah Lockett, 3. They are too young to help out at the restaurant, but he hopes the business will still be going strong once they are old enough to participate. While the original location was small and had no parking, the new location has plenty of seating and parking. The menu features everything from ribs to fried chicken, fried catfish and southern staples like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pies, banana bread pudding and corn bread. "We sell a lot of corn bread," Lockett said. They also make sandwiches as well as Jamaican dishes on weekends including curry and jerk chicken. Buggs currently has several assistants, but does most of the cooking herself. "It's hard for me to have other people do it because these are my mother and grandmother's recipes and I want every dish to taste the same every time," she said. "It's definitely a lot of work and a lot of hours, but I like doing it so it doesn't feel like work." Lockett said while it is difficult running a family-owned business, especially the first few years, he hopes to continue to grow. "The response has been phenomenal. We have gotten a lot of support from the community and a lot of repeat business," he said. "Now we just want to get the word out that we are here and we have great food." Lockett also said it was important to him and his mother to open the restaurant in their city. "I think it's very important to be able to offer great food in the place where we live so that we don't have to go to other communities for a good meal. I love that we are making wonderful food right here in Springfield and in this neighborhood which doesn't have another soul food restaurant," he said. As business continues to grow, Lockett hopes to incorporate some live music and add even more seating. "We plan on being here for the next hundred years and becoming a staple in the city," he said. "I want us to be the place that people recommend to their friends and family when they come out of town as the best soul food restaurant in the city." Khi and Eli's is is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays 1 p.m.- 9 p.m. and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.To check out the menu, directions and more info about the restaurant, visit Khi and Eli's on Facebook. 403 Forbidden 403 Forbidden Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied RequestId: 7A68E207136C4EA2 HostId: ennoZTRjT7jyLhKeGl5/c9775koBD9kZW9gvzqXO5bda5zfM9VKYDaP6T2aKEL/fD0iAO6hWQGg= An Error Occurred While Attempting to Retrieve a Custom Error Document Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied Each week, MassLive showcases pets available for adoption at shelters at rescue organizations in Western Massachusetts. With the participation of the shelters listed below, many animals should be able to find a permanent home. We also provide some pet-related news items that we hope you will enjoy. Foundation for Thomas J. O'Connor Animals Hosts 8th Annual "Ride Like An Animal" Motorcycle Ride and Classic Car Show The Republican Newsroom File photo: 8/17/13 Springfield - Staff photo by Michael Beswick - A participant and his riding companion at the 5th Annual Ride Like An Animal to benefit the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center Foundation. As many as 200 bikes make the 65 mile run for the cause. SPRINGFIELD The Foundation for TJO Animals will host the 8th Annual "Ride Like an Animal" Motorcycle Ride and Poker Run to benefit the animals at the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. All proceeds from this event will provide much needed medical care and training to the many animals that call the adoption center their temporary home. The event will be held this Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration opens at 8 a.m., kick stands up at 10:15 a.m. with the ride leaving at 10:30 a.m. Riders will leave from Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St. in Springfield. "Ride Like an Animal" (RLAA) pre-registration festivities including Pat Kelly from Lazer 99.3 and special guest Jonathan Hall and Toto the Tornado Kitten. An expected 300 bikes will leave the shelter at 10:30 a.m. for a scenic ride through Western Mass that ends at the Polish American Club, located at 139 Southwick St, in Feeding Hills. RLAA riders and guests will enjoy a post ride party featuring food, live music by Tough Customer, raffles and new this year, a classic car show,. Registration is $25 per adult rider and free for children under the age of seven. For those individuals who would like to attend the after party, tickets are available for $15 per person. For more information, please contact the Foundation for TJO Animals at 413-306-5161 or email info@tjofoundation.org. src="http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js" id="_nw2e-js"> One-Day Event Features 50% Off Adoption Fees for Small Animals The Republican Newsroom SPRINGFIELD - Adoption fees for small animals (non-cats and non-dogs) at Dakin Humane Society will be reduced by 50 percent on Saturday, Aug. 13 at its Springfield and Leverett Adoption Centers. "Super Small Saturday" will take place from 12:30-5:30 p.m. in Springfield and 12:30-4:30 p.m. in Leverett. Based on availability, small animals ready to be adopted include rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils and birds. Dakin's animal care specialists will be on hand to help people choose which pet might be best for them. People interested in viewing available pets at Dakin Humane Society at any time may visit https://www.dakinhumane.org/adopt-a-pet.html#!/ for an up-to-the-minute listing of adoptable animals in both Springfield and Leverett. WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS SHELTERS: Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society Address: 163 Montague Road, Leverett Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Telephone: (413) 548-9898 Website: www.dpvhs.org Address: 171 Union St., Springfield Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Telephone: (413) 781-4000 Website: www.dpvhs.org Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center Address: 627 Cottage St., Springfield Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Thursday, noon-7 p.m. Telephone: (413) 781-1484 Website: tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com Westfield Homeless Cat Project Address: 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield Hours: Adoption clinics, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Website: http://www.whcp.petfinder.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfieldhomelesscatprojectadoptions Westfield Regional Animal Shelter Address: 178 Apremont Way, Westfield Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Telephone: (413) 564-3129 Website: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ma70.html Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter and Adoption Center Address: 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Telephone: (413) 676-9182 Website: http://fcrdogkennel.org/contact.html Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility Address: 11 Depot St., Southwick Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Telephone: (413) 569-5348, ext. 649 Website: http://southwickpolice.com/chief-david-a-ricardis-welcome/animal-control/ Berkshire Humane Society Address: 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Telephone: (413) 447-7878 Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/ Purradise Feline Adoption Address: 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington Hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Friday,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Telephone: (413) 717-4244 Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/contact-us/ Greyhound Options, Inc. Address: 43 Sygiel Rd., Ware, MA. 01082 Telephone: 413-967-9088 Website: greyhoundadoptions.org BOSTON - Batman was apparently once a money-losing character for DC Comics. That may be hard to believe, given the worldwide popularity of the character, but in the 1980s the character had yet to emerge as a commercial blockbuster for the comics and movie industries. That's according to Frank Miller, who wrote and drew "The Dark Knight Returns," a 1986 series that re-invented Batman and became a touchstone to countless comic creators. Appearing at the Boston Comic Con, Miller offered some advice to aspiring comic book creators. The convention runs through Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Seaport World Trade Center. "Look for a loser," Miller said while on a panel with Brian Azzarello, who co-wrote with Miller a sequel to "The Dark Knight Returns" called "The Master Race." "Don't try to pick up X-Men," Miller added. "Try to find a book that nobody's reading." In the 1980s, DC Comics was wide open to new ideas about how to approach Batman, Miller said. Miller said he started with the character's roots, including the influence of a wealthy landowner in Spanish California who wore a black mask and had a secret cave. "Zorro, things like that and Bruce Wayne's torment with his parents' murder, and building it from the ground up as if there'd never been a Batman comic," he said. Miller said he was able to get into the comics field because he could draw. "It's a much harder field for writers," he added. "It's next to impossible now," said Azzarello, whose first piece of paid work from DC Comics was "Weird War Tales." Many break into comics writing by becoming editors, Miller said. Miller said he was kept afloat in the industry through a studio run by fellow comics artist Neal Adams. Comic book artists would pick up day work in advertising - "junk work" according to Miller - so they could pay their bills. "By coloring fish-sticks I was able to make enough to survive," Miller said. During audience questions, one person asked Miller his opinion on the "Batman v. Superman" movie released earlier this year. The audience member noted that the movie was based on "Dark Knight Returns." "You think so?" Miller asked. The audience member pressed him for his opinion. "I liked Wonder Woman," Miller said and left it at that. JetBlue_Airbus_A320-232_N566JB_(4392304042).jpg (Wikimedia) A JetBlue flight from Boston made an emergency landing Thursday evening after two dozen onboard were injured following severe turbulence. Flight 429 was heading from Boston to Sacramento before forced to land in Rapid City, South Dakota. "People were floating," said passenger Rhonda Lynam of Pebble Beach, California, told ABC News. "People were being tossed around like rag dolls. Everybody was crying and screaming. The plane was like a disaster." Of the two dozen people injured on board, 22 were customers, two crew members. "JetBlue care team members are being sent to assist injured customers," Katherine McMillan, a spokesperson for JetBlue Airlines, said in a statement. They were all treated from minor injuries then released. A replacement aircraft flew to Rapid City to transport passengers to Sacramento. The plane, an Airbus320, can accommodate between 150 and 189 passengers. Photos taken by passengers onboard and shared on social media show a full flight. WEST SPRINGFIELD Conor McCormick, the West Springfield High School student who was injured in a swimming accident last month, has been transferred to a Georgia hospital renowned for treating people with spinal injuries. McCormick, 16, was paralyzed after suffering a severe spinal cord injury while swimming at a friend's pool on July 17. Since the accident, he has spent time at Springfield's Baystate Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital, where he underwent various surgical procedures, including a tracheotomy and insertion of a feeding tube through his abdominal wall into his stomach. Earlier this week, McCormick was flown to Atlanta to receive treatment at the Shepherd Center, a hospital specializing in brain and spinal cord injuries. "He wants to let you all know he's in great spirits and full of high hopes!" his family posted on Team Conor: Road To Recovery, a Facebook page that provides regular updates on his condition. McCormick also received a visit from James Shepherd, the person for whom the Atlanta hospital is named. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts continue, including a GoFundMe page and two upcoming events to benefit the teen, who's facing a long and expensive road to recovery. By Thursday evening, more than $43,000 had been raised for McCormick, according to the GoFundMe site. April 15, 1919 Aug. 10, 2016 Ruth Elizabeth Kropf, 97, formerly of Harrisburg, died Aug. 10, 2016, at Albany Mennonite Village in Albany. She was born April 15, 1919, to Oscar and Viola (Hostetler) Stewart at Harrisburg. The eldest of seven children, Ruth from an early age often served as interpreter for her deaf parents. Ruth married Lloyd Kropf on Dec. 31, 1939, at Harrisburg carrying out the many responsibilities of a farmers wife and mother. From 1952-58, Ruth and Lloyd served at the Sacramento Rock of Ages Rescue Mission in California before returning to the farm and pastorate at Brownsville Mennonite Church. She was known for her hospitality and willingness to lend a helping hand to others. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd (Oct. 3, 1993); twin sons Donald and Ronald (1941); parents; and siblings Elwyn Stewart, Melvin Stewart, Pauline Scheffel, Lafe Stewart and Mildred Kropf. Surviving are six children, Lela Fern (Delbert) Snyder of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mabel (Ken) Snyder of Salem, Carol (Wallace, deceased) Graves of Sweet Home, LeRoy (Anita) Kropf of Harrisburg, Linda (Marvin) Strubhar of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Lowell (Jeanette) Kropf of Harrisburg. Ruth is also survived by one brother, Danny Stewart of Albany; three sisters-in-law, 24 grandchildren and 47 (including two foster) great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Fisher Funeral Home in Albany. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Brownsville Mennonite Church, with burial following at the Alford Cemetery in Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Brownsville Mennonite Church or Gospel Echoes NW. Online condolences for the family may be posted at www.fisherfuneralhome.com. The experiences of one Virginia county demonstrate how the technology can improve decision-making and help guide smart growth. GIS has proven to be a comprehensive tool for managing the countys growth. by Lawrence Stipek Full Story: http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-loudoun-county-virginia-gis-improve-decision-making.html On July 13th and 14th, Governor Steve Bullock hosted over 450 enthusiastic attendees to the second Main Street Montana Project Peer- to-Peer Symposium in Billings. The Innovate Montana Symposium focused on highlighting change and innovation in Montanas small business climate. Here is a summary video with many of the speakers and attendees: https://vimeo.com/178135101 (password is innovate ) This symposium connected Montana business owners and entrepreneurs through dynamic group conversations and networking opportunities. Community leaders shared ideas about successfully engaging their communities, growing the next generation of business and community leaders to revitalize Montanas main streets. And subject experts offered the latest in tools and financing to support business growth and foster Montanas entrepreneurial environment. Excellent Video by the Governors Office of Economic Development: https://vimeo.com/178135101 (password is innovate ) You should plan on attending next year but in the meantime, you should plan on attending the next conferences: Main Street Montana Market Montana Symposium, 9/11-12, Missoula http://www.matr.net/events.phtml?showdetail=6075 Beyond The Classroom: Building Montanas 21st Century Workforce Symposium, 9/20-21, Butte, Montana http://www.matr.net/events.phtml?showdetail=6088 In a 4-1 ruling, the commission passed a modified version of a proposed decision by an administrative law judge which says that UNS must wait for the conclusion of a value-of-solar study before it can modify the basic net metering arrangement, impose solar-specific rates or impose demand charges. It also says that any changes cannot be retroactive, a point which was emphasized by Attorney Court Rich, who represented the Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC). "Their commitment to grandfathering is a great thing for the solar industry and for all Arizonans," Rich told PV Magazine. "I think that is a very important outcome." by Stephen Lacey Full Story: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/arizona-solar-advocates-cheer-favorable-net-metering-decision?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=GTMDaily On 29th of September 2022, Mr Kawaguchi Shuichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Dr Renganaden Padayachy , Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development signed and exchanged the notes in Port Louis, concerning Grant Assistance of 550 million yen, approximately 172 million rupees. This is under the framework of the Economic and Social Development Programme for improving the quality of the countrys health service especially for non-communicable diseases. The funds will be used to procure medical equipment and to allow the Government of Mauritius to consolidate its health system. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Sunil Bholah a pris la parole lors de la ceremonie douverture dune atelier de travail organise par lInternational Organization for Standardization en collaboration Mauritius Standards Bureau sur le Leadership and Management Programme le 26 novembre 2019. Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to address you this morning on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the ISO workshop on Leadership and Management Programme organized by the International Organization for Standardization in collaboration with the Mauritius Standards Bureau. On behalf of the Government of Mauritius and in my own name, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the overseas delegates and resource persons who have travelled all the way to attend this workshop. I hope you will be able to spare some of your precious time to visit Mauritius. I also wish to thank the International Organization for Standardization for choosing Mauritius for this workshop. It is indeed a matter of pride and prestige to host this ISO flagship event. This gives Mauritius its rightful place in the fraternity of ISO Members and will evidently further consolidate our relationships as regards international standardization.Ladies and Gentlemen, On 1st January 1995, Mauritius Standards Bureau became a full Member of the International Organization for Standardization. It marked a new beginning for the Bureau as it opened the door for international standardization. This was in consonance with the Government policy to adhere to WTO-driven trade liberalization process and to eliminate and reduce technical barriers to trade through the use of international standards and harmonized standards. This event was a game-changer for the Mauritius Standards Bureau as it kick-started a long and fruitful journey for collaboration, cooperation and partnership between our two institutions. It is worth mentioning that the building at Moka which houses MSB purpose-built laboratories and offices was inaugurated in the presence of the late Secretary-General of ISO Dr Lawrence Eicher and the late President of ISO, Mr E. Mollmann. It would be appropriate here to briefly highlight the collaboration between ISO and MSB during the last two decades. In 2012, the Bureau hosted the ISO Regional Workshop on Stakeholder Engagement and Participation in Standardization which enlisted the participation of Standards Bodies from several African countries. The workshop provided an overview of the importance of international standardization as a key enabler for unlocking world markets, promoting technical progress and ensuring sustainable development. In the same year the Mauritius Standards Bureau conducted a study on the economic benefits of standardization in Mauritius in collaboration with ISO to determine the contribution of standards to the national economy and industrial productivity. The report of the study and similar reports from other countries have been published by ISO in a compendium. Similarly, MSB is in the process of developing the National Standardization Strategy of Mauritius based on a framework established by ISO. As a first step, an intensive consultation has been conducted to assess the needs and demands of our stakeholders. The strategy will map out the standardization activities of the country for the coming five years and will support the socio-economic development of Mauritius. The Mauritius Standards Bureau has also benefitted from an ISO Project Sponsorship Programme to be a Member of the CASCO Working Group 46 for the development of the International Standard ISO/IEC 17029 on General Principles and Requirements for validation and verification bodies. The Acting Director of the Mauritius Standards Bureau attended all the meetings of the Working Group for the full cycle development of that standard. The standard has been recently published. This was a first milestone for Mauritius and its National Standards Body. The Mauritius Standards Bureau was also invited by ISO at the 34th ISO CASCO Plenary Meeting and Workshop this year to share its experience as a Member of ISO Working Group 46 with other National Standards Bodies from developing countries. The Mauritius Standards Bureau has also the privilege to get the support and partnership of ISO within its Action Plan for Developing Countries to define the content of a CASCO toolkit which will provide the technical underpinnings to public policies to facilitate trade and enhance ease of doing business. Ladies and Gentlemen, Overcoming the steep curve of learning is one of the major challenges of National Standards Bodies in developing countries. Without a strong and synergistic partnership with world-class standards bodies and ISO, it would be impossible for standards bodies to scale up their capacities and capabilities. It is useful to recall that out of 164 Standards Bodies affiliated to ISO over 120 are from developing countries. These national standards bodies will not be able to derive benefits from international standardization unless they build their capacity and participate more actively in the development of international standards. Most of these national standards bodies like the Mauritius Standards Bureau are standards takers. They should make the shift and become standards setters. To this end, ISO should enlist the participation of its Members from developing countries in Technical Committees or Working Groups. It is comforting to note that ISO has renewed its commitments for capacity building and inclusive international standardization in its Strategic Plan 2030. The Workshop on Leadership and Management Programme is a step in the right direction as leadership and management are key elements which determine the success of a country and an organization. Ladies and Gentlemen It is often said that the standards and conformity assessment infrastructure of a country is anchored in the social, economic and cultural realities of that country. In this sense the Mauritius Standards Bureau has evolved in response to the economic, industrial and social needs of Mauritius. It has continuously provided the scientific and technical underpinnings to the economic and industrial operators to boost the economic growth, bolster regional and international trade, promote the welfare of the citizen and protect the environment. The Bureau has adopted a horizontal approach to standardization whereby Metrology, Standards Development and Conformity Assessment services are provided under a single roof. This model is adequate and suitable given the limited technical and financial resources available. It is widely acknowledged that Mauritius is today at the cross-road of its development path. The strategies and policies which propelled the nation from a low-income economy to a middle-economy have outlived their purposes and are inadequate for the next phase of its development. A new Economic Model including innovative strategies are required to fuel the economic growth and uplift the standard of living of the citizens. A new development plan has already been elaborated to transform Mauritius into a high-income economy while ensuring inclusive growth and sustainability. My Ministry is in the process of reviewing the National Export Strategy with the main objective of establishing the building blocks and engines of growth of the future. The strategy outlines the roadmap for the development of key sectors having high export potential. The next phase of development will no doubt pivot on the strengthening of the standards and conformity assessment infrastructure as a competitive tool to spur growth and create gateways for trade in the complex world of market access and market acceptance. Ladies and Gentlemen With these remarks, I have now the pleasure to declare the ISO Workshop on Leadership and Management open and wish all the participants fruitful deliberations. Xavier-Luc Duval a pose sa Private Notice Question lors de la seance du parlement du 12 avril 2022 au Dr Renganaden Padayachy, a louverture des travaux. I have to inform you that the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Charles Gaetan Xavier-Luc Duval, GCSK, FCA, MP, has given notice of the following Private Notice Question which he proposes to put to Dr the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, at the sitting to be held today Tuesday 12 April 2022 at 1130 a.m To ask Dr the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Whether, in regard to the ongoing fall in the exchange rate of the Rupee vis a vis the US dollar and the ensuing scarcity of this currency in commercial banks in Mauritius, he will state the measures, if any, Government and the Bank of Mauritius propose to take to reverse same? Monsieur le President,Tout comme mardi dernier, je tiens a remercier le Leader de lopposition pour sa question.Cette question me donne une nouvelle fois lopportunite dapporter un eclairage sur le sens de laction du Gouvernement en faveur de la population et en premier lieu envers les plus demunies. Pour ce faire et dans un premier temps, je donnerai rapidement quelques elements de contexte. Monsieur le President, En effet, il nest un secret pour personne que depuis mars 2020, et suite a lapparition de la pandemie de la Covid-19, un ralentissement notable des activites economiques a ete enregistre. Avec deux confinements et la fermeture de nos frontieres, notre economie a ete mise a rude epreuve. Au global, Maurice a subi deux contractions successives. La premiere de 6,9% pour lannee fiscale 2019-2020 et la seconde 5,4% pour lannee fiscale 2020-2021. Je rajoute a cela que le declenchement du conflit russo-ukrainien a rajoute un halo supplementaire dincertitudes, entraine une poussee inflationniste mondiale et pourrait conduire notre monnaie a se deprecier davantage. A cet egard, je mappuie sur le recent rapport de la Commission Economique Africaine des Nations Unies intitule The impact of the Ukraine Crisis in Africa anticipant : Une depreciation de 10% de la roupie, Un surplus dinflation de 2,2% en Afrique uniquement du au conflit, et Une pression accrue sur les comptes courants de 43 pays africains importateurs denergies et de denrees alimentaires, a linstar de Maurice. Monsieur le President, Jen viens donc a la problematique de lentree de devises dans le contexte des deux dernieres annees que jai a linstant etaye. Le choc a ete particulierement violent pour le secteur du tourisme, celui de lexport et celui des services financiers. Encore une fois les chiffres parlent deux-memes. Dune part, Maurice a ainsi du faire face a une baisse drastique des arrivees touristiques. Cest-a-dire que nous sommes passes dun flux annuel pre-Covid de 1,3 million de touristes pour lannee 2019, a 300 000 touristes en 2020 et 180 000 touristes en 2021. Les consequences en termes dentree de devises ont ete majeures etant donne que sur la periode que je viens de citer, nous avons facilement perdu 2,3 millions de touristes. Sachant que chaque touriste, en periode pre-pandemique, depensait en moyenne 1 200 euros par sejour hors transport, le manque a gagner cumule est considerable. Dautre part, les exportations de biens et services, qui avaient rapporte lequivalent de 191,9 milliards de roupies en devises etrangeres en 2019, sont tombees a 128,9 milliards de roupies en 2020 et a 132,9 milliards de roupies en 2021. Enfin, le secteur des services financiers, bien quayant demontre sa resilience, a enregistre une baisse de la valeur ajoutee brute de 51,8 milliards de roupies en 2019 a 49,3 milliards de roupies en 2020, indiquant une diminution des entrees de devises. Au global, au cours des deux annees de la pandemie, leconomie a ainsi enregistre un deficit de quelque 122 milliards de roupies dentrees de devises etrangeres. Monsieur le President, Pour repondre a la question de lhonorable Leader de lopposition, permettez-moi de prime abord de preciser le mandat revenant a la Banque de Maurice et celui qui incombe au Gouvernement. Conformement a la section 4 de la Bank of Mauritius Act, la Banque de Maurice est lentite en charge et en toute independance de conduire la politique monetaire et celle des taux de change. Elle seule en est le decisionnaire. Je cite the Bank is entrusted, inter alia, with the responsibilities to: conduct monetary policy and manage the exchange rate of the rupee, taking into account the orderly and balanced economic development of Mauritius. En vertu de son mandat et pour faire face au deficit dentree de devises etrangeres, jai ete informe par la Banque de Maurice que cette derniere a vendu quelques 2,9 milliards de dollars americains sur le marche depuis le debut de la pandemie, en mars 2020. Je rappelle quen 2018 et 2019, Maurice avait recu un montant de 12,67 milliards de dollars, comparativement a 7,35 milliards de dollars en 2020 et 2021. Soit une baisse de 5,32 milliards de dollars, equivalent a 230 milliards de roupies, representant la moitie de notre PIB. Lapprovisionnement regulier du marche en devises etrangeres par la Banque de Maurice, qui est en charge de la conduite de la politique monetaire et de la stabilite financiere, a permis de limiter les perturbations du fonctionnement normal du marche des changes. Et cela en conformite avec le regime de change flottant comme qualifie par le Fonds Monetaire International. Au vu des perspectives relatives aux performances encourageantes du secteur touristique et en tenant en compte la tendance inflationniste mondiale, la Banque de Maurice a egalement porte a ma connaissance quelle est intervenue sur le marche a hauteur de 25 millions de dollars a un taux apprecie de 43,15 roupies contre 43,25 roupies lors de sa derniere intervention. Monsieur le President, Je vais maintenant elaborer sur la strategie deployee et les mesures implementees par le Gouvernement pour soutenir le pouvoir dachat de la population. Premierement, la reouverture totale de nos frontieres en octobre 2021, dans le respect des protocoles sanitaires, a bien entendu ete une etape importante pour assurer la reprise franche et durable des entrees de devises. Ce nouveau souffle, cest la bouchee doxygene dont nous avions besoin pour atteindre les objectifs que nous nous sommes fixes. Deuxiemement, le Gouvernement, sous limpulsion de notre Premier ministre, a travaille darrache-pied pour faciliter les affaires a Maurice et maintenir lexcellente reputation de la juridiction comme un Centre Financier International. Je pense notamment a la sortie de Maurice des listes du Gafi, de lUnion Europeenne et du Royaume-Uni. Une excellente nouvelle pour leconomie, tant en termes de croissance, demploi que dentree de devises etrangeres. Troisiemement, et sans porter prejudice a la viabilite de notre dette, le Gouvernement a egalement contracte plusieurs prets concessionnels en devises etrangeres. Ces prets aux conditions avantageuses et qui plus est souvent accompagnes de subventions ont permis de faire rentrer des devises etrangeres sur le marche local. Quatriemement, notre strategie pour faciliter lentree de devises etrangeres sest orientee vers louverture de notre economie aux investisseurs et expatries, notamment les seniors. Les Budgets 2020-2021 et 2021-2022 ont fait la part belle a la Silver economy. Je rappelle quil est estime que chaque retraite expatrie a Maurice amene au pays une moyenne de 9 000 dollars par individu, sur la base dune residence de 6 mois par an a Maurice. Atteindre lobjectif de 25 000 retraites a Maurice permettrait daccroitre les entrees en devises etrangeres de 250 millions de dollars. Enfin, permettez-moi de rappeler les efforts considerables deployes par le Gouvernement pour subventionner une large gamme de produits de necessite, pour un montant total de 8,2 milliards de roupies. Monsieur le President, Selon la Banque de Maurice, notre monnaie sest depreciee de 7,6% en 2020 et de 9,2% en 2021. Au regard du contexte historique, la valeur de notre roupie aurait pu etre plus largement affectee. Ce qui me fait donc poser la question de la depreciation la roupie a lHonorable leader de lopposition quand lui et ses amis etaient au pouvoir entre 2006 et 2014. Une periode caracterisee au niveau mondial par une expansion exceptionnelle a savoir une croissance forte de 3,6% en 2014 et surtout une inflation faible, tres faible de 2,9% en 2014, sans pande9-=0mie, sans guerre ni perturbations de la chaine dapprovisionnement. Auraient-ils cherche deliberement a devaluer la roupie en 2012 ? La population se souviendra qua cette epoque, le Leader de lopposition, alors Ministre des finances, avait pris la decision non-conforme dinjecter 100 millions de dollars dans le but explicite de devaluer notre roupie. En 2012, alors que leconomie mondiale se portait bien, quil ny avait pas de confinement ni de crise de la Covid-19 et que le secteur du tourisme avec pres dun million de visiteurs apportait des devises etrangeres et que le niveau du secteur de lexport de biens et services setablissait a 188,6 milliards de roupies, la roupie a pourtant ete devaluee : de 29,9 roupies pour le dollar en 2011 a 31,2 roupies, la livre de 46,7 roupies a 50,3 roupies et leuro de 39,4 roupies a 40,9 roupies. Ainsi, entre 2005 et 2014, la roupie a ete devaluee de 11,2% par un Gouvernement qui se souciait peu du pouvoir dachat des mauriciens, en particulier de celui des plus vulnerables. Je conclus en rappelant au Leader de lopposition que pour comprendre le present et preparer le futur, nous devons analyser le passe. Monsieur le President, Notre budget alloue a lEtat providence, notre Welfare State, etait de seulement 48 milliards de roupies en 2014. Aujourdhui malgre la pandemie, malgre la crise, malgre la recession, ce Gouvernement, porte par lhumanisme du Premier ministre, a fait doubler le budget du Welfare State pour lamener a plus de 93 milliards de roupies en 2021-2022. En y ajoutant le Wage Assistance Scheme et le Self-Employed Assistance Scheme, ce montant depasse largement la barre des 100 milliards de roupies que nous avons retournes a la population. Ces chiffres demontrent la solidarite dont ce Gouvernement fait preuve envers sa population. Merci. The campaign for Ann Roe, who is running for Congress against Lyin' Bryan Steil has come out with the best one-liner of this cycle so far: I can't argue... 11 months ago A Product Design student from Luxembourg who won his place through Clearing has become the first person in his family ever to go to university. Kim Zimmer has come one step closer to his dream of designing new gadgets at Lego after taking his opportunity and completing the first year of his course at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). The 23-year-old was drawn to DMU after looking through the university's website. He said: "Sometimes going with your gut instinct is the best choice you can make. I was looking for clearing places and was struck by DMU so got in touch. "The staff made everything clear and answered my questions directly; I was offered a place within hours and that's when all the excitement came through." During the course, Kim has had the chance to meet a lot of other international students which included students from Mexico and Lebanon and said he had been impressed by the diverse culture at DMU. One of the things which inspired Kim to go into product design was the possibility of creating new toys or gadgets for a firm like Lego. But he said he had learnt about far more than the product while studying at DMU. Kim said: "By completing the first year, I have learnt so much. I have most certainly achieved knowledge about the implications of product design, whether a product has potential or whether it is similar to something already out there. "This university has brought the best out of me, as it took me out of my comfort zone and enhanced my confidence." "I was very proud to achieve first class grades for my first year. The whole experience of DMU is helping me so much and once I complete my undergraduate degree, my ambition is to put my skills in practice in a global organisation such as Lego. 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. InSeal Medical (Caesarea, Israel) landed the CE Mark of approval in Europe for its InClosure VCD large bore vascular closure device. Procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacements that require fairly large devices to be introduced through the vasculature produce substantial access holes that can be difficult to close securely. The InClosure VCD is intended to effectively automate the process and lead to consistent hemostasis. The device does not require any preparation before the main procedure, and can be used out of the box. It is inserted into punctures between 12 French and 21 French in size and the deployed within the vessel. A flexible membrane held open by a nitinol metal frame that pushes it against the wall keeps the puncture closed. Additionally, the blood pressure pushing on the patch actually helps to make sure the seal is tight. The biodegradable membrane eventually dissolves into the body after a few months and disappears from the site. Link: Inseal Medicals homepage Source: InSeal Medical Arianna Huffington, founder and namesake of The Huffington Post, is leaving the company to lead a new health and wellness startup called Thrive Global, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news Thursday. The new startup is not a media company, but will instead focus on helping companies improve the lives of their employees through collaborative efforts and workplace initiatives. Under the terms of her most recent contract with AOL, signed in June 2015, Huffington will continue serving as president and editor-in-chief of HuffPo through 2019, but the agreement also allows her the freedom and flexibility to launch the new venture, the digital media impresario tells the WSJ. advertisement advertisement After her current contract expires, she will leave HuffPo to manage Thrive Global full time. Rising to fame as a political commentator in the 1990s, known for brusquely witty analysis delivered with a distinctive Greek accent, Huffington co-founded her eponymous site with Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti in 2005. It soon become one of the most successful pure-play Internet publishers. It was later sold it to AOL for $315 million in 2011 then a record-setting amount for an Internet-only publisher. Peretti went on to co-found BuzzFeed in 2006; Lerer is a backer of Thrive Global through his fund Lerer Hippeau Ventures, along with other investors like Advancit Capital, Blue Pool Capital, Greycroft Partners and Facebook billionaire Sean Parker. Subsequently, Verizons acquisition of AOL last year raised questions as to Huffington 's status with the company, reinforced by her own announcement several months ago of her interest in starting a new business. HuffPo is widely hailed as a pioneer in digital publishing. The nine-figure valuation attached to the site in 2011 set the stage for subsequent investments of similar magnitude. Among other deals, venture capital outfit Andreessen Horowitz and NBCUniversal made investments in BuzzFeed, valuing the publisher at around $1.5 billion. NBCU also invested $200 million in Vox Media, while German publisher Axel Springer bought Business Insider for $343 million last September. In 2014, A&E announced it would invest $250 million in Vice Media, in a deal valuing the latter at $2.5 billion. by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, August 12, 2016 Courtney ODonnell, senior shopping and feed manager at Elite SEM, works on Jet.com's Google Shopping account. The ecommerce company -- founded in January 2014, and acquired by Wal-Mart earlier this week -- began working with the agency in 2015 to explore search advertising. Here's how it went down. ODonnell's Google rep reached out to her via email with the good news. Google presented the award to O'Donnell for growing Jet.com's business to more than $20 million in fourth-quarter 2015 and ensuring that the ecommerce company hit its online advertising return on investment goals. How does a search marketer grow and maintain strong performance numbers in terms of return on ad spend and cost per order when supporting thousands of products? "All Jet.com's products running in Google Shopping had a positive return," she said. advertisement advertisement Jet.com hosts a variety of products, from paper towel to electronics. "You need to understand how clothing performs differently than paper towels," she said. "Someone might buy paper towels once weekly, versus electronics once yearly, and both take different strategies, though they're on the same site." Jet.com sends a feed to Google. O'Donnell structures the Google Shopping campaigns based on the feeds such as categories including electronics, toys, and home clothing. Earlier this week, Wal-Mart Stores confirmed the acquisition of Jet.com for $3 billion in cash, calling the company in a press release "among the fastest growing and most innovative e-commerce companies in the U.S." The ecommerce company -- founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey -- stood on its own. Wal-Mart also disclosed that Jet.com reached a $1 billion in run-rate gross merchandise value (GMV) and offering 12 million SKUs in its first year. The company also grew its customer base of urban and Millennial customers with more than 400,000 new shoppers added monthly and an average of 25,000 daily processed orders. How does a company reach those numbers without a strong search marketer or marketers behind them? ODonnell is one of 12 winners of the 2016 Google Search Excellence Award given by the search giant to highlight a marketer's excellent work and thought leadership in search marketing. Winners attended the Googlepalooza awards ceremony and dinner cruise hosted in Chicago in late July. The event celebrates Google's clients and kicked off with a band from Lollapalooza. Aside from O'Donnell, the winners in the United States and Canada include: Christina Malcolm, Associate Director, Paid Search, iProspect Dain Tolbert, Senior Media Manager, iCrossing George Andrade, Account Lead, PMG Jesal Desai, Search Director, Mediacom Jillian Murphy, Account Supervisor, Resolution Media Justin Salazar, Media Planner, Razorfish Lauren Ortwein, Sr. Manager, Search/Social, Maxus Leah Tran, Search Manager, MediaVest Max Hagler, Media Supervisor, 360i Nina Soboczynski, Account Supervisor, Catalyst Canada Caroline Canlas, Account Supervisor, Catalyst Canada by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, August 12, 2016 Following the release of hacked DNC emails in the days leading up to the Democratic National Convention, questions have been raised about Russia's clear interest in meddling with the U.S. presidential election. Former KGB agent and current Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be attempting to influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Donald Trump both overtly and covertly. Putins feud with Hillary Clinton is not new. The Russian president has blamed the United States -- and particularly its State Department -- for trying to force regime change through strategic investments in organizations that promote democracy. From Putins perspective, hes just giving us a taste of our own medicine. Worries have swirled around the possibility of more hacking scandals as we get closer to Nov. 8. Some states, including Texas, Pennsylvania and Virginia, use electronic voting systems and do not require paper backups of ballots, making them particularly good targets for hackers that might want to mess with the polls. advertisement advertisement Sen. Tom Carpenter, the ranking Democrat on the Senates Homeland Security Committee, sent a letter to Homeland Security head Jeh Johnson noting that a cyberattack by foreign actors on our election systems could compromise the integrity of our voting process. Chris Finan, a former cybersecurity official for the Obama administration, also raised the possibility of Russian attempts to tamper with the election in an opinion piece he penned for The Hill. Trump, for his part, seems of two minds when dealing with questions about Putin. In a televised Republican primary debate, he spoke of a relationship with Putin: I got to know him very well because we were both on 60 Minutes. Forget the fact that they were on different continents at the time. Then recently, following the DNC, George Stephanopoulos asked Trump about his relationship with Putin, and Trump gave a very different answer, I have no relationship to -- with him. I have no relationship with him. Between at least [Putin] is a leader, hypocritical statements about his relationship with the Russian president, and Trump's inviting Russia to continue its apparent hacking activities against Clinton and the Democrats, former CIA director Michael Morell has gone as far as to call Trump an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation. Adding to the questions around Trumps Russian connection is his campaign managers history of consulting for Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian Ukrainian president who was deposed by a popular uprising in 2014. The Republican platform even softened anti-Russian language around the crisis in Ukraine, apparently at the behest of Trump representatives. The U.S. isnt the only country that Russia is actively trying to undermine or destabilize. There is evidence of nefarious Russian activity throughout the West, particularly focusing on European countries, including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, France. Russias support is often for right-wing nationalist parties, very much in tune with the Trump world-view. Hungarian consultancy Political Capital found that Russian-owned banks have been promoting the work of the Front National (Frances far-right nationalist party led by Marine Le Pen). by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, August 12, 2016 Outstream video ad provider Teads on Friday announced two key hires as it steps up expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The company named Christian Guinot SVP of APAC and Yukihiko Imamura, managing director for Japan. The hires follow quickly on the heels of $47 million in new debut financing that Teads announced earlier this month. The company said the funds will be used to accelerate expansion into the Asian market. Guinot will be responsible for developing that market expansion and operations across APAC, from India to Australia, and will report to the company CEO and co-founder Bertrand Quesada. Guinot was formerly president of MEC China. Imamuras role is to build relationships with Japans leading brands, advertising agencies, and trading desks. Imamura will report to Guinot. Imamura has more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector, most recently serving as managing director APAC for Kenshoo. Prior to Kenshoo, Imamura led business development at Dentsu Inc. As our global presence expands, we are laser-focused on dominating the APAC region. We are confident well be able to extend our client base in the APAC region, stated Quesada. The Washington Post, Friday, August 12, 2016 11:17 AM A former Trump staffer has filed a lawsuit alleging that a top Trump aide in North Carolina pulled out a loaded gun and pointed it at his kneecap while the two were traveling together. The suit names both the Trump campaign and Trumps former North Carolina director Earl Phillip as defendants. Vincent Bordini, the plaintiff, wrote in the complaint that the two didnt talk about the incident, and Phillip acted as if it hadnt happened. Read the whole story at The Washington Post by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, August 12, 2016 It hasn't been a particularly good week internationally for Google. South Korea became the latest country Friday to say it will be taking a closer look at whether Google violated the country's anti-competitive laws. Local media reports the Korea Fair Trade Commission is looking into Google's advertising policy after Korean advertising agents filed complaints in 2014 that the company had not paid them commissions for online advertising since 2012. The statement came one day after Russian antirust officials fined Google $6.8 million Thursday, adding to a mounting list of global regulatory challenges the company has endured in the past few years. The ruling by the Federation Antimonopoly Service stated that rivals had trouble including their own digital maps or search services in the Android operating system. Yandex owns the majority search market share in Russia. advertisement advertisement Despite Google's international woes, agencies don't expect disruptions for advertisers in the U.S. In fact David Rodnitzky, CEO at 3Q Digital, a Harte Hanks company, views Google's recent international troubles as part of doing business outside of the U.S. He views it as part of a "handsomely" rewarded investment overseas. The same is true for advertisers who have made intelligent international investments. "Google has a long history of running into international roadblocks, from anti-trust to right to be forgotten, to governmental favoritism of home-grown companies," Rodnitzky said. "This is just a fact of life for any company that wants to expand into new countries." The media agency Politico noted in May that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reignited a probe and began asking questions as to whether Google has abused its dominance in the online search industry. The charges and probes have not been isolated to South Korea, Russia and the U.S. In several cases throughout the past few years, European Union officials have charged Google with favoring its own services, filing a set of antitrust charges in July, the third since early 2015. by Jess Nelson , August 12, 2016 Google rolled out new Google Inbox features to both iOS and Android devices this week to help prevent Gmail users from falling victim to email phishing or malware attacks. Gmail users are now flagged every time they receive an email from someone who is not authenticated. Instead of showing a senders photo or avatar along with the sent message, Gmail will instead display a red question mark inside of a shaded octagon. With this stop sign, Gmail combats phishing by warning users to be cautious around emails with murky and unauthenticated backgrounds. In addition, Gmail will also display a banner warning users not to click any malicious links or attachments. There were more phishing attempts in the first quarter of 2016 than at any other time in history, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), and the massive increase in email-based cyberattacks have caused many headaches. In April, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) even released an alert about business email compromise (BEC) scam. advertisement advertisement The most important thing marketers can do with this update is to ensure their emails are being properly authenticated by their sending platforms and systems, says Bob Sybydlo, director of market intelligence & deliverability at Yesmail. The key nodes of authentication include SPF, DKIM signing and DMARC. Sybydlo recommends that marketers check their authentication regularly to confirm that all emails are being signed, thus preventing issues like malware and phishing scams. With Googles new email security features, proper authentication also ensures that the correct images are displaying instead of a stop sign and question mark. DMARC, or Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance, is an email authentication measure that combats phishing by dictating how an ESP should handle unauthenticated messages from that domain. Google revealed earlier this year that it would be adopting stricter DMARC regulations on Gmail. Authentication also helps ensure higher deliverability rates, meaning that more emails are landing in the Inbox. A recent study by email and data solutions provider Return Path correlated DMARC adoption with higher deliverability rates because those messages are considered safe by ESP providers and are more likely to land in the inbox. Another practice that email marketers should follow regularly is maintaining proper email list hygiene and ensuring subscriber lists are accurate and up to date. With consumer privacy legislation like CASL in place and others like GDPR on the horizon, the focus subscribers privacy and consent rights will only continue to grow, says Sybydlo. Marketers need to be aware of who is currently in their databases to avoid future penalties and effectively reach the right consumers. CASL, or Canadas Anti-Spam Law, requires marketers to get a user's permission before sending any marketing emails. The law went into effect in 2014 and companies can be fined millions for every single spam email they sent. Beginning after July 2017, any email recipient can sue the organization sending what they believe to be spam emails. GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, comprises new data regulations for marketers reaching out to citizens of the European Union. Adopted in April, the law goes into effect in May, 2018. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 12, 2016 ReDigi, which once sought to create a used marketplace for digital music, has declared bankruptcy, court records show. The move comes three years after a U.S. District Court Judge Richard Sullivan in New York sided with Capitol Records in a battle over whether ReDigi's platform infringed copyright. ReDigi recently stipulated to pay Capitol $3.5 million in damages, but also appealed the underlying copyright infringement finding to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. This week, the company said in an appellate filing that it had declared bankruptcy in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. ReDigi co-founder John Ossenmacher also declared bankruptcy in the same court. ReDigi made a splashy launch in November of 2011, when it unveiled a platform that enables people to re-sell "used" iTunes tracks. advertisement advertisement The company said its platform scanned users' hard drives for proof that the music was acquired legally and then transferred people's tracks to the cloud, while simultaneously deleting them from the original users' hard drives. Capitol Records sued ReDigi for copyright infringement soon after it launched. The record company argued that consumers weren't selling the same works that they purchased, but copies they uploaded to the cloud. That model is illegal, Capitol said, because only the content owner has the right to make copies. Capitol also argued that even if the tracks are removed from users' hard drives, ReDigi has no way of knowing whether users have the files on other devices. ReDigi countered that its business was protected by "first sale" concepts, which give consumers the right to resell products they legally purchased. Some copyright law experts predicted from the beginning that ReDigi was likely to lose in court. Cornell law professor James Grimmelmann said at the time that courts have never interpreted "first sale" rights in ways that would allow people to make and transfer digital copies of files. Sullivan ruled in Capitol's favor on all points in 2013. He said only a content owner can authorize the transfer of a digital music file online -- regardless of whether the original file is destroyed. Proceedings regarding damages dragged on until June, when ReDigi and Capitol agreed to $3.5 million in damages, provided ReDigi kept the right to appeal the copyright infringement finding. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, August 12, 2016 to bid on cost-per-impression through an auction-based platform to set prices similar to the Google Display Network. Previously, CPM-based ads were bought at a fixed price. Pinterest has introduced the ability The model introduced Thursday, Ads Manager, adds to the ability to buy ads based on cost-per-click and cost-per-engagement through the auction, Marketers also can specify the maximum number of times that someone sees your campaign by setting a frequency cap which, in theory, could help the campaign gain more impressions at increasingly efficient rates that drive higher results, according to a blog post. Home Depot, JCPenney and General Mills were test partners for the program, Pinterest said, but now the offering has rolled out to all businesses in the U.S., the UK and Canada. While larger brands work with a Pinterest rep or an ad-tech company to organize their media buys, the self-serve option is open only to small and medium-size brands. An internal audit suggests that those who pin are 47% more likely to be introduced to new brands versus people on other social platforms, which is the plan, according to Pinterest. Growth plans also took Pinterest to Seattle, where the company opened an engineering hub with plans to hire 30 people, according to one report advertisement advertisement Mukund Narasimhan, a former Google, Facebook and Amazon engineer, will head up the new Seattle office to help the company solve some tough technology challenges. A paper published this week re-analyzes data from the ongoing study of Nagasaki and Hiroshimas survivors. The author argues that the long-term health effects of the atomic bomb are not as dire as many believe them to be and asks why public perception does not match the facts. Share on Pinterest The bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the only nuclear weapons ever to have been used in war. In August 1945, during the final throes of World War II, America, backed by the Allies, dropped two atom bombs on Japan. The immediate effects of the attacks were devastating. First to be dropped was a uranium-based weapon dubbed Little Boy; it hit the city of Hiroshima, killing 90,000-146,000 people in the first few days. Three days later, a plutonium-based bomb, called Fat Man, was dropped on Nagasaki. Within the first few days of the explosion, an estimated 39,000-80,000 people were dead. The majority of the immediate deaths were due to the explosion blast itself, acute radiation poisoning, and the ensuing firestorm. Hiroshima and Nagasakis gigantic detonations were the first and only time that nuclear weapons have been used during warfare. Documenting the fallout These events, unique in their destruction and horror, sparked a thorough scientific investigation into the long-term effects of surviving such weapons. From 1947 onward, the Japanese government set out to measure and understand the ongoing health implications of nuclear war. A group, called the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), collates this information; they are funded by the Japanese and American governments. RERF followed roughly 100,000 survivors, 77,000 of their offspring, and, as a control, 20,000 people who were not exposed to radiation. Data provided by these studies have been invaluable in quantifying the risks of radiation poisoning. Because each survivor knew where they were when the detonation occurred, it has been possible to measure each persons radiation exposure precisely. The findings of RERF have helped set safety standards for people who work in the nuclear industry and the public. This week in the journal Genetics, Bertrand Jordan, a molecular geneticist, published his findings from an analysis of the data collected by RERF. Rather than providing new data, he aimed to summarize the results of the studies undertaken to date, which have been published in more than 100 papers. Using over 60 years worth of information, Jordan looked at the effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on survivors and their children. He found a large discrepancy between peoples general understanding of the atom bombs effects and the reality. It is commonly believed that the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have a high cancer burden, a significantly shortened lifespan, and children with high rates of mutations and abnormalities. After a careful examination of the data, the author found this to be an incorrect assumption. Jordan summarizes his findings: Theres an enormous gap between that belief and what has actually been found by researchers. Hiroshima and Nagasaki cancer rates Cancer rates were indeed found to be higher in individuals who had survived the bombs, when compared with residents who had been out of town at the time of the explosions. Risk of cancer increased depending on proximity to the site, age (younger people had a larger lifetime risk), and gender (women had a greater risk). However, the majority of survivors did not develop cancer. Because most people only had a modest exposure to radiation, the overall risk of developing solid cancers between 1958 and 1998 increased by 10 percent. This represents 848 additional cancer cases among 44,635 survivors. But the picture was much worse for those who received higher doses. Individuals who received 1 Gray fared less well. A Gray is a unit of measurement defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter, equivalent to 1,000 times the normal safety limit for the public. These individuals had a 42 percent increase in cancer risk. Even in those who received the highest doses of radiation, although cancer risk was greater, their lifespan was reduced by just 1.3 years. After a large-scale research project involving hundreds of prisoners at maximum security jails, a psychologist at the University of Huddersfield has developed a new method for assessing psychopathy. Dr Daniel Boduszek's aim was to devise a scale that would grasp the essence of psychopathy, without being influenced by the subject's background characteristics, including criminal history. Psychopaths - marked out by traits such as manipulativeness and egocentricity - exist and can flourish in many areas of life, such as business. Therefore there is a need for what Dr Boduszek describes in a new article as a "clean personality measure of psychopathy uncontaminated with behavioural items". This would "enable researchers to extend the construct to all populations regardless of criminal history". So, although Dr Boduszek and his co-researchers conducted their study among 1,794 prisoners at ten prisons, the criminality and anti-social behaviour of the volunteer participants was not a factor when they were asked to give their levels of agreement to the 20 statements that are part of the Psychopathic Personality Traits Scale (PPTS). This has been devised by Dr Boduszek, who is Reader in Criminal Psychology at the University of Huddersfield. The full list of statements in the PPTS - a "self-report scale" - is given in the new article by Dr Boduszek and his co-researchers that is newly-published in the Journal of Criminal Justice. They include: "I don't care if I upset someone to get what I want"; "I tend to focus on my own thoughts and ideas rather than on what others might be thinking"; "Seeing people cry doesn't really upset me"; "In general, I'm only willing to help other people if doing so will benefit me as well"; "I sometimes provoke people on purpose to see their reaction". The purpose of the newly-developed PPTS is to place the emphasis on the core factors that were first described in the 1940s by the influential US psychologist Hervey M. Cleckley, author of The Mask of Sanity: An attempt to clarify some issues about the so-called psychopathic personality. One of the priorities when developing the new scale was to ensure that egocentricity is fully tested. This was one of Cleckley's key criteria but it "has been largely neglected in psychopathy assessment research to date", according to Dr Boduszek. He is Polish-born, and before switching to an academic career he worked as a psychologist in prisons, including maximum-security correctional units. His contacts helped him to organise the large-scale trial of PPTS when 2,000 prisoners in ten maximum security prisons in Poland were invited to participate. Almost, 1,800 agreed to do so, and Dr Boduszek ensured that there was a spread of offenders - they ranged from murderers and sexual predators to people who had committed non-violent crimes. As a means of validating the PPTS and measuring its success, the participants also completed six other personality-assessment scales that are in use. In his article, Dr Boduszek gives a detailed description of the methodology and the outcome and argues that his psychopathy model is represented by four distinctive factors, including affective responsiveness, cognitive responsiveness, interpersonal manipulation, and egocentricity. He also emphasised that psychopathy should not be studied without controlling for the level of intelligence. He concludes that "this brief measure of psychopathic traits uncontaminated with behavioural items can be used in the same way among participants with and without criminal history". There will be further development and testing of the PPTS, and Dr Boduszek is hoping to carry out research in UK and US prisons and among the general population. The goal is to develop a diagnostic tool that could have its most practical application within prisons - for example, as a way of identifying inmates with increased psychopathic traits to suggest the most appropriate therapeutic interventions for such individuals. Advertisement Now, researchers at Duke University have developed a strategy that avoids the need for the extra gene copies. Instead, a modification of the CRISPR genetic engineering technique is used to directly turn on the natural copies already present in the genome.These early results indicate that the newly converted neuronal cells show a more complete and persistent conversion than the method where new genes are permanently added to the genome. These cells could be used for modeling neurological disorders, discovering new therapeutics, developing personalized medicines and, perhaps in the future, implementing cell therapy."This technique has many applications for science and medicine. For example, we might have a general idea of how most people's neurons will respond to a drug, but we don't know how your particular neurons with your particular genetics will respond," said Charles Gersbach, the Rooney Family Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director for the Center of Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering at Duke. "Taking biopsies of your brain to test your neurons is not an option. But if we could take a skin cell from your arm, turn it into a neuron, and then treat it with various drug combinations, we could determine an optimal personalized therapy.""The challenge is efficiently generating neurons that are stable and have a genetic programming that looks like your real neurons," says Joshua Black, the graduate student in Gersbach's lab who led the work. "That has been a major obstacle in this area."In the 1950s, Professor Conrad Waddington, a British developmental biologist who laid the foundations for developmental biology, suggested that immature stem cells differentiating into specific types of adult cells can be thought of as rolling down the side of a ridged mountain into one of many valleys. With each path a cell takes down a particular slope, its options for its final destination become more limited.If you want to change that destination, one option is to push the cell vertically back up the mountain -- that's the idea behind reprogramming cells to be induced pluripotent stem cells. Another option is to push it horizontally up and over a hill and directly into another valley."If you have the ability to specifically turn on all the neuron genes, maybe you don't have to go back up the hill," said Gersbach.Previous methods have accomplished this by introducing viruses that inject extra copies of genes to produce a large number of proteins called master transcription factors. Unique to each cell type, these proteins bind to thousands of places in the genome, turning on that cell type's particular gene network. This method, however, has some drawbacks."Rather than using a virus to permanently introduce new copies of existing genes, it would be desirable to provide a temporary signal that changes the cell type in a stable way," said Black. "However, doing so in an efficient manner might require making very specific changes to the genetic program of the cell."In the new study, Black, Gersbach, and colleagues used CRISPR to precisely activate the three genes that naturally produce the master transcription factors that control the neuronal gene network, rather than having a virus introduce extra copies of those genes.CRISPR is a modified version of a bacterial defense system that targets and slices apart the DNA of familiar invading viruses. In this case, however, the system has been tweaked so that no slicing is involved. Instead, the machinery that identifies specific stretches of DNA has been left intact, and it has been hitched to a gene activator.The CRISPR system was administered to mouse fibroblasts in the laboratory. The tests showed that, once activated by CRISPR, the three neuronal master transcription factor genes robustly activated neuronal genes. This caused the fibroblasts to conduct electrical signals -- a hallmark of neuronal cells. And even after the CRISPR activators went away, the cells retained their neuronal properties."When blasting cells with master transcription factors made by viruses, it's possible to make cells that behave like neurons," said Gersbach. "But if they truly have become autonomously functioning neurons, then they shouldn't require the continuous presence of that external stimulus."The experiments showed that the new CRISPR technique produced neuronal cells with an epigenetic program at the target genes matching the neuronal markings naturally found in mouse brain tissue."The method that introduces extra genetic copies with the virus produces a lot of the transcription factors, but very little is being made from the native copies of these genes," explained Black. "In contrast, the CRISPR approach isn't making as many transcription factors overall, but they're all being produced from the normal chromosomal position, which is a powerful difference since they are stably activated. We're flipping the epigenetic switch to convert cell types rather than driving them to do so synthetically."The next steps, according to Black, are to extend the method to human cells, raise the efficiency of the technique and try to clear other epigenetic hurdles so that it could be applied to model particular diseases."In the future, you can imagine making neurons and implanting them in the brain to treat Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative conditions," said Gersbach. "But even if we don't get that far, you can do a lot with these in the lab to help develop better therapies."Source: Eurekalert The question of safety of alcohol while breastfeeding has been the subject of debate since long. Although there is enough evidence to suggest the ill effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy , the same is not available for the period of lactation. There even exists a belief among mothers of certain communities that alcohol helps a breastfeeding mother relax and produce more milk (galactagogue). Research suggests otherwise. Studies have pointed out that alcohol may, in fact, reduce the production of breast milk and the alcohol in breast milk may pass on to the infant and cause short and long term effects in the breastfed baby. Breast milk is produced by the glandular tissue present in the breasts of a lactating mother. It has a complex composition and contains nutrients necessary for the growth of a baby. Prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary, is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of lactation. The more the baby suckles, the more prolactin is produced and more is the production of breast milk. Another hormone, oxytocin, is responsible for the let-down of milk during breastfeeding When a nursing mother drinks alcohol, a small quantity of it passes into the breast milk as well and the quantity varies in proportion to the amount present in the mothers blood. It peaks around half an hour to one hour after drinking alcohol and then slowly decreases. The more the quantity of alcohol is taken, the longer it takes to be eliminated. Advertisement Although a very small quantity of the alcohol consumed passes into the breast milk (5-6% of the maternal dose), it still has a certain influence on the process of breastfeeding and affects the infant, both short-term and long-term. A study conducted in Philadelphia by researchers Mennella and Beauchamp aimed to study the effect of alcohol on breast milk and infant behavior. Twelve lactating mothers and their breastfed babies were taken as subjects and studied on two days a week apart. On both the days, the mothers first expressed a little milk and then consumed juice containing ethanol (0.3 g/kg body weight). Milk samples were obtained after a certain period of time to determine the change in odor. The babies were observed through video cameras to notice behavior changes and they were weighed both before and after breastfeeding in order to determine the amount of milk consumed. It was observed that there occurred an alteration in the odor of the milk after consuming alcohol and the intensity varied in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. The infants suckled 20% lesser in the 4-hour period after their mothers had consumed alcohol. Alcohol is known to inhibit the production of oxytocin and that might be the reason for the reduced yield. The study demonstrated that consumption of alcohol by a lactating mother results in a change in the odor of breast milk and the feeding behavior of the infant. Another study by Mennella in collaboration with Gerrish studied the effect of consumption of alcohol by a lactating mother on the sleep pattern of her breastfed baby. After studying thirteen lactating mothers and their babies, it was seen that infants slept lesser in the 3.5-hour period of feeding if their mothers had consumed alcohol. A study conducted by Little et al. on the development of an infant at 1 year of age and consumption of alcohol by the mother while lactating, demonstrated that motor development in such babies was delayed. Even after the addition of control for various alcohol-related changes in maternal behavior were introduced, the effects remained the same. This has been attributed to the fact that infants do not have the capacity to fully metabolize alcohol as the level of activity of alcohol dehydrogenase in infants is one-fourth that of adults. The alcohol consumed through breast milk, therefore, tends to accumulate in their bodies. Consumption of alcohol by a lactating mother may even influence learning in an infant. A study conducted by Mennella and Beauchamp studied the response of babies to differently scented toys. Breastfed babies of mothers who consumed alcohol behaved differently in the presence of an alcohol-scented toy than other breastfed babies. Despite the findings of the aforementioned studies, it is very difficult to conclusively comment on the effect of alcohol consumed by lactating mothers as there is little original research available. The amount of alcohol that passes into the breast milk is 5-6% of the maternal dose and to determine whether the amount is sufficient to cause any significant effects in the infant, further research needs to be conducted. Long-term effects of alcohol abuse in a lactating mother may also be influenced by other accompanying social and behavioral changes in the mother leading to poor care and neglect of the child rather than direct effects of alcohol. Advertisement Thus, recommendations remain precautionary. Lactating mothers are advised to refrain from drinking alcohol in large quantities and avoid breastfeeding for 3-4 hours after alcohol intake. A Motherisk normogram has been suggested to be used as a parameter to determine the time taken for elimination of alcohol according to the quantity consumed and the height and weight of the mother. It assumes a maximum rate of elimination as 15mg/dL/h and the alcohol content of a standard alcoholic drink to be 17g. Accordingly, it estimates that after consumption of a standard drink, it shall take around 110-170 minutes for the alcohol to be eliminated from the body and the mother can breastfeed the baby. The normogram is not supported by any scientific evidence. Pumping breastmilk before consuming alcohol is another suggestion that may be followed to avoid an exposure of the breastfed baby to alcohol. The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to [email protected] with "Membership" in the subject line.) Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to [email protected]. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email. EXCLUSIVE: Tunisian Fighter In Iraq Featured In Video Says He Lived In U.S. And Was Radicalized There Before Joining ISIS On August 9, 2016, the media office of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Al-Anbar released a video featuring a Tunisian suicide bomber in Iraq claiming that he had joined ISIS after being radicalized while living in the U.S. In the video, titled "Fighting Will," the man, identified as Abu Muqatil Al-Tunisi, said that he had lived in the U.S. and left from there to to join ISIS. EXCLUSIVE: Former Belgian Soldier, ISIS Fighter From Verviers Carries Out Suicide Attack In Iraq Lofti Aoumeur, aka Abu Anuar Al-Belgiki, 25, from Verviers, Belgium, was featured in a series of photos published by official ISIS media in Dijlah province of Iraq, that were identified as showing him carrying out a VBIED suicide operation against an Iraqi army position. The operation was also reported on by the ISIS news agency Amaq, which claimed the attack destroyed eight vehicles. It should be noted that the series of photos do not constitute absolute proof of death. Issue 3 Of Al-Qaeda-Affiliated English-Language Magazine 'Al-Risalah' Features Interview With British Al-Shabab Fighter On August 1, 2016, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Global Islamic Media Group (GIMF) released the third issue of Al-Risalah, its English language magazine. It includes a three-page interview with an Al-Shabab fighter from London, titled "Bilad Al Hijraytan: Interview with Abu Bushra al Biritani - Mujahid from Al-Qaeda's Al Shabaab," in which the fighter discusses topics such as his motivations for waging jihad, how he was radicalized, how he reached Somalia, and what life for a fighter there is like. Abu Bushra ends the interview by threatening Western governments that fight Muslims. Egyptian Hasam Movement Claims Responsibility For Attempt On Former Mufti's Life On August 5, 2016, the Egyptian Hasam movement issued "military communique number 2," in which it claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt against Egyptian former mufti of 'Ali Gum'a on the same date. ISIS Weekly Newsletter Celebrates Charleroi Attack In the latest issue of its weekly newsletter Al-Naba', published August 9, 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS) celebrated the recent stabbing attack in Charleroi, Belgium, which, it said, came in response to ISIS's calls for attacks on Western civilians. ISIS: Charelroi Assailant 'A Soldier Of The Islamic State' On August 7, 2016, the Islamic State's news agency A'maq published a notice adopting the saying that the assailant who attacked police officers in Charleroi, Belgium on August 6 was one of its men. Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) Fighter Says Group Ready To Defeat Assad And His Iranian And Russian Allies In Aleppo On August 4, 2016, Sawt Al-Islam, the media arm of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), published a video on YouTube featuring one of the group's fighters announcing the start of battle to capture Aleppo and rescue its besieged residents. The fighter warned the Assad regime, its loyalist Shi'ite militias, as well as Iran and Russia, that the mujahideen love death as much as their own soldiers love life and wine. TIP Fighters Heavily Involved In Aleppo Battles Uyghur fighters of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) contingent in Syria (which now calls itself "The Turkestan Islamic Party for Supporting the People of Al-Sham") have been heavily involved in the recent battles in the city of Aleppo and in the rebels' effort to break the siege of the pro-Assad forces. This is evident from several statements issued by TIP since July 31, which presented details of its operations in the area and photos of its members participating in the fighting. According to these statements, published on TIP's Telegram channel, TIP fighters took part in artillery, mortar and rocket attacks on Syrian army positions and in storming the pro-Assad forces. The photos showed weapons and ammunition seized by its fighters and the bodies of Syrian soldiers they killed. Issue 3 Of Al-Qaeda-Affiliated English-Language Magazine 'Al-Risalah' Eulogizes British Fighter Who Was Its Onetime Editor On August 1, 2016, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Global Islamic Media Group (GIMF) released the third issue of Al-Risalah, its English language magazine. One article in it, titled "Everlasting Reward," is devoted to the late British Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN) fighter Abu Baseer Al-Biritani, aka Abu Baseer Al-Hindi (the latter alias referring to his Indian origins), praising his bravery, intelligence, piety, and devotion to jihad. Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) Launches New Channel On Telegram On August 2, 2016, Sawt Al-Islam, the media arm of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), launched a new channel on Telegram covering the activities of the group's branch in Syria. The channel currently has nearly 3,000 followers, and is used by the Al-Qaeda affiliated group to post pictures and videos documenting its ongoing fighting against the Assad regime and its allies in Syria. Pro-ISIS Channel On Telegram Warns ISIS Supporters To Avoid WhatsApp On August 11, 2016, the pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram channel "Nasher Grpahics" posted a message to ISIS supporters, warning them not avoid joining groups on the messaging service WhatsApp claiming to be pro-ISIS. The post reads: "We warn you against using WhatsApp, especially the brothers in European countries and the Gulf states, because it is an app that is heavily monitored and exposes the brothers to danger." Jihadi Writer Warns ISIS Supporters To Not Limit Their Activities To Telegram, Urges Them To Use Facebook, Twitter A recent article published by Al-Battar, a media company affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), warned the group's supporters who are active on social media to not limit their activities to Telegram and encouraged them to return to Facebook and Twitter, as they are the most popular social media platforms. Indian Website Compiles Snapshots From Jihadi Blog In Malayalam Language Following are excerpts from an Indian website report that compiled snapshots from a Malayalam-language jihadi blog: "26-year-old Ashfaq from [the southern Indian state] Kerala's Kasargod [district], a hotel owner, was one among the 21 people who went missing from the state in June 2016. Even as security agencies like the NIA [National Investigating Agency of India] were trying to find out to which country Ashfaq and the others had fled, Ashfaq has sent a message to his family more than a month after his disappearance." On August 8, 2016, a first-ever trilateral summit between Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia convened in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku, at the initiative of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev. It is worth noting that Putin included Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of Russia's defense industry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russian Energy and Resources Minister Alexander Novak, and the Russian oil company Rosneft's CEO Igor Sechin. Russian President Vladimir Putin with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. (Source: Kremlin.ru, August 8, 2016) Trilateral Talks On The North-South Transport Corridor And The Caspian Sea At the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev signed a declaration calling for cooperation and joint efforts in combatting terrorism, resolving regional conflicts, collaboration on Caspian Sea projects, and develop ties in energy, transport and other areas. The North-South Transport Corridor project, a 7,200 kilometers marine, surface and rail route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia, was the trilateral summit's core topic. In a lengthy interview to Azerbaijan's state news agency AZERTAC, Putin stated that the project seeks to provide the optimal opportunities for conveying cargo from India, Iran, and the Gulf States to Azerbaijan, Russia and onwards to Northern and Western Europe. Putin added that in 2015, overall cargo traffic along the International North-South Transport Corridor involving the Joint Stock Company Russian Railways totaled 7.3 million tons, surpassing the 2014 level by 4.1 percent. Discussing the project, Farhad Mammadov, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) under the President of Azerbaijan, said: "The North-South Transport Corridor has been discussed for a long time and is practically operational to the borders of Azerbaijan. A railway line from the Azerbaijani border to the city of Rasht is [all that is] left, which will be built in the coming years, and Azerbaijan will be a major investor... Since the beginning of this year [2016] the President of Azerbaijan adopted several decrees that facilitate and accelerate international transportation in the country's territory, which is essential for the transport track's competitiveness."[1] The three sides also discussed the legal status of the Caspian Sea. On July 13, the Russian foreign minister held a meeting with the other Caspian Five (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan) foreign ministers. Lavrov said that the convention on the Caspian Sea's legal status may be signed in the first half of 2017. The Caspian Sea's status became an issue following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which resulted in the creation of new countries. Speaking to Sputnik's Farsi service, a geopolitics expert at Iran's University of Khorramabad, Ahmad Rashidinejad, commented on the issue: "To say that the solution to the legal status of the Caspian must be built on the basis of mutual concessions is not quite accurate. [Instead, the Caspian Five countries must work on] how to bring their positions as close together as possible, to have common interests and address common threats, to address security issues. For example, if we are talking about relations between Russia and Iran, we must consider the common interests of Russia and Iran. For Russia, the issue of a potential conflict with the West is an acute one. We see how at every step, NATO is getting closer and closer to Russia's borders... Iran, as Russia's southern neighbor in the Caspian Sea, and a regional power in its own right, can be seen by Moscow as a kind of 'security shield'... The U.S., European countries, Turkey and Israel, in contrast, are trying to interfere in the internal policy of some countries in the Caspian... The interests of Iran and Russia on resolving the legal status of the Caspian Sea coincide, since the countries face common threats and challenges in the region. Therefore, they come together here as allies, not as rivals."[2] The final declaration, signed by Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Hassan Rouhani, also mentions cooperation on security. According to Mammadov, security-related issues "are the cornerstones, because without them it is impossible to implement the economic projects fully."[3] The final declaration states: "The sides resolutely condemn terrorism in all its manifestations. They stress the importance of bilateral and trilateral consultations for exchanging views on the situation and working out effective counter-terrorism measures.. The sides admit that unsettled regional conflicts are a significant obstacle to regional cooperation and in this connection stress the importance of finding the earliest peaceful settlement by way of negotiations on the basis of principles and norms of international law and the decisions and documents adopted in compliance with them."[4] The document also stresses the importance of resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly, including the Iran-initiated resolution titled "A World against Violence and Violent Extremism" (WAVE). Commenting on the meeting, Deputy PM Rogozin said: "These are common threats. And common threats should be repelled not only through solidarity, through such meetings and sincere discussions of ways of rebuffing challenges by political means, but also by physically getting stronger. And in this regards, both Azerbaijan and Iran are interested in Russia as the biggest exporter of high-quality and affordable weapons."[5] Putin-Rouhani Talks On Economic And Strategic Cooperation Putin and Rouhani held also talks on bilateral cooperation. In his meeting with Rouhani, Putin said that Russia's and Iran's "friendly ties are growing stronger." Rouhani stressed instead that Iran will "never forget the positive role that Russia played in reaching the nuclear agreement," and Russia's role in implementing it. In his interview with AZERTEC, Putin emphasized the increasingly positive economic and strategic relations between Russia and Iran. Concerning the economy, Putin stated that in the first five months of 2016, the volume of mutual trade reached $855 million. He also divulged that a joint research group is studying the parameters for a possible agreement on creating a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran, to give "stronger impetus" to Russia's and Iran's investment contacts. Meanwhile, Russia also supports Iran's pursuit of full Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) membership.[6] Putin then added that Russian-Iranian cooperation "has already become strategic in nature," recalling that Iran's first nuclear power plant, Bushehr, was built on the basis of Russian technologies. Furthermore, plans for the construction in Iran of 8 more nuclear power units by Russian specialists have been agreed. "We will further assist our Iranian partners in implementing the Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program, including the processing of enriched uranium and the conversion of facilities to produce stable isotopes," Putin said. The Russian President also mentioned that "large-scale joint projects" in the oil and gas sphere, and the aerospace and electric power industries are being developed. With reference to joint projects, Putin said: "Russia intends to grant two state loans to Iran to the amount of 2.2 billion euros to finance the construction of a thermal power plant near the city of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf coast and the electrification of the Garmsar-Ince Burun railway section in the north-east of the country." Concerning joint cooperation in counter-terrorism, Putin said: "We consider it expedient to step up the exchange of information on the activities of international terrorist organizations. This is needed in order to more effectively curb the transit of militants, weapons and drugs via our territories." Putin then added that Russia is interested in strengthening partnership with Tehran in regional affairs. Putin said: "We consider it an important factor of maintaining stability and security across a large territory from Central Asia and the Caspian region to the Middle East." On the sideline of the meeting, discussing the talks with Iran, Rogozin said that until now Russia has supplied to Iran half of the S-300 systems according to the existing contract.[7] Russia had committed to delivering S-300 to Iran under an 800-million-dollar 2007 deal, but the delivery was suspended to comply with UN sanctions against Tehran. In April 2015, President Putin signed a presidential decree on the delivery of the systems to Iran.[8] It is worth noting that on the day of the summit Russian news agency Ria.ru published an interview with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ibrahim Rahimpur. In the interview, Rahimpur said that Russia's and Iran's views on a settlement of the Syrian crisis coincide and reiterated Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, adding that Iran is ready to cooperate actively with Russia in Aleppo. He also mentioned that Iran and Russia will support Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stabilize the political situation in Turkey, since the Turkish people should define their own government rather than "third countries" (i.e. the U.S.). He also said that Iran's relations with Russia are very important for the security of the entire region.[9] It is also worth noting that the Russian embassy in Iran reported that the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov will visit Tehran at the end of August to discuss progress in the JCPOA's implementation with Iranian officials.[10] Putin-Aliyev Talks On Nagorno-Karabakh In the meeting with Aliyev, Putin discussed the settlement of the mostly Armenian populated Azerbaijani enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Putin told Aliyev: "You mentioned Karabakh. This is really a problem that we got from our Soviet past. I know how acute this issue is for both Azerbaijan and Armenia. We will do everything possible so that Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a compromise acceptable for both sides, so that the peoples of the two countries win from this, and so that both countries feel that they have resolved this difficult issue in the interests of current and future generations."[11] On June 20, a trilateral meeting of the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents took place in St. Petersburg, with the goal of normalizing the situation along the contact line in Nagorno Karabakh. In the interview with AZERTEC, Putin said: "We often hear that Russia is trying to monopolize the work related to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and push other mediators aside. That is a misconception. The trilateral summits on the Karabakh issue with the participation of the Russian President - there have been more than twenty such summits - perfectly complement the efforts by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and France to settle this conflict. It should be noted that US and French representatives attended the concluding part of the abovementioned trilateral summit in St. Petersburg."[12] On August 10, Putin met with the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, in Moscow.[13] During the joint news conference, Sargsyan said: "It is impossible to resolve such a conflict by seeking to address its consequences rather than its root causes. The core of the Karabakh issue lies in the struggle of the people of Karabakh for self-determination - an inalienable right of all nations in resolving such issues, which should be respected and guaranteed. This is what we discussed in detail with the President of Russia today... Each side should benefit from realistic, clear-cut and feasible solutions that are rooted in mutual respect and trust rather than hatred and xenophobia."[14] During the Q&As that followed the joint news conference, a journalist asked Putin: "Do you think they [Armenia and Azerbaijan] are creating grounds for another round of escalation, with Azerbaijan obtaining a large number of weapons, whereas the supply of Russian weapons to Armenia remains, to put it mildly, questionable?" In his answer, Putin stressed that Armenia is Russia's ally and that is fulfilling its duties to supply Armenia with weapons. However, he added that a country like Azerbaijan is able to buy any weapon in today's global arms market. Putin said: "As for the weapons, we have a program on this with Armenia. Armenia is a CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] member and our ally. We have certain mutual obligations, and Russia has always kept its obligations, has always fulfilled them. In today's arms market, any country can buy almost any weapon. A country such as Azerbaijan, an oil-producing country of almost 10 million people with a fast-growing economy, as well as sufficiently large gold and currency reserves can, of course, buy weapons anywhere it likes. You see? Anywhere. However, I would rather not focus on the military side of things now. If we want to resolve this problem, we should use peaceful means."[15] If on the one hand, Russia is engaged in crisis resolution, Russia on the other hand continues to sell weapons to both Armenia and Azerbaijan. On April 12, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said that the arms trade with the two countries was a way of excluding American and NATO from the region, and would serve as a "deterrent." Rogozin argued that if Russia stopped supplying its weapons to Armenia and Azerbaijan, other countries would begin selling "weapons of an attacking, offensive type" to the region.[16] The Moscow Times also reported: " as part of an estimated $4 billion worth of deals over recent years, Azerbaijan bought tanks, infantry combat vehicles and artillery systems from Moscow. Under the latest deal with Armenia, Moscow is to provide Armenia with a $200 million credit to buy multiple-launch rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, and handheld antiaircraft missiles, among other military equipment."[17] Reactions To The Trilateral Meeting Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs and Research Director at the Valdai International Discussion Club, said that Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia partnership strengthens Russia's role as a stability guarantor in Eurasia. He said that from a Russian point of view, cooperation with Iran and Azerbaijan is very important, due to the volatile situation in South Caucasus and the fact that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict may "heat up" again.[18] Commenting on the trilateral meeting, Vladimir Sazhin, Senior Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Oriental Studies, said that he would not describe the summit as the creation of an Iran - Azerbaijan - Russia axis, since the meeting was "not aimed at the creation of any new organization." However, according to Sazhin, the trilateral summit was of strategic importance, as Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia play an important role in the Middle East and are an important factor "not only in regional, but also in global politics."[19] Vedomosti's columnist Pavel Aptekar wrote that the trilateral summit, as well as the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that took place in St. Petersburg on August 9, intends to signal the West that Russian influence in the Middle East is growing. The author states that Putin will try to establish a consensus between Iran and Turkey on Syria, to form a bloc against Western influence in the region.[20] Endnotes: Rice export volume collapsed by 118 percent on-year. Data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) showed rice exports in July fell to their lowest point in 2016 at 270,000 tons, down 118 percent against the same month last year. Export value also dived 95 percent to $122 million. The VFA explained that the slowdown started in April when orders from big markets like China, Indonesia and Philippines dried up. Other importers have shifted their attention to Thai products, which are of medium quality but competitively priced. Lam Anh Tuan, head of Thinh Phat Food Company, said that the global rice market is facing a gloomy picture with Thailand ready to sell off its massive inventory, causing rice traders to take a cautious approach before making a deal. However, some traders say theyve heard of information that the Philippines and Indonesia are making plans to increase their imports. If this is true, Vietnam could benefit as the average export price of Vietnamese rice is lower than its rivals. On the global market, five-percent broken rice from Vietnam is traded at $370-380 per ton, while Thailand and other countries set the price at $400 or more. Vietnam exported nearly three million tons of rice over the first seven months for $1.27 billion, down 12.7 percent in volume and seven percent in value from a year ago. The VFA predicts that the country will export a total of 5.7 million tons in 2016, falling by 14 percent on-year following the worst drought and salinity to hit the Mekong Delta in a century, which accounts for 50 percent of Vietnams rice exports every year. Related news: > Vietnam's 2016 rice exports seen down 13 percent year on year > Vietnamese rice exports unlikely to suffer from Thailands massive stockpile sale > Vietnam's 2016 drought-hit rice output to fall 1.5 percent: government official > Go organic: how to increase the value of Vietnam's rice exports A police notice that said 16 locals have been killed for organs by Chinese groundless. Colonel Le Van Canh, spokesman of Vietnams Ha Giang Province Police, on Thursday shrugged off information that a number of locals have been kidnapped and murdered for organs by Chinese groups. A warning notice sent to commune police and schools in the Si Ma Cai District of the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai went viral in recent days. It said in the first half of this year, 16 Vietnamese, mostly old people and children, in the nearby province of Ha Giang were kidnapped and then murdered for organs by a group of Chinese traveling by car. The cases took place in areas close to the border between Vietnam and China. The district police asked agencies and locals to stay alert and immediately report to police if they spot anything suspicious. Canh said after seeing the notice on the Internet, Ha Giang Police did a careful check and concluded that there was no such case happening in the province. Also on Thursday, Nguyen Van Minh, chairman of the Si Ma Cai Peoples Committee, said the police notice was just a warning and there is no organ harvesting in the district. In fact, eight Vietnamese people involved in human trafficking, including trafficking of children, were arrested in Ha Giang during January-June this year, the Peoples Army Newspaper cited a Vietnam News report as saying on Thursday. Ha Giang has a 277 km of borderline with China. Related news: > Drug trafficking and commercial fraud rife at Vietnam Laos border > Three in four trafficked Vietnamese end up in China > 34 Vietnamese women trafficked to China in first six months You think it is a waste to throw away $90 million? Vietnams central city might be doing just that. Officials in the central coastal city of Da Nang are complaining that working in the city's administrative center has become unbearable due to the heat and oxygen depletion. The answer? The city might just build a new building to replace the $90 million skyscraper. The plan to build a new office building reportedly came as a complete surprise to many people attending a meeting held by Da Nang Peoples Committee on Thursday morning. Answering questions, a senior leader said that the administrative center is too hot to work in the summer. We have asked the management board [of the building] to address the problem by pumping extra oxygen into the air in order to make state employees feel better, said Dang Viet Dung, vice chairman of the Peoples Committee. The administrative center opened in December 2014 and cost VND2 trillion ($90 million). To put the figure into perspective, Da Nang spent 5 percent of its gross domestic product of VND41.7 trillion ($1.9 billion) in 2014 to build the office building. The 37-storey skyscraper of more than 65,000 square meters has become a symbolic nucleus of the city, and around 2,000 municipal officials work there. Noticeably, the city council kicked off the construction without holding a public vote. Da Nangs leaders have confirmed that they will not decide on their own this time. We didnt call for public vote before, but that doesnt mean we are going to do same thing in the future, said Dung. No detailed plans about the construction of a new administrative center have been released. Related news: > Too hot to work: Vietnam to lose $85bn in labor productivity by 2030 > Suspect sewage pipes to blame for Da Nang fish genocide? > Da Nang's popular beach threatened by 9 sewage pipes Most bathrooms in city public schools are poorly equipped, and filthy toilets have become an entrenched fear. Hanoi's municipal government will provide funding for 2,600 schools to renovate their lavatories, the city's mayor has said. Hanoi has pledged more funding streams for public schools and will allocate 19 percent of its budget instead of the current 12 percent to do so, Nguyen Duc Chung, the chairman of Hanoi's People's Committee, said at a meeting on Thursday to review the performance of city schools. One real problem is the unhygienic conditions of school toilets, said the mayor. But he failed to spell out the specific amount of money the city administration would earmark in this regard. At many schools, especially on the outskirts of Hanoi, students still have to squat over traditional Vietnamese-style toilets with no cleansing jets of water. Most bathrooms in city public schools are poorly equipped without hand basins, and stinking toilets have become a long-standing problem. Hygiene conditions in school toilets actually affect childrens health, and some students have to put off their visits to the bathroom. I have heard many parents complain that school toilets are so filthy that their children have to hold off going until noon, said the citys mayor. Hanoi is going to replace dilapidated toilets at about 2,600 public schools with stainless steel toilets with warm seats and a proper flushing system over the next month. The city has set a target that by 2018 unhygienic toilets will be completely wiped off the list of problems that has plagued the city's school system for a long time. According to Chung, with rapidly growing student numbers, Hanoi will build at least 40 more schools by late 2017, including a public elementary school on a site covering 3,000 square meters in Hoan Kiem District, one of the most densely-populated residential areas in Hanoi. The offenders were unaware of their crime after straying into foreign waters. Indonesia handed over 49 illegal Vietnamese fishermen on August 10 at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Vietnam News Agency reported. The majority of fishermen come from the Mekong Delta provinces of Kien Giang and Vinh Long, and were captured over a 3-month period for fishing illegally in Indonesias waters. Due to their limited geographical knowledge, many of them were unaware they had strayed into Indonesian waters. They told Vietnam News Agency that they were hired to catch fish offshore, but the captain decided where to go. The Vietnamese Embassy in Jakarta sent home 17 Vietnamese fishermen from Indonesia in January, 2016. Photo by the Vietnam News Agency. Indonesian authorities have arrested a growing number of Vietnamese fishermen over the last few years. Nguyen Thanh Giang, a consular official at the Vietnamese embassy in Jakarta, said that more arrests have put pressure on Indonesias prisons and detention centers. Giang added that the embassy has been working with local authorities to find a way to send the Vietnamese citizens home. In the future, they will introduce measures to prevent Vietnamese fishermen from fishing unlawfully in Indonesian waters. On July 23, the Indonesian government also handed over 65 Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested while fishing illegally in the formers waters in April and May this year. Related news: > Thai coast guard arrests 20 Vietnamese fishermen > Malaysia detains 88 Vietnamese fishermen over alleged illegal fishing: report > Indonesia hands over 65 arrested Vietnamese fishermen Any trace of alcohol in your body will result in a fine of up to $800. Police in four of Vietnam's largest big cities will launch a campaign to punish traffic violators, targeting drunk drivers from beer clubs, bars and restaurants, the Cong An Nhan Dan (Peoples Police Newspaper) reported Thursday. The measures are part of a broader operation to ensure traffic safety nationwide during the countrys National Day on September 2. Starting August 16, traffic police in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Can Tho will patrol these areas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and take action to deal with those who refuse to cooperate. Under a government decree that became effective on August 1 this year, drivers must obey police orders and take an alcohol test via breath or blood if requested to do so. They will be fined VND2 million ($88.6)-VND3 million ($132.9) if any traces of alcohol are found up to 50 milligrams/100 milliliters of blood or 0.25 milligrams/1 liter of breath. The fine will be raised to VND7 million -VND8 million if the alcohol concentration is between 50-80 milligrams/100 milliliters of blood or 0.25-0.4 milligrams/1 liter of breath. Violators will be fined VND16 million-VND18 million if the alcohol concentration surpasses 80 milligrams/100 milliliters of blood or 0.4 milligrams/1 liter on a breath test, or if they refuse to take a test. Normally alcohol concentration will stay below 50 milligrams/100 milliliters of blood or 0.25 milligrams/1 liter of breath if a person drinks less than two shots of 40 percent liqor, Infonet, the official news site of the Ministry of Information and Communications' newspaper, quoted Dr. Pham Dinh Tuan from the Thai Ha Health and Labor Center in Hanoi as saying in March last year. The same goes for a 100-milliliter glass of wine (13.5 percent alcohol content) or a 330-milliliter bottle of beer. However, this latest crack down will punish anyone who has traces of alcohol in their system. Alcohol concentration depends on the volume of alcohol drunk, the weight of the drinker, the sex of the person and the duration between when they finish drinking and when a test is taken. Alcohol concentration is different in men and women. If a man and a woman drink the same glass of wine, the alcohol concentration in the womans blood will be higher than the mans because there is less water and more fatty compounds in the womans body than in the mans. Khuat Viet Hung, deputy chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said in July that Vietnam loses an estimated VND250 billion (US$11.2 million) a day on average due to traffic accidents. A recent study by the World Health Organization and the National Traffic Safety Committee conducted in hospitals in Vietnams north found that 36.9 percent or more of the 18,000 patients involved in traffic accidents showed traces of alcohol. Traffic accidents claimed around 9,000 lives in 2015, according to the committee. More efforts are being made to help lower traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers. The National Traffic Safety Committee and the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association early last year started a pilot initiative in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to ask restaurants, bars and nightclubs to call taxis to take intoxicated patrons home. But in a country where peoples thirst for beer is just too difficult to quench, alcohol consumption has recorded fast growth rates over the last few years. Vietnam is the top beer consumer in Southeast Asia and the third-largest consumer in Asia, just after Japan and China, industry figures show. "Thanks to a strong culture of beer drinking, Vietnam represents a clear market opportunity for foreign alcoholic drinks brands," global market research firm Euromonitor International said in a report in June. "With drinking beer and wine being an indispensable pleasure in the lives of Vietnamese consumers to kill time or to relieve boredom, most have developed a habit of more frequently going out to eat and drink," the report said. "This trend has supported the growth of alcoholic drinks as large numbers of beer restaurants have opened on streets, especially around universities and industrial parks." Related news: > Higher duties fail to stop Vietnamese from guzzling beer The defense ministry will consider a proposal to expand the airport to a military base. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed a plan to build a new terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, seeking to increase the airport's capacity by 30 percent to 40 million passengers a year. The airport has been stretched beyond its 25 million capacity and is expected to handle 31 million passengers this year, Lai Xuan Thanh, CAAV's director, said at a meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung on Thursday. The airport, designed to handle both domestic and international flights, has become increasingly overloaded. Aviation authorities have had no choice but to cut the number of arrivals and departures to 38-40 flights per hour from the previous 40-42, said Thanh. They have even turned to a nearby military base to ask if it can accommodate passenger flights. The Ministry of National Defense is expected to make a final decision on the request next week. The aviation official said that the overload is due to lack of air space, limited ground services and traffic congestion near the airport. My flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City yesterday had to circle for 35 minutes before landing, Thanh said. There have been a few expansion options suggested for what was once a U.S. air base, but the airport has been engulfed by the fast-growing urban sprawl. Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung during a field trip to discuss the expansion of Tan Son Nhat Aarport. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Cong The expansion plan has received preliminary approval from Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, who said a new terminal would double the annual capacity and resolve overloading at Tan Son Nhat. Dung added that the new Long Thanh International Airport, 40 kilometers to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, will ease the strain on Tan Son Nhat. But the first phase of construction will not start at least until 2019; by 2025, Tan Son Nhat could be swamped by a massive 50 million passengers a year. The expansion would be funded through a partnership between the government and private companies or through the build-own-operate (BOT) model at some of the airport's facilities, Dung said. Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing airline markets in Asia Pacific, had previously forecast that air passenger traffic would reach 32.4 million people by 2020. The 23-member committee, which includes educators, state officials and academics, met Tuesday for its fourth monthly session. It faces a December deadline for suggestions to be considered during next year's legislative session. Committee chairwoman Nicole Fama, an Indianapolis school principal, said the results of the new standardized test could still be used to evaluate schools, as required by federal law, even if those weren't factors in determining teacher pay. Some panel members' concerns with how teachers would be evaluated based on a new exam have dominated the public discussions. "We're taking adult stress and putting it on kids because the adults are stressed out," Fama said. "So if I can get the teacher accountability off, I feel we'll actually get more rich conversations about an actual test." But such changes may not receive the needed approval from the Republican-dominated Legislature, which passed such measures in recent years. House Education Committee Chairman Robert Behning, an Indianapolis Republican, said teachers are held accountable for students showing improvement on ISTEP not just whether they pass or fail the test and that local schools districts decide how much the scores play into teacher evaluations. Yet, Behning said, he is open to discussion: "I've been pretty upfront about the fact we need to look at what makes sense in terms of teacher evaluation metrics." Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Wendy Robinson, a member of the committee, said the state needs to decouple teacher pay from the test or it will be simply trading ISTEP for a similar exam. Tying school grades, teacher pay and student progress measurements to ISTEP has led to the test dominating every day of the school year, said committee member Jean Russell, a teacher in the Southwest Allen County school district. "Everything we are piling onto this one test is ruining it," she said. Ha Long Bay aside, Quang Ninh is a wonder of its own. Ha Long in the northern province of Quang Ninh, together with Hoi An in central and Nha Trang in southern Vietnam, makes up Vietnam's constellation of attractions. Tours intended to these places are usually built on well beaten paths that lead only to famous sites, failing to pay deserving attention to the surrounding areas, where culture, especially culinary, still thrives in many ways without investment and spectators to observe the wonders. So if you're planning on visiting Ha Long Bay, don't just settle for the pre-paid set meals from the tour operators. Quang Ninh has plenty of delicacies with a no lesser wow factor than its famous bay. Vietnamese calamari Hand-pounded squid cake (cha muc) is undoubtedly the most famous treat of Quang Ninh. Fresh squids caught in Ha Longs waters are cleaned, hand-pounded and shaped into cookie-like cakes to preserve the intrinsic crunch and chewiness. Fried squid cake is the best protein to pair with sticky rice, steamed rice rolls banh cuon or eaten alone with fish sauce. At VND350,000 - 450,000 ($16 - $20) per kilogram, cha muc is the gift to go for any guest here. Sa sung Beside squid, sa sung is a rare coastal mollusc found mostly on Quan Lan Island of Quang Ninh. Not only a food but also a precious part of Asian medicine, a kilogram of dried 'sa sung' allegedly claims hundreds of dollars. Be it fried, sauteed, roasted or serving as natural sweetener to the world-renowned pho, sa sung never disappoints any eater. Horseshoe crab An invertebrate that has long been familiar with the pharmaceutical industry due to its blue blood, the crab is a specialty in Quang Ninh that can be made into various dishes such as deep fried, sauteed, grilled or blood pudding. However, horseshoe crab is a difficult ingredient to handle leading to very few places offering it. With flesh made into food, the crabs shell is capable of making souvenirs that is said to repel cold. Ca say A name that turns even local heads due to its strange name. Ca say is actually a cross-breed of duck and goose, combining the best of both worlds: less dry flesh than gooses yet not as overly fatty as ducks. The best way to have ca say is boiled, approved by the locals, who eat the most. Mantis shrimp noodle Mantis shrimp noodle in Quang Ninh is a bun-based (sour rice noodle) dish with broth contributed by crabs, shrimps and pig bones and eaten with lots of vegetables. A bowl of this noodle keeps eyes on it thanks to the boiled and skinned shrimps topping the bowl. Ruoc lo The tiny version of octopus ruoc lo requires the fishermen to use a special instrument and search in lo (hole in English). Ruoc lo boiled with guava and tamarind leaves, dipped in shrimp paste and paired with herbs makes the perfect snack that immediately raise a beer session to its height. And lucky to those who catch one coming with eggs. It tastes unforgettable. Ngan A popular shellfish that can be turned into more than just food. Its reddish blood completes white spirit. The liquid from ngan is also so nutritious that many tie their shell with strings to keep it from leaking when boiled. Related news: > Four tips to maximize your Ha Long experience > The fifty-cent food tour of Da Nang BAD AXE Criminal defendants will not be alone and in the dark when they step foot in Huron Countys courthouse for an arraignment. In 2013, the Michigan Legislature adopted the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act for the purpose of improving the delivery of indigent representation services for people who are charged with criminal offenses and receive court-appointed counsel. The MIDC adopted four standards to improve the criminal justice system, one of which is to have a lawyer present at a defendants first appearance in court. Huron Countys 73B District Court is the first court in the state to implement the attorney at first appearance program, District Judge David B. Herrington told the Tribune. The act provides funding from the state to pay for court compliances with the new guidelines. In the past, unless somebody has hired a lawyer on their own to be present at the arraignment, the court would arraign the person without an attorney, Herrington explained. The focus of the process is to afford every criminal defendant the opportunity to discuss their case and be informed of the arraignment process with a lawyer before they go into the courtroom, he added. The process has been found to instill or build confidence in the criminal justice process, which is a good thing. An arraignment is a court process where a citizen charged with a crime is told what the charge is, what the possible penalty is, how they plea, the situation involving their lawyer is addressed and bond is set. It has been found through studies that its the best practice and preferred to have a lawyer at the arraignment, Herrington said. The court has set up a system where the prosecuting attorney and the court-appointed counsel panel will designate a lawyer to be present at arraignments Monday through Friday in the countys district courtroom. The Huron County Sheriffs Office is another entity onboard in accommodating the process by allowing counsel to meet with clients who are housed in jail. Herrington, who took the district bench eight years ago, felt the program will help speed up court proceedings as well as address any confusion a defendant may have regarding their charges. Theyve (MIDC) found in studies the no-show rate, meaning when people come to court theyre supposed to come back for a pretrial conference or some other proceeding, they found in those courts the no-show rate went way down, Herrington said. Thats because (defendants) didnt leave the courtroom not fully understanding what was going on. Its not uncommon at all to arraign the defendant and because of whatever state theyre in theyre not always paying close attention, he added. The defense lawyer only represents the defendant during arraignment. If the defendant qualifies for a court-appoint attorney, the court will appoint one at public expense. A defendant can reject counsel if they wish. We believe that having a lawyer here at first appearance will result in less court appearances by defendants attorneys, Herrington said. The court-appointed counsel panel put together a rotation set-up for each attorney to take a day a week to cover arraignments. The attorneys who will represent defendants at arraignments are: Bad Axe-based attorneys Walt Salens, Dallas Rooney, Andrew Lockard, Julienne Ferris, Elizabeth Weisenbach; Pigeon-based attorney Diana Kessler; and Sebewaing-based attorney Jill L. Schmidt. The program went into effect in Huron County on Monday. After seeing defendants Monday and Tuesday, they seem more calm, Salens told the Tribune. They understand whats going on because we explain the process to them, we explain their rights and give them a little bit of legal advice. Salens, who has been practicing for 28 years, handled seven cases between two days in district court earlier this week. I really think its going to be beneficial in the long run because when it comes more efficient, I think it will streamline the courts for arraignment day and people wont be sitting there for long periods of time waiting to talk to an attorney, he said. U.S. military officials recently have described ISIS as under pressure and in retreat from Afghanistan to Libya in offensives that have killed 45,000, but the outgoing U.S. commander in Iraq and Syria added a cautionary note. The upbeat reports also coincide with charges from a House Republican Joint Task Force that U.S. Central Command, while under the command of Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, routinely produced reports from its Intelligence Directorate that "were inconsistent with the judgments of many senior, career analysts at CentCom." The interim, 10-page report found that the CentCom intel was "consistently more optimistic regarding the conduct of U.S. military action than that of the senior analysts" assigned to assess the capabilities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The Republican task force essentially confirmed a Daily Beast report last year, which said that as many as 50 intelligence analysts complained of being "bullied" into altering their assessments. The Republican report said that the climate at CentCom had improved markedly since Army Gen. Joseph Votel took command, but that "many issues" remained. Republican Reps. Ken Calvert of California, Mike Pompeo of Kansas and Brad Wenstrup of Ohio led the task force, which covered the period up to mid-2015. Votel took command at CentCom from Austin in March. Since then, Iraqi Security Forces with U.S. air support have taken Fallujah back from ISIS and moved north to set up bases for an eventual assault on Mosul, the last remaining major ISIS stronghold in Iraq. In Syria, U.S.-backed opposition forces in the northeast were reportedly in clearing operations against the remaining ISIS fighters in Manbij. The taking of Manbij was seen as a major step in plans for an offensive to the south to take Raqqa, the proclaimed "capital" of the caliphate. Collapsing 'on all fronts' In his final briefing Wednesday to the Pentagon as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland said that ISIS was continuing to lose territory and its defenses were collapsing "on all fronts." MacFarland will be replaced later this month by Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. When he took command last September, MacFarland said that ISIS "still controlled the Euphrates River Valley from the Syrian-Turkish border almost to the edge of Baghdad, to include the recently fallen city of Ramadi." "The enemy held all the major population centers in Ninawa province in the north, and along the Tigris River valley from Mosul down to the oil refineries down at Baiji." Syrian opposition partners were hanging on "by their fingertips in northwest Syria," MacFarland said. "The Kurds in both Iraq and Syria had ceased advancing. Many observers characterized the situation then as a stalemate." "You don't hear the word 'stalemate' anymore," MacFarland said. "That's because over the past year with our partners, we were able to seize the initiative. We now talk about maintaining the momentum of the campaign in both Iraq and Syria. In other words, we spend more time thinking about what we will do to the enemy than we spend thinking about what the enemy might do to us." "And although it's not a measure of success and it's difficult to confirm, we estimate that over the past 11 months we've killed about 25,000 enemy fighters," MacFarland said. "When you add that to the 20,000 estimated killed prior to our arrival, that's 45,000 enemy taken off the battlefield." "As I wrap up, I'd like to register a note of caution," MacFarland said. "Military success in Iraq and Syria will not necessarily mean the end of Daesh," an Arabic acronym for ISIS. "We can expect the enemy to adapt, to morph into a true insurgent force and terrorist organization capable of horrific attacks like the one here on July 3rd in Baghdad and those others we've seen around the world." MacFarland also said he was confident that the turmoil in Turkey following the attempted coup last month would not impact the campaign against ISIS in Syria or operations against ISIS out of the U.S. airbase at Incirlik in southeastern Turkey. "Well, first of all, Turkey is a NATO ally. They provide us with all sorts of important support for this campaign, and I would anticipate that that will continue," MacFarland said. At a Pentagon news conference Wednesday, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said she wasn't so sure. "Turkey has been a good ally," she said. "They have an effective air force, but of course it's concerning because with so many members of the leadership gone, it's going to take them time to grow new leaders and replace, so it remains to be seen what happens next." Thus far, U.S. commanders at Incirlik have been treated with "utmost professionalism" by their Turkish counterparts, James said. A global threat MacFarland's assessment on the resiliency of ISIS as a terrorist organization echoed that of CIA Director John Brennan and FBI Director James Comey, who have both said that ISIS will remain a global threat for years after its military defeat. The U.S. military also has reported progress in campaigns against ISIS offshoots in Libya and Afghanistan. In a briefing to the Pentagon late last month, Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said that Afghan National Defense Security Forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes and U.S. advisers on the ground, had forced an ISIS affiliate, called Islamic State-Khorasan Province, into retreat in eastern Nangarhar province. Five U.S. troops have been wounded thus far in the action, but were expected to make full recoveries, Nicholson said. "We have helped the Afghan Security Forces to reclaim significant portions of the territory that was previously controlled by Daesh. We have killed many Daesh commanders and soldiers, destroyed key infrastructure capabilities, logistical nodes, and Daesh fighters are retreating south into the mountains of southern Nangarhar as we speak," Nicholson said. However, the Taliban was resurgent in other areas of Afghanistan, and this week Taliban fighters reportedly were threatening Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of opium-rich southeastern Helmand province. In Libya, at least 29 U.S. airstrikes through Tuesday had enabled militias supporting the U.S.-backed Government of National Accord to end a stalemate in their siege of the ISIS-held port city of Sirte. The militias Thursday reportedly had captured the ISIS headquarters in the cityas center. -- 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. The admiral in charge of Naval Special Warfare Command has reportedly retired from the service after his promotion was blocked earlier this year amid findings of whistleblower retaliation. Rear Adm. Brian Losey passed command to Rear. Adm. Tim Szymanski in an Aug. 3 ceremony in San Diego. Navy Times reported that Losey retired the same week, though a spokesman for NSW could not confirm the exact date of his planned retirement. Losey's career advancement was halted in March when Navy Secretary Ray Mabus rejected his promotion to a second star in response to pressure from several key senators. That promotion had been on hold since 2012 as Pentagon investigators looked into complaints of whistleblower reprisal. In all, there were five investigations into complaints that subordinates had faced punitive or career-harming actions in connection with reporting a minor travel violation. Ultimately, a complaint was substantiated by the Defense Department Inspector General, who recommended that appropriate actions be taken. But Navy brass and other senior leaders continued to support Losey against what some said was scrutiny he didn't deserve. In an April opinion editorial, former SOCOM commander and retired Adm. Bill McRaven defended Losey, saying he had been targeted for seeking to effect positive change. "Although Losey can be a tough taskmaster, he is a 'by-the-book' officer," McRaven wrote. "Unfortunately for Losey, along the way to strengthening the command, there were those who fought the change and through a series of whistleblower complaints sought to seek his removal." Navy reviews of the IG investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing, McRaven said. But the most powerful lawmakers pushing to end Losey's career, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain and committee ranking member Jack Reed, maintained in a letter to Mabus that the Navy should not promote the embattled flag officer. "We are especially troubled that during a time when the Navy is reportedly working to create a service culture and promote command climates that are free of threats of unlawful reprisals, that you would consider promoting RDML Losey when you specifically found that he created exactly the type of negative command climate that is so harmful to our military," the letter said. Losey's change of command ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson and Army Gen. Raymond Thomas, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, a sign of respect for Losey's 33-year-career and his tenure at Naval Special Warfare. Losey thanked the officers for their presence, calling it an honor, according to a military news release. "There is no higher honor in the military than to have these two leaders of our nation's military to be here for Naval Special Warfare," he said. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck. Related Video: (Photo: Courtesy Gatestone Institute)Shama Bibi (left) and Shahzad Masih, a Christian couple and parents of three children, were burned to death by a Muslim lynch mob in Pakistan because of a blasphemy accusation. An Algerian court has sentenced a Christian man in Algeria to five years in prison, the maximum term, and dealt him a heavy fine for blasphemy against Islam and its prophet, for a social media post. Slimane Bouhafs, 49, was arrested on July 31 for posting a message on social media about the light of Jesus overcoming the "lie" of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, Evangelical Focus reports. He also published photos showing the execution of a civilian by an Islamist terrorist. Such material is judged by the authorities to insult Islam, the state religion in Algeria, according to its Constitution. The penal code provides for a penalty of three to five years in prison, along with a heavy fine, against anyone convicted of insulting Islam and Muhammad, its prophet, World Watch Monitor reports. The Algerian Constitution deems that such material insults Islam, the State religion. The country's penal code provides for a penalty of three to five years in prison, along with a heavy fine, against anyone convicted of insulting Islam and Muhammad. However, the vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LADDH), Said Salhi, denounced what he called "this attack" on the guarantees of freedom of conscience and worship enshrined in Algeria's Constitution. The human rights group said it wished to "alert public opinion and defenders of liberties to this new attack against the rights guaranteed by national laws and the international instruments of human rights." LADDH also called for Bouhafs' unconditional release and for "a broad mobilization to push back an unlawful act, to let justice triumph." Bouhafs' sentence shocked his family, who denounced what they called a "sham" trial of the man who became a Christian in 1997, and who was baptized in 2006. His daughter, Afaf, said her father is man who has always defended the interests of his country from a young age and he is known for his commitment to democracy and religious freedom in all his writings published on his Facebook page. Bouhafs' family expressed deep concern, as he suffers from a chronic illness and his health may deteriorate as he goes to prison. A living nightmare is how Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken described life for religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria under the barbarous, genocidal regime of Daesh. Speaking at a Washington conference on the threat posed to these communities, Mr. Blinken said there is grave concern over their very survival. He noted, however, that the Global Coalitions momentum against Daesh is growing, and has led to a significant liberation of territory held by the terrorist group, a cut in their financing, a diminution of the flow of their foreign fighter recruits, and the elimination of thousands of their leaders. But more needs to be done. Iraqi forces, he said, are preparing for the greatest battle against Daesh to date the liberation of the Iraqi city of Mosul and the surrounding Nineveh plains. Deputy Secretary Blinken stressed that the twin responsibilities of military victory and inclusive political and economic progress must proceed together in lockstep. Mr. Blinken noted that Mosul holds a unique place in Iraqi history and identity: for thousands of yearsChristians, Yezidis, Turkoman, Sunni, Shabak, Kurds, Shia all have made this ancient city their home. He called the area the cradle of civilization, rich in ancient cultural artifacts, but most importantly, representative of Iraqs cultural infrastructure of pluralism and diversity. He emphasized the importance of the Iraqi governments providing a fundamental accommodation in which all of Iraqs communities believe they have a future in Iraq: All Iraqis be they Sunni, Shia, Kurd, Christian, or any other have to be convinced that the state that theyve been asked to fight for, the state theyve been asked to remain a part of, will stand up for their rights and their equities, that they can advance their interests more effectively as citizens of a united Iraq than as supplicants of other regional powers or members of isolated competitive blocks in a fractured and weakened state. Deputy Secretary Blinken observed that the real wealth of a nation is defined, not by its size or military prowess, but by its human resourcesCountries that invest in the health, in the prosperity, in the security, in the diversities of their societies will thrive in the 21st centuryThat is the future. And with international assistance, it is the future, Deputy Secretary Blinken said, that the Iraqis can make possible for their communities and for their county. When the United States identifies a terrorist group, or individuals who may have a hand in helping to move or raise money on behalf of terrorists, we lock them out of the international banking system, thus taking away their ability to transfer money to vendors and to receive money from donors. We freeze what funds they may have in the banking system and within reach of the United States, and ensure that no businesses or manufacturers will trade with them. That is essentially what happens when the United States designates, under Executive Order 13224, an individual or group deemed to be terrorist in nature, or likely to commit terrorist activity. In early August, the State Department marked as Specially Designated Global Terrorists the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar terror group, and Mohamed Abrini, who is a member of the Europe-based branch of ISIL, also known as Daesh. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar is a splinter group of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Tehrik-e-Taliban was itself designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2010. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has staged numerous attacks targeting civilians, religious minorities, military personnel, and law enforcement. In March of this year, the group executed a suicide assault at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal amusement park in Lahore, Pakistan that killed more than 70 people and injured hundreds more. The Easter Sunday attack was the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan since December 2014. Most of the victims were women and children. Occasionally, the State Department designated individual is already in custody. That is the case with Mohamed Abrini, who participated in the November 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130 people and injured over 350 others, and the March 2016 Brussels attacks, which caused the deaths of 32 people. Abrini was arrested in April by Belgian security forces. A terrorism designation can expose and isolate organizations and individuals engaged in terrorism. It also prevents co-conspirators from using resources to continue terrorist work. By designating Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Mohamed Abrini as terrorists, the United States is taking a decisive step toward disrupting their ability, and the ability of their associates, from executing their deadly agendas. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is actively closing the countrys democratic space in the run up to the November presidential and legislative elections. Beyond silencing the political discourse and competition necessary for a vibrant democracy, such actions could have a stifling effect on Nicaraguas prosperity and international standing. On June 8, the Nicaraguan Supreme Court, comprised of Ortega loyalists, stripped the opposition Independent Liberal Party from its long-recognized leader Eduardo Montealegre. It took similar action on June 17 when it invalidated the leadership of the Citizen Action Party, another opposition party with the legal standing to present a presidential candidate. Then, on July 28, the Supreme Electoral Council removed 28 Independent Liberal Party national assembly members from their popularlyelected positions. The lawmakers decried the decision as a destruction of Nicaraguas already debilitated representative democracy by closing the last institutional space for the opposition. Other parties, like the Sandinista Renovation Movement, called the councils decision a new blow to completely liquidate political pluralism and to eliminate the opposition voices in parliament and public institutions that have played an important role in denouncing Ortegas abuses of power. Most recently, on August 2, the president named first lady Rosario Murillo as his running mate in the November 2016 presidential elections. Murillo is viewed by many in Nicaraguan society as wielding substantial power and speculation is that this has the potential of creating a family dynasty. President Ortega, who is running for a third consecutive term, says that he will not allow international election monitoring in November, despite polls showing that a vast majority of Nicaraguans believe that international observation would add credibility to the electoral process. Credible elections and political plurality are fundamental to any strong democracy, said U.S. State Department Spokesperson John Kirby. Nicaraguan civil society, business leaders, and religious leaders continue to advocate for a strengthening of democratic institutions, a separation of powers, and a fair electoral process. The United States calls on the Nicaraguan government to respect the voices of its people and take the steps for fair and transparent elections that permit the full participation of all Nicaraguan citizens, including by allowing opposition parties to operate independently and by inviting the presence of international election observers. Without such steps, the credibility of the upcoming election will likely be questioned by many voices domestically and internationally. Nordic Games has sent out a press release to announced its reincorporation as THQ Nordic. The reincorporation comes after 2014's buy out of the THQ trademark by Nordic Games where it has been held as an "in name only" part of the company. THQ Nordic has plans to align IPs gained in the acquisition with "the very best development resources to expand upon them". As of now we have 23 game projects in development, 13 thereof have not yet been publicly announced, but are sure to be in the next months. Needless to say, the majority of these projects are based on former THQ owned IPs and franchises. Founded in 2008, THQ Nordic is a global video game publisher and developer. Based in Vienna, Austria and Karlstad, Sweden with subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, THQ Nordic brands include Darksiders, MX vs. ATV, Red Factionand Titan Quest. THQ Nordic is meant to represent a core approach of doing much more than owning a highly competitive portfolio of IPs. It revolves around cherishing them, and aligning them with the very best development resources to expand upon them with the level of experience that communities and established Check out the THQNordic site to learn more. Investors in Yangon Stock Exchange-listed firms could soon be able to use their shares to access bank loans. The YSX is in discussions with listed companies and lenders about a system for posting stock as collateral, which shareholders are eager to see put in place. Tycoon Serge Pun owner of listed firm First Myanmar Investment is among those pushing for the move. Before FMI launched its shares on the YSX, investors were able to use their holdings as collateral when borrowing from FMIs majority-owned subsidiary Yoma Bank. The paper shares were traded over-the-counter at FMI Centre in downtown Yangon, which provided an ownership certificate that investors could take to Yoma Bank. That lender offered loans equal to 50 percent of the share value. Yoma is not the only Myanmar bank to have accepted over-the-counter share ownership certificates as collateral. An official at one of the largest Myanmar lenders, who asked to remain anonymous, said his bank had accepted such certificates in the past, but did not say what company the shares were from. The electronic system used by the YSX offers no such certification. At FMIs general meeting on August 7, shareholders told The Myanmar Times they had asked Mr Pun to help them to use shares as collateral again not just at Yoma Bank but at any local lender. Mr Pun said the solution will require support from the YSX and securities firms. Its an administrative issue due to the fact that there are no more script shares in use, he told The Myanmar Times. The logistical problem of using electronically registered shares as collateral will require some time to sort out. The YSX is already working on a system that would allow shareholders to put up their shares as a pledge in dealing with a second party, which would include pledging shares as collateral for a bank loan, said Kensuke Yazu, an adviser at the YSX. The stock exchange has shown its proposals to the two listed firms FMI and Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings Limited but began work on the system as a general obligation to investors and not at the behest of either of the listed firms, Mr Yazu said. Pledging shares as collateral is common in other countries, and the YSX is simply looking at how to provide the computer system to make this possible in Myanmar, he said. Under the YSX proposal a shareholder would make a contract with a bank, and then transfer the shares from their account at a securities company to the banks account. The transfer of shareholder rights such as voting rights and dividend payments would be detailed in the contract. The YSX is now taking its proposals to banks to see whether they think the system is workable, Mr Yazu said. We need to get information from the banks and their impressions, he said, adding that if the banks are happy with the system it could go live very quickly. Not all banks have been consulted, but those that have say it could be workable, he added. The Central Bank has restrictions on the kinds of collateral banks can accept. Shares are a grey area and the regulations around their use as collateral are unclear, said U Phyo Aung, managing director of AYA Bank. But he thought it unlikely the Central Bank would prevent the use of YSX-listed shares as collateral. An official from the Central Bank of Myanmars monetary policy department said that shares were not on the official list of acceptable collateral, which includes land, buildings, government treasury bills, deposits and gold. But whether banks would be allowed to accept YSX shares is a matter for the financial institutions department, which could not be reached by press time. Mr Pun also said the issue was logistical not regulatory. U Thaung Han, director of CB Securities and a member of CB Banks management committee, agreed there were no regulatory restrictions to prevent banks from accepting share ownership as collateral. But there are also no obligations on banks to accept shares either. It depends on the bank, he said. It could be that the bank doesnt want to lend [with shares as collateral]. Banks in Myanmar are required by law to lend only with collateral, and are typically very cautious about what kinds of collateral they accept. Indian warehouse services firm Sohan Lal Commodity Management, for example, worked hard last year to get Myanmar banks to accept agricultural commodities. U Phyo Aung said his firm would be able to accept shares in YSX-listed firms as collateral to provide an uncommitted line of credit a short-term loan facility that the bank has no obligation to extend or renew. AYA Bank will enforce stricter credit checks on the borrower using shares as collateral, monitor share volatility and will not allow loans for the purpose of buying more shares, U Phyo Aung added. But the system would be positive for the banks, the YSX and the financial system, he said. Mr Yazu said allowing listed shares as collateral would help increase the flow of money around the financial system by allowing investors to use their holdings for working capital. For the YSX, the ability to use shares as collateral could lead to an increase in share value and more trading, he said. But the possibility of investors using the bank loans to buy yet more shares represented a risk for the new exchange, he said, adding that there should be clear procedures and regulations to prevent a speculative bubble as a result of such behaviour. Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation has asked the minister of commerce to help settle a long-running dispute over a rice shipment with Indonesias state-run Bureau of Logistics, known as Bulog, when he travels to the country later this month. The dispute arose after MAPCO sent almost 14,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia under a government-to-government agreement, which failed to meet new Indonesian food safety regulations. Officials at the Port of Surabaya held the cargo for more than three months and fined the company US$1.8 million in demurrage and other charges. A Myanmar delegation to Indonesia in June failed to solve the issue, and Bulog has not yet paid for the entire shipment, which was worth around $5.3 million. However, it has paid $2.3 million and has postponed the deadline for payment from July 31 to August 31, according to an August 5 letter sent to the managing director of MAPCO. A second delegation, including Myanmars Minister of Commerce, officials from the Myanmar Rice Federation, and MAPCO representatives, will head to Indonesia before the end of the month, managing director U Ye Min Aung said. MAPCO has been unable to persuade Indonesian officials to reduce the hefty fine and the matter needs to be solved between the two governments, he said. He said the commerce minister will bargain down the charges as part of a wider effort to promote trade relations between the two countries. The shipping company and port already agreed to offer a 15 to 20 percent discount but we need 70 percent or more, he added. If the Indonesian government can agree to that after negotiating with our commerce minister, it will be okay. Minister for Commerce U Than Myint told The Myanmar Times yesterday he is primarily going to Indonesia to extend a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for rice shipments, and to promote trade. If the issue between MAPCO and Indonesian authorities is still outstanding, he said he will negotiate with the Indonesian commerce minister, but will leave it to the Indonesian government to decide whether they want to offer a discount. The MAPCO shipment was the first rice trade from Myanmar to Indonesia under the existing MoU, he said. Misunderstandings about export regulations can happen, and I hope our delegation to Indonesia can promote sustainable trade with Indonesia. The World Bank has offered to lend the government US$100 million for financial sector development, with the funding to be split between the Ministry of Planning and Finance and the Central Bank, parliament heard earlier this week. Deputy Minister of Planning and Finance U Maung Maung Win said if the government agrees to the terms, the ministry would receive $75 million and the Central Bank would receive $25 million of the 38-year interest-free loan. Of the ministrys share, $60 million would go toward normal budgeted expenditures including projects, staff salaries and pensions, he told the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. The other $15 million would be spent on financial sector development. Of this, $7 million would go toward restructuring and reforming the countrys four uncompetitive state-owned banks, $5 million would be used to develop legal frameworks and invest in IT for the microfinance and insurance sectors, and $3 million would be spent on capacity building for ministry staff. The Central Bank would use the remaining $25 million for four projects, deputy governor Daw Khin Saw Oo told parliament. Of this, $6 million would be used to open an accounting and finance training school, $2 million would be spent on IT and capacity building, $2 million on building staff capacity, and $15 million on upgrading payment system and financial infrastructure. Before the planning and finance ministry can draw down on the $60 million earmarked for operational support, it will need to meet several disbursement-linked indicators, U Maung Maung Win said. While the 38-year loan is interest-free, he added, the government will pay an annual service charge of 0.75 percent, after a six-year grace period. A World Bank spokesperson said in an email yesterday that the project aims to expand access to finance in Myanmar. The loan is aimed at improving the competitiveness of the banking sector through state-owned bank reform, upgrading the legal, regulatory and supervisory framework, and modernising financial infrastructure, she said. U Than Lwin, a senior consultant for Kanbawza Bank, the countrys largest commercial lender, said the loan would be good for the country. The loan is interest-free, which is good. We need to take more loans like this, because Chinese loans are expensive and the state needs to spend a lot of money at this time to build the country, he said. Tax revenues are also important to develop our financial sector and to reduce our budget deficit. This fiscal year, Myanmar has access to around US$480 million in International Development Association resources, senior economist Habib Rab said earlier this month. In addition to the $100 million earmarked for financial sector developent, $100 million plus another $100 million from a separate IDA crisis response window is already committed for a flood and landslide emergency recovery project, he said. For the remaining $280 million, we are still in discussions with the government on possible areas of support, which could include health, disaster risk management and development policy financing, Mr Rab said. Translation by Thiri Min Htun The recent measles outbreak in the Naga region has once again shone a spotlight on healthcare access in remote and contested areas. These regions record particularly woeful health indicators even by Myanmar standards ranging from vaccination rates to maternal mortality to child stunting. A report from the Asia Foundation titled Achieving Health Equity in Contested Areas of Southeast Myanmar offers an unconventional suggestion for tackling this problem. The report examines how, in certain parts of the country, healthcare services are still run through two parallel systems one by the governments Ministry of Health and one by providers linked to ethnic armed organisations. Take southeast Myanmar, where the report focuses: Since the late 1980s, several ethnic armed organisations including the Karen National Union have provided primary healthcare services to hundreds of thousands of the countrys hardest-to-reach people. This is also the case in other parts of Myanmar, with groups like the Kachin Independence Organisation, the United Wa Solidarity Party and the Palaung State Liberation Front operating health departments as well. They have the working models, local relations, linguistic and cultural abilities developed to serve some of the countrys vulnerable populations populations who are the last to receive healthcare in most similar countries, the reports lead author Kim Jolliffe told The Myanmar Times. In light of this, an atypical recommendation is made. Essentially, the report recommends that the government embrace and even fund the health apparatus built up by those same ethnic armed organisations with which they have had an extremely fractured history. Given the reality of parallel service systems, and the likelihood that they will remain in place for quite some time, the report said, the focus of all involved should be to carefully and patiently support greater coordination and cooperation between them to build both trust and viability for the challenging convergence process over time. The time does seem ripe. Cooperation between former rivals has increased since ceasefires were signed in 2011 and 2012, and the National League for Democracy administration has shown a willingness to bury certain hatchets. Since coming into power, the National League for Democracys National Health Network has released a Roadmap Towards Universal Health Coverage in Myanmar, which makes repeated references to engagement with providers linked to ethnic armed organisations. In conflict and post-conflict areas, [ethnic health organisations] have long been providing essential services to populations that public-sector providers do not reach, it said, before recommending that a communication and coordination mechanism with [ethnic health organisations] needs to be established. The NLD Health Network even invited representatives from these health departments for a meeting in December. But the next steps may be more difficult. As the Asia Foundation report notes, it will involve a shift in thinking around [the governments] responsibilities as a state and acceptance that it is not the only provider of healthcare in some parts of the country. As such, offering recognition and resources to providers linked to ethnic armed organisations may be some way away. Given the continued fragility of the ceasefires, and the inevitably slow pace of reconciliation following decades of war, [these systems] are likely to remain separate for the foreseeable future, despite their complementary roles in achieving universal health coverage in Myanmar, the report said. Mr Jolliffe added, Sadly, this kind of decentralisation of service delivery, as is common around the world, is still seen as radical by institutions in the country that remain hierarchical and centralised in their current approach. After three days of meetings, the Taang community agreed to issue a demand for the creation of its own state within the Union through a communal political bloc in the future. The meetings, which were held in Shan States Kyaukme township from August 4 to 6, drew 270 ethnic Taang politicians, civil society organisations (CSOs), monks, MPs and community leaders. We have agreed on these facts in accordance with the communitys desires, said Mong Cyrus, a Taang youth leader. We Taang want a specific Taang state. We want a new constitution, which is based on protecting human rights and self-determination. They also discussed the 21st-century Panglong Conference, a Union government initiative scheduled for the end of August aimed at forging peace among the various warring factions throughout the country. Although the Taang has its own self-administered zone, we do not have authority to manage the state, said Taang Womens Organisation spokesperson Lway Poe Jaing Kee. Taang ethnic people live in the region, and the Taang own the region. This is an official demand to be a specific Palaung state. Though most people at the conference want self-determination, some think it is not the time to ask for a Palaung state. We Taang need specific protection and self-determination in our own self-administered district, said Mong Than Nyunt, a Taang youth leader from Namkham, where tensions are high between Shan and Taang armed groups. But it is not the time to ask for a Taang state. First we need peace in the region. Trying to create a separate state at this time could create tensions between two ethnic groups in the conflict zone. Ethnic minorities have been in the midst of a long civil war between the military and ethnic armed groups. Human rights violations, including torture, have been reported. Some complain of the pressures of Burmanisation at the hands of the countrys Bamar majority. We want a Taang state, but we Taang have been spread out across the country, said Mong Thein Win, a Taang youth activist from Muse township. It would not be possible at this time to get more than 50 percent of the population in the region to vote in favour of a Taang state, as is currently required by the constitution. The meeting did not set a time limit on achieving statehood, said Mong Cyrus. It simply put forth an agreement that the community wants to establish its own state at some point. The Shan Youth Network responded to the Taang demand for its own state by pointing out that Myanmar is still struggling with change. Currently, having a state does not guarantee authority, a statement from the network said. Unity can bring about lots of change. Rather than thinking one-sidedly, every ethnic person should seek to unite. The Union Solidarity and Development Party wrapped up a four-day workshop yesterday with its chair, ex-president U Thein Sein, saying the former ruling party is ready to make its thoughts on the peace process known at the upcoming 21st-century Panglong Conference. The workshop brought together members of the partys central executive committee at its headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw ahead of the August 31 conference, which will be convened at the behest of the USDPs successor, the National League for Democracy. Our partys activities and stance are going to be announced at the peace conference the government will hold soon, U Thein Sein said, adding that outcomes and discussions from the workshop would be communicated at the partys August 20 convention. The workshop agendas discussion topics touched on several issues of the day in Myanmar, though at yesterdays conclusion the party was short on specifics. On offer were declarations of support for equal rights for ethnic minorities; mutual collaboration between states and regions; signing of the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement by all the countrys ethnic armed groups; freedom of movement for all Myanmar citizens; mutual respect for all cultures, literatures and customs; elimination of discrimination based on religious grounds; and resource-sharing. U Thein Sein said the workshop had also hammered out the partys position, to be presented at the Panglong Conference, on the integrity of sovereignty. On this matter, the USDP senior leadership discussed how to instil an enduring Union spirit; professionalise and modernise the Tatmadaw while integrating ethnic minorities; co-exist peacefully with neighbouring countries; and protect the constitution. On August 10, a senior NLD cabinet member announced that about 700 representatives were expected to attend the Panglong Conference, with a roster of attendees likely to be finalised next week. Though the USDP now joins the peace process as a significantly diminished opposition party, it is sure to have at least one ally at the negotiating table: the 150-seat delegation of Tatmadaw representatives. The previous USDP government put in place much of the architecture that will serve as the basis for the conference, including the nationwide ceasefire agreement it inked with eight non-state armed groups in October. More than eight other ethnic armed groups opted not to sign the accord or were excluded from it. U Khin Yee, a central executive committee member and spokesperson for the USDP, told media yesterday that the party would welcome new members but did not plan to change its policies as it prepares to contest the 2020 general election. Translation by Thiri Min Htun Two powerful ethnic armed groups along the China-Myanmar border have confirmed that they will attend the 21st-century Panglong Conference, scheduled to start on August 31, while three other important armies remain less sure, as the conditional wording for their participation remains a sticking point. U Kyi Myint, spokesperson for the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), told The Myanmar Times yesterday that his organisation would attend both a meeting to review the framework for political dialogue and the 21st-century Panglong Conference. Our delegation is already in Yangon to attend the political dialogue framework meeting to be held in the coming days, he said yesterday. The United Wa State Army, Myanmars largest non-state armed group, will also attend the conference, he said. While talks were being held here just days ago, the Wa pledged to the governments peace negotiators that they would attend the 21st-century Panglong Conference, he said, referring to meetings held this week in Shan States Mongla township between the governments peace team and a trio of ethnic armed organisations known as the Kokang allies. We have prepared points ranging from education, health and cultural affairs to our principle of non-disintegration, U Kyi Myint said. We will also present our previous demand to upgrade our autonomous areas based on the Panglong spirit. Once again, we will make a firm statement that we will not disintegrate the Union, because doing so would make us weak, he added. The United Nationalities Federal Council, an ethnic bloc of nine groups that did not sign last years nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), is also sending its negotiators to the review meeting. After this weeks conversations between the three Kokang groups the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Taang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army and the government, a push to confirm their participation in the peace process ended in stalemate. Officials from the three Kokang groups all of which have clashed with the government over the last year told The Myanmar Times yesterday that they are uncertain whether they will participate in the 21st-century Panglong Conference. The major disagreement was over the wording of a statement that the ethnic armed groups would need to jointly release, as demanded by the government. While the armed groups agreed to express their willingness to end decades of armed conflicts, government negotiators insisted that the groups state their genuine willingness to hold talks, and promise to surrender their stance of armed struggle. While he hopes there will be another talk before the peace conference, Brigadier General Tar Jode Jar, vice chair of the TNLA, said the governments ultimatum was not welcoming. There is less opportunity for us to join the 21st-century Panglong Conference, he said. But, things will depend on the government. Tar Jode Jar said government peace negotiators stipulation presented at the Mongla talks was unrealistic. We cannot know how the political dialogue will end and with that kind of uncertainty, we cannot surrender our arms, he said. Despite demanding a public promise that the groups surrender their principle of armed struggle and express their willingness to have peace talks, a senior administration official has said the government is not demanding that they hand their arms over to the Tatmadaw, but to a trusted third party. No matter how they suggested it, we see that the intention is to disarm us, AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha said. Thats not acceptable for us as we are still engaged in fighting with the governments armed forces. Representatives of the ethnic armed groups also said the demand was unfair, given that other ethnic armed organisations are being allowed to hold their arms over the course of political negotiations. We still need to build trust over a certain period, Khaing Thu Kha said. Amid concerns of a tight window for ethnic armed groups to prepare for the upcoming Panglong Conference, a series of meetings ahead of the formal review of the political dialogue framework kicked off yesterday. The government is reviewing the framework with ethnic armed organisations today and with the armed groups and political parties tomorrow. Peace negotiators held a pre-talk yesterday with 16 members of election-winning political parties, who are also members of the tripartite Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon. Daw Doi Bu, a member of the preparatory committee for the Panglong Conference, said they exchanged views on making changes to the framework with the parties. We just discussed what the government discussed with the signatory groups about the framework, she said. Things will be discussed at the review meeting of the dialogue framework in the coming days and changes will be made at the meeting of the UPDJC. Per the current governments proposal, about 70 political parties who did not win any seats in last years election are granted only five seats. The UPDJCs review meeting will start on August 15. Ethnic Taang community leaders are demanding justice and human rights for five Namhsan township villagers detained by the military on August 1. We have sent letters to the township-level authorities, MPs from the hluttaw, the military battalion commander and the police station about this case, said Lway Poe Jaing Kee, a spokesperson for the Taang Womens Organisation (TWO). On August 1, U Than Nyunt, U Aike Cho, U Aik Nyann, Ko Air Sein and Ko Kyaw Thin left their homes in Namhsan township to travel to Thibaw/Hsipaw township to sell tea leaves. They were detained by a military battalion at Lilu Bridge, according to witnesses. One local said they were tortured by the military, according to a statement from the TWO. The eyewitness claims they were sent to Hsipaw township. When their family members rushed to the Hsipaw military complex, they were told that no villagers had been detained, said Lway Poe Jaing Kee. The Human Rights Commission has responsibilities to protect the civilians, and to find justice and to protect civilians who suffer from human right violations, she said. In March, more than 100 villagers from Namhsan, Kutkai and Kyaukme townships were detained by the Tatmadaw. All but 10 were freed. Those released said they were asked about their contact with and support for the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). They were beaten during the investigation, they said. Namhsan, Mine Ton/Mong Ton, Namkham and Kutkai townships have been the worst places for human rights abuses in recent months, from both the military and armed ethnic groups, according to Taang human rights watch groups. Ensuring better coordination was the objective of an August 11 meeting between government officials and civil society groups in Magwe Region. The goal was to strengthen the network of civil society groups to ensure the proper distribution of aid supplies for flood victims while avoiding duplication of effort. We invited local CSOs and INGOs, said organiser Ko Thant Zaw Aye of the Civil Society Organisations Network for Reducing Natural Disaster. When natural disaster comes, groups deliver aid according to their own plan, without communicating with each other, which can lead to duplication. To avoid this, todays meeting aims to strengthen the networking among groups. Similar meetings took place in Mandalay, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady and Bago regions. U Myint Soe, director of the Department of Relief and Resettlement for Magwe Region, said, Our department has already provided money for flood-affected people to buy rice. Now the waters have receded and the government has already formed a rehabilitation committee. Under its leadership, we will carry out the reconstruction of houses destroyed by the floods and repair any wells that need cleaning. Flood-affected people can get aid supplies systematically if we work together with civil society groups. Local CSOs are planning to collect data on losses due to flooding across the region, and this meeting is the first step toward the development of a proper aid program in the wake of a natural disaster, said Ko Aung Moe Thu of the Magwe CSOs Coordination Network. Translation by Zar Zar Soe What has the Yangon Region government achieved in its 100-day initiative? There are three major areas in which its accomplishments can be measured against its promises: tackling the squatter problem, reining in high-rise buildings and abolishing Ma Ba Tha. Yangon and its industrial zones are a magnet for the unemployed and the landless, who flock from all over the country in search of jobs. The National League for Democracy administration promised to do better in resolving the issue than its predecessor, which responded with sometimes brutal evictions without much reducing the number of the displaced. Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein declared that the first task would be to launch an identification process with fingerprinting and the issuance of picture ID cards, plus a pledge to help squatters find jobs. The government is working on the basis of census data indicating that there are 157,040 unofficial tenants in Yangons Eastern district, 8180 in the Western district, 93,483 in the Southern district and 170,975 in the Northern district, totalling almost 430,000. A reported approach to Japanese donors in June to seek funding for 2000 low-cost apartments, enough for only a small fraction of those in need, was never publicised. Former Union Solidarity and Development Party MP U Nay Myo Aung said the NLD administration had no capacity to solve the problem. [The chief minister] talks about removing camps and building low-cost housing. But the government hasnt even started collecting census data, he said. Another high-profile and controversial issue concerns the governments order to suspend work on more than 100 high-rise buildings pending a review of their compliance with a zoning plan that has not yet been approved. Developers suspected of infractions were told to add no more floors, and even in some cases to knock down floors already built, in buildings that had received licences under the previous administration. Developers reacted angrily, blaming the regional government for the loss of thousands of construction jobs and for sending discouraging signals to investors, home buyers and foreign technical experts. Because of the suspension, the construction materials market fell by 50 to 60 percent. The real estate market is unlikely to recover until 2017, said one developer. Local MP U Yan Aung (NLD; Mingalar Taung Nyunt) said people should not rush to judgement over what was still a transitional period. We have had to deal with a crisis involving entrepreneurs, he said, adding that there was no sign that the spat had affected the national economy. Others suggest the suspension could be just the opening round in future clashes between the government and developers suspected of overly cosy relations with the former administration. Daw Hlaing Maw Oo, secretary of Yangon City Development Committee, said they would soon issue revised regulations for issuing building permits. Were consulting with the Myanmar Architects Association, the Myanmar Engineering Society and the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, and will submit a draft to the regional government. That will be one of the governments 100-day initiatives, she said. In the eyes of many, Chief Minister U Phyo Min Theins biggest success was his willingness to stand up to hard-line nationalists. Though he was criticised for a speech he made on a visit to Singapore attacking the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion (Ma Ba Tha), subsequent statements from the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Ma Ha Na) apparently disavowing the hard-line Buddhist group appeared to support his position. Ma Ba Tha has done little since to restore its once-dominant position in the national dialogue. Political analyst U Than Soe Naing said the confrontation with Ma Ba Tha was a success for the chief minister. Theyre calling him Phyo Min Thein, the destroyer, he said. However, U Nay Myo Aung, the former USDP MP, said the issue had reduced public support for the chief minister. But one issue underlying all others could be how far the new MPs have truly democratised city and regional government. If a major reason why, in Yangon as elsewhere throughout the country, the former ruling USDP was thrown out was because of its alienation from the voters, how far are their successors striving to keep in touch? Daw Yumon Myo, who lives in Kamaryut township, said she voted NLD because she likes Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But U Phyo Min Thein, she said, was more about words than deeds. I voted for the NLD because I like and trust Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. U Phyo Min Thein is a very talkative man. Im waiting to see what hes going to do about city transport, she said. Downtown resident U Shine Moe also voted NLD because of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but he likes U Phyo Min Thein as well. He handled the Ma Ba Tha issue very well. I want to see more development in future, he said, adding that he wants his local representative to get parliament working on removing illegal vendors, relieving traffic congestion and improving the drains. MP Daw Kyi Pyar (NLD; Kyauktada) said she and her colleagues were still grappling with structures left over from the previous administration. The former government did some good things and some bad things, but were still working with the old mechanisms. It isnt easy to get things done in 100 days. Were working a lot harder than we seem to be, she said, citing proposals from constituents to address traffic congestion, rubbish collection and street cleaning. Former regional independent MP Daw Nyo Nyo Thin suggested that the regional government could make a start by holding fresh elections for YCDC as a way of putting city officials in closer touch with the voters. The authorities directly responsible for running Yangon were elected by a notoriously restricted electorate, not considered representative of the citys population. Four members cant do everything. Without fresh elections for a new city development committee, Yangon wont develop as we hope, she said. A Machine factory at 9 Mile in Yangon is accusing protesters of defamation, claiming many of the demonstrators that had gathered over the weekend do not even work at the company. About 100 demonstrators had assembled at Bo Sein Hman field in Tarmwe township on August 7, claiming Young Investment Group Industry Co Ltd (YIG) had not honoured its contract when the factory privatised in 2013. The factory management disputes the account. As a part of that contract, they took on 38 government employees under three-year contracts. Those contracts are expired now, company officials said, and the workers have refused various assignments. Not all protesters work at our company, Daw Nann Saw Htwe, a director at the company, said at a press conference at Sedona Hotel on August 9. The six protesters led by U Aung Kyaw Tun Naing Oo no longer work for us. They refuse to return to the government department they came from. And we have already fired the 17 workers led by U Myint Lwin Oo for failing to sign their new employee contracts, she added. Those six workers were reassigned to the Department of Agricultural Mechanisation after the expiration of their contract but they are resisting the transfer, company officials said. The other 17 workers were asked to continue working at the company but they want to keep the public contracts they had been operating under when they were government employees. They refused to sign the new contract and so they were let go. At the August 7 demonstration, workers led by U Aung Kyaw Tun Naing Oo and U Myint Lwin Oo protested the contract feud, and were joined by about 80 union members from other factories, demanding full salaries, stability and guaranteed job opportunities for the workers who were transferred from the government department to the private company. They also asked the government to cut ties with YIG, claiming it broke its contract with the government. They demanded an investigation into the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, which they say failed to take action against the company. The six workers who do not want to leave YIG were given letters offering to transfer them back to the Department of Agricultural Mechanisation but they have refused the change and are now protesting in order to defame the company, company officials said. The other 17 were fired with compensation and in accordance with labour laws, YIGs Daw Nann Saw Htwe said, because they did not sign their new contract and have failed to obey company rules. Weve never failed to pay wages to our labourers or taxes to the government, she said. We have no responsibility to pay the six workers because they are no longer our workers, according to the by-laws of government staff. We stopped compensating the other 17 workers after we reported them to the labour department. If they are not satisfied they have the right to file a report with labour officials. U Aung Kyaw Tun Naing Oo, a member of the Yangon Regional Arbitration Committee as well as the Myanmar Industries Crafts and Services Trade Union Federation, told The Myanmar Times yesterday that the company was late to pay its workers wages and it failed to meet the main goals of the contract it signed with the agricultural mechanisation department. We have been reporting our grievances but no one from [the government or the company] has come to help us solve them effectively, said U Aung Kyaw Tun Naing Oo. The company wants us to go back to our old department. We want to discuss this transfer but the company will not allow us to discuss it. In the first of a two-part series, Andrew Selth explores the relationship between conflict and comics in portrayals of yesterdays Myanmar IN his 2011 study, British Comics, James Chapman wrote that comic books were a valuable but neglected source of social history that provided insights into the societies and cultures in which they were produced and consumed. Like other forms of popular visual culture, such as movies, comics are not only a reflection of the tastes and social values of consumers but also play an important role in influencing their attitudes and behaviours. Chapman went on to state, The fact that the main consumers of comics have been children make them an even more potent form of popular culture. In this regard, George Orwells views remain pertinent. In the essay Boys Weeklies, first published in 1940, he wrote, Most people are influenced far more than they would care to admit by novels, serial stories, films and so forth, and from this point of view the worst books are often the most important because they are usually the ones that are read earliest in life. It is probable that many people who consider themselves extremely sophisticated and advanced are actually carrying through life an imaginative background which they acquired in childhood. Orwell was writing about childrens story papers like Gem (1907-39) and Magnet (1908-40), but his comments could apply equally to comics. With these thoughts in mind, it might be instructive to survey the development of comic books in key English-speaking countries and to look at the way in which Myanmar has been depicted in them. Comics can be traced back to the 19th century and the use of cartoons, usually consisting of a single panel and caption, to amuse and inform adult audiences. These illustrations developed into sequential frame-enclosed pictures with captions and speech balloons. By the early 20th century, comic strips were a regular feature of most major newspapers. The first modern comic book, Famous Funnies, was released in the US in 1933. While read by adults, they were aimed mainly at juveniles. The name comic derived from their original satirical and humorous content, but they embraced a wide range of subjects. Before World War II, most British comics were funnies meant for young children, but in the US they tended to focus more on action and adventure stories for older readers. In 1938, Superman made his debut in Action Comics, followed a year later by Batman in Detective Comics. These and other costumed superheroes became enormously popular, greatly boosting sales. They made comic books a major arm of the global publishing industry, particularly during their golden age, generally taken to be from 1938 to 1954. References to Burma in Western comic books have been linked to events in the country, topical issues in the wider world and, to a lesser extent, popular literature. The first mention of Burma appears to have been in 1938. In the US that year, Detective Comics reproduced a 1930-31 newspaper comic strip based on Sax Rohmers novels about the Chinese arch-villain Dr Fu Manchu. Both the strip and comic book referred to Fu Manchus Burma connections and those of his nemesis, former police commissioner Sir Denis Nayland Smith. However, it was the construction of the Burma Road from Lashio to Kunming, begun in 1937, and the invasion of Burma by Japan in December 1941 that prompted its depiction in comic books. Once again, US publishers led the way. In 1941, a Grit Grady comic placed its eponymous hero in Rangoon, where he was recruited by a mysterious woman to run guns to Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalist Chinese forces. In 1942, Action Comics sent the adventurer Congo Bill to ferry supplies up the Burma Road. Pat Patriot, who was billed as Americas Joan of Arc, spent most of her time protecting the home front. However, in her last adventure she went to Burma with 100 female soldiers all wearing skirts and high heels to train the slack, slovenly and unmilitarised Chinese troops guarding the Burma Road (Daredevil Comics, 1942). The comic strip (and later books) Terry and the Pirates, created by Milton Caniff in 1934, described the adventures of a soldier of fortune in the Far East. After the outbreak of World War II, Terry joined the US Air Force and the action revolved around an air base in southern China, similar to that operated by the Flying Tigers American Volunteer Group in 1941 and 1942. A major character in the comic was a sultry and morally ambiguous blonde woman named Burma. Caniff was widely praised for his realistic and sympathetic portrayal of military life in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre. Other American comic book characters were recruited to assist the war effort. In 1942, for example, the Strange Twins featured in a story entitled The Burma Road Bombers. In a 1943 Action Comics story entitled Burma Remembers, Tex Thompson known to his fans as Americommando was sent to destroy a Japanese rubber stockpile. Also that year, the air ace Spin Shaw was shot down over Burma and secret agent Jane Martin was sent to Rangoon to expose a Japanese spy ring. At the same time, The Black Venus, a former exotic dancer turned fighter pilot who favoured tight leather bodysuits, earned her reputation as the Terror of the Burma Skies. In 1944, Quality Comics published Bait for a Death Trap, in which the intrepid pilot known as Blackhawk was based in Burmas Shan hills. After being shot down, he was about to be executed by the Japanese when he was rescued by a bull elephant trained by Burma Jack, a bearded rascal, formerly an elephant dealer and now a soldier of fortune. Jacks houseboys referred to him by the hybrid Hindi/Burmese term Burra Thakin. After appearing to betray Blackhawk and two other members of his squadron to the Japanese, Burma Jack reveals himself to be an undercover British intelligence officer. During World War II, millions of comic books were printed each month. The US government considered them critical to the morale of the fighting forces. They were also powerful propaganda tools, depicting superheroes like Captain America, and actual people and events. The latter category included stories about Burma, such as Wingates Raiders (American Library, 1943) and Merrills Marauders (Real Life Comics, 1944). Even after the war ended there were stories like The Secret Warriors, which described how the Office of Strategic Services (which became the CIA) trained an army of 250,000 monkey-eating Kachins (True Comics, 1946). In the mid-1950s, the Joint European Series of Classics Illustrated comics which were written in German, Swedish and Dutch published The Burma Road. In a fictionalised but reasonably accurate account, it traced the routes history from the Mongol invasion of Burma in the 13th century to the end of World War II. It is unclear why this title was not issued as part of the main Classics series (1941-71), which was very popular in the US, the UK and countries like Australia. However, in the 1980s the comic was translated into English, and reissued with the original artwork. The war in Burma continued to be a rich source of material for the comic industry. The way that it was portrayed, however, varied between British and American products. At the risk of over-generalising, the former tended to be more restrained and factually accurate. Stories in War Picture Library (1958-84), Air Ace (1960-70) and Commando (1961-present), for example, were often written and drawn by British veterans. Some had served in the CBI theatre. They also drew on historical records for greater authenticity. Their descriptions of combat in Burma were thus, within obvious limits, quite credible. These comics depicted Burma in predictable terms. Sixty-four page stories like Soldier of Burma, Special Forces Burma, Gliders Over Burma and Escape From Burma gave ample scope for writers and artists to describe the countrys rugged terrain, lush tropical vegetation, exotic fauna and extreme weather. Favourite themes were the trials of special units like the Chindits and efforts by downed RAF pilots to return overland to India. Pro-Allied ethnic groups like the Karen, Kachin and Naga were treated sympathetically, while the Japanese were almost always depicted as ruthless fanatics. In US war comics, by contrast, the plots involving Burma tended to be more far-fetched, the action more extreme, the dialogue more improbable and the heroes less believable. Warfront Comics (1951-67), for example, trumpeted the exploits of the Lone Tiger, who flew solo fighter missions against the Japanese. Sergeant Fury and his Howling Commandos (Marvel Comics, 1963-81), wreaked mayhem along the Burma Road while Captain Savage and his Leatherneck Raiders (Marvel Comics, 1968-70) conducted equally unlikely operations. In a 1971 comic, The Losers escaped a tiger and trekked through Burmas dense fetid jungle to attack a Japanese base, helped by an elephant. By the 1980s, a more relaxed censorship regime and an appetite for uncompromising detail had blurred some of the distinctions between British and American war comics. This was demonstrated by Battle Picture Weekly, which was published in Britain from 1975 to 1988. It was perhaps best known for a series produced in the mid-1970s entitled Darkies Mob, in which the tormented indeed, almost psychotic anti-hero moulded a squad of dispirited men into the most savage fighting force the Japanese [in Burma] have ever known. In 2011, the stories were collected and reissued as a graphic book. New Mandala Part 2 will appear next week Andrew Selth is adjunct associate professor at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University, and at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University. [August 11, 2016] NAC Foundation Supports House Resolution 835 LAS VEGAS, Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, U.S. House Representative, Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) expressed the sentiments of the House at the 114th Congressional session, which are that the United States should adopt a national policy for technology to promote "alternative non-fiat currencies" and support for blockchain technology. The resolution specifically highlights "transparency, security and authentication," as three crucial factors. Through compliance and revolutionary security and design elements, NAC's Aten Coin, a first-generation compliant digital currency has resolved the aforementioned issues. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397624 Today, NAC announced that they are supporting Resolution 835, because it will serve to further the goals of its organization, "improve financial literacy, increase the options for consumers to manage their finances, engage in commerce onlineand learn about new methods of payment." Overall, the support of"alternative non-fiat currencies" and blockchain technologies will "promote economic growth and consumer empowerment worldwide." Marcus Andrade, NAC's CEO discussed the prospects of Resolution 835. "This Resolution will benefit both the consumer and commercial sectors very positively," Said Andrade. "Currently, there are approximately 25 million underbanked households in the United States. With the incredible upsurge of mobile device use and access to broadband technology this market needs to be educated and protected by its country. Implementation of legislation to provide tools and learning opportunities, and also to protect users from cyberattack or identity-theft will undoubtely help usher in this very convenient and lucrative new method of banking and onlinecommerce transactions," Said Andrade. Important points in Resolution 835 include: Protect the online assets and personal information of consumer through their connected devices via cybersecurity measures Foster future economic growth and create new markets Develop alternative technologies that support transparency, security and authentication Recognize technology experts in the United States who develop consumer-facing technology applications for manufacturing, automobiles, telecom, tourism, healthcare, energy and general commerce. who develop consumer-facing technology applications for manufacturing, automobiles, telecom, tourism, healthcare, energy and general commerce. Request for technology innovators to improve the quality of life for future generations by developing safe, new technology that is aimed at improving a consumer's access to commerce. NAC's position on blockchain technology and digital currencies strongly supports that of Resolution 835, which also discusses how block chain technology with the appropriate protections has the potential to "fundamentally change the manner in which trust and security are established in onlinetransactions through various potential applications in sectors. These include financial services, payments, health care, energy, property management, and intellectual property management." "Blockchain technology is vitally important to cyber-currency growth and government encouragement through legislation like Resolution 835 will help facilitate its development," Said Andrade. "As the founders of the first compliant digital currency, NAC Foundation's primary mission is to facilitate a positive experience via financial and online commerce. We put safety first into everything we do through a variety of security efforts, that include: anti-theft measures, identity protection, and government and law enforcement cooperation," He said. About NAC and the AtenCoin Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, National Aten Coin (NAC) is the creator of the Aten Coin, a form of virtual and electronic money. The NAC utilizes proprietary cryptography techniques to secure communications and to regulate and manage its currency. The company strictly adheres to an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) control system that meticulously track customer identities and recordkeeping requirements. Additionally, NAC's Proof-of-Stake v2 method secures all peer-to-peer electronic cash system (digital-currency) transactions by verifying their coin holders' ownership. For more information, please visit: AtenCoin.com Media Inquiries: Email: [email protected] NAC Foundation is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to FDIC and other consumer protections. This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest. Related Links Bitcoin PR Buzz Aten Coin This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nac-foundation-supports-house-resolution-835-300312748.html SOURCE NAC Foundation [August 11, 2016] Technavio Announces Top Five Vendors in the Global Smart Oven Market from 2016 to 2020 Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global smart oven market 2016-2020 report. This research report also lists six other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. Competitive vendor landscape The market includes well-diversified international and regional vendors. However, as international players are increasing their footprint in the market, regional vendors are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with them in terms of quality, technology, and pricing. Companies with better technical and financial resources can manufacture products that may render rival products non-competitive even before they are launched or their costs are recovered. Therefore, vendors need to innovate their product offerings and stay abreast with emerging technologies that can impact their product lines. "The market has also witnessed the emergence of start-ups like June and MAID Oven. In addition, the introduction of energy-efficient technologies in developed countries is spurring market growth. The global economic scenario has improved, which provides a conducive environment for the launch of new products. With the increase in the middle class population, the market for time-saving and convenient smart electric kitchen appliances will gain traction," says Jhansi Mary, a lead analyst at Technavio for kitchen and large appliances research. Dacor, Electrolux, GE, LG, and Samsung (News - Alert) are the key vendors in the market. Competition among these vendors is leading to the introduction of many innovative and advanced products. The competitive environment in this market will intensify further with an increase in product line extensions, more investment in social media marketing and ecommerce, technological innovations, and R&D. International players are expected to grow inorganically by acquiring regional or local players. Request for sample report: http://goo.gl/RQi5vV Key vendors: Dacor Dacor was founded in 1933 and is headquartered at California, US. The company is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and distributing kitchen appliances. Its product line comprises appliances including ranges, rangetop, cooktops, wall ovens, ventilation microwaves, warming drawers, refrigerators, wine and beverge coolers, dishwashers and related accessories. The company's differentiating factor is its strong online presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube (News - Alert). The integrated and intuitive Android interface of Dacor smart ovens allow home chefs to access the Dacor iQ Cooking App through smartphones and offer easy to use control features such as Guided Cooking, Quick Start and My Modes. Electrolux Electrolux was incorporated in 1910 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It is a consumer home appliance manufacturing company that designs, manufactures, and markets household appliances for professional use in Sweden and international markets. Electrolux is a global consumer home appliance manufacturing company which designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of microwave ovens in kitchen appliance category. The microwave ovens are available with different modes and functions such as grill, convection, and solo with numerous models. GE GE was established in 1892 and is headquartered in Connecticut, US. The company is a diversified infrastructure and financial services corporation in the world. Its products and services range from power generation, aircraft engines, oil and gas production equipment, and household appliances to business and medical imaging, consumer financing, and industrial products. GE offers varied types of smart ovens in the kitchen appliances business division such as single wall ovens, double wall ovens, French door single wall ovens, Advantium wall ovens, and microwave oven combinations. The company is engaged in R&D, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of smart ovens with a combination of new technologies. LG Electronics (News - Alert) LG Electronics, established in 1958, is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company, through its subsidiaries, engages in manufacturing and marketing consumer electronics, mobile communications, and home appliances. The company is a major vendor of home appliances and has a global presence in over 200 countries. It serves customers through a wide network of production centers, sales, R&D locations, business operations, and customer service. Samsung Samsung was established in 1969 and is headquartered in Suwon, South Korea. The company offers mobile communications, consumer electronics, and information technology and device solutions worldwide. Samsung offers a range of ovens with various smart features that include, Smart Multi-Sensor, which can access the surface temperature of a dish; advanced technology Fermentation Function, which helps in making fresh dough and healthy yoghurt; and the Raw Ingredient Cooking technology. Browse Related Reports: Global Space Heaters Market 2016-2020 Global Popcorn Machine Market 2016-2020 Global Electric Sharpener Market 2016-2020 Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact [email protected] with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160811005556/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ghanaian Rapper, M.anifest has been named music supervisor for the adaptation of award winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichies short story On Monday of Last Week. 'On Monday of Last Week' is one of the short stories from Chiamada's book, 'The Thing Around Your Neck' which is being adapted by a Ghanaian filmmaker and director Adoma Akosua Owusu. The movie, tells the story of a Nigerian woman named Kamara who babysits the boy of a wealthy American couple. M.anifest took to social media to share his excitement with this new engagement. Chimamandas Of Monday of Last Week is being turned into a film. Dir. by @akosuadoma . Im the Music Supervisor pic.twitter.com/ryhuQxDktB M.anifest (@manifestive) August 10, 2016 By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana Wiyaala will this month embark on an international tour to some selected European countries and United States of America to promote her brand and Ghanaian music through live musical performance. Nicknamed 'The Young Lioness of Africa', Wiyaala has been on tour over the last few months and made an appearance at the WOMAD International Arts Festival in July. The tour will kick off with a historic live performance at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London on 24 August. Thereafter, she will appear at the launch of the Ghana Music Week in London as well. She will then move to Germany, where she is billed to perform at the Afrika Festival on August 26 in Hamburg. After playing several concerts in Europe, Wiyaala will return home in September for the Legends of Africa event, before leaving the shores of Ghana to perform alongside Rocky Dawuni in Los Angeles, USA. Wiyaala who has performed on a number of international gigs is expected to dazzle the crowd with her stagecraft that had endeared her to the hearts of music lovers. Born Noella Wiyaala, the All Africa Music award winner sings in English, Sissala and Waale. Wiyaala has been in the spotlight since winning a talent show as member of a group called Black N Peach. She is currently a brand ambassador for a number of agencies. Wiyaala is known as an advocate for gender equality. In July, she spoke to the BBC about child marriage and issues within the Ghana music industry. 12.08.2016 LISTEN Ghanaian movie star, Bishop Bernard Nyarko has urged movie producers and directors to give right roles to the right people in their various movie stories. According to the Bishop who is tagged as the 'serious actor' who spoke to Ruthy Mummy De Nelson of seancitygh.com whilst on set of Miracle Films about how far the industry has come since his active involvement, he stated that even though they have come a long way, he believes the right roles to the right people will make the story lines more natural and appropriate, supporting with the quote, 'who the cap fits, let him wear it'. "We have come a very long way in the movie industry. Producers and directors are doing their best but I still think a lot should be done. Who the cap fits, let him wear it. When you're doing a story, give right roles to the right people. I can't play the role of Lil Win and same way he can't play mine." Movies of today have been under serious criticism with some movie fans chastising the producer and directors of not assigning right roles to the right people, most especially when young actor have to be made up to play the roles of old men and women. Actor John Dumelo has been endorsed as the Ambassador of Obstetric Fistula by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to help raise awareness for the fight against fistula in the country. By his endorsement, Mr Dumelo is also to help raise funds to treat and rehabilitate poor and vulnerable women who have been afflicted with fistula in their quest to give birth. Obstetric Fistula is one of the most devastating medical disabilities afflicting women as a result of complications arising from lack of surgical intervention for prolonged labour. It occurs as a result of a hole that develops between the vagina, rectum and or bladder due to prolonged or obstructed labour. Affected women leak either urine or faeces or both through the birth canal leaving them socially isolated in most instances. Obstetric is a known global problem but is especially common in developing countries including Ghana, particularly in communities where female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced. At the endorsement ceremony, Professor Anyetei Lassey, the Chairman of the National Taskforce in charge of Fistula, thanked Mr Dumelo for agreeing to become ambassador to assist in raising awareness and funds to care for the many victims of fistula in rural communities in Ghana. He said because of the uncontrolled leakages of urine and faeces, fistula victims were usually shunned by their husbands, families and close relatives and for Actor Dumelo to lead the campaign, it would empower all people, especially men, to be sympathetic towards their wives and support them to seek care and rehabilitation. Mr Alex Segbefia, the Health Minister, whilst commending UNFPA and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the efforts in fighting fistula, including roping in celebrities, he said more education and awareness needed to be carried out all over the country, particularly in communities that practiced FGM, to sensitise the women on the disease and its prevention. He said the fight against fistula had become challenging as there were limited obstetricians and gynaecologists in the country that could treat and repair fistula cases. Another issue is how to rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors of fistula into the communities, Mr Segbefia said and lauded Mr Dumelo for accepting to help raise funds, among other things, to rehabilitate such women to lead their normal lives. Dr Gloria Quansah-Asare, the Deputy Director-General of GHS, described fistula as a womens issue or problem that could be prevented by women seeking good health care while pregnant and by practicing family planning. She said more people should lend a hand in the fight against fistula and help address the plights of women. Dr Babatunde Ahonsi, the UNFPA Country Representative, said a recent survey carried out by the UNFPA revealed that about 1,352 new fistula cases develop in Ghana each year with just a few being treated. He said it was sad that fistula, which is preventable, was still occurring in Ghana, which by African standards, has a very robust health care system, adding; despite the many achievements much more need to be done in the fight against fistula. He said stakeholders must work to ensure that no woman or girl lived with fistula, saying; we need to prevent child marriages, teenage pregnancy, and lack of access to health care system. Mr Dumelo said he accepted to be ambassador to fight fistula because it was degrading for womanhood, adding; we all need to fix the problem. He said he would first produce a 15 to 20 minutes documentary and a skit cartoon that would be aired on television and social media to educate people on fistula as well as raise funds to support the surgery and integration of fistula survivors into the society. The mortal remains of highlife musician Daasebre Gyamenah will be laid to rest on October 14 in Koforidua. The burial arrangement was announced by the family of the late musicians at his one-week celebration at the forecourt of Omanhene Palace in Koforidua, Friday. Daasebre Gyamenah passed away on Friday, July 29 while on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra. Joy News Eastern regional correspondent, Kofi Siaw speaking to Hitz @ 1 disclosed that the late musician will be given an Islamic burial. He reported that, As part of the burial activities, the family has decided that they will release the remains of Daasebre Gyamenah to the Muslim people. Before he died, he was a practising Muslim not by birth but he decided to convert to Islam when he grew up. So they have decided to release the body to the Muslim community to perform all the rites. Kofi Siaw added that the remains of the musician will be laid in state before burial. Some personalities at the one-week celebration included Akosua Adjapong, Kojo Antwi and Abrekyieba Kofi Sammy. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Nairobi (AFP) - A British aristocrat's son due to face trial in Kenya on Monday for smuggling 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds) of cocaine knew nothing about the illegal shipment, foreign investigators believe. Jack Marrian, a 31-year-old sugar trader, faces a possible life sentence if found guilty of smuggling cocaine worth $6 million (5 million euros). But the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) -- which worked with Spanish police to track and seize the shipment in late July -- believe Marrian and his co-accused, Kenyan clearing agent Roy Mwanthi, knew nothing of the drugs concealed in a sugar consignment from Brazil. "We got information from our office in Spain. The intelligence was that their Spanish counterparts had information about a container that had suspected drugs in it," said Melvin Patterson, a DEA spokesman. Spanish police believe the drugs were intended to be unloaded in Valencia and sold on the lucrative European market, but something went wrong and they were shipped onward to Kenya. "A criminal group based in Valencia, Spain, tried to get cocaine out of a container, but failed," Patterson said. 'Rip-on, rip-off' When the shipment arrived in Mombasa, Kenyan anti-narcotics police discovered the plastic-wrapped bricks of cocaine hidden among sacks of sugar as well as a duplicate seal. Experts say this is a sure sign of the "rip-on, rip-off" or "blind hook" smuggling technique whereby cartels secretly stash their illegal products inside a legitimate consignment removing the drugs at a stop en route and replacing the broken seal with the replica. "The Spanish stressed that this was a 'rip-off' load and the recipient of the container would have no knowledge that it was being used to transport drugs," said Patterson. Marrian and Mwanthi are due in court in Nairobi on Monday at the start of their trial. Both deny the charges. His case has caused a sensation in his native Britain, where the aristocratic background of his mother Lady Emma Clare Campbell of Cawdor and his attendance at top private schools, including the alma mater of Prince William's wife Catherine, have caught the eye of the press. Sources familiar with the case suggest the two men were taken into custody because of public and political pressure to make an arrest after news of the bust broke in local media. Kenya is a hub for heroin trafficking via the so-called "southern route" -- from the poppy fields of Afghanistan and Pakistan to consumers in Europe via the Indian Ocean and East Africa -- but cocaine trafficking is less common with West Africa the far more popular transshipment point for moving the drug from South America to Europe. The domestic market for cocaine in East Africa is growing but remains small while drugs trafficking in Kenya, experts say, is tightly controlled by politically connected local cartels. 11.08.2016 LISTEN SUNRISE, Fla., ACCRA, Aug. 11, (UPI/GNA) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State militant group, adding that the extremist group "honors" him. Trump, at a campaign stop in South Florida, referred to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as the "co-founder" of the militant group also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh. He placed added emphasis on Obama's full name, Barack Hussein Obama. "In many respects, you know, they honor President Obama," Trump said Wednesday night. "He's the founder of ISIS. He's the founder of ISIS. He's the founder. He founded ISIS." He added, "I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton." On CNBC Thursday, Trump doubled down on his comments, saying Obama "was the founder of ISIS absolutely, the way he removed our troops. ... I call them co-founders," he added, referring to Clinton. In June, following the Orlando nightclub shooting that left 49 dead, Trump suggested Obama played a role in terrorism. "We're led by a man who is very -- look, we're led by a man that either is not tough, not smart, or he's got something else in mind. And the something else in mind, you know, people can't believe it," Trump said on Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "People cannot believe, they cannot believe that President Obama is acting the way he acts and he can't even mention the words 'radical Islamic terrorism.' There's something going on. It's inconceivable. There's something going on." GNA Beijing, Aug 11, (China Daily/GNA) - A training program for senior police officers from nine African countries has started in Beijing as China ramps up its standing as one of the leading peacekeeping forces in the United Nations. Officers from more countries around the world are expected to receive training over the next five years. Seventeen officers from Angola, Djibouti, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are taking a two-week course at the Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Academy. The course began on Monday. According to He Yin, the course coordinator at the academy, the classes cover a range of topics, with particular focus on theoretical knowledge of the UN peacekeeping operations. Sections on the human rights and law enforcement elements of the mission, as well as the protection of civilians, are included. The academy will invite legal experts and former ambassadors to the UN to tell them how the operations are organized under the UN framework. "For example, they will talk about the authorized matters of the UN mandate and the legal background for an operation," He said. Liao Jinrong, head of the international cooperation department at the Ministry of Public Security, said, "The training program is the first of its kind. It implements President Xi Jinping's goal, stated in September during his address at the UN Leaders Summit on Peacekeeping, that China will train 2,000 peacekeepers from other countries over the next five years." Andreas Nelumbu, the regional police commander in Namibia's Erongo region, spoke for many when he said, "Namibia has a responsibility to contribute to peacekeeping in the world. That's why we are here i to learn some techniques from the training course so that we can continue playing our role in serving the countries that need help." "China is providing the training course for us in addition to taking part in the peacekeeping mission itself. I think the move is great," he said. Police officers in China have taken part in more than 2,400 tours of duty as part of UN peacekeeping operations in nine areas and at UN headquarters in New York since 2000, making China the biggest source of peacekeeping police among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. At present, 174 Chinese police officers are on peacekeeping duty in Liberia, South Sudan, Cyprus and at UN headquarters. The training course for UN peacekeeping missions provided by China was verified by the UN in December 2012. To date, around 3,000 police officers all over the world have received the training. GNA Group Head for Personal Banking at Access Bank, Stephen Abban has admitted that Ghana's drive towards a cashless society is largely hinged on the growth of Mobile Money (MoMo) rather than the growth of traditional banking sector. "Mobile Money is the vehicle to destination cashless society," he said at the MTN Mobile Money Stakeholders Conference in Accra, under the theme: Let's go cashless with MTN Mobile Money. He observed that MTN MoMo, which is the pioneer MoMo service in Ghana, and currently commands about 80 per cent of the market, is poised to get the country to that cashless society destination. Mr Abban would be the second banker to have admitted that MoMo will play a leading role in the country's drive towards a cashless society; the first was former CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Albert Essien. It is refreshing to hear bankers openly embrace Mobile Money because, not long ago, some bankers in the country took a rather antagonistic posture against Mobile Money and that threatened to stifle the new direction the Bank of Ghana has given to the Mobile Money industry. Stephen Abban noted that whereas there is no clear National Cashless Society Strategic Plan, there is no doubt that MoMo has what it takes to boost cashless financial transactions in the country. "Everybody has a phone and we can leverage on that to ensure financial inclusion so that we can grow the subscriber base of mobile money and therefore boost cashless transactions," he said. The banker admitted that MoMo is the cheapest financial inclusion tool to deploy nationwide, saying that it is cheaper that opening bank branches because even MoMo merchants are banks. Proposals He therefore proposed that telcos should start integrating MoMo registration into the initial registration of every SIM card, so that customer would not have to do a separate registration for MoMo wallets. "Why is it not possible for us to have Mobile Money scratch cards, such that one can buy a scratch card and be given an option wether to load it into his mobile wallet or load it as air time," he asking, saying that it will cut the queues at MoMo merchant shops and encourage usage. Abban also proposed that banks could also offer MoMo as a default product by linking every new account opened with the customer's mobile wallet. Some banks have intelligent ATMs which allow cash deposits, and Abban thinks "it should be possible for customers to make deposits directly into their mobile wallets at the ATM." Abban believes that with a clear National Cashless Society Strategic Plan in place, MoMo will be the "white horse" that will lead the country to the promise land. Penetration Buddy Buruku is Country Manager for the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) Ghana, and she noted that are over 16.4 million registered mobile wallets in Ghana, but only seven of them are active, which leaves a huge usage gap. "Sixty-five (65) per cent of mobile phone lines in the country are mobile wallets but the penetration is only 20 per cent," she said. Buruku also noted that Ghana has a 36 per cent banked population and all the prerequisite conditions for MoMo penetration to reach its peak but penetration is low compared with other jurisdictions where MoMo is key. She believes the right regulatory framework, massive public education and effective collaboration between banks and telcos will get Ghana to the levels that Kenya's MPesa has gotten. "It is not true that MoMo is a threat to traditional banking because the reality on the ground is that the growth of MoMo has rather led to increase in bank accounts," she said. Challenges General Manager of MTN Mobile Financial Service, Eli Hini noted that since the introduction of the new Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMI) Guidelines, all telcos have gone through the process to get their license, but the regulator, Bank of Ghana, has still not issued a single license yet. All the four MoMo services have become separated subsidiary limited liability companies of their respective telcos and MTN has even gone ahead to obtain an ISO/IEC2700 certification but BOG is yet to issue them with licenses as per the new regulation. He also noted that since the new guidelines created the opportunity for mobile wallet holders to be paid interests on moneys in their mobile wallets, the BOG has still not given approval for the payment of interest to start. Eli Hini believes regulation has a key role to play in facilitating the guided growth of MoMo, but it could also stifle the growth process. Fast growth He noted that for the first half of this year alone, MTN MoMo recorded over 192 million transactions, which represents 27 per cent and currently the platform has 585 million transactions. Eli Hini mentioned at least 12 services on MTN MoMo, which included airtime purchase, money transfers, international remittances and a host of payment services, adding that soon the platform will make it possible for users to make investments with their MoMo wallets. He listed some of the services expected on MoMo as savings and loans, insurance, advanced payments, government and statutory payments as well as investments like treasure bills. Eli Hini is confident that MoMo is a perfect solution to prevent money laundering and terrorist funding due to the traceability of sources of funds and other security features, adding that it also cuts down on the country's expenses in currency printing. Regulation Deputy Head of Payment Systems at BOG, Clarisa Kudorwor emphasized the need for interoperability in the MoMo ecosystem to enable transaction between wallets across networks. "We think there must be an interbank conduit to enable cross transactions between wallets on different networks but we need to understand the industry a bit better in order to come out with regulations that can work and make this possible," she said. She also believes interoperability would help merchants to have integrated point of sale (POS) machines to facilitate electronic wallet transactions, instead of having POS machines for each platform. Clarisa Kudorwor also noted that by December 2015, MoMo nationwide accounted for more almost GH548million, which was equivalent to US$143.44million, and by June 2016 it has grown to over GHC679million, equivalent to US$172million. "The growth has overwhelmed everyone and we can only expect it to grow even further," she said. She however noted that the BOG is concerned about the risk posed by the lack of a common National ID, adding that, once that is fixed, it will give a big boost to public confidence in MoMo. MTN is still celebrating the MoMo month with various activities and giveaways such as 100 per cent bonus on every airtime purchases with MTN MoMo and a discount on service charges. Thursday, August 11, 2016 Folks, I don't want to believe what has been attributed to the NPP's Akufo-Addo: "Everyone who comes with the language of division or tribalism is one who has no love for Ghana. Please, do not pay heed to those who come to you with such language. Chase those kinds of people away. (See http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Collins-Dauda-s-Islamophobic-comment-illogical-Akufo-Addo-462058). Is this Akufo-Addo so dishonest? What is on record about his own public utterances promoting divisiveness exceeds what he is accusing Alhaji Collins Dauda of. For the records, his highly infamous and inflammatory "Yen Akanfuo" tribal note of superiority complex and separatism still alarms. It remains a big blot on his political capabilities and will for long bounce back to haunt him as a divider of ranks and not a unifier (Can he not see from practical evidence how his orchestration of calumny against Paul Afoko and his eventual removal from the genuinely earned NPP Chair position has been interpreted to dim his light)? Again, in reference to the "Atiwa" incident, he made jaws drop as a divisive character eaten up completely by the worm of vengeance. He is still not believed as someone who can rise above vengeance. How about his ignoble call to war against political opponents ("All-die-be-die"?, which is one sordid blot on his credibility or love for peace? Truth be told, let me say that in all these instances, Akufo-Addo hasn't deigned it politically wise or naturally reasonable---for the sake of fellow-feeling and peaceful co-existence of people and political entities. He hasn't yet seen the immorality of such despicable utterances. Beyond his personal level come the equally damaging utterances by one of his sole financiers and darling politician, the imbecile called Kennedy Agyapong, who is on record as having uttered the worst illogical threats and what-not? Take his incitement against Ewes and Gas living among Asantes, for instance. When he instigated the murder of such people, he did so, knowing very well that what he was about to set in motion would be supported by Akufo-Addo and the NPP machine, which they did. Akufo-Addo did not and hasn't to date commented on such an utterance nor has he distanced himself from it. He has resisted all pressure on him to condemn Agyapong. Again, when Agyapong went out of his way to impute sexual immorality against the EC Chair (Mrs. Osei) and drew biter public condemnation, Akufo-Addo chose not to know anything about the insult or its impact on our democracy. He hasn't commented on it nor has he condemned Agyapong as all conscionable and reasonable people and institutions have done. When Yaw Osafo-Marfo berated Akans for not resisting the rise to power by members of the less populous or less wealthy ethnic groups, Akufo-Addo's strategy of selective amnesia blinded him. It clogged his ears and prevented him from hearing anything about it. He tacitly supported that divisive and dangerous claim by Osafo-Marfo and its implications. After all, such an utterance suits his own narrow political purposes. We are even not talking about his running mate's ill-thought-of allegation that appointments at the Presidency under John Mahama is tilted toward non-Muslims, an utterance that flies in the face of truth and has remained in public discourse as unbecoming. Akufo-Addo didn't react to this faux pas. Yet, he has found it politically self-serving to jump on Alhaji Dauda for throwing the ball about Muslims back into the NPP's court. What does Dr. Bawumia's claim mean that Alhaji Dauda's doesn't? By reacting the way he has done, Akufo-Addo has confirmed the poor opinion that some of us have about him. He lacks leadership skills and is not well-cut-out for the high office that he is wasting his time and energy chasing. A leader who reacts to only issues threatening his political ambition while condoning others endangering national unity and well-being is no leader at all. Akufo-Addo has just proved that he is that person. A leader who supports political violence against his party's opponents and even encourages same within his own party against members not seeing things eye-to-eye with him is no leader to invest with the power to rule Ghana. Akufo-Addo has proved to be that person. Even as he reacted negatively to what Alhaji Dauda is reported as saying, he has forgotten that his own ugly traces are still evidently visible on the political terrain. Let him PURGE himself (as that "Man-of-God" has already told him. Then, he can come across as a changed man to be "tried" as Ghana's president. Knowing him for what he is, I wonder if he can ever purge himself as such. The effect? He will lead the mass of NPP followers through thick and thin to the outskirts of the land of milk and honey; but they won't set foot there to access the goodies. The "Promised Land" (in this case, the seat of government) will be seen but not entered. Those who seek to make any difference should first come clean. Akufo-Addo hasn't; and he can't make any difference. And as he has said, Ghanaians will chase away characters like him making the life-threatening and fear-laden utterances in pursuit of their political ambitions. He is the first target for this archery. I shall return VANCOUVER, British Columbia Klondex Mines Ltd. reported a net income of $7.1 million for its second quarter. The company stated it had record production from its two Nevada mines, Fire Creek and Midas. Klondex also entered into an agreement on July 25 to purchase the Hollister Mine and the Esmeralda Mine and Milling Complex. The offering is scheduled to close on or about Aug. 18. Our second quarter operational and financial performance was exceptional. We produced a record 41,436 (gold-equivalent ounces) for the quarter and generated over $23 million of operating cash flow, said President and CEO Paul Huet. Our progress at True North has been beyond our expectations and we are looking forward to making a production decision in the third quarter. In less than four years, Klondex has evolved from a junior exploration company with one project at Fire Creek to become an established gold producer with multiple projects and mills in two countries. I am very proud of our team for their important contributions to our success. When compared to the prior year quarter, second quarter 2016 revenues were higher from selling an additional 5,731 gold ounces at a $53 higher average realized price, partially offset by a decrease in silver sales due to low silver grades. Production costs were in-line with expectations and decreased on a per ounce basis from the prior quarter as Klondex benefited from an increased mining rate and higher grades due to additional working faces and sequencing abilities resulting from previously completed ore development. Depreciation and depletion increased from the prior year periods due to the sale of increased GEOs, offset by lower per ounce amounts from increased resource bases. General and administrative expenses increased in 2016 due to increased staff levels at the corporate office and severance payments. Finance charges were primarily related to the gold purchase agreement, finance leases, and the promissory note pursuant to the True North acquisition, which also resulted in business acquisition costs. Provision for legal settlement totaled $2.3 million for which no comparable amount existed in the prior year quarter. Nevada Operations The companys Nevada mines are Fire Creek and Midas. Fire Creek is located on the northeast flank of the Shoshone Mountains, approximately 37 miles east of the town of Battle Mountain and four miles northwest of the town of Crescent Valley, in Lander County. Midas, in Elko County, is more than 90 miles northwest of the City of Elko and about 112 miles north of Fire Creek. Klondex is maintaining its targeted annual production costs and GEO production, which is expected to be weighted approximately 45-50 percent in the first-half of 2016 and 50-55 percent in the second-half of 2016. This years GEO production and grades are expected to progressively increase from the first half of the year to the second half of the year following the completion of planned first-half development. Over six months, Klondex produced 71,592 gold-equivalent ounces at a cost of $636 an ounce, according to a company statement. Manitoba, Canada project True North, which was acquired during the first quarter of 2016, completed drilling and rehab activities. The site is expected to produce 8,000 to 12,000 gold ounces during the second half of 2016 from a combination of processing gold in tailings and test stope mining. Klondex expects to make a production decision in the third quarter of 2016. Subsequent to June 30, the company began processing tailings and at the end of July it poured its first dore bar from True North. ADDRESS BASIC EDUCATION PROBLEMS TO DEAL WITH POOR WASSCE RESULTS TEACHER UNIONS The two main teacher unions, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) say addressing problems at the basic education level is key to solving the problem of poor performance of students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. GOVT INCREASES ALLOWANCE OF SOLDEIERS ON PEACEKEEPING DUTIES The government has increased the allowance for Ghanaian troops on United Nations Peacekeeping operations by $1 a day. EXTEND TENURE OF PRESIDENCY KUFUOR Former President John Kufuor has reiterated the need for a review of the 1992 Constitution to extend the tenure of office for elected Presidents. ECOWAS ADOPTS NEW TACTIC ON FREE TRADE After a lot of disappointments in its free trade promotion efforts, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is hoping to rely on the reputation of some seven eminent persons to whip members into line and break down the barriers that stand in the way of intra-regional trade. IFS REFUTES DEBT RATIO REDUCTION The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), an economic policy think tank, has described as inaccurate recent announcement by government that debt-to-GDP ratio had declined from 72% end-2015 to 63% end May, 2016. DONT LOSE FOCUS ON IMF PROGRAMME Dr Olivia Anku-Tsede, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, PenTrust, a pension fund management firm, has urged government to stick to ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund notwithstanding the temptations of spending to meet the electorates demand as December approaches. URBAN WATER DEFICIT STANDS AT 67.2m GALLONS PER DAY Although government has extended water to a number of urban communities in recent times, a huge deficit of 67.2m gallons per day remains, which will test the countrys vision of achieving 100% water coverage by 2025. SOLDIERS BOMBARD MAHAMA AT BURMA CAMP President John Mahama yesterday tasted the anger and frustration of the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces when he visited the Burma Camp military base in Accra. NDC STEALS NPP SLOGAN The ruling NDC appears to have taken the manifesto slogan the NPP used for the keenly contested 2012 general elections and doctored the opposition partys Hope video advert for its (NDCs) 2016 campaign. YOU ARE NOT GOD A-G TELLS JUDGES Attorney General Mareitta Brew Appiah-Oppong has charged judges who are usually referred to as next to Godto show courtesy to all persons because they are not gods. WEE, ALCOHOL NEW CRAZE FOR GIRLS A serious health and social disaster lurks to hit raw nerves of the Ghanaian society if no pragmatic steps are taken to curb the increasing rate of alcoholism and use of marijuana among the youth in the country. MODERN TREATMENT PROCEDURE FOR LIVER CANCER PATIENTS Persons with liver cancer disease in Ghana have a new hope with the introduction of a new treatment procedure call the Microwave Tumour Abiation. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com A Deputy Chief of Staff in-charge of Operations, Kenneth Wujangi, has rubbished pre-election surveys which put the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) presidential nominee, Nana Akufo Addo ahead of President Mahama, saying they are not the true reflections on the ground. Kenneth Wujangi argues the surveys conducted by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) and the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) are not to be taken serious. Both surveys portray a damning picture of the Ghanaian economy , while that of the EIU further predicted a win for Nana Akufo-Addo in the December polls. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Kenneth Wujangi At the end of the day it depends on who does which survey. It depends on where in Ghana the person goes to get his data from. If one limits himself to city life; you sit in a hotel and conduct your survey, you will get results that pertain to sitting in a hotel, Mr. Wajangi noted. Speaking in a joint interview with Citi News' Sammi Wiafe and Joy FM's Elton John Brobbey on Thursday, Kenneth Wujangi insisted that, the Mahama administration has done enough to deserve another term in office. He said though President John Dramani Mahama has an edge over the major opposition party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, they will not be complacent since there is still some work to be done. We need not to be complacent and the battle is over when the whistle goes and says you have won. But because of what has been done on the field, he has the edge far over Nana Akufo-Addo, Mr. Wujangi argued. He highlighted some of the developmental projects initiated by government in roads, health, educational facilities, among others, which he said warrants President Mahama's second term. To lay the foundation to this date, to me, the best Ghanaians can do is to give him the mandate for the next four years for him to build on the foundations that have been laid. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The Chief Operating Officer and Global Strategist for Goldman Sachs, Lisa Opoku, has blamed the high informal system of most African economies for the relative low investments by large multinational corporations on the continent. She says the situation also makes it expensive for businesses to sustain investment channeled into economies and turnaround the fortunes of emerging economies such as Ghana. It is very difficult for investors because you need to identify people, track record, for instance in the banking industry, it is difficult to track debtors; non-existing restricting laws and the absence of formal bankruptcy process which in other countries are very secure like, she stated. Despite efforts to increase financial inclusion, Ghana's banking population still lags behind at an estimated 36 percent. This is also coupled with challenges with the lack of coordination in information on the informal sector. Lisa Opoku believes addressing these challenges will attract huge investments from corporations into the country and continent at large. She made the remarks at the 18th MTN Business World Executive Breakfast meeting in Accra on the theme, Attracting Investments to Ghana, lessons from Asia. When you buy a piece of land you that you are assured of and you do not have any issues with litigation. These things among others make it much more difficult and so I think if we do not move a little in terms of everyone being very focused on a clear goal of financial inclusion, it will be very difficult, Lisa Opoku added. Africa has high cost of investment Meanwhile the strategist is of the view that investors to Africa or Ghana are equally faced with the challenge of meeting extra costs associated with recruiting to meet operational strategies. According to her, while it costs firms relatively cheaper to hire personnel with requisite experience and skills in the developed economies, firms will have to cough up extra resources in order to attract similar resources in Africa for their organizations. You cannot find someone who is an expert in that just one piece that you need in Africa like you can in a developed countrythe reason opportunities here [Africa] are higher yields is that they are more challenging. Although that's a great opportunity for investors, it is a more difficult path, Lisa Opoku stressed. Experiences from Singapore Though Ghana and Asian countries like Singapore and South Korea had in one point in history possessed similar economic and political conditions, the 'Asian Tigers' seem to have taken a leap that Ghana and her compatriots within the sub-region are finding difficulty to catch up. But in Lisa Opoku's view, the gap could be bridged when particular attention is taken to align leadership and culture to national policy. She remarked, This is the leadership and the policiesthere are also parts of the culture in Singapore that you are required to go to the local schools, where there are some indoctrination in terms of national pride, making people proud of their heritage, and with a very strong focus on Mathematics and Science. So this is a controlled society which will have seventy to eighty percent of the people turning up in a particular way. Lisa Opoku is however confident a change in policy with much emphasis and focus on the needed human resource will turn around the fortunes of Ghana's economic outlook. We have more freedom here but the freedom comes with a cost; the outcome of every single individual is not going to be clearly defined as the outcome that one will get in Singapore under their system. So we sacrifice a bit in terms of freedom. But I think we can replicate their ideals of what the mission of our youth to focus on when they graduate, She concluded, Considering the practice of national service in Ghana, we may need to ask; what are the areas that we really need more skills and really focus on, we need to focus on that and then from a policy level, we can achieve the same level of discipline that Singapore has. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has chastised the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Alhaji Collins Dauda, for claiming the NPP discriminates against Muslims. According to the NPP leader, the claims are illogical. Collins Dauda has incurred the wrath of the NPP for asserting they will discriminate against Muslims when they win power. People from the UP [United Party] tradition are not our friends and such we should not be in bed with them. They are people the Zongo community cannot rely on They are like lions, no matter what, they will not have good intentions for us, Alhaji Dauda said while addressing National Democratic Congress supporters in the Eastern Region. The Minister said these are same people who are begging for votes from the Zongo community. We should be very careful of these people. They treated our ancestors as aliens and today they are pretending to be our friends. But Nana Addo while addressing residents of Adabokrom in the Bia East Constituency in the Western Region, said the claims are untrue. I have heard one of their leaders saying me Akufo-Addo, who has a Muslim as my running mate, does not like Muslims, and that I will discriminate against Muslims when I win the elections. Is this possible? There is no logic in this kind of statement, he said. Nana Addo further charged that everyone who comes with the language of division or tribalism is one who has no love for Ghana. Please, do not pay heed to those who come to you with such language. Chase those kinds of people away. Nana Addo is currently on a five-day campaign tour of the Western Region. Dauda's comment mischievous Mustapha Hamid, a spokesperson of Nana Akufo-Addo also described on Eyewitness News the comments as mischievous and a hasty generalization. According to Mustapha Hamid, it is not correct to seek to do mischief in order to divide people for political purposes. If it is not mischief and it is genuine ignorance that too is not allowed. A minister of state cannot display such crux ignorance on the public space and therefore it is very unfortunate and it shows the low levels to which our politics has sunk especially with the NDC. What people did in the Nkrumah era does not reflect the reality of our days. After all NPP has been in power before, we've been here for eight years under Kufuor, did we expel any Muslim? Are we not the ones who enforced the welfare of Muslims in this country and made a Muslim the first Muslim Vice President of our Republic? By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin A Justice of the Supreme Court, Jones Dotse has advised newly sworn in judges to be bold and brave in making decisions on cases brought before them. According to Justice Dotse, this is the only way the bench can exercise its authority and independence within the society. He warned judges not to succumb to public and external pressures in the delivery of justice, since they will be held responsible for every decision they take. You will soon come to realize that the bench is not for timorous souls. You must be bold, courageous and confident in whatever you do. Certain decisions will stare you in the face, the matters will come before you. You are all magistrates or judges of trial courts and therefore you will not take solace that it is a panel decision.You are going to be held solely responsible for the decisions you take as a magistrate or as a circuit court judge and you must establish that level of confidence that you understand what you are doing. You must be bold. Sometimes if you think of what the public will say about the effect of your decisions, you might give a distinction that does not merit the type of decision you have been given, he said. He made the comment at the swearing in ceremony of newly appointed circuit court judges and magistrates in Accra. Youre not gods AG At the same event, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Marietta Brew Oppong cautioned judges to desist from turning themselves into demi-gods in the performance of their duties. According to her though judges in the clerical order are put next to God, they are not gods yet and should not portray themselves as such. Kindly note that though in the ecclesiastical order, it is said that your esteemed selves are next God, you are not gods yet, she said. Marietta Brew Oppong said the judges must accord court users the necessary respect due them. You must thus demonstrate the due courtesy and civility due lawyers, litigants, court officials, witnesses, the general public, Police, law students, journalists, as well as other court users. You thus must be firm but fair, stern but not harsh and kind but not doting to the affections of bewildered users of the court who are sometimes lost in the labyrinth of legal rules jargons, processes and procedures in which a few lawyers and judges get lost themselves. By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana The youth of Northern Region have served notice they will at the December 7 polls vote against politicians found culpable of using hate speech in the media landscape. According to them, they are fed up with the chieftaincy, political, land and other related needless conflicts which have over the years thwarted the region's transformational agenda. They have therefore admonished such politicians to desist from their ill-mannered behavior likely to plunge the nation into chaos ahead of the forthcoming elections. They cited the Rwanda genocide, the Kenyan and Cote D'I Voire political crisis as a litmus test for Ghanaian politicians to be civil on their campaign platforms. The unhappy future leaders of the Northern Region raised the red flag on the rising political tension in the country at the Annual National Youth Forum held in Tamale. The event celebrated under the theme, One Ghana, One People, Youth Must Act for Peace, brought together youth and other stakeholders from some identified political hotspots across the Northern Region. The event was under the auspices of three Non Governmental Organizations, the Youth Empowerment for Life (YEfL), the Centre for Active Learning and Integrated Development (CALID), Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA). It formed part of their civic responsibility to facilitate youth involvement in a peaceful and credible electioneering process. The participants posited that all political players contesting the December 7 polls should put the national cohesion against their parochial interest. We agree that Ghanaians cannot afford to compromise on the peace we are enjoying under our democratic dispensation and that all stakeholders in this year's elections have a duty to ensure that peace prevails before, during and after the elections in Ghana. To maintain peace before, during and after the elections, we the youth have resolved to commit to promoting unity in the region. We will work collectively to prevent tendencies that could divide the youth and the people of this region at large, they promised. National Peace Council member roars A Member of the National Peace Council who doubles as the Arch Bishop of the Yendi Catholic Diocese, Bishop Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai expressed misgivings about politicians' use of intemperate language on the airwaves. He said peace without justice is meaningless and thus impressed upon the major stakeholders in the 2016 electioneering processes to be fair and transparent. He inspired the participants to work hard and change the widespread misconception that the Northern Region is characteristic of violence. Bishop Boi-Nai urged the youth to embrace dialogue as the panacea to solving their impasse saying, Don't settle your differences through violence, rather use dialogue. The peace Icon revealed that the Yendi Peace Centre has so far successfully organized 15 workshops meant to promote peace and unity in the Eastern Corridor where conflicts are prevalent. Board Chairman of the Youth Empowerment for Life, Alhassan Abdul Ganiyu reaffirmed the organization's strive to empower the youth through peaceful co-existence. He admonished the participants to take advantage of such platforms and serve as peace Ambassadors in their localities. He kicked against any move by the youth to join the bandwagon of vulgar politicians whose actions could endanger the nation's harmony. By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana MTN, Ghana leading telecommunications service is offering 85% discount on data services to pilgrims of this years Hajj. Participants of the pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also receive 30% discount on incoming voice calls as well as 18% discount on outgoing calls and text messages. The package is available to all prepaid and postpaid MTN customers roaming in Saudi Arabia on Mobily (Etisalat) networks. The offers are designed to offer the pilgrims the opportunity to stay connected with family and friends whilst in Mecca. In addition to these offers, MTN is also supporting the Hajj Board with a donation of 14 mobile handsets, airtime worth GH 7,500 and MTN souvenirs to facilitate the work of the Hajj Board. Speaking during a presentation to the Hajj Board, the Senior Manager for Customer Service and Credit Management at MTN, Mr. Salihu Abu, reiterated MTNs commitment to supporting the activities of the Hajj Board. He said, The presentation of the items is a token from MTN to aid in the organization of the annual pilgrimage. Mr. Abu expressed MTNs gratitude to the Muslim community, especially the National Hajj Board, for partnering with MTN over the past six years to develop meaningful offers for Mecca pilgrims. Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Ibrahim Tanko, National Hajj Board Chairman, expressed his appreciation to Management of MTN for the commitment to supporting the Muslim community in diverse ways. He said he could only envisage the relationship growing from strength to strength. MTN has been supportive of the Muslim community over the years. For the past nine years, the company has consistently donated cash, food items, drinks and airtime to the National Chief Imam during the celebration of the Eidul Fitr festival. As part of MTNs 20th Anniversary celebrations this year, MTN made donations to the Regional Chief Imams in Ashanti, Western and Northern to support the celebration of this years Eidul Fitr. If he has been paying sedulous attention to the ongoing presidential-election campaign right here in the United States, the author of Montie Trio: Matters Arising out of Supreme Court Ruling (Ghanaweb.com 8/8/16) would be aware of the nationwide controversy surrounding an inflammatory remark made on the stumps by the clinically rambunctious nominee of the Republican Party, Mr. Donald J. Trump, to the effect that should his main political opponent, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, defeat the former in the intense race for the White House and attempt to enforce the direly needed gun-control laws, which are a significant plank of the Democratic Partys electioneering-campaign agenda, staunch believers of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution have every right to assassinate the former United States Senator from New York. Actually, Mr. Trump had used the expression Supporters of the Second Amendment know how to stop Hillary Clinton. Appearing on the Cable News Network (CNN), a retired General of the United States Military with conservative Republican Party leanings stated emphatically that if an ordinary member of the Trump audience that had gathered in the auditorium where the New York-based billionaire business mogul is widely reported to have made his inexcusably reckless remark had been heard making a similar remark, this time directed at the morbidly cantankerous Mr. Trump, that audience member would have been promptly arrested by U.S. Secret Service personnel and taken in (or ferried to the headquarters of the agency) for questioning. To be certain, as of this writing, agents of the U.S. Secret Service were reported to have questioned, and were still questioning, some major Trump campaign operatives. But curiously, somehow, the author of Matters Arising would have Ghanaians and the rest of the global community believe that it is hunky-dory or kosher (my profuse apologies to adherents of the Jewish culture and religion, including myself, of course) for the members of the Montie Gang to threaten to sexually violate Chief Justice Wood, as well as assassinate her along with at least five other associate justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana. Well, the immutable fact of the matter is that no civilized constitutional democracy anywhere around the globe affords free speech protection to either members of the general public or media operatives who either intemperately issue death threats and/or incite the same on grounds of either personal and private animosity towards the target of such lethal threats, or on grounds of political and/or ideological dissent. The author of Matters Arising deftly, albeit sophistically, argues that certain portions of Ghanas 1992 Constitution, which he suavely conflates with the countrys 1979 Constitution, on grounds that the crafting of constitutions is scarcely akin to reinventing the wheel, allows for discretionary or summary appropriation of judicial power in certain special circumstances, except that he is hermetically convinced that absolutely no member of the Wood Supreme Court is in any way shape or form entitled to the appropriation and/or expression of the same judicial privilege(s). He also cavalierly ignores the fact that the immured contemnors, namely, Messrs. Salifu Maase (aka Mugabe), Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson were duly represented by their own high-powered defense attorneys. If these defense counsel had proven themselves to be either unequal to their tasks or woefully ill-prepared to defend their clients, could the justices of the Supreme Court be justifiably faulted for such exhibition of gross professional incompetence? What is also quizzically interesting here is the fact that although the critic appears to fully appreciate the fact that under certain special circumstances, the members of the Apex Court are privileged to act the roles of prosecutor, judge and jury, nonetheless, he simply cannot bring himself to accept the fact that such privileges also apply to the members of the Wood Supreme Court. The critic also performs a tendentious legal acrobatics when instead of poignantly carping the Attorney-General for unduly politicizing her executive arm of the judiciary, he cavalierly presumes Mrs. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppongs egregious inaction to be inextricably predicated on some unexplained constitutional deficiencies that appear to have stultified either her desire or duty to rise up to the occasion. Maybe we also need to discuss the reason(s) why President Mahama woefully failed to submit the public and media grievances against his favorite political pet, or sidekick, Mr. Stanislav Dogbe, to the Council-of-State before taking a decision on the matter of Mr. Dogbes brutal mauling of a young radio reporter with the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), sometime late last year or early this year. We, of course, intend to subject the Dogbe controversy to the same scrutiny as that surrounding the case of the Montie Gang. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs Charles Manu heads Chardel Technical & Logistics Ltd., a provider of technical and project management solutions to the mining and petroleum industries in West Africa. Charles doesnt like to think of himself as too important of a guy - certainly not as the CEO and President of a fast-growing Washington DC company in the USA. But thats exactly the case. With his leadership, the Washington D.C. based company has carved a strategic niche for itself by providing clients with fire protection engineering design, procurement, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) shipping services. Partnering with a local firm, the company recently won a contract for the engineering design and installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system at a mining equipment workshop in the western region of Ghana. The fire protection business holds great potential for Chardel Technical & Logistics, with the company seeking to capitalize in an area where few local companies possess the level of expertise that clients require. With the successful completion of the Ghana project, the company hopes for increased business in the country and region. According to Mr. Manu, Ghana is a key market for us as we work to increase our footprint in the region. It will be important for us to continue to form strategic partnerships with local companies to execute our long term goals. Running a successful business with interests in Africa, and in particular Ghana, can be described as a dream come true for Mr. Manu. He moved with his family from Ghana to the US at age ten but never lost touch with his roots. He foresees Chardel Technical and Logistics also being an avenue for him to give back. Charles has established a Corporate Social Responsibility plan that will allow him to do give back more in the future a future that looks very bright for him and his firm Chardel Technical and Logistics Ltd. To learn more about Chardel Technical & Logistics Ltd and services they offer, visit their website at www.chardeltechnical.com or contact them at [email protected] Company Profile: Chardel Technical and Logistics Ltd is a provider of integrated technical and project management services to the mining and petroleum industries in West Africa. The company works with local firms to deliver quality projects in fire protection, HAZMAT shipping, and general procurement to clients. 12.08.2016 LISTEN Only in Nigeria would looters have the nerve, bold enough and stand up with impunity to define sneaking billions into budget padding, stealing, embezzlement, diverting salaries, diverting local government allocation into personal pockets for safe keeping, false declaration and extravagant spending on self could be excused as not corruption. In the same country if a hungry man dared steal food from the market, he would face jungle justice. Where is jungle justice for our looters? Until Babangida and Abacha made corruption official, there were voluntary tips or dash and then ten percent. One declared corruption as some family allowance, while the other made the countrys treasury his personal property. Actually, there was a coup partly because of ten percenters as corruption by young Army officers that took over. Little did they realize that their leaders in the Armed Forces would turn to militricians to compete in looting the treasury dry. We have people in high places as President of the Senate, his Deputy President and the Speaker of the House seating tight after being accused. Even when some of them have been charged to courts; colleagues abandoned their duties to appear in shameful solidarity, to intimidate the Court. The Senate President had more lawyers than witnesses, including foreign counsel, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and Queens Counsel. All expenses paid from the same purse they looted. The country has metamorphosed from rouges and vagabonds that could not get a decent lady to marry for fear of soiling lady familys name to the most sought after bridegroom. As society degenerates, nobody cares again about corrupting the children and the next generation. They have become lost in their haste to get rich by any means possible. But then if they steal enough, they figure they could live anywhere in the world forsaking the country they leeched to death. Senators and Representatives pad up constituency allowance for special projects at hometowns. They are the ones that give out the contract, supervise them and approve all as done: making them the bidder and the executioner of fake projects that never existed in the first place. The President and the Governors have security votes they spend anyway they want. In short, there are some many ways to abuse the treasury legally apart from other illegal contracts. All it takes in any case is to attract foreign buyers or partner, either corporations or individuals that can deliver foreign money into their accounts that can be spent in the foreign countries. Africans patronize other countries more that they patronize one another. The products made in African are not attractive enough and not worth spending their time and foreign currencies on. It has been said that even countries that are corrupt, still make substantial progress than most countries in Africa. While those countries spend their loot and create jobs at home, Africans spend and create jobs outside. It is an ingrained mentality that the greatest pursuit of pleasure or happiness for many Africans is to be recognized outside. Even if it means they have to sell other Africans out into penury. So we are willing to sell one another like our old chiefs sold out the slaves and eventually themselves when they ran out of slaves. Therefore, in spite of all the awards and degrees earned, accumulated or bestowed on Africans by foreign universities and international bodies, our continent continues to wallow in dismal failure because no matter how much we try, we cannot be like Europeans or Americans; at most we can only remain second best. No international body would give an award to an African that does not gratify them, we know they are not that stupid to give us more than they get. So no matter how much out looters accumulate, they find it convenient to invest most of it where they do not belong because they and their children can only be tolerated for a while at best, discriminated against and humiliated at worst. If Africans want to be respected, we could have achieved more in our countries that would attract other countries we run to. In short, until Africans showcase Africas ingenuity to the world, no black man will be respected. At some point we have to examine the integrity of the people we elect as politicians and if money is the sole attraction to politics, look for way to discourage it. The only problem is that men of integrity, when elected turn to vagabonds. In cases where majority are willing to pay whatever the consequences for corruption, people of known good character would rather join them if they cannot fight them. A good example is Kongi Senator turned into thug and abuser. The major reason politicians steal is to have money they can convert to foreign currency and spend like a drunken sailor on luxury houses, cars and imported sussies. Indeed, Nigerians are known in foreign markets for their expensive tastes. Since champagne is their peoples drink, the most expensive Scotch whiskies are sold to Nigerians. Lately heard they have special chef that makes cakes costing thousand of pounds or dollars which is millions at home: for a cake! When some people create a burning desire to be so rich that they can ignore their home for foreign land, you know the country they come from must be bleeding. This desire must be curbed before we can make any progress at home. They are running out of places to hide their loot at home. Cash in foreign and local currencies have been discovered in water tanks, sewage tanks, buried in their farms at home and sometimes in the local accounts of house helps. The goal of cashless transactions has been defeated. They have stopped putting their money in the banks of foreign countries that would expose them. Some of the small Caribbean islands have been invaded as sanctuaries for their loots. The law asking them to declare their asserts before assuming office is violated by many if not all. As one loophole is closed, more are opened. It does not help if the basis for alliance of political parties to form a majority government is by negotiating never to prosecute some well-known vagabonds. The rest of the country can wail, as much as they want, those will not be probed. If we were really sincere about corruption to discourage padding or stealing, we would luck up those saying either one was not corruption. Probe them based on the difference between their salaries, saving or inheritance compared to the way they lived. Anyone that cannot explain why they live above their means has a case to answer. Impunity and ostentatiousness would be rare. No one can live above his means without attracting neighbors in the democracy we emulate. ARLINGTON, Va. Over the past 40 years, tens of thousands of mine inspectors and mine safety professionals have passed through the doors of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in West Virginia. Dedicated in 1976, the complex houses the worlds largest educational institution devoted solely to training in mine health and safety. It is one of just seven permanent federal academies in the U.S. On Aug. 17, the Mine Safety and Health Administration will commemorate the academys four decades of service with a ceremony and keynote address by MSHA Assistant Secretary Joseph A. Main. Representatives from the U.S. Congress and the mining industry will join Main during the program. Education and training are vital components in improving the health and safety of the nations miners. The National Mine Health and Safety Academy plays a critical role in our ability to carry out our mission, said Main. MSHA, miners across the nation and the mining industry owe a tremendous debt to the academy for its invaluable contributions over the past 40 years. Based in Beckley, the academy exposes students to a variety of different disciplines in nine different laboratories: roof control, ground control, mine emergency and mine rescue, ventilation, electrical, machinery, industrial hygiene, computer, and underground mine simulation. On 80-acres in nine buildings, the academy includes classrooms, mine machine and simulation laboratories, mine emergency operations equipment, a publication distribution center and residence hall. It also offers a Technical Information Center and Library containing an extensive collection of research and study materials, including periodicals, books, archival material, maps, technical reports and more than 1,000 historical photos. The Writer 12.08.2016 LISTEN Column; Pointing Out Learned View. The world is great due to its great people, great things are done by those who work on them, likewise to South Sudan, it is great due to its achievement being admitted to be an independent State, having been given a room on world map after sacrifices were made by South Sudanese .An history is made by those who believe they can make it and therefore, in fact, it is what people of South Sudan had made. They had created their history and distinguished themselves as South Sudanese and named country as Republic of South Sudan. In general, South Sudan is not a great nation as per now but potential future great regional State if South Sudanese sit down and identify what is the problem to State building, find solution to it, undermine traditional dogma and start building State they inspire. What would have be done in 2005, 2011 and why it is still necessary currently in 2016 to 2017? In 2005, the war politicians would have convince themselves and make proposal about what kind of state are we supposed to have as per separation from Khartoum was concerned and most top agenda in hearts of South Sudanese. Convince themselves that they are in position to build and laid down unshaken foundations for generations. Make it as States current and future fundamental concern and vision. These politicians would have recognized first that we had our own internal problems which could need solutions. Problems like tribal and sectarian wars and conflicts among communities by addressing them. Take lead action on these issues. Because Arabss policies divided South Sudanese by then turning ethnic groups against ethnic groups during liberation struggle. Arabs misinformed South Sudanese and made false propaganda against SPLA in order large number of people refuse to join or even leave it in order the support for liberation struggle lacks masses morals and not to achieve national mobilization. These are facts our leaders would have made clarifications about them and inform all ethnic groups of South Sudan about falsehood of such cheap disinformation, the issue being turned against each other etc. The reasons for this first stage is to challenge historical or any violence of inter group, hatred and sectarianism. SPLM the people s liberal movement would have teach nationalism to all citizens of South Sudan as way to bring their minds to sense of being one people in order for them to push into nationalism and forget ethno nationalism. In reality, the love and loyalty for this country is questionable among South Sudanese citizens. There are some South Sudanese who feels to be with Arab rather than being how they are now currently. Moreover, such feelings are of broaden sense. As of those facts, we would have not rushed to be building new State when where to start is not clear and defined. Broadly, it is not that simple duty. It takes toughest obligations and costs. If we were to start building peaceful State then why was it not important to identify our problems as South Sudanese before we begin? Well, the main cause of messes of our country affairs is lack of nationalism and patriotism in the hearts of many politicians, leaders and citizens as well which is the most weakness we conceal to speak it out. It is a major threat to stability to this country. Undoubtedly, we had not taken this country into our hearts. The true nationalism is not with us, but to be fair, some are patriotic. Am not challenging if I personally recommend for real nationalism to be taught to South Sudanese in wherever they are. The rationale behind my recommendation is for us to avoid future gross mistake or war against nation. Mistake like burning down of national flag in Wau 2012. One cant believe that the national flag of Republic can be burnt by South Sudanese. This is a serious problem although it was calmed. Realistically, when you look into such activities, it is not an irrational to say that the loyalty, love and pride for the nation had not been cemented in the hearts of such an individuals. On the other hand, wrong act like such is not grossly painful to regime in power but country. Reason the regime any time ends and country remains in case individuals are not happy with regime. Therefore, for this nation to move forward peacefully and be built. Then teaching of nationalism and patriotism among South Sudanese citizens must be prioritized and made as an obligation by key national political players in good faith. Nationalism has the power to unite all South Sudanese regardless of ethnic background, political, class, religion or, gender. Nationalistic powerful ideas are built in national and local political speeches and other gatherings in order to change ethnical ideologies from centralistic to nationalistic. Additionally, such duties are carried out by politicians. Powerful Ideas like these, example, we shall build worlds greatest State, for our greatness to be meaningful in the region, citizenss problems domestically must have been solved by government. The national loyalty and love for Republic of this country is national spirit and every good citizen must observe that. The sacrifices made by our martyrs will never be betrayed by surrendering this nation to any common enemy. Our countrys sovereignty shall never ever be penetrated or undermined by any human being apart except almighty God. An ethnic loyalty is detrimental to building of sounding and loving South Sudan. Therefore you citizens of South Sudan must be mindful about this, we must be careful with whoever is trying to divide South Sudanese whether he is our citizen or foreigner. Such person shall be our common enemy. God bless South Sudan. These are ideas South Sudanese politicians should use when giving speeches in private, public, national or in local political rallies instead are they seen mostly talking cheaply. Substantially, preaching dominant ideology for nationalism in this country is only way we could progress. More significantly, the other a major issue of concern for State political elites should do is an integration of these factional different communities to be national integrated community of South Sudan in order to reconstruct a shared sense of national identity such that to overcome sectarian, ethnic or communal difference as to rebuild origin of identity and loyalty to Nation that Arab had created a gap. As set above, these are instrumental key priorities supposedly to be conducted as priorities if we want to build modern peaceful country. Crucially, building State needs first national integration and rebuilding of its political, social, cultural and economic foundations in order to challenge number of issues. This is done by national political elites; they are responsible for managing state building. In that systemic context, after nationalism is built in the hearts of citizens. Coherently, the building of State begins after citizens had already identified their positions and roles in the country. Politicians and leaders perform their obligations as they are given powers. Furthermore, building and establishment of State keys institutions begins from there. And of course not just institutions as some people may think. Certainly, public appreciates institutions that meets their expectations because an institutions becomes worthless if their duties are not being performed. Citizens only give credit to state institutions which are functional. So, these are kinds of an institutions Iam referring too. Indeed. In 2005, 2011, why government would have start building more an effective, accountable and responsive institutions that respond public expectations because the target goal of every government is delivery of basic services which includes provision of security, health, education and roads, infrastructure, advanced industries etc. Rule of law, we are expecting the rule of law to be an absolute and had supremacy as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power and unjust wide discretionary by government officials and agents as well being experienced by an ordinary citizens. As stated by professor of law A. Dicey, argued that no man is punishable or made to suffer for good except if he breaches law established in ordinary legal manner before the ordinary courts. Unquoted, the Rule of law must be strengthened in this country. All citizens of this country whether an ordinary citizens or government officials must equally respect law and order. The government employees must operate within the law when performing their duties in a manner that reflects the rule of law. The kind of state we are still dreaming for is a great nation in the region. We need to rebuild and reshape this nation, make it a great nation in the region. The greatness I mean here is not only limited to having the mighty military power, the largest economy power. To me personally, I believe the greatness of this nation is when we had integrated our clans and communities/tribes to be national integrated community which people see themselves as South Sudanese, to have a vision for South Sudan , provision of the basic necessary needs to populations, reduction of poverty, discouragement of an inequality within national integrated community, employment of young people who had are educated in both private and public institutions, prioritizing an electricity, roads that links all parts of the country, upgrading of higher education to regional level as well both basic and secondary education. The greatness I also emphasizing is for leaders to inform national integrated community about benefits of involving themselves in business and empower them to set up their businesses. No country would progress when citizens are not doing business. We must start producing local products. The greatness I believe is for the country to have productive industries that are built. Not every single commodity is always imported. Leadership by example within South Sudan, strength to have capacity to influence global affairs, greatness that we treat each other humanly and with respect, greatness that we manage domestics politics, affairs and differences not to be influenced by outsiders. Nevertheless, some countries around the world have been heard of doing everything. Then it is time South Sudanese to do wonderful things as rest tried their best before. The country we always dream for is a country for opportunities for citizens. We are dreaming to be land of an opportunity. We are dreaming to have country that educates her citizens such that they acquire knowledge which is useful to the world. We need to stand for our own invented idea. It is an obligation to figure out what kind of ideas should we stand for, as an America stands for freedom, liberty, human rights etc. Conclusion, National pride and commitment to nation must be taken into consideration by South Sudanese. Developing love for the nation and spirit of patriotism are among key solutions to most of our problems. Our loyalty may be valueless if it is narrowly given to politicians rather than country. It is not bad to support politician or government you admire but what is important is loyalty for the country. People of this country must show respect, consideration, fairness, appreciation etc to themselves if they want to move on peacefully. Nationalism and love of nation must always be observed before egalitarian/egocentralistic interests. Let us build a modern South Sudan. Thanks. God bless South Sudan. Author is Mangong Mawien Madut Majok, Legal affairs Minister of South Sudanese Students Union in Uganda. He is in fourth year, School of law and a part time blogger and columnist. Reach him on +256782229324/ +256752949345 or [email protected] Youth all over the World are fondly called leaders of tomorrow. This is not farfetched from the fact that they are characterised with energy and mental alertness. In Ghana, the Centre for African Democratic Affairs (CADA) believes that this energy is either used positively or negatively or unproductively depending on the individual or in some cases the society. 12 August 2016 is International Youth Day all over the world and the theme given by the United Nations is The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production, with a special focus on SDG 12. Notwithstanding, and in Ghana, CADA believes that the theme for this years Youth Day should rather be Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Development. In the opinion of CADA, there is the need for the country to meet the needs of the present youth without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In Ghana, CADA believes that this years youth day is about turning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into reality by focusing on programmes and activities that will give the chance to the youth to play the leading role in eradicating poverty whilst achieving development of the country through sustainable local production and consumption. CADA is of the view that, sustainable consumption is all about the use of products produced locally that meet the basic needs of communities while keeping in mind the needs of future generations. CADA believes that many young people in Ghana continue to face barriers to making productive choices including unemployment, high prices of goods and services and lack of information about what options are available. CADA urges the government, relevant agencies, civil society organisations, and the youth in general to mark the day by highlighting and strategizing the positive contributions of the youth in development and by pledging to engage, particularly the government, with youth as partners in the implementation its national interests and agenda for the youth. As the country goes to polls on 7 December 2016, what hope does this years elections bring to the youth of this country? CADA agrees with the statement recently made by the Chairman of the Ghanas Peace Council that some young people in the country have said they will not even vote for the simple reason that all the politicians are the same and their value is also the same. What they know doing best is giving unprecedented promises which they never fulfil them. CADA has observed that most of the youth in the country are losing confidence in politicians across the country. There is no doubt when you interact with a cross section of the youth, they are disappointed because we are talking too much when they have no jobs. There is an urgent need for politicians and those in authorities to do something to recoup their image and explain things clearly to the youth including their challenges and what efforts are being made to address the challenges. There is no denying the fact that Ghana since 1992, there have been reported cases of electoral violence and struggles always over political posts during elections. Political power struggle has become a key cause of electoral violence among political parties in the country. Ghanaian youth are mainly used by these politicians to champion their selfish cause without necessarily thinking about the future of these youth. Meanwhile, today, Ghanaian youth face many challenges such as unemployment and other social related problems. The lack of personal and professional growth and development standpoints for the youth has created high levels of social disaffection in the country and increasing problems of marginalised youth in many urban slum areas. This is a major disadvantage for the Ghanaian youth. How does the youth whom we claim are the future leaders of this nation use their present energy productively in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable national production and consumption of the country? In view of this and many others contribute to the reasons why politicians are taking the advantage of the plights of the Ghanaian youth to cause mayhem in order for them to benefit during elections. It is also becoming a norm as some politicians during elections go round polling stations ostensibly to supervise the electoral process without accreditation from the Electoral Commission. They resort to the use of Machomen (most of whom are the youth) which over the last two decades have become an emerging phenomenon in the Ghanaian political and electoral system. The youth are used as bodyguards by the political leaders to create disorder, intimidate voters, especially in areas considered to be strongholds of opposing parties, and disrupt the electoral process where one perceives defeat. Is it not the state institutions like the Ghana Police Service with the primary responsibility of providing the required security to all the stakeholders in the electoral process? Consequently, when opposing political party agents object to their unauthorized presence at the polling station, it usually leads to confrontation and sometimes violence between their bodyguards and the agents who are diligently discharging their duties. Politicians in Ghana know very well that the youth are very crucial and must contribute to the nations political development but they have become perpetrators and victims of political violence especially during election period. Ghanaian politicians exploit these youth as political thugs which are well organized and structured and task them to perform sundry activities such as harassment, intimidation and maiming with impunity in the name of political wings and movements. As the country joins the rest of the world to celebrate this years youth day, CADA would like to emphasise that the youth should be economically empowered through sincere, participatory and youth oriented skill acquisition and employment generation scheme. Socially, the youth should be empowered through civil orientation and educations to enable them understand their roles (rights and duties) in society. And they should also be empowered politically through meaningful political socialisation and constructive participation in politics. The youth should be made to be aware that they are potential leaders of tomorrow and that no politician ambition is worth their blood and future. Youth as the doorways to a peace continuum must be exposed to peace education. CADA believes that peace education will help to address the culture of electoral related violence and aggression and also inculcate the values of peaceful coexistence and non-electoral violence among the youth and adults alike. In the opinion of CADA, Ghanaian youth have to know what peace is and guard themselves against embracing or being used to foment violence. Thank you. .Signed Frank Adarkwah-Yiadom Executive Director CADA File Photo 12.08.2016 LISTEN The Persons with Disability Act (715) (PWDA) is 10 years old, hurray!!! It is heart-warming that Ghana has come this far in its guest to promote disability rights. The National Council on Persons with Disability which is supposed to oversee the implementation of the PWDA is also established. These achievements are commendable. Nevertheless, a lot more needs to be done in order for persons with disability to fully enjoy their human rights as stipulated in the Act. The regional and district Council on Persons with Disability are yet to be duly constituted and resourced to carry out their mandate. Also, many Ghanaians are yet to know about the existence of the PWDA and its provisions; hence, they continue to treat persons with disability in prejudicial manner. Sadly, even those Ghanaians who are knowledgeable about disability issues and the law dont seem to have changed their attitudes about disability much. Infact, Ghanaians with disability seem to be treated as second class citizens because they cannot freely enjoy their human rights enshrined in the PWDA and the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana as they continue to encounter a myriad of challenges in their daily lives. Attitudes toward persons with disability seem to be one of the major challenges persons with disability encounter. Negative perceptions and stereotypes about disability are still rife in Ghana. There is evidence that some Ghanaians have strong mentality regarding disability. They believe that disability affects the whole being of persons with disability in ways that make them inferior to able-bodied people. This results in discrimination against persons with disability in all spheres of lives. Countless times, persons with disability are turned away from employment, education and other opportunities, not because they are unqualified but due simply to their disabilities. Time without number, we see persons with disability being treated with scorn. For instance, when dealing with persons with disability, people prefer communicating through third parties instead of the persons with the disability. This happens in all settings of the society. A friend told me a story about how she was treated in one of the ministries. She went to the ministry to collect a document and an official, who was supposed to give it to her, decided that her driver rather signs their guest book without consulting her. And, when she inquired why he did that, the official replied that he thought it was easier for the driver to sign for her. This man might have good intentions for his actions but it only makes sense to consult persons with disability when making decisions about them. My friend told me she felt so humiliated but she confronted the official and made him aware that it was so degrading to treat persons with disability in that manner. He could have at least sought her opinion, she noted. Another friend told me how she went to the salon to braid her hair but the hairdresser preferred talking to her 19 year old daughter instead of her, although, the hairdresser was informed that it was my friend who wanted to braid her hair. I believe many people from the disability community have several of such demeaning experiences. Think about these examples and how you would have felt if you were treated that way. Another barrier persons with disability face is the environment. The environment is still very challenging for persons with disability. The majority of buildings are inaccessible to persons with disability due to lack of elevators and access ramps. It is uplifting to see that some organisations are putting up access ramps to make their buildings more accessible. However, the majority of these ramps are not disability friendly because they are too steep and/or narrow. Making available standardized design dimensions for accessible ramps and enforcing the implementation of the design could be one way to make ramps more accessible to persons with disability. Also, sidewalks are virtually non-existent. The few available sidewalks are not thorough, the starting point may be accessible but the end may not and vice versa. Sometimes the sidewalks are too narrow for wheelchair users. Other sidewalks are inhibited with obstacles, such as light poles, which render them inaccessible. Thus, persons with disability are compelled to use the main roads (amidst impatient drivers, motorcycle and bicycle riders and pedestrians), regardless of concerns for their safety, as they have no other choice. The PWDA requires that operators of parking lots make provisions for special parking for persons with disability. It is heart-warming that some of the malls in Accra have heeded to this provision and have demarcated areas for handicap parking. However, since cars owned by persons with disability are not labelled, the security personnel at these parking lots seem to use their discretion about who could park in the reserved areas. A person with a disability has to show proof of their disability before they are allowed to park. Cant there be a better means of handling this issue in ways that will save persons with disability the embarrassment they go through when parking at these car parks? Probably the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority can consider labelling license plates of cars owned by persons with disability as practiced in developed countries. Furthermore, we all know the importance of transportation in our daily lives. We need transportation to do almost everything: to go to work, school, church, hospital and to run other errands. However, regardless of the importance of transportation, none of the transportation systems in Ghana is accessible to persons with disability. Think about the buses and the trotros, and just imagine a person with a mobility disability (e.g., someone using crutches or wheelchair) getting in and out of these vehicles, amidst impatient passengers and the man-made barriers they create in the vehicles? Also, there is evidence that the local airlines do not take persons with disability, because, they claim they dont have facilities to accommodate them. Imagine planning an important business trip from Accra to Tamale which you scheduled with one of the airlines. But, upon arrival at the airport, on the day of your travel, you were told that you couldnt travel with the airline because there were no facilities to accommodate you, though you had disclosed your condition when you booked for the fight. How will you feel? This is exactly what happened to another person with a disability I know. We are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the PWDA and yet persons with disability cannot travel by air domestically. Is it not very sad? Why should Ghanaians with disability continue to endure these kinds of treatment by their fellow Ghanaian citizens? Persons with disability have same human rights as everyone else and should be given the opportunity to enjoy their freedom in every aspect of life including, social, political, economic and cultural. Like everyone else, Ghanaians with disability should be able to live a more dignified and productive lives. They should be part of, and be able to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Persons with disability have variety of skills and expertise which they can contribute to national development. Their continuous exclusion from mainstream society, as a result of barriers identified, violates their human rights and its detrimental to national development. It does not speak well of Ghana which is known in the international arena as one of the most hospitable countries in the world. I think its high time we considered our attitudes towards persons with disability. Its time to wholeheartedly accept them as part of the Ghanaian society and treat them accordingly. This way, they will feel like they are important participants of the society. Lets remember that disability knows no boundaries, neither does disability discriminate. Anyone, young, old, rich, poor, man, woman can acquire disability at any time. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the PWDA, lets make contentious efforts to learn about the PWDA and its provisions. Lets also try to adhere to its provisions and be mindful of our attitudes and behaviors towards persons with disability. Dr. Tina Naami [email protected] Yesterday, Mrs Marrietta Brew OPPONG reportedly admonished newly appointed Judges of the Republic not to think of themselves as demi-Gods. On the occassion of the appointment of new Judges following the mass dismissals and/or resignations arising from the large scale levels of corruption unearthed in the Judiciary by Anas Armeyaw, one would reasonably have expected the Honourable Minster of Justice to have availed herself of the opportunity to wish the new Judges a call of duty that would seek to emulate God's sense of justice, fairness, equity and honesty, even if godly, she rather used it to insinuate that the Supreme Court Judgment on the Muntie 3 was wrong. She did not have to say so in many words. If she thinks that the concern of Ghanaians about the conduct of judges at this point in time is as to how Godly Judges believe themselves to be, then she's clearly not sufficiently mastered her brief as a Minister of Justice. Marritta's monumental and conspicuous failure to prosecute at least one of the Montie trio is the kind of ineptitude judges must seek to eschew with every bit of their God given will & conscience. Marrietta should have urged them to develop a capacity to render judgments that are as devoid of political bias or of any improper influence as possible in the same manner expected of an Attorney General, in spite of the seemingly unfettered discretion that the Attorney General has in the prosecution of offences in the country. As a Minister of Justice and Attorney General, she was expected to bring exceptional balance and judgment to the matter, a skill that does not easily accommodate the normal human fallibility and/or proclivities. I would have expected some advice on how the new Judges could ensure that they walked the tight rope which is expected of Judges. The use of that forum to play politics was palpably wrong and above all, using that to pursue her warped sense of Justice for the trio, who have been jailed for threatening to rape and kill some of the country's Supreme Court Justices is rather repugnant. The trio clearly threatened to kill and rape judges, live on air with clips of the recordings making all the rounds on the social media. They clearly sought to influence ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court, so that they would deliver a judgment that was favourable to the Electoral Commissioner or to the ruling NDC Government. On an evidential basis, it passes the merits test as to whether there was sufficient evidence to prosecute for the relevant threat. Can any person of reasonable fortitude convincingly pretend not to have been alarmed by the threats, let alone the intended victims of their threats? On a Public Interest test, the case for prosecution was and remains overwhelming! Judges were killed in 1982, by none other than persons deeply involved with the PNDC Government. Interestingly, when the prosecution of the suspected mastermind, Kojo Tsikata, was recommended, the PNDC Attorney General revoked or refused to carry it out, contending that his decision was not subject to the jurisdiction of anyone. It is rather this kind of abuse of power exercised by this NDC Attorney General as was exercised by the PNDC Attorney General in the 1980s, whether under political influence or motivated by money, is what the Judiciary ought to avoid. That whether political power or Judicial power, all power is ephemeral and usually held in trust for the people and that power must at all times must be exercised for the good of the people and not to serve any narrow or parochial interest. The Government of Japan has announced a donation of US$5 million towards the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) emergency operations in southern Africa, where hundreds of thousands of people are currently facing food shortages due to drought, resulting in significant increases in acute food insecurity and malnutrition. This timely contribution will allow WFP to provide food assistance to more than 300,000 drought-affected people in the four countries worst affected by El Nino between September and November 2016. Mozambique is to receive US$2.7 million, Malawi US$1.85 million, Lesotho US$250,000 and Swaziland US$200,000. WFP deeply appreciates this generous contribution by the Japanese government at a moment when we urgently need to move huge amounts of relief assistance into drought-hit areas -- especially those which will be cut off when the rainy season starts, said Chris Nikoi, Regional Director for southern Africa, adding that the drought emergency operation has only received 20 percent of the funding required to assist almost 12 million people across the region until next April. In Mozambique, Japans donation will allow WFP to address persisting needs and significant funding gaps while supporting community efforts towards recovery, greater resilience and ultimately progress towards Zero Hunger. The drought response in Mozambique includes emergency school feeding to 100,000 children and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) to 51,000 children and pregnant and nursing women. During the 2015/16 growing season, Malawi was in the eye of the strongest El Nino event to hit Southern Africa in 35 years causing widespread drought, primarily in the southern region of the country. Japans donation will help WFP assist food-insecure households while at the same time benefit individuals and the community through the Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) programme whereby communities participate in activities such as repairing irrigation systems, building bridges, soil conservation and setting up community granaries in exchange for food vouchers or cash transfers. Emergency food and cash assistance will also be brought into remote parts of both Lesotho and Swaziland to help hard-hit populations, while supporting the protection and rebuilding of livelihoods of food insecure households to improve their ability to withstand recurrent shocks. The Government of Japan has been providing food support for communities in need in developing countries since 1968. During the past decade, Japan has contributed more than US$166 million to WFPs operations in southern Africa. The Eastern Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is calling on the Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Alhaji Collins Dauda to retract and apologize for portraying the party as anti-Muslims. The NPP says the comments have rather dented the image of the Minister and the NDC. The Eastern Regional NPP Organizer, Kwame Kodua told Onua FM's Yen Sempa, hosted by Bright Asempa on Thursday that the comments were disparaging. Alhaji Collins Dauda, addressing some Muslim youth in Koforidua, asserted that They (NPP) are accusing several Muslims of not being Ghanaians. In 2000, they claimed that over 631 Muslims were not Ghanaians in Adeisu. Today, that same person is in the Zongos trying to convince you and telling you things. The NPP that is talking to you today cannot be trusted. If you give them the chance to come to power again, they will do the same things to you. The NPP looked into my face and told me that because I am Morsi, I am not a Ghanaian and they challenged me to go to court until the court cleared me. These are the people we are talking about. My brothers and sisters, must you entertain someone who has hurt and deprived you in the past? These UP people are not people that the NDC and Muslims must listen to and trust, the Local Government Minister reportedly told the Muslim community in Koforidua. But Mr. Kodua said the Minister has soiled himself and so he should come back and apologize and retract such comments. Apart from Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is the Vice presidential candidate of the NPP, there are several Muslims who are playing key and influential roles in the NPP's campaign and so the claim that the NPP will marginalize Muslims is baseless, he said. Having had the first-hand knowledge of the benefits of free National Health Service in the United Kingdom, I jumped for joy when former President Kuffour implemented the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana. I was equally excited when in the subsequent general election NDC Party gave a manifesto pledge of implementing one-time NHIS premium if voted into power. You see, as a human rights ideologue and a proponent of the inherent dignity and the inalienable rights of all members of the human family, I will always support any government that makes health its priority. Apparently, the right to health is an inalienable human right which has been detailed in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN 1966). It was for that reason that I urged my relatives and minions to mull over the NPPs expedient policy and if possible give them the nod of affirmation. Gratifyingly, a sizeable number of my associates assented to my proposal and supported President Kuffours bid. More importantly, President Kuffour was true to his word as he graciously went ahead and implemented his Manifesto pledge of National Health Insurance Service. To be quite honest, President Kuffour had my respect for honouring his promise. Corollary, as part of my commitment to the inalienable right to health, I switched my allegiance to NDC Party when they promised to implement one-time NHIS premium for Ghanaians. Of course, I had a subjective fit for NDCs Manifesto pledge on health; I was indeed magnetised by what I viewed back then as an innovative policy. Consequently, I besought family and friends to ruminate over NDCs health policy and consider voting for such a pragmatic policy. Once again, the vast majority of my relatives and minions bought into my suggestion and went ahead and embraced NDCs health policy of one-time NHIS premium. As a matter of fact, I was extremely happy for my associates for taking such pragmatic steps. For if nothing at all, they were going to make fantastic savings on the one-time NHIS premium. So, who could blame my relatives and minions at the time for casting their votes for NDC Party? It was indeed a wise choice back then. Unfortunately, however, after securing the mandate of the majority of the electorates including my family and friends to clasp the ultimate power, the NDC government shamefully reneged on its pledge of implementing one-time NHIS premium. Obviously, they lied their way to power. It was the usual vague rhetoric and inebriations of deceitful lots who were so desperate to secure power for their own vested interests. For if that was not the case, how come they have turned their back on almost all the promises they gave to the unsuspected Ghanaian electorates? Ironically, with all the promises, President Mahama and his NDC government have failed to end the dumsor, have failed to implement the one-time NHIS premium, jobs arent readily available for the jobless, the economy is sinking deeper and deeper into the mire, they have reneged on their promise to keep lean government, Ghanaians are becoming poorer and poorer, sleaze and corruption have escalated to immeasurable proportions, endless borrowings etc. Apparently, the only advice I could give to my family and friends on this occasion is for them to engage in a carefully considered reflection before casting their votes in the forthcoming general election. K. Badu, UK. On August 10, 2016 local time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed Jibril of Kenya in Nairobi. Wang Yi expressed that thanks to the personal care from both leaders, China-Kenya relations have entered a fast lane of development. In the next stage, both sides should take the comprehensive implementation of the important consensus reached between leaders of both countries and the results of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as opportunities to translate the advantages of high-level political mutual trust and economic complementarity between both countries into the impetus of advancing bilateral cooperation and development as well as practical achievements that benefit the two peoples. Wang Yi noted that China-Kenya cooperation has taken the lead in China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation. Both countries have decided to strengthen cooperation frameworks in five key fields including industrialization and infrastructure construction, agricultural and green development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, peace and security as well as justice and police affairs, and international and regional affairs. China stands ready to, together with Kenya, firmly seize the important opportunity for China-Kenya cooperation, further enhance political mutual trust, and strengthen the docking of development strategies. China is also willing to work with Kenya to focus on forging the new "trinity" cooperation pattern consisting of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, the Mombasa Port and the Mombasa special economic zone, co-build a land-port integrated industrial economic corridor on this basis, and assist Kenya to become a manufacturing and logistics center in East Africa, which will boost the development of the East African region as well. China is willing to be the most reliable cooperation partner of Kenya in realizing Kenya Vision 2030. Amina Mohamed Jibril expressed that Kenya-China friendly relations enjoy a solid basis. Both sides conduct frequent high-level exchanges, and share broad consensus on further promoting bilateral cooperation. Glad to become one of the model countries with headmost actions and pilot plans of Africa-China production capacity cooperation, Kenya stands ready to make joint efforts with China to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, production capacity and industries, special economic zones, modern agriculture, energy and environmental protection, personnel and technology training and other fields, actively boost the construction of the East Africa railway network, and expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to push bilateral relations for new progress. Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern including the UN Security Council reform, confirmed the common stance of both countries and reached a high degree of consensus on safeguarding the common interests between China and Kenya as well as between China and Africa. On August 10, 2016 local time, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya met with visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Presidential Palace in Nairobi. Uhuru Kenyatta expressed that China is a sincere friend and important partner of Kenya, and both countries have understood and supported each other on a series of major issues for a long time. Kenya appreciates Chinas assistance in its economic and social development. Political mutual trust between both countries is close and solid, with Kenya-China economic cooperation yielding mutual benefit and win-win results. Kenya is willing to take the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a new starting point of cooperation to enhance bilateral high-level exchanges and exchanges between both political parties, align its development strategies with the Belt and Road initiative, promote an early operation of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway and work together on railway connectivity in East Africa, so as to achieve win-win cooperation between China and Kenya as well as other East African countries. Kenya welcomes Chinese enterprises to expand investment in the country and hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in production capacity and energy resources so as to become a gateway for Chinese products to enter Africa. Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinpings greetings to President Uhuru Kenyatta. Wang Yi said that with personal concerns and promotion from both heads of state, China-Kenya relations are at the best period in history. China attaches great importance to bilateral relations, and lists Kenya as a model country with headmost actions and pilot plans in China-Africa production capacity cooperation, which has already released enormous economic and social effects. China has full confidence in the prospects of the development of China-Kenya relations and hopes both countries can take advantage of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit to maintain China-Kenya relations in the forefront of China-Africa cooperation. Wang Yi stated that currently, China-Kenya practical cooperation is making remarkable progress and Chinese investment to Kenya is rapidly increasing, which shows the confidence of Chinese enterprises in bilateral cooperation and Kenyas development. China hopes that both countries can take the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway as the lead to forge a new trinity cooperation pattern consisting of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, the Mombasa Port and the Mombasa special economic zone. China is ready to utilize its own advantages in production capacity to actively advance the construction of a land-port integrated industrial economic corridor and assist Kenya in speeding up its industrialization process. Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the Central Regional Minister, has expressed worry over the rate at which HIV/AIDS is spreading in the region. He said the 2015 HIV and AIDS Annual Review Report indicated that 76,734 pregnant women attended Antenatal Clinic in the region out of which 61,447, representing 80 per cent, took the HIV test with 585, representing 0.95 per cent, testing positive. Mr Ricketts-Hagan expressed these concerns at a free health screening outreach jointly organised by the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV and AIDS, (OAFLA Ghana Chapter) and Ghana Aids Commission led by Mrs Lordina Mahama, the First Lady, at Winneba. I am worried about the remaining 15,287 (20 per cent) pregnant women who did not avail themselves for the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme, he said. There is the possibility that more HIV positive cases could be among the 15,287 who did not avail themselves for the PMTCT services during the period. The Minister noted that with regard to the report, it would lead to innocent children being born with HIV and this is unacceptable. He said the 2015 National HIV and AIDS Control Programme Sentinel Survey Report on pregnant women also revealed a consistent rise in HIV prevalence percentage recorded at three sentinel sites in the region, namely; Cape Coast, Assin Fosu and Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa (AOB). Kweku Ricketts-Hagan As per the report, Cape Coast leads with 1.6 per cent in 2013, 2.0 per cent in 2014 and 2.6 in 2015. Assin Fosu recorded 1.0 per cent in 2013, 1.6 in 2014 and 2.2 in 2015 followed by AOB with 0.6 per cent in 2013, 0.8 in 2014 and 0.8 in 2015. In a nutshell, with the high HIV prevalence among women visiting antenatal clinics in the region, there is the possibility of high vertical transmission from mothers to the unborn babies if the positive women are not utilising prevention of mother-to-child transmission services which are provided free of charge, he said. This poses a serious threat to our efforts to towards an HIV free society, he added. Mr Ricketts-Hagan thanked the First Lady for her campaign on PMTCT, saying he and the people of the Central Region would continue to join hands with her to fight the pandemic. He urged women to take advantage of the various health services that have been brought to their doorsteps to attend antenatal clinics, check their HIV status and be screened for cervical cancer. ELKO A Spring Creek man accused of murdering his wife went before the Elko Justice Court Thursday, where his defense attorney questioned law enforcement officials about the probability of his wifes death being accidental. Kristin Fleming, 35, was shot in the face with a small-caliber handgun the morning of June 3, said Lt. Kevin McKinney. Authorities believe domestic violence to be a contributing factor. Donald Fleming, 38, was found administering CPR to his wife when deputies arrived at the residence on Bluecrest Drive. Kristin Fleming died at approximately 1 a.m. Donald Fleming, 38, is charged with both first degree and second degree murder both counts hold the addition of use of a deadly weapon. Both charges are category A felonies, which a sentence of death or serving time in state prison for life with or without the possibility of parole may be imposed, according to Nevada Revised Statutes. Fines are not imposed for either charge, and probation or a suspended sentence cannot be sought. The first witness called to the stand was Sherri McCarty of Elko Central Dispatch. It was during her testimony the prosecution presented the 911 call made by Donald Fleming early June. Do you think she is beyond any help, said the dispatcher. Fleming responded, Yes. While the recording was being played in court, Fleming began to cry fluctuating between this and what appeared to be blank expressions for the rest of the proceedings. Different law enforcement individuals were told there had been an accidental shooting, where a husband had shot his wife. Additionally, Donald Fleming said Kristin Fleming pointed a gun at him and he attempted to take it away. Through following testimonies provided by members of the Elko County Sheriffs Department Sgt. Jon Ames, Deputy Val Steinfeld who also serves as a deputy coroner, detectives Billy Hood, Nick Stake and Mariah Drake, and McKinney, subjects centered on placement of the body, diagramming of the scene, preservation of evidence, and placement of the victim and Fleming were discussed. Ames and Steinfeld were two of the initial responders to the scene. Ames located the Glock 26 believed to be used in the shooting, with the magazine out and a live round in the chamber, he said All of those listed above were questioned about what they look for in a crime scene of that nature. The response that came from all was looking for signs of a struggle. It was explained the residence had usual household clutter, but did not indicate a struggle something that was described as an indication of self-defense. Multiple testimonies stated it is believed Donald and Kristin Fleming were sitting across from one another at the dining room table. This was thought because of a blood stain on the table and those on her body, the placement of the bullet casing and Kristin Flemings body in proximity to the table. Steinfeld testified she immediately took over from Donald Fleming the administration of CPR upon her arrival. Her report stated the death was a homicide. Defense Attorney Gary Woodbury seemed to dissect every aspect of this report from statements made to the placement of wounds of Kristin Fleming, but the word homicide was the crux of his argument. Woodbury pressured the deputy about whether the shooting could have been an accident. There was only one weapon involved, I dont know how you get self-defense if you only have one weapon, said Hood. Woodbury followed this same line of questioning. Hood said the physical evidence did not lead authorities to believe Kristin Flemings death was accidental or a suicide. The detective said he thought Donald Fleming shot his wife. In my opinion, if youre pointing a gun at somebody and your finger is on the trigger, and you pull the trigger, its not an accident, he said. Other evidence discussed included a large amount of firearms in the residence and the tequila and beer bottles in the trash. The proceedings have been extended until Wednesday for the final testimony of Dr. Ellen Clark, chief medical examiner of the Washoe County Medical Examiners Office. PZ Cussons, the multinational consumer goods business which manufactures and distributes some of the most renowned household brands in the world, is currently undertaking a nationwide sampling and tasting of its Rob Sweets brands in Ghana. The sampling train, which started recently in Accra, will continue to the Eastern and Western regions after which all remaining regions will have the opportunity to sample the sweets. It is in keeping with this that PZ Cussons, over the weekend, brought street vendors of the Robs sweet brands together in Accra to give their impression about the brands after which they were rewarded for their hard work. Roger Chinery, Channel Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons, commenting on the activity, said: We have been working on rob sweets as a brand over two years now. We have sellers who are the main drivers of our brand and they are located in various areas. Most of them are around high traffic areas. The intention of this meeting is to bring them together and reward them for their hard work. We have put together 300 sellers today which includes wholesalers. We are proud of them because they are making us proud. Mr Chinery said the old rob used to be a balm, but this one is a sweet that soothens the throat and refreshes the mouth. He added that Rob was a very profitable brand which vendors could attest to. The company would be setting targets for its street vendors and upon achievement of targets, they would enjoy incentives. Noting that the Rob sweet brand had 80 percent of market share in Ghana, he added that the brand was well-known in Nigeria and Togo. A business desk report President John Dramani Mahama intends to wean Ghana of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after 2017, according to Minister for Employment and Labour Relations Haruna Iddrisu. He said the government would not to take up another IMF programme upon the expiration of the current arrangement. According to the Minister, the financing from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has been increased from 0.0-0.5 percent for some emergency. The Minister indicated that the president will sign the Public Finance Act which will ensure discipline in the expenditure of ministers, chief directors, heads of agencies, MMDs, adding that those who flout the laws would be sanctioned appropriately. He made this known at the 7th edition of the 'Government for People' Forum held in Tamale in the Northern Region. Dumsor According to the Minister, in recent times, government has been intensely criticized because of the power crisis which has adversely affected industries and individuals. The challenge is how to get crude and gas to power the plants and also FPSO Atta Mills has arrived and it will produce gas. The president is intervening just that his intervention may not show off today to meet your demands but at least there is a policy shift to increase the generational capacity of energy. Haruna Iddrisu assured Ghanaians that the president would ensure energy sufficiency and reliability in the country. Ghana EXIM Bank The Ghana EXIM Bank is to support the financing of small and medium enterprises and make capital available to the private sector. According to him, it would create job opportunities in the SMEs sector which contributes 80 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He noted that Mahama administration has made significant investment in infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. Haruna Iddrisu indicated that government has established a Ghana Infrastructure Fund to support laudable projects to encourage persons to become successful entrepreneurs. Teachers Arrears The Minister denied reports of a freeze on recruitment in the education and health areas, indicating that there was a clause called the Exception Clause which applies specifically to these sectors. He assured teachers that government was undertaking validation to ascertain the actual number of teachers in the system because many teachers have worked for about three years without financial clearance because they are not recognized by the system. We are working with Ministry of Education to work things out so that you only report on the basis of an appointment subject to three month arrears to which government will pay for you. Government has validated 35,000 to 40,000 teachers and there are outstanding 90,000 teachers. It's very important because a driver became a director of education and this came to light through the validation process. From Eric Kombat, Tamale The largest telecommunication network in Ghana, MTN has promised to address all bottlenecks to ensure that MTN Mobile Money agents to offer quality services to customers. General Manager, MTN Mobile Money Limited, Eli Hini, gave the promise during the MTN Stakeholders' Conference held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra on Wednesday. It was part of the activities earmarked for the celebration of the MTN Mobile Month which was launched recently. The conference was on the theme, 'Let's go cashless with Mobile Money by an enabling regulatory environment.' The pledge was in response to complaints from some clients who cited excessive payments to agents during transactions at the forum. Mr Hini said MTN Mobile Money, launched in 2009, was the very first mobile money service in Ghana and it was designed in line with the Branchless Banking Guidelines issued by the Central Bank in 2008. He said the intention behind the introduction of the branchless banking guidelines was to use the channel to accelerate and deepen financial inclusion in the country. He, however, pointed out that for the industry to thrive, it is incumbent on all stakeholders, led by the Central Bank, to ensure that the service is provided within a regulatory framework to support industry growth and protect the consumer from financial losses. He stressed that the enabling regulatory framework will create an open and level playing field to foster competition and innovation, leverage the value proposition of both banks and non-banking institutions and allow providers to focus on refining operations and promote customer adoption. On her part, the Manager of MFS Operations at MTN, Ruth Badoo, disclosed that the Mobile Financial Services Sector is growing at a phenomenal pace, with MTN leading the market with over 6 million customers and about 46,000 agents across the country. Ms Badoo made the disclosure in her welcome address. According to her, MTN's passion for the cashless agenda is to drive home the importance of creating an enabling regulatory environment to support the continued growth of mobile financial services and enhance financial inclusion. We are seeing the usage of a wider range of services, including bill payment, salary payment, school fees payment, payment for goods and services and any others. She indicated that considering the digital economy's convenience for undertaking financial transactions and its other benefits to the national economy, the regulatory framework on which it is built must develop in a way that ensures its present and future sustainability for both the user and provider. Other stakeholders, who participated in the forum, were Clarissa Kudowor, Deputy Head of Payments, Bank of Ghana (BoG), Stephen Abban, Group Head for Personal Banking, Access Bank and Buddy Buruku, Country Manager, C-GAP. Anthony Asamoah Fordjour, NDP parliamentary candidate for Manhyia North 12.08.2016 LISTEN Anthony Asamoah Fordjour, the National Democratic Party (NDP) parliamentary candidate for Manhyia North Constituency, has asked President Mahama to resign before the December general elections. He blamed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for mismanaging the country's economy which has imposed untold hardship on Ghanaians presently. The NDP parliamentary candidate has consequently given President Mahama a one-month ultimatum to humbly resign his post or face his wrath. I will lead a massive demonstration against him in Kumasi for destroying the country if he doesn't resign. Mr. Asamoah, who is a businessman, stated that if President Mahama continued to stay in political office till December, Ghana's problems would deepen. Speaking in an interview to DAILY GUIDE, the NDP parliamentary candidate said the Mahama administration should be blamed for the mass failure of students in the recent WASSCE. According to him, educational standard has fallen under the Mahama administration, noting that Ghana's future would be jeopardized if nothing is done to revive the ailing educational system. Mr. Asamoah also lambasted the NDC government for failing to tackle the high unemployment rate in the country. My heart always bleeds whenever I see energetic youth and university graduates selling dog chains on the streets, he added. According to him, under the leadership of President Mahama, taxes had been increased astronomically which has contributed to the collapse of small businesses, insisting that the NDC government should be voted out of office. Mr. Asamoah said that the presidential election is a two-horse race between the NDP's, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He said both Nana Konadu and Nana Akufo-Addo could properly manage the affairs of the state if they are voted into power, adding that Nana Konadu and the NDP would win the December general elections to bring prosperity to Ghanaians. From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you teach that he is a lesser man because of his colour or his belief or policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies. We must admit the vanity of our false distinctions among men and learn to find our own advancements in the search for the advancement of all. We must admit in ourselves that our own children's future cannot be built on the misfortune of others. We must recognize that this short life can neither be ennobled nor enriched by hatred or revenge. (Robert F. Kennedy) It is an undisputable fact in the politics of this country since 1992 that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has always used divisive politics to hold on to power. In the heat of the 1992 general elections, it re-played the social class division between the rich and the poor to garner the votes of the poor and the vulnerable in society since this was the platform upon which the PNDC took power and sustained it. The P/NDC created and continues to create the impression in the minds of the poor and the downtrodden that they are where they are because of the rich in the society. The rich became targets for destruction and total annihilation, physically, socially and emotionally. Local businesses were deliberately targeted for destruction, particularly those belonging to Akans. That is why the B.A. Mensahs, Siaws, Boakye Mattress, Apentengs, Kowus Motors, J.A. Addisons etc, cannot be found in our industrial and manufacturing sectors of the economy. This trend continued until the middle of the 1990s when the strategy lost steam because the poor and the under privileged saw their hitherto poor compatriots gallivanting around town in Pajeros and other flashy cars as well as occupying expensive mansions in areas reserved for the so-called rich and the affluent. Their next strategy was to play on ethnicity. Akans who make for the largest group of people in this country became targets. The NDC since the 1990s has made Akans who are predominantly located in the South, enemies to the minority ethnic groups in this country, blaming them for the economic woes of the less endowed sections of this beautiful country. Even when a large population of our brothers and sisters from the north and other non-Akan areas have migrated from their areas to down south and are living harmoniously with their counterparts in the south and legitimately plying their vocations without let or hindrance, the NDC keeps on creating a wedge between them and their hosts. The NDC uses Dispatchers who never get to their destinations to further create hatred even among those of us from the south by creating non-existing feud between the Akyems and the Asantes just for political reasons. Newspapers are paid to do just that. To its disgruntled followers, the NDC instills fears in them threatening them with imprisonment should the NPP be voted into power when these impoverished people have committed no crime against the NPP to warrant such persecutions and prosecutions. To foreigners, they are told that the NPP would drive them away should the party get to power. None of the above happened when the NPP under Kufuor ruled this country for eight years. In the desperation of the party, it has begun this outmoded and nation wrecking ethnic based politics, a dangerous path which has seen many nations travelling into an abyss of social destruction and disintegration. Not too long ago, a former Minister of Transport, Miss Dzifa Attivor, caught in one of the most heinous acts of contract awards in the history of this country voluntarily resigned her position. Having been exposed hugely after other such pungent contract awards and fearful of her own safety into the future with the law, stood on a political platform in the Volta Region to ask her kith and kin to vote for the NDC if they do not want her and other NDC people to go to jail under the NPP. She used former convicts from her area, the Volta Region, as an example of the NPPs hatred towards the people of that region. If my mind serves me right, Kwame Peprah, Victor Selormey and Moses Asaga were at the Ministry of Finance under Rawlings, Kwame Peprah an Akan and Victor Selormey, an Ewe were prosecuted for wrongdoing and jailed. Nobody touched Moses Asaga. Right thinking Ghanaians condemned her utterances. Not too long ago, another NDC Parliamentary Candidate for a constituency in Tamale urged all Northerners to vote for President John Mahama not because he has improved their lives, but because he is a northerner. The public was not pleased with that too, one would have thought that the NDC was going to learn from this, nay. On Thursday July 28, 2016, just some two weeks back, Dzifa Attivor and John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC were in Takoradi to meet a supposed leadership of Ewe Caucus at the Animens Hotel, strictly by invitation with the political support of my friend and younger brother, the Deputy Western Regional Minister, Mr. Alfred Ekow Gyan. Dear reader, the kinds of things Dzifa Attivor told her audience is better heard than told. She was in full flight playing Akans generally and Asantes in particular against Ewes. Some of them were dumbfounded because they have lived their lives mostly in the Western Region and had never been discriminated against by anybody on grounds that they are Ewes. Dzifa Attivor speaking impeccable Ewe virtually put fears into her audience that should they vote for the NPP, the party would descend on Ewes and treat them as second class citizens of this country. She went on to denigrate Akans and how they are disrespectful of other ethnic groups. Her effusions were supported shamefully by Kwadwo Gyapong, the Volta Region chairman of the NDC. In fact they went on to suggest that it was the NPP who even poisoned the late Major Courage Quarshiga because the NPP did not see him as one of them even though he was a Minister in the administration of the NPP for the eight year period. I feel uncomfortable putting this information out but I am also sure that it is an agenda by the desperate NDC and some of its members whose own insatiable greed for materialism have soiled their hands and see the legal sword of Damocles hanging over their necks should power change hands. A recent research by Prof. Stephen Adei, one time Rector of GIMPA that one out of every four appointees in the Mahama administration comes from the President's area makes bare what every Ghanaian knows about this government. It is a trite knowledge that the NDC is very good at turning around the negative things it does on its opponents when it is the very architect of those evil things. It is very disheartening to see educated people who hold public positions, whipping up ethnic sentiments which divide a nation, to achieve political objectives. Sadly, the very people they intend using against others do not benefit materially from their leadership when they are in power. Documentaries on various T.V networks about the Volta Region shows a people seriously neglected and in dire need of basic needs like water. Basic school infrastructure in that part of this country is among the worst nationwide, yet the P/NDC has governed this country for close to 27 years and throughout, Ewes have offered them their unalloyed support. What did they get in return? As the Dzifa Attivors move around knocking the heads of Ewes against Akans, do they consider the fact that quite a sizeable number of them live in Akan areas, and that any negative response from their hosts can spell doom for them? There is something many of us Akans appreciate about Ewes, very hardworking and honest people, particularly in the artisanal scope. They work to improve their lives as well as develop where they reside in harmony with their hosts. Dzifa and her cohorts must stop this nonsense, it does not help anybody. Daavi, three tots to ignore Mamaavi. [email protected] Ethno-religious politics which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is fond of playing, especially when it's glaring that it's losing the deference and confidence of the people is appalling. There have been instances of this and the repercussions from it, humiliating. We recall when the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister told Muslims that the elephant is a bad animal and not liked in Islam. Since the logo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is an elephant, it therefore stands to reason that Muslims should not belong to the political grouping. This is a warped logic which could only be advanced by persons of the mould of the minister. He expectedly came under a barrage of attacks, all of which pointed at his shallowness of knowledge and failed mischief. We would have expected others who think like him to avoid similar pitfalls: the country having moved beyond the cheap politics of many years ago. The politics of if party A comes to power it will deport all non-Ghanaians is so cheap and infantile that those who perpetrate same stand the risk of being labeled nincompoops, which they are anyway. Why would somebody, a minister for that matter, who should know better that the Mossis, Bisas or Busangas, Hausas and others are fourth or even fifth generation of migrants, although have their ancestral homes in Burkina Faso and Nigeria, feign ignorance. These persons are part of the Ghanaian system, part of her history and bona fide citizens of this country and so for somebody to go and tell them that they would be discriminated against by a Nana Akufo-Addo presidency is to display stupidity and mischief of the highest order. Collins Dauda's showing, when he visited the Zongo community in Koforidua and spewed the nonsense about Nana Akufo-Addo discriminating against Muslims, is so infantile that we are restraining ourselves from describing what he really is. This useless card about such discrimination and even mass deportation was played many years ago to no avail and for Collins to seek to return to it smacks of desperation and total disregard for the decency required of persons holding important state appointments such as ministers and others. Nana Akufo-Addo, who is more versed with the Constitution of Ghana than Collins Dauda should be the last person to breach the document which outlaws discrimination along ethno-religious lines. Politicians of the ilk of Collins Dauda should for the sake of Ghana's cohesion and unity stop insulting the intelligence of their less endowed compatriots using cheap and infantile issues. Let's move beyond this nonsense. So Nana Akufo-Addo would discriminate against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia or Mustapha Hamid because they are Muslims and members of their faith? Oh dear, this country, hmmm! Grace Kuma 12.08.2016 LISTEN A two-hour-old baby delivered at Ante Joe's Maternity Home at Atebubu in the Brong-Ahafo Region a couple of days ago by a 20-year-old lady, was stolen at the home, leaving the mother in trauma, DAILY GUIDE has gathered. The baby, which was delivered on Tuesday at about 12am, was stolen after the mother, Grace Kuma, had fallen asleep. According to Grace, after delivery her husband, Peter Boakye, prepared for her a cup of tea and fried eggs to eat. After eating, she fell asleep only to wake up at about 2am to discover that her baby was not by her side. She then raised an alarm and reported to the hospital authorities and they also expressed shock about the development. The Atebubu Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Atsu Dzineku, confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE on telephone but said investigations were still ongoing. According to him, the mother of the baby was doing well but he was yet to engage with the maternity authorities to determine the modus operandi used by the baby thief. FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani [email protected] The National Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams, has revealed that the party will release its manifesto a month after the campaign launch which is scheduled for Sunday, August 14. We will roll out our manifesto in less than a month after the launch, stated Mr. Adams, who is also the NDCs campaign coordinator in the forthcoming elections. Speaking on Accra-based Class FM Friday, Adams added that the policy document is ready and being printed. He said another event will be fixed just as we did in 2004, 2008 and 2012 to launch our manifesto. The opposition New Patriotic Party has said it is delaying its manifesto launch because it fears the NDC plagiarizing it. The delay according to its Director of Elections, Peter Mac Manu was informed by what occurred in 2008 when the party believes its manifesto was modified and adopted by the NDC. We cannot sit down and repeat that same [mistake we did in the 2008] thing in 2016 he said. The partys acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay also told Kumasi based Ultimate FM ...We dont think its too late to launch our manifesto, we have had an experience where our opponent, particularly the NDC which by itself, might not have had or thought of itself some ideas or policy immediately we come out, that early, before we realise, they take it, compare, and then take a few things out from it, and make it their own, we dont want them to do that, we wont give them that opportunity". When we launch it, it will not be possible for them to take a few things from it. Nana Addo and Bawumia are not saying anything that has not been discussed," he added. Rejecting the NPPs allegations, Mr. Adams said it is only somebody ...who is so weak, who has no idea, who is not focus that will be putting up this kind of excuses. He said the NPP is rather waiting for the NDC to launch its policies so they will pick up and go and do theirs, adding that anytime the NPP talks, it means they are going to do the opposite. The scale of infrastructural work going on under President John Dramani Mahama is humongous, incredible, ambitious and audacious, Chief Executive Officer and publisher of Ovation International magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, has said. The Nigerian journalist and businessman, who has been residing in Ghana for over a decade, heaped these praises on the Mahama-led administration on Inside Politics on Class91.3FM on Thursday August 11. According to the business mogul, the future of Ghana is assured thanks to the infrastructural development being undertaken by the Mahama administration, adding that news about Ghanas development had gone viral. I can tell you very confidently that the scale of what President Mahama is doing is so humongous, its so incredible, its so ambitious, its so audacious. I have travelled extensively, I have taken pictures, I am a journalist, my job is to report, I dont embellish, I dont do Photoshop. Even when I photograph celebrities, I tell my people: Leave them naturally, we will show the world what is going on in Ghana, and we are already showing a bit of it on social media, he stated. I am telling you Ghanaians that my friends are calling me from outside Ghana, in Nigeria, our people are telling our leaders: Go to Ghana and my friends say: Why dont you invite your friends in government to come and see what is going on in Ghana? Someone in Sierra Leones post I saw on Facebook said: While our leader is building roads, come and see the kind of hospital that [President] Mahama is building in Ghana. This thing is going viral, they cannot believe this is Ghana and some people wanted us to hide that, in fact, some people even suggested that these things that I am showing, why didnt I wait until after the elections? And I said: What is the best time to show the good works of a man? Is it not when he has exams that you bring out all the tutorials, all the course works? Thats what we are doing and its for Ghanaians to judge. Dele Momodu, however, added that: There is no way I have said you must go and vote one way or the other. All I am saying is that the man who is there now, nobody should tell us that he is not working. And the person who wants to come has the right to say: I know better and I can do better but I am telling you the scale of work that I see, the future of Ghana is assured and I have no doubt about it. Merck, an international developer, manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceutical products, has announced a support scheme for a stigma victim of infertility in Kenya who had her hands chopped off by her husband for failing to bear children. Through the organisation's 'Merck More Than A Mother' initiative which aims to define interventions to reduce the stigma and social suffering of infertile women, empower them and raise awareness about male infertility, the pharmaceutical company would support Jackline Mwende, the recent victim of infertility stigma, throughout the rest of her life. 'Merck More Than A Mother' initiative will provide Mwende with a monthly income of $250, then will establish a business for her in which she will be able to generate a sustainable monthly income of not less than $250. At the same time, Merck will provide her with prosthetic hands in addition to the needed physical and physiological rehabilitation to enable her to support herself and stand on her own two feet despite the challenge of her brutal disability that was caused by the stigma of infertility even though her husband was the one who was found with the infertility problem. In a release to announce the support, Hon Joyce Lay, Member of Parliament and the Ambassador for 'Merck More Than A Mother' in Kenya, said, It is so shocking that someone would go to such an extent to batter his own wife and leave her nearly dead. Infertility should never be a reason to separate, hurt or kill your partner. There are so many options out there available to manage infertility. Mwende didnt deserve what she went through and especially that her husband is the one who was found with the infertility problem and not her. Society, government and all stakeholders need to continue to join hands with Merck in their campaign to encourage the acceptance people live with infertility because the stigma associated with infertility puts pressure on them to a point where they do crazy and criminal things. We need to know that its a shared responsibility, not just for the couple but for the society too, Joyce Lay added. No sane person should torture a woman for failing to produce children. Men should not think that their failure to be a biological father is due to womens infertility. Why torture a fellow human being and inflict such permanent bodily harm for a fault that could be yours? No amount of justice in the courts of law will bring back Mwende's arms. Justice will only prevail if Mwende's case marks a turning point in society that appreciates one fact- that women are women irrespective of their ability to bear children. They need to be respected, Hon Sarah Opendi, Uganda Minister of State of Health and Uganda Ambassador of 'Merck More Than A Mother', emphasized. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri ELKO The City of Elko staff will begin developing a storefront improvement reimbursement planning program. Councilman Reece Keener moved to direct staff to establish the storefront program with a maximum annual expenditure of $50,000 for the first five years and reevaluation would take place after that time. However, Councilwoman Mandy Simons said she wanted to give staff time to come back before the agency with more information. Keener said he was amenable to that change. There was a unanimous vote Tuesday by the agency, without Councilman John Patrick Rice, who was not present. This idea was passed to the RDA by the Redevelopment Advisory Council by a unanimous vote July 28. The advisory council recommended there be a 50-50 match and only reimburse $10,000 per business. Additionally, there will be a maximum annual expenditure of $50,000 for the first five years. After the completion of that period, the total amount will be reevaluated. This would allow for the potential of five projects per year. The City belongs to the Redevelopment Agency of Nevada and, according to City Planner Cathy Laughlin, it can be a resource when planning this project, as it has already implemented programs throughout the state. I have visited with several of the communities, she said, explaining North Las Vegas has possibly been the most successful in its storefront program. There are other communities that are not focused on storefront improvement, but have programs that deal with needs such as energy efficiency. They all seem to be a program where they are funding on the back end of it, said Laughlin. They are not participating with the design, with the exception of the approval of the project. Under this schematic, the property owners would complete the necessary work, including contractors bids and construction, before approaching the RDA for reimbursement. Laughlin said many of the programs have had much success within the first three years, but there was a decrease in the applications for rehabilitation by the fourth year because many properties had completed the needed work. Economic growth was seen through this initiative in other cities, including some property owners following the example of neighbors having taken part in the storefront renovation. When comparing the impact in other cities to the local potential, Laughlin pointed to the difference in the tax base. This did trigger a domino effect of property owners, she said. City staff will reach out to different communities to learn from their current or previous endeavors. Other localities have shared their application process and other documentation, said Laughlin, discussing how she has been told to fund the program through the Redevelopment Agency and not through a grant. The storefront program was supposed to be the poster child, really, of redevelopment we are being a bit frugal here, now knowing similar costs coming down the pipe very, very soon, said Lina Blohm of the RAC, discussing how the City had to deobligate $292,000 from the state grant. Blohm said it was initially seen that business owners were being conservative in their projects. Local business owner Jeff Dalling said the City should go ahead with the program. However, he cautioned against the use of grant money and consultants. I would like to see it up to $50,000, that you can get $50,000 get some good redevelopment down there where people are excited to spend some money, he said, explaining he would like to see bigger projects. Dr Gloria Quansah-Asare exchanging the agreement with Dr Elvis Kuma Forson The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Incision Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve surgical training in the country through online tutorials and demonstration. The incision academy which is an online learning platform committed to standardising the training of surgical care providers offers online step-by-step guide at the level of individual surgical procedures. The introduction of the learning platform will mean doctors who want to upgrade themselves in a particular surgical procedure can register to be part of the academy which will train, test and score their performance which they can use for their continuous professional assessment. Dr Elvis Kuma Forson, Incision Netherlands Local Correspondent and Clinical Comment Lead Project Manager, demonstrating how the platform works, said the incision academy can be accessed through any digital device at any place with internet connectivity. Also, he said that a free offline android and ISO App will soon become available for those who will not be able to connect to the internet. The online available incision academy offers the Ghana Health Service an opportunity to build on the capacity of doctors in the area of surgical skills through continuous professional development driven initiatives, he said. Dr Forson pointed out that the introduction of the online academy will bring in a number of benefits to the service, including helping doctors acquire skills that can give them confidence to perform the necessary surgical procedures with the desired outcome and prevent post surgical complications. The medical officers in the districts will not need to come and compete with other specialist trainees at the tertiary facilities, this will help retain the medical officers within the community based health facilities where they are most needed, he added. The 1st Secretary Health, Netherlands Embassy, Ger J. Steenbergen, commended the GHS for being the first country in Africa to make the incision platform accessible for professional upgrade of doctors. He, however, said the implementation process will need the collaborative effort of other partners for it to the successful. The job cannot be done alone and as such we need partners to assist in its implementation, he said. Dr Gloria Quansah-Asare, Deputy Director General of GHS, was optimistic the new platform will assist doctors in acquiring the necessary international standard skills in new surgical procedures. She, however, indicated that the programme is not aimed at schooling doctors on surgical procedure but rather to help them upgrade their knowledge and skills. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri The Spokesperson for Nana Akufo Addo has descended heavily on Colins Dauda for not, as he put it, being sincere when he addressed residents of the Zongo community in Koforidua a few days ago. The Local Government Minister reportedly told his hosts in the Eastern Regional capital that Nana Addo would discriminate against Muslims when he is made President a remark Mustapha Hamid described as laughable given the fact that he as a Muslim and a Busanga or Bisa an ethnic grouping with its home base in Burkina Faso has been a confidante of Nana since 2008. I have been with Nana since 2008 to date. No one around him is more trusted than me and I am a Muslim. Colins Dauda is no better Muslim than me so what is he talking about? he said. Mustapha Hamid rubbished Colins Dauda's campaign antics which he said is insulting to the intelligence of these people who he is indirectly telling, are not Ghanaians and stand the risk of being deported when that is actually not possible. The spokesperson who is also a lecturer at the University Of Cape Coast and a learned Islamic cleric wondered why the National Democratic Congress would continue to operate on ethno-religious lines, their preference of many years standing. The record of the NPP is unsurpassed in the area of engaging people of the Zongos in its affairs pointing at the Nasara Wing which is part of the party's structure. The Nasara wing's first National Coordinator is Maiga, a Zabrama who is recognized as a Ghanaian and treated as such, he said. It is only the NPP, he went on, which had both the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran used in the swearing of the President and Vice President respectively at the Independence Square. The history of the NPP is steeped in the collaboration between various parties, one of them an Islam-based political grouping until Kwame Nkrumah proscribed parties with religious or ethnic coloration, he said, explaining that the origin of the UP or United Party lies in this fact. Turning to the Aliens' Compliance Order which the NDC is fond of referring to as their weak evidence of the NPP's so-called dislike for aliens, he explained that what the late PM KA Busia did was only ensuring a compliance to an existing legislation of which he was not the originator. The origin of the expulsion of non-Ghanaians without the requisite papers was contained in a legislation initiated by Kwame Nkrumah to reserve some aspects of business for the indigenes of this country. The Bisa and Busanga and ethnic grouping to which he belongs, he said, although belong to Burkina Faso, also live in Ghana. I am a Busanga or Bisa as is the late Hawa Yakubu. Baba Jamal is a Mossi as is Colins Dauda, an ethnic grouping whose home is Burkina Faso some of whom live here and are citizens of this country. Colins Dausa was challenged in his constituency not because of his being a Mossi as he seeks to portray it. There are Christian and Muslim Arabs and so in a situation where Arabs are being asked to leave the country it would be wrong to describe the action as one against Muslims he said. Is Colins Dauda saying that Nana Akufo would breach the Constitution by discriminating on the basis of religion or ethnicity as he seeks to put it? he asked. By A.R. Gomda Professor Alexander Nii Oto Dodoo, the Director of the African Collaborating Center for Pharmacovigilance, on Wednesday advised pharmacists in the country to demonstrate love and kindness to their patients. He said: The destiny of the country lies in the hands of pharmacists, and urged practitioners to place priority in the welfare of patients. Professor Dodoo, who is an Associate Professor of the University of Ghana, gave the advice when he addressed the opening session of the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSHG) in Sunyani. He said though pharmacists in both formal and informal sectors were confronted with several occupational challenges, practitioners ought to remember and understand they were called to serve humanity without reservations. The five-day meeting is on the theme: Pharmacy Practice: Optimizing Patients Safety. Prof Dodoo reminded the pharmacists on the need to be vigilant in drug administration and prescription so that avoidable deaths as a result of medical or medication errors could be controlled. He asked them to endeavour to avoid the over and uncontrolled used of abbreviations which, according to him, remained a daunting challenge in the sector towards patient safety. Mr Justice Samuel Adjei, the Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, underscored the importance to support pharmacists to put in place approproriate systems and mechanisations to save lives. He said as the Government worked towards improving the conditions of service of pharmacists, practitioners must also exhibit high level of professionalism and ethical standards in the course of their duties. Mr Thomas Boateng Appiagyei, the President of the PSGH, said the leadership of the society was poised to ensure a new outlook of pharmacy grounded on three pillars respected profession, revered practice and reputed professionals. To achieve these, he said, the executive body of the society intended to restructure, resource and empower the national secretariat in an enabling environment, develop a 10-year strategic plan and explore alternative sources of generating income. Mr Appiagyei said the society had finally obtained the original land title which had paved the way for massive works to begin on the national headquarters project. NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia has rejected criticisms that the Electoral Commission is not credible, pointing out that the Commission has unquestionable institutional memory and experience. He is at a loss at to why the opposition should raise questions about the EC's credibility although its seven-member board has been the same since 2004 with the exception of two new appointments. President John Mahama appointed Charlotte Osei as the chairperson in June 2015, a historic first for a female chairperson. The first female Deputy Chairman of the Commission Georgina Opoku Amankwa was also appointed by President John Mahama in July 2013 to replace Sarfo-Kantanka who had served for about 20 years. The opposition has been persistent in criticising the Charlotte Osei-led Electoral Commission. They say she favours the governing NDC. But finding this claim bemusing, Asiedu Nketia said under president John Agyekum Kufuor, four commissioners were appointed. Heaven did not break lose he said. According to him, two of the four members Mrs. Paulina Adobea Dadzawa, and a Management Consultant Ebenezer Aggrey Fynn are administrators. The other two are Nana Amba Eyiiba I, Efutuhemaa and Eunice Akweley Roberts were all appointed by President Kufuor in February 2004. Johnson Asiedu Nketia also known as 'General Mosquito' noted that despite the four appointments made by Kufuor, it did not stop the EC from discharging their duties professionally. He said despite Kufuor's appointments the Commission still declared the NDC candidate John Evans Atta Mills as winner of the December 2008 general elections. Going further into history, Asiedu Nketia said all seven members of the board were appointed by President Jerry John Rawlings when it was first constituted in 1992. Yet their appointments did not prevent the EC from declaring the opposition NPP as winner of the 2000 general elections, he said. Heaven again did not break lose he stressed. Fastforwarding to 2016, Asiedu Nketia expressed surprise that just by the changing of one person suddenly the commission has lost its credibility He said if any person believes this claim then you have a problem. The facts however show, the NDC has made three appointments to the Electoral Commission since it was elected in 2009. Deputy Chairman Sulley Amadu was appointed by John Evans Atta Mills following the retirement of David Kangah who had served in that capacity for 19 years. President Mahama followed up with two other appointments, Georgina Opoku Amankwa and the current chairperson, Charlotte Osei. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline|Edwin Appiah|[email protected] Dear Madam, I am a Ghanaian and a passionate admirer of education and it is natural that I address this to you to remind you of some basic issues that usually do not get attention. We have played with education in Ghana for far too long and now the time has come for us to wake up from our slumber. Madam Prof., one of the key issues that have bedeviled education in Ghana is that lack of attention for basic education. I am not an authority in education, but if we are to be truthful then we would realized the foundation of education has crashed. What has accounted for this? It is sad for you to know Madam Minister that most circuit supervisors in many districts operate from their homes. They simply do not have any means to travel to the schools for monitoring. Those who have managed to acquire their means for transport and those supported by other stakeholders spend portion of their meagre salaries on fuel. This has created a popular phrase Two out of five among circuit supervisors. They go to work only on Mondays and Wednesdays. Madam Minister, part of the challenge is also that our circuit supervisors appear not to have appreciable knowledge of some of the subjects being taught. With this, putting a teacher on track is just not possible even if the circuit supervisor gets to a class. To put this into perspective, most English language teachers for instance ignore the phonic style during their lessons. This practice has resulted in students even at the senior high school level not being able to read. What has happen to the theorem; behaviorist, interactionist and the innatist during our lessons? These are very helpful in the delivery of lessons. The effects of this are that teachers are left free to do anything in the classroom. Students are also allowed to do anything. The cumulative result of these is malpractices during examination. We can only change for good if we develop interest in what transpires between a teacher and the learner in the classroom. Madam Prof. Minister, the principal challenge identified through the debate is the politics in education. Everyone in this country knows the NPP and NDC politics in education. Before the year 2012 it was about duration and shifted to the possibility of being free or otherwise in the 2012 elections. The proposal and counter proposal by the political class have not improved education a bit. The dangerous aspect of the politics in education is not being notice. The politicians always go to town with figures and they will do anything to conjure the beautiful figures. It suffices you to note that the computer placement system has been taken over by the political class of which you belong. Today, the politician influences the system to place unteacheable students into senior high school. Students with aggregate 40 are placed to support the government to say that it has achieved 100% placement. This is the dangerous path that education in the country has been set for. Honourable Minister, until circuit supervisors are equipped logistically and refresher training, and a call for the politics in education to be checked the country will continue to record abysmal performances in competitive examinations. Zuberu Aliu An Accra High Court has declared that a parcel of land measuring 2,911.53 acres delineated in the Land Title Certificate No. TD 0513, Volume 019 Folio 241 legally belongs to Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd. The land, situated at Katamanso in the Greater Region, forms part of the Nungua Stool lands. The Plaintiff by name John Offei Armah sued as an Executor of the will of one Dr. Emmanuel Maama Boye who died on 24 September 2002, claiming that, the Defendant (Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd.) had trespassed onto his land. He further stated that these acts of trespass by the Defendants were brought to his attention in 1998. The Head of Ashalley-Botwe Family who was the 2nd Plaintiff in his Statement of Claim also averred that his Family was the ultimate owner of the land described in the Schedule and Site Plan attached to the Writ of Summons. This Family Land is contained in a statutory Declaration No. 4345 and registered as 761/1977. The Ashalley-Botwe family went on to aver that the Family has defended its title to the disputed land as being part of a large tract of land belonging to the Family in suit No. L2970/93 which travelled up to the Supreme Court culminating in a Judgment dated 5th May 2004 in suit No. 24/2004. According to the 2nd Plaintiff, his Family, as owners of the disputed land and other adjourning lands, leased the portion in the schedule to Dr. Emmanuel Maama Boye (deceased) around 1970 per a Lease Agreement Registered as No. 609/1970 for Agricultural purposes. The Ashalley-Botwe family was represented by Davies Tawiah Ashalley who described himself as a Principal Member, and Acting Chief of the Ashalley-Botwe Family. However the Supreme Court has ruled in the Ashalley-Botwe land in a case entitled; Adjeitey Agbosu & others vrs. Kote & others (2003 - 2004) SCGLR 420 that Statutory Declarations are Self-Serving documents without any probate value, yet the Ashalley-Botwe family continues to rely on same to deceive the Courts. In that Supreme Court ruling, the Lands Commission was ordered by the Supreme Court at page 469 to expunge and cancel the Statutory Declaration with Registration No. 761/1977 AC 4345/76. His Lordship Justice G. S. Suurbaareh also described the Statutory Declaration No. 761/1977 AC 4345/76 as a mere decoration on the records of the Lands Commission. The case of Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate)was presented by its Managing Director, Noble Prince-Joseph Ayiku who said his grantor is the Nungua Stool. He said the disputed land was granted by the Nungua Stool in 1970 to Black Watch Cattle Breeding from which the company also assigned its interest to the Agri-Cattle Ltd in 1974. He added that the land which comprised 4,244.25 Acres has been registered as No. 390/974. Agri-Cattle Ltd built a bungalow and quarters and constructed dam for its cattle in 1974, an initiative commended by Col. I.K. . Acheampongs Government. The Managing Director of Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate further stated that in 1992, the Government of Ghana acquired portion of its land per the Executive Instrument (E. I. 15) for State Housing Corporation changing the land use of the area from farming to Real Estate Development. As a result, in 1995, his Company entered into an Agreement with its grantor Nungua Stool, to go into Real Estate Development. He then went on to narrate how in 1996 he applied for a Land Title Certificate to cover the remaining 2,911.53 acres. He tendered series of Search Results from the Lands Commission and Judgments given in favour of his company, Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd. The Nungua Stool was represented by Dr. Nii Kpakpo Sraha III on the strength of a Power of Attorney given by the Nungua Stool. He went on to narrate how the disputed land was first given out to Black Watch Cattle Breeding Farms in 1970 by the Nungua Stool. Then the Lessee later assigned its interest to the Agri-Cattle in 1974. The Nungua Stool gave its consent to Agri-Cattle to use the land for Real Estate Development. He further stated that the disputed land belongs to the Nungua Stool situated at Katamanso. According to Dr. Nii Kpakpo Sraha III, the land which was demarcated in 1904 by Francis Gabriel Crowther had been declared in 1892 as part of Nungua Stool land by Justice Hutchinson of the Supreme Court of the Gold Coast. He also gave an account of other grants made by the Nungua Stool to individuals, companies and Government in and around the disputed land area. The High Court therefore dismissed the claims of the Plaintiffs: John Offei Armah and the Ashalley-Botwe Family and awarded a cost of Eight Thousand Cedis (GHC8,000) against all the Plaintiffs. The Court entered Judgment in favour of Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd.and Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com They got married on December 12, 2015. As he was busy working at that time, the couple couldnt go on their honeymoon, so they decided to save up to travel to Greece and Italy in August, 2016. However, just before going on their trip, Sana lost her passport, and hence, was unable to travel. She didnt want to waste the money as all the planning and bookings had already been done. So she convinced Faizan to go on the trip alone. Anticipating that hed miss his wife a lot during what would have been their honeymoon, he carried pictures of her to take to multiple locations along the "So I reached here only to miss her even more. I carried few of Sanas photos to be clicked next to me on her empty seats, Faizan told BuzzFeed. Everywhere he went, he never forgot to take his wifes photo with him. After a friends suggestion, he tweeted to Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the hopes that she might be able to help them out. But being the boss that she is, Swaraj replied anyway, promising to reunite the couple ASAP. Patel told BuzzFeed that thanks to Swaraj, Sana is already in the midst of getting her passport, and he hopes that she can join him very soon. This trip was entirely planned by her. I wish to see her next to me soon, he said. A former People's National Convention (PNC) has taken some solace from the Electoral Commission's admission there may be still be some NHIS registrants on the electoral roll despite the Supreme Court describing such registrants as illegal. In an interview with Citi News, Abu Ramadan however said he will be letting sleeping dogs lie till the 2016 general election is over. I think we should let sleeping dogs lie and let's finish the election and see what sort of reform proposals the Commission will bring after the general elections. We would see whether there would be a proper remedy to cure the mischief in the register before the 2020 general election. We will look at that when we have four more years. Abu Ramadan and one Evans Nimako, secured a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court leading it to order the EC to delete what turned out to be 56,000 NHIS registrants from the voter's register. He subsequently filed an application in opposition to the 56,000 names presented by the EC describing the list as spurious. But despite skepticism from him and some sections of the public, the EC went ahead to delete the number presented to the court. EC Boss vindicated our claims But the EC Chair, Charlotte Osei, has now come out to say that names of some NHIS registrants might still be on the register. Charlotte Osei, EC Chairperson According to her, the human element involved in the collation and deletion of NHIS registrants allowed for some margin of error and that is why the Supreme Court said that delete all those you have submitted including those you will find. We seem to be vindicated at every turn since this matter started We raised the issue of the Commission's own conviction to see this process done properly and she [Charlotte Osei] has come out again, Abu Ramadan stated in response to her admission. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Dear Madam, Your Ladyship, I bring you greetings from my humble abode and I pray you squeeze time from your busy schedule to read through my short letter. I would like to commend your high office for the quick intervention you took that saw Remand Prisoners having their cases fast tracked in order to decongest our already choked Prisons, after Joy FMs Seth Kwame Boatengs documentary on the state of the Prisons stations dubbed Locked and Forgotten. The Justice For All Programme you rolled out has really gone a long way to help ease the high population in some of the Prisons stations which has brought smiles to some persons and also ease resource stress on the Ghana Prisons Service. Your Ladyship, just as Oliver Twist asked for more, so are well meaning Ghanaians who take the administration of Justice seriously also ask for more from your humble office to decongest the Prisons stations. Madam, most of us knew the Non-Custodial Penal law shouldve been passed somewhere last year and with the passage of that law; some convicted persons wouldnt be in Prison but made to serve other alternative Prison sentence. Your Ladyship, according to information on the Ghana Prisons Service website, authorized Prisoner population shouldve been 9,875 but they currently have over 14, 368 inmates in all their 43 Prisons stations. In percentage wise, the Over Crowding rate stands at 45% which might get to 50% if your high office doesnt intervene with the promotion of Non-Custodial sentencing. Madam, with this statistics, it means the Ghana Prisons Service will have to do all what they can to feed the excess inmates which in a way bring s about a stretch on their already meager budget. In the Prisons Services 2013 Annual Report, the Budget they requested for was GHC161, 422,181.68 but had only GHC107, 670,422, with over 53,751,759.68 being slashed away. Madam, pat of this same budget is used in taking care of the inmates with most of them First Offenders and others who shouldve been sentenced to Parole, Probation, Fine orders and other non-custodial sentences. Your Ladyship, I know for sure you will see to the speedy passage of the Non-Custodial Penal law and Ghanaians will be very glad with that. Someone who is convicted for stealing a Goat goes into Prison with a high way armed robber and at the end of their sentence; the Goat thief who might be a first offender will come out hardened instead of the reformation and rehabilitation we talk about. The Ghana Prisons Service in categorization of convicts in 2014 had First Offenders to be 6,554 which represent 85.02% of the total inmates population. Madam, I know this data will move you a bit in your chair, but thats the fact and without your quick intervention, we will be having just a handful of reformed and rehabilitated ex-convicts as against a chunk of hardened ex-convicts. Seth Kwame Boateng did another documentary recently dubbed Locked and Left to Rot which saw most remanded prisoners who are yet to meet a Judge after several painful years in custody. I once again humbly pray your humble office will speed up work on the Justice For All Programme. Your Ladyship, I hope and pray my letter will meet your earliest consideration and Ghanaians will laud you just as we did when you rolled out the Justice For All Programme. Thank you. Emmanuel Agyemfra Boateng. (Concerned Ghanaian) You can also contact the writer on [email protected]/0249542342. 12.08.2016 LISTEN Male rape cases have not graced the headlines they are supposed to in the media due to the male victims hardly discuss their ordeal in the hands of their male or female rapists. This is because of religious and cultural backgrounds that see such act as a taboo. But whether the male rape victims who are majority young boys talk about it or not, male in Nigeria are being raped by either their fellow men or women on a daily basis. In April 2016, a man whose name was given as S. Ude, 35, from Amuzu community, Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was reportedly arrested for raping a ten year old boy, V. Agha. Ude lured the later to join him to farm, where he carried out the act. Police spokesman, ASP George Okafor in the area, confirmed the scene to newsmen. Okafor said that the suspect had been arrested, after Aghas testimony to the father that Ude raped him through the anus. By the time we conclude with the necessary investigation, get the medical report together as well as other necessary facts, we will send the suspect to court and ensure that the law takes it course, the police source told newsmen. Nigerians stood still on February 23, 2016, when Lagos State Police Command announced that they have arrested a 34-year-old trader, Mallam Isiaka, for supposedly raping a nine-year-old boy in the Iju part of the state. Christopher was given as the name of Mallam Isiakas rape victim. He was a primary 1 pupil, living with the parents on Coker Alhaja Street, Old Akute Road, Iju. Christopher ostensibly said that he was raped through the anus by his victimizer, Isiaka, who was popularly called Mallam, a roadside trader adjacent to where the boy was living. Mr. O. Aluko, a Nigerian journalist, informed, The boy said Mallam had been raping him in his shop anytime he ran errands for his parents and warned him that if he opened up to his mother, he was going to die. Mallam apparently took the advantage that the parents of Christopher sent Christopher on errand to his shop to buy domestic items like sugar, milk and biscuits, and raped him. There was a similar incident in Benin City Edo State in the first quarter of the year. This time, the rape did not involve just one person. Over 10 boys were seemingly kidnapped by young gay Nigerian couple and kept as the couples sex toy. Two young men (couple) were apprehended and beaten up by a vigilante group in Benin City, Edo State after it was discovered that they allegedly kidnapped young boys aged between 10-15 years and forcefully had anal sex with them in their hideout, reported a source that claimed anonymity. Some of the kidnapped told their rescuers that they were living in faraway Lagos, a journey of about 6 hours to Edo State, when they were kidnapped and taken away to become sex toy. There was the story in 2015 of a commercial motorcyclist who was chartered by some ladies at the dusk of the day and was later raped in the nearby bush and abandoned to his fate. Earlier this year, 2015, an incident happened in Ilorin, Kwara State. Two young ladies approached an Okada man and asked him to take them to a remote part of town. It was already late, so the man initially refused to carry them through that bushy part. But he later agreed after the two promised to pay him N1, 000, reported naij.com , an online news platform. The source added that on their way, one of the ladies suddenly asked him to make a stop. But as soon as he parked his motorcycle, one of the ladies slapped him from behind, and, before he knew what was going on, they had overpowered him and tied him up with a rope. They then dragged him into the bush, tore his trousers and raped him repeatedly before they finally left him there and left. Cases of male rape abound in the country. There was the High School girls episode; they cornered a boy in their school and commandeered him to lick their clitorises with his tongue. "Three girls are seen in a video closing the classrooms door as one of them sits on a locker spreading her legs wide open than the doors of hell. "The friends then pushed the boy who was sitting on the chair dip into their friends thighs to put him in an apt angle for a CJ. "The thirsty girl then quickly pulls down her underpants and grabs the boys head immersing it in her private parts," according to a post on social media. The police in Benin in January 2014, arrested and paraded a 33-year, J. Olise, who allegedly raped five boys aged between 10 and 15, and later blamed his action on the girlfriend whom he said left him, thereby making him vulnerable for the act. Olise, who was said to be residing at room 20, Evbodaghe Street, Eyean in Benin City and had been paraded alongside 59 other suspected criminals at the Edo Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, said, I dont know what came over me. It all started when my girlfriend left me and broke my heart, so I wanted to stay away from all women. The then State Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo, who paraded them, therefore, warned against criminal acts. In February 2015, a 34-year-old alleged gay identified as O. Obunike was wanted by the police of the Lagos State Area M Police Command for apparently raping a school teachers son, 17-year-old B. Akinjide, who happened to be his neighbour, in the Ago Palace Way, Okota area of Lagos state. The father of the victim, S. Akinjide, who's a teacher by profession, divulged to media men that the bad omen actually took place in September 2014. We have since reported the young man to the police. With the help of the Police, we have since checked his house and shop and he hasnt been found. We hope the Police would do a thorough job on this case and punish him for such an unlawful act, the source said. Reacting to the incident, the State Police Spokesman, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, then, Maintained that gay practice is against the law in the nation and anyone caught in the act would be severely punished. He added that his men were on the trail to arrest the accused and bring him to book. In July 2012, a man whose name was given as U. Onoja was reported to have been raped by six women in a village called Ugbugbu Owukpa in the Ogbadibo local government area of Benue State. This is just one of the numerous cases of male rape that are not usually taken seriously in Nigeria and in the world. Just as women and girls should be protected against rape and abuse, men and boys should also be protected, in-line with gender justice and fairness, reported naij.com . Initially, story of rape was associated to boys raping girls, but the reverse has become the case in the country. Cases of young boys used as sex toy, ranging from rape to defilement and even for pornography, abound in Nigeria. Rape is a monster which should be stamped out of every civilized society. Whether it is female or male rape, it is an evil act that should be punished duly, the source added. Many Nigerians have cried out that it was unheard of men raping their fellow men, let alone, women raping men say a decade ago. But this is a reality that has confronted the country. Many of the male victims either commit suicide later or live to feel humiliated due to the patriarchal nature of Nigeria as captured in a Gilia Banks commentary titled Masculinity in Nigeria: Rebellion vs. Conformity and Power. Masculinity is the only way of living for both the young and old men of Nigeria. Fathers drill it into their sons and society will reinforce these guidelines to further instill them into every little boys way of living. It starts young and they receive training to be the best, as they get older, Gilia Banks said. Odimegwu Onwumere is a Rivers State based poet, writer and consultant. He won in the digital category, Nordica Media Merit Awards 2016, Lagos; and the International Award for Excellence in Journalism 2016, Geneva. Email: [email protected] 12.08.2016 LISTEN The Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) Secretariat is emerging as a thought leader in providing jobs solutions to tackling refugee-induced displacement, and the recent decision by the Government of Ghana to encourage and accept Syrian refugees in the country is a step in the right direction which would further such a strategic policy cause. Globally, displacement is no longer handled purely as a relief and humanitarian matter but also as a development ill and anomaly and an issue of human capital in enforced idleness. By treating displacement from this perspective, the nuanced possibilities of displaced skills contributing and enhancing local jobs and new employment generating efforts would be fully apparent, appreciated and harnessed effectively (P. Collier, September 9, 2015: A Jobs Solutions to the Migration Crisis; http://blogs.worldbank.org/jobs/node/975). GRB Jobs Solutions Strategy The objective of the GRB jobs solutions strategy is to enable engagement for organized production geared at increasing and maximizing productivity through innovative utilization of displaced and available host community skills. Under this strategy, host communities of the displaced populations are designated as Special Production and Processing Zones (SPZs) and incentive regimes enacted for enticing light manufacturing companies (local and international) to set up shops in these zones and engage the concentrated skills available among the displaced, host and returnee populations. Aligned with the countrys Non-Traditional Export (NTE) strategy, these orchestrated engagements would be specifically geared to enable development of significant export products from the NTE priority product list for export particularly to the ECOWAS, EU and other markets. This program is a significant step to building solid alliances for tackling forced displacement through a development lens by pooling the expertise and resources of various actors including the displaced populations, host communities, municipalities, government, private sector, bilateral and multilateral technical financial partners and civil society organizations. Fit for purpose strategy with Syrian Refugees decision A variant of the strategy described here has been suggested for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Turkey. The decision by the Ghana Government to encourage and accept Syrian refugees in the country opens a vista of opportunities for linking national domestic efforts to learning and innovations in harnessing global knowledge and resources on jobs and employment creation. Although the population of Syrian refugees in Ghana so far is minuscule compared to millions in Jordan, Turkey and elsewhere, the essence of the jobs solutions approach in this context remains valid and authentic. For a start it is not only people who are displaced by the Syrian crisis, but equally important are also businesses and companies. Relatively, Syria is not a poor country and has ample manufacturing companies which may be looking for ways to relocate and establish production bases amidst the ongoing raging conflict. Many of the individuals fleeing the conflict are highly skilled and those who have made it to Ghana so far are unlikely to be in camps and dependent on humanitarian handouts. But Ghana has existing caseloads of refugees in camps, urban and rural areas which would benefit collectively with the corresponding host communities if the job solutions approach to tackling displacement is operationalized in the country. The GRB Secretariat is spearheading efforts to build an international coalition to leverage and ensure that the Government of Ghana decision to accept Syrian refugees in the country would also include concerted attempts to identify and solicit Syrian companies which may be interested to set up shops and engage the displaced and host community skills for targeted export production. With the support of the international community, such companies may either partner with local companies or set up shops solely given appropriately induced and enticing incentives. Prospects for spurring local economic development Ghana as an oasis of peace and tranquility in a turbulent sub-region is home to refugees from almost 26 different countries. Encouraging and accepting Syrian refugees in the country has paved the way for displaced Syrian companies interested in relocating shops to consider Ghana as a possible destination. GRB is spearheading efforts to leverage this decision to entice not only companies from Syria but others with local and international origins to join the coalition of stakeholders which are supporting the strategic application of the job solutions approach to tackle displacement within the international community. Displaced skills in the four refugee camps in Ghana as well as the available skills in the corresponding host communities to be designated as Special Production and Processing Zones (SPZs) would be engaged for organized production. Product development choices would be based on the Non-Traditional Export policy which enjoins Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to develop at least one significant agro-based product in which they have comparative and competitive advantage for export. With negotiated incentives, all the 26 origin countries of the refugees domiciled in Ghana are potential markets. Increasing and maximizing productivity to reach these markets and beyond would create jobs and employment, generate sustained incomes and livelihood opportunities which would in turn spur local economic transformation with credible prospects of the refugees voluntarily returning to their country of origin. A compelling feature of the Syrian case is that once the hostilities cease (which the international community should endeavor to ensure that it happens soon), the displaced individuals would certainly return to their country. However the companies would not fold up but rather they would remain as subsidiaries to continue production especially when they are making credible profits. With the combination of right incentives, knowledge, partnerships and special purpose financing instruments the GRB jobs solutions strategy for tackling displacement would be translated into reality, and the decision to accept Syrian refugees would be a testament of smart jobs creation policy. The writer is an International Development Expert and the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board. He can be reached at: [email protected]; and 233544611282 / 233547979799. By Christabel Addo, GNA Accra , Aug. 12, GNA - Ghanaian business executives have been urged to exhibit and maintain high levels of openness, transparency, good governance and truthfulness as important virtues towards business operations. These virtues would create the needed atmosphere for trust among clients and attract investors for the needed expansion of the business sector for national development. Mrs Lisa Opoku, the Chief Operating Officer of the Technical Division of Goldman Sachs, an international financial services company, said this at MTN Ghana's 18th Business World Executive Breakfast Meeting in Accra on Thursday. She spoke on the theme: 'Attracting Investments to Ghana: Lessons from Asia,' and said for local businesses to grow, they must be transparent with their clients, tell them about their difficulties, and engage them in finding sustainable solutions to the problems. Mrs Opoku, also the Global Strategist for Goldman Sachs and one of the world's leading investment banking executives, said the current pace of global market trends would no longer permit developing countries, including Ghana, to sit on the sideline as passive observers, but would require them to actively participate to achieve the needed growth. According to her with her years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Asia Pacific Region, she could admit that the high sense of discipline and effective policies for favourable business operations were among the major contributory factors for the giant leap in development of the continent. She said attracting the needed investment into the country would require business executives and entrepreneurs to create conducive atmospheres through the encouragement of strategic policies and maintain positive attitudes towards ground-breaking improvements in their industries. Mrs Opoku said Ghanaian businesses must also learn to deliver on time and enhance their skills on meeting deadlines with their clients. She, however, noted that although Africa presents fertile grounds for foreign investment, businesses and entrepreneurs must be careful of the agreements they sign onto and with whom. 'You must equip yourselves with great negotiating skills, know what you negotiate for and be careful to participate actively in all the activities of the investor,' she said. Ms Cynthia Lumor, a Corporate Services Executive of MTN, said the choice of the theme indicated that making the right investments in Ghana had a lot of positive repercussions on the growth of the country's economy and its total development. She said the event was a series organised by the MTN Business World Magazine to create a platform for executive briefings, networking for chief executive officers, senior management and entrepreneurs, and also as part of the company's 20th anniversary celebration in Ghana. GNA By Kamara Osman Faisal, GNA Dungu (N/R), Aug. 12, GNA - Reverend James Ampofo, the President of the Ghana Society of Radiographers (GSR), has appealed to the Government to pay attention to radiography by assisting the profession to grow. Rev. Ampofo made the appeal at the Dungu Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) during the Fifth Biennial National Congress and Scientific Conference. The congress was on the theme: 'Trends of Technological Advances in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy in The Past Decade,' and it was to remind all radiographers of the great innovations technology and researches had brought to their profession. He said the procurement of radiographers should be made possible to provide complemented service component to enable health institutions to maximize the clinical application options for value of money. He said the ratio of one radiographer is to 110,600 inhabitants in the country was inadequate and advocated that radiographers should be given the right tools and an enabling environment to be more efficient in clinical care of patients. Mr Mohammed Alhassan Sorogodoo, the District Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was fast growing in all aspects of human live and health care was not an exception. He said in view of the relevance of ICT the Tamale Teaching Hospital now had two Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance to improve health care delivery. He promised to work hand in hand with the Northern Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service and heads of other health institutions to improve the living standards of radiographers and urged them to accept postings to deprived communities. Mr Alexander Segbefia, the Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf, said the recent retooling of health facilities under the health sub-regions testified to the effort of the Health Ministry in providing conducive environment for health professionals to work. 'With the relentless workforce of radiographers and a state of ultramodern equipment, citizenry will not see the need to travel out of the country for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)', he said. The Minister said good co-operation between the Health Ministry, government and other stakeholders would attempt to address the ratio of radiographers to the general population and regional imbalance. GNA By Lydia Asamoah, GNA Accra, Aug. 12, GNA - Actor John Dumelo has been endorsed as the Ambassador of Obstetric Fistula by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to help raise awareness on the fight against fistula in the country. By his endorsement, Mr Dumelo is also to help raise funds to treat and rehabilitate poor and vulnerable women who have been afflicted with fistula in their quest to give birth. Obstetric Fistula is one of the most devastating medical disabilities afflicting women as a result of complications arising from lack of surgical intervention for prolonged labour. It occurs as a result of a hole that develops between the vagina, rectum and or bladder due to prolonged or obstructed labour. Affected women leak either urine or faeces or both through the birth canal leaving them socially isolated in most instances. Obstetric is a known global problem but is especially common in developing countries including Ghana, particularly in communities where female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced. At the endorsement ceremony, Professor Anyetei Lassey, the Chairman of the National Taskforce in charge of Fistula, thanked Mr Dumelo for agreeing to become ambassador to assist in raising awareness and funds to care for the many victims of fistula in rural communities in Ghana. He said because of the uncontrolled leakages of urine and faeces, fistula victims were usually shunned by their husbands, families and close relatives and for Actor Dumelo to lead the campaign, it would empower all people, especially men, to be sympathetic towards their wives and support them to seek care and rehabilitation. Mr Alex Segbefia, the Health Minister, whilst commending UNFPA and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the efforts in fighting fistula, including roping in celebrities, he said more education and awareness needed to be carried out all over the country, particularly in communities that practiced FGM, to sensitise the women on the disease and its prevention. He said the fight against fistula had become challenging as there were limited obstetricians and gynaecologists in the country that could treat and repair fistula cases. Another issue is how to rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors of fistula into the communities, Mr Segbefia said, and lauded Mr Dumelo for accepting to help raise funds, among other things, to rehabilitate such women to lead their normal lives. Dr Gloria Quansah-Asare, the Deputy Director-General of GHS, described fistula as a women's issue or problem that could be prevented by women seeking good healthcare while pregnant and by practicing family planning. She said more people should lend a hand in the fight against fistula and help address the plights of women. Dr Babatunde Ahonsi, the UNFPA Country Representative, said a recent survey carried out by the UNFPA revealed that about 1,352 new fistula cases develop in Ghana each year with just a few being treated. He said it was sad that fistula, which is preventable, was still occurring in Ghana, which by African standards, has a very robust health care system, adding; 'despite the many achievements much more need to be done in the fight against fistula'. He said stakeholders must work to ensure that no woman or girl lived with fistula, saying; 'we need to prevent child marriages, teenage pregnancy, and lack of access to health care system'. Mr Dumelo said he accepted to be ambassador to fight fistula because it was degrading for womanhood, adding; 'we all need to fix the problem'. He said he would first produce a 15 to 20 minutes documentary and a skit cartoon that would be aired on television and social media to educate people on fistula as well as raise funds to support the surgery and integration of fistula survivors into the society. GNA 12.08.2016 LISTEN Since time immemorial, traveling has been an essential part of human existence. We journey miles to see loved ones, engage in business transactions, or most times, to see the world around us through our own lenses. Modern day technology has also done more good than harm in making every stage of the journey easier and more convenient. For instance, now you can reduce a 6-hour journey to just about 45 minutes with the help of an airplane. Air tickets can also be procured from just anywhere with the help of the internet. The stress of having to comb different locations for hotel lodgings when you arrive at your destination has also been eliminated seamlessly by online booking platforms. Imagine you are traveling from Lagos, for instance, to Abuja Nigerias state capital, say for, business meetings. All you have to do to find a comfortable and affordable hotel to stay depending on your budget is to place a booking on any of the hotel booking portals just from anywhere, anytime, saving yourself some leg works and the gruesome task of having to deal with disappointment associated with not finding a tasteful hotel of choice. Nigerians, no doubt, love to travel either local or international travels. Its in our DNA. We seize the slightest opportunity we get to move out of our comfort zones to see new environments sometimes for business, pleasure, or family outing. The reasons are just easy to come by. However, who would have thought that our men are more frequent local travelers than our women? Surprisingly, they are at an unimaginable ratio. Women only account for 22% of the population while men account for 78%. Africas number one hotel booking website, Jumia Travel presents you with its most recent info-graphic on the statistics of Nigerian travelers. Where do you fall on the scale? The Ministry of Trade and Industry has assured that it would assess the impact of the ban on importation of cement in the coming months to ascertain the actual capacity of cement manufacturing companies in the country. Parliament recently passed a Legislative Instrument, placing a ban on importation of Portland cement into the country to protect local producers. But speaking at the inauguration of the Portland Cement Monitoring Committee, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah explained that the committee will also examine the capacity of local producers to meet demand since the Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA) is considering imposing tariffs on the importation to generate revenue for the country. Some companies are interested in importing cement into the country and they also argue that if local cement manufacturers have such excess capacity then there will be no need for import at all, he said. He was of the view that the situation requires tact since importers are also demanding for some quota in the market to meet the demand and beat down price. I want to say that there is an Appeal's Committee that will also consider the views of those who want to import. The Ghana Revenue Authority is also examining it, he said. According to him, the GRA is considering the imposition of a tariff on the importation of the product to raise revenue for the country. There is an issue of pricing as well, and the GRA has also being examining this and trying to examine this to see whether imported cement should be allowed to come in at 35, 40, 50 or 60 dollars a tonne and what kind of tariff should be imposed, he said. He maintained that it is imperative to determine the actual capacities of the local producers to supplement it with importation if there is a deficit. He however maintained that government's aim of passing the LI is to protect the local manufacturers to prevent a collapse of the cement industry. We are all aware of what happened in the textile industry due to influx of cheap textiles. We do not want a repeat of that in the cement industry, he stressed. Dr. Spio Grabrah charged the committee to work hard to ascertain the true capacity of the local manufacturers and the volume of imported cement into the country. By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Swiss Ambassador, Gerhard Brugger is urging Ghana to take a cue from how his country utilized Public Private Partnership (PPP) in turning around the fortunes of its railway sector. Out of the 947-kilometer stretch of railway, only 130 kilometres is operational for both freight and passenger services in Ghana. Government has therefore initiated plans to modernise the railway network by partnering private investors due to its economic benefits as a more efficient means of transport. Speaking with Joy Business, Mr Brugger said Switzerland offers a lot of lessons for Ghana in the provision and maintenance of, especially railway infrastructure. He said goods have to be exported faster than usual adding there is a lot of potential for the PPP because the private sector is the carrier of ideas. Government by definition should govern and not involve itself in running companies as it doesnt have the management capabilities, he added. Mr Brugger said involving the private sector is the really the key to many solutions that are needed and seen as becoming important for Ghana. I absolutely salute the fact that PPP is an initiative that we are going to see more of, he noted. Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Friday authorized the deployment of a robust force of 4,000 troops to South Sudan after heavy fighting set back efforts to end the country's devastating war. The council adopted a US-drafted resolution that also threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the deployment. Libreville (AFP) - The UN, EU, United States and four major European states appealed Friday for Gabon to ensure a free and fair presidential in a vote later this month, in which the incumbent is vying for reelection. On the eve of the campaign for the August 27 election getting underway, they urged authorities to ensure respect for freedom of expression and association, as well as fair access to the media. "It's essential that political figures favour dialogue and negotiation and refrain from all incitement to violence, to hatred or the stigmatisation of certain communities," said the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States in a joint statement. "It is also essential that national and international norms in fundamental freedoms and human rights be respected, notably in the maintenance of law and order," the statement added. The statement was also signed by the special representative of the UN Secretary General for Central Africa and the delegations of the European Union and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Incumbent Ali Bongo was elected for a first term in a disputed 2009 vote following the death of his father Omar Bongo Ondimba, who had steered Gabon from 1967 and was described by critics as a corrupt despot. This rule saw the country tap its newfound oil wealth that led to a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations. However most of it has not trickled down to ordinary people and critics accuse the Bongo family of usurping the country's riches and stifling democracy. 12.08.2016 LISTEN Another comic relief breaks out. And it sounds almost like watching a funny Hollywood movie and, yes, we said a funny Hollywood movie, with legislator and business mogul Kennedy Agyapong finally coming to terms with another of his signature episodes of childlike buffoonery, without so much as even acknowledging let alone doing the right thing, which is owning up to his much-criticized irresponsibility of badmouthing the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC), Madam Charlotte Osei. Like a pathological child-thief caught red-handed with both sticky hands in the boiling depths of a pan of soup, who tried to explain away his shameful situation with an awkward reference to a particular fish he once saw in a certain river, and believed, had no business being in the soup, the well-known satirical buffoonery which is no other than Kennedy Agyapong, recently, explained away his sexist calumny about Madam Osei by alleging that his sex-for-job comment was one made in jest. As a reminder, the morally absentaneous Kennedy Agyapong is reported to have made the following outrageous, almost laughable if not comical, comment on radio nearly two months after his infamous rhetorical gaffe: I said a lot of things on that day, even this one, I was joking, I immediately took my seat after making those commentsyes, I was joking Of course, we read this publication with skeptical reservation considering the fact that his interview transcript could as well have resulted from a purposeful media or journalistic slant. Sill, how this public nuisance could have made a serious jest, certainly a joke in bad taste, of an important public official such as Madam Osei beats our imagination. Yet the public should not put any such episode of rhetoric deviance past this graffiti-adult man, a paedomorphic grotesque caricature. Beyond this troubling observational preoccupancy, there was also no traceable instance of teachable remorse or regret in his unpolished tone as he, expectedly, insisted upon self-defense and readiness to provide evidence in support of the said charge should the public force his hand. Ghana is in a sad state of political tartarology and absurdism because of such public figures unsecured open-defecation attitudinal commitment to verbal diarrhea in the particular sphere of public diplomacy. What is more, it is not that the country has never been sick before. It always had, certainly. What eventually became the Gold Coast, later Ghana, was a bedridden quasi-geopolitical delineation in a moral hospice during the inglorious days of colonialism. The Gold Coast was practically a madhouse then but it now looks as if its offspring, Ghana, is teetering on the brink of moral insolvency and anomie, to be banished to a weathered hospice warehouse with unrepentant rabid madhouses like Kennedy Agyapong in leadership positions. Perhaps making womanhood the butt of public joke in the general sense of a stand-up comedy, possibly a pardonable act in this general sense, is one thing but quite another when a male chauvinist makes a widely known respected public official of the fairer sex a laughing cynosure of public scrutiny, especially in Kumasi, the base of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). And Kumasi, the Asante Region for that matter, like the Volta Region, is a hot zone for partisan politics. Who did Kwadwo Afari-Gyan sleep with in exchange for the chairmanship of the EC? Rawlings? Rawlings wife? Or both? And why must it always be women exclusive of the men who sleep with them? That is, why are women always the culprits in these shameful acts when the behind-the-scenes sexual engagements have always involved powerful men in authority? And what if a powerful woman in authority rather sleeps with a male who is seeking one form of public favor or another from her? If not because of our phallocentric or patriarchal culture, sometimes with deep taproots in the backwaters of Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions, then what exactly is the moral basis for this consistent one-sided criticism of women in authority? We should seek every opportunity to answer this question if we must. Well-connected public figures and arrivistes yet also unabashed advocates of partisan and sexist demagoguery such as Kennedy Agyapong, have always had everything in their moral armamentaria to advance the public good, yet, somehow, they have rather chosen parochialism and sensational buffoonery and male chauvinism and patriarchy over serious matters of patriotism, political pragmatism, respect for public decency and for women, and statesmanship. Even more significantly, all these concerns we are raising here have everything to do with nation-building. Men like Kennedy Agyapong who wear egotheism may not know this fact. THINKING OUT LOUD Nation-building is a painfully slow process. No nation in the history of man has been built overnight. A painful process such as this requires patriotic sacrifices and coordinated efforts or inputs from citizens and yet, furthermore, though the process is an essentially interior one, it has not always been necessarily so due to a number of factors ranging from globalization, progressive naturalization/asylum laws, migration and immigration, international trade, wars and conflicts to slavery. In other words the expressed mechanism of nation-building has external drivers as well. And institutions define the caliber and character of a body politic, a nation-state. And as well, laws in turn define the operational caliber, character and behavior of institutions. But the common denominator is the human factor, of course an expressed antithesis of perfectibilism. Though institutions and laws necessarily originate from and exist in the realm of the purely abstract, yet they also have a reified presence or existence in the concreteness of human agency. By human agency we are directly referring to both mans actions and inactions in response to his nature, his environment, or rather to the more complex interactions between his spoken and unspoken nature and its myriad manifestations and the resourceful authority of his immanent existence. Here again, we use the masculine pronoun his in a more generic sense to connote humanity as a whole. Still, nations are imperfect by virtue of human imperfections. Institutions and laws therefore take on a material existence as superior co-chaperons of the complex exercise of human choices, acting in behalf of the human factor where the fallibility element reigns supreme. And laws, too, are not always perfect in every given conceivable expression of the human factor by virtue of the intrinsic imperfections in this factor. Thus, it is when some form of a compromise is finally reached between the general public and the institutionalization of these laws through active regulatory enforcement that a society can gain on a semblance of peaceful existence with itself. It is also not all rosy in the general scheme of things. It is that in many locations from around the world laws are generally if not specifically friendlier toward persons of a certain class of political and judicial and commercial influence and advantage, of wealth and birth, of race and ethnicity and religion and gender, in order words of a certain pedigree for short. This is probably one of the major reasons behind the political softness with which the leaders in the judiciary dealt with the men and women who were caught on the secret investigative cameras of Anas Aremeyaw Anas taking laughable bribes and setting hardened criminals free. The same explanation probably goes for a cabal of well-connected men and women in possession of huge illegal judgment debts, persons who flaunt their illegal wealth in the public eye without fear of prosecution. Impunity has become a public or social asset rather than a stifling debit or liability in our duopolistic body politic. FOOD FOR THOUGHT We probably have not come to the realization that undue attacks on innocent public officials are direct attacks upon our democratic institutions. Thus, unjustifiably subverting or thwarting laws and institutions tend to reinforce the fallibility aspect of the human factor and this brings the name of a nation into disrepute, eventually weakening the moral fabric of that body politic. Unfortunately, political patronage and extreme partisan politics are diseased parts of the body politic, so much so that thinking in patriotic nationalism terms is far from permissible in our duopolistic culture. This is exactly where our body politic and its institutions begin to fumble. Thus enforcing laws and punishing law-breakers in order to banish impunity from a body politic are key to building strong, healthy societies. Yet this approach also calls for strong leadership, even strongmen, who will act in behalf of a body politic, a position contrary to President Obamas famous speech in Accra where he said in part: Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions. Edward Snowden has shown that President Obama is a hypocrite and a strongman, a man who may not necessarily be of his word. Wall Street, most conservative evangelicals, corporate America, racists, and the pro-life movement see Obama in no other terms other than strongman. No less an influential liberal public intellectual in the person of Cornel West has mounted a stiff opposition to some of the major policy decisions of the Obama administration, thereby prompting a public feud between the former and Eric Michael Dyson, another influential liberal public intellectual and a Georgetown University academic, both African Americans (see REFERENCES). But Snowden is not Kennedy Agyapong by any stretch of the imagination. The former is more strategically thoughtful and prescient and smart, the latter rather bumptious or foolhardy. It takes gumption to assume the character traits of Snowden insofar as the acquisition or possession of political intelligence is concerned. This also requires intellectual and moral investment in statesmanship. Statesmanship (public diplomacy) on the other hand requires a high level of emotional intelligence, strategic and tactical caution in rhetorical assertiveness, an informed conviction in ones worldview and balance in perspectives, political correctness, ability to read ones friends and enemies with the third eye, wisdom and skill, strategic and tactical respect for ones enemies and so on. As a politician Kennedy Agyapong, an unabashed phallocrat does not seem to possess any of these noble qualities, a sad case in and of itself. This is the more reason why Madam Charlotte Osei should consider teaching this phallocratic buffoon some hard lessons in statesmanship. Unless Madam Osei herself has something to hide from the public, this position of ours probably appears to be the best option she could take in order to bring some closure or finality to this hanging mystery. Taking legal action against this uninformed and ill-informed psittacine largiloquent, thus, should be the way forward. She must use the courts to force her accuser to produce his evidence. Finally, and this is extremely indispensable, Kennedy Agyapong has a responsibility to ensure transparency in the bureaucracy and therefore producing this evidence will go a long way to show that, indeed, qualified men and women rise to covetous, meritorious positions in the bureaucracy by dint of hard work and not through these scandalous sex-for-favors conveniences. The burden of proof, we may add, squarely lies with Kennedy Agyapong and not the other way round. It is not the moral responsibility of the public to force his hand before he decides to release it. He owes it to his conscience and the nation at large to release this purported incriminating evidence on his own volition. Hiding behind the Iron Curtain of the public to make lame excuses will not cut it. In the end, we may have to remind Madam Charlotte Osei that forgiveness is not always a necessary moral virtue one should aspire to. And the fact is that forgiveness has sometimes weakened what should have passed off easily as viable democracies, a special case being the moral and political arguments Wole Soyinka advances in his book The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness, against certain aspects of South Africas Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Certain instances of forgiveness come after the law has taken its natural course in dispensing justice. Of course, whether or not Madam Osei takes to the courts for redress s a personal decision she must make at her informed convenience. On the other hand ours is merely a suggestion and by no means an imposition on her, for she is too intelligent to weigh the matter as she sees fit. Unless, of course, Kennedy Agyapong did not actually make the statement the media attributed to him, which is that his calumny about Madama Osei was made in jest. Regardless, we have his original two-month-old allegation to go by. As a matter of fact we need not go further that this. REFERENCES Ghanaweb. (2016, August 9). Sex For EC Job Comment Was A JokeKen Agyapong. Aug Eric Michael Dyson. (2015, April 19). The Ghost of Cornel West: What Happened to Americas Most Exciting Black Scholar? New Republic. Barack Obama. (2009, July 11). Remarks by the President to the Ghanaian Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-ghanaian-parliament By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA Ho, Aug. 12, GNA - Togbe Afede XIV, President of Volta Regional House of Chiefs, has asked chiefs not to allow the region to be used as a 'political battle ground' in the December general election. He said the region was noted for peace and entreated the chiefs to work nobly during the elections to maintain the peaceful atmosphere for rapid development. Togbe Afede, who was addressing the Regional House of Chiefs at its Second General Meeting, reiterated the call on the chiefs to refrain from openly endorsing candidates and political parties. 'Let's welcome all the candidates. Grant access to allthis is very important for the unity of our region and development of the country,' he said. 'As chiefs let your conduct promote and cement peace in the country,' Togbe Afede said and asked the chiefs to remain united and work selflessly to develop their areas and the region. GNA By Stephen Asante, GNA Kumasi, Aug 12, GNA - Ace peace-walker, Isaac Annan, popularly known as 'Kak Dee', has rallied the nation to reject violence as it edged towards general election. He reminded everybody to move away from political intolerance, mischief and aggressive rhetoric. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi during a 'peace campaign' he said the election should be about message and not insinuations, division and insults. Mr. Annan began his nation-wide walk in June, and had already carried his peace message to the Eastern, Volta, Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Brong-Ahafo Regions. He said it was important not to take the peace of the society for granted, and asked that all accepted to work together to ensure that Ghana remained united, stable and peaceful. He said he found it deeply disturbing inflammatory pronouncements and personality attacks, dominating radio political discussions, and said that was not the right way to go. It was unhelpful to the growth of the country's multi-party democracy, he added. Mr. Annan appealed to the security agencies to act more professionally and be even-handed in the enforcement of the law. The Electoral Commission (EC) on its part, should be transparent to assure everybody of clean, fair and credible election. In Kumasi, for about five hours, he interacted with traders, youth groups and the general public, encouraging them to be responsible in their conduct. GNA By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA Nadowli (UWR), Aug. 12, GNA - Mrs Adwoa Dako, the Public Relations Officer of the Water Resources Commission (WRC), has appealed to local communities to protect water resources available to them for their own benefits. She said water had no substitute and should, therefore, be owned, protected and treated as a precious mineral by those living around and depending on the resource for their own good and for others. Mrs Darko made the appeal during an awareness creation on 'Integrated water resources management in the Black Volta Basin' held at Nadowli in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region. 'I encourage you to give the same protection and treatment you will give to gold if you have it to the water resources close to you,' she said. Since the WRC was set up by Parliament in 1996 to manage and regulate the water resources in Ghana, the Commission had been setting up Basin offices to help manage the affairs of the basins. This, Mrs Dako said, led to the setting up of the Black Volta Basin Office in Wa and encouraged the community members to work closely with the office to ensure effective management of water resources. Joachim Ayiiwe Abungba, the Acting Black Volta Basin Officer, said about 4.5 million people were depending on the Basin and that it was further estimated that by 2025 about eight million people would be depending on it. Mr Abungba pointed out that about 70 per cent of the stakeholders identified used the water resources at the Basin, hence the need to educate them to understand their roles in the management of the water resources. He enumerated deforestation and uncontrolled drilling, growing of water weeds, sand wining, illegal mining and bad farming practices among others as some of the challenges of water resource management. Mr Abungba said the way forward was to increase awareness on water resources, develop programmes towards addressing the existing water problems in the Basin and enforcement of existing legal framework. Others are empowering communities through livelihood creation and enhancement and increasing the basin resilience to climate change. Mr John Bosco Bomansaan, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Chief Executive, noted that water is a serious resource in life, hence the need to implement measures that would ensure its sustainable management. The participants were taken through topics such as: Overview of WRC Mandate and Activities, Water Resources Management Issues in the Black Volta Basin, and WRC Water Use and Regulation. GNA 12.08.2016 LISTEN By MacAnthony Dagyenga, GNA Donkorkrom (ER), Aug 12, GNA - The Presidential Candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, has pledged massive transformation of the nation's agriculture, if voted power. He said more resources would be put into the sector to substantially increase productive levels and returns to the farmer. Addressing party supporters during an election campaign in Donkorkrom, he said his government would turn the Afram Plains into the nation's food basket. It would provide the irrigation facilities, support farmers with equipment and expose them to new technologies to boost food crop production. Mr. Greenstreet told the people that it would do everything to fulfil any election promise made. He noted that Ghana had been blessed with enormous natural resources and that what had been missing was strong and good leadership to efficiently manage these resources to improve the living conditions of the population. 'I promise you that CPP will make good use of these resources to make Ghana a better place.' The nation, he said, would see massive economic development under his watch and asked the people to trust him and his party with their votes. He used the occasion to introduce the party's parliamentary candidate for the area, Mr. Michael Ampontia, to the gathering. GNA By Laudia Sawer Tema, Aug 11, GNA - The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in the Tema Metropolis has handed over 60 officers to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Ghana Prison Service to serve as assistants to their personnel. The 60 comprised of 30 each for the Fire Protection and Prison Assistants modules. Mr Frank Wilberforce Nii Dua, Tema Metropolitan YEA Director, said the 60 officers would help to ensure total security in the Metropolis. Mr Dua said the officers who underwent a five week intensive training in their fields would work with the services for two years after which those who excel would be integrated. He urged unemployed youth in the country who wish to serve under any of the YEA modules, to visit its website, fill a form and submit at the nearest office for selection and training, adding that the process was free. DOI Manfred Klu, GNFS, Tema Region Administrator, stated that the security module was introduced to boost the number of personnel in the services under the Ministry for the Interior. DOI Klu added that further training would be given to the personnel under his outfit for them to engage in fire prevention education in the communities. Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, congratulated the officers for successfully going through the training and advised them to disciplined. Mr Odamtten said "discipline must distinguish them from others" wherever they found themselves in the discharge of their duties. He reiterated the need for other unemployed youth to take advantage of the YEA modules to carve careers for themselves. The MCE announced that the TMA was forming youth brigades in the Metropolis to do cleaning, tree planting, painting of pavements, among other projects to develop and beautify the harbour city. GNA 12.08.2016 LISTEN Bolgatanga, Aug. 12, GNA - The Upper East Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to report on child protection and related issues. The two-day training workshop was organised in Bolgatanga by World Vision International (WVI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in partnership with the Department of Children and JInitiative, an NGO. Addressing the journalists, Mr David Purnel, the Interim National Director of WVI, said the training marked the beginning of many to be held in the various World Vision regional operation centres for journalists. Mr Purnel said: 'World Vision's global partnership's vision for every child is life in all its fullness and our prayer for every heart is the will to make it so'. He said World Vision had over the years joined forces with like-minded stakeholders to ensure sustained well-being of children through improved sanitation, health, hygiene, safe water for consumption and household food security and education. He noted that these interventions by the organization all over the world, especially in Ghana had imparted the lives of millions of children especially the most vulnerable and said though Ghana had achieved some successes in the area of children's development, there were still other challenges to overcome in child survival, development and protection. Mr Purnel said children who were faced with the burden of marginalisation, abusive relationships and living in unsafe environments were critically at risk of violence and may be subjected to trafficking, child labour, sexual abuse, child marriage, and female genital mutilation. He said these ills against children would deny them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Madam Georgina Aberese-Ako, the Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children, expressed concern about the rise in teenage pregnancy and child marriages in the region and called on all stakeholders to rise to the fight against those acts. She said a monitoring exercise by the Ghana Education Service among candidates who sat for this year's Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE) showed that about 325 girls in primary and junior high schools were pregnant while three were married. Madam Aberese-Ako said the department was ready to collaborate with journalists to bring to light acts that had negative impact on the children who were the country's future managers. Mr Eric Amoh, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, expressed gratitude to WVI and its partners for the training and encouraged media outfits, especially the broadcast media, to design programmes that would help educate the general public on the need to protect children. GNA Afedzi Abdullah, GNA Cape Coast, Aug. 12, GNA - The ban on noise making some weeks before the celebration of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye had suffered a setback this year as the Oguaa Traditional Council had been compelled to lift it before schedule. This is because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had slated the launch of its national campaign at the new Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday, August 14. The ban, which is enforced two weeks in preparation for the Fetu Afahye, which is celebrated every first Saturday of September, took effect from Tuesday, August 2 and was to be lifted on August 18. Other activities observed are the month-long ban on fishing in the Fosu Lagoon and ban on funerals. A statement signed by the chairman of the 2016 Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, Nana Kow Amoasi III, said the ban would be lifted on Friday, August 12, six clear days before the scheduled date. The statement, however, maintained that the ban on funerals remained effective. When the Ghana News Agency contacted the spokesperson for the 2016 Fetu Afahye Planning Committee, Nana Kwame Edu VI, on the issue, he said executives of the NDC had approached the Council about their campaign launch in Cape Coast. He said Nananom, however, asked them to wait while they consulted the gods for permission. He said the gods, upon consultation by the traditional priests, agreed that the ban could only be lifted after some rituals had been performed adding that the party agreed to pay for the cost of the rituals. Nana Edu, also the Tufuhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, said lifting of the ban before schedule was not the first in the history of the celebration. This year's Fetu Afahye is on the theme: "The Falling Standards of Education in the Cape Coast Metropolis; Responsibilities of Stakeholders". GNA As the nation prepares for the 2016 general elections, political stories will keep dominating the headlines. We woke up on Monday to news that President John Dramani Mahama through the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah r eferred a petition brought before him to pardon the Montie 3 to the Council of State . The Chief of Staff handing the petition to a representative of the Council The National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced it was preparing to launch its campaign on Sunday, August 14 without its manifesto. On Tuesday, a research conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) revealed that 70% of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. Also, a 3-member committee set up by the Electoral Commission to look into an incident involving the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia finished their investigations. Dr Bawumia The C ommission backed the sacking of the EC officials for verifying Dr Bawumia outside the designated area. The NPP demanded an apology from the NDC for wrongfully accusing the economist. During the mid-week story broke about the West African Examination Council (WAEC) canceling the entire results of at least 598 candidates who sat in the 2016 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Also, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong said his allegation that the Electoral Commissioner, Charlotte Osei got her job in exchange for sex was meant to be a joke. The 2016 Flag bearer of the NPP Nana Akufo-Addo blamed the poor WASSCE performance on President John Dramani Mahama. NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo And like a runner who is focused on winning, President John Dramani Mahama without responding to the accusation from his political opponent, increased peace-keeping allowance by 1$ per day on Thursday. He made the announcement at the commissioning of a new Navy Complex in an army uniform which earned him a trend on social media. Also, the NPP touted the CDD survey that said a majority of Ghanaians are unhappy with the current the direction the country is heading. The Communications Director of the NPP, Nana Akomea On Friday, an interesting debate about the originator of a video which began on Thursday between the NPP and the NDC reached its climax. The owners of the concept of the HOPE campaign video said no political party owned the video although it has the colours of the NPP. And Nana Akufo-Addo promised to create the 11th region and name it Western-North region if he wins the 2016 election. 12.08.2016 LISTEN Police in Abuakwa near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have arrested two people for duping over 200 people to the tune of GH1 million under the pretext of getting them enlisted into the police and military. A third suspect, who is on the run is being pursued by the police. Sampson Appiah-Dankwah, a head-teacher and his accomplice, Abenaa Alex, reportedly collected between Gh2,500 and Gh5,000 from each of their victims. Nhyira News sources say 40-year-old wood seller Abenaa, who poses as army captain Halimah Nuhu is the leader of the scam gang. Appiah-Dankwah is a head-teacher at Kwamebikrom in Sefwi Debiso District of the Western Region having served as assistant headmaster at Dabaa junior high school (JHS) near Akropong in the Ashanti Region. According to sources, a police corporal stationed at Wa who is part of the fraudsters has already been interdicted for his role in the nefarious activities. The victims are from Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper West and East Regions. Luck, however, eluded them when police picked up Appiah-Dankwah from his hide-out on Wednesday at Sefwi Debiso. Abenaa confessed to the crime after she was traced and arrested in Sunyani in the Bono Ahafo Region. The Nkawie Circuit Court, presided over by High Court Judge, Justice Michael Abbey, on Friday remanded the two into prison custody. They will re-appear on September 13 while investigations and search for the escaped suspect continues. you are here: business Expect profit of Rs 150 crore for FY17: Time Technoplast Speaking to CNBC-TV18 about quarterly performance, Anil Jain, MD of Time Technoplast said that the net realisation has gone up by 10 percent. In our last column, we explained that the financial collapse of 2007-08 was due much to collusion between private banks and government. Congressional mandates required lenders to issue mortgages to people who couldnt afford them. Then, government agencies would purchase the faulty loans from the banks, thus relieving the banks of the risks. The result was a credit explosion that allowed lenders to collect lucrative fees before spinning off bad loans. Next, these loans would be packaged together and sold as assets whose risks were low supposedly just because of the large number of mortgages in each package. Bank regulators helped this scam by not requiring banks to back these assets with cash reserves, and credit rating agencies also played along. So, with Washingtons help, bankers gorged themselves on risky assets. Banks reaped profits while believing the federal government would force taxpayers to bail them out if things ever went south. They were right. When the housing bubble finally burst and mortgage-backed assets became worthless, President George W. Bush pushed Congress to enact the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). It authorized the U.S. Treasury to purchase $700 billion of these worthless assets from large banks to save them. Presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain suspended their campaigns to return to Washington and support the bailout. Obama and McCain issued a joint statement, saying, Now is a time to come together Democrats and Republicans in a spirit of cooperation for the sake of the American people. President Bush signed TARP in October 2008, saying, Ive abandoned free-market principles to save the free market system. Apparently, Bush didnt recognize the mortgage bubble and ensuing collapse were caused by various government interventions and TARP would extend such problems, not cure them. Months later, newly elected President Obama pushed another massive spending bill through Congress, authorizing $787 billion in stimulus spending. Many saw a cynical motive in the stimulus, because much of the money was directed to unions and other special interest groups that had supported Obamas campaign. Together, these two bills sparked outrage from the American people. Taxpayers were furious their money would be used to bail out wealthy cronies who made poor decisions or to provide payback to campaign allies. So when CNBCs Rick Santelli called for a Tea Party on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, his message resonated quickly across the country. Tea Parties spontaneously emerged in nearly every major city to express anger and frustration at the cronyism in Washington. The phenomenon was organic and new. Media personalities and entrenched politicians did not understand it or saw it as a threat to their politics, so they castigated it. The movement was routinely maligned and mischaracterized as racist or extremist and attributed to the far right. The reality, though, was that Tea Parties were a reaction of the powerless against the powerful, expressing anger at the cronyism practiced by the establishment in both political parties. Indeed, it was Bushs TARP that was the major catalyst for the Tea Parties and would later serve as a similar motive for Occupy Wall Street. Eventually, local Tea Parties would splinter in myriad directions and take on different issues. But its vital to remember the true origin of Tea Parties because they were the beginning of an ongoing movement to decentralize political power away from what is now (again, as in the 1960s) commonly called The Establishment. This includes the cabal of corporate, investor and union cronies seeking special privileges from government, plus their politicians in both parties and media people who mainstream their narratives. Ever-expanding use of technology and social media continues to extend this decentralization of power. Alternative media outlets are displacing the mainstream media as sources of information for many people, and dispersed individuals can use technology to coordinate political efforts independently, without a need for party operatives. The same motives and tools that begat the Tea Parties are today seen in widespread support for anti-Establishment politicians in both parties, much to the chagrin of the Establishment. Although we dont agree with every anti-Establishment politician, we have always shared in the outrage against cronyism and its corrupting influence on both markets and government. So Tea Party on, America! < Wanting to impress my winery-spoiled sister visiting from Napa, we ventured over to Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery in San Martin, where the most heavenly expression of Rhone style wine is made. < We were greeted by Kim and Todd Engelhardt, the friendly winemakers. Like many winery owners, they split the duties. Todd farms, while Kim takes care of the business end and they both make the wine. < Specializing in all Rhone varietals, their five acres comprise two vineyards. The white vineyard includes: viognier, marsanne, roussanne, grenache blanc and picpoul blanc. The red vineyard contains grenache noir, syrah, mourvedre and cinsault. < We sampled a vertical tasting of their two, proprietary white blends, called Lions Share. < The 2013 Lions Share ($23), a blend of four grapes with 50 percent viognier, is an aromatic pleasure with a creamy mouthfeel and a long finish. < In contrast to the 2013, the 2014 Lions Share ($24) is a blend of five grapes. The extra varietal in the 2014 is picpoul (meaning lip-stinger in French) and the viognier is reduced to 25 percent. The picpoul grape, tart and acidic, provides a nice balance to the viognier fruit. This younger wine is bright and citrusya delightful little gem. < Lion Ranch wines are made in the Old World, European style. The grapes are harvested before they become overly ripe, before the sugar content gets too high, leading to more elegant, lower alcohol wines, hovering around 14 percent. < Duly impressed, well both be back soon. Maria and Ricardo Hernandez moved to Gilroy from Cupertino, a town with noodle houses aplenty. Luckily for them and other lovers of ramen, they have a new place with authentic Japanese fare that satisfies their cravings. Its hard to find a good ramen place and this place is one of the best, says Maria, 36. That place is Ten Japan in Hecker Pass Plaza at 1340 First Street, Suite C, in Gilroy. Ten Japan, open four years now, shut its doors to renovate this past spring. Owners Jo and Akiko Shiihara wanted to create a new feel to their restaurant and decided to install a sushi bar. Bamboo at the entry sets the tone for the restaurant and the walls, now painted sleek black, are adorned with colorful abstract metal art that make the room pop. Finally, pendant lights hanging over the sushi bar and each table for two make for a relaxed ambiance. Now diners can enjoy their sushi and ramen while groovin to techno house beats or feelin irie with some reggae rhythms for the lunch crowd. Jo Shiihara, 44, noticed that many Japanese restaurants in the area didnt have traditionally trained chefs making authentic Japanese cuisine. He said he felt compelled to show Gilroy what good Japanese food should taste like. Jo is a classically trained French chef who worked in Tokyos famous Figaro Restaurant for 11 years. He and Akiko moved from Santa Barbara, where Jo worked as a chef at Arigato Sushi. Jo says that a unique aspect of his food is great sauces, which he attributes to his training in French cuisine. Kayla Fernandez, 20, is one of the servers at the restaurant and says that among the most popular items on the menu are the garlic edamame ($5.50) and the miso ramen ($9.75) with thick wavy noodles in a miso soup that begins with a pork bone broth base. The result is a creamy dish that is savory, but not overly salty. Its prepared with sliced chashu, cabbage, bamboo shoots and topped with scallions, chopped spinach and sweet corn. In addition to nigiri and sashimi, Kayla says other big sellers include Ten Japans butterfly roll ($9.50) and two speciality rolls: the 49er ($13.50) and the Lethal Weapon ($13.50). Even if youre not a Niners fan, the 49er roll is a palate pleaser with shrimp tempura, avocado, mango, salmon and tuna. Its topped with crunchy tempura flakes and the sweet and cool flavors of the mango and avocado are balanced by a spicy aioli sauce. Our party accepted most of Kaylas suggestions and next on our list to try was the Lethal Weapon. Not surprisingly, this specialty roll packed some heatmade with spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, fresh cucumber and jalapeno pepper. The Lethal Weapon was topped with tempura flakes and plated with habanero sauce alongside the chefs spicy aioli. Customer Chris Pacheco, 31, of Gilroy says the sushi is better than anywhere else and the service is great. Ten Japan is a quaint but swanky little place. The staff is relatively small and the restaurant fills up quickly. Jo Shiihara is proud to bring these flavors to Gilroy. I love to hear the customers are impressed and say thank you to the chefs, he says. As Donald Trump struggles through a second week of self-inflicted stumbles, the Democratic nominee's campaign has started to push into Republican territory by courting some of the party's core supporters and expanding her campaign's operations into traditionally red states. "The map favors us and, in a way, the dynamics right now favor us," said Joel Benenson, Clinton's senior strategist. "The more places you can make them play defense, the better off we are." Throughout his presidential bid, the Republican nominee has used controversy to draw attention back to his campaign. It's a strategy that initially worried some Clinton aides, who feared he would drown out their candidate's general-election message. But with three months to Election Day, Clinton aides say they see more advantages than liabilities as Trump continues to say the politically unimaginable. Critics slammed Trump this week for appearing to suggest that gun-rights supporters could shoot Clinton to prevent her from appointing federal judges as president, and he drew criticism for standing by a false claim that President Barack Obama founded the Islamic State. On Thursday, Trump said he would respond to his admitted problems in his campaign by doing "the same thing I'm doing right now." In an interview with CNBC, he said, "At the end, it's either going to work, or I'm going to, you know, I'm going to have a very, very nice, long vacation." Democratic strategists have long argued the party could win the White House with Obama's political coalition, the group of minority, young and female voters who twice boosted him to victory. They see the additional support Clinton is finding among independent and Republican voters as frosting on their electoral cake, potentially allowing Democrats to win back control of the Senate and enter the White House with the political momentum that comes from a sweeping victory. "You care very deeply about the 270th electoral vote, but there are also important reasons to care about winning big," said Geoff Garin, a pollster for Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign who now advises the pro-Clinton super PAC Priorities USA Action. "This is not just about rolling up the score." Clinton aides say she's taking nothing for granted, noting the U.S. remains a deeply politically divided country. They say they remain singularly focused on the most efficient path to capturing the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the White House. Yet Clinton is undoubtedly beginning to cast her gaze beyond the Democratic base. "I am humbled and moved by the Republicans who are willing to stand up and say that Donald Trump doesn't represent their values," she said at a rally in Iowa this week. "We may not agree on everything, but this is not a normal election and I will work hard over the next three months to earn the support of anyone willing to put our country first." On Wednesday, following two weeks of high-profile Republican defections, her campaign launched an official effort to target GOP voters. They also took baby steps into some traditionally deep red states, telling party officials in Arizona and Georgia they plan to make a six-figure investment in field operations in the two states. The next day, Clinton published a column in Salt Lake City's Deseret News titled "What I have in common with Utah leaders religious freedom and the Constitution." While the state has not backed a Democrat for president since Lyndon Johnson in 1964, Trump himself acknowledged Thursday he is "having a tremendous problem in Utah." Jeremy Bird, who ran field operations for Obama's 2012 campaign and is now consulting for Clinton's operation, said Trump has no one to blame but himself. The unorthodox candidate hasn't aired a single television ad since the end of the primaries and is building a bare-bones effort to get out the vote. "His inability to put anything real on the ground in battleground states is campaign malpractice," Bird said. "There are just so many paths to 270 and so many ways to put their presidential campaign and the Republican Party in a defensive posture, even in states that are not considered battlegrounds." Some recent polls suggest Clinton could also benefit from Republican-leaning voters deciding to stay home rather than come out to support Trump. Surveys in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio found that 90 percent of Democrats said they intended to support Clinton, while closer to 80 percent of Republicans intended to support Trump. Republicans caution the race remains far from settled, especially since voters don't particularly like either candidate. A small group of middle-class mothers interviewed by pollsters Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix used words such as "painful," ''nauseated" and "screwed" to describe their choice. "They don't trust Hillary Clinton," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, part of the bipartisan team that conducted the focus groups. "At the same time, they can't turn to Donald Trump because he scares them." Of the 20 women in the group, five said they were leaning Trump, seven to Clinton and eight undecided or backing a third party. Only one believed Trump would actually win. Maryam, at the Al Sunna Islamic center in Madrid. Carlos Rosillo The day that Maryams cellphone rang out the adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, her parents were understandly puzzled. They said their hearts skipped a beat because I had never told them to their faces that I had embraced Islam, she explains just days after her conversion. Maryam grew up in a non-practicing Christian home in Fuenlabrada, a working-class suburb of Madrid. She was christened Maria and celebrated her first communion but says she doesn't remember ever going to mass. Now, at the age of 29, she has converted to Islam, a processs she says took place over the last decade, beginning when she was 19 and her Moroccan-born boyfriend gave her a book that began this gradual process of change. It wasn't the Koran. It was simply called Islam and it was on sale at the book fair. It awoke my curiosity but it didn't make me believe immediately, she recalls. She began to look deeper into Islam, reading biographies of its prophets watching documentaries and finally tackling the Koran itself. I know that the day I go out with my parents wearing the hijab and a friend sees us, it wont be easy Maryam I had a very normal childhood and adolescence. When I was 17 or 18, I spent all day out with my friends, she says, automatically touching a finger to her lip where the scar from a piercing is still visible. As her knowledge of Islam grew, she started to change her lifestyle. She never hid anything from her parents, but neither did she explain what was going on. She wanted them to find out in as natural way as possible so that it wouldnt come as a blow. She introduced them to her boyfriend and started to drop small hints messages, she calls them. I left books on Islam around. They noticed that I was changing and that I spent more time at home and didn't go to the swimming pool as much as before, she says. When Maryam speaks about her parents, a barrier goes up. She wants to protect them because she knows they are still scared. It's not to do with their reaction because we live together and they can see that it's been good for me; that I don't drink, or smoke or take drugs. They can see that I go to work and back and lead a healthy, peaceful life. But I don't want to put any pressure on them or make them feel bad in any way because it's a sensitive issue, she says. Maryams biggest fear is fear itself; the fear that she might stir in those outside her family. I know how these things work and what society is like, she says. I know that the day I go out with my parents wearing the hijab and a friend sees us, it wont be easy. When people see a convert, they think, where have their parents failed? That's what I want to spare them. I don't want them to suffer. Because of this, Maryam is managing her conversion on two levels, combining her own culture with her adopted faith. Shes in no hurry. For example, she doesn't cover her head when she goes out with her family. They have seen the scarves and the abayas [long over garments], but they have never seen me dressed like that, she explains. Allah wiling, Im going to be around for a while, so it's better to go slowly. She knows she has a conversation pending with her parents, but she also feels supported and respected. My mother has been taking the pork out of my food for a while. When we painted the house and I lost my Koran, everyone helped to look for it. I haven't said openly that I am Muslim, but I haven't really needed to, she says. I'm sure they have a load of doubts and questions it hasnt been the right time to broach the subject. For the past eight years, Maryam has worked at a fast food franchise and doesnt wear the hijab during working hours. She says there was no point in asking if she could because she knew the answer would be no Maryam Maryam has spent the last three years observing Ramadan. She went to the mosque on the M-30, which is her favorite and to her boyfriends family home where she celebrated Iftar, the dinner that marks the end of Ramadan. But this year, something changed. Last Monday, I got up and decided I didnt want to spend another second not being Muslim. I considered I had enough knowledge to take the step; its been a long time, she explains. She asked her closest friends and her boyfriend to come to the mosque in Al Sunna, the Islamic center in Fuenlabrada. And there, in front of an Imam, she recited the Shahada one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith containing the precepts of Islam. I pronounced the Arabic very badly. I was very nervous because Id been wanting to do this for a long time. I got tearful and lost my place, she recalls smiling. It was very emotional, I felt at peace. You can do it alone in private or with more people. I decided to do it as I did because it's good for the community. She is planning to marry her boyfriend but she insists on separating the two things. I know that 99% of people will think I have converted for love, that I have done this for a boy, she says. But he would be the first to say that would be wrong. It shouldn't be an obligation. It has to come from the heart. He wouldn't have let me recite the Shahada for him because it's not fair to either of us. Maryam says that if the marriage doesn't work, she will continue in the Islamic faith. I have converted for myself. That's the truth. It's not as though one day I got up and said, I believe; it's a belief I have acquired gradually. Every time she says the word respect, Maryam holds out the palms of her hands and her voice softens. People can think what they like, that I have been brainwashed or that I am doing it for my boyfriend. And although they are wrong, I am not going to judge them, she says. For the past eight years, Maryam has worked at a fast food franchise and doesnt wear the hijab during working hours. She says there was no point in asking if she could because she knew the answer would be no. As far as her workmates are concerned, however, she says, They have been the easiest to tell about the conversion because I dont care if they judge me or not. They love me as I am. Like the majority of Muslims, Maryam believes that Spanish society is steeped in prejudice where Islam is concerned. In part, she blames the media for distorting the truth and focusing on the negative. She looks sad when she talks about Syria or the attacks on Brussels, pulling a face when she mentions the so-called Islamic State. Religion gets confused with culture, she says. It's true that there are Muslim countries where violence against women goes unpunished, but it is not allowed in Islam. It is not the religion thats to blame, it is the people and a lack of education, she says. Maryam adds that she feels more valued as a woman now than in her previous life. Islam is not chauvinistic. There is an entire Sura dedicated to women! Under a mother's feet is paradise, she says, reciting the Koran. She also addresses the assumption of submission in Islam, insisting that one of the reasons she has converted is to avoid feeling limited or constrained. If I couldn't work or go out with a friend or do things I want to do, like in countries where women can't drive, I wouldnt have converted. I'm not stupid, she insists. For Maryam, conversion brought her a feeling of liberation: she says she feels happier and more satisfied with her new, which she describes as more balanced. I wear a headscarf when I go out and I feel free. Isn't that strange? When I put on the scarf and see that nobody looks at me and nobody annoys me, that to me is freedom. To be able to wear what I like, covering myself up, she says. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here Comparing herself to girls who opt for skimpy garments, she adds, They think there is nothing wrong with dressing like that. I think the same about covering myself up. I'm not hurting anyone. Its good for me. Maryam remembers when she felt the first glimmer of faith. And she can tell you the exact moment she knew she had been born a Muslim and had to be reunited with Allah. She imagines what people will think of her but she is not worried about the future, using the Arabic term inshallah. But for now she will continue to study Arabic and focus on helping to alleviate her family's fears. But because of the nature of her conversion, she is confident that their fears can be managed. She can't remember when she stopped being Maria to become Maryam. It's easier for Muslims to pronounce and so they started to call me that, she explains. "The real challenge will be learning how to combine my own culture with my adopted culture and the hijab, for example," she says adding that she is Maryam and also Maria. English version by Heather Galloway. Goose Green, the Falkland Islands' second city. Javier Lizon (EFE) More information May propone un acercamiento politico al Gobierno argentino por las Malvinas In her first official contact with the Argentinean government, British Prime Minister Theresa May has written to President Mauricio Macri calling for a normalization of relations over the Falkland Islands that would include more flights to the British-run territory, as well as a lifting of restrictions on oil exploration. May, who took office on July 13, expressed her sincere hope in the letter, sent on Thursday, of improving relations with Argentina, which have been strained since the 1982 war between the two countries after the military junta ruling the country at the time decided to invade the Falkland Islands. Downing Street believes that it can rebuild a more fruitful relationship with Macri, who took office in December, in contrast with the bitter exchanges between Mays predecessor, David Cameron, and Macris forerunner, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. May called for "more productive" relations between the two countries in her letter to the pro-business Macri, who took office in December as Argentina's first non-Peronist president in more than a decade. We have an issue with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands...without denying its existence, we can work on many other things while we gradually advance toward a resolution of this issue Argentine foreign minister Susana Malcorra "Since the election of President Macri, we have been working towards improved relations with Argentina because we think that is in the interests of both our countries and the Falkland Islanders too," May's Downing Street office said in a statement. In her letter, May said she hoped that where the two countries had differences, "these can be acknowledged in an atmosphere of mutual respect". She called for progress towards new flights between the islands, which are located about 435 miles off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina, and third countries in the region. As things stand, a Chilean airline flies from Santiago to the Falklands every Saturday via the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas. Once a month, the flight also stops in Rio Gallegos, Argentina, in both directions. May also called for the removal of "restrictive hydrocarbons measures", a reference to various attempts by Argentine authorities to restrict oil and gas exploration in the waters around the islands. Tensions flared in June last year, under Macri's predecessor Cristina Fernandez, when an Argentine federal judge ordered the seizure of millions of dollars' worth of assets owned by drillers operating in the Falklands area. The Argentine measures have not halted oil exploration, although efforts have been scaled down in recent times due to low oil prices on international markets. Susana Malcorra, Argentinas foreign minister, responded to the letter, telling media that President Macri would look at the British proposals. The new Argentinean president has said he intends to improve and strengthen relations with the United Kingdom, ending the confrontational approach that characterized the Kirchner administration. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here We believe it is very important to reestablish dialogue at the highest level between our two countries, as President Macri and Prime Minister David Cameron did, because we continue to believe, as we have said all along, that the links between Argentina and the United Kingdom are an important part of our presence in the world. We have an issue with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a subject that is part of our Constitution, so without denying its existence, we can work on many other things while we gradually advance toward a resolution of this issue. The Falklands have a population of about 3,000 people, the overwhelming majority of whom say they wish the islands to remain a British overseas territory. Argentina has rejected that argument, accusing Britain of deliberately settling people there over a long period of history to bolster an illegitimate sovereignty claim. English version by Nick Lyne. Sustainable investing is generally depicted as a concept that is implemented through specialist mandates: that is, those which explicitly express a commitment to sustainability objectives. As a result, investors have developed a polarised view of investment strategiessustainable versus mainstream. This is not only because funds are often marketed that way, but the language cited in investment literature, where terms such as ethical, socially conscious/responsible, sustainable, mission-based, green, ESG, and so on are used interchangeably, has left those funds lumped into an undifferentiated mass. Taking a birds-eye view, sustainable investing is a long-term approach that captures the environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, disciplines of companies. It has very little to do with negative screens, instead focusing on the behaviour of companies in areas such as product safety, climate change and carbon emissions, board composition, gender and diversity in the work place, executive compensation, energy efficiency; to name but a few. By and large, unless an investor has opted for a fund that is labelled as sustainable, it is safe to assume that the sustainability profile of their investments doesnt keep them wide awake at night. We think sustainability warrants greater attention, though, as time and time again we are reminded about the significant and long-lasting impact that ESG-related mishaps have on companies financial performance. Therefore, this concept need not be confined to a specific group of funds that carry the sustainable label. It is relevant to all funds. How are some of the most popular UK-equity funds performing on ESG factors? Until recently, it would have been difficult to answer this question. However, Morningstar has launched a new rating which gives investors a fresh perspective on how well the underlying companies in a fund are doing on sustainability relative to their peers. The Morningstar Sustainability Rating is based on ESG company research from Sustainalytics, a leading provider of ESG and corporate governance ratings and research. To derive the rating, we first calculate a Portfolio Sustainability Score, which is based on a portfolios ESG score and a deduction for current ESG-related controversies. Sustainalytics classifies controversial events involving companies by severity across five categories, with category 5 being the most severe. To arrive at the rating, we then sort funds into five normally distributed groups by comparing a funds Portfolio Sustainability Score with that of its Morningstar category peers. How Do UK Equity Funds Fare? Amongst the top-10 largest active UK equity funds within the Morningstar UK Large-Cap Blend Equity category, the results are varied. Threadneedle UK combines a favourable ESG score relative to peers, as well as a limited exposure to companies with controversies when compared with peers, therefore achieving a 5-globe rating. It is worth mentioning that on average across its fund range, the ratings of Columbia Threadneedle a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investmentshave been slightly above average. However, thats not to say that the fund has zero exposure to companies with controversies. Indeed, Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB), which has featured in this portfolio, as well as eight others out of the 10 funds, has a category 4 controversy score. According to Sustainalytics, the companys ongoing operations through its subsidiaries in Nigeria are linked to severe environmental pollution in relation to oil spills over several decades. During the past five years, the company has spilled 12.6 thousand tonnes of oil worldwide. If we look closely at the scores, JOHCM UK Opportunities has an Average ESG score relative to its peers, but its favourable controversy score has pushed its overall rating to Above Average, which is equivalent to a 4-globe rating. The funds manager, John Wood, has a long-term strategy focused on identifying quality stocks and stable growers, which tends to favour stocks that score well in sustainability. Amongst the holdings in the portfolio is The Sage Group (SGE), a global supplier of accounting and business management software, which has not been involved in any controversies. Although the Morningstar Sustainability Rating reflects a best-in-class approach to ESG, controversies may be prevalent in some sectors more than others and therefore sector biases within funds can still have an impact on the overall rating. Looking at the funds sector exposures, it seems that the muted exposure to financials and metals and mining, as well as the underweight exposure to energy relative to peers may have also contributed to its strong rating, given the higher incidence of controversies in those sectors. Causing Controversy In a similar vein, Majedie UK Equity has an Average ESG score; however, its controversy score ranks among the worst in its category, therefore dragging its overall rating down to 2 globes. The fund is structured into four sub-portfolios run by different managers. Overall, the managers seek to identify attractively valued companies whose price is below its real, industrial, or long-term worth. The fund owns five out of the six most commonly held stocks, omitting only The Sage Group. Given the growth-oriented nature of the stock and its valuation metrics, we wouldnt expect to see it in this value-driven portfolio. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which is an outperformer in its sector, has featured in the portfolio. The stock, however, is contributing to the funds poor controversy score as it has a category 4 controversy rating. The company has been involved in several controversies, including severe bribery cases between 2007 and 2013, after which the company has progressively improved its programmes and management systems to mitigate risks of reoccurrence. It has also been accused of being involved in a series of unethical clinical trial practices. At the other end of the spectrum, Invesco Perpetual UK Growth has a Low Sustainability Rating. Although the fund has an Average ESG score, its controversy score is Below Average. The funds manager, Martin Walker, adopts a pragmatic, unconstrained approach, which is contrarian in nature. The managers value orientation can partly explain his ownership of stocks such as Rio Tinto, BP, Barclays, and Shell, which have been battered in recent years and have delivered a negative annualised return during the past three years. BP, for example, which has a category 3 controversy rating, has been involved in several controversies relating to employee safety violations across its global operations. It also remains exposed to shareholder litigations in relation to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident. Barclays Bank: Managing ESG Risks Interestingly, Barclays (BARC) has been owned across eight of the 10 funds. Although it scores broadly in line with its sector, its record shows several controversies, with the highest being a category 4 as the bank has faced multiple investigations and lawsuits. In 2012, Barclays was the first bank to settle investigations over Libor manipulation with the US and UK with regulators, accepting a major fine of $453 million. In 2014, the SEC started an investigation over big dark pools and in 2015, Barclays pleaded guilty to criminally manipulating the foreign exchange markets between 2007 and 2011 and agreed to pay a record fine of $2.4 billion to the US Department of Justice, the Federal Reserve, and other US- and UK-based financial regulators. Some companies clearly do a better job of managing their ESG risks and opportunities than others, and this feeds not only into funds with sustainable mandates, its also relevant for mainstream funds. Morningstars new ratings will contribute to the mainstreaming of sustainable investing, helping the field move from the province of the institutional and high-net-worth investor to the everyday investor. However, investors should also expect greater scrutiny from fund managers as they interact with companies on corporate sustainability issues. Francesc Homs, thel PDC's spokesman in Congress. ALVARO GARCIA The spokesman for the Catalan Democratic Party (PDC), formerly Convergencia, one of the leading forces in the pro-independence Junts pel Si bloc in the regional parliament, dismisses the ongoing talks in Madrid aimed at garnering support in Congress to allow interim Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to form a government with the support of the minority center-right Ciudadanos party, describing the possibility of Rajoy winning a vote by deputies as very remote. Francesc Homs, who represents eight Catalan deputies in Congress, says that the efforts of Ciudadanos to help Rajoy form a government will change nothing, because, he believes, the Socialists will not abstain should Rajoy ask Congress to vote on his investiture as prime minister later this month. That would be suicide for the Socialists, he says. Everybody knows this, apart from the leaders of Ciudadanos. The only thing that has changed in recent days is that Groucho Marx has appeared on the scene, says Homs, who believes that if Spain wants to avoid a third election in a year, the opposition parties will have to sit down and form a coalition administration made up of the Socialists, Podemos, and pro-independence Catalan parties. Being Prime Minister requires the ability to build a majority, he says, referring to Rajoys failure so far to garner support from the opposition. We dont support the PPs policies, and this union with Ciudadanos doesnt suggest any kind of change of attitudes, which is what we requested, but instead seems the exact opposite Aitor Esteban, Basque National Party Rivera and Rajoy met on Wednesday to discuss Ciudadanos demands: Rajoy must set a date for his investiture debate in Congress, expel party officials targeted in corruption investigations, end judicial privileges for elected officials, change the electoral law, end amnesties and pardons in corruption cases, limit the prime ministers mandate, and create a parliamentary commission to look into the so-called Barcenas case involving illegal cash payments to PP officials. The PP's executive committee meets on Wednesday to discuss the proposals. Rajoy, whose Popular Party (PP) obtained 137 seats at the repeat election of June 26, needs 176 for a congressional majority. Even with Ciudadanos 32 seats, Rajoy would require either the Socialists to abstain in a vote, or for Catalan and Basque nationalist parties to support him, which they have shown no indication of doing. The Socialists and Podemos took 85 and 71 seats respectively, but the Socialists have ruled out trying to form a coalition in large part because of Podemos insistence that Catalonia be allowed to hold an independence referendum. Both parties appear to have lost the political initiative. Nobody is rejecting out of hand an alternative to the PP. But it would be difficult, and there would be a lot of conditions. But nobody has begun to explore the possibility. In any event, Rajoy and Rivera are heading toward a dead-end. Their sums dont add up, said Homs on Thursday following the first meeting since the June 26 elections of the 19 members of the so-called Mixed Group, made up of deputies whose parties garnered less than 5% of the national vote, and that includes Basque and Catalan nationalist representatives. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here But Homs doubts that the political will exists to form a broad coalition, concluding that the current impasse will continue and that Spaniards will have to return to the polls before the end of the year: I see it as more likely that well have another election than a new government. Aitor Esteban, spokesman for the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), was similarly bleak about the likelihood of Ciudadanos and the PP garnering the support of other parties in Congress that would allow Rajoy to form a government: We dont support the PPs policies, and this union with Ciudadanos doesnt suggest any kind of change of attitudes, which is what we requested, but instead seems the exact opposite. Esteban also accuses Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez of eluding his responsibilities, as head of the second-most voted party in the June elections, to try to form a government, charging that the PSOE has tried to shift the pressure it is under from Rajoy to abstain and allow him to form a government onto the regional, nationalist parties. The PNV governs in coalition with the PSOE in the Basque Country and in three capitals there. We have always been able to reach agreement with the Socialists, he says. English version by Nick Lyne. In response to the clear trend towards supersize density in Burnaby, a community group petitioned provincial authorities to investigate new condo developments that led to what the group has called the egregious flattening of low-cost apartments in Brentwood, Edmonds, Lougheed, and Metrotown.The Burnaby First Coalition alleged that the councils 2010 zoning amendment introduced drastic and potentially unwanted changes to the city plan, including the demolition of over 300 cheap apartments since 2012.Consultation should have happened before the increases in density, Coalition chair Helen Ward told The Globe and Mail.Ward added that the Burnaby council is violating legal requirements on notices regarding the plan changes. In its complaint submitted to the provincial ombudspersons office in May, the Coalition maintained that the rezoning application approved by the city government do not take into account the official community plan.The request for investigation came after Wards correspondence earlier this year with deputy city manager Chad Turpin, who noted that the city government followed all the required steps for the new developments.Over the past few years, Vancouver and the surrounding areas have become a hotbed for home construction amid unprecedented levels of demand, which has consistently outstripped supply in the regions overheated housing segment. Spooky sites Fall is the season of holiday spectacle in Moorpark. In December, of course, Pinedale Road transforms into Candy Cane Lane and dazzles visitors with Santa splendor. But for those who... Local hula group inspires global connections When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Teens face high stakes in the Oval Office A press room befitting Americas commander in chief was set up inside the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Journalists and others gathered inside. Ladies and gentlemen, I need you all... These are the responsibility of the editor and convey the newspaper's view on current affairs-both domestic and international Barcelona's mayor, Ada Colau. EFE Adjusting the rules so the legislation better accommodates the new economic reality is legitimate and necessary if Spain is truly the dynamic society it claims to be. Tourist apartments up for rent are not covered by the Urban Leasing Law of 2013, and since then they have been subject to different regulations according to each autonomous region. At times these informal rentals have angered an accommodation industry that feels threatened and sees them as unfair competition. Baleares has banned people from letting their apartments, allowing only single-family chalets; Madrid blocked renting for fewer than five days until the courts annulled this provision; the Canaries limit tourist rentals through measures now contested by the country's competition watchdog. Bans and restrictions would be unacceptable if Spain had the open economy that it should. Permitting tourist rentals does not have to mean leaving them unregulated, and in this sense (through licenses and taxes) the sector can continue growing and generating benefits for the tourist or tenant without damaging society. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here Barcelona has ordered the closure of 256 apartments, issuing fines of 30,000 to Airbnb and Homeaway for listings without licenses that were posted on their sites , which has unleashed the fury of the platforms and supporters of the governments deregulation of the informal housing sector. Now, though, the excess of visitors Barcelona received 8.9 million tourists in 2015 has become a major problem for citizens, and its the responsibility of local authorities to sort out how to navigate this new reality. The websites dont consider themselves responsible for third-party infractions and have appealed the fines, which the local government threatens to keep raising to 600,000. The steady hand of the judicial system can only help to establish balances and grant tourist rentings legality. English version by Allison Light. Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) has just announced its expansion into Marin County, California, with a new office in Larkspur. Michael Koran and Dane Moler, PRMIs Bay Area division managers, will increase their area of responsibility to include overseeing the new location. PRMIs San Francisco division is on track to set new origination volume records again this year after funding a record-breaking $91.9 million in loans last year. Since opening in 2008, PRMIs San Francisco division has helped more than 1,600 people attain their dream of homeownership. Were proud of the rapid growth weve experienced locally. Primary Residential Mortgage is quickly becoming a household name in California and the Bay Area and we look forward to providing the people of Marin County with an independent, locally-owned alternative for home loans, stated Koran. Yelp lists Michael Koran among the top five loan originators in the San Francisco area. A California native, Koran attended the University of California, Berkeley as well as the Haas School of Business. Hes a 12-year veteran of the mortgage industry, and has served as vice president of sales and as division manager at PRMI. Dane Moler is listed as a top loan originator by a renowned mortgage publication, and has been in the San Francisco mortgage industry for well over a decade. Moler also attended the University of California, Berkeley, and has a degree in Political Economics. Hes the recipient of multiple management and origination honors throughout his real estate lending career. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, PRMI has evolved into a nationwide, multi-billion dollar operation with more than 1,800 employees working in nearly 250 branches. The company is licensed in 49 states and serves all segments of the market. Dilijan Arts Observatory, the first project by the Dilijan Art Initiative, launched in Armenia A cultural archaeology of the history and aesthetic practices of Dilijan, Armenia, culminating in a two day public event IDeA (Initiatives for Development of Armenia) Foundation and Dilijan Development Foundation (DDF) announce the launch of the Dilijan Arts Observatory, an experimental interdisciplinary think tank, which aims to develop new models for art practice and higher education in Dilijan. The first major international art event in Armenia organised by the Dilijan Art Initiative, the Observatory will bring together an international group of artists, cultural historians and environmental scientists to Armenia from 22 August 11 September 2016. Dilijan Art Initiative is a complex project that seeks to promote Dilijan and Armenian culture internationally, providing support for the presentation of work by artists from the Armenian diaspora in the worlds leading exhibitions and major cultural events. Dilijan Art Initiative supported Armenity/Hayoutioun; the National Pavilion of the Republic of Armenia at the 56th Venice Biennale, which was awarded the Golden Lion, the highest possible honour for a national pavilion, and the Armenian programme at the 14th Istanbul Biennial devoted to the research of Armenian history and trauma in contemporary Turkey. Dilijan Arts Observatory, which is a part of the Dilijan Art Initiative project, is supported by philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend, Founders of the United World College Dilijan, RVVZ and IDeA charitable foundations, and Co-Founders of DDF, as well as another DDF Co-Founder Gagik Adibekyan who is also the Founder of Adibekyan Family Foundation for Advancement. The Dilijan Arts Observatory has been devised by international curator and anthropologist Clementine Deliss, and will bring together a group of historians and practitioners to undertake fieldwork in the town, working closely with its citizens and identifying local wisdom or folkways. The event will take place in the ancient spa town and mountain retreat of Dilijan, which once hosted composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Benjamin Britten, among other famous people. Fieldwork activities will include investigating style, crafts, graphics; music, composition and astronomy; Soviet architecture and design; culinary knowledge; wilderness, botany and future products for survival. The Observatory will take place in Dilijan and neighbouring villages, adopting the former Soviet Impuls electronics factory in Dilijan as its headquarters. A classic example of Soviet industrial architecture, 4000 employees once worked in the Impuls Factory under the order of the Soviet Defence Ministry, before it was privatised. The Dilijan Arts Observatory Participants are: Dilijan Arts Observatory participants: Vahram Aghasyan (AM), Haig Aivazian (CA), Alen Amirkhanian (AM), Ruben Arevshatyan (AM), Vardan Azatyan (AM), Erik van Buuren (NL), Katerina Chuchalina (RU), Vardan Danielyan (AM), Mohamad Deeb (LB), Clementine Deliss (GB), Silvina Der Meguerditchian (AM), Arpad Dobriban (DE), Andrew de Freitas (NZ), David Galstyan (AM), Vigen Galstyan (AM), Natasha Gasparian (LB), Raphaela Grolimund (CH), Angela Harutyunyan (AM), Krispin Hee (CH), Misha Hollenbach(AU), Marc Norbert Horler (CH), Marianna Hovhannisyan (AM), Christoph Keller (DE), Aram Keryan (AM), Nairi Khatchadourian (AM), Antje Majewski (DE), Augustin Maurs (FR), Ioana Mitrea (RO), Maria Mkrtycheva (RU), Mathilde Rosier (CH), Marcello Spada (IT), Pascal Storz (CH), Shauna Toohey, Perks and Mini (AU), Joanna Sokolowska (PL), Hasmik Ter-Voskanian (AM), Vangjush Vellahu (AL), Jasmine Werner (DE), Asya Yaghmurian (AM), Nork Zakarian (EG). On 10th and 11th September 2016, a two-day public event will be held in Dilijan, presenting the results with a series of events, including an all-night symphony, culinary festivities, performances and exhibitions, as well as an international round-table debate on a future academy for art and life practices. The outcome of the Dilijan Arts Observatory will feature in exhibitions at the leading national art museums in Europe: the National Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin, in November 2017, and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, in summer 2018. Veronika Zonabend, Co-Founder, IDeA Foundation, said: "Dilijan Arts Observatory is another project of IDeA Foundation and Dilijan Development Foundation aimed at driving Dilijans urban and cultural regeneration through education. Dilijan Arts Observatory will include workshops, lectures and interdisciplinary research projects in Dilijan. The Observatory will bring together individuals each of whom is leading in their field from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and countries, to experience the cultural offer of Armenia. I look forward with anticipation to understanding and learning what will be uncovered by this important project." Clementine Deliss, Curator of the Dilijan Arts Observatory, said: "Im delighted to be part of this project. In 2009, when I first came to Armenia to meet artists and activists, I really valued their radical position. Its hugely significant for the Dilijan Arts Observatory, and for Armenia as an international platform, that so many of these leading artists and researchers are now travelling to take part in our project. I hope that our dialogue will produce new models and prototypes for the future. Gagik Adibekyan, Founder of the Adibekyan Family Foundation for Advancement, said: Two years ago Dilijan became Armenias new educational centre whose importance has been recognised internationally. Thanks to the Dilijan Arts Observatory, this ancient and picturesque town will also become a centre of art and culture, as the project brings together artists, historians and researchers from 14 countries. We are glad that every step we take to develop Dilijan has to do with creating unique, socially significant projects that attract talented people from all over the world. That means that this town has a promising future. We were not bribed to drop ... Sonora, CA Hear about efforts underway to help Columbia College students gain firsthand career experience. Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, Columbia Colleges Dean of Career Technical Education and Economic Development, will be the guest on Mother Lode Views this weekend. We reported previously that Columbia was awarded at two-year California Apprenticeship Initiative grant in the amount of $960,000. It has helped launch a pilot program called the Columbia College Hospitality Academy through a partnership with Black Oak Casino Resort and the Evergreen and Rush Creek lodges. It will allow students to receive hands on training in the hospitality industry, and Tenbergen hopes the program will eventually be expanded to other sectors and industries. Tenbergen, who joined Columbia College two years ago, will talk about this effort and other issues on Mother Lode Views. Audrie Damara, a third-grade student at Cannella Elementary School in Tampa, missed her bus Friday morning. 3rd-grade student missed the bus Friday morning Student's mother called the school and said she needed help Cannella principal went to student's home and brought her to school "The bus came 15 minutes early and didn't even attempt to stop," said Audrie's mother, Alaina. Alaina said her car stopped working a few days ago, so she was stuck without a way to get her daughter to school just the third day of the new school year. The school's principal, Rhonda McMahon, wasn't going to let Audrie miss a day of school already. Damara said she called the school and spoke to someone in the office. Damara was told McMahon was doing her morning duties and would call her back when she could. The school's vice principal returned Damara's call and asked whether Damara would like someone to come pick up her daughter and bring her to school. Damara, of course, said she would love that. Within 30 minutes, McMahon knocked on Damara's door and took Audrie to school. "(It) absolutely shows her dedication to her students," Damara said. "Thank you very much, Principal Rhonda McMahon and Mrs. Brengel. That's dedication!" According to political website Politico, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump may be planning a meeting with GOP leaders in Orlando on Friday to discuss the direction of his campaign. Meeting will allegedly be at Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Politico says GOP members have publicly denounced Trump The reported meeting has been called everything from a typical meeting to an emergency to even a come To Jesus meeting. According to Politico, their sources say hell be meeting with top RNC members as tension has been building between the GOP and Trumps campaign. "Donald Trumps campaign and top Republican Party officials plan what one person called a 'come to Jesus' meeting on Friday in Orlando to discuss the Republican nominees struggling campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the scheduled sit-down," according to Politico's Marc Caputo, Ben Schreckinger and Kenneth P. Vogel. The article claims Trump will sit down with RNC officials at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. The article stated the meeting is being viewed by RNC officials as a sign that the campaign has come to grips with the difficulty it is having in maintaining a message and running a ground game. In fact, it has been reported that Trump lacks support of many key Republicans. News 13 and CNN have reported that some members of the GOP have decried Trump. CNN has a long list of senators, representatives, governors and party leaders who have publicly denounced the Republican candidate. The Trump campaign has not yet replied to this station's email inquiring about the meeting and no other media outlet has confirmed it. His website shows he is scheduled to be in Pennsylvania at 2 p.m. Friday. The hotel also would not confirm whether the meeting will take place there. Trump campaigned in Kissimmee on Thursday and spoke to a meeting of evangelical pastors at the Orange County Convention Center. Plainview resident Yan Wang has a part-time job, a teenage daughter and a husband. The family immigrated to the United States from Shanghai, China, in 2007; first to Salt Lake City and later to Plainview, where her husband teaches at Wayland Baptist University. They have all become U.S. citizens. We enjoy our freedom. We are happy here, Wang said. However, Wang remembers what she went through in China where she was a member of Falun Gong, a religious practice that involves meditative exercise routine and is centered on the values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. After spending a year in hiding, Wang was captured and sent to a detention camp, then to a forced labor camp. She was later transferred to a team that specialized in converting hard core Falun Gong practitioners. There, she was forced to sit on a hard stool for hours, subjected to propaganda, cursed and beaten. At that, Wang said, she was luckier than other Falun Gong practitioners. Because she had friends in other countries, the government let her go for fear that she would expose their human rights violations internationally. By the time she was released, Wang had been separated from her baby daughter for 3 1/2 years. Even with her experience, Wang could not believe the stories she was hearing about Falun Gong and other groups in China. The Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party, law enforcement, doctors, nurses and hospital personnel have all been implicated in a scheme to harvest body parts, including corneas, hearts, livers and kidneys from Falun Gong members as well as other groups. At the beginning, I could not believe that so much evil could exist in this planet, Wang said. The story of a woman called Annie who worked in a hospital where her husband was a doctor convinced Wang the stories were true. Annies husband revealed the truth about what went on behind the closed doors of the hospital. Many others in the international community were also convinced that people were being executed for their organs, some having their body parts cut out while they were still alive, as is documented on several websites and in two documentaries: Hard to Believe by PBS and Human Harvest: Chinas Illegal Organ Trade by Flying Cloud Productions. The United States House of Representatives is also convinced that illegal human organ harvesting takes place. On July 13, 2016, House Resolution 343 was passed. The resolution condemns the practice of state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting in the Peoples Republic of China, calls on the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and Communist Party of China to immediately end the practice of organ harvesting from all prisoners of conscience; demands an immediate end to the 17-year persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual practice by the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Communist Party of China; and calls for the immediate release of all Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience. It also calls for the U.S. Department of State to conduct a more detailed analysis of state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience. Other groups, such as Tibetan Christians and the predominantly Muslim Uyghur are similarly persecuted. But the Falun Gong, which began in 1998, has been particularly targeted since 1999. The film Human Harvest shows anonymous Falun Gong members from outside of China calling hospitals in China, purportedly to ask about being scheduled for an organ transplant. Yes, the hospital officials said, they could get body parts such as hearts, livers and corneas. Yes, they also replied, they could get parts from Falun Gong members, who are generally young and healthy, abstaining from cigarettes and tobacco. The wait time? Two weeks. People who have had organ transplants, or whose loved ones have had organ transplants, know that it can take years to find a suitable donor. And while China is second only to the U.S. in its number of organ transplants, China only instituted a voluntary organ donor program in 2009, and very few Chinese sign up to donate their organs after death, according to a New York Times article (China Announces a System for Voluntary Organ Donors by Michael Wine, Aug. 26, 2009). Possibly the most effective testimony in the Human Harvest video comes from an armed guard who witnessed the torture, rape, execution and organ harvesting of a young middle school teacher. The guard said throughout the process, the victim was tough like steel and refused to renounce her Falun Gong beliefs. He was also impressed by the coolness of the doctors who extracted her organs, beginning with heart, while she was still alive, without using any anesthesia. Their hands did not tremble at all, he said. The victims last words were Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) is good. Wang is determined to raise awareness of the organ harvesting in her native country. I can do whatever I can, she said. Though it was first exposed in 2006, very little attention has been paid in the international world. They are still doing this in China. Wang uses emails, phone calls, and her connections with people around the world to make sure the story gets out. We need to let more people know, she said. This is a very serious crime, a threat to humanity, not just the Chinese people. It should be brought to court, and there should be a very big trial to punish those involved. If it doesnt stop, the evil will grow, she concluded. Abundant information is available on the Internet. Search HR 343 for the full text of the House resolution. Search Hard to Believe, or Human Harvest for film synopses and trailers. Search China organ harvesting for recent reports, or go to www.upholdjustice.org. Lend a back-to-school hand while hanging out with Plainviews bravest and finest as local businesses prepare for one last summer event. Beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, Matt Hortons State Farm Insurance and Sun Loan Company will host a free hot dog bash at the Stonegate Shopping Center, 1001 N. Interstate 27, (next to Tractor Supply). Free water will also be provided. Sales tax payments to cities and counties in the six counties served by the Plainview Herald are down significantly in the current payment cycle, falling a combined 14.3 percent when compared with August 2015 payments. For the year-to-date, payments are down a miniscule 0.57 percent. Those numbers are based on retail sales made during June for businesses that report to the State Comptrollers Office on a month-to-month basis, and for sales in April, May and June for quarterly filers. Overall, payments for the 15 cities and counties which collect local sales taxes this cycle totaled $652,754.43, compared to $761,367.52 in August 2015. For the year-to-date, payments are $5,138,655.33, compared to $5,168,113.86 through the first eight months of 2015. The sharpest percent decline was for Floydada, which fell 40.97 percent, followed by Silverton at 33.44 percent. Plainviews sales tax payment fell by 18.12 percent with Hale County seeing a drop of 13.72 percent. Edmonsons payment more than doubled, going from $426.82 in August 2015 to $1,096.80 this cycle.Thats an increase of 156.97 percent. Castro County showed a 28.75 percent increase, with Olton seeing its receipts rise 21.02 percent. Hale Center also recorded a double-digit sales tax hike at 17.97 percent. The month-to-month comparisons reflecting the decrease is a bit distorted due to the large increases the City of Plainview and Hale County saw in 2015, explains Mike Fox, executive director of the Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corporation. The fact that we are only slightly behind the year-to-date comparison is most likely timing factors that will even out over time, and more accurately indicates that our local economy remains strong. Those year-to-date figures show Plainviews payment to be off just 2.87 percent, while Hale County is off 1.79 percent. The largest decline was for Silverton, which is down 11.83 percent. Those showing significant increases during the same period are Edmonson, up 31.58 percent; Castro County, 20.66 percent; Lockney, 17.58 percent; Kress, 15.8 percent; Petersburg, 12 percent; and Abernathy, 11.86 percent. Tulia just missed showing a double-digit increase, at 9.28 percent, with Olton at 7.42 percent. Dr. Charles Starnes, economics professor at Wayland and a member of the Plainview City Council, said, Instead of examining the monthly sales tax report, I'd like to describe what actually collects the sales tax, the businesses who report to the State of Texas. In Hale County there were 1,028 businesses that reported in 2015, the last year for which data has been compiled. Of the total, 825 businesses reported quarterly and an additional 203 reported annually. Those that report quarterly are larger businesses while the annual reporters are smaller businesses with lower total sales. Quarterly reporters represent the economic base, and annual reporters are more variable and represent business startups and entrepreneurism. A business can leave the annual roles by either closing or growing enough to be directed to report quarterly by the Texas Comptroller. In Hale County over the last several years we have seen solid growth in the number of quarterly reporters of about 6.6 additional businesses per year, while annual reporters have been declining by about 10.9 businesses per year. The total number of businesses reporting has been declining by about 4.3 per year. That suggests that the economic base is growing while business startup remains risky. The City of Plainview plans for a nominal growth of sales tax revenue that is consistent with the observed growth of businesses. Last year's receipts were greater than normal. Sales tax collections in 2016 appear to be a return to the normal trend, Starnes said. Previously, Fox and others have noted that some of the strong retail sales during 2015 can be attributed to increased activity in the wind energy sector. That seems to be a factor in the declines shown for Silverton and Floydada, which saw the installation of CRUZ transmission lines followed by the development of several wind energy projects in their vicinity during 2014-15. The pace of activity in those areas have dropped significantly in recent months. Current payments for area taxing entities and their change from a year ago include: --Abernathy, $17,625, -1.81% --Castro Co., $23,461, 28.75% --Edmonson, $1,097, 156.97% --Floydada, $32,807, -5.97% --Hale Center, $10,161, 17.97% --Hale Co., $131,673, -13.72% --Hart, $3,548, -5.57% --Kress, $1,027, 2.91% --Lockney, $10,267, -5.97% --Olton, $20,580, 21.02% --Petersburg, $4,418, 2.68% --Plainview, $342,007, -18.12% --Silverton, $5,062, -33.44% --Swisher Co., $15,142, 7.52% --Tulia, $33,979, 7.23% Current payments for area taxing entities and their change from a year ago include: --Abernathy, $15,908, 7.78% --Castro County, $39,877, 190.5% --Edmonson, $370, -5.87% --Floydada, $30,043, 37.13% --Hale Center, $6,652, -2.34% --Hale County, $118,216, 6.04% --Hart, $3,822, 35.46% --Kress, $882, 29.38% --Lockney, $10,919, 44.65% --Olton, $12,382, 20.04% --Petersburg, $3,909, 21.27% --Plainview, $312,173, 5.53% --Silverton, $4,591, -18.48% --Swisher County, $12,157, 14.06% --Tulia, $28,395, 20.18% Police in Union City have asked the public for help in tracking down a man who interrupted a meeting of Sikh elders at a park and desecrated a holy book in front of them. The incident happened Tuesday night at Contempo Park in Union City when the man walked up to the group and began tearing apart the Guru Granth Sahib, a book of Sikh scriptures. He was chased by outraged onlookers, got into a car and drove away. While our legal options are limited to the facts, our intent is to do all we can to promote a feeling of safety and solidarity to our entire Union City community, an official from the Union City Police Department wrote in a Facebook post about the incident. No witnesses got the license plate number of the man's car or recognized him, officials said. He was described as being of Indian descent, and witnesses reported that he spoke Punjabi, the predominant language among Sikhs. Police officials said they want to speak with the man about the incident as a matter of due diligence and to confirm there are no other aspects of the incident about which we are unaware. But a former director of the popular Sikh Gurdwara temple in Fremont would like the authorities to do more. This was a direct attack on our religious identity, said Harjeet Singh, a member of the temple. He said more police action is needed, specifically in the form of an assault case against the man who, Singh said, physically attacked a member of the temple who confronted him at the park after he tore up the scriptures. Singh said the incident likely stems from violence against Sikhs that has recently taken place in India. We have seen a sharp spike in the northern state of India, Singh said. We dont know whether it was the same vested group. The incident would make more sense if it was from someone of another ethnicity, Singh said. There were five or six Sikhs in the park at the time the man tore up the holy scriptures, Singh said. Two were in their 40s with the rest in their 60s. Union City is home to the largest Sikh population in the Bay Area. Contempo Park is a popular spot for that population, with many people gathering there in the evening, Singh said. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Pleasanton, issued a statement Friday in response to the incident. The person ... sought to foment strife within our community. This act was hateful and wrong, but we must reject this invitation to be divided, Swalwell said. We wont tolerate religious hatred; we will stand together. Despite the act outraging the Sikh community in Union City, police officials said in terms of legality, no laws were broken and that their approach to handling the situation must be consistent with both the facts and the law. While we understand the man's behavior may be considered disrespectful or repugnant, or even a violation of the laws of other nations, we also recognize that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution allows for free speech and free expression, police officials wrote in their Facebook post. Singh said the community would submit a formal request to the Police Department to see what next steps would be taken to make the community once again feel comfortable and safe in the area. Officials asked anyone with additional information about the incident to call them at (510) 675-5207 or email the information to tips@unioncity.org. Kevin Schultz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kschultz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kevinedschultz Deep-fried Twinkies, fit for your freezer The deep-fried Twinkie is jumping from the state fair to the home freezer. Hostess Brands marked its first foray into frozen foods on Friday, offering the cream-filled snack in vanilla or chocolate through Walmart. Battered and partially fried, the Twinkies need to be finished in an oven or frying pan. For the first three months, theyre available only at Walmart. 3 down, 47 to go Zenefits CEO David Sacks tweeted Friday that his company, which makes human resources software and sells insurance to businesses, had resolved its licensing problems with South Carolina and Delaware. Its paying $29,500 to South Carolina and nothing in Delaware; last month, it paid $62,500 to Tennessee, the first state it settled with. Sacks said the San Francisco company is now fully compliant but is working through historical violations. Pharma Bro meets the press Martin Shkreli, the former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO arrested on securities fraud charges in December, held court with reporters at Guy Fieris American Kitchen & Bar in New York Friday. The impromptu meetup came after an email bearing Shkrelis name was sent early in the morning to 450 journalists, Mashable reported, generating 100 reply-all responses. The original email was fake, Shkreli said but he asked to be added to the thread, and eventually proposed the Midtown drinkfest, which several reporters broadcast live on Facebook and Periscope. Shkreli is known for sharing outrageous opinions on Twitter including defending the high drug prices that got him labeled the Pharma Bro. The Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing Californias database of suspected gang members that is shared by police agencies around the state may violate privacy rights by including many people without proper justification, according to a report released by the state auditor that calls for stricter oversight. The CalGang database, funded by the state Department of Justice, tracks roughly 150,000 alleged gang members and associates, 85 percent of whom are Latino or African American. But the system does not ensure that user agencies collect and maintain criminal intelligence in a manner that preserves individuals privacy rights, stated the report by Auditor Elaine Howle. Because of the lack of oversight, four sample agencies examined by the auditors office which included the Sonoma County and Santa Clara County sheriffs departments entered groups into the database that did not meet the CalGang criteria for inclusion, the report said. Thirteen of 100 individuals reviewed were listed in the database as suspected gang members but lacked the proper criteria, the report said. Forty-two individuals in the database were supposedly younger than 1 year old at the time of entry. In addition, the auditor found, more than 600 individuals in CalGang had purge dates when they were to be removed that extended beyond a five-year limit. The database was created 20 years ago as a way for agencies in different jurisdictions to share information in a bid to stop gang activity. Agencies can add individuals to the database once they have sufficient source documentation showing they meet at least two gang membership criteria such as admitting gang membership, being affiliated with known gang members, having gang tattoos, frequenting gang areas and exhibiting gang clothing or behavior. The system is meant to act solely as an investigative tool, and a persons inclusion in the database is not meant to be used in court or in employment. But the audit found at least four court cases in which CalGang was cited as a source or a persons gang involvement, and three law enforcement agencies responded to a statewide survey admitting they used the database for employment or military-related screenings. These instances emphasize that inclusion in CalGang has the potential to seriously affect an individuals life, the report states. Therefore, each entry must be accurate and appropriate. The audit also uncovered problems with the treatment of juveniles, saying the Los Angeles and Santa Ana police departments the other two agencies examined by the auditor flouted the law by failing to notify many juveniles placed in CalGang and their parents so that they could contest their inclusion. The auditor recommended that the Legislature designate the Department of Justice to take over CalGang, which is now operated under contract, and that the state develop and implement best practices. The report recommended that local agencies review both the gangs and suspected gang members theyve entered into the database. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith responded to the reports findings by saying her office agreed to a certain extent with the recommendations. She wrote in a letter that her office looks forward to working to improve the CalGang Intelligence System and in turn safeguard the rights of those in the system. Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas disagreed strongly with the reports findings. His agency acts as a node, which means it is responsible for the CalGang operations of 30 counties in Northern California. In a letter included in the report, Freitas said he believed that his office has met or exceeded the statutory guidelines for administering a model Criminal Intelligence System that is used nation-wide. He was critical of the auditors, noting they had never audited a database like this before. But his office said Thursday that while it disagrees with some parts of the report, it looked forward to discussing the audit and agreed that the Department of Justice should take over the database. Read the full report here. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo John Everett/Houston Chronicle A mystery vandal has been taking an ax to dozens of trees in a San Jose neighborhood for the past several weeks, and city officials say theyre stumped as to how to catch the culprit. Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio learned Thursday that 23 trees were chopped down on Meridian Avenue and Dry Creek Road in the Willow Glen neighborhood, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Multimillionaire tech mogul Gurbaksh Chahal once one of San Franciscos Internet entrepreneur darlings until he was convicted of domestic abuse and ousted from his own company was sentenced to 12 months in County Jail Friday by a judge citing his pattern of violence against women. Prosecutors said Chahal, 34, attacked a woman in his San Francisco penthouse in 2014, just a year after beating a different woman in the same apartment, and that his actions violated the probation he was placed under as a result of the first case. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Tracie Brown agreed with the district attorneys office last month, and ordered Chahal to surrender his passports. After she sentenced Chahal on Friday, he remained free on $250,000 bail, pending an appeal that his attorney has 30 days to file. I dont think it would be appropriate to keep Mr. Chahal on probation given the nature of the new incident, Brown said in court. It could have been worse for the tech founder, who stepped down as CEO of advertising company Gravity4 after last months ruling that he had violated his probation. The district attorneys office recommended he get 18 months in jail, the maximum sentence. Chahal, dressed in a suit and black tie, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, did not speak during the hearing, though he was given the option to address the court before being sentenced. He had no obvious reaction to the sentence, mostly looking forward with his head bowed. Assistant District Attorney OBryan Kenney said during the hearing that Chahal had shown a complete lack of remorse after being accused of abusing the second woman. Chahal had, according to prosecutors, violated the terms of his probation in other ways. In particular, they said, he yelled at his probation officer while discussing community service he was required to perform. His attorneys, in arguing that he should not be sent to jail, cited his contributions to charitable causes. They also asked the judge to take into account Chahals functional neurological disorder, saying the medical condition affects muscle strength and movement and comparing it with Parkinsons disease. Chahal has stirred controversy and outrage since he was first arrested in August 2013, after he attacked his former girlfriend inside his Rincon Hill penthouse. Police investigators seized surveillance camera footage that they said showed Chahal beating and kicking the woman more than 100 times. But a judge suppressed the video from evidence, ruling it had been unlawfully seized. Prosecutors charged Chahal with 47 felony counts related to domestic violence. However, without the 30-minute video as evidence, Chahal struck a deal and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and battery, leading him to be placed on probation. Chahal was removed from his role as chief executive of San Francisco advertising company RadiumOne soon after the plea. But just over a year later, Chahal allegedly attacked a woman he was dating. On Sept. 7, 2014, prosecutors said, Chahal kicked a South Korean woman roughly 10 times in his apartment. They asserted that he conspired to keep the woman from talking to the police by threatening to report her to immigration authorities for purportedly faking a marriage to obtain a U.S. visa. The woman returned to South Korea in the middle of litigation, prompting Chahals defense team to argue he had a right to confront her in the probation hearing. Since the woman could not testify, Judge Brown admitted her statements to a 911 dispatcher and hospital workers into evidence. Brown ruled last month that the video of Chahals first attack could be entered into evidence when considering whether Chahal violated probation in the alleged second assault. However, she later sealed the evidence to protect the privacy of the woman in the video. Kenney had argued for the judge to admit the video, calling the similarity between the two incidents remarkable. In both cases, he said, Chahal accused the women of infidelity. Kenney called on the court last month to immediately put Chahal in jail without bail, a request the judge denied. Much of Fridays hearing centered on the availability of the South Korean woman to testify. Chahals team said the woman had visited Las Vegas after telling the district attorneys office she could not return to the United States. Her refusal to show up suggested she was an untrustworthy witness, said attorney James Lassart. The Constitution requires that my client be able to confront his accuser, Lassart said. All activity indicates that she does not want to be confronted. Kenney said her actions did not affect her credibility, and he argued it was inappropriate for the defense team to have information about where and when the woman had traveled. Before becoming chief executive of RadiumOne, Chahal founded and sold two Internet companies for more than $300 million, all by the age of 25. He also released a memoir: The Dream: How I Learned the Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship and Made Millions. During his rapid rise to tech fame and fortune, he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He had a role on Fox TVs Secret Millionaire, a series in which wealthy individuals went undercover in poor neighborhoods in Chahals case, San Franciscos Tenderloin. Once, he was named one of Americas most eligible bachelors on the entertainment television program Extra. Libby Rainey is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lrainey@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CBS star Thomas Gibson, who has made his home with his wife and three kids in San Antonio for many years, has been suspended from his signature series, "Criminal Minds," after a physical spat with a writer on set. According to a number of media outlets, including TMZ, Deadline, People and CNN International, Gibson, one of the show's originals who has played beloved Special Agent Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner -- unit chief of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit -- for 11 years, is two weeks into the suspension. The infraction? While directing and starring in an episode for the fall season, Gibson reportedly kicked a writer/producer over creative differences. Gibson seemed to own up to what he called a regrettable incident in this official statement issued to national online outlets: "There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will." According to Deadline, this appears to be the second such tiff Gibson has been reprimanded for on "Criminal Minds." Some years ago, the website reports, he allegedly pushed assistant director Ian Woolf and had to attend anger management classes but stayed on the show. This time, however, his future status on "Minds," which starts rolling out its 12th season Sept. 28, remains in limbo. The handsome actor, who usually attends the annual CBS' all-star party for TV critics, was noticeably absent at the Wednesday night event that was held at Pacific Design Center in Hollywood. Other "Minds" stars did show up, however, including Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler. Gibson has been living with his family in San Antonio for about a decade. At last check, in 2014, he still owned a home in the Monte Vista area. He regularly roots for the Spurs, and reigned as Grand Marshal of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade in April of 2013. jjakle@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy H-E-B Show More Show Less 3 of 3 H-E-B has announced the winners of its Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best contest, and they include a company from San Antonio. Humble House foods won third place and $10,000 for its Ancho & Morita-Smokey Tamarind Sauce -- and space on H-E-B store shelves. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO A local woman who design-builds both commercial and residential spaces throughout the city has worked with big names in San Antonio, is leaving her impact on the appearance of the city and giving readers here a sneak peek at new projects. Lori Urbano, of Urbano Design and Build, spoke with mySA.com of the company she established in 2009, which has culminated in more than 50 projects. She has revamped private estates and helped create well-visited spaces such as Feast and Haunt, a hip restaurant and bar in the downtown area. Though the business started less than a decade ago, she said she has lived in the world of construction from day one as part of a family who made it their primary trade. "I've been around it all my life," she said. RELATED: Local tiny home company working towards extending business into a Northwest Side development The Laredo native said she is currently working with frequent client Andrew Goodman, owner of Feast, Rebelle and Haunt, on his latest business a shuttered firehouse slated to be reincarnated into a contemporary-style restaurant sometime during the holidays. Courtesy photo The team of Urbano, Goodman and architect Joseph Smith is working to incorporate the 1924 building's antiquity into the scene. Smith told mySA.com a first floor bar will greet customers along with a staircase leading to a second floor kitchen and dining area for an "interesting experience," which will blend original fixtures such as the sliding poles into the restaurant's design. RELATED: One of first San Antonio container homes nearing completion in downtown area "You don't have any other firehouses that are turning into restaurants," Urbano added. "It's going to be very different, there's nothing like it in San Antonio." Urbano said the soon-to-be restaurant is not her only project and she typically gives seven to 10 designs her attention at a time. Judging by the striking aesthetics of each, the owner is able to gear her mind to accomplish varying styles from French country to ultra modern with ease. One of her most recent projects revamped a Southtown-area loft into a space worthy of New York style with a spacious floor plan and a glass shower uniquely situated as a centerpiece of the home. RELATED: 19 women who run San Antonio According to Urbano, the home was formerly owned by Goodman but has since been sold. She said her trips to places like Los Angeles and The Big Apple frequently inspire her work, but she is ultimately tuned-in to her client's wishes and is flexible enough to start from scratch if a design isn't turning out according to plan. "My designs are what I feel when I'm working with a client," she said. "When I start seeing things going up, I start getting really creative." Click through the gallery above for a peak into the San Antonio spaces by Urbano Design and Build. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE The packed sand on the first 5 miles of the drive down the beach at the Padre Island National Seashore was a welcomed site. It was what awaited farther ahead that had us worried. We came prepared on a Saturday afternoon in late July. A new tow rope, just in case. Bottles of water, beef jerky, and even a tote bag full of towels that might be helpful if we got stuck in the deep, soft sand on the drive to Big Shell Beach on what is called the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, according to the National Park Service website. More Information If you go: Malaquite Visitor Center:Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with a model showing how Kemp ridley sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand on the beach. You can join a ranger for a leisurely, educational hour-long stroll on the beach, or catch a deck talk at the shaded Malaquite Pavilion. Find the schedule at https://nps.gov/pais, along with info on other events like sand sculpting or watercolor painting. Getting there:Padre Island National Seashore is on North Padre Island southeast of Corpus Christi. NPS website directions say drive east through Corpus on Highway 358 and cross the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island. Highway 358 turns into Park Road 22. The seashore entrance is about 10 miles south on Park Road 22. Fees: The seashore is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but the entrance station has varying hours. You can pay on the way out if you don't pay on the way in. A $10 entrance fee for a car or truck is good for all the occupants for seven days. The use of the Bird Island Basin is an extra $5. Plan ahead:You won't find any public toilets on the drive down the national seashore beach. But the Malaquite Visitor Center has bathrooms and showers and two more bathrooms are located along the road right before you turn onto the beach for a drive. Gas up your vehicle and bring your own groceries, too, or plan to eat in Corpus Christi or Port Aransas. No gas stations or convenience stories are inside the park. Where to stay: We had a kitchenette and a queen bed in our dog-friendly funky Laughing Horse Lodge cottage, with a rate of $140 for a weekend night plus a $25 pet fee. The pet wash station would have come in handy had our dog not avoided saltwater with a passion. 503 E. Avenue G, Port Aransas. 361-749-5513. alaughinghorselodge.com. Free NPS days: Mark these days on your calendar for free days in national parks that normally require a fee: Aug. 25 and 28 (NPS 100th birthday), Sept. 24 (Public Lands Day) and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Of the more than 400 national parks and historical sites, 127 normally charge entrance fees. Additional fees for reservations, camping, tours and concessions paid to third parties still apply on free days. An annual pass is $80; a senior pass for age 62 and over costs $10; and military members with a military ID and their dependents are admitted free. Birthday program: The seashore will close out its NPS centennial events with a Cowboy Connections program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 15, where activities and tours will explore the 200-year history of ranching on the island. Beachcombing: You can find shells near the Malaquite Visitor Center or anywhere down the seashore, said ranger Patrick Gamman. But the best time to find shells anywhere on the seashore is right after a big storm, he added. See More Collapse According to Patrick Gamman, chief of interpretation and education at the park and its public information officer, other handy materials for drivers concerned about the possibility of getting stuck in the sand would have included a shovel, a jack and boards. Calling for a tow truck is a pricey ordeal here. A vehicle that had to be towed at Yarborough Pass, a route over the sand dunes to the Laguna Madre that even four-wheel-drive vehicles have a hard time with, was charged $1,300 by a tow company this week, said Gamman. The farther down the island you get stuck, the more it will cost you to get pulled out, he said. Before we left San Antonio, we rented a Jeep Cherokee with four-wheel-drive for the weekend called a necessity if we planned to drive more than 5 miles where packed sand paths on the beach turn to challenges to keep moving forward in deep sand. My spouse had made this drive well over a decade ago on a Boy Scout outing, and came home with stories about vehicles being stuck in the deep sand, some needing an expensive tow out and a lot of trash accumulating on the 60 miles that one can drive on this stretch of coastline separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre. The Malaquite Visitors Center had just closed at 5 p.m. when we stopped by, intending to ask how long the drive to Big Shell might take. So we studied the map we got at the park entrance southeast of Corpus Christi and decided to head down the beach as far as we could before we needed to turn around to get off this beach before dark. Couples, families and groups of fishing buddies were scattered along those first 5 miles, with plenty of room to spread out. Some were already firing up grills next to tents of all sizes, minivans, small SUVs, cars and trucks. Past the 5-mile marker we saw only SUVs and trucks with plenty of clearance to negotiate the deep soft sand that the national seashores website mentioned. Although we saw some people playing in the shallow water along the beach, a lot more people were tending to fishing poles with lines stretching out in the surf. (Swimmers seemed to favor the beach in front of the visitors center.) And a lot of people had mounts for their fishing poles on their big trucks and rod-and-reels spaced along the edge of the surf. Gamman said pompano, redfish and whiting are among the most common fish caught along the seashore. Although fishing is popular year-round, the seashore is well known for its birding, since its on the migration route from Canada to South America. January and February can be a busy time at the seashore when winter Texans come from the north and enjoy the free bird tours offered. And perhaps because we brought our mutt Maggie along, it seemed like half the groups that we saw on our drive had a dog with them. This is where we learned that our dog is much more into possum hunting and squirrel chasing in the backyard than she is in romping with the waves on the beach. She was not amused. According to the NPS website, to get to Little Shell Beach, where the shells are about the size of a fingernail, we needed to drive 10-15 miles down the beach. The shells would be bigger at Big Shell Beach if we drove 20-30 miles on the sand, where the speed limit is 15 mph. We made it 23 miles, far enough to feel confident we had reached Big Shell (although the shells were smaller than expected). At that point, it was about 7:15 p.m., and we took a short break in a couple of lawn chairs facing the waves with the sun behind us. It was a nice reward for some white-knuckle driving (and co-piloting), with my husband trying to stay in the tire tracks made by vehicles in front of us, which were well out of sight, and steer out of the deep sand that is especially dry this time of year. The trash on the beach was more obvious the farther we went, with giant pieces of driftwood a tree trunk and logs bigger than a telephone pole strewn about with water bottles, plastic buckets, flipflops, liquor bottles, fishing nets, rubber gloves, Styrofoam plates and more. Free trash bags are available at the seashore entrance and visitor center, but some trash appeared to be washed up from the ocean and some seemed left behind by careless visitors. By 8:10 p.m., the sun had dropped behind the two rows of sand dunes on the Laguna Madre side of the island, and by 8:15 were were back to the packed sand path on the first 5 miles of South Beach. We were off the beach by 8:30 p.m. and glad we didnt linger any longer in those lawn chairs because we were back to the two-lane asphalt road that led out of the national seashore and headed toward Port Aransas by dark. Its not possible to drive on the beach all the way to South Padre Island because of a channel cut at Port Mansfield, 60 miles south of the entrance to South Beach, that allows barges and other boats to cross over to the Laguna Madre and Port Mansfield. If you drove that 60 miles, though, according to the NPS website, you might be rewarded with the best accumulation of sea shells in the last five miles, and see dolphins or green sea turtles swimming in the area. The fishing is reportedly good there, too. The national seashore has a long-term program to protect Kemp ridley sea turtles, once on the brink of extinction, by moving turtle eggs laid on the beach and in sand dunes to protected incubation areas and holding public hatchling releases that start at 6:45 a.m. on the beach at the Malaquite Visitor Center from May to July, and sometimes August. A Hatchling Hotline (361-949-7163) gives estimates on when the next public hatchling release might be, often giving a range of dates until the release date is near. A call this week found information about the last possible public release of hatchlings this summer, likely taking place between Aug. 16-19, with an invitation to call back later for a closer estimate of the release date. Those hatchlings apparently have a lot of fans because its not unusual for 300-800 people to gather at dawn on the beach to watch 60-95 little turtles just a few days old scatter toward the ocean with protected nets held overhead to keep birds out of their path. The release time at dawn was chosen to suit the turtles drawn to the sunlight. Near the entrance to the national seashore, a road across the island leads to the Bird Island Basin, where you can launch a boat into the Laguna Madre or rent equipment to windsurf or kayak. The basin is considered a world-famous spot for windsurfing. When we went back to the seashore on Sunday, we saw one woman in a kayak being pulled toward the rental shop by a man walking in the shallow water. But the boat ramp had fishing boats cued up on their way in and a parking lot with a lot of trucks and trailers waiting for more. Several boats were met by young people carrying big tubs and measuring materials near a sign that said Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Fisheries Survey. One of the women greeting boats fresh off the Laguna Madre said they were students who wanted to see what was being caught in these waters. Black drum, red drum and trout were among the most plentiful, she said. I checked in at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center on Sunday and talked to one of the NPS employees about our drive on the beach on Saturday afternoon. I asked if our 23-mile drive down the beach definitely put us on Big Shell Beach, noting that the shells werent what Id call big. We were there, he confirmed, adding that the shells wouldnt have been any bigger if we had kept driving south. We were satisfied that wed seen enough of Padre Island National Seashore for one weekend with a dog, even in our four-wheel-drive vehicle. But we checked out the Malaquite Campground that overlooks the beach near the visitors center where we could smell hamburgers cooking on a grill and discussed our return. We had packed our bags for an overnight trip but I was still looking for a dog-friendly hotel in Corpus Christi or Port Aransas as my husband drove south out of San Antonio. Our backup plan was to make it a day trip with a late return home. One of our first calls was to the bayfront Omni Corpus Christi Hotel downtown that I saw on a dog-friendly list, but it only accepts small dogs (half the size of ours) so I kept calling. Finally, I found a room at the colorful, funky Laughing Horse Lodge a few blocks from the beach in Port A. With walls of painted cinderblocks and painted corrugated aluminum, it certainly fit our primitive theme for the weekend. And the little dog staying with people in the room next to our bedroom only barked a few times. Follow Bertling on Twitter or Instagram: @TerryBertling This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BROOKFIELD A popular extracurricular activity among students will continue being offered this school year after district officials developed a plan to quell concerns about liability. The decision to reorganize how Odyssey of the Mind is run in the Brookfield School District comes weeks after more than 10 concerned residents implored the school board at its July meeting not to discontinue the program. Parents and participants feared the program, which has roughly 100 participants in Brookfield, was on the chopping block after Superintendent John Barile sent out a letter expressing concerns about the district being open to potential liability. But school officials recently agreed to replace a parent coordinator with a teacher, and ask parent volunteers to sign a waiver that protects the district from liability. Barile said those measures will provide the district enough security to continue sponsoring the program. We believe were at a point where we have almost full resolution, Barile said. Over the last several years, Barile said, the school district had been paying a stipend to a parent to run the program, and participants were working on projects in private homes. The arrangement concerned school officials, who feared that if an accident happened, the district could be sued. Sometimes these teams become very close and social, sometimes they have sleepovers . . . theres camaraderie, and thats beautiful, Barile said. But it leaves us in a sticky situation. Board of Education Chairman Bob Belden said at the meeting that the districts insurance did not extend to volunteers who were not associated with the district. We had a significant set of insurance reviews, Belden said. Whether we like it or not, with a budget the size of the school district an injured party would come after the district. Theres not a single member who doesnt value this program very highly, he added. We can see the benefit of what goes on in Brookfield. Odyssey of the Mind, in which participants work in teams to solve various problems, such as building robots, vehicles or load-bearing structures made from balsa wood, has long been popular and successful in town. Bob Zinser, a board member for the programs Connecticut chapter who used to be active in the local program, said it first began in Brookfield in 1981, and the town has continuously sent teams to state, national and international competitions. (Brookfield) teams have done very, very well, Zinser said. Weve sent as many as six teams a year to the world finals, with as many as 18-20 teams from town competing in the state competition. It has enjoyed immense success. At the July 20 school board meeting, recent high school graduate Zachary Mangold touted the benefits of the program and urged the board to find a way to continue it. It gives avenues like no other: team building, thinking creatively, problem solving and an opportunity for our kids to grow, Mangold said. As a district we need to educate the next generation and make the next generation of thinkers and builders and this program is one of the ways we do that. Zinser said that teams must be sponsored by a nonprofit organization, such as a school district or town library. Volunteers, he said, are prohibited from forming their own organization solely for Odyssey of the Mind. awolff@newstimes.com; 203-731-3333; @awolffster Albany The state's "Excelsior" motto has a new application: certifying produce. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday signed regulations kickstarting a New York-grown food certification program aimed at helping consumers ensure quality at the market. The state Grown & Certified program, approved as part of the state budget in the spring, will be open to New York farmers, more than 100 of which already have expressed interest in having the state's seal of approval affixed to their goods, according to Cuomo's office. The program is voluntary. "One of the issues that is developing is the issue of food safety," Cuomo said at an event in the Bronx. "I never heard of food safety 20 years ago. I guarantee you you will be hearing more and more about this 20 years from now. Food safety is knowing what you eat and knowing where it came from and knowing how it was handled; what chemicals, what pesticides were used; what antibiotics were used." He said that even as labels such as natural and organic begin popping up on food products more often, ambiguity remains because those terms don't have legal definitions. Under the certification program, the state Agriculture and Health departments will visit farms to certify that products are being raised and produced in accordance with such labeling and state regulations. "It is the credibility of the state government with the strictest regulations and on-site inspections," Cuomo said. "If you're concerned about what you eat as you should be and it matters to you that it's safe, this is going to be the safest product." Cuomo acknowledged in a Q&A with reporters that in some cases organically grown foods mean increased costs for farms. But he believes farmers' costs will be offset by the market potential. It's not believed state certification will result in higher costs at the grocery store, state Deputy Secretary for Food and Agriculture Pat Hooker told reporters. In addition to the certification, the state will begin a marketing campaign to promote awareness of the standards and New York growers who take part. Consumer advertising and retail promotion is to begin in the fall, Cuomo's office said. The state also plans to build a $20 million food hub in the Bronx to increase access to fresh, locally grown foods and support farms that are part of the certification program. While Cuomo touted the benefits of a state certification program, he did not offer such full-throated support of genetically modified organism labeling. GMO-labeling legislation again failed in the Legislature in 2016. "GMO is very controversial because people argue about the definition and many will say there are good genetic modifications, it's not necessarily true that all genetic modifications are bad," he told reporters before centering his comments back on food safety and the benefits of the new state certification initiative. mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10 BRIDGEPORT - A former custodian at a local residential alcohol and drug treatment center was sentenced Friday to four years in prison for sexually assaulting four female patients. Rafael Cartagena, 41, pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to the maximum penalty for the charges by Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin. The judge also ordered Cartagena to register as a sex offender. Cartagena had claimed he had consensual sex with the woman trading sex for candy and cigarettes. These women were in this place to get help, they were vulnerable and you took advantage of them, the judge said. Cartagena, who worked as a janitor at the New Prospects Program, was charged with sexually assaulting the four women at the treatment facility in August 2014 One of the victims stated the contact began with blowing kisses and inappropriate comments and graduated to him sexually assaulting her in her room. Another victim stated that Cartagena assaulted her in her room and threatened that he would come back if she said anything and that it would be "ten times worse," police said. Cartagena initially denied having any sexual encounters with any women but police said when told that there was video security to the contrary, Cartagena acknowledged the encounters and stated that he had a "lust problem" and that he "fell" to "temptation." All four women are suing the operator of the program, the Recovery Network of Programs. 1 Legionnaires disease: Illinois officials have confirmed a third new case of Legionnaires disease at a veterans home in Quincy since an outbreak there last year killed 12 people and sickened 54. Of two dozen veterans who have been tested since the reports of new cases in July, 21 have come back negative, authorities said. The Quincy facility houses about 400 residents. The bacteria that cause Legionnaires disease grow in warm water and are often present in water supplies. The state is implementing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce Legionnaires disease risks at the facility. 2 Roommate search: Pitzer College, a small liberal arts college near Los Angeles, has denounced a Facebook post made by a black student who was seeking a non-white roommate. The Claremont Independent reported student Kare Urena asked in the post that only people of color apply to live in her off-campus residence, adding that she didnt want to live with any white folks. Pitzer President Melvin Oliver called the post inconsistent with our mission and values. He said the college wants to engage complex intercultural issues, not to isolate individuals on the basis of any protected status. FAIRFIELD Local dentist, Dr. Alain Auguste, recently spent four days in Tanzania, but this was no ordinary summer vacation. The Port-au-Prince native journeyed there with fellow volunteers from Aspen Dental to provide dental services to impoverished residents of the city of Arusha. Working without running water or electricity, Auguste and the other dentists saw more than 600 Tanzanians during their mission. Without proper facilities, patients sat for their dental work in lawn chairs and old barber chairs. Auguste completed his dental training and a hospital residency in Haiti in 2006, before moving to New York City the next year. He worked part-time on a research project at the New York University College of Nursing and Bellevue Hospital while simultaneously learning English and prepping for the National Board dental examination. Auguste joined Aspen Dental in 2012 as a managing clinical director. Auguste recently talked about his trip to Tanzania. Q: Why did you decide to take part in this trip to Tanzania? A: I decided to take part in this trip to Tanzania to provide dental care to those less fortunate. I grew up in Haiti and worked in the dental field there, so I had direct exposure to those in desperate need of dental care and saw first-hand the struggles they went through. Those memories will be forever engrained in my mind. Aspen Dentals overseas outreach program offered me the opportunity to help give back to those less fortunate. Its an incredible program that let me lend my skills to help serve others. I am always willing to help anywhere and whenever possible. Q: What did you find there that most surprised you? A: I was most surprised by the high percentage of adolescents in need of urgent dental care. The people there had absolutely no dental education and many had severe cases of fluorosis - a chronic condition that affects the teeth due to overexposure to fluoride -- in Arusha, Tanzania. However, the Tanzanians were extremely warm and showed us the utmost level of hospitality. Q: What kind of reaction did you get from your new patients? A: Initially, many patients expressed a dental phobia. However with the help of interpreters and by showing them our passion to help, we were able to educate the patients and enjoyed a relaxed working environment. The patients were very grateful for the care we provided. Q: Do you expect that you will make return trips to Tanzania to continue providing dental care? A: Whether its through another group trip or by myself, I would love to have the opportunity to return to Tanzania and continue to provide oral treatment there. However, a trip of this magnitude requires a lot logistical planning and personal sacrifices. Aspen Dental invested approximately $350,000 in dentistry alone for this trip that allowed us to touch the lives of so many patients. I want to take this opportunity to personally say thank you to the Aspen Dental team for their efforts to make this overseas outreach trip possible. Ideally, the best way to assure a continuous plan to provide dental care would be to construct a dental clinic in Tanzania and travel there one or two times per year. Q: What did this trip teach you? A: Once you participate in an overseas outreach dental mission, you will always want to do it again. That speaks to the power and impact of these missions. This trip taught me so much, particularly to have patience and humility. It also served as a reminder of the economic disparity and the lack of opportunities that exist outside of the United States. High Watch Recovery Centers Board of Directors announced that following a national search, they have elected Matt Walton of Westport to serve as their new president and CEO. A non-profit that provides evidence-based treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, High Watch is located in Kent, Conn. Before joining High Watch, Walton enjoyed an extensive career as a healthcare executive and an entrepreneur. He was involved in starting, developing, financing and selling products to improve the quality and efficiency of organizations dedicated to healthcare. He received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and then went on to earn a Masters of Business Administration degree from Yale University. At the library Outdoor messy crafts: There will be a craft program outside on Jesup Green on Monday, Aug. 15 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for all ages. Participants should wear old clothing. In case of rain, call 203-291-4810. Storytelling at Farmer's Market: Come listen to childrens stories in the librarys booth at the Westport Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sketching on the Saugatuck: The annual summer sketching program with local artist, author and illustrator Elaine Clayton and friends will be on the Riverwalk Patio on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Paper, easel and drawing instruments provided. For further information, contact Deborah White, dwhite@westportlibrary.org. Registration required. For children in grade 3 through adult. Pajama party: A pajama party for incoming kindergartners (and their families) will be on Thursday, Aug. 25, and Monday, Aug. 29, at 7:45 p.m. in the Smilow Family Childrens Library. For more information, contact Mary Parmelee at mparmelee@westportlibrary.org, call 203-291-4800, or check westportlibrary.org. Senior center The Westport Center for Senior Activities is located at 21 Imperial Ave. For further information or to register for activities, please call 203-341-5099 or visit westportct.gov/seniorcenter. Meet & greet: The mission of the Commission for Senior Services is to provide an open forum for the study and discussion of the communitys senior needs and to advocate for appropriate change. Seniors are welcome to attend this open forum and speak with Bob Fatherly, chair of the Westport Commission for Senior Services, and other members of the commission to express their ideas and concerns on senior topics. Friday, Aug. 12 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cost: No charge. Strengthening pelvic muscles: Physical therapist Lisa Curley from Rehabilitation Associates will be speaking about the benefits of strengthening of the pelvic muscles on balance, bladder/bowel control and bone health. Curley will also share helpful tips on bowel and bladder function. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Curleys areas of specialty are general orthopedics, spine disorders and pelvic floor rehab. She is the developer of one of the few pelvic rehab programs of its kind in Connecticut. Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cost: No charge. Art and finance: Art and finance have long been closely associated in the most obvious way, through the art market, which continues to grab headlines with record-breaking sales of major paintings. Westport native Bonnie Lee, an art consultant, will speak about the history and cultural context of this relationship on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 6-7 p.m. Cost: No charge. Wait till 8 With the summer months upon us, Energize Connecticut partners are asking customers to Wait till 8 to help decrease energy consumption and demand during peak periods, which are weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. Extreme peak demands occur only 100 hours each year, or about 1 percent of the time, between late May and early September during hot, humid weather. To accommodate demand, additional power plants are on standby, ready to operate during these hours. These back-up plants often run on dirtier fuels - such as oil - that produce more air pollution and offer power at a price that drives up the cost of electricity. To reduce energy usage, Energize Connecticut representatives recommend lessening the use of discretionary appliances and electronics during peak hours. Examples include: Running pool pumps earlier in the day or later in the evening Using dishwashers and laundry machines and dryers in the morning or later in the day Programming thermostats to increase the temperature when a home is not occupied Using energy efficient products like Energy Star LED lights and Energy Star air conditioning Yellow Pages distribution schedule The updated Yellow Pages will be distributed in Fairfield County beginning on or about September 22. Residents who have any questions or concerns regarding the distribution of Yellow Pages directories can email sbconcerns@teampdc.com. Provide the following details when contacting the distribution concerns email: name, address, contact information and specific details regarding the nature of the concern. Additionally, residents have the choice about which directories they would like to receive or stop receiving in the future. Residents can request directories or opt-out of future phone book deliveries by visiting YellowPagesOptOut.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A memorial honoring those who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, edging for states rights and slavery, is close to being completed near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Orange, Texas. The small town located just west of the Louisiana border is home to the half-completed monument that, so far, stands with a circular base and multiple columns, Gary Bray, commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, told mySA.com Friday. Bray said the monument has been in the works for several years and will include benches for visitors to the area located next to Interstate-10. Since at least 2013, the group has been raising funds for the $50,000-memorial, with construction moving along as fast as money allows. RELATED: Orange Confederate monument will include 32 rebel flags The memorial will house 32 flags representing Texas regiments of the Confederate army. The Houston Chronicle reported in 2015 the monument is being called the largest Confederate memorial to be built in the last 100 years by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a group the requires its members, who are peppered all over the state, to have a blood-relative who fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War. "When the government asked for troops, they answered their call," Bray said of the fallen Confederate soldiers. When it was first introduced, the monument received staunch opposition from the local city council and residents, the Beaumont Enterprise reported at the time. However, construction has continued as there is no legal way for it to be stopped. RELATED: Confederate relic at UT Austin covered with 'Black Lives Matter' message When asked about the irony in building a memorial honoring Confederate soldiers next to a street named after one of the most recognizable, black civil rights leaders the country has seen, Bray said it is not a poke in the eye to Martin Luther King Jr. the location is merely about property price. We didnt go out and purposely seek a lot on Martin Luther King Jr. (Drive), he said, adding the group looked for a better-priced spot but could not find one. Basically its here because its close to the interstate. This is not racially motivated in any way, Bray said. Our group is multi-racial itself. We have black members, hispanic members, American-Indian members. Its not a white supremacist group whatsoever. RELATED: Where Confederate and slavery artifacts survive in San Antonio and Texas The commander continued to say the Sons of the Confederate Veterans are not trying to bring back the ode to Confederacy. He added the Confederate descendants receive pushback from the whole world for their efforts to memorialize their ancestors, who the vast majority of which, Brays says, "didn't own any slaves." Bray said the monument may or may not be finished this year as the group is still raising money. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Google Street View Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Google Maps Show More Show Less 3 of 3 SAN ANTONIO A bomb squad has determined there were no explosive devices after a threat was called in Friday afternoon at a Southeast Side nursing and rehabilitation center. San Antonio Police Department spokesman Officer Douglas Greene said someone called Southeast Nursing and Rehab Center at about 2:30 p.m. saying there was a bomb in the building at 4302 E. Southcross. A San Antonio man whose rush-hour rampage last year included randomly shooting at a minimum of five vehicles causing one of them to crash into another vehicle and an 18-wheeler will serve 18 years in prison. Rolando Siller, 27, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon as part of a plea deal reached before state District Judge Steve Hilbig. Hell receive 337 days credit for time served, court records show. The road rage incidents began about 7:30 a.m. Sept. 8, near Texas 151 and Callaghan Road on the West Side, when Siller, driving a Toyota Corolla, brandished a gun, chased after another motorist and demanded several times that he pull over. The victim told police he tried to speed away, but couldnt in the traffic. Siller opened fire, striking the victim's car at least twice, and then rammed it with his own vehicle, causing the chain-reaction crash involving the big rig at Rogers and Culebra roads, miles from where the chase started. Siller then sped along Culebra Road. Police had received several reports of drivers being fired upon that day. About noon, the Corolla was located behind a house near Duke Avenue and Overhill Drive. Siller was arrested around 5 p.m. when a woman found him sleeping inside her home in the 300 block of Marquette Drive, one street over from where the Toyota was found. Siller, whod bathed and eaten while at the home, likely was under the influence of a controlled substance, police said. Express-News archives contributed to this report. For more than a decade, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has traveled hundreds of miles above the red planet's surface. On board is an orchestra of instruments that help scientists learn more about the iron-rich planet. One of them is the HiRISE, or High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment. NASA recently released more than 1,000 images of Mars' surface captured by HiRISE. SAN ANTONIO The Alamo City and surrounding areas have been flirting with triple-digit-temperatures for several weeks, but the weekend will bring a respite from hot, dry weather as rain chances increase and high temperatures are expected over the next six days, according to the National Weather Service. Starting Saturday, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The largest chance of rain takes place from Sunday through Tuesday night, with a 50 percent likelihood of rain for most of the time period. The chance for rain will roll back down to between 30-40 percent on Wednesday and Thursday. The temperatures are expected to stay within the mid-90s and mid-70s, the NWS reports. From keeping borders safe to feeding those in need, Kristie Lee Fitzhenry lived her life as the epitome of a good neighbor. Born in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 10, 1971, Fitzhenry was adopted by parents Robert and Blanche Van Asdale seven years later, according to her husband Ryan Fitzhenry. Fitzhenry died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday. She was 45. She learned English while growing up in a small town in New York. After high school, Fitzhenry joined the Air Force, where she served for seven years. She worked with police dogs. She was small but they gave her these 80-pound dogs to work with and train. She was courageous in that aspect, Ryan Fitzhenry said. After the Air Force, Fitzhenry worked for U.S. Customs as a canine handler along the Texas-Mexico border. It was during this time she married Ryan Fitzhenry in 2003. She had two daughters, Brittany and Katie. Fitzhenry worked with one police dog in particular, a German shepherd named Bols. She even talked of bringing him to live with her after he retired, but he died shortly after, Ryan Fitzhenry said. The next step in Fitzhenrys career was at Homeland Security, where she worked as a special agent, participating in a number of large narcotics busts. She remained a special agent until she died. She was diagnosed four years ago this August; when they caught it, it was already at stage 4, said Ryan Fitzhenry. She was given six months to live, but because she was in such excellent physical health, she pushed that to four years. She beat the many odds. More Information Kristie Lee Fitzhenry Born: Jan. 10, 1971, Seoul Died: August 9, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Mother Blanche Van Asdale Survived by: Husband Ryan Fitzhenry; daughters Brittany Jones and Katie Fitzhenry; father Robert Van Asdale Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oak Hills Church, 19595 I-10 West; burial 2 p.m. Tuesday Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery See More Collapse In her time off from work, Fitzhenry was an avid runner, taking part in numerous races over the years. Combining her love for helping others and running, she had a hand in organizing 5k runs to raise money for charities. Kristie helped a lot with the charity Blessings in a Backpack, which was for children in free lunch programs who did not have food to eat on the weekends, Ryan Fitzhenry said. Outside of her charity work, Fitzhenry would often help those in need in the community on her own time. There were a lot of people who lived around us who didnt have anyone. They were isolated, and my wife was known for inviting them over for dinner, said Ryan Fitzhenry. procha@express-news.net Local developer Mike Litofsky of Main Street Properties has bought the historic Sol Frank building next to Alamo Plaza and is considering joining it with a building next door for a high-end restaurant or grocery store. Litofsky bought the building from El Paso architect David A. Alvidrez before it was scheduled for a foreclosure auction on August 2. He owns the building next door, at 519 E. Houston St., which is on a short-term lease to Bazaar Istanbul, a store selling decorations, furnishings and jewelry. 1 Yemen fighting: The United Nations human rights office said Friday that deaths among civilians due to Yemens conflict have been steadily mounting, with more than 200 people killed and more than 500 wounded in four months. The report comes as the capital Sanaa and its surroundings have come under heavy bombardment by the Saudi-led military coalition battling Shiite rebels and their allies. The air strikes this week marked the total collapse of an already fragile truce declared by the United Nations in April, to pave the way for peace talks in Kuwait. The talks ended this month without a breakthrough. 2 Terror arrests: Belgian police launched several raids overnight in parts of Brussels as part of an antiterror probe and took three people into custody. The federal prosecutors office said Friday that eight searches were carried out in the Belgian capital. No weapons or explosives were found. Federal prosecutors declined to provide further details. Authorities continue to investigate the March 22 attacks in Brussels and Belgian links to the massacres in Paris on Nov. 13, as well as other plots. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settings ACCEPT Vice-President Kembo Mohadi yesterday challenged the church to take the lead in preaching peace in communities to foster national healing. Speaking at the commissioning of a $17 million tile processing plant owned by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) ministry founder Walter Magaya, Mohadi said religious groups play an important role uniting people. We want peace to prevail. I happen to be the one responsible for the National Healing and Peace Commission and we want to engage all stakeholders and the church is included, he said. I am here to commission what the man of God has put up. We want to thank him. This is sweet news to Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. By the same token, it is boon to our unemployed youths, jobs will be created at the factory, in the mines and transport services. We applaud Prophet Magaya for the positive response to the business call by our President Cde Mnangagwa. Government is happy that Yadah Marble is giving a new lease of life to our factory premises. Southerton will now be alive from the noise and smoke from the factory. The message to other industrialists is very clear, rush to Zimbabwe and invest in our industries, Mohadi said Mohadi was accompanied by Industry minister Mike Bimha and Scholarships minister Christopher Mushohwe as he toured the factory which uses marble stones from Mashonaland West as raw materials. Magaya told Mohadi that they had invested in modern technology to produce a wide range of products such as tiles, plates, teaspoons and jewellery, among other products. We want to thank government for the ease of doing business. We have been able to open this factory today. We are going to create jobs, he said. We are looking at over 3 000 jobs being created. We are also targeting to export our products so that we can help our country in terms of foreign currency earnings. Thousands of PHD members also attended the commissioning ceremony. Breaking News via Email Her brothers proud Instagram posted ended with, As soon as you land, we're going straight to Wawa. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil Sporting event victories have been celebrated with champagne, Gatorade soakings and trips to Walt Disney World. But at least one Olympian has something a little bit different in mind: a trip to Wawa. U.S. gymnast Laurie Hernandezs brother, Marcus, has promised to take his younger sister to their local Wawa to commemorate her gold medal as part of the U.S. gymnastics teams all-around win this week, FoodMic.com reports. Marcus posted Lauries selfie with her gold medal along with an assurance that they would go to Wawa when shes back in the United States. Both Laurie and Marcus have been rabid fans of the convenience store chain, often posting pictures of its food. Its no surprise that convenience stores such as Wawa are becoming destinations for celebration, given the close connection many retailers have with their customers and community. In June, a New York couple tied the knot while riding in a limo through a Sonic car wash. ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbor, Mich., has joined more than 100 other cities and two states in raising the minimum tobacco buying age to 21, the Monroe News reports. The City Council gave its final okay on the ordinance, which will take effect Jan. 1. Meanwhile, across the country in New York, Schenectady County has become the fifth locality in the Empire State to raise the legal tobacco buying age from 18 to 21, the Times-Union reports. This week, the county legislature approved the ban, which will go into effect Sept. 1. Majority Leader Gary Hughes said he wanted New York to raise the state tobacco buying age to 21. Hughes also dismissed concerns from local businesses about the impact of lost revenue, adding that he thought those retailers would be able to compensate with sales from other categories. He pointed out that local law enforcement would work with retailers. There will be a period of time when the enforcement will be advisory and not punitive, Hughes said. The two dissenting votes came from Cathy Gatta and Holly Vellano. Gatta didnt vote for the ban because she wanted the focus to be on targeting young teens with antismoking information. Vellano voted no because, for me, its a freedom of choice issue. Read more about increased age limits for tobacco purchases in Must be 21 to Buy in NACS Magazine. Yves here. This article and the underlying World Bank paper are written in economese, but they tell a familiar tale of how commodity exporters become the victims of hot money flows. By Joseph Joyce. Originally published at Angry Bear Emerging markets and developing economies have struggled in recent years to regain the growth rates of the last decade before the global financial crisis. The slowdown has been particularly evident in commodity-exporters that face declining prices. The World Banks most recent Global Economic Prospects, for example, projects growth for those countries of only 0.4% in 2016. Moreover, the fall in commodity prices is linked to capital flows to those countries and an increase in the fragility of their financial sectors. In a recent paper in the Journal of International Money and Finance, Joseph P. Byrne of Heriot-Watt University and Norbert Fiess of the World Bank examined the determinants of capital inflows to 64 emerging market economies. Among the drivers of capital flows were real commodity prices: an increase in these prices increased flows to the emerging markets, particularly total equity and bank flows. Real commodity prices also contributed to an increase in the global volatility of capital flows. Commodity price cycles, therefore, should be associated with capital flow cycles, and declines in both may lead to financial crises. Carmen Reinhart of Harvards Kennedy School, Vincent Reinhart of the American Enterprise Institute and Christoph Trebesch of the University of Munich documented such a correspondence of capital flows, commodity prices and sovereign defaults during the period 1815 to 2015 in a paper in the American Economic Review Papers and Proceedings (working paper here). They found evidence of an overlap between booms in capital flows and commodity prices, which resulted in a double bonanza, and a double bust when capital flows and prices declined. They also recorded the incidence of sovereign defaults, and found that four of six global peaks in defaults followed double busts in capital flows and commodity markets. The most recent boom was exceptionally prolonged, beginning in 1999 and lasting until 2011, and was followed by a double bust. Commodity prices can also affect the fragility of domestic financial sectors. Tidiane Kinda, Montfort Mlachila and Rasmane Ouedraogo in an IMF working paper looked at the impact of commodity price shocks on the financial sectors in 71 emerging market and developing economies that are commodity exporters. Negative prices weakened the financial sector as manifested through higher non-performing loans and reduced bank profits, and an increased probability of a banking crisis. The transmission channels included an increase in the amount of debt denominated in foreign currency as well as lower economic growth and less government revenues. The fragility of the financial sectors of the commodity exporters has been exacerbated by a growth in private credit. The World Banks Global Economic Prospects has reported that credit to the nonfinancial sector in emerging markets and developing economies increased in the five years ending in 2015, and credit growth was particularly pronounced in commodity exporting countries. Much of this credit went to nonfinancial corporations, and the borrowing was concentrated in the energy sector. As a result, credit growth in the commodity exporting emerging market and developing economies has risen to levels of credit/GDP that in the past have been associated with credit booms that have often (but not always) been followed by bank crises. Commodity price fluctuations, therefore, are accompanied by changes in capital flows and the status of financial sectors in commodity exporters. Booms in domestic credit can further threaten long-term financial stability. More flexible exchange rates may alleviate some of the strain of a downturn in commodity prices and capital inflows. But countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and Russia face little relief from the drag on their economic performance as long as commodity prices remain depressed. The accommodative monetary policies of the advanced economies have bolstered asset prices in many emerging markets, but that situation can not be counted on to continue indefinitely. Nothing says family vacation like a rafting trip on the river. My husband and I met at the University of Oregon and sealed our relationship when we purchased a tent together. That was thirty years ago. While we still camp under the stars, this trip was a four day, Lodge to Lodge rafting trip on the Rogue River with Row Adventures. An adventure travel company since 1979, Row river guides know the wild and scenic Rogue River as well as Huck Finn claimed to know the Mississippi River. Below is a brief overview of our four day rafting trip. Our River Guides Our lead guide, Lenore Perconti, grew up in Lewiston, Idaho alongside the Clearwater and Snake rivers. Not only was she confident in her guiding abilities, Lenore was able to keep multiple hula hoops spinning around her neck, waist and ankle simultaneously, (not while paddling a raft) while keeping us entertained both on and off the river! River Guide Aylan Lee is from my neck of the woods in Northern California. I had the pleasure of floating some of the trip in the Huck Finn raft with Aylan at the helm, as his mother, Mary and her travel buddy, Ann, were kicking back and letting him do all the work. It was fun watching the mother/son dynamic on the river, as he often has to field the question, What do your parents think about your life as a river guide? The River Rats Row does an excellent job of matching guests with trips. On our four day adventure we floated with two mother of the brides , mother of the guides, along with a Northern California friend, a family of three from Oahu, Hawaii, a family of four from Chicago with their 13 year old foreign exchange student from Spain, a retired Frenchman with an affinity for US-based rivers, a single dad from Tuscon, Arizona with his two teenage daughters and my Southern Oregon born husband. Several members of our band of seventeen river rats had paddled with Row on other river trips designed for young families. If you want to experience a rafting trip with only your friends, Row Adventures is happy to put together a custom vacation package for 20 that can be a combination of hiking and rafting, lodge to lodge trips or camping and rafting. Id like to put together a trip with an Oregon winemaker or brewmaster email me if you are interested. Did I mention that all Row trips include beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as plenty of water? Ill talk about the wonderful food a little further down in this post. Rafting for all skill levels Has it been awhile since youve been on a rafting trip? Perhaps the phrase whitewater rafting makes you a little nervous? Ive rafted plenty of rivers, but I confess that after my second hip replacement I was concerned about staying in the raft. While you will sign a liability waiver before your river rafting adventure, please note that there are several types of rafts available for this trip. Theres rafts for those wanting to actively paddle, the Oar Rafts are rowed by a skilled guide and are ideal for taking pictures or videos of going through the rapids, theres the Huck Finn which is a classic craft not too many left in existence and finally the Daring Duckies 11-13 feet inflatable kayaks for one or two persons. Wild and Scenic River On this 45 mile paddle and float through Oregons Wild and Scenic Rogue River you will certainly see wildlife. While we didnt see any bears on our trip Im sure our constant laughter and water fights gave them plenty of advance notice we did see eagles, Blue Herons, river otters, mink, fox and snakes. I know Im forgetting some creatures great and small, but youll have to take the trip for yourself to tell me what Ive left out. We also enjoyed hiking to scenic waterfalls, swimming under waterfalls and, for the adventure travelers in the group, there were plenty of rocks for launching oneself into the river like a cannonball. Dont worry, the guides require guests to wear their PFDs (personal flotation devise) when swimming through rapids or jumping off cliffs. Safety is a key issue with all Row Adventures trips I traveled with Row Sea Kayak Adventures to Baja California Sur in Mexico and one of the best things about this company is their consistency in delivering high quality, active adventure vacations on all of their trips. Food on an off the River For me, a vacation means that I dont have to make meals or my bed. With the Lodge to Lodge trip, guests are able to let the guides to the heavy lifting, as well as preparing lunches and snacks on the river. Every day we ate lunch at a beautiful location and each afternoon we stopped along the river to have dinner and spend the night at a unique riverside lodge. Ill be reviewing each of the four lodges; Morrisons Rogue River Lodge, Black Bar Lodge, Marial Lodge and Paradise Lodge separately, but know that each property is special in its own way. The food is simple, from chicken wraps to deli sandwiches, tuna wraps or pulled pork with daily vegetarian options and always peanut butter and jelly for any picky eaters, in addition to salads. The evening dinners are put on by each lodge and may range from a complete Thanksgiving dinner to barbecue chicken and ribs, followed by tasty desserts. All lunches and dinners include beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, however, you are welcome to byob, as long as its not glass containers. Arrival and departure Row will provide a daily itinerary with estimated arrival and departure times. They even offer guests the option of having their cars waiting for them near Gold Beach, should you want to continue your vacation along the Oregon coast. If not, youll be shuttled back to Morrisons Rogue River Lodge in Merlin, Oregon to end your whitewater adventure. Insider tip Row includes a packing list on their website, however, Ive compiled a list of 7 kayaking or rafting essentials that might help with trip planning. As always when camping, dont forget to pack a flashlight, first aid kit and mosquito repellent. Check the website for current information and pricing. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and follow @RowAdventures. Need to know: Rates start at $975 for adults and $895 for youth, not including gratuities. As always, check the website for current pricing. Row specializes in sustainable travel and offers domestic and international trips with an emphasis on adventure travel for families, couples or solo travelers. Would I recommend this lodge to lodge rafting trip? I give it two thumbs up. If You Go: Row Adventures (800) 616-1943 http://www.rowadventures.com/ P.O. Box 3862 Coeur dAlene, Idaho 83816-3862 Rafting the Rogue River review, photos and YouTube video by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Row Adventures on this lodge to lodge trip, however all opinions are my own. Fifth Third Bancorp, Ohio's largest lender, fired Chief Legal Officer Heather Russell last month after she disclosed a romantic relationship with the chief executive officer of Fannie Mae, Timothy Mayopoulos, The Wall Street Journal reported. Russell disclosed the relationship to Fifth Third and was terminated as a result, according to a statement she provided to the Journal, the newspaper reported Thursday. Russell said she never had any interactions or dealings with Fannie Mae during her time at Fifth Third and denied that there was a conflict of interest, according to the report, which said the two are still in a relationship. "A personal matter has been brought to our attention that Fifth Third believes represents a conflict of interest," Larry Magnesen, a spokesman for Fifth Third, said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. "To resolve this, we determined that the best course of action was a separation." Mortgage lenders including Cincinnati-based Fifth Third sell Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages that are later bundled into securities that have the government's backing. The firms stand behind about half of new U.S. mortgages, compared with a third in 2005, according to the Urban Institute. Fifth Third declined to comment beyond the statement, which also said Russell "is a very qualified lawyer, and this matter has nothing to do with any of the legal work done by Heather during her tenure at Fifth Third." Russell, who joined Fifth Third in September, didn't respond to a request for comment made through LinkedIn. Mayopoulos disclosed the relationship to Fannie Mae's Office of Compliance and Ethics, which provided appropriate direction to the chief executive, Fannie Mae said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. "Mayopoulos has no involvement in Fannie Mae's relationship with Fifth Third Bank," the company said in the statement. "Quite simply, there is no conflict of interest under Fannie Mae's corporate policies." Fifth Third appointed Grant Harbrecht, the bank's chief compliance officer, as its interim chief legal counsel, Magnesen said. A search for Russell's permanent replacement is under way. (NaturalHealth365) A family in Aiken, South Carolina will never be the same since their 12-year-old daughter was given the Gardasil vaccine for HPV. Her health declined immediately, and she has been dealing with HPV vaccine side effects ever since. For a time, 12-year-old Georgia could not walk. Now that she can, doing so is a big challenge. Since being vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, she has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affects heart rate, blood flow and brain functioning. This syndrome is a cardiovascular disorder that also happens to be one of the known Gardasil side effects. Gardasil vaccine side effects and health risks far outweigh the benefits Gardasil was approved in 2006 by the FDA to prevent human papillomavirus, or HPV. The vaccine requires three shots given over a period of six months. Drug maker Merck claims the vaccine protects adolescents from cervical, penile, vaginal and anal cancers related to HPV. (But, we know thats not true) The vaccine can be administered from age 9 to 26; however, when Georgia received it at age 12, the vaccine dangers were immediately evident. Georgias skin color turned what her mother said looked like a shade of green, and she fell to the ground. The family was told by doctors that this was normal after receiving the HPV vaccine! Sure enough, dizziness, fainting and even seizures are listed as normal Gardasil HPV vaccine side effects. (Injecting toxins into people must become unacceptable!) Quality of life profoundly reduced by vaccine dangers Georgias mother says continued symptoms of the HPV vaccine have robbed her daughter of her quality of life. She once had a seizure in front of 200 of her classmates at a musical event. Georgias cousin also had a reaction immediately after receiving the Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine dangers of Gardasil have been documented in numerous studies and medical journals. It has been linked with both POTS and chronic fatigue. Its side effects include fever, pain, lower limb paralysis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, MS, encephalitis and even sudden death. Georgia now takes various medications in an attempt to control her own symptoms. However, these drugs also have side effects, including nausea, fatigue and hallucinations. At this point, Georgia and her family arent sure where the HPV vaccine side effects leave off and the medication side effects begin. Even former Merck physicians warn against taking the companys vaccines Ever since Gardasil was approved in 2006, there has been an ongoing publicity campaign by Merck pressuring parents to get their adolescent children vaccinated. However, little emphasis has been placed upon vaccine dangers associated with Gardasil and HPV vaccine side effects. Even a former Merck pharmaceutical physician, Dr. Bernard Dalbergue, has criticized the Gardasil vaccine, calling it useless against HPV, too expensive, and having dangerous side effects. Educate yourself and others about vaccine dangers Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) praises Gardasil and encourages young girls and boys to receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active. They even created a DVD specifically made to downplay Gardasil side effects. Are the profits associated with vaccines really worth the human toll these drugs take? Has the Hippocratic oath to do no harm become meaningless? I hope not. Help us spread the word about the dangers of Gardasil to everyone you know with young children. Their health and quality of life could depend on it. Editors note: The Vaccine World Summit is free and online to help educate the public about vaccine safety issues and reveals effective ways to protect your health. Gain INSTANT access here. References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25882168 https://hic.sagepub.com/content/2/1/2324709614527812.fullh https://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/01/25/mercks-former-doctor-predicts-gardasil-to-become-the-greatest-medical-scandal-of-all-time Table pose: The goasana pose can bring about balance. Shoulder stand: The sarvangasana pose can be modified using a wall to support the body. Corpse pose: The savasana pose can be supported using bolsters on the neck. Child pose: The balasana pose can calm the mind, a vital benefit during a stressful time. Tree pose: The vrksasana pose can help with balance, and people can perform it with both feet on the ground if needed. Plenty of studies back the notion that yoga is therapeutic Breathing makes all the difference (NaturalNews) Many people who practice yoga report that it reduces stress and helps them gain a sense of inner calm. The ancient practice, which combines movement with breath, is being explored by researchers as a way to help cancer patients alleviate symptoms and boost their outlook and quality of life.A number of studies have already explored the effects of yoga on cancer patients, but one oncologist who also happens to be a yoga instructor reports that the evidence she has seen firsthand in her work with patients over the past decade has been all the proof she needs that it helps.Dr. Lisa Mueller is an oncologist and yoga instructor for City of Hope. She said: "It's a no-brainer. It helps. Everyone I have known and taught has been helped by yoga."Some of the benefits she has seen in cancer patients who practice yoga include improved strength and flexibility, relief from nerve pain, and reductions in other pain, nausea and fatigue. Many patients have found that it helps them get more sleep, and it also reduces their fear and anxiety. In addition, some have reported better memory, helping to stave off the brain fog that is known as "chemo brain."Mueller emphasizes that yoga does not have to be particularly vigorous in order to be therapeutic. She points to five simple poses that can be adapted to a person's physical ability. When combined with deep, conscious breathing, these poses can provide substantial benefits:Not every patient can get to a class, but Mueller says that conscious breathing in small doses throughout the day can bring people some of the same benefits that a yoga class provides . Slow and steady breaths from time to time can help "reset" the mind and body.A 2011 study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that yoga helped improve quality of life for women who were undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Some of the benefits noted were reduced fatigue, overall health improvements, better physical functioning and a reduction in the level of the stress hormone cortisol. This is a particularly significant benefit because elevated levels of stress hormones throughout the day are believed to worsen the outcome of breast cancer patients.Another study, which was published inin 2010, showed an overwhelmingly positive response to a specialized Iyengar yoga program geared toward breast cancer survivors, with 94 percent of participants reporting an improvement in their quality of life, 88 percent saying they felt better physically, 87 percent saying they felt happier, and 80 percent saying they felt less tired. Other benefits noted in the two-year study included a reduction in stress, depression and anxiety, and improvements in body image.Breathing is an important component of yoga, and clean air is vital for deriving the most benefits from any breathing technique. Heading outdoors for a yoga session can be particularly beneficial.Mueller believes that yoga can benefit absolutely everyone, regardless of their condition."There is no person who wouldn't benefit from a yoga practice, no matter what stage of treatment they are in," she said. "Even in a hospital, sick in bed, learning how to breathe can help." Invasive fracking practices threatening southern California's 'incredible biological diversity' Impact of fracking chemicals on wildlife poorly understood Offshore drilling increases risk of oil spills (NaturalNews) Dozens of endangered marine animals are at risk due to fracking and acid well stimulation off the coast of southern California, according to two environmental non-profits that are threatening suit against the federal government.The Environmental Defense Center and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper allege that the federal government has violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to consult with wildlife experts about the potential impacts offshore fracking might have on marine life.An Aug. 10, 2016, letter written by the two groups addressed to half a dozen federal regulators asserts that oil and gas development and production on 43 current leases and 23 operating platforms located within federal, Outer Continental Shelf waters off the California coast, is threatening at least 25 species listed on the Endangered Species Act.These include endangered marine and coastal fish species such as the scalloped hammerhead shark; marine mammals such as the blue whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, Guadalupe fur seal and southern sea otter; marine and coastal bird species including the marbled murrelet and short-tailed albatross; and four species of sea turtles.On May 27, 2016, California's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement gave the green light for new oil and gas development because their database found no significant impact on wildlife.But the non-profits allege that the organizations failed to genuinely asses the environmental impact, including the potential "destruction or adverse modification" of the endangered species' critical habitat.Big Oil is conducting potentially harmful operations in an area of southern California known for its "incredible biological diversity," said the groups. The region is so diverse it's been coined "the Galapagos of North America."The best science shows us that offshore well stimulation, including fracking and acid well stimulation, routinely results in "acid washes," which can harm various marine and coastal species, said the non-profits.The toxic chemicals used in fracking are problematic for marine life as they're often dumped straight into the open ocean. The chemicals may also enter the water during handling, processing and transportation.The true impacts of fracking chemicals on marine life are simply unknown because they have never been "meaningfully analyzed," said the groups.Fracking chemicals aren't the only threat, either. The actual action of oil and gas exploration creates intense noises that may disturb or even kill marine life , particularly those relying on sonar.Environmentalists are also concerned about the possibility of large marine mammals such as whales being struck by vessels delivering industry supplies. Furthermore, offshore fracking "extends the life of existing oil platforms thereby prolonging the occurrence" of environmental impacts. Oil spills are of course a huge concern as well, particularly in sensitive environments."Such impacts include the risk of oil spills on a sensitive marine environment suffering from a history of devastating spills, including the May 19, 2015 rupture of the Plains All-American Pipeline, which delivered crude that originates from offshore platforms where WSTs have occurred. The spill harmed hundreds of coastal birds and other marine wildlife."Though BSEE and BOEM databases concluded no significant impact on wildlife, they did find that their actions "may affect" some endangered species, which under federal law requires consultation with wildlife experts even if the impact is "benign" or of an "undetermined character."But the agencies dismissed these impacts as "negligible" and did not consult with wildlife experts. The Environmental Defense Center and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper say that if BSEE and BOEM fail to remedy the violations within 60 days they will pursue a lawsuit in federal court. DEET is a neurotoxin Natural oil much more effective at repelling mosquitoes (NaturalNews) An "expert" on the Zika virus has some dangerous advice for people living in Miami: Use DEET as a sort of anti-mosquito "perfume" to protect themselves from getting bitten.There's just one problem with that, however: DEET is a registered pesticide, and could have extremely toxic effects on the central nervous system, especially in young children. But the mainstream media continues to hype it as the "best" means of protection against Zika-carrying mosquitoes, when it clearly isn't.As reported by, the DEET-as-perfume advice comes from Dr. Matthew DeGennaro, a mosquito geneticist who thinks the Zika virus infestation in one part of the city will eventually spread to the entire Dade County area."The way that will happen is not by the spread of mosquitoes themselves, but by the movement of infected people," he said."DEET should be Miami's new perfume," he added.He's not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also advised people living in areas where mosquitoes are carrying Zika to cover up as much as possible and to slather themselves in DEET.But according to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia in Canada, using DEET can be hazardous to your health.The group notes that the pesticide is a member of the toluene family, which is an organic solvent that is used in paint removers, plastic cements and rubber products.When applied, DEET is absorbed into the skin and passes into the bloodstream. The group quotes the, published by Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd., in noting: "Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream."In fact, blood concentrations of roughly 3 mg per liter have been measuredafter the repellent was first applied. In addition, the EHANS said, DEET is also absorbed into the gut.Some researchers say that the most concerning aspect of DEET use is its potential effect on the central nervous system. A Duke University scientist, Dr. Mohammed Abou-Donia, studied the effects of DEET on lab animals and how they performed neuro-behavioral tasks that required muscle coordination. He reported finding that the animals exposed to the same average human dose did far worse than untreated animals. In addition, EHANS said, Abou-Donia found that combined exposure to DEET and permethrin, an ingredient found in mosquito sprays, can also lead to learning and memory dysfunction as well as motor deficits.As reported in 2010 , new research at the time found that DEET has neurotoxic effects, and functions much like deadly nerve gasses and other dangerous pesticides."These findings question the safety of deet, particularly in combination with other chemicals," said researcher Vincent Corbel of Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement in Montpellier.Though many other researchers have long insisted that DEET is safe to use, they have also recommended that a minimal amount of it be applied just enough to cover exposed skin and clothing. They have also advised that the pesticide not be applied directly to open wounds and damaged skin.That said, there is a natural alternative to DEET that has been proven to be effective. As we reported in 2015 , natural essential oils from some plants are better suited to deterring mosquitoes safely, and one of them is lemon eucalyptus oil.The safe, natural alternative contains p-menthane-diol, a plant compound that has proven to be safer and more effective than DEET. study published last year by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, tested natural alternatives including lemon eucalyptus oil. Two others did not perform significantly well, but the lemon eucalyptus oil outperformed DEET in its ability to repel mosquitoes. Researchers found that the oil gave 96.89 percent protection for four hours, while DEET only provided 84.81 percent protection. The herbalist had a 30 year history of curing diseases once thought incurable The unsanitary living conditions in the Honduran prison system Remembering Dr. Sebi and his amazing holistic health cures (NaturalNews) Dr. Sebi was a world renowned naturalist who specialized in herbology, pathology and biochemistry. Born in Honduras in 1933, Sebi received inspiration to become a natural healer from the beauty he observed in nature and his beloved grandmother "Mama Hay."She along with an herbalist from Mexico taught Sebi the gift of natural healing, using plants found in nature to cure diseases previously deemed incurable. Upon relocating to the United States, Sebi developed various chronic illnesses including asthma, diabetes and obesity.Conventional medicine failed to cure Sebi, leading him to Mexico and eventually the herbalist who changed his life. Astounded by the effectiveness of natural medicine, Sebi began creating his own products made from natural vegetation that promote inter-cellular cleansing and revitalization of important cells in the human body.His unique knowledge of natural healing led to the creation of the USHA Research Institute, Dr. Sebi LLC and the Usha Healing Village located in Laceiba, Honduras. There his team has successfully reversed various illnesses believed to be incurable, including AIDS, sickle cell anemia, lupus, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, epilepsy and much more.The herbalist received notoriety for treating several celebrities including Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC, actor Steven Seagal and Michael Jackson. But sadly Dr. Sebi's life ended abruptly roughly two months after being arrested at Juan Manuel Galvez de Roatan International Airport in Honduras.On May 28, 2016, the natural healer and his associate Pablo Medina Gamboa were apprehended on charges of money laundering after arriving in Honduras from California. Dr. Sebi was reportedly carrying $20,000 in cash on his person and Gamboa $30,000.The two were attempting to board a private plane to another location in Honduras when they were detained. Dr. Sebi was released pending a June 3, 2016, court appearance; however, he was arrested again by the Public Ministerio, the equivalent to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.The health of the 82-year-old holistic healer began to deteriorate while incarcerated in the Honduran prison system, which has been described as "desperately overcrowded, unsanitary, seething with tension and violence."Dr. Sebi was reportedly diagnosed with pneumonia and placed on pharmaceutical drugs. His health quickly went downhill while his family worked against the clock to get him released.One of the reasons the Honduran prison system is so overcrowded is because 50 percent of the prisoners are held in pre-trial detention. 2014 report from the National Commission for Human Rights found that out of roughly 15,000 prisoners, nearly 8,000 (53.5 percent) are awaiting trial. The severe overcrowding results in poor nutrition for inmates and severe lack of medical care.Dr. Sebi's condition grew so critical that he passed away while being rushed to the Vicente D'antoni Hospital. It's currently unclear whether there is any evidence to suggest foul play.Though it is likely that unsanitary jail conditions played a role in his death, a recent wave of unexplained deaths in the natural health community has sparked rumors that Dr. Sebi may have been killed due to his impact as a natural healer.His Cell Food products, which rely on natural botanical remedies that cleanse and detoxify the body , have assuredly touched thousands of people suffering from debilitating illnesses.Dr. Sebi's philosophy maintained that removing accumulated toxins from the body and replacing depleted minerals promotes health and well-being.His team at Cell Food posted a thoughtful statement on its website remembering the healer for his compassion, brilliance and zest for life."Upon receiving the devastating news that our teacher, world healer, family and friend to so many, had passed on to transition out of his physical body - it brought great sadness and heavy hearts around the world."With your support Dr. Sebi's legacy will not cease to exist. Fortunately, Dr. Sebi transmitted his knowledge to his disciples at Dr. Sebi's Cell Food who have learned directly from Dr. Sebi and will maintain his knowledge, philosophy and formulas intact. It is our duty at Dr. Sebi's Cell Food to continue with his legacy."(Photo credit: The Rock Newman Show) Petroperu, the country's state-owned energy company, said a fresh oil spill in the Peruvian Amazon was detected from the country's four-decades-old pipeline last Thursday. T According to Reuters, this is not the first oil spill in the country, as it previously suffered three leaks within 2016 alone. Petroperu did not provide an estimate for how much oil was releasead but noted that a contingency plan is now being implemented to control further damage and eventual threat to the environment. The latest spill happened in a ravine in the province of Condorcanqui, Yahoo News reports. The two spills leaked approximately 3,000 barrels of oil that polluted rivers last February. Because of this, indigenous communities were affected and the 687-mile pipeline was shut down for repair. The third spill occurred becase the oil company was conducting illegal pumping of crude oil through the pipeline. According to The Indian Express, the Peruvian government has dismissed the head of Petroperu, German Velasquez. They have also fined the energy company with $3.5 million after the newest oil spill incident. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski will be more pressured to pass reforms that will help resolve or avoid future leaks. It is unclear how fourth spill occurred, but Energy and Mines Minister Gonzalo Tamayo announced that the decades-old pipeline will not function for at least a year. There have been 23 ruptures in the pipeline since 2011, according to the ombudsman's office. Since the pipeline's closure, Peru's relatively small oil production has dropped to about 37,000 barrels per day. Petroperu mainly transports and commercializes oil products in Peru, a relatively small producer of crude. Support had been growing for the company to take part in oil production through partnerships with private companies before this year's spills. To learn more about the broken pipeline and devastating oil spills in the Amazon, check out the video below. Orbital ATK "Return to Flight" launch of the re-engined space rocket cargo mission was delayed for a month mainly because of the need for a more detailed analysis of the modified booster. "Orbital ATK is currently working with NASA to target a window in the second half of September for the launch of the OA-5 mission. A more specific launch date will be identified in the coming weeks," an Orbital ATK official said in a statement. The commercial space flight company, Orbital ATK announced the delay of the launch two weeks before the supposed liftoff. The launched that was moved to mid of September was originally scheduled on Aug. 22 from the company's launch pad at Virginia Space's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad OA at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The Antares 230, Orbital ATK's spacecraft is a medium-class commercial launch rocket was modified in order to upgrade the engine to the first stage Russian-built RD-181 engines. The Russian RD-181 engines will have to be fully validated by NASA before it executes its mission to the International Space Station (ISS). "Due to a variety of interrelated factors, including the company's continuing processing, inspection and testing of the flight vehicle at Wallops Island, and NASA's scheduling of crew activities on the International Space Station in preparation for upcoming cargo and crew launches, Orbital ATK is currently working with NASA to target a window in the second half of September for the launch of the OA-5 mission," an official from Orbital ATK announced in a statement. NASA's validation of all incoming and outgoing missions to the ISS is vital to guarantee the smooth execution and delivery of supplies and experiment equipment to the ISS. Orbital ATK Antares is tasked to carry OA-5 Cygnus need to undergo review before being sent to the ISS. The current OA-5 launch will carry 5,290 lbs (2,400 kg) of cargo, supplies for the crew and experiment equipment to the ISS. There's more to the universe than what man already know. A new minor planet was discovered beyond Neptune, but how it reached there is mystifying scientists as one theory suggests that it was bumped into its odd orbit by another larger planet. Astronomers discovered the object called "Niku" that is considered as a minor planet that orbits beyond Neptune. A lot of new celestial bodies are recently being discovered beyond Neptune and in the Kuiper belt. Niku follows an "odd" orbit that is tilted at 110 degrees, different from the usual tilt of other planets in the Solar System. This is enough to prove the astronomers' belief that there could be many other planets lurking on the edges of the Solar System that men are yet to discover. This is the reason behind its name Niku derived from the Chinese word that means rebellious. Niku is believed to belong to a different cluster of planetoids that belong to the similar orbits. Adding to the mystery, Niku is also spinning backward in the opposite direction compared to the rest of the planets, according to Engadget. Niku is about 124 miles (200 km) across. And because of its unique tilted orbit, Niku is orbiting high above the flat orbital disk separate from the rest of the planets in the Solar System. What makes Niku more interesting is that astronomers believe that it could have been bumped beyond Neptune by something larger, potentially by another dwarf planet like asteroid Ceres of dwarf planet Pluto. But despite the lack of proof to confirm the above-mentioned theory, astronomers and scientists anticipate the further study of Niku since it might pave the way for the discovery of other planetary systems, dwarf planet or even the theoretical planet nine. "It suggests that there's more going on in the outer solar system than we're fully aware of," Dr. Matthew Holman, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics said in an interview. Archeologists have discovered the remains of a 3,000-year old skeleton at a man-made altar atop Mount Lykaion in Arcadia, Greece, suggesting the occurrence of human sacrifice to appease the Greek's supreme God, Zeus. Seeker reported that the discovered skeleton was most likely to be an adolescent male. It was found at the heart of the 100-foot broad ash altar close to a man-made platform of stone. The researchers were surprised when they saw a very unusual detail in the skeleton and where it was buried. The upper part of its skull is missing. Furthermore, the remains are oriented east-west with 5-foot long border of field stones in both sides, while stone slabs covered the pelvis area. The team of archeologists is still not sure the exact cause of the teenager's death. But the discovery of the remains in a sacrificial altar, which is not used as cemetery, strengthens their assumption that the man was sacrificed. "Whether it's a sacrifice or not, this is a sacrificial altar ... so it's not a place where you would bury an individual. It's not a cemetery," excavator David Gilman Romano, professor of Greek archaeology at the University of Arizona told Washington Post. According to some legends, there are times when a young boy is sacrificed together with animals. Meats from the young boy and animal were mixed and cooked together. Whoever ate the human part would become wolf for nine years. Mount Lykaion is often referred as the birthplace of Zeus. It is known to be the earliest known site where the god of thunder and weather was worshipped. Numerous animals, mostly sheep and goats, were slaughtered in the area as sacrifice for Zeus. This mass slaughtering resulted in the creation of the mountain top altar made out of mounds of animal ashes. The excavation at Mount Lykaion began in 2007 until 2010. It was resumed again this year with only seven percent of the altar excavated. The excavation of the sanctuary will continue until 2020. Good news! The population of rare island foxes in California, after being in the brink of extinction, is now recovering at a rapid rate. According to a report from Reuters, three groups of California's island fox found on San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands were removed from the U.S. endangered species list on Thursday. Meanwhile, a fourt suppecies found on Santa Catalina Islan was downgraded from being endangered to threatened, NPR reports. The outlet notes that this is considered the fastest recovery to date for an American mammal that was once deemed to be nearing extinction. The island fox are cousins to the mainland gray fox and is one of the rarest mammals in the U.S. They weigh 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kilograms) and stand about a foot (30.5 cm) tall. During the late 1990s, the population of the four subspecies mentioned above plunged to fewer than 200. Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that it dramatically increase to nearly 6,000 in 2015. NPR notes that the recovery of the island fox was the result of a collaboration between the National Park Service, Nature Conservancy and Catalina Island Conservancy. The three organizations conducted a multi-stage program, involving relocating the golden eagles, eliminating feral pigs and then trapping and captive-breeding the Island foxes. The existence of island foxes in the Channel Islands has been a mystery to this day because no one knows how they got there. Researchers say that the wipe-out of fish-eating bald eagle and the introduction of non-native golden eagle, which preyed on island foxes, caused the species to be almost extinct In 2008, 230 captive-bred foxes were released into the wild. There are now almost 6,000 on the four islands. To know more these small island foxes that are making a comeback, check out the video below. Scientists have seen for the first time how genes in the human brain are "switching off" through a new scanning tool. The on and off of genes in the brain is referred to as brain epigenetics, and so far, this gene activity in the human brain can only be detected in the dead. But now, researchers from the Harvard Medical School were able to see the DNA's on-and-off activity in a live human brain, and the technique is said to help detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and other disorders. The new neuroimaging technique is a type of PET scan, which makes use of radioactive tracing chemicals that will allow scientists to see the brain at work. During the scan, the radioactive tracer is injected into the patient and binds to a type of enzyme called HDAC. According to New Scientist, the enzyme deactivates genes within the cells and stops them from producing the proteins they code for. From the traditional brain scans, scientists could see where the tracer bounds to an enzyme, and thus see where in particular the enzyme is switching off genes. The researchers conducted an experiment on the brains of eight healthy people and were surprised to find that the patterns of gene deactivation are similar among all participants. The research findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. "We think of it as a highly dynamic process, so we expected lots of variation between people," Jacob Hooker, associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School and lead author of the study, told New Scientist. This led the researchers to conclude that there is a standard pattern for gene-expression levels, and that changes in the pattern could indicate an impending illness. According to Stat News, Hooker and his team had already used the technique to see the gene-expression patterns in the brains of people with schizophrenia and Huntington's disease, and have recently secured funding to start doing tests on Alzheimer's patients. Authorities on Thursday found a 10-month-old boy, who they believe had been abducted by his mother last month, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. The baby, Davione, has been located, but the district attorney's office said Satima Michelle Purnell remains at large. The 32-year-old San Jose resident is accused of kidnapping her son after learning she lost custody of him on July 9, prosecutors said. According to investigators, Davione suffers from a "serious medical condition." On Thursday, prosecutors said only that he was "safe," but did not comment on where he was found or the condition he is in. Purnell, who also uses the last name Clark, is described as standing about 5 feet 1 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, according to the district attorney's office. She has brown eyes, black hair and multiple piercings on her face, particularly on her lips and upper cheek close to her eyes, prosecutors said. Purnell also has numerous tattoos including a teddy bear on her left bicep and two on her upper left arm with the words "Aaniah" and "Prince," prosecutors said. She is possibly driving a four-door silver Hyundai with license plate number 6BXN752. Anyone who sees Purnell or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call 911. Budding swimmers in Berkeley got a surprise visit Thursday morning. A deer decided to join the fun at Martin Luther King Middle School, and jumped into a pool, barely missing the students, ages three to six, a lifeguard told Berkeleyside. The animal scampered across the pool deck and dived into the deep end of the pool. Lifeguards Jasper Solomon and Adonis Boyd asked the young swimmers to vacate the pool and rushed to help the fawn, Berkeleyside reported. Using a lifejacket and floaters, the pair guided the animal to the shallow side of the pool, from where it scrambled out and fled. Solomon told Berkeleyside that the children were surprised, but no one was hurt. The kids got a kick out of all the excitement! Jeff Johnston, whose son was learning how to swim at the time, told Berkeleyside. Solomon said that an employee had noticed the deer earlier in the day. It likely hopped a fence to gain access to the pool deck, he told Berkeleyside. The children returned to their lesson once the wayward deer was helped out of the water. An Oakland man was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, child endangerment and domestic violence Thursday after he rammed a vehicle occupied by his ex-girlfriend and their young child in Antioch, according to the Antioch Police Department. Police dispatch received a call from a woman about 11:50 a.m. saying she was being chased by a car, and the suspect was ramming her vehicle, police said. Moments later, several more calls came in from witnesses reporting a traffic collision on Hillcrest Avenue and Via Dora Drive and that a man had forced the victims into his car. Officers arrived at the scene and found the victim's vehicle with major damage and the victims not at the scene, police said. A short time later, a local hospital called and told police two victims, a 23-year-old womand and a 3-year-old boy, were dropped off and being treated. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Joshua Dillard of Oakland, left the hospital but returned a short time later and was taken into custody, police said. He was booked into county jail in Martinez on $1.2 million bail. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Antioch Police Department nonemergency line at (925) 778-2441, or text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH. A massive quake on the Hayward Fault would leave many East Bay communities without water to fight dozens of natural-gas sparked fires that experts say will be inevitable in its wake, an NBC Bay Area News investigation has found. The numbers are still being finalized, said Charles Scawthorn, an internationally recognized earthquake fire expert and UC Berkeley researcher studying the issue. But I can simply say there will be many hundreds of fires and billions of dollars in losses. And losses of potentially thousands of homes. One of the issues is getting the water to fight those fires. Last month in West Berkeley, an aging cast iron water pipe ruptured, snarling traffic and flooding the area around Gillman Street and Cornell Avenue. Thousands of such breaks will likely occur in a quake, leaving many parts of the East Bay critically low on water needed to fight the fires Scawthorn fears will break out. After a really major event, we would potentially see thousands of leaks, said Xavier Irias, director of engineering and construction for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. He says the district has more than 1,000 miles of aging cast iron pipe, some of which runs through seismically unstable ground. We have more than 4,000 miles of pipe, and no pipe is completely bulletproof, Irias says. The aging cast iron, he adds, is already prone to corrosion and failure like what occurred in late July in West Berkeley. It is vulnerable, he says. In response, the district is ramping up its replacement efforts from about 10 miles to about 40 miles of pipe each year. Irias says the district envisions installing seismic shock absorbing connectors to limit quake damage as well. Without immediate water, however, the quake fire risk is real. The peril may be most pronounced in the Berkeley Hills, where the Hayward Fault runs right through Cal's Memorial Stadium at the top of the UC campus. After the 1991 Oakland Hills fire destroyed more than 3,000 homes, Berkeley voters approved a bond measure calling for a network of quake resistant water pipes on the flats and underground reservoirs known as cisterns in the hills. San Francisco has some 200 of them, allowing crews to quickly siphon water out to battle quake fires. But the elaborate plan met neighborhood opposition and was abandoned. Nobody wanted the street dug up in front of their business or their house, recalled Scawthorn, a resident of Berkeley who said he was out of the country at the time but would have welcomed a cistern at his home in the hills. Berkeley Assistant Fire Chief David Brannigan said the cisterns would be a superior way of getting water to fight fires in the hills. But, he said, that died in the community process -- the system wasnt welcomed by community members. People didnt want it in their neighborhoods. A new bond of nearly $10 million won voter approval. As a result, the city bought a portable water supply system pioneered in Holland. Using it, Berkeley firefighters could use movable pumps to siphon water from the bay or from Lake Anza in Tilden Park. The system relies on six miles of 12-inch-thick hoses. Critics say it is cumbersome and requires special ramps for escaping motorists to drive over the filled water lines. Scawthorn says the system has pluses and minuses. It will protect the downtown area, it will protect the campus, it would protect most of the flats and to some extent, it would be available to serve some portion of the hills, he said. But, he says, the system could be quickly overwhelmed and may not be able to handle several fires at the same time. What is needed, he says, is a statewide system for all cities in quake prone areas. Scawthorn envisons one fire truck -- outfitted with a mile of 5-inch hose for emergency water for every 25,000 residents in quake vulnerable cities in the state. We need a standardized system for the whole state, Scawthorn says. What Im saying is common sense; its a no brainer. By Scawthorns count, the Bay Area should have 100 of those trucks. One city, Oakland, has four such trucks, a third of the dozen available across the Bay Area. To lobby for more, Scawthorn says he met with regional fire officials two years ago. He says they support his plan. But if you pardon the pun, they are busy putting out fires, he said, explaining that fire chiefs have other things they have to deal with. Even with all its preparations and a $10 million water supply system, Brannigan says Berkeley can field only seven fire companies in a disaster. Compounding the challenge, he says, is narrow streets in hillside neighborhoods, where parked cars will make moving fire trucks difficult. Crews may have to wait hours for outside help to arrive, he says. If we have a more severe earthquake on the Hayward Fault, it will provide us water that we would not otherwise have, he says of the backup water supply system. If we have multiple fires around the city and we lost our East Bay MUD water, he warned, we would have a problem. A mysterious tree killer has struck again: A San Jose city councilman said another 23 trees were taken down with what appears to be a chain saw in Willow Glen this week, bringing the total number of saplings killed along a street in his district to 46. Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio confirmed to NBC Bay Area that nearly two dozen trees were found chopped down on Meridian Avenue and Dry Creek Road on Wednesday night. Just as shocked as any Willow Glen resident that someone would do this, Oliverio is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprit. There are no surveillance cameras along the street, he said. NBC Bay Area Some told the Mercury News that the motive behind the tree killings could be political. In recent months, a vandal poured cans of white primer over colorful art boxes in Oliverio's district. Oliverio told NBC Bay Area on Friday that until he knows who is doing it, he can't speculate on the motives. He couldn't immediately think of any political enemy who would be behind such a "mean and unkind" act. Obviously, though, Oliverio said the tree killer "has some strong issues regarding something." The 46 felled trees, a mix of native California Chinese fringe and yew pine, were planted as a part of a $50,000 project, sponsored by Oliverios office. "We all had to take a deep breath because it was stunning," said Rhonda Berry, president and CEO of Our City Forest, a local nonprofit that planted the 10-foot trees last year. She told the Mercury News that the damage estimate was probably about $10,000 and that's without being able to tally the emotional cost of the savagery of the unusual criminal act. The first rash of botanical homicides was discovered on July 16, when volunteers from Our City Forest program couldn't believe their eyes when they found 23 trees sawed down by a vandal or vandals. Where those trees once stood, there are now signs saying, "These trees have been murdered." "I think the community is perplexed as to why someone would kill trees," Oliverio said. "Its bizarre." 23 Trees Chopped in San Jose Oliverio strongly suspects that the same person or people who took down the 23 trees on the first side of Meridian Avenue is the same person or people who slashed the second side. "Apparently, they came back to finish the job," he said. The trees will likely be replanted in the fall. "Were not going to let this mean and unkind vandal set the city back from continuing to beautify things," Oliverio said. The councilman's office will invest the money needed to replant the trees, and when they do, he says theyll also install surveillance cameras. "We have to keep planting in order to have a healthy city," he said. Meanwhile, neighbors remain perplexed as to why someone is targeting trees. "Someone has got a screw loose," Tim Reiley said. Two Bay Area drivers plowed into buildings on Friday in one case, injuring a Denny's employee who didn't get out of the way fast enough, and in the other, damaging a building and shutting down roads for hours. in Fremont, an elderly driver rammed his pickup truck into a Denny's, sending one employee to the hospital just before 10 a.m., fire officials said. After the crash, the driver and his passenger sat in front of the restaurant, visibly in shock. "He went to back up, to pull the car back in, and it just spun around and around and thats where we ended up," Louise Kalning said of her husband, who was driving. A photograph on the Fremont Fire Department's Twitter page showed a white pickup truck had backed into the eatery, leaving a gaping hole on one side of the building and shattering glass that littered the floor. Investigators are still trying to figure out exactly what happened. But Battalion Chief Richard Dickinson said this is the third time in the past 10 days in which a senior citizen has driven into a Fremont building. "Usually what happens is the person has the foot on the accelerator and the brake, realize the vehicle is moving faster and the foot is a little to the gas pedal, keep pushing the gas harder, and the harder they push, the faster the vehicle goes," Dickinson said. A restaurant hostess was taken to the hospital after shattered glass fell on her. "It sounded crazy," said Denny's employee Ralph Calender. "I just heard a crash and came out and the lady fell to the ground." The couple in the truck said they will be OK, after a very harrowing few seconds. Kalning sported a bruise on her arm after the crash, but refused medical attention. NBC Bay Area Meanwhile, a Redwood City apartment building was deemed unsafe to enter after an SUV crashed into it Friday morning, a police sergeant said. However, building officials may allow some residents to return home if a PG&E crew is sure the utilities in some units were not damaged, police Sgt. Ed Conover said. At about 10:15 a.m., the SUV crashed into the building's garage at 512 Chestnut St., between Middlefield Road and Stambaugh Street. Every resident was evacuated after the crash because the entire building was deemed structurally unsound. Even if some residents are allowed to go home, residents of the apartments above the garage will have to find temporary housing, Conover said. The San Mateo Urban Search and Rescue Team responded to shore up the building so residents could go back in to get some of their belongings. The driver of the SUV suffered minor to moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital, Redwood City fire Battalion Chief Dan Abrams said. The driver did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Conover said. None of the building's residents were hurt and the American Red Cross will be helping all of the residents whose homes are deemed unsafe to live in, Conover said. The area was closed to traffic after the crash but is expected to open again at 3:30 p.m. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The driver of the SUV may have suffered a medical emergency before the crash, police Lt. Sean Hart said. A federal judge in Milwaukee has overturned the conviction of Brendan Dassey, the young man whose case was one of two documented in the Netflix series Making a Murderer." Judge William E. Duffin found that investigators repeatedly made false promises to Dassey, who was 16 years old and a slow learner, in extracting a confession, which Dassey's legal team had maintained was coerced. The judge found that confession was involuntary in a 91-page decision handed down Friday. Dasseys case was one of two followed in the popular Making a Murderer series, which depicts the story of Dasseys uncle, Steven Avery. Dassey and Avery were sentenced to life for the 2005 murder of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach. Dassey's attorney, Steve Drizin with Northwestern Universitys Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, confirmed the news Friday. "I am just beyond excited," Drizin said. "I had to pick myself up off the floor." Duffin ordered Dassey be set free unless the state initiates a retrial proceeding in 90 days. That, or an appeal of the decision, would put Dassey's release on hold, Drizin said. He and the legal team would then seek to have him released on bond. "A lot's going to depend on what the state does here," he said. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More The Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth legal team, based in Chicago, first took Dasseys case to federal court in Wisconsin in 2014 in hopes that he would be granted a writ of Habeas corpus, which would have forced the government to examine his case and rule whether he has been imprisoned illegally. Dassey was arrested at the age of 16 in connection with case, but his attorneys maintained his confession was coerced. Avery, a Wisconsin man who was imprisoned for 18 years for sexual assault before DNA evidence exonerated him in 2003, was accused of Halbach's murder as he was suing Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, the former district attorney and the county sheriff for wrongful imprisonment, seeking $36 million in damages. Most recently, the show's filmmakers said a juror from Avery's murder trial claims he was not proven guilty, but the juror had voted to convict him out of fear for his/her personal safety. The two filmmakers have not yet contacted other jurors to independently verify the claim, they said. NBC News has not independently verified the allegation with any jurors. Steven Drizin, a clinical professor at Northwestern University School of Law who is among the attorneys representing Dassey, said his team of lawyers from the Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth at Northwestern, and Wisconsin attorney Robert Dvorak, have spent years on the case. Drizin said the team investigated Dasseys case for two years before filing an appeal in 2010. The appeal was ultimately denied by a state appellate court and the Wisconsin Supreme Court refused to hear the case. The habeas petition was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin in 2014. Were hopeful is what I would say, Drizin said at the time. The deeper you go into this system, whether its in the state court system or the federal court system, the harder it is to win. Weve won cases in federal court before and were hoping that this is another one that well win. Drizin said the petition focused largely on Dasseys original public defender, Len Kachinsky, who was ultimately removed from the case. A lot of our appeal has to do with the actions that Brendans original attorney Len Kachinsky took, which demonstrated his disloyalty to Brendan and his willingness to work with the prosecution to try to get Brendan to plead guilty and testify against Steven Avery, Drizin said. He also maintains that Dasseys confession was coerced by [investigators] feeding him facts. To me, this case is a classic example of how not to interrogate juvenile suspects and the tactics that were used during Brendans interrogation are a recipe for false confessions, he said. In a brief filed last year, the state argued Dassey failed to show that the appeals courts decision was unreasonable. [Investigators] merely stated, in calm tones, that they already knew what happened and allowed Dassey to confess that he had raped Halbach, and was involved in her murder, the brief reads. Dasseys confession was not coerced, and the state courts decision on Dasseys voluntariness claim did not involve an unreasonable application of clearly established Federal law. Former Calamut County District Attorney Ken Kratz, who prosecuted Dassey and Avery, recently told People magazine that he has "a great bit of sympathy" for Dassey, who he said "never would have been involved in this except for his uncle." Dassey would have been out sooner if he had taken a plea bargain, Kratz said. Drizin said while Making a Murderer has put Dasseys case in the national spotlight, he didn't believe it would have an impact on the judges decision. I dont think that the Netflix movie is going to influence a federal judge, but at the same time, judges are human beings and the Netflix film has created a context for Brendans case that didnt exist at the time of his trial or his appeals, he said. Donald Trump claims that President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton founded ISIS. But the origin of the Islamic State terrorist group dates back to the Bush administration. Trump points to the withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2011, under Obama, as the founding of ISIS, but experts say the expansion of the Islamic State after that point cant be pinned on the troop withdrawal alone if at all. And theres the fact that President George W. Bush had signed the agreement and set the date for that withdrawal. Its a massively complex problem, Clint Watts, the Robert A. Fox fellow in the Foreign Policy Research Institutes Program on the Middle East, told us. It goes beyond one single policy decision about keeping or moving troops. Furthermore, Trump himself supported withdrawing troops from Iraq as early as 2007, telling CNN in a March 16, 2007, interview that the U.S. should declare victory and leave, because Ill tell you, this country is just going to get further bogged down. [T]his is a total catastrophe and you might as well get out now, because you just are wasting time. But now, in the midst of a campaign to be president, Trump says the withdrawal, without leaving behind a small force, created ISIS. His comments at a rally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came after he has been linking Clinton to ISIS for weeks. Trump, Aug. 10: We shouldnt have ever, ever, ever got into Iraq. I said it from the beginning. I said it from the beginning. I said youre going to destabilize the Middle East and we did. And then, an even easier decision, we should have never gotten out the way we got out. We had a president who decided hed announce a date and he was going to get out by that date. The problem is the enemy, which really turned out to be ISIS, the enemy was sitting back and actually didnt believe that this could be happening. That they would actually say when they were getting out. So they sat back and they sat back but instead of allowing some small forces behind to maybe, just maybe, keep it under control, and we pulled it out eventually. And then we decimated one of the powers and we unleashed fury all over the Middle East. It was a terrible mistake. And then Obama came in and normally you want to clean up, he made a bigger mess out of it. And then you had Hillary with Libya. So sad. In fact, in many respects you know they honor President Obama. ISIS is honoring President Obama. He is the founder of ISIS. Hes the founder of ISIS. Hes the founder. He founded ISIS. And I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton, co-founder. Trump reiterated his founder of ISIS comments in interviews on Aug. 11. When conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt asked him, You meant that [Obama] created the vacuum, he lost the peace, Trump responded: No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. Trump added that the way he got out of Iraq was the founding of ISIS, O.K.? Lets start with a quick fact-check of Trumps position on the Iraq War: There is no evidence that Trump opposed the war in Iraq before it started on March 19, 2003, despite his frequent claims to the contrary. In fact, Trump expressed mild support in September 2002 for invading Iraq in an interview with radio host Howard Stern. The Trump campaign, in a footnoted speech, has pointed to an interview in January 2003 with Fox News Neil Cavuto, but, as weve explained before, Trump took no position in that interview, saying only that President Bush should make a decision: Either you attack or you dont attack, he said. That March 2003 invasion of Iraq supported at the time by Clinton, who was in the U.S. Senate, and opposed by Obama, who was a state senator marked the beginning of the rise of a terrorist group that has adopted several names over the years, most recently the Islamic State. Well note that some of Trumps comments can be taken as opinion the most valuable player comment, for instance. But his claims that Obama and specifically the troop withdrawal founded ISIS dont measure up to the well-documented history of this terrorist group. The Roots of ISIS If anyone can be called the founder of ISIS, its Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian who formed al Qaeda in Iraq, the group that became ISIS, after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. A June 27 report by the Congressional Research Service provides a timeline of The Roots of the Islamic State, which begins in October 2002, when Zarqawi assassinated USAID official Laurence Foley in Jordan and then relocated to Iraq. By October 2004, Zarqawis group was known as al Qaeda in Iraq. He took advantage of sectarian strife in Iraq Sunni opposition to U.S. forces and the ruling Shia party to build his organization. The Islamic State has its origins in the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Princeton University professor Bernard Haykel, who heads the universitys Institute for Transregional Study of the Contemporary Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, told us in an interview. It is tied to a man named Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who was killed in an American attack in 2006. I dont see that Obama has anything to do with it at all. He wasnt even on the scene when the founders of ISIS set it up. In June 2006, Zarqawi was killed in a U.S. airstrike, but Egyptian Abu Ayub al-Masri took over the organization, calling it the Islamic State of Iraq a few months later. In an analysis, From Paper State to Caliphate, for the Brookings Institutions Center for Middle East Policy, Cole Bunzel writes that the significance of the groups name change to the Islamic State of Iraq was much greater than was appreciated at the time. It signaled the start of an ambitious political project: the founding of a state in Iraq a proto-caliphate that would ultimately expand across the region, proclaim itself the fullfledged caliphate, and go on to conquer the rest of the world. In 2010, Masri, and another top Islamic State official, were killed in a joint Iraqi-U.S. raid. When U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq at the end of 2011, the CRS report explains, the Islamic State of Iraq was weakened, but not eliminated. CRS, The Islamic State and U.S. Policy, June 27: The Islamic States direct ideological and organizational roots lie in the forces built and led by the late Abu Musab al Zarqawi in Iraq from 2002 through 2006. Zarqawi took advantage of Sunni animosity toward U.S. forces and feelings of disenfranchisement at the hands of Iraqs Shia and Kurds to advance a uniquely sectarian agenda that differed from Al Qaedas in important ways. Following Zarqawis death at the hands of U.S. forces in June 2006, AQ-I leaders repackaged the group as a coalition called the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). ISI lost its two top leaders in 2010 and was weakened, but not eliminated, by the time of the U.S. withdrawal in 2011. The precise nature of ISIs relationship to Al Qaeda leaders from 2006 onward is unclear. Watts, with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, said that 2006 was when the big governance model of what we now see as the Islamic State was formed. There was some divergence from the al Qaeda brand name and disagreements between the two groups at this point. When the U.S. troops withdrew, the terrorist group had gone underground, with members in prisons or detention camps, Watts said. In 2011 and 2012, the group was lightly functioning, but still in existence. By 2013, the terrorist group was again launching attacks in Iraq and had spread to Syria, taking advantage of that countrys internal strike. Syrias civil war started in March 2011. Critics and experts have pointed to several actions during the Bush and Obama administrations that could have contributed to the rise of ISIS: The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The decisions by the U.S.-led provisional coalition government in 2003 to disband the Iraqi army and dissolve and ban the Baath Party, which drove Sunnis into militant groups. The rule of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, whose Shia government further ostracized Sunnis. By disbanding the army and making the Baath party illegal and putting in power a Shiite like Maliki, you alienated and radicalized the Sunnis, and gave rise to ISIS in the process, Haykel told us. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011 a date set by an agreement with the Iraqi government that was signed by President Bush in 2008, and left unchanged by the Obama administration. The weakening of the Iraqi army, which abandoned posts in 2014 rather than fight ISIS. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. This is really all about Syria, Watts told us. That provided the space for ISIS to rise. The conflict inspired foreign fighters, and if it wasnt ISIS moving into in Syria, it would be some other jihadist group, he said. Obama and Clinton were not in lockstep over how the U.S. should handle the situation in Syria: Both Clinton and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have said the administration should have armed rebels fighting in Syria sooner. During the 2012 presidential campaign, Watts noted, the debate was over a no-fly zone in Syria. Neither Obama nor the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, advocated a deeper military involvement in Syria. It is, of course, unknown how any number of different decisions would have affected the creation or growth of the Islamic State, or a similar terrorist group. Withdrawal of Troops Since Trump has pinpointed the way [Obama] got out of Iraq as the founding of ISIS, well take a closer look at that action. As we have explained before, Republicans and Democrats differ on which president should be blamed for the withdrawal of all combat troops at the end of 2011. Trump says that [w]e had a president who decided hed announce the date of withdrawal but that president was Bush. Bush signed the agreement, known as the Status of Forces Agreement, on Dec. 14, 2008. It said: All the United States Forces shall withdraw from all Iraqi territory no later than December 31, 2011. Condoleezza Rice later wrote that Bush wanted an agreement for a residual force to remain, but Maliki objected. Obama, however, had three years to renegotiate the deal, which his administration tried to do, seeking to leave an American troop force of 5,000 to 10,000. But Maliki objected again, and negotiations broke down in October 2011 over the issue of whether U.S. troops would be shielded from criminal prosecution by Iraqi authorities. Obamas then defense secretary, Panetta, later wrote in his 2014 book that Obama didnt press hard enough for a deal, although some experts say it would not have mattered because Iraq was more closely aligned at the time with Iran. Maliki wanted the Americans out of there and the Iranians wanted the same thing, Haykel said. I dont think there was a deal to be had not one in which the Americans would have had immunity. Clinton, Obamas secretary of state at the time, publicly supported the president. In a 2014 interview, she blamed the Iraqi government for the failure to reach an agreement to protect American troops. The Washington Posts Joby Warrick, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, said in an interview with the Posts Fact Checker that [w]ithin the administration, Clinton was one of the loudest forces for keeping a residual force in Iraq. So, both presidents played a role in the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. ISIS did experience a resurgence in Iraq after that withdrawal, but Watts doesnt see the withdrawal as a major factor. ISIS didnt grow because of the troop withdrawal, they grew because there was a Syrian civil war that created a vacuum to the west, he told us. If the U.S. had left troops in Iraq, the best outcome would be to still have an ISIS in Syria. And how did Trump feel about withdrawing from Iraq at the time? He said several times that the troops should be withdrawn, and quickly. BuzzFeed unearthed several quotes from Trump, including a March 16, 2007, interview Trump gave with CNNs Wolf Blitzer. Trump, March 16, 2007, on CNN: You know how they get out? They get out. Thats how they get out. Declare victory and leave, because Ill tell you, this country is just going to get further bogged down. Theyre in a civil war over there, Wolf. Theres nothing that were going to be able to do with a civil war. They are in a major civil war. And its going to go to Iran, and its going to go to other countries. They are in the midst of a major civil war. And theres nothing by the way, were keeping the lid on a little bit but date we leave anyway its all going to blow up. So, I mean, this is a total catastrophe and you might as well get out now, because you just are wasting time. Trump doesnt appear to be advocating a residual force in those comments, but hes unclear. Regardless, the withdrawal of troops, no matter when or how it happened, wasnt the founding of ISIS. Nor was President Obama the founder. The terrorist groups history predates Obamas presidency. Update: After a day of intense criticism, Trump tweeted Friday that he was being sarcastic. Former Gov. Pat Quinn is slated to speak at a City Club of Chicago event in October billed as the State of Our State. The event, which is being held at downtown Maggiano's, has a variety of ticket options. Tickets are $35 fool members and their guests, $50 for non-members and $750 for sponsors. Quinn became the states chief executive in 2009 after imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was removed from office. Quinn won reelection in 2010, but was beat out by Gov. Bruce Rauner in the 2014 election. The former governor is now pushing a petition that looks to put a pair of referendums on the upcoming 2018 ballot. The referendums look to impose term limits on Chicago mayors and create a new citywide elected office, the consumer advocate. Three men were killed and at least 17 other people, including a 6-year-old girl, were wounded in shootings Thursday on the citys South and West sides, according to Chicago Police. The girl was outside with a 22-year-old man about 2:30 p.m. in the Park Manor neighborhoods 6800 block of South Calumet when someone walked up and opened fire, striking the man in the chest and the girl in the back of the head, police said. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he later died, police said. The Cook County medical examiners office has not released his name. The girl, who was not thought to be an intended target, was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital, where she was in guarded but stable condition Thursday night, police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala said. A man was killed and another was wounded in a shooting in the West Englewood neighborhood late Thursday, police said. One man, thought to be in his 20s, was found shot in the head shortly before midnight in a vacant lot in the 6500 block of South Ashland, police said. He was dead at the scene. Another man, 29, was shot in the right leg and taken to Holy Cross Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg, police said. The medical examiners office did not confirm the death early Friday. The third fatal shooting happened about 2 a.m. in the Gresham neighborhood. Someone walked up to a van at a stop sign in the 8000 block of South Marshfield and opened fire into the vehicle before running away, police said. A 45-year-old man shot in the back and forearm later died at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said. His name has not been released. A 33-year-old man shot in the right forearm, and a 59-year-old woman shot in the hip and back were taken to Stroger Hospital. Their conditions stabilized, police said. The latest nonfatal shooting happened about 11:25 p.m. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. A 19-year-old man was discovered by responding officers in the 3900 block of West Thomas. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized, police said. Two people were shot about 11 p.m. in the Riverdale neighborhood on the Far South Side. A 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old man two were standing in the 300 block of East 131st Place about 11 p.m. when two males walked up and shot them, police said. The teen was shot in the left leg and the man was shot in the right hip. Both were both taken to Christ Medical Center, where their conditions stabilized. A 25-year-old man was shot about 7:45 p.m. in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Someone shot him while he sat on the front porch of a home in the 5100 block of South Wood, police said. He took himself to St. Bernard Hospital and was listed in good condition with a gunshot wound to the foot. About the same time, someone in a vehicle shot a 26-year-old man in both legs in the 6900 block of South Maplewood in Chicago Lawn. His condition was stabilized at Christ Medical Center, police said. About 6:20 p.m., a 21-year-old man was shot in the back, and a 32-year-old man in the leg and groin in the Austin neighborhoods 700 block of North Lorel, police said. The younger man was in good condition at West Suburban Medical Center, and the older was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition. Thursday morning, someone in a white minivan shot a 31-year-old man twice in the abdomen when he got out of a vehicle in the 10700 block of South Cottage Grove. His condition was stabilized at Roseland Community Hospital, police said. Early Thursday in Austin, a 31-year-old man shot in the back about 4 a.m. in the 5200 block of West Quincy was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said. The days first shooting happened about 12:20 a.m. in North Lawndale, where someone shot a 34-year-old man multiple times in the 4200 block of West Grenshaw, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai in critical condition. At least nine people were shot in Chicago on Wednesday, following 18 gunshot victims on Tuesday and 22 on Monday. A 6-year-old girl who was seriously wounded in a shooting on Chicagos South Side last month received a special gift Thursday from the Chicago Police Department. Tacarra Morgan was playing with her family in front of her home in the 6000 block of South Paulina in the citys West Englewood neighborhood around 1 p.m. on July 19 when shots rang out, police said. Tacarra suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital in serious condition, undergoing surgery that same day. She returned home to a party in her honor one week later, with presents from friends, family, and even strangers. Chicago police officers were in attendance, and one well-wisher bought the young girl a new bike that she promptly rode during the festivities. But one of the most meaningful gifts came Thursday, when Chicago police officers fulfilled a promise to give Tacarra a pool. They even came to set it up in her backyard, even asking the Chicago Fire Department to fill it with water, which they did with no hesitation. "We were so grateful that the police took their money, their time to buy the pool, put the pool up, I really appreciate it," her mother Carolyn Morris said. "It's still scary, but I think I am more scared than her," she added. "I like my pool," Tacarra said, thanking the officers for her new gift. "This is a child, like any other child in the city of Chicago, who should be able to enjoy a warm summer day and play in front of her house and play on her porch with her family," Chicago Police First Deputy Superintendent John Escalante said after the shooting. A suburban Chicago couple bought a dinner discount online in 2009 and say they unknowingly ended up with years of payments to a so-called consumer club. They said they never realized they were making payments until they looked closer at their credit card statement. Brian Feldmann said he and his wife noticed the line item, MVQ Shopping Essentials, on a statement in late 2015. Feldmann said he then looked back at older statements and found the same charge, which varied in cost from around twenty dollars to more than forty dollars. In all, the charges added up to more than $2,200. Its a little embarrassing that we werent as careful as we should have been, but its definitely a wake-up call, Feldmann said. Feldmann disputed the charge and learned that he had unintentionally provided his credit card information to Shopping Essentials when he bought a $10 gift certificate on Restaurant.com. According to the Illinois Attorney General, Shopping Essentials has been associated with several companies and websites. I didnt have an account, so I couldnt even go on to the site (Shopping Essentials) to actually look at and see what I was supposedly paying for the last numerous years, Feldmann said. Feldmann is not the only consumer to pay the unwanted and unexpected charges. The Illinois Attorney General said it received 16 complaints about Shopping Essentials since 2009. One consumer wrote in a complaint that the unauthorized charges pushed my card over the limit and caused undue stress. Several states sued Shopping Essentials former parent company, Vertrue, claiming it tricked consumers in to signing up for discount clubs with hidden fees. The Illinois Attorney General generally categorizes these types of complaints as credit card cramming of unauthorized charges. A spokesperson said the charges tend to be kept low so consumers dont notice them. Feldmann said he and his wife only noticed the charges when they were looking for ways to save money because they just had a baby. Everything looks different on a credit card statement and unless you know what youre looking for, its really easy to miss something like that, Feldmann said. Feldmann said when he complained to Shopping Essentials he was able to get one month refund of $40 and that his credit card company helped him get an additional $80. According to the Illinois Attorney General, Vertrue went into bankruptcy. A court allowed another company to buy the assets and continue to collect on them. NBC 5 Responds contacted the company that handles customer service for Shopping Essentials and Feldmann eventually received a refund for the remaining $2,089.60. We were happy to resolve the issue to Mr. Feldmanns satisfaction, a spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Restaurant.com said the website feels terrible about what happened to Feldmann and that it no longer works with Shopping Essentials. Meantime, the Illinois Attorney General said it was able to successfully mediate nearly all of the complaints and get money back for consumers. Conventional wisdom says that marijuana is easy to grow. But its one thing to grow pot plants in your dorm room. Professionals will tell you its a very different matter to grow them by the thousands for the states Medical Cannabis program and insure consistency from plant to plant. We produce from 200 to 250 pounds of raw material every month, says Charles Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs. To create a repeatable and consistent product with cannabis, it takes a lot of sophistication, and a lot of experience. Cresco gave NBC5 a first-ever peek inside its Will County cultivation center, one of three such facilities it operates in Illinois. But first the look outside. The facility is next to impossible to find, and once you do, there is no outward evidence you are there. No signs. No plants. Just a big white building, with a fence, and electric gate. But once you get past that gate, and the guards, and the card-controlled access points inside, youll find a veritable forest of marijuana. Its housed in a variety of growing rooms, each containing hundreds of pot plants in various phases of cultivation. The mother room contains the parent plants for some two-dozen strains, and cuttings from those plants form the basis for hundreds more, which are pampered, pruned, and propagated in carefully controlled conditions: just the right light for just the right time, with just the right air mixture and nutrients to keep the plants happy---and thriving. There are tricks to it, says Jason Nelson, Crescos manager of cultivation. Some like to grow tall, some like to grow short, some like warmer temperatures, some like cooler temperatures. Some like to grow in Mexico, others in Afghanistan. The trick is to give each strain just the right conditions to make them feel at home in Illinois. After all, each of those strains is theoretically tailor-made for over 40 medical conditions covered under the Illinois law. An indicas very relaxing, says Nelson. A sativa can be more uplifting and less sedative. (Feel free to skip the next paragraph if you paid your way thru college growing hemp in your closet.) The secret to marijuana production lies in the flower, the big bud which forms on mature plants. Those contain the potent THC, a cannabis plants active ingredient. Thus, the flowering bud becomes the only part of the plant which is actually useful. Stems and those familiar jagged leaves? Those are basically waste, mixed with soil, composted and thrown away. The female flowering part is laden with the trichomes and resin glands that have the medical properties patients are looking for, says Nelson, holding a thumb-sized bud. There are consumers who want to consume this final flower-product. We also have the option of taking this flower on through processing where we can extract the oils as a wax or a concentrate. Those oils are then used for everything from vaping pens, to edible chocolates, medical patches or traditional pharmaceutical-style capsules. Thats all post-processing from this initial flower product, he said. Indeed, Crescos Will County facility might be viewed as one part greenhouse, one part laboratory, one part bakery. Passing from room to room, workers were observed tending plants, extracting oils, injecting capsules, and preparing and wrapping chocolates. Really, really good chocolates, by the way, crafted by James Beard-award winning chef Mindy Segal. (This reporter was served inert samples, minus their active ingredient). Security is tight. Crescos facility is watched from every angle by over a hundred cameras. In addition to an on-site security center where those cameras are monitored, each can be dialed up and viewed by the State of Illinois. Workers know that any efforts to pocket product for potential sale on the outside will be recorded from multiple angles. And those end products? Theyre sealed in a bank-style vault, before delivery by Cresco trucks to dispensaries around the state. Each of those dispensaries must then call the cultivation center for a temporary code which opens a lockbox containing products destined only for their location. (Cultivation centers must operate their own delivery systems because commercial over-the-road carriers are licensed by the Interstate Commerce Commission. And the Federal Government still views marijuana as a schedule 1 drug like heroin or LSD). Thus federally-registered trucking companies wont touch it, and many big national banks wont finance it. But the Federal Government has largely agreed to look the other way for the over two dozen state programs, allowing them to operate under their own local rules. And in Illinois, those rules are viewed as among the tightest in the nation. Its very tough, its very tight restrictions, says Jack Campbell, director of the Illinois Medical Cannabis program. Now that the program is up and going, and these rules have been implemented, we now know that they work. In Illinois, the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana is a multi-million dollar operation, albeit one which has a very limited customer base. There were about 9,000 patients at last count. And remember, there are currently another 18 cultivation centers just like this one statewide. Thats a lot of businesses, splitting a very finite number of customers. We all knew we were starting with patient number one, says Bachtell. Weve seen month over month growth in total participation, signing up new patients. Every month is more than the month before. The patient base is tightly controlled. Right now Illinois permits medical cannabis for 41 conditions. The industry believes the newest of those, post-traumatic stress disorder and patients in the last month of terminal illness, could help swell that universe to over 100,000 by 2018. Its important that people see what this program is really like in the State of Illinois, says Bachtell. This is commercial agriculture. This is pharmaceutical medicine. A Muslim student has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Police Department, claiming she was accosted by officers who tore her hijab from her face and head. Itemid Al-Matar was on her way home to celebrate the end of Ramadan but was taken to the ground by police while trying to board a Chicago Transit Authority train in an incident that was caught on camera. The student believes police officers thought she was a terrorist. Her hijab was torn from her face and head, exposing her face to the public contrary to her religious beliefs, according to a release from her attorney Gregory Kulis. Kulis said Al-Matar was charged with several counts of disorderly conduct but was later found not guilty during a court trial. Al-Matar also alleged that while in custody at the police station she was forced to remove her clothing and strip down to her undergarments as photos were taken of her. Chicago police declined to comment, saying it cannot comment on pending lawsuits. It's the media's fault. That's out of context. Never said it in the first place. Donald Trump's claim Friday that he was merely being "sarcastic" in accusing President Barack Obama of establishing a terrorist group was his latest attempt to blame others for the uproar over what he says. It's an instinct that Trump's opponents say a president can't possess. Some Republicans seem to have the same concern. This time, it followed two days of critical headlines and Democratic outrage over Trump's claim that Obama was the "founder" of the Islamic State group. As Trump repeated the claim more than a dozen times, interviewers sought to ensure Trump wasn't being misconstrued. Surely, they offered, he meant Obama's policies had enabled the extremist group's rise. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using one acronym for the group. (His remark comes at 15:26 of the interview .) Then an about-face Friday. "THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" he tweeted. Or was he being sarcastic about the sarcasm? Hours later, he told a rally in Pennsylvania he was "obviously being sarcastic but not that sarcastic, to be honest with you." That it took Trump two days to walk back his widely debunked remark and then walk back the walk-back was worrying for Republicans who see such missteps as playing to Democrat Hillary Clinton's advantage. Equally worrying for some was the fact that he again would not take responsibility for his words. Ryan Williams, a Republican strategist who advised Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign, said there's a common-sense playbook for dealing with political slip-ups: "Stop the bleeding and put it behind you by apologizing. "That's what normal candidates do," he went on. "However, normal candidates don't careen from one self-inflicted wound to another on an hourly basis." It was only two days earlier that Trump blamed the media for making much ado about nothing after he suggested during a rally that gun rights enthusiasts might find a way to stop Clinton if elected. Clinton, whose lead over Trump has widened in recent polls of the most competitive states, has seized on those and other eyebrow-raising comments to portray the reality TV star as lacking the temperament to run the nation Trump has his own argument for why she's unfit to do so. She's hammered him for avoiding accountability for his actions. To that end, Clinton's campaign on Friday intensified pressure on Trump to release his tax returns, while disclosing her 2015 filings and a decade of returns from her running mate. The filing shows that the Clintons earned $10.6 million and paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent last year. Trump has refused to make his filings public, saying they're under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and he'll release them only once that review is complete. All major U.S. presidential candidates in modern history have released their returns. Minutes after releasing her returns, Clinton tweeted that it's possible Trump paid no tax at all. Trump worked to profit on the fuss over his Islamic State remark. In an email to supporters asking them to donate, Trump accused the "liberal media" of telling "outrageous lies about me." It's no surprise that the media are Trump's go-to scapegoat. Just 6 percent of Americans said they have a great deal of confidence in the media in a Media Insight Project poll earlier this year. Almost never does Trump admit error. One exception came this month when he acknowledged a video he said showed a plane carrying U.S. cash to Iran was actually a plane carrying U.S. hostages who were being released. Most of the time, Trump casts blame elsewhere. Failure of the state's new 911 system has callers and first responders losing confidence in the multi-million dollar upgrade. Police tell the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters the system failure in mid-July wasn't the first problem: there were smaller outages earlier this year. This modern system will enable you to send texts and someday maybe even photos and videos to 911. Weve learned though, that system failures have many shaken, and the state backing off any hard and fast completion date. You expect an answer when you call 9-1-1. Allison Kizis says when she saw a crash on I-84 the night of July 15th there was a motorcyclist down, and no one picked up when she called 911, "I kept my phone on speaker phone the whole time. You know screaming like please pick up and just wanted somebody to answer." Kizis says she drove to a nearby police department to get help, at one point I remember thinking what if everyone around me was calling 911 and we all, just no one's picking up?" Kizis was not the only one; an NBC Connecticut employee also tried to report a different highway crash but could not get through. The state's new 911 system had a major failure thats known as a "hard down". Berlin dispatcher Tammy Wright was working alone, It's a scary feeling for all dispatchers because when you can see calls coming in and you can't answer them that there's nothing to do to help those people." Half the state's 110 dispatch centers have the new, $13 million Next Generation 911 software. Almost none of them could answer 9-1-1 calls at that time. Wright says, It definitely shakes your trust. Manchester police chief Marc Montminy sits on the state's 911 commission and heads the technology committee for the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. He explains on July 15 We had no access for over an houras a chief of police I can tell you that I was terrified. I was worried about what might have happened." Middletown dispatchers saw the system go down at 6:25pm, and again at 9pm, each time about 15 minutes. That's what most Next Generation 911 centers experienced. Mayor Dan Drew says "They were able to see on their dispatch screens where the calls were coming from what the numbers were so they actually picked up their personal cell phones and called back everybody that called in." Drew adds Middletown is ready if Next Generation 911 fails again, however, "We need to take a serious look at how quickly this moves forward, and what the problems are." Software provider AT&T tells the Troubleshooters the outage was caused by the system's processing capacity, not call volume. AT&T says it has been patched, with a permanent fix coming soon. Montminy responded, as a 9-1-1 commissioner I'm gonna need a little bit more than that." We asked the states director of emergency telecommunications about what happened, and how it left emergency responders shaken about the new system. Bill Youell says I can only tell you that we're working diligently to get to get the system to make sure that this patch is acceptable and stable and go forward from there." Youell adds his team also will make sure 911 centers receive better communication from the state and AT&T when problems arise. He insists even though the state originally targeted finishing the Next Generation 911 project this year, his team will not fully roll out the new software until it functions properly my goal in our organization's goals and this agency's goal, and the state's goal, is to get this system installed, correctly." Kizis says, I think in the future if I ever had to call 911I think I'd be in the back of my head, like, hopefully they pick up." What has raised some eyebrows though is following the Next Generation 911 failure last month, a number of 911 centers have received cellphones for dispatchers in case the system goes down again. Other 911 centers have installed landlines outside the Next Generation 911 system to make sure they still get 911 calls. A Massachusetts man has been charged in connection with a fatal motorcycle and car crash in Thompson that happened almost a year ago, police said Omar Velez, 21, was arrested in connection with the death of a motorcyclist, plus additional marijuana and traffic charges. State police received calls of a motor vehicle crash crash at the intersection of Dresser Hill Road and Route 197, officials said. Motorcyclist Penny Ann Woodbury, 50, of Woodstock died as a result of the crash. After learning of a warrant out for his arrest, Velez surrendered himself to Connecticut State Police, troopers said. Velez was charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana and failure to obey a stop sign. His bond was set at $75,000 Its that time of year again: back to school! But so many local children are in dire need of help filling their backpacks. NBC Connecticut and Comcast are partnering to support the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford and the Urban League with our School Supply Drive. Help local students get the supplies they need to succeed by donating on Thursday, August 25, from 4-7 p.m. at the Sears parking lot at 1445 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Kindergarten through 8th grade students are in the greatest need of backpacks, but here is a list of other supplies that are needed: Special trial rules still are needed to protect sexual assault victims, especially children, from the potential bias of jurors who question the credibility of victims who delay reporting the allegations, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Friday. Justices rejected a sexual assault convict's request to scrap a legal doctrine with roots in an 1820 law that allows witnesses to testify that the victims told them about the sexual assaults before they were reported to police. The "constancy of accusation" doctrine is an exception to rules barring hearsay. The court ruled 6-0, with the seventh justice issuing a concurring opinion. Most states have special rules allowing evidence barred in other cases that guard against jury bias in trials involving sexual assault victims, citing evidence some jurors question victims' credibility if they delay reporting crimes. The convict in the Connecticut case is serving a 25-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting his daughter numerous times in the early 2000s, from the time she was 6 until she was 9. His daughter, now 20, didn't report the abuse until 2009. Two witnesses were allowed to testify at his trial under the doctrine that she told them about the assaults before police were notified. The father is named only as "Daniel W.E." in the ruling to protect his daughter's identity. But the court did act on a secondary request by the man to at least modify the doctrine to better protect the accused from potential jury prejudice caused by the testimony of those additional prosecution witnesses. The justices ruled that if a defendant doesn't question the victim's delay in reporting a sexual assault during a trial, the prosecution cannot call those witnesses to the stand, and judges must tell juries that a reporting delay should not be considered in evaluating the victim's credibility. "I think this will eliminate a lot of unfairness in how these cases are prosecuted," said Glenn Falk, a legal aid lawyer representing the convicted father in the case. "I saw a pattern of the state putting on numerous witnesses (in many trials) to bolster the victim's testimony that she told them about the incident. There was a whole cast of witnesses on the victim's side and this was unfair to defendants." The Supreme Court rejected the convict's bid for a new trial. "We ... agree with ... the overwhelming majority of other jurisdictions that the generally applicable rules of evidence are insufficient to remedy potential juror bias against victims who delay in reporting a sexual assault," Connecticut Justice Peter Zarella wrote in the decision. Zarella quoted a 2005 ruling by the top court in Massachusetts in a similar case. That court cited evidence that some jurors have misconceptions about sexual assault victims, including that "real" victims would promptly disclose a sexual attack and some jurors in child sexual abuse cases may attribute the allegations to the child's imagination or improper influence from an adult. The North Texas brewery that makes the popular Blood and Honey ale has been sold to MillerCoors, the companies announced Thursday. But the founders of Revolver Brewing in Granbury vow not to tamper with its formula for success. Revolver began four years ago with Rhett Keisler's vision. "You know, it just sort of dawned on me, that craft beer was really an up-and-coming thing in Texas," Keisler said. He got his father on board along with brewmaster Grant Wood, and they built the brewery from scratch. Blood and Honey, made from honey and blood orange peel, became its most popular brand. In the first few months, they produced just 500 barrels of beer. But year by year, the business exploded. Last year, they produced 22,500 barrels. "This is beyond my wildest expectations," Wood said. "It's been crazy." Now, MillerCoors has purchased a majority interest in Revolver. Wood, Keisler and his father will remain minority owners and still run the brewery day-to-day. The mega out-of-town beermaker now has control, but the founders insist the beer itself will stay the same. "It would be silly to change something that has been so successful," Keisler said. "The beer is the same, the recipe is the same, the people are the same, brewed on the same equipment." But no doubt, the operation will get a lot busier. They're already talking about expanding from Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin to Houston and possibly beyond. Just as they say they never could have predicted what would happen in the first four years, they decline to speculate on what the coming years will bring. "The sky's the limit, really, and the limit is our imagination on what we can do," Wood said. Police said one person was killed and three more were wounded in a shooting at a motel in Dallas early Friday morning. [[389963312,C]] Dallas police said they responded to the Motel 6 in the 10900 block of Estate Lane at 1:27 a.m. and found the four gunshot victims. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The victim's identity has not yet been released. Another man and two women were transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital with injuries police said were not life threatening. Detectives told NBC 5 they took one person into custody and are still looking for one other person connected to the shooting. Families, students, teachers, bus drivers and districts across North Texas are getting ready to get back to school. The majority of North Texas public schools get back to class on Monday, Aug. 22. Aledo ISD is one of them, and little girl named Sydney Alexander cannot wait for her first day of kindergarten. Her parents, Ben and Chelsea Alexander, sent NBC 5 video of Sydney as she counts down to the big day. "I love to go to school. I'm gonna go to kindergarten in two weeks. I don't know how to do it, but i will learn some stuff," says Sydney in the first video. She recorded a second video Thursday night and worked in a favorite line at NBC 5. "Hi, this is Syndey Alexander. I'm going to kindergarten in one week. I am so excited 'cuz they're gonna teach me how to do my abc's without my mom and dad singing along with me. And I'm gonna play on the playground. Texas Connects Us. Thhis is Sydney Alexander." Back to School Events Arlington ISD kicks off the year on Saturday, August 13. The event happens from 8 a.m. to noon at AT&T Stadium. The district says it's "a community effort to help nearly 12,000 Arlington ISD students and their families prepare for the upcoming school year." A Dallas ISD on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9:30 a.m. - noon will give free school supplies to Wilmer-Hutchins area schools. Those schools are Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School, J.N. Ervin Elementary School, Kennedy-Curry Middle School and Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Dallas ISD says to receive school supplies, students must bring proof of enrollment (last year's report card or student ID). New students must show proof of address or transfer paperwork. Make sure to share your back-to-school moments. Send videos and pictures to isee@nbcdfw.com. Dallas police protest leader Dominique Alexander was released from jail Thursday, one day after his arrest Wednesday at a City Hall protest. Alexander said he was unfairly targeted for arrest on a minor matter in retribution for criticizing police. "Just because it is legal, doesn't mean that it's just," Alexander said. Alexander and members of his group, Next Generation Action Network, delivered a new list of police reform demands to Dallas city leaders Wednesday from the national group joincampaginzero.org. "We were protesting because our goal is to try to get the Dallas Police Department to implement some of the Campaign Zero initiatives, that will help improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities which they serve," said Alexander's attorney Kim Cole. Cole said Alexander was arrested for an outstanding $367 toll tag fine. It came after Alexander refused a request from Dallas Police Chief David Brown to cancel a downtown protest Wednesday evening. The protest went on with Alexander in jail overnight. "The fact of the matter is, holding police accountable and trying to keep the citizens of this city safe has nothing to do with his personal business," Cole said. Veteran Dallas civil rights leader Rev. Ronald Wright disagreed. "I'm definitely going to make sure I'm not a target for the police to come and get me any time they want to because of my background," Wright said. "So that's what Dominique needs to do right now. He needs to stand down, get his act together." Records show 27-year-old Alexander has a Dallas County arrest record dating back to 2007 for injury to a child, forgery, theft, false report, evading arrest, fare evasion and probation violations. "What happened in your background makes the whole organization look ridiculous," Wright said. Wright said the Campaign Zero national demands include things already accomplished in Dallas. "These are not the issues," Wright said. "I want to support this young generation in doing some things, but they need to know what they're doing, and how to do it. You don't march just to march, because that's costing taxpayers money." Alexander said the Campaign Zero issues are still relevant in Dallas. "Of course we have community policing, but is the community policing being effective," Alexander asked. Alexander said he has a following and refuses to stop his protests. Dallas Police Chief David Brown declined comment on Alexander Thursday. Dallas police have arrested a woman after her dog attacked two people. Alicia Hernandez, 64, was charged with attack by dangerous dog. This is the first time DPD has ever made an arrest with this charge, police said. Hernandez's 65-pound black and tan pit bull attacked a 41-year-old woman on July 19. Police said the dog jumped over the fence at his house. The woman was treated for bites to the right side of her ribs. Dallas Animal Services seized the animal, quarantined the dog for 10 days and cited Hernandez. A few weeks later on August 6, a 38-year-old woman was hospitalized after being attacked by the same dog. Police said the woman was walking along the 4400 block of Rosewood Avenue when the dog escaped the gate and bit her several times. Through at translator, witness Elsa Del Carmen Bonilla described the attack. I saw how the dog ran towards her very fast and knocked her down to the grass. I told her that I would support her and I would be her witness because the dog also tried to attack me, she said. Through at translator, witness Elsa Del Carmen Bonilla described the attack. I saw how the dog ran towards her very fast and knocked her down to the grass. I told her that I would support her and I would be her witness because the dog also tried to attack me, she said. Officers said the victim received puncture wounds to her legs, as well as cuts to her hands and chest. She has been released from the hospital. Officers determined the front gate to the home was not secured properly. The dog was seized by Dallas Animal Services and remains in a shelter. Hernandez is currently in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, where she is being held on a $25,000 bond. History of Violations Police said that Hernandez was cited for seven violations in 2010 for numerous violations, including animal at large. The investigation revealed that Hernandez was criminally negligent and was aware of the risks to the public by her dogs. A fast-moving, stubborn fire Friday destroyed the iconic Goff's hamburger restaurant popular with generations of families along with several other businesses, in University Park.[[390009272,C]] Heavy smoke and tall flames were seen billowing from the top of the building at about 1 p.m. in the 6300 block of Hillcrest Avenue, near the Southern Methodist University campus. "It wasn't long into the fire that we realized it was going to require a lot of time and effort to get it extinguished," said University Park Fire Chief Randy Howell. Firefighters battled extreme temperatures the official high was 107 degrees plus uncertainty that the building could collapse. A series of renovations over the years made the fire spread in ways that made it difficult to fight. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. A large fire has damaged Goffs Hamburgers and several other businesses Friday off Hillcrest Avenue in University Park. Nearly 10 hours after the fire started, demolition crews started to knock down walls so they could reach hot spots in the building's walls. "Now we have a legendary restaurant gone," said witness Jim Tapley. Marsha and Tammy Coleman, the mother-daughter owners of neighboring La Bichette salon, could only watch and wonder what's left of their business. "This isn't even our home away from home. This is our home, because we were here every single day," Marsha Coleman said. Firefighters worked for hours through extreme heat and difficult wind to battle a fast-spreading fire in University Park. That little corner was center of the neighborhood the heart, and the history and no amount of water could wash that away. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Several businesses are impacted, whether by flames, smoke or water damage. On Saturday, crews started tearing down the Goff's Hamburgers building. Taylormark and La Bichette will also be torn down. Firefighters expect the entire process to last through Sunday. Fire officials have contained a large fire at a restaurant in University Park Friday afternoon. Senator Ted Cruz is making several stops in Texas this week. He is meeting with constituents, and has visited Fort Bliss. Cruz also went to Laredo and toured the border. Cruz is back home after making his mark at the GOP Convention last month. He upset some of his own faithful when he did not endorse Donald Trump during his speech. Now there is talk there could be backlash at home. "I think him running for president and not winning makes him more susceptible to having an opponent. Because when you run for national office it does show your weaknesses,and shows some thing that may not necessarily appear when you are running in the state," said former Dallas Republican Chairman Jonathan Neerman. So, who could challenge Cruz? Democratic former State Senator Wendy Davis did not rule it out to NBC 5. A spokesperson Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro says Castro will take a look at 2018. CNN reports that some Republicans are trying to recruit Congressman Mike McCaul. SMU Political Professor Cal Jillson said McCaul would be able to pay for what would be an expensive campaign. "I think given the fact that the Tea Party is two-thirds of the Republican primary electorate in Texas, Cruz beats McCaul. But it would be a hell of a fight to watch," said Jillson. Jillson doubts McCaul, or any big name Republicans will take on Cruz. He expects Cruz to keep his seat, but believes he could take a long-term hit. "Many people have said that while there was short-term damage, if Trump goes down badly, then he may rise in people's estimate because he challenged Trump. I think people can lose at once. Trump lost in his convention, and so did Cruz," said Jillson. The California Court of Appeal has ordered the City of Los Angeles to change the way it handles parking ticket disputes. A three-judge panel said the city can no longer outsource the handling of the initial reviews of parking tickets requested by motorists, but must do those reviews themselves. "If people want to fight a ticket that was wrongly issued, they dont have a real means of doing that as of today," said Caleb Marker, an attorney with Zimmerman Reed who sued the city on behalf of driver Cody Weiss, who claimed the citys system for handling parking ticket disputes was unfair. As the NBC4 I-Team revealed years ago, the City of Los Angeles hires private contractors, including Xerox and PRWT, to handle the initial review of ticket disputes. In a brief filed with the Appellate Court, Weiss lawyers claimed that the private contractors were given a quota of handling 20 ticket disputes per hour. We dont believe its fair the way its administered right now through PRWT and Xerox; they only allow their employees three minutes to review a single parking ticket challenge, said Marker. The system is rigged, says Shawn Nee, another driver who fought a parking ticket for blocking a driveway. Nee sent in photos and video showing his car was not blocking the driveway, but his appeal was denied, with a form letter. Only after taking a day off from work to attend a hearing, did Nee get his ticket thrown out. The system could soon change. The appeals courts decision, handed down this week, says the state vehicle code requires cities, not outside contractors, to conduct all initial reviews of parking tickets. While the city can still appeal the case to the California Supreme Court, Marker is confident that the city will begin doing its own reviews by the end of the year. It might make things a little more transparent and more fair, which is something residents of the city need in regards to fighting their parking tickets, said Shawn Nee. The decision by the Court of Appeal could affect many other California cities who also outsource handling of ticket disputes. In response to the Courts decision, the Los Angeles City Attorneys office told NBC4 in a statement, We are currently reviewing our appellate options. Calls by the I-Team to Xerox and PRWT were not returned. The NBC4 I-team has been investigating LAs parking ticket system for years. This week, the I-Team is revealing parking ticket hot zones, the places youre most likely to get a ticket. You can find out where those hot zones are by clicking on the I-Team tab at the top of the page. A case of identity theft and a car accident was a double dose of bad luck for Nick Ralph of Los Angeles, who says he's suffering physically and financially. The Uber driver thought his insurance company would be there to help pick up the pieces, but as it turns out, the identity theft in this case compromised his bank account and all accounts attached to it. Including his auto insurance, only he didn't know it. Ralph's 2015 Nissan Versa got totaled by a motorcycle. But just before the accident, he learned that his identity was stolen and his checking account was compromised. "Somebody had taken two Lyft rides in San Francisco and one in Oakland, and I called up Chase Bank immediately," he said. Statements from Chase Bank confirmed the identity theft, and Ralph was issued a new debit card. The problem was his monthly insurance premiums were deducted by his insurer, Farmer's/Bristol West, through autopay. Bank records reveal Ralph's insurance tried to collect, but because his debit card number had changed, the payment never processed. "As soon as I found out about that, I paid, but it was too late for the lapse," he said. He was left holding the tab for a new car that was his livelihood and all the collateral damage of being uninsured at the time of the accident. Nancy Kincaid with the California Department of Insurance said that even if you pay bills through autopay, make sure you look at monthly statements. "You still have that responsibility to make sure you're insured," Kincaid said. Ralph said his appeals to Farmer's/Bristol West have failed. "It's been a nightmare," he said. The I-Team contacted Farmer's/Bristol West who reviewed Ralph's case and were aware of the identity theft. Their response: "Our customer's policy was not in force at the time of his loss due to non-payment of premium, therefore, coverage could not be extended." "I just want to be able to move forward and to continue with my life," he said. Activists held a demonstration Thursday in front of the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office to call for a resolution of the criminal investigation in the death of a 25-year-old black man who was fatally shot by LAPD officers. Ezell Ford was shot and killed two years ago in South Los Angeles after he tried to wrest a gun from an officer during a struggle, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. "This is not a joke. This pain is real. The pain you see is real," said Tritobia Ford, Ezell Ford's mother, who was with the group of activists outside of the district attorney's office. The officers who shot Ezell Ford were found to be partly "out of policy" by the civilian LA Police Commission. Protesters said they're tired of waiting for the district attorney to decide if officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas broke any laws. "I don't believe they're still investigating. It only took the police officers ten months to investigate the murder of my son. So why is it taking her two years?" Tritobia Ford said. A statement from the district attorney confirmed the Ford case is still active. "In an effort to conduct a complete and thorough review of this case, we fought to gain access to witness statements that we believe could shed additional light on this incident," District Attorney Jackie Lacey said. "That legal battle took almost six months but the documents received are vital to our legal analysis. We must evaluate every witness account so that we may reach a fair result for all of the parties involved." Prosecutors now reviewing hundreds of pages of recently-unsealed transcripts from nine witness depositions. "I'm standing in the street for justice. Not just for my nephew but for all children killed by the police department," said Theresa Robinson, Ezell Ford's aunt. "It's like pouring salt in an open wound. We hurt. We hurt for the other families as well," Tritobia Ford said. An iron worker was dramatically hoisted to safety Thursday afternoon from the top of a 270-foot crane in downtown Los Angeles when he needed medical attention. According to John Wimsatt, president of construction firm JT Wimsatt, which is constructing the building at 825 Hill St., the 50-year-old man is an iron worker with another company that is currently putting together the crane. Wimsatt said the man reportedly hit his head when he got out of bed this morning, felt dizzy, but went to work. At some point in the afternoon, he say down and couldnt work any longer. Co-workers called 911 and paramedics determined the best way to get him down was by helicopter. He was taken to the hospital in fair condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. [LA GALLERY] Southern California Rescues in 2016 Hialeah Police arrested a man they say shot his friend in the face on accident while playing with a firearm. The shooting took place around 2 AM off West 22nd Street near Okeechobee Road. Police say 23-year-old Javier Hernandez was sitting in a car with his friend, 19-year-old Jose Pena-Lopez, when the gun Lopez had went off. Lopez fled the scene and was later arrested at his Miami home. The firearm in the case, which Lopez threw into a nearby canal, was later recovered by Miami-Dade Police divers. Hernandez was later airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Lopez was charged with culpable negligence in the shooting and for tampering with evidence by throwing the gun into the canal Friday morning traffic came to a stop during rush hour on the Palmetto Expressway as police conducted an investigation of a car located north of NW 36th Street. Police shut down the major highway completely for sevreral minutes before 9 AM while they searched a car located on the right shoulder. Miami-Dade officers said they were looking for bullet casings inside the car, but would not disclose what cases could be linked to the search. Crews eventually reopened one lane for several minutes before opening others, causing quite the delay for anyone traveling on that road. The concerns over Zika and the continued spread of the disease throughout South Florida were front and center at a meeting with the U.S. Surgeon General in the Wynwood neighborhood Friday morning. Dr. Vivek Murthy was joined by Floridas Surgeon General, Dr. Celeste Philip, at the Borinquen Health Care Center, a clinic in the area north of Downtown Miami that has been dealing with patients suffering from the disease. The duo discussed Zika with people living in the area, including several pregnant woman. The meeting came as three new non-travel related Zika cases were reported in Miami-Dade, according to the Florida Department of Health. Two of the people were exposed in the less than one-square mile area in Wynwood. One case was outside that square mile, officials said. Philip was also part of a conference call Thursday with Gov. Rick Scott, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart and others. Stewart told reporters and others that free mosquito repellent would be provided at all schools in South Florida, including colleges and universities. Both Stewart and Scott went on to say that Zika preparedness guides are being prepared to distribute to students in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease. In Broward County, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is scheduled to attend an event with South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz at Nova Southeastern University to discuss the response from federal and state governments to the outbreak. Friday, Scott announced 57.4 million tourists visited the state during the first half of 2016. State officials say that's the highest six-month total ever and a 4.3 percent increase over the year. Visit Florida, the state's tourism marketing arm, estimates that the record number includes more than 49 million domestic visitors. The rest came to the state from Canada or other countries. The new tourism numbers, however, do not reflect what's happened in the state over the last few weeks. Paterson, New Jersey's, mayor was happy to take questions from reporters following his recent State of the City address. But Jose "Joey" Torres was not so happy when the I-Team tried to ask him about our reports showing city employees doing private jobs for him - sometimes while on the clock. "Get out of my office!" he told an I-Team producer before asking a police officer to escort her and a cameraman from City Hall. For months, Torres has refused to answer questions about a series of I-Team stories that appeared to show city employees doing private jobs for him, from washing his scooter and building bookshelves to doing construction at his nephew's would-be beer business. When the I-Team caught up with him before our first story in March, Torres said in an email no employees had ever done private jobs for him while on overtime. "Please be advised that at no time has any city employee, on city time, or overtime, or paid with taxpayer dollars, ever performed work for me at my home, or anywhere else," he wrote. The I-Team later obtained records that seem to show that at least eight employees had indeed been earning overtime during the same periods they were seen on camera doing private work at the mayor's home and the planned beer business. But the mayor never responded to requests for further explanation. The videos were taken by private investigator Harry Melber, who was hired by a developer who was in a permit dispute with the city. Melber followed and filmed Torres at his home and the planned business for about a year beginning in Nov. 2014. This month, the I-Team obtained documents that seem to show an additional worker shown on tape at the mayor's beer business was billing overtime. On Dec. 6, 2014, Department of Public Works employee Gaspar Cintron was seen on tape at the beer business linked to the mayor's nephew about 11:47 a.m. He billed overtime from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, saying on a signed report that he removed sewer pumps from the board of health building - between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cintron has not returned calls seeking comment. City worker Tim Hanlon was also at the beer site that weekend morning - and records show he too billed overtime that day. In addition to eight cases where the I-Team found employees appearing to do work for the mayor while records show they were on the clock, there are at least 10 other instances where tapes showed workers doing private jobs, but records do not show they billed overtime. In one case, they are shown helping his daughter move. In others, they removed construction debris, or washed his scooter. After the I-Team's initial report, the state Attorney General's office launched an investigation. It all comes as Paterson faces a budget crisis that led the mayor to call for the closing of summer programs for children in the city. The Paterson Press analyzed payroll data of some of the city workers seen in the I-Team's reports. The newspaper found some were paid thousands or even tens of thousands in overtime in one case, up to $45,000 in billed overtime, raising additional questions about how much of that overtime might have been given for work on private jobs, including jobs for the mayor or his family. Residents of Maspeth, Queens, and a city council member who represents the neighborhood fumed Thursday over the city's plan to house homeless families in a neighborhood hotel. Hundreds of the concerned residents are expected to turn up to a community meeting Thursday night, where the plan to turn the Holiday Inn Express into a haven for the homeless will be discussed. Mike Locascio, a community organizer who lives within blocks of the planned shelter, will be one of them. "Why they so hot to open it there now," Locascio told NBC 4 New York. "It just doesn't make sense." City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (D-Queens) agrees with her constituents, and says Mayor de Blasio has unfairly picked buildings in Queens to use for homeless shelters. "Since mayor de Blasio has been mayor, he has been putting homeless shelters in Queens left and right," Crowley told NBC 4 New York. "And this Maspeth area is already within walking distance of 3 shelters." The mayor's office, however, said about 250 people in the shelter system listed their most recent address as being in the Maspeth area, likely representing individuals separated from their families or other social networks. What to Know A man who wanted a private meeting with Donald Trump climbed Trump Tower for hours Wednesday, bringing the bustling midtown area to a halt Police say he's a 19-year-old researcher from Virginia who arrived in New York City on Tuesday After finally hauling him in, police found climbing equipment and Gatorade in his backpack, along with several IDs A Virginia teenager who climbed partway up Trump Tower had a history of problems at home. In 2014 he ran away from home after arguing with his parents about his obsession with a political blog, according to a police report. The teen was plucked from the side of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's namesake skyscraper on Wednesday after spending three hours climbing up its glass facade using powerful suction cups. The NYPD identified the climber as 19-year-old Stephen Rogata, of Great Falls, Virginia, though his birth name is Michael Joseph Ryan. "A lot of cops had better things to do than spend their time dealing with this guy," Mayor Bill de Blasio told NBC 4 New York Thursday. Likely mental issues aside, "it's just a waste of people's time," said de Blasio, adding that he was angered by the "ridiculous stunt." "If someone wants to meet Donald Trump, go to one of his God-forsaken rallies," he said. According to a police report in Fairfax County, Virginia, the teen's parents reported him missing in November 2014. They told police that their son, then 18, became angry when they took away his Internet privileges because he was spending too much time on a "blog on government issues in the United States" and neglecting his schoolwork. "His entire life focus is on that blog," his mother, Gina Ryan, told police, according to the report. A day after reporting him missing, the parents told police they had spoken to him and made arrangements to pick him up in Petersburg, Virginia, according to the report. His parents later told police that he had been planning to travel to Miami to live on the streets. There was no immediate response to a message left Thursday at his family's home in Virginia, but neighbor A. J. Steger told NBC Washington, "He's a nice young man who's had some troubles with school and things like that in the past year. But up until that point, a model student, a model person." Family friend Carolyn Garofalo said he was over for dinner last week. "I thought he was happy," she said. "I'm just as surprised as anybody." Rogata remained hospitalized, undergoing a psychiatric evaluation Thursday, a day after his arrest on charges of reckless endangerment and trespassing. Rogata climbed 21 stories up the 58-story skyscraper before officers grabbed him and hauled him to safety through an open window. A day before the ascent, police said, the teen posted an online video addressing Trump. He called himself an "independent researcher seeking a private audience with you to discuss an important matter" and said he was willing to risk his life "to get your attention." Police were treating the tower climb as a potentially dangerous stunt, saying there was no indication Rogata wanted to hurt anyone. The Fifth Avenue tower is headquarters to Trump's presidential campaign and his business empire. Trump also lives there, but was out of state at the time. Trump didn't mention the incident during a campaign event in Florida Wednesday, but tweeted later: "Great job today by the NYPD in protecting the people and saving the climber." A woman walking her dog at a park on the Upper West Side chased off an attacker who put her in a headlock by kicking him in the groin and then biting him in the lip when he went to kiss her, police say. The 48-year-old woman was walking inside Riverside Park near 107th Street and Riverside Drive at about 5:20 a.m. last Friday, Aug. 5 when a man approached her, police said. He asked for the time and then grabbed the woman and put her in a headlock, police said, but briefly released her when she kicked him in the groin. He went to put her in a headlock again and tried to kiss her, and that's when the woman bit him on the lips. The suspect released the woman and ran away. Violent crime in city parks, not including Central Park, has gone up 23 percent compared to the same time last year, according to the most recent NYPD statistics. Riverside Park rounded out the top five parks with most violent crimes in the city, with 13 incidents in nine months. Neighbor Erin Campbell, who also walks her dog in the park, says she understands some dog owners come early or late in the park during the summer because it's cooler. But she notes "there are dark spots, and it's easy for people to be in the shadows," she said. Parkgoer Amanda Rivera said the attack is part of a disturbing trend. "It's sad we live in a society where men commit these crimes, where we can't be safe walking our dog in the morning." The suspect is described as being in his 20s with a muscular build, with short, brown curly hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray shirt, khaki shorts and white sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. The seaside French city of Cannes has banned burkinis, full-body swimsuits worn by some Muslim women, from its beaches, NBC News reported. Cannes home of an annual star-studded annual film festival is located not far from Nice, where more than 80 people died in a July terror attack on the city's beachfront promenade. Mayor David Lisnard cited that tragedy and subsequent attack on a northwest France church in an ordinance forbidding swimwear that doesn't respect "good morals and secularism." A spokeswoman for his office confirmed that the ordinance in effect through the month of August, peak tourist season on the French Riviera applies to burkinis. Violators face a fine. The National Guard was dispatched Friday to rescue dozens of Louisiana residents from flooded homes after the state was soaked overnight by up to eight inches of rain. The National Weather Service declared a flash flooding emergency in north central Louisiana and in parts of neighboring Mississippi as well, and NBC News meteorologist Bill Karins warned the situation is likely to "get worse." "On radar, this storm looks like the equivalent of a tropical depression or tropical storm and is sitting right over Louisiana, and will threaten the state with heavy rain right into Saturday," Karens said. Hardest hit was St. Helena Parish, where the tiny town of Greensburg was completely surrounded by water. Officials were nervously watching the water rise in the Tickfaw River, which has already reached a record flood stage of 13.33 feet at Liverpool, the Weather Channel reported. In Miami, Hillary Clinton falsely claimed that my opponent in this race, his campaign officials have called Zika an insignificant issue. That was said by an unpaid local supporter of Donald Trump, not campaign officials. Trump himself has called Zika a big problem. At the Borinquen Medical Center in Miami on Aug. 9, Clinton mentioned the first cases of Zika transmitted on U.S. soil in Wynwood, a neighborhood of Miami. As of Aug. 3, there have been six locally acquired cases of Zika in Florida, in addition to 322 travel-associated cases of the virus, according to the CDC. Florida is the only state with locally acquired cases of Zika. But throughout the U.S., there have been more than 1,800 travel-associated cases. The Zika epidemic, which first began in Brazil in May 2015, was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization in February 2016. The virus can lead to birth defects, including an abnormally small head and often incomplete brain development, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed. Clinton expressed disappointment with Congress failure to pass legislation for emergency funding to combat the Zika epidemic before going on recess in mid-July. Congress is not slated to return until early September, but she urged Republican leaders in Congress to call people back for a special session and get a bill that is focused on combating Zika passed. She then criticized Trump and his campaigns position on Zika. Clinton, Aug. 9: I disagree with those who say that Zika is an insignificant issue. My opponent in this race, his campaign officials have said that, and I think that does a grave disservice because when you come here to a health clinic that is working so hard to get people to come in, to get tested, working with the health departments, working with sanitation departments, working with people to try to go after and prevent a population of mosquitoes from growing, this is something we need to take seriously, and I certainly do. We contacted Clintons campaign to ask whom specifically Clinton was speaking about when she referred to Trumps campaign officials. Clinton campaign spokesman Josh Schwerin pointed us to a comment made by an individual named Juan Fiol in June. Fiol told the Boston Globe, We have bigger mosquitoes to squash than Zika like ISIS, the national debt, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We have a wall to build to keep the illegals out. We have so many other issues that are more important than this. He also called Clinton sophomoric for taking on such an insignificant issue. First off, Fiol is one person, but Clinton referred to the plural, campaign officials. Second, and more important, Fiol is not a Trump campaign official. The Globe referred to Fiol as Trumps vice chairman of Miami-Dade County. But Karen Giorno, Trumps Florida chief strategist and senior political adviser, told us by email, Mr. Fiol is not the vice chair of Miami-Dade County. She said he is an unpaid supporter. We checked and Fiol doesnt appear on the payroll in Trumps July 2016 campaign finance report, and he was not reimbursed for any campaign expenses. His name is not mentioned at all in the reports 9,274 pages. Hes also not included on a list of the Trump campaigns staffers and advisers, nor on a similar list specific to Florida. In fact, on Aug. 10, Fiol posted to his Facebook page, No rain, volunteering, along with a picture of himself and two people wearing Trump hats. He tagged the photo as being taken at the BB&T Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which hosted a Trump rally on Aug. 10. We contacted Fiol himself through Facebook and email, but he has yet to respond. We also reached out to Trumps national press secretary, Hope Hicks, to ask about Fiols position and responsibilities with regard to Trumps campaign, but she did not respond. Schwerin at Clintons campaign also referred us to Miami Herald and CNN articles from Aug. 3 regarding Trumps comments about Florida Gov. Rick Scotts handling of the states Zika problem. Both news organizations quoted Trump as saying, First of all, you have a great governor whos doing a fantastic job, Rick Scott, on the Zika. And its a problem, its a big problem. When the local CBS reporter asked Trump if Congress should return for an emergency session to approve Zika funding, Trump said, I would say that its up to Rick Scott. It depends on what hes looking to do, because [he] really seems to have it under control in Florida. Giorno also told us by email, Mr. Trump has joined Governor Scott in calling for immediate funding to fight the spread of Zika in Florida including the 10,000 Zika preparedness kits already requested. This remains an issue not isolated to Florida but one that is of concern nationally warranting a more robust response by the federal government. In other words, she added, Mr. Fiols remarks do not represent the views of Mr. Trump on Zika. While Trumps comments on Zika are limited, he has called it a big problem, not an insignificant issue. And Fiol, who did say the epidemic was insignificant, isnt a Trump campaign official, but a volunteer. So Clinton was wrong when she claimed that my opponent in this race, his campaign officials have called Zika an insignificant issue. Editors Note: SciCheck is made possible by a grant from the Stanton Foundation. A 3-year-old boy who fell off of a roller coaster on Thursday at an amusement park outside of Pittsburgh was riding with his 7-year-old brother at the time, WPXI-TV reported. The incident happened around noon at Idlewild Park and SoakZone in Ligonier, about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh. TribLIVE reported that the boy is from Jeannette, and he hit his head when he fell about 10 feet as the car rounded a turn. TribLIVE also reported that the boy was in critical condition after having surgery. Jeff Croushore, a spokesman for the amusement park, said the boy was conscious and talking when he was flown to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, about 50 miles west. (The investigation) is ongoing. I can't confirm everything. I dont have the exact location on the ride (where he fell), but middle part of the ride, track, Croushore said. The ride, which passed inspection Saturday was closed indefinitely pending an investigation, according to WPXI, but Croushore said he couldn't say whether the ride malfunctioned. The Rollo Coaster is a wooden roller coaster that opened in 1938. It was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Riders must to be at least 3 feet tall to get on Rollo, and anyone shorter than 48 inches has to ride with an adult. Idlewild is the longest operating amusement park in the commonwealth. It was founded in 1878. The incident comes just days after a 10-year-old boy was killed on a waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas. Caleb Schwab, a Kansas lawmaker's son, suffered a fatal neck injury on the slide, which features a 17-story drop. A Delaware man has been charged in federal court with allegedly planning to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex last December. Daniel Arthur Hill, 28, of Dover, faces counts of production of child pornography, one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Authorities arrested Hill on Dec. 16 on state charges for solicitation of a minor and other related offenses. He allegedly engaged with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and planned to meet her for sex. Hill allegedly possessed multiple child pornography images, including some distributed in an online chat group, according to the indictment. Those allegations also say Hill produced images of child pornography and distributed the images to individuals over the internet. Mahaj Brown was the second six-year-old child shot in Philadelphia this week, a coincidence Police Commissioner Richard Ross said Friday "takes your breath away and it's heart-wrenching." Two weeks before the shootings of Brown and a little girl critically wounded Tuesday in East Germantown, a five-year-old boy was shot in his hand in what police described as an accident inside his home, also in East Germantown. The three shootings pushed to 21 the number of children shot in Philadelphia before they even turned 13 since the beginning of 2015, according to data compiled by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Information and Technology. The young children are victims on a huge list: 1,589 people of all ages were shot between Jan. 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016, according to the data on the city's Open Data Philly site. The number of victims since March 31 have not yet been included in the dataset. "It takes your breath away and its heart wrenching. There are no words that I can say to sway those families' pain," Ross said Friday of the young victims shot in recent days. "They are hurt right now and we can just keep them in their prayers. We are letting them know that we are doing everything possible to figure out who those individuals are." In both shootings, the victims appear to have been caught in the crossfire of feuding local violent factions. The shootings of young children, Ross said, show how gun violence wreaks havoc on entire neighborhoods. "You make not think this stuff affects you personally in your neighborhood but this proves that it does. When you hear about groups that are violent you got to pick up that phone and let us know because you never know when an innocent person can get hurt and for certain, the six-year-old boy is," he said. "So you got to give us a call because we dont have crystal balls." As the little boy, Mahaj Brown, was rushed to a nearby hospital, according to his family, Mahaj was heard saying, "I can't believe I'm shot."[[389999231,C]] The boy, who was riding in a car with his godfather when bullets whizzed through the air, was hit 10 times, his great aunt, Erica Petty, told NBC10. "This little boy is only six years old and he's fighting. He's fighting for everything he has in his soul to stay alive," Petty said. On Ashmead Street, where the shooting occurred some time shortly before midnight, neighbors pointed out where bullet holes went through the sides of their home. The shooters were armed with an AK-47 assault style rifle and two semi-automatic handguns, detectives said. As many as 40 shots were fired during the apparent turf battle. In all, four people were hit by gunfire, police said. Evelyn Jackson, who lives on the block with her husband and two-year-old daughter, said everyone was shaken by the shootout and Mahaj's injuries, especially other children. "I started crying last night. When I looked out the window I just saw all the kids crying," Jackson said. "They shouldn't be going through nothing like this. They're babies. It's sad." Detectives collected surveillance video of the shootout, but have yet to release it to the public. The shooters fled in a newer model Mercury Mountaineer SUV that is painted two colors and has running lights, they said. Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in both of the most recent shootings. Anyone with information can contact the Philadelphia Police tipline at 215.686.TIPS. For all intents and purposes, and for one night only, the Embarcadero Marina Park South will become the Love Shack. Sure to satisfy any and all '80s music lovers, the B-52's -- the iconic Athens, Georgia, New Wave/pop/rock & roll band known for hits like "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster" and "Song for a Future Generation" -- are set to headline the scenic venue on the water with special guests (and fellow '80s bands) the Fixx and the English Beat on Sunday, Aug. 14. Perhaps the best part? The net proceeds from the concert will be donated to help fund the San Diego AIDS Memorial. Tickets went on sale on March 25 and are still available through Ticketmaster.com ($100 each). Hefty price tag? Sure. Worth it? Definitely. Back in March, San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer announced a task force responsible for raising money to create a San Diego AIDS memorial. Helmed by Katherine Stuart-Faulconer and San Diego Human Relations Commission chair Nicole Murray-Ramirez, the force will raise funds for a place of remembrance and reflection for friends and family of the 8,000 or so San Diegans who have died from AIDS. "After years of losing friends and loved ones, it is time for us to reflect upon the fight against the stigma and bigotry that people with AIDS experienced over the last 30 years," Ramirez said in a press release. Aside from raising money (nearly $30,000 is needed), the task force will determine a location for the memorial, solicit designs and prepare an unveiling ceremony. The concert is a perfect example of community and music joining forces for the greater good. An official San Diego AIDS Memorial is long overdue and what better way to support the effort than by joining together in solidarity and enjoying the sights and sounds of some of music's most beloved pop groups. After all, isn't "the love shack is a little old place that we can get together"? Count us in. The B-52s, the Fixx and the English Beat play the Embarcadero Marina Park South on Sunday, Aug. 14, to benefit the San Diego AIDS Memorial Fund. Purchase tickets here. Dustin Lothspeich books The Merrow; plays in Diamond Lakes and Boy King; and runs the music-equipment-worshipping blog Gear and Loathing in San Diego. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly. A beauty school owner in Escondido was arrested Thursday, accused of multiple felony charges. Tramy Van was arrested at her store on the 600 block of North Broadway. She operated Tramy's Beauty School in Escondido and on University Square Driveway in San Diego. Students told NBC 7 that she allegedly let classmates pay for certifications without enrolling in classes. Say you want to buy your hours," student Martin Lopez said. "You could pay so much and get the hours." Another student told NBC 7 that Van was also allegedly stealing money. Students who paid out of pocket, she was signing them up for financial aid behind their back and pocketing that financial aid money as well, explained Matt Mizell. Vans arrest was part of an undercover joint investigation between the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education and the Department of Consumer Affairs' Division of Investigation. According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Van's arrest does not mean the school will be shut down. "We do not have the authority to just close a school. We have to go through the administrative process to have an approval to operate revoked. Grounds for that would vary," a spokeperson wrote in a statement to NBC 7. One student says she needs 150 more hours before she can graduate but worries that Van's arrest will put her dream of being a beautician on hold. She kind of crushed it, Jeanette Valdez said, speaking of Van. Its on hold for me. I was almost there." Van can surrender her license but because the case is still under investigation, the department did not disclose if they will revoke it. Meanwhile, Van's students are in limbo. "A lot of people are confused because they dont know whats going to happen or if school will shut down completely, or if well be able to continue to go here, said Mizell. Im frustrated," Lopez told NBC 7. I dont know if I'll have to start over again. I dont know where to go. Its not the end of life. But its wasted money and time." Van is being held in a Vista jail on $20,000 bail. A toddler found dead inside a duffel bag carried by a Southern California couple trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border into Tijuana was drowned, a San Diego Deputy District Attorney said Friday. Deputy DA Kurt Mechals said the girl, who was approximately two years old, died from a "residential-type drowning." An autopsy determined the tot also showed signs of malnutrition, dehydration and trauma, Mechals said. The prosecutor said the investigation is ongoing and he could not release any further details on the toddler's death. He said investigators have theories on the motive but that information is not being released at this time. On Friday, the couple accused in this case Johnny Lewis Hartley, 39, and Mercy Maria Becerra, 43, both of Whittier, California were arraigned side-by-side in a downtown San Diego courtroom. Each defendant faces one count of first-degree murder in the death of the little girl, as outlined in this complaint filed in court Friday. If convicted, Mechals said they each face 25 years to life in prison. Standing next to one another with their heads hung low, both Hartley and Becerra pleaded not guilty. A public defender was appointed for both suspects. A judge set bail at $2 million for each of the suspects. Mechals said the drowning of the tot happened in Whittier. Investigators are still trying to determine the relationship of the suspects to the victim, Mechals said. Hartley and Becerra are not the child's parents, but the parents also live in Whittier and know the suspects. The San Diego Police Department said Hartley and Becerra were arrested at the pedestrian border crossing at the San Ysidro port of entry Tuesday around 12 p.m. after they attempted to cross into Mexico. SDPD Lt. Ray Valentin said the duo was stopped by Mexican authorities and sent to a secondary inspection point. Hartley was carrying a duffel bag. When officials scanned his bag in an X-ray machine, they discovered the body of the little girl inside the bag, police said. At that point, Valentin said Becerra tried to run away from authorities, but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. Hartley was also arrested. They were deported back to the U.S. side of the border and turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The SDPDs Homicide Unit arrived at the port of entry and took custody of Hartley and Becerra, booking them into jail in San Diego on suspicion of child cruelty and first-degree murder. After interviewing the suspects, Valentin said SDPD Homicide Unit detectives determined that whatever happened to the little girl occurred in Whittier, which is about 127 miles north of Tijuana. SDPD detectives are working closely with detectives of the Whittier Police Department on the case. Mechals said there is still much work to be done. At the suspects' arraignment on Friday, the prosecutor said details were still being developed, including whether the toddler's death was premeditated. "There are a lot of moving parts," Mechals said of the case. On Thursday, Valentin told NBC 7 it appears someone drove Hartley and Becerra to San Diego, possibly dropping them off at the pedestrian border crossing. He also said there was no missing person report filed on the toddler out of Whittier. At this point, Mechals said there are no indications of additional arrests in this case. The name of the toddler has not yet been released. For now, court documents refer to the child as "Jane Doe." According to the complaint against the suspects, Hartley has a prior conviction on his record from June 23, 2010, out of Orange, California. An Instragram account for Becerra confirmed by NBC 4 Los Angeles earlier this week said the suspect is a mother of nine. The social media account has since been deleted. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the SDPD Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Hartley and Becerra are due back in court on Aug. 18 for a status conference. Their preliminary hearing is set to begin Aug. 25. A recent study shows that the percentage of millennials and veterans in San Diegos workforce ranks the highest among competing metropolitan cities. Metro areas included in the study are Austin, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, Raleigh, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. The Business and Tax Climate Dashboard, produced by the San Diego Regional Chamber Foundation, looks at workforce demographics, taxes and fees, and the general business makeup of the San Diego area. According to the study, 28.8 percent of San Diegos workers are millennials and veterans make up 7.3 percent of the workforce compared to the metro average of 4.4 percent. The study also found that San Diego has the lowest percentage of women in the workforce at 44 percent compared to the metro average of 46.2 percent. However, its percentage of woman-owned businesses ranks sixth at 46.2 percent. The dashboard is part of the Regional Jobs Strategy launched earlier this year by the County of San Diego, City of San Diego and San Diego Association of Governments in efforts to encourage economic growth and create jobs for the entire Cali-Baja region. The complete Business and Tax Climate Dashboard and appendix can be downloaded here. Plans to remove a decades-old Torrey Pine tree in Ocean Beach, the site of a sit-in protest last week, will be put on hold, at least temporarily. Despite push-back from OB residents, the 73-foot-tall tree, located on the 4600 block of Saratoga Avenue, was set to be removed Friday at 7 a.m. However, the City of San Diego -- which claims the tree is a safety hazard and needs to be removed -- has temporarily suspended plans to remove it. Public safety is of the utmost importance, and while our goal is to maximize the environmental benefits of trees, we must balance the risk of trees with the preservation of trees, said Jeremy Barrick, a Board-Certified Master Arborist and the Citys Urban Forester Program Manager, in a statement early Thursday. The City said it will work closely with community members to discuss the tree's condition, safety concerns and replacement tree options. Barrick said earlier on Thursday that "this tree must be removed to entirely eliminate the risk of catastrophic failure." When news of the tree's removal came out last week, residents were angered. In an act of protest, Ocean Beach resident Crystal Rose Speros scaled the tree and sat in a groove for most of the day. About a half-dozen residents on the ground joined Speros in protest, claiming the city was not transparent in its plans for the doomed tree. Residents have said they have not heard specific details of why it is dangerous and why, exactly, it needs to be torn down. According to John Ambert, Chair of the Ocean Beach Community Planning Board, the Torrey Pines that line that street are more than 95 years old. Given what he's heard from the city, he doesn't think its enough to tear down the tree. Mark Leimbach/NBC 7 San Diego The City told NBC 7 that four different arborists have looked at the Torrey Pine and determined the tree is hazardous. NBC 7 was able to obtain these reports. The tree is rooted adjacent to where two other similar large Torrey Pine trees were removed earlier in the year, after El Nino storms caused them to uplift. Now, the City will continue to monitor the tree's health. However, if arborists find further evidence that it poses a danger to residents and homes, the City says it will move forward with the removal. For now, many OB residents are happy the tree is staying in their neighborhood for a bit longer. Ambert told NBC 7 Friday that the community is glad the City is seeking more information on the tree before tearing it down. He said the fact that the Torrey Pine trees in the neighborhood are older than most residents make the battle worth fighting to keep them rooted right where they are. Local Kevyn Letteu said those who live in the neighborhood still have many questions for the City about the tree, including its pruning and maintenance over the years. "We feel like this is a member of our community," Letteu told NBC 7. "We need to have respect for our elders, and these trees are our elders." Megan Tevrizian/NBC 7 San Diego She said OB residents are have hired their own arborist to also inspect the tree. If it is determined the tree is, in fact, not safe to keep on the street, Letteu said residents will be upset, but they will understand. She said, ultimately, residents want the City to be transparent in its plans for not just this Torrey Pine tree, but all trees on the street so an incident like this does not happen again. According to this Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve website, Torrey Pine trees are the rarest native pines in the United States, and were first seen in San Diegos Sorrento Valley area as early as 1769. In 1850, the tree was official discovered and named the Torrey Pine by Dr. Charles Christopher Parry a doctor with an interest in botany when he was in San Diego as a botanist for the U.S.-Mexico Boundary Survey. Parry named the tree after his mentor, Dr. John Torrey, of New York, one of the leading botanists of his time. A new law requiring all students in California to be vaccinated will be the subject of a legal challenge Friday afternoon in San Diego. It is a time sensitive hearing, as students head back to school over the next few weeks. Senate Bill 277 went into effect July 1, repealing the state's personal belief exemption, which had allowed students to opt out of getting vaccinated. Now, only children who have been immunized for diseases such as measles and whooping cough can be admitted to public schools, unless they have underlying medical conditions. Its so punitive to take away the classroom education of a child. So it's just wrong, said Rebecca Estepp. She blames what she calls a vaccine injury for her son's autism. Estepp represents a group called Education4All, which is asking a federal judge to delay the new law's enforcement until all legal challenges are resolved. All were asking for is the court to go back to the law previously in effect, said Kim Mack Rosenberg, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys. Mack Rosenberg says the new law is affecting the fundamental right under the Constitution to get a classroom based education with peers. What the state is proposing is very radical. They are proposing barring thousands of children from classrooms permanently, she said. In its response, the State wrote: A state's exercise of its police powers in protecting the public from communicable diseases is rationally based. Meanwhile, proponents of vaccines welcome the more restrictive law. I would say parents who choose not to vaccinate their children, they are choosing to be home schooled, said parent Shawn Vandriver. But vaccine opponents say that is a punitive choice because many parents cannot afford to home school their children and that the law will impact 33,000 children who are not fully vaccinated. This is a very small percentage, but to each child, their inability to access the classroom-based education they are guaranteed is a tremendous and lifelong burden, said Mack Rosenberg. In a statement, the California Department of Education wrote: The department can't comment on ongoing litigation, but Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson strongly supports vaccination. It's the law in California, and it's the right thing to do for public health. Early reports indicate school districts are doing a great job of reminding parents that they need to submit vaccination records for students entering kindergarten and 7th grade." A teenager wearing a Batman hat allegedly stabbed a homeless man at San Diegos City College Friday, campus police said. The San Diego Community College District Police Department said the assault happened at around 1:15 p.m. north of the M200 building at City College. The campus is located at 1313 Park Blvd. near downtown San Diego. Police said that, for unknown reasons, the young suspect described as being about 13 or 14 years old, wearing a Batman hat, black T-shirt and black shorts stabbed a transient. The victim was taken to a local hospital. College police searched the campus for the suspect but did not immediately locate him. The case was reported to the San Diego Police Department, whose officers are also now on the lookout. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information can call college police at (619) 388-6405, SDPD at (619) 531-2000 and Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS. The San Diego Community College District Police Department said safety escort services are available at the City College campus 24-hours a day, seven days a week. To arrange a safety escort, call the department at the aforementioned phone number. Seeing the political handwriting on the wall and looking to make a graceful exit from San Diegos District 1 City Council race, Republican businessman Ray Ellis has bowed out of the Nov. 8 runoff campaign. Without a viable path to victory, Ellis said in a statement released to news outlets early Friday, I cannot in good faith ask supporters to finance another effort. Ellis withdrawal assures a continuation of the Democrats 5-4 majority on the council into late 2018, barring unforeseen developments. That balance of power in policy and lawmaking, is subject to mayoral vetoes that take six votes to override. Ellis finished second nearly 15 points behind the frontrunner in the June primary, while spending about $200,000 -- almost twice as much money. In announcing he was dropping out of the race, Ellis said he couldn't ask supporters to contribute more, given the district's heavy Democrat voter registration and "toxicity" of Donald Trump's Presidential candidacy. He added that he could have the greatest impact serving as a community volunteer, focusing on homelessness, education, foster children and neighborhood issues. Citing a family emergency on Friday, Ellis declined an NBC 7 interview request. His Democratic rival, businesswomen Barbara Bry, said Ellis had asked her on Tuesday to meet with her Thursday afternoon at a Mission Valley campaign, and keep the their conversation confidential until Friday. "He congratulated me on running a good campaign, Bry told NBC 7. He said he didn't see a path forward for him, and he thought it was in the best interest of everybody that he withdraw from the race." But Ellis' name is still on the ballot, so Bry's campaign won't stop until election day, November 8th. "I will continue to be visible in the community, she noted, talking to as many residents as possible to learn more about the district and the issues that are important to the voters here." Now a question around City Hall is, who will become the next resident of the City Council -- a Democrat, obviously. "This a big position, says Voice of San Diego editor Scott Lewis, and if it's used, if it's leveraged as much as it can be, it can be a very big check on the power of the mayor and the influence of the mayor." Likely contenders? Progressive David Alvarez, who's often at odds with Mayor Faulconer; and moderate Myrtle Cole, much less so. Bry says she has more immediate priorities to focus on: "I've made no commitments to anybody about who I will vote for, for council president." The only contested council campaign left is between two Democrats in District 9, where Ricardo Flores finished 3 and a half points ahead of second-place finisher Georgette Gomez in a four-way June primary race. The man-made Poplar Island in the middle of the Chesapeake is bursting with new and unexpected life. Poplar Island is so popular, new residents no one expected would show up are now moving in daily. Its bursting with new life thanks to a massive restoration project using dredged material from the bottom of Baltimores shipping channel in the Chesapeake Bay. The island was once on the verge of extinction, according to Justin Callahan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By the time I first got here in 1993, there were about 3 to 5 acres left," he said. But the islands vibrant new ecosystem has turned the island into a nesting ground for the once-struggling diamond back terrapin, the states official reptile. Callahan said no one expected this added bonus. It wasnt part of the original goals, he said. We have thousands of terrapins hatch each year here at Poplar. Some of those hatchlings end up in Maryland classrooms as part of the "Terrapin Head Start Program," where students care for them through the winter months. Fourteen of the still-tiny turtles returned from Charles County classrooms on this day, each carefully carried in its own plastic bucket and marked with the name bestowed upon it by the students who raised it. There was a Haley, a Terry, an Echo and a Squirtle. But the most popular name, by far, is Bubbles. There were at least three Bubbles in this batch. Each hatchling gets tagged on its right back leg. Theyre scanned into a computer so students can get updates if they are ever recaptured by scientists studying their behavior. The island is now home to the nations largest terrapin research project. So far, 130 different schools have nurtured about 180 terrapins through the program. Theyre doing fantastically on the island, Callahan said. No one is sure why theyve thrived here, he said, but the undisturbed sandy shorelines and lack of land predators could be part of the reason. "They have tons of food and tons of shelter," he said. "If you just looked at this project, and you wanted to rate its success, you know, from a wildlife usage standpoint, you'd have to say it's an overwhelming success with the terrapins," Callahan added. And even though the little guys go away for months, it doesnt take them long to plop back into the water and feel right at home on this man-made island. Reported by Tisha Thompson, produced by Rick Yarborough and shot and edited by Steve Jones. The man-made Poplar Island in the middle of the Chesapeake is bursting with new and unexpected life. Poplar Island is so popular, new residents no one expected would show up are now moving in daily. Its bursting with new life thanks to a massive restoration project using dredged material from the bottom of Baltimores shipping channel in the Chesapeake Bay. The island was once on the verge of extinction, according to Justin Callahan of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By the time I first got here in 1993, there were about three to five acres left. But the islands vibrant new ecosystem turned the island into a nesting ground for the once-struggling diamond back terrapin, the states official reptile. No one expected this added bonus, Callahan said. It wasnt part of the original goals, he said. We have thousands of terrapins hatch each year here at Poplar. Some of those hatchlings end up in Maryland classrooms, as part of the "Terrapin Head Start Program," where students care for them through the winter months. The still tiny turtles are then returned from classrooms, each carefully carried in its own plastic bucket and marked with the name bestowed upon it by the students who raised it. From Charles County there was a Haley, a Terry, an Echo and a Squirttle. But the most popular name, by far, is Bubbles. There were at least three Bubbles in that batch. Each hatchling gets tagged on its right back leg. Theyre scanned into a computer so students can get updates if theyre ever recaptured by scientists studying their behavior. The island is now home to the nations largest terrapin research project. So far, 130 different schools have nurtured about 180 terrapins through the program. Theyre doing fantastically on the island, Callahan said. No one is sure why theyve thrived there, he said, but the undisturbed sandy shorelines and lack of land predators could be part of the reason. "They have tons of food and tons of shelter." "If you just looked at this project and you wanted to rate its success, you know, from a wildlife usage standpoint, you'd have to say it's an overwhelming success with the terrapins," Callahan added. And even though the little guys go away for months, it doesnt take them long to plop back into the water and feel right at home on the man-made island. Reported by Tisha Thompson, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Steve Jones. As authorities investigate the cause of a deadly explosion and fire in an apartment complex outside the nation's capital, they are looking into reports that residents smelled natural gas days before the blast. Two people were killed in Silver Spring, Maryland, several are missing and more than 30 were taken to hospitals for treatment. Police did not release the identities of the dead. The building remains a collapsed hazard, and moving the debris is a challenge, so the search effort is methodical Friday, according to the Montgomery County Fire Department. Searchers focused on a basement apartment Friday afternoon. Firefighters used ladders to rescue people from upper floors of Flower Branch Apartments, and residents tossed children from balconies to safety below. Thomas Lima said he saw a boy fall into the fire and tried to rescue him but couldn't. Lima suffered smoke inhalation and a burn on his arm and was treated at Holy Cross Hospital. Authorities accounted for 110 people so far, butan unknown number of residents remain unaccounted for, police said. On Friday, authorities were still working to determine the cause of the blast. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was assisting the investigation. Resident Adrian Boya told News4's Derrick Ward he had been smelling gas for some time now. "I've been smelling gas for weeks. I called 911, they came and told us it smelled like incense," Boya said. "That's pretty sad. It's like they didn't take us seriously." Joy West said she also could smell gas in the area prior to the explosion. "When I walk in this area, you smell gas near the corner as you approached the gas station. But it's very strong on Flower, about a block from here," West said. "I just felt, and I told the guys at the store, 'You guys be careful 'cause one day something is going to blow up around here.'" The Montgomery County fire department responded to a call July 25 reporting the smell of gas, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said. Building management told Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein there were no prior reports of problems at the buildings. While the official cause of the fire has not been released, resident Adrian Boya told News4s Derrick Ward hes been smelling gas for some time now. Ive been smelling gas for weeks. I called 911, they came and told us it smelled like incense, Boya said. Thats pretty sad. Its like they didnt take us seriously. "We asked that of property management first thing this morning. No prior issues concerning the buildings. No prior responses from fire/rescue at these buildings," Goldstein said. Goldstein said each unit has a natural gas furnace and stove. A woman who used to work for the management office at Flower Branch Apartments said the smell of gas was a common complaint during the years she was employed there. "Oh my God. It finally happened," said the woman, who did not want to be identified. "They would send the maintenance people to check, but I think something more needed to be done." Hamil said the reports about the smell of gas being in the area before the explosion will be investigated. Washington Gas crews were on the scene and shut off gas to the area. "Our thoughts are with the families impacted by this event. They have our support now and in the days ahead," a Washington Gas spokesman said in a statement. Resident Veronica Jarreto said Thursday that she felt lucky to not have been home when her apartment was destroyed. She was at a hospital with a sick child. "We lost everything. Our home, clothes and food," she said via an interpreter. Jarreto stood at a community center with her 11-month-old child strapped to her back and a 3-year-old alongside her. "I'm going to stay in the shelter and, God willing, he will provide for this evening," she said. A former Metro Transit Police officer facing terror charges is disputing some of the allegations made by federal prosecutors. Nicholas Young, of Fairfax, Virginia, is accused of sending $245 in digital gift cards with the intention of supporting ISIS recruitment. Young, 36, was arrested at Metro headquarters on Aug. 3. Young appeared in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, Thursday for a detention hearing. A judge ordered that Young remain detained. Young has denied some of the accusations made against him in an 18-page criminal complaint, according to Young's attorney. "[Young] doesn't agree with everything that's in the affidavit. There are things in there that he claims are not true," Young's attorney, David Smith, told News4. Young denies that he told an undercover FBI agent that he tortured animals as a child and that he wanted to kidnap and torture a FBI agent who questioned him. "He doesn't always mean what he says ... There are things in there that even the FBI didn't take seriously," Smith said. But in court documents, federal prosecutors paint a picture of a radicalized man acquainted with terror suspects. The FBI watched Young for six years and Young met with an informant 20 times. Smith said the FBI "has helped safeguard the country ... but it's possible to go too far in getting people to do things they may not otherwise do." Young was raised Catholic, but was in search of a new religion in his twenties. He started studying different faiths and converted to Islam in 2006, when he was about 26 years old, according to Smith. "There were things about Islam that attracted him. He thought it was a religion that had changed not very much from its origins ... it had nothing to do with terrorism," Smith said. Smith said Young visited Mosques in Northern Virginia and prayed five times a day. "He takes his Islamic religion seriously," Smith said. A device labeled as a "military bomb" was found on a decommissioned U.S. military silo in Gaithersburg, Maryland, this week, federal officials tell the News4 I-Team. The item was discovered at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) along Muddy Branch Road. It was tested by U.S. Army investigators at Ft. Belvoir and contained no explosive materials, officials said In an email sent to staff Friday, NIST officials said agency managers were conducting a walk-through at the site of the missile silo when they discovered the device. "The walk-through was a safety evaluation in contemplation of the eventual transfer of ownership of the parcel. During that walk-through, the experts discovered a device labeled as a military bomb that appeared to be a non-functional practice device," the email read. The agency said it turned over the suspicious device to the U.S. Army at Ft. Belvoir Thursday for an inspection. NIST officials said the device contained no explosive materials. The incident reveals details of the military silos maintained on the NIST campus in Montgomery County since 1976. The silos are located at the agency's Nike site near Muddy Branch Road, near I-270 in Gaithersburg. Though the silo is welded shut, the agency said, crews unsealed it Thursday to conduct a safety evaluation. NIST said it uses the missile silos for research. The device was not the first security scare on the NIST campus this week. A white powder substance was found in recent days. A police officer threw the bag of powder in a trash can, before it was later removed and tested, an agency spokeswoman told the I-Team. The testing, which was conducted by the NIST fire department, found the powder was mostly silicon dioxide and trichlorfin, the agency said. A spokeswoman said the substance is used as a pesticide. A security review of the powder incident was conducted, the I-Team has learned. NIST released this statement Friday afternoon: After reading a NIST all staff email about the discovery and removal of the harmless device, a longtime NIST employee recalled fire research experiments 30 years ago to ensure the safety of military munitions being shipped by rail. A report of the research published in 1980 stated that a practice bomb was secured from the Army and instrumented to measure how much heat it absorbed during test fires using different types of fire protection insulation. The research was conducted to evaluate various methods of protecting Class A explosives during railway shipments. Six people are dead after a plane crashed at an airport near Fredericksburg, Virginia, state police say. The small plane crashed into the woods near the end of the runway at Shannon Airport Friday afternoon. Shannon Airport is located about five miles from downtown Fredericksburg. Virginia State Police said the plane was trying to land at the airport when it came to the end of the runway and pulled back up. The plane made it beyond the railroad tracks at the end of the airport property, banked left and struck the tree line. The plane immediately caught fire when it crashed in the trees and was so badly burned that responders to the crash could hardly see the plane's tail number, making it hard to identify the aircraft. "It appears the plane was attempting to land and it then attempted to abort the landing and take off again," said Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler. State police said all the remains recovered from the wreckage will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for identification. All six people are from out-of-state, police said, and authorities are still in the process of notifying their families. Shari Acree, who was riding an Amtrak train near the airport, said she saw white smoke and the crash. "The plane was completely decimated and there was still some flame coming from it,'' Acree said in an email. She said her train was delayed about 30 minutes due to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The airport has an average of 85 flights per day, mostly local general aviation. Ninety-one aircraft are based there, most of them are single-engine. Stay with News4 for more on this developing story. A heat wave that extends from Richmond, Virginia, to Boston, Massachusetts, brought record high temperatures to the D.C. area this weekend. A heat advisory was in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The temperature reached 100 degrees in D.C., tying the record set in 1943, according to Storm Team4. Amid the oppressive heat and humidity, some severe weather moved through the region Sunday evening. A flash flood warning was issued for Montgomery, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard counties, but has since been cancelled. The heat index soared to 114 degrees at Ronald Reagan National Airport Saturday afternoon. Temperatures at the airport reached 101, tying the record set in 1880, the National Weather Service said. More than 3,400 Pepco customers were without power in the D.C. area and more than 1,500 were without power in Bethesda, Maryland, Saturday night. Power has been restored to all but about 30 customers on Sunday. An excessive heat warning was in effect for the D.C. area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. NWS said a record high temperature of 99 degrees was measured at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Saturday, breaking the airport's record temperature of 98 set in 2002. It sounds like a good weekend for the beach, but the Atlantic Ocean is reaching record high temps, too. Itll be less of a refreshing dip and more of a warm bath. On Wednesday, the water temperature in Atlantic City registered 83.3 degrees, the highest on record, Bell said. Beach highs are expected to reach in the 80s in Ocean City and Rehoboth. Heading to a Nats game this weekend? Special cooling accommodations will be made. Cooling centers will be open in the Roosevelt and Kennedy rooms behind Section 202 on the 200 level. There, air conditioning and ice water will be available. Misting fans will also be set up on the Budweiser Terrace and outside the Main Team Store. Fans are allowed to bring up to two sealed one liter bottles of water and battery-operated handheld fans into Nats Park. Due to the high track temperatures, Metro trains are operating under a 35-mph speed restriction at all above-ground stations, Metro said. Systemwide delays are possible. Two Vermont prisoners took a guard hostage with a bladed object Aug. 11 at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport. Authorities tell necn affiliate NBC5 the hostage situation began around 12:45 p.m. and was resolved around 3:15 p.m. after hours of negotiations. No staff members or inmates were injured. The inmates were identified as Mehmed Devac and Leroy Hughes. The corrections officer was identified as 51-year-old Malcolm Brown. Devac, 22, was convicted of assault and robbery with injury, aggravated assault and multiple other misdemeanors. He has been incarcerated at the prison since October of 2015 and is set to be released between May of 2020 and May of 2032. Hughes, 32, committed grand larceny, as well as assault and robbery with a weapon. Though he was put in prison in June of 2015, he has only been at Northern State Correctional Facility since Feb. 9 of this year. His earliest possible release date is in March of 2019, with the latest being in March of 2032. Both prisoners were arrested and charged with aggravated assault and kidnapping. They are both scheduled to be arraigned in Orleans County Criminal Court on Oct. 18. Twenty-four people were taken to the hospital after turbulence forced a JetBlue flight to make an unexpected landing. The airline said Flight 429 experienced bad weather while en route from Boston to Sacramento on Thursday evening and diverted to Rapid City, South Dakota. JetBlue said 22 passengers and two crew members were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. All were treated for minor injuries and had been released by early Friday, Rapid City Regional Hospital told NBC News. Victor Rosales, who was on flight 429, said to NBC, "I was looking up when it happened and I saw stuff fly everywhere. I didn't see much else. The pilots did an excellent job getting safely out of there and to South Dakota." He added, "The fire dept and volunteer fire dept were here waiting for us to tend to any injuries. The staff handed out blankets, water and snacks." A replacement aircraft was en route to help the remaining passengers continue on to Sacramento, the airline added in a statement. The body of a 49-year-old missing woman was recovered from Coes Pond in Worcester, Massachusetts, Friday morning, authorities say. A preliminary investigation shows that it was an accidental drowning. The woman, whose name was not released, went missing Thursday morning. She was last seen at Coes Pond. Police were told she might have been swimming at the pond. Police started searching for her on Thursday evening, but a scuba search was postponed because of darkness. The investigation is ongoing. Glastonbury police have arrested a 54-year-old Georgia man who is accused of sexually assaulting a girl two years ago. The sexual assault happened on July 23, 2014, when the girl was 13, and it was reported on Sept. 14, 2015, according to police. Police investigated and have charged Steven Boecker, 54, of Newnan, Georgia with fourth-degree sexual assault, impairing the morals of minors and risk of injury to a minor. He lived in Connecticut at the time of the alleged assault, according to police. Boecker turned himself into police on Friday. Interstate 84 East in Hartford was closed for nearly four hours after a man shot himself on the highway, but it has reopened. The incident was reported around 10:30 a.m. as a vehicle fire on the eastbound side of highway between exits 46 and 48 and shots fired. "At this time, we're not sure if that was actual gunfire, if it was ammunition in the van exploding, if it was vehicle parts - tires or batteries exploding -- that's common with these vehicle fires. So we're not sure what it was, but we did get calls for that," Trooper Tyler Weerden said. Two Hartford Fire Department personnel and three state troopers arrived at the scene around the same time and saw a burning van and a man with a gun. When they tried to speak with the man, he shot himself. Emergency crews then provided medical care and the man was transported to Saint Francis Hospital, where he is still alive, police said. "Due to the nature of this incident and out of an abundance of caution, we used a bomb robot to clear the van, not knowing what would be in there," Weerden said. "The van has been cleared. There's no other hazards at this time." Police have not released the man's name, but said his last-known address is in Bristol, so State police are at the scene and are working with Bristol Police. "I just want to stress, there's no threat to the public," Weerden said. "As far as we can tell right now, the only shot that was fired was a self-inflicted gunshot." Emergency dispatch transmissions released on Friday afternoon detail the chaotic scene first responders encountered. One recording said a man was walking on the highway, urinating on a Jersey barrier. Another reported a man near the Jersey barrier had a firearm strapped to him. Then came a dispatch about live rounds going off and a request for police to respond and to shut down the highway. Another transmission was for Department of Transportation inspectors to come out and check the bridge because the van under it was on fire. Hartford police, Hartford firefighters and state police all responded to the scene and officers rerouters commuters to clear the road. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 860-534-100 or text TIP711 to 274637 with information. Still no arrests in the murder of a New York City woman who went for a run near her mother's home in central Massachusetts on Sunday and was later found dead in the woods. The investigation into Vanessa Marcotte's death entered day five on Friday. More than 500 tips have been received, but investigators are still seeking the public's help in identifying the man they believe attacked her. Police believe she put up a fight before she was killed. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. asked for the public's help Thursday in identifying a man with scratches, scrapes or bruises he would have sustained Sunday in a struggle with Marcotte. Marcotte, a 27-year-old Google account manager, was found dead Sunday night hours after she went for a run near her mother's home in Princeton, a rural town west of Boston. Her body was found naked and burned. Early said investigators believe the attack happened between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. He is asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or a vehicle parked in the area of Brooks Station Road during that timeframe to call. Anonymous tips can be left by calling (508) 453-7589. As the investigation continues, people who live in the area are looking for healing, comfort and justice. "Everybody needs Gods comfort in times like this when everybody is kind of traumatized and feeling worried and unsafe," said Jennifer Frye. "It takes you to another level of caution and concern." "You kind of look at people and think that could possibly be the person," said Julie Egli, who lives near Princeton and is now keeping a watchful eye. Frye and Egli are helping plan a prayer night Sunday at the Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton. More than 100 people are expected to attend. Egli hopes the event will bring light into a dark, tragic situation. A statewide grand jury has indicted a Richmond, Massachusetts, man accused with the apparently random fatal beating of a 62-year-old man. The attorney general's office said Thursday that the jury reported out an indictment charging 34-year-old Christian Lepore with murder, four counts of simple assault and one count of cruelty to a police animal. Prosecutors say Lepore murdered John O'Neil on May 28. O'Neil called 911 after Lepore appeared at his West Greenwich home. Police don't think they knew each other. Lepore is also accused of assaulting four police officers and beating a police dog. Lepore's lawyer has said the state hadn't proven that O'Neil's death was a homicide, and has questioned the police report. He couldn't immediately be reached on Thursday to comment. Lepore's arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 2. Patrick Keogan, 44, of Wilmington, Massachusetts, who is suspected in threatening two mosques, was back in court Friday for a probable cause hearing. Keogan was arrested after posting threatening images on social media the day after the terrorist attacks in Paris. He admitted to the FBI that he sent posts to the Facebook pages of the Islamic Society of Boston and the Islamic Center of NE University showing a picture of a burning mosque and the words "Burn your local mosque." And "Hello scumbags" alongside smiley face emoji. His attorney argued there is a fine line between free speech under the first amendment and threatening. Authorities say Keogan, who is a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed ammunition. The prosecutor pointed to a history of threats and violent conduct Keogan has been convicted of and the presence of more than 40 guns and ammunition in his home as evidence this is a dangerous man. The judge did find probable cause to proceed with the case. Several photos depict the visit to the central province of Quang Tri on September 15th, 1973, by Fidel Castro, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and Prime Minister. Photos at the exhibition (Source: VNA) The exhibition titled Vietnam-Cuba is held to to celebrate the 90th birthday of Cuban leader Fidel Castro (August 13th). It is evidence of the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries over the past 50 years. Le Duy Truyen, Deputy General Director of Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Chairman of the VNA chapter of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, hailed the ever-growing ties between Vietnam and Cuba over the past years. He said that Fidel Castro was the person who had sentiments for Vietnam. Many photos at the exhibition showed the sentiments. He added that during the war, Cuba had helped Vietnam in both materials and spirit. The cooperation between the two countries had always maintained and incessantly developed. By information products, close sentiment and effective cooperation with Cuba, VNA has made practical contribution to promote the cooperation./. A West Springfield woman accused of wrapping a phone cord around her boyfriend's neck and choking him until he passed out has been released without bail, but ordered to stay away from him. The Republican reports 36-year-old Diana Pena, who has denied charges of attempted murder, strangulation and assault and battery, was released Thursday following a dangerousness hearing. The judge ruled in Pena's favor, saying the evidence was weak and the man didn't testify. Prosecutors had sought to hold her without right to bail until trial. Police say they found the boyfriend bruised, bleeding and with marks on his neck while responding to a 911 call Tuesday. Pena testified that her boyfriend hit her in the past, and had pulled her out of bed late Monday before beating her. A woman was injured after a crash left a vehicle on its roof on I-95 in Weston, Massachusetts. The crash, which took place on the southbound side of the highway approaching the Highland Avenue exit in Newton, snarled traffic, backing it up all the way to Waltham. The driver was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Her condition was not immediately clear, but she was conscious and alert when she was transported. Check necn's traffic page for more. A search by the Coast Guard and local authorities for a possible missing paddleboarder in waters just north of Rye Harbor in New Hampshire has come up empty. Officials say Coast Guard Sector Northern New England was notified the Rockingham Sheriff's Department that a female paddleboarder was reportedly in distress at about 8 p.m. Thursday. A 29-foot rescue boat was launched from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor to search the area. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched from Air Station Cape Cod to assist. Rockingham sheriffs reported seeing the paddleboarder shining a bright white light about a half-mile off the coast before losing sight of her. Crews resumed searching at first light Friday morning and searched for more than five hours. After no findings, the search was suspended. Officials say no other correlating or corresponding reports have been filed. The state Department of Agriculture is issuing a warning after a dog was attacked and killed at an unlicensed home-based boarding facility in Redding. Kathryn Stergue, the 49-year-old owner of Katies Critter Care, was charged last week in connection with an incident in June when her 4-year-old mixed-breed dog attacked and killed Romi, a dog that her business was boarding while the dogs owners were on vacation, according to the Department of Agriculture. The family dropped off Romi and another dog on June 10 and learned of the dogs death when they received a call from Stergue just before 10 p.m. on June 21. Officials from the Agriculture Department cited the arrest warrant and said Stergue admitted that one of her big dogs was responsible for the death of Romi, a 15-pound Havanese. Stergue was also inhured and had bandages on one of her arms from bites sustained in the incident. She told officers that her dog, Jacob, was responsible for the attack and a friend took the dog to a veterinarian to be euthanized, but she couldnt provide the name of the veterinarian and officers have not been able to confirm that the dog was euthanized, according to the Department of Agriculture. Stergue advertised her business on Facebook and claimed it was licensed and insured, according to the Department of Agriculture, but state records show the business was not licensed as a commercial kennel, so it would not been inspected. Officials from the Department of Agriculture said the arrest demonstrates the need for all pet owners to be vigilant about ensuring their animals are being cared for in a licensed facility that is inspected by the Department of Agriculture. This case shows the need for pet owners to be wary of home-based boarding businesses, many that are advertised on social media and national websites, and to do their own homework when it comes to trusting someone with the care of their pets, Ray Connors, supervisor of the Departments animal control division, said in a statement. Sterns has been charged with cruelty to animals, operating an animal facility without a license, not vaccinating an animal and failure to comply with dog ownership requirements, according to online court records. She is free on $500 bond and is to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Aug. 25. Check on whether a pet boarding or grooming facility is licensed online. Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. First service takes place at Norwich church site SOUL Church hosted around 400 people for a special service on the site of their new building on Heartsease Lane. Read more Dereham draws up list of warm places for winter As rising energy prices make it harder to heat homes, churches in Dereham are leading the way in creating warm spaces where people can go. Read more South Norfolk church scoops national award A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost. Read more Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more Executive assistant and nursery manager jobs SOUL Church is a vibrant, welcoming and growing church in Norwich. They are seeking an organised and versatile Executive Assistant to provide key support to the churchs Senior Pastors, as well as a qualified Nursery Manager to head up SOUL Nursery. Read more Halloween light in Gorleston church On Halloween this year, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston will be preparing to welcome around 200 families to experience their Light on a Dark Night event. Read more An opportunity for Norwich to pray for the nation Rev Nigel Fox, who has served as a Methodist Minister for 15 years in Norwich, shares an open invitation to pray for the nation at a crucial moment. Read more Norwich church seeks musicians Kingdom Ambassadors International Church is appealing for instrumentlists, keyboardists and guitarists to be part of their worship experience. Read more Please keep Rishi in your prayers Andy Bryant urges us to pray for our political leaders, especially the new Prime Minister, and avoid unhelpful judgementalism. Read more Emilys art boosts growing Yarmouth foodbank A pupil at a primary school in Bradwell has been selling her pictures in order to raise money for the Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank, which is expanding its capacity and is seeking more volunteers. Read more Patrick Regan helps Norwich to bounce forwards On Saturday St Stephens in Norwich hosted Bouncing Forwards as part of a national tour by the mental health charity Kintsugi Hope. Read more Painting and biblical feasting in Overstrand There will be opportunities to improve your painting skills and indulge in some biblical feasting next month at the Pleasaunce in Overstrand in North Norfolk. Read more Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more National award for Dereham Christian bookshop The Green Pastures Christian bookshop in Dereham has won a national award for providing boxes of Christian books to 21 local schools. Read more Norma's care home jigsaw challenge complete A resident at Norwich-based care home Corton House has completed an incredible 70 jigsaw puzzles in celebration of the homes 70th anniversary this year. Read more Norwich charity's appeal to support Palestinian students A Norwich educational charity, set up in memory of a Norwich Anglican priest, to support students from a Palestinian refugee camp, is inviting people to support its Christmas appeal to be launched on November 29. Read more Norfolk drug and alcohol charity pays tribute to its founder Andy Sexton, CEO of the Matthew Project, introduces a series of tributes from the charity to its founder, Peter Farley. Read more The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition. (Photo: baocongthuong.com.vn) The event was attended by 425 companies from 20 countries and territories, notably Poland, Germany, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. It accommodates 500 booths on 9,000 square meters and is divided into large pavilions. Domestic producers exhibited their main products such as beverages, tea, coffee, fresh and packaged seafood, sugar and milk, confectionary, vegetable and birds nest products, with famous trademarks such as Sai Gon beer, Hanoi beer, Vifon, Vissan and Duy Tan plastic. Countries sending large numbers of attendees to the exhibition include the RoK (30), Poland (11), Taiwan-China (23), China (46) and Malaysia (10). On the sidelines, the event offers seminars with special subjects on TPP and opportunities, challenges for Vietnamese beverage enterprises; solutions to fight against fake products; and new trends for natural food materials. The exhibition will run until August 13th./. Tributes paid to 85-year-old RESPECTED artist and former mayor of Newbury Christopher Hall has died at the age of 85. The popular painter died last Thursday following complications from a fall at his Newbury home. He is survived by his wife Maria, their three sons Robert, Anthony and Andrew and eight grandchildren. Mr Hall had lived in the area most of his life and had gained a reputation both as a talented oil painter and a keen political activist. After completing his national service in Malaya in the late 1940s, he studied at the Slade School of Art in London during the 1950s, before returning to live in Newbury. Over the years, the artist, for whom painting was a way of life, held a number of exhibitions of his work, which regularly featured landscapes from all over the world, including Italy, where he met his wife Maria, France, north Wales and his home town of Newbury. He was elected to the prestigious Royal Society of British Artists in 1988 and the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1994. Having developed a keen eye for landscapes and architecture, he would often be commissioned to paint buildings and scenes to keep as records for the future. He maintained a passion for his art right up until his death, with his latest exhibition opening at The Gallery in London just days after he died. As well as being known for his art, Mr Hall had also developed a reputation in local politics, representing the Liberals on the former Newbury borough and district councils for many years. He had also served as mayor of Newbury, between 1967 to 1968, when he was just 36-years-old, becoming one of the youngest men to hold the post in the councils 370-year history. Remembering his father, Robert Hall said: He always loved to paint the local areas. Inkpen, Enborne, all the areas round and about, just because he loved the place. He had grown up there and always had a great affection for it. Speaking about his political career, Mr Hall added: Im sure there will be many people who remember him for his work on the council. He was very keen to be involved on the planning and development side of things in terms of protecting the Newbury that he loved. West Berkshire Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Judith Bunting said the party was saddened to hear the news of Mr Halls death. She added: Chris was a staunch local campaigner, always ready to put shoe leather in service of his principles. With dry humour and sound advice, he has been a huge support to me since I joined the Liberal Democrats in Newbury. Chris was elected as borough councillor five times and mayor of Newbury, back when he was only 36 years old. In later years, he often worried about how to get younger people more interested and active in politics. As a councillor in the 60s, Chris worked to preserve many of Newburys old buildings and was responsible for planting the avenue of poplar trees at Stroud Green. Chris will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Maria, and his family. Mr Halls latest collection of work is currently on show at the Small Paintings Group Exhibition at The Gallery in London until Sunday. Woman fined 90 after being identified on supermarket CCTV A THATCHAM woman could not remember stealing meat from her local supermarket because of her drug addiction, a magistrates court heard. Rachel Soworka, of Kennet Close, stole 25 of steak and other meats from Sainsburys in Coombe Square on March 3. The 39-year-old was identified on CCTV by police officers and attended a voluntary interview where she was presented with the footage. However, Ms Soworka said she couldnt remember committing the act. Defending, Stephen Collins said his client stole because of her drug addiction, but added that Ms Soworka had recently had the wake-up call she needed after becoming seriously ill because of her addiction and had spent time in Royal Berkshire Hospitals intensive care unit and Guys Hospital, London. He added she had since kept out of trouble, was receiving help for her addiction, and told magistrates they were unlikely to see her in court again. Appearing at Reading Magistrates Court on Thursday, Ms Soworka was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and fined 90 for the theft. Gender equality and womens empowerment are top priorities in Australia, as well as in our foreign policy, economic diplomacy and overseas aid program, said Ambassador Stott Despoja during her first visit to Vietnam as Ambassador for Women and Girls. The WEAVE program that I launched today is the latest initiative in Australias ongoing efforts to promote womens economic empowerment in Vietnam. The Australian Government will provide AUD2.5 million for a consortium of three international NGOs-SNV, Oxfam and CARE International to implement the WEAVE project in Vietnams north-western provinces of Lao Cai and Bac Kan. The project is scheduled to run for three years, until 2019. Australias Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja. (Photo: Khac Kien) The WEAVE project will support more than 1,800 women and men in Lao Cai and Bac Kan to improve their livelihoods. It will place particular emphasis on supporting women smallholder farmers and cooperatives to strengthen their skills in marketing, financial literacy, business planning, negotiation, and legal matters. This project will pave the way for a substantial new program of Australian support for womens economic empowerment in Vietnams north-west over the coming years, said Ambassador Stott Despoja. As Australias Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms. Stott Despojas role to promote Australias strong global commitment to gender equality and womens empowerment. Her advocacy focuses on womens equal participation in political leadership, business and the workplace, women and girls access to education and health care; and an end to violence against women and girls both at home and in the community. During her three-day visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, Ambassador Stott Despoja is meeting a range of different organisations and individuals who are working to tackle gender inequality and promote womens empowerment, including the Centre for Women in Politics and Public Administration (WiPPA), the Vietnam Womens Union Centre for Women and Development (CWD), newly elected female National Assembly deputies (or MPs), and the Ho Chi Minh city Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs (HAWEE). Their work corresponds with the three priorities in Australias Strategy for Gender Equality, which are to enhance womens voices in decision making and leadership, promote womens economic empowerment, and end violence against women and girls. No country in the world has fully solved gender inequality yet, said Ambassador Stott Despoja. I am here to share Australias challenges and lessions in tackling the issues that face women and girls, as well as to learn about Vietnams progress in striving for greater gender equality. I look forward to identifying more opportunities to continue our cooperation to advance womens empowerment. What if one blood test could screen for more than 50 types of cancer? Columnist Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich). There are many different types of pharmacy, and other places where a trained pharmacist may work. This includes: community pharmacy hospital pharmacy clinical pharmacy industrial pharmacy compounding pharmacy consulting pharmacy ambulatory care pharmacy regulatory pharmacy home care pharmacy There are various other specializations in the field of pharmacy. Each of these is covered in more detail below. Image Copyright: dotshock / Shutterstock Community Pharmacy Also known as a retail pharmacy, the community pharmacy is the most well known type of pharmacy. It is this type that is most traditionally known as the pharmacist or chemist shop. A community pharmacist usually works in a store that provides the community with access to the medications they need, as well as advice to promote the safe and effective use of the medicines they provide. They can tell their customers what drugs may interact with each other or with alcohol, and help prevent dangerous or troublesome combinations or side-effects of medication. Helping patients with the reimbursement of drug expenses, supervising pharmacy technicians and keeping inventory of the drugs stocked also make up part of their duties. Hospital Pharmacy A hospital pharmacy is the place where the management of medications occurs in a hospital, medical clinic or nursing home. A hospital pharmacist often works in close collaboration with other health professionals to ensure that the medication regimen for each patient is optimized to achieve the best outcomes. They may also be involved with clinical trials, as well as compounding medications for individualized dosing or sterile medications. Teaching, administrative functions in the selection, proper storage, distribution and prescription protocols of drugs, education of medical staff in the aspects of selection, administration and monitoring of drug safety, as well as assessing drug levels and drug safety may all be part of their work. Hospital pharmacists may be inpatient or outpatient pharmacists, and may also specialize in one or other area of pharmacotherapy. Clinical Pharmacy The clinical pharmacy exists in a number of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and other medical centers. The aim of clinical pharmacy is to ensure the optimal use of medications for the best outcomes through the provision of drug information and monitoring for drug safety and efficacy. They can predict drug interactions and so prevent many adverse reactions to medication. Industrial Pharmacy The industrial pharmacy involves the pharmaceutical industry and includes the research, production, packaging, quality control, marketing and sales of pharmaceutical goods. An industrial pharmacist may work as a representative for a particular pharmaceutical company to advocate for the use of its products, as well as to inform practitioners about their actions and benefits. Compounding Pharmacy A compounding pharmacy involves the production and preparation of medicines in new forms. This may include reformulating a powder tablet to a solution, which can assist in the administration of the drug for certain patients. A compounding pharmacist may work in a community, clinical or residential-based setting, depending on the purpose of their formulation. They may also dispense ready-made medications in some circumstances. Consulting Pharmacy The consulting pharmacy is a relatively new branch of pharmacy, born in 1990. It focuses on the theoretical review of medications rather than dispensing medicines. Consultant pharmacists often work in nursing homes or visit patients in-home to provide their services, in order to enable them to use medications most effectively. Ambulatory Care Pharmacy The ambulatory pharmacy provides healthcare services to many patients in rural areas, particularly to geriatric populations. These pharmacists help in the management of patients who are at higher risk of drug-related problems or disease complications due to lack of control over the condition. As ambulatory pharmacy is a mobile service that can meet patients where they are, and therefore help to reduce the number of hospital visits that their patients require. They are often directly or indirectly employees of a managed healthcare organization. Regulatory Pharmacy Also known as government pharmacy, regulatory pharmacy is responsible for creating rules and regulations for the safe use of medicine to promote positive health outcomes. This includes pharmacists working in public health and regulatory health boards, such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Home Care Pharmacy Home care pharmacy primarily involves the preparation and delivery of injectables to critically ill patients in the home environment. This is also sometimes referred to as infusion pharmacy, as only injectable medications are dispensed, and not medication administered in other forms, such as oral or topical. They may major in one or the other area of illness, such as infusions for nutritional support, chemotherapy, mental illness or oncology. Managed care pharmacy Managed care pharmacy involves the planning and management of medication in health maintenance organizations, such as hospitals, nursing homes and extended healthcare centers. Research pharmacy Research pharmacists work on developing new drugs and profiling their actions, effectiveness, side-effects and interactions. Specializations in Pharmacy Some pharmacists may specialize in a certain area of drug therapy with a masters degree or other continued learning. This helps them to gain proficiency and recognition to practice in specialized fields. This may include areas such as: Oncology pharmacy Nuclear pharmacy Geriatric pharmacy Psychopharmacotherapy Personal pharmacy Nutritional support pharmacy Hospice pharmacy Pediatric pharmacy Pharmacy benefit manager Poison control pharmacy Each of these specializations is a type of pharmacy in its own right, although such pharmacists usually practice in a hospital pharmacy. Their unique knowledge base makes it possible for them to provide medical information in particular relevant situations. References Further Reading Researchers from the University Health Network's Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) have determined that patients who have not had an opioid prescription within a year prior to their procedure are at low risk of developing persistent opioid use after major surgery. The research, published July 6 in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Surgery, showed that of the 39,140 observed patients only 0.4 per cent - approximately one in every 225 patients - continued to receive ongoing opioid therapy one year after undergoing major elective surgery. "As opioid use has grown in society, it has become an important healthcare issue. Patients and physicians are increasingly concerned about the risks of opioid exposure during and after surgery," says Dr. Neilesh Soneji, Staff Anesthesiologist, Toronto Western Hospital and the lead author of the study. "However, these findings provide reassurance that the current strategies to manage acute pain after surgery are associated with a low risk of persistent opioid use in our study population. This empowers clinicians to address patients' concerns about the risk of developing long term opioid use after major surgery." The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of anonymized population-based healthcare data securely housed at ICES, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), the research is based on a retrospective analysis of anonymized population-based healthcare data which including databases on outpatient prescriptions dispensed to Ontario residents aged 65 years or older. For this study, researchers focused on individuals who were aged 66 years or older, were not previously taking opioid medications, and underwent one of the following operations between 2003 and 2010: heart bypass surgery, major lung surgery, major abdominal surgery, major prostate surgery, and major surgery on the uterus. They then looked at the number of individuals who had continued to receive repeated prescriptions for opioids at least every 90 days for the next year after surgery. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The analysis determined that of the 39,140 patients in this cohort, 53 per cent received one or more opioid prescriptions within 90 days of their surgery but, by the 365 day mark, only 0.4 per cent continued to receive prescriptions. The study also showed that patients who underwent major lung surgery were at highest risk of persistent opioid use a year after surgery. "These findings are important because they show that an opioid naive individual has a low risk of developing persistent opioid use after surgery," said Dr. Hance Clarke, Medical Director, Pain Research Unit and Director, Transitional Pain Service, Anesthesia Department and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital. "This means future research and interventions should be targeted towards better identifying patients who are at higher risk of developing persistent opioid use and providing them with adequate resources." In previous research on opioid use after surgery in Ontario residents, Dr. Clarke and team previously found at-risk patients are those who have pre-existing pain, mental health issues, chronic preoperative use of opioids, and those who do not have access to teams who specialize in advanced and multiple techniques of pain management. The Transitional Pain Team at Toronto General Hospital uses a variety of methods to help and teach patients to manage their pain. These include prescribing non-opioid medications, use of psychological techniques such as mindfulness or moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts and sensations, as well as "exercise prescriptions" and acupuncture by a healthcare team of medical pain specialists, pain nurse practitioners, a psychologist and physiotherapists. The detonation of atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 resulted in horrific casualties and devastation. The long-term effects of radiation exposure also increased cancer rates in the survivors. But public perception of the rates of cancer and birth defects among survivors and their children is in fact greatly exaggerated when compared to the reality revealed by comprehensive follow-up studies. The reasons for this mismatch and its implications are discussed in a Perspectives review of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki survivor studies published in the August issue of the journal GENETICS, a publication of the Genetics Society of America. "Most people, including many scientists, are under the impression that the survivors faced debilitating health effects and very high rates of cancer, and that their children had high rates of genetic disease," says Bertrand Jordan, an author and a molecular biologist at UMR 7268 ADeS, Aix-Marseille Universite/EFS/CNRS, in France. "There's an enormous gap between that belief and what has actually been found by researchers." Dr. Jordan's article contains no new data, but summarizes over 60 years of medical research on the Hiroshima/Nagasaki survivors and their children and discusses reasons for the persistent misconceptions. The studies have clearly demonstrated that radiation exposure increases cancer risk, but also show that the average lifespan of survivors was reduced by only a few months compared to those not exposed to radiation. No health effects of any sort have so far been detected in children of the survivors. Approximately 200,000 people died in the bombings and their immediate aftermath, mainly from the explosive blast, the firestorm it sparked, and from acute radiation poisoning. Around half of the those who survived subsequently took part in studies tracking their health over their entire lifespan. These studies began in 1947 and are now conducted by a dedicated agency, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF), with funding from the Japanese and U.S. governments. The project has followed approximately 100,000 survivors, 77,000 of their children, plus 20,000 people who were not exposed to radiation. This massive data set has been uniquely useful for quantifying the risks of radiation because the bombs served as a single, well-defined exposure source, and because the relative exposure of each individual can be reliably estimated using the person's distance from the detonation site. The data has been particularly invaluable in setting acceptable radiation exposure limits for nuclear industry workers and the general public. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Cancer rates among survivors was higher compared to rates in those who had been out of town at the time. The relative risk increased according to how close the person was to the detonation site, their age (younger people faced a greater lifetime risk), and their sex (greater risk for women than men). However, most survivors did not develop cancer. Incidence of solid cancers between 1958 and 1998 among the survivors were 10% higher, which corresponds to approximately 848 additional cases among 44,635 survivors in this part of the study. However, most of the survivors received a relatively modest dose of radiation. In contrast, those exposed to a higher radiation dose of 1 Gray (approximately 1000 times higher than current safety limits for the general public) bore a 44% greater risk of cancer over the same time span (1958-1998). Taking into consideration all causes of death, this relatively high dose reduced average lifespan by approximately 1.3 years. Although no differences in health or mutations rates have yet been detected among children of survivors, Jordan suggests that subtle effects might one day become evident, perhaps through more detailed sequencing analysis of their genomes. But it is now clear that even if the children of survivors do in fact face additional health risks, those risks must be very small. Jordan attributes the difference between the results of these studies and public perception of the long-term effects of the bombs to a variety of possible factors, including historical context. "People are always more afraid of new dangers than familiar ones," says Jordan. "For example, people tend to disregard the dangers of coal, both to people who mine it, and to the public exposed to atmospheric pollution. Radiation is also much easier to detect than many chemical hazards. With a hand-held geiger counter, you can sensitively detect tiny amounts of radiation that pose no health risk at all." Jordan cautions that the results should not be used to foster complacency about the effects of nuclear accidents or the threat of nuclear war. "I used to support nuclear power until Fukushima happened," he says. "Fukushima showed disasters can occur even in a country like Japan that has strict regulations. However, I think it's important that the debate be rational, and I would prefer that people look at the scientific data, rather than gross exaggerations of the danger." Source: Genetics Society of America Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) plans to bring more products with hybrid technology over the next few years as concern for safeguarding environment increases in India. The auto major, which is facing capacity constraint, is also expediting the process to operationalise its upcoming Gujarat plant by early next year and start selling vehicles produced from the plant within this fiscal. "As a market leader and a responsible corporate citizen, we are fully sensitive to our duty towards the environment. We were the first ones to launch mild hybrid products with reasonably good volumes. This process of hybridisation will be expanded further in the next few years," MSI Manging Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said in his address to shareholders in the company's Annual Report for 2015-16. MSI is providing factory fitted CNG cars and is making efforts to expand their penetration, he added. Currently the company offers mild hybrid technology in Ertiga MPV and premium sedan Ciaz. Stating that the company is facing a capacity constraint,he said: "The Gujarat plant commissioning is being expedited and may start operations by early 2017." The company has a manufacturing capacity of 15 lakh units in its two plants in Gurgaon and Manesar. Currently, Baleno has a waiting period of 6-7 months while Vitara Brezza has a waiting period of around 8-9 months, depending upon variants. The Gujarat plant will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 lakh units in the first phase which could be ramped up to 15 lakh units going ahead. On new light commercial vehicles business, Ayukawa said: "We have put in place a dedicated organisation to help us identify and acquire sites for our own retail space from a long term derisking point of view." MSI is also making efforts to expand its exports to markets across the globe. "We are making a lot of market development efforts in exports so that in the next few years we are on a strong footing to provide cars to many countries of the world from India," he said. Baleno became the first car manufactured by the company to be sold in Japan. The vehicle is also exported to Europe and many other markets across the world. On upcoming R&D centre at Rohtak, Ayukawa said: "The first few facilities are have been commissioned and in the coming three years will witness more expansion. If we can design and develop in India we will get global competitiveness in technology, cost and quality much faster. That will be our next step - Create in India." After spending seven gruelling months searching for her 'soulmate', Benita Abraham finally got to hear those five words - Will you work for me? Yes, a job and not a man is Abraham's soulmate.And the manner in which she shared the joy of managing to get a job that was perfect for her, was unique. The 37-year old, a resident of Long Beach, CA, United States, conducted a photo-shoot of her "marrying" her job offer and it's hilarious.Abraham along with her framed job offer, a few friends and photographer Liji Mathew went down by the water to celebrate her major life event.Yes for some, not just marriage or having a baby but also getting a job is a huge thing.While such elaborate photo-shoots are an emerging trend with honeymooners or couples announcing their marriage, Abraham was apparently of the opinion that a job offer is a major life event and that it should be celebrated with equal excitement.Abraham shared the pictures on Facebook on AUgust 8th and captioned it: "So excited to share my happy news with my FB family! I finally found my soulmate, my perfect match, my boo. After 7 long months, I found the perfect job with a company that truly cares about its employees and one I will learn so much from. #employed #myboo #loveatfirstinterview #LTR #careergrowth #perfectmatch #photoshoot #notjustforbabiesmarriagesandbirthdays #workin9to5."Take a look.They offered and she said yes!Abraham narrated her love story with her job offer. When they met and how things went ahead until they finally landed up together.Just like a mother who is emotional and excited when she holds her newborn, Abraham too seemed extremely happy when she held her first pair of work shoes, and the moment was perfectly captured on camera.Yes, she was finally employed, and there seems to be no end to her excitement.Take a look at all the pictures here:Abraham is among those who aim to do something extraordinary and different. In 2015, David Sikorski , a San Francisco-based writer, had done a similar, humourous shoot with a carne asada burrito. And now with Abraham posing along with her framed job offer, we hope a lot of people feel inspired and happy about getting a new job. The Assam Assembly unanimously passed the Constitution Amendment Bill on GST, becoming the first state to ratify the crucial tax reform legislation. "I declare the Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, to be ratified unanimously by Assam Assembly," Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass announced in the House. Though opposition Congress and AIUDF MLAs supported the Bill, they had earlier sought a discussion in the Assembly to evaluate GST's impact on Assam and people. But they were turned down by the Speaker. Following passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, Dass and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who introduced it in the House, exchanged sweets. Sarma said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wanted that Assam becomes the first state to pass the amendment as this would send a positive signal to the industry."We have always lagged behind, but want to be the first in passing this Bill. This is a historic proposal. I thank the Speaker for allowing us to introduce it today after we informed him just last night," said Sarma, who introduced the bill on behalf of the chief minister. Sarma said after Brazil and Canada, India will be the third country in the world to collect GST by both centre and state through a new body - GST Council (GSTC). The GST Bill, seen as single biggest tax reform in a long time, needs to be ratified by at least 15 state legislatures before the President can notify the GST Council which will decide the new tax rate and other issues. The government has set a deadline of April, 2017 for its rollout. Sarma said in the House that "of the central GST portion, 42 per cent tax will be given back to the state again." The GST will also have a special concession option for NE and Himalayan states if they request reduction of taxes for any reason, he claimed. "Besides, we can also collect special tax during natural calamities like flood if we feel the need to generate more revenue. But everything will have to be approved by the GSTC," he added. Diesel car ban: SC directs that All manufacturers, dealers or buyers have to deposit 1% environment compensation cost on purchase. ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Supreme Court has lifted the ban on registration of diesel vehicles with engine capacity of over 2000cc in Delhi-NCR. The court has directed that all auto manufacturers, dealers or buyers will have to deposit one percent environment of ex-showroom price of the affected vehicles as environment cess.The decision by Supreme Court comes at a time when auto manufacturers have been criticising the decision made on December 11,2005 that banned registration of diesel-run vehicles in Delhi-NCR as these vehicles were considered to be a major contributor to the rising levels of pollution in the city. Supreme Court later ordered that ban would only imply on SUVs and cars that have an engine capacity of over 2000 cc and above.The Supreme Court said that the cess is to be deposited before Central Pollution Control Board which will open a separate account in a PSU bank. It added that it will decide whether green cess can be levied on diesel vehicles of below 2000 cc engine capacity later. Vijayawada wore a festive look on Friday as lakhs of pilgrims arrived in the city to take part in the Krishna Pushkaram river festival, which began on Friday. More than 3.5 crore people are expected to take a holy dip over the next two weeks at the Krishna River Festival which takes place once in 12 years.Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu with his wife Bhuvaneswari took a holy dip Krishna river at Durga ghat along with Kanchi seer Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswati.CM Chandrababu Naidu taking a holy dip at the festival (Twitter/ N Chandrababu Naidu)After the stampede on the opening day of Godavari Pushkaram at Rajamahendravaram last year, the Chief Minister stayed away from any fanfare this time and the Durga ghat was closed for common people for the inaugural event.Devotees swarmed the hill shrine of Goddess Kanaka Durga, the presiding deity of Vijayawada, and offered special prayers.One of the key attractions for the pilgrims is a replica of the Tirupati Venkateshwara temple constructed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board (TTD) at PWD grounds in Vijayawada. Elaborate arrangements have been made to distribute free food to over 1 lakh devotees every day during the Pushkaram.Chandrababu Naidu offering prayers at the festival (Twitter/ N Chandrababu Naidu)Police deployed drones to keep a vigil at all Pushkar ghats while the government administration is using mobile applications to monitor every aspect, including crowd management, related to the event.Krishna Pushkaram is conducted in Srisailam, Guntur and Krishna districts of AP where the river flows.In all, 170 bathing ghats have been readied for the event in which a total of 3.5 crore devotees are expected to take part over the 12 days. People gathering for the festival at Vijaywada (Photo: Sakshi Khanna)Vijayawada city alone is expected to witness a crowd of about 25 lakh per day. New Delhi: Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir, Lok Sabha on Friday unanimously passed a resolution, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country's integrity and security. In the resolution read out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, the House appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. The House "conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the House "is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. "It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people," it said. The resolution was read out by the Speaker after opposition parties suggested that she instead of Home Minister Rajnath Singh should propose it. Earlier, leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the House pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said which was promptly agreed to by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Earlier, Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having some discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously shortly before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the Speaker. New York: According to the researchers, such rude behaviour is common at a politically-charged workplace and this incivility is fast spreading. Experiencing such rude behaviour reduces employees' self-control and leads them to act in a similar uncivil manner, say Russell Johnson and colleagues from Michigan State University. "People who are recipients of incivility at work feel mentally fatigued because uncivil behaviours are somewhat ambiguous and require employees to figure out whether there was any abusive intent, said Johnson, associate professor of management. This mental fatigue, in turn, led them to act uncivil toward other workers. In other words, they paid the incivility forward, he noted in a paper appeared in the Journal of Applied Psychology. While curt remarks and other forms of incivility do not involve openly hostile behaviour such as bullying and threats, they are a frequent occurrence in the workplace and have a significant effect on employees. According to estimates, workplace incivility has doubled over the past two decades and has an average annual impact on companies of $14,000 per employee due to loss of production and work time. For the study, 70 employees filled out a survey relating to incivility and its effects three times a day for 10 consecutive workdays. Interestingly, the researchers found that "incivility spirals" - when acts of incivility lead to subsequent acts of incivility - can occur unintentionally. "When employees are mentally fatigued, it is more difficult for them to keep their negative impulses and emotions in check, which leads them to be condescending and rude to colleagues," Johnson noted. This happens even for employees who desire to be agreeable and polite; they simply lack the energy to suppress curt and impatient responses. The study also found that incivility spirals occurred in workplaces that were perceived as political (where co-workers "do what is best for them, not what is best for the organisation"). "Being the victim of incivility leaves employees depleted because they must expend energy to understand why they were targeted and how to respond," the study stated. This is made more complex in highly political environments where "intentions and motives of others are less clear." One way to reduce perceptions of politics, the study says, is by providing clear feedback to employees regarding the types of behaviours that are desired, the authors wrote. Tinu Suresh DesaiAkshay Kumar, Ileana D'Cruz, Esha Gupta, Arjan BajwaNever mind that its already inspired at least two Hindi films, the Nanavati case of 1959 remains an inherently fascinating story. Naval Commander Kawas Maneckshaw Nanavati shoots his wife Sylvias lover, Prem Ahuja, in cold blood, then proceeds to surrender.The ensuing trial to determine whether it was a crime of passion or premeditated murder receives unprecedented media coverage, turns the Parsis and Sindhis against each other, and results in a shocking jury verdict that is subsequently overturned by higher courts.Alas, all of that drama is reduced to a farce in Rustom, which frankly is about as enjoyable as a toothache.Akshay Kumar, although sincere, is never convincing as a Parsi. He plays Rustom Pavri, a character evidently based on Nanavati, but the script (by Vipul Rawal) takes several liberties with the truth.The first half of the film has a few interesting moments, but director Tinu Suresh Desai spends ways too much time setting up the affair between Rustoms wife Cynthia (a mostly comatose Ileana Dcruz) and playboy businessman Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa).Post interval, the action shifts to the courtroom where, for no discernable reason, Rustom has decided to defend himself in the ongoing investigation, while everyone from the prosecutor (Sachin Khedekar), to key witnesses (Usha Nadkarni, playing a domestic servant) and jury members, crank up the shrillness quotient. Kumud Mishra, in a role inspired by Blitz editor RK Karanjia, who campaigned vociferously for Nanavatis acquittal, shows up purely to provide comic relief.What was a sensational case in the early sixties that polarized a city is dumb-ed down to the point of silliness. Esha Gupta, playing the slain victims revenge-seeking sister is a real hoot as she puffs away at the end of one of those long cigarette holders, dressed in off-shoulder blouses and sporting a single, stock expression.Theres also a pointless subplot involving blackmail that culminates in a ho-hum twist. What links Rustom to A Wednesday and Special 26, both films directed by Neeraj Pandey (who is one of the producers here), is that it asks us to root for a law-breaking protagonist. But this isnt half as thrilling a film as those were.Period details are hit and miss, facts are distorted for the sake of convenience, and technically the film is no great shakes. But most unforgivably, the film sacrifices the complexities of the Nanavati case for the sake of facile drama.In the end, Pavan Malhotra is typically dependable in the role of the investigating police officer, and Akshay Kumar shows some flair. They are the sole bright spots in Rustom, which is too long, wholly disappointing, and feels like an opportunity lost. Im going with a generous two out of five. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has once again been detained at Los Angeles airport by the immigration department. While waiting, the actor took to Twitter to talk about his detention.(This image of Shah Rukh Khan's boarding pass was shared with News18.com)"I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks, Shah Rukh tweeted.Even though SRK was unhappy about his detention, he was successful to find a positive side to his situation. In his second message he tweeted, The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons."While reacting to star Shah Rukh Khans detention at Los Angeles airport, US Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Biswal apologized for his experience. In her tweet she stated, Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk even American diplomats gets pulled for extra screening.This is not the first time that the star has been detained at a US airport. During his visit to the Yale University in 2012, he was detained for over two hours at a NY airport. The US customs and border protection authorities had expressed "profound" apologies for the Shah Rukh Khan's detention then.In 2009 too, he was detained by the US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, The reason? His name surfaced on a computer alert list. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said that resumption of contacts between Russia and Turkey would not worsen Ukrainian-Turkish relations, but the resumption of the Turkish Stream project is in conflict of the interests of not only Ukraine, but also the whole Europe. "Economic cooperation between Turkey and Russia in many areas will be restored. At least one project being discussed now is in conflict with the interests of not only Ukraine, but also Europe. This is Turkish Stream [the gas pipeline from Russia to the European part of Turkey and then to the targeted markets of Central and Southern Europe]," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. He said that Ukraine accepts European rules under the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement and liabilities as part of the Energy Community. In turn, Russia is trying to bypass Ukraine and create a gas hub in Turkey which would not be in line with European rules. Klimkin said that contacts with Russia would not worsen Ukrainian-Turkish relations for sure. No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 Shahrukh Khan thanked US Ambassador to India Richard Verma for his apology on the actor's two-hour detention at the Los Angeles airport saying he respected protocol and didn't expect any exemptions.Responding to Verma's tweet, the 50-year-old actor said, "No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern."In a tweet earlier in the day, Verma had said that the US was working to ensure that it does not happen again. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," Verma tweeted.Khan, who was in the US to visit Yale University, was detained at Los Angeles airport and given immigration clearance only after about two hours.Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department of State Nisha Desai Biswal also apologised to Khan for the "hassle"."Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening," Biswal tweeted.It is the third time in seven years that Khan has been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports.The actor expressed disappointment on social media after the incident. "I fully understand & respect security with the waythe world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," (sic) the actor tweeted.In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plains airport near New York for over two hours by immigration officials. In 2009, he was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours. In Salaam Namaste, Ambar (Preity Zinta) leaves her home after pressure from her parents for marriage, and moves to Melbourne. There she gets a job at a radio station in order to pay for her education. What is she studying to become? Rio de Janeiro: There was no end to the Indian shooters' Olympic Games misery as 2012 edition's bronze medal winner Gagan Narang and Chain Singh failed to qualify for the 50m Rifle Prone event on Friday. While Narang, who won the London Games bronze in 10m Air Rifle, signed off 13th with a total score of 623.1, Singh was way down at 36th with a score of 619.6 in the qualification round. It was particularly disappointing for Narang, who was placed as high as 4th at one stage. However, he bungled the advantage by shooting his poorest in the final sixth and final series, which yielded him his lowest score of 102.4. Narang's series break-up stood at 104.7, 104.4, 104.6, 103.0, 104.0, 102.4 Singh, on the other hand, never seemed to be in the reckoning after losing the plot in his second and fourth series, which fetched him scores of 101 and 102.4. His subsequent efforts at salvaging the situation could not save him from a free-fall on the leaderboard. Singh shot a series of 104.1, 101.0, 104.4, 102.4, 103.9, 103.8. Russia's Sergey Kamenskiy topped the qualification round with a new Olympic record score of 629, followed by compatriot Kirill Grigoryan (628.9). South Korean Kim Jhongyun came third in the qualifiers from where the top-8 made the cut for the finals. Narang and Singh will still have a shot at redemption on Sunday, the final day of shooting, when they take aim in the 50m Rifle 3 Position event. Touted as the brightest medal hopes for the country, the shooters have been way off the mark at the mega-event. Beijing Games gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra has so far been the best performer with a fourth-place finish in the 10m Air Rifle event. Delhi Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday returned to the capital following his ten day Vipassana session that started on August 2. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court verdict had ensured that an elected government and the Chief Minister lost in the turf war with the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre. Interestingly, Kejriwal has not yet spoken on the issue although his re-tweets indicate that there hasn't been any major shift in his stand even as the AAP Government braces for the big battle in the Supreme Court over the issue. However, if the BJP thought that the turbulence in AAP would confine Kejriwal to Delhi, it will have to think again. Indeed, one of the first decisions coming out of the party post the verdict is that AAP ministers have been given special responsibilities of three election bound states next year. The chief minister himself has taken the responsibility of Punjab where the party has the highest stakes and would be leading the campaign from the front. While deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and health minister Satyendar Jain would be primarily responsible for Goa, Tourism and Culture minister Kapil Mishra, will take care of Gujarat. Already, all the three states have leaders in charge; Sanjay Singh and Durgesh Pathak in charge of Punjab, Pankaj Gupta in charge of Goa; and Ashutosh and Gulab Singh in charge of Gujarat. The idea of sending ministers for campaign is two fold said a source. "AAP wants to showcase the Delhi Model of Development with its focus on health, education, electricity tarrifs and water supply and also target Prime Minister Narendra Modi for stifling the basic tenets of democracy in the capital." Interestingly, the states that AAP plans to break into are ruled by the BJP. Sources say that the AAP chief is also eyeing two more BJP states - Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Lahore: Pakistan's top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The National Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab Director General of Pakistan Rangers, the Home Department and the Punjab police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. "Tehreek-i-Taliban's Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15," the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. "Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," it says. The Punjab Home Department has also issued a separate alert saying "at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province" who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. "Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas," Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider said. He said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistan's Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. "We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur," Lahore police chief Capt (R) Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. "The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation," an official said. A Blacksburg company plans to launch a brand of health waters with the potential to improve gut health, fight inflammation and regulate glucose. The waters, to be marketed under the Pervida brand, will contain a substance called abscisic acid. The hormone, pronounced ab-sis-ik, is found in many fruits and vegetables but its health qualities are not widely known. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, CEO of BioTherapeutics, seeks to change that by educating health-conscious consumers about abscisic acid so they seek it out much like they might now look for foods with probiotics. Bassaganya-Riera is also the director of the Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory at the Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech. He said his lab and one at the University of Genoa School of Medicine in Italy have published most of the research on the role of abscisic acid in humans. About a decade ago, as consumers were just learning that some types of bacteria are essential to good health and started buying food with probiotics, Bassaganya-Riera began to research abscisic acid. The plant hormone already showed promise in improving blood-sugar control in diabetic mice. The difficulty lay in finding a way to get its molecules to bind with the ones regulating glucose, he said. His team discovered a compound that binds with abscisic acid and a new pathway to carry it where it needs to go. The more he worked with abscisic acid the more he came to appreciate its role not just in regulating glucose but in improving gut health and fighting inflammation. Bassaganya-Riera said he obtained patents and licenses through Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties and in 2008 founded BioTherapeutics. Tech owns 5 percent of the company. BioTherapeutics is taking two approaches to bring abscisic acid products to market. The first is development of pharmaceuticals to treat Crohns and inflammatory bowel disease. We are very optimistic it outperforms current drugs on the market, he said. BioTherapuetics is seeking federal approval to begin clinical trials, but as with any new drug development, moving through the testing phases to determine if the product is safe and effective in humans will take many years. Meanwhile, BioTherapeutics is taking a less cumbersome regulatory path to launch a line of nutritional products. Bassaganya-Riera believes that once consumers understand the benefit to their health, abscisic acid will become as desirable as all the probiotic products now lining grocers shelves. We were trying to appeal to the concept of our products favoring health. The line of nutritionals are not to cure diseases, because from a regulatory perspective we cannot do that, but to enhance health, Bassaganya-Riera said. The first product will be a sugar-free vitamin water with pomegranate oil, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. What we are doing is incorporating some ingredients with demonstrated health effects and demonstrated safety into food products, he said. The health water will be marketed under the brand name Pervida. Bassaganya-Riera said the name came from a brain-storming session. The concept of for life was continuously expressed, but for life is unexciting, he said. As a native of Barcelona, Bassaganya-Riera said he also speaks Catalan, so he translated for life to per vida. BioTherapeutics plans a soft launch of the product this fall. If the water is successful, they might move on to snack bars and energy bars, he said. Lee Sandstead, the companys marketing and communications manager, said a crowdfunding campaign is planned to get large-scale market research. More than getting money, we want to find out what people think about the product and what ideas they have, Sandstead said. One of the challenges is that Pervida waters wont contain sugar. Bassaganya-Riera said since Americans love sweet drinks, Pervida waters will use honey or Stevia. Product samples are on order and will go through sensory evaluations to tweak the flavoring. Sandstead they will also use a marketing campaign to determine the interest that health-conscious consumers have in abscisic acid once they learn what it is. Whether the financial component of the crowdfunding campaign meets the objective or not, the product will be launched, Bassaganya-Riera said. However, if it is successful it will be beneficial. We are looking more for the feedback to enhance our product and begin to penetrate this community of people who are interested in health products. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has asked international organizations to take measures to provide themselves with access to the border with Russia, to Crimea's territory, as well as to Ukrainian citizens currently in Russian detention. "The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has officially forwarded a note to the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine about the need to bolster the OSCE SMM's presence along the entire administrative border with the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Ukraine's border with the Russian Federation, including the temporarily uncontrolled sector of the Ukrainian-Russian state border," the ministry said in a report. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also insists on measures being taken by the mission to gain access to Crimea in order to assess the situation on the Russian-controlled territory of the peninsula. The ministry said that it had also asked the OSCE SMM, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine to take measures to gain access to Ukrainian citizens detained by the Russian authorities, including Yevhen Panov, who was arrested on suspicion of plotting an act of sabotage in Crimea. It was reported the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on August 10 that on August 7 and August 8 it had prevented attempts of Ukrainian sabotage groups to break into Crimea. The FSB also said that it had dismantled the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate's network in Crimea and had detained Ukrainian and Russian citizens, among them resident of the Zaporizhia region's town of Energodar Yevhen Panov, who was referred to as an employee of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate. Addressing a meeting with the heads of Ukraine's security services and Foreign Ministry on August 11, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko spoke about the need to step up OSCE SMM monitors' presence near the administrative border in Crimea and demanded that Russia provide SMM monitors with access to facilities on the peninsula. Hawk Claus spreads Christmas cheer in DC's Grifter Got Run Over By a Reindeer first look Take a look at two stories from the DC holiday special including the titular chapter and a Hawkwoman and Hawkman tale EU Delegation to Ukraine: technical security certificate for e-declarations in Ukraine is key The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Ukraine has welcomed a press statement by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirming launch of e-declaration system on time, pointing out that the technical security certificate is key. "Important it is launched with a security certificate that ensures criminal liability for false statements. The technical security certificate is key. Important step in combating corruption in Ukraine!" the EU Delegation said. Earlier on Thursday Poroshenko said that electronic declaration of assets must start in Ukraine on August 15, and it is inadmissible to postpone it and it is not considered. The Russian military men are plotting serious provocations throughout the entire demarcation line in the antiterrorist operation (ATO) area in Donbas region in order to blame the Ukrainian side in non-compliance with the Minsk Agreements, the Main Directorate of Intelligence (MDI) of the Defense Ministry has said. "The enemy is planning large-scale provocations throughout the collision line in eastern Ukraine, followed by the accusation of the Ukrainian side in non-observance of the Minsk agreements," MDI said in a statement on its Facebook page on Friday morning. According to the Ukrainian military intelligence, the enemys main efforts were focused on the rotation and strengthening of advanced units, replenishment of supplies and ammunition, as well as improving the fortification equipment of the front edge in Severodonetsk, Sloviansk and Donetsk directions. Reconnaissance of ATO forces is underway - the enemy used three unmanned aerial vehicles from the territory of the Russian Federation on the route of the following localities: Glynka, Komsomolske, Starobesheve, Donetsk, Laryne, Starobesheve, Peremoha and Avdiyivka outskirts. Dillon tours Forensic bone centre At the end of the visit, Dillon told Newsday he will be taking to Cabinet a proposal for additional funding in the new fiscal year for better infrastructure for the Centre. In the interim he has promised to provide additional resources and intends to increase staff at the mortuary to assist the pathologists. Dillons tour began at three oclock in the afternoon after he attended the weekly Cabinet meeting. He was given a tour of the mortuary and got a first hand view of the storage area where bodies are kept as well as the area of the fridges where skeletal remains were strewn and not properly bagged and tagged. He was also shown boxes containing skeletal remains and was informed that there is enough space for additional fridges to store additional bodies in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist activities. Newsday understands that officials of Dillons Ministry are liaising with the Ministry of Health to get additional manpower for the mortuary of the Centre. Yesterday, Dr Alexandrov pointed out to Dr Dillon that the mortuary has a capacity to accommodate 120 corpses but there are currently only two fridges and in some instances when there is no room to store bodies, funeral homes keep bodies until the Centre is ready to carry out autopsies. He also asked Dillon for additional pathologists saying both he and pathologist Dr Eslyn McDonald Burris have too great a workload at the Centre. He highlighted that on Tuesday, he completed his 333rd autopsy for this year and could lose his license since international law stipulates that a pathologist perform 250 to 300 autopsies a year. On August 2, Dr Alexandrov became the first pathologist in the Commonwealth to refuse to perform autopsies as a form of protest as he cited gross manpower shortage at the Centre and infrastructural deficiencies. As a result over 15 autopsies were not done immediately after the long Emancipation holiday weekend which saw the country hit by a series of murders. Dr Burris is expected to resume duties on Monday when her vacation ends while Government is in the process of renewing the contract of pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes. Minister Dillon said the process of acquiring additional pathologists, mortuary attendants and house officers for the Centre is currently taking place. Having viewed for myself what is taking place within the walls of the FSC I will be requesting a full report from certain persons before making recommendations to deal with the issues, Dillon told Newsday. He said a first phase will see the most pressing problems being ironed out while in the second phase, every effort will be made to bring the FSC up to international standards. He thanked all those persons including Dr Alexandrov for continuing to work at the Centre despite setbacks and promised that under his watch every effort will be made to correct the problems being faces on a daily basis. There are a lot of areas that need improvement and Ill be working closely with the director (Arlette Lewis) and the pathologist to improve the working environment at the Centre. I am fully aware that it is a very important facility in the fight against crime and we will continue to build the capacity and strengthen the FSC. Dr Alexandrov described the Ministers visit as very successful and said he was heartened that a minister took time off to view for himself the problems at Forensics. Minister Dillon visited my office and I showed him the collection of CDs of all autopsies I have done from day one and he was really shocked that we dont have a photographer. When he asked me who takes pictures and I told him I did, then we went to the autopsy room which we cannot use at this time because when it was being refurbished they did not take care of the drain system. Then I took him to the fridges and showed him that we do not have enough room to keep bodies and my main purpose was to show him. I am really happy he saw everything with his own eyes. Hopefully a lot of things are going to be changed for the best, Alexandrov said. Newsday understands Lewis accompanied Dillon on the tour. Govt saves Mitsubishi deal Former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar turned the sod for the plant days before the September 7, 2015 general election. Young said upon assuming office last September, the Peoples National Movement (PNM) was approached by the projects investors for a sign off on the AGs opinion for the project, which did not happen under the PP. Young also said the PNM discovered an unusual amount of pressure being put on the technocrats at the Ministry of the AG by the politicians to have a sign off on the AGs opinion as proposed by the PP.He explained what the PP had agreed to was, something that had the potential to expose TT to billions of US dollars in claims. Young said this led to immediate talks with the Japanese government, the Mitsubishi Corporation and the Massy Group over the last several months. This included a trip by him to Japan. After those negotiations, Young said, We were able to come up with a mutually acceptable amendment to the agreement that extricated TT from these potential billions of dollars in claims. He said Mitubishi officials came to TT this week and signed the amended agreements. Young also indicated that Imbert, in his capacity as Finance Minister, signed an amended letter of comfort. I signed the final document which has concluded the transaction, that is the AG opinion, he added. Under the arrangement negotiated by the PP, Imbert said, What had been happening all the time was the investors... Massy, Mitsubishi, NGC...had used their own money to start the project. He explained the signing of the amended comfort letter and amended AGs opinion, meant the projects investors could now access funds from the Japanese government, and really get going in earnest. Supporting Youngs earlier position, Imbert stated, Whenever you have projects of this nature which are financed by a foreign bank, they would either want a government guarantee or they would want what is called a letter of comfort where the Government would give an indication that it would give its best effort to support the project financially, if there is a problem. Imbert added that until the comfort letter and the AGs opinion have been signed off, the financing cannot be released by the bank, whether it is an exim bank. After saying the project will employ 1,000 persons in the construction phase and 600 persons afterwards, Young said the Japanese government and the Mitsubishi Corporation now see TT, as a bigger potential market for further investment. In addition to receving revenue from sales of natural gas to the plant, Young said Government is a 20 percent shareholder in the plant via the National Gas Company (NGC). Young will make a statement in Parliament next month to provide further details on this matter. Dick-Forde says sorry to Calder Hart and Manning Dick-Fords repentance came on Wednesday evening while paying tribute to Manning at a 40-day memorial service themed He gave us hope, He renewed our youth at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, in San Fernando. The service was hosted by the San Fernando East Constituency in conjunction with the Manning family and the Anglican Diocese. Manning suffered a stroke in 2012 and passed away at the San Fernando General Hospital on July 2 shortly after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In the Christian faith, 40 days marks the end of the period of mourning. On Wednesday, as his story continued to be told, Mannings wife Hazel, his son David and other close relatives, along with friends and party faithful heard from those who worked closely with Manning over the years. For almost five hours in an evening that was punctuated with live performances, the audience heard of a man who, while on his political journey, sought godly counsel from prophets and prophetess, about his health challenges, of his family life and a boast of him being able to run the country from a hospital bed better than those who occupy the Twin Towers. There was also a fervent appeal to stop blaming the late San Fernando East Member of Parliament (MP) for losing two general elections. Every journey has a destination, Dick-Ford told the audience as she likened his life to that of a pilgrim. Mr Manning said to me in early June, Emily, Calder Hart was not corrupt. I said, I know sir. But I know he wasnt trying to convince me because he knew that I knew that. He was not trying to convince me, he was expressing his deep concern about the personal loss and the public hate that was unleashed on Mr Calder Hart for being a loyal and extremely hard working soldier to Patrick Manning. Dick-Ford said that today the entire country continues to enjoy to the max, the work of Manning and Hart. She went on to say: I say now on behalf of this nation, I repent for the deep wrong that was perpetrated on Calder Hart and Patrick Manning. One day the light will turn on and many will be ashamed. It was love for God and dialogue with other believers in Christ that led him to priest, pastors, prophets, yes, and prophetess, continued Dick-Ford. What many made into a scandal, was simply a man seeking to know about the Lord, not from one person, but many more godly counsellors. She went on to tell her audience that Mannings opponents never used legitimate weapons. I want to repeat that, Mr Mannings opponents did not use legitimate weapons, they fought very very very dirty. Former Tertiary Education minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid who spoke on Manning as a visionary, confessed his love for his former boss saying that his death had affected him. One month before Manning died, Abdul-Hamid said they both had a long discussion. Also speaking was party stalwart Joan Yuille-Williams who said she wanted it made clear that Manning should not be blamed for losing two elections. He was having some difficulty with some people inside and outside and he decided, I am not going to stay if you dont want me, Yuille-Williams said. An election is a time you go and vote for who you want and if you vote and you didnt want him, how you talking about he call an early election? Twice it happened. Stop blaming the man and blame your self. Among those in attendance were San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein, past and present government ministers. Officiating minister at the interfaith service was Archdeacon Edwin Primus, the audience was treated to live performances from the Southernaires Choir, Presentation College Choir, Zion Tabernacle Church Choir, violinists Anselm Walters and Andre Donawa and Shiv Shakti Dance Troupe, Skiffle Bunch and Divine Echoes All Music Orchestra. Guests entering the institution were able to view the display of all Mannings memorabilia. Mrs Manning was on hand to greet to welcome those who were in attendance. Payments to contractors begin Speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Imbert said, I signed some warrants yesterday (Wednesday). If my memory serves me correctly, it would have been close to $300 million of bills which would have gone through the process of authentication and validation. Indicating this involved entities such as Nidco and Udecott, Imbert said, I have started to release funds and payments will be made. Imbert said he had no idea where the total figure of $2 billion which contractors are claiming to be owned comes from. He expressed doubt that such a sum could be paid within the next month. The Minister also indicated he has asked entities such as the Housing Development Corporation, Works Ministry, to tell us what is the total of all their outstanding age payables. While indicating that the enforcement of Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) contracts is the past was a bit lax, Imbert said he was not aware of any official policy, to go after defaulters. Reminding reporters that Education Minister Anthony Garcia articulated Governments decisions on GATE, Imbert said it was inappropriate to speculate about the number of persons who may have breached their GATE contracts and quantify how much money Government would collect as a result. We have absolutely no idea, he said. Acting Attorney General Stuart Young reiterated that Cabinets position, is the terms and conditions of the GATE contract will be policed and they will be upheld as best as possible. NYLO interns hard at work in South To date they have been exposed to eight assignments as reporters. The all-girl team comprising Raziah Mohamed, Gaitri Lalla and Chequana Wheeler are constantly searching for a front page story as well as coming up with headlines. Walking through the streets of San Fernando and interacting with the citizens have also given them a better sense of understanding of the southern city and environs. Yesterday, Mohamed, Lalla and aspiring photojournalist Wheeler took to the streets of San Fernando to put their journalistic skills to the test by conducting the People on the Street interviews. Mohamed related that interviews started off a bit slow, however she was able to get the attention of passersby. Later on in the day, Mohamed and Wheeler accompanied staff reporter Stacy Moore to the San Fernando Magistrates Court where they were given a short tour of the building and also had the opportunity to sit in on an ongoing case. It was extremely fascinating being in the court, Mohamed and Wheeler said. Lalla and her NYLO colleagues also contacted various secondary schools in and around San Fernando on CAPE and CXC results. However some schools were unaware of when exactly results were to be released. Another interesting assignment that the interns embarked upon was visiting the El Socorro Centre for Wildlife Conservation in Freeport where they observed the release of some species of wildlife back into the forest. US: We See No Signs Putin Will Use Dirty Bomb U.S. Department of State urges all parties to avoid escalation in Crimea region The U.S. calls on all concerned parties to avoid actions that could increase tension in the Crimea region, the U.S. Department of State spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau has said. "We call for the avoidance of any actions that would escalate the situation there," Trudeau said at a briefing on Thursday. According to Trudeau, "we believe now is the time to reduce the tensions, reduce the rhetoric, and get back to talks." Commenting on strengthening the combat readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, she stressed that Kyiv has the right to defend its territory. (Newser) While you may not be familiar with California power couple and megafarmers Lynda and Stewart Resnick, it's highly likely you've heard of some of the things they own. There's flower delivery service Teleflora; Fiji Water; Pom Wonderful juices; Halos mandarin oranges; groves upon groves of navels, grapefruits, and lemons; and enough pistachio and almond trees to produce more of those nuts than any other company in the world. And yes, everything about what they do requires water. Lots of water. "They are now thought to consume more of the state's water than any other family, farm, or company," writes Josh Harkinson at Mother Jones. "They control more of it in some years than what's used by the residents of Los Angeles and the entire San Francisco Bay Area combined." They achieved this feat by becoming master manipulators of the state's "byzantine" water rules, though Lynda insists they have "no influence politically." Given the state's parched conditions, the Resnicks draw the kind of criticism you might expect, thought Harkinson writes that it's mitigated by their "progressive bona fides." Yes, the Resnicks, which last year rebranded their holdings as the Wonderful Company, are super rich. But in 2015 their political and charitable donations hit $48 million. And in recent years they've begun to invest back into their Lost Hills farming community in central California, spending millions on education, infrastructure, and health initiatives. Read the full profile. (Lynda Resnick is on the list of the top 10 richest self-made women in the US.) (Newser) Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump's economic plan of including "outlandish Trumpian ideas that even Republicans reject" during a speech Thursday responding to Trump's economic speech earlier this week, the New York Times reports. He wants America to work for him and his friends at the expense of everyone else," the Wall Street Journal quotes Clinton as saying. She accused Trump of wanting only to help millionaires and billionaires while paying "lip service" to improving things for everyone else. "He would give trillions in tax cuts to big corporations, millionaires, and Wall Street money managers," CNN quotes Clinton as saying. "He'd pay a lower rate than millions of middle class families." Clinton said Trump's economic plan ignores working families, farmers, people of color, students, and more. Meanwhile, he proposes a big tax break for himself, which she calls the "Trump Loophole." She also criticized Trump for wanting to get rid of the Estate Tax, a move that would save his family $4 billion (if he is indeed worth $10 billion, if he claims). Clinton also laid out her own economic plan, which included a $275 billion investment in infrastructure and free in-state college tuition. Surprisingly, there was one similarity between the economic plans of Trump and Clinton: Both came out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal championed by President Obama. (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.) (Newser) The 27-year-old woman killed while jogging Sunday in Massachusetts may have fought back against her killer. "We believe that there was struggle between Vanessa and her killer that may have resulted in her killer receiving injuries," Mass Live quotes district attorney Joseph Early as saying Thursday. Those injuries include bruises, scratches, and scrapes, ABC News reports. Anyone who's seen a man with similar injuries in the area around Princeton, Massachusetts, is asked to call authorities. New York resident Vanessa Marcotte disappeared after going jogging Sunday near her mother's Princeton home. Her naked and burned body was found in a wooded area less than half a mile away that night. Early says authorities have "made some progress" in the hunt for Marcotte's killer but did not elaborate. Police have so far received more than 300 tips following her death, the Boston Globe reports. Authorities are currently investigating whether Marcotte was sexually assaulted before being killedthe first murder in Princeton in 30 years. (Another New York woman was also killed while jogging last week, and her mother had choice words for the still-at-large killer.) Ukraine must continue reforms for the liberalization of visa regime with the European Union, including the launch of electronic declaration of assets, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "Everything that we are to implement regarding visa free regime we have done, but this does not mean that we should fold our hands. We should do everything that reforms work. Some things, for example, electronic declarations, are to be launched from August 15. We promised to do this and we must do it," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. He said that early September, a report in the European Parliament will be discussed and then Ukraine is to receive a permit from the European Union Council. (Newser) Following the recent murders of three female joggers in New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan, women have been warned: Dont run alone. Meghan Kita calls that admonition "ridiculous" at Runners World. Women know they are safer in numbers, but such advice is impracticaland sexist. Some womenjust like some mensimply enjoy running alone, she writes. Kita outlines a few other inappropriate reactions to the tragedies (among them, safety-tips stories that imply the dead runners bear some responsibility for their fates) before zeroing in on a message for men: While attacks like these are incredibly rare, harassment is anything but, and men need to understand the reality and the implications. Kita recounts a Runner's World staff meeting where women shared stories "of being honked at, shouted at, followed by strange men in cars"leaving a male co-worker shocked at the pervasiveness of the experience. "I want you to care about this," Kita says to male readers. "If you feel you have the right to interrupt my run with 'a friendly honk' or a comment about my appearance, what other rights do you think you have in your interactions with women?" While, yes, it's a massive leap for women to fear that a man "disrespectful enough to honk" would go so far as to physically harm a runner, "awareness and understanding from our male counterparts" of what female runners regularly experience will do more for women than a bunch of "hackneyed" safety advice will. Read her piece in full here. (Read more running stories.) (Newser) A Muslim woman is suing the city of Chicago and six police officers claiming they assaulted her at a train station. Itemid "Angel" Al-Matar's lawsuit, filed Thursday, claims officers grabbed her as she climbed the stairs of the downtown CTA State/Lake stop on July 4, 2015, then slammed her to the ground. A surveillance video shows five officers approach Al-Matar from behind; one grabs her left shoulder and takes her down, reports the Chicago Tribune. The officers then appear to search the 32-year-old, who was in religious garb. Her suit claims police removed her hijab and niqab, exposed her stomach, and later took photos of her in her undergarments, per NBC Chicago. The police report references a tip that she was a "lone wolf suicide bomber." Al-Matar, who moved from Saudi Arabia in 2014, was arrested and charged with reckless conducta judge later dismissed that chargeand multiple counts of obstructing justice, of which she was found not guilty. A rep for Chicago's Council on American-Islamic Relations says police "should not be in the business of attempting to protect us against people who look different." Al-Matar says simply, "I don't want that nightmare to happen again." A police rep would not comment directly on the case but tells the Chicago Sun-Times that officers "work hard each day to investigate suspicious activity and fight crime" and "strive to treat all individuals with the highest levels of dignity and respect." (Read more Chicago stories.) (Newser) One girl's pet bunny in Huaura, Peru, apparently had a hard time playing it cool when he stumbled onto a secret marijuana stash in a neighboring home; he seemed suspiciously frisky every time he returned from his recurring escape. So she took it upon herself to follow her little Pinpon, only to discover that the abandoned house on the other side of her own was housing plants that her pet felt compelled to munch on, Yahoo News reports she told Panamaricana. The innocent girl told the family about the plants she had discovered; they investigated with more mature eyes and called the police. After the authorities came and removed the potted plants, Pinpon is rumored to have run away (in one last ditch effort to find the weed?) but has now retired back to his previously sober life at home, reports the Dodo. But now he's become a local celebrity of sorts, and has even inspired his own meme on Facebook. Police took the plants; there's no word on whether the grower was found. (Pinpon may have been nibbling his weed for free, but in the US it costs the average legal user hundreds a year.) (Newser) Betsy Davis spent the last years of her life losing control of her body as her illness worsenedbut she could still control how she died, and she "turned her departure into a work of art," friend and cinematographer Niels Alpert says of the California artist's death. The 41-year-old, who in 2013 was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, threw a party for more than 30 friends and family that lasted through the weekend before her doctor-assisted suicide late last month, People reports. Davis, a painter and performance artist who invited guests from across the country to what she called a "rebirth," died under the state's physician-assisted suicide law, which took effect on June 9. "You're all very brave for sending me off on my journey," she wrote in her invitation, which warned guests that "emotional stamina" would be required, the AP reports. "There are no rules," she wrote. "Wear what you want, speak your mind, dance, hop, chant, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me. OK, one rule." After a weekend that included music, pizza, cocktails, individual chats with every guest, and a screening of favorite movie The Dance of Reality, most guests departed and Davis' bed was wheeled out to a hillside at sunset. Accompanied by her sister, her doctor, her massage therapist, and her caretaker, she took a lethal combination of drugs and died around four hours later. (Assisted suicide is legal in four other states and Canada, where the law won't cover American visitors.) (Newser) Chad Copley is a neighborhood watch volunteer who police say fatally shot a black man. Sound familiar? He's "George Zimmerman 2.0," says Justin Bamberg, a lawyer representing the family of Kouren-Rodney Bernard Thomas, 20, whom Copley allegedly shot and killed early Sunday. Bamberg says Thomas was at a party down the street from Copley's house in Raleigh, NC, where guests had spilled out onto the street, but no one was in Copley's yard. Police say Copley initially called 911 claiming armed "hoodlums" were outside and that he was "locked and loaded" and "going outside to secure my neighborhood," reports the Washington Post. He later called back to say he'd fired "a warning shot"police say it came from his garage window before 1amand that somebody "got hit," reports CNN. "There are frigging black males outside my frigging house with firearms," Copley added. "Please send PD." Bamberg says Thomaswho was headed to his car, according to witnesseswas not armed and Copley, 39, "was not in danger. I don"t believe that anybody can find that his fearif there was anywas reasonable, given the facts. He fired from his garage into the street and then killed an innocent person." He adds Copley's 911 calls suggest the shooting was linked to race. "If there was a group of Caucasian kids skateboarding up and down the street, would he have done that to them?" Thomas' mother says. "They weren't bothering him," she adds. "He killed my son for nothing." On Tuesday, Copley's lawyer urged "folks not rush to judgment." (Read more North Carolina stories.) (Newser) Its not every day that a cemetery goes up for sale. And what do you do with one? For the new owners of a tiny graveyard in Caernarvon Township, Pennsylvania, that meant planting "Private Property signs to bar visitors, the Reading Eagle reports. The owners filed a lawsuit this week asking a Berks County judge to enforce the order at Rock Cemetery. Paul and Jean Dovin bought the small parcel at auction in 2010; distraught family members say that three years later, the Dolvins announced plots purchased from the previous owner (which the Dolvins contend were sold improperly due to the lack of the necessary license) were no longer valid, and that no new burials would occur. In 2014, "No Trespassing" signs sprouted up and visitors were warned that police would be called on them. The sole exception: Relatives may come on the land to exhume a body and take it elsewhere. "It just makes me sick to my stomach," Hazel Hamm tells WFMZ. Her husband Doug is buried there and, she said, "I want to be buried beside him, and I think I have a right to be. Every Sunday, Barbara Miller used to visit the grave of her son Ricky, who died at age 3 in 1980. "I don't think I can go through all that again," Miller tells Reading Eagle. "What's wrong with these people?" The Dovins contend they had no idea the old cemetery they bought for $85,000 was still in use because the advertisement for the public auction never mentioned it, according to the lawsuit. Their lawyers have refused comment. (Read more Rock Cemetery stories.) (Newser) Two media companies have asked a judge to make public Donald Trumps 1990 divorce records, contending they're "directly relevant" to the presidential campaign, USA Today reports. After 14 years of marriage, Ivana Trump cited "cruel and inhuman treatment" when filing for divorce. Though Donald Trump's lawyer at the time told the New York Times the cruelty stemmed from his public appearances with Marla Maples, news of a divorce deposition in which Ivana alleged she had been sexually assaulted by her husband surfaced a few years later and again bubbled up during the campaign. The New York Times Co. and Gannett Co. on Thursday asked a New York judge to unseal the records. The media companies made the case that doing so would "resolve [that] ongoing campaign controversy" and provide info to voters about the GOP candidate's character. A 1993 biography described the alleged 1989 incident by way of the deposition. Ivana Trump accused her husband of "rape," according to the Daily Beast, but later added that while she felt "violated," it was not "in a literal or criminal sense" and she and "Donald are the best of friends." The book claimed the alleged episode was in retaliation following a botched scalp surgery that infuriated Trump. He has insisted both the assault and the scalp surgery never happened. (A Trump aide apologized in 2015 for saying "you cant rape your spouse.") (Newser) A federal board's Thursday decision to rename Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak surprised South Dakota's governor, but vindicated activists who unsuccessfully argued to state officials last year that the peak shouldn't bear the name of a man whose soldiers killed Native Americans. The decision by the US Board on Geographic Names will cause "unnecessary expense and confusion," Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Thursday in a statement. The governor said he's heard little support for renaming the peak, which is South Dakota's tallest and stands in the Black Hills National Forest, the AP reports. Black Elk was a Lakota spiritual leader who died in the mid-20th century. Black Elk is "definitely a very powerful visionary that is at least deserving of the peak's name," says Wayne Frederick, a representative on the tribal council of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. "It's extremely uplifting." The federal board determined from the input received that the Harney Peak name "was derogatory or offensive being that it was on a holy site of the Native Americans," says Lou Yost, the board's executive secretary for domestic names. The vote was 12 in favor, none against, and one abstaining, he says. Army Gen. William S. Harney's men massacred Native American women and children during a battle in September 1855, according to historic records. (Ohio wasn't happy about Mt. McKinley's new name.) (Newser) Officials in the Philippines say 10 inmates died in a suspected grenade blast that rocked a jail Thursday night. Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman for the Bureau of Jail Management, says an initial investigation suggests the inmates, including two Chinese nationals facing drug charges, had sought to talk with the warden of Paranaque City jail in metropolitan Manila upon learning they would be transferred to another facility, the AP reports. Solda says investigators are looking at whether the blast was part of an escape attempt, but they are waiting to get details from the warden, who was seriously injured. (Police and vigilantes in the Philippines have killed hundreds of drug suspects.) (Newser) In what Thai authorities insisted was "sabotage" and not terrorism, a wave of apparently co-ordinated bombs killed at least four people and injured dozens more across the country overnight. CNN reports that at least 11 bombs went off in five provinces Thursday night and early Friday morning, including two deadly ones in the resort city of Hua Hin. No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts,which come five days after a referendum approved a constitution that gives the ruling military junta a permanent role in politics, reports the BBC, which notes that Friday was a public holiday for the Thai queen's birthday. (A poll carried out by the military last year found that 99.3% declined to complain about military rule.) The issue of the armed police mission in Donbas is being constantly discussed, but Russia does not agree to its deployment, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "We try to put forward this issue in the Vienna format practically every day. [...] The latest round of these consultations took place in Vienna in late June, but today we see no desire of Russia to actually deploy the efficient full-scale armed police mission in such a way that it would objectively control the security situation, in the context of both preparations for the elections and assistance to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission," Klimkin said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. The problem is that Russia has opportunities to influence this issue not only at the stage of consideration, but also at the stage of adoption, he said. Klimkin also said that postponement of the issue of deployment of the armed police mission to Donbas leads to a delay in achievement of the actual results in the context of the 'roadmap' implementation. "We need to agree upon the mandate of this armed police mission and initiate its deployment as soon as possible," he said. (Newser) One of three British schoolgirls who fled to Syria to join ISIS in February 2015 has been reportedly killed in an airstrikein the midst of her efforts to flee the country. ITV News reports the unverified news that Kadiza Sultana, 17, died when the home she occupied in Raqqa was hit by a bomb thought to have been dropped by a Russian plane in May. Family members in London say she had been planning to escape Syria, and had been in contact with them as she plotted a journey to Turkey. "I don't have a good feeling, like I feel scared," she told her sister in one recorded phone call. Says sister Halima, "We were expecting this in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place." While the news hasn't been confirmed, a rep for the family tells the Guardian they do believe their daughter has been dead for several weeks. Fellow schoolgirls Amira Base and Shamima Begum are believed to still be living in Raqqa. (Read more Syria stories.) (Newser) Planning an end-of-summer vacation? Better stay away from these US cities, apparently the kinds of places where locals will give you bad directions, then steal your wallet. Conde Nast Traveler asked travelers to rate the "friendliness" of US cities for its 2015 Readers' Choice Awards and received 128,000 or so responses. For the record, Charleston, South Carolina, ranked as the friendliest, but here are the 10 unfriendliest cities in the US: Newark, New Jersey Oakland, California Atlantic City, New Jersey Detroit, Michigan Hartford, Connecticut New Haven, Connecticut Dover, Delaware Wilmington, Delaware Los Angeles, California Baltimore, Maryland Read the full list here . (Read more friendliness stories.) (Newser) Thursday marked the two-year anniversary of Robin Williams' death, and his Good Will Hunting co-star Matt Damon just happened to be doing an interview with Irish website JOE.ie. Asked about the memorable bench scene from the movie, Damon responded that he knew right away the scene would be a standout. "When he was just crushing it on the first take, I just went, This is gonna be really good,'" Damon said. He added that he recently visited the bench, which is located in Boston Commons. "I walked over there with my family and we sat on the bench," he said. The kids didnt know, theyve never seen the movie, theyre too young. But it was nice to go back and think about him back there." (Read more Robin Williams stories.) (Newser) A want-ad for a new roommate spurred a passionate debate about racism, safe spaces, and what it's like to be a person of color in America this week at a small college in California. The Washington Post reports 20-year-old Pitzer College junior Kare Urena posted on the Pitzer College Class of 2018 Facebook page looking for a roommate to live with her and two others in an off-campus house. The post specified they were looking for people of color only, according to the Claremont Independent. And Urena, who is black, specified in a follow-up comment: "I don't want to live with any white folks." The post led to claims of discrimination, segregation, and reverse racism. But Urena and supporters fired back against those claims. "Seeking a living space that is all-POC is not only reasonable, but can be necessary, she tells the Post. "Our people are being killed. Our housing arrangements are not racist. They are not exclusive. We are simply fighting to exist." The Independent quotes another student as saying: We dont want to have to tiptoe around fragile white feelings in a space where we just want to relax." Pitzer President Melvin Oliver, the first black president at a Claremont college, says Urena's post and the comments that followed "are inconsistent with our mission and values," CBS News reports. Urena has since deleted the post. (A study shows a 10-minute in-person chat could reduce prejudice.) (Newser) A federal court in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of a Brendan Dassey, who was found guilty of helping his uncle Steven Avery kill Teresa Halbach in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer. The court overturned Dassey's conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him, the AP reports. Judge William Duffin said in his ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." "These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary," Duffin wrote. Dassey confessed to helping Avery carry out the rape and murder of Halbach, but attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Both Avery and Dassey are serving separate life sentences. Dassey's case burst into the public's consciousness with the popularity of the Making a Murderer documentary that debuted in December. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. (Read more Making a Murderer stories.) No substantial progress has been made so far as part of discussions on a draft roadmap for implementing the Minsk agreements, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said. "As for the question of whether we have reached the very logic of the discussion. Yes, we have. Have we made any actual progress? No, we have not, unfortunately," the Ukrainian minister said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. If the sides prove to be able to agree upon this document's logic in general, the next meeting of the 'Normandy format' leaders will be quite possible, he said. "As for China, it was only one of the ideas regarding a timeframe. But there were also other [ideas] because the meeting should be aimed at [achieving] a real substantial result," Klimkin said. "Such a meeting will be possible if we manage to generally agree upon the logic of the roadmap for implementing the Minsk [accords], maybe except for one or two issues that need to be tackled at the leaders' level," Klimkin said. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained again -- third time in seven years -- at Los Angeles airport on Thursday evening in United States. Khan was stopped by the US immigration officials at the airport and he expressed his disappointment on Twitter. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," (sic) the actor tweeted after being detained at the airport. However, this time around the actor found a good way to kill his time. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons, the actor tweeted. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," the 50-year-old actor said in another tweet. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the US Department of State Nisha Desai Biswal has apologised for "hassle" Khan faced at the airport. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening," Biswal tweeted. Her Twitter account says that the tweets there "are my own". Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening! Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) August 12, 2016 US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma also offered appology to Shah Rukh Khan over the detention incident. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US." Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesnt happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US. Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) August 12, 2016 Later, the actor replied to both American diplomats. No hassle mam.Respect the protocol,not expecting to b above it. Appreciate ur graciousness, its just inconvenient. https://t.co/7QFatghuuu Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern. https://t.co/zQspvxnXsl Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 12, 2016 SRK was detained in 2009 and 2012 also 2009 Khan was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours in 2009. Following the incident, Khan had sought to downplay the "unfortunate procedure" at Newark airport and had said that he would not demand an apology. April 2012 The Bollywod actor was detained at the White Plains airport near New York for over two hours by immigration officials in April 2012. Khan was in the US to visit Yale University and was accompanied by Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. He was understood to have been travelling in a private plane. After the incident in New York, Khan had said, "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom," Khan had said to the Yale students. Read More | 9 hilarious tweets you shouldn't miss on SRK's detention in US For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair first all party meeting on Kashmir unrest in parliament today. The meeting, to be held around noon, has been called with the agenda to evolve consensus among all parties on ways and means to deal with ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley. The Kashmir unrest today entered day 35 and has claimed 56 lives while leaving over 6000 injured including several para-military and police personnel. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh would represent the Government in the meeting. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Malikaarjun Kharge would represent the main opposition party. Of two main regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference has no presence in either House of the Parliament, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is coalition partner of BJP in J&K, could nominate veteran Parliamentarian Muzaffar Hussain Baig, party MP from Baramulla-Kupwara Lok Sabha seat, for the all party meet. The PDP has four MPstwo each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after the resignation of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat. This is the first All Party Meeting on Kashmir after 2010 unrest in the Valley, which had led to appointment of three-member Interlocutors on J&K including Dileep Padgaonkar, Prof Radha Kumar and MM Ansari though their report never saw light of the day. The meeting has been scheduled for 12 noon in the Parliament House tomorrow, which is also last day of Monsoon session of the Parliament. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hua Hin: At least four people have been killed in eight bomb blasts that have hit across Thailand in the past 24 hours, in the resort town of Hua Hin and southern provinces, authorities said. Twin bombs at the clock tower killed one and injured three, said Hua Hin district chief Sutthipong Klai-udom, referring to two new blasts in the town today that followed twin bombings there the night before. As well as the four blasts in Hua Hin, there were two on the tourist island of Phuket today along with one in the island gateway town of Surat Thani, and one in southern Trang on Thursday, officials told AFP. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : A biopic based on Delhis Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to hit theatres soon. Interestingly, the film was made with the support of central government-run film body NFDC (National Film Development Corporation), even as Arvind Kejriwal has love-hate relationship with the centre. The movie An Insignificant Man" by Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla showcases the remarkable rise of Arvind Kejriwal as a former taxman, an IIT graduate, from campaigner to fledgling politician to chief minister of Delhi. NFDC, which reports to I&B ministry, provided its support to the film in 2014 by keeping it in a work in progress category in the Film Bazaar for the Indian film festival. The film will debut at the Toronto film festival next month. "We worked as ordinary citizens armed with the tools of journalism - a camera, a mic and curiosity," Vinay Shukla told a news agency. Furthermore, the film was launched with the working title of Proposition for a Revolution". After its turn at the festival, the directors didn't find it hard to swing crowd-funding. Around 400 hours of behind-the scenes footage shot over a year has been crunched into a 90-minute film. The makers of the film promise a peak into ugly arguments as well as furious planning as India's newest party tried to find its feet in politics. According to reports, NFDC denies mentoring the film and it says there wasnt any sponsorship at any stage. However, the internal sources pin point that it was the NFDC's selection which helped finish the film and brought it crowd-funding. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are taking measures in preparation for counteracting the strengthening of Russian troops' positions on the administrative border with Russia-occupied Crimea, Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff spokesman Vladyslav Selezniov has said. "We are performing maneuvers by forces and means we have at our disposal according to the task set by the president. One should be aware: if there is an action, there is counteraction. And we are working to be ready to counteract effectively," Selezniov said in an exclusive comment to Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday evening. However, he did not disclose the details of the action taken by the Armed Forces, referring to the secrecy of the given information. Selezniov stressed that the Russian armed forces are strengthening their positions on the administrative border of the occupied Crimea in a deliberately demonstrative way. "They are really provoking us. These actions are very explicit and clear. For example, near the village of Kalanchak (Kherson region) in the Armiansk direction, the distance from the contact line and the administrative border to the place where Russian soldiers are stationed is from 500 or 1,000 meters maximum," he said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the allegations made by the Russian Federation of terrorism in the occupied Crimea Ukraine are groundless and they serve the reason for new military threats against the Ukrainian state. At a meeting with top security and defense officials and diplomats on August 11, Poroshenko ordered all forces on the border between Ukraine's Kherson region and occupied Crimea to be put on high alert. Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police has made an appeal to the Imams not to make provocative speeches during Friday prayers so that the people with vested interest do not exploit the situation. The Imams and Khateebs are requested not to deliver provocative speeches so that the situation is not exploited by vested interests, a police spokesman said on Thursday. He said it has been observed that after the culmination of Friday prayers miscreants force the people to assemble on the chowks and roads, thus obstructing the normal traffic. Many a times these gatherings are manipulated to pelt stones upon the police/security force deployments. In order to avoid such situations the parents are requested not to allow their children to take part in such activities, he said, adding youth are advised not to fall prey to such machinations. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Having failed to get a hearing from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, two minor girls residing at Devipura locality here have taken to social media to get justice for their mother who was allegedly set afire by their father and others. The sisters, one 15-year-old and another 11-year-old, wrote a letter to Yadav on June 14 alleging their mother was set on fire by their father and others in front of their eyes for giving birth to two girls, police said. They alleged that Bulandshahr police had not arrested any other accused named in the FIR, barring their father Manoj Bansal and had diluted the allegation in the FIR, police said. The sisters have now taken to social media to highlight their plight. When contacted, SP (City) Maan Singh Chauhan said he had taken cognizance of the matter and the remaining culprits would be brought to book soon. He said providing security to the sisters was the priority of the police and their request for financial assistance was being recommended to the authorities concerned. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Srinagar: Curfew was today extended to many areas in Kashmir while severe restrictions were imposed in rest of the Valley to thwart a planned march by separatists to Eidgah in old city. "Curfew has been imposed in entire Srinagar district, Anantnag town, Shopian town, Baramulla town, Awantipora and Pampore towns of Pulwama district," a police official said. He said curfew was also imposed in Ganderbal town, Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Kunzer, Tangmarg and Pattan areas of the Valley as a precautionary measure. In rest of the Valley, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the people, the official said. Last Friday saw intense clashes between protesters and security forces at many places in the Valley after the congregational prayers. The clashes left three people dead and several hundred others injured. The separatists, who are holding protests in the Valley, had called on the people to assemble at Eidgah in old city for paying tributes to those killed in security forces action over the past 34 days during violent protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month. Normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 35th consecutive day due to the curbs imposed by the authorities and the separatist sponsored strike. As many as 55 persons, including two police personnel, were killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces. Schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off the roads. The attendance in government offices and banks was also thin, the official said. Mobile telephony services were snapped, except the postpaid services of state-run BSNL, at midnight as a precautionary measure to curb "rumour mongering". Mobile internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley. The separatist camp has extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till August 18 and called for a march at Lal Chowk on August 13 and 14. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Lok Sabha today passed a resolution to express serious concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir Valley, ahead of all party meet on the issue. The Kashmir unrest today entered day 35 and has claimed 56 lives while leaving over 6000 injured including several para-military and police personnel. According to reports, the lower house passed the resolution to restore confidence of Kashmir youth. Meanwhile, the all party meet to evolve consensus on ways and means to deal with ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley started in the parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing the meeting. This is the first all party meeting on Kashmir after 2010 unrest in the Valley, which had led to appointment of three-member Interlocutors on J&K including Dileep Padgaonkar, Prof Radha Kumar and MM Ansari though their report never saw light of the day. The meeting is being held on last day of Monsoon session of the parliament. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Panaji: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today arrived in Goa to discuss about preparations for the BRICS summit scheduled for October, and said the event will put the coastal state on a higher pedestal. Yi, after landing in Goa, met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the state secretariat where both the leaders discussed about preparations for the forthcoming summit. The meeting lasted for over an hour. "I have come here because BRICS summit is being held in Goa. I have seen friendly sentiments from the people of Goa," Yi told reporters in the presence of Parsekar. "Goa has a beautiful landscape, beaches and people. Goa is one of the best in the world. I am sure BRICS summit will put Goa at a higher pedestal," he said. He said, "India and China are good friends and good partners. " The Goa Chief Minister said he had a discussion with Yi over breakfast. He said Goa and China have long standing relations, with iron ore from the coastal state being exported to the neighbouring country. "We can also tie up with China in the field of education and technology. We can attract investment from China in the Information Technology," Parsekar said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed faith on Goa by offering us to host BRICS summit," the CM said. During his day-long tour, Yi is expected to meet state Governor Mridula Sinha and visit Aguada plateau, about 10 km from Panaji. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Pakistan plans to invite India for a dialogue on Kashmir issue, Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said today, days after India insisted that it would discuss only PoK with Pakistan. Our Foreign Secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard, Aziz said as he briefed the media about the Pakistans Envoys Conference held on August 1-3 to deliberate on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan and make recommendations. He said the conference spent considerable time on the grim situation in Kashmir. The conference emphasised that Pakistan should continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self-determination. He said that the conference discussed a number of diplomatic initiatives being taken and it was decided that Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on Kashmir issue. As for India, the Envoys Conference noted that Indias policy of not engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was not conducive for peace in South Asia, said Aziz. His comments came two days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed Parliament on the Kashmir issue and said that India was willing to discuss only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with Pakistan, and that the question of discussing Jammu and Kashmir with Islamabad just does not arise. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. San Francisco: At least 22 passengers and two crew members were injured today when a JetBlue flight experienced turbulence with many hitting their head on the ceiling, US media reports said. Twenty-four people were taken to a hospital for evaluation after Flight 429, from Boston to Sacramento, California, experienced rough turbulence, airline spokeswoman Katherine McMillan said. It was like a dream, people were flying out of their seat-belts and hitting their head on the ceiling, it was very scary, an international TV channel quoted a passenger Rhonda Renee as saying. A flight attendant was assisted off the plane by medical personnel. The flight was en-route from Boston to Sacramento, and had to be diverted to Rapid City, South Dakota. Its believed that weather played a role in creating the bumpy flying conditions. All were treated for minor injuries and had been released by early Friday, Rapid City Regional Hospital told a channel. JetBlue has sent a replacement aircraft to Rapid City to take the remaining passengers to Sacramento, the airline said in a statement. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. London: A London schoolgirl who had fled her home in Britain to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria is feared to have been killed in a Russian air strike on the terrorist-held region. Kadiza Sultanas family lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told BBC last night that they heard a report of her death in Raqqa, an ISIS stronghold in Syria, a few weeks ago. The family are devastated. A number of sources have said that she has been killed and she has not been in contact with the family for several weeks. Over a year ago, she had been talking about leaving. There was a plan to get her out, Akunjee said. Sultana, believed to be of Bangladeshi-origin, was 16 when she joined two other school friends, Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, both 15 at the time, to flee to Syria in February 2015. All three were pupils of Bethnal Green Academy in east London and had told their parents they were going out for the day. We were expecting this, in a way. But at least we know she is in a better place, Sultanas sister Halima Khanom said in a statement in reference to her feared killing. Akunjee said though Sultana had expressed a desire to return to the UK but feared of brutal consequences from ISIS. He said, In the week where she was thinking of these issues, a young Austrian girl had been caught trying to leave ISIS territory and was by all reports beaten to death publicly, so - given that that was circulated in the region as well as outside - I think Kadiza took that as a bad omen and decided not to take the risk. I think she found out pretty quickly that the propaganda doesnt match up with the reality. The schoolgirls are among more than 800 Britons who are believed to have left the UK to join ISIS or other militant groups in Syria and Iraq. All the girls had reportedly been married off as so-called jihadi brides to ISIS fighters, including an Australian and a US national and two became widows within months of arriving in Syria, their families were told earlier. In March last year, the Scotland Yard commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said the teenagers could return home without fear of being prosecuted for terrorism, as long as no evidence emerged of them being engaged in violence. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said, The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria. As all UK consular services there are suspended, it is extremely difficult to confirm the status and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria. Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beijing: Ahead of Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to India, Chinas state-run media on Friday said the door for Indias admission into the NSG is not tightly closed and New Delhi should fully comprehend Beijings concerns over the disputed South China Sea. Terming that India and China are partners not rivals, a commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said as Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check. What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), it said. So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party, it said in apparent reference to Chinas persistent demand that signing the NPT is a must for the entry of new members into the 48-member body which controls global nuclear commerce. However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed, it said in a first such reference by China in recent months since the two counties differed on the issue. But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake, it said. However the commentary did not mention whether Wang, who begins a three-day visit to India today, will be carrying any new proposals to assuage Indias disappointment over its failed bid to get NSG membership despite having majority support in the grouping. The commentary also wanted India to understand Chinas concerns over the South China Sea, where Beijing is on the back foot specially after the verdict of the international tribunal striking down its expansive claims over the area. The US, Australia and Japan besides the Philippines which won the case asked China to implement the verdict saying that it is binding. Beijing, which boycotted the tribunals proceeding however termed it as illegal and null and void. Referring to the joint communique issued at the recent meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China (RIC) in Moscow, the commentary said India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned. Given that the South China Sea correlates with Chinas vital national interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijings concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, it said. Wangs visit comes ahead of next months G20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to take part. An article in the state-run Global Times earlier said India should avoid getting unnecessarily entangled in the South China Sea (SCS) debate to prevent it becoming yet another factor to impact bilateral ties. China has been making the case that the G20 summit should avoid any references to the SCS asserting that it should be resolved directly by the parties concerned not by outsiders. Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have counter claims over the area. While Modi is due to attend the G20 meeting, President Xi Jinping is also scheduled to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in Goa in October. Many believe the (Wangs) trip aims to help rasp off the rough edges of the relationship between the worlds two leading developing countries, and build up consensus ahead of two important summits, the Group of 20 meeting in China and the BRICS gathering in India, to be held in the coming months, the Xinhua commentary said. China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world, it said. At the same time, the worlds two fastest-growing economies should maintain their positive momentum on bilateral ties that has been maintained in recent years, further deepen cooperation, especially in trade and commerce, and foster an even closer partnership. At a time of lacklustre global economic recovery, the two countries should team up to fend off trade protectionism, and make substantial efforts to bring the worlds economic house in order at the two key summits and beyond, it said. As key emerging markets, the two nations, by standing together hand-in-hand can be a strong voice for the developing world, and render the global economic governance system fairer and more just. When it comes to addressing some of the worlds most pressing challenges such as climate change, the fight against terrorism and food security, the two most populous BRICS members share great potential to do even more, it said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Allahabad: In a snub to the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a CBI inquiry into the Bulandshahr gangrape case observing that it was not satisfied with the police investigation so far. The high court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the July 29 incident, also said it intended to monitor the investigation into the case. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order a day after the state government submitted a status report on the investigation into the incident in a sealed cover. We are not satisfied, neither with the way the investigation appears to be taking place nor with the material that has been placed on record, the court said and directed the state government to produce the FIR lodged in connection with the crime, the rape victims medical reports and statements of witnesses by the next date of hearing on August 17. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with details of the social background, criminal records and political affiliations - if any - which had been provided in the status report as per its earlier order, dated August 8, which was the first date of hearing on the matter. Significantly, the court had made it clear at the outset that it intended to monitor the investigation into the case and not dispose of the matter which is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation, titled In the matter of rape of mother and daughter at NH 91. The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP. At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. Expressing its anguish over the incident, the court had also sought to know from the state government what steps it was taking to prevent such incidents in future while pointing out that the state was duty-bound to ensure safety and security of those who travel on highways in its territory after paying toll tax. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine could be made by the Russian leadership if Moscow has no other tools left to "sober up" Kyiv, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said. "As for the breakoff of our diplomatic relations, you know, history saw all kinds of things. I will recall that after the well-known events our diplomatic relations with Georgia were cut off," he told reporters in Sochi, responding to a question posed by Interfax. "I would not want that to happen, but if there is no other option left to impact on the situation, the [Russian] president could make such a decision," the prime minister said. Lahore: Pakistans top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The National Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab Director General of Pakistan Rangers, the Home Department and the Punjab police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. Tehreek-i-Talibans Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15, the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident, it says. The Punjab Home Department has also issued a separate alert saying at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas, Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI. He said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistans Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur, Lahore police chief Capt Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation, an official said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : The Supreme Court today voiced concern as to what would be the fate of Pakistani nationals on their release from Indian jails after completing their prison terms if Pakistan did not accept them as it citizens. The question which has to be looked into is that if we send these nationals back to their nation and if the other country refuses to accept them, then what would be their status and condition. This court cant go beyond the territory of the country. How to deal with that situation is what we need to look into, a bench comprising Justices J Chelameswar and Abhay Manohar Sapre observed during the hearing of a petition espousing the cause of Pakistani prisoners arrested for illegally entering India through Jammu and Kashmir. Senior advocate and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leader Bhim Singh, who has filed a petition in this regard, said 37 prisoners were still languishing in Amritsar jail and they should be repatriated to their country as they have completed their sentence. During the hearing, the Centre told the bench as per the earlier directions of the apex court, Pakistani nationals who are languishing in jails here are being sent back to their country. It also informed the court that there was already an agreement with the government of Pakistan on this aspect and the needful was being done. Expressing serious concern over prolonged imprisonment of such prisoners, the court had earlier directed the Centre to release and repatriate within four weeks 61 Pakistani nationals languishing in jails in India despite having undergone their punishment for various offences. It had also asked the government to bring in a suitable mechanism to ensure that such foreign nationals are not forced to remain in jails as courts are being frequently flooded with complaints about Pakistani nationals being incarcerated in jails despite having served their sentence. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The UK High Commission on Friday rejected Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khans visa application. The 70-year-old artist, who was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall next month, said he is shocked and appalled at the rejection of his visa application. Asked about the reason for the rejection of visa application, a UK High Commission Spokesperson merely said that the mission does not comment on individual cases. Tagging Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in his tweet, Khan wrote, My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj. Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_London @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia, he further wrote. Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj, he added. Expressing disappointment over the UK denial, Amjads son Amaan Ali said, This has never happened before. In our country this is not cool. It is very sad that it has happened to him. He is someone who has worked all his life for the country and peace. The government should take interest why they (UK) are doing this. My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. London: Actress Freida Pinto has started shooting for her upcoming TV drama mini-series "Guerrilla". The 31-year-old Slumdog Millionaire star will essay the role of Jas Mitra, a passionate and politically driven individual, in John Ridleys six part limited series. Im thrilled to be working with an artist like John Ridley who has written these compelling scripts filled with thoughtful and complicated characters, Freido Pinto said in a statement. Based on 1970s black activism in the UK, the story revolves around a radical underground cell. The series starring Idris Elba in lead role, will also explore how Mitras political activism tests her romantic relationship with Marcus (Babou Ceesay), her partner in the movement. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has demanded that the Russian Foreign Ministry grant access to Crimea to officials from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) within the shortest amount of time possible "for the purpose of providing an objective evaluation of the situation," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a report posted on its website on Friday. Ukrainian diplomats also called on Russia to urgently grant representatives of the OSCE SMM, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine, and the office of the Verkhovna Rada human rights ombudsman access to detained Ukrainian citizens. On August 10, the Russian Federal Security Service reported that two attempts to break into Crimea by "groups of saboteurs and terrorists" composed of members of special units of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry had been allegedly averted in the early hours of August 8, and that a Russian serviceman had been killed in the clash. The Federal Security Service also said "an agent network" of Ukrainian intelligence had been eliminated in the territory of Crimea and Ukrainians and Russians "who assisted in the preparation of the terrorist attacks" had been detained. Kyiv, for its part, has denied the reports on the Ukrainian saboteurs. Heavy weapons are located along the entire division line in the area of the military operation in Donbas, Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (OSCE SMM) Alexander Hug has said. Weapons remain along the entire line, Hug told a briefing on Friday via an intercom session from Donetsk region. The mission's monitors saw two anti-aircraft weapon systems in the village of Luhanske, which is controlled by the LPR, on Monday and four anti-aircraft weapon systems in the village of Mykhailivka, Donetsk region, on Wednesday, he said. Both these instances constitute breaches of the Minsk agreements, Hug said. Hug said that the non-withdrawal of heavy weapons was also confirmed by locals in conversations with monitors. In this regard, Hug said it is important to monitor the implementation of the Minsk agreements and grant monitors access to the territories. Hug said he has seen some improvements in the situation with access this week. To help monitors go through a bridge in the city of Schastia, Luhansk region, the LPR removed the mines installed there. A similar situation occurred in Zolote, where Ukrainian military did the same thing to provide access, Hug said. At the same time, he stated the absence of improvements in the situation with ceasefire. Monitors registered 976 ceasefire breaches in Luhansk region alone in the past week, and 40% of them occurred at night. Hug said the mission is now composed of 706 monitors, of whom 584 are working in the military operation area. 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Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen announce divorce after 13 years of marriage NFL superstar Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen said they will divorce after 13 years of marriage. #superstar #nfl #giselebundchen #tombrady Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen Announce Divorce After 13 Years Watch Video Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen have finalized their divorce, they announced Friday, ending the 13-year marriage between two superstars who... Jerry Lee Lewis, flamboyant and controversial rock and roll pioneer, dead at 87 Jerry Lee Lewis, the hard-living, hard-playing pianist and singer whose offstage exploits often grabbed as much attention as his electrifying performances and... Big Ben to be put back to GMT for first time after huge restoration All four faces of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliaments clock tower, will be put back to GMT this weekend for the first time in five years, as the country starts... Source: Assailant Shouted 'Where Is Nancy?" In Attack Watch Video The intruder who attacked Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in their San Francisco home confronted him shouting,"Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?"... Ryan Murphy says he reached out to Dahmer victims' loved ones, but "not a single person responded" Murphy's new Netflix series has faced criticism from victim's families and friends for its sensationalization of Dahmer's crimes #lovedones #victim #victims... Sturgeon to attend Cop27 as Sunak focuses on depressing domestic challenges Nicola Sturgeon will attend Cop27 in Egypt, the Scottish Government has announced hours after the Prime Minister said he will not travel to the event. 'There is only us and them - enemies': Ukrainians dug in trenches on Belarus and Russia frontline They tell us to run, and so we run. Through the scrub, the mud and the undergrowth until we stop under the shelter of trees. Out of breath, out of sight and, for... Man injured after 'rammy breaks out' following car crash near Scots playpark The victim has been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where is condition is currently unknown. UK royal mint begins production of circulating coins featuring King The Royal Mint, the official maker of UK coins, has started production of circulating coins featuring the image of King Charles III. The 50p coin has started to... Iran also barred from Nobel ceremony, after Russia, Belarus The ambassador of Iran has also been excluded from this year's Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm because of "the serious and escalating situation" in the... Five million in Zimbabwe face food shortage due to drought Half of Zimbabwes rural population is soon to be devastated by drought conditions and in need of food assistance, if they arent already. With rain not expected for several more months, concerns for the nation continue to rise. By next year, five million people are expected to need food assistance, thanks to the drought that is being experienced by much of southern Africa. Several other nations in Africa have been affected by the drought, including South Africa, Malawi and Zambia, but Zimbabwe has been hit the hardest. In total, some 30 million people have been put at risk of food shortage across the southern portion of the continent. President Robert Mugabe has declared a state of disaster in Zimbabwe, with no rainfall expected in the near future and residents already beginning to say they do not have enough to eat. Many have reported not having proper food for days at a time. The drought conditions have been made worse by the strong El Nino patterns that have been present, as well. The UNs World Food Programme reported in January that around 14 million people in southern Africa were experiencing food insecurity as a result of poor harvests in 2015, thanks to the climate changes that come along with El Nino. The government has been trying to buy grains from neighboring countries and has made other attempts to secure resources for its citizens. Al Jazeera reports that in February, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa pleaded with local business and charities for more than $1.5 billion in aid, with the hopes that their potential donations will save more than a quarter of the population from starvation. Vice President Mnangagwa also reiterated that millions of people are in need of food and water. Source: AlJazeera.com (image credit: pixabay.com) Submit a correction >> U.S. calls on Russia, Ukraine to reduce tension in Crimea WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- The United States urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid the scalation of tension in Crimea, the State Department said Thursday. "We are extremely concerned about the increased tension near the administrative boundary between Crimea and Ukraine," Elizabeth Trudeau, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a regular press briefing. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused Kiev of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and vowed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure and citizens there. "The people who seized power in Kiev ... have switched to terror tactics instead of searching for ways for a peaceful settlement," Putin told a news conference. The United States called for the avoidance of any actions that would escalate the situation in Crimea, Trudeau said. "We believe now is the time to reduce the tensions, reduce the rhetoric and get back to talks," the spokesperson said. The Russian Federal Security Bureau (FSB) said Wednesday the country has prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Crimea planned by the Ukraine military intelligence service. Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said the claims were "hysterical and false," and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry termed the allegations as Moscow's attempt to justify its re-deployment and actions in the region. Crimea, which was previously part of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and Western powers. "Our position ... is well known. Crimea is part of Ukraine and it is recognized as such by the international community," Trudeau said. Shutterstock For many entrepreneurs, it isnt enough to only solve one problem -- they want to change the world. And when launching a business, a social mission embedded in the companys DNA can be a selling point for customers, investors and prospective employees. But its one thing to just state your mission, and another to be able to realize it. To that end, a recent study from Halycon Incubator and Capital One identified some key factors that help socially-minded business owners succeed. Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo BETHEL The school district is looking for businesses to get involved in a special student-mentoring program. The project pairs students of any age with an adult member of the community. The two meet weekly on school grounds and develop a personal connection, program coordinator Fran Peters said. OTTAWA, Aug. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Most Ontario cities can expect real GDP growth above 2 per cent this year, according to The Conference Board of Canada's Metropolitan Outlook: Summer 2016. "The weaker Canadian dollar and moderate demand from the U.S. continue to provide a lift to many Southwestern and Eastern Ontario metropolitan economies and their respective manufacturing industries," said Alan Arcand, Associate Director, Centre for Municipal Studies, The Conference Board of Canada. "Unfortunately, this positive outlook does not extend to the two Northern Ontario cities in our reportGreater Sudbury and Thunder Bayboth of which are expected to post lacklustre growth in 2016." HIGHLIGHTS Kitchener - Cambridge - Waterloo should boast the fastest growing economy this year among the 15 cities covered in the report. - - should boast the fastest growing economy this year among the 15 cities covered in the report. Southwestern Ontario cities can expect real gross domestic product (GDP) growth above 2 per cent this year. cities can expect real gross domestic product (GDP) growth above 2 per cent this year. Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay's economies are set to grow by less than 1 per cent. Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo should boast the fasting growing economy this year among the 15 cities covered in the report, with real GDP forecast to increase by 3 per cent. The city's construction sector, set to rise by 4.9 per cent in 2016, continues to benefit from work on the Ion light-rail project. Driven by an innovative high-tech sector, the CMA's manufacturing sector is expected to rise by 3.3 per cent this year, as a string of new investments have been announced. Overall, employment in the area is forecast to bounce back from a 1.1 per cent dip in 2015 to a 3.1 per cent increase this year. Oshawa's economy will continue to grow at a healthy pace in 2016. In particular, solid gains in wholesale and retail, transportation and warehousing and strong growth in manufacturing will fuel the city's economy. Housing starts, on the other hand, are expected to drop sharply, from 2,587 units in 2015 to 1,958 units in 2016. Fortunately, a better performance from the non-residential sector will help the city's construction sector post decent growth of 1.7 per cent in 2016. Overall, real GDP is forecast to advance by 2.7 per cent this year and by 2.5 per cent in 2017, leading to the creation of nearly 11,000 jobs over those two years. However, the potential closure of General Motor's consolidated plant is a dark cloud that hangs over an otherwise bright outlook. London's economy is expected to maintain its positive momentum in 2016. Following advances averaging 2.2 per cent per year between 2014 and 2015, the metro area should post real GDP growth of 2.4 per cent this year, which would mark London's best three-year economic performance since 1998-2000. The manufacturing sector will continue to be one of the key drivers of the region's growth. Moreover, the outlook for the construction sector remains favourable, as housing starts are forecast to reach 2,360 units this yeara 12.2 per cent increase over last year. Given this solid economic backdrop, The Conference Board expects employment to climb by 0.8 per cent this year, which is on top of the 3.5 per cent increase recorded in 2015. Windsor's manufacturing sector has also been picking up steam, thanks in large part to FCA Canada's $3.7-billion investment in its Windsor Assembly Plant and its subsequent hiring of 1,200 workers to manufacture the all-new Chrysler Pacifica. The area's tourism outlook is also bright, due mainly to a string of major sporting events that the city is hosting. In all, local manufacturing output is forecast to expand by 4.6 per cent this year, while personal services output, which includes many tourist-oriented industries, is projected to climb by 2.9 per cent. Solid advances in these two key industries will support overall real GDP growth of 2.4 per cent in Windsor this year. After creating 3,000 jobs in 2015, the economy is projected to generate an additional 1,400 jobs per year over 20016 and 2017. Continued growth in St. CatharinesNiagara's services sector should help the city's economy expand by 2.2 per cent this year. In particular, a weaker Canadian dollar plus the recently renovated Ripley's Believe It or Not should result in a higher number of tourists visiting the Niagara region, providing a lift to the region's key tourism industry. At the same time, the local manufacturing sector is on track to rebound this year. After contracting by an annual average rate of 1 per cent between 2013 and 2015, manufacturing output should bounce back with a 2.1 per cent gain in 2016, thanks in part to a $13-million investment from General Motors. Despite this good news, employment is poised to fall this year, but job creation should resume in 2017. Real GDP growth in Kingston is forecast to advance by 2.1 per cent this year. After five years of stagnant growth, the city's manufacturing sector is set to increase by 1.9 per cent in 2016, thanks to the lower Canadian dollar and moderate U.S. demand, which have resulted in higher exports. Growth is expected to be particularly strong in Kingston's construction sector, as strong non-residential investment activity boosts overall output by 3.4 per cent this year. In fact, numerous projects are set to begin this year, including the Limestone School District's $36-million high school, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library's $13.8-million renovation of its central branch, and the construction of the Rideau Heights Community Centre. In line with Kingston's positive economic outlook, employment in the region is expected to increase by 1.4 per cent in 2016. Thunder Bay's economy continues to expand modestly. Real GDP is forecast to grow by a modest 0.9 per cent in 2016, following a 1.3 per cent gain in 2015. This year's growth will be powered by a solid advance in manufacturing, with output projected to expand by 3.4 per cent. In particular, a weaker Canadian dollar and a relatively strong U.S. housing market bode well for the city's forest products industry. In addition, Thunder Bay should see growthalbeit very modestin many of its service industries. Unfortunately, the outlook for the region's construction sector remains negative. In fact, construction output is expected to dip another 1.8 per cent in 2016, its fourth consecutive annual decline. Although employment is forecast to rise roughly 2 per cent in 2016, this gain will only partly offset declines in each of the past two years. Persistently soft nickel prices continue to weigh on Greater Sudbury, as real GDP is forecast to rise by only 0.6 per cent in 2016. However, this represents a big improvement over the past four years when output fell by a cumulative 2.8 per cent. Still, the city's primary and utilities sector, which includes the mining industry, is poised to contract for a fifth straight year, although the decline in 2016 will be limited to 0.8 per cent. On the bright side, output growth in Sudbury's services sector is set to accelerate from 0.7 per cent last year to 1.2 per cent this year. At the same time, the construction sector is forecast to post a modest gain in 2016, despite further easing in housing starts. The resumption of economic growth will allow employment to grow by 0.8 per cent in 2016, the best showing since 2013. Released today, Metropolitan Outlook: Summer 2016 is The Conference Board of Canada's analysis of 15 Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs). Follow The Conference Board of Canada on Twitter. For those interested in broadcast-quality interviews for your station, network, or online site, The Conference Board of Canada has a studio capable of double-ender interviews (line fees apply), or we can send you pre-taped clips upon request. If you would like to be removed from our distribution list, please e-mail [email protected]. SOURCE Conference Board of Canada For further information: Yvonne Squires, Media Relations, The Conference Board of Canada, Tel.: 613- 526-3090 ext. 221, E-mail: [email protected]; Juline Ranger, Director of Communications, The Conference Board of Canada, Tel.: 613- 526-3090 ext. 431, E-mail: [email protected] OTTAWA, Aug. 12, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Youth Day: "International Youth Day is an opportunity for people around the world to reflect on contributions by youth both past and present to making the world a better place. "The theme of this year's International Youth Day is eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable production and consumption. These global challenges demand fresh thinking and renewed vision. No one is ever too young to be a leader, and seek the answers that could combat climate change, build fairer, more inclusive societies, and change the world. "Canadian youth have innovative ideas and new perspectives on how we should address the opportunities and challenges of our day. That is why we established the Prime Minister's Youth Council to ensure we hear, at the highest level of government, what young people have to say. Youth issues are everyone's issues, and youth should have a voice in decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. "On this day, and every day, I encourage young people to initiate and lead the change we seek and need now. Be the leaders of today. There is no reason to wait until tomorrow. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish all those marking the occasion a happy and inspiring International Youth Day." This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office For further information: PMO Media relations: 613-957-5555 Moscow suggests US rethinks NK threat China and Russia are discussing a proposal to prevent the further escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the Russian ambassador told media, which experts say indicates that the two countries are growing closer in the face of the deployment of a US missile defense system that has altered the fragile geopolitical balance in Northeast Asia. The Russian Embassy in Beijing confirmed the proposal with the Global Times on Thursday, adding that it was mentioned by Russian Ambassador Andrey Denisov in an interview with Russian media. China's foreign ministry has yet to confirm the existence of a joint proposal. No other details have been released, but Denisov told Russian newspaper Izvestia that Russia believes the US and South Korea should at least control the scale of their joint military drills if they cannot cancel the exercises. He said tensions have escalated to a severe level and Russia believes measures should be taken to at least prevent it from further deteriorating, Izvestia reported Thursday. Russia suggested the US, Japan and South Korea re-evaluate the threat level of North Korean military capabilities, which they could be exaggerating, Denisov told Izvestia. "The deployment of the THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) system is driving China and Russia to move closer to each other to counter pressure from the US and the unstable factors on the Korean Peninsula," Wu Enyuan, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. Wu said it is too early to say whether the situation would slide into "a new Cold War," but the THAAD deployment has broken the fragile strategic balance in the geopolitically volatile Northeast Asian region. "It raises the possibility of confrontation to a new level, with the US, South Korea and Japan on one side and China, Russia and North Korea on the other. If anything happens, conflicts are likely to spill beyond the Korean Peninsula," he noted. South Korea declared last month it had agreed to deploy the controversial US missile defense system as a countermeasure against North Korean weapons tests, drawing strong criticism from China and Russia. The THAAD system, when implemented with the AN/TPY-2 long-range radar, is capable of spying on activities in neighboring countries' territory. It also dampens China's strategic nuclear missile deterrence capacity, a key part of China's national security. "China could always increase the number of its nuclear weapons and improve their performance to rebuild the strategic balance between China and the US ruined by the THAAD deployment," Wu Riqiang, an international affairs scholar at the Renmin University of China, wrote to the Global Times on Thursday. "However, through this process, Sino-South Korean relations will be seriously damaged." THAAD in Japan? Meanwhile, the Japanese Defense Ministry is inclined to hasten efforts to deploy a THAAD battery in the wake of North Korea's recent missile launches, Chosun Ilbo quoted NHK as saying. A North Korean Rodong missile fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone on August 3. "We cannot eliminate the possibility of another THAAD deployment in Japan in the future. However, by releasing the news at this time, Japan wishes to kill two birds with one stone - to show its support for the US deployment in South Korea and to test China's and Russia's response to its own purchase of a THAAD battery," Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday. Wu Enyuan said that with THAAD deployments in South Korea and Japan, US moves will be interpreted as an attempt to forge an "Asian NATO." The THAAD deployment has damaged mutual trust between China and South Korea, and China and the US. On Thursday, US Missile Defense Agency director James D. Syring said in South Korea that the THAAD deployment is strictly meant to protect South Korea and will not be used against China. He added that THAAD in the Korean Peninsula will not be part of the US' wider missile defense network, the Korean Herald reported. But analysts said China is unconvinced by the statement alone. China is deeply suspicious that the US' pivot to Asia strategy is aimed at containing it. "The key to resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula rests on the US. If the US is willing to extend an olive branch to North Korea like it did to Iran, tensions would be eased in a week. Neither China nor Russia holds such a huge sway on North Korea," Da said. BATAVIA, N.Y. -- Police in Western New York say two people found dead in a cemetery were struck by lightning. Batavia Police Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett said today two people were found dead in Batavia Cemetery Wednesday afternoon. They're identified as 34-year-old Richard Garlock, of Newstead, and 32-year-old Jenea Macleod,of Corfu. The Erie County Medical Examiner determined both people were struck by lightning, but the cause of death is still pending further testing. The Buffalo News reported that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologists determined that lightning had struck the area between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m. The Daily News in Batavia said that maintenance crews found the bodies about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The last time anyone was killed by lightning in New York was July 7, 2013, when a 26-year-old man in Columbia County was hit while standing under a tree, according to NOAA's storm events database. Treatment based on calorie restriction manipulation might improve the prospects of longer and healthier life in ways that drugs aimed at specific diseases cannot match. Eileen Crimmins, a researcher at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, points to calculations which show that the complete elimination of cardiovascular disease would add only 5.5 years to overall life expectancy in America, and removing deaths from cancer would add just 3.2 years. This is because diseases compete to kill people as they age; if one does not get you the next will. According to Dr Crimmins, increasing life expectancies much beyond 95 would require an approach that held the whole pack at bay, not just one particular predator. Something which slowed ageing down across the board might fit the bill. And if it delays the onset of a range of diseases it might also go some way to reducing the disability that comes with age. An ongoing long-term study at Newcastle University has been looking at the health and ageing of nearly 1,000 subjects now aged 85. At this point they have an average of four to five health problems. None of them is free from disease. Most researchers in the field scoff at talk of escape velocities and immortality. But they take seriously the prospect of healthier 85 year olds and lifespans lengthened by a decade or so. Reducing the function of mTOR extends life in yeast, worms and flies. In 2009, work in a number of laboratories showed that rapamycin can extend the lifespan of middle-aged mice by 14%. Alexander Zhavoronkov, the boss of Insilico Medicine, a longevity firm, says he is testing rapamycin on himself (self experimentation does not seem uncommon in the field). But he warns it is necessary to have a significant knowledge of biomedicine to do so safely. The drug has serious side effects; rodents treated with it suffer from insulin resistance and it suppresses the immune system. Joao Passos, also at Newcastle University, says cells from which mitochondria are removed start to look more like young cells and stop secreting cytokines. Other work has shown that killing off mitochondria can mimic some of the effects of drugs that activate mitochondrial renewalsuch as rapamycin. Faster turnover of mitochondria seems to improve their functioning. Craig Venter, a pioneer in gene sequencing. In 2013 he founded Human Longevity Inc (HLI), based in San Diego. Like Insilico, HLI wants to sift through genomic data; but it does so on a vastly larger scale, generating the genomic data itself and matching them with details of physiology and appearance. Dr Venter hopes this will allow the company to unpick the genetics of longevity and predict how long people will live. Research at HLI has already found that some genetic variations are absent in older people, a finding that implies they might be tied to shorter lifespans. Companies such as Celgene and AstraZeneca that work in drug discovery have made deals to collaborate with HLI. Dr Venter says HLI may eventually move into the drug business itself. For those who cannot wait for drugs, HLI has a high-end wellness service called the Health Nucleus. At prices starting from $25,000 it will give a customer a constellation of cutting-edge tests, including a full sequence of both his genome and a battery of tests for the signs of cancer, Alzheimers and heart disease. Lots of tests means lots of possibilities for false-positive results; but the affluent clients of Health Nucleus may worry less about follow-ups that reveal false alarms than other people do. In 2013 Google (now Alphabet) started a venture called the California Life Company, or Calico, to take a moonshot approach to anti-ageing; the company has said it will invest up to $750m in the venture. Calico is a drug-development company much more willing to talk about its world-leading scientists, such as Cynthia Kenyon, a worm biologist, and the track record of its boss, Arthur Levinson, who used to run Genentech, a biotech giant, than about what it is actually doing. But it has announced a series of collaborations, the most significant of which is a ten-year R and D deal with AbbVie, a pharma company based in Chicago, focused on cancers and degenerative nerve conditions. Another regenerative possibility flows from studies which find signs of rejuvenation in elderly animals exposed to the blood of younger animals. Infusions of young peoples blood plasma are being tried out on some Alzheimers patients in California. A startup called Ambrosia, based in Monterey, recently began trials of such a therapy with healthy participants who pay $8,000 to take part; critics say they are so lacking in controls that they are unlikely to generate any useful information. A new longevity increase could be brought about by specific anti-senescence drugs, some of which may already exist. Some of them want to upgrade worn-out tissues using stem cells (precursors to other sorts of cell). Such bio-renovation is the basis of an unproven, almost vampiric, treatment in vogue in some circles: transfusion into the old of the blood of the young. The business of growing organs from scratch is also proceeding. At the moment, these organoids are small, imperfect and used mainly for drug testing. But that will surely change. Longevity is known to run in families, which suggests that particular varieties of genes prolong life. Some are investigating this, with the thought that modern gene-editing techniques might one day be used to make crucial, life-extending tweaks to the DNA of those who need them. Optimists claim treatments in the pipelines will extend life for many people to todays ceiling of 120 or so. But it may be just the beginning. In the next phase not just average lifespans but maximum lifespans will rise. If a body part wears out, it will be repaired or replaced altogether. DNA will be optimized for long life. Add in anti-ageing drugs, and centenarians will become two a penny. Russia, the United States, China, and India are leading current development and testing of hypersonic cruise missiles. These missiles are intended for launching high-precision non-nuclear strikes against a range of targets and carrying them out in significantly less time than strikes conducted with existing cruise missiles. Russian officials and experts believe that hypersonic weapons deployed by the United States will drastically increase the effectiveness of the global strike concept and give Washington a capability to deliver a disarming non-nuclear strike against Russias Strategic Nuclear Forces. Russias concern stem from their own current and past efforts to develop hypersonic missiles. Russia had a hypersonic glide design study [called Albatross] in 1987. The design was relatively simple: At boost phase, the UR-100N UTTKh (SS-19) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) would launch a so-called hypersonic gliding vehicle (HGV) to an altitude of 80 to 90 kilometers, after which the HGV would make a low-angle turn toward the earths surface and accelerate at a descending trajectory, gliding to intercontinental range at hypersonic speed, or five times the speed of sound. An HGV armed with a nuclear weapon would supposedly make rapid cross-range maneuvers to circumvent ground-based U.S. missile defenses. The Albatross was developed to defeat orbital SDI [Reagan antiballastic missile Star Wars] technology, ironically, the HGV is vulnerable to conventional anti-ballistic missiles weapons such as the Patriot PAC-3 or the THAAD China has conducted six tests of its hypersonic WU-14 missile in a span of just under two years, starting in 2014.5 The WU-14 is a hypersonic gliding vehicle launched by a ballistic missile that, according to reports, may carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. During one test, the aircraft demonstrated a high degree of maneuverability that would enable it to penetrate the enemys missile defenses, which suggests that the Chinese aircraft almost fully replicated the design and flight pattern of the Russian Albatross HGV. Adam Crowl describes the magnitude (telescope visibility) of new planets in our solar system. Currently the Pan-STARRS1 Sky Survey is trying to capture everything that can be seen from Hawaii down to a magnitude of +22. Eventually Pan-STARRS hopes to push down to +24 in magnitude, which *might* capture Planet Nine, if Pan-STARRS sees its part of the sky. Planet Nine averages a distance of 700 AU from the Sun and is about Neptune size. In that case its 13.7 magnitude points dimmer than Neptunes current +8 at about +22. If its near its aphelion (furthermost position from the Sun) at a distance of ~1,200 AU, then itd be ~40^4 times dimmer than Neptune, with a magnitude of +24. At its closest approach to the Sun (about 270 AU) then itd be 9^4 times dimmer at magnitude 17.5. Every doubling in distance, the light intensity decreases by 2^2 = 4 fold. Astronomical Visual Magnitude is a strange scale it goes up by 5 for every 100-fold *decrease* in observed brightness. Large Synoptic Survey Telescope could reach +28 magnitude or 60 times less bright objects In 2022, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) should begin operating. It is a wide-field survey reflecting telescope with an 8.4-meter primary mirror, currently under construction, that will photograph the entire available sky every few nights. The telescope uses a novel 3-mirror design which delivers sharp images over a very wide 3.5-degree diameter field of view, feeding a 3.2 gigapixel CCD imaging camera, the largest digital camera ever constructed. From its mountaintop site in Chile, the LSST will image the entire visible sky every few nights, thus capturing changes and opening up the time-domain window over an unprecedented range of timescales for tens of billions of faint objects. Each sky patch will be visited 1000 times during the survey with a pair of exposures per visit. The LSST data will enable qualitatively new science. Tens of billions of objects in our universe will be seen for the first time and monitored over time. Thirty trillion photometric measurements will be made. The speed with which you can survey an area of sky for objects of a given faintness is proportional to throughput (collecting area times field of view in meters squared degrees squared). The LSST enables totally new windows on the universe because it has such a high throughput, or etendue. The etendue of LSST is 320 square meters square degrees. A primary mirror diameter of 8.4 m (effective aperture 6.7 m due to obscuration) is the minimum diameter that simultaneously satisfies the depth (24.5 mag depth per single visit and 27.5 mag for coadded depth) and cadence (revisit time of 3-4 days, with 30 seconds per visit) constraints. Above a throughput or etendue of 200-300 square meters square degrees, many different surveys can be done using the same wide-fast-deep survey dataa large multiplex advantage. Some of the science can be done on a smaller telescope in a longer time, but consider the numbers: The speed with which you can survey an area of sky for objects of a given faintness is proportional to throughput (collecting area times field of view in meters squared degrees squared). The LSST enables totally new windows on the universe because it has such a high throughput, or etendue. The etendue of LSST is 320 square meters square degrees. A primary mirror diameter of 8.4 m (effective aperture 6.7 m due to the tertiary mirror area in the middle of the primary-tertiary mirror, and some obscuration) is the minimum diameter that simultaneously satisfies the depth (24.5 mag depth per single visit and 27.5 mag for coadded depth) and cadence (revisit time of 3-4 days, with 30 seconds per visit) constraints. Above a throughput or etendue of 200-300 square meters square degrees, many different surveys can be done using the same wide-fast-deep survey dataa large multiplex advantage. LSST will repeatedly scan the sky south of +10 deg Dec. accumulating ~1000 pairs of 15 second exposures through ugrizy filters, yielding a dataset that simultaneously satisfies the majority of the science goals. This concept, the so-called universal cadence, will yield the main 18,000 square degree deep-wide-fast survey (typical single visit depth of r ~24.5) and use about 90% of the observing time. The remaining 10% of the time will be used to obtain improved coverage of parameter space such as ultra deep frequent observations, observations with very short revisit times (~1 minute), and observations of special regions such as the Ecliptic, Galactic plane, and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. For example, fifty selected 10 square degree deep drilling fields could be covered with 40 hour-long sequences of 200 exposures each. Each exposure in a sequence would have an equivalent 5-sigma depth of r~24, and each filter subsequence when coadded would be 2 magnitudes deeper than the main survey visits (r~26.5). When all 40 sequences and the main survey visits are coadded, they would extend the depth to r~28 AB mag. The European Extremely Large Telescope has secured 90% of its 1 billion euro in funding and construction started in 2014. This is a 39 meter telescope and first light would be 2024 A 40-meter-class mirror will allow the study of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. The telescopes segmented mirror will be 39.3 meters in diameter and will gather 15 times more light than the largest optical telescopes operating at the time of its development. The telescope has an innovative five-mirror design that includes advanced adaptive optics to correct for the turbulent atmosphere, giving exceptional image quality The 24 meter Giant Magellan Telescope should also be operating around 2022-2025. The GMT will have absolute magnitude capability of 29. Targets for direct imaging exoplanets fall into a few distinct classes: Planets still embedded in their parent disks (age = 1 10Myr, at 30 150pc). Young (0.1 1Gyr), nearby (3 50pc) gas-giant planets, which are intrinsically bright in the near-infrared due to their on-going gravitational contraction and, Older (> 1Gyr) planets detectable via their thermal infrared emission or reflected light. The GMT will provide high contrast, high resolution imaging capabilities in the near and mid-infrared enabling the detection of exoplanets in each of these categories. One of the technical goals of the GMT is to detect objects more than one million times fainter than the host star at angular separations corresponding to 1.5 /D to 20 /D The five-minutes video juxtaposes images of Syrian refugees, Chinese soldiers, and Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-Wen. A video warning people to watch out for "color revolutions" went viral online on August 1, China's Army Day. The video, which was posted by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) on its official Sina Weibo account, says the country is facing a threat from a US-led color revolution. Color revolutions are characterized by their use of civil resistance to protest regimes seen as corrupt or authoritarian, usually with the goal of greater democracy. The name comes from the fact that they often use a color or a flower as their symbol. The five-minute video, which groups together many groups the government sees as subversive, argues that human rights lawyers and forces supporting "Tibetan independence" and "Hong Kong independence" - represented by Hong Kong pan-democracy activist Joshua Wong - are using China's internal and external problems such as the Diaoyu Islands disputes and the South China Sea arbitration to jeopardize social stability. The video claims the US is behind all of these problems, claiming that the country is attempting to overthrow the Chinese government. The video was viewed over 10 million times within 24 hours while the hashtag "warn color revolutions"on Sina Weibo has been viewed nearly 300 million times. Video push Lei Xiying, one of the people behind the video, who is currently pursuing a PhD at Australian National University, told the Global Times that he hopes the video will reach lots of people. He claimed that he was surprised that the video was viewed so many times and said that "the reason why it won great popularity among the public may be related to the sentencing of lawyers from the Fengrui Law Firm." Zhou Shifeng, chief lawyer at Beijing-based Fengrui Law Firm, was convicted of "subverting State power" and sentenced to seven years in prison on August 4 by the Second Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin, the Xinhua News Agency reported. On Wednesday, Hu Shigen, the leader of an underground church, was also sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of the same crime at the Tianjin court. Zhai Yanmin, described as an "illegal protest organizer" and an "unemployed Beijing resident" by the court, was handed a three-year sentence with a four-year reprieve for the same crime as Zhou and Hu on August 2. The CYLC posted several videos online at the end of the trial. On the day of the trial, the CYLC posted a video on its Weibo account which attacked foreign journalists that went to Tianjin to cover the case as unprofessional and accused US diplomats on the scene of organizing protests outside the court. Also on August 4, Sichuan-based rap group CD Rev posted a video on Weibo warning of color revolutions. The group's work, which has attacked the US, has in past been promoted and supported by the CYLC, according to news portal sixthtone.com Warning from the headlines Lei blames the turmoil which some Middle Eastern states have faced in recent years on the pro-democracy movements in those countries and claims China could face a similar fate. "We gave an interpretation about color revolutions from the perspectives of the youngsters and are trying to present color revolutions to them with diverse methods," Lei said. Alongside the video, which juxtaposes images of Syrian refugees, Chinese soldiers, and Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-Wen, also lists countries that have faced turmoil on account of "US meddling" such as Iraq and Syria. "To those people who are plotting a color revolution: If you want to turn China into a place like this, you will have to do it over my dead body," read the video's subtitles. The Chinese military have also promoted the video. Lei told the Global Times he believes that a strong military can serve as a guard against color revolutions caused by outside influences. "If the army is powerful enough, pressure from outside will naturally be reduced. Therefore, releasing the video on Army Day is right," Lei said. "This video is a reflection of Chinese youngsters' stance," Jin Canrong, deputy director of the Center of American Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times previously. "In recent years, alongside the booming of the new media industry, voices that spread Western values and attack the Chinese government and political system have been frequently seen on many new media platforms, especially those that are controlled by capital," Jin argued. He has signed a deal with Epic Records, Sony Music West Africa and Sony Music South Africa. The three music houses will push his album to ensure a global experience.Jidenna will tour Africa continent for a series of exclusive performances, album release parties and the filming of a BBC documentary, which will chronicle his homecoming journey to Nigeria.Speaking on the album, Jidenna says Jidenna kicks off his trip to Africa in late August.Starting with Nigeria, Jidenna will host an exclusive album launch event in conjunction with TRACE TV, featuring a live performance at Hard Rock Cafe in Lagos; interviews with Nigerias leading radio stations and lifestyle publications; and Jidenna will begin filming an exclusive documentary, produced by BBC International and True Africa, about his journey back to his childhood home in Enugu.Then, Jidenna will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for a promotional tour which will include interviews with leading radio stations and lifestyle publications; as well as an album launch party and a special showcase in conjunction with TRACE TV. An Abuja High Court on Friday, struck out the application of Mathew Iduoriyekemwen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, urging the court ... An Abuja High Court on Friday, struck out the application of Mathew Iduoriyekemwen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, urging the court to dismiss the suit filed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who sued the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to explain whether the commission could substitute his name for another if he was not dead or tender a formal withdrawal to contest.Ize-Iyamu won the governorship primaries of the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Iduoriyekemwen won under Ali Modu Sheriff-led PDP.Ize-Iyamu was declared as the Governorship candidate of the PDP in the September 11 gubernatorial election in Edo State.At the resumed hearing Iduoriyekemwens counsel, Mr Ajibola Oluyede, told the court that he had filed an application for joinder and a preliminary objection urging it to dismiss the plaintiffs suit.Oluyede, however, withdrew the preliminary application seeking to dismiss the suit and his application was not opposed. Ize-Iyamus counsel, Mr Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the application seeking that his clients suit for being incompetent and a waste of time to the court.Orbih told the court that there was no reason why INEC shouldnt have filed its processes.Earlier, INECs counsel, Hassan Umar, said that under the law the matter could not be heard in this court.Umar told the court that INEC was waiting for the response to the Aug. 10 application filed by Ize-Iyamu, seeking to join PDP in the suit.But, Mr Godswill Mrakpor, Counsel to PDP, told the court that in view of the urgency of the matter his application was ripe for hearing.Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, struck out Iduoriyekemwens preliminary objection, which asked the court to dismiss Ize-Iyamus suit.Adeniyi said that based on the agreement of all the counsel in the suit the matter was adjourned till Aug. 16. He ordered that all parties to still maintain status quo pending the determination of the motion for interlocutory injunctions. The judge ordered INEC to file it submission properly. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has listed former Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, ... The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has listed former Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, and 117 others as perpetrators of electoral fraud in the 2007 and 2011 general elections to face prosecution.The indicted persons are said to have committed various forms of malpractices and violence during the 2007/2011 general elections in Nigeria.Amongst those indicted by the report are- the former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan,- former governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor,- former Acting Governor of Kogi State, Clarence Obafemi- former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu- Senator Ayo Arise.Others are the Independent National Electoral Commission and its officials in- Anambra,- Ebonyi,- Delta,- Kastina,- Kogi- Rivers States,- the Appeal Court,- Election Petition Tribunals- political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- the All Nigerian People Party (ANPP).The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Ben Angwe said those indicted will be further investigated and charged to the appropriate courts of the land.The report noted that violence has become part and parcel of elections in Nigeria, noting that cases of ballot box snatching, kidnapping and even murder have been reported during various elections conducted in Nigeria.Prof. Angwe further noted that it will no longer be business as usual as anyone found wanting will be charged to the appropriate court.Speaking on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a National Commissioner in the Organization, Mr Adedeji Shoyebi, said violence has contributed to the recent inconclusiveness of elections across the country and advocated for an electoral offences court as a solution to the menace. The Ekiti State Government has awarded N59m worth of contracts for the making of 1,250 desks and chairs for primary schools in state unde... The Ekiti State Government has awarded N59m worth of contracts for the making of 1,250 desks and chairs for primary schools in state under the Millennium Development Goals to carpenters and welders.The Chairman, MDGs Implementation in the state, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, said awarding the contract to local artisans was in fulfilment of Governor Ayodele Fayoses promise to patronise local contractors.He said the desks and chairs would be distributed to select public primary schools in Ikole, Ado, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ise-Orun local government areas to boost basic education in the state and enhance better learning experience.He said the contract was awarded to Ibijummy Investment Limited and would be prosecuted to uplift the local content policy of the state government.He said, Ekiti State being one of the participants in this programme, had always adhere strictly to due diligent procurement policy of the state and federal governments in the implementation and award process of MDGs projects and programmes.I, therefore, want you to be rest assured that the procurement arrangements we are working out today between the state government, contractors, furniture and welder associations is being brokered without contravening any procurement law and regulation laid down by the MDGs office in Abuja and Ekiti State.The President, Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Mr. Julius Adu, praised Fayoses government for its local content initiative, noting that the measure would help in promoting Small and Medium Scale enterprises in the state.The government just gave a sum of N10m to our members as loan. We are assuring the government that we wont betray the confidence reposed in our expertise. We have 26 members and we will ensure that all members benefit under the local content promotion initiative of this government.Though, the furniture contract will only benefit the furniture makers and welders, we are to distribute whatever we are given across the 16 local governments to prevent rancour among us. The disputed National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff, vowed on Friday that he will not sacrifice his ... The disputed National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu Sheriff, vowed on Friday that he will not sacrifice his integrity, political interest and followers on the altar of reconciliation with the Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee.He also blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan for causing the party to lose the last elections in Yobe and Borno States to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The former Borno State governor insisted on the postponement of Wednesdays national convention slated for Port Harcourt and the removal of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as chairman of the convention committee.However, the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, told The Nation that the BoT was still awaiting the report of the reconciliation committee.The committee members have been working day and night and they have met with the various stakeholders, including Ali Modu Sheriff. I cannot say much on this matter until I receive the committees report, Jibrin said on phone.Sheriff confirmed meeting with the Prof. Jerry Gana-led reconciliation committee but said their talks are still ongoing.He was adamant on the postponement of the convention and the removal of Wike as chairman of the committee.Besides, he asked for a definite role for himself in the planning of the convention at an appropriate time. Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, as a prophet who foretold the c... Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, as a prophet who foretold the challenges the country is currently going through.Fani-Kayode, a former spokesperson of the Jonathans campaign organisation in the 2015 general election, said the former President predicted that the current Federal Government will allegedly enthrone Hausa Fulani supremacy in the country, a situation, he said was evident today.Analysing the prophecies on his Facebook page, the Minister wrote: Can you remember these two PROPHECIES? Are they manifesting OR not?1. They campaign vigorously for elections, you would think, they are coming to grow the economy, enthrone justice, breed unity and tolerance, love for one another.No, they are coming to enthrone Hausa Fulani supremacy, to reposition the security agencies by sacking all competent hands and replace them with their kinsmen in order to drive their ethnic domination of the Biafrans, the Fulani herdsmen will be armed and encouraged to slaughter us with impunity and their masters will protect them.They are coming to ensure that my people are enslaved forever. Those who do not believe me will soon see it happen before their very own eyes-Nnamdi Kanu 6th Feb. 2014 on Radio Biafra2. The choice before Nigerians in the coming elections is simple:A choice between going forward or going backwards, between the old ways and the new ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms and desperate power-seekers with empty promises. The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, on Friday blamed state governors inability to pay salaries as the cause of increasing crime r... The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, on Friday blamed state governors inability to pay salaries as the cause of increasing crime rate in the country.Abubakar, who expressed concern over the poor living condition of Nigerians, urged individuals saddled with the task of catering for the needs of the people to find a lasting solution to the problem.The Sultan spoke during a courtesy visit to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in Benin City, ahead of the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.The monarch said he is delighted with the recent increase in minimum wage and payment of salaries by Oshiomhole.That is one of the things causing criminal activities. Workers are not paid and they cannot go to the market because there is no money to do that. There is hunger in the land.When people are hungry we know the consequence. As we all know, a hungry man is an angry man. We know the problems in the country. So as leaders, let us put our heads together and see how we can resolve them. People attend a rally to protest against deploying the U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in front of the defense ministry in Seoul, South Korea, July 13, 2016. South Korea's defense ministry on Wednesday announced an agreement with the United States to deploy the U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), to its southeastern region despite continued opposition from neighboring countries. [Photo: Xinhua/Wang Jiahui] South Korea's main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, the MPK, has defended a trip to Beijing by some of its members, saying the visit has helped bilateral diplomatic relations. It comes after a group of MPK lawmakers visited Beijing earlier this week to discuss the controversial deployment by South Korea and America of the THAAD - Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system on the Korean Peninsula. In response, South Korean President Park Geun-hye criticized the visit for deepening internal divide in the country. She called the ruling and opposition parties to unite as one and to place their trust in the government. The THAAD deployment decision has strained relations between South Korea and its neighbors China and Russia. But Park's ruling Saenuri Party claims the THAAD deployment is an issue of national security and doesn't need parliamentary approval. South Korea has seen a number of protests recently against the THAAD deployment, particularly by those living in Seongju county, where the first battery of the system is to be installed next year. Prominent Nigerians and lawyers have faulted the claims by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara that he could not be inv... Prominent Nigerians and lawyers have faulted the claims by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara that he could not be investigated or interrogated over alleged padding of the 2016 budget.Reacting to Dogaras claim, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, said the Speaker was wrong for saying no one can question him.He maintained that nobody was exempted from prosecution or interrogation.His words, There is no such thing. There is no such legal status in the country. Any other person apart from the President, Vice President, governor and deputy governor can be investigated and prosecuted.Apart from those two groups, there is no other person in this country, who enjoys any form of immunity against investigation, prosecution and interrogation. So, what he is saying is wrong.On his part, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Ngige noted that, If truly he said that, it is wrong because the Police can investigate anyone. That is consistent with what I said on Fayoses case that he can be investigated but not prosecuted because of immunity.The Speaker does not have immunity like Fayose but he can be investigated by the Police but not indicted on the pages of the newspaper.Even Buhari who is protected by immunity can be investigated by the Police but not prosecuted. The Police can do that by following due process. They can write to the Clerk of the House, who is the administrative head of the House, if they want to do that.Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said the alleged budget scam had been turned to a family affair.You should be able to put two and two together. The confidence that he cannot be interrogated stems from the fact that the Presidency has said that there was no padded budget.So, it is clear that this is a family affair. There are probably some political calculations about this. Some people must have reasoned that if this reaches a logical conclusion and Dogara steps down, it will alter power rotations in the chambers.The party came in first to wade into the matter, second, the Presidency said it was not aware of any padded budget. So, what are we waiting for? The matter is over. MERCHANTVILLE -- A lawsuit alleging the on-duty Merchantville police chief punched a man in the face was settled last year for $20,000, according to recently-disclosed documents. The suit alleges that police Chief Wayne Bauer entered his nephew's car in the Taco Bell parking lot in Pennsauken Nov. 19, 2012 and after arguing with him, punched him twice in the nose. This information comes from documents Merchantville borough Clerk Denise Brouse provided last month in response to an Open Public Records Act request from transparency advocate John Paff. Paff, the chairman of the New Jersey Libertarian Party's Open Government Advocacy Project, posted the documents on his NJ Civil Settlements blog. They include an April 8, 2015 letter from Bauer's attorney to borough officials stating that the suit was settled for $20,000. The documents did not specify who was on the hook for the settlement, but Brouse told Paff that neither the borough or the borough's insurance company paid it. Bauer's nephew, Joseph DiNoto, of Maple Shade, filed the suit in November 2014 against Bauer, the Merchantville Police Department and the borough. He was seeking costs incurred and damages and arguing that he suffered disfigurement, pain and mental anguish. Based on the Pennsauken police report and the lawsuit made public by Paff, DiNoto alleges that he was bringing his cousin to the Taco Bell on Route 73 for lunch when she started arguing on the phone with her father, Bauer. They were parked in the parking lot when Bauer appeared and pulled his daughter from the car, DiNoto said. Eventually Bauer got into the passenger seat of the car and argued with his nephew before striking him twice in the face, DiNoto told police and alleged in the suit. According to the police report by responding officer Ricardo Figueroa, DiNoto's nose was cleaned up by EMTs and had a small laceration on it. He went to Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center for further treatment, Figueroa noted. When asked what he and his uncle had been arguing about, DiNoto said he was "not sure but believed it had something to do with street drugs," Figueroa wrote in the report. Ten minutes later, Bauer went to the Pennsauken Police Department to report that a man had grabbed his arm and taken a swing at him in the Taco Bell parking lot. The suit alleges that Bauer was on duty, in uniform and driving an unmarked police car at the time of the incident. One witness said he was in a blue uniform. Figueroa noted that he advised DiNoto's mother, who was at the scene, of the process for filing a simple assault complaint in municipal court, but the lawsuit does not mention whether any complaint was filed by DiNoto. Staff at the Merchantville police station said Bauer was on vacation and not available to comment Thursday. He is a resident of Maple Shade. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. -- "We had prowlers. They just shot me." Critically wounded after being struck by three bullets, Gerald Sykes told a Cumberland County 911 dispatcher to send help. "Hurry," he says, his breathing sounding labored. The call was placed by Sykes from his bedroom just before midnight July 29. The recording of the call -- with several portions redacted -- was obtained from Cumberland County by NJ Advance Media. Sykes, 76, and his wife, Margo, 80, were asleep at the Centerton Road home when state police were mistakenly directed to the house to investigate a 911 hangup call. Authorities say two troopers knocked at the front door, received no answer and then went around to the back of the house, knocking on a glass door that leads from the living room to a large outdoor deck, shining flashlights inside the house and announcing who they were and why they were there. There was then an exchange of gunfire, according to an account from the state Attorney General's Office which is investigating the case. Four shots were fired by one trooper and Sykes fired off one shotgun blast. Sykes, was hit three times. One trooper suffered graze wounds from either flying glass or pellets from Sykes' shotgun. "Where are the people that shot you?" the county dispatcher asks Sykes. "I don't know. I shot back at them." "You shot back at them?" "Yes," Sykes answers. Sykes asks the 911 dispatcher for help to "hurry." "OK, we have an ambulance on the way there," the county 911 dispatcher tells Sykes. Asked by 911 " ... where's the weapon at right now?" "Right beside me," Sykes responds. The county dispatcher then tells Sykes that he is going to call the state police dispatcher to update them on the situation. State police tells the county: " ... troopers are out there right now." The state police dispatcher questions Sykes where his weapon, which he says is a shotgun, is located and where his wife is. Sykes recounted his story again. "I walked out in the other room and they were standing out there and all of a sudden they just shot three times through the glass door ..." "Who did?" the state police dispatcher asked. "The guys out on the porch," Sykes yells. Sykes would not learn until the next day that the "prowlers" he shot at were actually two New Jersey State Police troopers. During the recording released by the county, Sykes is also heard telling his wife several times to unlock doors so help can get in. Sykes' family has claimed there was a long period between Sykes' call to 911 and when he finally received help and was flown to Cooper University Hospital, Camden. Sykes, released on Monday from Cooper, continues rehabilitation, according to his attorney and longtime friend Rich Kaser. Kaser said "numerous entities" would likely face civil action in the case. The family had a forensic expert visit the home last week to collect evidence. Some are speculating the large cell phone tower on Sykes' property could have played a role in the 911 hangup call being traced to their home. The Attorney General's Office has declined to offer any additional comment in the past on the incident other than what was issued July 30 in its preliminary report. There is no timeline on when a final report will be issued. Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Who knew Bon Jovi was so anti-real estate? "This House Is Not For Sale," the chest-thumping lead single off the Jersey rock vets' upcoming, eponymous LP, was released Friday, via Island Records. The jam certainly appeals to nostalgic, heartland-rock fans, with a prominent guitar riff and anthemic "coming home" chorus. Frankly, it's not so different from a track Springsteen might release, and you can already hear it blaring from arena speakers when the band inevitably sets out on its next U.S. tour, in support of the new LP. The tune was released with a music video, directed by video artist Indrani, and features Jon Bon Jovi riding in an old Chevy through a working class neighborhood, and rocking with David Bryan, Tico Torres (and not Richie Sambora) inside an old home covered in tree roots. The album "This House Is Not For Sale" will be released Oct. 21. The record marks Bon Jovi's return to Island, after a long relationship with Mercury Records that ended contentiously in 2015 with the release of the aptly titled "fan record" "Burning Bridges." Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The teenage driver in a Connecticut crash that killed a Bayonne motorcyclist last year was sentenced Monday to pay $180 in fines for two motor vehicle violations, according to a court official. On May 17, 2015, Kathryn Hausherr, 17, was driving a SUV south on a highway east of New Haven, Connecticut when she collided head-on with motorcyclist Karen S. Minutella, 47, of Bayonne, authorities said. Following a lengthy crash investigation, Hausherr turned herself in to authorities on March 17 on an arrest warrant for negligent homicide, assault, failure to drive in a proper lane, operating an unregistered vehicle and violation of passenger restrictions, News 8 reported. The charges were later downgraded, and the Killingworth, Connecticut teen pleaded no contest to failure to drive in a proper lane and violation of passenger restrictions, according to Administrative Clerk Justin Carey with the Superior Court Clerk's Office for Connecticut's Geographical Area Nine. Hausherr had two 16-year-olds in her 2008 Honda Pilot at the time of the crash, which violates passenger restrictions for 16- and 17-year-old drivers in Connecticut, News 8 reported. Police told the news channel that no one in the SUV was injured in the incident. Carey said the teen was sentenced to pay $90 in fines for each of her violations in Superior Court in Middletown, Connecticut on Monday. No other conditions were specified as part of her sentencing, he said. Asked if The Jersey Journal could speak to the prosecutor in the case, the Connecticut attorney's office for G.A. Nine said prosecutors do not speak to the press as a general policy. John "Kenny" Healey, the fiance of the Bayonne woman killed in the crash, was riding with her along with a group of motorcyclists that fateful day. He was also ejected from his motorcycle but survived his life-threatening injuries. At Monday's sentencing, he told Hausherr that he has forgiven her and later posted the statement he made on Facebook. "I am not only a victim but I am also a father. Forgiving you is one of the many steps in my journey to healing," he said, before going on to describe the physical and emotional devastation of the crash. Healey said simple activities like walking or playing with his children have become more difficult and that he has had to undergo dialysis treatments three times a week for his failing kidneys. The part of him that will never heal is his heart, he said. "Karen Minutella was not only my fiancee, she was first and foremost a mother and grandmother. We were planning on getting married in June 2015 and now that moment will cease to exist," Healey said. Minutella is survived by two daughters, a son and two grandchildren, her friend Tiffany Pawlowski of the Bayonne Elks Lodge 434 told The Jersey Journal in the tragedy's aftermath. Hausherr couldn't immediately be reached for comment today for this report. This is my victim impact statement: Good morning your honor. Let me start by saying I forgive you Kathryn. Many... Posted by Kenny Healey on Monday, August 8, 2016 Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- Circuses may soon no longer be welcome in Jersey City, with the City Council next week expected to take action on a bill that would ban performances of wild and exotic animals. If formally adopted, Jersey City would become one of a host of public entities nationwide that have passed laws aimed at circuses. Bergen County now forbids wild and exotic animal shows on county property. Rhode Island last month became the first state in the nation to ban the use of a tool used by circuses to train elephants. The proposed law appears to be the first in New Jersey that would restrict the use of wild and exotic animals on private property. Mayor Steve Fulop made his thoughts known in April when he took The Jersey Journal to task for promoting a circus that was visiting Bayonne. I hate these circuses+ they shouldn't be accepted in Hudson County at all. A record of abuse+ ppl shouldn't attend https://t.co/Oi1W6aI02S Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) April 1, 2016 City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said the circus visiting Bayonne prompted the new legislation to "prohibit cruel treatment of animals. "We are following Bergen County and in order to expand forward, the first and important step is setting an example in our home city," Morrill said. The law would not be limited to circuses: it would ban trade shows, petting zoos, carnivals, parades and more in which animals are required to perform tricks, fight or give rides. Stephen Payne, spokesman for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's circus, described the bill as "political grandstanding" on Fulop's part. Payne said he's not aware of any circuses visiting Jersey City. If they did, he said, they would be subject to current state and federal laws protecting animals. When Ringling Brothers travels to Newark, Payne added, they get frequent surprise inspections from officials to see how the animals are being treated. "We're proud of our animal care," he said. The Humane Society of the United States is on Fulop's side here. Debbie Leahy, manager of captive wildlife protection for the animal rights group, said there are two chief problems with the use of animals in circuses. Circuses lead to prolonged confinement for animals with little veterinary care and there is often abusive training behind the scenes, according to Leahy. "Animals don't want to do these tricks," she said. "They are afraid not to." The Humane Society credits anti-circus bills around the country with convincing Ringling Brothers in 2015 to announce it would phase out all elephant acts by 2018. The council meets on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 280 Grove St. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. Mark McCoy 2015.jpg Mark McCoy has recently been named Senior Vice President, Market and Business Manager for Lakeland Bank. A local resident of Bayonne, Mark McCoy, has been promoted to senior vice president for Lakeland Bank, according to a press release. This new position is part of an expansion of the bank's small business lending division to meet increasing demands, which has experienced solid continuous growth over the last five years, according to the release. Lakeland Bank has 53 branches across northern New Jersey and continues to expand, offering an extensive suite of financial products and services for businesses and consumers. McCoy's new dual position, senior vice president/market and business banking manager -- along with the other newly formed positions -- will provide a refined geographic focus to allow for individualized attention and a primary resource to the Bank's branch network. McCoy joined the bank in 2010 as a vice president and business development officer based in Montville. He then transitioned to the Oak Ridge branch in 2011 as vice president of small business loans for the small business lending division. McCoy earned an MBA in finance from Seton Hall University and holds a master of arts in diplomacy and international relations with a specialization in Latin America and the Caribbean. He also earned his BS in business administration from Rider University. Several other new vice presidency positions were created along with McCoy's. Mark Bahnuk of Hackettstown was named vice president/business banking officer in small business sales and will be responsible for Somerset and Union counties, along with sections of Morris and Sussex counties; Daniel Leary of Sparta was promoted to the same position and will oversee Essex County, as well as parts of Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties; and Karim Waheeb of Rochelle Park was also promoted to the same position and will oversee the Bergen County area along with parts of Passaic county. Net users are far from satisfied with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) autoreply-like apology for its swimming commentator's abusive remarks about a 14-year-old Chinese Olympic swimmer on Thursday. Both Chinese and Canadian Net users were enraged at CBC commentator Byron MacDonald for saying that Ai Yanhan, a Chinese athlete in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay in Rio, "died like a pig." "That little 14 year old girl from China dropped the ball, baby," MacDonald said. He continued with his mean-spirited sarcasm against the swimmer, saying she was "too excited, went out like stink and died like a pig " CBC apologized to Twitter users soon after. "We apologize the comment on a swim performance made it to air. It was an unfortunate choice of words - we're sorry it happened." "Ur apology makes me sick," wrote a Canadian Twitter user, one of hundreds who protested against a lack of sincerity in the CBC's response. "#Byron MacDonald# should be dismissed and @CBC Olympics stop use ctrl C + ctrl V, we need a real apology," wrote a Chinese Twitter user, calling MacDonald's comments "racist and insulting." Nearly 200 similar comments had been posted on the CBC's official Facebook page as of press time. Many demanded that CBC make a formal, sincere apology and said MacDonald should pay for his terrible "choice of words." After the footage went viral online, over 2,300 social media users on China's Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like platform, also demanded that MacDonald be dismissed immediately, even if he personally offers an apology. The US claimed the gold medal in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay on Thursday ahead of Australia and Canada, who won silver and bronze, respectively. The Chinese team took fourth. CANBERRA, Aug. 12 -- The Australian government agency in charge of the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight 370 has reportedly secretly retracted a published theory that the plane slammed into the sea after a "death dive." Earlier this week, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was unlikely the plane's captain glided the plane into the sea, and instead said engine failure due to lack of fuel had sparked a sudden "death dive" into the southern Indian Ocean. ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood told The Australian newspaper that his agency had come to a consensus with a number of other agencies about the theory, including aircraft manufacturer Boeing, the U.S. National Transport Safety Board and the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation. At the time, he said analysis of satellite data by Defence Department scientists concluded the plane made a sudden and rapid descent at more than 10 times the usual descent rate. But on Friday, independent investigators noticed the ATSB had withdrawn the claim from its website without explanation. Richard Godfrey from an independent group of MH370 expert observers told News Corp that he noticed the "consensus" claim had been deleted after it was picked up by computer tracker. Godfrey said the deletion of the consensus theory could mean that not all experts on the strategy group agree with the "death dive" consensus. "Another possibility is that it was assumed there was a consensus, but then some party complained and the published report had to be changed," he said. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared on March 8, 2014. (Source from Sun Herald) The Australian newspaper Sun Herald published a comic on Aug. 11 with the headline: "Who would want to attack Australias census anyway?" In the comic, Chinese Olympic swimmer Sun Yang is depicted as a hacker, hacking his way onto the census website. Wearing Chinas national swimming cap and swim trucks, a thought bubble shows Sun thinking, "Revenge is mine!" as he types on the keyboard. In the bottom right corner of the comic is the sentence, "The ABS [Australian Bureau of Statistics] should win a (fool's) gold medal for this!" The story behind the comic is this: on Aug. 9, when people across Australia logged onto the census website to fill in their personal information, the webpage showed that the system was busy. Later, it broke down entirely. The Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) explained that the website had been attacked by overseas hackers, insinuating that the perpetrators were Chinese and that they were taking revenge for Horton's "drug cheat" allegations against Sun. Not long after, the Australian government gave an official press conference to address the rumors, promising that the hackers had not gained access to citizens' personal information. (Source from Sydney Today) The same day the comic was published, there was limited access to the official website of Swimming Australia. Australian media was quick to link the incident to the ongoing feud between Sun and Australian swimmer Mack Horton. The website is already back up and running. ABS has apologized to the public for the inconvenience. Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos kicked off his five-day visit to Hong Kong on Aug. 8. He was sent to Hong Kong as special envoy of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Though Ramos said very clearly that his job during this visit is not to negotiate, his trip comes at a very sensitive moment; many people are speculating over whether this trip will renew China-Philippines ties. Mutual trust between China and the Philippines has weakened since the latter unilaterally filed for arbitration over the South China Sea issue. But since Duterte took office at the end of June, he has said on several occasions that he hopes to resume talks and forge improved bilateral relations. As president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998 and the former chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, 88-year-old Ramos still maintains frequent contact with China. Throughout his terms, he always managed to control frictions with China over the South China Sea. China welcomes the special envoy to restart talks, stating that it has never shut the door on negotiations with the Philippines. Ramos may also gain a better understanding of China's position through this unofficial visit. As a sort of preliminary ice-breaker for both countries, many hope the visit will create better conditions for diplomatic negotiations in the future. China's position on the South China Sea issue will never change. It will never accept any propositions or actions based on the arbitration results. However, the fact remains that the two countries reached a consensus on the South China Sea issue before the one-sided arbitration began. Now it is time for both countries to return to that consensus and solve any further disputes through negotiation and consultation. Bilateral talks between China and the Philippines are only a matter of time, but sooner is better than later. In addition, the two countries must disregard external interference. During the process of the South China Sea arbitration, certain countries with no direct relationship to the issue nevertheless inserted themselves and disrupted stability in the region. These countries meddled because they did not want China and the Philippines to solve the issue through negotiations. After the results of the arbitration were announced, most countries in the region exercised restraint, while unrelated countries continued pointing fingers and creating additional tension. These two approaches present a sharp contrast. China and the Philippines should learn from the Middle East. Western countries incited the military-dominated Arab Spring, which only served to leave some Middle Eastern nations exposed to threats of separatism and terrorism. Similarly, the countries in the South China Sea should be alert to plots from outsider countries who are capable of disrupting regional stability with abstract logic. The biggest victims will be the countries in the region, while the troublemakers will undoubtedly walk away scot-free. In short, China remains open to warmer contact with the Philippines, and welcomes Ramos to visit China as a special envoy. It is willing to take this opportunity to manage disputes in a constructive manner and actively create conditions that foster bilateral relations. China and the Philippines will always be neighbors. As such, both countries should make an effort to meet each other halfway. The two countries should join hands to safeguard regional stability and share the dividends of peaceful development. (The author is a commentator for People's Daily and executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies.) WASHINGTON (AP) The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all. Today Overcast with showers at times. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tonight Overcast with showers at times. Low 68F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tomorrow Thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High around 75F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Today Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Tomorrow Thunderstorms. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 76F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. A Siberian tiger recently entered the village of Huichun, Jilin province and proceeded to kill six cattle, Xinhua News Agency reported. After the attack, another 20 cattle were missing. According to Zhou Yamei, a local villager, people are now afraid to herd their cattle on the nearby hills. Zhou, 62, reported that it was the first time he had ever seen a tiger appear in the village. Another villager, Zhou Changyuan, said that even firecrackers failed to scare the tiger away. Now some villagers are considering moving away from their home, despite the fact that generations of their families have lived in Huichun. Data from Beijing Normal University and authorities in Jilin shows that the province is home to 27 Siberian tigers. Jilin's provincial government issued a plan 10 years ago to compensate the victims of wild animal attacks. By the end of last year, compensation totaling 120 million yuan had been awarded by the local government. Xiao Wanjun, an official with the Forestry Department of Jilin, noted that a national park for tigers is currently in the planning phase. The national park aims to alleviate fears of local residents, Xiao said. Since July 12, the Chinese government has dispatched a number of inspection groups to examine provincial environmental protection work. So far, over 1,300 people and several enterprises across eight provinces have been held accountable for violating environmental protection regulations. A total of 449 people in Henan province were found liable for violations at the end of July. By Aug. 8, Jiangsu province had imposed disciplinary sanctions on 291 people. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region each also held over 100 people accountable. Illegal discharge of pollution by large enterprises is one of the top offenses being inspected. Several cities in Jiangxi province were found to be engaging in such illegal activity. The inspection revealed an electroplating operation in the city of Shangrao that operated only at night, and without any pollutant disposal facilities whatsoever. Inappropriate waste discharge in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was also found to be affecting the region's air quality. According to statistics from Henan province, 53 percent of reported cases concerned industrial pollution, while another 11 percent involved household pollution like garbage, cooking oil fumes and construction dust. Tough penalties have been put in place for guilty parties identified during the inspection process. In addition to stopping the illegal disposal, many companies were also given financial penalties. The fines involved in 616 closed cases in Jiangxi province reached a total of 18.69 million yuan. Another 8.83 million yuan in fines were given out in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region The heads of three factories in Liangyungang, Jiangsu province are being prosecuted for illegal waste discharge and the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Community Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place. KWG Resources president Frank Smeenk makes no apologies to the social media reaction from a spicy company-sponsored promotional video featuring two bikini-wearing women hawking the virtues of the Ring of Fire. I guess Im kind of tickled. KWG Resources president Frank Smeenk makes no apologies to the social media reaction from a spicy company-sponsored promotional video featuring two bikini-wearing women hawking the virtues of the Ring of Fire. I guess Im kind of tickled. It proves the old adage theres no bad news, especially if youre a junior mining company looking for a means of educating the public on the value proposition. Whether viewers were absorbing the 5 Interesting Ring of Fire Facts is matter of ongoing web debate judging by the uproar from critics who view the video, and its use of kitschy sexual innuendo, as an objectification of women The video features two models, Theresa Longo and Ashley Nicole, both former Sunshine Girls, promoting the mineral and economic potential of the Far North deposits while lounging at a lakeside cottage. Longo, an aspiring actress and fashion model, is a KWG shareholder and the companys new strategic marketing consultant and brand ambassador. The video is one of a series of Mining Minute episodes posted on the chromite junior miners website and on YouTube last March, soon after Longo was hired by the company. Earlier episodes feature Smeenk and Longo in an office setting discussing various aspects of the Far North exploration camp and the companys work there. But Episode 23, released Aug. 3, signalled a definite departure from the more buttoned-down tone to one that more mirrors Longos online portfolio of modelling work. The video has created such an online stir that The Sun newspaper in the United Kingdom headlined the strange but saucy promo of the blonde model wiggling her bum while talking about chromite. I guess, philosophically, there are a few people that arent as liberated as most, said Smeenk, a 30-year mining developer, of his critics. Im sorry they feel that way. Im more sorry for some of the rancorous stuff that Theresa has had to read about herself. Christ, this is 2016. Its not as though I wrote the script and specified the wardrobe, far from it. The story was about the Ring of Fire, which we have an interest in, so its really a tangential connection. Its not a view I have of women. Smeenk said the purpose of the company-sponsored Mining Minute was to get their story into social media. Longo was selected to be their branding guru to expose them to a new investor audience. The markets have changed dramatically. The brokerage industry by and large no longer exists, their clients are gone. So the participants in the market for risk capital are hard to find. He describes Longo as being well-educated on the industry based on her years attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual show in Toronto and having done promotional work for another mining company. We hired Theresa at PDAC where we met her two years previous to be the hostess of an event we put on in our office. And that led to the conversation of how do we get to social media and thats when I learned she had 70,000 (Twitter) followers. Smeenk has given her carte blanche to shape the companys web messaging. She said to me you guys build all these expensive websites but nobody reads them anymore. So youre wasting your time and money. She said, everybody in my generation digests (information) in 30, 60, 90-second video clips. I said, what do you think about a Mining Minute? She said, That would be good. I want to know a lot more about what you guys do on Bay Street, in mining, and how it all works. Ill do the research and ask you the questions and Ill find out what people want to know. Thats where its come from. I cant help the fact that shes good-looking. Smeenk said he was somewhat aware of the episodes content prior to posting, but has no misgivings about it. She asked me if I was okay with it and I didnt see any harm in it so I said, Lets put it up and leave it up and see what happens. A lot has happened. I hope its good for her career. I think it probably will be but it has brought attention to our company and the Ring of Fire. Smeenk, who said hes received no requests to remove the video, views it as an opportunity for both parties to benefit. It got so much attention. I thought maybe this is a mechanism where our business can do something for her business. There all kinds of these hard-working, poorly paid young people trying to make a living and a career. Im wondering if we cant find a whole bunch more of them to start getting them educated on other companies, including ours. In mining circles, KWG is no stranger to courting controversy, but of a different manner. The Toronto-based junior miner holds a 30 per cent share in the Big Daddy chromite deposit in the James Bay lowlands and the rich mineral exploration region known as the Ring of Fire. In 2010, KWG took a novel approach to gain access to the remote area by using mining claims to stake a future 340-kilometre rail corridor. But the legality of doing so prompted a series of legal actions involving Cliffs Natural Resources, and indirectly the province, which resulted in an Ontario appeals court deciding KWG no longer had exclusive surface rights to the corridor. Undaunted, the company is now courting Chinese interests - specifically China Railways First Survey and Design Institute to use as conduit toward eventually accessing offshore financing to build the railroad. Adding a bit of sex appeal to their promotional work was having the desired effect. Though KWG stock was hovering in the two-cent range in mid-August, Smeenk said the volume of shares moving was three or four times what we did the previous days. Were no different from any junior company. Were always looking for working capital because we have no income and the regulatory environment we operate in is extremely expensive. Were always looking to raise capital. Moreover, he harbours no worries that it will harm his 30-year industry reputation or that of the company. I cant imagine. Quite the opposite from what Ive experienced so far in the last few days. Lot of guys are saying, I wish Id thought of that. A child holds a placard during a protest rally in front of the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City, the Philippines, Aug. 12, 2016. The activists and a group of Philippine "comfort women" during World War II held a protest against the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) The Border Detachment of Shenzhen's Public Security Bureau recently seized a ship transporting 549 tons of used clothing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. Six suspects have been arrested. The smuggled goods are worth about $1.65 million, according to police. The majority of the clothing come from overseas morgues, garbage dumps and scrap yards. For that reason, the acquisition cost of the load was almost zero. After getting washed and repaired, the clothing would have been sold to consumers for several dollars per item. According to Wei Fang, a doctor with the Center for Disease Control in Shenzhen, the smuggled clothing potentially contains a number of disease pathogens that could enter the body through the skin, mouth and other organs. Some of the items were bloodstained, which means that buyers of the secondhand clothing could have been exposed to severe liver disease or AIDS. This is an especially tragic scenario given that children's clothing was also included in the seized load. Wei added that the clothing items had been tied tightly together prior to their transportation, and that chemicals inside the packaging could cause irritation to human skin. Canberra Raiders forward Luke Bateman has extended his deal with the Canberra Raiders, signing for two more seasons until the end of the 2018 season. Bateman, 21, has been on scholarship with the club since he was 12 and joined the Raiders junior representative teams when he was 18, playing SG Ball and NYC in his first season with the Raiders. He made his NRL debut in 2015 playing six matches and has played 14 matches so far this season. When it came down to the decision to extend his contract with the Raiders Bateman said it was an easy one and praised the Raiders for helping him develop into the player and man he is today. "I've got a great history with the club and the club has been very good to me and my family for a long time. My hearts at the Raiders," Bateman said. "I love the organisation and Im very happy to be staying here." Read more at raiders.com.au Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford helped inspire his side to a 38-16 win over the Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. It was arguably Milford's best performance for the year, with the young Broncos half terrorising the Eels' defence from start to finish. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Broncos vs Eels His stellar game helped Brisbane overcome the loss of winger Lachlan Maranta before kick-off, with exciting youngster Jonus Pearson handed his debut. Fellow winger Corey Oates scored a hat-trick, overcoming a run of poor form and rediscovering his confidence in the process. Parramatta tried hard all night, but lacked the class and polish of a finals bound side like the Broncos. Brisbane's top four hopes are now improving and they have their livewire half to thank, with Milford's scintillating footwork proving too much for the Eels. After a classy first half, Milford continued his brilliant display in the second 40 minutes beating three Eels defenders on his way to an impressive solo try under the posts. He converted from straight in front to give the Broncos a 20-10 lead in the 46th minute. Broncos v Eels: Five key points Momentum is key for Broncos: Bennett Arthur urges Eels to finish strongly Jennings backs French's fullback shift Oates bagged himself his third try of the night in the 57th minute, with Brisbane forward Tevita Pangai Junior producing a superb flick pass to put the hulking winger over in the corner. Parker continued his poor night with the boot, missing the conversion and keeping the score at 24-10. Hunt continued the onslaught in the 61st minute, running at the Parramatta line and dummying to crash over for a try and make the score 28-10. Pearson capped off a dream debut in the 65th minute, scoring his second try of the night. Parker converted well from the sideline and Brisbane's lead was suddenly 24. The Eels added some respectability to the scoreboard in the 77th minute, with prop Danny Wicks running over the Broncos' defence to score a great solo try. Michael Gordon slotted the conversion to make it 34-16. Milford put the icing on the cake as the final siren sounded, beating several defenders to put Pangai Junior over in the corner. Parker's dismal night with the boot continued and the score finished 38-16, but the Broncos didn't have it all their own way. In a stark contrast to the second half, Brisbane started the match poorly and it cost them dearly early on in the contest, with the Eels dominating field position and silencing the Suncorp Stadium crowd. A Tom Opacic mistake gave Parramatta an ideal opportunity to score in the 4th minute, and young gun Bevan French provided the goods, beating three Broncos defenders to score next to the right touchline. Gordon converted from a tough angle to give the Eels an early 6-0 lead. The Broncos hit back moments later, with an exquisite cut-out pass from Darius Boyd finding debutant Pearson. The 21-year-old made no mistake scoring his first NRL try and making the score 6-4 after 11 minutes. Parker missed that conversion, but he made up for it in 16th minute as he converted a penalty goal that levelled the scores. A dull period of play ended in the 32nd minute when Brisbane winger Corey Oates scored acrobatically in the corner. The score remained 10-6 as Parker again failed to convert. Oates went from hero to villain in the 36th minute knocking on a Jeff Robson kick in the in-goal. Parramatta forward David Gower pounced on the loose ball and his four-pointer tied the scores at 10-all. Just as the crowd thought it would be all even going into the half-time break, Milford produced an individual act of brilliance that turned into one of the plays of the year. The 22-year-old dummied on his own 40 metre line and broke through the Parramatta defensive line. He then beat Gordon at fullback and grubbered for Oates to score. Milford missed the conversion, but his act of genius gave the Broncos all the momentum heading into the break. This momentum helped Brisbane run away with the match and secure a much-needed win. Brisbane Broncos 38 (Oates 3, Pearson 2, Hunt, Milford, Pangai Junior tries; Parker 2, Milford goals) def. Parramatta Eels 16 (French, Gower, Wicks tries; Gordon 2 goals). Crowd: 30,189 Craig Bellamy has labelled the Raiders the most dangerous team in the competition ahead of the Storm's trip to Canberra on Monday night. Both sides are currently enjoying a six game winning streak, but Bellamy believes the way Canberra have played in the past month has made them the toughest opponent in the league. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Raiders vs Storm "I think there's a lot of dangerous teams in the competition, but on form I think they are [the most dangerous], without a doubt," Bellamy said. "All teams go through ups and downs throughout the year, its a tough competition for 26 weeks playing at this level so we all have our ups and downs but they're having their up at the moment and I think right at this moment they probably are the hardest team to play." The Storm head to GIO Stadium on the back of a great escape, as Cameron Smith got his side out of jail last week with a penalty goal with the last kick of the 80 minutes, before kicking a field goal in golden point. Despite the result Bellamy was visibly displeased with his side's effort post game, and knows if they bring the same performance this Monday night, they'll leave the nation's capital empty handed. "I was just disappointed in the way we defended [last week], especially in the first half. I thought we were better in the second half but our first half was very scrappy, and if we defend like that again this week we'll get steamrolled," Bellamy said. "Hopefully it was a bit of an off week for us, because our defence has been really good, there's been plenty of effort and sticking to what we want to do and what we want get out of our games." Monday night's game will statistically show off the competition's best teams, as the Storm boast the best defence in the league, while the Green Machine are responsible for the best attack. Regardless of their usual defensive prowess, Bellamy is aware Canberra have match winning players all across the park, and knows that shutting them down will be the key to a Storm victory. "You need to defend really well against these guys, they've got a lot of good structures, but also just a lot of dangerous players with the footy," Bellamy said. "They've got big strong guys who can run the footy, some skilful guys as well and some that can do both, so you need to defend well if you're going to have some success against them." The injuries, suspensions, rumours and likely team changes heading into the weekend's Telstra Premiership matches. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Broncos vs Eels Broncos: Prolific try-scorer Jonus Pearson could make his NRL debut with Lachlan Maranta missing Thursday's captain's run with a groin injury. Jordan Kahu is still a few weeks away from returning, with Greg Eden also still sidelined with a shoulder injury. Eels: Semi Radradra is likely to return from injury to take his place on the wing. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Wests Tigers vs Titans Wests Tigers: Expected to be as per program. Titans: After being included on an extended bench on Tuesday, Nathan Friend could come into the 17 for Cameron Cullen. Josh Hoffman (concussion) is in some doubt. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Warriors vs Rabbitohs Warriors: Should be as per the side named on Tuesday. Rabbitohs: No late changes expected. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Dragons vs Sharks Dragons: Despite a strong showing in his NRL debut, Luciano Leilua is set to drop off the St George Illawarra extended bench. Sharks: No late changes expected with Michael Ennis fit to return after missing Cronulla's loss to Canberra. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Knights vs Panthers Knights: Named on an extended bench, Pat Mata'utia could come in on the wing for Nathan Ross, who is in doubt with a hamstring injury. He might not be the only Mata'utia forcing his way into the 17, with brother Sione also set to return from a jaw injury. Panthers: Penrith could be bolstered by the inclusion of big men Suaia Matagi and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who aren't far away. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Roosters vs Cowboys Roosters: Despite being named on Tuesday, Mitchell Pearce is no guarantee of returning from injury after missing his side's last-start loss to the Panthers. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is ready to return in the front row. Cowboys: No late changes expected, with both Jake Granville and Ben Hannant missing from a generally settled North Queensland 17 through injury. Draw Widget - Round 23 - Raiders vs Storm Raiders: The main injury concern for the Green Machine this week has been Blake Austin, but the playmaker is set to take his place at GIO Stadium on Monday night after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Sharks in Round 22. Storm: After Nelson Asofa-Solomona was a surprise inclusion against Souths last week, fellow prop Jordan McLean is some chance of forcing his way into the Melbourne 17, close to returning from an ankle injury. Once a cultural rite of passage, the teen summer job is now on the wane. According to a 2016 report on the topic from Drexel University, just one of three teens in the summers of 2014 to 2015 had paid employment, down from 52 percent of teens in 1999 to 2000. According to the Drexel report, its not that todays teens arent willing to work. Its simply that fewer opportunities are available. As the economy has recovered from the Great Recession, teen employment rates have barely rebounded at all, says Paul Harrington, director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, Philadelphia. What that means is that youre seeing a lot of adults working teen jobs. While more college graduates today are underutilized in low-skill positions once held by teens, Harrington has seen a particular increase in workers 55 or older holding these jobs. At the end of the 90s, youd rarely see a 62-year-old bagging groceries at your local grocery store, Harrington says. In a tight job market, employers shun teens because they often lack the job savvy of older workers. This observation was confirmed by a 2013 study by Drexel University and Commonwealth Corporation that surveyed more than 200 employers on their perceptions of teens. Teens often give off bad signals when they go to a job search, Harrington says. They walk into a mall and show up with friends to apply for a job. Their mother will call, they dont dress properly or they show up with a Coke in their hand. And in a labor market with lots of supply, those kinds of things will instantly knock you out of contention. According to Harrington, teens also are less likely to skillfully navigate the online job applications that are increasingly ubiquitous in the hiring process. Embedded in the tests are different kinds of psychological profile measures, Harrington says. And teens, when they take them, are less likely to understand that theyre taking a test. The 2013 study found that employers generally perceive teens as being highly trainable, having strong technology skills, and having reading and writing skills on par with adults. But employers also see teens as being more likely to quit, to be late for work, to be absent when scheduled, to have less initiative and to have friends hanging around the workplace. To address these issues, Commonwealth Corporation, a Massachusetts-based organization that develops workforce skills in teens and adults, developed a curriculum for teens as part of a state-funded YouthWorks initiative. The workshops address skill gaps in the areas of dependability, initiative, communication and collaboration. Weve seen very strong results in terms of skill acquisition from teens that participate in this training. It focuses on a set of behaviors that are really important if youre going to be able to find and keep a job, says Nancy Snyder, president and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation, Boston. The training is also important in securing employer buy-in. OWe needed to be able to say, Heres a pool of teens who have been through this training and have demonstrated that they are able to practice and meet employer expectations for these behaviors, Snyder says. While many cities have launched youth job programs, Snyder notes that Massachusetts remains the only state to fund a youth job initiative despite the powerful impact these programs can have. According to Drexels 2016 study of teen summer jobs, less than 22 percent teens age 16 to 19 from families with incomes of under $20,000 found a summer job in 2014-2015, versus almost 41 percent of teens from homes making $100,000 to $149,000. For this reason, funding for job-placement programs can be particularly helpful for low-income youth. These teens are more likely to be cut off from work culture in neighborhoods with few job opportunities and many unemployed adults. Often, a first job can make a huge difference in these teens long-term prospects by helping them acquire the life skills they need to be successful. Holding all the other factors constant, it turns out that if you work when youre young, you just do better, Harrington says. You have better long-term earnings. You just do better in life. It's once again time to celebrate John, Paul, George and Ringo at the annual Fest for Beatles fans this weekend. In addition to the popular Hammond festival honoring the Fab Four, the Fest for Beatles Fans takes over the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. The event, held Friday through Sunday, is in its 40th year in the Chicago area. This year's fest will celebrate The Beatles' "Revolver" at 50. The iconic Beatles album "Revolver" was released in 1966. Rosemont's Fest for Beatles Fans will feature a stellar roster of presenters, musicians and other artists including musician/artist Klaus Voormann, producer/musician Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon, Albert Lee, Billy J. Kramer, Joey Molland, Mark Hudson and Louise Harrison, George's sister, who will share stories of her famed brother. In addition, tribute band Liverpool, which plays the event every year, will be back once again to perform all the signature tunes from different Fab Four eras. DJ Teri Hemmert will act as emcee. Among other attractions will be various guest speakers, a Friday Night Dance Party, photo and art exhibits, Beatles Poetry Jam, Album Covers Exhibit, Puppet Shows, Sunday Battle of the Beatles Bands, Trivia Games, Beatles Karaoke, Beatles Look-alike Contest and much more. Other guests attending will be photographer Jorie Gracen, Bruce Spizer, Tom Murray, Candy Leonard, Wally Podrazik and others. A giant Beatles flea market with items for sale will also be featured. FYI: The Fest for Beatles Fans runs Friday through Sunday at Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr, Rosemont. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Visit the website thefest.com for prices and more information. EAST CHICAGO An East Chicago man was shot and killed late Wednesday in the West Calumet Housing Complex. Thomas Jackson, 24, of the 5000 block of Alexander Avenue, suffered fatal gun shot wounds at a location in the 4900 block of Gladiola Street, according to the Lake County coroner's office. East Chicago police were alerted to a shooting by their ShotSpotter technology. Responding officers found Jackson with gunshot wounds to the chest. Jackson was taken to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago where he was pronounced dead at 11:22 p.m. Wednesday. The homicide occurred in a neighborhood already facing adversity. West Calumet Housing Complex was recently been deemed unsafe as a result of lead contamination in its soil, dating from the time two smelter companies operated on the site. The city is working with federal authorities to relocate about 1,000 residents from the complex. INDIANAPOLIS A national, nonpartisan publication that rates the probable outcomes of electoral contests shifted its take on the Indiana governors race Friday to Toss Up, from Lean Republican. The Cook Political Report said its too soon to tell what impact the Republican Party substituting Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb for popularity-challenged Gov. Mike Pence on the ballot will have in the race against the Democratic nominee, former House Speaker John Gregg. This contest is still in its infancy and needs time to develop, but expect a very competitive contest, the report said. The first poll in the new race gives Gregg a 7-point advantage. Democratic Party spokesman Drew Anderson said the rating change shows Hoosiers are preparing to reject the Pence-Holcomb out-of-touch ideological agenda that has damaged the states economy and its reputation. Holcomb spokesman Pete Seat, a Schererville native, said hes not worried since Holcomb is within striking distance despite being in the race for less than a month. Cook also rates Indianas U.S. Senate election between Democrat Evan Bayh and Republican Todd Young as a Toss Up. INDIANAPOLIS A coalition of corporate and community groups is organizing to pressure the Indiana General Assembly next year to provide all low-income Hoosier children free, high-quality pre-kindergarten education. The All IN for Pre-K campaign launched Friday wants lawmakers to expand the On My Way Pre-K program beyond Lake County, and the four other pilot counties, by making state-funded preschool available in every county. We need to ensure more Hoosier children especially children from low-income families who stand to benefit most can access high-quality pre-K so they start kindergarten ready to succeed, said Ann Murtlow, president of United Way of Central Indiana. She said studies show children who participate in preschool education are less likely to require future remedial coursework or special education classes, more likely to graduate high school and are better prepared when starting their careers. (We) rely upon on a diverse, well-educated workforce to be successful, said John Lechleiter, CEO of Indianapolis drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. We need a great education system in Indiana to help develop that workforce and high-quality early education is the foundation of such a system. In addition to statewide preschool funding for low-income children, the coalition also seeks to improve pay and training for pre-K teachers, expand capacity for pre-K students, align pre-K with elementary education standards and eliminate local pre-K matching grant requirements. Murtlow declined to put a price tag on the All IN for Pre-K agenda. Instead, she pledged the coalition will work with lawmakers to find the resources needed to make it happen. Democratic gubernatorial nominee John Gregg has proposed spending $150 million a year, redirected from other education funds, to provide state-funded preschool to all 4-year-olds in Indiana not just low-income children. His opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, does not have a specific preschool plan, but said Friday that he looks forward to finding responsible and affordable ways to expand On My Way Pre-K that helps those first who need it most. CROWN POINT The Lake County Council may amputate the sheriff's medical billing department to stanch the fiscal bleeding from overdue bills. The council may act as early as Tuesday's meeting on its previously stated intention of turning over the payment of area hospitals and outside medical providers for inmate care to a professional claims consultant. Councilman David Hamm, D-Hammond, said, "Last council meeting we paid claims from 2013, 2014 and 2015 and then he told us he has another $1 million in claims on his desk. Every year we throw more money at the sheriff and ask him if this is enough so the problem won't happen again. He says yeah. "A number of people kicked around the idea treating inmates bills the same as (county government) employees claims and handing it over to a professional claims manager," Hamm said. But Sheriff John Buncich said his staff has saved the county nearly $1 million since he took office and are ever improving their financial management in the face of a rising demand for inmate healthcare. The county jail has become a deepening money pit since the U.S. Department of Justice declared six years ago that inmates' civil rights were being violated by substandard medical and psychological care. In addition to the $16 million a year taxpayers are tapped each year to maintain, staff and feed those in the lockup, there is an additional $4 million annually to maintain a team of medical and psychological consultants working behind locked doors to minister to the needs of approximately 14,000 men and women who course through the jail each year suffering from the effects of drug abuse and little or no medical care on the street. Council members said those costs are well known and within budget. The trouble comes from inmates who require kidney dialysis, HIV or cancer treatment that can only be provided outside the jail. The sheriff said bills from hospitals and other outside providers ballooned to nearly $3 million from $89,128 between 2012 and 2014. Buncich stateed in a letter to the council, "Upon assuming office (in 2011), it became apparent to me there was a very inaccurate accounting of current and past-due medical bills. It was discovered that solely relying on an outside vendor to 'reprice' bills was resulting in wrong payments, delays in payments and confusion concerning total amounts due." He said his employees, Dr. William Forgey, the jail's medical director, and his 41-member staff and the county's Professional Claims Management vendor have processed 4,163 medical bills since 2009. Together they have reduced what the county would have paid -- nearly $8 million -- by nearly three quarters. He said the annual outside doctor costs declined to $1.7 million last year and have come to just over $1 million so far in 2016. The sheriff said his staff is responsible for catching and denying bills totaling $221,721 for three inmates who were the responsibility of the federal courts and the Indiana Department of Correction, not the county; $186,861 for inmates who had private insurance; and $66,836 for inmates who were covered by Medicaid and Medicare. He said part of the problem is that many medical vendors wait three months before sending out a bill and a single visit to an emergency room can generate bills from as many as five separate vendors. A dialysis visit, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can generate bills for the treatment center, the laboratory and specialists. He said if the council were to eliminate his centralized in-house billing staff with their intimate knowledge of inmates and their insurance and medical records, it will probably add more than $290,000 a year to the eventual cost of medical care. Hamm said, "I respectfully disagree with the sheriff's statement. We need a third party administrator to focus on that and that alone. I would like the sheriff to focus on law enforcement and let the professionals worry about medical billing." Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: National air carriers of Azerbaijan and Turkey are satisfied with the level of the current cooperation and intend to further expand it, said Vice President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) Eldar Hajiyev Aug. 12. AZAL and Turkish Airlines have been carrying out flights under a code-sharing agreement for two years, said Hajiyev. This allowed further strengthening the position of both companies in this sphere, he noted. Istanbul airport ranks the first for the number of daily flights from the Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport. He added that after the events in Turkey, the number of passengers to Istanbul slightly decreased, but despite this, in total, the passenger traffic to Turkey is on the rise. For example, the number of tourists going to Antalya from Azerbaijan increased by more than twice in July 2016 as compared to July 2015, explained Hajiyev. There is a growth in the Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman directions too, said the AZAL vice president. However, there is a record growth in the Antalya direction, he noted. The number of daily Baku-Antalya flights reached four in July and August, added Hajiyev. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook in regard to scattered thunderstorms expected to develop in northwest Illinois later this morning or early this afternoon. The thunderstorms are expected to move into Northeast Indiana early Friday evening. According to the National Weather Service, the main threat from the storms will be torrential rains that may lead to localized flooding. Some of the storms also may be capable of producing strong wind gusts. PORTAGE TOWNSHIP A state trooper failed to yield before making a U-turn just west of the Portage toll plaza in the July 1 crash that resulted in the death of a Highland man, according to a newly released Indiana State Police crash report. The crash report released Thursday in response to a public records request by The Times also noted witnesses saw the motorcyclist, Michael M. Damore, 28, traveling at a high rate of speed in the moments leading up to the crash. Witnesses also stated the state trooper, Jathan Rose, did not have his emergency signal lights activated when making the U-turn. The crash report lists the troopers failure to yield as the primary cause of the crash, and Damores unsafe speeds as a contributing factor. Damore was traveling west on a motorcycle about 9:30 p.m. July 1 when his motorcycle struck the passenger side of the patrol car, according to state police. Rose located the cyclist, who was ejected from the motorcycle, and began chest compressions, continuing until he was relieved by Sgt. Jordan Steptoe, according to the report. Rose told police he was traveling east in the area near the toll plaza when he began to make a U-turn, looking to his right to check for traffic. He told police he thought he had sufficient time to make the turn. Rose said to police he initially thought he was struck by a passenger car that fled the scene, but realized that he was struck by a motorcycle once he saw Damore lying in the westbound lanes. Portage EMS arrived about 9:40 p.m. and took the biker to Portage Community Hospital, where he died of his injuries. Four witnesses told police Damore exited the toll booths at an extremely high rate of speed and that Rose did not have his emergency light activated. A third driver told police Damore came up from behind him on his driver side and was near his front bumper when the crash occurred. Flying debris damaged the drivers side rear tire and scratched the hood of his car, according to police. Police last month said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but that his motorcyclist drivers license was suspended and the motorcycle was not registered. LAPORTE LaPorte County sheriffs deputies reportedly used a beanbag projectile to get a suicidal man to drop a box cutter early Friday. Around 12:40 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of Johnson Road and County Road 625 West after a person called 911 threatening to harm himself. Authorities were able to trace the mans cellular phone to the Johnson Road location. When deputies arrived, they found a man walking on 625 West, north of Johnson Road. The area is about halfway between LaPorte and Michigan City, according to the sheriffs office. The person was described as a 24-year-old man from the Fish Lake area of LaPorte County. According to the sheriffs office, he was alternating between holding a box cutter to his neck and wrists. He reportedly was highly agitated and asked deputies to shoot him. Deputies attempted to talk to the man to calm him down, but that only appeared to make him more agitated, according to officials. The sheriffs office said because deputies feared for the mans safety and their own, they decided to deploy a beanbag round that hit the man in the left side of his torso just above his waist. The beanbag reportedly caused the man to drop the box cutter. He was secured and evaluated at the scene by a LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service paramedic. According to sheriffs officers, the only injury the man received was to the left torso area. The man reportedly claimed to have consumed a half-gallon of vodka and a portable breath test indicated blood alcohol content of .21 percent. The man was take to Franciscan St. Anthony Health for a mental health evaluation. The incident is being reviewed by a shooting review board convened by the sheriff per department rules and regulations. WARREN, Mich. Her political fortunes flourishing, Hillary Clinton attempted to undercut Donald Trump's claim to working class voters Thursday, portraying her Republican rival as untrustworthy on economic issues and pushing policies that would only benefit the super-wealthy himself included. The Democratic presidential nominee sought to seize momentum as Republicans including Trump struck an almost defeatist note about their Election Day chances. As Republican leaders sounded alarms about Trump's unconventional approach, Clinton attacked was she dubbed "outlandish Trumpian ideas" that have been rejected by both parties. "Based on what we know from the Trump campaign, he wants America to work for him and his friends, at the expense of everyone else," she said, at a manufacturing company. Appearing in the county known for the so-called Reagan Democrats working-class Democrats who voted Republican in the 1980s Clinton tried to seize the opportunity to win back some of the blue collar voters who've formed the base of her rival's support, making the case that she offers a steadier roadmap for economic growth and prosperity. "I can provide serious, steady leadership that can find common ground and build on it based on hard but respectful bargaining," she said. "I just don't think insults and bullying is how we're going to get things done." Clinton, who frequently boasts about her numerous policy plans, didn't offer any new, major ideas to improve the country's economy in her afternoon address. She reiterated her strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, leaving herself little room for backtracking should she win the White House if it is taken up by the lame-duck Congress later this year. "I oppose it now, I'll oppose it after the election, and I'll oppose it as President," she said, while also noting that the U.S. should not cut itself off from the rest of the world. Clinton once called the TPP the "gold standard" of trade deals when she served as Obama's secretary of state but announced her opposition to the deal last year, saying it did not meet her standard for creating jobs, raising wages and protecting national security. Hoping to keep the pressure up on Trump, Clinton is also planning to release her 2015 tax returns in the coming days. Trump has said he won't release them until an IRS audit is complete, breaking traditional with every presidential candidate in recent history. A source close to Clinton said she would soon release the return, supplementing the decades of filings she and her husband have already made public. Her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine and his wife will also release the last 10 years of their taxes. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the plans in advance. Her appearance followed Trump's own speech on the economy, which he delivered in Michigan on Monday. But his scripted remarks were quickly eclipsed by the latest in a series of blunders and controversial statements that appear to have handed Clinton's campaign a boost in the polls, particularly with Republican women and college-educated voters that make up a key piece of the GOP base. Just hours before her address, Trump unleashed another round of attacks on Democrats, calling Obama the "founder" of the Islamic State militant group and Clinton, its co-founder. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitt's attempt to reframe Trump's observation as one that said Obama's foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed IS to thrive. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. The latest bit of controversy shook Republicans, already rattled by polling showing Trump losing support among women and other segments of their party's base. Dozens of frustrated Republicans gathered signatures Thursday for a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus that urges the party chief to stop helping Trump and instead focus GOP resources on protecting vulnerable Senate and House candidates. Speaking to reporters in Kentucky on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described Republicans' chances of keeping control of the Senate after the November elections as "very dicey." A draft of the letter, which operatives say has at least 70 signatories, warns that Trump's "divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide." Trump said he had no intention of changing his inflammatory approach to presidential politics, pledging in a CNBC interview to "just keep doing the same thing I'm doing right now." But he seemed to acknowledge the risk his campaign and party was taking. "At the end, it's either going to work or I'm going to, you know, I'm going to have a very, very nice long vacation," he said. As this strange, unorthodox and downright scary presidential campaign heads into the final stretch, let's pause to consider whats at stake for religious freedom in this election. Like motherhood and apple pie, religious freedom is universally popular with members of both major parties. But you don't have to read far in the party platforms to discover Republican and Democratic definitions of religious freedom could not be farther apart in meaning and application. According to the GOP platform, religious freedom involves, among other things, defending marriage as the union between one man and one woman; passing laws protecting people of faith who refuse service to same-sex couples; and displaying the Ten Commandments in public places. In sharp contrast, Democrats take mirror-image positions on all of the above: Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right that does nothing to undermine religious freedom; refusal to serve same-sex couples is discrimination, not religious freedom; and government displays of religious symbols are violations of church-state separation. Politicians from both parties are fond of invoking Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the framers most responsible for our constitutional arrangement in religious freedom. But people on both sides are sometimes guilty of cherry picking Jefferson and Madison quotes in support of their own vision of religious freedom. On the right, liberty of conscience is lifted up, but "no establishment" is often ignored, despite that both Jefferson and Madison saw separating church from state as an essential condition for religious freedom. On the left, church-state separation is championed, but claims of religious conscience often get short shrift, despite that both Jefferson and Madison argued vigorously for robust protection for the free exercise of religion. Both parties could use a reminder the First Amendment contains two principles in service of one freedom. Taken together, "no establishment" and "free exercise" protect liberty of conscience for people of all faiths and none. However much Democrats and Republicans disagree about the application of these First Amendment principles, members of both parties should be united in opposition to religious discrimination and hatred of any kind in our public square. Unfortunately, the Republican primary season has been open season on American Muslims, contributing to an unprecedented spike in assaults on Muslims and mosques across the country. Of course, terrorists committing horrific acts of violence in the name of Islam have fed the anti-Muslim propaganda, giving politicians and religious leaders plenty of ammunition in the campaign to convince Americans Islam is the enemy. Anti-Muslim rhetoric has gone mainstream with leading Republican contenders including nominee Donald Trump making statements fueling Islamophobia by conflating Muslims and terrorism. As a result, 58 percent of Trump supporters but only 24 percent of Hillary Clinton supporters have an unfavorable view of Islam, according to a poll released last month by Reuters/Ipsos. To their credit, many Republican leaders including Gov. Mike Pence before his vice presidential nomination have pushed back against Trump's proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. In our democracy, Democrats and Republicans contend over competing visions of religious freedom and that is as it should be. Because of current and anticipated vacancies on the Supreme Court, this election, more than any in decades, will determine which vision the court upholds. All it takes is five justices to decide how high or low a wall of separation and how far to extend religious exemptions. One thing, however, should not be up for a vote: No American should live in fear because of the religious garb they wear, the part of the world they come from, the place where they worship or the color of their skin. Gary Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson and will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with 10 years suspended. Prosecutors announced the agreement with the 45-year-old man on Tuesday. Thompson's deal is similar to that of Monserrate Shirley, the woman whose cooperation with prosecutors led to the charges against Thompson. Thompson initially faced a September trial on two counts of murder and other charges. The natural gas explosion On Nov. 10, 2012, killed a couple who lived next door and damaged or destroyed more than 80 homes. Two other people have been convicted in the blast, a third reached a plea deal and another faces a November trial. According to WXIN-TV, the father of one of those killed said after Friday's hearing that he is not happy that Thompson may eventually leave prison. John Longworth, whose son, Dion Longworth, was killed, also complained that none of the five people charged in the case have ever apologized. Jennifer Longworth also died in the explosion. Prosecutors allege Thompson knew of plans to tamper with the natural gas flow into Shirley's home and ignite the gas using a microwave on a timer. Court documents allege the house was destroyed in a scheme to collect $300,000 in insurance after two previous unsuccessful attempts to burn it down. Authorities have said Mark Leonard created the plan and enlisted the others. He was convicted in July 2015 of murder, arson and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and sentenced to two life sentences without parole plus 75 years. His half-brother, Bob Leonard, was convicted in February of murder, arson and other charges and also sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus 70 years. Shirley pleaded guilty in January 2015 as part of her own plea deal to two counts of conspiracy to commit arson. Her cooperation with prosecutors led to charges against Thompson and another alleged co-conspirator, Glenn Hults. Hults is scheduled to stand trial in November on a charge of conspiracy to commit arson. Karina Vetrano's family has beaten its goal of raising $200,000 in reward money to find her killer. The 30-year-old was killed while out on a run in Queens earlier this month. The amount is double the original goal of $100,000, which was raised in less than 24 hours. The money from the GoFundMe page her family set up will supplement the NYPD's $20,000 reward. Vetrano's father discovered her body in a marshy area in Howard Beach. Police say Vetrano was beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled. Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. Residents of one Queens neighborhood are outraged over a plan to convert a hotel into a homeless shelter. Hundreds turned out for a heated town hall meeting Thursday night. They voiced concerns about plans to convert a Holiday Inn Express on 55th Road and Maurice Avenue into an adult homeless shelter on October 1. Residents argued they already have three homeless shelters in the neighborhood. Some community members also staged an impromptu protest outside the hotel after the meeting. Those NY1 spoke with said the shelter would lead to more crime and overcrowding. "It's kind of like a slap in the face," said one person opposed to the plan. "Don't we have a say? We pay our taxes here. Don't we have a say in what's going to be around here? "Not that we're saying they don't deserve homes. We have plenty of shelters in our area. We have three already, OK? I don't think it's fair that another one comes to our community," said another. "And our schools already are overcrowded. Our children are sitting with 29, 30 kids in a classroom. "Nobody told us anything. They saying they open on the first, that's it, done deal. That's not right," said a third. "Let's bring it into Park Slope. Maybe that's going to be better. What do you think? They should bring it over to Park Slope. That'd be perfect." City officials say there are 243 people currently in the shelter system who are orginially from Maspeth. They say they are still looking at other possible sites for homeless shelters. A selected guide to dance performances in New York City. Full reviews of recent dance performances: nytimes.com/dance. A searchable guide to these and other performances is at nytimes.com/events. BALLETX (Tuesday through Aug. 21) BalletX of Philadelphia is like a cold lemonade on a hot summer day uncomplicated and reliably refreshing. For this visit to the Joyce, the company brings three works new to New York: Jorma Elos Gran Partita, set to a potpourri of classical composers; Trey McIntyres Big Ones, a quirky ode to Amy Winehouse, who died in 2011, with peculiar costumes and Mr. McIntyres warm sensibility; and Show Me, a mellifluous ensemble work by Matthew Neenan, a founder of the company. Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, Chelsea, 212-242-0800, joyce.org. (Brian Schaefer) BATTERY DANCE FESTIVAL (Sunday through Aug. 19) In early July, the Iraqi dancer Adel Euro was killed in a bombing in Baghdad. The Battery Dance Company, with which he hoped to dance in New York, will begin its 35th annual Battery Dance Festival with a tribute to him, danced by three Iraqi refugees. The rest of the free, outdoor festival will involve 35 companies. Several will take the stage each day to present short works in a broad range of styles, all framed (hopefully) by lovely sunsets. At 6:30 p.m., Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Battery Park City, 212-219-3910, batterydance.org. (Schaefer) ERASING BORDERS FESTIVAL OF INDIAN DANCE (Saturday through Monday) This annual festival of Indian dance is an exemplary survey of the forms many styles, performed by individuals and small ensembles. On Saturday night, an indoor performance will feature artists offering contemporary takes on two of those styles, Kathak and Bharatanatyam, as well as more traditional interpretations. On Monday, as part of the Battery Dance Festival, those styles are joined on an outdoor stage by practitioners of Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau. The vast sampling is a treat for aficionados, and an excellent introduction for neophytes. Saturday at 7 p.m., Schimmel Center, Pace University, 3 Spruce Street, between Park Row and Gold Street, Financial District, 212-346-1715, iaac.us; Monday at 6:30 p.m., Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Battery Park City, 212-219-3910, batterydance.org. (Schaefer) Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 Trend: By Ghulam M. Isaczai, UN resident coordinator in Azerbaijan In 1999, the UN General Assembly declared 12 August International Youth Day to emphasize the importance of investing in youth, protecting the young peoples rights, and better equipping them to adapt to changes and deliver solutions on the issues that affect them. There are more young people between the ages of 10 and 24 today than at any other time in human history (todays generation of young people numbers slightly over than 1.8 billion in a world population of 7.3 billion). Many youth, mostly in developing economies, are still facing an array of challenges such as lack of access to quality and affordable education and health services, unemployment, becoming victims of various types of discrimination. To offer a broad range of benefits to young people, the first United Nations System-wide Action Plan on Youth Development was endorsed in 2013, calling on the UN Member States to involve youth as collaborators, team members, leaders and decision makers in addressing the critical issues (e.g. employment, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, engagement and protection of rights, education, and health). The needs and potential of youth are increasingly recognized in the international community. Young people are essential to the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its accompanying 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unanimously adopted at the UN Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015 in New York, the Agenda aims at leaving no one behind and supports youth empowerment, participation and well-being. It also requires that governments and development actors pay closer attention to producing better quality data and knowledge, and to engaging people from all walks of life in implementing and monitoring the goals, in particular to empower youth, as agents of their own development. According to ILOs 2015 Global Employment Trends for Youth Report, almost 43 per cent of the global youth labour force is either unemployed, or working, yet living in poverty. To promote green jobs, create quality apprenticeships, expand digital skills and build tech hubs, the United Nations launched a Global Initiative on Decent Jobs, with the hope that young people will not only fill jobs but be the entrepreneurs who create them. A newly introduced pioneering partnership and interactive platform, the Youth Gateway | Global Youth Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals, helps engage young people in the implementation of the new 2030 Agenda in innovative ways, connecting young people to take action for contributing to global development, locally and internationally, and also linking together education, implementation and evaluation of the SDGs by youth and for youth. Many young men and women face barriers to certain green consumption and sustainable production, which include the high prices of goods and services and a lack of information about the available choices. To address the challenge faced by youth, this years theme of International Youth Day is The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production and focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development, which entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities as well as the development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption and minimize waste and pollution, which is critical to achieving equitable socio-economic development. In his message on celebrating the 2016 International Youth Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urges the UN Member States to join this global push for progress and empower young people with the resources, backing and space they need to create lasting change in the world. The Government of Azerbaijan is committed to promoting youth participation and empowerment, and this year is special for national/global youth engagement efforts. The country hosted the 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (26-28 April), which was entitled Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and a Goal and focused on peace and security, human rights, and development, engaging young participants in a dialogue with key stakeholders and experts to help them gain greater access to the global youth movement for peace and social inclusion. The European Youth Forum was opened in Ganja, European Youth Capital 2016, with a special focus on several priorities including volunteering, youth employment, social cohesion, active participation, and education. Azerbaijan hosted the First Global Forum on Youth Policies (28-30 October 2014), which was co-convened by the Office of the UN Secretary Generals Envoy on Youth, UNDP, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe. The Forum adopted The Baku Commitment to Youth Policies, recognizing that, at all levels, youth policies should promote a set of key guiding principles, which are indispensable to meaningful and inclusive youth policy development and implementation. The United Nations System in Azerbaijan stands ready to provide support to the Government in promoting youth empowerment and participation through the implementation of the newly signed UN-Azerbaijan Partnership Framework (UNAPF) 2016-2020, which is aligned with national priorities articulated in Vision 2020 strategy and Sustainable Development Goals. The State Youth Development Programme (2015-2025) also opens up new avenues for building multi-stakeholder partnerships. The United Nations Agencies will act together to raise awareness on SDGs among youth at large, in both urban and rural areas, and involve them in advancing the 2030 Development Agenda, in partnership with the government, non-state actors, and other stakeholders. Sustained economic growth and social progress will depend on all young people benefiting from the development successes to date. No young person should be left behind. We firmly believe that investing in young people is not only right in principle, but right in practice if we invest in and nurture these most important national assets today, the dividends will trickle down from generation to generation. Today as we celebrate International Youth Day, let us intensify our joint efforts to ensure that youth, particularly the most vulnerable, are equipped with necessary skills and provided with resources to meet their aspirations and lead the world to a more sustainable future. Some young superheroes bring hip-hop to the South Bronx in The Get Down, created by Baz Luhrmann. The swimmers Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps continue their gold rush at Rio. And on The Great British Baking Show, the final three keep calm and compete for the crown. Whats Streaming THE GET DOWN on Netflix. A group of South Bronx teenagers, circa 1977, bring something new to the disco era while fighting gang culture in this genesis story of hip-hop with Baz Luhrmann as a creator and executive producer. Shameik Moore stars as Shaolin Fantastic; Justice Smith, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Jaden Smith and Herizen Guardiola play other superheroes, with Mamoudou Athie as Grandmaster Flash, who is an adviser to the show. The Get Down takes a period and place thats often approached with dutiful naturalism and sobriety about difficult circumstances and infuses it with light touches of magical realism and bursts of palpable otherworldly joy, Jon Caramanica wrote in The New York Times. The first six episodes of Season 1 begin on Friday. Our hope is that removing an article that is in conflict with both our values and what we aspire to as journalists will demonstrate how seriously we take our error, according to an editors note that went up in place of the story. We were wrong. We will do better. In an earlier note, after the story was revised in response to the barrage of criticism, The Daily Beasts editor in chief, John Avlon, said editors had removed details that might identify the athletes. He also responded to complaints that Mr. Hiness original article mocked or shamed the athletes who responded to Mr. Hiness overtures on Grindr. We do not feel he did this in any way, he said. Mr. Avlon said that Mr. Hines received more invitations on Grindr than on straight dating apps and that he never claimed to be anyone he was not, did not offer anything to anyone, and immediately admitted that he was a journalist whenever he was asked who he was. But at 9 p.m., the article and the original editors note were gone, and replaced with a note describing how the organization took the unprecedented but necessary step of removing the entire article. The Daily Beast does not do this lightly, the note said. Our initial reaction was that the entire removal of the piece was not necessary. We were wrong. In the new movie Southside With You, a surprise hit at the Sundance Film Festival this year, Parker Sawyers plays Barack Obama back in 1989, when he had his first date with a young lawyer named Michelle Robinson. In real life, Mr. Sawyers, 33, doesnt even have an actors guild card. Id just been doing small parts before that, he said on a recent afternoon. It was all new to me. Mr. Sawyers, who grew up in Indianapolis and lives in London, said he received $15,000 to do the role, or maybe it was $20,000. It trickled into my bank account over a few weeks, he said. Its less than I make for most of my voice-over work. But money was not the point of doing the movie. The point was the exposure. And that is starting to come. During a recent stop in New York, he met with producers at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, lined up a segment for Good Morning America, and auditioned for a pile of parts. The Drug Enforcement Administrations decision on Thursday to not remove marijuana from the list of the nations most dangerous drugs outraged scientists, public officials and advocates who have argued that the federal government should recognize that marijuana is medically useful. Reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 2 drug would have made it easier to get federal approval for studies of its uses and paved the way for doctors to eventually write prescriptions for marijuana-derived products that could be filled at pharmacies, like other Schedule 2 drugs such as Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Eight Democratic legislators had urged the D.E.A. to reclassify marijuana to a Schedule 2 drug. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts voiced her disappointment with the decision on Twitter. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said in a statement, It shouldnt take an act of Congress for the D.E.A. to get past antiquated ideology and make this change. Yet in a separate policy proposal also issued on Thursday, the agency handed researchers and advocates a victory in removing a significant roadblock to medical studies of marijuana. The D.E.A. said it will allow universities and even private companies to apply to grow marijuana for scientific research. For many years, the University of Mississippi has had a monopoly on that role as the sole D.E.A.-approved provider of marijuana, and researchers have long complained that the supply of the drug was grossly inadequate, stymying efforts to establish whether marijuana is an effective treatment for many diseases. In a serious setback to the drive to eradicate polio from the world, two cases of paralysis caused by the virus have been detected in northeast Nigeria, the World Health Organization announced Thursday. The discovery dashed the hopes of global health authorities to be able to declare the continent polio-free soon. Nigerias last case of wild polio virus was reported in July 2014. The continents last was reported in Somalia a month after that. The W.H.O. requires three years with no confirmed cases before declaring a region polio-free. We are deeply saddened by the news, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the W.H.O. regional director for Africa. The overriding priority now is to immunize all children around the affected area. Polio paralyzes only about one child of every 200 infected, and in dangerous or remote regions, many cases of paralysis are never detected, so health authorities assume the virus is far more widespread than two cases would suggest. After waiting at Brooklyn Housing Court for more than three hours last month, Kiki Valentine realized it was time for her 2-year-old son to have some milk. As she had done so many times before, Ms. Valentine began to nurse her toddler as discreetly as she could in the hallway outside the courtroom. Moments later, a court officer yelled at her, telling her she should cover up because people were complaining, Ms. Valentine said. You cant do that here, she recalled the officer saying. For many women like Ms. Valentine, finding a comfortable place to nurse a child is not easy; although they have a right to breast-feed anywhere, many say they resort to closets or bathroom stalls. But a new bill signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday will require certain city offices and service centers to provide a lactation room for nursing mothers to use at their choosing. In a news conference on Thursday, Mr. de Blasio surrounded by several women holding babies trumpeted New York as one of the first cities in the country to pass such a bill. Other cities with similar legislation include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Madison, Wis. A Rochester man pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State after he was charged with preparing a New Years Eve 2015 attack at a local club or bar, prosecutors said. The man, Emanuel L. Lutchman, 26, was accused in December of gathering knives, a machete, ski masks and zip ties as part of his plan to wage the attack and to possibly kidnap some people and kill them. He was taking advantage of what a self-identified Islamic State member overseas described as his position behind enemy lines, according to the plea agreement. Mr. Lutchman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Nov. 15. As part of his guilty plea, Mr. Lutchman admitted that he conspired with a member of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in Syria and planned to stage the attack, which could then be claimed by the group and help him gain membership to the terrorist organization, prosecutors said. What the Success Academy charter school network could not get through the courts or from the New York State Education Department, it may get from the governor: the ability to run prekindergarten programs without oversight from New York City. In the final hours of the legislative session this summer, as Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Assembly were pushing to get mayoral control of the citys schools extended, the Republican-controlled Senate demanded some concessions for charter schools. It introduced a vague provision that appeared to grant the charter schools committee of the State University of New Yorks board of trustees new powers to regulate the charter schools it oversees. Charter school supporters claimed that the provision would allow SUNY to waive requirements that limit the number of uncertified teachers that charter schools can employ. But it turns out that the Senate Republicans, who have received substantial support from wealthy charter school supporters, had other goals in mind, as well. In a letter to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo dated June 20, and not previously reported, the Senate majority leader, John J. Flanagan, wrote that the intent of the provision was to provide SUNY with statutory authority to exempt charter schools from rules and regulations that were hampering innovative teaching and learning. 1. Hillary Clinton released her tax records for 2015, showing that she and her husband paid an effective rate of 35 percent in federal taxes on income of $10.6 million. The move increased pressure on Donald Trump to reveal his returns, the subject of political and financial speculation. Donald Trumps rallies once drew their share of benign conservatives, offbeat libertarians and plain curiosity seekers. But as time and Mr. Trumps act have worn on, many of them have no doubt gone the way of his poll numbers. Mr. Trumps crowds remain big and loud, but theyre angrier and more malevolent, and so is Mr. Trump. At a rally on Wednesday near Fort Lauderdale, Fla., criticizing President Obamas and Hillary Clintons records against the Islamic State, Mr. Trump said: In many respects you know they honor President Obama. ISIS is honoring President Obama! He is the founder of ISIS. Hes the founder of ISIS, O.K.! Hes the founder, he founded ISIS and I would say the co-founder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Co-founder, crooked Hillary Clinton. And thats what its about. As the crowd erupted into cheers and chants of Lock her up, Mr. Trump then smiled and basked in the crowds applause. Mr. Trump repeated the false charge on Thursday, saying hed continue his inflammatory campaign, even if it meant losing in November. A vast majority of Americans, of course, understand that Mr. Obama did not create ISIS, nor does the group, which targets Western nations, honor him or any other American leader. Some may even recall an ISIS beheading video released last year in which a masked jihadist stood before a bound, kneeling Kurdish soldier and declared: Know, oh Obama, that we will reach America. Know also that we will cut off your head in the White House and transform America into a Muslim province. Azer Turk Bank, which is constantly coming with innovative products and services, presents MasterCard PayPass contactless payment cards. This innovation designed especially for convenience of customers enables users of these cards to make contactless payments in POS terminals equipped with MasterCard PayPass logos on them. Besides, through POS-terminals equipped for contactless payment, Azer Turk Banks cardholders are able to pay small amounts without entering PIN-codes. By using MasterCard PayPass payment cards, customers of the Bank will be able to save their priceless time. At the same time, Azer Turk Bank activates acceptance of contactless payments from POS terminals installed for business entities. Now you can make payments at this type of POS terminals using cards equipped with latest technologies. Those, who would like to get MasterCard PayPass contactless payment cards of Azer Turk Bank can apply to any branch of the Bank or order online through www.azerturkbank.az. Azer Turk Bank OJSC, which has identified financial support to the real sector of the economy as its main mission, by 75% is owned by the Government of Azerbaijan. More information about the Bank, its service network, products and services is available at www.azerturkbank.az, the Banks corporate pages at social networks or at (012) 945 Call Center. Hillary Clinton said on Thursday that she wanted to make our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top. Its a philosophy she put forward over a year ago at the start of her campaign. Since then, her proposals to achieve this goal mainly through tax fairness, job creation and higher wages have become much more detailed and offer an even sharper contrast to Donald Trumps economic ideas, which she ripped apart in her speech. Mrs. Clinton says her first priority is to create jobs, primarily through public investments in infrastructure, like roads, bridges, school renovations, affordable housing, water systems, electrical grids, broadband internet and renewable energy. To help pay for the plan, initially $275 billion over five years, she has proposed several tax increases on high earners, including the Buffett rule for a minimum tax of 30 percent on those who make more than $1 million, a 4 percent surcharge on incomes over $5 million and a limit on deductions. Mr. Trump has also said he would rebuild the nations infrastructure. But the multitrillion-dollar income tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy in his plan would preclude such investments. And his plan to repeal the estate tax, Mrs. Clinton rightly pointed out, would not help a vast majority of Americans and deplete the Treasury of hundreds of billion of dollars of revenue. Creating greater fairness in the economy is another priority for Mrs. Clinton one to be achieved largely through tax policy changes. To help curb the decades-long trend of rising corporate profits and falling wages, she called for a new business tax credit to reward companies that have profit-sharing plans. Mr. Trump has said little about inequality and has no such proposal. Washington Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is to appear this month at the next hearing in his court-martial at Fort Bragg, N.C. After Sergeant Bergdahl walked off his Army outpost in Afghanistan in 2009, he was abducted and tortured by the Taliban, who subjected him to nearly five years of harsh captivity. Sergeant Bergdahl faces charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, yet two senior military officers conducting separate, impartial investigations into his case have recommended no imprisonment. That outcome would be consistent with hundreds of other post-Sept. 11 desertion cases. But that does not sit well with certain politicians who have treated Sergeant Bergdahls case as if it were a political pinata. Foremost among them is Senator John McCain of Arizona, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In March 2015, the Army warned the committee that holding any congressional hearing on Sergeant Bergdahl could undermine military justice. Two months later, after a senior McCain staff member raised the prospect of the senators doing just that, an Army official repeated the warning against holding such a hearing. To do so, he added, would be unprecedented and deviate from defense oversight committees longstanding practice of deference to allow ongoing military justice matters to proceed to completion without direct congressional involvement. By now, its obvious to everyone with open eyes that Donald Trump is an ignorant, wildly dishonest, erratic, immature, bullying egomaniac. On the other hand, hes a terrible person. But despite some high-profile defections, most senior figures in the Republican Party very much including Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House, and Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader are still supporting him, threats of violence and all. Why? One answer is that these were never men and women of principle. I know that many in the news media are still determined to portray Mr. Ryan, in particular, as an honest man serious about policy, but his actual policy proposals have always been transparent con jobs. Another answer is that in an era of intense partisanship, the greatest risk facing many Republican politicians isnt that of losing in the general election, its that of losing to an extremist primary challenger. This makes them afraid to cross Mr. Trump, whose ugliness channels the true feelings of the partys base. But theres a third answer, which can be summarized in one number: 34. Whats that? Its the Congressional Budget Offices estimate of the average federal tax rate for the top 1 percent in 2013, the latest year available. And its up from just 28.2 in 2008, because President Obama allowed the high-end Bush tax cuts to expire and imposed new taxes to pay for a dramatic expansion of health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Taxes on the really, really rich have gone up even more. A. She was key to many achievements, including building the international sanctions regime against Iran, the most effective in history and the single factor that forced Tehran to the negotiating table, making possible last years agreement that set back Irans nuclear program by well over a decade; overseeing the negotiation of a new arms control treaty with Russia that reduced nuclear stockpiles to their lowest levels in decades; and brokering a cease-fire in Gaza that averted a ground war. She played a central role in bringing China and India to the table for the first time on climate change, leading to last years Paris accord; in opening Burma to the world and taking the initial steps that resulted in normalized relations with Cuba; and in advancing the rights of women and girls around the globe. But in my view, her greatest achievement was her work with the rest of the national security team that prevented any attacks by an international terrorist group on the homeland. This is a remarkable achievement, given the intentions, capabilities and plots of Al Qaeda to attack us during her tenure. Secretary Clinton was a leader in our fight against terrorism. In these policy discussions, her voice carried immense weight. She supported aggressive operations against extremists, including drone strikes, the military surge in Afghanistan and the Bin Laden raid. In her diplomatic work, she worked to ensure that our allies and partners were supporting us in this critically important mission. I think it is ironic that many of Secretary Clintons critics, who are raising questions today about her achievements as secretary of state, heaped praise on her both when she was in the job and when she stepped down at the end of President Obamas first term. In 2012, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, said she was one of the most effective secretary of states that I have known in my lifetime. A year earlier, Mr. Graham called her a national treasure. In 2014, Mike Huckabee, a former Republican governor of Arkansas, called Secretary Clinton a policy genius. Even Newt Gingrich, in 2013, said that she had done a tremendous job as secretary of state. Q. Some people have responded to your op-ed by highlighting your work for Beacon Global Strategies, which was co-founded by former associates of Mrs. Clinton, and charging that this compromises your endorsement. How do you respond? While I largely agree with Mr. Morrells analysis and conclusions (although I do not share his enthusiasm for pursuing ISIS into Syria), I also think its fair to point out that his employer, Beacon Global Strategies, has strong ties to Hillary Clinton. Anetliner Netliner, Washington, D.C. area Last week, Nepals Parliament elected Pushpa Kamal Dahal as prime minister, in the countrys 25th change in leadership in 26 years. Mr. Dahals predecessor, K. P. Sharma Oli, resigned last month after only nine months in office. Political instability is harming Nepals struggling economy, which is expected to grow only 1.5 percent this year, and threatens to stall further relief for victims of last years devastating earthquake. Unfortunately, there is little hope for stable governance in the near future. Mr. Dahal, under a power-sharing agreement between his Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Center) and the Nepali Congress party, will serve as prime minister for nine months, after which power will pass to Sher Bahadur Deuba, chairman of the Nepali Congress party, for nine months. That transition could well add to the political turmoil involving disputes over Nepals new Constitution, which was approved by the Parliament last September, and jockeying between Nepals powerful neighbors, India and China. All summer, kids have been hanging out in front of the Morris Park Library in the Bronx, before opening hours and after closing. They bring their computers to pick up the Wi-Fi signal that is leaking out of the building, because they cant afford internet access at home. Theyre there during the school year, too, even during the winter its the only way they can complete their online math homework. Last year, the Federal Communications Commission reaffirmed what these students already knew: Access to broadband is necessary to be a productive member of society. In June, a federal appeals court upheld the commissions authority to regulate the internet as a public utility. The courts decision is a partial victory. While the ruling ensures that the information superhighway can be maintained for the public interest, it doesnt help anyone who simply cant afford to have access to it. As many as one in five Americans remains in the digital dark. To start to tackle that problem, the F.C.C. has recently expanded its Lifeline program to provide subsidies for broadband access.. Here in the worlds information capital, New Yorkers are still scrounging for a few bars of web access, dropped like crumbs from a table. With broadband costing on average $55 per month, 25 percent of all households and 50 percent of those making less than $20,000 lack this service at home. FRONT PAGE An article on Wednesday about the erosion of support among Republican women for Donald J. Trump misidentified a Republican voter who said she did not trust the Republican nominee but would not vote for Hillary Clinton either. The comment was made by Laura Schrock of Delaware, not by Carol Hillenbrand of New York. (Ms. Hillenbrand, a Republican, says she will support Mrs. Clinton.) Because of an editing error, an article on July 12 about the emergence of Theresa May as Britains new prime minister referred incorrectly in some editions to her place in British history. She is the second woman to serve as Britains prime minister, not the second woman after Margaret Thatcher to do so. INTERNATIONAL Because of an editing error, an article in some editions on July 15 about a joy ride around Moscow taken by officers and recent graduates of the academy of the Federal Security Service, Russias top security agency, misidentified the agency once led by Vladimir V. Putin, the Russian president. It is the Federal Security Service, known as the F.S.B. not the Soviet K.G.B., its predecessor. An article on July 14 about Beijings protest of an international tribunals ruling rejecting its territorial claims in the South China Sea misstated, at one point and in some editions, the surname of a Japanese judge who appointed four of the five members of the tribunal. As the article correctly noted elsewhere, he is Shunji Yanai, not Yensai. A Q.-and-A. article on July 11 about the ruling referred incorrectly to Indonesias maritime conflicts with China. Indonesias exclusive economic zone overlaps with Chinas nine-dash line, which encircles up to 90 percent of the South China Sea, but Indonesia does not claim sovereignty over any part of the sea and was not a party to the ruling. That makes no sense, said Mr. Woodward, who argued that there should be a zone of protection around a candidates children. On todays episode, Mr. Friedman rejects that argument, saying that Mr. Trump had forfeited any such zone of protection when his children became top advisers to his campaign and highly public spokesmen for it. Oh my God. I mean, who are the main speakers at Trumps convention? Mr. Friedman asked. They are his kids. Who has he cited as his top advisers? His kids. An edited excerpt from our interview: BARBARO: What were you trying to do there? FRIEDMAN: I was simply thinking about it as a dad myself. How I would feel if I had engaged in the kind of mocking of a gold star family, suggesting in some vague way that Second Amendment advocates might want to take the law into their own hands. I know what my family would have felt toward me, and I was wondering what his kids really feel toward him. I asked whether Mr. Friedman was trying to encourage Mr. Trumps children to intervene and rein in their father. If you want to change his behavior, it seems to me legitimate to call on them, he said. In the same episode, we asked a former top employee of Mr. Trumps, Barbara Res, once the head of construction at his company, whether the inflammatory language he is now using resembled his choice of words and his shading of the truth as a boss in the workplace. This Sundays New York Times print magazine will be unlike any ever published. It has been completely turned over to a single narrative by Scott Anderson about the forces that unraveled the Arab world since the United States invaded Iraq 13 years ago. It is written by Scott Anderson with photography by Paolo Pellegrin, and clocking in at 40,000 words, its less like a magazine piece and more like a small book. (The crossword puzzle is the only survivor among the magazines normal features.) In the NYT VR app, the piece is paired with dramatic video of Iraqs recapture of Falluja from the Islamic State, or ISIS, that, as a virtual reality production, takes viewers into battle. Its the work of the video journalist Ben C. Solomon. I reached out to Times magazine editor Jake Silverstein to ask about the project. Liz: For a news organization in the midst of sizable cost cutting, this project stands out as a significant investment of money and time. The print magazine has no advertising, yet you have a team of reporters, visual journalists, editors and designers working for months, in some cases years, on this project. Why this subject and why this level of commitment? Jake: I guess I have sort of a go big or go home philosophy about all this. Hand-wringing aside, the truth is that we at The New York Times have plenty of resources, plenty, and this is exactly the kind of big ambitious project that we should be using them for. Its debatably the most important story in the world right now, the crack at the center of things that has destabilized an entire region and released a new kind of uncertainty and terror into our lives. One of the great things about The Times Magazine is that it is uniquely well suited for executing these kind of big, ambitious, multiplatform special projects. Frank Palopoli, a chemist whose team of researchers invented Clomid, the worlds most widely prescribed fertility drug for women, died on Saturday in Montgomery, Ohio. He was 94. The cause was heart failure, his son Frank said. Over nearly 50 years, millions of women have become pregnant because of the relatively inexpensive drug clomiphene citrate, which the William S. Merrell Company began marketing as Clomid in 1967. The pill that Mr. Palopoli and his organic chemistry research team synthesized and patented is now sold generically and under other brand names, including Serophene. Among women whose only infertility problem is the failure of their ovaries to release egg cells during the menstrual cycle, as many as 80 percent who take the medicine will typically ovulate and be able to conceive naturally or through intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: Israels Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has received secretary general of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Rovshan Muradov, Azerbaijans State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend Aug. 12. During the meeting, the minister was informed about the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, its activity, Global Baku forums, which are held since 2003. It was noted that the Center has become a sole political platform and the discussions held by it are important for the countries of the region. Avigdor Lieberman, in turn, spoke about friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, and noted that the Jewish commune, living in Azerbaijan, is provided with care and attention. Representatives of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center invited Lieberman to participate in the 5th Global Baku Forum, which is scheduled for 2017. My people are like what they do onstage in real life, he told the magazine. Few of them are different. Theyre not actors. Few have had any training, and with those, Ive had to destroy their grammar-school ideas of acting. What were doing I really couldnt tell you. he continued. How it works between us I dont know. I say things and they do them. But it doesnt stop there. I give a detail and they build up a whole history behind the detail. Watch one of the shows three or four times; youll see it. One of the companys shows, Heaven Grand in Amber Orbit, was a rock musical set in a bordello whose characters included a thalidomide baby, female conjoined triplets and a stump-armed princess. Jack Kroll of Newsweek described it in 1969 as the wildest and in some ways the best show in New York an explosion of pure theatrical energy unconfined by any effete ideas of form, content, structure or even rationality. Other productions were Conquest of the Universe, a frenetic intergalactic comedy by Charles Ludlam, who would eventually feud with Mr. Vaccaro and create a parallel, better-known, troupe, the Ridiculous Theatrical Company; The Magic Show of Dr. Magico, a Scheherezade-like parade of graphically erotic tales played against sophisticated original music and dancing; Persia, a Desert Cheapie, a cartoonish spoof of Arabian Nights movies; and The Nutcracker in the Land of Nuts, written by Mr. Tavel and directed by Mr. Vaccaro, a wicked Christmas-season alternative to the beloved Tchaikovsky ballet featuring a seven-headed mouse monster and other freakish creatures. As one of the farthest outposts of the New Theater, Vaccaros troupe affects people that way: They laugh themselves silly and hate themselves afterward, the critic and theater scholar Glenn Loney wrote in an introduction to the Cue interview. Thats Vaccaros way of showing them how grotesque he thinks our lives have become. John Joseph Vaccaro was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on Dec. 6, 1929. His parents were Italian immigrants Salvatore Vaccaro and Mary Gelato, whose names were changed when they arrived in the United States to Samuel Vaccaro and Mary Gillette. Sam Vaccaro owned a grocery and a tire shop. By his own account, John was confused by a Roman Catholic upbringing in a town with nine blocks of whorehouses. He became a drug addict at 15, he said, and remained one until his mid-20s. Later, after a mental breakdown, he spent time in an institution, where, he told The Times in 1969, he realized the positive results of confronting all the psychological things out in the open. Baltimore is worse in the sense that Baltimore is a city that has more people of color and more poor people of color, so we are likely to see more excesses, and that is manifest in the report, said Lisalyn R. Jacobs, an expert on race and gender bias who works closely with the Obama administration on issues including sexual assault. The Baltimore police commissioner, Kevin Davis, who vowed Wednesday to turn his department into a model for the rest of the nation, did not dispute the Justice Departments findings. He said in an interview Thursday that he was already taking steps, including putting a trusted captain in charge of a new sex offense unit and assigning a sergeant to act as an L.G.B.T. liaison, to address the problems. The challenge of interacting respectfully with victims of sexual assault is a challenge to our profession, Commissioner Davis said, and we are getting better at it in Baltimore, and we are paying attention to it. African-Americans make up 63 percent of the population in Baltimore, and the city has been in the thick of its own painful conversation about race and policing since the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who sustained a fatal spinal injury in police custody. Tessa Hill-Aston, the president of the citys branch of the N.A.A.C.P., said the Justice Departments report this week had pushed the conversation about victims of police bias beyond black men. Theres a lot of women in the same communities that have been victimized just as much, Ms. Hill-Aston said, adding of the police, They just didnt care, because it was a poor black woman or a poor black neighborhood. Civil and womens rights advocates in Baltimore have been saying for years that the police do an inadequate job of investigating rape and sexual assault cases. In 2010, The Baltimore Sun reported that in the previous four years, the police had routinely failed to solve rape cases; in reviewing F.B.I. data, the newspaper found that the percentage of rape cases dismissed as false or baseless was higher in Baltimore than in any other city in the country. RALEIGH, N.C. Federal judges struck down nearly 30 North Carolina House and Senate districts on Thursday as illegal racial gerrymanders, but will allow General Assembly elections to be held using them this fall. The decision by a three-judge panel comes six months after another set of judges struck down North Carolinas congressional districts for similar reasons. Thursdays ruling covering 19 House and nine Senate districts is another blow to Republican lawmakers in North Carolina, who have seen several laws they approved partly or wholly overturned by federal courts. The United States Supreme Court announced in June that it would hear the appeals of Republican state leaders in the congressional districting case, in which two majority-black districts were thrown out. The previous map, drawn in 2011, helped give Republicans more seats within the congressional delegation in the swing state. The legislative maps, also approved in 2011, helped Republicans pad their majorities in the two chambers after they took control of the Legislature for the first time in 140 years in 2010. WASHINGTON The Obama administration on Thursday said it was shifting $81 million away from biomedical research and antipoverty and health care programs to pay for the development of a Zika vaccine, resorting to extraordinary measures because Congress has failed to approve new funding to combat the virus. Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the secretary of health and human services, told members of Congress in a letter that without the diverted funds, the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority would run out of money to confront the mosquito-borne illness by the end of the month. That would force the development of a vaccine to stop at a critical time, as locally acquired cases of Zika infection increase in Miami. As of last week, 7,350 cases of Zika had been reported in the United States, most in Puerto Rico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ms. Burwell said that 15 infants had been born with Zika-related birth defects. The virus can cause abnormal brain development and other serious defects in children born to infected mothers. The local spread of the illness in the continental United States, with the first cases reported late last month, has raised the political stakes surrounding the federal governments response. Hillary Clinton on Tuesday made a campaign stop in Wynwood, the Miami neighborhood that has had a rash of locally transmitted Zika cases, and pressed Congress to return from its five-week break to approve emergency funding to fight the virus. A Canadian man who had proclaimed his support for the Islamic State was killed after setting off an explosion in the back of a taxi while being fired upon by police officers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Thursday. The man, Aaron Driver, 24, died on Wednesday afternoon in Strathroy, Ontario, a town of about 21,000 southwest of Toronto. Police officers and other security forces had surrounded the house where he was living after the F.B.I. forwarded to the Canadian authorities a martyrdom video made by Mr. Driver, Mike Cabana, the deputy commissioner of the R.C.M.P., said at a news conference in Ottawa. It took Canadian officials about two and a half hours to identify Mr. Driver on Wednesday morning as the man in the video threatening to carry out an attack in an unspecified location in Canada within 72 hours. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police then had to locate him. It was a race against time, Mr. Cabana said. In the video, a man wearing a black balaclava tells Canadians that they still have a heavy debt that has to be paid, you still have Muslim blood on your hands. The man refers to images of death from the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and says that is what Canadians should expect. Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who researches politics and security in Southeast Asia, doubted that southern insurgents were behind the blasts. Its been years since they have been able to pull off coordinated attacks across multiple cities and provinces, and when they have, its always been confined to the deep south, he said in an email. He said the bombings were likelier to be the work of dissidents opposed to the military government that has ruled Thailand since a coup in 2014. He noted that the blasts came days after voters approved a new constitution expanding the power of the junta, which had barred opponents of the proposal from campaigning against it. The restrictions on campaigning ahead of the referendum must convince some that only extralegal means can be effective, Mr. Abuza said. While many of the bombings were in tourist areas, he said, they did not seem intended to kill large numbers of people, suggesting that the intent was to hurt the tourist-dependent economy. Friday is the birthday of the queen, Sirikit, a national holiday, and some of the bombs were reported to have gone off after the national anthem, which is customarily played at 8 a.m. Many people had gone to Hua Hin, a coastal resort on the Gulf of Thailand, in anticipation of the holiday. Queen Sirikit and King Bhumibol Adulyadej have a palace there, though they are both ill and hospitalized in Bangkok. Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a spokesman for the prime ministers office, urged Thais to celebrate the holiday as usual. They dont want people to go out, travel or spend money, he said in a televised interview, referring to the bombers. They want to scare off investors. They dont want tourists to come to Thailand. The explosions Thursday night in Hua Hin, which occurred about a half-hour apart, were in an area of bars and nightclubs popular with foreign tourists. At least nine foreigners were wounded in the second explosion, which went off at a crowded intersection, according to Suthipong Klai-udom, a district official. Mr. Suthipong said that Germans, Swiss and Italians were among the wounded, and that the woman who died was a Thai street vendor whose cart was near one of the explosions. He said the bombs had been hidden in plant pots and detonated by cellphone. WASHINGTON Russia is conducting a series of military and rhetorical escalations toward Ukraine that have anxious Western analysts once again looking for clues as to President Vladimir V. Putins next move. On Wednesday, Russias state security agency, the F.S.B., claimed that it had blocked an attack on Crimea by sabotage-terrorist groups sponsored by the Ukrainian government, though two Russian soldiers were killed. Mr. Putin accused the Ukrainian government of using terrorism to incite conflict over Crimea, which has been heavily militarized since Russia annexed it from Ukraine in 2014. He warned ominously, We obviously will not let such things slide by. Russia has increased its military presence in and around Crimea, adding to fears that Moscow might be planning another military intervention in Ukraine. But while Mr. Putin is nothing if not unpredictable, analysts say this may be about Russia seeking diplomatic leverage rather than prepping for war. The use of chlorine gas against civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo should be investigated as a war crime, a top United Nations diplomat said Thursday. It was a deadly reminder of the persistence of makeshift chemical weapons in Syria despite an international effort to destroy the countrys chemical weapons caches. Four people were killed when at least four barrels containing the gas were dropped Wednesday over Zubdiya, a rebel-held neighborhood in eastern Aleppo, witnesses said. The bombing was the latest in a series of chlorine gas attacks that have killed or wounded scores during Syrias five-year civil war. What Is Chlorine? Chlorine is one of the most common naturally occurring elements on earth and has a variety of beneficial uses. It is used to make pesticides and the bleach that disinfects hospitals, and it is injected into municipal drinking water to make it clean and potable. It is a legal and necessary chemical, freely traded across international borders. But chlorine was among the first chemical gases to be turned into a weapon during World War I. Given its accessibility and the ease with which it can be weaponized, it has been commonly used in homemade bombs. LONDON The art auction business has been a challenging one over the past decade or so. As art prices soared, the big international houses gambled with guarantees and sacrificed commissions to attract the most valuable lots, squeezing their own margins. Now that the market has cooled considerably, Sothebys, at least, may have found a path to greater profitability. On Monday the publicly traded company announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it sold a total of $2.45 billion of art and collectibles in the first half of 2016, a decline of 21 percent on the $3.1 billion with fees it reported in the equivalent period the year before. The contraction was actually even more severe given that the 2016 figures included Sothebys June sales of contemporary art in London, which last year were held in July, in the third quarter. But despite the downturn, Sothebys net income increased to $89 million, or $1.52 a share, during the past three months, improving on the $67.6 million, or 96 cents, it made in the second quarter of 2015. (The company lost $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2016.) It is all about the price. Millions of people buying insurance in the marketplaces created by the federal health care law have one feature in mind. It is not finding a favorite doctor, or even a trusted company. It is how much or, more precisely, how little they can pay in premiums each month. And for many of them, especially those who are healthy, all the prices are too high. The unexpected laser focus on price has contributed to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses among the countrys top insurers, as fewer healthy people than expected have signed up. And that has created two vexing questions: Will the major insurance companies stay in the marketplaces? And if they do, will the public have a wide array of plans to choose from a central tenet of the 2010 Affordable Care Act? The marketplace has been and continues to be unsustainable, said Joseph R. Swedish, chief executive of Anthem, one of the nations largest insurers. Most Americans with health insurance get it through their employers or from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The marketplaces were created under the health care law to give the millions of people not covered in those ways a way to buy health plans. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Bulgarias Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and Economy Minister Bojidar Loukarsky will visit Baku on Sept. 29-30 to take part in the 4th session of the intergovernmental economic cooperation commission, Bulgarian media reported Aug. 12. An Azerbaijani-Bulgarian business forum will also be held during the ministers visit. The Bulgarian delegation will include entrepreneurs working in the spheres of energy, refining, construction, transportation, food industry, pharmaceutics, tourism, ICT, chemical industry and others. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria amounted to $15.65 million in 1H 2016 and almost the whole figure accounted for the import of Bulgarian products, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. The two countries trade turnover increased by 2.5 times compared to the 1H 2015. Wall Streets procrastination only gives opponents another reason to act. Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and other banks want the Federal Reserve to give them until 2022 to offload investments banned by the Volcker Rule. They have already had six years to do so, during which time the stock market has doubled. Asking for such a long delay may lead to unwanted consequences. The request may have its merits. Many of the holdings are harder to get rid of than run-of-the-mill stocks and bonds. They also may be subject to contractual obligations that limit how and when they can be sold. And there is a chance that next summers deadline might force banks to accept discounted prices. That is a concern for shareholders, however, not regulators. The $7 billion of affected investments at Goldman and the $3.2 billion at Morgan Stanley would hurt earnings if sold at a loss, but should not put a strain on capital. The broader issue is that banks have had plenty of time to get their houses in order. The Volcker Rule was part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank legislation aimed at reducing risks banks pose to the financial system. Although it did not take effect for another few years, most institutions quickly closed other affected units, such as proprietary trading. SHANGHAI The deal could be hard to resist. A Shanghai investment firm is offering a fat return of up to 10 percent a year, handily beating both the local stock market and the paltry payouts from bank accounts. It requires a minimum deposit of about $15, making it accessible to just about anyone. Investors can pull out in as little as seven days. Best of all, the money is guaranteed. There is just one catch: Investors know surprisingly little about what they are buying. The firm, State Gold Treasure, said the money would be plowed into a real estate company building a luxury serviced-apartment complex here in Shanghai. But it will not release details, including the complexs address. The offering is just one of a spate of barely regulated, highly opaque investments that are posing a growing threat to the Chinese financial system. As the countrys economy slows, experts increasingly worry that many of the investment funds could fail and the government may not know how to handle the shock to its financial system. Over the last five years, Chinese investors have plowed at least $2.8 trillion into buying such funds from banks alone. After quintupling since 2011, these investments, known as wealth management products, now total an amount roughly equal to more than one-third of the countrys annual economic output. Their growth has increased as Chinas economy has slowed. Pink is the new orange for young hunters in New York, who can now wear the color for safety under an updated law that advocates said was meant to attract more women and girls to a sport dominated by men. The law previously required junior hunters 14- or 15-year-olds and their adult mentors to wear a shirt, jacket or cap with at least 250 square inches of solid or patterned fluorescent orange visible in all directions. The change allows them to wear solid or patterned fluorescent pink instead of the traditional blaze orange. The new law, which went into effect on July 21, was part of a broader movement to get women involved in hunting, said Bill Gibson, legislative vice president for the New York State Council. Similar legislation enacted this year in Wisconsin was criticized as sexist and playing to gender stereotypes. Sarah Ingle, president of that states Womens Hunting and Sporting Association, told National Geographic that the change felt demeaning to women. In fact, an alternate means of detecting the disease, from laboratory cultures, does exist, according to the Department of Agriculture. But it has not been approved by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, which oversees the testing methods, because it has not been proven to work on samples from horses themselves. The current procedure is an improvement on the past: Because the disease hides in a horses anatomy, all female horses imported before the mid-1990s had to undergo a pre-emptive clitorectomy. At the Center for Equine Health at the University of California in Davis, there are 20 female horses with the letter T tattooed under their lips, marking them as test mares who are typically administered birth control on a regular basis so they do not become pregnant. If a test mare contracted the disease, she would be treated with antibiotics, but euthanization is also a possibility, according to the Agriculture Department. Outbreaks, however, are rare. In the past decade, there have been only four recorded outbreaks affecting a small number of horses, according to the Agriculture Department one, in 2008, spread to eight states. In 2006, a test mare bred to Ravel, a former Olympic dressage horse, considered one of the greatest living equine athletes, contracted the disease when the horse initially arrived from the Netherlands. Faced with extensive treatment that could have derailed the horses Olympic bid, he was instead neutered, according to news reports at the time. Despite their roles, horses who end up as test mares might otherwise have been bound for slaughter outside the United States many are unrideable because of injury and are donated to facilities. At the University of California, the mares live lives of luxury, said Jori Vasgaard, the animal resource manager there, more in keeping with how they would live out their lives in the wild. Horses breed regularly in nature in captivity, most do not. It doesnt bring up a moral issue in our eyes, Ms. Vasgaard said. These girls do their job very well, and they love their job. They do like the boys. Bella Epstein Seligsohn can still smell the fish boiling. Alison Wong remembers playing in the air shaft with her siblings. Jose Velez was the superintendent, and to this day curses the roof for always leaking. They were residents of the tenement at 103 Orchard Street, and their memories inform an exhibition set to open next summer in their old apartment building at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Their families all came to New York in the decades after World War II, an often overlooked period of United States immigration and migration. The Wongs were the last to leave when the museum moved them out just two years ago meaning the history here is very much still alive. This is the most modern period the museum has covered, said Annie Polland, the museums senior vice president for programs and education. People think of the Lower East Side in 1900 and they think about it today with bars and art galleries, Ms. Polland said. Were showing these decades that no ones talked about and yet were so important for so many people. One by one, the women paraded into the research center in Midtown Manhattan. There were about 40 of them, pregnant or of reproductive age, brought together by New York City health officials for focus-group sessions in English and Spanish. They were there to discuss the Zika virus. But not the mosquitoes known to carry it. They were there to talk about sex. Specifically, public health officials were trying to devise the most effective way of communicating the growing threat posed by sexual transmission of the virus a threat that could significantly alter the course of the epidemic. After two days, they had their message, aimed at men as much as women: Do not put your child at risk. To the Editor: Re Too Exclusive for Harvard? (Education Life, Aug. 7): As the former president of a 164-year-old all-male Harvard final club that last year voted to admit women, I applaud the efforts of Harvards president and dean, Drew Faust and Rakesh Khurana, to rid undergraduate life of the many negative influences of discriminatory social clubs. The notion that these clubs are private, that their business is conducted out of sight of most students, and that associational rights are violated by the new sanctions on membership are fictions. The clubs presence on campus is prominent if not in your face, and they play a very large role in the life of the college, far larger in fact than in past decades when clubs did not hold large parties open to nonmembers. The sanctions the dean proposes may seem harsh preventing future members of single-sex clubs leadership roles in campus life and university endorsements for prestigious postgraduate fellowships. But they are reasonable given the harms addressed, and affect no current undergraduates, only students who decide in the future to join single-sex clubs. Students not yet admitted to Harvard who want to be a member of a single-sex fraternity or sorority can choose to attend a different university. I cant speak to why more of Harvards clubs have not yet followed the Spee clubs voluntary example. But given the Spees experience since the vote, I can confidently predict that as the other clubs go coed, they will, like the Spee, offer richer and healthier experiences for all. It has become common wisdom among tech start-ups that an initial public offering of shares is something that should occur only after all other options have been exhausted. The start-ups have reasons for this they dont want to suffer the quarterly prodding of profit-hungry Wall Street investors, for example. But more often than not, its because they dont want to deal with the financial scrutiny required of a publicly traded company. Image This can be a problem for employees of those start-ups who are often compensated in company shares that can be worth a lot of money if the company goes public. A federal judge on Friday overturned the murder and sexual assault convictions of Brendan Dassey, one of the defendants whose case was the subject of the wildly popular Netflix documentary series, Making a Murderer. Mr. Dassey, 26, must be released from prison within 90 days unless the authorities schedule a new trial, according to the order from a federal judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In 2007, Mr. Dassey was convicted of participating in the murder and sexual assault of Teresa Halbach, a 25-year-old photographer, and sentenced to life in prison. The 10-part series by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, released in December, suggested that police investigators unfairly questioned Mr. Dassey, then 16, without a lawyer or parent present. So for more than a decade, the two towns and a local dark-sky nonprofit have been dialing down the dimmer switch. They have replaced streetlights and passed rules requiring that outdoor lights point down. The group built a small observatory with star guides who tee up its telescope and take people on a tour of the night. They coax homeowners to hood their porch lamps or dim a bright light outside their house. People out of ignorance go with whatevers cheap or whatevers brightest, said Ed Stewart, a board member of the local dark-sky group. You multiply that by 200, 300, and there goes the sky. He said advocates met with homeowners associations and held stargazing parties to sell the virtues of the night. When they gaze over the valley and see winking floodlights on a ranch or home in the hills, they see their next targets of persuasion. You cant just go up to someone and say, youve got a bad light, and legislate the problem away, he said. People resist that, especially in Colorado. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkeys petrochemical company Petkim will hold an extraordinary meeting of its Board of Directors on Sept. 6, said a message on Turkish Public Disclosure Platforms website. Personnel changes will be the main topic of discussions during the meeting. Petkim produces plastic packages, fabrics, detergents, and is the sole Turkish manufacturer of such products, a quarter of which is exported. The complex includes 14 plants which produce 20 various types of products. The annual production capacity of Petkim is 3.6 million tons. Its shareholders are: SOCAR Turkey Petrokimya AS 51 percent, SOCAR Turkey Enerji AS 5.3216 percent, while 43.6784 percent of the shares are in free float on the stock exchange. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu DOYLESTOWN, Pa. Donald J. Trump has been waiting for months for a poll in which he cracks 50 percent of the vote against Hillary Clinton in any of his top battleground states: Florida, New Hampshire, Ohio or Pennsylvania. Itll happen after the conventions, he said in a July 6 interview. Believe me. But in the last two weeks, instead of attracting a surge of new admirers, Mr. Trump has been hemorrhaging support among loyal Republicans, anti-establishment independents, Clinton-loathing Democrats and others, according to polls and 30 interviews with a cross-section of voters. His dispute with the parents of a Muslim Army captain who was killed in action in Iraq, and his suggestion that Second Amendment people could somehow stop Mrs. Clinton, have intensified doubts about Mr. Trump even among Americans who were initially attracted to his frank and freewheeling style. For a candidate who once seemed like an electoral phenomenon, with an unshakable following and a celebrity appeal that crossed party lines, Mr. Trump now faces the possibility that his missteps have erected a ceiling over his support among some demographic groups and in several swing states. He has been stuck under 45 percent of the vote in Ohio and Pennsylvania for weeks, polls show, while Mrs. Clinton has gained support. Several Republican voters say they grow leery every time Mr. Trump speaks these days, for fear he will embarrass them, and feel increasingly repelled just when they hoped he might adjust his message to try to draw more people in. I liked that he was politically incorrect. But now I feel, enough already, Trish Grove, a banker, said as she finished lunch at a diner here in Doylestown, a bellwether suburb north of Philadelphia. Hes not going to win a majority of voters by sounding offensive and ridiculous. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has faced widespread condemnation for agreeing to speak at a conference alongside Christian conservatives who have denounced homosexuality and gay rights, used his speech to the group on Friday to warn of the costs of intolerance. His remarks in Orlando, Fla., not far from the site of the massacre at a gay nightclub in June, were his most extensive yet in public on the subject of prejudice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. And he struck a notably softer tone than during his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, during which he repeatedly reaffirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage. Using the shorthand L.G.B.T. several times, Mr. Rubio told the group that the perception that many Christians are anti-gay is harming their faith. He urged them to resist passing judgment on gays. Do not judge, or you will be judged, he said, echoing a verse from the Bible. To love our neighbors we must recognize that many have experienced sometimes severe condemnation and judgment from some Christians, he said. They have heard some say that the reason God will bring condemnation on America is because of them as if somehow God was willing to put up with adultery and gluttony and greed and pride, but now this is the last straw. The first is seemingly innocuous: smartphones. Only in the last couple of years have large numbers of Ethiopians been able to communicate using social media as cheaper smartphones became common and internet service improves. Even when the government shuts down access to Facebook and Twitter, as it frequently does, especially during protests, many people are still able to communicate via internet proxies that mask where they are. Several young Ethiopians said this was how they gathered for protests. Second, there is more solidarity between Oromos and Amharas, Ethiopias two largest ethnic groups. Oromos and Amharas are not natural allies. For eons, Amharas from Ethiopias predominantly Christian highlands flourished in politics and business, exploiting the Oromos, many of whom are Muslim and live in lowland areas. But that is changing as well. We are on the way to coordinate under one umbrella, said Mulatu Gemechu, an Oromo leader. The biggest protests have been in Amhara and Oromo areas. Many Amharas and Oromos feel Ethiopia is unfairly dominated by members of the Tigrayan ethnic group, which makes up about 6 percent of the population and dominates the military, the intelligence services, commerce and politics. The third reason behind the unrest is the loss of Meles Zenawi. Mr. Meles, a former rebel leader, was Ethiopias prime minister for 17 years, until his death from an undisclosed illness in 2012. He was considered a tactical genius, a man who could see around corners. Analysts say he was especially adept at detecting early signals of discontent and using emissaries to massage and defang opponents. The current regime lacks that ground savvy, Mr. Abdi, the conflict analyst, said. Ethiopias new prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, was plucked from relative obscurity to fill Mr. Meless shoes. Unlike Mr. Meles, who came from the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, Mr. Hailemariam is a southerner. Analysts say he does not have the trust of the Tigrayan-controlled security services. The result, many fear, is more bloodshed. The last time Ethiopia experienced such turmoil was in 2005, after thousands protested over what analysts have said appeared to be an election the government bungled and then stole. In the ensuing crackdown, many protesters were killed, though fewer than in recent months, and that period of unrest passed relatively quickly. The new force represents an increase of over 30 percent in armed personnel for the United Nations mission of 12,000 troops, which has been unable to stop episodic bouts of killing and abuses, including widespread rape, by both government forces and rebel factions. United Nations soldiers and aid workers have been repeatedly harassed and attacked, and in some cases killed. Thousands of South Sudanese civilians, fearing for their lives, have been living in United Nations sites in Juba and other locations. The resolution specifies that the new force, which diplomats said would mostly be drawn from neighboring countries, will be authorized to promptly and effectively engage any actor that is credibly found to be preparing attacks, or engages in attacks, against United Nations protection of civilians sites, other United Nations premises, United Nations personnel, international and national humanitarian actors, or civilians. The resolution does not impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, as Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, some member states and outside advocates, including international rights groups, had wanted. But in what was intended as a coercive step, the resolution allows an arms embargo to be imposed if the government does not cooperate. The resolutions failure to achieve a unanimous approval of the 15-member Security Council partly reflected the difficulties it has often faced in deciding on any action involving the use of military force. Russia, China, Egypt and Venezuela, the Council members that abstained, had criticized some provisions in the resolution. Russia and China in particular have been reluctant to take actions that they view as incursions on another countrys sovereignty. MANILA Donald J. Trumps recent assertion that the United States was letting in animals from terrorist nations, among them the Philippines, has provoked a strong backlash here, making headlines and prompting a Philippine congressman to propose barring Mr. Trump from the country. The congressman, Jose Salceda, filed a resolution this week seeking to refuse Donald J. Trump entry into the Philippines for the wholesale labeling of Filipinos as coming from a terrorist state. Mr. Salceda condemned Mr. Trumps ugliness of utterances, largely unprompted and undeserved, even though Mr. Trump profited handsomely from licensing his name and brand to a real estate development in the Philippines. Mr. Duterte, a combative former mayor and prosecutor, has repeatedly called for the killing of drug dealers, and an estimated 800 people have died at the hands of police or vigilantes since his election, officials say. Many were gunned down in the street and left with a cardboard sign identifying them as drug pushers. Such killings have become known as cardboard justice. More than 600,000 drug users and dealers, fearing for their lives, have turned themselves in, the authorities say. Most have been sent home after giving the police a statement and are likely to face investigation later. But his clash with public officials has been less one-sided. On Monday, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno of the Supreme Court challenged the president over the seven judges on his list, telling them not to submit to arrest without a warrant. The court also announced that it would investigate any allegations of the judges connection to the drug trade. To safeguard the role of the judges as the protector of constitutional rights, I would caution them very strongly against surrendering or making themselves physically accountable to any police officer in the absence of any duly-issued warrant of arrest, Justice Sereno wrote. Mr. Duterte angrily warned her not to interfere with his campaign to bring an end to what he calls the pandemic drug problem in the Philippines. In a speech at a military camp on Tuesday, Mr. Duterte said she must be joking by demanding arrest warrants, which he said could take months to obtain. And he warned her not to create a crisis because I will order everybody in the executive department not to honor you. Shah Rukh Khan, the Indian actor known as the King of Bollywood, said he was detained for a few hours at an American airport on Thursday. Again. To detain one of Indias biggest celebrities would itself attract international headlines, but this, he said, was the third time that he had been held then released while traveling in the United States. His treatment at American airports was already a sore point among his fans as well as critics of airport security procedures, with each episode sparking outrage and discussion. Mr. Khan was estimated to have a net worth of $600 million in 2014, making him one of the richest actors in the world, just after Jerry Seinfeld. MANILA The head of the Thai junta urged his countrymen on Friday to have patience while investigators determine who was behind a wave of deadly bombings in Thailand this week. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the junta chief and prime minister, hinted that the perpetrators were bad people opposed to a new Constitution that was approved by voters on Sunday in a nationwide referendum. There are still bad people, and they have been acting since before the referendum, he said in an address to the nation. NEW DELHI Plenty of back-and-forth intermingling happens along the 2,500-mile zigzag border shared by India and Bangladesh. But the Bangladeshis are having trouble returning a four-and-a-half-ton Indian visitor to its home. A wayward wild elephant from northeast India was washed hundreds of miles down the Brahmaputra River into Bangladesh during torrential flooding earlier this summer, and is now marooned there, despite efforts by the Bangladeshis to repatriate it. For the last 45 days, we are dealing with this elephant, Ashit Ranjan Paul, Bangladeshs conservator of forests and wildlife, said after a three-member team of Indian experts visited the animal, untamed but weak and dehydrated, in a swampy area of the northern Jamalpur district where it has been confined. The experts left without any good ideas for how to quickly reunite the elephant with its herd in India. Mr. Lisnard said the measure could also apply to women wearing a traditional Indian sari, because such a garment could hamper rescue efforts in the water. The decree was the latest decision made in the name of laicite the French term for separation of church and state that targets Muslim clothing, a regular point of contention in France. Politicians differ deeply over how to define laicite; some acknowledge that it is increasingly used to justify measures that single out Muslims, rather than to keep government out of all religion and vice versa, the principles original intent. A 2004 law banned the wearing of religious attire in public schools, and since then, many of the French governments prohibitions on public displays of religious belief have centered on Muslim women. Their faith is visible in what they wear (it is less evident with most Muslim men), and, on top of that, many French people are particularly disturbed by the sight of a woman who covers her head and body. The restrictions have also arisen at a time of renewed emphasis on the assimilation of people from immigrant backgrounds and amid rising fears of terrorism. The French emphasis on keeping religious attire out of public life can at times seem strange to foreigners. At the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, several Muslim women have competed in sportswear that cover their hair and neck. Nor is head-covering swimwear used exclusively by Muslim women; face-covering swimsuits have been spotted in China and other places, worn by beachgoers worried about too much sun. The measure in Cannes was enacted on July 28, two weeks after the attacks in Nice, roughly 15 miles to the east, in which 85 people were killed by a truck driver; and two days after a priest was killed by two men with knives in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, Normandy. Militants professing loyalty to the Islamic State were behind each attack. The Collective Against Islamophobia in France said in a statement Friday that Mr. Lisnards arguments were shocking and that it was filing a legal complaint against the ordinance. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 12 By Demir Azizov Trend: Topical issues and prospects of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and France were discussed by representatives of Uzbekistans Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade and the head of French diplomatic mission in Tashkent, Jacques-Henri Els. Results of the sixth session of the Uzbek-French intergovernmental trade and economic cooperation commission, held in July in Tashkent, were also discussed during the meeting, according to Uzbek ministrys message. During the meeting of the intergovernmental commission, it was noted that both Uzbekistan and France attach great importance to expanding and deepening the mutually beneficial trade and economic, investment, financial and technological cooperation. In particular, Uzbekistan is interested in purchasing high technology, modern and reliable French equipment, while France is interested in intensification of cooperation in agriculture and tourism industry with Uzbekistan. An intergovernmental agreement on air traffic, a cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan Railways and Frances ALSTOM, as well as a memorandum of intention on joint production of vaccines by Frances Sanofi and Uzbekistans Uzfarmsanoat were signed after the meeting. MOSCOW President Vladimir V. Putin unexpectedly fired his longtime chief of staff on Friday, the latest in a series of high-profile Kremlin changes that have ushered out an older layer of Putin peers and replaced them with a younger generation of unquestioning loyalists. Putin is gravitating toward those who serve him, and distancing himself from those who, by virtue of their resources, attempt to rule alongside Putin, wrote Tatyana Stanovaya, a political scientist, in a recent commentary for the Carnegie Moscow Center. He does not need advice, he needs people who will carry out his orders with as little fuss as possible. As if on cue, after the announcement, pictures of Anton E. Vaino, 44, the relatively unknown aide promoted to chief of staff to replace Sergei B. Ivanov, suddenly popped up online. They showed Mr. Vaino shadowing Mr. Putin and even carrying an umbrella to protect the president from the rain. The changes come amid a spike in foreign and domestic tensions that might arrive as a welcome or manufactured, as some have suggested diversion for a nation depressed by a long stretch of economic hardships brought on by the collapse of oil prices and Western economic sanctions for Mr. Putins adventures in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Ben-Gurions matter-of-fact voice from the grave resonates hauntingly, with its mix of pragmatism and philosophical prescriptions bordering on the prophetic. He described the prophet Jeremiah as one of the greatest because, he said, I have the feeling that what he was saying is true. He understood politics more than the kings, Ben-Gurion said. But he was unpopular. Mr. Mozer and Mr. Shilon pointed to the former prime ministers pronouncements at the time that in return for a true peace, he would give up the territories that Israel conquered in the Arab-Israeli War in 1967, except for the Golan Heights, Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Hebron. He saw no contradiction in believing that Israel had the right to all the land, but could also concede some of it. He thought that the most important thing was to live in the Middle East in peace with our neighbors, Mr. Shilon said. He said that Israel can win a lot of wars and the Arabs can lose a lot of wars, but that Israel would not be able to stand one defeat; that one lost war would be the end of Israel. Mr. Shilon added, The problem with Ben-Gurion was that people stopped listening to him. Mr. Mozer and Yael Perlov, the editor and co-producer of the documentary, uncovered the lost interview almost by chance, in the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive in Jerusalem. There, while working to restore an old and unsuccessful feature film about Ben-Gurion by Ms. Perlovs late father, David Perlov, they tripped across the silent film reels. It took six months to find the soundtrack, which they did in the Ben-Gurion Archives in the Negev. The interview had actually been conducted as background research for the Perlov film. The former prime minister had chosen the interviewer, Clinton Bailey, who was then a recent immigrant from the United States. Mr. Bailey had been befriended by the Ben-Gurions after Paula invited him in for tea one day when he was wandering near their home in Tel Aviv. BEIRUT, Lebanon The battle for Aleppo Syrias most populous city is once again raging, once again trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians, once again rallying fighters seeking an advantage in the five-year-old civil war. But it is just as likely that Aleppo will continue to burn, the war will move no closer to resolution and many people will continue to suffer and die. Every day we have wounded, every day we have sick people, Abdulqader Habak, an activist in the citys rebel-held eastern part, said via Skype. He and other activists have also reported an increase in attacks using chemical gases, increasing civilian misery. Life is slightly better in the western part of the city, where the government of President Bashar al-Assad maintains control and there are no airstrikes. But food stocks there have dwindled, some areas are without water and electricity, and many fear that the ability of Mr. Assads forces to protect them is slipping. The governor of the small Russian region of Oryol is trying to convince people that Ivan the Terrible was not so bad. Legend has it that Ivan founded the regions capital, also called Oryol, in 1566. Now Gov. Vadim Potomsky has commissioned a bronze statue of the former czar on horseback, wielding a sword and a cross, to be erected in front of the citys childrens theater in honor of the citys 450th birthday. The rehabilitation campaign builds on a move by Russias minister of culture back in 2014 to depict Ivan as the victim of Western disinformation. The minister suggested that the name in Russian, Ivan Grozny, would better be translated as Ivan the Strict. Ivans more dubious deeds include founding the first version of Russias secret police and beating his own son to death. The death is the subject of one of the countrys most renowned historical paintings, by Ilya Repin, something Governor Potomsky dismissed as a work of fiction. The firm has since done a series of trips tied to investment opportunities: the economic benefits of a change of government in Argentina; its Silicon Valley venture fund; and a new Brazil fund, started this month, that is betting on gains from new political leadership there. We think well be more successful executing a contrarian thesis if people see what theyre investing in, said Cullen Thompson, president and chief investment officer of Bienville. Mr. Thompson said one initial reason to take investors on these trips was to make them comfortable with investments that could not be liquid if the strategy was to work. The Brazil fund, for example, has a three-year lockup so that Bienville can make investments through the next national election. The Argentina fund has a five-year lockup. We thought that to get locked-up capital in a contrarian thesis that seems quite scary, it would behoove all of us to show some of our investors what were buying and why were buying it, he said. To do that, they had to travel down with us. On these trips, Bienville covers the cost of working meals but the investors must pay their own travel expenses. Investments from individuals have ranged from $500,000 to $10 million. As for returns, the Gulf Coast Opportunities Fund was up 65 percent since inception and the fund based on the Argentina strategy was up 39 percent. Those who attended the Bienville trips said they were rigorous and concentrated. We had access to the guys who had done the work, said Mr. Gross, who not only went on the Gulf Coast trip but also joined the Silicon Valley tour group. Theyd express why they were doing what they were doing. I was with other investors and we were able to compare notes, as well as to involve ourselves in a Q. and A. with these guys. LIKE many people, Steve Guadalupe has had a varied career. Now 68 and living in Miami, he started in the Air Force working in personnel. He left in 1983, using his technology background to get jobs at centralized bank data centers. When that work dried up in the late 80s, he shifted into construction, eventually ending up on a maintenance crew for a six-story medical building on the grounds of the Baptist Hospital of Miami. Climbing up and down ladders, your legs would be sore when you got home, he said. As I got older, I decided I wouldnt be able to keep doing that. With his youngest son in college, he still needed an income. In 2000, Mr. Guadalupe shifted from maintenance to running the concierge desk, directing people when they enter the medical building for a procedure or visit. He knows the building well, and he likes the work. Maintenance pays more, he noted, but this job, I can do until Im 80. Blue-collar jobs are hard work. Eventually, most blue-collar workers find the wear and tear on their bodies too draining to continue. Moreover, many industrial companies are reluctant to hire or keep older workers as the number of such jobs shrinks. Yet many blue-collar workers, like their white-collar counterparts, cant afford or dont want to retire (often a combination of the two). Mr. Danilian does make art and especially dance happen. His latest theatrical concoction will be on display at City Center on Aug. 19 and 20 in the Ardani 25 Dance Gala, an anniversary program that showcases the work of new choreographers. His love of dance was born not from watching a specific performance, but from reading. He was also inspired by an exhibition he saw in Moscow in 1981, Paris-Moscow 1900-1930, which looked at, in part, Diaghilevs Ballets Russes. Of Diaghilev, the great Russian impresario, Mr. Danilian said: I am jealous. You know why? He lived in the time of great artists working around him. That doesnt mean we dont have great artists now, but it was really different. There was magic around him. But he, too, prides himself on being that old-fashioned thing: an impresario. In 1990, he formed Ardani Artists in Moscow; in collaboration with others, it brought American artists to Russia Merce Cunningham, the Limon Dance Company, Pilobolus and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Beginning in 1998, Mr. Danilian began to give many Russian artists, like the choreographer Boris Eifman and the ballerina Diana Vishneva, prominence in the United States in programs like Beauty in Motion, which focused on Ms. Vishneva. He also managed dancers, including Ms. Vishneva, Natalia Osipova and Polina Semionova. And he branched out with Kings of the Dance, a series showcasing male ballet stars of all nationalities. In his packaging of ballet, he found commercial success, attracting audiences in New York packed, it always seems, with Russians. Ms. Vishneva, in an email interview, stressed Mr. Danilians importance as an impresario in Russia. He continues to work with our two leading academic theaters, the Mariinsky and the Bolshoi, she said. He discovers and supports young, talented dancers, and his talent-scouting scope is now expanding to young choreographers as well. When a man is plunged up to his neck into the caldron of war, Vasily Grossman writes in Life and Fate, his epic novel of the Russian experience during World War II, he is quite unable to look at his life and understand anything; he needs to take a step back. Then, like someone who has just reached the bank of a river, he can look round: Was he really, only a moment ago, in the midst of those swirling waters? Rooted in its authors own experience as a Red Army war correspondent, Life and Fate was written during the latter part of the 1950s, after Grossman had taken his step back. The power of the book owes something to its belated and precarious birth. In 1961, the K.G.B. seized the manuscript and everything associated with it, including the typewriter ribbons. Fortunately, Grossman had secreted two copies with friends, and the text was eventually smuggled out of the Soviet Union. The book was published in the West in the 1980s and, finally, in Russia in 1988. English speakers know it through Robert Chandlers translation, reprinted in 2006. In 2011, BBC Radio 4 presented a serialized drama of the novel. What Grossman observes in Life and Fate about the psychological state of the individual in war might also be said of nations perhaps of the United States, enmeshed in resurgent violence in the Middle East and lingering still in Afghanistan after 15 years of conflict. These wars loosed us onto an indefinite river with inhospitable shores, but their nature limited war fought at a great geographical remove by a small professional force has given Americans a false sense of perspective amid the swirling waters. Reading Grossmans novel today shows us how elusive the achievement of equilibrium during wartime really is. Tolstoys War and Peace was the only book Grossman himself read during the war. From its title to its voracious scope, Life and Fate is explicitly indebted to, yet never overwhelmed by, Tolstoys saga of Napoleons invasion of Russia. Grossman paid tribute to his predecessor in his notebooks (selections from which were published in A Writer at War in 2005) after visiting his grave during the war: Roar of fighters over it, humming of explosions and the majestic calm autumn. It is so hard. I have seldom felt such pain. At that time, I dare say, I had one of the most coherent foreign policies of anyone working on a building site in the Manchester area, Andrew humblebrags. I read the incoming reports with indignation. . . . It surely made the news more exciting to have certain diplomats and particular ethnicities to root for. When he meets Penny, who shares his interest in the war, he falls in love instantly. It was as though Id found another person at a party who liked exactly the same difficult-to-get-into indie band as me: Balkan Slaughter, now working on ideas for their surprisingly vibrant third album. Andrew learns that Penny and a group of her activist friends are planning to voyage to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a hilariously misguided effort to bring peace to the region. They aim to do this by writing and performing a play: A play that would transmit a mind virus, the primary symptom of which would be peace. The young man has his doubts, but the thought of Penny going on a voyage without Andrew and with her friend Simon, whom Andrew describes as essentially me, only better is intolerable to him. So he insinuates his way into the ad hoc theater troupe by claiming he can speak Serbo-Croatian. (He cannot.) Its no surprise that Love, Sex and Other Foreign Policy Goals is an unceasingly raucous novel Armstrong is a co-creator of the British comedy series Peep Show and has written for the American political satire Veep. MAX GATE By Damien Wilkins 223 pp. Aardvark Bureau. Paper, $14.95. He liked to play hymns, Thomas Hardys widow tells a visitor, an eye perhaps on the cello in the corner, the more mournful the better. They cheered him up. Its hard, of course, to think that anything cheered him up. Hardy notoriously believed in a Malignant Universe ruled by chance and error, not justice. A Ph.D. thesis, legend has it, ranks his novels in order of percentages of gloom. He thought the plight of being alive was least painful at twilight. As one biographer puts it, He never willingly missed a funeral. Damien Wilkins, a New Zealand novelist, has made the inspired decision in Max Gate to imagine the last week of Hardys life and to tell the story in the voice of Hardys real-life housemaid, Nellie Titterington, whose vitality practically vaults off the page while her masters strength ebbs away upstairs. The result is a wonderful and truthful portrait of Hardy (though he never leaves his sickroom) and an extraordinary descent into the loveless prison of his marriage. Prison is, in fact, how Nellie describes life at Max Gate, the Dorset house that Hardy designed himself. The ugly red-brick structure was a psychological cage in which its inhabitants find themselves dominated by the celebrated public man whose bleak inner self depresses them all. Most beaten down by this bleakness is Hardys much younger second wife, Florence Dugdale (he is 87, she 48). His first marriage is one of the great horrors of the late-Victorian era almost 40 years of mute and mutual hatred but when Emma Hardy died in 1912, Hardy perversely resurrected her in a series of elegiac love poems that have few equals in English. From the start, Florence lived in Emmas shadow (he kept his calendar open to the date he and Emma met), yearning for affection, crushed by his daily retreat into memory. Tehran, Iran, Aug. 12 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: Iran has accused the UK of contributing to the killing of civilians in Yemen after a British official recently accused Tehran of arming groups in the war-torn Southwest Asian country. The UK has to be responsible to the world for arming a campaign led by the child-murdering Saudi Arabia, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said in a statement that appeared on ministrys website Aug. 12. The UK minister for the Middle East and Africa, Tobias Ellwood recently claimed that Britain had received reports implying that Iran has transferred arms to Yemen, but Qassemi turned the tables on the UK government. The spokesman said the use of UK-made weapons by Saudi Arabia against innocent Yemeni civilians is extensive and undeniable. The British official would better explain this anti-human behavior and answer questions posed by the House of Commons representatives over extensive, irrefutable use of flamethrowers in killing civilians, including innocent Yemeni women and children. In July, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it had compelling evidence that British weapons were being used by Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen, including against civilian targets. In January, the then UK Prime Minister David Cameron was urged to immediately suspend all arms sales to Saudi Arabia amid growing fears that British-made weapons may have been used to bomb hospitals, schools, markets and other civilian targets in Yemen. A United Nations report had then said the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen had involved widespread and systematic targeting of civilians in violation of international humanitarian law. Britain has been a leading arms supplier to Saudi Arabia and has military personnel working with the Saudi forces on the ground. WE COULD BE BEAUTIFUL By Swan Huntley 340 pp. Doubleday. $25.95. At age 43, Catherine West the narrator of Swan Huntleys debut novel, We Could Be Beautiful has almost everything shes ever wanted. She has an impeccably decorated West Village apartment, an eye-popping trust fund and an extraordinarily patient support staff. She has a job/vanity project in the form of a high-end stationery store, and she has a body that, we are told, has really held up. Despite it all, Catherine is unhappy. She longs for a husband and a family, to the point of misery, but she is aware that her wealth complicates her right to be so despondent: If you had money, you had no excuse. And people didnt feel sorry for you either. . . . They said, If youre sad, cant you buy a new house somewhere, cant you take a trip? Dont you have so many choices, so many resources? They said, Were not stupid and we know you cant buy happiness, but we also know you sort of can, too. Catherines hyperactive self-awareness serves multiple functions throughout We Could Be Beautiful. With her privilege pre-emptively critiqued, readers dont have to worry about doing it for her; instead, we can relax into the pleasures of gawking at, envying and deriding her 1 percent lifestyle, which is almost as much fun. Catherines acknowledgment of her own absurdities, as well as her perilous proximity to stereotype, is also a source of much of the books humor: I hated to be such a cliche, but if I had nothing to do, I shopped. Which was bad, but better than drugs. Of course I was grateful to have the luxury to buy whatever I wanted, but I also knew I didnt fully understand material things like other people did. By other people I obviously meant poorer people, which also happened to be most people. . . . I actually resented my good fortune sometimes I may have had distorted, oversimplified notions that romanticized a hunter-gatherer, stranded-on-a-desert-island-in-a-good-way(?)-type life and this, the resenting, proved that I didnt get it at all. By suggesting she doesnt deserve our pity, Catherine goes a long way toward earning it. From the beginning, shes haunted by a sense of emptiness that seems darker and weirder than loneliness. I had always felt incomplete, she explains, even as a small child. I have a memory of myself, age 4, cheek pressed against the cold black smoky design of the bathroom tiles, my hot breath fogging the smooth marble, thinking, I am dead. . . . I am dead and this is a dream. The adult Catherines world isnt devoid of companionship she goes shopping with her best friend; she has lunch dates with her sister and their ailing mother; she banters with her housekeeper and her trainer and her preternaturally committed massage therapist but theres something emotionally bankrupt about most of these dynamics. A mercenary, transactional feeling inflects even the most intimate of Catherines relationships, and this problem seems deeper and more interesting than anything another person can solve. Chief among my favorite Facebook memories is the time that a high-powered journalist of my acquaintance breezily informed us all that he was at the Grill Room of the Four Seasons with Ted Danson, tucking into some sea urchin. To which one friend responded, Thats funny, because Im at the Midtown tunnel with Rhea Perlman, eating shawarma. While some frequent users of social media are merely fabulous, others savvily buff their fabulousness to a dazzling gleam, becoming fahvolous. At no point in the year is this more evident than in August and early September, when Facebook and Instagram swell with the plump, juicy, sun-ripened harvest of summer: vacation photos. What prompts the excessive posting of these pictures? William Haynes, a 22-year-old comedian who hosts the SourceFed show People Be Like, said: I like how my generation is all about sharing. Whats the point of having a vacation unless you can tell people about it immediately? If you can get a few Instagram photos out of it, youve made your money back. Indeed, the motivation behind many fahvolous vacation photos would seem to be a rationalization of large expenditures for the purpose of recreation: a $6,000 beach rental ought to bring you $6,000 worth of pleasure, and maybe posting a photo will get the dopamine flowing. Justin Harter made an important discovery a few years ago while hawking ice pops on Rockaway Beach in Queens: Once people get to the beach, they dont want to move. That realization, coupled with overwhelming demand for some of the exotic fare at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk concessions (from overstuffed arepas to Mr. Harters ice pops, which come in flavors like mango caipirinha), led Mr. Harter and his business partner, Matthew Blance-Stephany, to make something new. Namely, a food delivery app for the beach. Its called Combrr, and it will soon allow people to buy items from concession stands from their towels, avoiding lines that lately stretch clear across the boardwalk. On the beach, responses to news of the app were unequivocally enthusiastic. Get out! Cindy Solorzano, a yoga teacher who lives in the neighborhood, said the other day as she sat on a beach blanket nibbling a colorless sandwich that she had brought from home. Yes, I would use that. The lines at the concession stand take so much time from time at the beach. Weve played together and in different bands for years, Mr. Pierce said. We had a couple of mutual friends who all started playing tabla, just because were musicians and we love rhythm, and tabla has this amazing rhythm, he explained, citing the Beatles song Within You Without You as an example. In 2004, Mr. Pierce saw an ad for tabla classes in a New Brunswick yoga studio. He and Mr. Lukshis signed up. A month later our guru came over from India. We hit it off, Mr. Pierce said, referring to Mr. Vakil. Mr. Pierce emphasized the uniqueness of the project and the diversity of the musicians who are part of it. When you present it properly and for the right audience, it opens people up to ideas about how we as musicians can complement each other regardless of where were from and the instruments we play, he said. Im basically into the mixing-of-different-cultures thing, added Ms. Won. Ive noticed that whenever theres an Indian culture program, you see a lot of white people and a lot of Indian people. You dont see a lot of Chinese people, Korean people, Japanese people. So I want something that brings us all together. Were all living together, so why shouldnt we all come together? Ponytails, corded telephones and going steady are back in style in East Haddam, where a glorious production of Bye Bye Birdie is putting happy faces on Goodspeed Opera House audiences. Times are changing, 15-year-old Kim MacAfee tells her mother, whom shes started to call Doris, and no musical so deftly takes advantage of that truism as this Tony-winning 1960 mash-up of old-fashioned musical romance, corny humor and newfangled youth culture. For those who have never crossed paths with Michael Stewarts deft book, Charles Strouses lilting music and Lee Adamss clever lyrics, Bye Bye Birdie looks in on Sweet Apple, Ohio its motto dubs it a pretty nice place when Kim is chosen at random to receive the farewell kiss of the rock star Conrad Birdie, who has dismayed his swooning fans by going into the Army. That kiss will change lives: those of Kim; her family; her boyfriend; Conrads mamas-boy manager, Albert; and Alberts long-suffering girlfriend, Rose. Even the towns stodgy mayor is going to succumb to the savage yearnings unleashed by Conrads driving guitar licks and gyrating pelvis, which at Goodspeed belong to the formidable Rhett Guter. Only Birdie himself, who was inspired by Elvis Presley but named in emulation of Conway Twitty, remains blissfully unchanged by his short, publicity-stunt visit to small-town Ohio. Directing a powerhouse cast on Tobin Osts versatile set, Jenn Thompson underscores both the satire and the warmth in the material. And David Tosers beautifully detailed costumes do the same; Conrad, who is staying with the MacAfees, comes down to breakfast in a ludicrous, hilarious leopard-skin robe. (His breakfast, a quickly gulped can of beer, is a joke, too. It is not surprising when Mr. MacAfee calls Conrad an ill-mannered lout.) But his Sweet Apple fans wear crinoline skirts in cotton-candy colors, and, when they dress up, white gloves. Ms. Thompson, a veteran of the Ivoryton Playhouses River Rep days, is making her Goodspeed debut, and an auspicious one it is. Her Birdie brims with energy, funneled by the choreographer, Patricia Wilcox, into dazzling dance numbers that spill off the stage and into the aisles. Ms. Thompsons take also incorporates two Strouse and Adams songs that were not in the Broadway original: the title tune, sung by Ann-Margret in the 1963 film version, and A Mother Doesnt Matter Anymore, written for Tyne Daly in the 1995 TV movie adaptation. At Goodspeed, Kristine Zbornik, as Alberts comic harridan of a smothering matriarch, just about stops the show with her rendition. It is a gem of a performance, and this production has many. Michael Arden, an inventive director, tries to put new spins on My Fair Lady at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. Fortunately, he cannot resist the core charms of the classic 1956 Lerner and Loewe musical, and he does his best work when he allows the ebullient music and swirling drama of the play to shine through. In this, he is helped by a sterling cast that he has directed with admirable assurance. Kelli Barrett (who starred on Broadway last year in Doctor Zhivago) is as strong-voiced and steel-willed an Eliza Doolittle as one could wish for. She sings deliriously and kicks her feet in the air in I Could Have Danced All Night, and she transforms beautifully from a stubborn Cockney-accented flower peddler (whose reaction to an offer of chocolates is a comic gem) to a dulcet-toned independent working woman. Paul Alexander Nolan (who had a leading role this year in Broadways Bright Star) brings an expressive voice and wide acting range as a younger-than-usual Henry Higgins, the priggish phonetics professor who takes Eliza on as a student. He is a humorously oblivious egotist in A Hymn to Him (in which the professor asks, Why cant a woman be more like a man?) and a man with deep doubts in Ive Grown Accustomed to Her Face. Howard McGillin, a Broadway veteran, provides sympathetic support as Colonel Pickering and John OCreagh, as Elizas rough-edged father, Alfred P. Doolittle, leads a rousing rendition of Get Me to the Church on Time. Chase Brock has choreographed the number, the shows most enjoyable, with an amazing lighthearted precision that manages to look spontaneous, as the ensemble deftly winds its way around a crowded stage. Abdulhamed Kharma, a sidewalk fruit vendor in Lower Manhattan, says he always tries to live up to his last name. The more you give, the more you receive, Mr. Kharma, 28, said. Thats what is called good karma. The fruit I would choose for myself, I give to my brother. And the fruit he gives free, with most purchases is a ripe banana. He sells them for 35 cents apiece, but with Mr. Kharma, the more you buy, the more you receive. He is skillful and persistent at persuading customers to buy more fruit. He will give you three bananas for a dollar, or seven for $2. He says he can sell 1,000 bananas or more on a decent day at his small stand at the southeast corner of West Broadway and Park Place, at the south end of TriBeCa. There is another upside to relying on paper. Audits of such systems can require something else that, at first glance, seems like a hindrance: People need to show up to do them. As the hanging chads debacle in Florida demonstrated in the 2000 election, paper systems, too, can be badly designed. However, in a healthy democracy, requiring people to show up is a good thing. There are already minefields ahead for this election. Georgia, for example, relies on electronic systems that leave no paper trail. The machines in Georgia are also quite old, and a Brennan Center for Justice report found that their software was outdated primarily using operating systems like Windows 2000. This not only puts them at risk for crashes and lost votes, but also leaves them more vulnerable to hacking, as such older software no longer receives fixes for security flaws. Since 1996, Georgia has voted for the Republican candidate in presidential elections, but this year a batch of recent polls have painted a tight race with some polls even indicating that the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, may have an edge. If the race is close, and the outcome questioned, voters in Georgia will have no means to audit the results. Other potential swing states, like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, also use electronic machines with no paper trail, at least in some counties. According to the nonprofit Verified Voting, people in at least a dozen states could encounter that same situation. We have also seen concerns about foreign nations meddling directly in United States elections, via hacking or other means. This is an unlikely scenario; however, the fact that people are even voicing such concerns makes it all the more urgent to dispel them. As Matthew Green, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in cryptography and cybersecurity, said, There is only one way to protect the voting system from a nation-state funded cyberattack: Use paper. Fortunately, there is a reliable and transparent method that combines convenience and the ability to perform an audit: paper ballot systems with optical scan counting. Avi Rubin, an expert on election security who is also a professor at Johns Hopkins, testified about a decade ago that when properly put into effect, these systems have many advantages. People can keep voting even if the equipment fails; its possible to audit results; and the systems are easy to use. It is too late to fix everything for this election. But we should start planning to verify and audit voting wherever possible. For jurisdictions that still use electronic-only voting, we need to guard the machines, to avoid the kind of direct tampering that can turn them into Pac-Man consoles. Randomly selected units should also be used as test only machines on Election Day, to check that they are tallying the votes correctly. So it was a civil rights landmark when the first American president publicly invited non-Christians to join him on equal footing on the First Amendments front porch. Now, after Khizr Khan appeared on national television offering to lend Donald J. Trump a paperback Constitution he had pulled out of his jacket, thereby turning the pocket Constitution into an Amazon best seller, next Sundays annual reading of Washingtons letter at Touro Synagogue is sure to crackle with newsy excitement. A few months before Washington wrote to the Touro Jews, he confided to a British historian: I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent. Because he was all too aware of inventing the presidency, the letter addressed to the Rhode Island synagogue is also addressed to us. As the first president, which is to say the first executive with the job of preserving, protecting and defending the Constitution, he was making a blunt statement on what he believed that Constitution was supposed to be about. While Washington was enough of a republican to throw in with the Continental Congress from the get-go, eight years commanding the Continental Army transformed him. When he arrived in Boston to take charge of the gathered militias, he wrote a snooty letter to a Virginia crony complaining of an unaccountable kind of stupidity in the lower class of these people, which, believe me, prevails but too generally among the officers of the Massachusetts part of the Army. Then Bostons Henry Knox volunteered to go to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to fetch its stash of cannons, mortars and howitzers, which he dragged back over the Berkshires. In winter! The British occupying Boston took one look at that fearsome artillery pointing down at them and high-tailed it to Canada. And the Massachusetts part of the Army suddenly struck Washington as a lot less stupid. Similarly, in February of 1777, Washington fired off a bitter missive to Congress complaining about the evil of unemployed French soldiers who had washed ashore expecting to steal American officers jobs. Nine months later, Washington wrote to Congress suggesting that they let the freakishly brave Frenchman Lafayette command his own division. THE white working-class men who are planning to vote for Donald J. Trump this November have been called many things: xenophobic, racist, misogynist, dangerously naive. But even if those descriptions are true, it doesnt mean these men were fated to be Trump supporters. Recent research in social science and history suggests that they might have been out front in the fight against Mr. Trump if only the American labor movement werent a shell of its former self. When we think about unions, what typically come to mind are interest groups concerned with wages, benefits and working conditions. Scholars, however, have shown what everyone in politics knows instinctively: Unions are also political organizations that, under the right circumstances, can powerfully channel the working-class vote. A classic study on this subject was done by the sociologist Seymour Martin Lipset. In a 1959 paper, he demonstrated that while the working class in most countries favors economic liberalism, it also displays an authoritarian streak. Using evidence from surveys, Mr. Lipset found blue-collar workers to be less committed to democratic norms like tolerance for political opponents, preference for rational argumentation over charismatic appeals and support for the rights of ethnic and racial minorities. These tendencies, he claimed, were a function of lower levels of education and the isolation of many workers (for example, coal miners) from people who were different from them. Authoritarian attitudes also owed something to the work itself. Controversially, he suggested that manual work was at odds with the abstract thinking required to appreciate complex, pluralistic solutions to political problems. Tehran, Iran, Aug. 12 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: Irans Elections Staff has set Apr. 11-15, 2017 as the time for hopefuls to sign up for presidential candidacy, according to the staffs director Mohammad Hossein Moqimi. The campaigns will also begin Apr. 28 and end May 27, ISNA news agency quoted Moqimi as saying Aug. 12. The Election Day was recently set for May 29, 2017. In the upcoming campaigns, incumbent President Hassan Rouhani is expected to run for his second term. Each of Rouhanis four predecessors has held office for two consecutive terms. In the era of new Nordic cuisine, diners have experienced everything from fried moss to sheep-dung smoked whiskey. But what about old Nordic cuisine? When would fermented mutton make its way to a menu again? Surprisingly, this nearly forgotten gastronomy never left the shores of the semiautonomous Faroe Islands, partly administered by Denmark. In May, the islands saw the opening of what might be the worlds first fermented restaurant: Raest, entirely dedicated to traditional Faroese fermented foods. Raest means fermented in Faroese. Unlike the wet fermenting process for yogurt and pickled herring, the Faroes salty, brisk air creates ideal conditions for air-drying meat and fish, a process done in hjallur, food-drying sheds scattered across the islands. During a recent visit, I dipped chewy strips of air-dried cod into Faroese butter and tasted mutton sausage that whiffed gloriously of Scottish haggis. A bowl of tangy fermented lamb soup was silky and specked with kelp. There are no waiters; chefs serve the tables, using the opportunity to explain the unusual dishes to guests. Because we eat these dishes at home, the idea of a restaurant serving Faroese food seems senseless to locals, said Johannes Jensen, the owner, who runs a few restaurants on the islands. When my mother heard I was opening Raest, she told me it would close within months. Step Right Up: David Cay Johnston, whose The Making of Donald Trump enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 15, had just started a job as a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer in June 1988 when he first met Trump in Atlantic City. I almost immediately recognized Donald as the P.T. Barnum of our age, Johnston said in a phone interview. During one of their meetings, Johnston deliberately said something wrong (about craps, natch) to see how his subject might respond. He embraced my false fact in his answer, which taught Johnston, formerly a reporter at The Times and a Pulitzer Prize winner, something he hopes his readers will learn too: Donald doesnt know anything. Well, there are certain things Donald does know, Johnston admits. He is masterful at understanding the conventions of journalism, and perhaps relatedly Trump is remarkably agile at doing as he chooses and getting away with it, which is how Johnston puts it in his book. The Making of Donald Trump uses financial records, court documents and Trumps own declarations to trace the ascent of a man who presents himself as a modern Midas even when much of what he touches turns to dross. Johnston wrote the book in 27 days, drawing his material from almost three decades of following Trumps career. Here are those dots, Johnston said about the glut of Trumpiana that is already out there. Here is how they connect, he said about his own book. By becoming the Republican nominee, Trump has truly upped the ante not just for the country but also for his own fortunes. His campaign style has made losing the presidential election a very expensive proposition. Hes seriously damaged his brand, Johnston said. The audience thats most loyal to him cant afford to stay in Trump hotels. Even though voters might already feel exhausted by this election cycle, Johnston who referred to Trump as Donald in our conversation says he will never tire of his subject: Im going to follow him for the rest of his life. Tehran, Iran, Aug. 12 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The meeting took place as the top event of Zarifs one-day trip to Turkey, Tasnim reported Aug. 12. In a joint press conference between Zarif and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier in the day, it was stressed that despite differences, Turkey and Iran would strengthen cooperation for a lasting peace in Syria. Iran always had good relations with both Turkey and Russia. All of the countries in the region must cooperate to bring peace in Syria and fight against extremism, Zarif said during the event. Upon arriving in Ankara, Zarif said, Iran, Russia and Turkey are important players of the region. The era of despotism and coups is over and has no place in our region, he said in reference to the recent failed coup in Turkey, adding, The Turkish peoples move in eliminating the grounds for the failed coup was a highly significant act. The public presence in the scene carried good omens and an important lesson to those who attempted the coup. In a telephone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shortly after the failed coup of mid-July in Turkey, Erdogan expressed his willingness to cooperate closely with Iran and Russia to settle regional crises and restore peace and stability to the region. The two leaders there touched on the situation in the Middle East as a whole, and expressed consensus that there are global forces who are not satisfied with the idea of tranquility in the region. For his part, President Rouhani noted he has no doubt that together with the terrorists, there are also some superpowers trying to destabilize things. Tehran, Iran, Aug. 12 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: A few weeks after an inflated salaries scandal turned viral in Iran, the government has issued a circular that strictly limits the payments to high officials. According to the new circular signed by Planning and Budget Organizations chief Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, high-ranking officials of the legislative, executive and judicial branches will receive no more than 100 million rials ($3,200) per month, Fars news agency reported Aug. 12. Recently, pay slips of some officials published online revealed that they had been receiving incredulously large amounts of money as salary, which were scores of times bigger that the sum paid to the average Iranian working class. The new circular also asserts that the salaries of the countrys medical staff, including doctors and other wage earners of the medical practice, will also be amended in a new circular that is to be published in one month. Doctors are also the source of much debate in the Iranian society for the large sums they charge. The earning of a medical practitioner in Iran is multiple times of that earned by a colleague of the same level of proficiency in most other countries. LAGUNA BEACH The Orange County District Attorneys office is reviewing a case in which a Laguna Beach man is accused of throwing his bicycle at one of the citys trolleys after the driver refused to let him come aboard with the bike. Laguna Beach Police were called to South Coast Highway and Diamond Street at 10:58 p.m. Aug. 2 after the trolley driver pulled over near Bluebird Canyon, said Laguna Beach police Sgt. Tim Kleisser. The trolley driver told police officers he was driving south on South Coast Highway when the man, described as a 37-year-old Laguna Beach resident, came toward the trolley with his bike. He started screaming and banging on the closed trolley doors and the driver felt threatened and drove off. The driver began to drive away and according to witnesses the male threw his bicycle at the trolley, which caused the trolley to drive over the bicycle, Kleisser said. While one officer spoke with the trolley driver, other officers located the man and detained him nearby. There was minor damage to the trolley and the case has been forwarded to the District Attorneys office for vandalism charges against the man, Kleisser said. Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini MADISON, Wis. A federal judge in Wisconsin on Friday overturned the conviction of a man found guilty of helping his uncle kill a woman in a case profiled in the Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer, ruling that investigators used deceptive tactics in obtaining a confession. U.S. Magistrate William Duffin overturned Brendan Dasseys conviction and ordered him freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. The state Department of Justice, which handled the case, declined immediate comment. Duffin said in Fridays ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him he had nothing to worry about. These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dasseys age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dasseys confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (of the U.S. Constitution), Duffin wrote. The ruling comes after Dasseys appeal was rejected by state courts. Dassey confessed to helping his uncle Steven Avery carry out the rape and murder of Teresa Halbach, but attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey was 16 when Halbach was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to photograph some vehicles. Avery was tried and convicted separately in the homicide. Both Avery and Dassey are serving separate life sentences. Dasseys case burst into the publics consciousness with the popularity of the Making a Murderer series that debuted in December. Attorneys for Dassey did not immediately return messages seeking comment. A spokesman said the Wisconsin Department of Justice was reviewing the ruling and had no immediate comment. Kathleen Zellner, an attorney for Avery, said in a statement that Avery was thrilled to hear of the ruling for his nephew. Avery is pursuing his own appeal. We know when an unbiased court reviews all of the new evidence we have, Steven will have his conviction overturned as well, Zellner said. Joe Friedberg, a defense attorney in Minnesota who was not involved in the case but is familiar with it and participated in a forum on it with Averys first defense attorney, said he doesnt believe the decision will have any bearing on Averys case. The kids confession was not entered into evidence against Avery, and I dont think it impacted Averys trial at all, Friedberg said. The filmmakers behind Making a Murderer cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Avery and Dassey, and their work has sparked national interest and conjecture. Armchair investigators have flooded Twitter and message boards, and key players in the case have appeared on national news and talk shows. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. Associated Press writers Amy Forliti and Doug Glass contributed from Minneapolis. 10:15 (GMT +4) A string of bomb attacks targeting Thailand's crucial tourism industry have killed four people, officials said Friday, sending authorities scrambling to identify a motive and find the perpetrators, TRT reported. Twin bombs exploded in the upscale resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including nine foreign tourists, and were followed by two more on Friday morning that killed another person. A further two blasts struck Friday in the popular tourist town of Phuket, while two more bombs were reported in the southern provinces of Trang and Surat Thani, in each of which one person was killed. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha called for calm and said he did not know who was behind the attacks. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," he told reporters. "We should not make people panic more." 07:32 (GMT +4) Death toll after series of blasts has reached 2 people, RIA Novosti reported. 06:49 (GMT +4) Blasts hit Thailand's Phuket, Surat Thani and Hua Hin resort, there are casualties, Sputnik International reported. A series of six blasts hit Thailands resort areas on Friday morning, leading to at least one death and injuries, local media report. Two explosions occurred in the southern city of Surat Thani, two on the Phuket Island, and two in the Hua Hin resort, according to Thai Rath TV. In Surat Thani, one person was killed. In Hua Hin at least four people were wounded, Thai Rath TV said. On Phuket Island, one person was injured. All blasts have struck near police stations in about one hour. The police have managed to defuse one of the bombs in Hua Hin. 21:43 (GMT +4) At least 1 person was killed and 14 more injured after two explosions ripped through the Thai resort of Hua Hin late Thursday, Anadolu reported. Police Radio Station FM 91 reported that one Thai vendor was killed after two explosions occurred shortly before midnight on a popular street with tourists and locals alike. According to the radio broadcast, the injured were sent to a nearby hospital where two remain in a critical condition. Police have asked locals to shelter in place or return home if they are near their places of residence. The blasts occurred the day before the long weekend celebrating the Queen's birthday in Thailand, which is also marked as Mother's Day by locals. An insurgency in Thailands Muslim south has wracked border areas with Malaysia for decades, but insurgents have rarely troubled areas north of this. Its said that politics makes strange bedfellows, and nowhere at the state level is there a better example than in Californias dueling ballot votes on plastic bags. First, a quick recap. Lobbyists for the California Grocers Association, which represents some of the biggest stores in California, lobbied heavily for a ban on single-use plastic bags. They assumed that regulations forcing California stores to sell thicker plastic bags for 10 cents apiece would yield a tidy profit for stores. California lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown approved the proposal, but it must pass a ballot vote in November before it becomes law. For a moment, everyone was happy: Lobbyists got their way, lawmakers could put another progressive feather in their caps and big grocery stores would see increased revenue from selling plastic bags to Californians at a government-mandated inflated price. But the American Progressive Bag Alliance, which opposed the ban from the beginning, struck a deft blow of political payback by backing a second referendum on plastic bags. This one would require revenue from the sale of reusable bags to go to Sacramento, instead of corporate pockets, to be spent on environmental projects. In the words of APBA Executive Director Lee Califf, the plastic bag ban was a backroom deal between the grocers and union bosses to scam California consumers out of billions of dollars without providing any public benefit all under the guise of environmentalism. And so, Californias voters are left with two ballot initiatives: one to affirm or reject the plastic bag tax negotiated by politicians and corporations that puts the money in corporate pockets, and a second to redirect the money from the bag tax to environmentalist measures rather than to those big corporations. Unfortunately, lost in the shuffle of who supports what is the question of why a bag ban is needed in the first place. While most people dont like the idea of disposable bags clogging landfills and harming wildlife, local attempts at regulating and eliminating the use of plastic bag bans have been rife with unintended consequences. The thicker, more durable reusable plastic bags take much more energy to produce, but theres reason to doubt that people will reuse them instead of throwing them away. For example, in Austin, a 2015 analysis of the citys single-use bag ordinance found that the ban had a net-negative environmental impact on the city because the thicker bags started filling city landfills instead of the traditional single-use bags. Washington, D.C., has had similarly ineffective results from its 5-cent plastic bag fee. The policy was intended to use revenue from the plastic bag fee to finance the cleanup of the polluted Anacostia River. However, an investigation by the Washington Post found that only about a third of the money from the bag fee had gone toward cleaning the river, and revealed that some of the funds may have been spent on pre-existing city employee salaries, in violation of the law. Its not even clear that the rule reduced plastic bag use. With no internal coherence or clear metrics for success undergirding so-called model plastic bag policies, is it any wonder that Californias trifecta of lawmakers, environmentalists and corporate interests has produced conflicting referendums? The second initiative throws the California Grocers Association a curveball. Across the country, one of the biggest bag ban conflicts has been getting retailers on board; after all, consumers tend to dislike the bans, and they usually result in large inconveniences or high compliance costs for retailers. In California, business lobbyists thought they had found a way around that cleavage: to essentially mandate that the plastic bag ban tax money go to the corporations, rather than the government. But if both referendums pass, the retail corporations will be the ones left holding the bag after having negotiated the bag ban in the first place. If theres one conclusion we can draw from the convoluted political maneuverings of all these special interest groups, its that no one really has the best interests of the people in mind. Its either a revenue grab by the government or by its two-faced corporate allies and a loss for Californians. Nicole Neily is president of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, a nonprofit that publishes public-interest journalism at Watchdog.org. NEWPORT BEACH When 81-year-old Abelardo Lopez Estacion was found dead in his Newport Beach home in April 2015, the circumstances surrounding his death raised the suspicion of police. Following an extensive investigation, Anthony Thomas Garcia, 56, sits in a Carson City, Nev., jail, charged with killing the philanthropist. Garcia, a Carson City resident, faces a charge of murder with enhancement for financial gain. Newport Beach detectives expect to extradite Garcia to Orange County soon, said police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella. Estacion and Garcia are acquainted, Manzella said, but she declined to release details of their relationship, or a motive for the slaying. Manzella also wouldnt comment on how Estacion died but noted an autopsy determined it was a result of a homicide. As police started to examine the scene and body, there were a few items of evidence that raised suspicions and were confirmed by the autopsy findings, she said. Police kept the homicide investigation close to the vest until now, because releasing information earlier could have jeopardized the investigation, Manzella said. According to an incident report filed by Newport Beach police, an officer was dispatched on April 11, 2015, at 7:52 a.m. to 2321 E. 16th St., where a mans live-in caretaker had discovered the body. The caretaker said the man had been complaining of chest pains the night before but was not aware of him falling or suffering any recent injuries, according to the report. The next morning, the caretaker said, she went into the mans bedroom and found him lying on his back with blood coming out of his nose and mouth. She quickly called for help, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer in the report said the house appeared well kept, and he did not observe anything suspicious. An Orange County coroners investigator discovered bruising on the bodys left eye area and on the inside of his mouth. The investigator also noted trauma to the inside of his left eye, bruising on the top of his left hand, and a small cut on his upper lip. While inspecting the eyes, the investigator noted small, red pinpoints in both eyes, which can be a result of a lack of oxygen, according to the report. Estacion was a native of Cavite City in the Philippines and served in the U.S. Navy, according to an obituary published in the Register shortly after his death. He attended Pepperdine and received a degree in accounting in 1960. He worked for the Rheem Manufacturing Co. and Boyle Engineering and Pacific Lighting Sales. Estacion retired in 2001 to help students from his alma mater, Cavite National High School, attend college and co-sponsored more than 50 scholarships, the obituary said. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline WASHINGTON The United States, the wealthiest nation on earth, also abides the deepest poverty of any developed nation, but you would not know it by listening to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys presidential nominee. Clinton, who spoke about her economic plans on Thursday near Detroit, is campaigning as an advocate for middle-class families whose fortunes have flagged. She has said much less about helping the millions of Americans who yearn to reach the middle class. Her Republican rival, Donald Trump, spoke in Detroit on his economic proposals three days ago, and while their platforms are markedly different in details and emphasis, the candidates have this in common: Both promise to help Americans find jobs; neither has said much about helping people while they are not working. We dont have a full-voiced condemnation of the level or extent of poverty in America today, said Matthew Desmond, a Harvard professor of sociology. We arent having in our presidential debate right now a serious conversation about the fact that we are the richest democracy in the world, with the most poverty. It should be at the very top of the agenda. It is not as if Washington policymakers have completely forgotten the poor. President Barack Obama and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin have both advocated expanding the earned-income tax credit for childless men and tackling a criminal justice system that has saddled minor offenders with lives of economic struggle. And Clintons policies, although rhetorically geared toward the middle class, would most likely have a broader impact. She has promised an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. She has called for raising the federal minimum wage to $12 an hour from $7.25 an hour, which would directly benefit many lower-income workers. And her proposals to help the middle class would benefit some lower-income families, too. She has proposed expanding federal subsidies for health care, child care and education, and mandating improved benefits for workers. You want more? Heather Boushey, the executive director of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, asked of those who argue that Clinton should embrace an explicit anti-poverty agenda. Thats great. That is such an audacious statement. They want everything, and I am with them. But it is also worth noting that Hillary Clinton is running on the most progressive platform any party has put together. Boushey is an adviser to the Clinton campaign but said she was not speaking for it. The campaign itself did not respond to a request for comment. Trump said Monday that he would spur economic growth by reducing taxes and regulation, and by renegotiating trade agreements to bring manufacturing back to the United States. He also outlined a plan to help some families offset the expense of child care. Focus on job creation Both Clinton and Trump have said they are focused on creating more and better jobs. My primary mission as president will be to create more opportunity and more good jobs with rising wages right here in the United States, Clinton said in accepting the Democratic nomination in Philadelphia last month. But Desmond, the Harvard sociologist, said that was not enough because the poor faced a wide range of other obstacles to economic stability. His own work has focused on a growing shortage of affordable rental housing. In his recent book, Evicted, he showed that evictions are a regular feature of life in lower-income neighborhoods, and that they are not just the result of poverty, but that instability causes poverty. Increasing affordable housing was until recently a standard campaign pledge for presidential candidates of both parties. President Bill Clinton created a National Home Ownership Strategy. President George W. Bush announced early in his first term a target of creating 5.5 million new minority homeowners by 2010, alongside measures to encourage the construction of rental housing. But Hillary Clinton did not mention housing in her Philadelphia acceptance speech. Her campaign website highlights 37 issues, but housing is not among them, although the campaign issued some proposals in February. It was pretty shocking not to hear that word, housing, uttered on the main stage at either partys convention last month, Desmond said. Growing problem in housing The silence is particularly striking because the problem is growing. There is not a single state where a full-time worker earning the minimum wage can rent a market-rate one-bedroom apartment for 30 percent or less of their income, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. And more than 11 million households spend more than half of their income on rent. Kathryn Edin, a professor of public health at Johns Hopkins University, said it was particularly important to focus on the plight of families without regular income. Federal benefits for workers, notably the earned-income tax credit, have steadily expanded in recent decades, improving the lives of those who have jobs. Ryan presented an anti-poverty plan in June that suggested another expansion of the tax credit, an idea that is also popular among many Democrats. But Edin said the 1996 deal between the Clinton administration and congressional Republicans to curtail cash benefits for needy families had left those without jobs behind. When you cant pay the utility bill, you cant pay the rent and you cant buy socks and underwear for your kids, how much does the fact that you have a Medicaid card really do for you? asked Edin, who wrote about the plight of such families in her 2015 book, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America. She said that she had hoped the 20th anniversary of the end of welfare might spark renewed discussions about what should be done instead, but that she had been disappointed. Service job workers overlooked Edin and other advocates also express frustration that both candidates tend to focus on manufacturing, a sector that employs less than 10 percent of the workforce. Clinton chose to speak on Thursday at Futuramic Tool and Engineering, a company in Warren, Mich., just north of Detroit, which makes parts for cars and airplanes including the F-35 fighter jet. The candidates have spent less time talking about the service jobs performed by the vast majority of low-wage workers. There were 64,000 steelworkers last year and 820,000 home health aides. Much of what I hear is an argument over who is going to help the working class thats been hurt by globalization, more than the retail or restaurant worker who is stuck at a low wage, said Jared Bernstein, an economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research group. We have to be mindful of where those displaced manufacturing workers have ended up, which is in the low-end service sector. But Bernstein added that Clintons proposals could benefit those workers, even if that was not her focus on the campaign trail. Its not at all unusual for people running for president not to talk about poverty because the poor are not necessarily the swing voters youre trying to pick off, he said. But I actually think a lot of her proposals would help she just doesnt always connect the dots to poverty and low-income workers. WASHINGTON Hillary and Bill Clinton earned $10.6 million last year, according to a tax filing released by her campaign Friday that sought to pressure presidential rival Donald Trump to disclose his tax returns. The filing shows that the Clintons paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent in 2015. The bulk of their income more than $6 million came from speaking fees for appearances made largely before Hillary Clinton launched her campaign in April 2015. They gave more than $1 million to charity. The release is part of an effort to undercut Trumps character by questioning the celebrity businessmans record. Trump has refused to make his filings public, saying theyre under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and that hell release them only once that review is complete. All major U.S. presidential candidates in modern history have released their returns. The Clintons have disclosed returns for every year dating back to 1977, in part due to laws requiring public officials release returns. She put out her most recent eight years of tax filings last summer and several years during her first presidential bid. Seeking common ground with blue-collar workers who have been attracted to Trumps message, Clinton frequently mentions Trumps returns as a way of underscoring how his economic plans would benefit his personal interests and questioning whether hes as wealthy as he claims. Democrats believe Trumps returns could be treasure trove of politically damaging information. They want to see his tax rate, charitable giving, and business dealings with foreign governments. Heres a pretty incredible fact: There is a non-zero chance that Donald Trump isnt paying any taxes, Clinton tweeted, just minutes after releasing her own returns. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Clintons strategy is borrowed from President Barack Obamas winning playbook against Mitt Romney in 2012. Obama repeatedly used Romneys business dealings against him and seized upon the former Massachusetts governors reluctance to release certain tax records. Clintons campaign also released 10 years of returns from running mate Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton. Over the last decade, the couple has donated 7.5 percent of their income to charity, the campaign said, and paid an effective tax rate of 25.6 percent last year. Kaine, the Virginia senator whos spent much of his life in public service, reported a far lower income than the Clintons. Over the past decade, he and his wife earned the most in 2014, more than $314,000 in adjusted gross income. The Clintons made about 90 times more, reporting nearly $28 million for the same year. Clinton has tried to paint Trump has an out-of-touch business mogul but her substantial wealth has caused headaches. Republicans have seized upon the millions in speaking fees and a tone-deaf comment by Clinton in a 2014 interview that she was dead broke after leaving the White House in 2001. The couple owed millions in legal fees, but quickly generated far more from book deals, paid appearances and consulting fees. In total, the Clintons earned than $139 million between 2007 and 2014, according to eight years of federal income tax returns released by her campaign last July. The bulk of their income came from speeches delivered to corporate and interest groups, which paid Bill Clinton and later Hillary Clinton after she resigned as secretary of state in early 2013. Bill Clintons consulting work for GEMS Education, a global network of for-profit schools based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, earned him more than $5.6 million in fees between 2010 and 2015, according to the Clinton tax returns. Bill Clinton also earned more than $17 million over the same period for consulting work for Laureate Education, Inc., another worldwide for-profit education system based in Baltimore that has come under controversy. Bill Clintons office last year said he had ended his consulting relationship with Laureate, but no similar statement has been made regarding to GEMS, which stands for Global Education Management Systems. His office did not immediately respond to a question about whether he still has a relationship with GEMS. Associated Press writer Eileen Sullivan contributed to this report from Washington. Voters within the Capistrano Unified School District will decide whether an $889 million bond measure to improve school facilities is necessary after the districts board voted, Wednesday night, to place the bond election on the November ballot. In a pair of 6-1 votes, with Vice President Jim Reardon the lone opposition in both, the board chose to place the bond election and create a CUSD school facilities improvement district that excludes Rancho Mission Viejo. The exclusion of Rancho Mission Viejo ensures the bond election will focus on needs at current schools, rather than factoring in future need. Rancho Mission Viejos lone school, Esencia Elementary is expected to open to students in Fall 2018. The boards decision also gives the district a chance, should the bond pass, to collect $229 million in matching funds from Prop. 51, the states $9 billion Public Education Facilities Bond Initiative. Kevin Gordon, president and partner with Capitol Advisors Group LLC, told the board Wednesday he is confident the statewide measure will pass. There are other districts that will gladly take that money that you wont have the benefit of getting, if you dont step forward and do something to help, Gordon said. With interest and fees, taxpayers will be asked to pay back approximately $1.8 billion. If the bond passes, residents within the districts boundaries, excluding Rancho Mission Viejo, could see an estimated tax levy of $43 per $100,000 of assessed value over a 35-year period, according to a July 13 staff presentation. The district would receive five installments of $178 million in bonds every other year starting in 2017, according to the presentation. That tax would be on top of Mello-Roos taxes being paid by property owners in districts within Rancho Santa Margarita and unincorporated areas, as well as San Clementes Talega community. A group called Talega Residents for Fair Taxation has complained that areas with Mello-Roos districts would be triple taxed. My money matters, my tax dollars matter and I do feel piled on and I pay a heavy Mello Roos, said Kim Sprague of Ladera Ranch. I dont feel like I should have to pay for the decrepit schools in San Clemente and Dana Point. Those are not communities of low income. Theres plenty of money for them to pay for their own schools. Judy Heidel of San Clemente, who has a son starting his freshman year at San Clemente High, said passing on an attempt at matching state funds would be unwise. Our children deserve better and this is our chance to do right by them, Heidel said, citing a need for improved safety, technology and performing arts facilities. We have a strong district with excellent teachers, but we could do so much better. I frankly cant think of anything else Id rather be taxed for. Residents and city officials in attendance at the meeting Wednesday raised ongoing concerns about the project lists, as well as a disclaimer on the district website that says the lists of potential projects and upgrades are not complete and are subject to change based on enrollment trends, community input, Board authorization and available funds. Trustee Martha McNicholas stressed the language would allow community input on which projects are more important. Thats where the local control and accountability comes in, McNicholas said. Carolyn Cavecche, president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Taxpayers Association, confirmed Thursday that the district had met the associations criteria for informing voters about how bond money will be spent after the district made changes to its ballot measure to include specific projects by school. Voters should know that before they tax themselves, Cavecche said. O.C. Tax sets a list of criteria for school bond measures to ensure transparency between the district and the taxpayer, but does not take a stance on the measures. Capistrano Unified touts itself as the top-performing large school district in California academically, but it has struggled with aging school facilities and lack of funds to perform upgrades, officials say. A 2009 district facilities master plan identified more than $800 million in needed upgrades. That study has since been updated twice, and officials said the need worsened when the recession crippled the districts budget, leading to deferred maintenance. District staff reported that a survey in May found that 62 percent of Capistrano Unified voters would support an $889 million general-obligation bond measure if it were put on the ballot in November. There are many voices out there and many are saying, If you dont try this, youre irresponsible, said Amy Hanacek, Board president. Bonds are one of the unique ways that we can pay taxes and it stays at home. Prior to its discussion of the bond measure the board, in a closed session, voted 6-1 to initiate a lawsuit against Frank Ury and Tony Beall, mayors of Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, respectively. The two mayors earlier this month circulated a letter in opposition to the bond measure. It received signatures from four other mayors, one council member, three state officials and a county official. The district plans to ask the Orange County District Attorney and the California Attorney General to investigate whether Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita misused public funds to influence the outcome of an election. Beall called the allegations baseless and said the district is trying to intimidate critics of the bond measure. Contact the writer: npercy@ocregister.com TORONTO A tip from the FBI triggered what Canadian police on Thursday called a race against time as police scrambled to identify and locate a balaclava-wearing would-be suicide bomber they feared was on the verge of committing a terror attack in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Aaron Driver, a Canadian man previously banned from associating with Islamic State extremists, prepared a martyrdom video and was about to commit a terrorist attack but was killed Wednesday in southern Ontario after he detonated his explosive device in a taxi and was shot at by officers. Police said they were tipped off by the American authorities at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The FBI provided a screenshot and later a video of the masked suspect threatening a terror attack. By 11 a.m., Canadian police said they had a good idea who it was. Driver planned to carry out a suicide bombing in a public area in an urban center during rush hour, Deputy Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commander Mike Cabana said. He identified the suspect as Driver, 24, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. RCMP Commander Jennifer Strachan said Driver was intercepted by police as he entered a taxi with a backpack and said Driver detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and the taxi driver, before police shot at him. It was unclear whether Driver died as a result of the shrapnel or a police bullet. After being tipped off by the FBI, Canadian police furiously worked to find out who it was. Police said Driver was quickly identified as the person in the so-called martyrdom video and that he planned an attack within 72 hours. It was a race against time, Cabana said. In the video, aired during a news conference in Ottawa, a masked Driver is seen railing against western enemies of Islam and warning that the only solution would be the spilling of your blood. He pledges allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic State leader, and threatens an attack against Canada. Driver had been under the spotlight for at least a year, as authorities believed he was a threat because he could help terror groups. He gave a media interview where he expressed support for prior terror attacks in Canada and expressed interest in travelling to join the Islamic State. But Driver, who was living with his sister, was not under surveillance at the time. Police swooped down on the home just before a taxi suddenly showed up and Driver got in. The police operation involving Driver took place Wednesday night in the southern Ontario town of Strathroy, 140 miles (225 kilometers) southwest of Toronto. If he had gotten out of that residence before we got there, the scenario would have ended a lot differently. Im positive of that, Strachan said. Transit agencies in Toronto, Canadas largest city, were warned of a security threat before police confronted the suspect. Brad Ross, spokesman for the Toronto Transit Commission, said the agency was made aware of a terror threat investigation early the previous day, but noted that it had no specifics attached. He said that as a precaution a vigilance notice was issued to all staff, encouraging them to speak up if they saw something of concern. Regional transit lines were also advised of a security threat. This case is an example of the strong cross-border law enforcement cooperation that exists between Canada and the United States.Our partnership reflects our joint commitment to protecting the safety of our citizens, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman said in a statement. Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale thanked the FBI on Thursday and said he spoke with U.S. Attorney GeneralLoretta Lynch. Amarnath Amarasingam, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University who studies radicalization and terrorism, maintained in 2015 that Driver had posted for several months on social media about disliking Canada and about a desire to move overseas. Driver was first picked up in Winnipeg in June 2015. He was under a court order from earlier this year to not associate with any terrorist organization, including the Islamic State group. In February, Drivers lawyer and the prosecutor agreed to a peace bond, which imposes limits on a persons activities, stating there are reasonable grounds to fear that he may participate, contribute directly or indirectly in the activity of a terrorist group. When Driver was released he was ordered to wear a GPS tracking device and banned from going on the internet or having any communication with the Islamic State group, including wearing or carrying anything with an IS logo. His bail conditions drew criticism from the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties. Later, the government announced that some of his strict bail conditions had been lifted and that he would not be going to trial. MANILA Samsudin Dimaukom, the mayor of a town in the southern Philippines, was watching television Sunday after midnight when he was startled to hear the countrys new president call out his name. It was no honor. President Rodrigo Duterte was reading a list of more than 150 officials he said were involved in the illegal drug trade. He ordered Dimaukom and the others to turn themselves in within 24 hours or be hunted down. Since he took office six weeks ago, Duterte, 71, has roiled the nation with a violent war on drugs that has left hundreds dead, most of them poor and powerless. This week, in what seemed to be a new phase, he took on judges and police generals, military officials, more than 50 mayors and local officials, and three men said to be current or former members of Congress. He stripped them of their weapons permits and, in some cases, their government security details, potentially leaving them vulnerable to vigilantes. The escalation provoked a clash with the Supreme Court, nearly causing a constitutional crisis before Duterte backed down, and it has raised questions about the list, a McCarthyesque device of uncertain origin and unencumbered by evidence. But if anything, the campaign has made Duterte only more popular. His approval ratings soared to 91 percent in July, according to a Pulse Asia poll, far higher than the 39 percent of the vote he received on Election Day in May. Even some people who have been killed by vigilantes were wearing red-and-blue Duterte wristbands when they were gunned down. Duterte, a combative former mayor and prosecutor, has repeatedly called for the killing of drug dealers, and an estimated 800 people have died at the hands of police or vigilantes since his election, officials say. Many were gunned down in the street and left with a cardboard sign identifying them as drug pushers. Such killings have become known as cardboard justice. More than 600,000 drug users and dealers, fearing for their lives, have turned themselves in, the authorities say. Most have been sent home after giving the police a statement and are likely to face investigation later. I dont often bicker with my brother, but this argument has occupied us for months. Idaho or Wyoming? Where are we going to see the upcoming total solar eclipse possibly the only one well see in our lifetimes? If youre interested at all in heavenly bodies and I dont mean the ones at the gym then you may already know there will be a total eclipse of the sun over the United States on Aug. 21, 2017. Yes, August 2017 is a year from now. So why are we already arguing? Because this event is attracting the attention of the entire world, with travelers flying in from everywhere to find the best viewing locations. Itll be the first total solar eclipse in North America in 38 years. And it will have been 99 years since the last eclipse traveled the width of the U.S. from the Pacific to the Atlantic, in 1918. On Aug. 21, 2017, the moon will completely blot out the sun, leaving only a glittering corona around it. As the moon moves between the earth and the sun, its shadow turns day into night for one or two minutes an event that astronomers consider both rare and powerful. Dr. Andrew Weil wrote about this phenomenon in his book The Marriage of the Sun and the Moon as an unforgettable experience, watching the sun, moon and earth align. So why do we have to travel? Because the eclipse cannot be seen in California. Stargazers who want to witness this must head up to Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming or one of the other prime locations, and make their arrangements now. Because next summer will probably be too late to find anywhere to stay. My brother, Paul, lives in Salt Lake City, where we saw the 2002 Winter Olympics together. But this eclipse doesnt come around every four years. This eclipse can be partially seen across all of North and Central America, and in northern South America but the total eclipse will be viewable only in the 65-mile-wide path of the shadow, running southeastward from Oregon to South Carolina. But its not only geography that influences the ability to see this amazing phenomenon. Its also weather. Travelers must factor the likelihood of sunshine into their plans. Entire websites such as Eclipsophile.com are set up just to help predict clear weather on the big day. My brother and I have been arguing over two of the spots deemed excellent Thermopolis, Wyo., versus the Snake River Valley of Idaho. He wants to go to Wyoming, which is an easy drive for him from Utah. I think its too hot in Wyoming in August, and hard to reach from Southern California. Idaho is easy to fly into from here, will probably be cooler and is also near lots of recreation around the Grand Tetons, including Yellowstone. I started calling hotels in Idaho Falls, the largest city in the path of the total eclipse, back in June. Yikes. All the hotels that were accepting reservations 14 months in advance were already booked. The others told me to call back a year in advance, or whenever their computerized systems began accepting reservations. Some hotels were keeping a handwritten list of would-be bookings until then. Some hotel clerks almost laughed at me for being so tardy to the party. I finally decided we should go to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, which isnt in the path of the total eclipse, but only an hours drive south. Meanwhile, we can spend the weekend soaking in the hot springs and tubing down a scenic river. I called and the hotels there allowed me to make a reservation by phone, even though its too early for their systems to accept. My brother hasnt completely bought into this program, since hes still arguing for a package that an Indian reservation is offering, including lodging, viewing and special ceremonies. But, Im the older sister. Ill win. Still, I made a call to what many consider the top viewing site in the entire U.S.: Madras, Ore. Located east of Portland, this small community in the Willamette Valley will not only have more than two minutes of total blackness, but is also projected to have the highest probability of sunshine. And, unlike other towns I called, the folks in Madras already seem to have their act together. In partnership with NASA, they are already planning a three-day Solarfest at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, including camping, a music festival and astronomy experts on hand to interpret the big event. Since Madras has a year-round population of only 6,200 and is expecting 20,000 to 40,000 visitors , the town hired event planner Lysa Vattimo to help ensure there will be enough camping, gas, food and Porta-Potties to accommodate all. Scientists have called from India and Japan, she told me. NASA is coming. A world-renowned travel photographer is bringing a contingent. The small number of hotel rooms available has long since been booked, but community groups are planning to open up temporary campsites that can hold thousands more, including those driving the 2.5 hours from the Portland airport. For those who want to attend the Oregon Solarfest, RV and tent camping is available at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and also at an overflow site with a 360-degree view of the eclipse. Event planners hope to have not only a music festival, but a kids waterpark and more set up for the event. We want to show the entire world what we have to offer, Sandy Forman, event coordinator for the Jefferson County Tourism Group, told me. Eclipsophile.com reckons theres a 60 percent chance of being able to see the eclipse anywhere along its path, and 85 percent chance in eastern Oregon and Idaho, where its sunnier. Mountains can be problematic because they can provide a gorgeous backdrop for photography but also attract clouds that can obscure the view. The total eclipse will also move across the Great Plains, including St. Louis. Then it heads through Tennessee, including Nashville, and over the Blue Ridge Mountains, which can be cloudy and rainy in August. Passing north of Atlanta, it leaves the U.S. at Charleston, S.C. Along with the weather, viewers should consider how long their view of blackness will continue. The closer to the center line of the moon shadow, the longer the darkness will last. Also, access to a good network of roads in case clouds force a last-minute detour can be important. Its not a coincidence that the Astronomical League is staging its annual Astrocon Conference in Casper, Wyo., just before the big day, because the area is uncrowded and in the path with good viewing of totality, and also has a good road structure in the event detours are required. This small city is also planning to hold an EclipseFest with music, art and more. If youre interested, better book now, because theres not a lot there. Learn more: Eclipse casper.com. So, where should you go? Websites such as Eclipse2017.org and Greatamerican eclipse.com can help travelers decide where their best options lie. And, if you just cant make it because youre incarcerated or already booked a European cruise, take heart: The next total solar eclipse to hit America is April 8, 2024, so youll only have to wait seven years. Though you might have to go to Texas to see it. If you go An excellent website filled with maps and other info is at Eclipse2017.org Comprehensive site with maps, historical info and more: Greatamericaneclipse.com . You can buy a 44-page book about the eclipse that includes a pair of viewing glasses. Want someone else to do the planning? Contact TravelQuestTours.com which is operating numerous-but-pricey trips to see the eclipse, combined with scenery and other attractions such as Yellowstone National Park, Seattle, Nashville, New Orleans and San Francisco. This Prescott, Ariz.-based company specializes in astronomy tours. Call 800-830-1998. Some viewing locations States crossed: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina Beatrice, Neb. This town advertised in Sky & Telescope magazine, promising a festival to celebrate the eclipse, but nothings posted on its website. The city is the site of Homestead National Monument, which explores the nations history of homesteading on the prairie. Info:402-223-2338 or visitbeatrice.com Casper, Wyo. This Western town is excellently situated for good viewing, though not close to any major airports. Fly into Denver or Salt Lake City and drive, or take a small plane to Cheyenne, Wyo. The citys EclipseFest is Aug 18-21, 2017. Better start phoning now to see if any hotel rooms are left, or look for camping. Five nights of tent camping at the citys Highland Park cost $125, and the site is almost sold out. Learn more: Eclipsecasper.com. Idaho Falls, Idaho. This city has a small airport and is only a few hours drive from Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. I couldnt find anyone in the city to tell me anything about their eclipse-viewing plans, so good luck with that one. All the hotels I called were sold out or not accepting reservations yet, but it might still be worth a try due to the convenient location. Folks werent as friendly as in the smaller towns, sad to say. Chamber of Commerce website: idahofallschamber.com. Jackson Hole, Wyo. Photographers are expected to visit the Tetons in search of spectacular shots of the solar eclipse, and perhaps flood this pricey mountain town, maybe even pushing out some of the many former New Yorkers there wearing Stetsons. One suggestion is to ride the Jackson Hole Tram to a ridge with excellent viewing. Get there early because the tram carries a limited number of passengers, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com Lander, Wyo. This town is promising an all-day viewing extravaganza in downtown Lander! The event begins in the morning, welcoming the sun through yoga and meditation. Throughout the morning there will be drum circles and other pre-eclipse activities. By first contact, the JayCee Park will be transformed into Landers viewing party headquarters with plenty of open seating available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and appetite, because North First Street will be closed and food vendors will be on hand to serve lunch. Stick around after the eclipse for traditional Native American dances and an evening street party with food, crafts, a showcase of Wyoming bands and a head-lining Lander LIVE performance on the JayCee Park Stage. Learn more: landerchamber.org or landerlivemusic.com or call307-332-3892. Madras, Ore. The most organized city I could find with advance planning, it expects to unveil a website and more by Wednesday. A music and camping festival at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds will culminate in the eclipse, with excellent viewing projected. Lots of undeveloped campsites will be available, but expect to use portable toilets and bring everything you need, because as many as 40,000 visitors could flood the area. Campsites for the Oregon Solarfest must be booked for five days, from Aug. 17-22, 2017. Prices range from $75 for outlying tent sites to $550 for 50-amp RV sites. Festival passes cost extra. (Note: Portland, Ore., is not a good viewing site but has the closest major airport). Rexburg, Idaho. Another good location in the path of the maximum eclipse. Its a small town, and I was unable to connect with the person at City Hall who supposedly knows whats going on, so good luck, but if you can locate near there, it should be terrific viewing. Rexburgchamber.org Thermopolis, Wyo. My brother likes the hot springs here, just east of Grand Teton National Park. Its website promises Information coming soon at Thermopolis.com/solar-eclipse-2017. Contact the writer: mfisher@ocregister.com or 714-796-7994 LAKE ARROWHEAD The last people evacuated near a 6-day-old wildfire in Southern Californias San Bernardino Mountains were told they could return to their communities Friday. Welcome home, the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement after all remaining evacuation orders and advisories were lifted at 9 a.m. Containment lines have been established around 80 percent of the 121/2-square-mile burn area in the vicinity of Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake and the high desert city of Hesperia to the north. At its height, the fire posed a threat to 5,300 residences, but no homes have been lost. A section of State Route 173 remained closed along with forest roads still being used by firefighters. On the Central Coast, Californias biggest wildfire grew slightly to 110 square miles in Monterey County coastal mountains north of Big Sur. Containment remained at 55 percent. The fire continued to slowly spread toward Big Sur. Officials said backfiring operations might require closure of Highway 1, a major route for summer tourism through the scenic region. The blaze, which was started by an illegal campfire on July 22, has destroyed 57 homes, damaged three and led to the death of one man in a bulldozer accident. It is being battled by more than 4,500 firefighters, along with 19 helicopters and six air tankers. In neighboring Fresno County, an 11-square-mile fire west of Coalinga was 35 percent surrounded and no structures were threatened. One residence and an outbuilding burned earlier in that blaze, which erupted Tuesday. More than 1,500 firefighters remained on the lines, supported by aircraft. Local air pollution control authorities said smoke from the fires in Monterey and Fresno counties was affecting air quality throughout the San Joaquin Valley and the Coalinga foothills. LOS ANGELES Not long ago, foxes native to the Channel Islands off the California coast teetered on the edge of extinction. They have rebounded to the point where U.S. wildlife officials on Thursday removed three subspecies of island fox from the roster of federally endangered species, hailing their comeback as the fastest recovery of any mammal listed under the Endangered Species Act. The diminutive foxes that roam San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands were placed on the endangered list in 2004 after their populations were nearly wiped out by golden eagles. Scientists credited the swift recovery to an effort to relocate predators and breed foxes in captivity so they can be reintroduced to the wild. Were ecstatic that weve reached this point so quickly, said Steve Henry, field supervisor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services office in Ventura. About the size of a house cat, the island foxes with their gray coats and reddish-brown ears are only found on six of the eight Channel Islands where they have lived for thousands of years. Populations have returned to self-sustaining levels ranging from an estimated 700 foxes on San Miguel Island to 2,100 foxes on Santa Cruz Island. Long inhabited by Native Americans, the Channel Islands later became home to European explorers, ranchers, farmers and the military. Activities on the islands allowed nonnative animals such as pigs, sheep, deer and elk to flourish. Golden eagles migrated there after native, fish-eating bald eagles were wiped out by the dumping of the now-banned chemical DDT off the coast. The golden eagles preyed on piglets and hunted foxes. By 2000, there were only 15 foxes each on San Miguel and Santa Rosa islands and 55 foxes on Santa Cruz Island. The race to save the foxes began several years before they were listed as endangered. The wildlife service partnered with the National Park Service, Nature Conservancy and Catalina Island Conservancy to hatch an aggressive plan that included moving golden eagles to Northern California, reintroducing bald eagles to the islands, vaccinating foxes and breeding them in captivity. The effort was not without controversy. Thousands of pigs were shot and killed, angering animal rights groups. Wildlife officials said eliminating pigs was necessary to force golden eagles to forage elsewhere and help the foxes bounce back. The islands remoteness also played a key role in the foxes resurgence, giving scientists better control over recovery efforts than if they happened on the mainland. Years ago, you would not have seen a fox. Now, you go out there and you dont have to wait very long before a fox crosses your path, said Scott Morrison of the Nature Conservancy, which co-owns Santa Cruz Island. Funding for the yearslong recovery came from public and private sources and included volunteer time. Officials did not have an estimate of the overall cost but said the captive rearing and monitoring portions of the program cost about $20 million. With the fox delisting, 19 animals and plants have been pulled from the endangered species list since President Barack Obama took office, more than previous administrations, wildlife service director Dan Ashe said. The last U.S. mammal to be removed from the list in record time was the eastern Steller sea lion in 2013 after more than two decades. Since the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973, 37 species have recovered. Biologists planned to monitor foxes on the northern Channel Islands by conducting periodic health checks and tagging select foxes with radio collars. Foxes on Santa Catalina Island a tourist destination also are recovering but not as fast as their counterparts on the northern Channel Islands. Their numbers plummeted in the 1990s after an outbreak of canine distemper, presumably brought over from the mainland. Federal officials downgraded the status of the Catalina foxes from endangered to threatened because disease outbreak remains a concern. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 Trend: Foreign Minister of Belgium Didier Reynders proposed to discuss the Russia-Turkey rapprochement at the level of the European Union and NATO, Sputnik reported Aug. 12. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his first visit to Russia on Aug. 9 after the crisis in the two countries relations and also after the attempted military coup in Turkey. Following the meeting, President Vladimir Putin said Russia is interested in the full restoration of bilateral relations with Turkey. Our system of government is predicated on the idea that the separation of powers will cause different governmental institutions and factions to serve as a check on each other. But a new report from the federal judiciary calls into question whether the judicial branch is really serving its purpose as watchdog of the other branches of government. In an examination of federal and state courts treatment of wiretapping applications from law enforcement agencies, the study from the United States Courts reveals that there were 4,148 wiretaps in 2015, a 17 percent increase over the previous year. California alone accounted for 41 percent of all wiretapping applications approved by state judges. Even more distressing, of those 4,148 wiretapping applications, not a single one was denied by federal or state judges. In fact, over the past 11 years, applications have only been rejected eight times out of nearly 31,000 cases an approval rate of 99.97 percent. While wiretaps are an expensive drain on law enforcement resources and agencies generally have a good reason for seeking them, officers are not perfect, and it seems unlikely that there would virtually never be a case of overreach or unjustified pursuit of a wiretap. It also does not give us confidence that, say, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court does not simply act as a rubber stamp for the governments efforts to spy on Americans. It is time for the courts to stop abdicating their watchdog role and take serious their duty to challenge the other branches of government in order to preserve our liberties. CAIRO Libyan officials were cautious Thursday about declaring complete victory over Islamic State in the coastal city of Sirte, saying unknown numbers of the militant organizations extremists remained ensconced in three neighborhoods. While Islamic States headquarters in the heavily fortified Ouagadougou Center, as well as an adjacent hospital and other important buildings, were taken Wednesday by pro-government militiamen backed by U.S. airstrikes, the fight was clearly far from over. If we knew how many of them were left there, we would attack tomorrow, said Mohammed al-Ghasari, the spokesman for the pro-government militia forces. So far, we have been very professional and careful. The newly returned mayor of Sirte, Mukhtar Khalifa, told The Associated Press that the militiamen, who were from the neighboring city of Misrata and aligned with the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli, controlled 70 percent of the city. The mayor, who had vacated Sirte while Islamic State controlled it, predicted the rest of the city would soon fall as well. Al-Ghasari described Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL, as cornered in the three city neighborhoods, near the port. Its about a 2 square kilometer area their days are numbered, he said, describing an area of about 500 acres. This shouldnt take longer than a few weeks. They are completely cut off. We have naval forces in the water, troops on the ground and U.S. airstrikes. In addition to hunting down the remaining Islamic State militants, the pro-government forces had to contend with hidden bombs and mines. Many Sirte residents fled the fighting. Only a few families have returned, and they went back to areas away from yesterdays clashes, said Reda Eissa, another spokesman for the government-backed campaign. We advised everyone not to come back just yet. This is still a military zone, and ISIS left behind a jungle of land mines. Eissa put the number of remaining Islamic State fighters at several hundred, but he said the government side now controlled 85 percent of the city. As well as taking the Ouagadougou Center, the militias drove Islamic State members from about seven of their strongholds, including the hospital, a university and other places. Despite their setbacks on Wednesday, Islamic State fighters still shot down a Libyan air force fighter plane, killing the pilot, Gen. Mukhtar Fakroun, and his co-pilot, Libyan officials have said. Some of the residents who had fled returned to their homes, but everyone is still very much terrorized, said Ali Busitta, an official from Misrata working with a humanitarian committee that followed the fighters into Sirte to provide aid to civilians. Our committee tags along with the forces and goes in after an area is cleared to give people juice and try and comfort children. But they say the situation there is scary. Everyone is still rattled. Although the defeat of Islamic State in Sirte remained incomplete and qualified, the groups presence in Libya has been severely reduced. Islamic State extremists had controlled Sirte since last year, and before the government-aligned militias began their offensive early this summer, the organization controlled 150 miles of coastline as well, which it has now lost. The United States carried out at least 28 airstrikes in the first nine days of August against Islamic State targets in Sirte, reportedly using drones based in Jordan, which the militias credited as a major element in their victory. It would have been very difficult without the Americans, Busitta said. We would have seen greater casualties. He said military leaders had told him that the U.S. had been providing vital intelligence and surveillance information to the fighters. Al-Ghasari put the number of pro-government fighters killed in the Sirte campaign at 350, including 16 in the fight for the Ouagadougou Center on Wednesday. The militias supporters denied reports that U.S. or British special forces had joined the final push into Sirte. Rumors about the presence of foreign fighters are politicized, Busitta said. He attributed the rumors to people who want to subvert the U.N.-backed authority in Tripoli, called the Government of National Accord, and make it look like some kind of puppet government controlled by the West. France was forced to admit that it had special forces in Libya last month, after Islamic militants shot down a French helicopter near Benghazi, killing all three soldiers on board. In addition, news organizations in Italy reported Wednesday that several dozen Italian special forces troops were secretly in Libya, in the cities of Benghazi, Misrata and Tripoli, training Libyan forces. DANA POINT Simon Britton worked trigonometry calculations on his cellphone to determine the exact angle the arm holding the camera on his teams remote underwater rover needed to be to capture what was on the ocean floor. We want to figure out how to maneuver the arm, he said. It looks like it should be 80.3, but well make it a bit greater to see past the arm. Britton, 12, of San Diego, was among 30 children who took part in last weeks Ocean Institute Sea Tech Camp. The weeklong day program teaches children to use the same skills and technology that ocean researchers and scientists use by letting them design, develop, construct and test their own remote-operated rover. This is one of the only programs that revolves around constructing a remote-operated vehicle, and its unique because we have an end goal, said Corina Silva, the programs instructor and administrator. They are constructing something from scratch and have the goal to have the rover built and working by the end of the week. Sea Tech Camp is one of nine camps the Ocean Institute is offering this summer. Each week, 350 children participate in camps ranging from Sea Squirts Camp for 5- and 6-year-olds who learn about sea animals to the Island Bound Camp where campers take a three-day round-trip voyage to Catalina Island and learn about sailing, rope work and scientific experiments. The programs are integral to the institutes mission of marine education by using the ocean as a classroom to get students to be inspired, discover and explore. The camp started Monday with Silva and volunteer instructors explaining the process of building rovers. Participants were given handbooks with tips on designing the frame and materials and diagrams on wiring the rover. Its great to have the kids get more exposed to technology, Silva said. Theyre learning a whole new skill and get to create something from scratch. This helps them get exposed to career opportunities and gives them new topics of interest to study at school. Rian Schotemeyer, 12, of San Juan Capistrano loved the autonomy for she and her team to create the rover any way they thought up. We went through seven ideas until we picked this one, Schotemeyer said. I was a little scared because I didnt know that much about technology at first, but we worked as a team and it made it easier and more fun. Theyre all really creative people, and we fit really well together. Kelly Deichmann, 12, was a little skeptical when she came to the camp. Her father, an engineer, told her about the camp when he put a flier about it on the kitchen table. Deichmann, of Laguna Niguel, was interested in the science aspect but worried that being shy might not make it as fun for her. But it wasnt long after Deichmann got to class that Schotemeyer introduced herself. In just a few days, the two girls realized that beyond loving the ocean and marine life, they had other shared interests, such as reading the Hunger Games and Divergent series, science-fiction adventure novels. This camp really helped me become less shy, Deichmann said. Ill most remember the friendships I made. Ryan Keene, 12, was in his sixth year of going to camps at the Ocean Institute. His favorite memory was seeing a humpback whale jump from the water during an Ocean Discovery Camp two years ago. It gave me a new perspective, that the ocean is filled with a lot of sea life, the San Juan Capistrano boy said. Before that, I just saw this big, blue area. Seeing the whale makes me want to go into the water more and more. Keene said he and his team designed a more simple rover that would get the job done. At first, he said, his team had some design conflicts, but in the end, it compromised. I want to make sure the rover can get into the ocean and show us the fish, he said. Im detail-oriented. I want to make sure it works perfectly. Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini Roadside drug tests can be a good tool for police to determine whether someone has broken law and potentially poses a threat to others, but they can also get you locked up for eating a glazed donut. A Florida man is suing the Orlando Police Department after he was arrested on officers mistaken claims that he was in possession of crystal methamphetamine. During a traffic stop, the officers noticed a few whitish flakes on the floorboard of Daniel Rushings car and alleged that they were crystal meth. I recognized through my 11 years of training and experience as a law enforcement officer the substance to be some sort of narcotic, one of the officers wrote in a report. In fact, it was just some crumbs from the glaze of a Krispy Kreme doughnut Mr. Rushing had consumed. But a field drug test nonetheless indicated that the doughnut glaze tested positive for crystal meth, leading to Mr. Rushing being handcuffed, arrested and strip searched at the county jail. Several weeks later, a state crime lab test exonerated him, but not before he unjustly spent 10 hours locked up in jail and had to post a $2,500 bond. Such occurrences are shockingly common. These pages discussed several other such cases including the Minnesota man who spent more than two months in jail because a bag of vitamins in his car tested positive for amphetamines in a police field drug test, and another Florida man who was arrested after the mints he was chewing tested positive for crack cocaine in an editorial in January. A 2009 Marijuana Policy Project study found that such tests yielded false positive results 70 percent of the time in a test of 43 candies, over-the-counter medicines, plants and other harmless substances. A six-month investigation done by Fox 13/TV in Tampa, Fla., found similar weaknesses in the test results. We watched as aspirin, cough medicine, coffee and spices like oregano and even air tested positive for illegal drugs, reporter Gloria Gomez said. To make matters worse, Congress is considering legislation that would allow police to utilize a field test to collect genetic material from detainees and suspects. Under the Rapid DNA Act, S.2348, which the Senate passed by unanimous consent in June, officers could obtain DNA evidence from a cheek swab and the results would be checked against the FBIs central DNA database. This raises troubling privacy concerns, which should give members in the House great pause when they consider the bill. We should not be encouraging police to take DNA evidence from everyone they encounter and building a massive biometric database, particularly with evidence from innocent citizens. Then there are the accuracy issues. Police officers are not scientists, but even if the Rapid DNA system is easy enough for anyone to use, experience with the roadside drug tests has shown that the results can be far from reliable, resulting in the incarceration of innocent people. Until greater accuracy of such testing can be verified, Congress and local police should not even consider authorizing or using them. For the past two years, since 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by a Ferguson, Mo., police officer, America has been enmeshed in a wrenching discussion about how the police treat young black men. But this weeks blistering report from the Justice Department on police bias in Baltimore also exposed a different, though related, concern: how the police in that majority-black city treat women, especially victims of sexual assault. In six pages of the 163-page report documenting how Baltimore police officers have systematically violated the rights of African-Americans, the Justice Department also painted a picture of a police culture deeply dismissive of sexual assault victims and hostile toward prostitutes and transgender people. It branded the Baltimore Police Departments response to sexual assault cases grossly inadequate. Baltimore officers sometimes humiliated women who tried to report sexual assault, often failed to gather basic evidence, and disregarded some complaints filed by prostitutes. Some officers blamed victims or discouraged them from identifying their assailants, asking questions like, Why are you messing that guys life up? And the culture seemed to extend to prosecutors, investigators found. In one email exchange, a prosecutor referred to a woman who had reported a sexual assault as a conniving little whore. A police officer, using a common text-message expression for laughing heartily, wrote back: Lmao! I feel the same. The inclusion of gender bias issues in the report stemmed from an aggressive push by the Justice Department, under President Barack Obama, to improve the handling of sexual assault cases on college campuses and in cities and communities around the country. Baltimores not alone Other pattern or practice investigations of police departments including in New Orleans; Puerto Rico; and Missoula, Mont. have also identified gender bias. In Puerto Rico in 2011, while examining discrimination against people of Dominican descent, Justice Department investigators cited a police departments failure to adequately police sex assault and domestic violence cases, including spousal abuse by fellow officers. In New Orleans in 2012, investigators described a deeply dysfunctional force and found that the police systemically misclassified possible sexual assaults. In Missoula, where the department also investigated a campus of the University of Montana, the inquiries focused specifically on gender and also examined the actions of prosecutors. In a 20-page report issued in 2014, the Justice Department said county prosecutors so thoroughly ignored rape cases that they were placing women in Missoula at increased risk of harm. But experts and advocates agree that the problem is especially complex, and perhaps more acute, in Baltimore because so many women there are poor and black. Baltimore is worse in the sense that Baltimore is a city that has more people of color and more poor people of color, so we are likely to see more excesses, and that is manifest in the report, said Lisalyn R. Jacobs, an expert on race and gender bias who works closely with the Obama administration on issues including sexual assault. The Baltimore police commissioner, Kevin Davis, who vowed Wednesday to turn his department into a model for the rest of the nation, did not dispute the Justice Departments findings. He said in an interview Thursday that he was already taking steps, including putting a trusted captain in charge of a new sex offense unit and assigning a sergeant to act as an LGBT liaison, to address the problems. The challenge of interacting respectfully with victims of sexual assault is a challenge to our profession, Davis said, and we are getting better at it in Baltimore, and we are paying attention to it. African-Americans make up 63 percent of the population in Baltimore, and the city has been in the thick of its own painful conversation about race and policing since the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who sustained a fatal spinal injury in police custody. Tessa Hill-Aston, the president of the citys branch of the NAACP, said the Justice Departments report this week had pushed the conversation about victims of police bias beyond black men. Theres a lot of women in the same communities that have been victimized just as much, Hill-Aston said, adding of the police, They just didnt care, because it was a poor black woman or a poor black neighborhood. Advocates have voiced concerns Civil and womens rights advocates in Baltimore have been saying for years that the police do an inadequate job of investigating rape and sexual assault cases. In 2010, The Baltimore Sun reported that in the previous four years, the police had routinely failed to solve rape cases; in reviewing FBI data, the newspaper found that the percentage of rape cases dismissed as false or baseless was higher in Baltimore than in any other city in the country. But so little progress was made that Justice Department investigators felt compelled to raise the issue, though they did not formally cite the Baltimore police for violating womens constitutional rights, said Vanita Gupta, the departments top civil rights official, who supervised the report. We were troubled by the lingering problems associated with gender-biased policing in Baltimore, she said Thursday. We heard complaints from the community that some officers target members of a vulnerable population people involved in the sex trade to coerce sexual favors from them in exchange for avoiding arrest, or for cash or narcotics, the investigators wrote. The report also described deep insensitivity on the part of some Baltimore officers toward transgender people, which reflected underlying unlawful gender bias. One transgender woman, for instance, said that an officer who was ordered to search her had protested in disgust, complaining to a colleague, I am not searching that. Then the officer turned to the woman and declared: I dont know if youre a boy or a girl. And I really dont care. I am not searching you. Davis said he was committed to improving the treatment of sexual assault victims, and spoke Thursday of a sea change in policing culture. Lynch issued guideline last year Experts agree that these problems are not unique to Baltimore. In December 2015, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, concerned by the findings of the inquiries in New Orleans, Puerto Rico and Missoula, issued guidance to law enforcement agencies on how to prevent gender bias. We saw time and time again where women were discounted and officers would ask them: Did you have an orgasm? Was this regret sex? Do you have a boyfriend? said Jonathan Smith, a former Justice Department official who supervised those inquiries, referring to the Missoula investigation. He added: Those are privileged kids. Low-income women are facing sometimes worse. In each of those instances, the department demanded improvements as part of a consent decree, in which police practices are overhauled under the supervision of a federal judge. That will now be the case in Baltimore, Gupta said. Two Orange County charter schools said they will make changes to their websites, and other campuses are reviewing their policies in light of a recently released report from the American Civil Liberties Union that claims hundreds of California charter schools create unfair hurdles for underprivileged students. The advocacy groups report accuses eight Orange County schools more than a quarter of the charter schools here of having illegal policies. The O.C. schools targeted: the Orange County Educational Arts Academy, the Orange County School of the Arts, the Samueli Academy, the Santiago Charter Middle School, the Capistrano Connections Academy, the Nova Academy Early College High, the El Rancho Charter School, and the Journey School. The ACLU accused the public charter schools across California of establishing a variety of barriers for underprivileged students, which might include, depending on the campus: Excluding students based on academic performance Requiring cumbersome pre-enrollment essays or interviews akin to those at private schools Requiring guardians to volunteer or donate money Discouraging undocumented students Many schools said that the ACLU mistakenly used outdated information on their websites that doesnt reflect the schools current practices, while other said they would review their policies to ensure inclusion of disadvantaged students. Its a little concerning to us, because those are the same policies students and parents see when they choose what schools to apply to, said Victor Leung, one of the authors of the report and a staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California. Ralph Opacic started the Orange County School of the Arts nearly 30 years ago, and said the school created admissions policies that would ensure admitted students could be successful in the campuss tough arts environment. With the recent report, Opacic said administrators would ensure disadvantaged students arent being left out. In light of (the) ACLUs recent concerns, we will carefully review our policies to ensure that they enable equity and access for all students, Opacic said in a statement. At Journey School, a K-8 canpus in Aliso Viejo, a representative said it would change the language on its website so parents can use documents other than a birth certificate for students to be admitted to the school. The civil rights group said requiring a birth certificate creates an unfair and illegal barrier against undocumented students attending school. The 14th Amendment guarantees undocumented students access to education, the ACLU said. Charter schools receive state funding like traditional public schools, but many also raise additional funds. Charters have greater control over operations compared to those overseen by districts. To conduct the study, released last week, the ACLU looked at more than 1,000 charter schools across the state examining their charters and admission information available to parents online. In doing so, the group determined that 253 schools statewide had exclusionary policies. It did not visit the schools or talk with representatives. Using that methodology, the Orange County Educational Arts Academy shouldnt have been included, because the report based its findings on outdated information from the website, a school representative said. The school now only asks that parents volunteer if theyre able, and student essays are no longer a requirement, said Vanessa Besack, the schools director of operations. We are in the process of updating our website to make sure that any old information is corrected, Besack said. Contact the writer: lwilliams@scng.com ANAHEIM The Angels have resumed discussions with Anaheim about staying in aging Angel Stadium after striking out in a possible bid to relocate to Tustin, a team official said Thursday. Moving to Tustin requires a new stadium, and none of the parties could overcome the financial hurdle, said Marie Garvey, Angels spokeswoman. In our discussions with the city of Anaheim, we are focused on trying to find a way to deliver a high-quality fan experience in a city-owned, aging stadium. RELATED: Angel Stadium seating chart and panoramas We are always going to do what is best for the team and fans for the long term. The Anaheim City Council and Angels officials have had several meetings since October about the stadium, said Mike Lyster, a city spokesman. The Angels had terminated talks with Anaheim in September 2014 while continuing discussions with Tustin about building a stadium at the former Marine Corps Air Station. A new stadium could cost $500 million to $1 billion or more. The goal is to find a way to bring improvements to Angel Stadium that works for the city and the team, Lyster said. The Angels complex opened in 1966 and is the fourth-oldest stadium in major-league baseball, after Fenway Park in Boston, Wrigley Field in Chicago and Dodger Stadium. Angels owner Arte Moreno has until 2019 to opt out of the current Angel Stadium lease and must disclose his intention to opt out by October 2018. If a new Anaheim lease or a new venue is not secured and the opt-out clause is not exercised, the team is contractually bound to remain until 2029. Anaheim and the team began talking about revising the lease in 2010, with an eye on $130 million to $150 million in needed renovations and repairs. They havent determined which upgrades the city and Angels are responsible for. The citys framework proposal approved in September 2013 would have given the team a 66-year lease to develop retail, commercial and residential buildings on stadium parking lots. The provision was intended to create revenue for Moreno to finance renovations. Its unclear exactly what the sticking points were, but the citys financial return on the deal appears to be the point of contention. The biggest challenge facing the Angels if they move would be financing a stadium, with the prospects likely to cost at least several times the $130 million to $150 million in plumbing, air conditioning and other major renovations needed for Angel Stadium. Anaheim Councilwoman Kris Murray said she is confident a resolution will be reached to keep the Angels in Anaheim. They are part of our history and need to be part of our future, she said. Im optimistic we will reach an agreement thats good for the team and the city. Staff writers Lauren Williams and Martin Wisckol contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Billionaire Tom Steyer is drawing attention as a possible 2018 gubernatorial candidate, but perhaps more significant are the tens of millions of dollars hes spending to defeat Donald Trump, back Democratic candidates and promote environmental causes. In Orange County, his $50,000 in primary money to the local Democratic Party is credited with helping two candidates prevail and accelerating Democratic gains in voter registration. On Aug. 8, Fullerton became the 11th of the countys 34 cities to become Democratic up from five cities a year ago. But thats just a hint of what hes doing. So far this year, hes spent $31 million in reportable political contributions, 50 percent more than the nations next most generous donor, Republican hedge fund CEO Robert Mercer, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Steyer, a San Francisco resident who made his own fortune running a hedge fund, could top his 2014 political spending of $75 million, more than twice the amount of that elections second most generous donor, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 2016 is such a critical year, he told a gathering of about 50 Democrats in a roundtable session last Monday at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Hall Local 582 in Orange. Steyer singled out Republican calls for tax cuts which he says would benefit the wealthy and for loosening environmental regulations as key proposals hes fighting. Theres a huge fight in California between large-scale economic interests and the people, the 59-year-old said. But the idea that we have to give up natural beauty and our health to preserve the economy is not true. He also outlined his biography and talked about pet projects, including farm-to-table meals for schools, reducing pollution-induced asthma and addressing climate change. He offered his views on education, water quality, infrastructure and jobs as well. In other words, he sounded like a candidate. O.C. impact Steyer and his organization, NextGen Climate, are focusing heavily on seven swing states. But hes also paying attention to California. During his Orange County visit, Steyer toured the Banning Ranch area, which environmentalists are trying to preserve from development, and was the featured guest at a luncheon hosted by the Newport Beach Democratic Club. Part of Steyers approach is throwing big money at big issues his unprecedented $30 million for 2012s Proposition 39 helped end a provision that allowed multistate corporations to avoid California taxes. But as his Orange County stops demonstrated, Steyer is working on multiple political levels, including gathering feedback at the grass-roots level. Among issues local activists made sure were on his radar were the desalination plant proposed for Huntington Beach and the possibility that Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, is vulnerable in his re-election bid. Steyers $50,000 in Orange County primary money went to the county Democrats for voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. Party Chairman Henry Vandermeir says that was key in electing Democrat Beckie Gomez to the county school board over the Republican incumbent and landing Democrat Michele Martinez in first place over Republican incumbent Supervisor Andrew Do. Martinez and Do will have a runoff in November. Steyer apparently is satisfied with how the money was used: Hes agreed to give the party $100,000 more for the November election. Vandermeir said that will enable the party to extend efforts into the reddest parts of the county, including the O.C. portion of Issas district. As for a gubernatorial run? Steyer deferred his answer. Im fully engaged until Nov. 8. Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com WASHINGTON More than 75 Republicans have signed a letter urging Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus to spend the partys money on helping secure the Republican majority in the Senate, not on Donald Trumps presidential campaign. The letter, whose signers include former congressmen Gordon Humphrey, Mickey Edwards and Christopher Shays; Bruce Bartlett, a member of President George W. Bushs cabinet; and former RNC staff members said that Trumps campaign will have a catastrophic impact on down-ballot races. It is another instance of Republicans coming out against the partys presidential nominee. In recent weeks, a number of high-profile Republicans have said they cannot support Trumps candidacy. We believe that Donald Trumps divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck, the letter reads. It said Trumps chances of becoming president are evaporating by the day, due in large part to feuds and inflammatory comments that are alienating voters. The letter said they include his spat with the parents of a Muslim Army captain who was killed in Iraq, calling on Russia to find Hillary Clintons missing emails, showing a total ignorance of foreign policy and deliberately and repeatedly lying about scores of issues, large and small. The RNC and Trumps campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter cites a number of polls that show Trump losing ground to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton nationally. It also points out his animosity toward other Republicans, including his claims that Sen. Ted Cruzs father may have been linked to John F. Kennedys assassin, stating he would start a super PAC that could be used to fight other Republicans, calling Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., a loser in front of his Senate colleagues and initially refusing to support House Speaker Paul Ryans primary campaign. Andrew Weinstein, a former spokesman for Bob Dole and Newt Gingrich, said the letter was a cooperative effort among Republicans who were growing increasingly concerned at the idea that Trump could imperil the Republican majority in Congress. He said at least 17 former RNC staffers have signed the letter, which will be delivered to the committee next week. Signatures are still being collected. Weinstein said the signatories arent endorsing a particular candidate and vary on whom they will support in November. Weinstein has said he plans to vote for Clinton. To me, what that shows is this is almost like a family intervention, where they are trying to rescue a family member who is engaged in self-destructive behavior, which is what the RNC is doing right now, he said. Weinstein is a veteran of Doles 1996 campaign. Weeks before Election Day in 1996, as it became clear that Dole would not win the election, Republicans started to urge congressional candidates to make the argument: Lets not give Clinton a blank check. In late October of that year, the National Republican Congressional Committee spent $4 million on television ads in contested congressional districts. Republicans lost nine seats but managed to hold the House. Weinstein said the letter signers want this effort to start much earlier. Its not a matter of electing Donald Trump, Weinstein said, Its a matter of saving Congress. Chris Young knows how to captivate a crowd. On top of just being a great showman armed with an arsenal of radio hits, the 31-year-old country music star is personable, not afraid to get a little silly and hes just so charming. Young brought his tour to Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa Thursday night and performed in front of a lively sold-out audience that sang, danced and at times tried to completely drown him out as they belted familiar lines from their favorite songs. The crew definitely didnt skimp on bringing in all of Youngs stage production. Multiple semi trucks with his smiling face plastered on the side were parked just outside of the venue. Several see-through risers on the stage, lined with neon lighting, changed colors throughout the set. A large LED backing screen provided Young with a cool entry point, its James Bond-like rotating door right in the middle, where he appeared at the start and got right into the evening with Underdogs, a cut on his latest and fifth studio release, Im Comin Over. Last year, when he played this same venue, that album hadnt been released yet, but he still offered up samples of what would later become his very first record to debut at No. 1 on the charts. Most of his set was filled with singles that have shot to No. 1 over the years, like You, Voices, Gettin You Home (The Black Dress Song), Tomorrow and his latest, Think of You, a duet with Cassadee Pope who just played Pacific Amphitheatre a couple of weeks ago. Young switched things up a bit from his performance last year, adding in a few more songs from his new record including one he sang with country icon Vince Gill, Sober Saturday Night. When he asked the crowd who had been at this same show last year, numerous hands shot up into the air and were met with loud cheers. That group didnt seem too bothered that he played the same two covers the year prior, a playful go of ZZ Tops Sharp Dressed Man, during which Young introduced his band members, and his beautiful, well executed version of the late Keith Whitleys When You Say Nothing at All. He mixed the love songs (Lonely Eyes, Who I Am With You, I Can Take It From There) with the drinking songs (Save Water, Drink Beer, Aw Naw, Neon) throughout the night. The track Text Me Texas was thrown into the encore before he finished the set with Think of You. Show opener Ruthie Collins turn was also a lot of fun. The Nashville resident stared wide-eyed into the crowd and delivered a heartfelt thank you once her set began and she took a moment to talk about what the band had done that day, which included a trip to Newport Beach. Yall are lucky to live here, she quipped with a smile. She played a few songs off of her debut, self-titled EP as well as a cover of John Denvers Take Me Home, Country Roads. Collins smartly closed her set with a medley of music from some of her female country music influences and had the audience singing and swaying along as she offered up snippets of Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messinas Lesson in Leavin, American Girl and Shes in Love With the Boy by Trisha Yearwood and Pam Tillis Maybe It Was Memphis. Contact the writer: 714-796-3570 or kfadroski@ocregister.com Belgian police released three people Friday who were detained overnight in a counterterror operation in the Brussels area, Sputnik reported. Searches were conducted in homes of people under scrutiny on suspicion of links to terrorism and foreign fighters returning from Syria, the RTBF broadcaster reported, saying no weapons or explosives had been found. Two women and a man, who was tagged electronically for trying to leave for Syria, were released after being questioned by the investigating judge, according to the broadcaster. Belgium has been investigating several cases related to last years terror attacks in Paris and this spring's Brussels bombings, as well as foiled terror plots in the country. WASHINGTON The Obama administration Thursday said it was shifting $81 million from biomedical research and anti-poverty and health care programs to pay for the development of a Zika vaccine, resorting to extraordinary measures because Congress had failed to approve new funding to combat the virus. Sylvia Mathews Burwell, the secretary of health and human services, told members of Congress in a letter that without the diverted funds, the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority would run out of money to confront the mosquito-borne illness by the end of the month. That would force the development of a vaccine to stop at a critical time, as locally acquired cases of Zika infection increase in Miami. As of last week, 7,350 cases of Zika had been reported in the United States, most in Puerto Rico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burwell said that 15 infants had been born with Zika-related birth defects. The virus can cause abnormal brain development and other serious defects in children born to infected mothers. The local spread of the illness in the continental United States, with the first cases reported late last month, has raised the political stakes surrounding the federal governments response. Hillary Clinton on Tuesday made a campaign stop in Wynwood, the Miami neighborhood that has had a rash of locally transmitted Zika cases, and pressed Congress to return from its five-week break to approve emergency funding to fight the virus. Obama, GOP at odds President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans have been at odds for most of the year over Zika. In February, Obama requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding. Republicans balked, demanding a more detailed accounting of where the money would go. Lawmakers have feuded for months over how much money should be earmarked and how it should be spent. Last month, Democrats blocked consideration of a Republican measure that would have allocated $1.1 billion to fight Zika but included provisions that would have banned funding for Planned Parenthood to provide contraception related to the virus, which can be sexually transmitted. The deadlock prompted the White House in April to shift $589 million in Ebola funding to the Zika effort, about two-thirds of it designated for domestic use. On Thursday, Burwell said that her department had used most of that money and that it would be gone by the end of August. The failure to pass a Zika emergency supplemental has forced the administration to choose between delaying critical vaccine development work and raiding other worthy government programs to temporarily avoid these delays, Burwell wrote. Pelosi speaks out Democrats seized on the announcement to berate Republicans for failing to provide additional money for Zika. At a news conference, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the minority leader, called on Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the House speaker, to bring Congress back to advance such a measure. Every possible option is being exhausted, and now were going into the National Institutes of Health, which is supposed to be a priority, Pelosi said. Aides to Ryan said that shifting the funds was a long-overdue step that the Obama administration had delayed to squeeze maximum political advantage out of the Zika issue. The National Institutes of Health announced last week that it had begun clinical trials of a Zika vaccine on 80 human subjects and hoped to begin a second phase in Zika-endemic countries in early 2017. But without more funding now, officials said Thursday, the research would halt in its tracks. Burwell said she would transfer to the Zika efforts $34 million in NIH funds that had been designated to find treatments for other diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Another $47 million will be transferred to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which supports the development of drugs and vaccines to respond to public health emergencies. That money will come out of a variety of accounts, including $19 million from a program that supplies heating oil subsidies for low-income families and $4 million from substance abuse programs such as those for opioid addiction. Even then, Burwell said, the additional money will last only through next month, at which point agencies would have to severely curtail many of their critical efforts against Zika without action from Congress. In the past four months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spent $60 million to help states protect pregnant women, $25 million to strengthen their Zika preparedness and response plans, and $16 million to help them create data-collection systems to quickly detect microcephaly and other Zika-related syndromes. Carlos Aviles has been named editor of Southern California News Groups three Spanish-language weekly newspapers and associated digital media La Prensa, Excelsior and ImpactoUSA. He begins his new role Aug. 15. Aviles will oversee planning and development of content for Latino audiences in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. He will also help guide the publications overall print and digital strategy, and facilitate the sharing of content between journalists within Southern California News Group. Carlos brings invaluable experience in producing multi-platform journalism that matters to Latinos living and working in Southern California, said Frank Pine, executive editor at Southern California News Group. We will lean on his leadership to enhance storytelling and deliver a richer digital experience for a local Latino population thats growing in size and influence. I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve as editor of these three Spanish language publications, Aviles said. I will work hard to continue this companys commitment to provide the best information to the Latino community of Southern California. The Salvadoran-American Aviles has nearly 20 years of experience writing, editing and coordinating coverage for Spanish-language and bilingual newspapers and websites, particularly in Southern California. He brings extensive experience in local, investigative and computer-assisted reporting. Aviles most recently served as local editor at La Opinion, where he supervised a team of print and digital journalists, and guided special projects and investigations. Aviles also served as local editor at Patch Latino, a bilingual news site of America Online that focused on underserved communities in Southern California. He helped launch Patch Latinos three bilingual online news platforms and digital presentation, which included the implementation of search engine optimization and social media strategies to drive audience growth. Previously, Aviles was a staff writer at La Opinion and Hoy in Los Angeles, covering crime and courts, government, immigration, health and education. He also produced video, photography and breaking news for the newspapers websites. Aviles briefly worked as deputy editor for La Prensa. Prior to coming to the United States, Aviles began his career at La Prensa Grafica in El Salvador in 1997, where he served as digital editor, reporter and international correspondent. ImpactoUSA, La Prensa and Excelsior have a combined print circulation of 400,000. ImpactoUSA is home-delivered, and La Prensa and Excelsior have a targeted distribution in news racks and retail locations that reach high-density Hispanic neighborhoods. Germany is widely regarded as one of the most democratic countries in the world, but for Carola Griesbach and her family it is nothing more that a dictatorship that they just had to escape from. So they hopped in their Volkswagen van and drove 1,400 miles to Moscows red Square where they are now asking for political asylum. 51-year-old Carola, her husband Andre, their two daughters Julia and Dominique and four grandchildren arrived in Moscow on New Years Eve in 2015, hoping to start a new life. They have since been living in a small motel in a forest on the outskirts of the Russian capital, as they wait for their asylum request to be accepted by the Government. Only thats not likely to happen anytime soon, as authorities consider Germany a safe country, so the Griesbachs request is unfounded. Photo: Egg.ru However, Andre and Carola disagree. They claim that the 1918 agreement between Russia and Germany to stop fighting was not a proper peace treaty, so the two countries are technically still at war, and it is Russias duty to protect them. We dont feel like Germany is a safe place for us, or to bring up children, Andre said. We have been worried ever since we staged a protest against the German Government outside the Bundestag from September to December 2013. Photo: Carola Griesbach/Facebook People believe Germany is a democracy but its not, the 45-year-old asylum seeker adds. Russian society is much better, and Putin is a much better example of a leader. The German state is corrupt, so he is much more democratic than Merkel. Among the many reasons that pushed them to immigrate to Russia, the German family cites the large number of refugees welcomed into their country, corruption, the early sexualisation of children, and forced immunization. They are inviting all the immigrants over so they can stir up trouble in the country and start the war the government wants, Andre said. No country but Germany wants so many foreigners in their country. Photo: Egg.ru The child protection services are so quick to take children away from their parents. They get paid to do it, and its almost like child trafficking. We were worried it would happen to us, he added. And the children are sexualised far too early through clothes and pictures and books. Theres no way to fight against it. Its a lot better in Russia. They care about the family and put it first. Its not safe for children or women in Germany anymore, Carola Griesbach complains. Everyone knows the situation in the German media, and on the relationship between migrants and violence is. The media reports on a small part. The Police rarely look into cases, because they are prevented from doing so by the system or they are attacked by the so-called asylum seekers. Photo: Egg.ru The Griesbach family are rapidly burning through their savings, but claim that the Russian people have helped them very much. As we dont have much money left, we are relying on the good will of local people to help us, Andre says. But the Russian people are unbelievably helpful. No one can beat them in this respect. We certainly would not get this kind of help from Germans, because they are far too selfish. The man claims to have already been offered several jobs, which he would love to accept, because they want to work for a living, not accept handouts. But because the family left in a hurry, without procuring necessary paperwork, like visas, finding employment in Russia is tricky. They are determined to stay, though, and hope that the Government will accept their asylum request in the end. We are really hoping we can stay. We are really free here, the Griesbachs said. Photo: Carola Griesbach/Facebook Regarding the family and friends they left behind in Germany, Andre says they were a little upset that they didnt tell them about their plans until they arrived in Russia, but they now keep in touch through social media sites like Facebook. We wont see them again unless they come here to visit, he says. Going anywhere in the EU is out of the question for us. Unsurprisingly, the Griesbachs were ridiculed online by many of their compatriots. Quite honestly, I dont know whether I should laugh or cry because of the children, one commenter wrote. Its a shame that the children have to suffer for the idiocy of the parents and grandparents. Irresponsible and antisocial! another added. Sources: Daily Mail, Egg.ru, VICE.de For Aulagea Therese, coming to Geneva has been an opportunity to learn how to connect indigenous activism with human rights. I really wanted to participate in that programme to learn about the different mechanisms at the UN level, so that as a young indigenous person I am more equipped to discuss important matters related to my people with French authorities he said. Therese, 25, was in Geneva recently as a participant of the 2016 UN Human Rights Office Indigenous Fellowship Programme. The programme was launched in 1997 to offer indigenous youth the opportunity to learn more about the United Nations human rights system and how it can assist in the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples. When fellows return to their communities, they can use this knowledge to help promote and advance the human rights of indigenous peoples in their countries, said Estelle Salavin, who coordinates the programme. The programme enables them to participate in sessions of human rights mechanisms, to build networks and alliances with the Office, other UN interlocutors, NGOs, indigenous peoples and to approach Government representatives in Geneva she said. They get inspired by one another, share experiences and common concerns. Many feel they are not alone, which gives them further strength to advocate for their rights. Therese reported that the Kalina community living in French Guyana is confronted with illegal gold mining, which destroys forests, pollutes the environment and negatively affects indigenous childrens health. Lack of access to education and birth registration because of the remoteness of some communities remain of serious concern. The struggle for indigenous rights in French Guyana started a long time ago, Therese said. But we noticed a regression in the respect and fulfilment of our rights, so we have had to rethink our strategies. My organization has asked me to make a link between the French legislative framework and the international human rights norms and jurisprudence related to indigenous peoples. This is what motivated me to apply for this fellowship. He also added that his organization, the Federation des Organisations Autochtones de Guyane (FOAG), was calling for the creation of a public institution dedicated to indigenous peoples. When he returns home, Therese plans to host a series of workshops to pass on what he has learned with members not just of his organization but with others working for indigenous peoples rights in the region. The story is one of a series to celebrate The International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples 9 August 2016. This year the celebration is devoted to the right of education, which is protected by a number of international human rights instruments. 12 August 2016 Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... Agricultural News Terry Detrick with AFR Calls Water Rights Agreement a Great Accomplshment for State of Oklahoma American Farmers and Ranchers President Terry Detrick issued the following statement in support of the water rights agreement between the The State of Oklahoma and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, The Chickasaw Nation, and The City of Oklahoma City following the press conference held on August 11th. "This agreement is good for Oklahoma and it is in keeping with AFR's policy on water. We fully support Oklahoma's Indian tribes having a formal role in our state's water management process. We are opposed to sale of water outside the state, but if those sales ever happen in the future, we believe the area where the water came from should receive priority compensation. "We consider water rights to be valuable property rights. Protecting private property is a cornerstone of AFR policy." Following the announcement of the hisstoric agreement, Detrick talked with Sam Knipp about the AFR position on the water rights agreement. You can listen to their conversation by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below. Sam Knipp talks with Terry Detrick regarding AFR's take on the Oklahoma Water Rights Agreement WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI Top Agricultural News The model that Russia used in China and the United Arab Emirates will be used for a Turkish-Russian joint investment fund which will be worth several billion dollars, Daily Sabah reported. Joint investments will be made in infrastructure, agricultural and medical projects. Along with the 50-50 shared fund, the two countries will be able invest in other countries as well. Russia is getting ready to make nuclear power and space vehicles investments costing about $1 billion in Egypt with its joint fund with the UAE. The size of Russia's joint fund with China has currently reached $2 billion. With this equally shared fund, both countries have made various investments so far. Speaking to Sabah, Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK)'s Turkish-Russian Business Council President Tuncay Ozilhan said the Turkish-Russian joint investment fund would be used to revive mega projects, and operations were in progress to take relations back to the pre-November 2015 period. The family of dirt-track racer Bryan Clauson says his organs have been donated to five other people. Clauson was in a crash in a Kansas race last weekend. He was airlifted to Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, where he died surrounded by his family. In a statement posted on the Twitter account of Bryan Clauson Racing on Wednesday, Clauson's family members say they knew as they were saying their last goodbyes "that five families were also sitting in a hospital room somewhere, comforting their loved one and each other while praying for a miracle that Bryan ultimately delivered for them." They say he will live on in part through "the lucky individuals that will benefit from Bryan making a decision to be a donor." Clauson died in a Nebraska hospital Sunday following Saturday night's crash at the Belleville Midget Nationals in Kansas. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A dozen lawyers crowded around a quartet of polished wooden tables in Omahas federal courthouse Thursday, an indication of just how much is at stake in a legal fight over Nebraskas Medicaid program. Three companies that recently won state contracts stand to collect a share of roughly $1.2 billion a year to oversee health care for 233,000 Nebraskans on Medicaid. Two other companies have sued, alleging they were shut out by Nebraska officials who violated competitive bidding laws. On Thursday, the two sides made arguments intended to shape the first key ruling in the lawsuit. This competitive bidding process wasnt competitive at all. It was arbitrary from beginning to end, said Andrew Collins, an attorney representing AmeriHealth Nebraska. Since the lawsuit was filed about two months ago, state officials have turned over 20,000 emails and other documents related to the bidding process. None of those documents revealed bad faith, collusion or fraud by any state employee, said Assistant Attorney General David Lopez. Not only is there no fire, theres no smoke, he said, urging the judge to rule soon in the states favor so Nebraskas neediest residents dont experience interruptions in their health care. U.S. District Judge Robert Rossiter must soon decide whether to grant the plaintiffs a preliminary injunction and halt the contracts before they are implemented on Jan. 1. After more than three hours of oral argument by six lawyers, Rossiter took the matter under advisement without issuing a ruling. Also at stake is an effort to rework the $2 billion-a-year state and federal Medicaid program, which officials say is currently managed under a fractured system of contractors who provide different services in different areas of the state. Under a new state program called Heritage Health, the three winning bidders will administer physical and mental health care, as well as pharmacy services, to Medicaid patients statewide. Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services have said the new approach will make the program more efficient so it saves taxpayer dollars and delivers better care. HHS put out a request for proposals to manage the new program last year. Officials with HHS and the Department of Administrative Services announced an intent to award contracts to the top three bidders in February. But they took a second look after two of the losing bidders filed protests. Officials determined there had been a scoring error in the corporate overview section of the proposal, so they brought in a new group of evaluators to score the bids a second time. In March, they announced the three final bid winners. Aetna Better Health of Nebraska, which currently has a Medicaid contract with the state, dropped from third to fourth place when the final standings were released. Aetna and AmeriHealth Nebraska, which finished out of the top three both times, have brought lawsuits against the state. Lawyers for Aetna focused the judges attention on the law that requires all state contracts in excess of $50,000 to be bid according to an agencys procurement manual or a process approved by the director of Administrative Services. They argued that re-scoring the original bids, rather than starting over from scratch, had never been done before on other contracts. State officials brought in five new inexperienced evaluators to complete the scoring in 48 hours, far too short a time to throughly review 1,500 pages of materials, they contended. Lawyers for the plaintiffs also pointed to an email exchange in which an attorney for Administrative Services told a lawyer for HHS not to provide guidance to the new evaluators. Each evaluator brings with them their knowledge, experience, preferences and prejudices. It is the average of these unique perspectives across five evaluators that we hope will get us the best vendor, said the email by Doug Wilken, an attorney for Administrative Services. Robert Slovek, an Omaha lawyer representing Aetna, said the email shows scoring decisions were arbitrary and, therefore, in violation of state law. He said not only did the illegal action result in irreparable harm to his clients, but also to Nebraska taxpayers, who have a right to expect public employees to follow the law on what represents one of the biggest contracts in state history. If that doesnt meet the public interest, I dont know what does, Slovek said. Lopez, with the Attorney Generals Office, said the law explicitly gives the director of Administrative Services the discretion to approve scoring and bidding procedures. Thats because no procurement manual can be written to account for all possible scenarios that come up during a bidding process, especially one with the complexity of health care management. To be found in violation of the law, the plaintiffs must show that state officials acted in bad faith. Lopez argued that no such evidence has been submitted, so the request for preliminary injunction should be denied. There simply has not been a showing, even remotely, of illegal conduct by any state official, Lopez said. Contact the writer: 402-473-9587, joe.duggan@owh.com U.S. farmers just cant seem to grow enough soybeans to satisfy China. For the third year in a row, U.S production is expected to set a record, the best such string since 1979. Yet, with output dropping elsewhere, a flurry of demand from China and other importers is eating away at stockpiles. The result: For the first time in three years, domestic inventories are poised to drop below the previous season, according to analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Soybeans are used to make everything from animal feed to cooking oil, soy sauce and tofu. Since 2005, Chinas imports of the commodity have more than tripled, and it now buys more than 60 percent of the worlds exports. The demand is primarily driven by its livestock sector as a growing middle class consumes more meat. As contrary weather hindered crops in Latin America, U.S. soybeans have secured seven weeks of record export sales since May. To maintain adequate supplies domestically, U.S. fields need to beat last years record yield of 48 bushels per acre, according to Daniel Basse, president of AgResource Co., a Chicago-based industry researcher. We can use everything we produce, Basse said. Its a big crop, but the big demand story is coming on now. The U.S. will be the main source for soybeans from now through Valentines Day because of crop problems in Brazil from hot, dry weather and flooding in Argentina. Brazil is forecast to be the worlds leading soybean exporter in the current season, shipping 57.2 million metric tons, ahead of the U.S.s 48.9 million, the USDA said last month. Argentina is the biggest shipper of soybean meal and oil. Planting progress for the U.S. crop in May was faster than the prior five-year average, allowing the plants to take advantage of Junes sunny weather. Rain in early July then boosted soil moisture, raising crop ratings to the highest since 2004. The forecast for more rain this month is key for the plants to reach full yield potential as plant pods fill up with beans, said Troy Deutmeyer, an agronomist with Duponts Pioneer seed unit in Dyersville, Iowa. In Illinois, the biggest grower after Iowa, the crop is very good, relatively disease-free and eye-appealing, according to Matthew Brandt, the regional agronomy lead for St. Louis-based Monsanto. Soybean plants are larger than normal, which can limit yield potential because plants used more energy to grow before making pods and filling them with beans, Brandt said in an interview. Domestic farmers in the U.S. are poised to collect 3.948 billion bushels of the oilseed this season, the most ever and higher than the governments July forecast, according to a Bloomberg survey of 33 analysts and firms. For 10 consecutive days ending on Aug. 9, U.S. exporters sold a total of 3.17 million tons (116 million bushels) to China and unknown buyers, mostly for delivery after Sept. 1, according to USDA data. With a few more strong weeks, U.S. shipments in the year that ends Aug. 31 may breach the July USDA forecast of 1.795 billion bushels, reaching high as high as 1.88 billion bushels, according to AgResources Basse. The gains come amid a slump in South American sales. Brazils exports peaked in April, earlier than usual, and dropped to a three-year low in July of 5.8 million tons, according to trade ministry data. The fallout from weaker crops in Latin America has been a 16 percent boost in U.S. cash soybean prices this year, while corn and wheat prices have dropped. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Orkhan Guluzade Trend: After the July 15 military coup attempt in Turkey, 162 servicemen have fled from the country, Haber 7 newspaper quoted Turkish National Defense Minister Fikri Isik as saying Aug. 12. Isik said that meanwhile, 3,185 servicemen have been dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces. It was previously reported that supporters of the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of organizing the July 15 military coup attempt, infiltrated into a number of government agencies in Turkey. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade More borrowers raising row crops and livestock in Nebraska and surrounding states are struggling to repay loans as prices for commodities remain stubbornly low, according to economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, whose territory includes Nebraska. Bankers surveyed for the regional Feds latest report on agricultural credit conditions pointed to continued troubles in the second quarter. More lenders reported an increase in the volume of borrowers with repayment problems in addition to a higher number of denied loan applications relative to a year ago. Nebraska bankers contacted by The World-Herald said they havent denied more loans to borrowers, but they said financial situations are certainly getting tighter. Its not like theres a wholesale disaster out there, but it is concerning this is the second year our borrowers arent profitable, said Todd Adams, chief executive of Adams Bank & Trust in Ogallala. Its hard to find any glimmers of hope that the situation will be any better next year. Thats partially because a strong crop of soybeans and corn is likely to weigh down prices, just like this years bunker-busting winter wheat harvest did, Adams explained. A big harvest could help offset some losses, but finding profitability in a market thats already heavy on supply will be difficult. For instance, corn that in 2012 fetched upward of $8 a bushel was going for less than $3 on Thursday at rural Nebraska elevators. The steep fall in prices shows continued demand for operating loans and continued declines in broader farm in come, the Feds Nathan Kauffman and Matt Clark found. Even federal lenders like Farm Credit Services of America are battening the hatches in anticipation of an increase in troubled loans: The Omaha-based farm-financing cooperative on Wednesday reported a 9 percent decline in net income through the first six months of the year. FCS America attributed the decline chiefly to more money set aside to cover potential losses on soured loans. Meanwhile, the Fed survey showed that the spillover effects into the broader economy are more profound this year than in previous years. Even in a low-unemployment state like Nebraska, businesses like manufacturers tied to the agriculture industry have shed jobs since the commodities dive. That especially hurts farmers who raise livestock like cattle and swine, said Steve Ausdemore, president of Citizens State Bank in Wisner. Too many people without jobs that are not in the workforce hurts protein consumption, Ausdemore said. Many farmers in northeast Nebraska, where a majority of Citizens 10 branches are located, have restructured loans this year to help stem losses while they wait for prices to rebound. Despite the danger of low commodities prices, however, Ausdemore said he, like Adams, sees a big harvest as a potential mitigator. In western Nebraska, eastern Colorado and northwestern Kansas, where Adams has 18 banks, farmers have already taken steps to soften the blow. Borrowers this year have had some marketing opportunities to break even or reduce their losses, Adams said of some favorable pricing fluctuations earlier in the year. Still, without an imminent and sustained turnaround in the markets, the fallout could be severe for the minority of farmers already in dire straits, he said: Our feeling is some wont survive the next couple of years. Contact the writer: 402-444-1534, cole.epley@owh.com An inmate at Lincoln Correctional Center punched a caseworker in the head and upper body about 3 p.m. Friday, according to a Nebraska Department of Corrections release. The release said pepper spray was used to subdue the inmate, and the caseworker was treated for injuries believed to be not life-threatening. The release did not specify what led to the alleged assault. Prison is inherently dangerous work, and human behavior is difficult to predict, Director Scott Frakes said. The Corrections Department will open a criminal investigation into the assault, which Frakes said he believes is an isolated incident. Neither the inmates nor caseworkers name will be released. Earlier this month, the Nebraska State Penitentiary was locked down after a confrontation with prisoners at the facility Aug. 2. Despite being told multiple times to disperse and return to the cells, inmates refused to do so. A group of inmates converged on corrections officers, and staff fired a warning shot from the tower. At about this time, groups of inmates throughout the prison became verbally aggressive and ignored prison staff directives. Eventually, corrections officers were able to return inmates to their housing units. State prisons have been plagued with overcrowding and shortages of staff in recent years. Assaults also have risen in recent months. HASTINGS, Neb. Oh, yeah ... Kool-Aid Days will be celebrated this weekend throughout Hastings, Nebraska. The Hastings Museum is celebrating the sugary drink, which was invented in the town, by hosting special events and admission prices Friday through Sunday. Museum admission will be $4 plus tax each day. Fridays events will include activity stations from 1 to 5 p.m., a free Kool-Aid stand and the Kool-Aid After Dark event. Reoccurring events throughout the weekend will include planetarium shows, the free Kool-Aid stand and free solar observing on Saturday and Sunday. This year features the third annual Kool-Aid After Dark event, museum Marketing Director Becky Tideman said. Its always been well-received, but its grown the last couple of years, Tideman said. The event will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Kids can use their five senses and guess the Kool-Aid scent, identify different Kool-Aid flavor combinations and play with fizzy cloud dough. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is collaborating with the museum for the event and will bring frogs for kids to hear nocturnal animal sounds. Kids are encouraged to dress up as superheroes for the event. Snacks will also be available. Special admission is required for the Kool-Aid After Dark and will be $3 for museum and Club Kool-Aid members and $4 for others. The movie Finding Dory will be playing throughout the weekend at the museum. Sundays schedule at the museum will offer a new event: the Egg Drop Challenge. The egg drop event, which is open to the first 200 participants, will start at noon with assembly until 2 p.m. Participants will have time to construct protection for their egg to keep it from breaking when dropped. People are encouraged to bring their own materials. Suggested and approved materials include newspaper, sponges, tape and others. The event is sponsored by Russs Market. After participants finish assembling their vessels, the eggs will be dropped at 2 p.m. to see whether they break. Were always looking for something new, Tideman said about the egg drop. She said the egg drop encourages education and will hopefully spark participants curiosity. Other Kool-Aid Days events in the community will include Senior Fest, the annual Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour and a Kool-Aid Days Grand Parade. Senior Fest is geared toward people who are 55 and older. They can play bingo, drink Kool-Aid and listen to Branson entertainer Bill Chrastil from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at Dawson Gym on the Hastings campus of Central Community College. The annual Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour is a 20-, 40- or 65-mile tour around Hastings. Registration will start at 7 a.m. Saturday and the ride will begin at 8 at Hastings Museum. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at South Parade Avenue and Military Drive North on the CCC-Hastings campus. From the museums perspective, Tideman said, Kool-Aid Days are highly valued. Its wonderful. It honors our history, she said. Its about community. The museum draws about 2,000 people throughout the weekend. Tideman said the festival holds a special place in all peoples hearts, young and old. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit kool-aiddays.com/schedule-of-events/. DES MOINES People from across the Midwest descended upon Iowas capital Thursday to sample the newest fried creations and check out the latest butter sculpture. The Iowa State Fair is underway. Jeremy Bergmann brought daughters Madeline and Lillian from Omaha. He said the family prefers coming to the Iowa fair. We love it, Bergmann said. Its better than Nebraskas State Fair. He said the size of Iowas fair and its proximity to Omaha make it preferable to Nebraskas fair, which moved to Grand Island from Lincoln in 2010. Madeline, 8, and Lillian, 4, had just gotten off a ride with small helicopters that went in circles. That was scary, Madeline said. Richard and Eunice Kokemiller made the four-hour drive from Hazel Green, Wisconsin, to attend the opening day. Richard looks forward to the pork chop dinner made by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Eunice enjoyed the quilting and other handiwork in the crafts exhibition. Im more of a dabbler, she said of her own quilting. The fair boasted 26 new food items this year, including bacon dipped in funnel cake batter and then fried; fruit kabobs dipped in batter and fried; pineapple bowls, which were half-pineapples filled with rice and meat; and fried bacon and cheese on a stick. The Australian pop-rock band Newsboys played the first concert of the fair at the Grandstand, along with Francesca Battistelli. Other Grandstand performers this year include Meghan Trainor and Hailee Steinfeld tonight, plus Brett Eldredge, Jason Derulo and Daya, and Dierks Bentley. The Iowa State Fairs roots are in agriculture, and those roots spread to all parts of the fairgrounds. The Iowa Pork Producers select the Iowa pork queen each year. This years queen, named in January, is Holly Cook, 18, of Winthrop, Iowa. Cook visited with children and adults in the Agriculture Building. She said part of her role is to let people know about safe, quality pork production. While in the Agriculture Building, fairgoers could also check out produce of all kinds, flowers and the famous butter sculptures. The butter cow has been a staple of the fair going back to 1911, with other butter creations joining since 1996. This year the new sculpture returned to the realm of science fiction, after 2006s tribute to Superman Returns starring Norwalk, Iowa, native Brandon Routh. A butter replica of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek joined the cow. A character from the show, Capt. James T. Kirk, will be born in Riverside, Iowa, in the year 2233. Each day of the fair, cattle, horses and other animals enter contests. Mark Simon, 26, of Epworth, Iowa, saw his yearling, Gabby, take first place in one livestock judging event. Contest judges examine the feet, legs, udder, frame and other physical attributes of the cattle to determine the cream of the cows. The Iowa State Fair runs until Aug. 21. Last year, the fair had record attendance of 1.17 million people. Contact the writer: reece.ristau@owh.com; 402-444-1151 Is there room for hope for the troubling situation in Whiteclay, Nebraska? After decades of heartache and frustration, theres a reasonable chance the pieces can come together soon for coordinated action. An 11-member task force appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts has been developing worthwhile ideas. State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, who heads a legislative study group on Whiteclay, voices confidence for progress on action during the 2017 session. The University of Nebraska Medical Center is willing to help efforts to combat fetal alcohol syndrome and alcoholism stemming from the Whiteclay problem. Bob Batt, chairman of the State Liquor Control Commission, offered a promising option last year: State lawmakers should explore reviving a proposal letting the state and localities create alcohol-impact zones where liquor license restrictions can be imposed if the area is shown to be disproportionately affected by alcohol. No one claims a magic solution to Whiteclay, the 14-resident community where more than 3 million cans of beer are sold annually, primarily to residents who come down from the Pine Ridge Reservation just across the border in South Dakota. One of the most alarming sights in Nebraska is that of men passed out on the street sides in Whiteclay or staggering drunkenly to or from the reservation, mesmerized by the dangerous allure of high-alcohol Whiteclay beer. Still, the discussions have been constructive, with a commendable emphasis on identifying sensible initial steps. Ricketts set an appropriate tone last year when he wrote to a constituent regarding Whiteclay: I am determined to address this important set of problems during my administration. The governors 11-member task force including Whiteclay business owners, elected officials, law enforcement and religious leaders has put together a set of sensible options that the governor is considering. Among them: Creating a detox/treatment center (a proposal to be cheered). A full-time law enforcement officer. Elimination of abandoned buildings and other public health hazards. Crafting of an economic development plan for Whiteclay. Getting legislative authority to enact county ordinances to address panhandling, vagrancy, loitering, urinating and defecating in public. Improving relationships between Nebraska and the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I think there is a lot of hope about what we can do in this area, Pansing Brooks says. Its encouraging to see this positive spirit. Its time for collaborative efforts to begin to tackle one of the most disturbing problems in the Great Plains. A premier historical museum focusing on Nebraskas pioneer heritage is preparing to take new steps forward, with public input. The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island reopened its centerpiece, the Stuhr Building, last summer after an 18-month, $7.4 million renovation. Joe Black, the executive director, reports the museum hosted nearly 69,000 visitors last year. The museum, which features more than 150,000 historical artifacts and 60 buildings relating to life in Nebraska from the 1840s through 1920, has seen significant increases in membership revenue (up 11 percent from 2014-15), new members (up 18 percent), shop sales (up 47 percent) and number of volunteers (up 26 percent). Now the museum is developing a strategic plan to guide it for the next three to five years. Getting public input through a local survey was a key step. The goal, Black said, is the community and museum working together to plan its future. The survey results indicated the museum should continue its emphasis on family-focused events and its educational mission, adding more non-historical public events and concerts. The Stuhr Museum stands tall in terms of its offerings, donor support and professionalism. Its good to see it looking ahead and grounding its decisions in a strong community connection. This should be a great moment for Libertarians, the GOPs quirky little cousin. After all, the Republican Party went off the rails and nominated a protectionist demagogue who cant stay out of trouble. Only a handful of Republicans are likely to defect and vote for Hillary Clinton. So many conservatives are looking for alternatives. You may have heard of these lost souls in the last few months, huddled together under the #NeverTrump umbrella. At first they wanted Mitt Romney to run as the true conservative, but that didnt go anywhere. A few had hoped freshman Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska would take up the cause. That didnt go anywhere either. Now the Never Trumpers are supporting a senior House staffer to carry their banner in November. This campaign is being waged after they tried and failed to enlist David French, a National Review writer and reservist military officer. So what about the two former Republican governors, Gary Johnson and William Weld, nominated by a party that espouses limited government and fiscal responsibility? Why cant the Never Trumpers go Libertarian? There are a few reasons. To start, there are policy clashes with mainstream Republicans. Johnson and Weld, like most Libertarians, are libertine. They support abortion rights and marriage equality. Many Never Trumpers dont. On an issue that matters a lot to social conservatives, the right of private businesses not to participate in same-sex weddings, Johnson sounds like the Obama administration. He later had to clarify remarks he made to the Washington Examiner that equated a baker who didnt want to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple to murderers who claimed to be inspired by religion. Then there is the Libertarian Party, which takes liberty to a literal extreme. During its convention in May, one nominee for the partys chairmanship, James Weeks, stripped down to a thong as he addressed those assembled. The National Reviews Ian Tuttle described it as the political equivalent of the Cantina scene from Star Wars. So even though more and more Americans today are coming around to the Libertarian view on drugs and the size of government, the party still acts like a fringy nerd fest. But for my money, the main reason so many conservatives are not giving the Libertarians a second look comes down to the candidate himself. On paper, Johnson looks great. Hes an extreme athlete, who has scaled Everest. He has positioned himself as the ultimate outsider in a year of the outsider. He is also humble, going out of his way to deride other politicians who promise the moon and never deliver and saying he would share presidential responsibilities with Weld, his running mate. Then you watch him on television. Its a disaster. Johnson is about as telegenic as an educational film about the metric system. He is a gangly ball of nerves who exudes the charisma of Don Knotts from his Threes Company years. He smiles when he shouldnt. When asked about the Black Lives Matter movement, he offered a word salad of honest introspection, ending with: For me personally, slap, slap, wake up. For some Libertarians, that is part of his charm. Nick Gillespie, the editor of the movements premier journal, Reason.com, told me, His lack of charisma, his disinterest or inability to take over every room he enters, should be extremely comforting and appealing to a country filled with responsible adult citizens. Gillespie added that Johnson wont push Americans around like cattle or sheep, but rather will competently execute the functions of government, exhorting us to pursue happiness in all the different ways we define that term. Perhaps this is the best reason to vote for him. As Gillespie said, Americans dont need an inspirer in chief. But they are voting for a commander in chief. And the former governor of New Mexico doesnt come off like a commander, a chief or a president of any kind. He comes off like the NASA scientist in the movie who briefs the president right before the meteor hits. Heres the thing about that scientist. Everyone is happy that he is finally warning someone in power about the pending disaster. But he is still asked to leave the room when the president must decide what to do about it. The writer, former secretary of homeland security and Pennsylvania governor, wrote this for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Last week, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the United States of failing to honor pledges in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Citing the futility of negotiations with the Americans, he distanced himself from the nuclear deal he once supported. Coming just weeks after the one-year anniversary of the agreement, his charge is just another in an escalating war of words from Tehran that reminds the world the era of good feelings promised by U.S. negotiators never came to pass. Nor have Irans nuclear ambitions. Tehrans change in tune should come as no surprise. Intelligence reports have long warned that the regime continued its attempts to obtain illicit nuclear material right up to the brink of implementation of the deal. And while the accord did institute constraints on Irans uranium enrichment program and its capacity for producing weapons-grade plutonium, the vast majority of Irans nuclear infrastructure remains in place. Irans problematic behavior was recently underscored by Robert Joseph, former U.S. special envoy for nuclear nonproliferation, during a recent panel discussion in Paris. He cautioned that the JCPOA had only compelled Iran to dismantle some of its enrichment centrifuges while leaving them safely inside the country, ready to be re-engaged at the first opportunity. The current state of the deal stands in stark contrast to the world communitys prior successes with other nuclear threshold states. Libyans, for instance, demonstrated a genuine and tangible commitment to abandoning the pursuit of nuclear weapons insofar as they fully opened up their country to impartial international inspections. Iran has come nowhere close to this. The lack of transparent monitoring has been a major point of unease among critics and initial supporters of the nuclear agreement alike. The deal only establishes international surveillance of declared nuclear enrichment sites, failing to address the likelihood that illicit nuclear development is taking place in secured locations, undetected by foreign intelligence agencies. This would not be the first time that Iran successfully slipped its nuclear efforts under the international radar. In 2002, it was not Western investigation but the Iranian resistance group Mujahedin-e Khalq that revealed the essential details of the Iranian nuclear program. If not for this intelligence breakthrough, the regime would likely already be armed with nuclear weapons. Nuclear limitations aside, its hard to imagine that the hoped-for shift in Tehrans foreign policy will materialize. The strategic contours are set by the supreme leader himself, whose support for Syrian dictator Bashar Assad is unwavering. Various credible reports indicate that thousands of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members are now operating in Syria. Western policymakers should have recognized that the theo- cracy is inherently incapable of reform. If history is any guide, Tehran will exploit every weakness in the nuclear agreement as part of its relentless effort to deceive its enemies. And it will use the current environment of Western complacency to intensify regional adventurism and support for extremist thought. In a similar stroke of naivete, proponents of the deal mistakenly assumed that Tehran would clean up its domestic behavior. But political opponents and activists continue to be arrested, tortured and executed in increasing numbers. During the administration of supposedly moderate Hassan Rouhani, the regime has executed at least 2,600 prisoners, including many dissidents an unprecedented figure by any standard. Overall, the deal has led to no progress. In return for modest, reversible concessions on the nuclear issue alone, the blood-drenched ayatollahs received sanctions relief from the United States and Europe to the tune of tens of billions of dollars, which has served, above all else, to further finance the Iranian regimes illicit, inhumane and destabilizing activities. If the regime decides to abandon the deal, it will emerge stronger than ever, laughing in the face of the Wests foolish compliance. Let Khameneis bellicose rhetoric stand as a warning and a call to action. Every interested American should urge the next president to chart a different, sensible course for American policy toward the fundamentalist regime in Iran. This course should, at last, reflect American values by identifying itself with the Iranian people and their cry for democracy and freedom. LINCOLN Adult zebra mussels are established along the entire length of the Missouri River in Nebraska, according to recent field inspections conducted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission aquatic invasive species technicians. In addition to the presence of these invasive mussels in the river from Gavins Point Dam downstream to the Kansas border, the zebra mussel population in Lewis and Clark Lake has moved farther west on the Nebraska side. Adult mussels have been discovered at the Miller Creek Area boat ramp. In areas on Lewis and Clark where zebra mussels were found last year, their density has greatly increased this summer. Young zebra mussels are not visible to the naked eye and can be unknowingly transported in a small amount of water, making it important for boaters to clean, drain and dry all watercraft upon leaving any body of water. Anglers planning to harvest fish are encouraged to bring a cooler with ice for transporting their catch. Boaters are required to drain all water from watercraft, remove any vegetation or mud from the watercraft and trailers, and are encouraged to towel dry any interior area of the boat to speed the drying process. Boat motors should be trimmed up and down to help drain water from lower units. Boats moored in marinas on waters that have zebra mussels must take additional precautions as mooring in the water will allow mussels to attach to boat hulls. Zebra mussels can also colonize inside boat motors on boats moored in the water, which can cause damage as water flow inside the motor is restricted. All marinas on Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River will be contacted later this summer and zebra mussel decontamination information will be provided to all of their boat slip renters. Zebra mussels form dense colonies and filter large quantities of plankton from water, decreasing the food supply for native species. They increase water clarity, causing increases in unwanted vegetation. They pollute swimming areas with sharp shells and clog water intake pipes for power and treatment facilities and irrigation pipes. Learn more about aquatic invasive species and ways to prevent an infestation by visiting neinvasives.com. Contact the Nebraska Invasive Species Program at invasives@unl.edu. Several state fishing records certified this summer Several state fishing records have been certified this summer by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The records, by fishing method, are: Rod and Reel Dylan Turner of Lincoln set a record June 4 when he landed a 2-pound, 4-ounce yellow bullhead at a private pond in Otoe County. He caught the 14-inch fish with a chicken liver. Bowfishing Jason Nowaczyk of Elkhorn set a record June 25 when he arrowed a 9-pound, 14-ounce shortnose gar at Harlan County Reservoir. The fish was 41 3/8 inches in length. Marlyn Wiebelhaus of Wynot set a record July 4 when he took a 1-pound, 2-ounce shorthead redhorse at a Cedar County stream. The fish was 14 1/8 inches in length. Trevor Kraus of Taylor set a record July 5 when he shot a 31-pound, 11-ounce muskellunge at Calamus Reservoir. The fish was 45 inches in length. Justin Powell of Alliance set a record July 17 when he arrowed a 5-ounce tiger trout on the Wood Reserve in Sioux County. The fish was 10 inches in length. Click here for a list of all state record fish. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Orkhan Guluzade Trend: A delegation of the US Department of Justice will visit Turkey Aug. 22 to discuss Fethullah Gulens extradition, Sabah newspaper quoted Turkeys Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying Aug. 12. The US must not support Fethullah Gulen, who is the head of a terrorist organization, said Bozdag. The minister noted that the US shouldnt sacrifice its relations with Turkey for sake of Gulen. An Istanbul court ordered Aug. 4 to arrest Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of organizing the military coup attempt in Turkey. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade After several days of extreme heat and humidity and then heavy rain Thursday night, forecasters have delivered a decent outlook for the weekend and next week: sunny skies and high temperatures below 90 degrees. High temperatures Saturday through Sunday in the Omaha area will be in the mid-80s, and overnight lows will drop into the low 60s, the National Weather Service office in Valley said. Also, humidity is expected to be much less oppressive, leading to pleasant conditions much more conducive to weekend outdoor activities. Forecasters said high temperatures Monday through Thursday will be in the mid- to upper 80s. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the low to upper 60s. Forecasters expect no precipitation until late in the week. On Thursday night, rainfall pounded the region, resulting in varying amounts of precipitation across the Omaha area and elsewhere, including 2.55 inches in Millard, 3.29 in northwestern Sarpy County, 1.32 in Council Bluffs and 3.54 in Shenandoah. Other eastern Nebraska and western Iowa rainfall totals for the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. Friday: Beatrice, 0.32; Blair, 0.25; Columbus, 0.07; Fremont, 1.09; Falls City 0.26; Lincoln, 1.04; Nebraska City, 1.53; Norfolk, 0.88; Offutt Air Force Base, 1.78; Eppley Airfield, 1.32; Florence, 1.47; midtown Omaha, 1.36 inches; 204th Street and West Maple Road, 2.59; 204th Street and West Dodge Road, 3.48; eastern Sarpy County, 1.59; Plattsmouth, 1.21; Tekamah, 0.75; Valley, 1.47; Wahoo, 1.20; Wayne, 1.55; Clarinda, 2.84; and Harlan, 1.88. Rainfall on Thursday night into early Friday at Eppley Airfield left Omaha with 1.69 inches of precipitation for the month, 0.32 over the norm for Aug. 12. Last month, 6.61 inches of rainfall was recorded at Eppley Airfield, 2.78 above the norm for July. Other eastern Nebraska rainfall totals for August: Lincoln, 2.52 inches, 1.35 above the norm; Norfolk, 1.04 inches, 0.20 under the norm; Valley, 1.66, 0.28 over the norm; Tekamah, 1.81 inches, 0.28 above the norm; and Falls City, 0.36 inches, 1.17 under the norm. Contact the writer: 402-444-1259, jay.withrow@owh.com * * * Saturday Sunny with a high near 86. Saturday night Mostly clear with a low around 64. Sunday Mostly sunny with a high near 86. Sunday night Partly cloudy with a low around 64. Monday Sunny with a high near 85. Monday night Mostly clear with a low around 63. Tuesday Sunny with a high near 85. Tuesday night Mostly clear with a low around 65. Wednesday Sunny with a high near 88. Wednesday night Partly cloudy with a low around 67. Thursday Sunny with a high near 88. Case filed against filmmaker Kamal Kishor Mishra for hitting wife with his car | VIDEO Fire breaks out in BEST AC bus, no passenger hurt | VIDEO Certification must for bank staff selling retail products: RBI Business oi-PTI Mumbai, Aug 12: RBI on Thursday said bank employees involved in marketing third party retail products and wealth management services "must necessarily undergo" an appropriate certification process to check mis-selling and minimise customer complaints. In cases where other financial sector regulators have prescribed any certifications, these must be complied with as part of capacity building in banks and financial institutions (Exim Bank, NABARD, NHB and SIDBI), it said. In July 2014, RBI had set up a 'Committee on Capacity Building' with the objective of implementing non-legislative recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) relating to capacity building. The panel made extensive suggestions related to overall Human Resource Management (HRM), as also specific recommendations on areas like recruitment, performance assessment and promotion. RBI said "it is felt" that recommendations pertaining to the banks may be implemented by them based on their organisational objectives and business strategies, after taking approval from their respective boards. "Banks should identify specialised areas for certification of the staff manning key responsibilities," it said, while listing recommendations for implementation. To begin with, RBI said the banks should make acquiring of a certificate course mandatory for treasury operations, mid-office operations, risk management, accounting and credit management. "The employees working in the aforementioned areas should be asked to acquire certifications within a specified period, say, 6 months," it said, adding that banks are free to require certification for other areas also. The issue of setting up of an accreditation agency for assuring and accrediting learning initiatives within the banking industry is being examined separately, it added. In the interim, Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has been requested to identify in consultation with RBI and provide to its members, by end December 2016, a list of institutions and courses that will meet the certification requirements for different work areas mentioned above. For this exercise, IBA may form an expert group comprising such agencies, institutions as it deems necessary. After the release of the list by the IBA, the banks should identify the courses/certifications that are suitable for their operations and put in place a board-approved policy, mandating obtainment of such certifications by its employees working in the respective areas. The banks should ensure that by end-March 2017, the employees in relevant areas have commenced the process of obtaining necessary certifications, it said. "It is expected that, w.e.f. April 1, 2018, staff will have first obtained the requisite certification before being posted in the above mentioned functional areas," it added. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 12:06 [IST] Another Manipuri woman to sit on Sharmila-like indefinite fast India oi-PTI Imphal, Aug 12: Days after iconic rights activist Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year-old hunger strike, a 32-year-old woman from Manipur today vowed to carry forward the protest against AFSPA with an indefinite fast. A mother of two girls, Arambam Robita Leima said she would launch her fast-unto-death at 10 AM tomorrow at a community hall in Imphal West district. She said she was not only demanding repeal of the "draconian" Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), but also the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. Robita said she has deep regards for Irom Sharmila and now wanted to continue her fight against AFSPA. Leaders of several civil women organisations like Organisation for Indian Women Against Crime (OIWAC) and Salai Apunba Lup, requested her not to embark on indefinite fasting and appealed to her to think about her two daughters Diamond (10) and Tamphamani (4). However, Robita is standing firm on her decision. Changing her strategy from a civilian protest to taking the political route for the removal of AFSPA from the north eastern states, Sharmila ended her 16-year-old fast on August 9 and said she wanted to become the chief minister to achieve her goal. PTI Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla underway Infantry Day: When Indian Army chased Pak out and saved Jammu & Kashmir 'Shaurya Diwas': Rajnath Singh says J&K entered new era of peace & prosperity after Article 370 abrogation J&K: Army Jawans celebrate Bhai Dooj at Line of Control In India terror down by 34%, civilian deaths by 90% since Art 370 scrapped: Shah Lack of development in J&K for decades was one of the reasons behind rise of terrorism: Rajnath Singh Fresh batch leaves for Buddha Amarnath pilgrimage India oi-PTI Jammu, Aug 12: A fresh batch of 926 pilgrims today left the Jammu base camp for Budhha Amarnath mountainous shrine in Poonch district amid tight security, police said. The fourth batch comprising 616 men, 297 women and 13 children left in 24 vehicles from the base camp, they said. Nearly 10,000 pilgrims have had darshan at the shrine so far. PTI Water supply in several areas of Bengaluru to be hit for two-days In Rajasthan, Dalit man thrashed for using water from pot 'meant' for upper castes Government launches short film series against open defecation India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Aug 11 The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on Thursday launched a short film series titled "An Open Mind", in honour of those who are driving positive behaviour change in their communities across the country by helping eliminate open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices. The five short films showcase real-life stories of individuals from different walks of life who have "made the Swachh Bharat mission their own by adopting innovative ideas to encourage the use of toilets" in their communities and adopt safe waste treatment practices, officials said. "These stories are examples of a wider citizens movement across the country to encourage the adoption of safe sanitation practices and realize the dream of an open defecation free India by 2019," they said. At the launch event, Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Narendra Singh Tomar felicitated grassroots sanitation champions featured in the movies. In his address, he said that the development of India will remain incomplete without complete freedom from open defecation. IANS What the ISI is doing in Punjab is carbon copy Kashmir: Is SJF the new Hurriyat? Hurriyat Conference to offer special prayers for Pak on Aug 14 India oi-Vicky Srinagar, Aug 12: On August 14th, the Hurriyat Conference has decided to offer special prayers for the stability of Pakistan, the day the nation celebrates its Independence Day. On August 15, India's Independence Day, the Hurriyat says it will observe a black day and will not allow anyone to participate in the celebrations. The Hurriyat Conference which issued its latest protest calendar states that on August 14, during the referendum march, special prayers would be offered for the stability of Pakistan after every Namaz. To block Independence Day celebrations The Hurriyat has decided to observe a black day and civil curfew on August 15. From 7 AM onwards all roads leading up to places where Independence Day celebrations would be held will be blocked. The district commissioners have been told not to hoist the Indian National Flag in any part of Jammu and Kashmir. Parents have been told not to send their wards to take part in the celebrations. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centers and local chowks, wear black dresses or black bands on this day, the Hurriyat also states. The Hurriyat said that the protests will be held across Jammu and Kashmir on all days starting August 13 to 18th. A relaxation period between 6 AM and 6 PM has also been announced. Further it states that there will be a lockdown of all routes during the night time to protect the people from the raids and arrests by the Indian forces and J&K police. OneIndia News DA hike: These states increase dearness allowance by 3% for government employees on Independence Day Independence-Day: Delhi police prohibits aerial activities India oi-PTI New Delhi, Aug 11 Ahead of Independence Day, the Delhi Police today issued an order prohibiting aerial activities of several kinds including para-gliding, UAVs, hot air baloons, till the second week of October. The restrictions, that will come into force from tomorrow and continue till October 10, involve para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, quadcopters and para jumping from aircraft among others. Special teams of police will be stationed on August 15 to neutralise the possibility of any airborne-activity such as drones. Heightened security arrangements will be put in place for the celebrations at the historic Red Fort this year in wake of terrorists striking crowded places worldwide. Nearly 6,000 security personnel and hundreds of CCTV cameras will monitor from three control-rooms the venue at Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation, police officials have said. More than 5,000 Delhi Policemen and 1,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed at the venue apart from elite NSG commandos and intelligence officials. PTI Infantry Day: When Indian Army chased Pak out and saved Jammu & Kashmir 'Shaurya Diwas': Rajnath Singh says J&K entered new era of peace & prosperity after Article 370 abrogation In India terror down by 34%, civilian deaths by 90% since Art 370 scrapped: Shah Lack of development in J&K for decades was one of the reasons behind rise of terrorism: Rajnath Singh Security beefed up in Jammu after report on suspicious activity near school India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Jammu, Aug 12: Security personnel launched a search operation on Friday in Kunjwani area here after receiving information about suspicious activity of two people near a school premises. Students were evacuated from Carmel Convent as precautionary measure after police received information about suspicious activity of two people. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of the army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police conducted the search operation. "The SOG conducted the search while the QRTs stood by in readiness," he said. "The operation was started to re-assure the locals and sanitize the area." All sensitive installations in and around Jammu city have been put on high alert ahead of the country's Independence Day on August 15. Jammu: Security increased outside Carmel Convent School after police received info of suspicious movement of 2 ppl. pic.twitter.com/6XIB7kaZGA ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Jammu: As precautionary measure,children have been asked to leave Carmel Convent School premises. Search op underway pic.twitter.com/gQNH1IpqiP ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Enhanced security outside Jammu Carmel convent school following information given by local. Children, students safe. pic.twitter.com/BVPJYgjuPY ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Jammu: Orderly evacuation as precautionary measure conducted in Carmel Convent school following info given by local. pic.twitter.com/cPX3tKhjA8 ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Evacuation as precautionary measure conducted in Jammu school following info given by local. Students, teachers safe pic.twitter.com/HZ39FCFmUG ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 OneIndia News (With inputs from IANS) Judges appointment: It's now war between Chief Justice Thakur and Modi govt! India oi-Vicky The war over appointments in the judiciary was out in the open on Friday with the Supreme Court pulling up the Union Government for not clearing the 78 requests made by the collegium. In a strong observation, the Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur asked the government if it was "trying to bring the judiciary to a grinding halt". A lot has been said on the issue of appointments and one may recollect Justice Thakur himself breaking down at a function attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of pendency and vacancies. Today's observations in court is a signal that the matter has now turned into a confrontation between the judiciary and the government, the bone of contention being the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) relating to the appointment of judges. Confrontation again There has been a trust deficit between the judiciary and the government following a Supreme Court verdict of October 2015 in which the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act was struck down. The act gave powers to politicians and civil society to have a final say in the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Court. However the Supreme Court struck the act down and stated that the earlier system of judges being appointed by the collegium would continue. In March 2016, the Supreme Court had turned down the MoP and returned the same to the government while stating that certain clauses needed to be rectified. The MoP was prepared to make the appointment of judges to the high courts more transparent. When the NJAC Act was struck down, the Supreme Court asked the government to prepare a revised MoP in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. Neither the Centre nor the judiciary is in a mood to back down. In the MoP, the Centre has reiterated that it should have the power to reject any name recommended by the collegium for elevation on grounds of national security. While this provision was there in the first draft, it was rejected by the collegium stating that it could lead to interference in the judiciary. While the Centre has retained this provision, it has however stated that it will inform the collegium about the reasons for rejection. The other bone of contention is the power of a chief minister to recommend the names of advocates to the Chief Justice of the respective high courts for appointment. While the collegium had objected to this, the Centre has decided to stick to its stand on the issue. Turf war delays appointments Some senior advocates say that this looks like an ego clash in the aftermath of the NJAC Act being stuck down. While there is a need to have transparency in the appointment of judges, one should also look at the huge number of vacancies and speed up the process. Currently there are 477 vacancies across high courts, and there are over four million cases pending. The collegium has been contending that if these changes are not effected, then there will be undue interference in the judiciary. The government on the other hand says that it is only making the process more transparent. Several changes that had been recommended by the CJI had been effected, officials in the Union Law Department said. For instance the 'merit vs seniority' debate in matter of appointments. The government had earlier said that appointments shall be merit-based, subject to seniority and integrity to be the main criteria. The collegium, however, had told the Centre that seniority should be the main criterion, merit and integrity secondary parametres. This view has been accepted by the government. But on the contentious issues of MoP and chief ministers' recommendations, the CJI is expected to meet with the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court and discuss what stance the judiciary must take on those issues on which the Centre has already reiterated its stand. The question now is, who will blink first -- the government or the judiciary? For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 16:00 [IST] Pakistanis disguised as Punjab locals plotting religious unrest: Intelligence Bureau India oi-Vicky Bengaluru, Aug 12: An intelligence bureau note of November 6, 2015 stated that the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) would launch Pakistanis disguised as locals to carry out attacks on Hindus in a bid to cause unrest in the state. The note further reads that religious places would be targeted in Punjab so as to cause tension and unrest. The note is significant in the wake of the latest development where three persons belonging to the Khalistan Zindabad Force were arrested following the attack on RSS leader Brig (retd) Jagadish Gajnega in Punjab. The rise of the KZF and a pattern The KZF headed by Ranjeet Singh Neeta who took shelter in Pakistan following a crack down on militancy at Punjab has been instructed by the ISI to launch operations. Neeta who heads a camp near Lahore in Pakistan has been training militants not just from his force, but also from the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Intelligence Bureau note also states. As per the input that the IB has received, Neeta trained several Lashkar-e-Taiba militants who will be launched into Punjab. The plan is to disguise them as locals of Punjab and then send them into the state. Apart from terror attacks such as the one witnessed in Gurdaspur, the KZF also plans on touching upon issues that can hurt religious sentiments. The questioning of the three people arrested by the Punjab police on Thursday has revealed that they are members of the KZF. It has also been learnt that these people were in touch with handlers in Pakistan, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence) M F Farooqui said three militants Gurpal Singh alias Pala of Jalalpur Kalan in Jalandhar, Major Singh of Karnal in Haryana and Rachpal Singh of Rakh Ameer in Jalalabad were arrested. "They have links with terrorists of the Khalistan Zindabad Force's units based in United Kingdom and Belgium. They were entrusted with the task of reviving militancy in Punjab by facilitating terrorist activities," he also said. OneIndia News Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 12 By Orkhan Guluzade Trend: A democracy park will be created in the place of Turkeys Akinci military base, which was a headquarters of putschists during the July 15 military coup attempt in the country, Haber 7 newspaper quoted Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik as saying Aug. 12. Isik said the relocation of military bases from Istanbul and Ankara will be completed until Sept. 15. Earlier, the countrys Prime Minister Binali Yildirim informed about the closing of military bases in Istanbul and Ankara. On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded. Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade Thailand: PM Prayuth can stay in office, court says Thailand shooting: 34 killed in a shooting and knife attack at child care center, officials say Thailand shooting: PM orders probe into childcare attack that killed 34, including many children News flash: We have to win confidence of people in J&K: PM India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Aug 12: Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan detained at Los Angeles airport by immigration authorities. Get all the latest news updates of the day: 7:10 pm: Shimla(Himachal Pradesh): NH-05 blocked in Kinnaur district, following floods caused due to heavy rainfall in region. 6:45 pm: Prepared to consider translating unilateral moratorium into bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India: Pak PM's Adviser, Sartaj Aziz. 6:42 pm: If India is ready to at least talk on Kashmir issue, then we are also ready: Sartaj Aziz. 6:23 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh says that Centre has decided on development package of over Rs 80,000 cr for overall development of J&K. 6:20 pm: Finance Min Arun Jaitley and Home Min Rajnath Singh address media on the J&K all party meet. 6:02 pm: PM said that the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan & PoK: Rajnath Singh. 5:49 pm: Industrial production index for the month of June '16 stands at 183.0, which is 2.1 % higher as compared to level in month of June 2015: GoI. 5:47 pm: Consumer inflation rises to 6.07 % in the month of July, 2016 as against 5.77 % in the month of June, 2016: GoI. 5:27 pm: PM says that I'm grateful to all political parties for raising concerns with regard to prevailing situation in J&K. It's a matter of happiness that all parties have spoken in one voice on the issue. 5:01 pm: Start the dialogue process with all stakeholders.We've done it in past & we've to do it again-Sitaram Yechury after all party meet on Kashmir. 4:52 pm: There cannot be any compromise on national security but we have to win confidence of people in J&K: PM tells all-party meet. 4:46 pm: Govt. to speak to all stakeholders in the valley. PM Modi said that we should speak to people living outside POK. 4:40 pm: All party meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi on Kashmir issue, ends in the Parliament. 4:35 pm: We did not find anything suspicious during the search operations. There is nothing to panic: Danesh Rana, IG. 4:30 pm: Jammu: We got info that suspicious movement were seen near Carmel Convent school,police&army conducted search ops immediately: Danesh Rana,IG. 4:20 pm: Plea seeking speedy & free treatment at AIIMS, in Delhi HC: AIIMS, Central Govt & Delhi Govt to respond by August 24. 4:10 pm: Delhi HC issues notices to AIIMS,Centre&Delhi Govt on petition filed by a critical brain tumour patient seeking speedy & free cure at AIIMS. 4:00 pm: Uttarakhand: Water enters premises of a school in Khatima area of Udham Singh Nagar district, following heavy rains. 3:55 pm: Parking facilities will not be available at Delhi Metro stations from 6:00AM on 14th Aug till 2:00 PM on 15th Aug in view of security measures. 3:50 pm: Two injured in shooting near shopping centre in Zaragoza, Spain: Reuters. 3:40 pm: Putin dismisses powerful presidential chief of staff: Kremlin (Source: AFP). 3:35 pm: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu formally launches theme song of 'Bharat Parv' (Festival of freedom) in Delhi. 3:30 pm: Allahabad High Court orders CBI probe into Bulandshahr gang rape case. 3:20 pm: BJP leader Brijpal Tevatia was admitted in critical condition with multiple gun shot injuries: Gagan Sehgal, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital. Three surgeons have operated on him (Brijpal Tevatia), currently patient is on life support: Gagan Sehgal. 3:10 pm: Special CBI court adjourns Sheena Bora murder case for 2 weeks. CBI to respond in two weeks as to when will they finish their probe in case. 2.57 pm: I am heading a delegation to #Rio to encourage our players. Our focus will be on the games of Haryana players: Anil Vij, Haryana Minister 2.44 pm: Diesel car ban: SC lifts ban on registration of vehicles over 2000cc. 2.44 pm: Diesel car ban: SC directs that All manufacturers, dealers or buyers have to deposit 1% environment compensation cost on purchase. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Fort Aguada in Goa pic.twitter.com/GvUwStD9ML ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a Shivshakti industrial estate on Andheri-Kurla road. 8 fire tenders rushed to the spot. pic.twitter.com/rviW7WF6zh ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 2.26 pm: Mumbai: Fire breaks out in Ghodup road area near Reay road. Fire tenders rushed to the spot. More details awaited. 2.25 pm: Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): 1 person died, many vehicles damaged due to landslide following heavy rainfall in region 2.09 pm: Pakistan would invite India for a dialogue on J&K dispute. Our Foreign Secy would formally be writing to his counterpart: Sartaj Aziz 2.08 pm: Prepared to consider translating unilateral moratorium into bilateral arrangement on non-testing with India: Pak PM's Adviser, Sartaj Aziz 1.44 pm: Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a Shivshakti industrial estate on Andheri-Kurla road. 8 fire tenders rushed to the spot. 1.40 pm: Have terminated services of the cockpit crew member who tested positive during a breath analyser test conducted on Aug 3, 2016: Jet Airways 1.36 pm: Unitech tells SC it doesn't have money to refund buyers. Court seeks list of buyers who want refund, during next hearing scheduled on Aug 17 1.34 pm: SC indicates Unitech Builders will have to refund money to investors in a delayed Noida housing projects. 1.33 pm: Evacuation as precautionary measure conducted in Jammu school following info given by local. Students, teachers safe Jammu: Orderly evacuation as precautionary measure conducted in Carmel Convent school following info given by local. pic.twitter.com/cPX3tKhjA8 ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 1.22 pm: Delhi: All party meeting on Kashmir underway in Parliament library PM Modi, HM Rajnath Singh and Former PM Manmohan Singh at the all party meeting on Kashmir pic.twitter.com/JdpITHd0HZ ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Enhanced security outside Jammu Carmel convent school following information given by local. Children, students safe. pic.twitter.com/BVPJYgjuPY ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 1.15 pm: If this logjam continues then we will be forced to judicially interfere with the government 1.14 pm: The youth was allegedly killed on July 10 in a police firing during protests in Kashmir. Next date of hearing: September 5 1.13 pm: All party meeting on Kashmir to begin in Parliament shortly 1.13 pm: SC directs exhumation & postmortem of the body of youth killed in Kashmir under supervision of Principal district & session judge, Srinagar 1.10 pm: Jammu: As precautionary measure,children have been asked to leave Carmel Convent School premises. Search op underway 1.09 pm: The time has come to take judicial note of the appointments and transfers which have not been made despite the collegium clearing the same 8 months back. 1.07 pm: There are 78 collegium requests for judges transfers and appointments pending with the centre. Are you trying to bring the judiciary to a grinding halt? 1.06 pm: Before which authority is the issue stuck. Tell us in four weeks why this appointment process is stuck, CJI tells AJ 1.06 pm: PM Modi, HM Rajnath Singh, EAM Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Mallikarjun Kharge, GN Azad, Mulayam Singh Yadav, YS Chowdary present for meet. 1.05 pm: The process of appointment of judges cannot be stalled by the government pending the finalisation of MoP 1.04 pm: The vacancy in the High Courts have increased to 43 per cent while the pendency in the HCs have touched 4 million. 1.03 pm: SC says centre attempting to bring judiciary to a grinding halt by not appointing judges to the high court. SC says appointments/transfers haven't been done despite clearance by collegium 8 mnths ago.SC made these observations while hearing of PIL 1.02 pm: CJI asks Attorney General to reply in 4 weeks on why appointment of Judges has been stuck and with which authority? 12.59 pm: Jammu: Security increased outside Carmel Convent School after police received info of suspicious movement of 2 ppl. 12.52 pm: All party meeting on Kashmir issue begins in the Parliament. 12.48 pm: Assam will be remembered as the first state in the country to ratify the GST constitutional amendment bill: Assam CM 12.35 pm: Hiranandani hospital kidney racket: Anticipatory bail application of two accused doctors rejected by sessions court in Mumbai 12.32 pm: All party meeting on Kashmir chaired by PM Narendra Modi to begin shortly 12.29 pm: Lok Sabha adjourned sine die. 12.28 pm: Lok Sabha adopts resolution on Kashmir expressing concern over continuing curfew and loss of lives. 12.25 pm: Thankful to corporation for giving us time, we will start demolition of encroached portion of our house ourselves:Lt Col Niranjan's brother 12.20 pm: Aviation ministry directs that an FIR be filed against the suspended pilots 12.18 pm: 2 pilots of Air India and Jet Airways suspended for 4 years by DGCA after they were found drunk on arrival of their overseas flights 12.14 pm: Survivors unlikely on board IAF AN-32 plane which went missing over Bay of Bengal last month with 29 people: MoS Defence in LS. 12.12 pm: Morena (Madhya Pradesh): Dalit man refused entry in cremation ground, performs last rites of wife outside his house 12.02 pm: Tamil Nadu: Seven dead and fifteen injured after collision between a van and a bus near Trichy 11.55 am: US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma apologises to Shahrukh Khan, says working to ensure it doesn't happen again. 11.53 am: Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die 11. 52 am: "You are the biggest litigant in the courts, but you blame us for not doing our work well," says Chief Justice of India, T S Thakur. "Is this some sort of a Panchayat here. Why have you not filed the counter affidavit for more than an year," SC tells Centre. 11.50 am: The Supreme Court today imposed cost of Rs 25,000 on the union transport ministry after it failed to file its response on a matter pertaining to road accidents. 11.25 am: Local train services resume on Central line in Mumbai, protesters dispersed from Badlapur station. 11.10 am: I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu to formally launch festival of freedom theme song,to also announce itinerary of NDA ministers taking part. 10.57 am: Terrorists using social media as a tool for spreading their propaganda is a threat, we have to combat this firmly: Rajnath Singh. 10.48 am: Meeting of Congress leaders on Kashmir issue underway. 10.35 am: Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaking at national conference of investigating agencies Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaking at national conference of investigating agencies pic.twitter.com/c9VlbfOHdb ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 10.17 am: 55-year-old allegedly dies of shock when security forces disperse mob in Tengpora, J&K. 9.55 am: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate first National Conference of Investigating Agencies in Delhi. 9.30 am: US Department of States clarifies on SRK's detention: Apologise for hassle at airport but even US diplomats undergo extra screening. 8.48 am: Technical glitch affects operations at Mumbai's Badlapur station, agitated passengers protest. 8.37 am: Police say 2 more bombs have exploded in another Thai city, killing one person and injuring 4. 8.15 am: Two loud blasts were heard in Thai seaside resort of Hua Hin. 8.14 am: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to arrive in Goa, will meet CM Parsekar and Governor Mridula Sinha. 8.00 am: Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan detained at Los Angeles airport by immigration authorities. OneIndia News Man booked for rape of 12-year-old after video of injured girl surfaces on internet UP assembly elections: Priyanka Gandhi selects candidates for 1st list India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Lucknow, Aug 12: As the Congress President Sonia Gandhi remains unwell and hospitalised, her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is reportedly calling the shots in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. As per a report published in TOI, Priyanka herself approved the names of 80 candidates for the announcement of first list of contestants in 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. Most of the sitting MLAs have been given tickets again. The report also added that Priyanka may begin campaignng from October this year, as Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) is leaving no stone unturned in bringing Priyanka on board to the formal election campaigning. A senior Congress party leader was quoted as saying, "Priyanka has taken charge of the campaign in UP. She has emerged as a true leader while her mother is ill. Priyanka has ensured that the party's confidence remains up." He also said that the first list of candidates will be declared by August end. It includes constituencies like Saharanpur and Hapur, that Congress considers "safe and strong" and has good chances. Meanwhile, the UPCC chief Raj Babbar said, "We all want Priyanka to come to UP and campaign for the party. She has already done a great job for the party in Amethi and Rae Bareli in previous elections." Since many months, reports are emerging that Priyanka will spearhead the Congress party's campaign in the state. [Congress may project Priyanka Gandhi as CM face in UP Assembly polls] Earlier, there were reports that the Congress may project Priyanka as its CM face but in July, it projected former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit as its CM candidate in the forthcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. OneIndia News After Anil Dave's death, Harsh Vardhan gets additional charge of Environment Ministry National flag to fly at half-mast for Anil Dave 'Plant trees instead of building me a memorial,' Anil Dave's last wishes Former Minister Anil Dave's last rites performed in Indore Wider consultations to preserve the Western Ghats: Centre India oi-PTI New Delhi, Aug 11 The Centre will undertake widest possible consultations with states to preserve the Western Ghats, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave today said. The Minister also indicated the draft on declaring the eco-sensitive zone in the region will be finalised within six months. Noting that the "door is open for all noble ideas", Dave said there is a need to maintain a balance between ecology and development. He said different states have problems of different nature and have to be addressed as such. "The door is open for all noble ideas," the Environment Minister said after chairing a meeting with MPs from Western Ghats region while calling for maintaining a balance between ecology and development. Dave said villagers and tribal people living in the region must have access to infrastructure, roads, power and drinking water. "The Environment Minister also said that the Draft notification is likely to be finalised within six months," an official statement quoting the Minister said. The statement added that the government has called for widest possible consultations with MPs and Legislative Assemblies on preserving the Western Ghats. The Ministry had published a Draft notification for declaring Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) of Western Ghats, on September 4, 2015, with the objective to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity of Western Ghats. The Western Ghat region comprises areas under Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat and Kerala. The MPs who attended the meeting included Sharad Pawar, Shashi Tharoor, Tiruchi Siva, KS Prasad, A Sampanth, K Soma Prasad, Vinayak Bhaurau Raut, P K Shrimati Teacher and others. PTI Fact Check: Did Trump thank Musk for welcoming him back to Twitter Americans touring abroad are at receiving end over Trump: Washington Post article International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Washington, Aug 12: Americans who have gone on to world tours this summer vacation are not finding it pleasant and none other than Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for this year's election, is responsible for it. According to an article published in the Washington Post, Americans who have gone abroad are facing uncomfortable questions about Trump, who it described as "bizarre". "Two weeks abroad and I lost count of how many baffled Europeans asked us to explain Donald Trump," the post quoted Sherry Stern, a California magazine editor, as tweeting. Stern found himself at the receiving end in a number of locations in Europe. Another retired American theatre-writer, who will visit Berlin next month, said in a tweet that he would have to explain "American Fascism to Germans", the Post article said. The same is happening in France, the Washington Post article said. It cited the example of Daunelle Wulstein from California who frequently visits France for business and pleasure. Wulstein said explaining stuff on Trump has become a bigger task this year since the French have a high regard for Barack Obama, the outgoing US president. The article said "Heading across the Pacific instead of the Atlantic doesn't help", revealing the dissatisfaction over Trump's admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Oneindia News Video: Why Chinas former president was escorted out from stage Chinese media says Vitetnam's rocket-launcher act in SC Sea "terrible mistake" International oi-PTI Beijing, Aug 12: With China mulling its options to counter Vietnam's reported plan to send mobile rocket launchers to the disputed South China Sea, Chinese media on Thursday termed the move a "terrible mistake" and asked Hanoi to "draw lessons" from the war in 1979 between the two countries. "If Vietnam's latest deployment is targeting China, that would be a terrible mistake. We hope Vietnam will remember and draw some lessons from history," an article in the state-run Global Times said. While the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry reportedly termed the media report as "inaccurate", the discreet deployment appeared to have caught China by surprise specially in the backdrop of Beijing's efforts to reinforce its control over the South China Sea after the international tribunal struck down China's claims over almost all of the South China Sea. China which rejected the verdict initiated by the Philippines petition has stepped up air and naval patrols to assert its controls over the region. China also enhanced its satellite monitoring of the area. Besides Vietnam and the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the South China Sea. The launchers deployed by Vietnam are said to be capable of striking China's runways and important trade routes in the region with missiles and experts believe the move by Hanoi will likely raise tensions in the region, the article said. "As the waves created by the controversial South China Sea arbitration initiated by the Philippines have barely subsided, the reported new deployment by Vietnam will add to the difficulty of solving the South China Sea disputes peacefully," it said. Chinese officials say Vietnam has "illegally occupied" 29 of about 50 islands and reefs in the South China Sea. It has conducted construction and reclamation work on over 20 of them since the 1980s, and the scale of the reclamation has increased in the past two years. It also has built infrastructure, including runways and barracks, on the islands and reefs, another state-run newspaper China Daily said in its report. China itself has developed islands with runways and military facilities in several islands. Jia Duqiang, a senior researcher on Southeast Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it is Hanoi's latest effort to tighten its hold on islands in the South China Sea. Xu Liping, another Southeast Asian studies researcher with CASS, said Hanoi is trying to emphasise its etermination to strengthen its illegal occupation of the islands. For its part, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its claim of the South China Sea specially over Spratly islands, which Beijing calls as Nansha islands also claimed by Vietnam. "China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters. China has always firmly opposed the illegal occupation of parts of China's Nansha Islands and reefs by certain countries and their illegal construction and military deployments on these islands," the report quoted a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement as saying. PTI At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats Masked gunman shoots Sikh dead in US store International oi-PTI New York, Aug 12: A 36-year-old Sikh man was shot dead by a masked gunman during an armed robbery at a convenience store in the US. Amanjeet Singh Toor was shot dead early Monday during the robbery at the store in Arizona where he worked. The assailant then chased the other employees out of the store before returning to grab a bag, police added. The police, along with Toor's family are seeking public's help to find the attacker. The shooter has been described wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, face mask and red gloves. Toor had immigrated from India six years ago and his wife Kamaldeep Kaur. She had recently joined him in Phoenix from India, a report in AZCentral, an Arizona news site, said. "This was a very hard loss for us. He was a role model for most of us," Toor's cousin Micky Gill said on Thursday at Phoenix police headquarters. About 2,500-3,000 Sikh families live in the Phoenix metro area. The incident again raised concerns over the safety of Sikh-Americans who have been targeted, in the years since the 9/11 attacks, in a slew of hate crimes because of their articles of faith, the beard and turban. Rana Singh Sodhi, a Sikh and community activist, spoke on behalf of Toor's family, calling for the community to come together to find the perpetrator. "He handed over the money, but was still shot. It begs the question (of racism)," Sodhi said in the report. "We are new immigrants in this area, but we request the community come out and help get this person behind bars," he said. Sodhi's brother was killed in a hate crime in Mesa just four days after the September 11, 2001, terror attack on the World Trade Center. "Fifteen years later and we are still not treated right," Sodhi said. "They come into our stores, give us the finger and shout, 'Go back to your country. This is a common thing for us. Any terrorist attack that happens, we get affected every year. Our lives have not been the same since 9/11," Sodhi said. PTI Fact Check: Did Trump thank Musk for welcoming him back to Twitter Reality check for Trump: I am facing challenges, concedes GOP candidate International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Orlando, Aug 12: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday (Aug 11) acknowledged that his campaign is facing challenges and could fail to make the cut. The real-estate tycoon's humility was visible when he sought support at a gathering of the evangelical ministers, saying he was facing "tremendous" problem in Utah. He also said that his lack of political correctness could cost him this year's election if the people of the country found his direct approach objectionable. Trump, who had a dream run in the primary season this election as he defeated 16 competitors, is witnessing a challenge of late, particularly after his ugly spat with the parents of a fallen Muslim American soldier. Trump has increasingly found himself in the corner with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton widening her lead over him in the national polls and even the former's fellow Republicans refusing to back their own party's candidate. Even a former CIA chief launched his independent presidential campaign as a conservative alternative to Trump. Oneindia News In a case of bad karma Taliban outs Pakistan on what India had always said on Azhar Taliban plans attack at borders with India, warns Pak agency International oi-PTI Lahore, Aug 12: Pakistan's top counter-terrorism agency has issued two alerts, warning about possible terror attacks by two Taliban suicide bombers at the Wagah and Ganda Singh borders with India around the Independence Day. The National Counter-Terrorism Authority has asked the Punjab Director General of Pakistan Rangers, the Home Department and the Punjab police chief to take high preventive measures to protect the public as well as security personnel. "Tehreek-i-Taliban's Fazalullah group is planning to target parade at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on August 13, 14 or 15," the security alert says. The letter also says two suicide bombers have been sent to hit these targets. "Extreme vigilance and heightened security measures are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," it says. The Punjab Home Department has also issued a separate alert saying "at least 16 suicide attackers have entered the Punjab province" who are planning to target public gatherings in connection with the Independence Day. Following the alerts, the Punjab police launched a crackdown in the border areas and arrested a number of suspects. "Police have taken more than 50 suspects into custody during a crackdown and security has been beefed up in the city as well as in the border areas," Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI. He said the suspects would be quizzed and kept into custody till verification process as a majority of them could not produce documents related to their identity. He said police personnel have also been deployed at the border areas on Pakistan's Independence Day (August 14). Rangers have also reportedly enhanced their patrolling in the border areas. A deadly terrorist attack had hit Wagah in November 2014, when over 60 people, including children and security personnel, were killed and 200 others injured minutes after the flag-lowering ceremony at the border. "We have taken measures in the wake of the security alert issued by Nacta about possible terror attack at two important places - in Lahore and Kasur," Lahore police chief Capt (R) Amin Wains said. He said police had launched the combing, search and sweep and intelligence-based operation last night and arrested several suspects. He said major security enhancement has been made around the Wagah Border. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has cancelled all outdoor activities planned for celebrating the Independence Day in the view of terror threat. "The Quetta blast this week that killed 74 people mostly lawyers has necessitated the need to be more careful about the August 14 festivities that attract massive public participation," an official said. PTI Enforcement Directorate seeks transfer of Vijay Mallya to India from UK New Delhi oi-Vicky New Delhi, Aug 12: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will seek the transfer of liquor baron, Vijay Mallya to India through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The document which has been prepared by the ED will now be sent forward to the External Affairs Ministry, following which the same will be sent to the United Kingdom. Vijay Mallya PMLA case: ED to attach assets worth Rs 6,000 crore The treaty is being invoked by the ED in connection with the IDBI loan default case pertaining to Rs 900 crore. The ED has made a mention of the cases against Mallya apart from citing the court orders which had issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Further the ED also states that a court had declared him a proclaimed offender. ED officials tell OneIndia that they are hopeful that the UK will transfer Mallya to India in a bid to assist with the investigations. After Mallya flew out of India to the UK, his deportation had been sought. However, the UK advised India to approach it through the MLAT as a deportation in this case was not possible. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 10:15 [IST] J&K unrest: Will the Hurriyat be on board to find a solution? New Delhi oi-Vicky New Delhi, Aug 12: The all party meeting on the Jammu and Kashmir issue will take a final call on whether to bring the likes of the Hurriyat Conference on board to find a solution to the unrest in the state. The all party meet to be held on Friday will stress for a dialogue with all stake holders in Kashmir including the Hurriyat. The all party meet is likely to press for including all stake holders in J&K so that peace is restored in the state. The Hurriyat Conference and the Joint Resistance Group has already issued a calendar which speaks about more protests in the Valley. Sources say that if all are brought on board for the talks then such calendars will not be issued and that would ensure peace in the Valley, which has been on the boil since July 8-the day Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, Burhan Wani was killed. All party to decide The decision to bring all stake holders on board to talk peace would depend on the decision taken by the all party meeting. Even during the meeting between J&K, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh the former had suggested bringing in all stake holders for talks. Further Mehbooba had also suggested that the Vajpayee model for J&K be invoked which speaks about- insaniyat, jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat. The PDP which is in an alliance with the BJP too has been pressurising the centre to hold talks with the separatists. Following a series of meetings, the Centre too is of the opinion that only talks can solve the problem. Sources say that the Centre is willing to explore all options to restore peace in the Valley. The Centre is however, clear that engaging with Pakistan on this issue is not an option. Rajnath Singh had said in Parliament that India will talk to Pakistan only on PoK. Kashmir remains our internal matter he had also said. Even if the all party meeting decides that talks will be held with the separatists, it would still require a lot of ground work before the real process starts. Interlocutors will begin the back channel process to understand the mood and also demands of the separatists. Further the J&K government too will play a very big part in this process. Only after this process is completed will the formal process of talks commence, official sources further informed. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 12:21 [IST] Canadian Parliament Liberal Party member Justin Trudeau during the 10th anniversary of the Center for American Progress in the Astor Ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel, Oct. 24, 2013, in Washington, DC. (Photo : Getty Images) John McCallum, Canada's Immigration Minister, held meetings with Chinese officials the past two days to start discussions of setting up five more Canadian visa offices. There are already five visa offices and the minister said that Canada would like to establish five more in Chengdu, Nanjing, Wuhan, Jinan and Shenyang. Advertisement "Canada needs to take advantage of a great economic opportunity to capture this market and the opening of more visa application centers throughout China would facilitate travelers seeking to come to Canada," said a government official who wanted to remain anonymous. The Canadian official added, "We want to facilitate the entry of people who can make some great contributions to Canada while they are here, and hopefully be able to retain them." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau instructed the Immigration Minister to form a three-year plan with the Chinese government and to reveal full details by the fall of this year. McCallum's visit to China is to make preparations for Trudeau's attendance to the G20 Summit next month. Trudeau's new conservative government wants to push for more immigrant workers to be hired in areas that are not filled by Canadians. They employed a new express entry system to fast-track immigrants' entry to the country. Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer, said that Canada's move to open more offices in China will certainly help Canada achieve its targets. He said "Having more Canadian visa entry points in China by multiplying the number of application centres will undoubtedly facilitate visa issuance, and give faster service to larger numbers of people. When Canada did this in other countries, it resulted in greater numbers of applicants." McCallum said that the Canadian government would like to get the "cream of the crop" of China's labor force, especially in the technology sector. Pak terrorist Bahadur Ali had planned to strike Delhi too New Delhi oi-Vicky New Delhi, Aug 12: The questioning of Pakistani terrorist, Bahadur Ali has revealed that he had planned on visiting Delhi to carry out terror attacks. Ali who was sent into Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan, was told to mingle with the stone pelters and hurl grenades at the security forces. Ali who made three unsuccessful attempts to hurl grenades told the NIA that he was also supposed to travel to Delhi and carry out a strike. Investigations have revealed that he had planned on visiting Delhi ahead of the Independence Day celebrations and disrupt proceedings. Pakistan army officers inspected our training, says terrorist Bahadur Ali High alert issued Ali says that as per the plan of his organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, he along with others were to first take part in the protests in J&K, following which they were also told to go to Udhampur and Delhi to carry out terror attacks. The NIA which has Ali in its custody was told that there were major infiltrations being planned. He told the NIA about two damaged fences along the border. The fences were damaged due to heavy snowfall and this route was used by Ali. The NIA based on Ali's confessions has informed the army about the possibility of more infiltrations along the border. There is already a high alert across the nation especially in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. Intelligence Bureau inputs state that terrorists are looking to carry out a major strike. The threat states that some groups may try and take advantage of the unrest in the Valley to strike. Further a threat from an ISIS module has also been cited. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 11:35 [IST] SC slams govt: You criticize courts for pending cases, but you don't even file an affidavit New Delhi oi-Vicky New Delhi, Aug 12: Coming down heavily on the Centre for not filing a counter-affidavit in a case relating to road accidents, the Supreme Court on Friday imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the Union Transport ministry. Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur, heading the Bench, observed, "You (the Union government) are the biggest litigant and you choose to criticise the courts for not doing their work." The court sought to know why the Centre had not filed a counter-affidavit in the case for over an year. "Is this a Panchayat here", the CJI asked the Attorney General. "Why has the counter-affidavit not been filed for more than an year now". The AG assured the court that the Centre would file the counter-affidavit in three weeks' time. The Supreme Court is hearing a public interest litigation petition regarding road accidents. The PIL sought guidelines on the matter. The court had directed the Union government to file a counter-affidavit. When the matter came up, however, the counter-affidavit had not been filed, which led to the Supreme Court's outburst. OneIndia News The Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Brij Pal Teotia was severely wounded after unidentified assailants shot him in on Thrusday night. The attackers were in a car, which they abandoned after the attack and fled in an autorickshaw. Teotia, who had contested the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election from Muradnagar constituency, was on his way to Ghaziabad when the incident occurred, he added. Kerala man arrested for beating wife and filming the incident Kerala replacing Punjab as capital of drugs' says Governor Arif Mohammed Khan Kerala CM accuses Gov of 'acting as RSS tool' on his order to VCs to resign Kerala Governor starts procedure to sack nine VCs, sends show cause notices Kerala guv writes to CM Vijayan to take action against finance minister Kerala Police question Romanian over ATM heist Thiruvananthapuram oi-IANS By Ians English Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12: Romanian Gabriel Marian, arrested for stealing money through electronic tampering of a SBI ATM here, was interrogated on Thursday after being flown in from Mumbai. Kerala Police officials accompanied him on a commercial flight from Mumbai. He was taken straight to a police camp in the heart of the capital city. Mumbai Police caught him on Tuesday when he was withdrawing money from an ATM. He will be produced before a court here on Friday. One officer said Marian was not cooperating in the investigation. Marian and his friends are believed to have stayed at Kovalam in Kerala last month. Police have also taken into custody a mobile telephone dealer here who reportedly provided Sim cards to these Romanian nationals without securing proper documents. The Romanian gang placed electronic equipment in the SBI kiosk, which enabled them to get the details of card holders who withdrew money from the ATM. Using the stolen data, they withdrew money from Mumbai ATMs. Marian said his gang included three other Romanians who have left India. The Kerala Police has seized Rs 2,00,000 from his possession, a laptop and some electronic equipment. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, August 12, 2016, 11:51 [IST] 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos in Hong Kong to Rekindle Ties with China Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos is in Hong Kong to "rekindle ties with China." (Photo : Getty Images) After the territorial dispute in the South China Sea soured Sino-Philippine ties, former Philippine President Fidel Ramos have traveled to Hong Kong to rekindle the relationship between the two Asian countries. According to a Reuters report, Ramos, who accepted the offer of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte to be the country's special envoy to China for this matter, departed on Monday for a five-day trip to Hong Kong. Advertisement The former leader and military man is also expected to meet with "old friends." Earlier in July, a Hague arbitration court ruled that "China had no historic title" over the disputed territory in the South China, further stating that the Eastern giant has "breached the Philippines' sovereign rights with various actions there," the article wrote. The decision has sent Beijing to fury, who had been adamant in not acknowledging the decision and dismissing the case. China claims that it has territorial rights in almost all parts of the South China Sea, where over $5 trillion worth of trade moves annually. According to Ernesto Abella, a spokesman for Duterte, Ramos's visit to Hong Kong "may pave the way for future diplomatic talks." It was on July 12 when Ramos, now 88, accepted Duterte's offer for the special mission, which he refers to as "an icebreaker." However, asked if he would delve on the topic about the ruling, Ramos previously said in a press conference in Philippine capital Manila that "it is not [him] who will raise that issue." "My mission is to rekindle ties with China," he said. Meanwhile, State-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the former leader's trip symbolizes "the first concrete step" for the two countries, adding that it "could open a new chapter in settling disputes." Ramos served as the Philippine president from 1992 to 1998, the same period when China occupied the Mischief Reef. A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying China's Chang'e-3 lunar probe takes off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on Dec. 2, 2013, in Xichang, China. (Photo : Getty Images) China launched a satellite capable of providing clear images of the Earth shot from space that could prove useful for the surveillance of contested territorial waters, among other things. Aboard a Long March 4C rocket, the Gaofen-3 high-resolution satellite was launched at exactly 6:55 am local time at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center located in the northern province of Shanxi, China. Advertisement According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the satellite is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload which allows it to perform tasks like "disaster warning, weather forecasting, water resource assessments, and the protection of maritime rights." Talking to China Daily, China Academy of Space Technology's Gaofen 3 Project Head Xu Fuxiang explained that the satellite will be instrumental in closely monitoring marine environment as well as islands, reefs, ships and oil rigs that are located within the country's jurisdiction. This is all due to the Gaofen 3's capability to capture wide pictures of the Earth in a particularly detailed manner with its 12 imaging modes. It is also expected to gather data to be used to forecast weather in order to prevent or at least limit damages during calamities and can also be used to assess water resources in China. It can also provide high-definition remote sensing data for users, making it the country's first ever low orbit remote sensing satellite with a life span of eight years. Prior to Gaofen-3, China has already released a couple of Gaofen satellites into orbit including Gaofen-2 which was launched into space in August 2014 to take full-color images that are accurate to 0.8 meters. It can also capture multispectral pictures of objects that are at least 3.2 meters in length. The Gaofen-4 which was launched in 2015 is dubbed as the country's first geosynchronous orbit high-definition optical imaging satellite and is also the most sophisticated of its kind all over the world. Japan's retail sales tumbled at their fastest pace in more than 4-1/2 years in October as a sales tax hike prompted consumers to.. Reuters India 28 Nov 2019 Rumble 19 Oct 2022 The artist formally known as Kanye West, Ye, has put in a bid to buy the social media platform, Parler. The daily beast,.. Two suspects were at-large in stabbings that left 10 people dead in Saskatchewan, Artemis 1 may not launch until October: 5 Things.. USATODAY.com 05 Sep 2022 Rumble 24 Sep 2022 Show me the money. Get their money, our money Rettig said. Your responsibility is getting what were owed. When a new hire.. An exciting project to connect mobile banking to the coconut industry was launched today by the Australian Government, Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP) and ANZ Bank.The SBD 5 million dollar program (US$650,000) will connect rural coconut oil producers, laborers, buyers and transport operators with digital finance as the coconut industry in Solomon Islands expands.At the moment, most people working in the coconut industry live in rural areas, far from existing banking services. Payments are conducted almost exclusively in cash, and this creates significant challenges for both buyers and sellers.Delivering his key note speech at the launch, Governor Denton Rarawa of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands said CBSI is pleased to support this innovative approach to digital banking penetration in the country and leveraging the coconut value chain offers much promise for expanding banking to remote rural communities. This initiative by PFIP & ANZ bank fits very well into the current National Financial Inclusion strategies and will accelerate achieving the objectivesThrough this project, thousands of rural Solomon Islanders will find it easier to manage, save, and grow their incomes better by having access to simple, fast payments and transfers, Acting Deputy Australian High Commissioner and Minister Counsellor Dr. Jasmine Cernovs said at the launch.Australia is pleased to support new opportunities for improving access to finance to people and small businesses in rural Solomon Islands.This partnership between Australia, PFIP and ANZ will allow the unbanked rural population of Solomon Islands to access formal financial services such as savings, credit and payment services delivered to customers through their mobile phones for the first time.If the project is successful, we hope to replicate the solution in other sectors, potentially simplifying payments for thousands of people living in remote areas, Dr. Cernovs said.PFIP will support the ANZ initiative as part of its portfolio of innovation labs that employ human centric design approaches to developing new digital products & services. PFIP Manager Mark Flaming announced that We are excited about working on this project with ANZ bank as well as their third party agency manager PGCL and Kokonut Pacific. It will be one of our premier innovation initiatives in the Pacific, and we are investing high quality resources into making this a success.To boost mobile banking usage in the coconut industry, ANZ will engage 60 community producers from Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands as goMoney cash merchants and create mobile banking accounts for 900 people.With these clusters as early adopters, the projects target is then to attract a further 24,000 new customers from Solomon Islands communities and surrounding villages over the next two years, PFIP Financial Inclusion Specialist Krishnan Narasimhan said.The Australian Government contributed 60 per cent of the project costs (US $395,000) through PFIP with the remaining balance of US$255,000 is co-funded by ANZ.About PFIPPFIP is a Pacific-wide programme helping low-income households gain access to financial services and financial education. It is jointly administered by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and receives funding from the Australian Government, the European Union and the New Zealand Government.PFIP partners have added more than one million Pacific Islanders to the formal financial sector by supporting policy and regulatory initiatives, innovation with financial services, and delivery channels, conducting market research, and by strengthening financial competencies and consumer empowerment.PFIP operates from the UNDP Pacific Centre in Suva, Fiji and has offices in Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands.About ANZ goMoneyANZ goMoney is a mobile banking service that allows customers to access their ANZ accounts securely from their mobile phone.ANZ has rolled out the goMoney digital channel + cash merchant network in PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, signing up nearly 150,000 customers between 2013 and the end of 2015. The mobile technology enables customers to make cash deposits and withdrawals with their bank accounts at cash merchants and conduct transactions directly on their mobile phones. Empowering Opportunity Launches at SiGMA 2016s iGaming Education Forum Published August 12, 2016 by Lee R The topics covered will empower delegates with education at unseen levels. A new highlight embedded in Maltas upcoming three day SiGMA 2016 program from 16-18 November is the first annual iGaming Education Forum, brought to you by the Malta Gaming Authority and iGaming Academy. Ringing Endorsement The MGA authoritys endorsement is a major breakthrough for the iGaming Academy. Academy Director Jaime Debono called the MGA the "gold standard for gaming governance in the EU, furthering his organizations goal of making Malta synonymous with training and educational excellence. Advancement through Education Debono states his companys mission as growing the industry through education with this first Forum set to deliver rich content tailored for all individuals looking to achieve successful positions within iGaming. Debono called the iGaming Education Forum a new and dynamic dimension to the record-breaking event that SiGMA looks to be this year. MGA Response Malta gaming Authority Executive Chairman Joseph Cuschieri asserted that education and training represent dual goals of his organisation in the professional development of Maltas rapidly growing gaming sector, with the Forum representing an ideal point of entry for the MGA in kind. To this end, Cuschieri further announced the establishment of a training division within the MGA which Thomas Mahoney has been nominated to head. Topics The iGaming Education Forum will offer attending delegates a cumulative total of 80-plus years of gaming experience in its three days by focusing on prominent areas of current relevance to the industry including Compliance, touching on AML, Anti-Fraud and Payments and Responsible Gaming; as well as specific topics such as Sportsbook, Casino and Lottery Management and eSports. Workshop An Acquisition and Retention workshop will address the topics of Customer Relationship Management, Social Media Marketing and Affiliate Management, with all iGaming Education Forum participants also gaining free entrance to the expo. Outlook As an educational forum, the iGaming Education Forum looks to be the most empowering portion of the SiGMA 2016 program. With delegate entrance to the main event and a ringing endorsement from MGA, this inaugural event looks like a cant-miss opportunity. South Australias Proposed Gambling Tax Draws Criticism from Operators Published August 12, 2016 by Mike P South Australia has revealed a new 15% net wagering tax for July 2017, while the government has also blocked esports betting. South Australias government has hit the headlines in August 2016 for revealing plans to introduce a new form of online gambling taxation. Throughout the world, jurisdictions frequently alter their taxation legislation, but few changes command the attention that has recently been given to South Australias government. 15% Net Wagering Tax Fundamentally, South Australias new online gambling tax is designed to target bets based within the jurisdiction, rather than tax operators based on where they are situated. At present, the intention is for the government to apply a 15% tax on net wagering when the new legislation comes into law as of July 2017. When the tax is introduced, South Australias government has forecast earnings of AU$9.2 million per year. Comparatively, this would be similar to the AU$10 million generated annually in Australias Northern Territory jurisdiction. This is notable because most of the major operators are situated in the Northern Territory, where taxable revenue on wagering is capped at the low rate of AU$550,000. In response to the South Australia governments announcement, the Australian Wagering Council (AWC) has launched a social media campaign that refers to the forthcoming change as a punters tax. AWC chief executive Ian Fletcher has warned that the tax will benefit overseas operators and damage Australian sport. Place of Consumption Tax To counter Fletchers statement, South Australia treasurer Tom Koutsantonis argued that the place of consumption tax will only apply net wagering revenue, with the states residents only losing money on failed wagers. In fact, Koutsantonis is so confident in the tax succeeding he has also predicted other Australian states will follow suit. However, the AWC has cautioned that the tax will only result in South Australias residents receiving lower odds and fewer offers, while also winning less money. Among the members of the AWC are global operators in bet365, Ladbrokes, and Unibet. eSports Betting Blocked In other news, South Australias government has also inspired articles relating to its esports stance. Just recently, the government made the decision to ask that the Independent Gambling Authority does not approve the legalisation of betting on esports. Driving the decision was the concern that children could be vulnerable to this new form of betting. Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia: You really cant argue with success. After years of being overlooked in favor of their more high-profile Western peers and the nations $2.4tln pool of superannuation savings, Australian hedge funds are finally having their day and are attracting the attention of international investors. While most hedge funds across the globe are struggling with their returns, Australian-focused funds are having a field day. Over the past five years, Australian equity hedge funds have beaten a broader global index by roughly seven percentage points per year, reported the Financial Review. An index of Australian long/short equity funds recorded cumulative returns of 180% over ten years compared to global funds that returned 78%, while the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index gained just 73% during the same period. Some of the Australian hedge funds that have established solid track records trading in Australian shares include Regal Funds Management, Tribeca, Bennelong, Perpetual, Watermark, and Ellerston. Other emerging funds such as LHC, KIS, Paragon, Totus and Auscap have also generated strong gains since their respective inceptions. As proof that Australian hedge funds are getting positive attention from international investors, Jonathan Horton of leading Australian fund-of-funds NWQ said that his company has received o...................... To view our full article Click here Visitors look at a scale model of a Transit Elevated Bus (TEB) during a demonstration at the19th China Beijing International High-tech Expo (CHITEC) held in May in Beijing. (Photo : Getty Images) The straddling bus, known as batie (or Transit Elevated Bus) designed by Chinese engineer, Song Youzhou has attracted the interest of countries such as Brazil, Spain, Mexico and Argentina as some people raised doubts on whether it would run smoothly, China Daily reported. Advertisement The questions were raised after the bus made a test run earlier this month in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province. TEB Technology Development Co, the maker of the straddling bus, said that the bus was designed to ease traffic congestion. It is 4.8 meters high, 7.8 meters wide and 22 meters long. It can carry about 300 passengers. Some members of the media and netizens, however, doubted if the straddling bus would function as it should be, adding that some vehicles are taller than two meters and other vehicles are also bigger. Song said that in most cities, more than 90 percent of the vehicles are sedans and SUVs, which are about 1.6 meters to 1.8 meters tall. "Most of them can run under the bus, thus helping improve the utilization rate of roads," Song added. The Chinese engineer said that the bus can cross bridges as the TEB was designed for different cities based on road width and the characteristics of bridges along its route. "If the bridges are low, the top cover of the TEB will be made to be adjustable up and down, allowing it to pass," Song said. Some netizens also questioned whether the bus can carry that much weight. According to Song, the TEB weighs about 36 metric tons at most, including the weight of the 300 passengers and the carriage, which is almost the same as trucks carrying stones that usually weigh 90 tons. Yang Tao, chairman of Nanjing Institute of City and Transport Planning Co, was quoted as saying that "the special structure might not be safe running at more than 30 km per hour". Several cities in China plan to invest in the bus, TEB Technology Development Co said. Song had predicted that about 500,000 TEBs will be needed in the future. "At present, we are just doing experiments," Song said. He added that the TEB could be used on roads by the second half of 2017. Swedish prosecutors investigating rape allegation will meet WikiLeaks founder in London embassy Julian Assange will be questioned by Swedish prosecutors inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, in a possible breakthrough to end the impasse over his case. The Ecuadorian attorney general delivered a document agreeing to a request by the Swedish prosecutor to question the founder of WikiLeaks. He is wanted for questioning over a rape allegation, which he denies. If he goes to Sweden he believes he will be taken to the US because of the activities of WikiLeaks. Assange has been living inside the embassy for more than four years and has been granted political asylum by Ecuador. He has offered to be questioned inside the embassy but Swedish prosecutors have only recently agreed. A statement issued in Ecuador said: "In the coming weeks a date will be established for the proceedings to be held at the embassy of Ecuador in the United Kingdom. "For more than four years, the government of Ecuador has offered to cooperate in facilitating the questioning of Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, as well as proposing other political and legal measures, in order to reach a satisfactory solution for all parties involved in the legal case against Julian Assange, to end the unnecessary delays in the process and to ensure full and effective legal protection. "In line with this position, Ecuador proposed to Sweden the negotiation of an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which was signed last December and which provides the legal framework for the questioning." The statement said the proceedings did not affect the recent opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions of the United Nations, which found that Assange was being arbitrarily detained. The working group called for Assange to be released and given compensation for violation of his rights. The Ecuador statement added: "Ecuador's foreign ministry reiterates its commitment to the asylum granted to Julian Assange in August 2012, and reaffirms that the protection afforded by the Ecuadorian state shall continue while the circumstances persist that led to the granting of asylum, namely fears of political persecution." ISIL Flag (Image by theglobalpanorama) Details DMCA Reprinted from williamblum.org For 50 years I've been painstakingly cataloguing the brutal militarism and human-rights violations of US foreign policy, building up in the process a very loyal audience. To my great surprise, when I recently wrote about the brutal militarism and human-rights violations of the Islamic State, I received more criticism from my readers than I've gotten for anything I've ever written. Dozens of them asked to be removed from my mailing list, as many as I'd normally get in a full year. Others were convinced that it couldn't actually be me who was the author of such words, that I must have been hacked. Some wondered whether my recent illness had affected my mind. Literally! And almost all of the Internet magazines which regularly print me did not do so with this article. Now why should this be? My crime was being politically incorrect. The Islamic State, you see, is composed of Muslims, and the United States and its Western allies have bombed many Muslim countries in the recent past killing thousands of Muslims and causing widespread horror. Therefore, whatever ISIS and its allies do is "revenge", simple revenge, and should not be condemned by anyone calling himself a progressive; least of all should violence be carried out against these poor aggrieved jihadists. Moreover, inasmuch as ISIS is the offspring of religion, this adds to my political incorrectness: I'm attacking religion, God forgive me. Totally irrelevant to my critics is the fact that the religious teachings of ISIS embrace murderous jihad and the heavenly rewards for suicide bombings and martyrdom. This, they insist, is not the real Islam, a religion of peace and scholarly pursuits. Well, one can argue, Naziism was not the real Germany of Goethe and Schiller, of Bach and Brahms. Fortunately, that didn't keep the world from destroying the Third Reich. We should also consider this: From the 1950s to the 1980s the United States carried out atrocities against Latin America, including numerous bombings, without the natives ever resorting to the repulsive uncivilized kind of retaliation as employed by ISIS. Latin American leftists took their revenge out on concrete representatives of the American empire: diplomatic, military and corporate targets, not markets, theatres, nightclubs, hospitals, restaurants or churches. The ISIS victims have included many Muslims, perhaps even some friends of the terrorists, for all they knew or cared. It doesn't matter to my critics that in my writing I have regularly given clear recognition to the crimes against humanity carried out by the West against the Islamic world. I am still not allowed to criticize the armed forces of Islam, for all of the above stated reasons plus the claim that the United States "created" ISIS. Regarding this last argument: It's certainly true that US foreign policy played an indispensable role in the rise of ISIS. Without Washington's overthrow of secular governments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and -- now in process -- Syria, there would today be no ISIS. It's also true that many American weapons, intentionally and unintentionally, have wound up in the hands of terrorist groups. But the word "created" implies intention, that the United States wanted to purposely and consciously bring to life the Frankenstein monster that we know and love as ISIS. So, you wonder, how do we rid the world of the Islamic State? I'm afraid it may already be too late. The barn door is wide open and all the horses have escaped. It's not easy for an old anti-imperialist like myself, but I support Western military and economic power to crush the unspeakable evil of ISIS. The West has actually made good progress with seriously hampering ISIS oil sales and financial transactions. As a result, it appears that ISIS may well be running out of money, with defections of unpaid soldiers increasing. The West should also forget about regime change in Syria and join forces with Russia against the terrorists. And my readers, and many like them, have to learn to stop turning the other cheek when someone yelling "Allahu Akbar" drives a machete into their skull. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Global Artificial Intelligence Market to Exhibit 36.10% CAGR from 2016 to 2024 Driven by Diversified Application to Enhance Productivity http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4674 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/artificial-intelligence-market.html www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A new market research study, titled Artificial Intelligence Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024, has been recently published by Transparency Market Research and made available on the companys website. The research study talks about the global artificial intelligence market for , focusing on its key drivers, barriers, product segmentation, current trends, major geographical segments, opportunities and challenges, and competitive landscape. According to the research study, in 2015, the global market for artificial intelligence was worth US$126.24 bn and is projected to reach a value of US$3,061.35 bn by the end of 2024. The market is anticipated to exhibit an impressive 36.10% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology that deals with the study and development of software and intelligent machines. The artificial intelligence technology is widely being used in diverse sectors as it offers in-build machines and software to operate like human beings, thereby allowing the devices to collect, analyze, and take decisions effectively. The increasing demand for artificial intelligence to enhance the productivity and improve customer satisfaction is a major factor estimated to drive the global market in the coming years. In addition, the growing applications of artificial intelligence is projected to propel the global artificial intelligence market.Avail a Sample Research Study on Artificial Intelligence MarketThe global market for artificial intelligence has been categorized on the basis of product type into expert system, artificial neural network, automated robotic system, embedded system, and digital assistance system. In 2015, the expert system segment dominated the scene with a 44% share in the market. The digital assistance system segment is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, due to the increased usage of portable computing devices such as tablets and smartphones across the globe. In addition, the rising accessibility of these devices with cost-effectiveness and advanced features is anticipated to fuel the growth of the digital assistance systems segment in the forecast period.Among the major application segments of the artificial intelligence market, in 2015, the deep learning segment led the market with a 21.6% share. This region is expected to remain in the topmost position throughout the forecast period, followed by the smart robots application segment. On the other hand, the image recognition segment is anticipated to grow at a fast pace due to developing technologies.Browse the full Market Research Report :By geography, the global market for artificial intelligence has been classified into Latin America, North America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Asia Pacific. In 2015, North America dominated the market, accounting for a 38% share in the global market for artificial intelligence. This region is projected to remain in the leading position in the next few years owing to increased government funding. In addition, this region is considered to be a strong technological base, which is a key factor fueling the global artificial intelligence market. On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to register a promising 38.20% CAGR between 2016 and 2024. The rapid growth of this region can be attributed to the vast opportunities available in airport developments and several technological innovations such as robotic automation.The leading players operating in the global market for artificial intelligence include IBM Corporation, IntelliResponse Systems Inc., Nuance Communications, eGain Corporation, MicroStrategy Inc., Brighterion Inc., Google, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Next IT Corporation, and QlikTech International AB.The global artificial intelligence market has been segmented as below:Global Artificial Intelligence Market, By TypeArtificial Neural NetworkDigital Assistance SystemEmbedded SystemExpert SystemAutomated Robotic SystemGlobal Artificial Intelligence Market, By ApplicationDeep LearningSmart RobotsImage RecognitionDigital Personal AssistantQuerying MethodLanguage ProcessingGesture ControlVideo AnalysisSpeech RecognitionContext Aware ProcessingCyber SecurityGlobal Artificial Intelligence Market, By GeographyNorth America (NA)Europe (EU)Asia Pacific (APAC)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Latin America (LATAM)Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Smart Cards Market to Exhibit 7.4% CAGR during 2016-2023 due to Growing Demand from Asia Pacific http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=844 http://www.tmrblog.com/2016/05/smart-cards-market.html?m=0 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-card.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com According to a recent market research report published by Transparency Market Research, the global smart cards market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% during the period between 2016 and 2023. The report, titled Smart Cards Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2016 - 2023, projects the global smart cards market to be worth US$14.17 bn by 2023. The overall market stood at a valuation of US$7.25 bn in 2014.Smart cards are integrated chip-based cards that store and retrieve information with the help of various computer systems. They contain central processing units and memory units. Smart cards are cost-effective means to store, maintain, and manage credentials of users. As a result, these cards are widely used across various sectors such as BFSI, telecommunications, and government.Avail a Sample Research Study on Smart Cards MarketThe report states that the decline in prices of SIM cards and the increasing trend of migrating to EMV standards has fuelled the adoption of smart cards across various end-use sectors. Rise in data thefts through fraudulent activities has further led to the surging demand for secure and expedited transactions, and identification and communication solutions. These factors have augmented the growth of the global smart cards market. However, initial high cost to migrate to smart card compatible readers will affect the adoption of smart cards. The overall smart cards market has a huge opportunity to grow with the introduction of high-end SIMs.In terms of types of smart cards, the report categorizes the global smart cards market into contactless smart card, contact smart card, dual-interface smart card, and hybrid smart card. During the forecast horizon, contactless smart cards are expected to lose market share to contactless and other card types. Contactless smart cards offer a technology platform for the addition of new applications to access control systems and facilitate more secured identity verification. Additional security features offered by contactless and dual interface smart cards have led to their increased adoption as e-IDs, ATM/credit/debit cards, transportation IDs, and others. In 2014, contactless smart cards accounted for 18.6% of the market revenue. During the forecast horizon, this card segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.5%.Browse Research Blog:The report studies the global smart cards market across five key regions: Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific majorly contributed towards the growth of the market in 2014 and held over 47.4% of the overall market revenue. During the forecast horizon, Asia Pacific is anticipated to retain its leading position and emerge as the fastest growing smart cards market. During the period between 2016 and 2023, the region is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% due to growing demand from countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, and India.Research Report with ToC and Free Analysis:Describing the competitive hierarchy, the report profiles some of the key players in the global smart cards market such as Atos SE, American Express Company, NXP Semiconductors NV, Gemalto NV, Infineon Technologies AG, INSIDE Secure, Texas Instruments Inc., and Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) GmbH. In 2014, the global smarts card market was dominated by Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) GmbH, Gemalto NV, and Oberthur Technologies. These three top players held over 50% of the overall market revenue in 2014.Global smart cards market has been segmented as:Smart Cards Market, by TypeContact Smart CardsContactless Smart CardsHybrid Smart CardsDual-interface Smart CardsSmart Cards Market, by ComponentMicrocontrollerMemory CardSmart Cards Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East & Africa (MEA)Latin AmericaTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Worldwide Integrated Systems Market : Latest innovations and key events by 2015 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5114 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/5114 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Integrated Systems are known as the class of data center systems which are used to deliver a combination of server, network and shared-storage devices in a pre-integrated stack. These systems are used to combine networking, storage and compute as well as data center applications. With the help of integrated systems, different storage, server and networking vendors are now started offering a list of services which can resonate well with their data center operations, thereby boosting their infrastructure efficiency for high virtualized environments. It provides customers with more loosely coupled environment which is safe from all the complex interdependencies in order to bring more agility and automation in business processes. Thus, enterprises can effectively carry out all their process innovations without constantly modifying and maintaining diverse application programs. The adoption of integrated systems are aligned both with the maturity of service component provider and the operational dynamics of the customer environment.The rising demand to integrate deployment techniques and modern application development are boosting the integrated systems market. Furthermore, emergence of more advanced forms of data management over the traditional models is another key driver for the global integrated systems market. Thus, opportunity lies in monetizing data center infrastructure functionalities owing to the rapid advances taking place in the social, mobile and real-time communication devices. Moreover, speed to market is another important characteristic of integrated systems. It deals with building an entire data center consisting of load balancers, virtual machines, firewalls and networking within an hour or two which was not possible with the traditional methods. In addition, other factors like business and global expansion, financial efficiency and core competency are further fueling the growth of integration systems market. However, the offerings provided by integrated systems are really complex regarding management of business ecosystem as well as technology integration.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The global integrated systems market is segmented on the basis of its type, business enterprise size, end-use industries and geographies. Based on its types, the integrated systems market is segmented into integrated workload systems, integrated infrastructure systems, and integrated reference architectures. Based on business enterprise size, integrated systems market is classified into small, medium and large business organizations. Further, based on end-use industries, the global integrated systems market is segmented into IT and telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, defense and energy, and others. The market is gaining huge penetration in small and medium sized enterprises due to low-cost and efficient services provided by integrated systems for B2B integration. Moreover, the growing intra-region integration is fueling the demand of integrated services in Asia Pacific region, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Geographically, the market is most dominant in the North America region due to high demand of IT infrastructure services by small, medium and large industries in this region.Buy Full Report@Some of the major players in the global integrated systems market include ActiveState Software Inc., IBM Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Red Hat Inc., SAP SE, EMC Corporation, Hubspan, Inc., and Cordys B.V., Fujitsu Limited and Cisco Systems, Inc., among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Worldwide Next Generation Communication Technologies Market : Competitive landscape 2015 - 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5885 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/5885 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Next generation communication technologies can also be termed as advanced communication technologies. Over the years communication technology has evolved drastically with increasing technological advancement in internet and other supporting communication technologies. Next generation communication technologies helps in minimizing communication gap and improve the quality of communication. In recent period, next generation communication technologies are expected to play key role in development of various verticals.Global next generation communication technologies market is expected to grow rapidly during the period of forecast. Factors which are driving the growth of next generation communication technology market are technological advancement such as Internet of Things (IoT), e-commerce and big data, which results into increasing demand of advanced communication technology. Mobile and wireless communication market is growing rapidly which further boost the growth of next generation communication technology market. Rapidly changing technology, growing consumer demands and frequent introduction of new products and services have fuelled the growth of global next generation communication technology market. On the other hand factors which are restraining the growth of next generation communication technology market are high infrastructural and development cost.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Global next generation communication technology market is segmented on the basis of types of communication technologies and applications. On the basis of type of communication technology the market is segmented into Wired and wireless communication technology. Further, the wired communication technology market is sub segmented into twisted wire and optical fibre communications. Wireless communication technology is sub segmented into 5G, 4G LTE, WiMax, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LiMAX, Bluetooth and others.On the basis of application, global next generation communication technology market can be segmented into telecommunication, consumer electronics, healthcare, security & surveillance, automotive, industrial and military application. Out of all these applications, present next generation communication technology market is dominated by consumer electronics applications. Aggressive consumer adoption of wireless devices and increasing demand of faster data speed have encourages the growth of consumer electronics application of next generation communication technology market.On the basis of region, the next generation communication technology market can be segmented into seven regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa. Out of all these regions present next generation communication technology market is dominated by developed regions such as North America and Western Europe. It is mainly because of high technological advancement and infrastructural investment in communication technologies in countries such as U.S., Canada, U.K. and Germany. However, during the period of forecast Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly, growing technological developments, increasing consumer spendings and rising investment in communication infrastructures are some of the factors increasing the demand of next generation communication technologies in Asia Pacific region.Buy Full Report@Recently, global next generation communication technologies market have witnessed various technological developments which helps in fuelling the growth of market. In December 2014, Bluetooth Special Interest Group introduced a new standard for Bluetooth devices i.e. Bluetooth 4.2. This new standard provides speed and privacy features. In November 2014, ZigBee alliance released a new standard for ZigBee products. This standard provide features such as interoperability among extensive range of smart devices and consumer access to various innovative products as well as services that will work together flawlessly. These are few example of latest innovation and development into global next generation communication technology marketAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Emission Monitoring Systems Market - Focus towards Formulation and Implementation of Stringent Gas Pollutants Regulations http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13793 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/emission-monitoring-systems-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Emission monitoring systems are deployed to provide reliable and convenient method of measuring combustion gas emissions from coal, gas or oil fired boilers emerging from various industries viz. power plants, cement plants, steel plants, incinerators, and in different industrial combustion processes. Emission monitoring systems (EMS) ranges from pre-engineered packaged systems to more complex based custom-engineered system in order to measure multiple gases using the technique of data acquisition and handling. EMS also make automatic calibration a less time consuming and economically viable solution, thereby meeting the strict environmental requirements for daily system validation.The standard emission monitoring system consists of gas conditioning system, sample probe, calibration gas system, sample line, filter, and a series of gas analyzers to display the parameters under supervision. Reduced costs, proven reliability, improved performance, compact size, system expandability, and minimized time consumption for testing, startup, installation & services, among others are some of the major advantages of emission monitoring systems.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:The global emission monitoring system market can be segmented on the basis of system type, element, various industry verticals, and geographical regions. Based on system type, the market can be classified into Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) and Predictive Emission Monitoring System (PEMS). By element, the market is segmented into hardware, software and services.By various industry verticals, the market is categorized into power generation plant, oil & gas, chemicals and fertilizers, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, cement, metal and mining, waste incineration and marine and shopping, among others. On the basis of different geographical regions, the global emission monitoring system market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In Asia Pacific, the market growth is mainly attributed to growing urbanization and industrialization in key economic regions such as South East Asia (SEA), South Asian countries and China from Northeast Asia region with more focus towards formulation and implementation of stringent gas pollutants regulations.The stringent environmental and legal regulations is one of the major factor bolstering the growth of global emission monitoring system market. Moreover, other factors such as growing health and safety issues, rising awareness about environmental protection needs, and growing number of chemical and oil & gas industries is expected to fuel the market demand throughout the forecast period. Oil & gas industries across the world presently prefer PEMS or CEMS for measuring and minimizing different gas emissions. Further, they use emission monitoring system in order to meet the rising strict gas turbine emission regulations. The market growth is further supported by various climate change agreements executed between nations to mitigate harmful gas emissions.The emission monitoring system market growth is currently restricted by various factors, namely high cost of CEMS which requires frequent maintenance, and greater requirement of specialist suppliers with more market fragmentation. EMS market finds high growth opportunity in various emerging economies such as China, and India, among others which are expected to embrace these solutions effusively.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Some of the key players in the global emission monitoring systems market include ABB Ltd., General Electric, Siemens AG, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Parker Hannifin Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Teledyne Technologies, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., CMC Solutions, LLC., Cemtrex, Inc. and JCT Analysentechnik GmbH, among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Zhou Qunfei, chairwoman and president of Hunan-based Lens Technology, is on top of Hurun's List of China's richest self-made women. (Photo : Getty Images) An organization is calling for greater participation of women in the workforce around the world during the G(irls) 20 summit held in Beijing on Tuesday, Aug. 9, China Daily reported. At least 24 young women from more than 1,700 applicants from G20 member countries joined the summit organized by G(irls)20, a Canadian-based organization, that pushes for more women in the workforce. Advertisement China's representative in the summit, Hong Xinyu - a 20-year-old college student from East China - said she would like to see more Chinese women succeed as entrepreneurs. Hong said she plans to open a workshop that would provide leadership and management training to women who were not able to go to college. "Chinese women still don't have enough opportunities to achieve career success," Hong said. "One important reason is that many of us lack leadership ability and entrepreneurship." Farah Mohamed, head of G(irls)20, praised China for producing women in power, especially in business. "We have women being promoted to senior level jobs. We don't have enough, but we have more," Mohamed said. "The company Didi Chuxing, which just acquired the China business of Uber, is run by a woman. That's incredible, and we need to see more of that." Eight of the world's top-10 wealthiest self-made women are from China while there are only two from the United States, according to a report released by Hurun last year. On top of the list is Zhou Qunfei, the chair and president of touch-screen maker Lens Technology, with her $7.8 billion. During the meeting, the young women representatives contributed their ideas on how to increase women participation in the workforce. The group had agreed to implement a global "gender gap goal" that would help create more than 100 million new jobs for women across the G20 nations. Between 1995 and 2015, the proportion of the female population in the global workforce decreased from 52.4 to 49.6 percent, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said. It added that the chances for women to participate in the labor market is almost 27 percentage points lower than for men worldwide. Worldwide Millimeter Wave Technology Market Report 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1288 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1288 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/millimeter-wave-technology-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Millimeter wave (MV) technology is a special type of electromagnetic wave technology. It is a mature technology and recently has been adopted in various application across industries. In the perspective of wireless communication, the millimeter wave generally occupy frequency range between 30 GHz to 300 GHz.Millimeter Wave Technology Market: Drivers and RestraintGlobal millimeter wave technology market is expected to witness double digit compound annual growth rate over the forecast period. Factors which are driving the growth of global millimeter wave technology market are, rising mobile data traffic and growing demand for bandwidth intensive applications, increasing demand for the high speed data connectivity and high potential usage of millimeter wave technology in consumer electronics application.On the other hand, factors which are restraining the growth of millimeter wave technology market are environmental concerns and limited range. Non-uniform licencing approach is creating a major challenge for the growth of millimeter wave technology marketThe global millimeter wave technology market is expected to witness great growth opportunity over the forecast period due to technological advances that encourages the adoption of millimeter wave technology across different industrial verticals such as aerospace, healthcare, defence, telecommunication and automobiles.Request Free Report Sample@Millimeter Wave Technology Market: SegmentationGlobal millimeter wave technology market is segmented on the basis of product, licence, frequency band, application and region. On the basis of product, the global millimeter wave technology market can be segmented into telecommunication equipment, scanner system, radar & satellite communication system and others.On the basis of license, the global millimeter wave technology market can be segmented into light licence frequency millimeter wave, fully licence frequency millimeter wave and unlicensed frequency millimeter wave.On the basis of application, the global millimeter wave technology market can be segmented into telecommunication, healthcare, military, aerospace & defence, automotive & transportation, consumer electronics and others. In mobile & telecommunication application segment, there is great opportunity for millimeter wave technology. In automotive & transportation application segment, this technology can be used in drivers assistant system and the technology can accelerate the commercialization of unmanned vehicles. Additionally. The millimeter wave technology has significant value in healthcare application segment, where it can be used in scanning and imaging devicesOn the basis of frequency band, the global millimeter wave technology can be segmented into 8 GHz to 57 GHz band frequency, 58 GHz to 86 GHz band frequency and 87 GHz to 300 GHz band frequency.Request For TOC@Millimeter Wave Technology Market: Region wise outlookOn the basis of region, the global millimeter wave technology market can be segmented into seven regions which include North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Japan. Further the market is sub-segmented as per the major countries of each region in order to provide better regional analysis of millimeter wave technology market. Out of all these region, North America is expected to dominate the global millimeter wave technology market. U.S is expected to witness a double digit CAGR growth due to rising applications of millimeter wave technology in mobile & telecommunication industryMillimeter Wave Technology Market: Key PlayersProminent players in the global millimeter wave technology market are Bridgewave Communications, Inc., Keysight Technologies Inc., Keysight Technologies, Siklu Communication Ltd, MI-Wave Inc., Millitech Inc. among others. Key market players are focusing on launch of new products in order to be competitive in the market. For instance, In October 2015, Bridgewave Communications, Inc. launched wireless backhaul millimeter wave system with highest capacity. Millimeter wave technology is able to fulfil the increasing demand of cost efficient high speed data connectivity due to which original equipment manufacturers of consumer electronics are excited in adopting the technology to enhance the proficiencies of existing applications.Browse Full Report@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Worldwide Frozen Bakery Market : Key Events In The Industry By 2020 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3240 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/3240 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Global frozen bakery market contributes a major portion in sales of food processing market across the globe. Frozen bakery products can be kept fresh for long period. Many frozen bakery products such as frozen breads, frozen pizza crust, frozen pastries, frozen cakes bread, frozen patisserie are high in demand, which boost frozen bakery market across the globe. Among all frozen bakery products, frozen pizza crust contributes the highest share followed by frozen bread and frozen pastries. In western countries, many people prefer to take frozen pizza as part of their daily meal. Frozen bakery market holds around 8% of total frozen food market across the globe.The market is growing towards more diversified operations, which offer sophisticated and healthy products. Due to increase in health conscious level, people prefer food that contains healthy ingredients and keeps the food fresh for long duration of time. Growing demand of these ingredient leads to drive overall frozen bakery market. One of the reasons for the growth of frozen bakery market is due to habit of food on-the-go. In busier life styles, people tend to skip breakfast and grab some frozen food bakery product.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The market is expected to continue flourishing in developed and developing regions of the world. Increase in trade activities of frozen pizza and frozen bread in Europe, leads to rise in overall growth of frozen bakery market. Europe region contributes the largest market of frozen bakery across the globe. North America is estimated to be second largest market after Europe due to increase in demand for processed food and busy life-styles population. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for frozen bakery. The growing influence of western culture, rising middle classes with higher disposable income and changing eating habits of consumers are some of the main reason, which drive the Asia Pacific market. The growth of frozen bakery market is expected to be fastest in emerging market of Latin America and Middle East.Buy Full Report@Major companies operating in global frozen bakery market include, Lantmannen Unibake, Alpha Baking Company Inc., Associated British Foods Plc, Aryzta AG, Bridgford Foods Corporation, Barilla Holding SPA, Cole's Quality Foods Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Custom Foods Inc., Deiorios Frozen Dough Products, Europastry, Flowers Foods Inc., General Mills Inc., Grupo Bimbo, Kellogg Company, Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Premier Foods Plc, Pepperidge Farm, Vandemoortele and Warburtons Bakery.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Worldwide High Pressure Processing Market Supply & Demand By 2016 - 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3252 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/3252 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Half a decade ago, consumers seems to be gushing for good quality food products that has a high shelf life. Companies were actively looking for methods and equipment that can help foods to retain their natural flavor even after long shelf life of preservation. High pressure processing equipment is one such cutting-edge innovation. High pressure processing is a non-thermal preservation and pasteurization process that increases the shelf life of food, while retaining the original quality of food products. Unlike most conventional food processing system, this method accomplishes high hydrostatic pressure of 100 to 1000 MPa to process food products. It is due to its minimal negative effect that high pressure processing market (HPP) is finding great prominence globally. This billion dollar industry is anticipated to witness strong growth worldwide during the forecast period, 20152025.High Pressure Processing Market: Drivers & RestraintsRising concern for food safety along with increasing demand for process food that contains active ingredients is expected to fuel the overall high pressure processing market. High liquid containing foods are on upper edge. HPP extends the shelf life of foods by two to three folds when compared to non-pasteurized foods. However, budget restraints and significant heavy cost is expected to be a major challenge for this industry. To tackle these challenges some of the leading manufacturers are performing innovation to cut down the cost at a significant rate. Also, HPP is mostly preferred for foods containing high acids. It cannot be or used rarely for stabilizing foods containing low-acids.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:High Pressure Processing Market: SegmentationHigh pressure processing market is broadly classified on the basis of equipment types, production size and end-use applications. Equipment such as batch processing and semi-continuous processing are available depending upon the size of production including low scaled to medium and high scale production capacities. Large scale production is normally seen in developed economies, while small and mid-scale are gaining prominence in developing economies.On the basis of applications, HPP market is broadly segmented into juices and beverages, vegetable products, meat products and seafood products. Juices and beverages along with meat products covers the majority of HPP applications. HPP equipment in vegetable products, though has a relatively low presence, is gaining wide prominence among food processing industries and is anticipated to witness above average growth rate during the forecast period, 2016 - 2026.High Pressure Processing Market: Region-wise OutlookHigh pressure processing equipment are in high demand in developed economies such as North America, Japan and Europe, however, market is gaining prominence in Asia Pacific and Latin America. The market is mainly consolidated in United States (U.S.), Europe and Japan. HPP in North America is widely used for processing of juices and beverages followed by seafood products and meat products and vegetable products. The trend is however different in Asia Pacific where consumption HPP is widely used for meat products and seafood products rather than juice products. HPP market is expected to witness significant growth in North America and Europe.High Pressure Processing Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in high pressure processing market are Avure Technologies, Hiperbaric, Hormel Foods Corporation, Hain Celestial Group and American Pasteurization Company.Buy Full Report@The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Active pharmaceutical ingredient Market Is Expected to Reach around USD 213.84 Billion in 2021 http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Research has published a new report titled Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market by API Synthesis (Biotech API, Synthetic Chemical API, and HPAPI), by Type of Manufacturing (Contract Manufacturing and In-House API Manufacturing), by Type of API (Synthetic API and Biological API), by Drug Type (Branded Drugs, Generic Drugs and OTC Drugs), for Cardiology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory, Gastrointestinal and Other Application - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021. According to the report, global demand for active pharmaceutical ingredient market was valued at USD 148.22 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 213.84 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2016 and 2021.Request Sample Report:APIs are frequently referred as "bulk pharmaceuticals. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is a biologically active portion of any pharmaceutical drug. Occasionally, API needs cofactor in order to attain specific effects on the body. Some active pharmaceutical ingredients are unidentified and therefore need additional substances, which can work in combination with the API to generate the required medicinal effect on the body. In herbal medicines, the API is generally a mixture of various substances, which act collectively on the body.The market for API is expected to have the highest growth rate in the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of diabetes, neurological disorders, and other chronic diseases are the major driving factor of the global API market. One of the key drivers of the API market is an increase in the outsourcing of active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured by pharmaceutical companies which are done to reduce both manufacturing and infrastructure costs. Such outsourced manufacturing activities are carried out by low-cost vendors in the Asia Pacific region.Do Inquiry before buying:However, strict regulations are one of the major challenges faced by the global API market. Such regulations are predominantly well defined in developed regions such as North America and Europe. Vendors in this market space are supposed to obey the detailed procedures prior to product commercialization.The global API market is segmented based on API synthesis, type of manufacturing, and type of API, application and by region. Depending on synthesis market is classified into biotech API, synthetic chemical API, and HPAPI. On the basis of the type of drug, the market is segmented into branded drugs, generic drugs, and OTC (Over the Counter) drugs. The branded drug segment accounted for the largest share in 2015. Different therapeutic application of the API market includes cardiology, oncology, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal and others. The oncology segment is anticipated to grow at the highest growth rate in coming years due to increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide.North America is leading market for API and acquired the largest share in 2015. Asia-Pacific region is expected to emerge as fastest growing region due to low operation costs and high investments in medical research. Furthermore, the high cost of trained labor and energy are the most important factors that enforced European market to move their base to develop countries such as India and China.Browse the full "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market by API Synthesis (Biotech API, Synthetic Chemical API, and HPAPI), by Type of Manufacturing (Contract Manufacturing and In-House API Manufacturing), by Type of API (Synthetic API and Biological API), by Drug type (Into Branded Drugs, Generic Drugs and OTC Drugs), for Cardiology, Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory, Gastrointestinal and Other Application - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Segment, Trends and Forecast, 2015 2021" report atSun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, Novartis International AG, BASF SE, Pfizer, Inc., Aurobindo, Albemarle Corporation, and Boehringer Ingelheim among others are some of the leading players in API market.The report segments the global active pharmaceutical ingredient market asActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market: API Synthesis Segment AnalysisBiotech APISynthetic Chemical APIHPAPIActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market: Type of Manufacturing Segment AnalysisContract ManufacturingIn-House API ManufacturingActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market: Type of API Segment AnalysisSynthetic APIBiological APIActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market: Drug Type Segment AnalysisBranded DrugsGeneric DrugsOTC DrugsActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market: Therapeutic Application Segment AnalysisCardiologyOncologyAnti-InflammatoryGastrointestinalOtherZion Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Zion Market Research experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite: Food Safety Testing Market grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2021 http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/food-safety-testing-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/food-safety-testing-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/food-safety-testing-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Food safety testing Market (traditional and rapid) by Technology, (pathogens, toxins, GMOs, pesticides and others) by contaminant, (meat & poultry, dairy, process food, fruit & vegetables and others) by Application - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021 According to the report, global demand for food safety testing market was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 8.04 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2021.Request Sample Report:Globally, food safety is a major concern in consumers due to the constant threat of foodborne illness. Food safety testing is necessary to achieve a certificate of analysis of raw food products and ready to eat foods at several stages of food processing. Customers are provided with food safety labels on food products to ensure quality and safety of products.The global food safety testing market has been presenting tremendous growth with increasing foodborne illness worldwide. The market growth is driven by growing consumer awareness associated with food safety matters. Worldwide all regions experiencing food disease epidemic cases, the due occurrence of microbial pathogens and chemical contaminant. The key market players are experiencing escalating demand for food safety testing owing health issues and increasing awareness amongst customers.Do Inquiry before buying:Food safety testing market is segmented based on technology, contaminant, application, and by region. Different technologies used for testing food safety include traditional technologies and rapid technologies. Due to some limitations of traditional food safety methods, rapid food testing technology accounted for a significant share in 2015 market. Pathogen is a leading contaminant segment in food safety market. Furthermore, GMO testing segment is expected to fastest growing segment over the forecast period. The key application covered under this study includes Meat & poultry, dairy, process food, Fruit & vegetables, and others. Among all, meat & poultry were the largest application segments that accounted for a significant share of global food safety testing market in 2015 and are expected to be the fastest growing segment for the predicted coming years.Geographically, North America dominated the food safety testing market in 2015. The biggest share of this region can be attributed to various factors such as increased prevalence of food disease and rising government regulations. Europe is a one of the major players in the food safety testing market due to increased awareness about government food safety policies in this region. Asia Pacific represents a region with a very large potential for food safety testing market due to increases emphasis on food securities in this regions.Browse the full "Food safety testing Market (traditional and rapid) by Technology, (pathogens, toxins, GMOs, pesticides and others) by contaminant, (meat & poultry, dairy, process food, fruit & vegetables and others) by Application - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021" report atBiocontrol Systems Incorporated, 3M Company, Roka Bioscience, Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, Douglas Scientific, IDDEX Laboratories INC, and Ecolab Incorporated are some of the leading profiles in the food safety testing market.The report segments the global food safety testing market as:Food Safety Testing Market: Technology Segment AnalysisTraditionalRapidFood Safety Testing Market: Contaminate Segment AnalysisPathogensToxinsGMOsPesticidesOthersFood Safety Testing Market: Application Segment AnalysisMeat & poultryDairyProcess foodFruit & vegetablesOthersAbout UsZion Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Zion Market Research experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite: Alzheimers disease (AD) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2023 DelveInsights Alzheimers disease (AD) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2023 Reports provides an overview of the disease and global market trends of the Alzheimers disease (AD) for the seven major markets i.e. United States, EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and Japan. The Report covers the therapeutics market revenue; average cost of therapy, treatment practice and Alzheimers disease (AD) forecasted market share for ten years to 2023 segmented by seven major markets. In addition, the report also includes global forecast of epidemiology of Alzheimers disease (AD) till 2023.Key Coverage and BenefitsThe report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global Alzheimers disease (AD) market.Identifying patient populations in the global Alzheimers disease (AD) market to improve product design, pricing, and launch plans.Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Alzheimers disease (AD) therapeutics in each of the markets covered.To understand the future market competition in the global Alzheimers disease (AD) therapeutics market and Insightful review of the key market drivers and barriers.ScopeReport covers the disease overview including etiology, path physiology, symptoms, diagnosis, disease management, and current treatment options.Marketed information including available prescription drugs, its patent and exclusivity details followed by drug sales till 2023.The Report also covers the detailed global historical and forecasted epidemiological data covering United States, EU5, Japan and rest of the word from 2013-2023.It also provides Alzheimers disease (AD) for United States, EU5 and Japan from 2013 and forecasted Market to 2023.Marketresearchreports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. Marketresearchreports.biz services are especially designed to save time and money of our clients.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Cloud IDE Market - Demand for Cloud Management Programs is rise with increasing Customization Requirements of Enterprises http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13748 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cloud-ide-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Cloud integrated development platform (IDE) is a web-based development platform. It provides a programming environment which is bundled into a packaged application. Cloud IDE includes a debugger, compiler and graphical user interface (GUI) builder functionalities.It can also be used for creating cloud applications and other native applications for tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. It has improved the efficiency of developers with easy to use platforms and reduced the time required for deployment.Cloud IDEs are easily accessible from anywhere in the world with the help a compatible device. It reduces the download and installation requirements to minimum which helps in fast implementation of the programs and applications. Also, collaboration between the geographically dispersed resources is made easy with the help of cloud IDE.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:Multiple resources can work on the same platform even if they are geographically separated resulting in faster production and efficient resource sharing. Enterprises are shifting their businesses to cloud due to the reduced cost and improved efficiency.Cloud IDE market is anticipated to experience high demand during the forecast period due to the increased cloud migration of enterprises. Also, demand for cloud management programs is expected to rise with the increasing customization requirements of enterprises. The new HTML 5 platform and its ability to enable browser-based development of applications is the major driver of the cloud IDE market. HTML 5 includes multiple development platforms for development of mobile applications for Android and IOS devices. Smartphone penetration is increasing at a higher rate globally, which is expected to generate demand for the cloud IDE market. Enterprises want to provide mobility solutions for independent development and deployment of applications.Increased demand for mobility solutions is projected to increase the demand for cloud IDE. Open source software development is gaining popularity due to the increased user base and reduced restrictions of the compatibility. Cloud IDE utilizes the open source software platforms for development as it helps to increase the user base. Enterprise adoption of agile, DevOps and Web-scale IT practices result in increased complexities with demand for open contribution structures. This adoption is expected to become more disruptive during the forecast period increasing the popularity of cloud IDEs.Enterprises are demanding for extensible, secure and fast environment for the developers and with the help of cloud IDE they can contribute to the projects in seconds. Cloud IDE can share, scale and create workspaces for developers with the help of automation and as a result developers get a platform where they can command micro services to build and debug the applications. However, the cloud IDE requires an Internet connection to work continuously which could prove to be a restraining factor in the future.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Cloud IDE is a platform as a service (PaaS) and it is not only related to web applications. With the PaaS integration cloud IDE market has gained tremendous growth opportunities. Also, cloud IDE has separate horizontal micro services which are scalable and are used to operate the developers atomic services such as build, run, syntax analysis, run and debug. Major players associated with the cloud IDE market include Cloud9 IDE, Inc., Codenvy, Inc., Codeanywhere, Inc., Koding, Nitrous Inc., SourceLair, Eclipse Foundation and ShiftEdit.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Cardiovascular Monitoring and Diagnostic Devices Market expected to reach USD 7.4 Billion by 2020 http://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com/report/cardiovascular-monitoring-diagnostic-devices-market/ http://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com Cardiovascular Monitoring and Diagnostic Devices Market Analysis and Forecast 2013-2020, estimates the global cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostic devices market to reach nearly USD 7.4 Billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2016 to 2020 - iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc.Visit the Cardiovascular Monitoring and Diagnostic Devices Market Analysis and Forecast 2013-2020 reportThe global cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostic devices market report provides market size (Revenue USD Million 2013 to 2020), market share and forecasts growth trends (CAGR%, 2016 to 2020).Cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostics generally refers to continuous monitoring of heart activity, generally by electrocardiography, with assessment of the patient's condition relative to their cardiac rhythm. Monitoring of the heart rate can be performed as part of electrocardiography, but it can also be measured conveniently with specific heart rate monitors.The global cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostic devices market segmentation is based on device or product types (ECG systems, resting ECG systems, stress ECG systems, cardiovascular diagnostic catheters, event monitors, Holter monitors, implantable loop recorders, ECG management systems). The global cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostic devices market report also provides the detailed market landscape (market drivers, restraints, opportunities), market attractiveness analysis and profiles of major competitors in the global market including company overview, financial snapshot, key products, technologies and services offered, and recent developments. The global cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostic devices market research report is divided by geography (regional and country based) into North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of LA), Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of EU), Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Rest of APAC), and Rest of the World.1. Device/Product Type1.1. ECG Systems1.1.1. Resting ECG Systems1.1.2. Stress ECG Systems1.2. Cardiovascular Diagnostic Catheters1.3. Event Monitors1.4. Holter Monitors1.5. Implantable Loop Recorders1.6. ECG Management Systems2. Geography (Region, Country)2.1. North America (U.S., Canada)2.2. Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of LA)2.3. Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of EU)2.4. Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Rest of APAC)2.5. Rest of the World3. Company Profiles3.1. Boston Scientific Corporation3.2. Covidien plc3.3. FUKUDA DENSHI Co., Ltd3.4. GE Healthcare3.5. Johnson & Johnson3.6. Medtronic, Inc3.7. Nihon Kohden3.8. Philips Healthcare3.9. Siemens Healthcare3.10. Sorin Group3.11. Spacelabs Healthcare3.12. St. Jude Medical, Inc.3.13. Welch AllyniHealthcareAnalyst, Inc. is a global health care market research and consulting company providing market analysis, and competitive intelligence services to global clients. The Company publishes syndicate, custom and consulting grade healthcare reports covering animal healthcare, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, healthcare informatics, healthcare services, medical devices, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc. provides industry participants and stakeholders with strategically analyzed, unbiased view of market dynamics and business opportunities within its coverage areas.Ana AitawaiHealthcareAnalyst, Inc.2109, Mckelvey Hill Drive,Maryland Heights, MO 63043United StatesPhone: (314) 736-9294.Email: sales@ihealthcareanalyst.com Renal Denervation (RDN) Devices Market to Thrive Due to Surge in Hypertension http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=400 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/renal-denervation-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a research study on the global renal denervation devices market, expecting it to rise at an exponential CAGR of 41.20% during the period from 2012 to 2021 and reach a value of US$1.9 bn by the end of the forecast period.The market report, titled Renal Denervation Devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, and Forecast 2012 - 2021, further states that the worldwide market for renal denervation devices stood at US$88.5 mn in 2012.Research Report Sample:Renal denervation is a relatively new therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension. It is a minimally invasive procedure and reduces the blood pressure by ablating renal nerves. Hypertension is regarded as a modifiable health risk and is often associated with morbidity and mortality due to its association with cardiovascular diseases. The development of catheter-based interventional therapies to interrupt renal sympathetic nervous system has shown impressive results in ensuring better blood pressure control in patients complaining of resistant hypertension. This, coupled with the increasing prevalence of uncontrolled as well as drug-resistant hypertension, is stimulating the demand for renal denervation procedures in the global arena.The report has analyzed the global renal denervation devices market on the basis of products, technology, and its regional spread. Symplicity, OneShot, EnligHTN, V2, TIVUS, Paradise, Bullfrog, and Surround Sound have been identified as the main products available in this market.Based on technology, this market has been classified into radiofrequency renal denervation devices, micro-infusion renal denervation devices, and ultrasound renal denervation devices.The research report regionally segments the global market for renal denervation devices into Asia Pacific, North America, and the Rest of the World. As per the market study, Europe is the leading regional renal denervation devices market.In 2012, Europe held a share of 80% in the global renal denervation devices market. Analysts project the region to retain its dominance over the forecast period. The rising research activities in Europe for the further development of renal denervation procedures is fueling the demand from the market in this region.Browse Report:The Asia Pacific renal denervation devices market has occupied the second position in the global market and is likely to retain its position during the forecast period. The rising geriatric population in Asia Pacific, coupled with a large patient pool suffering from diabetes, is driving the demand for renal denervation devices market in this region, states the market report.The report also expects the markets for renal denervation devices in North America and the Rest of the world to show healthy growth. The increasing approvals of these devices from the U.S. FDA are driving the North America renal denervation devices market, whereas the Rest of the World market is led by the rising incidence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular disorders, notes the study.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Proline Market: Quantitative Market analysis, Current and Future Trends to 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4346 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/4346 Proline is an alpha amino acid which can be naturally produced by the human body as it is not considered as an essential amino acid. It is derived biosynthetically from the amino acid L-glutamate with its immediate precursor being imino acid (S)-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C). Proline is one of the non-essential amino acids due to which it can be synthesized naturally through biochemical pathways in the body. Proline as well as its derivatives is generally used in organic reactions as asymmetric catalysts. Aldol condensation catalyzed from proline and the CoreyBakshiShibata (CBS) reductions are some of the prominent examples. It also serves as a precursor hydroxyl-proline which is considered to be a major component of the connective tissues in the body. Proline is also used in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications due to its osmoprotectant property. It can be taken through supplements as it is found in meat and other animal products. Proline is one of the 20 amino acids that produced proteins.Use For to: Download TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The global market for proline has been witnessing noticeable growth owing to rising demand from its end-user industries. Growing consumption of meat has significantly contributed towards the growth of proline market. In addition, increasing consumption of the amino acids to cure heart disease has driven the global demand for proline. Arteriosclerosis is one of the major reasons for the emergence of heart ailments which leads to hardening of the arteries. This occurs due to loss of suppleness of blood vessels caused by the sluggish growth of collagen with tender tissues comprising the blood vessel walls. Presence of proline in the arteries increases the bodys resistance against arteriosclerosis by forming a continuous formation of collagen. Proline is used in a variety of applications performing different functions in humans and animals. The production of proline is augmenting on account of technological advancement coupled with better understanding of the properties and functions of amino acids. Moreover, large scale production as well as modern production technology of proline is making it economical thereby contributing towards the growth of the market.Growing demand for meat is anticipated to one of the key driving factors for animal feed thereby leading towards the growth for the proline market. Human and animal food forms a significant part of the market for proline. With the rising population and standard of living of the consumers, consumption of proline in food and feed applications is anticipated to rise noticeably over the next few years. Moreover, rising prevalence of proline in medical applications with increasing number of heart diseases is also expected to contribute towards the growing demand for proline over the forecast period. However, price and supply fluctuations of raw materials are expected to slow down the growth of the market. Owing to volatility in the supply of raw materials coupled with adverse weather conditions, raw materials are experiencing a surge in their prices, due to which manufacturers are looking for more economical raw materials. Focus of manufacturers towards market expansion in emerging regions such as Asia Pacific as well as increasing the scope of research and development for developing innovative products is expected to provide new opportunities for the growth of the market.Buy Full Report@Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Anaspec, Inc., ChemPep Inc., Iris Biotech GmbH, and PepTech Corporation among other are some of the major manufacturers of proline present in the industry.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com MH370 update: Malaysian Airlines says will not compensate for emotional trauma ; Report claims flight nose dived at 20,000ft per minute A Malaysian woman poses in front of a mural of missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 plane in a back-alley in Shah Alam in Malaysia. (Photo : Getty Images/Manan Vatsyayana ) In a legal case taken up in Australia's federal court, Malaysian Airlines has refused to accept responsibility towards the emotional stress brought on by the disappearance of flight MH370. The case was taken up regarding compensation claims filed by Australian family members.The defense for Malaysian Airlines refused compensation for psychological stress for the family of four Australian passengers who lost their lives on the doomed flight, News.com.au reported. Advertisement The airline's defense argued that the next of kin were not entitled to claim compensation for nervous shock treatment.The case was put forward by the adult children of two couples, Bob and Cathy Lawton and Rod and Mary Burrows. The two couples were among the more than 200 who disappeared when flight MH370 left from Kuala Lampur to Beijing in March 2014.The adult children of both couples were informed of their parents' death by text message by the airline, the publication claimed. Legal action was filed against Malaysian Airlines on behalf of the families claiming that the airline was negligent and failed to take adequate safety precautions.In addition to funeral and other expenses, the two families are claiming compensation for nervous shock, depression and anxiety. Reportedly, the Montreal Convention claims in the event of an airline crash it is up to the airline to prove that it was not negligent. Meanwhile, new findings into the ill-fated Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 have revealed that the aircraft dived at a rapid speed of 20,000feet per-minute into the Indian Ocean. The plane began its descent when its engines stopped functioning and the fuel tanks were empty, a Daily Mail report claimed quoting an Australian publication. Scientists believe the plane plunged into the water with an incredible force having analyzed signals sent between a satellite and the plane. The latest information has enabled investigators to find the plane's wreckage within a radius in the Indian Ocean where the search continues. Investigators believe that Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, who was piloting the plane would not have been able to steer the aircraft as it plummeted to the sea. Watch a documentary on the MH370 flight below: Battery Management Modules Market with business strategies and analysis to 2025- The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/battery-management-modules-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000176 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000176 The Battery Management Modules Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Components, Applications, End-users report provides a detailed overview of the major factors impacting the global market with the market share analysis and revenues of various sub segments.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Battery Management Modules Market to 2025 @Battery management systems are particularly designed to meet the requirements of managing and protecting Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and battery packs used in Electric Vehicles (EV) with automotive grade quality. The growing applications of batteries that can be recharged in telecom, military and healthcare, and developing market for hybrid and electric vehicles are factors propelling the global market growth. The progress of battery management systems in power grids and automotive industry are representing the strong adoption of BMS globally. Automotive sector holds the largest market share and then comes consumer/handheld and energy. Possibility of fire accidents of electric vehicles (mostly battery electric vehicles) resulted in consumers concerns regarding the safety of electric vehicles. AS compared to HEV, both BEV and PHEV have more compound battery system assembly that needs more efficient battery strength and safety; thus, BEV and PHEV require more developed and dependable BMS. The BMS market is anticipated to propagate the growth of the EV market.The electronics manufacturers are concentrating on producing small versions of electronic products, resulting in reduced size of BMS. Rising demand for reducing fuel costs and maximizing vehicle competence has led to technological progressions in EV and HEV. To upsurge utilization of battery storage ability and evade hazardous incidents caused by battery overheating, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of e-bikes and e-vehicles are integrating BMS systems in these vehicles. The global market for BEM is experiencing complex competition due to existence of huge number of manufacturer.Avail discount on full report @The global battery management system market is segmented by topology into distributed, centralized and modular. Further, the market is segmented by component that includes battery, DC/DC converter, power module and communication channel. Also, the global battery management market is bifurcated on the basis of end-user into automotive, consumer/handheld and energy. This market is also bisected by regions i.e. Europe, APAC, North America, South America and Middle East & Africa.The global market for battery management system is dominated by Asia Pacific owing to existence of major automotive manufacturers and increasing usage of hybrid and electric vehicles in China. Europe and North America covers the second largest share in the market. L&T Technology Services, Electric Vehicle Innovative Systems, Valence Technology, Inc., Panacis Inc., Johnson Matthey PLC, Merlin Equipment Ltd., Ashwoods Energy Limited, Vecture Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Lithium Balance Corporation, SK Continental E-motion, Nuvation Engineering, TWS are some of the key market players in the global battery management system market among others.Request Free Sample @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Sodium Benzoate Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4356 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/4356 Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt of benzoic acid which exists when dissolved in water. It is one of the most widely consumed food preservative which is produced by the reaction of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. Benzoic acid naturally occurs at low levels in apples, ripe cloves, prunes, cinnamon and cranberries. It is also developed by the addition of benzoic acid to a hot concentrated sodium carbonate solution until the ceasing of effervescence, which is then evaporated, cooled and crystallized or evaporated to dryness, and then granulated. Sodium benzoate is used in a wide range of applications such as preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, fireworks and pharmaceuticals among others. Asia Pacific was the largest consumer for sodium benzoate, with China being the largest consumer in the world. It was followed by matured regions such as Europe and North America majorly due to demand for industrial chemicals and food preservatives.Use For to: Download TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The global market for sodium benzoate has been witnessing a significant increase on account of growing demand from its application industries. Increasing consumption of sodium benzoate in food preservatives has been primarily due to growing use of preservatives as packed beverages and food continue to gain in availability and popularity. The market potential for sodium benzoate in food and beverages has been significant. Various factors such as changing lifestyles, particularly in emerging regions such as Asia Pacific, rising concerns for food safety and longer shelf lives as more ready to drink and food beverages are being consumed are expected to contribute towards the demand for sodium benzoate. Moreover, growing urbanization coupled with rising popularity of ready to drink beverages and processed foods is also anticipated to boost the demand for sodium benzoate over the next few years. Other than preservatives, sodium benzoate is significantly used in pharmaceuticals in the treatment of urea cycle disorders owing to its ability to bind amino acids, which leads to a decrease in ammonia levels and excretion of the amino acids. Moreover, growing use of sodium benzoate in schizophrenia as an add-on therapy has also contributed towards the growth of the market. It is also used in whistle mix as a fuel, a powder when compressed into a tube and ignited, emits a whistling noise. The fuel consumed is one of the fastest burning rocket fuels which provides significant amount of smoke and thrust.Growing demand for sodium benzoate in food preservatives is expected to one of the major growth factors for the market. Sodium benzoate is widely consumed in acidic foods such as vinegar, carbonic acid, fruit juices, jams, and condiments. Its use as a pharmaceutical preservative in cosmetics and medicine is also expected to contribute towards the growing demand for sodium benzoate over the forecast period. However, rising health concerns regarding the consumption of sodium benzoate when combined with ascorbic acid in beverages is expected to hamper the growth of the market. When combined with ascorbic acid, potassium benzoate and sodium benzoate produce carcinogen which has been considered dangerous for consumption by the World Health Organization (WHO). Focus on research and development activities for developing innovative products as well focus of manufacturers on expansion in various emerging economies such as India is expected to provide new opportunities for the growth of the market.Buy Full Report@Akzo Nobel N.V., DuPont, Eastman Chemical Company, and Sodium Aldrich Corporation are some of the key players in sodium benzoate market present in the industry.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com IQPC announces the 7th International Conference Innovative Aircraft Seating 2016 www.aircraft-seating-conference.com 10.08.2016, Berlin, Germany - Taking place in Hamburg, this international event with special focus on latest trends and materials for aircraft seating will give the opportunity to share experience with new lightweight materials, as well as new cabin configurations.The 7th International Conference Innovative Aircraft Seating 2016, produced by IQPC GmbH, will be held in Hamburg, Germany on 6 8 December, 2016 and will welcome experts from airlines, aircraft and seat manufacturers, major suppliers, designers, and academia to learn about the latest on design innovation and new ideas for improving comfort on board.The conference offers 2 full days with insights from global leading experts, 4 technical workshops, and in-depth and interactive networking opportunities to ensure participants gain lifetime value from the event.Key topics include: Passenger emotions and the impact on the perception of comfort Personalization and customization in future seat design Lightweight seat design concepts: Solving the conflict of weight reduction vs. comfort, safety, and cost User-centric approach to aircraft seating design for ergonomic advantages and healthy sitting Designing seats for maintainability, upgrade capability, and reliability Innovative testing and certification strategies for efficiency and cost reductionPresentations include: Forpeople gives British Airways new Dreamliner First a more human touchRichard Stevens, Founder, forpeople and creative director,British Airways, UK Current Design and Future Trends in Aircraft SeatsAlfons Stachel, Director InnovationRECARO Aircraft Seating, Germany Hawaiian Airlines: Elevating the customer experience in a leisure marketStephan Koenen, Product Manager Cabin InteriorsHawaiian Airlines, USA Adapting F1 practices and automotive processes to develop an evolution in aircraft seatingPhill Hall, CEOMirus Aircraft Seating, UK Business Jet Seating: Design for exceeding customer expectationsPawan Galkwad, Product Development Engineer Aircraft SeatingEmbraer, USA Working toward the Most Advanced Yet Acceptable (MAYA) goal in aircraft interior designGlenn Johnson, Director Advanced Design GroupB/E Aerospace, USAFor more information and details concerning speakers and presentations, visit:About IQPC:IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC's large scale conferences are market leading must attend events for their respective industries. IQPC produces more than 1,500 events annually around the world, and continues to grow. Founded in 1973, IQPC now has offices in major cities across six continents including: Berlin, Dubai, London, New York, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, and Sydney. IQPC leverages a global research base of best practices to produce an unrivalled portfolio of conferences.We look forward to seeing you on December 6-8 at the 7th International Conference Innovative Aircraft Seating 2016 in Hamburg!IQPC GermanyFriedrichstr. 9410117 Berlin Market Research on Mobile Tracking Solution Market 2015 and Analysis to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-578 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-578 www.futuremarketinsights.com Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: OverviewMobile tracking solution enables user to get real time update on the position of mobile assets. GPS devices and RFID tags when attached with equipment and assets ensure efficient mobile tracking. Handheld scanners and mobile phones can also be used to track mobile assets. Mobile traction solution find their application in medical asset tracking, mobile industrial generator tracking, construction assets tracking, military assets tracking, wild-life and conservation, and shipping & container tracking etc.Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: SegmentationGlobal mobile tracking solution market can be segmented into technology, vertical, and region. On the basis of technology the market is segmented into RFID tags, GPS and other technology. Vertical includes various segments such as public sector, healthcare sector, banking financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector, transport and logistics sector, retail sector, commercial sector, industrial sector, energy & utility sector, manufacturing sector and other sector. Region wise the global mobile tracking SOLUTION market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA).Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: DriversProliferation of connected devices and sensor technology across the verticals, reduction in search time for misplaced and lost assets. Additionally, mobile tracking solution easy access to asset depreciation and cost data for accounting purposes, and improved customer service are some of the major factors that are expected to drive the growth of mobile tracking solution market across the globe.Request Free Report Sample@Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: RestraintSome of the restraints which are hindering the growth of global mobile tracking market to some extent are lack of connectivity infrastructure in developing regions and high cost of the mobile tracking solution.Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global mobile tracking solution market is projected to show a considerable growth in CAGR from 2015 to 2025. FMI forecasts, emerging economies such as Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa, are expected to create new business opportunities for the mobile tracking solution providers.Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players in the global mobile tracking solution market focus on product innovation and introduction of new enhance solution in order to outperform competitors. Furthermore, acquisition and merger is another major strategy followed by major players in the global mobile tracking solution market. For example, ORBCOMM Inc. completed the acquisition of SkyWave Mobile Communications (SkyWave) in 2015Visit For TOC@Global Mobile Tracking Solution Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global mobile tracking solution market are Wasp Barcode Technologies., Mobile Asset Solutions., Barcodes, Inc., Wavetrend Ltd., ORBCOMM Inc., Verizon, Spireon, Inc., NFC Group, Vix Technology, and Libelium Comunicaciones Distribuidas S.L etc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: FPGA Market size expected to reach USD 9.98 billion by 2022, to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2015 to 2022 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/156 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/field-programmable-gate-array-fpga-market-size Field programmable gate array (FPGA) market size was valued at USD 5.27 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2015 to 2022; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Rising demand across various end-use industries such as data processing, automotive, industrial and consumer electronics is expected to drive FPGA market growth over the forecast timeframe. Smartphone industry is anticipated to have considerable impact on global FPGA market size. In addition, it efficiently performs DSP (digital signal processing) functions such as signal processing and image enhancement owing to its built-in RAM. Increasing usage in flat panel displays for processing, display panel application, panel driver or controller, operating mode, battery management and video board application will also propel demand through 2022.Request for a sample of this research report @Surging use of these products in the healthcare sector for medical imaging equipment is expected to drive FPGA market size. Growth in this sector can be credited to requirement of high performance computing capabilities. The automotive industry is projected to be a key contributor for due to rising usage of electronic content in rear-view cameras, driver assistance, infotainment, as well as in electric vehicles.Rapid technological advancements are expected to widen application avenues. Rising prominence and adoption of technologies such as 3G and LTE in the telecommunications segment is likely to increase the demand for wider bandwidth. For instance, Altera Corp. developed an FPGA that integrates 11.3 Gbps transceiver to achieve high-speed bandwidth needs for MAC, next-generation framer, bridging, and switching applications for 100 GbE. Furthermore, rising service providers focus on increasing operational efficiency, reducing costs associated with network deployments, reduction in energy-related expenses, and increasing utilization of clean energy sources is predicted to drive FPGA market growth.Design complexity issues such as functional, electrical and marginal are predicted to hamper industry demand. However, escalating application of these products in various devices such as camera, electronic toys & games, portable navigators and 3D eyewear, 3D glasses, smart immersive 3DTV and 3D head mount visor is expected to offer massive growth potential over the next seven years.Browse key industry insights spread across 75 Pages with 23 market data tables & 22 figures from the report, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Market Size By Application (Data Processing, Industrial, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Telecom, Military & Aerospace), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015 2022 in detail along with the table of contents:Key insights from the report include: Consumer electronics application was responsible for revenue of USD 650 million in 2014 and is predicted to grow at 8.9% CAGR from 2015 to 2022. Rising prominence of smart devices such as mobile phones, tablets and MP3 players are the major growth drivers. Telecom sector is anticipated to witness substantial growth prospects owing to high flexibility. The segment is estimated to grow at 9% CAGR to account for over 34% of the FPGA market share by 2022. Asia Pacific FPGA market was valued at over USD 2 billion in 2014. Growth in the region can be attributed to rising application in numerous sectors such as consumer electronics, industrial and automotive across India, Japan, China, and South Korea. Europe is projected to grow at 7.7% CAGR over the forecast timeline. Favorable regulatory landscape for road safety is likely to drive regional demand. Key participants accounting for FPGA market share include Xilinx, Intel Corporation, Achronix Semiconductor, Atmel, and Cypress Semiconductor. Other prominent players are Lattice Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, & Microsemi. Industry participants focus on technology advancements as well as new product development which describes the FPGA market scenario. For instance, Intel Corp. announced Intel Atom processor Z3700 series in July 2014.Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Global Market Insights Inc.29L Atlantic Avenue,Suite L 105, Ocean View,Delaware 19970United States Companion Diagnostics Market worth $8,730.7 Million by 2019 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/companion-diagnostics-market-155571681.html http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=155571681 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=155571681 The report "Companion Diagnostics Market by Technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction, In-situ hybridization, Immunohistochemistry), Application (Breast, Lung cancer) & End-user (Pharmaceutical Companies, Reference Lab)- Global Trends & Forecasts to 2019", The global companion diagnostics market is expected to reach $8,730.7 million by 2019 from $3136.9 million in 2014, at a CAGR of 22.7% during the forecast period (2014 to 2019).Browse 57 market data tables with 36 figures spread through 142 pages and in-depth TOC on "Companion Diagnostics Market"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.Advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), increasing adoption of companion diagnostic kits/tests by the pharmaceutical industry and encouragement from regulatory bodies are expected to boost the global market.Increasing costs of drug discovery; continuous focus on customized medicines for cancer; infectious, cardiovascular, neurological, and autoimmune diseases; and the need for technically advanced diagnostics has stimulated pharmaceutical firms to enter into the market. In 2013, many new molecular entities (NMEs) were approved by a pharmacogenomic biomarker from the FDA.Ask For PDF Brochure:However, non-validated home brew tests employed by reference laboratories pose a major threat to validated companion diagnostic kits globally, as they are easily available and have faster approval procedures. In addition, different reimbursement policies followed by different regions may hinder the growth of the market.NGS-based companion diagnostics is one of the major factors that will drive the market owing to its capability of identifying multiple genes at a single time. This in turn encouraged the adoption of diagnostic tests in the earlier clinical phase and ensured accurate treatments. Currently, NGS-based companion diagnostic tests are available for cystic fibrosis and the companion diagnostic manufacturers are engaged in developing tests for other chronic and life threatening diseases. To capture this market, pharmaceutical firms are striving to enter into the global market through strategic acquisitions and collaborations with NGS platform diagnostic firms.Get Sample Copy:Moreover, the end results of NGS is superior as compared to other technologies, as NGS provides a wider definition of genome sequencing that will fuel the adoption of NGS-based companion diagnostic in the future.This study also illustrates the major market players who have made a remarkable contribution in the global market. The major players of this market are Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Agilent Technologies (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), and QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands).About MarketsandMarkets:MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.Contact:Mr. RohanUnit No. 802, 8th Floor,Tower - 7, Magarpatta City SEZ,Hadapsar, Pune 411013,Maharashtra, India.Tel: +1-888-6006-441. Global Small Hydropower Market to Exhibit a Moderate CAGR of 2.85% from 2015 to 2023. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7730 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/small-hydropower-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a new market study on the global small hydropower market. According to the report, the global small hydropower market is set to expand at a slow pace, exhibiting a 2.85% CAGR in the period from 2015 to 2023. The total installed capacity of small hydropower, which was 110.77 GW in 2014, is expected to rise to 146.65 GW by 2023. The report is titled Small Hydropower Market, by installed capacity - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023 and contains fruitful information on the global small hydropower market. The report provides a broad perspective and analysis of the key companies in the market, along with data about the markets competitive landscape. It analyzes the market dynamics and offers a comprehensive industry analysis along with the industry trends and growth opportunities.Get Free PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:Small hydropower is the development of hydroelectric power on a smaller scale, serving a smaller community or a small industrial plant. Small hydropower can be connected to conventional electrical distribution networks and serve as a source of low-cost renewable energy. They can be used in isolated or remote areas where there is no electrical distribution network. One of the major benefits of small hydropower is its relatively lower impact on the environment. SHP or small hydropower is thus an efficient and emission-free renewable source of electricity and can be used for both on-grid and off-grid applications.Constructed using existing dams or the flow of rivers, SHP systems comprise generators, turbines, transformers, and reservoirs. The market is driven by the adoption of SHP systems in rural areas, where there is no infrastructure, such as electricity distribution and transmission lines. Another major reason why SHP is being adopted is the fact that the energy produced by small hydropower systems is the cleanest form of renewable electricity and does no harm to the environment by releasing harmful gases or pollutants. These are the factors that are driving the small hydropower market.The report segments the small hydropower market on the basis of region into South and Central America, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Out of these regions, 70% of the global market for small hydropower was held by Asia Pacific in 2014, wherein China ranked first in terms of SHP installations, closely followed by India and Japan. The growth of the SHP market in China can be attributed to initiatives taken by the government to promote small hydropower by means of extending tax credits and incentives.Europe turned out to be the second largest market for SHP in 2014 and was led by Italy, which benefitted from the large funding available for the development of small hydropower systems as well as the well-structured energy policies in the country. North America was the third largest market in 2014 and was led by the U.S.A. and Canada, which held the maximum number of SHP installations. The report forecasts that the market in the MENA region will witness significant growth in the future due to the high demand for renewable energy from countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria.Browse Industry Research Report with free Analysis:The leading players in the small hydropower market are: ANDRITZ HYDRO GmbH, Voith GmbH, Alstom S.A., StatKraft AS, and BC Hydro.The global Small Hydropower market has been segmented as follows:Small Hydropower Market: By RegionNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East and AfricaSouth and Central AmericaAbout UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Base Oil Market: Growing Demand from Automotive Sector to Drive Market Growth at 1.40% CAGR. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=288 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/base-oils-lubes-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ According to a recent market research report released by Transparency Market Research, the global base oil market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 1.4% during the period between 2015 and 2020. The report, titled Base Oil Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2020, estimates the demand for base oils to reach up to 39,614.7 kilo tons by 2020. However, the valuation of the overall market is expected to drop during the forecast horizon. The overall market was worth US$34,514.1 mn in 2014 and is expected to be valued at US$30,973.1 mn by 2020.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure:The report points out that the growth in automobile industry has resulted to increased demand for finished lubricants. Stringent emission standards across the globe have led to change in lubricant formulation methods. Further, rapid industrialization in emerging economies has propelled the demand for lubricants from various end user segments. All these factors are expected to push the growth of the global base oil market. However, the report notes that the plummeting crude oil prices along with gradual shift to heavy, sour crude oil by refiners will negatively impact the overall base oil market. The market witnesses a significant opportunity to grow with the introduction of gas-to-liquid technology that will increase the supply of highly pure and efficient base oils at competitive prices in future.On the basis of product type, the report segments the global base oil market into Group I, Group II, Group III, and others. The report estimates the demand for Group I base oils to fall significantly by 2020 due to the increasing preference for superior quality Group II and Group III base oils in industrial and automotive sectors in Europe and North America. However, in regions such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and South America, the demand for certain grades of Group I oil such as Bright Stock will be high. With more rigid emission control standards, the demand for Group III base oil will be higher, especially in the automotive sector for manufacturing finished lubricants.In terms of applications, the report categorizes the global base oil market into process oils, industrial oils, metalworking fluids, automotive oils, hydraulic oils, and others. In 2014, automotive oils dominated the overall base oil market and is forecasted to lead the market in the next couple of years.The report studies the global base oil market across Europe, North America, Central and South America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. With the presence of majority of global auto manufacturers in Europe, the region contributes significantly towards the demand for automotive oils.Browse Industry Research Report with free Analysis:The report profiles some of the key players in the global base oil market such as Sinopec Corporation, Phillips 66 Company, Royal Dutch Shell plc, ExxonMobil Corporation, S-Oil Corporation, SK Lubricants Co. Ltd., Chevron Corporation, BP plc, GS Caltex Corporation, MOGoil GmbH, and PetroChina Company Limited.The research study has been segmented as below:Global Base Oil Market: Product AnalysisGroup ISN150BS150SN500OthersGroup II150N500N600NOthersGroup III2cSt4cSt6cSt8cStOthersGlobal Base Oil Market: Application AnalysisAutomotive OilsIndustrial OilsProcess OilsMetalworking FluidsHydraulic OilsOthersAbout UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Organic Search Engine optimization by Iwebnext for boosting website ranking Dearborn, MI, Aug 12, 2016- Even a few years back, it was not a big deal to get traffic to your website. But with the growing competition in the business world, every businessman vies for a prominent space on the internet. This is due to the fact that internet has shrunk the world and has made it possible for people to access almost anything they desire, sitting at the comfort of their home or office.The best way to make your presence felt on the net is through websites, that displays your companys products and services, and helps people from any corner of the world to access or purchase whatever it is that your business is offering. And in this crowd of websites, the best possible way to make your website visible is through Organic SEO. Through this method, a higher return on your investment (ROI) is possible. Search engine optimization brings you a higher Return On your Investment than any other form of marketing.With specific targeted key words, Organic SEO services, improve a websites ranking in search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. Though it is time consuming, it produces long term results, which can establish your business on a firm footing. But this process of Organic SEO requires an expert team who has knowledge and experience in the field. The organic SEO process involves intricate and tedious process, which is best employed by a team who have full knowledge about the various aspects involved in the method. In the meantime, you can concentrate on your business activities while the experts take care of optimizing your website and generate more traffic to your website.Iwebnext is a fast growing organization which provides web development services, responsive website development, custom website design services, and professional web page design. We are a privately held and funded organization, specializing in ITES and software development. We are a team of professionals, who specialize in innovative twenty first century data solutions ideal for the global market.Addres:6635 Coleman st, Dearborn ,MI 48126Email:info@iwebnext.comPhone:+1-888-991-3815 Augmented Reality Market size forecast to expand at over 75% CAGR up to 2024 Augmented Reality (AR) Market size was over USD 2 billion in 2015, and is expected to grow at 75% CAGR from 2016 to 2024 to exceed USD 175 billion by 2024. Growing demand of in healthcare, architecture, e-commerce and retail sectors will drive revenue in the coming years.Global demand for AR market devices and applications in 3D visualization and disease detection is on the rise. Diagnosis of cognitive decline, relieving post-traumatic stress by exposure therapy, treatment of phantom limb pain and application in surgical treatment are some applications fueling the growth of this industry. Considerable benefits in areas such as aerospace and defense for training pilots to optimize cost and danger will augment growth. Increasing demand in the automotive and architecture industry are also forecast to drive augmented reality market share. The technology can be used to highlight all features related to design and dimensions. In the course of the designing stage of its construction, it enables designers and manufacturers to design concept models with minimum costs. It also helps users understand the precise information at their disposal.Enhanced, personalized and convenient shopping experiences within the comfort of users location and development of applications such as virtual changing room, and adoption of AR solutions will help users to visualize products realistically from any location. Growth of e-commerce and m-commerce may boost augmented reality market size. The gaming sector is expected to develop more interactive and engaging applications and products. The recent launch of Pokemon Go has led to exponential upsurge in the number of users. Augmented reality market also finds application in sight-seeing, tourism, facility management and e-learning.Growth may be hampered by user interface (UI) limitations, such as its vulnerability to its technical inefficiency in determining various physical obstructions due to lack of information in view management. The UI performance has certain limitations that affect navigation of AR devices. Applications developed for mobile phones and portable devices have to consider the factors as low processing power and limited storage due to restricted size of memory cards. Image latency, privacy and awareness are inhibiting the growth of this sector. Cost of development, graphics, programming physics also impact the growth negatively. Unavailability of hardware and interoperability issues present a major concern. Since the technology is in nascent stage, awareness about its potential and capabilities is low, especially in developing and under-developed economies. In addition, the physical obtrusiveness of the designs developed is expected to be a critical factor preventing consumer acceptance.By application, the augmented reality industry is segmented into consumer applications, aerospace and defense, medical, commercial and geospatial mining. The commercial applications such as e-learning, tourism and e-commerce are predicted to exhibit growth due to the penetration of mobile phones, and are predicted to have highest growth rate in the forecast period.Further, the AR industry is segmented by hardware components into sensors, semiconductor and display devices. In 2015, the handheld display segment accounted for the largest share due to increased number mobile phone users. By display type, head mounted display (HMD), head up display (HUD), hand held display and spatial display are the major segments of the industry. In the naval space, HMDs assists in areas with difficult terrain and low visibility, by improving navigational and visual capabilities. Soldiers can access strategic information including thermal imaging data while viewing the real environment, which has led to increased demand. Increasing demand for instant data accessibility in mobile workplaces has spurred production activities in order to serve a wide variety of consumer, industrial, medical and military applications.U.S augmented reality market share led global revenue in 2015, and is expected to steadily over the forecast timeline. Asia Pacific is poised to register the highest CAGR owing to the considerable development in countries such as China, India, South Korea and Japan. Military programs are expected to continue pursuing development of HMDs coupled with investigation of virtual and human issues associated with displayed information. Popularity of video gaming advancement in 3D imaging is expected to fuel growth. Low cost displays are expected to be a key element to enable consumer oriented mobile AR development.Key participants are Google Inc., Magic Leap Inc., Microsoft Corp., Blippar, Catchoom, Innovega Inc., Laster Technologies, Metaio Gmbh, Total Immersion and Samsung Electronics Co. AR market share can be consolidated by providing innovative, reliable and new product launches as a key strategy in the forecast period.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Global Market Insights Inc.29L Atlantic Avenue,Suite L 105, Ocean View,Delaware 19970United StatesPhone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email:sales@gminsights.com Torrents alternatives after fall of Kickass Torrents, Torrenthound and Torrentz: Kickass.mx shut down (Photo : Getty Images/ David Paul Morris) The Pirate Bay (TPB) and Extra Torrent are the two largest torrent downloading website still standing following the shutdown of KickassTorrents (KAT). However, it is unclear whether the two sites will be the next target of authorities amid constant emergence of clones and mirror. Fans were shocked when Torrentz.eu owners shut down the site and disabled its search function. The website has been in existence since 2003. Besides being one of the oldest, Torrentz.eu had become popular, ranking 186 globally. Advertisement As opposed to TPB and the recently brought down KickassTorrents that operated as hosts for shared files, Torrentz.eu was only a search engine. Users could use the website to discover sites that had a specific file available from a list of 28 potential sources. The absence of hosting activities made Torrentz.eu seem impervious to attack as compared to other sites. However, the site still had a takedown policy put in place for any searched copyright infringement files. Torrentz.eu owners decided close down the shop preemptively based either on actual knowledge of pending action, or understandable fear that being among the largest hosting websites; it would naturally become the focus of any shutdown moves. The site disabled its search operation on Aug. 6, according to Variety. Owner posted the following notice on Torrentz official website, "Torrentz was a free, fast, and powerful meta-search engine combining results from dozens of search engines. Torrentz will always love you. Farewell." The reason behind the shutdown is still unclear, and therefore, it remains unknown whether there is a plan to go after additional sites. Furthermore, Torrentz.eu owner have come out to deny that emerging clones have nothing to do with the original website. The shutdown of KickassTorrents left many users clamoring for alternative torrent sites, and the most popular were TPB, Extra Torrent, and Torrentz.eu. Now that Torrentz.eu is gone, users are wondering if the remaining two will take the same direction. It remains to be seen whether owners of TPB and Extra Torrent will also shut down their sites. Currently, the torrenting community is encouraged to use the remaining two largest sites as best alternatives to KickassTorrents. Here is footage for more information on Torrentz.eu: Cuculus adds support for Danfoss devices for the ZONOS smart metering platform http://www.cuculus.net Cuculus GmbH, a developer of smart metering and energy management solutions, announces that it has added support for five heat meters and four communications gateways from Danfoss A/S.Cuculus ZONOS smart metering platform is one of the only platforms capable of giving customers true flexibility to choose their preferred meter type and communication infrastructure. Through the addition, ZONOS is currently able to control and manage more than 95 device types in a wide range of set-ups such as mobile communication, Ethernet, PLC or RF Mesh. The solution also provides advanced functionality enabling firmware and encryption key management across the various devices. Devices used for various purposes, e.g. power and district heating metering as well as the communications infrastructure, can be managed in the same system. Through these capabilities the ZONOS platform has also been used for IoT related applications such as control of street lighting and de-central generation.Kjartan V. Skaugvoll, CEO of Cuculus, commented: We continue to add value for clients by making sure that we provide them with solutions that guarantee device and communications independence. This flexibility gives great benefits by enabling clients to explore new opportunities with lower investment and operational costs than with proprietary solutions. Danfoss has a great market position for district heating particularly in Russian and Chinese markets, so we are pleased with this extension. We will continue to expand the list of supported devices and technologies aggressively moving our solutions into the IoT area.Jannik Munk, Systems and Solution Manager at Danfoss, said: Our new range of smart district heating meters and communication gateways provide great benefits and are attractive for both utilities and property owners. We are pleased that customers making use of Cuculus software platform get the opportunity to make use of our product range and that Danfoss customers have the option to consider Cuculus advanced solution if they are interested in a meter vendor independent solution."Since 2007 Cuculus provides software solutions for the energy sector and beyond. Our ZONOS platform and the supporting optional ZONOS modules form the basis for our solutions in the area of smart metering and energy management. ZONOS can be integrated quickly and easily into existing system environments and is growing with the technical, commercial and procedural requirements of our customers. The support of various vendors and technologies, the multi-utility support (electricity, gas, water and heat) and a smart modular design principle allow a maximum of flexibility. Whether small pilot project as a cloud solution or full roll-out, our solutions ensure short time-to-market and easy operation.Cuculus GmbHEhrenbergstrae 1198693 IlmenauDeutschland / GermanyTelefon: +49 3677 6860000Fax: +49 3677 6860009E-Mail: office@cuculus.netInternet: Food Certification Market to Reach US$16.0 bn by 2021 due to Rising Consumer Awareness about Consuming Healthy Food Products. United States http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6331 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/food-certification-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A new Transparency Market Research report states that the global food certification market stood at US$11.2 bn in 2014 and is predicted to reach US$ 16.0 bn by 2021. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.30% from 2015 to 2021. The title of the report is Food Certification Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2021.The increasing awareness and rising consumer concern about consuming healthy food products is amongst the key factors stimulating the market for food certification worldwide. Additionally, the rising occurrence of foodborne diseases is further augmenting the popularity of food certification at a global level. In addition, the rising health risks caused by consuming contaminated food products along with issues related to genetically modified organisms (GMO) as well as genetically modified food products are stimulating the food certification market worldwide. Furthermore, the rising disposable incomes and increase in money expended on quality food products are also predicted to impact the food certification market positively.Get Free PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:On the basis of type, the food certification market is segmented into Safe Quality Food certification, ISO 22000, the International Food Standard, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Halal certification, Kosher certification, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), and others.These certification bodies, via follow-up and through audits, make sure that the companies engaged in food production follow adequate food management processes. After the food security checks, these certification bodies provide certification to the respective companies engaged in the food industry worldwide. They also make sure that all the food products are disease-free and safe to be consumed. This is why food product manufacturers are taking steps to enhance their food quality and management systems by the application of safety measures at each stage of the food chain to get superior quality products.On the basis of application type, the food certification market is segmented into dairy products, processed meat and poultry products, organic food, infant food products, beverages, and other packaged food. On the basis of geography, the food certification market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Amongst these, the U.S. led the food certification market in North America owing to the rising health consciousness along with rising consumer awareness on the side effects of adulterated food products in this region. On the other hand, Germany led the food certification market in Europe and was trailed by the U.K. China led the market in Asia Pacific, followed by India, due to the rise in the standard of living and increasing preference for superior-quality food products in this region.Browse Industry Research Report with free Analysis:Bureau Veritas, Dekra SE, AsureQuality Limited, SGS SA, Intertek Group plc., Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Lloyd's Register Group Limited, ALS Limited, and TUV SUD AG, and DNV GL Group AS are the prime players operating in the market.About UsTransparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global encryption software market is expected to reach $2.16 billion by 2020 Global Encryption Software Market 2020 http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/allied0147/global-encryption-software-market-usage-vertical-and-geography--size-share-global-trends-company-profiles-demand-insights-analysis-research-report-opportunities-segmentation-and-forecast-2013--2020 http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=allied0147 www.marketintelreports.com Software-based encryption is one of the fast emerging end point data security solutions. An increasing number of organizations worldwide are adopting encryption to address their growing concerns of data safety and data privacy compliance regulations.With data protection and compliance becoming a high priority, organizations have started to view encryption as an enabler to achieve compliance, data security and flexibility. In addition to the complex regulations, increasing adoption of new technologies such as mobility, cloud and virtualization have also fuelled the need for encryption more than ever before.The main purpose of an encryption software is to protect the confidentiality of the data stored in files/folders and disks or data-at-rest; and the data travelling over wireless network or data-in-transit, depending upon the security and compliance requirements of an organization. This is achieved by converting a message or plain text into coded message called the Cipher text so that only the authorized parties can read it. Software-based encryption uses software to encrypt and decrypt data at-rest as well as data-in-transit.Thus, by rendering the data unreadable by unauthorized persons, encryption software ensures the safety and security of the confidential data. Additionally, a number of data privacy legislations mandate the use of encryption or cite encryption as one most appropriate measures of data protection. Thus, the adoption of encryption would continue to grow in response to data protection compliance regulations and the on-going cyber-attacks.Check Complete Report @The global encryption software market is expected to reach $2.16 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of CAGR of 14.27% from 2014 to 2020. The global encryption software market has been segmented in this report as per usage, segments, geography and verticals. On the basis of usage, the global encryption software market is categorized into Data-at-rest and Data-in-transit.The Data-at-rest encryption software market is further bifurcated into two key segments; Full Disk Encryption (FDE) and File level encryption (FLE). The global encryption software market stakeholders encompass IT security providers, IT security consultants, venture capitalists, and enterprises across different industry verticals. The global encryption software market in terms of geography covers North America, Europe, APAC and LAMEA.Presently, North America dominates the global encryption software market, followed by Europe. It is expected that the North America would continue to dominate the global encryption software market from 2014 to 2020 owing to the burgeoning number of high profile data breaches, stringent data privacy compliance regulations and the increasing adoption of technologies specifically cloud and mobility.KEY BENEFITSThe study provides an in-depth analysis of the encryption software market with current and future trends to elucidate the imminent investment pockets in the marketCurrent and future trends are outlined to determine the overall attractiveness and to single out profitable trends for gaining a stronger foothold in the marketThe report provides information regarding key drivers, restraints and opportunities with impact analysisQuantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2013-2020 are provided to highlight the financial caliber of the marketPorters Five Forces model and SWOT analysis of the industry illustrates the potency of the buyers & suppliers participating in the marketValue chain analysis in the report provides a clear understanding of the roles of stakeholders involved in the value chainGet Sample Brochure of the Report @KEY MARKET SEGMENTATIONThe market is segmented on the basis of usage, vertical and geography.MARKET BY USAGE Encryption for Data-at-rest Full Disk Encryption (FDE) File Level Encryption (FLE) Encryption for Data-in-transit Email EncryptionMARKET BY VERTICAL Financial Sector Healthcare Public Sector Others (Retail)MARKET BY GEOGRAPHYNorth America United States Canada OthersEurope United Kingdom France Germany OthersAsia Pacific Japan China India Australia Others LAMEAMexico UAE South Africa OthersAbout us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.Contact us:Mayur SSales Manager2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statessales@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Harrows Market - Advance Technology for Smoothing and Breaking up the Surface of Soil http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13805 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Harrows are basically the agricultural tools which are used for smoothing out and breaking up the surface of soil. Harrowing is always carried out on the agricultural field to track the rough finish left by ploughing operations. The purpose of harrowing is generally to breakup lumps of soil, thereby providing a good tilth, finer finish soil structure that are suitable for seedbed use. Harrowing are also used to remove cover seed and weeds after sowing.The rising demand for agricultural farm machinery is one of the prominent factors which is driving the harrows market demand worldwide. This is majorly supported by the growing demand for food which is expected to rise substantially owing to the significant increase in global population during the forecast period. Rising food demand has encouraged the adoption of advanced farming practices to increase crop yields which is further resulting in the demand for agricultural machinery globally. The global harrows market is driven by increasing adoption of farm machinery for mechanization of farming operations which resulted in increased production and profitability by achieving timeliness in farming operations. This in turn helps farmers in optimum utilization of costly inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation among others. Farm mechanization also helps in the preservation of the farm produce, which further improves profitability and cost effectiveness by reducing post-harvest losses. Similarly, increasing awareness about the importance of technology in agriculture is also an important factor which is fueling the growth of the harrows market globally. This increasing awareness can be attributed to rising adoption of farm tractors and other agricultural machinery which yields high productivity gains. Moreover, Low purchasing power and high cost with low technology adoption is currently challenging the wide-scale adoption of farm machinery tools including harrows. The market growth is also inhibited by growing urbanization and decreasing farmlands. In order to counter this restraint, governments worldwide are promoting and encouraging the adoption of farm machinery tools by providing subsidies on this equipment, thereby allowing manufacturers to offer the equipment at lower rates.The global harrows market can be segmented on the basis of types, and various geographical regions. Based on different harrows types, the market has been segmented into disc harrow, chain harrow, tine harrow, and chain disk harrows. Based on various geographical regions, the market is classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In Asia Pacific, countries such as India and China are witnessing the shift in overall population. Growing population is responsible for increasing food demand in Asia Pacific, which in turn will fuel the demand for harrows for effective farm production in this region. In North America, rising need for enhanced productivity is also one of the major factors that are triggering the market growth. Likewise, in European countries such as Germany, governments are offering subsidies on agriculture and farm machinery, to promote the use of technology in farm production. This is further reinforced by increasing technical expertise, intense competition, and the presence of a large domestic market is expected to boost the harrows sales in Europe.Read More :Some of the key players in the global harrows market include S.P. Industries, Deere & Company, AGCO Corporation, Iseki & Co., Ltd., HARROWS DARTS, Kelly Engineering, and Agroking Implements Industries, among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.About UsTMR is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Hosted Test Environment Management Market - High potential market and growing opportunities for the Hosted TEM Services http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13790 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Test Environment Management (TEM) has evolved as an efficient capability to provide software developers and organizations with test-environment to aid their software testing cycle to execute test scenarios and identify bugs. Hosted TEM facilitates an organization to speed up their software testing process and enable faster release of their software to the market, as the setup time for creating a traditional test environment is reduced to great extent. This provides organizations with lead time in the market due to the faster release of their software and gain a competitive advantage in the market. On-demand access to varying needs of test tools on the hosted test environment serves as an important factor to attract software organizations to hosted TEM management services. Furthermore, it reduces the cost attached with allocating a dedicated teams for critical software testing and also enhance the quality of software testing procedures. The hosted TEM eliminates the need for the setup of complex infrastructure within an organization. Hosted TEM service provider offers comprehensive solutions that include technology and infrastructure, resources, and security and standard compliance.Hosted TEM services market is anticipated to observe continuous increase in demand in the coming years. This is attributed to the rise in the IT industry sector in recent past. The rise in IT industry sector has intensified the competition among the software organizations, thus encouraging them to adopt hosted TEM services and increase the testing process time. Moreover, increasing demand for cloud services due to its cost benefits over on-premise deployment has attracted many organizations towards the deployment of Hosted TEM services. Pay-as-you-use model is another factor to add to the growth of hosted TEM among the small and medium-sized businesses. Increasing complexity of web and mobile applications, and its requirements to test for multiple operating systems is another major factor to support the TEM management services market. However, hosted TEM faces certain challenges such as security and environment availability might affect its widespread adoption in the market.Hosted TEM services market is segmented depending on the enterprise size that include small and medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises. Small companies with lack of resources for testing are more likely to prefer hosted test environment management services. Hosted TEM services witnessed huge demand in the North America region. The concentration of established software organizations have largely contributed to the hosted TEM services market growth in the U.S. Furthermore, established infrastructure and fast adoption of new technologies have aided the TEM services market across the region. However, Asia Pacific region is likely to be a potential market for the hosted TEM services in coming years due to the growing IT industry sector in countries such as India and Philippines. Moreover, China and Japan are expected to contribute largely to the growth of Hosted TEM market in the Asia Pacific region.Read More :Considering the high potential market and growing opportunities for the hosted TEM services market, large number of software organizations are focused on providing these services across the world. The key players offering the hosted TEM services include Capgemini Group, Infosys Limited, and Plutora, Inc., and Computer Sciences Corporation.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.About UsTMR is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Neuromodulation Devices Market - APAC Emerging as Most Attractive Investment Destination http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=627 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/global-neuromodulation-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research, a U.S.-based market intelligence firm, has recently published a research report on the global neuromodulation devices market. The report is an attempt to present a thorough analysis of the market, including a snapshot of its competitive landscape, key vendor analysis, and inputs and recommendations from industry experts. The research report is titled Neuromodulation Devices Market - Global Industry Size, Market Share, Trends, Analysis, And Forecast 2012 - 2018.According to statistics provided in the research report, the global neuromodulation devices market is anticipated to touch US$7072.6 million by the end of 2018 along with a progressive growth at a 14.4% CAGR between 2012 and 2018. In 2011, the global market for neuromodulation devices was worth US$2758 million.Get a PDF Report Sample:The global market for neuromodulation devices is driven by a variety of factors, such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the presence of unmet medical needs, rising aging population more vulnerable to diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers, technological advancements, the nature of neuromodulation devices as an add-on therapy, rising global prevalence of lifestyle-induced illnesses (depression and obesity), increasing consumer expenditure on healthcare, rising instances of external funding to conduct clinical studies, and increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries.On the flip side, the rapidly changing technological landscape, easy availability of alternate treatment procedures, side effects and risks associated with the use of neuromodulation devices, and complicated procedures needed for FDA approvals and other government regulations are expected to hamper demand from the neuromodulation devices market in the forecast period.The global neuromodulation devices market has been segmented on the basis of geography into four regions, namely Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World (ROW). The research report further presents detailed market analysis, size, and forecasts for all the geographical regions. As per the figures provided in the report, in 2011, North America dominated the market with a 65% share, worth US$1792.7 million. The developing economies of Asia Pacific have been responsible for the rising demand for neuromodulation devices and the stellar expected growth of the Asia Pacific market for neuromodulation devices at a CAGR of more than 15% between 2012 and 2018.Many developing countries of Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly significant in the global neuromodulation devices market. In addition, consolidation of the healthcare industry, medical device manufacture outsourcing, and increasing information regarding the human nervous system are the rising opportunities for companies in the neuromodulation devices industry.Read More:The last section of the reports talks about the prominent companies operating in the industry. The research report on the global neuromodulation devices market has provided a list of key players and new entrants along with their company overview, business strategies, product portfolio, and the recent developments in the industry. The report has also worked on the SWOT analysis of individual companies for a complete understanding of the challenges and threats faced by them. Some of the key players mentioned in the research report are Medtronic, Uroplasty, Nevro, Cyberonics, Neuronetics Inc., Boston Scientific Group, St. Jude Medical, Codman and Shurtleff, IntraPace, Cervel Neurotech Inc., and Integra.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: The new office in Cologne was opened with the aim of building a bridge between the headquarter in Ilmenau (Thuringia) and the customers in BeNeLux and Western Germany. The opening underlines the continuing expansion course of Cuculus which will keep growing rapidly in 2013. Starting from the new location in Cologne, we are able to contact our customers and business partners directly and faster. explains Rene Boringer, co-founder and Chief Commercial 403 Forbidden 403 Forbidden Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied RequestId: 8C6615D558516299 HostId: QfzrhdHlT+t9uoHXhsb+MznANzb50BRkUwvnv0MH9vF631LNqW5MfueA686b6Q+vq8zzcKeFdBM= An Error Occurred While Attempting to Retrieve a Custom Error Document Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in establishing a timeline for a convicted felon in the week before he allegedly shot a Gladstone police sergeant, fired at a sheriff's deputy and held a Subway employee hostage. According to authorities, Jeffrey Giddings was released July 22 from the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan and sent to the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center, a halfway house in Northeast Portland. But he left the center on Aug. 2 and violated the terms of his three-year supervised release by not returning. Giddings, 45, is being held in the Clackamas County Jail on $1 million bail on charges of attempted aggravated murder, first-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree criminal mischief and felon in possession of a firearm. He also has an outstanding warrant in Klamath County on a heroin possession accusation. Giddings is a 5-foot-6, 170-pound transient, according to a sheriff's office bulletin. He is bald with blue eyes, and likely used a bicycle as transportation. Giddings has a lengthy criminal history and an extensive array of tattoos that include "Aryan Pride" and an iron cross on his face and the University of Oregon logo and mascot on his neck. The sheriff's office asks anyone with information on Giddings' whereabouts during the week he was missing from the halfway house to contact the agency's tip line at 503-723-4949. Giddings was riding a bike in Gladstone on Monday evening when he fled as a police officer tried to stop him for a traffic violation, authorities said. Giddings shot Sgt. Lee Jundt as Jundt was inside his patrol car outside a nearby Subway restaurant, police said. Jundt was struck in the back shoulder of his ballistic vest and not seriously injured. At some point, he also shot at Deputy Ben Frazier, but officials have not yet confirmed when that occurred. Giddings ran into the Subway off McLoughlin Boulevard and took one employee hostage for more than an hour until he was shot by at least one SWAT team officer, police and sheriff's officials said. He was wounded in the upper torso and fingers, and released Tuesday from the hospital. Authorities have not yet released the names of the two SWAT officers who fired at Giddings. Giddings has about two-dozen criminal convictions dating to 1991, court records show, including robbery, identity theft and drug and gun possession. He was sentenced to a 15-year federal prison term in June 2014 as a felon in possession of a firearm charge and a career criminal. He later won an appeal of the career criminal designation and was resentenced in May to four years and nine months. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Portland school board.jpg Portland's school board is trying to find a strong interim superintendent to lead Oregon's largest school district through the coming year while they search nationally for a permanent successor to Carole Smith. (Laura Frazier / The Oregonian / 2014) By BETSY HAMMOND and BETHANY BARNES Portland appears to be considering the former superintendents of Hillsboro, Newberg and Centennial, plus a former Portland deputy superintendent, as finalists to become interim superintendent of Oregon's largest district. Former Hillsboro Superintendent Joe Rodriguez, who retired from that position in 2004, was seen walking out of a meeting room with Portland school board members and a top human resources official on Thursday afternoon. Former Newberg Superintendent Paula Radich, who served as interim superintendent of Beaverton schools briefly this year and as interim superintendent of Salem-Keizer in 2014, later entered the same meeting room, where the Portland school board was meeting in a closed session Thursday to discuss a personnel matter. Pat Burk, who served as a principal and high-level administrator for Portland schools for a quarter-century, also spent nearly an hour in that same room. Burk rose to the position of deputy superintendent, then served as deputy state schools chief before becoming a Portland State University professor. Bob McKean, former superintendent of Centennial schools, was the last person to enter the meeting room and spend almost an hour behind the closed door. The school board has narrowed the field to five candidates, officials said. "I'm very heartened by the caliber of candidates," board member Amy Kohnstamm said. It appeared board members interviewed one candidate remotely, over a phone or computer connection, on Thursday. Visits by the four possible candidates seen entering and leaving the room lasted about an hour, but the meeting opened with a 90-minute segment during which human resources officials did not usher anyone in or out. District leaders turned down a public records request from The Oregonian/OregonLive for the resumes of candidates culled for interviews, arguing the remaining candidates are not finalists. Only four board members were seen entering the meeting. Pam Knowles, Mike Rosen and board chairman Tom Koehler did not take part. Other high-ranking Portland school officials such as the acting superintendent and chief financial officer, and the district's chief academic officer, also spent most of the day in that meeting room. With Carole Smith having stepped down as Portland superintendent in July after nine years in the position, the school board is seeking an interim leader for the coming academic year while it conducts an extensive national search for a permanent leader. Smith left amid an ongoing controversy over lead in the district's drinking water and concerns over the district's handling of environmental and maintenance issues -- including lead paint. The interim superintendent faces a daunting task list, including trying to sell a wary community on a huge construction bond in May 2017 and hiring to fill a host of crucial high-ranking jobs across the district's organization chart. Oregon's unusual public meeting law allows reporters to attend closed sessions that government bodies hold to discuss confidential personnel and legal matters. But those reporters cannot report on anything they see and hear inside those meetings unless they confirm it on the record outside the closed session. Rodriguez, Radich, Burk and McKean were observed independently Thursday by a reporter who did not sit in on the executive session. Radich was Oregon's 2010 superintendent of the year and had experience securing voter approval for a construction bond, although at $27 million it was a far cry from the $750 million that Portland's school board has proposed for May. She served as superintendent of Newberg schools for 12 years, retiring in 2012. In her final year there, six of the district's nine schools were rated "outstanding" by the state based on their results. Rodriguez served as principal, assistant superintendent and associate superintendent of then fast-growing Hillsboro schools for two decades before being chosen as its superintendent in 1999. He served five years in that position. Burk has been an associate professor of education in Portland State's graduate school of education since at least 2010. In that role, he has been heavily involved in efforts, led by the All Hands Raised foundation, to improve results, particularly for low-income and minority students in all Multnomah County school districts, including Portland. McKean worked as a teacher and school administrator in Montana for decades and served as superintendent of the Centennial school district just east of Portland for seven years, retiring in 2010. Reading and math scores rose significantly on his watch. He is currently an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark graduate school of education and counseling. -- Bethany Barnes -- Betsy Hammond Portland State University's campus Portland State University is adding a new program this fall geared toward future public sector workers. (Andrew Theen/The Oregonian) Portland State University wants to graduate more students with bachelor's degrees in urban and public affairs to address an increasing demand for leaders and managers who work in city, county and state government. PSU students can pursue an undergraduate degree in urban and public affairs as of this fall, after the State's Higher Education Coordinating Commission approved the school's proposed program Thursday. PSU's College of Urban and Public Affairs has well-known graduate programs in urban studies, and planning and undergraduate degrees in community development, but no undergraduate program in the broad undergraduate urban affairs discipline. The new "flexible" program is intended to appeal to students who dropped out of classes for one or more terms, transfer students, those who haven't picked a major and those specifically interested in public affairs, according to documents outlining the program. The University of Oregon's Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management has an undergraduate program for students interested in nonprofit or public sector careers, and Eastern Oregon has a Small City and Rural County Management degree program. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen A Chinese insurance company is encouraging couples to marry. (Photo : Getty Images) The marriage insurance promises that with a one-time payment of 599 yuan or $90, the couple will receive a payout of 10,000 yuan or $1,500 if they marry after 10 years. The insurance company, China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co., the marriage insurance provider, has been receiving a lot of calls for their product, according to Wang, a customer service representative of the company. Advertisement Xu Haoyu, a worker from Shanghai commended the product. He said, "The price is no different from a regular gift I'd give to a girlfriend, but it may make the girl feel that it's a serious promise." However, many are skeptical and said that the product is just a marketing ploy since many couples will break up or marry in less than ten years. A user in Sino Weibo, Cai Mengsha, commented, "For those who have just fallen in love, it may take three years before they tie the knot, but there are abundant variables that influence a relationship in three years. For those who are in a stable relationship, they won't wait three years before getting married." Another user with the name "from north to south" said, "The insurance company is using big data to tell us that less than 5.5 percent of the sweethearts will finally become husband and wife." Li Qiumeng from Chongqing got the marriage insurance for her and her boyfriend who is leaving for the U.S. to study for two years. "No matter that the insurance finally turned out to be a lesson or reward, it shows our determination for love now," she said. As companies try to capitalize on the trends brought about by Qixi or Chinese Valentine's Day, the truth remains that divorce rates are on the rise in China. In 2014, the government reported that there are 3.6 million divorce cases that have been filed. Coal terminal An administrative judge ruled that Oregon lawfully rejected a coal export terminal proposed at the Port of Morrow. (File/The Oregonian) A judge has reaffirmed Oregon's rejection of a project that would've turned the state into a way station for coal exports to Asia. An Oregon administrative law judge ruled that Oregon Department of State Lands acted lawfully when it rejected a developer's proposed coal export terminal at the Port of Morrow in 2014. Judge Alison Greene Webster found the state agency was well within its legal authority when it said no to the project's developers, who would've sent 8 million tons of coal abroad each year. The judge didn't accept arguments by Wyoming and Montana, both coal-rich states looking for markets, that the decision impeded interstate commerce. Jan Hasselman, an Earthjustice attorney who litigated the case, applauded the decision. "Interference with commerce is an empty talking point for pro-coal politicians, not a legitimate limit on states' abilities to enforce their own laws," Hasselman said. Though the decision can be appealed, it serves as a coda for efforts to export coal through Oregon to Asian power plants. When Chinese demand sent coal prices skyrocketing in 2010, nine export terminals were proposed in Oregon and Washington. Industry analysts said the relatively small project in Morrow had the best chance of being built. They said it could fill a niche for Asian countries like South Korea willing to pay more to diversify against interruptions from more volatile suppliers such as Indonesia. Since then, coal prices have collapsed, sending major producers into bankruptcy. Today, in addition to the Morrow project, just one export proposal remains alive, in Longview, where a major backer, Arch Coal, recently sold its 38 percent stake. "Only an unlikely, unforeseeable event could save these projects," said Clark Williams-Derry, a researcher with the progressive Sightline Institute think tank in Seattle. "At the moment, they're entirely speculative, and the chances for economic success are extremely slim." Williams-Derry said it is difficult to ever tell when one of the coal export projects was officially dead, even as their odds of success grow longer. "Lots of them live on as zombies, shambling forward unaware that their heart has stopped beating," he said. The Oregon lands agency in August 2014 vetoed the $242 million Morrow project. Officials said despite a two-year review, Australia-based Ambre Energy hadn't done enough to analyze alternatives that would avoid harming tribal fisheries at the Port of Morrow in Boardman, where the company had proposed to build a dock to load coal onto barges. Another developer later bought the project, now controlled by Lighthouse Resources. "This is a ruling on the motion for summary determination, not a ruling on the merits," said Michael Klein, Lighthouse's general counsel. "We look forward to addressing the merits of our appeal at the hearing scheduled for November." The company has previously called the state's initial denial politically motivated. Months after the rejection, it was revealed that a firm trying to persuade then-Gov. John Kitzhaber to block the project had hired then-First Lady Cylvia Hayes as a consultant. Resource Media Inc., a Seattle-based environmental PR firm, helped coordinate a media campaign aimed at convincing Kitzhaber that the terminal was a bad idea. That was a year after the company hired Hayes as a paid consultant through her Bend-based company, 3E Strategies. In February 2013, Resource Media inked Hayes' 3E Strategies to a 10-week, $20,611 contract. -- Rob Davis rdavis@oregonian.com 503.294.7657 Terminal1.JPG Terminal 1, on the Willamette River, in a file photo from 2001. (Marv Bondarowicz/Staff) http://media.oregonlive.com/opinion_impact/photo/agenda-2013jpg-da8a3522a991b9c6.jpg Editorial Agenda 2016 Get Oregon centered Better leadership in education Make Portland a city that works Build Oregon prosperity Protect and expand personal freedom Get pot right _______________________________ The Portland City Council has done the right thing badly. On Wednesday, it approved the use of the city's Terminal 1, on the Willamette River just north of Portland's downtown core, to house homeless people. But it did so on a tenuous wish: That developer Homer Williams will, sooner than later, furnish to city officials the designs and financing plans that should have preceded any vote to lease to him property owned by taxpayers. Bottom line: Williams, now in collaboration with the city on a back-of-the-envelope idea, will have six months to show that a large-scale homeless shelter project can work at the site. Otherwise, the city must pull the plug and walk away without renewing the lease, otherwise extendable to 18 months. That would be hard to do in the rainy months of winter. The city should be so lucky as to have that option, meanwhile. A lawsuit already is threatened that would argue the shelter project cheats utility ratepayers, whose Terminal 1 facility, an asset of the Bureau of Environmental Services, would be rented out to the Portland Housing Bureau for just $10,000 a month, considered below market value. The action to create a precursor to Williams' proposed Oregon Trail of Hope community at Terminal 1 - the fully realized version would require at least $60 million to build and house perhaps 1,000 homeless folks - did not come out of thin air. Williams has for months been meeting with business leaders, in private, whipping up interest and, he told The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board, the promise he'd be able to raise half or more of the project's cost from Portland's private and nonprofit sector. That would wisely make Portland's business community a partner with the city in addressing a terrible situation: finding shelter for a good portion of the more than 1,800 people who sleep outside at night. But the Portland Business Alliance has qualified its support in suggesting that Terminal 1 be at most a temporary solution for the homeless as other shelter sites are sought and as Terminal 1 is marketed for industrial uses. Others, among them environmental advocates, strongly oppose the plan, arguing Terminal 1 is not appropriate for human habitation and is a promising parcel in a diminished industrial land inventory. Williams told the Editorial Board he was inspired by the example of Haven for Hope, a large-scale facility that has removed a significant number of homeless people from the streets of San Antonio, Texas, while providing residential and on-site services that allow folks to "rebuild their lives and get jobs." There can be no argument against such purposes when the cruel circumstance of homelessness persists. Oregonian editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom. are Helen Jung, Mark Katches, Steve Moss and Len Reed. To respond to this editorial: Post your comment below, submit a , or write a . If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Len Reed, acting editorial and commentary editor, at or 503-294-7667. But several arguments can be made against the Council's process, which amounts to throwing spaghetti against the wall. Commissioner Nick Fish, who oversees the utility bureau possessing Terminal 1, called the Council's decision "a terrible backslide" taken by colleagues "more intent on winning a point that solving a problem." Of Williams, Fish said: "I don't fault him for filling the breach." Of the Williams' proposition, he said: "It's a half-baked idea." It may or may not be. The intentions are right; homelessness bedevils any city-spun policy issued so far. The execution to move this shelter plan forward, however, is faulty. The city locked up a critical asset without conducting even basic due diligence on the proposition of alternative use. In an interview with the Editorial Board, Fish credited former mayor Tom Potter in citing Lewis Carroll's sentiment: "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there." Clearly, the "there" must be identified within six months. The "there" must also show promise and be free of complication that makes management of the homelessness crisis more difficult. And the "there" must, more than anything, be right for the estimated 400 souls who will bed down for the night in a warehouse by a river that eventually will be dredged as a Superfund site. Six months. That's enough time for the Council to learn all it needs to know from Williams. It's enough time for the city, along with Multnomah County, to announce whether this particular Oregon Trail ends in hope or should go bust. Karma's Revero Solar Car (Photo : Twitter) Karma's sun-powered electric vehicle with its solar roof looks very similar to Fisker Automotive's 2012 green car. Chinese auto parts company Wanxiang bought Karma in 2014 and upgraded the original design of Fisker's solar hybrid. The Revero will be introduced to the public in weeks and the car company's owner recently gave some hints about major changes to the electric vehicle (EV). Advertisement Fisker went bankrupt in late 2013. Wanxiang then bought some assets of the California-based company in early 2014. The company first took up the issue of the car's badges. Karma's website explains that each badge will be hand-painted onto the electric sedans. The car company claims it is the first time it has been done one by one, according to Autoweek. Karma also noted that the auto's solar roof can produce enough energy to power the whole car. It would be the first vehicle sold in the United States to have that feature. Karma's claim is true in terms of powering the drivetrain battery. The Fisker Karma had a solar roof that juiced up the car's interior electrical systems. However, the green car company has not shared how long it will take for the auto's solar panels to fully charge the battery. It also has not reported the auto's range on a sunny day. Fisker's solar car had to sit in an open space of a sunny region for one week to get only 2 miles (3.2 km) of range. It seems solar-powered cars are not ready for an epochal challenge to autos powered by charging stations or fossil fuels. Another major change to the new Karma car is the infotainment system. The company describes it as basic and beautiful. There are still some question marks about the new EV such as the all-electric range. A small gas motor will probably power the electric engines like the original design. The first Fisker Karma had an all-electric range of 32 miles (51.5 km), and the new version is unlikely to pass the 107-mile (172-km) range of Nissan Leaf. Karma's Revero is set to go on sale in late 2016 at 10 North American locations. In related news, General Motors has described its 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV as a way to boost the carmaker's urban sales, according to Green Car Reports. CEO Mary Barra has explained it will be more popular in US cities than suburbs. The Bolt's cabin is equal to the size of the Tesla Model S. However, it also has a small footprint and high-end web connectivity. Here's the original Karma EV: Online petitions are circulating online criticizing Guangdong university's harsh treatment of Xiaoyu Wang (L) and her lesbian partner. (Photo : Twitter) More than 180 LGBT people from around the world have called for a gay-friendly environment for students at a south China university in a petition sent to the school's president on Wednesday, following controversy over the university's punishment of two gay students. "We empathize with the lesbian couple at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies [GDUFS] who were denied their bachelor's degrees," one of the petition's organizers, nicknamed Sister Shan, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Advertisement GDUFS drew widespread criticism in June for denying Xiaoyu Wang her diploma after her girlfriend proposed to her at their graduation. The university has since granted Wang her degree, but told the couple to keep their homosexuality to themselves, according to the BBC. Officials with the on-campus Communist Couple were also reported to have warned the couple that they would "face punishment", after photos of them kissing went viral on Chinese social media. "The most romantic day of my life turned into a nightmare", Wang said in a Facebook post in July. "I'm devastated and humiliated, but I'm fighting back." The university has declined to comment to media about the incident. "We were upset by the university's different attitudes and standards toward gay and legally married couples," Shan said, noting that GDUFS President Zhong Weihe has awarded 50 legally married alumni couples certificates of honor in 2015. "We hoped to write a letter with [over] 100 signatures to help build a gay-friendly campus," she said. On Sunday, the petition garnered 187 signatures from China and abroad on jinshuju.net, a data management website. The letter urged the college to seek to understand and protect the gay community as well as offering courses on gay recognition to new students. "Even today, LGBT [students] go through bullying, suicide and school expulsion because of their sexual orientation and their natural differences," said Liang Wenhui, founder of the Chinese Gay-Straight Alliance. Liang also noted that teachers at GDUFS who previously tried to promote courses on sexual identity and homosexuality on campus were reprimanded by the school administration. "In the diploma rejection case, the lesbian couple's parents were informed by the university of their sexual orientation. Their private matters should not be exposed against their will," Liang said. On July, more than 75,000 people have signed a petition by international LGBT group All Out requesting the university to apologize to the two students. Google's First Quarter Profit Surges 60 Percent (Photo : Getty Images) A lawsuit filed in 2015 by Yandex, a Russian search engine company, against tech giant Google over the pre-installation of apps on Android devices has favored Yandex. The Verge reported that the anti-monopoly agency in Russia hit Google with a $6.75 antitrust fine for requiring device makers to pre-install Google app on Android mobile gadgets. While the fine is a drop in the bucket for Google, even less than what the tech giant make n one hour, the decision indicates the tighter regulation for Google in Russia. Advertisement Bloomberg explained that the amount is based on the share of Google Plays domestic sales, or 1 to 15 percent of a violators revenue for 2014. It is just one of the many antitrust complaints Google has to battle in Europe where Google is accused of using its dominant market position to force mobile device makers to pre-install its apps on gadgets run by Android OS. But in Russia, Yandex which controls 60 percent of the local market - dared challenge Google in a court of law, and even won. Another American tech giant, Cupertino-based Apple, is also in the radar of FSA, the antitrust watchdog of Russia, over alleged price-fixing of iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. FSA noted that even after these new Apple flagships have reached Russian market in October 2015, prices of devices from Apple and 16 resellers were kept at the same rate for a long time. Saginaw Diocese Bishop Joseph R. Cistone will be at Assumption Parish on Monday for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the Midland Area Catholic Community Mass begins, Cistone will bless the new centennial installations constructed next to the church at 3516 E. Monroe Road. The dedication ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow Mass. The feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven following her death. It commemorates the belief that when Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, died, her body was not subjected to the usual process of physical decay, but was assumed into heaven and reunited there with her soul. The restored mission church bell will be rung before the beginning of Mass to call the congregation to prayer. Irene Beck, who used to perform the task in her youth, will ring it to signal the start of Mass. Beck is the daughter of Anna Fitak, the churchs first sacristan and caretaker of the original mission church. Im very happy to see the old bell restored. It is beautiful. Im very proud to have the opportunity to ring it. It will be nice to hear it again, Beck said. The Midland Area Knights of Columbus and Cardinal Hickey Assembly Color Corps will be present in honor of this event. The centennial installations commemorate Assumption Parishs 100th anniversary which began with the blessing of the first church by Bishop Michael J. Gallagher on Oct. 7, 1916. These new installations include a cross, a bell and dedication plaques placed inside a memorial space adjacent to the southwest wall of the church. Assumptions new 18-foot-tall stainless steel cross was constructed by local artist Jim Ardis. Inset in the cross is a facetted glass center designed by Midland resident Jed Hopfensperger. Powered by LED lights, the inset cross lights up at night for all to see. Jed is the son of Jim Hopfensperger, who designed the facetted colored glasswork of the current churchs worship space. The mission church bell was bought for the original church building, completed in the spring of 1914. The early Catholic folks of Larkin purchased the 32-inch diameter bell, which weighs nearly 700 pounds, out of the Sears & Roebuck catalog for around $28 including shipping. This same bell was installed in the bell tower of the second church, dedicated in 1966. Made of a cast steel alloy by the C.S. Bell Co. of Hillsboro, Ohio, the bell was restored by Lake Painting of Midland with disassembly and reassembly undertaken by parishioners. It now enjoys a permanent location in the park, the dimensions of its base matching the manufacturers original specifications for installation in a belfry. A redesigned Assumption sign was another project designed to reflect the architecture of the church, with a matching roof line asymmetric shape and a facetted glass image of Mary, also made by Jed Hopfensperger. The image of Mary also lights up in the evenings. The cross clearly marks the property and building as being a church, and the sign designates it as a Catholic church. As part of Assumptions 100 days of celebration, an ongoing history exhibit with many photos and artifacts will be open for viewing after Mass. Part of the exhibit includes a mock-up of the original mission church altar and building layout; this representation of the first church can only be viewed this Monday. In addition to the dedication ceremony, another special element of the evening Mass will be the debut of a special song written by noted liturgical composer Alan Hommerding for ABVM and the Centennial Celebration based on Psalm 100:5. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two men arrested in connection with a strong armed robbery and a high speed pursuit on Tuesday have been charged with multiple felony accounts in Isabella County. The incident began in Detroit with a car-jacking, followed by a robbery in Mount Pleasant and a high-speed chase through multiple counties, including Midland County, before ending in Birch Run. Deandre Anthony Currie-Lamar, of Detroit, has been charged with unarmed robbery, accessory after the fact to a felony, receiving and concealing stolen property, fourth degree fleeing from a police officer, third degree retail fraud and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Daryl Deandre-Maurice Larkin, of Ypsilanti, has been charged with unarmed robbery, receiving and concealing stolen property and third degree retail fraud. Additional charges are possible from Saginaw County and Detroit authorities. RELATED: Two arrested after carjacking, robbery, high-speed chase The high-speed chase began in Mount Pleasant with the Isabella County Sheriffs Department and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police in pursuit before the Midland County Sheriffs Office and Midland Police Department took over. As they traveled through Midland, the suspects ran multiple red lights on Business Route U.S. 10 and traveled through downtown, police stated. Michigan State Police then took over the pursuit. The chase ended in Birch Run on the front lawn of the Comfort Inn, 11911 Dixie Highway. After a short pursuit on foot, Michigan State Police troopers apprehended the two suspects. One was taken into custody without incident while the other was apprehended by a K9 unit and later treated at a Saginaw hospital. A drone was used to map the crime scene as it took photos to be used in the investigation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In Oregon Monday night, a man covered in Aryan pride tattoos barricaded himself in a Subway restaurant with a hostage, according to media reports. Jeffrey Giddings, 45, has been identified as the man behind the hostage situation and is in custody at Clackamas County Jail, KOIN reported Monday. Giddings is charged with two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief, ex-convict in possession of a firearm, and being in possession of heroin, according to Clackamas County records. Giddings, who has been arrested at least 30 times, once had a face clear of tattoos. Really, the only thing striking about him was a large mustache. But after each arrest, Giddings came out of prison with new tattoo, after new tattoo, until his face was completed peppered with Aryan pride symbols. Click through the photos to see Giddings' pride tattoo evolution. RELATED: 12 things you need to know about the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Giddings was pulled over for a traffic violation Monday around 6:20 p.m. He fled from police and was later found at a parking lot in the same vicinity as the popular sandwich restaurant. Giddings shot at police multiple times, hitting Sgt. Lee Jundt who was wearing a ballistic vest and is in excellent condition, KOIN reported. RELATED: Tattooed man with horns 'blacked out with rage,' cut wife with 8-inch knife in Arizona: report Then, Giddings went inside the Subway where two employees were working. He took one of them hostage as he barricaded himself inside during a standoff with police. SWAT team members and snipers were called to the scene where they shot at Giddings and got the hostage out safely. The woman who was held hostage was suffered no injuries. The standoff ended around 8 p.m., KOIN reported. Giddings was taken to Emanuel Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries, police said, before he was taken into custody. RELATED: California man with 'Gucci' face tattoo arrested on weapons, gun charges Federal prosecutors called Giddings an armed career criminal due to his long rap sheet. Between 1994 and 2012, there were 30 separate cases against Giddings filed in Klamath County, most involving drug-related offenses and property crime. In 2012, a pre-sentencing report found 23 convictions for Giddings dating back to 1991, records obtained by KOIN show. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 To the editor: The City of Midland recently participated in a nationwide recognition program through the America in Bloom organization. A nonprofit organization established to promote beautification through education and community involvement, America in Bloom envisions communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play benefiting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage; and planting pride through volunteerism. Participation in this program has had positive effects on other communities by promoting community cooperating, enhancing a communitys aesthetics and promoting tourism. A team of community volunteers from the Beautification Advisory Committee along with staff from the Citys Parks and Recreation Department worked tirelessly on submitting the required information needed for Midland to participate in this years program, and arranged a two-day tour for the America in Bloom judges to see the best of what Midland has to offer. America in Bloom judges evaluated our city in comparison to other cities of similar population on the following criteria: floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts, heritage preservation and overall appearance. The judges will provide a detailed, written evaluation of their visit to Midland in October, when Midland representatives will attend the 2016 America in Bloom awards recognition program. The America in Bloom program was an immense success due to the many efforts of sponsors, donors, volunteers, businesses, presenters and countless community members who stepped up to help make Midland shine! A special thank you goes out to the America in Bloom committee who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our community pride and Midlands dedication to beautification was showcased during the judges visit: AIB chair Gina Pederson, AIB co-chair Carl Coons and AIB committee members Amy Tolton, Nancy Wells, Abbey Claerhout and Bette Tollar. Thank you to all of you who helped Midland Get Its Bloom On! City of Midland Parks and Recreation Department More than 200 Airmen and three B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in support of U.S. Pacific Commands Bomber Assurance and Deterrence mission. U.S. Strategic Command bombers regularly rotate through the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to conduct USPACOM-led air operations, providing leaders with deterrent options to maintain regional stability. During this short-term deployment, the B-2s will conduct local and regional training sorties, and will integrate capabilities with key regional partners, ensuring bomber crews maintain a high state of readiness and crew proficiency. To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry. Disclaimer Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes. BLOOMINGTON When news of the June 12 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando reached Patty Young in Bloomington, she said she was sick to her stomach. "I lived in Orlando for many years. My kids were born there. When the tragedy happened, that struck very close to my heart. I was calling and emailing friends there to make sure everyone was OK," said Young. After taking a moment to grieve for their former community, the Young family started looking for ways to help. Young owns a fabric and pattern business, Modkid. She stays in touch with sewing groups across the country through social media. A day after the shooting, the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild put out a call for help. They wanted to sew up some rainbow heart quilts to donate to the families of the victims, said Young. The group asked members of the sewing community to sew and send quilt squares that the guild would then assemble into quilts and distribute. Young said the group was flooded with responses, so people were asked if they could work together and send whole quilts instead of individual squares. Young's 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, heard her mom discussing the project over dinner one night. At first, she said she wanted to sew a few hearts. Then she took it a step further: she wanted to make an entire quilt on her own. "I just wanted to do something to make everyone feel better," said Sydney, a sixth-grader at Parkside Junior High School. Using colorful fabric from her own line, Young showed her daughter how to sew one of the patterns. From there, Sydney spent weeks putting together 20 rainbow hearts in 10-by-10 inch squares. "Sydney has been sewing for four years. She has done a few little projects like purses and pillowcases, but this was a really big undertaking for her," said her mother. When sewing a quilt, Young said, "You have to be a perfectionist. If the stitches are off by a smidgen, it can throw off the whole quilt." She said Sydney had to unpick the stitches if the lines weren't straight. Unpicking one square could take half an hour. Sometimes I felt a little overwhelmed, but when I thought about quitting, I thought that would just not be good, said Sydney. Sydney has a heart of gold," said her mom. "It is an amazing, proud moment for me. She didn't give up, complain or get bored with it." After Sydney got the hang of the squares, she decided to record a YouTube tutorial explaining the process for other seamstresses. "It's hard to read an article about how to sew. A video is easier to watch," she said. In the video, she explains the purpose of the quilting project and shares step-by-step instructions. The tutorial has been viewed hundreds of times and the family has been contacted by people who used her video to make quilt squares. After Sydney completed the quilt front, her mom connected with Melissa Kirk of Sterling who volunteered to complete the blanket with her specialty quilting equipment. Young sent the material and paid for the shipping and Kirk finished the quilt in less than a week. On Thursday, the completed quilt was mailed back to the Young family so they could see the finished project before sending it to Orlando. According to the guild's website, quilts have started flooding in from all over the U.S. as well as Australia, Canada and Italy. The guild initially planned to hand out more than 100 quilts, but members expect between 500 and 600 finished quilts to be distributed. Because of the high response, some quilts also will go to Orlando first- responders, employees of Pulse and others affected by the tragedy. A tag on Sydney's quilt reads "Sewn with love, Sydney Young, age 11." BLOOMINGTON A 25-year-old Bloomington man accused of fatally stabbing his parents in the family's home in July is unfit to stand trial. Circuit Judge Robert Freitag entered the finding Friday afternoon, about six hours after Brian Petersen pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder that accuse him of killing his parents, Bruce and Nancy Petersen, on July 31. On a motion by Petersen's attorneys, a court order was entered to have Springfield psychiatrist Dr. Terry Killian conduct a psychiatric evaluation to determine if Petersen was mentally fit to stand trial. "It's clear from Dr. Killian's report the defendant is unfit to stand trial," Brian McEldowney, an attorney appointed to represent Petersen, told the judge. "The report speaks for itself," added Assistant McLean County State's Attorney Brad Rigdon. Freitag said, based on Killian's report, there was sufficient reason to find Petersen unfit. Killian's report indicated there is a substantial probability that with treatment, Petersen could regain fitness within one year, said Freitag, who ordered Petersen remanded to the custody of Illinois Department of Human Services for in-patient treatment in a secured setting. The court proceedings will be put on hold until Petersen is returned to McLean County and a doctor determines that his mental health has improved. "He needs to be able to communicate with his attorneys, understand the proceedings and assist in his defense, and he's not in a position to do that now," said McEldowney after the brief hearing. Killian's report is sealed. "I'm not revealing the content of the report or the doctor's concerns, other than he's not fit to stand trial," said McEldowney. A review hearing was set for Nov. 18. The case was assigned to Freitag after Petersen appeared Friday morning for arraignment on the murder charges. During both court appearances, Petersen did not speak and did not exhibit any of the odd behavior that, during his Aug. 1 bond hearing, raised questions about his mental condition. He appeared that day via a video link from the McLean County Jail. At his arraignment, Petersen, through court-appointed attorney Michael Herzog, waived the reading of charges in a four-count murder indictment that a grand jury returned on Wednesday. Herzog then entered not guilty pleas on Petersen's behalf. According to authorities, Nancy Petersen, 63, was stabbed as she sat in a chair and her 68-year-old husband was attacked after he woke up to commotion in the house in the Lara Trace subdivision west of Bloomington. Bruce Petersen managed to call 911 shortly before 9 a.m., but he died of his injuries later that day at a Peoria hospital. According to police, Brian Petersen admitted to killing his parents, but said he could not disclose the reason for his actions. At the bond hearing, he appeared disoriented and unable to answer basic questions from the judge. He was ordered held in the county jail in lieu of posting $600,035. The prosecution has subpoenaed Petersen's medical records from Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, a Bloomington chiropractor and a wellness center in Bloomington, according to court documents. Petersen, a 2009 graduate of Olympia High School who attended Augustana College, lived with his parents. BLOOMINGTON A former Illinois State University student was acquitted of sexual assault charges Friday in McLean County Circuit Court. A McLean County jury deliberated about four hours before returning the verdict in the case of William Wells, 24, who was accused in February of raping a woman at his Normal apartment. At the time, Wells was attending ISU and the woman, 18, was visiting for the weekend from a college in northern Illinois. The two were romantically involved at the time. Wells was acquitted of all charges that he sexually assaulted the woman and also cleared of a charge of resisting arrest, a misdemeanor. He was convicted of one count of resisting arrest and was released on a personal recognizance bond after being in the county jail since his arrest six months ago. "Will is very grateful for the time and consideration the jurors put into their deliberations," said Wells' attorney, Stephanie Wong. "He is relieved to be able to move on with his education and his business endeavors." The verdict followed a four-day trial that ended late Thursday. The jury met for about an hour Thursday evening and returned to the Law and Justice Center on Friday morning. On Thursday, the jury watched a portion of a lengthy interview of Wells' meeting with police in which he denied forcing the woman to have sex with him. At the end of the trial, Judge Robert Freitag dismissed obstruction of justice charges against Wells, agreeing with defense lawyer Stephanie Wong that the state failed to provide sufficient evidence that Wells destroyed evidence at his apartment. The judge allowed the sexual assault and resisting arrest charges to move forward, saying the jury would determine if testimony and evidence related to those counts was credible. In his interview with Normal Police detective Kendra DeRosa, Wells seemed surprised to learn of the allegations. "Is that what this is about? She said I raped her?" he asked. Wells claimed the woman, whom he has known since October 2015, was a willing participant in the sexual contact the two engaged in after returning from dinner. "It wasn't like she didn't consent to it. It was nothing like that," he told the detective. In closing arguments, Assistant State's Attorney Jacob Harlow said Wells was "on an alcohol-fueled mission to do whatever he wanted to please him by any means" on the night of the alleged assault. He dismissed claims that the accusations were retaliation by the woman for Wells' lack of interest in her. Defense lawyer Stephanie Wong told jurors in her final remarks on Thursday that "this case is payback, this is revenge" by the alleged victim. In his testimony Thursday, Wells provided details of several disagreements that occurred during the weekend visit, starting with his inability to pick the woman up from the bus station when she arrived Feb. 5. He described the woman as jealous and wanting his attention. Wells said he believes the woman became angry to the point of tasing him in his car on Feb. 6 after he told her she could not spend the night at his apartment because he had to attend an event with his fraternity. In her testimony on Wednesday, the alleged victim offered a different version of the incident. She accused Wells of forcing her to have sex after dinner. She said he had been drinking most of the day and was upset with her because she would not have sex earlier in the day. She admitted that she voluntarily took a shower with Wells after the alleged attack and did not attempt to run away when she was left alone in the car before he drove her to a friend's house. EUREKA The nursing home at the Communities of Maple Lawn has been sold, but a representative of the new owner said Maple Lawn's 94-year tradition of quality senior care will continue. "The residents and families shouldn't expect a change in the quality of care," Erin Neukomm, admissions and marketing coordinator for Select Post Acute Care, said Friday in the skilled and sheltered care facility. Maple Lawn Health Center with 89 skilled care beds and 23 sheltered care (also known as assisted living) beds has been sold to Select Post Acute Care LLC, said Neukomm and Jim Thomason, president and CEO of the Communities of Maple Lawn. Fred Aaron is managing agent of Select Post Acute Care LLC. He is part of a group that owns several long-term care facilities in northern Illinois, Neukomm said. The sale has generated concern in Eureka, in part because Maple Lawn a staple in the Woodford County seat is a Christian-based, not-for-profit entity and Select Post is for-profit. Maple Lawn traces its roots to the Mennonite Home for the Aged, which opened in 1922. But Aaron has plans to invest in the facility, said Neukomm, who has worked at Maple Lawn for five years. For example, 11 of the 23 shelter care beds will be converted to short-term-rehabilitation-to-home beds within a year, she said. That responds to the trend of short-term rehab while keeping most rooms for long-term care, she said. "I see good things happening at this facility," she said. Select Post has 70 employees about the same number it had as Maple Lawn Health Center. The Maple Lawn Health Center sale whose terms were not disclosed is prompted by inadequate and delayed Medicaid reimbursement for skilled care by the state, Thomason said. "The principal and primary driver is an unstable reimbursement environment by the State of Illinois," he said. Medicaid paid Maple Lawn $60 less per day per Medicaid resident than the cost of care and payments were made 113 days after services were delivered, he said. Meanwhile, Maple Lawn Apartments 100 apartments for low-income residents age 62 and older is in the process of being sold, said Thomason, who will release information after the sale is final. The apartments have three employees. The 100-acre Communities of Maple Lawn also includes Maple Lawn Homes, 102 maintenance-free housing units for people age 62 and older. Those cottages have eight full-time and seasonal employees. The cottages include Noah's Ark, a licensed child care center which offers day care, before- and after-school programs and pre-school for children ages six weeks through 12 years. Noah's Ark has nine employees and average daily attendance is 30 children, Thomason said. "Nothing is changing at Noah's Ark and the cottages at this time," Thomason said. Thomason said conversations leading to the sale began more than a year ago. "Throughout it all, I have been abundantly blessed with the patience and understanding of the residents throughout this great campus," he said. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois State Fair kicked off its two-week run of corn dogs, carnival rides and livestock competitions Thursday with the annual Twilight Parade and preview night, but efforts to create a private foundation to support the fairgrounds in Springfield and Du Quoin remain stalled. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe have urged the General Assembly to authorize creation a nonprofit organization to solicit private funds and corporate sponsorships to help with upkeep of the facilities that host the main state fair in Springfield and the Du Quoin State Fair, which this year runs from Aug. 26 through Sept. 5. State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, has sponsored a bill to create the foundation, but it failed to advance in the Legislature this spring despite receiving unanimous approval in the Senate Executive Committee. Bradys bill, similar to one by Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, that passed the Senate in 2014 but was never approved in the House, wasnt called for a vote before the General Assembly wrapped up its extended spring session in late June. One major difference between Bradys bill and the previous one, which he voted against, was that his version would exempt projects paid for solely with foundation money from having to go through the normal state bidding process. After the bill was approved in committee, Manar introduced an amendment to require all projects follow the states bidding requirements. Brady, whose district includes the Springfield fairgrounds, couldnt be reached Thursday for comment. Testifying before the Senate committee earlier this year, Poe, who sponsored similar legislation as a state representative before resigning last year to head the Department of Agriculture, said the ability to raise private funding would help the department catch up on a backlog of maintenance projects that stands at $180 million. Most are in Springfield, but as of this spring, $12 million to $14 million worth of work was needed in Du Quoin, according to the Illinois Capital Development Board. Poe, Rauner and other foundation supporters point out that neighboring states, including Iowa, Indiana and Missouri, have such arrangements. We cant overly rely on state funds to maintain these facilities, Rauner said in March. Weve got to come up with creative solutions that dont pressure our taxpayers more. Even if Bradys bill eventually wins Senate approval, its prospects in the House are dim. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has expressed skepticism about the kinds of public-private partnerships that Rauner favors. This years state fair runs through Aug. 21. Ilim Group Signs Strategic Partnership with China's Anhui Publishing Group August 12, 2016 Russian pulp and paper producer Ilim Group on July 22 signed a strategic partnership agreement with Anhui Publishing Group, the leading publishing house in the Chinese province of Anhui. The signing ceremony at Radisson Royal Hotel in Moscow was attended by Mr. Wang Min, President of Anhui Publishing Group, and Mr. Timofey Sokolenko, Vice-President for Sales Management of Ilim Group, in the presence of the leadership of Anhui province during their official visit to Russia. Under the agreement, the parties agreed to strengthen their partnership, which is aimed at promoting Ilim Group's products in the Chinese market. The companies plan to increase the volume of pulp and paper sales to 100,000 tons of products per year. Anhui Publishing Group is a major publishing holding which includes publishing houses, and benefits from state contracts for printing textbooks and other literature. Ilim Group's partnership with Anhui Publishing Group started in 2006. Since then, the annual sales volume of Ilim Group has continued growing and has exceeded 400,000 tons, which corresponds to USD 100 million. Timofey Sokolenko commented: We support the initiative of our Chinese partner and are pleased to sign this strategic partnership agreement. We have been actively cooperating with Anhui Publishing Group for 10 years and today we enter a new stage of our cooperation. I am positive that we are capable of delivering on our ambitious plans to increase our sales in the Chinese market. During 20 years in China, Ilim Group sales in this strategic market have totaled 15 million tons of pulp and paper. The Company supplies the largest range of pulp and paper products to China among all international producers. The key products the Group sells in China include softwood and hardwood pulp and cardboard. Ilim Group works with more than 55 direct buyers in China, and over 500 Chinese factories purchase the company's products. Ilim Group is the largest pulp and paper company in Russia. To learn more about Ilim Group, please visit: www.ilimgroup.ru. SOURCE: Ilim Group The success of the first season led to the possibility and hope that "Sense8" Season 2 would be aired sooner. Also, rumors of a new character on the rise to create tensions and ultimately kill one of the major characters are surging as well. "Sense8" Season 2 is anticipated to take a new character that would modify the order of the sequel, but as for the rumors that the character would kill off one major protagonist, that remains unsettled and indefinite. The latter season of "Sense8" created immense amount of followers and currently fascinated on the stuff that would appear in the next series of "Sense8" Season 2. There are speculations and hearsays that the new anti-hero would lead to illegal dissolution and obstacles for the main characters. There have been several suspicions that "Sense8" Season 2 would be distinct from its first season. It would lead to a new hindrance that will divert the whole plot. Reports from the Christian Times said that the fresh faces are anticipated to flood the reformation. It has been hypothesized that Netflix would bring the India-based actor Sikander Kher on the picture. Also, Kher would take the role of an anti-hero persona that would have the strength to outrun the villainy of Whispers in the upcoming scenes of "Sense8" Season 2, as reported by the same post. On the other hand, Australia Network News said that it is also assumed that Kher would be one of the fresh actors to show in the sci-fi drama, "Sense8" Season 2. Furthermore, it has been figured that Ker's role would also generate pressure and fissure between Wolfgang and Rajan. It was also taunted that Kher would shift his consideration on Kala but since the girl did not respond, his thinking regarding the people are diverted as well. Given the fact that love already created a rift between Rajan, Kala and Wolfgang, Kher's presence would even make it more complicated and that is something that the fans and followers of "Sense8" Season 2 could expect. For the avid enthusiasts and admirers, Sense8" Season 2 is speculated to come back in 2017, but since Netflix has not rendered any detailed affirmations, everything should still be taken with a grain of salt in mind. After a rather slow episode this week, get ready for an explosive "Suits" season 6 episode 6 as the characters' motivations start to bubble through the surface. In the just released teaser video for "Suits" season 6 episode 6, a frustrated Jessica is seen taking out her irritation on an angry Harvey who is deeply affected by the case he is working on for Cahill and Mike's uncooperative behavior. In the episode directly preceding "Suits season 6 episode 6, fans see all the remaining employees of Pearson Specter Litt doing their best to regain their firm's lost prestige. Harvey (Gabriel Macht) takes on the defensive mode for Sutter (Alan Rosenberg) to return Cahill's (Neal McDonough) favor while we see Louie and Donnah looking for a house they can remodel. Forbes also reports that a big part of the episode is spent on Rachel overturning all stones just in case there is something about Bailey's case she can use to their favor. "Suits" season 6 episode 6, titled "Spain," will also show Louis' plan to court Tara with a possible trip to the Hamptons. Jessica also gets more involved in Rachel's current task for law school so they can try to re-open Bailey's case. In other "Suits" season 6 episode 6 news, according to a post in the USA Network's official website, the show has already been renewed for a seventh season, which means we will still see more of Pearson Spector Litt until at least 2018. "Suits" season 6 episode 6 will air on Wednesday, August 17, at 9 pm ET on the USA Network. To know more about "Suits" season 6 episode 6, check back as we know more about the upcoming episode. What do you think of these latest "Suits" season 6 episode 6 spoilers? Will Harvey finally find a way to let Mike out of prison? What new step will Jessica do so her company can bounce back? Let us know in the comments. Meanwhile, watch the preview of "Suits" season 6 episode 6 in the video below. Eager fans waiting for Disney's "High School Musical 4" are hoping that the original cast members would stage a reunion in the special musical event. But it looks like another one of its former stars has expressed she won't be joining. Vanessa Hudgens, who played lead character Gabriella in the first three "High School Musicals" last decade, has revealed she has no desire to be involved this time. Speaking with fans at the recent Comic Con to promote "Powerless," her upcoming NBC comedy series, Vanessa Hudgens casually stated that she won't be back for "High School Musical 4." The star said, "I did my thing," and brushed off the question on whether she wants to be part of the latest musical or appear in a cameo. "Let them do theirs," Vanessa Hudgens added, per Showbiz Junkies, alluding to the show's newest cast members. Disney is supposedly casting five new leads for the fourth musical, but it has not made any announcements on who these are just yet. Watch Vanessa Hudgens confirm her disinterest in appearing on "High School Musical 4" in the video below. Vanessa Hudgens is not the first former "High School Musical" star to say that they have moved on from the Disney franchise since it first aired 10 years ago. Her BFF Ashley Tisdale also expressed regrets she won't be making a comeback to "High School Musical 4," as reported on Parent Herald. Meanwhile, Zac Efron, the show's first male lead and Vanessa Hudgen's ex-boyfriend, once hinted that being in "High School Musical" has marked his career for so long. However, he would like Hollywood to recognize him for other things than being the kid in the series, per another Parent Herald report. "High School Musical 4" was first announced in March, per E! Online. Casting calls were immediately done the following month, with filming supposedly forthcoming in the fall. Libyan Special Forces freed the Egyptians from an armed group who had kidnapped them Twenty-three Egyptian citizens who had been kidnapped by an armed group in Libya have been freed and arrived in Cairo on Friday, the website of Egypt's state television channel reported. Libyan special forces freed the Egyptians from the group. It was unclear which group had kidnapped the men. In 2015, the Egyptian government issued a warning to citizens to avoid travelling to Libya after a local affiliate of the Islamic State militant group killed 20 Egyptian migrants near Derna. Search Keywords: Short link: Hillary Clinton's communication line during her years as Secretary of State continue to haunt her up to now. Her use of a personal e-mail server has blotted her trustworthiness to the public and recently, points her to be blamed for the 2012 American deaths in Benghazi, Libya. NPR reports that a lawsuit against the Democrat nominee claims that Islamic terrorists were able to invade the Benghazi U.S. compound where Ambassador Chris Stevens was because of Clinton's use of a personal email server. This made it easier for the killers to track the ambassador's whereabouts and attack the compound where three Americans and the Ambassador himself were killed. On September 11, 2012, Israeli militants set a U.S. 13-acre compound in fire. Inside a building called Villa C were Ambassador Chris Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and a security guard. After assuming the building was safer ground, they took refuge in it when armed militants entered the compound (via CNN). Unfortunately, the building got engulfed in black smoke that shut down the lights and trapped them in smoky darkness. The security guard was later saved but Smith and Stevens, who were separately retrieved, died from asphyxiation (via CNN). A gun battle commenced when the rescue team transferred from Villa C to the Annex. When they got to the Annex, bullets were fired. Everyone was safe but it wasn't the last of the attacks because hours after, gunshots reached the facility with mortars that killed security officers, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty (via CNN). According to International Business Times, the deadly Benghazi siege even became more controversial because it was the first time an American ambassador got killed overseas since 1979. This ensued the Republicans to hit on the Democrats with the White House's failure to respond accordingly, Obama mislabeling the atacks, and Hillary Clinton's handling of the State Department that wasn't able to provide enough security and equipment to prevent the attacks from happening in the first place. While Clinton never paid any charges of the Republicans, this time she is receiving the wrath of Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, and of Charles Woods, the father of Tyrone Woods. Apart from the personal e-mail server issues, the parents of the Benghazi attack victims are suing Hillary Clinton for negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and defamation (via NPR). At the Republican National Convention held last month in Cleveland, Pat Smith spoke the words "I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son." Clinton was quick to respond that investigation of the Benghazi siege revealed that security forces during that time were not handled by the Democrat nominee but by the career State Department officials (via NPR). Clinton's spokesman also noted that out of the nine investigations done for the Benghazi siege, none provided proof that Clinton was at fault. The Democrat nominee also has little to worry about, according to lawyers, because the Benghazi lawsuit might not even proceed to court. The government can take Clinton's position as the defendant in the case. A federal official's conduct is still authorized conduct and under the Westfall Act, the U.S. government must correctly take the official's place as the defendant. Do you think that the parents of the victims of the Benghazi siege are right to point their fingers to Hillary Clinton as the reason why their children were killed? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates. "Days of Our Lives" is currently on hiatus but the upcoming "DOOL" episodes are something to look forward to. According to "Days of Our Lives" spoilers, Theresa and Brady will finally reunite with Tate but she might be in danger. Meanwhile, Aiden will be abusing his DA power and pressHope about Stefano's murder. There will be a lot of drama, suspense and surprises in the next "Days of Our Lives" episodes. According to Inquisitr, things will turn fine for Brady and Theresa in the upcoming "Days of Our Lives" episode as they reunite with their kidnapped son Tate and tie the knot soon. However, along with the celebration is a new threat in Theresa's life. "Days of Our Lives" clip features Theresa on her wedding dress as she stands in front of the mirror. Her face suddenly changes and fears envelopes her when she sees a familiar face. Xander Cook is back at Salem and "DOOL" spoilers suggest that he will take revenge. Cook puts his hands around Theresa's neck to strangle her. Jen Lilley, who plays as Theresa in "Days of Our Lives" already announced her departure in the show. However, fans are still expecting that her exit would be at the end of the year because in her announcement last June, she stated that she still have six more months in "Days of Our Lives." Meanwhile, "Days of Our Lives" spoilers suggest that Hope's storyline will be more exciting.Aiden is finally the District Attorney and Hall of Fame Magazine reported that he has tendencies to abuse his power. "DOOL" spoilers suggest that Aiden will press Hope to confess about Stefano's murder and enjoy his new authority. Aiden's character in "Days of Our Lives" will turn darker. On a side note, International Business Times reported that Chad and Jennifer continue to struggle with Abby's death. However, fans are excited for Marci Miller's appearance as the new Abby in "Days of Our Lives" soon. "Days of Our Lives" returns on Aug. 22 on NBC. For those following the reality show "Sister Wives," you probably find the polygamous arrangement of the Browns interesting. Of course, we hear polygamy but don't often see how it affects the family members involved. Thanks to Kody Brown and his sister wives, we get to see and understand a polygamous arrangement. According to Enstarz, Kody Brown and the rest of the Browns take their case to legalize multiple marriages to the Supreme Court. They want Utah to recognize their arrangement by legalizing polygamy. Fox News reported that Kody Brown and his sister wives sued Utah in 2012 for its historic ban on multiple marriages. The "Sister Wives" clan was under investigation for bigamy since their popular reality show aired on TLC. The Browns claim that the ban on multiple marriages violates their religious freedom and right to privacy. Per the report, the court documents recorded about 30,000 polygamists in Utah. These individuals believe that polygamy can take them to heaven, a practice taught by the early Mormon Church. The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has already abandoned the said practice in 1890 and strictly prohibits it now. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor gives the Browns an extension to file a petition of certiorari to have the top court review the case. Kody and his sister wives have until Sept. 10 to do so. Meanwhile, as the Browns pursue the legalization of plural marriages, other sources claimed that Kody Brown is planning to add more wives to his four sister wives. Parent Herald previously reported that Kody has already found his fifth and sixth wives. Reports have it that one is a family member named Amber. Meanwhile, the other one is Robyn, his fourth wife's step-niece Mindy. Mindy has appeared in the previous episodes of "Sister Wives" as a babysitter. What do you think will Kody Brown and his sister wives win their battle for legalizing polygamy? Do you personally support multiple marriages? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux tied the knot a year ago. Reports that the couple are all set to separate made headlines even before their anniversary. There are reports which suggest that the stars will be divorcing very soon. It is reported that Jennifer Aniston and husband Justin Theroux have already fallen out of love for each other. The marriage of the famous couple is already on the rocks and it is predicted that the Hollywood Stars will not last long together. As a matter of fact, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux hardly spent the first year of their wedding together as a couple. Most of the time, they were away and it has not gone unnoticed that they rarely go out together. On the contrary, Jennifer Aniston hushed the rumors by saying that she is very lucky to have her husband beside her. The actress also stated that she got a responsible, sweet and kind man, reported Celeb Dirty Laundry. However, the divorce speculations sparked up once again when reports claimed that the couple did not celebrate their first wedding anniversary together. It is said that Justin excused himself from the celebration stating that he filming "The Leftovers" Season 3, reported Gossip Cop. However, a source said that Justin Theroux flew all the way down from Australia to be with his wife Jennifer Aniston in Los Angeles. It is said that the couple celebrated their anniversary all week long. It is reported that Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux had dinner with some close pals for their first wedding anniversary. A year back, Jennifer and Justin had a backyard wedding ceremony with the presence of their close friends that include Courtney Cox, Sandra Bullock and Ellen DeGeneres. After the anniversary celebration, Justin Theroux left to Australia to continue shooting "The Leftovers" Season 3. Jennifer Aniston is currently shooting for her upcoming movie to Atlanta. The couple has often been dragged into divorce rumors. However, reports indicate that all is well between them. Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder reunion in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 is almost confirmed. In a recent interview, The CW boss shared his thoughts on whether the 27-year-old actress will reprise her role for the show's series finale. Will the most awaited "Delena" reunion happen? Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev are expected to reunite in the series finale of "The Vampire Diaries." In an interview with The CW boss Mark Pedowitz, the network executive explained that series creator Julie Plec and Dobrev are already in discussion, reports E! News. "These are discussions that go on, hopefully she'll be back, but should it not work out, Julie has planned out a great series finale for fans," said Pedowitz. In case Dobrev decides to sign up for "TVD" Season 8, the network executive said that the actress can return to the show for as long as the show needs her. Dobrev's return to the show has been expected since The CW confirmed that the upcoming season of the show will be its last on TV. However, there are rumors that the "Delena" reunion in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 will not happen because of Ian Somerhalder's wife, Nikki Reed. According to Celeb Dirty Laundry, Reed is trying to stop the reunion between Somerhalder and Dobrev from happening at all costs. Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are allegedly having problems in their marriage because of Dobrev's possible return in "TVD" Season 8. This may be the reason Somerhalder was hesitant when the show's panel at the San Diego Comic Con was asked about any returning characters for the series finale. Somerhalder is reportedly trying to avoid having any issues or problems with Reed, which is why he is trying to stop Dobrev from returning to the show. However, many fans believe that Somerhalder, Reed and Dobrev have all moved on from the past. Do you think Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder should reunite in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Malia Obama may be the president's daughter, but the teenager definitely knows how to have a good time. In a candid video taken from Lollapalooza, Malia Obama was allegedly captured smoking marijuana. Barack Obama's daughter make rounds on the internet as a candid video of her smoking what seems to be a marijuana joint. The 18-year-old Malia Obama was spotted having fun at the Lollapalooza music festival held in Chicago, Illinois. The nine-second video of Malia Obama was published by Radar. The presidential daughter passed on the Democratic National last July 2016 as she preferred going to the festival instead. Jerrdin Selwyn was the eyewitness who stated that she saw Malia Obama hitting the pot during Bryson Tiller's set. "I caught Malia smoking pot and I have the pictures to prove it," Selwyn told Radar. "You could smell the marijuana smoke. I saw some young guy hand her a cigarette and she took at least one hit on it. She had it in her hand for about one minute, then gave it back to him." Malia Obama is enjoying her life as a teenager as the presidential daughter will be off to Harvard by 2017. New York Post then highlighted that Malia may be smoking marijuana, but there seems to be no criminal act with what she did. Marijuana was decriminalized in Illinois wherein the state's Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill which decriminalized marijuana possession under 10 grams. Marijuana legalization is slowing making rounds all throughout the United States. In one of Parent Herald's report, it was mentioned that marijuana legalization caused sales decline among pain killers and ant-depressants. Medical marijuana is said to be a more effective alternative to pain killers and anti-depressants which often causes an overdose. Cannabis helps cancer and HIV patients and others who suffer from the most severe cases of chronic pain," Harborside Health Center noted. "While some people can't walk without experiencing severe pain, others are unable to eat regularly due to a decreased appetite from other prescribed medications." Following the pregnancy and divorce rumors, Kate Middleton is now back in the spotlight after a latest report claimed she's mad at Princess Eugenie. Even though the feud speculations between the Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William's royal cousins, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, are nothing new, latest rumors have it that the hostility between the royals has intensified. Kate Middleton has drawn mixed reactions from the public in June after she appeared on the cover of British Vogue's 100th anniversary issue. The 34-year-old Duchess has since been considered as the world's most coveted cover girl but York family heiress Princess Eugenie appeared to be stealing that title. As a matter of fact, Princess Eugenie is the September 2016 cover girl of Harper's Bazaar. Due to Eugenie's magazine cover, Celeb Dirty Laundry claims that Kate Middleton is seething with anger as Princess Beatrice's sister shared some important details about boring royal life and her work as an associate director at London's contemporary art gallery, Hauser & Wirth. Kate Middleton, however, is not the only one who's mad at Princess Eugenie. According to Daily Mirror, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's 26-year-old daughter was criticized by experienced security experts for sharing her daily routine in Harper's Bazaar as the detailed interview made her an easy target for terrorists. Due to the interview, Princess Eugenie reportedly put her own safety at risk as she disclosed the time and the places she often frequented. Since she's Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, she is one of the major terrorist target that's why, experts advised her to immediately change her daily routine. Thanks to Princess Eugenie's major security breach, Camilla Parker-Bowles is apparently "disgusted" with young royals Eugenie and Kate Middleton. The reason? Another Celeb Dirty Laundry report claimed that the Duchess of Cornwall believed that the young women eagerly ditched their royal etiquette to appear on fashion magazines, not to mention both young royals were known to be lazy as well. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton has reportedly returned to her royal obligations following her family's short French getaway earlier this month. As husband Prince William already reported to duty at East Anglia Air Ambulance, International Business Times revealed that Duchess Kate will resume to her royal responsibilities by visiting Bute Mills in Luton, Bedfordshire to promote "mental health and emotional well-being." In addition, royal couple Kate Middleton and Prince William will also visit Keech Hospice Care on Aug. 24. The royal visit is to mark the hospice's 25th anniversary, Hertfordshire Mercury noted. "As the adult hospice for Luton and South Beds and the children's hospice of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, we are delighted to welcome their royal highnesses to Keech Hospice Care," Keech Hospice CEO Liz Searle said. "Keech Hospice Care is a hospice full of life and our staff, patients and volunteers look forward to showing it to the Duke and Duchess as we celebrate 25 years of excellent care." Do you think Kate Middleton and Princess Eugenie are feuding over the Harper's Bazaar cover? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions It seems like only last month that another tourist was deported from Myanmar (Burma) for publicly showing off his Buddha tattoo. Oh wait, it was. The Washington Post reported that Cesar Hernandez of Spain was there with his wife when people began noticing his seated Buddha tattoo covering much of his calf. Buddhist monks kindly informed him that the tattoo was inappropriate. The tourists were then detained and deported or, perhaps, asked kindly to leave or be careful. As the Post reports, A Canadian professor was deported two years ago because he, too, had a Buddha tattoo. That same year, Sri Lanka deported a British nurse who had inked the Buddha on her arm. Both insisted that they tattooed the man on their bodies out of religious devotion, not lack of respect. They were told that they were violating the law, put into custody, then kicked out. In 2014, another tourist was kicked out of Sri Lanka for a tattoo on her upper arm. In 2012, three French tourists were convicted of wounding the religious feelings of Buddhists by taking pictures deemed insulting pretending to kiss a Buddha statue. Today, a Thai news source writes: Hours after a blonde woman was photographed wearing a see-through dress while visiting a sacred temple in Phuket, she was invited to the police station to get a lesson on Thai culture last night. The tourist, a Russian national, had to make a stop at Tourist Police Command Center with her tour guide and apologize for her actions after photos of her parading around Chalong Temple in a flimsy beach cover-up went viral and was criticized by furious Buddhists. Images and Thai comments can be seen on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/644806732307762/permalink/1021676804620751/ This further underscores the need for respect when entering the space of other cultures. Respect comes from understanding and an openness and readiness to alter ones behavior based on the wishes of others. This in turn depends on humility, recognizing that ones own cultural mores and customs are not universal or superior. Humility is a tough virtue to come by these days, and thus a difficult one to instill upon people who dont have it. But, if you care to travel to Asia, youd best learn a bit first and follow local decorum, or you might find yourself learning it in a police station or on an early flight home. The best advice is to ask around, do plenty of research before you travel. Then, do your best to follow the locals. When in doubt, ask. Your hotel staff should speak some English and be willing to advise you. Taxi/Tuk-tuk drivers too should speak English depending on how touristy your location is. Many locals, again, location depending, will also be happy to help. Stay in touch with American Buddhist Perspectives on Facebook: Support for the U.N.-backed unity government in Libya is "crumbling" amid increased power outages and a weakening currency that is hitting crucial imports, the United Nations' envoy to the embattled north African country told a newspaper. The Government of National Accord (GNA) has been struggling to impose its authority on a country riven by political and armed rivalries, posing extra challenges as it tries to quash Islamic State jihadist militants. The U.N. point man for Libya, Martin Kobler, told Switzerland's Neue Zuercher Zeitung in an interview published on Friday there was no alternative to backing the GNA, but he acknowledged it had forfeited some of its initial popularity. Asked about an earlier comment he made that 95 percent of Libyans backed GNA Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, he said: "That was in April. There was a lot of good will then for the unity government. It has lost some support in the meantime. "At the time Tripoli had 20 hours of electricity a day, now it is 12 ... In April people had to pay 3.5 dinars for a dollar. Today it is 5 dinars. That is devastating for an import-oriented economy. Support is crumbling." Kobler, a German career diplomat, said U.S. air power could not win the fight against IS in Libya, appealing for squabbling factions to support the GNA. "Strikes by the Americans alone cannot defeat IS. The fight has to be a Libyan one. It will be won with ground troops," he said. Forces aligned with the government, supported since Aug. 1 by U.S. air strikes, have clashed with IS militants in the city of Sirte and said this week they had taken IS's "most important bastions" in its former stronghold. Search Keywords: Short link: News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Podcast About 75% of military recruits arrive at a training base with no bank account and have to be bussed to a local bank to open one, says Jill Castilla, CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. The bank's team is building a platform that will help service members save and build credit. Five Prisoners Hanged in Iran in Accelerating Rate of Executions 08/12/16 Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran Five prisoners were hanged inside Irans Orumiyeh Central Prison in West Azerbaijan Province on the morning of August 8, 2016, in what appears to be an accelerating pace of executions in the Islamic Republic. Last week 20 Sunni prisoners were killed in another mass execution in the city of Karaj in Alborz Province. Mohammad Abdollahi, One of the executed prisoners The names of the executed individuals are: Mohammad Abdollahi, Kamran Pour-Rafat, Amir Azizi, Janahgir Razavizadeh, and Jebrail Kanani. All of the prisoners except for Mohammad Abdollahi were sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The UN has stated that drug-related crimes do not meet the standard of the most serious crimes for which capital punishment may be applied. The Iranian-Kurdish prisoner Mohammad Abdollahi was sentenced to death in 2013 for his alleged membership in the Kurdish Communist Party of Iran, known as Komala. On August 7 Abdollahis family told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that he and a number of other prisoners were moved to the Quarantine (isolation) Ward and that their families were asked to go to the prison for their last visit before the execution. The move occurred on the evening of August 7, according to a relative who spoke with Voice of America. Abdollahis lawyer, Mostafa Ahmadian, told the Campaign on August 7 that he had requested a stay of execution for his client before he was killed. There have been many instances of blatant violations of the law in Abdollahis case that I am willing to discuss with any relevant official, he said. Initially the judicial investigator had issued an order to nullify my clients prosecution. But the judge unlawfully pursued the case and the prosecutor agreed to go ahead with the unlawful process. In addition there is ample evidence that suggests my client did not resort to using a weapon and played no role in the charges issued against him... I call on the authorities to put a stop to the execution order or temporarily suspend it so that this case can be reviewed. After Abdollahi went on hunger strike on May 29, 2016 for several weeks, the authorities promised to review his case. The Campaign was unable to verify if the review occurred. Abdollahi, a resident of Boukan in Irans Kurdistan Province, was arrested on March 19, 2011 by the Revolutionary Guards in Mahabad, near his hometown, and interrogated for 91 days. He was sentenced to death for waging war against the state, corruption on earth and membership in Komala, which is based in Iran and Iraq, on September 21, 2013 by Judge Ahmad Javadi-Kia of Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Mahabad. The sentence was upheld by the Appeals Court on March 24, 2014. The Supreme Court asked the initial court to review the verdict, which was again upheld. I went to Iraq to work and earn a living and I sent and brought money to my family [in Iran] from time to time. I got an asylum card from the Communist Party of Iran in order to facilitate my stay in Iraq, said Abdollahi in a letter to Judiciary Chief Sadegh Amoli Larijani on May 29, 2016. But at the time of my arrest I was not carrying any kind of weapon and I have not participated in any armed or unarmed confrontation against the forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mohammads brother, Mohammad-Amin, has been imprisoned in Birjand Prison in northwest Iran since 2005. He is serving an 18-year prison sentence on charges of moharebeh (enmity with God) for his alleged contact with opposition political parties in eastern Iran. Iran wins another legal battle against Israel 08/12/16 Source: Press TV Switzerland's highest court has rejected an appeal by an Israeli company against a verdict to pay Iran money owed over a joint venture set up before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Company A pipeline was jointly set up by the deposed regime of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi - Iran's last monarch - and the Israeli company Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Co. (EAPC) in 1968 to carry Iranian oil to the Mediterranean. The venture was halted after the Iranian Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, which does not recognize the Israeli regime. The Israeli company has refused to pay back Iran's share of the revenues from the joint venture. The Islamic Republic had been pursuing the case since 1994, first in France and then in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Tribunal in Zurich on Thursday rejected the company's appeal against June 27 ruling to return the sum, Reuters reported. The company now has to pay the Islamic Republic around USD 1.1 billion plus over USD 461,000 in interest, court costs, and money Tehran has spent on legal representation. Earlier this month, the Swiss Supreme Court in Lausanne rejected another appeal by the Israeli firm Trans-Asiatic Oil Ltd., or TAO, in a similar case of partnership with the deposed Pahlavi regime. TAO was thus ordered to pay Iran USD 1.2 billion as part of revenues for oil supplied to Israel before the 1979 Revolution. The Israeli company had been involved in a partnership with the national Iranian oil company under Pahlavi. The Israeli firm operated a fleet of tanker ships to carry Iranian oil to European customers. The partnership ended in 1979, but the Israeli firm refused to pay for the Iranian oil already sold to third parties. The total sum in the latter case is estimated at some USD 7 billion. The best 2-in-1 laptop 2022: our picks of the best convertible laptops These are the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now Hewlett Packard Enterprise is buying SGI in a $275 million deal that it hopes will give it a major boost in big-data analytics and high-performance computing. Its the latest surprise development at HPE, which has continued to make big changes since it was formed in the break-up of the old Hewlett-Packard last year. The deal to buy SGI, announced Thursday, fits with HPEs goal to expand its data analytics business. It will also make HPE a bigger player in high performance computing, a growing part of the server market. SGI has roughly 1,100 employees worldwide. On Thursday, it reported a net loss for its last fiscal year of $11 million, on revenue of $533 million. Not only will the acquisition of SGI strengthen HPEs position in the high-growth big-data analytic segment, it will also extend our presence in HPC verticals, including government, life sciences, higher education and research, manufacturing and supercomputing, Antonio Neri, head of HPEs Enterprise Group, said in a statement. SGIs in-memory high-performance data-analytics technology, in particular, will bolster HPEs position in the HPC server market, the company said. With a long and tempestuous history dating back to 1982, SGI was founded by Jim Clark, who later went on to launch Netscape. Originally called Silicon Graphics Inc., it was rebranded following its descent into bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by Rackable Systems in 2009. HPE faces challenges of its own since the split from HPs printer and PC group. Like other legacy technology companies, its been struggling to adapt to the new business model of cloud computing. So far this year, HPE has killed off its public cloud service and announced plans to spin off most of its IT services division into a new company jointly owned with CSC. Its also seen several top executives announce plans to leave the company. This deal isnt the first time SGI and HPE have joined forces: SGIs NUMAlink interconnect is part of HPEs Integrity servers. What remains to be seen is whether acquiring a storied name like SGI can give HPE the boost it needs. First and foremost on the positive side are SGIs continuing advancements in HPC and analytics products based on Intel silicon, said Charles King, principal analyst with Pund-IT. That is highly complementary to HPEs technology and business focus, meaning that it should be easy for the companies to find common synergies, King said. Another significant benefit is the price. When you consider some of the lofty valuations of recent IT acquisitions many of which were unprofitable or marginally so HPEs purchase looks like a terrific deal, he said. That will be especially true if projections for continuing healthy growth in sales of HPC and advanced analytics solutions come to pass. Theres a growing overlap between HPC and big data, both architecturally and technologically, said Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy. SGIs Ice line of servers makes it a key player in high-performance computing, while its UV line gives it strong big-data capabilities, Moorhead said. In HPC, it boasts very strong customer relationships that span decades. I believe this acquisition will make HPE more competitive in HPC and could do the same in big data, he said. HPE will need to invest and integrate to make it additive. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of HPEs fiscal 2017, which ends in January. Microsoft made a divisive announcement last month when it revealed that Azure Stack will be delayed until the middle of next year and that the private cloud software will only run on a set of integrated hardware systems rather than a wide variety of hardware. Now, the company is trying to explain that change to customers. On Thursday, Microsoft Principal Group Program Manager Vijay Tewari makes the case for shipping Azure Stack on a small variety of hardware in a video interview. His main point is this: constraining the software to a small set of hardware leads to a better product thats more useful right out of the gate. Having a defined set of systems will allow the Azure Stack team to more rapidly deploy updates to users, he argues. Rather than having Microsoft build software for hardware configurations we have never seen before, having pre-defined hardware would simplify the process of changing Azure Stack. Tewari also contends that having the Azure Stack software already set up makes it faster for companies to get up and running so that they can deploy applications and start using the system. Next month, Microsoft will be showing off the Azure Stack software and hardware together at its Ignite conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Its not clear yet what the pricing for these systems will be. Tewari says the systems will be based on industry-standard servers, not gold-plated hardware. He also argues that customers should focus on the total cost of ownership, since Microsoft and its hardware partners would be managing the whole stack themselves. In future, users may be able to build their own Azure Stack system if they follow a set of hardware requirements from Microsoft. But right now, customers need to buy those systems from HPE, Dell and Lenovo. We have to start with systems that are well-engineered, that are fully validated between us and our partners, so that we can really provide that robust experience so customers can be successful with Azure Stack as we go out the door, Tewari says in the video. Companies interested in getting started with a deployment of an Azure-like system in their datacenter can start working with the Cloud Platform System and Azure Pack, which they will then be able to manage using Azure Stack when those systems become available. Pakistans National Assembly has passed a cybercrime bill that provides for censorship of the internet and could also be misused by the vagueness of some of its provisions. Section 34 of the new Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act gives authorities the power to remove or block access to a variety of content. It provides for such action in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court or commission of or incitement to an offence under this Act, according to a copy of the bill on the website of the Digital Rights Foundation. The bill would also set penalties that would be disproportionate to the infractions and could serve, in practice, to stifle the right to freedom of expression, said Nighat Dad, executive director of the foundation, in a statement. Some of the terms and definitions in the the bill, such as those for cyberstalking, have been defined loosely, and can be interpreted extremely broadly, the foundation said. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, had in December voiced his concern about the vagueness of the bills provisions that provide limited guidance as to what would be prohibited under the law and impose excessive restrictions that would criminalize legitimate forms of expression. The bill would also set penalties that would be out of proportion to the infractions, he added. The legislation was passed earlier by the countrys Senate. It now needs the assent of the President to become law, which is seen as a formality. Related Turkish jets attack Kurdish PKK in northern Iraq Turkish prosecutors have prepared an indictment seeking five-year jail sentences for pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-leader Selahattin Demirtas and another HDP lawmaker for spreading "terrorist group propaganda", Dogan news agency said. Many HDP lawmakers are facing prosecution after President Tayyip Erdogan successfully lobbied for them to be stripped of their parliamentary immunity in May. Search Keywords: Short link: HP has dabbled in many operating systems over the last few years, but the company always seems to come back to Windows. The company is building a mobile device strategy around Windows 10 Mobile and is slowly cutting its reliance on Android, once high on the companys list for tablets and PCs. HP has discontinued low-cost Android tablets, and two remaining enterprise tablets feature aging hardware and an old version of the OS. Company executives have said future mobile devices will be built around Windows 10 unless theres significant new demand for Android. HP is following the lead of Dell, which has cut Android devices to focus on Windows. Lenovo, meanwhile, still sells Android tablets and smartphones but is cutting its number of Android tablets and increasing its number of Windows 2-in-1s. The goal for HP is simple: to unify products around one OS, much like Apple. Thats a challenge facing Samsung, with its PCs on Windows, tablets and smartphones on Android, and wearables and smart TVs on Tizen. Samsung is still working to put the pieces together to ensure all devices communicate flawlessly, but the company claimed progress during the recent launch of Galaxy Note 7. HP is re-entering the smartphone market its Elite X3 handset, which runs Windows 10 Mobile. The company is building its smartphone strategy around Windows 10 Mobile, which had just a 0.7 percent market share in the first quarter, according to Gartner. In an ideal world, HP could have made Windows 10 Mobile and Android smartphones, but Windows aligns better with the companys PC, virtual reality, and augmented reality strategy, said Michael Park, vice president and general manager of mobility at HP, in an interview. Park recognizes Windows 10 Mobile doesnt have a giant market share, which could make smartphone sales a challenge. But HP wants to provide a high-margin, premium product for office workers already running Windows PC apps. HP says Elite X3 can be a PC replacement with help from cloud services and accessories. Users will be able to run Universal Windows apps on PCs and smartphones. HP also plans to bring augmented reality apps on HoloLens to the Elite X3. Were not trying to hit the volumes and scales of Android, Park said. Were going after IT shops. There are a lot of people in the commercial domain who are not using Pokemon Go. HP has said it doesnt want to sell low-cost devices and has cut many Android devices in the process. But the same strategy doesnt apply to Windows this week it announced low-cost Stream notebooks running Windows 10 starting at US$199. Windows 10 is also at the center of HPs tablet and PC strategy as the OS glues together all product lines, said Mike Nash, vice president of customer experience and portfolio strategy at HP, in a recent interview. Its very difficult to build differentiated $99 Android tablets, Nash said. If theres an interest in Android, its through Chromebooks. HP offers a handful of Chromebooks which run Chrome OS and those devices will be able to run Android apps. As customers upgrade the OS on Chromebooks over time, they will run those [Android] applications on that device, Nash said. HP has dabbled with Android in PCs under the Slate product line. In 2014, the company shipped an Android laptop/tablet hybrid called Slatebook. That year, the company also shipped the Slate 21, an Android all-in-one desktop PC. The company has even put Android in printers. HP has worked on mobile printing for Android and iOS devices, and those efforts should continue. Wireless printing is becoming a standard feature in HPs printers, and mobile printing is growing. While Android seems to be off HPs map for now, it has an open-door policy for software and technologies. If a customer needs an Android device, HP will offer the OS, Nash said. Lenovo is giving up on its nascent Reachit app for Cortana. The company recently sent out an email to its users announcing the service would shut down on Friday, September 12. When we introduced Reachit, we wanted to give people the convenience of accessing all of their files from one placewe now have new priorities on Smart Devices, and as a result, we will be withdrawing Reachit, Lenovo said in its email. Reachit was first introduced in May 2015 during the Lenovo Tech World conference as a partnership between Lenovo and Microsoft. It then entered a public beta period, but only became available as a mainstream product in early June 2016. The story behind the story: Although Lenovo says Reachit is going away due to a repositioning of priorities, its likely Cortana was already useful enough without the app. For example, you could ask a Cortana-powered REACHit to help you find the spreadsheet you were editing on Tuesday while at a local cafe. Cortana, meanwhile, could already show you what spreadsheets you were editing on Tuesday. The one big difference is that Reachit could search across all your online accounts such as Box, Dropbox, and Google Drive; however, many people likely have access to those files locally and thus they are already within reach of Cortana. Reachit also required you to give Lenovo servers quite a bit of access to information about your files, which may have put some users off. If youre a big Reachit user you still have a month to enjoy the service before it disappears. Anyone who always thought about trying Reachit but never bothered can still download the initial app from the Windows Storefor now. Don Purcell and Walter Aldrich just missed each other when they were training to be B-29 gunners in World War II. Aldrich, 94, left Buckingham Gunnery School in Fort Myers, Fla., a month before Purcell arrived. Both ended up flying on bombing runs over the Japanese mainland during the war. Their planes landed at some of the same airstrips. But it wasnt until last week that their paths finally crossed. The Corona residents were brought together by the handyman they both employ. Ed Zabinski said he was struck by the similarity of the two mens war stories and the fact that they had some of the same military photos on the walls of their homes. Sitting in Purcells living room last week, the two men went back and forth, recalling shared experiences and assessments of the last days of combat in the Pacific Theater. They were stationed 135 miles apart, Purcell on Saipan, Aldrich on Guam. Its a real thrill to talk to Don, Aldrich said. Both said they were fortunate to fly on B-29s. The plane was a state-of-the-art bomber designed to be able to reach Japans mainland from the islands the allies had retaken. It was the first pressurized aircraft to be used by the Army Air Corps. As gunners, they said, they appreciated the fact that they had the first applied computer system. It was made by GE, Aldrich said. All we had to do was aim the gun and fire. The computer adjusted for the relative speed of both aircraft, gravity and parallax. The last of these was important, because unlike other bombers, the gunners did not sit in the actual turret where the 50-caliber machine guns were located. They sat in nearby seats where they could sight the incoming planes and fire their weapons remotely. Although only a month or so ahead of Purcell, Aldrich flew 35 combat missions before the end of the war, while Purcell had two. The missions could be long, Aldrich said. Some lasted 22 hours. The pace was impressive, Purcell said, holding up a photo showing a long string of B-29s sitting on a runway ready to take off. Purcell said there were 300 to 400 B-29s on Saipan. They would take off on missions 90 seconds apart. We were running non-stop, he said, Fourteen to 16-hour missions. Aldrich said when he arrived on Guam in February 1945, the base was not yet complete. The Seabees were still building the runway, he said of the Navys construction group. That runway, he said, wasnt quite long enough and ended at the top of an ocean cliff. Once the planes left the end of the runway, they would start to drop and have to reach flying speed before they hit the water, Aldrich said. Both men had occasion to land on Iwo Jima. Aldrich said it became an emergency stop for planes too low on fuel to return to base. We went into Iwo one morning, there were about 90 of us that ran out of gas, Aldrich said, due to strong headwinds. In the water there were half a dozen B-29s just floating there. Because of their design, he said, the planes were nearly unsinkable. Purcell recalled being on the island to have the bomb bay doors of his plane repaired. While they were repairing that, I climbed Mount Sirabachi, he said, Its the mountain where the Marines planted the flag. That image became perhaps the most iconic of the war. Once combat ended. Both men said they participated in humanitarian bombing runs. Fifty-gallon drums were filled with food and relief supplies and dropped into the more than 100 POW camps identified by the Japanese. They also were both part of the 800 planes that flew over the USS Missouri as a show of force during the signing ceremony for Japans surrender. Even after the wars end, there were dangers. There was a project called Operation Sunset, Purcell said, which was a project flying B-29s back to Honolulu, so they could go back to the states. We were supposed to land at Johnson (Atoll). We had a fire in our hydraulics. The fire left them without brakes and the strip at Johnson was too short for them to stop. The pilots figured out that if they flew the plane at a certain angle to save fuel, they could reach Hawaii, Purcell said. We ran out of gas on the runway in Honolulu, he said. After the war, both men took advantage of the GI Bill. Aldrich studied finance and ran a Mercedes-Benz dealership in upstate New York for many years. Purcell got a degree in business administration and spent his career working for Vulcan Materials, ending up at the companys Corona location in 1975. Aldrich came to the city six years ago. They clearly enjoyed the chance to reminisce about their shared experiences, their near misses with each other and their near misses with disaster. We were lucky, Aldrich said. Were still here. Contact the writer: mmuckenfuss@scng.com or 951-368-9595 The Fisker Karma has risen from the ashes in the form of the Revero. Karma Automotive unveiled its new luxury hybrid plug-in car. The Costa Mesa-based company was formed from the failed Fisker Automotive. Heres what we know, so far: Features: The car looks remarkably like its predecessor, the Karma. Its logo, or badge is hand-painted. It has a solar roof that will power the vehicle by charging its battery. A123 is the cars battery supplier. It looks similar to the prior vehicle, but the electrical system has a lot of upgrades and a lot of changes, said Jim Taylor, Karmas chief revenue officer. First dibs: Current Fisker Karma owners can reserve a Revero before it debuts to the general public Sept. 8, the same day the company is hosting a lunch event in Laguna Beach. How to buy one: Karma is partnering with 10 third-party dealerships to sell and service the Revero across the U.S. The company also will use its own stores to sell and service both Reveros and Karmas. The companys first store will be in Orange County, although the location has not been revealed. Where its being made: The Revero is in production in Moreno Valley. Everything, including car parts, is being made here. Its a brand new California-based car company with engineering right here in Orange County, and the plant is not far away, Taylor said. The company has more than 600 employees, including 120 in Moreno Valley. Price: The luxury plug-in sedan will be priced above $100,000. The exact price will be announced at the cars invitation-only launch event in September. Due date: An exact date has not been announced, but Taylor said the company is targeting the first quarter of next year. The car is still in prototype stage and is undergoing product testing, he said. Backstory: Fisker was founded in 2007. Around 1,800 Karmas were sold in the U.S. and Europe before battery problems, recalls and the bankruptcy of its battery supplier led to its bankruptcy in 2013. The company was acquired by Wanxiang Group Corp. for roughly $150 million in 2014. Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans Jeanne Talpash was embarrassed and horrified earlier this year when a muscle relaxing therapy called cupping left two purplish circles on the back of her teenagers shoulders. I thought, How can I explain to people those things that look like hickeys? Talpash said, of the distinctive blotches on her 17-year-old daughter, Allyson Talpash. But all week, since the rippled bodies of U.S. Olympians swimmer Michael Phelps and gymnast Alexander Naddour flaunted those identical polka dots, Talpashs mortification has morphed into something like pride. I didnt realize all those elite athletes did it, she said. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Allyson, a runner at Great Oak High School in Temecula, has been getting cupping treatments at Temecula Acupuncture for the past eight months in conjunction with acupuncture. She loves it, Jeanne Talpash said. It helps loosen tight muscles in her hips and shoulders and keeps the pain at bay. Practitioners of this 3,500-year-old Chinese healing technique use heat or an air pump to place specialized glass, plastic or bamboo vessels on tender or sore body parts to create a vacuum between the cup and the skin. The suction typically lasts for a few minutes, which pulls the skin slightly up and away from the underlying muscles, creating the so-called cupping kiss. RELATED Olympics 2016: How did Phelps do that?! Usually integrated with other alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage, cupping is touted to treat lower back pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic neck pain, among a host of other ailments and illnesses. Individual cupping treatments may range from $20 to $50, but could run more than $80 per session in combination with other treatments. Supposedly, cupping helps alleviate pain and stiffness immediately. Katherine Cheon, owner of Healing Tree Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Riverside, said she customizes her cupping and typically blends it with other modalities to tackle high blood pressure and even infertility. Dr . Reid Blackwelder, past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said that because the process draws blood from your vessels and into your tissue, cupping is a sterile inflammation. Your body reacts as if its been injured, he said, so it begins mobilizing antibodies to the area to try to heal it. Athletes like Phelps swear that cupping keeps them injury-free and speeds recovery. Skeptics say that because there are scant studies to support these claims, cupping proponents might be benefiting from a psychological, placebo effect. Available scientific evidence does not support cupping as a cure for cancer or any other disease, states the American Cancer Society. Reports of successful treatment with cupping are mainly anecdotal rather than from research studies. Blackwelder doesnt use cupping in his practice and remains dubious. Theres little research to prove that healing takes place, he said. David Gorski, a researcher and an associate professor of surgery at at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan, excoriated cupping under his nom de plume, Orac, on a blog for Science-Based Medicine headlined: Thanks, Michael Phelps, for glamorizing cupping quackery! Gorski wrote: Sports celebrities are, of course, not a source of reliable health information. Athletes have a distressing tendency to embrace pseudoscience, as long as they think it can give them an edge. Nonetheless, since cupping began copping headlines in Rio, practitioners have reported a surge of interest. Randy Heaps, a worldwide cupping educator for 12 years and owner of Go Deep Massage Therapy in Upland, said hes received probably 100 cupping requests through calls, texts and emails. I incorporate it in every massage, Heaps said. He contends that cupping even calms the tremors of a patient who has severe Parkinsons disease. Carrie Cimperman, owner of Temecula Acupuncture, said its unsafe to leave stationary cups on patients for more than 20 minutes. She also limits the number of vessels she applies per session to 12. Trish and David Charity of Temecula, both 62, have been hooked on Cimpermans cupping and acupuncture since 2007 to ease their hip and back pain, muscle spasms and sciatica. They used to go once a week but because theyre improving, have cut back to once-monthly treatments. The bruises are a visual thing, like youve been attacked an octopus, Trish said. But they do not hurt. Both are thrilled that the Olympics have exposed to millions what theyve long believed has been a panacea for them. We hope the publicity will generate more research, David said. American culture doesnt accept and insurance doesnt pay for cupping as an alternative therapy. Blogger surgeon Gorski concluded in his Aug. 9 post: Just Olympic champion like Michael Phelps believes that cupping works does not mean that it actually works. It doesnt, and it can in some cases cause harm. Its basically all risk, no objectively demonstrable benefit. Contact the writer: llucas@scng.com, 951-368-9559 UPDATE (Tuesday, Aug. 30): How new law aims to curb use of elephant bullhooks The California legislature is taking another shot at limiting tools used on some of the largest members of the animal kingdom. On Thursday, Aug. 11, the state senate approved SB 1062 which would subject individuals, zoos, circuses and other organizations to fines of up to $10,000 if caught using bullhooks and other instruments on elephants. They could also lose their elephant permit. The bill is now in the hands of Gov. Jerry Brown, who vetoed similar legislation last year. One change to this years bill introduced again by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Long Beach is that violators would be subject to civil prosecution instead of criminal charges. This is the second time that the California legislature has passed a ban on bullhooks and other weapons for elephants, said Rachel Mathews, PETAs associate director of captive animal law enforcement. The public has called for an end to this kind of abuse. Earlier this summer Rhode Island became the first state to approve a bullhook ban, taking effect in January 2017. The Los Angeles City Council passed a similar ban in April 2014, which will also go into effect in January. Many cities and counties have taken similar action, said Mathews. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus held its last show involving elephants this spring. Kari Johnson and her husband, Gary, have kept and trained elephants at their 10-acre ranch in Perris for 28 years. She admits that the actions of the animal rights activists have impacted their business Have Trunk Will Travel. Were still working, said Kari Johnson. Its just that its much harder. And its harder to do public events, especially. They have five elephants at their ranch which have been used in movies, commercials and fair performances. As recently as 2014, the elephants appeared in the Perris Christmas parade. Kari Johnson who has testified against the ban during hearings in Sacramento objects to the use of the word bullhook, saying elephant trainers refer to the instruments as guides. Ironically, Aug. 12 is World Elephant Day, which is designed to spotlight threats of extinction for African and Asian elephants. The Los Angeles Zoo is planning special activites this weekend and highlighting challenges the species faces in the wild. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 951-368-9682 or tsheridan@pressenterprise.com California families who qualify for state-subsidized child care would be guaranteed eligibility for 12 months under a bill working its way through the Legislature that would bring the state into compliance with federal requirements. Families in Californias publicly funded preschool and child care programs for low-income children must re-establish their eligibility at least once every six months, and again if there are changes to their employment situation, income or family size. Parents who work a variable schedule one in which hours can change weekly must re-establish their eligibility every four months. Child care and family advocates have long urged legislators to change those requirements. About 270,000 children are in the state-funded programs. AB2150, authored by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles, was scheduled to go to the state Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. Its potential cost would be $1 million to $5 million a year, as between 2 percent and 10 percent of children who now are disenrolled each year remain in child care, according to an estimate by the California Department of Education calculated for the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It supports continuity as well as job seeking, said Linda Asato, executive director of the Child Care Resource and Referral Network. Its one small step but a huge impact on a large population that really depends on this service, Santiago said. He said the Senate Appropriations Committee has estimated a larger fiscal impact and that he is working through the difference with committee members. He would not disclose the larger estimate because the analysis is still in draft form, he said. The federal government, in reauthorizing the Child Care Development Block Grant in 2014, required that states create 12-month eligibility rules; although California officials have since been considering ways to do that, they have taken no action. Four other bills proposing to alter current requirements have died. The bill also would allow the state to gradually trim benefits as a familys income increases, ending the subsidy when the income reaches 85 percent of the states 2007 median income. Currently, families are cut off immediately once their income hits 70 percent of the 2007 median income, about $42,000 for a family of three. That I think is very important, that theres no cliff effect, Asato said. Parents must repeatedly scramble to complete extensive paperwork and work with their employers to verify income, said Lara Magnusdottir, public policy director at the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County. An application missing a document or containing any other mistake means the child must withdraw from the facility, she said. Parents also are put in the position of having to decide whether to accept wage increases that might eliminate their eligibility but still leave them unable to afford child care. It happens quite a bit that they lose the benefits, Magnusdottir said. And theres a huge portion of low-income people who work in retail or restaurants or support services; they dont work the same schedule all the time. Santiago said, The ability to take an extra shift, to take on a couple more hours to improve your life, that isnt there under the current regulations. He said he grew up in an immigrant family that faced many of the challenges that families who make use of state-subsidized child care confront. Its a smart step in the right direction, said Giannina Perez, senior director of early childhood policy at Children Now, an early education and childrens advocacy organization. Lets just make sure that kids and families and employers will know that theres a guarantee of at least 12 months so kids will know theyre going to see the same teacher every day, so that parents will know, My kid will be in child care all year, and that employers know theyre not going to lose employees because theyre scrambling for child care. Contact the writer: jhay@edsource.org Travon Williams life was celebrated in style Tuesday. The 9-year-old boy would have been proud when teachers, neighbors, friends, relatives, pastors, law enforcement, business people, elected officials and school district employees, led by the community Men Mob, gathered in San Bernardino for a Memorial Mob at 8 a.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, where Travon was a student. RELATED: 3 shot, killed near liquor store Now beginning its second year, the Men Mob is a group of male business people, pastors, government officials, etc., that dresses professionally and visits locations, such as schools, to encourage young people and provide inspiration. The group works to serve as an example of the good men in the community. There is also a Mom Mob, the female version of the group, that encourages young people in the same way. Terrance Stone, Young Visionaries founder and Men Mob co-founder, was unable to attend Tuesdays special event because he was attending the National Gang Crime Research Center Conference in Chicago. RELATED: Lincoln Elementary staff remember Travon We heard morale was low at Lincoln, so we wanted to bring some joy to the teachers and administrators but most of all the kids, Stone said via telephone from Chicago. We go to that school because we care about Travon and the other kids who walk through those gates. Travon, one of three people shot and killed July 8 outside a San Bernardino liquor store, was loved by everyone. He had a beautiful heart, a loving spirit, people said. His smile was contagious. Happy, smiling people lined up on both sides of a long, red carpet that extended from the parking lot to the front entrance of the school. It was all about making those young students feel appreciated, giving them joy and letting them know the community cares about them as they greeted the young students on their sixth day back at school. RELATED: Not-guilty plea in death of boy, two men Adults high-fived the students, wishing them well. Funky, upbeat music matched the mood. Mars Serna, one of the Men Mob organizers, encouraged the young people over a microphone. Lets get some straight As, he said. I think we have some straight As in the house. MANY PARTICIPANTS Teachers were there, and parents, too. San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis said he was an honorary Men Mob member for a day. So was Superintendent of Schools Dale Marsden. Most touching, though, was the arrival of Ebony Williams, Travons mother, who joined the Memorial Men Mob of community leaders, high-fiving the small, outstretched hands. She smiled and was gracious, just one month after losing her young son. There are so many wonderful people in this city I dont know where the crime comes from, Ebony Williams said. RELATED: Funeral services held for boy, his father Her sister, Erica Newman, said the celebration was a good thing and would have a positive impact on students who had lost their friend. Travon was such a happy kid, she said. The idea for the rally came from a meeting between Lincoln Elementary Principal Kevin Goodly and Serna from the office of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, who talked about how they could start the year on a positive note. We were coming out of the death of one of our students and wanted to segue the beginning of school with honoring him, the principal said. Lets remember his smile, the great things he did for us. He was someone who enjoyed dancing and music, working on math and reading about basketball and other sports. Laura Pleasant, a San Bernardino County probation officer and aunt to Travon, joined the Men Mob on Tuesday. These people are trying to stay strong, she said. There is so much good here and so much evil. Contact the writer: mnolan@scng.comTwitter: @MichelNolaner A German woman detained in Turkey as part of Ankara's crackdown in the wake of last month's failed coup has been freed, Berlin confirmed Friday. "The Foreign Ministry confirms a report in the Spiegel magazine, that the German citizen, who was a arrested in Turkey a few days ago, has been released," the ministry said in a statement. Authorities did not identify the woman nor give any further details about the circumstances surrounding her detention. But the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported last week that she was detained after books were found at her home suggesting she had links with the Fethullah Gulen movement. Ankara accuses Gulen, a preacher living in exile in the United States, of having ordered the July 15 putsch attempt. But the 75-year-old cleric has denied any involvement. Tensions have been growing between Germany and Turkey over the German parliament's decision to brand as genocide the World War I-era massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces and also Ankara's threat to back out of a crucial deal with the EU on migrants. Berlin has criticised the Turkish government's post-coup crackdown, in which more than 35,000 people have been arrested. Search Keywords: Short link: The company that owns Kentucky Fried Chicken is facing new calls to stop using poultry that has been treated with antibiotics. US consumer groups will deliver a petition signed by more than 350,000 people to Yum Brands. KFC has already promised to limit the use of human antibiotics in its chicken by next year. However, critics claim the policy effectively allows for routine use of antibiotics by its chicken suppliers. The chain does not allow the use of antibiotics to promote the growth of poultry in line with federal government rules. A KFC spokesperson said it was reviewing whether it could force suppliers to go beyond Food and Drug Administration rules on antibiotics usage. "KFC is lagging woefully behind - diners around the country want KFC to step up," said Lena Brook of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which is one of the groups delivering petitions to KFC headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The action comes a day after Yum investors submitted a proposal asking that the company to speed up plans to stop using antibiotics in its meat. Other Yum brand chains - Taco Bell and Pizza Hut - plan to cut the use of chicken treated with antibiotics by early next year. Medical experts warn that the routine use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent illness in farm animals contributes to the rise of drug-resistant "superbug" infections that kill at least 23,000 Americans each year and represent a significant threat to global health. Fast food restaurants have become a focal point for change in the food industry by forcing suppliers to change their practices. Last week McDonald's said it had switched to antibiotic-free chickens in the US and Canada. Chick-fil-A, another big US fast food chicken chain, has promised to use only antibiotic-free chickens by 2019. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Executive Director for YouthEye Innovations Foundation, Samuel Awuni says Ghana Education Service must be blamed for embarrassing results by candidates of the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He explained that bad structures by the service over the years resulted to the failure this he said will daunt over 50% of the candidate dream of entering into a university. The systemic failure of our educational authority has resulted to the continuous failure within the sector. The Ghana Education service has failed to put in place practical measures towards the academic growth and development of students over the years, he said. According to him The service continually focuses on infrastructure and educational materials than giving little priority to the mental growth and ability of student to understand and appreciate education beyond the walls of the classroom. This years results statistics reveals 66% failing, which remains unfortunate. This is a clear indication of how poor our education system is failing us. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has said at least 598 candidates who sat in the 2016 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) had their entire results cancelled. A copy of a provisional report signed by the Public Relations Officer of WAEC, Agnes Teye-Cudjoe, said out of the 274,262 candidates who took the examination, 2,184 candidates had issues with their results - 66% failing, whiles 1, 576 candidates had their subjects results cancelled, 598 candidates had their entire results cancelled. 13 candidates had their entire results cancelled and have been barred from taking any of the Councils examinations for 2 (two) years mainly for impersonation during the examination. According to the statement, about 2,293 candidates who were identified to have cheated in English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science had their relevant subject results cancelled. These subjects have been over emphases causing panic and continue phobia hence the reason for the poor performance recorded However, in a statement copied to Peacefmonline.com Mr Awuni noted that The Ghana Eduction Service must be prudent and innovative in their approach to education. Going by this current trends and stands by the GES is likely to result to even worse performance in the coming years. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The government has increased the allowance for Ghanaian troops on United Nations Peacekeeping operations by $1 a day. President John Dramani Mahama, who announced this during an interaction with officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday, expressed the hope that the increase would motivate Ghanaian troops to continue to excel in international peacekeeping operations. Ghanaian troops on peacekeeping receive $30 a day. This means they will now take $31 a day. President Mahama, who was dressed in military camouflage, spent a good part of his working time yesterday at Burma Camp where he also inaugurated a new headquarters complex for the Ghana Navy. The Burma Hall, where the durbar of officers and men was held, was filled to capacity. Both soldiers and the civilian staff of the GAF were given the opportunity to ask the President questions, all of which he took his time to explain. Most of the questions bordered on pensions, rations, accommodation, health and training. President Mahama expressed appreciation to Ghanaian troops for continuing to keep the flag of the nation high in international peacekeeping. He assured them of the prompt payment of their allowances. Touching on rations for troops, the President said it was one area that was receiving further attention. Making reference to what Napoleon once said that An army marches on its stomach, President Mahama said efforts were being made to promptly pay contractors who supplied troops rations to avoid cuts in supply. High morale President Mahama, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, described the state of the Armed Forces as good, and added that morale within the forces was high. Emphasising professionalism as key to the operations of the GAF, the President said: We have worked very hard to sustain the level of professionalism in the forces. He said over the years, Ghanaian troops on international peacekeeping had made the nation and themselves proud with extraordinary output. Internally, he said the GAF had played a key role in maintaining peace. Retooling President Mahama said his desire to see to the retooling of the GAF began when he was the Vice-President. He indicated that when he became the Chairman of the Armed Forces Council in 2009, he was charged by the then President, Prof J.E.A. Mills, to make sure that the troops were equipped to undertake their duties. Before that period, he said some of the highly trained pilots of the Ghana Air Force had left to join private airlines because the Air Force lacked adequate facilities. Since 2009, the President said, the government had acquired three CASA aircraft and four MH helicopters for the Ghana Air Force. The Ghana Navy had also taken delivery of six new vessels. Generally, the state of equipment of all the forces is better than we met it, he stated. Encroachment President Mahama took serious notice of encroachment on military lands and said measures were being taken to check the negative practice. Consequently, he said a public-private partnership arrangement was being implemented to construct walls around all military lands in the country, with the one at Burma Camp already started. He expressed the hope that the second military hospital under construction in the Ashanti Region would be ready by June next year. In answer to complaints about inadequate pensions paid to retiring junior ranks, the President said that must be addressed by the Armed Forces Council. Chief of Defence Staff The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Marshall Michael Sampson-Oje, described the Presidents support to the Ghana Armed Forces as impressive. All new projects you see around here are to his credit, he said. Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has reiterated the need for a review of the 1992 Constitution to extend the tenure of office for elected Presidents. He said the current four-year tenure did not provide ample time for a President to put in place the right structures to implement all of his governments policies. Governance requires planning, putting in place structures and getting the right human resource to take charge of various aspects of development. If a government has any potential to do anything, it needs at least five years to be able to settle and deliver on its promises. I have been at the helm of affairs of the country and from where I sit, I will say that the current four-year tenure is not enough for any government, he indicated. The former President, who made the call in Accra yesterday, also called for the replacement of the Council of State with a second chamber of Parliament to take decisions on crucial national issues. He was speaking at the 22nd annual international conference of the International Society for African Philosophy and Studies (ISAPS) at the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra. The conference, which drew participants from academia, civil society and politics, was on the theme: Democracy, Justice and Development in Africa: 50 Years after Independence. Need for second chamber Mr Kufuor said the idea of a bicameral legislature was to ensure that due diligence and scrutiny was carried out in the vetting of appointees by the Executive and that bills were not rushed through Parliament due to partisan interests. In that regard, he said, the second chamber ought to be composed of experts drawn from academic institutions, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers and other key institutions. If we have about 80 people in that chamber and the role is to put the searchlight on governance processes, I can assure you that the gains will be enormous for the country. From what I experienced in government, I would wish for a second chamber that will have regional and religious balance which will be structured in a way that will not frustrate the operation of the first chamber, he added. Africa democracy must reflect our culture The former President also held the view that it was important for African countries to adopt a module of democracy and system of government that would reflect the culture and cherished values of the continent. He said that module of democracy ought to create an enabling environment for inclusiveness and provide space for experts and technocrats to play a pivotal role. The African module of multi-party democracy by African countries must take into consideration the cultural dynamism that allows us to borrow. But if we borrow, we must make sure that it fits into our system, he said. Mr Kufuor further opined that multi-party democracy in Africa ought to be practised in an atmosphere that created room for probity and accountability and was devoid of partisan underpinnings. Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President John Mahama yesterday tasted the anger and frustration of the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) when he visited the Burma Camp military base in Accra. He was there to commission a newly built headquarters for the Ghana Navy; and as the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, was spotted in full military uniform. His appearance at the place in a military uniform was a surprise to many who had gathered there since it was the first time they were seeing him in such an outfit. Many were those who stood in awe when they saw the president arriving at the event in the military camouflage with a pair of army desert boots to match. But he was not spared the anger of the soldiers during an open forum as they vented their spleen on him. The various military barracks have been the scene of tension owing to discrimination, favoritism, nepotism and political connections, eroding the esprit de corps mantra. Appointments and promotions are now exercised on tribal and political lines rather than on merit, dampening the spirit of officers and men in uniform. Like their fellow Ghanaians, the soldiers complained bitterly about their conditions of service which they said was nothing worth writing home about a situation they said had led to most of their colleagues dying prematurely due to poverty after retirement. Some expressed disappointment in the unfairness of the system, comparing the case of a soldier who had served 25 years or more and retiring on a paltry pension to a Member of Parliament (MP) who only gets to serve for four years in parliament with a fat ex-gratia to take home. They also expressed disappointment in the fact that they now struggle to get otherwise basic accoutrements such as uniforms and boots for work, and even have to bear the costs themselves. The uniformed men and women also charged the president to see to the payment of their allowances, especially for peace keeping, and other basic incentives. At the end of the day, President Mahama announced an increment in the allowance for peace-keeping by $1, bringing the total allowance to $31 per day. Since late JEA Mills increased the rate [in 2009] there has been no increment.we have decided to increase it by $1 a day, the rate that is paid to peace-keeping soldiers, he said. The peace keeping allowance was increased from $16 to $27 per day when President Kufuor assumed office in 2001 and Mills/Mahama moved it to $30 from 2009 and $31 in 2016. In response to the concerns expressed, he assured the soldiers of prompt payment of allowances which had been a source of worry in the army. NDC Eight Years President Mahama conceded that the NDC had been in office for eight years, claiming that when they took office in the year 2009, the Armed Forces was in a very poor state logistically. That, he said, was partly because the Navy ships available were old and not sea worthy while the Air Force had difficulty with getting platforms to fly with a shortage of vehicles in the Army. But today, President Mahama said, Things are much better than they were when we met them. He talked of a number of infrastructural and logistical developments in the Armed Forces, including three new troop transport carriers for the Air Force, which he said are currently serving in Mali on a United Nations mission, with the two in use in Ghana. Apart from that, he also indicated that government had procured four new MH17 helicopters and four new Z9 helicopters for the Air Force and six new vessels for the Navy. He insisted, A lot of progress has been made in re-tooling the service since 2009. The president however, expressed concern about the rate of encroachment on military lands by private citizens and estate developers, a trend he said government had started taking measures to stall. We have started with Burma Camp alreadyyou could see that the walls are coming up, he said. Strangely, some of the encroachments are said to be perpetrated by senior military officers and top government officials who are grabbing military lands, putting up mansions and real estates for sale. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video If Donald Trump literally did not say another word during his campaign to be President of the United States of America, itd be an improvement: not for his opponents, though. Just for himself. Seriously. After labelling Barack Obama the legitimate founder of ISIS and slandering campaign opponent Hillary Clinton as its co-founder Trump has lashed out on Twitter, blaming the media for apparently not getting his next-level sarcasm. Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) the founder of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DONT GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 Claiming the President of the USA is Islamic States El Hefe *is* pretty goddamn ostentatious, and theres certainly scope for such OTT hyperbole to fall under the constraints of misconstrued lols. The problem is, the human-shaped mound of Doritos dust that is Donald Trump cannot distance himself from the raw footage of the statement, nor the follow-up interview highlighted by CNN. ICYMI, you can peep the Dons unabridged statement riiight here: Somehow, the aforementioned CNNs coverage of the issue makes the bloke come across like even more of a space cadet than the video alone. The broadcaster highlighted an interview with a right-wing (!!!) radio talk show host, who actually wanted to get the full context of Trumps boggling thought process. When given the opportunity to track back his claim in friendly media territory, the Republican nominee doubled the hell down. Trump said no, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton. But, no, that was 100% satire. Obviously. Somehow, even more worryingly, Trump also asked the interviewer do you not like that? If that statement doesnt give you the willies, it should: it implies the bloke has gotten thiiis close to being the quote-unquote Leader of the Free World by doing nothing but playing to Americas basest fears and insecurities. Sad. Bring on November. Source: CNN / Donald J. Trump / Twitter. Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty. UPDATE: Developer announces plans for retail, dining, a hotel and an apartment building A very visible piece of real estate that has been vacant for years has been purchased. Senate Plaza, a 230,000-square-foot, six-story building in East Pennsboro Township has been sold, according to the Central Penn Business Journal. A partnership between the owners of J.C. Bar Properties Inc. and Triple Crown Corporation purchased the Camp Hill-area building which was last anchored by Highmark Inc. in 2013, the newspaper said. Triple Crown CEO Mark DiSanto told the newspaper that the partnership has been looking at the site for about two years and that developers have been working with the township to allow retail development but are looking at multiple options including the possibility of a grocery store, a drugstore, restaurants, hotel development and other options. The newspaper reported that demolition of the building is possible but, that no decisions have been made yet. Representatives of J.C. Bar Properties and Triple Crown could not be reached for comment. NAI CIR, is the realtor for the property. Islamic State group fighters seized around 2,000 civilians to use as "human shields" Friday as they fled their stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, US-backed forces and a monitor said. The Arab-Kurdish alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expelled most of the IS fighters from the town last week, but a small number remained. "While withdrawing from a district of Manbij, Daesh (IS) jihadists abducted around 2,000 civilians from Al-Sirb neighbourhood," said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, a key component of the SDF. "They used these civilians as human shields as they withdrew to Jarabulus, thus preventing us from targeting them," he added. Al-Sirb is a district in northern Manbij on the way to the IS-held border town of Jarabulus in Aleppo province near the border with Turkey. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on sources on the ground to cover the conflict, also reported that IS had abducted around 2,000 civilians as they fled Manbij. It said the civilians were placed in hundreds of cars that then headed for Jarabulus. Darwish said the civilians who were taken were residents of Al-Sirb and other districts, including a central neighbourhood known as the "security quarter" in the centre of Manbij. It was not immediately clear how many jihadists fled from the town, but reports last week after the SDF forces took Manbij said that dozens of IS fighters were holed up in the "security quarter". Darwish said that around 2,500 other civilians "held captive by the jihadists were saved" by the SDF. The US-backed forces were meanwhile combing Al-Sirb on Friday for jihadists who could still be in the neighbourhood, he added. With air support from the US-led coalition, the SDF began its assault on Manbij on May 31, surging into the town itself three weeks later. But their offensive was slowed by a massive jihadist fightback using suicide attackers and car bombs, before a major push last week saw the SDF seize 90 percent of the town. Tens of thousands of people lived in Manbij before the assault started in May. The United Nations has said that more than 78,000 people have been displaced since then. Manbij had served as a key transit point along IS's supply route from the Turkish border to Raqa, the de facto capital of its self-styled Islamic "caliphate". The Britain-based Observatory says that the battle for Manbij has claimed the lives of at 437 civilians -- including 105 children -- and killed 299 SDF fighters and 1,019 jihadists. Search Keywords: Short link: In 1964 Pennsylvania Gov. William Scranton went on a whirlwind tour attempting to win the GOP nomination for president. In April of 1964, Scranton had given a news conference in Harrisburg reiterating the fact that although there were many people who wanted him to run, he would not seek the nomination. He said he was making "one final effort to get people to understand that I sincerely do not wish to run." Scranton, who was governor of Pennsylvania from 1963 to1967, surprised people when he launched his campaign on June 12, 1964 - just a month before the GOP National Convention was to be held July 13-16 at the Cow Palace near San Francisco. Scranton visited 25 states in 32 days. While his campaign failed - Barry Goldwater received the nomination - PennLive and The Patriot-News have some cool photos of Scranton's tour across the United States. The Trump/Pence campaign has garnered a good amount of support in the central Pennsylvania region, judging by rallies. But how important is Mike Pence to the Donald Trump presidential campaign? We wanted to find out, so we asked those attending the Mike Pence Town Hall if naming Pence as his vice president changed the way they felt about Trump. Their answers may surprise you. Check them out in the video above. Around 600 people attended Pence's town hall meeting in Lancaster. During the rally, Pence left the stage to comfort a boy whose father is dying of ALS. He also criticized President Obama and reiterated his message for the country. Trump's campaign in Pennsylvania continues today, Aug. 12, in Altoona. PennLive will have plenty of live coverage of the event, so be sure to check back. Trump was last in the area for a rally in Mechancisburg. Hillary Clinton returns to Pennsylvania on Aug. 15 for a rally with Vice President Joe Biden in Scranton. The rally was rescheduled from its original date in July. Buzzard and Ravert.JPG Alicia Buzzard and Elliot Ravert (Pa. State Police ) Update: Couple found when Ravert arrested for shoplifting in Myrtle Beach. His Facebook page might give a hint regarding the emotional volatility of an 18-year-old Lancaster County man who is being sought by police for removing a woman from a midstate psychiatric facility at gunpoint. "I'm a big soft pillow until u get me mad, then I reckon u should leave town cause I am then a fierce wolf," Elliott Ravert of Narvon wrote on his Facebook page. "But mostly I'm the nicest guy around." As of Friday morning, two and a half days after the incident at Philhaven in Lebanon County, police had not reported any solid sightings of Ravert or 21-year-old Alicia Buzzard. Cornwall police said Ravert threatened two nurses with a pistol to get them to release Buzzard from a locked ward as the West Cornwall Township facility. The two then left in Ravert's truck. On Wednesday, a warrant was issued for Ravert's arrest on charges of robbery, aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. Buzzard's mother, Jacqui Shay, has told lancasteronline that Ravert wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with her daughter until the family intervened. Ravert and Buzzard met at school, she said. Shay told the news site her daughter is bipolar and has other mental health issues. Records filed with the Lebanon County register of wills office show the then 19-year- old Buzzard was ruled an incapacitated person by county Judge Samuel A. Kline following a hearing in December 2014. Kline appointed Shay as her daughter's guardian. Buzzard, who moved to Lebanon County in March 2014, had previously been ruled an incapacitated person by a court in North Carolina, records show. Shay also said police told her Ravert and Buzzard visited a friend of Buzzard's in Manheim Township right after the Philhaven incident and that her daughter seemed to be happy at that time, according to lancasteronline. Police said Ravert might has removed the Pennsylvania license place from his green 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche truck and replaced it with a Texas plate at that time. Cornwall police couldn't immediately be reached Friday morning, but according to WGAL had issued a nationwide alert for the pair. Midstate authorities also were receiving calls about possible sightings of Ravert and Buzzard in Lancaster County, according to radio dispatch traffic Friday morning. A phone call to Ravert's home address was not immediately returned Friday morning. Ravert gives his nickname as "Big El" on his Facebook page. He says he was a busser at the Rockville Diner since June and is "the son of an Army dad. His aims, according to the page, are to get a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and to join the Marines. "I'm fun to be around," he wrote. Zambia's main challenger to President Edgar Lungu on Friday accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of colluding with the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to delay announcing the election results, a day after voting. "The ECZ is somehow conniving with people in the political arena to delay the release of results so that PF thugs armed with guns take over the polling stations at night and write fake results," United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Hakainde Hichilema told journalists. "They are trying to generate the results." Search Keywords: Short link: FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2016, file photo, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange stands on the balcony of the Ecuadorean Embassy in London. Ecuador says itAos ready to set a date for Swedish prosecutors to question Assange, who has been holed up in the South American countryAos embassy in London for four years. Assange is wanted for questioning by Swedish police over rape allegations stemming from his visit to the country in 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) Current EU president Slovakia beefed up security at several airports Friday following an unspecified threatening message, the interior ministry said, as Bratislava prepares for a major EU summit next month. "Based on the threat, we have increased security measures at international airports in Bratislava, Poprad and Kosice," Interior Ministry spokesman Ivan Netik told AFP Friday, but refused to provide further details on character of the message. "The National Safety and Analysis Center is currently analysing the information we received," Netik added. The EU's 27 heads of state or government will meet September 16 in the capital Bratislava for an informal summit to chart the bloc's future without Britain after its voters decided to leave in a June referendum. Slovakia, a eurozone member of 5.4 million currently holds the EU's rotating half-year presidency until January. Search Keywords: Short link: Doug Corl, left, and Brian Mattson prepare to offload their massive catch at PFI on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Brian Mattson and Doug Corl are no strangers to catching fish, the pair have fished together for almost two decades, and last weekend was no exception. Around 10 p.m. on Saturday the local fishermen hooked a monster. They made a quick trip on the F/V Day Spring to Thomas Bay, rather than going south of town, because they drew a NOAA observer. Two sets later they had a nearly 400-pound halibut aboard. They caught the fish "right where everybody goes tanner crabbing," Mattson says. "Normally we catch some big fish in Thomas Bay," Mattson said. "On one set we got this fish and another fish, and the other set didn't have anything." Mattson's been fishing since 13 or 14, like many local fishermen, but now he can tell a story unique to Petersburg that needs no embellishment although the event itself was uneventful. "A lot of the smaller ones they'll move the line around and stuff, but this one just came up," he says. "We were expecting it to fight, but it never fought." It was obvious they had a special catch. After using a shark hook to hoist it aboard they measured it and checked the Tide Book. The book, using length of fish, estimated the weight of the fish to be around 435 pounds. The fish ended up weighing just over 395 pounds on the scales at PFI in Petersburg. "That's definitely the biggest we ever got," Mattson says. "We've had them in the low 300's, high 200's, but this is definitely, for Doug and I both, the biggest we have ever seen since we've been fishing." Corl sent a picture to his son, who was out seining, and he put it on Facebook. On Sunday, when they placed a call to PFI to schedule a landing, a cannery employee told the fishermen they had already seen a picture of the fish, shocking Mattson. Once the Day Spring hit the dock at PFI, the catch had the attention of cannery workers and management alike, and quickly became the focal point of every camera around. "It's been a long time since we've seen a fish that large," says Patrick Wilson, PFI plant manager. "It's a rare occasion when you see a fish that big, no question, and it's been many years." PFI does not track individual catches, so no record is available for largest halibut processed at the cannery, but it's definitely one of the biggest Wilson's seen. He says halibut average 20 to 30 pounds, with a handful over 100 pounds each year. Big fish bring more money per pound, and the catch was worth about $2,700, Wilson says. "It's always fun to see something unusual like that, for sure," he says. Levy Boiter, port sampler for the International Pacific Halibut Commission, meets longliners at the cannery to monitor catches. Boiter took out the fish's ear bone, or otolith, which he will use to age the fish. Otolith's are like a tree's concentric growth rings, adding rings as the critter ages, making the process of aging a halibut fairly easy. Boiter figured the fish was anywhere between 25 to 45 years old. He's been at PFI for 17 years and remembers a halibut a couple years back weighing around 350 pounds, but Sunday was one to remember, he says. "We're not seeing too many of these guys," Boiter says. As for Corl and Mattson, it was back to business and more sets. "We got bait," Mattson says. "We're going to get ice here pretty soon and then head down to the south end of the Narrows." Director of U.S. Office of Indian Education visits East Jordan schools Julian Guerrero Jr. visited the district to discuss their Title VI policies and see their Native American education opportunities. A performance and a graduation ceremony for the second year of Nahda Arts School for Social Theatre was held on Wednesday at Al-Azhar park in Cairo. The performance held in Al-Azhar park's paths allowed the visitors to interactively participate in the celebration. The school is a theatrical initiative that aims to tackle social issues in local communities by performing in streets, squares and public spaces in villages and towns. The school's mission is to provide "a training space for performers on various performing arts and theatrical styles that works to conquer the distance between theatre and community." The school was established in 2013 and its first group of students graduated in November 2014. The duration of study at the school is 11 months, where during a period of 660 hours the trainees learn the skills of acting, dancing, dramaturgy, improvisational theatre, the theatre of the oppressed, the clown skills, and directing. They also study the history of community theatre. Each semester ends with a performance where the students show the skills they obtained during the year. The trainers are a team of Egyptian and foreign theatre experts. Nahda Arts School for Social Theatre is one of the artistic activities of El-Nahda Association for Scientific and Cultural Renaissance -- Jesuit Cairo, which considers the role of arts and creativity in developing human capabilities and enhancing local communities. Text by Nahed Nasr Photos by Nahed Nasr and Ati Metwaly Petrobras second-quarter profit fell by 30 percent vs a year earlier Petrobras' profit declines on lower prices, charges RIO DE JANEIRO Petroleumworld.com 08 12 2016 State-led oil company Petrobras reported second-quarter profit that fell by nearly a third from a year earlier, missing analysts' expectations as oil prices fell and it took charges for layoffs and the impairment of a refinery. Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the company is formally known, said net income fell 30 percent to 370 million reais ($118 million) in the three months ended June 30 compared with a profit of 531 million reais a year earlier, the company said in a statement. Last year's profit was one of the most anemic quarterly results in the company's recent history. The second-quarter 2016 profit comes after a 1.25 billion reais loss in the first quarter of this year. The average profit estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Reuters was 1.81 billion reais. Estimates, though, ranged from a 5.56 billion real profit to a 1.25 billion real loss, as analysts struggled again with a lack of clear Petrobras guidance. Part of the problem for analysts trying to chart the company's progress is Petrobras' huge debt, Chief Financial Officer Ivan Monteiro told reporters on Thursday. This requires the company to make quick changes to preserve enough cash to pay its obligations. While total debt has eased 2 percent since the end of 2015, at $124 billion it is still the largest in the oil industry. "From our point of view the company is becoming more predictable," Monteiro said. "Clearly we're still facing difficulty because the company's debt level is still very high ... still at a level where we are required to maintain a very high level of liquidity." After a 26 percent decline in the average price of benchmark Brent crude oil compared with a year earlier, Petrobras net sales, or total sales minus sales taxes fell 11 percent from a year earlier to 71.3 billion reais, missing the average survey estimate of 73.8 billion reais. The 1.21 billion real cost of a voluntary dismissal program and 1.12 billion real impairment charges for the Comperj refinery, whose construction was halted last year after eating up $13.5 billion of investment, kept costs high even as revenue fell. As a result, operating profit fell 25 percent to 7.18 billion reais. If a scaled back Comperj opens as now planned in 2023, it will be more than a decade late and nearly triple its original $5.2 billion budget. Contract fixing, bribery and political kickbacks from the refinery are part of a giant corruption scandal that implicated, and resulted in jail terms for a number of its former senior executives and contractors. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, a measure of a company's ability to generate cash from operations, was little changed rising 2.8 percent to 20.3 billion reais, in line with analysts estimates. ($1 = 3.14 Brazilian reais) In recent years, Chinese private firms have been eager to leave China's borders behind. Private overseas investment has surged, with overseas mergers and acquisitions by Chinese private firms accounting for 68 percent of overall M&A spending in the first quarter, according to a research report conducted by experts from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In the first five months of 2016, overseas investment by Shanghai-based private companies grew 27 percent year-on-year to US$ 17.9 billion. Private overseas investment from Shandong Province swelled 210 percent, reaching US$ 7.31 billion. In contrast, this year, private investment at home dropped sharply. Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that between January and June 2016, private fixed-asset investment grew year on year by only 2.8 percent. The figure for June alone showed even a decline, for the first time in history, in private fixed-asset investment compared with the same month a year ago. What made investing overseas seem more attractive to private investors? Rising costs are partially responsible. Although domestic consumer demand is warming, the rapidly rising prices of labor, capital and other factors have deterred private companies from making big investments. Also, foreign acquisitions have become more common as private firms look for undervalued assets overseas to support their operations or boost their market valuation. Chinese firms have already doled out US$ 102 billion on overseas acquisitions this year, according to Dealogic. In the first five months of 2016, Suzhou-based firms made 21 cross-border M&A deals with a total value of US$ 655 million, a year on year increase of 188.2 percent. These acquisitions also showed that Chinese investors had more diversified purposes. They were once overwhelmingly concerned about securing energy resources, but are now putting more emphasis on access to foreign markets, resources and technology. Loopholes and Uncertainties Many private firms invest overseas for several legitimate reasons. But a few "go out" beyond Chinese borders in order to exploit loopholes and engage in unusual or even illegal business practices. China's investment monitoring systems are riddled with holes. In order to accommodate the growing scope of overseas investment and to streamline administrative procedures, oversight responsibilities have been greatly decentralized. But setups in which many departments share responsibility for keeping records make it hard to control capital outflows. New financial products and partnership investment models allow private companies to funnel funds overseas with ease, rendering traditional capital controls practically useless. As has been observed in Shanghai's Free Trade Zone, small businesses that have existed for a period of less than six months are responsible for a large portion of overseas investment. Monitors in the cities of Qingdao and Suzhou discovered that many young firms were pouring large sums into overseas investment, even after barely scraping together the necessary funds to register their business. Loose oversight makes it possible for fledgling companies to slip through the cracks and make risky overseas investment decisions. Most records of private overseas investment use self-reported statistics from firms, making it even harder to verify the legitimacy of transactions and track the use of funds. While the ambition (and, in some cases, unscrupulousness) of private entrepreneurs is behind much of China's surging private overseas investment, external pressures have fanned the flames. Certain international trade regulations and deals, such as the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, leave businesses no choice but to shift investment overseas. In order to evade harsh tariffs and other legal nuisances, some Chinese garment manufacturers, for example, have started moving their factories to Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia, which enjoy preferential tariff treatment in regions including Japan and the European Union. For example, the Suzhou-based DongDu Group has transferred its domestic garment production operations to Vietnam and its factories to Cambodia. To lessen the burden of multiple EU-led anti-dumping investigations against China, Shandong Jinyu Tire Co. has built a factory in Vietnam. Risks and challenges Overseas investment comes with significant risks and uncertainties. At present, global trade and economic growth are sluggish and geopolitical instability is becoming increasingly apparent. Particularly in emerging markets, such as the Central Asian countries covered by China's "belt and road" initiative, low levels of development and imperfect market and government mechanisms can hinder investment. Would-be Chinese investors in overseas firms must deal with security risks, policy challenges, fluctuating exchange rates and other roadblocks. Small and inexperienced private firms pouring funds into overseas projects may lack the savvy, skills and personnel to tackle these challenges. Limited information may curb firms' ability to identify and control potential risks. On a national level, surging cross-border investment has placed enormous pressure on China's foreign exchange reserves. Since 2014, China's national foreign exchange reserve has fallen by more than US$ 800 billion. Charged with a mission of "protecting the foreign exchange reserve" and "preventing capital flight", officials in charge of foreign exchange regulations are tempted to blame Chinese companies' overseas investment, and our research has confirmed that there is a tendency for them to delay approving the currency conversions needed by companies investing abroad. This amounts to making private companies pay for the government's failure to discern genuine investors from speculators trying to work around rules and transfer funds outside China. It must change. The government should openly support private overseas investment, while improving its monitoring system and strengthening supporting infrastructure. Otherwise, it will hurt private investors, and eventually itself and the whole country. Wan Zhe is a senior economist at the NDRC International Cooperation Center By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein. It's all about respect, according to Amir Miller, who pulled his business out of Cherry Hill Mall last month after he was told to stop selling T-shirts calling for an end to police brutality. Since then, Miller has received a corporate apology. He was invited to bring his business, Teary Eyez, back to the mall to sell a variety of T-shirts again, including the ones that raised the controversy. He also is planning to open a shop in Newport News, Va., where the same corporation owns another mall, Miller said. The apology, he said, was sincere and "set a tone of respect for the whole idea," said Miller, 30, of Northeast Philadelphia. Problems began last month when mall management told Miller two police officers raised concern about the shirts with "THIS HAS TO STOP!" emblazoned over a picture of two police officers beating and kicking a person on the ground. He was asked to remove the shirts from his inventory at the kiosk he rented for $2,000 a month. Instead, Miller closed shop, walking out on the rent he had paid and a deposit he thought would not be refunded. He also has a Teary Eyez kiosk at Philadelphia Mills. Until then, he said, his customers included people of different races as well as some police officers. Across the country, tensions have grown with a series of police slayings of unarmed black men and the slayings of police officers. The violence, Miller said, has to end. When mall managers told him to remove the shirts, he felt humiliated, he said. "What happened to him was unfortunate and never should have happened," said Kevin Feeley, a spokesman for Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), which owns the mall. Immediately, corporate leaders tried to find Miller to apologize. Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson brokered a meeting between Miller and PREIT vice president Bruce Goldman. "To his credit, he was willing to listen to us," Feeley said. Pretty soon, what started as a conflict turned into a friendship. After the apology, Miller learned that mall management had received training to ensure similar issues do not happen again. Financially, Miller said he lost no rent money with his new agreement with the mall. He plans to open his kiosk again in Cherry Hill in January, he said. And, he plans the expansion to Newport News, where he and his wife, Chaad, took their sons, 7 and 2, for a vacation. When the incident happened, Miller said, his older son asked why he quit his mall job. He hopes his son, when he is older, understands how to work through conflict. "Just because people in power may affect your livelihood, you don't have to be pushed around," Miller said, adding that "people make mistakes, learn from it, and move forward." Miller said Goldman went beyond a simple apology. Miller mentors adolescents in Camden at a program called the Bridge. He hires a handful of teens to work at his business. Goldman offered to make a public apology at a Bridge meeting Thursday evening. "He didn't have to do that," Miller said, but added he was happy to have Goldman as a guest and show the teens how to resolve conflict through mutual respect. bboyer@phillynews.com 856-779-3838 @BBBoyer We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the stories that matter to our community straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter A "fit, young" 28-year-old woman died in a Devonport flat after overdosing on drugs, an inquest has heard. Police and paramedics were dispatched to Tavy House, Devonport on April 14, 2016 at around 8pm following reports that a woman, later identified as Carla Marie Launder, had suffered an overdose. PC Helen Altagracia, of the Crownhill response unit, was called to the incident. In her statement, read by the coroner Ian Arrow at the inquest, PC Altagracia noted: "On arrival, three paramedics were in the communal hallway and conducted CPR on the female." Ms Launder, a chamber maid, was taken to Derriford Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. An inquest heard how the postmortem, carried out by pathologist Dr Hadden, revealed Ms Launder had levels of heroin and amphetamines in her system within the lethal range, but was otherwise "a fit young lady". Dr Hadden's statement read: "In my opinion the cause of death was a heroin and amphetamine overdose." The court also heard a statement from forensic toxicologist Dr Morley who also concluded that the level of amphetamine and heroin was within the lethal range. Detective Constable Hannah Miles spoke at the inquest, held at Plymouth Coroners Court, which was attended by Ms Launder's sister and aunt. DC Miles confirmed Ms Launder was living at the flat in Tavy House with a man. She then went out and returned with another man. "She had bought some drugs and they then used those drugs together," DC Miles said. "When the two males came around, Carla did not. There were no unusual or suspicious circumstances." Coroner Ian Arrow officially recorded a drug-related death consisting of a heroin and amphetamine overdose. In the heat of battle, training intended to help officers secure their weapons often goes out the window, a police tactics expert told the New York Daily News. When faced with a scenario in which someone tries to grab their gun, officers are taught in the Police Academy to initiate a complex martial arts move, said Daniel Modell, a retired NYPD lieutenant who used to work in the department's firearms and tactics section. Officers are instructed to grab the gun, take a hold of the suspect's wrist, drop down to shift the body weight, and then roll, Modell said. "It's almost like a square dance technique," Modell said. "Gun retention should probably be approached better." The training critique came hours after a man snatched the gun of Officer Jorge Monge and used it to kill a deli worker in the Bronx early Tuesday. Police officials said the suspect, Efrain Guzman, 30, wasn't immediately handcuffed because he wasn't under arrest. He fired 15 shots, killing Wali Camara, 49, who had just kicked Guzman out of a nearby bodega after begging for $2. Monge's partner shot and wounded Guzman. "If someone goes to grab your gun, you are under stress and adrenaline starts to flow," Modell said. "Your complex motor skills deteriorate. When they have to fall back on complex motor skills they are trained on, they rarely work in the streets." Monge, 27, was not facing any disciplinary charges for losing his sidearm. The tactics used in the shooting were under review, officials said. Monge would have had to unclasp the weapon and rock the pistol forward to unlock it before pulling it out, cops said. But Modell said the holsters have a weak clasp. Someone could rip the gun out of the holster if he was strong enough, he said. The newer models, which were distributed in June 2014, have a stronger clasp and additional safety features, Modell added. Related: Video: Man Grabs NYPD Officer's Gun, Fatally Shoots Bronx Deli Clerk Baltimore officials on Wednesday pledged to carry out sweeping police department reforms after a U.S. Justice Department report found that officers in the majority-black city routinely violated the civil rights of black residents. The report on the 2,600-officer department released on Tuesday found that black residents were regularly subjected to stops as pedestrians and motorists, arrests, strip searches and excessive force in violation of U.S. constitutional rights and federal anti-discrimination laws. The 163-page report was prompted by the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray from a neck injury suffered in police custody. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who is black, told a city hall news conference that Baltimore would implement a reform plan in the next few months, Reuters reports. Rawlings-Blake said the police department had already revised 26 procedures, including changes in policies, training, a body-camera program and use-of-force guidelines. Vanita Gupta, the head of the Justice Department's civil rights division, said Baltimore and federal officials have agreed on a legal framework for police department changes that would be overseen by an independent monitor. Gupta said she expected quick progress toward a final agreement with the city on police reforms. Rawlings-Blake said Baltimore expected to spend between $5 million and $10 million a year to implement the agreement. The framework agreement called for improved training of officers and data collection to ensure they are adhering to legal and constitutional standards. It also highlighted technology to allow better monitoring of officers, and strategies to rebuild relationships with city residents. Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, who is white, said the department already has fired six officers this year as part of reform efforts. Gene Ryan, president of Baltimore City FOP Lodge 3, issued a statement saying the department's and the city's leaders should be blamed for the conditions described in the DOJ report and saying pressure from command on street officers to achieve favorable statistics in Compstat led to abuses, the Baltimore Sun reports. Ryan's statement said, in part: "As a proud member of the Baltimore Police Department for over thirty years, and having spent my entire career on the street and now as president of Baltimore City FOP Lodge 3, I will not allow the Department of Justice to lay blame on the shoulders of the dedicated men and women of the Baltimore Police Department. "Make no mistake, while today's findings ... is disturbing to citizens and police officers alike, it is a clear indictment of the failed leadership at all levels of city government. While many will attempt to cast blame on the police officer working the street, the Department of Justice states in their Executive Summary, and we agree, that this failure is the result of 'systemic deficiencies at BPD.' "The FOP is prepared to continue to demand the reforms we called for in our 2012 Blueprint for Improved Policing that is cited in the Deparment of Justice's findings. In addition, in order to eliminate pressure on our front line police officers coming from command staff to produce meaningless and ineffective statistics, the FOP calls for the immediate elimination of the current Comstat program. As recently as last night, and continuing at this moment, our police officers are being ordered to conduct enforcement that runs counter to the suggested reforms mentioned in the DOJ report as well as the Blueprint for Improved Policing. "The FOP is committed to ensuring our police officers, sergeants and lieutenants are heard from as the Deparment of Justice moves to the next phase of their investigation and prepares for a consent decree between the United States and City of Baltimore. The FOP urges each sworn member of the Baltimore Police Department to continue to fulfill their duty to protect and serve the citizens of Baltimore, and above all to back each other up and be safe." Portland, OR, police arrested a man who watched officers for months from his parked car outside the East Precinct office after finding weapons and ammunition in his SUV, they said Monday. Officers noticed 39-year-old Eric Eugene Crowl Sunday outside the precinct, Sgt. Pete Simpson said in a news release. Crowl appeared to be monitoring officers, Simpson said. It wasn't the first time precinct officers started noticing Crowl in his parked Chevy Tahoe in April, Simpson said. Crowl would film officers and track them during shift changes, he said. At one point during a traffic stop, officers noted that Crowl had a police scanner in his car and was a "self-proclaimed Constitutionalist," Simpson said. "Due to heightened concerns about police ambush attacks after the recent incidents in Dallas, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, officers contacted Crowl, concerned about his actions," Simpson said. "As officers approached Crowl, ordering him to keep his hands up, he would raise and lower his hands and appeared to be reaching around inside his vehicle." Crowl eventually got out of the SUV and officers patted him down for weapons but found none, Simpson said. But when they searched the Tahoe, they found, Simpson said: a 5.56 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, two 9 mm handguns, a loaded 100-round 5.56 magazine drum, hundreds of 5.56 and 9mm rounds of ammunition, 5.56 tracer rounds, handheld radios, a police scanner, camouflage clothing and camping gear including sleeping bag, food, camping stove, and lantern, the Oregonian reports. Wall Township Ptl. Frank Kuhl drove Bella the bassett hound from Monmouth County, NJ, to Myrtle Beach, SC, to reunited her with her owner. (Photo: Wall Township PD) A New Jersey police officer made a 650-mile journey from Monmouth County to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to return a dog to its owner. Wall Township Ptl. Frank Kuhl, of Howell, was called to the aid of a 34-year-old man in need of medical attention as he was traveling in his vehicle on July 15. The Myrtle Beach man was traveling with Bella, his basset hound, at the time of the incident. Bella was taken into the custody of the Monmouth County Humane Society as her owner received medical care. The organization said they would keep Bella for a week before putting her up for adoption. A week later, the victim was still unable to retrieve his dog, and Bellas co-owner was unable to get up to New Jersey from Myrtle Beach to take her home. Thats when Ptl. Kuhl stepped up to the plate, CBS New York reports. Officer Gregory Santora provided Wisconsin police with lifesaving information. (Photo: NYPD) A 27-year-old man armed with two handguns approached a police officer in Wisconsin, but the incident ended peacefully, largely because an NYPD officer had alerted Wisconsin officers that the man had threatened violence against them online that day, reports the New York Daily News. NYPD Officer Gregory Santora tipped off Madison, WI, police of an impending attack on law enforcement there after he happened across a video of Raynarldo Glenn live-streaming on the app Periscope Saturday morning Santora was off-duty and at home when he chanced upon the video. "While I was watching it he was saying and implying that he was going to live-stream the shooting of the police officers," Santora told the New York Daily News. "That's what really got me scared." Santora said he was spurred to action because he is haunted by the 2014 assassinations of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu in Brooklyn. "I didn't want to see that happen in the city of Madison," Santora said. "I wanted to see this individual be taken into custody without any violence." The updated LiveScan 5.0 facilitates the capture, storage, and dispersal of criminal demographic and biometric information, including fingerprints, palm prints, iris, facial, and SMT images. With more than 25 years of experience in the biometric industry, we understand that the booking process relies on this technology and historically has been a time consuming task law enforcement agencies are faced with every day, said Chris Ede, global business manager for 3M Cogent. In order to provide law officers with increased speed, assurance, and efficiency, were proud to introduce LiveScan 5.0 Software. Through our new criminal booking application, officers can assertively apprehend criminals, enter booking information, and stay on top of crime. The biometric capture process guides users, and the softwares increased information fields improve search capabilities. The software can be tailored to meet law officers needs and is optimized to provide ease of use. The modern user interface requires fewer clicks for the same tasks, compared to previous versions of 3M booking software systems. LiveScan 5.0 Software verifies the quality of demographic data entered, and an automatic trigger helps capture high-quality biometric images. In addition, the system provides real-time image quality check, auto-center, auto-contrast, and sequence verification throughout each booking. In order to support a faster booking process, 3M LiveScan 5.0 Software features a training mode built right into the platform. This offline training mode helps users learn quickly and on their own schedule, without the risk of false submissions or poor bookings. Additionally, users of the software can log in using only their fingerprint. For more information on 3M LiveScan 5.0 software, please visit 3m.com/LiveScan5. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump has always had very few routes to 270 electoral votes. Now, with less than 90 days until Americans cast their votes, an electoral victory for the GOP nominee has gone from bleak to nearly impossible. Ill start with the usual caveat about how its only August. Unforeseen events happen, polls can change, yadda yadda yadda. But this is also the beginning of the end of the campaign, and the electoral map is starting to fill in. Depending on your preferred polling data, this campaign started with about nine toss-up states: Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire all totaling 120 electoral votes. The remaining states the non-battlegrounds, if you will added up to 227 electoral votes for Clinton and 191 for Trump. As more polling firms weigh in, this set of toss-up states is shrinking, while a new list is beginning to emerge. First, lets take a look at the initial group of nine so-called battleground states, which is now dwindling away. In Colorado (9 electoral votes) and Virginia (13 electoral votes), for example, the Clinton campaign is pulling ads off the airwaves and using those resources elsewhere a sign she is confident in her chances there, and rightly so. According to RealClearPolitics, Clinton leads by an average of almost 10 points in Colorado and seven in Virginia. Add those two states to the Democratic column, and Clintons electoral vote total grows to 249. In Pennsylvania (20 electoral votes) and New Hampshire (4 electoral votes), the story is almost identical. While initial polling showed a tighter race in both states, the Democratic nominee keeps expanding her leads. In Pennsylvania, Clinton now leads by an average of 9.2 points, and shes ahead by seven in New Hampshire. Add those electoral votes to the blue column, and the Democratic nominees total swells to 273 enough to secure her the presidency, even if Trump won every remaining state. But, as I said before, Clinton isnt just pulling states out of the toss-up column; shes pulling out of Trumps column, too. In Georgia, Clinton leads Trump by an average of 1.2 percentage points, and Arizona has become a virtual tie. A PPP poll out of South Carolina today showed the race there is a statistical dead heat. Its clear that these three states are too close to call, meaning Trumps safe total shrinks from 191 to 155. Thats right Trump is actually losing ground. If youre keeping score at home, we now stand at 273 likely electoral votes for Clinton, 155 for Trump, and 110 that are for now at least toss-ups. Donald Trump can worry all he wants about winning the remaining toss-up states, but he should be equally concerned about more states falling out of his own column. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The fact checkers are wasting no time in blowing Donald Trumps bogus claim that President Obama founded ISIS to bits. Trump has repeated his claim that Obama founded ISIS no less than five times in less than two days. PolitiFact destroyed Trumps lie with a dose of straight up reality: Let us be clear: It is wildly inaccurate to say Obama or Clinton co-founded ISIS. For starters, the terrorist groups roots pre-date Obamas presidency and Clintons role as secretary of state. . Trump said Obama founded ISIS. I would say the cofounder would be crooked Hillary Clinton. Theres a credible critique that Obamas and Clintons foreign-policy and military decisions helped create a space in which ISIS could operate and expand. But Trump explicitly rejected this formulation, saying he literally means Obama is the founder of ISIS and Clinton is the cofounder. In reality, the founder of ISIS was a terrorist. It is run by terrorists. Obama has said destroying ISIS is his top priority. All this makes Trumps statement a ridiculous characterization. Hes doubled, tripled and quadrupled down on it in various venues and has reinforced that he meant his words to be taken literally. PolitiFact wasnt alone in debunking Trump. This was the visual used by CNN on screen as they discussed Trumps false claim: The condemnation of Trumps flat out lie about Obama and Clinton founding ISIS has been widespread outside of conservative media circles. President Obama did not found ISIS. After George W. Bush destabilized Iraq in 2003, ISIS was created by a terrorist as an offshoot of al-Qaeda. ISIS was around for nearly six years before Obama took office. The American people thought it was outrageous when Mitt Romney lied about Jeep relocating a plant during the 2012 election, but Donald Trump is Romney on steroids. Trump is not getting away with lying like he did during the Republican primary. The lies are becoming more outrageous as Trump falls further behind in the polls. What worked in the primary isnt working in the general, because Donald Trumps lies are being debunked. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A man was thrown out of a Trump campaign event in Kissimmee, Florida on Thursday after shouting about Donald Trumps affection for Russia and, more specifically, Vladimir Putin. Video: You love Russia, the heckler shouted at Trump. Youre Putins b****. The Republican nominee, who has become very low-energy since his poll numbers began to plummet, repeatedly told the protester goodbye before asking, Where the hell did he come from? Not only was the protesters comment funny, but it also hits on a larger truth about Trump that he seems to admire Putin and favor Russia-friendly policies. The Republican nominee has repeatedly praised Putins leadership abilities. Even when asked about the Russian governments alleged killing of journalists, Trump said, at least [Putins] a leader. The spray-tanned buffoon had also called Putins land grab in the Ukraine so smart, and his campaign went out of its way to remove anti-Russian language from the 2016 Party Platform. None of this is all that surprising given the fact that Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort spent over a decade as a pro-Russian lobbyist. So, while stunts by protesters can often be laughed off, there is a great dose of truth in the message this particular one was trying to send to Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The four reasons why Donald Trump lies so much go to the heart of who Donald Trump really is; aka, whats wrong with Donald Trump. The Washington Post did a story on Trumps 30 lies during a two day deposition in December of 2007. In the detailing of Trump being confronted with his falsehoods and asked to explain them, we find the real curiosity the reasoning behind Trumps lies. The points that explain why Donald Trump lies so much are (my bold): 1) In his mind. This is how Donald Trump sees the facts, whatever he thinks in his mind is real to him: Trump said his personal math included the intangible value of publicity: The Learning Annex had advertised his speech heavily, and Trump thought that helped his brand. Therefore, in his mind hed been paid more than $1 million, even though his actual payment was $400,000. Trump claimed he never said Japan should have nukes, but he did. 2) If hes wrong its someone elses fault. Even when Trump is brought round to admit he was wrong, he is never at fault for said wrong. In the deposition, he blamed Meredith McIver, the same person he just recently blamed for his wifes speech being plagiarized, for a large, misleading mistake about his debt load in a book they co-wrote called How to Get Rich. In some cases, Trump acknowledged he was wrong but not that he was at fault. Instead, he sought to turn the blame on others. We are now seeing this manifest in the holy trinity of Trump blame: Obama, Clinton, and the media. Trump blamed the media and Hillary Clinton for his own comments suggesting Hillary Clinton should be assassinated if she were to win and thus able to appoint Supreme Court justices. Trump surrogate Trump Jr claimed his father had apologized to the Kahn family, but this isnt true and Trump is still blaming the media for reporting his attacks on the Gold Star family. 3) Trump treats his perception of reality as reality, without any reason for his perception: LAWYER: When you wrote, OBrien . . . threatened sources by telling them he can, quote, Settle scores with enemies by writing negative articles about them, what was the basis for that statement? TRUMP: Just my perception of him. I dont know that he indicated anything like that to me, but I think he probably did indirectly. Just my dealing with him. This is like Trumps repeated false claim that President Obama founded ISIS. There is no factual basis for this claim, nor is there any way to make this sort of okay as conservative supporters have tried by saying the troop drawdown that happened under Obama created ISIS. Not only was that drawdown a part of the SOFA signed by Bush before he left office, but Iraq had a say in it. And no matter what, there is an actual founder of ISIS and it wasnt George W Bush or President Barack Obama. 4) Trump claims things to be factual that he has no reason for thinking. What basis do you have for that statement? Ceresney asked in one case, about an assertion from Trump that OBrien had been reported to the police for stalking. I guess that was probably taken off the Internet, Trump said. We saw this when Trump claimed to have seen a video of a U.S. plane dropping off millions to Iran. There is no such video. So the problem with Donald Trump isnt even just that he lies so much the entire media cant keep up with him, even when the task is divided. The problem with Donald Trump is why he lies. Donald Trump lies because he doesnt grasp that there are rules of evidence. Trump sees reality through the very distorted lens of his feelings and perceptions. He doesnt bother to check these against the facts. Trump presents things as true and doesnt care to learn if they are, indeed, true. They are true because he wants them to be. This is what is wrong with Donald Trump, and it goes to his emotional challenges and mental inability to discern fact from fiction. All of Trump that comes from Trump is grandiose wish fulfillment. This is the sort of trait we find in tyrants. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Hillary Clinton has released her and her husbands 2015 tax return, and it shows that they donated 9.8% of the gross income to charity. In contrast, reporters have been unable to find no individual donations that Trump made out of his own pocket to charity. The Clinton campaign noted in the release about the Democratic tickets tax returns, In 2015, the Clintons paid an effective federal income tax rate of 34.2% and an effective state and local income tax rate of 9.0% for a combined federal, state, and local effective tax rate of 43.2%. They donated 9.8% of their adjusted gross income to charity. In contrast, Washington Post reporter, David Farenthold has been trying for months to find evidence that Trump gave any money to charity, and so far he has come up empty. Farenthold has been unable to find proof that Donald Trump gave the $20 million that he promised to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. According to the Post, Trump had given less than $10,000 out of his own pocket between 2009 and May of 2016, after the media shamed into giving the $1 million that he promised veterans charities, But proof has been hard to find. Public records show no gifts from Trump to his own namesake charity, the Donald J. Trump Foundation, since 2008. A canvass of 200-plus charities, all of them with connections to the mogul, turned up just one small gift of less than $10,000 between 2009 and this May (when Trump, under pressure, made good on a $1 million pledge he had made to help veterans). To summarize, Bill and Hillary Clinton gave 100 times more money to charity in 2015 than Donald Trump had given in the last seven years. The Clintons donated as much to charity last year as Trump did to the veterans in 20l6. Actions do speak louder than words, and the actions of Donald Trump show a man who doesnt care about his fellow human beings. There are many reasons why Donald Trump wont release his tax returns, but the common thread through them all is that his tax returns will reveal that Donald Trumps presidential campaign is built on a mountain of lies. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is still all-in with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, even after Trump falsely accused President Barack Obama of being the founder of ISIS and suggested that Hillary Clinton would be assassinated if she were to pick Supreme Court justices. Speaking to the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, Senator McConnell said he still supports Donald Trump, even after his comments about Clinton. Believe me, voting for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton is easy for me easy, McConnell said, according to WFPL. When asked what he thinks about his partys leader, McConnell told reporters he was having a Trump-free day, next question. The Associated Press reported that when Trump was asked about his ISIS founder comment, he pivoted to Hillary Clinton, Im hoping that we can make this election about Hillary Clinton. I think if we do, we can win. The Republican Majority Leader added that Republicans keeping control of the Senate were very dicey, saying, I may or may not be calling the shots next year. McConnell easily slips out of answering questions he knows he cant answer honestly, either with a pivot or a declaration that today is a Trump-free day. It seems every day is a Trump-free day for down-ticket Republicans who are asked about their party leader. McConnell wouldnt attach the down-ticket situation to Trump, and its true that Republicans were already playing defense in the Senate. But certainly Donald Trump is making things harder for Republican Senators. McConnell might not see it, but he actually aided Donald Trumps rise with his blockade of Obamas SCOTUS nominee. McConnell gambled everything on being an obstructionist even when the person he was obstructing was a universally respected, nonpartisan, ethical judge. McConnell has been playing the obstructionist to Obama for almost 8 years now, marking the Republican Partys descent into your basic trolls of all action needed to be taken to save the economy or help people simply to get Obama. Thats how Republicans ended up with Trump. That and lacking any kind of principle or value, as obvious in McConnell being willing to still endorse Donald Trump even after he has made it pretty clear that he is unstable and even Republicans dont trust him anywhere near the red button. This kind of cowardice is why Republicans have Trump as their leader. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle who served in the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations called Donald Trump unqualified and not competent while endorsing Hillary Clinton. In a statement, former Ambassador Tuttle said, The Republican nominee for President has no government experience and has done nothing in his career to demonstrate that he is competent to be President. He has made repeated misstatements and inaccurate statements. He has insulted minorities, women, a war hero and Gold Star parents. He is unqualified and unfit to be President. I have never voted for a Democrat but I will vote for Secretary Clinton. The statements of support from Republicans that Clinton is gathering serve a dual purpose. The Republicans who are speaking out against Trump are helping the Clinton campaign make the argument that the questions about the Republican nominees fitness and competence cut across party lines. There are also plenty of Republicans who think that Donald Trump is unqualified to be president. There are many Republicans who are troubled by Trumps behavior. Their support of Hillary Clinton isnt based on the Democratic nominees policies, but a great amount of the support is coming from a feeling that Trump must be stopped at all costs. Republicans might not agree with Clinton on policy, but they understand that she will be a stable and trustworthy hand on the levers of power in the White House. The same cant be said for Donald Trump. Republicans who care about their country are joining with Democrats to stop Donald Trump by supporting Hillary Clinton. As Trumps erratic behavior continues, it is expected that more Republicans will support Hillary Clinton. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A new batch of NBC News/Marist polls of Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Colorado show Hillary Clinton leading Donald Trump by big margins in each key swing state. Here are Clintons leads over Trump: NBC / WSJ / Marist Poll Florida: Clinton +5 N.C.: Clinton +9 Virginia: Clinton +13 Colorado: Clinton +14 Edward Mejia Davis (@TeddyDavisCNN) August 12, 2016 The NBC News/Marist polls found Clinton leading Trump in Florida 44%-39%. She leads Trump in North Carolina 48%-39%. Clinton leads Trump in Virginia 46%-33%, and in Colorado, Clinton leads 46%-32%. What should terrify Republicans about the results is that support for Trump has dropped in two of the four swing states over the past month. Support for Trump has dropped by 3 points in Colorado, 2 points in Virginia. Support for Trump stayed flat in North Carolina and grew by 2 points in Florida. If Hillary Clinton wins all four of these swing states, Donald Trump has no path to victory on Election Night. Considering that Clinton is up by double digits in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Trumps path to the White House may need a miracle. Currently, there is no realistic path for Donald Trump to win the White House. However, the election is not being held today. The message that Democrats should take from these polls is that they are on course for victory, which means that they should double their efforts. It is time to put the pedal to the metal. If Hillary Clinton maintains these leads after the first presidential debate, the path to victory will be clear. The presidential debates have the potential to change the race, so while Democrats are doing well today, it is vital that they push even harder to carry their momentum in November. For Republicans, Trump is a bigger disaster than could have imagined. Any hopes of weathering the Trump storm with their Congressional majority intact are being dashed as with each passing day as it is looking like Republicans will be lucky if their House majority survives this election. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump admitted to an audience in Erie, PA that he needs to win Pennsylvania, or he will lose the presidential election. Video: Trump said, We have empty plants. I saw it up in New York state. I saw it in Pennsylvania. You were great to me you voted a big victory for Donald Trump. I assumed I would. I mean if I dont win Pennsylvania Every once in a while, the truth slips out of Donald Trumps constantly moving mouth. Four new swing state polls of Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and Colorado all have Donald Trump losing to Hillary Clinton. The Real Clear Politics average of polls shows Hillary Clinton beating Donald Trump by an average of 9.2 points in the Keystone State. Somewhere in that dark little corner of Donald Trumps mind where the truth fights a daily battle for existence, the Republican nominee knows that he is losing. As Colorado and Virginia look more unwinnable by the day, Donald Trump needs Pennsylvania. However, there is no little evidence that he will be able to swing the state into the Republican column. Yesterday, Trump admitted that he has a problem with Republican voters in Utah. Today, the GOPs nominee admitted that he needs to win Pennsylvania. The talk of winning everywhere has vanished, although he still talks about winning all the time, as even Donald Trump understands that he is losing this election. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print After being filleted for his obvious lie that President Obama founded ISIS, Donald Trump is now claiming that his lie was a joke. Trump went on a Twitter rampage to try to cover his lie with new falsehoods: Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) "the founder" of ISIS, & MVP. THEY DON'T GET SARCASM? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 I love watching these poor, pathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to try and figure me out. They can't! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 ISIS gained tremendous strength during Hillary Clinton's term as Secretary of State. When will the dishonest media report the facts! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2016 Donald Trump is pulling a page out of the Rush Limbaugh handbook. Back when Limbaugh still mattered, the talk radio host would get in hot water for something, and try to get out of it by proclaiming that he was only tweaking the media. Trump lied. He was called out on his lie, by everyone but the conservative media, so the Republican nominees only remaining play was to say just kidding, and then tweet about how smart he is. Trump isnt hard to figure out. He is a pathological liar with no concern for truth. Trump thought that labeling Obama and Clinton the founders of ISIS would be his next election changing slogan, but his lie backfired on him as soon as the words left his mouth. The Republican nominee repeated the lie about a half of a dozen times in an attempt to get it to stick. When it failed, he claimed that he was being sarcastic and tried to move on. Trumps gimmicks arent working, and what is clear is that he is on the verge of being routed in this presidential election. Portfolio English Edition's premium content is available only for subscribers Learn about the hottest news of the day, along with immediate follow-up analyses and 1000's of exclusive articles with full access to the premium content. Register and apply for a 14 days free trial period. My wife and I recently had an opportunity to visit friends Gregg Wright and Susan Powell at their home on the southeast edge of Rochester. When they had their house built a few years ago, they decided to do a different type of yard. Instead of planting or sodding with Kentucky bluegrass or another variety not native to Minnesota, they opted to use native grasses and flowers for their yard. Gregg tells me they had many motivations, not least of which was the opportunity to not have to spend time and money mowing grass. And, with typical grass lawns, there is always the temptation to keep up with the Joneses by watering, fertilizing, and applying toxic herbicides. Susan and Gregg like their grasses and flowers, along with the birds, butterflies and other insects they attract. They take satisfaction in knowing they are not using unneeded groundwater, nor adding unwanted toxic chemicals to it. Gregg did find some irony in the fact they needed to get a special permit from the city to plant native plants, noting, "Nothing is needed to plant invasive grasses." He even mentioned that perhaps putting in water-consuming sprinkler systems should require some type of permit. ADVERTISEMENT Many of you might have passed by another unique yard in southeast Rochester. Doris Amundsen, who lives by the recently replaced Sixth Street bridge, has for years planted flowers in her yard, boulevard, and even the riverbank of nearby Bear Creek. I always enjoy biking by her home and ogling all the colors she has beautified the neighborhood with. I know there are other uniquely planted yards throughout Rochester, but nothing compares to what we see each year when we visit our daughter's family in Ann Arbor, Mich. They live in the historic west side of town, not too far from the "Big House," the Michigan Wolverines' stadium. Biking through that section of town, which has mostly older, but nonetheless very nice homes, I am always amazed at how creative the homeowners are in planting a variety of vegetation in place of the usual well-manicured lawns. Flowers and other types of ground cover can be seen on boulevards, front lawns, back yards, or wherever there is a space they might grow. I always comment to my wife, "ChemLawn would have trouble making it here." I am not sure what type of mindset a neighborhood has to have to deviate from the norm, but I suspect many of us would find it an exciting change to see a neighborhood planted like those we see in Ann Arbor. And, with increased concerns about what the toxic chemicals we are spraying on yards may be doing to our health and, more importantly, to the health of our children and grandchildren I would think a "City for Health" would welcome such efforts. On a related note, shortly after visiting Susan and Gregg, I also had an opportunity to view another native planting, the shoreline of Silver Lake. Many of you are aware this was done a handful of years ago in an effort to improve water quality in Silver Lake by providing this vegetated buffer zone. While not claiming it to be the major goal, it also has kept the geese off these planted areas. I like the plantings instead of the "goose-poop ground." However, while biking around the Lake, most of it was screened by 6- to 8-foot-high cup plants. I couldn't help but wonder if other native plantings, shorter like I'd seen at Gregg and Susan's yard, would not accomplish the same thing. Doing so could be a win-win, providing a vegetation buffer, while allowing view of a focal point in DMC planning, the Zumbro River. In the nearly 20 years that I've enjoyed sharing my love of astronomy with you, I've rattled off many, many distances to many stars and galaxies. If we tried to express the distances in miles, the number would quickly become extremely cumbersome. Light-years do a better job because the numbers are smaller and we're reminded of just how long it takes for the light from the stars to reach your eyes. All light travels at the speed of 186,300 miles per second, and a light-year is defined as the distance that light travels at that speed in one year. Given that there's about 31.5 million seconds in a year, you'll come up with almost 5.9 trillion miles for just one light year. If you see a star tonight that's 70 light-years away, which is fairly close for a star, it's taken that light 70 years to get here. How do astronomers know the distances to all of the inhabitants of the cosmos? Do they just point their telescopes at stars, examine them, then scratch their heads and guess? No, there's a little more to it than that. A bright idea About a hundred years ago, astronomers got a fairly good estimate of stellar distances using the famous Hertzsprung-Russel diagram, developed in the early 1900s by Ejnar Hertzsprung, of Holland, and Henry Norris Russel, of the United States. They studied the spectrums of thousands of stars, which are individual and unique, like fingerprints. ADVERTISEMENT If you take starlight and send it through a spectrograph, you can spread out the various wavelengths that make up that light and learn a lot about a star. From these rainbow-like displays, you can see signatures of different chemical elements, temperature, and much more. Hertzsprung and Russel found a definite relationship between the spectral type of a star and its luminosity, which is the amount of light a star produces. In fact, they found that most stars could be put on a graph and that they fit right along a nice curve. The beauty of this is that by just getting the spectrum of a star, you could determine its luminosity. Once you know the luminosity, figuring out the distance is an easy math equation using the very simple inverse-square law of light. Knowing the angles A more direct way of estimating stellar distance is the stellar parallax method that uses basic high school trigonometry. Here's how it works. A photo of the star in question is taken when the Earth is on one side of the sun in its orbit, and another picture is taken six months later, when the Earth is on the other side of the sun. If the star isn't too distant, you'll see it shift a tiny bit against the collected background of far more distant stars. The shifting of the star against the background stars creates what's called a parallax angle. Using the rules of geometry that say opposite angles are equal, you can then make a triangle between the Earth, the Sun, and the star. You then take the parallax angle and cut it in half. Since you know what that angle is and you know the length of one side of the triangle, it's simple "trig." The distance x (to the star) = 93,000,000 miles divided by the tangent of the parallax angle. As simple as the math is, the practice of measuring that parallax angle is very difficult and you're also making assumptions. First of all, these parallax angles are extremely tiny. Not only that, you're assuming that the background stars you're using to measure the stellar parallax angle are stationary. In reality they're also shifting, but only a tiny, tiny bit. Measuring the distance to stars using stellar parallax is also extremely difficult from the Earth's surface because you have to put up with our blurring atmosphere. That's why the Hipparchos satellite was launched in 1989, to measure the stellar parallax and distances to hundreds of stars, followed by the Gaia satellite in 2013. Despite its success, the satellite's accuracy falls off with smaller parallax angles and larger stellar distances past about 30,000 light years. Unsung hero ADVERTISEMENT For really distant stars, like those in other galaxies, Cepheid variable stars are used. These are stars that vary in brightness over time. In the early 1900s, Henrietta Leavitt, an assistant in the astronomy department at Harvard University, made a huge discovery. She studied thousands of variable stars that varied in brightness over a period of a few hours to hundreds of days. She discovered a class of variable stars that were extremely regular in brightening and dimming, and extremely bright, shining 500 to 10,000 times the sun's luminosity. They varied in brightness due to cycle changes within the star. There's a near perfect relationship between a star's period of variation and its average luminosity, or light output. Cepheid variables could be then be used as mile-markers in deep space because of their brightness. If you saw a Cepheid variable star in a distant corner of our sky, you could determine how far away it is just by observing its period of variation. Once you have the period, you can get its luminosity, and from there it's simple math to determine the distance of some really far-off places! The famous astronomer Edwin Hubble used observations from Leavitt's Cepheid variable stars in what was then known as the Andromeda Nebulae to determine that Andromeda was a whole other galaxy, over 2 million light-years away. Until then, our Milky Way was thought to be the only galaxy in the universe. This is Hubble's discovery and he got all the credit, but he couldn't have done it without Henrietta Leavitt and her Cepheid variables. What an unsung hero she was! Conjunction junction this week: The bright planets Saturn and Mars, along with the bright star Antares, are still hanging close together in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion in the early evening low southern sky. A Stewartville man made his first appearance Monday in Olmsted County District Court, where he's been charged after an alleged domestic assault. Leonard Leroy Thielen Jr., 53, faces one felony count each of first-degree aggravated witness tampering, domestic assault and threats of violence, in addition to one count of gross misdemeanor domestic assault. He remains in custody in lieu of $30,000 conditional bail and is due back in court Aug. 22. The investigation began Aug. 5, when a woman reported Thielen had assaulted her June 30. According to the criminal complaint, Thielen was upset with the woman, grabbed her around the neck and "shook her like a rag doll." The victim got away briefly, but Thielen allegedly followed her and grabbed her around the neck again, making it difficult for her to breathe. ADVERTISEMENT Thielen threw her to the floor, restrained her and asked if she wanted to die, court documents say, and continued to choke the woman. The alleged victim said she was able to whisper to Thielen that she loved him, prompting him to stop the assault. He showed her a pocket knife and said, "if the cops show up, one of us is going to die," the reports say. The woman took several photos of her injuries the next day, which she provided to police. She said she delayed the report because she was afraid of Thielen, who said he'd kill her, the complaint says. Thielen told law enforcement he remembered very little about what happened June 30, but acknowledged he and the woman had argued and he grabbed her arm. Thielen was convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault in February 2015; a probation violation in July 2015 resulted in a 90-day jail sentence. A Pine Island man who admitted he asked for sex from someone he thought was 15 years old has been sentenced to three months in jail and three years probation. Joshua John Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty in April in Olmsted County District Court to one felony count of soliciting a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct. In exchange for the plea, one felony count of prostitution-agreeing to hire a 13- to 15-year-old was dismissed at Thursday's sentencing. In addition to the probation, Judge Kathy Wallace ordered Johnson to serve 90 days in jail, with credit for 49 days already served. He was also ordered to complete sex offender treatment/education and prohibited from contact with minor females and vulnerable adults, among other conditions. The charges stem from an investigation that began in mid-October, when Johnson responded to an ad that a member of the Rochester police street crimes unit had placed in the escort section of a website that contains a section for adult services. Members of the unit often monitor the site and place false ads to target people involved in prostitution, or respond to ads placed by others. The phone number in the ad was for a phone used by an undercover officer. Johnson and the officer began a texting conversation, during which Johnson was told the "girl" was 15 years old; the phone number from the messages was associated with Johnson. ADVERTISEMENT The two were unable to agree on a meeting, court documents say, while Johnson "continually asked (the officer) if he was speaking to a cop," and requested explicit photos to prove it wasn't law enforcement. The officer was unable to continue the investigation until Oct. 30, when Johnson was once again contacted and told the "girl" was 15 years old, reports say. Johnson asked if they could spend the night together for $500, and sent a graphic photo to the undercover officer. Johnson was arrested Nov. 5 at his job; he allegedly told the officer, "I know what this is about and it's just a fetish of mine. I wasn't actually going to do it." He later admitted he'd been told the person was 15, that he agreed to pay her for sex and that he'd sent a graphic photo, the complaint against him says. A review of Johnson's criminal history indicates a 2002 conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. As a result, he must register as a predatory offender. EYOTA Frustrated by a $2,000 jump in his school property tax bill last year, Dan Brandt is looking to lawmakers for help. The Eyota farmer's tax bill jumped after Dover-Eyota School District voters approved $8.65 million in building projects in 2014. Brandt said that in rural communities, farmers are stuck shouldering the bulk of school construction costs. The added burden comes at a time when corn prices have dropped from a high of nearly $8 per bushel to less than $3. "Corn prices are below the cost of production to begin with. City folks do not know about this. They see our big tractor and they think, 'Oh, God, they are making money.' But we are not making money. We're break-even at best," he said. Farmers like Brandt could be in line for a massive tax cut if Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders can agree to a special session. High on the priority list would be passage of a $260 million package of tax cuts. The proposal includes a 40 percent tax cut for farmland in school districts with construction levies. The governor and legislative leaders met Friday to talk about a possible special session. Restoring tax fairness ADVERTISEMENT Backers of the farm tax cut say it will restore some fairness to how school projects are funded in rural areas. "These school referendums are just killing these guys and gals on the farm," said Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa. Drazkowski sponsored the tax cut provision. Under the proposal, farmers living in districts with construction levies would still be taxed at the current rate for their homesteads, which include the house, outbuildings and one acre of land. But the remaining farm land would be eligible for a 40 percent tax credit paid for by the state. The measure would cost an estimated $90 million over two years. Since its introduction at the Capitol, the tax cut proposal has had the strong support of farm and school groups. Minnesota Rural Education Association's Executive Director Fred Nolan said 20 percent of Minnesota's school districts have 75 percent of their property value in agriculture land. A third of districts have 50 percent or more of their property value in agricultural land. That means when construction levies do pass, farmers are often stuck paying the bulk of the cost. Over time, Nolan said it has become difficult for rural school districts to get construction levies passed because of farmers' opposition. Making the situation even tougher has been soaring land prices, which have driven up farmers' tax rates. At the same time, the state has provided less funding to help with school construction debt. Nolan said the farm tax credit would allow school district building proposals to be evaluated based on their merits not just their cost. "The issue we have right now is farmers say, 'I don't care how well designed it is. I don't care how efficient it is, how much it's needed. We can't pay 80 percent of the bill. So the conversation just doesn't even get started or if it does, it gets side tracked really quickly around costs and tax impact rather than what is the need," Nolan said. Plainview-Elgin-Millville School District Superintendent Bill Ihrke said the tax cut would be a major help to rural school districts. In May, his district's proposal for $18 million of construction projects was overwhelmingly defeated at the polls. While the district is still evaluating the reasons behind the levy referendum's failure, Ihrke said he heard concerns about how the tax increase would affect farmers struggling with low crop prices. He said the farm tax credit would help put rural districts on more equal footing with their metro counterparts. "We have probably more needs for buildings or at least as many needs as metro places do and metro schools rarely deal with large acreage and ag land. It's a different ballgame. This would be a great thing for schools like us," Ihrke said. ADVERTISEMENT Will lawmakers, governor reach a deal? It remains unclear whether lawmakers and the governor can reach a deal. The tax bill with the school farm credit passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support during the regular legislative session. But Dayton refused to sign the bill, citing a wording error that would have cost the state an estimated $100 million. Republicans accused the governor of holding the tax bill "hostage" in a quest to get additional spending for projects he supports. Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, served on the House-Senate conference committee responsible for putting together the tax proposal. He said he is cautiously optimistic that lawmakers can come together and pass the tax bill, along with a roughly $1 billion public works bill. Pelowski said the school tax credit would go a long way in helping reduce disparities between schools in greater Minnesota and wealthier metro-area schools. "This is a major, major piece of the tax bill, but it's also a major piece of education policy in the sense that we have districts literally waiting for this to happen so they can run a referendum and not get in the fight with the ag community," Pelowski said. Rushford-Peterson Public Schools' Superintendent Chuck Ehler is also rooting for the tax bill's passage. He said the farm tax credit would be a tremendous help for farmers in his school district. Voters in the district approved a $38 million construction levy in 2014. The state chipped in to help the district, reducing the costs by slightly over 50 percent. Still, Ehler said it's a heavy lift for farmers, and he wants lawmakers to take action. "We're watching and kind of cheering from the side-lines saying, 'C'mon, guys. Get together and make this happen," Ehler said. "A lot of people are going to benefit not just in our community, but across the state." In a two-party democracy, an important benefit is that periodically the party in power is voted out of office. This affects the presidency every eight years, and this may prevent a dynasty, where truth is hidden. After eight years of Democratic control of the White House, it is time for a change. This may assist in providing answers to questions from all sides regarding truth and integrity. It appears to me even more true this year, given the excessive use of executive power by President Obama, requiring explanations and corrections by state and federal courts. I have questioned the appropriateness of the appointment of czars without appropriate authority. What did these czars do? Who paid for these czars? What was and is now the current U.S. strategy regarding the Middle East? Why was President Obama's red line in Syria not upheld? This political failure resulted in Syria slaughtering thousands of men, women and children with poison gas, considered a weapon of mass destruction. Why have there not been any consequences for those responsible for the botched Benghazi, Libya, debacle? ADVERTISEMENT I suggest that a different party is now required at all levels of political leadership, so Americans will learn the truth and this country can move forward in a united manner. Alan J. Smeby Rochester Periodically, someone approaches the Rochester City Council members to voice concerns about the lack of certain businesses downtown. Sometimes it's a bookstore, and sometimes it's a seven-day-a-week pharmacy or some other desired retailer. The lack of other stores throughout the city also pop up from time to time, often accompanied by comments that start with, "we use to have a " While it might appear that the council, or other government bodies, can control the comings and goings of certain businesses, the true power often lies elsewhere in our own pocketbooks. Granted, city, county and state policies can make it harder for a business to operate. Rising property taxes in downtown Rochester provides evidence of that. Government bodies can also make it easier to open a business by providing various types of assistance, such as tax breaks or other incentives. Yet, the decision on whether a business comes or goes will ultimately rest with the customers. If enough customers are coming through the door, a business can overcome a tax increase. Likewise, no amount of incentives will attract someone to open a business without a sufficient customer base. ADVERTISEMENT Potential business owners need to know people will come through the door. They need to have some sense that their products will sell. That's why it's important to look at what current businesses have to offer while we wish for what others will bring. Shopping in local stores will show perspective retailers that local customers support quality products and customer service, It will help them overcome concerns. Buying local also benefits the current economy, making it stronger for future businesses. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, each dollar spent at locally owned businesses returns three times more money than those spent at a chain store. That money helps diversify the economy throughout the region. However, even buying at a chain store helps keep dollars being spent in the local economy. They support wages of our friends and neighbors, while also contributing to the local tax base, which helps provide a variety of community service. Online purchases even those shipped to a local store often fail to boost the local economy. MOney from such purchases leave the region without returning to other businesses. Meanwhile, the purchases limit chain stores' staffing needs and detract from local purchase options. Of course, that lack of local support staff often is what makes online purchase more attractive. The lower overhead, and sometimes lack of taxes, frequently helps lower prices. Are the prices truly lower? When looking at the big picture, it means a less diverse local economy with a smaller tax revenue, which boosts what we pay on property taxes, as well as what businesses pay. That increase likely leads to an increase in prices for items not purchase online, as well as fewer local choices. ADVERTISEMENT In the end, savings on a single purchase can contribute to added costs for the community. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin got assassinated. His right-wing opponents just kept delegitimizing him as a "traitor" and "a Nazi" for wanting to make peace with the Palestinians and give back part of the Land of Israel. Of course, all is fair in politics, right? And they had God on their side, right? They weren't actually telling anyone to assassinate Rabin. That would be horrible. But there are always people down the line who don't hear the caveats. They just hear the big message: The man is illegitimate, the man is a threat to the nation, the man is the equivalent of a Nazi war criminal. Well, you know what we do with people like that, don't you? We kill them. And that's what the Jewish extremist Yigal Amir did to Rabin. Why not? He thought he had permission from a whole segment of Israel's political class. In September, I wrote a column warning that Donald Trump's language toward immigrants could end up inciting just this kind of violence. I never in my wildest dreams, though, thought he'd actually in his usual coy, twisted way suggest that Hillary Clinton was so intent on taking away the Second Amendment right to be bear arms that maybe Second Amendment enthusiasts could do something to stop her. Exactly what? Oh, Trump left that hanging. ADVERTISEMENT "Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment," Trump said at a rally in Wilmington, N.C., on Tuesday. "By the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know." Of course Trump's handlers, recognizing just how incendiary were his words, immediately denied he was suggesting gun owners do anything harmful toward Clinton. Oh my God, never. Trump, they insisted, was just referring to the "power of unification." You know those Second Amendment people, they just love to get on buses and vote together. But that is not what he said. What he said was ambiguous slightly menacing, but with just enough plausible deniability that, of course, he was not suggesting an assassination. Again, it's just like the Rabin story. When I wrote about this issue in the fall it was to urge readers to see the new movie "Rabin: The Last Day." As The Times' Isabel Kershner reported from Israel when the film was released, it "is unambiguous about the forces it holds responsible" the extremist rabbis and militant settlers who branded Rabin a traitor, the right-wing politicians who rode the "wave of toxic incitement against Rabin as they campaigned against the Oslo accords," and the security services who failed to heed the warnings that the incitement could get out of hand. "Mr. Rabin is almost invisible in the first two hours of the film," she reported. "Benjamin Netanyahu, the opposition leader at the time, is shown in now-infamous historical footage addressing a feverish right-wing rally from a balcony in Jerusalem's Zion Square, as protesters below shouted for the death of Rabin the 'traitor' and held up photomontage posters of him dressed in an SS uniform." Netanyahu, now prime minister, insisted he never saw the posters or heard the curses. I am sure that is what Trump's supporters will say, too. But Trump knows what he is doing, and it is so dangerous in today's world. In the last year we have seen a spate of lone-wolf acts of terrorism in America and Europe by men and women living on the fringes of society, some with petty criminal records, often with psychological problems, often described as "loners," and almost always deeply immersed in fringe jihadist social networks that heat them up. They hear the signal in the noise. They hear the inspiration and the permission to do God's work. They are not cooled by unfinished sentences. After all, an informal Trump adviser on veteran affairs, Al Baldasaro, a Republican state representative from New Hampshire, already declared that Clinton should be "shot for treason" for her handling of the Benghazi terrorist attack. ADVERTISEMENT During the Republican convention, with its repeated chants about Clinton of "lock her up," a U.S.-based columnist for Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Chemi Shalev, wrote: "Like the extreme right in Israel, many Republicans conveniently ignore the fact that words can kill. There are enough people with a tendency for violence that cannot distinguish between political stagecraft and practical exhortations to rescue the country by any available means. If anyone has doubts, they could use a short session with Yigal Amir, Yitzhak Rabin's assassin, who was inspired by the rabid rhetoric hurled at the Israeli prime minister in the wake of the Oslo Accords." People are playing with fire here, and there is no bigger flamethrower than Donald Trump. Forget politics; he is a disgusting human being. His children should be ashamed of him. I only pray that he is not simply defeated, but that he loses all 50 states so that the message goes out across the land unambiguously, loud and clear: The likes of you should never come this way again. Thomas Friedman, a Minnesota native, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times. Somali American Ilhan Omar defeated 22-term incumbent Phyllis Kahn for the nomination of the DFL to serve as the representative of House District 60B in the state legislature. Omar came in first in a three-way primary race for the nomination in Tuesdays primary. When elected, Omar will be the first Somali American to serve in the Minnesota legislature. The Star Tribune hailed Omars victory as historic in a celebratory day-after story. How did Omar do it? Theyre pretty excited about it over at the Star Tribune, as they were when Keith Ellison secured the DFL nomination to represent Minnesotas Fifth Congressional District after a contentious four-way primary in 2006. A reader has written us to point out that the Somali website Somalispot posted information last week suggesting Omars involvement in marriage and immigration fraud. The post notes that Omar married Ahmed Hirsi in 2002. Hirsi is the father of Omars three children. Omar is depicted with Hirsi and their children on Omars campaign website here. The post further notes that Omar married her brother Ahmed Nur Said Elmi in 2009, implying that the latter marriage assisted his entry into the United States. Her brother was a British citizen. As soon as Ilhan Omar married him, the post continues, he started university at her [a]lma mater North Dakota State University where he graduated in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Minneapolis where he was living in a public housing complex and was later evicted. He then returned to the United Kingdom where he now lives. Let me note here that Omars marriage to her brother, if it occurred in fact, is illegal under Minnesota law. I believe it would be void ab initio, as though it never occurred. If it occurred, I infer that it must have taken place for dishonest purposes. Any such second marriage might be bigamous as well as fraudulent. That is not clear to me. Minnesota law defines bigamy as knowingly having a prior marriage that is not dissolved while also contract[ing] a marriage in this state. Bigamy is a crime punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine up to $10,000. The definition and penalty provisions of the crime of bigamy are set forth in Minn. Stat. 609.355. The Somalispot post has been taken down. The item was originally posted here; it is preserved in a Google cache here with accompanying comments. Comments on the Somalispot post suggest that the information is something of an open secret in the Somali community. Inputting the name Ilhan Omar, I have confirmed both marriages as noted in the Somalispot post via the online Minnesota Official Marriage System. After confirming the marital information online, I reached out to Omar press spokesman Jean Heyer and Omar campaign manager Dan Cox this morning. I left voicemail messages with both of them explaining why I was calling and subsequently sent them the following email message: I left a voicemail message for you this morningI write for the website Power Line (powerlineblog.com). This is to request a comment by the close of business today on the information posted on Somalispot last week indicating that Ilhan Omar was married to her brother in 2009 following her marriage to Ahmed Aden (Hirsi) in 2002. I assume you are familiar with the post. I am inserting the URL to the Google cache of it below my contact information. I have related questions. Why did she marry her brother? Was the marriage to her first husband legally dissolved? If so, when? Thank you for your courtesies. Jean Heyer emailed me late this morning politely thanking me for my email message. Heyer advised me that Omar was out of town and that they would be in touch with me this afternoon. I responded: Thank you for this timely response. Just fyi, I emailed my message to Dan Cox as well. I would appreciate a written statement[.] As I think about this, assuming the information I have is correct, it seems to me that the marriage to her brother would be void ab initio and entered into solely for dishonest purposes. I would appreciate your addressing that as well. This afternoon I received the following email message from Minneapolis criminal defense attorney Jean Brandl on behalf of Omar: Dear Mr. Johnson: I have been contacted by the Ilhan Omar campaign. Their response to your email from this morning is as follows: There are people who do not want an East African, Muslim woman elected to office and who will follow Donald Trumps playbook to prevent it. Ilhan Omars campaign sees your superfluous contentions as one more in a series of attempts to discredit her candidacy. Ilhan Omars campaign will not be distracted by negative forces and will continue to focus its energy on creating positive engagement with community members to make the district and state more prosperous and equitable for everyone. If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please direct them to me in writing so we have a record of any further communications. Sincerely, Jean Brandl The Omar campaigns shoddy imputation of motives to me speaks loudly for itself, but let me add that I find it disgusting. Putting it to one side, however, I take Brandls message to be the confirmation of a major local story with national implications in light of Omars historic victory. UPDATE: The cached version of the Somalispot post has also been removed. JOHN adds: I took screen shots of the cached Somalispot post. I didnt get all the comments, of which there were a considerable number: The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, on Friday said the authority would soon commence the recruitment of younger professionals into the service in view of its ageing workforce. Ms. Usman disclosed this at a news conference to round off her ongoing tour of Calabar port, which ended on Friday. According to her, there is a lot of skills and knowledge that need to be transferred and we should be able to transfer knowledge and skills. Ms. Usman said the authority would embark on recruitment drive and look at the organisational structure to determine how the recruitment would be carried out. She said that the management was looking at succession planning and recruitment of people. We met an arrangement on ground concerning the decision to recruit as the present workforce is ageing. We want to recruit specialists, mariners, critical operational staff. These are those positions that we will be targeting. We encourage every member of the public to be on the look-out for the advertisement of vacancies and to apply, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Ms. Usman as saying. She said that the 10-year old port concession exercise is due for a review holistically, adding that the review will broadly examine all facets of the terms of port concession engagement. The managing director said the review would cover areas like financing models and the concession environment. According to her, 10 years after, we have to revisit the concession exercise because we believe it is time to do that. She said: We would reach out to the ICRC and they would be part of the review. Usman said that as the nations economic climate changes, there was need to adjust. She also said that many agencies including the NNPC were indebted to the NPA to the tune of huge monies, adding that the management will proceed aggressively to recover the debts. On the need to dredge the Calabar port, she said that the management held a meeting on Thursday with the Calabar Channel management, adding that NPA has requested for the hydrographic survey done by the company in the past. Ms. Usman said: There is critical need to resolve the issue to make the draught deeper. In protecting the revenue of the organisation, the managing director assured that the management would look at whatever financing models were put in place and would not accept anybody short changing the Federal Government. According to her, there are areas of revenue leakages and NPA had put in place e-payment system to prevent data manipulation as the authority moved toward the Single Window Regime. She solicited the support of the staff as the management would bring policy decisions that might be tough. Ms. Usman said that all operators were aware that we would only accept dollar-denominated payments. On projects, she promised to ensure that capital projects have impact on the authoritys revenue drive. She said the management had spoken with the Cross River Government to partner and open up the Calabar port. The managing director described the port as the closest to the North East and is important for us to revive that route so that the mineral deposits in the North would be exported abroad through the port. Ms. Usman said the authority had a 25-year port master plan that would take into consideration all that the Nigerian ports need. We believe that the capacity of the ports might not be fully utilised now. This is critical to us as we seek for port development across the country, Ms. Usman said. (NAN) The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Friday reviewed its maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) for primary mortgage banks (PMBs) from N200,000 to N500,000 per depositor. The NDIC said the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, had also approved the extension of differential premium assessment system (DPAS) to the PMBs. The approval, the corporation, explained, was granted to emphasize the need to ensure that all deposit money banks (DMBs), PMBs and mortgage finance banks (MFBs) adhered strictly to sound risk management practices and entrench compliance to the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved code of corporate governance standards. As part of its statutory functions as a deposit insurer, Section 20 (2) of the NDIC Act 2006, empowers the Corporations Board to periodically review the maximum deposit insurance coverage for licensed banks and other deposit taking financial institutions in accordance with changes in deposit structure, income levels and in line with global best practices, the NDIc said. The corporation explained that the MDIC review was carried out through studies and surveys aimed at ascertaining the adequacy or otherwise of the deposit insurance coverage level for insured institutions in the country. The outcome of the most recent survey conducted in August, 2015, the NDIC said, revealed the compelling need for the upward review of the current MDIC for the PMBs per depositor. Also, the NDIC said the survey also revealed that the MDIC increase would cover 99 per cent of depositors of the PMBs in the country. It said that the adoption of DPAS in assessing the annual premium payable by PMBs would promote better risk management in the banks in line with international best practices. At the moment, over 120 countries across the world have adopted DPAS as an objective method of insurance premium pricing. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, has expressed the willingness of his group to negotiate with the Federal Government to end the agitation for self-governance. Mr. Kanu and two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, are facing trial for alleged treason. They have been in detention since October 2015. The government accuses them of being members of unlawful organisation and having illegal possession of firearms. Reacting to the governments decision on Thursday to release some members of the group who were arrested in February, Mr. Kanus lawyers, led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor and the Amoebi Nzelu, said they were not opposed to talks with the government. Nnamdi Kanu is not averse to political solution in resolving his present politically orchestrated ordeal, Mr. Ejiofor said. He welcomes genuine political solution to this case. Nnamdi Kanu has people of proven integrity and impeccable character that will negotiate on his behalf, based on his demands when communication on this effect is established. He however warned that the information going round in the media that Mr. Kanu was connected to the decision of members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger delta, MEND, to negotiate with government was false. In the past few day, the media was awash with news on negotiation going on between the Federal government and members MEND, where our clients name (Nnamdi Kanu) conspicuously featured. It is on that note that we wish to inform the general public that Nnamdi Kanu has no connection, contact, ties or any kind of relationship with members of the MEND. As such MEND has no implied, direct or express authority of Nnamdi Kanu to represent him or IPOB in any purported negotiation going on between MEND and the Federal Government. The general public is accordingly advised to ignore, discountenance and disregard the falsehood been peddled by MEND, said Mr. Ejiofor. Mr. Ejiofor added that his client no longer had confidence in the court where the case against him is currently being heard. Mr. Ejiofor said the court, presided by Justice John Tsoho, had denied his client bail, despite an earlier decision of the same court under Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who granted bail to the first defendant in the matter. Mr. Ejiofor said the decision of Mr. Tsoho to vary an earlier ruling of his (Tsoho) court by yielding to the request of the prosecution for the protection of witnesses in the ongoing trial of Mr. Kanu was further confirmation that the court under his (Tsoho) leadership would not grant justice to his client. In the face of this anomaly, it became apparent that our client, Nnamdi Kanu, cannot get a fair trial in this very court. These among other sundry reasons necessitated the other actions we adopted to demand that the honourable court disqualifies itself from further proceeding with the hearing of the case, he said. Mr. Ejiofor said the media should ensure a correct interpretation of the charges against their clients, saying Mr. Kanu is the only person directly accused of treasonable felony. The six count charges proffered against our clients show in summary that our client (Namdi Kanu) is facing three charges; treasonable felony, managing unlawful society and concealing goods in a container holding goods of different description. The second defendant Mr. Benjamin Madubugwu is facing two count charges (that is counts 4 and 5) of assisting the management of unlawful society and unlawful possession of fire arms, while the third defendant is facing only one count charge of assisting the management of unlawful society. The question now arises as to whether a single individual can be charged solely with the offence of treasonable felony, considering the ingredients of the offence of treason as enumerated under section 41 of the Criminal Code Act cap C38 laws of the federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ejiofor said. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says a member of the House of Representatives who was barred from traveling out of the country on Thursday is wanted for his alleged links to the arms procurement scandal. Sunday Karim, a Peoples Democratic Party member representing Kogi State, was stopped by the State Security Service at the Abuja International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to the United States of America. Mr. Karim told PREMIUM TIMES he was stopped by security agents as he was trying to clear Immigration. He said SSS operatives promptly seized his international passport after his luggage had been checked in by Air France. His belongings were later handed to him and he returned to his house, the lawmaker told PREMIUM TIMES. The EFCC said it alerted the SSS to stop Mr. Karim from flying out of the country. Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman for the EFCC, told PREMIUM TIMES that state agents decided to move against Mr. Karim at the airport because the lawmaker had been elusive for weeks. Weve been looking for him since then but we couldnt find him, Mr. Uwujaren said. So we had to put his name on the watch list. Mr. Karim became a person of interest because he allegedly received up to N200 million through a company linked to him, Mr. Uwujaren said. The firm, Atlantic Drilling Fluids, allegedly received the funds from Sylvan MacNamara, a company linked to the sons of a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, the EFCC said. Sylvan MacNamara was itself a subject of months of intense investigation by the authorities. The probe had seen operatives raid the homes of Mr. Obanikoro and his two sons, Jide and Gbolahan, in Lagos and Abuja. The Obanikoros said they were innocent. They have not been seen in Nigeria since the enquiry began over six months ago. Mr. Uwujaren said Mr. Karim reported at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Friday afternoon, and was later allowed to go on the condition that he would return on Monday for further interrogations. Mr. Karim did not answer or return PREMIUM TIMES calls and text messages on Friday. He had told this newspaper shortly after he was stopped by the SSS that the EFCC was responsible for his ordeal, saying he had no prior notice that he was wanted by the authorities. EFCC said I cannot travel. Nigeria has become such a lawless country? If you have issues, you would call me and get a statement from me, Mr. Karim said. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. CAMBRIDGE, England, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BAREMSIS Now Shown to Treat PONV, as Well as Prevent it Acacia Pharma Group plc ("Acacia Pharma"), the supportive care company developing products for US and international markets, announces positive results from a pivotal Phase 3 study investigating BAREMSIS (amisulpride injection, formerly APD421) for the treatment of established post-operative nausea & vomiting ("PONV"). These data further support the efficacy of BAREMSIS which has previously been shown to prevent PONV alone, and in combination with standard anti-emetics in pivotal Phase 3 prophylaxis studies. Dr Julian Gilbert, Acacia Pharma's CEO commented: "We are delighted with these data demonstrating that BAREMSIS is safe and effective at treating patients suffering PONV after surgery. It confirms our confidence in the dopamine antiemetic mechanism of action, and that BAREMSIS is effective at treating, as well as preventing, PONV. Our objective is to seek approval for BAREMSIS for the treatment and prophylaxis of PONV alone and in combination, which will provide us with a broad and unique label once approved. No other antiemetic has a PONV treatment claim following failed prophylaxis with standard antiemetics and no other antiemetic has a combination use claim in PONV prophylaxis." This Phase 3 treatment trial compared two doses of BAREMSIS, a novel dopamine D 2 /D 3 antagonist antiemetic, against placebo in patients with established nausea and/or vomiting after surgery, who had not previously received any prophylactic antiemetics. The study took place in leading institutions in the USA, Canada, France and Germany and recruited 568 patients. The primary endpoint was the successful resolution of the episode of PONV (no recurrence of vomiting or requirement for further antiemetic rescue) in the 24-hour period after treatment, termed a complete response. Both doses of BAREMSIS significantly improved the complete response rate when compared to placebo (p<0.025), the magnitude of effect was consistent with previous trial results. Detailed data will be presented in due course at relevant scientific meetings and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A second pivotal Phase 3 treatment study of BAREMSIS in surgical patients who develop PONV despite receiving prior prophylaxis is ongoing. Acacia Pharma has already shown BAREMSIS prevents PONV in pivotal Phase 3 prophylaxis studies, alone and in combination with other antiemetics. The results from these studies, along with the results announced today, will complete the efficacy package Acacia Pharma aims to submit to the US FDA as part of its New Drug Application (NDA), looking to gain approval for BAREMSIS for the treatment and prophylaxis of PONV alone and in combination. Contacts Acacia Pharma Telephone: +44 1223 875130 Dr Julian Gilbert Christine Soden Citigate Dewe Rogerson Telephone: +44 20 7638 9571 David Dible Dr Mark Swallow NOTES TO EDITORS About Acacia Pharma Acacia Pharma is developing supportive care product opportunities for post-surgical and cancer patients. Patients and healthcare professionals urgently need new and improved interventions in these rapidly expanding, yet poorly served, areas of supportive care, to improve treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life. Acacia Pharma has generated its pipeline of product opportunities using a commercially driven approach to product discovery, identifying completely new uses for marketed drugs, a process termed repurposing. This strategy leads to opportunities with a higher probability of success and enables more rapid development. All of Acacia Pharma's repurposed programmes are optimised for their new use, by using a new route of delivery and dose that are appropriate for the new indication identified, thereby differentiating them from the original marketed product. The lead project, BAREMSIS for post-operative nausea & vomiting (PONV), has generated positive results in Phase 3 clinical studies. Its sister project, APD403 for chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting (CINV) has successfully completed one Phase 2 dose-ranging study in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. In addition, the company has completed a Phase 2 study with APD515 for xerostomia (dry mouth) in advanced cancer patients and a Phase 2a study with APD209 for cancer cachexia (muscle wasting). Acacia Pharma, is led by an experienced management team. Management, Gilde Healthcare, Lundbeckfonden Ventures, Novo A/S and F-Prime Capital are the Company's key shareholders. Acacia Pharma is based in Cambridge, UK and has US operations in Indianapolis, IN. http://www.acaciapharma.com About BAREMSIS BAREMSIS (formerly APD421) comprises a low dose intravenous formulation of the marketed dopamine antagonist amisulpride, which Acacia Pharma has repurposed for the completely new, patent-protected use of management of PONV. Amisulpride is currently indicated for the management of psychoses, and is given at high doses in oral form. Amisulpride is not available for any use in the US. Data generated by Acacia Pharma indicate that BAREMSIS is an effective, safe, dopamine antagonist. The company believes that a drug with these characteristics can be used prophylactically in combination with 5HT 3 antagonists and/or corticosteroids in the highest risk patients and to rescue patients that have not responded to PONV prophylaxis with a 5HT 3 antagonist alone or in combination. Acacia Pharma is also developing APD403, with the same active ingredient, amisulpride, as in BAREMSIS, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting ("CINV"). About PONV PONV Post-operative nausea & vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of surgery which is distressing to patients and increases healthcare costs. In untreated patients, the incidence of vomiting is ~30%, the incidence of nausea is ~50% and the PONV rate in high-risk surgical patients is up to 80%[1]. PONV is reported by patients as one of the most troublesome of all post-operative complications[2]. PONV can lead to prolonged discharge times and unanticipated hospital admissions (increasing healthcare costs)[1] and to the possibility of reduced healthcare provider income as a consequence of Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and the pay-for- performance payment system in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, in the US[3]. The objective of PONV management, therefore, is to decrease the incidence of PONV, reducing patients' length of stay in the hospital, particularly the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), and avoiding hospital readmission, thereby reducing healthcare costs; and reducing patient distress, improving overall satisfaction, thereby optimising provider income through improved patient outcomes. PONV risk factors A simplified risk scoring system has been developed by Apfel et al to assess the risk of PONV in surgical patients[4]. The four "Apfel risk factors" are: Being female Being a non-smoker Having a prior history of PONV or motion sickness An expected use of post-operative opioid analgesia. Each of these four risk factors independently contributes around 20% risk of PONV. Patients with two "Apfel risk factors" are considered at moderate risk of PONV, while those with three or four are considered at high risk. A patient with all four risk factors has up to an 80% chance of PONV in the absence of effective prophylaxis. Guidelines for the management of PONV Prophylaxis It is recommended that surgical patients are prescribed prophylactic antiemetics alone or in combination, according to their risk of PONV. Those considered at moderate risk of PONV should be given at least one prophylactic antiemetic and those at high risk of PONV, should be given multiple antiemetics of different mechanisms of action to optimise efficacy[1]. Rescue It is recommended that when a patient who has received antiemetic prophylaxis suffers PONV, an antiemetic from a different mechanism of action to that given prophylactically, is used to provide rescue treatment[1]. Repeating the mechanism given prophylactically confers no additional benefit[5]. Current management of PONV Two classes of drugs are predominantly used for the management of PONV: 5HT 3 antagonists (eg ondansetron); and corticosteroids (eg dexamethasone). Ondansetron and dexamethasone have been investigated in many clinical studies and generally deliver a relative risk reduction (RRR) in the incidence of PONV of 15-30%[2],[ 6],[ 7]. Prophylaxis The majority of surgical patients receiving prophylaxis are given a 5HT 3 antagonist alone or in combination with a corticosteroid[8]. However, Acacia Pharma believes that drug choices are limited in the highest risk patients where a third antiemetic of a different mechanism is required. Rescue Up to 40% of patients experience PONV, requiring rescue medication, despite the routine use of prophylactic antiemetics[2]. The majority of surgical patients have been given a prophylactic 5HT 3 antagonist[8] therefore precluding their use for rescue[1]. Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) has a slow onset of action and is not recommended for rescue[1]. Therefore Acacia Pharma believes antiemetic choices for rescue are extremely limited. Unmet need for a dopamine antagonist for PONV Droperidol (a dopamine antagonist) was previously considered the drug of choice for PONV management until it received a boxed warning for QT-interval prolongation[9]. A boxed warning is the most serious form of warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drug products. The boxed warning and concerns about its side effect profile have severely limited the use of droperidol as an antiemetic[8]. Therefore there is currently no safe, effective, dopamine antagonist antiemetic available for anaesthetists to: Add to the most prevalent prophylactic regimen of a 5HT 3 antagonist plus a corticosteroid, in the highest risk patients. antagonist plus a corticosteroid, in the highest risk patients. Rescue patients having previously been given prophylaxis with a 5HT 3 antagonist (alone or in combination). [1]Gan et al, Anesthesia & Analgesia (2014) 118 1 85-113 [2]Apfel et al, N Engl J Med (2004) 350 2441-51 [3]http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/linking-quality-to-payment.html [4]Apfel et al, Anesthesiology (1999) 91 109-118 [5]Kovac et al, J Clin Anesth (1999) 11 453-459 [6]Fortney et al, Anesthesia & Analgesia (1998) 86 731-738 [7]Gan et al. Anesthesia & Analgesia (2011) 112 4 804-812 [8]Habib & Gan, J Clin Anesth (2008) 20 35-39 [9]Gan et al, Anesthesia & Analgesia (2007) 105 6 1615-1628 SOURCE Acacia Pharma LONDON, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Belltown Power is pleased to announce that it has acquired Awel Newydd Cyf, the developer of Tirgwynt wind farm in mid-Wales, from RDC Partners. Construction of the wind farm is now underway and it is due to be fully commissioned by the end of 2016. The wind farm will have 12 turbines with a total installed capacity of 24.6 MW, generating enough renewable electricity for the equivalent of over 13,000 typical homes. The wind farm will also provide a community benefit fund of 49,000 a year for the lifetime of the project. The Tirgwynt farmers who own the land where the wind farm stands have been integral in the development of the project. They have jointly funded its development with Awel Newydd Cyf and continue to be involved in its construction from both a commercial and implementation perspective. Mike Kaplan, CEO, Belltown Power, said: "We are delighted with this latest wind project which has been developed jointly with a number of local farmers and will help sustain farming in mid-Wales. We are continuing to grow our renewable energy portfolio across three diverse technologies - wind, solar and hydro - and this latest acquisition brings the total number of Belltown sites to 20; with over 140 MW generating enough green power for more than 60,000 homes and helping to make a difference to climate change." About Belltown Power: Belltown Power is a leading manager of renewable energy investment platforms. Belltown was established in 2013 and has acquired, built and now operates a large portfolio of renewable energy assets across the UK. Visit http://www.belltownpower.com. SOURCE Belltown Power CAMARILLO, California, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- All amounts are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated: SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS: Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 for the second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 General & administrative expenses decreased by 29% compared to the prior year quarter as the Company continues its cost cutting efforts initiated in 2015 Revenue, net of royalties was $2.4 million for second quarter of 2016 compared to $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 for second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production for the second quarter of 2016 was 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to second quarter 2015 production of 1,490 BOEPD due to the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter and a prior period adjustment which decreased second quarter 2016 production Average netbacks were $17.90 per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to $27.16 per BOE per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to per BOE Cash and working capital totaled $2.4 million and $5.3 million respectively at June 30, 2016 and respectively at In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the second quarter 2016 was $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The second quarter 2016 included an unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the average price of oil increased 40% from first quarter 2016 to the second quarter 2016. BNK's President and Chief Executive Officer, Wolf Regener commented: "Due to the success of our continued cost cutting efforts and the positive impact of our hedging program, the Company generated $1.6 million of positive operating cash flow during the quarter. Our global cost cutting efforts led to a decrease in general and administrative expense of 29% during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the prior year second quarter. I am very pleased to be able to say that we generated this positive cash flow even though the industry is still in this prolonged oil price downcycle. "The Company's hedging program enabled us to realize higher prices than current market levels for a significant portion of our production. The Company's commodity contract hedges generated $1.0 million in realized gains during the second quarter of 2016 as we had over 75% of our oil production hedged at $65.24. Going forward, we have a comparable percentage of oil hedged at $64.88 for the remainder of 2016 and $61.93 for 2017 based on our forecasted existing production. "In July, the Company made a $1.4 million paydown of its existing credit facility to reduce the outstanding balance to $21.2 million. The Company has now paid down $3.2 million on the credit facility during the year to reduce its ongoing interest payments. The $3.2 million remains available to borrow under the credit facility. "The Company is exploring options to accelerate its field development over what can be done using its existing borrowing capacity and current cash flow. "Our second quarter production decreased to 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year second quarter, due to the initial production volumes from the fracture stimulation of the previously drilled Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining stages in the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of last year. In addition, a prior period adjustment decreased our second quarter 2016 production. "Average netbacks for the second quarter 2016 were $17.90, a decrease of 28% compared to the prior year second quarter due to the 23% average price decrease. If we include the impact of the realized gains from the commodity contracts, our average netbacks for the second quarter would be $27.16, which is a decrease of 9% compared to the 2015 second quarter. "In the second quarter of 2016, the Company generated a net loss of $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The 2016 net loss included unrealized losses on commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the Company had to mark its commodity contracts to market as oil prices increased throughout the second quarter before falling down to their current levels subsequent to quarter-end." Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 % 2016 2015 % Net Loss: $ Thousands $(5,310) $(3,658) (45%) $(6,560) $(4,418) (48%) $ per common share $(0.03) $(0.02) (50%) $(0.04) $(0.03) (33%) assuming dilution Capital Expenditures $406 $4,248 (90%) $537 $8,566 (94%) Average Production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 (23%) 1,250 1,369 (9%) Average Price per Barrel $30.19 $39.35 (23%) $25.61 $38.15 (33%) Average Netback per Barrel $17.90 $24.88 (28%) $14.88 $24.21 (39%) Average Price per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $39.45 $44.31 (11%) $37.22 $44.38 (16%) Average Netback per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $27.16 $29.84 (9%) $26.49 $30.44 (13%) June 2016 March 2016 December 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,442 $2,885 $1,666 Working Capital $5,278 $7,950 $7,298 Second Quarter 2016 versus Second Quarter 2015 Oil and gas gross revenues totaled $3,157,000 in the second quarter 2016 versus $5,335,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Oil revenues were $2,592,000 in the quarter versus $4,519,000 in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 22% or $11.94 a barrel for the quarter while production decreased by 26%. Natural gas revenues decreased $184,000 or 52%, as natural gas production decreased 28% in addition to a 33% decrease in average natural gas prices compared to the second quarter of 2015. Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) revenue decreased $67,000 or 15% to $394,000 as average production decreased 8% in addition to an average NGL price decrease of 8%. Production and operating expenses decreased $101,000 between quarters. These costs declined from the prior year quarter due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $755,000 between quarters due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $441,000 between quarters due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $262,000 due to realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $1,727,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4,728,000 and interest expense of $499,000. FIRST SIX MONTHS 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $3.1 million for the first six months of 2016 compared to $3.8 million in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices for the first six months of 2016 compared to in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices General & administrative expenses decreased by 30% and operating expenses on a per barrel basis decreased by 1% for the first six months of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015 due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts Revenue, net of royalties was $4.5 million for first six months of 2016 compared to $7.2 million for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 for first six months of 2016 compared to for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production was 1,250 BOEPD for the first six months, a decrease of 9% compared to the prior year six months production of 1,369 BOEPD due to the initial production volumes from the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of 2015 Average netbacks were $14.88 per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than $11 /barrel to $26.49 per BOE per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than /barrel to per BOE In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the first six months of 2016 was $6.6 million compared to net loss of $4.4 million for the first six months of 2015. The 2016 amount included an unrealized mark to market loss on financial commodity contracts of $5.5 million as the average price of oil has increased from the 2015 yearend. First Six Months of 2016 versus First Six Months of 2015 Gross oil and gas revenues totaled $5,826,000 in the first six months of 2016 versus $9,451,000 in the first six months of 2015. Oil revenues were $4,639,000 in the first six months versus $8,119,000 in the same period of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 28% or $14.35 a barrel in addition to a decrease in oil production of 20%. Natural gas revenues decreased $259,000 or 36%, due to an average natural gas price decrease of 32% in the first six months of 2016 in addition to a decrease in natural gas production of 5%. NGL revenue increased $113,000, or 19%, due to an increase in NGL production of 34%, partially offset by an average NGL price decrease of 12% in the first six months of 2016. Production and operating expenses decreased 10% for the first six months of 2016 due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $895,000 due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $1,078,000 primarily due to the Company's global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $1,094,000 due to higher realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $3,546,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $5,520,000 and interest expense of $1,026,000. BNK PETROLEUM INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited, expressed in Thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil and natural gas revenue, net $ 2,443 $ 4,044 $ 4,507 $ 7,235 Other income 11 5 17 8 2,454 4,049 4,524 7,243 Exploration and evaluation expenditures - 12 - 44 Production and operating expenses 571 672 1,123 1,244 Depletion and depreciation expense 1,424 2,179 3,095 3,990 General and administrative expenses 1,077 1,518 2,485 3,563 Stock based compensation 326 178 368 358 3,398 4,559 7,071 9,199 Finance income 972 710 2,652 1,558 Finance expense (5,232) (3,505) (6,556) (3,010) Net loss and comprehensive loss from continuing operations $ (5,204) $ (3,305) $ (6,451) $ (3,408) Net loss and comprehensive loss from discontinued operations (106) (353) (109) (1,010) Net loss (5,310) (3,658) (6,560) (4,418) Net loss per share $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.03) BNK PETROLEUM INC. SECOND QUARTER 2016 ($000 except as noted) Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil revenue before royalties $ 2,592 4,519 4,639 8,119 Gas revenue before royalties 171 355 470 729 NGL revenue before royalties 394 461 717 604 Oil and Gas revenue 3,157 5,335 5,826 9,452 Cash flow from continuing operations 1,587 1,914 3,111 3,830 Additions to property, plant & equipment (406) (4,084) (537) (8,397) Statistics: 2nd Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Average Oil production (Bopd) 672 914 708 890 Average natural gas production (mcf/d) 1,181 1,637 1,441 1,518 Average NGL production (Boepd) 280 303 302 226 Average production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 1,250 1,369 Average oil price ($/bbl) $42.41 $54.35 $36.02 $50.37 Average natural gas price ($/mcf) $1.59 $2.38 $1.79 $2.65 Average NGL price ($/bbl) $15.45 $16.72 $13.04 $14.75 Average price per barrel $30.19 $39.35 $25.61 $38.15 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel $17.90 $24.88 $14.88 $24.21 Average price per barrel including commodity contracts $39.45 $44.31 $37.22 $44.38 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel including commodity contracts $27.16 $29.84 $26.49 $30.44 The information outlined above is extracted from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and the related management's discussion and analysis thereof, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. NON-GAAP MEASURES Netback per barrel, net operating income and funds from operations (collectively, the "Company's Non-GAAP Measures") are not measures recognized under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP. The Company's Non-GAAP Measures are described and reconciled to GAAP measures in the management's discussion and analysis which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: (a) The Company's natural gas production is reported in thousands of cubic feet ("Mcfs"). The Company also uses references to barrels ("Bbls") and barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") to reflect natural gas liquids and oil production and sales. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. (b) Discounted and undiscounted net present value of future net revenues attributable to reserves do not represent fair market value. (c) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. (d) The Company discloses short-term production rates. Readers are cautioned that such production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release contains forward-looking information including information regarding the Company's commodity contract hedges, anticipated results from the Company's cost reduction measures, the proposed timing and expected results of exploratory and development work including production from the Company's Tishomingo field, Oklahoma acreage, availability of funds from the Company's reserves based loan facility, the effect of design and performance improvements on future productivity, the Company's European projects, planned capital expenditure programs and cost estimates, planned use and sufficiency of cash on hand and cash flow from operations and the Company's strategy and objectives. The use of any of the words "target", "plans", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information is based on management's expectations and assumptions, including that the Company will achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company will achieve the results anticipated by management from its cost reduction measures, that the Company's geologic models will be validated, that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that previous exploration results are indicative of future results and success, that expected production from future wells can be achieved as modeled, declines will match the modeling, future well production rates will be improved over existing wells, that rates of return as modeled can be achieved, that recoveries are consistent with management's expectations, that additional wells are actually drilled and completed, that design and performance improvements will reduce development time and expense and improve productivity, that discoveries will prove to be economic, that anticipated results and estimated costs will be consistent with managements' expectations, that all required permits and approvals and the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, provided or available, as applicable, on terms that are acceptable to the Company, when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, credit facilities, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, that funds will be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that the Company will not be adversely affected by changing government policies and regulations, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in the countries in which it operates and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business and its ability to advance its business strategy. Forward looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that anticipated results and estimated costs will not be consistent with managements' expectations, that the Company will not achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company's geologic and reservoir models or analysis are not validated, that the Company will not achieve the results anticipated by management from the Company's cost reduction measures, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, risks and uncertainties associated with securing the necessary regulatory approvals and financing to proceed with continued development of the Tishomingo Field and other shale basins in the United States and Europe, the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that funds will not be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve and the other risks identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form under the "Risk Factors" section, the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and the Company's other public disclosure, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to take into account important factors that could cause actual costs or results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause actual results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. The forward-looking information included in this release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. About BNK Petroleum Inc. BNK Petroleum Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company focused on finding and exploiting large, predominately unconventional oil and gas resource plays. Through various affiliates and subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates shale gas properties and concessions in the United States and Spain. Additionally the Company is utilizing its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional unconventional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol BKX. For further information: Wolf E. Regener, President and Chief Executive Officer, +1 (805) 484-3613, Email: investorrelations@bnkpetroleum.com, Website: www.bnkpetroleum.com Related Links http://www.bnkpetroleum.com SOURCE BNK Petroleum Inc. CAMARILLO, California, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- All amounts are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated: SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS: Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 for the second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 General & administrative expenses decreased by 29% compared to the prior year quarter as the Company continues its cost cutting efforts initiated in 2015 Revenue, net of royalties was $2.4 million for second quarter of 2016 compared to $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 for second quarter of 2016 compared to in the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production for the second quarter of 2016 was 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to second quarter 2015 production of 1,490 BOEPD due to the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter and a prior period adjustment which decreased second quarter 2016 production Average netbacks were $17.90 per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to $27.16 per BOE per BOE for the quarter, a decrease of 28% compared to the second quarter of 2015 due to lower prices in the second quarter of 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the second quarter of 2016 increase to per BOE Cash and working capital totaled $2.4 million and $5.3 million respectively at June 30, 2016 and respectively at In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the second quarter 2016 was $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The second quarter 2016 included an unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the average price of oil increased 40% from first quarter 2016 to the second quarter 2016. BNK's President and Chief Executive Officer, Wolf Regener commented: "Due to the success of our continued cost cutting efforts and the positive impact of our hedging program, the Company generated $1.6 million of positive operating cash flow during the quarter. Our global cost cutting efforts led to a decrease in general and administrative expense of 29% during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the prior year second quarter. I am very pleased to be able to say that we generated this positive cash flow even though the industry is still in this prolonged oil price downcycle. "The Company's hedging program enabled us to realize higher prices than current market levels for a significant portion of our production. The Company's commodity contract hedges generated $1.0 million in realized gains during the second quarter of 2016 as we had over 75% of our oil production hedged at $65.24. Going forward, we have a comparable percentage of oil hedged at $64.88 for the remainder of 2016 and $61.93 for 2017 based on our forecasted existing production. "In July, the Company made a $1.4 million paydown of its existing credit facility to reduce the outstanding balance to $21.2 million. The Company has now paid down $3.2 million on the credit facility during the year to reduce its ongoing interest payments. The $3.2 million remains available to borrow under the credit facility. "The Company is exploring options to accelerate its field development over what can be done using its existing borrowing capacity and current cash flow. "Our second quarter production decreased to 1,149 BOEPD, a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year second quarter, due to the initial production volumes from the fracture stimulation of the previously drilled Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining stages in the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of last year. In addition, a prior period adjustment decreased our second quarter 2016 production. "Average netbacks for the second quarter 2016 were $17.90, a decrease of 28% compared to the prior year second quarter due to the 23% average price decrease. If we include the impact of the realized gains from the commodity contracts, our average netbacks for the second quarter would be $27.16, which is a decrease of 9% compared to the 2015 second quarter. "In the second quarter of 2016, the Company generated a net loss of $5.3 million compared to net loss of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. The 2016 net loss included unrealized losses on commodity contracts of $4.7 million as the Company had to mark its commodity contracts to market as oil prices increased throughout the second quarter before falling down to their current levels subsequent to quarter-end." Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 % 2016 2015 % Net Loss: $ Thousands $(5,310) $(3,658) (45%) $(6,560) $(4,418) (48%) $ per common share $(0.03) $(0.02) (50%) $(0.04) $(0.03) (33%) assuming dilution Capital Expenditures $406 $4,248 (90%) $537 $8,566 (94%) Average Production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 (23%) 1,250 1,369 (9%) Average Price per Barrel $30.19 $39.35 (23%) $25.61 $38.15 (33%) Average Netback per Barrel $17.90 $24.88 (28%) $14.88 $24.21 (39%) Average Price per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $39.45 $44.31 (11%) $37.22 $44.38 (16%) Average Netback per Barrel including Commodity Contracts $27.16 $29.84 (9%) $26.49 $30.44 (13%) June March December 2016 2016 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,442 $2,885 $1,666 Working Capital $5,278 $7,950 $7,298 Second Quarter 2016 versus Second Quarter 2015 Oil and gas gross revenues totaled $3,157,000 in the second quarter 2016 versus $5,335,000 in the second quarter of 2015. Oil revenues were $2,592,000 in the quarter versus $4,519,000 in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 22% or $11.94 a barrel for the quarter while production decreased by 26%. Natural gas revenues decreased $184,000 or 52%, as natural gas production decreased 28% in addition to a 33% decrease in average natural gas prices compared to the second quarter of 2015. Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) revenue decreased $67,000 or 15% to $394,000 as average production decreased 8% in addition to an average NGL price decrease of 8%. Production and operating expenses decreased $101,000 between quarters. These costs declined from the prior year quarter due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $755,000 between quarters due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $441,000 between quarters due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $262,000 due to realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $1,727,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $4,728,000 and interest expense of $499,000. FIRST SIX MONTHS 2016 HIGHLIGHTS Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $3.1 million for the first six months of 2016 compared to $3.8 million in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices for the first six months of 2016 compared to in the first six months of 2015 due mainly to lower prices General & administrative expenses decreased by 30% and operating expenses on a per barrel basis decreased by 1% for the first six months of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015 due to the Company's continued global cost cutting efforts Revenue, net of royalties was $4.5 million for first six months of 2016 compared to $7.2 million for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 for first six months of 2016 compared to for the first six months of 2015, a decrease of 38%, due to lower prices and production in 2016 Average production was 1,250 BOEPD for the first six months, a decrease of 9% compared to the prior year six months production of 1,369 BOEPD due to the initial production volumes from the completion of the Nickel Hill 36-3H well and the remaining portion of the Emery 17-1H well during the second quarter of 2015 Average netbacks were $14.88 per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than $11 /barrel to $26.49 per BOE per BOE for the first six months of 2016, a decrease of 39% compared to the first six months of 2015 due to lower prices in 2016. If the realized gains from the commodity contracts are included, the average netbacks for the first six months of 2016 increase by more than /barrel to per BOE In April 2016 , the Company made a $1.8 million paydown on its existing credit facility. In July 2016 , the Company made an additional $1.4 million paydown reducing the outstanding balance to $21.2 million at July 31, 2016 , with $3.2 million available to borrow , the Company made a paydown on its existing credit facility. In , the Company made an additional paydown reducing the outstanding balance to at , with available to borrow Net loss for the first six months of 2016 was $6.6 million compared to net loss of $4.4 million for the first six months of 2015. The 2016 amount included an unrealized mark to market loss on financial commodity contracts of $5.5 million as the average price of oil has increased from the 2015 yearend. First Six Months of 2016 versus First Six Months of 2015 Gross oil and gas revenues totaled $5,826,000 in the first six months of 2016 versus $9,451,000 in the first six months of 2015. Oil revenues were $4,639,000 in the first six months versus $8,119,000 in the same period of 2015, a decrease of 43% as average oil prices decreased 28% or $14.35 a barrel in addition to a decrease in oil production of 20%. Natural gas revenues decreased $259,000 or 36%, due to an average natural gas price decrease of 32% in the first six months of 2016 in addition to a decrease in natural gas production of 5%. NGL revenue increased $113,000, or 19%, due to an increase in NGL production of 34%, partially offset by an average NGL price decrease of 12% in the first six months of 2016. Production and operating expenses decreased 10% for the first six months of 2016 due to cost cutting efforts and a decrease in production. Depletion and depreciation expense decreased $895,000 due to decreased production. General and administrative expenses decreased $1,078,000 primarily due to the Company's global cost cutting efforts which reduced employee salary and benefit costs, legal, accounting and consulting fees and travel costs. Finance income increased $1,094,000 due to higher realized gains on financial commodity contracts in 2016. Finance expense increased $3,546,000 primarily due to 2016 unrealized loss on financial commodity contracts of $5,520,000 and interest expense of $1,026,000. BNK PETROLEUM INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited, expressed in Thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Second Quarter First Six Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil and natural gas revenue, net $ 2,443 $ 4,044 $ 4,507 $ 7,235 Other income 11 5 17 8 2,454 4,049 4,524 7,243 Exploration and evaluation expenditures - 12 - 44 Production and operating expenses 571 672 1,123 1,244 Depletion and depreciation expense 1,424 2,179 3,095 3,990 General and administrative expenses 1,077 1,518 2,485 3,563 Stock based compensation 326 178 368 358 3,398 4,559 7,071 9,199 Finance income 972 710 2,652 1,558 Finance expense (5,232) (3,505) (6,556) (3,010) Net loss and comprehensive loss from $ (5,204) $ (3,305) $ (6,451) $ (3,408) continuing operations Net loss and comprehensive loss from discontinued operations (106) (353) (109) (1,010) Net loss (5,310) (3,658) (6,560) (4,418) Net loss per share $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.03) BNK PETROLEUM INC. SECOND QUARTER 2016 ($000 except as noted) First Six Second Quarter Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Oil revenue before royalties $ 2,592 4,519 4,639 8,119 Gas revenue before royalties 171 355 470 729 NGL revenue before royalties 394 461 717 604 Oil and Gas revenue 3,157 5,335 5,826 9,452 Cash flow from continuing operations 1,587 1,914 3,111 3,830 Additions to property, plant & equipment (406) (4,084) (537) (8,397) Statistics: First Six 2nd Quarter Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Average Oil production (Bopd) 672 914 708 890 Average natural gas production (mcf/d) 1,181 1,637 1,441 1,518 Average NGL production (Boepd) 280 303 302 226 Average production (Boepd) 1,149 1,490 1,250 1,369 Average oil price ($/bbl) $42.41 $54.35 $36.02 $50.37 Average natural gas price ($/mcf) $1.59 $2.38 $1.79 $2.65 Average NGL price ($/bbl) $15.45 $16.72 $13.04 $14.75 Average price per barrel $30.19 $39.35 $25.61 $38.15 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel $17.90 $24.88 $14.88 $24.21 Average price per barrel including commodity contracts $39.45 $44.31 $37.22 $44.38 Royalties per barrel 6.83 9.51 5.79 8.94 Operating expenses per barrel 5.46 4.96 4.94 5.00 Netback per barrel including commodity contracts $27.16 $29.84 $26.49 $30.44 The information outlined above is extracted from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and the related management's discussion and analysis thereof, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at http://www.sedar.com. NON-GAAP MEASURES Netback per barrel, net operating income and funds from operations (collectively, the "Company's Non-GAAP Measures") are not measures recognized under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP. The Company's Non-GAAP Measures are described and reconciled to GAAP measures in the management's discussion and analysis which are available under the Company's profile at http://www.sedar.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: (a) The Company's natural gas production is reported in thousands of cubic feet ("Mcfs"). The Company also uses references to barrels ("Bbls") and barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") to reflect natural gas liquids and oil production and sales. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. (b) Discounted and undiscounted net present value of future net revenues attributable to reserves do not represent fair market value. (c) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. (d) The Company discloses short-term production rates. Readers are cautioned that such production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release contains forward-looking information including information regarding the Company's commodity contract hedges, anticipated results from the Company's cost reduction measures, the proposed timing and expected results of exploratory and development work including production from the Company's Tishomingo field, Oklahoma acreage, availability of funds from the Company's reserves based loan facility, the effect of design and performance improvements on future productivity, the Company's European projects, planned capital expenditure programs and cost estimates, planned use and sufficiency of cash on hand and cash flow from operations and the Company's strategy and objectives. The use of any of the words "target", "plans", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information is based on management's expectations and assumptions, including that the Company will achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company will achieve the results anticipated by management from its cost reduction measures, that the Company's geologic models will be validated, that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that previous exploration results are indicative of future results and success, that expected production from future wells can be achieved as modeled, declines will match the modeling, future well production rates will be improved over existing wells, that rates of return as modeled can be achieved, that recoveries are consistent with management's expectations, that additional wells are actually drilled and completed, that design and performance improvements will reduce development time and expense and improve productivity, that discoveries will prove to be economic, that anticipated results and estimated costs will be consistent with managements' expectations, that all required permits and approvals and the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, provided or available, as applicable, on terms that are acceptable to the Company, when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, credit facilities, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, that funds will be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that the Company will not be adversely affected by changing government policies and regulations, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in the countries in which it operates and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business and its ability to advance its business strategy. Forward looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that anticipated results and estimated costs will not be consistent with managements' expectations, that the Company will not achieve a comparable level of hedging going forward in respect of its existing production, that the Company's geologic and reservoir models or analysis are not validated, that the Company will not achieve the results anticipated by management from the Company's cost reduction measures, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, risks and uncertainties associated with securing the necessary regulatory approvals and financing to proceed with continued development of the Tishomingo Field and other shale basins in the United States and Europe, the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that funds will not be available from the Company's reserves based loan facility when required to fund planned operations, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve and the other risks identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form under the "Risk Factors" section, the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and the Company's other public disclosure, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to take into account important factors that could cause actual costs or results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause actual results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. The forward-looking information included in this release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. About BNK Petroleum Inc. BNK Petroleum Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company focused on finding and exploiting large, predominately unconventional oil and gas resource plays. Through various affiliates and subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates shale gas properties and concessions in the United States and Spain. Additionally the Company is utilizing its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional unconventional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol BKX. Wolf E. Regener, President and Chief Executive Officer, +1(805)484-3613, Email: investorrelations@bnkpetroleum.com, Website: http://www.bnkpetroleum.com SOURCE BNK Petroleum Inc. PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RnRMarketResearch.com adds 2016 Global and Chinese Cling Wrap Industry, 2016 Market Research Report of 150 pages, published in Aug 2016, to the Plastic Films collection of its store. This report estimate 2016-2021 Cling Wrap Industry Cost and Profit with Market Competition of Cling Wrap Industry By Country: (Including Europe, U.S., Japan, China etc.), By Company and Application. Complete cling wrap market 2016 report is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/global-and-chinese-cling-wrap-industry-2016-market-research-report-market-report.html . This Global and Chinese Report 2016 is a result of industry experts' diligent work on researching the world market of Cling Wrap. The report helps to build up a clear view of the market (scenario and survey), identify major players in the industry, and analyzes the upstream raw materials, downstream clients, and current market dynamics of Cling Wrap Industry. The report reviews the basic information of Cling Wrap including its classification, application and manufacturing technology. This report explores global and China's top manufacturers of Cling Wrap listing their product specification, capacity, Production value, and market share etc. The report further analyzes quantitatively 2011-2016 global and China's total market of Cling Wrap by calculation of main economic parameters of each company. The breakdown data of Cling Wrap market are presented by company, by country, and by application. Place a direct purchase order of this report (Global and Chinese Cling Wrap Industry, 2016 Market Research Report) at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=652770 . In the end, the report makes a proposal for a new project of Cling Wrap Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2016 global and China Cling Wrap industry covering all important parameters. The first chapter introduces the Cling Wrap Industry by Brief Introduction, Development & Status of Cling Wrap Industry. The second chapter focuses on Manufacturing Technology of Cling Wrap, the third one gives Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers (Including Company Profile, Product Specification, 2011-2016 Production Information etc.) The forth chapter deals with 2011-2016 Global and China Market of Cling Wrap. The chapter 5 summarizes Market Status of Cling Wrap Industry. Partial List of Tables and Figures for Global & China Cling Wrap Industry Figure Cling Wrap Product Table Cling Wrap Classification Table Cling Wrap Applications Figure Cling Wrap Manufacturing Technology Table Major Manufacturers Production Technology List Table Cling Wrap Industries Policy List Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Market Share By Country Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Major Manufacturers Market Share Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Market Share By Application Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Market Share By Regions Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Major Manufacturers Market Share Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Market Share By Application Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Capacity List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Capacity Market Share List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Production List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Production Market Share List Figure 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Capacity Production and Growth Rate Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Rate of Capacity Utilization List Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Demand and Growth Rate Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Supply Demand and Consumption List On similar lines another report titled Global Cling Film Market Professional Survey Report 2016 mainly covers the following- Segment regions including (the separated region report can also be offered) North America, Europe, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India. The players list (Partly, Players you are interested in can also be added) Glad, Saran, AEP Industries, Stretch tite, Wrap Film Systems, Lakeland, Wrapex, Linpac Packaging, Melitta, Comcoplast, Fora, Victorgroup, Wentus Kunststoff, Sphere, Publi Embal, Koroplast, Pro-Pack, Bursa Pazar, Rotopa?, Parex, Sedat Tahir, With 21 top producers. Data including (both global and regions): Market Size (both volume - K MT and value - million USD), Market Share, Production data, Consumption data, Trade data, Price - USD/MT, Cost, Gross margin etc. Order a copy of this report (Global Cling Film Market Professional Survey Report 2016) at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=619575 . Browse more reports on "Plastic Films" at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/reports/materials-chemicals/plastics/plastic-films . About Us: RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 sales@rnrmarketresearch.com Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/104156468549256253075/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/RnRMR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RnR-Market-Research/413488545356345 RSS / Feeds: http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/feed SOURCE RnR Market Research DUBLIN, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of Wintergreen Research, Inc's new report "Orthopedic Surgical Robots and Surgical Robotic Assist Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2016-2022" to their offering. Robot-assisted surgery gives the surgeon better control over the surgical instruments and a better view of the surgical site. Hip and knee orthopedic surgical robot device markets at $222 million in 2015 are anticipated to reach $5 billion by 2022 as next generation robotic devices, systems, and instruments are introduced to manage surgery. The number of suppliers is reduced to put pressure on the ones that remain. Those remaining are pressured to improve prices and efficiencies. Hospitals, physicians, and care providers have been financially incentivized to create accountable care organizations (ACOs). Coordinated patient care plans and value-based purchasing were rewarded. The med device buyer shifted from physicians to the ACOs and smart buying groups. Stryker has thrived in this cost efficient environment with a surgical robot that permits faster surgeries, more cost efficient surgeries. In addition, Stryker offers an integrated system. The ability to include a Mako total knee application with Stryker Triathlon total knee system is anticipated to increase market share for Stryker. Stryker market leading Triathlon total knee system is helped in the market by the robot simply by the improved surgical technique possible. Surgical robots are proving themselves in a variety of disciplines, lending credibility to the Stryker robotic initiative. Hospitals are adopting robotic surgical devices to improve their outcomes numbers. Hospitals are measured on outcomes, robots for surgery, when used by a trained physician are improving outcomes significantly. Hundreds of universities worldwide have research programs in robotics and many are awarding degrees in robotics. These roboticists are increasingly being hired by Global 2000 organizations to link mobile robots (mobile computers) into existing IT systems. Key Topics Covered: 1. Knee and Hip Surgical Robots Market Description and Market Dynamics 1.1 Knee and Hip Surgical Robots Reduction In Payments 1.1.1 Med Device Industry 1.1.2 Stryker Positions to Assist Hospital Capital Investment in Knee and Hip Robotics 1.1.3 Stryker Flex Financial Provides Assistance in the Financing Of The Surgical System Purchase 1.2 Knee and Hip Surgery Three Dimension High-Definition Visualization with Robotic Arm 1.3 Osteoporosis Impact On Hip 2. Knee and Hip Surgical Robots Market Shares and Market Forecasts 2.1 Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Market Driving Forces 2.2 Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Market Shares 2.2.1 Orthopedic Surgical Robot Market Shares, Units and Dollars 2.2.2 Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Unit Analysis 2.2.3 Stryker MAKO Platform Expansion 2.2.4 Omni OMNIPlasty Total Knee Replacement Robotic Surgery 2.2.5 OMNI Life Science OMNIBoics 2.2.6 Smith & Nephew Navio 2.2.7 Think ROBODOC Surgical Assistant 2.2.8 Wright / Tornier 2.3 Surgical Robot and Surgical Assistive Robot Forecasts 2.3.1 Knee and Hip Surgical Robotic Procedures Forecasts 2.3.2 Hip and Knee Orthopedic Surgical Robot Market Segment Forecasts 2.3.3 Consequences of Mal-Positioning 2.4 Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Regional Analysis 3. Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Products 3.1 Stryker Mako RIO Robotic Arm 3.1.1 Stryker MAKOplasty Robotic Arm Hip Replacement Solution 3.1.2 Stryker MAKOplasty Surgical Robotic Total Hip Arthroplasty 3.1.3 Stryker MAKO Surgical Knee Replacements 3.1.4 Stryker's Mako Total Knee Application Receives FDA Clearance 3.1.5 Stryker Knee and Hip Surgical Robot Products Benefits 3.1.6 Stryker / Mako 3.2 Omni OMNIPlasty Robotic Surgery 3.2.1 OMNIPlasty Total Knee Replacement Procedure 3.2.2 OMNIBotic Surgery Provides Increased Accuracy 3.2.3 OMNIBotics Bone Morphing 3.2.4 OMNIBotics Virtual Implant Planning 3.2.5 Omni NanoBlock 3.3 Smith & Nephew Navio 4. Knee and Hip Surgical Implant Company Descriptions 4.1 Orthopedic Implant Surgical Companies 4.2 DePuy Synthes / Johnson & Johnson 4.2.1 Depuy Knee Replacement System 4.3 Stryker Knee Replacement System 4.4 Zimmer Biomet 4.5 Smith&Nephew 4.5.1 Smith & Nephew Knee Implant Systems 4.5.2 Smith & Nephew Hip Implant Systems 4.5.3 Smith & Nephew Bearing Surfaces 5. Knee and Hip Surgical Company Descriptions 5.1 Omni 5.2 Shenzhen Advanced Institute Spinal Surgical Robot 5.3 Smith & Nephew 5.3.1 Smith & Nephew Revenue 5.3.2 Smith & Nephew Navio 5.4 Stanmore 5.5 Stryker / MAKO Surgical 5.5.1 Stryker Business Segment Operations 5.5.2 Stryker Revenue 5.5.3 Stryker Hip Recall: $1.4 Billion Settlement 5.5.4 Stryker Revenue 5.5.5 Stryker Results Of Operations 5.5.6 Stryker Segment Orthopaedics 5.5.7 Stryker Regional Revenue Segment 5.5.8 Stryker Robots 5.5.9 Stryker / MAKO Surgical 5.5.10 Stryker / Mako 5.6 THINK Surgical 5.6.1 THINK Surgical TPLAN 3D Planning Workstation 5.6.2 THINK Surgical TCAT Computer Assisted Tool 5.6.3 Think Surgical 5.6.4 Think Surgical Robodoc 5.7 Wright Medical Technology 5.7.1 Wright Revenue 5.7.2 Wright Medical Group NV Revenue 5.7.3 Wright Medical Group N.V. Revenue for 2015 Third Quarter 5.7.4 Wright / Tornier 5.8 Zimmer Biomet For more information, visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kdc57d/orthopedic Related Topics: Robotics Source: Wintergreen Research, Inc Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets LONDON, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Reach Partners (GRP) today announces that it has acquired FC Exchange (FCE) with the backing of its private equity investor, Inflexion. GRP, which provides payments and hedging services to businesses and private individuals, transacts annually over 3.5bn of foreign currency, through its team of over 100 expert traders and support staff based in London. The acquisition will increase these transactions annually to over 5.5bn and the combined team to 170 employees. This acquisition of FCE allows GRP to build scale and add capabilities. GRP has shown solid growth in the last few years, with a strong, talented team providing solid expertise in the currency markets and world-class customer service. Today's announcement gives GRP immediate scale, further reach, and added capabilities. Mark Smith-Halvorsen, co-founder and CEO of GRP said: "We are making this acquisition as we recognise the huge opportunity in the cross-border payments market. FCE's business is a perfect complement to our own. We each excel in our respective segments - they have a predominantly private client base compared to our mainly corporate client revenue stream. The goal of this transaction is to combine forces to create a leading FX payments company." Nick Fullerton, co-founder and CEO of FCE commented: "We have experienced over 50% year-on-year growth and I'm very excited about the future journey with GRP and Inflexion behind us. We will retain our high standards and values which the GRP team share. We will be stronger together." John Harper, Partner, Inflexion Private Equity Partners added: "We're delighted that GRP has completed its first acquisition. When Inflexion announced the management buyout of GRP in March, we stated our intention to back the existing management team to continue to grow market share and execute a buy-and-build consolidation strategy in the UK FX sector. This acquisition is that strategy in action." IMAS Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial adviser to FC Exchange. About Global Reach Partners Global Reach Partners began trading as Corporate FX in 2001 Their team of experts provide a unique, personalised service to corporate and private clients With access to over 130 major and local market currencies and a range of products, they help achieve a streamlined approach to international trading, treasury and risk management Global Reach Partners recently announced a two-year agreement with Crystal Palace FC to become their new foreign exchange partner. In 2015 their turnover was over 20m and they have worked with just under 12,000 clients They are supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services They are also a registered Money Services Business (MSB) which is regulated by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, making them subject to UK money laundering regulation About FC Exchange FC Exchange is an established international money transfer and payment solutions provider and was co-founded in 2005 by entrepreneurs Nick Fullerton and Martin Steenkamp and Headquartered in the City of London and with offices around the world the company has achieved year-on-year profit-driven growth since incorporation and with offices around the world the company has achieved year-on-year profit-driven growth since incorporation An industry leading customer and affiliate service proposition has been fundamental to the rapid expansion of the company supported by an innovative product offering alongside an entrepreneurial management team With a network of over 3,000 affiliates FC Exchange is the recommended currency partner in many industry sectors, notably overseas property, emigration, expat and travel FC Exchange has helped over 25,000 individuals and businesses with more than 5 billion in international money transfers For further information, please visit http://www.fcexchange.com/about SOURCE Global Reach Partners DUBLIN, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Robo Advice: Revolution or Evolution? Including: Robo Advice, Automated Financial Planning, Financial Advice, Brokerage, Fund Platforms" report to their offering. The Robo Advice: Revolution or Evolution? report provides strategists, marketers and senior managers with the critical information they need to assess the rapidly developing for automated investment and financial advice. Robo advice is one of the most important trends in the market, and this report gives a comprehensive assessment of the based on discussions with all the leading players globally. Low cost, automated investment advice is set to become the core of financial planning services, with market potential of $19.5 trillion assets under management, according to a new report. The Robo Advice: Revolution or Evolution?' Report argues that as awareness of automated options increase, and assets under management grow, many consumers and institutions will want to move away from expensive traditional investment advice into low cost automated options. This will initially be driven mainly from the corporate level, with large client wins by institutional robo offerings, and later by consumer focussed services. Reasons to Purchase The Report - Develop strategies based on what robo advice is and what it means in today's market. - Choose your approach to the market based on the industry's emerging business models. - Plan innovative strategies based on the What Will The Winners Look Like' section. - Facilitate decision making on the basis of forecast market data. - Benchmark performance against key competitors by understanding their market positioning, offerings, portfolios and workflows. - Identify investment opportunities. - Target your key markets with detailed market, competitive, regulatory and trend information for the US, UK and European, and Australian markets. - The report supports your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data, analysis and 50 attractive and informative graphics. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary - Robo advice is not a new concept, but is gaining a lot of global attention - There are far fewer pure robos than the media would have us believe - Focus is on automated investment management; there are very few automated advice propositions - Early movers built from scratch, but start-ups are now seeking to build partnerships with established players - Low cost automated investments will become the core building block of financial planning - Many of the me too' automated investment propositions will fall by the wayside unless they continue to develop - The market for automated investment management services will grow significantly, but hybrids will be the dominant model - The addressable market for virtual advice is huge, but very few propositions have come forward to meet this demand What is Robo Advice? - Robo advice: a catch all term for remotely delivered wealth management - Defining robo advice' - Automated investment management solutions are the dominant model; but how automated are they? - There are only a handful of automated financial planning propositions in the market today - Why is robo advice' under the spotlight? - Propositions are only as good as the algorithms Emerging Business Models - Pure play start-ups have led the charge to date - The cost of acquisition is the elephant in the room for start-ups - Re-focus on the B2B market to drive profitability - Industry stalwarts are now seeing the potential of automation; and have important strategic advantages over the start-ups - Which play will the current incumbents make - build, partner, or buy? - In the B2B space, robo for advisers is nothing new, but some are now embracing the opportunity to expand the reach of their business - Robo advice will place widespread pressure on margins and fees - The impact on the advice market will take longer to play out, and will result in advisers ultimately moving up the advice value chain What Will the Winners Look Like? - Many of the me too' automated investment propositions will fall by the wayside unless they continue to develop - Automated investment propositions will need get much better at targeting clearly defined, profitable consumer segments - Differentiation needs to be on a feature that the mass market consumer can understand - A truly customer-centric approach will be required to shift customers from a transactional to an ongoing relationship - Winning propositions will make better use of behavioural economics to enhance the user experience and increase conversion and retention rates - Winning propositions will need to engage consumers in new ways, using visual stimulus to create emotional responses - Gamification can reward' consumers for building knowledge; virtual reality can allow them to test drive future outcomes in a safe environment - Winning solutions will blend the human touch with automation - Next generation cyborgs' will shift the boundary between human and robot within five years - think virtual advice' - New revenue models to reflect what consumers are actually paying for? - Big data, data giants and analytics: The final frontier - Robo 3.0 has the potential to do so much more than personal finance Size and Growth of the Global Market Companies Mentioned - Betterment - Clover - Decimal Software Ltd - Easy Folio - eValue (Investment Solutions) - Financial Guard - Fintego Managed Depot - FutureAdvisor (a BlackRock Company) - Ginmon GmbH - Ignition Wealth (Ignition Direct) - Intelligent Portfolios from Charles Schwab Inc. - LearnVest Inc. - Marie Quantier - MoneyFarm - Nutmeg Savings & Investment Limited - Parmenion (Aberdeen Asset Management) - Personal Capital - QuietGrowth - Quirion (Quirin Bank AG) - Scalable Capital - SigFig Wealth Management LLC - Stockspot - True Wealth Inc. - vaamo Finanz AG - Vanguard PAS - Wealth Objects Limited - Wealth Wizards - Wealthfront Inc - Wealthify - WiseBanyan Inc - Yomoni For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/j6trhq/robo_advice Related Topics: Accounting, Personal Finance Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets GANZI, China, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 9, the opening ceremony for the Ninth Kangba Art Festival, themed "Charming Kangba, Holy Home", was held in Ganzi, China. Government representatives from six towns and counties - Ganzi, Aba, Changdu, Diqing, Yushu and Guoluo - located near the juncture of Sichuan, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces, and Tibet Autonomous Region, in addition to local and international tourists, joined in the festivities, dressed in outfits especially worn for the occasion. The ceremony, replete with participants waving hada, a white scarf, as a symbol of friendship, and performing graceful and charming dances, demonstrated the simplicity and authenticity of Kangba culture through the love songs that were handed down through the generations, the tea-horse road - the ancient route along which tea and horses were traded, and the Gesar tradition, in reverence of an ancient Tibetan king, all of which are interpretations and representations of Shambhala, a legendary holy land thought to be located in present-day Ganzi. Chengduvip.cn, the organization responsible for overseas promotion of the event, explained that the three-day festival consisted of a series of events, including a promotional conference on investments being made in Ganzi by leading companies in tandem with contract signing ceremonies for those investments, culturally-themed benefit performances as well as cultural and art exhibitions, attracting many local and international tourists. Brancourt, a Dutch student studying in Chengdu, China, said, "I've never watched such a large-scale ethnically-themed performance before. The amazingness of the Kangba culture came as a big surprise, and people here are very friendly." He immediately fell in love with Ganzi and its capital Kangding, the home of love songs. Located along the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China, Ganzi has unparalleled tourism resources coupled with the mystique of the local natural surroundings and the regional culture which has thrived through centuries of communications with the many ethnic groups inhabited or passed through the area. Ganzi plans to continue driving economic and social development through tourism, with a special focus on turning its tourism resources into advantages for the local economy and population, while attracting tourists from around the world seeking an unusual sightseeing and leisure vacation and investors who have the foresight to see the future that tourism in the area can deliver. SOURCE chengduvip.cn VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global mass notification systems market, valued at US$ 3.4 Bn in 2015, is expected to register impressive growth in revenues, reaching at US$ 3.8 Bn by 2016 end. Driven by government initiatives toward public safety, the market is anticipated to witness the highest growth in North America. Burgeoning industrialisation and favourable initiatives by various governments regarding public safety, are the key factors identified to drive the mass notification systems market globally. In addition, increasing cyber threats with evolving nature is another factor expected to propel the demand for high quality, technologically advanced, reliable mass notification systems, which could provide better security against cyber-attacks. Mobile-based mass notification apps are currently trending the mass notification systems market, with an aim of better, convenient, and rapid management through user-friendly, interactive dashboard. In addition, several healthcare and educational organisations are increasingly adopting duress-based solutions, in combination with mass notification systems. Moreover, a large number of companies in the BFSI sector is deploying mass notification systems for enhanced incident management capabilities. Request a Sample Report: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1357 The global mass notification systems market is segmented into hardware, software, and services, based on the product type. The hardware segment is projected to account for the highest revenue share in the global market. According to the application, FMI's research indicates that the business operation segment will dominate all other application segments, including business continuity and disaster recovery, interoperable emergency communication, and integrated public alert and warning. Integrated public alert and warning segment is anticipated to be the second largest application-based segment. Based on the solution, the distributed recipient solution segment is expected to grow at a higher pace, compared to in-building and wide area solutions. Among several end-user verticals in the mass notification systems market, the commercial sector is predicted to dominate healthcare, defence, automotive, energy and power, transport and logistics, education, and government sectors. Free Analysis Global Mass Notification Systems Market Revenue by Regions: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/mass-notifications-systems-market North America will continue to form the largest market for mass notification systems globally. Other key regional markets include Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Owing to high-paced industrialisation in emerging economies, APEJ is estimated to be the second largest market, growing at a significant rate. Latin America and Western Europe will maintain their major market positions, following APEJ. AtHoc, Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., Everbridge, Inc., Siemens AG, Eaton Corporation Plc., and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) are some of the top players in the global mass notification systems market. Other significant players include Metis Secure Solutions, LLC, Mir3, Inc., Xmatters, Inc., and Omnilert LLC. Request for Table of Contents: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1357 Long-term Outlook: The global mass notification systems market is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR of 12.7% over the forecast period, 2016-2026. North America is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.4% led by the U.S., while APEJ will expand at the highest CAGR of 17.4% through to 2026. FMI Latest Insights: Smart Railways Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/smart-railways-market Thermal Printing Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/thermal-printing-market Smart Factory Market: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/smart-factory-market About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Contact Us 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790 Sales: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com Press Release: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release SOURCE Future Market Insights PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Packaged Water Treatment System Market by Technology Type (Extended Aeration, MBR, MBBR, SBR, Reverse Osmosis), Application (Municipal Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater, and Drinking Water) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The global market was valued at USD 12.07 Billion in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 21.83 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2016 and 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 87 market data Tables and 45 Figures spread through 158 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Packaged Water Treatment System Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/packaged-water-treatment-system-market-153441438.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. This growth can be mainly attributed to the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization. The stringent regulatory and sustainability mandates concerning the environment also play a major role in growth of the global packaged water treatment system market. Extended aeration segment led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 Among technology types, the extended aeration is expected to account for the largest share in the packaged water treatment system market. It is also projected to be the fastest-growing type of packaged water treatment system market between 2016 and 2021. In comparison to other treatment systems, the initial investments and costs involved are less in extended aeration, thus driving the demand for this technology. Municipal wastewater treatment is the fastest-growing application segment during the forecast period The municipal wastewater treatment application segment accounts for the largest share of the global Packaged Water Treatment System Market, and is also the fastest-growing segment of this market. Due to its compact size, packaged water treatment system systems can fit easily and be used in residential and urbanized areas. Municipal wastewater treatment, hence, remains the largest application area for packaged water treatment system market. Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=153441438 Middle East & Africa is the largest and the fastest-growing regional segment of the global packaged water treatment system Middle East & Africa led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 and accounted for the largest share, followed by Europe and North America. The market in this region is experiencing increased packaged water treatment system services in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, as these regions have little or no fresh water sources. Saudi Arabia is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Some of the major market players in this market include Veolia Water Technologies (France), GE Water & Process Technologies (U.S.), RWL Water (U.S.), WPL International (U.K.), Smith & Loveless INC. (U.S.), and others. Browse Related Reports: North America Water Storage Systems Market by Material Type (Concrete, Steel) Application (Hydraulic Fracture Storage & Collection, Onsite Water & Wastewater Collection), End-Use Industry (Municipal, Industrial) and Country - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/north-america-water-storage-systems-market-1184.html Water Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Coagulants & Flocculants, Biocides & Disinfectants), by Application (Municipal Water Treatment, Power Generation, Chemical, Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/water-treatment-342.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets DUBLIN, August 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market (2016-2022): Market Forecast by Types (Air Insulated, Gas Insulated, Hybrid and Others), Voltage, Verticals and Regions and Competitive Landscape " report to their offering. The Saudi Arabian switchgear market is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2022. The grid strengthening and interconnection of regions which involves the establishment of more than 25 substations is likely to fuel the demand for switchgears. High voltage switchgears have acquired the highest revenue share owing to an increasing need for these in the power utility segment. The power utility segment accounted for a majority of the revenue share in the Saudi Arabian switchgear market. Over the next six years, the commercial and industrial segments are forecast to exhibit strong growth in the market. Saudi Arabia is the leading switchgear market in the GCC region attributed to large scale investments in the power transmission and distribution sector along with regional interconnection of transmission networks. Furthermore, increasing penetration of private players in the power sector and growing infrastructure expansion activities in industrial and commercial verticals are some of the factors contributing to the demand for switchgear in the country. Amongst all regions, eastern, central and western regions captured the largest revenue shares in the country. During 2016-22, central and western regions are expected to register larger number of switchgear installations. The report provides the detailed analysis of the following market segments: By Switchgear Types: - Air Insulated Switchgear - Gas Insulated Switchgear - Hybrid Switchgear - Other Switchgear By Voltage Types: - Low (- Medium (3 KV - 36 KV) - High (> 36 KV) By Verticals: - Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Power Utilities - Infrastructure & Transportation Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Global Switchgear Market Overview 4. Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Overview 5. Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Dynamics 6. Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Trends 7. Saudi Arabia Air Switchgear Market Overview 8. Saudi Arabia Gas Switchgear Market Overview 9. Saudi Arabia Hybrid Switchgear Market Overview 10. Other Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Overview 11. Saudi Arabia Low Voltage Switchgear Market Overview 12. Saudi Arabia Medium Voltage Switchgear Market Overview 13. Saudi Arabia High Voltage Switchgear Market Overview 14. Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Overview, By Verticals 15. Saudi Arabia Switchgear Market Overview, By Regions 16. Competitive Landscape 17. Company Profiles - AL Fanar Company Ltd. - ABB Ltd. - General Electric Company - Hitachi Ltd. - Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., LTD. - Hyosung Corporation - Larsen & Toubro - Schneider Electric SE - Siemens AG For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/txssph/saudi_arabia Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The vaccines market is expected to reach $48.03 billion by 2021 from USD 32.24 billion in 2016 at a CAGR of 8.3% driven by increasing focus on immunization programs and rising government and nongovernment funding for vaccine development while North America is expected to dominate the market globally. Complete report on vaccines market spread across 158 pages, profiling 10 companies and supported with 89 tables and 55 figures is now available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/vaccine-market-by-technology-types-trend-analysis-by-various-classes-live-attenuated-subunit-toxoid-conjugate-dna-recombinant-vector-synthetic-dentritic-vaccines-and-by-indications-i-market-report.html. The global vaccines market is segmented based on technology, type, disease indication, end-users, and regions. The conjugate vaccines segment is expected to register the highest growth rate in the vaccines market, by technology, during the forecast period. The high growth in this segment is attributed to the increasing company investments in development of new vaccines. Based on end-users, the vaccines market is segmented into pediatrics and adults. The pediatrics segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016. Increasing prevalence of diseases in children and the rising number of awareness programs to promote vaccination will drive the growth of this market. Geographically, the vaccines market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW). Growth in the North American segment is primarily driven by rising government funding for vaccine research in the North American countries. The major factors contributing to the growth of the vaccines market include high prevalence of diseases; rising government and nongovernment funding for vaccine development, and increasing focus on immunization programs. Furthermore, increasing R&D spending and new vaccine development activities by companies is another major factor driving the growth of this market. The major players in this market include Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan), CSL Limited (Australia), Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. (U.S.), GlaxoSmithKline, plc. (U.K.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), MedImmune, LLC (U.S.), Merck & Co. (U.S.), Pfizer, Inc. (U.S.), Sanofi Pasteur (France), and Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (India). Order a copy of Vaccines Market by Technology (Live Attenuated, Toxoid, Conjugate, Inactivated & Subunit, Recombinant), Disease Indication (Pneumococcal, Influenza, HPV, Hepatitis, Rotavirus, DTP, Polio, MMR), End User (Pediatrics, Adults) & Type - Forecasts to 2021 research report at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=110437. Apart from comprehensive geographic and product analysis and market sizing, the report also provides a competitive landscape that covers the growth strategies adopted by industry players over the last three years. In addition, the company profiles comprise the product portfolios, developments, and strategies adopted by the market players to maintain and increase their shares in the market. The above-mentioned market research data, current market size, and forecast of the future trends will help key market players and new entrants to make the necessary decisions regarding product offerings, geographic focus, change in strategic approach and levels of output in order to remain successful in the market. On a related note, another research on Veterinary / Animal Vaccines Market Global Forecast to 2020 says, increasing investments by various government agencies, animal associations, & leading players to drive the growth of the veterinary vaccines market. From an insight perspective, this research report focuses on qualitative data, market size, and growth of various segments and sub segments, competitive landscape, and company profiles. Companies like Zoetis Inc., Merck Animal Health, Merial Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco Animal Health, Ceva Animal Health, Heska Corporation and Virbac Inc. have been profiled in this 250 pages research report available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/veterinary-animal-vaccines-market-by-product-livestock-companion-poultry-equine-porcine-diseases-rabies-distemper-foot-mouth-gumboro-swine-avian-influenza-strangles-technology-li-market-report.html. Explore more reports on Life Sciences market at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/reports/life-sciences. About Us: RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 sales@rnrmarketresearch.com Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/104156468549256253075/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/RnRMR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RnR-Market-Research/413488545356345 RSS / Feeds: http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/feed SOURCE RnR Market Research LONDON, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vladimir Eftimoski of Macedonia's Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola is the delighted recipient of two high-level awards from Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM). Eftimoski fought off strong competition to win the titles of both Banking Industry CEO of the Year Macedonia and Most Innovative CEO of the Year Macedonia. This was achieved through the mid-level bank altering its focus from long-term government securities into the partial sale of property in relation to investment funds. They have also invested heavily in - and increased - the number of employees in the bank, improved its ATM infrastructure and recently issued a corporate bond of five million Euros - the first of its type ever in Macedonia. Eftimoski explained his philosophy for the bank was to remain positive, despite the economic and political turmoil the country has experienced in recent years. "Trends in the Macedonian banking sector have shown continuous stability and increased levels of liquidity," he said. "Thankfully it remains generally immune to the political crisis in the country. "And, in fact, we see our greatest advantage as our speed and flexibility to use this period of economic and political crisis to reorganise and consolidate. Our immediate intention is to attract a foreign strategic partner interesting in an evolving Macedonian market." Referring to his two BWM awards Eftimoski said he was especially pleased with the recognition which they would bring to Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola - one of two banks in Macedonia which is developing the innovative project M-payment scheme. A spokesman for BWM said the panel had agreed unanimously to present Eftimoski with both awards. "Vladimir's continuing positivity in the face of what was clearly a dire economic situation really impressed us, together with his determination to change a negative situation into a positive and to embrace those changes wholeheartedly," he said. The proof that the bank's initiatives are working are evidenced in the fact that its retail loans grew by 9.36 % in the first five months of 2016 compared to the end of 2015, and 33.48% compared with the same period in 2015. When it comes to the bank's future its relationship with clients is the primary focus, said Eftimoski, all the way through to a higher level of social responsibility. For more information on Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola see http://www.stbbt.com.mk An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2016/05/23/riding-the-wave-of-political-and-economic-crisis-the-banking-sector-in-macedonia/ For more details on Business Worldwide Magazine Awards 2016, go to http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. http://www.bwmonline.com Contact David Jones Awards Department E: david.jones@bwmonline.com W: http://www.bwmonline.com SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine The lodging industry continues to grow and demand trends are expected to remain strong in 2016, creating a wealth of opportunities in this evolving industry. Whether looking to buy, sell, or value a hotel or motel, it's important to consider hotel valuation from a number of different angles. In this special report, the authors walk readers through a detailed case study covering valuation considerations from estimating room revenues and expenses to applying a cost approach and asset allocation method. The report also includes recent U.S. statistics and metrics and a comprehensive review of the current market for hotels, rules of thumb for pricing a hotel, hotel valuation multiples, succession planning tips for hotel owners, and an extensive list of industry resources. Highlights of the special report include: Unique methods and techniques of hotel valuation with a detailed case study: An overview of valuing hotels including approaches to derive the business value of the hotel apart from the underlying real estate An overview of valuing hotels including approaches to derive the business value of the hotel apart from the underlying real estate Key benchmarking data to see how a subject company stacks up: With data from the premier private company transaction database, Pratt's Stats, the reader will better understand how a subject company compares to other privately owned hotels that have sold With data from the premier private company transaction database, Pratt's Stats, the reader will better understand how a subject company compares to other privately owned hotels that have sold Insights on succession planning: The authors explore all aspects of a succession plan and provide insight on the major considerations hotel owners or appraisers should take into account The authors explore all aspects of a succession plan and provide insight on the major considerations hotel owners or appraisers should take into account Eight important court cases to navigate the legal landscape of hotel valuation: Guidance from the courts on how they view different valuation methods related to hotels To learn more or download an excerpt of the report, please visit bvresources.com/publications or contact Sarah Andersen at (503) 291-7963 ext. 123 or [email protected]. About BVR Top business valuation firms depend on BVR for authoritative market data, continuing professional education, and expert opinion. Our customers include business appraisers, certified public accountants, M&A professionals, business brokers, lawyers and judges, private equity funds and venture capitalists, owners, and CFOs, among others. For more information, please visit bvresources.com. Contact: Sarah Andersen, Publisher Business Valuation Resources, LLC 1000 SW Broadway, Suite 1200 Portland, Oregon 97205 Phone: (503) 291-7963 ext. 123 Email: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397557 SOURCE Business Valuation Resources Related Links http://www.bvresources.com PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global testosterone replacement therapy market 2016-2020 research report says entry of SARMs will be a key trend as testosterone therapies available as injectable or skin delivery formulations are currently used as androgen therapies. However, they are associated with side effects related to fluctuations in testosterone levels. The development and entry of SARMs in the market will serve as a better treatment option for androgen deficiencies. These drugs are available as orally active formulations and target androgen receptors specifically, thus eliciting the desired response in the body. Complete report on testosterone replacement therapy market spread across 59 pages, analyzing 4 major companies and providing 33 data exhibits now available at http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-testosterone-replacement-therapy-market-2016-2020.html. Topical drugs dominate the global testosterone replacement therapy market when compared to oral and injectable formulations. The increased awareness among the general public about endocrine disorders and the latest medical advancements and treatment options available will aid to the market during the forecast period. Several organizations such as the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation are also helping individuals in the early detection and treatment of the diseases, which may occur due to decreased testosterone levels in the body. The testosterone replacement therapy market in the Americas is declining at a substantial CAGR of close to 15% to drop from USD 2 billion to USD 0.9 billion by 2020. However, despite the decline, Americas will remain the major market for testosterone replacement therapy during the forecast period. The testosterone replacement therapy market in EMEA was valued at USD 370 million in 2015 and is expected to exceed USD 745 million by 2020, growing at a CAGR of over 15%. Western Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, contributed significantly to the overall growth of the market in 2015. The testosterone replacement therapy market in APAC was valued at USD 170 million in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 510 million by 2020, growing at a CAGR of over 24%. APAC remains the fastest growing market due to the growing awareness about the disease along with the rise in healthcare spending in this region. The analyst forecast global testosterone replacement therapy market is gradually declining. According to the report, increase in older population will be a key driver for testosterone replacement therapy market stability. Age related lowering of testosterone presents features both primary and secondary hypogonadism. Improved healthcare infrastructure and sophisticated treatment facilities have increased life expectancy of individuals. This has led to an increase in older adult population worldwide. The following companies are the key players in the global testosterone replacement therapy market: AbbVie, Allergan, Eli Lilly, and Endo International. Other prominent vendors in the market are: Acerus Pharmaceuticals, Antares Pharma, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Bedford Labs, Clarus Therapeutics, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Forendo Pharma, Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Lipocine, MetP Pharma, Mylan, Pfizer, ProStrakan, Repros Therapeutics, Sandoz, TesoRx, and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Order a copy of Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market 2016-2020 report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/purchase?rname=58502. Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. This report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global testosterone replacement therapy market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of branded and generic drugs that treat and prevent hypogonadism. Another related report is Global Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Market 2016-2020; one noteworthy trend in the market is the availability of patient assistance programs. Patient assistance programs offered by vendors, designed to fit individual needs regarding liver diseases, help them attain access to medications. AstraZeneca, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novo Nordisk are among the companies that offer patient assistance programs, offering solutions such as co-pay assistance and coupons. Browse complete report @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/global-non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis-market-2016-2020.html. Explore other new reports on Therapeutics Market @ http://www.sandlerresearch.org/market-research/pharmaceutical/therapeutics. About Us: SandlerResearch.org is your go-to source for all market research needs. Our database includes thousands of market research reports from over multiple leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over several micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. +1 888 391 5441 [email protected] Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/106598308303011242341/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandlerResearch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandler-Research/524957830948790 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCQLoqvZE2Py7AxNeNlBXoA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SandlerResearch/ SOURCE Sandler Research LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Autonomous Alloys launched the world's first Magnetic Resetting Shooting Targets on Indiegogo, Aug. 8, 2016, and has achieved it's $100,000 funding goal in less than 3 days, with 27 days remaining! Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397619 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397618 Autonomous Features Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign Video Demonstration https://youtu.be/cjy7B-gFrmo http://igg.me/at/autonomous-alloys Autonomous Alloys' patent pending magnetic resetting shooting targets are the first of its kind, offering lightening fast, magnetic resetting paddle targets with shooter facing LED indicators to provide a heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping, live-fire experience that is matched by no other target system. Digital Steel targets start by providing definitive multisensory feedback, both audible and visual, to deliver instant hit information, but then adds software control over the release of the paddle as well as visual feedback via LED indicators to share game state information. Designed to connect with virtually an unlimited number of other targets over Wi-Fi, its designers are really trying to hook into the essence of what makes video games so fun. Michael of Autonomous Alloys describes their philosophy like this: "Video game mechanics are effective because they provide instant feedback systems coupled with instant performance data. Leveraging the same virtual world mechanics in a real-world, live-fire scenario encourages improvement." That instant feedback can be had in single player, head-to-head, and even co-op game modes and drills. Training drills and advanced modes provide real-world high-adrenaline scenarios and test everything from your double tap and magazine swap speed, to target acquisition and endurance. Other features include: Smart game mechanics for fast action drills Real-time reports to inform shooters improvement Virtually unlimited number of wirelessly connected targets down range iOS/Android Apps enable fast and intuitive game starts Up to 4 players for head-to-head or co-op battles Bullet proof! LED illumination is shielded with replaceable bullet resistant polymer shield and the target paddle is cut out of AR500 ballistic steel Solid-state with no moving parts but the paddle itself Designed for .22LR, .380, 9MM, .40, & .45 cal The design of the system is over a year in the making, as brothers Mark and Michael Campbell have worked on the concept in the Mojave Desert near Los Angeles. Early feedback from the community and beta testers has been very encouraging. Jacob Paulson of the USA CCW & Firearms Training podcast mentioned, "There is no justice we can do on this podcast to describe how cool this is!" Entertainer and trick-shotter 22Plinkster said after spending a weekend playing with the targets "These are the coolest targets I have ever shot at in my life!" About Autonomous Alloys Smart Shooting Targets Autonomous Alloys provides the first solid-state, magnetic-resetting steel shooting target system. It is designed and assembled in Valencia, California. For more information, please visit www.autonomousalloys.com. Michael Campbell Valencia, CA 559-283-3687 Email SOURCE Autonomous Alloys Related Links http://www.autonomousalloys.com MIAMI, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off a tremendously successful inaugural event, #BankSocial Media Conference (http://www.banksocialmediaconference.com/) is thrilled to announce a partnership with the highly regarded independent news site, Credit Union Times. This partnership will enable #BankSocial to reach an even larger audience and connect meaningfully with credit union leaders across the nation. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397523LOGO "This partnership is a natural progression for #BankSocial. After all, telling stories that matter is a big part of any marketing campaign," says Founder John Siracusa. "I look up to the powerful reporting that CU Times provides, and I'm honored to partner with them. Together, we intend to help the retail finance industry develop the kind of powerful social media strategies that can establish a brand as a trusted resource and member of the community." CU Times has been independently covering important industry news since 1990. The online publication provides expert insights and analysis thanks to its editorial staff's close connections with credit union leaders. Marketing is just one of several topics CU Times regularly explores in depth. Last April, the magazine participated in the first annual #BankSocial Media Conference, contributing to a lively discussion on social media strategy best practices for credit unions. "Social media can be a powerful lead generation tool in a credit union's efforts to grow membership and loans, as well as creating awareness," Sarah Snell Cooke, ALM market segment strategy leader for credit unions and commercial real estate, said. "As part of our mission to help credit unions and their executives, employees and volunteers perform more effectively, we're pleased to partner with #BankSocial to help provide yet another avenue for practical credit union education." Everyone who registers for the 2017 #BankSocial Media Conference is invited to attend the digital #CaseStudySummit absolutely free. The event runs from September 21 through October 21, 2016. Each week will feature multiple sessions exploring bank and credit union success stories from communities around the nation. These case studies won't be limited to social media, but instead will represent the entire marketing toolbox. The #CaseStudySummit can be streamed to any PC or mobile device. Scheduled for April 3-6 in Miami, the second annual #BankSocial Media Conference figures to be an even bigger affair than last April's event in Newark. Early bird registration for the 2017 edition is open now through the rest of August. About Credit Union Times Credit Union Times magazine has been published weekly since 1990, and is widely regarded as the paper of record for the credit union industry. It offers extensive on-site conference coverage, industry professional features, statistical analysis and expert technology coverage. With a growing stable of products, including events, webinars and custom publishing opportunities, Credit Union Times offers readers and advertisers a range of opportunities to connect with the dynamic credit union industry. About #BankSocial #BankSocial is the only event solely dedicated to social media and content marketing for banks and credit unions. It's the place to come learn and network with industry leaders in both social media and retail banking. As a bank or credit union, regulations have made social media somewhat of an uncertain, nerve-wracking territory. That's why #BankSocial was created because finance isn't like every other industry, and #BankSocial is a safe place where retail bank and credit union leaders can find the resources needed to design and deploy successful social media strategies. #BankSocial attendees will learn how to develop effective content strategies, how to successfully integrate them within an organization's departments, how to feel confident in their execution, and how to measure their results. Learn more at http://banksocialmediaconference.com. Contact: Bryan Majano #BankSocial 201-941-1458 ext. 703 Email http://banksocialmediaconference.com SOURCE #BankSocial Related Links http://banksocialmediaconference.com SAN DIEGO, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BNBuilders is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the County of San Diego's Hall of Justice interior renovation contract. This is one of three recent San Diego County CM at-Risk contracts awarded to BNBuilders' San Diego office. Located at 330 West Broadway in downtown San Diego, the project is immediately south of the new San Diego Central Courthouse, and connected to the new high-rise via a pedestrian bridge. BNBuilders was awarded preconstruction and construction services for the $2.7 million Hall of Justice project, demonstrating its outstanding experience, personnel, financial strength, safety record, and exceptional value. BNBuilders will be renovating the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors of the Hall of Justice to accommodate the new pedestrian bridge, which will connect the Hall of Justice's fourth floor to the new Courthouse's third floor. Court support services at the old Courthouse will be relocated to the fourth floor of the Hall of Justice. The Probation Department offices will be consolidated on the fifth floor, opening up the sixth floor for the District Attorney presentation office and Superior Court IT office (formerly on the fourth floor). Continuous operation of all departments is required, so BNBuilders will be completing all work after business hours and on weekends so as not to disrupt court operations. The project will commence construction in late 2016, with an estimated completion in early 2017. Jamie Awford, Principal at BNBuilders, states, "We are very pleased to work with the County of San Diego to provide an interior renovation for the Hall of Justice. The renovation will offer court personnel and support staff a superior office environment, with minimal daytime interruption of their critical work." About BNBuilders Founded in 2000 in Seattle, BNBuilders is a West Coast general contractor that specializes in complex projects for clients in the life science, healthcare, education, commercial, public, multi-family residential, and office sectors. BNBuilders is known for their innovative solutions to highly technical issues, comprehensive preconstruction services, passion for sustainable construction practices, and commitment to safety. With multiple offices in Washington and California, BNBuilders is a leader and preferred contractor on the West Coast. BNBuilders' San Diego office was opened in 2010. For more information, visit www.bnbuilders.com. Contact: Beth Binger BCIpr 619-987-6658 [email protected] SOURCE BNBuilders Related Links http://www.bnbuilders.com PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RnRMarketResearch.com adds 2016 Global and Chinese Cling Wrap Industry, 2016 Market Research Report of 150 pages, published in Aug 2016, to the Plastic Films collection of its store. This report estimate 2016-2021 Cling Wrap Industry Cost and Profit with Market Competition of Cling Wrap Industry By Country: (Including Europe, U.S., Japan, China etc.), By Company and Application. Complete cling wrap market 2016 report is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/global-and-chinese-cling-wrap-industry-2016-market-research-report-market-report.html . This Global and Chinese Report 2016 is a result of industry experts' diligent work on researching the world market of Cling Wrap. The report helps to build up a clear view of the market (scenario and survey), identify major players in the industry, and analyzes the upstream raw materials, downstream clients, and current market dynamics of Cling Wrap Industry. The report reviews the basic information of Cling Wrap including its classification, application and manufacturing technology. This report explores global and China's top manufacturers of Cling Wrap listing their product specification, capacity, Production value, and market share etc. The report further analyzes quantitatively 2011-2016 global and China's total market of Cling Wrap by calculation of main economic parameters of each company. The breakdown data of Cling Wrap market are presented by company, by country, and by application. Place a direct purchase order of this report (Global and Chinese Cling Wrap Industry, 2016 Market Research Report) at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=652770 . In the end, the report makes a proposal for a new project of Cling Wrap Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2016 global and China Cling Wrap industry covering all important parameters. The first chapter introduces the Cling Wrap Industry by Brief Introduction, Development & Status of Cling Wrap Industry. The second chapter focuses on Manufacturing Technology of Cling Wrap, the third one gives Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers (Including Company Profile, Product Specification, 2011-2016 Production Information etc.) The forth chapter deals with 2011-2016 Global and China Market of Cling Wrap. The chapter 5 summarizes Market Status of Cling Wrap Industry. Partial List of Tables and Figures for Global & China Cling Wrap Industry Figure Cling Wrap Product Table Cling Wrap Classification Table Cling Wrap Applications Figure Cling Wrap Manufacturing Technology Table Major Manufacturers Production Technology List Table Cling Wrap Industries Policy List Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Market Share By Country Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Major Manufacturers Market Share Figure 2016 Global Cling Wrap Market Share By Application Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Market Share By Regions Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Major Manufacturers Market Share Figure 2016 China Cling Wrap Market Share By Application Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Capacity List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Capacity Market Share List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Production List Table 2011-2016 Global Major Manufacturers Cling Wrap Production Market Share List Figure 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Capacity Production and Growth Rate Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Rate of Capacity Utilization List Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Demand and Growth Rate Table 2011-2016 Global Cling Wrap Supply Demand and Consumption List On similar lines another report titled Global Cling Film Market Professional Survey Report 2016 mainly covers the following- Segment regions including (the separated region report can also be offered) North America, Europe, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India. The players list (Partly, Players you are interested in can also be added) Glad, Saran, AEP Industries, Stretch tite, Wrap Film Systems, Lakeland, Wrapex, Linpac Packaging, Melitta, Comcoplast, Fora, Victorgroup, Wentus Kunststoff, Sphere, Publi Embal, Koroplast, Pro-Pack, Bursa Pazar, Rotopa?, Parex, Sedat Tahir, With 21 top producers. Data including (both global and regions): Market Size (both volume - K MT and value - million USD), Market Share, Production data, Consumption data, Trade data, Price - USD/MT, Cost, Gross margin etc. Order a copy of this report (Global Cling Film Market Professional Survey Report 2016) at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=619575 . Browse more reports on "Plastic Films" at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/reports/materials-chemicals/plastics/plastic-films . About Us: RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 [email protected] Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/104156468549256253075/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/RnRMR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RnR-Market-Research/413488545356345 RSS / Feeds: http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/feed SOURCE RnR Market Research TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SpaceShifter.com launches as the first online resource of its kind connecting commercial real estate brokers, landlords and companies seeking space while raising money for charity. It is an affordable, user-friendly Digital Marketing Co-Op empowering members to harness the power of the internet to drive traffic to their listings. This enables them to get more direct leads and fill their vacancies faster. No matter how large or small, companies looking for space will find a variety of commercial real estate, including industrial, land, office, retail and investment properties. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397612 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397611 "We have brought the new car research and buying experience to commercial real estate," says Michael Rincones, Director of Software Development. "We designed the software solely from the user's perspective, enabling anyone with any level of experience in commercial real estate, to easily navigate the system," explains Rincones. "Most importantly, prospective companies looking to purchase or lease space, can do so in a completely frictionless environment," adds Rincones. "The system is free to search and there is no login required." "The foundation of Space Shifter is based on user feedback from hundreds of industry representatives ranging from large brokerage firms and institutional landlords to sole proprietors and single ownership entities," says Rick Narkiewicz, Industry Liaison and US Army Veteran. "Space Shifter enables the industry to effectively communicate listing information resulting in better client service, powerful analytics and fill vacancies more efficiently," adds Narkiewicz, considered a top broker of industrial real estate in the Southeastern US. Narkiewicz is one of several industry representatives leading the coalition. Membership to this exclusive group is affordable and will quickly pay for itself. The software enables the industry to monetize its own data, operate more efficiently and raise money for charity. Proceeds go to support industry trade associations and are donated to charities and nonprofits. One of the first recipients was the Gold Shield Foundation, which provides aid to the families of fallen law enforcement. "Space Shifter had nearly 1,000 unique visitors in one day," says Chief Information Officer Joseph Lupo. "From inception, the platform was designed to empower and protect the customers' best interest while driving legitimate prospects," explains Lupo. The current operating team consists of 12 contractors striving to enhance the experience of members. They anticipate creating 300 technology jobs to the Tampa Bay area with the intent of launching globally and raising millions of dollars annually for charity. For more information on Space Shifter, visit our website at www.spaceshifter.com or contact us at [email protected]. Follow Space Shifter on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact: Rick Narkiewicz Industry Liaison 813-453-0797 Space Shifter 4600 West Cyprus Street, Suite 1200 Tampa, FL 33607 SOURCE Space Shifter Related Links http://www.space-shifter.com ALBANY, New York, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled "Cosmetic Skin Care Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2016 - 2024 The opportunity in the global cosmetic skin care market was pegged at US$127.1 bn in 2015. Expanding at a 5.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2024, the market is projected to be worth just over US$200 bn by the end of the forecast period. By type of product, the market is led by anti-aging products and this segment is likely to retain its position throughout the forecast period, amounting to over US$44 bn by 2024. Cosmetic skin care market is fairly consolidated, with the top five players accounting for a share of over 45% in 2015. Transparency Market Research finds in a new report that these companies, namely L'Oreal S.A., Unilever Group, Procter & Gamble, Beiersdorf AG, and Avon Products, have been focused on research and development, acquisitions, and new product development as their key growth strategies in the cosmetic skin care market. Unilever's acquisition of leading professional skin care brand, Dermalogica, in June 2015, for instance, is one among the many strategic alliances and acquisitions companies have been engaging in in recent years to shape their brands into more premium offerings. "The potential of 'natural' and organic cosmetic products is huge as an increasing number of consumers are becoming more aware of the ingredients in skin care products. The inclusion of this product segment in the portfolio can prove to be immensely lucrative for players," the author of the TMR study recommends. Get Sample Report Copy or for further inquiries, click here: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=13724 Consumer Base for Anti-aging Skin Care Products Widening An increasing number of consumers have been contributing toward the demand for anti-aging creams and skin care products to fight various signs of aging. The growing global geriatric population, as a result, is one of the key factors driving the global market for cosmetic skin care. The number of people aged 65 and above has been reportedly increasing in China, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the U.S. and this trend is likely to benefit the demand for cosmetic skin care products. "Interestingly, the demand for anti-aging products is not restricted only to the aging consumer group," the author of the study finds. "Women over the age of 30 have also been contributing significantly to the demand for anti-aging creams and lotions." A growing focus on new product innovation and an improvement in the quality and functions of various cosmetic skin care products is a key factor boosting the global market. "The cosmetic skin care market is built on the principle of new product innovation," the TMR analyst states. "An increasing number of players have been investing huge capital in research and development to improve the effectiveness of products such as skin whitening cosmetics, anti-aging creams, sunscreen products, and multi-utility skin care products." Browse In Detail Regional Analysis: http://www.europlat.org/global-cosmetic-skin-care-market.htm MEA Providing Lucrative Options for Players in Cosmetic Skin Care Market Cosmetic skin care products to minimize wrinkles were the key revenue generators in 2015, with multi-utility cosmetics expanding at the fastest pace during the forecast period. By region, Asia Pacific is the leading contributor to the cosmetic skin care market, while the Middle East and Africa is emerging as the most rapidly expanding regional segment in the forecast period. "Players have been expanding their operations in the MEA region owing to the growing product awareness of consumers and a booming retail sector," states the TMR analyst. Browse the Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/cosmetic-skin-care-market.htm Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Product Anti-Aging Cosmetic Products Skin Whitening Cosmetic Products Sensitive Skin Care Products Anti-Acne Products Dry Skin Care Products Warts Removal Products Infant Skin Care Products Anti-Scars Solution Products Mole Removal Products Multi Utility Products Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Application Stem Cells Protection against UV Flakiness Reduction Rehydrate the skin's surface Minimize wrinkles Increase the viscosity of Aqueous Others Global Cosmetic Skin Care Market, by Geography - North America U.S. Rest of North America - Europe Germany Italy U.K. France Rest of Europe - Asia-Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific - Middle East and Africa UAE Quatar South Africa Rest of MEA - Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Related Research Reports by Transparency Market Research: Cosmetics Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetics-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetics-market.html Beauty Devices Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/beauty-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/beauty-devices-market.html Cosmetic Packaging Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetic-packaging-market.html About Us: Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement. US Office Contact Transparency Market Research 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com SOURCE Transparency Market Research CHICAGO, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A rate cut that Ameren Illinois has proposed for 2017 should be doubled, to a decrease of about $30 million, according to expert testimony commissioned by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and an industrial customers group. On Friday, CUB asked consumers to visit www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org, where they can send a message to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the state's utility regulator, urging it to approve a larger decrease. "We are glad that Ameren Illinois has proposed a rate cut for its customers, but our expert testimony shows that customers deserve double the decrease," CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure customers get a fair rate cut." The ICC is considering Ameren's proposal to cut delivery rates by $14.4 million, a decrease that would take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Delivery rates, which take up about a third to a half of Ameren electric bills, are determined annually by formula, under a state law to help pay for high-tech upgrades to the power grid. Ameren's proposed decrease means the revenue it is gaining has caught up with the cost of the upgrades. CUB hopes the decrease is a sign that the upgrades are starting to benefit consumers. This summer, an expert analysis commissioned by the consumer group and a group called the Illinois Industrial Energy Consumers (IIEC), which represents large manufacturers, showed the rate cut should be even larger. Michael Gorman, an expert from Brubaker & Associates, Inc., a Missouri-based consulting firm that specializes in utility regulation, pinpointed inflated costs in Ameren Illinois' proposal and recommended an additional $15.5 million reductionfor a total rate cut of about $29.9 million. Gorman explained that Ameren Corp., the parent company, uses an affiliated services company to perform the day-to-day administrative tasks for all companies under the Ameren umbrella. Ameren Illinois, the electric utility, shares these administrative costs with its sister companies, and requests that a certain portion of the costs be included in delivery rates. However, Gorman argued that back in 2013, Ameren Corp. divested itself of a generation business, and that should have brought down administrative costs for Ameren Illinois. Instead, the costs went up. Gorman also argued that the administrative costs were unreasonably high, and that the parent company should be shifting more of those costs from Ameren Illinois to a transmission affiliate. CUB is Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, it has saved consumers more than $20 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure refunds. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline, 1-800-669-5556, or visit its award-winning website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. SOURCE Citizens Utility Board Related Links http://www.citizensutilityboard.org TSX-V:ELY VANCOUVER, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Ely Gold & Minerals Inc. ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") (TSX-V: ELY, OTC: ELYGF) is pleased to announce its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nevada Select Royalty, Inc. ("Nevada Select") has executed a purchase agreement (the "Agreement") for certain royalty interests from Golden Predator US Holdings Corp. ("Golden Predator") and Resource Re Ltd. ("RRL"). Golden Predator and RRL are wholly owned subsidiaries of Till Capital Ltd. ("Till"). RLL owns a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on the Uduk Lake property in British Columbia. Nevada royalties owned by Golden Predator include a 3% gross production royalty ("GPR") on the Bolo property, a .5% GPR on the Wood property and a 2% NSR on the Mina Gold property. Nevada Select currently owns 100% of the claims covered by the Mina Gold royalty. Terms of the Agreement include: Purchase by Nevada Select of RLL's Uduk Lake (2% NSR) royalty interest; Purchase by Nevada Select of Golden Predator's Atlanta (3% NSR), Bolo (3% GPR) and Wood (.5% GPR) royalty interests; (3% NSR), Bolo (3% GPR) and Wood (.5% GPR) royalty interests; Termination by Nevada Select, and Golden Predator of the Mina Gold (2% NSR); As total consideration, Nevada Select will pay US$75,000 to Till. Royalty Overview Mina Gold The Mina Gold royalty property includes five patented claims that were purchased by Nevada Select from Nevada Eagle LLC (refer to news release May 4, 2016). Mina Gold is located in Mineral County, Nevada. The property was explored by Glamis Gold in the 1990's and is typical of the epithermal gold/silver type deposits on the Walker Lane Trend. Nevada Select also purchased eight unpatented claims from Nevada Eagle LLC and staked 35 additional claims, this year, thus consolidating the property for future exploration. The termination of the Golden Predator royalty will leave the Mina Gold property royalty free, except for a .5% NSR on four of the unpatented claims. Bolo/Wood The Bolo royalty property is northeast of Tonapah in Nye County, Nevada and the deposit at Bolo is a Carlin-style, sedimentary rock-hosted, gold deposit similar to many deposits that occur in the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend. The Bolo royalty includes two unpatented claims currently 100% controlled by Columbus Gold Corp. ("Columbus"). The Wood royalty includes 81 unpatented claims to the north of the Bolo claims, also 100% controlled by Columbus. Columbus drilled the Bolo property from 2007 to 2013. A 43-101 technical report was filed by Columbus on October 9, 2013. Atlanta The Atlanta Gold project is located in Lincoln County, Nevada and is currently controlled by Meadow Bay Gold Corp. ("Meadow Bay"). The Atlanta royalty includes 136 unpatented claims. Atlanta was mined as an operating open pit mine from 1975 1985. The Project continues to benefit from historical infrastructure power, water and roads all of which remains in place. In March 2013, Meadow Bay filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report, which included an initial resource estimate. Uduk Lake The Uduk Lake royalty includes two mining tenures that are 100% owned by Canarc Resource Corp. ("Canarc"). The project, now called Windfall Hills, is in the same geological belt as the Blackwater/Davidson project. Windfall Hills is 90 kilometers northwest of Blackwater, which is now a flagship development project for New Gold Inc. Trey Wasser, President and CEO of Ely Gold stated, "This transaction strengthens our growing royalty portfolio in Nevada. More importantly, it completes the consolidation of our Mina Gold property making it one of our most valuable assets. This transaction will allow us to sell or option Mina Gold while retaining a significant royalty interest. We believe that the royalties in this Agreement include some excellent exploration properties that are owned by important emerging junior gold companies." About Ely Gold Ely Gold is focused on developing recurring cash flow streams through the acquisition, consolidation, enhancement, and resale of highly prospective, un-encumbered North American precious metals properties. Ely's property development efforts maximize each property's potential for acquisition, while reserving significant royalty interests. Additional information about Ely Gold is available at the Company's website, at www.elygoldinc.com Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Trey Wasser, President & CEO Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements concerning Ely Gold and Mineral's acquisition, development, and marketing of North American precious metal resource properties and the Company's intent to sell or option portfolio properties, while reserving any royalties. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Although Ely Gold and Minerals believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with geological, geometrical and geophysical interpretation and analysis, the ability of the Company to obtain financing, equipment, supplies and qualified personnel necessary to carry on exploration, exploitation or acquisition of properties and the general risks and uncertainties involved in mineral exploration and analysis. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company 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 policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Ely Gold & Minerals Inc. Related Links http://www.elygoldandminerals.com/ But frankly, it can also be read as a cop out, a statement that implies abdication of responsibility from our generation, as in "we've done all we canit's up to them now " We do not subscribe to this view. Since youth will be tasked with finding solutions to challenges, many of which our generation has yet been unable to solve, we have to ask ourselves, are we providing them with the intellectual and analytical tools, incentives and motivation to tackle these issues going forward? Are we providing youth with opportunities to engage with one another and together forge an inspired path to a better world? The recent publication of the World Youth Report by the United Nations outlines many of the challenges faced by young people today; yet rather than pervasive disenfranchisement we are seeing growing numbers of young people self-mobilizing to create their own opportunities. As people dedicated to wildlife conservationwe are eager to encourage that entrepreneurial spirit. We can help open doors and provide access to expertise, show them how policy gets developed, science is performed and respected, diplomacy is achieved and sustained, and why engaging stakeholders matters. Against this background, and in the lead up to the biggest ever meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), the CITES CoP17 or the World Wildlife Conference, the inaugural Youth Forum for People and Wildlife will take place, also in Johannesburg, South Africa. Made possible by the generous support from Disney Conservation Fund, together with the Jane Goodall Institute, the CITES Secretariat, the South African Government Department of Environment Affairs and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the forum will bring together 34 committed young leaders (aged 18-25) from 25 countries around the world to work together on issues including animal welfare, wildlife conservation, wildlife trade and sustainable community development. And this exciting initiative extends well beyond these 34 leaders, with more than 1,000 young people having already enrolled in the online forum. These young people have volunteered their time and worked in a host of different environments. As researchers, rangers, artists, wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators, they can share experiences and grow their knowledge and understanding together and help us all continue our collective learning. They can also express themselves in shaping demand reduction strategies to curb illegal wildlife trade for the future, and debate issues around the ecologically sustainable use of wildlife and how one can ensure local benefits. Eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development is part of today's theme for UN International Youth Day. We are confident that some of the youth will dedicate their lives to the conservation of wildlife which is such a great cause, yet our bigger hope is that all the youth will be personal ambassadors for wildlife conservation which is key to our future survival: people, animals and plants. It is why this Forum is so important. This is further exemplified by the championing of the first ever document on empowering the next generation at CITES CoP17, namely on CITES and youth engagement cosponsored by South Africa and the United States, as is the commitment by South Africa to establish a Youth and Conservation Programme as a lasting legacy of the hosting of CITES CoP17. Coincidentally, today is also World Elephant Day. We are seeing African elephant mortality surpassing the birth rate as a result of shrinking habitat, climate change and the illegal ivory trade, which has seen poaching of these majestic animals for their tusks at a rate of tens of thousands elephants per year. For the first time, CITES will consider a dedicated resolution on corruption and wildlife crime as well as addressing the work of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime. CITES Parties will explore how to make better use of modern forensics and specialized investigation techniques and enhanced cross border cooperation in combating illegal ivory trade, as well as for other specimens. CITES will also consider a powerful set of proposals concerning well-targeted demand reduction strategies, including for illegally traded ivory, and how to better engage with local communities to ensure they can live in harmony with the elephants and other wildlife that surrounds them. Our generation has not yet succeeded in securing the future of elephants. Meeting this challenge will now be shared with the next generation. We will be stronger by working together! The time to act is now. And to succeed we must fully harness the innovation and energy of youth, and combine it with the wisdom that comes with experience, if we are to make the change we need to happen. We must further empower young people, so they can stand up together with us and say, as we said on this year's World Wildlife Day: "The future of wildlife is in our hands!" About IFAW (The International Fund for Animal Welfare) Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook/IFAW and Twitter @action4ifaw Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397749 SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare Related Links http://www.ifaw.org SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Essar Steel Algoma Inc. (Essar Algoma) applauds the Canadian International Trade Tribunal's (CITT) decision today to renew its dumping finding against China, Brazil and Ukraine and its subsidization finding against India in respect of hot-rolled steel sheet and strip. This decision from the CITT ensures that duties on imports from these four countries will remain in place for another five years. The CITT's finding of likely resumed injury follows a decision by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that resumed dumping is likely from China, Brazil and Ukraine and resumed subsidization is likely from India if duties were removed. Imports of hot-rolled sheet from the three dumping countries are subject to duties equal to 77% of the export price of the goods. Imports of hot-rolled sheet from India are subject to duties of 3,150 Indian Rupees per metric tonne. Due to their unfair trade practices, hot-rolled sheet imports from these countries have been subject to duties in Canada since August of 2001. Today's decision from the CITT marks the third time that these duties have been renewed. Essar Algoma CEO Kalyan Ghosh commented on today's ruling, "Algoma has been successfully serving the Canadian market for over 100 years however, we cannot compete against government-funded exporters that dump steel in our market. While today's decision is a positive development for Canada's steel industry, we remain very concerned about the continued presence of unfairly traded steel in the Canadian market. We are especially concerned in light of the ongoing proceedings against hot-rolled sheet from various countries in the United States, which could divert higher volumes of dumped steel into Canada." Ghosh added, "We will remain vigilant in monitoring and addressing the threat that unfairly traded hot-rolled sheet poses to our company's viability and to jobs in Sault Ste. Marie and Canada more broadly." Essar Steel Algoma Essar Steel Algoma Inc. is based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. As a fully integrated steel producer, the Company derives its revenues primarily from the manufacture and sale of hot and cold rolled steel products including sheet and plate. Essar Steel Algoma Inc. filed for creditor protection under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act on November 9, 2015. The Sale and Investment Solicitation Process was launched on February 11, 2016. Relevant documents can be found on the Monitor's website at www.ey.com/ca/essaralgoma and on the Prime Clerk website at http://cases.primeclerk.com/EssarSteel. SOURCE Essar Steel Algoma Inc. Related Links http://www.algoma.com PHOENIX, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Banner Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in Arizona, recently announced that a cyberattack may have compromised the personal information of up to 3.7 million individuals. Faraci Lange, LLP and attorneys Paul Stoller and Lincoln Combs from the Phoenix-based law firm of Gallagher & Kennedy are investigating bringing a lawsuit against Banner Health for its negligence in protecting the personal information of its clients. The recent data breach at Banner Health may have exposed the personal information of 3.7 million individuals. Contact Faraci Lange to learn more about a potential lawsuit. The data breach was found to have initiated on June 17, 2016 on computer systems that process payment card data at certain Banner food and beverage locations. Sensitive information such as payment cardholder name, number, expiration date and internal verification code was targeted. Payment cards used at these locations during the two-week period between June 23, 2016 and July 7, 2016 may have been affected. Banner Health then learned that the cyberattack had also expanded to provide hackers with access to patient information, health plan member and beneficiary information, as well as information about physician and healthcare providers. "Banner Health was trusted with their patients, health care providers and insureds' most sensitive personal information and failed to protect it" said Faraci Lange Attorney Hadley Matarazzo. "When this sensitive personal information gets into the hands of criminals, they have everything they need to steal an individual's identity." Banner Health is based in Phoenix with locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. On August 3rd, Banner Health began to mail out official notices of the data breach. Banner Health Data Breach Lawsuit Faraci Lange has been at the forefront of representing consumers in cybersecurity cases. Most recently, Faraci Lange attorney Hadley L. Matarazzo was appointed Co-Lead Counsel in the Excellus data breach class action litigation, which is one of the largest corporate data breaches in history. If you received a notice from Banner Health informing you that you may be victim of this data breach, please contact Faraci Lange for a free legal consultation and learn more about the Banner Health data breach lawsuit here. About Faraci Lange LLP Faraci Lange, LLP is a firm of trial lawyers with a more-than-45-year history of representing various kinds of injury victims. The law firm's attorneys are recognized routinely by their peers as among the nation's best, with annual recognition in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397820LOGO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397821 SOURCE Faraci Lange, LLP Related Links http://www.faraci.com DALLAS, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A Canadian town is the first to have bragging rights in North America as it launches the latest in Progressive Web App Technology to engage with its local residents. The Town of Tecumseh is located in Ontario, Canada and worked with InspireHUB Canada (a subsidiary of InspireHUB Technologies, the creator of the IHUBApp) to create a personalized web app experience for its residents. "Progressive Web Apps are particularly well-suited to meeting the needs of cities and towns with their compliance requirements and their needs for citizen engagement," explains Karolyn Hart, COO of InspireHUB Technologies. "The Town of Tecumseh is always looking at new ways to reach residents and continue to communicate the work we do for them. We have three main priorities to engage our residents: communication, compliance, and reach," explains Mayor Gary McNamara of Tecumseh. "When we learned about the IHUBApp and saw that residents controlled their app experience by joining the channels they are interested in, we felt that was a game changer. Using the latest technology means we can make the app available to anyone who has a browser. More residents can participate in this experience rather than those with certain phones." The IHUBApp comes standard with a number of features and tools aimed at increasing the engagement between residents, administration and elected officials including the ability to: participate in real-time polls and surveys, register for events, create private channels for sensitive communications like economic development files, determine the frequency of notifications, fundraising and volunteer management tools, along with allowing all users the ability to upload their own content for sharing through the app. The Tecumseh App can be accessed by visiting www.tecumsehapp.ca in your mobile browser and following the prompts to add to your home screen. To request a tour or view a sample of the IHUBApp for cities please visit: www.inspirehub.com/mycity About InspireHUB Technologies Inc. - InspireHUB Technologies offers custom-branded enterprise-grade progressive web apps that provide a suite of tools to increase engagement for all audiences (using unlimited content channels) on mobile and tablet devices. InspireHUB can be found on the web at www.inspirehub.com. For more information please contact: Audrey Duncan Tel: 1 855 355 IHUB (4482) Email: [email protected] SOURCE InspireHUB Technologies Related Links http://www.inspirehub.com LINDON, Utah, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ForeverGreen Worldwide Corporation (OTCBB: FVRG), a leading direct marketing company and provider of health-centered products, today announced Rick Redford will join the team as an executive team leader to help drive global sales. Redford brings over 25 years of successful Direct Selling industry experience, previously working at Unicity International, Genesis Pure and Viz. His extensive experience includes contract manufacturing, sales, marketing and international expansion. Along with his experience in direct selling, Redford brings his expertise in running several businesses, international sales and public speaking. "I am delighted to join ForeverGreen at this time, ahead of the Paris event in October. I have had the privilege of serving our members in the past, and I am thrilled to be welcomed home again. I am committed and excited to assist the team in taking the Company to new heights," commented Redford. CEO Ron Williams commented, "Mr. Redford is experienced, proven and trusted at ForeverGreen. His relationship with ForeverGreen is rare to say the least both internal and external. Mr. Redford understands not only how to grow the business, but also how to keep it." For more information on ForeverGreen's products, visit http://www.forevergreen.org. ForeverGreen Worldwide Corporation develops, manufactures and distributes an expansive line of all natural whole foods and products to North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, including their new global offerings, PowerStrips, SolarStrips and BeautyStrips. They also offer their new North America weight management line Ketopia, along with Azul and FrequenSea, whole-food beverages with industry exclusive marine phytoplankton, a line of hemp-based whole-food products, immune support and weight management products, Pulse-8 powdered L-arginine formula, 24Karat Chocolate. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that certain statements in this release are "forward-looking statements" and involve both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such uncertainties include, among others, certain risks associated with the operation of the company described above. The company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. Contact: ForeverGreen Worldwide Corporation Craig Smith +1-801-655-5500 [email protected] Or Brokers and Analysts: Chesapeake Group +1-410-825-3930 [email protected] SOURCE ForeverGreen Worldwide Corporation ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador and NOVI, Mich., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") (TSX: FTS) and ITC Holdings Corp. ("ITC") (NYSE: ITC) announced today the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR Act") in respect of Fortis' proposed acquisition of ITC. The waiting period under the HSR Act expired on August 10, 2016. "Expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act is seen as continued progress toward the completion of the transaction," said Barry Perry, President and CEO of Fortis. "We remain on track to close the deal by the end of the year." Fortis and ITC Shareholders approved the acquisition in votes held on May 5 and June 22, 2016, respectively. The approval required from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was received on July 8, 2016. The closing of the acquisition of ITC is subject to receipt of certain other regulatory authorizations, including State approvals. About Fortis Fortis is a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business, with total assets of approximately CAD$29 billion and fiscal 2015 revenue of CAD$6.7 billion. The Corporation's asset mix is approximately 94% regulated (69% electric, 25% gas), with the remaining 6% comprised of non-regulated energy infrastructure. The Corporation's regulated utilities serve more than 3 million customers across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov. About ITC ITC is the largest independent electric transmission company in the United States. Based in Novi, Michigan, ITC invests in the electric transmission grid to improve reliability, expand access to markets, allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems and lower the overall cost of delivered energy. Through its regulated operating subsidiaries ITCTransmission, Michigan Electric Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and ITC Great Plains, ITC owns and operates high-voltage transmission facilities in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, serving a combined peak load exceeding 26,000 megawatts along approximately 15,700 circuit miles of transmission line. ITC's grid development focus includes growth through regulated infrastructure investment as well as domestic and international expansion through merchant and other commercial development opportunities. Additional information can be accessed at www.itc-holdings.com or www.sec.gov. (ITC-itc-F) Fortis and ITC include forward-looking statements in this press release within the meaning of applicable securities laws including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements included in this press release reflect expectations of Fortis and/or ITC management regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipates", "believes", "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "might", "plans", "projects", "schedule", "should", "target", "will", "would" and the negative of these terms and other similar terminology or expressions have been used to identify the forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation: statements related to the acquisition of ITC, the expected timing, and conditions precedent to the closing of the acquisition, including regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain material factors or assumptions have been applied in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements. These factors or assumptions are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, including those identified from time-to-time in the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors or assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the ability to obtain regulatory approvals in connection with the acquisition and the timing and terms thereof, risks relating to failure to complete the acquisition and the timing thereof and the risk that conditions to the acquisition may not be satisfied, and risks relating to the potential decline in the Fortis share price negatively impacting the value of the consideration offered to ITC shareholders. Fortis and ITC caution readers that a number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, reference should be made to the continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time by Fortis or ITC with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fortis and ITC disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional Information and Where to Find It Fortis filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a registration statement on Form F-4 including a proxy statement of ITC and a prospectus of Fortis, and other documents in connection with the acquisition by Fortis of ITC, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 16, 2016. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Fortis and/or ITC has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the acquisition. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF FORTIS AND ITC ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER FILINGS THAT MAY BE MADE WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUISITION. The registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus containing the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Fortis and/or ITC with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, on Fortis' website at www.fortisinc.com or by contacting Fortis' Investor Relations department. Copies of the document filed with the SEC by ITC can also be obtained free of charge from ITC upon written request to ITC at ITC, Investor Relations, 27175 Energy Way, Novi, MI 48377. You may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by Fortis and ITC with the SEC at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) 732-0330 or visit the SEC's website for further information on its public reference room. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the 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 appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. SOURCE ITC Holdings Corp. Related Links http://www.itc-holdings.com KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Government of Jamaica ("Jamaica") announced today the aggregate principal amount of Preferred Tenders and Non-Preferred Tenders of each series listed in the table below (collectively, the "Old Notes", and each Old Note, a "series" of Old Notes) that have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to its tender offer previously announced (the " Tender Offer ") to purchase Old Notes for cash, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated August 9, 2016 (" Offer to Purchase "). Capitalized terms not defined in this communication have the meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase. All Old Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer have been accepted for purchase. Jamaica also announced that the aggregate Total Price for all Old Notes accepted for purchase is US$870,991,691. The Tender Offer expired as scheduled at 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 11, 2016. Old Notes Aggregate Principal Amount of Preferred Tenders Submitted and Accepted Aggregate Principal Amount of Non- Preferred Tenders Submitted and Accepted Approximate Exchange Ratio for Preferred Tenders ** 2017 Notes US$167,151,200 US$150,669,042 US$0.93411 2019 Notes US$234,476,500 US$232,943,100 US$0.95097 ____________ ** For each series of Old Notes, the approximate principal amount of New Notes allocated to a holder in respect of each US$ 1.00 principal amount of such holder's accepted Preferred Tender of Old Notes. Holders of Old Notes held through DTC which have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer, must deliver their accepted Old Notes for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. Holders of Old Notes held through Euroclear or Clearstream which have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer, must deliver their Old Notes to the Billing and Delivering Bank using the overnight process, at the latest, one day prior to the Tender Offer Settlement Date and cannot use the optional daylight process. The Tender Offer Settlement Date is expected to occur on Friday, August 19, 2016, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Failure to deliver Old Notes on time by any holders may result (i) in the cancellation of your Tender Order and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Notes, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities, and/or (iii) in the case of Preferred Tenders, in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligation to purchase your allocation of New Notes in respect of your related Indication of Interest. All Old Notes that were validly tendered pursuant to Tender Orders placed through a Dealer Manager and accepted by Jamaica will, subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank. Jamaica has determined to accept all such validly tendered Old Notes. The Billing and Delivering Bank will only be liable for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for Old Notes accepted in the Offer subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Dealer Manager Agreement, including, in particular, only to the extent of the amount of funds available from those deposited in the Escrow Account by Jamaica from the proceeds of the New Notes Offering (as defined below) in accordance with the Dealer Manager Agreement. Jamaica will not be liable under any circumstances for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for any Old Notes tendered in the Tender Offer by any holder. Any holder who fails to make delivery in accordance with the Offer to Purchase shall not be entitled to receive any payment therefore unless Jamaica or the Billing and Delivering Bank, in their sole discretion, determine to waive any such failure. The Billing and Delivering Bank shall only have the obligation to sell to Jamaica the Old Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase that the Billing and Delivering Bank has actually received pursuant to the Offer to Purchase on the date of settlement of the Tender Offer. Jamaica has agreed to apply a portion of the net proceeds of its new notes offering priced on Thursday, August 11, 2016 (the " New Notes Offering ") to purchase the Old Notes accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer from the Billing and Delivering Bank at the applicable Purchase Price plus accrued interest. Accordingly, the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the closing of the New Notes Offering, the funding of the Escrow Account (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) with a portion of the net proceeds of the New Notes Offering, and the Dealer Manager Agreement relating to the Tender Offer not being terminated prior to or at the time of the settlement of the Tender Offer. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acted as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer, and questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the contact information below: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 390 Greenwich Street, 1st Floor New York, New York 10013 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: (212) 723-6106 Toll-free: (800) 558-3745 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated One Bryant Park New York, New York 10036 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: (646) 855-8988 Toll-free: (888) 292-0070 The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Jamaica/ or obtained from the Information Agent, Global Bondholder Services Corporation, 65 Broadway Suite 404, New York, New York 10006 (Tel. (212) 430 3774, or toll free (866) 470-3900) Attention: Corporate Actions, or from any of the Dealer Managers. Important Notice The distribution of materials relating to the Tender Offer or the New Notes Offering and the transactions contemplated by the Tender Offer and the New Notes Offering may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the Tender Offer and the New Notes Offering is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the Tender Offer or the New Notes Offering come into your possession, you are required by Jamaica to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the Tender Offer and the New Notes Offering, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the Tender Offer or the New Notes Offering be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the Tender Offer or the New Notes Offering, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." In any EEA Member State this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. This Tender Offer does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an order to buy any New Notes. The New Notes will only be offered in jurisdictions and upon such conditions where it is legal to make such offers. The offer of the New Notes is restricted in certain jurisdictions by law. In any EEA Member State the offer of the New Notes is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. Austria Any materials relating to the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, any form of offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Managers or its respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the Tender Offer shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Managers or affiliate in such jurisdiction. The distribution of the Tender Offer in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Offer Document comes are required by Jamaica, the Dealer Managers, the Information Agent and the Billing and Delivering Bank to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions as set out in the "Jurisdictional Restrictions" section of the Offer to Purchase. Belgium The Tender Offer does not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (the "Takeover Law"). The Tender Offer is exclusively conducted under applicable private placement exemptions and has therefore not been, and will not be, notified to, and any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer has not been, and will not be, approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). Accordingly, the Offer Document may only be advertised, offered or distributed in any way, directly or indirectly, to any persons located and/or resident in Belgium who qualify as "Qualified Investors" as referred to in Article 6, 3, 1 of the Takeover Law, and who are acting for their own account, or in other circumstances which do not constitute a public offering in Belgium pursuant to the Takeover Law. Canada The Offer is only available in Canada to persons that are accredited investors within the meaning of National Instrument 45-106 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. France The Tender Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this announcement nor any other documents or materials relating to the Tender Offer have been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be distributed or caused to be distributed to the public in France and only (i) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), other than individuals, acting for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-2 and D.411-1 of the French Code monetaire et financier and/or (iii) the other legal entities referred to in Articles L.341-2 1 and D.341-1 of the French Code monetaire et financier are eligible to participate in the Offer. The Offer has not been and will not be submitted to the clearance procedures (visa) of nor approved by the Autorite des marches financiers. Germany THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS ADDRESSED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE HOLDERS OF THE OLD NOTES. NEITHER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT NOR THE TENDER OFFER NOR ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN CONSTITUTE AN OFFER, OR AN ADVERTISEMENT, OR AN OFFER FOR SALE OF SECURITIES. NEITHER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT NOR THE OFFER CONSTITUTE OR ARE INTENDED FOR PLACEMENT OF SECURITIES. Hong Kong With respect to persons in Hong Kong, the Tender Offer is only made to, and is only capable of acceptance by, professional investors within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the "SFO") and any rules made thereunder ("professional investors"). No person or entity may issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Old Notes or the Tender Offer, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong, including in circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Old Notes which are or are intended to be tendered only by persons outside Hong Kong or only by "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder. Italy The announcement has not been registered with the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, the Tender Offer may not be promoted, and copies of this announcement may not be delivered, to Holders resident or located in Italy, other than (i) to qualified investors (investitori qualificati) (as defined in Article 26, paragraph 1, letter d) of CONSOB Regulation No. 16190 of October 29, 2007, as amended (the "Intermediaries Regulation")), pursuant to Article 35-bis, paragraph 3 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended, or (ii) in any other circumstances where an express exemption from compliance with the restrictions on public offers to purchase applies. Holders or beneficial owners of the Old Notes may tender their Old Notes through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Italian Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended, the Intermediaries Regulation and Italian Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, each as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations or with any requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. This announcement and the information contained herein are intended only for the use of its recipient and are not to be distributed to any third-party resident or located in Italy for any reason. No person resident or located in Italy other than the original recipients of this document may rely on it or its contents. Jamaica This announcement has not been and is not required to be registered with the Financial Services Commission pursuant to the Jamaican Securities Act. No purchase of any securities in connection with this Tender Offer can be completed in Jamaica unless the purchase is made by or through a securities dealer registered with the Financial Services Commission or an exempt dealer (being a bank). However, Jamaican law does not prevent a Jamaica resident from selling securities outside the jurisdiction. Luxembourg In Luxembourg, this announcement has been prepared on the basis that the USD Notes Offering and the Tender Offer will be made pursuant to an exemption under Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities. Switzerland The Tender Offer is made in Switzerland on the basis of a private offer, not as a public offering. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Tender Offer constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, and neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Tender Offer may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. United Kingdom Neither the communication of this announcement nor any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer has been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (as so amended, the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. SOURCE Government of Jamaica COLLECTIVE MADNESS Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people." MCALLEN, Texas, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels (HHOW) and McAllen-area Hyundai dealers will present the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic with a $50,000 Impact Grant to be used to improve care and increase treatment options for kids with cancer. The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic was chosen because of its proven track record of caring for children with pediatric cancer, and is one of 18 recipients across the country to receive a 2016 Hyundai Impact Grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels (HHOW). The $50,000 Impact Grant will be presented during a Handprint Ceremony on Monday, August 15, during which the handprints of local McAllen-area brave young cancer patients will be captured on a white 2016 Hyundai Tucson the Hyundai Hope On Wheels hero vehicle to commemorate their fight against the disease. The ceremony will also feature: Dr. Juan Carlos Bernini, Medical Director, Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic Dr. Rodrigo Erana , Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic About the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Impact Grant During the months of July and August, HHOW will award 18 hospitals in the US with a $50,000 Hyundai Impact Grant for pediatric cancer research to help end childhood cancer. The Impact Grant supports the programmatic needs of pediatric oncology. The grant may also be used to support direct patient assistance programs, such as enrichment programs, play room/teen center equipment, family on-site support, educational initiatives, or other efforts to improve care and cure for kids fighting cancer. In addition to the Impact Grant winner, Hope On Wheels will soon announce the winners of its Hyundai Scholar and Young Investigator Grants. This year alone, HHOW will award more than $13 million in new pediatric cancer grants. Since 1998, the program has funded $115 million in research to Children's Oncology Group (COG) member institutions nationwide. The program also creates awareness about the importance of the disease, which is the leading cause of death by disease in children in the United States (source). Attendees at the various ceremonies will include HHOW's two national youth ambassadors and pediatric cancer survivors, Hannah Adams and Ryan Darby, who will deliver a message of hope to children's cancer hospitals. Hannah was five years old when she was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Wilms tumor that enveloped her kidney. Since her recovery, she has pursued her love of dancing and singing to help uplift and encourage other children and families through their fight. Twelve-year-old Ryan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia six years ago, and since his recovery, he has shared his story and words of encouragement with children and families across the country. Watch Hannah and Ryan's story at www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org "Our mission at Hyundai Hope On Wheels is clear: End Childhood Cancer," said Scott Stark, Chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "By funding transformational research through our Impact Grants and celebrating the lives of the brave young cancer fighters at our handprint ceremonies, we move closer to our dream of a day without cancer. This is a fight you can count on us to be in until no child ever has to hear the words: you have cancer." HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. HHOW is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $115 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure. To learn more about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, www.twitter.com/hopeonwheels, and www.youtube.com/hopeonwheels. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com and our blog at www.hyundailikesunday.com Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140319/LA86658LOGO SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels Related Links http://hyundaihopeonwheels.org "Louisiana is the second largest chemistry-producing state , and Louisiana chemistry directly employs 10,600 residents in District 2 alone," explained ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. "Congressman Richmond understands the importance of a strong chemistry manufacturing sector to Louisiana by supporting policies that build a strong workforce through quality education and skills training. As representatives one of the nation's largest manufacturing sectors , we want to acknowledge Rep. Richmond's hard work and bipartisan leadership on key issues that help our economy thrive." The ads for Rep. Richmond will run for three weeks throughout District 2 of Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and will encourage constituents to contact the office of the Congressman to tell him to keep up the good work. You can view the ad here: https://youtu.be/GRWDtt8Bd8g. http://www.americanchemistry.com The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $797 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for fourteen percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure. Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRWDtt8Bd8g SOURCE American Chemistry Council Related Links http://www.americanchemistry.com ALBANY, New York, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global market for Kaposi sarcoma is projected to expand at a modest 2.2% CAGR from 2016 to 2024, with the opportunity in the market rising from US$118.5 mn in 2015 to be worth US$143.2 mn by the end of the forecast period. Hospitals formed the leading distribution channel in 2015, generating over US$40 mn revenue that year. The segment is also slated emerge as the fastest growing segment in the KS market, expanding at a 2.6% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. The global Kaposi sarcoma (KS) market is immensely consolidated and the top two players, namely Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co. Inc. accounted for almost 50% of the overall market in 2015. The contribution of domestic players such as Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is presented low. However, Transparency Market Research predicts that the contribution of these companies will increase during the forecast period owing to the patent expiry of several major drugs. You can download a Free Sample Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3354 Partnerships, acquisitions, and collaborations with other leading companies for the development of newer products with improved efficacy are part of the growth strategies adopted by a number of players in the Kaposi sarcoma market. For instance, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd launched a new Global Access Program in September 2014 in partnership with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the Global Fund. The program was centered on HIV viral load testing. High Incidence of HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants Driving Growth of KS Market Increased organ transplant procedures are a leading factor driving the Kaposi sarcoma market since the incidence of the cancer is high among patients who have undergone an organ transplant. "Organ transplant patients are given immunosuppressive agents to prevent their body from rejecting the graft. This makes them highly susceptible to Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection," the author of the study explains. The long term use of these agents increases the rate of risk of these patients by more than 100 times compared to the general population. The high incidence of HIV/AIDS associated Kaposi sarcoma is one of the major factors driving the adoption of HAART therapy, which subsequently fuels the overall KS market. Avail a Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/kaposis-sarcoma-market.html High Cost of Treatment a Major Drawback The cost of cancer drugs used for the treatment of Kaposi sarcoma has been on the rise in the past few years, making it difficult for patients to seek treatment. This is a major concern for both the patients and the payers. "The prices of patented drugs have increased by over five times in the past few years in the U.S. and continue to rise," the TMR analyst comments. For instance, prices of major drugs used for the treatment of KS, such as liposomal doxorubicin, liposomal daunorubicin, or paclitaxel in combination with HAART, have been increasing significantly, making these unaffordable for middle and lower income groups. By type of treatment, HAART led the overall Kaposi sarcoma market in terms of revenue, with chemotherapy and immunotherapy poised to register the highest growth rate over the coming years. In terms of region, the global Kaposi sarcoma market was led by North America in 2015 and the MEA region will record the fastest growth by 2024. Browse Regional PR: http://www.europlat.org/global-kaposi-sarcoma-market.htm This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled "Kaposi Sarcoma Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024." Kaposi Sarcoma Market, By Type of Treatment Chemotherapy Liposomal Anthracyclines Alkaloids Immunotherapy HAART Kaposi Sarcoma Market, By Distribution Channel Hospitals Cancer Research Institutes Multispecialty Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers Kaposi Sarcoma Market, by Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Browse Other Latest Research Reports: Hospital Pharmaceuticals Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hospital-pharmaceuticals-market.html Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency.html Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/nanotechnology-drug-delivery.html About Us: Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S. based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations. US Office Contact Transparency Market Research 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research DETROIT, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A lawsuit alleging that Bank of America discriminated against a Michigan-based Arab-American charity is winding to a close. Closing arguments are set for Friday. Life for Relief & Development ("LIFE"), the oldest and largest not-for-profit organization in North America run by Arab Americans, alleges that Bank of America, N.A., (BANA) ethnically discriminated against the charity when it closed its accounts without cause or explanation in May 2012. Only when contacted by former congressman Hansen Clarke did the bank state that- "it closed the account in accordance with its terms and conditions." The trial is expected to shed light on why Arab-Americans across the U.S. have had their accounts summarily closed by major U.S. banks and could set the stage for similar lawsuits in the future. Dennis Lormel, an expert witness for BANA, testified in December 2014 that the entities - Anti-Money Laundering Group (AML) operating within BANA identify Arab-Americans as "High Risk." When asked why a segment of the American population, specifically those of Arab ethnicity, were experiencing unusual bank closures? Lormel replied "I would attribute it to risk." Lormel later went on to say that "On a company basis" he noticed closures attributed to the perception of high risk, based on names such as Mohamad, Ahmed, or even Salam. During discovery and trial testimony, multiple inconsistencies on the part of BANA have also been revealed. BANA employee Christa Marshall testified that the account was closed due to Structuring (an attempt to evade legal reporting by manipulating deposits under a particular threshold). However, she failed to check the box for Structuring as a reason for closing the account when she filled out the closure recommendation form (CRF) in 2012. Life for Relief & Development, founded in 1992, has distributed over $300 million dollars in assistance to those in need across the globe. Life's CEO Khalid Turaani said, "Bank of America may be too big to fail but not too big to be called to task when found guilty of discrimination against Arab-Americans." Closing arguments are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 12 at the U.S. District Court in Detroit. A press conference will be held upon completion of the trial. SOURCE Life for Relief and Development Related Links http://www.lifeusa.org LINCOLN PARK, N.J., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Park Bancorp (OTC Bulletin Board: LPBC) (the "Company"), the holding company of Lincoln 1st Bank, announced net income of $144,000 or $0.08 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to net income of $269,000, or $0.16 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Net interest income after provision for loan losses decreased by $25,000, or 1.78% to $1,378,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to $1,403,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The decrease in net interest income after provision for loan losses was specifically due to an increase in provision for loan losses of $91,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The increase in the provision for loan losses was offset by an increase in interest income on securities of $48,000 to $1,137,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,089,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 and an increase in interest income on loans of $126,000 to $934,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to $808,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The increase in interest income was offset by an increase in interest expense of $134,000 to $718,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to $584,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Non-interest expenses increased by $189,000, or 18.42% to $1,215,000, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to $1,026,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to increases in equipment, advertising, salaries and employee benefits and other miscellaneous expenses. Non-interest income increased by $13,000, or 38.24% to $47,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to $34,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, primarily due to an increase of $8,000 on fees and service charges. Income tax expense decreased by $76,000 to $66,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to $142,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. At June 30, 2016, the Company had total assets of $289.9 million and stockholders' equity of $18.7 million. In addition, the Company had net loans of $95.2 million, total investment securities of $156.9 million, deposits of $117.3 million, brokered deposits of $46.4 million and total borrowings of $100.5 million as of June 30, 2016. Lincoln 1st Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered savings bank that conducts its business from two offices in Morris County, New Jersey. The Company's common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "LPBC". The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements concerning the unaudited financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. We caution that such statements are subject to a number of uncertainties and actual results could differ materially, and, therefore, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Contact: David G. Baker President and Chief Executive Officer (973)-694-0330 SOURCE Lincoln Park Bancorp Related Links http://www.lincolnparksavings.com The creation of this new imprint will be announced Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, at 7 p.m., during a community discussion of African-American publishing hosted by Loyola Marymount University at the Vision Theater, 3341 West 43rd Place in Leimert Park. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of the celebration of the 10th annual Leimert Park Village Book Festival, on Saturday, Aug. 20. "We chose the name Harriet Tubman for several reasons," said Elias Wondimu, who will be spearheading the new imprint, "to follow her example in paving a new path towards an equal and just society; in honor of our ancestors who endured so much to provide us our freedom; and to proclaim our commitment to document and share our stories to the world over." HTP will be the newest imprint of TSEHAI Publishers, which is housed in the Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture and the Arts at Loyola Marymount University. Until now, TSEHAI has specialized in publications about African politics, history, social justice and literature. HTP will provide a home to books that share stories by African-American writers and scholars about what is happening in the United States. "Harriet Tubman Press will provide a new home for both established, as well as up and coming literary writers and scholars who strive to give authentic voice while chronicling the challenges and triumphs of their communities," said Wondimu. About Loyola Marymount University Located between the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is ranked third in "Best Regional Universities/West" by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1911, LMU is the largest Jesuit, Catholic university in the Southwest, with more than 6,000 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate and law students. A comprehensive university, LMU offers 57 undergraduate majors and 51 minor programs, along with 43 master's degree programs, one education doctorate, one juris doctorate, one doctorate of juridical science and 13 credential/authorization programs. LMU news and events are found at: www.lmu.edu/news. About TSEHAI Publishers TSEHAI Publishers was established with the sincere desire to make a difference in the world through curated information and indigenous knowledge production. By bringing current issues and missing historical links to the forefront of modern thought, TSEHAI aims to fill the void in today's marketplace, reverse the brain drain, and the gentrification of stories in our industry. In less than twenty years, TSEHAI produced 110 books, 5 imprints, 2 academic journals and published former presidents, prime Ministers, Nobel Laureate, MacArthur and Pulitzer Prize winners, professors, and established and emerging writers. For more information, visit our website at www.tsehaipublishers.com Contact: Celeste Durant, Director, Communications and Media 310.338.7708 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397823 SOURCE Loyola Marymount University Related Links http://www.lmu.edu BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that the final exchange ratio for its exchange offer for shares of common stock of Lockheed Martin will be 8.2136 shares of common stock of Abacus Innovations Corporation ("Abacus") for each share of Lockheed Martin common stock validly tendered and not properly withdrawn. As a result, Lockheed Martin stockholders who tender their shares of Lockheed Martin common stock in the exchange offer will receive approximately 8.2136 shares of Leidos common stock (subject to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) for each share of Lockheed Martin common stock accepted for exchange. The exchange is expected to be tax-free to participating Lockheed Martin stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for any gain or loss attributable to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. Lockheed Martin is offering to exchange all 76,958,918 shares of common stock of Abacus for shares of Lockheed Martin that are validly tendered and not properly withdrawn. Based on the final exchange ratio, Lockheed Martin will accept for exchange a maximum of 9,369,694 shares of Lockheed Martin common stock in the exchange offer, which shares will be retired and will reduce Lockheed Martin's share count. The final calculated per-share value of shares of Lockheed Martin common stock and the final calculated per-share value of Abacus common stock, in each case determined in the manner described in the ProspectusOffer to Exchange dated July 11, 2016 (the "Prospectus") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in the case of Abacus reduced by $13.64 per share (which equals the per-share amount of the approximately $1.0 billion special dividend to be paid to Leidos stockholders in connection with the transaction), would have resulted in an exchange ratio higher than the upper limit of 8.2136. Accordingly, the final exchange ratio has been set at 8.2136 shares of Abacus common stock for each share of Lockheed Martin common stock accepted in the exchange offer. Based on the final calculated per-share value of Lockheed Martin common stock and the final calculated per-share value of Abacus common stock, in each case determined in the manner described in the Prospectus and in the case of Abacus reduced by $13.64 per share, tendering stockholders will receive approximately $107.42 of Leidos common stock for each $100 in value of Lockheed Martin common stock accepted for exchange. The exchange offer is scheduled to expire at 8:00 a.m. EDT on August 16, 2016, unless Lockheed Martin extends or terminates the exchange offer. Accordingly, Lockheed Martin stockholders may tender or withdraw their shares of Lockheed Martin common stock until that time by following the procedures described in the Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal and the Exchange and Transmittal Information Booklet. The merger is expected to occur immediately after completion of the exchange offer on August 16. The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions. On August 8, 2016, Leidos stockholders approved the issuance of the Leidos shares required to consummate the transaction. Because the exchange offer will be subject to proration if oversubscribed, the number of shares of Lockheed Martin common stock that Lockheed Martin accepts in the exchange offer may be less than the number of shares validly tendered and not properly withdrawn. If the exchange offer is consummated but not fully subscribed, Lockheed Martin will distribute the remaining shares of Abacus common stock on a pro rata basis to Lockheed Martin stockholders whose shares of Lockheed Martin common stock remain outstanding after the completion of the exchange offer. More information can be found on Lockheed Martin's website and at www.edocumentview.com/LockheedMartinExchange. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For more information about the exchange offer, please contact the information agent, Georgeson LLC. Georgeson LLC (866) 482-4931 [email protected] Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements The forward looking statements contained in this document involve risks and uncertainties that may affect Lockheed Martin's and Leidos' operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the expectations of either company will be realized. This document also contains statements about Lockheed Martin's agreement to separate a substantial portion of its government information technology infrastructure services business and its technical services business, which have been realigned in the IS&GS business segment, and combine this business with Leidos in a Reverse Morris Trust transaction (the "Transaction"). Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements with respect to the Transaction, including risks relating to the completion of the Transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining regulatory approvals, anticipated tax treatment, the dependency of any split-off transaction on market conditions and the value to be received in any split-off transaction, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the new combined company's operations, Leidos' ability to integrate the businesses successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies, and the risk that disruptions from the Transaction will harm Lockheed Martin's or Leidos' business. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Lockheed Martin's or Leidos' consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. For a discussion identifying additional important factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see Lockheed Martin's and Leidos' filings with the SEC, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" in Lockheed Martin's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and in Leidos' transition report on Form 10-K for the 11-month period ended January 1, 2016 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on the respective companies' websites at http://www.leidos.com (Leidos) and http://www.lockheedmartin.com (Lockheed Martin) and at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Neither Lockheed Martin nor Leidos assumes any obligation to provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed transaction, Abacus Innovations Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin created for the transaction ("Abacus"), has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 and Form S-1 containing a prospectus and Leidos has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 containing a prospectus. Lockheed Martin has filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO which more fully describes the terms and conditions of the exchange offer. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENTS/PROSPECTUSES AND ANY AMENDMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTIES AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the prospectuses and other documents filed with the SEC by Lockheed Martin, Abacus and Leidos at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Free copies of these documents and each of the companies' other filings with the SEC also may be obtained from the respective companies' websites at http://www.leidos.com (Leidos) and http://www.lockheedmartin.com (Lockheed Martin). This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, 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 offer 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. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/PH96591LOGO SOURCE Lockheed Martin Related Links http://www.lockheedmartin.com HOUSTON, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucas Energy, Inc. (NYSE MKT: LEI) ("Lucas" or the "Company"), an independent oil and gas company with its operations in central Texas, today announced its first quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2016 and the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, on August 12, 2016. "With the shareholder vote on the proposed acquisition of oil and gas properties from a consortium of sellers and Segundo Resources just a couple of weeks away, the recent financial results will be less meaningful if the transaction is approved," said Anthony C. Schnur, Chief Executive Officer of Lucas Energy, who continued, "As previously disclosed, we entered into an agreement last December to acquire the working interests in producing properties and undeveloped acreage in Texas and Oklahoma that would add about 1,000 net barrels of equivalent (BOE) oil production to our existing productive base if the deal is closed. "As demonstrated in the current quarterly financial results, we continue to diligently reduce our overhead and operating costs, excluding the impact of transaction costs associated with our acquisition. We resumed our workover program in late June as we returned several shut-in wells back into service, and we saw a resulting uptick in our production volumes. We expect to see an increase in production from our legacy wells continue throughout the remainder of this year. Going forward, our outlook for the Company as outlined in our year-end earnings release that we published on July 13, 2016, remains unchanged. We are excited about the course we have chosen, and we are eager to bring it to a close." Fiscal 2017 First Quarter Results For the three months ending June 30, 2016, Lucas reported a fiscal year net loss of $1.4 million, or a loss of ($0.80) per share, compared to a net loss of $1.0 million or loss of ($0.73) per share in the three months ending June 30, 2015. The net loss increased primarily because of a $0.2 million decrease in sales revenues and an increase of $0.1 million in operating expense. Total revenues from the sale of crude oil for the fiscal 2017 first quarter were $0.15 million compared to $0.39 million in the same period a year ago largely reflecting a 24% drop in the price of crude oil coupled with a 49% decline in crude oil volumes. The decline in crude oil prices reduced revenues by approximately $0.09 million and the lower production volumes reduced revenues by another $0.15 million when compared with the same period last year. The Company has implemented several workover plans in the later part of the current reporting period in order to get these wells on-line and increase production flows, funding permitting. Additional production declines can be attributed to workover drilling and lateral programs with higher front-end production in the prior reporting period coupled with interference from offset activity in the current period. Lease operating expenses of $0.28 million for the fiscal 2017 first quarter increased by $0.11 million from $0.16 million for the same period a year ago, principally because several workovers were completed in the current quarter. The Company implemented the workover programs in the later part of the fiscal 2017 first quarter in order to address wells that had been shut-in for a significant period of time. As a result of these workovers, production volumes rose in the latter part of the quarter and are expected to continue to increase over the next few quarters. General and administrative (G&A) expenses (excluding share-based compensation) increased by approximately $0.12 million in the fiscal 2017 first quarter compared to the prior year's first quarter primarily related to transaction costs associated with the pending Segundo acquisition. Excluding those transaction costs, certain other G&A expenses have decreased significantly, reflecting improved efficiencies in daily operating activities as a result of internal restructuring initiatives. Share-based compensation also decreased, by about 30%, reflecting cuts in employee stock-based options and compensation. Last year's expenses included $0.3 million of legal expenses, investment banking fees and other transaction costs related to strategic initiatives that were subsequently abandoned. Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion (DD&A) expense decreased for the current quarter as compared to the prior year period by approximately $0.1 million primarily related to lower production volumes of 3,428 BOE compared to the previous period. The production decrease was primarily due to numerous wells being shut-in during the early part of current reporting period and drilling and lateral programs with higher front-end production when compared to the prior period. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Three Months Ending 06/30/2016 INCOME STATEMENT ($000s) 06/30/2016 06/30/2015 Net Operating Revenues $153 $394 Operating Expenses Lease Operating Expense 276 163 G&A 658 550 Other Operating Expenses 161 313 Total Operating Expense 1,095 1,026 Interest Expense & Other (428) (400) Net Loss, reported ($1,370) ($1,032) About Lucas Energy, Inc. Based in Houston, Texas, Lucas Energy (NYSE MKT: LEI) is a growth-oriented, independent oil and gas company engaged in the development of crude oil and natural gas in the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford formations in South Texas. For more information, please visit the updated Lucas Energy web site at www.lucasenergy.com. Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer This news release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward looking statements give our current expectations, opinions, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward looking words including "may," "expects," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "estimate," "should," and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although Lucas believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. These include risks inherent in natural gas and oil drilling and production activities, including risks of fire, explosion, blowouts, pipe failure, casing collapse, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, environmental hazards, and other operating and production risks, which may temporarily or permanently reduce production or cause initial production or test results to not be indicative of future well performance or delay the timing of sales or completion of drilling operations; delays in receipt of drilling permits; risks with respect to natural gas and oil prices, a material decline which could cause Lucas to delay or suspend planned drilling operations or reduce production levels; risks relating to the availability of capital to fund drilling operations that can be adversely affected by adverse drilling results, production declines and declines in natural gas and oil prices; risks relating to unexpected adverse developments in the status of properties; risks relating to the absence or delay in receipt of government approvals or fourth party consents; and other risks described in Lucas's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company. The Company's SEC filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Contacts: Carol Coale / Ken Dennard Dennard - Lascar Associates LLC (713) 529-6600 SOURCE Lucas Energy, Inc. Related Links http://www.lucasenergy.com To create the quiz, Midori partnered with Jeremy Burge, an internationally recognized emoji expert and the founder of the world's first online emoji encyclopedia, Emojipedia, to help identify the most popular, but misunderstood emoji. With 90% of participants mistaking it for anger, the most misunderstood emoji is "look of triumph." Commonly used to signify frustration, according to Burge, this emoji actually means "victory." "Although millions of people use emoji every day, countless numbers misuse even their favorite of these expressive icons," said Burge. "I founded Emojipedia to share the origin, history, and meaning behind these iconic symbols, so I was thrilled to work with Midori to challenge people's perceptions and educate them on how to both cocktail and emoji like a pro!" In celebration of National Melon Day on August 14th, Midori partnered with nationally recognized mixologists from across the country to craft unique cocktails inspired by their favorite emoji. With twists on classics, like the Hi Ball, and cocktails featuring unique ingredients like cold brew coffee and matcha, each recipe is written in emoji to encourage cocktail beginners and connoisseurs alike to test their emoji knowledge and translate the recipes while learning to craft vibrant Midori cocktails. To view all emoji cocktail recipes, click here (must be 21+). For more information on Midori Liqueur, please visit: SayMoshiMoshiMidori.com, or to share your favorite emoji inspired cocktails, like us on http://www.facebook.com/DrinkMidori and follow us on Twitter @DrinkMidori or Instagram @DrinkMidori. About Midori Melon Liqueur Midori Melon Liqueur was developed by Japanese distiller, Suntory. In the year of its release, Midori Melon Liqueur was featured as the principal ingredient in "The Universe," a creatively named cocktail that won first prize in the U.S. Bartenders Guild Annual Competition. Since then, its reputation among bartenders as an unparalleled mixer was secured. Noticed first for its great color Midori means green in Japanese the melon-flavored liqueur owes its global appeal to its superb versatility in the creation of cutting-edge cocktails. Today, Midori Melon Liqueur continues to be the secret ingredient the leading mixologists depend on season after season. For Midori cocktail suggestions, please visit us at www.TheCocktailProject.com. Please enjoy Midori responsibly. About Beam Suntory Inc. As the world's third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur. Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. drink smart Midori Melon Liqueur, 20% Alc. /Vol. 2016 Fielding & Jones, Ltd.., Deerfield IL. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160811/397642 SOURCE Beam Suntory Inc. Related Links http://www.beamsuntory.com LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- One Hit Wonder spins off two new eliquid flavors with Mad Hatter Juice and The Fat Jewce. Mad Hatter Juice is known for their I Love Donuts Eliquid, I Love Taffy Eliquid and other vape juice products. Mad Hatter Juice is also known for selling CBD Vape additive products and CBD chews in Spencer's stores nationwide. One Hit Wonder Eliquid is handcrafted in Los Angeles, California and contains only the finest ingredients including TruNic that is 100% USA Grown AND Extracted Liquid Nicotine, producing the highest quality premium eliquid possible. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397715 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397716 ONE HIT WONDER ELIQUIDS In March 2015, One Hit Wonder Eliquid took the world by storm with the release of a 180ml bottle of Eliquid - Muffin Man Eliquid. Partnering with California vape distribution companies Flawless and West Coast Vape Supply and have since come a long way and have now launched an additional 2 flavors: Drippin Whip Eliquid and Juice Box Limited Edition Eliquid in the weeks up to the August 8th FDA Vaping Regulations. One Hit Wonder Eliquid is known for 180ml bottles at a very competitive price. Milk Man Eliquid, Rocket Man Eliquid, and My Man Eliquid. One Hit Wonder Eliquid is raising Industry standards to a new level. The most affordable pricing, for the highest quality eliquid, makes One Hit Wonder Eliquid the smartest decision consumers make. MUFFIN MAN Released in the first quarter of 2015, Muffin Man is a unique blend of sweet apples and warm cinnamon muffin that will tingle your taste buds. The Muffin Man Eliquid has a robust apple flavor on the inhale followed by sweet undertones of warm muffin. Our Muffin Man Eliquid comes in one six (6) oz (180ml) plastic squeezable bottle along with 2 empty 15ml plastic unicorn bottles. Also released in 2016 a 100ml bottle of Muffin Man Eliquid called Mini Muffin Man Eliquid. MY MAN NEAPOLITAN ELIQUID Released in the 4th quarter of 2015 My Man Eliquid was the first Neapolitan Ice Cream flavor released in the vaping industry, a dessert flavor that has the richest flavors of all One Hit Wonder Eliquid, My Man Eliquid is made with Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. My Man Eliquid has left all our consumers wondering what that image was of a bearded Greek man. JUICE BOX LIMITED EDITION ELIQUID One Mad Hit Wonder is what happens when two eliquid brands collaborate on a new flavor. From the makers of One Hit Wonder and Mad Hatter Juice, the Limited Edition Juice Box is released in the last days of the two-year countdown to the FDA's near prohibition of 99% of vapor products currently on the market. One Mad Hit claims it's one of the best damn apple ejuice flavors you've ever tried. It comes in a 180ml bottle. DRIPPIN WHIP ELIQUID Drippin Whip Eliquid is a dessert vape juice. The Fat Jewce Eliquid line has been buzzing on social media and we can see why. This premium eliquid is profiled to taste like white fluffy whipped cream straight out of the can. Drippin Whip by The Fat Jewce comes in a 180ml bottle, the label has a message from the creator, as well as the eliquid name and the eliquid brand. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put in place tough new vaping regulations that went into effect Monday, August 8th. Vapers now need to be 21 in some states and 18 and over in most states to purchase vaping products. Most states already have laws on the books regarding vaping products. Anyone who may be interested in pushing back on the new FDA regulations can visit: Californiasmokefreeorganization.org California Smoke Free Organization (CSFO). The California Smoke Free Organization is targeting the "California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016" which will be voted on in November. This proposed initiative will increase taxes on vaping products by 40%, it's said throughout the vaping industry that these politicians and regulatory agencies are choosing money over people's health. Media contact: Melanie Carr Email 1-800-811-6770 SOURCE West Coast Vape Supply NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., ("Oppenheimer"), a unit of Oppenheimer Holdings (NYSE: OPY), recently wrapped up its 19th annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference in Boston. The two-day conference brought together over 125 companies in the technology industry, including AT&T, Verizon, Cognizant, and Technicolor. "As in the past few years, we have focused on providing insight into industry-changing technologies, such as IoT, cloud technology and artificial intelligence," said Erica L. Moffett, Managing Director and Associate Director of Research at Oppenheimer. "These topics are top-of-mind for clients because they drive constant change in the technology sector and beyond. Our clients benefited, not only from having our traditional roster of industry-leading technology companies, but also from having thought leaders and industry experts at the conference to discuss the potential implications and emerging trends stemming from the advanced technologies of today and tomorrow." The conference featured the following Oppenheimer Research Analysts: Shaul Eyal , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Communications, Security, and Infrastructure Software sectors , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Communications, Security, and Infrastructure Software sectors Glenn Greene , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Business Services sector , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Business Services sector Jason Helfstein , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Internet sector , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the Internet sector Timothy Horan , Managing Director and Senior Analyst heading the Communication and Cloud Services research team , Managing Director and Senior Analyst heading the Communication and Cloud Services research team Noah Kaye , Executive Director and Senior Analyst covering Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization , Executive Director and Senior Analyst covering Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization Jed Kelly , Director and senior analyst covering Online Travel and Internet , Director and senior analyst covering Online Travel and Internet Ittai Kidron , Managing Director covering Data Infrastructure, Management, and Virtualization , Managing Director covering Data Infrastructure, Management, and Virtualization Colin Rusch , Managing Director and Senior Analyst and leads the firm's Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization franchise , Managing Director and Senior Analyst and leads the firm's Sustainable Growth & Resource Optimization franchise Richard Schafer , Managing Director and Senior Analyst and leads the firm's Semiconductor franchise Managing Director and Senior Analyst and leads the firm's Semiconductor franchise Brian Schwartz , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the SaaS/Applications Software space , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering the SaaS/Applications Software space Andrew Uerkwitz , Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering Emerging Services and Technology companies Oppenheimer will hold its next conference the 2016 Life Sciences Summit on November 29, 2016 in New York City. This event will feature individual meetings with over 50 emerging life sciences companies across the biotechnology, bio-pharmaceutical, and specialty pharmaceutical sectors. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the newest technologies on the market and their potential impacts. On August 18, 2016, Oppenheimer will host a Midwest Corporate Access Day in Chicago. Additionally, Oppenheimer will host its first annual Drone Day on September 19, 2016 at Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY, to let investors investigate the technology and experience the drones in action. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a principal subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY on the New York Stock Exchange), and its affiliates provide a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high-net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, local governments, businesses and institutions. SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Related Links https://www.opco.com PUNE, India, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Packaged Water Treatment System Market by Technology Type (Extended Aeration, MBR, MBBR, SBR, Reverse Osmosis), Application (Municipal Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater, and Drinking Water) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The global market was valued at USD 12.07 Billion in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 21.83 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2016 and 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 87 market data Tables and 45 Figures spread through 158 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Packaged Water Treatment System Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/packaged-water-treatment-system-market-153441438.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. This growth can be mainly attributed to the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization. The stringent regulatory and sustainability mandates concerning the environment also play a major role in growth of the global packaged water treatment system market. Extended aeration segment led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 Among technology types, the extended aeration is expected to account for the largest share in the packaged water treatment system market. It is also projected to be the fastest-growing type of packaged water treatment system market between 2016 and 2021. In comparison to other treatment systems, the initial investments and costs involved are less in extended aeration, thus driving the demand for this technology. Municipal wastewater treatment is the fastest-growing application segment during the forecast period The municipal wastewater treatment application segment accounts for the largest share of the global Packaged Water Treatment System Market, and is also the fastest-growing segment of this market. Due to its compact size, packaged water treatment system systems can fit easily and be used in residential and urbanized areas. Municipal wastewater treatment, hence, remains the largest application area for packaged water treatment system market. Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=153441438 Middle East & Africa is the largest and the fastest-growing regional segment of the global packaged water treatment system Middle East & Africa led the global packaged water treatment system market in 2015 and accounted for the largest share, followed by Europe and North America. The market in this region is experiencing increased packaged water treatment system services in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, as these regions have little or no fresh water sources. Saudi Arabia is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Some of the major market players in this market include Veolia Water Technologies (France), GE Water & Process Technologies (U.S.), RWL Water (U.S.), WPL International (U.K.), Smith & Loveless INC. (U.S.), and others. Browse Related Reports: North America Water Storage Systems Market by Material Type (Concrete, Steel) Application (Hydraulic Fracture Storage & Collection, Onsite Water & Wastewater Collection), End-Use Industry (Municipal, Industrial) and Country - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/north-america-water-storage-systems-market-1184.html Water Treatment Chemicals Market by Type (Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Coagulants & Flocculants, Biocides & Disinfectants), by Application (Municipal Water Treatment, Power Generation, Chemical, Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/water-treatment-342.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation (NYSE: KS) ("KapStone") today announced that the Board of Directors elected Paula H.J. Cholmondeley as a director of the company, effective August 11, 2016. Ms. Cholmondeley joins the Board of Directors as a Class B director with a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2017. KapStone increased the number of its directors from eleven to twelve. Ms. Cholmondeley, age 69, is the founder and chief executive officer of The Sorrel Group, LLC, a corporate governance consulting company. She currently serves as an independent trustee of Nationwide Mutual Funds and as a member of the board of directors of Terex Corporation and Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. Previously, she also was the vice president and general manager of Specialty Products at Sappi Fine Paper North America, a producer of coated wood-free paper and related products, and served seven years in various financial roles at International Paper Company. Additionally, she is a part-time faculty member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Ms. Cholmondeley graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Accounting and earned an M.S. in Accounting from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. About KapStone Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation is the fifth largest producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products and is the largest kraft paper producer in the United States. KapStone has 4 paper mills, 22 corrugated converting facilities, 65 distribution centers, and approximately 6,300 employees. SOURCE KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation Related Links http://www.kapstonepaper.com LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Roofshoot founder Ben Bacal was named the Most Innovative Real Estate Agent at the Inman Innovator awards held August 4th in San Francisco. Each summer, the Inman Connect real estate technology event in San Francisco brings together the best and brightest in real estate and technology to share the newest innovations and changes in the marketplace. The awards honor those who, as Brad Inman said in the award announcement, "are on the forefront of change in the industry." This year marked the 20th anniversary of Inman Connect and drew thousands of attendees from around the world. Bacal spoke in two important video-centric sessions: "How To Use Video To Get Listings And Sell Properties" and "Cool Real Estate Videos And How They Were Made." He was also asked to participate in the "Meet The Leaders" session where he met with agents eager to learn the keys to his success. "I am so honored to be selected by Brad Inman and his team as the most innovative real estate agent," said Bacal. "This year's conference was a very special event." The latest honor comes on the heels of Roofshoot's debut at the Realogy FWD Innovation Summit in June. Out of a field of hundreds, just 15 of the hottest new technologies were invited to present their work to Realogy's leadership. The app, currently in beta, is being tested by over 350 real estate agents in Los Angeles who were invited to be part of a special early adopters group. This group includes some of Los Angeles' most successful agents representing over $1 billion in annual sales. Roofshoot is currently fielding offers from incubator groups and meeting with venture capitalists. "We've been very pleased with the feedback we've received so far," adds Bacal. "Video marketing has changed my business and I'm honored to share everything I've learned with agents around the world." About Roofshoot Roofshoot puts the power of video in the palm of your hand to generate more leads, sell more homes, and increase productivity. The app pulls together footage with music and a variety of customized themes to create a professional shareable video in minutes. More information can be found at www.roofshoot.com Media Contact: Audie Chamberlain [email protected] SOURCE Roofshoot Related Links http://www.roofshoot.com ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently a server is arrested for serving a guest food he was highly allergic to, sending him into anaphylactic shock that resulted in a coma. Now is the time for real awareness and change! The exploding rise in food allergies is not showing signs of slowing or going away anytime soon. Yet many restaurants are still resistant or clouded by the myth that there are no real solutions which are not costly or overwhelming to implement. Not so. Addressing this challenge head on is not only the right thing, but it's inevitable to the survival of restaurants as the trend continues. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397703 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397704LOGO Attitude Counts! Quoting a member of the Board of Directors of FAACT, Chef Keith Norman, "An Allergen guest is not an inconvenience or interruption of service, but rather a humbling opportunity to change a life." Working at Disney as a server for years, DineSafe's Nick Caturano says," I have personally seen the genius of Disney as they've stayed ahead of the food allergy trend, embraced challenges, creating amazing experiences for families, guests and friends which has made Disney not only a theme park destination but a place to go where food allergy families can enjoy dining out together safely." Nick continues: "Those chances for caring, connecting and problem solving are not only a real catalyst for embracing hospitality, but building an extremely loyal customer base (http://www.foodallergy.org/file/welcoming-guests-faan.pdf). Imagine that, increased revenue for doing the right thing at a time when some restaurant earnings are showing weakness on wall street." "Not a matter of if, but when," says Executive Chef James Slattery of Big Fin Seafood in Orlando when talking on possible food allergy legislation. "If the food industry which understands its business, gets out ahead and creates the process and standards for dealing with allergens, legislators will work with structures in place, building on them. If not, they will have to regulate, from scratch, an industry they really don't know and that will probably not be good." When questioned about his serious approach to food allergies, Chef James simply responds, "It's a matter of life and death for many of our guests, I don't want anyone getting sick or even worse! " Head of Development at DineSafe, David Richard states, "We have consulted with many chefs, servers and restaurant owners and have addressed their needs and concerns in the continual development of our service. We are constantly streamlining and simplifying the experience, providing such tools as worksheets, resources and menu importers which can absorb and input an entire menu in seconds." What To Do: 1. Take it seriously and embrace the opportunity. Yes, some guests claiming they have food allergies are really just preferences, but as we've seen in the sad case in Quebec, a decision to ignore an allergen request can be devastating. Restaurants must treat every request with genuine concern, always assume it's real. That culture will reflect from the top down. 2. #KnowWhatsInYourFood It's not complicated, we know, we have done it. With our worksheet, go through your menu, stockroom and coolers. Fortunately allergen disclosure for the top 8 allergens is now standard, The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. If two or three hour commitment is too much or want to make extra sure, trust a company like MenuTrinfo to do the work for you. 3. Educate yourself and staff, train, adapt, repeat. Groups like AllerTrain.com provide training resources online inexpensively. Discuss regularly in pre-meals, create a process that ensures fluid communication with all staff, from check in to food running. Take the guess work out of what needs to be done. 4. Cross contamination. A big one. Have a separate prep area and process, fry in a separate clean pan. Yes,it can be done. Sometimes there are no perfect solution, but care and honesty with guests as they themselves deal with the challenges, they live with, goes a long way to building bridges and creating solutions. 5. DineSafe App was created as a tool for not only guests but for staff as well. Managers, chefs, servers, hosts will have accurate realtime information. Changes and updates take seconds. From the app or office computer. 6. We agree with snacksafely.com that it should be standard to stock epinephrine auto-injectors in house in case of emergency. We also firmly believe in shared responsibility. We all forget some of the most important of things sometimes, but guests should always do their best to have their own EPI's on them at all times. DineSafe is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Learn more at http://www.dinesafeapp.com. Contact: Nick Caturano DineSafe, LLC Co-founder Head of Operations 407-414-3292 Email David Richard DineSafe, LLC Co-founder Head of Development 386-868-6629 Email Sources: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/quebec-restaurant-incident-shows-importance-of-taking-food-allergies-seriously/article31295732/ http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/32706896/server-arrested-customer-had-severe-allergic-reaction http://snacksafely.com/2016/08/editorial-of-waiters-anaphylaxis-and-arrests/ http://snacksafely.com/2015/11/food-labeling-modernization-act-introduced-in-congress/ http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/563009/EU-rules-food-allergy-labelling-nightmare-restaurants SOURCE DineSafe LLC SAN DIEGO, Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaCyte, Inc., a privately-held regenerative medicine company with the first pluripotent stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy for the treatment of diabetes in clinical-stage development, today announced a presentation at Rejuvenation Biotechnology 2016 (RB2016). RB2016 is hosted by the SENS Research Foundation and is taking place August 16th to 17th at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California. Details of the presentations are as follows: Panel: Session 6: The End User Is The Patient... And The Clinician Speaker: Dr. Mark Zimmerman, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development Date/Time: August 17, 3:15 pm PDT For more information about ViaCyte's participation in industry events, please visit: http://viacyte.com/news-events-2/viactye-events/ About ViaCyte ViaCyte is a privately-held regenerative medicine company developing novel cell replacement therapies as potential long-term diabetes treatments to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetes-related complications. ViaCyte's product candidates are based on the derivation of pancreatic progenitor cells, which are then implanted in a durable and retrievable encapsulation device. Once implanted and matured, these cells are designed to secrete insulin and other regulatory factors in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte has two products in development. PEC-Direct product candidate delivers the pancreatic progenitor cells in a non-immunoprotective device and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients that have severe hypoglycemic episodes, extreme glycemic lability, and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. The PEC-EnCap (formerly VC-01) product candidate delivers pancreatic progenitor cells in an immunoprotective device and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 trial in patients with type 1 diabetes who have minimal to no insulin-producing beta cell function. ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California with additional operations in Athens, Georgia. The Company is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and JDRF. For more information on the clinical trial, called STEP ONE, please visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02239354. For more information on ViaCyte, please visit www.viacyte.com and connect with ViaCyte here: www.twitter.com/viacyte and www.facebook.com/viacyte. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121026/LA00871LOGO-a SOURCE ViaCyte, Inc. Related Links http://www.viacyte.com LONDON, August 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vladimir Eftimoski of Macedonia's Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola is the delighted recipient of two high-level awards from Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM). Eftimoski fought off strong competition to win the titles of both Banking Industry CEO of the Year Macedonia and Most Innovative CEO of the Year Macedonia. This was achieved through the mid-level bank altering its focus from long-term government securities into the partial sale of property in relation to investment funds. They have also invested heavily in - and increased - the number of employees in the bank, improved its ATM infrastructure and recently issued a corporate bond of five million Euros - the first of its type ever in Macedonia. Eftimoski explained his philosophy for the bank was to remain positive, despite the economic and political turmoil the country has experienced in recent years. "Trends in the Macedonian banking sector have shown continuous stability and increased levels of liquidity," he said. "Thankfully it remains generally immune to the political crisis in the country. "And, in fact, we see our greatest advantage as our speed and flexibility to use this period of economic and political crisis to reorganise and consolidate. Our immediate intention is to attract a foreign strategic partner interesting in an evolving Macedonian market." Referring to his two BWM awards Eftimoski said he was especially pleased with the recognition which they would bring to Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola - one of two banks in Macedonia which is developing the innovative project M-payment scheme. A spokesman for BWM said the panel had agreed unanimously to present Eftimoski with both awards. "Vladimir's continuing positivity in the face of what was clearly a dire economic situation really impressed us, together with his determination to change a negative situation into a positive and to embrace those changes wholeheartedly," he said. The proof that the bank's initiatives are working are evidenced in the fact that its retail loans grew by 9.36 % in the first five months of 2016 compared to the end of 2015, and 33.48% compared with the same period in 2015. When it comes to the bank's future its relationship with clients is the primary focus, said Eftimoski, all the way through to a higher level of social responsibility. For more information on Stopanska Banka a.d. Bitola see http://www.stbbt.com.mk An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2016/05/23/riding-the-wave-of-political-and-economic-crisis-the-banking-sector-in-macedonia/ For more details on Business Worldwide Magazine Awards 2016, go to http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. http://www.bwmonline.com Contact David Jones Awards Department E: [email protected] W: http://www.bwmonline.com SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine "I am unable to work because of my spinal injury," Matthew Brooks said. The Army veteran suffered serious injuries while deployed in Afghanistan in 2011. "It is nice to know we have an organization as awesome as Wounded Warrior Project to back us and help provide for our family." While Matthew welcomed the supplies, he also enjoyed the time spent with other wounded veterans. "Our kids appreciated the pizza and school gear. We also met a few families, which was nice." "I always leave WWP program events having met someone new and learned something original," Marine Corps. veteran Kyle Taylor said. WWP's new CEO Mike Linnington and his wife Brenda also stopped by to greet the group. "Linking warriors, their families, and our community together to help children prepare for the start of the school year was an enjoyable event," Mike and Brenda said. "Warriors and their families have sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy as Americans, and it was wonderful to bring smiles to the faces of their children". WWP staff took time during the gathering to talk about the free programs and services provided to warriors, their families, and caregivers. "My wife and I didn't know all of the services available to us, we learned about other ways WWP is there for my healing," Matthew said. WWP supports immediate and long-term recovery of injured warriors through programs and services that focus on their mental and physical health. These programs help get warriors out of their homes through engaging, fun opportunities and create new support structures. Warriors are also able to bond with other veterans. "Wounded Warrior Project means a lot to my family and me," Matthew said. "We know WWP is there to help us along our path." "It's nice to be a part of WWP. They not only care for and help warriors, but help the families as well," Kyle said. About Wounded Warrior Project The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397726 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160812/397728 SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project Related Links http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration maintained Thursday that marijuana will remain on the list of dangerous drugs and has no medical benefit. Former governors of California and Rhode Island had requested that the DEA review its classification of the drug, which has been legalized in some form in twenty-five states and the District of Columbia. Pretoria, Aug 7 : Jailed South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius received treatment in a hospital, for, as one report said, injuries to his wrists. A report by daily City Press said Pistorius was taken to hospital on Saturday, BBC reported on Sunday. It quoted a security guard at Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria as saying the athlete had wounds to his wrists that were bandaged. The report said blades were found in a subsequent search of Pistorius's cell. Following treatment, the athlete has returned to prison, BBC reported. In July, prosecutors said his six-year jail sentence for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013 was too lenient and they would appeal. The 29-year-old was initially given a five-year term for manslaughter, but was found guilty of murder on appeal last December. He admitted killing Steenkamp but said he mistook her for an intruder at his home, BBC added. New Delhi, Aug 8 : To revitalize the spirit of freedom among youngsters and to motivate people for celebrating the Independence Day with much more enthusiasm and fervor, NGO Nehru Bal Sangh is organizing the fourth edition of its 'Jashn-e Azadi' magnificent extravaganza here on August 10. "Independence Day is a national festival that needs to be celebrated by each and every Indian rather than just enjoying it as a holiday," said the Nehru Bal Sangh President Ashok Sahota. "The generation today is forgetting the crux of freedom. Therefore, the focus on making them understand the true meaning of independence and engage," he said. An add on to the celebration is the bringing together of India and South Korea on a single stage to celebrate the festival of Independence and showcase their rich and diverse cultures. The two countries share their Independence Day on August 15. "I am so happy that we can celebrate Independence Day with India. Korean freedom fighters were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi during Korea's struggles for freedom," said of Korean Cultural Centre director Kim Kum Pyoung. "Through this kind of cooperative celebration we are looking to strengthen the relationship between India and Korea and pave the way for an everlasting friendship for the coming generation," he added. Moscow, Aug 9 : Russia has delivered half of the S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran in accordance with a weapon sales contract signed between the two countries in 2007, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said. Rogozin made the statement on Monday at the Russia-Iran-Azerbaijan summit in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, Xinhua news agency reported. The 2007 weapon sales contract between Russia and Iran is valued at about $900 million. Russia is planning to complete the deliveries of the S-300 air defence systems to Iran by the end of 2016, said Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's state technologies corporation Rostec. The organisation was established in 2007 to promote development, production and export of high-tech industrial products for civil and defence sectors. Russia suspended the 2007 contract with Iran in 2010, citing a UN Security Council resolution that placed an arms embargo on Tehran. Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the delivery ban in April 2015 shortly after Iran and world powers reached a framework nuclear agreement to remove all economic sanctions on Iran. The S-300 is a series of highly capable, long-range surface-to-air missile complexes first deployed in the former Soviet Union in 1979 and later modified by the Russian armed forces. New Delhi, Aug 10 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday claimed that the arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Bahadur Ali was trained by military experts in Pakistan. NIA said Bahadur Ali was directed to take advantage of the volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani. NIA Inspector General Sanjeev Kumar Singh said: "Arms and ammunition training given to LeT terrorist Bahadur Ali show the involvement of military experts." Singh said that the captured terrorist underwent all three training processes organised by LeT. He was recruited by Jamaat-ud-Dawa and subsequently radicalised by LeT. "Articles recovered from him show that he was provided references in codes which clearly indicates highly trained people provided training to him." The officer also claimed that Bahadur Ali, who was recently captured from North Kashmir, was regularly guided from "control rooms of terrorist groups in Pakistan occupied Kashmir with the help of Pakistani forces". The NIA has said that this is an ongoing investigation to gather details about the role of LeT in the current situation in Kashmir. Following the encounter of Burhan Wani, a 22-year-old social media savvy Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8, Kashmir has witnessed a total lockdown in the valley for more than a month now. New Delhi, Aug 10 : Oil and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said India has the potential to boost its biofuel business to Rs 1 lakh crore over the next 10 years. "There is a huge growth potential of biofuel business in India from the present Rs 6,500 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore in the next 10 years," Pradhan said while addressing the national conference here on 'Energy Security for India - Creating a Bio-fuel Economy' on the occasion of World BioFuel Day. He said biofuels can play an important role in reducing import of crude by 10 per cent by 2022, a target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India's energy consumption is increasing and it has become the third largest consumer in the world. "Shifting the fuel consumption profile to biofuels derived from domestic feedstocks would lead to decrease in this dependence on crude oil imports. In the last two years, a lot of work has been done in ethanol blending programme, biodiesel as well as using the biowaste for converting to energy, but more needs to be done speedily," the minister said. "The biofuel programme has the capacity to provide better remuneration for farmers, address environmental concerns, reduce dependence on imports and help in foreign exchange savings," he said. Laying down the vision for the growth and development of the biofuel sector, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, who was also present at the occasion, said the sector faces the challenge of sustainable availability of feedstock for the biofuel generation plants. Biofuels would provide a sustainable way to convert human-generated wastes to energy and reduce pollution as well, Goyal said. Indian Oil Corporation and other firms have identified 10 locations for setting up 2G ethanol plants with an estimated investment of Rs 5,000 crore, a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum said. Private players like CMC Bio-refineries, Praj Industries, Munzer, Novozymes and Shell have also announced an investment of Rs 5,000 crore in biofuels in India. The biodiesel blending programme, which was started on August 10, 2015, as a pilot project in five cities, has now been extended to six states and biodiesel-blended diesel is sold through nearly 2,200 retail outlets in the country. New Delhi, Aug 10 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday claimed that arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Bahadur Ali was trained by military experts in Pakistan. NIA said Bahadur Ali, who was arrested from Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, was directed to take advantage of the volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in a shootout. NIA Inspector General Sanjeev Kumar Singh said: "Arms, ammunition and equipment recovered from Ali and four other LeT terrorists killed on July 26 in Monibal (Jammu and Kashmir) established involvement of military experts." Giving example of sophisticated Icom communication hand sets recovered from the terrorists, the officer said the engineering modifications done on Icom RT sets (Made in Japan) to cover a whole range of very high frequency (VHF) requires a high degree of training in electronics. The officer also said that providing specific grid references for the route to be followed and use of global positioning system (GPS), and compass and topographical sheets during movement also establish that these LeT terrorists were trained by military experts. Grid reference is a map reference indicating a location in terms of a series of vertical and horizontal grid lines identified by numbers or letters. Ali informed the interrogators that he was constantly guided and directed by the LeT control centre Alpha-3 which was available on the prefixed frequency on the Icom hand sets being carried by the terrorists. "Ali's statement and other evidences confirmed that Alpha-3 is a fixed communication centre established at a high altitude peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is operated with support from Pakistani armed forces," the officer said. The officer said tghat once the terrorists are inside Indian territory, Alpha-3 guides, directs and controls their operations. "Whenever required, Alpha-3 arranges tactical and material support through previously identified contacts." Ali, revealed to investigators that Alpha-3 told him that LeT cadres had been successful in fuelling large-scale agitation in Kashmir after Eid following the death of Burhan Wani. Following the July 8 death of Wani, a 22-year-old social media savvy Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Kashmir has witnessed a total lockdown in the Valley for more than a month now. Ali, resident of Zia-Bagha village in Lahore district of Pakistan, also informed interrogators that his group of terrorists was launched after being staged forward at their Dett (detachment) near the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. He informed that this Dett is headed by a senior LeT member who provides arms and ammunition as well as other accessories like GPS, night vision devices, compass, grenade launchers, rubber maps, matrix sheets, food packets, dry ration, and medicines, among other things. Ali was launched from Mandakuli Dett which was dealt by an LeT commander Abu Haider. Singh said the captured terrorist underwent three mandated training processes organised by LeT. He was recruited in Jamaat-ud-Dawa by a close aide of the terror outfit's chief Hafiz Sayeed in 2008-2009 at the age of 13-14 years and subsequently radicalised by LeT. The NIA has said that this is an ongoing investigation to gather details about the role of LeT in the current situation in Kashmir. New Delhi, Aug 11 : A 32-year-old taxi driver was found dead in his car on Thursday in Delhi, police said. The driver has been identified as Mahesh Sharma, a resident of west Delhi's Palam Extension. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Surender Kumar told IANS, "A call was received in the morning regarding a dead body in a cab from Dwarka's Sector eight area." According to a senior police official, the driver might have died due to cardiac arrest. Kiev, Aug 11 : Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday instructed all military units near Crimea and the eastern Ukrainian Donbass region to be at the highest level of combat readiness. Poroshenko gave the order after a military meeting here. It comes after Russia's security service said on Wednesday it had foiled a terrorist attack in Crimea plotted by Kiev. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had found a group of infiltrators in Crimea, near the Ukrainian border. The infiltrators were preparing to target Crimea infrastructure, the agency said. Explosive devices and ammunition were also discovered at the scene. A network of agents from Ukraine's chief intelligence directorate has been uncovered in Crimea, according to the FSB. Meanwhile, security in the region has been tightened due to the discovery, the FSB announced, saying that additional security arrangements have been made near major infrastructure objects, in crowded places, and on the Russian-Ukrainian border. Kiev denied claims that it was behind the terrorist plot, and accused Moscow of provocation. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Ukraine has turned to "the practice of terrorism" and "is playing a dangerous game", calling Kiev's actions "stupid and criminal". Ottawa, Aug 12 : Police on Thursday killed a 24-year-old man suspected of plotting a terror attack targeting a Canadian urban centre during the rush hour, authorities said. The suspect, with whom police were familiar from past terror investigations, was identified as Aaron Driver, CNN quoted Mike Cabana, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as saying. Driver was killed on Wednesday in Strathroy, Ontario, at around 4:30 p.m. local time. Cabana said the police engaged Driver when he was entering a cab. Later, the suspect detonated an explosive device inside the cab, injuring the driver. Police believe Driver was planning to stage an attack within 72 hours, Cabana noted. FBI and RCMP had been monitoring Driver since at least 2014, well before he granted an interview to "The Toronto Star" using the name Harun Abdurahman. In the interview, he justified the 2014 attacks on Parliament Hill in Ottawa that left an unarmed soldier dead and he expressed support for Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, the report added. Police arrested Driver in June 2015 but a court granted him a peace bond, requiring he maintain good behaviour for a certain period. He was being electronically monitored since then. Recently, the RCMP received information from the FBI, including "a video of a man in the final stages of an explosives attack." The RCMP identified the man in the video as Driver. In the video, a man in a black balaclava read something to the side of the camera. He invoked "the bodies of filthy French lying in the street" and said Canada had received many warnings to stay off Muslim lands and should discontinue its participation in the fight against IS. Mumbai, Aug 12 : Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he was detained at a US airport. "I fully understand and respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Shah Rukh said in a tweet posted on Friday morning (IST). Precise details of when and why he was detained were not known. But Bollywood sources have said the actor was in Los Angeles. On a positive note, he wrote: "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons." This is not the first time that Shah Rukh, one of Hindi film industry's most successful stars, has been detained at a US airport. In 2012, the "My Name Is Khan" actor was detained at a New York airport for two hours when he had arrived to visit Yale University, where he was honoured as a Chubb Fellow. Back in 2009, he was stopped at the Newark Airport, New Jersey, and was released after two hours at the intervention of the Indian consulate in New York. "I was really hassled at the American Airport because of my name being Khan. It was absolutely uncalled for. I felt angry and humiliated," said Shah Rukh, who was then heading towards Chicago to participate in an Independence Day celebration event. "It is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist," he had then said. Harvard-educated Masako, who reluctantly abandoned a diplomatic career to marry, has for more than a decade battled depression, as she grappled with the prescriptions and proscriptions of palace life and pressure to produce a son. While the earnest Naruhito, 56, is seen as ready for the succession and has taken on more official duties, Masako, 52, who turned down his first two proposals during a long courtship beginning nearly 30 years ago, has struggled as crown princess. The 82-year-old Akihito, who with Empress Michiko, has won hearts at home by championing the disadvantaged and worked to heal the wounds of World War Two abroad, hinted in a televised address on Monday that he could give up the Chrysanthemum Throne due to advancing age. When Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito proposed to a reluctant Masako Owada, he promised to protect her with all his might, a vow that may get tougher to keep if, as expected, his father Emperor Akihito abdicates, and the woman who has struggled to adjust to royal life becomes empress. Male-only Throne Their daughter, 14-year-old Aiko, cannot take the throne under male-only inheritance laws. In 2012, Masako, who spent large parts of her early life overseas and speaks several languages, acknowledged that she had been battling a stress-related illness for a long time. Her public appearances are still sporadic. "Imperial popularity tends to be earned through carrying out public duties over the course of the reign," said Kenneth Ruoff, a professor at Portland State University and author of The People's Emperor. "If Naruhito does that, there is no reason to think he would be any less respected than his father. The case of Masako is more difficult to foresee." Naruhito's interests in medieval transport and environmental causes seem safely worthy, if dull, though royal watchers say he has broken new ground, like advocating hands-on fathering, uncommon in a country where there is still a strong gender-based division of labor both at work and home. He is also unusual, for a Japanese royal, in having studied abroad, and describes his two years at Oxford University as some of the happiest days of his life. Importance of Peace Naruhito has made clear he will carry on his father's work of reminding people about the importance of peace, even as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe moves to recast wartime history with a less apologetic tone. But he is best known for his passionate defense of Masako, who disappeared from public view in 2003 with shingles and what was later described as an "adjustment disorder." In 2004 he set off an unusually public feud with the Imperial Household, an agency responsible for organizing the activities of the royal family, by saying that Masako, who had hoped to use her diplomatic experience as crown princess, had "totally exhausted herself" trying to adapt to palace life. "It is true there were moves to negate Masako's career and her personality, which was influenced by that career," he said. Naruhito's defense continued through the years, during which tabloids occasionally criticized his wife for slacking off. In 2008 he pleaded for understanding, saying, "Masako is continuing to make utmost efforts with the help of those around her." An emperor's duties include religious ceremonies and opening parliament, but social welfare work has taken center stage. Images of Akihito and Michiko, informally dressed and kneeling to talk to disaster victims in evacuation centers are imprinted in public memory, and they have also visited centers for the disabled and elderly. Rural Areas In rural areas and among the older generation, where support for the emperor runs highest, the presence of the royals as a couple is especially valued, said Midori Watanabe, a journalist and visiting professor at Bunka Gakuen University. "What's important is that the two of them are together," Watanabe said. "He (Naruhito) promised he'd protect her all their lives," she added. "I think she'll make efforts for him." Miiko Kodama, professor emeritus at Musashi University, said Masako's ultimate elevation to empress could, however, prove a boon to the unhappy princess, as it did to her mother-in-law. Michiko, the first commoner to marry a royal heir, grew gaunt and visibly unhappy in her younger days due to stress, but became the most visible and widely traveled imperial consort in Japanese history. "When Masako becomes empress, her higher status will mean more people will listen to her," Kodama said. "With fewer people putting unnecessary pressure on her, I think you can expect many of her symptoms will improve." Guwahati, Aug 12 : Assam on Friday became the first state to ratify the Constitution amendment bill related with the Goods and Services Tax, following its passage by both houses of parliament this month. "A historic resolution was passed in Assam Assembly as Assam became the 1st State to ratify the Constitutional Amendment Bill relating to GST," Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted son after it was ratified. "I am sure Assam will benefit from the GST through higher economic growth and better revenue collection," said the 53-year-old chief minister, who is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At least 50 per cent of the states have to pass what is technically the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, for the next steps of legislative action to follow, to ultimately introduce a pan-India Goods and Services Tax regime. The new regime seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax, as also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market. Hyderabad/Vijayawada, Aug 12 : Krishna Pushkaralu, the once in 12 years river festival of Krishna, began in two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Friday with fanfare and religious fervour. Thousands took holy dip in the Krishna in the two states and offered prayers in temples located along the banks of the river. 'Pushkar ghats,' constructed by the authorities along the river course, were teeming with thousands of devotees since the early hours of the day. Both the states have made elaborate arrangements and provided amenities to the devotees for the 12-day long festival. More than six crore people are expected to take dip in the river in the two states. The governments in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are organising cultural shows and religious events at different places near the ghats. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, his wife Shoba Rao, Endowments Minister Indrakaran Reddy and other public representatives took the holy dip at Gondimalla ghat in Alampur mandal of Mahabubnagar district. Authorities in Telangana have built 90 bathing ghats for the convenience of devotees in Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda districts. Over 13,000 policemen have been deployed in the two districts and as part of the elaborate security arrangements 555 CCTV cameras have been installed around bathing ghats. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is plying 1,365 special buses from various parts of the state to the bathing ghats for transporting pilgrims. The South Central Railway is operating 655 special trains for the convenience of the devotees in the two states. The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the river festival at a cost of Rs 852 crore. A 12-day holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in the two districts of Telangana as the staff has been assigned for Pushkaram duties. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his cabinet colleagues took a holy bath at Durga Ghat in Vijayawada. Naidu along with his wife Bhuvaneshwari performed puja. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival in Kurnool, Krishna and Guntur districts by building 178 bathing ghats. The festivities began on Thursday night with 'Nava Harathi' at Pavitra Sangamam, the confluence of Godavari and Krishna rivers, in Krishna district. Priests performed the rituals at 9.28 p.m., which was presumed to be the time of entry of Pushkar into Krishna river. However, as no holy dip can be taken after sunset as per 'shastras', the devotees started taking the dip on Friday. In Andhra Pradesh, about 30,000 policemen have been deployed as part of the massive security arrangements for the festival. The authorities are taking extra security measures to prevent any untoward incident. A stampede at a ghat in Rajahmundry during Godavari Pushkaralu last year had claimed 29 lives. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) trains around 360 militants annually to wage jihad against India and Afghanistan, according to investigators who grilled captured LeT operative Bahadur Ali. Ali alias Saifullah, a 21-year-old resident of Zia Bagga village of Raiwind in Lahore, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he saw 30-50 people being trained in LeT camps any time every month since 2013 when he was provided a 15-day basic training at Mansehra in Pakistan. Ali underwent three training courses organised by the LeT in 2013, 2014 and 2016 before being pushed into India on June 11-12 along with two other LeT cadres known by their nom de guerre Saad and Darda. "There are 30-50 trainees at any time in each course which runs throughout the year," an NIA official quoted Ali as saying. According to Ali, new operatives were provided 15-day 'Daura-e-Tulba' -- the basic training. He underwent this at Mansehra in 2013. Later, the recruits graduate to an arms and ammunition course called 'Daura-e-Aam'. Ali got this training at the Aksa camp near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-held Kashmir in September-October 2014, he told NIA. In the final course, 'Daura-e-Khas', the guerrillas get to handle sophisticated arms and learn field crafts. Ali went through this also near Muzaffarabad in the summer of 2016. "If we calculate on the basis of 30 people trained in every batch, as many as 360 people are trained every year by the LeT," an NIA officer told IANS. The LeT, which is known to enjoy the backing of Pakistani intelligence, was blamed for the audacious 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai that left 166 Indians and foreigners dead. The group has been outlawed by India, the US and the UN but its leaders are known to operate with impunity in Pakistan. Son of a police constable in Pakistan's Punjab, Ali, arrested on July 25 from Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, is the eighth among nine siblings. He worked as a 'Jihad's fund collector' for Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) in his initial days and switched to the Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation -- a front NGO of Lashkar-e-Taiba -- in Lahore in 2013-14 before finally taking up LeT training. All recruits like Ali are radicalised and motivated to undertake jihad against India and Afghanistan. Pakistan's intelligence and military set-up views New Delhi and Kabul as impeccable enemies of Islamabad. Ali revealed to the NIA that Pushto-speaking trainers focussed on those headed to Afghanistan. The NIA officer said the terrorists from Pakistan waging jihad against India might not be well educated but were highly trained in using hi-tech gadgets, suggesting the support of Pakistani military experts. Once Ali sneaked into India, he communicated with his handlers in Pakistan using Japan-made ICOM wireless sets. These can be used only if one has sound technical knowledge. Ali revealed that all recruits were shown videos purported to be about the "atrocities" committed on Muslims in India. This is done to motivate them to wage war against India. Working with Hafiz Saeed's JuD since 2008, when he was just 13 or 14 years old, Ali said he used to listen to "taqreers" (sermons) of Maulvis and watch videos too. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) New York, Aug 12 : Using Google Glass, a team of researchers is developing a 'smart' portable system that will use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure a person's brain activity on the go. The applications for fNIRS are endless -- from training air traffic controllers and drone operators to studying how students with disabilities learn best or why different people are more receptive to certain commercials. "This is a new trend called neuroergonomics. It's the study of the brain at work -- cognitive neuroscience plus human factors," said Hasan Ayaz, associate research professor at Drexel University. The phrase "neuroergonomics" was coined by the late Raja Parasuraman, former professor at George Mason University and the co-author of the study. Until now, most studies involving fNIRS took place indoors. A group of Drexel biomedical engineers, in collaboration with researchers at George Mason University, have now brought their portable fNIRS system "into the wild." In their study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, the researchers successfully measured the brain activity of participants navigating a college campus outdoors. The researchers wanted to compare one group of participants navigating campus with Google Glass to another group using Google Maps on an iPhone. They found that overall, users with Google Glass had a higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than their peers navigating with an iPhone. The team also found that users wearing Google Glass fell victim to "cognitive tunnelling", meaning they focused so much more of their attention to the display itself, that they easily ignored other aspects of their surroundings. "What we were able to see were the strengths and weaknesses of both. Now that we know we are able to capture that, we can now improve their design," said Ayaz. This opens up new areas of applications. "We will be able to analyse how the brain is functioning during all of these natural activities that you cannot replicate in artificial lab settings," the authors noted. fNIRS is a way to measure oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex -- the part of the brain responsible for complex behaviours like decision-making, cognitive expression and personality development. Since the research team found that Google Glass users experienced some cognitive tunnelling while navigating, they suggest that future studies identify other brain biomarkers induced by this "blindness" to the outside world. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the roots of tension in the Kashmir Valley lay in cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. "Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour," Modi told an all-party meeting convened to find ways to defuse tension in the Kashmir Valley. Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters that the Prime Minister urged the participants at the meeting to "expose Pakistan's atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan". New Delhi, Aug 12 : As the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die on Friday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar said members were to be thanked for the smooth conduct of the session in both the houses of parliament after a long time. "After a long spell, we had a parliament session that has been so good and smooth. The credit for this should go to all the members of both the houses," Ananth Kumar told reporters here. He said the productivity of the Lok Sabha stood at 109.42 per cent and of the Rajya Sabha 98.96 per cent. The Lok Sabha was on Friday adjourned sine die, marking the conclusion of the monsoon session of parliament -- which was the ninth session of the 16th Lok Sabha. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan described the session as "highly productive and fruitful". The Rajya Sabha too was adjourned sine die by Chairman M. Hamid Ansari, who also called the session "highly productive". Earlier in the day, shortly after the houses were adjourned, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi tweeted: "I am happy that in the Monsoon Session, productivity in the Rajya Sabha was about 100 per cent and for the Lok Sabha it was about 111 per cent." "(The) Monsoon Session was 'productive'. Thanks to all parties and members for their constructive support," Naqvi said in a series of tweets. Ananth Kumar said while the Lok Sabha passed 15 bills, the upper house approved 14 bills. Both the houses together gave their nod to 13 draft legislations. He said the credit for the Rajya Sabha nod for the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill goes to a long engagement with opposition Congress leaders by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and other floor managers, including two of Ananth Kumar's ministerial colleagues S.S. Ahluwalia and Naqvi. In the Rajya Sabha, he said while 205 members had voted in favour of the constitutional amendment bill on the GST, in the lower house about 450 members gave approval to the draft legislation, as passed by the upper house. "There is already a good sign that Assam has ratified the GST Bill today (Friday). This augurs well as the good news has come from the eastern part of India," Ananth Kumar said. He said now the GST Council has to be formed and other processes completed to finally roll out the much-awaited uniform tax law, which the government is keen to roll out from April 1, 2017. However, for this, at least 16 states need to ratify it. Ananth Kumar also expressed satisfaction that both the houses also passed unanimous resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir situation and discussed important issues like price rise and atrocities on the Dalits in various parts of the country. "Dalit bhai ka raksha aur suraksha sarvapari hae (safety and security of Dalit brothers is the top priority of our government)," he said. Incidentally, it was the first session of parliament after Ananth Kumar was made the new Parliamentary Affairs Minister in place of senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu, who has been given charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. On July 5, S.S. Ahluwalia was sworn in as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs along with Naqvi. Ananth Kumar was handed over the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs the same evening. Mumbai, Aug 12 : Bollywood actor John Abraham says he doesn't like to do films that become a trend in the movie industry. The "Dishoom" star, on the sidelines of a screening of "Rustom" here, was asked if as as a producer, he wants to make movies on the Indian Army. John said: "My problem is that I don't go with the trend. So probably, I am the wrong person to be asked. I will make films which I want to. If something excites me, I will do it, otherwise I won't." About Akshay's "Rustom", he said: "I read the script of 'Rustom'. I think it's a fantastic film. I want to wish Akshay all the best." John and Akshay have worked together in films like "Garam Masala", "Desi Boyz" and "Housefull 2". Riyadh, Aug 12 : At least three women trying to cross into Syria to join the Islamic State terrorist group were arrested in Lebanon, Saudi Interior Ministry said on Friday. The women were handed to Saudi authorities following their arrest, EFE news quoted an Interior Ministry official as saying. On July 8, Saudi authorities received a call from the husband of one of the detained women, reporting that his wife had left Saudi Arabia with their three children, aged between two and 10. The note said the woman was accompanied by two of her sisters. The detainees, together with the children, intended to enter Syria because they followed "radical ideology", the official said. He added that once Saudi authorities learned of the women's plan, they worked with their police counterparts in Lebanon, who managed to stop them before they could enter Syria. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday accused Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari of nepotism, saying government's policies are helping his "family business". In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Digvijaya Singh said Gadkari has always been embroiled in controversies regarding the Purti business group he founded. "There is a clear cut case of conflict of interests in this case where Nitin Gadkari as a minister clearly took undue interest in blending of ethanol into petroleum to 22.5 per cent as against 10 per cent. "Although he was not in charge of the ministry which deals with blending, he issued a statement in Nagpur of a cabinet note on increasing the percentage of ethanol from 10 per cent to 22.5 per cent. Cabinet note is a secret document. As the minister he also violated the oath of secrecy which he had taken," Digvijaya Singh wrote. Nitin Gadkari's son Nikhil Gadkari is listed as a Director of Purti Power and Sugar Ltd, Digvijaya Singh said. "Sensing the decision of the government of India to increase the blending percentage, Purti decided to treble its production from 45 kilo litres per day to 135 kilo litres per day," the Congress leader wrote. Lucknow, Aug 12 : The Allahabad High Court (HC) on Friday ordered a CBI probe into the gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter on a highway passing through Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on July 29. A bench of Chief Justice D.B. Bhonsle and Justice Yashwant Verma had taken suo motto cognisance of the case and sought a report from the state police on the action taken in the matter. The high court double bench asked the police to furnish before the court the statements of the victims from the case diary, and asked the Senior Superintendent of Police Bulandshahr as to why medical examination of the victims was not conducted. It ordered the police investigating team to take the accused on remand for interrogation. The high court directed the state government to take action against police officials who are callous in the discharge of their duties and have failed in containing crimes against women. The court on Thursday had observed that women were not safe in the state, and that crimes against women were on the rise. The court fixed August 17 as the next date for hearing. After initially dragging its feet in the matter, the state government had suspended seven policemen, including the SSP of Bulandshahr, following a nationwide outcry over the incident. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had earlier this week said that he was not averse to recommending a CBI probe if the family wished so. He had, however, accused the opposition parties of trying to politicise the issue. A 34-year-old woman and her teenage daughter were raped after their car carrying six members of the Noida family was stopped by criminals on National Highway-91 in Bulandshahr on July 29. The family was going to meet their relatives in Shahjahanpur in western Uttar Pradesh. The victims also alleged that the police did not pay attention to their complaints initially. Ecuador says it's ready to set a date for Swedish prosecutors to question WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been holed up in the South American country's embassy in London for four years. Assange is wanted for questioning by Swedish police over sexual offenses stemming from his visit to the country in 2010. He denies all the accusations against him made by two women. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Atrocities committed by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan and the Kashmir it holds need to be exposed to the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday at a meeting to discuss ways to defuse a deadly unrest in the Kashmir Valley. Modi told the all-party meeting that the roots of tension in the Kashmir Valley lay in cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. "Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour," Modi said, according to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed the media. Friday's meeting followed the death of 56 people and injuries to thousands in clashes between security forces and protesters in the Kashmir Valley after the July 8 killing of rebel commander Burhan Wani. "Pakistan forgets that it is bombing its own people. The time has come for Pakistan to tell the world why it has been committing atrocities on people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan," the Prime Minister said in the meeting that lasted for about four hours. The valley has been in a lockdown amid continuous curfew and separatist-called shutdown for the past five weeks amid daily pro-freedom rallies despite strict restrictions. The normal life has been on a standstill with educational institutes, shops, businesses, banks and offices closed in the weeks of unrest. The Home Minister said all the participants at the meeting felt that normalcy had to be restored in the valley. But Modi stressed that "there cannot be any compromise on national security". "We have to win the confidence of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. The central and state governments are committed to address all the genuine grievances of the people and restore peace there. But we will not lower the guard against terrorism and anti-India activities," Modi said. Informed sources, however, told IANS that there was no consensus in the meeting on how to resolve the tension in the valley. Most opposition parties urged the government to start a dialogue with all stakeholders, including separatist leaders, in Jammu and Kashmir. But the government appeared to have shot down the proposal to talk to separatists. "All parties were of the same approach and there will no compromise on terrorism or separatism," Jaitley said. "As far as the dialogue is concerned, it is already on with mainstream parties, traders and civil society (in Jammu and Kashmir)." Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also attended the meet, assured the government "full cooperation" on "any positive step in the endeavour of solving the Kashmir issue". Azad, who headed the state government at the start of a similar Kashmir unrest in 2008, said there was a need to find where the problems in the valley started. "If there is a mistake we must correct it," Azad told reporters, adding his party "will be satisfied when peace is restored" in the valley. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury said he urged the government to talk to all stakeholders in Kashmir. "We have done it in the past. We have to do it again." CPI's D. Raja also stressed on the need to have "talks with all stakeholder". Earlier, the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution appealing for peace in Kashmir and expressing "serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew". New Delhi, Aug 12 : Kerala Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Friday said MLAs from Kerala spent on an average 70 per cent of their total allowed expenditure in the assembly polls which concluded in June. The report released on Friday, after analysing expenditure statements as submitted by MLAs to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), found that across parties on an average about Rs 19.64 lakh of the prescribed 28 lakh was spent by the former on expenditures. The expenses documents procured by the two bodies show in detail the money spent on public meeting and processions, campaigning through electronic and print media, expense on campaign workers, expense on vehicles used and expense on campaign materials. According to Section 78 of Representation of People Act, 1951, every contesting candidate is supposed to submit a copy of his election expenses within 30 days of the announcement of the results. The data was made available through the report for 137 candidates out of 140 who contested elections. The expense details of the remaining three could not be published due to their unavailability on the CEOs website. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan on Friday expressed shock over the rejection of his UK visa. "Shocked & appalled," he tweeted. "UK visa rejected." Amjad Ali Khan said he was scheduled to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in London in September. He said the rejection was "extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love and peace". Amjad Ali Khan said he had been performing almost every year in the United Kingdom since the early 1970s. "Upset to have my visa rejected." Amjad Ali Khan is an Indian classical musician who plays the sarod. Acclaimed internationally, he was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour, in 2001. Kolkata, Aug 12 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday described as "unfortunate and embarrassing" the detention of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the Los Angeles Airport in the US. "I am shocked to hear about the harassment caused to @iamsrk. Security is security but this is very unfortunate and embarrassing," Banerjee said on her Twitter handle. Khan was reportedly "detained" at the LA Airport for two hours before being given clearance for immigration. Kolkata, Aug 12 : The Income Tax (IT) department on Friday asked jewellers with an annual turnover of more than Rs 1 crore to submit details about their customers' cash transactions of above Rs 2 lakh in a fiscal, whether at one go or in tranches. According to IT Act, quoting PAN has been made mandatory in purchase of jewellery exceeding Rs 2 lakh. "In case a person does not have PAN, he is required to fill up Form No .60 and enclose proof of his identity as well as address. Traders are then required to submit the details of these transactions to the IT department." "The objective of the effort is to track the origin of black money generating in the system and also to reduce the volume of cash transactions over a period of time," said Department's Director of Income Tax, Intelligence and Criminal Investigation S.S. Rana. The idea was also to keep a log on such transactions to find out whether the IT declaration made by a person was in accordance with his/her spending pattern or not, he said at the sidelines of an awareness meeting between members of Swarna Shipla Bachao Committee and department officials. The jewellers need to give the details to the IT department twice a year, failing which they would be fined. "We usually keep a record of purchasers' details. It is a stringent compliance to keep a track record of each and every customer's transaction and then furnish it to income tax department. "Permanent customers who used to buy from a particular jewellery shop may buy from different retailers to keep himself out of this compliance, or in other way, they may not reveal their exact name while making several transactions in a fiscal," Committee's Working president Bablu Dey told IANS. "It is expected to increase the malpractice," he said. Srinagar, Aug 12 : Dozens of people were injured post Friday prayer protests across the Kashmir Valley, despite the strict curfew and restrictions. According to police, protests appeared in Shopian, Sopore, Beerwah, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Baramulla, Kulgam and some places in Srinagar city. "Security forces exercised maximum restraint ensuring that no critical injury was sustained by any person during the protests, in comparison to last four Fridays, the situation remained calm and under control," a police officer said here. For the 5th consecutive Friday, no prayers were offered at the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city's Nowhatta area. Protest demonstrations were held in Anantnag's Arwani-Bijbehara, Gopalpora- Shangus, Kokernag, and Dooru areas. Clashes were reported from Anchidora area of the district despite curfew and restrictions. Meanwhile, army men were seen enforcing curfew in Moomin Abad, Achabal area of the district. Engineer Rashid, an independent MLA from north Kashmir's Langate constituency, sat on a 72-hour sit-in at the Press Colony along with his supporters. After persuasion failed to motivate the legislator end his sit-in, police took Rashid into preventive custody and lodged him at the nearby Kothibagh police station. While Rashid said he and some of his supporters had sustained injuries during the clash with the police, he was seen roughing up cops who kept on requesting him to end his sit-in and disperse peacefully. Authorities Police had imposed restrictions and curfew in all the 10 district headquarters of the Valley in addition to Handwara, Kupwara, Sopore, Trehgam and Qaimoh. "These precautionary measures have been taken to maintain law and order in the Valley", a police officer said. Separatists again issued a protest calendar on Thursday extending the protest shutdown till August 18, but asked people to resume normal activities from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for some specified days. All senior separatist leaders continue to remain under preventive detention in Srinagar for the last 35 days. Authorities have also suspended mobile faculties on all mobile phones except post paid mobile phones provided by the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Mobile internet have remained suspended. So far, 56 people including 54 civilians and two policemen have been killed in the ongoing unrest that started on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed. Kolkata, Aug 12 : Lashing out the ruling Trinamool Congress, the state CPI-M on Friday accused it of indulging in a "systematic campaign of threat and intimidation" towards opposition political workers in West Bengal. Communist Party of India-Marxist state Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said 180 Left workers and leaders have been killed since the Trinamool came to power in the state in 2011. Mishra said communist cadres and supporters were attacked in areas where the Trinamool did not do well in the 2016 assembly polls. Again, elected representatives of the opposition parties in the assembly, municipalities and panchayat bodies were becoming victims of "threats and intimidation" by the Trinamool, which is trying to coerce them into joining its fold, the CPI-M leader said. "The Trinamool is carrying out this systematic campaign of threat and intimidation targeting opposition parties," Mishra told mediapersons here. He alleged that opposition legislators are deprived of funds under the MLA Local Area Development scheme. "False cases are being filed against opposition's public representatives, particularly those from our party," he said. Mishra said the degree of attack and planning that has gone into it was unprecedented in the country. "A savage and premeditated attack on democracy is taking place in Bengal. The democratic rights of the people are being snatched," he said. New Delhi, Aug 12 : The country's aviation regulator has directed Air India and Jet Airways to file legal complaints against their pilots, who were suspended for being drunk after operating overseas flights to India, an airline source said on Friday. According to the airline source, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday directed that FIRs be filed against the suspended pilots. The regulator also sought copies of the FIRs filed. "To ensure compliance of the rules, you are requested to lodge FIR against the above crew members with a police station appropriate jurisdiction within a period of one week. A copy of the FIR so filed may please be forwarded to DGCA at the earliest," the DGCA letter to the airlines said. One pilot each of Air India and Jet Airways had been suspended for four years by DGCA after they were found drunk on the arrival of their overseas flights to India. The Korean War film "Operation Chromite" premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday ahead of its general release across the U.S. on Friday. Leading actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee Bum-soo walked the red carpet, but Liam Neeson, who plays Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the film, was unable to attend as he is shooting a movie in the U.K. [This book] made my life and the world I live in understandable [...] I hope it will do the same for my readers. Encouraged by the recent coming out of atheist authorsafter a 50-year delay due to publishers fears of societal tabooshis book has now been published as a detailed account of his work including his discovery that the arguments favoring belief in God dont hold up under close inspection, but also that the loss of God requires new concepts for the meaning of life, the basis of morality, and justification of our sovereignty as a nation. This book includes the authors solutions for those problems. Similar to beliefs of erudite atheist authors Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel C. Dennett, but proffered in laymans language, A Search for Truth disproves the existence of God with unrelenting applications of logic supported by quotations from reliable media such as Time, Life, and Christian Century, and from authoritative sources such as psychologist Erich Fromm, pollster George Gallop, sociologist Will Herberg, and author Jean Danielou, S. J. Thus, such religious staples as the proofs of the existence of God, the miraculous cures at Lourdes, and the argument from universal assent are left so broken as to be obsolete. Even the mystics faith with certainty comes apart under the authors persistent questioning. Further, the author found that truth should always be held provisionally, not permanently, pending discovery of new evidence and insights. His atheism, for example, is provisional. Honigmann began his book as a result of his rejection from a loving courtship because he did not believe in the existence of God. The basic idea of his search for truth was to discover once and for all whether the reasons people believe in God would hold up under his meticulous testing. For him, it was a win-win situation. No matter what his search for truth might discover, it would remove the nagging doubts as to whether or not God really exists. Either way, he would be all the better for it. Although A Search for Truth, until now, was never published, the author has always considered having written it as one of the best things he ever did for himself. It made my life and the world I live in understandable, he says, and it made the pain easier to endure. To which he adds, I hope it will do the same for my readers. A number of passages in the book give the author a special satisfaction. For example, one of the cures of cancer at Lourdes had been officially declared a miracle without having been verified with a biopsy. When the chief investigator of the American Medical Association informed the author that they would not enter the twilight zone between medicine and religion, the author went to the American Cancer Society. They replied that no case suspected of being cancer that has not been diagnosed with a biopsy would ever be entered into their cancer registry. They said it was probably not cancer. Honigmann has two chapters that are his favorites. Both go beyond the purview of the book. In one, he derives a rigorous definition of truth: Truth is, in general, conformity to that which may be reasonably asserted (Ch.1). Yet, he points out, despite the rigorous development of this definition, it allows almost anybody with a reasonable assertion to insist that their religious truth is truer than anyone elses. No wonder we have so many wars. In his other favorite chapter, he suggests that the Department of Health and Human Services set up a Department of Religious Information staffed by nine top-level minds from a variety of fields to study, then vote on which religious truths are true and which are not. Honigmann then tries to anticipate as many objections as he canunconstitutional, socialistic, bureaucratic, fascist, etc.then shows that these objections dont hold water (Ch. 12). A Search for Truth is available as an ebook from the following retailers: Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-search-for-truth-1 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JO4PTX0#nav-subnav Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-search-for-truth/id1139433917?ls=1&mt=11 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-search-for-truth-ernest-j-honigmann/1124223294?ean=2940156887408 eBooks2go: http://www.ebooks2go.com/shop/a-search-for-truth/ Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ernest_J_Honigmann_A_Search_For_Truth?id=59zHDAAAQBAJ The book will be available as a paperback in 2017. While A Search for Truth was being kept off the market because of the publishers taboos, Honigmann wrote a second book, Buying and Selling a Small Business-An Entrepreneurial Strategy for Success (BSSB). Although the topics of his two books are a world apart, they are alike in their uncompromising truthfulness. One tells of deluded, wishful thinking; the other of wholesale burial of taxable revenues. Thats why both had to be self-published. To learn more about the author and BSSB, go to http://www.monnetpress.com. Honigmann holds an engineering degree from Illinois Institute of Technology and a master of engineering administration degree from Sever Institute at Washington University in St. Louis. The official release date for the highly anticipated debut album from rising Eric Axelman - Hip Hop artist, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur - was announced today. 'Too Much' will be released on October 28, complete with five self directed music videos, starting with the video for 'Talk Too Much' to be released on August 19. The rest will be released every two months over the next year. Just off a 9 city Northeast and Midwest North American tour with his group 'The Funk Underground', Eric Axelman's newest work is devoted to curating experimental narratives and visuals. He's working with a small and devoted group of cinematographers, producers, and visual artists to create a series of visual and sonic portraits inspired by Hip Hop, but far outside of its traditional bounds. His upcoming debut album, 'Too Much,' combines soulful, pensive tracks, mixed with new wave funk beats, forming a pallet of lyrical depth and melodic simplicity. Axelman's first self directed video, for the song 'Talk Too Much' debuts on August 19, followed with his second video, for 'Too Much Space,' coming out October 14. Outside of music, Eric is an anti-racist educator, and the executive director of Pushed Learning and Media, a new non-profit he founded which creates documentaries about the complexities of oppression, privilege, and identity, as well as does touring educational work that combines Hip Hop performance with discussions on racial/gender inequality in America, with the goal of getting young people, and especially young white people, to think more honestly about race in America. Portland's Poet Laureate, Gibson Fay-Leblanc, writes that, Eric Axelman's music digs deep for the sharp, real stuff that jangles in our bodies. And his work with young writers and rappers demonstrates his commitment to helping them find their voices and to thinking deeply about how race relates to Hip Hop and to all of our lives. Axelman just returned from a trip to Israel and the West Bank where he shot footage for a documentary film he's directing about the role of Israel in forming American Jewish Identity and Politics, for which he's interviewed a number of high profile Jewish and Palestinian figures, including Noam Chomsky. TOO MUCH TRACKLISTING 1. Talk Too Much 2. Too Much Space 3. We Should Do This 4. We Had A Party 5. Funky Ass Jew (Part I) 6. A History (Part II) 7. Nice To Me 8. Got To Give It To Me 9. Tessa B Fast (Bonus Track) For the latest Eric Axelman news, please visit http://ericaxelman.com. Follow Eric Axelman on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ericaxelman, on Soundcloud at soundcloud.com/ericaxelman, and on Instagram and Twitter @EricAxelman FOR ALL PRESS INQUIRES CONTACT e.axelman(at)gmail(dot)com Extend your trip: book a free stopover in Europe with airberlin Plus: Special fares for flights to Europe available only until 15th August airberlin has launched a free stopover program offering travelers the convenience of a stopover at no charge in either direction in Berlin or Dusseldorf; ideal for those who have an overnight flight connection or would just like to explore those cities and the surrounding areas by car, train or public transportation. Book any airberlin fare from any of its U.S. gateways that include Boston, Chicago, Ft Myers, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), and San Francisco via its international hubs Berlin and Dusseldorf to any final destination in Europe and receive a free stopover. Travelers are allowed one stopover for up to seven days in either direction, any additional stopovers are offered at a charge of $100 USD. airberlin, Germanys second largest airline has just reduced fares for travel from August 23rd through September 30th in addition to travel dates for fall and winter from October 1st through March 31st excluding holiday travel periods. Fares offered start from $599 from Los Angeles to many cities throughout Germany and Europe such as Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich or Florence, Vienna and Zurich to name a few. In addition fares have also been lowered from Boston*, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Francisco* with fares starting at $599 including all taxes and fees. Travelers can fly via airberlins international hubs Dusseldorf and Berlin to premiere cities throughout Germany and all of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, Italy, The Nordics, Spain and Eastern Europe. The sale ends on August 15th, 2016. New flights as of summer 2017 airberlin will open up Orlando as a new destination as of May 2017 with five weekly flights as well as additional frequencies from Boston, San Francisco, and New York. The airline will also offer a new nonstop service from Los Angeles (three times per week) and San Francisco (four times per week) to Berlin, therefore being the only airline to operate nonstop flights from these two cities to the German capital. airberlin offers travelers both economy and business class on board its Airbus A330-200 long-haul fleet. The business class provides a high level of privacy, comfort and individual service. Every passenger has direct access to the aisle from the FullFlat seat. And in economy class the introduction of 46 XL seats per aircraft on long-haul flights offers airberlin passengers 20 per cent extra leg room, ensuring more comfort and faster embarking and disembarking. Tickets can be booked on https://airberlin.com, by contacting the Service Center (Tel: 917 261-3165, local rate applies) or through a travel agent. *Boston and San Francisco service ends October 31 2016 and will resume again in May 2017. About airberlin airberlin is one of the leading airlines in Europe and flies to 131 destinations worldwide. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 30.2 million passengers in 2015. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21 per cent shareholding in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld airline alliance. topbonus, the frequent flyer programme of airberlin, is one of the leading programmes in Europe with more than 4 million members. The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 23 airlines. The fleet is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe. Together with other airlines, airberlin belongs to Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand with which Etihad has been uniting shared activities since the end of 2014. Press contact: Melanie Schyja Press Officer Tel.: +49 30 3434 1500 Fax: +49 30 3434 1509 E-mail: melanie.schyja(at)airberlin.com http://www.airberlin.com On behalf of airberlin Madeleine Vogelsang Media Relations Representative USA & Canada Phone: 1-917-971-6213 Email: mvogelsang(at)zcomgroup.org http://www.airberlin.com http://www.facebook.com/airberlin The director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency on Thursday insisted that the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery to be stationed in Korea does not target China. Vice Adm. James Syring told reporters during a visit here that the battery will not be part of the U.S. umbrella missile defense system. "THAAD is a proven capability," Syring said. "The system has successfully intercepted targets in 13 of the 13 tests. THAAD is strictly a defensive system. It employs an interceptor with hit-to-kill technology that destroys potentially incoming North Korean missiles." Syring said six of the 13 tests involved mid-range ballistic missiles with ranges of less than 3,000 km and the rest long-range missiles. He said the tests "have been done over period of years and as that success has been achieved, we move on to longer-range tests." Charleen L. Goombss new book, 30 Days Of Prayer For Your Employer, ($10.99, paperback, 9781498461269; $5.99, e-book, 9781498479578) is a very unique guide written to encourage readers to pray daily for their employer. The author wants people to realize the importance of employers and the role they play in the life of their employees. Charleens own personal journey to be a Godly employee led her to become a praying employee. Just as the Lord challenged her, she is challenging each reader with a 30-day prayer challenge. Through this book of prayers, she encourages others to see the significance of praying for employers, just as she experienced with proven positive results. By regularly praying for your employers, you will see uplifting changes in your mindsets toward your employer/boss/bosses, states the author. Each challenge reflects a specific theme involving employment. The content is shaped according to choice scripture verses. This will be an effective way for readers to become familiar with the truths behind the scripture verses, as well as how to implement this spiritual understanding into their daily prayer lives. Charleen L. Goombs is a proud wife, mother, and devoted servant of God. Charleen has used her God-given, God-directed talents to be a force for good. She and her husband are active members of St. Peters Church and World Outreach Center, where she serves in different capacities. For the past 22 years, she has worked in law firms in a wide array of areas of legal practice, including, immigration, landlord/tenant relations, real estate, divorce, trust and estate planning, estate administration, product liability, medical malpractice and construction. Several years ago, during a period of unemployment (2 years), the Lord placed a burning desire on Charleens heart for things concerning the workplace. After becoming re-employed in May 2014, seemingly random thoughts came into her spirit, and, as time went by, they started to manifest themselves one at a time. As God led her, she followed His lead, using the Word of God to slowly change her attitude and actions and to develop a heart of thanksgiving in all she does and especially to make a difference in the workplace, not by preaching and beating others over the head with the Word, but by letting her light shine. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order 30 Days Of Prayer For Your Employer through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Media Contact: Charleen L. Goombs Email: charleengoombs(at)gmail(dot)com Website: http://www.charleengoombs.com There is no better place to relax, unwind, and unplug than the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As a spectacular 2016 summer vacation rental season comes to a close on the Outer Banks, the folks at Sun Realty of Nags Head are looking forward to an even bigger, better 2017. Those who love the Outer Banks have already begun reserving their 2017 vacation homes, knowing the best locations with the best amenities will book fast. In fact, advance reservations for the summer to come are up more than 15 percent over this time last year. Despite election year uncertainty, families have not been deterred from taking that all-important getaway vacation, said Shannon Kinser, Marketing Director at Sun Realty. Theres no better place to relax, unwind, and unplug than the Outer Banks of North Carolina. North Carolinas Outer Banks regularly tops list after list of family-friendly vacation destinations, best beach towns, most pet-friendly, beautiful scenery and more. Though the area continues to grow in popularity, it has, by design, managed to retain much of its charm and small town feel. Wide, sandy beaches, lack of a large number of major chains, and tons of natural recreational opportunities bring families back year after year. The summer of 2016 is quickly wrapping up, but then theres fall when air temperatures are much lower, the water is still warm, and the crowds are lighter. Visitors looking for a good deal on a beach vacation will find it in September and October. Or, for those already looking forward to next summer, Sun Realty is now accepting reservations for the 2017 season. About Sun Realty Sun Realty is a real estate sales and vacation rental company on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Established in 1980 by founder and CEO Paul Breaux, Sun covers the entire Outer Banks with 7 offices: Harbinger, Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Salvo and Avon. Sun Realty represents the largest selection of vacation rentals on the Outer Banks and has a sales team in every office. Visit http://www.SunRealtyOBX.com and http://www.SunRealtyNC.com for more information. ACS Group was recently recognized within the Staffing Industry Analysts annual list of 2016 U.S. Largest Staffing Firms. This list, now in its 21st year, ranks companies by revenue according to industry custom and believes that this list is accurate and can be used appropriately to get a big picture reading of the U.S. staffing market. Out of more than 130 staffing firms listed, ACS Group ranked the 24th largest company. More specifically, ACS Group is listed as the 8th largest IT organization. ACS Group is an innovative workforce management, staffing, and solutions company that has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years. Over the past several years, ACS Group has grown three-fold in size, said ACS Group President and CEO Raj Sardana. We appreciate this recognition of our employees success in providing value to our clients, and we welcome and celebrate the continued opportunities and business prospects ahead. We strongly believe our continued participation and success in the workforce management and staffing marketplace adds value to the industry as a whole. About ACS Group ACS Group is a premier provider of IT Consulting, Engineering Consulting, Healthcare Solutions, Talent Solutions, and Workforce Management Solutions to Fortune 1000 companies globally. ACS Group conducts business through four operating brands AIC, Analysts, ComforceHealth, and HireGenics each with a specialized business focus. Our operating brands have provided targeted services and solutions for more than 50 years. ACS Group has grown to over $700 million in revenue with more than 12,000 employees and consultants worldwide. Recognitions include: #1 Fastest Growing Company in the State of Georgia (2014); Ranked by SIA as the Second Largest Minority-Owned IT Consulting Company in the U.S. (2015); and winner of Inaveros Best of Staffing Client Diamond Award (2016). ACS Group is a certified MBE organization, and an NMSDC Corporate Plus member, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices across the U.S. and India, and an international presence in Canada and Latin America. ## Contact Information: Marc Cohen Sr. Director, Global Marketing and Communications ACS Group (678) 310-1251 / (770) 789-6048 marc.cohen(at)acsicorp(dot)com "DaaS clearly represents the next evolution of the desktop" Tim Caulfield, CEO of ANTARA Group ANTARA Group, a premiere infrastructure consulting firm based in San Diego, CA, is excited to announce its partnership with Dizzion, Inc., a full-service, desktop as a service provider (DaaS). With this agreement, ANTARA Group can now offer an advanced cloud solution to help the mid-sized enterprise. ANTARA Group is a boutique management consulting and professional services firm focused on the IT Infrastructure as a Service sector, which includes Data Centers, Managed Services, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security. To meet the growing need of secure desktop management among their clients, ANTARA Group conducted an extensive review of the sector and selected Dizzion due to their best in bread technology. DaaS clearly represents the next evolution of the desktop, said Tim Caulfield, CEO of ANTARA Group. It offers so many advantages for our customers: centralized administration, complete control of user access, and savings on capital investments. With Dizzion as a partner and a POD in our data center, our customers receive an additional benefit: performance so good that their virtual desktops will run as fast - or faster than their traditional desktops. Were extremely pleased to be working with ANTARA Group, an outstanding global consulting and professional service provider, said Margie Sims, Dizzion Vice President of Sales. ANTARA Groups ongoing commitment to servicing their clients infrastructure needs aligns in every way with the secure, fully managed end user computing solutions we are providing." About Dizzion, Inc. Established in 2011, Dizzion brings the power of cloud computing to the desktop by enabling employees to securely access their applications and data from any device, anytime, anywhere. Dizzions proprietary managed desktop service is built on enterprise technology that includes infrastructure, software licensing, management, support and security for a monthly fee. Dizzion is a privately-held company based in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit http://www.dizzion.com. About ANTARA Group ANTARA Group is a professional services consultancy firm that assists businesses with optimizing Information Technology (IT), Infrastructures including data centers on premise, co-located and as cloud based IT business solutions. ANTARA provides IT executive leadership professionals experienced in enterprise class, physical security, cyber security, compliance, governances, strategic expansion and advanced network solutions. ANTARA offers a portfolio of solutions tailored to the needs of Private Equity, VCs, Start-ups, SMBs and Fortune 1000 Enterprise companies HIPAA Exams, Inc, accredited by ANCC and a SBA 8(a) corporation, has been awarded a five-year, Schedule 00CORP contract with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). In awarding the contract, the federal government recognizes HIPAA Exams as a preferred vendor that is fully authorized to conduct business directly with federal government agencies. HIPAA Exams is a professional and management development training company with primary focuses on health care, workplace safety, and legislative compliance. HIPAA Exams is accredited by ANCC and is a SBA 8(a) corporation. The Company offers more than 25 health care-related courses that can be purchased, or leased individually, and viewed via the HIPAA Exams LMS or the clients own viewing system. As part of their GSA Schedule 00CORP contract, HIPAA Exams solutions are now available through the GSA Advantage! website, which facilitates the procurement of products and services for government organizations. Please visit https://www.hipaaexams.com/ for more information YMCA OF THE ROCKIES, ESTES PARK, CO YMCA of the Rockies will host the 2nd annual Rhythms of Nature Yoga Retreat, September 5-8, 2016, at the Estes Park Center. The retreat is all-inclusive and led by Laura Collins, founder of Homegrown Yoga & Massage. All-levels of yoga are welcome and media are invited to attend. "Whether you are a newbie to yoga or a long-time practitioner, the YMCA of the Rockies retreat provides everyone with a great opportunity to unplug, slow down, and reconnect in the majestic and peaceful setting of the Rocky Mountains," said Collins. " In addition to daily indoor and outdoor yoga classes on our beautiful 800+ acre property, the retreat features spectacular hiking, informative talks, meditation instruction, sacred drumming, and a friendly, supportive community. The all-inclusive retreat ($699/single, $525/double) features: Hotel-style lodge rooms with two queen beds, full bath, telephone and wi-fi Full meal plan plus a special yogi dinner in the Pine Room Daily outdoor & indoor yoga classes in a beautiful mountain setting Spectacular daily nature hikes in the Rocky Mountains Outdoor campfire with music Yoga workbook and notebook Nature talks and yoga discussions with guest speakers Meditation & self-reflection practices Optional massage for additional price Sacred drumming circle and star watching Access to indoor swimming pool Homegrown Yoga & Massage at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park began in the spring of 2012 in an effort to provide massage and yoga services to visitors from May October and the weeks of Christmas and New Year's. Massage services include the Homegrown signature massage, Swedish & deep tissue, hot stone massage, hikers feet heaven and prenatal massage. Laura Collins is a Licensed Massage Therapist from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and a Certified Yoga Instructor from the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, CA. She has training in a variety of massage modalities including Swedish, prenatal, myofacial release, shiatsu, integrative, lymphatic drainage, normalization of soft tissue, and trigger point therapy. To deepen her commitment to yoga, she also participated in a six month Yoga and Community Service program at the Mount Madonna Institute in Watsonville, CA. Laura was lay ordained in the Soto Zen tradition at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center in Sausalito, CA. For a complete schedule of the retreat, visit http://www.homegrownyoga.com/rhythms-of-nature-yoga-and-nature-retreat. Registration is available by contacting Laura at (720) 218-1953 or laura(at)homegrownyoga(dot)com. About the YMCA of the Rockies: YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian Principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. To learn more about the YMCA of the Rockies and Snow Mountain Ranch, visit http://www.ymcarockies.org and http://www.snowmountainranch.org. Courtesy of NASA With his background as a U.S. Army aviator and experience in U.S. and international spaceflight operations, Colonel Kopra will add unique perspective to the Rotorcraft Technology Summits discussions. -Jim McKenna NASA Astronaut and International Space Station Commander Tim Kopra will launch Rotor & Wing International's Rotorcraft Technology Summit with a Sep. 19 keynote address at the day-and-a-half event in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Kopra returned to Earth June 18 after 186 days (109 as commander) on the orbiting research laboratory. Combined with his past NASA missions, the retired U.S. Army aviator has flown 244 days in space, including more than 13 hours performing space walks to expand and maintain the space station. Kopra will share highlights of his recent mission and insights from his career with summit attendees. The Rotorcraft Technology Summit is designed specifically to identify and explain new and developing innovations that can help leaders in the global vertical-flight industry achieve business and operational goals. Its attendees will include those who run commercial helicopter outfits, public agency aviation units, rotorcraft and engine manufacturers, equipment suppliers and maintenance/repair/overhaul facilities, as well as representatives of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. With his background as a U.S. Army aviator and experience in U.S. and international spaceflight operations, Colonel Kopra will add unique perspective to the Rotorcraft Technology Summits discussions about bringing technology to bear on operational challenges, said R&WI Editor-in-Chief James T. McKenna. We are honored to have him join us to kick off this important event. Before his 1998 assignment to NASA as a vehicle integration test engineer, Kopra served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, aviation unit commander and experimental test pilot. His military duties included a tour with the Army Aviation Technical Test Center as developmental test director for the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter program. Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2000, he retired from the Army as a colonel in 2010. After his commissioning as an Army second lieutenant from the U.S. Military Academy in 1985, Kopra served as an aeroscout platoon leader, troop executive officer and squadron adjutant in the 101st Airborne Divisions air cavalry squadron. In 1990, as a member of the 3rd Armored Division in Hanau, Germany, he deployed to Southwest Asia for operations Desert Shield and Storm. There, he served as an aviation liaison officer, coordinating operations between aviation and armored brigades in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. He completed his tour in Germany as an attack helicopter company commander and an operations officer. Kopra was selected in 1995 to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He also is a graduate of the U.K.s Empire Test Pilot School. Kopra holds a Bachelor of Science from West Point, a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University and the London Business School. Visit http://www.rotorcraftsummit.com to register for the event, which is scheduled for Sep. 19 and 20 at the Hilton Fort Worth. This shift in our panel and research agenda reflects the need of the marketer and technology executive to better communicate and align toward business goals The Leapfrog Marketing Institute, the research arm of Leapfrog Online, today announced that it has added three CIOs Deborah (Deb) Hall-Lefevre of McDonalds, Randall (Randy) Spratt of McKesson (retired) and Pete Corrigan of Allstate to its influential Advisory Panel. The new Advisory Panel members will serve as the Institutes experts to advance the study of digital marketing and examine the evolving role of the CMO and CIO to drive digital transformation. Advisory Panel members share their expertise by penning original research and white papers that address the always-on consumer, digital commerce and the digital enterprise transformation around the customer experience. Previously, the Institutes Advisory Panel was only comprised of senior-level marketers and professors. The Institute broadened its focus earlier this year to include IT professionals, given the need for alignment between CMOs and CIOs in a digital world. I am honored to have these esteemed technology executives on the Advisory Panel, said Jason Wadler, executive vice president of Leapfrog and chair of the Leapfrog Marketing Institute. This shift in our panel and research agenda reflects the need of the marketer and technology executive to better communicate and align toward business goalsa gap uncovered in our CMO Digital Benchmark Study last year. Hall-Lefevre, Spratt and Corrigan each have a unique perspective on strategy, technology and data analytics which will bolster the Institutes knowledge base. Hall-Lefevre serves as vice president of global enterprise solutions at McDonalds, where she leads the fast food giants business technology portfolio and drives global improvement through business intelligence, financial systems and HR systems. Prior to this role, she served as the CIO of the US business and was responsible for all aspects of technology across 14,000 restaurants including the launch of ApplePay and the brands first mobile app. Spratt is the former executive vice president, chief information officer and chief technology officer of McKesson. He spent 29 years at McKesson before retiring in 2015. As CTO, he guided the overall technology direction for the companys healthcare technology products, and provided support and guidance for application development processes companywide. As CIO, he was responsible for all technology initiatives within the corporation. Corrigan, senior vice president of Allstate Insurance Company, serves as the group chief information officer responsible for driving technology across all of Allstates personal lines of business. In this role, he provides strategic oversight and direction for technology initiatives that impact Allstate customers, claimants, agency owners, financial specialists and product offerings. The importance of the relationship between marketing and technology is critical, and it all starts at the ideation phase with the leadership team, Corrigan said. I am impressed with the number of companies that are actively engaged with the Leapfrog Marketing Institute. Being able to speak with senior leaders from other companies and share perspectives on building a stronger partnership between the CMO and CIO is invaluable. To date, the Advisory Panel consists of 13 industry influencers and professors. Some of the members include: Tyrrell Schmidt, vice president, brand and customer experience, TD Bank Group; Tony Wells, senior vice president, marketing for Schneider Electrics North American market; Bob Wasserman, senior vice president, marketing for Allstate; and David Reibstein, professor of marketing at University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. About the Leapfrog Marketing Institute Leapfrog Marketing Institute nurtures thought leadership and commentary about marketing in a digital world, with a specific focus on consumer-focused experiences and omni-channel conversion. Along with an Advisory Panel comprised of senior marketing and technology practitioners, and professors from premier universities, the Leapfrog Marketing Institute publishes white papers, develops research reports, and hosts events for CMOs and industry influencers. Its research has been featured in AdAge, eMarketer, The Economist, and CIO Magazine. The Leapfrog Marketing Institute is powered by Leapfrog, one of the largest digital marketing agencies in the United States. About Leapfrog Leapfrog is a Performance Marketing Agency that has helped leading brands grow digital market share, acquire new customers, and deliver profitable sales for over 20 years. Our easy-to-integrate LFX Conversion Platform connects the consumer journey unlocking marketing intelligence that fuels omni-channel media buying strategies and the targeting of real-time, relevant consumer experiences that compel consumers to convert to customers. Leapfrog analyzes performance and consumer behavior to plan and predict with the purpose of driving continuous optimization. Steven Winter Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the Accessible Product Guide, an innovative online tool to help architects, builders, developers, and homeowners find products that enhance the accessibility and usability of spaces. The guide contains products for commercial, residential, and retail projects, and features a wide range of categories, including door hardware, drinking fountains, faucets, pools, ramps, lavatories, and more. Past experience has shown that it can be difficult for our clients to locate products that meet compliance with federal laws, state and local buildings codes, or Universal Design principles, said Victoria Lanteigne, Senior Accessibility Consultant with Steven Winter Associates. SWAs Accessible Product Guide will help to address this challenge by connecting individual users and project teams with products that are not only accessible, but also contemporary, elegant, and sleek. The guide currently features eleven vendors, including: Access-Able Designs, Inc., Accurate Lock and Hardware, American Standard, Aqua Creek Products, Bobrick, Elkay, Hafele, Niagara Conservation, Safepath Products, TOTO, and Trending Accessibility. The interactive platform is free to the public; and allows users to sign up, track interests, review products, and inquire about products directly from vendor sites. SWAs consultants are veterans in the accessible product arena, dating back to 1995 when SWA founded and led the Association for Safe and Accessible Products. Our teams unique and long standing experience in the field of accessible design enables us to provide effective and attractive product solutions to the market, said Peter Stratton, Senior VP, Director, Accessibility Compliance and Consulting. We are excited about the directory and look forward to the added value it will bring to our clients. In the coming months, SWA will begin to expand the guide by recruiting additional vendors, increasing the number and scope of products, and building the sites user base. Vendors who are interested in featuring products can contact us via the website for participation options. Steven Winter Associates, Inc. provides research, consulting, and advisory services to improve commercial, residential and multifamily built environments for private and public sector clients. We specialize in energy, sustainability and accessibility consulting as well as certification, research & development and compliance services. Our engineers and architects have led the way since 1972 in the development of best practices to achieve high performance buildings. As a matter of course, we collaborate with our clients to produce the most cost-effective and innovative solutions. For more information or to contact us, visit http://www.swinter.com. The new album, Longitudes and Latitudes, by Lawrence Blatt. Science influences my writing, but in my opinion, there is truly no divide between art and science. They are just different sides of the same thing. Past News Releases RSS Award-winning Pianist and Composer... Music for Relaxation: Tron Syversen... Many instrumental artists use clever and exotic song titles to invite listeners to share their passion for adventure and unique places. Guitarist and composer Lawrence Blatt may be the first in history, however, to create an entire travelogue featuring song titles reflecting where the tunes were written, and in line with the uniquely geographic theme of his latest album Longitudes and Latitudes the exact latitude and longitude of each locale. Accumulated over the course of his world travels over the past decade, the 15-track collection fulfills the independent artists mission to create a more upbeat, percussive sonic experience, featuring tracks written everywhere from Makawao, Hawaii (Two Shades of Sunshine) and Florence, Italy (A Place In Your Heart) to London (Hyde Park Bench), Huangshan, China (Open Fields and Running Water), Beerse, Belgium (Morning in Beerse) and his hometown of San Francisco (Two Steps Down The Line). In his liner notes, after a colorful explanation of how the early Greek explorers derived the idea of creating a gridded map of the world, Blatt moves past the science to make the emotional mission of his fifth album clear. I have been fortunate in my life to have traveled to many places on our planet and this album was inspired by the beauty and diversity of our rich planet. He adds, If you listen from beginning to end, youll hear that the songs speak to each other from one to the next, creating the effect of a long and soulful journey. Helping Blatt achieve the perfect harmonic flow from track to track is Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist (and founder of legendary new age label Windham Hill Records) Will Ackerman, who previously helmed Blatts critically-acclaimed recordings The Color of Sunshine (2009) and Emergence (2014). Speaking of his dynamic working relationship with Blatt, Ackerman says, The greatest compliment I can give any musician is that they sound uniquely like themselves; that there is a unifying sound and feeling to their composition and playing that could only come from them. Lawrence Blatt is certainly a guitarist and composer in that rare group. Graceful melodies and flowing grooves seem to come to him with ease. Hes established an impressive body of compositions that only seem to become more compelling emotionally and ever more accessible with time and maturity. Stylistically, Blatts global muse includes everything from ambient acoustic new age to soulful contemporary jazz, light funk, flamenco and traditional '30s styled jazz. He achieves this diversity via a colorful array of guitars, including the EVD custom acoustic, EVD custom nylon, the Tacoma Thunder Chief baritone, the Gibson J200 acoustic, Foggy Bottom acoustic, PRS Electric, Gibson Emmylou Harris, Perlman custom, Ladder based acoustic and, one of Blatts favorites, an Island Ukulele. Fans of Blatts previous works, including his solo acoustic debut, the Independent Music Award nominee Out of the Woodwork (2006) and its follow-up, Fibonaccis Dream (2007), will notice on Longitudes and Latitudes that hes incorporating more drums, percussion and percussive guitar techniques including scraping and tapping on the wood itself. Over the course of his career, hes proven a master of playing off of the harmonies of ensembles featuring eclectic instrumentation, so as to approximate how we interact with the intricate harmonies and vibrations of the natural world. His goal is always to convey emotion and melody even if that means having his guitar play a secondary role. In addition to Ackerman on the Klein Acoustic Guitar, the new album features the Hammond B-3 organ (Tom Eaton), piano (Kelly Park, Kori Linae Carothers), saxophone (Premik Russell Tubbs, Melecio Magdaluyo), electric bass (Sam Bevan), electric guitar (Marc Shulman), violin (Charlie Bisharat, Lila Sklar), clarinet (the late Jim Rothermel), flugelhorn (Jeff Oster) and percussion (Jeff Haynes). One of Blatts favorite outside of the box tracks is the classic old time jazz romp Flying Over Ellis Island, which he wrote literally doing that, reflecting upon the experience of immigrants. It begins with an Eastern European-inspired vibe before evolving into a 30s Benny Goodman sound via Rothermels whimsical clarinet and Bisharats violin. Other tracks that Blatt feels capture the freewheeling, stylistically expansive approach of Longitudes and Latitudes are the magical, high octane Spanish flamenco jam Noches de Barcelona; the easy flowing mid-tempo sax driven ballad Two Steps Down The Line; the trippy, infectious and whimsical IMA (written at the Indianapolis Museum of Art), which features Tubbs soaring electronic woodwind melody; and his graceful acoustic ukulele arrangement of Over The Rainbow, which closes the set. Connecting perfectly with and as an extension to his long, successful career in the biotechnology field, Longitudes and Latitudes is the fourth of Blatts recordings driven by a mathematical or scientific concept. Delving deeply into harmonic structure, each album, in its own way, explores the intricate connections and intersecting patterns in music and nature. Fibonaccis Dream was named after one of the Middle Ages greatest mathematicians and featured songs that that used Fibonaccis Golden Ratio numbers to inspire the way he approached the chords, melodies and rhythms. The Color of Sunshine explored the connection of sound and light as waveforms with unique frequencies; Light is the energy waveform and sound is the movement of air, says Blatt, and both have a frequency. He wrote each song in correspondence with a color, and ordered the album by the colors of the spectrum. Blatts liner notes for Emergence discussed the complex patterns of the natural world and the scientific meaning of the title word. All of his recordings include the specific tunings for each track. Science influences my writing, but in my opinion, there is truly no divide between art and science, says Blatt. They are just different sides of the same thing. If I look at a field of flowers, I can respond to their beauty, or I can describe the petals in mathematical terms, because they are arranged in Fibonacci sequences. Connecting these patterns in my music, and breaking them down to their core components helps me look at everything in a deeper way. Ive been writing music this way for so long that it's now second nature. Longitudes & Latitudes is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and all digital platforms. Visit LawrenceBlatt.com for music, videos, images and Lawrences complete discography. North Korea has sold its fishing rights near the de facto maritime border with South Korea to China, government sources here said Thursday. The North apparently pocketed US$75 million by selling fishing rights in both the West and East Sea and the money went directly into leader Kim Jong-un's pockets. Intelligence officials believe North Korea sold the fishing rights after its sources of foreign currency dried up due to international sanctions following its nuclear test in January of this year. Last month, the National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that North Korea bagged $30 million from China, its sole ally, to allow Chinese fishing boats to operate in its waters in the West Sea. Around 1,500 Chinese trawlers were allowed to enter North Korea's fishing zone, more than three times the number seen in previous years, according to the source. Black and Hispanic students have cut their high school dropout rates and increased their rates of college attendance, according to a new study conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In 2013, 12 percent of Hispanic students aged 16 to 24 were not in school and hadnt earned a diploma (also known as the status dropout rate) down from 32 percent in 1990, according to the report. Over the same period, the dropout rate among black students was cut nearly in halffrom 13 percent in 1990 to 7 percent in 2013. The status dropout rate also fell among whites over that period, from 9 to 5 percent. With increased high school completion for Hispanic and black students has come increases in college enrollment. Hispanic students represented 17 percent of undergraduates in 2013, compared to 6 percent a decade earlier. The black share of enrollment during this period grew from 10 to 15 percent. Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups 2016 is the latest in a series of reports since 2003 on educational progressfrom preschool through graduate schoolamong different groups. It draws on surveys and administrative records from students, teachers, school, local and state education agencies, and colleges and universities. Data sources include the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Common Core of Data maintained by NCES, and several U.S. Census Bureau surveys. This years report is the first to provide detailed breakdowns for Asian and Hispanic subgroups, said Angelina KewalRamani, principal researcher at AIR and co-author of the report. This level of disaggregation is unique to this report and a critical need. Important differences among these subgroups are often masked when reporting educational outcomes for Asians and Hispanics as groups. For example, the overall status dropout rate among Hispanic students was 12 percent in 2013, but variation among subgroups was considerable. Status dropout rates included 2 percent for Peruvians, 6 percent for Cubans, and 27 percent for Guatemalans. The report also covers trends in enrollment, school discipline and safety, dropout rates, achievement and outcomes of education. Among the highlights: Enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools was 51 percent white in 2012down from 59 percent a decade earlier and projected to decline to 46 percent by 2024. The black share of enrollment declined slightly over the same periodfrom 17 to 16 percentwhile Hispanic enrollment rose from 18 to 24 percent. Black students were much more likely to be suspended from school. In 2012, 39 percent of black public school students in grades 6-12 had been suspended at some point, compared with 17 percent of Hispanic students, 15.5 percent of whites, and 9.5 percent of Asian/Pacific Islanders. Some achievement gaps among different racial and ethnic groups have narrowed while others remained flat or even widened. For example, white students outscored blacks by 32 points in fourth grade reading on NAEP in 1992. By 2013, the gap was 26 points. But among 12th graders, the black-white gap grew from 24 points in 1992 to 30 points in 2013. Black students account for 28 percent of public charter school students, but only 15 percent of the students in traditional public schools. Hispanic students also enroll in charter schools at a higher rate than in traditional public schools (29 percent vs. 24 percent). Asians were much more likely than other groups to have completed calculus as their most advanced math course45 percent of Asians, compared to 18 percent of whites, 10 percent of Hispanics, and 6 percent of blacks. It was also more common for Asians to have earned at least one Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate credit72 percent of Asians in the high school class of 2013, compared to 40 percent of whites, 34 percent of Hispanics, and 23 percent of blacks. Besides enrolling at greater rates, Hispanic and black students also showed increases in college completion. The number of Hispanics receiving bachelors degrees more than doubled between 2002-03 and 2012-13 while the number of degrees conferred to blacks increased to 54 percent, and the number of degrees conferred to Asian/Pacific Islanders to 48 percent. Other groups showed smaller increases. Women earned 57 percent of all bachelors degrees in 2012-13. However, in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, men earned 65 percent of the degrees. In all racial and ethnic groups, men earned more STEM degrees than women did. AIR played a key role in producing this report and developed the indicators on nativity, children living in poverty, early childcare and education arrangements, safety at school, college participation rates, degrees awarded, and other topics. Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups 2016 can be found on the NCES website. About AIR Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity. For more information, visit http://www.air.org. 'What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment' -Michelangelo From the founder of treats! Magazine, Steve Shaw, and photographer David Bellemere comes a global model search to discover the first NU MUSES 12 of the worlds most modern and inspiring beauties to be photographed for a luxurious and timeless photographic calendar. A millennial take on the classic Pirelli calendar of the 1970s, NU MUSES will reestablish the nude as fine art to grace the walls of art galleries and collectors portfolios. The calendar will be launched at a VIP event during Art Basel Miami in December 2016 at an exclusive art gallery exhibition. Showcasing 24 stunning images, NU MUSES will be celebrated and gain worldwide exposure. In addition, the whole process will be shot for an hour & a half documentary to be shown in 2017 on one of the largest TV networks in the USA, and later distributed worldwide. We are launching NU MUSES at a time when things are highly censored, and restricted: we have pop culture celebrities flashing body parts to get attention and music lyrics that are overly sexualized, but we need to bring back the female form as classic fine art that is highly celebrated verses gratuitous , explains Steve Shaw, founder of the project. Adds Christianne Brooks, Creative Director of the project, This is about making something timeless through Intention vs. Attention. Intention by using a photographer who is a master of lighting, a master at working with talent and crafting these beautiful moments to capture them in. This is nothing new about nudity, yet we are pushing the boundaries and we are celebrating the uncensored beauty of the naked body. From landscapes and portraits in history, nudity was once recognized as the highest form of art, but over time has lost its point of view. We need to get back to showcasing timeless and classic nudity where women, as well as men, feel comfortable and inspired by these images of the female body. Women will want to be a part of this project because it's a beautiful piece of art. Starting today, models are invited to submit online or attend one of the open castings this month in either Los Angeles or New York. The search will be curated and finalized via live castings, social media voting and fashion industry judges. If selected to be one of the 12 NU MUSES, you will be: One of 12 models in the NU MUSES calendar art project Rewarded $10,000 Flown to an exclusive location for a shoot with David Bellemere Flown to Miami for the calendar launch event and dinner at Art Basel in December, covered by major press outlets Featured in theDecember issue of treats! with the chance to grace the cover of the magazine Featured in a documentary to be shown on one of the largest TV networks in the USA, &distributed worldwide Agents and models can submit talent to the NU MUSES website. All submissions must be received by August 30th. Alternatively, models can attend live open castings being held in Los Angeles on August 24th and New York on August 29th. For more information on live castings, guidelines, and the overall project process visit numuses.com and submit for the career opportunity of a lifetime! About Steve Shaw Steve Shaw has a background in celebrity & fashion photography, shooting for Elle, Vogue, and British Esquire. In 2011, British-born Steve Shaw conceived and launched treats! Magazine as a European-inspired, multi-media brand merging high fashion, and sensuality as the ultimate lifestyle luxury publishing body. Created in the spirit of fine art, treats! goal is to provide everyone with a platform to express their art from fine print to digital. treats! is designed to give the worlds best photographers a sophisticated, creative outlet with the freedom to have their work published without restriction. Steve focuses on celebrating the beauty of women as nature made them, which can be seen throughout his work. About David Bellemere David Bellemere was born and raised in Paris, France. He discovered photography during his high school years, which led him to studyvisual arts after his Baccalaureate. While in college, David caught the eye of various French magazines that commissioned him in his early 20s. Over the next few years he traveled throughout Asia regarding his time there as the most influential in his photographic style to this day. David is recognized for his unique light, colors, and composition, always celebrating beauty. The adjectives most often used to describe his pictures are sensual, delicate, and feminine. David currently contributes to the following magazines: Marie Claire Italy, Vogue Paris, Vogue US, Vogue China, Nippon Vogue, VogueSpain, Elle US, GQ UK, LUI, Porter Magazine, MUSE, treats! and Harpers Bazaar UK. ### Metro Storage LLC recently announced the purchase of a parcel of land in Naperville, Illinois to build a new self storage facility, the companys 24th in the Chicago area. Located at 1752 N. Aurora Road in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, the new state of the art facility will be a two-story, 92,000 GSF state-of-the-art, self-storage facility offering approximately 75,000 RSF of storage. Were excited to develop another new store with our partners at Fremont Realty Capital, said Matthew Nagel, Chairman of Metro Storage LLC. This is another great addition to our Chicago area portfolio. Our Acquisitions and Development teams once again did great job of selecting an outstanding site and designing a state-of-the-art facility, said Blair Nagel, CEO of Metro Storage LLC. We look forward to breaking ground and getting construction underway. The new store will be located on a major thoroughfare, in a strong demographic market close to residential areas and major retailers. Features of the store include a mix of climate (59%) and non-climate (41%) controlled storage, drive up access, a primary covered and enclosed loading/unloading bay with additional access points around the building, state of the art security, and a large, modern retail office area. Fremont is very pleased with this latest addition to the Fremont-Metro partnership, said Matthew Reidy, Partner of Fremont Realty Capital in San Francisco. The success of our venture is built on the great management team at Metro; a best-in-class developer, operator and leader in self storage. The 597-unit facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2017. About Metro Storage LLC Metro Storage LLC is a privately owned, fully integrated, international self-storage operating company specializing in the development, construction, acquisition, and management of self-storage facilities in the USA and Brazil. Metro operates under the trademark Metro Self Storage in the US, being one of the top 10 largest owner/operators of self-storage facilities in the United States with over 100 stores covering 12 states. Metro operates in Brazil under the trade name MetroFit which is one of the fastest growing self-storage companies in Brazil. More information about the firm is available at http://www.metrostoragecorporate.com. About Fremont Realty Capital Fremont Realty Capital (FRC) is the real estate private equity business unit of the Fremont Group, the investment office of the Bechtel family of San Francisco. Since formation in 1997, FRC has provided its investors with superior risk-adjusted returns and value-creation through investments in non-traditional and traditional real estate sectors, both domestically and abroad. FRC has been has been investing in U.S. and European self-storage businesses since 1998. Its success is based on a disciplined investment strategy, enduring long term relationships with best-in-class operating partners, and the collective experience of the firms principals. FRC has made investments in 365 properties in 11 countries, totaling over $5 billion. Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC announced today that it has reached an agreement with Starr Companies to represent their small business accounts. The Starr BOP insurance program is available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and Upstate, New York. It is not available in Metro New York City or Long Island. The arrangement covers the following categories of small business: Medical Offices Professional Offices Retail Operations Technology Wholesale Operations Artisan Contractors (in all states except New York) The arrangement with Starr Companies provides Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC new opportunities to underwrite the following lines of insurance through their portal: Business Owners Policies (BOP's) Umbrella or Excess Casualty Options The Business Owners Policy options Starr Companies provides are renowned for their high quality and breadth of coverage. Their comprehensive Property and Liability coverages can include protection for everything from office buildings themselves to important paperwork housed within them. All insurance policies are written by an admitted insurance company of Starr Companies. Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC is excited to begin this agreement, as it will help the brokerage to conveniently provide quick service and varied policy package options to its clients online. Retail agents interested in these packages can call Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC at (516) 396-4600. About Starr Companies Starr Companies (or Starr) is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starrs insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, Hong Kong and Singapore each have an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent). Starrs Lloyds syndicate has a Standard & Poors rating of A+ (Strong). Starrs insurance company subsidiary domiciled in China has an A.M. Best rating of A- (Excellent). About Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC Empire State Brokerage Services, LLC is an independent brokerage firm, offering competitive rates on policy packages to assist retail insurance agencies with insurance placements. Weve served agents nationwide since 2009, and we continue to assist our clients with the attention to detail and understanding they deserve. For more information, visit us online at http://www.empirebrokerage.com. The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is proud to announce that Ross Rothenberg, a partner at The Rothenberg Law Firm was invited to Citi Field last night to throw out the first pitch before the New York Mets game. You can catch the video of the moment here. The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is honored to have teamed up again this year with WOR 710/Mets Radio Network this season as the sponsor of The Injury Report on all broadcasts of Mets games. As this report airs during every game, home and away, listeners can be sure to catch up-to-date, comprehensive information on the latest injured players. Ross Rothenberg, Esq., is a leading member of The Rothenberg Law Firm LLPs successful team of personal injury and wrongful death trial attorneys. Mr. Rothenberg focuses his practice on litigating catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP has been helping injured New Yorkers for decades. Our team of legal professionals has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of thousands of clients. The firm has offices across the tri-state area in New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, Hackensack, NJ, and Lakewood, NJ. An experienced attorney at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can be reached at 800-624-8888 or by filling out a free online case evaluation form. The initial consultation with the Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is always free, and the firm only collects a fee if it is able to recover damages for you. To learn more about the firm, visit InjuryLawyer.com. News From Bulgaria Bulgarian PM: Belene NPP No Longer a Hypothesis Boyko Borisov affirmed that the project should be brought to reality by a private investor and different options for the participation of the state should be studied AUTHOR: publics.bg nova.bg The Bulgarian government is envisaging different options for the Belene NPP project and does not exclude the possibility to have the nuclear power plant built, should a private investor engage in it, Bulgarian Prime-Minister Boyko Borisov said in an interview for Nova TV. The court [of arbitration] in Geneva has already said that Bulgaria should pay EUR 557 m, while the daily interest for the delayed payment was set at EUR 167,000, Borisov said, adding that it is no longer about whether the reactors are one or two, whether we want to build it or not, whether it is feasible or not. Some BGN 1.4 bn (about EUR 700 m) have already been invested in the cancelled nuclear power plant project since its start in 2006, Borisov said. Bulgarias PM affirmed that the project should be brought to reality by a private investor and different options for the participation of the state should be studied. Belene as a hypothesis is no more, it [the nuclear power plant] should be built in one way or another, Borisov stated, somewhat ironically adding that the reactors should otherwise be considered eligible for an expensive museum exhibition piece. Borisov went on to comment another grand energy project planned in Bulgaria the Balkan gas hub, stressing that it should be considered an European project, rather than a Bulgarian one, and that it would be built with the support of the EU. When Margret and H.A. (Hans Augusto) Rey fled Paris by bicycle in June 1940, just ahead of the Nazis, they brought with them five manuscripts, including one about a French monkey. Originally called The Adventures of Fifi, it was published the following year by Houghton Mifflin in the United States as Curious George. Not only has Curious George never been out of print, but over the past seven and a half decades, its popularity has grown dramatically. The original seven-volume series now has 133 titles available in 26 languages; 75 million Curious George books are in print. What were seeing is that this brand continues to resonate year after year, said Ann Dye, marketing director for HMH Books for Young Readers. [Curious George] celebrates whats so great about being a kid: being mischievous, trying new things, and failing sometimes. We have a lot of great brands, [but] hes our centerpiece for a reason. To mark the brands diamond jubilee, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is publishing two 75th-anniversary books: Curious George (Sept.), the book that started it all, and a new collection, The Complete Adventures of Curious George (Oct.), containing seven George stories. Both come with free downloadable audiobook versions, read by The Office star John Krasinski. The Reys longtime publisher is also releasing a young readers edition of Louise Bordens 2005 The Journey That Saved Curious George, illustrated by Allan Drummond, which chronicles the Reys escape from France. It was originally published in picture book format; the newly reformatted edition, aimed at readers ages seven to 10, has a smaller gift-book trim size, and it includes a q&a with Borden and an essay titled Become a Detective. Borden also created a scrapbook in a similar style with historical photographs for the new edition of The Complete Adventures. There she continues the Reys saga and describes what happened once they reached the United States and settled in New York City, and then later in Cambridge, Mass. Everyone knows who Curious George is. He has an enduring quality, Borden said. In working on The Journey and the new scrapbook about the Reys, she added, I fell in love with both of them. Theyre amazing people, true artists. Borden likes to keep them close by as she works. She has one of Margrets pieces of pottery in her office along with copies of H.A.s ID cards. All Things George The new books will be out in time for Curiosity Day (September 17), HMHs annual celebration of Curious George and being curious, which falls on the Saturday closest to H.A. Reys birthday. Nevertheless, Karen Walsh, executive director of publicity for HMH Books for Young Readers, noted that the press has been honoring the mischievous monkey all year long. And in March, Hulu secured streaming rights to all nine seasons of the two-time Emmy Awardwinning Curious George TV series, as well as television specials and feature-length movies. HMHs 75th promotion got under way this past spring with a special Curious George Read to Me plush created for indie bookstores to sell on Independent Bookstore Day (April 30). That was immediately followed by Childrens Book Week (May 28), during which bookstores and the New York Public Library held Curious Georgethemed events. This summer, the American Booksellers Associations summer-reading campaign took its inspiration from the inquisitive monkey with the theme Get Curious About Reading. The Curious George World Tour, created in conjunction with the Association of Childrens Museums and the Ultimate Block Party, wraps up later this month. The tour, which also involves a Little Blue Truck (inspired by another iconic HMH childrens book), is making stops in eight cities to promote education and learning. The Curious George brand is also poised to take flight with its first airline promotion. American Airlines is adding a Curious George in-flight channel. Starting this month, the eight AA Admiral Kids Clubs around the country will give away copies of Curious George Says Thank You to children at the club. Though much of the marketing has been directed nationally, the Reys memory is very much rooted in Cambridges Harvard Square, where the couple moved in 1963. In 1996 neighbors Hillel and Donna Stavis opened a childrens bookstore to honor H.A. and Margrets contribution to childrens literature, Curious George Goes to WordsWorth (later Curious George & Friends). The store closed in June 2011 only to be reopened a year later by Adam Hirsch and his wife, Jamie, as The Worlds Only Curious George Store. We believed there was a demand for a fresh, new way to experience Curious Georges world, said Hirsch. We hope to have created a special place for children, parents, and grandparents to immerse themselves and lose themselves for a few minutes in Curious Georges love, laughter, and learning. Promoting Curious George doesnt end with H.A. Reys birthday, or the end of the year. Dye considers it a 365-days-a-year job. Almost as soon as Curiosity Day ends, shell be planning a new one for 2017, along with other Curious George activities. And the Curious George costumesthere are currently 70 official ones in circulationwill continue to bring the beloved monkey to children around the country. Joan London. Europa (PRH, dist.), $17 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-60945-332-9 Seen one way, Frank Gold is unfortunate: he and his parents are from Hungary but are now New Australians, victims of World War IIrefugees, displaced people, survivorsthat Australia prides itself on having taken in. Nearly 13, he is a polio victim relearning how to walk; hes seen a friend die in an iron lung. But Frank sees himself as a poet, one of the lucky few with a vocation, and as a lover. Having seen Elsa Briggs, another patient at the Golden Age Childrens Polio Convalescent Home, he knows that everything that has happened has lead him to her. London (The Good Parents) doesnt limit herself to Frank and Elsa: although short, the book feels ample, telling not just Franks story but those of his parents, anxious pianist Ida and handsome Meyer, trying to adjust to Australia and cope with their wartime experiences; Elsa and her worried mother; and Sister Olive Penny, the Golden Ages generous and efficient head nurse. They all get time to shine in this limpid book about health and death, love and poetry, sex and hope, war and its aftermath. Like Sister Penny, London sees past peoples exteriors to their complex and desirous interiors, and she generously offers those people to us in all their fullness. The novel was a recipient of multiple awards in Londons native Australia, and deservedly so: it is pretty much perfect. From Iron Chef to MasterChef to Top Chef, theres no shortage of national media attention for kitchen rock stars and those clamoring for the title. Food Network personalities, big-time bloggers, and now YouTubers continue to dominate the cookbook bestseller list. But cookbooks by regional chefs from across the country are also climbing the charts and winning awards along the way. We spoke with publishers about how they put hometown culinary heroes on the map. A Matter of Taste For many publishers, finding the next big cookbook author happens in much the same way as finding a great new local restaurant: word of mouth. A few years ago, Peter Cohen, Houghton Mifflin Harcourts Barnes & Noble rep, who lives in Philadelphia, had been talking up Michael Solomonovs modern Israeli restaurant, Zahav, to Rux Martin, the editorial director at her eponymous imprint at HMH. In September 2013, Martin decided it was time for a visit. It felt like the whole house went down to Philadelphia, Martin says. We had an amazing feast, and that, from our end, sealed the deal. Martin bought Solomonovs cookbook project in a preempt, and her imprint released Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking, in October 2015. It took home the 2016 James Beard Award for Book of the Year, also winning in the international category, and has sold more than 34,000 print copies to date, according to Nielsen BookScan. Martin points to a particular sensory element that is unique to cookbook acquisition, one that is invaluable when committing to an author without an established national platform. [Tasting] was an incredible advantage, Martin says. Its very risky to preempt [a book by a chef] whose food you havent tasted. Will Kiester, publisher at Page Street in Salem, Mass., also found an author on a colleagues recommendationJamie Bissonnette, chef at Bostons Toro. One of the publishers photographers mentioned to Kiester that he had a friend who was thriving with two restaurants in Boston and had an infectious personality to match. Again, a book deal was born from a good meal. We tried Jamies food, which is distinctive and delicious, and we signed him, because we believed in him as a chef and visionary, Kiester says. Page Street released Bissonnettes The New Charcuterie Cookbook in 2014, and though Kiester acknowledges the books niche appeal, he says the book did better than expected and has strong backlist potential. After Artisan executive editor Judy Pray met Sean Brock at a party in 2010 and chatted about Southern cuisine, Brock, chef at Husk in Charleston, S.C., mailed Pray the ingredients to his Hoppin John recipe, the dish that changed his life as a chef, according to Pray. Making and tasting that dish made me even more eager to work with him, she says. The recipe became the emotional heart, Pray says, of Heritage, which was released by Artisan in October 2014 to much critical acclaim, and which has now sold more than 55,000 print copies. It was awarded the 2015 James Beard Award for Book of the Year in American Cooking, and the IACP Julia Child First Book Award. Market Ability Chefs cooking in the countrys restaurant hubs essentially have a national platform, according to many publishers we spoke with, which breaks their books out of the regional fold. But is sourcingnot to mention publishingfrom a smaller culinary market an obstacle, asset, or nonissue? Thats a matter of debate. Lets face it: all restaurant books except those [from] places like Los Angeles and New York are regional, HMHs Martin says, and the question about whether or not theyre going to work is whether they go national. Jenny Wapner, executive editor at Bay Area food, drink, and design publisher Ten Speed, agrees. New York makes it a national book, she says. I think breaking out of that regional mold is hard. I have done so many exceptional regional books, where people are like, Oh, thats a city I dont live in. Despite certain promotional handicaps, Wapner says, regional food writing has an edge when it comes to content. The advantage, for me, is editorial, she says. You get a different voice, a different set of circumstances that build a different narrative. Page Street is in some ways fighting an uphill battle in its cookbook publishing efforts, Kiester says. Our authors have unproven marketing abilities, and often they are testing their outreach for the first time. He believes that a strong focus on editorial is the best countermeasure against any regional barriers. Its about the quality of the content and the concept of the book working together to make a unique connection with readers. [Region] matters less than creating a collection of recipes with particular authority and authenticity. Finding and nurturing projects by Midwestern authors is one of the fundamental aims of the cookbook program at Chicagos Agate Publishing, according to Doug Seibold, president and publisher. He says that the general biases of bigger publishers in favor of the East and West Coasts create an opportunity for a company such as Agate to develop underappreciated talents from the Midwest. By now everyone knows Chicago has one of this countrys great food scenes, but I think a lot of chefs and other prospective food authors around here still dont get the same kind of attention from the greater media world as their peers in New York City, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, Seibold says. As a result, I think some great projects come our way that bigger publishers have overlooked. Seibold says that the chefs and food purveyors the publisher works with represent some of the regions best untapped talent, such as Paula Haney of Chicagos Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Haneys The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie, which Agate released in 2013, has sold about 10,400 print copies, per BookScan. Asheville, N.C., home base for Quarto USA editor Thom OHearn, has proven to be a wellspring of cookbook projects. Two of the publishers lead cookbooks this fall, Buxton Hall BBQ Book of Smoke by Elliott Moss, and Biscuit Head by Jason Roy and Carolyn Roy, come out of the area. Being on the ground is probably the only way we could have published these books, from signing them through development, OHearn says. I was able to meet with the authors in person many, many times. In some ways it felt like I traveled back in time to another era of book publishing. The authors and I would actually go from handwritten pages to typed recipes, and then chefs could redline at a table, in person, instead of by email. Working with local chefs is a mixed bag for Seattle publisher Sasquatch Books. We often have to fight hard to get national media to pay attention to a regional cookbook, says Sarah Hanson, Sasquatch president and COO. The advantages are that we know the food and talent here in our backyard better than an East Coast publisher [would], and we have stronger relationships with local media. We can knock out a comprehensive [Pacific Northwest] media and event campaign like nobodys business. Local talent on the Sasquatch roster includes Jennifer Shea, whose 2013 book, Trophy Cupcakes & Parties!, takes its name from her Seattle bakeshop, and Debra Music and Joe Whinney, proprietors of Seattles bean-to-bar company Theo Chocolate and authors of the 2015 recipe book of the same name. The Cooks Tale After Michael Solomonovs brother, David, died in 2003 during his service in the Israeli army, Solomonov became determined to bring the flavors of Israel to American diners, a journey he captures in Zahav. His life took an entirely different turn after his brother died, HMHs Martin says. His cooking took a whole different turn, away from the Mediterranean food that we all know, into this still rather unknown cuisine. Though discovering a promising cookbook author is literally a matter of taste, the acquiring editors we spoke to say that the best cookbooksthose that find coast-to-coast audiencesalso tell a compelling story. There was such a narrative arc in Mikes life, and you just dont see that very often, Martin says. Food is hard to write about, and this [book] has a narrative. Thats a big deal. Ten Speeds Wapner agrees on the necessity of a story, and she found a strong narrative in Ashley Christensen of Pooles Diner in Raleigh, N.C. When Christensen opened the restaurantwhich carries the name of the previous tenant, who opened one of the first restaurants in the downtown areain 2007, she sparked a revitalization of the languishing urban center, according to Wapner, creating a community through her restaurant and network of employees, farmers, and patrons. Its a great story that felt of national interest, Wapner says. The editor signed a deal with Christensen in 2013, and the book, Pooles, hits shelves on September 20. If an editor is savvynot to mention luckyshe may get in early and watch a chefs story as it develops. I haunt hundreds of food blogs and food websites, and I frequently reach out to writers who are doing exciting and innovative things in the food field, says Dervla Kelly, senior cookbook editor at Rodale. I comment on their blog posts, first as a fan of their site and someone who cooks the recipes that they post, and then later with a mind toward the fact that a book can be developed out of their stories. This tack led Kelly to Molly Yeh of the blog My Name Is Yeh. Yeh, who began blogging from Brooklyn, moved to the Midwest to live on a sugar beet farm with her new husband. I was curious to see how her writing and her recipes would change as her life began in a new, rural area, Kelly says. Suddenly, her site grew in leaps and bounds. Rodale signed her up, and Yehs book, Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from an Unlikely Life on a Farm, bows in October. Whats the Big Idea? Aaron Franklin, owner of Franklin Barbecue, arguably the most popular barbecue joint in America, worked his way to the mainstream with appearances on Anthony Bourdains No Reservations and a television commercial for Chase Sapphire. His debut cookbook, also titled Franklin Barbecue, accelerated his rise to national fame. Ten Speed published the book in April 2015, and it has now sold more than 129,000 print copies, per BookScan. When it comes to breaking a regional book out of its locale, concept is key, according to Emily Timberlake, senior editor at Ten Speed. Franklins Meat Smoking Manifesto (as the book is subtitled) weighs in at 224 pages, but it has only a dozen recipes. Because the initial five chapters take a deep dive into the mechanics of barbecuehow to build or hack your backyard smoker, how to source and cure wood, and how to buy and trim the best meatthe first recipe doesnt appear until page 147. Franklins book was completely different from all the existing barbecue books on the market, Timberlake says. She also acquired and edited James Beard and IACP awardwinning baking book Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish, owner of Kens Artisan Bakery in Portland, Ore. Again, Timberlake attributes the success of the book, which per BookScan has sold almost 56,000 print copies since its 2012 release, to its distinct concept. We knew that Portland was one of the food capitals of the country, and that Kens bakery sourced many of the best restaurants and shops with bread, Timberlake says. But what appealed to us most about Kens approach was that he did not just reproduce recipes for the items he sold in his bakery. Rather, he developed and rigorously tested new recipes that were specifically made for home ovens. Heritage author Sean Brock originally envisioned writing a cookbook that focused on Charleston cuisine, but the concept didnt feel right, as it didnt reflect his growing national persona, says Artisans Judy Pray, and it didnt align with the chefs expansion into Nashville. Artisan recalibrated to reflect his new visibility within the industry, and in Heritage Brock explores and reimagines the foods of his Appalachian upbringing and his adopted hometown of Charleston, while incorporating his passion for conserving the heritage dishes and ingredients of the South. Start Local, Go National One unifying publicity strategy of many cookbook publishers is to capitalize on a regional authors baked-in fan base, and the loyal local media eager to cover a hometown star. There was a great deal of anticipation in Seattle for Renee Ericksons debut cookbook, according to Sasquatchs Hanson. Erickson, author of 2014s A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus, is also the chef and owner of four of Seattles most popular restaurants. Every customer at any of her restaurants collectively formed the foundation of readers for her cookbook, Hanson says. There is a viral quality to the very best restaurants. People tell friends of a magical meal, and the reputation grows and grows. Agates Seibold harnessed former broadcast journalist Anupy Singlas network of local contacts to promote 2010s The Indian Slow Cooker, one of the publishers perennial bestsellers (almost 54,000 print copies to date, per BookScan). Singla enjoyed an early embrace from the Chicago Tribune, which reviewed the book positively and featured Singla in the papers series about inspirational local women, giving the book a big boost, Seibold says. According to Martin at HMH, one of Solomonovs local allies in Philadelphia media also moved the needle for Zahav. Its a rare cookbook that gets on Terry Gross, she says, referring to the host of NPRs Fresh Air. But it didnt hurt that her office was nearby. Feeding the Publicity Machine In the same way that editors may acquire a book after enjoying a chefs cooking, a good meal can be a new authors best ambassador to the public. For A Boat, Sasquatch sent Erickson on a six-city tour, including stops in Portland, Ore.; Los Angeles; New York; and Rockport, Maine. The tour focused on ticketed events, in which each hosting restaurant would craft a meal or menu inspired by the book. Many of the events sold out and fueled great local media coverage in their respective markets, Hanson says. The book, per BookScan, has sold more than 18,000 print copies to date. In the six weeks after Heritage was published, Brock did 22 public events in 18 cities, most of which were ticketed dinners in conjunction with restaurants and independent booksellers. It was a great way for chefs around the country to introduce their customers to Seans cooking, and for bookstore owners and restaurant owners to forge relationships, says Allison McGeehon, director of publicity and marketing at Artisan. Of course, landing on a national platform is still one of the best ways to get attention. Kiester says that though much of Page Streets sales are generated by authors social media efforts on Twitter and Facebook, as well as high-traffic blogs, The New Mediterranean Table by Minneapolis chef Sameh Wadi got a major boost from the most mainstream of coverage. Wadi, who had two great restaurants but no national name, was featured on the front page of the New York Times Food section a few months after the book was released in April 2015, as part of the papers Ramadan coverage. The press was in part a matter of good timing, but Kiester also credits the strength of the author and his book. Everybody who picked up the book believed in it, Kiester says. I tell my authors, The best way to market your book is to make a great one. Below, more on the subject of fall cookbooks. Imported Goods: Cookbooks Spotlight Fall 2016 Heres how publishers introduce international authors to the U.S. Market. Hometown Heroes: Cookbooks Spotlight Fall 2016 These chefs, all regional favorites, are going national with their first cookbooks. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. GENESEO -- Veterans and active military members will be honored at the Cost of Freedom Festival planned in conjunction with the return visit of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Members of the Don Cherry Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary sponsored the initial visit of the Wall to Geneseo in 2013 and are doing so again this summer. The Wall will be on display at Geneseo City Park from noon Thursday, Aug. 18, through 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. VFW Post and Auxiliary members who serve on the committee for the Wall emphasized the importance of honoring all veterans and active military members -- not just those who served in Vietnam -- during the celebration. Two Geneseo residents who are veterans, Jim Carton and Hank Smeltzer, said they would have gone to Vietnam to serve their country, but they were never asked. Mr. Smeltzer enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and was discharged in 1969. He attended tech school for the maintenance of nuclear weapons at Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., before he was sent to Jacksonville, Ark., and later to Spangdoldm, Germany, where he served for 14 months. I had to go where I was sent, he said. If they would have wanted me to go to Vietnam, I would have gone, but they werent using nuclear weapons there, and my job was the maintenance of nuclear weapons. I was in another country, working for my country, and I didnt have much time to think about elsewhere. I was busy with what I was doing. His wife, Jan Smeltzer, was with him in Germany. It was OK to be there, but we didnt have any money to do anything," Mr. Smeltzer said. "When we returned to the U.S., I was at Chicopee Falls, Mass., also with the maintenance of nuclear weapons. Mr. Smeltzer and Mr. Carton agreed that having the Wall in Geneseo again is great, and both said they would be at some of the activities planned in conjunction with the visit. I think its great they are honoring all veterans, Mr. Smeltzer said. Mr. Carton was in the U.S. Army Reserves in the early 1960s, undergoing military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then advanced training for radio relay carrier operators at Fort Gordon, Ga. After six months, I returned home, and a year after that, I was called to active duty for one year, and that was during the Berlin Crisis, he said. It was near the Vietnam War time, and I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a radio operator, but if I had been called to Vietnam, just like anybody else who was called up to serve, I would have gone to serve my country. Mr. Carton was working for Deere & Co. in East Moline when he was called to active duty. John Deere did not want me gone because I was a supervisor at the foundry, he said. I was put in the control group of the Army with a reserve unit from Greeley, Colo. I definitely think the Vietnam veterans were not treated right, and I think there is much of that that goes on today with veterans not being treated fair and square," he said. "Just look at the veteran situation and the care they are given. "I think the Vietnam vets are treated more poorly than any of them, Mr. Carton said. I did not see active battle, and at times I dont feel like I am a veteran because of that. The Rock Island County Health Department has found mosquitoes in the county that were carrying the West Nile virus. The virus can cause flu- or cold-like symptoms. There also is a risk of swelling of the brain and the tissue that lines the brain and spinal cord, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The latter problems, generally rare, can be fatal. The health department announced the discovery of the infected mosquitoes in a Thursday news release. Health department officials said they maintain mosquito traps throughout the county and test dead birds not killed by animals, vehicle or by collisions with buildings. To minimize the risk of catching the virus, the health department suggests: -- When outdoors, wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus or IR 3535. -- Try to avoid being out at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. -- Don't leave water standing. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed. Remove old tires, unused buckets or other containers. Regularly change water in birdbaths, wading pools and flower pots. -- Keep screens on windows and doors tight. Replace damaged or worn screens. Do not leave unscreened doors or windows open. To report a dead bird to the health department, call 309-558-2840 or 309-558-2843. The corpse should not show signs of decomposition or trauma, such as from a predator or vehicle/building collision. The health department's email address is health@co.rock-island.il.us; its website is richd.org. The CDC's West Nile website is cdc.gov/westnile/faq/index.html . WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) A judge on Thursday ruled that a North Carolina man who was convicted of murder as a teenager and was imprisoned 28 years ago did not get a fair trial and allowed him to go free. North Carolina Superior Court Judge W. Douglas Parsons ruled Thursday that there was not enough evidence to justify 43-year-old Johnny Small's conviction for a 1988 murder. The judge said he didn't see proof of Small's innocence, but was persuaded that prosecutors must decide if there was enough evidence to put him on trial again. "I don't know if Mr. Small did this or not. Whoever did this is a monster," Parsons said. "What I'm here to decide is, did he receive a fair trial? ... It is more than abundantly clear that he did not." Small was released from a Wilmington prison and arrived at his cousin's manufactured home just before nightfall Thursday. There he'll spend his first night of freedom on the living room sofa rather than in a bed in a room cleared for him. "I don't want to sleep in no room. I want to be in a big space," Small said. "This is a good totally different world than whenever I came into" prison, Small said. "I don't know how to function. I mean, when I came into it (prison) I was still a kid and in a way I still got a kid's state of mind." He will be under electronic house while charges are pending. Small has been imprisoned since the 1988 murder of Pam Dreher in Wilmington. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while she was lying on the floor of her tropical fish store. Dreher's family left the courtroom Thursday without speaking to reporters. District Attorney Benjamin David said in a statement that his staff will meet with Wilmington police and the state attorney general's office "to determine whether any additional investigation should be conducted or additional charges should be filed." The statement offered no timeline on a decision and a spokeswoman did not respond to an emailed question. Small, wearing a tan jail uniform, was led from the courtroom before the judge finished speaking. His attorney, Chris Mumma, said he was hyperventilating as he realized he was about to be freed. "Johnny Small is no more guilty of this murder than I am," Mumma said. "My belief is that the evidence clearly established his innocence." About 150 people falsely convicted of crimes a record number were exonerated in 2015, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. The registry is a project of the University of Michigan Law School and has documented more than 1,850 such cases in the U.S. Parsons' decision came after Small's teenage buddy said he was pressured by police to testify at the murder trial that both he and Small were at the scene. David Bollinger says a Wilmington homicide investigator made up the story and his grandfather pressured him to lie on the witness stand. Bollinger said he could no longer keep quiet and was ready to face the chance of being prosecuted for perjury on the witness stand nearly three decades ago. State attorneys argued that Small deserved neither a new trial or to be freed from prison. Bollinger, 47, said he testified falsely at Small's trial because prosecutors promised charges he faced would be dropped in exchange and threatened the death penalty if he didn't cooperate. Bollinger said he was driving to an automobile auction in South Carolina with his boss about the time Dreher was killed and didn't drive Small to the scene, as he testified at the 1989 murder trial. He said he lied then because he was afraid that since he was an adult he could get the death penalty, and a Wilmington police detective told him Small could get out of prison after turning 18. Bollinger said he confided to his grandfather, a former police officer and FBI agent, about the lie police told him to tell and was told he should stick to the story. Small's attorneys said without Bollinger's testimony, prosecutors never could have convicted Small of a crime that would have required planning by a more mature mind than the drug-taking, car stealing, juvenile delinquent Small admitted to being at age 15. No gun, fingerprints or blood-spattered clothing tied Small to the crime. Small and Bollinger were arrested three months later while attending the county fair after police got a Crime Stoppers tip from one of their former classmates. Nina Raiford said she was walking past Dreher's shop when she saw Small exiting, then saw a news report about the slaying the same night. She didn't report what she saw until after Crime Stoppers offered a reward and she spoke to a school counselor two months later, Small's attorneys said. Punch-clock records from the fast-food restaurant where Raiford worked show she didn't quit work the night of the slaying until after she described spotting Small. Parsons said he determined it was physically impossible for Raiford to be at the murder site as she claimed and that police withheld key evidence. Almost 50 Illinois counties have filed lawsuits against Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, and the ill crafted SAFE-T Act. Introduced in the General Assembly by the Illinois Black Caucus, the Act passed the Democratic-led General Assembly in the wee hours of Jan. 13, 2021. Amongst many of its weaknesses and deficiencies, the Act eliminates cash bail, emboldens criminals, and makes it even more difficult for law enforcement to keep offenders off our streets. Public Safety personnel and States Attorneys across our great State have decried the legislation, noting that it was drafted and written with very little constructive input from Public Safety leadership, from either party; potentially impacting every Illinois community with dangerous consequences. Allowing perpetrators to bail out of jail, based on their good word that they will be glad to return to court is laughable, at best, and both ludicrous and dangerous, at worst. Soon after the SAFE-T Act was passed at the State level, the Republican-led Henry County Board drafted a resolution, requesting that the General Assembly repeal and replace the SAFE-T Act with a new criminal justice bill, this time with input from professional law enforcement, States Attorneys from across the State, and other Public Safety officials. We unanimously passed our resolution on May 19, 2022, and encourage all County Boards in Illinois to follow our lead. Our Republican-led Board in Henry County believes we all, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, deserve effective and fair law enforcement in our communities. Hot 100 Major Lazers Cold Water cracks the Top 10 at #2 from #16 on its second week in the chart followed by Drakes Too Good ft. Rihanna at #3 from #9, a new peak for the track. Imanys Dont Be So Shy hits #5 from #10 while Anne-Marie makes a Top 10 break with Alarm at #10 from #13. MO sees further success with her own single Final Song sitting just outside the Top 20 at #22 from #28. Mike Perrys The Ocean is now at #29 from #35 and Digital Farm Animals Millionaire ft. Cash Cash & Nelly makes the Top 40 at #38 from #48 following continued love at commercial. Most moved is Jonas Blues Perfect Strangers, taking #25 from #49 following weeks of continued additions. The Chainsmokers Closer makes a noteworthy debut at #28 while Hailee Steinfeld & Greys Starvingft. Zedd debuts at #47. Lukas Graham makes an entry at #55 with Drunk In The Morning following high rotation from a select few influential stations. ARIA Singles Major Lazer keep up strong week two figures and maintain their lead at #1 with Cold Water ft. Justin Bieber & Mo. The Chainsmokers take the #2 debut with Closer ft. Halsey after being denied the top position by the dancehall troupe. Shawn Mendes secures another new peak at #4 from #5 with Treat You Better. Ushers Crash breaks into the Top 10 at #10 up from #17 and is now his 12th track to enter the Top 10 of the ARIA Singles chart. Following a debut at #42 last week, Jonas Blues Perfect Strangers moves up to #11 and is the weeks biggest mover. Kenny Chesney debuts at #26 with the huge country/pop crossover hit Setting The World On Fire ft. P!nk. ARIA Albums Its a similar situation in the ARIA Albums chart too with Human Nature managing to deny Gang Of Youths the #1 debut as Gimme Some Lovin: Jukebox Vol. II holds fast at #1. Gang Of Youths come in at #2 with Let Me Be Clear, their new EP and career high point on the chart. It follows 2015s The Positionswhich peaked at #5. Hellions see a career peak too this week with Opera Oblivia debuting at #4 and leading ahead of The Voice winner Alfie Arcuris Zenith, which debuts at #5. DJ Khaled takes the next big debut at #6 with Major Key and makes for his first ever ARIA Albums entry. Outside the Top 10, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis This Unruly Mess Ive Made makes a leap to #11 from #25 following the hype from their current stint in Australia. Click here to view all this weeks charts, including our HOT 100 national airplay (by genre and state), iTunes, Spotify, Shazam, ARIA, AIR & AMRAP. Singles To Radio Broods Heartlines UMA Pitbull ft. Flo Rida & LunchMoney Lewis Greenlight SME Martin Garix ft. Bebe Rexha In The Name Of Love SME Tove Lo Cool Girl UMA Banks Gemini Feed EMI Most Added To Radio The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey Closer SME Jason Derulo Kiss The Sky WMA Betty Who I Love You Always Forever SME Twenty One Pilots Heathens WMA DNCE Toothbrush UMA I meet with a good friend of mine for dinner on a regular basis he works in an industry far removed from advertising sales. Recently he explained to me that he wanted to learn how to sell because it would help him further his career. I agreed that I would give him simple sales lessons each time we had dinner to help him along. During our initial discussion my friend divulged that his biggest dilemma at the thought of selling wasnt his product knowledge (he has more than enough); it wasnt a shortage of prospects (his company gets leads everyday); and it wasnt his companys pricing (they are very competently and competitively priced). His biggest obstacle was one hed placed inside his own head. At some point he had decided that his prospects were going to reject him or say no to his proposal, and this before he even gets on the telephone to make any appointments. On what basis do you think they are going to reject you I asked? He didnt really have a response. The answer of course is that he is suffering from fear. My friend had set himself up to fail before hed even begun. It is my view that selling isnt complex; its not a difficult process to understand, and theres certainly no magic required to be a closer. Yet it isnt easy is it, facing our fears? Because of this fear over the years weve tried to complicate the sales process; to hide the truth from our prospects; to hide the fact that we are actually trying to sell them something. Just now I Googled selling systems in my web-browser and got back 2,210,000 listings! From Advanced Neuro Dynamics, The Getting Into Your Customers Head Selling System, to The Customer Needs Analysis Process. From Solutions Selling, Spin Selling, and No Selling, Selling. To Stop Cold Calling And Start Selling Selling, Impact Selling, Honest Selling, The New Strategic Selling; and High Probability Selling. From Power Base Selling Dream-weaving to Customer Centric Selling there is no shortage of magical answers. Dont get me wrong; most of these are probably very valid sales processes. Yet they tend to fail to deal with the real problem, this one vital issue. In one of my previous articles I asked the question What is it thats causing this lack of belief that we will win in selling? The physical things that impede us from winning sales can generally be hunted out, yet at the end of the day isnt it all about us? You and me? Its us sitting across the desk from our prospect. Its us who needs to be articulate, alert, and empathetic. Its us who needs to take some courage and action, lean into the conversation at the appropriate time and ask the closing question Do you want to dance? In the same article I noted that 4 out 6 salespeople dont even ask their prospects to buy after a presentation. This refers to all of us in every industry, working with a sales system or not. So whats it all about? Do we simply need to suck-it-up and do the work? I believe so. Try this simple opening statement before your next final presentation. It may help you soften even your most feared prospect. Tom Im a true believer in the sales process, I actually dont believe that someone can sell something to someone who doesnt want to buy it. In fact, if I did push you into something you didnt want, Ive done the wrong thing, right? (Youll get a nod) So what Im going to do today is take you through all the features and benefits of [the product]; well explore whether or not those things fulfil your needs and wants exactly; and then Ill ask you whether or not youd like to buy it. As a result all Im going to need from you today is a Yes or No. Is that okay? (Youll get another nod). Sell without regret. Michael Tate Sales Director | NRS Media [email protected] The Newcastle GFK Survey #2 has been released this morning with KO-FM the big winner, adding over two points 10+ to be a clear #1 on 18.2%. Stablemate NX has also had another strong result, adding another point to move to a 13 share, the ABC took a hit and holds fourth spot with 10.6 and it was a great round for New FM up 1.7 to ahead of t 2HD with a 10.7. Full results below. For SCA the demos couldnt have been ordered any better. NXFM dominates under 40 and KOFM dominates over 40. KOFM has surged in Breakfast a 19.4. The ABC copped a whack down nearly two points but second overall with a 14.2 and both NX FM and New FM are up. (click to enlarge). PR: Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC) has received Rs 1bn ($US 15m) to purchase property along the 13.3km alignment of Line 2, which will link Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) with Nidamanuru. Further funding for land acquisition will be released by the state in phases and the process is due to be completed within four months. The Rs 72.1bn two-line first phase of the network was approved by the Indian government last September and the Public Investment Board is expected to sign the project off by the end of this month. This will enable AMRC to sign a memorandum of understanding with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on the implementation of the project. Construction is due to begin on Line 2 next year. InnoTrans, the semi-annual global railway industry trade exhibition and the largest event of its type, is offering discounted tickets to North American attendees. InnoTrans take place every two years in Berlin. Show dates are Sept. 20-23, 2016. The discounted tickets are 60% off the regular price. North Americans who plan a trip to InnoTrans 2016 can use the following registration link: https://mb-av-usa-innotrans.shop.secutix.com/https://mb-av-usa-innotrans.shop.secutix.com/ For questions on attending or exhibiting at InnoTrans, contact North American Representative Mary Jo Balve, (732) 933-1118, [email protected] The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), Railway Supply Institute (RSI), Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI) and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA are coming to InnoTrans to present a concentrated display of their countrys economic strengths in the rail transport sector. The venue will be the USA Pavilion, where REMSA will be organizing a combined stand in Hall 22 on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Companies and organizations from the U.S. are showing an increasing appreciation of InnoTrans as a venue for international trade. Since the U.S. made its debut in 1998, exhibitor numbers have increased ten-fold and their display area is now 30 times greater. For its exhibitors, the display of products ranks high on the InnoTrans agenda, along with the opportunities that it provides for cultivating contacts with the leading decision-makers in Europe, Asia and South America. Within the industry, this trade show has a vital role for management and technical representatives, who can discuss and conduct business here. The U.S. exhibitors at the upcoming InnoTrans will again include numerous global market leaders, among them Progress Rail Services, Wabtec, Amsted Rail and GE Transportation. A press conference will be held for the first time, at which journalists can obtain details about current trends and developments in the U.S rail industry. On Sept. 22, representatives of the associations will be meeting with domestic and international media for a Q&A session, which will be held at the InnoTrans press center. The exclusive USA Pavilion allows U.S.-based railway supply companies and organizations a unique opportunity to highlight their goods and services at InnoTrans, a major international event that attracted more than 130,000 attendees from more than 100 countries in 2014, said REMSA Executive Director David Tennant. The international market holds great promise for North American railroad suppliers, and the USA Pavilion will showcase companies who are interested in marketing their products globally, said RSI President Thomas D. Simpson. The products and services provided by the signal and communications suppliers are the most rapidly changing in the industry. Technological advancements in software, hardware and data management that can be used by the rail and transit companies to increase safety and efficiency are continuously being developed. InnoTrans 2016 provides an excellent forum to obtain the latest information on these developments, said RSSI Executive Director Michael A. Drudy. InnoTrans will provide our individuals members with networking opportunities and will also provide an opportunity to see exhibits from a wide variety of companies. The five segments of the exhibition, Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction will be of interest to many of our members, said AREMA Executive Director and CEO Beth Caruso. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Refinery29, a digital media company focused on women, has raised $45 million in fresh funding, led by an equity investment from Turner Broadcasting. To date, Refinery29 has amassed a loyal following of more than 27 million unique visitors on its website and a reach of more than 225 million users across all other platforms. Since launching R29 Originals in April 2015, video views have increased by 19 times across all platforms. The company announced its international expansion plans in September 2015 and has since opened international offices in Germany and the UK. And according to comScore, 37% of traffic is coming from users who visit the site nine times or more per month.Refinery29 will use the funding to expand its video production business across a range of new formats and channels, and to accelerate its growth internationally. In parallel with the investment, Turner and Refinery29 will work together on content creation and development tied to key programming across the Turner networks that will appeal to Refinery29's core audience of millennial women. Additionally, the two companies will also collaborate on cross-platform ad sales partnerships.Christina Miller, president and general manager of Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang, will take a seat on Refinery29's board of directors.In order to achieve success in today's quickly evolving digital environment, we believe in partnering with brands that have distinct voices and loyal, engaged audiences, said David Levy, president of Turner . Refinery29 certainly fits the bill, bringing with it a highly coveted following of millennial-minded women, strong capabilities in digital products, event marketing and content creation, as well as an attractive advertiser base. We're excited to enter into this agreement and look forward to working with the talented and creative team at Refinery29 to develop and expand opportunities around our commercial content partnership and other initiatives that will engage audiences and appeal to advertisers.It has been an incredible year of growth for Refinery29, expanding our mission to put women at the centre of every conversation and lead a new powerful representation of women in media and advertising, said Refinery29 cofounders and co-CEO's Philippe von Borries and Justin Stefano. We are thrilled to bring Turner on board as a key strategic partner: Turner's portfolio consists of many of the world's strongest media properties and is a true leader in global content creation. We are excited to collaborate with the Turner team to expand Refinery29 into new territories, expand and develop our leading voice in video content for women, as well as integrate into some of Turner's most exciting franchises and platforms. St. Petersburg court to review Transaero bankruptcy case on November 23 MOSCOW, August 12 (RAPSI) The Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region has postponed hearings in the bankruptcy case against troubled Transaero airline till November 23, RIA Novosti reported on Friday. On July 26, the court ruled that establishment of supervision procedure at the airline is lawful. Transaero found itself unable to pay its debts estimating 250 billion rubles ($3.6 billion). Government-approved plan of transferring 75% of companys shares to Aeroflot failed. Its problems resulted in a large number of flight cancels and delays. In October, Sberbank and Alfa Bank filed bankruptcy petitions against the troubled airline. In November, VTB joined the bankruptcy lawsuit against Transaero. The Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region initiated a bankruptcy procedure against Transaero on December 16. A range of companies filed lawsuits against Transaero demanding payment of debts. Thus, foreign companies related to VTB Leasing demand more than 145 million dollars, companies related to Rosneft demand more than 4 billion rubles ($58 mln), the State Corporation for Air Traffic demands more than 700 million rubles ($10.2 mln). Several lawsuits were filed by the companies related to the airports. Former Russian mayor sentenced to 9 years for abuse of power MOSCOW, August 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) A court in Blagoveshchensk, a city in the Amur Region in the Russian Far East, has sentenced ex-mayor of the city Alexander Migulya to 9 years in prison for abuse of office, RAPSI learnt in the courts press office. It was found that in 2008, Migulya abused his authority in case of selling a land plot to a firm Ofenya. As a result, the budget did not receive over 25 million rubles ($385,000). The ex-mayor also used his position to indemnify another firm against rental payments worth 19 million rubles ($292,500) for land property use. He was also charged with unlawful diversion of 46 million rubles ($708,200) on purchase of municipal ownership of an automobile bridge. Migulya was put on the international wanted list in 2011 for alleged corruption crimes. He was arrested by law enforcement officers on May 12, 2015. Criminal case against ex-head of Russian penitentiary service reaches court MOSCOW, August 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) Criminal case against the former head of Russias Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) Alexander Reimer and other people who stand charged with embezzlement has been transferred to Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court, RAPSI learned from Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin on Friday. Charges have been brought against Reimer, his former deputy Nikolai Krivolapov, director of FSINs Information and Technical Support Center Viktor Opredelyonov. They are charged, depending of their role, with abuse of office and embezzlement committed through abuse of office. Krivolapov is additionally charged with illegal possession of ammunition. On June 30, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow sentenced businessman Nikolai Martynov to 3 years and 8 months in prison in relation to this case. Criminal case against Martynov was reviewed separately as he fully admitted his guilt in large-scale embezzlement in 2010-2012 over the purchase of ankle bracelets for the Federal Penitentiary System. Martynov cooperated with investigators and announced that he is going to compensate the government with delivery of 7,000 new ankle bracelets. Businessman is a head of NPF Meta company that was supplying bracelets for prison inmates. FSIN has asked the court to recover about 3 billion rubles (about $42.8 million) from Alexander Reimer in relation to this case. In May of 2015, the court seized 15 million rubles ($183,300) in assets belonging to Reimer. Probe into the case was opened after two employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) were detained on suspicion of extorting $2.6 million from a businessman in connection with the purchase of ankle bracelets. After Reimer resigned from FSIN in 2012, a 10 billion ruble ($122 mln) fraud was uncovered at the service. Reimer has denied his guilt. Reimer also has been charged with abuse of office. Alexander Reimer, 58, was chief of the Interior Ministry Department in the Samara Region from April 2006 to 2009. In August 2009, he was appointed FSIN director and in 2010 promoted to the rank of Colonel-General of the Interior. He was dismissed from FSIN on June 26, 2012. History never flows in a predictable way. It is always a result of seemingly random currents and incidents, the significance of which can be determined or, more often, disputed only in hindsight. But even accounting for history's capricious nature, the event credited with setting off the Arab Spring could hardly have been more improbable: the suicide by immolation of a poor Tunisian fruit-and-vegetable seller in protest over government harassment. By the time Mohamed Bouazizi succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 4, 2011, the protesters who initially took to Tunisia's streets calling for economic reform were demanding the resignation of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the nation's strongman president for 23 years. In subsequent days, those demonstrations grew in size and intensity and then they jumped Tunisia's border. By the end of January, anti-government protests had erupted in Algeria, Egypt, Oman and Jordan. That was only the beginning. By November, just 10 months after Bouazizi's death, four longstanding Middle Eastern dictatorships had been toppled, a half-dozen other suddenly embattled governments had undergone shake-ups or had promised reforms, and anti-government demonstrations some peaceful, others violent had spread in an arc across the Arab world from Mauritania to Bahrain. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/12/2016 ADVERTISEMENT JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers reportedly split because they were fighting non-stop for weeks, so what's the reason?According to sources, once Rodgers learned his new fiancee had sex with runner-up Robby Hayes , he flipped out and couldn't handle it, Life & Style reported "[JoJo] slept with him in the Fantasy Suite because she thought it was a good way to figure out who to choose, and Jordan figured it out when he watched the episode," a source told the magazine."[Jordan and Robby] became best friends while filming."featured both Hayes and Rodgers' overnight Fantasy Suite dates with Fletcher complete with footage of each couple waking up in bed together the next morning.Hayes, like Rodgers, was on Cloud 9 after enjoying an intimate night with Fletcher.Fletcher admitted to Reality TV World in a conference call earlier this month she definitely went through rocky times with Rodgers while was airing. She repeated how "tough" it got.After alleged constant fighting, the couple reportedly called it quits on their romantic relationship but adopted a plan of keeping up appearances in order to reap the financial benefits of a post-show engagement."JoJo has accepted that she hasn't found her Prince Charming in Jordan. She's told him that he was a complete disappointment and that she regrets ever giving him her heart," the source told Life & Style."They've agreed to stay together for at least a year and transform their relationship into a business deal. Endorsement deals are already coming their way, and JoJo and Jordan are going to milk them while they can." About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available MiC 2.0 Report released, to guide Chinese export manufacturers through transfromation By:Jiang Wenran | From:english.eastday.com | 2016-08-11 10:26 Shanghai, August 10- UPS announced today the release of the 2016 Made in China 2.0also known as the MiC 2.0 Report, which provides a clear way forward for Chinas manufacturing sector as it faces growing headwinds. In order to remain competitive amidst Chinas economic transformation, Chinese export manufacturers can learn from MiC 2.0 Leaders who have implemented successful strategies to achieve better business performance and growth. According to the MiC 2.0 report, export manufacturers are more pessimistic than before, with 29% of the companies saying the economy is worse than in 2014, up from 16%. Chinese export manufacturers are facing challenges on both demand and supply: two of the most commonly-cited challenges are increasing competition from Chinese companies (39%) and decreasing demand from Chinese customers (37%). Against a backdrop of intensifying pressures in China, it is clearer now than before that the future survival and success of export manufacturers would depend on their willingness to make changes to the way they do business, said Richard Loi, President of UPS China. Offering a lower price is not the optimal solution to remain competitive.Higher quality products (83%), showing an understanding of the customers business (82%) and offering a faster and more efficient supply chain (82%) are the top reasons for customers to switch suppliers. This indicates a need to shift from low-prices to offering higher quality products and providing value-add by building closer partnership with customers. Arthur Lam, Director of Marketing,UPS China shared important discoveries from the report. Much can be learned from the MiC 2.0 Leaders leading companies that have adopted strategies and logistics for developing foreign market growth. MiC 2.0 Leaders arecompanies in the top 8% of the MiC 2.0 Readiness Index, which assesses Chinese export manufacturers preparedness for the future of their industry. MiC 2.0 Leaders have outperformed other export manufacturers in productivity, market share, revenue and profit, are more likely to be on a growth trajectory and are7% less likely to see a decline in their business. They provide a model of success for other Chinese export manufacturers, who can learn from the following growth strategies: Wider geographical footprint 97% of MiC 2.0 Leaders sell to at least one market in Asia, and are more focused than other export manufacturers on key markets in Asia and Europe such as Thailand (161%), Hong Kong (151%), France (126%), Indonesia (116%) and the UK (115%). Leaders are also six times more likely to sell to Oceania and two times more likely to sell to Eastern Europe. Serving a more diversified customer base of both B2B and B2C customers Two-thirds of MiC 2.0 Leaders (64%) sell to a mix of both B2B and B2C customers while other export manufacturers are more focused on B2B manufacturing, which is associated with lower-margin and lower-quality production. Understanding the role of logistics MiC 2.0 Leaders understand that investing in logistics can add value to key business objectives. They are three times more likely to recognize that logistics can play a highly important role in reducing costs and growing sales, and two times more likely to enhance the customer experience. Priorities for the future MiC 2.0 Leaders are significantly more likely than other export manufacturers to rate improving logistics (170%) and growing sales (168%) as highly important priorities for future success. Selling finished vs unfinished goods MiC 2.0 Leaders are 63% less likely than other export manufacturers to sell mainly unfinished goods, indicating a move toward selling more finished goods as Leaders focus on product innovation and the move up the value chain. Identifying the impact of emerging trends MiC 2.0 Leaders are more likely to recognize that nearshoring (41%), industry e-commerce (29%) and consumer e-commerce (24%) are emerging industry trends that will have a big impact on their business. As a global trade enabler and leader in integrated logistics solutions, UPS is well-positioned to help export manufacturers in China succeed and export globally, Loi added, UPS is implementing service enhancements that includelater pick-up time and faster time-in-transit in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. In second and third tier cities, UPS is also expanding its presence to meet the needs of exporters. In 2015, UPS expanded into 21 new cities as part of its long term growth strategy in China. These cities are primarily in the Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces and Chongqing Municipality. Loi noted that UPSs 2016 MiC 2.0 report is a timely reminder that the necessity for change in the way export manufacturers conduct their businesses remains great, as China undergoes economic transformation. Porterville, CA (93257) Today Partly cloudy skies. Low near 45F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low near 45F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. In the course of their investigation of the murder of Daniel Macias, who was shot on the corner of North Jackson Street and East Hancock Avenue near the Athens-Clarke County courthouse Aug. 13, police have come across one snippet of footage in which police are requesting individuals to assist in the identification of the subject in the video. According to the research of Mark Ebell, a University of Georgia professor in the College of Public Health, many doctors, when presented with a case of mononucleosis will see the symptoms and often misdiagnose the illness as Streptococcal Pharyngitis, or strep throat. At age 26, Brie Larson is one of the youngest members of the Marvel cast, much younger than her character, Captain Marvel, would be. Premier Li Keqiang shared his opinions and clarified the current reform on streamlining administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation and improving service in the first half of this year. Consistent efforts in administrative reform Premier Li discussed the ongoing administrative reform in China during the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of Summer Davos on June 27. He called for further promotion of the reform of streamlining administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation and improving services. And he also said China should speed up the transformation of government functions to delegate powers to society and the market, create a fairer market environment and establish an innovation-friendly mechanism. Cancel outdated documents in a timely manner Premier Li made comments during an executive meeting of the State Council on June 15 that a number of grassroots governments and departments are unwilling to cut red tape by refusing to adopt the newly released documents and cancel outdated ones. Such practices both hinder administrative reform and cause inconvenience to people. And on the same day, the State Council decided to announce canceling 506 documents issued by the cabinet. Employment not restrained by vocational qualification license Premier Li said at the State Council executive meeting on June 1 that burdensome vocational qualification licenses have largely hampered mass entrepreneurship. The reason behind this phenomenon is the fees involved in acquiring the licenses, which create profits for certain departments. We will strictly regulate vocational qualification licensing and establish a regulation system according to law. And we will lift the burden of excessive licenses for entrepreneurs, employers and job-seekers, the Premier added. The meeting decided to cancel another 47 vocational qualification licenses to further reduce the barrier for employment and entrepreneurship. Streamlined government functions stressed As Premier Li inspected the citizens service center in Shiyan city of Hubei province on May 23, he said affairs halls and service centers have been set up in every region of China, and their functions should be performed with one-stop approval procedure processed at one service window. Further procedures for citizens and enterprises should be prohibited, the Premier emphasized. Administrative streamlining leading to prosperity Premier Li said at a May 9 telecommunication conference on streamlining administration that the government will speed up the transformation of government functions, streamline administrations and provide more conveniences for people. And China will further promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation, accelerate the development of the new economy and create new growth engines to bring vitality to the economy. Administrative reform is self-revolution Premier Li said at a May 9 telecommunication conference that the government should cut its power and carry out a supervision reform to bring more vitality to the market and creativity to society. Reform to streamline administration, combine power delegation with enhanced supervision and optimized services is a self-revolution and self-sacrifice for government itself, said the Premier. Less social security burden on individuals, enterprises Premier Li said on March 16 at a news conference after the conclusion of the annual legislative session that there is still room for China to reduce the burden on individuals and enterprises by cutting their payment to social security funds. The Premier was referring to the social security package, which includes pension insurance, occupational injury insurance, medical insurance, birth insurance and unemployment insurance, as well as housing provident funds. A journalist raised a question during the news conference concerning how to reduce the payment to the social security funds. The Premier answered that more autonomy can be given to local governments so that they can cut the required contribution rate to social security funds in accordance with their own conditions. The general principle is to reduce the burden on enterprises and enable employees to get more cash. No pain no gain during power delegation When a journalist asked the Premier on March 16 at a news conference what is the next step for administrative streamlining and delegating power, the Premier answered that the Chinese government will forge ahead to resolve any problem it comes across during the administrative reform. Cutting power will definitely hurt the interests of related departments, but the pain will lead to convenience for our people. This year, we plan to further remove approval and verification items and simplify the related procedures. Among other things, this policy bans plagiarism in all of its formsstudents who cant follow it can expect, at minimum, a final course grade of F and, in some cases, expulsion. Perhaps we should send Melania Trump a note inviting her to join them following her cribbed convention speech. In the midst of a heated political election and the many challenges and changes of 2016, UGAs student involvement has been at one of its all-time highs. Female students in particular have consistently appeared in the news for reasons varying from leading protests, to organizing voter registration, to philanthropic projects. Passengers check in at the Delta Air Lines counter at Narita international airport in Narita, east of Tokyo, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. More than 1,000 people spent the night at the Narita airport because of a computer shutdown that halted Delta Air Lines flights worldwide. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) SHARE By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ, AP Airlines Writer NEW YORK (AP) We don't cancel flights. That's been the message for the past two years from Delta Air Lines. Double decker buses roamed the streets of New York, wrapped in ads proclaiming "canceling cancellations." Delta executives boasted about the number of days without a single flight scrapped. That all literally ground to a halt Monday when a system-wide computer outage led to the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights. Passengers were stranded around the globe with many spending the night in the airport. Until this outage, Delta had an impressive record, envied by other airlines. By June 9 of this year, Delta had already notched up 100 days where none of its own jets canceled flights more than all of its major competitors' no-cancel days combined. And the cancellations during the other 61 days were mostly related to weather, not maintenance issues. "Our people are hitting it out of the park, delivering on our promise to be a safe and reliable airline and making canceling cancellations a reality," Gil West, Delta's chief operating officer, said in a news release at the time trumpeting its record. Sometimes, Delta took extreme measures to preserve that record such as letting delays roll on throughout the day instead of canceling. But the lack of cancellations and the airline's mantra of "keep climbing" won over business travelers willing to pay extra for flights that arrive on time. A decade ago, Delta was getting 90 cents for every dollar charged by its competitors. Today, it gets 110 cents, Delta's new CEO, Ed Bastian proudly noted in a May interview with The Associated Press. But Monday's outage threatens to wipe away all that trust that Delta has worked to build. It took Delta more than 24 hours to explain what happened: a power control malfunction that led to a power surge and loss of electricity. When the power came back some systems switched to backups, others didn't and that, Delta said, caused "instability in these systems." "Obviously this is a public relations disaster. But they're not unique. This has happened to pretty much every major airline," said Jim Corridore, of S&P Global Market Intelligence. Since this is the airline's first major outage and as long as there isn't another one Corridore said "Delta may get a pass here." Repeated problems can scare passengers away. When United Airlines had a series of computer meltdowns in 2012, loyal business travelers abandoned the carrier. There are only so many meetings or chances to tuck your kids into bed that road warriors will tolerate missing. Four years later, United's revenue still lags behind its competitors. Fitch Ratings analysts Joseph Rohlena and Craig D. Fraser noted Monday that Delta can withstand one meltdown but citing United's troubles said Delta could be harmed if the issue spreads or is indicative of bigger problems. Delta did some things right, like posting a video of Bastain apologizing to customers at 1:30 p.m. Monday a fairly quick response for an airline. The airline also offered anybody delayed three hours or more a $200 voucher toward a future trip. But there were also stumbles. It didn't help that Delta wasn't upfront, telling passengers what happened. Instead the airline initially blamed it on a power outage. But the local utility company, Georgia Power, was quick to fire back saying it was actually Delta's equipment that had failed. While rare, airlines do have computer outages from time to time. Last month, Southwest Airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights over four days after an outage that it blamed on a faulty network router. But nobody has attached as much importance to never canceling flights as Delta. Sometimes, though, that can lead to measures that passengers might not prefer. Instead of canceling a flight, Delta will just delay and delay and delay. That happened Monday night to Megan Milan who was on an 8:45 p.m. flight from Atlanta back home to Denver. "I had about four different notifications that my flight was pushed out, pushed out, pushed out and then at midnight I got the notification that it was cancelled," Milan said. "I would have rather received a cancellation yesterday instead of waiting around all night." That philosophy of delaying, but not canceling, isn't unique to this computer outage. Back on July 1, a massive thunderstorm caused giant delays in New York. Other airlines proactively canceled flights to give the few remaining ones a better chance of getting out of the airport. Delta didn't. One flight after another was delayed and delayed but not canceled. Albert Choi was heading to Iceland with some friends for his birthday celebration. Their 9:15 p.m. flight kept getting pushed back an hour or two at a time. At 4 a.m., the gate agent offered an apology but no further update. "We couldn't sleep because we thought we were going to board at any time," Choi recalled on Tuesday. Finally, the flight departed around 1 p.m. It might have been 16 hours late, but it was never canceled. Choi says he would have preferred a cancellation so he could have gone home, slept in his own bed and then returned to the airport to catch a rescheduled flight. "It was just a bad experience and left a bad taste in my mouth," he said. In this photo taken on Monday, July 18, 2016, a butcher hangs pieces of meat, at Rhonda Meats Ltd at Smithfield Market, in London. Welsh farmers like Rees Roberts, who have 1,000 acres with sheep, cattle and crops, can expect to earn a premium on their meats thanks to a certificate of regional authenticity. But that marker of distinction _ the same kind that ensures Champagne can only come from the French region of the same name _ is granted by the European Union and is now at risk after Britain voted to leave the 28-country bloc. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) SHARE By JOSH BOAK, AP Business Writer BUILTH WELLS, Wales (AP) Welsh farmers like Rees Roberts, who has 1,000 acres with sheep, cattle and crops, can expect to earn a premium on their meats thanks to a certificate of regional authenticity. But that marker of distinction the same kind that ensures Champagne can only come from the French region of the same name is granted by the European Union and is now at risk after Britain voted to leave the 28-country bloc. The certificates, of which there are 73 across Britain for goods like Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies, not only help farmers earn more but also shape rural communities' identities. Add to that the loss of $3.97 billion in EU subsidies for U.K. farmers, potential new tariffs and fears that agriculture will not be prioritized in trade talks with the EU, and the decision to leave the 28-nation bloc promises to be painful. "The voters weren't thinking it through," said Roberts, 65, as he discussed the uncertainty with fellow farmers at a fair in the village of Builth Wells. For Welsh farmers, EU membership cushioned against tough times. Sheep flocks have fallen in size by 20 percent since a 1999 peak, while farmers' real annual average incomes have tumbled nearly a third since 2003 to 22,500 pounds, or $29,250, according to government figures. The potential loss of preferential trade with Europe has left Wales rushing to export its lamb and beef to the United States, with the government submitting a 1,000-page proposal to the U.S. Agriculture Department last month ahead of upcoming trade talks in April. The move was driven in part by concerns that negotiations over the next two years on Britain departing the EU will prioritize London banking jobs, while downplaying the needs of those in the hinterlands without the posh salaries. "There are many concerns of how influential agriculture will be in these negotiations, both in terms of trade and direct financial support when compared to the powerful sectors such as financial services," said Dai Davies, chairman of the Welsh meat promoter Hybu Cig Cymru. Davies was at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells among the largest agricultural fairs in Europe to listen to farmers' concerns and answer their questions. A sense of seriousness and urgency dominated the mood, despite the sheep shearing contests, food stalls and a folk rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Even though Wales is a net beneficiary of EU support, it voted to leave the EU by 53 percent to 47 percent, a fact that reflects the complexities of global trade. Many people in rural Britain, including Wales, are against the EU because the open borders required by membership challenges their sense of national identity. In some voters' minds, globalization is synonymous with regulations, immigrants and the loss of jobs to low-cost countries in Eastern Europe or China. Those emotions come even though the union also has carved out markets for goods linked to Britain's heritage. Listening to Davies was Roberts, who said he worries that the terms of foreign trade will change, causing him to lose some access to the EU's 508 million residents. He hopes that the U.K. will settle on a new trade agreement with the EU similar to Norway's. That would give them access to the EU's single market but require the U.K. to keep receiving EU migrants, something many of those voting to leave are against. Some U.K. farmers do depend on migrant labor to pick their produce. "Accepting the migrants wouldn't be a problem for me," said Roberts. Next to him was John Foulkes, who has a flock of 3,000 and estimates that the protected geographical indicator for Welsh meat adds a 2.6 percent premium to the 80-pound ($104) price he charges for a typical lamb. The protected status for "West Country Beef and Lamb" is a standard of quality and authenticity for example, sheep have to get at least 70 percent of their food by foraging the hills of this corner of Britain. Many such markers could no longer be valid internationally, depending on how Britain leaves the EU, since it is the bloc that has enshrined them in international trade deals. To regain them, Britain might need to introduce its own protections and likely has to renegotiate trade deals, not just with the remaining EU countries but also other nations that Britain had deals with through the EU. Most purveyors of products with EU protected status described the post-Brexit environment as hazy. Some have safety in trademarks that are internationally recognized regardless of EU membership, while others worry about the damage to Britain's brand on the continent and the complex network of trade deals that extend from the EU to Asia and South America. Stilton cheese enjoys trademark protections dating back as far as 1966 that should ensure its gourmet status, said Billy Kevan, dairy manager at the cheese maker Colston Bassett. He expects cheesemakers to be fine, but said a major unknown is whether European public opinion turns against Stilton as a means of protesting the Brexit vote. Some British cheesemakers cannot easily sever ties with the continent. One of the leading exporters of the protected Stilton cheese is Tuxford & Tebbutt, which is owned by Arla Foods, a company based in Denmark. Stilton cheese can only hail from three counties in England, making it a vital industry in those communities. Tuxford & Tebbutt employs 100 people in Melton Mowbray, a town of 25,000 where the local pork pies also enjoy protected status. Stilton generates $78 million a year for the community, the pork pies another $78 million and an additional $91 million comes to the community through food tourism, said Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the United Kingdom Protected Food Names Association. The Melton Mowbray pork pies could lose their EU protections, O'Callaghan warned, which could expose many of the bakers to cheaper copy-cat competition. "It means that anybody could make a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, for example in Poland not use the proper recipe, so make it in hoops, not using cured pork, use less than 30 percent pork, make a cheaper imitation," he said. "Now that's going to cost us jobs." For Scotch distillers, the big risk is not so much in the trademark but losing trade deals with countries like Colombia, South Africa and South Korea that had been agreed on as part of the EU. David Frost, the president of the Scotch Whisky Association, is a former government official responsible for trade policy and EU issues. He says the British government lacks enough negotiators to swiftly set up new trade deals if Brexit leads to the end of trade agreements with these emerging economies. And that could hurt one of the few British industries that by its name can't possibly be outsourced overseas, says Frost. "We're rooted in Scotland and we always will be." Suren J. Patel SHARE By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight Red Bluff City Councilman Suren Patel is riding a bus from Florida to Tehama County to face charges of fraud and perjury. Patel was arrested in Florida while trying to flee the country in July and was the focus of a year-long investigation by the Tehama County District Attorney's Office. This week Patel, 43, was picked up by U.S. Marshals for his extradition to California via bus, according to Gregg Cohen, Tehama County District Attorney. Patel, owner of America's Best Value Inn in Red Bluff, faces several charges including workers' compensation fraud, perjury and conspiracy to commit welfare fraud, according to documents filed with the Tehama County Superior Court in June. While trying to leave the country from Brevard County, Florida, local authorities were made aware of Patel's active warrant. U.S. Marshals picked up Patel sometime before Aug. 8 for his cross-country bus trip. Cohen said he does not know when Patel will arrive in Tehama County. Patel was the focus of an investigation by the Tehama County District Attorneys' Office that started last March. In May 2015, authorities took computers, cellphones and business records from the hotel. Cohen said Patel did not pay taxes owed to the city as owner of the hotel. Patel is also being investigated for embezzlement in connection to a complaint filed by a guest at the hotel who said her credit card was charged $6,000 after she stayed there, Cohen said. The investigation into Patel's business practices began with a tip on his payment of workers' compensation, but soon grew to include other charges, including theft from the city of Red Bluff. If convicted of misappropriating public funds, Patel would never be able to hold public office again. Each of the several charges carries a possible sentence of two to four years in prison. At a press conference in July, Red Bluff city officials said Patel was no longer affiliated with the American Best Value Inn and was using an address in Red Bluff, even though he may have been living in Sacramento. Patel was appointed to the Red Bluff City Council in December 2014 to fill the vacancy. According to Red Bluff City Manager Rick Crag Tree, Patel's term on the council will expire this December and will be open on the November ballot. SHARE Two intoxicated 16-year-old boys were arrested early Friday following a break in at Shasta High School, where they went on to destroy property, Redding police said. There, they also damaged the school's River Bowl Trophy. Officers also spotted the boys breaking windows at the school, according to the Redding Police Department. Dispatchers at about midnight sent police to the school, off Eureka Way west of downtown, for a burglary alarm. Officers found the main door to the school's office was forced open after someone used a rock to break in, police said. Officers in the area on a call about two people breaking car windows responded to the school and found the boys in another building on the campus that was also heavily damaged, police said. They witnessed the boys throwing fire extinguishers through large windows on the second floor of the building. Police arrested the boys, who were both heavily intoxicated, and took them to a local hospital, where one became agitated and starting threatening police and hospital workers, officers said. Police eventually booked them into Shasta County Juvenile Hall. The boys caused more than $5,000 damage to Shasta High School and more than $1,000 damage to nearby vehicles, police said. Shasta High School administrators were in a meeting Friday morning and unavailable for immediate comment. The River Bowl trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual Shasta-Enterprise football game. Shasta took River Bowl XXIII 63-21 last October. An artist's rendition of the proposed Shasta County Courthouse. SHARE By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight Unless money comes pouring in, the construction of a new Shasta County Courthouse is going to remain on hold for at least the rest of the fiscal year, a statewide court committee voted Thursday. Still, court officials can continue with the Redding project's current "construction start" phase, which includes going through the long regulatory process and obtaining all the necessary permits and approvals. "We're going to keep going like nothing happened," Shasta County Court Executive Officer Melissa Fowler-Bradley said after Thursday's meeting of the California Court Facilities Advisory Committee. Nevertheless, she said, the state bond sale to finance the courthouse construction project, scheduled for the spring, won't go forward unless the financial picture dramatically brightens and the state begins to return money it has diverted from the courts. "If we get to March and there's no (financial) resolution, we won't go to the state bond sale," Fowler-Bradley said. But, she said, it wasn't yet clear to her if the committee's vote will allow demolition work to clear the buildings that now stand on the new courthouse site, including the former Shasta County Sheriff's Office. As envisioned, the new 165,296-square-foot Shasta County Courthouse would sit on about 2 acres and occupy a block bound by Court, Yuba, Oregon and Butte streets. Since it was originally proposed, the $211 million project has been reduced in size and scope and is now estimated to cost about $159 million. Fowler-Bradley, who is remaining optimistic, said she hasn't lost hope for the project. "But we have our work cut out for us," she said. "I will keep fighting until we get out money back." Fowler-Bradley attended Thursday's meeting in San Francisco with Superior Court judges Greg Gaul and Gary Gibson. listenGaul was one of numerous court representatives from throughout the state who asked that their projects also be allowed to go forward. He told the committee there's a desperate need for a new courthouse in Shasta County due to safety and other concerns. The other representatives made the same case for their projects. With the phrase "preaching to the choir" often repeated to the sympathetic committee, those committee members pledged to try to convince Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislators to restore court construction funds that have been diverted by the state. They called upon a packed room of judges, court administrators and others to work together in the effort and to not lose heart. "This is Day One of a long march," said committee member William Highberger, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. Committee chairman Brad Hill, presiding justice of the California Fifth District Court of Appeal, agreed. Although he said the vote pained him, he said there just wasn't enough money to move ahead the vast majority of the projects. Still, the construction of the new courthouse in Tehama County, which is near completion, won't be affected. Construction on the estimated $165 million Shasta County Courthouse is tentatively slated to begin next year and expected to open in 2020. But the dates have been and remain a moving target. In addition to the diversion of court construction funds, the revenue picture has been bleak, partly due to a sharp drop in traffic tickets and other fines that help fund the court system. Fowler-Bradley has said there was about $226 million in the 2015-16 construction fund about $100 million short of what's needed to start the courthouse projects. The money in that fund goes to bond payments on court construction projects. Like Fowler-Bradley, the committee chairman is also trying to remain upbeat. "We are going to find a path forward," he wrote in a recent message to his colleagues. "We have to. It is imperative that all of us, working together, find a way to continue on with this vital program." Hill has said several forces have undermined the stability of the construction fund. The Great Recession led state officials over the past several to redirect construction funds some $1.4 billion to the state's general fund and to local trial court operations. Additionally, Hill wrote, a steep decline in revenues from traffic-related fines, civil fees and other assessments is to blame. Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Stephen Younger vapes after class Aug. 4 in one of the designated smoking areas on the campus of Shasta College. College administrators plan to ban smoking on campus early next year. SHARE Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight An ash can is seen on Shasta College. Administrators plan to ban smoking on campus early next year. By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight Students who smoke at Shasta College will have to light up elsewhere once the campus decides to go tobacco- and smoke-free by spring 2017. It's an initiative Shasta College took on with help from the Tobacco Education Coalition at Shasta County Public Health Department, and a grant from the Truth Initiative, a nonprofit public health organization based in Washington, D.C., that works toward decreasing teen smoking and encouraging smokers to quit. "Seeing them go smoke-free would be great, so students won't be exposed to secondhand smoke," said Jessica Duckett, project coordinator with the Tobacco Education Coalition. "Every year on campus we talk to students who are really struggling to quit smoking." Kevin O'Rorke, vice president of student services at Shasta College, said administrators conducted a campus survey see whether students supported making the campus smoke-free. They found that the majority of students favor it. But while Shasta College aims to have policies in place by spring, a California Assembly bill may just speed up that process. Assembly Bill 1594, if passed, would prohibit smoking and tobacco use on public colleges across California. As of this month, it's under review by the Appropriations Committee. "If that goes through, obviously we'll have to comply with that decision," O'Rorke said about the bill. "We would just do it right away, in compliance with the law." According to Shasta College's website, it's a "tobacco-restricted campus" and has two designated smoking areas for students. O'Rorke said they don't ticket students who smoke in a non-designated area, but they have campus safety officers who submit students' name for code of conduct hearings, which further determines the student's "suitability for enrollment." Duckett said now that the governor signed a bill increasing the California smoking age from 18 to 21, the number of college smokers may decrease. Smoking has increased among young adults 18 to 24 nationally the age of most college students, she added. "That new law will start ebbing at the smoking rate," she said. "It would be pretty significant." For some Shasta College students, the new rules aren't anything significant. Stephen Younger, 21, said he sees a smoke-free campus beneficial for non-smokers and doesn't see the policy affecting him much. He occasionally smokes electronic cigarettes, but may quit soon because he's enrolled in the Fire Academy. "People who do smoke are still going to smoke," Younger said. He did wonder whether people would opt to drive off-campus to pursue the habit, which in turn could cause a bit of parking lot traffic. Younger recalled when he first started the class and took a smoke break, he expected others to join him. He was surprised to find himself smoking alone. Younger's classmate, Justin Shaw, 18, said he too wasn't worried about the possible change, as he vapes "occasionally." "It's kind of bad, but it's a lot better than smoking," Shaw said. "It's still putting crap in your lungs, but still." Younger agreed. "It's not a healthy alternative, but it's a healthier alternative," he said. Queen of Dragons owner Tammy Brazil talks with a patient at the collective in Shasta Lake. SHARE By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight A federal agency's decision to keep marijuana in the most restrictive drug category has left Shasta Lake's medical marijuana dispensaries fuming, but they do welcome a promise to allow more research. The Drug Enforcement Agency announced Wednesday it would keep cannabis in the Schedule I category, meaning it recognizes no medical use for the plant and has a high potential for abuse. "I was really hopeful rescheduling might bring an opening of the banking system and open up insurance coverage for patients that are most needy," said Jamie Kerr, owner of 530 Collective. "I saw it as a way to open access." Kerr, who closely tracks marijuana and government, said she doesn't expect any immediate impact on dispensaries. Nonetheless, the decision left her "disappointed," she said. Queen of Dragons owner Tammy Brazil echoed Kerr's sentiments but took solace in the potential additional research into medical benefits. "I would love it if they did more research," she said. "Right now we're flying by the seat of our pants." That's because very little research has examined what marijuana can treat or how effective it is. Any such studies currently must pass through a lengthy process, she said. "I'm not at all optimistic," she said, adding she would like to see the initial research focus on seizures, especially in children, and cancer. "If you ever saw these children having seizures some have 100 a day." A logjam in that circuitous process: studies can use only cannabis produced by the University of Mississippi. But the DEA said while it doesn't think marijuana has medicinal properties, it would allow other universities to begin to grow marijuana for use in studies. Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight A man walks past buildings in downtown Redding at the corner of Shasta and California streets that RABA wants to tear down to build a parking lot. SHARE By Jenny Espino of the Redding Record Searchlight A downtown Redding apartment building that survived its notorious past as a brothel may soon be coming down. Redding transportation officials on Monday will ask the Redding Area Bus Authority Board to authorize leveling a vacant complex of buildings across from the former police facility on California Street. Sharing the space with the boarded-up, two-story Bell Rooms Transient building are the old Bing's Automotive and American Lock and Key. They would be razed in the fall. The recommendation follows a report by JRP Historical Consulting of Davis of the 108-year-old building. It concluded that while the structure is tied to Redding's historic red-light district, the Bell Rooms has undergone substantial alterations and has lost historic integrity for that period. As a result, it is not eligible for either the California Register of Historical Resources or the National Register of Historical Places. The findings are in line with an earlier evaluation completed by Trudy Vaughan of Coyote & Fox Enterprises of Redding. After receiving her report, RABA officials went to an outside firm for a second opinion. "It's not that we just want to go demolish a building," said Chuck Aukland, Redding's assistant public works director who oversees RABA operations. "Let us have the experts tell us if we are incorrect and go from there. It's up to the board at this point." The board's approval would clear the way for RABA to seek bids for the demolition maybe even next month. The agency estimates the cost of the job at $140,000, which would be paid from a $1.1 million state transit grant. To date, RABA has spent about $900,000 to acquire the buildings from private parties and two parking lots from the city, relocation of tenants, environmental work and groundwork in preparation for demolition. RABA paid about $344,000 for the buildings in 2012. Escrow on two lots next to the Bell Rooms closes at the end of this month, City Manager Kurt Starman. Proceeds from the sale to RABA, for $340,000, will be placed in the General Fund and allocated to the sobering center, when a nonprofit comes forward with a plan. Once flattened, the buildings' footprint may be turned into more parking space. Aukland has talked about a park-and-ride lot that more than doubles parking from 62 spaces to about 150. But much of that will depend on how much money is left in the state transit grant, Aukland said on Thursday. The block is part of the authority's long-range transit plans and has been identified as a prime location in the downtown transportation plan for a multistory parking garage. Bell Rooms was quickly built after a devastating fire burned 35 buildings, large warehouse stocks and manufacturing equipment along California Street and railroad tracks between Tehama and Division streets. The cinder-block on the building's eastern side is believed to have been added between the 1950s and mid-1970s. City directories and phone books show the business operated from about 1937 to at least 1953. It was one of several brothels, a business that flourished during the construction of Shasta Dam. If you go What: Redding Area Bus Authority Board meeting When: 5:15 p.m., Monday Where: Redding City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave. About the meeting: The board decides whether to demolish the old Bell Rooms Transient building and other structures across from the former Redding police station. If you go What: Redding Area Bus Authority Board meeting When: 5:15 p.m., Monday Where: Redding City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave. About the meeting: The board decides whether to demolish the old Bell Rooms Transient building and other structures across from the former Redding police station. SHARE Amid the triple-digit heat baking Redding this summer, something else is making our temperatures rise a rash of robberies targeting businesses. In the past several weeks, robbers targeted two banks, a hotel, a pizza parlor, a thrift shop and the store out in Big Bend. "It comes to a point where it can be very frustrating, and a number of our businesses are feeling fatigued by the constant vigilance required," Jake Mangas, president and chief executive officer of the Redding Chamber of Commerce told Record Searchlight reporter Alayna Shulman this week. "'Do I ... eliminate someone so I can hire private security?' Those are real decisions our businesses are having to make." At a presentation to the Rotary Club of Redding Thursday, Chief Robert Paoletti said most of the recent robberies in Redding were connected to heroin, calling it a major factor in crime right now. Perry Snell was coming off a heroin high and looking for a next hit when he robbed the Tri-Counties Bank on East Cypress on July 19. He pleaded no-contest last week and will be sentenced to six months in jail later this month. Snell isn't a hardened criminal. He has had a few minor run-ins with the law. Even though he told bank tellers he had an explosive device on him when he robbed the bank, police found no weapons or explosives on him when they arrested him on his getaway bicycle shortly after the robbery. Another culprit with a drug habit but no other criminal history targeted Tammy Got Stuff? Thrift Store on Bechelli Lane. Bandon Culmer, 21, came into the store, chatted up owner Tammy Nelson before robbing her at knifepoint. Authorities say Culmer was on heroin during the robbery. He's already pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in a few weeks to up to three years in prison. Nelson told the Record Searchlight she feels bad for Culmer, saying that she doesn't like to see such a young man throw his life away for drugs. "If he goes to prison, it's going to change him," she said of Culmer. "He's not going to have a chance at a real life." Nelson added that "we have a real problem here" in our community with increasing drug use and associated crime. As the opioid epidemic rages, more addicts turn to theft to get the money to buy more drugs to stave off withdrawals and get their next high. It's a vicious cycle, and businesses and residents are left paying the price along with the addicts and their families. While federal, state and local governments seek solutions to curb the opioid epidemic, businesses are taking more immediate action to protect themselves against crime. Security companies such as North State Security are seeing increased calls from clients requesting additional security guards to drive off suspicious people and walk employees to their vehicles. "I think everybody's much more hypervigilant," said Lance Boek, president and CEO of North State Security. Mangas from the Chamber of Commerce said such crime can keep businesses from coming to the North State. That's bad news, because it will take more businesses to generate tax revenue to pay for the very services that can cut into drug use, such as additional drug treatment programs for those seeking treatment and more police officers to deal with those who continue to commit habit-driven crimes. In the meantime, we will all need to continue to be vigilant. That includes businesses, who may need to pick up extra security measure to keep their employees and customers safe. That includes residents out shopping, working and going out and about in the community to keep an eye out for others who may be in danger or need a helping hand. As a community, though, we have to keep digging at the roots of this problem. Why are so many people addicted, what's keeping them from getting help, how can we change the situation? Personal accountability is important, but so is solving problems that are having a broad impact on everyone. Incarceration is only one way of doing that, and not always the best in the long term. In a warehouse in Joliet, hundreds of marijuana plants sway under high-intensity lights, taking in carbon dioxide-rich air, sucking up a constant feed of nutrients and bristling with buds. Like Olympic athletes, the plants are rigorously trained and intensively pampered. Tiny predator bugs patrol the surface of the vegetation, hunting down any pests. Workers prune stems and leaves to put all the plants' energy into buds that produce the drug's euphoric and medicinal effects. The process churns out 200 pounds of high-grade pot every month. Advertisement The grow house at Cresco Labs is one of 19 cultivation centers in Illinois authorized by the state to produce medical cannabis. The facilities generally had been closed to the media until Wednesday, when reporters were allowed an unprecedented tour of the growing operation. The look inside the state's secretive program comes as the struggling medical marijuana industry in Illinois is poised to grow. Last month, for the first time, the state added two new medical conditions post-traumatic stress disorder and terminal illness to the list of about 40 that qualify patients to buy the drug. Advertisement Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Jessica Ryan skirts marijuana plants in the flowering room at Cresco Labs. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) To address doctors' concerns that federal law still prohibits the distribution of marijuana, lawmakers also changed the statute to allow physicians to certify patients as having a qualifying medical condition without having to risk their licenses by vouching for the drug's medical benefits. And in court, recent rulings are forcing state officials to reconsider adding other new conditions such as migraine headaches and chronic post-operative pain. Though Illinois has one of the most restrictive programs in the nation with only 9,000 patients, they spent about $3 million on the drug last month. Industry leaders are hopeful that expanded access will translate into more patients and a more sustainable program. Charles Bachtell, founder and CEO of Cresco Labs, said a consultant estimates there will be more than 100,000 patients in Illinois, comparable to Colorado's medical cannabis population, by year three of the pilot program that began when the first licensed dispensaries opened in November. "The program is seeing significant growth month to month," Bachtell said. "It's changed patients' lives. There's a great energy out there." The legalization of marijuana be it medical or recreational has progressed steadily in recent years. Half the states in the union have authorized medical marijuana. Four allow sales to all adults and five more may have ballot initiatives this year. In Illinois, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed a law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of the drug. But organizations such as the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Pediatrics remain skeptical of medical marijuana, preferring that it be studied more and go through the same federal regulatory process as other legalized drugs. Advertisement So the tour, authorized by Jack Campbell, a former police officer who is the new director of the state medical cannabis program, was meant to take the lid off the pilot program in Illinois and let the public see how the drug is produced and monitored. Campbell said there have been no major criminal incidents associated with the program, such as theft of medical marijuana or sales to people who aren't certified. Because of the state's harsh winters and the law's security requirements, almost all the medical marijuana grown in Illinois comes from warehouses. Besides Joliet, Cresco owns growing facilities in Kankakee and Lincoln. The facility in Lincoln is a hybrid greenhouse with solid walls but a translucent roof. The Joliet facility has 144 security cameras monitoring its 40,000 square feet, with a feed to Illinois State Police. Every plant is tagged with an identification number to track it from seedling to sale. All the plants begin in the so-called Mother Room, where about three dozen strains are chosen for their potency and growing ability. Stems are cut from the female plants to propagate clones. As the small seedlings grow, they are moved into different rooms to provide optimal conditions for each stage of life. At first they are vegetative, growing like a bush, but eventually they begin to flower, growing thick clusters of buds. The stems and leaves have relatively few active components and are chopped up and thrown away. Advertisement The buds are cut off, dried for a couple of weeks, then processed into either dry flower used for smoking, or distilled into an oil, which can be vaporized in electronic pens or infused into chocolates, tinctures, lotions and solid wax. The warehouse is filled with aromas from the plants that range from licorice to fresh-cut grass, and chocolate from the in-house bakery. Thirty-five people work at the warehouse, tending the plants, processing them and baking them into deserts designed by acclaimed chef Mindy Segal. A bank-style vault holds the finished products until they are released for sale under names for strains such as DJ Flo and Kandy Kush. Monitors keep the grow rooms about 75 degrees with 50 percent humidity. The whole process takes about six months. Every two weeks, workers start the procedure all over. Drivers deliver the products in locked boxes to any of 40 state-authorized dispensaries. Each time, workers at the retail stores must call Cresco to get a special code to open each box. Advertisement Marijuana is generally divided into two main subspecies: sativa, which is considered more stimulating, and indica, said to be more relaxing and sedating. Hybrids combine qualities of both. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Potency is generally measured in terms of the percentage of THC, the component that gets users high, and CBD, which studies have shown may help reduce seizures and muscle spasticity. Cresco's flower products range in THC from 17 to 30 percent, and extracts run from 65 to 90 percent. Edibles are dosed with specified amounts of THC, generally 10 to 25 milligrams per serving. By state law, independent labs must test samples of all marijuana sold in the state to verify potency and freedom from pesticides, molds or other contaminants. The man directing cultivation for Cresco is 35-year-old Jason Nelson, who has degrees in horticulture and agronomy. He has worked in the industry in Colorado and Washington. Despite the risk of working in a federally illicit industry, Nelson said it's satisfying hearing from patients with serious illnesses who've been helped to relieve pain or other symptoms. "That's more than enough of an inspiration for me," he said. "It's very satisfying." Advertisement rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RobertMcCoppin The secret is out about Revival Food Hall (125 S. Clark St.), and you can thank the folks at 16" On Center (Thalia Hall, Moneygun) for bringing some of the city's very best casual restaurants to the Loop's historic Daniel Burnham building The National. To help you prepare for the opening Thursday (7 a.m.7 p.m., bar until 9 p.m.), allow us to introduce you to the 14 food and drink vendors through past RedEye reviews and taste-testing intel. We hope you like tacos, ramen, poke, gelato and spiked coffee. Lunchtime in the Loop is about to get interesting. 1. Antique Taco: "It's like a taco stand meets farmers market meets Anthropologie." And no, this Wicker Park original doesn't sell old tacos, but delicious tacos? Si, senora! Advertisement 2. The Budlong: The Lakeview fried chicken spot's "X-Hot chicken boasts a creeping fire that's kissed with citrus from the habanero. The burn is slow, smoldering and compelling." Furious Ramen at Furious Spoon. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) 3. Furious Spoon: With roots in Wicker Park and Logan Square, chef Shin Thompson's noodle emporium is serving up "... some of the very best bowls of ramen available in Chicago." Thompson recommends slurping his soupy goodness furiously, which shouldn't be a problem. Advertisement 4. Danke: From the folks who brought you Table, Donkey and Stick comes this new concept with charcuterie, bread, sandwiches, beer and wine galore. The Kahuna Volcano Bowl at Aloha Poke Co. in the Chicago French Market. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune) 5. Aloha Poke: Dubbed the Hot Doug's of the poke trend, this Hawaiian-inspired stand opened inside the Chicago French Market in March, serving salads and rice bowls topped with fresh marinated hunks of raw fish. 6. Brown Bag Seafood Co.: Loop lunchers already know and love this fish-forward downtown darling. "It's a fast-casual restaurant that delivers on what it promises, serving pristine fresh seafood quickly [and] affordably." 7. Graze Kitchenette: Burgers and bowls are on the menu at this new joint from Sarah Jordan (Johnny's Grill) and Mason Edelson (GT Fish & Oyster). Expect grass-fed, antibiotic-free patties and superfood smoothie bowls. Harvest Juicery 8. Harvest Juicery: With "healthier, funkier juice blends," this cold-pressed juice bar originating in the West Loop is a food hall go-to for lighter options with locally sourced ingredients. 9. Black Dog Gelato: Nutella-pretzel, Blueberry-french toast, basil-coffee, sesame-fig-chocolate chipneed we say more about this Ukrainian Village gelateria with artisanal sorbets and gelatos made fresh in-house daily? The Chopped Briket sandwich served with fresh cut fries and coleslaw at Smoque BBQ. (Kaitlyn McQuaid for RedEye) Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > 10. Smoque BBQ: "You can't pretend to be a good barbecue joint without having brisket." And this Irving Park-based restaurant is one of Chicago's best. 11. Union Squared Pizza: You can thank this spin-off of Evanston's Union Pizzeria for bringing Detroit-style square pizza to the Loop. Advertisement Chicken Banh Mi from The Fat Shallot food truck. 12. The Fat Shallot: You won't have to chase down the food truck from husband-and-wife duo Sarah Weitz and Sam Barron to get one of their famous jam-packed sandwiches. 13. Farmer's Fridge: Graduating from the ingenious salad vending machine, Farmer's Fridge will get its first brick-and-mortar location with made-to-order salads, snacks and more. 14. Revival Cafe-Bar: In partnership with James Beard award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal, this versatile coffee-bar-by-day, cocktail-spot-by-night concept serves coffee from several local roasters, spiked coffee drinks, draft beverages and good ol' shaken and stirred cocktails. Don't pass on fresh pastries from Segal. @OhItsHeather & @redeyeeatdrink on Twitter | Instagram For more Eat & Drink news, click here. In this Aug. 2, 2007 file photo, Brendan Dassey is escorted into court for his sentencing in Manitowoc, Wis. (Eric Young / AP) A judge overturned the conviction of a Wisconsin man found guilty of helping his uncle kill a woman in a case profiled in the Netflix series "Making a Murderer," ruling that investigators coerced a confession using deceptive tactics. In his ruling Friday, U.S. Magistrate William Duffin in Milwaukee ordered Brendan Dassey freed within 90 days unless prosecutors decide to retry him. The state Department of Justice, which handled the case, declined to comment Friday. The state could also appeal Duffin's ruling. Advertisement Dassey's case burst into the public's consciousness with the popularity of the Netflix series, which debuted in December. The filmmakers cast doubt on the legal process used to convict Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery, in the death of Teresa Halbach, and their work sparked national interest and conjecture. Authorities involved in the case have called the 10-hour series biased, while the filmmakers have stood by their work. Dassey confessed to helping Avery carry out the rape and killing of Halbach, but his attorneys argued that his constitutional rights were violated throughout the investigation. Dassey didn't testify at his uncle's trial and his confession wasn't presented as evidence there. Both men are serving life sentences. Advertisement Duffin said in his ruling that investigators made false promises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about." "These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (of the U.S. Constitution)," Duffin wrote. Dassey's uncle, Chuck Avery, said Saturday that absent of the confession, the family is hopeful for his nephew's release. "I don't think they got no ground to stand on. I think Brendan will be released. He's welcome out. He has no enemies," he said. Avery added that he talked to his brother, Steven, who was happy that Dassey's conviction was overturned. Avery declined to elaborate on their conversation. Dassey's grandmother, Dolores Avery, said she was glad the conviction was overturned, but said not to forget about her son, Steven. Halbach's family did not immediately return messages for comment left Saturday. Dassey, who is now 26, was 16 when Halbach, a photographer, was killed in 2005 after she went to the Avery family auto salvage yard to take pictures of some vehicles. Court papers describe Dassey as a slow learner with poor grades, with difficulty understanding some aspects of language and expressing himself verbally. He was also described as extremely introverted and poor at picking up on communications such as body language and tone. Dassey was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse in Halbach's killing. Avery was tried and convicted separately. Avery made headlines in 2003 when he was released from prison after spending 18 years behind bars for a rape he didn't commit. After being freed, he had a $36 million lawsuit pending against public officials when Halbach disappeared on Halloween 2005. Advertisement Friday's ruling came after Dassey's appeal was rejected by state courts. The judge said that Dassey's confession to police in 2006 was "so clearly involuntary" that a state appeals court ruling to the contrary was an unreasonable application of established federal law. "The court does not reach this conclusion lightly," Duffin wrote. The investigators did not have any ill motive, the judge wrote, but rather "an intentional and concerted effort to trick Dassey into confessing." The error was not harmless because Dassey's confession was the entirety of the case against him, the judge said. Associated Press RELATED STORIES: Advertisement 'Making a Murderer' gets new episodes on Netflix 'Making a Murderer' defendants still feeling impact from series Donnie Wahlberg, Nancy Grace spar over 'Making a Murderer' General, life insurers with 8 & 10 yrs in biz, respectively, may have to list The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has proposed to ask some insurance companies to mandatorily list on exchanges based on the number of years they have been in business. In a discussion paper on listing of Indian insurance firms, Irdai said it would direct general insurers (including health and reinsurers) to take steps to get listed after they complete eight years of operations. This will also apply to all life insurers that have completed 10 years. Irdai said firms that have already exceeded these criteria must list within three years from the date when the guidelines are issued. The regulator said 32 insurance companies in life, general and reinsurance have completed 10 years of operations. Of these, only two life insurers have applied for listing on the stock market. Public affair Top 6 private life insurers that have completed 10 years (based on new business premiums for FY16) SBI Life ICICI Prudential Life (filed draft prospectus for IPO) HDFC Life (to list via Max Financial Services, which will merge with it) Max Life (to get automatically listed after it merges with Max Financial Services, which will merge with HDFC Life) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Birla Sun Life Insurance Top 6 private general insurers that have completed 10 years (based on net earned premium for FY16) ICICI Lombard Bajaj Allianz IFFCO Tokio Tata AIG Reliance HDFC ERGO There is already a government proposal to list public sector general insurers. However, these rules will not apply to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) as it is governed by a separate Act. In similar guidelines issued earlier, Irdai had said it can direct an Indian insurance company to list on the stock exchanges if circumstances warrant. It had also said that within a year, such companies would have to comply with the norms. In the run-up to the listing, all insurance companies shall initiate steps to ensure that the level of disclosure in public domain is brought up to the level of listed entities as stipulated by Irdai and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). These disclosures could cover such aspects as embedded value, segment-wise lapsation of policies and contribution of profitability, among others, Irdai said. As of July-end, there were 55 insurance companies, 24 of which he are in life insurance business and 30 in the non-life business, apart from one reinsurer. In life insurance, 16 companies have completed 10 years of operation, while in general insurance 12 have completed 10 years. In health insurance, there is only one company that has completed 10 years. Irdai said public listing enables retail and institutional investors to partake of the fortunes of the companies. The regulator has sought stakeholders views, following which the norms would be finalised. Photograph: Reuters India has average monthly spends of $4 per user; it is over $20 in other Asian markets With nearly a billion subscribers, India is the worlds second largest mobile market. No wonder, every sixth subscriber of mobile device across the world is an Indian. But when it comes to revenues, India is a pygmy, with average monthly spends of $4 per user or 2.7 per cent of the worlds. Mobile rates in India are among the lowest in the world. In other Asian markets, average user spends is a little over $20 a month. At the end of 2015, Indian telecom revenues stood at $31 billion, compared with global revenues of $1,093 billion. Romal Shetty, partner and head of telecom at KPMG, says: While average user spends remain low, the cost structure for equipment remains the same across the world. As a result, the financial health of the sector will remain under pressure for the next couple of years, as telcos have invested heavily in building data infrastructure and the entry of new players will keep pricing under pressure. India is a mass market and, therefore, what Indian telecom companies cannot make in terms of value is compensated through volumes. The sector has invested about Rs 800,000 crore (Rs 8,000 billion) in the past 20 years on infrastructure alone, and returns have been as low as one per cent, according to Cellular Operators Association of Indias presentation to the Supreme Court while challenging the telecom regulators rules on call drops. Financials are further pressured because of intense competition. Unlike most markets, which have three or four, India has almost 10 players, leaving little pricing power in the hands of telecom companies. Other than the fixed payouts and capital expenditure, regulatory levies in India account for nearly 29 per cent of total revenues, according to COAI. The sectors financials continue to be stretched because of high investments. At the end of June quarter, the sectors net debt stood at Rs 290,000 crore (Rs 2,900 billion). Despite the high gearing, telcos will have to continue borrowing as technology obsolescence is very high. In view of this, the sector should be kept free from regulatory risks, says Rajan Mathews, director general, COAI. It is a matter of concern when Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) comes out with 23 consultation papers. Risks from lower interconnect charges and OTT players will start upsetting the apple cart as these measures impact profitability and revenues of market, he added. Clark's predecessor Sajid Javid had pledged to help Tata Steel UK with a proposed package of measures and new British PM Theresa May is reportedly supportive of the plan Britain's new business and energy minister Greg Clark, who was in India for a brief visit earlier this week, held secret talks with Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry over the future of Tata Steel's UK business, according to a media report. The UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy had released details of Clark's meetings during his visit on Wednesday but intentionally did not disclose the meeting with Mistry, The Times reported. "However, senior Whitehall figures said it (meeting with Mistry) was the main reason for his visit," the newspaper claims. The new minister was keen to hold a face-to-face meeting with the Tata chief after a number of phone calls, the report said. His agenda in New Delhi included talks with power, coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "While in New Delhi, the business and energy secretary discussed the UK-India business relationship and considered ways to develop even stronger trade links following the UK's vote to leave the European Union," his department release said. But it has now emerged that some time for a Tata Steel meeting had also been carved out. Clark's predecessor Sajid Javid had pledged to help Tata Steel UK with a proposed package of measures and Theresa May, who took charge as British Prime Minister following the UK's vote to exit the European Union, is reportedly supportive of the plan. Meanwhile, Tata Steel had announced a halt in the sales process for major chunks of its UK units last month to open discussions with investors, including Germany's ThyssenKrupp AG, to explore "alternative and more sustainable portfolio solutions" for its European business. Tata Steel is also in talks with the UK's Pensions Regulator about the British Steel pension scheme, which it inherited when it bought Corus back in 2007. The scheme has 130,000 members, liabilities of 15 billion pounds, a deficit of 700 million pounds and considered one the biggest stumbling blocks since the Mumbai-headquartered firm had announced its intention to sell its UK business in March this year. 'While China expressed reservations on the Indian role in the South China Sea, Beijing threw to the winds Indian concerns on Kashmir by announcing $46 billion in investments Pakistan occupied Kashmir,' says Srikanth Kondapalli. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting New Delhi primarily to prepare the draft of the joint statements by mutual consultations at the G-20 summit meeting in Hangzhou and the BRICS meeting in Goa. Despite the recent stepped-up high-level leaderships visits to each other, India and China are straddled with a number of contentious issues. Both China and India have been cooperating in the G20 process since its inception, mainly in opposing Western trade protectionist measures, for uninterrupted investment flows and restructuring of the Bretton Woods institutions to accommodate the emerging economies. These issues have become acute since the spread of the global financial crisis from 2007 onwards. Apart from deliberating on these, Wang's brief is also to thwart any discussion at the G20 summit on last month's Permanent Court of Arbitration's caustic judgment on the South China Sea issue. The tribunal dismissed any legal validity to China's claims to territories in the region. While China claimed to have garnered the support of over 60 countries for its position on the issue, it has also made efforts to ward off criticism in multilateral fora like the Southeast Asian grouping recently. China intends to divide the G20 grouping on similar lines. Wang will also make a probing mission on the forthcoming BRICS meeting in Goa. While consensus has emerged on a host of issues in the BRICS format such as on multi-polarity, sustainable development, infrastructure development, the United Nations Charter, no regime change in Syria and others, China and India appear to be at loggerheads on the global commons -- maritime, cyber and space domains. Given the democratic nature of the Indian polity, New Delhi had advocated freedom of navigation, no restrictions on cyberspace and no weaponisation of space. China on the other hand had advocated territorial sea, cyber sovereignty and the consequent restrictions on cyber domains and anti-satellite missions. These differences come at a time when emerging economies, except India, are facing acute hardships. More significantly, bilateral relations, instead of multilateral formats, will be the focus areas of Wang's visit. China had been forcing India to accept its controversial version on the South China Sea, with no clear and explicit assurances on the safety of 55 per cent of Indian trade passages through the region. India needs to take into consideration its trade interests and feelings of the countries in the region before making any commitments to Beijing. The Indian Navy needs to deploy contingents to the region on a regular basis. While China expressed reservations on the Indian role in the South China Sea, Beijing threw to the winds Indian concerns on Kashmir by not only announcing $46 billion in investments in infrastructure projects in turbulent Gilgit, Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir as a part of its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor build-up with Pakistan but also brazenly deploying 'non-combat' security forces in the region. While India all along stated the 'One China' policy, there is no reciprocal understanding on the 'One India' policy from Beijing, despite Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj's reminder to Wang in May 2014 when the latter came as a 'special envoy' to greet the new government. New Delhi also finds unpalatable China's statements on the recent turmoil in the Kashmir valley -- forgetting for the moment nearly 150 self-immolation protests in Tibet. India needs to protect its sovereignty interests in the entire Kashmir according to the Indian Parliament resolution in 1993. India also needs to evaluate the costs and take appropriate actions on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar forum, the South China Sea and other areas. Also contentious between the two countries is the issue of terrorism. Even though the bilateral statements suggested that India and China both oppose all forms of terrorism and they did conduct five 'hand-in-hand' joint army operations, China's 'technical hold' five times at the United Nations on the terror list has come as a shocker for New Delhi. India needs to convey to China that Beijing is playing with fire. Another issue that divided both countries is India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. China displayed its obstructionist position at the recent NSG meeting in Seoul by arguing that India has to sign nuclear arms control and disarmament measures and that any waiver for India should not be discriminatory for other aspirant States, meaning Pakistan. In 2008 China finally consented with the United States for such a waiver for India, but it has now been blocking India's membership, throwing to the winds the 'strategic and cooperative partnership' agreement between India and China in 2005. In the next round at the NSG, after India obtained the consent of Mexico and South Africa, China is likely to find itself isolated. In that event China's Plan B is to put a condition for Pakistan's membership in the NSG. However, given the proliferation record between China and Pakistan -- both in the nuclear and ballistic missile fields, in addition to no unilateral declarations on Pakistan either on no first use or moratorium on fissile material production, non-proliferation, international safeguards and inspections -- NSG members are likely to see through this insidious game. Wang will also be confronted by New Delhi with growing the bilateral trade deficit which had mounted to more than $45 billion (about Rs 3 lakh crore) last year in China's favour out of a total trade volume of over $70 billion (about Rs 4.7 lakh crore). While some Chinese have argued that Indian exports will be further curtailed if India resists the Chinese position on the South China Sea, New Delhi needs to take a stronger position on insisting on a market economy status in China under the mutually binding World Trade Organisation rules. Also despite promises of over $4 billion (about Rs 26,800 crore) in investments from China per annum, New Delhi needs to remind Beijing that the actual investment so far since 2014 has not been more than a $1 billion (about Rs 6,700 crore). This calls for more punitive trade measures than concessions. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Photograph: MEA/PTI Srikanth Kondapalli is Professor in Chinese Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 'Not a single person I spoke to there believes that the Kundalkulam plant is safe.' 'There is a huge trust deficit between the people and the government.' 'The government has failed to convince the people about the safety of Kundalkulam.' IMAGE: Demonstrators form a human pyramid in the waters of the Bay of Bengal as they protest against the Kudankulam nuclear power project, seen in the background, in 2012. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters When journalist Minnie Vaid decided to write a book on the protest against the nuclear power plant at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, she had no idea she would form a lifelong bond with the indomitable women she met there. "They welcomed me into their homes, their lives and their struggle with open arms and full hearts. Their motivation, commitment and focus made me -- a veteran journalist who had covered many such stories in the past three decades -- pause and reflect much after the interviews would get over," Vaid tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar. Despite the constant opposition to the plant from local villagers who believe it is not safe, the plant was dedicated to the nation on August 10 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Vaid's book, The Ant In The Ear Of The Elephant, explains why the villagers oppose the plant and why these brave women will not give up on their protest anytime soon. What made you write a book about the struggle against the nuclear plant in Kudankulam? After completing my second book on rights activist Irom Sharmila, I was thinking about my next project and discussed several options with my publisher. In the past too, in my documentary films as well as in my journalism, the one common running thread I would say is injustice. Most of my work revolves around injustice done to the marginalised. I had read about the confrontation that took place between the police and the anti-nuclear protesters at Kudankulam in September 2012. At the time (May 2013), I only had some sketchy details about the agitation, so I told my publisher that I would like to go to the villages and talk to the people before coming to a decision. She agreed. I then read up extensively on the agitation. I also spoke to veteran journalist Kalpana Sharma who had spent time in Kudankulam and written about what was happening there. My first visit lasted 10 days. I was hooked. There was certainly a story there and I wanted to do it. And so I began triangular conversations with the villagers, predominantly the women of Idinthakarai and the nearby villages, with the help of my Tamil translator, Amal Raj Leon. IMAGE: Minnie Vaid, centre, invited two of the Kundakulam protesters, Sundari and Milret, to the lauch of her book, The Ant In The Ear Of The Elephant. The book was lauched by actress-activist Nandita Das. Photograph: Kind courtesy Minnie Vaid What was your interaction with the villagers of Idinthakarai like? It was humbling; it was inspiring; it was fabulous. They (principally, the women of Idinthakarai) welcomed me into their homes, their lives and their struggle with open arms and full hearts. Their motivation, commitment and focus made me -- a veteran journalist who had covered many such stories in the past three decades -- pause and reflect much after the interviews would get over. The overwhelming quality that impressed me was that they just did not -- and still do not -- give up. Even after the plant went critical, they did not give up because they believed in their cause. That they were fighting for the future generations who would have to live with the spectre of a nuclear accident right at their doorstep. The outcome of their struggle, fighting against impossible odds, battling against a vengeful State, the Kundalkulam plant starting up eventually -- did not bother them too much. That, for me, was an eye-opener... the fact that you take up a struggle and continue to fight undeterred by the odds of your successful outcome. They would repeatedly and smilingly tell me, 'God is on our side, what do we have to fear?' They were very hospitable. They would teach me Tamil and I would teach them English words. Today, I consider some of them my friends. I invited two of the women leaders, Sundari and Milret, to Mumbai for my book launch. They addressed the audience with the help of a translator and got a standing ovation from the entirely urban audience! They came home. I took them sight seeing. It was a wonderful experience. Is your book targeted at activists? Activists already know about events that took place in Kudankulam and the struggle of the protesters. The book is for the ordinary person who has no idea where Kudankulam is or what the people's protest against the nuclear power plant there is all about. It is meant for students, housewives, corporate people, decision makers in the government, for anybody really. It is a record of the testimonies of the Project Affected People whose lives are affected by the Kundalkulam plant, yet who are never consulted by the State. In this book, their voices are recorded for people to know how they feel about a nuclear plant in their back yard. IMAGE: The protesters, who take turns at the venue, mark time with a game of Thaiyyam, a local version of checkers. Photograph: Kind courtesy Minnie Vaid Though most of the cases (against the protesters) have been withdrawn after a direction from the Supreme Court, many are still pending. Do you think a vengeful government could take action against these people in the future? It is certainly a tool that the government has in its hand and can be used any time against them. The villagers have told me several stories of harassment. Their children could not go abroad to study or work as their passports were not issued or were delayed. Unit two of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has started functioning, which means the struggle was a failure. Yet they continue to protest. What do you think is their inspiration now? I would strongly dispute the statement that the struggle was a failure. It brought safety issues to the fore which is good for the plant and for people living near the plant and the workers. New power plants elsewhere in the country are likely to follow safety measures on a more stringent basis because of this agitation. The fact that the women of Idinthakarai are still sitting there on protest makes it special. It is, I believe, the longest civil rights struggle in Tamil Nadu. What is your opinion about S P Udaykumar (convenor, People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, who spearheaded the protest against the Kundalkulam plant)? He is a charismatic, yet sober, leader. In Tamil Nadu, they make gods of leaders and he had become a god for this movement. But he has not let it go to this head. He always gave a balanced view point and was fully in control of the movement. Even now, though he is no longer physically present in Idinthakarai, he still opposes nuclear energy in all of the activities he pursues. IMAGE: The protest at Kundalkulam. Photograph: Kind courtesy Minnie Vaid Are you personally against nuclear energy? When I went there, I was not pro or anti, though I feel any humane person would be against nuclear energy. But my personal opinions had and have no place in what I reported in the book. I have written what I saw and observed after talking to many villagers in and around Kudankulam and Idinthakarai, which is the Ground Zero for the agitation. Not a single person I spoke to there believes that the Kundalkulam plant is safe. There is a huge trust deficit between the people and the government. The government has failed to convince them (about the safety of Kundalkulam) in 24 years. It has failed to convince them about what to do in case of a disaster; the emergency preparedness plans or drills remain largely on paper. When six workers were injured in May 2014, there was no medical facility to treat them adequately; some of them had to be taken to Apollo (Hospital) in Chennai, 700 kms away. I have written about what I saw and heard; what I believe in is of no importance. Tamil Nadu had electricity problems till Kudankulam came along; today, it has a surplus of power. Under the circumstances, do you believe the protest against nuclear energy should continue? Would you feel safe if a nuclear power plant was near your house? The villagers protesting against the Kundalkulam plant also complain that the plant benefits big business, and not the common man, in terms of electricity. If the protesters want to continue their agitation because they perceive a threat to their safety and future livelihood and their future generations, it is entirely their decision and should be respected. Sitting far away in Mumbai, I cannot balance equations of Tamil Nadu's surplus electricity versus protestors' fears, whether people deem them valid or not. IMAGE: Women sell fish outside their homes in Idinthakarai. Photograph: Kind courtesy Minnie Vaid The agitation was based on a presumption that there could be an accident. No plant in the world can guarantee that there will be no accident. I would say the agitation was based on a lot more than only the possibility of an accident. The people were asking for adequate safety measures, a foolproof disaster management plan, information addressing their health concerns and many other such issues. The government did not ensure any of this; villagers told me that nobody came to address their issues or 'allay their fears' as the popular phrase goes. The Fukushima accident was caused by natural causes, yet it was used excessively to agitate the people at Koodankulam. People criticised Uday kumar saying he is creating apprehensions where none exist. But the protesters are the ones living next to the plant and they have every right to protest if they are scared. The government has to make them believe the plant is safe. If it does not do so, it has failed in its duty. Uday Kumar has been accused of receiving foreign funds to fuel his protest. He declared assets of Rs 7 crores (Rs 70 million) when he stood for the national elections. Your book does not mention this. I did mention the issue of foreign funding in the book since it is one of the routine and main allegations against the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy and Uday Kumar in particular. As far as the worth of his personal assets is concerned, the declaration was a later development (post my visits and interviews in Idinthakarai) and not worthy of mention as an epilogue in the book. All the churches on the seashore were accused of foreign funding and their bank accounts were frozen. Did you speak to the priests at these churches? No. I did not. My focus was the people's struggle and their issues. Gangster Chhota Rajan, prime accused in the journalist J Dey murder case, thought that the veteran crime reporter was working for his rival Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's spi agency Inter-Services Intelligence, according to the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Dey was killed, allegedly upon Rajan's instructions, in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011. According to the CBI, Rajan told one Manoj on phone that journalist Jigna Vora (a co-accused) used to tell him "repeatedly" that Dey "is writing wrong things and is in touch with the other gang", and was a traitor. Transcripts of Rajan's telephonic conversations are part of the chargesheet filed by the CBI in a local court last week. Rajan further said that Dey was not a good person, and was working for Dawood and ISI. Jigna used to tell him that Dey was a "traitor", he said. Dey's wife told the CBI that for a month before his murder, he was very upset. "Once he told me that he was going to die but not due to illness," her statement reads. According to Dey's mother, around 15 days before his death he had told her that he would be visiting the Philippines. A few days before his death she also received a call from the accused Vinod Chembur (who later died) enquiring about Dey. Fifteen days prior to the murder Dey had signed agreement with actor Ajay Devgn for writing a film script, she said. The chargesheet also contains statements of journalists with whom Rajan spoke on phone after Dey's murder. Rajan told one of them that he regretted killing Dey. "A news reporter has to remain in his limits and work ...if you are writing lies..you are inviting serious trouble," Rajan said. According to another journalist, Rajan told him that Dey was hand-in-glove with "traitors", and he killed Dey. A close friend of Dey's told the investigators that Dey had told him that Rajan was calling him frequently. He found the gangster to be very "polite". "I told him...one should be alert...because dons are polite when they want to deceive someone," he told the CBI. On the day of the murder, Dey had told this witness on phone that Rajan had again spoken to him recently. As Dey was worried about getting frequent calls from Rajan, the witness suggested that he should see if he had made any mistakes (so as to offend the gangster). "Dey said so far he had done nothing wrong... but he had shared a very secret information with Vinod Chembur and from that day calls from Rajan increased," the witness said. According to a police constable, who is a witness in the case, Chembur's son Sanjay told him Dey wanted to get Rajan killed and was supplying information to Dawood gang. According to the CBI, Rajan was upset with Dey over certain articles written by him, and also because Dey's planned book described Rajan as 'chindi' (a small fry). The book, 'Chindi -- Rags to Riches', was to tell stories of 20 gangsters with humble origins. It was supposed to describe Dawood, Rajan's friend-turned-foe, as being superior to the gangster. Rajan was arrested at Bali airport in Indonesia on October 25 last year and deported to India. The 300-page chargesheet against him was filed at the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act court in Mumbai last week. The first chargesheet filed in the case in 2011 names Satiah Kaliya, Abhijeet Shinde, Arun Dake, Sachin Gaikwad, Anil Waghmode, Nilesh Shendge, Mangesh Agawane, Vinod Asrani, Paulson Joseph and Deepak Sisodia (all arrested). Another chargesheet was filed against Vora next year. Accused of instigating Rajan against Dey owing to her own professional rivalry, she is currently on bail. ... and these colleges are affiliated to the Bihar School Examination Board. M I Khan reports from Patna. Some of these colleges received affiliation allegedly with the blessings of former board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh who is now cooling his heels behind the bar along with his wife and former Janata Dal-United MLA Usha Sinha. (Above) the duo are seen at the Civil court in Patna. Photograph: PTI photo Ever since the Bihar School Examination Board merit scandal broke out, a Pandora's Box with problems afflicting the state's education sector seems to have been thrown open. The latest news related to the controversy is that some colleges in the state are being run from ordinary garages comprising three to four rooms. And all of them are affiliated to the Bihar School Examination Board, allegedly with the blessings of former board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh who is now cooling his heels behind the bar along with his wife and former Janata Dal-United MLA Usha Sinha. This revelation was made by the new BSEB chairman, Anand Kishore after an inspection that had been ordered last month following several complaints regarding the lack of infrastructure. "So far, we have inspected 158 colleges out of the 213 in operation. Some of them have been found violating affiliation norms," Kishore said. "The investigation report on some colleges affiliated in the last two years were shocking, as they lacked basic infrastructure." According to board officials, claims about the infrastructure, student enrollment and faculty strength in these colleges were only on paper, and far from truth. For instance, a higher secondary college was found running from a garage-like room. Some colleges that claimed to have 20 classrooms on paper had, in fact, just three or four rooms. Kishore said that board will take action against such colleges and against those who recommended affiliation for them. According to an education department officer, unaided private colleges mushrooming across the state are experts in ensuring high scores for their students. Most private colleges are managed by powerful leaders from different political parties, the officer said, adding that many times the same college produced state toppers in all subjects. The top leader of Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been killed in a US drone strike in a southern Afghan province, the Pentagon has said, dealing a major blow to the dreaded terrorist outfit. Hafiz Sayed Khan along with his senior lieutenants died in the drone strike on July 26. The Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge said the US and Afghan Special Operations Forces conducted operations against the ISIS in southern Nangarhar province between July 1 and 30. "During this time, US forces conducted an airstrike targeting Hafiz Sayed Khan, the Islamic State in the Levant-Khorasan emir, in Achin district, Nangarhar province July 26, resulting in his death," Trowbridge said. Khan was known to directly participate in attacks against US and coalition forces, and the actions of his network terrorised Afghans, especially in Nangarhar. Nangarhar province has been a hotbed for ISIL-Khorasan activity since the summer of 2015. ISIL-K uses the area to train, equip, disseminate and control fighter pipelines, providing ISIL-K commanders throughout Afghanistan with a continuous supply of enemy fighters from this province. "Khan's death affects ISIL-K recruiting efforts and will disrupt ISIL-K's operations in Afghanistan and the region," he said. Khan, a former member of the Pakistani branch of the Taliban who swore allegiance to Middle East-based Islamic State, had earlier reported killed last year but the death was never confirmed. His death is the latest in a series of high-profile targets killed by the coalition forces as the war on terror goes on. In May a US drone killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the Afghan Taliban leader, in a strike in Pakistan. Khan's death is a major blow to efforts by the ISIS to expand its control from its Middle East territory into Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan's Taliban group has frequently clashed with IS since January 2015. The Taliban's dominance in a region home to numerous local and foreign militant groups is facing a serious challenge from IS, which has been gaining some support. There has also been evidence that IS is trying to recruit Taliban fighters, with several Taliban commanders declaring allegiance to IS. Days after iconic rights activist Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year-old hunger strike, a 32-year-old woman from Manipur on Friday vowed to carry forward the protest against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act with an indefinite fast. A mother of two girls, Arambam Robita Leima said she would launch her fast-unto-death at 10 am on Saturday at a community hall in Imphal West district. She said she was not only demanding repeal of the draconian AFSPA, but also the implementation of Inner Line Permit system in the state. Robita said she has deep regards for Irom Sharmila and now wanted to continue her fight against AFSPA. Leaders of several civil women organisations like Organisation for Indian Women Against Crime and Salai Apunba Lup, requested her not to embark on indefinite fasting and appealed to her to think about her two daughters Diamond, 10, and Tamphamani, 4. However, Robita is standing firm on her decision. Changing her strategy from a civilian protest to taking the political route for the removal of AFSPA from the north eastern states, Sharmila ended her 16-year-old fast on August 9 and said she wanted to become the chief minister to achieve her goal. Passage of the long-pending Goods and Services Tax bill and a unanimous resolution on Kashmir were the highlights of the "highly productive" Monsoon session of Parliament which was adjourned sine die on Friday after 20 sittings. Here are highlights of the Monsoon session: 1) The session witnessed Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann being barred from attending the Lok Sabha after he filmed and uploaded a video of Parliament complex on social media, an episode which is being probed into by a Parliamentary Committee set up by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The Lok Sabha Speaker said an inquiry committee has been constituted to go into various issues of uploading of footage of Parliament complex on social media by Bhagwant Mann. The Committee is seized of the matter, she added. 2) While the House lost over 6 hours and 33 minutes of time due to interruptions followed by forced adjournments, it sat late for over 18 hours to discuss various important issues. Rajya Sabha deliberated for more than 112 hours during the 20 sittings, the Lok Sabha sat for 121 hours. 3) While 13 legislations were passed by the Lok Sabha, the Upper House approved 14 laws. 4) Besides the GST Constituional Amendment, the key bills which were passed include Benami Transactions (Prohibition) bill, Taxation laws (Amendment) bill, Factories (Amendment) bill, Employee's Compensation (Amendment) Bill and the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) bill. 5) As many as 59 elected, re-elected and nominated members joined the Rajya Sabha. 6) The Lok Sabha took up 4 discussions, including on violence in Kashmir, price rise, sustainable development goals and atrocities against Dalits. The Rajya Sabha held an "animated debate" while considering and passing the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, to pave the way for rollout of a new indirect tax regime, Goods and Service Tax. 7) Both the Houses passed a unanimous resolution on prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley. It earnestly appealed to all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir, to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony and unanimously resolved to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. It also resolved there can be no compromise with the country's unity, integrity and national security. Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lokh Sabha. Photograph: TV GRAB/PTI Photo Donald Trump on Thursday repeatedly accused President Barack Obama of founding the Islamic State group, refusing to take back a patently false allegation even when questioned about the logic of his position. A day after lobbing the attack against the president during a rowdy rally, Trump pressed ahead during a round of interviews. The Republican presidential nominee brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitt's attempt to reframe Trump's observation as one that said Obama's foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed IS to thrive. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS. I do," Trump said, using another acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. Hewitt asked Trump if he would acknowledge that Obama hates the Islamic State, noting that the president is "trying to kill them." Over the past two years Obama has organized a broad coalition of countries and launched more than 10,000 U.S. airstrikes to defeat IS. "I don't care," the billionaire businessman replied. "He was the founder. The way he got out of Iraq, that was the founding of ISIS, OK?" In a later speech to homebuilders in Miami, Trump said his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, would be given "the most valuable player award" by IS. "Her only competition is Barack Obama," he said. He later added of Clinton, "Oh boy, is ISIS hoping for her." The Republican presidential nominee in the past has accused his opponent, Clinton, of founding the militant group. Shifting the blame to Obama, he said "crooked Hillary Clinton" was actually the group's co-founder. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton admonished Trump, saying anyone who would "sink so low" should never be president. "No, Barack Obama is not the founder of ISIS," Clinton tweeted. "Anyone willing to sink so low, so often should never be allowed to serve as our Commander-in-Chief." Islamic State was founded in 2013, months after Clinton left the state department. It was born out of the terror group Al-Qaeda in Iraq that grew in strength in 2006 following Republican president George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003. The group flourished with Obama's withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in late 2011. Republicans said Obama was slow to recognize the threat when he said in 2014 that the Islamic State was a "JV", junior varsity team even though they gained ground in Syria and Iraq. IMAGE: Donald Trump speaks at the National Association of Home Builders event at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami, Florida. Photograph: Eric Thayer/Reuters Former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair on Thursday said scientists have been made "scapegoats" in the Antrix-Devas case after he was named in the chargesheet by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Nair said he and others who have been named as an accused in the chargesheet in connection with the controversial deal have done nothing wrong and blamed the then United Progressive Alliance government for the "hasty" decision to cancel the agreement with Devas Multimedia over which India lost an arbitration case in an international tribunal in Hague recently. The eminent scientist said this shortly after he along with some scientists and officials were charged by the CBI under Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy and cheating besides provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act. Nair said he failed to understand on what basis the case has been filed. Defending the decision to lease coveted spectrum of INSAT satellite to Devas Multimedia, Nair said in company to company agreement, the government is not kept in the loop and this practice is still continuing. He said over a dozen such agreements were signed by Antrix with different companies providing similar services. "The leasing of transponder capacity has been the primary role of Antrix/DOS and we have established in that time frame more than a dozen such agreements with major players like Tata Sky, Sun Tv etc who hired transponder capacity from us. This hiring of transponder capacity by Devas was on same lines, it was no way different," Nair said. The former secretary, space department said ISRO never bothered about what business gains any of these companies make out of their using the transponder. On the CBI chargesheet, Nair said he did not have detailed information about but from what he heard it was related to Antrix-Devas contract, established in 2005, and they were trying to see how Devas made money by selling their shares at such high value and so on. He said he had made clear to the government as well as to all the agencies that it is not the responsibility of the department of space to look into the affairs of the Devas business. "It is the company affairs' department and income tax department who has to pursue this. In fact this information was available to these agencies in 2010. Instead of booking Devas in 2010 on the this issue now they have slept over this for a long time," he said. Nair said they (the government) misinformed about this old agreement and tried to justify the wrongdoing of cancellation of the agreement later. "So they wanted to find some scapegoat and that was done and four scientists have been blacklisted long back. Now issue apparently which came out was there was no loss to the government. There is no sale of spectrum and if at all government is not kept adequately informed," he said. Nair said now apparently what has gone wrong is that in 2010 government took a very hasty decision to cancel the agreement with Devas. "This has been challenged in International Court of law and they have slapped a fine of nearly one billion dollars on the government of India. So this is a really serious issue. "Instead of pursuing who was responsible for misleading the government on this cancellation of the contract and bringing such a huge fine to the government of India, they are still scratching the surface on how we entered into this agreement," Nair said. The scientist said when a contract is signed between a company to company the government is not in the picture. "The government does not come into the know of things. Even today that practice is continuing. Now on that punishment is already given," he said. Nair said the same issue, based on a complaint which was given by K Radhakrishnan, the then Chairman, a fresh inquiry has been conducted by the CBI and now the agency instead of booking Devas on this issue they are trying to put blame on Antrix and DOS which is totally, which according to him, is totally wrong. "We have to see what document the CBI has seen and what has been presented and since the matter is in court, we have to get the documents, study and face the issue legally," he said. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was again "detained" at an United States airport, the third time in seven years that he has been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports. However, outrage over the incident prompted US Ambassador to India Richard Verma to apologise on behalf of his government. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," (sic) the actor tweeted after being detained at the Los Angeles airport. "The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons," the 50-year-old actor said in another tweet referring to the widely popular mobile game. US Ambassador to India Richard Verma apologised to Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan for his over two-hour detention at Los Angeles airport and said the US was working to ensure that it does not happen again. Verma's comment on Twitter was appreciated by Khan who thanked him for his concern. "Sorry for the trouble at LAX @iamsrk. We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US," Verma tweeted. Responding to Verma's tweet, the 50-year-old actor said, "No trouble sir, respect the protocol & not expecting 2 b above it. Its just a tad inconvenient. Thx for ur concern." This was not the first instance that Khan was detained at an American airport by immigration officials. In April 2012, Khan was detained at the White Plains airport near New York for over two hours by immigration officials. Khan was in the US to visit Yale University and was accompanied by Nita Ambani, wife of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. He was understood to have been travelling in a private plane. Following the incident, sources had then said that while Ambani and the rest of their group was cleared immediately, Khan was stopped and was given immigration clearance only after about two hours. Yale University officials had to contact and speak with officials at the Department of Homeland Security and Department of US Immigration and Customs in Washington when they were informed that Khan was held up at the airport. After the incident in New York, Khan had said, "Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I always take a trip to America. The immigration guys kicked the star out of stardom," Khan had said to the Yale students. In 2009, Khan was detained at the Newark Airport in New Jersey for nearly two hours. Following the incident, Khan had sought to downplay the "unfortunate procedure" at Newark airport and had said that he would not demand an apology. Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters In another incident in the run-up to the Independence Day, two persons were shot dead and six injured in indiscriminate firing by suspected United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent militants at Bahbon village in the upper Assam's district on Friday, police said. A group of five armed militants of the anti-talk ULFA faction came to the house of Arvind Shah, a small trader, of the village under Philobari police station, and opened fire at some people sitting outside around 7.30 pm, they said. DIG Bishnu Prasad Rabha said two persons were killed in the firing. They have been identified as Kishori Teli and Rajesh Shah. The six injured were shifted to Assam medical college hospital in neighbouring Dibrugarh district. The police and paramilitary forces have been deployed and security measures tightened in the district, officials said. On Thursday, in Philobari, suspected ULFA-I militants had exploded an improvised explosive devise in a drain near Badalbheta Tea Estate but none was injured. Assam has witnessed intensified militant violence in the last one week. 14 people were killed and over 20 injured by heavily-armed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) insurgents at Balajan in Assam's Kokrajhar district on August 5. IMAGE: An injured being treated at a hospital after suspected ULFA-I militants opened fired. Photograph: PTI Making a strong pitch for healing the wounds of Kashmir, the Congress on Friday pitched for talks with mainstream and non-mainstream parties and other stakeholders to defuse the extremely tense and tragic situation. After an all party meeting on the issue chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, We assure the government that for any positive step to resolve the issue in Kashmir, they will have our full co-operation. Significantly, the Congress leader emphasised that there can be no talks with Pakistan at the moment when it is waging a war of words. Senior Congress leader and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the meeting that the most important thing at the moment was to defuse the present situation, Azad said at a press conference. What is important is to heal the wounds and not to close the doors of dialogue. Win the hearts and minds of people in general and youth in particular, Azad said. This, he said, should be done by cajoling,.... (through) love and affection as we cannot win over by confrontation. The Congress pushed for dialogue with mainstream and non-mainstream parties and other stakeholders, Azad said. Responding to questions, he, however, did not specify who the mainstream, non mainstream parties and other stakeholders are, saying, This has to be decided by the Centre and the state government. Manmohan Singh, who was the first speaker at the meeting, said it is for the government of India to come up with a roadmap for defusing the situation. He said during 10 years of United Progressive Alliance rule, efforts were made to find practical and pragmatic solution to these issues. Asked whether he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and the assurances from the government, Azad remarked, I will be satisfied once we succeed in retrieving the situation. He said the meeting saw all political parties making it clear that there cannot be any compromise on unity and integrity of the country. Pakistan is waging a war of words. You cannot talk to them at this moment, he said in reply to a question. IMAGE: Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad after an all party meeting on Kashmir in Parliament on Friday. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo When Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier shone a light on the Pandora's Box that became famous as the Panama Papers, even they didn't know how it would shake up the murky world of finance, indeed the world itself. Oberamayer and Obermaier went on to win 2017's Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for their excellent journalism. Rediff.com carried an excerpt from their book, The Panama Papers, on April 12, 2016. We present that excerpt to you again, for your reading pleasure. IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in the thick of the Panama Paper revelations. We are fascinated by the way our data comes alive without us having to do anything at all. 'Ping' -- a new result. Often overnight, due to the time difference between us and the Americas. The data is now being fished 24 hours a day; at any given moment, at least one of our colleagues is sitting at a laptop entering new names into the search mask in one time zone or other. We come back from lunch and someone has discovered another head of state or government. When our European colleagues are mining the data, we see the new results coming in live, hour by hour. A number of the findings are spectacular: The president of the United Arab Emirates. The former prime minister of Jordan. The family of a former South American dictator. The Palestinian deputy prime minister. There is also a trail leading to Nawaz Sharif, the current prime minister of Pakistan. Sharif had also been prime minister on two separate occasions in the 1990s. In a critical report, the World Bank names two companies in the British Virgin Islands that Sharif is said to have used for questionable business deals: Nescoll and Nielson. Sharif is believed to have bought luxury homes through these companies, including in London. State funds transformed into a private villa in the blink of an eye. We find both companies in the data. The documents reveal that the owner, at least until 2012, was Mariam Safdar, nee Sharif: Nawaz Sharif's daughter. *** IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, with his predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Juntao at the parade in Beijing, September 3, 2015. Photograph: Wang Zhao/Reuters 'Ping' -- the next big name. Deng Jiagui. The name will not mean much to readers in the Western hemisphere, but Deng Jiagui is the brother-in-law of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Very close relatives. According to the data, Deng Jiagui owned two offshore companies between 2009 and 2011: Wealth Ming International Ltd and Best Effect Enterprises Ltd, both based in the British Virgin Islands. That is controversial because of all people, his brother-in-law, the Chinese president, announced a few years earlier that he would crack down on greed and corruption. Both in the lower ranks, the 'flies', and in the upper echelons, the 'tigers'. Back in 2004 he called on China's politicians to 'rein in your spouses, children, relatives, friends and staff!' Perhaps he should have had a word with his brother-in-law. The case is also interesting because there have been so many revelations concerning Chinese politicians using relatives as beneficiaries when they have wanted to hide away the wealth they have accumulated. We come across other princelings, as the close relatives of the powerful Chinese elite are called. They have often been the subject of negative headlines in recent years, involving stories about Ferraris, wild parties, arrogant behaviour, drunken accidents and rapes. The most prominent case among them involves the daughter of former premier Li Peng, who is known as the 'Butcher of Beijing' because he was the one who sent in the tanks to crush the protest in Tiananmen Square in 1989. According to the documents, Li Peng's daughter Li Xiaolin and her husband established the Cofic Investment Ltd company in the British Virgin Islands through a Geneva law firm in 1994. The Chinese president's brother-in-law and the daughter of the former premier -- two more trails to current and former heads of state and government, two more names for our list in the 'war room'. *** IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on as Sergei Chemezov and Ashok Baweja sign an agreement. Photograph: Ivan Sekretarev/Reuters 'Ping.' A post by our colleague from Le Monde. He has discovered a five-page list in the data that was compiled by and emailed to Mossack Fonseca staff members in 2010. A list that reveals the real owners of dozens of companies. A list full of Russian names. But these are not just any old names. The list includes a close relative of a very well-known Russian oligarch. It includes the son of Sergey Chemezov, who runs the Russian defence Company Rostec and who knows Vladimir Putin from their KGB days in Dresden -- he has been on the US sanctions list since 2014. And there is more to come: Two brothers, Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, who are among Vladimir Putin's closest associates, and are probably two of the Russian president's most important business partners. They too are on the sanctions list. These names will keep us busy for weeks. During the Washington conference we established a special working group that would focus on Russia. This group includes journalists from the BBC, The Guardian, the Swiss SonntagsZeitung and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, whose team includes Russian colleagues, some of whom are still reporting from inside Russia. We will be subjecting these sensational names to further scrutiny as part of this team. It is clear that the Russia story is going to be huge. Excerpted from The Panama Papers: Breaking The Story Of How The Rich And Powerful Hide Their Money by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier, Rs 499, with the permission of the publishers, Pan Macmillan India. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Democratic Republic of the Congo Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Democratic Republic of the Congo, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88615.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religious belief. Catholics reported some violence, including an attack on a priest in Lodja by youth affiliated with a party in the president's majority coalition, and verbal harassment toward clergy members in response to their political activism. There were reports of security forces harassing Muslim citizens for money or property in connection with the government's pursuit of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a largely Islamic rebel group. Religious organizations became more politically active in advance of upcoming elections, and some parishes and convents reported experiencing threats and intimidation from government security services. While religious groups were required to register with the government, many operated without government authorization or interference. Two Jehovah's Witnesses were attacked by seven people in the Bandundo region, reportedly for refusing to consult with witch doctors, and one of the Jehovah's Witnesses was killed. The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives met regularly with the government to discuss religious freedom issues, such as government relations with religious organizations. The embassy had similar discussions with religious leaders and human rights organizations. The embassy held periodic events and used social media to highlight religious freedom issues. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 79.3 million (July 2015 estimate). Based on discussions with religious groups, the embassy estimates approximately 45 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 40 percent Protestant (including evangelicals), 5 percent Church of Jesus Christ on Earth through the Prophet Simon Kimbangu (Kimbanguist), and 5 percent Muslim. Groups that together constitute less than 5 percent of the population include Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Greek Orthodox Christians, Bahais, Jews, and followers of indigenous religious beliefs. Most religious groups are scattered throughout the country and are widely represented in cities and large towns. Muslims mainly reside in the provinces of Maniema, North Kivu, and Kinshasa, and in the former provinces of Orientale, Kasai Occidental, and Bandundu. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of religion and the right to worship subject to "compliance with the law, public order, public morality, and the rights of others." It stipulates the right to religious freedom cannot be abrogated even when the government declares a state of emergency or siege. According to the law, the government can legally recognize, suspend recognition of, or dissolve religious groups. The law regulates the establishment and operation of religious groups. The government grants tax-exempt status to recognized religious groups. Nonprofit organizations, including religious groups, foreign and domestic, must register with the government to obtain official recognition by submitting a copy of their bylaws and constitution. Religious groups must register only once for the group as a whole, but nonprofit organizations affiliated with a religious group must register separately. Upon submission, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights issues a provisional approval and, within six months, a permanent approval or rejection. Unless the ministry specifically rejects the application, the group is considered approved and registered after six months even if the ministry has not issued a final determination. Applications coming from international headquarters of religious organizations must be approved by the presidency after submission through the Ministry of Justice. The law requires officially recognized religious groups to operate as nonprofits and respect the general public order. It also permits religious groups to establish places of worship and train clergy. The law prescribes penalties of up to two years' imprisonment and/or 200,000 Congolese francs (CDF) ($217) for groups which are not properly registered but receive gifts and donations on behalf of a church or religious organization. The constitution allows public schools to work with religious authorities to provide religious education to students in accordance with students' religious beliefs, provided the parents request it. Government Practices Because religious and political issues overlap, it was difficult to categorize some incidents as being solely based on religious identity. In Lodja, several youths belonging to a party in the president's majority coalition physically assaulted a Catholic priest, reportedly for commenting in his sermon on a declaration by the Conference of Catholic Bishops (CENCO) considered by some as political. The government conducted military operations in North Kivu against the ADF, a largely Islamic rebel armed group originating in Uganda. While leaders of the Muslim community reported they kept in frequent contact with the government regarding the ADF, there were reports that in the Beni and Goma areas, the national police and army harassed members of the Muslim community, particularly those dressed in a way that identified them as Muslim. According to the reports this usually involved demanding money or property such as cell phones, and was explained by officials as necessary to control the ADF. In preparation for the national election scheduled for November 2016, some religious organizations were more outspoken in advocating electoral positions, and there were reports of retaliatory political intimidation. Representatives of the Catholic Church, which publicly urged the government to abide by the constitutionally mandated electoral deadlines, stated they experienced verbal harassment and interference based on their advocacy. CENCO reported harassment of its members, such as phone tapping and threats by national security forces and unfair treatment by government-sponsored media outlets. They stated they believed this was related to their electoral advocacy and not their religious beliefs. After CENCO published a political declaration called "Let's Protect the Nation," several church authorities reported being verbally harassed by reporters from the government-owned Radio-Television Nationale Congolaise. The government also closed the Catholic television station (RTCE Radio Television Catholique Elikya). Muslim community leaders said the government did not afford them some of the same privileges as larger religious groups. One Muslim leader stated Muslims had continued to be refused the opportunity to organize chaplains to provide services for Muslims in the military, police, and hospitals, despite filing a complaint with the president and his cabinet in 2009. According to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, there were 404 Catholic organizations, 93 Protestant organizations, 54 Muslim organizations, 2,352 Evangelist organizations, and one Kimbanguist organization registered with the government. Despite the registration requirement, unregistered domestic religious groups stated they operated unhindered. Foreign religious groups reported they operated without restriction after receiving registration approval from the government. The Ministry of Justice has not issued final registration permits since 2012, reportedly due to the fraudulent use of the minister's signature. In the interim, however, groups have been presumed approved and have been permitted to organize. Leaders of all major denominations reported their members practiced their faith without interference from the government or local authorities and fully participated in their communities without religious discrimination. Aside from tension over electoral issues, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, and Kimbanguist religious leaders stated they enjoyed a good relationship with the government, and the government continued to rely on religious organizations to provide public services such as education and healthcare throughout the country. According to the Ministry of Education, approximately 72 percent of primary school students and 65 percent of secondary school students attended government-funded schools administered by religious organizations. One of the civil society positions on the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) was reserved for a member of clergy. The former head of the CENI was a Catholic abbot. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom According to Jehovah's Witnesses reports, seven individuals in Bandundu Province attacked two Jehovah's Witnesses because of their refusal to consult a medium or witch doctor. One of the individuals suffered a severe head wound that led to his death. On April 6, the court held a hearing for four of the accused attackers and on April 27, the court heard from witnesses and the three other accused attackers. On August 28, all four accused attackers were sentenced to death. One convicted attacker fell ill after the sentence and died in prison. At the end of the year, the convicted attackers appealed the case and were awaiting retrial. Some religious leaders reported tensions between Christian and Muslim communities in the East linked to the government's ongoing fight against the largely Islamic ADF. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives met regularly with the government to discuss issues of religious freedom, such as government attitudes and actions toward religious organizations. The embassy also discussed these issues with religious leaders and human rights organizations and used social media to highlight religious freedom issues. In July the embassy posted information about President Obama's June 22 iftar at the White House promoting religious diversity and respect in the United States. On April 1, the embassy inaugurated a partnership in Lubumbashi with Catholic Jesuit Father Ferdinand Muhigirwa, Director of the Arrupe Center for Research and Training. The embassy provided a number of books and magazines promoting religious freedom and tolerance. To address the engagement of religious groups in electoral advocacy, the embassy included members of different religious groups on professional exchange programs to the United States. For example, one Catholic priest participated in a program focusing on managing conflict in a democracy. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Democratic People's Republic of Korea Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88711.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary Religious freedom does not exist in North Korea despite the constitutional guarantee for the freedom of religion. The February 2014 report of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Human Rights Situation of the DPRK concluded there was an almost complete denial by the government of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and, in many instances, violations of human rights committed by the government constitute crimes against humanity. The COI recommended that the UN Security Council refer the situation in the country to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for action in accordance with the Court's jurisdiction. In 2015, the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council adopted resolutions on the human rights situation in the country. Since 2014, these resolutions have encouraged the Security Council to continue its consideration of the relevant conclusions and recommendations of the COI. The government's policy towards religion has been to maintain an appearance of tolerance for international audiences, while suppressing internally all nonstate-sanctioned religious activities. The country's inaccessibility and lack of timely information, make arrests and punishments difficult to verify. International media reported the country's authorities detained and deported foreigners, possibly in connection with religious activities. Defector accounts indicated religious practitioners often concealed their activities from neighbors, coworkers, and other members of society for fear their activities would be reported to the authorities. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic relations with the country. Since 2001, it has been designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated the country as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing restrictions to which North Korea is subject, pursuant to sections 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the Jackson-Vanik Amendment) pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. The United States cosponsored resolutions at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council condemning the government's systematic, widespread, and gross human rights violations. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 24.9 million (July 2015 estimate). In a 2002 report to the UN Human Rights Committee, the government reported there were 12,000 Protestants, 10,000 Buddhists, and 800 Roman Catholics. The report noted that Cheondoism, a modern religious movement based on 19th century Korean neo-Confucian movement, had approximately 15,000 practitioners. Consulting shamans and engaging in shamanistic rituals is reportedly widespread but difficult to quantify. The South Korea-based Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) reports in its 2014 white paper that five priests from the Russian Orthodox Church are in Pyongyang. South Korean and other foreign religious groups estimate the number of religious practitioners in the country is considerably higher. The UN estimates there are between 200,000 and 400,000 Christians in the country. The COI report stated that, based on the government's own figures, the proportion of religious adherents among the population dropped from close to 24 percent in 1950 to 0.016 percent in 2002. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The country is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 68 of the constitution provides for freedom of religion: "Citizens shall have the right of faith. This right guarantees them chances to build religious facilities or perform religious rituals." It further provides, however, that "religion must not be used as a pretext for drawing in foreign forces or for harming the state and social order." The "Report of the DPRK Association for Human Rights Studies," an official government document, states "Freedom of religion is allowed and provided by the State law within the limit necessary for securing social order, health, social security, morality and other human rights. Especially, the Government prevents the religion from being used to draw in foreign forces or harm the state and social order." Ownership of Bibles or other religious materials brought in from abroad is reportedly illegal and also punishable by imprisonment and severe punishment, including, in some cases, execution. Government Practices The government continued to deal harshly with those who engaged in almost any religious practices through executions, torture, beatings, and arrests. An estimated 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners, some imprisoned for religious reasons, were believed to be held in the political prison camp system in remote areas under horrific conditions. Religious and human rights groups outside the country provided numerous reports that members of underground churches were arrested, beaten, tortured, or killed because of their religious beliefs. International nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) reported any religious activities conducted outside of those that are state-sanctioned, including praying, singing hymns, and reading the Bible, can lead to severe punishment including imprisonment in political prison camps. In February 2014, the COI published its final report in which it concluded there was an almost complete denial by the government of the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, information, and association. It further concluded that, in many instances, the violations of human rights committed by the government constitute crimes against humanity, and it recommended that the United Nations ensure those most responsible for the crimes against humanity were held accountable. During the year, the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council adopted resolutions on the human rights situation in the DPRK. Since 2014, these resolutions have encouraged the Security Council to continue its consideration of the relevant conclusions and recommendations of the COI. The COI report found the government considered Christianity a serious threat, as it challenged the official cult of personality and provided a platform for social and political organization and interaction outside of the government. The report concluded Christians faced persecution, violence, and heavy punishment if they practiced their religion outside the state-controlled churches. The report further recommended the country allow Christians and other religious believers to exercise their religion independently and publicly without fear of punishment, reprisal, or surveillance. International media reported the country's authorities detained a Canadian pastor and deported other foreigners in connection with religious activities. In December authorities sentenced the Canadian pastor, Lim Hyeon-soo, to life in prison with hard labor. According to state media, his charges included unspecified "anti-DPRK religious activities." Defectors reported the government increased its investigation, repression, and persecution of unauthorized religious groups in recent years, but access to information on current conditions was limited. According to the Seoul-based Korea Institute for National Unification's (KINU) "White Paper on Human Rights in North Korea 2015," Article 68 of the constitution continued to be used as a tool to suppress religious freedom. Juche, or self-reliance, remained an important ideological underpinning of the government and the cult of personalities of the late Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and current leader Kim Jong-un. Refusal on religious or other grounds to accept the leader as the supreme authority was regarded as opposition to the national interest and reportedly resulted in severe punishment. Some scholars state the Juche philosophy and reverence for the Kim family resemble a form of state-sponsored ideology. Approximately 100,000 Juche research centers reportedly exist throughout the country. The 2014 report of the DPRK Association for Human Rights Studies stated that, "Every citizen has chosen to follow the Juche Idea ... and is firmly believing in Juche Idea thinking and acting according to its requirement" and that Juche is a belief system not forced upon citizens. Five state-controlled Christian churches continued to exist in Pyongyang: three Protestant churches (Bongsu, Chilgol, and Jeil churches), a Catholic church (Jangchung Cathedral), and Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church. Chilgol Church was dedicated to the memory of former leader Kim Il-sung's mother, Kang Pan-sok, who was a Presbyterian deaconess. The number of congregants regularly worshiping at these churches was unknown. Reports from visitors who have been taken to these churches to attend services when visiting Pyongyang reported local Koreans in attendance appear to have been brought in for the occasion, but they seemed to be observers rather than participants. Numerous North Korean defectors from outside of Pyongyang reported no knowledge of these churches, and according to the KINU white paper, no Protestant or Catholic churches existed in the country except in Pyongyang. KINU also reported the existence of state-sanctioned religious organizations in the DPRK such as the Korean Christians' Federation (KCF), Korean Buddhists Federation, Korea Catholic Association (KCA), Korea Chondoist Society, and the Korean Association of Religionists. The NKDB white paper also noted the existence of the Korean Orthodox Church Committee. There was minimal information available on the activities of such organizations, except for some information on inter-Korean religious exchanges. In October the KCF invited to Pyongyang the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), its South Korean counterpart, for a week of religious meetings. However, the agenda for this meeting reportedly focused primarily on issues unrelated to religious freedom or religious affairs. International media also reported that 150 representatives from seven South Korean religious groups traveled to Mount Kumgang in North Korea for a prayer event hosted by the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace in November. International media also reported that two delegations of South Korean religious leaders visited Protestant and Catholic churches for religious services in Pyongyang and to discuss repairs to Jangchung Cathedral in November. In December the South Korean Catholic Church said it had reached agreement with North Korea to send priests there on a "regular basis," including for the South Korean Archbishop of Gwangju to deliver Easter Mass in Pyongyang in 2016. The government-established KCA provided basic services at the Jangchung Roman Catholic Church, but had no ties to the Vatican. There also were no Vatican-recognized Catholic priests, monks, or nuns residing anywhere in the country. Visiting priests reportedly celebrated Mass at the Jangchung Cathedral in the past. According to religious leaders who have traveled to the country, there were Protestant pastors at the Bongsu and Chilgol churches, although it was not known if they were resident or visiting pastors. Five Russian Orthodox priests served at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, purportedly to provide pastoral care to Russians in the country. Several of them reportedly studied at the Russian Orthodox Seminary in Moscow. The 2014 report of the DPRK Association for Human Rights Studies cited the existence of 64 Buddhist temples in the DPRK, but noted that the temples have lost religious significance in the country and only remained as cultural heritage sites or tourist destinations. The 2015 KINU white paper noted that most North Koreans did not realize Buddhist temples were religious facilities and did not see Buddhist monks as religious figures. The 2014 NKDB white paper said there were also 52 Cheondoist temples throughout the country. The government reportedly allowed certain forms of religious education, including programs at three-year colleges for training Protestant and Buddhist clergy, a religious studies program at Kim Il-sung University, a graduate institution that trained pastors, and other seminaries related to Christian or Buddhist groups. In its July 2002 report to the UN Human Rights Committee, the government reported the existence of 500 "family worship centers." According to the 2015 KINU white paper, however, while some Pyongyang residents had heard of them, most people living outside of Pyongyang were not even aware of the existence of such family churches. Those who were aware of their existence were not able to identify them as places of worship. According to a survey of more than 9,000 defectors cited in the 2014 NKDB white paper, not one of the defectors had ever seen any of these purported home churches, and only 1.2 percent of respondents believed they existed. Observers stated that "family worship centers" may be part of the state-controlled KCF. According to the NKDB white paper, 99.6 percent of defectors from North Korea said there was no religious freedom in the country. Just 4.2 percent said they had seen a Bible when they lived there, although survey data reflects a slight increase in recent years. The COI report concluded that authorities systematically sought to hide from the international community the persecution of Christians who practiced their religion outside state-controlled churches by pointing to the small number of state-controlled churches as exemplifying religious freedom and pluralism. Religious and human rights groups outside the country provided numerous reports that members of underground churches were arrested, beaten, tortured, or killed because of their religious beliefs. International NGOs reported any religious activities conducted outside of those that are state-sanctioned, including praying, singing hymns, and reading the Bible, could lead to severe punishment including imprisonment in political prison camps. The NKDB white paper stated that officials conduct thorough searches of incoming packages and belongings at ports and airports to search for religious items as well as other items deemed objectionable by the government. While shamanism has always been practiced to some degree in the country, NGOs noted an apparent increase in shamanistic practices, including Pyongyang. These NGOs reported that government authorities reacted by cracking down on the practice of shamanism. The KINU white paper indicated the government used authorized religious organizations for external propaganda and political purposes and reported citizens were strictly barred from entering places of worship. According to the white paper, ordinary citizens considered such places primarily as "sightseeing spots for foreigners." Foreigners who met with representatives of government-sponsored religious organizations stated they believed some members were genuinely religious, but noted others appeared to know little about religious doctrine. KINU concluded the lack of churches or religious facilities in the provinces indicated ordinary citizens did not have religious freedom. Little was known about the day-to-day life of religious persons. There were no reports that members of government-controlled religious groups suffered discrimination, but the government reportedly regarded members of underground churches or those connected to missionary activities as subversive elements. NKDB reported that in its survey of more than 9,000 defectors, none reported fleeing in the first instance due to religious persecution, indicating limited knowledge of and access to religion in the country. Scholars said authorities meted out strict punishment to forcibly returned defectors who had contact with Christian missionaries while in China. The government reportedly was concerned that faith-based South Korean relief and refugee assistance efforts along the northeast border of China had both humanitarian and political goals, including the overthrow of the government, and alleged these groups were involved in intelligence gathering. In October a spokesperson for the foreign ministry accused the United States of working with "religious organizations" to conduct "anti-DPRK operations." The government allowed some overseas faith-based aid organizations to operate inside the country to provide humanitarian assistance. Such organizations reported they were not allowed to proselytize; their contact with nationals was limited and strictly monitored; and government escorts accompanied them at all times. Some workers of such organizations reported being permitted to take into the country their personal Bibles. In recent years, the government has also allowed South Korean religious groups to renovate and build religious facilities. Christians were restricted to the lowest, hostile class rungs of the songbun system, which classifies people on the basis of social class, family background, and presumed support of the regime based on political opinion and religious views. The songbun classification system results in discrimination in education, health care, employment opportunities, and residence. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Defector accounts indicated religious practitioners often concealed their activities from neighbors, coworkers, and other members of society for fear their activities would be reported to the authorities. The COI report concluded that government messaging regarding the purported evils of Christianity led to negative views of Christianity among ordinary citizens. The KINU white paper reported credible accounts of private Christian religious activity in the country, although the existence of underground churches and the scope of underground religious activity remained difficult to verify. While some NGOs and academics estimated there may be up to several hundred thousand Christians practicing their faith underground, others questioned the existence of a large-scale underground church or concluded it was impossible to estimate accurately the number of underground religious believers. Individual underground congregations were reportedly very small and typically confined to private homes. Some refugee reports confirmed unapproved religious materials were available and secret religious meetings occurred, spurred by cross-border contact with individuals and groups in China. Some NGOs reported that individual underground churches were connected to each other through well-established networks. The government did not allow outsiders access to confirm such claims. Foreign legislators who attended services in Pyongyang in previous years reported that congregations arrived and departed services as groups on tour buses, and some observed the worshipers did not include any children. Some foreigners noted they were not permitted to have contact with worshipers, and others noted limited interaction with them. Foreign observers had limited ability to ascertain the level of government control over these groups, but generally assumed the government monitored them closely. According to the KINU white paper, defectors reported being unaware of any recognized religious organizations that maintained branches outside of Pyongyang. Religious ceremonies such as for weddings and funerals were almost unknown. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. government does not have diplomatic relations with the DPRK and has no official presence in the country. However, it still sought to address religious freedom concerns. Since 2001, the country has been designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated the country as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing restrictions to which North Korea is subject, pursuant to sections 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the Jackson-Vanik Amendment) pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. The United States has cosponsored annual resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council that condemn the country's "systematic, widespread, and gross human rights violations." The resolutions further expressed grave concern over the DPRK's denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as of the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and association, and urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure these rights. The U.S. government raised concerns about religious freedom in the DPRK in other multilateral forums and in bilateral discussions with other governments, particularly those with diplomatic relations with the country. The United States has made clear that addressing human rights, including religious freedom, would significantly improve prospects for closer ties between the two countries. Senior U.S. government officials, including the Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea, met with defectors and NGOs that are focused on the country. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cyprus: the Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cyprus: the Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88915.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. All references to place names within this report are for reference purposes only and are meant to convey meaning. They should not be interpreted as implying or indicating any political recognition or change in longstanding U.S. policy. Executive Summary Since 1974 the northern part of Cyprus has been run by a Turkish Cypriot administration that proclaimed itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC") in 1983. The United States does not recognize the "TRNC," nor does any country other than Turkey. The Turkish Cypriot "constitution" refers to the "state" as secular and provides for freedom of religious faith and worship consistent with public order and morals. It prohibits forced participation in worship and religious services and states religious education may be conducted only under "state" supervision. It grants the Islamic Vakf, which manages land that has been donated as an endowment by Muslims for charitable purposes as well as sites of worship, the exclusive right to regulate its internal affairs in accordance with Vakf laws. UNFICYP reported that the number of Christian pilgrims allowed access to religious sites rose during the year. The Turkish Cypriot authorities approved 88 of 128 requests received through UNFICYP for access to Greek Orthodox, Maronite Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox places of worship in the north. Turkish Cypriot authorities reported they allowed church services for the first time in more than 40 years at 14 locations. Some minority religious groups reported police surveillance of their activities and political criticism of Turkish Cypriot converts to other faiths, particularly Christianity. Turkish troops limited access to Maronite villages and churches in Turkish military zones. Some religious groups reported Turkish Cypriot converts from Islam to other religions, particularly Christianity, faced social ostracism. Religious leaders continued to promote religious dialogue by meeting and arranging visits to places of worship across the "green line." Embassy representatives met with Turkish Cypriot representatives to discuss access to religious sites and the ability to hold religious services at the sites without restrictions. Embassy officials also discussed religious freedom issues within the Turkish Cypriot community with representatives of the Armenian Orthodox, Alevi Muslim, Bahai, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Sunni Muslim communities. Section I. Religious Demography According to 2011 census information from the Turkish Cypriot authorities, the population of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots is 286,257. The census contains no data on religious affiliation. Sociologists estimate as much as 97 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim. Religious groups report an estimated 10,000 migrant workers of Turkish, Kurdish, and Arab origin are Alevi Muslims, and there are 100-200 members of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Other small groups include approximately 330 members of the autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, 200 members of the Russian Orthodox Church, 150 Bahais, 150 Maronite Catholics, 180 Anglicans, 150 Jews, 300 Turkish-speaking Protestants, and 40 Jehovah's Witnesses. There are approximately 450 African students who are predominantly Pentecostals and Roman Catholics. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom "Legal" Framework The Turkish Cypriot "constitution" refers specifically to a "secular republic" and provides for freedom of conscience and religious faith and unrestricted worship and religious ceremonies provided they do not contravene public order or morals. It prohibits forced prayer, forced attendance at religious services, condemnation based on religious beliefs, and compelling of individuals to disclose their religious beliefs. Religious education may only be conducted under "state" supervision. The "law" does not recognize any specific religion, and individuals cannot "exploit or abuse" religion to establish, even partially, a state based on religious precepts or for political or personal gain. The Vakf, an Islamic foundation that manages property donated as a religious endowment for Turkish Cypriots as well as sites of worship, has the exclusive right to regulate and administer its internal affairs and property in accordance with Vakf laws and principles. Although the "constitution" states the Vakf shall be exempt from all taxation, its commercial operations are subject to applicable taxes. It also receives income from properties it manages. According to the "constitution," the Turkish Cypriot authorities shall help the Vakf in the execution of Islamic religious services and in meeting the expenses of such services. No other religious organization is tax exempt or receives subsidies from the Turkish Cypriot authorities. The 1975 Vienna III Agreement covers the treatment of Greek Cypriots and Maronite Catholics living in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the treatment of Turkish Cypriots living in the government-controlled area. Among other provisions, the agreement provides for facilities for religious worship for Greek Cypriots, stating they are free to stay and "will be given every help to lead a normal life, including facilities for education and for the practice of their religion." Turkish Cypriot "regulations" stipulate Greek Orthodox residents may conduct liturgies or masses led by two designated priests at three designated functional churches in the Karpas Peninsula without seeking permission, and Maronite residents may hold liturgies or masses at four designated functional Maronite churches without seeking permission. Religious groups must submit applications to the authorities for permission to hold religious services at churches or monasteries other than these seven designated churches. Permission is also necessary for priests other than those officially designated to conduct services. Specific permission is required for services in which Cypriots participate who are not residents in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, such as members of the Greek Orthodox, Maronite Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox Churches. UNFICYP coordinates applications, which must be submitted 10 days before the date of such religious services. The "Religious Affairs Department" represents Islam in the area administered by the Turkish Cypriots. Whereas the Vakf manages land that has been donated as an endowment by Muslims for charitable purposes, the "Religious Affairs Department" oversees imams' conduct of prayers and sermons in mosques. Religious groups are not required to register with authorities as associations, although only associations registered with the "Ministry of Interior" have the right to engage in commercial activity and maintain bank accounts. Religious groups and nonreligious groups have the same registration process and are required to submit the founders' names and photocopies of their identification cards to the "interior ministry," along with a copy of the association's rules and regulations. Associations do not receive tax-exempt status or any "government" benefits or subsidies. Religious groups are not permitted to register as associations if the stated purpose of the association is to provide religious education to their members. There is compulsory instruction covering religion in grades four through eight in all schools. These classes focus primarily on Islam, but also include sessions on comparative religion. The "Ministry of Education" chooses the curriculum, which is based on a textbook commissioned by the Ministry of Education in Turkey. Non-Muslim students may be excused from attending on an individual basis by schools or teachers at the request of their guardians, but there is no formal process to request such an exemption. At the high school level, religion classes are optional. There are no provisions or "laws" allowing Turkish Cypriots to engage in conscientious objection to military service, which includes a one-day annual reserve duty requirement in addition to the 12-15 month initial service requirement. "Government" Practices Alevi Muslims, who had already registered as an association, established the Alevi Culture Foundation, an NGO, in order to receive funding and donations. The "government" recognized the foundation during the year, the first time it had done so for a non-Sunni religious institution. The foundation had the right to request a tax exemption from the "Ministry of Finance" after providing proof its commercial activities were carried out for charitable purposes, but it had not yet carried out any commercial activities or requested a tax exemption. After it was established, it received 250,000 Turkish Lira ($85,675) from the "government" in May for construction of what would be the first cemevi (Alevi house of worship) in Cyprus. Construction of the cemevi began in 2007 but was delayed for lack of funds. There were no reports of other religious groups or of foundations linked to them attempting to register during the year. The "Religious Affairs Department" staffed 190-200 mosques, all Sunni, with 360 imams. Members of the majority Sunni religious community voiced concerns the "government" was interfering with religious affairs by selecting imams. Catholic students at Near East University were granted use of a multipurpose room for celebrating Mass in March. Beginning in November 2014, Catholics at Eastern Mediterranean University also had regular access to campus facilities to celebrate Mass. Turkish Cypriot authorities restricted access to Greek Orthodox, Maronite Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox places of worship. Greek Orthodox and Maronite Catholics could not freely visit religious sites located in Turkish military zones in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. One Greek Orthodox monastery was open for prayer but still required special permission for Mass. Turkish Cypriots eased restrictions on holding regular religious services in certain churches, although they did not approve all requests. UNFICYP reported of 128 requests, 88 were approved. Eleven additional requests sent directly to the Turkish Cypriot authorities were also approved. The Turkish Cypriot authorities allowed church services to take place in the following 14 churches for the first time in 40-50 years: Panagia Monastery in Agillar/Mandres; Church of Ayios Georgios of Xalona in Bostanci/Zodia; Church of Saint George in Alsancak/Karava; Church of Ayia Irene in Akdeniz/Ayia Irene; Church of Ayios Afxentios in Buyukkonuk/Komi Kepir; Church of Timios Prodromos in Bogazici/Lapathos-Ammochostos; Church of St. Marina in Tepebasi/Diorios; Church of Ayia Foteini in Yesilkoy/Ayios Andronikos; Church of Panagia Galaktotrofousa in Balikesir/Palaikythro; Church of Archangelos Michael in Yenierenkoy/Ayialousa; Church of the Christ the Savior in Gecitkale/Lefkoniko; Church of Saint Epifanios in Yildirim/Milia; and the Church of Artemios in Gazikoy/Afancia. Religious groups continued to complain that religious items, including icons, were held in storage rooms or displayed in museums against the wishes of the communities to whom they are sacred. In September the press reported restoration work at the Maronite St. George Church in Kormacit/Kormakitis village had stopped because authorities did not give the necessary permission for the restoration. According to a Maronite representative, the group had applied for the permit at the wrong office. He stated that after the error was discovered, the authorities promptly issued the permit and the restoration was completed in December. Some non-Sunni Muslims lacked places of worship and funding to construct such facilities. An Alevi NGO reported that initially, due to the lack of a house of worship, Alevis were required to conduct funerals inside mosques, contrary to their traditions. They also said they perceived favoritism in "state" funding toward the Sunni Muslim population through financing of mosque construction and support for administration of mosques. Turkish Cypriot religious groups reported Muslim parents seeking to send their children to religious summer courses faced strong public criticism from secular community members, particularly local "government" teachers. Some Alevis and Christians stated that the mandatory religious education in schools was overly focused on Sunni Islam and their children had no formal recourse to opt out of the classes. Some minority religious groups reported Turkish Cypriot authorities, including the police, monitored their activities. A Greek Orthodox priest reported heavy police presence during church services, including police inside the church videotaping services held by the enclaved Greek Cypriot community (i.e., those living permanently in the north). Visiting Greek Orthodox worshippers were also accompanied by a heavy police escort. Turkish Cypriot representatives stated the purpose of the police presence was to provide security and protect religious icons and artifacts; however, religious groups said they viewed the police presence as intimidation and harassment. An Orthodox bishop reported the Turkish Cypriot tourism authorities allowed a Turkish television production company to film a scene from the drama "Valley of the Wolves" at the St. Barnabas Monastery in August without informing the Church of Cyprus. The bishop stated he was offended by this, calling it a "desecration." Abuses by Foreign Forces and Non-State Actors According to a representative of the Maronite community, the Turkish military granted Maronites limited access to their churches and villages located within Turkish military zones. The Maronites were allowed to hold Mass once a year in the Church of Ayia Marina. In November the Turkish military gave permission to restore it. The Turkish military also began to clear a road to the church in order to bypass a military zone and cleaned a Maronite cemetery near the village. Maronites were unable to visit the Church of Marki near Kormacit/Kormakitis. They were allowed to conduct low-profile services and make a pilgrimage July 20 to the Monastery of the Prophet Elias. The Maronite Church of Archangelos Michael in the village of Ozhan/Asamatos was also located within a Turkish military zone but did not require permission to function regularly on Sundays. A representative of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus stated 50-55 religious sites were inaccessible due to being located within Turkish military zones. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom The Turkish-Speaking Protestant Association leader reported discrimination within the Turkish Cypriot community toward Protestants continued and police paid monthly visits to the association to check on the group. A representative of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus stated that some religious sites to which they had little or no access were damaged or close to collapse due to decades of neglect. The Turkish-Speaking Protestant Association reported Turkish Cypriot converts from Islam to other religions, particularly Christianity, faced social ostracism and political criticism. A Turkish Cypriot Protestant leader said members of the Protestant congregation feared openly attending church due to societal discrimination. The TCCH and the UN Development Program (UNDP) Partnership for the Future continued restoration work at the Greek Orthodox Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the Karpas Peninsula, a popular destination for pilgrims, with an estimated completion date of May 2016. In January the press reported the European Union and UNDP were providing $3.5 million to restore the 400-year-old Greek Orthodox Agios Pantalemeion Monastery in Camlibel/Myrtou. In April the TCCH said that, since its inception in 2008, it had restored 18 sites and another 40 sites were in immediate need of restoration. The TCCH announced it would begin minimum conservation measures on a series of 14 cultural heritage sites, including religious sites, to include cleaning, minor repairs, and consolidation work. Religious leaders continued to promote religious dialogue by meeting and arranging visits to places of worship across the "green line." Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy representatives met with Turkish Cypriot authorities to discuss access to religious sites and the ability to hold religious services at sites without restrictions. Embassy staff worked in cooperation with the Vakf to ensure the Armenian Orthodox community was allowed to contribute its views regarding the use of the newly restored Armenian church and monastery complex in north Nicosia. Embassy officials also met with leaders from the Alevi, Bahai, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Sunni communities to discuss access issues and encouraged greater religious freedom. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cyprus Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cyprus, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88ac.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and protects the freedom to worship, teach, and practice one's religion. It grants the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus the exclusive right to regulate and administer its internal affairs and recognizes the Islamic institution Vakf, which regulates religious activity for Turkish Cypriots. The Republic of Cyprus government granted Turkish Cypriots access to religious sites in the government-controlled area, including for visits by approximately 1,000 Turkish Cypriots and foreign nationals to Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque on three occasions. Six mosques in the government-controlled area were open for all five daily prayers and had the necessary facilities for ablutions; several other mosques were also open but lacked some facilities. The government did not grant permission to religious groups to make upgrades at mosques. The government ombudsman found four complaints about restrictions on religious freedom in schools had merit and requested consultations with the Ministry of Education. An evangelical Christian pastor reported evangelical prisoners were not granted the same access to worship services as Orthodox Christians or Muslims. The government required those who objected to military service on religious grounds to do alternate service for longer periods. The leaders of the main religious groups on the island continued to meet and visit places of worship across the "green line." The religious leaders had their first joint meeting with the political leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The Jewish community reported incidents of assault, verbal harassment, and vandalism. Some religious minority groups reported pressure to engage in religious ceremonies of majority groups. Members of the Greek Orthodox majority sometimes faced social ostracism from the Greek Orthodox community if they converted to another religion, including Islam. U.S. embassy staff met with the government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and religious leaders to discuss religious freedom issues, including access to religious sites island-wide. Within the government, embassy representatives met with officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Antiquities, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, and the ombudsman. Embassy officials discussed religious freedom issues with the NGOs Movement for Equality, Support, Anti-Racism (KISA) and Future Worlds Center, and with representatives of the Armenian Orthodox, Bahai, Buddhist, Greek Orthodox, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jewish, Latin, Maronite, and Muslim communities. Embassy officials encouraged religious leaders to continue their dialogue and hold reciprocal visits to places of religious significance on either side of the "green line." Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population of the island at 1.2 million (July 2015 estimate). According to an October 2011 Republic of Cyprus census, the population of the government-controlled area is more than 858,000. According to information from the 2011 census, 89.1 percent of the population in the government-controlled area is Greek Orthodox Christian and 1.8 percent is Muslim. Other religious groups include Roman Catholics (2.9 percent), Protestants (2 percent), Buddhists (1 percent), Maronite Catholics (0.5 percent), Armenian Orthodox (0.3 percent), Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Bahais. Recent immigrants and migrant workers are predominantly Roman Catholic, Muslim, and Buddhist. The country's chief rabbi estimates the number of Jews at approximately 3,000, most of whom are foreign-born residents. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution prohibits religious discrimination and protects the right of individuals to profess their faith and to worship, teach, and practice or observe their religion, individually or collectively, in private or in public, subject to limitations due to considerations of national security or public health, safety, order, and morals, or the protection of civil liberties. The constitution specifies all religions whose doctrines or rites are not secret are free and equal before the law. It protects the right to change one's religion and prohibits the use of physical or moral compulsion to make a person change, or prevent a person from changing, his or her religion. The constitution states the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus has the exclusive right to regulate and administer the Church's internal affairs and property in accordance with its canons and charter. By law, the Church of Cyprus pays taxes only on commercial activities. The constitution sets guidelines for the Vakf, an Islamic institution regulating religious activity for Turkish Cypriots. The Vakf is tax exempt and has the exclusive right to regulate and administer its internal affairs and property in accordance with its laws and principles. No legislative, executive, or other act may contravene or interfere with the Church of Cyprus or the Vakf. The Vakf operates only in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and does not administer mosques located in the government-controlled area. The Vakf acts as caretaker of religious properties in the Turkish Cypriot community. The government serves as caretaker and provides financial support to mosques in government-controlled areas. The constitution recognizes three other religious groups: Maronite Catholics, Armenian Orthodox, and "Latins" (Cypriot Roman Catholics) as institutions exempt from taxes and eligible for government subsidies. Religious groups not among the five recognized in the constitution are not required to register with the government. To engage in financial transactions and maintain bank accounts, however, they must register as nonprofit organizations. In order to register as a nonprofit organization, a religious group must submit through an attorney an application stating its purpose and provide the names of its directors. Religious groups registered as nonprofit organizations are tax exempt and must provide annual reports to the government; they are not eligible for government subsidies. The government requires Greek Orthodox religious instruction and attendance at religious services before major holidays in public primary and secondary schools. The Ministry of Education may excuse primary school students of other religious groups from attending religious services and instruction at the request of their guardians, but Greek Orthodox children in primary school do not have the option of opting out. Secondary school students may be excused by the Ministry of Education from religious instruction on grounds of religion or conscience, and they may be excused from attending religious services on any grounds at the request of their guardians, or at their own request if over the age of 16. Conscientious objectors on religious grounds are exempt from active military duty and from reservist service in the National Guard but must complete alternative service. There are two options available for conscientious objectors: unarmed military service, which is a maximum of five months longer than the normal 24-month service; or social service, which is a maximum of nine months longer than normal service but requires fewer hours per day. The penalty for refusing military or alternate service is up to three years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 6,000 euros ($6,529) or both. Those who refuse both military and alternate service, even if objecting on religious grounds, are considered to have committed an offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude and are disqualified from holding public office including the Presidency of the Republic or membership in the House of Representatives, the European Parliament, and local government bodies and are not eligible for permits to provide private security services. Government Practices The government approved the registration of a Buddhist organization as a nonprofit organization in July. Turkish Cypriots were granted access to religious sites in the government-controlled area; however, Muslim community leaders stated the government had not granted them full access to mosques located on cultural heritage sites and denied them any administrative authority over the sites. Eight mosques in the government-controlled area were open. Six of those were available for all five daily prayers and had the necessary facilities for ablutions. A Muslim leader reported there were no bathrooms at the Bayraktar Mosque in the government-controlled area. The Ministry of Communications and Works' Department of Antiquities responded that it provided bathroom facilities at a distance of approximately 100 meters away, because the mosque is part of the medieval Venetian wall of the city, making it impossible to install sewage pipes. By year's end the government had not decided on a Muslim leader's request for permission to make improvements at the functioning mosques. Turkish Cypriots stated the Department of Antiquities kept the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, the most important Islamic religious site in the country, open during standard museum hours, limiting access to the mosque to two of the five daily prayer times. The mosque's imam had to notify the Ministry of the Interior and Department of Antiquities to keep the mosque open after 5:00 p.m. in the autumn/winter months and after 7:30 p.m. in the spring/summer months. In order to cross the "green line" without identification checks to visit religious sites, Turkish Cypriots were required to submit their requests to UNFICYP, which then facilitated the approval process with the government. The government waived visa requirements for the movement of pilgrims south across the "green line" to visit Hala Sultan Tekke to conduct prayers and services. On July 21, 1,000 pilgrims crossed into the government-controlled areas for a pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. The crossing was the result of an agreement between Archbishop Chrysostomos and Mufti Atalay on July 8. On September 30, the police escorted approximately 1,000 Turkish Cypriots, Turks, and other foreign nationals to Hala Sultan Tekke for prayers shortly after the end of Eid al-Adha. For the first time, a Greek Orthodox priest attended the service representing the archbishop. On December 23, 1,000 Turkish and Turkish Cypriot pilgrims visited Hala Sultan Tekke for prayers commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The ombudsman reported in June her office had examined four complaints she had received in 2014 related to the implementation of the Ministry of Education's policy on religious freedom in education. In one of these, the parents of a high school student stated the school's deputy principal pressured and threatened the student when he refused to participate in a school-organized religious service. In another complaint, the parents of a student exempted from religious instruction said he was punished with unexcused absences for not attending religion classes. The problem was rectified after the submission of an additional complaint to the school administration. The Association of Atheists of Cyprus complained about a 2013 Ministry of Education circular encouraging public schools to organize groups of pupils to help during the liturgy at Greek Orthodox Churches and to participate in children's church choirs. A secondary school student submitted the fourth complaint after the Ministry of Education rejected his application for exemption from religious instruction on the grounds of conscience. The ministry said the student should have stated in his application he was not an Orthodox Christian in order to qualify for exemption. The ombudsman concluded, after examining the four complaints, the Ministry of Education followed practices that did not safeguard the state's neutrality and obstructed freedom of religion, thought, expression, and conscience, which created the reasonable impression it favored a specific religion. Following consultations with the ombudsman, the ministry issued a new circular amending the policy on exemptions. The ombudsman objected to the circular because it required applicants to state their religion. The ombudsman's office reported it continued to receive complaints after the implementation of the new policy and sent a letter to the Ministry of Education pointing out the problematic aspects of the new policy. The ombudsman continued to monitor this issue. The pastor of the Evangelical Christian Center in Nicosia stated in January evangelical prisoners in the Central Prison did not receive the same treatment as Christian Orthodox and Muslim prisoners. He said the Orthodox and Muslim prisoners attended religious services within the prison compound once a week, whereas evangelical Christians were allowed to congregate twice a month and participation was restricted only to those whom the pastor named in advance. Military recruits were required to take part in a common prayer led by Church of Cyprus clergy during swearing-in ceremonies. Recruits of other faiths, atheists, and those who did not wish to take the oath for reasons of conscience were not required to raise their hand during the swearing-in ceremony. They instead gave a pledge of allegiance at a separate gathering. Unlike in previous years, although the government's policies remained unchanged, there were no reports of criticism from NGOs or religious groups that alternative service for conscientious objectors was longer than military service or that the procedure to determine conscientious objector status was not independent and impartial. The Office of the Ombudsman did not receive any complaints from conscientious objectors about the procedures the government used to confirm their conscientious objector status and eligibility for alternative service. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Because religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. Members of minority religious groups said they feared negative social reactions if they chose to refrain from participating in public religious ceremonies. Greek Orthodox adherents, who converted to other faiths, including Islam, said they hid their conversion from family and friends out of fear of social ostracism. Members of all minority religious groups reported relations between the Church of Cyprus and other religious communities in the government-controlled area were cordial. Representatives of the Jewish community reported incidents of assault, verbal harassment, and vandalism directed against people with yarmulkes and payot (hair side curls). In January a crowd of up to 20 young Greek Cypriots threw rocks at an assistant rabbi's house while he hid inside. In March a member of the Jewish community was assaulted in his car and his prayer books were thrown out into the street by a Greek-speaking assailant. The Jewish community representatives reported receiving nearly weekly reports of verbal harassment of observant Jews by individuals from Arab countries in the Finikoudes district of Larnaca. The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH), one of the bicommunal working groups set up as part of the UN-facilitated settlement talks, identified cultural heritage sites throughout the island in need of emergency preservation measures. These sites included seven churches and monasteries in the north and four mosques in the government-controlled area. In March the TCCH announced the completion of emergency preservation works at the Evretou Mosque and the Tzerkezoi Mosque in the government-controlled area. The leaders of the main religious groups on the island continued to meet regularly and visit places of worship on both sides of the buffer zone. On September 10, the leaders of the five principal religious groups, Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus; Dr. Talip Atalay, Mufti of Cyprus; Archbishop Soueif of the Maronite Catholic Church of Cyprus; Archbishop Nareg of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cyprus; and Father Jerzy Kraj, representing the Latin Catholic Church of Cyprus, met jointly with the leaders of the two communities, the first such joint meeting since 1974. In the meeting, the religious leaders reiterated their request for free access for worship, upkeep, renovations, and restorations of their respective religious monuments on both sides of the "green line" and agreed to continue to meet regularly to better understand and support each other. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy representatives met frequently with the government, including with officials from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Defense, as well as the Department of Antiquities and the Office of the Ombudsman, to discuss religious freedom issues, such as access to religious sites on either side of the "green line" dividing the country. Embassy staff discussed religious freedom issues with the NGOs Movement for Equality, Support, Anti-Racism (KISA) and Future Worlds Center, and met with representatives of the Armenian Orthodox, Bahai, Buddhist, Greek Orthodox, Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Latin, Maronite, and Muslim communities to listen to their concerns about access to religious sites. Embassy officials were supportive of the ongoing religious leaders' dialogue and encouraged the continuing reciprocal visits of Christian and Muslim leaders to places of worship on both sides of the "green line." 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cuba Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cuba, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88b4.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion. The government monitored religious groups, and the Cuban Communist Party, through the Office of Religious Affairs (ORA), continued to control most aspects of religious life. The government harassed some religious leaders and their followers, with reports of threats, detentions, confiscation of religious materials, and restrictions on travel. Several evangelical religious leaders reported the government attempted to expropriate some religious properties under new zoning laws. Religious groups reported a continued increase in the ability of their members to conduct some charitable and educational projects, such as operating before- and after-school and community service programs and maintaining small libraries of religious materials, including fewer restrictions on the importation of Bibles. Pope Francis traveled to various cities in September and engaged with people from all walks of life. The government released more than 3,500 prisoners in connection with the pope's visit, including some foreigners; many were scheduled for release, and the Department of State did not identify any political prisoners in the group. The government detained several human rights activists before and during the visit in an attempt to prevent them from attending Mass or interacting with the pope. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. government encouraged the strengthening of religious institutions by supporting exchange visits by members of U.S. religious institutions with their Cuban counterparts. The U.S. embassy requested to meet with officials in the ORA and the head of the Council of Cuban Churches, a quasi-governmental organization comprising most Protestant groups. The embassy remained in close contact with religious groups, including facilitating exchanges between visiting religious delegations and religious groups in the country. In public statements, the Department of State called upon the government to respect the fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including freedom of religion. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 11 million (July 2015 estimate). There is no independent, authoritative source on the overall size or composition of religious groups. The Roman Catholic Church estimates 60 to 70 percent of the population identify as Catholic. Membership in Protestant churches is estimated at 5 percent of the population. Pentecostals and Baptists are likely the largest Protestant denominations; the Assemblies of God reports approximately 110,000 members; and the four Baptist conventions estimate their combined membership at more than 100,000 members. Jehovah's Witnesses report approximately 96,000 members; Methodists estimate 36,000; Seventh-day Adventists, 35,000; Anglicans, 22,500; Presbyterians, 15,500; Quakers, 300; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), 50. The Jewish community estimates it has 1,500 members, of whom 1,200 reside in Havana. According to the Islamic League, there are 2,000 to 3,000 Muslims residing in the country, of which an estimated 1,500 are Cubans. Other religious groups include Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Buddhists, and Bahais. Many individuals, particularly in the African Cuban community, practice religions with roots in West Africa and the Congo River Basin, known collectively as Santeria. These religious practices are commonly intermingled with Catholicism, and some require Catholic baptism for full initiation, making it difficult to estimate accurately the total membership in these syncretic groups. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework According to the constitution, "the state recognizes, respects, and guarantees freedom of religion." It also states that "different beliefs and religions enjoy the same considerations under the law." It prohibits discrimination based on religion. It also declares the country a secular state, provides for the separation of church and state, and declares "the Communist Party of Cuba ... is the superior leading force of the society and the State ... " The Cuban Communist Party, through the ORA, monitors attempts to regulate most religious institutions and the practice of religion. By law, religious groups are required to apply to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for official recognition. The application process requires religious groups to identify the location of their activities, their proposed leadership, and the source of their funding. If the MOJ decides that the group is duplicating the activities of another recognized group, it will deny recognition. Once the ministry grants official recognition, the religious group must request permission from the ORA to conduct activities such as holding meetings in approved locations, publishing any decisions or minutes from internal meetings, receiving foreign visitors, importing religious literature, purchasing and operating motor vehicles, and constructing, repairing, or purchasing places of worship. Groups that fail to register may face penalties ranging from fines to closure of their organizations. Military service is mandatory for all men. For those religious groups that actively oppose military participation, there are no legal provisions exempting them as conscientious objectors. In practice, the authorities allow conscientious objectors to perform alternative service. Government Practices The government harassed, detained, and restricted travel for outspoken religious figures, especially those who discussed human rights or collaborated with independent human rights groups. The government often detained and threatened a Baptist pastor and religious freedom activist as well as members of his congregation. They also confiscated religious materials. The pastor said state security officials detained younger members of his congregations and threatened imprisonment if they continued their activities. Many religious leaders stated they exercised self-censorship in what they preached and discussed during services. Some said they feared direct or indirect criticism of the government could result in government reprisals, such as denials of permits from the ORA or other measures that could limit the growth of their religious groups. Some independent evangelical churches reported that government authorities closely monitored and detained, for unspecified periods of time, their leadership and members of their families. Pastors and members of these groups were often prevented from attending some church events and told to cease all religious activity. One evangelical organization reported in May that state security forces threatened to harm its leader, his family, and members of their church. The pastor of the evangelical organization said officials had confiscated religious materials from his home and had not returned them. The ORA allowed the use of private homes, known as "house churches," for religious services but required that recognized groups seek approval for each proposed location through the formal registration process. Many religious groups used private homes for this purpose in response to restrictions on constructing new buildings. Estimates of the total number of house churches for Protestant groups varied significantly, from fewer than 2,000 to as many as 10,000. Religious groups indicated that, while authorities approved many applications within two to three years from the date of the application, other applications received no response or were denied. According to the Protestant community, some groups were only able to register a small percentage of house churches. In practice, most unregistered house churches operated with little or no interference from the government. A number of religious groups, including the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons, continued their wait for a decision from the MOJ on pending applications for official recognition. These groups reported the authorities permitted them to conduct religious activities, hold meetings, receive foreign visitors, make substantial renovations to their facilities, and send representatives abroad. They also reported that state security monitored their movements, telephone calls, visitors, and religious meetings. Relatives of a pastor of an unregistered church in Havana reported the government arrested the pastor in February for holding unauthorized religious services and released him on August 31. He was not charged or tried, but while in prison, government officials told him that he was being held as punishment for his continued unauthorized religious activity. The ORA continued to require a license to import religious literature and other religious materials. The government owned nearly all printing equipment and supplies and regulated printed materials, including religious literature. Religious leaders reported improvement in their ability to import religious materials. Several groups were successful in importing large quantities of Bibles. The Catholic Church and Protestant religious groups were able to maintain small libraries, print periodicals and other information, and operate their own websites with little or no formal censorship. The Catholic Church continued to publish periodicals and hold forums that sometimes criticized official social and economic policies. The Church also broadcast Christmas and Easter messages on state-run radio stations. The ORA authorized the Cuban Council of Churches to host a monthly radio broadcast, which allowed the council's messages to be heard throughout the country. Some Protestant religious leaders reported they had religious material confiscated by immigration authorities at the airport. In October a Protestant pastor reported customs authorities took several religious books, and another pastor reported a similar incident in October, this time at the airport in Camaguey. Some Protestant religious leaders reported the government attempted to stop or limit activity by threatening to expropriate property. Leaders of the Maranatha First Baptist Church in Holguin reported local government officials informed them in May that the government would confiscate their property pursuant to new legislation that went into effect in January. The property belonged to the church since 1947. After an outpouring of international support, church leaders said government officials informed the church in July they would review the decision. In December the government informed the church that it would not confiscate the property. A number of registered and unregistered religious groups reported other churches had similarly been threatened with confiscation of their property. Methodist leaders reported threats of expropriation. They report that, to date, the government has expropriated 15 Methodist Church properties, and converted the original property owners into "permanent tenants of the state." They said the authorities also designated nearly 100 Methodist establishments for forced closure or demolition in the provinces of Contramaestre, Santiago, and Guantanamo. A government decree in January granted government officials additional powers to expropriate property under new zoning restrictions and to change the status of the churches to rent paying tenants. Several members of the Apostolic Movement, a Protestant denomination which the government has not registered, reported that state security officers threatened to evict them from their premises. A pastor continued his fight against the government's expropriation of his property in Camaguey. Another member of the Apostolic Movement who heads a house church in Santiago de Cuba reported that in October he was advised he would be evicted from his home to accommodate a government project in his neighborhood. In response to the January decree, which involved expropriation of multiple house churches, members of a Baptist church in Santiago de Cuba reported they staged a "sleep in" with more than 500 protestors in early November. By year's end, their church had yet to be expropriated. Some religious leaders stated the ORA granted permission to repair or restore existing buildings more frequently than in years past, allowing expansion of some structures and in some cases construction of essentially new buildings on the foundations of the old. Other religious groups stated that securing permission for the purchase or construction of new buildings remained difficult, if not impossible. Members of the Assemblies of God Church said the government prevented them from expanding their places of worship, including carrying out construction. Instead, they stated, the government threatened to dismantle or expropriate some of their churches because they were holding illegal services. Several religious leaders, particularly those from smaller, independent house churches or Santeria communities, expressed concern the government was less tolerant of groups that relied on informal locations, including house churches and private meeting spaces, to practice their beliefs. They reported being monitored, and, at times, being prevented from holding religious meetings in their spaces. More religious groups complained the ORA tightened controls on financial resources for churches. A few religious leaders reported restrictions on their ability to receive donations from overseas. They cited a measure that prohibited churches and religious groups from using individuals' bank accounts for their organizations, and required existing individual accounts used in this way to be consolidated into one per denomination or organization. According to these religious leaders, the regulations allowed the government to curb the scope and number of activities of individual churches and to single out groups that could be held accountable for withdrawing money intended for purposes not approved by the government. Other religious leaders reported that withdrawals from bank accounts in the country were limited compared to their ability to get funds from external sources, which they described as "easier" than years before. With the exception of two Catholic seminaries and several interfaith training centers, the government continued to prevent religious groups from establishing accredited schools. Churches challenged the limits on establishing religiously affiliated schools, but their appeals were denied. Although not specifically allowed or accredited, the government did not interfere with the efforts of some religious groups to operate before- and after-school programs and elder care, weekend retreats, and workshops for primary and secondary students, and higher education. The Catholic Church offered coursework that led to a bachelor's and master's degree through foreign partners, and several Protestant communities offered bachelor's or master's degrees in theology, the humanities, and related subjects via distance learning. Leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses encouraged members to avoid university education in the country, finding the requirements for university admission and the course of study incompatible with the group's beliefs prohibiting political involvement. Jehovah's Witnesses specifically objected, based on incompatibility with their beliefs, to the expectation that students participate in political activities in support of the government and the requirement they be available for assignment to government duties for three years after graduation. By avoiding university institutions and corresponding political activities, Jehovah's Witnesses were ineligible for some professional careers. Pope Francis traveled to the country in September and conveyed messages promoting religious freedom and tolerance. The government provided resources for his trip, and released more than 3,500 prisoners, including some foreigners, before the pope arrived. Reports suggested, however, that state police prevented prominent human rights leaders Miriam Leiva, Berta Soler, and Martha Beatriz Roque from attending a ceremony to greet the pope and a subsequent church service led by him at a cathedral in Old Havana. Additionally, authorities detained members of the Ladies in White and other human rights activists as they attempted to attend the pope's Mass in Havana's Revolutionary Square. Church leaders reported the government continued an unofficial practice of allowing civilian public service to substitute for mandatory military service for those who objected on religious grounds. Church leaders submitted official letters to a military committee, which then decided whether to grant these exemptions. Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventist leaders stated their members generally were permitted to perform social service in lieu of military service. Both the Catholic Church and the Cuban Council of Churches reported they were able to conduct religious services in prisons and detention centers in some provinces. The Protestant seminary in Matanzas and churches in Pinar del Rio continued to train chaplains and laypersons to go into prisons and provide religious counseling for inmates, and to provide support for their families. During the year, they reported an increase in individuals interested in taking this training. Religious groups reported their leaders continued to travel abroad to participate in two-way exchanges between local faith-based communities and the rest of the world. They reported being detained upon re-entry and questioned about their activity. Additionally, they stated that an easing of travel restrictions beginning in 2013 allowed voices of dissent and opposition to denounce violations of religious freedom when they were abroad. The majority of religious groups continued to report improvement in their ability to attract new members without government interference, and some reduction in interference from the government in conducting their services. Religious groups continued to report they were able to engage in community service programs, including providing assistance to the elderly, providing potable water to small towns, growing and selling fruits and vegetables at below-market prices, and establishing health clinics. International faith-based charitable operations, such as Caritas, Sant'Egidio, and the Salvation Army maintained local offices in Havana. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy requested to meet with officials in the ORA and the head of the quasi-governmental Council of Cuban Churches to raise concerns with regard to religious freedom, including harassment and detention of religious leaders, threats to religious leaders, government monitoring of religious groups, limitations and restrictions of the activities of religious groups and their leaders, and the denial of government recognition to some religious groups. Requests for official meetings went unanswered. In public statements, the Department of State called upon the government to respect fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including the freedom of religion. The embassy met frequently with a wide range of religious groups, including Protestants, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, and Catholics to discuss the principal issues of religious freedom and tolerance affecting each group. Religious groups noted a wide range of concerns, including those involving free assembly and church expansion. Embassy engagement with smaller religious groups under pressure from the government included an assessment of how the recent change in diplomatic relations affected these communities. Embassy engagement included facilitating exchanges between visiting religious delegations and religious groups, including between visiting representatives of religious organizations from the United States and local institutions. Officials from the U.S. embassy met frequently with U.S. citizens visiting as part of faith-based exchanges and humanitarian aid programs and encouraged these faith-based representatives to engage directly with local faith-based institutions. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cote d'Ivoire Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cote d'Ivoire, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88c20.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religious opinion to all consistent with law and order and prohibits religious discrimination in employment. It forbids speech that encourages religious hatred. As in previous years, the government organized and funded Hajj pilgrimages for Muslims and pilgrimages to Israel for Christians. The government continued to include Muslim and Catholic leaders in political reconciliation efforts. The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) Central Commission included positions for Muslim and Christian religious leaders. The president declared October 24 a national day of mourning for those Ivoirians killed in the Mina stampede near Mecca on September 24, and both Muslim and Christian communities held prayer services to recognize the victims. In observance of the tragedy, a large Catholic church in Abidjan hosted an interfaith prayer service with attendance of leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities. U.S. embassy representatives discussed the importance of religious tolerance with political figures in the government and the opposition. The Ambassador and embassy representatives met with religious leaders and groups throughout the year to discuss the role they could play in maintaining a climate of tolerance in the run-up to the October presidential elections. A Voice of America (VOA) interactive radio program continued to feature discussion and debate of religious issues on the national Islamic radio station. In October the embassy sponsored a concert in Abidjan promoting tolerance that featured musical groups of different faiths and attracted thousands of attendees. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 23.2 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the most recent census in 2008, 39 percent is Muslim, 33 percent Christian, and 12 percent adherents of indigenous religious beliefs. Many Christians and Muslims also practice some aspects of indigenous religious beliefs. Traditionally, the north is associated with Islam and the south with Christianity, although adherents of both religious groups live throughout the country. Christian groups include Roman Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Harrists, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Southern Baptists, Copts, adherents of the Celestial Church of Christ, and members of the Assemblies of God. Muslim groups include Sunni, Shia, and Ahmadi. Other religious groups include Buddhists, Bahais, Rastafarians, followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishnas), and Bossonists, who follow traditions of the Akan ethnic group. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution stipulates a secular state that respects all beliefs and treats all individuals equally under the law, regardless of religion. It prohibits religious discrimination in public and private employment and provides for freedom of conscience and religious opinion consistent with the law, the rights of others, national security, and public order. It prohibits "propaganda" that encourages religious hatred. It recognizes the right of political asylum in the country for individuals persecuted for religious reasons. The Ministry of Interior's Department of Faith-Based Organizations is charged with promoting dialogue among religious groups and between the government and religious groups, providing administrative support to groups trying to become established, monitoring religious activities, and managing state-sponsored religious pilgrimages and registration of new religious groups. The law requires all religious groups to register with the government. Groups must submit an application to the Department of Faith-Based Organizations. The application must include the group's bylaws, names of the founding members and board members, date of founding, and general assembly minutes. The department investigates the organization with the aim of ensuring that the group has no members or purpose it deems to be politically subversive. There are no penalties prescribed for groups that do not register or benefits for those that do. Religious education is not included in public school curriculum, but is included in private schools affiliated with a particular faith. Government Practices The government continued to fund and to organize Hajj pilgrimages for Muslims and pilgrimages to Israel for Christians. The president declared October 24 a national day of mourning for those Ivoirians killed in the Mina stampede near Mecca on September 24. The government provided access to state-run television and radio for religious programming to religious groups that requested it. The government included prominent Muslim and Catholic religious leaders in political and social reconciliation efforts and as advocates for peace in the run-up to the October presidential elections. Following the completion of the Dialogue, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission's mandate in December 2014, Catholic Archbishop Paul-Simeon Ahouana began service as chair of the National Commission for the Reconciliation and Compensation of Victims of Crisis established in March. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom In observation of the National Day of Mourning for the Ivoirians killed in the Mina stampede near Mecca, both Muslim and Christian communities held prayer services to recognize the victims. A large Catholic church in Abidjan hosted an interfaith prayer service with attendance of leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy representatives discussed the importance of religious tolerance with political figures in the government and the opposition. U.S. embassy representatives also met with religious and civil society to discuss religious freedom and tolerance and the role religious groups could play in helping to maintain a climate of tolerance in the run-up to the October presidential elections. The embassy provided financial and technical assistance support to a civil society platform of election observers that included a multidenominational council of religious leaders to represent the religious community perspective in the political discourse. In the run up to the October elections, the platform promoted responsible rhetoric and urged religious leaders to encourage peace throughout the electoral period. Under an embassy-facilitated agreement between VOA and Al-Bayane Radio, VOA's French-language Dialogue des Religions (Dialogue of Religions) continued to reach millions of listeners across the country with its weekly broadcast on the Islamic radio station. Dialogue des Religions is an interactive program featuring host and guests often religious scholars or journalists who discussed religious issues in the news and answered listeners' questions on various facets of religion. On October 10, the embassy commemorated Daniel Pearl World Music Days by hosting a concert featuring a wide variety of musical groups, with the Ambassador giving remarks about tolerance before the concert. The concert highlighted religious, ethnic, and political tolerance, peace, and reconciliation. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Costa Rica Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Costa Rica, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88d15.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary Roman Catholicism is the constitutionally mandated state religion, and the state is required to contribute to its maintenance. The constitution recognizes the right to practice the religion of one's choice and prohibits the state from impeding the free exercise of religions that do not impugn "universal morality or proper behavior." It also provides opportunity for redress in the case of an alleged violation of a citizen's religious freedom. Some non-Catholic leaders stated the constitution did not sufficiently address the specific concerns of non-Catholic religious groups. Protestants said they were registered as a secular association, but preferred a separate registration specifically covering church construction and operations, permits to organize events, and pastoral access to hospitals and jails for non-Catholic religious groups. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. Ambassador hosted a dinner during the Jewish festival of Sukkot to promote religious freedom and mutual respect. Jews, Muslims, evangelicals, Catholics, government representatives, and others participated. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 4.8 million (July 2015 estimate). According to an August 2013 opinion poll by the Center for Investigations and Political Studies of the University of Costa Rica, an estimated 72.8 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 14.8 percent Protestant, including evangelicals, 3.6 percent other religious denominations, and 8.4 percent no religious affiliation. The majority of Protestants are Pentecostal, with smaller numbers of Baptists and others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) estimates its membership at 35,000. The Lutheran Church estimates it has more than 1,500 members. The Jewish Zionist Center estimates that there are between 3,000 and 3,500 Jews. Approximately 1,000 Quakers live in the cloud forest reserve of Monteverde, Puntarenas. Jehovah's Witnesses represent 1.3 percent of the population and have a strong presence on the Caribbean coast. Groups that together constitute less than 5 percent of the population include followers of Islam, Taoism, the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishnas), Scientology, Tenrikyo, and the Bahai Faith. Some indigenous people practice animism. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution establishes Catholicism as the state religion and requires the state to contribute to its maintenance. The constitution prohibits the state from impeding the free exercise of other religions that do not undermine "universal morality or proper behavior." Unlike other religious groups, the Catholic Church is not registered as an association and receives special legal recognition. Its assets and holdings are governed consistent with Roman Catholic canon law. The constitution recognizes the right to practice the religion of one's choice. By law, a person claiming a violation of religious freedom may file suit with the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, and may also file a motion before the Constitutional Chamber to have a statute or regulation declared unconstitutional. Additionally, a person claiming a violation of religious freedom may appeal to the Administrative Court to sue the government for alleged discriminatory acts. Legal protections cover discrimination by private persons and entities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religion is responsible for managing the government's relationship with the Catholic Church and other religious groups. According to the law, a group with a minimum of 10 persons may incorporate as an association with juridical status by registering with the public registry of the Ministry of Justice. The government does not require religious groups to register, nor does it inhibit the establishment of religious groups through taxation or special licensing requirements. Religious groups, however, must register if they choose to engage in any type of fundraising activity and to obtain legal representation and standing. An executive order provides the legal framework for religious organizations to establish places of worship. Religious organizations must submit applications to the local municipality to establish a place of worship and comply with the safety and noise regulations established by law The law establishes public schools must provide religious instruction given by a person able to promote moral values, tolerance, and be respectful of human rights. If a parent, on behalf of a child, chooses to opt out of religious courses, the parent needs to make a written request. The government allows non-Catholic religion courses in public schools in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling annulling a regulation limiting public school religious instruction to Catholic courses. The Ministry of Public Education provides assistance to private schools, both Catholic and non-Catholic, including directly hiring teachers, providing teacher salaries, and assisting with monetary support. The law allows the government to provide land to the Catholic Church without charge. Government-to-Church land transfers are typically granted through periodic legislation. Only Catholic priests and public notaries may perform state-recognized marriages. Wedding ceremonies performed by other religious groups must be legalized through a civil union. The constitution forbids Catholic clergy from serving as president, vice president, a cabinet member, or a Supreme Court justice. This prohibition does not apply to non-Catholic clergy based on a decades old ruling by the Supreme Elections Tribunal later confirmed by a Constitutional Chamber decision. The minister to the presidency, a Lutheran bishop who prevailed against a civil challenge to his 2014 appointment, resigned in April due to considerations unrelated to his faith. Immigration law requires foreign religious workers to belong to a religious group accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religion, and stipulates religious workers may receive permission to stay at least 90 days but not more than two years. The permission is renewable. Immigration regulations require religious workers to apply for temporary residency before arrival. Government Practices On appeal, the Constitutional Chamber ruled in favor of a police officer who requested his supervisors accommodate his religious belief of not working on Saturdays. The court ruled in his favor and required his supervisors to refrain from scheduling him on Saturdays. The government did not earmark funding for construction or improvement projects of Catholic churches around the country in the ordinary budget but in the extraordinary budget 6,221,962 colones ($11,700) was allocated for that purpose. Some evangelical leaders protested to legislators and government officials that it was unfair for the government to provide land and tax exemptions exclusively to the Catholic Church, stating that no church should receive government funding and that the Catholic Church should be funded by its own members. Some non-Catholic leaders stated the constitution did not sufficiently address the specific concerns of non-Catholic religious groups. Protestants said they were registered as a secular association, but preferred a separate registration that would specifically cover church construction and operation, permits to organize events, and pastoral access to hospitals and jails for non-Catholic religious groups. In the case of the Catholic Church, the government continued to address such concerns through the special legal recognition afforded the Church under canon law. The government denied permission to Christian groups to conduct a demonstration in support of peace for the country. The demonstrations took place without the required permit. According to the Evangelical Alliance, 800,000 Christians participated. Members of the Evangelical Alliance criticized the government for supporting minority groups whose values ran contrary to their Christian beliefs and the relationship between the government and Christian groups become almost confrontation. Observers stated that since President Luis Guillermo Solis assumed office in May 2014, the relationship among the Catholic Church, Christian groups, and the government had changed. They cite as example his decision not participate in the annual Catholic pilgrimage to the country's principal church, as all former presidents had. He did, however, participate in the next day's Mass in honor of the Patron Virgin. President Solis did not allow Catholic bishops to speak during the inauguration day ceremony or the Independence Day celebrations. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador hosted a dinner during the Jewish festival of Sukkot to promote religious freedom and mutual respect. Jews, Muslims, evangelicals, Catholics, government representatives, and others participated. During the year U.S. embassy representatives met with Muslims, Jews, evangelicals, and others to discuss religious freedom issues. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Comoros Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Comoros, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88ee.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution specifies Islam is the state religion but proclaims equality of rights and obligations for all regardless of religious belief. The law establishes the Sunni Shafi'i doctrine as the only allowable religious practice in the country and provides sanctions for any other religious practice, other than by foreigners. Non-Islamic proselytizing and conversion from Islam is prohibited, although the government did not always enforce these proscriptions. There were reports that local community members unofficially shunned citizens who they thought had converted from Islam to Christianity, but there was reportedly little or no societal discrimination against non-Muslim foreigners. Representatives from the U.S. embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar visited the country and engaged with government officials on issues of religious freedom. Embassy representatives also discussed religious freedom with religious and civil society leaders, and others. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 781,000 (July 2015 estimate). The U.S. government estimates the population is 98 percent Sunni Muslim (July 2015 estimate). Non-Sunni residents include Shia Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholics, and Protestants. Members of non-Muslim religious groups, made up primarily of expatriates, are concentrated in the country's capital, Moroni, and the capital of Anjouan, Moutsamoudou. The Shia adherents are mostly based in Anjouan. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states Islam is the state religion and citizens shall draw the state's governing principles and rules from Islamic tenets. It proclaims equality of rights and obligations for all individuals regardless of religion or belief. A law establishes the Sunni Shafi'i doctrine as the only allowable religious practice in the country and provides sanctions of five months to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 Comorian francs ($230 to$1149) for any other religious practice, on the grounds of avoiding social unrest and the undermining of national cohesion. Proselytizing for any religion except Sunni Islam is illegal, and the law provides for deportation of foreigners who do so. The law provides for prosecution of converts from Islam, but penalties are not clearly defined. The law does not allow non-Sunni Muslim religious groups to be licensed, registered, or officially recognized. The law allows organized Sunni religious groups to establish places of worship, train clergy, and assemble for peaceful religious activities. It does not allow non-Sunni Muslim citizens to establish places of worship or assemble for peaceful religious activities. By law the president nominates the grand mufti, the senior Muslim cleric who is part of the government and manages issues concerning religion and religious administration. The grand mufti's position is attached to the Ministry of Justice, Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Human Rights, and Islamic Affairs, and he counsels the government on matters concerning the practice of Islam and Islamic law. The grand mufti chairs and periodically consults with the Council of Ulemas, a group of religious elders cited in the constitution, to assess whether citizens are respecting the principles of Islam. The law requires children between the ages of three and six to attend Quranic schools, either private or government-run, to instill moral, cultural, and Islamic values and to familiarize the child with the Arabic language. There are no penalties prescribed for failing to send children to these schools. There is no other provision for religious education in public schools. The government does not require the children of foreigners to receive Islamic instruction or Arabic language training. Government Practices The government continued to enforce consistently the laws prohibiting proselytizing or conversions from Islam but did not prosecute any such cases during the year. The government generally continued to not enforce bans on alcohol or "immodest" dress. Non-citizens of other faiths reported they did not need government authorization to organize and assemble for peaceful religious activities. The government did not interfere with their religious practice, although they were not allowed to hold public religious events. The grand mufti regularly addressed the country on the radio, applying Islamic principles to social issues such as delinquency, alcohol abuse, marriage, divorce, and education. Almost all children between the ages of three and six attended private, informal schools at least part-time to learn to read and recite the Quran. In response to reports of child labor abuses at some of these schools in previous years, the government continued to expand the introduction of Arabic reading instruction using the Quran in public primary schools to eliminate the demand for unlicensed and unregulated private classes. The government continued to integrate kindergarten into the primary schools and met its goal to have 200 public schools with Quranic instruction. The tenets of Islam were sometimes taught in conjunction with Arabic in public and private schools at the middle school and high school levels. The government funded an Islamic studies program, known as the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Science (Imam al-Shafi'i Faculty) within the country's only public university. The government stated it initiated this step 10 years ago to ensure the availability of local educational opportunities and to respond to concerns that youth who studied abroad in countries with differing or no Islamic traditions could return home and attempt to influence what the government considered to be the moderate Sunni tradition on the islands. The government restricted study by citizens in Iran and Pakistan. The government allowed foreigners to establish non-Islamic places of worship, and there were two Christian churches on each of the country's three principal islands. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom As in previous years, there were reports communities unofficially shunned from community activities citizens who were suspected of converting from Islam to Christianity. International NGOs report there was little or no societal discrimination against non-Muslim foreigners. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy There is no permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in the country. Representatives from the U.S. embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar visited the country and engaged with government officials on issues of religious freedom. The representatives also met with Muslim religious and civil society leaders and others on issues of religious freedom. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Colombia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Colombia, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88f8.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion and the right to profess one's religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination based on religion. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is responsible for legally recognizing churches, religious denominations, religious federations and confederations, and associations of religious ministers, among other responsibilities. According to religious groups, individuals had difficulty obtaining exemptions from military service on religious grounds. A 2014 ruling by the constitutional court required the military to respond within 15 business days to requests for waiver of military service for reasons of conscientious objection. The Evangelical Council of Colombia reported that as of the end of the year, the military had not responded to two requests for conscientious objector status made in June and August by members of Christian churches. The attorney general's office reported six religiously based killings this year. Two killings were reported in Meta Department, and one each in the departments of Antioquia, Cordoba, Narino, and Sucre. The attorney general also cited 11 official ongoing investigations for religiously motivated crimes: six related to threats, one for attempted murder, three for personal injury, and one for forced displacement. In some areas of the country, illegal armed groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and organized crime groups killed or threatened leaders and members of religious groups, and targeted them for extortion. These actions often disrupted the activities of religious groups working on behalf of vulnerable populations. The Jewish Community reported continued comments promoting anti-Semitism on some social media sites. During the year, religious groups conducted a range of programs focused on restorative justice, reintegration of former combatants, and reconciliation. U.S. embassy officials discussed issues of religious freedom, such as conscientious objection to military service, with the government and civil society. U.S. embassy officials met periodically with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General's Office, and the MOI, as well as with representatives from a wide range of religious groups, including the Jewish community, Catholics, evangelicals, Baptists, and Mennonites, to discuss issues related to initiatives to promote freedom of religion and of association, institutionalized discrimination and conscientious objection, peace and tolerance. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 46.7 million (July 2015 estimate). The Roman Catholic Bishops' Conference estimates 83 percent of the population is Catholic. The Colombian Evangelical Council (CEDECOL) reports 15 percent of the population is Protestant. In a November 2014 study the Pew Research Center found 79 percent of the population was Catholic, 13 percent Protestant, and 6 percent was atheist and agnostic. Groups that together constitute less than 5 percent of the population included nondenominational worshipers or members of other religious groups, including Jews, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Other observers estimate the non-Catholic population consists of five million Protestants, including evangelicals; 261,000 Seventh-day Adventists; 150,000 Mormons; 10,000 Muslims; and 5,000 Jews. There is also a small population of adherents to animism and various syncretistic beliefs. Some religious groups are concentrated in certain geographical regions. Most of those who blend Catholicism with elements of African animism are African Colombians and reside on the Pacific coast. Most Jews reside in major cities, most Muslims on the Caribbean coast, and most adherents of indigenous animistic religions in remote rural areas. A small Taoist commune is located in a mountainous region of Santander Department. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for freedom of religion and the right to profess one's religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination based on religion. There is no official church or religion, but the law says the state "is not atheist or agnostic, nor indifferent to Colombians' religious sentiment." A concordat between the Vatican and the government, made law, recognizes marriages performed within the Catholic Church, allows the Church to provide chaplaincy services, and prohibits members of the clergy from being compelled into public service, including service in the military. The law prohibits any official government reference to a religious characterization of the country. The MOI is responsible for legally recognizing churches, religious denominations, religious federations and confederations, and associations of religious ministers, and keeping a public registry of religious entities. Entities legally recognized by the MOI can then confer legal recognition, called "extended public recognition," to affiliated groups sharing the same beliefs. The application process requires submission of a formal request and basic organizational information, including copies of an act of constitution and an estimation of the number of members to obtain legal recognition. The government considers a religious group's total membership, its degree of acceptance within society, and other factors, such as the organization's statutes and its required behavioral norms, when deciding whether to permit the religious group legal recognition. The MOI is authorized to reject requests that do not fully comply with established requirements or requests that are incomplete. In August the MOI launched a free web-based registration process for religious and faith-based organizations seeking recognition. The state recognizes as legally binding religious marriages performed by the Catholic Church, the Jewish community, and the 13 religious groups that are signatories to the 1997 public law agreement. This agreement enabled non-Catholic religious groups to engage in a number of activities previously restricted to the Catholic Church. Under this agreement members of groups that are neither signatories to the agreement nor affiliates must marry in a civil ceremony for the state to recognize the marriage. Non-Catholic religious groups seeking to provide chaplaincy services and conduct state-recognized marriages must also solicit formal state recognition from the MOI. The constitution recognizes the right of parents to choose the education their child receives, including religious instruction. No religious component exists in the public school curriculum. Religious groups, including those that have not acceded to the public law agreement, can establish their own schools, provided they comply with Ministry of Education requirements. A constitutional court ruling obligates schools to implement alternative accommodations for students based on their religion. An antidiscrimination law imposes a penalty of one to three years in prison and a fine of approximately 5.3 million to eight million Colombian pesos (COP) ($1,670 to $2,520) for violations, including discrimination based on religion. The penal code contains a chapter against discrimination that includes religious belief. A constitutional court ruling states citizens, including members of indigenous communities, may be exempt from compulsory military service if they can demonstrate a serious and permanent commitment to religious principles that prohibit the use of force. Conscientious objectors who are exempt from military service are required to complete alternative, government-selected public service. Foreign missionaries must possess a special visa, valid for up to two years. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues visas to foreign missionaries and religious group administrators who are members of religious organizations legally recognized and registered with the MOI. Foreign missionaries must have a certificate from either the MOI or church authorities confirming their religious group is registered with the ministry when they apply for the visa. Alternatively, they may produce a certificate issued by a registered religious group confirming the applicant's membership and mission in the country. The visa application also requires a letter issued by a legal representative of the religious group stating the organization accepts full financial responsibility for the expenses of the applicant and family, including funds for return to their country of origin or last country of residence. Applicants must explain the purpose of the proposed sojourn and provide proof of economic means. A Supreme Court ruling stipulates that no group may force religious conversion on members of indigenous communities. Government Practices As of the end of the year, the Attorney General's office reported six religiously based killings. Two homicides were reported in Meta Department, and one each in the departments of Antioquia, Cordoba, Narino, and Sucre. The Attorney General also cited 11 official ongoing investigations for religiously motivated crimes: six related to threats, one for attempted murder, three for personal injury, and one for forced displacement. No convictions were reported. The MOI reported it routinely granted legal recognition to religious entities. As of the end of the year, the MOI received 1,455 religious organizations' applications for legal recognition of religious entities, approved 455 of those applications, and denied 88 applications due to failure to comply with regulatory requirements. Remaining applications were under review or incomplete and awaiting additional information to be provided by applicants by the end of the calendar year. Applicants who submitted incomplete applications or incorrect supporting documents were given 30 days to bring their applications into compliance. If an application was deemed incomplete, the MOI could deny the application; however, the applying organization was able to resubmit an application at any time. There was no waiting period to reapply. No applications were rejected for other reasons. The Traditional Episcopal Church and International Ministerial Church of Jesus Christ filed petitions to accede to the 1997 public law agreement enabling religious groups to provide chaplaincy services and perform marriages. As of December the disposition of the petitions had not been decided. The Jewish community reported notaries began for the first time to recognize Jewish wedding ceremonies without the need for a "legal ceremony" in a civil court to officially recognize the marriage. According to religious groups, individuals had difficulty obtaining exemptions from military service on religious grounds. A 2014 ruling by the constitutional court required the military to respond within 15 business days to requests for waiver of military service for reasons of conscientious objection. The Evangelical Council of Colombia reported that as of the end of the year, the military had not responded to two requests for conscientious objector status made in June and August by members of Christian churches. A religious studies institute student requested conscientious objector status but was instead granted a deferral until he completed his education. An article was added to the National Development Plan in May requiring the MOI to develop a public policy on freedom of religion. The article requires the MOI to work with religious groups to develop the policy that would guarantee freedom of religion and equal treatment among religious groups. In one example of outreach as part of the policy formation process, the MOI held a meeting on October 8 with religious groups in Cali to discuss the needs of faith-based organizations in the area. Abuses by Rebel or Foreign Forces and Non-State Actors Guerrillas, illegal armed groups, and organized crime groups threatened leaders and members of religious groups and targeted them for extortion. This impeded the ability of the religious groups to advocate on behalf of displaced populations and other vulnerable groups or help vulnerable groups with their land claims. Witness for Peace reported on October 15, Presbyterian Pastor German Zarate of Barranquilla and Pastor Walter Villalba of the Association of Evangelical Churches of the Caribbean received death threats communicated by letter from an illegal armed group calling itself the Black Eagles. Pastor Zarate received a similar threat in January as well. On November 5, unidentified armed men entered the offices of Prison Fellowship International in Medellin and stole six computers with information on the group's clients. Protestant leaders stated that isolation and fear of retribution in rural communities led to underreporting of clergy assault, harassment, and killings. Some religious leaders reported they chose not to report cases formally to law enforcement or seek government protection in the form of personal security, bulletproof vests, or cell phones provided by the National Protection Unit because of pacifist beliefs and fear of retribution by terrorist groups. The Mennonite Association for Justice, Peace and Nonviolent Action (Justapaz) continued to report threats from terrorist groups and criminal bands and forced displacement of clergy and parishioners of the Baptist Church, Presbyterian Church, Anglican Church, Mennonite Church, Four Square Church, ELAM Independent Christian Church, Inter-American Church, and Association of Caribbean Evangelical Churches in Cordoba. As of the end of the year, the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Directorate of the Attorney General's Office reported 11 ongoing investigations of religious leaders threatened or harmed as a result of their religious affiliations. Witness for Peace reported guerrillas and illegal armed groups threatened, displaced, or attacked religious leaders for opposing the forced recruitment of minors, promoting human rights, assisting internally displaced persons, assisting with land restitution claims, and discouraging coca cultivation. Religious groups reported armed groups further restricted religious freedom by limiting freedom of movement and preventing people from attending religious services. In some areas, armed groups limited the time of day that religious or other groups could meet and occasionally prohibited worship and other religious activities. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom The Jewish community reported continued comments promoting hatred of Jews on some social media sites. The community reported the use of excerpts from Protocols of the Elders of Zion, vindication of Hitler, or the denial of the Holocaust by social media users. The community also reported one case of vandalism to a menorah statue in Bogota. A number of faith-based and interfaith NGOs promoted religious freedom and tolerance through their programs and community engagements. CEDECOL, Justapaz, and the Colombian Confederation of Jewish Communities advocated on behalf of conscientious objectors, documented cases of religious intolerance, and participated in various interfaith dialogues that encouraged religious tolerance. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy officials discussed issues of religious freedom, such as conscientious objection to military service, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General's Office, and the MOI. Embassy representatives maintained regular communication with representatives of the Catholic Church and other religious groups. In Bogota, and on official travel within the country, embassy officials met with local leaders of the Jewish community and the Catholic, Presbyterian, Mennonite, and other churches to discuss issues affecting their communities, including religious freedom and tolerance. As a result of the country's long internal conflict, local leaders continued to focus much of their efforts to ensuring the safety of their religious community from illegal armed groups. Embassy representatives discussed religious freedom issues during working group sessions attended by government representatives, civil society, and religious leaders that emphasized the importance of continued interfaith dialogue and coordination with government partners as the country approached an end to the conflict. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Tibet Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Tibet, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add88f81.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The United States recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Tibetan autonomous prefectures and counties in other provinces to be a part of the People's Republic of China. The constitution of the People's Republic of China states citizens "enjoy freedom of religious belief" but limits protections for religious practice to "normal religious activities" without defining "normal." In the TAR and other Tibetan areas, authorities engaged in widespread interference in religious practices, especially in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries. There were reports of death in prison, forced disappearance, physical abuse, prolonged detention without trial, and arrests of individuals due to their religious practices. Travel restrictions also hindered traditional religious practices. Repression increased around politically sensitive events, religious anniversaries, and the Dalai Lama's birthday, according to numerous sources. According to reports by journalists and nongovernmental organizations, seven Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and laypersons, self-immolated. The government routinely denigrated the Dalai Lama, whom most Tibetan Buddhists revere as their most important spiritual leader, and restricted the rights of Tibetans to venerate him and other religious leaders at temples and monasteries. The government blamed the "Dalai [Lama] Clique" or other outside forces and foreign media reporting for instigating the self-immolations and other protests against government practices. Authorities often justified their interference with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries by attributing to them separatist and pro-independence activities. Some Tibetans encountered societal discrimination when seeking employment, engaging in business, or when traveling, according to multiple sources. The U.S. government repeatedly pressed Chinese authorities at multiple levels to respect religious freedom for all faiths and to allow Tibetans to preserve, practice, teach, and develop their religious traditions. In his meetings with TAR government officials in May, the U.S. Ambassador emphasized the importance of individual expression of religious beliefs. In September at a joint press conference during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Obama called on "Chinese authorities to preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives." In meetings with visiting senior Chinese officials in Washington, DC, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues raised U.S. government concerns about religious freedom in Tibet and urged China to comply with the freedoms guaranteed in China's constitution. The U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom raised religious freedom concerns in Tibet directly with central government officials during a visit to China in August. The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor raised Tibet issues during a visit to Beijing in October. The U.S. government regularly raised individual cases and incidents with the Chinese government. Embassy and other U.S. officials urged the Chinese government to reexamine the policies that threaten Tibet's distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity. While diplomatic access to the TAR remained tightly controlled, U.S. officials did see increased, although still tightly managed, access during the year, with authorities granting one visit by the U.S. Ambassador in May, a U.S. consular visit in November, and a separate congressional delegation visit in November. Section I. Religious Demography According to official data from China's most recent census in November 2010, 2,716,400 Tibetans make up 91 percent of the TAR's total population. Some experts, however, believe the number of ethnic Han Chinese and other non-Tibetans living there is significantly underreported. Overall, official census data show Tibetans constitute 24.4 percent of the total population in Qinghai Province, 2.1 percent in Sichuan Province, 1.8 percent in Gansu Province, and 0.3 percent in Yunnan Province, although the percentage of Tibetans is much higher within jurisdictions of these provinces designated as autonomous for Tibetans. Most Tibetans practice Tibetan Buddhism, although a sizeable minority practices Bon, a pre-Buddhist indigenous religion, and very small minorities practice Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Some scholars estimate there are as many as 400,000 Bon followers across the Tibetan Plateau. Scholars also estimate there are up to 5,000 Tibetan Muslims and 700 Tibetan Catholics in the TAR. Other residents of traditionally Tibetan areas include ethnic Chinese, many of whom practice Buddhism (including Tibetan Buddhism), Daoism, Confucianism, traditional folk religions, or profess atheism; Hui Muslims; and non-Tibetan Catholics and Protestants. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states citizens enjoy "freedom of religious belief," but limits protections for religious practice to "normal religious activities" without defining "normal." The constitution bans the state, public organizations, and individuals from compelling citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion. The constitution states religious bodies and affairs are not to be "subject to any foreign control." The constitution also stipulates the right of citizens to believe in or not believe in any religion. Only religious groups belonging to one of the five state-sanctioned "patriotic religious associations" (Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant), however, are permitted to register with the government and legally hold worship services or other religious ceremonies and activities. The government's April white paper titled Tibet's Path of Development Is Driven by an Irresistible Historical Tide states "the freedom of religious belief of various ethnic groups is respected and protected by the Constitution and the laws, with all religions and sects being treated equally," and "no state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or disbelieve in, any religion." The government's September white paper titled On Successful Practice of Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet states "the central government and the local government of Tibet Autonomous Region have fully respected citizens' right to freedom of religious belief, and given equal attention and protection to all religions and sects to ensure normal religious activities and religious beliefs are protected according to law." Regulations issued by the State Administration of Religious Affairs (SARA) codify government control over the selection of Tibetan religious leaders, including reincarnate lamas. These regulations stipulate city governments and higher-level administrative entities may deny permission for a lama to be recognized as a reincarnate. Provincial or higher-level governments must approve reincarnations, and the State Council has the right to deny the recognition of reincarnations of high lamas of "especially great influence." The regulations also state no foreign organization or individual may interfere in the selection of reincarnate lamas, and all reincarnate lamas must be reborn within China. The government maintains a registry of officially recognized reincarnate lamas. Within the TAR, regulations issued by SARA assert state control over all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, including religious venues, groups, and personnel. Through local regulations issued under the framework of the national-level Management Regulation of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, governments of the TAR and other Tibetan areas control the registration of monasteries, nunneries, and other Tibetan Buddhist religious centers. The TAR government has the right to deny any individual's application to take up religious orders. The regulations also require monks and nuns to obtain permission from officials in both the originating and receiving counties before traveling to other prefectures or county-level cities within the TAR to "practice their religion," engage in religious activities, study, or teach. Tibetan autonomous prefectures outside of the TAR have formulated similar regulations. TAR regulations also give the government formal control over the building and management of religious structures and require monasteries to obtain official permission to hold large-scale religious events or gatherings. At the national level, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee's Central Tibet Work Coordination Group, the CCP's United Front Work Department (UFWD), and the SARA are responsible for developing religious management policies, which are carried out with support from the "patriotic religious associations." At local levels, party leaders and branches of the UFWD, SARA, and the Buddhist Association of China are required to coordinate implementation of religious policies in monasteries, and many have stationed party cadres and government officials, including public security agents, in monasteries in Tibetan areas. CCP members, including ethnic Tibetans, are required to be atheists and are forbidden from engaging in religious practices. CCP members who belong to religious organizations are subject to expulsion, although these rules are not universally enforced. Government Practices Across the Tibetan Plateau there were reports of death in prison, forced disappearance, physical abuse, prolonged detention and arbitrary arrest of people due to their religious practice, and restrictions on religious gatherings, according to media reporting and human rights organizations. Some Tibetans continued to engage in self-immolation as a protest against government policies. Human rights advocates stated that authorities used intimidation to compel acquiescence with government regulations and to attempt to reduce the likelihood of antigovernment demonstrations, thereby projecting an image of stability and the appearance of popular support. At various times monasteries were surrounded by security forces and security forces maintained a permanent presence at some monasteries. Police detained students, monks, laypersons, and others in many Tibetan areas who called for freedom, human rights, and religious liberty, or who expressed support for the Dalai Lama or solidarity with individuals who had self-immolated. Restrictions were particularly severe around politically and religiously sensitive anniversaries and events. Authorities scrutinized and sought to control monastic operations and restricted travel for religious purposes, according to human rights organizations. Prominent Buddhist reincarnate lama and political prisoner Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died in prison July 12, after serving 13 years of a life sentence for allegedly setting off explosions and inciting separation of the state, according to CNN. Authorities denied requests from his family to return the body so traditional Tibetan Buddhist funeral rites could be conducted. Authorities allowed relatives and religious leaders to witness the cremation of his body but later forced family members to return his ashes, according to a Radio Free Asia (RFA) report. The Chinese government did not disclose the location of the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibetan Buddhism's second-most prominent teacher after the Dalai Lama. Chinese authorities detained him in 1995 when he was six years old. His whereabouts remained unknown. In September a Chinese government official publicly stated that the now 26-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was "living a normal life, growing up healthily, and does not wish to be disturbed." Authorities ignored requests by international observers to visit Gedun Choekyi Nyima. The government continued to insist Gyaltsen Norbu, whom it selected in 1995, was the Panchen Lama's true reincarnation. Gyaltsen Norbu has been appointed to two political positions, as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. According to numerous Tibetan Buddhist monks and scholars in the country, UFWD, and Religious Affairs Bureau officials frequently pressured monks and laypeople, including government officials, to attend sessions presided over by Gyaltsen Norbu. When Gyaltsen Norbu visited Tibetan areas in Yunnan Province in late May, officials reportedly ordered monks and villagers to greet him. Some Tibetans continued to engage in self-immolation as a protest against government policies. At least seven Tibetans, four women and three men, reportedly self-immolated, as compared to the 11 self-immolations reported in 2014 and the 26 self-immolations reported in 2013. Among the group were a monk and a nun. Yeshi Kandro, a nun, called for the long life of the Dalai Lama, for the Dalai Lama to be invited to Tibet, and for freedom for Tibet as she set herself on fire in April, according to a report by the International Campaign for Tibet. Some experts said the declining number of reported self-immolations was due to tightened controls by authorities. Local authorities prosecuted and imprisoned an unknown number of Tibetans whom authorities said had aided or instigated self-immolations, including family members and friends of the self-immolators, according to press reports. Authorities also reportedly took measures to limit news of self-immolations and other protests from spreading within Tibetan communities and beyond. In numerous cases, officials shut down or restricted local access to the internet and cellular phone services for this purpose, according to reports. There were reports of authorities physically abusing individuals during detention or arrest. In June police in the TAR's Changdu (Chamdo) Prefecture detained monk Tashi Gyaltsen in a government building where he was "severely beaten up," according to an RFA report. Authorities later released Tashi Gyaltsen after questioning. There were reports of the arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention of religious figures without criminal charges. In June Chinese authorities in Gansu Province arrested four monks from Labrang Monastery on unspecified charges, according to an RFA report. Their whereabouts remained unknown as of the end of the year. In addition, according to the International Campaign for Tibet, in November a court sentenced Lobsang Kelsang, a monk from Kirti Monastery, to three and a half years in prison. Public security officials detained him in March for carrying an image of the Dalai Lama through the main street of Sichuan's Aba (Ngaba) County and calling for freedom in Tibet. Authorities arrested and sentenced to prison some individuals for possessing pictures of the Dalai Lama on their cell phones. Tsering Dhondup was arrested in Qinghai Province's Tongren (Rebkong) County for allegedly posting images of the Tibetan flag and the Dalai Lama to mark the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday on his account on WeChat, a popular Chinese messaging application, according to a June Tibet Post International report. Limited access to information about prisoners made it difficult to ascertain the exact number of Tibetan prisoners of religious conscience, determine the charges brought against them, or assess the extent and severity of abuses they suffered. The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China's Political Prisoner Database included records of 646 Tibetan political prisoners who had been detained by September 1, and who were presumed to remain detained or imprisoned. Of the 646 political prisoners, 635 were detained on or after March 10, 2008, the start of a wave of political protests that spread across the Tibetan areas of China. Tibetan Buddhist monks, nuns, and teachers made up 43 percent, or 275 cases, of the 635. Although authorities permitted some traditional religious ceremonies and practices, including public manifestations of religious belief, they confined many religious activities to officially designated places of worship, often restricted or canceled religious festivals, at times forbade monks from traveling to villages to conduct religious ceremonies, and maintained tight control over the activities of religious leaders and religious gatherings of laypeople. The government suppressed religious activities it viewed as vehicles for political dissent. During the month of July, when Tibetans celebrated the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday, local authorities told many monasteries and lay people not to celebrate or organize any public gatherings. According to media reports, Chinese authorities restricted celebrations of the Dalai Lama's birthday across the Tibetan Plateau. Chinese authorities prohibited a June horse race in Gansu Province because participants in the race were required to save the life of at least one animal and dedicate the act to the Dalai Lama's long life, according to a RFA report. Authorities permitted some major religious gatherings at other times, however. For example, in June over 110,000 people attended a large religious gathering near Gansu Province's Labrang Monastery, according to a report by Gansu Economic Daily News, a state-controlled media outlet. In September tens of thousands of people were allowed to celebrate the Kalachakra ceremony, a Tibetan Buddhist ritual, at Qinghai Province's Kumbum Monastery. Multiple sources reported open veneration of the Dalai Lama, including the display of his photograph, remained prohibited in almost all areas and officials, many of whom considered the images to be symbols of opposition to the CCP and local officials, had removed pictures of the Dalai Lama from monasteries and private homes during visits by senior officials. Despite the ban on images of the Dalai Lama, many Tibetans continued to own and privately display photos of the Dalai Lama in their homes, in lockets, and on cellular telephones. The ability of Tibetans to display the Dalai Lama's picture varied regionally and with the political climate. In Tibetan areas outside the TAR, visitors saw pictures of the Dalai Lama prominently displayed in private homes, shops, and monasteries, although monks reported they would temporarily remove such photos during inspections by officials from the local Religious Affairs Bureau or other agencies. The government also continued to ban pictures of Gedun Choekyi Nyima, whom the Dalai Lama and the overwhelming majority of Tibetan Buddhists recognize as the 11th Panchen Lama. The TAR government also continued to maintain tight control over the use of Tibetan Buddhist religious relics and declared the relics, as well as religious buildings and institutions themselves, to be state property. The government continued to exercise its authority over the approval of reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist lamas and the supervision of their religious education. In addition, authorities closely supervised the education of many key young reincarnate lamas. In a deviation from traditional custom, government officials, rather than religious leaders, managed the selection of the reincarnate lamas' religious and lay tutors in the TAR and some other Tibetan areas. According to a June report by state-controlled media, 25 newly recognized reincarnate lamas attended a UFWD-organized "TAR Training Class for New Reincarnate Lamas" in Lhasa. International media reported authorities attempted to exercise significant control over religious institutions. The government restricted the number of monks and nuns at many monasteries and nunneries and expelled monks and nuns from some monasteries and nunneries, according to media reports. According to an April white paper, there were 1,787 sites for religious activities, over 46,000 resident monks and nuns, and 358 "Living Buddhas" in Tibet. Government officials in Qinghai Province's Chenduo (Tridu) County expelled monks not officially registered at the Nyatso Zilkar Monastery, according to a June RFA report. Local authorities expelled 106 Tibetan Buddhist nuns from Jada Ganden Khachoeling convent in the TAR's Biru (Driru) County and demolished several residential buildings at the nunnery. Authorities stated the nuns did not possess the proper documents and exceeded the number of nuns that authorities permitted to live at the nunnery, according to an RFA report. In many areas, monks and nuns under the age of 18 were forced to leave their monasteries. In January Sichuan Province's Ganzi (Kardze) Prefecture issued regulations mandating the removal of all monks under the age of 18 from monasteries and Buddhist schools and required that all such monks receive "patriotic education." Monasteries and nunneries in some areas outside of the TAR routinely accepted minors and unregistered monks and nuns, including from distant areas. Tibet scholars stated the Chinese government's ban on minors entering monasteries and nunneries and restrictions on travel of monks and nuns threatened the traditional transmission and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Authorities often justified interference with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries by associating the monasteries with "separatism" and pro-independence activities, as reported in state media. General affairs in TAR monasteries, which traditionally were managed by monks, were overseen by Monastery Management Committees and Monastic Government Working Groups, both of which were composed primarily of government officials and CCP members, together with a few government-approved monks. Since 2011, China has established such groups in all monasteries in the TAR and in many major monasteries in other Tibetan areas. In accordance with official guidelines for monastery management, leadership of and membership in the various committees and working groups remained restricted to "politically reliable, patriotic, and devoted monks, nuns, and party and government officials." The TAR government also required all monasteries to fly the Chinese national flag. In April state media reported TAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo reiterating that Tibetan monasteries and nunneries were required to display prominently the national flag and the portraits of the five CCP leaders from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping. Provincial, prefectural, county, and local governments stationed CCP cadres in, and established police stations or security offices on the premises of, or adjacent to, many monasteries. For example, the TAR had more than 7,000 government cadres working in 1,787 monasteries, according to an August report on a government website. Security forces continued to block access to and from important monasteries during politically sensitive events and religious anniversaries. Heavy police presence within and surrounding some monasteries restricted the movement of monks ahead of the March anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising, as well as the July birthday of the Dalai Lama. Additionally, observers reported police set up overt camera surveillance inside many monasteries. The traditional monastic system also suffered because many top Buddhist teachers remained in exile in India and elsewhere, and some of those who returned from India were not allowed to teach or lead their institutions. The heads of most major schools of Tibetan Buddhism including the Dalai Lama, Karmapa, Sakya Trizin, and Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, as well as Bon leader Gyalwa Menri Trizin all resided in exile. Authorities often hindered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries from delivering religious, educational, and medical services Authorities also hindered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries from carrying out environmental protection, a traditional element of both religious and conservation practice. For example, in January authorities forced a monastery in Qinghai's Yushu (Yulshul) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to cancel a workshop that taught Tibetan grammar, logic, and traditional sciences to local children. Authorities reportedly feared the workshop would create a sense of pride among the Tibetan children and an awareness of their distinctness from Chinese culture, according to Phayul, an exile-run online news portal. According to government policy, newly constructed government-subsidized housing units in Tibetan areas were located near county government seats or along major roads, with no nearby monasteries where resettled villagers could worship. Traditionally, Tibetan villages were clustered around monasteries, which provided religious and other services to members of the community. Many Tibetans viewed such measures as CCP and government efforts to dilute religious belief and weaken the ties between monasteries and communities. In addition to restricting foreign travel, authorities also continued to restrict travel by Tibetans inside China, particularly for Tibetans living outside the TAR who wished to visit the TAR during sensitive times, such as for religious pilgrimages in March and July. Buddhist clergy said the restrictions on movement hindered a key component of religious education within Tibetan Buddhism calling for nuns and monks to visit different monasteries and religious sites to receive specialized training from experts in Buddhist traditions. Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns stated these restrictions have damaged and fragmented the quality of monastic education. Many monks expelled from their TAR monasteries after the 2008 Lhasa riots still had not returned, and some reported they had been prevented from joining new monasteries. Tibetans continued to encounter difficulties in traveling to India for religious purposes. Many Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and laypersons, sought to travel to India for religious purposes, including to seek audiences with the Dalai Lama, or to continue their studies with key Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders and teachers. In many cases, Public Security Bureau officials refused to approve the passport applications of Tibetans. This was particularly true for Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. In other cases, prospective travelers were able to obtain passports only after paying bribes to local officials, or after promising not to travel to India or to criticize Chinese policies in Tibetan areas while overseas. Numerous Tibetans in Qinghai and Sichuan provinces waited for up to five years before being allowed a passport, apparently without any explanation being given for the delay, according to Human Rights Watch. Some Tibetans attributed the passport restrictions to an official effort to hinder travel for religious purposes. There were instances in which authorities confiscated and cancelled passports previously issued to Tibetans. Sources reported security personnel targeted individuals in religious attire, particularly those from Naqu (Nagchu) and Changdu (Chamdo) Prefectures in the TAR and Tibetan areas outside of the TAR, for arbitrary questioning on the streets of Lhasa and other cities and towns. Many Tibetan monks and nuns reportedly chose to wear nonreligious garb to avoid such harassment when traveling outside of their monasteries and around the country. In some cases, authorities enforced special restrictions on Tibetans staying at hotels inside and outside of the TAR. Police regulations forbade some hotels and guesthouses in the TAR from accepting Tibetan guests, and required other hotels to notify police departments when Tibetan guests checked in, according to an RFA report. The CCP continued to forbid its members from participating in religious activities despite reports that many Tibetan government officials and CCP members held religious beliefs. TAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo stated in November the Party would investigate government officials thought to violate party discipline, including by following the "Dalai Clique." Chen said such violations would include following the Dalai Lama, renouncing religion in public while embracing it in private, failing to be faithful to the rhetoric and decisions of the CCP Central Committee, participating in "illegal organizations," having an "incorrect view" of ethnicity, going on pilgrimage to India, and sending one's children to study with Tibetans in exile. Twenty Tibetan officials in the TAR were punished during the first eight months of the year for violations of "political discipline," according to Chen. Government officials continued to denigrate the Dalai Lama publicly and accused the "Dalai Clique" and other outside forces of instigating Tibetan self-immolations and public protests, stating such acts were attempts to split China. Authorities in the TAR continued to prohibit the registration of children's names that included parts of the Dalai Lama's name or names included on a list blessed by the Dalai Lama. "Patriotic education" campaigns, in which authorities forced monks and nuns to participate in "legal education," denounce the Dalai Lama, study materials praising the leadership of the CCP and the socialist system, and express allegiance to the government-recognized Panchen Lama, were carried out at many monasteries and nunneries across the Tibetan Plateau, according to reports. Many monks and nuns continued to report that political activities mandated by the party and government, including "patriotic education" campaigns and "legal education" campaigns, detracted from their religious studies. According to many observers, the continued requirement for implementation of "patriotic education," coupled with continued controls over religious practice, including the permanent installation at many monasteries and nunneries of CCP and public security officials, were primary sources of grievance among Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, and the impetus behind some of the self-immolations and protests. Senior monks at some monasteries continued to report informal agreements reached with local officials that resident monks would not stage protests or commit self-immolation as long as the government adopted a hands-off approach to the management of their monasteries. The government permitted a U.S. congressional delegation to visit the TAR in November. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Since ethnicity and religion are tightly intertwined for many Tibetan Buddhists, it was sometimes difficult to categorize incidents solely as ethnic or religious intolerance. Tibetans, particularly those who wore traditional and religious attire, regularly reported incidents in which they were denied hotel rooms, avoided by taxis, and/or discriminated against in employment opportunities or business transactions. Many ethnic Han Buddhists were interested in Tibetan Buddhism and donated money to Tibetan monasteries and nunneries. Tibetan Buddhist monks frequently visited Chinese cities to provide religious instruction to ethnic Han Buddhists. In addition, a growing number of ethnic Han Buddhists visited Tibetan monasteries, although officials sometimes imposed restrictions that made it difficult for ethnic Han Buddhists to conduct long-term study at many monasteries in Tibetan areas. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. government officials, including the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador in Beijing, and the U.S. Consul General in Chengdu, continued the sustained and concerted effort to encourage greater religious freedom in Tibetan areas. The U.S. Ambassador and other U.S. officials at the most senior levels urged China to ease restrictions on religious freedom, including repressive policies in Tibetan areas. The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom raised religious freedom concerns in Tibet directly with central government officials during a visit to China in August. U.S. officials repeatedly raised Tibetan religious freedom issues such as the Chinese government's refusal to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama in public remarks and with Chinese government counterparts at multiple levels. In addition to raising systemic issues, such as passport issuance to Tibetans, U.S. officials expressed concern and sought further information about individual cases and incidents of religious persecution and discrimination. In September at a joint press conference during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Obama called on "Chinese authorities to preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives." U.S. diplomats maintained contact with a wide range of religious leaders and practitioners in Tibetan areas to monitor the status of religious freedom, although travel and other restrictions made it difficult to visit and communicate with these individuals. Although diplomatic access to the TAR remained tightly controlled, U.S. officials did see increased access during the year, with authorities granting one visit by the U.S. Ambassador in May, a U.S. consular visit in November, and a separate congressional delegation visit in November. Officials from the Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Chengdu made several trips throughout the year to visit Tibetan monasteries and nunneries in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan Provinces. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Macau Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Macau, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89015.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) grants residents freedom of religious belief, freedom to preach and participate in religious activities in public, and to pursue religious education. The law also protects religious assemblies and the rights of religious organizations to run schools, hospitals, and welfare institutions and to provide other social services. The Freedom of Religion and Worship Law states the government does not recognize a state religion, explicitly notes all religious denominations are equal before the law, and stipulates that religious groups may develop and maintain relations with religious groups abroad. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau engaged with government, religious, and civil society leaders on religious freedom. Consulate general staff stressed the importance of religious freedom in meetings with top Macau SAR government officials and civil society representatives. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 593,000 (July 2015 estimate). The Government Information Bureau of the Macau SAR reported nearly 80 percent of the population practices Buddhism. There are approximately 30,000 Roman Catholics (of whom over half are foreign domestic workers and other expatriates) and more than 8,000 Protestants. Protestant denominations include the Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian Churches. There are also evangelical groups and independent local nondenominational churches, some of which are affiliated with mainland churches. The government reports smaller religious groups include Bahais (estimated at 2,500 persons), Muslims (estimated at 400 persons), and Falun Gong practitioners (estimated at 50 persons). Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The Macau Basic Law states, "Macau residents shall have freedom of religious belief, and freedom to preach and to conduct and participate in religious activities in public." These rights may be limited for national security reasons in extreme situations. The Basic Law further stipulates that the government shall not interfere in the internal affairs of religious groups or in the relations religious groups maintain with counterparts outside Macau. It bars the government from restricting religious activities that do not contravene the laws of the SAR. Under the Basic Law, the government of the Macau SAR, rather than the central government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is charged with safeguarding religious freedom in the SAR. Religious groups coordinate their relations with coreligionists in the PRC through the Central Government Liaison Office (CGLO). The CGLO also engages in dialogue with religious groups in the SAR. The Basic Law's provisions for the protection of religious freedom are further delineated in the Freedom of Religion and Worship Law, which states the Macau SAR government does not recognize a state religion and stipulates all religious denominations are equal before the law. The law further provides for freedom of religion, including privacy of religious belief, freedom of religious assembly, freedom to hold religious processions, and freedom of religious education. The law specifically guarantees religious organizations may run seminaries and schools, hospitals, and welfare institutions and provide other social services. Schools run by religious organizations may provide religious education. The law also guarantees religious organizations the right to acquire, use, dispose of, and inherit property. The law allows religious groups to register directly with the Identification Bureau. Applicants must supply their names, identification card numbers, and contact information, as well as the group's name and a copy of the group's charter to register. Registration is not required to conduct religious activities, and it does not automatically confer tax-exempt status or other advantages, though several religious groups reported they had tax exemptions for land use and business operation, enabling them to afford to fund charity work and operate schools. The law stipulates religious groups may develop and maintain relations with religious groups abroad. The local Catholic Church, in communion with the Holy See, recognizes the pope as its head. The Vatican appoints the bishop for the diocese. Government Practices The government provided financial support, regardless of religious affiliation, for the establishment of schools, childcare centers, clinics, homes for the elderly, rehabilitation centers, and vocational training centers run by religious groups. The government also continued to refer victims of human trafficking to religious organizations for the provision of support services. Religious groups can apply to media organizations and companies to use mass media (e.g., television or public radio) for religious purposes. No groups reported their applications were denied. Some religious groups reported the CGLO supported their activities and exchanges with coreligionists in the mainland. Others said the government acknowledged and did not obstruct charity work conducted on the mainland. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Relations among the various religious groups were good according to sources across different denominations and affiliations, as well as civil society groups. Many religious groups, including Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, and Bahais, provided extensive social services available to anyone regardless of religious affiliation. Falun Gong members regularly set up informational sites in public venues without incident. Public ceremonies and dedications often included prayers by both Christian and Buddhist groups. The private University of Saint Joseph (formerly the Macau Inter-University Institute), an affiliate of the Catholic University of Portugal, offered a Christian studies course that included Catholic seminary students from the mainland. The University of Macau's Philosophy and Religious Studies Program also accepted mainland students. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. consulate general affirmed U.S. government interest in the full protection of freedom of religion in meetings with the government and civil society leaders. Consulate general officers at all levels, including the Consul General, stressed the importance of religious freedom in meetings with top Macau SAR officials and civil society interlocutors. The consulate general also worked with Hong Kong-based Islamic organizations in support of their activities to promote their ability to establish a house of worship in Macau. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Hong Kong Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China: Hong Kong, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89115.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as other laws and policies, protects religious freedom. The Bill of Rights Ordinance incorporates the religious freedom protections of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Religious groups are exempt from the legal requirement that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) register, and can apply for subsidies and concessionary terms to run schools and lease land. The government invites all religious groups to comment on whether proposed measures discriminate on the basis of religion. Some residents reported mainland authorities encroached on their religious outreach and engagement activities with mainland visitors and students. There were no reports of significant societal action affecting religious freedom. The U.S. consulate general affirmed U.S. government interest in the full protection of freedom of religion in meetings with the government. Consulate general officers at all levels, including the Consul General, met regularly with religious leaders and community representatives. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 7.1 million (July 2015 estimate). The government's Information Services Department data notes that approximately 43 percent of the population practices some form of religion. The two most prevalent religions are Buddhism and Taoism, often observed in the same temple. According to government statistics, there are approximately 1.5 million Buddhists and Taoists; 480,000 Protestants; 379,000 Roman Catholics; 40,000 Hindus, 20,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons); 10,000 Sikhs, and 5,000-6,000 Jews. Local Islamic groups state the HKSAR is also home to approximately 300,000 Muslims. Small communities of Bahai and Zoroastrians also reside in the HKSAR. Confucianism is widespread, and in some cases elements of Confucianism are practiced in conjunction with other belief systems. Human rights organizations estimate there are between 500 and 1,000 practitioners of Falun Gong. There are approximately 50 Protestant denominations, including Anglican, Baptist, Christian and Missionary Alliance groups, the Church of Christ in China, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventists. The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong recognizes the pope and maintains links to the Vatican; the bishop of Hong Kong and his retired predecessor are the only Catholic cardinals in greater China. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework Under the Basic Law, the HKSAR has autonomy in the management of religious affairs. The Basic Law calls for ties between the region's religious groups and their mainland counterparts based on "nonsubordination, noninterference, and mutual respect." The Basic Law states residents have freedom of conscience; freedom of religious belief; and freedom to preach, conduct, and participate in religious activities in public. The Basic Law also states the government cannot interfere in the internal affairs of religious organizations or restrict religious activities which do not contravene other laws. The Bill of Rights Ordinance incorporates the religious freedom protections of the ICCPR. These protections include the right to manifest religious belief individually or in community with others, in public or private, and through worship, observance, practice, and teaching. The Bill of Rights Ordinance states that persons belonging to ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities have the right to enjoy their own culture, profess and practice their own religion, and use their own language. The ordinance also protects the right of parents or legal guardians to "ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions." These rights may be limited when an emergency is proclaimed and "manifestation" of religious beliefs may be limited by law when necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the rights of others. Such limitations may not discriminate solely on the basis of religion. Religious groups are exempt from the legal requirement that NGOs register with the government. Religious groups are only required to register if they seek government benefits, such as tax-exempt status, rent subsidies, government or other professional development training, the use of government facilities, or a grant to provide social services. Applicants for registration must provide the name and purpose of the organization, identify its office-holders, and confirm the address of the principal place of business and any other premises owned or occupied by the organization. Religious groups may register as a society or tax-exempt organization as long as they have at least three members who hold valid HKSAR identity documents; the registration process normally takes about 12 working days. Falun Gong is not classified as a religious group under the law and must register if the group wishes to establish offices, collect dues from members, or have legal status. The Basic Law allows private schools to provide religious education. The government offers funding to cover 90 percent of the budget of schools built and run by religious groups, should they seek such support. Government subsidized schools may not bar students based on religion, but they may provide religious instruction as part of their curriculum, which may be mandatory for all students. Teachers, however, may not discriminate against students on account of their religious beliefs. The public school curriculum mandates coursework on ethics and religious studies, with a focus on religious tolerance; the government's curriculum also includes elective modules on different world religions. Religious groups may apply to the government to lease land at concessionary terms through Home Affairs Bureau sponsorship. Religious groups may apply to develop or use facilities in accordance with local legislation. The only direct government role in managing religious affairs is the Chinese Temples Committee, led by the secretary for home affairs. The HKSAR Chief Executive appoints its members. The committee oversees the management and logistical operations of 24 of the region's 600 temples and provides grants to other charitable organizations. The committee also provides grants to the Home Affairs Bureau for eventual disbursement as financial assistance to needy ethnic Chinese citizens. The colonial-era law does not require new temples to register. Procedures under the current law have resulted in the six largest religious groups in the HKSAR holding 60 seats on the approximately 1,200-member election committee tasked with nominating and voting for the region's chief executive. The groups represented are the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association, the Hong Kong Christian Council (which represents Protestant denominations), the Hong Kong Taoist Association, the Confucian Academy, and the Hong Kong Buddhist Association. Many of these groups hold their own internal elections to determine which member(s) will hold seats on the election committee. Government Practices In contrast to the previous year, Falun Gong practitioners did not report any incidents of discrimination. Falun Gong practitioners were regularly permitted to maintain information displays in high-traffic areas and conduct public protests against the repression of fellow practitioners in mainland China. The lack of interference in public displays followed an October 2014 court decision that sustained government officials' actions in 2013 to remove several hundred Falun Gong banners from the streets, with the justification that the group failed to obtain requisite permissions before placing the displays, which is required for all posters regardless of content. The judge dismissed the Falun Gong application, noting the group had never applied for a poster permit. In that case the government only removed posters that had not obtained permits and continued to issue permits for Falun Gong posters without reference to their religious content. Some religious leaders reported Mainland authorities harassed them during their visits to the Mainland. A Christian NGO stated mainland security agents blocked approximately 100 mainland citizens from traveling to Hong Kong to participate in religious meetings the group organized in March. One pastor from Hong Kong reported mainland authorities told him to cease his ministry to mainland students in Hong Kong. The Home Affairs Bureau functioned as a liaison between religious groups and the government. The government invited all interested groups, including affected organizations or individuals, to provide views on whether proposed measures discriminate on the basis of religion. Senior government leaders often participated in large-scale events held by religious organizations. For example, clergy from all major faiths led a prayer or recitation at a Remembrance Day Ceremony to pay respects to all who died during the two World Wars. HKSAR Government and Legislative Council representatives participated in Confucian and Buddhist commemorative activities, Taoist festivals, and other religious events. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Members of the Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant communities participated in a range of social services open to all religious groups, including welfare, elder care, hospitals, publishing services, media and employment services, rehabilitation centers, youth and community service functions, and other charitable activities. Jewish leaders hosted public Holocaust awareness events. Catholic and Protestant clergy from the HKSAR accepted invitations from state-sanctioned patriotic religious associations on the mainland to teach at religious institutions. There were also student exchanges between state-sanctioned religious groups on the Mainland and HKSAR-based religious groups. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy Consulate general officers at all levels, including the Consul General, stressed the importance of religious freedom in meetings with HKSAR government representatives. Consulate general representatives met regularly with religious leaders, NGOs, and community representatives to receive reports about the status of religious freedom both in Hong Kong and in the Mainland. The Consul General met with Buddhist, Taoist, Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim leaders throughout the year to emphasize the importance of religious freedom and tolerance. In all these interactions, he discussed the work of Hong Kong's Colloquium of Religious Leaders, a local organization aimed at fostering interreligious dialogue and promoting tolerance. He also attended numerous events to commemorate the Holocaust. In each of these interactions, the Consul General voiced support for religious freedom and emphasized the importance of tolerance and community building. The Consul General met frequently with leaders and members of the local Islamic community. Noting that Hong Kong is one of the only communities in the world in which Sunni and Shia Muslims regularly worship together, the Consul General discussed the community's contributions to the protection of religious freedom. In July he hosted an iftar at which he discussed the importance of religious freedom and cooperative activities to counter violent extremism, as well as the promotion of religious tolerance. In September, the Consul General visited the Ammar Mosque, where he and Islamic Community of Hong Kong leaders discussed the promotion of interfaith dialogue, religious freedom, and community engagement. Throughout the year, the Consul General marked all major Chinese traditional holidays through regular visits to the SAR's local Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist temples. The consulate general's coverage of his visits on social media platforms, which regularly included captions highlighting the importance of religious freedom, generated widespread local support. The U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom visited in August and met with leaders of Catholic, Anglican, Sikh, Taoist, and Islamic organizations for discussions regarding practice of faith without restrictions. The Ambassador also met with local human rights organizations and NGOs to learn more about the freedom of religion in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Other consulate general officials participated in Holocaust-related events and hosted religious leaders at prominent events. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - China, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add892e.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The People's Republic of China's constitution states citizens have "freedom of religious belief" but limits protections for religious practice to "normal religious activities" and does not define "normal." In practice, the government exercised state control over religion and restricted the activities and personal freedom of religious adherents when these were perceived to threaten state or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interests, according to nongovernmental organization (NGO) and international media reports. Only religious groups belonging to one of the five state-sanctioned "patriotic religious associations" (Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant), are permitted to register with the government and are officially permitted to hold worship services. Over this past year, there continued to be reports that the government physically abused, detained, arrested, tortured, sentenced to prison, or harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices. Human rights organizations stated police shot and killed Uighur Muslims during house raids and protests after conflicts arose due to stricter government controls on religious expression and practice in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. A Falun Gong group reported abductions, detention, and a death in police custody. The government continued to cite concerns over the "three evils" of "ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and violent terrorism" as grounds to enact and enforce restrictions on religious practices of Uighur Muslims. The government sought the forcible repatriation of Uighurs from foreign countries, many of whom sought asylum in those countries on the grounds of religious persecution. According to media and NGO reports, seven Tibetans, including monks, nuns, and laypersons, self-immolated during the year in protest of restrictive government policies, including those restricting religious freedom. Authorities often justified official interference with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries by associating them with separatism and pro-independence activities. Authorities in Zhejiang Province ordered the destruction of more than 1,500 crosses on Christian churches, as well as some church buildings, as part of a campaign against "illegal structures," according to NGO and press reports. Many Zhejiang pastors and congregants openly resisted the campaign, resulting in the detention of several church leaders and activists, including Pastor Huang Yizi in September, and human rights lawyer Zhang Kai, detained by authorities immediately prior to a scheduled meeting with the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. Local authorities in many areas used a variety of means to punish members of unregistered religious or spiritual groups, including Christian "house churches." Authorities in Guangdong Province sentenced Buddhist leader Wu Zeheng to life in prison on what advocacy groups stated were politically motivated charges. In some parts of the country, however, local authorities allowed or at least did not interfere with the activities of unregistered religious groups. Uighur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists reported severe societal discrimination in employment, housing, and business opportunities. Discrimination was particularly acute around politically "sensitive" anniversaries and major religious events. In Xinjiang, tension between Uighur Muslims and Han Chinese continued. For example, many hospitals and businesses reportedly would not provide services to women wearing veils. U.S. officials, including the President and the Secretary of State, repeatedly and publicly expressed concerns about violations of religious freedom in China. U.S. officials consistently urged the government to adhere to internationally recognized rights of religious freedom. In meeting with members from diverse religious communities, U.S. officials also acknowledged some improvements in the ability of some house churches to meet and operate. The embassy protested the imprisonment of individuals on charges related to religious freedom. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of religious freedom during his May visit to Lhasa and Xi'an, and the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom reiterated this during his August visit to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Since 1999, China has been designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated China as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing restriction on exports to China of crime control and detection instruments and equipment, under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101-246), pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 1.4 billion (July 2015 estimate). In its report to the UN Human Rights Council during China's Universal Periodic Review in October 2013, the Chinese government stated there were more than 100 million religious believers, 360,000 clergy, 140,000 places of worship, and 5,500 religious groups. Government estimates of religious adherents have remained unchanged for years. Many experts believe official estimates grossly understate numbers of religious adherents, though unofficial estimates vary widely. For example, a 2007 survey conducted by East China Normal University stated that 31.4 percent of citizens aged 16 years and over were religious believers. The same survey estimated there were 200 million Buddhists, Taoists, or worshippers of folk gods, although accurate estimates are difficult to make because many adherents practice exclusively at home. According to the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA), there are more than 21 million Muslims; unofficial estimates range as high as 50 million. Hui Muslims are concentrated primarily in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Qinghai, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. Uighur Muslims live primarily in Xinjiang. The State Council's 2015 White Paper on Xinjiang reports Hui, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uighur, and other ethnic minorities constitute 14.63 million residents in Xinjiang, or 63 percent of the total population. Prior to the government's 1999 ban on Falun Gong, the government estimated that there were 70 million adherents. The 2011 Blue Book of Religions, produced by the Institute of World Religions at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a research institution directly reporting to the State Council, reported the number of Protestants to be between 23 and 40 million. A June 2010 SARA report estimated there were 16 million Protestants affiliated with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), the state-sanctioned umbrella organization for all officially recognized Protestant churches. According to 2012 Pew Research Center estimates, there were 68 million Protestants, of whom 23 million are affiliated with the TSPM. According to SARA, there are 60,000 registered Protestant churches and 23 Christian theological colleges. According to SARA, more than 5.5 million Catholics worship in sites registered by the Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA), the state-sanctioned organization for all officially recognized Catholic churches. The Pew Center estimates there are nine million Catholics, 5.7 million of whom are affiliated with the CPA. Some ethnic minorities retain traditional religions, such as Dongba among the Naxi people in Yunnan Province and Buluotuo among the Zhuang in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Media reports state Tibetan Buddhism is growing in popularity among the Han Chinese population. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states citizens have "freedom of religious belief," but limits protections for religious practice to "normal religious activities." The constitution does not define "normal." The constitution provides for the right to hold or not hold a religious belief and states that state organs, public organizations, and individuals may not discriminate against citizens "who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion." The law does not allow for legal action to be taken against the government on the basis of the religious freedom protections afforded by the constitution. Criminal law allows the state to sentence government officials to up to two years in prison if they violate a citizen's religious freedom. CCP members and members of the armed forces are required to be atheists and are forbidden from engaging in religious practices. Members who belong to religious organizations are subject to expulsion, although these rules are not universally enforced. The vast majority of public office holders are CCP members, and being a member is widely considered a prerequisite for success in a government career. The 2005 Regulation on Religious Affairs requires religious groups to register with the government. Only religious groups belonging to one of the five state-sanctioned "patriotic religious associations" (Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant) are permitted to register with the government and legally hold worship services. These five associations operate under the direction of the CCP United Front Work Department. Other religious groups, such as Protestant groups unaffiliated with the official patriotic religious association or Catholics professing loyalty to the Vatican, are not permitted to register as legal entities. Proselytizing in public or meeting in unregistered places of worship is not permitted. Tibetan Buddhists in China are not free to venerate the Dalai Lama openly. The country's laws and policies do not provide a mechanism for religious groups independent of the five official government patriotic religious associations to obtain legal status. All religious organizations are required to register with SARA or its provincial and local offices. Registered religious organizations are allowed to possess property, publish approved materials, train staff, and collect donations. According to regulations, religious organizations must submit information about the organization's historical background, doctrines, key publications, minimum funding requirements, and a government sponsor. In addition to the five nationally recognized religions, local governments permit certain religious communities and practices, such as Orthodox Christianity in Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces. Worship of Mazu, a folk deity with Taoist roots, has been reclassified as "cultural heritage" rather than religious practice. The government and the Holy See do not have diplomatic relations, and the Vatican has no representative in the country. The CPA does not recognize the authority of the Holy See to appoint Catholic bishops; approximately 40 Catholic bishops remain independent of the CPA and operate unofficially. Several of those bishops have been detained for many years or are under close government surveillance. The Regulation on the Election and Consecration of Bishops requires candidate bishops to publicly pledge support for the CCP. Certain religious or spiritual groups are banned by law. The criminal law defines banned groups as "cult organizations," and those belonging to them can be sentenced to prison. A judicial explanation states this term refers to "those illegal groups that have been found using religions, qigong [a traditional Chinese exercise discipline], or other things as a camouflage, deifying their leading members, recruiting and controlling their members, and deceiving people by molding and spreading superstitious ideas, and endangering society." There are no published criteria for determining, or procedures for challenging, such a designation. The government maintains a ban on the Guanyin Method Sect (Guanyin Famen or the Way of the Goddess of Mercy), Zhong Gong (a qigong exercise discipline), and Falun Gong. The government also considers several Christian groups to be "evil cults," including the Shouters, Eastern Lightning, Society of Disciples (Mentu Hui), Full Scope Church (Quan Fanwei Jiaohui), Spirit Sect, New Testament Church, Three Grades of Servants (San Ban Puren), Association of Disciples, Lord God Sect, Established King Church, Unification Church, Family of Love, and South China Church. A National Security Law passed in July by the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) explicitly bans ''cult organizations.'' An amendment to the criminal law passed by the NPCSC in August increases the maximum possible sentence for ''organizing and using a cult to undermine implementation of the law'' from 15 years to life in prison. The religious and social regulations permit official patriotic religious associations to engage in activities, such as building places of worship, training religious leaders, publishing literature, and providing social services to local communities. The CCP's United Front Work Department, SARA, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs provide policy guidance and supervision on the implementation of these regulations. Most leaders of official government religious organizations serve in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a CCP-led body that provides advice to the central government from business leaders, academics, and other segments of society. A law implemented by the Urumqi Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee in January prohibits residents from wearing veils that cover the face. A separate regulation approved by the Xinjiang People's Congress Standing Committee in January bans the practice of religion in government buildings and the wearing of clothes associated with "religious extremism." An amendment to the criminal law and a judicial interpretation by the national Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Supreme People's Court published in November criminalizes the act of forcing others to wear "extremist" garments. Neither the amendment nor the judicial interpretation defines what garments or symbols are considered "extremist." Since 2005, SARA has stated through a policy posted on its website that family and friends have the right to meet at home for worship, including prayer and Bible study, without registering with the government. According to the law, inmates have the right to believe in a religion and maintain their religious beliefs while in custody. The government offers some subsidies for the construction of state-sanctioned places of worship and religious schools. By regulation, if a religious structure is to be demolished or relocated because of city planning or construction of key projects, the party responsible for demolishing the structure should consult with its local Bureau of Religious Affairs (administered by SARA) and the religious group using the structure. If all parties agree to the demolition, the party conducting the demolition should agree to rebuild the structure or provide compensation equal to its appraised market value. Patriotic religious associations and registered religious organizations are allowed to compile and print religious materials for internal use. To distribute religious materials publicly, an organization must follow national printing regulations, which restrict the publication and distribution of literature with religious content. Under the law, religious texts published without authorization, including Bibles and Qurans, may be confiscated and unauthorized publishing houses closed. The government allows some foreign educational institutions to provide religious materials in Chinese, which are used by both registered and unregistered religious groups. Under national regulations, parents are permitted to instruct children under 18 in the beliefs of officially recognized religious groups, and children may participate in religious activities. Xinjiang officials, however, require minors to complete nine years of compulsory education before they can receive religious education. In Xinjiang, regulations forbid minors from participating in religious activities and impose penalties on organizations and individuals who "organize, entice, or force" minors to participate in religious activities. The teaching of atheism in schools is mandated. The law states job applicants shall not face discrimination in hiring based on factors including religious belief. Birth limitation policies remain in force, but Chinese authorities further relaxed the one-child policy in November to allow all Chinese couples to have two children. The constitution states official government religious bodies are not "subject to any foreign domination." A CCP directive to universities provides guidance on how to prevent proselytizing among university students by foreigners. The law permits domestic NGOs, including religious organizations, to receive donations in foreign currency. The law requires documented approval by SARA of donations from foreign sources to domestic religious groups of more than one million renminbi (RMB) ($154,000). Overseas donations received by religious organizations receive favorable tax treatment if the funds are used for charitable activities. Government Practices There were reports the government physically abused, detained, arrested, tortured, sentenced to prison, or harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices. The government cited concerns over the "three evils" of "ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and violent terrorism" as grounds to enact and enforce restrictions on religious practices of Uighur Muslims. Throughout the country, religious affairs officials and security organs scrutinized and restricted the religious activities of registered and unregistered religious and spiritual groups, including assembling for religious worship, expressing religious beliefs in public and in private, and publishing religious texts. The government's repression of religious freedom remained most severe in Xinjiang and in Tibetan areas, according to media and NGO sources. Human rights organizations reported some instances of security forces firing their weapons at groups of Uighurs. Authorities typically characterized these operations as targeting "separatists" or "terrorists." According to reports, these actions bred resentment and, at times, deadly protests. In September reports stated 50 people were killed and dozens wounded after an attack at the Sogan coal mine in Baicheng County in Xinjiang. Citing a government official in Baicheng, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported the Uighur attackers might have been seeking vengeance for what the official described as a coercive government campaign aimed at combating "religious extremism." According to RFA, government sources reported authorities conducted a police raid and killed 28 Uighur Muslim suspects believed to have carried out the mine attack, including 11 women and children. State media reported 28 "terrorist gang" members from three families were killed. Government sources reported to RFA that all three Uighur Muslim families showed signs of "religious extremism," stating the women wore headscarves and long dresses. According to a report published by Ming Hui, a U.S.-based news organization affiliated with Falun Gong, Fujian Province officials intimidated, kidnapped, abducted, sentenced, or sent to reeducation camps 13 members of the Falun Gong in the first half of the year. Among them, three were sentenced to prison and one died in police detention. Pastor Zhang Shaojie, a TSPM pastor in Nanle County, Henan Province, remained in prison after a court sentenced him to 12 years for "picking quarrels and disturbing public order" and "fraud" in July 2014. Zhang and several members of his congregation had been involved in a land dispute between the church and the Nanle County government. Advocacy groups reported authorities subjected family members and other members of the church to police surveillance, verbal threats, and unannounced investigations throughout the year. In Guangdong Province, founder of the Buddhist Huazang Dharma group Wu Zeheng, also known as Master Xingwu, was sentenced to life in prison in October on charges including rape, fraud, producing and selling toxic food, and organizing a "cult." He and more than a dozen followers were arrested in coordinated raids in 2014 on charges of using a "cult organization" to undermine the implementation of the law. Wu and followers detained during the raids remained in detention throughout the year as authorities purportedly gathered evidence to try his case. Some human rights organizations and media reports stated that authorities targeted Wu for his religious beliefs and his human rights activism and that the criminal charges were spurious. Other Buddhists monks reported harassment against themselves and family members. Zen Buddhist monk Lin Bin (also known as Master Wangyun) of Fujian Province was taken into custody by the police in July while visiting Sichuan Province. At the same time, his temple in Ningde, Fujian Province, was shut down and his mother, who served as janitor at the temple, was forcefully relocated to a temple in Badu Township in Ningde. Police confiscated all items in the temple. Authorities arrested Wangyun in connection with his participation in protests against a heavy metal extracting and coating plant project that severely polluted the environment, according to reports. Underground Catholic priest Song Wanjun's whereabouts remained unknown after he was detained by officials in Hebei Province in August 2013. There was no new information on Su Zhimin, an unregistered Catholic bishop who disappeared after being taken into police custody in 1996. In February authorities reported to the family of underground Catholic Bishop Cosmas Shi Enxiang of Yi County, Hebei Province, that the Bishop died in prison 14 years after his disappearance. Authorities had held him without charge at an unknown location since 2001. Thaddeus Ma Daqin, who is recognized by the Vatican as the successor to Aloysius Jin Luxian as Bishop of Shanghai, has rarely been seen in in public after announcing his resignation from the CPA during his July 2012 Vatican-sanctioned consecration ceremony. He reportedly has spent most of his time since in seclusion at the Sheshan Catholic Seminary outside Shanghai, although he occasionally posted on social media and his blog. The Shanghai Diocese did not have a leader after Jin Luxian's death in April 2013, and at year's end it was being managed by a five-priest caretaker council. Harassment of unregistered bishops and priests continued, including government surveillance and repeated detentions. In March local religious affairs bureau officials and police in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, detained unregistered Catholic priests Shao Yunquan and Cao Jianyou just as they finished celebrating Mass. The Mudanjiang church reported local religious affairs bureau officials often interrupted their services. Individuals belonging to or supporting other banned groups were imprisoned or sentenced to administrative detention on charges such as "distributing cult materials" or "using a heretical organization to subvert the law." In April courts in Shijiazhuang Municipality, Hebei Province, sentenced Bian Xiaohui, the daughter of an imprisoned Falun Gong practitioner, to more than three years in prison. The courts also sentenced Bian's aunt Chen Yinghua, a Falun Gong practioner, to four years in prison. Authorities detained the pair in March 2014 after Bian held up a sign reading "I want to see my father" outside of a Shijiazhuang prison where her father, Bian Lichao, was serving a 12-year sentence for practicing Falun Gong, and Chen documented the protest online. Religious groups reported that "patriotic religious associations" were subjected to various forms of CCP interference in matters of doctrine, theology, and religious practice. Local authorities pressured religious believers to affiliate with patriotic associations and used administrative detention, including confinement and abuse in administrative detention centers, to punish members of unregistered religious or spiritual groups. While reeducation-through-labor camps were officially abolished in 2013, advocacy groups and international media reported some camps simply had been relabeled and continued to hold members of religious and spiritual groups. Some prisoners and detainees of faith were forced to recant their beliefs (particularly Falun Gong practitioners, whom the government reportedly subjected to "transformation through reeducation") or were not provided adequate access to religious materials, facilities, or clergy. For example, in Zhejiang Province, detention centers denied family members' requests to deliver Bibles and food to the detained. International Falun Gong-affiliated NGOs and international media reported detentions of Falun Gong practitioners continued to increase around "sensitive" dates. Authorities instructed neighborhood communities to report Falun Gong members to officials and offered monetary rewards to citizens who informed on Falun Gong practitioners. Ahead of the March meetings of the National People's Congress and CPPCC, Tianjin authorities detained at least 20 Falun Gong practitioners and confiscated Falun Gong texts, computers, cell phones, and other personal belongings, according to the Falun Gong-affiliated news outlet Ming Hui. Ming Hui reported Tianjin Public Security Bureau Director Zhao Fei offered awards of 10,000 RMB ($1,540) to officers for each practitioner taken into custody. Detained practitioners were reportedly subjected to various methods of physical and psychological coercion, such as sleep deprivation, in attempts to force them to renounce their beliefs. Reports from overseas Falun Gong-affiliated advocacy groups estimated thousands of adherents in the country had been given terms of up to three years in administrative detention. According to the human rights monitoring NGO Dui Hua Foundation, there were 2,882 Falun Gong prisoners serving sentences as of October 31. While this number was an increase from 2014, Dui Hua noted that the increase did not necessarily signify a crackdown on Falun Gong members, as there has been a trend of lighter sentencing over the last five years, including a number of suspended sentences. According to a report published by Ming Hui, in Guangdong Province authorities "persecuted, intimidated, kidnapped, disappeared, sentenced, or sent to reeducation-through-labor camps" 91 Falun Gong practitioners in the first half of the year. Of these, 24 Falun Gong members were prosecuted and seven sentenced to terms of imprisonment from one to four years, according to the report. The report stated many lawyers defending Falun Gong members were forbidden from meeting with their clients, faced harassment by police or officials from the justice department, and were threatened with revocation of their professional licenses unless they withdrew to allow for replacement by a court-appointed lawyer. Lawyers were unable to exercise normal legal functions in all Falun Gong-related court trials, such as by presenting defense statements or evidence or witnesses, according to reports by Ming Hui and legal advocates. Some lawyers were expelled by the judge on-site and ejected from the court by police. Human rights organizations report multiple Falun Gong practitioners were detained under suspicion of "subversion of state power," including Zheng Jingxian in June and Huang Qian in February. The detained were reportedly subjected to physical abuse and interrogations, denied access to their attorneys, or sent to reeducation camps. According to Falun Gong advocacy groups, on August 25 Falun Gong member Guo Bizhen was arrested by the Fuzhou police while distributing Falun Gong leaflets in a local residential compound and subsequently denied access to her lawyer multiple times. Reports indicated that in September three Falun Gong members were arrested by Guangdong Province police while they were having a party at home. While one person was released, two others were sent to reeducation through labor camp. Other Falun Gong members were denied a fair trial. During the trial of Ye Guanghui in September, the court's chief judge refused all requests to observe the trial and allowed only Ye's lawyer to participate in the court session. According to reports, in November authorities reduced the sentence of Church of the Almighty God member Lai Yiwa by six months, the first known act of clemency afforded to a Church of Almighty God member. Lai was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in April 2013. Falun Gong practitioner Wang Zhiwen continued to be held under house arrest after his October 2014 release from prison. Following his 15-year sentence for "cult-related" activities, Chinese authorities continued to deny him a passport so he could be reunited with family members overseas. He was reported to be in poor health and lacking adequate medical care. The CCP continued to maintain a Leading Small Group for Preventing and Dealing with the Problem of Heretical Cults as well as an extralegal, CCP-run security apparatus known as "610" offices (named for the date of its creation on June 10, 1999) to eliminate the Falun Gong movement and other "cult organizations." Human rights lawyers defending religious adherents were subject to harassment, detention, and professional pressure. On August 25, authorities in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, detained and placed under "residential surveillance" in an unspecified location Christian human rights lawyer Zhang Kai on suspicion of "gathering a crowd to disturb the social order" and leaking state secrets to foreign entities. Zhang had provided legal counsel to churches facing cross removals and church demolitions as part of Zhejiang Province's campaign against "illegal structures." His legal assistants, Liu Peng and Fang Xiangui, and Pastor Huang Yizi were also detained. Authorities released Liu Peng, Fang Xiangui, and four pastors in mid-December. Zhang Kai, Huang Yizi, and several other pastors, however, remained in detention at unknown locations at the end of the year. Authorities denied multiple requests by lawyers and family members to see Zhang, and subjected his family members to harassment. Zhang was detained before a scheduled meeting with the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom during his visit to the region. Authorities continued to restrict the movement and access to medical care of human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who had defended religious groups including Christians and Falun Gong members, after his release from prison in August 2014. Gao reported that after his release, government agents continued to subject him to intrusive visits at home and deny him permission to travel for medical treatment. After detailing to a reporter the mistreatment he suffered while in prison, including beatings to his face with an electric baton, inadequate food rations, and years in solitary confinement, Gao was again detained by authorities on September 23 and released a day later. The government did not renew the professional licenses of a number of attorneys who advocated for religious freedom, and it imprisoned other religious freedom activists or otherwise impeded their work on behalf of religious clients. Authorities also harassed or detained the family members, including children, of religious leaders and religious freedom activists. In some parts of the country, authorities charged religious believers not affiliated with a patriotic religious association with various crimes, including "illegal religious activities" or "disrupting social stability." Chinese authorities frequently tightened security in advance of major Tibetan holidays and the birthday of the exiled Tibetan religious leader, the Dalai Lama. In a Tibetan region of Gansu Province in June, several hundred people held a ritual "blessing ceremony" which later drew truckloads of security forces and armed police, according to RFA. In March several hundred armed police and drones monitored a crowd in Gansu Province which gathered for the unveiling of a new religious painting. The government did not recognize house churches and closely monitored their activities. Some officials maintained house churches did not exist, according to reports. Although SARA has said family and friends had the right to meet at home for worship, including prayer and Bible study, without registering with the government, authorities still regularly harassed and detained small groups that met for religious purposes in homes and other locations. Some house church members said they had more freedom than in the past to conduct religious services, as long as they gathered only in private and kept congregation numbers low. In some areas, however, authorities shut down churches that tried to maintain a low profile. There were reports authorities applied indirect pressure on house churches to cease their activities. Some house churches reported authorities harassed and pressured their landlords to break property leases with the churches. Some house churches reported local government authorities shut down their services. In Guangdong Province, authorities shut down the services of unregistered Zhongfu Wumin Church repeatedly throughout the year. The pastor, Liu Peng, filed an appeal stating the Notice to Cease Illegal Religious Activities given to his church in August was unlawful under the country's constitution. Advocacy groups reported in August that the Shantou Municipal Religious Affairs Bureau closed Zhongfu Tonxin Church, a non-TSPM church in Guandong Province, because of the church's contact with overseas media. In September authorities in Guangdong Province placed under house arrest members of the Guangfu House Church for attempting to travel to Beijing to protest church service shutdowns, raids, and property confiscation. In Sichuan Province, advocacy groups reported that police detained unregistered Langzhong House Church member Luo Guangwu in June for "participating in illegal activities" after leaving a church service. Advocacy groups reported in June house church leaders Zhao Weiliang and Cheng Hongpeng in Cao County, Shandong Province, were found guilty of "using a cult to undermine law enforcement" and sentenced to four and three years in prison, respectively. The court ruled that Zhao and Cheng were organizers of the government-banned "cult" Full Scope Church, an affiliation that both denied. In Sichuan Province, police raided a house church and took away two women for questioning, saying the church was under investigation for being a "cult." The women were eventually allowed to return home but police notified the church that they were forbidden to continue meeting. Security officials frequently interrupted outdoor services of the unregistered Shouwang Church in Beijing and detained people attending those services for several days without charge. Reports indicated the average length of these detentions increased from hours to days. In October authorities subjected four members of the Shouwang Church to 10 days of administrative detention for "disturbing public order" after gathering to worship in public. Church Pastor Jin Tianming continued to be held under surveillance, according to reports from advocacy groups. Government officials continued to pressure prospective landlords against renting facilities to the Shouwang Church, which reportedly lost its leased building in 2011 due to government pressure. In Xinjiang, the government continued to cite concerns over the three evils "ethnic separatism, religious extremism, and violent terrorism" as a reason to enact and enforce repressive measures against the religious practices of Uighur Muslims. Authorities often failed to distinguish between peaceful religious practice and criminal or terrorist activities, according to human rights organizations. It remained difficult to determine whether particular raids, detentions, arrests, or judicial punishments targeted those pursuing political goals, the right to worship, or criminal acts. As in previous years, authorities in Xinjiang imposed strict controls on religious practice during Ramadan. The government barred government employees, teachers, professors, civil servants, and CCP members from fasting and attending religious services at mosques. Authorities ordered restaurants to remain open during Ramadan. The government sponsored beer festivals in Niya County, Hotan Prefecture, during Ramadan, reportedly to "dilute the religious atmosphere." The festivals included beer drinking contests that featured cash prizes up to 1,000 RMB ($154) for winners, according to media reports. There were also reports local government policy directives ordered Uighur shopkeepers in Kashgar and Hotan to stock alcohol and cigarettes during Ramadan. In July officials conducted visits to student dormitories in Qutubi County to ensure the students were not fasting during Ramadan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied international media reports stating Uighur Muslims were banned from Ramadan fasting, and maintained that Uighurs' religious freedoms were guaranteed by the country's constitution. Reports published on the official websites of local governments in Xinjiang, however, indicated authorities restricted certain groups of Uighurs from observing Ramadan, including CCP members, their relatives, students, and the employees of state-owned enterprises and state-run organizations, and hosted "atheist education events." The government sought the forcible return of Uighurs living outside the country, many of whom had sought asylum from religious persecution, according to human rights organizations. Uighurs continued to flee the country and refugee arrivals in Turkey were estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 in 2015, according to press reports. According to media reports, hundreds of Uighurs fled or attempted to flee to Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia reported an increase in migrants believed to be Uighurs. The government stated the Uighurs were criminals and not refugees, and some countries complied with the government's requests for the forcible return of Uighur asylum seekers. Human rights organizations reported some Uighurs forcibly returned had disappeared or faced mistreatment and imprisonment. Authorities denied repeated requests from the international community to confirm independently the welfare of 109 Uighurs repatriated from Thailand on July 10. RFA reported authorities forced two Uighurs forcibly repatriated from Thailand to confess publicly and undergo two months of political education after their return to the country. There was increased pressure in official campaigns in Xinjiang to dissuade women from wearing religious clothing and men from growing beards. Local authorities in Hotan Prefecture introduced a new policy requiring mosque entry permits at the start of Ramadan in July in order to worship at local mosques. According to the policy, Uighur men over the age of 18 could only apply for an entrance permit for the mosque in their home village, restricting the ability of Uighur Muslims to worship outside of their local communities. According to the Kashgar Prefecture government website, 58,000 ethnic minority CCP cadres, primarily Uighur, signed the "Four Nots" pledge, which stipulated that they and their family members would not wear religious dress, including jilbabs and veils for women and long beards for men; participate in religious activities; listen to or disseminate religious content and publications; and apply to or participate in the Hajj. Local authorities in Turpan, Xinjiang, reportedly fined individuals for studying the Quran in unauthorized sessions, detained people for "illegal" religious activities or carrying "illegal" religious materials, and stationed security personnel in and around mosques to restrict attendance to local residents. Authorities reportedly hung Chinese flags on mosque walls in the direction of Mecca so prayers would be directed toward the flags. On March 24, officials in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, ordered some local villagers to watch as workers tore down the home of a man accused of hosting an underground school for Quranic studies, according to RFA. The media reported Muslims could apply online or through local official Islamic associations to participate in the Hajj. According to media reports, more than 14,500 Muslim citizens participated in the Hajj, consistent with 2014 numbers. Pilgrims from Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan exceeded 1,000. More than 3,000 individuals from Xinjiang also participated. These figures included China Islamic Association and security officials sent to monitor Muslim citizens and prevent unauthorized pilgrimages. Uighur Muslims reported difficulties taking part in state-sanctioned Hajj travel due to their inability to obtain travel documents in a timely manner and difficulties in meeting criteria required for participation in the official Hajj program run by the China Islamic Association. The government prohibited Uighur Muslims from making private Hajj pilgrimages outside of the government-organized program. Uighurs allowed to attend the Hajj were reportedly forced to participate in political education every day. Ethnic and religious committee staff from across Xinjiang were sent to international airports in China in June and July to ensure Uighurs were not making private Hajj pilgrimages outside of government sanctioned programs, a government source reported. Authorities continued their "patriotic education" campaign, which in part focused on preventing any illegal religious activities in Xinjiang and prioritizing Chinese language and culture over Uighur language and culture. Hui Muslims in Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan provinces engaged in religious practice with less government interference than did Uighurs, according to local sources. Authorities continued to restrict the free printing and distribution of religious materials. The government limited distribution of Bibles to CPA and TSPM/Chinese Christian Council entities such as churches, church bookshops, and seminaries. Individuals could not order Bibles directly from publishing houses. Members of unregistered churches reported the supply and distribution of Bibles was inadequate, particularly in rural locations. According to a foreign Christian source, in the last 10 years an estimated 250 Christian bookstores and nine domestic TSPM/Chinese Christian Council publishers had opened in the country, but there were no independent domestic Christian publishers. Publishers noted that over the last year, the number of Christian titles that could be published annually had been severely limited, with only 20 new titles authorized as of October, a decrease from 80 in 2014. Christian organizations seeking to use social media and smartphone applications, however, reported that the government did not generally censor such materials. The People's High Court, Public Security Bureau, Bureau of Culture, and Bureau of Industry and Commerce in Xinjiang continued to implement restrictions on videos and audio recordings the government defined as promoting terrorism, religious extremism, and separatism. It was forbidden to disseminate such materials on the internet, social media, and online marketplaces. As part of these measures, the police randomly stopped individuals to check their mobile phones for any sensitive content. Many Uighurs subsequently opted to delete any religious content on their mobile devices, including Arabic audio files of Quran readings and photos featuring women in conservative religious dress, according to reports. In June authorities sentenced Husen Imin to 10 years' imprisonment in Aksu Prefecture under the charge of "religious extremism" for reading from the Quran at his mother's funeral. Authorities convicted Husen of spreading "illegal religious materials" through his smartphone during a mass trial held in July and sentenced the 22-year-old to 15 years in jail in November. Authorities often confiscated Bibles in raids on house churches. There were reports that authorities restricted the acquisition or use of buildings for religious ceremonies and purposes. Catholic groups also reported the forcible destruction of their buildings. In one of many examples, in May the Catholic House of Prayer in Baoding, Hebei Province, was demolished by authorities. When questioned about the destruction of churches, government officials typically claimed religious structures were not "up to local building codes." Authorities in Zhejiang Province ordered the demolitions of several state-sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches and the removal of over 1,500 crosses as part of the "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" campaign targeting "illegal" structures. Church pastors and congregants openly resisted the cross removals by forming human chains to protect buildings and replacing or reattaching crosses, resulting in repeated clashes and standoffs with police. Advocacy groups said the church demolition and cross removals largely targeted churches affiliated with the TSPM and registered with the government. Christian communities reported many churches that were targeted had building permits and other official documents demonstrating their building had been approved by the proper authorities. Authorities detained or harassed journalists reporting on actions against Catholics and other Christians in Zhejiang Province. Christian newspapers reported their websites were often shut down temporarily when trying to report on Zhejiang Province, and other journalists were physically prevented from reporting on cross demolitions in the region. Authorities detained and questioned Hong Kong journalist Jiang Yannan in January for attempting to interview church leaders connected to the cross demolitions. In November advocacy organizations reported reporter Zan Aizong, who wrote extensively about cross removals, was detained on "suspicion of subverting state power." In December after months of harassment and threats, Guizhou Province officials arrested Living Stone Church Pastor Yang Hua on charges of possessing state secrets and took possession of his church's meeting space in a downtown Guiyang office building, effectively closing the church, which was the largest house church in Guizhou. Due to the difficulty of fulfilling registration requirements, many religious organizations either remain unregistered or registered as commercial enterprises. Unregistered groups reported they were vulnerable to coercive and punitive action by SARA, the Ministry of Public Security, and other party or government security organs. In parts of the country, local authorities allowed or at least did not interfere with the activities of some unregistered groups, according to reports. Officials in many large urban areas, for example, allowed services in unregistered places of worship provided they remained small in scale and did not disrupt "social stability." In other areas, local officials punished the same activities by restricting events and meetings, confiscating and destroying property, physically assaulting and injuring participants, or imprisoning leaders and worshippers, according to reports. Some local governments continued to restrict the growth of unregistered Protestant church networks and cross-congregational affiliations. In Xinjiang, regulations forbade minors from participating in religious activities and imposed penalties on organizations and individuals who "organize, entice, or force" minors to participate in religious activities. There were widespread reports of prohibitions on children participating in religious activities in various localities throughout Xinjiang, but observers also reported seeing children in mosques and at Friday prayers in some areas. Xinjiang authorities prohibited children from attending Islamic schools or participating in religious activities, prompting many parents who wished to provide a religious education to use nonsanctioned religious teaching centers, often run by relatives and other trusted individuals. Xinjiang officials also banned Uighur Muslim youth under the age of 18 from attending mosque and discouraged parents from teaching religion to children at home. According to the Turpan municipal government website, in April the local government raided underground religious schools and detained more than 397 "wild imams," defined as clergy illegally teaching religion, clergy who continued to preach after removal from their religious posts, and clergy violating state rules in their teachings. Xinjiang state media reported authorities forced Uighur imams in Kashgar to dance in the street en masse to the Mandarin pop song "Little Apple" and swear an oath that they would not teach religion to children. The government continued to restrict religious education in institutions across the country. Islamic schools in Yunnan Province were reluctant to accept Uighur students out of concern they would bring unwanted attention from government authorities and negatively affect school operations, according to local sources. Kunming Islamic College, a government-affiliated seminary, posted an official announcement stating it primarily accepted students from Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces, as well as the Chongqing Special Municipality. Xinjiang was not listed in the announcement. Christians also reported restrictions on their ability to speak about their faith among university students. Individuals seeking to enroll at an official seminary or other institution of religious learning had to obtain the support of the official patriotic religious association. The government required students to demonstrate "political reliability," and political issues were included in examinations of graduates of religious schools. Protestant representatives reported that in seminaries controlled by the TSPM, officials directed faculty to engage in "theological reconstruction" to make Protestant doctrine conform to socialism. Both registered and unregistered religious groups reported a shortage of trained clergy due in part to government controls on admission to seminaries. Catholic groups reported that the government continued to prevent the Holy See from choosing bishops in accordance with Catholic teaching and tradition. The CPA, however, occasionally allowed the Vatican discreet input into the CPA's selection process for some bishops. An estimated 90 percent of CPA bishops have reconciled with the Vatican. In some locations, however, local authorities reportedly pressured unregistered Catholic priests and believers to renounce all ordinations approved by the Holy See. Most of the Catholic bishops previously appointed by the government as CPA bishops later were elevated by the Vatican through apostolic mandates. In August Father Joseph Zhang Yinlin Anyang in Henan Province became the first Vatican- and government-approved Chinese bishop publicly ordained in three years, a move characterized as an "olive branch" toward the Holy See in Catholic media reports. Officials continued to hold "anti-cult" education sessions and propaganda campaigns affecting school children and their families. Some officials required families to sign statements guaranteeing they would not take part in house churches and "cult organization" activities related to Falun Gong as a prerequisite for registering their children for school. The media reported government employees in Xinjiang were forced to sign guarantees they would refrain from religious or political expression. The penalty for not signing could be barring their children from entering university or being subject to administrative investigation. Some patriotic religious association-approved Catholic and Protestant seminarians, Muslim clerics, and Buddhist monks were allowed to travel abroad for additional religious study. Religious workers not affiliated with a patriotic religious association stated they faced difficulties in obtaining passports or official approval to study abroad. Government policy continued to allow religious groups to engage in charitable work, although some religious leaders reported their groups were not allowed to share religious beliefs while conducting activities. Faith-based charities, like all other charitable groups, were required to register with the government. The government did not permit unregistered charitable groups to raise funds openly, hire employees, open bank accounts, or own property. According to several unregistered religious groups, the government required faith-based charities to obtain official co-sponsorship of the registration application by the local official religious affairs bureau. These groups often were required to affiliate with one of the five patriotic religious associations. Registered religious groups provided social services throughout the country, but were often restricted from including religious content when providing such services. Authorities allowed certain overseas faith-based aid groups to deliver services in coordination with local authorities and domestic groups. Some unregistered religious groups reported local authorities placed limits on their ability to provide social services. On June 20, 200 police in Shenzhen disguised as volunteers forcibly closed the Christian-operated Guan'ai Center shelter for homeless and disabled persons, according to media reports. This action followed orders from the Shenzhen government to the center to cease "illegal religious activity," including putting up a cross and possessing religious publications and materials. In other provinces, such as Hebei, some registered charitable religious groups reported a positive working relationship with their local religious affairs bureau officials, allowing them to engage in disaster relief and social service activities. Religious minorities reported increased screening at airport and train station security checks. Many practicing Tibetan Buddhists, especially monks and nuns, were denied passports and therefore unable to travel freely. Religious groups reported religious adherents were excluded from certain employment opportunities because the CCP controlled appointments to many positions in society, including state-owned enterprises, public schools and universities, and professional organizations. In September the CCP's United Front Work Department issued public rules reaffirming the longstanding ban on party members following a faith. This ban was also enforced at the local level, with Zhejiang Province officials announcing the need to prevent the "infiltration of Western hostile forces." State-run media reported that new applicants for party membership would be vetted for religious belief and party members found to have embraced or participated in religion would be required to "rectify" their beliefs. Foreign residents belonging to religious groups not officially recognized by the government reported being permitted to worship although, according to policy, foreigners could not proselytize, conduct religious activities at unregistered venues, or conduct religious activities with local citizens at religious venues. In many cases, authorities prohibited citizens from attending the services of religious organizations permitted to operate for foreign residents. Authorities threatened that if photos of large church meetings at the Shekou International School in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province appeared on international social media sites, the church would lose the lease on its new meeting site. The church drew hundreds of local and foreign Christians for weekly worship services, according to reports. There were reported incidents of government interference with Falun Gong activities abroad. According to advocacy groups, government officials pressured venue managers and governments in a number of countries to limit the broadcast time of Falun Gong-associated radio stations and cancel, refuse to host, or delay dance performances by the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company, which is associated with Falun Gong. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Because religion, culture, and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents of societal discrimination as being solely based on religious identity. Religious and ethnic minority groups, such as Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims, experienced institutionalized discrimination throughout the country both because of their religious beliefs and their status as ethnic minorities with distinct languages and cultures. In Xinjiang, tension between Uighur Muslims and Han Chinese migrants continued, exacerbated by government policies discriminating against Uighurs. Many hospitals and businesses would not provide services to women wearing veils. Tensions also continued among ethnic and religious groups in Tibetan areas, particularly between Han Chinese and Tibetans, and, in some areas, between Tibetans and Hui Muslims. Despite labor law provisions against discrimination in hiring based on religious belief, some employers openly discriminated against religious believers. Some Protestant Christians reported employers terminated their employment due to their religious activities. A Christian lawyer in Zhejiang Province was fired by his employer due to his religious activities, according to media reports. Muslims in Xinjiang faced discrimination in hiring, lost their positions, and were detained by authorities for praying in their workplaces. In some instances, landlords discriminated against potential tenants based on their religious beliefs. Some unregistered churches reported that their property leases were broken by landlords pressured by the government. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. officials repeatedly and publicly expressed concerns and pressed for the expansion of religious freedom. The President reiterated the importance of religious freedom for all people, including for ethnic and religious minorities, during Chinese President's Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington in September. The President noted restrictions on churches during his discussions with President Xi. The Secretary of State raised religious freedom concerns, including the case of detained Christian lawyer Zhang Kai, during the release of the annual U.S. International Religious Freedom Report in October. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, regularly urged government officials at the central and local levels to implement stronger protection for religious freedom and to release prisoners of conscience. The Ambassador met with members of religious groups and religious freedom defenders and highlighted religious freedom in public speeches and private diplomacy with senior officials. In an official visit, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom raised religious freedom concerns in government meetings in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, and urged the government to abide by its own constitution in upholding the right of religious freedom. The Department of State, the embassy, and the consulates general regularly called upon the government to release prisoners of conscience, including religious prisoners. U.S. officials continued to meet regularly with academics, NGOs, members of registered and unregistered religious groups, and family members of religious prisoners to reinforce U.S. support for religious freedom. The Ambassador hosted events for religious leaders and practitioners to convey the importance of religious pluralism in society. The embassy supported a number of religious leaders and scholars to participate in exchange programs related to the role of religion and religious tolerance. The embassy arranged for the introduction of religious officials to members of U.S. religious communities and U.S. government agencies that engaged with those communities. The embassy and consulates general actively engaged on religious freedom issues, regularly hosting events for the public to promote understanding and tolerance. The Guangzhou Consulate General hosted a number of speakers and conducted regular discussions on religious freedom issues. Highlights included a discussion in August on the role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding religious freedom in the United States. Since 1999, China has been designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated China as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing restriction on exports to China of crime control and detection instruments and equipment, under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101-246), pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Chad Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Chad, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89397.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution stipulates separation of religion and state and provides for freedom of religion and equality before the law without distinction as to religion. It prohibits "denominational propaganda" that inhibits national unity. Citing security reasons, the prime minister banned burqas after a suicide bombing in N'Djamena on June 15. The president made public statements promoting religious tolerance. Christian and Islamic leaders made statements supporting the burqa ban. Christian and Islamic groups comprising the Regional Forum on Interfaith Dialogue held their sixth annual day of prayer and pardon, which aimed to encourage interfaith collaboration and reduce violence, and met several times to promote religious tolerance. Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant leaders continued joint efforts to advocate religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence with refugees and returnees from the Central African Republic. The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives maintained a dialogue on religious freedom with the government. The embassy also maintained a dialogue with religious leaders and continued outreach programs with Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant leaders. The Ambassador hosted an iftar for religious leaders, including Christians and government officials, during which participants discussed religious freedom and tolerance. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the population at 11.6 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the Second General Population Census (2009), approximately 58 percent of the population is Muslim, 18 percent Roman Catholic, 16 percent Protestant, and the remaining 8 percent practices indigenous religious beliefs. Most Muslims adhere to the Sufi Tijaniyah tradition. A small minority hold beliefs associated with Wahhabism or Salafism. Slightly more than half of Christians are Roman Catholic. The majority of Protestants are evangelical Christians. There are also small numbers of Bahais and Jehovah's Witnesses. Most northerners practice Islam, and most southerners practice Christianity or indigenous religions; however, religious distribution is mixed in urban areas. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for freedom of religion and equality before the law without distinction as to religion. These rights may be regulated by law and may only be limited to respect the rights of others and for the "imperative" of safeguarding public order and good morals. The constitution declares a secular state and provides for separation of religion and state. It prohibits "denominational propaganda" that infringes on national unity or the secular nature of the state. Under the law, all associations, religious or otherwise, must register with the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. The associations must provide a list of all the founding members and their positions in the organization, the founders' resumes, copies of the founders' identification cards, minutes of the establishment meetings, a letter to the minister requesting registration, the principal source of the organization's revenue, the address of the organization, a copy of the rules and procedures, and the statutory documents of the organization. The ministry conducts background checks on every founding member and establishes a six-month temporary but renewable authorization to operate, pending the final authorization and approval. Failure to register with the ministry may lead to the banning of a group, one month to a year in prison, and a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 CFA francs ($83 to $830). Organizations that fail to register are not considered legal entities and cannot open a bank account or enter into contracts. Registration does not confer tax preferences or other benefits. The constitution states public education shall be secular. The government prohibits religious instruction in public schools but permits religious groups to operate private schools. The constitution states military service is obligatory and prohibits invoking religious belief to "avoid an obligation dictated by the national interest." The government does not enforce compulsory military service, however. The Office of the Director of Religious and Traditional Affairs under the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security oversees religious matters. The office is responsible for mediating intercommunal conflict, reporting on religious practices, coordinating religious pilgrimages, and ensuring religious freedom. According to regulations of the government board that oversees the distribution of oil revenues, Muslim and Christian leaders share a rotational position on the board. Government Practices According to international reports, following an earlier ban, on October 15, the government arrested 62 women for wearing burqas. The women were fined 100,000 CFA ($166) and released, although authorities said they would be charged with complicity if arrested again. After the June 15 attack in N'Djamena by a Boko Haram bomber dressed in a burqa, Prime Minister Kalzeube Payimi Deubet met religious leaders to inform them of measures the government took in response, in particular, banning the burqa. The prime minister informed religious leaders that "wearing a burqa is strictly forbidden in the entire national territory," and he asked religious leaders to educate their followers on the measures taken by the government. According to local media, religious leaders from the Muslim community, Catholic Church, and evangelical churches made statements supporting the prime minister and said they would raise awareness and explain the importance of the burqa ban. On July 13, Minister of Territorial Administration and Public Safety Abderahim Bireme Hamid stated to religious leaders and the United Nations agencies that the banning of the burqa was among a series of measures being taken in the fight against terrorism. Abderahim urged religious leaders to "educate their followers" regarding measures banning the wearing of face-covering clothing. The minister emphasized the need for collaboration with security forces in the fight against Boko Haram and said, "the followers of this sect are not only foreigners, but also some of our citizens, blindly enlisted for sadistic purposes." According to local reports, religious leaders agreed with the government that wearing the burqa was a source of insecurity, because this dress created camouflage. During a July 18 meeting in Amdjarass, Ennedi-East Region, President Idriss Deby Itno told religious, administrative, and traditional authorities, including 10 members of the local Higher Council of Islamic Affairs led by Sheikh Oumar Khamis, that wearing the burqa was prohibited throughout the country. He urged the religious leaders to raise awareness of this decision and the government's reasons for it. The president emphasized in particular what he said was the need for peaceful coexistence of all citizens. "You have to educate, guide, direct your faithful in the sense of coexistence. Christians and Muslims should live in harmony," the president said. On March 3, the minister for territorial administration and public security issued a decree dissolving the Ansar al Sunna Almouhamaddya association, which reportedly promoted Wahhabism, citing it as a risk to public security. President Deby Itno encouraged religious tolerance in public statements and urged religious leaders to promote peaceful relations among religious groups. During the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, he urged each religious group to advocate for harmony among all citizens. The president also commended what he said were amicable relations and understanding prevailing among leaders of the various religious denominations. He encouraged religious groups to strengthen their ties, which he said constituted the bedrock of national unity. On December 12, President Deby Itno presided over the sixth annual National Day of Peace, Peaceful Cohabitation, and National Concord of the Regional Forum on Interfaith Dialogue and delivered remarks highlighting the peaceful coexistence among religious communities which he said existed in the country. He promised continued government support to the religious community for peace-building efforts. The government-created High Council for Islamic Affairs (HCIA) oversaw Islamic religious activities, including some Arabic-language schools and institutions of higher learning, and represented the country at international Islamic forums. The grand imam, who was also the President of the HCIA, oversaw each region's grand imam and had the authority to restrict Muslim groups from proselytizing, regulate the content of mosque sermons, and control activities of Islamic charities. The government continued funding the construction of the country's first Catholic basilica, as well as restoration of the Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral in N'Djamena. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Religious leaders, including the Secretary of the Chadian Churches and Evangelical Mission for Harmony, the Vice President of the Catholic Church's Episcopal Conference of Chad, and the HCIA publicly stated they supported the president's statements advocating religious tolerance. The Regional Forum on Interfaith Dialogue, comprising representatives of evangelical churches, the Catholic Church, and the Islamic community, met three times during the year to promote religious tolerance and combat prejudice. In his Eid al-Adha sermon, Imam Ahmat Mahamat Annour Al-Helou, Mufti of Chad, urged Muslims to behave responsibly, to show solidarity and tolerance, and preach peace and unity everywhere in the country. He said, "a Muslim should be exemplary because Islam is essentially peace. So the Muslim must be a person of peace, a social educator and not a suicide bomber." In addition, he welcomed what he termed were the efforts of the government to effectively fight against Boko Haram. Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant leaders continued joint efforts to advocate religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence to refugees and returnees from the Central African Republic. Muslims and Christians commonly attended each other's ceremonies and celebrations. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives regularly met with government officials to discuss efforts to counter extremist religious messages and promote religious tolerance. The embassy promoted religious tolerance through diplomatic engagement and outreach, including visits, workshops, and cultural programs. The Ambassador and embassy officials met frequently with the grand imam and with Catholic and Protestant leaders to monitor and promote religious freedom and discuss issues such as the burqa ban. The Ambassador hosted an iftar attended by more than 40 religious leaders, including Christians, and government officials. Embassy officials and invitees discussed religious freedom and tolerance in the country. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Central African Republic Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Central African Republic, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89415.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The interim constitution, known as the Transitional National Charter, and the new constitution adopted in December provide for freedom of religion and equal protection under the law regardless of religion. They prohibit all forms of religious intolerance and "religious fundamentalism." Transitional government officials exercised limited control or influence in most of the country and police and gendarmerie failed to stop or punish abuses committed by militias, including abductions, physical abuse, and gender based violence. During the year, there were significant and widespread incidents of violence between Muslim and Christian citizens, mainly perpetrated by members of competing armed groups, including the mostly Christian anti-Balaka forces and the predominantly Muslim ex-Seleka forces. One major incident occurred in September following the killing by unknown assailants of a Muslim motorcycle taxi driver. At least 41 civilians died in Bangui during the ensuing interreligious violence, which displaced over 40,000 people according to a UN report. Violent sectarian conflicts also occurred outside Bangui, including reports of killings, beatings, kidnappings, forced conversions to Christianity, destruction of mosques and churches, and house burnings. The predominantly Muslim PK5 district of Bangui was surrounded and cut off from the rest of the city by anti-Balaka forces for two months; the siege ended when Pope Francis visited the Central Mosque in PK5 on November 30. The first U.S. Ambassador accredited to the country since 2012 arrived in October, and raised concerns about religious freedom with the government and in meetings with leaders of religious groups. During a visit to Bangui in March, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations engaged with religious leaders and visited the Muslim PK5 community and discussed religious tolerance in meetings with government officials, NGOs, and religious groups. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 5.4 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2003 census, the population is 51 percent Protestant, 29 percent Roman Catholic, 10 percent Muslim, and 4.5 percent other religious groups, while 5.5 percent have no religious beliefs. The nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) Oxfam and Coef5 have estimated the percentage of Muslims at up to 15 percent. Some Christians and Muslims incorporate aspects of indigenous beliefs into their religious practices. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The Transitional National Charter, adopted in 2013, and the constitution, adopted by referendum in December, both provide for freedom of religion under conditions set by law and equal protection under the law regardless of religion. They prohibit all forms of religious intolerance and "religious fundamentalism." They specify an oath of office for the head of state made "before God" that includes a promise to fulfill the duties of the office without any consideration of religion or faith. The new constitution takes effect in March 2016, when the newly-elected government comes into power. Religious groups, except for indigenous religious groups, are required to register with the Ministry of Territorial Administration. To register, religious groups must prove they have a minimum of 1,000 members and their leaders have adequate religious education, as judged by the ministry. The law permits the ministry to deny registration to any religious group it deems offensive to public morals or likely to disturb social peace, and to suspend the operation of registered religious groups if it finds their activities subversive. Registration is free and confers official recognition and certain limited benefits, such as customs duty exemptions for vehicles or equipment. There are no penalties prescribed for groups that fail to register. The law does not prohibit religious instruction in public or private schools, but it is not part of the public school curriculum. Government Practices Civilian authorities did not maintain effective control over the security forces. The government was considered by many observers to be Christian-leaning, despite a Muslim prime minister in office. The government did not take steps to investigate and prosecute officials who committed violations, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government, creating a climate of impunity. According to Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum, the UN Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic, "victims are reluctant to file complaints with police in situations where complainants are not of the same religious or ethnic group as the law enforcement personnel." The expert also reported cases in which national security forces were "reportedly reluctant to take action against human rights violators, particularly when the latter were anti-Balaka." Many of the actions affecting religious freedom were committed by armed groups operating more or less freely in certain areas of the country or resulted from shortcomings on the part of the state, which remained incapable of imposing its authority throughout the territory, preventing violations or ensuring the rule of law and the administration of justice, according to many observers. Armed groups, such as the anti-Balaka (mostly Christian) and ex-Seleka (mostly Muslim), controlled significant swaths of territory throughout the country and acted as de facto governing institutions. Police and gendarmerie failed to stop or punish abuses committed by the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka militias, including abductions, torture, and gender based violence. According to the July UN Report of the Independent Expert, people accused of practicing witchcraft were detained, tortured, or killed by individual members of armed forces. Women, the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and persons with albinism were often accused of practicing witchcraft. The report stated that these persons were also reportedly victims of mob justice, often carried out by anti-Balaka due to the lack of state authority. In a November 2 speech addressing the October violence in Bangui, President Catherine Samba-Panza offered condolences to all victims of the violence, but singled out the "well-known extremists of KM5," the primarily Muslim community in Bangui, as engaging in reprisal attacks following the October 26 assassination of two ex-Seleka leaders. She did not explicitly name the Muslim population as either victims or perpetrators of the violence. The G8 (the Group of Eight) ambassadors and NGO representatives in country raised concerns about the tone of this statement during a meeting with President Samba-Panza, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General stated the remarks were inflammatory. The president stated her intent was to avoid stigmatization of the Muslim population. Christian and Muslim leaders stated that the government did not consult with existing religious groups before it granted accreditation to new groups. According to these religious leaders, this diminished their capacity to unify their communities or have a unified voice. Muslims reported they suffered harassment outside of PK5, a Muslim enclave in Bangui, and exclusion from national decision making. Muslim leaders cited situations where Muslims were treated as outsiders or as a different class of citizens, especially when requesting government services. According to a group of Muslim youth, after being identified as Muslim (by name or by appearance) by government officials, they were charged bribes and other fees that exceeded those charged to Christians. The transitional government and international partners such as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central Africa Republic (MINUSCA) organized grassroots consultations from January 21 to March 8 in the country and in refugee camps in neighboring countries, including Chad, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The consultations, held in accordance with the July 2014 Brazzaville Accords which called for a ceasefire between anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka forces, formed the basis for the May 4-11 Bangui National Forum. Working groups at the Bangui Forum drafted recommendations in several domains, including justice and reconciliation, and peace and security. According to a government-issued synthesis, participants in the consultations stated religious reconciliation was possible. The Peace and Security Working Group of the Bangui Forum recommended the expansion and institutionalization of a religious leaders' council. It also called for the reconstruction of and respect for places of worship. The Justice and Reconciliation Working Group, also part of the Bangui Forum, called for a formal process to recognize Ramadan and Eid al-Adha as legal holidays. The government subsequently declared September 24, Eid al-Adha, a national holiday. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Violent conflict and instability in the country had a religious cast, according to most observers. Many but not all members of the ex-Seleka and its factions were Muslim, having originated in neighboring countries or in the remote Muslim north. Members of the anti-Balaka were mostly Christian and controlled the western part of the country. Because religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. Many religious leaders stated they did not believe there was a religious conflict in the country. According to local press reports, on August 20, alleged anti-Balaka forces killed a 19-year-old Muslim youth, triggering reprisal attacks by young Muslims and ex-Seleka rebels inside the Christian neighborhood of Bambari. At least 10 persons were killed and others injured. Many residents fled, increasing the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by more than 3,000, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Youth from the Muslim and Christian communities erected barricades to protect themselves from gunfire, and the transitional government sent two ministers to calm tensions. On September 26, a Muslim motorcycle taxi driver in Bangui was beheaded by unknown attackers and his body was dumped in front of a mosque. According to the MINUSCA report entitled Violations and Abuses of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law committed in Bangui, Central African Republic, between 26 September and 20 October 2015, at least 41 civilians died in Bangui during the ensuing interreligious violence and more than 40,000 people were displaced. In response to the violence, anti-Balaka forces surrounded PK5 with blockades, trapping the residents inside. MINUSCA forces launched an operation on November 16 to break the blockades, but free movement was not restored until MINUSCA and French military forces attached to Operation Sangaris forced open the routes for the visit of Pope Francis to the Central Mosque in PK5 on November 30. After the pope's visit, armed groups did not re-establish the barricades that had cut off PK5 from the rest of Bangui. Anti-Balaka forces reportedly killed a Muslim youth on October 17 in Bangui's Third District, where the PK5 Muslim enclave is located. He was reportedly part of a self-defense group. According to the July UN report of the independent expert, elderly and children, especially in Bouar, were accused of witchcraft and were tortured and killed by anti-Balaka fighters. In April anti-Balaka elements reportedly buried alive four women accused of practicing witchcraft in Zaorossoungu, Mambere-Kadi Province. On June 10, local residents beat to death a man accused of witchcraft. Two Muslim members of the ex-Seleka Union for Peace in Central Africa were kidnapped and killed on October 26 in Bangui while on a mission to meet with President Samba-Panza. The killings were followed by a new round of sectarian violence, including the killing of three young Christians in the Second District of Bangui on October 27. The same day, the archbishop of Bangui and a Vatican delegation reported being harassed when trying to enter PK5. According to one pastor, church attendance in Bangui dropped from 1,000 to 200 at this time due to the lack of security. On November 9, suspected anti-Balaka militants attacked two trucks carrying Muslim passengers between Kuango and Bambari. The militants killed two Muslims, injured three, and kidnapped five children. On November 10, anti-Balaka forces killed two Muslims in an IDP camp in Batangafo. Ex-Seleka forces then attacked a nearby IDP camp, burning down 500 huts and displacing 31,000 IDPs. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported cases of sexual violence during the sectarian violence in Bangui. At the M'poko displacement camp, mostly run by members of the anti-Balaka militia, nine cases of sexual violence were reported to HRW. The victims reported that they were raped by the anti-Balaka because they were buying from or selling to Muslims in a Muslim neighborhood in Bangui. One victim quoted an anti-Balaka as stating, "You are going to market to sell vegetables to the Muslims so they can have the strength to come and kill us." According to HRW, on November 15, a woman was raped by six armed Muslim men she identified as members of a Muslim self-defense group. The victim was on her way to the Ramandji market and was approached by the six men and asked about her husband. She replied that her husband was dead, and the attacker stated "oh, she is married to an anti-Balaka, we can take her." HRW reported since September 26, anti-Balaka groups kidnapped between six and 18 women and girls and took them hostage for anti-Balaka leader Emar Nganafei. The hostages were only released once their families paid a ransom. One victim reported that Nganafei told her "there is no order, we make the law. If your family does not pay, we will kill you." According to the UN report of the independent expert, on March 11, ex-Seleka fighters accused two men of having ties with the anti-Balaka forces and were illegally detained and subjected to cruel treatment. On October 29, approximately 30 armed Muslims from the PK5 community entered the primarily Christian Fatima district, stating the intent to burn down Fatima Church. MINUSCA forces pushed the group back. It was reported that two Muslims were killed, 16 people were injured, and two homes were burned down. The government estimated that more than 100 homes were burned throughout the year. On November 4, MINUSCA reported that "presumed anti-Balaka" attacked a commercial convoy of Muslim traders departing Bangui after reports spread that MINUSCA was using it to evacuate foreign Muslims out of Bangui. Among those wounded were two peacekeepers and one civilian. There was violence during the constitutional referendum in December reportedly due to efforts by anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka leaders who sought to prevent voting in some areas of the country, including Ouham, Bamingui-Bangoran, Haute Kotto, and Nana-Gribizi. According to a report released by Amnesty International in July, since 2014 there were "dozens" of Muslims in at least five towns and villages forcibly converted to Christianity or put under "intense pressure to convert," including the threat of death, by anti-Balaka militias. Muslims in Bania reported to Amnesty International in May that the situation had "improved somewhat," but they still faced sporadic threats from anti-Balaka militias coming from other villages, and that several of those converted remained Christian for reasons of security. According to a foreign official, 417 of the country's 436 mosques had been destroyed during interreligious clashes over the past several years. According to Amnesty International, a mosque in Zorosongou was destroyed by anti-Balaka forces in April. Amnesty International stated the Muslim community had fled the town in 2014 and the mosque attack was meant to "send a signal to dissuade" Muslims from returning. In October HRW reported the destruction of two churches and a mosque in the neighborhoods near PK5 between September 26 and October 1. According to news reports, during the violence in September, the home of Reverend Nicolas Guerekoyame Gbangou, Chairman of the country's Association of Evangelicals, was looted and burned down. News reports also stated that at the same time anti-Balaka forces broke into hospitals looking for Muslims. The Catholic archbishop of Bangui, local priests, and an imam worked with communities to defuse tensions by making radio broadcasts urging members of their religious communities to call for tolerance and restraint. Local leaders, including the bishop of Bossangoa and internationally based academics, warned against casting the conflict in religious terms and thus fueling its escalation along religious lines. Hate speech and negative comments about or directed toward Muslims was common in the media. Private media outlets reportedly continued to be heavily influenced by their financers, generally representing a Christian perspective, and led by Christian editors. Print media tended to blame Muslim communities for the violence that took place in September. Muslims in PK5 reported that private news outlets refused to answer their phone calls or report on conditions for Muslims. By November several outlets carried individual stories and used more neutral language concerning the Muslim population. One outlet, Centrafric Matin, contained almost daily columns encouraging tolerance toward the Muslim population. Muslims reported facing consistent social discrimination, including feeling "marginalized" by their lack of access to schools, hospitals, and basic necessities, including services provided by the government, as well as those provided by private donors and organizations. Muslims also expressed a general discomfort in wearing traditional dress outside of their enclave, stating it drew negative attention or comments from non-Muslims. In several locations, Muslim IDPs and refugees who had been displaced in early 2014 had not returned to their homes. In Bossemptele, only 20 out of a preconflict population of 4,000 Muslims lived in the town as of August 18. As of September 2, there was no Muslim community in Bossangoa, which once was home to 27,000 Muslims. None of the Muslims who fled Sibut and Damara, which had formerly been the home of several thousand, had reportedly returned, and only a handful of Muslims who had never left, remained. Amnesty International reported more than 30,000 Muslims remained within seven identified enclaves throughout the western part of the country, including in Bangui, Boda, Yaloke, Carnot, Berberati, Bouar and Dekoa. According to Amnesty International, many towns and villages that were previously home to substantial Muslim communities were now empty of their Muslim inhabitants or had fewer than 500 remaining Muslims. During the pope's visit in November there was a peaceful march of Christians and Muslims in the Fatima neighborhood. The pope was escorted by a Muslim youth from the Central Mosque to the stadium in Bangui where he said Mass to 30,000 citizens. Religious leaders said that the pope's visit helped restore a significant degree of trust between religious communities. They also said that the pope's visit led to the dismantling of some of the physical barricades that had previously divided Muslim and Christian neighborhoods. Bangui's Lakouanga Mosque, destroyed by Christians in May 2014, reopened on May 1 with the assistance of members of the Christian community. The Muslim Religion Organization (L'Organisation du Culte Musulmans) oversaw the great majority of the country's mosques. Only five mosques, including Bangui's Grand Mosque, did not cooperate with the body. Several other Muslim organizations, including the Commission for the Muslims of Central Africa and the Islamic Community of Central Africa, attempted to organize the Muslim community. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The first U.S. Ambassador accredited to the country since 2012 arrived in October, and raised concerns about religious freedom with the government and in meetings with leaders of religious groups. During a visit from March 10-12, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations held meetings with government officials, NGOs, and religious groups and discussed religious tolerance. She also visited the Muslim PK5 community in Bangui. During a December visit to Bangui, a U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State met with Muslim and Christian leaders to discuss challenges their communities faced and the immediate effects of the pope's visit. In November the embassy hosted a conference on the role of women in conflict, intended to cross religious boundaries and build bridges between faith communities in Bangui. When Muslim leaders declined to participate, stating they were unable to leave the PK5 neighborhood due to security concerns, the Ambassador, accompanied by the national minister of reconciliation, visited the neighborhood to hear the concerns of the community directly. Following the visit, the minister of reconciliation drafted and distributed a report to all of the ministers of the cabinet, who reported they were unaware of the situation of the Muslim population in PK5. The Ambassador also worked to have media outlets restart coverage of events in PK5. The Ambassador met with the Muslim community in Berberati, a city known as being one of the main anti-Balaka centers. Although the Ambassador declined to meet with anti-Balaka rebel leaders, he visited a mosque that had been destroyed by the anti-Balaka. On June 11, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires hosted an event that brought together representatives of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka forces, joined by a representative from a high-level interfaith peace movement, to promote peace and reconciliation among individuals of different faiths. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Canada Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Canada, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89515.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, expression, and the right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination on the basis of religion. There are no registration requirements according to the law, although religious groups that choose to register receive tax-exempt status. In September the Federal Court of Appeal found it unlawful for the federal government to mandate that persons must remove religiously based clothing that covered their faces while reciting their citizenship oath. In November the newly-elected government decided not to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Reports suggest there was an increase in activity against religious groups, in particular anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim activity, including incidents of vandalism at places of worship and on private property, hate speech, harassment, and violence against persons on the basis of their ethnicity and religion. Some of the incidents reported, and being investigated as hate crimes, included two youths attempting to remove forcibly a hijab from a woman in Montreal, as well as hateful graffiti sprayed on the walls of a synagogue and a Sikh temple in Edmonton. The Ambassador, embassy and consulate officers, and other U.S. government officials raised issues of religious freedom with the government. They conducted regular outreach to religious leaders, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and religious groups to discuss opportunities for collaboration and strategies to combat religious intolerance. They sponsored and participated in public programs and events encouraging dialogue, interfaith communication, and freedom of religion. In a January visit to Ottawa, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom met with Canada's Ambassador for Religious Freedom to discuss engagement on global religious freedom issues. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 35.1 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2011 census, approximately 67 percent of the population is Christian. Roman Catholics constitute the largest group, followed by Protestants. The United Church of Canada, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, and Pentecostal denominations are the largest Protestant groups. Approximately 3 percent of the population is Muslim and 1 percent Jewish. Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Scientologists, Bahais, and adherents of Shintoism, Taoism, and aboriginal spirituality together constitute less than 4 percent of the population. Approximately 24 percent of the population claims no religious affiliation. Most recent immigrants are of Asian and African origin and generally adhere to religious beliefs different from the majority of native-born citizens. According to the 2011 census, non-Caucasian, non-Aboriginal ethnic minorities constitute 19.1 percent of the overall population and adhere to a diverse range of religious practices. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for "fundamental freedoms" for all, including freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, and expression. Every individual is equal under the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination based on religion. Everyone has the right to sue the government for violations of religious freedom. Federal and provincial human rights laws prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion. Civil remedies include compensation and/or changes to the policy or practice responsible for the discrimination. The law does not require religious groups to register with the government. The government grants tax-exempt status to groups, including religious groups, which register as nonprofit organizations with the Charities Directorate of the tax authority, the Canada Revenue Agency. Nonprofit status provides federal and provincial sales tax reductions, rebates, and exemptions. To gain and retain tax-exempt status, groups must be nonpolitical and undergo periodic audits. Charitable status also grants clergy various federal benefits, including a housing deduction under the tax code and expedited processing through the immigration system. Individual citizens who donate to tax-exempt religious groups receive a federal tax receipt entitling them to federal income tax deductions. Catholic schools in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan retain the constitutionally protected provincial funding they had when those provinces joined the federation. Federal statutory protection for Catholic and Protestant publicly funded minority education exists in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, which do not have provincial status. Constitutional or federal statutory protection for public funding of religious education does not extend to schools of other religious groups. The law permits parents to homeschool their children and to enroll them in private schools for religious reasons. Government Practices In September the Federal Court of Appeal upheld a February ruling that found it unlawful for the federal government to mandate that persons reciting their citizenship oath at a public ceremony remove religiously based clothing that covered their faces. The government argued the ban was necessary to verify the identity of each person reciting the oath. The court found the policy violated the country's Citizenship Act, which allows citizenship judges the discretion to accommodate religious needs. A female Muslim from Mississauga, Ontario, brought the case to court in 2014, stating the ban violated her constitutional right to freedom of religion and caused her to withdraw from her citizenship ceremony. She attended the ceremony and swore her citizenship oath with a covered face in October, following the court ruling. In November the newly-elected government announced it had abandoned an application to the Supreme Court by the previous government seeking to appeal the September ruling. Public debate regarding the ban featured prominently in the 2015 federal election campaign. The Conservative Party and the Bloc Quebecois supported the ban, while the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party opposed it. In July the prosecution in a sexual assault case in Ontario said there was no realistic possibility of obtaining a conviction and withdrew all charges after the complainant, a Muslim woman, refused to remove her face covering to testify against her alleged abusers in court. A judge had previously ruled the complainant must remove her face covering to ensure the defendants had a fair trial. In response to her earlier appeal of an order to remove her face covering at a preliminary hearing in the same case, the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that presiding trial judges should determine on a case-by-case basis whether individuals could wear religious face coverings while testifying in court. In February a Quebec judge refused to hear the case of a Muslim woman because she refused to remove her hijab. The judge adjourned the case indefinitely, but Quebec's judicial council, an independent body, continued to investigate a complaint brought by an unrelated individual regarding the judge's refusal to hear the case. The judge said the woman's hijab contravenes the Quebec courtroom regulations requiring "suitable" dress. In June the British Columbia (B.C.) Supreme Court upheld the province's right to issue polygamy charges against two members of a fundamentalist branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The two accused were charged with polygamy in August 2014 and opted for trial by judge and jury, which the province had not yet scheduled at year's end. The accused faced similar charges in 2009, but provincial authorities said they hesitated to file charges due to legal uncertainty about whether the criminal code's prohibition of polygamy violated constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion. The province sought an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of the law from the B.C. Supreme Court, which in 2011 upheld the law on the basis that the harm polygamy posed outweighed the right to religious freedom. In August Nova Scotia's Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of a Pentecostal preacher who was told to stop passing out religious pamphlets at his son's public school. The preacher said the determination violated his freedom of religious expression. The school board argued the pamphlets violated its policy to maintain neutrality on issues such as politics and religion. According to the court, elementary students, especially non-Christians, were distracted from their classwork by the preacher's messages. In August the B.C. Supreme Court heard a judicial review of a decision by the province's barristers' association (the B.C. Law Society) to deny admission to the bar to graduates of a proposed law school at Trinity Western University (TWU), a Christian university in the province. The B.C. Law Society argued TWU's requirement that students sign a "Christian covenant" requiring they abstain from sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage discriminated against homosexuals and violated same-sex equality laws. The B.C. Law Society's decision prompted the B.C. Minister of Advanced Education to withdraw approval of TWU's proposed law school, which meant it could not open. TWU stated the law society's ban violated students' constitutional rights to freedom of religion, expression, and association and asked the court to overturn the decision. On December 10, the court reversed the Law Society's ban and restored the eligibility of graduates of TWU's proposed law school for admission to the provincial bar. Law societies in Nova Scotia and Ontario also refused accreditation to their provincial bars for future TWU graduates on the same basis as the B.C. Law Society. In January the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled in favor of TWU that the provincial bar association lacked the authority to deny accreditation. The Nova Scotia law society appealed the ruling. An Ontario court upheld the Ontario law society's refusal to accredit TWU graduates and TWU appealed the decision. In March the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the province's medical regulator, changed its policy, and would henceforth require doctors who will not render services due to religious or moral objections to refer the patient to another physician. Physicians who failed to make such referrals, including in cases of contraception and abortion, could face sanctions up to and including the loss of their medical license. Some groups, including the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada (CMDS), stated the policy infringed on doctors' freedom of conscience and said that referrals constitute facilitation. CMDS filed suit in Ontario to overturn the policy change, which was pending as of the end of the year. Government practices with respect to education, including religious schools, fell under the purview of the provincial, rather than federal, governments. Six of the 10 provinces provided full or partial funding to some religious schools. The government continued to operate an Office of Religious Freedom, headed by an official of ambassadorial rank, within the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development, which was renamed Global Affairs Canada after the October federal election. The office's expressed aims were to protect and advocate on behalf of religious minorities under threat around the world, to oppose religious hatred and intolerance, and to promote pluralism and tolerance abroad. The office maintained a budget of five million Canadian dollars (C$) ($3.6 million) annually and operated a fund of C$4.25 million ($3.06 million) per year to provide grants to organizations advancing religious freedom throughout the world. In October the National Assembly of Quebec unanimously adopted a motion condemning anti-Muslim sentiment and the incitement of hatred and violence toward Muslim Quebecers. The Quebec Solidaire party spokesperson who authored the motion said anti-Muslim sentiment and racist comments on social media had increased after political debates about religious clothing and admitting Syrian refugees. He said this was the primary motive for adopting the motion. The government remained a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). In an evaluation of Canada's membership in the IHRA, Citizenship and Immigration Canada found the government supported, both domestically and abroad, Holocaust education, remembrance, and research, and recommended continued participation. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were reports of activities against religious groups, in particular anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim incidents, including vandalism, hate speech, harassment, and violence against persons, places of worship, and private property. In October two minors pushed a pregnant Montreal woman to the ground and attempted to forcibly remove her hijab. Police investigated the incident and at year's end had not ruled out prosecuting it as a hate crime. In April an unknown woman physically attacked a Muslim woman from Laval, Quebec, on the metro and shouted religious and racial slurs at her. Onlookers pulled the attacker off the woman, who sustained minor injuries. The attacker then fled the scene. As of the end of the year police continued to investigate, but had not identified the assailant. On November 16, two men in Toronto physically assaulted a Muslim woman, pulled off her hijab, robbed her, and uttered anti-Muslim and racist slurs. Toronto Police launched a hate crime investigation into the incident. On November 18, two men and a woman boarded public transit in Toronto and accosted two Muslim women, pushed one of them, and uttered anti-Muslim slurs, suggesting they could be terrorists, before fleeing the train. Police opened an investigation that continued as of the end of the year. On the same day, the transit authority reported unknown vandals had scrawled anti-Muslim graffiti on a compartment of one of its trains. The Toronto Transit Commission publicly condemned the verbal assault on the Muslim women and the graffiti as "deeply offensive," underscoring the incidents "in no way reflect our organization's values." In June vandals in Alberta shattered the glass door for the female entrance to the Markhaz-Ul-Islam mosque. As of October the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was investigating whether the incident was targeted at the mosque as religious leaders suspected and whether the vandals had used a gun or other weapon to shatter the glass. In November unknown arsonists attacked the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association mosque in Peterborough, Ontario. The vandals smashed a window and hurled a fire accelerant inside. The building was empty, and no one was hurt, but the structure sustained extensive damage. Police opened a hate crime investigation. A public crowd-funding initiative in the community raised sufficient funds to repair the mosque. The prime minister and the Premier of Ontario separately issued statements condemning the mosque attack. Also in November unknown vandals smashed windows at the Shri Ram Dham Hindu Temple in Kitchener, Ontario. Police opened an investigation that continued as of the end of the year. In response to the November mosque and temple attacks and the assault of the Muslim woman, the prime minister issued a statement deploring "vicious and senseless acts of intolerance" directed at specific Canadians in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris, France. The prime minister said the government would "protect the rights of innocent Canadians being subjected to such abuse," adding "Canadians understand that religious groups around the world suffer persecution regularly at the hands of violent extremists. Our focus must be on stopping the people responsible for the terror, and continuing to fight hate by embracing Canadian values." The B'nai Brith Canada League for Human Rights received 1,627 reports of anti-Semitic incidents in 2014, the most recent year for which data was available, up 28 percent from 2013, and the largest annual number of incidents the organization has ever recorded. More than half of such reports (961) came from Ontario. Reports included harassment (1,370 incidents, an increase), vandalism (238 incidents, a decline), and violence against persons (19 incidents, an increase); attacks on synagogues, private homes and property, and community centers; and web-based hate speech. Vandals displayed anti-Semitic graffiti and symbols in several incidents. In January unknown persons spray-painted anti-Semitic messages and "Leave Canada" on the wall of an Edmonton synagogue. Unknown assailants spray-painted the same "Leave Canada" message and racist comments on the exterior of a Sikh temple in Edmonton the same month. Police reports were filed in each instance, although no suspects were identified. In February unknown vandals in Montreal painted swastikas on four cars and left notes that included a bullet and a death threat. The vandals smashed the window of one of the cars with an axe. Authorities opened an investigation that continued as of the end of the year. In March unknown vandals broke into a new community gymnasium in Alberta and spray-painted swastikas and other anti-Semitic messages. A police investigation continued as of the end of the year. In May the Toronto police launched an investigation against an independent publication called Your Ward News after receiving complaints about anti-Semitic content, including a caricature of postal worker wearing Orthodox Jewish clothing. In September the ombudsman for French language public broadcaster Radio-Canada upheld a complaint by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) that a Radio-Canada host failed to challenge on-air anti-Semitic remarks during an August 4 call-in television show. The unidentified caller accused Jews of being murderers who want to take over the world. CIJA stated the caller's anti-Semitic remarks were liable to incite hatred against Jews. The ombudsman agreed the remarks were "excessive and anti-Semitic" and infringed on the broadcaster's journalistic guidelines. A report released in July by Brandeis University surveyed more than 3,000 Jewish North American university students, of whom one-third reported being verbally harassed because they were Jewish, and a quarter of whom reported being blamed for the actions of the government of Israel. Jewish students on Canadian campuses reported experiencing a greater level of hostility than the average for campuses included in the study. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The Ambassador, embassy officers, and other U.S. government officials met with government representatives to discuss religious freedom. They conducted regular outreach to religious leaders, NGOs, and religious groups to discuss strategies for combatting religious intolerance. In April the Ambassador met with the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada (APMC) to discuss opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the Muslim community. The APMC's mandate includes building bridges of understanding between Muslims and other faith groups by encouraging dialogue and interaction. The Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom and representatives from the Office of International Religious Freedom of the Department of State visited Ottawa in January and met with Canada's Ambassador for Religious Freedom to discuss opportunities for collaboration on religious freedom issues globally. At an annual iftar hosted by the mayor of Ottawa and the APMC, the Deputy Chief of Mission delivered remarks and addressed the importance of religious tolerance throughout the world. This was an opportunity for those in attendance, including religious leaders and members of different faith groups, elected officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, to discuss and hear about the U.S. government's commitment to issues of religious freedom. In July the Ambassador gave remarks at an Eid-al-Fitr reception and dinner with members of the Muslim community, hosted by the Royal Bank of Canada. The Ambassador emphasized the positive impact of religious freedom in both Canada and the United States. Representatives from different faith groups and members of the business community attended the event and discussed religious freedom issues. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cameroon Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cameroon, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add896e.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution stipulates the state is secular, prohibits religious harassment, and provides for freedom of religion and worship. During the year, the government implemented a series of measures in response to repeated attacks from Boko Haram. Some of the measures restricted religious expression and customs, such as the wearing of religious clothing and access to religious education. A Muslim woman reported she and her relative were physically abused by a gendarme officer for wearing the full-face veil. After two suicide bombers dressed in burqas killed 13 people, several regional governors banned the garment. Authorities carried out a census of Quranic schools in the Far North Region, with media reporting the purpose was to find and close schools that were teaching extremist ideologies. Although the government did not close any school explicitly for this reason, it did advise Quranic schools to refrain from enrolling children of unknown parentage or unknown families, due to Boko Haram's use of children as suicide bombers. Some Muslims said they were prohibited by local authorities from preaching in public places or distributing religious literature, as other denominations do. A dispute between rivals to lead a Christian church turned violent and the government arrested the men and closed the church, at least temporarily. Muslims reported being subjected to stigmatization and discrimination, and some said they were wrongly perceived as supporting Boko Haram. Some Muslim leaders said a government campaign reduced the level of stigmatization and discrimination. Many prominent religious leaders, including the imam of the Douala Central Mosque, the imam of the Yaounde Central Mosque, and the Catholic Archbishop of Yaounde spoke out against Boko Haram, its attacks against security forces and civilians, its use of children to conduct attacks, and its efforts to elicit support from the local Muslim population. The U.S. embassy discussed religious freedom issues with government officials, advocating for greater transparency and efficiency in the registration process for religious groups. Embassy officers met with leading figures from the principal religious groups to discuss challenges to religious freedom, such as the rise of religious stigmatization and intolerance. Embassy officers conducted outreach among religious groups, promoting religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue by organizing one-on-one meetings and hosting dinners with religious leaders from various denominations. The embassy also hosted a roundtable discussion on interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance and sponsored a workshop on countering religious extremism. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 23.7 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2005 census, the most recent available, 69 percent of the population is Christian, 21 percent Muslim, 6 percent animist, and less than 5 percent Jews and Bahais. Of Christians, approximately 38 percent are Roman Catholic, 26 percent Protestant, 4 percent other Christian denominations, including Jehovah's Witnesses, and less than 1 percent Orthodox Christian. There are growing numbers of Christian revivalist churches. Muslims and Christians live in every region, although Christians are concentrated primarily in the southern and western regions. Large cities have significant populations of both groups. The two Anglophone regions are largely Protestant, and the five southern Francophone regions are mostly Catholic. In the three northern Francophone regions, the dominant Fulani (or Peuhl) ethnic group is predominantly Muslim, but in general the population in this area is fairly evenly divided among Muslims, Christians, and followers of indigenous religions. The Bamoun ethnic group of the West Region is predominantly Muslim. Many Muslims, Christians, and members of other faiths also adhere to some aspects of animist beliefs. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution establishes the secular nature of the state and its neutrality with respect to all religions, prohibits religious harassment, and provides for freedom of religion and worship. The law on freedom of association governs relations between the government and religious groups. The government must approve religious groups or institutions as a prerequisite for lawful operation. Although the law prescribes no specific penalties for operating without official recognition, the government may suspend the activities of unregistered groups. The government does not require indigenous religious groups to register, characterizing the practice of traditional religion as a private concern observed by members of a particular ethnic or kinship group or the residents of a particular locality. To become an authorized entity, a religious group must legally qualify as a religious congregation, defined as "any group of natural persons or corporate bodies whose vocation is divine worship" or "any group of persons living in community in accordance with a religious doctrine." The religious group must submit a request for authorization as a religious group, including the group's charter describing planned activities, the names and functions of the group's officials, and a declaration of commitment to comply with the law on freedom of association, to the relevant divisional (local level) office. That office forwards the documents to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MINATD). MINATD reviews the file and sends it to the presidency with a recommendation to approve or deny. Authorization may then be granted by presidential decree. Official authorization confers no general tax benefits but allows religious groups to receive real estate as a tax-free gift for the conduct of their activities and to gather publicly and worship. It also permits missionaries to receive visas with longer validity. In practice unauthorized religious groups may gather publicly and worship under a policy of "administrative tolerance" as long as public security and peace are not disturbed. MINATD may issue an order to suspend any religious group for "disturbing public order," which is not defined in the law. The president may dissolve any previously authorized religious organization that "deviates from its initial focus." The Ministry of Basic Education and the Ministry of Secondary Education require private religious schools to comply with the same curriculum, infrastructure, and teacher-training standards as state-operated schools. Unlike public schools, private schools may offer religious education. Government Practices During the year, in response to repeated attacks from Boko Haram the government implemented a series of measures which restricted religious expression and customs. Members of the Muslim community in Bamenda reported that during a highway roadblock in Sagba (Northwest Region) on August 12, a Muslim woman named Modestine Yida Mbukwe and her 13-year-old relative, Njag Rashida, were physically abused by a gendarme officer because they were wearing religious headscarves. Mbukwe said that the gendarme insulted and tried to remove her veil by force. Mbukwe said that a Catholic nun who was passing by with a much longer head covering was allowed to continue on her way unchallenged. The Muslim woman filed a complaint with the Bamenda military tribunal on August 13. The matter remained pending as of the end of the year. Following raids carried out in a number of Quranic schools in Guirvidig, Far North Region, security forces arrested approximately 130 children. Eighty-four of the youngest children were sent to a government-sponsored juvenile detention center in Maroua, while the others were reported placed in custody at Maroua Central Prison. By November, authorities released the 84 youngest children. There were no definitive reports on the whereabouts of the remaining children. Local authorities accused the schools of recruiting children for Boko Haram, although they did not file formal charges against them. According to a June 19 report by Amnesty International, all but three of the children were 14 or under, 47 were under 10, and some were as young as five years old. Civil society organizations stated that they viewed the arrest and prolonged detention as a violation of human rights, including the right to religious teaching. The government took no action to adjudicate applications for legal status by a number of religious groups whose applications had been pending for years. The government has approved only one religious group in the last 16 years and none since 2010. According to MINATD, incomplete application submissions and lengthy background investigations contributed to approval delays. Although by law groups must register, the government continued to allow numerous unregistered small religious groups to operate freely under the government's policy of "administrative tolerance." While 47 religious groups were legally registered, hundreds more operated without official government authorization. In mid-July, Governor Midjiyawa Bakari of the Far North Region banned the wearing of the full-face Islamic veil after two women suicide bombers dressed in the religious garment killed at least 13 people in Fotokol. Governors of other regions, including the West and East, followed with similar decisions. On December 15, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the Yaounde University banned collective prayers and wearing of veils on campus. In the Far North Region, government authorities carried out a census of Quranic schools, reportedly with the intention of identifying and closing any schools deemed to be teaching extremist ideology. Although no schools were closed for this reason, authorities reportedly instructed some school administrators to refrain from enrolling nonlocal children or children of unknown or unfamiliar families, due to Boko Haram's use of such children to carry out suicide attacks. Members of the Mbororo community, a minority indigenous group that is predominantly Muslim, complained of disparate treatment by authorities. On October 26, officials of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association in Bamenda, Northwest Region, said that Mbororo cattle herders have been subjected to increased discrimination since the beginning of Boko Haram attacks. They reported that when a Mbororo cattle herder was found with a knife, the knife was seized and the owner had to pay at least CFA 10, 000 ($16.60) to be released. The group reported that members of other religious groups were allowed to carry knives. The group also said they could not preach or distribute religious literature in the market, but that other religious denominations were permitted to do so. The government granted broad legal authority to traditional leaders to manage their districts. As part of this authority, traditional leaders exercised control over local mosques and had the right to appoint or dismiss imams. The state-sponsored television station and radio stations regularly broadcast Christian and Islamic religious services and ceremonies on national holidays and during national events. Government ministers or the president often attended these ceremonies. The government provided an annual subsidy to all private primary and secondary education institutions, including those operated by religious denominations. The size of each subsidy was proportional to the size of the school. Abuses by Foreign Forces and Non-State Actors Boko Haram carried out increasingly violent and frequent attacks against civilians, government officials, and military forces, and threatened populations in the Far North Region. The attacks against civilians were indiscriminate and included killings and kidnappings of Muslims and Christians. The insurgents burned down places of worship. While there are no accurate estimates of total numbers killed and kidnapped, according to the Ministry of Defense, Boko Haram killed hundreds of police, military, and gendarmes. Estimates of the total numbers of civilians killed vary, but number in the thousands. On February 4, Boko Haram carried out a coordinated attack in Fotokol, killing several dozen civilians including at least 30 in mosques, one of whom was the imam of the principal mosque. They set the principal mosque on fire. During the October attack on Kerawa, Boko Haram fighters also killed several Muslims who were attending prayer sessions in mosques. Some civilians were also kidnapped during the attacks. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Conflict occurred between members of a traditional community and members of a Cameroon Baptist Union church in Baba I Village, Ngoketunja Division, Northwest Region. In October, Pastor Komando Ivo reported that four members of a traditional society (local phrasing for an animist-based religious group) attacked his parishioners during a worship session. The traditional ruler of the community, however, stated that the four traditionalists had been forced into the church by parishioners. Church members reportedly beat the four villagers and sprinkled acid in their eyes. According to a local paper, the four members of the traditional society and most villagers believed that the Baptist church was disrespectful of the traditions of the village by reportedly engaging in late-night worship and in behavior that was responsible for an upsurge of the number of pregnancies and divorces in the village. Following the incident, both the villagers and the church filed complaints against each other; authorities allowed the church to continue its activities but ordered it to address the "root causes" of the traditional villagers' complaints. Church members say they fear reprisal from the village community. In several instances, disputes within religious communities over church personnel and church management prevented the holding of worship or resulted in the temporary closure of churches. Churches affected include Evangelical Church of Cameroon, parishes in the Douala neighborhoods of Akwa and Bonapriso, and a Presbyterian Church in Cameroon parish in Douala. In the latter instance, the police intervened after a physical altercation during a worship service and detained three pastors for three days. On October 18, in Douala 5th District, Littoral Region, authorities closed the Beedi parish of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (EPC), following a fight between Bikai Robert Cyril and Mbayen Alain Claude, each of whom claimed to be the rightful pastor. According to reports, the EPC removed Mbayen from his position in 2014 but he resisted, leading local authorities to close the church from July 2014 to August 2015. After the church reopened, Bikai reportedly was scheduled to be installed on October 18, but Mbayen and his followers again entered the church leading to a physical altercation. The police arrested Mbayen and Bikai, both of whom they detained for three days. The parish was once again closed and EPC authorities were called upon to find a lasting solution to the issue. The church remained closed as of the end of November. On October 26, Muslims in Bamenda, Northwest Region, reported that other members of their community sometimes used pejorative language to refer to them, such as "less developed," "less enlightened," or potential "Boko Haram." Muslim leaders and organizations, including the Coordinator of the Council of Imams and Religious Dignitaries of Cameroon (CIDIMUC), and the Chairperson of the Cameroon Council of Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs expressed support for the burqa bans, which they considered a measure to protect everyone, including Muslims. Other Muslims, including those in the predominantly Muslim neighborhood of Briqueterie (in Yaounde) and members of the Muslim community in the city of Bamenda, reportedly viewed the decision as a restriction of their religious expression and customs, and a vehicle for stigmatization and discrimination. Many prominent religious leaders and organizations spoke out against Boko Haram, its attacks against Cameroonian security forces, and its attempts to elicit support for those attacks from local populations. In June CIDIMUC, a civil society organization aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance, organized a Muslim prayer session for the eradication of Boko Haram. Leaders of other religious denominations, including the Catholic Archbishop of Yaounde, addressed the issue of Boko Haram in their sermons, and most political leaders spoke out against Boko Haram, praising the Muslim community for rejecting the violent extremist message of Boko Haram. On September 21, the Yaounde Catholic Basilica, CIDIMUC, and the Cameroon Association for Interreligious Dialogue, another civil society organization, organized an interfaith event to promote religious tolerance and advocate against religious extremism. On October 20, religious leaders from the various denominations, including Muslims imams, Catholic priests, Presbyterian pastors, Pentecostals and others, came together to organize an interfaith service in Yaounde, in memory of those who perished in a stampede that occurred during this year's pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Participants used the opportunity to preach religious tolerance and underscored the negative consequences of religious extremism. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy regularly discussed religious freedom and importance of interfaith dialogue with government officials. In interactions with the government, embassy officials advocated for greater transparency and efficiency in approving the status of religious groups. Embassy officials also raised the issue of stigmatization of and discrimination against the Muslim community. Embassy officers met with prominent figures from the Christian and Muslim communities, including the Coordinator of CIDIMUC, the Archbishop of the Mvolye Basilica, the Secretary General of the Islamic Union of Cameroon, the Chairperson of the Cameroon Council of Imams, Mosques, and Islamic Affairs, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the Papal Nuncio, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Douala, among other religious leaders. Those conversations included discussions on promoting religious tolerance. The embassy underscored the United States' commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the face of rising threats from Boko Haram at these events. On August 6, the embassy organized a roundtable of 20 youth leaders from various religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, and indigenous groups to promote tolerance. Participants discussed the basis of their faiths, responded to queries and misconceptions about their faiths and identified common ideals. The participants agreed on a set of actions for future engagement, including organizing interfaith youth visits, drafting a youth interfaith declaration, and quarterly meetings. Also in August the U.S. embassy funded a workshop on combatting religious extremism bringing together fifty leaders of youth associations in the Far North Region. In September the Ambassador hosted an event for religious leaders to underscore the United States' commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The religious leaders said they welcomed the opportunity to strengthen the interfaith dialogue and discussions to combat religious extremism. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cabo Verde Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cabo Verde, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8974f.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution and other laws protect the right of individuals to choose, practice, profess, and change their religion. The law provides for freedom of religion and worship and provides for equal rights in accordance with the constitution and international law. The government grants privileges to the Roman Catholic Church not received by other groups, and ratified a concordat with the Holy See governing the activities of the Catholic Church in the country. This agreement, among other things, recognizes the legal status of the Catholic Church, recognizes Catholic marriages under civil law, and provides for Catholic teaching in public schools. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. embassy reiterated the importance of respecting religious freedom in discussions with government officials and members of civil society, including religious leaders, and through use of social media. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 546,000 (July 2015 estimate). The national government's statistics indicate that 77 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 10 percent Protestant, 2 percent Muslim, and 1 percent does not identify with any religion. The second-largest Christian denomination is the Church of the Nazarene. Other Christian denominations include Seventh-day Adventists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Assemblies of God, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, and other Pentecostal and evangelical groups. There are small Bahai and Jewish communities. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states freedom of conscience, religion, and worship are inviolable rights and protects the right of individuals to choose, practice, profess, and change their religion, and to interpret their religious beliefs for themselves. It provides for the separation of religion and state and prohibits the state from imposing religious beliefs and practices on individuals. It prohibits political parties from adopting names associated with particular religious groups. The constitution prohibits ridiculing religious symbols or practices. Rights may only be suspended in a state of emergency or siege under the constitution. Violations of religious freedom are crimes subject to penalties of between three months and three years in prison. The law codifies the constitution's religious freedom provisions by providing for equal rights and guarantees for all religions in accordance with the constitution and international law. The law separates religion and state, but allows the government to sign agreements with religious entities on matters of public interest. Specific sections of the law guarantee the protection of religious heritage, the right to religious education, freedom of organization of religious groups, and the free exercise of religious functions and worship. In April a concordat between the government and the Holy See recognized the legal status of the Catholic Church and its right to carry out its apostolic mission freely. The concordat further recognizes Catholic marriages under civil law and the right of Catholics to carry out religious observances on Sundays and specified Catholic holidays. It protects places of worship and other Catholic properties and provides for Catholic educational institutions, charitable activities, and pastoral work in the military, hospitals, and penal institutions, as well as Catholic teaching in public schools. The concordat exempts Church revenues and properties used in religious and nonprofit activities from taxes and makes contributions to the Church tax deductible. The law requires all associations, whether religious or secular, register with the Ministry of Justice. The constitution states an association may not be armed; be in violation of penal law; or promote violence, racism, xenophobia, or dictatorship. To register, a religious group must submit a copy of its charter and statutes signed by its members. Failure to register does not result in any restriction of religious practice, but registration provides additional benefits such as exemptions from national, regional, and local taxes and fees. Registered religious groups may receive exemptions from taxes and fees in connection with places of worship or other buildings intended for religious purposes, activities with exclusively religious purposes, institutions and seminaries intended for religious education or training of religious leaders, goods purchased for religious purposes, and distribution of publications with information on places of worship. Legally registered churches and religious groups may use broadcast time on public radio and television at their own expense. Government Practices The government granted privileges to the Catholic Church other groups did not receive. Some organizations said this practice strengthened the perception that the government favored the Catholic Church over other religious groups. The government used Catholic Church representatives to inaugurate public buildings throughout the country. Public television transmitted paid religious programming, most of which was of Catholic services. A Brazilian-owned television network (TV Record) covered the religious activities of the Universal Church. Other religious groups received minimal TV broadcast time reportedly because they did not request it or had no means to pay for it. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy representatives promoted religious freedom in discussions with government officials at all levels, including the minister of parliamentary affairs (responsible for issues related to religion). These efforts were generally well received by the government. The embassy also spoke with civil society regarding religious freedom. Embassy representatives reiterated the importance of respecting religious freedom in formal meetings with the Catholic Church (including Cardinal Arlindo Furtado, head of the Church in country), the Muslim community, and the Church of the Nazarene, among others. The embassy also used social media channels to raise awareness about the need to protect religious freedom. For example, the embassy's social media reported on the Ambassador's discussion with the Jewish community in Boa Vista when he visited the synagogue there, one of the few in the country. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cambodia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Cambodia, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8976.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of belief and religious worship, provided such freedom neither interferes with others' beliefs and religions nor violates public order and security. Buddhism is the state religion and is promoted through holiday observances, religious training, and financial support to Buddhist institutions. There were reports the government had called for the removal or relocation of Vietnamese temples and shrines, usually citing the failure to secure appropriate permits as justification. There were reports of destruction of Vietnamese gravesites and continued barriers to the complete integration of the predominantly Muslim Cham people. U.S. embassy officials discussed issues of religious freedom with the government. Embassy officials also discussed the importance of acceptance and diversity with leaders of Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim groups. Embassy programs sought to promote themes of religious tolerance and understanding through a speakers' series and other forms of engagement. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 15.7 million (July 2015 estimate). An estimated 95 percent of the population is Theravada Buddhist, according to the Ministry of Cults and Religions (MCR). The vast majority of ethnic Khmer Cambodians are Buddhist. According to government estimates, approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population is Muslim, though some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) estimate the Muslim population to be higher. The country's Muslim population is predominantly ethnic Cham, though not all Cham are Muslim. The Cham typically live in towns and rural fishing villages on the banks of the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River, as well as in Kampot Province. There are four branches of Islam represented in the country: the Shafi'i branch, practiced by as many as 90 percent of Muslims in the country; the Salafi (Wahhabi) branch; the indigenous Iman-San branch; and the Kadiani branch. The remainder of the population includes Bahais, Jews, ethnic Vietnamese Cao Dai, and members of various Christian denominations. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for freedom of belief and religious worship, provided such freedom neither interferes with others' beliefs and religions nor violates public order and security. The law requires that religious groups refrain from openly criticizing other religious groups, although this provision is rarely tested. The constitution establishes Buddhism as the state religion and provides for state support of Buddhist education; it also prohibits discrimination based on religion. The law requires all religious groups, including Buddhist groups, to apply to the MCR if they wish to conduct religious activities. In their registration applications, groups must state clearly their religious purposes and activities, provide the biographical information of religious leaders, describe funding sources, commit to submitting annual reports detailing the year's religious activities, and agree to comply with provisions forbidding religious groups from insulting other religious groups, fomenting disputes, or undermining national security. Registration requires approvals from numerous local, provincial, and national government offices, a process which can take up to 90 days. The MCR, however, has no authority to punish religious groups for failing to register and there are no associated penalties for failing to register. Registered religious groups receive tax exemptions from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The law requires separate registration of all places of worship and religious schools. Unregistered places of worship and religious schools may be shut down temporarily until they are registered, although the MCR reports it has not taken such action. The law's implementing regulations also make a legal distinction between "places of worship" and "offices of prayer." The establishment of a place of worship requires that the founders own the building and the land on which it is located. The facility must have a minimum capacity of 200 persons, and the permit application requires the support of at least 100 congregants. By contrast, an office of prayer can be located in rented property and does not require a minimum capacity. The permit application for an office of prayer requires the support of 20 congregants. Religious schools must be registered with the MCR and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS). Places of worship must be located at least two kilometers (1.2 miles) from each other and may not be used for political purposes or to house criminals or fugitives. The distance requirement applies only to the construction of new places of worship and not to offices of religious organizations or prayer. Government Practices There were reports the government had called for the removal or relocation of Vietnamese temples and shrines, usually citing the failure to secure appropriate permits as justification. Following reports that "Vietnamese worshipers" were visiting religious shrines on Bokor Mountain near the border with Vietnam, government officials formed a commission to search for the shrines and investigate the religious activities of ethnic Vietnamese living in the area. Both government officials and opposition politicians publicly expressed concern about the impact of these worshipers on the country's culture. In Siem Reap, provincial government officials ordered the closure of two Vietnamese religious sites saying they had grown too large and the congregation lacked authorization to hold ceremonies there. Local officials told reporters that the presence of Vietnamese worshipers caused local Khmers to feel unsettled. The government continued to promote Buddhist religious instruction in public schools in coordination with MOEYS, although non-Buddhist students were allowed to opt out of this instruction. Other forms of religious instruction continued to be prohibited in public schools. Non-Buddhist religious instruction could, however, be provided by private institutions. The government continued to promote Buddhist holidays, provide Buddhist training and education to monks and others in pagodas, and provide financial support to an institute that performed research and published materials on Khmer culture and Buddhist traditions. In June the government issued two decrees, the first of which promised to hire 1,500 Cham teachers, the majority of whom are Muslim and most of whom had been teaching informally in impoverished Cham communities, into the education ministry. The second circular authorized Cham Muslims to wear religious attire in photographs taken for official use, such as passports and identification cards. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, also known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, continued to hear testimony related to charges of ethnic- and religious-based genocide against the Cham population during the Khmer Rouge era. The Cham were targeted by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) and suffered severely during the period. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom In July a video depicting ethnic Khmer youths destroying headstones in a Vietnamese cemetery in Kandal province was distributed widely on social media. Provincial police opened an investigation, which did not lead to any arrests as of the end of the year. As religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize this incident and others like it as being solely based on religious identity. The Cham Muslim community continued to face barriers to full integration into society. In addition to poverty, isolation, language, and inadequate access to education and health services, some members of the majority Buddhist community and other minority ethnic groups reportedly continued to view the Cham with suspicion and superstition as purported practitioners of "black magic." Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy officials discussed religious freedom with MCR representatives and other government officials. Embassy officials also discussed the importance of acceptance and diversity with leaders of Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim groups, emphasizing the importance of interfaith tolerance in a democratic society. Embassy officials also engaged Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish groups, as well as representatives of faith-based civil society organizations, on issues of religious tolerance and pluralism. Embassy programs focused on faith-based communities and promoted pluralism through exchanges and youth programs. The embassy continued several programs focusing on the Cham population. One of the programs sought to help preserve Cham heritage, including religious heritage, through reading and writing instruction in the native Cham language, and included the preservation and study of religious artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Champa. Through the publication of Mukva a periodical written in both the Khmer and Cham languages the embassy helped to preserve an important component of Cambodia's cultural and linguistic heritage. This periodical is the first of its kind in Cambodia and provides information and stories relevant to Cham people. Another program consisted of a series of speaking engagements and focus groups in which Islamic leaders from around the world engaged with the Cham community to provide the Cham with a deeper understanding of the constructive role that other Muslims play in their workforces and communities. The embassy promoted themes of religious tolerance through youth-oriented Peace Concerts held throughout the country. Tens of thousands of Cambodians attended concerts in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, and Tboung Khmum provinces. Other embassy programs invited Muslims to participate in workshops with guest speakers from throughout Southeast Asia. The workshops focused on interfaith cooperation, community leadership, and conflict resolution. Embassy officials toured the country on several occasions to meet members of the community, promoting religious tolerance by example, by showing respect for Cham culture, lessening the isolation of the Cham, and supporting Cham integration into mainstream Khmer culture. They discussed ways the Cham could further integrate into society while preserving their cultural and religious identity, and lay the groundwork for genuine, long-lasting religious tolerance. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burundi Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burundi, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89815.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution defines the state as secular, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of conscience and religion. It prohibits political parties from preaching religious violence or hate. In March police identified the Bujumbura hiding place of a woman who reported experiencing visitations from the Virgin Mary; they briefly detained several of her followers on charges of worshiping in a banned location, but the woman fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the political, economic, security, and humanitarian crisis related to the country's electoral cycle, the Catholic Church reported several Catholic priests received death threats or were detained for their work supporting people perceived as opposed to the government and for the Church's vocal opposition to the incumbent president's decision to run for a third term. In June the Catholic Archbishop of Bujumbura, Evariste Ngoyagoye, escaped an apparent assassination attempt during a celebration in which he was expected to speak out against the president running for a third term. Religious groups reported peaceful co-existence with each other, and most Burundians reportedly respected their neighbors' rights to freedom of conscience. The U.S. embassy continued to encourage the government to support broad-based religious tolerance. Embassy efforts on religious freedom with societal leaders included hosting an iftar and encouraging interfaith discussion of the collaborative role religious groups could play in disseminating a message of peace and tolerance to the population. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 10.7 million (July 2015 estimate). Although reliable statistics are not available, religious leaders estimate approximately 60 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 20 percent belongs to indigenous religious groups, and 15 percent to Protestant groups. Muslims constitute 2 to 5 percent of the population and live mainly in urban areas. Most Muslims are Sunni, although some are Shia, and there is also a small Ismaili community. There are approximately 500 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There are approximately 100 Jains, and the Orthodox Christian community is very small. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution establishes a secular state, prohibits religious discrimination, recognizes freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and provides for equal protection under the law regardless of religion. These rights may be limited by law in the general interest or to protect the rights of others, and may not be abused to compromise national unity, independence, peace, democracy, or the secular nature of the state, or to violate the constitution. The constitution prohibits political parties from preaching religious violence, exclusion, or hate. The law covering nonprofit organizations is the basis for recognition and registration of religious groups, which must register with the Ministry of Interior. Each religious group must provide the denomination or affiliation of the institution, a copy of its bylaws, the address of its headquarters in the country, an address abroad if the local institution is part of a larger group, and the names and addresses of the association's governing body and legal representative. Registration also entails identifying any property and bank accounts owned by the religious group. The ministry usually processes registration requests within two to four weeks. Leaders of religious groups who fail to comply or who practice in spite of denial of their registration are subject to six months' to five years' imprisonment. The law does not grant tax exemptions or other benefits to religious groups in general. Some religious and nonreligious schools have signed agreements with the government whereby they are entitled to tax exemptions when investing in infrastructure or purchasing school equipment and educational materials. According to the Ministry of Education, the official education program includes religious and moral classes in the curriculum for all secondary and primary schools. The program offers religious classes for Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam, although all classes may not be available if the number of students interested is insufficient in a particular school. Students are free to choose from one of these three religion classes or attend morals classes instead. Government Practices In the spring police raided the Bujumbura hiding spot of Eusebie Ngendakumana, accused of leading an unrecognized cult that formed after she reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary. According to her lawyer, Eusebie was never formally charged with a crime. Eusebie escaped capture and was believed to be in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but several of her followers were detained for worshiping in a banned location and then released. Eusebie's followers detained in previous altercations with the police remained in jail. There were no reports of Eusebie's followers receiving worse treatment than other prisoners. The Catholic Church stated that three Rwandan priests, including a priest working at the Bujumbura cathedral and two from the Dominican orders, were detained in Bujumbura by the National Intelligence Service (SNR) for short periods in late summer because they were Rwandan and may have provided basic support to local individuals protesting the president's decision to run for a third term. Vatican officials stated the detainees were released when the officials entered into dialogue with SNR agents, and none of the priests were formally charged after their interrogation. The Vatican reported none were physically mistreated, but all were badly shaken by their experiences. They left the country after being released. The chaplain of the University of Burundi fled the country after receiving threats to his life for supporting an insurgency. He provided moral and religious support to, and helped identify temporary shelter for, approximately 600 university students who sought refuge outside the U.S. embassy in late April after authorities closed the university (including their housing) amid protests of the president's decision to seek re-election. The chaplain accompanied the students during part of their ordeal, eventually negotiating with a Bujumbura parish to open private homes to shelter the students. When the government identified the students as insurgents, the chaplain was forced to flee the country. Several other priests reported similar threats and left the country for a time. At the end of the year, the chaplain still remained abroad although some of the priests returned. The government administration comprised both Christian and Muslim officials. The president was a Protestant while several prominent members of his cabinet were Catholic or Muslim. Government benefits such as land or tax waivers were granted to religious groups for land or materials to manage development and income-generating projects. Observers said, however, the criteria to receive such benefits were non-transparent and politicized. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom In June the Catholic Archbishop of Bujumbura, Evariste Ngoyagoye, escaped an apparent assassination attempt when his congregation noticed young men unfamiliar to them behaving strangely. According to a witness, the crowd celebrating the Mass was infiltrated by approximately 40 youths who planned to disrupt the archbishop's speech if he spoke out to oppose the president's bid for a third term or disagreed with the governing party. Two of the youths carried poorly concealed weapons, including grenades, and other participants dissuaded them from attacking. While no attack occurred, the Catholic hierarchy expressed concern, and Archbishop Ngoyagoye divided his time between the country and other places. The Catholic archbishops of Gitega and Ngozi both left the country for a time after drawing government criticism for their public stance on the elections. Leaders of major religious groups stated these groups had amicable relations with one another and were able to peacefully resolve minor issues that arose. The Muslim community was reportedly divided between those who support the president's bid for a third term and those who do not. Community representatives stated that political differences did not affect the community's cohesiveness. The Mormon community stated its missionaries were recalled in May due to political insecurity. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy continued to encourage the government to support broad-based religious tolerance. The embassy also encouraged the government to welcome the participation of all religious groups to promote a message of harmony and mutual tolerance. The embassy encouraged societal leaders to support broad-based religious tolerance and interfaith discussion of the collaborative role religious groups could play in disseminating a message of peace and tolerance to the population. The Ambassador hosted an iftar for approximately 30 leaders in the Muslim community and encouraged them to engage in discussions with leaders of other religious groups to deliver a joint message of peace to the population, particularly during the electoral period. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burma Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burma, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89915.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution guarantees every citizen "the right to freely profess and practice religion subject to public order, morality or health and to the other provisions of this Constitution." The government adopted a package of four laws that many local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) said were an infringement on religious freedom and other basic rights. The new laws, known collectively as the "race and religious protection" laws, included registration requirements for interfaith marriage and religious conversion, as well as mandatory population control measures in zones the government may specially designate. The government, however, has not drafted any implementing regulations for these laws. Government authorities, through various policies and practices, subjected Rohingya Muslims to physical abuse, arbitrary arrest and detention, restrictions on religious practice and travel, and discrimination in employment, social services, and access to citizenship. Religious minority populations, including Muslims, Christians, and others, experienced arrest and detention, restrictions on religious practice, and various forms of discrimination. Although the law prohibits mixing of religion and politics, some political parties described themselves as Muslim-free parties, and some monks publicly supported specific political candidates. Some government officials publicly spoke out against hate speech and called for religious tolerance. NGOs and religious groups said local authorities in some cases moved quickly to investigate and debunk rumors that could inflame religious tensions and spark violence. Episodes of intercommunal conflict were small scale during the year and did not escalate into widespread violence as in the previous year. Violent nationalists widely circulated anti-Muslim materials, and the Buddhist Committee for Protection of Race and Religion (MaBaTha) supported and publicly celebrated the passage of the four "race and religious protection" laws. Activists received threats for speaking out against the four race and religion laws, anti-Muslim discrimination, and religious-based violence. Religious and civil society leaders increasingly organized intrafaith and interfaith events and developed mechanisms to monitor and counter hate speech. The U.S. government advocated religious freedom and tolerance with all sectors of society and consistently raised concerns about the passage of the "race and religious protection" laws, conditions in Rakhine State, including those facing Muslim communities and ethnic Rakhine, and the rise of anti-Muslim hate speech and tension. The embassy regularly highlighted concerns about religious-based tension and anti-Muslim discrimination and called for respect for religious diversity and tolerance, including during the pre-election period. It also pressed for a voluntary and transparent path to restoration and provision of citizenship for the Rohingya that does not require applicants to self-identify in ways with which they are not comfortable. Since 1999, Burma has been designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated Burma as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing arms embargo referenced in 22 CFR 126.1(a) pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 56.3 million (July 2015 estimate). A 2014 census estimated the total population at 51.4 million. According to the most recently available estimates, approximately 90 percent are Theravada Buddhists. Approximately 4 percent are Christians (primarily Baptists, Roman Catholics, and Anglicans, along with several small Protestant denominations). Muslims (mostly Sunni) comprise approximately 4 percent of the population. The Rohingya population is estimated at approximately one million by NGOs, with more than 800,000 stateless individuals in Rakhine State, according to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). There are small communities of Hindus and practitioners of traditional Chinese and indigenous religions. There is a very small Jewish community in Rangoon. The country is ethnically diverse, with significant correlation between ethnicity and religion. Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion among the majority Bamar ethnic group and also among the Shan, Rakhine, and Mon ethnic groups. Christianity is dominant among the Kachin, Chin, and Naga ethnic groups. Christianity also is practiced widely among the Karen and Karenni ethnic groups, although many Karen and Karenni are Buddhist and some Karen are Muslim. Those of South Asian origin, who are concentrated in major cities and in the south central region, are predominantly Hindu or Muslim, although some are Christian. Islam is practiced widely in Rakhine State and in Rangoon, Irrawaddy, Magwe, and Mandalay Divisions, by some Bamar and ethnic Indians as well as ethnic Kaman Muslims and Rohingya. Chinese ethnic minorities generally practice traditional Chinese religions and to a lesser extent Islam and Christianity. Traditional indigenous beliefs are practiced widely among smaller ethnic groups in the highland regions. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states, "[e]very citizen is equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess and practice religion subject to public order, morality or health and to the other provisions of this Constitution," and notes that, "every citizen shall be at liberty ... if not contrary to the laws, enacted for Union security, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility or public order and morality ... to develop ... [the] religion they profess and customs without prejudice to the relations between one national race and another or among national races and to other faiths." Religious organizations are not required to register with the government. The law bars members of religious orders (such as priests, monks, and nuns) from running for public office, and the constitution bars members of religious orders from voting. The constitution forbids "the abuse of religion for political purposes." Although there is no official state religion, the constitution notes that the government "recognizes the special position of Buddhism as the faith professed by the great majority of the citizens of the Union." The constitution "also recognizes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Animism as the religions existing in the Union at the day of the coming into operation of this Constitution." The government restricts by law the political activities and expression of the Buddhist clergy (sangha). The government bans any organization of Buddhist monks other than nine state-recognized monastic orders. Violations of this ban are punishable by immediate public defrocking and criminal penalties. The nine recognized orders submit to the authority of the State Sangha Monk Coordination Committee (SSMNC), the members of which are elected by monks. The Ministry of Religious Affairs' Department for the Perpetuation and Propagation of the Sasana (Buddhist teaching) oversees the government's relations with Buddhist monks and schools. Between May and August, the government adopted a package of four laws related explicitly to "protection of race and religion." The Buddhist Women Special Marriage law stipulates notification and registration requirements for marriages between non-Buddhist men and Buddhist women and introduces new obligations to be observed by non-Buddhist husbands and penalties for noncompliance. The Religious Conversion law regulates conversion through an extensive application and approval process. The Population Control Law allows for the designation of special zones for which population control measures could be applied, including authorizing local authorities to implement three-year birth spacing. The Monogamy Law bans polygamous practices, which were already criminalized under the country's penal code. No implementing guidelines for these laws have been drafted. Antidiscrimination laws do not apply to groups not recognized under the law as citizens, such as the Rohingya in Rakhine State. Government Practices There were reports of physical abuse, arbitrary arrest, and continued detention of religious leaders and believers, restrictions on religious practice and travel, forced displacement, and discrimination in employment, granting of building permits, and access to citizenship. Because religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it is difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. Activists promoting interfaith understanding and harmony were subject to harassment and detention. For instance, on July 15 and 17, police in Mandalay Division arrested three interfaith activists, Ko Zaw Zaw Latt, Pwint Phyu Latt, and Mg Zaw Win Bo for violating a law that prohibits membership in or contact with illegal organizations. While police said the activists were meeting with members of ethnic armed groups during the year, civil society sources stated the activists were targeted for their interfaith work. The three remained in detention pending trial as of November. Other interfaith activists in Mandalay Division reported receiving threats via anonymous phone calls and text messages. The government at times took actions against individuals whose actions were construed to be insulting to religion. In June the Chaung-U Township court convicted and sentenced Htin Lin Oo, information officer of the main opposition political party National League for Democracy (NLD), for religious defamation and sentenced him to two years of hard labor. Htin Lin Oo was arrested and jailed for remarks regarding Buddhism made during a public speech in October 2014 that were subsequently deemed insulting. His appeal was pending as of December. The government continued to detain Shin Nyana, a monk sentenced in 2010 to a 20-year term of imprisonment for teaching a religious doctrine that did not comport with Theravada Buddhism. According to media reports and other sources, eight monks, including Shin Nyana and U Eindaka, were in detention at year's end. Since the 2012 outbreak of intercommunal violence and subsequent intensification of government anti-Muslim hostility, approximately 100,000 people, mostly Rohingya, have left the country on boats, according to UNHCR estimates. There were reports that smugglers and traffickers kidnapped, trafficked, exploited, and subjected migrants to brutality and abuse in inhuman conditions, with government actors complicit in the process. There were reports of local authorities preventing Muslims from conducting prayer services at religious facilities. The government continued to subject public events, including religious ceremonies and festivals, to security regulations and other controls. There were reports that Islamic and Christian events required prior written permission first from ward, and then township, police, district, and division-level authorities. All public religious celebrations also required prior written permission from religious affairs authorities and applications needed to be submitted approximately three weeks in advance. Law enforcement officers reportedly questioned participants on what transpired at these events. Civil society organizations reported that approvals were frequently delayed. The government designated specific towns surrounding Rangoon where Muslims generally could gather for worship and religious training outside the mosque, but only during major Islamic holidays and with prior permission. Authorities in some instances restricted gatherings organized by Muslim organizations. On May 18, authorities in Rangoon Division rejected a request by Muslim organizations to hold a nationwide Islamic conference due to stated concerns that the conference would affect peace and stability. Muslim sources stated that local authorities denied approval at the behest of nationalist Buddhist groups. Government soldiers reportedly occupied churches and monasteries during skirmishes in Kachin State and northern Shan State. On August 25, after fighting with the Shan State Army-South, troops from Burmese Army Division 99 entered a monastery in Hsai Khao ward, Nambtu Township, Shan State, to treat their wounded soldiers and forced 25 villagers to stay at the monastery as human shields. Later in the day, the troops ordered 10 villagers to accompany them to Palaung village, approximately 12 miles away. The group was allowed to return to their village on August 26. Unlike previous years, civil society did not report the destruction of churches by government soldiers in Kachin State. Religious leaders continued to note restrictions by local authorities to repairs of non-Buddhist religious buildings, as well as restrictions on the building of new facilities around the country. Christian communities in Chin and Kachin States reported they were subject to restrictions on property registration, construction, and renovation. This included continued reports that local government officials denied or delayed permits to restore crosses previously destroyed, or to renovate and build Christian churches in Chin State. Local authorities in Chin State also continued to prohibit Christian groups and churches from buying land in the name of their religious organizations. Religious groups said individual members circumvented this requirement by purchasing land on behalf of the group, a practice the government tolerated. Christian and Muslim groups that sought to build small places of worship on side streets or other inconspicuous locations continued to be able to do so only with informal approval from local authorities, according to religious groups. NGOs in Kachin State reported state officials allowed the construction of Buddhist facilities at natural heritage sites in efforts to promote Buddhism. Muslim groups reported official building requests encountered significant delays, were often denied, and even when approved could subsequently be reversed. It remained extremely difficult for Muslims to acquire permission to repair existing mosques, although authorities permitted internal maintenance in some cases. Historic mosques in Meiktila, Mawlamyine (Mon State), and Sittwe (Rakhine State), as well as in Rangoon and other areas continued to deteriorate because authorities did not allow routine maintenance. In northern Rakhine State, local authorities forced the dismantling of renovations to mosques and religious buildings damaged by Cyclone Komen in August. Trustees and community members began the repairs following a reported verbal endorsement by the president following the cyclone. Township authorities, however, issued letters stating that any maintenance or renovation would require pre-approval and legal actions would be taken against unauthorized activities. There were reports that local religious affairs officials extorted money from the communities for repair works. In September UN officials and Muslim community representatives said local authorities forced the dismantling of some renovations and the demolition of some Islamic religious schools. Some Christian theological seminaries and Bible schools continued to operate, along with several madrassahs. The government continued to fund two state sangha universities in Rangoon and Mandalay, respectively, which trained Buddhist monks under the purview of the SSMNC, as well as the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in Rangoon. The government financially supported Buddhist seminaries and Buddhist missionary activities. Religious organizations said Buddhist groups generally did not experience difficulty obtaining permission to build new pagodas, monasteries, or community religious halls, in contrast with minority religious groups. According to religious organizations, the Ministry of Religious Affairs financially supported the SSMNC and religious ceremonies. Some teachers at government schools reportedly required students to recite Buddhist prayers, although such practices were no longer a mandated part of the curriculum. Many classrooms displayed Buddhist altars or other Buddhist iconography. Without citizenship, the Rohingya did not have access to secondary education in state-run schools. Authorities did not permit Rohingya high school graduates from Rakhine State and others living in IDP (internally displaced person) camps to travel outside the state to attend college or university. Authorities continued to bar Muslim university students who did not possess citizenship scrutiny cards from graduating. These students were permitted to attend classes and take examinations, but they could not receive diplomas unless they claimed a "foreign" ethnic minority affiliation. The Rohingya also were unable to obtain employment in any civil service positions. Rohingya couples needed to obtain government permission to marry. In addition, some Rohingya sources expressed concern about the two-child policy for Rohingya families, referring to a 2005 local order promulgated in northern Rakhine State. In Rakhine State, government officials mistreated Rohingya Muslims at border crossings. Security forces imposed restrictions on the movement of Rohingya and non-Rohingya Muslims, including IDPs. The government stated it imposed these restrictions because of reported persistent threats of violence from members of Rakhine communities. These restrictions impeded the ability of Rohingya and some non-Rohingya Muslims to pursue livelihoods, gain access to markets and other basic services, and engage other communities. According to civil society groups, government officials denied this population access to basic services, including hospitals. Anti-Rohingya groups in some townships obstructed efforts by aid workers to provide humanitarian assistance to Muslims. Restrictions governing the travel of foreigners, Rohingya, and others between townships in northern Rakhine State varied depending on township, usually requiring submission of an immigration form. The traveler could obtain this form only from the Township Immigration and National Registration Department and only if that person provided an original copy of a family list, temporary registration card, and two guarantors. Travel was authorized under the form for 14 days. Authorities prevented Muslims from living in Rakhine State's Gwa or Taungup areas. Authorities granted Muslims outside of Rakhine State more freedom to travel, but they still faced restrictions on travel into and out of Rakhine State. As of December the government said it had resettled approximately 3,300 individuals displaced by intercommunal violence in 2013 in Meiktila, Mandalay Division. Local authorities continued to scrutinize eligibility for resettlement of approximately 400 remaining IDPs. Muslim community representatives reported that in some cases Muslim businesses were unable to procure government contracts without a Buddhist "front" person and were prevented from owning licenses to open airlines and banking businesses. Media and religious sources said local authorities in Irrawaddy Division began to restrict the licensing and butchering of cattle by Muslim slaughterhouses, which negatively affected business operations and the ability of Muslim communities to celebrate Islamic holidays. Nearly all promotions to senior positions within the military and civil service continued to be reserved for Buddhists. The government discouraged Muslims from joining the military, and Christian or Muslim military officers who aspired to promotion beyond the rank of major were reportedly encouraged by their superiors to convert to Buddhism. Some Muslims who wished to join the military reportedly had to list "Buddhist" as their religion on their applications, although they were not required to convert. NGOs considered the 1982 Citizenship Law as providing the legal framework for the gradual erosion of legal status and rights for Rohingya in the country. In January the government launched a statewide citizenship verification exercise to address the issue of citizenship of the Rohingya in Rakhine State. More than 900 Rohingya and Kaman Muslims gained either full or naturalized citizenship in the pilot exercise, initiated in Myebon Township in June 2014. Recipients of naturalized citizenship were ineligible to participate in some political activities and professions. Although recognized by the 1982 Citizenship Law as one of the 135 ethnic groups that automatically qualifies for citizenship, religious groups said some Kaman Muslims in Rakhine State chose to participate in the citizenship verification pilot as a quick means to gain status after being displaced by the 2012 violence and living in IDP camps alongside Rohingya. The government required participants to identify as "Bengali" if they wished to be verified for citizenship, based on the argument that the Rohingya residents of Rakhine State were illegal immigrants from Bangladesh or descendants of migrants transplanted by the British during colonial rule. Rohingya activists said they feared that self-identifying as Bengali would undercut their claims for full citizenship rights in the future. At year's end the government had not made provision for the Rohingya and Kaman Muslims in Myebon who had gained citizenship through the verification process to move out of their IDP camps. Authorities required citizens and permanent residents to carry government-issued identification cards, including the citizenship "scrutiny" cards that permitted holders to access services and prove citizenship. These identification cards often indicated religious affiliation and ethnicity, but there appeared to be no consistent criteria governing whether a person's religion was indicated on the card. The government also required citizens to indicate their religion on certain official applications for documents such as passports, although passports themselves do not indicate the bearer's religion. Members of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, faced problems obtaining citizenship scrutiny cards. Some Muslims reported that they were required to indicate a "foreign" ethnicity if they self-identified as Muslim on applications for the citizenship scrutiny cards. While the SSMNC issued a decree in 2013 to ban the formation of the Buddhist nationalist 969 movement, the SSMNC did not take actions against the activities of MaBaTha, an association of Buddhist monks formed to "protect religion and nationality." Authorities discussed but did not take action against MaBaTha hate speech in print and on social media, nor against other MaBaTha political activities which were reportedly in contravention of the law against mixing politics and religion. Media reported that a MaBaTha monk claimed President Thein Sein intervened to secure a venue for a large MaBaTha rally celebrating the passage of the four race and religion laws. The Ministry of Information continued to encourage civil society to develop hate speech monitoring platforms and announced on several occasions its intention to take action against perpetrators of hate speech. For instance, on September 18, the minister of information announced the government would take action against individuals who promoted hate speech or religious hatred to incite tension in the lead-up to the November 8 general elections. The information minister made multiple statements during the year against the use of hate speech on social media. The government did not censure any individuals for hate speech during the election campaign period. State-controlled media frequently depicted government officials and family members paying homage to Buddhist monks; offering donations at pagodas; officiating at ceremonies to open, improve, restore, or maintain pagodas; and organizing "people's donations" of money, food, and uncompensated labor to build or refurbish Buddhist shrines nationwide. The government published and distributed books on Buddhist religious instruction. Although the law prohibits mixing of religion and politics, some local political parties developed campaign slogans describing themselves as Muslim-free parties, and some monks prescribed criteria for the vetting of political candidates who could protect Buddhism. The government-supported Interfaith Dialogue Group organized dialogues in upper Burma on July 25 and lower Burma on October 17. The lower Burma dialogue included the participation of Rangoon Chief Minister Myint Swe, Ministry of Religious Affairs Director General Khine Aung, retired Ambassador Dr. Hla Maung, and religious leaders, such as U Hla Htun, the coordinator of Sanatan Dharma Swayamsevak Sangh, the country's most prominent Hindu organization, and Father Joseph Maung Win of St. Anthony's Church. Although the Ministry of Information in 2014 established an intergovernmental committee, chaired by one of the two vice presidents, to address hate speech on social media, liaise with social media operators, and facilitate the consideration of hate speech-related complaints from the public, there were no clear reports the body actually carried out its stated responsibilities. In an election campaign video, President Thein Sein described the passage of the "race and religious protection" laws as an achievement of his administration. The government permitted some foreign religious groups to operate. Local religious organizations were also able to send official invitations for visa purposes to clergy from faith-based groups overseas, and foreign religious visitors acquired either a tourist or business visa for entry. Authorities permitted Rangoon-based groups to host international students and experts. There were approximately 3,900 Hajj pilgrims. The government expedited passport issuance for 280 of the pilgrims and simplified procedures for all Hajj travelers. Christian groups reported that in many cases, including in ethnic minority areas, the government no longer enforced the requirement that religious organizations obtain government permission to engage in certain activities such as religious education or charitable work. In areas with heavy military presence in Kachin State, Christian groups reported that approval from the military could be required to engage in activities. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom MaBaTha published and spread anti-Muslim hate speech in print and social media and organized a series of rallies countrywide to celebrate the passage of the "race and religious protection laws." Monks affiliated with MaBaTha publicly encouraged followers to vote against political parties and candidates who did not support the package of legislation. Anti-Muslim literature circulated widely in communities throughout the country and included incitement to violence and called for boycotts of Muslim business and other forms of anti-Muslim discrimination. Buddhists reportedly prevented Muslims from living in some areas and displayed signboards pronouncing the areas had been "purified" of Muslims. In Karen and Mon States there were anti-Muslim sermons and campaigns to prohibit business dealings between Buddhists and Muslims. In other areas, Buddhists reportedly would not sell or rent property to Muslims. In Hpa'an Township, Karen State, prominent monk Myaing Gyi Ngu constructed a stupa (a mound-like structure that contains relics and is used as a place of meditation) in a Baptist church compound without consent from the church leaders. According to media reports, in response to complaints from local Christian groups, the president instructed the minister of religious affairs to resolve the issue and the Karen State government issued a letter requesting the monk to halt the construction. Despite opposition from community members and the government's directive, the monk completed the construction. On October 20, a small group of Buddhist nationalists gathered at the township administrator's office in Thaketa Township in Rangoon Division to demand that trustees of nine local madrassahs sign a pledge that they would not hold prayers in the madrassahs and would not allow patrons to wear Muslim skullcaps and robes. The crowd dispersed after the trustees signed the pledge. With the rise in religious hate speech, religious and community leaders and civil society activists organized intrafaith and interfaith events and worked jointly to develop mechanisms to monitor and counter hate speech and to promote religious tolerance and diversity. In the Mandalay region, an NGO worked with like-minded groups to lead a series of conflict transformation training sessions for selected youth and community leaders focused on preventing intercommunal violence. In the Bago region, local groups launched an effort to promote responsible use of social media by distributing booklets to raise awareness of the dangers of hate speech and false information on social media platforms such as Facebook. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy Senior U.S. officials, including the Ambassador and visiting U.S. government officials, raised ongoing U.S. concerns about religious freedom, the plight of the Rohingya in Rakhine State, the passage of the "race and religious protection" laws, and the rise of anti-Muslim hate speech and tension. The U.S. government consistently called for long-term and durable solutions to the lack of citizenship status for Rohingya Muslims, including a voluntary and transparent path to restoration and provision of citizenship that does not require Rohingya applicants to self-identify in ways with which they are uncomfortable, specifically as "Bengali." These officials included the Deputy Secretary of State, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, the Deputy National Security Adviser, and the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Embassy officials at all levels discussed the importance of addressing the lingering effects of past ethnoreligious-based violence and anti-Muslim hate speech and promoting religious freedom and tolerance in meetings with high-level government officials, including the ministers of foreign affairs, home affairs, and the president's office, the deputy minister of religious affairs, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, the chairman of the union election commission, parliamentarians, including NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, members of civil society, scholars, and representatives of other governments. Embassy officials traveled to states containing ethnic minorities to discuss religious freedom and tolerance with state and local government officials, NGOs, and members of community-based organizations and religious communities. The Ambassador visited the Christian majority Chin and Kachin states, areas affected by ethnoreligious-based violence in 2013 and 2014, and other areas that had suffered from and were identified as at risk of ethnoreligious conflict. The Ambassador made a number of visits to Rakhine State to assess the situation and worked closely with the diplomatic community to develop responses to the ongoing crisis. The embassy continued to call for respect for religious freedom, tolerance, and unity in its interactions with all sectors of society, and on its widely viewed Facebook page. Embassy representatives spoke out against intercommunal conflict and hate speech, and for religious freedom at high-profile events, including a July 25 event celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Embassy representatives, including the Ambassador, met repeatedly with Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim leaders, including ethnic minority religious leaders, members of faculties of theology, and other religiously affiliated organizations, including MaBaTha, and NGOs to promote religious freedom, diversity, and tolerance. The Ambassador hosted an Eid al-Fitr dinner in July to bring civil society leaders and various faith communities together to discuss issues pertaining to religious freedom and communal relations. In May the embassy sponsored a three-day conference in Mandalay city to promote tolerance of religious and ethnic diversity; more than 70 participants from Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu religious organizations, civil society, and government discussed interfaith relations. The embassy regularly published statements highlighting concerns about religious-based tension and anti-Muslim discrimination as well as called for respect for religious diversity, unity, and tolerance, including during the pre-election period. In September the embassy and eight other diplomatic missions released a joint statement to highlight concerns about the misuse of religion in the election campaign season. The embassy sponsored visits of youth civil society leaders to the United States for programs on religious pluralism, and hosted U.S. speakers to discuss interfaith tolerance. As in prior years, the embassy partnered with and supported numerous faith-based and civil society organizations working on programs promoting religious freedom and tolerance. Since 1999, Burma has been designated as a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. On February 29, 2016, the Secretary of State redesignated Burma as a CPC and identified the following sanction that accompanied the designation: the existing ongoing arms embargo referenced in 22 CFR 126.1(a) pursuant to section 402(c)(5) of the Act. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burkina Faso Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Burkina Faso, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89ac.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution states the country is a secular state, and both it and other laws provide for the right of individuals to choose and change their religion and to practice the religion of their choice. Unlike previous years, the transition government did not subsidize travel costs for Muslim pilgrims going on the Hajj, but allocated subsidies to the three main religious communities. The government created a National Observatory of Religious Facts (ONAFAR) to "monitor the implementation of regulations on cultural practices" and promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue. In March incidents between members of the Tijaniyah Muslim community and the broader Sunni Muslim community over the right of Sunnis to pray in Ouaregou resulted in several injuries and property damage in the village. To promote interfaith tolerance and dialogue, the U.S. embassy sponsored the visit of a Muslim cleric to the United States. Embassy officers also met with religious leaders to promote religious freedom. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 18.9 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2006 census, 61 percent of the population is Muslim, predominantly Sunni, 19 percent is Roman Catholic, 4 percent belong to various Protestant groups, and 15 percent maintain exclusively indigenous beliefs. Less than 1 percent is atheist or belongs to other religious groups. Statistics on religious affiliation are approximate because Muslims and Christians often adhere simultaneously to some aspects of indigenous religious beliefs. Muslims reside largely in the northern, eastern, and western border regions, and Christians are concentrated in the center of the country. Indigenous religious beliefs are practiced throughout the country, especially in rural communities. The capital has a mixed Muslim and Christian population. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states the country is secular, and both it and other laws provide for the right of individuals to choose and change their religion and to practice the religion of their choice. The constitution states freedom of belief is subject to respect for law, public order, good morals, and "the human person." Political parties based on religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliation are forbidden. The law requires all organizations, religious or otherwise, to register with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. The registration process usually takes about three to four weeks and costs less than 50,000 CFA francs ($83). Registration confers legal status but no specific obligations or benefits. Failure to register may result in a fine of 50,000 to 150,000 CFA francs ($83 to $249). Religious groups operate under the same regulatory framework for publishing and broadcasting as other entities. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization has the right to request copies of proposed publications and broadcasts to verify that they are in accordance with the nature of the religious group as stated in their registration. Religious teaching is not allowed in public schools. Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant groups operate private primary and secondary schools and some schools of higher education. By law schools (religious or otherwise) must submit the names of their directors to the government and register their schools with the Ministry of National Education and Literacy, but the government does not appoint or approve these officials. Government Practices In January the government established a National Observatory of Religious Facts (ONAFAR) to "monitor the implementation of regulations on cultural practices," as previously proposed by officials from religious communities and the government. The ONAFAR monitored religious media content and the implementation of regulations on cultural practices, promoted tolerance and interreligious dialogue, and strengthened the capacities of religious groups. The ONAFAR had 10 members representing the Superior Council for Communication, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions, the Federation of Islamic Associations, and the (Catholic) Burkina-Niger Episcopal Conference. The government gave all religious groups equal access to registration and routinely approved their applications. The government did not fund religious schools or require them to pay taxes unless they conducted for-profit activities. Likewise, the government taxed religious groups only if they engaged in commercial activities, such as farming or dairy production. The government reviewed the curricula of most religious schools to ensure they offered the full standard academic curriculum; however, the majority of Quranic schools were not registered, and thus their curricula were not reviewed. The government allocated 75 million CFA francs ($124,400) each to various Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant communities. According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the government might provide an additional subsidy when the religious community or organization pursued a mission of general interest, such as education, health, or vocational training; when the religious community conducted an activity of national interest, such as promoting peace or social stability; or when the success or failure of an activity could have affected a significant part of the population, as in the case of religious pilgrimages. For example, in September the government inaugurated a new 1 billion CFA franc ($1.65 million) terminal for pilgrims of all faiths at the Ouagadougou airport. The government also provided funding to Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim (commonly referred to as "Franco-Arabic") schools through subsidies for teacher salaries, which were typically less than those of public school teachers. In the wake of the 2014 resignation of former President Blaise Compaore, representatives of these three religious communities were included in discussions with the military, political parties, and civil society organizations to create a charter for the country's transitional government. Representatives of religious groups were included in the transitional government as members of a "college" formed to select the president of the transitional government. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom In March violent clashes within the Muslim community between members of the Tijaniyah and broader Sunni movements in Ouaregou, Boulgou Province, led to several injuries and damage to private property. Local authorities told journalists that the incidents started after the arrival in Ouaregou of a group of migrants adhering to a different form of Sunni Islam. The Tijaniyah community, which was already present, prevented them from praying separately and attacked them when they did so. Local authorities, including the prefect, the gendarmerie, and the police, attempted an unsuccessful mediation. The Tenkodogo High Court indicted nine individuals for offenses related to the clashes and kept them in detention. In January Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant clerics in Bobo-Dioulasso protested cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad in the French publication Charlie Hebdo. Members of the Burkinabe Muslim Community organization, the Catholic Archdiocese of Ouagadougou, and the (Protestant) Federation of Evangelical Churches stated that religious tolerance was widespread and that numerous examples existed of families of mixed faiths. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and embassy officials met separately with Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant religious leaders throughout the country, at the local and national levels, to encourage their efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and advocate for religious tolerance and freedom. In July the embassy sponsored a young member of the Muslim community to visit the United States through a U.S. government program on tolerance and interfaith dialogue. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Brunei Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Brunei, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89b73.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution states that while the official religion is the Shafi'i school of Islam, all other religions may be practiced "in peace and harmony." The government permitted Shafi'i Muslims and members of longstanding religious minorities to practice their faiths. Phase one of the Sharia Penal Code (SPC) operates in parallel with the existing common law-based criminal justice system and primarily involves offenses punished by fines or imprisonment. It expands longstanding restrictions on drinking alcohol, eating in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan, cross-dressing, close proximity between unmarried people of the opposite sex, and propagating religions other than Islam, and it prohibits "indecent behavior," which is defined broadly. The SPC applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, including foreigners, with non-Muslims exempted from certain sections. Under the SPC, the determination of whether a person is a Muslim is based on "general reputation." During the year, the country did not implement phases two and three of the SPC, which would include punishments such as stoning to death for fornication, sodomy, or apostasy, and amputation of the hand for thievery. The criminal procedure code that is a necessary precursor to implementation of these phases of the SPC has not been published. On September 22, Brunei signed the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment of Punishment (UNCAT), obligating the state to refrain in good faith from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the UNCAT during the period between signing and ratification. Throughout the year, the government published guidance for respecting Islam, especially during Ramadan, and repeated previous warnings that the public display of religions or cultures other than Islam, including Christmas decorations and Chinese traditional lion dances, could amount to an offense under the SPC and be prosecuted. Some non-Muslims and Muslims faced social pressure to conform to Islamic guidelines regarding behavior. Islamic authorities organized a range of proselytizing activities and incentives to explain and propagate Islam. Anecdotal reports indicated that some Muslims who wished to convert to another religion feared social retribution, such as ostracism by friends, family, and their community. Throughout the year, the U.S. Ambassador and other U.S. government officials including the Secretary of State and the U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities repeatedly expressed to officials at all levels concern that full implementation of the SPC, including the severe penalties in the remaining phases, would undermine several of the country's international human rights commitments, including the freedoms of religion and of expression, and prohibitions on torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The Ambassador and other U.S. government officials also urged the government at the highest levels to defer the implementation of phases two and three of SPC and encouraged the government to ratify the UNCAT and sign and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 430,000 (July 2015 estimate). According to the most recent data available (2011 census), approximately 78.8 percent of the population is Muslim, 8.7 percent Christian, and 7.8 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4.8 percent consists of other religions including indigenous beliefs. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups. According to official statistics (Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2014), ethnically Malay Bruneians, who comprise 66 percent of the population, are all Muslims, as this is presumed to be an inherited status. A majority (65 percent) of the Chinese population, which is approximately 10 percent of the total population and includes both citizens and permanent residents, is Buddhist, and 20 percent is Christian. Indigenous tribes such as Dusun, Bisaya, and Murut make up approximately 4 percent of the population and are roughly 50 percent Muslim, 15 percent Christian, and the remainder other religious groups, including adherents of traditional practices. The remaining quarter of the population includes foreign-born workers, primarily from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Asia, and stateless residents. According to official statistics, approximately half of these temporary and permanent residents are Muslim, more than one quarter Christian, and 15 percent Buddhist. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution states the religion of the country shall be the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam but allows all other religions to be practiced "in peace and harmony" by the persons professing them. Laws and regulations place restrictions on religious groups, including religious practice, teachings, and places of worship. The legal system is divided between civil law and sharia, which run parallel systems of both criminal and civil/family law and operate separate courts under a single judiciary department. While the civil courts are based on common law, the sharia courts follow Islamic jurisprudence, including no law of precedence. Sharia courts have jurisdiction over both criminal and civil/family matters and hear cases brought under longstanding sharia legislation as well as under the SPC. Almost all crimes included in the first phase of the SPC were already illegal in Brunei the SPC increases the penalties and broadens some definitions. Phase one of the SPC runs in parallel with the existing common law-based criminal law system and primarily involves offenses punishable by fines or imprisonment. It expands restrictions in longstanding sharia law on drinking alcohol, eating in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan, cross-dressing, close proximity between unmarried people of different genders, and propagating religions other than Islam. It includes a prohibition of "indecent behavior," which criminalizes any act that "tends to tarnish the image of Islam, deprave a person, bring bad influence or cause anger to the person who is likely to have seen the act." The SPC applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, including foreigners, with non-Muslims exempted from certain sections, such as requirements for men to join Friday prayers. It states that Muslims will be identified for purposes of the law by "general reputation." Although the SPC is law, the second phase of the SPC, which would include amputating the hands of thieves, is not scheduled to come into effect until one year after the publication of a Sharia Courts Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The CPC has yet to be published. Phase three of the SPC which would include punishments such as stoning to death for those found guilty of fornication, adultery, or sodomy, and execution of persons for apostasy or contempt of the Prophet Muhammad is scheduled to be implemented two years after the publication of the CPC. The punishments included in phases two and three include different standards of proof than the common law-based penal code, such as requiring four pious men to witness personally an act of fornication to support a sentence of stoning. Stoning sentences, however, could be supported by a confession in lieu of evidence. The government describes its official national philosophy as Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy, which the government defines as "a system that encompasses strong Malay cultural influences, stressing the importance of Islam in daily life and governance, and respect for the monarchy as represented by His Majesty the Sultan." The government has said this system is essential to the country's way of life and as country's main defense against extremism. A government body called the MIB Supreme Council seeks to spread and strengthen the MIB philosophy and ensure MIB is enshrined in the nation's laws and policies. MIB is a compulsory subject for students in both public and private schools, including at the university level. The Religious Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) is the lead agency in many investigations related to religious practices, but other agencies also play a role. MORA's Religious Enforcement Division leads investigations on crimes that exist only in the SPC and other sharia legislation, such as male Muslims failing to pray on Fridays. Cases involving crimes that do not exist under sharia are investigated by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF). Cases involving crimes covered by both sharia and existing civil code are also investigated by the RBPF and referred to the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC). In these cases, the AGC determines in each case if a specific crime should be prosecuted and whether it should be filed in the sharia or civil court. No official guidelines for the AGC's determination process have been published. Muslims are legally permitted to renounce their religion but must inform the Religious Council in writing. The law states the conversion of children is not automatic with the conversion of the parent. A person must be at least 14 years and seven months old to convert to Islam. Children are presumed to be of the same religion as their parents. The law requires all organizations, including religious groups, to register and provide the names of their members. Applicants are subject to background checks for leaders and board members, and proposed organizations are subject to naming requirements. Benefits of registration include the ability to operate, to reserve space in public buildings, and to apply for permission to raise funds. The registrar of societies oversees the application process, exercises discretion over applications, and is authorized to refuse approval for any reason. Unregistered organizations can face charges of unlawful assembly and may be subject to fines. Individuals who participate in or influence others to join unregistered organizations can be fined, arrested, and imprisoned. The general penalty for violating laws on the registration and activity of organizations is a fine of up to 10,000 Brunei dollars (BND) ($7062), imprisonment for up to two years, or both. The government bans several religious groups it considers deviant, including Al-Arqam, Abdul Razak Mohammad, Al-Ma'unah, Saihoni Taispan, Tariqat Mufarridiyyah, Silat Lintau, Qadiyaniah, and the Bahai Faith. The law forbids the teaching or promotion of any religion other than Islam to Muslims or to persons of no faith. Under the first phase of the SPC, the penalty for propagating religions other than Islam is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to BND 20,000 ($14,124), or both. There were no reports of prosecutions under this section of the law. The SPC includes a provision that makes it illegal to criticize Islam, including the SPC itself, though no cases or arrests or changes under this provision were reported. The law states that any public assembly of five or more persons requires official approval in advance. Under longstanding emergency powers, this applies to all forms of public assembly, including religious. The law establishes two sets of schools: those offering the national or international curriculum and administered by the Ministry of Education, and those offering additional religious education that are administered by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The law mandates that all Muslim children aged seven to 15 who reside in Brunei and who have at least one parent who is a citizen or permanent resident must study Islamic religious knowledge whether they attend public or private school. The law promulgates the officially recognized Shafi'i school and does not make accommodations for Muslims who have non-Shafi'i beliefs. Public and private schools, including private schools run by churches, are prohibited from providing religious instruction in beliefs other than the Shafi'i school of Islam. Additional religious education in the form of Ugama instruction (a seven- to eight-year course that teaches Sunni Islam according to the Shafi'i school) is mandatory for Muslim students aged seven to 14 who hold citizenship or permanent residency. Muslim parents who fail to enroll their children in religious school face a BND 5,000 ($3,531) fine, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Schools, including private schools, can be fined or school officials imprisoned for teaching non-Islamic religious subjects. The SPC criminalizes exposing Muslim children or the children of parents who have no religion to the beliefs and practices of any religion other than Islam. The law also requires practitioners to obtain official permission before teaching any matter relating to Islam. Laws and regulations limit access to religious literature. The law states that it is an offense for a person to import any publication deemed objectionable, which is defined in part as describing, depicting, or expressing matters of race or religion in a manner likely to cause "feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will, or hostility between different racial or religious groups." All parental rights are awarded to the Muslim parent if a child is born to mixed-faith parents. The non-Muslim parent is not recognized in any official document, including the child's birth certificate, unless that parent has converted to Islam. Non-Muslims may be arrested for khalwat (close proximity between the sexes) under the SPC, provided that the other accused party is Muslim. Foreigners are also subject to khalwat laws. Government Practices The government continued to enforce sharia restrictions and prosecuted new offenses under the SPC. It continued to apply sharia to non-Muslims, resulting in arrests, fines, and confiscations, as well as to impose traditional Islamic social norms more broadly. These included placing limitations on businesses, activities suspected of encouraging mingling of men and women, proselytizing, and religious education. The authorities continued to arrest persons for offenses under sharia, such as khalwat and alcohol consumption by Muslims, both of which are illegal under the SPC as well as longstanding sharia. During the year, the government reported 103 khalwat cases, of which 69 resulted in convictions of both men and women. Of these cases, 88 were prosecuted under the SPC and 15 under longstanding sharia; eight of those convicted for khalwat were non-Muslims. Not all of those accused of khalwat were formally arrested. There were some reports of administrative penalties, such as travel bans or suspension from government jobs, for individuals accused but not yet convicted of khalwat, but application of such practices reportedly was not consistent. Implementing regulations governing khalwat proceedings were not issued by year's end. In March a Muslim civil servant was fined BND$1,000 ($706) under the SPC after he pleaded guilty to cross-dressing in a public place. During the court proceedings, the sharia prosecutor stated the act of men wearing women's clothing was immoral in Islam. One additional person arrested for cross-dressing had not yet been prosecuted by year's end. Officials continued to state that the harshest punishments included in the later phases of the SPC, if implemented, would rarely if ever be applied because of the extremely high standards of proof required. The government issued numerous warnings about restrictions on non-Muslims proselytizing to Muslims or people with no religion. Authorities prohibited non-Muslims and non-Shafi'i Muslims from receiving non-Shafi'i religious education in schools. During the year the government reported three cases of religious teaching without written approval, of which one resulted in conviction. The government tolerated religious education in private settings, such as the home. During a briefing to U.S. citizens on the implementation of SPC, a panel comprising representatives of MORA and the AGC said it was permitted to educate children who are presumed to be of the same faith as their parents about religion in the home, and to answer questions about other religions, as Islam promotes learning. They said it would only be an offense if a non-Muslim actively tried to persuade a Muslim or someone of no faith to follow a religion other than Islam. Government officials reported no religious group sought to register. Friday sermons were uniform across all mosques with approved texts drafted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and preached by registered imams. The government periodically warned the population about "outsiders" preaching non-Shafi'i versions of Islam, including both "liberal" practices and those associated with jihadism or Salafism. In November MORA cohosted a conference with the Muslim World League (Rabitah Al-Alam Al-Islami), an NGO funded by Saudi Arabia and focused on the theme of wasatiah, or moderation, in Islam. The government issued several warnings that the act of publicly displaying symbols of religions other than Islam could be seen as propagation of religions other than Islam, an offense under the SPC. During the Christmas season, imams' standardized sermons warned Muslims against celebrating Christmas, including through decorations or carols. Unlike during the 2014 season, in which MORA issued warnings that the public display of Christmas decorations could constitute an offense under the SPC and several businesses reportedly received visits from religious enforcement officers, there were no reports of raids or charges, but businesses and members of the Christian community reported practicing self-censorship. In February the government placed additional restrictions on traditional Chinese New Year lion dance performances. Performances were limited to a three-day period and restricted to the Chinese temple, Chinese school halls, and private residencies of Chinese association members. There were no reports of charges. Members of the royal family publicly attended Chinese New Year celebrations and lion dance performances during the allowed period, with extensive coverage in state-influenced media. Muslim women employed by the government were expected to wear a tudong, a traditional head covering, to work, though some chose not to with no reports of official repercussions. In government schools and institutions of higher learning, Muslim female students were required to wear a uniform that includes a head covering. Male students were expected to wear the songkok, a traditional hat, although this was not required in all schools. Women who were incarcerated, including non-Muslims, were required to wear a uniform that included a tudong. Churches confirmed that a fatwa barring their expansion or renovation remained in place, and that facilities were often too small to accommodate their congregations without significant overflow seating outdoors. Christian churches and associated schools were allowed, for safety reasons, to repair and renovate buildings on their sites, but the approval process remained lengthy and difficult. All church-associated schools were recognized by the Ministry of Education and offered a full curriculum. The schools remained open to students of any religion. The government continued to enforce strict customs controls on importing non-Islamic religious texts such as Bibles, as well as on Islamic religious teaching materials or scriptures intended for sale or distribution. The Ministry of Education (MOE) required courses on Islam and MIB in all schools, with non-Muslims exempted from some religious requirements. The Ministry of Religious Affairs posted religious teachers in some embassies abroad to teach Brunei citizens in those locations Most school textbooks were illustrated to portray Islam as the norm, and women and girls were shown wearing the Islamic head covering. There were no depictions of the practices of other religious groups in textbooks. Throughout the year, the government enforced business hour restrictions for all businesses, requiring that they close for the two hours of Friday prayers. Religious enforcement officers continued to enforce a ban on restaurants serving dine-in food during the fasting hours of Ramadan, and issued verbal warnings to those found in breach of the ban. In June 17 non-halal restaurants sent a letter of appeal to MORA to allow them to serve non-Muslim customers during Ramadan fasting hours. In response, the ministry issued a statement urging the public to respect Ramadan and reiterating all restaurants were banned from serving dine-in customers during the fasting hours. The government continued to enforce a ban on eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan, which was applied to both Muslims and non-Muslims. There were no publicized arrests or prosecutions for failure to respect Ramadan. The government maintained a longstanding ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages, and a restriction against the import or consumption of alcoholic beverages by Muslims. Religious authorities conducted raids to confiscate alcoholic beverages and nonhalal meats brought into the country without proper customs clearance. They also monitored restaurants and supermarkets to ensure conformity with halal practices. Religious authorities allowed nonhalal restaurants and nonhalal sections in supermarkets to operate without interference, but held public outreach sessions to encourage restaurants to become halal. The government continued to favor the propagation of Shafi'i beliefs and practices, particularly through public events and the education system. In February University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) held a five-series lecture program to enhance the understanding of the Shafi'i school of Islam among citizens. The lectures focused on exploration of the life of Imam as-Shafi'i and his writings, particularly those related to Islamic jurisprudence. The government maintained a list of words and expressions, including the word "Allah," reserved for use by Muslims or in relation to Islam, but there were no reports of charges or prosecutions based on violations of this list. The government clarified the use of these words did not constitute an offense when used in a nonreligious context or social activity, and other specific conditions needed to be met for their use to be considered an offense. Incentives offered to prospective converts to the Shafi'i school, especially those from indigenous communities in rural areas, included help with housing and welfare assistance. In May a joint project between the Islamic Da'wah Centre, an official institution to propagate Islam and promote Islamic learning and conversion, and MORA was launched to build houses for disadvantaged new converts. Other converts received monthly living assistance from the Islamic Da'wah Centre or funds to perform the Hajj. The government gave presentations on the benefits of converting to Islam that received extensive press coverage in state-influenced media. Official government policy supported the Islamic faith through the national MIB philosophy as well as through government pledges to make the country a zikir nation, or a nation that remembers and obeys Allah. Despite the absence of a legal prohibition of Muslims marrying non-Muslims, all Muslim weddings had to be approved by the Sharia courts, and officiants, who are imams approved by the government, required the non-Muslim to convert prior to the marriage. Most government meetings and ceremonies commenced with an Islamic prayer, which the government continued to state was not a legal requirement but a matter of custom. The government required residents to carry identity cards that stated the bearer's ethnicity, which were used in part to determine whether he or she was Muslim. Ethnic Malays traveling in the country were generally assumed to be Muslim and required to follow certain Islamic religious practices or potentially face fines, arrest, and imprisonment. Religious authorities reportedly checked identity cards for ethnicity when conducting raids against suspected violators of sharia. Visitors to the country were asked to identify their religion on their visa applications and foreign Muslims were subject to SPC. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Non-Muslims and Muslims faced social pressure to conform to Islamic guidelines regarding behavior. Some Muslims who wished to convert to another religion reportedly feared social retribution, such as ostracism by friends, family, and their community. If parents converted to Islam, there was often family and official pressure for the children to do the same. Residents who questioned the SPC on social media sometimes received online abuse and threats, and reported official monitoring. There was no legal requirement for women to wear head coverings in public; however, religious authorities continued to reinforce social customs to encourage Muslim women to wear the tudong and many women did so. Some Muslim women who did not cover their heads before the SPC was implemented said they started to do so because of social pressure. Comments disparaging Jews collectively were posted online by private individuals. Such comments were generally linked to Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy In September the Secretary of State met with the sultan in New York and explained that the United States believes that full implementation of the SPC, including the severe penalties in the remaining phases, would undermine several of the country's international human rights commitments, including the freedoms of religion and expression and prohibitions on torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. He encouraged the sultan to host a conference on Islam and human rights and make a statement on human rights. In November U.S. and Brunei government officials met in London for a high-level officials meeting which, for the first time, included human rights consultations. The U.S. Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor encouraged the government to ratify the UNCAT, which it signed in September, and sign and ratify the ICCPR. He recommended that officials ensure all laws are in accordance with international human rights obligations and commitments, including those regarding the freedom of religion, and expressed concern that the hudud punishments (such as stoning and amputation) included in the SPC would be inconsistent with those commitments. He urged the government to refrain from further implementing laws that would violate the country's international human rights commitments. In his remarks at the meeting, the U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities suggested the government host a conference on Islam and human rights and that the sultan make a statement on human rights. The U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities visited the country in April with a delegation of prominent American Muslims, including an imam and an Islamic legal scholar. The delegation met with the sultan, the state mufti, key ministers, the Attorney General's Chambers, business leaders, young entrepreneurs, and Islamic legal students. He noted there was no contradiction between Islam and human rights, and encouraged the country to host a conference on those topics. He stressed that the government should carefully consider implementation of the SPC and ensure that implementation not undermine the nation's international human rights commitments. The meetings and public appearances received wide and positive press coverage in the country. The Ambassador and other U.S. officials repeated these messages and suggestions throughout the year to government officials on all levels. They emphasized the United States takes seriously assurances from the government that the evidentiary and witness standards in the SPC would as a matter of procedure and policy be so exacting as to effectively guarantee that torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment will not be carried out in practice. The Ambassador and other U.S. government officials also raised concerns that a confession could be used in lieu of evidence, and that those accused could feel social pressure to confess. They urged officials to defer the publication of the procedural code that is a necessary precursor to the remaining phases of the SPC. Embassy officials also urged compliance with international human rights norms with religious enforcement officers and officials involved in drafting, implementing, and enforcing the SPC. Embassy exchange programs exposed students to concepts of religious freedom in other countries and encouraged them to discuss religion and religious freedom with individuals of other faiths. The embassy funded two prosecutors from the Attorney General's Chambers, which is helping to draft the criminal procedure code for the SPC and prosecutes some crimes related to religious freedom, to take part in a three-week exchange program in the United States on the U.S. judicial system. Embassy officials met with representatives of all principal religious groups, as well as with lawyers defending individuals charged with violations of sharia. Embassy and other U.S. government officials visited places of worship, spoke with leaders of various religious groups, and facilitated discussions on religious freedom issues, including obstacles to practicing religions and beliefs other than Shafi'i Islam and laws and policies affecting religious freedom, including provisions of sharia. The Ambassador attended numerous Chinese New Year celebrations, which included lion dancing, and visited the Chinese temple with press. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, as well as other official visitors, engaged legal, religious, and political leaders on the SPC and the country's international human rights and religious freedom commitments. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Brazil Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Brazil, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89c15.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The federal constitution states that freedom of conscience and belief is inviolable, and that free exercise of religious beliefs is guaranteed. In addition, the constitution prohibits federal, state, and local governments from either supporting or hindering any specific religion. A committee of the federal Senate held a public hearing on religious intolerance, focusing on the instances of violence against practitioners of African-originated religions. Some members of congress and religious leaders called for the creation of a congressional committee to investigate the violence. According to the Secretariat of Human Rights (SDH), its hotline received 70 percent more calls about cases of religious intolerance, in some cases violent, than the previous year. Societal discrimination based on religious affiliation was most frequently directed at practitioners of African-originated religions. U.S. embassy and consulate officials met with members of the National Committee for the Respect of Religious Diversity (CNRDR), which comprises members from various federal ministries, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations. U.S. officials from Washington met with CNRDR leaders and interfaith communities to promote religious freedom and tolerance. The Department of State Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism visited Sao Paulo in April to meet with leaders of the Jewish and interfaith communities. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 204.3 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2010 census, an estimated 64.6 percent of the population is Roman Catholic and 22 percent is Protestant. Approximately 60 percent of Protestants belong to Pentecostal churches, 18 percent belong to "mainstream" Protestant churches, and 22 percent belong to other Protestant groups. Other Christian groups constituting less than 1 percent of the population include Jehovah's Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Atheists, agnostics, those who claim no religion, and those whose religion is unknown make up roughly 8 percent of the population. Other groups, each constituting less than 1 percent of the population, include Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and African and syncretic religious groups such as Candomble and Umbanda. There are a small number of adherents of indigenous religious beliefs. Assessments of the number of Muslims vary. According to the 2010 census, there are approximately 35,200 Muslims, while the Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil states the number at approximately 1.5 million. Other observers estimate the number of Muslims to be between 400,000 and 500,000. There are significant numbers of Muslims in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and Foz do Iguazu, as well as in smaller cities in the states of Parana and Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Jewish Confederation of Brazil, there are approximately 125,000 Jews, 65,000 of whom reside in Sao Paulo State and 25,000 in Rio de Janeiro State. Many other cities have smaller Jewish communities. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The federal constitution states that freedom of conscience and belief is inviolable, and the free exercise of religious beliefs is guaranteed. The constitution prohibits federal, state, and local governments from either supporting or hindering any specific religion. The law provides penalties of up to five years in prison for crimes of religious intolerance. Courts may fine or imprison for two to five years any individual who displays, distributes, or broadcasts religiously intolerant material. It is illegal to write, edit, publish, or sell literature that promotes religious intolerance. Religious groups are free to establish places of worship, train clergy, and proselytize without being required to register, but groups seeking tax-exempt status must register with the Department of Federal Revenue and with the local municipality. States and municipalities have requirements and regulations for obtaining tax-exempt status. Most jurisdictions require groups to document the purpose of their congregation to ensure it is in line with the constitution, to provide an accounting of finances, and to have a fire inspection of any house of worship. Local zoning laws and noise ordinances may limit where a religious group can build houses of worship or hold ceremonies. A constitutional provision provides the right of access to religious services and counsel in all civil and military establishments. Public schools are required to offer religious instruction, but neither the constitution nor legislation defines the parameters. By law the instruction should be nondenominational and without proselytizing, with alternative instruction for students who do not want to participate. The law prohibits public subsidies to schools operated by religious organizations. Members of African-originated religions must have access to religious professionals in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. Government Practices In September the federal Senate's Committee of Human Rights held a public hearing on religious intolerance, focusing on instances of violence against practitioners of African-originated religions throughout the country. Some religious leaders and senators called for the creation of a congressional investigative committee to investigate these cases of violence. A government representative acknowledged the problem, and spoke of plans to improve national reporting on religious violence and to expand the network of permanent forums on interfaith dialogue existing in seven of the country's states. In August the lower house of the national congress held a hearing on religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue with a panel comprising members of the National Committee for Religious Diversity, the SDH Coordinator for Religious Diversity, a Candomble priestess, the president of the National Council for Christian Churches, and the president of the Association of Evangelical Jurists. Members of the Catholic and Anglican Churches and some of the Bahai community were also present. The government representative described efforts to organize state forums on religious diversity and to create state-level committees on religious diversity. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the Interfaith Dialogue Group of the city of Porto Alegre with representatives from 10 religious groups met with the secretary of justice to announce the creation of the first coordination office for religious diversity within the state government. During a public hearing in June in Rio de Janeiro at the Brazilian Bar Association, the leadership of the Committee to Combat Religious Intolerance asked the government to create a national plan to combat religious intolerance. Government sources reported at the end of the year that a stand-alone national plan to combat religious intolerance was not yet in draft. They stated that government efforts were focused on an early 2016 release of a study on cases of religious discrimination, and on the development of a new Network for the Protection of Victims of Religious Intolerance. Although religious instruction was optional, 49 percent of schools considered it a mandatory subject and approximately 80 percent did not offer alternatives or opt-out options, according to a survey of school directors by QEdu, a domestic nonprofit organization providing information on education. Each school defined the religious curriculum, usually in agreement with parent councils. According to the SDH, 9 percent of all complaints of religious discrimination were related to incidents that took place in schools. The Ministry of Education and SDH developed workshops for teachers to address religious tolerance. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom The SDH announced that during the year, its Dial 100 hotline registered 252 reports of religious discrimination related to cases of religious intolerance, an increase of 70 percent from 2014. Between 2011 and 2015, the Dial 100 hotline received 756 reports of religious discrimination, including violence, against adherents of African-originated religions. A report prepared by the Commission to Combat Religious Intolerance in Rio de Janeiro stated there were 39 complaints of religious intolerance reported to the SDH hotline from January to June. Rio de Janeiro State reported the greatest number of cases, followed by Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. In Rio de Janeiro, 71 percent of the cases of religious intolerance were reported to be related to adherents of African-originated religions. The Palmares Foundation, linked to the Ministry of Culture, reported it registered 218 reports of violent acts against places of worship for religions of African origin since it began collecting data in 2010. In June two men attacked a group of Candomble followers as they were leaving a temple in Vila da Penha in northern Rio de Janeiro. The men shouted the Candomble followers "would burn in hell" and threw stones at the group. An 11-year-old adherent was struck in the head. As of the end of the year, the police had not identified the aggressors. In February a group of unidentified men broke into an Umbanda temple in Cachambi, North Rio, and destroyed religious images and statues. The person responsible for the temple reported that prior to the attack, neighbors threatened to damage the temple and adherents' vehicles. Police were still investigating the case and had not identified any suspects. In September unknown assailants set fire to two Candomble temples near the border of Brasilia and the state of Goias, one in Santo Antonio do Descoberto and the other in Aguas Lindas. The temple in Santo Antonio was destroyed. Civil society representatives and government officials stated that religious intolerance was often related to racism. An article in BBC's online magazine explored the reasons behind what it saw as the Neo-Pentecostal movement's effort to demonize the practitioners of Umbanda and Candomble. A teacher in the article said the conflict was about contrasting religious beliefs and deep seated racism. Several leaders of the Jewish and interfaith communities stated that overt anti-Semitism remained limited in the country. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy officials met with members of the CNRDR. The Department of State Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism visited Sao Paulo in April to meet with leaders in the Jewish and interfaith communities. In February staff from the consulate general in Rio de Janeiro met with the president of the Commission to Combat Religious Intolerance in Rio de Janeiro, to discuss cases of intolerance and the growing number of complaints by groups of Brazilians of African descent concerning Neo-Pentecostal groups. The Consul General in Sao Paulo hosted an iftar during Ramadan and invited members of the Muslim and interfaith communities to promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Botswana Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Botswana, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89d15.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion, with certain exceptions, and protection against governmental discrimination on the basis of creed. Some groups reported difficulty securing long-term residence permits for missionaries. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. embassy engaged with the government at high levels on residency permits for missionaries and religious freedom generally. The embassy met leaders of each major faith and discussed interfaith collaboration and the establishment of an interfaith council. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 2.2 million (July 2015 estimate). According to a 2006 demographics report published by the country's Central Statistics Office, 63 percent of citizens are members of Christian groups, 27 percent claim their religion as "God," 8 percent espouse no religion, 2 percent are adherents of the traditional indigenous religion Badimo, and all other religious groups comprise less than 1 percent of the population. Anglicans, Methodists, and members of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa make up the majority of Christians. There are also Lutherans, Roman Catholics, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Baptists, members of the Dutch Reformed Church, Mennonites, and members of other Christian denominations. According to a 2011 study by the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 8,000 Muslims, many of whom are of South Asian origin. There are small numbers of Hindus and Bahais. Immigrants and foreign workers are more likely to be members of non-Christian religious groups than are native-born citizens. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework Under its broader protections of freedom of conscience, the constitution provides for the freedom of thought and religion, the right to change religion or belief, and the right to manifest and propagate religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance. The constitution permits the government to restrict these rights in the interest of protecting the rights of other persons, national defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health when the restrictions are deemed "reasonably justifiable in a democratic society." The government has never exercised this provision. The constitution also prohibits discrimination based on creed in provision of rights. The constitution provides that every religious group may establish places for religious instruction at the group's expense. The constitution prohibits requiring religious instruction, as well as requiring participation in religious ceremonies in a religion other than one's own. The constitution also prohibits compelling an individual to take an oath that is contrary to that individual's religious beliefs. All organizations, including religious groups, must register with the government. To register, a group must submit its constitution to the registrar of societies section of the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs. A group must register to conduct business, sign contracts, or open an account at a local bank. Any person who manages, assists in the management of, or holds an official position in an unregistered group is subject to a fine of up to 1,000 pula (BWP) ($89) and up to seven years in prison. Any member of an unregistered group is subject to penalties including fines up to BWP 500 ($44) and up to three years in prison. Government Practices Optional religious education remained part of the curriculum in public schools; this curriculum continued to emphasize Christianity but also addressed other religious groups in the country. Government regulation of private schools did not distinguish between Christian, Muslim, or secular schools. In March the parliament amended the law to raise the minimum membership threshold for registration for religious groups from 10 members to 250 members. As of the end of the year, the amendment had not been implemented. Some Christian organizations reported that some of their missionaries had difficulty obtaining residence permits for missionary work. The Department of Labor and Home Affairs attributed this difficulty to a gray area in the immigration "points system," developed several years ago and implemented gradually, providing greater weight to missionary work tied to development projects than to proselytizing. Some observers, however, suggested considerations outside the points system affected the awarding of visas for specific religious groups. Although it was common for government meetings to begin with a Christian prayer, members of non-Christian groups also occasionally led prayers. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador engaged relevant ministries at the highest level, urging greater transparency on resident permit regulations for missionaries and advocating on behalf of religious freedom generally. The Ambassador hosted meetings with religious leaders representing each of the major faiths present in the country to discuss interfaith collaboration and the re-establishment of an interfaith council that could function in collaboration with, as well as independent of, the embassy, to promote interfaith dialogue and address religious freedom issues on an ad hoc basis. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Bolivia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Bolivia, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add89f4.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution stipulates the state is independent of all religion and provides for "freedom of thought, spirituality, religion and cult, expressed individually or collectively, in public and in private." The constitution and other laws give educational institutions the right to teach religion and indigenous spiritual belief classes. Some religious organizations, led predominantly by evangelical Christian denominations, expressed concern that a law proscribing religious registration requirements could threaten their ability to operate independently and could favor particular religious groups. The petition they submitted to the constitutional court demanding a ruling on the constitutionality of the law remained pending. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) suspended implementation of the registration legislation until the court rules. While there were no acts of vandalism reported during the year, Jewish leaders reported police still had not investigated acts of vandalism against Jewish religious sites that occurred in 2014. Muslim leaders reported incidents of discrimination toward their followers, including being spat upon and anti-Muslim graffiti near their mosque. U.S. embassy representatives met regularly with leaders of religious groups to discuss their relations with the government and religious freedom. The Charge d'Affaires hosted an interfaith roundtable in October to hear the concerns of religious leaders and discuss possible steps for mediation. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the population at 10.8 million (July 2015 estimate). In the 2001 national census, the latest to collect information on religious affiliation, 78 percent of the population identified as Roman Catholic and 16 percent as evangelical or other Protestant. Approximately 3 percent identified with smaller Christian groups and 2.5 percent self-identified as nonbelievers. There are fewer than 300 Muslims and approximately 500 Jews. According to a June polling firm survey, 74 percent of those polled identified as Catholic, 22 percent as other Christian, 3 percent as agnostic or atheist, and 1 percent as other religions. Many indigenous communities, concentrated in rural areas, practice a mix of Catholic and indigenous traditions. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework According to the constitution, the state respects and provides for "freedom of thought, spirituality, religion and cult, expressed individually or collectively, in public and in private." The constitution stipulates the state is independent of all religion. The constitution and other laws give educational institutions the option to teach religion and indigenous spiritual belief classes with the aim of encouraging mutual respect among religious communities. While religion classes are optional, schools must teach ethics with curriculum materials that promote religious tolerance. The constitution prohibits religious discrimination, including in access to educational institutions, and protects the right of access to public sport and recreational activities without regard to religion. The law requires religious groups to register with the MFA's Office of Religion and Nongovernmental Organizations as nongovernmental organizations in order to operate legally. Religious groups must submit an annual report of their general activities as well as current membership rolls and financial records to the office to remain on the registry. Registered religious groups receive tax, customs, and other legal benefits. The government may not deny legal recognition to any organization based on its articles of faith. There is no fee for registration, but the complex procedure typically requires legal assistance and several bureaucratic antecedents, such as registering the legal name of the organization, in order to register as a religious organization. Religious organizations must file a notarized listing of the names, identification numbers, tax certificates, and police files of national leaders, as well as notarized lists of names and identification numbers of their entire membership. Government Practices The registry of the MFA's Office of Religion and Nongovernmental Organization counted 434 registered religious groups and several dozen religious groups in the process of submitting the necessary legal paperwork to be registered. Some evangelical Christian groups expressed concern that the government could apply the registration law selectively to revoke their religious institutions' tax-exempt status and limit their activities. This did not occur during the year. Critics of the registration law characterized the requirements in the law and the implementing decree as "an obligation to operate under a model of administration contrary to our own faith doctrines," and they stated there was a double standard in registration processes for established religious groups versus new organizations. These evangelical groups reported they submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court in July 2014 to demand a ruling on the constitutionality of the law. The government, specifically MFA officials, met with evangelical groups to discuss their concerns during the year. Following these discussions, the MFA implemented a hiatus in the registration process pending a court ruling on the law. Government officials often participated in interfaith meetings and religious ceremonies; some religious leaders said the government favored certain groups by inviting them more frequently to participate in official government ceremonies. Christian groups specifically alleged the government favored an Andean spiritual philosophy over other religious beliefs through public statements and ceremonies, and they stated this was a violation of the constitution's separation of religion and state. They used as an example Morales' January 22 swearing-in ceremony in Tiwanaku, which took place as part of an ancient indigenous religious ceremony, including a purification of the soul and body according to indigenous tradition. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Jewish leaders said their community was regularly associated with negative stereotypes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For example, an opinion columnist invoked the Holocaust in criticizing Israel, suggesting that had some Jewish children not been saved during the Holocaust, their descendants would not have lived and been "able to oppress the Palestinians." Muslim leaders stated their community was a target of discrimination. Incidents included being spat upon in public and the writing of anti-Muslim graffiti near their mosque. Evangelical Christians reported instances of forceful expulsions of their missionaries or pastors from rural communities by adherents of traditional Andean spiritual beliefs. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy Embassy staff often met with religious leaders to discuss their relations with the government. On October 29, the Charge d'Affaires hosted an interfaith lunch for religious leaders to discuss religious freedom issues and to engage religious leaders in interfaith dialogue. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Benin Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Benin, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a015.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for state secularism and freedom of religious thought, expression, and practice. All religious groups must register with the government. Religious leaders promoted interfaith dialogue quarterly through the National Framework for Interfaith Dialogue. During a May visit, the Department of State Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs met with a number of senior government representatives to discuss religious freedom and tolerance. He met separately with a variety of religious leaders and members of civil society. The embassy met with prominent members from Muslim, Christian, and Voodoo communities to discuss the promotion of peaceful religious coexistence and to combat religious intolerance between Muslim and Christian communities. The embassy held monthly discussions with the heads of six religious radio stations and offered grants to develop programs focused on promoting religious tolerance in local communities. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 10.4 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2002 census (the most recent official survey; results from the 2013 census have not yet been officially released), the population is 27 percent Roman Catholic, 24 percent Muslim, 17 percent Voodoo, 6 percent other indigenous religious groups, and 5 percent Celestial Christian. Groups constituting less than 5 percent each include Methodists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah's Witnesses, Bahais, Baptists, Pentecostals, followers of the Unification Church, and Eckankar followers. Seven percent state no religious affiliation. Many individuals who identify themselves as Christian or Muslim also practice Voodoo or other traditional religions. Most Muslims are Sunni and are concentrated in northern areas. The few Shia are primarily foreign residents. Southern areas are more heavily Christian. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution establishes a secular state, prohibits religious discrimination under the law, and provides for the right of religious thought, expression, and practice, consistent with public order as established by law and regulations. The Ministry of Defense through its gendarmes, generally in rural areas, and the Ministry of Interior through the police, generally in cities, have the authority to intervene in conflicts between religious groups to ensure public order and social peace, provided intervention complies with the principle of state neutrality in religious affairs. Persons who wish to form a religious group must register with the Ministry of Interior. Registration requirements include submission of administrative materials (including the applicant's birth certificate, police record, request letter, copy of identification, and the group's internal rules) and payment of a registration fee of 50, 000 CFA francs ($83). If a group is not registered, the Ministry of Interior will order the closing of the religious facilities until the group is registered. By law public schools may not provide religious instruction. Religious groups may establish private schools. Government Practices On September 4, the minister in charge of relations with institutions met with members of civil society and religious and traditional leaders. He encouraged them to foster dialogue among themselves to advance religious understanding and freedom and to promote social peace. The government, with the support of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization hosted an international symposium in Cotonou from May 26-28, on the theme "African Initiative on Education for Peace and Development through Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue." More than 100 religious leaders from across the world participated in the event to discuss the promotion of durable peace in Africa through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Government officials attended inductions, funerals, and other religious ceremonies organized by various groups. State-owned television often broadcast these events. Police provided security for any religious event upon request. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Unlike the previous year, there were no reports of conflict that required police intervention between Voodoo practitioners and other religious communities. Interfaith dialogue occurred regularly. The National Framework for Interfaith Dialogue, which included the major religious groups, held quarterly sessions to discuss religious coexistence and advance interfaith cooperation. The Community of Sant'Egidio coordinated a meeting in Cotonou on September 12, gathering delegates from the Muslim and Christian communities and from the association of indigenous religions to discuss peaceful coexistence among religious groups. On April 11, more than 600 youth from the Benin chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association held a parade in Porto-Novo as part of its national convention to showcase religious tolerance and to call for peace, justice, and solidarity. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy During a May visit, the Department of State Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs met with a number of senior government representatives to discuss religious freedom and tolerance. He also attended the first International Symposium on Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. International participants in the symposium committed to lobby their national parliaments to fund peace and tolerance programs. The Special Representative also met separately with a variety of religious leaders and members of civil society, most of whom underlined the tradition of peaceful coexistence among the country's religious groups. He emphasized the importance of religious leaders promoting interreligious understanding in order to combat religious intolerance and increase religious freedom. Concrete outcomes included a group of religious radio stations committing to collaborate on anti-corruption programming. The Special Representative was given unprecedented access to local mosques and held candid conversations with traditionally private religious figures, including Voodoo priests. The embassy continued these conversations in developing programs on interfaith dialogue. Embassy officials made a trip to Djougou and Parakou, in the north, from August 15-16, where they met with imams, leaders of various Quranic schools, a Catholic bishop, and other Christian leaders to encourage religious tolerance. The embassy supported activities proposed by local religious figures and government officials who sought to promote religious freedom and tolerance; for example, the embassy hosted six religious radio station directors monthly for meetings to discuss strategies to educate their audiences on the subject. In this regard, the embassy offered $2,000 grants to each of the six radio stations to assist them in developing media content to educate and influence their respective audiences on religious extremism, tolerance, and anticorruption. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Barbados Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Barbados, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a315.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution and other laws provide for freedom of religion, including the freedom to change religion, and prohibit discrimination based on religious belief. Rastafarians were concerned about access to public education. Muslims objected to government policy that required women to remove the hijab for identification and passport photographs. Rastafarians stated they faced subtle discrimination, especially in hiring. The U.S. embassy discussed religious freedom with the government and engaged religious group leaders and civil society, including the leadership of the Muslim and Rastafarian communities, on freedom of religious expression and discrimination. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 291,000 (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2010 census, the most recently available, approximately 76 percent of the population is Christian, with the two largest groups Anglicans (23.9 percent) and Pentecostals (19.5 percent), followed by Seventh-day Adventists (5.9 percent), Methodists (4.2 percent), and Roman Catholics (3.8 percent). There are small numbers of Baptists, Moravians, Wesleyans, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Approximately 20.6 percent of respondents did not identify a religious affiliation. Other religious groups, which together constitute less than 3 percent of the population, include Muslims, Jews, Rastafarians, Hindus, Buddhists, Bahais, and Jehovah's Witnesses. The Barbados Muslim Association states there are 3,000 Muslims. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for freedom of religion, including the freedom of individuals to change their religion, and prohibits discrimination based on creed. A law criminalizing "blasphemous libel" is unenforced. Religious groups are required to register with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office to obtain duty free import privileges and tax benefits. To register, a religious group must file the applicable form, with a resolution passed by the majority of its board of trustees expressly authorizing the application, and a related statutory declaration. The public school curriculum includes religious "values education." The focus is on Christianity, but representatives from other religious groups are also invited to speak to students. Students may excuse themselves from this segment and from morning prayers on religious grounds. The constitution grants religious groups the right to establish and maintain private schools and to provide religious instruction. Government Practices Rastafarians stated their objection to the government's enforcement of the prohibition on marijuana use, which they said was integral to their religious rituals. They reported extra scrutiny from police and immigration officials and complained that the government required them to remove head coverings in identification photos and at security checkpoints. Rastafarians stated they faced discrimination in schools. According to the Caribbean Rastafarian Organization, schools required vaccinations for enrollment, which the organization stated violated their religious beliefs. Muslims said they objected to a government policy requiring women to remove their hijab for identification and passport photographs. The Barbados Muslim Association asked the government to change its practices to permit head coverings in identification photographs. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Rastafarians stated they faced subtle discrimination, especially in hiring. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy discussed religious freedom with the government. Embassy officials engaged religious group leaders and civil society, including the leadership of the Muslim and Rastafarian communities, on freedom of religious expression and discrimination. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Bahrain Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Bahrain, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a5e.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution declares Islam to be the official religion and sharia to be a principal source for legislation. It provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and freedom to perform religious rites. The constitution guarantees the right to express and publish opinions provided these do not infringe on the "fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine." The law prohibits anti-Islamic publications and mandates imprisonment for "exposing the state's official religion to offense and criticism." The Sunni-led government continued to question, detain, and arrest Shia clerics, community members, and opposition politicians for defaming another religion, inciting hatred against another religious group, engaging in political speech in sermons, and allegedly supporting terrorism. The government also prosecuted Shia political figures on charges, which the international media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) reported were politically motivated. In June a criminal court sentenced Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary General of the Shia opposition political society Wifaq, to a total of four years' imprisonment on two separate charges of inciting hatred and promoting disobedience to the law in political speeches he had given in 2014. In August authorities arrested former Wifaq Member of Parliament (MP) Sheikh Hasan Isa on allegations his distribution of funds to families in his district had helped finance a terrorist bombing. In April the Court of Cassation upheld the dissolution of the Islamic Ulema Council (IUC), the main assembly of Shia clerics in the country, saying the IUC had used religion as a cover for political activity. The government stated it intervened in religious practices when it determined religious authorities were encouraging violence or sectarian hatred. The government investigated terrorist bombings from 2014 in which two persons were killed; 25 Shia were tried and convicted of perpetrating the attacks, with one defendant given the death penalty while the others received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life. In February the government revoked the citizenship of 72 individuals accused of supporting terrorist organizations, including Sunnis who had left the country to fight on behalf of Da'esh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), as well as Shia clerics and human rights activists. The government allowed Ashura processions to occur, but questioned a number of clerics about politicizing their Ashura speeches. Non-Muslim groups said the government usually did not interfere with religious observances performed by registered non-Muslim institutions. The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) increased its security presence around Shia mosques following attacks on Shia mosques in other countries. The government continued to rebuild Shia mosques damaged in the 2011 unrest and to reinstate Shia workers who had lost their government employment following the unrest. Human rights activists said the Shia population experienced discrimination in access to government employment and educational opportunities. Representatives of the Shia community reported discrimination against Shia in a variety of sectors, but representatives of non-Muslim religious groups reported continued general acceptance of their presence and activities. Anti-Shia commentary appeared in private broadcasts and publications and on social media, including allegations against leaders of the Wifaq of supporting terrorism. Local newspapers detailed vandalism at Shia mosques and the destruction of the grave of a Sufi leader following calls on social media to destroy it. The U.S. Ambassador, visiting U.S. government officials, and embassy officers encouraged government officials to continue to protect religious sites, fully implement the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations (including those related to the reconstruction of places of worship), end discrimination against Shia in government employment and education, and support national unity initiatives. Embassy officers met regularly with religious leaders and representatives of NGOs to discuss the welfare of detainees and rights of religious minorities. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the population at 1.3 million (July 2015 estimate), with citizens making up approximately 45 percent of the population. Local sources estimate citizens are 99 percent Muslim, while Christians, Hindus, Bahais, and Jews constitute the remaining 1 percent. The government does not publish statistics regarding the sectarian breakdown between Shia and Sunni; most estimates say Shia constitute a majority (at least 60 percent) of the country's citizen population. According to Jewish community members, there are approximately 36-40 Jewish citizens, or six families, in the country. Most of the foreign residents are migrant workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Arab countries. Over half of the foreigners are non-Muslim, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians (primarily Roman Catholic, Protestant, Syrian Orthodox, and Mar Thoma from South India), Bahais, and Sikhs. Taking account of both citizens and noncitizens, the Central Informatics Organization (CIO) calculates Muslims make up 73.8 percent of the total population, Christians comprise 8.3 percent, and Jews 0.9 percent. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework According to the constitution, Islam is the official religion and the state safeguards the country's Islamic heritage. The constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings "in accordance with the customs observed in the country." The constitution guarantees the freedom to form associations as long as these do not infringe on the official religion or public order, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion or creed. There is no legal statute implementing the latter provision. The constitution guarantees the right to express and publish opinions provided these do not infringe on the "fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine," do not prejudice the unity of the people, or arouse discord or sectarianism. The penal code calls for punishment of not more than one year imprisonment or a fine of not more than 100 Bahraini dinars (BD) ($265) for offending one of the recognized religious groups or their practices. It prescribes the same penalty for openly defaming a religious figure considered sacred to members of a particular group. Muslim religious groups must obtain a license from the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs (MOJIA) to operate. Non-Muslim religious groups must register with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MOLSD) to operate. In order to register, groups must submit an official letter requesting registration; copies of minutes from the founders' committee meeting; a detailed list of founders, including names, ages, nationalities, occupations, and addresses; and other information. Religious groups also may need approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Culture, the Information Authority, or the MOI, depending on the nature of the group's intended activities. If any religious group organizes functions outside of its designated physical space without approval, it may be subject to government prosecution and a fine. The penal code does not specifically address the activities of unregistered religious groups, but provides for the closing of any unlicensed branch of an international organization plus imprisonment of up to six months and fines of up to BD50 ($133) for the individuals responsible for setting it up. Nineteen non-Muslim religious groups are registered with the MOLSD, including Christian churches and a Hindu temple. The law prohibits anti-Islamic publications and broadcast media programs and mandates imprisonment for no less than six months for "exposing the state's official religion to offense and criticism." The law does not further prohibit, restrict, or punish the importation, possession, or distribution of religious literature. The king has sole legal authority to allocate public land, including for religious purposes, although he may delegate this authority to government officials, including the prime minister. By law, construction of places of worship requires approvals from national and municipal entities. Government entities allocating building permits include the MOJIA, the Islamic Affairs Awqaf (Endowment) Boards, the country's five municipalities, the Survey and Restoration Directorate, and the Survey Department. The constitution states the law shall regulate religious instruction at all levels of the educational system. Islamic studies are mandatory for all Muslim students and are optional for non-Muslim students in public schools. Muslims attending public schools may study other religions, but on their own time. The government funds all public schools from kindergarten through grade 12. Students may also attend private schools, which must be registered with the government, but need not teach religious studies. The Maliki school of Sunni jurisprudence forms the basis of the Islamic studies portion of public school curriculum, which does not include the Jaafari traditions of Shia Islam. One public school, the Jaafari Institute, provides religious instruction in Shia Islam; the remainder of its curriculum is consistent with the nonreligious curriculum in other public schools. An estimated 1,200 students attend the Jaafari Institute from elementary level through high school. For Shia adult religious education, there are five Jaafari hawzas (Shia religious universities), which have been allowed to continue to operate despite not being officially registered. According to the constitution, sharia forms a principal basis for legislation. The civil and criminal legal systems include courts implementing a Maliki interpretation of Sunni sharia as well as civil code. The constitution states inheritance is a guaranteed right governed by sharia. It guarantees the duties and equality of women according to sharia as well. Provisions of the law regarding personal status regulate family matters, including inheritance, child custody, marriage, and divorce. The codified version of the law incorporates a Sunni interpretation of sharia, and is only applicable to the Sunni portion of the population. There is no codified Jaafari (Shia) personal status law. The Shia population uses an informal court system to apply Jaafari personal status law; mixed Sunni-Shia families may choose which court system will hear their case. The codified Sunni personal status law requires a woman's consent for marriage and permits women to include conditions in the marriage contract. There is no comparable provision affecting Shia women. The government does not designate religious affiliation on national identity documents. Birth certificate applications record a child's religion, but not denomination. The birth certificate itself does not include the child's religion. Government Practices The government continued to question, detain, and arrest Shia clerics, community members, and opposition politicians for defaming another religion, inciting hatred against another religious group, engaging in political speech in sermons, and allegedly supporting terrorism. The government also prosecuted Shia political figures on charges which the international media and NGOs reported were politically motivated. In June a criminal court sentenced Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary General of the Shia political society Wifaq to a total of four years' imprisonment on two separate charges of inciting hatred and promoting disobedience to the law in political speeches he had given in 2014. In August authorities arrested former Wifaq MP Hasan Isa on allegations his distribution of funds to families in his district had helped finance a terrorist bombing. The Court of Cassation upheld the dissolution of the Shia Islamic Ulama Council (IUC), saying it used religion as "cover" for political activities. The government investigated terrorist bombings from 2014 in which two persons were killed; 25 Shia were tried and convicted of perpetrating the attacks, with one defendant given the death penalty while the others received prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life. In February by royal decree, the government revoked the citizenship of 72 individuals, including some Sunni as well as Shia, for supporting terrorist organizations. The government said it intervened in religious practices when it determined religious authorities were encouraging violence or sectarian hatred. The government did not generally interfere with religious observances performed by registered non-Muslim institutions. The MOI increased its security presence around Shia mosques following attacks on Shia mosques in other countries. The government continued to rebuild Shia mosques damaged in the 2011 unrest and to reinstate Shia workers who had lost their government employment following the unrest. Shia leaders said preference was given to Sunni citizens for educational scholarships, employment as teachers, and employment in sensitive government positions. Because religion and political affiliation were often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. The government arrested individuals on charges related to defamation of religion and inciting hatred against another denomination. In June the higher criminal court sentenced opposition leader and Wifaq Secretary General Sheikh Ali Salman to four years in jail for inciting hatred and disobedience to the law following his arrest for political speeches in 2014. The international news media, as well as international NGOs, reported the conviction as politically motivated. The UN and the European Union issued public statements condemning the conviction as an abuse of Sheikh Salman's right to freedom of expression. As of the end of the year, his case remained under appeal and he remained in prison. The Sunni head of the socialist opposition society reportedly was jailed on similar charges. Public officials alleged some Shia opposition members were supporters of terrorism. Authorities detained and subsequently arrested former Wifaq MP Hasan Isa in August, alleging he had helped finance a terrorist bomb attack resulting in the deaths of two policemen in Sitra. Isa denied the charges, saying he had distributed funds to poor families in his role as a religious leader of the neighborhood. Wifaq said the charges were politically motivated. Isa's trial continued through the end of the year, and he remained in prison. In May the Supreme Criminal Court sentenced a Sunni individual to one year in prison, a BD2000 ($5,300) fine, and deportation upon completion of his sentence for inciting sectarianism and encouraging extremism on social media; his case remained under appeal at year's end. A Sunni comedian was arrested in August for criticizing officials' handling of Shia protesters; he was released a few days later. In January education authorities suspended a teacher and reduced her salary for using a classroom handout which reportedly insulted a companion of the Prophet. The government investigated terrorist bombings from 2014 in which two persons were killed; 25 Shia were tried and convicted of perpetrating the attacks, with one defendant given the death penalty while the others received prison sentences from 10 years to life. In February the government issued a royal decree revoking the citizenship of 72 individuals, including both Sunni and Shia, accused of supporting terrorist organizations. Among those deprived of citizenship were Sunnis accused of leaving the country to fight with Da'esh, as well as some Shia clerics and human rights activists. Two individuals appealed the decision; their cases were not resolved as of the end of the year. Several Shia clerics arrested in 2011 and given sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment on charges related to terrorist activity or inciting hatred, and associated with the political opposition protest movement, remained in prison at year's end. In April the Court of Cassation, the highest court, rejected the appeal by the IUC, the main assembly of Shia clerics in the country, of the 2014 decision by the High Administrative Court to dissolve the IUC and liquidate its assets. The High Administrative Court had found in favor of the government's suit stating the IUC was unlicensed and "used religion as a cover" for political activity. The MOI and the public prosecutor summoned a number of Shia clerics and community leaders for questioning, for engaging in political speech in their sermons. In June the authorities questioned the Chairman of the dissolved IUC, Sayed Majeed al Mesha'al, regarding a sermon he gave in which he denounced the authorities and spoke in support of Sheikh Ali Salman. He was then released. On December 31, the authorities summoned Shia clerics Maytham al Salman and Abdulla al Ghuraifi for questioning regarding speeches they gave at a rally commemorating the arrest of Sheikh Ali Salman. The government permitted Shia groups to hold processions to commemorate Ashura and Arbaeen, but summoned 13 religious chanters and clerics for questioning related to politicizing their Ashura speeches. The government did not detain or arrest any of those it questioned, however. Although the MOI provided security for the processions, Shia leaders reported MOI personnel also removed some Ashura flags, banners, and decorations from streets and private property, resulting, in at least one case, in a clash with local youth who tried to prevent the banners' removal. The government said the banners were removed for unspecified violations. The MOJIA threatened clerics with suspension if they espoused violence. In June the authorities suspended Salafist preacher Jassim Saeedi, a former MP, who previously had been suspended for anti-Shia commentary, but then reinstated him in July. He continued to make anti-Shia commentary via social media. In May the High Criminal Court acquitted newspaper columnist Tareq al-Amer, who had been dismissed from his position at the local daily Al-Bilad in 2014 and whom authorities had charged with disdaining the Shia denomination for printing material mocking Shia religious thought in his column. The court ruled the article did not include phrases indicating contempt for a denomination and was of a political nature and not religious. Al-Amer found employment at the Al-Watan newspaper in June. The government reported there were 440 licensed Sunni mosques and 80 Sunni community centers, while the number of licensed Shia places of worship included 609 mosques and 618 ma'atams, (Shia prayer houses). The state funded all licensed mosques. In newer residential developments such as Hamad Town and Isa Town, often containing mixed Shia and Sunni populations, observers reported there tended to be a disproportionate number of Sunni mosques, which they said evinced government favoritism. Some non-Muslim groups reported they had experienced bureaucratic delays in trying to complete the reregistration process instituted by the MOLSD over the past several years for unspecified reasons. The reregistration reportedly involved resubmission of documents required for a group's original registration. The government continued to fund, monitor, and exercise control over official Muslim religious institutions, including Shia and Sunni mosques; religious community centers; Shia and Sunni religious endowments; and the religious courts, representing both the Shia- and Sunni-affiliated schools of Islamic jurisprudence. The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs continued to review and approve clerical appointments within both the Sunni and Shia communities. Following a spike in sectarian violence in the region during the summer, the MOJIA re-affirmed its commitment to monitor sermons and urged preachers to abide by the regulations against inciting violence against other denominations and against addressing political issues in sermons. The MOJIA announced it would publish model sermons to guide preachers, but would not require preachers to use them. A group of Shia scholars spoke out against the promotion of sample sermons by the government. The government-run television station did not broadcast Friday sermons from Shia mosques, while broadcasts from Sunni mosques appeared regularly on the channel. The MOI increased its security presence around Shia mosques following attacks on Shia mosques in neighboring countries. The MOI promised to install additional security cameras at the mosques and reached out to community volunteers to help protect the mosques. As part of its public condemnation of the attacks, the government advocated for the organization of joint Sunni and Shia prayers as a show of Muslim solidarity against such attacks. Although some citizens supported the idea of joint unity prayers, many others, both Sunni and Shia, posted opinions on social media rejecting the idea and the prayers were not well-attended. Some Shia said the government was using the idea of joint prayers as "propaganda" to avoid addressing grievances of the Shia community. Some Sunni citizens launched a social media campaign titled "I will not pray before a Shia Imam." In July the MOI investigated reports unknown individuals had thrown copies of the Da'esh flag at the front door of the Shia-affiliated Ain Al-Dar Mosque in the Jid Haffs neighborhood. The incident was documented in photos posted on social media. As of year's end, authorities had not reported any results of their investigation. The government permitted non-Muslim communities that had registered to maintain identifiable places of worship, hold religious gatherings, and display religious symbols. The MOI provided security for large events held by non-Muslim communities. Security forces stated they monitored religious gatherings and funerals to maintain peace and security. Observers reported the government permitted minority religious groups to produce religious media and publications and distribute them in bookstores and churches. Observers also reported the only religious media and publications available did not criticize Islam. Construction on a cathedral to serve as headquarters for the Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia did not progress much during the year following a groundbreaking ceremony last year after the king had set aside land for the construction of a number of new churches. Christian community leaders stated the government was continuing to explore options for expanding Christian cemeteries. The government continued to implement the recommendations made in November 2011 by the BICI to rebuild 30 Shia mosques damaged or destroyed during the 2011 unrest. On November 7, the government announced it had reconstructed and handed over 13 complete mosques to the Jaafari Waqf (the government agency responsible for Shia mosques). The head of the Jaafari Waqf reported these 13 brought the total number of reconstructed mosques to 27, with the three remaining locations under study. Observers stated, however, only 21 mosques had been completely reconstructed and reopened, including seven rebuilt by the communities where they were located. Observers said the other six remained under construction; of these six, five appeared from the outside to be nearly complete. The Shia community, which argued mosque grounds must be preserved as they were, remained dissatisfied with the locations of three of the reconstructed mosques, which the government had moved due to their proximity to major roads. Shia politicians and activists continued to claim the government's naturalization and citizenship processes favored Sunni applicants over Shia applicants. They said the government recruited Sunnis from other countries to join the security forces, while excluding Shia citizens from those forces, and then granted new Sunni members of the security forces expedited naturalization and other benefits, such as housing. The Shia activists said this recruitment and expedited naturalization of Sunnis was an attempt to alter the demographic balance among the country's citizens. Shia leaders stated Sunni citizens often received preference for government educational scholarships, employment as teachers, and employment in government positions, especially in the managerial ranks of the civil service and the military. They said few Shia citizens held significant posts in the defense and internal security forces. Senior civil service recruitment and promotion processes reportedly favored Sunni candidates. Shia leaders said educational, social, and municipal services in most Shia neighborhoods were inferior to those in Sunni communities. The government stated it had a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, promotions, and the provision of social and educational services. The 40-member Shura Council, the upper house of parliament, included 15 Shia members, one Jewish member, and one Christian member, while 23 of its members were Sunni. Five of the 23 cabinet ministers were Shia, including one of the five deputy prime ministers. The royal family is Sunni. The government continued working to address the reinstatement of Shia workers dismissed in the wake of the 2011 unrest. As of March the Ministry of Labor reported the resolution of 130 of the 165 cases identified in the 2014 agreement between the ministry, the Chamber of Commerce, and the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions. Human rights activists said claims of discrimination in education had continued since 2011. They stated many qualified Shia teachers remained unemployed despite a shortage of teachers in the public schools. In that connection, they also cited the hiring of foreign Sunni teachers. Although university scholarships had previously been based only on students' scores, the activists stated the interview panel for scholarships, introduced in 2011, continued to ask about students' political views and family background if their name or address suggested they might be Shia. They said many top scoring Shia applicants were offered scholarships in less lucrative or less prestigious fields, or in a field of study they did not wish to pursue. Following the decision of some of those students to self-fund their study at foreign universities, the MOE denied recognition of some of their degrees, reportedly saying the universities were not accredited. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Sources in the private sector continued to report discrimination against Shia in the technical and financial sectors. As a result, Shia representatives said, Shia Muslims continued to have a higher unemployment rate and lower socio-economic status than Sunni Muslims, adding to the tensions between the two communities. Observers said regional Sunni-Shia tensions and historical political divisions continued to affect intra-Muslim relations. Because religion and political affiliation were often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. Local sources said some Muslims did change their religion, despite societal pressure not to do so, but those who did would not speak publically about their conversion. Anti-Shia commentary continued to appear in the broadcasts and publications of news media which regularly supported government policies. Columnists for Al Watan referred to protesters as "thugs" or "terrorists." Some social media accounts repeated allegations against the Wifaq leadership, including Sheikhs Isa Qassim and Ali Salman, of support for terrorism. Comments often referred to the Shia political opposition as "Iranian subordinates," "coup plotters," and "Safavids." In the Hidd neighborhood, a petition was circulated in local mosques and advertised on a billboard discouraging the hiring of Shia teachers, calling them "traitors." Representatives of non-Muslim religious groups continued to report general acceptance of their presence and activities in the country, and said they operated without threats or intimidation. A video posted on social media in October accused a citizen of leading a "secret church," (Christian) but most replies to the post focused on the country's guarantee of religious freedom. Comments continued to be posted for approximately one week. Local newspapers reported vandalism at Shia mosques. In June residents of Dair neighborhood said vandals destroyed the exterior doors and tore pages out of the Quran and other prayer books at the Al-Kheef Mosque. A municipal council member from the area denounced the incident. In May individuals destroyed the grave of Sufi leader Mohamed bin Ali Al Hejazi in Muharraq Cemetery, following statements on social media calling for its destruction. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The Ambassador, visiting senior U.S. government officials, and embassy officers encouraged government officials to continue to protect religious sites, fully implement the BICI's recommendations on the reconstruction of places of worship, and support national unity initiatives such as joint prayers. U.S. officials also urged the government to respect freedom of expression, including expression by clerics; to ensure Shia had equal access to employment and services, specifically in the security sector; to pursue reconciliation between the government and Shia communities; and to further empower human rights watchdog institutions, such as the Ombudsman and the National Institution for Human Rights, to engage the government on the rights of prisoners to practice their religions. U.S. officials advocated for the government to continue to pursue political reforms which would take into consideration the needs of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation. The Ambassador and embassy officers met regularly with religious leaders, representatives of NGOs, and political groups to inquire about their freedom to worship, the status of the mosque reconstruction projects, and the welfare of detainees, and to encourage their participation in national unity and reconciliation initiatives. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Austria Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Austria, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a673.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary A combination of historical and modern constitutional and legal documents provides for freedom of religious belief and affiliation and prohibits religious discrimination. The law bans public incitement to hostile acts against religious groups if the incitement threatens public order. The law divides recognized religious groups into three categories with varying rights and privileges. The 16 religious groups officially recognized as religious societies have the most benefits. Members of unrecognized groups may practice their religion at home, provided the practice is lawful and does not offend "common decency." Some members of religious minorities said several government-supported organizations counseled or worked against groups they considered to be "sects" or "cults." In March the government updated a law which it said regularized the rights and status of Muslims. Support for the law among Muslim groups was mixed. Courts in different parts of the country convicted a number of individuals of anti-Semitic activity, generally handing down mostly suspended sentences and fines. The head of the Jewish community continued to report an increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents, including the proportion committed by Muslims. The nongovernmental organization (NGO) Forum Against Anti-Semitism reported 465 anti-Semitic incidents, up from 255 in 2014. The head of the Muslim Faith Community reported mounting anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of Da'esh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) attacks in the Middle East. A civil rights NGO reported most religiously motivated hate speech was directed against Jews and Muslims, and the number of incidents directed against persons perceived as Muslims had nearly doubled since August 2014. The government's Equal Treatment Agency reported 71 cases of religious discrimination came before the equal rights commissioner in 2014. The U.S. Ambassador and other embassy representatives met regularly with government officials to discuss religious freedom, including with officials from the Departments of Integration and Dialogue of Cultures within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also met with NGOs and religious group representatives, such as the leadership of the Islamic Faith Community, the Jewish Faith Community, and the Roman Catholic Church, to emphasize the importance of religious freedom, tolerance, and dialogue. The U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities also met with the leadership of the Islamic Faith Community and government officials. Embassy staff promoted Holocaust remembrance and education. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 8.7 million (July 2015 estimate). Religious groups and the Austrian Integration Fund estimate Roman Catholics constitute 61 percent of the population and Muslims 7 percent; between 14 and 23 percent are estimated to be unaffiliated with any religion. Religious groups constituting less than 5 percent each include the Lutheran Church; the Swiss Reformed Church (Evangelical Church-Augsburg and Helvetic confessions); Eastern Orthodox churches (Russian, Greek, Serbian, Romanian, and Bulgarian); Jehovah's Witnesses; other Christian churches; and the Jewish community and other non-Christian religious groups. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework A combination of historical and modern constitutional documents guarantees freedom of "conscience and creed." The law provides for the freedom of religious belief and the rights of all residents to join, participate in, leave, or abstain from any religious community. It stipulates, however, that "duties incumbent on nationals may not be impeded by religious affiliation." The law grants registered religious societies the right to public practice and independent administration of their internal affairs. Several constitutional provisions protect religious freedom. The main pillars are historical laws on fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the Basic Law on the General Rights of Nationals and the Law Regarding Inter-Confessional Relationships, dating from the 19th century, and treaties and conventions such as the European Convention on Human Rights, which form part of the constitution. Antidiscrimination legislation prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. Citizens have the right to sue the government for constitutional violations of religious freedom. The law prohibits public incitement to hostile acts against a church group, religious society, or other religious group if the incitement poses a danger to public order or if the incitement is perceivable by a broad public. In 2016, this provision will apply to incitement perceivable by "many people," which means at least 30 persons, and also specifically to incitement in print or electronic or other media available to a broad public. The law also prohibits incitement, insult, or contempt against religious groups if such action violates human dignity. By law registered religious groups are divided into three officially recognized legal categories (listed in descending order of status): religious societies, religious confessional communities, and associations. Each category possesses specific rights, privileges, and legal responsibilities. Members of religious groups that are not legally recognized may practice their religion at home "insofar as this practice is neither unlawful nor offends common decency." There are 16 officially recognized religious societies: the Catholic Church, the Protestant churches (specifically Lutheran and Presbyterian, called "Augsburg" and "Helvetic" confessions), the Islamic Faith Community, the Old Catholic Church, the Jewish Community, the Eastern Orthodox Church (Russian, Greek, Serbian, Romanian, and Bulgarian), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the New Apostolic Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Methodist Church of Austria, the Buddhist community, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Islamic-Alevi Community, and the Free Christian Churches. Recognition as a religious society under the law includes the right to participate in the program requiring mandatory church contributions by church members and to bring religious workers into the country to act as ministers, missionaries, or teachers. Under the law, religious societies have "public corporation" status, permitting them to engage in a number of public or quasi-public activities, such as government-funded religious instruction in both public and private schools, which are denied to confessional communities and associations. Religious societies have significant freedom under the law to regulate their own affairs; their responsibilities include a commitment to sponsor social and cultural activities which serve the common well-being and to ensure their teachings do not violate the law or ethical standards. Religious groups seeking to achieve religious society status for the first time must apply for recognition with the Office for Religious Affairs in the Federal Chancellery. Religious groups recognized as societies prior to 1998 retain their status. Fourteen of the 16 recognized religious societies have been grandfathered under this provision of the law. To be recognized as a religious society, religious groups not recognized prior to 1998 must have membership equaling 0.2 percent of the country's population (approximately 17,400 people) and have been in existence for 20 years, at least 10 of which must have been as an organized group and five as a confessional community. The Jehovah's Witnesses and Alevi Muslims have been recognized as religious societies under these post-1998 criteria. Groups that do not meet these criteria may still apply for religious society status under an exception for groups that have been active internationally for at least 100 years and active in an organized form in the country for 10 years. Groups sharing a broad faith with an existing society or confessional community, for example Christianity, may register separately as long as they can demonstrate that their group has a different theology. The law allows religious groups not recognized as societies to seek official status as confessional communities with the Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Constitution, and Media. A confessional community recognized by the government has the juridical standing needed to engage in such activities as purchasing real estate in its own name and contracting for goods and services, but is not eligible for the financial and educational benefits available to recognized religious societies. In order to be recognized as a confessional community, a group must have at least 300 members and submit its statutes describing the goals, rights, and obligations of members, as well as membership regulations, a list of officials, and financing information. A group must also submit a written description of its religious doctrine, which must differ from that of any previously recognized religious society or religious confessional community. The ministry determines whether the group's basic beliefs are consistent with public security, order, health, and morals, and the rights and freedoms of citizens. A religious group seeking to obtain confessional community status is subject to a six-month waiting period from the time of application to the ministry. After this period, groups that have applied automatically receive the status unless the government issues a decree rejecting the application. The government recognizes eight groups as confessional communities: the Bahai Faith, the Movement for Religious Renewal-Community of Christians, the Pentecostal Community of God, Seventh-day Adventists, the Hindu community, the Islamic-Shia community, the Old-Faith Alevis, and the Unification Church. Religious groups not qualifying for either religious society or confessional community status may apply to become legal associations, a status applicable to a broad range of civil groups. According to the law, any group of more than two people pursuing a nonprofit goal qualifies to organize as an association. Groups apply to the Ministry of Interior. Associations have juridical standing and many of the same rights as confessional communities, such as the right to own real estate and contract for goods and services. Some groups organize as associations while applying for recognition as religious societies. The Church of Scientology and a number of smaller religious groups are organized as associations. On March 31, an update of the law governing relations between the government and Islamic institutions went into force. The revised law, drafted by the government in cooperation with the Islamic Faith Community, stipulates funding for the day-to-day operations of mosques must be derived from domestic sources, Islamic teachings and practices must not violate federal law, and Islamic institutions should "take a positive stance" toward the state and society. The revised law provides an explicit legal definition of, and legal protection for, Islamic practices, such as circumcision and preparation of food in conformity with religious rules, and states Muslims can raise children and youth in accordance with Islamic traditions. Muslim groups with at least 300 members and a theology that is not distinct from a pre-existing Islamic religious society or confessional community are organized as cultural communities and fall under the umbrella of the pre-existing, legally recognized Islamic religious society or confessional communities. The law also provides for Islamic theological university studies to start in 2016. Separate laws govern relations between the government and each of the other 15 state-recognized religious societies. The laws have similar intent but vary in specifics, given that they were enacted at different times over a span of approximately 140 years. Under the law, prisoners are entitled to pastoral care from religious societies. The government funds religious instruction for children on a proportional basis in public schools, government-accredited private schools, and places of worship for any of the 16 officially recognized religious societies. The government does not offer such funding to other religious groups. A minimum of three children is required to form a class. Attendance in religious classes is mandatory for all students unless they formally withdraw at the beginning of the school year; students under the age of 14 require parental permission to withdraw from religious classes. Instructors are provided by religious groups and funded by the government. Religious instruction takes place either in the school or at sites organized by religious groups. Some schools offer ethics classes for students not attending religious instruction. Religious education and ethics classes include the tenets of different religious groups. The curriculum for both public and private schools includes compulsory antibias and tolerance education, including religious tolerance, as part of civics education across various subjects, including history and German-language instruction. Holocaust education is part of history instruction and appears in other subjects such as civics. The law bans neo-Nazi activity and prohibits public denial, belittlement, approval, or justification of the Nazi genocide or other Nazi crimes against humanity in print, broadcast, or other media. Foreign religious workers for groups recognized as confessional communities or associations must apply for a general immigrant visa that is not employment- or family-based, and is subject to a quota. The government requires a visa for visitors from non-visa-waiver countries or individuals who would stay beyond 90 days, including religious workers of confessional communities or associations. Foreign religious workers belonging to religious societies do not require visas either for shorter visits or stays beyond 90 days. Government Practices On June 15, the government granted the Unification Church status as a confessional community. Government policy continued to ban headwear in official identification documents with an exception for religious purposes as long as the face was sufficiently visible to allow for identification of the wearer. The federal Office of Sect Issues continued to offer advice to persons with questions about groups it considered to be "sects" and "cults." While the office was independent, it was government funded, and its head was appointed and supervised by the Minister for Family and Youth. Some Scientologists continued to state on social media that the Office of Sect Issues and other government-associated entities fostered societal discrimination against religious groups not registered as religious societies or confessional communities. A federally-funded counseling center in Lower Austria managed by the Society against Sect and Cult Dangers, an NGO working actively against groups it deemed to be "sects and cults," such as Scientology, continued to distribute information to schools and the general public and operated a counseling center for individuals who considered themselves negatively affected by such groups. The center received funding for some of its projects from the provincial governments of Vienna and Lower Austria. Several other provinces funded offices providing information on sects and cults. The government said the intention of the revised law on Islam was to enshrine and further define the rights of Islamic institutions in the country, and that it had coordinated the law with the officially recognized Islamic religious societies. Some members of the Turkish Islamic Cultural Union in Austria (ATIB a branch office of the Turkish government's Office of Religious Affairs, Diyanet), and Muslim youth groups argued it treated Muslims unequally as compared with other religious groups, and that the law was characterized by a tone of distrust. ATIB, although represented in the Islamic Faith Community, stated that, in criticizing the law, it represented the interests of Turkish immigrants in the country. The Islamic Faith Community as a whole and the Alevi Community largely supported the new law. ATIB filed a complaint against the law with the Constitutional Court in July, arguing it was discriminatory as it only allowed groups under the umbrella of the recognized Islamic Faith Community and Alevi Community to spread religious teachings. The case was pending at year's end. The police continued to provide extra protection to the Vienna Jewish community's offices and other Jewish community institutions such as schools and museums. Law enforcement authorities stated the protection was provided due to general concerns over the potential for anti-Semitic acts against Jewish institutions, given the country's history with anti-Semitism. According to the Ministry of Justice, during the year public prosecutors obtained 89 indictments on charges of neo-Nazi activity, and courts issued convictions in 55 such cases. In addition, there were 79 indictments for incitement to hostile action against groups based on religion, race, color, and ethnicity, and convictions for incitement in 25 cases. The Ministry of Justice did not specify how many of the incitement incidents were directed against religious groups. Many of the convictions resulted in fines for minor violations of the law but some were more significant. In February the Vienna police filed charges of neo-Nazi activity against eight unidentified perpetrators who presented the Nazi salute at a demonstration of the anti-Islam PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the West) movement. In August a court in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, convicted a man on neo-Nazi activity charges after he voiced support for the killing of Jews in an internet posting. In August a Graz court convicted a man on incitement and neo-Nazi activity charges after he denied the Holocaust and made statements against Muslims on a neo-Nazi website he also helped to finance. In February a Salzburg court convicted two men and a woman on charges of neo-Nazi activity after they wrote anti-Semitic graffiti on public places in Salzburg and defaced pavement plaques containing the names of Jews killed by the Nazis. In each of the above-mentioned cases, the defendants were sentenced to 20-month prison terms, of which all but three months were suspended. In July transport officials banned the use of "IS" or "ISIS" and of more than 30 number and letter combinations on personalized automobile license plates; they said the first two combinations represented support for Da'esh and the other number-letter combinations were neo-Nazi symbolism. In November the Freedom Party ousted Member of Parliament Susanne Winter after she expressed sympathy with an anti-Semitic statement on Facebook. Winter remained in parliament as an unaffiliated member. In August authorities launched an investigation after a Lower Austrian woman wrote on Facebook she would be burning 14 copies of the Quran. At year's end the case was still under investigation. In July the media reported the government was investigating Dutch politician Geert Wilders on suspicion of incitement of hatred at a March event in Vienna hosted by Freedom Party of Austria leader Heinz-Christian Strache. Authorities closed the case in the fall due to insufficient evidence. Following the deadly attacks in Paris and Copenhagen in January, President Heinz Fischer held a meeting with leaders of the 16 officially recognized religion societies to denounce religious fanaticism. The religious leaders expressed their commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles. In February the government threatened to close a Vienna-based, Saudi-sponsored religious dialogue center because of the center's failure to condemn the flogging in Saudi Arabia of a Saudi citizen for insulting Islam. Chancellor Werner Faymann said, "An inter-religious dialogue center that remains silent when it is time to speak out clearly for human rights is not worthy of being called a dialogue center. It is a silence center." The center remained open. In August Chancellor Faymann convened a meeting with leaders of the 16 officially recognized religion societies to discuss the current influx of migrant and asylum seekers into the country and Europe and the promotion of religious dialogue and tolerance. The Ministry for Education and Women conducted teacher training projects with the Jewish Anti-Defamation League. Seminars were available on Holocaust education, and Holocaust survivors talked to school classes about National Socialism and the Holocaust. The government is a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom The heads of the Jewish and Islamic communities reported increases in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim incidents. The head of the Jewish community said the proportion of anti-Semitic incidents committed by Muslims had increased. The NGO Forum Against Anti-Semitism said it received reports of 465 anti-Semitic incidents, including two physical assaults, as well as verbal harassment, vandalism, dissemination of anti-Semitic writings, property damage, and vilifying letters and telephone calls. The NGO did not cite more specific details of incidents. In 2014, the NGO reported 255 cases. Although it did not provide absolute numbers, a report by the NGO Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Works stated that from August 2014 to August 2015, the number of incidents against persons perceived as Muslims had nearly doubled over the same period a year earlier. These incidents included physical and verbal assaults, as well as vandalism and hate speech and murder threats on the internet. An example of such an incident was an assault on a Turkish physician who was slapped across the face and called a "foreigner" while entering an apartment building in Vienna. His assailant was intoxicated at the time of the attack. The NGO noted this phenomenon coincided with reports on the abuses committed by Da'esh. According to the report, hate speech was most commonly directed against Jews, Muslims, and asylum seekers, and evinced a suspicion of Muslims, who were increasingly victims of prejudice. In May on the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, unknown perpetrators hacked the website of the Mauthausen Memorial, a former concentration camp, and posted images of child pornography. Upper Austrian police investigated the case. The investigation remained open at the end of the year. A documentation center established in 2014 by the Islamic Faith Community for reporting anti-Muslim incidents stated that, since mid-2014, there had been a marked increase in such incidents. The center did not provide details of specific incidents or figures on the numbers of incidents. It reported a positive relationship with government authorities on investigations and prosecutions. According to the government's Equal Treatment Agency, 71 cases of discrimination based on religion came before the equal rights commissioner in 2014, compared to 88 cases in 2013. The agency did not provide additional information on the nature of the cases or of the groups targeted. The Equal Treatment Agency was responsible for overseeing discrimination cases on various grounds, including religion, and for enforcing equal treatment under the law. In May vandals targeted Vienna's Sigmund Freud Museum, smashing three of the museum's display windows and marking the site with anti-Semitic graffiti. In July vandals defaced a symbolic Jewish flag at a Vienna interreligious "campus of religions" with a swastika. Vienna police were investigating the case. After the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris and Copenhagen in January and February, there were several reported incidents of anti-Islamic graffiti at mosques. Religious groups, including the Islamic Faith Community, participated in the Austrian Integration Project, which sought to integrate new immigrants predominantly Muslims into the largely Christian national culture. The project included educational initiatives, community projects, and interfaith dialogue. The Islamic Faith Community and the Jewish Community reported cooperative, productive relationships with local and federal government officials in resolving disputes and addressing problems. The Islamic Faith Community, the Jewish Community, and Catholic leaders raised concerns about the perceived rise of extremist parties throughout Europe, religious radicalization, and the recruitment of foreign fighters. Relations among the 16 officially recognized religious societies were, according to their leaders, generally amicable, and interfaith dialogue increased during the year as reflected in various media reports. Fourteen Christian churches, among them the Catholic Church, various Protestant denominations, and eight Orthodox and Old Oriental churches, engaged in dialogue within the Ecumenical Council of Austrian Churches. Baptists and the Salvation Army had observer status on the council. The international Catholic organization Pro Oriente promoted dialogue with Orthodox churches. Following abuses committed by Da'esh, some Christian and Muslim groups engaged in joint outreach to their respective communities to promote understanding and speak out against radicalization. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and other embassy representatives met regularly with government officials to discuss religious freedom, including with the Department for Integration and the Department of Dialogue of Cultures at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities also met with the leadership of the Islamic Faith Community and government officials. U.S. officials reinforced the U.S. government's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, particularly in light of the revised law on Islam and societal tensions arising from increases in terrorist fighters who traveled to engage in conflicts abroad, as well as the large numbers of refugees entering the country. Embassy representatives met frequently with religious leaders, throughout the country, including with the leadership of the Islamic Faith Community, Jewish Community, Catholic Church, and other Christian organizations, to discuss the relationship between these groups and the government, discriminatory or inflammatory incidents, and religious education. The embassy continued to build upon its relations with the Jewish community, demonstrating engagement with and support for the community as a way of promoting religious tolerance and combating continued anti-Semitic sentiment among some sectors of society. In June the embassy sponsored Vienna's Festival of Jewish Culture, which highlighted American Jewish culture by featuring musical acts, lectures, traditional cuisine, and other aspects of American Jewish life. The Ambassador sponsored an event in honor of the festival and the local and U.S. Jewish communities, highlighting the importance of religious tolerance and inclusion in the country in light of its history. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Australia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Australia, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a715.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution bars the federal government from making any law that imposes a state religion or religious observance, prohibits the free exercise of religion, or establishes a religious test for a federal public office. In response to the shooting of a police officer by a Muslim youth, who was subsequently killed by police on the scene, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called for unity and met with Muslim leaders. After the shooting, the prime minister and the opposition leader joined faith leaders to launch the National Day of Unity. The government ran extensive programs to support religious pluralism. There were acts of vandalism against religious institutions such as mosques and religious schools and verbal abuse of Muslims in person or online. Some communities reported heightened tensions and growing concerns over the radicalization of individuals and support for extremist groups such as Da'esh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), including in the aftermath of acts of violent extremism overseas. The U.S. embassy and the U.S. Consulates General in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney regularly engaged with a wide range of religious leaders, faith communities and groups, and government officials to promote religious freedom. Embassy officers at all levels, including the Ambassador, engaged with religious communities and promoted religious tolerance in person and through social media. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 22.8 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2011 census, 61 percent of residents are Christian, including 25 percent Roman Catholic and 17 percent Anglican, while 22.3 percent report having no religious affiliation. Eastern Orthodox adherents constitute 2.6 percent of the population; Buddhists 2.5 percent; Muslims 2.2 percent; Hindus 1.3 percent, and Jews 0.5 percent. The census indicated that indigenous persons constitute 2.5 percent of the population, and that 1 percent of indigenous respondents practice traditional indigenous religions. Among this group, affiliation with a traditional indigenous religion is higher in very remote areas (6 percent) than in all other areas (less than 1 percent). Approximately 60 percent of indigenous respondents identify themselves as Christian and an estimated 20 percent report having no religious affiliation. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution bars the federal government from making any law that imposes a state religion or religious observance, prohibits the free exercise of religion, or establishes a religious test for a federal public office. The constitution states "The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth." There are certain legal limitations on the right to religious freedom, such as when necessary to protect public safety, order, and health, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Individuals who suffer religious discrimination have recourse under federal discrimination laws or through the court system and bodies such as the Australian Human Rights Commission. The state of Tasmania is the only state or territory whose constitution specifically provides citizens with the right to profess and practice their religion; however, seven of the eight states and territories have laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person's religion or ethnoreligious background. South Australia is the only state or territory that does not explicitly prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion. All other states and territories have independent agencies to mediate allegations of religious discrimination. Religious groups are not required to register; to receive tax-exempt status, however, nonprofit religious groups must apply to the Australia Tax Office (ATO). Registration with the ATO has no effect on how religious groups are treated, apart from standard ATO checks. To receive tax-exempt status, an organization must be a nonprofit entity. An organization's activities, size, and permanence are some of the factors taken into account to determine its tax-exempt status. The government permits religious education in public schools, generally taught by volunteers using approved curricula, with the option for parents to have their children not attend. There is no national standard for approving religious curricula, which happens at state and local levels. Public schools in New South Wales provide secular ethics classes as an alternative for students who do not attend optional scripture classes. Government Practices In October a Muslim youth, allegedly inspired and radicalized by supporters of Da'esh, killed a police employee in the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The teenager was killed by police on the scene. Following the incident, Prime Minister Turnbull called for unity and met with Muslim leaders. Ten days after the shooting, the prime minister and the opposition leader reminded Australians of what they called the country's "core values" of diversity, tolerance, and unity, and joined more than 50 faith leaders to launch the National Day of Unity. The New South Wales state government conducted an audit in September of extracurricular prayer groups at state schools to check adherence to Department of Education guidelines following allegations that extremist ideology was being preached in a Sydney high school during a lunchtime prayer group. Media reported that some schools suspended Islamic Friday prayers while the audit was being conducted. The government was still considering the completed audit at year's end. Each session of parliament began with a recitation of a short prayer and then the Lord's Prayer, as has been the practice since 1901. Participation in the prayers remained optional. The Green Party and other groups called for the practice to end. In August the Victoria government said it would remove religious instruction in public schools. This move was opposed by the interdenominational Christian organization that provided special religious instruction in Victoria schools, but was supported by the Australian Education Union. The religious education program is being replaced with a new curriculum that aims to help students understand global cultures and traditions, recognize and prevent family violence, and appreciate and understand diversity. The state of Victoria's Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the June decision of the local council to allow construction of a mosque in the town of Bendigo. After the tribunal's decision, there were a number of protests some violent targeted against the local council. The construction was challenged by local residents, reportedly mainly because of neighborhood planning and zoning issues, as well as by nonresidents from other parts of Australia opposed to the construction of mosques in general. In September the Court of Appeals rejected an application for an injunction to prevent construction from starting. An appeal of the ruling was heard November 6, but the case remained pending at year's end. A program established in 2014 continued to provide government funding for security installations such as lighting, fencing and closed-circuit television cameras and for the cost of employing security guards, to protect schools and preschools facing a risk of attack, harassment, or violence stemming from racial or religious intolerance. This funding was available at both government and non-government schools, including religious schools. The government Australian Multicultural Council continued to provide guidance to the government on multicultural affairs policy and programs. The government's national multicultural policy, The People of Australia, was based on a government-wide approach to maintaining social cohesion and included religious tolerance as a component. The government provided a range of programs to promote religious tolerance that focused on youth outreach and early intervention, education, and "deradicalization" for prison inmates convicted of terrorism-related offenses. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom In February vandals sprayed white supremacist graffiti on a Perth mosque. In April a mosque in Toowoomba was the target of an arson attack which reportedly caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. In February a passing motorist in Melbourne allegedly verbally abused a 14-year-old Muslim girl. In April a woman on a Sydney train was reported having verbally abused a Muslim family; the family praised another passenger for intervening against the woman. In May two men verbally abused three Muslim women on a Melbourne train for wearing headscarves and punched another man in the face when he came to their defense. Police subsequently arrested a 20-year-old suspect. In its 2015 anti-Semitism report, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) reported 190 anti-Semitic incidents from October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015, down from 312 reported the previous corresponding period. Incidents included eight episodes of assault in which eggs or water balloons were thrown at people standing by a Jewish school or synagogue; 119 episodes of harassment or intimidation, including the use of profane language or gestures; and a number of incidents involving graffiti and property damage and vandalism, such as anti-Semitic graffiti along the walls above a pedestrian and bike path in Sydney, at a Jewish institution in Perth, and the home of a Jew in Melbourne. The ECAJ report said no seriously life-threatening anti-Semitic events occurred during the year. In March the federal government announced security funding for 17 Jewish schools and 15 Islamic schools. In September Victoria's largest Jewish school announced it would employ armed guards. The principal stated "this enhancement of the guards' equipment reflects the heightened security levels now in place across Australia and worldwide, and is not in response to any particular threat to the College." In August a new political party, the Australian Liberty Alliance, became established and gained attention in the press for its anti-Islam stance. It announced it favored banning full face coverings in public, and under the section of its manifesto entitled "Stop the Islamisation of Australia," called for a 10-year moratorium on resident visa applications by people from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Religious tolerance advocates and far-right nationalists who oppose the spread of Islam held competing peaceful demonstrations during a number of Melbourne and Sydney rallies. The police presence at many of these events outnumbered the protesters. In the aftermath of the Paris bombings in November, eight people, including six in Victoria, were arrested following rival anti-Islam and pro-diversity protests in state capitals nationwide. Anti-Islam rallies organized by the anti-immigration Reclaim Australia group in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, and Melbourne were opposed by antiracism groups, who held their own protests at the same locations. The largest rally (approximately 500 people on each side) was in Melbourne, where Reclaim Australia and local residents protested the planned construction of a mosque. Police made six arrests for minor offenses including possession of a knife and animal cruelty (for punching a horse). In the wake of the Lindt Cafe incident in downtown Sydney in December 2014, in which a Muslim man took the occupants of the cafe hostage resulting in the death of two of the hostages, the media reported an initial social media-based backlash against Muslims. Domestic and international media, however, also reported on the more rapid, larger spread of the hashtag #illridewithyou on social media. The idea was sparked by an individual who offered to ride with Muslim women who felt frightened to wear the hijab while riding public transport shortly after the Lindt Cafe incident. The hashtag appeared more than 250,000 times on social media within three days, with many celebrities and public figures voicing support for the campaign, which was seen as a show of support for the Muslim community and religious tolerance. Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) promoted tolerance and better understanding among religious groups. These included the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, the National Council of Churches in Australia, the Australian Council of Christians and Jews, and the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia. In November the Lebanese Muslim Association in Australia, supported by the Australian Department of Social Services, sponsored the second annual National Mosque Open Day. The goal of this event was to facilitate a greater understanding of Islam and Muslims in Australia by opening up mosques to the wider public. The Australian treasurer and the opposition leader visited a mosque in west Sydney, commending Muslim leaders for helping counter mistaken and negative images about Muslims. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney met with government officials to promote religious freedom and tolerance. They also engaged a wide range of religious leaders, faith communities, and groups. The embassy and consulates general used social media platforms to increase awareness of U.S. policy and activities supportive of religious freedom. For example, when television presenter Waleed Aly discussed the importance of maintaining and promoting social cohesion in the wake of the 2015 Paris attacks, the embassy and consulates shared his remarks as "ideas worth sharing." In October the Ambassador hosted an interfaith picnic partnering with local organizations promoting religious tolerance to bring together young leaders in the local community from a variety of religious groups, including Sikhs, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Buddhists, Bahais, and Anglicans. The event was designed to foster positive relationships among youth in these communities and among the communities themselves. Through photo sharing, the embassy's Facebook and Twitter feed provided illustrations of positive engagement among different religious groups at the event. In the wake of the 2014 vandalizing of the Islamic Center in Canberra, the Ambassador contacted officials at the center and remained in touch with them throughout the year in person as well as via phone and email to undergird the embassy's support of religious freedom and tolerance. An iftar in July hosted by the Consulate General in Sydney included individuals from NGOs, government, education, and grass-roots community organizations. Participants stated that religious freedom and tolerance was vital to stable, secure communities. Representatives of the consulate general stressed the importance of continued support for religious freedom in meetings with senior community representatives. In January the Consul General in Melbourne and the Ambassador, along with a local member of parliament, hosted an event that brought together Afghan elders and youth leaders from Victoria. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by Afghan community, including incidents of anti-Muslim sentiment and countering violent extremism among marginalized youth. The event also emphasized the importance of religious freedom in strengthening bonds between people and groups. The Consul General in Perth hosted an interfaith event attended by senior leaders and members of the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Hindu, Christian, and Bahai communities. The theme was the importance of all faith communities working together positively and constructively to promote religious freedom and prevent violent extremism. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Armenia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Armenia, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a815.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and stipulates the separation of religious organizations and the state, but also recognizes the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) as the national church and preserver of national identity. Major amendments to the constitution were approved by referendum on December 6; those relevant to religious freedom came into effect on December 22. The amendments incorporate into the constitution an existing alternative service option for conscientious objectors to military service and expand the circumstances in which the state may apply restrictions on the expression of freedom of religion to include the protection of state security. Minority religious groups faced obstacles in obtaining building permits for places of worship; discrimination in education, the military, law enforcement, and public sector employment; government preferences for the AAC; and negative commentary from government officials. Representatives of minority religious groups associated with ethnic minorities, unlike those associated with ethnic Armenians, reported better relations with the government. The government sponsored an increased presence for the AAC in public life and required courses on the history of the AAC and on Christianity in public schools. Jehovah's Witnesses reported some incidents of physical and verbal harassment while proselytizing, although they said police generally responded promptly to stop such incidents. A report from the European Commission covering events in 2014 stated that, despite some progress, societal acceptance of religious minorities was low and discrimination against minority religious groups in the workplace and the media continued. During the year, media continued to report negatively on minority religious groups, often referring to them in a derogatory manner as "sects" or "enemies of the state." According to several minority religious groups and civil society organizations, media were less critical of minority religious groups than in previous years. The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives advocated, publicly and during meetings with government officials, greater religious tolerance, emphasizing all individuals should be allowed to practice their faith without hindrance, and the state should not consider members of religious minorities as threats. Embassy officials engaged with religious and civil society leaders throughout the year to promote religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. The Ambassador and embassy staff also met with AAC leadership to discuss specific concerns. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 3.1 million (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2011 census, approximately 92 percent of the population identifies with the AAC. Other religious groups include Roman Catholics, Armenian Uniate (Mekhitarist) Catholics, Orthodox Christians, evangelical Christians, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, charismatic Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church Of The East, Pagans, Molokan Christians, Yezidis, Jews, Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims. Yezidis are concentrated primarily in agricultural areas northwest of Yerevan around Mount Aragats, and Armenian Uniate Catholics live primarily in the north. Most Jews, Mormons, and Orthodox Christians reside in Yerevan, along with a small community of Muslims, most of whom are Shia, including Iranians and temporary residents from the Middle East. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes the freedom to change one's religion or beliefs and the freedom to manifest religion or belief in rituals of worship, such as preaching or church ceremonies, either alone or in community with others, in public or in private. The constitution establishes separation of "religious organizations" and state. At the same time, it recognizes "the exclusive mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church as a national church in the spiritual life, development of the national culture, and preservation of the national identity of the people of Armenia." The constitution prohibits the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms for the purpose of inciting religious hatred. It allows conscientious objectors to military service to perform alternative civilian service. A December 6 referendum approved major amendments to the constitution which became effective on December 22. The changes included allowing restrictions on the expression and practice of freedom of religion in order to protect state security. Previously, it allowed such restrictions only to protect the public order, health, morality, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. The amendments also replaced "church" with the term "religious organizations" in the language stipulating the separation of religion from the state. In addition, the amended constitution incorporated a preexisting legal provision allowing alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors in lieu of military service. The criminal code prohibits "obstruction of the right to exercise freedom of religion" and prescribes a punishment ranging from fines of up to 200,000 drams ($426) or detention of up to two months. The law enumerates the rights of religious organizations: to minister to the religious and spiritual needs of their faithful; to perform religious liturgies, rites, and ceremonies; to establish groups for religious instruction; to engage in theological, religious, and historical and cultural studies; to train members for clergy or for scientific and pedagogical purposes; to obtain and utilize objects and materials of religious significance; to use communications media; to establish ties with religious organizations in other countries; and to engage in charity. According to the law, these rights commence at the moment a religious organization is registered. Registration for religious groups is not mandatory but religious groups must do so to be entitled to the rights set out in the law. Laws do not stipulate the rights accorded to unregistered groups. In order to register as a legal entity, a religious community or organization has to present to the Office of the State Registrar an expert opinion from the Department of Religious Affairs and National Minorities that the community or organization complies with requirements of the law that it be based on "historically recognized holy scripture;" be "free from materialism and is of a spiritual nature;" have at least 200 adult members; and its doctrine be espoused by a member of the "international modern system" of religious communities. The law does not define "free from materialism" or state which religious communities are considered to be part of the "international modern system." These requirements do not apply to the religious groups associated with national ethnic minorities, such as Molokans, Assyrians, Jews, and Yezidis, if they choose to register. Laws prohibit members of the police, the national security service, the service for mandatory enforcement of court rulings, the penitentiary service, the rescue service, and the military service from being members of religious organizations. These laws do not further define the meaning of "membership" in a religious organization. Laws prohibit the members of the police, the military, and the national security service, as well as prosecutors and other state and civil servants from using their official position for the benefit of "religious associations" and preaching in support of them. Laws also prohibit the police, prosecutors, and other state and civil servants from carrying out other religious activities while performing official duties. The law also prohibits military servicemen from organizing "religious associations." While the law defines a "religious organization" as the association of citizens established for professing a common faith as well as for fulfilling other religious needs, there is no definition for "religious associations." The law allows the AAC free access to, or the right to station representatives in, hospitals, orphanages, boarding schools, military units, and places of detention, while other religious groups may have representatives in these locations only upon request. The law prohibits, but does not define, "soul hunting," a term describing both proselytism and forced conversion. The law mandates that public education be secular, but courses in the history of the AAC are a mandatory part of the national curriculum in public and private schools in grades five 11, and history of the AAC/Christianity is taught in grades two four in 50 state schools as a pilot program of the Ministry of Education. The AAC has the right to participate in the development of the syllabus and textbooks for these courses and to define the qualifications of their teachers. The Church may also nominate candidates to teach the courses, though the teachers are state employees. All students are required to enroll in these classes; there is no opt-out provision. The law grants the AAC the right to organize voluntary extracurricular religious classes in state educational institutions. Other religious groups may provide religious instruction to members in their own facilities. The law provides for two types of service for conscientious objectors as an alternative to regular, two-year military service: alternative (noncombat) military service for a duration of 30 months or alternative labor service for a duration of 36 months. Evasion of alternative service remains a criminal offense. Penalties range from two months' detention to eight years' imprisonment depending on the circumstances of the case. The labor code prohibits employers from collecting and analyzing data on religious views of employees. The law does not recognize as political parties groups organized on the basis of religion. The criminal code prohibits incitement of religious hatred through violence, public statements, or the mass media and prescribes punishments ranging from fines of 200,000 to 500,000 drams ($426 to $1,064) or prison terms between two and six years. Government Practices There were reports military conscripts faced pressures favoring the AAC. Religious and civil society groups urged the government to clarify laws pertaining to religion. Minority religious groups faced obstacles in obtaining building permits for places of worship, discrimination in education, the military, law enforcement, and public sector employment, preferential government support for the AAC and its continued presence in public life, and negative commentary from government officials. According to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and religious groups, conscripts beginning their service in the army were required to fill out a questionnaire at the military commissariats, where they had to indicate their religious affiliation. Reportedly the formulation of this question was whether a person was a member of the AAC or a "sect." According to a Helsinki Committee report published during the year and covering events in 2014, there were instances when military clergy subjected members of minority religious organizations to "explanatory and moral instructions." The report cited one instance when a religious minority member performing mandatory military service was forced to say prayers under the guidance of an AAC priest and pressured by his commanding officer to abandon his church. According to the report, the recruit took part in AAC religious ceremonies against his will for eight months. There continued to be media reports of AAC group baptisms occurring regularly during service in the army with the support of the army command. The media reports cited groups of four or more conscripts or other soldiers undergoing baptism at the same time. Unlike previous years, however, minority religious groups did not report any specific instances of members being pressured into undergoing baptisms. A January report in the privately owned Aravot daily cited a report by the father of a young evangelical man, who felt he had been pressured into being baptized in the army by the AAC in 2014. The same report quoted an AAC clergy member who denied that anyone was pressured into baptism or that there was discrimination in the military against minority religious groups. According to the clergy member, the mission of the AAC in the army was to make everyone acquainted with the Church and with the country's history and to give soldiers spiritual knowledge; within this program, if there were soldiers affiliated with "sects," "we do not discriminate, but considering them our lost soldiers we keep them in more warmth and try to keep them away from the wrong road." In November the Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced the establishment of the Center for Human Rights and Integrity, with a mandate to promote and protect human rights including minority rights and religious tolerance in the military. Religious groups and civil society representatives continued to urge the government to remove the legal gaps, unclear provisions, and contradictions in the existing legislation on religion; to clarify if religious organizations were entitled to legal personality and had access to it; and to make more precise and clear the scope of application of the law, as repeatedly recommended by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. Religious minority and civil society groups also expressed concern with the amended constitution, particularly its provision permitting restrictions on religious practice for reasons of "state security," rather than just public safety. Representatives of several Christian minority groups reported that, due to past difficulties in renting spaces, religious organizations relied on their own facilities new and existing for holding gatherings. According to a number of religious groups, representatives from local governments obstructed attempts to obtain approvals of the required architectural planning studies and building and occupancy permits for houses of worship on land religious groups owned. Representatives of several minority faiths reported building permits for places of worship were only granted with the approval of the leadership of the AAC, and the AAC exercised a de facto veto on the construction by minority faiths of any new places of worship. On July 29, the Cassation Court (except for constitutional matters, the highest judicial authority, responsible for ensuring uniform application of the law) rejected the Jehovah's Witnesses' final appeal against the refusal of the Yerevan mayor's office to issue permits for building three places of worship because of "complaints from neighbors." According to the Jehovah's Witnesses and other religious groups, they were more successful in obtaining building permits if this was done under the name of private individuals, or if the stated purpose in applying for the permit was to use the building for a different purpose than as a place of worship. On April 1, media reported that in 2014 the government had transferred the management of a public high school in Yerevan to the AAC based on the request of the latter. According to the government's decision, four out of the seven members of the board of trustees of the school were appointed from the AAC. The school continued to operate nominally as a public institution. According to the country's Helsinki Committee, the nonsecular management of the school was in violation of the law on education and the constitution. Yezidi community representatives continued to report their dissatisfaction with the mandatory nature of the AAC history course, which they stated they considered to be religious indoctrination. NGOs, religious organizations, atheists, and nonpracticing members of the AAC continued to voice similar concerns. Religious minority groups did not report any complaints from their members about discriminatory treatment by teachers of their students during this class during the year. There were reports of some AAC clergy teaching this class. There were media reports of visits by AAC clergy to state-funded kindergartens, including during celebration of Church holidays, as well as visits of kindergarteners to churches. A December 2014 story by Asparez online news reported that a representative of the AAC at a meeting held in the Gyumri municipality had distributed, without the Ministry of Education's approval, a book containing religious songs to the directors of state kindergartens in the city. According to Asparez, such interventions by the AAC made it difficult for kindergarten administrators to keep the secular and religious elements of holiday celebrations distinct. In a report the Jehovah's Witnesses issued during the year, despite a legal provision that any donations to religious groups are tax free, the government required the Witnesses to pay "tens of thousands of euros" (tens of thousands of dollars) in value added tax (VAT) on imports of religious literature they had received as a donation and distributed free of charge within the country. According to the report, the Jehovah's Witnesses filed eight applications between 2010 and June 2015 with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), seeking a VAT exemption, after they had exhausted legal remedies within the country. The report added that the government had lowered the VAT rate in July but that the Jehovah's Witnesses were still obliged to pay the tax at the new rate. Private businesses and secular NGOs have reported similar difficulties, but they did not have the legal avenues available to religious groups. Other religious minority groups have also reported being required to pay VAT on donations that were imported from abroad; however, they have opted not to pursue legal action. The clergy of the AAC was the only religious organization that had access to the army through the army chaplaincy program. On October 15, the government placed these chaplains on the Ministry of Defense (MOD) payroll. According to a report by the NGO Collaboration for Democracy, the government could use the provisions of the law prohibiting membership of law-enforcement employees and other public service employees in religious organizations, to limit the rights of those employees. Collaboration for Democracy also reported that, given the privileged role of the AAC in various state bodies, those provisions prohibiting membership in religious organizations were in practice interpreted to mean that affiliation with any religious group other than the AAC was prohibited. Collaboration for Democracy and a number of religious groups stated that the government used systematic discrimination in the military and law-enforcement bodies to remove employees who held religious views other than those of the AAC. Representatives of religious minorities reported members employed by the government who were asked to choose between their job and their faith. As of October a total of 183 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses were in the alternative labor service for conscientious objectors. A report by the national Helsinki Committee discovered no major problems with the conduct of the alternative service. According to the Jehovah's Witnesses, the state committee responsible for coordinating and reviewing the applications for alternative service had been cooperative, and the program was working well. According to various religious groups and NGOs which advocated for religious tolerance and respect, discrimination towards religious organizations, other than the AAC, were mainly fueled by government rhetoric equating national identity with affiliation to the AAC. NGOs and representatives of religious minorities stated government officials often referred disparagingly to religious groups other than the AAC as "sects," though the officials did not define the word. According to a news report in the Aravot daily, on September 12, an AAC church in the city of Ararat organized a march against "sects" during the celebration of a Church holiday, with the participation of the leadership of the Ararat municipality and Ararat village administration, a local military unit, a local hospital, a number of schools, and others. According to the news report, approximately 1,000 people participated in the three-mile march. On June 10, the Armenian Youth Foundation, a government-funded foundation with activities coordinated by a member of parliament from the ruling Republican Party (RPA) and chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, announced a series of lectures for youth it organized with the Yerevan municipality youth council and NGOs on the subject of The Destructive Activities of Nontraditional Religious Organizations. According to the announcement, the lecturers, which included priests from the AAC, aimed to teach youth about "the faith of the AAC and those of other religious organizations, the peculiarities of their influence on people, and the goals they pursued." According to one of the organizers, they wanted youth to be able to understand what "sects" were and to work with others who were at risk of joining "sects." Organizers also announced plans to print brochures on "religious safety" and distribute them in Yerevan and the regions, as well as use social media to raise awareness about "destructive sects." Government officials and others referring to "sects" did not cite any organizations by name, but NGOs and others said the term was understood to mean minority Christian groups. An article in the Medialab online news portal referring to the program stated "hatred and intolerance towards religious organizations were being spread at the government level." High-ranking members of parliament made negative statements during speeches at the national assembly about what they called "sects, the dangers they presented for the country and the preservation of national identity, and the need to take actions against them. For example, on October 7, the deputy speaker of the national assembly urged public television and radio to increase programs where representatives of the AAC could talk about the Church's history within the context of the fight against "sects." The head of the RPA parliamentary faction made similar remarks, saying that a significant amount of money entered the country to hinder "our national values, our traditions, the strength of our families, our Church ... these foreign sums have a serious impact on our belief ... today serious money is put on sects in order to split our Church." Religious groups affiliated with national minorities, such as Jewish and Apostolic Assyrians, reported better relations with government institutions than did minority faiths practiced by ethnic Armenians. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom According to Jehovah's Witnesses, there were some incidents of physical and verbal abuse towards their members while they were engaged in proselytizing. Individuals overturned Witnesses' literature carts, which sustained minor damage. The group reported that police typically responded promptly to complaints and had fined several perpetrators for their repeated misconduct. In some cases, the offenders had offered an official apology and had not interfered with the Witnesses' activity again. The Jehovah's Witnesses did not provide an estimate of the number of incidents directed against their members during the year. According to a European Commission report issued in March on the progress made in 2014 in implementing the EU-Armenia Neighborhood Policy Action Plan, despite some progress, society's acceptance of religious minorities remained low, and discrimination against minority religious groups in the workplace and the media continued. The report did not cite specific instances of religious discrimination. The Helsinki Committee report for 2014 cited a number of instances of negative reporting of minority religious groups by online media. For example, mamul.am published an article titled "Sectarians, or the Seed of Satan," in which the author likened non-AAC religious groups to "prostitutes." According to several Christian religious minority groups and NGOs, while media outlets continued to label minority religious groups as "sects" and broadcast discussions and news stories with unverified and biased information about religious minorities, media were less critical of minority religious groups than in previous years and more willing to include the perspective of those groups in their stories. Representatives of religious groups said some journalists used their reporting to advocate religious tolerance, but the representatives expressed disappointment in the lack of media coverage their activities received. The Helsinki Committee, at times together with other local NGOs, such as the Goris Press Club, Shirak Regional Center of Sakharov Armenian Human Rights Protection Center, and others, continued to conduct training for civil society, lawyers, and journalists to sensitize them to religious minorities and promote religious tolerance through better understanding and, in case of journalists, better reporting on religious issues. According to different evangelical groups the training had led to more accurate reporting on religious issues. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives promoted religious freedom and interfaith dialogue publicly and during meetings with government officials, including at the MOD, where they advocated for the rights of all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance and emphasized members of religious minorities should not be considered a threat. The Ambassador met frequently with the catholicos (global leader) of the AAC and other Church leaders to urge religious freedom and tolerance and to underscore the necessity of allowing religious minorities to practice their faith without restrictions. During one such meeting, after the Ambassador raised U.S. concerns about proselytizing taking place during the AAC history course in public schools, the catholicos asked that the Church leadership be made aware of any specific cases of course instructors "overstepping their bounds." The Ambassador also held two separate social events, one with the leaders of the Yezidi community, the other with religious leaders, to discuss issues pertaining to religious freedom. Embassy officials met with a broad range of representatives of religious and ethnic/religious minorities, including Catholics, evangelicals and other Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Yezidis, Apostolic Assyrians, and Jews, as well as representatives of the AAC, to discuss developments related to the exercise of religious freedom and freedom of conscience in the country. Representatives of several minority faiths reported the embassy's indirect and direct advocacy for religious freedom and tolerance was "bearing fruit." Embassy officials also met with civil society groups to discuss the state of religious freedom and problems with religious tolerance in the country. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Argentina Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Argentina, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8a9e.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution and laws provide for freedom of religion and the right to profess one's faith freely. The government continued its investigation into the 1994 bombing of the Argentina Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) community center. Political events such as a criminal complaint against then-president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner by AMIA bombing prosecutor Alberto Nisman, followed by his unsolved death, assumed religious overtones. A 2014 court ruling, which held as unconstitutional the 2013 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to jointly establish a truth commission for the AMIA bombing, became final after the new administration of President Mauricio Macri withdrew the former government's appeal. Senior government officials in the outgoing administration, including the then-president, criticized the Jewish community. New civil and commercial codes allowed non-Catholic religious groups to register as religious groups with the same privileges and fiscal benefits as Catholics. The government has recognized more than 5,300 non-Catholic religious groups. There were incidents of anti-Semitism, including posters, following the death of Alberto Nisman. Muslims filed a formal complaint about the content of a news article that appeared on the website Infobae on November 17, implying the Quran contains violent verses that inspire Islamic terrorists. The U.S. Ambassador and embassy officials actively engaged with the government, civil society groups, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to facilitate interfaith dialogue and promote religious tolerance. Outreach efforts included regular meetings with religious and community leaders. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 43.4 million (July 2015 estimate). National census data does not track religious affiliation. Religious demographics and statistics from NGOs, research centers, and religious leaders vary. Roman Catholics constitute approximately 71 percent of the population. Atheists, agnostics, and those with no religious affiliation constitute approximately 11 percent of the population, and Pentecostals constitute approximately 8 percent. The Jewish population is approximately 250,000-300,000 and the Muslim population is estimated to be between 450,000 and one million. Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutherans, Methodists, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) total less than 5 percent of the population. Evangelical Protestant communities, particularly Pentecostals, are growing in size. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for the right to profess and to practice one's faith freely. It attests the support of the federal government for "the Roman Catholic Apostolic faith," but the Supreme Court has ruled that it is not an official or state religion. The government provides the Catholic Church with tax-exempt subsidies, institutional privileges such as school subsidies, significant autonomy for parochial schools, and licensing preferences for radio frequencies. Non-Catholic groups can register with the Secretariat of Worship in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship. Registration is not compulsory, but allows religious groups to receive tax-exempt status, apply for visas for religious officials, hold public activities, and receive other benefits. The new civil and commercial code, which entered into effect on August 1, allows non-Catholic religious groups to register with the same status as Catholic groups. This opens the door to receiving similar privileges as Catholic groups; under prior laws, non-Catholic groups were required to register as civic associations and were not eligible for these privileges. To register, religious groups must have a place of worship, an organizational charter, and an ordained clergy, among other provisions. Registration is not required for private religious services, such as those in homes, but is sometimes necessary in order to conduct activities in public spaces pursuant to local regulations. For example, city authorities may require groups to obtain permits to use public parks for public activities, and they may require the religious group be registered with the secretariat to receive the permit. Once an organization is registered, it must report to the secretariat any significant changes or decisions made regarding its leadership, governing structure, size of membership, address of headquarters, or other relevant information. The government has recognized more than 5,300 non-Catholic religious groups, who have the same privileges and fiscal benefits as Catholic groups. Foreign religious officials of registered religious groups can apply for a separate category of visa to enter the country. The length of the visa can vary depending on the purpose of the travel. Foreign missionaries of registered religious groups must apply to the Secretariat of Worship, which in turn notifies immigration authorities to request the issuance of the appropriate documents. The mandatory curriculum in public schools is secular by law. Students may request elective courses of instruction in the religion of their choice in some public schools, which may be conducted in the school or at a religious institution. Many Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious groups operate private schools. The board of the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI), a government agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, includes representatives of the major religious groups. INADI investigates suspected and reported incidents of discrimination based on religion. INADI does not have the authority to enforce recommendations or findings, but the reports may be used as evidence in civil court. The agency also supports victims of religious discrimination and promotes proactive measures to prevent discrimination. INADI produces and distributes publications to promote religious tolerance. Government Practices On January 14, Alberto Nisman, the lead federal prosecutor responsible for the investigation of the bombing of the AMIA community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 persons in 1994, filed a criminal complaint against the then-president and senior members of the government. The complaint alleged the former president negotiated the 2013 MOU with Iran to convey immunity upon the five Iranian suspects in the AMIA bombing case. On January 18, hours before Special Prosecutor Nisman was scheduled to testify before Congress, he was discovered dead in his apartment from a gunshot to the head. On February 26, a judge dismissed Nisman's complaint, ruling the evidence put forward was insufficient to initiate criminal proceedings against the former president. The investigation into the death of Nisman continued at year's end. On April 27, a prosecutor initiated a criminal investigation alleging unnamed members of the Jewish community, Special Prosecutor Nisman, and members of the opposition party, while acting under the influence of financial and political interests from the United States, had conspired to force the country to abandon the MOU with Iran. The complaint was dismissed in November for lack of substantiating evidence. On social media on April 20, then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner cited the investigation and said Argentina was under assault from a "global modus operandi." She stated Special Prosecutor Nisman and the Delegation of Argentine Jewish Associations (DAIA) had collaborated to prevent the implementation of the MOU with Iran and to destabilize the country. Jewish leaders and the Anti-Defamation League, an NGO that combats anti-Semitism, condemned Kirchner's statements on the country's economic problems in which she compared the investment funds that contributed to the national debt to the Shakespearean villain Shylock. Then-Foreign Minister Hector Timerman stated AMIA was using the bombing incident to support political, economic, and social interests contrary to the country's national interests. During the 21st anniversary commemoration of the AMIA bombing, Jewish community speakers at the event focused many of their comments on what they said was the tension created by the government in the wake of Special Prosecutor Nisman's death and continued criticism of the government's MOU with Iran. In June the Magistrates Council unseated a judge days before he was to vote on the appellate decision regarding the 2014 court decision finding the 2013 MOU with Iran unconstitutional. Media reports stated the judge was set to vote against the constitutionality of the MOU and thereby sway the court's decision against the government. The appellate court subsequently delayed the case indefinitely. Jewish community representatives and the then-opposition political party continued to oppose the MOU, which was ratified by Argentina but not by Iran. On December 11, the new administration of President Mauricio Macri announced the government would withdraw its appeal of the judicial decision holding the MOU to be unconstitutional. The ruling became final on December 23 when the Federal Court of Cassation issued a decision accepting the government's withdrawal of the appeal, effectively terminating the MOU. The government assigned 50 Border Patrol agents to protect Pastor Marcelo Nieva and his Baptist Evangelical church in Rio Tercero, Cordoba Province. Nieva's 2014 religious discrimination case was assigned to a federal judge. Nieva stated that criminal groups targeted him and his church because of his social work, particularly with victims of sex trafficking and gender-based violence. The secretary of worship, the Buenos Aires director general for religious affairs, and other government representatives hosted and attended religious freedom conferences, interreligious dialogues, rabbinical ordinations, and Rosh Hashanah, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, as well as other religious activities, including those held by Protestant and Orthodox churches throughout the year. The government is a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom On January 19 a group of individuals in Lago Puelo village, Chubut Province, shouted anti-Semitic insults for several hours at a hostel frequented by Israeli tourists, robbing and physically harming seven people, including four Israeli tourists. The hostel owner reported the attackers were armed with firearms and firebombs and said the group had previously attacked his hostel, targeting Israeli tourists. The provincial governor condemned the assault, and INADI stated it was anti-Semitic. Provincial law enforcement quickly identified and investigated the attackers. A federal judge charged the alleged attackers, and the case was awaiting a date for oral trial at year's end. In the Villa Crespo neighborhood of Buenos Aires on March 1, posters appeared saying "The only good Jew is a dead Jew. [Special Prosecutor] Nisman is a good Jew." During an October march in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, individuals advocating legal and free abortions clashed with Catholic lay individuals and the city police outside of the city's Catholic cathedral. Protestors shouted anti-Catholic slogans "the Church is a piece of trash; you are a dictatorship." The anti-Catholic protestors knocked down a temporary protective fence separating them from the Catholic counter-protestors, and the police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in several injuries. Three anti-Catholic protestors were arrested. In November a Muslim group registered a complaint with INADI concerning the content of a news article appearing on the website Infobae on November 17. The article stated the Quran contained violent verses that inspired Islamic terrorism and that the individuals who stormed the Le Bataclan Theater in Paris shouted "Allah is great." The complaint alleged many of the verses were translated incompletely or taken out of context, with the aim of creating negative stereotypes of Muslims and demonizing Islam. DAIA documented 308 incidents of anti-Semitism in 2014, the most recent data published, which was a modest increase over previous years. Approximately one half of those incidents occurred on the internet. One-third of all incidents referenced the conflict in the Middle East, particularly the conflict in Gaza. Some 29 percent of all incidents involved physical injury or damage to property. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy In regular meetings with the Secretariat of Worship, religious leaders, and civil society organizations, U.S. embassy officials discussed religious freedom, the interfaith movement, and the status of the AMIA case, as well as anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim sentiment. In meetings with senior Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim leaders at both the national and capital city levels, the Ambassador discussed religious tolerance, diversity, the interfaith movement, and measures to counteract religious discrimination. On April 17 the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism met with the secretary of worship and the minister for justice and human rights to discuss religious tolerance and anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy also met with national religious and civic leaders and civil society organizations such as DAIA, AMIA, B'nai B'rith International, and the World Jewish Congress. Embassy officials regularly attended conferences, observances, and commemorations organized by religious groups and NGOs including DAIA, AMIA, the Islamic Center of Argentina, the Islamic Center for Peace, the Evangelical Church of Argentina, and the United Religious Initiative that advocated an interfaith cooperation and universal tolerance. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Antigua and Barbuda Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Antigua and Barbuda, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8aa6.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of worship, and the right to practice and change religion. Rastafarians continue to express concern that government practices, which include prohibition of marijuana use, vaccination in public schools, and headdress restriction, negatively impact their religious activities and convictions. They also complained of being subjected to undue scrutiny at security checkpoints. There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. The U.S. embassy engaged representatives of the government and civil society on religious freedom issues. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 92,000 (July 2015 estimate). According to the 2011 census, 17.6 percent of the population is Anglican; 12.4 percent Seventh-day Adventists; 12.2 percent Pentecostal; 8.3 percent Moravian; 8.2 percent Roman Catholic; and 5.6 percent Methodist. Those having unspecified or no religious beliefs account for 5.5 percent and 5.9 percent of the population, respectively. Members of the Baptist Church, the Church of God, and the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium each account for less than 5 percent. The census categorizes an additional 12.2 percent of the population as belonging to other religious groups that together constitute less than 2 percent of the population and include Rastafarians, Muslims, Hindus, and Bahais. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for freedom of worship, and the right to change and practice the religion of one's choosing. The constitution protects individuals from taking oaths contradictory to their beliefs, or participating in events and activities of religions not their own. There are protections against participating in or receiving unwanted religious education. No law may be adopted that contradicts these constitutional provisions. Legislation outlaws blasphemous language, but it is not enforced. The constitution prohibits members of the clergy from running for elected office. In order to receive tax and duty-free concessions and to own, build, or renovate property, religious groups must register with the government. Religious groups must fill out an online tax form which determines the group's activities and the corresponding taxes. The completed Non-Individual Registration Form F-15 is submitted it to the Inland Revenue Department for review and approval. Public schools do not allow religious instruction. The law prohibits the use of marijuana, including for religious purposes. Government Practices The Caribbean Rastafari Organization stated that the government's prohibition of marijuana contradicts their religious rights because marijuana is integral to their religious rituals. Rastafarians disagreed with the public school requirement that children be vaccinated, which they state is against their religious beliefs. They also said the requirement to remove their headdress for passport photos and at security checkpoints was an additional infringement of their religious rights. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy U.S. embassy officers engaged various government officials, members of nongovernmental organizations, and religious leaders on religious freedom issues. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Angola Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Angola, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8ab4.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution defines the state as secular, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of conscience, religion, and worship. According to the government, a series of violent clashes beginning in April between security forces and the Light of the World religious group resulted in 23 killed, including 10 police officers, and more than 110 arrests, including of the group's leader, Jose Kalupeteka, and his son. Opposition parties' accounts of the incident varied, but they said the number killed was much higher. Journalists reported security forces closed 44 churches. Muslim groups reported security forces demolished two mosques. The government requires religious groups to seek legal recognition by meeting rigorous criteria, but has not approved any new groups since 2004. Some religious leaders condemned the proliferation of unrecognized religious groups across the country. The government and recognized churches led an effort to bring unrecognized groups together under umbrella associations, reportedly in order to promote dialogue and attain government recognition. Members of Protestant churches and the Catholic Church regularly engaged in religious dialogue and collaborated in several religious and charitable events. U.S. embassy representatives engaged government officials on the importance of respecting freedom of religion. The embassy encouraged the government to allow all people to worship freely and to ease registration restrictions. The embassy also continued to monitor cases involving government tensions with religious groups. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 24.3 million (July 2015 estimate). The National Institute of Statistics, the National Institute for Religious Affairs, and some local civil society actors estimate approximately 50 percent of the population is Roman Catholic and 40 percent Protestant, belonging to 80 registered denominations. The remaining 10 percent is composed of people not associated with any religion, atheists, members of indigenous religious groups, Muslims, and others. According to the government, there are an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 Muslims, most of whom are immigrants from West Africa. Anecdotal evidence suggests most Muslims are Sunni. There are approximately 350 Jews, primarily foreigners. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution defines the state as secular and prohibits religious discrimination or depriving individuals of their rights or obligations because of religious belief. It recognizes the right of religious groups to organize and carry out their activities as long as they "conform to the constitution and the law" and provides for freedom of conscience, religious belief, and worship. It specifies the state shall protect churches and religious groups and their places and objects of worship as long as they conform to the constitution, the law, and public order. The constitution recognizes conscientious objector status "within the law," prohibits questioning individuals about their religious beliefs for reasons other than for anonymous statistical purposes, and specifies religious rights cannot be suspended even if the state declares a state of war, siege, or emergency. It recognizes the right of prisoners to receive visits from and correspond with religious counselors. The law requires religious groups to register to receive legal recognition from the state. Legal recognition gives religious groups the ability to purchase property collectively, use their property to hold religious events, and act as a juridical person in the court system. In order to apply for legal recognition, a religious group must collect 100,000 member signatures from 12 of the 18 provinces and submit them to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. The law also requires religious groups to submit documents defining their doctrine, organizational structure, methods of worship, and leadership, and state the amount of time the group has operated in the country. While the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is responsible for registration and recognition of religious groups, oversight over religious organizations is the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture through its National Institute for Religious Affairs. Religious instruction is not a component of the public educational system. Private schools are allowed to teach religion. Government Practices A series of violent clashes beginning in April between security forces and the Light of the World religious group, a breakaway group from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, resulted in 23 killed, including 10 police officers, and more than 110 arrests. According to an initial government report, on April 16, when police tried to enforce an arrest warrant in Huambo Province against the group's leader, Jose Kalupeteka, members of the group launched a surprise attack on the first police officers on the scene and killed them. The government said that following these attacks the violence escalated, resulting in the death of nine police officers and 13 religious group members, and the immediate arrest of 90 group members including Kalupeteka and his son. Opposition parties had varied reports on the incident but stated the number of group members killed was much higher. The government said that following the incident, the Ministry of Social Assistance and Reintegration provided assistance for 296 group members, 151 adults and 144 minors, to return to their homes. It also reported the recovery of weapons (firearms and machetes), munitions, vehicles, and political opposition documentation from the site. An official investigation into the events was still underway at year's end. Additional confrontations between security forces and Light of the World members before and after April 16 led to the death of one policeman, more than 21 arrests, and eight police injured. Although nearly all arrested members of the group were released, 15, including Kalupeteka, were still in police custody awaiting trial. Kalupeteka was accused of murder, aggravated murder, resisting authorities, and arms possession. The government stated it was concerned about the proliferation of religious "sects," some of which the government said used methods that exploited the vulnerable, especially the poor, and threatened domestic stability. The government said the Light of the World group had been a concern because of practices the government considered destabilizing to social order, such as prohibiting schooling and vaccinations of its children, avoiding participation in the 2014 national census, and having members abandon their homes, sell all their belongings, and settle in isolated locations. Muslim groups stated the national police harassed Muslims without just cause. According to reports, members of the national police stopped and demanded irregular payments from more than 30 Muslims during the year in houses, on the street, and in front of mosques to overlook documentation issues. Because religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. The government's requirement for religious groups to apply and obtain legal status made it difficult for some unrecognized religious groups to function freely as religious organizations, and the requirements also reportedly discouraged unrecognized groups from seeking recognition. Religious groups not recognized by the state were allowed to operate but faced operational and organizational challenges, such as the denial of permits to hold public religious activities or the inability to rent venues for events. Some members of the Muslim community stated they believed the high threshold for obtaining recognition, combined with the fact that the majority of recognized religious organizations were Christian, indicated that the government opposed recognizing other religious groups. The government stated some practices allowed by Islam, such as polygamy, contradicted the constitution. The Bahai Faith and the Global Messianic Church were the only two non-Christian organizations legally registered; no Islamic groups were recognized. The state, which recognizes 83 religious groups, has not registered a new religious group since 2004, when it established the current registration requirements. No religious groups applied to register during the year. The government identified more than 1,300 religious groups operating without legal status. Some of these groups had a national organizational structure and operated schools and medical facilities throughout the country. The government indicated some unrecognized religious groups had long-standing working relationships with provincial governments, even though they were not legally recognized by the state. Government officials closed and demolished two mosques in the Zango and Catinton neighborhoods in Luanda Province. Media sources reported at least 52 Christian churches were closed by the government throughout the country. The government, as well as some religious leaders, stated the mosques and churches did not have the proper permits to operate as places of worship. The Inter-ministerial Commission on Religious Affairs and the National Institute for Religious Affairs completed a comprehensive study on the state of religion in the country. This report was used in the formulation of a draft Law on Religious Freedom, Belief, and Worship proposed by the Ministry of Culture. The ministry held consultative sessions throughout the country to request feedback. According to a wide range of interested groups, while there were positive reforms in the proposed law, such as reducing the number of adherents required for recognition as a legal religious group, there were concerns with other proposals such as requiring Portuguese or national languages for religious services. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Some leaders of legally recognized religious organizations continued to publicly criticize the proliferation of smaller, non-recognized religious groups. Newer and more established religious groups traded accusations of corruption, profiting from their members, and erroneous doctrine. Governmental organizations as well as some religious associations called for all new religious groups to rejoin their "mother churches" or cease operations. The government supported a move by some churches to create new umbrella religious associations to unify unrecognized churches, thus allowing them to seek government recognition. The government, however, also required that the new associations have a unified leadership and doctrine, a requirement which some religious groups said caused serious problems among groups with different methods of worship. New religious associations served as platforms for discussion and dialogue between new and mother churches, but did not address the issue of legal recognition of the new churches. Members from Protestant and Catholic churches regularly engaged in religious dialogue and collaborated on several religious and charitable events throughout the year. Muslim leaders said they were open to dialogue and increased religious engagement with Christian organizations. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy Senior embassy officials remained in contact with the government on religious freedom. Religious freedom was the topic of a session at the November U.S.-Angola Human Rights Strategic Dialogue, in Washington, DC, which the Secretary of State attended. During a visit in August, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor discussed religious freedom with the government and civil society leaders. Embassy representatives engaged government officials on the new proposed religious freedom law and encouraged them to develop regulations that developed a more inclusive space for religious expression. Embassy staff communicated their concerns over reports of harassment by members of the national police against the Muslim community, as well as over the closing and demolition of mosques and churches. The embassy continued to monitor the ongoing investigation into the violence with the Light of the World group in Huambo. The embassy maintained open and regular contact with many religious groups, including some not legally recognized by the government. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Andorra Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Andorra, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8ab53.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of individuals to manifest their religion or belief and prohibits religious discrimination. In accordance with the constitution, the government continued to offer the Catholic Church privileges not available to other religious groups. Some Muslims expressed concerns individuals wearing head coverings for religious reasons had to remove them in photographs for official documents. The government did not take action regarding Muslim and Jewish concerns about a lack of cemeteries where these groups could bury their dead according to their religious traditions. Non-Catholic foreigners performing religious functions could not obtain permits for their religious work and had to enter the country under a different status, but could perform religious work unhindered. Ten religious communities making up the Interfaith Dialogue Group met periodically to discuss issues of common interest regarding religious traditions, beliefs, and tolerance. During periodic visits, the U.S. Ambassador, resident in Spain, and the Consul General and other officials from the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona discussed with senior government representatives and civil society leaders issues such as the lack of official status for faiths other than Catholicism and the lack of cemeteries for the Jewish and Muslim communities. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 86,000 (July 2015 estimate). The government does not provide statistics on the size of religious groups, and there is no census data on religious group membership. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Smaller religious groups include Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, Bahais, the Unification Church, the New Apostolic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Jehovah's Witnesses. The Muslim community, of which the large majority is immigrant, has grown in recent years. Muslim leaders estimate the community has more than 1,300 members. The Jewish community reports it has approximately 80 members. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution "guarantees freedom of ideas, religion, and cult." It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion and stipulates no one shall be required to disclose his or her religion or beliefs. It states the "freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in the interests of public safety, order, health, or morals, or for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of others." The constitution acknowledges a special relationship with the Catholic Church "in accordance with Andorran tradition" and recognizes the "full legal capacity" of the bodies of the Catholic Church, granting them legal status "in accordance with their own rules." One of two constitutionally designated princes of the country (who serves equally as joint head of state with the other prince, the President of France) is the Catholic Bishop of Urgell, Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia, whose diocese in Spain includes Andorra. The government registers religious communities as cultural organizations under the law of associations, which does not specifically mention religious groups. To build a place of worship or seek government financial support for community activities, a religious group must register as a nonprofit cultural organization and acquire legal status. To register, a group must provide its statutes and foundational agreement, a statement certifying the names of persons appointed to the board or other official positions in the organization, and a patrimony declaration that identifies the inheritance or endowment of the organization. A consolidated register of associations records all types of associations, including religious groups. The law governing the issuance of official documents such as residence permits, passports, and driver's licenses, requires individuals to appear and be photographed with their heads uncovered. According to the law, municipalities are responsible for the construction, preservation, and administration of cemeteries and funerary services. Instruction in the Catholic faith is optional in public schools. The Catholic Church provides teachers for religion classes, and the government pays their salaries. Government Practices The Catholic Church received special privileges not available to other religious groups. The government paid the salaries of all Catholic priests serving in local churches and granted all foreign Catholic priests citizenship for as long as they exercised their functions in the country. Some members of the Muslim community raised concerns that individuals wearing head coverings for religious reasons could not remain covered in photographs for official documents. The government did not take action regarding concerns by representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities about the lack of cemeteries where they could bury their dead in accordance with their religious beliefs and customs. Although these communities could bury their dead in existing cemeteries, municipalities did not allocate separate burial areas in those cemeteries, or land for separate cemeteries, for use by the Jewish and Muslim communities and these communities generally buried their dead outside the country. The Jewish community, for example, used cemeteries in Toulouse, France, and Barcelona, Spain. The Muslim community tended to use cemeteries in Toulouse, France, or repatriate its dead and bury them in their countries of origin. Foreigners performing religious functions for religious groups other than the Catholic Church could not obtain religious working permits, because the law did not define what constituted a "religious worker," and had to enter the country under a different status. Foreign religious workers could enter the country with permits for other jobs such as schoolteachers or business workers and were able to carry out religious work without hindrance. The government funded the nongovernmental Catholic organization AINA for youth summer camps. The government also funded the Muslim socio-cultural organization Averroes to conduct a project designed to more closely integrate Muslim women and children in the country. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom A 2014 assault by two individuals of a Jew outside of a discotheque in the city of La Massana remained under investigation. Ten religious communities made up the Interfaith Dialogue Group. The Andorran National Commission for UNESCO collaborated with the group, which met periodically to discuss issues of common interest regarding religious traditions, beliefs, and tolerance. The Catholic Church of Santa Maria del Fener in Andorra la Vella lent its sanctuary twice a month to the Anglican community so that visiting Anglican clergy could conduct services for the English-speaking community. Seventh-day Adventists inaugurated their first church in the country in May. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy During periodic visits, the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, who is accredited to the country, and the Consul General and other officials from the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona discussed concerns about the lack of cemeteries for the Jewish and Muslim communities with senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior and Justice officials. Embassy officials met with representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities to discuss issues such as the lack of legal status as religious groups for faiths other than Catholicism and the implications of regulations requiring individuals to remove head coverings for official identity documents. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Algeria Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Algeria, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8ac15.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of conscience. It declares Islam to be the state religion and prohibits state institutions from behaving in a manner incompatible with Islam. The law grants all individuals the right to practice their religion as long as they respect public order and regulations. Offending the creed of Islam or its prophets is a criminal offense, as is insulting any religion. Proselytizing of Muslims by non-Muslims also constitutes a crime, although the government has not enforced this provision of the law in several years. The government sentenced a journalist in absentia for "offending the Prophet Muhammad," and delayed the journalist's appeal. There continued to be no developments in the cases of two Christians who had been arrested and tried in prior years for religious offenses. The government issued public statements opposing religious extremism and announced the replacement of volunteer imams at 55 mosques in Algiers for "spreading Salafism." Christians received government permission in November to import Bibles and other devotional materials, after an 18-month wait. Christians reported continuing delays in obtaining visas for foreign religious workers. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb took responsibility for the killing of nine soldiers in Ain Defla Province in July. Senior government officials issued statements opposing calls for violence in the name of Islam made by the group, and similar calls by Jund al-Khalifa, a group allied with Da'esh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). Ethno-religious tensions in the Ghardaia region erupted into clashes in July, reportedly resulting in at least 22 deaths. In January across the country hundreds of people demonstrated mostly peacefully, according to media reports in support of the Prophet Muhammad following publication of new cartoons depicting the Prophet in the first edition of Charlie Hebdo printed after the killing of its staff members by terrorists. The organizers said the demonstrations were to show participants did not support the Je suis Charlie global movement or the publication of cartoons of the Prophet, even while condemning the killings. There were reports of family members abusing Muslims who converted or expressed an interest in Christianity. Practitioners of non-Sunni-Muslim religions, including Christians and Jews, reported they had experienced threats and intolerance and often kept a low profile as a result. The U.S. Ambassador encouraged the government to promote religious tolerance. Embassy officers in meetings and programs with religious leaders from both majority and minority religious groups, as well as with members of the public, focused on pluralism and religious moderation. During Ramadan, the embassy hosted a U.S. imam who promoted religious tolerance in television and radio appearances. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the population at 39.5 million (July 2015 estimate), more than 99 percent of which is Sunni Muslim. Groups together constituting less than 1 percent of the population include Christians, Jews, Ahmadi Muslims, Shia Muslims, and a community of Ibadi Muslims principally residing in the province of Ghardaia. Some religious leaders estimate there are fewer than 200 Jews. The Christian community includes Roman Catholics, Protestant groups such as Seventh-day Adventists, Methodists, L'Eglise Reforme (Reformed Church), Anglicans, and an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 Egyptian Coptic Christians. Religious leaders' unofficial estimates of the total number of Christians in the country range from 20,000 to 100,000. Although numbers cannot be confirmed, church leaders say foreign residents make up the majority of the Christian population. One Christian leader estimates his church has between 20,000 and 40,000 foreign members, compared to fewer than 100 citizen members. The proportion of students and illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa among the Christian population is also increasing. Christian leaders say Algerian citizen Christians predominantly belong to Protestant groups. Christians reside mostly in the cities of Algiers, Annaba, and Oran. The Protestant community has an evangelical wing, most of whose members live in the Kabylie region. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution provides for the inviolable freedom of conscience and opinion. It declares Islam to be the state religion and prohibits state institutions from engaging in behavior incompatible with Islamic values. The penal code does not contain a provision making conversion or apostasy a crime. Proselytizing of Muslims by non-Muslims, however, is a criminal offense and carries a maximum punishment of one million dinars ($11,400) and five years' imprisonment for anyone who "incites, constrains, or utilizes means of seduction tending to convert a Muslim to another religion; or by using to this end establishments of teaching, education, health, social, culture, training ... or any financial means." Making, storing, or distributing printed documents or audiovisual materials with the intent of "shaking the faith" of a Muslim may also be punished in this manner. The law criminalizes "offending the Prophet Muhammad" or any other prophets. The penal code provides a punishment of three to five years in prison and/or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 dinars ($550 to $1100) for denigrating the creed or prophets of Islam through writing, drawing, declaration or any other means. The law also criminalizes insults to any other religion, with the same penalties. The law grants all individuals the right to practice their religion as long as they respect public order and regulations. The constitution states the High Islamic Council shall promote the consistency of laws with the Quran (Ijtihad), by expressing opinions on matters not mentioned in the Quran and other sources of Islam. The president appoints the members of the council and oversees its work. The constitution requires the council to submit regular reports to the president on its activities. A presidential decree further defines the council's mission as taking responsibility for all questions related to Islam, for correcting mistaken perceptions, and for promoting the true fundamentals of the religion and a correct understanding of it. The council may issue fatwas at the request of the president. The law requires a group to register with the government as an association prior to conducting any activities. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) grants association status to religious groups; only registered associations are officially recognized. MOI's registration requirements for national-level associations stipulate the founding members must furnish documents proving their identities, addresses, and other biographic details; furnish police and judicial records to prove their good standing in society; show they have members residing in at least one-quarter of the country's provinces to prove the association merits national standing; submit the association's constitution signed by its president; and submit documents indicating the location of its headquarters. The law requires the ministry to provide a receipt for the application and to give a timely response to the application, within 60 days after submission. The law states that associations are de facto registered 60 days from the date on their receipt of submission of an application. The law grants the government full discretion in registration decisions, but provides applicants an opportunity to appeal by resubmitting an application for reconsideration by the ministry if denied. Religious associations must additionally be approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MRA), which advises whether a religious group conforms with requirements for an organization. For associations seeking to register at the local or provincial level, application requirements are similar, but the association's membership and sphere of activity is strictly limited to the area in which it registers. An association registered at the wilaya (provincial) level is confined to a specific wilaya. The National Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Groups, a government entity, is responsible by law for facilitating the registration process for all non-Muslim groups. The MRA presides over the commission, composed of senior representatives of the Ministries of National Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, the presidency, the national police, the national gendarmerie, and the governmental National Consultative Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (CNCPPDH). The legal mandate of CNCPPDH to address human rights complaints allows it to address concerns of individuals and groups who believe they are not being treated fairly by the MRA. Islamic services, with the exception of daily prayers, may take place only in state-sanctioned mosques. Daily prayers may take place anywhere. The government may shut down any religious service taking place in private homes or in outdoor settings without official approval. The law specifies the manner and conditions under which religious services may take place, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. A request for permission to observe special non-Muslim religious events must be submitted to the relevant wali (governor) at least five days before the event, and the event must occur in buildings accessible to the public. Requests must include information on three principal organizers of the event, its purpose, the number of attendees anticipated, a schedule of events, and its planned location. The organizers also must obtain a permit indicating this information and present it to authorities upon request. The wali can request the organizers move the location of an event or deny permission for it to take place if it is deemed a danger to public order. If unauthorized meetings go forward without approval, participants are subject to dispersal by the police. Failure to disperse at the behest of the police may result in arrest and a prison term of two to twelve months under the penal code. The penal code states only government-authorized imams, who are hired and trained by the state, may lead prayer in mosques and penalizes anyone other than a government-authorized imam who preaches in a mosque with fines of up to 100,000 dinars ($1,100) and prison sentences of one to three years. Fines as high as 200,000 dinars ($2,300) and prison sentences of three to five years are stipulated for any person, including government-authorized imams, who acts "against the noble nature of the mosque" or in a manner "likely to offend public cohesion." Among such acts, the law states, are exploiting the mosque to achieve purely material or personal objectives or with a view to harming people or groups. By law, the MRA provides financial support to mosques and pays the salaries of imams and religious personnel. The law also provides for the payment of salaries to non-Muslim religious leaders who are citizens, as well as health care and retirement benefits. The Ministry of Labor regulates the amount of an individual imam's or mosque personnel's pay, and likewise sets the salaries of citizen non-Muslim religious leaders based on their position within their individual churches. The family code prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men unless the man converts to Islam. The code does not prohibit Muslim men from marrying non-Muslim women, provided the woman belongs to a religion included under the term "people of the book" (Christian or Jewish). The Ministries of Religious Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Commerce must approve the importation of non-Islamic religious writings. Citizens and foreigners may legally import personal copies of non-Islamic religious texts. The law states all structures intended for non-Muslim collective worship must be registered with the state; any modification of such structures must have prior government approval, and collective worship may take place only in structures exclusively intended and approved for that purpose. Under the law, children born to a Muslim father are considered Muslim regardless of the mother's religion. The Ministries of National Education and Religious Affairs require, regulate, and fund the study of Islam in public schools. Religious education, which focuses on Islam but includes information on Christianity and Judaism, is mandatory at the primary and secondary school levels. The Ministry of National Education requires private schools to adhere to curricula in line with national standards, particularly regarding the teaching of Islam and the use of Arabic as the primary language of instruction, or risk being closed. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion and guarantees state protection for non-Muslims and for the "toleration and respect of different religions." The constitution prohibits non-Muslims from running for the presidency. Non-Muslims may hold other public offices and work within the government. The law prohibits religious associations from receiving funding from political parties or foreign entities. Government Practices The government sentenced a journalist in absentia for "offending the Prophet Muhammad," and delayed the journalist's appeal. There continued to be no developments in the appeals of two Christians who had been arrested and tried in prior years, one for proselytizing and one for "offending the Prophet Muhammad." Some Christian groups continued to face a range of administrative difficulties in the absence of a written government response to their requests for recognition as associations. In June security forces attempted to break up a group of individuals eating and drinking in private during Ramadan. The government announced the replacement of volunteer imams at 55 mosques in Algiers for "spreading Salafism." In November the Ministry provided authorization to import Bibles and religious materials; Christians had been seeking this approval to import these texts since May 2014. Christian leaders stated the lack of government responsiveness to visa applications continued to pose complications for religious workers. Ministry of Religious Affairs officials, including the minister, continued to state publicly the government's willingness to accommodate minority faiths who wished to practice in the country by opening places of worship. The judiciary sentenced journalist Mohamed Chergui in absentia, on February 24, to three years imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 dinars ($2,300) for "insulting the Prophet" following charges filed by the newspaper which had employed him. Chergui had authored an article in mid-2014 about European research on "Quranic expressions," which had prompted the newspaper to fire him and pursue a legal complaint. He appealed; his appeal was postponed three times during the year and remained in this status as of the end of the year. His lawyers lodged a countercomplaint against the paper on labor-practice grounds. There were no developments in the appeal case of Mohamed Ibaouene, a Christian in Tizi Ouzou who had been convicted in absentia in 2012 of pressuring a local Muslim to convert from Islam, which was the most recent government prosecution of a proselytization case. An appeal hearing continued to be delayed for Abdelkrim Siaghi, a Christian convert who had been sentenced to five years in prison in May 2011 for offending the Prophet Muhammad. The Protestant Church reported in December the authorities had arrested a Christian in Mostaganem; the Church leader stated his suspicion the arrest was motivated by the man's religious identity. Two police had reportedly stopped the man and asked him if he was a local who was preaching the Gospel, which he did not deny. The police searched his car and found four Bibles and a small utility knife with his tools in his trunk. The police released him but the next day arrested him for "possession of a weapon." He was jailed for one week, tried on December 7, acquitted, and released. Christian leaders reported being able to visit foreign Christians, most of whom were migrants, in prison. One church leader reported the non-Muslim prison population, to his knowledge, consisted of people convicted for nonreligious offenses, sometimes related to their illegal status within the country. MRA representatives, including the minister of religious affairs, continued to make public statements warning against the spread of "extremist" Salafism, Wahhabism, Shia Islam, Ahmadi Islam, and the Bahai Faith. For example, in a radio interview in June, Minister Aissa stated Wahhabism had "no place" in the country. On July 16, Minister Aissa made a public statement warning about the dangers of radical Salafism, as well as the "intrusion" of Shia Islam. Senior government officials publicly condemned acts of violence committed in the name of Islam by nonstate actors, and urged all members of society to reject extremist behavior. Foreign Minister Lamamra represented the country in the international march against terrorism that took place in Paris in January following the attacks on Charlie Hebdo. In response to terrorist attacks in other countries during the year, including in Tunisia, Kuwait, Somalia, Lebanon, France, and Turkey, the government issued statements calling the attacks "criminal acts" for taking innocent human lives in contradiction to the tenets of Islam. On June 22, the minister of religious affairs announced the government had replaced volunteer imams at 55 mosques in Algiers for "spreading Salafism." The government said it had permitted the volunteers to take up imams' duties at these mosques in earlier years, but was rescinding the temporary authorization for these volunteers to preach, and replacing them with state-approved imams. The government continued to recognize a number of non-Muslim religious groups as religious associations, including the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches. The Protestant Church of Algeria a federation of approximately 39 smaller Protestant churches and some other groups which had been registered under the previous associations law remained engaged in the process of reregistering with the government under the new associations law of 2012. MRA officials stated the delay in approvals had arisen because the government had hoped to issue a refinement of the law specifically to address religious associations. The MRA stated it had never rejected a registration application for a religious group. Along with the Protestant Church of Algeria, the Seventh-day Adventist and Reformed Churches also had registration requests pending with the government and were not clear what their registration standing was. Some had submitted their paperwork and, under the law, were de facto approved after 60 days, but without official papers to show affirming their approval, still faced the same administrative constraints as unregistered associations. Members of these churches reported there continued to be no government interference with their holding religious services, but said they continued to face administrative and bureaucratic difficulties as a result of their lack of documented registered status, including a lack of standing to pursue legal complaints, an inability to open bank accounts or establish related charitable activities, and difficulty managing church billing accounts without documented standing as an association. Most Christian leaders stated they had had no contact with the National Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Groups, despite its legal mandate to work with them on registration, since its establishment in 2006. Christian leaders stated some Protestant groups continued to avoid applying for recognition and instead operated discreetly because they lacked confidence in the registration process. MRA officials said Muslim associations remained equally burdened under this process because the opening of every new mosque required the formation of an association under the law. Government officials stated the law was designed to apply the same constraints to non-Muslims as those imposed on Muslims, including stipulating the compliance of religious rites with the law and respect for public order, morality, and the rights and basic freedoms of others. According to some Christian leaders, individuals and groups who believed they were not being treated fairly by the MRA rarely addressed their concerns to the CNCPPDH. The MRA said it instructed employees of the agencies making up the National Commission for Non-Muslim Religious Groups to enforce fairly the ordinance which prohibited religious discrimination, and it prohibited its employees from manipulating application of the law based on the employees' own beliefs. In November, in response to remarks by Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who urged Algerian Shiites to practice their faith openly, religious leaders publicly called al-Sadr's statement "dangerous" interference in the country's life. Minister Aissa stated Shia in the country discussed their faith in universities and in their private lives, but Shia "ideology" was not present in the country's mosques. According to national press, on June 24, during Ramadan, security forces entered a commercial establishment to break up a group of nonfasting customers who were eating during daylight, out of public view. The press reported the security forces gave the individuals back their identity papers and left the establishment when the group verbally resisted the security forces' intervention. Afterwards, approximately a dozen citizens reportedly assembled at the location to show solidarity with the nonfasting clients' rights to freedom of conscience. The minister of religious affairs, ministry officials, and preachers publicly reiterated the government's position on fasting as a purely private choice. MRA officials stated the involvement of security forces in demonstrations by either nonfasting or pro-fasting citizens was to prevent clashes and uphold public order. The government also stated breaking the fast was not a criminal act, but security forces, in order to uphold public order, were authorized to break up "collective" fast-breaking on the grounds it was socially disruptive. The government continued to prescreen and approve sermons before they were delivered publicly during Friday prayers, and sometimes provided preapproved sermon topics for Friday prayers, for example to urge compliance with government-led public campaigns against violence or corruption. According to information provided by MRA officials, if a ministry inspector suspected an imam's sermon was inappropriate, the inspector had the authority to summon the imam to a "scientific council" composed of Islamic law scholars and other imams who assessed the sermon's correctness. The government could decide to relieve an imam of duty if he was summoned multiple times. The government also monitored activities in mosques for possible security-related offenses and prohibited the use of mosques as public meeting places outside of regular prayer hours. Judiciary officials in November summoned nine local Shia converts and a number of local Salafists in connection with an anonymous threatening letter sent to a police officer in Tlemcen, according to a local press article. The authorities also opened an investigation into Shia converts in the country. The citizens summoned by the officials denied any connection with the threats of violence and stated they had a right, under the constitution, to convert to another belief. The prosecutor's office also sought the counsel of the Ministry of Religious Affairs about how to handle Shia converts. The security services did not release the contents of the letter or explain why the letter had triggered the investigation into Shia converts and anti-Shia Salafist citizens. The government continued not to permit non-Muslim groups to proselytize, but continued to allow them to conduct humanitarian activities. A Christian representative stated continued government observance of the ordinance against proselytizing by non-Muslims resulted in their church restricting some nonproselytization activities. There were no reported cases of government prosecution of Christian citizens who continued to meet in unofficial "house churches," which were often homes or businesses of church members. Authorities reportedly did not prosecute practitioners as long as house churches otherwise respected public order. Some of these groups met openly, while others held worship services more discreetly. These groups were most frequently reported in the Kabylie region. Ministry of Religious Affairs officials privately urged such groups to come forward and operate in the open, saying the country tolerated religious minorities. Christian leaders stated internment costs for a Christian burial in both public and private cemeteries continued to be higher than for a Muslim burial rite and said this was due to discrimination. Christian leaders said members who had converted were sometimes buried by their parents according to Muslim rites and the church had no standing to intervene on their behalf. Christian groups reported some villages continued not to permit Christians to be buried alongside Muslims. The government stated people whose lifestyle gave the impression they were non-Muslims were buried in Muslim cemeteries on the basis of their family's testimonies. A ministry official stated where burial grounds were private, the cases were outside of the government's domain. According to the MRA, the government continued to allow female government employees to wear the hijab, crosses, and the niqab (Islamic veil covering the face). Authorities continued to instruct some female government employees, such as security forces, not to wear head and face coverings which could complicate the performance of their official duties. The government did not always enforce the family code prohibition against Muslim women marrying non-Muslim men. Government-owned radio stations continued to broadcast Christmas and Easter services in French, although many Christians said they would prefer services to be broadcast in Arabic or Tamazight. Government officials continued to invite Christian leaders to events celebrating national occasions according them the same status as Muslim, cultural, and national figures. The Ministry of Religious Affairs reported it held consultations with a representative of the Jewish community to discuss the community's views. For most of the year, the government continued to restrict the large-scale importation of non-Islamic religious texts. In May local press reported on Christian leaders' complaints the government had not approved the importation of Bibles or religious materials since May 2014, and described the steps Christian leaders had taken to attempt to address this issue with the government. In November the government granted official permission to import Christian religious texts for one authorized organization, which has sole standing to import Bibles on behalf of all Christian entities in the country. Citizens and foreigners continued to be allowed to import personal copies of non-Islamic texts. Throughout the year, non-Islamic religious texts, music, and video media continued to be available on the informal market, and stores and vendors in the capital sold Bibles in several languages, including Arabic, French, and Tamazight. The government enforced its prohibition on dissemination of any literature portraying violence as a legitimate precept of Islam. Protestant leaders continued seeking to regain property rights to five churches reportedly given to the Protestant Church of Algeria during the 1970s, but occupied by other groups when the churches were vacated the properties during the internal conflict in the 1990s. The Church leaders said some local officials blocked their efforts while permitting other associations to make use of the space. One church group said it continued to meet only thanks to a separate church which permitted the group to borrow its facility, as the group had lost access to its former site and could not obtain its own new space. The government, along with private contributions from local Muslims, continued to fund mosque construction. The government and public and private companies also funded the preservation of some churches, particularly those of historical importance. The province of Oran, for example, undertook in partnership with local benefactors an extensive renovation of Notre-Dame de Santa Cruz as part of its cultural patrimony. The minister of religious affairs in press remarks in June stated the government's willingness to respond to a request to open a synagogue, while saying Jewish religious authorities did not believe there was a large enough Jewish community to require a synagogue. A ministry official said the ministry would be equally willing to open any other religious place of worship at the request of a minority population. The 28 members of the MRA educational commission, which had developed the curriculum for teaching the Quran, continued to ensure imams were qualified and followed governmental guidelines aimed at countering violent extremism. Christian leaders expressed continued concern over the potential for requests by non-Muslims to opt-out of the Islamic-based school courses to lead to societal abuse or discrimination. Members of non-Muslim religious groups continued to report disadvantages in inheritance claims if a Muslim family member laid claim to the same inheritance. On October 16, the president's chief of staff, speaking also as head of the National Democratic Rally at a party meeting, stated the leader of the regional Movement for Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK) was trying to "help the Zionists" and accused him of "selling Algeria to the Jews." In an interview responding to the chief of staff's remarks, the MAK leader denounced the use of a "racist phrase," which he said increased "anti-Semitism and the hatred of Jews." The MRA continued to support and help organize conferences on interfaith dialogue. Government officials regularly made statements about the need for tolerance for non-Islamic religious groups. During Ramadan, the government continued to dedicate numerous media programs to promoting interfaith tolerance, a message the government instructed imams to amplify in their sermons. Church groups continued to report government delays in responding to the visa applications of religious workers, with the government often providing no response rather than a documented refusal. Both Catholic and Protestant groups continued to identify this as a significant hindrance to religious practice; one Protestant leader said without visits to establish better contact with their church's international organization, the congregation's practices might "drift." Visas granted by the government continued to be short-stay tourist visas, rather than the requested long-term work visas; religious leaders reported recipients of these visas were uncomfortable working with churches while on tourist visas. Higher-level intervention with the officials responsible for visa issuance by senior MRA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials at the request of religious groups continued typically to result in the issuance of such visas, according to religious groups. Christians reported they continued to encounter refusals or delays when seeking government authorization to give Biblical names to their children, but said a second request following a refusal typically led to approval. The MRA stated similar delays sometimes occurred with "foreign" sounding names, Tamazight names, or Arab names which were uncommon locally, and attributed delays in approving Biblical names to overzealous local officials, who were unfamiliar with the proposed names and required additional time to seek higher-level approval. Abuses by Foreign Forces and Non-State Actors Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, a group designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization, continued to target members of the country's military, its military facilities, and other symbols of the government, claiming the government was an "apostate regime." The group took responsibility for the killing of nine soldiers in Ain Defla Province during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in July. The Jund al-Khalifa group, which swore allegiance to Da'esh, claimed responsibility for attacking police and gendarmes, for example, in Skikda in August and in Bourira in July and August, and continued to call for violence against those who disagreed with its interpretation of Islam. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom Local press reported an outbreak of communal violence and unrest between Arabs, who were mostly Maliki Muslims, and Mozabites, who were mostly Ibadi Muslims, on July 7-8 in central Ghardaia Province, leading to the deaths of at least 22 citizens, as containing a religious component. In an interview conducted in Ghardaia following the violence, however, the prime minister rejected characterizing the conflict as a religious one. The minister of religious affairs did so as well, saying there were many roots to the conflict. He said foreign Salafist groups were attempting to manipulate the characterization of the conflict and trying to turn it into a religious one. He urged the country to stop referring to the conflict as one between Ibadis and Maliki Muslims, saying this risked further communal divisions. The government said Arab and Mozabite community leaders in Ghardaia also stated the region's problems did not stem from religious or doctrinal disputes. Following the new publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad by French magazine Charlie Hebdo after the killing of members of its editorial staff by terrorists in January, hundreds of citizens in Algiers, Oran, and other cities held demonstrations in support of the Prophet Muhammad on January 16 after midday prayers. The organizers said the demonstrations were to show participants did not support the Je suis Charlie global movement or the publication of cartoons of the Prophet, even while condemning the killings. Most of the demonstrations reportedly were peaceful, but two marches in Algiers saw clashes between police and local youths. The press reported the police arrested but quickly released 23 individuals; several police officers were reportedly injured. The media reported some demonstrators chanted slogans originated by the Islamic Salvation Front, an Islamist political party involved in the civil war during the 1990s. Author and journalist Kamel Daoud, whom a Salafist activist had accused of apostasy in 2014, continued to receive negative comments on social media sites following continued media coverage of his writings. Several Christian leaders reported instances where citizens who converted, or who expressed interest in learning more about Christianity, were assaulted by family members, or otherwise pressured to recant their conversion. Muslim citizens who converted to Christianity reported they and others in their communities continued to keep a low profile due to their concern for their personal safety and potential legal, familial, career, and social problems. Other citizens who converted to Christianity continued to practice their new religion openly, however, according to members of the Christian community. Christian leaders continued to report cases in which Muslim parents successfully pressured their Muslim children to divorce their Christian spouses Among those who openly practiced any non-Sunni-Muslim religion, many reported that family, neighbors, or members of the general population criticized their choice to practice such a religion, harassing them to convert, and occasionally, insinuating they could be in danger for their choice. Some Christian parents reported their children were reprimanded in school for openness about their religion. Jewish citizens said they continued to try to keep their religious identity private, while otherwise engaging with society. Several non-Muslim residents stated the public's anti-Israeli foreign policy views sometimes translated into anti-Semitism. For example, YouTube users in October created an online video, entitled Jews in the Streets of Algeria: What Will Happen? The video depicted a young man pretending to be Jewish (wearing a kippah) approaching people on the streets of Algiers; those he approached then appeared to insult, harass, or assault him. The makers of the video concluded what they termed a "social experiment" by stating "Algerians do not want to smell the odor of Jews in their country." The video, which was posted during a time of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in Jerusalem and the West Bank, received over 100,000 views and over 1,000 likes on YouTube. In May and June in advance of the month of Ramadan, social media users started a campaign urging men to compel their wives, daughters, and sisters to veil and to wear only clothing compliant with a conservative interpretation of Islamic mores. Some commentators on the campaign's Facebook page promised "retribution" against women who went out uncovered, threatening to publish pictures of unveiled women on the internet, or attack such women by pouring acid on their faces. The General Directorate of National Security investigated the issue, but did not make the results of the investigation public. There were no reports the group had followed through on its threats. According to local press, on June 25, a group of people in Oran held a demonstration in favor of the freedom of conscience to observe or not observe the fast during the month of Ramadan. According to press, this was the first time Oran had witnessed such demonstrations, although some reportedly had taken place during the last two years in the Kabylie region. Some Muslims continued to show an interest in Catholic places of worship, including visiting them for prayer; Catholic contacts report this was because Catholic religious figures such as the Virgin Mary were mentioned in the Quran. In some areas of major cities, observers reported shops sold Christmas trees and decorations. There were reports that non-Muslims lost their jobs due to their employers discovering their religious affiliations, causing non-Muslims to conceal their religious affiliation. One church reported it had a problem with local youth attempting to trespass onto its grounds to commit vandalism; the church said local security forces were supportive and subsequently boosted security around the site. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. Ambassador and embassy officers met with government officials to discuss the difficulties Christian groups faced in registering as associations, in importing religious materials, and in obtaining visas. Embassy officers also addressed the government's stance toward minority Muslim communities. The Ambassador and other embassy officers met throughout the year with government-affiliated and independent religious leaders, and representatives of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities to discuss interreligious dialogue and tolerance, and in the case of religious minorities, their rights and status. The embassy sponsored a reunion concert of an interfaith Jewish-Muslim ensemble its first performance in the country since the country's independence to support religious dialogue and tolerance. The group had declined previous invitations from other sponsors because these had excluded the participation of its Jewish members who had departed the country shortly after its independence along with most of the Jewish community. The embassy also sponsored the visit of a U.S. imam, who made appearances at the University of Islamic Sciences in Constantine and at a Ramadan iftar hosted by the Ambassador, among other venues, to promote the importance of interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in addressing the country's societal and security challenges. In addition, the imam emphasized these themes in television and radio appearances. Listeners and viewers reacted positively to the imam's speeches on social media sites, saying he offered them a new perspective on tolerance and interfaith coexistence. The embassy discussed the practice of religion, its intersection with politics, and the religious and political roles of women with Islamist political parties and Islamic political figures, as well as with the Muslim Scholars Association. Several Muslim scholars, a representative of a Sufi order, nongovernmental organizations' leaders, and members of Islamist political parties participated in embassy-supported international exchange programs and in U.S. government-funded international conferences about countering violent extremism and promoting religious moderation and tolerance. In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris against the offices of the newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the embassy hosted a special discussion session for local youth to promote religious tolerance, and to stress the value of freedom of expression even at the risk of defamation of religion. During Ramadan, the Ambassador filmed Eid al-Adha greetings supporting religious pluralism to the country's Muslims, and engaged on social media to share examples of pluralism and religious tolerance. The Ambassador also hosted several iftars, which emphasized the theme of religious tolerance. 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Afghanistan Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 10 August 2016 Cite as United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Afghanistan, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add8aec.html [accessed 29 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Executive Summary The constitution establishes Islam as the state religion, but states followers of religions other than Islam are free to exercise their faith within the limits of the law. According to the courts' interpretation of Islamic law, conversion from Islam to another religion is apostasy, which is punishable by death. According to the Supreme Court, the Bahai Faith is distinct from Islam and is a form of blasphemy, which is also a capital offense. The law prohibits the production and publishing of works contrary to the principles of Islam or offensive to other religions. Although there were no reported prosecutions for apostasy or blasphemy during the year, individuals who converted from Islam feared repercussions. Christians stated they avoided situations where they might appear to be proselytizing due to their fear of government and societal reprisal. Hindus and Sikhs continued to encounter problems in cremating their dead, despite police protection for their rituals. Both groups continued to express fear of retaliation if they availed themselves of legal protection in disputes with neighbors. According to representatives of minority religions, the courts did not accord non-Muslims the same rights as Muslims and often subjected non-Muslims to Hanafi Sunni jurisprudence. Members of the Bahai Faith said they suffered from legal discrimination and restrictions on their rituals. Shia Muslims, although holding some major positions in the government, said the number of positions did not reflect their demographics and complained the government neglected security in majority-Shia areas. According to media reports, the Taliban, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), and other insurgent groups attacked and killed leaders of religious minority communities because of their beliefs or their links to the government. The Taliban reportedly killed two clerics during one week in July. ISKP killed several religious scholars in separate incidents in October and November. ISKP targeted members of the Shia Hazara minority for kidnappings and beheadings in incidents resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. One such incident in November prompted demonstrations in Kabul demanding the government increase security for minorities. The media reported several killings in response to alleged religious offenses. Non-Muslim minorities such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians continued to face harassment and, in some cases, violence. Christians said public opinion continued to be hostile toward proselytizing. They said they worshipped in private homes to avoid societal discrimination and persecution. Hindus and Sikhs said they were able to practice their religions publicly, but they continued to suffer societal discrimination, including limitations on their educational and economic opportunities. Observers stated discrimination against the Shia minority by the Sunni majority had declined, but there continued to be reports of localized incidents. Only a few places of worship for Sikhs, Hindus, and Jews remained. These communities' numbers continued to decrease through emigration. U.S. embassy officers met with senior government officials to discuss apostasy, blasphemy, and the protection of religious minorities, as well as government efforts to counter violent extremism. Embassy officers also met with religious leaders and civil society figures to raise cases of punishments meted out by community elders based on their interpretations of which acts constituted religious offenses. The embassy met with leaders of major religious groups, scholars, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss ways to introduce the public to a broader range of religious perspectives and enhance religious tolerance. Embassy outreach programs supported both traditional and modern voices opposing violent extremism and presented a range of perspectives on interfaith and intrafaith dialogue. Section I. Religious Demography The U.S. government estimates the total population at 32.6 million (July 2015 estimate) with Sunni Muslims comprising 85-90 percent of the population, and Shia Muslims making up 10-15 percent of the population. The Shia population includes Ismailis and a majority of ethnic Hazaras. Other religious groups, mainly Hindus, Sikhs, Bahais, and Christians, comprise an estimated 0.3 percent of the population. Sikh and Hindu leaders estimate there are 343 Sikh and Hindu families totaling 2,000 individuals, although the number is declining because of emigration. Reliable estimates of the Bahai and Christian communities are not available. There are small numbers of practitioners of other religions, including one Jew. The Hazaras live predominantly in the central and western provinces, and the Ismailis live mainly in Kabul and in the central and northern provinces. Followers of the Bahai Faith are predominantly based in Kabul, with a small community in Kandahar. Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal Framework The constitution declares Islam the official state religion, and says no law may contravene the beliefs and provisions of the "sacred religion of Islam." It further states there may be no amendment to the constitution's provisions adhering to the fundamentals of Islam. According to the constitution, followers of religions other than Islam are "free to exercise their faith and perform their religious rites within the limits of the provisions of the law." There is no definition of apostasy in the criminal code. Apostasy falls under the seven offenses making up the hudud as defined by sharia. According to Sunni Hanafi jurisprudence, beheading is appropriate for male apostates, while life imprisonment is appropriate for female apostates unless they repent. A judge may also impose a lesser penalty if doubt about the apostasy exists. This guidance applies to individuals who are of sound mind and have reached the age of maturity. Although civil law states the age of majority for male citizens is 18 and for female citizens 16, Islamic law defines it as the point at which one shows signs of puberty. Under the courts' interpretation of Islamic law, conversion from Islam to another religion is apostasy. If someone converts to another religion from Islam, he or she shall have three days to recant the conversion. If the person does not recant, then he or she shall be subject to the punishment for apostasy. Blasphemy, which may include anti-Islamic writings or speech, is a capital crime under the courts' interpretation of Islamic law. Similar to apostates, the courts give blasphemers three days to recant or face death. According to a 2007 ruling from the General Directorate of Fatwas and Accounts under the Supreme Court, the Bahai Faith is distinct from Islam and is a form of blasphemy. All Muslims who convert to it are considered apostates, and Bahai practitioners are labeled infidels. The law prohibits the production, reproduction, printing, and publishing of works and materials contrary to the principles of Islam or offensive to other religions and denominations. It also prohibits publicizing and promoting religions other than Islam and bans articles on any topic the government deems might harm the physical, spiritual, and moral well-being of persons, especially children and adolescents. The law instructs National Radio and Television Afghanistan (RTA), a government agency, to provide broadcasting content reflecting the religious beliefs of all ethnic groups in the country. The law also obligates RTA to adjust its programs in light of Islamic principles as well as national and spiritual values. The criminal code punishes "crimes against religions," which includes verbal and physical assault on a follower of a religion. It specifies a person who attacks a follower of any religion shall receive a prison sentence of not less than three months and a fine of between 3,000 and 12,000 afghanis ($44 to $177). Licensing and registration of religious groups are not required. Registration as a group (which gives the group the status of a shura or council) or an association conveys official recognition and offers certain benefits. Groups recognized as shuras or councils may cooperate with one another on religious issues. Associations may conduct business with the government or the society as a whole. Both groups and associations register with the Ministry of Justice. The criminal code states persons who forcibly stop the conduct of rituals of any religion, those who destroy or damage "permitted places of worship" (a term not defined by the code) where religious rituals are conducted, or those who destroy or damage any sign or symbol of any religion are subject to a medium-term punishment. The criminal code defines medium-term as confinement in jail for not less than one and not more than five years and/or a fine of between 12,000 and 60,000 afghanis ($177 to $884). According to the constitution, the "state shall devise and implement a unified educational curriculum based on the provisions of the sacred religion of Islam" and develop courses on religion on the basis of the "Islamic sects" in the country. The national curriculum includes materials designed separately for Sunni-majority schools and Shia-majority schools, as well as textbooks which emphasize nonviolent Islamic terms and principles. The curriculum includes courses on Islam but not on other religions. Non-Muslims are not required to study Islam in public schools. The constitution specifies the courts shall apply the provisions of the constitution as well as the law in ruling on cases. If neither the constitution nor the law relates to a specific case, the constitution says courts shall apply Hanafi Sunni jurisprudence within the limits set by the constitution. It also states courts shall apply Shia law in cases dealing with personal matters involving Shia followers. In matters requiring sharia jurisprudence, non-Muslims may not provide testimony. The constitution makes no mention of separate laws applying to non-Muslims. A Muslim man may marry a non-Muslim woman, but the woman must first convert if she is not an adherent of one of the other two Abrahamic faiths Christianity or Judaism. It is illegal for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man. Marriages between non-Muslims are legal, as long as the couple does not publicly declare their non-Muslim beliefs. The government's national identity cards indicate an individual's religion. Individuals are not required to declare belief in Islam to receive citizenship. The constitution requires the president and vice presidents to be Muslim. Other senior officials (ministers, members of parliament, judges) must swear allegiance and obedience to the principles of Islam as part of their oath of office. The constitution allows the formation of political parties, provided the program and charter of a party are "not contrary to the principles of the sacred religion of Islam." The constitution states political parties may not be based on sectarianism. Government Practices Although there were no reported prosecutions for apostasy or blasphemy, individuals who converted from Islam stated they feared repercussions, and Christians said they avoided situations where they might appear to the government to be proselytizing due to fear of reprisal. Hindus and Sikhs continued to encounter problems in cremating their dead, despite police protection for their rituals. Both groups continued to express fear of retaliation if they availed themselves of legal protection in disputes with neighbors. According to representatives of minority religions, the courts did not accord non-Muslims the same rights as Muslims and often subjected non-Muslims to Hanafi Sunni jurisprudence. Members of the Bahai faith said they suffered from legal discrimination and restrictions on their rituals. Shia Muslims, although holding some major positions in the government, said the number of positions did not reflect their demographics and complained the government neglected security in majority-Shia areas. The government conducted an effort to register madrassahs throughout the country and provided them with a standardized religious curriculum. Individuals who converted from Islam said they continued to risk annulment of their marriages, rejection by their families and communities, loss of employment, and possibly the death penalty for doing so. There were no reports of prosecutions for blasphemy or apostasy during the year, including of Bahais who, although labeled infidels, were not converts and as such not charged with either crime. One individual convicted of blasphemy in 2013 remained in prison serving a 20-year sentence. Hindu and Sikh sources said the law did not hinder their communities from building places of worship, nor did the law restrict clergy from training other Hindus and Sikhs to become clergy. They could not, however, propagate their faith. Christians said they continued to avoid situations where the government might perceive them as seeking to spread their religion to the larger community out of fear of government reprisal. The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs (MOHRA) remained the primary government agency handling religious affairs. Its responsibilities continued to include managing pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah), revenue collection for religious activities, acquisition of property for religious purposes, issuance of fatwas, educational testing of imams, sermon preparation and distribution for government-supported mosques, and raising public awareness of religious issues. The government continued to permit both Sunnis and Shia to go on pilgrimages, with no quota on either group. As of the end of the year, MOHRA estimated between 4,800 and 5,000 mullahs were registered with and worked directly for MOHRA, receiving an average monthly salary of 4,700 afghanis ($69). While MOHRA said the ministry did not have the financial resources to create a comprehensive registry of mullahs and mosques in the country, MOHRA estimated that there were approximately 150,000 to 160,000 mosques. Approximately 50,000 mosques had been registered in a database over several years with the financial and technical assistance of an NGO. MOHRA also estimated there were approximately 300,000 mullahs in Afghanistan. The minimum educational requirement for mullahs who applied to be prayer leaders in MOHRA-registered mosques remained a bachelor's degree or equivalent, verified by the Ministry of Education (MOE). While MOHRA continued to maintain a division of engineers to design new mosques and allocated a portion of its budget to help support the construction of new mosques, local groups paid the largest portion of the costs for new mosques and were not required to inform the ministry about the new construction unless they wished to request financial or other assistance. As in past years, Hindus and Sikhs stated individuals who lived near cremation sites continued to interfere in their efforts to cremate the remains of their dead in accordance with their customs. Although the government had previously provided land for this purpose, Sikhs continued to express concern over the distance of the land from any major urban area and the lack of security in the region, which rendered the land unusable in their view. The government continued to provide police support to protect the Sikh and Hindu communities while they performed their cremation rituals. Members of the Bahai faith said they continued to face challenges and discrimination when attempting to tend to their dead in accordance with their customs. Sikh and Hindu sources reported members of their communities continued to express concern over land disputes and said they often chose not to pursue restitution through the courts for fear of retaliation, particularly when powerful local leaders occupied their property. A Sikh leader reported the community had not been able to use land set aside by the government for burials and housing due to what he said were threats from local residents. The residents argued the land was private property and the government did not have the authority to give the land to the Sikhs. He said the residents were using the land as a dump. Following an MOE effort to register madrassahs during the year, MOHRA reported there were 3,224 registered madrassahs and "Quran learning centers" throughout the country. The madrassahs served approximately 340,000 students mostly in Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, and Herat provinces. The registration process required a school to have suitable buildings, classrooms, accredited teachers, and dorms if students lived on campus. Registration did not permit the government to control a madrassah, but qualified the madrassah's diplomas and certificates for government recognition. Only certificates issued by registered madrassahs allowed students to pursue higher education at government universities. MOHRA did not offer data on the number of unregistered madrassahs, but estimated registered madrassahs "far outnumbered" unregistered madrassahs following the registration effort. The MOE had the authority to close unregistered madrassahs. MOHRA did not operate primary-level madrassahs. Mosques provided primary-level religious studies instead. MOHRA also ran 70 madrassahs which bestowed a two-year degree, including four higher-level madrassahs for female students only. The MOE continued to require registered madrassahs to route private or international donations through the MOE or risk an MOE ban, although the MOE rarely imposed this penalty. According to government authorities, this system of channeling funds through the MOE allowed the government to monitor financial assistance to institutes of learning. The government also continued efforts to solicit donations from other Muslim countries and from private individuals to support madrassahs. The MOE required independent madrassahs to be accredited and disclose their funding sources. The MOE, through its Department of Islamic Education, continued to provide registered madrassahs with a standardized curriculum. Madrassahs are required to have 60 percent religious instruction and 40 percent general instruction. Government-affiliated and funded madrassahs offered Islamic and secular education in accordance with the MOE curriculum. There was one government-sponsored school for Sikh children, located in Kabul. The government previously had shut down the schools in Helmand and Ghazni provinces after enrollment declined. The government provided the same proportionate funding to cover staff salaries, books, and maintenance as it did for other schools. The MOE provided the curriculum for the Sikh school, except for religious studies. The community appointed a teacher for religious studies, and the MOE paid the teacher's salary. There was also a privately-funded Sikh school in Jalalabad supported by the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, a Swedish NGO. A few Sikh children also attended private international schools. There also was a Sikh university student studying medicine at Kabul University. Hindus did not have separate schools but sometimes sent their children to Sikh schools. There were no Christian schools. According to minority religious groups, courts continued to rely on Hanafi interpretations of Islamic law even in cases where such law conflicted with the country's international commitments to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons. For example, an advisor at the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and the Disabled said the Supreme Court's denial of an internship (judicial course) to a student with a physical disability was reportedly based on the court's interpretation of Islam's stipulation judges had to be of sound mind and body. In July the media reported some parliament members, as well as some religious leaders, objected to President Ghani's nomination of a female Supreme Court justice. They claimed it was "anti-Islamic" for a woman to hold a position on the court. Due to the objections, parliament did not confirm her nomination. Senior members of the Ulema Council, a group of influential Sunni and Shia scholars, imams, and Muslim jurists from across the country, continued to meet with the president and to advise him on Islamic legal issues. Through contacts with the presidential administration, the parliament, and ministries, the Ulema Council advised on the formulation of new legislation and the implementation of existing law. During the year, the council released statements supporting the "Islamic legitimacy" of the state. Although the council is officially independent of the government, its members received financial support from the state. The council also advised some provincial governments, although in villages and rural areas scholars, NGO representatives and government officials agreed decisions usually were based on local interpretations of Islamic law and tradition. According to representatives of minority religions, the courts did not always accord non-Muslims the same rights as Muslims. They said the state, including the courts, traditionally acted as if all citizens were Muslims, and some basic citizenship rights of non-Muslims were not codified. As a result, they said, non-Muslims might be tried according to Hanafi jurisprudence. Although Sikhs and Hindus had recourse to dispute resolution mechanisms such as a Special Land and Property Court, members of the two communities stated they felt unprotected by these mechanisms. They stated their community members generally did not take civil cases to court; rather, they preferred to settle disputes within their communities. Members of the Bahai community stated there continued to be legal discrimination against them, particularly on the question of marriages between Bahai women and Muslim men. Although Shia held senior positions in government and the law placed no restrictions on their participation in public life, some Shia stated the government neglected security in majority-Shia areas. They also stated appointments to government administrative bodies did not adequately reflect the demographics of the country. A small number of Sikhs and Hindus continued to serve in government positions, including one at the municipal level, one at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and one as a presidentially appointed member of the upper house of parliament. Although four Ismailis continued to serve as members of parliament, there continued to be complaints from members of the Ismaili community about what they called the exclusion of Ismailis from positions of political authority. The government continued to support judicial, constitutional, and human rights commissions composed of members of different Islamic religious (Sunni and Shia) groups as part of an effort aimed at Muslim intrafaith reconciliation. The Ministry of Women's Affairs and MOHRA continued to work together for the stated goal of giving women the opportunity to attend mosques. The government-funded Moderation Center of Afghanistan continued to operate, focusing on intrafaith communication and promoting what the government viewed as a moderate interpretation of Islam. The center continued educational exchanges to send Shia and Sunni clerics to Kuwait for training and then appointed them as teachers in various provinces to train other clerics. Abuses by Foreign Forces and Non-State Actors Media reports attributed the killings of religious leaders to members of the Taliban, ISKP, and other insurgent groups. Insurgents reportedly continued to target religious leaders because of their links to the government or their interpretations of Islam. The Taliban reportedly killed a number of clerics, including two in a one-week period in July in Faryab Province (Almar and Ghormach Districts). ISKP killed a religious scholar in the Achin District of Nangarhar in September and a religious scholar in the Bati Kot District of Nangarhar in October. In April media reports said ISKP had kidnapped and beheaded four Hazaras in Ghazni. In November ISKP reportedly beheaded four men, two women, and one girl who were Shia Hazaras. Following the beheadings, the media reported protesters numbering in the tens of thousands assembled in Kabul and in other cities demanding increased security for minorities, especially in the provinces where many Hazaras lived. According to most media accounts, the vast majority of protestors were Shia Hazaras, but other religious and ethnic groups also reportedly participated. There were also reports of unidentified assailants killing clerics. One such case involved a cleric who was shot to death in the Samangan District of Faryab Province in July. Insurgents continued to target specific religious groups for abuse. The Taliban and other armed groups kidnapped or robbed Shia Hazaras on multiple occasions during the year. In February masked gunmen, believed by government officials and local civil society activists to be ISKP, kidnapped 30 Hazaras in Zabul. In July 11 Hazaras were kidnapped in Baghlan during a local tribal dispute over missing sheep. The Taliban and other insurgents threatened religious leaders with death for preaching messages contrary to their interpretation of Islam or their political agenda. The Taliban, in particular, continued to warn mullahs not to perform funeral prayers for government security officials. Members of the Taliban also monitored the social habits of local populations, imposing punishments according to their interpretation of Islamic law on residents in areas under their control. Insurgents claiming affiliation with ISKP engaged in similar activities and also closed dozens of schools in Nangarhar Province, reportedly to exercise more control over religious education. Media reported ISKP claimed responsibility for an October 9 attack on a Shia religious center in Kabul. Armed groups reportedly burned more than a dozen mosques in Baghlan Province in July and August. Some media accounts suggested the Taliban were responsible, but no perpetrators were identified. Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom The media reported several extrajudicial killings in response to alleged religious offenses. In March a mob killed a woman named Farkhunda in Kabul following an allegation, later reported to be false, that she had burned pages of a Quran. The government prosecuted some of the perpetrators, although the Supreme Court had not determined the final disposition of the case as of the end of the year. In November a mob stoned a young woman named Rokhshana to death in Ghor, reportedly for attempting to elope with one man after a forced marriage to another. The government condemned the killing and pledged an investigation and a trial of the perpetrators. As of the end of the year, Ghor police had arrested one suspect and were investigating other possible suspects. Non-Muslim minorities such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians continued to face harassment and, in some cases, violence. Because religion and ethnicity are often closely linked, it was difficult to categorize many incidents as being solely based on religious identity. Individual Hindus and Sikhs said they continued to be able to practice their religions publicly but reported harassment from their neighbors. Members of the Hindu community said they faced fewer incidents of harassment than Sikhs, ascribing the difference to their lack of a distinctive male headdress. Despite the differences between the groups, many Afghans reportedly tended to use the terms Sikh and Hindu interchangeably. Christians said public opinion continued to be hostile toward converts to Christianity and to the idea of Christian proselytizing. They said members of the small Christian community, many of whom had converted to Christianity while living in third countries, continued to worship alone or in small congregations in private homes out of fear of societal discrimination and persecution. Sources reported local Muslim religious leaders continued to confront women over their attire and behavior, regardless of religion. They said as a result many women continued to wear a burqa in public in rural areas and in some urban areas. In urban areas where most women no longer wore the burqa, almost all women continued to wear some form of head covering, either by personal choice or due to societal pressure. There remained few places of worship for the decreasing numbers of Sikhs, Hindus, and Jews. The number of gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) remained at 11 after declining from a total of 64 in the late 1970s. Kabul's lone synagogue remained inactive. There continued to be no public Christian churches. Worship facilities for noncitizens of various faiths were located at coalition military facilities and at embassies in Kabul. Buddhist foreigners were free to worship in Hindu temples. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, members of the Sikh and Hindu communities continued to avoid sending their children to public schools, reportedly because of harassment by other students. In the past, Hindus and Sikhs had sent their children to private Hindu and Sikh schools. Many of those schools had closed due to the decreasing size of the two communities as well as the declining economic circumstances of their members. A Sikh community member stated Hindus and Sikhs largely remained illiterate, which continued to limit their higher education and employment opportunities. Observers stated discrimination against the Shia minority by the Sunni majority had declined in recent years. There continued to be reports of incidents of unofficial discrimination and poor treatment, which varied by locality. Leaders of both Hindu and Sikh communities said they continued to face discrimination, such as long delays to resolve cases in the judicial system. Sikh leaders stated a lack of access to the labor market was a main cause of Hindu and Sikh emigration. They reported a significant increase in emigration during the year as economic conditions worsened for their communities and security concerns increased. Foreigners participating in economic development projects reported continued suspicion among the population regarding outside influence and the motivation of foreigners offering development assistance. Some of the populace reportedly suspected offers of assistance were surreptitious efforts to advance Christianity and engage in proselytizing. According to observers, local Muslim religious leaders continued to exert pressure to limit various social activities, such as female participation in sports, which ran afoul of their religious norms. Section IV. U.S. Government Policy The U.S. embassy continued to work with the government to promote religious tolerance and enhance the government's capacity to counter violent extremism. Senior embassy officers and other embassy staff discussed issues such as apostasy and blasphemy and the protection of religious minorities with government officials. Embassy officers met with religious leaders and civil society figures to raise cases of punishments meted out by community elders due to their perceptions of religious offense. The embassy met with leaders of major religious groups, scholars, and NGOs to discuss ways to introduce the public to a broader range of religious perspectives and enhance religious tolerance. During Ramadan embassy staff hosted iftars with government, civil society, and religious leaders to promote religious dialogue and tolerance. Embassy outreach programs supported both traditional and modern voices opposing violent extremism, and presented a range of perspectives on interfaith and intrafaith dialogue. Mayor Costin provides council district update & talks about other city projects A town hall was held at Martinsville City Hall Thursday evening where residents were encouraged to attend and discuss their concerns or questions with Martinsville Mayor Kenny Costin. Richard O'Shields letter: What have Republicans done for us? FRIDAY Trade Days of West Texas An opening celebration of Trade Days of West Texas will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2501 E. Highway 80. Crafts, antiques, food trucks and more will be available. Alumni meeting DESDEMONA An annual alumni and community meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Desdemona Activity Center. Doors will open at 2 p.m. A meal will begin at 5:30 p.m. Concert A concert featuring the Booth Brothers will begin at 7 p.m. at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 Pioneer Drive. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken. 'Giant' As part of the Paramount Film Series, 'Giant' will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Film historian Robert Holladay will give a lecture on the film at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, military and children. For information, visit paramount-abilene.org. Dance OPLIN A dance featuring Midnight Blue will be 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Oplin Community Center. Admission is $5. Information: www.grandoleoplin.com. Other ... Blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hendrick Medical Center, Tom Roberts Conference Center. Abilene Chinese Corner, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Abilene Christian University library. lld09a@acu.edu. Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, 6 p.m., 2555 Grape St. 325-793-9699 or 325-480-6175. Mid-City Al-Anon, 7 p.m., First Christian Church. 325-670-4304. SATURDAY Back door garage sale ASPERMONT A 'back door best offer' garage sale will be open from 8 a.m. to noon at the Stonewall County Senior Citizens Center, 536 S. Washington. Trade Days of West Texas Trade Days of West Texas will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2501 E. Highway 80. Crafts, antiques, food trucks and more will be available. Heirloom care workshop Erika Parker will present a workshop, 'Preserving Home: Caring for Your Heirloom Textiles, Garments, and Fabrics,' from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. Registration is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers, with all supplies included. To register, or for information, go to www.thegracemuseum.org. Movie at the library A showing of a recent PG-rated animated movie will begin at 11 a.m. at the south branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1401 S. Danville Drive. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Admission is free. Chautauqua BUFFALO GAP The Chautauqua Learning Series will continue with a presentation by Robert F. Bluthardt, 'Fun and Frolic on the Frontier,' from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Buffalo Gap Historic Village, 133 N. William St. Admission is free. Portraiture demonstration BROWNWOOD Ken Dees will give a demonstration of the art of portraiture 1:30-3 p.m. at the Brownwood Art Association, 215 Fisk Ave. Admission is free. 'Giant' As part of the Paramount Film Series, 'Giant' will be shown at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, military and children. For more information, visit paramount-abilene.org. Benefit concert Yanstock, featuring Happy Fat, Collector's Edition and other artists, will open at 5 p.m. at Play Faire Park, 2300 N. Second St. Admission is $15. Proceeds will go to medical bills incurred by Yan Hartman. Other ... Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m., Shades of Hope, 402A Mulberry St., Buffalo Gap. 800-588-4673. Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, 10 a.m. to noon, 2043 N. Second St. Abilene Creative Arts Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Rode Gallery. 325-514-0665. Aglow International, 6 p.m., The Crossover, S. First and Poplar streets. 325-829-8826. SUNDAY Trade Days of West Texas Trade Days of West Texas will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2501 E. Highway 80. Crafts, antiques, food trucks and more will be available. Other ... Out & About Group LGBT AA Meeting, 6 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Lower Level Parish Hall, 602 Meander St. 'Love, Loss and What I Wore' 'Love, Loss and What I Wore,' a Broadway play by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the book by Ilene Beckerman, will be presented as a fundraiser for the Presbyterian Medial Care Mission. The play is directed by Steve Faehnle and features a cast of local women volunteering their time and talents to raise funds for the medical and dental mission clinics. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 and 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Center on the McMurry Campus. Due to limited seating, advance purchase is recommended. For more information, go to medicalcaremission.org. School supply drive The United Family, in partnership with the United Way of Abilene, is conducting a school supply drive through Wednesday benefiting students entering kindergarten at Lee Elementary. Customers at any United Supermarkets store or Market Street are encouraged to purchase school supplies and place them in a collection barrel at the front of the store. People may also make monetary contributions at the checkout. Looking for local authors Each year during the West Texas Book Festival, authors who live or work in Taylor County and have had a book published in the past year are honored. The 2016 local author recognition the Abilene Author Showcase which is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St. will again allow authors to spend a few moments telling about their books. Following the presentations, authors will sell their books. If you or someone you know qualifies to be honored at this event, contact Abilene Author Showcase Chairwoman Penny Klostermann at 325-669-0359 (please leave a message) or email information to penny.klostermann@gmail.com. The 16th annual West Texas Book Festival is presented by Friends of the Abilene Public Library and the Abilene Reporter-News. For more information, go to abilenetx.com/apl and click on the festival logo in the center of the page. Fair and rodeo queen deadline Deadline for entries for local young ladies who want to be the 2016 West Texas Fair & Rodeo Queen Scholarship Pageant is Monday. The queen will represent the fair and rodeo to help promote rodeo, the official sport of Texas. Any young woman 16-23 years old living within 250 miles of Abilene and a resident of Texas is eligible to apply. The application with all the details can be found online at taylorcountyexpocenter.com/events/west-texas-fair-rodeo/queen-scholarship-pageant Call Rochelle Johnson at the Expo Center, 325-677-4376, if you have questions. Let the dogs (and cats) out sale The Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 S. 25th St., is having a Back to School sale during August. Dogs will cost $40 after a mail-in rebate and cats will cost $30. The price includes spay/neuter, microchip, city tag and rabies shot. Doors are open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays. Prices are good only at the Abilene Animal Shelter, 925 South 25th. The Abilene Animal Shelter inventory can be seen online. Visit the city of Abilene web page and go to the Animal Shelter. You can also see many of their pets on Facebook. Shattered Dreams memorial shoot The Annual Bryce Kennedy Memorial Shoot is set for Aug. 20. The event raises money for the Shattered Dreams Program to help bring awareness to young people about drinking and driving. For all the details visit www.brycekennedymemorial.org or call Don Kennedy at 325-691-0758. Mail information to Jan Woodward in care of 'Around Town,' Abilene Reporter-News, P.O. Box 30, Abilene, TX 79604. Email address is jan.woodward@reporternews.com or fax 325-670-5242. Deadline for submission is noon seven working days before publication. Contributed photo Bill Libby and his grandson, Ryan Libby, visit Mount Nebo while on a trip to the Middle East. Bill Libby is an Old Testament professor at McMurry University. His grandson is a high school junior in Corpus Christi. SHARE Contributed photo Ryan Libby enjoys props and souvenirs at a shop in Jerusalem during a trip to the Middle East with his grandfather, Bill Libby, a religion professor at McMurry University. Ryan is a high school junior in Corpus Christi. Loretta Fulton/Special to the Reporter-News Bill Libby, a professor of religion at McMurry University, goes over some notes from a recent trip to the Middle East. Libby took his grandson, Ryan Libby, on the trip to visit an archaeological dig site in Jordan. By Loretta Fulton, Special to the Reporter-News For the past several years, Bill Libby has taken McMurry University students to an archaeological dig site in Jordan. He has uncovered pottery shards and other relics, all thrilling to a religion professor with a little bit of Indiana Jones in him. The most recent dig came in July. But this one was different. This time, Libby, 79, not only touched historic artifacts, he watched a little bit of history being made when his 17-year-old grandson joined him. "He dug in some of the same area where I've dug in the past," Libby said. Not only did Ryan Libby dig in the same area, he dug in the exact same square of the excavation site that Bill Libby has been digging around in for years. Someday, that piece of Jordan will be a historic site to both Libbys in a way quite different from future archaeologists. It's already special. "It was incredible," Ryan Libby said of digging in the same spot as his grandfather. The younger Libby lives in Corpus Christi, where he will be a junior this fall at Richard King High School. After graduation, he plans to attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. His month-long archaeological expedition with his grandfather increased his interest in studying history and archaeology in various cultures. The trip to Jordan was the second trip this year for the pair. Over spring break, Bill Libby took his grandson on a trip to Turkey, where they visited historic sites, museums, and the "seven churches in the province of Asia" as mentioned in the biblical book of Revelation. The trip to Jordan was filled with hard work at the dig site, tedious work at the washing station where the uncovered artifacts were cleaned, sorted, and categorized, and fun sight-seeing excursions. An unexpected learning experience also arose when the crew noticed a United Nations camp for Syrian refugees just beyond the dig site. The refugees were working in fields where the camp was situated. Their presence presented an opportunity for the archaeology team. The crew that the Libbys were with was sponsored by Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. College students and faculty from several countries formed the team. No McMurry students were able to go this summer, Libby said, but usually several are on the trip. The students who were there, including Libby's grandson, took bread from a morning snack break to the refugees. Ryan Libby said in a telephone interview from his home in Corpus Christi that interacting with the refugees in a U.N. camp, which is so much in the news,was a memorable experience for him. "You got to actually see how they live there," he said. The trip also included sight-seeing excursions to biblical sites like Mount Nebo, where, according to the book of Deuteronomy, Moses peered into the Promised Land, and to the Dead Sea. Their hotel was in the biblical-era city of Madaba. They also traveled to Petra, where some of the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" was filmed and to Wadi Rum, where some of "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed. Now that both Libbys are back home, they are looking to the future. In December 2014, Bill Libby took Ryan and two other grandsons, who live in Seattle, to London. Then over spring break this year, Bill and Ryan toured Turkey, followed by the summer trip to Jordan. So, is there a trip planned for Christmas break? Not as far as Bill Libby is concerned. "Grandpa will probably stay home and rest," he said. Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Mark Armstrong looks at a books display during a break at last year's Global Leadership Summit at Hardin-Simmons University. This year's event is Thursday and Friday. SHARE Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Participants in the 2012 summit at Behrens Auditorium listen to a live broadcast from Condoleezza Rice. By Loretta Fulton, Special to the Reporter-News In the spring of 2015, Jerry Hendrix started his new job as pastor of First Baptist Church in Sweetwater and one of the first things he did was to write in "Global Leadership Summit" on his August calendar six months away. He was so sold on the idea of taking church leaders with him to the summit that he didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle of numerous task associated with starting a new job. "I wanted to get our leadership exposed to it pretty fast," he said. So, last August, Hendrix accompanied several members of his leadership team to the two-day event at Hardin-Simmons University. One of the first things he did when it was over was to schedule again this year. The time has arrived, and Hendrix will be bringing 10 church leaders this time to the event being held Thursday and Friday at Behrens Auditorium on the HSU campus. The event, a simulcast leadership conference from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, is open to anyone interested in learning leadership techniques and skills. The summit is geared toward church leaders but also is for Christian leaders in business, government, or industry. Host is Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor of the Willow Creek church and chairman of the board for Willow Creek Association. Sessions will be held 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Costs to attend vary; go to www.willowcreek.com for information and to register. Hybels will get the seminar started at 8:30 a.m. Thursday with introductory remarks. Over the two days, people attending will hear such notable speakers as Melinda Gates, of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Co., 2006-2014; T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor, The Potter's House; and several authors, consultants and business and church leaders. Hendrix didn't attend the event while he lived in Abilene, even though this is the sixth year for HSU to be one of the global host sites. Hendrix was founder of Crosspoint Fellowship, which met at Monks Coffee House on Sunday mornings. With only about 30 people attending each week, the structure wasn't conducive to the type of leadership training offered by Global Leadership Summit. But with a larger congregation, Hendrix could see the value. He had heard nothing but positive feedback from people who had attended the summit and he had visited Willow Creek Community Church while on vacation. He liked what he saw and wanted try the same model at the Sweetwater church. "We wanted to create a leadership culture within our church," he said. "It's been beneficial for us." John Whitten, lead pastor for The Gathering, a contemporary service at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, is a true believer in the messages of the speakers for Global Leadership Summit. "I think I missed one year," he said. "I've been there for all the others." He believes in the program so strongly that he committed PDBC to be a partner church with Global Leadership Summit, meaning he pledged to bring at least 25 people. He already has met the goal and is expecting a total of 30 church members to attend. He is especially looking forward to hearing some of this year's presenters such as John C. Maxwell, an author and leadership expert. "Besides Melinda Gates," Whitten said, "he's probably the most well known." Gates will speak Thursday morning and Maxwell on Friday morning. Whitten also praised the addition of Wilfredo De Jesus, senior pastor, New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, and Patrick Lencioni, founder of The Table Group. "He's hilarious, funny, engaging," Whitten said of Lencioni. "I try not to miss his." Lencioni will be the final speaker on Friday and De Jesus will wrap up Thursday's session. Whitten said that each of the five years he has attended the summit, he has brought back practical tools, as well as inspiration and visionary goals to share with other church leaders. "I learn what God is doing in the world," he said, "and what God wants to do through me." Seaton Higginbotham was enthused after listening to Thursday's lunchtime speakers during the second day of the West Texas Energy Consortium's E3 Summit: Powering the Economy. Higginbotham, president of Arrow Ford, has been leading an Abilene Chamber of Commerce committee designed to bridge the local gaps between education outcome and employer needs. He said the talks by Texas Education Commissioner Michael Morath and Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar simply affirmed what he's been hearing from the folks on his own Team Workforce. 'There are a lot of different silos working to do the same things,' Higginbotham said. 'Trying to do this, the more you can connect with those others, the faster this can be accomplished. This has affirmed our mission and given me some new ideas to implement.' Higginbotham said he was particularly excited to hear Morath address blended learning and the state's focus on encouraging students toward more technical education options, including creating new early college high schools with focuses on these less-traditional skills. Morath said a grant program soon will be announced to assist transitions statewide to career and technical education-based early college high schools. He also touched on dual-credit programs and a lack of opportunities focused on career and technical education. Morath said there are institutional barriers that make it tough to provide students with the same technological opportunities in career and technical education as they receive in academic settings. 'One is incentives, and we're in the process of changing the incentives to encourage more high schools to aggressively go in this direction,' Morath said. 'Two is the logistics associated with it. Actually, it's far cheaper to execute a (dual-credit) class that's academically focused than it is to execute one that's CTE-focused for a host of different reasons. Finding a skilled welder to come and teach welding? Welders are paid well. Getting the actual equipment to deploy in the high school environment the capital costs are real.' Morath and Alcantar were speaking Thursday because earlier this year they joined Raymund Paredes, commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, on the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative formed by Gov. Greg Abbott. One of the issues the three agencies have focused on through meetings over the past year was meeting the goals laid out in the 60-by-30 state initiative, which aims to ensure that 60 percent of Texas graduating seniors by 2030 receive some form of higher education, whether it be a trade school diploma, a doctorate or anything between. Part of the focus in addressing 60x30TX is in House Bill 5, Alcantar said, which passed in 2013 and created in high schools career pathways on which students to focus their studies. 'As we go about working more effectively to partner up and inspire students in their middle schools, as we make those endorsement selections, that we have a real clear and flexible strategy to bring together employers with our teachers, with our institutions of eduction, to allow them to deliver on the needs that are being created by employers,' he said. 'The way we're going to do that is by working hard to ensure we secure these partnerships between industry and our different educational institutions ... are on the same page ... and to make sure those pathways remain viable as they complete four, six, eight years later.' Twitter: @TimothyChippARN Four members of Ambler Baptist Church, who also are students at Hardin-Simmons University, must have thought classes had already started when they attended the opening session Thursday of the Global Leadership Summit on campus. The summit, which continues Friday, is a simulcast from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Speakers, ranging from authors to business leaders to heads of multimillion dollar charities, give presentations broadcast live to host sites such as HSU. About 100 people attended Thursday morning's session at HSU, listening, reading printed materials, and taking notes just like college. Local college classes don't start until Aug, 22, but the summit offers the same opportunities. 'It's just a great opportunity to learn and to grow,' said Eddie Puga, Ambler Baptist pastor and a master of divinity student at HSU's Logsdon School of Theology. Puga attended the event at HSU two years ago and remembered how much he got out of it. This year, he pumped it up at church, and seven members signed up to attend, including four HSU students. Puga's wife, Neomi, is working on a degree in finance at HSU. Alfonso Siller and Andrew Alcantar are freshmen at the university and members of Ambler Baptist Church. During a break, they talked about what they had just heard and what it meant to them. Opening speaker was Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. Hybels stressed the importance of passion in leadership. 'Life is too short,' he said, 'to live with an empty passion bucket.' That point stuck with Neomi Puga. 'Finding that passion, keeping that passion burning,' is essential, she said. One of the speakers Thursday was Alan Mulally, president and CEO of the Ford Motor Co. from 2006 to 2014. Before moving to Ford, Mulally, an aeronautical engineer, was on a design team that created jets for Boeing. When Mulally joined Ford, the coming was running at a $17 billion deficit. He told employees and the media on his first day that he was new to the business of producing vehicles. When questioned by the media why he was selected to run the company if he didn't know anything about it, Mulally was ready. The average vehicle has about 10,000 parts, he said. The average Boeing jet has about 4 million parts 'and it stays in the air.' The questioner apparently was impressed with the answer. The next day, a headline read, 'I think we got the right guy.' IF YOU GO What: Global Leadership Summit When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday Where: Hardin-Simmons University, Behrens Auditorium Cost: Varies. Call James Stone, 670-1258, for prices Details: Live stream from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. FRIDAY PRESENTERS 8:30-10:30 a.m.: Chris McChesney, author, executive at Franklin Covey; Erin Meyer, author, consultant, professor at INSEAD; John C. Maxwell, author, leadership expert 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor, The Potter's House 1:30-3 p.m.: Danielle Strickland, officer in the Salvation Army, author, advocate; Horst Schulze, founding president, the Ritz-Carlton Group 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Wilfredo De Jesus, senior pastor, New Life Covenant Church and author U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz visited Dyess Air Force Base Thursday, where he and military leaders discussed the base's ongoing defense missions. During the tour, which was not open to the media, Cruz was briefed by senior leaders on the capabilities of the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Group, toured the base, and received an up-close look at the C-130J and B-1B Lancer, according to a news release from his office. 'Texas has a long, proud partnership with our nation's military, and we are blessed to have some of the finest training facilities in the world,' Cruz said in the release. 'The safety and security of the American people is dependent on the leadership demonstrated at places like Dyess Air Force Base. I look forward to continuing discussions with Dyess officials as well as statewide defense industry leaders to ensure that we are able to strengthen our military and keep Texans and our country safe.' The visit at Dyess was part of a weeklong tour by Cruz, which has included stops in Laredo, San Antonio, Fort Bliss and Lubbock. NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The National Institutes of Health says its last chimpanzees should be moved from Texas and New Mexico to a sanctuary in Louisiana by fall 2026. The moves could be completed in 2023 if Chimp Haven can expand fast enough, according to a retirement plan announced Thursday for about 360 chimps still in federal custody. 'I do think we can get it done,' said Cathy Willis Spraetz, president and CEO of the sanctuary located about 10 miles from Shreveport in northwest Louisiana. She said she's working on a plan to raise money for the expansion. The sanctuary now holds 204 chimps - 190 of them federally owned - and has room for 75 more, including quarantine space for up to 25, she said. 'That quarantine area includes some very spacious outdoor areas,' so chimps could stay there while waiting for new living areas to be built, she said. The number brought in may be less than 25 at a time because chimpanzees develop close social groups, which are kept together in their new home, Spraetz said. NIH officials announced in 2013 they were ending research on humanity's closest living relatives but would keep 50 in reserve. In November, the agency said those 50 would go to sanctuary, too. The decision came two years after the Institute of Medicine, part of NIH, declared that nearly all use of chimps for invasive medical research could no longer be justified. Much of the rest of the world already had ended such research. Chimps' similarity to people 'demands special consideration and respect,' NIH director Francis Collins said in 2011. Spraetz said those to be moved to Louisiana include about 140 in the Alamagordo Primate Facility in New Mexico, 138 in Bastrop, Texas, at M.D. Anderson's Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, and 81 at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio. NIH said Alamagordo officials will begin transferring chimpanzees as soon as possible, with the last animals expected to be in Chimp Haven in fall 2021. Federally owned animals at Keeling will be moved next, followed by federally supported chimps at Texas Biomed. The last of that facility's federally owned animals were moved this spring, the statement said. The earlier 2023 date depends on Chimp Haven building space for 100 more chimpanzees by fiscal 2021, which will start in October 2020. Death is likely to open up spaces, since many of the animals are aging, the NIH statement said. Spraetz said 35-year-old chimps are considered geriatric, and the average age at Chimp Haven is 30 - even including 10 youngsters aged 4 to 9. Every female is on birth control to ensure there aren't any new babies, she said. Secretary of State John Kerry extolled 'diplomacy's power' in January when Iran freed several imprisoned Americans, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. But was it the power of diplomacy that cinched the release or was it the might of $400 million in cash? Brief background: In January, the U.S. dispatched a cargo plane loaded with $400 million in foreign currency to Iran, The Wall Street Journal reports. This happened just as the Iranian nuclear deal with the West kicked in and economic sanctions lifted. The payment was portrayed by the U.S. as a partial settlement in a decades-old Iranian claim over a soured deal to buy U.S. military equipment. But the timing of the payment prompted senior Justice Department officials to object, according to the Journal. 'People knew what it was going to look like, and there was concern the Iranians probably did consider it a ransom payment,' one official told the paper. That's exactly how senior Iranian defense officials have reportedly described it publicly since then. President Barack Obama denies a quid pro quo, citing longstanding policy that the U.S. doesn't pay ransoms. But, Jonathan Tobin writes in Commentary magazine, reality may be different: 'Paying ransoms to terrorists or terrorist regimes is a practice that, at least in theory, the U.S. opposes. But like Israeli governments who also talk tough about not negotiating but then agree to lopsided deals, American leaders usually pay up if that is the only way to gain the release of U.S. hostages.' But this deal's done. The money's safely in Tehran, where it may help the mullahs bankroll terrorists around the globe. The recriminations over whether it was or wasn't a ransom payment likely will subside. What remains important: n Iran took Americans as de facto hostages. They were innocents arrested and held on trumped-up charges; Rezaian was convicted in a secret trial. n The $400 million that the U.S. paid to help settle the claim or to gain the release or both is a pittance compared with the frozen billions released to Iran in the nuclear deal, and the billions more that could flow into Iran's economy as Western companies return there in force. But Iran isn't satisfied. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now furiously backpedaling from the deal he once embraced. He accuses the U.S. of 'breaching' its pledges and 'obstructing and damaging Iran's economic relations with other countries.' Khamenei's gripes aren't new. In April, he demanded that the Obama administration help make Tehran's financial dealings with foreign companies and banks easier by allowing transactions involving dollars in certain circumstances. We argued against that relaxation because Iran hadn't earned any favors from the U.S. It still hasn't. Today, Iran is struggling to find financing from foreign banks still skeptical about doing business with the repressive regime. Deals for Iran to buy more than 200 jetliners from Boeing and Airbus are up in the air after the U.S. House passed a bill in July aimed at blocking the sales. The price of oil, Iran's lifeblood, is down. One unfortunate solution to economic doldrums? Iran has taken yet more Americans captive in recent months and demanded the release of another $2 billion. The new victims include Reza 'Robin' Shahini, of San Diego, who went to Iran to visit his ailing mother in May. On July 11, he was arrested on suspicion of crimes against Iran, The Washington Post reports. Two other U.S. citizens and several dual nationals from Britain, Canada and France are also being held, the paper says. So don't be surprised if the mullahs press their new demands and take still more Americans prisoner. They did get the $400 million. Chicago Tribune Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... Phnom Penhs municipal government wants to shut down the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Partys (CNRP) plans to join the Black Monday Campaign, RFAs Khmer Service has learned. Earlier this month the CNRP endorsed the campaign named after the black shirts demonstrators wear on Mondays in an attempt to win the release of jailed political activists and rights workers. The Black Monday Campaign was launched by civil society groups after authorities arrested four officers of the human rights group ADHOC and an election official, charging them with bribery over their alleged role in a sex scandal involving CNRP leader Kem Sokha. While the CNRP was already sympathetic to the Black Monday campaign, it waited three months before officially endorsing the protest movement. The CNRPs endorsement was viewed by city hall as an attempt to cause social unrest, according to a letter the city government sent to party leaders on Friday. Cease or face consequences In the letter, the city government warned the CNRP to immediately cease their plans or face consequences. City officials called the CNRPs plan to join the campaign an act of incitement and provocation and an attempt to mobilize people to commit illegal acts that could cause social unrest. Prime Minister Hun Sens government has attempted to suppress the Black Monday protests, labeling the campaign an illegal attempt at launching a color revolution Over the years, Hun Sen has repeatedly inveighed against color revolutions, named after a series of popular movements that used passive resistance to topple governments in countries under the former Soviet Union during the 2000s. The CNRP may now be endorsing the campaign, but is still keeping a low profile on Mondays as party leaders say they have no plans to join the protests in the streets. The campaign takes place in our headquarters, where people who would like to voice their concerns or advocate for the prisoners release may wear any colored shirt of their own choosing, he told RFA. That does not affect the public order. The authorities shouldnt be too concerned about it. Phnom Penh Court wraps Kem Sokha case The city governments warning comes as the Phnom Penh Municipal Court announced on Friday that its investigation into a case against Kem Sokha has been closed, and that it is charging the acting CNRP president for ignoring repeated court summons. Phnom Penh Municipal Investigating Judge Than Leng notified Kem Sokha on Aug. 9 that the investigation was closed and Deputy Prosecutor Ly Sophanna said the case would now be forwarded to a prosecutor to issue a final submission to the court, after which the investigating judge will issue a final order. The government has ordered Kem Sokha to appear before the court in connection with at least two complaints that have been filed related to an affair he is alleged to have had with a young hairdresser named Khom Chandaraty. CNRP President Sam Rainsy has meanwhile been staying in France or traveling since an arrest warrant was issued for him in November over a 2008 defamation case and he was removed from his office and stripped of his parliamentary immunity. After Sam Rainsy left the country, the CNRP named Kem Sokha its acting president. The conflict with Kem Sokha is just one of several legal cases the government or the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party has brought against opposition party members. Human rights workers say the scandal is being used by the ruling party to crack down on its political opponents and silence critics ahead of the local and national elections slated for 2017 and 2018. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. Li Wenzu (R), wife of detained rights attorney Wang Quanzhang, says state security police officers prevented her and their son from leaving their home in an interview with RFA on Aug. 11, 2016. Chinese authorities are continuing to mete out punishment by association to the families of detained human rights lawyers and activists, preventing them from leaving the county on "national security" grounds, activists said. "Collective punishment against Chinese activists means blocking family members from traveling and obtaining passports or visas," the Chinese website Weiquanwang reported on Friday. "China continues to arbitrarily apply 'endangering national security'," it said via Twitter. In one case, the 17-year-old daughter of exiled rights activist Liu Huanjun, now resident in the United States, was stopped by police at Beijing's international airport after she tried to board a flight to meet him in Hong Kong for a vacation. "They reason they gave was that my daughter would be a danger to national security if she were allowed to leave," Liu wrote via social media. "But what harm can a 17-year-old child do?" she wrote. "The Chinese government is shameless." Liu, a former primary school teacher who first became engaged in rights work during a bitter eviction struggle, has a long history of vocal and conspicuous campaigns against the ruling Chinese Communist Party. She was detained in 2013 for calling on the nation's leaders to reveal details of their wealth, and threw herself in front of the motorcade of President Xi Jinping during his September 2015 state visit to the United States to protest rights violations. Stopped by state security police On Thursday, four state security police officers prevented Li Wenzu, wife of detained rights attorney Wang Quanzhang, from leaving her home with the couple's child, her lawyer said. "Li Wenzu was prevented from leaving her home ... by four state security police, who surrounded her and wouldn't let her call a taxi," Wang's defense lawyer Yu Wensheng told RFA in a recent interview. Yu said he suspects the authorities fear Li Wenzu will seek out a lawyer for her husband or apply for information about his trial. "I think they are hoping to try him behind closed doors, so they don't want the family members hiring lawyers, and they don't want to give them a permit to sit in on the trial," he said. "It's a perversion of justice," Yu added. Wang was detained during a nationwide operation targeting human rights lawyers and their associates that began on July 9, 2015. Yu said Wang had issued a statement declaring that he wouldn't be hiring any lawyers, dismissing the "declaration" as illegal, and likely the result of heavy pressure from the authorities in his police-run detention center. Meanwhile, police are similarly holding Wang Qiaoling, wife of detained rights lawyer Li Heping, under house arrest along with the couple's young daughter. Frequent evictions The families of detained activists and lawyers frequently face eviction from their homes, as police put intense political pressure on their landlords to terminate their rental agreements. Wang told RFA on Wednesday: "Our tenancy agreement ended on Aug. 11, and the landlord has been threatened by the police who say they are not allowed to rent the apartment to us anymore," she said. "The landlords told me they had been hauled in twice for questioning by the police, who basically forbade them to rent it to us," Wang said. "I haven't yet found another place to stay, so it looks as if we may be forcibly evicted," she said. But the call was terminated abruptly, and further calls to Wang's phone rang unanswered. Yu said he is concerned about Wang and her child. "I haven't heard from Wang Qiaoling; I think they are perhaps trying to force her to leave Beijing, which is politically sensitive," Yu said. "They probably figure it'll be easier to control her if she moves elsewhere in China," he said "We are trying to find somebody to help them out, because the police are putting huge pressure on their landlords," he said, adding: "Ordinary people have no way of resisting the police." "If this dictatorship carries on, they pretty soon we'll all be under similar levels of oppression," Yu said. Detentions of rights lawyers Authorities in Tianjin last week put on trial four rights lawyers on subversion-related charges after denying them access to lawyers or visits from friends or family for more than a year. Some were bailed or handed suspended sentences after they produced videotaped "confessions" which activists said were heavily scripted. Thirteen lawyers and rights defenders remain behind bars in Tianjin and look set to be dealt with similarly, rights groups said. Police have detained, interrogated or threatened more than 300 human rights lawyers and activists since the crackdown began with the detention of prominent Beijing Fengrui lawyer Wang Yu and colleagues on the night of July 9, 2015. Many family members of those detained now face surveillance, house arrest or bans on leaving the country. According to the Hubei-based Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch, more than 300 people have been targeted by China's nationwide "stability maintenance" domestic policing system in the past month alone. "During July, at least 363 people have been targeted in stability maintenance operations," the group said in a report published on its website on Friday. "The authorities are continuing to step up their operations against target groups, including the families of detained rights lawyers," group founder Liu Feiyue told RFA. "They are paying particular attention to news and information online, with a bunch of new rules targeting 'fake' news," Liu said. "Things are much worse than they were in June, even with the politically sensitive date of June 4," he said, in a reference to the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. "A lot of people had their liberty curtailed, were taken out of town, but we have seen a lot of that in July as well," he said. "So it seems that the security crackdown is now running all year round," he said. Reported by Xin Lin and Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Ethnic Mongolian herders who marched on government offices, camping out in protest at being thrown off their grazing lands, have now been evicted from the premises, as the government banned social media posts relating to the land dispute. Chinese authorities in Inner Mongolias eastern Shin-Barag Left Banner last week mounted an eviction operation targeting herders from Ubuurbarag Som, a township-level district, and driving them from their summer pastures. After the evicted herders marched on the local government with banners, staging a sit-in, and sleeping rough outside the building, authorities moved in late on Thursday, herders told RFA. "They brought in riot police from Manzhouli and Hala'er to drive away the remaining herders [outside government offices]," one of the herders told RFA on Friday. Police seemed keen to avoid any footage of the incident from leaking out, the herder said, adding: "They snatched away and smashed up people's smartphones," "The newcomers also sent people to attack our flocks of sheep," the herder said. The authorities have threatened to "deal with" anyone posting about the dispute on social media, sources said. The banner-level branch of China's powerful Cyberspace Agency issued a statement on state television forbidding anyone from tweeting or posting words or photos related to the Ubuurbarag land dispute. "The police will be dealing appropriately with anyone responsible," the statement said. No answer to appeals A second local resident said the authorities hadn't yet responded to appeals and complaints by the herders over the loss of their summer grazing lands. "There was no response yesterday evening to any of the points made by the herders, or to their complaints," the second herder said. "Their whole aim was to clear the area [of protesters]. There was no agreement reached between the two sides." He said some herders had been sleeping outside the government offices in the hope of having their complaints heard. Ethnic Mongolian rights activist Xinna, who has been following the Ubuurbarag dispute, said police had used considerable force against the herders. "They frightened and threatened the herders, and they used force to drive them away," she said. Local communications appeared to have been cut off, she said, adding, "I can't get through to any of them by phone now." The move came in spite of appeals from the herders that their existing land-use contracts be respected, and that random attacks on them and their livestock from unidentified newcomers be stopped. Some are detained Police had detained 10 herders during the earlier eviction operation from their grazing lands, but released three after around 24 hours, local residents told RFA. One of the detainees, Huubshalat, is facing charges of separatism, which carry a jail term of up to 10 years, sources said. However, the fate of the remaining detainees remains unclear, a third herder said. "The 24 hours is already up, and they still haven't [been released]," she said. "Some of the families were given a reason for the detentions, while others weren't." The area around the banner government offices is now under tight security, local sources said. "I can't even go out today," a resident of Shin-Barag Left Banner town said on Friday. "They are checking ID's across the whole commune and production brigade." "There are riot police all around the banner government." He said the government is now warning local residents by SMS message not to retweet information about the dispute. "They are threatening us, saying that we will also be dealt with if we send out anything [on social media]," the herder said. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. North Korean soldiers march in a military parade through Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang marking the anniversary of the Korean War armistice, July 27, 2013. Officials in North Korea have begun conscripting people previously exempted from compulsory military service to counter the effects of a shortage of recruits due to the countrys rapidly decreasing birth rate, North Korean sources said. The countrys birth rate has been sharply declining since a devastating famine hit the country in the mid-1990s during which several millions of North Koreans died of malnutrition and starvation. This was followed by the governments discontinuation of food distribution. Because the majority of those who perished were children, the country now faces a shortage of young people of conscription age, the sources said. Recently, the Central Party partially cancelled some recruitment regulations because of a decrease in the number of military-age recruits, a source in North Hamgyong province told RFA, speaking on condition of anonymity. In the past, those who were the only son in their families, whose parents worked on collective farms, or who were the children of mine workers did not have to join the military, he said. A new recruitment regulation requires that all men up to their mid-30s, who have been exempt from the military in the past, now serve, he said. Recent university graduates who have been exempt from military service, those who work in factories, and those who have a family are now among the citizens being recruited, the source said. They have already received physical examination notifications as the recruitment cycle for next year begins, he said. North Hamgyongs military mobilization unit has already prepared next years recruits based on the new conscription criteria, he said. The move has prompted North Korean citizens to criticize military authorities for indiscriminately recruiting young men to secure forces for construction projects rather than for combat missions, the source said. Still not enough recruits The Central Partys recent requirement of mandatory military service for youths up to their mid-30s to serve also includes women, a source in South Hamgyong province told RFA. However, I dont understand how the Central Party will strengthen the military given the rapid decrease in youth population caused by a decline in birth rates from discontinued food distributions, he said. Military recruiters may not be able to adhere to the new recruitment policy because some elementary and junior high schools are eliminating classes due to a lack of students, he said. Despite the revised recruitment policy, the continuing low birth rate and lack of food for soldiers means that there will not be enough recruits to comprise even half a military unit, he said. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Jackie Yoo. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. The Jupaoyan Cassava Processing Co., Ltd. is releasing effluents into a nearby stream in Phonesamphan village, Long district, in northern Laos' Luang Namtha province, July 26, 2016. Luang Namtha provincial authorities plan to order the owners of a Lao-Chinese cassava-processing plant in the Long district to install more effective pollution controls or shut the plant down, RFAs Lao Service has learned. The plant owned by Jupaoyan Cassava Processing Co., Ltd. turns the edible, starchy, tuberous cassava root into biofuel for power generation, but villagers say effluent released from the plant is polluting a stream used by the residents of Phonesamphan and Taohom villages. Though the owners of the 14-year-old plant have reached a deal with officials in the Long district to build four containment ponds, provincial officials dont think the new ponds will do the job, a Long district official told RFA on condition of anonymity. Officials from the Luang Namtha provincial administration office, natural resources and environment department, planning and investment department, and district officials discussed the impact of the pollution from the plant during a meeting on Thursday, the official said. The authorities were expected to demand that the owner of the plant return from China and build a bigger waste treatment plant, or else shutter the plant. As many as 700 families depend on the water from the stream that flows near the plant. When containment ponds overflow, the stream is contaminated. The environment in Luang Namtha province has been polluted not only by the cassava biofuel plant, but also by herbicides and pesticides used on banana plantations as well as waste from mine excavation companies backed by Chinese investors. Another cassava power-generating company located in Natham village in the Pak-Ngum district of Vientiane municipality released contaminated water into Nong-han Lake, killing hundreds of tons of fish between 2009 and 2015, according to a villager who requested anonymity. Though the government failed to address the issue, the company, backed by a Korean investor, eventually went bankrupt and shut down, the villager said. Reported and translated by Max Avary for RFA's Lao Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. A land-grab victim in northern Laos Xieng Khouang province is entitled to lease back nearly 6,000 square meters of land seized from her last year by the provincial governor to make way for a bank, though national lawmakers must finalize the issue, a source with knowledge of the situation said. In April 2015, provincial governor Somkod Mengnormek illegally appropriated land leased to Bouapha Phommachith, which housed the Meuang Phoune restaurant, to sell to the Lao central bank for U.S. $2 million for the construction of a new bank building. After Bouapha appealed to various legal authorities for justice, the provinces chief prosecutor took up the case and notified the National Assembly in March of this year that she was entitled to lease the land taken from her in due time, but did not specify a date, said the source who declined to be named. Now the matter is in the hands of national lawmakers who must issue an official notice to the central government to resolve it, he said. Bouapha had leased the land from the state since 2005 when she signed a contract with the former provincial governor, the same source told RFA last year. Though the lease expired in 2012, an article in the contract gave Bouapha the right to renew the lease for two additional 15-year periods, he said. But when Somkod became governor, he decided to sell the land to the central bank and ordered Bouapha to move. When she refused, Somkod ordered local police to bulldoze the restaurant and detained two of Bouaphas relatives for 13 days for obstructing the enforcement officers, the source said. After the restaurant was destroyed, Bouapha filed a claim for compensation for all the money she had invested in the rented property and restaurant. In early 2015, Bouapha submitted complaints to the Ministry of Justice, National Assembly, and Governments Office, formerly known as the Prime Ministers Office, the source said. After that, Ket Kiattisak, deputy minister of justice, sent a notice to Somkod to not destroy the restaurant until the matter had been resolved, the source said. At the time, the parliaments petition department had also started working on the case. Sonexay Siphandone, minister of the Governments Office, also sent an official letter to Somkod to implement the rule of law, the source said. Vendors lose market Somkod also stirred up trouble last October with some local vendors by ordering them to leave the provincial agricultural market in Peak district and giving the land concession to a Chinese investor to build a shopping mall, said a source who declined to be named. The vendors had rented the land from former provincial authorities for many decades and have a current lease that expires in 2017, he said. Now that the vendors have been relocated to a temporary market near the former provincial airport about one kilometer away, they complain that they can no longer sell as many products in the new location, he said. The governor has removed the vendors to that market, and in the meantime he has allowed a Chinese businessman to set up slot machines, nightclubs, and guesthouses with sex workers in the former market area, he said. The vendors tried to take action against Somkod for the land grab, but they were threatened with imprisonment, he said. In Laos, where all land belongs to the state, several provincial governors and family members of national leaders have been involved in land grabs, not only because the land in urban areas is expensive, but also because they can profit by selling the land to other people or companies that grow rubber plantations. Rights groups say the illegal appropriations violate basic human rights, including the right to food, housing, and prevention of forced eviction. Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Ounkeo Souksavanh. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Vietnamese authorities released a Hoa Hao Buddhist follower from prison this week after he served a two-and-a-half year sentence for disrupting public order in a case that saw two other activists also jailed. Nguyen Van Minh, a member of a branch of the religious group that operates outside government control, was freed on Aug. 11 and returned to his home in Phuoc Hong village in the An Phu district of southwestern Vietnams An Giang province. Im on my way home now. Im a bit tired, Minh told RFAs Vietnamese Service in a telephone interview on Thursday. I had some issues when I left this morning, because the authorities had deliberately created problems for me while I was in prison. My family told me on the phone this morning that the police were all around my house, he said. Minh, along with fellow Hoa Hao follower Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh and rights activist Bui Thi Minh Hang, was arrested in February 2014 on charges of having created a serious obstruction to traffic while they were on their way to visit a former political prisoner. Hang, a prominent blogger, was handed a three-year prison term, while Quynh was sentenced to two years and Minh received a two-and-a-half year term. Vietnams government officially recognizes the Hoa Hao religion, which has some 2 million followers across the country, but imposes harsh controls on dissenting Hoa Hao groups that do not follow the state-sanctioned branch. Rights groups say that authorities in An Giang routinely harass followers of the unapproved groups, prohibiting public readings of the Hoa Hao founders writings and discouraging worshipers from visiting Hoa Hao pagodas in An Giang and other provinces. Reported by Cat Linh for RFAs Vietnamese Service, Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Richard Finney. Kyiv accused Russia of seeking to provoke an escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow has bolstered separatist forces in the region with fresh deliveries of ammunition and military hardware. The assertion came as tensions between Moscow and Kyiv continued to rise after Russia claimed that Ukraine had tried to send saboteurs into Crimea to carry out terrorist attacks against infrastructure on the Russian-annexed peninsula -- an allegation Kyiv says is preposterous. Russia's Defense Ministry on August 12 announced the deployment of S-400 air-defense missile systems -- which Moscow has touted as state-of-the art weapons -- in Crimea. The military had pledged last month to deploy the system on the peninsula. And Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev raised the prospect of severing diplomatic relations with Kyiv in order to sober up Ukraine. I would not want that to happen, but if there is no other option left to impact the situation, the president [Vladimir Putin] could make such a decision, Medvedev said in response to a question. He noted that diplomatic ties between Russia and Georgia were cut off when they fought a brief war in 2008. Russias accusation of a Ukrainian plot to destabilize Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in March 2014, added to tension following weeks of increased fighting between government forces and the Russia-backed separatists who hold parts of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Each side is blaming the other for the increased tension. Ukraine's military intelligence service, which has categorically denied Russias claims, alleged on August 12 that Russia was planning "large-scale provocative actions through the contact line in Ukraines east -- a reference to the line separating government and separatist forces. Russia will then accuse Ukraine of not complying" with the Minsk agreement, a Western-brokered peace deal for eastern Ukraine. The accusation came a day after President Petro Poroshenko put Ukraines forces on the highest alert level in both eastern Ukraine and along the administrative boundary between mainland Ukraine and Crimea. The Foreign Ministry in Kyiv on August 12 demanded that Russia give monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) access to Crimea as well as greater access to separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine, saying that Moscow is obliged to do so under existing agreements. It also called for monitors from the International Red Cross and the United Nations' human rights monitoring mission to be given access to Ukrainian detainees who are in the custody of Russian authorities. Also on August 12, Russian lawmaker Olga Kovitidi said the Russia-installed government in Crimea has cut off Internet access in the northern part of Crimea, which is closer to the mainland, "for security reasons." Evidence pointing to a buildup of Russian military equipment in northern Crimea in the past week emerged on social media both before and after Russia made its claim about a Ukrainian plot in Crimea on August 10. A report by the Digital Forensic Research Lab of the Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based think tank, said that a deluge of photographs and videos" had appeared online since August 7 that indicate a mass mobilization of Russian military equipment throughout Crimea. It said the deployments include the movement of truck-mounted Bastion-P coastal missile-defense systems. At the same time, the report cast doubts on claims by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) that artillery positioned in Ukraine's Kherson region had shelled Russian positions in northern Crimea on August 8, killing one Russian soldier. It said that there were few reliable local witness accounts of a Ukrainian artillery attack on Russian forces in Crimea on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Twitter, or other social media -- and that no photographs or video of gunfire and shelling had emerged. Russia said on August 11 that it was stepping up security in Crimea and also announced a three-day naval exercise to practice repelling underwater attacks on the Black Sea Fleet, which is based in the Crimean port of Sevastopol. The FSB says it thwarted an incursion by Ukrainian saboteurs between August 6 and August 8 and that it detained several suspects, including both Ukrainian and Russian citizens. The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt, said on Twitter on August 11 that the U.S. government "has seen nothing so far that corroborates the Russian allegations. European Union officials have also cast doubt on the Russian claims. Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk says Russias actions and statements are aimed at stalling the peace process under the Minsk agreements, discrediting Ukraine, and escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations, Volodymyr Velchenko, charged on August 11 that some 40,000 Russian troops are now amassed in Crimea and along Russias border with eastern Ukraine. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, AP, TASS, and Interfax Afghan government chief executive Abdullah Abdullah has sharply criticized President Ashraf Ghani in an apparent eruption of tensions within the countrys fragile unity government. Abdullah said late on August 11 that Ghani did not deserve to govern as he had failed to work collaboratively or to enact electoral reforms. "The government is paralyzed and ministers do not have the chance to speak," Abdullah said in televised remarks. "[Ghani] provides a one-hour lecture but he should listen to the ministers for 15 minutes. If someone does not have tolerance, they do not deserve the presidency." In a statement, Ghani's office said Abdullah's speech was "not in accordance with the principle and spirit of governance," but there would be a "serious and effective" discussion of his concerns. Abdullah's televised comments raise fresh questions about the stability of the coalition formed in 2014 after both Ghani and Abdullah claimed victory in a presidential election. The post of chief executive was created for former foreign minister Abdullah as part of a U.S.-brokered deal to end a deadlock over the election. But Abdullah has complained he has been left out of key decisions amid a deteriorating situation in the country. Based on reporting by Reuters An Armenian prosecutor has demanded a life sentence for a Russian soldier charged with killing a family of seven. The prosecutor in the northwestern Armenian city of Gyumri urged on August 12 that Valery Permyakov be given life for last years killing. Permyakov has pleaded guilty. On January 12, 2015, six members of the Avetisian family were found dead in their house, including a 2-year-old girl. All the victims were shot or stabbed to death. A 6-month-old boy who was seriously wounded died a week later. Permyakov was later detained near the Armenian-Turkish border. The case led to mass protests in Gyumri and Yerevan against Russia's military presence in the country and calls for the trial to be heard by Armenian judges instead of Russian military judges. In August 2015, a Russian court found Permyakov guilty of desertion and other charges. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was then handed over to Armenia for trial on murder charges. Russia maintains a garrison of around 3,000 soldiers at the 102nd Military Base in Gyumri, some 120 kilometers northwest of the capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the world faces the most dangerous decade since World War II and predicted that the historical period of the West's "undivided dominance over world affairs" is coming to an end. Speaking on October 27 at a conference of international policy experts in Moscow, Putin said the decade ahead is "probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and, at the same time, important...since the end of World War II." Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Putin laid the blame for the situation at the feet of Western countries, which he said have cast aside the norms of international affairs in order to maintain dominance and hold down countries they see as "second-class civilizations." The Russian leader also said he had no regrets about sending troops into Ukraine and sought to explain the conflict as part of the efforts by Western countries to secure their global domination. Putin claimed in his speech to the Valdai Discussion Club, a think tank, that the West had helped incite the conflict and also seeks to stoke a crisis over Taiwan in an attempt to enforce global dominance. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, triggering the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II and driving relations with Western countries that back Ukraine and its drive to be part of the European Union and NATO to their lowest depths since the Cold War. Putin cast the conflict in Ukraine as a battle between the West and Russia for the fate of the second-largest Eastern Slav country. It is partly a "civil war," he said, as Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Kyiv has flatly rejected both of those ideas. The goal of what Russia refers to as a "special military operation" is to take the eastern Donbas region, Putin said, adding that in his view the region would "not have survived" on its own had Russia not intervened militarily in Ukraine. WATCH: A local official told Russian conscripts "You are not cannon fodder" in a video published online recently. The men responded by angrily shouting that, actually, that's exactly what they are. But the war has gone far beyond the Donbas region, with Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and other nonmilitary structures, killing tens of thousands of Ukrainians across the country. Putin used the speech largely to rail against the West, saying it has nothing to offer to the world "except its own domination," and the goal of globalization "is neocolonialism to dominate the world." He said Russia is only trying to defend its right to exist in the face these Western efforts. Putin also asserted that more and more nations refuse to follow Washington's demands and Russia will never accept the West's attempts to dominate the world. Citing gay pride parades and the acceptance of transgender people in Western countries, Putin also defended "traditional values" and said "nobody can dictate to our people how to develop and what society we should build." He also said Russia has never considered the West an enemy and has many things in common with it but will continue to oppose the diktat of Western neoliberal elites. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Putin's speech presented no new ideas. "We don't believe that Mr. Putin's strategic goals have changed here. He doesn't want Ukraine to exist as a sovereign, independent nation state," Kirby said. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Putin's speech can be described as "for Freud," referring to psychoanalysis founder Sigmund Freud. "The person who invaded a foreign country, annexed its land, and committed genocide accuses others of violating international law and the sovereignty of other countries? One truth: The person who started a wind will get a storm. The storm is coming," he said on Twitter. Answering questions from journalists after his speech, Putin reiterated the Kremlin's assertion that Ukraine plans to use a so-called dirty bomb on its own territory. The claim has been dismissed as false by Ukraine and its allies, who say Russia may have raised the matter because it plans to use such a bomb in Ukraine as a pretext for escalation. "It was me who ordered [Defense Minister Sergei] Shoigu to inform by phone all his colleagues about it," Putin said, adding that Russia does not need to use dirty bombs in Ukraine. Putin also said he supported plans by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit Ukraine's nuclear power plants for inspections. "It must be done as soon and as openly as possible because we know that Kyiv authorities are now working to cover up such [dirty-bomb attack] preparations," Putin said, without giving any exact information proving the claim. Ukraine invited IAEA inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities after the Kremlin made its unsubstantiated claim about the preparation of a dirty bomb -- which would use the explosion of a conventional warhead to spread radioactive material or chemicals over a wide area. Ukraine said it would welcome inspections because it had "nothing to hide." According to Putin, Russia has never talked about the use of nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine despite his own promise to defend Russian territory with any means at our disposal" and saying his words were "not a bluff." "We see no need for [using nuclear weapons in Ukraine]," Putin told reporters. "There is no sense for that, neither political, nor military." This week's alleged Crimea incident is, in many ways, a sign of the times. It's a story without verifiable facts. Instead, there are only narratives. Russia claims, without any real evidence, that Ukraine sent agent-saboteurs to Crimea to carry out "terrorist" attacks and were thwarted by the FSB. Ukraine says no such thing happened. Moscow says it has captured a group of Ukrainian spies. Kyiv says at least one of these -- Yevhen Panov, a truck driver from Zaporizhzhya -- was actually kidnapped. The Kremlin says a shootout took place on the boundary separating mainland Ukraine from Russian-occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says there were indeed shots fired, but only by Russian forces. Confused? Well that's sort of the point. This is all emblematic of the post-fact world the Kremlin prefers to operate in -- one where what matters isn't what actually happened, but rather the story you can spin about what happened. It's a world where the truth is negotiable. It's a world where a popular uprising in Ukraine is magically transformed through the dark art of spin into a fascist coup. It's a world where Russian media reports fictitious stories about children being crucified in Ukraine. It's a world where the clear shooting down of a civilian airliner by pro-Moscow separatists becomes a mystery we will never get to the bottom of. It's a world where a Russian effort to prop up a dictator in Syria becomes an antiterrorist operation. The Kremlin wants a post-fact and post-truth world because, in such a world, anything goes and only might makes right. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Pakistani authorities say they have arrested several hospital workers over a scheme that abducted and sold newborn babies. Police said on August 12 that the hospital workers stole newborn babies and replaced them with the bodies of dead infants in hospitals and maternity homes in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The abducted babies were then sold for between 70,000-300,000 Pakistani rupees ($650-$2,850). Police said they made the arrests after receiving a tip-off that led them to one of the gang members, a woman identified as Wajeeha. At least five other gang members were also taken into custody. The gang confessed to selling nine newborns, according to police. Security forces rescued a kidnapped baby girl from the gang's custody. Pakistan has recently seen several high-profile cases of baby abductions. Based on reporting by Dawn, geo.tv, and the BBC Are the autocrats of the world trying to unite? Vladimir Putin's summits this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rohani were the latest illustrations of how the Kremlin leader is working overtime to build alliances with the illiberal regimes of the world. On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we look at Putin's efforts to build an Authoritarian International. Is it a true challenge to the West? Or an act of desperation? Joining me are veteran Kremlin watcher James Sherr, an associate fellow with Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia program, and Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a columnist for The Washington Post, and the author of the books Theories Of International Politics And Zombies and the recent The System Worked: How The World Stopped Another Great Depression. Also on the podcast, James, Daniel, and I will discuss the tensions this week in Crimea and what they may portend. Enjoy... Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes. Two traffic police officers were killed by unknown attackers in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region of Daghestan on August 12. The Investigative Committee's local branch says that the attackers shot the police officers dead and took away their firearms. The incident took place near the western city of Izberbash. On August 11, Daghestani police killed four suspected militants in Daghestan's western district of Botlikh. Daghestan has been at the epicenter of a wave of violence by armed criminal groups and by militants seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in the North Caucasus. Organized crime, business turf wars, political disputes, and clan rivalry also contribute to the bloodshed in the region. Based on reporting by RIA, TASS and Interfax The death in Syria of a Russian soldier from the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria has been reported, the republics governor has said. "Asker Bizhoyev died heroically while carrying out a military assignment in Syria," Governor Yury Kokov wrote on Instagram on August 12. Kokov said the soldier has been posthumously awarded the Order of Courage by a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that the award was given to his parents. Local authorities in Bizhoyevs home district of Urvansky were quoted as saying he was a contract soldier who reached the rank of major. He died on May 19. His death brings the Russian toll of officially reported combat deaths in Syria to 19. Russia has been conducting a bombing campaign in Syria since September 2015 in support of longtime ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax ON MY MIND Vladimir Putin's summits this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rohani were the latest illustrations of how the Kremlin leader is working overtime to build alliances with the illiberal regimes of the world. This week's Power Vertical Podcast will look at Putin's efforts to build an Authoritarian International. Is it a true challenge to the West? Or an act of desperation? Joining me will be veteran Kremlin-watcher James Sherr, an associate fellow with Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia program and Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and a columnist for The Washington Post. Also on the podcast, James, Daniel, and I will discuss the tensions this week in Crimea and what they may portend. So be sure to tune in. IN THE NEWS Russian media are reporting that Vladimir Putin has dismissed Sergei Ivanov as Kremlin chief-of-staff and appointed Anton Vaino in his place. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he has instructed all military units near Russian-occupied Crimea and in the easterly Donbas region to be at the highest level of combat readiness, following Russian allegations of a Ukrainian incursion into Crimea. Ukraine says it has opened a criminal investigation into the kidnapping of Yevhen Panov, a Ukrainian citizen from Zaporizhzhya whom Russia says it apprehended trying to infiltrate Crimea. Ukraine's military intelligence chief says an armed skirmish near the boundary separating Russian-occupied Crimea and the Ukrainian mainland involved only Russian forces. Vedomosti is reporting that amendments are being prepared that would ban electoral campaigning on the Internet. Russian officials said long-range bombers hit Islamic State targets in the group's de facto capital of Raqqa, as fierce fighting continued in the besieged city of Aleppo. A court in Russia-annexed Crimea has ruled that a noted Crimean Tatar activist, Ilmi Umerov, must be placed in a psychiatric clinic for examination. Ukrainian authorities say they have blocked "several channels" being used by militants traveling to fight with Islamic State. Russias antimonopoly watchdog has fined Google 438 million rubles ($6.8 million) for violating antitrust rules on tablets and mobile phones. A court in Russia has refused to grant early release on parole to Darya Polyudova, a Russian activist in Krasnodar who was jailed on charges of propagating extremism after criticizing Moscow's intervention in eastern Ukraine. LATEST POWER VERTICAL BLOG In case you missed it, the latest Power Vertical blog post -- The Kremlin's Game Of Thrones -- puts last month's massive shake-up of federal and regional elites into the context of a broader trend in which Vladimir Putin is moving toward personalized rule. As Vladimir Putin changes his governing model, more purges of Russia's ruling class are likely. And longtime cronies of the Kremlin leader are not immune. And with the sacking of Sergei Ivanov as Kremlin chief-of-staff today, it just got a little more timely. WHAT I'M READING More On The Crimea Incident The analysis and speculation continues to come in on this week's Crimea incident, which has escalated tensions between Ukraine and Russia and threatened the Minsk peace process. Adrian Karatnycky, a Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council and co-director of its Ukraine in Europe program, has a piece in Politico suggesting that the incident was a Russian provocation and speculating about what Moscow's motives might be. Luke Harding writes in The Guardian that Putin may well believe that the time is ripe for another invasion. On Kasparov.ru, Valery Solovei, a professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, argues that the Crimea incident is actually all about Russian domestic politics. Meduza has a piece comparing the Russian and Ukrainian versions of what happened in Ukraine and scenarios about what might happen next. In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky weighs in with a piece arguing that "this is a perfect moment for the crisis in Ukraine to heat up." And in a piece for RFE/RL's Krim Reali website, political analyst Ksenia Kirillova lays out evidence that the alleged shootout on the boundary between Russian-occupied Crimea and mainland Ukraine only involved Russian troops. More Hacker Attacks Bloomberg's Michael Riley has a story reporting that the Russian hackers who broke into the Democratic National Committee's e-mail servers also managed to hack NATO and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. "Weeks before the Democratic convention was upended by 20,000 leaked e-mails released through WikiLeaks, another little-known website began posting the secrets of a top NATO general, billionaire George Soros' philanthropy and a Chicago-based Clinton campaign volunteer," Riley writes. "Security experts now say that site, DCLeaks.com, with its spiffy capitol-dome logo, shows the marks of the same Russian intelligence outfit that targeted the Democratic political organizations." The Stakes In Ukraine Andrew Michta, a professor of International Studies at Rhodes College and an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has a piece in The American Interest on why the outcome of the Ukraine conflict matters to the West. "The consequence of an easy Russian victory in the east will be either an immediate or a creeping partition of Ukraine. It will not matter much what we call it, be it 'federalization,' a 'frozen conflict,' or an 'interim agreement pending a referendum,'" Michta writes. "The fact that Putin will have achieved a major revision of the borders in Europe, at little to no cost to his own military forces, will confirm every assumption he has made about the Wests inability to think outside the box of its postmodern concepts of security. This will only serve to encourage Putin to move again, this time targeting his real arch-enemy: NATO." The North Stream Problem Sijbren de Jong of The Hague Center for Strategic Studies has a piece on the Atlantic Council's website arguing that Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project is a problem for more than just Eastern Europe. A Turkey-Russia Alliance? Not So Fast! Bloomberg also has a story arguing that Turkey simply cannot afford an "abrupt pivot" away from the West and "into Putin's embrace." Russian Propaganda In The Czech Republic Stop Fake has a new research report out exploring how Russia is portrayed on Czech websites and the "manipulation techniques" deployed. SRB Podcast Unpacks Eurasianism The most recent installment of the SRB Podcast, hosted by Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies, looks at the Eurasianism of the late Russian historian and ethnographer Lev Gumilev. Sean's guest is Mark Bassin is a professor in the School of Historical and Contemporary Studies at Sodertorn University in Stockholm and author of the book The Gumilev Mystique: Biopolitics, Eurasiansism, And The Construction Of Community In Modern Russia. Ukraine Calling And be sure to check out the latest installment of Ukraine Calling, a Hromadske Radio podcast hosted by Marta Dyczok, a professor of history at the University of Western Ontario. This week's podcast will be up later today, so follow this link. Ukrainians have increasingly woken up to the sound of suicide drones as Russia turns to Iranian-made imports to destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Now they may have another deadly Iranian weapon to worry about -- ballistic missiles. Cheap but effective, Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 "kamikaze" drones have already made a deadly impact in Ukraine. If U.S. intelligence assessments pan out, Russia will soon be able to supplement its use of Iranian suicide drones and its own cruise and ballistic missiles with powerful short-range Iranian Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles. Coming as the Kremlin is reportedly struggling to maintain its depleted stockpile of aerial weapons as it ramps up strikes, the missiles would potentially boost Russia's ability to continue its costly air campaign. Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East defense specialist at the global intelligence company Janes, said having more missiles gives Russia the ability to sustain the bombardment against Ukraine." Going Ballistic The Fateh-110, which was unveiled in 2001 and has a stated range of 300 to 500 kilometers, was developed from a heavy artillery rocket dating from the 1980s. To increase the weapon's accuracy, the Fateh-110 was given a guidance system and movable fins that allow it to be steered as it approaches its target. The Zolfaghar, which debuted in 2016 and also has guidance capabilities, comes from the same family as the Fateh-110 but boasts a much longer range due to its use of a lighter carbon-fiber airframe and a smaller warhead. Binnie said the Zolfaghar's use against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in eastern Syria confirmed that the missile was capable of reaching at least 650 kilometers, which he said is "a statement of how much the Iranian tactical missile program has really advanced over the years." Iran's claim that the Zolfaghar can travel even farther -- up to 700 kilometers -- would put the western Ukrainian city of Lviv within range of strikes launched from Russian territory, while the more powerful Fateh-110 could potentially hit the city from Belarus, which has served as a staging ground for Russian attacks. While there has been no indication that Russia plans to purchase launching systems from Iran, Binnie suggests that the Russian military could pair the missiles with existing equipment because the Iranian launchers were adapted from a Soviet-era system. "It might be possible for the Russians to quickly adapt some old equipment they have lying around into launch systems," Binnie said. The Iranian military, he added, fitted the Soviet system to trucks, allowing for mobility and concealment. "Those civilian trucks can be covered over to make it hard to spot that they're actually missile launchers," Binnie said. 'Lawnmowers' And 'Mopeds' Iranian military drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have been homing in on targets across Ukraine since late August, according to the United States. The buzzing sound of the Iranian Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones, built with off-the-shelf components, have earned them derisive monikers such as "lawnmowers" and "mopeds." But the slow-moving, low-flying drones, which are maneuvered to crash into their target, have proven themselves capable of hitting their mark both in terms of military effectiveness and cost. It is capable of extracting or delivering attrition and damage when launched, but it costs little compared to other UAVs that Russia has in its own arsenal," said Samuel Bendett of the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyses (CNA). Ukraine alleges Russia has ordered 2,400 of the Iranian suicide drones, and its military has claimed to have shot them down in great numbers, often using conventional anti-aircraft guns or even small-arms fire. But their ability to be launched in bunches of five -- often from the cover of civilian trucks -- improves their chances of reaching their target. "The Ukrainians are stopping most of these, but the whole point of these drones is that they fly in a large mass," Bendett said. "The air defense does not always catch all of them. All it takes is for several or even one to make it through." The estimated range of the Shahed-136 varies, but Iran says it is capable of traveling 2,500 kilometers. The slightly smaller and older Shahed-131, which has been used by Huthi rebels in Yemen to attack Saudi targets in the Arabian Peninsula, has been estimated to have a range of 900 kilometers, according to tests conducted by the Ukrainian military. Ukraine's Defense Ministry has published multiple images of downed Shahed-136 drones in recent weeks, and the Ukrainian National Guard on October 19 claimed to have shot down a Shahed-131. Ukraine has also claimed to have shot down a more advanced Iranian combat UAV, the Mojer-6 drone capable of carrying out both reconnaissance missions and aerial strikes within a range of 200 kilometers. There have also been reports of Russian interest in obtaining Irans Shahed-129 and Shahed-191 combat drones. "When launched from any territory that Russia controls or is allied with -- anywhere from the south, from the Donbas, from Belarus -- they're able to strike a lot of Ukrainian targets," Bendett said. In addition to the U.S. intelligence assessment that Russia will soon boost its arsenal with Iranian ballistic missiles, as first reported by The Washington Post on October 16, the White House on October 20 said that Iranians are now "directly engaged on the ground" in Moscows war against Ukraine after sending "a relatively small number" of personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to assist Russian forces in using the Iranian drones. Iran has denied sending combat drones to Russia, and Moscow has rejected claims that it is using Iranian UAVs. Images of downed Iranian drones appear to show that they have been rebranded to look Russian-made, experts say, with the markings in Cyrillic naming them as the Geran-1 (the Shahed-131) and Geran-2 (the Shahed-136). Observers are widely skeptical of Russia's denials, noting that the drones are essentially identical right down to the font of the serial numbers. Even Russian Defense Ministry experts have unwittingly admitted that the suicide drones are Iranian. But the rebranding of the drones to make them appear to be Russian has opened the possibility that Moscow could, if it is not already doing so, seek to manufacture or assemble the Iranian drones on its own territory. Sustaining A Campaign The new aerial weaponry fits well with the Russian military's renewed focus on striking military and civilian targets far from the front lines in southern and eastern Ukraine. The air assault has ratcheted up following the October 8 appointment of Colonel General Sergei Surovikin, a former Aerospace Forces commander, to lead the Russian war effort. Just days after Surovikin's appointment, Russia launched the biggest air strikes since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine in February. Moscow said the drone and missile strikes, which targeted civilian areas and infrastructure in cities throughout Ukraine, were in response to a bomb blast that damaged a key bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. While the Kremlin has accused Ukraine's intelligence services of carrying out the "terrorist" attack on the Crimea Bridge, Ukraine has denied responsibility. Since the initial air assault in response to the bridge blast, Russia has continued to pound Ukrainian infrastructure, often targeting power plants in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said is a deliberate effort to wear down the Ukrainian people by denying them heat and electricity as winter approaches. "Civilian infrastructure is obviously the new layer in this war. The Ukrainian economy is now the target, the Ukrainian population is now the target," Bendett said. Hard To Stop The hypersonic speed and high trajectory of Iran's Fateh-110s and Zolfaghars, should they arrive, would be extremely difficult for Kyiv to counter without a network of high-tech and costly antimissile batteries it currently does not possess. Ukraine has repeatedly requested more advanced missile-defense systems from the West, and in the face of the threat of the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles reportedly sent an official request to Israel this week for components of its "Iron Dome" system. While the United States has said that it is seeking to expedite the process of sending two U.S. air defense systems known as NASAMS, Washington has appeared reluctant to provide more advanced Patriot missile systems. Janes' defense expert Binnie is skeptical that the delivery of the Patriot system, which has proven to be successful in shooting down ballistic missiles, is realistic for Ukraine. "It's eye wateringly expensive and it's probably not really practical because each [missile] battery only covers one city," he said. "You would never get enough batteries to get the coverage you would want. You just wouldn't be able to find them, produce them, and train enough Ukrainians." The Samarkand Regional Court in Uzbekistan's southeast has jailed five local residents for intending to join militants of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Syria. The court said on August 12 that four men and one woman had been sentenced to prison terms of between 10 and 13 years. Three of the convicted individuals were arrested by Russian authorities in the Russian city of Sochi on their way to Syria via Turkey and later deported to Uzbekistan, the court said. In early July, six other residents of Samarkand received lengthy prison terms for their plans to join IS militants in Syria and Iraq. In late July, seven local residents in Uzbekistan's eastern region of Namangan were sentenced to prison terms of between five and nine years on the same charges. Hundreds of men and women from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries are believed to be fighting alongside IS militants in Syria and Iraq. Based on reporting by RIA and Interfax The state carrier and its employees had been at loggerheads with each other over a slew of issues, including the perpetual delay in disseminating salaries. The eight candidates vying to be Richmonds next mayor laid out their visions for affordable housing, public transit and schools Thursday evening at a forum hosted by St. Pauls Baptist Church. The event, held at the churchs Belt Boulevard campus and attended by about 70 people, saw no debate or flare-ups among the candidates, who largely retread ground covered at the half-dozen previous mayoral forums. On public transportation, former state Del. Joseph D. Morrissey pledged to establish bus service from Richmond to Hopewell and Petersburg. He said that although he didnt think the citys plan for a bus rapid transit line on Broad Street is perfect, the project is worth pursuing. Former Councilman Bruce W. Tyler, who has been critical of the bus rapid transit plan, suggested the city develop what he described as on-demand bus service, in which people could place phone calls for rides. If we put that transportation system in place, well have Henrico and Chesterfield wanting to have us expand their bus system, he said. Former Venture Richmond director Jack Berry said he would use his connections with leaders of Henrico and Chesterfield counties from when he was Hanover County administrator to negotiate an expansion of bus lines into the suburbs. But he said a more important focus would be bringing jobs to Richmond. Someday people in Chesterfield will be riding the bus to get to Richmond because our economy is so good, he said. On education, former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney repeatedly touted his recently released plan to improve Richmond schools. He stressed that his approach would focus on fostering collaboration between the School Board, City Council and mayors office. More than money, the school system needs a mayor who will be a partner, Stoney said. The two sitting council members running for mayor responded by saying theyve already shown themselves to be good partners. What I can say is Ive already started all that, said City Council President Michelle R. Mosby. The council, School Board and administration are already meeting. Were on our fourth meeting. Councilman Jonathan T. Baliles did note what he has seen as one barrier to collaboration: The consternation is coming from the mayors office, he said. The City Council and the School Board have worked together. On affordable housing, former real estate developer Bobby Junes and architect Lawrence Williams both described the issue as close to them personally. Junes recalled growing up on government assistance and being dressed in his older brothers clothes as he grew up. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton released their 2015 tax return on Friday, reporting $10.6 million in income, as they increased pressure on Republican nominee Donald Trump to release his returns. The Clinton campaign also released 10 years worth of returns for running mate Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton. The couple reported $313,441 in income on their 2015 return, mostly from Kaines salary as a U.S. senator from Virginia and Holtons as the states secretary of education. Trump has refused to release his tax returns, saying theyre under audit by the Internal Revenue Service. All major U.S. presidential candidates in modern history have released their returns. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency, as she releases her 2015 personal tax return and builds on the Clintons tradition of making their returns public since 1977 and Kaine releases 10 years of his returns, said Jennifer Palmieri, communications director of Hillary for America. In stark contrast, Donald Trump is hiding behind fake excuses and backtracking on his previous promises to release his tax returns. Jason Miller, a senior communications adviser to the Trump campaign, issued a statement saying, This document release is nothing more than an attempt at distraction and misdirection by an individual who created and then purged an illegal private email server. With less than 90 days until the presidential election, opponents are accusing business mogul Trump of concealing his income level and how much he has paid in taxes. The Clinton campaign released a video featuring clips of Republicans such as 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney; Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urging Trump to release his returns. The Clintons paid a federal tax rate of 34.2 percent in 2015. Their income included more than $6 million in speaking fees and about $3 million from book royalties. They gave more than $1 million to charity. Kaine and Holton, who have spent much of their adult lives in public service, reported a far lower income level than the Clintons, who have boosted their wealth significantly from speaking fees in recent years. The most that Kaine and Holton earned in a single year was $318,305, in 2010. Kaine, whose tenure as governor ended that January, was chairman of the Democratic National Committee then. Holton was a management consultant for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, consulting around the country on foster care reform. In contrast, Hillary Clinton received $315,000 from eBay for a single speech in March 2015, according to disclosure forms filed last year. During the past decade, Kaine and Holton have donated 7.5 percent of their income to charity, the campaign said, and paid an effective tax rate (described as federal, state and local taxes) of 25.6 percent last year. Kaine, formerly a civil rights lawyer, first was elected to Richmond City Council in 1994. The former Richmond mayor resigned from City Council in 2001 to run for lieutenant governor, a post he held from 2002 to 2006. He was Virginias governor from 2006 to 2010. Kaine stepped down in April 2011 as chairman of the Democratic National Committee to run for the U.S. Senate, after fellow Democrat Jim Webb announced he would not seek a second six-year term. Holton was a legal aid lawyer for low-income clients in the Richmond area and then served as a juvenile court judge from June 1998 until Kaine was elected governor in 2005. After her term as Virginias first lady, she worked with the Virginia Community College System as director of the Great Expectations Program, which helps youths in foster care further their studies. Holton served as secretary of education in Gov. Terry McAuliffes administration from 2014 until last month, when Clinton named her husband as her vice presidential running mate. The adjusted gross income that Kaine and Holton reported over the 10-year span ranged from $152,967 in 2012 the year after Kaine had left the DNC and was running for the U.S. Senate to the $318,305 in 2010. During the past 10 years, Kaine and Holton paid a combined effective tax rate ranging from 18.7 percent in 2009 Kaines final full year as governor to 29.1 percent in 2011, according to the campaign. For the Clintons, the couple paid a combined effective tax rate ranging from 36.6 percent in 2007 to 45.8 percent in 2014, according to the records the campaign released. Last year, the Clintons paid a combined effective tax rate of 43.2 percent. Clintons campaign also disclosed a list of nearly $23 million in speaking fees that she and her husband earned in 2013. The list showed that Hillary Clinton gave 41 addresses for fees ranging from $225,000 to $400,000. All told, she earned roughly $9.7 million that year in speaking fees, according to the campaign. Bill Clinton earned roughly $13.2 million in speaking fees that same year. He delivered 43 speeches, for which he was paid fees ranging from $100,000 to $750,000. The speech figures are not a surprise. In May, financial disclosure forms revealed that the Clintons earned more than $25 million for delivering 104 speeches since the beginning of 2014 a huge infusion to their net worth as she was readying for a presidential bid. Last month, St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Richmond hosted a live production of Theater of War: The Citizens and Soldiers Tour. The event, with actors Anthony Edwards and Mare Winningham and produced by Bryan Doerries, features a dramatic reading and a conversation about Ajax, the ancient Greek play by Sophocles. Ajax is a valiant warrior just back from the Trojan Wars, who expects to receive the shield of Achilles. Instead, Odysseus is awarded the prize. Outraged, Ajax quickly falls into a deep depression, slaughtering cows and goats, imagining them to be the generals who denied him his honor. Crying a great man must live in honor or die an honorable death, Ajax impales himself on his own sword. Following the performance at St. Pauls, a friend and colleague of mine told me the tragic story about one of his VMI classmates, a decorated Marine who had seen multiple tours in Mesopotamia. In spite of his achievements on the battlefield, he was twice passed over for promotion. Like Ajax, he felt betrayed by the military family of which he had been a member. One morning, he committed suicide. *** The audience was asked to provide feedback after the production, and I was pleased to see recognition that houses of worship are the second-most-sought-after resource by veterans for post-deployment reintegration assistance. The most sought-after resource is peer assistance. What do the stories of Ajax and the modern-day Marine who took his life have in common? Both illustrate the concept of moral injury. Moral injury occurs when a veteran, or someone close to them, violates their moral code. Examples include hurting a civilian who turned out to be unarmed, shooting at a child wearing explosives, or losing trust in a commander who becomes more concerned with self-promotion than leading his team. Moral injury, like post-traumatic stress, can have a corrosive effect on a veterans family and his or her social network. Nationally, whether it is due to post-traumatic stress or moral injury, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. With about 800,000 active and retired servicemen in the commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services estimates that 20 percent (160,000) face some form of PTS or moral injury. Fundamentally, moral injury differs from PTS in that the decisions a veteran made under stress were often contrary to ones religious beliefs. Taking the life of a child who is unarmed is a good example. The impact and lasting consequences of moral injury on our social fabric are very much in the purview of our faith communities. So, where do we begin? Luckily, we have a very successful model to follow: Veterans Friendly Congregations, or VFCs. VFCs provide a calm, quiet sanctuary for a veteran where a spouse and children are free to come to terms with their issues. *** VFCs started more than 10 years ago through the efforts of the Rt. Rev. Robert Certain, a Vietnam POW, with Richmonder Paul Galanti. Under the umbrella of Certains Care For The Troops nonprofit, the number of VFCs has grown to 87 in the Southeast. Member organizations include Christians, Muslims, Jews and other faiths. Robert Wright, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and himself a veteran, is a strong advocate and has encouraged all his parishes to be designated as VFCs. Just recently, the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe became the first VFC in Virginia. To be designated as a VFC, a house of worship will need to commit to a monthly acknowledgement of the needs of veterans. A periodic awareness piece is a good start as part of written and social media outreach. A mosque, temple or church can partner with other veterans-focused organizations. For example, many Georgia parishes have started working with Georgia National Guard chaplains under the Partners in Care initiative; faith communities in Richmond could do the same with the Virginia National Guard. Dealing with moral issues is not new, of course. Ajaxs wife, Tecmessa, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration, tried unsuccessfully in their own way to intervene on his behalf. Family and friends tried to help the Marine who took his life. What can we do? If the success of the Care For The Troops program through their Veterans Friendly Congregations is any indication, the answer is a great deal. It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search? Search for: Search WORSHIPPERS are very frightened but carrying on as normal after neo-Nazis sent a bomb threat to their mosque, addressing it to Muslim scum. The letter arrived at Jamia Masjid Abu Bakr on Russell Street, Eastwood, on August 1. Police are investigating but mosque authorities worry that it is not being taken seriously. It reads: Next time it will be a bomb, you Muslim scum, written in capital letters with a red ball-point pen. The sender signed off with Nazi numerals 14, code for the 14-word creed of white supremacists and 88, representing HH short for Heil Hitler. Sabir Hussain, the mosques secretary, said: We take this very seriously, especially since the murder of Jo Cox. If the far-right is willing to kill an MP, they could do it to anyone. We do not think these are empty threats. Its having a detrimental effect on the congregation. Were very frightened because, if this happened on a Friday, wed be talking about hundreds of casualties. Mr Hussain added: A local bobby came and took the letter away, but we think this is more serious than that. We think there should have been a whole response team down here. If this had been an ISIS threat the police and the national media would be all over it. But because itsthe far right, its not being taken very seriously. Officers were notified on August 6 of the delivery, a police spokeswoman said. She added an extensive amount action had been taken to investigate the incident. The spokeswoman said: Direct contact has been made with the leaders at the mosque to ensure all messages and information can be effectively and swiftly cascaded directly through to the community. In addition, specialist officers have been engaging with people at the mosque, as well as the local community, offering advice and information on this type of crime, how to remain vigilant and emphasising the importance of reporting crimes of this nature to the police to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation can commence. Various enquiries are ongoing in the area to gather intelligence and forensic teams are conducting various enquiries in regards to the communication received to identify the author. Cllr Saghir Alam, who represents Boston Castle ward, is also chairman of Rotherham Council of Mosques. He said: The Council of Mosques condemns this incident of terror, targeting a place of worship and causing fear in the community. Its very distressing for the people of Eastwood but police are investigating. He added: I urge all mosques in Rotherham to be vigilant and report any hate crime or targeted incidents to South Yorkshire Police. Hopefully, we will not let this behaviour divide our communities. Waterways are key means of cargo delivery to ALROSA's production facilities in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in the summer. During the navigation season of 2016 the Office for logistics (UMTS) of the company plans to deliver 243 000 tons of cargo and 150 000 tons of petroleum products. According to UMTS data, ALROSA has delivered 80% of the planned volume. Due to the sharp drop in the water level in the navigable river Lena (in some places the depth amounts only to 120-130 cm in total against the minimal depth of 175 cm) and as a means to avoid shipping delays, UMTS revised the scheme of cargo delivery by water. Navigation and shipping for ALROSA is conducted by its subsidiary ALROSA-Lena. Vessels with shallow draft deliver the cargo by Lena river to the town of Kirensk. Those vessels can travel along the rivers with a depth of 1 meter. In Kirensk, floating cranes unload the cargo and load them back onto large-capacity barges. Then the cargo arrives at the port of Lensk. Thus, it is possible to minimize the time required to export and cargo volumes in the planned volumes. Ust-Kut is a key transport hub for northern navigation delivery. It has a railroad connection and provides transportation of up to 80% of cargoes for the northern regions of the Irkutsk Region, Yakutia and the Arctic coastal areas. "ALROSA" gets up to 95% of all freight in the summer through the Ust-Kut port, while other cargoes are delivered by seasonal winter roads. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), India's gold demand will rise in the second half of 2016 as beneficial monsoon rains will spur rural demand during the peak festive season. The countrys gold demand fell to the lowest in seven years in the first half of the 2016. Two-thirds of demand in India, the world's second-biggest gold consumer, comes from villages, where jewellery is a traditional investment. Consumption of the yellow metal should rise as farmers reap the benefit of this year's monsoon and that should further support the global bullion price that is trading near the highest since March 2014. "We anticipate gold demand to return to normalcy during the peak season of weddings and festivals closer to Diwali, supported by good monsoons that will positively impact rural demand," Somasundaram PR, managing director of the WGC's Indian operations, said on 11 Aug 2016. Rural demand had fallen in the past few quarters after the first back-to-back drought in nearly three decades squeezed farmers' earnings. India is forecast to receive surplus rainfall during the June to September monsoon season. The quarter ending in December typically accounts for about a third of India's gold sales since it includes the start of the wedding season and festivals like Dhanteras and Diwali, when buying gold is considered auspicious. Somasundaram estimates second half demand to rise to between 503 to 603 tonnes despite a 26 percent rally in local prices. In the quarter ending in June, India's jewellery demand dropped 20 percent from a year ago, while investment demand fell 12 percent; and as a result, the WGC lowered its 2016 demand forecast to between 750 to 850 tonnes, from earlier projections of 850 to 950 tonnes. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished Sarine Technologies Ltd has announced that its revenues rose 45% to US$20.9 million and net profit jumped 126% to US$6.0 million in Q2 2016. The rise is attributed to the improved sentiment in the diamond industry. Results for the first six months of the year, ended June 30, showed that revenue increased by 37 percent to $36.4 million compared to $26.6 million over the first half of 2015. The companys profits for the second quarter improved to $6.7 million a 150-percent increase compared to $3.4 million over the same period in the previous year. The Group delivered a record 20 GalaxyTM family systems, comprising 10 new MeteorTM small stone machines, 8 SolarisTM machines and 2 GalaxyTM Ultra systems in Q2 2016. For comparison, during the FY2015 the Group shipped only 25 GalaxyTM family systems. Though we expect slightly fewer deliveries in the second half of 2016, primarily due to the Indian Diwali holiday in Q4 2016, we are confident that 2016 will be a record year for GalaxyTM family system deliveries, expanding substantially upon the typical 40+ deliveries realised in the previous years, commented Mr. Uzi Levami, CEO of Sarine. Meanwhile, more leading retailers in the US and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region adopt Sarine ProfileTM to enhance the buying experience of customers for polished diamonds as well. Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow Hong Kongs polished diamond imports fell 9 percent in the first six months of 2016 driven by a decline in deliveries from the major trading centers, according to data compiled by the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong cited by Rapaport. Shipments dropped to $8.52 billion, extending a downward trend that has persisted since the start of last year. A slump in imports from Belgium, India and Israel outweighed a slight increase in imports from the U.S. Imports by volume declined 2 percent to 9.4 million carats, while the average price slid 7 percent to $904 per carat. Polished exports were flat at $6.65 billion, with shipments to Mainland China surging 19 percent to $1.26 billion and Indian orders nudging up 0.6 percent to $1.31 billion. Net polished imports, calculated as imports minus exports, fell 31 percent to $1.87 billion. Rough imports dropped 22 percent to $716 million and rough exports increased 9 percent to $1.03 billion. Net rough imports, calculated as imports minus exports, were negative $317.5 million versus negative $28.7 million a year ago. Hong Kongs net diamond account, reflecting total rough and polished imports minus total exports, slumped 42 percent to $1.55 billion. In a meeting held recently at Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Bagmal Laxmichand Parikh Campus in Mumbai, a new Board of Directors have been elected. With Kirit Bhansali as Chairman, the board consists of Namita Pandya, Anil Virani, Ashok Gajera, Praveenshankar Pandya, Vasant Mehta, Dilipkumar Lakhi, Sanjay Kothari, Nirmalkumar Barmecha, Ashish Kothari, and Raj Hiten Parikh. The newly elected IIGJ Chairman Kirit Bhansali is a high profile businessman and a partner of Sky Gems & Smital Gems. He is also a committee member of Bharat Dimaond Bourse (BDB) & the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Bhansali has a vision of promoting quality education in Gems & Jewellery industry through IIGJ Mumbai and would like to see that students of IIGJ are selected by leading jewellery brands globally. Among the new directors, Ashok Gajera, MD of Laxmi Diamonds is also connected with several social activities including academics and upliftment of rural society under the Gajera Trust, at Amreli in Gujarat. Anil Virani, MD of Karp Impex, besides being a successful businessman, is also a promoter of upliftment of rural society through his family establishment at Jasdan in Gujarat. Namita Pandya was convener of IIGJ Tardeo and is now been elected as a full-fledged director. She has also been a promoter of education, especially in tribal areas of India. Outgoing Chairman Vasant Mehta, with his long and illustrious tenure as IIGJ Chairman, played a significant role in creation and overall development of IIGJ-Mumbai to its present status, where it is now recognized as a center of jewellery education in India & abroad. IIGJ is now collaborating with Mewar University for BA Degree in Jewellery & with the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research for the study of Jewellery Management. It is certain that IIGJ Mumbai will see further development and growth under the dynamic leadership of the new Board of Directors and Chairman Bhansali. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished At least four people were killed and many injured. The bombs were hidden in plant pots and detonated by mobile phones at time intervals. At least 10 foreign tourists have been injured in the strikes. Dutch, Austrian, German and Italian nationals are believed to have been affected. The attacks targeted a busy street filled with bars and restaurants. Thai police have admitted they knew bomb attacks were imminent but didnt warn anybody. Thai officials have said they believe the attacks were carried out locally by the opponents of the ruling junta. Two men are being detained and questioned over the attacks. Western governments have been issuing advice to their citizens in Thailand telling them to be cautious. Muhammad Dakhlalla pleaded guilty March 11 to a similar charge and is set to be sentenced Aug. 24. They had developed views supporting the Islamic State in part by watching online videos and were arrested after social media posts attracted the attention of the FBI. Jaelyn Young is the daughter of a school administrator and a police officer who served in the Navy reserve. She is also a former honor student, cheerleader and homecoming maid at Vicksburgs Warren Central High School. Young converted to Muslim in March 2015 and began wearing a burqa increasingly complained about the treatment of Muslims in the United States and United Kingdom. The couple planned to join ISIS in trip disguised as honeymoon. There was also damage to the inside of the plane. A replacement aircraft was sent to continue the route to Sacramento. JetBlue care team members are being sent to assist injured customers, and a replacement aircraft is en route to Rapid City for customers continuing on to Sacrament,. the JetBlue company said in a statement. A coincidence: in May, eight passengers were injured when a JetBlue flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Orlando experienced turbulence. JetBlue is an American low-cost airline and the 5th largest airline in the United States. The company is headquartered in the Long Island City neighborhood of the New York City borough of Queens, with its main base at John F. Kennedy International Airport. JetBlue serves 97 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Metrolinx Metrolinx and Ontario announced improvements to the area's Dufferin St. Bridge to take place as part of the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program. With funding from the Moving Ontario Forward plan, Metrolinx plans to expand the bridge at Queen St. W. in Toronto to make way for the additional track needed for the Barrie GO corridor outlined in the GO RER program. GO RER aims to deliver faster, more frequent service on the GO Transit rail network, which is expected to serve as the communitys foundation for a new rapid transit system. GO Transit rail network will have electrification installed on core segments, including the Union-Pearson (UP) Express. The service upgrades are expected to better facilitate Torontos SmartTrack plan, as well. Officials say the improvements to the bridge are part of the final phase of the original jog-elimination project the City of Toronto completed in 2010. The Ontario-based company EllisDon was awarded the bridge expansion contract valued at more than $6.4 million. Upgrades are set for completion within one year. Metrolinx has also partnered with the City of Toronto to extend the West Toronto Rail path multi-use trail along the existing rail corridor, connecting pedestrians from Dupont St. to just east of Dufferin St. in the West Queen West community. Metrolinx is pleased to work with the City of Toronto on this expansion project and is committed to working with the West Queen West community on [the] improvements, said Bruce McCuaig, president and CEO of Metrolinx. The rail path is also set to connect to the future Dufferin-Peel Park being built by the City of Toronto. The improvements to the Dufferin St. Bridge show our commitment to implement much needed rapid transit infrastructure in the [Greater Toronto Hamilton Area], said Steven Del Duca, Ontario minister of transportation. Rapid transit expansion is all about giving people more transit options and making it as easy as possible for people to choose transit first. This is proof of our governments plan in action. We are committed to providing accessible, modern transit infrastructure that will help manage congestion, reduce commute times, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Ontarians. Some other key facts about the project include the following: AveXis Inc.'s (AVXS) ongoing phase I trial of AVXS-101 in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no new treatment-related safety or tolerability concerns being identified as of July 1, 2016. Compared with the data presented as of April 1, 2016, the positive impact on average motor function scores increased from 8.7 to 9.0 points and from 19.2 to 23.3 points in Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, noted the company. AveXis expects to report 13.6 months of data for all patients in the ongoing SMA Type 1 phase I trial in the first quarter of 2017. AVXS closed Thursday's trading at $34.80, up 4.88%. In after hours, the stock was down 16.09% to $29.20. Shares of Aethlon Medical Inc. (AEMD) rose over 21% on Thursday, following news that in vitro studies demonstrated the rapid capture of Zika virus by Aethlon Hemopurifier. Aethlon Hemopurifier is a first-in-class device that targets the rapid elimination of infectious viruses and cancer-promoting exosomes from the circulatory system of treated individuals. According to the CDC, more than 7,300 Americans have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, including 1,825 individuals in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. In pregnant women, Zika can cause Microcephaly, which results in babies being born with a small head and underdeveloped brain. Zika infection has also been associated with Arthrogryposis, a condition that results in deformities of joints in the arms and legs of newborns. The company has also entered into an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to validate the in vitro capture of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS, which first emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, has an approximate 30% mortality rate. AEMD closed Thursday's trading 21.15% higher at $7.56. Allergan plc (AGN) is all set to acquire privately-held ForSight VISION5, adding peri-ocular ring to its portfolio of innovative eye products. ForSight's lead development program is a peri-ocular ring designed for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, which is under phase II testing. As per the agreement terms, Allergan will pay a $95 million upfront payment and a launch milestone payment related to ForSight's lead development program. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed within 60 days. AGN closed Thursday's trading at $253.02, up 0.33%. Resverlogix Corp. (RVX.TO) has been given the go-ahead by the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board to continue with its phase 3 BETonMACE trial in high-risk cardiovascular patients. The BETonMACE trial is designed to determine whether bromodomain extraterminal domain inhibition treatment with RVX000222 in high-risk type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with coronary artery disease increases the time to major adverse cardiovascular events. RVX.TO closed Thursday's trading 7.76% higher at $1.25. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A JetBlue Airways (JBLU) flight from Boston to Sacramento experienced rough turbulence Thursday evening, causing injuries to 22 passengers and two crew members. JetBlue Flight 429 took off from Logan International Airport at 5.25 pm enroute to Sacramento. Following the turbulence, the aircraft was diverted and forced to land in Rapid City, South Dakota at about 7.30 pm. Passengers flew out of their seats, with several of them hitting their heads into the ceiling and overhead compartments as the plane dropped violently. Bad weather conditions are believed to have played a role in causing the turbulence. JetBlue provided water for the passengers after the aircraft landed in Rapid City and the airport provided blankets. A spokesperson for the Rapid City Regional Hospital said 24 people from the flight were treated and released, all with minor injuries. The passengers able to continue to Sacramento boarded a replacement aircraft later to finish their journey. JetBlue apologized to the passengers on flight 429 and offered them a service credit in the amount of the round-trip fare paid or $200, whichever is greater. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Quick Links SACI Facebook : SACI Instagram: Statement on Diversity and Inclusion e South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute is committed to diversity and inclusivity in chemical sciences. The Institute opposes discriminatory acts or threats based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, culture, language, disability, age, religious or spiritual beliefs, political opinion, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation and economic class. The Institute is dedicated (i) to endorsing excellence and scientific credibility across chemical sciences conducted in academic, industrial, and governmental institutions, and (ii) to nurturing the values of diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the chemical sciences in South Africa. Hence, SACI will continue to play a leading role in assuring the professional competence and integrity of chemists and fostering international collaboration whilst upholding inclusivity and diversity. Statement on Sexual Harassment e South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute will not permit any kind of sexual harassment (physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct) in the Institute or at events organised by or related to the Institute. The Institute is committed to and fully supports environments that are free of any form of unfair discrimination and harassment, including gender-based violence. Allegations of any form of sexual harassment will be dealt with seriously, expeditiously, sensitively and confidentially. Statement from SACI Council on tertiary training in chemistry as a result of disruptions to the 2020 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the professional body representing the interests of all chemists in South Africa, we recognise the challenges that the current COVID-19 crisis presents to all our members in academia, research and industry. We also acknowledge the challenges the current situation presents to our tertiary institutions and specifically the challenges presented by moving to online teaching. We applaud the efforts of all our members who work at tertiary institutions who have adapted and innovated to ensure that we can continue as far as possible with our teaching and learning of chemistry even when on campus face-to-face contact is not possible. Our tertiary institutions play a critical role in not only training the next generation of chemists, but they are also tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that many people from other professions and disciplines are trained in the fundamental principles of chemistry. We reaffirm our belief that this training is essential, as chemistry is one of the central sciences. Key to this training is the practical component and laboratory based skills development. While we accept that this critical component of our training is not possible under the current situation, we strongly urge that plans be put in place to preserve this component of training as part of the curriculum as far as possible. In some cases, virtual laboratory tools can facilitate learning, but we believe that in laboratory practical training particularly for senior level courses should be preserved. SACI strongly recommends that at least a critical minimum practical experience should form part of the plans to complete the 2020 academic year at our tertiary institutions. We believe that this is essential to preserve the validity and integrity of the academic training programmes in chemistry. Latest Updates: Pay your SACI membership fees with SnapScan SACI Ties, Scarfs and T-shirts Periodic table ties and ladies scarfs R130 each. Periodic table T Shirt Short sleeve R180, Long sleeve R200 Please contact head office to place orders. There is also a courier charge of R150 per order for delivery. Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ... Let me say this at the outset. The Samoan culture is the most beautiful culture in the world in my eyes. As a proud Samoan, I wouldnt have it any other way warts and all. Why? We are Samoans. Our culture whether we agree with some aspects of it or not is part of our beings. It is who we are. And if you understand the essence of Samoan culture enough, youll know why it is beautiful. Our culture thrives on honour, love, respect and the principle of reciprocating alofa with alofa. It is about caring for one another, placing others above yourself. To an extent, one can argue that it is a Godly culture because the emphasis is always about honour, love and respect. These are the core qualities that make our Samoan culture so beautiful in my opinion. You might disagree but that is okay. This is a free world where everyone is entitled to their own views as long as they are expressed responsibly without hiding behind fake names with the idea of hurting someone or a group of people. So why are we talking about culture today? Well, last month, a story published on the front page of this newspaper titled Misguided pride bleeds country dry got the attention. The story featured a matai, Molioo Petelo Peters, who spoke out against the impact of cultural practices, starting a conversation we must continue. Many people are struggling; people are trying to make ends meet. Our own culture is bleeding us dry with things like funerals, he said. Many people go to funerals nowadays with the mindset of profiting or getting something out of it knowing that the hosts have too much pride to reject. People come with small gifts and then leave with a box of tinned food which is worth more; some dont even come with gifts and just want to gain from the struggling hosts. This is not love, this does not show love at all especially in situations of funerals when the family needs all the love they can get after losing someone. He added: We need to make changes in the way things are happening in Samoa; everyone knows the struggle of hosting gatherings for funerals so we need to think about our future generations. Our children will grow up with the same struggles we are facing now if we do not make a change. Molioo made many valid points. But what do others think? The Director of the Center for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.), Leasiolagi Dr. Malama Meleisea, said its true that cultural activities have become far too expensive. I say the word activities because our culture is not necessarily an expensive culture but I feel that our people are making it more expensive and theres lots of reasons why, he said. One of which is of course pride and to become honoured (mamalu) or equate honour to whatever you give and therefore people think that the more you give then the more honour you will receive. I dont think that should be the case. People are trying to buy honour with money and that is one of the problems we have; that peoples dignity depends much more on other things. So the notion of our culture adopted over the years that the more you give then the more honour or respect you will receive; I think its a very misplaced one. According to Leasiolagi, there is no one to blame but ourselves. I think that what we have now is what were sowing from our own values in our culture. What I mean by that is that we dont have anyone else to blame but us, he said. People tend to blame culture for whats happening in the culture not knowing that they are the ones instigating what we have now. So I think the issue of honour and pride needs to be changed soon. Wonderful point. And we couldnt agree more. But is an expensive culture really a bad thing? Not necessarily, according to the Dean for the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship at N.U.S, Seve Folototo Seve. Cultural activities definitely stimulate the economy; thats how the economy ticks, Seve said. Big cultural activities where families, big organizations, churches and villages spend a lot of money really help the economy because they are putting money in the businesses, the businesses are able to employ people and pay taxes to the government and thats how things roll. You know those taxes help the government pay for essential services; G.S.T. is what helps pay our pensioners pension scheme; it gives people jobs to earn wages to feed their families. But thats not all. Most of our family activities; we get a lot of help from families overseas so theres money coming in and helping the economy; so its generating cash injections. Not only do they send money but they also travel from there to here; a lot of them will hire rental cars and all of that so that means more money into our economy. Then there are the social benefits. It does bring family members together, Seve pointed out. Thats a way of reuniting families; cultural activities, like everything else, have its own set of challenges but it also has some good in it. I dont think cultural activities are bleeding our country dry; no one has been shot so to speak from not contributing to family activities. Well Seve has got a point there, doesnt he? The reality is that for years now our culture, when it comes to faalavelave has been the target of fierce criticisms. The focus of such criticism, as highlighted by Molioo and many others, is about abuse and exploitation motivated by foolish pride and vanity. They have a point. But does that mean our culture is bad? To answer that question, let me quote from a paper delivered by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi a few years ago, dedicated to the victims of the 2009 Tsunami. Titled O le e lave i tiga, o le ivi, le toto, ma le aano (He who rallies in my hour of need is my kin), the Head of State touched upon the issue of Family faalavelave and social stigma. Said His Highness Tui Atua: In Samoan the word faalavelave literally means an interruption. It speaks of an interruption to the familys usual schedule. Families would have to reorganise their day or week in order to rally family members for enough resources to meet their faalavelave obligations. In earlier times faalavelave made it possible for the burden of resourcing large family events to be shared. The belief was that participating in faalavelave were acts of reciprocity. In the ideal these acts were manifestations and demonstrations of family love and bonding. They personified the best of family loving. Samoan custom and usage finds the quid pro quo principle relevant in this context. There is a common saying A e iloa au i Togamau, ou te iloa foi oe i Siulepa (literally meaning, if you do me a good deed in Togamau, I will reciprocate in Siulepa). The reciprocal performance of the custom or duty implicit in the cultural imperatives of faalavelave is not to be motivated only by what one can receive in return. Rather it should be motivated by the knowledge that if performed with the best possible motives then it will be reciprocated in kind. The disparaging comments too often associated with faalavelave today are cries for reappraisal. This is implicit in the discussion between a chief or matai of my family and his sister. This matai, who lives in Wellington, rang up his sister, and said gently: the faalavelave is now over; I suppose you had forgotten about your contribution? She responded: Look here dear brother, one of my principal prayers is: Dear God, call us to heaven before our children spurn what we ask for because there are too many faalavelave! The tsunami has created the ideal context for reassessing faalavelave. Sorting through the scale of destruction and the number of dead, dying and injured preoccupied the community so much after the tsunami that funerals of the deceased victims became very simple affairs. The sheer number of decomposing bodies requiring immediate burial dictated the imperatives of when to hold the funeral, how, where and who should attend. When driving past these funerals the absence of the village congregating in the falelauasi [funeral house] and of the Greek chorus which usually accompanied the procession to the church then to the gravesite, was poignantly conspicuous. The paraphernalia that we have become accustomed to seeing at a Samoan funeral, especially one held in the villages, was so scaled down that one could not help but ask: how much of it do we really need? Will our funerals and their cultural imperatives lose meaning and substance if we gave to the grieving and demanded nothing or only accepted the bare minimum in return? Would the dignity of the deceased and his or her family be undermined by simple but true gestures of reciprocity? Funerals are meant to provide relief (financially and emotionally) and do justice, i.e. dignify the memory and legacy of the deceased. Instead Samoan funerals have become very expensive and stressful, with some families getting into grave debt financially, mentally and spiritually by the end of it. The social stigma of losing face if family resources are found wanting is so great that family heads are willing to do almost anything to avoid it, including creating inter-generational debt. The seeming ordinariness of the tsunami funerals, with the minimum fuss and bother that surrounded them, did not, however, lose any face by their simplicity. Instead they gained in that they reminded us of what really mattered. In this instance, rather than raging menace the tsunami chastened and cleansed. We might say that it forced us to front up to our vanities and cupidity, violently shaking and unmasking us of the facade and exploitations that befalls status at funerals and making profane anything other than what is fundamental to the act of celebrating life and providing relief from sorrow and pain. In a nutshell, the tsunami has forced us to ask Are our families suffering because of our own misplaced and inflated expectations? If the answer is yes, then we must take pause to sort out why this is so. Beautiful point and we could not agree more with His Highness Tui Atua. But this is a conversation that should be ongoing with the idea of making the necessary changes where needed so that our beautiful culture is preserved and enhanced. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us! Dear Editor, Thank you Marj Moore for the editorial but the title of this article should be changed to Government of Fools because when the budget was first released, the supporting fools sang Hallelujah as they believed everything this foolish government said. Not even one of these fools sat back and calculated the Budget. With a $1.5 billion loan thats gone through the ceiling, where do the fools think the government is going to get the money from to fund the $986 million, 2016/17 budget? Ive said it a 100 times before that the budget is just numbers on a sheet of paper and the govt. is broke. They can come up with the money to pay for useless govt. members 4WDs and their salaries and to develop their families, but when it comes to money for Agriculture; Education; Health etc to be spent on the people, the governments response relayed by Minister Tialavea Tioniosio Seigafolava is, say a prayer and hope for a donor from somewhere to provide us the funds. Ive never heard this sort of statement uttered by a politician/government anywhere else in the world only in Samoa. According to the so-called Budget, $10 million was apparently allocated for the Jail but the Minister of Prison and Customs, M.P. Tialavea said that theyve only got $1 million and a shortfall of $9 million! I debated this issue four years ago with a lot of the fools (government supporters) who bragged that the government will be building a 5 Star, state of the art prison. Numerous times I told them, The government is broke and it does not have any money. Now the Minister of Prisons response has confirmed what I always said the government is broke. Now I know why PM Tuilaepa blushed and squirmed in his seat when the 60 Minutes programme interviewer asked him about the $15 million Australia donated and said, where is it, Prime Minister? They were indeed valid questions. The government also told the people that, We must not spend beyond our means, but they didnt hesitate to spend $$ on a brand new 4WD for a Minister. Why didnt the government confiscate one (if not all) of the cars like the Toyota Lexus from a certain Minister as he had three public vehicles in his possession and give one of those cars to the Minister of Customs? The way P.M. Tuilaepa and his H.R.P.P. are behaving when it comes to the abuse of public funds; will make anyone sick in the stomach. Look at the sky rocketing cost of living forced onto the poor, the sick and the weak, to pay off this goernments corruption and for the ongoing abuse of Public Funds. Sit back and watch. There will be more similar stories like that from the Minister of Prisons, from every other Government Ministry all in due time. New Zealand has been blacklisted by Europe for money laundering and Samoa will be next. Australia has already blacklisted Samoa behind our backs. Without donors and remittances, Samoa will be bankrupt by now as a matter of fact, we are almost there. In the past, donors gave large sums of money to help develop Samoa now theyre giving us peanuts. Now that NZ is blacklisted, when theyre economy goes down, so will the remittance and along with it Samoas economy. NZs export to Europe per annum is around $20 billion. Imagine that $20 billion removed from their economy NZ will be doomed and so will be Samoa. Mebahel Raguel Samoa and New Zealand further strengthened their relationship on Wednesday night during a gathering at Letava. Among the projects announced by the visiting New Zealand Civil Defence Minister, Nikki Kaye, she presented a key building standards document to the Associate Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli. The document, which cost the New Zealand government, NZ$16,000 (T$27,000), will help Samoa with the revision of its Building Code and regulations. New Zealand is pleased to be able to assist in this worthwhile project which should facilitate the construction of safer, stronger and more climate adaptable infrastructure and buildings, said Ms. Kaye. Associate Minister Seiuli thanked the New Zealand government for their kind support. Your gracious visit and the assistance today and many others, reaffirm the true strength of the New Zealand Samoa relations, he said. To have such a strong, productive relationship is a great source of reassurance. I believe this relationship will continue because of the strong leadership as you showed today, for better opportunities not only at the political level but also at Ministry and operational level. The gathering was also attended by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who added his vote of thanks. I convey my own gratitude to your government as they are one of our friends who are always here when Samoa is affected by a natural disaster, Tuilaepa said. Ms. Kayes three-day visit reaffirms New Zealand and Samoas relationship in terms of disaster risk management. Having been to some of the villages affected by natural disasters in the past, including the tsunami of 2009, she said she is impressed. I believe what I would take back from this visit and why I have huge respect for the beauty of this country is the people that I have met, their character and their strength in terms of getting back up, she said. The relationship runs deep, I just want to say whatever your involvement is in terms of supporting this incredible country. I have learnt so much today for what you are doing and it is very innovative, and its a hugely humbling visit and Im absolutely privileged to be here. Xero Capability Xero is the latest cloud based software accounting designed for small to medium businesses. N.B.S has been working with local accountants to put in place the requirements to allow customers to access their bank accounts via Xero. Jennifer Fruean, N.B.S Chief Financial Officer believes providing its customers with on line access to their bank accounts will be a game changer for many of its business customers. Itll allow much quicker processing of accounts in areas such as bank reconciliation and hence more timely and accurate information. This in turn will assist customers decision making, she said. By connecting to their bank accounts via Xero, customers or their accountants can import bank statements and categorised them automatically. Bank statement line items from their bank accounts can be matched with transactions created in Xero and reconciled. Its effortless for customers to keep their accounts accurate and up to date. "As explained via the Xero website, once the customers bank is connected to the cloud ledger then every morning their data flows to Xero, where it can be seen by both the customer and their accountant (if they wish). Seamless connectivity means customers can keep their data current without data entry all they need to do is code their transactions, Fruean said. Its overseeing the data and approval rather than data entry, which means less time and fewer errors. In addition, the data is auto backed up into the cloud which means customers can access their bank information/statement instantly, anytime and anywhere and thus keeps them abreast of their cashflow position on real time. Yona Tielu, the Financial Controller for the Samoa Rugby Union, commented: "We have been working closely with our accountants and N.B.S so we can access our bank accounts via Xero. Not only have N.B.S staff been great to work with, but now we are getting more timely banking data and reconciliations." "This not only saves a lot of data entry, but it reduces the opportunity of imputing errors and the information is more accessible and accurate - its great!". N.B.S signs as partner with Asian Development Bank (A.D.B) The growing statue of the Bank has opened up new opportunities. Chief Executive Officer Tuuu Amaramo Sialaoa announced that N.B.S has recently signed up as a partner of the Asian Development Bank. We cannot underestimate the potential impact that this partnership will have both on the Banks customers and also the Samoan economy as a whole, he said. Through the A.D.Bs Trade Finance Programme, N.B.S now has access to a AAA rated credit facility. The Programme is specifically designed to boost international trade, an important area for both N.B.Ss international customers and the Samoan economy. "This is the first time the A.D.B has ventured into the Pacific working directly with commercial banks on trade finance and we're very honoured and proud to be selected as a partner in this very important programme," Tuuu said. "What this means is that we will have enhanced credit facilities available to us to provide guarantee and loan agreements for our international trading customers. A.D.B has provided a $12million annual facility to support trade activity in Samoa." Steven Beck, A.D.B's head of trade finance said: "By extending extra financial support to companies and banks engaged in trade finance, we expect to create growth and jobs, particularly in small and mid-sized businesses. Tuuu said that being selected to be a A.D.B partner was a coup for N.B.S and followed an extensive due diligence process by the A.D.B as well as our attendance at a training workshop run by A.D.B in Fiji last year. This is another example of the respect the bank is achieving both in Samoa and overseas as it continues to evolve into an internationally recognised trading bank supporting Samoan businesses." Website Also timed to coincide with the 20th Anniversary celebrations, the N.B.S will today launch its new website. Unlike the old website, the new one is built using the latest digital technology meaning it can be accessed and viewed on a range of digital media from PCs through to laptops, tablets, and smart phones. This allows customers to access their banking information from virtually any place where they have access to the internet. Head of IT at N.B.S, Gaga'eolo Afaese Farane, commented: "This latest initiative follows on from a recent total upgrade of nbs' Oracle banking platform. We now have reputably the best banking platform available providing confidence for our customers." A senior employee of the Samoa Commercial Bank (S.C.B) will appear before the Supreme Court on 22 August 2016. The 35-year-old female, who had been working at the bank for a long time, faces charges of theft. The charge was confirmed by Police Media Officer, Sua Muliaga Tiumalu. He said the Bank had referred the matter to Police on 1 August 2016 for an investigation. The alleged offending was carried out within one month, where $125,000 went missing. The accused employee is on bail and has been asked to sign in at the Criminal Investigation Division [C.I.D] every Friday. Suicide case A 17-year-old male from a village in Savaii died last week from the latest case of suicide. Sua said the matter was reported to the Tuasivi Police Post at around 12am on 7 August 2016. The body of the deceased is at the Tuasivi Morgue awaiting a post mortem. If you know of anybody going through some tough times and are showing signs of being vulnerable to suicide, get help by calling 24hr Lifeline on 8005433. The driver of the Queen Patsy bus which crashed at Tiavi last month killing one man and sending multiple people to the hospital has been charged. Police Media Officer, Sua Lemamea Tiumalu, confirmed that the man faces a manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He is also likely to face other charges. The 34-year-old bus driver, who is out on bail, is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court on 23 August 2016. Sua said the Police have gathered enough evidence to support the charge. The bus was reportedly speeding at the time of the incident. It flipped and landed on its crushed roof. Of more than 50 passengers admitted to the hospital, Vaa Opetai, of Siumu, died from injuries he received during the crash. The crash raised questions about the safety of local buses. Asked for a comment, the Chief Executive Officer of Land Transport Authority (L.T.A), Leasi Vainalepa Galuvao, said issues such as crashes are handled by the Police. But he said bus drivers who are convicted would have to go through the normal procedures of obtaining a license when they serve their punishments. BEIRUT (AP) The Russian military sent long-range bombers to strike a series of Islamic State targets in the group's de facto capital of Raqqa on Thursday a fresh round of airstrikes that Syrian activists said killed at least 20 civilians and came amid Turkish calls for greater cooperation with Moscow against the extremist group. The offer by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to coordinate with Russia on operations against IS followed a meeting between the Russian and Turkish leaders earlier this week in which they agreed to mend ties. Relations between the two nations, which back opposite sides in Syria's civil war, soured after Turkish air force jets downed a Russian warplane on the Syrian border in November. Russia retaliated by deploying long-range air defense missile systems to its base in Syria, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the border with Turkey and imposing an array of economic sanctions. Cavusoglu also said Turkey would resume airstrikes against IS targets in Syria, months after they were suspended amid the row with Moscow. "On the issue of Daesh, we have made a call to Russia. We said we have a common enemy which we can struggle against together," Cavusoglu said, using an Arabic-language acronym for IS. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, welcomed the Turkish initiative. "Turkey is a very important partner, and we can only welcome what Cavusoglu has said," Bogdanov said, according to the Tass news agency. "It's a result of contacts on the highest level ... with our Turkish partners. It's a very important statement." The early morning airstrikes on the IS stronghold of Raqqa in northern Syria sent waves of thick, gray smoke wafting over the city's skyline. A local activist group, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, said at least 20 civilians were killed in the assault, which struck an oil refinery and cut the city's water supply. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 24 civilians were killed, along with six others whose affiliation or identities were not immediately confirmed. Both groups said the strikes were launched by Russian jets, though it was not clear how they made the determination. The Russian military said six of its long-range bombers had flown from their base in Russia to strike IS facilities near Raqqa, but did not mention civilian casualties. It said the raid destroyed a large ammunition depot, a plant producing chemical weapons and a large IS training camp. Meanwhile, there was no letup in the embattled northern Syrian city of Aleppo, where Turkey and Russia are supporting opposing sides in the conflict and where residents and activists reported a chlorine gas attack late Wednesday. A Syrian rescue worker and opposition activists said Thursday that the Syrian government airstrike on an opposition-held district in the embattled city killed at least two people. The attack on the city's eastern Zabadieh neighborhood saw at least four barrel bombs dropped on the area, one of which purportedly released the chlorine gas. Abdelkafi al-Hamdu, a resident of Aleppo, recounted dramatic moments of gasping for breath and cowering with his family on the top floors of their apartment building as a choking gas filled the hallway. Al-Hamdu said he saw two airstrikes from his in-law's balcony, about 30 meters (yards) away, the first of which released a gas he identified by the smell as chlorine. He took cover in the apartment but began experiencing severe difficulty breathing, so he took his wife and daughter with him and tried to leave the building. But the odor grew stronger as they descended the stairs, so they returned to the higher floors to wait out the effects, he said, speaking to The Associated Press via a messaging service. A Syrian military official denied the allegations, saying they were fabricated by the militants. The official, based in Damascus, spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give official statements. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Thursday the reports of possible chemical weapons use in Syria were "of great concern." Accusations involving use of chlorine and other poisonous gases are not uncommon in Syria's civil war, and both sides have denied using them while blaming the other for using them as a weapon of war. Last week, the Syrian government and the opposition traded accusations of using chlorine, also in Aleppo. The accusations came hours after the Russian military, which is fighting alongside Syrian government forces in the civil war, promised a daily, three-hour cease-fire for Aleppo to allow humanitarian aid into besieged areas. Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military's General Staff said the cease-fire would be observed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time starting Thursday, in order to facilitate the distribution of aid. However, residents of the opposition-held eastern part of the city reported near-constant fighter jet overflights on Thursday. "I'm at home and I don't dare to leave the jets are not letting up," resident Wissam Zarqa told The Associated Press by telephone. A senior U.N. humanitarian official, Jan Egeland, said the Russian offer of a daily three-hour truce "is really nothing. We need 48 hours." Speaking in Geneva, he said that Russia has agreed to hold talks with U.N. officials to hammer out a "workable" plan for a humanitarian pause in the fighting in Aleppo. Dear Editor, Re: Sogi relocation The new owners of Samoa have been eyeing this piece of property for more hotels to be built on. The Samoan corporation under financial institutions that lend money to Samoa for projects like these dont give a damn to these poor people. Samoa has been bought and sold and used the de-facto govt .of the present P.M. to further their assault on our people. This is how these Bankers play their game. They go around poor countries shopping for politicians that will play ball with them. And theyve found their guy. What a disgrace, these poor souls that are powerless to do anything about it have echoed the novel that was written in South Africa called Cry The Beloved Country. An animal with no feelings will cry over this injustice. Leituala TB Students at Fiamalamalama School were the proud recipients of a generous donation from Yazaki Samoa yesterday. The donation included food items collected by staff members and the management, valued up to $4,000 and a gift of $2,900 cash. During the f presentation, Brandon Stowers of Fiamalamalama School expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the management and the staff of Yazaki Samoa. Fathers Day is coming up next Sunday and we have our shopping here for freethank you for your loving and kindness heart for us. Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers of Yazaki Samoa and our country. General Manager of Yazaki, Funefeai Oliva Vaai said the relationship between the company and Fiamalamala started when they invited two students from the school to work in the company for two weeks in June this year. They were having a really good time here, he said. Today, its all about giving these children a chance to experience the working life every day. Its about giving them the opportunity to feel, toucheverything that we are used to doing everyday, This is just the beginning of this relationship, and for the upcoming years, were looking forward to continue this great partnership with Fiamalamalama School. Family and friends gathered to witness the graduation of students under the C.I.S.C.O networking programme on Thursday night. Joy filled the National University of Samoas (N.U.S.) Fale as each name was called out. The CISCO academy offers students essential Networking courses in both Information Technology Essential (I.T.E.) and CISCO Certified Network Associate (C.C.N.A.) discovery. I.T.E. provides the necessary knowledge in the field of PC Hardware and Software works. The N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Prof Fui Asofou Soo congratulated the students in all that they have achieved. Today we gather to celebrate those who have graduated, he said. I welcome all you family members and friends of the 17th class graduating under the programme I.T.E. and this is the 15th class graduating under C.I.S.C.O. According to Prof Fui, the programme is an essential one that is needed in Samoa as we enter the age of technology. Those who graduated under the I.T.E. the course you took will help you with your work in computer works, he said. You will be able to fix up a computer and put it back together in a way that will make it seem like nothing happened to it. You also have the skills to work computer programmes; your understanding in computer technology and internet has now expanded; the same can be said with your networking skills. What you have learnt will be essential in the world of technology. Prof. Fui continued on to congratulate the class and to thank everyone for their presence at the ceremony. I congratulate you all for graduating, he said. I also want to say thank you to all the family and friends who have come to join in on this celebration. After all formalities everyone was treated with light refreshments as family members embraced the graduates. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has issued a caution to parents as the nation prepares to honour fathers on Fathers Day weekend. Speaking during his weekly media programme, Tuilaepa urged parents not to pressure their children into spending money they dont have for fathers. I might be wrong but I know that for some fathers, he only wants a kiss from his childrens mother on the cheek after church and a kiss on the forehead from his children, he said. But the palagi mindset has affected Samoa. The Prime Minister did not explain what he meant by palagi mindset. But he said people should only spend what they have. What we need to look at is spending accordingly and wisely, he said. Stop wanting more than what our children can afford. Some fathers curse their children when they dont give them enough money but that is exactly how their daughters end up in jail, especially if they work in a bank. The caution from Prime Minister Tuilaepa comes as thousands run around Apia doing last minute shopping for tomorrow. In Samoa, it is a given that Fathers Day, Mothers Day and White Sunday are expensive weekends. The celebrations are occasions to behold for most not only because of the long weekend but it brings families together once in a while for big feasts. However, with each of these celebrations come a hefty cost mostly ignored. This has landed some people in jail. Prime Minister Tuilaepa believes fathers have a vital role in guiding their families to the right path. According to Tuilaepa parents, especially fathers, are demanding more from their children for church contributions, matai obligations, bottles of beer, cigarette and school fees. This comes on top of weekly loan repayments the children were forced to make to satisfy the whims of their parents. If you watch the Ola Toe Fuataina choir from prison, a lot of them are young women, he pointed out. The most important thing for fathers is to live accordingly and plan wisely. We all need to have this foresight and wisdom Planning means that a person who earns $400 a week should have enough to feed the family and not depend on loans. Sadly that is the reality of things. The palagi mindset is affecting us. If your daughter gets paid $400 tala, she spends $100 on loan at Housing, another $100 for a loan at the Development Bank, additional $100 loan at S.C.B, she is left with $50. Its likely that the $45tala will go to another loan at B.S.P. and she ends up with $5tala in her hand to feed her husband and ten children. Tuilaepa warned that once a person has reached this level of desperation, the next thing they will do is steal. They will steal money because she or he did not plan well and had spent all the wages on loans. Recalling the recent police graduation he attended, Tuilaepa said he had stressed the importance of police officers of planning and spending accordingly. I told them to plan and not just spend it all, he said. If this is the police officer that earns $400 and has $5tala left from the weeks pay, all they are going to do is break the law. The Court files will go missing and charges are dropped and the negligent drivers are not being charged because you are living off what they give you. Tuilaepa reiterated the importance of fathers asking for less from their children. With Samoa being a church going country, Tuilaepa said the church ministers have also forgotten their role. That is whats happening in Samoa parents have forgotten their role and church Ministers have also forgotten their work to teach Bible teachings. The reason why we lose our children is because of negligence on our part. Tuilaepa pointed out that most families have forgotten a tradition of evening prayers. He said during that time children are called to attend the prayers with their parents. But if there is no evening prayer and the children are not at home during dinner time then it means they are being O.B.O. at Fugalei and Vaimoso. The village council is being blamed when its the parents negligence on their part in looking after their children. Think a minuteYouve heard the expression What you see is what you get. Psychologists tell us that nothing controls our lives more than our self-image. We live like the person we see in the mirror. We are what we think we are. If you dont think youll be successful, you wont. You cant be it if you cant see it. Your life is limited to your vision. So if you want to change your life, you must change your vision of your life. Arnold Schwarzenegger was not that famous in 1976 when he met with a newspaper reporter. The reporter asked Schwarzenegger: Now that youve retired from bodybuilding, what do you plan to do next? Schwarzenegger answered very calmly and confidently: Im going to be the #1 movie star in Hollywood. The reporter was shocked and amused at Schwarzeneggers plan. At that time, it was very hard to imagine how this muscle-bound bodybuilder, who was not a professional actor and who spoke poor English with an Austrian accent, could ever hope to be Hollywoods #1 movie star! When the reporter asked Schwarzenegger how he planned to make his dream come true, Schwarzenneger replied: Ill do it the same way I became the #1 bodybuilder in the world. First I create a vision of who I want to be, then I start living like that person as if it were already true. Sounds almost childishly simple, doesnt it? But it worked! Schwarzenegger DID become the #1 highest paid movie star in Hollywood! Remember: If you can see it, you can be it. A successful businessman I know wears a shirt with these words on it: Dont pursue your dreams. Chase em down and tackle em! You only get one life to live, so why not live the best life possible? And doesnt it make sense that the One Who invented it is the One Who knows the best way to live it? So ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for living your own way, and to take charge of your life every day. Hell help you start seeing and being the success He created you to beso you can be fully satisfied with what you see and get in life. Just Think a Minute "Asia-Pacific's ICT Spends in Energy Sector - Future Perspective to 2019" Now Available at Fast Market Research Fast Market Research announces the availability of the new Kable Market Intelligence report, "Asia-Pacific's ICT Spends in Energy Sector - Future Perspective to 2019", on their comprehensive research portal Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/11/2016 -- YuYu Group announced today that Taiwan-based BeautyMaker makeup accessories and cosmetics can now be found in selected Watsons Personal Care Stores located around the island. Alex Luo, Founder of YuYu Group said, "Beautymaker is a very well-known Taiwanese brand of cosmetics and makeup accessories, with a huge fan base. As the official distributor for BeautyMaker, YuYu has been making their products available in Singapore through our website www.BeautyMaker.com.sg, on our Qoo10 Qstore YuYu Collection, and our e-store www.YuYuCollection.com.sg." "Today, we are glad to announce that BeautyMaker is now also available at Watsons Personal Care Stores. Fans of Kevin can head to the Watsons outlets located at Takashimaya, Bugis Junction, Suntec City, and Jurong Point to buy the BeautyMaker products that he designs and uses in person." Created by celebrity makeup artist and beauty guru Kevin Chou, whose clients include Asian Hollywood stars like Maggie Q and Zhang Ziyi, BeautyMaker stands out in the global cosmetics market for being a brand that is uniquely designed with Asian skin and faces in mind. Over the last decade, the BeautyMaker himself, also known as Kevin (teacher) to his fans, has gained a sizable worldwide fans following through his makeup and fashion tips on his Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube pages. His Weibo account alone has gained a following of over 56.5 million fans. BeautyMaker's debut in Watsons marks the first time that the brand is physically available in stores here. Said Mr. Luo, "Customers can now physically feel BeautyMaker products, see them, and have a complete first hand experience of them, without having to go to Taiwan or buy online, sight unseen." This will help introduce more local women to the BeautyMaker brand, which Mr. Luo said accounts for YuYu Collection's status as one of Qoo10's top 5 best-sellers in terms of products. In addition to Watsons, BeautyMaker products can also be found at www.BeautyMaker.com.sg, which is the official e-store for the brand, as well as www.YuYuCollection.com.sg, YuYu Group's Qstore. For more information and media enquiries, contact customer.care@yuyucollection.com.sg About Beautymaker Known for helping to shape the face of Asian beauty and fashion, Kevin says he launched BeautyMaker to allow Asian women to have a makeup and cosmetics brand that is their own, that has Asians in mind, and which allows them to buy high-quality cosmetics and makeup at a reasonable price. The brand's motto: "Fashionable, Innovative, and Confidence-Inspiring." About YuYu Group Rated as one of the top 5 local Qstores in Qoo10, YuYu Group has been sourcing and distributing beauty products from Taiwan for the last 5 years. YuYu (pronounced you you) is the official distributor of BeautyMaker products in Singapore and Malaysia, through Qoo10, www.beautymaker.com.sg and www.yuyucollection.com.sg, as well as other Japanese and Korean beauty products. Media contact: Jeremy Lee, Bronze Media LLP customer.care@yuyucollection.com.sg Singapore Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2016 -- Cherry Injury Law is a well-established law firm located in Pennsylvania that is dedicated to helping those who have been injured at work, in traffic accidents, and in medical care contexts. They assist people who have suffered a personal injury and live in the Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties, as well as the surrounding areas. Cherry Injury Law will advocate for their clients as they relax and focus on recovery from their injuries. This law firm provides workers compensation attorneys in Villanova, PA, and other local areas, for people who have been injured in a work-related accident. The team of Philadelphia personal injury lawyers understands how stressful it can be to cope with a serious injury. They'd like their clients to know that they care a great deal about them and are available for any questions or concerns they may have. As the client focuses on getting well, Cherry Injury Law attorneys will effectively handle their legal matters. They have handled a significant amount of successful workers compensation claims. Types of these workplace accidents and injuries they've worked with include back injuries, crane and forklift accidents, explosions and chemical burn injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, falling debris accidents, and more. The Cherry Injury Law workers compensation attorneys in Darby, PA, and the surrounding areas, have over 100 years of combined experience and have many examples of their success. Some of them include a $4.6 million settlement in a workers compensation case and a $375,000.00 settlement for a food service worker. To learn more about the workers compensation attorneys at Cherry Injury Law, contact them at 610-816-0366 or 215-660-4813. About Cherry Injury Law Cherry Injury Law is a Pennsylvania-based law firm providing strategic legal defense for victims of personal injury. They will provide effective legal defense for people seeking workman's compensation as well as any other victims of personal injury through their Media, PA, and Philadelphia, PA offices. Contact Cherry Injury Law today to learn how they can provide legal defense in the areas of class action lawsuits, premises liability, products liability, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice and more. Additionally, victims seeking liquor liability law justice can seek their strategic legal defense. Call them at 610-816-0366 for a complimentary consultation. For more information, please visit http://www.cherryinjurylaw.com. Global ICT Spends in Education Sector - Future Perspective to 2019 - New Market Research Report Fast Market Research announces the availability of the new Kable Market Intelligence report, "Global ICT Spends in Education Sector - Future Perspective to 2019", on their comprehensive research portal Bridgeport, CT -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2016 -- Locally owned Homeskape announced today that it will continue to showcase their portfolio of land for sale on LandWatch.com after testing the land website portal over the last 12 months. Company officials are expected to meet with partners later this month to discuss other real estate websites and online portals to enhance their presence throughout the world wide web. Homeskape officials expect this move to improve land investor's confidence and widen its customer base. In addition to land for sale, Homeskape web presence will soon have available for sale cabins and tiny home solutions starting in the New England region of the United States. The increased exposure will permit Homeskape to market its land lots and acreage to sustainably conscience real estate buyers. In exchange, buyers will benefit from no interest mortgages on land and homes and living situations with enough land to farm, grow, live and play. Tiny Homes and Cabins will be available for sale online, with construction and landscaping completed by Homeskape contractors. More information is expected to be released on their website. About Homeskape Homeskape, which was started in 2011, is a real estate holding subsidiary of Homescape LLC specializing in purchasing and selling vacant land and raw acreage. Homeskape's land holdings range from small building parcels in subdivision parcels in Michigan to acreage in Northern Arizona, New Mexico, New York and Nevada. The brand includes portfolio websites and domains Homeskape.net; ArizonaLand.co; ArizonaParcels.com and DesertLand.US About Homescape LLC Homescape LLC was established in 2006 in Bridgeport, CT. It has enjoyed 10 years as an independent company and operates & manages Cervitude.com, Homeskape.net, MicroCapCompany.com, NickyNice.com, TagSale.CO, ArizonaLand.CO, NewYorkWebsiteDesignCenter.com and more. Homescape LLC (the Company) invest Time, Talent and Treasure into People, Property and Potential. The company has invested in domains, websites, e-commerce accounts & portals, brands, trade-names and real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.HomescapeLLC.com To learn more about the company, please contact: Homeskape Nicholas G. Coriano, Founder & CEO The Bridgeport Innovation Center 955 Connecticut Ave, Unit 1303 Office: 203-685-0346 homeskape@gmail.com http://www.homeskape.net Fort Atkinson, WI -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2016 -- Darkness will fall on Madison, WI as K'Paui Coconut Porter makes its maiden voyage at The Great Taste of Midwest Beer Festival on August 13, 2016. The new craft beer flavor by Bent Kettle Brewing is a Baltic style coconut porter reported to taste like a Mounds bar. The special advance preview taste test is available only to the beer festival attendees. The new craft beer named K'Paui has moved into the Bent Kettle mass production schedule with a planned release date of August 19th, 2016. According to Bent Kettle founder and brew master Mark Cook, it "tastes like a dark chocolate Mounds bar in a glass but without all the extra sugar. People have been going wild for it at festivals." They will be showcasing it next Saturday (8/13/16) at The Great Taste of the Midwest, which is the world's 2nd largest beer festival. All told, there will be about 10,000 people there. The official release date of K'Paui is August 19th and will be on tap at Mr. Brews Taphouse in Monona, WI for 6 days until Bent Kettle begins distribution of the special brew to other bars and restaurants. Cook says K'Paui in cans will be appearing in liquor stores before Labor Day weekend. Learn more about Bent Kettle Brewing and leave reviews about them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BentKettleBrewing The Beer Festival Event is Organized by the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild are sponsoring the 30th edition of the Great Taste of the Midwest on August 13, 2016. The event is one of the premier craft brewery beer festivals in the USA and features more than 150 of the Midwest's finest craft brewers such as craft brewery Bent Kettle. The beer festival will be held at Olin Park, overlooking Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin. The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild is a not-for-profit organization, based in Madison Wisconsin, which was created "to aid and educate members in the appreciation and legal production of fermented malt beverages, including those brewed at home and those brewed commercially." A lot of heart and effort goes into their beer festival event. They say they make it attractive to everyone involved, vendors and attendees but especially to craft beer devotees. Attendance is capped at 6000, and the number of brewers is usually a little over 100. Each summer attendees enjoy sampling some of the 600+ beers that are usually displayed. Bent Kettle's K'Paui Coconut Porter Debuts at Great Taste of the Midwest Beer Festival, Madison, WI When: Saturday, August 13, 2016 Where: Olin Park, Madison, WI Time: 1:00-6:00 p.m. Learn more at http://greattaste.org About Bent Kettle Brewing Craft beer made the way it should be: Unfiltered. Unpasteurized. Unadulterated. Unapologetic. "Bent" describes their craft beer recipes: non-conformist, irreverent, experimental and artisan; using non-traditional ingredients in traditional beers, and following traditional craft brewery practices to ensure safety and quality in our brews. They believe in conducting their public and private affairs in a moral, legal and ethical fashion, and also believe that maintaining the highest quality product possible is paramount. The team at Bent Kettle Brewing has a strong work ethic, doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Their new chocolate coconut craft brew K'Paui shows they are living up to their company motto: "We're bent on bending our kettles, and the rules, to bring you great beer!" Contact: Mark Cook Address: 1507 Montclair Pl. Fort Atkinson, WI Phone: 920-390-9038 Email: info@bentkettle.com Web: http://bentkettle.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BentKettleBrewing Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/11/2016 -- Kevin Chou, whose clients include Asian Hollywood stars like Maggie Q and Zhang Ziyi, is the creator of BeautyMaker, which stands out in the global cosmetics market for being a brand that is uniquely designed with Asian skin and faces in mind. Over the last decade, the BeautyMaker himself, also known as Kevin (teacher) to his fans, has gained a sizable worldwide following through his makeup tips posted on his Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube pages. His Weibo account alone has gained a following of over 56.5 million fans. The famed creator of BeautyMaker will be at the Orchard Wisma Atria, Level 1 Atrium, on 20th August 2016, from 2pm to 5pm, to meet his fans and offer local makeup tips, as part of a four day BeautyMaker birthday bonanza held from 17th to 21st August 2016. Live streaming of the event will be put on Facebook for fans from around the world. To celebrate the occasion, limited editions of the BeautyMaker range of products will be available for purchase. Participants can also look forward to winning special prizes, bringing home free goodie bags, and taking advantage of exclusive BeautyMaker bundle offers. For example, a MATTE CUSHION KEVIN RECOMMEND BUNDLE comprising Matte Cushion, Perfect Hydrating Primer, Perfect Essence Sunscreen and Photoshop Perfecting Foundation Brush will be sold at $95. A MATTE CUSHION OIL CONTROL HYDRATING BUNDLE comprising Matte Cushion and Perfect Hydrating Primer can be had at the event for just $55. Attendants can also bring home www.BeautyMaker.com.sg discount coupons ranging from $5 to $20, which are valid for 3 months after the event. 10 Kevin signature Matte Cushions and mystery gifts will also be given away. The event is open to members of the public, but fans of Kevin will have an opportunity to get even closer to him with front row seats for his appearance, said Alex Luo, Founder of YuYu Group, official distributor of BeautyMaker in Singapore and Malaysia. "Fans of BeautyMaker have helped us become one of the top 5 Qstores on Qoo10 in terms of products. To reward our loyal customers, we have specially reserved 50 VIP seats in front of the stage so that they can truly get up close and personal." He added, "To win one of the 50 seats, fans need only log on to http://www.BeautyMaker.com.sg and become one of the top 50 spenders in one single receipt, between 13th July and 11th August 2016." Winners will be announced on BeautyMaker's Singapore Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beautymakersingapore The event is marketed by Bronze Media Singapore, in collaboration with PayEasy and YuYu Group, and Mediacorp Radio Love 97.2 FM as the official event media. For more information and media enquiries, contact www.bronzemedia.com.sg About BeautyMaker Known for helping to shape the face of Asian beauty and fashion, Kevin says he launched BeautyMaker to allow Asian women to have a makeup and cosmetics brand that is their own, that has Asians in mind, and which allows them to buy high-quality cosmetics and makeup at a reasonable price. The brand's motto: "Fashionable, Innovative, and Confidence-Inspiring." About YuYu Group Rated as one of the top 5 local Qstores in Qoo10, YuYu Group has been sourcing and distributing beauty products from Taiwan for the last 5 years. YuYu (pronounced you you) is the official distributor of BeautyMaker products in Singapore and Malaysia, through Qoo10, www.beautymaker.com.sg and www.yuyucollection.com.sg, as well as other Japanese and Korean product lines. Media Contact: Jeremy Lee, Bronze Media LLP Singapore A Cornell University Professors recalculation of models linking a proposed 9th solar system planet to a slant in the orbital plane around our Sun could help constrain its possible size, mass and orbit. Earlier this year Batygin & Brown at the California Institute of Technology proposed a strange alignment of icy Kuiper belt objects at our Solar Systems edge could be explained by a 9th planet orbiting eccentrically beyond Neptune. Last month a follow-up paper from Bailey et al at the same institution, and another from a Brazilian team led by Rodney Gomes, posted within the same week, suggested Planet Nine could also solve a second longer standing solar system puzzle the misalignment between the Suns equator and the orbital plane of the planets around it. This six degree offset is a problem as our understanding of the Solar Systems formation from a rotating dust cloud requires the equator of our newly formed Sun to be lying in the same plane as the outer disk from which the planets formed, and along which their orbits subsequently followed. Enter Bailey and Gomes. In both papers Planet Nines steep orbit tugs on the other planets, gradually changing their orbital plane. This effect is only negligibly felt by the Sun due to its superior mass, causing a misalignment over time. In this model the degree of tilt is heavily influenced by the mass of the Planet Nine, a value that Brown and Batygin had estimated to be around 10 times that of the Earth, based on the distribution of Kuiper belt objects. We decided to look for the right planetary mass that could cause the orbital inclination to see if it might fit within Brown and Batygins range and it did! Dr. Gomes says. Whilst we werent validating Batygin & Browns hypothesis we have shown that if Planet Nine exists it provides a nice theoretical explanation of our titling Solar System. In Cornell, Professor Dong Lai was following events with interest ever since Brown and Batygins original paper and was moved to put pen to paper after reading the work from Bailey and Gomes. Its all happened in only a few weeks! Prof. Lai says. Their papers were very good science but rather formal, and I thought they would leave many observational physicists in difficulty when it came to interpreting them. As a result I wrote my paper in a much simpler way whilst still coming up with a broadly similar result. Dongs paper provides a way to understand the model with only conventional physics, agrees Dr. Konstatin Batygin, co-author of the original Planet Nine paper. However Gomes disagrees with Professor Lais description of his work as simple. Lais paper adds more accuracy to the final results by taking into account the fact that the equator of the Sun was not a fixed over time. In future Professor Lai hopes his contribution can provide a useful way of playing around with the mathematics to more easily narrow down properties of Planet Nine such as its mass, shape, or orbit through more accurate measurement of the properties and history of our Solar Systems orbital tilt. Dr. Batygin agrees it could prove a more useful way of expressing the mathematics though warns of the assumption that even if Planet Nine exists, it is solely responsible for the full 6 degrees of tilt. Theres a complex set of variables at play which you have to input in these equations, he says. _____ Dong Lai. 2016. Solar Obliquity Induced by Planet Nine: Simple Calculation. arXiv: 1608.01421 [MANILA] The Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) need to do a better job of incorporating climate and disaster risk management into their planning and development, says a new report. The report, launched by the World Bank at the Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Region in Lautoka, Fiji (28 July), provided various examples of how incorporating climate adaptation activities into infrastructure development will reduce potential damage in future years. To make decisions about the future, its important to have access to rigorous analysis and figures detailing what the future may look like. Denis Jordy, World Bank For instance, retrofitting existing buildings to withstand future cyclones can be expensive, but it can also decrease expected losses by half. Buildings can be retrofitted by installing cyclone shutters for windows to help prevent breakages caused by flying debris or bracing walls and roofs to help them withstand strong winds. These measures will be more cost-efficient in countries that face higher cyclone risk, such as Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. The report also suggests that to manage uncertainty in a future governed by climate change, flexibility should be incorporated into the design of coastal protection works through a range of options, including land use planning and planting mangroves. Pacific island countries face unique development challenges shaped by their small size, remoteness and vulnerability to economic and natural shocks, Denis Jordy, a senior environmental specialist at the World Bank, tells SciDev.Net. To make decisions about the future, its important to have access to rigorous analysis and figures detailing what the future may look like. The report is part of a series called Pacific Possible, which looks 25 years ahead to potentially transformative opportunities and challenges for the Pacific region. The series includes seven reports, each focusing on a different topic such as non-communicable diseases and deep sea mining, which have been identified as crucial to the future of the Pacific region. Since 1950, natural disasters have affected approximately 9.2 million people living in the Pacific SIDS, causing about 10,000 reported deaths and incurring roughly US$5 billion in associated damages. We welcome the report as there is an ongoing need to highlight the costs associated with climate change and disasters, Scott Hook, an economic infrastructure advisor at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), tells SciDev.Net. The key policy issue in the Pacific right now is how to manage risks and how to build climate and disaster resilient development for the whole region. Hook says the PIFS has been developing a regional policy framework that seeks to bring this together in an integrated manner for the Pacific. Many countries already have this approach, but there are clear regional benefits [to be gained] from acting to support resilience, he notes. Pacific island countries are already implementing some of the adaptation measures recommended by the report, says Jordy. The report, he notes, also emphasises the need to scale up adaptation investments in targeted sectors and areas like climate smart agriculture and flood mitigation. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets South-East Asia & Pacific desk. Nobody would ever think that an indigenous group of people could have something in common with NASA, but they do. These people face the problem of long journeys through harsh territories, and way before the Space Administration began looking for ways to feed astronauts in space, Incas already have their answer. What did the Inca's and NASA have in common? https://t.co/jJMoLY82yg Jonathan Block (@jblock) August 10, 2016 According to The New York Times, the Inca empire that ran down the spine of the Andes terraced farms and mountaintop outposts as they travel roughly the same disatance as Stockholm to Cairo, bringing with them nourishing food that could travel well and could be stored in bulk for long periods. One of their discoveries include the chuno, which still exist to this day. Chuno (CHOON-yoh) are freeze-dried potatoes developed by a culture that didn't even have today's food-processing technology. The villagers from the high tablelands of Bolivia and Peru still make this dish the way Incas did, using warm days and frosty nights to thaw and freeze potatoes, stomping them with their bare feet to remove skins and liquids. The best part? The chuno can be stored and eaten for a decade after it has dried. After drying the potatoes, there are a number of dishes that you can make with white chuno or tunta, as well. Peru Blog noted that there are a variety of dishes you can choose to make with these potatoes, including Escabeche de Tunta, Ocopa de Tunta, Tunta Rellena with Charqui (beef jerky) and cheese, and even a tunta stew. Inca descendants still prize these chuno, and they often serve it with Andean chili. This type of food is especially important because the region where they live have periodic droughts that could destroy their crops. During these difficult times, chuno can provide the food that they need to survive - and NASA astronauts could probably do well to store their food the same way, too. When doctors said that microcephaly is only the tip of the ice berg as far as the fight against Zika is concerned, they were right. Just recently, it was discovered that the viral disease may cause deformities to the arms and legs of newborn babies. How Zika could cause these deformities, the researchers don't have an answer, however, CBS News noted that the problems could lie in the nerve cells that control movement that caused babies to stay in fixed positions in the womb. The condition, which is called arthrogryposis, can cause multiple joints to contract or curve. When the number of babies with this condition started increasing, they were not linked to Zika, but further research showed that they too have abnormalities on their brain scans that is expected with congenital Zika syndrome, said Dr. Vanessa van der Linden, the lead author of the study. These children had their joins scanned, as well as their surrounding tissues. No abnormalities were found. However, researchers also had to do brain scans, which showed that all of these children had signs of calcification in their brain, leading to the theory that the virus kills brain cells and forms scar-like lesions in the brain, where the calcium is deposited. These findings emerged on Tuesday, just hours before Florida reported another person to have contracted the virus, bringing the total number of infections to 22. First detected in Brazil last year, Zika, a mosquito-borne disease has been linked to over 1,700 cases of microcephaly. However, despite the fact that microcephaly is the most-widely discussed condition in connection to the disease, The Daily Mail noted that not all Zika babies are born with shrunken heads - although many still suffer less obvious motor neuron impairments or brain disorders. The outlook for the children with arthrohgyroposis is not positive. Dr. Arielle Hay of the Nicklaus Children's hospital in Miami shared, "these kids need lifelong follow-up, there is no definitive treatment, unfortunately." A transplanted kidney is believed to continue its function for around two decades after transplant, according to doctors. A 68-year-old woman in the United Kingdom has a transplanted kidney that is still working, which was transferred to her body when she was only 25 years old. This defies the predictions and beliefs made by doctors on the life span of transplanted kidneys. Sue Westhead from County Durham is living on with a transplanted kidney for 43 years now. She recounted how she had difficulty in walking and was told that she only had one tenth of the normal renal function with her new kidneys, BBC reported. Her mother, Ann Metcalfe who was 57 at that time offered to give her kidney to Westhead, which is the same kidney living in her body until today. Over four decades after the kidney was transplanted inside Westhead's body, the woman is still going strong with her mother's kidney. The transplanted kidney had lived in her mother's body for 57 years and now, has lived in hers for 43 years, making it an incredible 100 years old in effect. In November, the kidney will clock up another year but obviously, the individual cells have been regenerating themselves over that period, Daily Mail reported. Westhead is now considered to have one of the world's oldest and most successfully transplanted kidney, outlasting the modern day estimate of 20 years by far. She remembered thinking that if she lives up to five years after her surgery, then she would be happy. She went on to explain how she was able to live by taking 20 pills since then to make sure that her organ is not rejected by her body. Transplanted kidneys are common today, with 9 out of 10 patients waiting for the organs in the list. However, it is thought that most people need to wait for three to four years before a kidney becomes available. In the UK, around 53,000 patients are treated for kidney failure annually. Depression is suggested to affect more teenagers across the US according to researchers. A team of researchers looked into the data gathered from the government's National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, in which the drug use and mental health of teens aged 12 to 17 were surveyed. The questions were focused about symptoms that teens may have experienced in the past year which may signal the individual to experience a major depression. It was then found that the national percentage of adolescents who had major depressive episodes was 11 percent from 2103 to 2014. This showed an increase compared to 9.9 percent in 2012 to 2013, SAMHSA reported. Professor of Psychiatry, Myrna Weissman, at Columbia University in New York said that it is still unclear if findings would mean that depression rates will continue increase. She suggested that to figure that out, researchers need to look at trends over a longer period of time. However, the findings are in line with what experts would expect prior the study, that depression is very common among adolescents, Live Science reported. An assistant professor of clinical Neurobiology in Psychiatry, Ardesheer Talati, at Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, also agreed that one year is not long enough to determine if the percentage of teens with depression is truly increasing. There are three other factors that may affect the percentage rate of depression among adolescents according to Talati. First is the increased awareness of mental illness that may cause teens to seek medical evaluation for depression. Or, in other cases of younger adolescents, parents may pick up on changes in their kids' behaviors so they bring them to the doctor. Depression may also increase in teenagers today as there is more pressure on them than there was in the past. Stressors such as social, family and academic may also increase depression. Lastly, the way that depression is diagnosed has become broad and has changed over time. This may mean that more people will be diagnosed than before. A study reveals that dolphins perform a signature whistle or 'sing' to their unborn calves just like some parents, who talk or play music to their unborn children. The mother dolphins do this while the unborn calves are still in their wombs running up to the birth and up to two weeks after. The study was led by researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi. Audra Ames, a doctoral student at the University of Southern Mississippi said that it's been theorized that this is part of an imprinting process. She further said that in the earlier studies, the mother dolphins begin shrilling their signature whistle more in the days before the delivery, and then in the calf's first two weeks of life. Many theories state that probably the mother dolphins are trying to get their babies to develop their own signature sound, according to Live Science. Signature whistles are a type of vocalization send out by bottlenose dolphins. They are usually used in communication within the species. They also have specialized functions, properties and for locational purposes. The signature whistles are significant in group cohesion and social interaction. Each dolphin has a unique signature whistle. In the 2012 and 2014 studies, Ames and her colleagues examined the signature whistle rates of the dolphins through a baby dolphin named Mira, which was born to a 9-year-old mother at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California. The team took 80 hours of recordings from the two months before and the two months after the dolphin's birth. These involve the mom and the calf together with the five dolphins. Ames explained that it is important to capture the noises of the mother's peers to comprehend whether the communication is exclusive to the mother-baby pair. The researchers discovered that the mother dolphin began augmenting her signature whistle two weeks before the birth. This is also observed in human pregnancies. Ames stated that they actually do see that human babies develop a preference for their mother's voice in the last trimester. She further stated that they don't know if that's something that's going on here, but it could be something similar. In celebration of the World Orangutan Day, especially the red-haired apes, the Twycross Zoo is giving the free day out for those with ginger hair. It aims to feature the dangers facing them in the wild, with their homes being devastated and turned into oil palm plantations. Twycross Zoo near Tamworth is a home of four Bornean orangutans. The oldest female orangutan was named Kibriah, which was born at the zoo. She has had three offspring. Kibriah's daughter named Maliku is still in the zoo with her five-year-old Moly. The big male orangutan is Batu, that has lived there at the zoo for 21 years, according to Birmingham Mail. A spokesman from Twycross stated that on Friday, August 19, they will be letting anyone with red hair in for free---male, female, child, adult, auburn, strawberry blonde, fiery red, natural or dyed---it doesn't matter. He further said as long as you have red hair you can enjoy a free day out at Twycross Zoo. Their staff in the ticket booths will be issued with special Twycross Zoo redheaded color scale just to make sure. In case, you are wearing a red hair wig you will have to pay the entrance fee. Twycross Zoo is located near the Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire in the United Kingdom. It was re-launched in 2006 as the "Twycross Zoo-The World Primate Center." It has the biggest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World. It has around 450,000 visitors in 2014. The zoo is a home to 500 animals of almost 150 species. These include many endangered species. You can also see four types of great ape such as the orangutan, gorilla, bonobo and chimpanzee. The zoo also has the largest collections of gibbons in Europe. About 37 percent of these animals are categorized as vulnerable, threatened, endangered or critically endangered by the IUCN. According to a study of nearly 9,000 'threatened' or 'near-threatened' species conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), human-led activities including agriculture, livestock farming and poaching have adversely affected around three-quarters of the species, while climate change has affected only 19 per cent of the species. Daily Mail reported that the Western gorilla and Chinese pangolin species are near to extinction because of high demand for their meat and body parts, while the Sumatran rhinoceros too are nearly extinct for the supposed medicinal properties of its horn. Also, the conversion of animals' natural habitats into industrial farms and plantations by human beings to raise livestock and grow commodity crops for fuel or food has affected more than half of the species of animals and plants included in the study. The researchers have pointed out that conservation budgets should must take into consideration this reality. Lead author Sean Maxwell, a professor at the University of Queensland in Australia, said that tackling the adverse impact of over-harvesting and agricultural activities is very crucial to take on the biodiversity extinction crisis. He added that these human-led threats must be at the forefront of the conservation agenda rather than climate change, reported The Washinton Post. "History has taught us that minimising impacts from overharvesting and agriculture requires a variety of conservation actions but these can be achieved," said Dr James Watson, co-author from the WCS and the University of Queensland. He also said that actions such as well managed protected areas, enforcement of hunting regulations, and managing agricultural systems, all can play a crucial role in reducing the biodiversity crisis. In order to reduce threat, these activities should be well funded and prioritized in areas. The study findings, which has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, comes a month before the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress meeting which is scheduled to happen in Hawaii in September. The event will see environmental policy makers from across the world discuss future priorities for global conservation efforts. Nearly nine thousand species have their existence hang in the balance as humans continue to exploit natural resources. While most of the discussions today are focused on Climate Change, new studies suggest that threats of guns, nets, and bulldozers actually remain as the main danger, especially to the animal kingdom. Sean Maxwell of the University of Queensland noted in a statement for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, "Addressing these old foes of overharvesting and agricultural activities are key to turning around the biodiversity extinction crisis. This must be at the forefront of the conservation agenda." The study, published in the journal Nature, is part of the preparation for the IUCN's World Conservation Congress in Hawaii next month. It showed that there are around 8.688 species across the globe that are threatened or near-threatened. When they broke down and analyzed what were threatening these species, they found that one factor has been at play: human overexploitation. This roughly translates to species being put under pressure due to commerce, recreation, poaching, and hunting. Then, there's also the fact that humans work at faster rates than the animals could replenish their numbers, leading to declines in their populations. Of the species studied, an astonishing 5,.407 species were also threatened due to intensified agriculture, including cheetahs from Africa, hairy-nosed otters from Asia, and the huemul deer from South America. According to IFL Science, despite the fact that this category also overlaps with "overexploitation," it denotes disturbance of their habitat, especially caused by land modification. Other major threats to these species include urban development, pollution, disease, and even invasive species. In the end, the study concluded that while conservationists are tackling herculean jobs in trying to minimize climate change, they must, instead, refocus their efforts on the environment's old enemies - the predatory and exploitative nature of humans. FLORENCE, S.C. During the Florence School District One Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night board members learned about several developments in the districts early childhood program that will be taking place in the 2016-17 school year. Floyd Creech, director of the early childhood program, updated the board on how many students are being served in the program. This year, we are currently serving 460 4-year-old children in 43 classrooms, Creech said. That includes Montessori, traditional, development delayed and autism classes. There are 90 teachers, assistant teachers and shadows right now. It has grown to be quite a large group, of employees and of children. Creech told the board that all of the occupants of the R.N. Beck Child Development Center had been successfully moved to the Child Development Center at Woods Road. The move enables the district to begin work on the construction of a new R.N. Beck. The transition has been very smooth, Creech said. We have been very pleased with that. Classroom sizes have also been reduced; each Child Development Education Program class will now only have 15 students. An Educational Oversight Committee grant will allow teachers to do more to deal with the needs of their students outside of schoolwork. We are implementing the Pyramid Model and the Positive Solutions for Families Model, Creech said. This program is from CSEFEL, which is the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. The curriculum is designed to encourage social and emotional growth. This program will be utilized by the teachers and the home visitors to assist families as they work with young children. It is recognized as one of the best programs in the nation for social and emotional growth curriculum, Creech said. "One of the teachers said, We should have had this training when we were in college, Creech said. It shows you how to teach children social and emotional skills instead of expecting them to already know them. In other business, the board learned that the Delmae Elementary School project is on schedule. Phase One, the construction of the new school building, will be completed well ahead of the expected completion date of the widening project on Cashua Drive, according to Lionel Brown, assistant superintendent of administrative services. The road project is projected to be complete in June 2019, while the school will be built for use starting in the 2017-18 school year. Phase Two, tearing down the old facility, will be completed once the school population has been moved into the new building. Board members elected Trisha Caulder as board secretary, filling the vacancy left by Pat Gibson-Hye Moore. HARTSVILLE, S.C. The Greater Hartville Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event for small business owners, especially veterans, women, and minorities from 5:30 t0 7 p.m. Monday at the Butler Heritage Foundation. The chamber is working to provide programs and services to Hartsvilles small business contingent and will use the event as an opportunity help members and nonmembers connect. In January of this year, the chamber created a small business task force, focused on providing support to its small business members, specifically for veteran-, woman-, and minority-owned businesses, said Quinetta Buterbaugh, chamber president. We realize the importance of helping small businesses succeed and want to take an active role in helping them grow. The chambers task force is a diverse group, representing business owners, consultants and community leaders, Buterbaugh said. The social will be an opportunity for the task force to learn more about the needs of the small business community to help the task force create new programming, resources, and training to match the business owners needs, she said. We want our businesses to be competitive and prosper, Buterbaugh said. Hartsvilles recent growth in new businesses has been phenomenal. It is our job to give our businesses tools they need to keep our commerce thriving. Unlike many chamber functions, the Monday social is not a members-only event. All small business owners in the greater Hartsville area invited to attend. Veteran-, women-, and minority- owned businesses are especially encouraged. For more information, call the chamber at 843-332-6401 or email Buterbaugh at president@hartsvillechamber.org. HARTSVILLE, S.C. There are many constants a police officer has to deal with on a daily basis, but none is so important than when to draw a service weapon and use it. Area law enforcement officers had the opportunity to test their knowledge against a simulator loaded with an almost infinite number of possibilities when encountering the public. In light of recent events, we believe that this training will add to the quality of our law enforcements interactions with civilians, Hartsville Police Department Chief Jerry Thompson said. We continue to put safety of our citizens first while also preserving the safety of our officers. Christopher McFarlin, program director at Tri-County Technical College out of Pendleton, ran the simulator and provided this insight. Our role in doing shoot dont shoot training was to provide critical decision-making scenarios through the use of advanced simulation equipment where officers, both seasoned and new, would have to develop, hone and refresh their decision making ability in low to high stress situation, he said. The two-day seminar was held Aug. 2-3 at the Hampton Inn, and several dozen law enforcement officials took advantage of the opportunity. McFarlin said after the seminar that this type of training is often glanced over. Far too often this type of training is very limited or nonexistent for law enforcement agencies, which is attributable to the lack of funding and/or availability of necessary equipment, he said. Tri-County Technical Colleges Criminal Justice Department was very fortunate to have funding for such equipment and being able to secure the system for our students and local community. The college provided this training to the Hartsville Police Department at no cost because of the importance of educating and training law enforcement officers regardless of where they are in South Carolina. During the varied simulations, officers were given first-person points of view of a situation, and it was their decision as to whether to shoot or dont shoot based on the scenarios set-up. Some of the situations were based on real-life cases where officers had to make a split-second decision as to use deadly force or not. There was also the after-situation questioning as to whether the shoot was justifiable or not. Members of the news media and selected members of the general public were encouraged to give the simulation a try. Their comments varied greatly from the two-day seminar. I see now this clearly not a black-and-white issue. I cant believe it happened so fast. Did I really just get shot? I just wanted to survive; I was scared for my life. Many individuals received a first-hand glimpse as to just how little time officers have to react to a situation and make deadly and life-changing decisions. Participants left with a newfound perspective of the dangers police officers face on a near daily basis and a respect for the intricate nature of the officers decision making skills. McFarlin is still a reserve peace officer today but is also a police science and criminal justice professor with Tri-County and holds a law degree. He is uniquely certified in use of force analysis when looking at encounters where officers use any kind of force, especially deadly force and certified as a police training officer. Hartsville Police Captain Mitch Stanley reflected on the event. The two-day training went very well, he said. We put all of our officers through the training as well as many of the local pastors. They were able to walk in our shoes for a little bit and have to make a split-second decision that could mean the difference between life or death. One of the pastors told me he did not want my job after doing this training, so I told him to please stay talking to God for me and I would stay protecting the public for him and it will work out just fine, and he agreed with a smile, Stanley said. What would our forefathers think if they could see what is happening to our country today? A country that was built with the idea for a land of peace and freedom has certainly gone amuck. Our two-party system, Republicans and Democrats, is so intermingled it is hard to tell which party a candidate really represents. Many candidates over the years have changed parties in order to better their chances of winning an election. It is practically impossible to vote a straight party ticket, since there does not seem to be a clear message as to what and who the candidates represent. They all lie and promise the world, but in reality it is not up to the president alone to make decisions. Most candidates have speech writers. Therefore, how do we know what a candidate really stands for and believes in? This year I am afraid to vote for either candidate for fear of what direction they will lead our country. I do not want 16 more years of what we have had, and I certainly do not want an arrogant, hot-headed know-it-all to be our next president. Hillary is certainly qualified to be our president, but she is too much of the good-ole-boys, one-of-the-group type. We need new blood with new ideas and new ways of doing things but with knowledge and experience, a true leader for the people and especially the middle and lower class. Our senators and congressmen are all acting like children arguing over every issue rather than talking and trying to compromise. We have people running our country that want only their agenda as to what, when and where anything should be done with no accountability. To make matters worse, our president steps in with his executive power and overrides issues he wants to push through. This is happening more often with each newly elected president. If we are going to continue to let our president dictate what laws pass, then why even have a Senate or Congress? Lets just elect a dictator. We are heading in that direction if not careful. Is this what we really want, having a dictator telling us what we can and cannot do in our own homes and privately owned businesses? This is not what our country was founded for. We are being forced to pay for health insurance whether we can afford it or not. We are told we cannot pray in public because it might offend someone. We have schools teaching different religions, yet we are not allowed to teach Christianity. We the taxpayers are being forced to pay for an unwed mothers medical bills. Where is the father of the baby or the parents of the father or mother? You do the crime, you are responsible for the consequences. America is a great country, but we must continue to take care of it and its people. This land was built for you and me with equal rights for all law-abiding citizens. JANE HARTWELL Florence Following the signing of a subscription agreement on 9 June between AMTC and Swiber Investment Limited (SIL) whereby AMTC will subscribe for 1,000 preference shares issued by SIL for a total of $200m, there has been no progress to date. The completion of the subscription was to originally take place on or before 16 June, but amended to 29 June. On 27 June, AMTC asked for further extension of the deadline but SIL refused, the IJMs said in a statement. On 2 July, SIL further demanded AMTC to make payment of the monies due under the subscription agreement but to date no payment has been made. SIL has engaged legal advisors to advise on the next course of action against AMTC to enforce their legal rights. Bob Yap, one of the three IJMs and head of advisory at KPMG in Singapore, said: We are open to discussions with any serious investors. Swiber, whose main business is in engineering, procurement, installation and construction (EPIC) services focusing on the field development stage, stunned investors when it filed for liquidation in late-July, only to reverse its move in favour of putting itself under judicial management. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2016-160 The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a stockbroker and his friend with participating in an insider trading scheme to profit in advance of two major announcements out of a pharmaceutical company. The SEC alleges that Paul T. Rampoldi coordinated the insider trading with two other brokers at his firm as well as a then-IT executive at Ardea Biosciences. The Ardea employee tipped one of the brokers ahead of the companys announcement of an agreement to license a cancer drug and later tipped him in advance of its acquisition by AstraZeneca PLC. The SEC charged the other two brokers and the Ardea employee last year. According to the SECs complaint filed in federal court in San Diego today against Rampoldi and William Scott Blythe III, they made approximately $90,000 in illicit profits by trading ahead of those announcements based on nonpublic information that flowed to them through one of the fellow brokers who learned it from the other after he was tipped by the IT executive. It was decided that in order to evade detection by the compliance department at the brokerage firm where Rampoldi and the others worked, Blythe would fund the purchase of Ardea call option contracts in a brokerage account he held at a different brokerage firm, and they would subsequently divide the profits among them. As a stockbroker, Rampoldi should have known better than to allegedly trade on tips about significant corporate events before they were announced, said Sharon B. Binger, Director of the SECs Philadelphia Regional Office. We further allege that Rampoldi and Blythe tried to evade detection by hiding their trading elsewhere, but to no avail. In a parallel action, the U. S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California today brought criminal charges against Rampoldi and Blythe. The SECs complaint charges Rampoldi and Blythe with violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions as well as disgorgement, interest, and penalties. The SECs investigation was conducted by Patricia A. Paw, John S. Rymas, Daniel Koster, and Brendan P. McGlynn of the Philadelphia office, and supervised by G. Jeffrey Boujoukos. The litigation will be led by David L. Axelrod and Michael J. Rinaldi. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U. S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2016-161 The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced fraud charges against a San Francisco man and his investment advisory firm accused of pretending to manage millions of dollars in assets and then stealing money from the first client who invested with them based on their misrepresentations. The SEC alleges that Nicholas M. Mitsakos and Matrix Capital Markets, which is a state-registered investment adviser in California, solicited investors in a purported hedge fund while falsely marketing themselves as experienced money managers with a highly successful track record. They claimed assets under management in the millions when in fact they did not manage any client assets at all, and they fabricated a hypothetical portfolio of investments earning 20 to 66 percent annual returns and passed it off to investors as real trading. When Mitsakos and Matrix Capital Markets were given $2 million in client assets to manage in September 2015, they proceeded to steal approximately $800,000 from that client and used most of it to pay for unauthorized personal and business expenses. We allege that Mitsakos and his firm tried to lure prospective investors with a mirage of assets under management and phony performance results, and when they finally won some actual business from a client, they proceeded to steal a large portion of it, said Andrew M. Calamari, Director of the SECs New York Regional Office. Whenever pitched an investment opportunity with claims of lofty historical performance, its important for investors to take the time to verify the information and make sure theyre getting the truth before deciding to invest. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York today announced criminal charges against Mitsakos. The SECs complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and charges Mitsakos and Matrix Capital Markets with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. Mitsakos also is charged with aiding and abetting Matrix Capitals violations. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions and disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus penalties. The SECs continuing investigation is being conducted by Alison R. Levine, Kerri Palen, Alex Janghorbani, and Valerie A. Szczepanik, and the case is supervised by Lara S. Mehraban. The litigation will be led by Alex Janghorbani and Alison R. Levine. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. Two-hundred rare and little-understood Montserrat tarantulas were hatched by staff at Chester Zoo in the UK, the first time the mysterious arachnids have ever been successfully bred in captivity. Very little is known about the spider species, scientists with the zoo say. It lives only on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, but now researchers will have a chance to study it in depth. RELATED: Puppy-Sized Spider Romps in Rainforest The breeding adults first came to the zoo three years ago. Figuring out how best to breed them was a challenge. "We know that males have a very short life span when compared with females and gauging their sexual maturity to select the best possible time to put them together for mating, is vital to the breeding process," said the zoo's curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates, Gerardo Garcia, in a statement. The Montserrat tarantula (Cyrtopholis femoralis) was first described 100 years ago, from a single male individual. But, even today, pickings are slim for detailed observations about the creature. In 2012, researchers described instances of the tarantula becoming food for the mountain chicken frog on Montserrat. "In forested areas of the island," that research team wrote, "these tarantulas can be seen walking on the leaf litter or hidden in their terrestrial burrows, waiting to ambush passing prey. Although abundant, the biology of C. femoralis is poorly known, and there is very little detailed data on this species' natural history and ecology." We do know that while the tarantula does bite but it's not a threat to people. "If a frog can kill and eat a tarantula, they cannot be so bad!" Garcia told the BBC. RELATED: Johnny Cash Tarantula One of 14 New Spiders The Chester Zoo scientists hope to provide the kind of detailed data that will take some of the mystery out of the creature. "The data we've been able to gather and knowledge we've developed over the last three years since the adults first arrived has led us to this first-ever successful, recorded breeding," said Garcia, "and hopefully these tiny tarantulas will uncover more secrets about the behavior, reproduction and life cycle of the species." VIEW PHOTOS: Giant Spiders to Freak You Out style="text-align: left;">You almost feel for them, spiders. They can't help being what they are, and yet almost no one is happy to see them. Especially true when they have exceedingly long legs, thick bodies and a general mien that makes you turn quickly in some other direction. Photos don't bite, though, so let's take a look at some honking-big spiders -- with Halloween on the way, we may as well get started freaking ourselves out. Shown here is the Brazilian wandering spider (a.k.a. Phoneutria), a feisty and venomous crawler from South America. Just four years ago it took home an award from the Guinness World Record people for the title of "most venomous" spider. This spidey's legs can span nearly 6 inches, its body just shy of 2 inches. It gets its name thanks to its preference for strolling along the tropic floor at night seeking out prey, rather than building webs or hiding out someplace waiting to strike. During the day, it lays low wherever it's convenient -- even inside banana plants, which is how it get its nickname "banana spider." NEWS: Puppy-Sized Spider Romps In Rainforest style="text-align: left;">Not to be outdone is a spider that's been making a big splash of late, with an entomologist's blog about his encounter with one. It's called the Goliath bird-eater (a.k.a., Theraphosa blondi). It can weigh in at almost 6 ounces and it's been known to reach nearly a foot in leg-span. The "bird eater" moniker must be there to warn birds away, though, because this spider doesn't typically eat birds as a matter of, er, course. It will regularly eat small land animals such as frogs, lizards, and snakes, however. Spiders Have Personality Too style="text-align: left;">Meet the golden-silk orb weaver spider. Step into its parlor, if you must. Don't be fooled by its deceptively gentle-sounding name. The female golden-silk orb weaver's body alone can reach 2 inches, its legs can stretch to more than 5 inches, and it's even been observed killing and eating tree snakes. What's more, a study published earlier this year found that these spiders, when living in urban areas, are growing even bigger than usual. Interesting side-note: The golden-silk orb weaver also belongs to the oldest surviving genus of spiders, Nephila, which has a fossil in the record that dates to 165 million years ago. Look If You Dare: Ancient Spider Family Album style="text-align: left;">The Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantula has a leg-span that can reach 11 inches and weight that can tip the scales (well, for a spider) at about 3.5 ounces. Despite its name, it's not confirmed that they actually eat birds any more than do the Goliath bird-eaters. Instead, they dine on insects or the random small amphibian or reptile. Instead of making a web, it takes its prey by quick-strike ambush in the open. Bat-Eating Spiders Are Everywhere The United States recently signed a deal with the Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq to provide fund Kurds fighting ISIS in the region. Specifically, $415 million will go to the Peshmerga, the official military force of Iraqi Kurdistan. As Jules Suzdaltsev explains in today's Seeker Daily report, the Peshmerga can be considered the standing army of Iraqi Kurdistan, the autonomous region of Iraq that spans roughly 15 thousand square miles. But because the Kurds don't technically have a country of their own, the situation gets complicated. Some history: Kurdish warriors have been feared and respected for thousands of years -- they've fought against the Persian, Ottoman and British empires, and those are just the more recent conflicts. The designation Peshmerga didn't emerge until the mid-20th century, and the name literally translates to "those who face death." At that time, the Peshmerga divided into two opposing political factions: The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). In 1994, tensions boiled over into a civil war. The two sides united in 2003, when they jointly partnered with the U.S. to topple the government of Saddam Hussein. RELATED: How Powerful Is Kurdistan? As Iraqi Kurdistan's official military force, the Peshmerga is part of a larger effort to establish an independent nation for the Kurdish people. This has put them at odds with ISIS, and the Pashmerga have in recent years allied with the U.S., Iran and Kurdish guerrilla groups. Their force consists of an estimated 200,000 male and female soldiers. The army has a long tradition of incorporating female soldiers, known as "the women of the mountains." It gets even more complicated: The Peshmerga are a separate fighting force from its former enemy the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), but both are now fiercely waging war against ISIS. Meanwhile, the Peshmerga is in regular conflict with the federal government of Iraq itself, over longstanding disputes regarding land and oil resources. The recent deal with the United States promises to improve conditions for Peshmerga fighters, anyway. The $415 million will go toward ammunition and weapons, but also food and salaries for the army. -- Glenn McDonald Learn More: Al Jazeera: US signs military aid deal with Iraq's Kurdish fighters NPR: Facing The Islamic State Threat, Kurdish Fighters Unite Business Insider: ISIS Is Gaining Territory, But The Kurds Still Have Iraq's Most Experienced And Motivated Army Washington Post: Who Are the Kurds? Cyberattack on Vietnam Airlines raises concerns over information security VietNamNet Bridge - Describing the deface attack on Vietnam Airlines as an extremely serious attack, experts have warned that more attacks, even more destructive, could be deployed in the future if organizations and businesses continue to be indifferent to information security. Describing the deface attack on Vietnam Airlines as an extremely serious attack, experts have warned that more attacks, even more destructive, could be deployed in the future if organizations and businesses continue to be indifferent to information security. Hoang Xuan Dau from the Information Technology Faculty of the Post and Telecommunications Institute of Technology pointed out that in the Vietnam Airlines case, the hackers could penetrate deep into the enterprises system, hijacking the screens which displayed information about flights and the loudspeaker system.Only when hackers can penetrate deep into enterprises local network can they do these things, he said."In other cases, hackers could only steal, erase or change some information. But in Vietnam Airlines case, they could intervene the hardware device as well, he said.Also according to Dau, what happened at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat Airports showed that hackers must prepare for a long period for the attack.Regarding the stolen information about Vietnam Airlines 410,000 loyal clients, Dau said it was a big loss, tangible and intangible.The airlines clients have not made complaints about this. However, in other countries, airlines will have to compensate for this, he said.Other security experts agree that the attack to Vietnam Airlines was extremely serious, saying that this must be seen as a big lesson for Vietnamese organizations and businesses which do not pay appropriate attention to information security works.If they do not apply necessary measures to ensure better security for the information systems, they will bear more destructive attacks in the future as hackers are getting more and more sophisticated.They recalled the thousands of attacks on websites in Vietnam since 2014, mostly to websites run by state agencies with the domain name of .gov.vn.Some online newspapers have suffered attacks for many days. Vietnam is listed among the countries most visited by hackers.The big problem for Vietnamese businesses and organizations is that it is very costly to invest in information security solutions, while the investment does not bring countable profit.In many cases, businesses only began spending money to patch the information systems after the systems were attacked. But later, they once again neglected the investment as they thought things gwere okay and hackers would not return.When asked about the training of IT engineers, Dau said that Vietnamese information security staff remained weak and thin, especially at local agencies.The IT force in Hanoi and HCMC is good, but it is very problematic in provinces, he said, adding that this was a real concern. Buu Dien This Sunday at 2 a.m. is the start of daylight saving time, which means clocks will spring forward an hour. Whether you love it or hate it, this year's daylight saving could be California's last. A bill to scrap daylight saving time made its way through another Senate committee last August, which means California may be closer to standard time year round. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) who authored the bill said, "Daylight saving time is an institution that has been in place largely without a question for more than half a century." Chu continued, "I think we owe it to the general public to be given the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not daylight saving time ought to be continued." Chu presented Assembly Bill 385 to the State Senate Appropriations Committee on August 11, 2016. The bill was initially introduced in 2015 and written to put an end to daylight saving time as we know it. Chu also cited statistics in the bill that link daylight savings time to a higher heart attack rate, traffic accidents and fatalities and energy waste. After several amendments last year, the bill made its way to the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee in June and eventually to the State Senate Appropriation Committee this past week. More for you Why daylight saving time should last forever After clearing the Senate committee, the bill is now headed to the Senate floor. If the bill passes and receives Gov. Jerry Brown's approval, California voters will see the bill on the ballot no later than 2018. Connor Radnovich/The Chronicle BART will once again shut down service between Glen Park, Balboa Park, and Daly City stations for repairs Saturday and Sunday making a trip to the San Francisco International Airport challenging for riders. The shutdowns are to make what the agency said were key repairs along the stretch and will happen on various weekends through mid-October. BART previously suspended weekend service on that stretch at the end of July. Russian antitrust officials have fined Google $6.8 million, a relatively small penalty that nevertheless represents the latest in a growing list of global regulatory problems for the search giant. Russian authorities ruled last year that Google had abused its market position with Android, its mobile operating system, by favoring some of its digital services over those of rivals, including the Russian company Yandex. As part of its ruling, the Federation Anti-Monopoly Service said Googles rivals had not been able to include their own offerings, like digital maps or search, in the Android operating system that powers a majority of smartphones and other mobile devices in Russia. The agency said Thursday that Russias competition rules applied to all companies operating in the country, including foreign ones. Google denies breaking Russian competition rules. The Mountain View company is still appealing the Android case in Russia, which was opened last year after Yandex complained that its services for Android were being treated unfairly. We have received notice of the fine from (the Federation Anti-Monopoly Service) and will analyze closely before deciding our next steps, Google said Thursday. In much of the world, Google has come to dominate. But it has failed to do so in Russia, where Yandex retains more than 50 percent of the market, according to industry statistics. While the Russian fine is akin to a rounding error compared with Googles $75 billion in annual revenue, the ruling against Android is the newest setback for the company amid mounting global competition investigations into the search giants activities. Margrethe Vestager, the European Unions top antitrust official, charged Google in April with unfairly using Android to promote its own services like Google Maps and Google Search over those of its rivals. European Union officials have also charged the company in a separate competition case, accusing it of favoring some of its search services over those of rivals. They filed a third set of charges in July linked to Google search services offered to third-party websites, like newspapers and online retailers. Google denies wrongdoing in those cases, saying that it competes on equal terms with companies such as Yelp and Microsoft, among others. It also says cell phone makers are free to use Android-based services provided by rivals. Google does not make money directly from licensing the mobile operating system to companies, but it takes a cut from advertisements displayed on online searches. The companys antitrust woes have also spread to the United States, where the Federal Trade Commission is considering claims that Googles activities linked to Android are uncompetitive. U.S. officials previously investigated whether the company had unfairly favored some of its services over those of rivals within its search engine, but they eventually decided not to bring charges. In India, one of Googles fast-growing markets, the national antitrust authority sent the company a report last year outlining its concerns about search dominance and anticompetitive behavior. The Indian officials suggested that the company is abusing its dominant market position by ranking its services ahead of those of competitors in Google search, according to people familiar with the report, which has not been made public. An unusual kind of hospital one that flies landed this week at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View. The Flying Eye Hospital, operated by the nonprofit Orbis International, looks like a MD-10 aircraft from the outside, but inside it has been customized to provide expert training and technology for doctors and other medical professionals in developing countries to help learn surgical techniques to treat eye conditions and help prevent blindness. On the plane, physicians can observe cataract and other eye surgeries in live 3-D broadcasts and practice on a simulator. Google is hosting the Flying Eye Hospital at Moffett Field, and Orbis is meeting with Bay Area technology leaders before heading to Asia next month. Before landing in Silicon Valley, the Flying Eye Hospital had been on a North American tour that has included Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Memphis, Fort Worth and Sacramento. Victoria Colliver University of California regents have boosted the annual pay of UCSF Medical Centers chief executive past the $1 million mark, a move criticized by advocates for janitors who became embroiled in a labor dispute with the hospital after their pay was cut nearly in half. At their health committee meeting Thursday, the regents awarded Mark Laret a 5 percent pay hike, a $50,000 increase that raised his base salary to $1,041,543. Through other allowances and awards, Laret earned $1.2 million in 2015 and $1.6 million in 2014. That did not include the $556,000 a year that Laret earns on average by serving on the boards of two vendors that sell products to UCSF. Youd think that an institution like UCSF would have a sensitivity to those issues, said San Francisco Supervisor Norman Yee, who in February supported the supervisors resolution calling on UCSF to rectify serious breaches of workers rights in the janitors dispute. In March, the state Public Employment Relations Board filed a complaint against the university, accusing it of retaliating against 24 janitors who picketed UCSF in 2014. The janitors were employees of a third-party contractor that cut their pay by about $8 an hour to the minimum wage of $10.74. On Friday, the hospital agreed to offer jobs to 22 of those janitors, but only on probationary status, Yee said. I dont think UCSF has any inkling of what social justice means, and you cant separate the regents from UCSF, said Yee, who visited UCSF last week with Board of Supervisors President London Breed to urge Chancellor Sam Hawgood to drop the probation requirement. Yee said he and Breed had been met by security guards who tried to prevent them from getting off the elevator. They never met with Hawgood, and settled instead for handing a letter addressed to him to a security guard. Laret did not respond to a request for comment. The regents spokeswoman, Dianne Klein, said Larets raise is actually significantly less than what comparably complex institutions the size of UCSF pay their CEOs. She added that his salary is not paid from taxpayer dollars. Larets raise is probably peanuts to him, but it is far more than many of his own employees and thousands of low-wage, MediCal-reliant UC contract workers make in a year, said Todd Stenhouse, a spokesman for the union representing the janitors, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. UCs tone deafness to the plight of these workers (and) contempt for basic standards of public accountability ... seems to know no bounds. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov One of the perks of being the greatest composer of your era is that you can give people truly splendid wedding presents and even regift as necessary. It sure beats checking the registry for china patterns. Handels Parnasso in Festa, which got a fine performance Thursday night, Aug. 11, as part of the American Bach Soloists annual weeklong Festival and Academy, is a case in point. He put the piece together for the 1734 wedding of Princess Anne, who in addition to being the daughter of George II had been Handels musical pupil, and it must have been a hit at the nuptial festivities. Of course, some of the music had been recycled from an earlier oratorio, Athalia, and Handel later put the new piece onstage before a paying public. He was never known to be profligate with his inventions. Thats not to say that Parnasso is secondhand stuff, but rather that much of it was good enough to reuse repeatedly. Thursdays concert, the first of two billed as the American premiere of this work, made a fine case for it under the leadership of conductor Jeffrey Thomas. The piece is labeled a serenata, which is as close to an oratorio as makes no difference, and it comprises some 2 hours worth of ornate and expressive arias, duets and choruses in the composers finest style. Theres an extremely slender plot of sorts involving a wedding party on Mount Parnassus, where the Muses of antiquity made their home. Apollo is the emcee, and various mythological folks wander through to pay their respects (or, in the case of Orpheus, to mope about their own troubles). As always with these ceremonial works, the point is not so much to tell a story as to use the conventions of Baroque vocal writing to heap praise on the occasions honorees. That means a series of standardized set pieces built around some particular emotion or expressive metaphor, with music expertly tailored to the task. The vocal assignments in Parnasso are extravagantly unbalanced, with Apollo getting at least four times as much airtime as anyone else. Mezzo-soprano Mindy Ella Chu rose admirably to the challenge after a slightly unsteady beginning, singing with expressive vigor and moving nimbly through the roles demanding coloratura. Soprano Suzanne Karpov made a bright, elegant contribution in the second-largest role of Clio, the muse of history. Her singing was both incisive and tender, and she and Chu joined forces for sparkling accounts of the scores two duets. Mezzo-soprano Katie Clark (Calliope), soprano Ashley Valentine (Orpheus) and bass Christopher Besch (Mars) all weighed in with winning performances. Yet some of the finest singing of the night came in the smallest assignments, from performers given just one aria apiece. As the nymph Clori, Robin Bier used her robust, shapely contralto to give a lavish account of her showpiece. And mezzo-soprano Emily Skilling, after waiting patiently through almost the entire performance, brought eloquence and tonal beauty to Euterpes lone number. Thomas presided over a deft and often moving account, with superbly blended singing from the American Bach Choir and full-bodied accompaniment by the players of the ABS Academy Orchestra. Among the latter, special notice should be made of the work of cellist Ana Kim, whose solo playing during Orpheus aria Da sorgente rilucente was marked by a stunning combination of precision and grace. Joshua Kosman is The San Francisco Chronicles music critic. Email: jkosman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JoshuaKosman American Bach Soloists: Through Sunday, Aug. 14. $30-$72. San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F. (415) 621-7900. www.americanbach.org NEW ORLEANS Heavy downpours pounded parts of the central U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday, forcing the rescue of dozens of people stranded in homes by waist-high water and leaving one man dead who became trapped by floodwaters. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency as rescue workers in the southeastern part of the state braced for more precipitation through the weekend. Numerous rivers in southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi were overflowing their banks and threatening widespread flooding after extreme rainfall that began late Thursday, the National Weather Service reported. A spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office said one man died Friday after slipping into a flooded ditch near the city of Zachary. The victim was identified as 68-year-old William Mayfield. Mike Steele, a spokesman for the Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said requests were coming in for high-water vehicles, boats and sandbags. Tangipahoa Parish in the state alone requested tens of thousands of sandbags. A flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning across most of south Louisiana. The weather service said in a statement that an additional 3 to 5 inches could fall over the area. The Comite River near Baton Rouge and Amite River near Denham Springs, are predicted to set record crests over the weekend. Forecaster Alek Krautmann said both rivers could flood many houses in suburban areas near Baton Rouge. Rescuers plucked people from floodwaters in Amite and Wilkinson counties in southwest Mississippi. Leroy Hansford, his wife and stepson were among those rescued Friday near Gloster. Hansford, 62, said waters from Beaver Creek, which is normally more than 400 feet away from his house, rose quickly overnight. He said another stepson who lives nearby alerted him. We woke up and the water kept on coming, Hansford said. It came up to my waist. His wife told Hansford that its the highest shes seen the creek in the 48 years shes lived there. Hansford said he and his family members all have disabilities, and hes the only one who can swim. Hansford said emergency workers rescued all three in a large military-style truck and took them to the fire station in Gloster, where they were sheltering Friday. Krautmann said flooding was quickly becoming widespread and officials are considering evacuation orders. Krautmann said one observer near Livingston reported 13.75 inches of rain from midnight to Friday morning. Krautmann said the ground was heavily saturated by rainfall since Wednesday. Heavy rain and flooding prompted the rescue of residents from their homes in Tangipahoa Parish and the cancellation of classes in five school districts, authorities said. COLUMBUS, Ohio A federal judge on Friday blocked an Ohio law aimed at keeping public money from going to Planned Parenthood. The state law targets the more than $1.4 million in funding that Planned Parenthood gets through Ohios health department. That money, which is mostly from the federal government, supports certain education and prevention programs. The Ohio law would bar such funds from going to entities that perform or promote abortions. The restrictions, which had been slated to take effect in May, were signed by Republican Gov. John Kasich during his failed presidential bid. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region sued the state, claiming the law violates their constitutional rights by denying them the funds in retaliation for providing abortions. The lawsuit names the states health director as a defendant. The states attorneys argue Planned Parenthood is trying to override state policy choices, and no entity has a constitutional right to receive public money. Planned Parenthood supplies no basis for disturbing Ohios legislative judgments about how to spend its public money, attorneys wrote in a court brief. Planned Parenthood says Ohios law would not force any of its 28 health centers in the state to close, but the legislation would deprive thousands of patients access to HIV tests, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and other prevention and education initiatives. The groups attorneys say the law is unconstitutional because it requires, as a condition of receiving government funds, that recipients abandon their constitutionally protected rights to free speech and to provide abortion services. Federal law and the laws of most states already prevent public money from paying for abortions except in rare circumstances, but the recent defunding bills prohibit state money for any services by an organization that also provides abortions. According to Planned Parenthood, politicians in 24 states have either enacted or proposed measures since July 2015 that target the organization with defunding. In most of the 24 states, the cuts havent taken effect. Some measures have been blocked by the courts or put on hold over litigation. The video was startling and soon went viral: A white sheriffs deputy in a South Carolina high school drags a black girl from her desk, slams her to the floor and then handcuffs her. The girls crime? She had refused a teachers order to put away her cell phone, then refused an order to leave the classroom. Taped by fellow students at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, that jolting encounter in October was widely condemned as police overkill. It led to the officers rapid dismissal, a federal civil rights investigation and national reflection on the line between youthful misbehavior and criminal activity, and on the proper role of police in the schools. But the incident also threw into relief South Carolinas harsh disturbing schools law, which makes it a crime to disturb in any way or in any place the students or teachers of any school or to act in an obnoxious manner. Now that law, which some legal experts say may be the broadest and vaguest of its kind in the country, is being challenged in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday. One of the plaintiffs is Niya Kenny, a classmate of the defiant girl in the video, who stood and yelled curses at the officer for his rough behavior. Both girls were arrested and criminally charged with disrupting class. In an interview this week, Kenny, now 19, described her turmoil as she was handcuffed at school and taken to spend several hours at an adult detention center where she was fingerprinted and had a mug shot taken all, she said, because she stood up for her classmate. I was just terrified through the whole day, she recalled. According to Kennys account and the police report of her arrest, she did nothing to physically interfere with the sheriffs deputy as he grabbed and slammed her classmate. I was cursing at him and saying it was unfair, she recalled. More than 1,200 students, disproportionately black, are arrested under this law each year, according to state data, for everything from disobeying a teachers order to fighting in the hallway. For many, like Kenny, it means a first, stinging encounter with the criminal justice system, bringing the stigma of an arrest record and often derailing their schooling a potential step in what has been described nationally as a pernicious schools to prison pipeline. With its vague evocation of criminal acts, the law creates an impossible standard for school children to follow and for police to enforce with consistency and fairness, according to the suit, which was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several students. The statute sweeps within the purview of criminal law and the court system a broad swath of adolescent behavior, according to the complaint, filed in the Charleston division of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. It asks that the law be thrown out as an unconstitutional violation of due process under the 14th Amendment. The South Carolina attorney generals office said Thursday that officials were reviewing the complaint and could not comment further on pending litigation. MIAMI Donald Trump repeatedly accused President Obama of founding the Islamic State group on Thursday, refusing to take back a patently false allegation, despite the urging of some of his allies to do so. A day after lobbing the attack against the president during a rowdy rally, Trump pressed ahead during a round of interviews. He brushed off conservative radio commentator Hugh Hewitts attempt to reframe Trumps observation as one that said Obamas foreign policy created the conditions in Iraq and Syria that allowed Islamic State to thrive. No, I meant hes the founder of ISIS. I do, Trump said, using the acronym for the extremist group that has wreaked havoc from the Middle East to European cities. Hewitt asked Trump if he would acknowledge that Obama hates the Islamic State, noting that the president is trying to kill them. Over the past two years Obama has organized a broad coalition of countries and launched more than 10,000 U.S. air strikes to defeat Islamic State. I dont care, Trump replied. He was the founder. The way he got out of Iraq that was the founding of ISIS, OK? In a later speech to home builders in Miami on Thursday, he said Hillary Clinton would be given the most valuable player award by Islamic State. Her only competition is Barack Obama, he said. He later added of Clinton, Oh boy, is ISIS hoping for her. Clintons campaign accused Trump of trash-talking the U.S. while failing to present any serious counterterrorism plans of his own. Jake Sullivan, Clintons top policy aide, called Trumps accusation a false claim and drew a connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Once again, hes echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests, Sullivan said. In the interview with Hewitt, Trump did acknowledge the root of his argument was that if Obama had done things property, you wouldnt have had ISIS. But he then added, Therefore, he was the founder of ISIS. Trump had previously said Clinton founded the militant group, but shifted the blame to Obama on Wednesday during a rally in Florida. In many respects, you know, they honor President Obama, Trump said Wednesday during a raucous campaign rally outside Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is the founder of ISIS, he said, repeating the allegation three more times for emphasis. Trump also pointedly referred to the president by his full legal name: Barack Hussein Obama. The accusation and his use of the presidents middle name echoed previous instances where hes questioned Obamas religious faith and loyalties to the country. 1 Probe sought: The family of a black man fatally shot by a suburban Minneapolis police officer is seeking a federal investigation into his July death. An attorney for Philando Castiles family asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open an independent investigation, saying that the family believes criminal charges should be filed and that Castile was racially profiled. In the letter dated Aug. 2, attorney Glenda Hatchett tells U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch that we do not believe that local law enforcement authorities will provide a fair and impartial review. Castile, a 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker, was shot during a traffic stop by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez, after Castile informed the officer he had a gun and a permit to carry it. Castiles girlfriend said she and Castile were told that they were pulled over for a broken tail light and that Castile was reaching for his wallet when he was shot. 2 Abuse accusations: An animal rights group on Thursday released an undercover video that shows Tyson Foods workers abusing and cruelly killing chickens at Virginia breeding facilities, prompting the company to fire 10 employees. Were disgusted by a video showing improper treatment of birds, the Arkansas company tweeted to its nearly 50,000 followers. The film released by the Washington, D.C., group Compassion Over Killing is one of several taken in recent months at poultry facilities. The three minutes of footage show workers smacking fluffy white chickens and swinging them by their legs and wings. One worker steps on a birds throat as it appears to suffocate. Chickens are crammed into cages. Some are crushed under vehicles. Animal control officers in the southern Virginia counties where the Tyson facilities are located Buckingham, Lunenberg and Mecklenburg confirmed that they are investigating allegations of animal abuse in the wake of the video. #Justice Party Former Justice Party leader Lee Jeong-mi elected for 2nd term Lee Jeong-mi, a former chief of the minor progressive Justice Party (JP), was elected Friday for a second term to lead a major reform of the party reeling from recent election rout... #KBO Heroes reach Korean Series after eliminating Twins in KBO postseason For the first time in three years, the Kiwoom Heroes will be playing in the South Korean baseball championship series. Former big leaguer Yasiel Puig homered and knocked in two ... The path to the Olympic stage is paved with determination and hard work ... and maybe a tiny bit of superstition. Athletes are well-known to be superstitious, from Michael Jordan wearing his practice shorts from his college days under his Chicago Bulls uniform to Tiger Woods wearing a red shirt on Sundays. For the first time since 1988, both major parties nominees Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump say that they have never smoked or experimented with marijuana (without inhaling). President Obama has been open about having used marijuana and other drugs in his youth, yet his administration has taken insufficient steps to inject some sanity into the federal governments approach to marijuana policy. In 2008, the Obama campaign talked about keeping federal prosecutors from going after medical marijuana dispensaries in states that have legalized medical use such as California. To the contrary, in his first term especially, Obamas Department of Justice was merciless on medical marijuana providers, as well as users. If you hoped for big change, get over it. Wednesday, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced it would not change marijuanas classification from the Schedule I drug status it has held since 1970. Drug Enforcement Administration acting head Chuck Rosenberg explained in a letter that the administration will expand research into marijuanas medicinal benefits, but marijuana will remain a Schedule I drug because it has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, is not safe for use under medical supervision and has a high abuse potential. Rosenberg understands it makes little sense to many Americans that marijuana should share the same schedule as heroin. (And, I would add, there have been no known human lethal overdoses from marijuana. The harm from marijuana is less dramatic, but real; chronic usage among teens and young adults can reduce the chances that they will marry, have children or graduate from college.) It is best not to think of drug scheduling as an escalating danger scale, Rosenberg wrote, and better to focus on medical and scientific evidence. Heres the problem: There is no evidence that the DEA recognizes. For decades, the government effectively prohibited large-scale studies of marijuanas medicinal properties. That hasnt stopped Americans from finding out for themselves. Talk to some patients, countered Marijuana Majority founder Tom Angell. My mom has MS. It has medical value, believe me. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Californians legalized medical marijuana in 1996. Since then, many of us have seen friends with cancer overcome nausea and diminished appetite because they had access to marijuana. Acquaintances credit marijuana with controlling their epileptic seizures. Ive heard from many medical marijuana users who believe weed enabled them to use fewer opioids and other potentially lethal pain medications. Its amazing the DEA can argue that marijuana is not safe under medical supervision when there have been no marijuana lethal overdoses, but opioid overdoses are the leading cause of accidental deaths in America. Three years ago, CNNs Dr. Sanjay Gupta reported on marijuanas efficacy in controlling neuropathic pain for some patients and helping children who suffered from constant seizures. If Washington politicians truly cared about helping people in need, then the Democrat in the White House and the Republicans in Congress would have enacted legislation like the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act right then and there. In saying he has to follow the legal criteria for Schedule I, Rosenberg is ignoring the gulf between legal requirements and reality. He says there is no currently accepted medical use in treatment, yet the government has barely researched medical use. Nobody believes what the DEA says, said Angell. I dont think prohibition works, and I expect to vote for the California ballot measure to legalize recreational adult use in November. Still, I readily acknowledge that people of goodwill can stand on either side of this issue. When it comes to medical use, however, the federal government should get out of the way and let people decide what works for them and the people they love. And really, how can drug warriors who want to make it harder to prescribe opioids also want to make pain-alleviating medical marijuana off-limits? There is only one reason to cling to the status quo willful institutional blindness. The worst part is, Obama knows better. Debra J. Saunders is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dsaunders@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DebraJSaunders The next president and legal marijuana Grades from the Marijuana Policy Project: Democrat Hillary Clinton opposes marijuana decriminalization but has said that, if elected, she would downgrade marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule II drug to remove barriers to medical research. Clinton also said that she supports states rights to determine their own marijuana policies. Grade: B+ Republican Donald Trump supports the use of medical marijuana. He has said that he opposes legalizing recreational use of marijuana but, if elected, would not interfere with states rights to legalize marijuana for recreational use, but he hedged on that stance on Fox News in February. Grade: C+ Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein both support legalizing marijuana for medical and adult use. Grade for both: A+ BEIRUT Air strikes in opposition areas of Syrias northern Aleppo province struck a market, a hospital and a village on Friday, killing at least 18 people, including children and two hospital staffers, activists and rescue workers said. The air raids hit the only hospital for women and children in the town of Kafr Hamra before dawn, killing two staffers, including a nurse. The Syrian Civil Defense, a group of first responders, said it pulled 10 people alive from under the rubble. Kafr Hamra is near the northern front line in the divided city of Aleppo, where government troops have sealed the main route into opposition areas, effectively trapping nearly 300,000 residents. The Syrian Civil Defense said one of its centers in the rebel-held part of Aleppo was hit. Pictures on the groups Facebook page showed serious damage to one of its vehicles and crumbling walls. The volunteer group said one of its most well-known members died after being buried under the rubble following a Wednesday air strike in the Ramouseh area, recently seized by rebels from government forces. The opposition fighters launched a counteroffensive last week, breaching the siege from the south. That road remains under fire, and the United Nations has asked for a cease-fire to allow aid into the area. Health facilities have been frequently targeted in the civil war in Syria. Aid groups have said the month of July was one of the worst since the war began in 2011, with some 43 facilities in opposition areas partially or totally destroyed. Despite calls for a cease-fire and Russias promise of a three-hour daily respite from air strikes to allow in humanitarian aid, there has been no letup in the violence. During the day Friday, air strikes hit a market in the nearby town of Urem al-Kubra, killing at least six people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on activists on the ground. In the northern Aleppo countryside, at least 10 people were killed, including children and women, when air strikes hit the village of Hayan. MANILA A blast from a suspected grenade and gunshots rocked a Philippine jail, leaving 10 inmates dead, including two alleged Chinese drug criminals, officials said Friday. The warden was seriously injured in Thursday nights explosion. Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, spokesman of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, said eight of the inmates killed in the Paranaque City jail in metropolitan Manila faced drug cases, including two Chinese nationals found with large amounts of drugs. The two others were facing robbery and homicide charges. Solda says investigators were looking at whether the blast was part of an escape attempt but were waiting to talk to the wounded warden. It was not immediately clear whether the inmates died from the grenade blast or from the gunfire. The violence came as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday sought to restart stalled peace talks with the two largest Muslim rebel groups in the south. Despite his peace overtures, Duterte assured government troops on southern Jolo Island, a hotbed of Muslim militancy, that they would be provided with more powerful weapons and better hospitals while the decades-long rebellions continue to rage. I would like to appeal to all that we stop this war. I am pleading so there will no longer be blood, Duterte said in a speech before combat troops in a military camp on Jolo in the predominantly Muslim province of Sulu. Duterte was referring to the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with the Philippine government in 1996 but has held on to its firearms and continues to carry out sporadic attacks, accusing Manila of failing to deliver political and economic concessions under the accord. Duterte said he asked the government peace panel to hold talks with the two rebel groups at the same time. 1 Schoolgirl killed: One of the three British schoolgirls who made headlines last year when they fled their London homes to find husbands in the Islamic State extremist group is believed to have been killed by a Russian air strike, a British television channel reported Thursday. The ITV News channel also said that the schoolgirl Kadiza Sultana, 17 had become disillusioned with life in the medieval terror state and had been planning to return to Britain. Kadiza is believed to have been in a residential building in Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital in northeast Syria, when it was hit in May by a bomb thought to have been dropped by a Russian warplane, ITV said in an article on its website. ITV said its report was based on communications with her relatives in East London, with unidentified contacts in Raqqa and with a lawyer for her family, Tasnime Akunjee, who it said had been helping to work on an escape plan for her. 2 Deadly bombings: Two bombs exploded at the Hua Hin resort in Thailand late Thursday evening, killing one woman and injuring at least 19 people, a local official said. The explosions, which took place about a half-hour apart, were in an area of bars and nightclubs that is popular with foreign tourists. At least nine foreigners were injured in the second blast, which went off at a crowded intersection, according to Suthipong Klai-udom, a Hua Hin district official. Suthipong said that Germans, Swiss and Italians were among the injured foreigners and that the woman who died was a Thai street vendor whose cart was near one of the explosions. He said the bombs had been hidden in plant pots and detonated by cell phone. We dont know who is responsible for the attacks, Suthipong said, adding that local officials had not had any intelligence information about a possible attack. Bombings are not uncommon in the deep south of Thailand, where an insurgency has raged. LUSAKA, Zambia Zambians formed long lines at polling stations on Thursday in a tight election race for president and parliament that has been marred by violence between rival factions. There were no immediate reports of unrest during voting in a country whose peaceful transitions of power in the past have been held up as a democratic model in Africa. However, officials were anticipating tension after polls closed Thursday evening and after the final announcement of results, expected within 24 hours. A winner must get more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election. BENGALURU: As Christopher Nolan remarks, Every film should have its own world, logic and feel to it that expands beyond the exact image the audience is seeing. Truer words could not be spoken. Here are six lesser known flicks that promise to latch on in the minds of curious viewers. The Man from Earth Legendary science fiction writer Jerome Bixbys The Man from Earth is no visual treat loaded with high end graphics, yet it leaves a lasting impression as one of the most stirring stories ever told. The screenplay was conceived by Jerome Bixby in the early 1960s and completed on his deathbed in April 1998. The story revolves around a group of teachers giving a farewell party to their colleague John in his residence. Johns decision came as a surprise to them for he had been with them for ten years. But it appears John has something eerie to reveal to them. Read Also: 'Budhia Singh - Born To Run': Incredible Tale, Honestly Told 'The Legend Of Michael Mishra': Nothing Legendary About It PANAJI: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today arrived in Goa to discuss about preparations for the BRICS summit scheduled for October, and said the event will put the coastal state on a higher pedestal. Yi, after landing in Goa, met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the state secretariat where both the leaders discussed about preparations for the forthcoming summit. The meeting lasted for over an hour. "I have come here because BRICS summit is being held in Goa. I have seen friendly sentiments from the people of Goa," Yi told reporters in the presence of Parsekar. "Goa has a beautiful landscape, beaches and people. Goa is one of the best in the world. I am sure BRICS summit will put Goa at a higher pedestal," he said. He said, "India and Chinaare good friends and good partners." The Goa Chief Minister said he had a discussion with Yi over breakfast. He said Goa and China have long standing relations, with iron ore from the coastal state being exported to the neighbouring country. "We can also tie up with China in the field of education and technology. We can attract investment from China in the Information Technology," Parsekar said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed faith on Goa by offering us to host BRICS summit," the CM said. During his day-long tour, Yi is expected to meet state Governor Mridula Sinha and visit Aguada plateau, about 10 km from Panaji. (REOPENS BOM4) Meanwhile, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, Rosimar da Silva Suzano said unless BRICS becomes a powerful factor to promote the national interest of all the five countries, its future is at risk. "BRICS gave potential importance to the identification and development of specific bilateral and joint progress in strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy and renewable and science and technology among others," Suzano said. "But now, BRICS also needs to be focused on the challenges arriving from the competing national interest of the five countries. Unless BRICS is seen as a powerful factor to promote that national interest, its future is at risk," she said here at a seminar on 'BRICS-upon-BRICS for a stronger BRICS - Challenges and Opportunities'. She said Brazil looks at BRICS to constructively cooperate and engage with Third World countries as well as international and regional organisations to handle issues of the global agenda. Being an ardent supporter of multilateralism, Brazil believes in the partnerships in different groupings. "Our vision is that BRICS shall be open to constructively cooperate and engage with third world countries as well as international and regional organisations to handle issues of the global agenda," Suzano said. The consul general said BRICS should have a collective response towards inter-state wars, climate change and natural disaster. She admitted thatBRICS has helped Brazil improve its bilateral trade to a great extent. "At a time when the bilateral trade was mere 500 million dollars in 2005, it reached 11.5 billion dollars in 2014, despite the country's economy being in doldrums," she added. Read Also: India To Launch Extensive Research On Solar Power India May Ink Bilateral Treaty With U.S. For Speedy Investments BENGALURU: A panel of highly dedicated and the most brilliant minds in the country were brought together to recognize the winners for ET Startup Awards 2016. The ten member jury assembled by Economic Times comprised of notable entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and technology evangelists from different sectors. Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys, presided the jury, pledging himself along with the other members to find the most deserving candidate. Each category for the awards consisted of five nominees, and each category was further narrowed down to two candidates solely based on the number of votes each received. The fate of the final two in each category swindled on a thorough discussion lead by the jury that focused on the merits of the startups. The members of the jury went through the Black Book profiles of the shortlisted candidates prepared by ET. Though everyone was already clear about whom to vote for among the candidates, but when the event commenced, it was an absolutely different scenario. "Everybody had thoughtful points that were not always aligned. There was a lot of debate and a lot of learning because of that," says Kola, the winner of the Midas Touch Award for Best Investor in 2015. All these startups present at the event were trying to address a wide range of issues. This observation established the fact that the level of entrepreneurship in the country is swiftly growing, and India harbors the potential to build large companies across several sectors. Finding startups which could inspire other Indian companies with similar aspirations was one of the chief aspect the jury was searching for in the winner. "We are here to pick role models," said Sachin Bansal, Cofounder, Flipkart. Satyan Gajwani, Vice-Chairman, Times Internet, expresses "It is very interesting to see the kind of innovations coming out from these college campuses. It wasn't the usual 'Let's build an ecommerce company'. It's disruptive and different." The Best on Campus category witnessed four out of five startups from the Chennai IIT campus. This category recognized startups that spun right from the colleges across the country, and Ather Energy from IIT-Madras campus emerged as the winner in this category. Read Also: DST, Intel And IIT Bombay To Support Hardware-Based Start-Ups Kochi Startup Village, Facebook Join Hands MUMBAI: In a bid to give much need impetus to hardware startup ecosystem, Department of Science & Technology (DST) of Government of India, Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd and Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay have set up a new collaborative incubation program to support hardware and systems-based start-ups. SINE is the business incubator at IIT Bombay which supports technology start-ups that are based on products or intellectual property. Under this program, industry, academia and the government together will support hardware and systems-based start-ups in the country through mentoring, training, lab facilities, hardware kits, prototyping, business services, and funding. Initial funding for start ups may vary between Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh. The program, which is aimed at addressing gaps in the ecosystem that companies face in product design, development, commercialization, and creating scale for their solutions, will support up to 20 start-ups. The call for applications for the first batch will be announced in early August 2016. During the year-long program, start-ups will be supported for six months either on-site at SINE, IIT, Bombay or in Intel India, Bengaluru. After a period of six months, the start-ups solutions will be showcased to investors and industry players. Post six months, the program will extend virtual support for these start ups. The incubation program will entail intensive training periods, one-on-one mentoring, technology related support from Intel experts, business service support from SINE, as well as prototyping and manufacturing support. Start ups will be able to build capacities through mentors and get technology related support for productization. The program will also facilitate ideation, design thinking, prototyping workshops and manufacturing support through industry experts. Read Also: How To Build An Impressive LinkedIn Profile A Look into the Indian Startup Ecosystem STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Little Victory Theatre is getting bigger: The upstart stage space presents "Cinderella" and "And The World Goes Round" beginning this weekend in Travis. "We just wanted a place where the community can come and be happy," actress and co-owner of Little Victory, Alberta Thompson told the Advance when the theatre first opened in June. And it seems they've done that. The theatre has sold out their past two shows and even had to turn people away, which co-owner Joseph Simonelli and Thompson claim was very hard for them. "Because our previous shows were such a success, we decided to extend our shows to three weeks instead of two in October," said Simonelli. Since the debut of "Heaven Help Me," an original play written by Simonelli in June, and their most recent production of "Daughters," the pair has been focused on recruiting Staten Island talent and putting on as many productions as possible. "It really does take a village to run this place," said Thompson. "We're always looking for volunteers to get involved." "Puppet shows really bring you back," said Thompson. Simonelli added that they wanted to revert back to classic theatre practices. "There's really nothing like this on the Island," said Thompson. Paper Moon Puppets Theatre in Monmouth, New Jersey, partnered up with Little Victory to put on 'Cinderella.' Puppeteer James Racioppi from Paper Moon lets the children in the audience get an up-close look at the puppets before and after the show to "invite them in and get them excited for the show," according to Thompson. The owners wanted the theatre to be a place where a variety of shows go on. 'Cinderella' caters to the younger audience opposed to shows like "And the World Goes Round" that are more for theatre aficionados than anyone else. "The World Goes Round" is a musical revue from highly successful songwriters Kander and Ebb. Songs from classic shows Cabaret, Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman are included in the show. The show will be directed by Jai Sada and music director Jose Mendez. Simonelli and Thompson claim, without giving too much away, that the backdrop of the theatre ties in to the theme of the show. IF YOU GO TO THE SHOW... The Little Victory Theatre located at 4089 Victory Blvd. in Travis, right below an AllState office. 'Cinderella' will be presented on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Children under the age of two are admitted free. 'And the World Goes Round' will take the stage Aug. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are on Aug. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. General admission is $20, $17 for seniors and students. On Thursday, Aug. 26, tickets will be $15 for all. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information on tickets, birthday parties and school trips: visit littlevictorytheatre.com. A first-class ride for Cowboy Kel Bridle Path residents show love for mail carrier For the past six years, Kelvin Hoang has been delivering mail and smiles to people living in Simi Valleys Bridle Path neighborhood. We love Kelvin. Hes the best. Hes like... SV Womans Club to meet Detectives Kelly King and Jessica Getchius of the Simi Valley Police Department will discuss the problems faced by victims and perpetrators of domestic violence at the monthly luncheon meeting of... Womans flight aboard B-25 bomber honors grandfathers WWII bravery As Kerri Braemer-Castro looked down at the mountains and valleys of Camarillo from the cockpit of a World War II B-25 bomber earlier this month, she finally felt connected to... Shred your documents The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a drive-thru document shredding event from 1 to 4 p.m. Fri., Nov. 11 in the parking lot behind the Chamber office, 40... By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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Now she has launched her biggest and most adventurous project yet, the Australian Dance Party, a company she hopes will re-ignite the vibrant professional dance scene that once existed in Canberra. Plevey has the backing of Canberra-based property developers, the Molongolo Group, one of whose directors, Jonathan Efkarpidis, has been following Plevey's creative projects since she arrived in Canberra from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2009. A few years ago Efkarpidis asked her why there was no professional contemporary dance company in the city. Plevey says she felt so energised by the philosophy of the Molonglo Group, especially their interest in investing in people and culture, and in facilitating events where people can gather and connect, and the Australian Dance Party was born from that early conversation. 2016 Australian Dance Party. Alison Plevey, centre. Credit:Lorna Sim The name she has chosen for the new company has, of course, a distinctive Canberra ring to it: Plevey says its repertoire will be "dance for the political capital." She wants to use dance to explore and experiment, and to extrapolate opinions. "I hope the Australian Dance Party will position dance as an integral part of society, and will open people's eyes to the value of the arts in society," she says. "At this point in time the arts are suffering from a serious downturn in funding and appear to have such a low profile. But dance is a tool, a communicative tool, and it's time to position the arts in political rhetoric. I want the company to have a strong voice, and to make bold statements, through dance and through a collaborative aesthetic, about what it is to be a human being in our society." Opening the potters' doors Potters all over Canberra and, indeed, the country are gearing up to throw open their studios to the public next weekend. Part of an Australian Ceramics Association initiative, it's all about celebrating "clay, community and creativity. Across Australia, more than 100 potters will open their studios for the public to have a stickybeak and get some insight into the creative practice behind the art of ceramics. In Canberra, artists' studios will be open in the inner north and south, as well as Mawson, Belconnen, Strathnairn at Holt and all the way to nearby Gundaroo in NSW. And, of course, the Canberra Potters' Society at Watson will open all their individual studios as well as the gallery and shop. The studios will be open across August 20 and 21. Visit australianceramicscommunity.com for more information. Thoughtful moments at M16 A new trio of shows are opening this week over at M16 Artspace in Griffith. First up, Sydney painter Martin Claydon has What Becomes of Little Boys, an exhibition that "explores social structures and belief systems, violence and power. Influenced by the politically charged, social realism of the Chicago Imagists of the late 1960s, Claydon sources imagery for his paintings from the internet. Sourcing online images from "the seemingly infinite vortex of images on the internet" he manipulates and projects enlargements of these onto the painting surface." That can't end wellIn Obliterate, Averil Harris has created a video installation in response to the distress many feel at seeing so many printed books disappear from library shelves, in favour of the digital versions. "Harris found the book featured in the video after a cull by an academic library. Through repetitive mark-making Harris obliterates the entire text. Her performance serves as a means of exploring her own reaction and the reaction of others to the idea of de-materialisation of books." Heartbreaking! And in Ties, Francis Spurgen explores the visual aspect of knots, inspired partly by the many cold mornings spent as a child watching her father tying fishing lures. "Tied is a series of knotted objects that combine the thick twists of rope with the intricate loops of tied fly lures. Each knot highlights the motions used to create it. The colours of a delicately tied fly spring to life against the muted cotton rope." All three shows open August 18 at M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, and run until September 4. Canberra youth are excelling compared to young people interstate, but unemployment and illicit drug use dragged down some of the ACT's results on a new national youth development index. Launched in Canberra on Friday, it brings together a host of national statistics from 2006 to 2015 on the lives of Australia's young people from several sources including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Sydney's northern and harbour suburbs are the most advantaged when it comes to education, a new report says. It revealed the ACT was the best performer compared to other states when it came to educational attainment, suicide rates, assaults, NAPLAN results, civic and political participation, and volunteering. But the ACT had the highest ratio of youth unemployment compared to adult unemployment of all jurisdictions and the Territory's performance on the "health and wellbeing" measure, was also dragged down, chiefly on the back of higher rates of illicit drug use among Canberra's young. He cooked for "kings, queens and presidents" when he worked for the Hotel Hyatt in Canberra, including three years as the head chef at Parliament House. Saju Rajappan left the Canberra scene for four years to work in Vietnam for the Rosewood Hotel Group, poached by the company's general manager Henrik Iversen. Hotel Kurrajong's executive chef Saju Rajappan, well-known in Canberra, has created a whisky-inspired menu in honour of prime minister Ben Chifley who enjoyed it as a tipple. Credit:Rohan Thomson Henrik used to work with Saju as the Hyatt's director of food and beverage when it catered for outside venues including Parliament House and the Axis restaurant at the National Museum. Saju has returned to Canberra and is now executive chef at the Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, which has been extensively revamped as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. Bruce Hall could be bulldozed and replaced with two new university accommodation halls housing up to 800 students, the Australian National University has confirmed. Only the Packard Wing would remain of the original university residence under the plan being put to students and alumni at a series of forums about the future of the college. An artist's impression of what Bruce Hall could look like. Even the historic Dining Hall could be demolished to open University Avenue up to Clunies Ross Street, in line with the Griffins' original vision for Canberra, Chris Grange, executive director of administration and planning at ANU said. But Mr Grange described the design as "notional" and said the plan was still in consultation with the university community. A convicted drug cook is fighting an attempt by prosecutors to seize his family home and two other properties as criminal assets on grounds the move would breach the ACT's human rights laws. Stanley Hou, 37, was jailed for a maximum of four years in June after pleading guilty to manufacturing ecstasy from a commercial-grade drug laboratory inside a Hume warehouse for almost a year. Convicted drug cook Stanley Hou is fighting to keep his family home. Credit:Jamila Toderas He was charged when police raided the Sheppard Street property, following reports of fumes emanating from the building, and discovered a large amount of precursor chemicals and drug paraphernalia in August 2014. The Supreme Court soon after granted an application lodged by the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions for three properties linked to Hou to be restrained as criminal assets. Now lawyers for Hou and his wife, Mai Phuong Do, who still lives at one property with the pair's two children, are arguing the order should be set aside on grounds the DPP acted unlawfully and the order was at odds with sections of the Human Rights Act. They claim any seizure would be unjust under the Human Rights Act as it would arbitrarily interfere with their family and home, and would amount to double jeopardy. Double jeopardy is the legal principal which provides that no one may be tried or punished again for an offence for which they have already been convicted or acquitted. Documents filed in court by the couple's defence lawyer, Michael Kukulies-Smith, showed Hou's wife bought the Lyneham unit in 2007 and remained the sole owner. Together, the pair also owned two other Canberra properties. "Neither of the properties were used in connection with the offences for which my client was sentenced and no money received from those offences was applied to the acquisition, upkeep, or improvement of the properties," the documents said. The federal government says it is still "carefully considering" a Senate report that nine months ago detailed shocking abuse against people with disabilities and recommended a royal commission to carry out a more detailed investigation. A spokeswoman for Social Services Minister Christian Porter this week issued virtually the same response his office put out in April, saying the government "strongly supports" the Senate inquiry and is "carefully considering" its findings and recommendations. The former disability support worker from Canberra who revealed this week her horror of tying up an intellectually disabled woman with ropes. Credit:Karleen Minney The report was finished in November last year and outlined deeply disturbing instances of abuse. These included a woman with cerebral palsy being starved to death by her parents to people with disabilities being physically and sexually abused, at home, in institutions and at school. Well the most anticipated derby ever (not) is behind us so it's time to canvas round 21 of the AFL season. With the finals just a torpedo away, two games loom large this weekend, one involving West Coast. The Eagles need a big one from Matt Priddis on the road against GWS. Credit:Will Russell/AFL Media But will their road woes continue, and it's not a matter of if, but how much for Fremantle as they face a formidable foe in Adelaide at home on Sunday. Look out for fireworks in the MCG blockbuster between Hawthorn and North Melbourne, both teams coming off bad losses last start. IBM relies on government contracts in Australia for millions of dollars of income. Credit:AP Photo/IBM "IBM's priority over the last two days was to work with the ABS to restore the census site. We are committed to our role in the delivery of this project...Our cyber-security experts are partnering with national intelligence agencies to ensure the ongoing integrity of the site," the spokeswoman said. 'Beggars belief' Yet it's too early to blame IBM for the bungle, says Kevin Noonan, lead analyst of government sector at IT consultancy firm Ovum. Eventually heads will roll because "this is a problem of such size that somebody needs to be held accountable," he said. These would likely be someone at the Bureau of Statistics or a government minister, he added. "The detail of exactly what happened has not yet been independently reviewed. And as we saw in other stuff-ups, such as Queensland Health, when it was independently reviewed the blame was shared around quite a lot," Mr Noonan said. The attack was either a foreign or locally planned denial of service, or just a "large load" that appeared to be a denial of service but was in fact people trying to fill out the Census, he said. It "beggars belief" IBM's data centre could not handle a denial of service attack, he added. Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne on Friday contradicted previous government suggestions the census was attacked from overseas, stating the interference came from "elements here in Australia". The Prime Minister's office said the investigation continued, with the source of the trouble still unknown. IBM's Baulkam Hills data centre is connected by NextGen Networks and it would be easy to block denial of service attacks by adding layers of protection, according to NextGen's former managing director, Phil Sykes. "There are routers and router configurations that can be implemented that can begin to notice huge amounts of traffic, and then know that traffic can be blocked and discarded so the network does not get congested...its standard operating procedure," Mr Sykes said. Dedicated denial of service attacks are very common, he added. "The sad part here is that the application owner [ABS] was probably not fully briefed on the likelihood of those circumstances occurring." Body blows Meanwhile, IBM's reputation has been taking body blows this week as the public looks for someone to blame for the inconvenience and incompetence. Director at communications and crisis management firm Sefiani, Nick Owens, said IBM has been too quiet this week, despite last night's statement. However, he would advise the company stick to written statements for now, rather than letting senior management speak freely. "I would imagine that their [US] head office is being kept abreast of it and is having a big say in how it is being handled [here] and certainly keeping a close eye on how the situation is unfolding. Because the reputation damage could spill over into some of their international operations as well and their large government clients in other countries. Absolutely, it would be a big issue for them globally," Mr Owens told Fairfax Media. The company's lawyers would be closely monitoring whatever public statements IBM makes to ensure it doesn't complicate any potential litigation. "Lawyers always seem to want you to say less than what communications staff might," Mr Owens explained. "But at some point they may want to explain what has happened to their customers and, more importantly, to explain what they have done to ensure it doesn't happen again." IBM will have to do a lot to restore its reputation, particularly with government agencies that provide millions of dollars of work for the company every year. The ABS has paid IBM another $2.1 million over the past two and a half years, including $1.3 million to upgrade its backup and recovery systems in a project that will last until 2018. Federal Government departments have awarded a total of $1.35 billion in contracts to IBM since 2014, the AusTender website shows. IBM was also involved in the 2010 payroll meltdown at Queensland Health which resulted in some78,000 workers being paid incorrectly or not at all. The government took IBM to court over its role in the systems upgrade mishap, which ended in April with Brisbane's Supreme Court dismissing the state's case and ordering it to cover IBM's costs. But Mr Noonan said the government's own review of the Queensland Health episode was critical of departmental failures too. 'Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM?' Amy Burton-Bradley, consulting director at Julian Midwinter & Associates, which specialises in tenders in government, IT and financial services, said governments tender projects to outsource financial and political risks. Employment service provider Seek is speculated to be the latest tenant to be lured to the CBD, in the process of pre-committing to a Dexus Property Group building unveiled four years ago for a prominent Flinders Street site, opposite Federation Square. Seek is expected to occupy most or all of the proposed 20,000-square-metre Flinders Gate development a glass tower set to rise 11 storeys replacing a major car park behind two century-old heritage buildings, the facades of which will be restored. The Calder Park Raceway site is set to be sold to residential developers. Credit:Kylie Northover With large floor plates of about 2200 sq m, the proposed A-grade office space will offer close-range views of the Yarra River and Southbank arts precinct. Dexus will incorporate the former Ball and Welch building, developed in the 1890s, and rising eight levels from the 180 Flinders Street site, into the new commercial development. The proposal unveiled in 2012 included a second Flinders Lane entrance around a lifestyle precinct with bars and restaurants. A large industrial property in Banksmeadow, south Sydney, has sold for about $20 million to a private owner-occupier, as demand in south Sydney continues to flourish. Rents across all grades have also continued to increase significantly as a result of ongoing stock withdrawals and take-up of space. The 26,359 sq m site at 3 Anderson Street, Banksmeadow, sold for $20 million to a private investor The sale of the 26,359-square-metre site at 3 Anderson Street was managed by JLL's head of south Sydney, Blair Peterken and head of industrial NSW, Michael Wall in conjunction with joint managing director of Rook Salinger, David Black. Mr Peterken said interest was from owner-occupiers and investors looking to lease the building and developers interested in an industrial strata development. "A lack of supply of industrial land in south Sydney, due to ongoing residential conversions and the development of the WestConnex, is generating record sales results. The price achieved for this property equated to about $750 per square metre which is very strong for this site," Mr Peterken said. In the neighbouring suburb of Matraville, a freestanding two-level commercial building site is being offered to the market, by Mr Peterken and JLL senior executive, industrial, Jessica Male. The property, at 30-32 McCauley Street, previously housed the Sydney Seafarers Centre. According to JLL Research, rents across all grades have continued to increase significantly. In the second quarter of 2016, prime rents increased 3.5 per cent, and by a robust 5.4 per cent in the past year. Similarly, secondary rents increased 0.7 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 and 3.7 per cent in the past year, largely as a result of continued stock withdrawals and strong take-up of space. Mr Wall said there was continued pressure on tenants and owners to maintain a presence in the south Sydney market after the withdrawal of stock on the back of the recent rezoning and future infrastructure within this precinct. "This does not appear to be abating, as reflected in the sale price of 3 Anderson Street which illustrates a great price for the vendor on a rate per sq m of developable land," Mr Wall said. Stephen Grant of CBRE's south Sydney capital markets team also said south Sydney investment assets are currently coveted, particularly given the high number of recent residential conversions that have tightened the supply pipeline. Australia's biggest baby goods chain, Baby Bunting Group, has reported a strong start to the new year and says it now plans to ramp up its store openings. Baby Bunting, which targets parents of children aged 0 to 3 with products such as prams, cots, nappies and car seats, reported same-stores sales growth of 12.5 per cent for the year to 26 June 2016, its first year as a listed company. Total sales jumped 31 per cent to $236.8 million, while net profit rose 38 per cent to $8.3 million. Baby Bunting CEO Matt Spencer and one of his customers, baby Anika. Credit:Wayne Taylor The result beat the forecasts given in the company's share sale prospectus last year, and was boosted by five new stores in Queensland and NSW, and the growth in demand at its existing stores. The chain was also helped by the collapse of its major competitor, My Baby Warehouse, in December, which gave Baby Bunting a dominant position in the highly fragmented $2.4 billion baby goods market. And the strong momentum continued in the new financial year. Matthew Spencer, Baby Bunting's chief executive and its fourth-biggest shareholder, said he was "confident" in Baby Bunting's outlook. The news Canberra's infamous "boy in a cage" scandal is now being investigated by the United Nations is a wake-up call to anybody, inside government or out, who may still think this was just a storm in a teacup. That it came in the same week this newspaper broke the news a disability support worker had tied up an intellectually disabled woman at the request of her mother is very timely. The metal pool fence structure at the centre of the ACT's withdrawal space crisis. Both are clear examples of the inappropriate treatment of the disabled by those charged with their care and welfare. The then 10-year-old boy at the centre of the cage scandal, which was first reported by The Canberra Times in March 2015, is autistic. We've all experienced some incompetent colleague/authority figure/person we're later going to regret moving in with who has committed some monumental blunder, some utterly unforgivable cock-up for which they should clearly be forced to beg forgiveness from the God of the Volcano over which they are being dangled, who neatly turns it around by pretending to be the victim of some kind of sinister anti-them conspiracy. These people can be recognised by their use of self-exonerating phrases such as "I don't care for your tone" or "there's no point in playing the blame game" or "We have had instances where people have self-harmed in an effort to get to Australia". And these people are, it should be pointed out, dangerously irresponsible clowns. A boom microphone picks up the private conversation of Scott Morrison, Tony Abbott and Peter Dutton in September last year where they joked about rising sea levels. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Which brings us to the last week in Australian politics, where not one but two people in elected positions of authority and responsibility have responded to evidence that they oversaw situations in which children were assaulted and abused by insisting that the real issue is um, other things. First up Adam Giles, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, is fighting what really ought to be a losing battle to keep the Country Liberal Party in power by insisting that the real issue regarding the Four Corners' expose on the abuse of young, mainly Indigenous men in the Don Dale youth detention centre in Darwin was that the ABC has it in for his government generally and him personally. Police are investigating whether childcare subsidies allegedly obtained by fraud have been funnelled to terrorists overseas as a series of raids across Sydney led to charges against two men for defrauding the federal government. Two men were arrested this week - Ali Assaad, 26, from Moorebank, on Wednesday and Hussein Dandachi, 26, from Old Guildford, on Thursday. Signpost for Play School Family Day Care. Credit:ABC News Online Both men have been charged with several fraud offences, primarily dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by claiming childcare benefits and childcare rebates from the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training worth tens of thousands of dollars in total. Court documents allege that the men had been doing so for at least a year. Former prime ministers are usually afforded a degree of latitude to defend their time in office. Inevitably, this gets tricky when mid-term leadership changes have been rung precisely because some of those times were so troubled as to see the leader replaced. In that sense, Tony Abbott standing by his 2014 tomahawk budget is hardly controversial. Neither is his criticism of state Liberal leaders for having opposed that budget, thus giving succour to Labor's trenchant oppositionism. But Abbott lending contemporary support to changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act is in another class. Australians are spending more than ever on luxury brands, and plenty of new players will enter the Australian market over the next 12 months. The industry's top performers are names that roll off the tongue: Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Prada, Gucci. But be prepared for some tongue-twisting arrivals, with brands including Spain's Loewe (pronounced "lo-way-vay") and Italy's Loro Piana on their way. Louis Vuitton is the top-selling luxury brand in Australia but new brands are trying to capture some of its market share. Credit:Pat Scala Tourism from China and other Asian markets, especially Korea and Singapore, is driving about 30 per cent of the $1.8 billion luxury retail market, while the remaining 70 per cent of purchases are made by people who reside in Australia. IBIS World senior analyst Lauren Magner, author of the Luxury Retailing in Australia report, said the dominant buying group was professionals aged 35-54. Gennaro Hellmanns' mum wasn't at his wedding. Neither was his dad. Nobody was there, actually - except his husband, Brett Haythorpe, and their celebrant. The hair stylist and cattle farmer from the Adelaide Hills eloped in New Zealand, at a seaside village called Mount Maunganui, to do what wasn't allowed in their home country. Joe Murphy, left, and Nick Smith married in New York in July, but their Australian grandmothers couldn't make the journey. Credit:Redfield Photography / Supplied "We literally did elope," says Mr Hellmanns. "It didn't feel strange or awkward, but it would have been nice to have them there." This weekend marks 12 years since the Howard government amended the Marriage Act to exclude same-sex couples. In the years since, countless gay and lesbian couples have chosen to get hitched overseas. For many, the joy of that momentous day can be tarred by the absence of loved ones unable to join them. To many, Andrew Churchyard was a brilliant, caring doctor. He was available from 6am until late at night for patients; he gave his mobile phone number out; and he often asked people about their lives, not just their symptoms. But it now seems the neurologist's willingness to bulk bill and work after hours for his male patients came with a disturbing catch: He wanted them to get naked, so he could molest them. Last month, Dr Andrew Churchyard took his own life while awaiting a criminal trial for sexual assault charges. Since news of his death broke, more than 40 patients have approached lawyers and Fairfax Media to say they felt violated by the doctor who often held himself out as a one-stop shop for their general health and psychological needs, not just their neurological care. One of these patients struggles to talk. Others have serious degenerative conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's Disease an incurable genetic disease that slowly robs a person in their 30s and 40s of their ability to move and think. Pharmaceuticals are by far the biggest drug-related killer in Australia. A whopping 70 per cent of deaths caused by overdoses are in part the result of prescription drugs, mainly benzodiazepines such as valium. That's almost twice the number of those caused by illicit drugs and alcohol. The issue is complex and difficult and, it seems, not a priority issue for governments. Sam Biondo, chief executive of the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), is on a mission to change that. As an advocate for those providing frontline care, rehab and education for drug users around the state, VAADA members range from the drug specific, such as Turning Point, through to community centres and hospitals. As the organisation's head, Biondo must negotiate the tricky ground that is politics around these sensitive issues. He has suggested we meet at Jinda Thai, a converted warehouse space around the corner from his office in Collingwood, which serves excellent, authentic Thai food. To start, we share the fish cakes; for mains, I order the larb chicken, for him, the prawns with chilli and basil. Both are excellent and we each confess to a little food envy when the dishes land. Looking around the restaurant, I wonder how many diners have an issue with legal drugs. It's anyone's guess, but statistics show nearly 5 per cent of the population nationally are affected and that number is on the rise. Biondo says many drugs are prescribed that aren't what the patient needs and that it's a problem with the system, because there's no time for GPs to engage with patients and find out what's really going on. "That's a nightmare scenario. People are injured at work, they're medicated, they can't control the pain," he says. "There's also a large proportion of people on the street who are using prescription drugs." The upshot is people putting their lives in danger on a daily basis, not just with legally prescribed drugs but across the board. "We can't actually do the sort of things that could be done to make the situation so much better it would be so much better both for the community and for them," he says. "We can't talk safe injecting rooms in Victoria. The argument gets shut down immediately because of fear of the media running a campaign or the opposition running a campaign. So we're more than happy to have people shooting up in the streets, using dangerous substances with no supervision. We don't want to introduce civil legislation around alcohol and the time it's advertised. Adele Ferguson has been named Journalist of the Year as Fairfax Media took out a dozen awards for reporting, investigation and photography at the 2016 Kennedy Awards for Excellence in NSW Journalism. Ferguson earned the accolade which comes with a $25,000 cash prize sponsored by Coca-Cola by heading two investigative partnerships between Fairfax Media and the ABC's Four Corners that probed 7-Eleven's underpayment of workers and unethical behaviour at CommInsure. Fairfax Media Journalist Adele Ferguson, pictured with Sydney Morning Herald editor-in-chief Darren Goodsir at the Kennedy Awards in August, has been nominated for a Walkley Award. Credit:Ryan Stuart It is the second time she has won the top gong, the first being in 2014. At the award ceremony at Royal Randwick on Friday night, Ferguson also took out gongs for Outstanding Investigative Reporting (with the ABC's Klaus Toft and Sarah Danckert) and for Outstanding Finance Reporting (with Klaus Toft and Mario Christodoulou). The first set of tracks have been laid for Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail project, marking a major milestone for construction of the line from the CBD to Randwick and Kensington in the south-east. Premier Mike Baird and Transport Minister Andrew Constance helped pour concrete to cement in place a 60-metre section of track on Anzac Parade in Kensington on Friday 55 years after the final tracks that made up Sydney's old tramway network were ripped up. While residents critical of the project have questioned the forecast capacity of the new line, Mr Constance described it as a congestion-buster capable of moving up to 13,000 passengers in both directions between 7am and 7pm. "We all know congestion is getting worse in Sydney and, with daily trips to the city centre expected to increase by almost 25 per cent by 2031, this will help bust congestion," he said. He said affordability had reached crisis yet governments and developers seemed blithely ignorant about the damage being done to communities where diversity had been priced out. Committee For Sydney CEO Tim Williams says despite housing affordability reaching crisis, governments and developers were ignorant about the damage being done to communities. Credit:Fairfax Media This is the scenario painted by the Committee for Sydney's chief executive Tim Williams as figures suggest it takes 13 times the average annual salary to purchase a home. Sydney is beginning to "sleep walk to social immobility" and unless people, government and the private sector urgently embrace radical change to housing policies affordable housing will disappear. The Sirius public housing building with the Opera House in the background. Credit:Wolter Peeters "We need to refresh the Australian fair go commitment to a Sydney for all. We need to embrace the diversity that we used to embrace; we're living in a quite tribal city. We need to bridge that divide and we need new policies: The way the government disposes of its own land must change. "The committee thinks there is a very big discussion to be had on this matter because in a sense we're not enabling out own children to grow up in the areas we grew up in." Dr Williams said the continuing controversy over the Baird government's decision to evict public housing tenants from the Sirius building in the Rocks, was an example of the need to recalibrate policy on affordable housing. "The government is not yet committed to affordable housing even on its own land so we are challenging government that when it sells public land, it doesn't just sell it at top dollar, but actually sells it with a commitment to a proportion of affordable housing of sub-market rental housing on its own land," he said. Royal North Shore Hospital hosted the highest number of drug company-funded events, compared to its Sydney counterparts. Credit:Bob Pearce At present hospital staff enter the results of swabs taken from patients into a database manually. Fairfax Media has been told Royal North Shore is required to carry out the swabbing procedure in all of the hospital's surgical wards once a month. NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner. However, due to "resourcing issues" it fell to just one ward every quarter, according to a well-placed source. Leaked figures reveal compliance rates for swabbing on admission and discharge of only 59 per cent to 76 per cent were recorded between January and May last year. A high-level meeting of the Clinical Governance Unit was held at Royal North Shore in April last year to discuss the lack of an electronic system for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and AMS. "Lack of an electronic platform for IPAC & AMS surveillance for a hospital of RNS size was commented on at the last accreditation," a meeting record says. "If this is not improved we risk getting a NOT MET. (If a hospital fails any element it fails accreditation)." It says the lack of an electronic system for infection prevention and control means there is no real-time data, early detection is hampered and a risk of missing cases altogether. The revelations follow a horror few weeks for the NSW Health system and minister Jillian Skinner, who has been under pressure due to the under-dosing of chemotherapy patients and the death of a newborn baby who was given nitrous oxide instead of oxygen. Peter Collignon, professor of infectious diseases at the Australian National University medical school, said the data is "very likely to be reflected in other places". "Doctors are trying to do the best for their patients [but] they believe this is another level of bureaucracy interfering with their decision-making," he said. "Not agreeing with reasonable rules is throwing fire on the superbug problem. It's bad enough as it is. But it's worse if people give too many broad-spectrum antibiotics for longer than they need to be". Professor Collignon said Royal North Shore should be congratulated for conducting the analysis because "it should be done in every hospital in Australia" but the key was how it addresses the problem. A spokeswoman for Mrs Skinner said none of these issues had been brought to her attention. She refused to comment and referred questions to the hospital. A Northern Sydney Local Health District spokesman said Royal North Shore "performs very well in appropriate use of antibiotics according to the national benchmarks under the National Antibiotic Utilisation Surveillance Program". The hospital's AMS system "was awarded a Met with a Merit rating and surveyor commendation following a rigorous National Safety and Quality HealthCare Standards accreditation survey in November 2015". He said between 450 and 550 prescriptions are issued by doctors each month, but only about half of those are run through the eASY system. "Infection rates at the hospital are better than benchmark with the My Hospitals report showing Staph bloodstream infections is the lowest in peer group," he said. The hospital is tendering for an electronic surveillance system. NSW hospitals in crisis St Vincent's Hospital In February it was revealed 70 head and neck cancer patients had been given off-protocol doses of the chemotherapy drug carboplatin by senior oncologist Dr John Grygiel. The number of affected patients was later revised to 103. The flat doses dipped between half and a third of the recommended levels and were unsupported by clinical evidence. Hospital staff were aware of the dosage error for at least six months before contacting patients. The incident prompted an inquiry led by NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor David Currow that found the hospital had misled the public and government on the scandal. A senior hospital staff member lost their job over the errors. The NSW upper house agreed on Thursday to initiate a select committee to inquire into the treatment of patients of Dr Grygiel and that of another Sydney oncologist, operating at Sutherland and St George Hospitals. Sutherland and St George Hospitals Oncologist and haematologist Dr Kiran Phadke was suspended from both hospitals in June after it was revealed he had been under-treating cancer patients for more than a decade. An investigation into his treatments was commenced after concerns were raised by a nurse in April, following the flat-dosing scandal at St Vincent's Hospital. Three of Dr Phadke's patients were found to be affected; two have since died. The records of another 14 patients are being examined. Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital A newborn baby died and a second was left in a critical condition in June and July, after they were given nitrous oxide, or "happy gas", instead of oxygen. The babies were given nitrous oxide that was incorrectly dispensed from an oxygen outlet in the hospital's neonatal resuscitation unit. The oxygen outlet in one of the hospital's theatres had been incorrectly installed and certified by BOC Ltd in July 2015. Tiny street libraries popping up in front yards across Australia could soon outnumber conventional public libraries and encourage a love of books among children as schools get on board. The wooden boxes, which allow passersby to take books and leave their own, have been set up in 100 locations across the country in the short time since the program launched in November last year and Street Library Australia founder Nic Lowe has set an ambitious target of 5000 libraries by 2020. Students from Australia Street Infant School taking books from their Street Library. Credit:Wolter Peeters Australia Street Infants School in Newtown has become the first school to set up a street library and Mr Lowe is hoping more schools will follow the example. "Schools are good because they're a part of people's lives where they actively think about literacy, especially in their kids' lives when they're teaching them to read," he said. An eastern suburbs socialite and her boyfriend have pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and MDMA from their beachfront apartment. Kirsty Dayment, 34, appeared in Central Local Court on Friday to enter guilty pleas to four drugs charges. Kirsty Dayment arrives at Central Local Court on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty She refused to make eye contact with her co-accused and former boyfriend, Nicholas James Riganias, as they sat centimetres apart from each other. Riganias, 30, also pleaded guilty to several drug supply charges although a charge of conspiring to import drugs was withdrawn. A bus driver has been allegedly punched in the head by a man who police say was trying to rob him in Brisbane on Friday. Police say a man hailed a bus on Musgrave Road in Red Hill and, once on board, began talking to the driver. A Brisbane City Council bus driver was assaulted in Red Hill. Credit:Chris Hyde The man allegedly punched the driver in the head multiple times before attempting to steal coins from the cash tray. He was unsuccessful and fled on foot before being located by police a short time later. A teenager charged over the death of Queensland toddler Mason Lee has been granted bail despite telling an informant that he planned to leave the state. Ryan Robert Barry Hodson, 17, is one of three people charged with the manslaughter of the 21-month-old, who died from severe injuries in Caboolture on June 11. Mr Hodson was granted bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Friday after the Department of Public Prosecutions could not justify why he should be kept in custody until a prospective trial. "It's not their fault the world is changing," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of the "mums and dads" who had invested in taxi licences, only to see a "modern new world" devalue their investment. Which is why, the Premier said, the government was happy to spend the $100 million from consolidated revenue to compensate the industry, even if she can't explain exactly where the money is coming from. "It is part of consolidated revenue - can I say here, you can not have an Advance Queensland agenda, you can not have an innovation state without adapting to the new world economy," she said. "I said very clearly that we would diversify the state's economy, that is what we are doing and that means jobs for Queenslanders." Security guards watched on as the crowd, which numbered probably between 150 and 200 people, made its way past various entrances to the casino complex. Casino workers, family members and union supporters met outside the Melbourne Convention Centre on Friday evening and walked along Yarra Promenade chanting slogans and playing make-shift but noisy drums during the protest. Crown Casino workers have called for better pay and a new allowance to reward them for Friday and Saturday night shifts in a protest outside the casino. "We're here not only for ourselves, but for our families. And we know that what we're asking for is just fair recognition for the contribution to the success of our casino," she said. "This is just the beginning. We're going to keep the pressure up on Crown until they put a real deal on the table. Tonight there are hundreds of us but we know we're backed by thousands of workers here at the casino ... we are stronger than ever and we have the public support. We're going to win," she said. The protest came amid negotiations between union delegates and the casino for a new wages deal. Crown workers are seeking a new allowance of up to $3 per hour for work between 7pm Friday and 7am Saturday, and between 7pm Saturday and 7am Sunday. They are also seeking a 5 per cent pay rise, per year, for the length of the deal. A key theme of the protest, spelt out by speakers who took turns with the microphone and on posters, was the impact on casino workers and their families and friends from undertaking regular weekend work. One casino worker, who did not want to be named, said that they hadn't had a Christmas celebration with family for years because of work commitments. The worker also said they had lost contact with friends because of the inability to socialise or stay in touch. A policeman has been ordered to stand trial for murder for shooting dead a motorist he had pulled over in a Melbourne street. Timothy Baker, 44, a former leading senior constable who has since quit Victoria Police, pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, over the death of Vlado Micetic, 46, on August 25, 2013. Former leading senior constable Tim Baker has been ordered to stand trial for murder. Credit:Wayne Taylor The then-police officer had pulled Mr Micetic over on Union Street in Windsor, before the two men struggled and the driver was shot three times. Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg found there was sufficient evidence to commit Mr Baker to trial at the end of a committal hearing that began this month. Police have charged a former Melbourne teacher in relation to a number of sexual assaults that occurred 40 years ago. The 79-year-old Inverloch man was charged with one count of buggery and 14 counts of gross indecency on Friday. The alleged sexual assaults occurred while the man was a Dandenong high school teacher. Credit:Meredith O'Shea He has been released on bail and will appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 16 August. The offences involve a number of victims and are alleged to have occurred in 1971. A violent husband killed himself in a road crash hours after he'd murdered his wife, an inquest has heard. Sunil Beniwal, 36, strangled and stabbed Deepshikha Godara, 32, in his Deer Park home on the night of December 13, 2014 and then drove her car into the path of a truck in Truganina about 4am the following day. Deepshikha Godara was strangled and stabbed by her husband. Credit:Channel Nine News Their deaths which left a three-year-old boy without parents came amid a series of family violence deaths among Victoria's Indian community. State coroner Sara Hinchey this week found Beniwal had been violent towards Ms Godara from 2008, and had previously punched, slapped and kicked her, burnt her with hot tongs and thrown glass bottles at her. A Melbourne barrister has been found guilty of drug possession and inundating letterboxes with flyers inviting men to call his ex-girlfriend's new partner for sex. Cameron Baker printed stickers, including the man's phone number, with the words "Want a young stud to F? Forget Grinder (sic), Call me" and stuck them in a north-east Victoria truck-stop bathroom last September. Barrister Cameron Baker has been found guilty of stalking and drug offences. He also created flyers with the words "Swingers Party" next to the boyfriend's address and photo, which he'd obtained from Facebook, and distributed them to 150 of his neighbours' letterboxes. Mr Baker pleaded guilty to stalking the man and possessing five grams of the drug ice and a bottle of GHB, found during his arrest in October, in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. A Maylands pensioner has been ordered to surrender dozens of pet cats after complaints about the stench of urine and faeces, while inspectors deemed the house "unfit for human habitation". A State Administration Hearing determined that 74-year-old Louise Jones could remain in her Bayswater home but was told her 30 or so feline friends would have to go. According to 9 News Perth the decision on Thursday came after a number of complaints from neighbours lead the council to intervene and undertake an inspection back in June. And although it found the clowder of cats had been de-sexed and micro-chipped she was given seven days to hand them over to the cat haven. PHILIPSBURG:--- The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) PHI CHI Fraternity students became Friends of Rotary by joining hands with The Rotary Club of St. Maarten. Phi Chi is AUC's community service fraternity. It is a national medical fraternity with many chapters throughout the United States. Phi Chi works every semester with a local soup kitchen, an orphanage, and is currently working with an elementary school in Phillipsburg to provide the supplies that they need. Friends of Rotary is a program initiated to foster deeper links with people who share the same ideals of service and fellowship but are unable to commit full rotary membership. This program will help to strengthen our association and the community through service activities, fundraisers, fellowships and social events. President Henna welcomed this joint venture by shaking hands with representatives of Phi Chi Foundation, Kaitlyn Takack and Uju Ubahand and stated, We look forward to a great partnership and a great rotary year ahead! For more information, visit us at ROTARYSXM.ORG and like us on facebook.com/rotarysxm. In 1982 the wild population was down to just 22 individuals; Nesting pairs in Path of Fire A fire that began on August 31 with an illegal campfire is within eight miles of 3 nests with young California condor hatchlings. The months-old young are not yet able to fly and could not escape the flames on their own. The Soberanes fire has roared through nearly 70,000 acres of wildland, destroying 57 residences and 11 outbuildings. Biologists report that none of the condors living in the area has yet been killed by the fire, but one of the feeding stations where they leave dead animals for the birds has been destroyed. The fire is moving south across coastal Monterey County toward the remote sections of the Los Padres National Forest where the condors nest. This is also the location of a "condor sanctuary" site with pens, trailers and a cabin that scientists use when they release condors that have been hatched in zoos. Biologists have spent 30 years painstakingly nurturing the California condor back from the brink of extinction. They are America's largest land bird, with a wing span reaching up to 9 feet. Due to habitat loss, hunting and lead poisoning, the majestic birds' population had dropped to just 22 nationwide by 1982. In a desperate gamble to save the birds, federal biologists captured all the remaining wild condors in 1987 and began a breeding program in zoos. The birds' young have been gradually released back into the wild. There are now 82 condors living free in the Big Sur area. Kelly Sorenson is the executive director of the Ventana Wildlife Society, a nonprofit group that helps lead condor recovery efforts in Big Sur. He told Paul Rogers at the Mercury News that biologists are hoping they won't need to go in and rescue the young birds from the nests. The chicks are 3- to 4-months-old and won't be able to fly on their own for another two or three months "At this point it wouldn't make sense to pull the chicks out of the nests because we'd have to figure out how to raise them," Sorenson said. "We might do it as a last resort. We are going to be watching day by day." The chicks are still being fed by their parents. Adult condors regularly travel up to 100 miles in a day, so they would likely just leave area until the fire was out and the other plants and animals returned. Two adults did disappear in the 2008 Basin Complex Fire that burned 162,818 acres in Big Sur. Their transmitters were never found, leading researchers to believe they may have been overcome by smoke or flames. In that same blaze, fire burned all around a redwood tree where one condor chick was still in a nest. That bird survived. Nicknamed Phoenix, it is still flying today as an adult along the Big Sur coast. Experts say that despite the current fire risk, lead poisoning remains the main threat of condor deaths. Condors are scavengers and they eat deer, wild pigs, ground squirrels and other animals that hunters or ranchers may have shot, ingesting lead fragments from the ammunition. In 2013, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law banning all lead ammunition in hunting in California beginning in 2019. Since then, Sorenson's group has handed out $100,000 in non-lead ammunition to ranchers and hunters around the Big Sur-Pinnacles area. That, he said, has resulted in a decline in lead poisoning deaths in recent years. Last year was a milestone in the recovery effort. For the first time, in three decades, more condors were born in the wild, 14, than died in the wild, 12. Joseph Brandt, Pacific Southwest Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 30-day old California condor chick As of Dec. 31, 2015, there were 435 California condors living in the world. Of those, 268 live in the wild, and 167 live in captivity in places where they are bred and hatched, including the San Diego Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo and World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. For hikers and tourists interested in seeing the magnificent birds, the Big Sur fires have not yet caused more condors to move inland. "We're definitely getting smokier air. But in terms of the birds behavior we're not seeing any changes," said Rachel Wolstenholme, condor program manager at Pinnacles National Park. "Some days there might be 40 here, and some days there might be zero. On most days you have a 50-50 chance of seeing a condor." You can help California Condors by donating to one of the Condor breeding or protection programs. To find out more, go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service condor page at http://www.fws.gov/cno/es/calcondor/CondorResources.cfm New rules will allow more medical marijuana research. DEA will announce on Thursday that it will allow more research into marijuana but has rejected requests to relax the classification of the substance as a dangerous, highly addictive drug with no medical use, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. In a sudden reversal, the US Drug Enforcement agency has refused to reclassify marijuana as a schedule 2 drug. This would've allowed experimentation and even prescription edibles and other cannabis products. The DEA has decided to stick with its current classification of marijuana as a dangerous drug. This seems to be political which is ironic since Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have both admitted to using marijuana at some point in their lives, and libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson actually owned a pot farm. The DEA announced on Thursday that it will allow more research into marijuana but has rejected requests to relax the classification of the substance as a dangerous, highly addictive drug with no medical use, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. In 2011, two former State governors presented a petition asking that marijuana be moved to schedule II. At this time, the DEA has sent emails to news organizations that it will have a major announcement on marijuana tomorrow. Officially the content of that announcement has not been released, but people with knowledge of the matter have said the content of the announcement will be a few significant changes. Marijuana is legal with a prescription in 25 American states, and as a practical matter, US federal agencies do not normally enforce marijuana laws in those states. In California, an initiative is on the November ballot to completely legalize recreational marijuana. Four states already allow recreational marijuana use. marijuana has been classified as a "Schedule I" drug with "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse," on par with heroin. The government has repeatedly rejected appeals over the years to reclassify marijuana. Loosening that definition could encourage scientific study of a drug that is being used to treat diseases in several U.S. states despite little proof of its effectiveness. Sources told The Washington Post on Wednesday that the FDA concluded marijuana has no accepted medical value, dooming the rescheduling petition. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/08/10/u-s-affirms-its-prohibition-on-medical-marijuana/ This decision isnt based on danger, DEA Administrator Chuck Rosenberg told National Public Radio. This decision is based on whether marijuana, as determined by the FDA, is a safe and effective medicine, and its not. The decision angered marijuana supporters. DEAs decision flies in the face of objective science and overwhelming public opinion, National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith said in a statement late Wednesday The DEA will announce on Thursday that it will allow more research into marijuana but has rejected requests to relax the classification of the substance as a dangerous, highly addictive drug with no medical use, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. There is genuine sentiment in Congress to provide some relief to those well, seeking relief. Bernie Sanders repeatedly said that Marijuana laws should be entirely up to the States. Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agencys (DEA) decision not to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 narcotic, thereby preventing doctors from prescribing marijuana to patients for medical use. The DEA's refusal to reclassify marijuana to permit medical use is a cruel decision that ignores the suffering of patients who find well-documented relief in medical cannabis products. It also shows a profound disregard for where the medical community and the American public stand on the issue. Medical decisions should be made between a patient and his or her doctor--not the government. The DEA should be spending its limited resources on targeting high priority narcotics rather than erecting roadblocks to medical marijuana. Lieu said in a statement. Fundamental Appoints Jeffrey Hayzlett to Its Board of Directors VANCOUVER, BC (Marketwired) 08/11/16 Fundamental Applications Corp. (Fundamental or the Company) (CSE: FUN) (FRANKFURT: 2FA) (OTCQB: FUAPF), a leading developer of innovative smartphone applications targeted toward millennials, announces Chairman of C-Suite Network, Jeffrey Hayzlett, is joining its Board of Directors. I am so pleased that Jeffrey is now joining Fundamentals board! said Brad Moore, CEO of Fundamental Applications. Having such an esteemed board member with a wealth of proven business and leadership experience is truly an endorsement of the company and its future. Hayzlett commented, Every company that wants to be successful has to engage millennials in order to have a future. Fundamental Applications has the potential with technology and services to do that and more. Jeffrey Hayzlett is the Chairman of C-Suite Network, home of the worlds most trusted network of C-Suite leaders, and a notable media personality. He is the primetime television host of and on , and business podcast host of on CBSs on-demand radio network . In addition, he is a notable public speaker and the author of three bestselling business books, , and . Fundamental Applications Corp. (CSE:FUN FSE:2FA, OTCQB: FUAPF) designs, develops, markets, and acquires innovative mobile applications targeted at the Millennials generation, people born in an age of digital technology, internet access, and smart phones. This demographic is an early adopter of mobile technology, has significant discretionary income, and is lifestyle driven with a willingness to try new things. Fundamentals three leading mobile platforms are Foro, a peer-to-peer mobile ecommerce marketplace; Truth, a one-to-one anonymous messaging app previously listed in the top 100 social networking apps in the Apple App Store; and Serum, an app that enables users to post questions to their friends and receive answers anonymously. For more information about Fundamental Applications Corp, visit online at , or review its company profiles on the SEDAR website () and on the CSE website (). To schedule an interview, please contact: Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Fundamental. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Fundamental. Although Fundamental believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Fundamental can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Fundamental disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Bradley Moore Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 514.561.9091 Email: UpGuard Snags $17 Million to Accelerate Adoption of Cyber Risk Benchmark for Companies, Insurance Providers and Consumers MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (Marketwired) 08/11/16 UpGuard today announced $17 million in Series B financing. The round was co-led by new investor Pelion Venture Partners and existing investor Square Peg Capital, with participation from all existing investors, as well as strategic investment from Australias largest general insurer IAG. UpGuard will use the funds to fuel an aggressive growth strategy centered on increasing adoption of its cybersecurity assessment score, or CSTAR score, and exploring insurance opportunities. It aims to become the cyber risk benchmark for companies, insurance providers and consumers alike. Just as credit scores aggregate financial risk factors into one easy-to-understand number, CSTAR provides a single measure of risk for information security to customers including Rackspace, Ulta, Citrix, Amadeus, PGI and ADP. Based on information about an organizations actual configuration state and testing habits, the CSTAR is one of the most comprehensive assessments of internal and external systems available, representing the collective vulnerability of every server, network device, and cloud service to the risk of breaches. Customers trace changes in their CSTAR down to the smallest building blocks of information technology and can then use the full report to remediate risks internally, as well as potentially negotiate better cyber insurance policies. Commenting on its decision to invest in UpGuard, Ron Arnold, group general manager of IAGs Venturing Team, said, We were drawn to UpGuard for a number of reasons, but primarily because it has developed a unique response to the growing need for organizations to mitigate cyber risk. UpGuards central offering called CSTAR provides information that helps companies properly understand and manage their IT assets. It also has the potential to help insurance companies like IAG better assess and therefore price customers cyber risk. The potential value of CSTAR, as well as the founders entrepreneurial track record, made investing in UpGuard the right choice for IAG. We look forward to working with their team to help refine the companys methodology, and to test the products ability to predict cyber risk. UpGuard also publishes a free external assessment for all websites found on based on publicly available information. As with CSTAR, it is measured on a 0-950 scale and provides both companies and consumers a useful starting point in understanding the type of security protections brands have in place. Managing the risk of data breaches is a complex problem in need of innovative solutions. UpGuards ability to assess both external and internal risk factors is a huge step forward in understanding the complete security posture of a business, said Chris Cooper, partner at Pelion Venture Partners. UpGuards CSTAR has both the technical rigor and simplicity to bring all executives together on the journey toward resilience. By automating data collection and rolling it up into a single credit score for IT, UpGuard has provided a valuable tool for businesses serious about their digital future. Since its launch in January, UpGuard has rapidly grown its customer base, with thousands of customers worldwide using its technology to validate mission-critical infrastructure and continuously detect potential risks. Other highlights of the companys most notable achievements include: Adding , former CEO of ATP Innovations, the leading incubator program in Australia, as the companys first vice president of corporate development; Increasing revenue more than 400% year-over-year; Announcing insurance partnerships with , and ; a channel partnership with Promark, a premier value-added distributor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro Inc.; and a technology partnership with IT service management company ServiceNow. UpGuard is on track to be the first to bring standardization to a deeply disorganized and fragmented space, said Mike Baukes, co-CEO and co-founder of UpGuard. We have the resources, the smarts, and the strategic partnerships to establish a market-wide cyber risk benchmark that will totally transform modern businesses and drive down the number of breach headlines. By providing the tools needed to build resilient information systems, make strategic decisions with real data in real time, as well as obtain cyber insurance should the worst case scenario occur, we equip businesses to start fighting fire with fire. UpGuard is the company behind CSTAR, the worlds only comprehensive and actionable cybersecurity preparedness score for enterprises. The score allows businesses to understand the risk of breaches and unplanned outages due to misconfigurations and software vulnerabilities. It also offers insurance carriers a new standard by which to effectively assess client risk and compliance profiles. Thousands of companies, including Rackspace, Ulta, Citrix, Amadeus, PGI and ADP, use UpGuard to validate infrastructure, continuously detect risks and procure cybersecurity insurance. UpGuard is headquartered in Mountain View, CA with offices in Portland, OR. To see how UpGuard works, or to get your CSTAR rating, visit . Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER High school football: Follow along as area teams continue playoffs journeys It's high school football playoff time in Indiana and Michigan. Follow along with live updates of South Bend area playoff games Friday night Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard rocket and capsule launch from West Texas during the duo's fourth successful test flight on June 19, 2016. With multiple flights of its New Shepard vehicle under its belt, Blue Origin is appraising the research market for scientific and technological experiments that can be lofted to suborbital space. Blue Origin is run by billionaire Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, who has adopted the motto "Gradatim Ferociter" Latin for "step by step, ferociously" for the Washington-based company. And those words are proving to be apt: Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard rocket system has flown to suborbital space five times to date, with the first liftoff coming in April 2015 and the latest occurring this past June. [See photos of Blue Origin's latest launch and landing] The rocket is topped by a crew capsule that slips into suborbital space before both craft return to Earth in separate landings. The New Shepard booster lands vertically, using the same BE-3 engine that launched it; the six-passenger capsule returns to Earth under parachutes. (The first landing attempt of the New Shepard rocket, in April 2015, failed, but the last four have been successful.) A central objective of the company is creating a commercial suborbital space tourism vehicle for paying customers. But Blue Origin also plans to make money by taking science experiments into the final frontier. Pathfinder payloads During its suborbital flights, the New Shepard capsule gets at least 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth, exposing payloads to microgravity conditions for about 3 minutes. Scientists have already taken advantage of this research opportunity. "Our last two flights, we flew payloads as part of our pathfinder series," Blue Origin President Rob Meyerson told Space.com. "We received feedback from the researchers, moving us one step closer to offering good customer experience for our future payload customers." One of these researchers was Dan Durda, a space scientist at Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Durda designed the Box of Rocks Experiment (BORE), which flew aboard New Shepard on its April 2, 2016, test flight. [Blue Origin Rocket Comes in Hot, Nails Landing (Video)] Seamless transition The Texas-based company NanoRacks has partnered with Blue Origin to provide payload-integration services. The goal is "to finally offer a seamless transition from suborbital research to long-duration [research] on board the International Space Station," said NanoRacks CEO Jeffrey Manber. "Researchers can now tinker on board New Shepard, get their projects squared away and, for some, move on to the space station," Manber told Space.com. "In addition, we are speaking to a number of educational organizations who are now using the International Space Station," Manber said. "As New Shepard becomes more operational, we may move educational projects from ISS to Blue Origin, freeing up the valuable astronaut time," he said, "helping create a commercial pathway from suborbital to the stars." [Photos: Building the International Space Station] Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket approaches its landing site in West Texas during the vessel's fourth launch and landing test on June 19, 2016. (Image credit: Blue Origin) Flight rates Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos leads Blue Origin, a commercial aerospace firm that hopes to send people on suborbital and orbital space trips. See how Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft works here (Image credit: by Karl Tate, Infographics Artist) Meyerson said that he considers suborbital research "an untapped market," but just how big that marketplace is remains unclear. "When we get the system up and running and reaching the flight rates we think we'll be able to do, we'll see if there's a market that can support increasing that flight rate," Meyerson said. "Until you have a product to sell, it's really hard to tell." Blue Origin is building a fleet of vehicles that support flights on the order of once a week, Meyerson said. "We are designing the system so that it can be turned around on less than a 24-hour cycle. It's going to take us time to get there but our team is happy with where we now are," he said. "Every flight, we are looking at ways to streamline the operation, learning how to improve the system." New Shepard is a unique platform, Meyerson said, "in between the zero-gravity aircraft and sounding rockets. It provides a little less microgravity time than a sounding rocket, but at lower cost and quite a bit more microgravity time than a zero-G aircraft, at a little more cost. So, it's in the sweet spot." There's a range of "uplifting" prices for a complete, end-to-end integration of a payload, from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on locker size, Meyerson said. Additionally, there's an introductory discounted price of $5,300 for student payloads. The New Shepard capsule contains 530 cubic feet (15 cubic meters) of interior space, more than 10 times the room available to the spacecraft's namesake, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard, on his history-making Mercury flight in 1961. Please be seated New Shepard is being designed to house combinations of payload racks and seats. In coming years, scientists will be able to ride along with their experiments, said Blue Origin Business Development Manager Erika Wagner. "Automating your payload is a huge cost," Wagner told Space.com. "If you can actually put your own trained hands in the loop, that can be a real value." Wagner said that Blue Origin wants to make flying payloads on New Shepard easy. "We're trying not to throw the book at the investigators in terms of how much paperwork they have to fill out to fly with us," she said. The flight profile of Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital vehicle. (Image credit: Blue Origin) Staging point New Shepard is also being outfitted with external as well as internal payload interfaces. "Experimenters can have something exposed to the [space] environment," Meyerson said, adding that this capability will allow researchers to study upper-atmospheric phenomena or advance the readiness level of their technologies. In the future, Blue Origin also plans to offer the option of flying vehicles other than the New Shepard capsule atop the rocket, Meyerson said. "So that could be some kind of atmospheric demonstrator flight vehicle. They can use the New Shepard booster to lift it off to a staging point," Meyerson said. "We look forward to hearing from different organizations as we transition our vehicle to regular commercial use." Bold ambitions Blue Origin has a vision, Meyerson said, "of having millions of people living and working in space. We think if you want to get there, you need to be pushing the barriers of how to conduct really useful science ... of trying things out in microgravity." New Shepard is that first step, Meyerson said. The suborbital system is "a pathway to go to the International Space Station for longer duration," he said. "Eventually, we'll have our own vehicles and ways to do that as well. New Shepard is the forerunner for doing that. It's a stepping stone towards that long-term vision." Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," to be published by National Geographic this October. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel six-part series coming in November. A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. China's property investment slows down in July Updated: 2016-08-12 11:03 (Xinhua) Potential homebuyers examine a property project model in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, Aug 31, 2014.[Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - Investment in China's property sector rose 5.3 percent year on year in the first seven months of 2016, slightly lower than 6.1 percent registered in the first half of the year, official data showed Friday. The sites of meteorite impacts on Mars are often considered to be good places to look for life. After all, it's most likely that if any trace of life (past or present) ever took hold on the Red Planet, it would most likely be preserved under the bedrock of Mars' harsh surface. Should there be a recent impact, could we search the debris to seek-out this recently excavated pristine rock for life? Alas, in new research, this kind of impact crater search could be a fool's errand; the energy of the impact likely sterilized any material we'd consider organic and related to life. RELATED: Weirdest Mars Craters Spotted by HiRISE Researchers from Imperial College London carried out simulations of meteorite impacts in the lab to see how organic compounds fared when exposed to the kinds of impact pressures they could experience on Mars. What they found wasn't very promising if we hope to find evidence of life inside impact craters. For example, organic compounds associated with basic microbial and algal life (known as long chain hydrocarbon-dominated matter) were destroyed by the pressure of impact. On the other hand, other organic compounds associated with plant life (known as aromatic hydrocarbons) were chemically altered, but, according to a press release, "remained relatively resistant to impact pressures." Meteorites often contain organic chemicals not related to life that are resistant to the pressures of massive impacts. RELATED: Oh Mars, What Strange Craters You Have So far, there has been little evidence of organics found that would suggest any kind of life has ever existed on Mars, but this new research provides an insight to what could be a previously overlooked complication in that search for life. "We've literally only scratched the surface of Mars in our search for life, but so far the results have been inconclusive," said Mark Sephton of Imperial College London. "Rocks excavated through meteorite impacts provide scientists with another unique opportunity to explore for signs of life, without having to resort to complicated drilling missions. Our study is showing us is that we may need to be nuanced in our approach to the rocks we choose to analyse." Rather than relying on computer simulations of meteorite impacts, the researchers used a piston cylindrical device to recreate the pressures and temperatures associated with a range of impact energies on various materials. They will continue to carry out these lab tests to see what energies give hypothetical Mars life the best chance of leaving their biological signature and which will pulverize their biology into oblivion. RELATED: Why a Mars Comet Impact Would be Awesome "The study is helping us to see that when organic matter is observed on Mars, no matter where, it must be considered whether the sample could have been affected by the pressures associated with blast impacts," added Wren Montgomery, also from Imperial. "We still need to do more work to understand what factors may play an important role in protecting organic compounds from these blast impacts. However, we think some of the factors may include the depths at which the rock records are buried and the angles at which meteorites hit the Martian surface." As we plan further exploration of the Martian surface, the more we can learn about where potential signs of Mars life could be hiding the better as, for now, we can't assume that every crater will be a Mars biology goldmine. Source: University College London Originally published on Discovery News. A Perseid meteor streaks over Mount Laguna, California in this stunning photo captured by skywatcher Jason Miller in the wee hours of Aug. 12, 2016 during the peak of the 2016 Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower peaked last night (Aug. 11-12), dazzling the Northern Hemisphere with shooting stars across the sky and Space.com readers caught some amazing photos of the spectacle. A bright moon made this year's Perseids more challenging to capture, but once the moon set late-night stargazers took full advantage of the peak like Jason Miller, who caught the above photo of a Perseid meteor streaking over Mount Laguna, California in the wee hours of the morning. You can see more awesome photos of the 2016 Perseids here, which were sent in by Space.com readers. If you missed the peak of the Perseids last night, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host another Ustream live webcast overnight tonight (Aug. 12-13), starting at 10 p.m. ET (0200 GMT). You will also be able to watch the NASA Perseids webcast on Space.com, courtesy of the Marshall center. [Perseid Meteor Shower 2016: How and When to See It] The Perseids come around every year when Earth passes through the streams of dust and debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which whips past Earth in its orbit around the sun every 133 years. This year, the peak was forecast to be particularly spectacular the Perseids were in a rare outburst, according to NASA scientists. Skywatcher Alex Paul created this long-exposure view of the 2016 Perseid meteor shower from northern Indiana while observing the shower's peak on Aug. 11-12, 2016. (Image credit: Alex Paul) Alex Paul took this vivid image of the Perseid meteor shower just after midnight this morning in northern Indiana. NASA calls the Perseids the "fireball champion" meteor shower because it tends to have bright meteors that can be seen even in less than favorable conditions. A bright Perseid meteor flashes in a night sky tinged with smoke from nearby forest fires in this view by photographer Barbara Matthews captured from Nevada County, California during the peak of the 2016 Perseid meteor shower on Aug. 11-12. (Image credit: 2016 Barbara Matthews) "A bright flash of a meteor as the light of the moon began to dim," Barbara Matthews told Space.com in an email along with her photo, above. "Taken in Nevada County, California, the normally clear dark skies tinged with smoke from ongoing forest fires in the state." Meteor showers last a long time, and there are spectacular views even befor the peak and viewers have been spotting Perseids in the sky all week (as have NASA's All-Sky Fireball Network cameras for weeks, as shown in this space agency video of the celestial fireworks). Skywatcher Kenny Cagle captured this photo of two Perseid meteors from Twin Peaks Recreational Area at Lake Ouachita near Mt. Ida and Hot Springs, Arkansas on Aug. 10, 2016, just one day ahead of the Perseid meteor shower's peak. (Image credit: Kenny Cagle) Kenny Kagle, for instance, caught this striking view Aug. 10 at Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, near Mount Ida. "Skies were clear and I was away from city lights, but I only saw about 25 meteors in the 3 hours I was out," he wrote. "I didn't even realize I caught this image until I got home." Photographer John Entwistle snapped this stunning view of a Perseid meteor over Corolla in the Outer Banks of North Carolina early on Aug. 12, 2016 during the peak of the 2016 Perseid meteor shower. (Image credit: John Entwistle Photography John Entwistle grabbed this shot in the early morning over the beach at Corolla, Outer Banks, NC, using a 25-second-long exposure. And several other skywatchers captured amazing views of the Perseids in the days before the shower's peak. One photographer, Sergio Garcia Rill, snapped a gorgeous view of a Perseid meteor streaking over the Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas, an International Dark-Sky Association site, on Aug. 7. Astrophotographer Sergio Garcia Rill captured this stunning view of a Perseid meteor with the Milky Way from Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas (an International Dark-Sky Association site) on Aug. 7, 2016 ahead of the peak of 2016 Perseid meteor shower. (Image credit: Sergio Garcia Rill Even though the peak has passed, the meteor shower continues: Rates are still high tonight, and Earth will keep passing through the streams of debris for quite some time. So if you missed last night or want to try again and catch the perfect photo, get out there! Space.com can't wait to see what you find. Editor's note: If you catch an awesome photo of the Perseid meteor shower that you'd like to share with Space.com and our news partners for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. 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Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service. China to halt licensing of new non-bank payment agencies Updated: 2016-08-12 20:37 (Xinhua) BEIJING - China's central bank said Friday it will halt the licensing of new non-bank payment agencies as authorities tried to better regulate the fast-expanding industry. "No new institutions will be approved for a certain period, in principle," the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said while announcing an extension of business licenses for 27 third-party payment agencies that were already qualified. Those agencies, including industry leader Alipay, were first authorized in 2011 and will have their services extended for another five years. Some of them, however, will have to narrow their scope of service due to serious violations of rules or sluggish business, the PBOC said in a statement. It vowed to guide the orderly development of the industry and prevent systemic or regional financial risks. China's non-bank payment sector has prospered since the early days of Alipay, a service backed by e-commerce giant Alibaba, which has gone on to eat into the user base of traditional bank services. There are around 270 third-party agencies owning payment licenses in China, with online transactions surging 46.9 percent year on year to 11.8 trillion yuan (1.8 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, according to statistics from consulting firm iResearch. With the exception of Alipay and Tencent's Tenpay, however, many third-party agencies have struggled to find good profit models, with some starting to explore services such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding platforms. A string of fraud cases in recent years underscored hefty risks in the sector, prompting regulators to unveil a policy last year that was partly aimed at avoiding large sums of money being deposited in third-party payment accounts. The PBOC said Friday that it will rigorously punish illegal practices by third-party payment agencies and revoke the licenses of those that do not offer payment services for a long time. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Now? In recent months, German security laws have already been tightened and additional restrictions have been added to asylum laws. Even government representatives admit that the moves were "pretty tough." Reforms that went into effect in March make it easier to deport foreigners if they are convicted of crimes. Politicians made the change in response to the sexual attacks in Cologne on New Year's Eve. And just before the summer recess, the Christian Democrat and Social Democrat-led government coalition also pushed through new anti-terror legislation enabling the country's domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, to conduct surveillance against people as young as 14 and to share data with all EU and NATO countries. In the future, the German Federal Police and the Federal Criminal Police Office will be permitted to deploy undercover agents to respond to potential threats. Following the mass shootings and attacks of recent weeks, Chancellor Merkel ultimately presented a "Nine-Point Plan" that offers an A to Z package of responses, ranging from deportations to increased cooperation with foreign intelligence services. None of the nine points is entirely new, but they are now to be pursued with much greater energy. They include provisions making it easier for the German armed forces to be deployed domestically -- a step that Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen is hoping to use to chalk up political points. Meanwhile, CSU leaders are calling for electronic ankle bracelets to be placed on potential attackers. The Bavarian state interior minister, Joachim Herrmann, also said there can no longer be "any taboos" when it comes to deporting refugees to crisis regions. It's getting difficult to keep track of all the demands being made. Going Too Far? This week, Interior Minister de Maiziere drew criticism with a proposal that came across like a half-baked idea. Even before he presented his 16-page list, news leaked that he wanted to loosen doctor-patient secrecy laws in order to enable early detection of possible attacks. The proposal prompted criticism not only from doctors, but also from one of his allies within his own party, German Health Minister Hermann Grohe, who had been on a trip to the United States. De Maiziere had apparently not run his ideas by the Health Ministry. Grohe's ministry promptly reported that doctors are already permitted to contact the authorities if they have any information about a possible terror threat -- if, for example, a potential terrorist or mass shooter hints at such an attack during a therapy session. The ministry warned that any move to further tighten laws might keep a potential attacker from seeking therapy in the first place. Frank Ulrich Montgomery, the president of the German Medical Association, intervened the same day the news got leaked. In response, the interior minister publicly stated that he had no intention of eliminating doctor-patient confidentiality rules. He said he would seek a dialogue with doctors about "reducing the threat to people to the greatest degree possible." "There must be a response to the feelings of insecurity among the populace," says Jurgen Falter, a professor of political science at the University of Mainz. But in order "to maintain credibility, politicians need to speak with a single voice." That's not happening though, he says. Many of the latest proposals are coming from individuals within the Christian Democrats and haven't been agreed to within the party or with its coalition partner, the SPD, or even clearly thought out. That's not how you convince voters, says Falter. 'Not How You Create More Security' The cacophony of voices around the issue of security is also upsetting some within conservative circles. Sources within the Christian Democrats say that if the goal had been to provide a show of strength in the run-up to elections in Berlin and the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, then the party has failed. "First a packet of anti-terror laws, then a nine-point plan, now a 'Berlin Statement,' and then de Maiziere on top of it all -- this is not exactly how you create more security," the source says. Burkhard Hirsch, the former interior minister for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, describes it as a "hapless attempt to signalize to voters that we're not inactive." The security agencies' powers have been expanded in unprecedented ways in recent years, he adds, with Germany's Constitutional Court having to step in more than a dozen different times because the government went too far. "If this kind of agitation continues, then we will jeopardize the liberal way in which we live," says Hirsch, who belongs to the libertarian-leaning Free Democratic Party. Domestic security has always been one of the conservatives' key issues. But now it could be said: Fear eats the soul. Reported by Sven Boll, Ann-Katrin Muller, Conny Neumann, Simone Salden, Jorg Schindler, Cornelia Schmergal, Wolf Wiedmann-Schmidt and Steffen Winter Training begins in Beijing for UN police missions Updated: 2016-08-12 07:54 By Zhang Yi(China Daily Europe) Atraining program for senior police officers from nine African countries has started in Beijing as China ramps up its standing as one of the leading peacekeeping forces in the United Nations. Officers from more countries around the world are expected to receive training over the next five years. Seventeen officers from Angola, Djibouti, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are taking a two-week course at the Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Academy that began on Aug 8. He Yin, the course coordinator, says the classes cover a range of topics, with particular focus on theoretical knowledge of the UN peacekeeping operations. Sections on human rights and law enforcement, as well as the protection of civilians, are also included. The academy will invite legal experts and former ambassadors to the UN to tell them how the operations are organized under the UN framework. "For example, they will talk about the authorized matters of the UN mandate and the legal background for an operation," He says. Liao Jinrong, head of the international cooperation department at the Ministry of Public Security, says: "The training program is the first of its kind. It implements President Xi Jinping's goal, stated in September during his address at the UN Leaders Summit on Peacekeeping, that China will train 2,000 peacekeepers from other countries over the next five years." Andreas Nelumbu, the regional police commander in Namibia's Erongo region, says: "Namibia has a responsibility to contribute to peacekeeping in the world. That's why we are here - to learn some techniques from the training course so that we can continue playing our role in serving the countries that need help. "China is providing the training course for us in addition to taking part in the peacekeeping mission itself. I think the move is great." Police officers in China have taken part in more than 2,400 tours of duty as part of UN peacekeeping operations in nine areas and at UN headquarters in New York since 2000, making China the biggest source of peacekeeping police among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn Police officers from nine African countries attend a two-week course on UN peacekeeping at the Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Academy in Beijing on Aug 8. Zhang Yi / China Daily (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page2) Rudy Giuliani accepts every word that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth and is not afraid to appear on live television to defend the leader of his party. On Thursday, the former mayor of New York City sat down for a lengthy interview with CNN host Chris Cuomo were the main topics where Trumps decision to call President Obama and Hillary Clinton, the co-founders of ISIS, and his Second Amendment comment. Asked why did the real estate mogul allude to the assassination his political opponent. Mr. Giuliani defended Trump by explaining that he was on the plane with him after he made the remarks and is confident that the nominee was only trying to get gun owners to go out to vote. Giuliani blamed the media for spinning and twisting Trumps words. He said: You dont give him a fair shot. You take his words, and you parse them, and you take them apart.I was on the plane with him when they called him and said to him, theyre accusing you of saying Kill Hillary Clinton. He said, What? I didnt say that.' Giuliani attempted to change the conversation by reminding viewers that during the 2008 election, Clinton made headlines by saying that she was staying in the race because Bobby Kennedy was not assassinated until June 1968. Cuomo replied by saying: You know what she did after she said that? She apologized. When Cuomo asked his fellow New Yorker, why doesnt Trump apologize for making hurtful and inaccurate comments? He replied by: Because he wasnt wrong! Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris. He didnt encourage them to do that. He was saying dont vote for her. Its the Clinton spin machine. The two men had a very lengthy back and forth over Trumps outrageous decision to repeat over and over that Obama is the head of a horrific terrorist organization. The Republican politician explained: I think what hes saying there is legitimate political commentary. Before Obama, ISIS was an almost unknown, small little organization. And heres why it happened: because he withdrew the troops from Iraq. Asked about Trumps refusal to release his tax returns, Giuliani deflected and wondered why are Clintons emails are being ignored. He stated: It is nothing in comparison to the 35,000 emails that she destroyed. Giuliani concluded the interview by taking a shot at the so-called liberal media by saying: You think I was treated fairly as the Republican mayor of New York City? You can watch the entire interview below. This ensures waste on their land is dealt with in a way that doesnt harm people or the environment. Many last registered for an exemption in 2013. But these are now about to expire and need to be re-registered. One month into the campaign, more than 750 farmers have already registered with most doing so online. This is significantly up on the same time in 2013. However, many thousands still need to register and NRW is urging them to do so as soon as possible, rather than wait until the deadline at the end of September. One who has already done so is Andrew Wigley, a dairy farmer living near Welshpool. Andrew needs an exemption to burn green waste, import recycled waste paper for cattle bedding and to use building waste to create tracks, for example. After hearing that he could register online he visited the NRW website and registered. Andrew said: Three years ago I registered for a waste exemption by post. But this time I thought Id register online to save myself the trouble of completing a form by hand and posting it. I was very happy to find how easy it was it took me less than 10 minutes. Its good to tick this off my long list of things to do and I know that I am now OK to deal with my waste on the farm without a permit for the next three years. FTA focused on services should be priority Updated: 2016-08-12 07:55 By Chi Fulin(China Daily Europe) The foundations have already been laid to merge trade negotiations with those for a bilateral investment treaty At present, the world is at a crossroads of resisting rising trade protectionism and promoting trade liberalization. If a good choice is made, a new round of globalization, with trade in services playing the key role, will drive sustainable growth of the world economy. Otherwise, there will be a new round of worldwide trade wars with no winners, which will add more uncertainty to the global economic and political situation. Amid the unfolding complexities caused by Brexit - which not only affects the European economic integration process and increases uncertainty in economic globalization, but also gives rise to trade protectionism - both China and the European Union should take joint action and avoid a zero-sum game. Instead, both sides should explore new fronts. Trade in services has a key role to play in deepening China-EU economic cooperation. With the rapid development of global services trade, the hot spot and priority for global investment and trade have shifted to the services sector, and the focus of global free trade agreement negotiations has also switched to the services trade. After such a trend, service trade has become the focus of deepening China-EU economic cooperation. Yet at the same time, the services trade has become the area worst hit by protectionism. Under such circumstances, to counteract trade protectionism, China and the EU should focus their efforts on opposing protectionism to break down services trade barriers, especially technical ones. Against this backdrop, China and the EU should lose no time in establishing an FTA, with the services trade as a priority, by 2020. The time between now and 2020 is a critical period for rebalancing the global economy and the economic transformation in China and the EU. With the rapid unleashing of potential demand from Chinese for services, economic complementarity between China and the EU will be further strengthened. The European Commission recently released its Elements for a New EU Strategy on China. This document, although attaching more importance to negotiations toward a China-EU FTA, is still far away from the requirements to deepen economic cooperation. Once Britain leaves the bloc, if the EU sticks to economic integration, it needs to eliminate interruptions in speeding up the China-EU FTA process, so as to have a larger market and a greater pattern for deepening economic cooperation. This year, or at the latest next year, China and the EU need to reach a framework FTA and specify negotiation targets, key issues and a time frame for negotiations, and early harvest plans. In 2018 and 2019, the two sides need to conclude negotiations on important issues, including trade in goods and services and investment, and accelerate harvesting the results of early harvest projects. And by 2020, they should have signed a comprehensive agreement. As the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral investment treaty have already touched on some issues in trade in services, it would be feasible to merge the two negotiations. Moreover, with China accelerating the opening-up of its services market, the trend of a second round of opening-up with trade in services as the priority is taking shape. So conditions for merging the two negotiations are in place. The other option to combining the FTA and bilateral investment treaty negotiations is to start joint studies on the feasibility of an FTA right after the completion of the BIT talks within the next year. Both sides should not only set an example by taking the lead in promoting Asia-Europe trade liberalization and in building an open and inclusive Eurasian market, but also work together to guide the development of new rules for global trade and investment to a more fair and sustainable orientation. Think tanks in China and EU have no excuse not to cope with the new challenges that stem from trade protectionism. The China Institute for Reform and Development and the Center for European Policy Studies have both published research reports recently that propose China and the EU take decisive action to further realize their trade potential. This is an example of how think tanks can offer solutions for leadership. And we need to continue such efforts in difficult times. The author is president of the China Institute of Reform and Development. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page13) T he menu change at Frankie & Bennys and Garfunkels goes on apace. The struggling owner of these decidedly average eateries, The Restaurant Group, now has a new chief executive, finance director and chairman. About time, too. Its kitchens have developed a name for profit warnings rather than profiteroles lately. And thats despite more people than ever opting for family restaurants over cooking at home. Research shows sales across the pubs and restaurants industry growing just shy of 2% on a year ago, with stronger growth in TRGs market of casual dining. Furthermore, according to researchers Coffer Peach, corporate chains are doing better than independents. So whats gone wrong? Anyone who visits such joints regularly knows you get a better-priced family meal from my kids favourites, Nandos (or, if theyre feeling healthy, Leon) than you can from Frankie & Bennys. TRGs venues feel like theyre run by accountants with an eye on the profit margin rather than zingy foodies with a flair for delighting the customer. One has in mind the sprawling Whitbread chains of the nineties and noughties, chilled by the cold hand of head office. Whats more, there are too many of them, perhaps 15% too many, meaning in some places theyre competing with each other. Having said all that, I wouldnt say its terminal. Private-equity groups, whove made good money turning around restaurant chains, dont think so either. Theyve been sniffing around TRG for months. This business can be fixed, but it will take time, particularly as incoming head chef Andy McCue is new to the industry. I expect hell do a kitchen-sink job when he gets in after September, laying out cold, hard truths, which could hit the share price hard. Veteran analyst Mark Brumby at Langton Capital points out that the last boardroom clearout of this order was at Mitchells & Butlers nine years ago. Since then M&B shares have gone from nearly 800p to below 260p today. Lets hope TRGs service doesnt prove so bad. Mayoral misfire Why on earth does John Lewis boss Andy Street want to give up a proper job to become Mayor of Birmingham? Good on him for being altruistic. But surely he can achieve more, faster, for a greater number of people through business than he ever will as the figurehead for yet another tier of regional government. Businesspeople who go into public office find it frustrating, slow-moving and powerless. Street should stick to a role thats really useful: serving customers, creating jobs and promoting John Lewiss partnership model for capitalism. I nvestors today cast doubts over AG Barrs ability to hit its full-year profit targets after the Irn-Bru makers weak first half. Last week the FTSE 250 company, also behind the Rubicon brands, revealed like-for-like sales dived 2.9% to 125 million in the first six months, blaming the late arrival of the summer weather. It insisted it would still be able to meet its profit targets for the year, assuming market conditions improve and our robust second-half plans deliver. Analysts at Berenberg, however, who today downgraded to Sell, think its optimism is misplaced: This will be very tough to achieve as it requires both a significant turnaround in sales performance and margin expansion. Strong sales growth at AG Barrs overseas business and of its Funkin cocktail mixers will not be enough to reverse the sales slump, according to analyst Ned Hammond, who claims these businesses are too small to move the dial. AG Barrs shares lost their fizz, down 16.45p to 510.05p. Fresh highs on Wall Street provided investors on this side of the pond with enough encouragement to keep filling their boots. The FTSE 100 added another 6.27 points to yesterdays late surge to take it to 6920.98, the indexs highest point since June last year. On a quiet day for corporate news, there were no major blue-chip share price swings, with Rolls-Royce among the biggest movers, up 12p at 811p. Struggling phones and broadband firm TalkTalk eased 3.8p to 231.8p following yesterdays late spike on the back of renewed takeover speculation. More than 10% was wiped off Genus, 194.2p cheaper at 1743.8p, as the animal genetics group suffered a setback in its legal battle in the US with rival bull semen specialist Sexing Technologies. The Israeli finance director of internet of things firm Telit Communications, Yosi Fait, cashed in on the AIM-listed companys surge this year by exercising options at 80p before selling 633,000 shares at 267.55p for a 1.7 million payday. The trade did not fill shareholders with confidence and the stock slipped 5.25p to 261.75p. CloudBuy, the online procurement company whose boss once claimed it would become bigger than Apple, Google, and Microsoft, has some way to go to challenge Silicon Valleys giants. While Apple has made almost $100 billion in 2016, the AIM-quoted companys revenues shrank 11% to 785,000 in the first half, causing shares to dip 0.18p to 6.95p. J im McCarthy, the former boss of Poundland, will be quids in after the retailers takeover by Steinhoff, landing a windfall worth nearly 23 million, it emerged today. McCarthy, who spent a decade turning Poundland into a chain of nearly 900 stores with sales of over 1 billion before stepping down in July, owns 10 million shares in the discount group, according to documents relating to the Steinhoff deal published today. The South African firm, which owns Bensons for Beds and Harveys in the UK, yesterday upped its bid for Poundland, offering 225p a share in cash plus 2p a share dividend, meaning McCarthy will now walk away with around 22.7 million. Poundland's longstanding finance chief Nick Hateley will get close to 9.7 million thanks to his 4 million-plus shares. McCarthy stayed on as a director at Poundland to hand over to successor and former B&Q boss Kevin OByrne. He will leave in September and is planning a break from corporate life. How did Insley & Nash come about? Gavin Insley: Both myself and Mika met at University where we studied Fashion Design, specialising in textiles for fashion. Having such a great facility and print technician inspired us to concentrate solely on textiles. Then, after five years and many conversations about the type of studio we wanted to own, we decided to go for it. Mika Nash: We started in a tiny artist studio in Greenwich with just a 4m table and only a handful of screens. Soon, we started taking on jobs for Loreal and Giles Deacon. In four short years weve moved twice and we're now in a train arch in Deptford. Where did you train? GI: We both trained at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Its since moved to Greenwich and shortened its name to just Ravensbourne, which is less of a mouthful. Describe a day in the life of a screenprint designer GI: It starts with a coffee and a team meeting. We have a small team of really specialist people. As we work on such a wide veriety of projects, no two days are the same. We could be printing 1000m of neoprene one day, or dyeing a million silk flowers. We may even be printing for the Royal Family! Screen printing is actually quite a physically demanding job. We are constantly walking around our large train arch and carrying 1.2m x 1.5m metal screen frames - we can easily hit around 15,000 steps on the pedometer a day. MN: We will usually have at least one client meeting - either at our studio or out and about. Its so important for us to meet our clients face-to-face, when possible. Commissioning bespoke textiles is such a personal thing and for us so important to have a company that understands this. Inside the Insley & Nash studio How does the screen-printing process work? GI: Screen-printing in its most simple form is creating a stencil. Each colour in a design is printed individually so there is a separate screen or stencil made for each colour, meaning a 10 colour design has 10 individual screens. The process has been around for thousands of years but the way we work is a very modern approach. This allows us to marry together an age-old craft with innovative and creative design. MN: It is very labour-intensive and we work at the premium end of the market - so have extremely high standards, producing work that requires huge amounts of skill and craftsmanship. London's best design shops 1 /26 London's best design shops Minimalist Mint in Knightsbridge Inge Clemente Essentials Labour and Wait in Shoreditch All of the lights Tom Dixon Studio in Portobello Dock Scandinavian dream Skandium has shops in Knightsbridge and Marylebone Beauty meets practicality SCP in Shoreditch East End cool The lighting area at SCP in Shoreditch Quirky objects A display at Aria in Barnsbury, north London Louis Little Eclectic You'll find contemporary furnishings alongside vintage pieces in Aria in Barnsbury Louis Little Something a little different Aria in Islington Louis Little Utilitarian cool Labour and Wait in Shoreditch Personal touch Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug in Islington Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug - press image Unique shopping experience Jasper Morrison in Hoxton Jasper Morrison in Hoxton - press image Full of quirky pieces Retrouvius in Kensal Green Eccentric Jimmie Martin in Kensington Jimmie Martin Scandi-style Triangle in Clapton Triangle in Clapton - press image Trendy Monologue shop in Shoreditch Bold patterns House of Hackney Shop in Shoreditch Anthony Crolla How does screen-printing and digital printing vary? GI: A digital textile printer is basically a really big inkjet printer for fabric. Unlike screen printing, they are limited to the type of inks they can use and techniques that can be produced. MN: We chose to use screen-printing as a method to produce our textiles and our design process it is very reliant on the tactile nature of this craft. Being able to make design decisions and development during printing brings real depth and character to everything we produce. Are you working on any special new designs/projects at the moment? MN: We are - but we cant tell you! With our client base discretion is key. Insley & Nash specialise in bespoke, screen-printed fabrics Whats your favourite piece you have worked on so far? GI: We are so excited to have contributed to the British House at the Rio Olympics. We were originally asked to supply soft furnishings and furniture from a range we have been developing and this lead to us designing and creating some bespoke pieces to go up in the house. It's so great to be involved in something so influential and global as the Olympics. Where do you seek design inspiration? GI: Texture is a massive draw for us - its really what we enjoy working with. MN: When you think of textiles, the standard repeating pattern comes to mind - we enjoy breaking away from this and creating exciting mixtures of broken pattern, natural texture and colour. Using fabric bases as part of the design to really emphasise the screen printed elements is technically challenging but gives such rich depth and feel to the design. Which colours are you championing for autumn/winter? GI: Gold - always gold. MN: More gold? What was last piece of homeware you bought? GI: The last pieces I bought were a mid-century dining table and chairs set from a local antiques market. I just finished upholstering the chairs with one of the fabrics from our new collection. MN: After reading Florence Broadhursts biography, ive become a bit obsessed with her work and have a couple of fabric lengths hopefully arriving from Australia really soon! What is your favourite design shop/boutique in London or beyond? GI: Merci in Paris is a really interesting place to spend hours looking around. MN: Present and correct - weve been buying their lovely wall planners for the studio for four years now. Is there a restaurant or hotel in London whose design you particularly like/admire? GI: The Hoi Polloi restaurant at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch is great. Nothing over the top, just classic. MN: I love the Ivy. Do you have a top room makeover tip? GI: Rather than putting up any old Ikea picture or art on your walls just to fill a space or because its a trend on Pinterest, try and use art that has some personal connection to you or your family. It makes a space so much more unique to you, rather than just someone else's ideas plastered across your walls. What home accessory could you not live without? GI: I'm sure if this counts, but a decent chef's knife. I love cooking and having a nicely weighted, very sharp knife is a must. MN: Ive managed to keep an old glass percolator for ten years. Its my pride and joy and makes the best coffee. Follow Insley & Nash on Instagram @insleyandnash Visit insleyandnash.com Follow Amira Hashish on Twitter @amiranews and Instagram @thedesigneditor I f youre anything like me, you will plan your trips away mainly around food. Fortunately, our little island is full of exceptional coastal eateries so theres no need to travel too far. To help you choose your seaside retreat accordingly, here are 15 of the best: 1. The Sportsman Whitstable, Kent You might have heard of The Sportsman. A self-proclaimed grotty rundown pub by the sea, unknowing passers-by may be forgiven for walking straight past this ex-boozer. From the outside it certainly doesnt look like there might be a Michelin Star kitchen hidden within, yet that is exactly what youll find on a visit to The Sportsman. Specialising in quality but un-fussy food, this superb pub has held its Michelin Star rating for eight years and most recently has topped the National Restaurant Awards list for 2016-2017. Simple food, Michelin Star standard at The Sportsman (The Sportsman) / Phillip Harris 2. The Little Fish Market Brighton, Sussex The Little Fish Market may be set a five minute walk inland, but theres no doubt that youll forgive it; this little eatery is full of charm. Set in a former fishmonger and located opposite the old Victorian fish market, this smart restuarant specialises in creative seafood dining. The kitchen is run solely by Duncan Ray, whose impressive career includes a spell at The Fat Duck alongside Heston Blumenthal. 3. 36 on the Quay Emsworth, Hampshire Until recently, 36 on the Quay had retained a Michelin Star for an impressive eighteen years. Despite losing its grip on its Michelin rating, this foodie's haven remains one of the must-visit restaurants along the south coast. Located on the edge of a quay, the restaurant is an idyllic spot to watch boats bob off into the distance. Fine dining at 36 on the Quay (Penny Ericson ) / Penny Ericson 4. Pebble Beach Barton-On-Sea, Hampshire Pebble Beach boasts one of the best panoramic views of the list. The restaurant certainly makes the most of it, too. The open-air terrace provides a viewing platform for the beautiful Christchurch Bay before you and of the Isle of White beyond. Head chef Pierre Chevillard cooks up a harmonious blend of French and British cuisine. 5. Shell Bay Studland, Dorset Shell Bay restaurant almost seems to be floating on the water, and when it comes to sea views this eatery may give Pebble Beach a run for its money. With floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of outdoor seating, you will have no issues securing a prime spot to watch the sun set over the fishing boats and the bay. The menu here is so fresh that if you particularly fancy crab or lobster then youll need to say so when booking so that the fisherman can go and catch you one. 6. Hix Oyster & Fish House Lyme Regis, Dorset Hix Oyster & Fish House is the project of prolific Chef and restaurateur Mark Hix. After a successful 25 years working with top London restaurants, Hix has returned to his home county with a back-to-basics seafood restaurant. Inside, the interior is relaxed and fresh. You wont spend much of your time looking at the interior, though the views from the restaurant are spectacular, stretching across the Jurassic coast. Sea view at HIX Oyster and Fish House / HIX Oyster and Fish House 7. The Winking Prawn Salcombe, Devon The Winking Prawn does not do fine dining. Rather, this is relaxed, wholesome food which doesnt take itself too seriously. Set in a charming beach hut cafe which is practically on the shore, this little beach shack is particularly famed for its beachy BBQ but also good are their regular lunch and dinner options which are ladened with fresh fish and seafood. The Winking Prawn may not have the same Michelin Star waiting list as some of the other shortlisters, but it is a popular hangout all the same so be sure to book ahead especially if the weather is good. 8. Fifteen Cornwall Newquay, Cornwall Cornwall has struggled with youth unemployment over recent years. Fifteen Cornwall, set up by Jamie Oliver, offers apprenticeships to Cornwall locals aged 16-24 with the ultimate aim of getting them into work and keeping them in work. This not-for-profit restaurant provides disadvantaged young people with full-time chef training, work experience placements in prestigious kitchens and welfare support. In return, locals have been blessed with a fantastic restaurant, serving up Italian fare on the beach of Watergate Bay, just north of Newquay. 9. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw Port Isaac, Cornwall Restaurant Nathan Outlaw was awarded two Michelin Stars in 2011, and since then it has continued to attract awards and high praise. Originally located in Rock, the restaurant outgrew the site and has since been relocated to Port Isaac by way of satisfying growing interest. A former protege of the King of seafood Rick Stein it seems Nathan Outlaw may be a contender for his crown. 10. Coast Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire The fact that this restaurants head chef won his previous kitchen a Michelin Star in just two years, can only be a good omen for diners in Saundersfoot. Certainly, things are looking good for Coast which won 2AA Rosettes for Culinary just five days after opening and was named the AA Restaurant of the Year in Wales 2015 2016. Coast is nestled on Carmarthen Bay, Pembrokeshire, an area of Wales which is an equal match for the West Country in terms of rural beauty, but with the advantage of being less touristy. Seaside views at Coast, Pembrokeshire / Coast Saundersfoot 11. The Boathouse Cafe Bar Ardminish Bay, Gigha Island Situated on the idyllic but remote Scottish island of Gigha, the unassuming Boathouse Cafe is worth travelling to. Pitched as a small, rural, family-run cafe, this is in fact a great restaurant in the making and has already been featured in the Michelin Guide 2015. 12. The Three Chimneys Dunvegan, Isle of Skye As the islands most famous restaurant, popularity levels for The Three Chimneys are high. A handy tip to note is that if you book to stay in one of The Three Chimneys' rooms, then you are guaranteed a place at the restaurant. Lead by Head Chef Scott Davies, runner up in the 2013 series of Masterchef the Professionals, the restaurant keeps its focus on locally sourced ingredients which are representative of the Isle of Skye and its Nordic heritage. Try the tasting menu at the kitchen table - see the chefs at work, enjoy the view, and even try your hand at plating up. 'Head to Tail Beef' at The Three Chimneys / Angus Bremner 13. The Neptune Inn Restaurant Old Hunstanton, Norfolk Michelin Starred The Neptune Inn Restaurant serves modern British cuisine which takes advantage of Norfolks plentiful produce. Using locally landed fish and seafood, head chef Kevin Mangeolles creates precision-cooked dishes which reflect the culinary offerings of the Norfolk coast. Norfolk produce: Locally landed mackeral / Neptune Inn 14. Morston Hall Morston Holt, Norfolk Set slightly inland, this restaurant cant claim to have the same sea views as some of the others in the list. That said, Morston Hall restaurant is not one to be overlooked. With three AA Red Rosettes and a Michelin Star, this is one of the finest restaurants on the East-Anglian coast, and is even a favourite of Delia Smith. 15. Ocean Restaurant St Brelade, Jersey Head chef Mark Jordan has had Michelin Star success at most restaurants he has worked in over the years, and has since helped Ocean Restaurant to reach Michelin Star standard. Ocean Restaurant has held onto its Michelin Star rating for almost ten years now and has also received 4 AA rosettes, making it one of the most successful restaurants in the Channel Islands. As the name suggests, this sophisticated diner has great sea views. That said, the views at Mark's sister restaurant, Mark Jordan at the Beach, are also excellent and a great alternative for those looking for something a little more laid-back. I t has been a long wait for Hondas new NSX sportscar the last one was phased out 11 years ago. But it was worth it, because the new car, a hybrid, is a cracker. Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors together supplying 572hp and 641Nm of torque, the new NSX is remarkably user-friendly for this type of high-performance car. Huge amounts of technology help keep you on the Tarmac. Honda claims 60mph arrives in under three seconds. A very low first gear one of nine ensures launch-control starts pin you to your seat as the car works through some of the fastest and smoothest gear changes I have encountered. Its four driving modes Quiet (which starts with electric power only), Sport, Sport + and Track alter throttle response and engine noise. Whether on ordinary roads or on the track, the cars power remains accessible and hugely enjoyable.After extensive road routes and track testing on Estorils former GP circuit in Portugal I could find very little to criticise about the NSX. OK, the satnav isnt much good, and the honeycomb pattern on top of the dashboard reflects on the inside of the windscreen. But apart from that, only one thing spoils the fun. At 137,000, it is competing with cars such as Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo. One glance inside the cabin tells you it is a Honda, and definitely not a Ferrari. But hats off to Honda for producing a lightning quick car which is assisted by high technology, but not spoiled by it. Honda NSX Combined MPG: 10 CO2: 228g/km Top speed: 191mph Price: 137,000 EU can't just live with terror attacks Updated: 2016-08-12 07:55 By Fu Jing(China Daily Europe) European Union officials talk a lot about human rights, but security is an important right they must guarantee During the decade ending 2014, the European Union could boast that it was safer than most of the rest of the world, mainly because the number of terrorist attack victims was on the increase globally but had fallen in the EU. From 2009 to 2013, according to EU figures, 38 people in the bloc perished in such attacks. By 2014, the annual total was four, though a growing number of Europeans lost their lives in terrorist attacks in conflict zones outside the EU. But last year, things got dramatically worse. In 2015, 151 people died and over 360 were injured as a result of terrorist attacks in the EU, according to the European Police Office, the EU's law enforcement agency, in its annual report in July. The report started to monitor the terrorism situation after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. This year, the damaging attacks spread to Belgium, with explosions killing 32 at Brussels' airport and metro in March. In July, a Tunisian described as a radicalized Muslim killed 84 on Bastille Day in Nice in southern France when he drove a truck into a crowd. Smaller-scale terror attacks have happened from time to time in recent days in other countries. Statistics show the terrorism situation in the European Union has been worsening mainly, as the European Police Office says, due to the rising threat of the Islamic State terror organization and the worrying development of xenophobic, racist and anti-semitic sentiments across the EU. It says the overall threat to security in the EU remains on an upward trajectory, which is unacceptable. Some European politicians, like French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, say Europe must live with such danger for awhile. The European Union has tried to absolve itself of blame, saying on its website that terrorism is not a new phenomenon in Europe and that between 2009 and 2013 there were 1,010 failed, foiled or completed attacks in EU member states. In 2015, the total stood at 211. Such an argument makes little sense. The fact is that deaths have been rising rapidly, which shows the bloc really needs to increase its efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, especially in France, where most major tragedies have happened since 2015. Some put forward the absurd argument that France is safe because the likelihood of losing one's life in a traffic accident or house fire is several times higher than dying in a terrorism attack. Come on. Life is valuable and all such abnormal deaths should be prevented to the degree possible. What's more, in the European Union, where human rights and values are always on the lips of officials, the occurrence of terrorist attacks should be zero, if it insists that its basic mission is offering security and safety for its citizens. If the situation doesn't get better soon, then the European Union, a project aimed at advocating regional peace after World War II, is on the verge of falling into another potential credibility crisis amid the unfolding of the UK's departure. This is mainly because bloody terrorist attacks act as a tremendous disruptive force that affects a long chain of people within and outside Europe. For example, a growing number of Chinese are concerned about the security situation in Europe when they choose to invest, travel or send their children to study. Some Chinese parents are urging children who have already settled down in London, Paris and Brussels to return to China. Reactions in China and other non-EU countries will affect the businesses of many Europeans. The declining number of tourists going to Europe is a telling statistic. So the politicians in Europe must realize the severe consequences if the terrorist attacks continue one after another. This has the effect of eroding the attraction of Europe as a destination. Believe it or not, confidence in the European Union will be largely shattered if this situation continues for another two or three years. For the safety and prosperity of the bloc, it is time for the politicians to face the astonishing rise in deaths from terrorist attacks since 2015 and try by every means possible to eradicate such criminal acts, instead of saying Europe must live with it. The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. Contact the writer at fujing@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page11) W ith so many incredible options on our European doorstep, Poland may not be the first destination that springs to mind. But this sprawling and buzzy country might just be the break youre looking for if you seek a holiday with plenty of sightseeing, brilliant food and European charm by the bucketload. Sure, you could head to Prague or Budapest like everyone else, when you fancy going off the beaten track. Or you could look to the East and discover a country with beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and cities that few of your friends will be able to boast they have already visited. And with a handful of destination cities to tick-off, theres no reason why you couldnt spend a whole week hopping from centre to centre, rather than packing a quick trip to Krakow into a stopover weekend. Click through our gallery and discover why this country steeped in history deserves your attention this year. Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle A gang led police on a dramatic chase through the streets of west London after a cash machine ram raid at a hotel. The drama unfolded after the men ripped out an ATM from the lobby of the hotel in Hounslow before speeding away in two cars in the early hours of today. Police raced to the scene in Bath Road after being called to reports of a robbery at about 1am. Officers attended and found the cash machine had been stolen from the hotel after the suspects had driven into the area and extracted the machine. The suspect vehicles were traced by police a short distance away in Harmondsworth and officers set off in pursuit. But one of the cars collided with a marked police vehicle in Bath Road, leaving two officers with minor injuries. The crash forced the raiders to abandoned one of the vehicles, which contained the ATM, and they sped off in the other car. The men lead police in a further pursuit to Ashford, Surrey where the car stopped and the suspects got out and ran off. Two men were caught and arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody at west London police stations. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: Enquiries are continuing to trace all the suspects involved. The Met's Flying Squad and officers from Hounslow are investigating. There are no reported injuries to any members of the public as a result of this incident. Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. T hree men who attacked cashiers with claw hammers and knives during a terrifying masked robbery at an east London bank have been jailed. The trio burst into Lloyds in Commercial Road, Tower Hamlets, brandishing a claw hammer and knives, the Old Bailey heard. They demanded cash and slashed one male staff member in the face, during the attack in March. One of the attackers held a knife to a female cashiers throat and forced her to the floor. She was also stabbed in the face, the court was told. The men failed to get their hands on any cash and fled with a fistful of Lloyds Bank correspondence. Tariq Ahmed, 21, Mohammed Khan, 19, and Junaid Hassan, 24, all from Tower Hamlets pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at the same court in April. Amhed, of Vesey Path, and Hussan, of Saracen Street, were both jailed for nine years on Friday. Kahn, of Mackrow Walk, was handed eight years behind bars. Detective Constable Brad Weston from the Flying Squad, said: "This was an audacious armed robbery and a terrifying ordeal for staff at the bank, two of whom sustained facial knife injuries. Thanks to the swift action of both the bank staff and the police, the men were quickly apprehended and identified as the culprits. The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness of the offence and will hopefully act as a deterrent to others intent on committing such abhorrent crimes." A US citizen who was extradited to the UK to stand trial has been jailed over a violent rape he committed 20 years ago. Pierre Antoine Bate, 42, of Maricopa Drive, Santa Barbara, broke into a womans south London home and raped her as her children slept in a room next door, Southwark Crown Court heard. He was locked-up for 24 years during sentencing at the same court on Friday. Bate told his terrified victim another man was in her childrens bedroom, during the attack, in Thornton Heath, in July 1996 The convicted rapist placed his arm across her throat as he carried out the attack and indecently assaulted her several times over a period of one-and-a-half hours. After he fled, Bates victim called the police. Detectives investigating the crime managed to recover a partial DNA profile, but at the time it was not enough to identify a suspect. However, in 2011 a forensic review of the investigation was conducted, and material taken at the time was examined using enhanced DNA techniques. As a result, a new DNA profile was obtained which linked Bate to the crime when it was compared against the national DNA database. Bate was extradited from America on February 23 this year to face trial. He was found guilty of rape and burglary with intent to rape by a jury on July 29. The court heard Bate had previously been convicted of another sexual offence committed in Kentish Town in 1995 and had been extradited from the US to the UK in 2008 for a trial. He jailed for 26 months but returned to the US upon his release. Detective Sergeant Karen Bradley said: "The victim has shown huge courage in supporting our investigation and the court case, after a vicious and prolonged attack in her home with her children asleep close by. "I would appeal for any victims of sexual assault to come forward safe in the knowledge they will be listened to and have their allegations fully investigated. We are committed to bringing perpetrators of rape and sexual offences to justice." T wo six-year-old girls have been sexually assaulted by a man at Legoland in Windsor. Police are now hoping tourists who were taking pictures at the attraction in Berkshire will be able to help them catch the man, who preyed on the girls at Castaway Camp in Pirate Shores between 12.15pm and 12.30pm yesterday. The suspect, who is not known to the victims, is described as a white man in his teens or early 20s, and under 5ft 8ins. He was wearing dark-coloured slim fitting trousers, a dark-coloured T-shirt, and trainers, and police want people visiting the park yesterday to check any pictures they took in case they inadvertantly snapped an image of him. Thames Valley Police's investigating officer Penny Mackenzie said: Today we are appealing for the publics help to find the offender who sexually assaulted two young girls at Legoland. I would ask anyone who visited the Legoland Windsor Resort yesterday, especially if you went to Castaway Camp in Pirate Shores, to check any photographs from your trip to see if you recognise anyone matching the offender. Also, if you recognise the offenders description or have some other information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, we want to hear from you. I would like to reassure the local community and visitors to Legoland that such offences are extremely rare and that we are working closely with Legoland to identify the suspect." Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference URN 705 12/08 or email URN615@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk A team of marine conservation experts are scouring the Greater Thames Estuary by land, sea and air this week, as the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) conducts its fourth annual seal survey. Combining aerial surveys of the Essex and Kent coastlines, as well as sandbanks in the outer Thames Estuary, with more traditional boat and land-based studies, ZSLs conservation scientists will be counting latest numbers of the marine mammals, as well as looking out for any emerging health trends. Data collected from the research will reveal any change in harbour seal populations and also highlight the ratio of harbour seals to the larger and more dominant grey seals, which increasingly compete with harbour seals for food and territory. Last years ZSL seal survey counted 451 harbour seals and 454 grey seals in the Thames Estuary. The 2016 edition will provide the latest update on these figures and also inform future conservation and management of seals in the region. Increasing numbers: this grey seal was spotted near Teddington Lock, Surrey Photo: Twitter/Andy Butterfield (@andybutts) / Twitter/Andy Butterfield (@andybutts) This will be done through implementing the Greater Thames Seal Action Plan, providing scientific evidence during any planning applications that may impact seals, as well as generating comprehensive population data to inform future research in the region. ZSLs European Conservation Projects Manager Joanna Barker said: This is the fourth year in a row that weve conducted a comprehensive survey of seal populations in the Thames, but from a conservation point of view its one of the most important surveys yet. Its a really interesting time to study seals in the UK. Grey seal numbers have rapidly increased over the last 15 years, especially along the east coast of England, which is good news for the species." Jon Bramley from Kent Mammal Group, a key partner in ZSLs seal conservation work, added: Were really lucky that so many local people offer their time to help with these vital projects. "Were constantly on the look-out for new citizen science recruits, so would encourage anyone keen on helping to get in touch. M embers of the public are being urged to donate funds to save London's last remaining First World War ship from the scrapheap. HMS President dates back to 1918 and is one of three remaining Royal Navy ships from the Great War. It is the only one of its kind in the capital, and has been moored by Blackfriars Bridge since 1922. The ship left its berth earlier this year, and is currently in Chatham awaiting refurbishment. However, the HMS President Preservation Trust, the charity that owns HMS President 1918, was twice refused Heritage Lottery funding of 330,000 needed to secure its future. The charity has warned that if the funding is not found to pay for the boat's restoration it may result in her being scrapped. Gawain Cooper, chairman of the charity said: "Our Trustees are bitterly disappointed that with all the public support we have, and after having been encouraged by a senior director of the Heritage Lottery to reapply for the 330,000, that again we were refused support. "This decision will most likely condemn The President to the scrap yard." Londoners who are desperate to save the ship have started to donate to a JustGiving page, in the hope that it will be restored and back in the capital in time for its centenary in 2018. On the donation page, Carol Klock said: "She helped get us to Armistice Day 1918. I'm happy to help her get to the 100th Anniversary 11-11-2018." While Pamela Worth said: "Must save this WW1 ship from being scrapped. My father trained with the RNVR in the 1930s on HMS President so personal memories too." Special Place: Carli and Emma Harper married on the HMS President in 2014 / Carli Harper Carli Harper married her wife Emma on the ship two years ago, and the couple have called on friends and family to donate to the preservation trust. Ms Harper told the Standard: "We were lucky enough to get married on the HMS President in 2014. "From the very first time we set foot on board we knew what a special place it was and that it was the perfect place for our wedding. "The shoreline hasn't looked the same since she was moved from her mooring earlier this year and we're so sad that she might be destined for the scrap yard. "We hope that the money can still be raised to save this amazing old ship and preserve a London landmark." T he death of London schoolgirl Kadiza Sultana who fled to Syria to become a jihadi bride should dissuade other young people from seeking to join Islamic State, her familys lawyer said today. Tasnime Akunjee also told how Kadiza wanted to return to Britain but was too terrified to try to escape from IS after they reportedly beat to death an Austrian girl who sought to leave. Kadiza, 17, one of three school friends from east London who travelled together in February 2015 to become jihadi brides, is believed to have been killed in a Russian bombing raid in May. Mr Akunjee said: The only positive in this horrible affair is that... with the death of this young girl and it being publicly known - it should and one hopes it would - dissuade others from taking the same course. Fled: Kadiza Sultana, centre, left the UK with Amira Abase, left, and Shamima Begum, right, in February last year / PA People should not be travelling towards a war zone because the risk of death is very, very imminent. Former straight A pupil Kadiza had become disillusioned with the regime and been planning an escape back to the UK with help from her family and Mr Akunjee who had established contacts on the ground in Syria to help her get out in the weeks before she was killed. But he said: She was too terrified to flee. Kadiza Sultana, 16, passing through security at Gatwick Airport as she left the UK for the last time He also revealed that a plan for her to leave the city of Raqqa had failed in November when Austrian Isis poster girl Samra Kesinovic, 17, was murdered by Isis militants during a failed attempt to flee. Like Kadiza, she wanted to turn her back on the brutal regime, but after being caught she was made an example of for trying to escape and reportedly beaten to death. Mr Akunjee told the Standard: She learnt of the girls fate in the days before and it terrified her as she was scared she could be caught and the same thing happen to her. She was scared of losing her life. In a phone conversation with her sister Halima Khanom shortly before her escape attempt Kadiza said: I dont have a good feeling. I feel scared You know if something goes wrong, thats it. I will never be with you. The Bethnal Green Academy student had travelled aged 16 with fellow pupils from Amira Base and Shamima Begum, both 15 at the time, after seemingly being radicalised online. Mr Akunjee said the families of Amira and Shamima hope their friends death may awaken them to the dangers of their life and inspire them to break free. He said: That is what they, what we all, will be feeling. But it will be hard, especially as the security among those girls will now be tightened. Any escape would be very difficult. As many as 850 people are estimated to have travelled to take up arms with the terror group and other groups in Syria. Police and security services fear as many as half have returned and some could be plotting attacks here, Mr Akunjee said: This is the true danger of travelling to live in a warzone, you could get killed. Anyone can see that is a bad idea and increasingly people are seeing that. Kadizas death should be seen by everyone as the tragic reality of what happens when you travel to Syria. He believes numbers of Brits attempting to travel has fallen amid tightened border security and IS weakening in its appeal to radical Islamists. D eliveroos new proposed pay deal has been branded as a return to Victorian Britain by the Labour party. Delivery riders face being paid per delivery rather than per hour if the London-based firms proposition comes into play next week. New plans would see employees earn 3.75-per-delivery rather than their current wage of 7-per-hour plus 1 for each delivery. Hundreds of the companys workers protested in central London on Thursday and Friday over the reported plans. The company delivers food from thousands of restaurants which do not have their own delivery service and counts the likes of Pizza Express, Byron burgers and Gourmet Burger Kitchen among its clients. It charges customers 2.50 per delivery for its service. Shadow business secretary Jon Trickett attacked the firm's reported plans and backed the staff in their protest. He said workers were right to demand proper pay and conditions. "The company is offering a return to a Victorian system which has no place in modern Britain, he added. "Flexible working may suit some workers who have domestic or other commitments, but it should not be used as an excuse by employers to cut costs and increase employees' insecurity. "After all, rent, fuel bills and food costs don't vary week to week so nor should incomes purely to suit the employer. Mr Trickett claimed the Labour party would take action in government to end exploitative employment practices. Londoners took to Twitter to support the demo. Tony Browne said: "Loving the @Deliveroo riders' strike so hard right now. Need a complete rethink of the 'sharing economy'." Jon Kelly added: "Applied to @Deliveroo for job find they are on strike over 3.75 a delivery rather than fixed 7 an hour plus 1 a delivery so won't bother." Deliveroo insisted the plans were a trial in certain areas of London with around 280 riders taking part, out of more than 3,000 across the capital. In a blog post, it said pilots of the pay-per-delivery system have led to a doubling of average hourly fees for riders during the busiest times. Deliveroo's UK & Ireland managing director Dan Warne said: "We want to be clear that this is a trial happening in certain parts of London. "We are engaging with riders who work within those trial areas to get their feedback and listen to their concerns. "We're committed to having an open conversation about our trial, our payment model and delivery experience for riders". N ightclub Fabric will close its doors this weekend as police investigate the drug-related deaths of two teenagers in six weeks. Scotland Yard has requested a temporary suspension of the iconic venues licence as it launches an inquiry into the fatalities. An 18-year-old collapsed outside the 2,500-capacity club in Farringdon on Saturday at 8.20am. He was taken to hospital where he died 40 minutes later. Another 18-year-old died in hospital after falling ill at the club at 2am on June 25. Neither death is being treated as suspicious but the club said it will shut over the weekend in order to: understand how this happened. The venue, which opened in 1999 and was once voted the best in the world by DJ magazine, narrowly escaped being shut down in December last year. It followed a request by the Met that Islington council seriously consider revoking its licence, citing four deaths in the previous three years. The notice on the nightclub's website Top DJs including Annie Mac, Chemical Brothers and Groove Armada signed a 30,000-name petition and closure was averted when managers agreed to strict licensing conditions, including sniffer dogs, ID scans and improved CCTV. A statement posted on the clubs website last night said: For the past two years Fabric has operated without incident but tragically in the past nine [sic] weeks two 18-year-old boys have died as a consequence of drug overdoses. In order to understand how this has happened we have agreed with the police and other agencies to suspend our operation whilst we investigate. The club will therefore be closed this weekend. Steve Rolles, a policy analyst for Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said the recent deaths had to be a wake up call for both the clubbing scene and licensing authorities. He said: Any drug-related death is a tragedy, and they are thankfully rare, but our current drug policy needs to make young people safe. This has to be wake-up call because every fatality leaves the future of this club, which is a cultural instition and brings in millions of pounds to the economy, balancing on a knife edge. An Islington Council spokesman said: After two recent drug-related deaths, the Metropolitan Police has applied for an interim suspension of Fabrics licence. This application is yet to be determined. A Met spokesman said not arrests had been made in connection with either of the deaths and investigations continue. New generation is trading up to better things Updated: 2016-08-12 07:56 By Zhao Xu(China Daily Europe) "They had their never-to-be-repeated opportunities, while we have our vision," says Wang Ge, comparing the older generation of dealers with the new kids on the block, such as her. Wang opened an antiques store in Beijing this year, having gained a master's degree in the study of artifacts at Durham University in the United Kingdom. Between school and her store, the 29-year-old interned at British auction houses and dealers. She says a major difference exists been Chinese dealers and their European counterparts. "It's not unusual for a dealer in Europe to adopt a wide-ranging approach to his or her business, trading in everything from antique porcelain to furniture," she explains. "In China, we tend to be more concentrated, focusing on one category, or two at most." She says the phenomenon is partly due to the fact that, in China, there is simply a much larger quantity of antiques to trade, which in turn demands finer divisions. "But it also has something to do with the making of an antiques dealer, a different process in China and the West. In Europe, children grow up with history, both in and outside of the museum. The experience is absorbing and embracing. This tradition has cultivated in some a keen interest in antiques collecting, an interest that's more aesthetic and driven by passion. "On the other hand, to become an antique dealer in China sounds more like a strictly professional choice, one made sometimes under the influence of senior family members who had been in the business. Sometimes, the influence is more restricting than liberating." Although she concedes that her father played a role in her career choice, Wang believes that, in her case, the influence was felt in a more subtle and profound way. "My father was not an antiques dealer, neither was he rich, but he did open the door for me," she says, recalling being taken as a child to the bustling weekly open-air antique market in Hefei, her home city in Anhui province. There, as a girl, she encountered many low-level dealers - men and women referred to then as groundcombers. "They combed the countryside, knocking door to door, offering money for whatever little antique pieces people had - a silver hairpin, a jade pendant or a century-old copper pot, for example," Wang explains. "Some had even dealt with, or were linked with, tomb raiders." She says that while some groundcombers have since climbed the ladder to become her neighbors at a newly built, well-equipped antiques market in Beijing, most of these humble traders from her father's day simply faded away as the items they sought became increasingly hard to find. "Those who have stayed are those who have consciously lifted themselves up to become dealers, often with a store, who other groundcombers regularly visit to trade their stuff. They must have also built up the expertise that allowed them to hold on to rarer and more precious things until prices rocketed. "The older generation lived during the best days of antiques collecting in modern China, when real antiques were sold in open markets and stores at unbelievably low prices. The easy access they enjoyed means that some of them have seen a lot and have accumulated a deep knowledge of the field," she adds. "But I believe most of them, those who failed to trade up, hit a glass ceiling a long time ago. Operating at a relatively low level stopped them from seeing some really good stuff, as well as the business potential hidden out there." For Wang, the current market conditions have not been particularly painful. She returned to China in mid-2011, when there were "signs of an impending downward spiral", she says, but things didn't grind to a halt until the second half of last year. "I opened my Beijing store a few months later. Why? Because this is my business, my career and my passion. I'm here to stay." In February, she returned to Hefei and paid a visit to the outdoor antiques market. "New things and fakes filled my eyes. In fact, I found little reason to lean over for a closer look," she says. "For us, the only way is up." (China Daily European Weekly 08/12/2016 page16) M ore than 7,000 has been pledged in a touching effort to send the body of a Lithuanian nightclub worker back home after he died in a fire. Tomas Ceidukas, 28, had been helping to rescue others trapped inside Studio 338, near the O2 in Greenwich, after it was engulfed by flames at noon on Monday. Scores of tributes have been paid to the 28-year-old since it emerged he had died in hospital two days after the fire. An online funding page set up by his colleagues at the nightclub to support his family and raise enough funds to repatriate his body has been flooded with tribute donations and smashed its 5,000 target in just a few hours. In a statement posted online, his colleagues wrote: As you will all know by now, we lost our beloved Tomas to the fire on Monday. He was the bravest, happiest soul one could hope to meet. Greenwich Gas Works on Fire He was always ready to help anyone in need and now we hope we can do this last thing for him by giving him a wonderful send off and supporting his family in this awful time. All donations will go towards bringing Tomas home to Lithuania, giving him a lovely memorial service and then donating the remaining money to his small family who relied on what he sent home from his job here at Studio 338. Rescue bid: Emergency services take a man away from the scene of the fire in Greenwich We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support for Tomas, both whilst he was fighting for his life in hospital and after he sadly passed away. Mr Ceidukas, who moved to London from Lithuania five years ago to work in music events, helped escort people from the burning club, which had recently undergone a major refurbishment, before becoming trapped as black smoke and flame enveloped the building. Inferno: Flames engulfed the club in Greenwich (Patrick Swift ) / Patrick Swift He was rescued by firefighters using breathing apparatus soon after they arrived at the blaze at the 3,000-capacity club and was airlifted to hospital suffering from serious burns. Detectives from Greenwich CID are investigating the cause of the fire along with the Health and Safety Executive and the London Fire Brigade. No cause has yet been found. Fourteen people were arrested on Monday on suspicion of arson but released without charge shortly afterwards. Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. H eritage bosses have asked ministers to block a proposed 25-storey apartment building that they claim would fundamentally harm views of one of Londons grandest Regency terraces. The tower in Somers Town near St Pancras station forms part of a 1 billion Camden council regeneration masterplan. Proceeds from the sales of the 54 flats will be used to fund investment in dilapidated schools and affordable housing. It was given the green light by council chiefs in June. But the Governments official heritage advisers say the building would blight views of Chester Terrace, a Grade I listed row of 42 stucco-fronted neo-classical homes in Regents Park. They are appealing to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid to override the council by using his powers to call in the scheme for a public inquiry. Chris Smith, national planning director at Historic England, said: A tall building in this location would harm views from Regents Park and the surrounding terraces designed by John Nash, which have remained substantially intact for the past 200 years. The scheme has been cleared by Sadiq Khan in a decision described by Historic England as very disappointing, leaving a ministerial intervention as one of the last options for stopping it. Architect dRRM, which designed the Purchese Street block, said its paired micro-towers created a slim profile and minimal footprint; a light touch approach. It has 27 one-bed flats, 24 two-beds and three larger apartments, including two penthouses at the top. Many residents in Camden oppose the plan, with one calling it reckless. But councillor Phil Jones, cabinet member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: The building has a very limited impact on the Nash terrace from a small number of locations. We want to build a desperately needed new primary school, childrens play centre, park and new homes. It is impossible to deliver these public benefits without a taller building to pay for them and Historic England are wrong to try to jeopardise this vital project. A British father has been killed in a jet-ski accident while on holiday on the French Riviera with his family. Igor Shtutin was driving the machine with his three-year-old son as a passenger when he crashed in the south of France. The toddler, Michael, is now fighting for his life at a local hospital. The family, who live in London, were staying with friends near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, near Nice, when the tragedy happened. Mr Shtutin, 41, of Russian origin, who runs a private wealth management advisory firm, was said to have driven into a small cove and lost control. It is believed he hit a wall that protects the cove at full-speed. The accident occurred just before 11am yesterday. His son Michael, is in intensive care in a hospital Lenval Hospital in Nice. Just two days before the accident, Mr Shtutin, whose wife Marina was also on holiday with them, posted a picture on Facebook of him and his son on a jet-ski writing father and son quality time A former colleague and close friend said: I knew him really well. He was a friend and its just so hard to handle this news. I found out this morning. This image of the riviera was posted on Mr Shtutin's Facebook page on August 8 / Facebook He was a wonderful man. Always fun, always in a good mood and very generous. He was an amazing dad too. Always talking about his son. "He had a good sense of humour also. He was open-minded and smart. He was a good gentleman and a good colleague. It is just so hard to understand that this has happened to him. His wife Marina is keeping a vigil at their sons bedside in hospital. The friend added: She is a very good woman. I cannot begin to understand what she is going through. Officers are believed to be investigating whether excessive speed was involved. Led by the local police force, gendarmerie de Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the investigation will also look at examining the jet-ski for possible malfunctions. The father and son are believed to have borrowed the machine from the family they were staying with. A source said: Igor was with his son Michael, who is just three-and-a-half years old. They were on the jet-ski in a tiny little harbour. There is a speed limit of five knots once you come to within 300 metres from the shore. But the jet-ski was going very, very fast. It went straight into the stone wall built to protect the harbour from the waves. He smashed straight into it. Igor died and his son was projected on to the stones. He has head injuries and he has a broken hip. The police are investigating whether the jet-ski malfunctioned or whether there was a fault with it already. Also they are waiting for the results of the autopsy to see if Igor suffered a heart attack. They will also look at any evidence of alcohol and drugs in his system. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a forested peninsula between Nice and Monaco, popular with the rich and famous. Unlike much of the south coast, it has remained relatively unspoilt. The area has some of the most expensive homes in the world and continues to attract the elite, with current famous residents reported to include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. It has also been popular with Russian oligarchs who have driven up property prices. T housands of small and medium-sized firms need to strengthen their plans to cope with a Mumbai-style terror attack in London, business chiefs warned today. Business group London First said bosses should plan for an attack with an impact lasting several days. While police may have dealt with the immediate terror incident swiftly, the capital could still be under major restrictions if a manhunt is on for armed killers. Many large companies will already have prepared for such scenarios, but London First believes a significant number of small and medium-sized firms will not have done so. Its advice includes: Arrangements for staff to work at home if parts of the city remain in lockdown. Ensuring enough security staff can be deployed or taken on at short notice given there could be a surge in demand for such workers. Planning for enough food, drink and other essentials at workplaces to last for a protracted period. Having a system in place to locate staff to ensure their well-being. Checking alternative work sites can be quickly made operational if normal offices are caught up in the terror incident. Robert Hall, London Firsts security and resilience director, said: The possibility that one or multiple terrorist attacks could be prolonged, and may involve a manhunt, means that business should be prepared for a protracted level of security alert and the need for adequate security staff to cope. There is considerable advantage to be gained by companies of all sizes working together in a local area to ensure a collective, co-ordinated response that is based around community resilience. The police, security services and military have planned and trained on how to respond to multiple terror strikes in Britain. This follows a series of attacks including in November 2008 when 10 Islamic militants carried out 12 co-ordinated shooting sprees and bombings in the Indian capital, Mumbai, which lasted four days, killing 164 people. Scotland Yard advises people caught in a terrorist attack to run, hide and tell. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, national operational police lead for protect and prepare, said: Clearly we encourage all members of the community, as it is communities who will defeat terrorism, to report anything they see as suspicious by calling 999 in an emergency or by using 101 or the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. Mr Hall added in advice not contrary to the polices that if firms are not directly affected by the incident, staying inside a building is generally safer in case of secondary attacks. P olice were today probing the suspicious death of man whose body was found in Hyde Park. Officers were called to the scene close to Speakers Corner at 5.50am after a member of the public found the the body near a wooded area. Police said the man had sustained injuries, but it was too early to determine cause of death. Witnesses said the body was found clothed lying on the floor with a bag nearby, close to a public toilet block. A forensic tent where the body was found under a tree / Alex Lentati Joggers, cyclists and commuters were being diverted away from the scene as forensic officers and sniffer dogs combed the area. One witness, who was on his way to work and asked not to be named, said: I was walking past at about 7.45 and noticed all the police fence and officers cordoning off a huge area. Police in Hyde Park this morning / Alex Lentati I didnt understand what it was all for until I noticed a man lying down, between a group of trees. It was a dead body, he looked like he had fallen asleep in the grass. He was on his back with his legs slightly crossed. I couldnt believe there was a dead body just lying there a few feet away from me in full view. The cordoned off area is near The LookOut, a private hire event space set in landscaped gardens used for parties and wedding receptions. Hyde Park is closed to the public between midnight and 5am. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: Police in Westminster were called to Hyde Park at approximately 5.50am after a member of the public found a man with injuries. Officers attended and found a man deceased. This incident is being treated as suspicious. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing. Next of kin have not been informed. Cordons are currently in place. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. H undreds of demonstrators have pledged to stage a mass kiss-in at a London Sainsburys after a gay couple were allegedly escorted from the store for holding hands. Thomas Rees, 32, and his boyfriend Joshua Bradwell were escorted out of the Hackney supermarket by a security guard after a customer made a complaint about their behaviour. Now campaigners are planning to stage a peaceful kiss-in to protest against the treatment of the couple, who were left shocked by the incident on August 8. Michael Segalov, a journalist at Huck Magazine, has organised the demonstration and is urging people from the LGBT community to gather at the Hackney Road store on Saturday evening. He told The Standard: When hundreds of people descend on Sainsbury's tomorrow in an act of defiance, a message will be sent to anyone who thinks its "inappropriate" to show affection to a person, regardless of their gender or sexuality. We all know how hard it can be to summon the strength to walk through the streets, hold hands, kiss the person you love when all too often people are harassed, attacked and abused. This isn't just about one security guard in one store, it's about saying no to homophobia and discrimination in all its forms. Please come down from 7:30pm tomorrow, else it'll just be me snogging an aubergine in the fruit and veg aisle. More than 700 people have an expressed an interest in attending the event on Facebook, dubbed The Big Gay Kiss In. A previous kiss-in event at a Sainsburys store in Brighton attracted hundreds of people after a lesbian couple complained that a security guard branded them "disgusting" over a peck on the check. Mr Rees tweeted Sainsburys to complain about their treatment and the couple were offered a 10 gift voucher as a good will gesture. A Sainsburys spokesman said: "We do our best to make sure everyone feels welcome in our stores, but with over 160,000 colleagues across the country, we will occasionally make mistakes. "We have apologised to Thomas and Josh for their unfair treatment earlier in the week and we understand why people want to come together to highlight this issue. "We hope tomorrows event provides an opportunity for the community to show their support at what we hope will be an enjoyable event. T he London neighbourhoods most vulnerable to a potential housing market dive sparked by the Brexit vote have been revealed in a new analysis. It comes amid fears of a mass exodus of EU citizens from the capital a Brexodus following the referendum. More than 840,000 people born in the other 27 member states live in London, and many have spoken of their concerns for the future and how they feel less welcome in Britain after the Leave vote. The boroughs with the highest concentration of residents from another EU nation are Kensington and Chelsea (18.5 per cent) Haringey (16.8 per cent); Westminster (15.9 per cent); and Hammersmith and Fulham (14.8 per cent). The research, by buying agents Garrington Property Finders, used 2011 census data to pinpoint council wards hosting the highest numbers of residents from each EU nation. These, it says, are the neighbourhoods most at risk of a slump in house prices and rents particularly if the City is damaged by leaving the EU. It discovered: Queens Gate ward in Kensington, close to the Lycee Francais, has the most French residents in London; Germans are most likely to have homes in Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside, near the German secondary school; The biggest Italian cluster is in the St Marys Park area of Clapham; Lancaster Gate ward in Westminster is home to more Spaniards than anywhere else in London. Garrington managing director Jonathan Hopper said: If Brexit were to lead to financial institutions downsizing London operations, the inevitable job losses or staff relocating abroad could significantly impact swathes of the London market. Without swift action to reassure buyers, some areas could start to suffer purely from fear of the unknown. Spanish entrepreneur Elena Lopez, who lives in Docklands, said her future in London had been thrown into jeopardy by the Brexit vote. The 27-year-old first came to London aged 18 to work in a hotel and recently launched her first business, My Property Host. She said: My savings are tied up in My Property Host and I have nothing to go back to in Spain. Ive worked hard to start my business. I worry Brexit could jeopardise everything my business partner and I have achieved. Ben Madden, managing director of Thorgills estate agency, added: Any cut in migration from mainland Europe may depress future demand and therefore house price rises. Lower migration would mean fewer people hunting for accommodation so rental prices could take a dip. Many UK residents born in other EU countries are far more likely to be private renters. Fewer EU nationals moving to the UK may in the longer term have a marked impact on demand levels. P addy Ashdown says voters are being let down by professional politicians with no life experience. The former Liberal Democrat leader and writer, who is appearing at the Write On Kew literary festival next month, was 42 when he was first elected to Parliament in 1983. Claiming that there were too many politicians who have never done anything else but politics, Lord Ashdown said: In my time in politics, it has become a profession, not a calling. Among politicians who I can remember, the great Denis Healey and Edward Heath, in his way, were broad people who had many other interests but politics and I think one of the problems with our politics is that our politicians have never done anything else with their lives. I was elected late, I was a soldier and a diplomat on the darker edge of what goes on in that area, I was a businessman, I was unemployed. All of those things gave me a much wider view of life and being a writer and being interested in literature gives you a dimension you need. We are all better as broad people rather than narrow people and that is true for politics too. Lord Ashdown, 75, said he has always made time to write during his years in Parliament. His new book, Games Of Spies, is about a British agent operating undercover in France, the German officer tasked with tracking him down and a French resistance leader who eventually betrays him. Lord Ashdown said: Almost everything you think and believe about the Second World War turns out to be the opposite the Gestapo officer never kills anyone, never tortures anyone and actually takes them out to dinner to get them to betray their country, the young British agent kills people for a pastime and the French Right-wing aristocrat turns out in the end to be a strange kind of traitor. Nobody was who the propaganda told us they should be. That is what fascinates people and wartime stories fascinate me because it is ordinary people pushed into extraordinary events. Games Of Spies is published by William Collins on September 22, price 20. Write On Kew runs from September 22-25. For more information, visit writeon.kew.org A strike by Eurostar workers will be suspended from midnight to allow further peace talks. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union walked out on Friday and planned to strike for four days. Eurostar told passengers that all those booked to travel this weekend would be able to do so. Eight trains out of 220 due to travel over the next four days had been cancelled. The union has since announced that the action will be suspended at midnight to allow time for further negotiations after some progress was made at last-ditch talks to halt the strike. The dispute is over shift patterns and other work/life balance issues. Three more walkouts have been ordered over the August bank holiday weekend. Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling repeating his request for a team of senior Transport for London officials to be parachuted into crisis-hit Southern Rail. The London Mayor said enough is enough after commuters have had to endure months of dismal service, compounded by an RMT strike this week. Mr Khan believes the best way to sort out the problems in the short-term is for a TfL team to be put in temporary control of the franchise. Five days of strikes scheduled to last all week were suspended late on Wednesday but the decision came too late to prevent continued disruption on Thursday and Friday. The company could not get trains and staff rosters back into place to resume services. Southern said timetables would revert to an emergency timetable on Monday implemented last month because of staffing problems. T his is the giant plume of black smoke that filled the skies above Boomtown Fair music festival in Hampshire after a row of cars "exploded". The fire broke out in the west car park of the festival at Matterley Bowl, near Winchester, and reportedly spread to about 14 vehicles. Festival-goers posted on social media saying the fire had caused a series of "small explosions". Emergency services said they were at the scene bringing the blaze under control, and advised people to avoid the area. A campsite near to the car park was evacuated but there were no reports of anyone being injured in the fire. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said six fire crews had brought the blaze under control, after it was first reported at about 4.30pm. A spokesman said: "A significant fire has broken out affecting 14 vehicles. "The boutique camp site next to the car park has been evacuated as a precaution. "There are no reports of any injuries." Boomtown Fair posted on Twitter, saying: "The fire brigade are in attendance at the fire in West Car Park. All attendees are warned to stay away from the location." About 50,000 people are expected to attend the four-day festival, which began on Thursday, with acts including Leftfield, Damian Marley, Madness and Levellers taking to 24 stages.